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SOURCE Cold Stone Creamery Related Links http://www.ColdStoneCreamery.com Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9) An early start, a shorter route and tight security for the biggest procession in the country the Traslacion was able to trim the event's duration to over16 hours from its usual 20-hour length. That is so far the fastest Traslacion in six years. Swarms of devotees filled the streets of Manila on Thursday for the old Catholic tradition of transferring the venerated image of the Black Nazarene in a carriage from the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park to its home in the city's Quiapo Church. Manila's public information office said this year's procession lasted 16 hours and 35 minutes. It said the procession started at 4:10 a.m. or an hour earlier than scheduled and ended at 8:45 p.m. At 8:50 a.m., nearly 2.4 million people were already at the procession, according to the local government of Manila. As of 9:04 p.m., officials estimated the crowd at the procession at least three million. Last year, an estimated 4 million people took part in the Black Nazarene festivities leading up to the Traslacion, while 2.5 million devotees joined the procession that lasted 21 hours, police said. Devotees, most of whom were barefoot and clad in maroon and yellow, chanted "Viva Nazareno" (long live Nazarene) and jostled their way to the carriage to touch and see the icon, as they believe doing so could bring healing, answer prayers or lead to miracles. The image of the Black Nazarene arrived at the San Sebastian Church past 4 p.m., for the traditional "Dungaw" where the Our Lady of Mount Carmel image is brought out to the balcony of the church to face the Black Nazarene icon. This tradition depicts the moment Mary witnessed Jesus when he was carrying the cross. This year's Dungaw transpired much earlier compared to previous years, when it took place in the evening. In 2019, the Dungaw started shortly before 11 p.m. Among the changes in this year's procession were the shorter route and tighter security. The carriage of the Black Nazarene passed through the barbed wire-covered Ayala Bridge during the procession as the usual bridges used in the Traslacion, namely Quezon Bridge, McArthur Bridge, and Jones Bridge are under construction. The police also formed a human wall to secure the carriage or andas. 'Image of suffering' Cultural anthropologist Nestor Castro explained why millions of people join Traslacion held every January 9. Castro said it seems the image of the suffering Christ resonates with their everyday experience. "It is a combination of a lot of factors. But, they want to go through the same suffering that Christ went through. They can identify with the suffering of Jesus Christ," he said. Castro added that the Catholics want to experience a spiritual euphoria during Traslacion that they do not experience any other time of the year. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno credited some of the devotees for cooperating with security personnel and thanked the vendors for not obstructing the roads and streets used in the procession. Moreno said, As you can see, nakababa ng maayos sa Ayala Bridge. Nasa Palanca Street na [ang andas] alas-otso palang. Hopefully, patuloy 'yung pakiki-cooperate ng devotees. [Translation: As you can see, the carriage was able to pass Ayala Bridge according to plan. It was already in Palanca and it is just 8 a.m. Hopefully, the cooperation of devotees continues.] Traslacion ng mga pulis More than 2,000 police officers have formed a human wall to secure the andas, which was met with criticisms from some devotees. Some of the devotees complained they were not able to get near the andas or the carriage of the black Nazarene because of the strict personnel. Ibang iba ang traslacion ngayon ng Nazareno hindi katulad dati. Ngayon parang Traslacion ng mga pulis," one devotee said. [Traslacion this year was really different compared with other Traslacion. Now it was like the Trasclacion of police.] From the police's side, an official said some devotees have also been violent against authorities. Makati Police Criminal Investigation Chief Gideon Ines shared photos of a damaged vehicle, saying devotees repeatedly kicked it, including the leading car of the andas. He also said some of them smelled of alcohol. Mga amoy alak, lumalaki ang mga mata yan ba ang mga deboto?, said Ines on his Facebook account. [Translation: Smelling of alcohol with wide eyes, is that what devotees are?] Over 400 people were also reported to have sustained minor injuries during the procession. The procession turned rowdy along Ayala Boulevard when some devotees climbed the andas and the law enforcers prevented them from doing so. CNN Philippines' Joyce Ilas and Rex Remitio contributed to this report For many Iranians, as well as Iranian-allied forces in the region, Soleimani embodied resistance to unwanted American interference in the Middle East. His funeral procession was a three-day affair, starting in Baghdad on Saturday and continuing to the Iraqi Shiite shrine cities of Karbala and Najaf in Iraq, and then the Iranian cities of Ahvaz, Mashhad, Tehran and Qom on Sunday. A Lebanese ceremony was also held in his honor in Beirut on Sunday, organized by the Iranian-allied Hezbollah militant and political group. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 14:06:19|Editor: zyl Video Player Close KIGALI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Qatari and Rwandan armed forces are exploring further military cooperation, the visiting chief of staff of the Qatari army said Tuesday. "We will keep working together for the best future of both our armed forces. There are many areas of common interest which can be the focus of our future cooperation. We will establish joint technical teams with different specialties and they will need to work together and we want results in the near future," Qatari Chief of Staff Lt Gen Ghanim bin Shaheen al-Ghanim said in a statement. The lieutenant general who led a delegation wrapped up a two-day visit to Rwanda on Tuesday after meeting with Rwanda's defense minister. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 07, 2020 | GRAVES COUNTY By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 07, 2020 | 05:37 PM | GRAVES COUNTY A former Graves County elected official was indicted and faces charges for misuse of public funds. According to the Kentucky State Police, former Graves County Commonwealth's Attorney David L Hargrove was indicted by a Franklin County Grand Jury on Monday. Kentucky State Police report that in January they were asked by newly elected Graves County Commonwealth's Attorney Richie Kemp to investigate Hargrove for allegations that he used public funds for personal expenses. The investigation, which lasted several months, focused on the use of court ordered forfeiture funds. KSP was able to obtain financial records which they say showed multiple debits for non-qualifying expenses. On Monday, a Kentucky State Police Detective testified before a Franklin County Grand Jury regarding the investigation. The case was moved to Franklin County due to Hargrove's previous role as Commonwealth's Attorney in Graves County. The grand jury indicted Hargrove on a charge of abuse of public trust, over $10,000, which is a class C felony. Hargrove was served with a criminal summons on Tuesday, and is scheduled to appear before the Franklin County Circuit Court on January 31. Hargrove served as Graves County Commonwealth's Attorney from 1995 to January 1, 2019. Graves County Commonwealth's Attorney Richie Kemp released the following statement: Shortly after taking office, I became aware of a troubling matter. I sought the advice of other Commonwealth's Attorneys and those in law enforcement on how to best to proceed. After much thought and careful consideration, I felt obligated to report the matter to the Kentucky State Police and the Attorney General's Office. After reporting the matter, the Graves County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office has had no involvement whatsoever in the investigation or decision to prosecute David Hargrove. The Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, 48th Judicial Circuit, is the prosecuting office. I have no further comment regarding this matter. Utkal University in Odisha on Tuesday declared to postpone the examinations scheduled to be held on Wednesday due to the nation-wide strike called by major trade unions against alleged anti-labour policies of the Central government. In view of the Bharat Bandh called by different organisations on January 8 and keeping in mind the inconvenience to be caused thereby for the examinees, all examinations scheduled to be held on Wednesday are hereby postponed, said a notification. It said that fresh date for the said examinations will be notified later. Several Central trade unions called for the shutdown on a 14-point charter of demands, including social security, minimum wages and employment, among others. The Odisha unit of the Congress has extended its support to the shutdown. Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Niranjan Patnaik said the anti-farmer and anti-labour policies of the Central government have affected people badly. Patnaik also appealed to party workers to make the strike a success. Private buses in Odisha have also announced to stay off roads on Wednesday. A decision in this regard was taken by the bus owners on safety reasons, sources said. The police said a total of 15 platoons of forces will be deployed to maintain law and order in Bhubaneswar. We will ensure that train services are not affected and national highways remain free from blockades during the shutdown on Wednesday. Police forces will be deployed at the Secretariat and other important offices, said Anup Sahoo, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). --IANS cd/arm Harvey Weinstein arriving at court in New York on Monday, for the first day of his trial - AFP or licensors Harvey Weinstein's lawyers have asked Judge James Burke to recuse himself from the producer's sexual assault trial, accusing him of being biased against their client and of having "presided over a courtroom animus towards the Defendant". In a remarkable letter sent to the judge on Wednesday, they complained in particular about his reprimanding Weinstein the day before for having used his mobile phone. Judge Burke told the 67-year-old on Tuesday: "Is this really the way you want to end up in jail for the rest of your life, by texting in violation of an order? Is it?" Weinstein, 67, is currently on trial in New York City on five counts of rape and sexual assault. If convicted, he could face the rest of his life in jail. Weinstein has always denied accusations of non consensual sex. Harvey Weinstein entering the NY courtroom His lawyers argued that this, coupled with the judge refusing the change the location of the trial, despite the media scrum, has "created a situation in which the court's 'impartiality might reasonably be questioned'." On October 3, the judge refused Weinstein's lawyers' August 20 request to move the trial out of New York City, where they argued he was too well known to receive a fair trial. "In New York County, Mr Weinstein faces a daily gauntlet of reporters, gawkers, and negative backlash as he makes his way to court each day," they write. "The courtroom has been filled to capacity with press. Reporters line the streets and the halls as Mr Weinstein makes his way to court." They further complained about the judge's refusal to allow a "cooling off period", following the announcement on Monday by prosecutors in Los Angeles that they were also charging Weinstein with rape and sexual assault. His lawyers wrote: "This unprecedented press conference was no coincidence and was orchestrated to inflict maximum damage to Mr Weinstein by unleashing a storm of extremely negative publicity, just as his jury was about to be selected in this case. Story continues "There was no reason for the Los Angeles DA's Office to make the announcement when it did, other than to unfairly taint the jury pool in this case." Rosanna Arquette and Rose McGowan outside court, on the first day of Harvey Weinstein's trial And they expressed anger at the judge's rejection of a proposal to allow extra time for jury selection, given the high-profile nature of the case, and to allow an additional onlooker for the proceedings. "It has become clear to Mr Weinstein that the court has already violated its own mandate to the potential jurors by deciding that Mr Weinstein is guilty before it has heard any of the trial evidence," they write. If the judge refuses to recuse himself, they request "an adjournment of the trial to permit the extreme negative publicity generated by the LA charges to dissipate". They further request more time be allowed for jury selection. Judge Burke is yet to rule on their letter. On Tuesday he scheduled opening statements for January 22, and said the trial would take an expected six to eight weeks. It Could Be Years Before Holmes Goes to Prison New Delhi, Jan 8 : Refuting claims that JNU administration has advised the Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry to temporary shut down the university campus, Vice-Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar Mamidala, in an exclusive conversation to IANS, denies the news report. A prominent news daily on its front page on Wednesday had claimed that the JNU administration advised HRD ministry to temporarily shut down the campus following Sunday's violence. "The ministry however reportedly refused the administration's request," the report had added. However, when IANS reached the Vice-Chancellor of the university, he denied the claims. "We have not made any such suggestions," Mamidala said denying the news report. Earlier, a day after the violence broke out in the JNU campus, the VC appealed to the students to maintain peace and tried to assure them by saying that no person involved in the violence will be spared and appropriate action will be taken. Kumar called the attack on students as an act of "hooliganism" and said it was against the ethos of the university. He said the origin of the present situation lay in the activities of those agitating students who turned violent and obstructed the academic activities of a large number of non-protesting students. "The protesting students damaged the University communication servers to disrupt the winter semester registration. They prevented thousands of students from doing their winter registration. "Their intent is clearly aimed at disrupting the functioning of the University. This is simply hooliganism and against the ethos of JNU. No such person will be spared and appropriate action will be taken," he told IANS. "The University stands by all the students to facilitate their pursuit of academic activities. We will ensure that their winter semester registration will take place without any hindrance. They need not fear about their process. The top priority of the University is to protect the academic interests of our students," Kumar said. He said the administration will use all possible means to protect the students. (Rohan Agarwal can be contacted at Rohan.a@ians.in ) Amy Sherman | MLive.com Don't Edit BY AMY SHERMAN | asherma2@mlive.com It's the start of a new year, and that means gyms across Michigan are packed with people fulfilling their New Year's resolutions to get healthier, move more, and maybe lose a little bit of the weight they put on over the last few months. There are so many workouts to choose from, it can be completely overwhelming to those of us who might not be regular gym rats. Some workouts can sound downright scary, intimidating, or flat-out weird, while others might have been on your radar for a while but you just haven't taken the plunge yet. I know, and to be honest, working out at a gym has never really been my bag. Walking into a unknown situation, with some really bad, old workout clothes on, and no idea how to "do" the workout as a beginner, totally makes me uncomfortable. So I just don't go, and that's a problem when you eat for a living. To kick off 2020, I decided to do a little research, and went out and and actually participated in a variety of exercise classes, to take some of the mystery out of them. I experienced first hand what these workouts were like, learned some tips and tricks to make even a first timer feel comfortable, and investigated what the health benefits are. We also got to meet some passionate owners and exercise experts along the way. We'll be sharing with you 12 different workouts over the next couple of weeks. See our first foray into Aerial Silks here. Pilates is a workout I've been curious about for a while, having heard that it's a great one for people with sore or bad backs. With all the time that we spend in the car traveling for Michigan's Best, my back has now qualified as both sore and bad, so I was looking forward to trying this out to see if it might make a difference. The class I experienced at Club Pilates in Grand Rapids was a Reformer-based workout. Upon entering a Pilates studio, you'll be greeted by a variety of contraptions, straps, springs, pulleys, and sliding machines. Mirrors typically line the walls. It all looks rather impressive, and I'll admit, slightly intimidating. Am I here to work out, or get strung up like a turkey? "The Reformer kind of scares everyone," Club Pilates instructor Sydne Stuk explained with a laugh. Pilates was first developed way back in the early 1900's, by Joseph Hubertus Pilates, a German national who was interned in England during World War I. During this time, he refined his exercise regimen that he created, and trained other internees on how to use his system of resistance exercises. For bedridden patients, Pilates rigged up springs and bands for them to use, which was the forerunner to the Reformer machine you see in studios today. You don't have to use a Reformer to practice Pilates. You can do many of the "mindful movements" with just a mat or with simple equipment like an exercise ball. Pilates is a low-impact workout. According to the American Council on Exercise "Pilates exercises are designed to strengthen this core by developing pelvic stability and abdominal control. In addition, the exercises improve flexibility and joint mobility and build strength." While you might not burn as many calories as a typical cardio workout, you'll be building lean muscle, improving posture, and building core strength. According to Healthline.com, "for someone who's about 150 pounds, a 50-minute Pilates mat class at a beginner level burns approximately 175 calories. An advanced 50-minute class burns approximately 254 calories. You'll burn more calories in a Pilates reformer class or any Pilates workout where you elevate your heart rate." The class that I participated in was a Foundation class, designed specifically to introduce Pilates to beginners. The focus was on getting us comfortable with the Reformer and other equipment, and teaching correct form and position for the exercises. Taking a seat on the Reformer, I immediately began sliding around. We got onto our backs, and after a bit of adjustment with help from the instructor, I had my Reformer correctly positioned for what we were doing, and my body size. I asked a lot of questions as we got started, and I encourage you to do the same. There are terms that Pilates instructors use that will be unfamiliar, and you won't know unless you ask. We started off with some basic stretching, placing our feet on the pad at the end of the Reformer, and switching to the bar. Something as basic as just extending your legs out, and pushing yourself back, takes on a whole new meaning when using the Reformer. The very slightest adjustment of how your feet are placed can create a completely new, and more complete stretch. That was very enlightening to me. Simple movements like rolling your hips or your spine really brought some of the stretches alive. As we moved through the workout, we used several other implements. On the Reformer, we tried out the arm pulleys, and changed up some of the settings for the angle of your back. On the mat, we used the wall pulleys, the exercise ball and the hoop. One of the most fun exercises was standing with our backs to the wall, taking the rubber arm pulleys in each hand and then taking a leap of faith and leaning forward while letting our weight suspend us in place. Very fun. Overall, I totally loved Pilates. I stretched in ways I hadn't in years, and all of it felt totally fine for my tender back. The next day, while I was sore, I felt really good, and my back actually didn't hurt. If you are a runner, or big into another sport, doing Pilates would be a fantastic "recovery" workout. Stretching on the Reformer really engages your legs and feet, which I would guess would be great for runners. First-timer Kate Williams told me that she liked the equipment. "I always worry that I have the wrong form when working out, and this equipment helps you know you are in the right spot." Another first-time participant, Jerry Adams, was the only guy in the class. No big deal though, Stuk really encourages men to take Pilates. "Guys need it, too. They need flexibility. It might throw them off, because these classes can be very hard," she said. Adams enjoyed the class. "I liked it, and thought is was a cool workout. I like how it's a resistance thing, and I appreciated the range of motion exercises that you can control. It's the perfect thing for guys, and you can ease into it at your own pace," he said. I agree, and think I might become a regular at Pilates. Things to know about a Pilates workout: -Body-hugging clothes are a must. Not only do they make it easier for the instructor to see your form and help you get it correct, you also don't want stuff that can get snagged on the Reformer when it's in action. -Unless you are wearing tight shorts, like bicycle shorts, leggings are preferred. You'll be doing lots of stuff with your legs in the air, and don't want shorts to be riding up. -Socks are a must at most places, and the studio may require you to use either grippy ones, or toe socks (meaning that your toes are out and free). These are usually available to purchase at the studio and might run between $10 and $15. -There most likely will be a bunch of stations in the room. Pick one in the middle, despite your reticence to having everyone see just how inexperienced you are. This position will allow you to be right in front of the instructor, as well as able to view everyone else in class, which is actually helpful as you learn new terminology, equipment and positions. -Let the instructor know you are a beginner. They really want to see you succeed, and will usually provide a little extra attention to make you feel comfortable. Don't be afraid to ask questions. -Bring water for during and after the workout. -If you are a sweater, a towel will come in handy to wipe off the equipment, as well as yourself. -Be a good workout buddy, and grab a sanitizing wipe when you are done. Be sure to wipe not just the machine, but any of the other equipment you touched. This is part of a Michigan's Best Workout series focusing on 12 different types of exercise you can try in 2020. It's being done in partnership with Gazelle Sports. Don't Edit Amy Sherman | MLive.com Here she is, the Reformer. Don't let the name or all the straps scare you. This little baby will help you stretch in ways you can't even imagine. Don't Edit Club Pilates Breton Village 1886 Breton Road SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506 (616) 855-1696 Need help finding a Pilates studios in Michigan? Check out this website, which has a pretty comprehensive listing. Don't Edit Amy Sherman | MLive.com Club Pilates in East Grand Rapids is part of a national franchise that started in San Diego in 2007. It is owned by Kim Stuk, who's daughter Courtne is the general manager. Daughter Sydne is an instructor here. Don't Edit Don't Edit Amy Sherman | MLive.com You don't really need any special equipment to do Pilates, except some special socks. These are two examples of the grippy socks that work for Pilates, they help you not slip off the reformer, and run about $15. I purchased mine right at the studio. Don't Edit Amy Sherman | MLive.com Some people prefer to wear "toe socks" for Pilates, so their little piggies can fly free. They feel they can get an ever deeper stretch in their feet this way. Don't Edit Amy Sherman | MLive.com Sydne Stuk gets into position on the Reformer. Note the shoulder pads; they help keep you in place. Don't Edit Amy Sherman | MLive.com It can be pretty intimidating to walk into a Pilates studio the first time. There are a lot of pulleys, bars, straps, and springs around the studio. Don't be scared. This is actually a lovely, low-impact workout that you'll feel the results of right away. Don't Edit Amy Sherman | MLive.com Sydne Stuk uses the arm pulleys on the mat at Club Pilates. Don't Edit Don't Edit Amy Sherman | MLive.com This workout was surprisingly tough. While it looks fairly gentle while you are doing it, your muscles really get warmed up, and some of the positions can force you to use underused ones. I was pretty sore the next day, in places I hadn't felt in a long time. Also, it's OK to work out in a hat if you like. It increases the sweat factor. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Trump now has three years of experience as president. While he has had some policy victories, he has also given opponents plenty of issues with which to bludgeon him. Democratic partisans are almost maniacal in their eagerness to oust him. They seem most interested in finding the candidate best positioned to do so, regardless of qualifications. Enter Pete Buttigieg, whose primary asset seems to be a thin resume. He hasnt done much to prove his chops in the national political arena. On the other hand, his lack of a record would provide scant fodder for Trump to exploit in a general election. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Europe Pure Nicotine Market Overview: Increase in demand for the Pure Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products is influencing the growth of Pure Nicotine market. Market Research Future, a firm which specializes in market reports related to the Food, Beverages & Nutrition sector among others, recently forecasted in its report on Europe Pure Nicotine Market Research Report- Forecast to 2022 that the market will demonstrate an exceptional CAGR of 5.83% during the forecast period. Pure nicotine is a colorless liquid with a characteristic acrimonious odor. It is a colorless liquid that turns brown and smells like tobacco when exposed to air. It is the purest and freshest nicotine solution available in the market that is derived from the finest, pesticide-free tobacco leaves. It is naturally sourced, filtrated, extracted, separated and distilled to amass a true and clean nicotine produce. The Europe pure nicotine market has witnessed continued demand during the last few years and is projected to reach 5.521 Kilo tons at a CAGR of 5.83% by 2022. Increase in demand for the nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products will drive the higher demand for the pure nicotine in the coming years. Increase in demand across various applications including e-liquid, smoking cessation products, bio pesticides and other industrial purposes is driving higher demand for pure nicotine. Europe pure nicotine market, based on application, is segmented into e-liquid, smoking cessation products, pharmaceuticals, bio-pesticide and others E-liquid dominated and having more than 50% market share in the year 2017 and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR at 5.85% during the forecast period followed by smoking cessation products with market share more than 25% and growing at CAGR of 5.8% for the corresponding period. The innovations in pure nicotine products and process prime objectives include achieving reductions in cigarette consumption by providing various product forms, flavors, and packaging styles is supporting the market growth. Europe Pure Nicotine Market Updates: Dec 2017 Biohit Oyj and R-kioski Oy have signed an agreement for the distribution of the smoking cessation product, Acetium lozenge in Finland. The contract is a non-exclusive distribution agreement. The new Acetium lozenge is an effective and safe product that helps quit smoking without nicotine. Nov 2017 The Food and Drug Administration is taking new steps to encourage the development of innovative nicotine-replacement therapies to wean smokers off conventional cigarettes. March 2015 MOLIQ launched 20 delicious liquids available in 10ml plastic bottles and five nicotine strengths including 0mg, 6mg, 9mg, 12mg and 18mg. Nov 2014 Chemnovatic launched new website where one can find all VAPY and VAPY Complex flavors as well as Nic Shot nicotine shots. Browse Full Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/europe-pure-nicotine-market-2476 Europe Pure Nicotine Market Competitive Analysis: With the entry of industry players in the Pure Nicotine segment, a trend of solid, volume-driven growth has been observed in the market with the development of different varieties of product types. With companies aiming to capture a considerable share of the market segment as early as possible, they are competing and experimenting with various advantage points. Acquisitions and partnership with small companies are other strategic movements made by the key players. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be captured by ensuring ongoing process improvements and financial flexibility to invest in the optimal strategies. The key players profiled in Pure Nicotine are as Chemnovatic (Poland), Contraf Nicotex Tobacco GmbH (Germany), Nicobrand Limited (Ireland), Purenic (BGP Europe AG) (Basel) Tributes to Stephen Clements poured in on his BBC Radio Ulster show mid-morning slot on Wednesday. The sudden death of the BBC Radio Ulster star, at the age of 47, was announced by the corporation on Tuesday. Speaking during the 10.30am programme stand-in presenter Steven Rainey spoke of his own sadness over the death. He described the father-of-two as a one off. Read More I know that I am not the voice any of us are expecting to hear this morning," he said opening the show. "So many of us were affected by the terrible news we heard yesterday. Stephen Clements was truly a one off, he was a brilliant broadcaster who I know brought so much to so many of us here." Read More Mr Rainey said Radio Ulster was "like a family". "While Stephen was only part of that family for a short time I think I speak on behalf all of my colleagues here to say that he had become a really special part of what we do," he said. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Stephen Clements with his wife Natasha and their children Poppy and Robbie Dream job: DJ Stephen Clements with his son Robbie Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Beach life: Stephen Clements, with his daughter Poppy, has fond memories of Barrys in Portrush Leading man: Stephen Clements taking part in The Royal Does Strictly with Brenda Creaney of the Belfast Trust in 2012 Sunday Life News brenda shankey, eamonn holmes, Q Radio Stephen Clements and Cate Conway recording the Christmas Special. Picture Colm O'Reilly Sunday Life 19-12-2015 Stephen Clements is set to present his own show on BBC Radio Ulster Dream job: Stephen gets settled in Kevin Scott Stephen with wife Natasha The RUAs Annual Exhibition takes place at the award-winning Ulster Museum. Northern Ireland Tourist Board Great cause: Stephen Clements with Children in Needs Pudsey Stephen Clements with wife Natasha and children Poppy and Robbie BBC Children in Need are presenters Holly Hamilton and Stephen Clements with Pudsey Bear. Twitter postings: Stephen Clements Kevin Scott The BBC NI studio with presenters Stephen Clements and Holly Hamilton William Cherry/Presseye / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stephen Clements with his wife Natasha and their children Poppy and Robbie It is so awful that we won't get to know him even better. Read More The 90 minute show was inundated with tributes for Stephen Clements from listeners, praising his humour and sense of fun. One listener, Charlie from Carrowdore said he loved the show and the banter. "Ninety minutes wasn't long enough. He (Stephen Clements) will be greatly missed by us all. Another, Peter from Downpatrick said: So sorry to hear of Stephen's passing. He was something new and so good to listen to. Tanya in Bangor added: He took time to reply to posts, comments, and tweets I felt like he was family nearly. I followed him from City Beat all the way through. May he rest in peace and may his family feel the love of the whole country. A message from a listener called Sonia said: You knew when people in the car beside you at traffic lights were listening to him too, as they were laughing at the same time. Paul from Banbridge recalled phoning in on the first show: He played my request and I immediately knew he was going to be a big hit with his wit and sense of fun. Just what we needed in this wee country of ours. Steven Rainey said the number of people contacting the show was "overwhelming". The messages that we are getting through today are heartbreaking and heart-warming at the same time. He hadn't been with us for a long time but he made such an impact," He added. One thing that I think is really coming across is how much he brightened up people's mornings. It is something I think none of us here at Radio Ulster can deny. He certainly was a cheeky character and he just loved doing stuff on air to make people laugh and to make them smile. We might not have ever been face to face with the man himself, but listening to him on the station you felt like he was just there chatting to you personally, like he was your best pal or something." Read More There was an outpouring of grief following the announcement of his death. Earlier one woman who contacted the Stephen Nolan show just before 10.30am on Wednesday struggled to contain her emotions as she spoke of having called into Mr Clements show and spoke to him only on Monday. She said she could not believe he had died when it was announced on Tuesday. Presenter Stephen Rainey added: So many people have come to Radio Ulster because of Stephen and we want to thank you all for listening to us and I want to thank him for bringing them to us. It has been a very emotional day for us to be honest and I think everybody is very sad. We were just getting to know him and he was taken from us so suddenly. We will treasure the time that we spent with him it was very important to all of us. HOUSTON, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CEMEX USA kicked-off the new year by hosting its annual company-wide Safety Week 2020, an initiative solely focused on one of its core values, Health & Safety. This year's theme, "Safety Through Leadership," empowers supervisors and others in leadership roles to actively lead their teams to success by utilizing the tools provided by CEMEX to nourish a strong and supportive safety culture. To begin the event, operations at all CEMEX USA plants and facilities stopped for 60-90 minutes Monday, Jan. 6, so employees could participate in safety stand downs. During this time, meetings were held to review safety initiatives from 2019 and discuss potential improvements, helping workers refocus on taking a more active role in their personal commitments to safety. "At CEMEX, we take the health and safety of all our employees extremely seriously by not only constantly reinforcing safety messages at all CEMEX operations, but also living those messages through a culture where everyone looks after one another, steps in when they see risks, and celebrates when they share success," said CEMEX USA President Jaime Muguiro. "Events like these remind us that we need to put our safety first every single day so that our employees can get home to their families." During this year's safety stand downs, CEMEX employees were encouraged to utilize the tools already offered to them in CEMEX's Health & Safety Management Systema program based on 14 different elements that include safety enhancement items such as leadership, audits and inspections, safe operative practices and risk analysis. "At CEMEX, we empower our employees to be champions of their safety by providing them with a program that they can easily reference for important safety practices and procedures," Alan MacVicar, CEMEX USA's Vice President of Health & Safety said. "By following these tools and guidelines, they can help ensure that the best safety practices are being implemented on the job at all times." In addition, throughout the week, CEMEX USA operations held various activities, including specialized trainings to increase safety awareness. CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high quality products and reliable services. Its U.S. network includes 11 cement plants, more than 50 strategically- located distribution terminals, 50 aggregate quarries and nearly 270 ready-mix concrete plants. SOURCE CEMEX USA Related Links https://www.cemexusa.com/ For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME. Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire. Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever. Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation. View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union. Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history. Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words. This week, a lot of blues acts are in action across the Blues Beat region, and many local favorites are starting the New Year off in style. This week also has a number of new venues bringing in the blues. Saturday, the Connecticut Blues Society and the Pine Loft are hosting a sendoff fundraiser party for the Balkun Brothers. They will represent the Blues Society at the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis later this month. The Balkun Brothers have increased their visibility worldwide. Memphis is the place to get the attention of record labels and festival promoters. The Brothers will get a send off, along with special guest musicians and with great food, it will make for a night of rockin blues. Still need some dancing to get rid of the extra 2019 pounds? Then head to FTC Stage One on Sunday for Big Bad VooDoo Daddy. Dust off your fedoras for a quintuple-horned blast of retro big-band swing as BBVD delivers an infectiously groovy vibe that defies even the most tranquil audience member from leaping to his feet to jitterbug with his duchess. From the moment the nine members of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy take the stage, they own the place. No ultra-polished bore-fest for the aging yuppies here. Theyre bringing a party, but not what were used to these days. Were talking about an old school hep cat swing party. This joint, as they say, will be jumping. The Electric Lady Band is playing The Cellar on Treadwell on Friday with Sal Iacobucci and Dreaming the Blues. The two performances by two bands will include Iacobucci performing a tribute to Robin Trower, and Electric Lady Band playing all the classic Hendrix tunes. Hudson Valley Blues Society presents Tas Cru & His Band of Tortured Souls on Sunday at Lucys Lounge. Tas Cru is truly a blues eclectic, who refuses to let his music be bound to just one blues style. Hell swing you with a traditional shuffle, swoon you with a sultry ballad, lull you into a trance with deep hill-country blues and then rock you silly. If you want to be entertained, he is your guy. With a repertoire of more than 60 original songs from multiple albums and dozens of crowd-pleasing classics, this seasoned road warrior will give folks what they want, be it festival, concert, dance hall, or house party. Taz Cru has been called one of the most unique of bluesmen plying his trade today. His songs testify to his reputation as a bluesman who is accomplished in and comfortable with most every style of blues. And thats why fans love his stuff and critics sing his praises. With great vocal and guitar work alongside his trademark well-crafted lyrics, this music is an interesting and enjoyable listen. Performed live it is captivating and highly entertaining. Gayle and The Grave Diggers are at Andover Pizza & Bar on Saturday. Gayle made her way up from Baltimore for a night of fun and frolic with Mike Bloomer, Brian Bynes and TomTerry and a few special guests. Arrive early as no tickets are required for this free show. Black-Eyed Sallys has an exciting weekend. Friday, Ryan Hartt & the Blue Hearts take the stage. Fun, talented and sure to please, this band knows how to grab an audience. Saturday, you get a double with Jake Kulak and the Lowdown and Tom Forst. Guitar lovers get ready to be entertained. The Note Kitchen & Bar has Jake Kulak and the LowDown on Friday. Crystal Bees bringing in LB3 on Friday. This is a groove grabbing, straight up rocking, blue heart pounding band in the classic guitar, bass and drums three-piece format. The three musicians/friends evolved with the purpose doing something original and different whether applying it to originals or cover music. Each brings a wealth of talent and experience from playing in various bands around Connecticut throughout their careers. LB3 continues to write, record and play shows with their unique blend of blues funk, rock, reggae and soul. This Saturday, The Falcon has 2018 GRAMMY nominee Scott Sharrard. He was the touring guitarist for the Gregg Allman Band since the fall of 2008, winning high praise from Allman for his playing. While acting as musical director and co-writer for Allman and recording his record Southern Blood in Muscle Shoals, Sharrard has also been concentrating on the growth of his solo career while holding Greggs legacy near and dear as a guiding light and a point of everlasting inspiration. Thursday, Murali Coryell & Band is at The Falcon. Coryell is a triple threat contemporary blues artist who sings, writes and plays guitar with the best. As the son of guitar legend Larry Coryell, Murali grew up with Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, & Carlos Santana. Murali joined Duke Robillards touring band and was signed as a solo artist resulting in the Stax/Volt-influenced Eyes Wide Open. Rolling Stone magazine named Murali one promising new hound. He has toured with father Larry Coryell and Joe Louis Walker as a featured artist and as a supporting act for B.B. King. In other shows, Friday, Gene Donaldson and the Stingrays return to the Bidwell Tavern. Saturday, Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez along with Matt York are at The Knickerbocker Cafe. The same night Dr. G and the Believers return to Sneekers. Sunday, The Chris OLeary Band is at Daryls House. The Sunday Buzz Matinee at Cafe 9: An 85th Birthday Tribute to Elvis, New Haven. 203-789-8281 The Sunday Buzz Matinee at Cafe 9 pays tribute to Elvis on what would be his 85th Birthday. Drinkdeeply and Cygnus Radio are throwing a party for The King of Rock and Roll and the invitation is open to all. Musicians looking to pay tribute in performance with their interpretations of his songs should email: drinkdeeplypresents@gmail.com. As schedules and times change, it is good practice to call the club and confirm. Get the complete Blues Beat schedule on Thursday at the blog http://bluesbeatnews.wordpress.com/. Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com. About 10 minutes later, police say, two men entered a Dominos pizza in the 5500 block of Belmont Road near Downers Grove. It is alleged that Johnson pointed a gun at the cashier, and he and the other man took money from both the cash register and from a safe. Close Donald Trump says John Bolton 'would would know nothing about what we're talking about' ahead of impeachment trial Donald Trump has told reporters at the White House that John Bolton, his former national security advisor and a potential key witness at his upcoming Senate impeachment trial, knows nothing about the Ukraine quid pro quo scandal, an apparent attempt to dismiss the significance of any testimony he might give before Congress. Senate leader Mitch McConnell has said he is prepared to push on with the trial without having first agreed a deal on new witnesses and evidence with opposition Democrats, as House speaker Nancy Pelosi urges him to publish a resolution outlining the rules of engagement immediately. After the Iran crisis deepened with the bombing of two US military bases in Iraq overnight, the president was ridiculed for seeking to reassure Americans by tweeting All is well! before making a statement declaring the country is now standing down but would face punishment through new economic sanctions rather than via military conflict. During a brief address from the White House, the president made vague claims that General Qassem Soleimani planned "new attacks on American targets" before his killing. He also threatened new sanctions and repeated false claims that the Obama administration had paid for Iranian missiles in recent attacks. Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Show all 29 1 /29 Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Trump styles his 'You're fired!' pose in his Trump Tower office in June 2012. At the time he was known as a reality TV star on The Apprentice Diane Bondareff/Invision/AP Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves He was also well known as the patron of the Miss Universe competition Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Early signs of Trump's ambition for the presidency can be found everywhere. Not least in his 2011 book 'Time to get tough: Making America #1 again' Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Trump with Piers Morgan in November 2010. Piers Morgan has long held that he and Trump are good friends Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Trump appeared on Fox & Friends, his favourite show, in August 2011 Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Trump considered running in the 2012 election, where he would have faced Barack Obama. He is speaking here at an event for a Republican women's group Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Trump was subject to a Comedy Central roast in 2011. He is pictured here being roasted by rapper Snoop Dogg Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Given that this Trump store is in the lobby of Trump Tower, it can be said that Trump sells merchandise of himself out of his own home Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Trump held meetings with prominent Republicans when considering his 2012 bid. He is pictured here with Alaska governor Sarah Palin Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves He didn't end up running in 2012 afterall, instead endorsing Republican candidate Mitt Romney AFP/Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Trump's golf course in Aberdeen proved controversial in 2012 when he began lobbying the Scottish government against wind power in order that they wouldn't install turbines off the shore by his new course Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves He even gave evidence to a Scottish parliamentary committee discouraging wind energy AFP/Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves He still found time for a round of course AFP/Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves On 16 June 2015, Trump announced that he would run for the presidency of the United States in the 2016 election as a Republican Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves His campaign was divisive, courting controversy wherever he went. Ultimately he was declared the Republican candidate in June 2016 Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Trump took part in the TV debate against opponent Hillary Clinton on 9 October Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Trump and wife Melania vote in the presidential election on 8 November 2016 AFP/Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Hillary Clinton conceded defeat at 2:50am on 9 November and president-elect Trump swiftly delivered his victory speech to a crowd of supporters Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves News coverage around the world focused on the huge political upset that Trump's victory spelled AFP/Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Trump met with president Obama to discusss transition planning on 10 November. AFP/Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Donald Trump and Nigel Farage pose in the golden elevator at Trump Tower on 12 November 2016. Farage was the first British politician to meet with Trump after the election LeaveEUOffical/Twitter Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves The inauguration of Donald Trump took place on 20 January 2017. Trump's press secretary Sean Spicer boasted that the crowd was the 'largest ever' to witness an inauguration, a claim that was proved not to be true Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves In his first 100 days as leader, Trump signed 24 executve orders, the most of any president AFP/Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves One of Trump's most memorable election pledges was to build a wall between the US and Mexico. He is standing here in front of a prototype for a section of the wall Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Trump's meetings with other world leaders have provided no short supply of photo opportunities Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Trump was welcomed to the UK by the Queen and a state banquet was held at Buckingham Palace in his honour Reuters Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves Not everyone welcomed the president. Mass protests were held in London throughout his visits in both 2018 and 2019 EPA Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves One of the most significant meetings Trump has held with another leader was with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. In June 2019, Trump became the first sitting president to set foot in North Korea Getty Donald Trump celebrity president: A decade in two halves 2020 will see president Trump fight for a second term in office, who knows what the next decade will bring? Getty Meanwhile, members of Congress heard from the administration about its justification for military strikes in Iran. House Speaker Pelosi intends to introduce a resolution this week to prevent further military action from the president Follow along with live coverage as it happened: A Hamilton County corrections deputy was arrested by the Chattanooga Police Department on multiple charges Tuesday morning after going on a drunken rampage at a residential complex on Cherokee Boulevard. Samuel Bruns, 23, was charged with multiple counts of burglary and vandalism as well as public intoxication and disorderly conduct. Police said they were first called at 1:44 a.m. by an Uber driver who said his passenger was so drunk that he could not provide the address of where he lived. When an officer arrived, Bruns was getting in a vehicle with a female friend. The officer said Bruns had drunk too much and she was taking him home. After a follow-up call at 328 Cherokee Blvd., officers found 14 vehicles in a parking garage that had various damages. The vehicles had broken windows and dents. A new motorcycle with a drive out tag had been thrown over and damaged. Items from the vehicles were thrown all over the garage. Blood was found on most of the vehicles inside and out. Police said Bruns had cut his arm reaching through broken out windows. Police found Bruns on the third floor of the garage going threw a Ford F-150 and throwing out items. He had blood all over his hands and arms. Bruns was hired on May 28, 2019, and has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an ongoing Internal Affairs investigation. The incident occurred while Bruns was off duty. Thousands of burned out nurses have taken to picket lines in Northern Ireland as one-day strike action brings some health services to a standstill. An escalating row over pay and conditions in the under-pressure hospital system emptied treatment waiting rooms across the country. Politicians are trying to reach an agreement which would produce a funding boost for an NHS beset by long waiting lists for treatment and rancour over employee pay levels while struggling to fill some vacant posts. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) protest follows a similar walkout last month over salary rates that lag behind colleagues in Great Britain and staff shortages. Absolute pleasure to be with our nurses at the Ulster Hospital picket line. So proud of our profession. https://t.co/zNOR3NaIUs pat cullen (@patcullen9) January 8, 2020 Lyndsay Thomson, 30, from Bangor in Co Down, who works as a staff nurse in anaesthetics at the Ulster Hospital, said: We cannot retain or recruit staff and staff are just at the point of burn-out. Anne Waterman, 60, a staff nurse from Belfast involved in day procedures at the same hospital, joined a noisy picket line and added: I know people hear us but we really need to be listened to and we dont know what else to do at the minute other than this. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled due to the walkout, including several Caesarean operations. Stormonts Department of Health has urged trade unions to return to talks. They broke down without agreement in December, when a fresh 3.1% pay offer was rejected by unions who want pay parity with the rest of the UK. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Nurses this morning at Belfast City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Pictured is Brenda Creaney, Director of Nursing for the Belfast Trust, meeting staff on the picket line. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nurses this morning at Belfast City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press Ms Waterman began nursing in 1977 and said medical care had seen enormous improvements since then. Expand Close Nurses on the picket line outside the Ulster Hospital near Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nurses on the picket line outside the Ulster Hospital near Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) She stood on the side of an arterial route into Belfast with colleagues, waving as passing motorists sounded their horns on a sunny winter morning. Ms Waterman called for action from Stormonts political leaders, who are attempting to restore devolved powersharing. She added: If I was to stop working for three years I would not be getting paid, I think politicians here really have to step up to the mark, speak up for us and support us because we do not know what else to do. The RCN took strike action on Wednesday and Friday, while members of Northern Irelands largest health workers union, Unison, will stage walkouts on Friday. The country has some of the longest waiting lists for treatment in the UK, and political paralysis at Stormont has hampered efforts to address problems. Ms Thomson said nurses have reached breaking point. Patient safety is being put at risk every day and nurses have said that enough is enough, she added. Seamus McGoran, interim chief executive of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust which delivers services in Co Down, said a new powersharing Executive can deliver on pay parity. He added: Were having to prioritise our most urgent patients and, for example, those who are waiting for planned care, those numbers are getting bigger and the lengths of waits is getting longer, so we really need political leadership. We need long-term investment and we need a workforce plan that will deliver more sustainable staffing levels for many years to come. Three days after a group of masked men attacked students at the Jawaharlal Nehru university (JNU), the Union human resource development ministry on Wednesday told vice chancellor Jagadesh Kumar to make all out efforts to restore the normal functioning of the University at the earliest. Kumar along with Rector-II Prof. Satish Chandra Garkoti met Secretary, MHRD today morning and apprised that the situation in the campus is presently peaceful. They also informed that the Communication and Information System has been repaired and is now functional. The last date for student registration for the Winter Semester 2020 without fine has also been extended up to 20th January, 2020, the ministry said in a statement. University administration has appealed to all the stakeholders to maintain peace in the campus and not to get provoked by any misinformation. University authorities were advised by the Ministry to make all out efforts for restoration of the normal functioning of the University at the earliest. ALSO WATCH | Campus mustnt be safe haven for hate politics: Vice President amid JNU row Vice chancellor Kumar had come under fire from the students and teachers for failing to prevent the attack. Top HRD ministry officials had earlier met officials from the JNU administration on Monday to take stock of the situation after Sundays violence. The attack which victims alleged was carried out by ABVP supporters had left over 30 injured including JNU students union (JNUSU) president Aishe Ghosh and some teachers The university has been on the boil since the attack Sunday night that sparked outrage across the country and led to students at various universities in different cities to hold demonstrations in solidarity with the JNU students. On Tuesday, Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone showed up at JNU to express her solidarity with the students. A day after the attack, Union HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said that the government cannot allow educational institutions to turn into political dens and promised strong action against the perpetrators of the attack. A worker shovels coal in a supply truck at a yard on the outskirts of Ahmedabad By Subrata Nagchoudhury KOLKATA (Reuters) - Coal India Ltd's output could be affected by a planned strike on Wednesday, a senior official at the state-run company told Reuters. Worker unions affiliated to left wing groups and political parties have called a strike across India on Wednesday to protest over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government's policies which they say have hurt the working class. "Production could be adversely affected at some subsidiaries," the senior company official said. Coal India's December production rose after five straight months of declines, the latter reflecting the heaviest monsoon rains in 25 years, strikes and protests. Gouranga Chatterjee, organising secretary of the coal workers unions, said production at Coal India would be affected as the striking unions have a sizeable following. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, affiliated to Modi's party, is not participating in the strike (Additional reporting by Sudarshan Varadhan; editing by Jason Neely) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Eisya A. Eloksari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 Indonesia is set to meet the European Union in a consultation meeting at the end of this month to discuss the latters biofuel import duties, according to a high-ranking Indonesian official. The two parties have sued each other at the World Trade Organization (WTO) as trade relations between the two jurisdictions simmer. The eurozone filed a lawsuit with the WTO on Nov. 22 to challenge Indonesias nickel ore export ban. Indonesia followed suit by disputing the EUs import duties on palm oil and biofuel on Dec. 8. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login The world is still skeptical that after nearly three years in office President Donald Trump will do the right thing on foreign affairs, according to Pew Research Center polling released Wednesday. The poll was conducted well before Trump signed off on a US drone strike that killed Iranian Gen Qassem Soleimani last week. The strike has pushed tensions between America and its longtime Middle Eastern nemesis to high alert and led to Tehran launching ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house American troops. Majorities of people in many of the 33 nations surveyed by the nonpartisan research centre disapprove of a number of the policies that Trump talks about most often, including slapping tariffs on imported goods as a way to gain leverage in trade disputes, withdrawing from international climate change agreements, building a wall on the US-Mexico border and putting tougher restrictions on immigration to the US. Similarly, across the 33 countries, more people disapprove than approve of Trump's decision to have the US be the only world power to back out of a nuclear agreement with Iran. A brighter spot for Trump, however, is the direct negotiations he has had with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. That effort garnered the most support, though not a majority in most countries surveyed. Trump and Kim have held three rounds of talks about denuclearising the Korean Peninsula, most recently last year at the Demilitarised Zone separating North Korea and South Korea. Sentiment against Trump is common across Western Europe, where roughly 75 per cent or more of people in Germany, Sweden, France, Spain and the Netherlands lack confidence in the US leader. That feeling runs even deeper in Mexico, where 89 per cent have no confidence in Trump, who has made Mexicans the target of his barbs and anti-immigration policies like the border wall. But the world isn't entirely against Trump. Majorities in Israel, the Philippines, Kenya, Nigeria and India have confidence that the businessman-turned-president will do the right thing on the world stage. Five leaders were rated in the poll, with Trump receiving the most negative views. Low shares expressed confidence in Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping as well. Confidence in Germany's Angela Merkel was the highest among the leaders. Views of France's Emmanuel Macron were slightly more positive than negative. Trump, a Republican, treats his relatively low approval on the world stage like a badge of honor. He told supporters during a December campaign rally in Battle Creek, Michigan, that Germany and France like his predecessor, Barack Obama, a Democrat, more than they like him. Trump noted that he had taxed imports of French alcoholic beverages to retaliate over a tax that France has imposed on major tech companies, including some based in the U.S. If I ever become more popular that means I'm not doing my job, he said. The survey of nearly 37,000 people in the 33 countries was conducted from May 18 to October 2, 2019, based on telephone and face-to-face interviews. In an earlier version of the survey, which was released several months after Trump took office in January 2017, less than 30 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in the president's ability to do the right thing on international affairs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor The Lanesborough- Ballyleague Community food hub group, which applied for Enterprise Ireland funding to construct the new project last year, has today warmly welcomed the announcement of 1.34 million euro in funding . The Premier Lakelands Food hub project was the brainchild of local chef Stephen Dowd who set up the hub enterprise with fellow directors Marie Farrell and Michael Casserley. They have worked on the project for over two years. We are pleased with todays news Stephen said. This is just the first step in putting the new hub in place on the site we have identified on the Longford road into Lanesborough but many parts of the jig-saw have now to fall into place to help us get up and running as early as possible. Premier Lakelands Food hub wish to thank all of our partners in the project and look forward to confirmation of matching funding in the coming weeks as we build a sustainable food enterprise for the Lanesborough- Ballyleague area. Also read: 1.3m allocated for Lanesboro/Ballyleague Food hub Local councillor Mark Casey called the announcement 'great news'. He posted: "Great news 1.3m allocated for Lanesboro/Ballyleague Food hub. "Well done to Stephen & Tina Dowd and Michael Nevin of Longford Co Co for all their work on this. Great to see positive news for the town." Deputy Peter Burke also welcomed the announcement. The Fine Gael TD said, I am delighted to see Premier Lakelands Food Hub have been selected as a successful project and will receive government funding of 1.3 million under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund. The fund is designed to support projects that support job creation and this project and its location are extremely deserving due to recent announcements made by ESB and Bord na Mona." The project proposed involves the development of a state-of-the-art food hub on a site just outside of Lanesboro which will provide significant processing space for Born Na Monas new food-based product stream, as well as incubation space for micro scale food producers. The Chartered Accountant concluded, This is a really positive good news story for Longford and I continue to engage with Ministers Humphreys and Ministers Bruton to keep the focus on Lansesborough and its surrounds in relation to investment, retraining and additional jobs. Also read: 2019 Longford local election will live long in memory New Delhi, Jan 8 : Thousands of members from at least ten trade unions on Wednesday protested here against the Centre and extended their support to the all-India shutdown by trade unions. Gathered at the Shaheed Park, the members walked towards the ITO intersection and blocked a section of Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. Holding red trade union flags and braving the winter drizzle, the protesters shouted slogans "Stop attacking students", "Stop attacking universities", "India belongs to us", "Stop dividing us", and "NRC, CAA, NPR will not be allowed". They extended support to the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and anti-National Register of Citizens (NRC) protests as also to protesting students, saying these issues are affecting all Indians, including labour. The demonstration was called to support the all-India general strike called by the trade unions. The said they are on streets across the country because they are unhappy with the "Modi-Shah government as they have destroyed the country". Ukraine is a democratic state, so the ban on German arms sale to Ukraine is of purely political nature. "Whenever our firms want to conclude a contract with German firms, these agreements are disrupted at the last moment for unobvious, probably political reasons," Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko said in an interview with the Bild German media outlet. He expressed the hope that things would change in future, adding that Germany is one of the most powerful arms exporters in the world despite its peaceful foreign policy. Prystaiko urged to analyze where Germany exports its weapons to. "We are not ideal, maybe. But we are an absolutely democratic state that has to defend itself. This cannot be ignored," the diplomat stressed. The Ukrainian minister acknowledged that only a few countries provide military support to Ukraine. Late last year, Prystaiko said in an interview with German media that he wished Berlin reconsidered its policy of refusing to provide military assistance to Kyiv. In 2019, Germany's defense exports hit a record high of almost EUR 8 billion, up 65% compared to 2018. At the same time, the weapons worth 44.2% of the total sum were sent to the third countries, some of which are at war. ol Smartphone-Maker Realme Aims to Double 2019 Sales Amid 5G Push By Ding Yi / Jan 08, 2020 01:04 PM / Business & Tech Chinese smartphone-maker Realme aims to ship 50 million phones in 2020, twice the number it sold last year, Reuters reported Tuesday citing a remark made by the company at a launch event for its first 5G-ready handset. The remark is further evidence that Realme is positioning itself to cash in on Chinas ongoing 5G rollout. Last month, company founder and CEO Li Bingzhong said Realme will march into Chinas 5G market from 2020, when consumers are likely to start upgrading their smartphones to models that are compatible with the countrys nascent 5G telecoms infrastructure. Since its major mobile carriers launched commercial 5G services late last year, China has been accelerating the construction of the next-generation networks, with some 113,000 base stations online as of the end of November. At the Tuesday launch event in Beijing, Realme unveiled its first dual-mode 5G smartphone, the X50, which is priced from 2,499 yuan ($360). Dual-mode smartphones can flip automatically between current 4G networks and their 5G alternatives. The company previously said that it will no longer release 4G smartphones from 2020 in China. Realme, which is a sub-brand of Chinese smartphone vendor Oppo, grew its presence in India late last year, becoming the fourth-largest smartphone brand there with shipments of 6.7 million units in the third quarter. The company is also considering pushes into Europe and the Middle East in 2020, the companys global marketing president Chase Qi told Reuters. Contact reporter Ding Yi (yiding@caixin.com) Related: Realme Bets Big On China 5G Push in Hope of Repeating India Success New Delhi, Jan 8 : Boston-based weather technology company ClimaCell on Wednesday announced a collaboration with Google Cloud to improve weather forecasting in India by providing high-resolution forecast models free of charge for up to 48 hours ahead. ClimaCell Bespoke Atmospheric Model (CBAM) will be available as 'ClimaCell-CBAM India Weather Forecasts' to the general public, including developers, scientists and business users, the company said in a statement. Google Cloud will contribute cloud resources to support the massive computational effort associated with running such a high performance model. "For the first time, a private company is offering a full-blown operational numerical weather prediction model for an entire country, working continuously and providing high-resolution forecasts for up to 48 hours ahead," said Shimon Elkabetz, CEO and Co-Founder of ClimaCell. The developing world had been till now been relying on weather forecast generated by global models with course resolution and lower refresh time. However, with CBAM, ClimaCell and Google Cloud will bring high resolution and refresh time to levels exceeding mesoscale models in developed countries, beginning in India. CBAM India will be provided at 2 km resolution and 15-minute timestep, and will provide a 48-hour forecast. This model will serve as the foundation for a new generation of environmental prediction models, such as floods, air quality and more. Photo: Brooke Lark/Unsplash When it comes to food and drinks, there's plenty to do in Orlando this week. From a PBS screening and food tasting to a cabaret dinner show, here's how to add some flavor to your social calendar. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 'No Passport Required' Screening & Food Tasting From the event description: Calling all foodies! Join PBS' "No Passport Required" for a screening and tasting experience. Chat about Orlando's immigrant food culture with Faiyaz Kara, Ricky Ly and Bruno Fonseca. Registration required. When: Sunday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m. Where: Orange County Library System, 101 E. Central Blvd. Price: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Up to 53% off Chef Nite Orlando From the Chef Nite Orlando deal description: Get the inside scoop on what gives French food that extra pizzazz. Without a sauce, French food is like Frankensteins monster missing that bolt of lightning to give it life. Learn how to make your own culinary creation using the five mother sauces bechamel, veloute, espagnole, tomate and hollandaise. Where: 3477 Parkway Center Court, Rosemont Price: $19 (45 percent discount off regular price) for one; $35 (50 percent discount off regular price) for two. More options available. Click here for more details, and to score this deal Up to 42% off Dinner and a Cabaret Show at Teatro Martini From the Teatro Martini deal description: This classic variety show features some of Orlandos finest specialty acts. Take advantage of this deal and enjoy fine dining, cocktails and a post-show speakeasy event. Where: 6400 Carrier Drive, Florida Center Price: $39 (42 percent discount off regular price) for one; $79 (41 percent discount off regular price) for two. Click here for more details, and to take advantage of this deal This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Authorities are searching for a man they say has repeatedly threatened the life of an ex-girlfriend. Tarrant police have obtained a felony aggravated stalking warrant against 38-year-old Robert Mitchell Crayton. Under Alabama law, a stalking charge is elevated to aggravated stalking when the suspect is carrying out the threatening behavior while violating a court order or injunction already in place. Det. Cpl. James Butterbrodt said the victim in this case has protection from abuse order against Crayton. Crayton in 2015 pleaded guilty to a domestic violence/menacing charge involving a different female victim, someone with whom he had been in a relationship. In that case, according to court records, the victim arrived at her home and Crayton emerged from beside her house with a knife, walking toward her as if to stab her. She, took, had a protection from abuse order against. In that case, Crayton received a 12-month suspected sentence. Butterbrodt said Crayton also has an outstanding domestic violence warrant with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, as well as in Illinois. He has multiple victims spanning several states, the detective said. Crayton should be considered armed and dangerous based on the information obtained during the investigation. Anyone with information on Craytons whereabouts is asked to call Tarrant police at 205-849-2811 Health official: 'Regardless of variant, the protective measures are the same' local MADISON, Wis. - The legal manoeuvring over a court-ordered purge of up to 209,000 registered voters in Wisconsin took another twist Wednesday, with the state Justice Department asking the Wisconsin Supreme Court to put the original ruling on hold by Friday or direct a lower appeals court to consider doing so. The increasingly convoluted legal battle thats being carried out in both state and federal courts is being closely watched because of Wisconsins position as a battleground state in the 2020 presidential election. President Donald Trump won Wisconsin by fewer than 23,000 votes in 2016 and both sides are preparing for another close race. A judge last month sided with the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty law firm in ruling that the bipartisan state Elections Commission broke the law when it did not deactivate any voter flagged as potentially having moved who did not respond within 30 days to an October 2019 mailing. The commission wanted to wait until after the November presidential election before it removed anyone because of inaccuracies in a previous round of data identifying voters who may have moved. The fight is now centred over whether the judges order to purge the voters should be carried out while appeals are pending. A state appeals court on Tuesday said it would not consider the states request to put the purge on hold until after the Wisconsin Supreme Court decides whether to take the case. A request from the law firm seeking the purge asked the Supreme Court to bypass the appeals court and take the case directly. The Supreme Court, which is controlled by conservatives, has not said whether it will do that. There is urgency to act because an Ozaukee County judge has scheduled a Monday hearing to determine whether the Wisconsin Elections Commission is in contempt for not immediately purging the voters, the Justice Department said in a motion Wednesday. The department, which represents the Elections Commission, urged the Supreme Court to either put the original ruling calling for the purge on hold or order the appeals court to decide on it. The Justice Department argues that with pending elections in February and April, the judges ruling needs to be put on hold to prevent irreparable harm to voters who face deactivation. Rick Esenberg, president of the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty that brought the lawsuit, said rather than trying to put the judges ruling on hold, the elections commission should be working to follow the order and deactivate the voters. A separate lawsuit pending in federal court, filed by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, seeks to stop the purge. Both the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, and the Republican-controlled Legislature, are attempting to intervene in the case and have it dismissed. The Elections Commission in October mailed about 232,500 voters to tell them records indicated they had moved and that they needed to verify the address where they were registered to vote was current. Of those, about 209,000 have not requested continuation at their current address or registered at another. Democrats are fighting to stop the purge, saying it will unfairly impact their voters because most of those who are targeted to have their registrations deactivated live in Democratic-leaning areas of the state. Republicans say they merely want to ensure that people who have moved cant vote from an old address. ___ Follow Scott Bauer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sbauerAP WATERTOWN, Mass., Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- athenahealth, Inc., a leading provider of network-enabled services for ambulatory and enterprise customers nationwide, announced today that Diane Bartoli has joined the company as General Manager (GM) of the companys epocrates services focused on mobile medical decision support for healthcare professionals. In this role, Bartoli will lead all aspects of the epocrates organization, including building out strategic operations, product, engineering, sales, marketing and account management. Epocrates plays an integral role in our thriving healthcare ecosystem, empowering our communities to deliver accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare for all, said Bob Segert, Chairman and CEO of athenahealth. As the top medical app used among physicians to find information on dosing, efficacy, and safety at the point of care, epocrates lets providers maintain their focus on patients. Dianes leadership in health science publishing and designing digital information products will be instrumental in helping us continue to grow the epocrates business and build clinical density on our network. Bartoli most recently served as director and GM of the Education business at Amazon Kindle, where she led the business focused on digital books and introduced innovations to improve learning. Previously, she was senior vice president and GM for the Clinical Reference and Workflow business at Elsevier, a world-leading supplier of information solutions. At Elsevier, Diane oversaw a digital product portfolio and launched ClinicalKey. Todays healthcare environment demands convenient, digital tools that aid in care delivery, and athenahealth has long been a proponent in delivering innovation supporting this shift, said Bartoli. Epocrates has incredible influence on the community, reaching more than one million healthcare providers to offer clinical knowledge in the moment of care. I look forward to working with the team in scaling the business and expanding its role in a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem. Bartoli holds a BA in English from the George Washington University and an MBA in finance from the Stern School of Business at New York University. About athenahealth, Inc. athenahealth partners with medical organizations across the country to drive clinical and financial results. Our vision is to create a thriving ecosystem that delivers accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare for all, and we are pursuing this through our medical record, revenue cycle, patient engagement and care coordination service offerings. Our expert teams build modern technology on an open, connected ecosystem, yielding insights that make a difference for our customers and their patients. For more information, please visit www.athenahealth.com . Contact: Jean Borgman media@athenahealth.com 617-402-1031 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1e0588a9-c1c9-41e8-95bd-e8111137dcc9 Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran of a "resounding blow" if it attacked Israeli targets in the wake of increasing tensions in the region. "Anyone who attacks us will receive a resounding blow," Benjamin Netanyahu said in a conference organized by the Kohelet Policy Forum, a Jerusalem-based think-tank. Praising U.S. President Donald Trump and his decision to assassinate top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, Netanyahu said that while he supported the strike, Israel had not been involved in Soleimani's killing, and should not be dragged into the issue. "Soleimani was behind deaths of countless innocents and he had destabilized the region and was planning to do worse," Anadolu Agency cited Netanyahu as saying. Early on Wednesday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps' (IRGC) launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. Tehran's actions were in retaliation for last week's U.S. drone strike that killed IRGC Quds Force commander Soleimani. Gas stations around the U.S. are rushing to upgrade fuel pumps to accept credit and debit cards with chips after Visa Inc. and Mastercard Inc. rejected a request to delay a looming deadline to complete the work. Beginning in October, station operators that havent modernized their pumps will face liability for any card fraud that happens at their businesses. The industry is massively under-prepared, said Joshua Smith, chief executive officer of Gas Pos, which sells point-of-sale systems. Theres not enough technicians to do the installments, Smith said. Theres not enough inventory. Even if there were enough contractors, theres not enough dispensers available. Fuel Fix: Get energy news sent directly to your inbox Most retailers began to upgrade payment systems in 2015 -- the first of a series of deadlines set by Visa and Mastercard as the U.S. worked to catch up with nations in Europe and Asia that had long adopted the more-secure chip cards. For fuel retailers, the deadline was ultimately pushed back five years as the industry faced costs of more than $3.9 billion to do the work. In a 2019 survey by Conexxus, a non-profit that represents convenience stores, almost 70 percent of respondents who own a convenience store said they havent upgraded any outside pumps to the new so-called EMV technology. Few companies manufacture the required pumps. Those that do -- such as Dover Corp. or Fortive Corp.s Gilbarco Veeder-Root -- have said theyre expecting an increase in sales ahead of the deadline. Once the hardware is installed, fuel companies must have the pump software certified. Fuel retailers that dont upgrade could face costs of as much as $201,000 per store over the next seven years, according to data compiled by Conexxus. The group expects the fuel industry to suffer $451 million of card fraud in 2020 alone. Theres going to be quite a surprise come October, Laura Townsend, senior vice president of the Merchant Advisory Group, said. Folks that have been trying to transition to EMV will be unable to because of things outside their control. But they will bear a significant increase in losses either come October or shortly thereafter because we know fraudsters will find the weakest link. In the Conexxus survey, more than half of participants cited a lack of available software for not having chip technology fully deployed, while about 15 percent pointed to a shortage of hardware. The convenience-store industry blames Visa and Mastercard for not consulting them when setting deadlines. The payment standard-setting process needs to be more open, said Anna Ready Blom, director of government relations for NACS, a trade association for the convenience-store industry. Retailers and technology companies should have been part of the planning and decision-making on chip cards from the start. If they had been, rather than Visa and Mastercard making all the decisions without understanding them fully, we wouldnt be in this mess. Visa and Mastercard arent willing to give gas stations more time. The networks recently rejected a plea for a delay from the Merchant Advisory Group, which helps retailers navigate payment-systems issues. We believe extending chip technology to fuel pumps is an important step to take to protect businesses and consumers who want to pay securely as well as conveniently, Visa said in a statement. Mastercard said its seeing good adoption of EMV technology and a reduction in fraud. Visa and Mastercard began calling for a migration to chips years ago to head off counterfeit-card fraud. The underlying technology -- called EMV for founders Europay, Mastercard and Visa -- generates new codes for each transaction, while the information on magnetic stripes is permanent and can be copied and stored by hackers. More than 3.7 million merchants -- or 80 percent of U.S. storefronts -- currently accept chip cards. Since 2015, the amount of money merchants lost to counterfeit fraud has declined by 62 percent, according to Visa. MANAGED pension funds had their best year in a decade in 2019, despite fears of a global trade war. There was a gain of 20.6pc on average over the year, with all funds delivering double-digit returns. Zurich Life produced the best return, at 23.9pc, over the past 12 months, according to data compiled by Rubicon Investment Consulting. The lowest managed fund return over the year was that of Setanta Asset Management, which returned 16.1pc. Irish managed funds gained ground steadily for most of the year. December saw these earlier gains consolidated as the decade drew to a close, with funds returning 0.9pc on average over the final month of 2019. Rubicon managing director Fiona Daly said New Ireland topped the peer group during December, with a gain of 1.4pc, while Merrion Investment Managers propped up the table with a 0.2pc return. The last quarter of the year saw Irish managed pension funds grow by an average of 3.3pc. Zurich Life delivered the strongest quarterly return at 4.5pc, while Merrion Investment Managers fared worst over the three months, gaining 1.1pc. The average managed fund return has been 7pc per annum over the past three years. The five-year average return is a robust 7.3pc per annum. Irish group pension managed fund returns over the past 10 years have been strong, at 9.1pc per annum on average. Equity values surged last year, despite fears that share prices would crash due to US-China trade tensions, Brexit and fears of a global recession. Markets also avoided being rattled despite the drone attacks on Saudi Arabian oil refineries, and Donald Trump becoming the third US president to be impeached by the House of Representatives. Instead, the MSCI All-World Index, which tracks stocks from 23 developed and 26 emerging markets, was up 23pc last year. The S&P 500 in the US passed a landmark in August as it recorded its longest rally, having gone nine and a half years without a fall of at least 20pc. NCP chief Sharad Pawar has decided to participate in the 21-day-long protest march from Mumbai to Delhi against the Citizenship Amendment Act (ACT), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR) organized by former union minister Yashwant Sinha, said a news agency. Rashtra Manch, floated by the former BJP leader, is behind the march named, Gandhi Shanti Yatra that will start from the Gateway of India in south Mumbai on January 9, and terminate at the Raj Ghat in Delhi on January 30, on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The announcement was made after Sinhas meeting with the Maratha leader in Mumbai on Wednesday. The march originating in Mumbai will pass through the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana before reaching Delhi while covering around 3,000 km in distance. Sharad Pawar will flag off the yatra and also partake in it. NCP workers and office-bearers should take part in the yatra, the agency quoted Maharashtra minister and NCPs Mumbai unit chief Nawab Malik as saying. It is not known if Pawar will cover the full distance and be with the Yatra for its full 21 days. Pawars NCP and Congress are partners in Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government which is being helmed by the Shiv Sena. The CAA seeks to expedite Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh on the grounds of religious persecution and it has triggered protests in many states for allegedly being exclusionary and discriminatory against Muslims. The proposed National Population Register (NPR) is also being opposed by many parties, who claim, it will be used to identify Muslim migrants, who will then be ousted using the NRC. The Central government has, however, debunked these theories and blamed the opposition parties for misleading and provoking unrest among minorities for electoral gains. The Magnitsky Act prevents a US expert from travelling to Slovakia. Pavol Rusko attends the promissory notes trial on January 8, 2020, at the Specialised Criminal Court in Pezinok. (Source: TASR) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The case concerning TV Markiza promissory notes of 69 million, involving the channels ex-head Pavol Rusko and Marian Kocner, continued after the Christmas break. Related article Related article U.S. government takes action against Kocner Read more Unlike in December, when documentary evidence was mostly read, three experts were to be heard in the case on January 8: American Gerald LaPorte, Adriana Jabconova of the Police Institute of Criminology and Expertise (KEU), and Milan Nouzovsky of the Czech Republic, the Sme daily reported. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Only Jabconova turned up in the end. Kocners lawyer Marek Para told the court LaPorte had said he could have come despite the fact that the Slovak businessman, accused of ordering the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak, has been listed on the Magnitsky Sanctions Listings. US Embassy in Bratislava was to send a note We believe US administration is intervening in an independent course of the trial, Para said in his first-ever statement to the US sanctions directed against his client, as quoted by Sme. Rescue workers in Iran are surveying the wreckage of a Boeing 737-800 jet which crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran. The Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) plane was believed to be carrying 176 passengers and nine crew. There are said to be no survivors. The airline has said: "UIA expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the air crash and will do everything possible to support the relatives of the victims." It has set up a dedicated telephone number for relatives of passengers: +38 044 581 50 19. What were the circumstances? The plane used for flight PS752 had taken off about 20 minutes late from Boryspil airport, east of Kiev, on Tuesday evening, on its journey to the Iranian capital. As normal the plane flew south to the Black Sea to avoid the airspace of Russian-occupied Crimea and Russia itself, before turning southeast to fly to Tehran. It landed slightly ahead of schedule at Tehrans Imam Khomeini airport, just before 1am. The usual scheduling is for the aircraft to remain on the ground for just over four hours. But for reasons that are not yet known, its departure was delayed by 57 minutes. It appears that the aircraft experienced problems very shortly after take-off. it crashed around two minutes after take off. Footage posted on social media appears to show the aircraft on fire and flying erratically before it crashed in open country a few miles northwest of the airport. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty What is known about the aircraft and its safety record? It was a Boeing 737-800, registration UR-PSR, which had been delivered new to UIA from the US planemaker in July 2016 making it relatively young. The aircraft was configured to hold 186 passengers in two classes. It was used across the airline's short- and mid-haul network, and had operated a Kiev-Gatwick-Kiev round-trip on Monday 6 January. The 737-800 is the most popular of Boeings NG (Next Generation) series of the highly successful twin jet, along with the larger -900 and the smaller -600 and -700. Relative to the numbers flying, the accident rate is not disproportionate. It is the only type of aircraft used by Ryanair, which is the worlds safest airline in terms of passengers flown without a single fatal accident. The most recent fatal accident involving the Boeing 737-800 took place on the Micronesian island of Chuuk in September 2018, when an Air Niugini flight landed in shallow water short of the runway. One passenger died. In 2016 a FlyDubai 737-800 crashed beside the runway at Rostov-on-Don in Russia, with the loss of 62 lives. What are the possible causes? It is too early to draw any conclusions. As the crash happened shortly after take off, investigators will look at a range of possibilities that include a possible bird strike (as happened to US Airways flight 1549, also known as "the miracle on the Hudson" in 2009) or any other kind of "foreign object ingestion" into the engines. They will also consider whether one of the two CFM56 engines suffered an uncontained failure, such as that which killed a Southwest Airlines passenger on a flight in 2018. Any plane crash will also be analysed for the possible effects of weather, human interference or pilot error though there were three highly experienced captains and a first officer on board. In a similar plane crash in Kazakhstan in December 2019, most passengers survived. Why was this different? The Bek Air accident in Almaty took place at a much lower speed, with the aircraft barely airborne before it crashed. The Tehran crash happened from a greater height and significant speed. The high energy made the crash unsurvivable. Was this connected with the Boeing 737 Max crashes, which also happened shortly after take off? At present that seems extremely unlikely. The Max is the successor to the 737-800. But the older jet does not have the anti-stall software known as MCAS, which was implicated in the losses of Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max crashes in which 346 people died. What is known about the airline? The arrival screen at Kiev Boryspil airport, showing the Tehran flight as 'cancelled' UIA was created after the collapse of the Soviet Union and Ukraines independence, and is the national carrier. But it is struggling financially. One reason is that it cannot use Russian airspace and is excluded from Crimea, the Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russia. This prohibition reduces its potential route network and extends many journey times. It is also facing intense competition from budget airlines, in particular Wizz Air and Ryanair. In response the airlines business model changed three months ago to exploit the hub-and-spoke network. Many of the passengers on the doomed flight would be intending to change planes to destinations in western Europe, including London Gatwick. How is aviation safety in Ukraine rated internationally? The most recent audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, in 2017, found Ukraine to be below average for licensing, legislation, airworthiness, accident investigation and operations. The biggest aviation disaster in recent history was the crash of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014 on a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. The Boeing 777 with 298 people onboard was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine. More than 200,000 pupils are trapped in dumping ground schools that have been failing for more than a decade. Ofsted revealed yesterday that 415 schools in England many in the countrys most deprived towns are stuck in a cycle of underperformance. This means they have not been rated at least good since September 2006. Ofsted revealed yesterday that 415 schools in England many in the countrys most deprived towns are stuck in a cycle of underperformance Headteachers have complained about low levels of literacy, aspiration and employment among parents. One staff member went so far as to compare their school to a toilet. Other stuck schools reported pupils with a lot of cultural gaps, with one class amazed to see tall buildings on a trip to a city. The report also noted that children are sent to school hungry and allowed to stay up late, while others try to get excluded because they are concerned that their parents are victims of domestic abuse. Ofsted declined to list the stuck schools which included both primaries and secondaries but said Derby, Southend-on-Sea and Darlington were the three local authorities with the highest proportions. The watchdog visited 20 schools, ten of which were stuck. A quarter used the term dumping ground to refer to themselves. Some school leaders who struggled to hire teachers cited geographic isolation, which made them unattractive to potential recruits. Poor parental motivation and unstable pupil numbers were also highlighted as major challenges. One senior member of staff said their school was seen as a toilet that can always accommodate more pupils throughout the year, adding: This doesnt lend itself to stability. The number of stuck schools represents around 2 per cent of all state-funded schools in England. Ofsted estimates they contain 210,000 pupils. The watchdog has vowed to review the way in which the Department for Education provides the schools with support. Ofsteds chief inspector Amanda Spielman said: The majority of schools in challenging areas are providing children with a good education. 'What the remaining stuck schools need is tailored and pragmatic advice not a carousel of consultants. They are asking Ofsted to do more to help, and we agree. A Department for Education spokesman said: Whilst 86 per cent of schools are rated good or outstanding, we know there is more to do... Ofsted plays an invaluable role in improving standards and we are working with them to look at how best to support these schools. GUANICA, Puerto Rico - A series of powerful earthquakes this week, including a major 6.4-magnitude temblor early Tuesday morning, triggered widespread power outages and damage, leaving an already fragile Puerto Rico reeling once again. Schools, homes and churches along the southern coastline crumbled. Hospitals evacuated patients. A signature tourist attraction collapsed into the sea. At least one person died, crushed by a wall that toppled in his home. Tuesday's earthquake followed a 5.8-magnitude quake on Monday and was among numerous seismic events along an underwater fault line in recent days. All of them sent shock waves across the U.S. territory amid fears that further tremors could knock out key infrastructure. The earthquakes struck just months after a scandal involving the former governor set off massive protests and political upheaval. It also hit communities still struggling more than two years after the catastrophic Hurricane Maria raked the island - many homes remain covered in blue tarps where roofs once stood. "We weren't prepared for something of this magnitude," said Angel Luis "Luigi" Torres, the mayor of Yuaco, a southwestern town impacted by both the storm and this week's quakes. "We weren't even prepared for a hurricane. Now imagine an earthquake." Gov. Wanda Vazquez Garced declared a state of emergency Tuesday and said authorities were evaluating the damage and inspecting Puerto Rico's power generation plants - all of which are located along the southern coast near the origin of the seismic activity. She also told government employees to stay home, as more aftershocks are expected. "There will be other earthquakes, prepare yourselves," Wanda Vazquez Garced said. "This will continue to happen. For how long? We can't say." The Costa Sur power generation plant, located near the quake's epicenter, was damaged, and millions of people across the island were without electricity. Jose Ortiz, executive director of Puerto Rico's power utility, said late Tuesday night that electricity had been restored to 100,000 of the utility's 1.4 million clients on the island. Officials aim to restore power before the weekend, Ortiz said. "We've learned from our errors of the past," Ortiz said. "We want to do it little by little, so that whoever gets power will keep power." Authorities said there are 300,000 customers without water service. No major damage was reported to dams and seaports, and road damage appeared to be limited to local areas in the southern region. The government is working on powering up three "mega-generators" secured in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. During a news conference Tuesday, the governor said Puerto Rico has not updated its earthquake preparedness plan in more than a century, a reference to a 1918 earthquake and tsunami that killed approximately 100 people and caused severe damage in the island's northwesternmost towns. Vazquez Garced said the government recently hired a firm to prepare such a plan. The San Fermin quake of 1918 registered at a magnitude of 7.3 and had been the most disastrous and deadly earthquake in Puerto Rico's history. Tuesday's earthquake was the most powerful one near the island since 2014. Local officials are worried that the unusually strong seismic activity has caught the U.S. territory off guard. The vast majority of public school buildings and thousands of homes, particularly in rural areas where construction is more informal, do not comply with current building codes, according to Puerto Rico state Sen. Ramon Luis Nieves. Vazquez Garced added that her government had not yet had direct contact with the White House in Washington as of late Tuesday. A spokesperson for the Federal Emergency Management Agency said officials are considering the governor's request for an emergency declaration. The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico said it had approved the use of emergency reserve funds from fiscal years 2019 and 2020 to be used for expenses related to the earthquakes, but any local expenditures are sure to strain a government that has been bankrupt and struggling to recover from Hurricane Maria's wrath. Tuesday's blackout raised fears akin to those after Maria, which knocked out power in some areas for months, left some people isolated in rural areas and led to an estimated 3,000 deaths. "Everything is paralyzed," Marcos Irizarry Pagan, the mayor of Lajas, a southern municipality impacted by the quake, said during a live interview on Puerto Rico's local Telemundo station. "I hope this isn't like Maria." Gladyra Archilla, a spokesperson for the city of Ponce along the southern coast, confirmed that a man in his 70s was killed when a wall in his home fell on top of him. Emergency personnel were trying to rescue one other person in that home who was pinned under debris. Archilla said that many buildings in the city - Puerto Rico's second-largest - were damaged. Puerto Rico electrical authorities reported damage to infrastructure along the southern coast and said they were evaluating substations across the island. Power utility spokeswoman Edith Seda said the system is designed to shut off automatically in the event of vibrations, and the extent of damage to the Costa Sur plant was unclear. Seda said crews were working to restore power when safe to do so amid continuing aftershocks. It is possible that certain sectors will see electricity earlier than others; generators are powering the island's primary hospital, Centro Medico. San Juan's international airport is operational, officials said. The bulk of the earthquake damage was in the southern coastal region, from Ponce west to the municipalities of Yauco, Guayanilla, Lajas and Guanica. In the southwestern town of Yauco, 32 houses collapsed. More than 100 apartment units were left uninhabitable, and hundreds of other homes were potentially unsafe, according to Torres, the mayor. Nearly 400 people were forced to evacuate their homes and have sought shelter beneath tents in a large parking lot. A hospital evacuated all 80 of its patients, who were awaiting air-conditioned tents from the National Guard on Tuesday, Torres said. In Guanica, at least 180 people sought shelter at the Coliseum Mariano "Tito" Rodriquez on Monday after the 5.8 magnitude quake, which struck Puerto Rico the morning of Three Kings Day, normally a festive occasion on the island. But after Tuesday's earthquake, the coliseum was evacuated due to fears of damage to the structure, said Zulma Bracero Martinez, the Guanica's municipality administrator. Families instead have been gathering in the coliseum's parking lot. Among them was Noelia De Jesus, 69, who stood in the middle of the lot with her husband, Francisco Ramos, 72, who was using a wheelchair. The couple sought refuge after a house in front of theirs collapsed in Monday's quake. Feeling unsafe in their home, Ramos and De Jesus boarded a bus to the coliseum. But then, at 4:24 a.m. Tuesday, the 6.4 magnitude temblor sent lightbulbs from the building's ceiling crashing to the floor. De Jesus lost her balance. A stroller toppled with her granddaughter inside. "I thought we were going to die," De Jesus said. The situation brings back terrible memories for them. Two decades ago, Hurricane George damaged their home. After Hurricane Maria, the couple lived in a shelter for nearly a year. "It's been so hard," De Jesus said. Hundreds of small temblors have been rattling nerves on the island archipelago since Dec. 28. Scientists described the island as being "squeezed" by two major faults known as subduction zones, where tectonic plates dive beneath one another. The biggest of those subduction zones is to the north of the island and could potentially deliver a catastrophic earthquake with a magnitude of 7 or greater. The two strongest earthquakes this week happened on an unmapped offshore "intraplate" fault just south of the island, according to Gavin Hayes, a USGS research scientist. The epicenters were just a few miles apart. This was a relatively unusual "foreshock sequence," in which a moderate earthquake was followed by a major one. It's possible, though unlikely, that both earthquakes could prove to be foreshocks of an even more violent event. The unstable fault has generated nearly two dozen earthquakes that registered as magnitude 3 or greater in recent weeks. USGS calculates that there is a 9 percent chance of a magnitude 6.4 or greater tremor along the fault in the next week, and a 22 percent chance of a magnitude 6 or higher. USGS geophysicist John Bellini said he believes the 6.4 quake was "the peak of the pressure," but aftershocks can be dangerous. U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., who chairs the committee that oversees U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, urged the Trump administration to release remaining federal disaster recovery funds from Hurricane Maria and deliver new aid quickly. "The Trump administration's indifference and incompetence have already cost residents of Puerto Rico their lives and their livelihoods, and continuing that pattern now is completely unacceptable," Grijalva said in a statement. "I urge this administration to remember that lives are at stake and the public is watching." Like many Puerto Ricans, Yaritza Llabreras experienced that loss of life firsthand after Hurricane Maria, after which she lost two grandparents. Now she worried for her grandmother, who has Alzheimer's and has been bedridden for two years. After this week's earthquakes, the Llabreras family went to rescue Colon in Guanica. "When we got to the house, she didn't look well," Llabreras, 24, said, noting that her grandmother is now receiving medical treatment. But Llabreras is considering leaving the island. "If this continues, I don't know where are we going to end up," she said. - - - Corujo is a freelance journalist based in Puerto Rico. Hernandez reported from San Antonio and Schmidt reported from Washington. The Washington Post's Joel Achenbach and Jeff Stein in Washington contributed to this report. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to auction distressed private banks that are under the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework for a prolonged period, the Business Standard reported. This is part of the RBIs plan to have a different rule book for distressed banks, the report said. Under PCA, banks are temporarily put under closer scrutiny by the regulator. Subsequently, targets are given to these entities to improve their financial health on critical parameters in a time-bound manner, mainly on capital adequacy and bad assets resolution. Currently, there are six banks under PCA. These are the Central Bank of India, UCO Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, United Bank of India, IDBI Bank and Lakshmi Vilas Bank. Of these, Lakshmi Vilas is the only private bank, while IDBI is owned by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). A senior banking industry official, who requested anonymity, told this writer that RBI has no such plan to auction private banks. "An authorised entity, under certain circumstances, can auction the assets of a distressed company. But, how a company/bank itself can be auctioned? These are also governed by concerned Acts," the official said. Clampdown on co-operative banks Related stories Dinesh Unnikrishnan Deputy Editor|Firstpost.com The RBI got a shocker last year when a major scam broke out at Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank (PMC), one of the biggest banks in the countrys co-operative sector. The bank hid details of its loans from the RBI for a long time. Out of its total loan book of Rs 8,383 crore, as on 31 March 2019, about 70 percent was given to one real estate firm, HDIL. The crisis is yet to be resolved. The RBI superseded the board of PMC bank in September and the process to recover money from HDIL is still an ongoing affair. PMC was not the first co-operative bank that failed and there have been several cases in the past. But, the regulator let the sector thrive with light regulations. Early this week, the RBI overhauled the rules for co-operative banks introducing a revised Supervisory Action Framework (SAF) under which an urban co-operative bank (UCB) will come under SAF if the net non-performing assets (NPAs) cross 6 percent of the total loans. SAF is the equivalent of PCA for commercial banks. Depending on the financial health of the bank, RBI can impose further restrictions on lending and deposit-taking operations of the concerned bank. The SAF comes into effect even if the bank incurs losses for a long period. Forced mergers on the cards? While auctioning a distressed bank is a bit of a stretch, RBI could very well consider playing the role of a matchmaker to merge weak banks with stronger ones. There are several instances when RBI has done forced mergers on account of weak financial health or financial irregularities in target entities. The idea is to protect depositors money in the event of the bank's total collapse. In 2004, the erstwhile Global Trust Bank was merged with Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC). In 2006, erstwhile United Western Bank merged with IDBI and in 2010, Bank of Rajasthan merged with ICICI Bank. The poor financial health of these targeted entities was rumoured as the reason. While these are some of the large cases of mergers on account of financial distress, a number of mergers have happened among smaller banks where promoters found synergy, with no force by the regulator. In the cases of commercial banks under PCA and large UCBs under SAF too, there is a possibility that the regulator will look at merger options, according to senior bankers. But remember that many banks such as Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra and OBC that were under PCA have successfully come out of the tag. In the private sector, Dhanlaxmi Bank too managed to shed the tag. Much will also depend upon the economic recovery and ability of borrowers to generate cash flows to repay. India Inc on Wednesday hailed the government's move to further open coal mining sector and allowing non-coal companies to participate in auctions without end-use restrictions. In a bid to attract investments and boost domestic coal production, the Cabinet approved promulgation of Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 to amend Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation ) Act 1957 and Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act 2015 to open up coal mining in the country to non-coal companies while removing restrictions on end-use of the fuel. Industry body CII said the government's decision to open up coal sector without end-use restrictions will help boost both production and mining efficiency. CII President Vikram Kirloskar said allowing 100 per cent FDI in coal mining will help India not only to harness its coal reserves, which were earlier available only for captive use of steel and power, but also help many leading foreign players to establish operations in India with their new age technology in mining. This will help unleash another source of energy in times of uncertainty in global oil prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, he said. "The opening up of the sector without end-use restrictions will also boost both production and mining efficiency besides substituting import of coal worth about Rs 30,000 crore," he said. During 2018-19, around 125 million tonnes of thermal coal was imported by India, resulting in a forex outgo of around USD 8 billion (about Rs 57,000 crore), CII said. "The government's decision to do away with end-user restrictions in coal mining is a landmark reform. It shows its intent towards opening of the coal sector for attracting big ticket investments. "With this, the government has addressed a key concern of global coal mining companies. We welcome this development and now expect a very positive response to coal mining auctions that are likely in the near future," Ajay Kapur, CEO - Aluminium & Power Business, Vedanta Ltd said. Welcoming the move, Ficci said this decision will do away with the leeway provided to only steel, power and coal washeries and open the commercial coal mining bidding for all the firms. "The Cabinet decision will also do away with end-use restrictions of the mining blocks and pave the way for the first leg commercial coal auctions within this fiscal. "The move is expected to provide a big push towards efforts for auctioning of coal blocks for commercial sale. It will help attract investments from Indian and global corporates. This is also a major step towards realising the government's target to completely stop coal imports by power plants by 2024," said Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General, Ficci. After the Supreme Court cancelled 214 coal blocks in 2014, only 29 were auctioned due to end-user restrictions. The amendments will remove these controls and will also improve the ease of doing business in the country. Indian steel industry also welcomed the move with apex steel industry body Indian Steel Association (ISA) saying: "This is a huge reform announced by the government on commercial mining in Coal. This change in Act will help the country to reduce its dependence on coal imports and help attract investments from Indian and Global corporates". The step taken today was a long pending reform which will make the domestic steel industry more competitive on a global level, the association said. JSW Steel Chairman Sajjan Jindal said the move will go a long way in reducing the coal imports. "Huge reform announced by the government on commercial mining in coal. This will go a long way in reducing the coal imports which is over USD 15 billion/year," he said. In today's time when the oil prices are very uncertain, Jindal said, the decision was path breaking in making India self-reliant. JSPL Chairman V R Sharma termed the decision as a 'game changer' for the industry. "They are spreading on international platforms that using coal is damaging the environment, which is incorrect. Like we do at our Angul plant which is India's first and largest syngas-based DRI plant and coal gasification plant (CGP) for steel-making," he said. Jay Cheema, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas said: "This is a welcome step by the Government considering India's decelerating gross domestic product growth. The present move will provide impetus to the ease of doing business policy of India and will encourage private companies to foray into commercial mining in the sector, thereby aligning it with prevalent global standards". Coal Minister Joshi said it was a historic reform and the move will help create an efficient energy market, usher in competition and reduce coal imports. India's coal sector was nationalised in 1973. The move to amend the law will help India gain access to high-end technology for underground mining used by global miners. Oil and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan termed the decision as "a mother reform in the coal industry". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New York, N.Y., Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Over the last century, the mission of the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University has been to create compassionate business leaders. In 2020, the Gabelli School will celebrate its centennial year with a new sustainability partnership with PVH Corp., a global fashion and lifestyle company whose portfolio includes CALVIN KLEIN and Tommy Hilfiger, among others. Over the course of five years, PVH will dedicate $1 million to the Gabelli School of Business to enhance sustainability curriculum and support speakers, visiting scholars and academic conferences that convene global thought leaders. The Gabelli Schools vision is to become a world leader in social innovation by inspiring and equipping its graduates to be business leaders who understand the sustainability challenges that businesses face. The partnership with PVH will enable the school to become a leader in sustainability. The funding will create a yearly sustainability conference, new faculty fellowship and visiting-scholars programs, a sustainability lecture series, in addition to expanding the schools academic offerings to include courses such as sustainable accounting. Our partnership with PVH Corp. reflects an innovative model for the Gabelli School one that takes a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach toward creating impact, said Donna Rapaccioli, Ph.D., dean of the Gabelli School of Business. Strategically, we are engaging a full range of Gabelli School community members, from sponsoring a student business plan that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, to bringing in visiting scholars who are leaders in their fields. Our partnership will prove that two organizations with very similar values but in very different industries can meaningfully connect to support social and environmental good at a time when we need it most. PVH Chairman & CEO Manny Chirico graduated from the Gabelli School of Business and currently sits on the board of trustees of the University. In 2018, Chirico received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University. This partnership demonstrates PVH and Fordhams shared commitment to educate the future by harnessing the power of social responsibility for both financial successes and societal impact, said Chirico. Two major events surrounding the partnership will take place during the centennial year. On January 28, 2020, the Gabelli School will begin its centennial celebration with a large-scale event co-hosted by PVH Corp. at 205 W. 39th St. NYC, bringing together hundreds of guests from both organizations, including Chirico and Fordhams President, Fr. Joseph McShane, S.J. On March 5, 2020, more than a dozen international thought leaders in technology, global labor markets, and human capital management will convene at Work 2040: Future of Work in a Sustainable World Conference, held at the Gabelli Schools Lincoln Center campus and co-sponsored by PVH Corp. The conference will explore the emerging global trends that are shaping work and society, and uncover what companies, institutions of higher education, and policymakers are doing to prepare for this future. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Michael Benigno. About the Gabelli School of Business The Mission of the Gabelli School of Business is to inspire and empower positive global change; developing students into compassionate business leaders and supporting faculty and students in the ongoing generation of new knowledge. The Gabelli Schools vision is to become a world leader in social innovation by inspiring and equipping its graduates to be business leaders who understand the challenges in sustainability facing businesses and the potential of harnessing the power of social responsibility for both financial success and societal impact. About PVH PVH is one of the most admired fashion and lifestyle companies in the world. We power brands that drive fashion forward for good. Our brand portfolio includes the iconic CALVIN KLEIN, TOMMY HILFIGER, Van Heusen, IZOD, ARROW, Speedo(1), Warners, Olga and Geoffrey Beene brands, as well as the digital-centric True&Co. intimates brand. About Fordham University Fordham University, the Jesuit University of New York, is committed to the discovery of Wisdom and the transmission of Learning, through research and through undergraduate, graduate and professional education of the highest quality. Guided by its Catholic and Jesuit traditions, Fordham fosters the intellectual, moral and religious development of its students and prepares them for leadership in a global society. Attachments These increasing temperatures have an impact on plant and animal life. A variation of 0.3 to 1C during the non-rain months means that there is a huge difference in the day and night temperatures. Hyderabad: The year 2019 was the seventh warmest year on record according to the Indian Meteorological Department, as the average temperature was 0.36C above the 1981 to 2010 period. There have been 11 warm years since 2005-2019. Nationwide records have been maintained since 1901. The global mean surface temperature in 2019 from January to October was + 1.10C, and that means that during the non-rain months the temperature is one degree more than normal. The warmest year according to the IMD was 2016. These increasing temperatures have an impact on plant and animal life. A variation of 0.3 to 1C during the non-rain months means that there is a huge difference in the day and night temperatures. Deputy-director of the state horticulture department, K. Venugopal, explained, When the temperature in the day time rises, cooling down again is not so fast. For this reason, night temperatures are also warm. This affects plant life as there is delay in flowering. Delayed flowering from one month to one and a half months has been noted. Late flowering leads to late fruit and less yield. This has led to increased use of artificial fertilisers, coolants and maintenance of moisture to allow the plant to survive. The increasing temperatures have made farmers and also the government opt for schemes of cultivation where some part of the land is shaded and controlled temperatures will help to save plants and yield. Challenges are being seen in seasonal fruits such as mango, chikoo, guava and many others, where the high temperatures lead to delayed cycle of flowering and fruiting. Apart from plants, in the animal kingdom, high temperatures have taken a toll on tigers and lions that can remain thirsty for three days after which they have problems. Forest officials have been creating water patches for these animals so that they can survive. Birds are the worst affected, explained Dr M.A. Hakeem, deputy director of the Nehru Zoological Park, as the hot air and lack of shade-giving trees takes a toll on them. Dr Hakeem explained, The rising temperatures affect birds as they face the warm and hot winds at the upper level. They need the cool to survive. But with urbanisation and heat islands in buildings, there is only hot and warm air for them in the summer months. The increasing temperatures are taking a toll on these species and it is very important that there are more shade-giving trees which will protect them. Before summer, Hyderabad witnesses cutting of tree branches as the strong hot winds may cause weak branches to break off. This causes further loss of shade for birds. While citizens put out water for birds, it is not enough as they also require a cool environment during the peak hours of summer. The agency is likely to recommend that people who can consistently wear N95 or KN95 masks, rather than cloth masks, should do so. Coming Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. ET An oft-repeated joke about Pakistan is that it is run by three As- Allah, Army and America. Whether or not you agree with this depends on your nationality and political leaning. But it is worth remembering that truth is often best conveyed through humour. General Qasem Soleimanis sudden assassination near Baghdad International Airport at the hands of an American drone operator earlier this week has triggered a flurry of reactions across the international community. As of today, January 8, 2020, it has brought the world to the edge of war. And nowhere, with perhaps the sole exceptions of Iran and Iraq, will the consequences be more dire than on the wrong side of the Wagah border. READ | Major Gaurav Arya's LIVE Blog: US-Iran Tensions And The Dawn Of Reality Pakistan's loyalties Pakistan recognises the impact a US-Iran War will have on herself, and despite Major General Asif Ghafoors impassioned declarations that Pakistan will take no sides in such a scenario, facts prove otherwise. It is interesting to note that just a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo telephoned Pakistans Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa to brief him about Soleimanis death, the US re-extended its military technical assistance programme, the International Military Education and Training programme (IMET) to Pakistan, which had been barred from such assistance since 2018. That Pakistan accepted it in such a tense environment between America and Iran is an indication that it knows its loyalties in the hypothetical situation of war between the two countries. READ | Iran repeats S.O.S for 'friendly' India's intervention after targeting US with rockets The relationship between Pakistan and Iran Indeed, the history of Pakistan-Iran relations over the 2010s suggests that the theory of Pakistani support for the USA against Iran is not exactly unfounded. In 2010 Iranian authorities arrested Abdolmalek Rigi, the leader of Jundullah, a Sunni terrorist organisation, and hanged him the same year. Iran has claimed that Rigi was supported by the CIA to destabilise Iran, while many others within the Iranian security apparatus pointed to Jundullahs bases in Pakistan and the support provided for the group by the ISI. Senior Iranian military officials have also accused the ISI of supporting other such Sunni terror groups such as Jaish-ul Adl, which carry out acts of terror in Iran. In such an environment, and given Rawalpindis rationale of using terror as state policy in order to achieve strategic depth, it becomes clear that behind the sweet talk, Pakistan is violently anti-Iran and in the case of war, wont make any bones about its opposition to its western neighbour. The fact that in December 2018 Ansar al-Furqan, another Pakistan-based Salafi terror outfit with links to Jaish ul-Adl conducted a suicide bombing in Chabahar, where India and Iran are building on a port project, killing numerous IRGC soldiers, shows that Pakistans Iran policy is also deeply linked to its designs to weaken India and diminish the latters international stature. READ | Amid Speculation Over Plane Crash, Iran Decides Not To Hand Over Black Boxes To Boeing But what really proves the fact that Pakistan is deeply pro-US on the matter of Iran is its growing closeness with Saudi Arabia. In 2016, after a public falling out with then-Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, General Raheel Sharif resigned as the countrys COAS and was appointed the Commander of the Saudi-led Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), the latter being a tool of the Gulf states to stall the increasing influence of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and thus in the Arabian peninsula. With Nawaz Sharifs fall in 2017 as a result of what was effectively a bloodless coup, the possibility that the new establishment in Rawalpindi/Islamabad has made amends with General Sharif who is fighting the Iranians in Yemen cannot be discounted. In September 2019, the Houthis declared that they had forced three of Raheel Sharifs Pakistani brigades to surrender in Yemen after having inflicted heavy casualties on them. Such developments show that Pakistani forces are now already directly fighting Iranian proxies in the region for the USA/Saudi Arabia/UAE. Soleimani dead, Pakistan silently jubilant? It is not that Iran has not recognised this threat. Over the second half of the 2010s, Iran conducted various acts of military aggression against Pakistan, aimed at sending a signal to Pakistan to stop its meddling in Iranian affairs. On the same day in 2016 that our special forces conducted surgical strikes in PoK, Iran fired mortar shells into Balochistan in Pakistan. Similar incidents were reported in 2017, after Iranian border guards were killed by Jaish ul-Adl. Interestingly, Qassem Soleimani himself had repeatedly threatened Pakistan with dire consequences for supporting terror against Iran, as has Irans President Hassan Rouhani. With Soleimani dead, Pakistan is silently jubilant- an alliance with the Americans and Saudis will give them a free hand to continue conducting acts of terrorism in Iran to further its vested interests. No matter what Islamabad may want the world to believe, the fact of the matter remains that this is yet another Pakistani ploy to pull the wool over the international communitys eyes. Pakistan is ready to jump into the tense geopolitical environment on the side of the USA and its Middle Eastern allies. America, as we see, is not going anywhere. And in the cloistered corridors of power in Rawalpindi, AAA- Allah, America and Army- remains the golden word. READ | Here's how rising crude oil prices due to Iran-US escalation could benefit Saudi Arabia The progressive movement's favorite candidates suddenly seem to be moving in opposite directions. Warren was surging through the fall, but she had stalled in the polls even before posting an underwhelming $21 million fundraising quarter last week. Sanders' poll numbers are improving and he dominated the field with a $34.5 million quarter virtually all of it from small-dollar donors. Winning the nomination will require more than cash and polls, however. Organization reigns in Iowa's quirky caucus system, and there are strong indications that Warren's team on the ground in several states, especially Iowa, is for real. But for now, Sanders seems to have a distinct edge. As you were recovering from your New Year's festivities, billionaire activist Tom Steyer was announcing the hiring of delegate guru Jeff Berman. It was a big get for Steyer, who has struggled to find a foothold in the crowded primary but has the resources to carve his own path to the nomination if the stars align. Berman, the architect of Barack Obama's delegate strategy, told The Associated Press that Steyer's path would feature a strong showing in the many states that hold primary contests in March. That mirrors Michael Bloomberg's plan as well, and the New York billionaire has gone so far as to declare that he's skipping Iowa and the other three states to hold elections in February. Lest anyone need a reminder, Bloomberg is starting his week in California, which is Super Tuesday's biggest prize. The first four states will be critical, but the 2020 billionaires are using their fortunes to ensure the race extends long beyond Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. I said when we saw what the arena is that we would be sending members in, then we would send over the articles, Pelosi said, according to video footage. We havent seen that, so I dont know how many more times I have to say that and how many times you want to ask it. But when we see the arena in which this will happen we will then be prepared to send articles, the pay fors, and the managers. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Spectrum Health is hosting a same day hire event for more than 50 positions at West Michigan Works! on Thursday. The openings are for full- and part-time positions in the areas of nutrition and environmental services, and include jobs such as cooks, cashiers, room service, cleaning, tray delivery, wayfinding and more. Spectrum says people interested in the jobs can apply online at spectrumhealth.org/careers prior to attending the job fair. The open positions, which have a $12 an hour starting wage, can also be seen on MiTalent.org by searching job codes 10403809 and 10403814. Attendees can also apply for the positions at the event, said Spectrum spokesperson Tim Hawkins. In a news release, Spectrum said attendees will be offered on-site, same day interviews, and for successful candidates immediate hires. These service positions are the foundation of our organization, providing tasks essential to the day-to-day operations of our health system, said Kevin Vos, senior director of hospitality support services at Spectrum Health. They also provide employees a foot in the door and the opportunity to advance within the organization. Spectrum Health touts itself as the largest employer in West Michigan. The organization, which consists of 14 hospitals and 155 sites across the region, has more than 31,000 employees. Photo taken on May 26, 2018, showing the actual Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 UR-PSR plane that crashed on Jan. 8, 2020, on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran. This Ukrainian airplane carrying 176 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran's main airport, killing all onboard, Iranian state TV and officials in Ukraine said. (AP Photo/Oleg Belyakov) Ukrainian Airlines Crash Near Tehran Kills 63 Canadians, 176 in Total One of the worst aviation disasters involving Canadians SHAHEDSHAHR, Iran Dozens of Canadians some believed to be university studentswere among the 176 people killed when a Ukrainian passenger plane crashed minutes after takeoff from Tehrans main airport, Ukraines government said on Jan. 8. Ukraines Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737800, which was en route to Kyiv when it went down in a field, was carrying 63 Canadians, 82 Iranians, 11 Ukrainian passengers and crew, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans, and three Britons. There were no survivors, authorities said. Ukrainian authorities initially said it appeared mechanical failure was to blame, but later walked that back, saying nothing had been ruled out. Canadian Foreign Minister FrancoisPhilippe Champagne said on Jan. 8 that he had been in touch with the government of Ukraine. Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims, including many Canadians, he tweeted. Payman Paseyan, a member of the IranianCanadian community in Edmonton, said multiple people from the city, including many international students, were on the flight and he knew many of the passengers. They leave behind families and people they love and they come to Canada and often theyre second guessing, Should I leave my family behind to do this? Paseyan said. Then they move here and they do all this just to board a plane and have it all washed away. Its devastating. Global Affairs Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the crash, which comes amid increased tension in the region following the American assassination of a top Iranian general near Baghdad and retaliatory missile attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq. However, the agency warned against any nonessential travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation, the regional threat of terrorism and the risk of arbitrary detention. The agency said Canadians, particularly those holding dual CanadianIranian citizenship, were at risk of being arbitrarily questioned, arrested, and detained. Iran does not recognize dual nationality and Canada will not be granted consular access to dual CanadianIranian citizens, Global Affairs said. Paseyan said members of the IranianCanadian community learned of the crash while being glued to the news after the missile attacks in Iraq of Jan. 7. Many were expecting their friends and families members to come back [and] were well aware what flight they were on, said Paseyan, a former president of the Iranian Heritage Society of Edmonton. They were worried about their family members that were in Iran, and now this has compounded that with worry for the community. Ukraines ambassador to Canada, Andriy Shevchenko, said his heart was broken. We will have to go through this terrible pain together with our Canadian brothers and sisters, Shevchenko said in a tweet. The plane, fully loaded with fuel for its 2,300kilometre flight, slammed into farmland near the town of Shahedshahr on the outskirts of Tehran. Videos show fires lighting up the darkened fields before dawn and rows of body bags laid out along the side of a road. Airline officials said most of the passengers had planned to transit through Kyiv to other destinations. The plane had been delayed from taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport by almost an hour. It never made it higher than 2,400 metres, data from the flighttracking website FlightRadar24 indicates. Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Irans Road and Transportation Ministry, said it appeared fire erupted in one of the planes engines. The pilot then lost control and the plane crashed to the ground, Biniaz said, according to the staterun IRNA news agency. Resident Din Mohammad Qassemi said he was watching the news when he heard the crash. I heard a massive explosion and all the houses started to shake. There was fire everywhere, he told The Associated Press. At first I thought [the Americans] have hit here with missiles and went in the basement as a shelter. After a while, I went out and saw a plane has crashed over there. Body parts were lying around everywhere. AP journalists at the crash site saw a wide field of debris, with the casualties lying among shattered pieces of the aircraft. Their possessionsa childs cartooncovered electric toothbrush, a stuffed animal, luggage and electronicsstretched everywhere. It was one of the worst aviation disasters involving Canadians. In 1985 a bomb exploded and killed 329 people aboard an Air India flight. Air India Flight 182 from Montreal to New Delhi exploded over the Atlantic Ocean near Great Britain on June 23, 1985. Most of the victims were Canadian. The vast majority of passengers on the flight to Ukraine that crashed near Tehran Wednesday morning were not Ukrainian nationals, security authorities in Kiev said. "There were two Ukrainian passengers and nine Ukrainian crew members on board" the Boeing 737, said Ukraine's national security council, which is overseeing a crisis team. The plane was carrying over 170 people, all of whom died in the crash. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Park Ridge Police Department Executive Officer Tom Gadomski said all of the tickets were issued to drivers who were not buckled up. Many, he said, had secured the seat belts to keep the cars warning bell from sounding while they were driving, but they then sat on top of the belts. WIT Inc. is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the fifth annual Great Lakes Business Intelligence (BI) and Big Data Summit. The Summit will take place Thursday, March 30, 2017 at the Detroit Marriott Troy in Troy, Michigan. This is a premier business analytics conference for any IT and BI professionals who is interested in discovering best practices to tackle real-world big data issues. In its In the wake of rising tensions, recent military strikes between the U.S. and Iran and a Ukrainian jet crash, the Federal Aviation Administration has barred U.S. civilian flights over Iraq, Iran, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The FAA issued a notice to airmen on Tuesday night, the same night Iran launched dozens of missiles at a pair of Iraqi bases that house American troops in response to last weeks U.S. drone strike that killed top Iranian military and intelligence commander Qassem Soleimani. The notice also comes as a Ukrainian passenger jet carrying 176 people crashed on Wednesday, just minutes after taking off from Tehran. The crash came just hours after Irans attack on the U.S. bases. The FAA will continue closely monitoring events int he Middle East, the FAA said in a statement. We continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with U.S. air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities. #FAA Statement: #NOTAMs issued outlining flight restrictions that prohibit U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. pic.twitter.com/kJEbpPddp3 The FAA (@FAANews) January 8, 2020 President Donald Trump, who said the strike against Soleimani was geared toward thwarting imminent threats against Americans, plans to make a statement regarding Iran on Wednesday morning. Weve gotten so snarled up with debate over witnesses that the two leaders havent been able to come to terms on this first phase, Murkowski, who met privately with McConnell on Monday evening, said Tuesday. Stressing her support for the majority leaders plan, she added: I'm going to make sure that weve laid out very clearly what this framework is in terms of timeline and the ability to move to witnesses. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You should upgrade or use an You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser NAUGATUCK A Naugatuck resident faces several years in prison on federal charges linked to false tax returns, officials said Tuesday. Ana Nunez, also known as Ana Pagoaga, 48, pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court on Tuesday, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney for Connecticut John Durham. Nunez owned and operated Nunez MultiServices, a tax return preparation service based in Naugatuck. From 2011 through at least 2014, the news release said, Nunez falsified information on tax returns prepared for clients. On those returns, Nunez allegedly inflated income or created fictitious income, falsified expenses and falsified deductions. The news release some of the falsified expenses would include education and child care costs and falsified deductions would include things like business mileage. Nunez pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return. The charge carries a maximum term of three years in federal prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. Sorry! This content is not available in your region The mind-broadening capacity of one person with a microphone feels more important than ever at a time when thesis seems to be losing the battle with tagline. Talks and seminars share DNA with stand-up for this reason. That many of these can be eye-wateringly funny to boot is an added bonus. So as we're forced to get used to horrid haircuts either side of this little island, take comfort in the crop of excellent stand-up talent in this country that will be augmented this year by some choice overseas guests and illuminating speakers. The Sugar Club, Dublin (January 19) Brass Eye was one of the most notorious and incisive TV comedies in broadcasting history, one that cut so close to the bone, it heaped controversy at the feet of its creator Chris Morris. This night at Leeson Street is devoted to the show that caught everyone - including celebrities who queued up to embarrass themselves by endorsing its invented campaigns - on the hop. Director Michael Cumming will be in conversation about working with Morris, as well as introducing Oxide Ghosts: The Brass Eye Tapes, his behind-the-scenes documentary. Tickets from www.sugarclubdublin.com Tommy Tiernan Nationwide (January 7 - February 29) Tiernan is at risk of becoming more synonymous with his improvised RTE chat show and his considerable acting chops (on stage and screen) rather than his stand-up excellence. An extensive, month-long nationwide tour is an ideal way to see the Navan motormouth in his natural habitat, the place where he can go off-piste in a way TV doesn't allow so readily. All dates are sold out, but you never know your luck. Try Ticketmaster or www.tommedian.com Marian Keyes, in Conversation National Concert Hall, Dublin (February 3) Few are able to cut to the big issues in these complicated lives of ours via laughter quite like Keyes. The proof of the pudding is in the 35 million-odd sales she's enjoyed since her 1995 debut novel Watermelon, with a devoted following ready to welcome new novel Grown Ups. Keyes' sharp wit and keen observational skills are just as formidable in the live setting, as anyone who gets along to this launch night will discover. (Roddy Doyle will also get the Earlsfort Terrace treatment on March 25 for the release of his new novel, Love). Tickets available from www.nch.ie David McSavage: Poor Me and the Bastards Olympia, Dublin (February 13) Now you see him, now you don't - this seems to be the rhythm of David McSavage's profile, meaning any chance to catch new material should be snatched at. Deprived as we are of his laceratingly funny The Savage Eye comedy series, we may have forgotten just how pointed and unrestrained he can be, especially when he's got a good old Irish chip on his shoulder to explore. As with the most vital stand-ups, a vague undertow of danger makes McSavage an evergreen prospect. Tickets available from Ticketmaster or www.olympia.ie Robert Fisk, in Conversation RDS, Dublin & UCC, Cork (February 18 & 21) Video of the Day The permanent air of instability much of the Middle East exists in has made it an excruciatingly hard area to get a clear geopolitical perspective on. Central to this are decades of outside meddling by resource-hungry governments and widespread religious zealotry. Award-winning journalist and author Fisk has been embedded in the Arab world for more than 40 years as a Middle East correspondent. Expect a nuanced, first-hand take on events too often blurred by the fog of war. Tickets available on www.seminars.ie Catherine Bohart Comedy Cavern, Cork, and Whelans and Draiocht, Dublin (March 5-7) Dubliner Bohart studied acting in London but after her career stalled, she moved into the world of comedy and never looked back, winning awards for her stand-up material and becoming a staple of UK comedy television (both on camera and in the writing room). Openly bisexual - she featured in a devilish roast against partner and fellow comedienne Sarah Keyworth - no subject is off limits, so faint hearts should approach with caution. Everyone else, meanwhile, is advised to check out one of the country's most talented female comics on this brief home visit. Tickets available via Ticketmaster or www.catherinebohart.com Ger Staunton: Friend of your Dad Whelans, Dublin (March 11) A rising star who has creased sides in the UK, US and mainland Europe, Staunton headlines Wexford Street with new material plus routines from last year's triumphant Edinburgh Fringe show. The Castlebar native creates a tempo all his own, unpackaging his deadpan, immaculately woven anecdotal riffs with a smooth pace and a dark twinkle that has no qualms about upsetting safe sensibilities (as all comedians should). Touring commitments outside the Pale and overseas can be found on www.gerstaunton.com Trevor Noah: Loud & Clear 3Arena, Dublin (March 21) While some may argue he took his time, Noah has settled in as host of The Daily Show after it felt like no one could replace the exceptional Jon Stewart. Like Stewart and so many of the best political comics down the years, stand-up is where Noah began life. Thus, this live date should see a looser incarnation than we're used to as the South African star gives both barrels to the demagogues and spoofers that litter global politics these days. Tickets available from Ticketmaster. Deirdre O'Kane's Live From Dublin Olympia (April 8-11) O'Kane will be the ringmaster for this new Sky One comedy series being filmed in the hallowed Dame Street venue. Over four nights and one matinee show, O'Kane and her house band will host a variety of big-name comic talent from Ireland and the UK as well as promising up-and-comers. It's too early to say who will be on the bill, but you could do much worse than popping along to any of these instalments to see who turns up. At the very least, you'll have O'Kane's charisma and stage-smarts to look forward to. Tickets available from Ticketmaster or www.olympia.ie Former Bordentown Township police chief Frank Nucera was found guilty in October of lying to the FBI as jurors deadlocked on two more serious hate crime charges. News of that trial result had barely set in before federal prosecutors announced they would retry Nucera on the remaining two counts, related to accusations he struck a handcuffed black teenager during an arrest in 2016. The new trial is now slated to begin with jury selection March 16 in federal court in Camden, after attorneys on the case had a conference call Monday with U.S. District Judge Robert Kugler, records show. But well before that, near the end of this month, Kugler will have to rule on a sharply worded motion to toss the verdict that argues black jurors, court staff and even the judge himself tainted the deliberations. The December motion, from Nuceras attorney Rocco Cipparone, came attached with sworn affidavits from four white jurors in the case who said they felt the deliberations in the case were tainted by racial bias against Nucera. Central to the governments case were 81 recordings of the former chief making racist remarks on the job. During jury selection, prospective jurors had to demonstrate understanding that the remarks, while offensive, did not constitute a crime on their own. One juror stated that bullying, racial tension and unfounded accusations influenced deliberations, according to the motion. The juror said she felt she would be labeled a racist if she did not vote to convict Nucera, who is white. There were frequent smoke breaks to get away from the heated arguments going on in the jury room. At one point, a juror said he was so angry, he was ready to rip a sink off the wall in the courthouse bathroom. And there was crying and shouting too. One of the jurors would later seek counseling. Cipparone wrote that one of the three black jurors was not forthcoming about supposed racial and anti-police bias. Three black people - all women - and nine white people served on the jury during the trial. Cipparone described one of the black jurors as a stealth juror who hid her belief that police regularly mistreat black men, partially influenced by officers once stopping her son three times in a night for driving while black. She should have been stricken from the jury pool, Cipparone argued. He also referenced quotes that juror gave to the Philadelphia Inquirer the night the mistrial was declared. Another upset juror wanted to tell Kugler about "serious disrespect going on in the jury room - specifically that people were shouting and being called racist, and was told she could write him a note. But there were no envelopes, and she didnt want the jury foreman reading her note. There was no means to contact him anonymously. Kugler came into the deliberation room and advised the jurors to leave personal feelings out of the deliberations. Another black juror said one white juror did not want to convict Nucera and wouldve let him get away with shooting Timothy Stroye, the teenager Nucera was accused of striking. The court will have a hearing on the motion on Jan. 29. Kugler has said he intends to move forward with sentencing on the false statements count, which is scheduled for Feb. 6. Joe Brandt can be reached at jbrandt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JBrandt_NJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips An American defense contractor whose death late last month was cited by President Donald Trump amid escalating violence with Iran was identified Tuesday as an interpreter who was born in Iraq and lived in Sacramento. Nawres Hamid, 33, became a naturalized citizen in 2017, according to his widow. He was the father of two boys, ages 2 and 8, she said. In recent years, as an Arabic interpreter for U.S. forces in Iraq, Hamid was known to decorate his living space with pictures of the children, according to a co-worker. Hamid was killed on Dec. 27 when U.S. authorities say an Iranian-backed militia fired rockets at a military base near the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk. The attack, which injured several coalition troops, prompted Trump to order missile strikes against Iraqi militias. That in turn led to a New Year's Eve assault on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and a retaliatory strike by the United States that killed Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian military commander. Hamid's death has been a rallying cry for Trump. In a tweet on Dec. 31, Trump wrote: "Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!" Hamid's body was returned to the United States and buried Saturday in Sacramento, his widow, Noor Alkhalili, said in a text-message exchange with The Washington Post on Tuesday. The Sacramento Bee first reported that Hamid had been buried at the Greater Sacramento Muslim Cemetery and that his employer, Virginia-based Valiant Integrated Services, had paid for the funeral. In a brief statement posted on its website on Tuesday, the company called Hamid a "consummate professional and highly committed member of the Valiant team who was cherished and valued by his colleagues." Rep. Doris Matsui of California, a Democrat who represents the Sacramento area, said in a statement: "Our U.S. military has relied on the expertise and professionalism of linguists in almost every mission around the globe, especially in Iraq. Nawres served and sacrificed for our nation, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. My thoughts and prayers are with Nawres' widow and children at this time." - - - The Washington Post's Aaron Gregg, Paul Sonne, Shawn Boburg, Dalton Bennett, Alice Crites and Julie Tate contributed to this report. New Delhi, Jan 8 : The Congress has attacked JNU Vive Chancellor for the violence that took place on January 5 and demanded his resignation. Former union minister P. Chidambaram said in a tweet on Wednesday that the VC should leave the University. "The VC of JNU wants students to 'put the past behind'. He should follow his own advice. He is the past. He should leave JNU." While another senior leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "JNU VC hasn't owned up to his responsibility of ensuring the campus' safety & is now conveniently missing. The police registered FIRs against students while goons ran riot in the campus. The law & order system seems to be unsupportive of our own people! Who are they siding with??" A Congress fact finding team visited JNU on Wednesday. The team headed by Sushmita Dev went to the Sabarmati hostel which bore the brunt of violent attack on Sunday. The team also interacted with the students and people present at the time of the assault. A team member and former NSUI president of JNU, Syed Naseer Hussain, said, "The situation is grim and we will submit the report to Congress President." The team comprises of MPs Naseer Hussain, Hibi Eden and Amrita Dhawan. The Congress on Tuesday attacked the government for not arresting the culprits who were involved in the attack in the campus and instead filed FIR against the JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh and the victims. The official Twitter handle of the Congress tweeted: "40 hours since the violent attacks in JNU & the Delhi Police has failed to arrest a single perpetrator, despite the glaring evidence. Is the police so incompetent under Amit Shah? Instead they file an FIR against a victim of the attack. Disgraceful." As Congress returns to Washington, NAFCU has launched its 2020 legislative and regulatory priorities to ensure credit unions operate in an environment in which they can thrive. Throughout the week, NAFCUs award-winning advocacy team will be on Capitol Hill sharing the priorities with lawmakers to keep credit union issues top of mind. As your Washington Watchdog, NAFCU takes seriously the charge to stand up for credit unions and the communities they serve, said NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger. To accomplish this, NAFCU will advocate for a legislative and regulatory environment that allows credit unions to grow and continue to deliver affordable financial products to their members. We look forward to meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to highlight issues critical to our industry, ensuring credit unions are considered at every turn where policies are being made or passed. Building upon NAFCUs five tenets, which have steered the industry toward countless wins in recent years, NAFCUs 2020 priorities include: The most recent Star Wars movie, The Rise of Skywalker. I cant say Im a Star Wars fan. Ive seen all of them. The first one was completely amazing. It was the first time we saw ships with rust on them. Thats what I remember from back then. This was more a flashback, tying things together. You know the characters and you know what to expect. The ending was interesting. I have a different viewpoint of what I would have done, but thats just my warped sense. Good triumphs over evil. It doesnt get much better than that. Bangkok: Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has urged people to turn off taps and shower less to cope with a drought afflicting northern and central Thailand. Last week, Bangkok's water authority said the capital's tap water was becoming saline as seawater pushed up the depleted Chao Phraya river, a source of much of central Thailand's water. The Thai PM has told citizens to shorten their showers or shower less. Credit:RM/File The cabinet agreed on Tuesday to spend 3 billion baht ($144 million) on boreholes and pipes to extract ground water to relieve a drought that is expected to worsen in the next few months, a government spokeswoman told reporters. Thailand's dry season started in November and usually lasts through April, although this year authorities say it could go on through June. A drought has been declared in 14 provinces in the central, northern and northeastern farming regions. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 As a profession, we are uniquely placed to support victims as they require legal advice, and every lawyer should consider pro bono aid for those affected, she said. Its heartening to see that so many individuals in the profession have stepped up with offers of pro bono assistance. Wright lauded the professions support for victims, which is being channelled through the nations law societies, bar associations, legal aid organisations, community legal associations, and law firms efforts. Wright said that bushfire victims can seek assistance by directly contacting the law societies and bar associations in their state or territory. National Legal Aid and Community Legal Centres Australia can also direct victims to legal aid services and community legal centres for their area. In New South Wales, Tim Game SC, NSW Bar Association president, thanked Rural Fire Service (RFS) and ADF personnel, as well as volunteers, for their continuous work to help communities during the crisis. He reminded barristers affected by the fires that BarCare is available to offer confidential counselling services and that the Barristers Benevolent Fund is also available to help members that need financial support. He also encouraged those who want to help to visit this NSW RFS page and this WIRES page for more information. In recent weeks we have witnessed, and continue to witness, the devastation wrought by bushfires and the resulting terrible loss of life, homes and property. Our thoughts are with all affected by the bushfires, Game said. The strike called by trade unions and farmers bodies had a perceptible impact in Bihar where people hit the streets on Wednesday demanding workers rights and denouncing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the proposed country-wide implementation of NRC. The Left parties have extended their support to the strike. The state capital woke up to huge inconveniences caused by auto-rickshaws staying off the roads, throwing normal life out of gear in a city where public transport is virtually non-existent and the three-wheeler is the most popular form of commute. "We are in support of the strike called by central trade unions. We stand with the various outfits in their demands to which we add our own the ban on diesel vehicles imposed by the state government be immediately called off", declared Ajay Patel, president of the Auto Mens Union, Patna. The Nitish Kumar government had decided to ban, as an anti-pollution measure, diesel-run auto-rickshaws from January 31 this year while providing subsidies to vehicle owners for CNG conversion. "It is not going to be confined to auto-rickshaws only. Those engaged in driving buses, trucks, lorries besides mechanics working at garages are being seen on the streets", Raj Kumar Jha, general secretary of All India Transport Workers Federation said. On the streets of the city, thousands of men and women marched carrying gigantic banners inscribed with slogans in support of their demands and critical of "divisive government policies", beside names of parties like CPI, CPI(M) and CPI (ML) and affiliates like All India Progressive Womens Association. A large number of Anganwadi workers, wearing headbands inscribed with slogans opposing the Labour Code Bill and demanding regularization of jobs and increase in wages were also seen among the protesters. In Begusarai, a Left bastion till the 1990s, which had earned the district the epithet "Leningrad of Bihar", striking workers staged demonstrations at various places. At one such demonstration in Balia block, hundreds of woman stood carrying a banner calling "vibhajankari" (divisive) the recently introduced CAA, the NPR which is underway and the NRC which is expected to be implemented in future. Similar scenes were witnessed in Nawada and Bhagalpur districts. The strike led to less than normal attendance at banks, government offices and educational institutions where those owing allegiance to the trade unions involved in the strike stayed off work. However, no incident of violence or conflict was reported from anywhere across the state, police sources said. The strike has been called by trade unions INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC, along with various sectoral independent federations and associations. Their demands include a minimum pension of Rs 6,000 for everyone, minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, adequate supply of ration to people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON A machete-wielding mans attack on American Jews in New York on the seventh night of Hanukkah last month was yet another chilling reminder that a wave of hateful anti-Semitism still infects our country. In the New York City suburb of Monsey, New York, the man charged through the front door of the rabbis home, just as the candlelight ceremony was winding down, wielding a machete nearly the length of a broomstick. The attacker swung his weapon at the fleeing Jews, including children and elderly, as the guests headed out the back door or into the adjoining synagogue. At least five people were wounded, and the assailant was arrested and charged with five counts of attempted murder. The attack in Monsey, nearly 30 miles from New York City, shook a region where Jews have recently been targets of other attackers. Several weeks earlier, four people were fatally shot in what officials called a targeted attack on a Jersey City (New Jersey) kosher grocery store motivated by hatred of Jews and law enforcement, The Washington Post reported earlier this week. Across the nation similar attacks were also terrorizing Jews, and have triggered calls from top Jewish leaders in Los Angeles for the FBI and President Trump to do more to prevent terrorist violence and hate crimes in the U.S. after a series of anti-Semitic attacks, some deadly, across the country in December, the Los Angeles Daily News reported this week. I do not recall a time in American history more serious than this moment. ... [The] FBI has the resources to do this job, Rabbi Marvin Hier, of the Simon Wiesenthal Center at the Museum of Tolerance on L.A.s west side, told the newspaper. We need to combat this cancer before it gets worse, Hier said. Last April, a 19-year-old carrying an AR-15 stormed a synagogue in Poway near San Diego, the paper further reported. He shot four people, killing one woman, and injuring the synagogues rabbi. This is a story that should be leading the nightly news, with screaming headlines across the front pages of our nations leading newspapers. But it isnt getting the attention and outrage that it deserves. Rabbi Peter Levi, the regional director of the Anti-Defamation League of Orange County and Long Beach, said he couldnt remember another time when so many anti-Semitic attacks happened in such a short span. Thats led to intense anxiety in the Jewish community, the paper reported. This is an unparalleled level of violence, he said. (American Jews) are aware that something is going on in our country and our world right now that is unacceptable. And its getting worse a lot worse. Local hate crimes were at five-year highs in 2018 in Southern California, according to local officials. In L.A. County, 521 hate crimes were recorded in 2018, a 2.6 percent rise. In Orange County there were 67 hate crimes, an 11 percent increase, the newspaper said. What does President Trump say about all of this? Well, not that much, really. In the wake of the Monsey attack, Trump called anti-Semitism a scourge that must be eradicated. And what is his Justice Department doing about it? Well, last July the department convened a summit to come up with a plan to fight anti-Semitism, calling this issue an important priority. If thats the case, not much is getting done on that score. And then theres this sleepy call to action from Attorney General William Barr last July that leaves one guessing whether anythings going to get done. I am deeply concerned about the rise in hate crimes and political violence that we have seen over the past decade, Barr said. Were still waiting. Then there was the violent Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, where anti-Semitism was on full display and where a white supremacist plowed his car into a crowd of counterprotesters, killing one of them. When Trump was asked what he thought of the rally, he replied there were some very fine people on both sides. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Barrie Keeffe, who has died aged 74, was a noted British writer who was prolific across TV, radio and the stage but was best known for the film The Long Good Friday. This feature, made in 1979 but not released generally until 1981, was initially only a modest success but has come to be considered a classic and ranks highly in polls of all-time best British movies. It provided breakthrough roles for Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren and gave Pierce Brosnan his first feature film role (as a silent, smiling IRA gunman). Keeffe was born and raised in East Ham, east London, and attended East Ham Grammar before joining the Stratford Express in 1964, working for the paper until 1975. Here his beat led him to meet East End criminals and witness the Krays empire as it came apart. A debut novel, Gadabout, was published in 1969 to little notice. An admirer of Joan Littlewoods socially conscious plays at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, Keefe began writing plays, debuting with a television play, The Substitute, in 1972. His first theatre play Only a Game was produced in 1973 and two years later he dedicated himself to being a full-time dramatic writer. His plays reflected socially conscious themes and 1977 saw Gimme Shelter and Barbarians produced, both receiving a strong response Barbarians has been performed many times since, most recently in 2015. Keeffe noted, I write plays for people who wouldnt be seen dead in the theatre, describing how the hostility and prejudice he experienced growing up in a London Irish family informed his writing. Across the 1970s Keeffe regularly produced plays for theatre, radio and TV, but it was his desire to write a gangster film that would ensure he left a lasting impression. Originally titled The Paddy Factor, Keeffe developed The Long Good Friday from encounters he had with East End criminals as a reporter, noting also, while living in Greenwich, how the Isle of Dogs was to be developed. Made in 1979 with John Mackenzie directing, the film concerns a middle-aged cockney gangster who is determined to go legit by developing what would become Canary Wharf only to find his plans thwarted via the IRA. It is a seminal British movie, predicting the huge changes under way in east London and setting a template for London gangster films that would often be copied but never bettered. Bob Hoskins made his name in The Long Good Friday (Moviestore/Rex) Yet The Long Good Friday almost didnt get released after financial backer the Lew Grade Organisation, hated the result, describing it as IRA propaganda. George Harrisons Handmade Films purchased the film for 850,000, finally releasing it in 1981. Harrison later said that if he had been aware how violent Keeffes film was, he would never have purchased it. Keeffe kept busy during this time, writing several plays, one of which, 1979s Sus, dealt with brutal London police officers who use the sus laws to arrest a black man purely on suspicion of committing a crime. Sus was well received in the UK and internationally Keeffe noted that productions in Pakistan and India transformed the race element to those nations caste systems. Keefe loved popular music and described Barbarians as his attempt to capture the energy of punk. In 1979 he wrote Waterloo Sunset, a television play named after The Kinks classic hit, and this led to him to co-write Chorus Girls (1981) with Ray Davies. This comic musical was staged at Theatre Royal, Stratford East, but failed to connect with audiences. The Long Good Fridays reputation continued to grow over the years. Keeffe twice tried to write sequels one set two years later, another 20 years on but neither were produced. Oddly, the films success did not lead to further work writing screenplays beyond the 2010 film version of Sus by director Robert Heath, but this feature received little attention when released. Keeffe was married four times, including the novelist and theatre director Verity Bargate (who died in 1981). He is survived by his fourth wife, Jacky Stoller, and Bargates two sons. Barrie Colin Keeffe, writer, born 31 October 1945, died 10 December 2019 The UP Special Task Force (STF) and police units of different districts arrested at least 28 people from across the state for attempting to leak question papers of UP Teachers Eligibility Test (UP-TET)-2019, planting solvers in place of original candidates and using unfair means, officials said. The STF unearthed two gangs allegedly involved in attempting to leak question papers and arrested five people, including an inter-college principal in Ghazipur district, and 18 people, including a college manager and 11 members of solvers gangs in separate operations, in Prayagraj. Four alleged members of a solvers gang were arrested in Jaunpur as well. A policeman was nabbed in Mainpuri when he was appearing as a solver. Inspector general (IG) of police, Law and Order, Praveen Kumar said further raids were on and more arrests were likely in connection with attempt to compromise the examination process. Inspector general, STF, Amitabh Yash said Paras Singh Kushwaha, the principal of Ghazipurs Buddham Saranam Inter College, was allegedly involved in attempting to leak the question paper before the exam began. The IG said the principal had collected 1.5 lakh each from 50 examinees (total 75 lakh), assuring to help them in clearing the TET. He said the principal took help from his accomplices Chandrahas Kushwaha, Ajit Kushwaha, Chandrapal Kushwaha and school clerk Siyaram Singh Yadav. Yash said Ajit Kushawaha clicked pictures of C and D sets of questions at least 12 minutes before the start of the first shift of the examination at around 10am and shared it with Chandrahas on WhatsApp. He said the gangs plan was to solve the question papers at Glorious Public School located near the inter college, where the exam centre was allotted and provide the answers to their preferred candidates. The school is also owned by Paras Singh Kushwaha. He said all five people were arrested while trying to compromise the examination process and photographs of the questions papers were recovered from Ajits cell phone. The IG said Paras was earlier arrested for compromising the entrance test of UP Polytechnics in 2016 and sent to jail. He said 27 examinees appeared in the polytechnic entrance test at his college and topped the exam. An inquiry exposed the nexus. Besides, a case of attempt to murder was lodged against Paras in 2016, he added. In Prayagraj, the STF arrested seven people, including Chandrama Singh Yadav, who is the manager of Pancham Lal Ashram Junior High School where the TET centre was allotted. A senior police said Yadav was a local politician and had been the representative of a cabinet minister in the recent past. The IG said the school manager, along with Sanjay Singh alias Umesh alias Guru ji, was arrested for their involvement in compromising the examination process. The five others were railway technician Amit Yadav alias Babu, Ashwani Srivastava, Rajesh Kumar Mishra, Vinod Kumar Shah and Rajendra Kumar Yadav alias Raji, he added. He said the gang leader had roped in the school manager by promising to pay him a big amount for leaking the question papers before the exam timings. Yash said the STF seized 180 cell phones phones with pre-activated SIM cards that the gang had planned to distribute to their preferred candidates to share answer keys. Besides, 4.11 lakh collected from the candidates were also seized from their possession, he added. Chandrama Singh Yadav is a former working committee member of BJPs Kisan Morcha and one of the six designated representatives of a prominent state cabinet minister. The STF arrested a proxy candidate Dharamraj Bhartiya, appearing in place of original candidate Bhanu Pratap, from another examination centre at Modern Inter College in Prayagraj. He said Bhanu had hired Dharamraj by offering him 40,000. He said Bhanu had prepared his fake identity proof by replacing his photograph with Dharamrajs. In a separate operation by the Prayagraj police, a joint team of the Crime Branch and Cantonment police station busted a solvers gang and arrested ten of its members with admit cards and some cash. The gang members included seven proxy candidates appearing in place of the original aspirants. ASP Anil Kumar Yadav said the arrested persons were identified as Ankit Pandey of Utraon area who is the kingpin of the gang, Dharmendra aka DK of Soraon, Saroj Kumar of Bihar. The other seven persons, all solvers, were identified as Ankush Kumar, Arvind Kumar, Tuntun Das, Ashok Kumar, Ashish Kumar, Rishi Muni Mistri, all from different districts of Bihar and Krishna Mohan Gupta of Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh. In Mainpuri, a Pratgapgarh-based policeman, identified as Bhupendra Singh, was arrested for appearing in UPTET for Aditya Yadav. He admitted that he had accepted the offer in lieu of Rs 60,000, according to the police. Previous attempts to compromise TET Dec 8, 2019: The STF had busted a solvers gang after arrest of 10 people in Moradabad during Central Teachers Eligibility Test (C-TET). The gang was operated by four people from Moradabad and Amroha while they hired six solvers from Bihar to appear as proxy candidates in place of aspirants. Nov 18, 2018: As many as 32 people were arrested by STF and different district police units for using or helping use unfair means from across the state during the previous UP teachers eligibility test-2018. The STF busted a solvers gang after arresting six people from Moradabad while another major solvers gang was unearthed by the Hardoi district police team after the arrest of eight people, including a woman solver. By Trend Azerbaijans Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov has arrived in Turkey to attend the opening ceremony of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, Trend reports with reference to Azerbaijans Energy Ministry. The ceremony to be held in Istanbul Jan. 8, along with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be attended by senior government representatives from several other countries. Construction work on the Turkish Stream project began in 2017. The Turkish Stream gas pipeline will pass along the bottom of the Black Sea to the European part of Turkey and further to the border with Greece. The first branch is intended for supplying the Turkish market, the second - for deliveries to the countries of Southern and Southeast Europe. The throughput of each branch is 15.7 billion cubic meters. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Trump announces 'powerful' sanctions but not military retaliation after Iran missile strikes originally appeared on abcnews.go.com President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday morning from the White House, de-escalating a crisis with Iran following its missile strikes overnight on two bases in Iraq where U.S. troops are stationed. "I'm pleased to inform you the American people should be extremely grateful and happy," Trump said. "No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime." Trump announced that the U.S. would be imposing "powerful" and "punishing" economic sanctions against Iran, but refrained from any immediate threats of military action against the Iranian regime even though he had said he would strike back if Iran attacked the U.S. President Trump: "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world." https://t.co/hxG8akh6nJ pic.twitter.com/gF0L6Pn6vo ABC News (@ABC) January 8, 2020 "As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime," Trump said. "These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior." Since withdrawing the U.S. from the nuclear deal in 2018, Trump has placed Iran under crippling economic sanctions, ramping up enforcement efforts last April to push Iran's oil exports -- its economic lifeblood -- down to zero. To drive the U.S. back to talks and a wedge between Washington and its allies, Iran has conducted a series of escalating attacks in the region directly and through proxies, including on oil tankers, a Saudi oil facility and U.S. troops in Iraq -- killing one American civilian contractor. Story continues The killing of an American crossed a red line for Trump, who ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani last Thursday in response. PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks from the White House on Jan. 08, 2020, in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) While Iran is already under heavy U.S. sanctions, the White House could order more individuals, businesses and government agencies to be designated, according to analysts. Last May, Trump authorized sanctions on Iranian iron, steel, aluminum and copper sectors, which the White House said comprise 10 percent of Iran's export economy, but those have so far not been used. "Sanctions now touch every part of the Iranian economy and are unlikely to have any further impact," Ryan Fayhee, a former senior Justice Department prosecutor who handled sanctions cases, told ABC News, suggesting instead that only secondary sanctions -- targeting foreign businesses from Russia or China, for example -- would have additional impact now. Trump was joined during his remarks by Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and the other Joint Chiefs. "Our great American forces are prepared for anything. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," Trump said. In a statement released on Sunday, Iran announced it would no longer limit the number of centrifuges it has in production, calling it the "last key item of its operational limitations in the JCPOA," or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as the nuclear deal is formally known. The president addressed this announcement saying that the deal was set to expire shortly anyways and that this gives Iran a "clear and quick path to nuclear breakout." "[Iran] must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal or JCPOA, and we must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place," Trump said. President Trump: "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world." https://t.co/ldmNa7FdiK pic.twitter.com/ux1Wli6ZDH ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 8, 2020 Trump also called on NATO to have a "much more involved in the Middle East process," although the president has had a somewhat tense relationship with NATO allies and has reportedly discussed privately pulling the U.S. from NATO. NEW: "I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process," Pres. Trump says following Iranian airstrikes. https://t.co/hxG8akh6nJ pic.twitter.com/1KIZHfsjvu ABC News (@ABC) January 8, 2020 The president announced the planned address in a tweet Tuesday night, reacting to Iran's strike on two facilities in Iraq in an upbeat tone as initial assessments showed there had been no U.S. causalities as a result of the retaliatory attack. "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning," Trump tweeted. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 The president's tweet represented a departure from his tougher rhetoric earlier in the day, when he warned "If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly. PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., Jan. 7, 2020. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Iran launched the attack in retaliation of the U.S.-ordered killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani last week. President Trump and the broader administration have said Soleimani was working to orchestrate an "imminent" attack targeting U.S. personnel and facilities in justifying the killing, though Democrats have been raising questions about what evidence the administration has that an attack was indeed "imminent" and the administration has so far refused to declassify that intelligence. MORE: Iran's supreme leader says missile attacks were slap in face for US The president's address came at perhaps a pivotal moment for Trump, who was elected to the White House three years ago on a promise to untangle the US from endless wars in the Middle East. But on the dawn of an election year, the president's killing of Soleimani has brought the U.S. closer to the brink of expanded military conflict in the region. On January 8, Iran launched a series of missiles at two Iraqi bases Ain al-Asad and Erbil, hosting American and other coalition troops, in a state of retaliation to the US striking the IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani on the directions of Donald Trump at Baghdad's airport last week. The attack ensued as Tehran vowed of a "harsh retaliation" against the United States, over the killing of the country's second most significant figure. In response to the strike, which the Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei called a 'slap on America's face', the US President in a tweet claimed that "all is well." "Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties and damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning" he said. Iranian state media claimed that '80 American terrorists' were killed in the missiles fired to Iraq and that they already have 100 targets in its sight in case of Washington's misadventures. However, contrary to the Irani claim, a senior Iraqi defense official notified that no American or Iraqi troops were killed in the targetted attack. There has been no confirmation over either of the claims by Pentagon yet. In addition, the troops from Poland, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Britain, who were stationed at the military base along with the American troops confirmed that none of their servicemen were killed. READ| IRGC announces Iran's revenge attack against 'Great Satan' US at Qasem Soleimani's funeral Here is everything that happened after Iran's military retaliation: Iran threatens the US, Israel, and allies After designating the US military as a 'terrorist organisation' on Tuesday, IRGC spokesperson, in his announcement threatened the Western country to return its troops to "prevent further losses" and called the missile attacks as the "first step" against the US troops. The IRGC further warned US allies in the region of retaliation if aggression is initiated from their territory, thus alerting Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The IRGC spokesperson said, "We warn the great Satan, the bloodthirsty and arrogant regime of the US, that any new wicked act or more moves and aggressions (against Iran) will bring more painful and crushing responses. We are warning all US allies who gave their bases to its terrorist army that any territory that in any way becomes the starting point of hostile and aggressive acts against the Islamic Republic of Iran will be targeted." World reaction Japan Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has previously attempted to douse the tensions between the two nations, yet again urged Tehran and Washington with a similar appeal. The Prime Minister of Japan is expected to visit Arab nations--Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman soon, amid the strains in the Middle East. "The government will coordinate with the related governments to collect intelligence while we ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in the region. Japan will also urge all related nations to do their utmost diplomatic effort to improve the relation." Israel US' ardent ally Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exuded the country's support to the United States. Picking sides, Netanyahu said, "Soleimani was planning much worse. President Trump should be congratulated for acting swiftly, boldly and resolutely against this terrorist-in-chief. For acting against this terrorist-in-chief, he was the architect in driving Iran's campaign of carnage and terror throughout the middle-east and throughout the world." "What I am saying today openly, and what I have said in recent days, many many leaders in the middle-east think is very important to say as I do now again that Israel stands completely beside the United States. Once again, I want to say what I have said before and I repeat it today, America has no better friend than Israel and Israel has no better friend than the United States," the Israeli PM added. Meanwhile, the US' close regional ally and Iran's arch-foe, Saudi Arabia have maintained a deafening silence on the issue. Russia Iran's strategic ally, Russia, warned of a possible 'nuclear war' over the soaring tensions between Tehran and Washington, following the missile launched at Iraqi bases housing US troops. Russian lawmaker of Moscow's Upper House, Vladimir Dzhabarov, warned of an 'all-out war' in the region, over the persisting conflict. Opining on Iran's retaliation, the Russian leader said, "Reciprocal strikes by the US and Iran may lead to an all-out war in the region. If Washington sees that it can't achieve its goals, there's a danger of a nuclear war." The attack ensued Tehran's warning of a "harsh retaliation" against the United States. China China on Wednesday urged restraint from all sides, saying Beijing would play a "responsible role" in helping to defuse tensions. "It is not in the interest of any party that the situation in the Middle East worsens further," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing Iraq Iraq on Wednesday said that Tehran had given advance notice of the missile attack on the US forces. Tehran provided information saying that the strike would be limited to where the US military was located in the country without specifying locations. Finland In a similar statement, the Defence Force of Finland notified that they were previously warned of the Iranian strike against bases in Iraq housing US troops. READ| Pakistan PM to visit Iran, Saudi Arabia to mediate Middle East dispute Travel advisories issued Ministry of External Affairs, India, official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals in view of the prevailing situation in Iraq. The MEA has advised Indians to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notice. The Iranian envoy to India said that Tehran is willing to welcome any peace initiative by New Delhi for the de-escalation of tensions with the US. "India usually plays a very good role in (maintaining) peace in the world. At the same time, India belongs to this region. We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalations," the Iranian ambassador said. Pakistan too cautioned its citizens asking them to "exercise maximum caution while planning a visit to Iraq at this point." "Those already in Iraq are advised to remain in close contact with the Embassy of Pakistan in Baghdad," it added. The Philippines ordered its citizens to leave Iraq in the fear of the country turning into a proxy for Iran and the US. "The alert level in entire Iraq has been raised to alert level 4 calling for mandatory evacuation," the Foreign Ministry said. READ| US-Iran tensions: Israel, China, Russia pick sides; here's how rest of the world reacted Oil price surge The impact of the tensions spiraling in the Middle Eastern region after Iran's retaliation on the US reflected sharply on the oil prices by almost 5%. The prospect of wider regional unrest, had an effect on stock markets across Asia as well, as markets have been on the edge. Until May 2019, India was the second-largest buyer of crude oil, next to China, from Iran. Despite Trump's pressure, India had purchased 479,500 barrels of crude oil per day from the Middle Eastern country. Though India had previously stated that it refuses to adhere to unilateral sanctions by a country, it has hardly expressed its discontent over the US imposition of sanctions on Iran, putting new challenges to New Delhi's bilateral ties with both--Tehran and Washington. Significance of Ain al-Asad and Erbil bases In the past two years, US President Donald Trump and his vice president Mike Pence have made unexpected visits to the bases. Al Asad base in Western Iraq has been so vast since the US invasion that it now comprises of cinemas, swimming pools, fast food joints, and internal bus routes. The base, located in Anbar province has been a hotbed for the Islamic State between 2014-2017. After the US' 2003 invasion of Iraq, the base became the biggest for American troops, and was even fondly called "Camp cupcake." During Trump's visit to the base in Christmas 2018, Trump had claimed that the base was "extraordinarily expensive" and that it cost the US "billions of dollars" for its construction. Meanwhile, the base in the Erbil base, which was targetted by Iran is based in the Kurdish-populated area in Iraq, run by the Kurdish Regional Government. There are currently 5,000 US troops in Iraq, who were deployed to fight the Islamic State in 2014, however, this week, in a non-binding vote the Iraqi Parliament voted to oust the US troops. On Tuesday Donald Trump had reiterated his desire to pull troops out of Iraq, however, not immediately. In his election year, Trump has been working to isolate Iran both economically and politically by making big decisions, leading to Wednesday's events. However, any further considerable escalation may lead to international consequences with the fluctuations in crude oil, putting major oil and trade routes in the Strait of Hormuz in a vulnerable position, with economic and security concerns in the region and across the world. The death of General Soleimani and Iraq's pro-Hezbollah Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis marks a significant watershed in the Middle Eastern policy and the Iran-US relations. In the past decade, under the leadership of Soleimani, Iran conducted proxy wars across the Middle East region in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and parts of Lebanon controlled by Hezbollah. He was instrumental in shaping Iran's influence in the region, which was threatened by arch-foes --the West, Saudi Arabia, and Israeli. READ| Trump orders killing of IRGC chief; Iran calls act "foolish" & threatens retaliation By PTI NEW DELHI: The students of Delhi University's St Stephen's College boycotted classes on Wednesday in solidarity with JNU students and in protest against the amended citizenship law. The students had given the call for a boycott on Tuesday and on Wednesday morning, they assembled in the college lawns and read the Preamble, a professor said. The professors also supported the students in their boycott. On Monday, the students and teachers of St Stephen's College had expressed concern over the violence reported from campuses across the national capital. When WhatsApp launched their Status feature in February 2017, it was predicted that the Facebook owned messaging app was opening a gate for advertisers to communicate with its users in an unobtrusive way. The feature allowed users to share GIFs, images, and short videos with a caption or filter similar to Instagram and Snapchat. WhatsApp has been pushing back against ads since its inception. Its founders, Jan Koum and Brian Acton, had been vocal against advertising on their platform. Earlier, WhatsApp service was free for a year after which the user was charged a subscription fee of $ 0.99 per year. That was scrapped in 2016 when Koum announced that the app would monetise communication between business and individuals at a press conference. That led to the development of the WhatsApp Business product. He added that due to the beneficence of their parent company, Facebook, revenue was not a priority. Both Acton and Koum quit the company in 2017 and 2018, respectively. At the Facebook Marketing Summit (FMC) 2019 hosted in Netherlands, the company announced plans to launch Status ads that will target the user on the basis of behaviour and interest. The ads will appear only on the WhatsApp Status tab and give users a glimpse of the ad, mentioning only the name of the advertiser. Similar to Instagram, if users want to see the entire ad they will have to swipe up like they do on Instagram Stories. The strengths and popularity of WhatsApp are differentiated from Facebooks other service, Messenger. While Messenger has a strong penetration in the Western markets, WhatsApp has led the penetration in developing countries like Brazil, India, Indonesia and South Africa. The apps design reflects an old school SMS messaging service and it was built to be lean on data usage to cater to users from low data connectivity areas. By December 2017, WhatsApp had 1.5 billion users worldwide; 400 million of those users reside in India. It drove the immensely popular BlackBerry Messenger to extinction and has outpaced other messaging apps. Communication increasingly relied on it for informal internal communication and small business owners utilised it to manage their operations. As smartphone usage grows in the country, Indians spend 50 per cent of the time on phones between social media platforms, messaging, browsing and gaming. In a 2018 study, comScore revealed that WhatsApp contributed to 98 per cent of total minutes spent on messaging apps in India. The other two percent were spent on Facebook Messenger. Will advertising change WhatsApp? The nature of digital advertising is personalised targeting. WhatsApp gives Facebook direct access to 1.5 billion users. While WhatsApp does not collect user data on its own, existing users must choose to opt out of sharing their account information with Facebook to improve their ad and products experiences. Speaking to Adgully, Shradha Agarwal, COO, Grapes Digital, said, WhatsApp will map your account information to the Facebook database. Using data on Facebook, they can find out your name, age, interests, and target you on the basis of that. So your privacy policy would not need to change right now. Facebook has 241 million users in India, which recently surpassed the number of users in the US. By leveraging data across platforms, Facebook can now target users who were not using their social media service but were on WhatsApp. Agarwal commented that a sponsored notification or update would have been the most native way of advertising. The first thing people look at in the morning is their WhatsApp notifications before they check Status or anything else. For Status ads to work, the content would have to be entertaining and not take up much real estate, she added. Most people dont use WhatsApp like TikTok, and more often than not Status updates are likely to be Good Morning messages or motivational zingers. How WhatsApp incentivizes users to create engaging content is yet to be seen. It is unclear whether users will be able to opt in for a branded Status update like Instagram Stories or it will appear automatically while scrolling the Status feed like TikTok. Grapes Digitals Agarwal opined that unlike posts on social media people would not want to miss out of Status updates because they are time bound and dont take up much of the users time. WhatsApp has become a way of discovering new content. Before I see a viral video on Instagram or Facebook, I discover it on one of my WhatsApp groups. It is a forward medium which has a lot of spam content. WhatsApp has a nifty feature where users can share their current location with other users so that they can find them. While the app may not have to change its privacy policy, but location data could play a greater role in their advertising. WhatsApp already has a nifty feature where the user can share their current location with other users so that they can find them. They will have to do so for targeting the right audience, said Saket Sinha, Senior Vice President, m/SIX. Demographic and location and the two key factors in any digital campaign and the least the industry will expect. The question of brand safety Owing to its massive audience base, the Government is looking to monitor usage on WhatsApp. The platform is a powerful public influencer and people have taken action after reading its messages. The consequences of that have sometimes resulted in mob lynching due to fake news disseminated on the app. WhatsApp has also been stalling its announcement for WhatsApp Pay in India. The UPI based peer to peer payments service was planned to launch in late 2019 but has been delayed due to regulatory roadblocks. Advertising combined with WA Pay would be a potent mix to lure in ad monies. However, regulatory policies could have a lot of impact on Facebooks ambitions for India. Privacy norms have been a discussion point for many years now with Facebook and they (Facebook) will definitely need to address this one well in advance before their advertising product is rolled out, said Dr. Kushal Sanghvi, India Lead, Integral Ad Science (IAS). As long as the regulatory questions remains unaddressed, even advertisers who are ahead of the curve will have doubts about the platform from a brand safety perspective, he said, adding, Given that larger global advertisers could be regular's here, it is critical to get it right from the start. WhatsApp has the potential to be the platform of choice for every kind of advertiser, as long as Facebook can create the right audience segments, felt Sanghvi. Not just mass brands, but those wanting to target smaller audiences will go to WhatsApp for a branding opportunity. Digital marketers would look at deriving business KPI's of performance marketing via WhatsApp. It could very well become part of every media plan in time to come, he added. Consumer reaction When social media commentator Matt Navarra leaked the news that WhatsApp Status would get ads in 2020, the reactions were predominantly negative. Coming Soon to @WhatsApp... - WhatsApp Status (Stories) to get Ads in 2020 - WhatsApp for Businesses to get richer messaging format options - WhatsApp product catalog to be integrated with existing Facebook Business Manager catalog h/t + @Olivier_Ptv at #FMS19 pic.twitter.com/Z5LsbADNbP Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) May 21, 2019 Some users commented that they would quit the messaging service and opt for other apps like Telegram. This has happened in the case of Twitter, when users showed their displeasure over bias on Twitter by moving to social media service Mastodon. Experts agree that introducing ads will lower the esteem of WhatsApp in the minds of the user but only for a short term. Sinha from m/SIX pointed out that with a reach of 400 million, WhatsApp has replaced the use of SMS in India and is an integral part of every Indians life. It is a given that advertisers will have to tread carefully to not infringe on users privacy. Sanghvi from IAS concurred, saying that consumers will have some resistance to advertising but will get accustomed to it in time. According to Grapes Digitals Agarwal, Even if an evolved user is turned off by ads and wants to quit, he doesnt have many other options because everyone else is on WhatsApp! In India, if I say I want to quit WhatsApp and go to Telegram, I will be disconnected. There will be hardly any drop because of this, she concluded. 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PM Pashinyan lawsuit trial resumes Gold is getting cheaper EU is ready to support in addressing Karabakh crisis 126 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Fire in residential building in New York leaves 19 people killed National Center for Infectious Diseases Yerevan branch employees protesting outside center Karabakh President: Radical Pan-Turkic circles are actively involved in process in Kazakhstan Oil is getting more expensive Mars helicopter Ingenuity preparing for difficult 19th flight Interior ministry: About 8,000 people detained in Kazakhstan Earthquake hits Armenia-Azerbaijan border zone Researchers create substitute for egg whites from fungus Kazakhstan official information channel removes message about 164 casualties EC says construction of new nuclear power plants in Europe will require 500 billion in investment Ghost ship that sank 343 years ago discovered in US Post-COVID-19 antibodies may attack healthy cells, scientists say Pope says he was praying for Kazakhstan Media: 164 people die in Kazakhstan during riots Peskov: CSTO session does not plan to sign documents yet Criminal cases launched after bomb threat in Armenian, Belarus embassies in Moscow Norwegian military surrender panties before demobilization Iranian MFA says Tehran is ready for talks on downed plane of UIA Ukraine Russian defense minister says information war is on all fronts Several strategic objects in Kazakhstan transferred to CSTO contingent under protection David Minasyan elected head of Armenia's Parakar community Bloomberg: US is considering issue of limiting supply of high-tech products to Russia Armenia reports 142 COVID-19 new cases Council of Elders meeting continues in Armenia's Parakar White House speaks on Blinken statement on Russian peacekeeping troops Armed people detained at border in Kazakhstan Kazakhstan talks stabilization of situation in all regions of country Azerbaijanis demand Armenian soldier change his faith by taking away his cross, Ombudsman says Armenian painter Mher Mansurian dies in France At least 17 killed in Egypt road accident NATO chief announces Russia forces continued buildup in Ukraine Armenian militarys transfer to Kazakhstan is completed Azerbaijan opens fire on military positions near Armenia village Unidentified persons report threat of explosion at Armenia, Belarus embassies in Moscow Putin confers with Pashinyan, Lukashenko on situation in Kazakhstan Zakharova: OSCE has not provided real assistance to reporters who were attacked in Kazakhstan Lukashenko, Putin discuss situation in CSTO member countries Russia's Putin has telephonic conversation with Kazakhstan's Tokayev Quake hits waters off Chile President Tokayev declares national mourning in Kazakhstan on January 10 US diplomats do not leave Kazakhstans Almaty yet 1 more person dies of coronavirus in Karabakh Artsakh resident, 91 found dead near village Russia MFA reacts to Blinken's words about Russian military in Kazakhstan 195 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Kazakhstan security committee ex-chief detained Kazakhstan interior ministry: There are foreigners among those detained in Almaty region Russia continues transporting its peacekeepers to Kazakhstan Kazakhstan launches investigation into 180 retailers of liquefied petroleum gas BMW introduces concept vehicle that can change colors Shootings continue in Kazakhstans Almaty Navi Mumbai: A married woman has filed an FIR against her husband in a Navi Mumbai police station accusing him of marrying her by concealing his HIV+ status and infecting her with the deadly virus. The 26-year-old woman's complaint has been registered at Kamothe police station in Navi Mumbai following a Panvel court order. Apart from her 31-year-old husband, the FIR also names his family members. The HIV+ man lives in Dombivli area of Thane district and works in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) while the woman stays in Kamothe. The two got married in 2016 after their families met through a common acquaintance. According to the woman, she got suspicious after her husband's relatives used to ask her if he was taking medicines. When she tried to enquire about the medicine or the disease, her husband and his parents would evade the question. But when her husband started to fall ill frequently, she was told that he is suffering from tuberculosis. Live TV However, the doctors where she used to take her husband for treatment told her that he was HIV+ and that is why he had not been keeping well. She then went to her parents and told them about her husband's medical condition. She also went to a hospital for a blood test and found that she, too, had become HIV+. When her family confronted her in-laws, they started to blame her. She then moved the Panvel court against her husband and his parents charging them with ruining her life. The court after hearing her case instructed Kamothe police to register an FIR against them. Kamothe senior police inspector Babasaheb Tupe confirmed that a probe has been launched against the woman's in-laws and husband. The FIR has been registered under Indian Penal Code Sections 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 406 (punishment for criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property). A dog visits the burnt out property of its owner's family member in Kia, Australia, Jan. 8, 2020. (Reuters/Tracey Nearmy) Australian Authorities Forecast More Heat, Risks of Fires Returning After Cool Spell SYDNEYAustralian authorities warned people on Wednesday to prepare for another wave of evacuations as temperatures in the countrys southeast began to rise after a days-long cool spell, bringing the danger of revitalized blazes. Firefighters have used the break from extreme heat and high winds to strengthen containment lines around several major fires, as the military continued efforts to provide supplies to thousands of people who have been left homeless. Complicating the recovery effort, authorities have forecast another temperature spike as soon as Friday, with little rain, meaning a return to hazardous conditions. We are going to see some widespread severe fire danger, we are asking people to be ready, New South Wales (NSW) state Rural Fire Services Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told Sky News. Chickens mill around a burnt out property in Kiah, Australia, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Reuters/Tracey Nearmy) More than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land an area the size of South Korea have been razed by bushfires that have killed 24 people in recent weeks. Ecologists at the University of Sydney on Wednesday doubled their estimate of the number of animals killed or injured in the fires to 1 billion, as the U.N. World Meteorological Organization confirmed that smoke from the blazes has drifted as far as South America. The three major cities in Australias southeast, Sydney, Melbourne and the capital Canberra, were all blanketed in thick smoke, putting them among the most polluted cities in the world. In rural areas, many towns were without power and telecommunications and some were running low on drinking water supplies. The bushfires crisis follows a three-year drought that has left much of the countrys bushland tinder-dry and vulnerable to fires. A motorbike lies next to a melted water tank at a burnt out property in Kiah, Australia, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Reuters/Tracey Nearmy) Following are some notable news from the latest bushfire season in Australia: Prime Minister Scott Morrison was visiting the popular holiday destination Kangaroo Island, of which a third has been burned, where is expected to announce a A$11 million relief package. Around 70 firefighters from the United States and Canada were due to land in Australia on Wednesday, joining scores of their compatriots already on the ground. In Victoria state, telecommunications company Telstra was working to reconnect several communities. Smoke from wildfires has drifted across the Pacific and affected cities in South America, and may have reached the Antarctic, the U.N. World Meteorological Organization said. There are 127 fires ablaze across NSW, with around 50 uncontained. All the fires were at the advice level, the lowest alert rating. Victoria state had 39 fires with 13 watch and act alerts. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged A$2 billion ($1.37 billion) to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency. More than 100 military personnel were being deployed to help with clean-up efforts across the state. Rural Fire Services Commissioner Fitzsimmons: Hazard reduction burning is really challenging and the single biggest impediment to completing hazard reduction burning is the weather. By Colin Packham and Byron Kaye London Breed embarked upon her first full term as San Franciscos mayor Wednesday with a clear sense of her obligation over the next four years to make meaningful progress on the citys twin troubles of homelessness and housing affordability. She was equally up front about the mammoth undertaking required to confront those deeply entrenched problems, and beyond saying shed continue to put resources and energy into addressing these problems, she made no concrete promises. The suffering on our streets it offends our civic soul. And it should, she said. But if were going to do something about the conditions on our streets, we need to level with each other. Homelessness isnt new. It isnt easy. We are not the only city struggling with it. And, quite frankly, we are not going to solve it in a hundred days, or in a year, or even, entirely, in this term. Her inauguration comes after her commanding re-election victory, one in which she faced little in the way of organized opposition, which resulted in her garnering nearly 71% of the vote. It also formally marks the end of a turbulent time in San Francisco politics that began with the death of Mayor Ed Lee in December 2017. After being sworn in by San Francisco Superior Court Judge Teri Jackson, Breed launched into a speech that contrasted the citys many virtues, policy achievements and economic prosperity with the human misery of homelessness, economic inequality and addiction. Homelessness isnt just a problem; its a symptom. The symptom of unaffordable housing, of income inequality, of institutional racism, of addiction, untreated illness; and decades of disinvestment. These are the problems. And if were going to fight homelessness, weve got to fight them all, she said. Breed ticked off a list of her administrations accomplishments since she took office in July 2018 following an ultra-tight race where she beat former state Sen. Mark Leno by just over 1% of the vote. In addition to making progress on her pledge to open 1,000 new shelter beds, Breed touted two new Navigation Centers for the homeless, more than 200 new mental health treatment beds and new approaches to addiction treatment. But she made clear that the citys compassionate approach to grappling with homelessness would be leavened by a dose of tough love. Breed has already fought with a large faction of the Board of Supervisors over recent efforts to modestly expand San Franciscos conservatorship laws, and her speech indicated that shes ready to continue pushing to make it easier to compel people with mental illness into treatment. We are no longer accepting that compassion means anything goes on our streets. Yes, many people are sick, and we will offer them help. But if they dont want or cant accept services, then we will bring them into treatment, Breed said. We will continue to expand our services, shelter and housing so that there is a place for everyone in need. And when we have a place for people to go, we cannot allow them to languish on the sidewalk. Its not humane, its not compassionate, and its not safe for anyone. Breed linked the crisis on the streets to San Franciscos runaway housing costs, which she said reflected decades of almost intentional under-building, and the decision decades ago to down-zone almost three-quarters of the city and ban apartments. We dont have a housing crisis. We have a housing shortage. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Easing the pressures of the housing crunch requires building 50,000 new units, at least 17,000 of which should be affordable, over the next decade, she said. To do that, Breed added, the city must recognize that density isnt a dirty word and reject opposition to new housing based on disingenuous warnings of shadows and height. But Breed has to work with the Board of Supervisors to get her agenda through, and the two branches have often been at odds. Still, Breeds progress around homelessness and housing represents the yardstick by which her success over the next four years will be measured, said James Taylor, a University of San Francisco political science professor. She put her hand to the plow right away, now what she needs to do is continue to build on that. Its the pragmatic things she needs to focus on homelessness, cleaning the streets. The honeymoon period is over now, he said. But while Breeds inaugural address was at times stark about the problems San Francisco must confront, it also hit an inspirational chord with some. Tachelle Lane, an instructor at 100% College Prep in the Bayview district, said the breadth of Breeds speech which traced the arc of African American history and the roots of her family tree beginning with the bondage of slavery inspired her to use the remarks as a teaching tool. With all the issues she covered, Im going to teach on it. Well get (the students) to dissect it and analyze it. I loved it from beginning to end. I got goose bumps, she said. Dominic Fracassa is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassa OTTAWA - Canada's broadcast and telecom regulator says it's inevitable that foreign media companies streaming content into Canada, including Netflix and Amazon, will have to make an "equitable" contribution to the production of Canadian content. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA - Canada's broadcast and telecom regulator says it's inevitable that foreign media companies streaming content into Canada, including Netflix and Amazon, will have to make an "equitable" contribution to the production of Canadian content. But the chairman of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission says it's not as simple as making those companies pay what has often been referred to as a "Netflix tax." Senate Committee on Transport and Communications hears from Ian Scott, Chairperson and CEO of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in Ottawa on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018. Canada's broadcast and telecom regulator says it's inevitable that foreign media companies streaming content into Canada, including Netflix and Amazon, will have to make an "equitable" contribution to the production of Canadian content. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Ian Scott says some companies such as Netflix are already paying more to generate content in Canada than many consumers might think. Scott made the comments in an interview with The Canadian Press as an independent expert panel is set to release a comprehensive report this month detailing the changes that are need to bring the Broadcast Act and Telecommunications Act into the new century. Until about a year ago, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his then-minister of heritage were dismissing the notion of taxing international streaming companies. But during the fall election campaign, Trudeau was joined by all the major opposition leaders in agreeing that international tech giants need to contribute to Canada's economy. "Companies who are extracting a profit, they are participating in the Canadian market and deriving revenues, should be contributing," Scott said while being interviewed in his CRTC office in Gatineau, Que. "That includes Netflix and all of the others in that situation," he said. "The manner that they contribute is what's at issue." Companies such as Bell Media and other so-called traditional broadcasters are required to pay into the Canadian Media Fund to help finance production of Canadian content. Netflix has argued it should not have to pay into such a fund because it can't draw on it. Instead, it has committed without being required to do so under current regulations to spending on the production of movies and other content in Canada. The U.S.-based company has pledged to spend at least half a billion dollars over five years to fund original Canadian productions. As a result, Netflix is "probably the single largest contributor to the (Canadian) production sector today," said Scott. "They are filling up production facilities across the country," he said. "So is Amazon, so is Disney." European countries have enacted legislation to force streaming services to pay for original domestic content. In France, Netflix pays a set tax on its revenue from French subscriptions. In the case of YouTube, which provides content produced by its users, a tax is applied to its ad revenue. The Liberals revealed during the election campaign a plan to impose a three per cent tax on multinational tech giants operating in Canada, worth an estimated $2.5 billion over four years. The tax, they said, would be applied to the sales of online advertising or any profits generated through Canadian user data. The CRTC is also hoping the review will recommend it be granted new enforcement powers and more flexibility in dealing with broadcasters that fail to comply with regulations. Currently, the regulator has the power to take away a broadcaster's license. But unlike in the telecom sector, it is unable to impose monetary penalties for what are considered lesser administrative infractions. "Think of it like speeding tickets," Scott explained. "You speed, we can stop you, pull you over and say, 'You were speeding, here's your ticket, you have to pay.' We don't have to take away your car, we don't have to put you in jail," Scott said of current telecom regulations. "On the broadcasting side, all we can do is take away licenses," he noted. "That's draconian. That's putting you in jail and taking away your car." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2020. Hoda Kotb has revealed her mom will pick out her wedding dress for her after previously revealing the woman picks out most of her 'good outfits'. The revelation came when the Today anchor, 55, and her colleague Jenna Bush Hager, 38, appeared on E! News' Pop of the Morning show Monday. 'Can I tell you who's picking my wedding dress?' Hoda asked E! host Lilliana Vazquez, who previously worked for Today as a style correspondent and is a friend of Hoda's. Personal stylist: Hoda Kotb (pictured with her mom and brother) has revealed her mom, Sami, will pick out her wedding dress for her Love in the air: Hoda and her husband-to-be, Joel Schiffman, got engaged on November 23 Great taste: 'If I'm wearing a good outfit, she picked it,' Hoda said about her mom. Pictured is the pair when she was young Lilliana knows Hoda's relationship with her mom, Sami, so she was quick to guess the right answer. 'Your mom,' she responded. The woman almost acts as a personal stylist for Hoda, and the anchor confessed she uses her advice for most of her 'good' outfits. 'If I'm wearing a good outfit, she picked it,' Hoda said. Since November, Hoda has been living on a high of pre-wedding bliss after her partner of six years, Joel Schiffman, proposed one weekend while the couple was on a romantic vacation in Mexico. 'Isn't it so crazy how your life throws everything at you in different ways?' Hoda said. 'I was literally just sitting there the other daywe were downstairs and our girls were upstairs asleep and I thought, "Man, if anyone has blessings that they wonder like, when are they coming? If anyone does your time is coming, you just don't know when."' Hoda has yet to announce a wedding date to the public, but she previously said the couple would rather get married 'sooner rather than later'. 'If he said, "Let's do it right now," I would,' Hoda told People, adding: 'All I want to be is fun and happy and everybody to feel easy-breezy. No coordinated bridesmaids, just come as you are. That's the theme of the rest of my life.' Great grandma: Besides being a personal stylist to her daughter, Sami also is often pictured with Hoda's two daughters Happy news: Joel proposed to Hoda while the couple was in Mexico for a romantic weekend The couple lives together in an apartment on the Upper East Side in New York City, but they could do a destination wedding away from the city. 'We may go back to the place we were engaged in Mexico,' she told the publication. 'Lots of margaritas and Mexican food. Keep the tequila on tap! But we haven't though about it too much. Nothing wed do is about bells and whistles in that way.' The couple celebrated their six year anniversary in June and have two daughters whom they adopted together Haley Joy, two, and Hope Catherine, eight months. Although they previously talked about the possibility of marriage one year ago, Hoda confessed to being completely surprised when Joel went down on one knee during their vacation. 'It's not like we had never talked about it because we have two children, and we're grown-ups but that was maybe a year ago, and I forgot about it,' Hoda said. When making the announcement on the Today show, Hoda detailed her engagement, which happened on November 23, to viewers and her co-hosts. 'We went for our usual vacation we ended up having a little dinner on the beach, and I was like...we were done with the dinner and I was eating the churros, like licking the bottom of the bowl, and he was like: "I have something else I'd like to say,"' Hoda shared on the Today show about the special moment. 'He said some beautiful things and then he got down on one knee and he said, "Will you be my wife?" And I said, "Yes!"' Too cute: The couple two adopted daughters together: Haley Joy, two, and Hope Catherine, eight months Surprise! The 55-year-old anchor said the couple wants to get married 'sooner rather than later' and might return to Mexico for their wedding after getting engaged there Engagement bliss: 'All I want to be is fun and happy and everybody to feel easy-breezy,' Hoda said. Pictured is the mom-of-two showing off her ring on the Today show Speaking more on the engagement, Hoda revealed how Joel was actually carrying the ring around for a while to decide the best time to pop the question. 'I guess Joel had been carrying the ring around because he was trying to find the right spot,' she shared. He apparently considered doing it during a bowling night but later decided against it. 'You know what's funny,' she continued. 'He is such a cool customer, so super cool that I literally [had no idea] because we had discussed it maybe a year or so ago and not really talked about it since... 'So I guess he was carrying the ring around, he brought it with him when we went on a couple-day vacation, and I guess he had it tucked away in his pocket and this is how cool he was. We were out, we were having so much fun, we were just having tequila, we were on the beach lounging, I go, "Couldn't you just go to sleep and just forget about everything?" 'And he was like, "Yes but let's just eat dinner and then we'll crash out." Zero indication.' The couple happily celebrated Christmas and New Year's as an engaged couple, but the next holiday they spend together could be with them married given how eager Hoda is to tie the knot. FourKites is committed to giving carriers full control over their data, and enabling them to benefit materially from real-time freight logistics data - all while maintaining the transparency, security and control that they need and expect, said FourKites CEO Mathew Elenjickal FourKites, the pioneer in predictive supply chain visibility, today introduced Partner Hub, a secure and scalable GPS onboarding solution, purpose-built to help brokers and carriers get up and running with electronic logging devices (ELDs). Developed in close consultation with carriers and brokers, Partner Hub is the industrys first solution to offer robust functionality while also addressing brokers and carriers requirements for total transparency, advanced security and user controls. Industry adoption of government-mandated ELDs is in full force due to their many benefits, including superior accuracy compared to other tracking technologies and their potential to reduce driver fatigue, improve customer service, lower shipping costs, and facilitate more efficient supply chain planning. Nonetheless, many carriers and drivers are concerned about security and control of their data, as well as the value they receive in exchange for providing it. With cell phone triangulation tracking now obsolete, and mounting privacy concerns among drivers with regard to smart phone tracking apps, we saw a need for carriers to be able to securely share their ELD tracking data with third parties, said FourKites CEO Mathew Elenjickal. FourKites is committed to giving carriers full control over their data, and enabling them to benefit materially from real-time freight logistics data - all while maintaining the transparency, security and control that they need and expect. Partner Hub includes individual onboarding tools tailored for brokers, carriers and shippers. Carriers can see, in detail, how their data is being shared and with whom. Every carrier retains total control over their data and can choose to turn off data sharing completely. FourKites, in turn, never exposes a carriers ELD credentials to either brokers or shippers. FourKites tracks shipments - not trucks - and focuses narrowly on defined origins, appointment times and delivery times. (Read here for more on FourKites commitment to security and ELD privacy). As ELDs have become the industry standard, the need to connect to them effortlessly and with a high degree of trust has become a necessity," said David Broering, President, North American Non-Asset Solutions at NFI. "FourKites Partner Hub is the tool weve been waiting for to help quickly onboard new carriers at the ELD level, sparing their drivers the effort and pain associated with app-based tracking." Once onboard FourKites, all parties can access the rich visibility data afforded by the worlds largest network of global shippers - 380+ and counting - and their broker and carrier partners. Carriers and drivers gain access to FourKites' facility-level wait time data to improve scheduling and reduce dwell. Brokers, meanwhile, save time by eliminating manual check calls and emails, as well as reduce reliance on app-based tracking. FourKites gives us the ability to manage ELD onboarding in a way that provides the security our carrier base is looking for, said George Henry, SVP of Logistics at USA Truck, Inc. Just as important, it gives value back to the carrier and incentivizes them to do more business with us. Its a win for everyone. Since launching six years ago, FourKites has pioneered the industry shift to real-time visibility, enabling shippers to improve on-time delivery and orchestrate their supply chains based on actionable data and predictive intelligence. With a network that now includes more than 380 of the worlds top shippers, including 18 of the top-20 food and beverage companies and nine of the top-10 CPG companies, FourKites tracks more than 600,000 shipments every day. About FourKites FourKites is the largest predictive supply chain visibility platform, delivering real-time visibility and predictive analytics for the broadest network of Global 1000 companies and third-party logistics firms. Using a proprietary algorithm to calculate shipment arrival times, FourKites enables customers to lower operating costs, improve on-time performance and strengthen end-customer relationships. With a network that spans millions of GPS/ELD devices, FourKites covers all modes, including truckload, LTL, ocean, rail, intermodal and parcel. The platform is optimized for mobile and equipped with market-leading end-to-end security. To learn more, visit https://www.fourkites.com, or email partnerhub@fourkites.com. United Nations, Jan 8 : The UN was "very much in touch" with the US government over the visa issues raised by some of its member states, a spokesman for the world body said. In response to questions regarding Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif's failure to get a US visa for a Security Council meeting this week, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, on Tuesday stressed the UN's position that the Host Country Agreement should be upheld, reports Xinhua news agency. "We have made that clear over the last few months where there have been a series of cases," said the spokesman. Headquartered in New York, the UN is largely seen as an "international realm", but delegates from outside of the US need an American visa to attend its meetings. Under the 1947 Headquarters Agreement, the US is required to allow foreign diplomats enter the country on UN-related business. Media reports on Tuesday quoted the Zarif as saying that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informed the UN Secretary-General that Washington won't issue the Foreign Minister a visa, citing shortage of time to process the request. Dujarric confirmed to reporters that the Secretary-General and Pompeo spoke on Monday and "discussed a number of issues", while refusing to disclose any other details. Asked if the UN plans to raise the issue to the US if the situation remains unchanged, Dujarric said "we remain in, very much in touch with the Department of State". According to media reports, Zarif applied for a visa on December 20, a day after receiving an invitation from the Security Council to speak at a ministerial meeting on Thursday on Upholding the UN Charter. (Newser) Two lucky souls who bought tickets for Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 from Tehran, Iran, to Kyiv ultimately didn't board the plane. Ukrainian officials say all 176 people aboardincluding 63 Canadianswere killed when the plane crashed six miles from Imam Khomeini airport shortly after 6am local time Wednesday. Also on the Boeing 737-800 NG were 82 Iranians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Britons, three Germans, and two Ukrainian passengers, in addition to nine Ukrainian crew members, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said, per the BBC. Iran's head of emergency operations instead reported that 147 of the victims were Iranian, raising the possibility of dual nationalities. Airline officials tell the Guardian that most passengers were to travel on to other destinations from Kyiv. story continues below A civil aviation spokesman tells the Guardian that the plane crashed five minutes after takeoff. "The pilot had no contact with the tower and didn't announce an emergency situation before the crash," the rep said. An initial statement from Ukraine's Tehran embassy blamed engine failure, per the BBC. The embassy later said "information on the causes of the plane crash is being clarified," per CNN. As video circulated showing a fireball in the sky, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned against "speculation or unchecked theories" before an official report. Several commercial airlines had rerouted flights to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace when the plane went down, hours after Iran attacked Iraqi bases housing US troops. "We express our condolences," Prystaiko said, per the Guardian. "The Ukrainian authorities continue to investigate." (Read more Iran stories.) Photograph: Mikhail Svetlov/Getty An unprecedented drive involving Europe, Russia and Turkey has been launched to broker a Libyan ceasefire, and end the risk of the country collapsing into total all-out war. However, it is unclear to which extent the joint Russian-Turkish call for a ceasefire by 12 January should be seen as complementary or in competition to an intensified Italian-led European push to end the fighting. Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin who have each backed opposing sides in the Libyan conflict together called for a ceasefire by midnight on 12 January. At the same time, the Italian prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, hosted the two warring leaders Fayez al-Sarraj, the prime minister of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), based in Tripoli, and General Khalifa Haftar, the leader of the eastern military forces in a summit in Rome. But it appeared the initiative was running into difficulties even before it had begun: late on Wednesday it was reported that Sarraj refused to meet Conte because the Italian prime minister had previously met his rival, Haftar. Haftar has been fighting to seize Tripoli since April and this week made a military breakthrough when his forces, known as the Libyan National Army (LNA), captured the coastal town of Sirte. His spokesman said the LNA was extending a no-fly zone immediately to include Mitiga airport. Related: Libya chaos intensifies with drone massacre and rebel advances Turkey recently announced it was sending military advisers to support the GNA while Russian mercenaries have been fighting on behalf of Haftar. The Turkish military intervention, backed by the Turkish parliament, has been heavily criticised by Russia and the European Union. A Turkish presidential spokesman, Ibrahim Kaln, said Turkey only wanted to engineer a ceasefire, and called on the parties to return to the positions they held before Haftar mounted his attack in April. In Libya, our priority is to stop the clashes as soon as possible, the declaration of a ceasefire and all parties, particularly Haftar, to return to their positions of April, Kaln said after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Story continues The Haftar side, which violates the agreement between Tripoli and Benghazi that was signed in April, continues its attacks recklessly. If this is not stopped, a political process in Libya will not be possible and more blood will be shed, he said. Haftar gets away with any kind of attack in Libya, the international community even does not condemn [him], he added. Italy, which has historically been seen as a leading player in Libya where it has substantial energy interests, has been caught out by the unexpected Turkish intervention. Rome is facing criticism over its inability in more than two years to bring about a settlement in a country that has been ravaged by political and military disputes between east and west of the country ever since the western intervention to remove Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The Italian and Russian initiatives are not necessarily in conflict, but reflect the extent to which outside parties are intervening in the country, and are probably making it more difficult for the two internal warring parties to reach a settlement. Haftar is strongly supported by the United Arab Emirates and Turkey claims it is acting as a necessary counterweight. Sarraj expressed his frustration at Europes failure to describe Haftar as the aggressor. Sarraj said: The suffering of the Libyan people must end instantly. We do not want Libya to be a land of escalation or war by proxy. The international community must take responsibility for ending this suffering. Mohammed Ali Abdallah, the GNA adviser for US affairs, said the withdrawal from Sirte was temporary and designed to avoid pointless bloody conflict. Let it be well understood, however, that the government will not allow Sirte to be overrun by Haftar and his army of Russian mercenaries, he said. Just as we liberated Sirte from Isis three years ago, we will again and we will end Haftars self-declared jihad against our country. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 19:37:03|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SUVA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The recent tropical cyclone Sarai in Fiji has caused over two million U.S. dollars in damage to the island nation's infrastructure. According to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) on Wednesday, after conducting ground assessment, the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) confirmed that tropical cyclone Sarai had caused around five million Fijian dollars ( about 2.3 million U.S. dollars) in damage to Fiji's infrastructure. FRA Chief Executive Jonathan Moore said that 16 crossings and roads in the island nation were washed out, and jetties in the islands of Kadavu, Moala and Cicia also sustained damage and the FRA's assessment team is still on the ground. They are still strengthening jetties on the three islands. Work on the southern island of Kadavu has finished and work on the other two islands will be finished by the end of this week and will be accessible again, he said. Tropical cyclone Sarai lashed Fiji in the last days of December 2019, killing two people and injuring another one. Many parts of Fiji had been without power and the main island of Viti Levu had experienced a power failure until Sunday. The Fijian government also set up more than 50 evacuation centers to home more than 2,000 people. Two tropical cyclones, including Sarai, are expected to affect Fiji this cyclone season from November to next April and the peak period for cyclone is usually from January to March. In 2016, Fiji was hit by tropical cyclone Winston, in which 44 people were dead and extensive damages were made. The Northern Ireland Childminding Association (NICMA) helped children to get creative as it hosted a festive Bake Off recently in Little Hands SureStart Children's Centre, Rosemount Primary School, Helen Street, Derry. This event was part of a wider campaign to reinforce the importance of parents using a registered childminder to care for their children in the Western Trust area. For the last 35 years NICMA has been delivering support services for registered childminders who provide 16,284 day care places for children across Northern Ireland. Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, NICMA chief executive, discusses the integrated communications campaign, which is being funded by the Western Childcare Partnership and supported by Family Support NI. The Festive Bake Off was just one part of a wider programme of activity which was organised to encourage parents to consider the many benefits that come with using a registered childminder to care for their children. At the event, children baked healthy treats and did some Christmas crafting. These are the type of creative activities registered childminders do on a daily basis with the children in their care. It is important that parents think about their choice of childminder. We know that parents ultimately want to keep their children safe, and some parents will feel that they have a choice to make between using a registered childminder or an unregistered childminder. However, quite simply there is no choice. The law is very clear, anybody looking after children for more than two hours a day, for reward, must register with the Health and Social Care Trust. Registered childminders will have completed Access NI Checks on all individuals in the household over the age of 10 and will have Public Liability insurance cover. A registered childminder will also be required to update mandatory training every three years. They will be registered by the Trust and inspected on an annual basis by early years social workers. These checks help to keep your child safe, so you really should carefully consider who is looking after your child. In addition, NICMA provide advice and work in partnership with other organisations such as Family Support NI and the Western Childcare Partnership (WCP), who detail local services and information to support you and your family. Patricia adds: We hope that this campaign will also prompt unregistered childminders to become registered. By completing the relevant mandatory training, Access NI checks and getting public liability insurance in place, they will be helping to not only keep the children in their care safe, but to protect themselves. During 2018-2019, the Childcare Partnerships commissioned several regional organisations to undertake a review of the issues impacting on their specific areas of the childcare sector. NICMA reviewed the Childminding sector and identified the need to increase awareness amongst parents of the benefits of engaging a registered childminder to look after their children. The Western Childcare Partnership was approached for funding to implement a campaign within the Western Trust area for this purpose, which they were happy to support. Over a four year period the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) area has seen a decline in registered childminders from 580 in March 2015 to 504 in March last year. This represents a decrease of 12% and a reduction of 456 day care places in the WHSCT area. For further information please contact Grainne Scullion, childminding development and engagement officer for NICMA in the Western Trust, on 0751 747 2271 or email grainne.scullion@ nicma.org. YES Bank share price rose over 4% amid a falling market today after the private sector lender said its board of directors would discuss and consider raising of funds in a meeting to be held on January 10. Sensex and Nifty opened lower amid escalating tension between US-Iran. Sensex fell 294 points to 40,574 and Nifty started 100 points lower at 11,939.10. YES Bank share rose up to 4.10% to Rs 46.95 compared to the previous close of Rs 45.10 on BSE. However, YES Bank stock has lost 75.77% in last one year. Also read: Value of this stock has doubled in a month! Rakesh Jhunjhunwala owns over 27 lakh shares YES Bank in a communication to bourses said, "Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Board of Directors of YES Bank Limited ('the Bank') will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020 at Mumbai, inter alia, to discuss and consider raising of funds by issue of equity shares / depository receipts / convertible bonds / debentures / warrants / any other equity linked securities, through permissible modes, subject to necessary shareholders/ regulatory approvals, as applicable." Rahul Agarwal, Director at Wealth Discovery/EZ Wealth said, "We expect share price to remain under pressure amid the continuing weakness in asset quality and uncertainty around raising of fresh capital. Only a substantial capital raise may provide cushion to absorb any increase in risk weighted assets and assist credit growth. YES Bank is currently in a precarious position with an existential crisis looming at large. We advise investors to stay away from the counter still more clarity emerges. For existing investors in the stock, it is advisable to stay invested with a longer term outlook and desist from any fresh buying for rupee cost averaging purposes." The private sector lender has been scouting for funds since its core equity capital is barely above the regulatory requirement of a minimum of 8 per cent. The lender needs to raise funds to provide for bad debts and expanding lending operations. On December 17, YES Bank CEO Ravneet Gill said the lender was on track to raise the much-needed capital by the end of this month. In December end, Gill said the private sector lender would soon complete its capital raising process. Gill assured that it is just a matter of time before we have capital. Vikas Jain, senior research analyst at Reliance Securities said, "The stock is trading volatile with respect to the news flow of capital raising. It is trading at 8% discount in futures as huge shorts being created. It has good support near 37-39 levels from where we expect some pull back." The private sector lender been in trouble since August 2018 when RBI refused to grant an extension to co-founder and chief executive Rana Kapoor. The stock price stood at Rs 343 during August-end. The stock has fallen 86.88% since then. After the shareholder's extension to Kapoor's tenure in June, the private sector lender waited for RBI's final stance taken by sector regulator on the reappointment of its CEO Rana Kapoor whose term ended on August 31, 2018. On August 30, RBI approved reappointment of Rana Kapoor as managing director and CEO till further notice from the central bank. The stock closed over 5% or 18.50 points lower at 343.40 level on August 31, 2018 as the RBI did not approve a full three-year extension on the CEOs tenure. The exact reason behind RBI asking Kapoor to quit was unknown. During that year, the apex bank had gone tough on lenders for rise in bad loans and divergences in the reported figures. YES Bank reported gross NPAs for FY17 at Rs 2,018 crore. However, gross NPAs of the private sector lender were estimated to be Rs 8,373.8 crore by the central bank. The resulting divergence was nearly three times the reported amount. On September 21, 2018, YES Bank stock crashed in early trade after RBI cut the tenure of its founder and CEO Rana Kapoor till January 31, 2019. Kapoor was given three-year extension by the bank's shareholders in June, but the central bank had not specified the exact period of his tenure. YES Bank stock tumbled up to 34.03% or 108 points to Rs 210.10 on BSE. The lender's board sought approval from RBI for extension of Kapoor's tenure but the same was declined on October 17, 2018. Since then share price of YES Bank has been falling on earnings which fell below expectations and a series of downgrades by credit rating agencies. The bank has been looking for investors to fund its growth but has failed to disclose the names of credible investors of late. Also read: Why YES Bank share has lost 15% in last three days On November 30 last year, YES Bank in a filing to the bourses disclosed the list of potential investors willing to infuse funds into the bank. The bank mentioned entrepreneur Erwin Singh Braich/SPGP Holdings as a key investor with whom talks were ongoing and expected to be concluded shortly. Hong Kong-based SPGP Holdings/ Erwin Singh Braich committed nearly Rs 8,600 crore ($1,200 million) to the bank. Other parties who showed willingness for fund infusion, according to the bank, were Discovery Capital ($50mn), GMR Group and Associates ($50 mn), Rekha Jhunjhunwala ($25 mn), Aditya Birla Family Office ($25 mn) , Ward Ferry ($30 mn) and Citax Holdings Ltd and Citax Investment Group ($500 mn). On December 2, the bank said that Capital International, part of the $1.87-trillion US-based Capital Group, has committed to invest at least $120 million in the private sector lender. On December 10, the lender after its board meeting said it would consider investment offer of $500 million from Citax Holdings and Citax Investment Group, adding that it would continue to evaluate other potential investors to raise capital up to $2 billion. The private lender said that the binding offer of $1.2 billion submitted by SPGP Holdings and Canada's Erwin Singh Braich, which accounts for 60 per cent of its planned $2 billion capital raising, would "continue to be under discussion". On December 2, the bank said that Capital International, part of the $1.87-trillion US-based Capital Group, has committed to invest at least $120 million in the private sector lender. On December 10, the lender after its board meeting said it would consider investment offer of $500 million from Citax Holdings and Citax Investment Group, adding that it would continue to evaluate other potential investors to raise capital up to $2 billion. The private lender said that the binding offer of $1.2 billion submitted by SPGP Holdings and Canada's Erwin Singh Braich, which accounts for 60 per cent of its planned $2 billion capital raising, would "continue to be under discussion". Its stock price fell up to 20% intra day to Rs 40.70 compared to the previous close of Rs 50.55 as the bank deferred the final decision regarding allotment of shares to next board meeting. The lender did not disclose the date of the meeting. Also read: Capital raise is just a matter of time, says YES Bank CEO Ravneet Gill Mayhem on Dalal Street: Mukesh Ambani loses $1.3 bn; Jhunjhunwala $19 mn in a day By Aseem Thapliyal A US official said the Trump Administration has denied Irans foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visa to attend a UN Security Council meeting amid escalation of tensions between two countries following the assassination of Qassem Soleimani in Iraq on Friday by US forces. The meeting, scheduled for Thursday, was planned long ago and the Iranian diplomat was set to attend. The US official who asked not to be named made the comment Monday as tensions between the two countries have climaxed following the killing of the commander of Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps. Zarif also said he was denied visa because They fear that someone comes to the US and reveals realities, in reference to the Trump administration. According to the 1947 UN headquarters agreement, the US is required to allow access to the UN for foreign diplomats. Washington however says it can deny visas for security, terrorism and foreign policy reasons. Soleimani, praised by Iranians, Iraqis and Syrians as a hero for his contribution to the fight against the Islamic state group in Iraq and Syria, was slain early Friday in US drone airstrike at Baghdad airport. He was assassinated alongside several other people including a couple of top Iraqi Shia figures. President Donald Trump took credit for the airstrike as his administration accuses the General of plotting attacks on American top officials and interests. Iran vowed revenge in the response to the killing also condemned by Iraq. Hundreds of thousands of people, millions as announced by Iran, poured into Tehran streets to pay homage to the man known as a close aid of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ukrainian Plane Crashes In Iran, Killing All 176 People Aboard 01/08/20 Source: RFE/RL; photos by Mehr News Agency A Ukrainian commercial airliner crashed on January 8 soon after taking off from Iran's capital, Tehran, killing all 176 people on board, mostly Iranian nationals, but also Western and Ukrainian citizens. Debris and smoldering parts from the Boeing 737-800NG belonging to Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) were strewn across a field southwest of the Iranian capital's Imam Khomeini International Airport as rescue teams with face masks retrieved bodies. See more photos by Mehr The crash came just hours after Iran launched a ballistic-missile attack targeting two bases in Iraq housing U.S. forces in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps commander Qasem Soleimani. The cause of the crash was not immediately clear. The 3-year-old aircraft was en route to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a statement that he had instructed the country's prosecutor-general to open criminal proceedings over the crash. Ukraine's embassy in Tehran initially blamed engine failure but later removed the statement. An embassy official said Iranian authorities had asked it to rescind an earlier statement from Iran based on preliminary information. Iranian TV said the crash was due to unspecified technical problems, and Iranian media quoted a local aviation official as saying the pilot did not declare an emergency. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystayko said 82 Iranian citizens were on board, as well as 63 Canadians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans, and three Britons. Ukraine's Security Council said 11 Ukrainians were also killed in the crash, including nine crew members. Zelenskiy said the airworthiness of Ukraine's entire civilian fleet will be tested. "My sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of all passengers and crew," Zelenskiy said, announcing that he was breaking off his visit to Oman to return to Kyiv. In a separate comment on Facebook, Zelenskiy also warned against speculation about the crash. "I ask everyone to keep from speculating and putting forth unconfirmed theories about the crash," he wrote. UIA said the plane underwent its last technical maintenance on January 6. It also said all flights to Tehran have been suspended indefinitely. The company said in a statement that most passengers were in transit and due to connect to other flights on arrival in Ukraine. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB said one of the plane's two black boxes had been retrieved. According to UIA's website, the airline's Flight PS752 was scheduled to depart Tehran at 5:15 a.m. local time and fly directly to Kyiv's Boryspil International Airport. U.S.-based Boeing said the company was aware of media reports of a plane crash in Iran and was gathering more information. Airline manufacturers usually assist in crash investigations, but such an effort could be affected in this case by U.S. sanctions reinstated after President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers in May 2018. Iran's semiofficial news agency Mehr quoted the head of the country's civil aviation authority as saying Iran would not give the black box to Boeing. The Boeing 737-800 is a common single-aisle, twin engine jetliner used for short- to medium-range flights. Thousands of the planes are used by airlines around the world. Introduced in the late 1990s, it is an older model than the Boeing 737 MAX, which has been grounded for nearly 10 months following two deadly crashes. A number of 737-800 aircraft have been involved in deadly crashes recently. A FlyDubai 737-800 from Dubai crashed in 2016 while trying to land at Rostov-on-Don airport in Russia, killing 62 on board. Another 737-800 flight from Dubai, operated by Air India Express, crashed in 2010 while attempting to land in Mangalore, India, killing more than 150 on board. With reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, Fars, Mehr and IRNA Geopolitical uncertainty, tensions with Turkey's western allies, and domestic political turbulence in Lebanon and Tunisia are likely to weigh on banking systems' creditworthiness, said S&P Global Ratings in a new report. This year looks eventful for banking sectors in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MenaT), according to the "Geopolitical Uncertainty, Shaky Investor Confidence, And Problematic Assets Continue To Plague MenaT Banks" report published on RatingsDirect. Risks relating to banking systems' dependence on external funding are particularly high for Turkey and Lebanon, at a time when more than $15 trillion of assets have negative yields and investors are actively chasing returns, the report said. Our ratings in the MenaT region have also been on a downward trajectory over the past 12 months. The ratings are now concentrated in the 'B' category, with the exception of those on Lebanese banks, said S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Stephanie Mery. We placed Lebanese banks on CreditWatch with negative implications in October 2019 and downgraded them to selective default (SD) in December 2019 due to higher pressure on liquidity and limits on depositors' access to funds. "The outlook distribution among banks in the MenaT region indicates that the bias toward negative rating actions will continue in 2020. Morocco remains the one bright spot, where we expect banks will maintain stable asset quality and financial performance indicators in 2020," Mery concluded. TradeArabia News Service Vietnam must continue to take concrete climate actions to become a low-carbon economy and comply with the global Paris Agreement, a workshop heard in HCM City yesterday. Speakers at a workshop held in HCM City on Tuesday to review a project to Support the Planning and Implementation of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions. VNS Photo Bo Xuan Hiep Hiromichi Murakami, deputy director general of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Headquarters Global Environment Department, said Vietnam, as a member of the global community, played a major role in the implementation of the agreement. The efforts made by the Vietnamese Government, especially HCM City authorities, [are a] clear signal that both the central and local governments will take the leadership in enhancing climate actions to realise a low carbon and decarbonising society. The workshop was held to review JICAs project for Support the Planning and Implementation of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions in a Measurable, Reportable and Verifiable Manner. The project, begun in 2015, aims to strengthen the role of the state in promoting mitigation policies to support its implementation of the agreement. It also supports efforts to create a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction roadmap. It conducted a low-carbon technology assessment on mitigation options under the Nationally Determined Contribution Vietnam has committed to under the agreement. GHG emissions in HCM City Japanese experts have provided training to staff at the city's Department of Natural Resources and Environment in using the Asia-Pacific Integrated Model to visualise future GHG emission trends. Based on the simulation results of the model, the city will be able to take potential mitigation actions for its Climate Change Action Plan. According to the results, by 2030 GHG emissions in the city would increase by around 2.6 times from 2016 levels without any mitigation actions. But with effective mitigation actions, it could reduce the emissions by around 20 per cent compared to the no-mitigation-action scenario, according to JICA. Recommendations for the new Climate Change Action Plan have been submitted to the department. Japanese experts have also done an energy efficiency review for buildings in the city and recommended a carbon reporting system like the one applied by the Tokyo metropolitan government. With the system, Tokyo was able to reduce energy consumption by 16 per cent in 2000-12, JICA said. Nguyen Toan Thang, director of the department, said: The experience of Tokyo is very useful for HCM City as the number of buildings in the city has increased quickly. The system will also help raise occupants awareness of energy saving. The projects most significant achievements are its support for the development of Vietnams contribution to international climate change efforts in the form of its Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement. Vietnams rapid economic growth in recent years has been energy dependent as the countrys energy system has become more carbon intensive, according to experts. The country is vulnerable to climate change due to its long coastline and extensive river estuaries, which has forced it to develop a policy committed to taking action on climate change. Vietnam was quick to ratify the Paris Agreement and was one of the very first countries to develop a plan of action for the implementation of the agreement, which specifies necessary measures, responsibilities and specific support requirements. However, the country still lacks implementation experience, according to experts. The Paris Agreement is an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change dealing with mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions signed in 2016. The workshop was organised by JICA, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the citys Department of Natural Resources and Environment. VNS JICA studies greenhouse gas emission reductions in Vietnam The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is conducting a survey to estimate the volume of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that can be reduced by the development of the local metro sector. Kimberly White / Getty Images for TechCrunch A year after beating the market handily with its flagship hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates saw a reversal of fortune in 2019 with the fund according to Institutional Investor, while registering a significant gain for another big investment vehicle in its portfolio. Bridgewater is the worlds largest hedge fund, with its main office in Westport and additional locations in Stamford, Norwalk and New York City. Founder and Greenwich resident Ray Dalio is Connecticuts wealthiest, with Dalios foundation committing $100 million last year to help the state of Connecticut improve its educational system. A 5.8 magnitude quake hit Puerto Rico before dawn Monday, unleashing small landslides, causing power outages and collapsing some homes, as well as a famed tourist attraction. The shake collapsed a coastal rock formation that had formed a sort of rounded window, Punta Ventana, that was a popular tourist draw in the southwest town of Guayanilla. Photos showed the natural formation, also known as Window Point, standing without the bridge that once created the formation of the window, or a hole. It was one of the strongest quakes yet in a series that have hit the U.S. territory over the past week. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The quake was followed by a string of smaller temblors, including one measured at magnitude 5 that struck at 10:51 a.m. (1451 GMT), shaking power lines and frightening residents of southern Puerto Rico who had been waiting outside their homes due to fears the buildings were damaged and unstable. The first quake struck at 6:32 a.m. (1032 GMT) just south of the island at a relatively shallow depth of 6 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. In the southern town of Guanica, Mayor Santos Seda told The Associated Press that five homes collapsed, but only one of them was inhabited. No injuries had been reported. Another 29 homes were heavily damaged and about to collapse, he said. Few people dared go back inside their homes, but Jose Quinones, 54, had no choice. His 80-year-old mother had heart problems and was lying in bed. Dozens of people in a neighborhood called Hope in Guanica walked around with their phones and yelled out the magnitude of the latest earthquakes as they tried to calm children who were forced to open the presents they'd received for Three Kings Day, a religious holiday, on streets and sidewalks. This is hell, said Albert Rodriguez, 43, whose home collapsed on one side as the smell of gas filled the air. We havent slept.... You cant remain calm here. Guanica is no longer a safe place. Less than a block away, Silvestre Alicea surveyed his home, which collapsed on his prized blue 1977 Toyota Corolla as he leaped from the balcony. Some like Noelia De Jesus, 69, and her husband, who uses a wheelchair didnt know where they would spend the night. Government officials who inspected their home earlier in the morning said it was unsafe to live in and advised them to stay elsewhere. Everything broke, including the TV, she said. This is horrible. Puerto Rico doesnt have a public earthquake warning system, except for sirens that are supposed to ring in case of a tsunami. NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Konnect Agency, a dynamic full-service communications firm with offices across the country, and one of Inc.'s Best Workplaces of 2019, has welcomed Ross Garner to lead its expanding New York office. Garner has been hired as an Associate Vice President to add to Konnect Agency's ever-growing leadership team following continuous double-digit growth year over year. Ross Garner Garner brings nearly a decade of public relations and branding experience to Konnect Agency. Prior to joining Konnect Agency, Garner served as the Chief Operating Officer at Media Maison, a New York based public relations and marketing firm. He has worked with countless brands in the family, lifestyle, beauty, and celebrity-product categories. Garner is bringing with him extensive knowledge of strategic business development and first-rate client relations. It was his extensive work and knowledge among toy brands that led him to cofound Theatric Toys, a line of dress-up costumes for kids, which was sold nationwide at Target, Toys "R" Us and Saks Fifth Avenue. Theatric Toys received numerous accolades including the coveted "Best Toy" award from Good Housekeeping. "Ross' expertise in both agency operations and as the founder of his own product company provides an indispensable perspective that will reinforce to clients that we can speak to their growing needs," said Konnect Agency CEO Sabina Gault. "With Konnect's continuous growth, Ross was an ideal fit to lead our burgeoning east coast team and his strategic mindset and know-how will be instrumental to our overall success." As Konnect Agency's new Associate Vice President, Garner will lead the firm's New York office and bolster the company's offerings to their consumer lifestyle clients. He will play an integral role in Konnect Agency's executive team with new business development and lead several of the firm's existing accounts. About Konnect Agency Konnect Agency is a mid-size, full-service integrated marketing and public relations agency with headquarters in Los Angeles and offices in Austin, Texas, Denver, CO, and New York. The firm specializes in work for food and beverage, franchise, family, and lifestyle brands. Since its start in 2009, this dedicated team of marketers and communications specialists has made it their goal to create ROI-driven campaigns, drive strategic initiatives, land targeted media placement opportunities and deliver results that cater to the specific needs of each client. Visit Konnect Agency for more information. Follow Konnect Agency on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Media contact: Claire Grady | 661-618-5170 [email protected] SOURCE Konnect Agency Related Links https://www.konnectagency.com/ Boston Mayor Marty Walsh on Tuesday night pledged to commit $500 million over five years to alleviate the citys affordable housing crisis, but funding the investment relies on the sale of a below-level parking garage and the implementation of a real estate transfer tax that isnt yet law. Walsh introduced in his State of the City plans for a five-fold increase in funding for several housing initiatives designed to increase housing supply and subsidize housing for some renters and first-time homeowners. The funding, however, relies on the sale of the Lafayette Garage downtown and on the successful implementation of the transfer tax, a proposed tax of up to 2% on private real estate sales over $2 million. The funding is contingent on the Legislature passing the transfer tax. I urge the legislature to let us take this step, so we can ease housing pressures in neighborhoods like Brighton, Chinatown and East Boston, Walsh said Tuesday night. Walsh announced plans for a pilot program to offer hundreds of city-funded housing vouchers one of the first permanent programs of its kind nationwide and the creation of three funds to speed up the creation of 1,500 units for low- and middle-income residents. The first is a seed fund to approve low-cost loans for buyers planning to turn vacant or underused properties into housing for low- and middle-income residents. The city would seek seed funding in part from businesses and foundations. The second is an infrastructure fund to subsidize development costs in return for affordable units for low-and middle-income households. The third fund is for pre-development activity, including financial and technical assistance for women- and minority-owned businesses. Walsh also called for creating or acquiring 1,000 units, which would go to older adults, regardless of income level, or to residents who qualify for income-restricted housing. He vowed to create or preserve an additional 3,000 units of public housing and update the citys federal portfolio to preserve housing resources for elderly and disabled residents. For homeowners, Walsh proposed creating 500 new units for low-and middle-income buyers and offering low-interest mortgages and downpayment assistance to first-time buyers. The series of initiatives appear to answer the call housing advocates have made for years. Advocates not only argue that the city is short on housing, but that new units start off way too expensive for the average renter. Nine Boston city councilors signed a letter in 2016 urging Walsh to create a city-funded voucher program in his fiscal 2017 budget, the Bay State Banner reported. Among large metropolitan cities, Boston is considered the third most expensive city for renters, behind San Francisco and New York, according to Zumper, a real estate company that tracks rent prices. The companys January 2020 report listed the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment as $2,590. The city currently allocates $18.7 million a year, or approximately $93.3 million over a five-year span. Under his proposal, Walsh said $100 million of the new funding would come from the current operating and capital budgets. The other $400 million for the five-year plan would rely on new funds: revenue from the sale of the Lafayette Garage and the real estate transfer tax. If the plan is implemented, the city would allocate a total of $593.3 million over a five-year period, averaging out to $118.7 million a year. We will preserve public housing in our cityfrom Whittier Street in Roxbury to Mildred Hailey in Jamaica Plain, Walsh said Tuesday night. But the sweeping proposal relies on funding that hasnt yet been secured. It is unclear how much the city could make off of the Lafayette Garage, the subterranean garage below the Hyatt Regency Boston. The city plans to publish a request for proposal in the spring. We dont have an estimate for the disposition of the Lafayette garage yet, although we do expect to receive, I think, a significant amount of resources from that disposition, said Emme Handy, the citys chief of administration and finance. While garages have sold for hundreds of millions of dollars, including the $102 million Winthrop Square purchase, those have largely involved parcels with promise for future development. The Lafayette Garage is a subterranean garage below the Hyatt Regency Boston, which would offer no additional development opportunity. The main source of funding would be the transfer tax, which remains at the State House. The Boston City Council passed the real estate transfer tax locally in December. Walsh signed the home rule petition. Now it goes to Beacon Hill for approval, and lawmakers have until July to approve the measure. If we want to be bolder and do more investments and put more money into our public housing and all of those, we need these other tools, Walsh told reporters after his address. We need the sale of the Lafayette Garage, and we need the transfer tax passing ... Both of those asks arent big lifts, honestly. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker proposed the transfer tax in January 2019 as a way to fund climate resiliency projects. But housing advocates and lawmakers suggested allocating the revenue to both climate change responses and affordable housing. When asked in June about using the revenue for housing initiatives, the Republican governor said he was really interested in this climate initiative. Walsh said the tax passed by the council, if authorized by state lawmakers, would give the city the power to allocate the revenue toward the housing initiatives. House Speaker Robert DeLeo, who attended the address, did not give any indication of whether the transfer tax will become law when asked by reporters. DeLeo said lawmakers have worked well with city and town officials in the past, and he hopes that will continue before the legislative session ends in July. You saw what we did relative to recently making the highest investment in education thats ever been made. So Im looking forward with the mayor and local officials, but weve got some major issues," said DeLeo, a Winthrop Democrat. Walsh described housing as the biggest economic challenge the citys residents face. Despite the thousands of units that have been added or preserved, he said more work needs to be done and touted his housing proposal as the solution. These investments are transformative, Walsh said. I invite housing advocates and residents to help us bring them to life. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. MARTIN CASH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Greg Fettes (right, with his brother, 24-7 Intouch co-founder, Jeff Fettes) co-founder and CEO of 24-7 Intouch, says the companys Athens facility will add 600 jobs to the Greek capital. The Winnipeg business process outsourcing company, 24-7 Intouch, is opening its 18th global facility in Athens, Greece. Its the companys first European location to go along with call centres facilities it operates in the U.S., Canada, Guatemala, Colombia, Jamaica and the Philippines. 24-7 Intouch provides customer experience services for large brand name companies including telephone voice contact as well as multi-channel social media services. It also has a growing technology division where it deploys artificial intelligence technologies to automate some of those services. The company has more than 15,000 employees worldwide, including more than 1,000 in Winnipeg. One industry expert believes the Athens facility is a sign 24-7 is expanding its market reach to European brands. "Our global footprint, including expanding into Europe for the first time, is intentional and allows us to move quickly and anticipate future growth of our client partners," Greg Fettes, co-founder and CEO of 24-7 Intouch said in a prepared statement. "Greece has a thriving BPO (business process outsourcing) industry, and we look forward to bringing over 600 jobs, innovative customer care solutions, and our unique culture to the Athens area." The BPO sector typically involves providing customer-related services like tech support, sales and marketing on behalf of global brands. Chad McDaniel, an industry expert whose Phoenix, Ariz., business Executives in the Know, runs conferences and provides services for a network of about 15,000 customer experience executives, is very familiar with 24-7 Intouch. "More than ever, companies like 24-7 Intouch are tremendously well-positioned," he said. "There are a few reasons for that. One is because of the need for the kind of expertise and skills set in technology like using AI for consumer support and enquiry, that 24-7 has. They have the tools, the technology, the people and the capabilities." He said the customers of 24-7s customers international brand name companies have greater expectations when it comes to how they deal with those consumer companies and so there is need for greater sophistication in the manner in which the brands interact with their customers. That includes more than just good telephone etiquette. It means lots of social media interactions, for instance, including AI-driven bot interactions. At 50,000 square feet, the Athens campus will not be one of the companys largest. Not only are English and French widely spoken in Athens, the company said the expansion will also allow 24-7 Intouch to enhance its language capabilities to include German, Italian, Eastern European and Middle Eastern languages. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. McDaniel said over the last 10-to-15 years the industry has been a tough go with an over-capacity of call-centre seats especially in some of the lower value telephone agent work. He said, "24-7 has been able to really do some successful things for clients like helping them monetize some interactions, upsell and cross sale." He said the company has made good investment in technology that allows them to streamline operations, improve efficiencies and reduce costs. "Finally," he said, "They have a great employee culture. They really focus on client success." The Athens campus is set to open early this year. martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca People celebrate in the streets of Tehran after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, January 8, 2020. Photo by WANA/Nazanin Tabatabaee via Reuters. The labor ministry is gathering statistics on Vietnamese workers in the Middle East as the U.S.-Iran tension escalates. The Department of Overseas Labor Management under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs on Wednesday asked businesses supplying Vietnamese workers to countries in the Middle East to make available official figures. The department suggested reviewing the number of Vietnamese laborers in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain, all to be heavily affected by escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran following the U.S. slaying of Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani. In the worst case, the Vietnamese government could help evacuate workers from the region. The number of Vietnamese employees in the region has proven volatile in recent years, while businesses sending people to work abroad have rarely updated data and reported to state management agencies, the department said. Some businesses said Vietnamese laborers flocking to the Middle East to seek work have been on the decrease in recent years due to low income and harsh conditions. The workers mainly engaged in construction and domestic jobs. In 2019, Vietnamese businesses sent 1,101 workers, including 806 women, to work in Saudi Arabia. About 147,387 Vietnamese laborers went abroad in 2019, a 3.2 percent increase over the previous year. On Wednesday, Iran fired 22 missiles at Iraqi bases used by the U.S. military, AFP reported. It comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a strike that killed Iran's top general Soleimani. U.S. and Iraqi sources said there were no known casualties as a result of the missile attacks. Other Asian nations with large populations of expatriate labor are ready to evacuate their citizens in Iran and Iraq to safe areas in case violence breaks out. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the military to prepare to deploy its aircraft and ships "at a moments notice" to evacuate thousands of Filipino workers in Iraq and Iran while South Korean government ministries have discussed strengthening protection for the nearly 1,900 South Koreans working in the Middle East. A German man went on trial Wednesday suspected of inflicting damage worth 930,000 euros (USD 1 million) on 642 cars, but prosecutors say he may have damaged twice as many vehicles. The 26-year-old is believed to have been behind a spate of attacks on cars in the north Bavarian towns of Wuerzburg, Schweinfurt and Veitshochheim between February and April 2018, a spokesman for the Schweinfurt state court told agency DPA. In a months-long probe, police were left scratching their heads even after setting up a special unit dubbed "paint scraper". In the end it was only by chance that the suspect was collared. A local resident heard scraping sounds outside her home in the early hours of one April 2018 morning and called the police. At the scene, officers found the suspect carrying a screw. But the man is standing trial only for a fraction of the damage he is believed to have caused. The court dismissed prosecutors' initial attempts to try him over gashes on 1,700 vehicles totalling 2.3 million euros of damage, for lack of evidence. Now the state must prove a link to every one of the 642 instances of damaged bodywork judges agreed to hear. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Demonstrators burn the US flag in Syria as protests swept several countries over the US killing of senior Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. Photo: AFP via Getty Images Oil prices rose again on Wednesday after an Iranian missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq, as the country hit back following the US killing of a senior Iranian general. The price of crude oil (CL=F) rose 0.8% to $63.22 a barrel, while the price of brent crude (BZ=F) rose 1.1% to $69.02 a barrel at around 8.10am in London. Stock markets also slipped globally after news broke about the strike, with uncertainty over how the US is likely to respond to the attack. Iranian state TV reported 15 missiles had been launched at US targets, with the countrys supreme leader Ali Khamenei calling it a slap on the face and demanding US troops leave the region. US officials said at least two Iraqi facilities were hit in the attack at around 10.30pm on Tuesday night. READ MORE: What the Iran crisis could mean for UK petrol prices US president Donald Trump tweeted all is well after the attack, saying an assessment of casualties and damage was underway. He added: So far, so good! He said a further statement would be made on Wednesday morning US time. The rise in the price of crude oil reflects concerns about further heightening of tensions and fears of disruption to global supplies. Sebastien Galy, a senior macro strategist at Nordea Asset Management, said: The US has a choice of continuing this and running out of luck without any ability to win this conflict or call it a day and return to the occasional tit for tat. What it will likely do now is tighten very sharply sanctions against Iran with the help of its allies. But Khamenei told a crowd of Iranians that the strikes concluded its response to the US killing of Qasem Soleimani on Friday, and said he did not want a war, Reuters reports. Marc-Andre Fongern, head of FX Research at MAF Global Forex, said the Iranian government did not appear to be aiming for further escalation for the time being. But he said he expected oil prices to rise steadily in 2020, as the deterioration in US-Iranian relations could have far-reaching consequences which he believed had not been adequately priced in. Deutsche Bank analysts said in a note that stock markets, like the oil price, had already recovered much of the losses that immediately followed the attack. The price action in the financial markets post the attack also gave a feeler that markets might not be expecting an all-out confrontation, with the futures on the S&P 500 paring losses to -0.35% after being down as much as -1.7% immediately after the attack, they wrote. An Iranian official has mocked President Donald Trump after he tweeted an image of the country's flag as multiple missiles were fired at a US airbase in Iraq. After the assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani on January 3, President Trump tweeted an image of the American flag. In the early hours of this morning representative of the supreme leader to the secretary of the supreme national security council in Iran, Saeed Jalili retaliated and mocked the President by posting an image of the Iranian flag. Jalili is a former nuclear negotiator for Iran and was previously the foreign minister. Local media outlets have reported that the supreme leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, is currently in the operation room overseeing the Iranian military. Saeed Jalili (pictured above) tweeted an image of the Iranian flag after two missiles were launched Late last night Saeed Jalili tweeted out a picture of the Iranian flag in order to mock the President President Trump s scheduled to address the national from the Oval Office in the coming hours after he called for an urgent national security meeting. Iran had claimed credit for the missiles that hit two bases housing US troops in Iraq in the early hours of this morning. The Pentagon says the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target US military and coalition forces in Iraq. There was no immediate word on injuries but security sources told CNN that there were Iraqi casualties at the Al Asad airbase. It also added that the 'only' casualties from the missiles had been Iraqis. President Trump (pictured above) is expected to address the US from the Oval Office in the next few hours After the assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani on January 3, President Trump tweeted an image of the American flag According to state TV Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which controls the country's missile program, confirmed that they fired the rockets in retaliation for last week's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Soleimani was the leader of the Guards elite Quds Force. President Trump had previously claimed he would retaliate by hitting 'cultural monuments'. He also claimed that he has a list of 52 targets in Iran that would be attacked if Iran continues. Multiple rockets are launched at Al-Asad airbase in Iraq that is home to US and Coalition forces and was visited by Donald Trump It is not yet clear whether the US plans to retaliate the the latest hit. Local media reported the Iranian operation's name was 'Martyr Soleimani' and it took place just hours after the slain general's funeral. The rockets used in the attack, according to Iranian TV, are Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles, which have a range of 186 miles or 300km. The Iranian air force has since deployed multiple fighter jets to patrol it airspace, according to reports. The news that Iran has targeted US troops in revenge for the assassination has spooked investors and stocks have plummeted, but the price of oil has soared. Iran's Revolutionary Guard also warned US regional allies, including Israel, that they will be attacked if their countries are used for attacks against Tehran, Iranian state media said. Following the attack both US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper arrived at the White House. Indian edible oil refiners told to avoid buying Malaysian palm oil: report The Indian government has informally asked palm oil refiners and traders in the country to avoid buying palm oil from Malaysia, on the back of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamads criticism of Indias actions in Kashmir and its new citizenship law, reports citing government and industry sources said today. India, the worlds largest importer of edible oils, is also the biggest buyer of Malaysian palm oil. Any halt to purchases by India could put Malaysian plam oil market in disarray by a spike in palm oil inventories, which could put prices under pressure. A Reuters report citing a senior industry official said the government had asked refiners at a meeting attended by vegetable oil industry officials in New Delhi on Monday to boycott Malaysia. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has gone out of the way to comment on Indias abrogation of Articlr 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and on the new Indian citizenship law, saying it could be used to discriminate against Muslims. People are dying because of this law. So why is there a necessity to do this thing when all this while, for 70 years almost, they have lived together as citizens without any problem? Mahathir said last month. Indias trade ministry did not immediately respond to the comment, but, rather sought traders support for an effective ban. Indonesia is the worlds biggest producer of palm oil, followed by Malaysia is the worlds second-largest producer of palm oil after Malaysia. Palm oil revenues also account for 2.8 per cent of Malaysias gross domestic product and 4.5 per cent of its exports. Iran was going to retaliate sooner or later, one way or the other. There was no way they would let the targeted killing of Qassem Soleimani go. But with its missile attacks on a US-Iraqi base, Iran is now trying to make it clear that this is a retaliation for one action, not an escalation into a full-on war. There is no appetite for war in Iran. Massive crowds of millions of Iranians had just come out for the funeral of Soleimani in a rare show of national unity for a society wounded by a brutal crackdown on recent anti-government protests. The grievances of the protesters have now taken a back seat in the face of a bigger external threat. Various political factions have been calling for retaliation for what Iranians viewed as an act of war, and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed harsh revenge. US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Show all 35 1 /35 US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures This photo released by the Iraqi Prime Minister Press Office shows a burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq, early Friday 3 January AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures The wreckage of the car in which general Soleimani was travelling when a targeted US airstrike struck outside Baghdad International Airport on 3 January Ahmad Al Mukhtar via Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Demonstrators burn the US and British flags during a protest in Tehran after general Soleimani was killed in a targeted airstrike by American forces Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike. The Pentagon said Thursday that the US military has killed general Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, at the direction of Donald Trump AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters burn Israeli and US flags as thousands of Iranians take to the streets to mourn the death of general Soleimani at the hands of America EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of Donald Trump pray at an 'Evangelicals for Trump' campaign event held on the day following the killing of general Soleimani. At the event, the president praised the "flawless strike that eliminated the terrorist ringleader" AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A huge procession of mourners gather in Baghdad for the funeral of general Soleimani on 4 January AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Thousands of Iranians take to the streets to mourn the death of Soleimani during an anti-US demonstration to condemn the killing of Soleimani, after Friday prayers in Tehran, Iran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iraqis perform a mourning prayer for slain major general Qasem Soleimani of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards at the Great Mosque of Kufa AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A billboard reading 'Death to America and Israel', installed by Iran-backed shiite armed groups at a street in Jadriyah district in Baghdad, Iraq EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A handout picture provided by the office of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him visiting the family of Soleiman KHAMENEI.IR/AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Thousands of Iranians take to the streets in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shiite Muslims burn a mock of a US flag as they hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, outside the US Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iran's Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammed Jalal Feiruznia, looks to a portrait of Soleimani, as he receives condolences at the Iranian embassy, in Beirut, Lebanon AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures People make their way on the street while a screen on the wall of a cinema shows a portrait Soleimani in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Aziz Asmar, one of two Syrian painters who completed a mural following the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani poses next to his creation in the rebel-held Syrian town of Dana in the northwestern province of Idlib AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A demonstration in Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures An anti-US demonstration to condemn the killing of Soleimani, after Friday prayers in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Mujtaba al-Husseini, the representative of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivers a speech in the holy shrine city of Najaf AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shiite Muslims burn a mock of a US and Israeli flags as they hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, outside the US Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters demonstrate in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shi'ite Muslims hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, in Peshawar, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters, holding a photograph of the leader of the People's Mujahedin of Iran Massoud Rajavi, outside Downing Street in London PA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters burn a US flag in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A Syrian man offers sweets to children to mark the killing AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshippers attend a mourning prayer for Soleimani in Iran's capital Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Kashmiri Shiite Muslims shout anti American and anti Israel slogans during a protest AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshipers chant slogans during Friday prayers Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A protest against the USA, in Islamabad, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranians burn a US flag in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Germany (NWRI) protest outside Iran's embassy in Berlin, Germany Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Germany (NWRI) protest outside Iran's embassy in Berlin Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshippers in Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Vehicles of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol a road in the southern Lebanese town of Kfar Kila near the border with Israel. Following morning's killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani, Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement called for the missile strike by Israel's closest ally, to be avenged AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian women take to the streets in Tehran EPA While the country seems to be willing to hit back at the world's strongest army, there is also no appetite for a full-on war in Iran. Memories of the eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s are still well alive in Iran. A devastating war where hundreds of thousands of Iranians were killed, many border towns with Iraq were destroyed, and Kurdish villages were hit with chemical weapons by Saddam Hussain's army. Large portraits of the thousands of young "martyrs" of that war are still seen on city walls and every neighbourhood has a street named after one. Iranians may be trying to conduct a high-profile yet low-casualty attack that can be portrayed as an appropriate retaliation for now, with the long-term goal of pushing American forces out of Iraq. So far it seems like that is the strategy. Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Jan 8 (ANI): The Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress government in Maharashtra on Wednesday extended its support to the 'Bharat Bandh' call by trade unions against the policies of the Central government. "State government supports today's Bharat Bandh call of different trade unions, government at the Centre is an anti-labour government," said Congress leader and Cabinet Minister while speaking to ANI in Mumbai. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hailed the trade unions 'Bharat Bandh' call and said that the "anti-people" and "anti-labour" policies of the centre have created 'catastrophic' unemployment. "Modi-Shah Govt's anti-people, anti-labour policies have created catastrophic unemployment & are weakening our PSUs to justify their sale to Modi's crony capitalist friends. Today, over 25 crore workers have called for Bharat Bandh 2020 in protest. I salute them," Gandhi had tweeted. Bus and train services in various parts of the country including West Bengal and Odisha have been affected due to protests held during Bharat Bandh. The ten central trade unions including Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), among others have given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is not taking part in the strike. (ANI) Representative Image Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on January 8 said the state cabinet has decided to impose 50 per cent penalty in addition to the existing land premium rate for those who have constructed private houses in encroached government land. He said for getting land allotment of the encroached government land, the person has to pay an additional penalty amount of Rs 500 besides the existing amount of Rs 1000 per sq metre of land he encroached. Participating in a short duration discussion raised by NPP Legislature Party Leader Mutchu Mithi on high land premium rate prescribed by the government for land possession in the state, Khandu said that during 2018, the cabinet enhanced the rates of premium which was very less earlier. "A cabinet sub-committee was constituted on November 14, 2017 with the then Land Management minister as chairman, which made a detailed study and forwarded its recommendation to the government for enhancement of land premium rate," the chief minister said. Khandu said the state government had divided the land into five zones and accordingly fixed the premiums with maximum Rs 1,000 and minimum Rs 100. "The respective deputy commissioners of all the districts were entrusted with the job to classify the land in their jurisdiction in prescribed zones. However, there were discrepancies in the classification of land in the districts for which a few districts have to pay more premium in comparison to the state capital," the chief minister added. Khandu, however, said that the government would write to the Deputy Commissioners to re-visit the classification of the land done and to submit a fresh report to the government. Earlier, Mithi had urged the government to reframe the laws and reduce the land premium rates while maintaining uniformity. Khandu assured that the government would soon issue a clear-cut order not to charge any fresh premium on inherited land. He said the land premium rate is applicable to only government land given on lease to private parties but not for community land or ancestral land properties.. The series also depicted a characters gender transformation, and the experience of a teenage boy as he gradually comes to terms with his sexual orientation. Horta was gay and came out to his Cuban-American family when he was 19. He told USA Today in 2017 that he saw a lot of himself in that character. You may have heard of buried treasure, but Maria Laura Schiavoni and Daniel Ricardi had their own take on the concept during a road trip from their home in Argentina that included Inuvik, N.W.T., their northernmost destination. The married couple spent about three years driving, and would sometimes leave small time capsules along the way. The last time capsule they left was near the Arctic Circle sign along the Dempster Highway near Eagle Plains, Yukon, in September 2017. On the last day of 2019, the Argentine couple were contacted by someone who found it. Submitted by Maria Laura Schiavoni and Daniel Ricardi "This is the first time that someone found it," Schiavoni said. "It was a really nice surprise ... It was a really nice gift for another year." A couple from northern Ontario, Suzanne and Keith Stolz, actually found their gift in August but waited before writing to the couple. According to a post on a Facebook page dedicated to the Argentine couple's travels, the Ontario couple wrote an email saying they were surprised to find the bag with the Thermos full of gifts inside, and that it was a highlight of their trip. Schiavoni said they had been waiting for years to see if anyone had found one of their many "treasures" they had left behind. The duo first left Argentina hoping to visit Alaska in 2014. They would leave gifts every couple of years, often in less well-travelled areas, but made an exception for the Arctic Circle. "The Arctic Circle is an iconic place. You have to be there. If you are travelling, it's a really nice place to visit," said Schiavoni. Inside of the Thermos were photos, coins, memorabilia, a letter that explained their journey, and some information about what is was happening in the world that year. Submitted by Maria Laura Schiavoni and Daniel Ricardi 'A special present' Schiavoni said every time they leave a time capsule, the items are carefully selected and have some sort of meaning to them. She said the Thermos that they put the gifts in "was a special present that our friend from Argentina gave to us, and we had an accident with the Thermos but we decided to keep it to make this present." Story continues So they put all the items in the Thermos, and then in a bag, which they then tossed near the monument site and waited to see if someone would find it. Facebook Ricardi, Schiavoni's husband, said not only was this the final time they had left something, but the Canadian portion of the Arctic was "the highest point in the trip," and they didn't even know the Dempster Highway existed when they first started their years-long road trip. He said they even spent the night at the Arctic Circle sign on their way back "because we didn't want to leave the Dempster Highway. We saw grizzly bears, wildlife the northern lights." That encouraged us to keep travelling. - Maria Laura Schiavoni Ricardi said they spent over 1,400 days travelling, covered about 80,000 kilometres, and visited 16 different countries in their truck, which often doubled as their bed. They document their travels on a website, Facebook and Instagram under the user name HiluXamerica. Every time a treasure is left, the couple would write down the GPS co-ordinates. They plan to to travel back to the location in about 10 or 15 years with friends to look for any unfound deposits. Now, they are preparing to collect the truck that they left behind in the U.S. two years ago and start a new adventure driving to Mexico. Schiavoni said receiving the email and photo that contained the treasures they had left two years ago motivates them to not just continue travelling, but to continue to leave time capsules behind. "That encouraged us to keep travelling, doing things like that and making friends and meeting people," said Schiavoni. The country's largest bicycle maker Hero Cycles aims to be a dominant player in the "predictable" European electric bicycle market which is currently pegged at around EUR 7 billion (over Rs 56,000 crore), a top company official said. The company has acquired a 48 per cent stake in Germany-based firm HNF Nicolai last month and expects the entity to accrue EUR 100 million per annum going ahead. "The Europe market is big and growing... the market there is very predictable... HNF is the entry point as we have gone from India to Germany. In the future we may also cater to other countries from there (Germany)," Hero Motors Company (HMC) Chairman Pankaj M Munjal told PTI. The company is set to dominate the market having finally established a base in Germany, he added. "We are in the process of making plans for the market. We are aiming for EUR 100 million business from HNF alone," Munjal said. Hero Cycles' current turnover stands at around Rs 3,500 crore. He said that the company is looking for further acquisitions, partnerships in the region as part of its expansion plans. "We are now looking to invest in Europe. We are looking and searching for more and more partnerships in the components space as well as on the supplier side," Munjal said. The company plans to manufacture electric bicycles in India and then utilise HNF plant in Germany for final assembly of units. "Hero Motors will make e-bicycles and then sell it to HNF. Initial assembly of parts would happen in India and the final assembly in Germany. We will benefit from low-cost manufacturing here and in seven days deliver goods there," Munjal said. HNF is making high-end e-bikes in Germany for the last five-seven years. "We will have their (HNF) design, their capabilities with benefits of Indian cost structure," Munjal said. Commenting on the domestic market, he added the company is focussing on e-cargo segment. When asked about challenges in the electric-vehicle segment, Munjal said the government should have included electric bicycles under the FAME II scheme as that would have helped the segment grow in the country. "Secondly, there should be safety on roads. Europe has become such a big market because it is safe to ride bicycles there," he added. Munjal said that e-bicycle segment in India is minisicule right now, but has the potential to grow to Rs 7,000-crore industry in the next few years. The company's e-bicycle sales in the domestic market were hovering around 2,500 units a month currently, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A police officer was filmed threatening a member of the public with 'fatal force' during an argument at a routine traffic stop. Footage of the altercation in Broadbeach, Queensland, surfaced online last Saturday, showing the man arguing with a person who was sitting in his parked car. Only part of the heated exchange was published. In it, the officer said: 'If you get aggressive with me, I will counter that and I will beat you.' The man in the car responded in what some viewers described as a 'taunting' matter. 'What are you going to do... What are you going to counter with? I'm sitting in my car,' he said. In response, the officer suggested he could kill the driver. 'I have a few options,' he said. 'I can use anything from fatal force to capsicum spray.' The officer, who appeared agitated throughout the exchange, pointed his finger into the car and raised his voice throughout the altercation. Queensland Police confirmed in a statement to Daily Mail Australia they are aware of the footage and investigating. The officer, who appeared agitated throughout the exchange, pointed his finger into the car and raised his voice throughout the altercation A spokesman said the footage was almost a year old but that it is currently 'being reviewed and considered'. 'On February 16, last year a 37-year-old Broadbeach Waters man was intercepted by Gold Coast Road Policing Unit on Bermuda Street, Burleigh Waters,' the statement read. 'The driver was issued two infringements notices for fail to have number plate attached and alter number plate.' Queensland Police reiterated the footage which has been distributed within car-lovers circles on Facebook and Instagram doesn't show the entire altercation. 'The recording uploaded to social media only shows a selected portion of the interaction,' a spokesman said. 'The footage has been reviewed and is being considered.' Representative image The US aviation authority has prohibited its civil flight operators from using the airspace over Iraq, Iran and the Gulf, hours after Iran fired over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two American bases in response to the killing of its General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike. Iran has launched over a dozen ballistic missiles at 5:30 pm on January 7 targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces are stationed in Iraq. Tensions between Tehran and the US escalated after the killing of Soleimani, commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, in a US drone strike, which was ordered by President Donald Trump, on Friday when he was leaving the Baghdad International Airport. The strike also killed the deputy chief of Iraq's powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei vowed revenge against the killing of his general, saying "severe revenge awaits the criminals" behind the attack. In a notification issued Tuesday night, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) prohibited American civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. FAA said that it has issued notices to airmen outlining flight restrictions that prohibits US civil aviation operators from flying in that airspace. The aviation authority said it will continue to closely monitor events in the Middle East and that it is coordinating with its national security partners. Earlier, President Donald Trump said that the US was prepared for any attack by Iran and justified his decision to kill Soleimani, saying, "Well, number one, I knew the past. His past was horrible." "He (Soleimani) was a terrorist. He was so designated by president Obama, as you know, and he wasn't even supposed to be outside of his own country." Soleimani's killing was the most dramatic escalation yet in spiralling tensions between Iran and the US, already hit by serious differences over Tehran's ambitious nuclear programme. Soleimani was widely seen as the second most powerful figure in Iran behind the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His Quds Force, an elite unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, reported directly to the Ayatollah Khamenei and he was hailed as a heroic national figure. A talented young hip hop artist from Co Kildare is making waves on the music scene with his first headline show this Saturday, 11 January at The Workmans Club in Dublin and plans for an album this year. Craig Cooney is a 25-year-old songwriter and rapper originally from Straffan, Co Kildare. Craig first fell in love with hip hop music at the young age of 8 years old and thereafter, he became obsessed with rhyme schemes, beats, flow and lyricism. Craig first burst onto the scene in 2018 when after having a few drinks with some friends in his house, he made a five minute freestyle video that amassed over 157,000 views worldwide in a matter of days! He decided to set up Craig Cooney Music on Facebook which, since its inception, has gained a loyal fan base of over 3, 5000 people from all over the world, which continues to grow everyday. Craig's first release was "Time Will Heal" featuring Breana Marin from California, this was the first project that Wave Recording Studios, Wilsain Media and Craig Cooney worked on together. Last April, the music video for Craigs song Proud saw rising stars from the MMA scene lend their support, wracking up thousands of views. Speaking to the Kildare Post this week ahead of his first headline gig, Craig said: "Im truly excited, its my first headline show and I only performed in the Olympia Theatre a few months ago with Gavin James, Chasing Abbey Wild Youth and Soule to name a few at Fm104 the Gig. For me to take what Ive learned from that show and bring it to my own is such an amazing opportunity, and I have written new songs specifically for the gig also. Other hip-hop artists to perform at Saturday's gig include Irelands Got Talent finalist Aaron J, Dublin duo Wax White, Blain, and Aiden Farrelly. Speaking of his plans for 2020, Craig said:Im now working on a multi-track project and I aim to gig a lot more this year, I also hope to perform at a few festivals in the summer too. Im working on lots of new material all the time, Im still learning and making sure Im having fun with it, but I think now it is definitely time to work on an album. Tickets for Craig Cooney at The Workers Club hosted by Fluttertone is on this Saturday, 11 January from 7.30pm. Tickets are 10 and can be purchased at Eventbrite or at the door on the night. Oregon is creating a new office within the states transportation department to focus on addressing the Portland metro areas traffic woes and ensuring big-ticket freeway projects like the Rose Quarter expansion are constructed. The state announced the Office of Urban Mobility and Mega Project Delivery in a news release Tuesday. Kris Strickler, the states transportation director, said the office is a sign Oregon is serious about addressing congestion on all fronts. He added that its evidence of a new way of doing business in Oregon. The agency will enhance its efforts to grow beyond just a highway department into an organization focused on providing transportation options for all users, Strickler said, making decisions through the lens of social equity, and ensuring equitable access to transportation choices and economic opportunities for communities and individuals across our state. The office will be charged with helping three Portland-area freeway projects specifically highlighted by lawmakers as critical to the regions transportation system the Rose Quarter bottleneck, Abernethy Bridge on Interstate 205 between West Linn and Oregon City and a plan to widen a 4-mile stretch of Oregon 217 be constructed. Anti-freeway expansion groups rallied against the Rose Quarter project, in particular. Last month, the state pressed the pause button on the Rose Quarter project after Gov. Kate Brown asked for additional study. Brown weighed in after many Portland-area politicians, the Metro regional government, local school board and other groups asked for additional study. We cannot build our way out of congestion by inducing greater demand on the system, Brown wrote in a letter last month to the Oregon Transportation Commission, the states top decision-making body on road and freeway projects. We must manage demand to reduce congestion while also reducing emissions consistent with our states greenhouse gas emission goals. Brendan Finn, a veteran political aide who worked for nearly two decades for former Portland Commissioner Dan Saltzman before becoming Gov. Kate Browns transportation adviser in 2018, will direct the new mega projects office. Finn starts the new job March 1. I am excited to join the ODOT team after the legislative session as they continue to advance as an agency," Finn said. "When Governor Brown signed HB 2017 into law it established a multi-modal transportation agency to meet the mobility needs of all Oregonians so that everyone in our state has better experiences and access to transportation. The infrastructure and demand management projects directed by the legislation are one component to a system-wide approach. I look forward to contributing to that effort in a manner that is consistent with our climate and equity goals. The Rose Quarter project had money specifically set aside in the landmark $5.3 billion state bill in 2017, but funds for the proposal to widen I-205 and either seismically retrofit or replace the Abernethy Bridge havent been identified, though tolls are likely to help pay for that project. Finns office will also lead the agencys nascent effort to bring congestion pricing to sections of I-5 and I-205. Finn previously sat on a state committee that sought to recommend a tolling plan, a process that was set in motion by the Legislature in 2017. Oregon applied for federal approval in late 2018, but freeway pricing is still likely years away. Joe Cortright, a Portland economist who has been an outspoken critic of several large freeway projects, said its too soon to say whether the changes are substantive or rearranging the deck chairs, but he said its a hopeful sign that the state wants to link the congestion pricing to the major projects. This is an opportunity for ODOT, Cortright said, to kind of move into the 21st century. McGregor Lynde, an ODOT deputy administrator in the delivery and operations division, said the new office does not yet have a total budget, thought there is money for Finns position and two additional hires announced Tuesday. There has been funding directed to some of the efforts that will now be led by this new office Rose Quarter Project, the design work for the I-205 project, and the initial efforts around Tolling/Congestion Pricing work to date, Lynde said in an email. Mega projects are, at least initially, defined as anything costing more than $100 million, depending on the scope, size and complexity of the project. One of the reasons to start up the new project, Lynde said, is to grow our acumen around the delivery of these really big projects statewide. As additional funding becomes available, this Office will be asked to deliver mega projects and operational improvements in other parts of the state as well, Lynde added. Finn will be paid $178,608 per year and will be on par with the five ODOT regional directors in terms of seniority. Region 1, the district encompassing the metro area, will still oversee operations of the system across the Portland area. -- Andrew Theen; atheen@oregonian.com; 503-294-4026; @andrewtheen Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Rae Sremmurds Stepbrother Arrested for Murder of Groups Stepdad Has Mental Illness Robyn Mowatt Robyn Mowatt is a staff writer at Okayplayer where she UPDATE: Rae Sremmurds stepbrother who was arrested for their stepfathers murder is reportedly mentally ill. Rae Sremmurds mother Bernadette Walker has shared that Michael Sullivan, her son whos been accused of murdering his father, her ex-husband suffers from mental illness that requires medication, according to TMZ. She also claims he has been off of his medication lately. Walker also reportedly noted that Michael deals with Schizoaffective disorder, a chronic mental health condition which is marked by symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations. Additionally, symptoms of a mood disorder can become present such as mania and depression. In the report she also shared Michael was living with her in Atlanta until this past November, she says he stopped taking his meds which led to frequent outbursts of anger. She also told TMZ he eventually went to live with his dad, Floyd in Mississippi. At the moment, she is unsure what caused Michael to allegedly shoot his father but she suspects an argument may have taken place and that her son was off of his medication again. UPDATE: Rae Sremmurds stepbrother has been arrested for their stepdads murder. According to WTVA 9 News after the hip-hop groups stepbrother Michael Sullivan was released from a local psychological care facility, he was arrested for murder around 5:30 p.m. yesterday. He was taken into custody without incident and taken to the Lee County Sheriffs Department. I pray this world lets me keep some compassion Swae Lee Lee Swae (@SwaeLee) January 7, 2020 Swae Lee Lee Swae (@SwaeLee) January 7, 2020 Read the original story below. Source: WTVA 9 News The shooting reportedly took place in Tupelo, Mississippi. Rae Sremmurds stepfather who helped raise the group has been fatally shot in Mississippi, the duos younger brother is currently in custody. According to TMZ, Tupelo police department says officers were dispatched Monday night to a home where they found a man whod died on the scene from a couple of gunshot wounds. The Lee County Medical Examiners office has confirmed that the victim is their 62-year-old stepdad Floyd Sullivan. At the moment, Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmis younger half brother, 19, is being held for a psychiatric evaluation. He is a person of interest in the shooting. Police have said that no one else is being sought in connection to the death. Sullivan raised the group since they were in middle school after hed moved to Mississippi with their mother, Bernadette. Source: TMZ Cannady finished his two-year role as Team Texas Chairman in December. Team Texas is a state business attraction program through Texas Economic Development Council that seeks to create opportunities for job creation, increased investment, and economic diversification as a team of future-focused and collaborative Texas communities and partners. While Chairman of Team Texas, Cannady worked to strengthen the relationship between Team Texas and the Texas Economic Development Council. "It is my honor to work alongside Adrian Cannady to elevate the Texas economy, both in his community role as economic developer, and in his work as Chairman of Team Texas," said Robert Allen, president and CEO of Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC). "Our work at the state level would not be possible without the leadership of dynamic individuals, like Adrian, that help make us more competitive as a state." Additionally, Cannady received national honors in December at ECONOMIX in Charleston, South Carolina. Consultant Select announced Cannady as one of North America's Top 50 Economic Developers. The economic development professionals selected for this list were nominated by their colleagues in both the economic development industry and the site consultant community for excellent practices, innovation and success in building the communities they serve. "I am honored to be nationally recognized as an advocate for robust economic development policies," said Adrian Cannady, President & CEO of Temple EDC. "It is a privilege to pursue a stronger economy both at the local level in Temple and for Texas collectively." About Temple EDC The Temple Economic Development Corporation (Temple EDC) is a nonprofit organization that serves as the designated economic development entity for the City of Temple, Texas. Temple EDC strengthens relationships, builds partnerships, and provides solutions that cause entities to choose Temple. Media Contact: Bridget Hinze Weber Director of Communications [email protected] SOURCE Temple Economic Development Corporation Related Links http://choosetemple.com/ MOSCOW (AP) A fire at a greenhouse farm in a Moscow suburb killed eight people and injured one on Tuesday morning, Russian emergency services said. All eight victims seven men and one woman were illegal migrants from Vietnam who worked at the farm, officials said. Russia's Emergency Ministry initially identified the victims as Tajiks. The fire broke out in one of the metal construction trailers where workers lived. Local firefighters battled the blaze for an hour. It wasn't immediately clear what caused it. The number of deadly fires traditionally grows in Russia during the New Year holidays on the first week of January. The country's emergency services usually attribute the trend to elaborate celebrations that often include use of fireworks and an increase in alcohol consumption. In October, 39 Vietnamese nationals were found dead in a refrigerated container truck in England. Police in Vietnam arrested 11 people on charges of human trafficking and said the victims may have been smuggled into Europe through Russia. Up to 120,000 Vietnamese nationals were working in the Soviet Union when it collapsed in 1991. Currently, officials estimate there may be up to 50,000 Vietnamese migrants in Russia. United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Tuesday that Irans decision to take a new step to reduce commitments to a landmark 2015 nuclear deal posed a threat to Britains national security. Irans latest actions clearly contravene the deal and pose a risk to our national security, Raab said. We want to find a way forward through constructive international dialogue, but Iran needs to stand by the commitments it made and urgently return to full compliance. Frances foreign ministry spokesperson said: We have joined Germany, the United Kingdom, and the European External Action Service in repeatedly expressing our deep concern over Irans recent announcements and actions that run counter to its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Hassan #Rouhani, said on Monday, that its regime will continue breaching its commitments under the terms of the 2015 #Iran nuclear deal with world powers, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (#JCPOA), Reuters reported on Monday. https://t.co/xORBNjrtNQ #MEK pic.twitter.com/nwqobKohwQ IranNewsUpdate (@IranNewsUpdate1) October 16, 2019 Irans announcement on November 5 that it would increase its enrichment capacity goes against the Vienna agreement, which strictly limits activities in this area. We and our partners are awaiting the IAEAs upcoming reports on Irans announcements and actions, the French foreign ministry added. Germanys Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas criticized Irans decision to accelerate uranium enrichment. We do not think that is acceptable, he said at a press conference in Budapest. Ultimately, Iran is risking the future of the nuclear deal in its entirety. On the 40 anniversary of the rule of the mullahs in Iran, the Iranian regime tries to boast about its nuclear success in different ways, even if they have to confess to cheating on the nuclear deal, says Alireza Jafarzadeh, the Deputy Director of the Washington office of the NCRI pic.twitter.com/3ogl0LVYZ2 NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) February 3, 2019 Russia also reacted anxiously to the statements of the Iranian president. Such a step was not a good sign, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- An Iranian emergency official said a crash has killed all 176 people on board a Ukrainian commercial airliner that took off from Tehran's international airport Wednesday morning local time. The Boeing 737-800 was being operated by Ukrainian International Airlines and was bound for Kiev, Ukraine. Iranian emergency officials said the plane went down in farmland outside of Iran's capital, Tehran shortly after taking off from Imam Khomeinin International Airport. Fire engulfed the engines and the pilots lost control, crashing the plane into the ground. The Boeing 737-800 is a common single-aisle, twin-engine jetliner used for short and medium range flights. It was introduced back in the 1990's, long before the Boeing introduced the 737-MAX. However the 737-800 has been involved in deadly crashes as well. In March 2016, a FlyDubai 737-800 from Dubai crashed while trying to land at Rostov-on-Don airport in Russia, killing 62 on board. Another 737-800 flight from Dubai, operated by Air India Express, crashed in May 2010 while trying to land in Mangalore, India, killing more than 150 on board. (Photo : Battery Park City Parks ) When people say tech, the name Silicon Valley comes into mind. Indeed, tech companies have long thrived in the San Francisco Bay area. However, big tech companies such as Google and Facebook have started building a tech empire in a state far from California. On the East Coast, these tech companies have started building a fortune in New York. Within the streets of Manhattan and across the Hudson River, new offices for the biggest tech companies in the country have been moving in. A Quick Turnaround A few years ago, it didn't seem necessary for tech companies to find spaces outside of California. However, Manhattan has become a prime spot for these tech companies to expand its interstate empires. In December 2018, Google announced that they will be expanding its presence in New York City by building a 1.7 million sq ft campus. This developed over time into the Google Hudson Square, a billion-dollar investment by Google. Early in April, Netflix decided that they also want to build a presence in New York, investing over $100 million for a corporate office in Manhattan and a production studio in Brooklyn. Facebook is also among those that made a move into New York, signing a lease for 1.5 millions sq ft at Hudson Yards last November. Even Amazon, who broke hearts by announcing that they're not pushing for the earlier planned expansion into the Queens area on Valentine's Day 2019, due to criticism from politicians and activists with regards to public resources being used to boost billion dollar businesses, recently announced that they are due 2021 to move in on a 335,000 sq ft in Manhattan. Business-Friendliness New York's position as a hub for the country's youngest, brightest, and hippest people is attractive enough for the tech industry to start moving into the city. "New York City continues to be a great source of diverse, world-class talent - that's what brought Google to the city in 2000, and that's what keeps us here," says Google CFO Ruth Porat. Indeed, the influx of tech companies building their massive presence in the area helped give thousands of jobs within the tech industry to its citizens. It's a positive spin that companies like Amazon likes to advertise when they reveal they're heading towards a new area - that it will bring transformative change by giving people jobs and bringing business in. However, these companies also enjoy some benefits from the government for going into the area. For example, Amazon reportedly received massive amounts of offers from New York's governor Andrew Cuomo just for them to open an office there. Tax cuts and incentives all add to the decision to open new offices in the city, which also draws a lot of criticism for allegedly contributing to wealth inequality. There might be some merit in this fear, as currently, the government has been losing billions in terms of tax returns due to recent policies on tax cuts. Regardless, Manhattan has become a very attractive place for tech companies to build a new empire. The New York Times even called The Banks of Hudson as "Silicon Valley's Newest Rival." Now, the problem for the local government is to replicate this elsewhere other than Manhattan. "We don't have a problem bringing businesses to Manhattan, but we have been trying for decades to get that Queens waterfront developed," says Gov. Cuomo. But with the quick growth of the tech industry, it's safe to say that the space Manhattan has been providing for these companies won't be enough for long. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Earlier, the president expressed his condolences to the families and friends of passengers and crew of UIA flight PS752. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cut short his trip to Oman and is returning to Kyiv amid the news on a crash of a Ukrainian passenger jetliner near Tehran airport. "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urgently cut short a trip to Oman and is returning to Kyiv in connection with the crash of a Ukraine International Airlines passenger plane in Tehran," the President's Office wrote on Telegram on Wednesday, January 8. Earlier, Zelensky's office reported the president was on a visit to Oman, where he had scheduled top-level meetings. According to updated reports, UIA flight PS752 bound for Kyiv, with 167 passengers and 9 crew on board, crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran airport in the early hours of Wednesday, January 8. Local emergency services say no one survived in the crash. Zelensky expressed his condolences to the families and friends of passengers and crew of the Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 flight PS752. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has defended missile attack on US airbases in Iraq by calling it a "legitimate self-defence". Zarif told state TV that Iran's action was a legitimate self-defence and that Washington should avoid assessing it based on illusions. Iran on Wednesday fired more than a dozen missiles on two Iraqi military bases hosting troops from the United States and other NATO countries. The missile attacks on the US-led forces came after Washington killed top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani on January 3. Read: Iraq Military: No Iraqi Causalities After Iran Missiles Strike Airbases Housing US Troops The escalation Washington reportedly said that Qassem Soleimani had single-handedly planned some of the deadliest attacks on US assets in the Middle East. United States has also blamed Soleimani for the recent attacks on the US embassy in Iraq, following which the Trump administration had to deploy more troops in Kuwait. The missile attacks by Tehran have further escalated tensions between the United States and Iran. After the missile attacks, Iraq issued a statement where it said that the country was subjected to bombardment by 22 missiles; 17 fell on Ain al-Asad airbase, hosting US troops, while five on the city of Erbil that all fell on coalition headquarters. The attacks took place between 1:45am and 2:45am on January 8, 2020. The statement further read that no casualties among Iraqi forces were recorded. Read: IRGC Announces Iran's Revenge Attack Against 'Great Satan' US At Qasem Soleimani's Funeral European Union has condemned the attack and has called for an immediate end to the use of weapons in the region, urging efforts to restart dialogue. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told media before leaving for London that she is going to discuss the issue with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has urged Iran to not engage in further escalation. Annegret confirmed that no German troops were injured during the attack. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemned that attacks on bases hosting US-led coalition troops, including British personnel. Read: Iran Will Welcome Any Peace Initiative By India To Normalize Tensions With US Read: Vladimir Putin Makes Rare Visit To Syria Amid Heightened Tensions Between US, Iran Days after masked men went on a rampage in JNU, senior DMK leader Kanimozhi visited the varsity on Wednesday and said her party will fight for the students. Kanimozhi visited the Sabarmati Hostel where students told her that it was a targeted attack as the entry of masked mob was facilitated by university's security guards. The DMK leader inspected hostel rooms and expressed shock after seeing items strewn around and glasses as well as furniture broken. A masked mob armed with sticks and rods on Sunday attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus, injuring at least 35 people, including JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh. While talking to Kanimozhi, a group of students alleged that the attackers knew everything, and they demanded the removal of university vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar. "The entire country is with you. Don't lose heart. There are many people who have condemned it... We will raise the issue. We will fight for you," she told students. She also met JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh. Earlier in the day, HRD Ministry officials met the vice-chancellor and took stock of efforts being made to restore normalcy on the campus. Kumar, who has been under fire from students and faculty members for not doing enough when they were brutally attacked by a masked mob on campus, told senior officials of the ministry that efforts are being made to facilitate registration of "willing" students and for a conducive environment for their academic pursuits. Meanwhile, the the JNU Teachers' Association alleged that the mob violence could not have been possible without the connivance of the varsity administration and deliberate inaction by police. It also slammed Kumar for asking students to put the past behind and return to the varsity premises. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A woman and her four children were admitted at a Kisumu hospital in serious condition following an alleged murder-suicide attempt resulting from domestic wrangles. Neighbours who spoke to Citizen Digital said the woman and her husband fell out after he married another wife. This prompted the woman to abandon their matrimonial home in Oyugis and move to Awasi, Kisumu County, where she rented a house. The news site reports she had lived in the house for barely three days with the children two girls aged 11 and 9 and two boys, aged 12 and 7 before she committed the heinous act. She is said to have locked herself and the children inside the house and started stabbing them repeatedly using a kitchen knife before turning it on herself. The woman sustained serious injuries on her abdomen and neck in the process. Neighbours who heard the children screaming rushed to the house and rescued them. They administered First Aid before rushing them to Awasi Catholic Dispensary. The victims were then transferred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) where they are being stabilized at the casualty unit. Human trafficking, a form of modern slavery, is a $150 billion criminal enterprise that brings suffering and injustice to an estimated 40 million men, women and children across the globe, according to the International Labor Organization. It is a domestic and international issue that is present in communities of all sizes with individuals of all ages and backgrounds trafficked and exploited for purposes including sexual abuse and forced labor. Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG, said: "At IHG, we condemn human trafficking in all forms, and we are taking a strong stance in partnership with our owners, elected officials and others in the industry. We are committed to protecting our guests, communities and owners from the impact of human trafficking as well as maintaining the integrity of IHG's brands. We will not tolerate it, or those who would enable it, in the IHG system of hotels, and we are empowering all of our colleagues with the tools, resources and support they need to combat this crime on every level." Most recently, in December, IHG hosted dozens of colleagues from local Georgia hotels for a group training and discussion at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, located near the company's Americas headquarters in Atlanta. During the event, attendees learned about the work to fight human trafficking in Georgia from First Lady Marty Kemp, as well as support and assistance programs available for survivors from Mary Frances Bowley, founder and executive director of non-profit Wellspring Living. "Our partnership with the hotel and lodging industry is forged by a common goal: ending human trafficking in Georgia," said First Lady Kemp. "I applaud IHG's efforts to train employees on identifying the warning signs of trafficking and supporting survivors. Education and awareness are key in this critical fight, and this training equips staff with the potential to save lives." Click here to view a highlight video from the December training event, including comments from colleagues in attendance. IHG has also released a new video featuring a one-on-one conversation with First Lady Kemp and Colleen Keating, Chief Operating Officer, Americas, IHG, where the two leaders discuss the importance of public-private partnership in the fight against human trafficking and progress in the state of Georgia. Since its launch in summer 2019, colleagues in more than 2,300 hotels across the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean have completed IHG's online anti-human trafficking training. The company expects colleagues in all IHG-branded hotels in the region to have completed the training by March 2020. Additionally, IHG continues to work closely with a variety of organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association (GHLA) to share best practices, coordinate efforts and attack the issue on all levels. The company has also engaged in additional collaborative efforts, such as commitments to ECPAT and the criteria of The Code, as well as the AHLA 5-Star Promise. IHG also actively supports non-profit organizations that provide essential goods and services to support the recovery of human trafficking survivors, and coordinates regular volunteer opportunities for colleagues. IHG is a global company with a presence in more than 100 countries. The company considers addressing human trafficking a key component of its larger commitment to responsible business and at the core of how it operates. Read more about the company's position and its consistent standard across every market in its global Human Rights Policy. ABOUT IHG: IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG,NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, voco, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts , Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, avid hotels, Staybridge Suites, Atwell Suites, and Candlewood Suites. IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns nearly 5,800 hotels and approximately 865,000 guest rooms in more than 100 countries, with over 1,900 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG Rewards Club, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. More than 400,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: www.ihgplc.com/media and follow us on social media at: https://twitter.com/ihgcorporate, www.facebook.com/ihgcorporate and www.linkedin.com/company/intercontinental-hotels-group. SOURCE IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) Related Links www.ihg.com Heavy rains lashed most parts of Delhi NCR on Wednesday morning, which have resulted in decreasing the temperature and causing traffic snarls at multiple points across the national capital. The minimum temperature was recorded at 8 degrees Celsius while the city is expected to witness severe fog conditions once the weather clears up. Around 11 a.m. the mercury was hovering around 13 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature is likely to be around 16 degrees Celsius. Following the rain activity, the minimums were expected to drop further 4 to 5 degrees owing to the cold and dry north-westerlies. According to Skymet Weather, the conditions are favourable for rain in Delhi and the National Capital Region. Light drizzle began around 8 a.m. in some parts here and was expected to cover more parts as the day progressed. This was in addition to the downpour witnessed on Tuesday night. Rains in the last two-three days have slightly improved the air quality and air quality index (AQI) in most parts of Delhi was recorded in 'moderate to poor' category. "However, as rains are likely to take a backseat after the next 24 hours, once again bad air quality may set in," Skymet said. Widespread rain and thundershowers are likely over #Punjab and Haryana. Scattered rains are likely over West Uttar Pradesh, #Delhi and North Rajasthan. Isolated hailstorm activities are also possible over these regions.https://t.co/ARrCUAzVRK SkymetWeather (@SkymetWeather) January 7, 2020 According to the data available, Safdarjung Observatory recorded 6 mm of rain, followed by Palam at 5 mm in a span of 21 hours until 5.30 a.m., Skymet Weather said. The rainfall activity of similar intensity was likely on the day as well in parts of Delhi and its adjoining areas of Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad. However, these rains would not continue for long and the weather was expected to go dry quickly, in the next 24 hours. Amid the dipping mercury, Delhi will witness dense to a very dense layer of fog, leading to poor visibility levels. Delhi: Expect more rain, chill in the air from today https://t.co/VACZoptbEP TOI Delhi (@TOIDelhi) January 8, 2020 The direction of these north-westerlies might once again change around January 11, as weather models are indicating the approach of another Western Disturbance. This system would bring along a fresh spell of rain and thundershowers for Delhi and NCR on January 12 and 13. To defeat the traffic snarls, Delhi Metro posted a picture of a metro train, urging commuters to opt for metro services. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) suggested that scattered to fairly widespread rain is expected in several north Indian states, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Several places in Rajasthan are also expected to receive considerable downpour till Thursday. Burma Mine Blast Kills 4 Rohingya Children in Myanmars Rakhine State Villagers carry a Rohingya victim injured in the mine blast on Jan. 7 in Hteik Htoo Pauk, a village in Kyauk Yant, Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State. / Local resident of Hteik Htoo Pauk SITTWE, Rakhine StateFour Rohingya children were killed and six others were injured in a mine explosion in Rakhine States Buthidaung Township on Tuesday. The Myanmar military has claimed that the mine was planted by the Arakan Army (AA) ethnic armed group. The explosion occurred after local residents of Hteik Htoo Pauk, a village in Buthidaungs Kyauk Yant Village-Tract, stepped on a mine while collecting firewood on a hill in the east of the village, said a local villager who asked to remain anonymous. The hill where the explosion occurred is not far from the village. [Victims] said that the mine exploded while they were bundling together the wood that they had cut, he told The Irrawaddy. According to him, the hill is just a five-minute walk from the village. The villagers reported a mine explosion to me. Two children died on the spot and two others died on the way to the hospital. The six people who were injured are at the hospital, Lower House lawmaker U Aung Thaung Shwe of Buthidaung Township told The Irrawaddy. Myanmar military troops used to be stationed on the hill where the mine explosion occurred, according to local residents. They moved from there to the hill in the north of the village one month ago. [The military officials] visited the victims after the explosion, said a community elder of Hteik Htoo Pauk Village who asked not to be named. When asked by The Irrawaddy, Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier-General Zaw Min Tun said the mine was planted by the AA. The AA always launched attacks from there. They launched three attacks in December alone. After they carry out sneak attacks on security outposts, they plant mines as they retreat. Those mines are to target the military troops who pursue them, he told The Irrawaddy. The Myanmar military and the AA have been fighting in and around Kyauk Yant in Buthidaung Township for months. Three of the six injured in the mine blast are receiving treatment at Buthidaung Township Hospital and three others have been transferred to Maungdaw Township Hospital with serious injuries. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko You may also like these stories: Armed Gang Robs Myanmar Police in Rakhine Myanmars AA Rebel Group Cannot Guarantee Safety of Detainees in Its Custody AA Frees 16 Myanmar Govt Employees After Abduction The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday told the Assembly that dual citizenship to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees was "possible" and wanted the Centre to ink a pact with the island nation to facilitate it. Raising the issue, Leader of Opposition, M K Stalin said the government has been harping on giving dual citizenship to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu and wanted to know if consultations were made with legal experts on its feasibility. Participating in the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor's Address, he said the annual policy document too stated that the government will strive for getting them dual citizenship. An expert had opined that Indian citizenship was the right course for Tamil refugees since Indian laws do not recognise dual citizenship, Stalin said adding Sri Lankan laws too were on the same lines. Minister for Tamil Official Language and Culture K Pandiarajan said the Indian government has treaties related to citizenship with France, UK, America and Germany. "There are over one lakh Indians with dual citizenship," he said. To facilitate dual citizenship for Tamil refugees from the island nation, the Central government should go in for a treaty with Sri Lanka, he said. As regards the Tamil refugees, they intend going to Sri Lanka and have properties like houses there and if they got only the Indian citizenship,"who will take care of their properties there?" he asked. Considering such factors, late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa came up with the dual citizenship demand and it is the only way out, he said. "Dual citizenship for Tamil refugees is possible," he said and repeated the word possible. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The number of businesses established in 2019 increased by 5.2 percent, but the number leaving the market rose more sharply, by 20.2 percent, compared with 2018. The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) reported that 138,140 businesses were established in 2019 and 89,282 businesses left the market in 2019. Of the businesses leaving the market, 28,731 businesses halted operation for definite time (up by 5.9 percent), 43,711 businesses were waiting for dissolution (up by 41.7 percent) and 16,840 businesses fulfilled the procedures for dissolution (up by 3.2 percent). 7,440 businesses left the market every month. Of the businesses that halted business for definite time, 598 were real estate firms (up by 36.8 percent), 265 businesses in the finance & banking and insurance sector (up by 25 percent), 166 in electricity, water and gas production and distribution sector (19.4 percent), 1,502 in job service, tourism, machine and equipment leasing and other supporting services (14.6 percent) and 3,656 in processing and manufacturing industry (10.8 percent). The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) reported that 138,140 businesses were established in 2019 and 89,282 businesses left the market in 2019. Of 43.711 businesses waiting to be dissolved, 17,700 had business registration certificates revoked, nearly 14,500 businesses were informed about the dissolution and 11,500 businesses were waiting to work with taxation agencies for dissolution. The businesses of this group mostly operated in the fields of wholesale and retail, automobile and motorbike repair (15,996 businesses, which accounted for 36.6 percent), construction (6,058 businesses, 13.9 percent) and manufacturing and processing industry (5,376 businesses, 12.3 percent). Real estate firms also accounted for the highest proportion among the 16,840 businesses fulfilling the procedures for dissolution (686 businesses, up by 39.4 percent), while healthcare and social assistance activities (103 businesses, 47.1 percent) and finance & banking and insurance (208 businesses, 30.8 percent) also increased. About 46,840 businesses were found not operating at the addresses registered with the agency, an increase of 43.4 percent compared with 2018. These businesses mostly operated in the fields of wholesale and retail, automobile and motorbike repair (16,035 businesses, 34.2 percent), construction (7,181 businesses, 15.3 percent) and processing and manufacturing industry (5,561 businesses, 11.9 percent). Thoi Bao Kinh Te Sai Gon commented that 89,200 dissolved businesses in 2019 were much higher than that of the year before and it is necessary to reconsider the business environment. A survey by VCCI found that the business environment has improved significantly, but many problems still exist, including policies and enforcement. In the third quarter of 2019 alone, VCCI received 333 complaints from businesses, most of which had relations with laws and proposals to amend policies. Fifty percent of 6,000 business conditions have been cut, but 18 percent of polled businesses still complained it took them more than one month to fulfill the procedures related to production and business. Thu Ha Number of new businesses in Vietnam hits record A total of 138,100 businesses with a combined registered capital of over US$74.7 billion were set up in 2019, up 5.2 percent and 17.1 percent, respectively, from the previous year. 3 1 of 3 Olivier Douliery/TNS Show More Show Less 2 of 3 J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press Show More Show Less 3 of 3 House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has yet to send the articles of impeachment her chamber voted on to the Senate for a trial, leading a number of senators to call on Pelosi to either submit them immediately or not send them at all. One of these senators was Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley (R), who introduced a resolution to dismiss the articles of impeachment if House Democrats continue to withhold them. While Hawley and other Senate Republicans are seeking an outright dismissal, a number of Democratic senators including California Sen. Dianne Feinstein are asking for the delay to end and for the trial to begin. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 06:18:16|Editor: ZX Video Player Close Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (2rd R), Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias (1st L), French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (2nd L) and Cypriot Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides attend a press conference in Cairo, Egypt, on Jan. 8, 2020. The foreign ministers of Egypt, France, Greece and Cyprus described as "invalid" the two deals signed between Turkey and Libya's UN-backed government on maritime boundaries delimitation and security, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The foreign ministers met in Cairo on Wednesday and agreed in a concluding statement that the Turkish deals signed in November with the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al-Serraj violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions and contradict the international law. (Str/Xinhua) CAIRO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The foreign ministers of Egypt, France, Greece and Cyprus described as "invalid" the two deals signed between Turkey and Libya's UN-backed government on maritime boundaries delimitation and security, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The four foreign ministers met in Cairo on Wednesday and agreed in a concluding statement that the Turkish deals signed in November with the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al-Serraj violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions and contradict the international law. "The ministers asserted that those two memorandums of understanding have further undermined regional stability," said the statement. On Jan. 2, 2020, the Turkish parliament approved a motion authorizing the government to deploy Turkish troops in Libya, which was considered by several states as Turkish intervention in Libyan domestic affairs. "The ministers stressed that a comprehensive political solution is the only way out of the Libyan crisis and to restore stability in Libya," the statement added. Libya has been locked in a civil war since the ouster and killing of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The Libyan conflict escalated in 2014, splitting power between two rival governments, the UN-recognized GNA and a government in the northeastern city of Tobruk allied with self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar. Alliance leader Naomi Long is set to return to the Assembly, it has been confirmed. Mrs Long had to resign her seat when she was elected to the European Parliament in May, however her time as an MEP is set to end on January 31. Alliance veteran Maire Hendron took over her role as East Belfast MLA, however she has now resigned the position. Read More On Wednesday, Northern Ireland's Chief Electoral Officer Virginia McVea confirmed Naomi Long is to take up her Stormont seat as of 12.01am on Thursday. In December's General Election, the Alliance leader fought to oust the DUP's Gavin Robinson as MP for East Belfast, a position she previously held when she defeated Peter Robinson in 2010. This time round however, she lost out on the seat, receiving 19,055 votes to Mr Robinson's 20,874. Mrs Long's return to the Assembly could see her take a seat in any future Executive - potentially taking up the role of Justice Minister, which was previously held by former part leader David Ford. It is understood the Alliance leader will not be taking her wages or expenses as an MLA until her role as an MEP officially ends on January 31. One of Northern Ireland's other two MEPs, the Democratic Unionist Party's Diane Dodds, has been selected to replace former Upper Bann MLA Carla Lockhart. Ms Lockhart stood down when she was elected as an MP last month. Instead of canceling him, Frances literary elite spent years showering him with acclaim. But a new book in which Vanessa Springora, now 47 and the head of a publishing company, recounts being seduced by the famous writer when she was 14 has fueled an intense debate over Frances historically lax attitude toward sex with minors. Heres what else is happening Spain: Parliament narrowly approved Pedro Sanchez as prime minister on Tuesday, ending months of political stalemate and creating a fragile minority government whose survival might hinge on its ability to bring to an end the long-simmering dispute over Catalonia. Libya: The European Unions foreign policy chief, along with the foreign ministers of Britain, Germany, France and Italy, on Tuesday condemned continuing outside interference in the Libyan conflict. The statement came a day after Libyan rebels swept into the key coastal city of Surt, and during a week in which Turkey is dispatching troops to the country. Cyprus: A British woman who was convicted last month of lying to the authorities was given a four-month suspended sentence on Tuesday. She had accused a dozen Israelis of raping her in a resort town, but later retracted her statement. The woman said she had been pressured by the authorities to change her account. Impeachment: A day after the former White House national security adviser said he would testify if the Senate subpoenaed him, the chambers Republican majority leader said that he planned to move forward with President Trumps impeachment trial without committing to calling witnesses or hearing new evidence. Facebook: The social network said it would remove deepfakes, videos that are heavily manipulated by artificial intelligence in ways that are meant to mislead viewers. The policy will not extend to parody or satire. At the height of Kangaroo Island's bushfire emergency, property owner Madelyn Kelly was 'pocket-dialled' by her husband. It's the type of call she never wants to receive again. At the time Mrs Kelly was on a ferry to the South Australian mainland and looking forward to a weekend away. The call came as Simon Kelly and his sons were scrambling to save the sheep holding at Stokes Bay on the island's north coast. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is seen with property owners Simon and Madelyn Kelly in Kangaroo Island on Wednesday Conditions in the area had deteriorated very quickly as bushfire raged towards their home, with strong winds allowing it to breach containment lines. 'The pocket phone call in the car as they were running around outside wasn't good,' she told AAP. 'I could just here them yelling. I just shut it off. I didn't want to hear.' At that stage, Mrs Kelly was fearful of what she might return to, a fear compounded by the fact she had to wait until the next morning to catch a ferry back. During the emergency, her husband and sons had managed to turn sprinklers on as they were continually pelted by embers. They then took refuge in the farm's main home, waiting for the fire front to pass before again battling ember attacks. Conditions in the area had deteriorated very quickly as bushfire raged towards their home, with strong winds allowing it to breach containment lines AUSTRALIA'S BUSHFIRE CRISIS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Evacuations are underway and emergency alerts are in place in NSW, Victoria and South Australia as authorities predict the devastating bushfires will continue burning until at least March. At least 28 people have been killed in blazes across the country since the bushfire season began in October. NEW SOUTH WALES/ACT Around 90 fires were burning in NSW on Thursday morning 20 people dead More than 5.2 million hectares burned - equal to the metro areas of the five mainland state capitals 1,870 homes confirmed destroyed, more than 3,774 outbuildings and 200 facilities razed VICTORIA 19 bushfires burning in the Gippsland, northeast and alpine regions as of Thursday morning Five people dead More than 1.5 million hectares burnt 387 homes have been damaged or destroyed 602 non-residential structures have also been damaged SOUTH AUSTRALIA Three people, including two from Kangaroo Island, are dead More than 274,000 hectares burnt 161 homes confirmed destroyed, along with 413 sheds and outhouses QUEENSLAND 2.5 million hectares burnt 48 homes confirmed destroyed WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1.5 million hectares burned One home confirmed destroyed TASMANIA 30,000 hectares burned Two homes confirmed destroyed NORTHERN TERRITORY Five homes confirmed destroyed Advertisement Their efforts saved the home but much of the land around it was blackened. A shearing shed that had stood since just after World War II had been reduced to rubble. The family also lost about 6000 sheep. Mrs Kelly said she was devastated by what she saw when she returned to the property. 'It's nothing like it used to be,' she said, fighting back tears. 'But we'll rebuild and the trees will grow again.' So far the Kangaroo Island bushfire has burnt through 160,000 hectares and destroyed 56 homes The family is also concerned about worsening weather conditions which could see a fire flare in their area on Thursday. But this time they all intend to stay and have been wetting the ground around the home in preparation. 'We've still got stuff that can burn. Even though it's gone through the whole farm, there's still canopy stuff that can burn,' she said. 'Tomorrow's not good. It's round two.' So far the Kangaroo Island bushfire has burnt through 160,000 hectares and destroyed 56 homes. PUNE, India, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The private tutoring market is expected to gain significant lift with the evolution of online platform offered by the companies for tutoring services. These platform enhances the educational experience and offers with value added services, including exposure to industry, along with career counselling and development of soft skills. With the introduction of digital platform for private tutoring, innovative and customized solution are being offered to the students with varying needs. The integration of artificial intelligence in the online platform is further driving the growth of global private tutoring market. For instance, TAL Education Group, an education company provides AI teaching system, customized for students, helping preschool and primary school teachers to address issues encountered in learning. In addition, Cognii, offers with AI-powered real-time tutoring for K-12 & higher education allowing students to access anytime, anywhere. As the market evolves in modern AI-age, Cognii brings its innovation to benefit the Higher Ed market from enrollment, retention, student support, course design, assessment & credentialing, to scalability. Request for Sample Copy of This [email protected] https://www.absolutemarketsinsights.com/request_sample.php?id=311 The rapid penetration of smart devices such as mobile phones and tablets and the growing demand for customized learning has led to an increase in emphasis on the digitization of educational services. The companies operating in the global private tutoring market are increasingly offering online tutoring services that can be accessed by students through smartphone devices. Online private tutoring programs involves low cost for the service providers, offering more flexibility as compared to in-person tutoring services. Therefore, the cost benefits and flexibility associated with online private tutoring services is expected to aid in the growth of global private tutoring market over the forecast period. The detailed research study provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the global private tutoring market. The market has been analyzed from demand as well as the supply side. The demand side analysis covers market revenue across regions and further across all the major countries. The supply-side analysis covers the major market players and their regional and global presence and strategies. The geographical analysis done emphasizes each of the major countries across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Enquiry before Buying @ https://www.absolutemarketsinsights.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=311 Key Findings of the Report: In terms of revenue, the global private tutoring market is expected to reach CAGR of 7.1% in the forecast period owing to progression in the educational sector along with rising awareness among students for quality education. On the basis of type, online private tutoring is expected to witness highest CAGR over the forecast period owing to the increasing adoption of smart devices across the millennials, as it offers flexibility, along with affordable and convenient solutions for private tutoring. On the basis of end-user, high school students held highest market share in 2018. The segment is expected to also grow at the highest rate over the forecast period. Asia Pacific is expected to witness highest CAGR over the forecast period. The same is propelled by the rising adoption of online mode of education in the region. is expected to witness highest CAGR over the forecast period. The same is propelled by the rising adoption of online mode of education in the region. Some of the players operating in the private tutoring market are Ambrow Education, American Tutor, Brighter Minds Tutoring, Chegg. com, Eduboard, EF Education First, ITutorGroup, Kaplan, MandarinRocks, Manhattan Review, MindLaunch, New Oriental, TAL Education, TutorZ, Web International English and Xueda Education among others. Request for [email protected] https://www.absolutemarketsinsights.com/request_for_customization.php?id=311 Global Private Tutoring Market: By Type Online Blended By End User: Preschool Children Primary School Student Middle School Student High School Student College Student By Geography North America U.S Canada Mexico Rest of North America Europe France The UK Spain Germany Italy Nordic Countries Denmark Finland Iceland Sweden Norway Benelux Union Belgium The Netherlands Luxembourg Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India New Zealand Australia South Korea Southeast Asia Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Singapore Rest of Southeast Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa and Saudi Arabia UAE Egypt Kuwait South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa & Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America For More Information [email protected] https://www.absolutemarketsinsights.com/reports/Private-tutoring-market-2019-2027-311 About Us: Absolute Markets Insights assists in providing accurate and latest trends related to consumer demand, consumer behavior, sales, and growth opportunities, for the better understanding of the market, thus helping in product designing, featuring, and demanding forecasts. Our experts provide you the end-products that can provide transparency, actionable data, cross-channel deployment program, performance, accurate testing capabilities and the ability to promote ongoing optimization. From the in-depth analysis and segregation, we serve our clients to fulfill their immediate as well as ongoing research requirements. Minute analysis impact large decisions and thereby the source of business intelligence (BI) plays an important role, which keeps us upgraded with current and upcoming market scenarios. Contact Us: Company: Absolute Markets Insights Email id: [email protected] Phone: +91-740-024-2424 Contact Name: Shreyas Tanna The Work Lab, Model Colony, Shivajinagar, Pune, MH, 411016 Website: https://www.absolutemarketsinsights.com/ SOURCE Absolute Markets Insights George Osborne has urged Boris Johnson not to scrap HS2 after the Prime Minister launched a major review of all government projects with plans to axe those which are deemed a waste of money. The former chancellor said today that the proposed high speed railway line which is designed to better connect London and numerous northern cities 'must go ahead'. There are growing concerns about the cost of the landmark infrastructure project which originally came with a price tag of 55 billion but new estimates suggest the figure could be 88 billion. Critics have claimed HS2 costs are 'out of control' and ultimately could result in a 40 billion loss for taxpayers. Mr Johnson ordered senior ministers yesterday to begin assessing each and every ongoing Whitehall project to make sure they represent a wise use of government money. Departments will have to present their findings to Chancellor Sajid Javid and the Treasury with those deemed to be a waste of cash likely to be scrapped or overhauled. George Osborne, pictured at Wimbledon in July last year, has urged the government not to scrap the HS2 railway line Mr Johnson reportedly told his Cabinet that now is the 'time for the slaughtering of sacred cows' with Downing Street braced for officials to 'squeal' in protest at the PM's war on frivolous spending which could see the projects of previous governments consigned to the bin. But Mr Osborne, the architect of the so-called Northern Powerhouse initiative designed to boost economic growth in the region, said HS2 must be allowed to go ahead. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'HS2 is absolutely critical to changing the economic geography of this country. 'For the nation that invented the railway, the fact that we are virtually the only nation in Europe without high-speed lines should be an embarrassment.' Mr Osborne added: 'HS2 must go ahead. It must be accompanied by what is called Northern Powerhouse Rail or HS3, which is across the North. I think that's critical.' The former chancellor said he understood Mr Johnson's desire to have a Whitehall clear out but stressed the Northern Powerhouse should not be a victim of the cull. 'I am all for new governments clearing out some of the projects previous governments accumulate and perhaps have served their time,' he said. 'But what I find exciting, and I chair the Northern Powerhouse partnership, is that the Northern Powerhouse is an idea that grows, it doesn't diminish and it is based on a solid economic theory that the towns and cities in the north are not individually large enough to feature on the world stage but together they very much are.' The Tories labelled HS2 a 'great ambition' in their 2019 general election manifesto but stopped short of giving a cast iron commitment to proceed with the project. Instead they pledged to 'consider the findings' of an official probe into the cost and timing of the project 'and work with leaders of the Midlands and the North to decide the optimal outcome'. Even if the network is not scrapped there are fears that it could be scaled back with slower trains or a less extensive route previously floated as potential ways of saving money. Mr Johnson secured a crushing 80-seat majority at last month's election after winning seats across Labour's northern heartlands. Boris Johnson, pictured in Downing Street in November, has launched a review of every ongoing government project There are growing concerns about the costs of the proposed high speed railway line which would better connect London and a number of northern cities The PM will be keen to deliver benefits to those areas in order to ensure they remain Conservative in the future and scrapping HS2 could harm those hopes. Mr Johnson and Mr Javid told ministers yesterday that 'tough decisions' will be taken ahead of the Budget on March 11 'in order to prepare the economy for the next decade'. It means that thousands of projects will now be scrutinised in the coming weeks to see if they should continue. It is understood that no specific projects were mentioned by name during yesterday's Cabinet meeting. Every so-called 'legacy project' - those started under a previous government - will also be rated on whether they fit with the new administration's priorities and the latest Tory manifesto which propelled Mr Johnson to an 80-seat majority at the election last month. A large pothole threatening any car tire that dares drive over it. A stray animal limping across a neighborhood street. Lewd graffiti staining the side of a building. All these problems and more can be fixed with something as simple as a phone call or just a few clicks on the 311SA cell phone app. It has been just over a year since San Antonios 311 non-emergency line launched the new version of its app, which has attracted more than 20,000 residents since its launch and increased the number of requests by about 35,000. Whatever channel of choice people want to interact with us, whether it is by phone call, the online portal or through the app, there is a way, said Paula Stallcup, senior manager for the citys 311 Customer Service. I think it is helping us as a city be able to go out and make the community better. San Antonios 311 non-emergency line was established in April 2000. Its one of the oldest in the country the oldest on record is in Baltimore, Maryland, which was founded in 1996. Related: New app makes it a snap to report city problems We are a seven-day operation, Stallcup said. We are for non-emergency civil services the potholes, the stray animals or neighbor (concerns). The call center receives 800,000 phone calls a year. Not all those turn into formal requests as sometimes they are duplicates or not about something thats within city limits, Stallcup said. In the last fiscal year, from October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019, there were 594,747 requests which were relayed to the corresponding city departments, which investigated and addressed problems that could be fixed. The 311s first app was released in 2012 and only received 12,000 requests a year. With the version of the app that was released in 2018, users can now see the most recent requests in their areas. Users also can send in photos related to their complaint or request, such as graffiti, faded street signs or potholes. A user also can like other users requests, earn points for engagement and follow other users. It was totally revamped, Stallcup said. In the first year there were 34,000 requests via the mobile app. It has been very popular. Theres even a leader board that shows who has reported the most issues as of this week, the person at the top of the board had flagged 4,390 issues. The 311SA app, which was part of the citys nearly $8 million city initiative to become a smart city by increasing its digital connectivity and internet-of-things initiatives, received the Smart 50 Award for being one of the worlds top 50 transformative smart projects in 2019. We rely on residents to be our eyes and ears so we ask them to call us when there are issues, Stallcup said. Yes, there are 12,000 city employees and we are all driving around doing different things but we cant necessarily get into every piece of the neighborhood and thats when we rely on community members to tell us what is going on. Not only is the app increasing city employees awareness of problems in San Antonio, but it is also relaying timely information back to residents by giving them a better perspective of issues in their neighborhood and giving them status reports on their requests. Stallcup said when she talks to residents and asks them what they think the five biggest problems are in their neighborhood, they often get two correct but are wrong about the other three. Its about getting more information out to residents, Stallcup said. They can see visually what is going on in their community. Based on total 311 phone call data, Stallcup said the most popular requests they get are about solid waste, specifically garbage collection. From October 2018 to September 2019, there were nearly 52,000 requests pertaining to no garbage pickup. The other top requests from callers were about garbage cart exchange (27,993), dead animals (27,428), damaged carts (18,490) and aggressive animals (18,490), according to data provided by the city. Mike Fisher The top issues reported through the app differed slightly: graffiti (4,832 requests), faded traffic signs (3,765), overgrown yards (3,271), traffic sign graffiti (2,522) and scooter complaints (1,819). Stallcup said part of the reason why these items may be more common through the app is because of peoples ability to easily upload photos. A picture is worth a thousand words, she said. For some people its easier to describe something with a photo rather than words. Using these stats, the city can track patterns of issues in specific neighborhoods, or the city as a whole, and come up with solutions or new initiatives to address them. But the biggest game-changer about the app, as well as the 311 web portal that was updated just last month, is people can check for detailed updates on their own requests. Of the total nearly 600,000 requests made during the last fiscal year, about 98 percent were reported closed, based on 311 data. Closed doesnt necessarily mean complete. That was the biggest feedback we got from residents and neighborhood leaders for what they wanted to see change, Stallcup said. It could mean yours was a duplicate request, or the wrong location, or nothing was found. Stallcup said in the next year the staff wants to continue to get the word out about the 311SA app and the departments service in general. A lot of people just dont know where to call if there is a problem, Stallcup said. We can guide you (to) the right place. To learn more about 311, visit 311.sanantonio.gov. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says it will not be mute on the declining state of the countrys security until the Federal Government to wake up to its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property. The Christian body, therefore, asked the government to free its members from captivity. CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, said, These criminals are targeting predominant Christian communities, killing, maiming and abducting the people with or without any resistance from the security agencies is unprecedented. Let government wake up to its responsibility and see if we will not stop talking about its failure to protect our members, Ayokunle said in a statement. Read Also: What Buhari Must Do To End Wanton Killings In Nigeria: PDP That is not the politicisation of religion. The governor of Borno State is shouting that soldiers are extorting the people instead of defending them. If the government has not been treating those criminals with kid gloves, let them publish the names of the kingpins of the terrorists, herdsmen killers and bandits in their custody and those who are being prosecuted in the court of law for the world to see. How many Christians are heading any of the security agencies in the country? We are praying for the government on a daily basis but that does not mean where the government is failing we should keep quiet. Since Leah Sharibu and other Chibok girls have been crying for help, there is nothing on ground to show that the government has been sensitive to their plight. The only reason they are in captivity is that they are Christians, no more, no less. That government is condemning the terror attacks is not the same thing as stopping the attacks and arresting the criminals responsible or are they telling us they are spirits? Telling us to keep quiet is adding salt to our injury. Last week, it was Adamawa and on Monday, this week, it was Kaduna State where 41 people were kidnapped! As long as the unpleasant situations in the country remain the same the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria will not keep quiet since that is the only thing we can do aside from praying for the captives. New Delhi: A sketch of Steve Irwin by 22-year-old Sharnia-Mae Sturm welcoming animals killed in Australia Bushfires have gone viral. Stretching arms wide open, the sketch shows the late animal lover and expert greeting kangaroos, koalas and other wildlife with open arms saying, 'Don't worry little guys! I'll take care of you!' Sturm, who is from WA but now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, however said her account has been deactivated following floods of comments. 'So Instagram has deactivated my sketchy_koala account because they believe I have accumulated false likes and comments,' she told fans on her Sketchy Koala Facebook page. 'I guess it's from the sudden outburst of people liking commenting and sharing my drawing. I'm working on getting it back online though! Thank you all for your love and support.' As of Tuesday, ecologist, Chris Dickman told CBS News that over 800 million in New South Wales and over 1 billion nationally must have lost their lives at the bushfires, a number which is double to the estimated half a billion of last week. At least 25 people are also feared dead while 20 million acres have been burnt in the wildfire across the country, and authorities say the fires could keep burning for months. For all the Latest Offbeat News News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. EPA Iran was going to retaliate sooner or later, one way or the other. There was no way they would let the targeted killing of Qassem Soleimani go. But with its missile attacks on a US-Iraqi base, Iran is now trying to make it clear that this is a retaliation for one action, not an escalation into a full-on war. There is no appetite for war in Iran. Massive crowds of millions of Iranians had just come out for the funeral of Soleimani in a rare show of national unity for a society wounded by a brutal crackdown on recent anti-government protests. The grievances of the protesters have now taken a back seat in the face of a bigger external threat. Various political factions have been calling for retaliation for what Iranians viewed as an act of war, and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed harsh revenge. While the country seems to be willing to hit back at the world's strongest army, there is also no appetite for a full-on war in Iran. Memories of the eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s are still well alive in Iran. A devastating war where hundreds of thousands of Iranians were killed, many border towns with Iraq were destroyed, and Kurdish villages were hit with chemical weapons by Saddam Hussain's army. Large portraits of the thousands of young "martyrs" of that war are still seen on city walls and every neighbourhood has a street named after one. Iranians may be trying to conduct a high-profile yet low-casualty attack that can be portrayed as an appropriate retaliation for now, with the long-term goal of pushing American forces out of Iraq. So far it seems like that is the strategy. Read more Iran 'fires a dozen ballistic missiles at US targets in Iraq' The music case Carlos Ghosn hid in to flee from Japan has been revealed today, as the former Nissan chief claimed prosecutors threatened to go after his family if he did not confess. Turkish police released an image of the case used for speakers that Ghosn was said to been smuggled inside as he made his daring escape bid to Lebanon. In his first comments since he fled Japan, Ghosn alleged Japanese prosecutors treated him 'brutally and ruthlessly' and threatened his family in order to get him to admit to 65million corruption allegations. The businessman said his dramatic escape from Japan was necessary because he would not get a fair trial under the country's 'corrupt and hostile' justice system. During an emotional press conference in Beirut this afternoon, Ghosn claimed he was interrogated for eight hours a day without a lawyer and was told: 'We will go after your family if you don't confess.' He added: 'It will get worse for you if you don't just confess, the prosecutor told me repeatedly.' Businessman Carlos Ghosn - who escaped by hiding in these music cases - said he had no choice but to flee Japan because he claimed he had no chance of a fair trial Ghosn and his wife Carole (pictured together at today's press conference) were barred from speaking to each other for months while he was under house arrest in Tokyo Ghosn vigorously defended himself and spoke furiously for over an hour - aided by a slide presentation - about a sinister 'plot' against him by 'a handful of unscrupulous, vindictive individuals' in the car industry and the Japanese government. But he refused to give any details of how he managed to escape tight surveillance in Tokyo and flee to Lebanon via Istanbul before New Year. He said: 'I am not here to talk about how I left Japan, I am here to talk about why. 'I am here to shed light on a system that violates the most basic human rights.' He said his decision to skip bail was the 'most difficult' of his life but he thought to himself: 'You are going to die in Japan or you are going to get out.' He said: 'I was brutally taken from my work as I knew it, ripped from my work, my family and my friends. 'It is impossible to express the depth of that deprivation and my profound appreciation to be able to be reunited with my family and loved ones.' Ghosn said he was stopped from seeing his fashion designer wife Carole, 53, and his four children for months at a time since his arrest in November 2018. He was finally reunited with them in Lebanon, where he grew up, after his escape the day before New Year's Eve. 'They all endured unimaginable pain, they were barred to see me or even speak to me for months,' he said. 'I am here to clear my name. These allegations are untrue and I should never have been arrested in the first place.' Former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn pictured at a press conference in Beirut today defending his decision to skip bail in Japan where he was awaiting trial for corruption charges Carlos Ghosn used a slide presentation to illustrate the 'plot' against him by 'a handful of unscrupulous, vindictive individuals' in the car industry and the Japanese government Ghosn fled to his home in Lebanon (pictured) where he joined his wife after fleeing Japan Ghosn took a bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka (inset) before flying from Kansai Airport onto Beirut via Istanbul Carlos Ghosn was pictured celebrating New Year's Eve with wife Carole (right) in Beirut after he managed to escape from house arrest in Japan The residence of former auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn is seen in Tokyo on January 3 Ghosn claimed he was targeted by Nissan executives and Japanese officials who were against his plans for closer ties between the car company and French giant Renault, of which he was also chairman. 'Unfortunately there was no trust. And some of our Japanese friends thought that the only way to get rid of Renault in Nissan is to get rid of me,' he said. The former Nissan tycoon's wife Carole pictured at today's press conference The tycoon publicly named several Nissan executives as being part of the plot but didn't name any members of the Japanese government as he feared that could cause difficulties for his Lebanese hosts. Lebanon does not have an extradition treaty with Japan and has so far refused to hand over Ghosn despite an Interpol arrest warrant being issued. Lebanon has said Ghosn entered the country legally in possession of a French passport and a Lebanese identification card. Ghosn, who is Lebanese and also holds French and Brazilian passports, was set to go on trial in Tokyo in April. Carlos Ghosn, 65, fled japan where he faced corruption charges. He is pictured here arriving at a Tokyo court in April last year Ghosn said that he alone organised his departure from Japan and that his wife Carole played no role. Mrs Ghosn has also denied being involved, telling Le Parisien newspaper: 'I didn't know about anything. I was in Beirut with my children to celebrate Christmas. 'Someone called me, saying: "I've got a surprise for you." 'It was the most beautiful surprise of my life. We met at my parents' apartment. I held Carlos very tightly in my arms for at least five whole minutes before I could even speak.' On Tuesday, Tokyo prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Mrs Ghosn on suspicion of perjury claiming she gave false information to a court in April. Mrs Ghosn claimed Japanese prosecutors 'are seeking revenge' and trying to 'put pressure' on her husband. Lebanon's justice minister said Lebanon has not received any extradition request related to Mrs Ghosn's arrest warrant. Japanese justice officials acknowledge that it is unclear whether Ghosn can be brought back to Japan to face charges. Nissan said it was still pursuing legal action against him despite his escape. Japan's Ministry of Justice has said it will try to find a way to bring Ghosn back from Lebanon even though it has no extradition treaty with Japan. Turkish and Japanese authorities are investigating how Ghosn was smuggled out to Beirut. Interpol has issued a 'red notice' seeking his arrest. Ghosn's news conference marks the latest twist in a 14-month saga that has shaken the global car industry, jeopardised the alliance of Nissan and top shareholder Renault and increased scrutiny of Japan's judicial system. This morning, private security personnel guarded the villa in central Beirut where Ghosn is believed to be residing as reporters and photographers camped outside. Journalists, including several from Japan, watched as vehicles - some with tinted windows - came and went from the premises. Ghosn's bail jump has prompted outrage from the Japanese government, which has called his escape 'unjustifiable' and from Nissan which labelled the getaway 'extremely regrettable'. According to Japanese media, he slipped out of his house in Tokyo, boarded a bullet train to Osaka and then a private jet to Istanbul, evading customs by hiding in a box, before reaching Beirut on December 30. Ghosn says the charges against him stem from a 'coup' inside Nissan by disgruntled executives and Japanese officials who feared his plans to more closely integrate the car giant with its alliance partner, French firm Renault. Nissan has continued to insist it has 'incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn'. But his legal team in France hit back at those remarks just hours before Ghosn was due to speak. The carmaker's claims that it has conducted a thorough investigation into its former boss is a 'gross perversion of the truth', they said in a statement. The probe was 'initiated for the specific, pre-determined purpose of taking down Carlos Ghosn,' said the lawyers. Maria Bartiromo of Fox Business said Ghosn had told her over the weekend that he has 'actual evidence' and documents proving there was a plot to 'take him out' in response to his plan to merge Nissan and Renault. He had also told her he would name those behind his November 2018 arrest for alleged financial misconduct, including some officials in the Japanese government. Ghosn's high-profile arrest and his long detention - 130 days in total - under severe conditions were widely considered draconian compared with the West. He twice won bail by persuading the court he was not a flight risk - decisions seen as controversial at the time. His latest release came with conditions that included a ban on overseas travel and limited contact with his wife, Carole, who insisted this week she had no advance knowledge of the escape plan. Japanese prosecutors are also seeking to arrest her, alleging she 'made false statements' during April testimony to the Tokyo district court. As Japan grapples with the fallout from the embarrassing security lapse, prosecutors on Wednesday attempted to raid the offices of one of his lawyers, Junichiro Hironaka, to seize computers. However, the lawyers refused them access, citing 'attorney-client confidentiality'. Ghosn himself has said he left Japan because he was no longer willing to be 'held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system'. 'I have not fled justice - I have escaped injustice and political persecution,' Ghosn said in a statement on December 31. WESTPORT A 33-year-old woman sustained serious injuries after being stabbed repeatedly by a man in Westport Monday afternoon, police said. Ellis Tibere, 18, of Guilford, was charged with criminal attempt at murder, first-degree assault and possession of a deadly weapon after the incident, police said. Police said the woman, a Greenwich resident, was stabbed by a man with a knife in the parking lot of New Beauty Wellness on Post Road East around 1 p.m. Monday. The man, later identified as Tibere, fled the scene in a vehicle, then was pulled over on the Sherwood Island Connector a short time later. Statements obtained allege that Tibere opened the door to the victims vehicle as she was parked in the lot and seated inside of it awaiting an appointment. Tibere was reportedly wearing a mask and brandishing a knife when he opened the door, police said in a Monday night release. The victim attempted to kick the suspect in self-defense at which time he inflicted multiple stab wounds to her leg. Based on interviews conducted with Tibere, it appears the victim and location were chosen at random. The woman, who suffered multiple stab wounds, was transported to Norwalk Hospital for treatment and is now in stable condition, police said. Tibere confessed to his involvement in the incident, police said in the release. He was held in lieu of a $1 million bond and scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Norwalk on Jan. 7 or Jan. 16, police said. Police continued to investigate the incident Monday night, according to the department. Job Title: Driver Organization: Uganda Clays Limited Duty Station: Uganda Reports to: HR & Administration Officer About US: Uganda Clays Limited is Ugandas leading manufacturer of quality building products located at Kajjansi, 14 Kilometers along Kampala-Entebbe Road with a second factory at Kamonkoli in Mbale. Job Summary: The Driver is responsible for providing effective transport facilitation, carrying out basic vehicle maintenance, ensuring health and safety compliance, adhere to road safety signs and participating in a promotional role for the company in order to attain the objectives at the Company. Key Duties and Responsibilities: To ensure that Uganda Clays vehicles are in good condition, mechanically sound and safe to drive To drive passengers safely and securely to their destination, at all times complying with the laws of Uganda, Uganda Clays procedures and best practice in customer care To give a good impression of Uganda Clays to passengers, suppliers and others who are contacted in the course of work Take personal responsibility for ensuring that Uganda Clays Quality and Safety procedures are implemented at all times Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The ideal applicant Should possess at least a UACE qualication. A valid driving permit with the required classes as per automobile to be driven Certicate in Defensive Driving Good knowledge of driving rules and regulations, driver protocol and oourtesies (Traffic Act and other police regulations). Skills in carrying out minor vehicle repairs. Fluency in English, Swahili or Luganda Basic knowledge of computer i.e. email, internet, word processing At least four years experience as a driver in a business or international organisation with a safe driving record. How to apply: All suitably qualied candidates should send their applications and updated CVs, present position, copies of certicates / testimonials and addresses of three (3) referees plus day-time telephone / Mobile phone contacts to the address below. The Head of Human Resources and Support Service, Uganda Clays limited P.0 Box 3188, Kampala. Uganda Clays limited is an equal opportunity employer, while we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Any form of lobbying will lead to automatic disqualification Deadline: 17thJanuary 2020 For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Toronto, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seneca has signed a memorandum of understanding with Northeastern University that will allow Seneca students in the Clinical Research and Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs & Quality Operations graduate certificate programs to receive 12 credits towards a masters degree at Northeastern upon admission to its Regulatory Affairs for Drugs, Biologics, and Medical Devices program. Taking advantage of Northeasterns flexible program delivery with the option to study fully online or during the evening at Northeasterns downtown Toronto campus Seneca graduates will be able to pursue their degree while working full time in their respective fields. We are delighted to partner with an institution of Northeastern Universitys calibre and to create more pathways for our students, said Ranjan Bhattacharya, Dean of Senecas Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering Technology. Through this partnership, our graduates can pursue higher learning while still making their mark in their new professions. The new agreement builds on a previous partnership with Northeastern University that gives advanced standing to students in Senecas Honours Bachelor of Technology Informatics & Security degree program to pursue the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program at the university. We are glad to partner with Seneca to offer their graduate certificate students the opportunity to complete a masters degree in regulatory affairs at Northeastern University at our Toronto campus. As the practice of regulatory affairs roles becomes increasingly scientific and technical in nature, and integrated with strategic decision-making within organizations, the demand for skilled professionals is in high demand. Northeasterns global campus network, in combination with our focus on lifelong and experiential learning creates an exciting pathway for Seneca graduates, said Aliza Lakhani, Regional CEO & Dean, Northeastern University Toronto. About Seneca Combining career and professional skills training with theoretical knowledge, Seneca provides a polytechnic education to 30,000 full-time and 60,000 part-time students. With campuses in Toronto, York Region and Peterborough and education partners around the world, Seneca offers degrees, graduate certificates, diplomas and certificates in more than 300 full-time, part-time and online programs. Senecas credentials are renowned for their quality and respected by employers. Co-op and work placements, applied research projects, entrepreneurial opportunities and the latest technology ensure that Seneca graduates are highly skilled and ready to work. Find out more at Seneca. Follow us on Twitter. About Northeastern University Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experience-powered lifelong learning. Our world-renowned experiential approach empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create impact far beyond the confines of discipline, degree, and campus. Our locations in Boston; the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Charlotte, North Carolina; London; the San Francisco Bay Area; Seattle; Toronto; and Vancouver are nodes in our growing global university system. Through this network, we expand opportunities for flexible, student-centered learning and collaborative, solutions-focused research. Northeasterns comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats lead to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools. Among these, we offer more than 140 multidisciplinary majors and degrees designed to prepare students for purposeful lives and careers. Sunnyvale police arrested two Oakland men in connection to approximately 43 car break-ins during two hours Tuesday night throughout the city, according to an official. Officers arrested the men, 28-year-old Ismael Murillo-Rodriguez and 25-year-old Brayan Burgos-Vargas, after speaking with people affected by the burglaries and tracing some of the stolen items to Oakland, said Capt. Dan Pistor, a spokesman for the citys Department of Public Safety. The break-ins occurred between 7 and 9 p.m. across the city. Its kind of spread out throughout our city, said Pistor, adding he didnt immediately know all the locations that were targeted because of the large amount of break-ins. We worked with the Oakland Police Department and they were outstanding. Authorities also found a vehicle with what they believe are some of the stolen items. Investigators were trying to determine if there were any more people involved. Authorities booked Murillo-Rodriguez and Burgos-Vargas into Santa Clara County Jail on 43 counts of burglary and receiving stolen property. Officers who arrested them found stolen property from Sunnyvale and other unspecified jurisdictions, police said. The arrests come a day after police in several communities in the South Bay announced arrests in similar break-ins, and recent news of Los Angeles authorities grappling with Bay-area crews who travel to Southern California to target cars. Fremont police arrested a 19-year-old and a 16-year-old early Tuesday in Hayward following a pursuit that started when the two were spotted in a stolen car in an area where about 30 auto burglaries had been reported. A second car eluded police. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. In Palo Alto late Monday, police arrested five teens including two 17-year-olds on suspicion of auto burglary after officers pulled them over because they matched descriptions provided by a person who reported witnessing break-ins. Authorities found gloves, burglary tools and possible stolen items inside the car the teens were traveling in, and eight cars in the area with smashed windows. Pistor said authorities were still assessing the damage and property value loss in the Sunnyvale crimes. Alejandro Serrano is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alejandro.serrano@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @serrano_alej MANILA, Philippines The remains of the Filipino household service worker who was allegedly killed by her employer in Kuwait have arrived in the Philippines. The plane carrying Jeanelyn Villavendes body landed around 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Her remains are set to be flown to General Santos City and from there will be transported to her hometown in South Cotabato. Death certificate released by a Kuwaiti hospital revealed that Villavende died due to shock and multiple injuries in the vascular nervous system. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) earlier said Villavende might have been beaten to death purportedly by her employer based on the autopsy report they received from Kuwaiti authorities. The Kuwaiti employer has since been detained by authorities and awaiting the charges to be filed against them. The National Bureau of Investigation is set to conduct its own autopsy on Villavendes body. Prior to the arrival of her remains in Manila, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., met with Villavendes bereaved family. Locsin assured the family that the government will provide them legal and other forms of assistance, including a P100,000 financial assistance, until the perpetrators are brought to justice. He also said a criminal lawyer in Kuwait has been commissioned to handle Villavendes case. RRD (with details from Correspondent Aiko MIguel) The post Remains of Filipino worker murdered in Kuwait back in PH appeared first on UNTV News. We add expertise and depth, and we share a culture that values being inquisitive, proactive and street-smart.--Jeffrey Remsik Michael Best Strategies (Strategies) today announced that it has acquired the Milwaukee-based strategic communications firm of Bottom Line Marketing & Public Relations, Inc. and added its owner Jeffrey J. Remsik to its growing team of seasoned professionals. Jeffrey and his team are a perfect fit for the type of strategic business consulting our clients need and want. We are excited to add such depth of expertise, especially in competitive intelligence, market research and marketing communications, said Robert Marchant, president of Michael Best Strategies. Jeffrey is comfortable in the C-suite and is a trusted advisor to numerous senior business leaders. He has built a solid business over the past two decades, and we are excited about adding him to our team. Marchant noted that besides Remsik, two Bottom Line public relations professionals will join the Strategies team, former reporter and experienced senior PR counselor Ron Irwin; and Margaret Fritsch, who brings with her expertise in media relations, strategic communications and public affairs. Its a good match. We add expertise and depth, and we share a culture that values being inquisitive, proactive and street-smart, said Remsik. We are excited to join the impressive, professional team at Michael Best Strategies. Were in a stronger position to help clients achieve their strategic business objectives. Remsik has specialized in serving clients in healthcare, financial services and real estate development. He joins a growing list of accomplished business executives and strategy professionals who have joined Strategies in the past three years. About Michael Best Strategies Michael Best Strategies is one of the nations fastest-growing B2B consulting firms specializing in government relations, public affairs, crisis management, shared value business planning, political partnership development and community/stakeholder engagement strategies. With offices in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha, Austin, Denver, and Salt Lake City, we work with clients at the local, regional, and federal levels to advance their unique goals and objectives. Our industry expertise includes healthcare, agriculture, energy and environment, manufacturing, tax and finance, trade, higher education, and the food and beverage industry. Michael Best Strategies is affiliated with Michael Best & Friedrich, a full-service law firm with over 250 lawyers operating in 12 offices nationwide. For more information, visit michaelbeststrategies.com. Courtesy photo LOCAL MUSIC Huntsville indie rockers Them Damn Dogs' new single, "Memories," hops with a beachy groove, but the lyrics come from more wistful place. Come here the band play the song live at their first show of 2020. Them Damn Dogs, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Jan. 11, Lone Goose Saloon, 2620 Clinton Ave. W., Ste. C, no cover, facebook.com/themdamndogs Don't Edit FILM FESTIVAL Now in its seventh year, the Wild and Scenic Film Festival highlights stories of adventure and conservation. Two screenings in Huntsville. Life hack: They're giving away free tamales (while they last) at the later screening. Wild and Scenic Film Festival, 2 - 5 and 6 - 9 p.m. screenings Jan. 11, Straight to Ale, 2610 Clinton Ave. N.W. $10, alabamarivers.org/wsffhuntsvilletickets Don't Edit You can now find Coffee Black on #tiktok Go give us a follow and invite your friends!! . . . #tiktok #media #contentcreator #music #funk #original #instalove #ilikemycoffeeblack #independent #artist Posted by Coffee Black on Friday, December 13, 2019 LIVE MUSIC As far as song titles go, Florence R&B band Coffee Black's self-titled debut album ranges from "Hope" to "Bloody." They bring a horns and piano propelled vibe to the stage. Coffee Black, 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. Jan. 11, The Bar at 805, 2500 Clinton Ave., Ste D, no cover, facebook.com/coffeeblackmusic Don't Edit File photo PHOTOGRAPHY Huntsville Photography Society member Barbara Hitt presents images of mountain gorillas and other African wildlife. "Gorilla Trekking," 7 - 9 p.m. Jan. 13, Huntsville Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St. S.W., free to attend, hpsphoto.org Don't Edit BROTHER BAND North Alabama natives Lawson and Jackson Beasley's country/pop project is now Nashville based. Their repertoire includes tracks like "Summertime," which should help warm up this winter hometown show. The Beasley Brothers, 9 p.m. Jan. 11, Humphrey's, 103 Washington St., no cover, thebeasleybrothers.com Don't Edit Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi asserted on Wednesday Egypt's keenness on keeping Libya united and stable, as well as putting an end to any illegal foreign interference in the country's affairs. The president made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the presence of Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and China's Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang. The two sides agreed on supporting ambitious efforts to find an inclusive political solution to the Libyan crisis. They also asserted the importance of mutual coordination to bring about safety and security in the Gulf region. El-Sisi said that the Belt and Road initiative serves Egypt's development efforts, expressing hope that the number of Chinese tourists to Egypt would increase in the coming period. Wang said that his country aims to enhance relations with Egypt on all levels, highlighting the strategic role played by Egypt in the Middle East and Africa. He also praised development projects that the country is currently witnessing under President El-Sisi. Wang encouraged Chinese businessmen to invest in Egypt, saying that the Egyptian market is promising for Chinese companies. Search Keywords: Short link: Community College of Philadelphia, one of the 14 colleges that is part of the new agreement. Read more Graduates of Pennsylvanias 14 community colleges can go on to earn their bachelors degrees online from a New Hampshire university at a rate that makes it less costly than nearly every other in-state public option, under an agreement signed Wednesday. The agreement with Southern New Hampshire University was arranged through the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges, a nonprofit umbrella association, and marks the first transfer agreement between all 14 colleges and a four-year university. Based on our data, our students will pay a rate lower than nearly any publicly available option in the state, depending on the students program of study and credit load, said Elizabeth Bolden, president of the commission. She said that is important because higher education affordability is often a barrier for students who want a bachelors degree. The agreement could pose new competition for colleges in Pennsylvania, including Pennsylvania State Universitys World Campus and the 14 universities in the State System of Higher Education, which are exploring a bigger online push. And it comes at a challenging time for the state system, which has lost nearly 20% of its enrollment since 2010 amid a decrease in high school graduates. (Penn State is not part of the state system.) READ MORE: Enrollment falls again across Pennsylvanias state universities Southern New Hampshire will give students a 10% tuition reduction and charge $288 per credit hour or $864 per course. Penn States World Campus by comparison charges $576 per credit hour for those with fewer than 59 credits and $617 for those with 60 or more credits. Southern New Hampshire also will transfer up to 90 credits for any degree program and aim to make transferring seamless for students, Bolden said. Thats different from most other transfer agreements Pennsylvanias community colleges already have over 5,000 of them, many with institutions in the state which tend to be for specific programs and between institutions, she said. The simplicity of that message can be very powerful, Bolden said of the Southern New Hampshire agreement, noting that transferring credits is not always an easy process for students. The commission on Wednesday morning notified public and private universities in Pennsylvania of the agreement and invited them to partner in similar ways a move that could start an affordability competition in the state. The state system issued a statement late Wednesday saying it has a rich history of community college partnerships that expand educational and career opportunities right here in Pennsylvania for thousands for students. We value our ongoing relationships and constantly seek ways to build on that well established record of success. Its unclear how many students may be interested in taking an online program from an out-of-state university. About 85% of the states community college graduates who go on for their bachelors remain in Pennsylvania, according to the commission. But an increasing number of students have been opting for online courses while they are in community college, Bolden said. In 2018-19, 85,285 students out of about 300,000 took at least one online course, up from 78,637 in 2014-15, according to the commission. About 1,500 community college graduates from Pennsylvania already are taking online classes from Southern New Hampshire and 166 received degrees last year, Bolden said. Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire has a campus in Manchester with 3,000 students and has been building its online program, which launched in 1995. More than 130,000 students are enrolled online, and the university currently has partnerships with 177 community colleges across the country, said Melanie Plourde, a spokesperson. Pennsylvania becomes Southern New Hampshires second statewide partnership. The university partnered with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System early last year, Plourde said. The partnership in Pennsylvania drew praise from the national community college association. Any time were removing barriers to completion for students, it is something we would applaud, said Martha Parham, senior vice president of public relations for the American Association of Community Colleges. The Pennsylvania commission vetted Southern New Hampshires program before agreeing to sign on, Bolden said, and has turned down some other out-of-state suitors who sought similar agreements. The new agreement will appeal to some students at Delaware County Community College, said Marian McGorry, vice president of academic affairs. Not many take all their classes online, she said, but the majority are taking a mix of online and on-campus classes. Since the majority of our students attend part-time now, the flexibility of an online format will be appealing to those students who are working full-time or who have family responsibilities and cannot attend college full-time, McGorry said. The college also has a transfer agreement for online programs with Wilmington University in Delaware, she said. As an incentive, Wilmington offers students one free course. Kazakh President Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev called a government meeting on the back of the escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, the presidents office said. Tokayev ordered to ensure safety of Kazakh institutions abroad and staff members in the Middle East, ensure safety of diplomatic representations, and offices of foreign companies in Kazakhstan, boost work on obtaining and analyzing the information interesting for national interests of Kazakhstan. The leadership of the President's Office, Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary of the Security Council, Chairman of the National Security Committee, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Interior Affairs, and Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces attended the meeting, AKIpress reported. A 22-year old Los Angeles man was arrested on suspicion of 18 felony charges, including the human trafficking of a minor, kidnapping for child molestation and other sex assault charges related to the disappearance of a 13-year-old Mendocino County girl who was found in San Francisco over the weekend, officials said Tuesday. King John Baylon was booked in San Francisco Jail early Monday following a dramatic search and recovery of the missing teen in a case that captured widespread attention on social media. UCSF police found the girl at the Ferry Building on Sunday evening with Baylon, officials said. Local citizens had seen the missing girls photo and reported her whereabouts to officers, UCSF police said. Baylon was arrested at the scene. The girl, a Fort Bragg resident, was visiting UCSFs Mission Bay campus on Friday, where a sibling was receiving medical treatment. Mendocino County Sheriff Office officials said the girl was seen on surveillance video leaving the hospital at about 3:30 p.m. with a younger man in his early-20s. Authorities said she might have known the man through the internet. Police did not say if the man was Baylon. Her family shared her picture on social media, asking the public for help locating her and the post soon went viral. The girl was later spotted at a nearby restaurant with someone matching the mans description. A waitress called police after learning the girl was missing, authorities said. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Baylon was booked on suspicion of possession or control of child pornography, using a minor for sex acts, sexual intercourse with an underaged person, meeting a minor for lewd purposes, arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes, contact with a minor for sexual offense, lewd acts upon a child, human trafficking involving a minor, kidnapping to commit another crime, kidnapping for child molesting, and oral copulation of a person under 18. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky February 12, 2018 Lady Kitty Spencer wears a Ralph Lauren tan leather coat while attending the Ralph Lauren d fashion show as part of New York Fashion Week in New York, NY, USA Getty Images for New York Fashion Week: The Shows Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Fugitive ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's lawyers opened fire on the car maker on Wednesday, hours before he was scheduled to hold a highly anticipated news conference, accusing it of using a "flawed, biased" internal probe to engineer his arrest. The international legal team said in a statement that Nissan Motor was trying to prevent Ghosn from more closely integrating the Japanese company and its French alliance partner Renault SA, which he also formerly headed. Ghosn's Japanese lawyers, meanwhile, despite their client having vanished from the country on Dec. 29, blocked Tokyo prosecutors from seizing a computer Ghosn had used. The once-feted executive, who was awaiting trial in Tokyo on charges of financial misconduct and is now in Lebanon which has no extradition treaty with Japan, was allowed to use internet-only under his lawyers' supervision under his bail conditions. Based on attorney-client privilege, "we refused to allow them access to the (local lawyers') office and asked them to leave", said an official with the Tokyo law firm. Ghosn has said that he fled a "rigged" Japanese justice system after authorities delayed his trial into 2021. His daring escape involved slipping away from his Tokyo residence, crossing Japan on a bullet train and being smuggled onto charter jets that delivered him from Osaka to his childhood home of Lebanon via Istanbul. Ghosn is expected to hold a news conference in Beirut at 10 p.m. Japan time (1300 GMT). He has spoken in his defense in court and issued a video statement of his innocence since his initial arrest in November 2018, but has not spoken openly with reporters or otherwise publicly defended himself. Ghosn has said he will fight to restore his reputation. His international lawyers said Nissan "never once" tried to interview the executive or share with him evidence it had accumulated against him. Turkish and Japanese authorities are investigating how Ghosn was smuggled out to Beirut. Interpol has issued a "red notice" seeking his arrest. Japanese authorities on Monday issued an arrest warrant for Ghosn's wife, Carole, for alleged perjury in connection with her husband's financial dealings. Carole told French newspaper Le Parisien that Japanese prosecutors were "hoping to put pressure on my husband" ahead of his press conference in Lebanon. The statement from Ghosn's legal team seeks to focus attention on his claim that he was the victim of a coup by Nissan executives who opposed giving up more authority to Renault. 'Perversion of the truth' Nissan said an internal investigation found that Ghosn had engaged in personal use of company money and had under-reported his income in violation of Japanese law. Ghosn's lawyers said Nissan's claim of "a robust, thorough internal investigation" is a "gross perversion of the truth". The investigation "was initiated and carried out for the specific, predetermined purpose of taking down Carlos Ghosn to prevent him from further integrating Nissan and Renault, which threatened the independence of Nissan", the lawyers wrote. Ghosn has denied all charges against him, saying he was the victim of "backstabbing" and "conspiracy" by Nissan executives. Ghosn's legal team also accused Nissan of allowing Hari Nada, an executive "whose own conduct was the subject of the investigation", to run the probe of Ghosn. The statement also charged that Latham & Watkins, the law firm that assisted Nissan's investigation, was not independent because it has long acted as outside counsel for the company. Ghosn's lawyers said Nissan's investigation failed to uncover evidence that then-CEO Hiroto Saikawa had also benefited from improper compensation. Saikawa resigned last year after admitting he had been overpaid in violation of internal procedures. Nissan said it had no further comment on its Tuesday statement. In the past, the automaker has said it cannot comment on the specifics of the investigation since the company itself was also the subject of a criminal investigation. Japan's ambassador to Lebanon, Takeshi Okubo, met Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Tuesday, calling Ghosn's flight to Lebanon "deeply regrettable" and requesting cooperation from Beirut, according to a Japanese foreign ministry statement. Tehran, Jan 8 : Instagram, the Facebook-owned photo-sharing app, has continued to delete accounts and posts on the Iranian Major General General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in the January 3 US drone attack in Iraq, including two posts by Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, a report said. Larijani had posted a note condoling Soleimani's death, but a few hours after users began commenting on the post, Instagram started to remove photos and hashtags about the top Iranian commander, and later deleted the Speaker's posts, the semi-official Fars News Agency said in the report on Tuesday. Instagram also removed another post by the parliament speaker that showed him meeting Soleimani's son. On Monday, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiyee slammed Instagram, saying that the social media platform has "blocked the voices of the oppressed nations". "The blocking could be regarded as a non-democratic move," Fars News Agency quoted Rabiyee as saying in a tweet. Soleimani, 63, and his son-in-law and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Front (PMF), along with eight other people were killed in the drone attack ordered by US President Donald Trump. Soleimani was heading the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps's elite Quds Force, which operates outside Iran and holds sway over a large number of militias across the region ranging from Lebanon to Syria and Iraq. The attack has led to widespread condemnation in Iran. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani has vowed revenge on the US. Hunter Biden is the legal father of a 17-month-old, according to an Arkansas judge ruling on Tuesday. Circuit Court Judge Holly Meyer said that DNA testing determined that Biden is the father of Lunden Roberts' child with 'near scientific certainty.' A new birth certificate will be issued naming Biden as the father of NJR and the case will remain open while the rest of the issues are resolved between the two. Judge Holly Meyer, who took over the case after Judge Don McSpadden recused himself on New Years Eve, asked Biden's lawyers on Friday to send over papers that redacted the name of the child, whose gender is being kept secret. Roberts was granted primary custody of the child, which she wanted, and Biden's visitation rights will be determined later. Circuit Court Judge Holly Meyer said that DNA testing determined that Robert Hunter Biden is the father of Lunden Roberts' child with 'near scientific certainty' The two had met while Roberts, 28, worked as a stripper in Washington D.C. and she wants Biden to pay child support and foot her legal bill, as well as full custody In November, DNA testing proved Biden, 49, as the father of Roberts' child, after she filed a paternity suit in May 2019 in Independence County, Arkansas. The two had met while Roberts, 28, worked as a stripper in Washington D.C. and she wants full custody, and Biden to pay child support and foot her legal bill. Biden had tried to postpone his Tuesday's court appearance, claiming he didn't receive 'proper notice' and wouldn't be able to make it because he lives in California. The judge granted his motion and delayed the in court hearing until later this month. Biden seems mostly unbothered amid the heightened focus on his paternity case, as he was seen over the holidays shopping with his new South African wife Melissa Cohen, 32, who is pregnant and in her second trimester. Judge Meyer asked Biden's lawyers on Friday to send over papers that redacted the full name of the child, whose gender is being kept secret Judge McSpadden's recusal last week came two hours after 'defrauded investor' Joel Caplan, who wants to be made a party in the case, filed a witness statement from ex-Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin. Shokin claimed he was fired in 2016 because he was leading an investigation into Burisma, the company Biden was a board member of, and refused to shut it down, despite pressure from Hunter's father, then-VP Joe Biden. Hunter's finances are currently in the spotlight over his former position at the Ukrainian energy company, which has been at the center of Hunter's entanglement in President Trump's impeachment. Trump's impeachment was sparked by his phone call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 25, where he asked Zelensky to meet with Rudy Giuliani and US AG William Barr over claims Joe lobbied for Shokin's dismissal because of his investigation into Burisma, in an alleged attempt to protect Hunter from any possible prosecution. This led to a whistleblower complaint from an officer within the CIA, and eventually led to Trump's impeachment in December. Dominic Casey also wants in on Biden's Arkansas case, filing papers in late December, claiming he had provided Roberts with 'electronic access' to Biden's bank account records, which are 'subject of known felonies including fraud and counterfeiting.' Judge McSpadden's recusal came two hours after 'defrauded investor' Joel Caplan (left), who wants to be made a party in the case, filed a witness statement from ex-Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin. Dominic Casey (right) also wants in on Biden's Arkansas case, filing papers, claiming he had provided Roberts with 'electronic access' to Biden's bank account records Casey heads up D&A Investigations, which is based near Orlando, Florida, and he is known for pursuing right-wing conspiracy theories. During the Casey Anthony trial he claimed a psychic told him where to find Caylee's body. Hunter, who has been in and out of rehab six times for alcoholism and addiction, was accused in November of smoking crack and spending 'thousands of dollars' at the strip club during multiple visits. According to the club's security worker Ranko Petrovic, Biden was a big-paying customer who often sat in the VIP room where he spent 'thousands and thousands' and drank during his visits. He often paid his bills with 'credit cards that didn't have his name on it'. Biden's frequent stops and generous spending at the club have come under scrutiny as he was on the board of Ukrainian natural-gas company Burisma at the time. Biden first joined that board in 2014 and was reportedly paid him as much as $50,000 a month. He served until his term expired in April 2019. He was on the board during the time his father Joe Biden was in the White House as Vice President. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Reuters) Sydney, Australia Wed, January 8, 2020 08:05 734 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321476dd 2 Art & Culture Australia,National-Gallery-of-Australia,art,Canberra Free The quality of air in Australia's capital was the worst of any major city in the world on Monday as smoke drifted in from fires, prompting shops and offices to tell staff to stay home and the national gallery to close its doors to protect its art. While not in any imminent danger from fire, Canberra sits between blazes ravaging the east coast and others inland, and its skies have been darkened by smoke this week. The National Gallery of Australia said it would not open on Monday in part to protect works being shown in its Matisse and Picasso exhibition, including some borrowed from the Musee Picasso in Paris. "Closing our doors allows us to mitigate any risk to the public, staff and works of art on display," the gallery said. The exhibition includes Picasso's portraits of his wife, Olga, and lover, Marie-Therese, both on loan from Paris, it said. Read also: Australia's 'insurance' koala population halved by bushfires Southern-summer fires have devastated more than 8 million hectares of Australia's bushland and killed at least 24 people and countless animals. Acrid, yellowish smoke has blanketed towns and cities, raising concern about public health. Canberra health authorities warned the city's 400,000 residents to avoid outside physical activity. Many businesses and government departments, including the Department of Home Affairs, ordered non-essential staff to stay home, media reported. Air quality readings show the smoke was at hazardous levels early on Monday - and the worst among all major cities - before wind dispersed some of it during the day. NASA images have shown smoke billowing from Australia's east coast drifting over New Zealand and even reaching South America in less than a week. The cow can only process grass in its rumen with the help of billions of microorganisms. An entire zoo of bacteria, archaea and protozoa works there like on a production line: First of all, these single-cell organisms break down the cellulose, a polysaccharide. Other bacteria ferment the sugars released into fatty acids, alcohols and gases, such as hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Finally, methanogenic archaea transform these two gases into methane. An average cow produces about 110 liters of methane per day. It escapes from its mouth through rumination, but also mixes again with partly digested food. As a result, the sodium content of the grass pulp can fluctuate to a considerable degree (between 60 and 800 millimoles of sodium chloride (NaCl) per liter). A German-American research team has now discovered how the ruminal bacteria adapt to these extreme fluctuations in sodium content: "Bioinformatic analyses of the genome of ruminal bacteria led our American colleague Tim Hackmann to assume that some ruminal bacteria have two different respiratory circuits. One of them functions with sodium ions and the other without," explains Professor Volker Muller from the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Bioenergetics at Goethe University. That is why Muller suggested to his doctoral researcher Marie Scholmerich that she study a typical representative in the microbiome of ruminants: the bacterium Pseudobutyrivibrio ruminis. Together with undergraduate student Judith Donig and Master's student Alexander Katsyv, Marie Scholmerich cultivated the bacterium. Indeed, they were able to corroborate both respiratory circuits. As the researchers report in the current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the electron carrier ferredoxin (Fd) is reduced during sugar oxidation. Reduced ferredoxin drives both respiratory circuits. The one respiratory circuit comprises the enzyme complex Fd:NAD+ oxidoreductase (Rnf complex). It uses energy to transport sodium ions out of the cell. When they re-enter the cell, the sodium ions trigger an ATP synthase, so that ATP is produced. This respiratory circuit only works in the presence of sodium ions. In the absence of sodium ions, the bacterium forms an alternative respiratory circuit with another enzyme complex: The Ech hydrogenase (synonymous: Fd:H+ oxidoreductase) produces hydrogen and pumps protons out of the cell. If these re-enter the cell via a second ATP synthase that accepts protons but not sodium ions, ATP is also produced. "This is the first bacterium so far in which these two simple, completely different respiratory circuits have been corroborated, but our bioinformatic analyses suggest that they are also found in other bacteria," explains Marie Scholmerich. "It seems, therefore, that this adaptation strategy is more widespread," she assumes. Interestingly, both enzyme complexes (Rnf and Ech) were also discovered in bacteria which are old in terms of evolutionary biology. Professor Muller's research group has examined them in depth, but always only found one of the two enzyme complexes and never both together. "We're now going to use synthetic microbiology methods to produce hybrids of bacteria that contain both complexes in order to optimize them for biotechnological processes. In this way, we can raise the cellular ATP content, which will make it possible to produce products of a higher quality," explains Professor Muller. The intention is to use the respiratory circuits to recover valuable substances through the fermentation of synthesis gas. This is the subject of the trials being conducted in the framework of a project sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. ### A picture can be downloaded under: : http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/84412971 Caption: The bacterium Pseudobutyrivibrio ruminis (green), a typical ruminal bacterium, obtains energy via two different respiratory circuits. The one requires sodium ions, the other hydrogen ions (H+). In this way, it can adapt to fluctuating sodium concentrations in animal feed in an optimum way. Picture: Goethe University/ Cow: Shutterstock Publication: Scholmerich, M.C., Katsyv, A., Donig, J., Hackmann, T., Muller, V. (20XX). Energy conservation involving two respiratory circuits. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., in press. Further information: Professor Volker Muller, Molecular Microbiology and Bioenergetics, Riedberg Campus, Tel.: +49(0)69-798-29507; VMueller@bio.uni-frankfurt.de. Current news about science, teaching, and society can be found on GOETHE-UNI online (http://www.aktuelles.uni-frankfurt.de) Goethe University is a research-oriented university in the European financial centre Frankfurt am Main. The university was founded in 1914 through private funding, primarily from Jewish sponsors, and has since produced pioneering achievements in the areas of social sciences, sociology and economics, medicine, quantum physics, brain research, and labour law. It gained a unique level of autonomy on 1 January 2008 by returning to its historic roots as a "foundation university". Today, it is one of the three largest universities in Germany. Together with the Technical University of Darmstadt and the University of Mainz, it is a partner in the inter-state strategic Rhine-Main University Alliance. Internet: http://www.uni-frankfurt.de Publisher: The President of Goethe University Editor: Dr. Anke Sauter, Science and Humanities Editor, International Communication, PR & Communication Department, Theodor-W.-Adorno-Platz 1, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Tel: +49(0)69 798-13066, Fax +49(0)69 798-761 12531, sauter@pvw.uni-frankfurt.de. If I will die, let it ... According to the study, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, there were 20,706 cancers among 313,321 adults diagnosed with overweight and obesity compared with 18,480 cancers that were expected based on information from the general population. New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) Researchers in Denmark found that overweight and obesity were associated with higher risks of several common cancers and according to health experts here obesity may worsen the cancer survivor-ship, including quality of life. This corresponds to a 12 per cent higher risk associated with overweight and obesity. Excess body weight or obesity in itself may be a root cause for a number of chronic diseases and some cancers, the health experts said. Ashish Goel, Associate Director, Surgical Oncology at Jaypee Hospital in Noida said that extra body fat undoubtedly reduces the immune system of the body, and functioning of the hormones and cells which further results in abnormal number of cells and can increase the risk of tumour formation. "Obesity is a well known predisposing factor for endometrial ovarian breast and stomach cancers and to some extent for kidney cancers," Goel told IANS. The study also revealed that having type 2 diabetes or alcoholism-related diseases in addition to overweight or obesity was linked with even higher risks. The increased risk was seen for cancers previously identified as obesity-related, including pancreatic and postmenopausal breast cancers, as well as for blood and neurological cancers, it added. "Yes, this is true that, obesity has been associated with an increased risk of various kind of cancers. Also its also proven that the obesity may worsen the cancer survivorship, including quality of life and also increasing the changes of recurrence of the disease," said J.B. Sharma, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncologist at Action Cancer Hospital in New Delhi. Sharma added that being overweight has been directly or indirectly linked with liver cancer, thyroid cancer, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, gallbladder cancer, etc. "Being overweight after menopause also increases breast cancer risk," he said. bu/kr The Mission of Catalina Kaiyoorawongs The Ross grad passed up a corporate job to develop an employee perk that really matters. by Cynthia Furlong Reynolds From the December, 2019 issue With the help of scholarships and her parents, Elizabeth Henley graduated from an out-of-state university with a degree in engineering, a summer of study abroad, and $35,000 in student debt. She worked for a large construction firm for two years, living frugally and saving carefully. Then she entered a two-year Ivy League graduate program with a $169,000 price tag. She graduated with a master's degree, two job offers, and a total of $110,000 in student loans. Her new employer pays well--but Henley continues to live frugally as she struggles to meet $1,700 monthly student loan payments. She estimates she will pay close to $70,000 in interest on her educational debt. She's a perfect candidate for the debt-management and retirement planning services offered by Catalina Kaiyoorawongs' Ann Arbor-based start-up, LoanSense. Student loans. The phrase strikes terror in the hearts of parents, students, and college graduates. In the first quarter of 2019, student loan debt in the U.S. rose to $1.52 trillion--more than Americans owed on their car loans ($1.28 trillion) or credit cards ($850 billion). Kaiyoorawongs has a plan--and a business model--to help address that staggering amount of debt--and the financial and emotional stress that goes with it. "Very few students understand the loan process or even who their lenders are," says the 2019 U-M Ross School of Business MBA. "Often they think they'll be able to rely on a good job in the future to take care of their debt--only to discover their debt is a lot greater than they imagined, and it comes with hefty interest charges. When they do get jobs, they can't even consider investing in retirement because they're in such debt now." Kaiyoorawongs says that's why she recently turned down a "really, really nice corporate job" offer. Instead, she's devoting all her time and energy to launching LoanSense--"a business whose mission resonates with me." Her company's online platform helps employees manage their loans and tap debt-relief programs. It also helps employers get them started toward retirement by ...continued below... contributing to their 401(k) and 403(b) accounts. Her pitch: offering student loan assistance as an employee benefit will help companies recruit, engage, and retain staff.She's experienced her share of financial stress. "I was raised by a single mother who only had a high school education and had to work several jobs to support three children," she says. "When you grow up with economic hardships, you learn how to scrounge and optimize resources at a very early age."The middle daughter of a Chinese Thai father and an American mother, by the age of nine Kaiyoorawongs was caring for her younger sister and helping her father in his Bangkok restaurant and billiards hall while her mother taught English classes until late at night. "My parents were largely absent," she says.When the Asian economic crisis hit, her father's business collapsed. In 1996, her mother moved with Catalina and her sisters to Sarasota, where they shared a three-bedroom townhouse with her grandparents and two cousins."I focused on two purposes," Kaiyoorawongs says: "Do well in school. Learn to manage money."In high school, she babysat, bagged groceries, managed a pizza franchise, and worked in a kosher kitchen at a Jewish senior residence. After graduation, she was offered full scholarships to four universities. She chose Barnard because she saw more chances to develop leadership skills in an all-women environment."I've always worked, I've always made money, and I've always found ways to leverage resources," she says. "In between classes, I babysat for a money manager's family; he taught me how to invest. And I babysat for a lawyer's children; he helped me land an internship with the Brooklyn district attorney's office."Kaiyoorawongs graduated in 2008 and got a job at the Manhattan D.A.'s office. But she soon realized she didn't want to become a lawyer. Instead, she joined the Peace Corps, which sent her to a remote western highland region in Guatemala."The natives expected a woman to come with a man--and they expected the man to direct projects," she says. "I quickly learned that the ways women do things in the U.S. don't work in Guatemala."She learned the regional Mayan dialect and created a health education program for the residents of twenty-one villages. "The great majority not only didn't speak English, they didn't speak Spanish, and they couldn't read or write. Nor did they want to take advice or orders from a woman."I had to teach myself new gender roles and new ways of communicating--I told stories and acted them out. I knew I was making headway when I learned their name for me meant 'Woman That Wears Pants.'"---Her Peace Corps experience convinced her "I could do anything it takes to achieve the best outcome." Soon after she returned to Sarasota, she met with the city's then-mayor, Kelly Kirschner. Kirschner is founder of UnidosNow, a nonprofit that provides opportunities, education, and a voice for the region's growing Hispanic community.Kaiyoorawongs taught financial literacy as a volunteer with UnidosNow then became its first paid staff member, and ultimately, its director. She raised funding for a summer academy, where first-generation American high schoolers were tutored and encouraged to consider continuing education."I grew up between two very different cultures, so I relate to anyone who doesn't fit in," she says. "And I'm passionate about education. I feel I have to give back to people who come from a background like mine."At the advice of her mentor, a Guatemalan with a Harvard MBA, she chose U-M for her graduate work for two reasons: the renowned Ross School and the School of Education, where she also studied. She earned her MBA this year and married fellow entrepreneur Roy Han.Though Han's company is based in New York City, "I can't possibly think of leaving Ann Arbor," Kaiyoorawongs says. "I've discovered so many opportunities here and a generous community of people I can reach out to for help and advice."She developed the concept for LoanSense--originally called Dough--during her MBA program. Now, she says, "I can continue the work I was doing before Ross--but on a far different level."According to a 2019 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, the number of employers offering some sort of benefit addressing student debt doubled this year, to 8 percent. Recently, Abbott Laboratories, the Travelers Companies, and Raytheon have either launched or announced plans to match student loan repayments with contributions to their 401(k) plans.Though some companies offer their employees help to consolidate debt, Kaiyoorawongs strongly believes that's not the best way to go. "We area refinance company," she emphasizes. "I don't believe in debt consolidation. Federal programs may actually save your workforce more money than refinancing."My competitors are pushing refinancing, but refinancing isn't right for 50 percent of Americans," she says. For instance, those who work in the huge nonprofit world--which includes hospitals and universities--can get debt forgiveness in ten years."Elizabeth Henley's brother can testify to that: when he graduated from law school, he chose a job with the government rather than in the private sector because the government agency promised to assume his student debt after an introductory period.---LoanSense's algorithm uses the answers to six simple questions to determine whether the company's services can save clients and their employees money and speed debt reduction. The company first enrolls and educates corporate employers, then educates employees about appropriate programs and offers debt-repayment advice."High-level corporate leaders don't understand the pressures and dilemmas facing young employees," Kaiyoorawongs says. "But the IRS does. It allows for corporate investments in employees' 401(k)s without any employee contributions--if the employees are conscientiously repaying their student loans. The idea is to offer a means for people to save for retirement even when they're under pressure to pay off student loans."As she fine-tuned her business plan at U-M, she caught the attention of entrepreneurs and potential investors. Last year LoanSense won the grand prize in the Detroit Fintech Challenge, which included an equity investment of up to $50,000. It also won the grand prize and audience choice award for Innovation in Action, and grand prize in the U-M's Dow Sustainability Award. This past August, it won the Audience Choice Award at Ann Arbor's New Tech and TechArb Demo Day.Kiayoorawongs is now working to raise $500,000 in seed money to get her company on its feet. "We're on the verge of finalizing our software and becoming revenue-generating," she says. "It's time I turn my attention to marketing and publicity and sales."The Society for Human Resource Management estimates that by 2021, one-third of U.S. employers may offer some form of student debt assistance. This past January, financial services giant Fidelity announced a 401(k) program similar to LoanSense's--though Kaiyoorawongs says hers is more customized.As more companies recognize the need to help their college-educated employees cope with crushing debt loads, Kaiyoorawongs hopes to carve out a niche. She believes wholeheartedly that the course she's charted is the best way for employers and employees alike, because stress from debt hurts employees' well-being and ability to focus at work.Elizabeth Henley is one of the millions of indebted college grads who could benefit. "I love my job," Henley says, "but if another employer in my field offered me a comparable job as well as help with my debt, I would definitely consider accepting."A startup can't match the pay of the corporate job Kaiyoorawongs passed up. But when LoanSense takes off, it will be far more important. And she's not afraid to tackle a big problem with a small company."I'm not afraid of going outside my comfort zone," she says, "because I've never had one." [Originally published in December, 2019.] WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump backed away Wednesday from potential war with Iran, indicating that he would not respond militarily to the launch of more than a dozen ballistic missiles at bases housing American troops, as the United States and Iran blamed each other for provoking the most direct conflict between the two adversaries since Iran seized American diplomats in 1979. The war-like stance that took hold last week after Trump approved the targeted killing of a senior Iranian military commander he accused of plotting to kill Americans appeared to ease by mutual agreement, following days of chest-thumping in both Washington and Tehran and what Iran called its rightful response. No one was killed in Iran's attack on two military bases in Iraq, according to the administration, and Trump dismissed the damage to U.S. facilities as "minimal." Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called the attack a "slap in the face" of the United States and insufficient to end the U.S. presence in the region but did not threaten any specific further military action. "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," Trump said at the White House on Wednesday morning. "No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces and an early-warning system that worked very well." Despite the apparent easing of tensions, there is continuing uncertainty over Trump's policy toward Tehran going forward and how he would respond to any future military provocations. The president wrapped an ultimatum against Iran developing a nuclear bomb in an offer for new negotiations, but it's unclear what would bring Iran back to the table after Trump scrapped the deal it struck with the Obama administration and other world powers in 2015. He said the new sanctions would be imposed, but the Iranian economy has already been hit hard by the United States. And Trump issued only a general warning against Iranian action that would trigger a U.S. military response after previously threatening severe consequences. "To the people and leaders of Iran: We want you to have a future and a great future - one that you deserve, one of prosperity at home, and harmony with the nations of the world," Trump said. "The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it." U.S. officials said Wednesday they knew Iranian missiles were coming hours in advance, after warnings from intelligence sources and communications from Iraq. Iraq's acting prime minister has said he was informed of the attack ahead of time. "We knew, and the Iraqis told us, that this was coming many hours in advance," said a senior U.S. administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the communications. Iraqi leaders said they remain concerned about the possibility of more conflict on their soil with President Barham Salih describing the intensifying U.S.-Iranian showdown as a "dangerous" development. In a statement early Wednesday, Salih condemned Iran's overnight rocket attacks "against Iraqi military locations" and said he rejects attempts to turn Iraq into a proxy battlefield. Iraq alone will decide whether to expel U.S. forces after a 17-year military presence in the country, Salih said. Despite acknowledging that it notified the Iraqi government that it was "repositioning" troops, the Pentagon says it has no immediate plans to close out its mission countering Islamic State militants. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said earlier this week that a letter notifying the Iraqis incorrectly implied withdrawal and "was a draft, it was a mistake, it was unsigned, it should not have been released." Iran sought to continue to sound an aggressive tone Wednesday while signaling it did not want the military back and forth to continue. "Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter shortly after the attacks, which came in the early hours of Wednesday in Iraq. "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." The often voluble diplomat remained mum on Twitter the rest of the day, adding to the sense that the immediate tit for tat was over. Republicans and Democrats in Congress remained divided along partisan lines over Trump's actions. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced hours after the president's remarks that the House will vote Thursday to limit his war options on Iran. "Members of Congress have serious, urgent concerns about the Administration's decision to engage in hostilities against Iran and about its lack of strategy moving forward," Pelosi said in a statement. Congressional Republicans quickly praised the speech and Trump's actions as commander in chief, with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., calling it "a home run." In mostly measured tones, the president whose focus on Iran has been a constant from the start of his political career issued an invitation for new international diplomacy over Iran's nuclear program and an apparent reassurance to Iran's leaders that the United States does not seek their overthrow. In criticizing the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated under President Barack Obama, Trump also asserted without evidence that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons and that "the missiles fired last night were paid for by the funds made available by the last administration" under the accord that eased economic sanctions against Iran in exchange for Iran curtailing what it claimed was a peaceful nuclear energy program. Trump said Maj. Gen Qasem Soleimani was "responsible for some of the absolute worst atrocities" in the Middle East and should have been "terminated" long ago. He repeated his charge that Soleimani was planning new attacks on Americans but did not provide evidence. Lawmakers left a closed-door briefing Wednesday with some of the Trump administration's most senior national security officials deeply divided over whether the administration was authorized to carry out the strike on Soleimani in Baghdad last week. Democrats said the briefing did not make a convincing case that any looming threat against the United States was averted when Soleimani was killed. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., said that he did not leave the briefing persuaded of an "imminent threat" and that his committee would invite Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for hearings next week. Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, said she wasn't certain officials who came to Capitol Hill even understood why Soleimani was killed. "I don't know that they know the rationale," she said. "Certainly they didn't tell me what it was." House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., said officials walked lawmakers through the history of Soleimani's threats against the United States and its allies, and said "the fact that he was plotting further attacks to kill Americans made it clear that it was time to take him out." "And obviously, you can't go into full detail about the intelligence of those future attacks," Scalise said. "But how much is enough?" But one Republican senator, Mike Lee of Utah, called the administration's classified national security briefing "probably the worst briefing I've seen at least on a military issue in the nine years I've served in the United States Senate." Lee said the message from the administration officials was that lawmakers need to be "good little boys and girls and run along and not debate this in public" - an instruction he described as "insane." "Drive-by notification or after-the-fact, lame briefings like the one we just received aren't adequate," Lee said. Trump on Tuesday evening announced the unusually formal White House address in his preferred informal way: on Twitter. "All is well!" he wrote, adding that assessments of damage and casualties were then ongoing. "So far, so good!" Trump was flanked by top national security aides and senior military leaders in a show of unity. Among them was Pompeo, the administration's leading hawk on Iran. But the next steps Trump listed - sanctions and diplomacy - represent a stay-the-course strategy. He also urged broader NATO participation in the Middle East, though it was not clear what he meant. The approach may reassure allies alarmed that a superpower and an oil-rich regional power were headed for war. Trump spoke Wednesday with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had pointedly refused to endorse the killing of Soleimani, and with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Trump also spoke Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House announced. Netanyahu considers Iran an existential threat and his fierce opposition to the Iran nuclear deal helped forge a close bond with Trump. But Netanyahu was also alarmed that Iran could target Israel after Soleimani's killing. "As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime," Trump said. "These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior." The Trump administration reimposed tough sanctions on Iran after Trump pulled out of the international nuclear accord. Trump urged Britain and the other four signatories to the 2015 deal to declare the accord dead and work with him to forge a new one. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country shares borders with Iran and Iraq, said Wednesday that "no one has the right to throw the whole region, especially Iraq, into a new ring of fire for the sake of their own interests." The killing of Soleimani, a charismatic warrior who held cultlike appeal for many in Iran, marked the single greatest military provocation between the United States and Iran in decades. Iran's response in turn represented the largest direct show of military force against the United States since the inauguration of the anti-American government in 1979. The United States blames Soleimani for the deaths of hundreds of U.S. forces in Iraq, including those killed by unique projectiles made in Iran and dispensed to pro-Iran militias in Iraq under Soleimani's direction. The United States and allies also blamed him for sowing terror across the Middle East. But his targeted killing brought allegations that Trump had violated international law and Iraqi sovereignty. Iran's promised response was both larger than some had predicted and apparently calibrated to be more symbolic than deadly. Iran used sophisticated ballistic missiles instead of crude rockets or indirect attacks, but the weapons mostly missed important targets. Tensions had built last year, with Iran's downing of a U.S. drone, and attacks on oil tankers and a Saudi oil facility that the United States blames on Tehran. At the same time, Trump issued an open invitation to Iranian leaders to talk, but they spurned the offer and the issue appears moot at least until after the November presidential election in the United States. The IDA is likely to face much more pressure in attracting inward foreign investment in the next few years, with its chief executive saying "significant downside risks" will exist over its next five-year strategic cycle. The agency is due to launch its strategy for the next five years, up to the end of 2024, during the first quarter of this year and chief executive Martin Shanahan said its next set of investment and job targets will face challenges from subdued global economic growth, international trade tensions, economic corrections in key source markets, rising protectionism, higher living and business costs, and a tighter labour market. He also said that, while Ireland continues to punch above its weight, competition for investment from Mediterranean and Eastern European countries is increasing. That said, Mr Shanahan said he expects momentum from a strong 2019 to continue into this year, with a strong first half to 2020 likely and a "reasonable" outlook for the full year probable. The IDA's 2019 figures show record total employment from overseas-owned companies standing at 245,096. A slightly lower annual net jobs gain - of 13,867 - was balanced out by a drop of nearly 1,000 in the number of job losses during the year. Of the 250 investments made by overseas firms in Ireland last year, 157 were from North America, with 65 from the rest of Europe and 28 from growth markets. But, the IDA's policy of limiting its inward investment over-reliance on North America is beginning to bear fruit, with 37% of investment coming from outside of North America last year, up from 30% in 2018. To date, Ireland has attracted 90 investments and 5,500 jobs from companies having to relocate due to Brexit. Mr Shanahan said any further wave is unlikely until it is clear what relationship the UK will have with the EU beyond the end of 2020. In the last five years, the IDA achieved double its target for 35,000 net new jobs and comfortably beat its aim for total overseas investment-related employment of 209,000. Mr Shanahan said the agency is "absolutely committed to regional development" and that the regions will be "at the absolute centre" of the IDA's new five-year plan. Nearly 76,000 IDA-related jobs were created outside of Dublin in the past five years, with every region hitting its 30%-40% investment increase target. In order for us to continue to grow FDI in the regions we need delivery on what the Government has committed to and funded for...We need to see infrastructure that was committed to executed on and delivered. On further OECD international tax rule proposals, Mr Shanahan said Ireland has no need to be fearful and that a consensus on tax rules could benefit all countries in that they will be clear on what the playing field looks like. He said there has been no indication that potential investors are thinking differently on Ireland due to tax proposals. A total of 22 missiles struck two bases housing US troops, but there were no Iraqi casualties, the Iraqi military said Wednesday after the overnight attack. "Between 1:45 am and 2:15 am (2245 GMT and 2315 GMT) Iraq was hit by 22 missiles, 17 on the Ain al-Asad air base and...five on the city of Arbil," the Iraqi military command said in a statement, adding they hit sites being used by the US-led international coalition. "There were no victims among the Iraqi forces," the military said, referring to the attack carried out by Iran in retaliation for the US killing of a top Iranian general. MACON Court documents say a DNA match from crime scene evidence led Macon County deputies to arrest a 31-year-old Macon man Tuesday for breaking into a rural Macon home in June of 2018. According to a sworn affidavit, a victim told deputies someone had entered her home, possibly through a sliding glass door, and took medication and checks. Deputies found a license plate at the scene of the burglary, which belonged to a the boyfriend of a woman who was previously arrested for burglarizing a Macon business, the sworn affidavit said. The owner of the residence burglarized in June also owned the business. Court documents said the arrested woman told deputies she knew the 31-year-old man and told him where the business owner lived. Gardening gloves from the scene was sent to the Illinois State Police Crime lab and DNA from the gloves positively matched the 31-year-old mans DNA, the sworn affidavit said. Sgt. Scott Flannery, with the Macon County Sheriff's Office, said it's unclear how the 31-year-old mans DNA was in the database system, although he had been arrested on numerous previous occasions. The man is facing a preliminary felony charge of residential burglary, which is subject to review by the Macon County State's Attorney's Office. He is being held in lieu of $50,000. 2019 mug shots from the Herald & Review Contact Kennedy Nolen at (217) 421-6985. Follow her on Twitter: @KNolenWrites Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Nick Sandmann is an innocent kid who was waiting for a bus with a group of his fellow high school students in Washington, D.C., when he was accosted by an Indian activist who, accompanied by a gang of his followers, aggressively and obnoxiously beat a drum in his face. Sandmann committed the apparently unpardonable sin of standing still in the face of this activist onslaught, which caused him to be viciously smeared by media outlets like CNN and the Washington Post. Happily, Sandmanns family retained a good lawyer and has sued several of the media outlets that lied about him. Now the first domino has fallen: CNN has settled Sandmanns case against it: CNN agreed Tuesday to settle a lawsuit with Covington Catholic student Nick Sandmann. The amount of the settlement was not made public during a hearing at the federal courthouse in Covington, Kentucky. Sandmanns lawsuit sought $800 million from CNN, the Washington Post and NBC Universal. Trial dates are still not set for Sandmanns lawsuit against NBC Universal and the Washington Post. Settlements of this sort are almost always subject to confidentiality agreements that prohibit the plaintiff from telling the press how much he got. Often it is the defendant that doesnt want the world to know how much it paid; sometimes it is the plaintiff (or more likely his lawyers) who doesnt want the world to know how little he settled for. In this instance, I am pretty sure that it was CNN, one of the main malefactors, that didnt want the world to know how much it paid Sandmann as a result of its pathetically biased reporting. Now Sandmanns lawyers can use CNNs contribution, likely in the mid six figures, to fund their ongoing battle against the Washington Post, NBC and any others who slandered the boy. That is how the system works, and in this case, it appears to be working for the good. Britt Ekland (John Wolfsohn/Getty Images) Britt Ekland has said a female James Bond is not going to happen. Appearing on Good Morning Britain, the Swedish actress also called the notion of getting rid of the name Bond Girl foolish. Thats not going to happen, we might as well not talk about it, she said. I dont have any information. I know Barbara [Broccoli] and if I had any influence, I would whisper and say, No, not a female Bond! Read more: No Time To Die replaces composer just months from release Ekland starred in 1974 Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun, playing Bond's personal secretary Mary Goodnight opposite Roger Moore her favourite Bond, she told GMB. It was his second appearance as the British secret serviceman, and saw him tussle with Christopher Lee's assassin Francisco Scaramanga. As for whether the term Bond girl should be ditched, she said: Bond girls is a very nice title and its what people want. It doesnt have the same ring, 'Bond woman' My dog is gender-fluid. Roger Moore with Maud Adams and Britt Ekland on the set of The Man With The Golden Gun. (Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images) However, the segment got off to a rough start presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid were left red-faced when a huge picture of another Swedish actress was shown on TVs on the show's set. Asked, awkwardly, whether the unnamed actress was someone she often got confused with, Ekland said: She went to a Bond premiere and they said, 'This is Britt Ekland,' but of course it wasnt me because I wasnt there. Read more: Sam Mendes on stomach-churning Bond movies Everyone knows what I look like. Not all former Bond stars agree with Ekland on the notion of a female 007, however. Pierce Brosnan, who played the secret agent from 1995 to 2002, told reporters at the Deauville Film Festival last year: I think we've watched the guys do it for the last 40 years get out of the way, guys, and put a woman up there. I think it would be exhilarating, it would be exciting. The latest Bond movie, No Time To Die, Daniel Craig's last as Bond, lands in the UK on 2 April. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Made Anthony Iswara (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar, Bali Wed, January 8, 2020 The thousands of visitors that flock to Bali every year are starting to get under the skin of Kuta village head I Wayan Wasista, whose village has metamorphosed from rice paddies and fisher villages to an all-day tourist epicenter. From begging and alcohol-induced acts to crimes like theft and skimming, he expressed concerns about the rising numbers of lawbreaking visitors in his area. Back then, would we have ever envisioned that there would be tourists committing crimes, like skimming or robbery? Im quite surprised myself. How have we come to this? Wasista asked. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login The decision came after Duda learned he would not be speaking at the event. Polish President Andrzej Duda decided not to attend the World Holocaust Forum at Yad Vashem on January 23 because he will not be able to give a speech, he said on Tuesday. "As the [Polish] president, I will not take part in the event," he said in a press conference, adding that he takes umbrage with the leaders of Russia, France, Britain, Germany and the U.S. speaking while Poland's will not, JPost reported. Poland and Russia have been embroiled in a dispute in recent months over how World War II started. Earlier Tuesday, Polish Ambassador to Israel Marek Magierowski tweeted: "In order to dispel any doubts: Yad Vashem and the Israeli authorities have been aware of President Andrzej Duda's request to speak... for at least four months." Forty-two leaders from around the world are expected to attend the Fifth Holocaust Forum, which will be held in Jerusalem on January 23. Read alsoPolish leaders urge Holocaust forum to condemn Putin over collaboration claim Responding to Duda's argument that he can speak for those who suffered in the Holocaust, the memorial pointed that "It is important to note, that out of 1.1 million victims of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, some 1 million were Jews who were murdered simply because they were Jewish, unrelated to their countries of origin. Hence, the nationalities of the victims of Auschwitz-Birkenau have no bearing on the identity of leaders who will address the Fifth World Holocaust Forum." In addition, Yad Vashem said "it is especially appropriate that the leaders addressing this event represent the four main powers of the Allied forces, which liberated Europe and the world from the murderous tyranny of Nazi Germany." Duda's decision came as Warsaw and Moscow have been engaged in a continuing dispute over which one of the countries collaborated with the Nazis. The spat began with a recent European Parliament resolution blaming the August 23, 1939, Molotov-Ribbentrop Non-Aggression Pact for the outbreak of World War II, which occurred eight days later. Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin had secretly agreed to divide Poland and the Baltic states between Germany and the Soviet Union. Putin argued Western appeasement of Hitler brought about the war, calling the European Parliament resolution "sheer nonsense," and that the Soviet Union was forced into the non-aggression agreement to stave off a German attack because Britain allowed Hitler to annex Czechoslovakia. The Russian president also said that Jozef Lipski, the Polish ambassador to Berlin at the time, "expressed full solidarity with Hitler in his antisemitic views." In 2017, Poland enacted a law making it illegal to accuse Poland or the Polish people of being responsible for World War II or the Holocaust. The legislation originally carried a jail sentence, which was then canceled. Many Israeli officials condemned the law, including President Reuven Rivlin, who said that Poland and the Poles "had a hand in the extermination" of the Jews in the Holocaust. A huge wave of dust and gas where newborn stars are forged has been discovered by astronomers and has been dubbed the largest gaseous structure ever observed in our galaxy. The wave-shaped structure is about 9,000 light-years long, 400 light-years wide and is located 500 light-years from our Sun, which is relatively close in terms of astronomical distances. The long, thread-like structure contains a huge network of interconnected "nurseries" where stars are born and is the largest known wave in the Milky Way. A team from Harvard University made the discovery when using new data from the European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft, launched in 2013, to construct a 3D map of interstellar matter in the galaxy. It has been named the Radcliffe Wave, in honour of Harvard's Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Radcliffe wave is located on one of the spiral arms on the Milky Way (James Josephides/ASTRO 3D/PA ) / James Josephides/ASTRO 3D/PA Alyssa Goodma, professor of applied astronomy at Harvard, who presented the findings at the American Astronomical Society meeting in Honolulu on Tuesday, said: It is the largest gaseous structure we know about in the Milky Way. Its right up in our face. Its crazy that its so close by. Measurements show the wave stretches over 9,000 light-years and makes up what is known as the local arm of the Milky Way. The finding alters a 150-year-old view of the galaxy, which astronomers thought was made up of nearby stellar nurseries that formed an expanding ring oriented around the sun, known as the Gould Belt. Amazing NASA Space Images - In pictures 1 /80 Amazing NASA Space Images - In pictures Astronaut Buzz Aldrin walks on the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 NASA This 1969 photograph of the eclipse of the sun was taken with a 16mm motion picture camera from the Apollo 12 spacecraft during its trans-Earth journey home from the moon. The fascinating view was created when the Earth moved directly between the sun and the Apollo 12 spacecraft NASA Astronaut Bruce McCandless II photographed 320 ft from the Space Shuttle Challenger during the first untethered EVA, made possible by his nitrogen jet propelled backpack (Manned Manuevering Unit or MMU) in 1984 NASA The brilliant tapestry of young stars flaring to life resemble a glittering fireworks display in the 25th anniversary NASA Hubble Space Telescope image NASA Space shuttle Atlantis blasts off from Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida in 2011. This lift off is the last in the 30-year-old shuttle program Getty Images The first teklevision image of Earth from a weather satellite taken by the TIROS-1 satellite in 1960 NASA The Echo 2 satellite in 1960. Once the balloon was launched into orbit, a prerecorded message from President Dwight Eisenhower was transmitted from California and heard with clarity in New Jersey NASA The original seven Mercury astronauts and pioneers in human space exsploration pose in their silver spacesuits in 1961 NASA President John F. Kennedy calls for a moon landing in 1961 durning Congress NASA Astronaut John Glenn climbs into his Friendship 7 space capsule in the Atlas rocket in 1962. Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth NASA A close-up view of an astronaut's bootprint in the lunar soil, photographed with a 70mm lunar surface camera during the Apollo 11 extravehicular activity (EVA) on the moon in 1969 NASA Man's first landing on the Moon. Lunar Module, "Eagle," touched down gently on the Sea of Tranquility on the east side of the Moon. Astronauts Edwin Aldrin and Neil Armstrong wre the first men to walk on the Moon in 1969 NASA After an 8 month voyage to Mars, Mariner 4 makes the first flyby of the Mars (the red planet) in 1965 and became the first spacecraft to take close-up photographs of another planet NASA Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot on the Gemini-Titan 4 spaceflight, is shown during his egress from the spacecraft. His face is covered by a shaded visor to protect him from the unfiltered rays of the sun. White became the first American astronaut to walk in space. He remained outside the spacecraft for 21 minutes during the third revolution of the Gemini-4 mission in 1965 NASA The X-15 completed 199 flights to the edge of space from 1959-1968. Neil Armstrong was one of it's budding young pilots NASA Earthrise over the moon from Apollo 8 in 1968 NASA American astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin and Michael Collins lift off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, in the mammoth-sized Saturn V rocket on their way to the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 Astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, Jr. saluting the US flag on the surface of the Moon during the Apollo 11 lunar mission in 1969 NASA Home View of Moon limb with Earth on the horizon in 1969 during the Apollo 11 mission NASA Apollo XI astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin laugh with President Richard Nixon aboard the USS Hornet in 1969 Richard Nixon Foundation via Getty Images Lunar mission Astronaut John W. Young, commander of the Apollo 16 lunar landing mission, leaps from the lunar surface as he salutes the United States flag at the Descartes landing site during the first Apollo 16 extravehicular activity (EVA) in 1972 NASA First image of Viking 1's foot plantid on martian soil foot in 1976 NASA The first ever long distance image of the Earth and Moon together. The image photograph was taken by Voyager 1 in 1977 NASA A dramatic view of Jupiter's Great Red Spot and its surroundings in 1979 NASA The first space shuttle launch Columbia lifts off in 1981 NASA Astronaut Sally Ride on the flight deck of the space shuttle Challenger in 1983. She became the first American woman in space NASA One of the most celebrated images taken by the Hubble called 'Pillars of Creation' NASA Space shuttle Challenger destructs after lift off in 1973 NASA NASA's Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope aboard ESA's SOHO spacecraft took this image of a huge, handle-shaped prominence in 1999. Prominences are huge clouds of relatively cool dense plasma suspended in the Sun's hot, thin corona NASA Trailing a column of flame and smoke that dwarfs it, Space Shuttle Endeavour leaps into the clear blue Florida sky on mission STS-99 in 2000 Space Shuttle Atlantis clears the tower as it roars into space on mission STS-106 after a perfect on-time launch in 2000 NASA 2004 The deepest view of 10,000 galaxies taken by the Hubble Space Telescope called the Hubble Ultra Field Deep (2004) NASA 2005 A new view of the Eagle Nebula, one of the two largest and sharpest images Hubble Space Telescope has ever taken (2005) NASA International Space Station pictured by the crew of Atlantis in 2008 NASA The rim of Gale Crater is visible in the distance, through the dusty haze, in this view of NASA's Curiosity rover of a sloping hillside on Mount Sharp NASA Taken on June 03, 2008 and released by NASA on June 4, 2008 shows US space shuttle Discovery Mission Specialist Michael Fossum being photographed by US Mission Specialist Ronald Garan (reflected in Fossum's face shield) as they work outside The International Space Station during the first of three planned space walks. AFP/Getty Images In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, NASA's Great Observatories -- Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Chandra X-ray Observatory -- have produced a matched trio of images of the central region of our Milky Way NASA A striking black and white image showing the detail of the planet Saturn NASA This majestic false-color image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope shows 'mountains' where stars are born. These towering pillars of cool gas and dust are illuminated at their tips with light from warm embryonic stars NASA The space shuttle Atlantis is seen over the Bahamas in 2011 prior to a perfect docking with the International Space Station NASA Aurora Australis, seen from a point over the southeast Tasman Sea near southern New Zealand. in 2011 NASA NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, Expedition 32 flight engineer, appears to touch the bright sun during the mission's third session of extravehicular activity (EVA). During the six-hour, 28-minute spacewalk in 2012 NASA Behold one of the more stunningly detailed images of the Earth yet created. This Blue Marble Earth montage, created from photographs taken by the VIIRS instrument in 2012 on board the Suomi NPP satellite, shows many stunning details of our home planet NASA Numerous recognizable features appear in this detailed view of London, photographed by an Expedition 10 crew member on the International Space Station (ISS). The most striking visual features are green open spaces such as Regent's Park, Hyde Park and St. James's Park east of Buckingham Palace NASA International Space Station image of London at night NASA This image of Tropical Storm Anna taken from the International Space Station in 2015 NASA Pluto's haze layer and its blue colour, taken by the New Horizons Ralph/Multispectral Visible Imaging Camera (MVIC) in 2015 NASA NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, dark, narrow streaks on the slopes of Hale Crater are inferred to be formed by seasonal flow of water on surface of present-day Mars. These dark features on the slopes are called "recurring slope lineae" or RSL NASA Earth observation taken during a night pass by the Expedition 49 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2016 NASA The moon rises in low Earth orbit by NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik from the International Space Station in 2017 NASA Hurricane Harvey is pictured off the coast of Texas in 2017 NASA The International Space Station continues its orbit around the Earth as Expedition 50 astronauts captured this night image of sparkling cities and a sliver of daylight framing the northern hemisphere in 2017 This composite image made from a series of 2018 photos shows a self-portrait of NASA's Curiosity Mars rover in the Gale Crater NASA US. National Parks From Space. Mt Saint Helen's looking spectacular from above NASA SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft as it lifts off on a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida in 2018 NASA NASA's Juno spacecraft captures Jupiter's southern hemisphere, as the spacecraft performed its 13th close flyby of Jupiter in 2018 NASA The stunning iamge was shared on social media by astronaut Paolo Nespoli NASA The Bailey's Beads effect is seen as the moon makes its final move over the sun during the total solar eclipse NASA The Moon is seen passing in front of the Sun during a solar eclipse from Ross Lake, Northern Cascades National Park, Washington NASA Swirling cloud belts and tumultuous vortices within Jupiter's northern hemisphere picture taken by NASA's Juno spacecraft as it performed it's 13th flypast. Juno was about 9,600 miles (15,500 kilometers) from the planet's cloud tops. NASA "Its been a puzzle for decades as to why so many of our local Goulds Belt star-forming regions lie so far out of the galactic plane, said Jennifer Hatchell, an astrophysicist at Exeter University who was not involved in the study. The previous expanding-ring model fitted cloud positions and velocities well but never entirely explained the fragmentary structure, rotation or the origin of the ring, which required the energetic equivalent of several supernovae. This alternative linear structure is just the sort of insight we hoped would come out of Esas Gaia dataset, and the team deserve credit for their excellent analysis and visualisation work. That Bill Skarsgard isnt part of the awards season discussion for the years best actor is a crime, as his indelible performance as Pennywise in IT: Chapter Two - and its predecessor IT - is one for the ages. And were not the only ones who adored his turn as the shapeshifting murderous space clown as Stephen King, who penned the original horror novel, is also a huge fan. Its a tremendously physical performance, King says in the exclusive new clip from the home entertainment release of IT: Chapter Two above. He works really hard. Its just amazing, its balletic, its so good. Read more: Six-foot Pennywise doll announced The new video shows Skarsgard in action as the killer clown in previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage. One brilliant moment shows the Swedish actor breaking character after director Andy Muschietti calls cut, to congratulate his young co-star Ryan Kiera Armstrong, whose character falls victim to the clown. Nobody leaves Pennywise hanging. (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment) Its a rare moment of levity from the character whose menacing presence looms over both films in the IT saga. While filming the first film, Skarsgard admitted scaring some of the younger extras on set. Some of them were really intrigued, but some couldnt look at me, and some were shaking. This one kid started crying. He started to cry and the director yelled, Action! And when they say action, I am completely in character, the actor told Interview magazine. Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise in IT: Chapter Two. (Warner Bros.) So some of these kids got terrified and started to cry in the middle of the take, and then I realised, Holy s***. What am I doing? What is this? This is horrible. But then we cut, and obviously I was all, Hey, Im sorry. This is pretend. IT: Chapter Two picks up 27 years after the events of IT, with Pennywise returning to terrorise Derry, and the Losers Club, once again. Read more: Parents complain over IT: Chapter Two billboard It stars James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan, James Ransone, and Andy Bean. Reprising their roles as the young members of the Losers Club are Jaeden Martell as Bill, Wyatt Oleff as Stanley, Jack Dylan Grazer as Eddie, Finn Wolfhard as Richie, Sophia Lillis as Beverly, Chosen Jacobs as Mike, and Jeremy Ray Taylor as Ben. IT: Chapter Two is available on Digital Download now. Own it on 4K UHD Steelbook, 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD from 13 January. I am compelled to write this in response to an article on The Intolerance of Liberals recently published in a national newspaper. It contends that the liberal mindset in the country is intolerant of difference of opinion and the non-liberals are tolerant of their protests including the most recent ones on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). That article also contends that this liberal viewpoint is not based on objective facts. My response aims to shed light on how the politics of objective debate plays out between the liberals and liberal bashers and prevents any meaningful discourse to take place in contexts like CAA/NRC. The said article claiming lack of objective debate on CAA/NRC assumes complete clarity on this matter that is under debate and awaits judicial scrutiny. The writer confounds political and legal rhetoric with facts. This confusion is characteristic of both liberals and liberal-bashers who are in an unagreed contract to occupy the entire spectrum of public discourse, thereby entirely wiping out alternative voices of dissent from the ground. When one of these two binaries is not in the frame, the dominant of the two groups invents the ghost of the other to battle it for a self-acclaimed victory. This is what is occurring with regard to the ongoing protests in the current political context in this country. The writer of that article, Priyanka Deo, intentionally or unintentionally performs the same feat by complaining about her Harvard peer group and then simultaneously bashing liberals, thus allowing the wave against liberals to wash other dissidents. The gamut of left-liberal politics or liberal ideology the Congress and some other national parties are criticised precisely for being absent from the on-ground struggles and failing to channelise the voices of the protesting masses. But on the other hand, the same liberals are blamed for spreading misinformation. By doing so, they are not blaming or shaming the liberals but the masses of India, who are understood to be culpable to any misinformation, to be incapable of grasping any legal or political terminology and its consequences. If accusers cannot objectively point out who is disseminating the misinformation and how, one cannot cease to wonder if only a dissenting opinion is dismissed to be mere misinformation in a patronising manner. The fundamental problem in the arguments put forth by Ms.Deo is that she falls prey to the liberal trap that she claims to despise. Whats this liberal trap? It is a turf with a fence beyond which you do not carry your tools of objectivity and reasoning as they cannot resolve logical contradictions. The turf here is the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens -- and the fences are categories such as minorities, religious persecution andonly aforementioned three countries. Therefore, everything looks green on the turf with the fences intact. However, the law is not in the letter per se, but the spirit behind the letter and the reasoning behind its formulation. These protests fight the spirit and not the verse, they doubt not the actions but the intentions behind the law. The same objective reasoning that the author seems to demand is selective and is not extended beyond the turf and fences of legal vocabulary to justify the classification itself and the motivations that shaped these classifications. This is the reason why the CAA fails to hold rational ground and is arbitrary at best. The law is seen as arbitrary for the lack of rationale for including Afghanistan, if the reference is made to the history of Indias Partition, for choosing religious persecution over any other type of persecution or civil war or genocide, for excluding Muslims (who are also persecuted on religious lines) hiding under the terminology of minorities, for not considering Hindu minorities in the Buddhist states of Sri Lanka or Bhutan. These are the questions that move people on ground to reject the CAA, and this reality is countered by the right-wing elite with repetitive tautological letters of the law; or worse by dismissing it as misinformation. Likewise, with regard to the NRC, protesters are deemed ignorant and their demonstration of objections premature without the rules being determined by the government. However, it is the lack of clarity that is the primary motivation for the current outcry. Moreover, the excuse that rules for the NRC have not been created is a matter of procedural law and cannot be sought as a defence for the substantive intent of the law. Also, extending reasoning beyond the fences of the turf, it follows the residue of the NRC is bound to be screened through the eyes of the CAA. Hence, any delinking rhetoric can be objectively termed as misinformed myopia. In the larger scheme of things, this is what occurs when people who lackformal training in political philosophy or law but work as journalists, who instead of focusing on reporting the issues, take up a stand and pursue them in the form of videos or articles to defend their stand vociferously. In doing so, they eliminate the possibility of merit or substance in a differing viewpoint. Ms Deo falls prey to precisely what she says the liberals lack. The anguish expressed by my fellow Harvard colleagues on the matter of an interview with an Assamese proponent of the CAA was not about this sole instance, but in response to a series of similar videos which frame the governments policies in a positive light by selectively interviewing adherents and ignoring voices of dissent. Moreover, while Ms Deo reacts to the comments with emotion, calling for reason, the comments with reason on her posts are met with silence. Courtesy is desirable, butcan only be upheld when one is granted an audience. I completely advocate spaces for discussion where one can discuss and debate amid differing viewpoints and is not relegated to express anguish in order to be heard. However, my attempts so far on the social media have been dismissed by non-liberals. People expressing alternate arguments are defined as trash by some of the followers of Ms Deo. Their ideas are informed by simplistic arguments put forth by forums like New India Junction. As it is often said in some media channels, it is the age of snowflakes where any stone hurled in any direction is perceived as a guillotine on ones personal integrity. At a time when students and their batchmates from many different universities in India are facing incomparable brutality and threats from university administrations, it is despicable to see journalists use media platforms to articulate threats of being taken down from alumni associations overseas. If people in responsible positions take themselves less seriously and their professions more seriously, they would be democratic in representing and reporting factual subjective and dissenting voices for viewers and readers to formulate their own objective opinion. JNU students say the police remained standing by as the stick-wielding intruders exited the campus without any resistance. Something is shifting. Young Indians, in growing numbers, are making it clear that they plan to take back their stolen future. In a country where half the population is below 25, two-thirds are less than 35, and which is likely to have the worlds largest workforce in the coming decade, more and more young people especially young women are refusing to be pawns in the politics of intimidation. Young students out on the streets, in protest marches against a controversial citizenship law, young doctors who are volunteering to attend to those who may get wounded at protest sites if things get violent, MBA aspirants reading out the Constitutions Preamble in premier management institutes, young mainstream actresses publicly taking a position risking commercial repercussions, are all part of this emerging trend. It is too early to say whether any of this will influence electoral prospects. It is also too early to predict whether the trend most pronounced in cities will spread to villages. But it is clear that young India is unmasking and taking on the intimidators. And they are not waiting for any political party to show the way. They are charting their own course. They have age and courage on their side. Last Sunday, in Indias capital, masked, lathi-wielding goons stormed into Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), brutally beat up students and teachers, and left. Much has already been written about it. Images of a savagely wounded Aishe Ghosh, president of the JNU Students Union (JNUSU), and JNU professor Sucharita Sen, with a bandaged head, are hard to forget. JNUSU alleges the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, had orchestrated Sundays attack. Amazingly, even as the violence was unfolding, the police were busy filing two First Information Reports (FIR) that named Ms Ghosh and other JNUSU members following complaints from the university administration about its server being damaged. But to an ordinary citizen who has no direct connection with this world-famous university, what leaps out is the easy passage that masked intruders got into its precincts. Several conspiracy theories are making the rounds, including one that alleges that left-leaning students staged assaults on themselves to garner sympathy and to malign the ABVP. But the basic questions remain unanswered. In a university campus that has strict security checks at all gates in normal times, how do masked men with sticks and rods get inside, beat up students and teachers, ransack hostels, and leave? The FIR shows that not only did the police wait for nearly three hours before doing anything against the masked mob, policemen who actually saw the masked and armed rioters responded with a warning to cease violence and disperse, delivered by megaphone. But they continued to indulge in violence and in defiance of the lawful direction they fled. The students who were injured were taken to hospitals immediately, the FIR noted, reports news website Scroll. Equally inexplicable is the role of the JNU administration. What was it doing while the mayhem raged for so long and while students and teachers were being assaulted and property being damaged by masked intruders? JNU students say the police remained standing by as the stick-wielding intruders exited the campus without any resistance. I was in the vicinity of JNU the next day. The place looked like a fortress. All approach roads had been barricaded and the police presence was overwhelming. They did not allow anyone to get inside the campus without a JNU identity card. But watching the scene from a nearby terrace, what was astounding was the huge gathering outside the campus main gate and the chants against leftists and anti-nationals along with Jai Shri Ram. An ordinary citizen may ask how such a crowd was allowed to gather and chant provocative slogans when Section 144 is clamped routinely to deter protesters, those who dont see eye to eye with the government on the Citizenship Amendment Act, the National Register of Citizens, or anything else. This is astounding, coming as it does soon after the violence in another Central university, Jamia Milia Islamia, where the police used teargas and hit with sticks students sitting inside the library, usually considered the safest of places. I used to be a part-time teacher in Jamia a decade ago and many of my students, now Ph.D. research scholars and doctorates, are part of the movement that is asking sharp questions about their future. This movement to take back what they see as their stolen future is no longer confined to one institution or one community or even one issue. Last week, policemen entered the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and tried to disrupt a student-organised event called IIMA stands up for democracy. The event was meant to be a candlelight vigil and a session where students would read together the Preamble to Indias Constitution. The policemen pushed us into a classroom. It was an event by the students inside the campus. How can the police come and stop us from holding the peaceful event? We have no idea who informed them or why they came here, one student, told the media. The police did not fully succeed, since the students did go to a classroom and read the Preamble, loud and clear. In recent days, I have also met several young doctors like Harjit Singh Bhatti, an alumnus of the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences. These doctors have formed a group and are reaching protest sites to tend to the wounded, along with nurses and medical volunteers. Last Sunday, they reached JNU on hearing about the violence. But the mob outside attacked their ambulance. Dr Bhatti tweeted: Our team of doctors, nurses & medical volunteers who reached JNU to give first aid to injured students & teachers, was attacked by hundreds of goons. Mob manhandled doctors, nurses & threatened them. Our ambulances glass & windows broken, this is totally inhuman & insane. This is not the first time that medical volunteers have been targeted. Another group, Medic Aid Support/Street Medics India, also on Twitter, seeks to share medical aid resources during the ongoing protests against the CAA and related issues. Libraries, hostels, ambulances, there are no safe zones immune from those who know only to intimidate vocally and physically, and also know they can count on police support. But many among Indias young are standing up to unmask the intimidators. They want to take back their stolen future. With a pre-formulated systems approach and protective process, we now offer commercial and government clients a consistently maintained protective barrier against harmful organisms AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Bravatek Solutions, Inc. (OTC Pink: BVTK) (Bravatek or the Company) announced that it entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement with Z Systems, with headquarters in northern New Jersey. The agreement was entered into following BVTKs agreement with ZoonoUSA, a manufacturer and supplier of advanced technology products that offer germ protection, long after the product is applied, by creating a protective shield on the surface it is applied to. This shield lasts about 30 days on surfaces and 24 hours on skin, when natural exfoliation occurs. Z Systems capabilities were created to meet the current needs of industry with regards to protecting employees, and the public in general, against unseen organisms. To meet those needs, Z Systems offers a comprehensive protection plan which includes the application of a chlorine-based disinfectant in conjunction with Zoonos proprietary and protective barrier product. The Zoono product contains a molecule, which when dried and hardened, creates a surface of pins or needle-like projections that pierce and destroy harmful organisms for approximately 30 days. By re-applying this barrier just 12 times per year, a strong defense is put into place that protects you, your staff and your clientele around the clock not just when disinfectant is applied. About Z Systems Employing what the World Health Organization (WHO) calls the nearly Perfect Disinfectant, with a proprietary antimicrobial coating, Z Systems provides clinically tested protection for people and their facilities to avoid devastating cross-contamination in the workplace. For more information, visit https://zsystems.solutions. About Bravatek Solutions, Inc. Bravatek Solutions, Inc. is a high technology security solutions portfolio provider that assists corporate entities, governments and individuals protect their organizations against both physical and cyber-attacks through its offering of the most technically advanced, cost-effective and reliable software, tools and systems. For more information, visit https://bravatek.com. 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Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: our ability to successfully develop and market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Z Systems Ed Mutch, CEO edmutch@zsystems.solutions Media contact: Bravatek Solutions, Inc. info@bravatek.com 1.866.490.8590 Students can become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) by completing an LPN program and becoming certified. Explore LPN program components, length and cost, and review some of the top schools that offer LPN programs online. View Schools Overview of Online LPN Programs Online LPN programs involve both online and on-site components to prepare students to work as licensed practical nurses. Students can complete some coursework online but they're required to do clinical practice hours on-site at specific locations, and they may also need to attend some campus meetings. Prerequisites Admission requirements vary by school but often include many of the same fundamental prerequisites. Previous Education - LPN programs require students to have earned a high school diploma or an equivalent, and may also require a qualifying GPA. - LPN programs require students to have earned a high school diploma or an equivalent, and may also require a qualifying GPA. Exams - Students may need to have earned a qualifying score on the ACT or SAT. In addition, most schools require students to take college entrance exams and earn a specific score. These exams can include literacy and/or math assessments, the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE). - Students may need to have earned a qualifying score on the ACT or SAT. In addition, most schools require students to take college entrance exams and earn a specific score. These exams can include literacy and/or math assessments, the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE). Medical - Due to the nature of the clinical practice component of LPN programs, students often need to meet certain medical requirements. These may include having valid medical insurance, up-to-date immunization records and valid CPR certification. - Due to the nature of the clinical practice component of LPN programs, students often need to meet certain medical requirements. These may include having valid medical insurance, up-to-date immunization records and valid CPR certification. Other - Students might also need to complete and pass a background check as well as a drug screening. Length The length of an online LPN program varies by student. Students taking classes full-time can finish in one year, and students studying part-time can finish in two or more years. Students who have prior college credits that are transferred into their program can finish in under one year. LPN programs may consist of 40 to 50 credits of coursework, plus a certain number of clinical practice hours. Practical Requirements Depending on the program, students may need to complete as many as 700 hours of clinical practice as well as on-campus sessions. Clinical practice hours involve students working under the supervision of registered nurses and/or instructors, providing assistance to healthcare professionals and caring for patients. Students may complete clinical requirements in various settings including hospitals, physicians' offices and nursing homes. On-campus requirements can involve lab exercises, lectures, networking and/or assessments. Some online LPN programs only require students to attend campus sessions a few times within their degree curriculum, while other programs require students to come to campus multiple times each semester. Online Requirements In online LPN programs, most coursework is completed online. At the beginning of a program, students usually need to complete some type of introduction to their online learning portal. This may be offered as a video, tutorial, or in another format. Students are required to complete these items prior to the beginning of their courses to ensure they are familiar with the learning platform. The learning platform is often provided by a third-party site and may include a variety of program resources. Students often use these portals to view lectures, reading assignments, complete homework items, take tests, and communicate with peers and instructors. Depending on their course format, students may be able to access and complete items at their convenience during certain time frames (such as weekly), or they may be required to log in at scheduled times for some course components (such as live lectures or scheduled exams). Common Courses Although LPN programs may contain a wide range of courses, many have some of the same foundational classes. Anatomy - Students learn about the functions, structure and health processes of the various systems in the human body, such as the muscular, skeletal and immune systems. - Students learn about the functions, structure and health processes of the various systems in the human body, such as the muscular, skeletal and immune systems. Medical Terminology - Within this course, students develop a foundational understanding of suffixes, prefixes and roots that are used in medical terms and abbreviations. - Within this course, students develop a foundational understanding of suffixes, prefixes and roots that are used in medical terms and abbreviations. Intro to Nursing - Students explore the basic roles of nurses and patient needs, and may learn basic nursing skills and practices (such as taking vital signs). - Students explore the basic roles of nurses and patient needs, and may learn basic nursing skills and practices (such as taking vital signs). Composition - This course provides students with an overview of entry-level college writing expectations and practices, and usually involves one or more research paper assignments. - This course provides students with an overview of entry-level college writing expectations and practices, and usually involves one or more research paper assignments. Nursing Foundations - Students learn theoretical foundations of nursing and how to provide quality and professional care for patients of various populations. - Students learn theoretical foundations of nursing and how to provide quality and professional care for patients of various populations. Maternal Nursing - This course provides students with a deeper understanding of health needs and care for women during and after childbirth. - This course provides students with a deeper understanding of health needs and care for women during and after childbirth. Nursing Concepts - In this course students study various practical nursing topics which may include infections, glucose monitoring, ostomies, catheters and client education. - In this course students study various practical nursing topics which may include infections, glucose monitoring, ostomies, catheters and client education. Surgical Nursing - Topics covered in this course may include nutrition, IV skills, feeding tubes, wound drainage, staples, testing and how to handle patient distress. - Topics covered in this course may include nutrition, IV skills, feeding tubes, wound drainage, staples, testing and how to handle patient distress. Nursing Transition - Students learn more about nursing practice in the healthcare system, focusing on topics such as leadership, professionalism, licensure preparation and professional organizations. - Students learn more about nursing practice in the healthcare system, focusing on topics such as leadership, professionalism, licensure preparation and professional organizations. Pharmacology - This course gives students a basic understanding of various drug therapies as well as their uses, limitations and classifications. How to Choose an Online LPN Program There are a few things that you should keep in mind when choosing a school for your online LPN program, several of which are discussed below. Residency Requirements One of the most important considerations in choosing your LPN program and school are the residency requirements. Regardless of which school you choose, you'll at least need to complete clinical practicum hours. When reviewing your schools, see if these hours can be completed near your geographic area or if they're offered at specific locations near the school. If clinical hours are, in fact, only available near the school, see if they are done in sessions (for example, a two-week block) or if they last throughout a semester. You may be able to complete a program with clinical practicum locations far from you if they can be done in blocks of time. Flexibility Some schools offer online LPN programs in both full-time and part-time options, while other schools may only offer one or the other. You should consider your time commitments and availability to decide which plan of study will work best for you. Also, review the in-person clinical components to assess how they will work with your schedule. Accreditation Schools and programs can be accredited separately by various organizations. LPN programs can be accredited by The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Attending an accredited school or program helps to qualify students for financial aid, transfer credits in future degree programs, and may also aid with employment. Graduating from an accredited nursing program has the same benefits, and may be required for licensure as an LPN. Cost The cost of an LPN program completed in hybrid format can vary by school but can range from $3,000 to $7,000 or more. Students in online LPN programs can apply for various types of financial aid, potentially having the entire program costs covered. Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as the first step in looking for financial aid resources. Top Schools with Online LPN Programs When considering an online LPN program, you should consider several factors such as residency requirements, program length flexibility. Several top schools with online options for LPN programs are listed below. Learn.org's school ranking methodology categorizes and assesses data from schools and other reliable sources, such as the U.S. Department of Education, and weighs the information based on quality, cost, value and other factors critical to students' academic decisions. 1. Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater Location Tuition & Fees (in-state) % Receiving Financial Aid Clearwater, FL $5,020 47% Pinellas Technical College in Clearwater, Florida, is a leading distance-education provider in the state and has over 250 industry and business partners who help to guide programs and students towards gainful employment. The practical nursing program is available in a hybrid format, with courses offered primarily online. Students complete a total of 1350 hours: 675 hours of theory/coursework and 675 hours of clinical practice. Students will complete some of the coursework hours on-campus, such as lab work or educational sessions, typically offered in the evenings. The clinical hours are usually offered on the weekends or evenings at facilities that are local to PTC-Clearwater. 2. Lake Area Technical Institute Location Tuition & Fees (in-state) % Receiving Financial Aid Watertown, SD $5,332 92% The Practical Nursing E-Degree at Lake Area Technical Institute is available to residents of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Students can complete the program in 11 months of full-time study or 22 months of part-time study. All coursework can be completed online except for 4 classes, which can be taken on campus at LATI or at another accredited community college. Students are required to complete 496 clinical hours; 144 hours near LATI and 352 hours in other communities (arranged by instructors). Students interested in pursuing an associate's degree after earning their LPN can complete an additional 39 credits, including 8 nursing courses, at LATI to qualify for RN licensure. 3. Northland Community and Technical College Location Tuition & Fees (in-state) % Receiving Financial Aid Thief River Falls, MN $5,549 87% Students of Northland Community and Technical College can earn their nursing diploma and prepare for LPN licensure in three semesters. Students focus on holistic care for diverse populations. The practical nursing diploma program consists of 44 credit hours of coursework that students can complete primarily online. Students will attend on-campus skill sessions at select times for four courses as well as complete clinical hours at the East Grand Forks, MN, campus. 4. Holmes Community College Location Tuition & Fees (in-state) % Receiving Financial Aid Goodman, MS $3,110 91% The hybrid practical nursing program at Holmes Community College consists of 45 credit hours and takes five semesters to complete. Students take coursework and complete clinicals in the spring semester of each year, finishing after five springs. HCC has three campuses throughout Mississippi, giving students more flexibility to complete their on-site requirements. 5. Montgomery Community College Location Tuition & Fees (in-state) % Receiving Financial Aid Troy, NC $2,537 77% The hybrid practical nursing program at Montgomery Community College consists of 48 semester credit hours and 480 hours of clinical practice. Most curriculum can be completed online and the program takes a total of one year. MCC boasts an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 8-to-1 and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse To become a licensed practical nurse, there are several steps that you'll need to take including completing a qualifying program and obtaining licensure. Step 1: Complete a Practical Nursing Program To qualify for an LPN position, you will first have to complete a state-approved diploma program. Students should check with their state's nursing board to confirm that their school choices meet the criteria for curriculum and practical requirements. Students who graduate from non-approved programs are not eligible to take the national licensure exam. Step 2. Getting Licensed After completing a state-approved program, students can apply for an Authorization to Test (ATT) with their state nursing board. Once they have been approved to take their exam, candidates should register to take the NCLEX-PN at an approved testing center. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides LPN candidates with resources for testing centers, fee payment, and practice tests. Results are officially sent to test-takers six weeks after they've taken their exam. Those who did not pass will receive a performance report that explains which areas need to be improved; they can retake the exam up to eight times each year. Nurses who do pass will receive either a state license, which is valid in their specific state only or a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) license, which is valid in most states. Step 3. Continuing Education To maintain licensure, LPNs will need to renew their license every few years. License renewals will require some continuing education and employment, although the specific requirements and license validity periods vary by state. Professional Organizations for LPNs There are a variety of professional organizations available to licensed practical nurses, several of which are discussed below. National Association of Licensed Professional Nurses (NALPN) - NALPN is the primary professional organization for LPNs, offering membership to students, employers, as well as current and retired LPNs. The organization has over 3,500 members, 125 scholarships, and various partner associations and awards. - NALPN is the primary professional organization for LPNs, offering membership to students, employers, as well as current and retired LPNs. The organization has over 3,500 members, 125 scholarships, and various partner associations and awards. The American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) - LPN membership in AAMN gives members the ability to vote and serve on committees. Both male and female nurses are eligible to join. The association has the primary objective of advancing men in nursing. - LPN membership in AAMN gives members the ability to vote and serve on committees. Both male and female nurses are eligible to join. The association has the primary objective of advancing men in nursing. American Academy of Nursing (AAN) - AAN has over 2,400 members, or fellows, who are leaders in the field of nursing, working in roles such as management, research, and academia. New members must be recommended and approved. - AAN has over 2,400 members, or fellows, who are leaders in the field of nursing, working in roles such as management, research, and academia. New members must be recommended and approved. American Nurses Association (ANA) - Members of ANA have access to various discounts, educational resources and publications. Members also gain state-specific resources and communications from their state associations. Licensed Practical Nurse: Salary & Outlook Licensed practical nurses work directly under the supervision and direction of doctors and registered nurses, providing basic healthcare services to patients. They may be responsible for tasks such as changing bandages, monitoring blood pressure and bathing patients. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this job to grow 11% between 2018 and 2028. In 2018, they had a median salary of $46,240, with the highest-paid LPNs earning more than $62,160. Other Career Options for LPN Program Graduates LPN program graduates may pursue or advance to other careers, several of which are compared below. Medical Assistants Medical assistants aren't always required to have specific college training, so LPN graduates may have an advantage over other candidates. Medical assistants are responsible for various clinical and administrative duties that can include taking vital signs, patient histories and examining patients. They had a median salary of $33,610 in 2018 and are expected to see a 23% job growth from 2018 to 2028. Psychiatric Technician or Aide Psychiatric technicians are often LPNs, needing at least a college certificate, while psychiatric aides often require a high school diploma or equivalent. Psychiatric technicians can be responsible for monitoring and restraining patients, guiding patients, administering treatments and assisting patients with daily tasks. Psychiatric aides have similar duties with fewer responsibilities; they can't treat patients or monitor medical statuses. These jobs are expected to increase by 12% between 2018 and 2028 and had a median salary of $30,860 in 2018. Registered Nurses LPNs can become registered nurses by completing an LPN to RN program, which typically leads to a bachelor's degree. As registered nurses, they have more responsibilities and independence while caring for patients. Registered nurses had a median annual salary of $71,730 in 2018 and are expected to see a 12% job growth between 2018 and 2028. Salary and outlook information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Ali Chegeni talked to reporters after a condolence meeting for Qasem Soleimani at the Iranian Embassy (Photo Credit: ANI) New Delhi: Iran will welcome any peace initiative by India to de-escalate tensions with the US following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian envoy said on Wednesday while asserting that his country wants peace not war. Iran's Ambassador to India Ali Chegeni also expressed the hope there would be no further escalation in hostilities between his country and the US. The ambassador's comments came hours after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq. Tehran said it was a "slap in the face" of America. "India usually plays a very good role in (maintaining) peace in the world. India belongs to this region. We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalation (of tensions)," Chegeni told reporters after a condolence meeting for Soleimani at the Iranian Embassy. "We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region. We welcome any Indian initiative or any project that can help peace and prosperity in this world," he said. Maj Gen Soleimani, 62, the head of Iran''s elite al-Quds force and architect of its regional security apparatus, was killed when a US drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the Baghdad International Airport early on Friday. The strike also killed the deputy chief of Iraq''s powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. On the Iranian attack on US targets in Iraq, Chegeni said his country retaliated under its right to defend. Amid spiralling US-Iran tensions over the killing of Soleimani, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday had a conversation with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, voicing India's concerns over the escalation of tensions. India has reached out to several stakeholders in the region over the security situation prevailing in the Middle East. Jaishankar has also separately spoken with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf Alawi, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well his Jordanian and Qatari counterparts Ayman Safadi and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani respectively, on the tense situation in the region. Noting that India is a "good friend", Chegeni said, "My minister (Javad Zarif) talked to Dr Jaishankar, they had a very good discussion. Recently we had the joint economic commission in Tehran...We see a very good future for the relationship. We have no problem with India." He said Iran and India can jointly work for peace in the world. Asked if Indian officials have reached out to the Embassy with a condolence message, the Iranian envoy said the embassy had opened a condolence book for two days and he expects Indian officials to come but it is "up to the Indian side". "Usually we have good relations and sympathy between the two countries," he said. The Iran Embassy here has been seeing a steady stream of envoys coming and expressing condolences on the death of Soliemani. Concerns have mounted across the globe over fast-deteriorating diplomatic ties between the US and Iran, and the spiralling tensions in the Gulf after Soleiman was killed. Soleimani's killing was the most dramatic escalation yet in spiralling tensions between Iran and the US. Talking about the US drone strike that killed Soleimani, Chegeni said, "He was in a third country. So this is very important for the world to not allow such an inhuman, illegal act which is against international rights." "He (Soleimani) was the one who removed the threat of ISIS from the world. Why you should kill him. That means you are supporting terrorists. If Gen Soleimani didn't act against ISIS, what would have happened to India, to Europe, and to all of the world because ISIS was really anti-human," he said. The world owes a debt to "anti-terrorist hero" Soleimani, he said. "That is why my country today officially retaliated based on the legitimate rights we have....We are not for war. We are not for escalation, but defending is our right," Chegeni said. "Everyone has the right to defence, even animals and trees...," he asserted. "This is not revenge, this was the right of our people. All the Iranian people asked for retaliation, early morning at the same time our national hero was attacked... we attacked the military bases," he said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. File image Prime Minister Imran Khan will be travelling to Malaysia this month to placate Kuala Lumpur after Pakistan skipped a summit of Muslim nations reportedly under pressure from Saudi Arabia, according to a media report. Khan had confirmed Pakistan's participation in the December 19-21 summit hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, but skipped the event at the 11th hour due to pressure exerted by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - key financial backers of the cash-strapped country. The summit in Kuala Lumpur was seen by Saudis as an attempt to create a new bloc in the Muslim world that could become an alternative to the dysfunctional Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) led by the Gulf Kingdom. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal even visited Islamabad last month to convey the Saudi leadership's gratitude to Pakistan for not attending the summit. Official sources confirmed that Khan is scheduled to travel to Kaula Lumpur by the end of January, The Express Tribune reported. It is believed that Khan will use the visit to explain Malaysian Prime Minister Mohamad the reason of Pakistan's pull out from the summit, it said. The report also mentioned that Islamabad is also making efforts to reach out to Turkey after it blamed Pakistan of pulling out of the summit under threats from Saudi Arabia. The report said that the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayab Erdogan next month to Pakistan would help remove any mistrust between the two countries. Silvio Horta, creator of popular series "Ugly Betty", was found dead in a motel room on Tuesday in an apparent suicide. He was 45. Sources told Variety Horta died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Miami. A representative for the writer confirmed his death, but declined to comment on its nature. "Ugly Betty", based on Colombian telenovela "Yo soy Betty, la fea", starred actor America Ferrera. Horta served as showrunner and head writer on the comedy-drama, which ran for four seasons on ABC from 2006 to 2010. The "Ugly Betty" family took to social media to remember Horta. Ferrera said she was "stunned and heartbroken" by the of his death. "His talent and creativity brought me and so many others such joy & light. I'm thinking of his family and loved ones who must be in so much pain right now- and of the whole Ugly Betty family who feel this loss so deeply," she wrote on Instagram. Ferrera also posted a photo of Horta with the team taken after one of the show's Golden Globe wins. Vanessa Williams also took to Instagram to remember Horta. "Still in shock after hearing the tragic of our #uglybetty creator #silviohorta. His creativity and passion will be missed by so many of us that worked with him. May he Rest in Peace," she wrote. Michael Urie said he will "forever be indebted" to Horta. In the wake of Horta's death, Christopher Gorham urged people to take care of one another. "Silvio Horta gave me two of the greatest opportunities in my career with Jake 2.0 and Ugly Betty. I will be forever grateful for his creativity, his enormous heart, and his friendship. His family was his world and my heart goes out to them tonight," Horta wrote on the photo-video sharing site. Mark Indelicato said he was "devastated" by the of the writer's death. "Silvio gave me my start at 11 years old and trusted me with a character that was so close to his heart. He will be greatly missed by all," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On December 23, 2019, Celgene backed out of a settlement in which it had agreed to pay $55 million to end payors (consumers, insurers, union health and welfare funds, municipalities, and others) that had accused Celgene of illegally blocking generic versions of life-saving cancer drugs from coming to market. (In re Thalomid and Revlimid Antitrust Litigation, 14-cv-6997, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.) Co-Lead Counsel are from Hausfeld (Melinda Coolidge, Walter Kelley, Brent Landau, Katie Beran, and Tamara Freilich), Block & Leviton LLP (Whitney Street and Stephen Teti), and Hach Rose Schirripa & Cheverie LLP (Frank Schirripa and Daniel Rehns). Celgene had agreed to settle the long-running class action litigation back in July. Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) completed its acquisition of Celgene in November 2019 (NYSE:BMYRT). The provisions of the settlement allowed Celgene to rescind the agreement if certain class members decided not to participate in the class settlement and instead pursue their own claims. More than 8,000 individuals and more than 800 third party payors (e.g., insurers, companies that self-insure) filed claims to participate in the settlement. Another 80 entities filed an opt out form seeking to be excluded from the settlement and preserve their right to bring a separate lawsuit against Celgene. Citing the exclusion of these class members, Celgene withdrew from the settlement agreement. It is very disappointing that Celgene has elected to back out of a deal that would have provided restitution to as many as 8,000 individual patients who filed claims to share in the settlement, said class representative David Mitchell, a cancer patient who took Revlimid for more than five years. It is my hope that this action by Celgene leads to a much larger total payout by Celgene after all is said and done. Hausfeld partner Melinda Coolidge added: These kinds of rescission provisions are common in class settlements, but I have never heard of a defendant ever actually rescinding an agreement. The settlement had received widespread support from the class, based on the claims rate and the fact that no class members objected to the settlement. According to the plaintiffs experts, Celgenes actions caused patients and entities in California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Tennessee to pay $3 billion more than they would have if a generic version had been available. Revlimid, for example, costs more than $15,000 a month for treatment. By backing out of the class settlement, Celgene returns to litigation against the putative class, including the 9,000 class members that would have released their claims in exchange for a part of the $55 million settlement, facing total exposure of greater than $3 billion. Hach Rose partner Frank Schirripa stated: All settlements are a compromise, but I am astounded that after limiting its exposure by paying $55 million into an escrow account in 2019, Celgene chose to return to a world in which it faces exposure of more than $3 billion. It seems fiscally irresponsible to me. For further information or to arrange interviews please contact: Deborah Schwartz Media Relations 240 355-8838 deborah@mediarelationsinc.com The Constitution lover has logged on. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images The U.S. Congress has not declared war on Iran. And yet, last week, the U.S. government deliberately killed a top Iranian military official which is to say it committed an unambiguous act of war against a sovereign nation-state without congressional authorization. As a result of president Trumps unilateral decision to assassinate Qasem Soleimani, U.S. forces in Iraq had to weather a barrage of Iranian missiles, the Iraqi parliament voted to expel the U.S. military from its country, and Iran announced that it will cease to comply with some terms of the 2015 nuclear agreement. Many in Congress found all of this quite concerning. In our constitutional republic, the peoples representatives are technically supposed to be consulted before the White House whacks a foreign official. But the Trump administration insisted that it simply had no choice but to take the initiative because dropping a missile on Soleimani was the only possible means of averting an imminent attack on dozens, if not hundreds, of Americans (and/or Europeans) overseas. This story never made much sense. For one, by the administrations own account, Soleimanis imminent attack was days, if not weeks, away which is to say not imminent at all. For another, no White House official ever explained how killing a single general could render Iran incapable of carrying out a preexisting plan that its top military mind had already formulated. Still, some members of Congress chose to reserve their judgment until they got a peek at the intelligence that had supposedly forced the presidents hand. And after a closed-door Senate briefing, Marco Rubio announced that the White Houses case was incontrovertible. Natl Security officials gave a compelling briefing to Senators just now, the Florida senator tweeted. They answered every important question. Anyone who walks out & says they arent convinced action against #Soleimani was justified is either never going to be convinced or just oppose everything Trump does. Around the same time, multiple other Republican senators (who support almost everything Trump does) told reporters that the briefing was worse than uncompelling, and that they are not convinced action against Soleimani was justified. Mike Lee was especially scathing in his assessment. The conservartive Utah senator told the press that he had gone into the meeting undecided as to whether he would support Senate Democrats push for the passage of a War Powers Resolution that would constrain the administrations capacity to take further military action against Iran without congressional approval. That briefing is what changed my mind, Lee said. Im now going to support it. Lee described the administrations presentation as probably the worst briefing, at least on a military issue, Ive seen in nine years Ive been here. I find it insulting, and I find it demeaning to the Constitution of the United States to which weve all sworn an oath, Lee continued. It is, after all, the prerogative of the legislative branch to declare war. Fox News cut away from Republican Sen. Mike Lee as he excoriated the Trump admins Soleimani briefing as probably the worst briefing at least on a military issue Ive seen. pic.twitter.com/736Qtd6bWZ Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 8, 2020 Lee said that when he asked the briefers to describe a scenario in which the White House believes it would need congressional authorization to take military action overseas, they were unable to name one. Republican senator Mike Lee blasts the Trump administrations post-Iran briefing, says they were told they could not dissent from Trump, couldn't debate it, and if Trump needed justification to go to war "I'm sure we could think of something" pic.twitter.com/bfyPqoSf8c Andrew Lawrence (@ndrew_lawrence) January 8, 2020 Somewhat less surprisingly, Kentuckys pseudo-libertarian senator Rand Paul shared Lees concerns, and said he would also support a War Powers Resolution. Democrats were similarly unimpressed with the administrations showing. Sophomoric and utterly unconvincing I was utterly unpersuaded about any evidence about the imminence of a threat that was new or compelling. Rep. Gerry Connolly, member of House Foreign Affairs Committee pic.twitter.com/pFGBCQlhrw Ryan Goodman (@rgoodlaw) January 8, 2020 Nevertheless, as of this writing, the resolution does not have anywhere near enough Republican support in the Senate to pass. And so, Donald Trump can carry on exercising the powers of his thermonuclear monarchy however he sees fit, until January 20, 2021 at the earliest. The Duchess of Sussex showed off one of her style tricks as she left the National Theatre following a private visit the afternoon. Meghan, 38, who is patron of the National, was spotted draping, or 'shrobing', her elegant navy blue coat over her crisp pale blue shirt as she left the theatre on London's South Bank. The Duchess looked perfectly polished for the outing, teaming the shirt and coat with a pair of flattering wide-leg trousers and sweeping her hair back into a slightly relaxed updo. The royal is no stranger to 'shrobing', and loves to drape her coats over her outfits. In 2017 she wore a burgundy leather coat over her shoulders at the Invictus Games, while she was first seen sporting the trend in 2014. Meghan Markle, 38, was spotted draping, or 'shrobing', her elegant navy blue coat over her crisp pale blue shirt as she left the National Theatre on London's South Bank this afternoon The Duchess looked perfectly polished for the outing, teaming the shirt and coat with a pair of flattering wide-leg trousers and sweeping her hair back into a slightly relaxed updo, pictured She joins other celebrities, such as Anna Wintour, Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian and Princess Diana, who have championed the look. While the 'shoulder-robe' - shortened to shrobing by fashion insiders - is more typically seen on fashion editors on the front row than the likes of senior royals, Meghan isn't the first member of the royals to adopt the draping technique. That accolade goes to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, who was doing it as far back as 1981. Meghan was first pictured with her jacket draped over her shoulders back in 2014. Most recently Meghan was spotted shrobing when she joined Prince Harry at the WellChild Awards in London last year. On that occasion she wore her 1185 camel coat by Sentaler, over her fitted green wool dress by P.A.R.O.S.H, pictured Just a month before her wedding, Meghan accompanied Harry to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and sported Camilla and Marc blazer artfully draped over her shoulders, rather than putting her arms through the sleeves What is shrobing? The trend for draping a jacket over the shoulders, dubbed 'shrobing' in recent years, has been embraced by socialites and celebrities of late but actually goes back decades, having been spotted on Princess Diana as early as 1981. It had something of a renaissance when the influential style-blogger The Satorialist acknowledged the trend back in 2008. Writing at the time the blogger said: 'I have seen a few young Americans doing it lately but it still seems so specific to the Italians.' The explosion of Instagram in 2013 saw bloggers, models and journalists avoiding their sleeves at all costs, and newspapers and magazines hailed the arrival of 'shoulder-robing', 'shrobing' and 'slinging'. As Vogue put it 'the chicest way to wear your coat is to not'. It's article on the trend said 'the best times for slinging are when you're in transit', citing a nearby meeting or a short walk as ideal opportunities to try it out. Advertisement Just a month before her wedding, Meghan accompanied Harry to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and sported a Camilla and Marc blazer artfully draped over her shoulders, rather than putting her arms through the sleeves. While in July 2018 Megan also wore a white blazer on her shoulders and over her dress as she watched Prince Harry during the presentations at the Audi polo Challenge. Most recently Meghan was spotted shrobing when she joined Prince Harry at the WellChild Awards in London last year. On that occasion she wore her 1185 camel coat by Sentaler, over her fitted green wool dress by P.A.R.O.S.H. Megan watches Prince Harry during the presentations at the Audi polo Challenge, Coworth Park, Ascot in July 2018 The Duchess of Sussex, 37, looked glamorous as she wore the 1185 camel coat by Sentaler, draped over her fitted green wool dress by P.A.R.O.S.H It may have been a fashion week fad when it first emerged but the trend - known variously as slinging, draping and shrobing - but it has stayed the course, with US Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour among those still stubbornly refusing to use sleeves in the traditional way. Stylist and blogger, Simon Glazin previously told FEMAIL that former Suits star Meghan is likely to have picked up her shrobing habit from her days of hob-nobbing with Hollywood types. 'Love it or hate it, it's a trend that is here to stay. Just like Victoria Beckham has perfected turning every single handbag, no matter how big, into a clutch, she has been a pioneer of the jacket drape too. Meghan embraced the trend around the same time as it hit the front rows of fashion week first pictured with her jacket draped over her shoulders in 2014 (pictured) 'Fashion editors have been doing it for decades. You only have to Google pictures of Anna Wintour or Diana Vreeland to see. 'There is something effortlessly chic about 'caping' your jacket. A leather jacket draped over a form-fitting dress is Meghan's favourite look. 'Think of it as the new version of tying a preppy jumper round ones neck. It's making a piece of clothing into an accessory. 'All the Kardashian's seem to be pros at this trend too, maybe Meghan is taking advice from Kim?' "This town used to live on fish and 'chips'," said Stan Soroka, a business owner in the NSW South Coast town of Eden. "It's a fishing town and there are woodchips." The fish come from the fleet that docks in town, which has survived but the chips are burning at the Eden woodchip mill across the bay. The Eden chip mill, owned by Allied Natural Wood Exports. Credit:Kiran Ridley A pile of woodchips weighing tens of thousands of tonnes is ablaze, sending a huge plume of smoke over the massive HMAS Adelaide anchored offshore to evacuate the town if needed. The millions of litres of water that have been pumped onto the pile have so far failed to douse it. Mr Soroka said Eden would survive, but despaired about its economic future in the coming months. He has two restaurants and has had to lay off staff. Charlotte O'Dwyer is too young to process the loss of her father, who died battling the Australia fires. The 19-month old innocently wore her father's helmet on her head and the picture is breaking a million hearts across the globe. Twitter Andrew O'Dwyer, a 16-year veteran of the New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service, was battling the bushfires in Sydney on December 19 when the truck they were in, rolled and hit a tree while fighting a bushfire at Buxton, south of Sydney. The young daughter of RFS volunteer Andrew O'Dwyer wears her father's helmet and service medal at his funeral. O'Dwyer and his fellow volunteer were killed when the truck they were travelling in rolled off the road in the town of Buxton, south-west of Sydney. #9News pic.twitter.com/nvUsfKqe6k Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) January 7, 2020 The brigade's deputy captain, Geoffrey Keaton, who was a father of a one-year-old, also died in the tragic crash and was remembered at a separate service, The daughter of volunteer firefighter Andrew ODwyer at his funeral today. Heartbreaking. : @DeanLewinsPhoto pic.twitter.com/iU58HmtN3o Tim Rose (@tp_rose) January 7, 2020 During O'Dwyer's funeral service, little Charlotte donned his helmet and accepted a RFS service medal which he had been posthumously awarded to her dad. "Baby Charlotte, you need to know - your dad was a special man, a selfless man, and only left because he is a hero," an emotional Mr Fitzsimmons told the child, reports The Sydney Morning Herald. Charlotte daughter of a firefighter Andrew O'Dwyer who died in australia during the forest fires, she wore his helmet and service medal at his funeral . pic.twitter.com/WxK54QT4RV i'm not important person until i become (@nadazidan74) January 8, 2020 Charlotte wore the helmet and medal for the remainder of the service, leading to many teary-eyed smiles. According to reports, Charlotte's mother never in her wildest dreams, imagined bringing up her daughter all alone, but the bushfires changed everything. The Mail Online quoted the mother as saying, "Our kids have got all these aunties and uncles now and that gives me a lot of comfort. They can hear the stories about their dads and how mighty they have been." Although she won't have her husband by her side, Mrs O'Dwyer said she knows she'll always have some of him in Charlotte. According to CNN, the NSW Rural Fire Service asked for donations to a bank account created for O'Dwyer and Keaton's families. The funds will be evenly split between their spouses. Watch the powerful moment members of the Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade performed a Haka at the funeral of firefighter Andrew O'Dwyer. https://t.co/Oa26Cw8Tqa pic.twitter.com/5QYh8lekRP news.com.au (@newscomauHQ) January 7, 2020 After the service, Australian PM Scott Morrison and his wife hugged members of the family. Mr O'Dwyer, 36, was remembered as a 'hero' by the Prime Minister, and RFS Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons. Maori members of the Rural Fire Service perform a Haka during the funeral for their fellow volunteer Andrew O'Dwyer. A Boeing Co. 737-800 jetliner bound for Ukraine that crashed after takeoff in Iran, killing everyone on board, was most likely brought down by an engine fire, according to Tehran authorities. Ukraine International Airlines said 167 passengers and nine crew were on the plane, an older version of the 737 that predates Boeing's grounded Max model, which crashed at 6:18 a.m. local time Wednesday in Sabashahr, near the Iranian capital. Iran's Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization said early assessments indicate the cause was a technical issue and the transport ministry suggested a fire was to blame, dismissing speculation that the jet was downed by a stray missile following Iranian strikes against U.S. bases in Iraq. At the same time, another state-run outlet cited an official from the Iran Civil Aviation Organization as saying the pilots didn't declare an emergency, while an amateur video purportedly of the stricken plane showed a bright image descending steeply before hitting the ground. Television footage showed recovery efforts at the crash sight, with debris from the plane spread across a charred field. Ukraine's foreign ministry said about half those on board held Iranian citizenship and that there was also a large number of Canadians, as well as Swedes, Afghans, Britons and Ukrainians. Ukraine International Vice President Ihor Sosnovskyi said in Kyiv that the plane, delivered to the airline new in 2016, was in good condition and had its last shop visit on Jan. 6. He said the crew was also very experienced and that there were no indications of human error, while declining to comment on possible reasons for the crash, the company's first since it was set up in 1992. The tragedy comes at a tense time for both Iran and Boeing. The Islamic republic has fired more than a dozen missiles at U.S.-Iraqi airbases in retaliation for the killing of Iran's top general, Qassem Soleimani. Just prior to the crash, U.S. aviation regulators issued new restrictions barring civilian flights over Iraq and Iran. Boeing is still reeling from its worst-ever crisis following two deadly crashes involving the 737 Max that led to the grounding in March of the company's best-selling model. U.S. stock futures slid and the yen rose, though those moves faded after reports that the crash was due to a technical issue. Boeing declined as much as 2.5% in premarket trading. Under established protocols, Iran would lead any investigation since the crash occurred on its soil. Ukraine Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk said his government has informed Iran that its experts should take part in the investigation. Few nations have the expertise and technical facilities to conduct a full accident probe, however, so the U.S., France, Britain or other countries have provided assistance in the past. The plane's crash-proof recorders, for example, will have to be downloaded in a specialist lab. The so-called black boxes have been found, Agence France-Presse reported, citing aviation officials in Iran. International rules for air-crash probes mean the countries that made the plane and its engines usually participate, providing technical expertise. But the current turmoil between Iran and the U.S. may complicate the involvement of the National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing. The website flightradar24 showed the 737-800 jet left Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport for Ukraine's Boryspil International Airport early Wednesday morning local time. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. "We are aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information," Boeing spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in an email. Safran confirmed that the twin-engine plane was powered by turbines from its CFM venture with General Electric, while declining to comment further. The jet lifted off and climbed to about 7,900 feet and was traveling at roughly 300 miles an hour when it stopped transmitting its position and disappeared, according to data supplied by FlightRadar24. Other aircraft operating out of Tehran were tracked normally, said FlightRadar24 spokesman Ian Petchenik. Boeing is still struggling with the fallout from the Max crashes in Indonesia in October 2018 and Ethiopia last March as regulators mull proposed fixes for flaws discovered in the plane's flight-control system. The 737-800 doesn't have that system. - - - Bloomberg's Harry Suhartono, Kyunghee Park, Anurag Kotoky, Eduard Gismatullin, Angus Whitley, Layan Odeh, Paul Dobson and Will Davies contributed to this report. First National Financial Corporation (TSE:FN), operating in the financial services industry based in Canada, received a lot of attention from a substantial price movement on the TSX over the last few months, increasing to CA$44.60 at one point, and dropping to the lows of CA$38.08. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether First National Financial's current trading price of CA$38.48 reflective of the actual value of the small-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Lets take a look at First National Financials outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change. Check out our latest analysis for First National Financial What is First National Financial worth? According to my relative valuation model, the stock seems to be currently fairly priced. Ive used the price-to-earnings ratio in this instance because theres not enough visibility to forecast its cash flows. The stocks ratio of 14.66x is currently trading slightly above its industry peers ratio of 12.62x, which means if you buy First National Financial today, youd be paying a relatively reasonable price for it. And if you believe that First National Financial should be trading at this level in the long run, theres only an insignificant downside when the price falls to its real value. Furthermore, First National Financials share price also seems relatively stable compared to the rest of the market, as indicated by its low beta. This may mean it is less likely for the stock to fall lower from natural market volatility, which suggests less opportunities to buy moving forward. What does the future of First National Financial look like? TSX:FN Past and Future Earnings, January 8th 2020 Future outlook is an important aspect when youre looking at buying a stock, especially if you are an investor looking for growth in your portfolio. Although value investors would argue that its the intrinsic value relative to the price that matter the most, a more compelling investment thesis would be high growth potential at a cheap price. First National Financials earnings over the next few years are expected to increase by 32%, indicating a highly optimistic future ahead. This should lead to more robust cash flows, feeding into a higher share value. Story continues What this means for you: Are you a shareholder? FNs optimistic future growth appears to have been factored into the current share price, with shares trading around its fair value. However, there are also other important factors which we havent considered today, such as the financial strength of the company. Have these factors changed since the last time you looked at FN? Will you have enough conviction to buy should the price fluctuate below the true value? Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on FN, now may not be the most optimal time to buy, given it is trading around its fair value. However, the optimistic forecast is encouraging for FN, which means its worth further examining other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to take advantage of the next price drop. Price is just the tip of the iceberg. Dig deeper into what truly matters the fundamentals before you make a decision on First National Financial. You can find everything you need to know about First National Financial in the latest infographic research report. If you are no longer interested in First National Financial, you can use our free platform to see my list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. SHADY COVE, Ore. Forensic testing of remains found in the woods along Highway 227 have confirmed that they belonged to missing Shady Cove woman Malina Lynn Nickel, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. Investigators discovered the skeletal remains on November 12 near the border between Douglas and Jackson counties. Nickel had been reported missing on November 23 of 2016, almost three years earlier. However, the discovery stemmed from a separate murder investigation. Just days before the discovery of Nickel's remains, investigators found the body of 20-year-old Destiny Finch. Her roommate, 21-year-old Shane Wayman, was charged with Finch's murder. On November 20, the Sheriff's Office confirmed that Nickel was Wayman's aunt, and alleged that he had been involved in her disappearance three years earlier. The agency also revealed that it had found remains believed to be Nickel's along Highway 227. A Night of Peace: Families of Destiny Finch and Malina Nickel gather with community for candlelit vigil Nickel's remains were taken to the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office and delivered to the care of Dr. Nici Vance, the state's forensic anthropologist. In addition to charges related to Finch's murder, Wayman was charged with two counts of criminal mistreatment in the first degree and one count of abuse of a corpse in the second degree for his alleged involvement in Nickel's death and the disposal of her body. At the time, the Sheriff's Office said, the charges were based on circumstantial evidence found at the scene that "tentatively identified" the remains as belonging to Nickel. "I'm standing by my Shane, I'm heartbroken on both behalfs," Chareen Nickel, Malina's mother, told NewsWatch 12 in November. Shane Wayman is her grandson. "I'm heartbroken for my daughter and I'm heartbroken for Shane." "As a Christian it's our duty to forgive everyone, no matter what they did," Chareen continued. "It's not up to us to judge." Earlier this week, Sheriff's Office detectives received the lab report from Oregon State Police for the skeletal remains that had been submitted for DNA analysis. According to the agency, the tests confirmed that the remains are Nickel's. Nickel was 30 years old when she disappeared. "I am happy that Malina's family has some closure," said Cristi Finch. Her daughter, Destiny, was the woman killed in November. "I can't imagine being in limbo for three years like they have been. My heart goes out to them and I will continue to pray for their comfort and healing." This is a developing story and NewsWatch 12 will update the article with more details as they emerge. Gov. Greg Abbott is warning Texans to be particularly vigilant regarding potential cyber terrorism from Iran, suggesting that heightened tensions with the country have caused an increase in attempted attacks on state agencies. This is something that everybody in the state of Texas needs to be concerned, prepared and be able to address, Abbott said during a meeting of the Domestic Terrorism Task Force, which he formed after last years anti-Hispanic deadly mass shooting in El Paso. I think its very important that everybody be particularly vigilant about what may happen out of Iran. Abbott, citing information from the Texas Department of Information Resources, said that as many as 10,000 attempted attacks per minute from Iran had been detected over the past 48 hours on state agency networks. He pointed to a cyberattack last year that involved dozens of local governments in Texas, stressing the importance of public and private sectors alike practicing good cyber hygiene. Amanda Crawford, executive director of the department, told reporters after the meeting that these sorts of attacks happen every day but that the state is being extra vigilant given recent clashes between the United States and Iran. Crawford also said that, to the departments knowledge, no attempted attacks had so far been successful on any of the state agency networks that the department monitors. Today is no different than any other day, she said, noting that the department sees literally billions of probes on any given day. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, has vowed to retaliate against the United States after President Donald Trump ordered a U.S. air strike that killed the countrys top general, Qassim Suleimani. Crawford said she did not have specific information about which state agencies Iran had targeted. And, asked whether the department had received federal direction to monitor attempted attacks, Crawford said agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had released bulletins on how to maintain vigilance, particularly on potential attacks from Iran. The Houston Chronicle has reported that the FBI was investigating a cyber attack on the Texas Department of Agriculture website that included pro-Iranian messages and a photo of Suleimani. Sid Miller, the Texas agriculture commissioner, told the Chronicle that officials did not believe Iran was behind the attack. They suspect it was people participating in a type of cyber challenge. Beyond that, Abbott mentioned other items the task force discussed during the closed-door portion of the meeting, including the possibility of pushing legislation during the next session that would define what domestic terrorism is. Abbott formed the task force in August, just weeks after a gunman targeting Hispanics at an El Paso Walmart carried out a deadly mass shooting. He tasked the panel, comprising various federal, state and local officials, with analyzing current and emerging state threats to form prevention and response strategies. Abbott also mentioned during the Jan. 7 meeting that the Department of Public Safety had submitted a report in response to his eight executive orders issued last year, most of which focused on strengthening law enforcements ability to respond to and prevent future mass shootings. The next public discussion surrounding mass violence is scheduled to happen Thursday in El Paso, where a House select committee on the issue will convene to hear testimony from people impacted by the mass shooting there last year. This article was originally published in The Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2020/01/07/greg-abbott-warns-texas-seeing-thousands-cyber-attacks-iran/. The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans and engages with them about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Topics Cyber Texas USA Agribusiness UN Sec-Gen Guterres calls for "stopping escalation" IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Jan 7, IRNA -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement urged stopping escalation, exercising maximum restraint as well as re-starting dialogue. Guterres emphasized on "renewing international cooperation" in a press statement issued at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday January 6, 2020. The full text of the statement reads: Below is the full text of the press statement issued at the UN Headquarters in New York by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on 6 January 2020: The New Year has begun with our world in turmoil. We are living in dangerous times. Geopolitical tensions are at their highest level this century and this turbulence is escalating. Even nuclear non-proliferation can no longer be taken for granted. This cauldron of tensions is leading more and more countries to take unpredicted decisions with unpredictable consequences and a profound risk of miscalculation. At the same time, we see trade and technological conflicts that fracture world markets, undermine growth and widen inequalities. And all the while, our planet is on fire. The climate crisis rages on. In many parts of the world, "we see many people frustrated and angry. We see increased social unrest and growing extremism, nationalism and radicalization, with a dangerous advance of terrorism, notably in Africa". This situation cannot go on. "I have been following the recent rise in global tensions with great concern." "I am in constant contact" with leading officials around the world. My message is simple and clear: Stop escalation. Exercise maximum restraint. Re-start dialogue. Renew international cooperation. Let us not forget the terrible human suffering caused by war. As always, ordinary people pay the highest price. It is our common duty to avoid it. 7129**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address P rime Minister Scott Morrison has pleaded with international tourists not to be put off visiting the country as authorities braced themselves for another onslaught of bushfires . Mr Morrison made the plea as he toured fire-ravaged Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia, which is seeing cancellations of holidays as far in advance as April. Similar issues have been raised in mainland areas hit in the months-long bushfires crisis. The countrys tourism industry earned 23 billion from overseas visitors last year. Australia bush fires hit 'catastrophic level - In pictures 1 /34 Australia bush fires hit 'catastrophic level - In pictures Helicopters dump water on bushfires Getty Images NSW Rural Fire Service crew fight the Gospers Mountain Fire AP Fire and smoke rise from a bush fire at Blue Mountains AP NSW Rural Fire Service crews fight the Gospers Mountain Fire AP An aircrewman monitoring the Tianjara fire from a helicopter in the Moreton and Jerrawangala National Park Getty Images kangaroos move as nearby property burn in a fire in Lithgow, New South Wales AP A man sprays water on a fire in Lithgow, New South Wales state AP A firefighter sprays water on a fire in Lithgow AP A firefighter sprays water on a home on fire. AP A firefighter sprays water on a home on fire. AP A policeman watches bushfires as they approach homes in NSW Getty Images Helicopters dump water on bushfire Getty Images Firemen prepare as a bushfire approaches homes on the outskirts of the town of Bargo Getty Images Firemen prepare as a bushfire approaches homes on the outskirts of the town of Bargo Getty Images A large bushfire burns near houses in Bargo, southwest of Sydney AFP via Getty Images Two bushfires approach a home located on the outskirts of the town of Bargo Getty Images Firemen inspect a house recently destroyed by bushfires Getty Images Firefighters tend to burning property caused by bushfires in Bargo AFP via Getty Images Firemen inspect a house recently destroyed by bushfires Getty Images A burnt bicycle lies on the ground in front of a house Getty Images Firefighter Gary Stokes monitoring bushfires AFP via Getty Images Firefighters making arrangements to secure the residential area from an approaching bushfire AFP via Getty Images volunteer firefighter Andrew Moyles cutting down burned trees in Dargan AFP via Getty Images Volunteer firefighter Andrew Moyles cutting down burned trees in Dargan AFP via Getty Images A smoke haze is seen over the Sydney skyline Getty Images Firefighters tend to burning property caused by bushfires in Bargo AFP via Getty Images A third of the islands rich wildlife has been devastated by fires in recent weeks. More than half of its 50,000-strong koala population is believed to have perished, and two people have died in the flames. Australia is open, Australia is still a wonderful place to come and bring your family and enjoy your holidays, Mr Morrison said. Even here on Kangaroo Island, where a third of the island has obviously been decimated, two-thirds of it is open and ready for business. Its important to keep the local economies vibrant at these times. A firefighter manages a controlled burn near Tomerong, Australia / AP Steven Marshall, premier of South Australia, said: If you want to do the people of Kangaroo Island a favour, book a holiday. In Victoria, authorities have urged people in fire-risk areas to consider evacuating tomorrow, the day before the state is expected to see 40C temperatures and strong winds. Victoria emergency services minister Lisa Neville said the fires remain dynamic, remain volatile, and the conditions we are going to see can give significant life to these fires. JNU hostels wear a deserted look as many yet to return India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 08: The hostels at the Jawaharlal Nehru University wear a deserted look as many students who have left following the Sunday's mob attack have not returned yet. The students also stepped up their demand for sacking of Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar. "What has happened is wrong. But I will stay here," said Sarojini, a student from the Netherlands, who has been in the university for four-and-a-half years. JNU violence: 2 FIRs filed against Umar Khalid for 'unlawful activities at Gateway of India "There is fear among the students, but I am not going anywhere. If there is someone who has to go, it is the VC," Sarojini said. Most of the injured students are again back at the campus, but some have left fearing a fresh bout of violence. A few returned to their rooms, only to find them vandalised. Iran retaliates against US strike, Plane crashes near Tehran airport | OneIndia News Ajay, a resident of Sabarmati hostel, said only 10 students were present in the boys' wing on Monday night. "Students are scared and have gone back home," he said. "Seven to eight of my friends received calls from their home after Sunday's incident," another resident of the hostel said. "They were asked to immediately come back as the situation is not conducive. They have gone back and we do not know when they will return." A woman student, requesting anonymity, said: "A friend of mine, who is from a foreign country, returned to his hostel room, only to find it vandalised. He left the hostel with his belongings and is staying at the embassy." Another student said the students were under immense pressure to get back to their homes. "They have this feeling that we will be killed here. But we have somehow withstood the pressure. We hope our friends also come back," the resident of Sabarmati said. Jyoti said there were almost 250 students in the hostel, but only 100 were remaining. "Many of the women students who are residents of Sabarmati Hostel, which suffered the maximum damage during the attack, have left either for their friends' homes outside the campus or for their own home," a student said. "Rest of the places there is not much impact." After the violence, the JNU students received overwhelming support from several quarters and across the country and world. In pics: Student protests nationwide over JNU campus violence On Tuesday, a march was organised to show solidarity with fellow students, while alumni like CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar also addressed a gathering. Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone was also at the varsity to express solidarity with the students. Addressing students at the university, Yechury sought to know why FIRs were registered against JNU students' union president Aishe Ghosh and alleged they were filed as afterthought. "We are defending the Constitution, and if there is any anti-national, it is the government which is trying to destroy the Constitution," Yechury said. Former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar said whenever he was called the leader of the "tukde tukde gang", he takes it as an honour. "JNU always talks about issues that are not even reported. The government is making a mistake. They have chosen an enemy that is intelligent and studious," Kumar said. ISTANBUL - The Turkish and Russian presidents are meeting in Istanbul to inaugurate the dual natural gas line connecting their countries that will open up a new export path for Russian gas into Turkey and Europe. Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin are also expected to discuss Syria and Libya, where the two leaders support opposing sides, while addressing regional tensions in Iraq and Iran, which have escalated with the American killing of a top Iranian commander. With TurkStream, Russian gas will pass through the Black Sea to Turkey. Together, the two 930-kilometre (578-mile) lines under the Black Sea, along with the Russian and Turkish onshore pipes, will have the capacity to carry 31.5 billion cubic meters (1.1 trillion cubic feet) of natural gas annually. Russia is the top gas supplier to Turkey, which relies on imports for its energy needs, transporting gas through another pipeline under the Black Sea called Blue Stream and the onshore West Line through Ukraine. Relations remain tense between Moscow and Kyiv with years of conflict and TurkStream allows Russia to bypass Ukraine by opening up a second direct transport line to Turkey. From Turkey, Russian gas will reach southern and southeastern Europe through new and existing lines. Erdogan and Putin talk and meet often, co-operating on trade, energy and defence industries, while engaging in negotiations on the Syrian civil war and now also on Libya. Backed by Russia, the Syrian governments all-out offensive to retake Idlib the last rebel-held stronghold in Syria has pushed hundreds of thousands of civilians towards the closed Turkish border, risking a major new refugee flow to Turkey. Putin is in Turkey following a visit to Syria where he met President Bashar Assad. Turkey has supported rebels opposing Assad in the countrys eight-year civil war. War-torn Libya is now another location where the two leaders will try their diplomatic influence and negotiations. Turkey has moved to send Turkish soldiers and weapons to support the weak U.N.-recognized Tripoli-government while Russia has backed the rival eastern-based forces of Gen. Khalifa Hifter. Foodora tracks its bike couriers as they race along Toronto streets shuttling food between restaurants and customers doors. It rewards the workers that its metrics deem to be good performers with the first crack at the best shifts. It punishes others by restricting their ability to pick up shifts. One courier was even instructed by Foodora dispatch to complete a delivery before fixing his bicycle, which he felt was not safe to ride, according to documents filed in a groundbreaking case before the Ontario Labour Relations Board and obtained by the Star. With that kind of information before the labour board its hard to see how Foodora will maintain its argument that its Toronto bike couriers are independent contractors because it exercises little control or direction over how they do their work. And thats a good thing. Not just for Foodora couriers, but potentially for other workers in the gig economy and beyond who are misclassified as independent contractors, which strips them of basic employment rights such as the ability to unionize. Workers in more traditional fields of precarious low-wage work, from cleaning services to nail salons to trucking, have long been misclassified as independent contractors. The rise of the gig economy has just brought these practices to greater public attention. Indeed, some of the global ride-hailing companies, such as Uber, and food delivery firms have publicly stated that their business model actually depends on being able to exploit these employment loopholes. Foodora, of course, says classifying workers as independent contractors provides welcome flexibility for both the couriers and the company and is a model that has shown to be working well for both sides. Its obviously not. Thats why Foodoras Toronto bike couriers are looking to unionize. Their attempt to do that is what has brought this issue are they independent contractors or not? before the Ontario labour board. The bid by these couriers to become the first app-based workforce in Canada to join a union is a groundbreaking case that could potentially alter what are considered acceptable working conditions in the gig economy and beyond. The hearing began last fall and arguments by Foodora and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers continue this month. We hope the labour board finds in the couriers favour by ruling that they are dependent contractors a middle ground between employee and independent contractor. That would give them the right to unionize. But ultimately these battles to parse out the application of outdated labour laws to modern workplace realities should not be left up to labour boards or courts across Canada and around the world. This is a government responsibility. The Ontario government needs to address the numerous gaps in worker protections. It will take stronger provincial legislation to force the Foodoras and Ubers of the world, not to mention more traditional employers, to treat their workers fairly. That includes properly classifying workers, whether they are dependent contractors or direct employees with the right to minimum wage, unemployment insurance and paid sick days. The nature of work is changing. But that shouldnt mean that jobs, particularly those for low-paid workers, just get worse and worse. Ontario needs to tackle the widening gaps in worker protections. If it doesnt, companies in the gig economy and traditional sectors alike will continue to exploit loopholes and their workers. A business model that relies on the exploitation of others is a terrible step backwards. It cant be the way of the future. Cases before labour boards and courts may improve things for some workers. But it will take political leadership to really fix things. One sunny morning in Shillong, as he was eating breakfast with other students in the mess of Don Bosco school, the police came for the teenager. Because of the border issue, the Indian government wants to take care of you, an officer told 16-year-old Andy Hsieh and nine others. You need to come with us for your own safety. It was November 1962, and India had been at war with China for just over a month. Across Indias North East, approximately 3,000 people of Chinese origin who had lived in India for generations were being rounded up. They were put on trains and transported 2,000 km away to a detention centre in the dusty Rajasthan village of Deoli. By the time they got there, the war was over. What have we done wrong? Hsieh wondered. What is going to happen to us? We are students, what have we done to be imprisoned like this? Hsieh and his family were kept in the camp until September 1966, long after the war had finished. Many others were interned for up to five years. As they were locked away, the property and businesses of many families were vandalised or confiscated. Some were deported to China. Astonishingly, some are still stateless and live in India under residence permits every year, paying thousands of rupees each time. The shameful, little-known story of how India incarcerated people whose families had lived in the country for decades simply because they had their roots in a country that was suddenly deemed an enemy is the subject of The Deoliwallahs: The True Story of the 1962 Chinese-Indian Internment by Dilip DSouza and Joy Ma, who was one of the five children born in the camp. In an interview with Scroll.in, DSouza discussed the new laws that made the internment of Indias Chinese community possible, the scars it left on the people in the camps and the striking parallels the episode has with the current Citizenship Amendment Act controversy. Story continues How were people identified for internment? Why were they taken in after the war was over? The short answer to the first question is that they were identified by their looks. Anyone who looked Chinese in that way we all know well was a target. But there are also tales of informers who pointed out potential prisoners to the police. At least one of those, we heard from more than one internee, later ended up in the Deoli prison camp himself. The short answer to the second question is that the war ended so suddenly, so soon (just about a month). That is, by the time the machinery of internment kicked into gear, the camp, the arrests, the transportthe war was close to done. So the great majority of those dreadful knocks on the door actually sounded only after the end of the war. My co-author, Joy Ma, knows of less than ten people who were picked up before the war ended. What were the legal changes that made the internment possible? There were several laws promulgated and amended that gave the internment a legal fig-leaf. During the 1962 war with China, President S Radhakrishnan signed the Defence of India Act, which was designed to allow preventive detention during wartime. Days later, we amended the Foreigners Act, 1946, to deal with any person, not of Indian origin who was at birth a citizen or subject of any country at war with, or committing external aggression against, India who may have subsequently acquired Indian citizenship in the same manner as a foreigner. One of the barracks in Deoli. The facility now serves as a camp for the Central Reserve Police Force. A few more days later, we passed the Foreigners Law (Application and Amendment) Act. This spelt out what person in the Foreigners Act meant: any person who, or either of whose parents, or any of whose grandparents was at any time a citizen or subject of any country at war with, or committing external aggression against, India. And in mid-January 1963, we passed the Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, barring foreigners from a number of restricted areas, including all of Assam, Meghalaya and five districts of West Bengal. This last Order explicitly barred from these areas person(s) of Chinese originsomeone who, or either of whose parents or any of whose grandparents, was, at any time, a Chinese national. Together, these laws formed the legal fig leaf for the Deoli incarceration. They translated into official practice the prejudice, suspicion and hatred for the Chinese that months of hostilities and the outbreak of war had catalysed in many Indians. How did it all end? Some were allowed to return to China but others who were allowed to stay in India werent permitted to return to their homes. Why was that? It ended in different ways. With no particular method that I can detect half a century later, some internees were allowed to leave after a few months at the camp, while others stayed years. Some were offered the choice to go to Chinareturn is incorrect because these people were all taken from their Indian homes and liveson ships from Madras. Those who returned to their hometowns often found their homes or businesses vandalised or appropriated, or seized as Enemy Property. There was no particular urgency on the part of authorities to restore any of this to the internees, or indeed to give them some measure of justice. And, in fact, some of the internees were prevented from returning to their homes at all, for the earlier-mentioned Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order remained in force. What effect did this have on their lives? How do they discuss this now? Its not hard to imagine the effect on their lives. They were left bereft and devastated, not forgetting bewildered that their country would treat them this way. Many tried to pick up the pieces of their lives without much success: the years in prison coupled with the hostility of neighbours often proved too much to overcome. Over the years many in the community found ways to leave Indiawhich is why, for example, there is a substantial number of them in Toronto. Those still in India try to stay inconspicuous so they will not attract official attention. From all Ive read, Chinatown in Calcutta is a shell of the vibrant community it was before 1962. And many Chinese-Indians feel the 1962 fear constantly, given the tensions between the countries. It escalates every time there is some escalation of hostility on our border, like in 2017 in Doklam. As for discussions: as I understand it, most people in the community have preferred not to talk about their Deoli experience all these years. That may slowly be changing, though. In 2015 Joy Ma and three other camp survivors held a number of meetings in Delhi to tell their stories. In 2017, a busload of survivors travelled from Toronto to the Indian High Commission in Ottawa to hand over a letter addressed to Prime Minister Modi, asking for an official apology for this tragic episode. What parallels do you see with the Citizenship Amendment Act and the planned National Register of Citizens? Many. Theres the idea of detention camps. The one under construction in Assams Goalpara even carries an eerie reminder of Deoli in the number of internees it is designed for 3,000, the same as the number of incarcerated Chinese-Indians. Theres the promulgation of laws to spell out who is foreign and who isnt. There are the prejudices, hatreds and stereotypes that, arguably, are codified in these laws. There is the fear that naturally rises in people who think the process will target them. Above all, there is the notion of citizenship itself. Who is really Indian, how do we define and determine that, and what should it all mean? What lessons should India draw from this episode? Again, many. Phrased as questions, here are some: What does turning on a tiny community in this way say for and do to a country? Where will we end if we start acting on our hatreds, enacting them as law? If this episode destroyed so many lives, what kind of chaos, let alone wholesale injustice, can we expect with citizenship laws and tests applied much more widely than in 1962? Is there strength and grace to be found in apologising? Perhaps there are also lessons for the world, in how we consider immigration and citizenship. Does such a precedent open a door for inhumane and cruel laws elsewhere too? How did we manage to forget this so completely? For one thing, we were soundly beaten in that war. We dont like remembering anything about it except the impression that we were profoundly betrayed by China. For a second, the incarceration speaks in different ways to some of our deepest prejudices; I suspect there is still some shame attached to thinking about it. For a third, this was and is really a tiny community. In a nation of 1.3 billion, who really cares what happened to a few thousand people? Who really speaks for them? This piece was originally published on Scroll.in. We welcome your comments at ideas.india@qz.com. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: Trump warns evangelicals: Democrats want to impose 'anti-religious agenda' on America Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment President Donald Trump launched his Evangelicals for Trump coalition Friday night, telling hundreds gathered at one of the countrys largest Hispanic megachurches that evangelical support for his re-election will be even greater than it was for his election campaign in 2016. Trump gave a lengthy speech at El Ray Jesus Church in Miami at a much-anticipated rally that was also attended by leading conservative evangelical figures such as James Dobson, Cissie Graham Lynch, Jack Graham, Alveda King, and Paula White. The event and coalition were announced one day after a Christianity Today editorial last month denounced the president and called for his resignation. That editorial quickly put the political divisions within evangelicalism in the national spotlight and was followed by a letter from nearly 200 evangelical leaders denouncing both CT and its outgoing editor Mark Galli. In 2016, evangelical Christians went out and they worked so hard and they produced numbers like they have never produced before, Trump told the crowd. Based on what Paula told me and Cissie told me and everybody told me, we are going to blow those numbers away in 2020. Exit polling suggests that 76 percent of self-identified white evangelicals voted for Trump in the 2016 election. Since his election, Trump said he has been fighting for evangelicals and has achieved results nobody thought was possible. Many conservative evangelicals have strongly supported a number of Trumps policies and actions relating to issues of abortion, religious freedom, judicial appointments, LGBT issues, Israel, and criminal justice reform. Despite political gains in those areas, however, some evangelicals have voiced concerns about Trumps behavior and his administration's immigration and refugee policies. Evangelicals and Christians of every denomination and believers of every faith have never had a greater champion in the White House than you have right now, Trump declared. I am not saying that in any other way other than just look at the record. Together, we are not only defending our constitutional rights, but we are also defending religion itself, which is under siege. Trump told cheering supporters that although his administration is winning, the country cannot let one of our radical left friends take office. Because everything we have done will be gone in short order, he asserted. It will be taken away pretty quickly. Its a powerful position. He called for faith and family to be renewed as the center of American life in order for America to thrive. There are those who say these sacred beliefs are outdated. But we know they are just the opposite, Trump stressed. Our traditions and our values are timeless and immortal. [The political left] dont know what they are missing. Our faith is needed now more than ever. He stressed that while some fads come and go, it is an eternal truth that faith and family lead to stability, happiness, and prosperity of nations. Yet as we speak, every Democrat candidate running for president is trying to punish religious believers and silence our churches and our pastors, Trump contended. Our opponents want to shut out God from the public square so they can impose their extreme anti-religious and socialist agenda on America. However, Trump vowed that he is not only going to win re-election, but Republicans will also take back the U.S. House and maintain control of the U.S. Senate. This election is about the survival of our nation, he said. With your help, your prayers and tireless effort to mobilize Christian communities across our land, on Nov. 3, 2020, we are going to win another monumental victory for faith and family, God and country, flag and freedom. I really do believe we have God on our side, he added. There would have been no other way we could have won [in 2016], right? People said, You dont have the media, you have so many things against you. But we win. So it has to be something. Also speaking at the event was Cissie Graham Lynch, the granddaughter of famed evangelist and Christianity Today founder, Billy Graham. She is also the daughter of evangelist and Trump supporter Franklin Graham. Mr. President, although you live in a very elegant White House, you are our neighbor, she told Trump. We will love you through this and we will help you for 2020 so you can keep fighting for us because you are our neighbor and we love you. The coalition launch was praised by Hispanic evangelical leader Samuel Rodriguez, leader of the Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. Rodriguez believes Trump might attract even more Hispanic support in 2020. In 2016, exit polls showed that Trump garnered about 28 percent of the Hispanic vote. It is not only logical but arguably politically brilliant that the president will kick off 2020 with the launch of his re-elections evangelical outreach at a Latino megachurch in the state of Florida, Rodriguez said in a statement. Latino evangelicals represent a constituency that is pro-life, supportive of religious liberty and focused on biblical justice. The unprecedented hard left turn by the Democratic Party, abandoning the Obama strategy of 2008, will prompt more Latino evangelicals to support President Trump in 2020. Rodriguez stressed that he does not foresee Latino evangelicals sacrificing core values by supporting the Democratic agenda that affirms abortion in the third trimester, attacks on religious liberty and espouses a socialistic worldview. During his speech, Trump said the extreme left is trying to replace religion with the government and replace God with socialism. Trump vowed that under his watch, America will not become a socialist country. His remarks received resounding applause from the crowd. At the beginning of his remarks, Trump recognized and gave thanks to a number of evangelical figures in the audience such as the Grahams, the Dobsons, Robert Jeffress and El Ray Jesus Church pastor Guillermo Maldonado. Before Trump spoke, he was prayed over on stage by a group of leaders, including White, King, Cissie Graham Lynch, Jack Graham and Jentzen Franklin. "Lord, I thank you that America didn't need a preacher in the Oval Office," Franklin prayed. "It did not need a professional politician in the Oval Office. But it needed a fighter and a champion for freedom. Lord, that is exactly what we have." I am compelled to react to Kwami Alorvi's New Year Day's reflections entitled: The Licensing of Teachers in Ghana: The Misunderstanding, the Misrepresentation, the Hypocrisy and Treachery. I am reacting because the content does not reflect the current realities and also because I am made a reference point. I respect Mr. Alorvi for the role he played in my union life and I remain highly indebted to him. Forgive me if this reaction flies in the face of gerontocracy and deference to the aged. However, that is the sentimental part of this piece and I don't intend to belabour it. Reading the piece by this astute unionist, I felt so sad when Mr. Alorvi decided to take the Deputy General Secretary of GNAT to the cleaners for expressing the current position of his union regarding teacher licensure. Indeed, Mr. Alorvi sought to use the previously held position of GNAT, NAGRAT and CCT to justify his vitriolic attack on the GNAT gentleman. Of course, at the initial stages of the licensure introduction, the unions opposed certain aspects of the implementation mode and myself as the then president of NAGRAT and Mr. David Acheampong of GNAT expressed our unions' opposition to the licensure, particularly for in-service teachers. However, the situation is not the same today, both in terms of implementation of licensure and the unions' position. As a veteran trade unionist, I am sure terms like social dialogue, stakeholder engagements, negotiations, compromises and agreements are not beyond the understanding of Mr. Alorvi. These terms, to some extent, tell us that at certain points in time positions may shift at the table based on available information and prevailing circumstances. I, therefore, expected Mr. Alorvi to have ascertained from his former union as well as GNAT and CCT before coming out the way he did. For the record, Mr. Alorvi, there have been many engagements with the unions during the time of Honourable Dr. Augustine Tawiah and Dr. Evelyn Oduro as bosses of NTC. It started with discussions on the Pre-Tertiary Teacher Professional Development and Management (PTPDM) document. Almost all the processes for teacher professionalism are covered extensively in that document. Even fees charged or to be charged were extensively discussed before implementation. For instance, when NTC unilaterally announced the fees for the in-service teachers' licensing, the reaction of the unions was clear to everybody. References were made to agreements at Oyarefa and others. This shows that without engagement with the unions and other relevant stakeholders, NTC does not move. Maybe, Mr. Alorvi may have to apprise himself with the full details of that press statement by the unions on the 4th of November, 2019. Therefore, if three consecutive licensing exams have been written without any protest from the unions, it should be enough signals to Mr. Alorvi that serious discussions have gone on and positions shifted. Reference was made by Mr. Alorvi to the recent statement released by GNAT, which has been misinterpreted to mean GNAT's opposition to licensure or a counter to the earlier position espoused by their Deputy General Secretary. Reading between the lines, paragraph two stated: Management of GNAT officially and categorically states that the licensure of teachers is a government policy and not the origination of GNAT. Paragraph 4 stated: As an organisation, ours is to stand to defend what is good for our teachers and education enterprise in general. We work with every government, so we move with policies of every government. Therefore, if the Deputy General Secretary of GNAT has gone to defend that government policy (as has always been the case when the GNAT finds it good for teachers), why should that be the basis for Mr. Alorvi's attacks? I personally revere that statement by GNAT and I commend the leadership for standing by their own in a very smart way. Mr. Alorvi sought to imply in his write-up that by improving teaching and examination system at the colleges, nobody will fail the examination. Thus, government wouldn't pay teacher trainees' allowances in vain. I find this theory very strange. If improving teaching at the college will mean no one will fail, then what will be the use of the so-called improved examination at the college level? I am trying hard not to believe that Mr. Alorvi means lowering standards for everybody to pass the exam. Further on why NTC conducts licensure exams, Mr. Alorvi seems to have lost track of the current teacher education system and needs to be updated a bit. Mr. Alorvi, currently, colleges of education are not all under University of Cape Coast as it used to be the case. They have been affiliated to different public universities, including KNUST, UG, UEW and UCC. These institutions run their own curricular, though they do so under the National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework (NTECF). The colleges of education, some private institutions like the Catholic University, Methodist University, Valley View University, Jackson College and Apostolic University also run teacher education programmes. Besides, some universities already run their own bachelor programmes in teacher education. For example, UCC has Faculty of Education that runs degree programmes, UCC also has Distance and Sandwich programmes; UEW runs a similar system. There are others who are trained outside the shores of Ghana. All these categories of graduates graduate with the ultimate aim of entering the classroom (most of them are not paid allowances, though). NTC as a regulator then creates a 'sieve' to ascertain whether these graduates meet the minimum standard to enter any Ghanaian classroom to handle our delicate and vulnerable children. In fact, I was at a CHASS meeting in 2017 when headmasters resolved that products from a particular university should not be engaged in their schools. Their reason was that these graduates are not reasonably 'milled' to handle our children. Another instance is where distance and sandwich products are sometimes discriminated against based on perceived inadequacy of their training (whether the perception is right or wrong is a topic for another time). Indeed, an interesting trend has emerged in the analysis of the three Licensure Exams taken so far regarding performance of students in the various teacher education institutions. NTC will soon share this with the general public. In a very interesting way, Mr. Alorvi asked for in-service teachers and educational authorities to first sit for the Licensure Exams. In fact, that was the original plan of NTC between 2015 and 2018 (as being done in our neighbouring Nigeria) but the unions moved against that during the engagement process. Of course, the position at the end of the engagements was quite clear that: 1. If there is evidence to show that teacher quality needs improvement, it is not expedient to sack people who have gained experience on the field through many years of practice, especially in the face of inadequacy of teachers. 2. Disengaging an already engaged teacher has a lot of implications on labour laws of the country as well as teachers' collective agreement. 3. If those already in the service lack some requisite skills set under the new dispensation, the remedy is continuous professional development (CPD) and not disengagement. 4. Newly trained teachers are yet to be engaged and it is the employer's responsibility to engage persons who are fit for purpose (not merely because government has spent money to train them). Conclusion I am a teacher and still a dues-paying member of the union. I believe strongly in union ideals and will always do my best not to undermine them. I acknowledge that it is sometimes difficult to take sides against the employer but that is what I have never failed to do even when I was a young teacher at Nkawie SHST and NAGRAT President at the same time. In fact, Mr. Alorvi may attest to this difficulty based on his experiences as headmaster at Obrakyere SHS. I refuse to be drawn into the politics of the Teacher Licensure. However, as a technocrat and an expert in teacher unionism and professionalism, having served on local and international bodies of teachers, I believe we are on the right path. God bless Ghana. The writer is the Executive Secretary of NTC By Christian Addai-Poku In a bid to attract investments and boost coal production, the government on Wednesday approved promulgation of an ordinance to open up the coal mining sector further by allowing non-coal companies to take part in auctions without end-use restrictions. New Delhi: In a bid to attract investments and boost coal production, the government on Wednesday approved promulgation of an ordinance to open up the coal mining sector further by allowing non-coal companies to take part in auctions without end-use restrictions. The Centre also gave its nod for concluding auction of iron ore and other mineral mines before the expiry of their mining lease on March 31 to avert disruption in production. Besides, the Union Cabinet, which met under by Prime Minister Naren-dra Modi, approved Rs 5,559 crore-viability gap funding for the proposed North-East gas grid and divestment in Neelachal Ispat Ltd by six public sector undertakings (PSUs), among others. The Union Cabinet approved promulgation of Mineral Laws (Amend-ment) Ordinance 2020 to amend Mines and Minerals (Development and Regu-lation ) Act 1957 and Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act 2015 to open up coal mining to non-coal players while removing restrictions on end-use of the fuel. The measure, the government believes, will promote foreign direct investment and ease of doing business in the sector. Industry hailed the move and CII president Vikram Kirloskar said, The opening up of the sector without end-use restrictions will boost both production and mining efficiency, besides substituting import of coal worth about Rs 30,000 crore." Speaking to the media, oil and steel minister Dharmendra Pradhan and coal minister Pralhad Joshi said that the promulgation of the ordinance will aid the sectors growth. The ordinance will allow auction of 46 iron ore and other mines before March 31, 2020. Though the auction process of these mines have started, this amendment will strengthen the auction process and it will also facilitate the seamless transfer of all statutory clearances, Pradhan said. By the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act (CMSP Act), 204 blocks that were cancelled by the Supreme Court had end-use restrictions. The cabinet also approved a Rs 5,559 crore viability gap funding for the 1,656-km North-East natural gas pipeline grid that will connect Guwahati to major cities in the region, such as Itanagar, Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal, Aizwal, Agartala, Shillong, Silchar, Gangtok and Numaligarh. The pipeline will enable supply of piped cooking gas to households and CNG to automobiles and industry in the region. In the absence of anchor customers, the Rs 9,265-crore pipeline is not economically viable. The CCEA (cabinet committee on economic affairs) approved a viability gap funding of 60 per cent of the project cost, Pradhan said. The Cabinet also gave its a nod for six PSUs to divest their shares, in Neelachal Ispat Ltd. The six PSUs are MMTC, National Mineral Development Corporation, Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd, Odisha Mining Corporation, Odisha Investment Corpor-ation and Mecon," information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar said, adding that MMTC will sell 49 per cent in Neelachal Ispat, while OMC 20 per cent, OIC 12 per cent and NMDC 10 per cent. Long-standing Packer family lieutenants Guy Jalland and Michael Johnston are expected to be in the spotlight when a powerful inquiry into Crown Resorts' Sydney casino licence starts this month. It comes as reclusive billionaire James Packer flew into Sydney on his private jet on Wednesday to inspect his company's $2.4 billion casino being built at Barangaroo and express his confidence in the project. Crown's new Sydney casino (left) in Barangaroo is set to open early next year. Credit:Wolter Peeters The high-roller casino, six-star hotel and luxury residential development is set to open in the first half of 2021. An unprecedented NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) public inquiry will start on January 21 and examine issues including whether the casino's licence was breached when Mr Packer's private company, Consolidated Press Holdings (CPH), sold a 20 per cent stake in Crown to the Hong Kong-based Melco Resorts and Entertainment for $1.76 billion in May. Artificial intelligence, 5G wireless technology and electric and self-driving vehicles are the life of the party at the ongoing 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, industry experts said. The show, one of the world's largest and most influential technology expos, kicked off for members of the media on Sunday with news conferences and a sneak peek. The official opening came on Tuesday. According to the Consumer Technology Association, the event organizer, more than 4,500 exhibitors came from around 160 countries. There are around 20,000 transformative new tech products on display in 36 product categories. Hundreds of companies are showing off their latest innovations. Among the categories, streaming services, wireless earbuds, 5G connectivity and AI-enabled devices are the growth leaders, according to an association report released on Sunday. While the internet of things has set the pace for the market over the past decade, this year the industry is different. "We are increasingly confronted with an entirely new IoT, the intelligence of things," said Steve Koenig, the association's vice-president of research. "5G is one of those ingredient technologies that is really powering the intelligence of things," Koenig said. "The 5G narrative is just going to continue to unfold as we move forward throughout the decade." According to the association, 2020 will see double-digit growth in the number of 5G smartphones sold and revenue generated. Around 20 million units are expected to be sold, with estimated total revenue of $15.3 billion. This year is "an inaugural year for 5G-enabled handsets", said Lesley Rohrbaugh, director of research for the group. By 2022, two-thirds of the handset market will switch from a 4G focus to 5G, she said. The trend is evident at the electronics show, with companies launching 5G-related devices. TCL, the Guangdong-based TV maker, was to unveil its first 5G smartphone on Monday. The company said it will retail for under $500. Lenovo is collaborating with Qualcomm for its first 5G computer, the Yoga 5G, set for release this spring. During Qualcomm's news conference on Monday, company President Cristiano Amon gave an ambitious estimate about the application of 5G in 2020, saying that 200 million 5G smartphones will be shipped this year. More than 45 operators globally already have deployed 5G, Amon said. In October, China's three major mobile operators launched 5G service plans and made them available in dozens of cities. But 5G is not the only star at the expo. "You are going to see AI prevalent throughout the entire show," Rohrbaugh said. The consumerization of AI is leading to advancements in many categories: smart homes, smart speakers, human-machine partnerships in the workplace and automated driving, to name a few. "I believe the application of AI technology makes our product stand out," said Leilei Shinohara, vice-president of Suteng Innovation Technology, a Shenzhen company devoted to light detection and ranging technology, or LiDAR. Sara Ali Khan posed twice over for the paparazzi when she went to Aanand L Rais office to discuss her new project with Dhanush. First the actress came and posed for pictures before her meeting began. Later, when she came out, the paprazzi wanted different pictures and had even bought her some balloons from a nearby street vendor. She was cute enough to give different options for pictures yesterday. We understand that she was in a serious meeting, but not many stars understand that all of us photographers need different kids of pictures. She is someone who takes some time out during every outing to ensure that we have enough pictures to sell to our clients and bosses. So she took the balloons and posed for pictures. She was also telling us that she had a lot of fun during her vacation in the Maldives with her brother Ibrahim, explains a pap. Brazil has called on Russia to extradite a man they say was involved in the firebombing on the Rio de Janeiro HQ of Netflix stars who produced a short film which depicted Jesus as gay. Brazil's Ministry of Justice reached out to its counterpart seeking the extradition of Eduardo Fauzi, who they say participated in the Christmas Eve attack before fleeing to Russia. The attack caused damaged the rear entrance lobby of Porta dos Fundos' recording studio headquarters. Brazilian authorities say they identified Fauzi as one of five men who were seen walking outside the studio the early morning of December 24 and tossing several Molotov cocktail bombs over a wall. The firebomb attack forced a security guard to step towards the back of the office when the area in front of him became completely engulfed in flames. The quick-thinking guard reached for an extinguisher to put the fire out. Only one of the five people caught on camera during the attack had their face uncovered. Authorities say they identified Fauzi as a suspect SCROLL FOR VIDEO Brazil is seeking the extradition of Eduardo Fauzi, who reportedly fled to Russia after allegedly firebombing a Rio de Janeiro studio on Christmas Eve Surveillance camera captures the moment a masked man tosses a Molotov cocktail bomb towards the backdoor entrance of Porta dos Fundos' studio in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Christmas Eve. The comedy group's headquarter was attacked because it produced a short film for Netflix, The First Temptation of Christ, that implies Jesus was gay A source close to the investigation confirmed to Brazilian television station G1 that the Brazilian government was already in conversations with Russian officials. The two countries have had an extradition agreement since 2007. Surveillance cameras showed Fauzi arriving at Jobim International Airport in Rio de Janeiro on December 29, just days after the attack and two day before authorities issued a warrant for his arrest. He boarded an Air France flight to Paris. Records showed Fauzi has a January 29 return ticket to Brazil. Brazilian government officials believe Fauzi is currently in Moscow, where his girlfriend lives. He also flew there on three separate occasions before his recent trip. Security cameras at Jobim International Airport in Rio de Janeiro recorded the moment Eduardo Fauzi removed his luggage from a car prior to boarding a flight to Paris on December 29, two days before Brazilian authorities issued an arrest warrant Eduardo Fauzi (pictured dressed in a t-shirt) was identified as one of the suspects that tossed Molotov cocktails bombs at the Porta dos Fundos studios in Rio de Janeiro because he was the only person with his face uncovered Pictured above are two of the four men who participated in the Christmas Eve bombing attack outside the headquarters of Porta dos Fundos, a Brazilian comedy group based out of Rio de Janeiro who produced the short Netflix film, The First Temptation of Christ The group made short film The First Temptation of Christ which insinuates the religious figure is a gay man Rio de Janeiro law enforcement officials offered a $490 reward for information leading to his arrest. The attack, which did not cause any injuries, took place after Porta dos Fundos produced the short film, The First Temptation of Christ, which depicts Jesus returning home for his 30th birthday. Religious groups bristled with rage at the depiction of Jesus bringing his presumed boyfriend Orlando to meet the Holy Family. An online petition was launched in Brazil, drew more than 2 million signatures, and called for the film to be banned from Netflix. In a separate video from the attack, three masked men presented themselves in front of the Nationalist Popular Insurgency Command of the Brazilian Integralist Family's banner and declared responsibility for the attack. A security guard at Porta dos Fundos' studio was able to extinguish the fire. He did not suffer any injuries 'We at the Nationalist Popular Insurgency Command of the Brazilian Integralist Family claim the direct revolutionary action that sought to justify the aspirations of all Brazilian people against the blasphemous, bourgeois and anti-patriotic attitude that the group of Marxist cultural activists Porta dos Fundos took when it produced its Christmas special at the behest of the billionaire mega corporation, Netflix, making it clear to the entire Brazilian people once again how big capital goes hand in hand with socialist sayings,' one of the men said as his voice was digitally altered. 'Porta dos Funds decided to make a direct attack on the faith of the Brazilian people by hiding behind the veil of freedom of expression. These damned servants of the great capital blasphemed the Holy Spirit when they called our Lord Jesus Christ a bastard and Mary a prostitute as an adulteress.' An alleged member of the Nationalist Popular Insurgency Command of the Brazilian Integralist Family reads a prepared statement from the group who claimed responsibility for the Christmas Eve firebombing attack at the Porta dos Fundos studios in Rio de Janeiro Porta dos Fundos has stood firmly behind its production, stating: 'The country will survive this torment of hatred, and love will prevail together with freedom of expression. 'We will move on, more united, stronger, more inspired and confident.' President Jair Bolsonaro, who has described himself as a 'proud' homophobe, once told an interviewer he would rather have a dead son than a gay son. Earlier last year he suspended funding for a series of films, including a handful with LGBT+ themes. The decision was later struck down by a federal court. His son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, recently called Porta dos Funds Christmas special 'garbage' on his Twitter account, saying the filmmakers 'do not represent Brazilian society.' A former Kutztown University student claims she was forced to withdraw from the school due to an atmosphere of racism and bigotry on campus. Cassidy Pyser alleges in a federal lawsuit filed in Eastern District Court last week that KU officials fraudulently induced her to attend the university by promising a safe educational environment, then failed to take action when she reported she was the victim of anti-Semitic intimidation that caused her great emotional harm. Pyser, who is Jewish, said the lack of action ultimately forced her to withdraw from the university at the end of her sophomore year after the spring 2017 semester. University spokesman Matt Santos said school officials were unable to comment because the case is pending. In the suit, Pyser alleges the university purposely and deliberately created a danger to Jewish students by failing to provide timely warnings that its campus and surrounding community had been the target of outside white supremacist groups promoting white American culture and Nazi propaganda. She claims the school is required to provide these warnings in its annual campus security reports under the federal Clery Act. She also alleges the university failed to advise prospective students that it intended to abolish a rule against students displaying symbols of hate. Those actions were taken solely for the purpose of not curtailing student admissions and resulting additional tuition monies and in the context of the social atmosphere of hatred toward followers of the Jewish faith, the suit alleges. In fact, despite its knowledge of hate-induced criminal activity, it affirmatively withheld from the mandated Clery reports for the years preceding plaintiffs matriculation all the evidence of such hate-filled activity in or about the campus. Pyser, who enrolled at KU in 2015, claims in the suit that she experienced anti-Semitic discrimination beginning with statements and actions by her roommate and the boyfriend of her roommate. The suit alleges the roommate began sending hateful text messages to Pyser that included images of Hitler and a person in a Ku Klux Klan hood. It then escalated with the discovery that her roommate had smashed her mezuzah, a religious symbol that Jews attach to their doorposts. Pyser said that following these incidents she was forced to move from the room and into the suite occupied by a resident assistant, who reported the incidents to Melissa Vanderpool, assistant director of residence life, and Desiree Reasoner, director of residence life. University officials took no action, the suit claims. The suit also alleges that shortly after these incidents were reported, Pyser was confronted and refused service by her roommate, who was employed as a food server at one of the dining halls managed by Aramark Food and Supply Service Group of Philadelphia. Psyer said she provided a written complaint about that interaction to Vanderpool and Reasoner as well as Aramark but that, once again, no action was taken to resolve the situation. Pyser also reported the incident to Jesus Pena, head of campus security, who took no action to resolve the issues raised by her complaints, according to the lawsuit. The plaintiff was forced to seek and receive psychological counseling in order to deal with the emotional distress and fear she was experiencing arising from the continued dangers created by the defendants collectively, the suit states. Since that time, and as a direct result of the psychological harm caused by the unlawful actions of the defendants collectively in creating the aforesaid danger, plaintiff was required to miss the entire next semester of schooling. The suit states that Pyser is experiencing great success at another university and is scheduled to graduate soon with honors. She is seeking from Kutztown an unspecified amount for repayment of her tuition, room and board, and compensation for lost earnings and emotional damages. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda. Putin arrived late on Tuesday after paying a surprise visit to Syria -- his first to Damascus since the war began -- at a moment of acute uncertainty in the Middle East following the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by the United States. Russia's leader will seek to boost his credentials as a regional powerbroker at the symbolic opening of the TurkStream pipeline, which brings Russian gas to Turkey and southern Europe via the Black Sea. TurkStream and the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic allow Russia to increase gas supplies to Europe without having to rely on Ukraine. But Moscow's increasing domination of European energy markets has worried the US, which last month sanctioned firms working on TurkStream and the almost completed Nord Stream 2. The ceremony in Istanbul, due to start at 1200 GMT, reflects a dramatic improvement in ties between Russia and Turkey -- two countries seemingly on the verge of war less than five years ago after Turkey shot down a Russian jet. They remain on opposing sides in the Syria conflict and could be on a collision course in Libya. Last week, Turkey sent its first troops to help defend the UN-backed Tripoli government, which is under siege from strongman Khalifa Haftar. Erdogan says 2,500 Russian mercenaries are among those supporting Haftar -- claims denied by Moscow. But Russia so far seems unfazed by the Turkish deployment in Libya, said Mariana Belenkaia, of the Carnegie Centre in Moscow. "The two countries will likely be tempted to share the Libyan burden," she said. - Russian demands 'are simple' - Syria remains a potential powder-keg for Erdogan and Putin's relationship. Syrian government forces -- backed by Russia -- have ramped up bombardment of the last rebel strongholds in Idlib province in recent weeks, sending hundreds of thousands fleeing towards the Turkish border. Erdogan has called for a truce in Idlib, following previous temporary halts to the fighting brokered with Russia in late 2018 and updated in August last year. "Russia's demands are very simple," said Yury Barmin, of the Moscow Policy Group think tank, "Turkey must do more to eliminate terrorist cells in Idlib. The discussions will be around this idea." Improved ties between the two countries have been facilitated by a number of major energy and defence deals -- Russia is building Turkey's first nuclear plant and provided a missile defence system. Putin also earned goodwill in Turkey after his quick support for Erdogan following an attempted coup in July 2016. The two men have developed a "strong personal relationship", according to Jana Jabbour of Sciences Po university in Paris, who adds that "their economic and energy plans are interdependent". The TurkStream project, which was temporarily halted during a frosty patch in Russia-Turkey relations, includes two parallel pipelines of more than 900 kilometres (550 miles). The pipeline links Anapa in Russia to Kiyikoy in northwestern Turkey and has already begun deliveries to Bulgaria. It is being extended towards Serbia, Hungary and Austria. Domestic body CAIT on Wednesday said the BJP should declare a trader as a candidate for the post of chief minister in poll-bound Delhi. It said that no government in Delhi can be formed without support of trading community as it is one of the major and deciding vote bank. "BJP should declare a trader as a candidate for the post of chief minister of Delhi which will polarise the political atmosphere of Delhi and across the country in favour of BJP in a big way," Confederation of All India (CAIT) said in statement. The association said that from all over the country, including Delhi, demanded from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President and Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP Working President Jagat Prakash Nadda, at Halla Bol rally here. "With this, more than 15 lakh traders of Delhi, their employees and their families of more than 40 lakh people will unilaterally support the BJP, whereas the support of 7 crore traders from all over the country will strengthen the BJP and the government," it added. Assembly elections will be held on February 8 in Delhi which will witness a triangular contest between ruling Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party and The results will be declared on February 11. In the 2015 polls, had led the to an unprecedented victory with his party bagging 67 seats, leaving just three seats for the BJP. The drew a blank. (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.) New Delhi [India], Jan 8 (ANI): A delegation of interfaith leaders met the Minister of State for Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy on Wednesday to express solidarity with the central government in the wake of violent protests and public unrest over the amended Citizenship Act. "The delegation members expressed solidarity with the government and faith in the policies of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The delegation unanimously affirmed that the CAA concerns foreigners and no Indian, from whichever religion, caste, colour or creed, has anything to fear," a government release said. The delegation comprised of prominent spiritual gurus and social reformers from different faiths and sects, including Jain Acharya Dr Lokeshji, Meditation guru Swami Deepankar, Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, Sardar Sant Singh, Veer Chakra Awardee Col, TP Tyagi, Vineet Kumar and Gautam. "Highlighting the principles of Dharma and Ahimsa, the delegation affirmed their belief that the legislation has been passed on humanitarian grounds for those who fled from the three countries fearing persecution and had migrated to India for solace and safety," read the release. "The delegation said that India being a land of mutual acceptance and harmony; it is unacceptable that one protests against a decision that aims to alleviate the suffering of those uprooted families. The legislation is based on a perfect rationale and objective premise, the members reiterated," it said. According to the government, the delegation said that resilience of Indian democracy lies in the strength of our collectivism, the belief in non-violence, and acceptance and adherence to the principles of the constitution. "They reiterated the fact that we all identify ourselves as Indians before anything else and it keeps us together. It is this faith and belief that will keep us together and strong in the face of storm, let loose by forces that do not want to see us united and growing. They urged the people to guard themselves against misinformation meant to destabilize our foundations of mutual respect and acceptance," read the release. (ANI) CLEVELAND, Ohio Hours after nearly 100 homeless advocates packed Cleveland City Council chambers Monday night in support of a hospitality center for the homeless at Denison Avenue United Church of Christ, the church got a midnight visit from two inspectors from the Cleveland Fire Department and six police officers. They were there to make sure the staff of the Metanoia Project, which has been operating a shelter at the church since November, had instituted a fire watch. Fire inspectors on Christmas Eve had affixed a cease use order to the churchs door and noted that if the church appealed the order, it must have staff awake to act as a fire watch, in the meantime. But the timing, and the number of police, caused alarm for the churchs pastor, the Rev. Nozomi Ikuta. To do that in the middle of the night, it feels intimidating to say the least, she said. And coming after the homeless advocates show of force at City Hall, the timing does not seem completely coincidental, she said. Ikuta said the inspectors were escorted through the property and shown the fire watch protocol that the church has used since the cease use order. Lt. Mike Norman, Cleveland Fire spokesman, said the inspection was done by Assistant Fire Chief Art Nieto, who is charge of fire suppression issues, and was a routine check during cold weather and at night when the shelter would likely have a large population. Nieto was satisfied with what he saw, Norman said. The inspection lasted about 20 minutes. It had nothing to do with anything political, he said. We are really trying to work with them as they go through this process. Were just trying to do everything we can to keep them safe. Were going to visit regularly. He said police were requested because any time we go into a situation like that where theres going to be a large crowd of people, were not going in alone. The Metanoia project expanded to Denison UCC in November because its existing site, St. Malachi Church, had been overfilled for years. A fire inspection there set the limit at 45 people. Metanoia offers a number of services and cots for homeless people to sleep indoors through the winter months. Ikuta said Ward 11 Councilwoman Dona Brady told her prior to the shelters opening that she wouldnt allow it. And shortly after it opened, inspectors from the building and fire department arrived. The Building Department issued a violation notice, contending that the church was required to apply for permission for a change of use as a shelter. The Fire Department later issued the cease use order and noted that the church must have a fire watch if it appealed the order and continued to shelter people. Denison did file an appeal, which delays enforcement until the Cleveland Board of Building Standards & Building Appeals can rule on it. The church also complied with the fire watch demand and hired an architect to plan changes to comply with issues of concern raised by the building and fire inspectors. Progress toward adding lighting and exit signage has been made and plans to install a more robust fire alarm system are underway. Monday evenings protest was organized by the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. Protesters met in the City Hall rotunda, heard comments from Ikuta, NEOCH Executive Director Chris Knestrick and Yvonka Hall of the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition. They then filed into council chambers holding signs that read, No more freezing to death, Keep Metanoia at Denison UCC and Ward 11 Supports Denison UCC. Many of the signs, which are not allowed into council chambers, were confiscated by Cleveland police. The council agenda was thin and did not include any legislation involving the homeless or the shelter. As council was voting on other issues, the Rev. George Hrbek, a longtime activist and former head of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries, rose to remind council members of the danger posed by the cold to homeless people. He shouted the name of Lorraine Van De Venter, a woman who froze to death on E. 26th Street near Superior Ave. in Cleveland in 2017. Three council members rose to express support for the protesters: Basheer Jones, who described his experience with homelessness as a child, Matt Zone and Kerry McCormack. Zone and McCormack had met earlier in the day with city and county leaders to discuss a cold weather plan for unsheltered homeless and scheduled another meeting Thursday to which NEOCH, Metanoia and Denison UCC are invited. Zone said during the council meeting that the county has made progress in providing shelter and permanent supportive housing and reducing the number of homeless people, but that there is still a need evidenced by those who wont seek that shelter but still show up to Metanoias drop-in centers at St. Malachi Church and Denison UCC. McCormack said a plan must be developed to assure that we are not forgetting them or leaving them behind. Said Jones, If we dont look out for all people, we are doomed as a city. Related stories: Local church will appeal city to keep doors open to homeless community West-side church hit with Christmas Eve cease use order for sheltering homeless No room at the shelter as homeless advocates scramble to beat the freeze -- Michael K. McIntyre Denison UCC church opens homeless shelter despite councilwomans warning: Michael K. McIntyre Homeless community remembers those who were lost, fights for survival BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: The Azerbaijani State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing People disclosed statistical data as of January 1, 2020, related to hostages and those missing and taken prisoners as a result of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including those released, Trend reports on Jan. 8 referring to the State Commission. So far, the State Commission has registered 3,889 missing people, 3,622 of them are men and 267 - women. Some 3,170 servicemen, 719 civilians (71 children, 326 old people, 267 women) are among those missing. The number of people taken prisoners and hostages reached 871 people (773 of them are men, 98 - women), including 604 servicemen and 267 civilians (29 children, 98 women, 112 old people). Some 1,480 prisoners of war and hostages were released including 1,123 men and 357 women. Some 378 servicemen and 1,102 civilians (224 children, 357 women, 225 old people) are among the released people. 3 1 of 3 Tom Bombria / Connecticut Marine Trades Association / Contributed photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Tom Bombria / Connecticut Marine Trades Association / Contributed photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Looking to take a break from winter? The Hartford Boat Show is returning to the Earth Expo Center at Mohegan Sun, Thursday, Jan. 16. It will feature more than 125 exhibitors plus 400 boats and watercraft, along with educational seminars and demonstrations. The event, in its 51st year, runs through Sunday, Jan. 19. This years show will celebrate family boating with a special Kids Cove section. Professionals from KinderCare will lead activities involving boating art, fishing, sand art, sea-themed jewelry making and more. Also, the Sea Tow Foundation will sponsor a Passport to Safety Scavenger Hunt to promote safe boating. Ukrainian airplane crashes in Iran, no survivors The Boeing 737 plane belonging to Ukrainian airline crashed near Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport just after takeoff. A Boeing 737 belonging to Ukraine International Airlines has crashed due to technical problems after take-off from Irans Imam Khomeini airport with 167 passengers and 9 crew aboard, the semi-official Fars news agency tweeted on Wednesday. 176 PEOPLE KILLED The death toll had earlier been announced as 167 passengers and 9 crew members, but an airport spokesperson gave the revised figures. The Boeing 737 plane belonging to a Ukrainian airline crashed near Iran's Imam Khomeini Airport just after takeoff, Pir Hossein Kolivand, an Iranian emergency official, told state TV. Ukrainian airplane crashes in Iran WATCH The plane was bound for Ukraines capital Kiev. US Forces in eastern Syrian Deir ez-Zur province are on high alert and started moving to the military base close to the Iraqi border, following the attack, state-run Syria TV said, Trend reports citing Sputnik. Syria TV also said that they received information regarding the beginning of an evacuation of US forces from the Al-Omar oil field and the Conoco gas field. US troops are on their way to the military base near Ash Shaddadi town in Hasakah province. The mob attack in Jawaharlal Nehru University could not have been possible without the active connivance of JNU administration and deliberate inaction by police, the JNU Teachers' Association alleged Wednesday, even as a section of teachers accused it of "instigating" students. JNUTA also slammed Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar for asking students to "put the past behind" and return to classes. "How can students go back to hostels or to classrooms when they do not feel safe? How can teachers go back to teach when they do not feel safe?" JNUTA said in a statement. The teachers association said the command to students and faculty to forget and to accept administrative terror as normalcy "is an insult to injury". "The mob violence could not have been possible without the active connivance of the administration and deliberate inaction by Delhi Police," it said. However, another section of teachers, under the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Federation, alleged that a few students have been "radicalized" following instigation from JNUTA. A masked mob armed with sticks and rods on Sunday attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus, injuring at least 35 people, including JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh. Under fire from students and faculty members for not taking immediate measures when they were brutally attacked by the mob, Vice Chancellor Kumar on Tuesday urged the students to put the past behind and return to the varsity's premises. "Our heart goes out to all the injured students. The incident (violence) is unfortunate," Kumar had said in a brief statement. "I would like to tell students that JNU campus is a secure place. I urge all students to come back to the campus. Let us put the past behind," he had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 18:05:53|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close HANOI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Four Lao drug smugglers were arrested in Vietnam's central Quang Binh province for transporting 60,000 pills of synthetic drugs, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Wednesday. The province's border guard forces coordinated with the authorities of Laos' Khammouane province to crack down on a trans-border drug trafficking ring and caught four red-handed with 60,000 pills of synthetic drugs, including a man aged 28, two women aged 21 and another woman aged 26. The authorities of the two countries were investigating the case, the news agency reported. According to the Vietnamese law, those convicted of smuggling over 600 grams of heroin or more than 2.5 kg of methamphetamine are punishable by death. Making or trading 100 grams of heroin or 300 grams of other illegal drugs also faces death penalty. Tehrans attack on US-led forces in Iraq also scared investors into selling shares for safe-haven investments like gold. Oil prices calmed on Wednesday following an early surge due to concerns that global oil supplies may be disrupted after Iran fired rockets at military bases in Iraq hosting United States forces, raising the prospect of a regional conflagration that could disrupt oil supplies. Stocks were still down for the day but had erased some earlier losses as tweets by US President Donald Trump and Irans foreign minister appeared to signal a period of calm for now. Brent crude futures were up 97 cents or 1.4 percent to $69.24 by around 04:03 GMT, after earlier rising to $71.75, the highest since mid-September 2019. West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed 82 cents, or 1.3 percent, to $63.52 a barrel. It earlier reached a high of $65.85, the most since late April last year. What we have seen is a very limited air strike on bases in Iraq and that has been somewhat a relief to the markets, said Abid Ali, Al Jazeeras economics editor. Initially we saw the markets fall by 2.2 percent in Japan, but that has recovered. We expected US markets to open lower by possibly about 1.7 percent but futures have pared back. And all of this is because of President Trumps latest tweet that all is well which has sort of calmed things down, he said. Iran launched an attack on US-led forces in Iraq, the US military said on Tuesday, adding that Tehran fired more than a dozen rockets from Iranian territory against at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US-led coalition personnel. In response, Trump tweeted: Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! The attacks follow the US killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Iraq last week. Iran had promised a severe response. Attention has turned to the Straits of Hormuz in Iran, through which 34 million barrels of oil are shipped to the US every month, Al Jazeeras Ali said. If there had been an attack on or a blockage of the straits, then we would see oil prices shoot up to $150 a barrel and that would be catastrophic for the global economy. But what we have seen is a very limited air strike on bases in Iraq and that has been somewhat a relief to the markets, he said. Things have calmed down and hopefully it will remain that way, Ali added. The price of gold initially shot past $1,600 per ounce ($45,359.20 per gramme) on the spot market but later pared gains to trade at $1,593.56 per ounce ($45,176.63 per gramme), as investors rushed to safe-haven investments Although Asian shares and US treasury yields plunged on Wednesday as investors feared that military action between Iran and the US could escalate, they later clawed back some losses. MSCIs broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.5 percent around 04:45 GMT, having dropped more than 1 percent earlier in the day. Chinas blue-chip CSI300 index was 0.48 percent lower. Japans Nikkei was down 1.29 percent, also paring earlier losses of more than 2 percent, while Australian shares clawed back from a more-than-1 percent drop to shed 0.18 percent. US S&P500 e-mini stock futures, which had earlier tumbled nearly 1.7 percent, were down 0.28 percent. Its a very classic risk off market response, said Rob Carnell, Asia-Pacific chief economist at ING in Singapore. This is the Iranian response to the killing of Soleimani. We now have to see what the US response to the Iranian response is. This looks as if it could escalate, he said. The sharp sell-off in riskier assets, which includes stocks, was accompanied by steep drops in US Treasury yields as investors flocked to safety. Benchmark 10-year Treasury notes yielded 1.7188 percent, down more than 10 basis points from a US close of 1.825 percent on Tuesday. If you see US treasuries rallying a bit this morning, expect them to rally quite a bit further should there be a forceful response from the US, which Id imagine there would be from a market perspective I think this one could run and run, Carnell said. The US dollar also plunged against the yen, with the Japanese currency touching its strongest point against the greenback since October. The US currency was last down 0.69 percent against the yen at 107.67. The euro gained 0.1 percent on the day to $1.1161. Sixteen envoys will be travelling to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday where they will meet civil society members and will be briefed on the security situation in the Union territory, officials said on Wednesday. The group will primarily comprise envoys from Latin American and African countries, they said. The European Union countries are understood to have conveyed that they would visit the Union Territory on a different date and are also believed to have stressed on meeting three former chief ministers -- Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti -- who are in detention. The envoys travelling on Thursday will meet civil society members and receive a briefing on the security situation from various agencies, the officials said. On the same day, the envoys will be taken to Jammu, where they will meet Lt Governor G C Murmu and other officials before returning to the national capital the next day, they added. Sources said envoys of a number of countries had requested the government for a visit to Kashmir to get a first-hand account of the situation prevailing in the Valley following the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 there. The move will be part of India's diplomatic outreach to rebut Pakistan's propaganda against it on the Kashmir issue. India had reached out to the P5 countries and all the world capitals, putting forward its perspective on its decision to abrogate Article 370 and bifurcation of the state into two Union territories. After India announced its decision to reorganise J&K on August 5 last year, Pakistan reacted angrily and mounted a major diplomatic offensive against New Delhi on the issue. Pakistan has also downgraded diplomatic ties by expelling the Indian envoy. This will be the second visit of a foreign delegation to Kashmir since August 5, 2019, the day when the Centre withdrew special status of the state and also bifurcated it into union territories -- Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, a delegation of 23 EU MPs was taken on a two-day visit to assess the situation in the Union territory by the International Institute for Nonaligned Studies, a Delhi-based think tank. However, the government had distanced itself from the visit of the delegation and Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy informed Parliament that the European parliamentarians were on a "private visit". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The attack came in three waves just after midnight, the sources said. (Photo: AFP) Baghdad: Iran on Wednesday launched a missile attack on an Iraqi airbase where US forces are based, threatening "more crushing responses" if Washington carried out further strikes, Iranian state media said. It said the missiles were in response to a US strike last week that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi top commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Security sources told AFP that nine rockets hit the sprawling Ain al-Asad airbase in the country's west, the largest of the Iraqi military compounds where foreign troops are based. The attack came in three waves just after midnight, the sources said. Iran swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack, with state TV saying it had launched "tens of missiles" on the base and promised "more crushing responses" if the US carried out further strikes. Iran FM vows proportionate response to US terror act after assassination of General Soleimani Iran Press TV Tuesday, 07 January 2020 2:47 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the Islamic Republic will respond proportionately to the United States' assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). "This is state terrorism," Zarif said in an interview with CNN on Tuesday, referring to the targeted killing of Soleimani and his companions, including deputy head of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, in a drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump on their motorcade in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad early on Friday. "This is an act of aggression against Iran, and it amounts to an armed attack against Iran, and we will respond. But we will respond proportionately - not disproportionately ... We are not lawless like President Trump," the top Iranian diplomat added. He added that Trump had displayed a "lack of respect" for international law by threatening to hit "very important" targets related to Iran if the Islamic Republic seeks retaliation. In a Saturday tweet, Trump said, "We have ... targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran," making a reference to the 1979 US embassy incident in Tehran. His threat came after Iranian authorities said they would give a harsh response to the US strikes that led to the martyrdom of ten Iranians and Iraqis, including General Soleimani and the PMU second-in-command. Trump's threats drew criticisms worldwide, including from the UN's cultural organization and the Human Rights Watch. In response to the White House tenant's tweet, Zarif said Trump had shown the world that he was "prepared to commit war crimes, because attacking cultural sites is a war crime. Disproportionate response is a war crime." He urged Washington to wake up to the reality that "the United States cannot stay in this region with the people of the region not wanting it anymore." Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Monday downplayed his American counterpart's recent threat to target Iranian sites and emphasized, "Never threaten the Iranian nation." Taking to his Twitter account, Rouhani reminded Trump of the crime committed by the US Navy back in 1988 in which the USS Vincennes fired missiles at an Iran Air Airbus A300B2 which was flying over the Strait of Hormuz from the port city of Bandar Abbas to Dubai, killing all 290 on board, among them 66 children. Elsewhere in his interview, Zarif responded to a question if it was worth speaking to Trump and said, "It doesn't need speaking. He has to realize that he has been fed misinformation. And he needs to wake up, and apologize. He has to apologize, he has to change course." Zarif's interview came on the same day that Iran's Parliament unanimously passed a motion designating the Pentagon and all subsidiaries terrorist following the US military's assassination of Lieutenant General Soleimani. All the 233 lawmakers present at an open session of the parliament on Tuesday unanimously adopted the triple-urgency motion, which amends an earlier law that labeled American forces based in West Asia known as the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) as a terrorist organization. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address . . , ... Iran Hits U.S. Airbase In Iraq By Press TV January 07, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has targeted the US airbase of Ain al-Assad in Anbar province in western Iraq after vowing to retaliate the US assassination of top Iranian anti-terror commander, Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Tens of surface-to-surface missiles were fired at the strategic airbase and the attack was later confirmed by the US officials. The IRGC added that it would release more details about the strike. Sirens were reportedly heard and American helicopters flew over the airbase and the total alert was activated. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter US President Donald Trump was being briefed about the retaliatory strikes. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said in a statement. This article was originally published by " Press TV" - A Syrian man, who was granted status as a refugee, has been accused of being a member of ISIS from 2013 to 2015 and allegedly commanded a unit of at least 20 men reports Asharq Al-Awsat. German prosecutors have filed terror charges against a Syrian man accused of commanding a unit of ISIS group fighters in his home country. Prosecutors in Frankfurt said Monday that the 33-year-old, whose name they didnt release, was charged with membership in a foreign terrorist group and violating weapons laws. They said that the suspect entered Germany in June 2015 and was initially granted refugee status, which was revoked in June last year. He was arrested in the central city of Kassel in November 2018 and has been in custody since then. The man was a member of ISIS from 2013 to 2015 and allegedly commanded a unit of at least 20 men, prosecutors said in a statement, reported The Associated Press. He also is alleged to have been the commander of one or two city districts in Raqqa for at least part of the time. Prosecutors said the man is also accused of capturing two men, who were either Shiites or members of the Alawite minority, and holding them as hostages before handing them over to a high-ranking ISIS commander. It is not known what happened to the men. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Donald Trump once warned Barack Obama against playing the Iran card to boost his political prospects by starting a war. Eight years later, Trump is showing no reluctance to capitalize politically on his order to kill a top Iranian general, drawing accusations that he is weaponizing foreign policy for his campaign's own gain. Trump's campaign has used the killing of Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Force, as a cudgel against the president's Democratic political rivals and to divert attention from his impending impeachment trial in the Senate. "Americans want to see their President acting decisively and defending the nation's interests and that's exactly what President Trump did," Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said. "Republicans are good at killing terrorists and this is a reminder of that," added Michael Ahrens, communications director of the Republican National Committee. The president was expected to amplify those messages on Thursday in Toledo, Ohio, during his first campaign rally since the drone strike last week. Trump's campaign purchased ads on Facebook highlighting the Soleimani killing. The Pentagon said Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region." But the Trump administration has refused to provide any specific information about the nature or timing of the alleged plots, leaving Trump open to suspicions that the attack was driven, at least in part, by a belief that it might help him in the polls. Those around the president strongly dismiss any suggestion of political motive. But they have been happy to use the killing to contrast Trump with his Democratic rivals, painting him as a strong leader and accusing Democrats of appeasing Iran with a failed foreign policy approach. Despite the short shelf life of most Trump stories, Trump aides recognized immediately that the strike approved by the president at his private club during his winter break from Washington could play an outsize role in the upcoming campaign, particularly if Iran retaliates and the region descends into chaos. The president himself told one confidant after the attack that he wanted to deliver a warning to Iran not to mess with American assets. And he was eager to project an image of strength and replicate the message he delivered late last year after approving the raid that killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: The U.S. will hunt down its enemies anywhere in the world. The al-Baghdadi killing has become a staple in Trump's campaign ads and at his rallies, and Soleimani's death was expected to receive similar treatment. ANOTHER dead terrorist," declared the subject line of a Sunday campaign email blast, which described Soleimani as a monster responsible for THOUSANDS of American deaths." The president campaigned on the dual promises of getting tough on Iranian aggression and withdrawing U.S. troops from overseas entanglements priorities seemingly at odds with one another in the wake of the strike. Trump has increased the number of troops in the region since he took office, despite his promise to end the endless wars" in the Middle East. Trump's foreign policy, dating back to his first campaign, has always had its internal inconsistencies: As much as Trump pushed the drawdown of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, he promised nightly to bomb the hell out of ISIS and has been eager to strike a posture of American military strength. But Trump aides expressed confidence that the president's supporters would not punish him for prioritizing one over the other, at least in the short term. Instead, they argued that targeting what they called terrorist leaders had little to do with prospects for a protracted ground war. And they argued that the killing could be used to create their own version of Obama's unofficial 2012 slogan, Osama bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive. At the same time, Trump's campaign and White House have tried to use Democratic criticism of the president's killing of Soleimani to paint party members as radical and out of touch. Two of Trump's rivals, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders called Soleimani's killing an assassination a label that implies a political rather than national security motive. Trump's advisers, meanwhile, are out to make the case that the president continues to tend to the nation's business in this case, the elimination of a dangerous adversary while Democrats obsess over impeachment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 23:42:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close STOCKHOLM, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Ten Swedish citizens are among the more than 170 people died onboard the Ukrainian plane that crashed in Iran on Wednesday, according to the Ukrainian foreign ministry. "Ukraine has reported about ten people, but there may be more," Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde told the country's TT news agency, adding that together with the Swedish Embassy in Tehran, efforts are being made to confirm the number of Swedes killed in the crash. Linde wrote on Twitter that she "received with great sadness" the news of the plane crash. "Swedes were on board... My deepest condolences to the relatives. It is a tragedy for those affected, their families and friends. The Foreign Ministry's crisis organization has started," she wrote. "We are working intensively to confirm" the number of Swedish victims, Diana Qudhaib, press officer at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Swedish Television (SVT) News. "It is important to inform relatives first before we publicly confirm deaths," she said. The Swedish ministry also announced that their continuous work assumes "that there will be a number of deceased Swedes, unfortunately." In addition to Swedish citizens, most victims of the plane crash are Iranian, Canadian citizens, according to the Ukrainian foreign minister. Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. Small shareholders in Sirius Minerals, who stand to crystallise large losses if it is taken over by Anglo American, are angry, and understandably so. Yet it is hard to see that there is a better option for them. Anglo is offering a lifeline, albeit one at a price well below what shareholders would like to think Sirius is worth. The harsh truth, however, is that the company has no future on the stock market as an independent entity. Sirius has been struggling to raise the $2.5bn it needs to continue with its ambitious project to mine polyhalite, a type of fertiliser, from a national park near Whitby in North Yorkshire The fact the shares have in the past traded at more than 40p is irrelevant at this stage. Sirius has been struggling to raise the $2.5billion of finance it needs to continue with its ambitious project to mine polyhalite, a type of fertiliser, from a national park near Whitby in North Yorkshire. Unless the company miraculously manages to win over City sceptics, then without backing from Anglo or another buyer, it is on course to run out of cash by the spring. Some shareholders will feel aggrieved that Chris Fraser, the founder of Sirius, will receive millions of pounds for his shares, though he too has made losses on some purchases. In any event, if Anglo does take it over, Fraser and his team are likely to be kept on. The rise and fall of Sirius is an object lesson for small investors on the risks of the stock market. The companys arrival in Whitby provoked a gold rush, with speculators many of them local piling into the shares in the hope of making their fortunes. The hope was the mine would transform the seaside town into a new Aberdeen, which became flush through North Sea oil. Not everyone will be a loser. Those who have bought in over the past month or so at rock bottom prices stand to make nice gains. A number of small local shareholders I spoke to last year had taken a prudent approach, only investing small sums they could afford to lose. They said they were more interested in backing a local project that could bring prosperity to their region than in making big profits. In that respect, a takeover by Anglo would be positive. The ambitious project including a 23-mile long tunnel to take the polyhalite to a port on Teesside, would continue under the auspices of a multi-billion pound parent with mining expertise that has been honed around the world. That, arguably, would give it a far greater chance of success. Farmers who hold mineral rights are likely to stand to benefit if polyhalite is mined under their land on the same terms as now. Anglos offer means that hopes for jobs and for a boost to the local supply chain are still very much alive. That is good news for Boris Johnson in his efforts to boost the North. Perhaps there are other buyers lurking in the wings, who will be flushed out by the interest from Anglo. There have been rumours that private equity may be interested, though a take-over by Anglo seems preferable to venture capital barons out for a quick buck and with no expertise in mining. But even if there are other possible bidders, they too will be seeking to scoop up what is, after all, a highly risky project at a bargain price. Sirius was a brave adventure and it would have been marvellous if it had worked. It is very sad that its failure comes at the expense of private investors who put so much faith in Fraser and his team. Anglo American, though it is listed in the UK, is a multi-national with far-flung interests. If it does buy Sirius, it has a chance to redeem some of the hurt. Its bosses have a duty to recognise how important the business is to Whitby and to Teesside, and to strain every sinew to make it a success. Fabulous baker Not every retailer is stuck in the doldrums. Greggs, based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, is defying the gloom on the High Street with a string of profit upgrades and a 300 bonus for staff. Instead of spending it on vegan sausage rolls, they might think about buying shares in their employer. In the past five years, they have gone up nearly 200 per cent. Thats what I call a Northern powerhouse. Tax take In a week already marred by the brass-necked greed of Neil Woodford, savers could easily feel sour about the City. For all their faults, financial services are not purely parasitic and predatory. New figures this week found the industry made a record 75.5billion contribution to the public purse. Long may it continue. New Delhi : Condemning the police for filing cases against students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) injured in recent violence, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday said trespass and attempt to murder cases should be booked against those responsible for the incidents. He also demanded that the vice-chancellor of JNU should quit and go if there is any shame left over the violence as he was supposed to be the guardian of the students. Referring to the violence unleashed by a group of masked goons in the campus on Sunday, Owaisi asked how did they enter the university. Which BJP MP was involved in it. It should have been stopped, he said. They should be booked for trespassing under IPC section. They had rods in their hands. They hit the union (JNUSU) president. There should be a case of attempt to murder, he told a press conference here. Slamming the Delhi police for not rushing in time to the aid of women students who were screaming for help, he alleged it was the same police which was responsible for a student losing an eye in Jamia Millia. May be, it is new India, he said. The Hyderabad MP condemned the registration of an FIR by Delhi police against the girl who was injured in the violence at the JNU instead of booking those who made an attempt to kill her. Delhi police said FIRs were registered in connection with vandalism at the server room at the JNU on a complaint from the university administration on January 5. The administration had given the names of students union office bearers including its president Aishe Ghosh in connection with the vandalism but police have not put her name or that of other students in the accused column of the FIRs. Without naming Ghosh, Owaisi said it was unfortunate that a case had been registered against the girl who had 18-19 stitches on her head. Instead of booking a trespass case, attempt to murder case on all these people, what we are seeing is complete reverse is happening. This is injustice, I condemn this behavior. It is completely wrong, he maintained. On reports that a fringe group Hindu Raksha Dal owned responsibility for the violence at JNU, he said: Who is this joker who said that he is taking responsibility. On BJPs reported claim that Muslims have started taking the national flag and singing the national anthem because of the citizenship law, he said it was completely wrong. BJP should not belittle people by making such statements. Everyone who is protesting, he is protesting because he is concerned as an Indian citizen and not because of his religion... they are concerned about the countrys future, but BJP wants to give it a communal angle, he claimed. Owaisi along with leaders of the United Muslim Action Committee also announced a peaceful protest rally would be held on January 10from 2 PM to 5 PM in the city. On January 25, a protest meeting and a Mushaira will be held in front of historic Charminar where in renowned poets will participate and at 12 midnight the national flag will be hoisted, he said. On January 30, the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a human chain would be formed as part of a silent protest, he added. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. After enduring the rise in onion prices for months, the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday accused the Centre of harming farmers' interest by importing the staple from Turkey at a time when local bulbs are arriving in the market. While, onion prices hovered at Rs 100 per kg for the last two months, the staple is now being sold at Rs 50 to Rs 70 per kg at retail markets in Bhopal and other cities of the state as on Wednesday. "The Centre has imported onion from Turkey at a time when the domestic bulb crop has started arriving in the local markets. They are harming the interests of our farmers," state minister for food and civil supplies Pradyumn Singh Tomar said. The Centre is now pressurising people to buy onions imported from Turkey, he added. Tomar further alleged that when onion prices had gone up to Rs 60 per kg during the UPA regime at the Centre, Narendra Modi had said that "the Centre has snatched the bread from the poor". "But now, onion prices have gone up to Rs 150-200 per kg due to wrong decisions of the Modi government. We have controlled the price in the state in such a situation," Tomar said. Meanwhile, vegetable shop owner Hemant Advani said onions are being sold at Rs 50-70 per kg, depending on their quality in Bhopal's retail market. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BancWorks robust, user-friendly platform is well equipped to meet the ongoing needs of American Heritage Banks end users and administrators. 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Banc Intranets is excited to have the opportunity to provide American Heritage Bank with an employee intranet solution that is especially designed for the distinct needs of financial institutions, said Mark Anderson, CEO of Banc Intranets. BancWorks robust, user-friendly platform is well equipped to meet the ongoing needs of American Heritage Banks end users and administrators. BancWorks is a comprehensive employee intranet solution that allows staff to quickly and easily access their companys information online. It creates a secure, digital environment where users can view the latest policies, procedures, pricing, company and industry news, and other important corporate information. Key features of BancWorks include: Mobile-friendly responsive design Electronic and centralized access to documents Engaging blogs, articles, classified ads and announcements Online learning management to simplify training and education Time-saving e-forms that automate paper-based processes Interactive calendars that help employees avoid scheduling conflicts Galleries with convenient access to media, services and rate information A helpful ticket system and FAQs Up-to-date social media and RSS feeds Electronic employee directory and profiles Site search capabilities to help users quickly locate information Other handy resources that enhance employee efficiency and productivity About American Heritage Bank American Heritage Bank has been an independently-owned and -operated community bank since 1905. With more than $1.1 billion in assets, 23 locations and over 300 employees, it is one of the oldest banks in the Tulsa, Okla. area. American Heritage Bank prides itself on being a good corporate citizen. As such, the bank believes in the importance of participating in local activities, not only financially, but with the time and talents of its employees, officers, and directors. About Banc Intranets Established in 2002, Banc Intranets, LLC is a leading provider of secure, web-based enterprise content management solutions for financial institutions. Its technology provides a single point of access across multiple devices for documents and information and centralizes employee onboarding and training, streamlining day-to-day operations for bank directors and senior managers. In addition to increasing efficiency and productivity, Banc Intranets solutions are developed by financial industry professionals, providing comprehensive reporting that is critical to maintaining regulatory compliance. For more information, visit http://www.bancintranets.com or follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter. ### From the brink of committing suicide after a break up to finding true love; KTN journalist Tobias Chanji is well on his way to making an honest woman out of his girlfriend after going down on one knee to ask for her hand in marriage. The coast-based journalist proposed to the love of his life, Newcastle born Madison, while they were on vacation in Diani. In fact, Chanji was shooting a video for a song he composed after his nasty break up with a former lover. The song is titled Why Pay Love with Hate. I had a very nasty break up last year that nearly pushed me to commit suicide twice, said Chanji as he explained how Madison warmed his heart after he set his eyes on her at an airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Madison had not had it easy with her previous partner too. I was to shoot the video and she asked if she can tag along. I took advantage of the shoot and proposed. What a nice feeling. The journalist noted that whilst it took months to propose, Madi, as he calls her, was all he dreamt of in a woman, partner and lover. Madi is a very nice, beautiful lady. She worked as a flight attendant and just like me, was also healing from hurt. Although her story is totally different from mine, she is very understanding and shares the same vision as mine. I, also, really love her tattoos, he gushed. The lovebirds are expected to exchange vows later this month, with Chanji hinting that the big day might be on his birthday on January 28. We are awaiting the big day. It will be late this month, Chanji said. Malaysia's disgraced ex-leader Najib Razak allegedly sought help from Abu Dhabi's crown prince to conceal wrongdoing linked to a multi-billion-dollar graft scandal, recordings released Wednesday by investigators showed. Huge sums were looted from Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB and used to buy items ranging from a super-yacht to artwork, in a fraud allegedly involving Najib and his inner circle. The allegations contributed to ex-prime minister Najib's shock 2018 election loss, and he has since been put on trial over the scandal. He denies any wrongdoing. Malaysia's anti-graft agency released a 2016 recording of Najib calling Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan to urge him to help his stepson, Hollywood producer Riza Aziz. The call came shortly after the US filed lawsuits seeking to recover large amounts allegedly pilfered from 1MDB, with Riza accused of receiving money to fund his production company Red Granite. Najib urged the crown prince to help fabricate a loan agreement for Riza which would suggest money that flowed to him was "a legitimate... financing package, it's not money-laundering", according to the recording. "At the moment he's under a bit of pressure in America, I'm worried about him in case they make him a scapegoat," he said. "He's totally innocent, all he wanted was to make movies." Red Granite, which produced the Leonardo DiCaprio film "The Wolf of Wall Street", later settled with US authorities but Riza has been charged in Malaysia. In another call, Najib pressed the crown prince to meet him to resolve a dispute between 1MDB and the emirate's sovereign wealth fund, relating to repayments on bonds that the Malaysian fund had missed. The agency played nine recordings of phone conversations from 2016 to the media, which also included Najib allegedly colluding with a then public-prosecutor to hide wrongdoing. The recordings showed evidence of "abuse of power, criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice, compromising national security, fabrication of false evidence", anti-graft agency chief Latheefa Koya said. Najib told reporters at court, where he is currently on trial over the scandal, that he was "surprised" by the revelations. Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak has been put on trial over a multi-billion-dollar graft scandal Malaysia's anti-graft agency has released a 2016 recording of Malaysia's ex-leader calling Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (pictured) Using Speedcast's 4G LTE Network Infrastructure and Backhaul Solutions, the Operator Can Deliver Faster Broadband Speeds and Advanced Mobile Services Speedcast and Blue Arcus to Power 4G LTE Infrastructure Sydney, Jan 8, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Speedcast, the world's most trusted provider of remote communication and IT solutions ( ASX:SDA ) ( FRA:7SC ) ( OTCMKTS:SPPDF ), announced today that it has been awarded a US$3 million project to modernize the network infrastructure of Norfolk Island Telecom in Australia. Speedcast has partnered with Blue Arcus Technologies, a leading supplier of turnkey network solutions, to provide Norfolk Island Telecom with a cutting-edge 4G LTE mobile network, associated support systems, and PSTN soft-switch with fibre backhaul and multi-service access nodes. Using Speedcast's 4G LTE network infrastructure and satellite backhaul solutions, the operator is empowered to deliver faster broadband speeds and enhanced mobile services."Our customers' data requirements are growing significantly, and to ensure business continuity it is critical that we deliver faster, reliable internet connections and advanced mobile services at a competitive price," said Alistair Innes-Walker, Manager Commercial Services at Norfolk Island Regional Council. "Speedcast and Blue Arcus Technologies were the Council's unanimous choice to provide us with an end-to-end turnkey, carrier-grade solution complying with all international standards. Leveraging this modernized infrastructure, the people who live on and travel to Norfolk Island can rest assured that they have access to a high-speed 4G LTE network."As a provider of cloud-based 2G, 3G and 4G LTE mobile services and solutions, Speedcast plays a critical role in helping operators around the globe address the need for increased connectivity."Partnering with Speedcast, the world's largest remote communications and IT services provider, we're helping Norfolk Island Telecom deliver world-class internet connectivity and mobile service to the entire island, including remote and lowly populated areas," said Naren Yanamadala, President and CEO at Blue Arcus Technologies. "We're proud to offer a full turnkey solution, making the switch from 2G to 3G+4G LTE affordable and seamless for our customers."Blue Arcus Technologies is a world leader in 4G LTE deployments and has developed an EPC (Evolved Packed Core) and IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), with services and features that are second to none globally."The number of global mobile devices is accelerating rapidly, and Norfolk Island Telecom is smart to stay ahead of this trend by offering leading-edge broadband and mobile services," said Erwan Emilian, EVP Enterprise & Emerging Markets at Speedcast. "Thanks to the partnership between Blue Arcus Technologies and Speedcast, two companies with extensive 4G LTE network deployment experience, we are confident we will complete this project in record time and deliver an industry-leading service to Norfolk Island Telecom customers."About Speedcast International Ltd Speedcast International Ltd (ASX:SDA) is the world's most trusted communications and IT services provider, delivering critical communications solutions to the Maritime, Energy, Mining, Media, Telecom, Cruise, NGO, Government, and Enterprise sectors. With more satellite capacity than any other provider, Speedcast enables faster, seamless pole-to-pole coverage from a global hybrid satellite, fiber, cellular, microwave, MPLS, and IP transport network with direct access to public cloud platforms. The company also integrates differentiated technology offerings that provide smarter ways to communicate and distribute content, manage network and remote operations, protect and secure investments, and improve the crew and guest experience. With a passionate customer focus and a strong safety culture, Speedcast serves more than 3,200 customers in over 140 countries. Learn more at www.speedcast.com. Foreign Minister Marise Payne says Australia will respect Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping back as senior members of the royal family. 'I've seen those reports this morning and I regard that as a matter for them,' Senator Payne told ABC radio on Thursday. 'If that is something they wish to pursue and they think that they can be productive, effective, do what they want to do in their own lives in that way, then of course that's a decision I would respect and we would respect. Scroll down for video Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (pictured on their Australian tour) revealed their plans to step back from royal life Foreign Minister Marise Payne (pictured meeting New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern) says Australia will respect Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping back as senior members of the royal family Harry and Meghan wrote on social media: 'After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. 'We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. 'We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. 'This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. 'We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.' The royal couple announced their plans in an Instagram post and statement The Duke and Duchess (pictured, yesterday at Canada House in London) were said to be looking at making the move across the Atlantic where they would be based for a significant part of the year. Rumours abounded before they confirmed this evening that they would be splitting their time between the UK and North America Buckingham Palace is understood to be 'disappointed' at the couple's decision to quit as senior royals, amid claims that the couple did not tell the Queen before they announced their departure Following their statement, the BBC's Royal Correspondent Jonny Dymond said on Twitter: 'BBC Understands that no other member of the Royal Family was consulted before Harry and Meghan issued their personal statement tonight, the Palace is understood to be "disappointed".' A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman followed up by saying that discussions with the couple on their decision were 'at an early stage', adding: 'We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.' Prince Harry and Meghan Markles new life will be funded from their 34million private fortune By Terri-Ann Williams for MailOnline Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be walking away from an estimated 5.5 million in Royal funds after they announced they would be 'stepping back' from their duties as senior Royals in a bid to become 'financially independent'. But just how do the couple, who have an estimated combined net worth of 34 million, fund their lavish lifestyle which in the past has included their six-week Christmas break to Canada and solo trips to the US, such as when Meghan flew to America to watch Serena Williams play tennis. In terms of what the couple receive from the Royal household, it is thought that the Queen gives around 2 million to Prince Harry from the Crown. Meghan and Harry (pictured above on Tuesday) have an estimated joint net worth of 34 million Her Majesty pays Harry and William jointly 5 million from the 82 million annual Sovereign Grant, which is funded by the taxpayer, and handed to the most senior members of the royal family. The royal couple will no longer receive funding from the Sovereign Grant, which they claimed covered just five per cent of costs for the pair and is specifically used for their official office expenses. The 5 million from their grandmother the Queen is not broken down between the royal siblings but William is believed to get slightly more so Harry and his family probably receive around 2 million from the Crown. The brothers also claim a further 3.16 million a year in non-official expenditure and is likely to be split in similar proportions. Another source of income for Prince Harry is his annual allowance from the profits generated his father's 1.2 billion Duchy of Cornwall estate. Charles paid 4.9 million to his sons from that pot last year. The couple have significant personal wealth they could live on. Advertisement TO VIEW MORE NEWS STORY, PLEASE CLICK ON NEWS TAB ON MAIN MENU BAR (Newser) A Georgia couple returned from vacation late last month to find an intruder had visited nearly every room in the home they'd inhabited for only a week. That intruderresponsible for a running faucet, feces on the furniture, and wood chips across the floorturned out to be a rather energetic squirrel. Dustin Drees was inspecting the mess in the Atlanta suburb of Buckhead, as his wife and young daughter waited outside, when he noticed a trail of tiny paw prints leading out of the chimney. "He ran across the couch, ran through the dining room. It even went in the bathroom, somehow got in the toilet, and then went in our daughter's room," the 30-year-old first-time homeowner tells the Washington Post. The rodent also chewed on doors and nearly every window frame, and somehow managed to poke holes in the glass, in its effort to get out. story continues below Found hiding behind a couch pillow, the squirrel was assisted in its exit by animal control. But the couple say they're now left with a $15,000 bill for damages not covered by homeowners insurance. "I've had moments of wondering why we purchased this house in the first place," says 27-year-old Kari Drees. "You're supposed to have a sense of security and be protected in these types of situations, and I just feel like insurance companies find loopholes to get out of paying for things." Mercury Insurance, which offered to pay for two weeks of temporary housing, says the couple's contract "explicitly stated" that damage by birds, vermin, rodents, and insects wasn't covered. "All insurance companies we know of have similar exclusions," it adds. The couple only wishes it had been a raccoon instead. Per the AP, those damages would have been covered. (Squirrels also do a number on cars.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 11:19:04|Editor: ZD Video Player Close SYDNEY, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The international community has rallied behind Australia during the ongoing bushfire crisis, which in many parts of the country has been the worst on record. Since September 2019, 25 people have been killed, close to 2,000 homes destroyed, and hundreds of millions of wild animals perished in the blazes. The scale of the devastation has shocked the onlookers from around the globe, prompting celebrities, politicians and ordinary people to inundate Australia with messages of support and assistance. This week additional defence and firefighting personnel arrived from North America and nearby New Zealand to take up some of the strain on local emergency services. Australia has previously sent firefighters to help with disasters in the United States and Canada, and representatives from those countries said they were happy to return the favour. Other countries including neighbouring Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji and Singapore offered practical assistance in the form of firefighters, aircraft, soldiers and financial aid, while a string of world leaders from France to the United Arab Emirates sent heartfelt words of support. "Australia is the closest friend of PNG and is always the first in PNG in our times of adversities and we offer our hearts and our hands to you in this time of fire-induced tragedies," PNG Prime Minister James Marape posted online. Celebrities and sporting heroes have also been quick to do what they can for the cause. As a show of support for those affected by the fires, a special "Rally for Relief" event was announced for the lead up to the Australian Open with many of the world's top players committing to charity matches. Tens of millions of dollars has already been raised by donations from ordinary people around the world. New South Wales Rural Fire Service chief Shane Fitzsimmons described the overwhelming influx of donations as "extremely generous," reflecting "the best we've got in humanity." He said that all efforts would be made to ensure that the donations go to the right place. "We need to make sure that we get something tangible, and we get some real benefit out of this, and we don't want to lose sight of the fact that that extraordinary generosity will make a massive difference," he said. On Tuesday evening, English rock'n'roll legend, Elton John ended his concert in Sydney with a pledge of 1 million dollars, prompting a standing ovation. "To see what is happening here breaks my heart, and so we have to come together and we have to fight," John said. "This is my bit towards it, and I love Australia so much. To those who have lost their homes, God bless, I hope that your life will be repaired very, very soon." Hollywood's night of nights, the Golden Globes, also saw the bushfires recognised with a message from actor Russell Crowe, who instead of being at the awards was in Australia defending his home and property from fires. In an acceptance message read by Jennifer Aniston, Crowe described the tragedy as unmistakably "climate based." "We need to act based on science, move our global workforce to renewable energy, and respect our planet for the unique and amazing place it is. That way we all have a future," the speech read. The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday, filled the three vacant positions in its executive council. Lanre Ogunyemi, Oluseye Oladejo and Adewunmi Ladigbolu emerged Secretary, Publicity Secretary and Assistant Legal Adviser respectively at the end of the states elective congress in Lagos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seats became vacant when its former occupants were appointed by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as Commissioner and Special Advisers in his cabinet. More than 200 delegates from all the Local Government Areas in the State gathered to elect the new state executive members. Speaking at the event, the State Chairman of APC, Babatunde Balogun, expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of the party for making the elective congress hitch free. He congratulated members for the victory attained by the party in the last general elections. Mr Balogun thanked the governor for choosing some of the best in the partys executive committee to form part of his cabinet. Mr Ogunyemi, who spoke on behalf of the new executive members, expressed gratitude to the national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu and other party leaders for counting them worthy to serve. READ ALSO: On his part, Mr Oladejo told journalists on the sidelines of the event that his election was a call to greater service of humanity through the party. He pledged to build on the gains of the past and work closely with people at the grassroots. The congress was attended by a former senator, Ganiyu Solomon; a former Deputy Governor, Idiat Adebule; representatives of the national executive committee and many other party leaders. (NAN) A British variety store Poundland is selling 1 'ask him' rings for all the women who plan to propose to their partners on February 29. According to reports, the intention behind the silver band rings is for women to give it to their male partners as a standby for their marital commitment until the man gets her a proper ring. The 'Ask Him' ring has been encased in a blue velvet box that has 'stand-by engagement ring' written at the bottom of the box. According to reports, Poundland made the announcement by saying "Take the leap and do the asking... Because he might never get round to it". 'It is not just about the ring' After the announcement made by Poundland, a person posted a few pictures on a Facebook group, prompting a few people to comment on the stand-by engagement rings. A representative of Poundland said that the company had come up with the idea as the perfect proposal option to take control of their destiny and a perfect opportunity for men to show off the rings and enjoy being proposed instead of proposing to their partners. The representative further added that the 'stand-by' engagement ring was the perfect way to pop the question in the year 2020. The British retailer last year had come up with the 1 Bling Ring Range that was marketed as placeholder rings. However, the rings prompted mixed reactions as one person called it a great idea whereas another called the rings tacky. According to reports, the tradition of women proposing to men on a leap year dates back to 5th century Ireland when St Bridget complained to St Patrick that women had to wait for a long time for their prospective grooms to propose to them. The folklore also states that any man who declines the proposal will be liable to pay a fine. Read: Marriage-proposal Fireworks Cause Panic, Theater Evacuation Read: Angelina Jolie And Brad Pitt's Marriage Story: A Summary Of The Celebrity Marriage 'Ugliest engagement ring' A bride-to-be reportedly revealed how she was reduced to tears when her fiance proposed to her with 'the ugliest engagement ring'. Anna Rosy, from Italy, recently shared a picture of the unique ring to one of Facebook's private group, before admitting that she cried a lot when she received it. Many internet users mocked the ring as they said that it looked like the Phantom of the Opera and Iron Man. The ring has a silver mask and a pursed-lip engraved on a gold band. Netizens also called the ring as the 'worst ring they had ever seen in a long time'. Read: Pendleton Teen Who Made A Dress For His Prom Date Lands Career From It Read: Brad Pitt Reunites With Exes Jennifer Aniston And Gwyneth Paltrow At Christmas Party (With inputs from agencies) January 2, 2020 POCATELLO ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, New York Times, Fox, USA Today, Telemundo, BBC, CBC Idaho State Universitys anthropology department has been featured prominently in a story that was gone viral nationally and internationally about the announced identity of a murderer who died in 1916, whose headless torso was found in a cave near Dubois, Idaho in 1979 and additional body parts were found in 1991. The ISU anthropology department has been working on helping to solve this case for about 40 years. At a press conference held on New Years Eve in Dubois, Clark County Sheriff Bart May and a representative of the DNA Doe Project, Anthony Redgrave, announced the remains were of Joseph Henry Loveless, an outlaw who escaped from jail in 1916 and who had killed his wife with an ax. For additional details about the case, click on one of the links below. Over the last 40 years, Idaho State students and faculty have worked on the case with professionals from the FBI and Smithsonian. Most recently, Samantha Blatt, ISU assistant anthropology professor has been involved with the case, and she spoke at the press conference in Dubois. The finding itself took a lot of manpower and hours but as someone who is in love with learning the history of the region and Idaho it is absolutely fascinating, and to be here physically (at the cave site where the remains were originally found) is even better, Blatt said at the site where the remains were found. ISU researchers have talked about and thought about it for many thousands of hours. The effort to identify the Clark County man was highly collaborative, involving many individuals from different agencies. Now that all involved agencies have confirmed the identification, they hope to lay this individual to rest and tell more of his story, Blatt said. In 2019, Blatt and former ISU professor Amy Michael, now at the University of New Hampshire, worked with volunteer forensic genealogists from the DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit organization formed to identify unknown deceased persons, to find his name. Blatt collected DNA samples from the remains stored at Idaho State, helped crowdfund the DNA analysis and consulted with Michael and DNA Doe Project genealogists about contextual and biological evidence. As DNA itself is not enough to identify many cold case victims, those genealogists at the DNA Doe Project combine DNA data with publicly available information from sources like birth certificates, newspapers and census reports. The DNA Doe Project, using DNA samples supplied by ISU, helped identify the remains with the combined efforts of 14 volunteer genealogists over the course of 15 weeks. The project put in more than 2,000 hours of genealogical research into this identification, according to Anthony Redgrave, team leader for Clark County John Doe at the DNA Doe Project. Here are few links to the story an internet search will produce many more. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/human-remains-found-idaho-cave-identified-outlaw-who-died-over-n1109111 http://www.startribune.com/headless-torso-found-in-idaho-cave-identified-as-bootlegger/566613071/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/headless-torso-found-in-idaho-cave-identified-as-bootlegger/2019/12/31/c947995e-2c25-11ea-bffe-020c88b3f120_story.html https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2019/12/31/us/ap-us-cave-body-identified.html https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joseph-henry-loveless-headless-torso-found-idaho-cave-identified-outlaw-who-escaped-jail-in-1916/ https://abcnews.go.com/US/headless-torso-found-idaho-cave-identified-murdered-outlaw/story?id=68018409 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKHw6cJrI-4 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/01/headless-torso-found-cave-identified-murderer-escaped-jail-1916 https://fox13now.com/2020/01/01/headless-torso-found-in-idaho-cave-identified-as-bootlegger/ 'Whoever tries to attack us will be dealt the strongest blow,' Netanyahu said, accusing Iran of leading a campaign to 'strangle and destroy' Israel. Jerusalem: Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday, after an Iranian missile strike on US-led forces in Iraq, that Israel would hit back hard against anyone who attacked his country. Netanyahu reiterated his praise for US president Donald Trump for the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani last week, calling it a bold move. The Israeli leader said Soleimani had tried to destabilise the region for decades and was planning much worse. Without directly referencing Irans missile strikes overnight, in what Tehran called retaliation for the generals death in Baghdad, Netanyahu said in a speech in Jerusalem that Israel stood beside the United States. Whoever tries to attack us will be dealt the strongest blow, Netanyahu said, accusing Iran of leading a campaign to strangle and destroy Israel. (TNS) Beaming next to a Boynton firetruck, the word "lieutenant" etched to the right of his collar, a 13-year department veteran said he never thought he'd be a firefighter."I pretty much fell in love," said Erick Joassaint, 39. "This is for me."Boynton's fire rescue department on Nov. 22 promoted Joassaint to lieutenant, making him the city's first Haitian-American to gain the title. He is one of 29 lieutenants among the department's three shifts and one of nine promotions in 2019.But before Joassaint was running 24-hour shifts, translating for Creole speakers and responding to calls from births to child fatalities, he was a 20-something with a business management degree and a bank job.Even before then, he was a Nassau-born 8-year-old with a student visa growing up in Delray Beach . His father and late mother had immigrated to the Bahamian capital from Haiti, where his dad would return.Life in Palm Beach County took Joassaint through grade school, two years in community college and then at Florida Atlantic University. He landed a bank gig but its reality was not fulfilling: He wanted to help, inspire, feel proud.A chance encounter with a Pompano firefighter who oozed pride showed Joassaint what a career overhaul could look like.So he signed up for EMT school and in March 2007 joined Boynton's department.The next year he also became a U.S. citizen.While Joassaint says he started with Boynton's fire rescue department as a probationary "wide-eyed rookie" who was "super nervous, and all that good stuff," it now takes him some moments to remember his first call. It might've been a downed wire, he concludes.After all, in nearly 13 years with the department, he's been on front lines of myriad emergencies: chest pain, labor, crashes, drownings, too many deaths to count. The most tragic of those have involved kids, he said, who "haven't really gotten to live life yet."Joassaint said those cases can spur emotions, but he works to keep everything in its place without dwelling. Talking with others who worked with him on calls and keeping close with his support system help him manage the job's tougher days, he said.His own supports include a wife, Marybeth, a 2-year-old daughter, Eva, and a baby boy, Elijah, due to be born this month. He said he hopes his story can empower his kids and others to try new things and approach them boldly."If it's something you want, go for it," he said. "Don't be afraid."If Joassaint keeps climbing department ranks, his next step is captain.Whether he thinks that'll happen, he says: "Maybe, one day."2020 The Palm Beach Post (West Palm Beach, Fla.)Visit The Palm Beach Post (West Palm Beach, Fla.) at www.palmbeachpost.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Q What is a solar flare? William Allen, Robbinsdale, Minn. A Alex Lazarian, professor in the departments of astronomy and physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison: A solar flare is a release of magnetic energy from the sun. The energy is stored as a magnetic field around the sun and then is released with energetic particles and waves coming from the solar surface. Huge amounts of energy are released during solar flares, which can be spectacular events. These solar flare events are related to a process called magnetic reconnection, or the annihilation of the magnetic field. There are magnetic fields that are of opposite polarity, with some magnetic fields going one direction and other magnetic fields going the opposite way. When these opposing magnetic fields come into contact, reconnection occurs and may be explosive, as in the case of solar flares. Scientists still debate the cause of the explosions. In general, the sun is undergoing an 11-year cycle called the solar cycle that affects the suns radiation, number of solar flares and number of sun spots. This cycle reflects fluctuations in solar activity and changes the polarity of the sun every 11 years. Solar flares can affect life on Earth in a number of ways. They are responsible for beautiful natural phenomena like the auroras. Scientists today are most concerned about effects on sensitive radioelectronic equipment up in orbit. Solar flares can damage this equipment in orbit, affect communications systems on airplanes, or even short-circuit electronic systems on the ground. Blue Sky Science is a collaboration of the Wisconsin State Journal and the Morgridge Institute for Research. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Iran's missile attack against airbases in Iraq that hosted US and coalition forces was announced by the IRGC spokesperson at the burial ceremony of commander Qasem Soleimani in Kerman. On January 8, Iran fired a series of missiles at two Iraqi base hosting American troops, in retaliation to the US striking the IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani on the directions of Donald Trump in Baghdad's airport. The attack ensued after Tehran warned of a "harsh retaliation" against the United States. After designating the US military as a 'terrorist organisation', IRGC spokesperson, in his announcement threatened the Western country to return its troops to "prevent further loses." The IRGC further warned US allies in the region of retaliation if aggression is initiated from their territory, thus alerting Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The IRGC spokesperson said, "We warn the great Satan, the bloodthirsty and arrogant regime of the US, that any new wicked act or more moves and aggressions (against Iran) will bring more painful and crushing responses. We are warning all US allies who gave their bases to its terrorist army that any territory that in any way becomes the starting point of hostile and aggressive acts against the Islamic Republic of Iran will be targeted." READ| US' Glenn Carle ambiguous over Trump's next step; opines on Iran's 'non-proxy' strike In addition, sending a stern message to the US' ardent ally Israel, the IRGC spokesperson said, "We in no way consider the Zionist regime (Israel) to be separated from the criminal US regime in these crimes. The IRGC urged the American people to call for the return of US forces from the region in order to prevent further loses and not to allow the Washington government to put the lives of American troops at risk any more," he added. Taking a dig at Donald Trump, an adviser to Ayatollah Ali Ayatollah Khamenei, Saeed Jalili even shared a picture of the Iranian flag, imitating the US President's move. Iran's missile strike Iran's Parliament on Tuesday unanimously passed a bill to designate the US military as "terrorists" over the assassination of Iran's second most important person after the Supreme Leader--Qasem Soleimani last week. "Any aid to these forces, including military, intelligence, financial, technical, service or logistical, will be considered as cooperation in a terrorist act," the bill said. Iranian state media claimed that '80 American terrorists' were killed in the missiles fired to Iraq. Further adding that US military equipment was "severely damaged." Iraq's Ain al-Asad housing US troops was hit by over a dozen rockets on Wednesday, amid the escalation between Washington and Tehran. In response to the attack, US President tweeted saying "all is well." Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning" he tweeted. Iraqi security officials told CNN that there were no casualties among Iraqi security forces following the attack in Anbar province and Erbil. Oil prices soared sharply by 5% after the Pentagon confirmed Iran's attack on the Iraqi airbases. The death of General Soleimani and Iraq's pro-Hezbollah Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis marks a significant watershed in the Middle Eastern policy and the Iran-US relations. In the past decade, under the leadership of Soleimani, Iran conducted proxy wars across the Middle East region in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and parts of Lebanon controlled by Hezbollah. He was instrumental in shaping Iran's influence in the region, which was threatened by arch-foes --the West, Saudi Arabia, and Israeli. READ| Trump orders killing of IRGC chief; Iran calls act "foolish" & threatens retaliation READ| Iran's IRGC guards paint Israel flag on shoe soles out of spite At his show at the Sydney Superdome last night, Elton John said Australia should be "in awe" of its firefighters, who are battling an unprecedented bushfire season. He then pledged to donate an amazing $1 million to support the bushfire relief fund. "There are people out there who have lost their lives trying to save homes. There are people who have lost their lives and their homes," he said. "And lastly there's the plight of the animals. A loss of their habitat that frankly is on a biblical scale, and heart-breaking. Therefore, tonight I will be pledging $1 million to support the bushfire relief fund." "This is a magnificent country. To see what is happening here breaks my heart, and so we have to come together and we have to fight," Elton said. "This is my bit towards it, and I love Australia so much. To those who have lost their homes, God bless, I hope that your life will be repaired very, very soon. I want to say thank you Australia again, and God bless." In an about-face of its previous stance regarding simulator training for pilots flying its 737 Max aircraft, airplane manufacturer Boeing released a statement Tuesday calling for simulator training in addition to computer-based training for all Max pilots prior to return to service of the 737 Max. The statement includes the companys pro forma claim of an unstinting commitment to the safe return to service of the grounded plane, following two crashes that killed a combined total of 346 men, women and children. Since the October 2018 crash of Lion Air Flight 610, which plunged into the Java Sea minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, and the March 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 just minutes after taking off from Addis Ababa, a mass of evidence has emerged pointing to criminal negligence, deadly safety short cuts and concealment of known dangers on the part of Boeing management, facilitated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Yet not a single company or regulatory official has been criminally charged, let alone prosecuted and convicted. Tuesdays press release begs the question: Why werent pilots trained using flight simulators in the first place? It should become an exhibit in a murder trial for the top officials who oversaw the design, production and certification of the deadly aircraft. A Boeing plane manufacturing facility (Source: Wikipedia.org) The Max 8 will forever remain one of the most notorious planes ever to fly. After the first crash, in October 2018, Boeing, backed by the FAA, insisted that the plane was safe. Even after the second crash just five months later, Boeing and the FAA continued to claim that the aircraft was safe and refused to ground it until every other international aviation regulatory agency had done so. As has now been proven, the crashes were caused by a piece of software known as the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). It was installed by Boeing to compensate for the Max 8s tendency to stall, a byproduct of attaching a newer, larger engine onto the half-century-old Boeing 737 chassis. The final report of the National Transportation Safety Committee of Indonesia regarding Lion Air Flight 610 explicitly notes that the aerospace giant used an old airframe in order to save time and money developing a new model that did not have significant areas of change at the product level, and used MCAS to ensure that there would not be a simulator training requirement for pilots. It was in the immediate aftermath of the second crash that the training requirements to fly the Max 8, or the lack thereof, came to light. Boeing claimed that because the 737 Max 8 was so similar to its predecessor, the 737-NG, pilots would be able to fly the plane after working through a single 56-minute course on an iPad and a 13-page manual. This was part of a scheme by Boeing to reduce the cost of the new plane for airlines, particularly those in poorer countries like Indonesia and Ethiopia, and minimize the time needed to get into the air. The training was one of many corners cut in order to beat back Boeings European-based rival Airbus, whose new A320neo jet was threatening to capture lucrative markets long dominated by the US giant, as well as the rapidly growing Asian market. At the time, the company, the FAA and the pilots unions all agreed that the minimal training was adequate. After the crashes, Boeing explicitly rejected calls for additional pilot training, even as the unions and the FAA backtracked. For the past 15 months, Boeings proposals to US regulators for putting the Max 8 back into service have not included any flight simulator time, despite the fact that pilot certification for a commercial plane typically requires hundreds of hours of training, both in simulators and actual flights. Now, however, Boeings executives and large shareholders are feverishly engaged in damage control in an attempt to extract themselves from their current quagmire. The grounding has so far cost the company an estimated $9 billion, which includes claims by the victims families, suits by pilots and airlines for lost pay and business, the production freeze of the Max 8, and the labor involved in attempting to fix the plane. Airlines have removed the Max 8 from their schedules until April at the earliest, with some removing it until June. When polled, the vast majority of people have said they would not fly on the Max 8 until at least six months after it was put back into service, if ever. Tuesdays statement is the latest in a series of shakeups and public relations moves by the company, the most significant of which was the ouster of Dennis Muilenburg as CEO last month. Muilenburg had headed the company since 2015 and overseen a surge in profits and share value on the basis of ruthless cost- and job-cutting. Boeings top legal advisor, Michael Luttig, was also forced out. The changes are cosmetic at best, despite a recent proclamation by interim Boeing CEO Greg Smith that Safety is Boeings top priority, parroting a phrase his predecessor had mouthed many times. A report published Sunday by the New York Times reveals that recent internal audits by Boeing of its 737 Max 8 aircraft reveal three new problems with the plane: its internal wiring, its engines and its vulnerability to lightning strikes. The first problem involves two wire bundles whose proximity risks short-circuiting, which would cause pilots to lose control of the plane and crash, similar to what happened to the pilots of the two doomed flights. Rather than make what Boeing has claimed would be a simple fix, the company has prevaricated, saying it wants to do appropriate analysis to see if the jets other electronics prevent such an event from leading to a crash. In other words, a known and potentially fatal flaw may remain in the aircraft even after it is fixed. The second problem is a weakness in one of the rotors of the Max 8s engines, which could break the entire engine if it shattered. CFM International, the company under General Electric and Safran that manufactures the Max 8s engines, discovered and reported the issue to the FAA. The agency, however, is not requiring an immediate fix, claiming that the chance of failure is remotea second known and potentially fatal flaw that will likely remain in the Max 8 after it is fixed. The only newly discovered problem that ostensibly will be resolved is the vulnerability of the engines to lightning strikes. The reason, as noted above, that the Max 8 is at risk of stalling is that Boeing decided to attach new, more fuel-efficient and bigger engines to the 737 chassis. To fit the engines to the wings, they had to be ground down. As a result, the coating that insulates the fuel tank and fuel lines from lightning strikes was removed. It was only sheer luck that a lightning strike didnt explode one or more of these planes while they were still in the air. A man was injured after a scuffle broke out between him and a gang during a raid on a home in Randalstown. One of the gang was armed with a samurai sword while the others had sticks or bats. It happened in the Mill View area on Tuesday at around 7pm. Police said three vehicles pulled up outside the house and a number of men, said to have had their faces partially covered, entered the house. One of them was reported to be armed with a samurai sword, while others had what was described as sticks or bats. Detective Sergeant Lyttle said: "A scuffle ensued between the suspects and a male occupant who sustained injuries to his hand and back. The suspects then fled. "A woman and another man who were in the house at the time were uninjured. Damage was caused to the inside of the house during the incident." Police are treating the incident as an aggravated burglary but are keeping an open mind as to the motive. "This was a frightening ordeal, and we are working to establish a motive for this attack," continued the police officer. "I want to appeal to anyone who may have been in the area, between 7.10pm and 7.20pm last night, and who saw any suspicious persons, or who saw three vehicles pull up outside a house in Mill View and who may have captured their movements on their dash cam, to get in touch with us. "Anyone who has any information about this incident is asked to call us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1652 of 07/01/20. "Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime." Residents of a small town in Armenias northwestern Shirak province and nearby villages blocked a highway on Wednesday to protest against the governments decision to close a local maternity hospital. The Armenian Ministry of Health stopped financing the hospital located in the town of Maralik this month, citing a directive signed by Health Minister Arsen Torosian in July 2018. It mandates the closure of state-funded maternity hospitals handling fewer than 150 childbirths annually. Only 102 babies were born at the Maralik hospital in 2019. The ministry on Tuesday defended the 2018 decision, saying that small hospitals are not cost-effective and, more importantly, increase the risk of newborn deaths. Experience shows that over time the small number of births inevitably leads to the loss of personnels professional qualifications, it said in a statement. The ministry also argued that the Maralik hospital, which current employs 12 people, is currently understaffed, lacking a surgeon and two other essential medics. The hospital staff as well as dozens of other residents of Maralik and surrounding villages rejected these arguments as they blocked a section of the highway connecting Yerevan to Gyumri, Shiraks administrative center located 25 kilometers north of the town. Officials from the Ministry of Health arrived at the scene to negotiate with the protesters. The latter remained unconvinced. How can we have 150 childbirths if the villages have small populations? said one of the protesters. Our maternity hospital caters to 17 villages Gyumri is far away from the villages. Let them bring [medical] specialists to work here, said another local resident. The road was unblocked a few hours later. The protesters warned that they will block it again if the authorities continue to reject their demand. Bollywood star Deepika Padukones visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus, here on Tuesday, to meet protesting students didnt go down well with a section of Twitterati who called for a boycott of her upcoming film Chhapaak. #deepikapadukone trended on Twitter with 34.8K tweets as it was reported that she had also met JNUSU leader Aishe Ghosh who received injuries in the Sunday violence. One user posted: Bollywood star @deepikapadukone is in JNU to support students. Shes at ground zero despite knowing the backlash it will receive from RW goons who will attempt to boycott her film which releases in two days. Coming from Deepika who has largely been silent on political issues, this is BIG. A user posted: Chhapaak is releasing with Ajay Devgns Tanhaji and Rajnikants Darbaar. Chhapaak is not gonna work as such unless we create a massive controversy and give it free publicity. Please keep quiet on it. Dont call for its boycott. Dont trend it. Dont attack Deepika. Let it pass, it read. Another remarked: You dont understand the cost-benefit analysis? One tweet can prevent thousands of #boycott tweets. Those # boycott tweets catch the attention of media and are shown on TV and debated. Thats what gives publicity. Sometimes you have to lose a battle to win a war, read a tweet. Dont boycott Chhapaak... boycott Deepika Padukone. Exactly! Instead, we should promote #TanhajiTheUnsungWarrior without saying a single word about Deepika and Chhapaak, said one user. A Twitter user pointed out, Deepika was a fabulous actress for bhakts till yesterday. Today, she joined the JNU protest & suddenly became a failed actress. Anurag Kashyap was the most versatile director for bhakts till 2016. When he started talking against the establishment, he became a flop director. Two global heritage bodies have voiced concern over the US threat to target Iranian cultural sites and called upon all parties torespect international agreements, and protect the world's cultural legacy, "regardless of religious beliefs or political intentions". The International Council of Museums (ICOM) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in a joint statement also reminded thatIran is home to 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of "great cultural and natural importance not only to Iranians, but to humanity and its collective memory". "Inarmed conflicts and political upheavals since the turn of the millennium, cultural heritage has been increasingly targeted. It has been looted or deliberately destroyed, in order to finance warfare or to affect the identity and the confidence of adversaries," the statement said. Museums as well as cultural sites are affected in many countries around the world, it said. "ICOM and ICOMOS as representatives of the heritage community in the world, are very much concerned about this evolution and in particular recent developments," the two heritage bodies said in the joint statement issued on Monday. Tension between the US and Iran has seen dramatic escalation in the last few days in the wake of killing of Maj Gen Qaseem Soleimani in a strike by America. Maj Gen Soleimani, 62, the head of Iran's elite al-Quds force and architect of its regional security apparatus, was killed when a US drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the Baghdad International Airport early on Friday. The strike also killed the deputy chief of Iraq's powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. US President Donald Trump had also tweeted recently to warn Iran that it may target its cultural sites. "Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats!" Trump had said. ICOM and ICOMOS, both France-based, in the statement said, they remind all parties of armed conflicts of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. "There, States Parties agree that 'damage to cultural property belonging to any people whatsoever means damage to the cultural heritage of all mankind, since each people makes its contribution to the culture of the world'. The United States of America ratified the Hague Convention in 2009, Iran in 1959," it said. Both countries are also States Parties to the 1972 World Heritage Convention, which the United States of America was the first country to ratify in 1973 and played a key role in promoting, the heritage bodies reminded. Moreover, in 2017, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2347 that states: directing unlawful attacks against sites and buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes, or historic monuments may constitute, under certain circumstances and pursuant to international law a war crime and that perpetrators of such attacks must be brought to justice, the statement said. "ICOM and ICOMOS jointly and strongly condemn any deliberate destruction of cultural heritage. We call upon all parties to respect the international agreements that rule armed conflicts, and to protect the world's cultural heritage wherever it is, regardless of religious beliefs or political intentions," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Along the Gulf of Guinea lies beautiful Ghana in West Africa. Just like any other African country, the nation has its culture, tradition and practices that differ from one ethnic or religious group to another. Each year events are held in various parts of the country to celebrate the heritage of Ghanaians. Which are the best festivals in Ghana? Image : instagram.com @Ghanafest Source: UGC Last year, just like any other year, some colourful festivals in Ghana took place. Some were intriguing and erupted with remarkable historical and cultural propensity. Art, music and food celebrations had exciting rare beats, great street tastes and creative dynamism! Below are our top picks of the best events in Ghana. Best festivals in Ghana There over 70 ceremonies celebrated in the country every year. Such events instil spirituality of citizens, consecrate communal and family bonds not to mention extolling beautiful cultures. Each one of them has its purposes, and so it is wise to know the importance of these galas before getting down to the Ghana holidays 2019. Importance of festivals in Ghana Below are some of the reasons people celebrate these events: Purification of the gods: Important rites are done, including the cleansing of old stools and so on. Important rites are done, including the cleansing of old stools and so on. Development planning: The events are also used to plan development projects in the area since most citizens will attend. The events are also used to plan development projects in the area since most citizens will attend. Thanksgiving: The supreme God is thanked for guidance, protection and food. Other lesser gods might also be praised. The supreme God is thanked for guidance, protection and food. Other lesser gods might also be praised. Dispute resolution: Family and individual level disputes might be solved for peaceful co-existence. Family and individual level disputes might be solved for peaceful co-existence. Tourism promotion: Many ceremonies attract tourists to the country. Through this, Ghana can earn foreign exchange. Many ceremonies attract tourists to the country. Through this, Ghana can earn foreign exchange. Maintain culture: Most of these events preserve the cultural heritage of the involved groups. Most of these events preserve the cultural heritage of the involved groups. Political and national significance: Leaders and prominent people are invited to speak about various policies and programs. Types of festivals in Ghana Ceremonies held in the country can be classified into the following: 1. Cultural Commemoration of the farming season Commemoration of migration 2. Religious Christians and Muslims in the country have different celebrations during the year. List of festivals in Ghana Below is a listing of various ceremonies in the country according to the above classification. So shall we get started? Cultural galas in Ghana Image: instagram.com @afronationfest Source: UGC The following are the best festivals in Ghana and their ethnic groups. We have listed them according to their occurrence months for smooth flow. January 1. Fao - Navrongo People and chiefs observe fao from the Navrongo in the upper eastern region of the country. The ceremony is held annually in January. February 2. Dzawuwu - Agave It is celebrated by the Agave people in the Volta Region. Dzawuwu is just an annual thanksgiving ceremony. March 3. Ngmayem - Krobo Ngamyem is one of the yearly, traditional festivals in Ghana. It is mainly conducted by the Krobo people and involves thanksgiving. It is celebrated in Odumase and Somanya in the Eastern Region. It commemorates plentiful of millet harvest, which is referred to as Ngma. The Krobo also give thanks to God for protection. April 4. Bugum Chungu - Dagomba Classified as the first Dagomba ceremony in the year. It is celebrated in the Dagomba Lunar Years first month. Dancing ziem (a dance style for the tindaamba), and playing gungong are some of the main activities here. People dress like warriors and use torches. Muslims in the state do not partake in this festival as they associate it with Satanism. May 5. Kpini Chungu - Dagombas, Basaris, Kokombas, Nanumbas, Mamprusis Kpini Chungu means Guinea Fowl and is a minor cultural gala celebrated after Damba in the northern region. Naa Zangina is said to have initiated the ceremony. June 6. Aboakyir (Deer Hunt) - Efutu (Winneba) This is a bushbuck hunting gala celebrated in the central region of the country. On the first day, two warrior groups take part in a hunting trip. The earliest hunters troop to catch a live bushbuck present it to the chiefs and are declared the winners. The animal is then sacrificed to the Gods. July 7. Adae Kese - Asante This is a critical gala among the Asante people of Ghana. It glorifies the Asante kingdom achievements. It was first observed after the war the Ashantis underwent to have their independence. They fought against the Denkira at Feylase. It coincides with yam harvesting season hence it was nicknamed the yam custom. It is celebrated between July and October according to the Akans calendar. However, some observe it in January. August 8. Homowo Festival - Ga Homowo is one of the biggest and the grandest gala in the country. It happens right in the capital, Accra, every August. It originated from a season of despair as a result of fame, followed by enormous yields of food and fish. The chiefs of the Ga community sprinkle kpokpoi while people sing. Libations are poured, and litanies said to the gods to facilitate another sound season. 9. Kundum - Nzema Kundum, as one of the harvest festivals in Ghana, takes place as from August to November and is celebrated in the Western Region coastal area. Beginning from the west, Nzema community people move from Takoradi to nearby towns at a weeks interval. Rituals are performed and prayers for good harvests made. Dancing and drumming are featured in prominently. 10. New Yam festival - Igbo, Ho Yam is held at the end of the rainy season around August. It is also practised in Nigeria by the Igbo community and other West African countries. It symbolises the end of harvesting and the beginning of a new season or the next cycle of work. The Igbo and Ho are primarily agrarian and mostly depend on yam to make their central cuisine. September 11. Ohum - Akim This festival is usually held on a Tuesday or Wednesday in either September or October. The dates depend on Ohumkan festival month. Before the gala, a 2-week ban on making noise is imposed. It is mainly celebrated to give thanks to God for plenty yam harvests and ask for his favours in the coming season. 12. Fetu Afahye - Oguaa Fetu Afanye is mainly celebrated by people and chiefs from the cape coast in central Ghana. It is held on the first Saturday of September annually by the Oguaa people. In their history, there was an outbreak of a strange disease and many people were pronounced lifeless. Elders prayed to the gods to help them get rid of the ailment. Hence it is celebrated to cleanse the town and prevent the chance of another epidemic disease befalling the community. November 13. Adae - Akim, Asante, Akwamu Adae is one of the most critical Akan festivals in Ghana. It involves worship, invocation and propitiation of ancestral spirits. Traditional leaders enter the stool house and pour libations and foods to the ancestors on behalf of their people. As the term suggests, the ceremony is usually a day of rest. Hence, work on such a day is forbidden. Ritual drumming is used to announce events while invoking the spirits of ancestors who were once drummers. 14. Fiok - Busa It is celebrated annually by the Sandema ethnic group in the upper eastern region of the country. Farming season festivals in Ghana Here are the farming season festivals: 1. Kakube Kakube is celebrated by the Nandom people in the upper western region. It is meant to show gratitude to the lesser gods for their guidance and protection throughout a specific farming season. It marks the end of farming and the beginning of a new work cycle. This is when people rekindle their relationships and also exhibit their rich culture and traditions. 2. Kobine The main aim of this celebration is to give thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest. It is usually conducted in September by the Dagaaba community in the upper western region. The 3-day fest features in eating, drinking and dancing. Migration festivals in Ghana Migration festivals include: 1. Akwantukese New Juaben people commemorate this feast in the eastern region of the country. They do so to mark the epic journey ancestors went through from Juaben in Ghanaian Ashanti region around 135 years ago. 2. Hogbetsotso Celebrated on the first Saturday of November, Hogbetsotso is one of the ewe festivals in Ghana. It is observed by chiefs and Anlo people in the Volta region. Various towns and villages such as Keta, Vodza, Dzita, Abor, Anloga, Kedzi, Whuti, Tegbi, and Afladenygba host the celebrations. A peacemaking section is included where all the disputes are settled down, and an amicable solution found. Religious festivals in Ghana Image : Unsplash.com Source: UGC 1. Easter Also known as Resurrection Sunday, this is a Christian holiday that commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as described by the New Testament. It is proceeded by lent, a period of 40 days of fasting, penance and prayer. Most Christian churches refer this holiday week to as a Holy Week which includes Ash Wednesday, Mundy Thursday, Last Supper and also Good Friday. The dates for this celebration fall between March 22 and April 25. 2. Christmas This is one of the most famous festivals in not only Ghana but also the entire globe. It is held on December 25 annually and remembers the birth of Jesus Christ. Millions if not billions of people observe it worldwide, and it is regarded as a central feast to the Christians liturgical year. The day is a public holiday in almost all nations. 3. Aboakyer This is a bushbuck hunting feast that is observed by the Winneba in central Ghana. The institution of the gala was to remember the migration of the Winneba people from north-eastern Africa in Timbuku town, Sudan. The people believe that a god called Out protected their ancestors through the journey from all the dangers. The mature bushbuck captured by the hunting groups are sacrificed to this God as a sign of appreciation. 4. Eid al-Adha Also known as the festival of the sacrifice, Eid al-Adha is considered holier than any other Islamic holiday. It honours Abrahams willingness to give out his son Isaac as a sacrifice to God. This is seen as an act of obedience to His command. Before the father of faith could sacrifice his son, God gave him a goat to in place of Isaac. In commemoration, an animal should be butchered and then divided into three parts. One is given to the needy, the other to relatives and the third kept for home. 5. Eld al-Fitr Popularly known as the feast of breaking the fast, Eid al-Fitr is a holiday celebrated by all the Muslims not only in Ghana but also the entire world. It marks the end of the month of fasting of Ramadan. In this month, no one is allowed to fast. The festival takes place for one to three full days. Specific prayers are nominated to be cited on this gala. As a charity obligatory, money is given to the needy and the poor before performing the prayer. 6. Akwasidae Observed by the Ashanti once in every six weeks. It is next to The National Day celebrations importance. Personal or communal ancestors are honoured. A gathering occurs and drumming, dancing and singing conducted in an orderly manner. Abosom (a lesser god in the Akans traditions) is acknowledged via food offerings such as mashed yams and hard-boiled chicken eggs. On this day, the king of the Ashanti meets his chiefs and subjects at the Manhyia Palace courtyard. The golden stool is displayed, and people usually visit the place to sing and dance in large numbers. People are given a chance to shake hands with the king. 7. Bakatue festival This means opening of the lagoon or draining of the lagoon. The festival is celebrated in commemoration of the foundation of the town of Elmina by the Europeans. Other significant celebrations in Ghana Other important celebration in the country include: 1. Damba festival Damba is celebrated by chiefs and people from Nalerigu, Tamale and Wa in the upper west and Northern Region of Ghana. In Dagbani, its called Damba, Damma in Mampruli and in Waali, Jingbenti. The primary purpose of the ceremony is to mark the birth and naming dates of Mohammad. However, other practices, such as the glorification of chieftaincy and non-Islamic motifs, are conducted. 2. Odwira Observed by chiefs and citizens from the Eastern region of the country, Odwira festival is celebrated annually every September. It commemorates a historic victory over people from the Ashanti tribe in 1626. Jamestown residents in Accra also mark it as they have a long association due to intermarriage with the Akans. 3. Asafotufiam The Ada people and chiefs commemorate this gala in Dangbe East of the Greater Accra region. It is held annually on the first week of August and remembers the achievements in settlement wars ancestors fought in the area. The chiefs are entertained by a local dance known as Kpatsa. Different festivals in Ghana are held a specific culture or tribe annually to celebrate various occasions and reasons. They all have backgrounds relating to the history of the culture in question. This could be anything from hunger, stories, goods, stools, and so on. READ ALSO: Ten regions in Ghana and their festivals: Learn the Ghanaian Culture Source: YEN.com.gh The nationwide strike call given by 10 central trade unions evoked a mixed response in Rajasthan during morning hours on Wednesday. Banking and roadways services were partially affected as members of trade unions joined the strike. A demonstration was held in front of the LIC Building in Jaipur. Members of the banking sector and LIC participated in the demonstration, Mahesh Mishra, a representative of bank employees union, said. Rajasthan roadways employees affiliated with CITU also participated in the 'Bharat bandh'. "Of the total employees, there are nearly 3,000 employees affiliated with CITU in roadways who are participating in the Bharat bandh. The strike's impact is on buses' operations in Churu, Ganganagar, Sikar," Kishan Singh Rathore, general secretary of Rajasthan roadways workers' union (CITU), claimed. However in Jaipur, most of the markets opened as usual and there was not much impact on public transport services. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Alliance News) - Shares in Ormonde Mining PLC plummeted on Wednesday, after the firm said it has struck an agreement to sell its 30% stake in a Tungsten mine in Salamanca, northwestern Spain, to American asset manager Oaktree Capital Management for EUR6 million. The stock shed 62%, trading at 0.95 pence in London on Wednesday afternoon. Ireland-based Ormonde said revenue at the Barruecopardo mine has been "substantially lower" than forecasts from a 2012 feasibility study. The asset is operated by Spanish mining firm Saloro SLU, which Ormonde has a 30% interest in. Mining costs have also risen, Ormonde said, and the company has previously been forced to pursue debt financing agreements to cope with rising expenses at Barruecopardo. Ormonde Chair Mike Donoghue said: "While the disposal of Ormonde's interest in the Barruecopardo mine will be a disappointment for many shareholders, the mine has encountered significant setbacks during its ramp-up operations, initially resulting in an additional EUR10 million funding requirement, addressed through an additional loan facility as announced in October 2019, and most recently a further funding requirement estimated by the company to be in the region of EUR12 million to EUR15 million." In October, Ormonde said Saloro agreed a EUR10 million term loan with Oaktree Capital-managed funds. The 12-month term loan was to give Saloro more liquidity to establish mining operations in the Barruecopardo main orebody. Tungsten prices have also weakened, with benchmark prices for ammonium paratungstate currently quoted between USD235 and USD245 per metric tonne unit, Ormonde reported. In the 2012 feasibility study assumed price an ammonium paratungstate price of USD350 per metric tonne unit. Ormonde will seek shareholder approval for the disposal at an extraordinary general meeting on February 12. The company said: "The Ormonde board of directors considers a cash exit from the company's minority interest at this time to be in the best interest of Ormonde shareholders under current circumstances and intends to unanimously recommend the disposal to shareholders." By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. There is no fixed, formal definition of assassination. But, as with many politically charged labels, the word has taken on significance broader than any one meaning, shorthand for concerns that Donald Trump's decision to kill General Qassem Soleimani was unethical, illegitimate or dangerous A single word has become a focal point of concerns about President Donald Trump's decision to kill Iran's top general: Assassination. There is no fixed, formal definition of assassination. But, as with many politically charged labels, the word has taken on significance broader than any one meaning, shorthand for concerns that Trump's decision to kill General Qassem Soleimani was unethical, illegitimate or dangerous. The Trump administration says that its strike on Soleimani was not an assassination, calling it a lawful and justifiable use of force. Assassination is colloquially defined as a killing, or sometimes murder, for political purposes, particularly but not necessarily of a senior political leader. Soleimani's killing seems to fit that description. He was one of the senior-most figures in the government of Iran, a country that is not formally at war with the United States. While the Trump administration's justifications have focused on halting what it says was an "imminent" attack it has also included political aims, such as changing Iran's behaviour. But there is also a second definition. The United States banned assassination in 1976 but did not define it. Ever since, decades of legal interpretation and precedent-setting have evolved into a legal understanding of assassination that is intricate, disputed and narrower with each administration. Government powers to target people abroad are becoming broader as well as "more contested and more complex", said Susan Hennessey, executive editor of Lawfare, a legal affairs site. "The term 'assassination' is kind of the converse of that, an identification of where the government has exceeded its authority and violated its own ban." Past administrations have widened that authority so substantially that "if you surveyed every legal scholar, you're probably going to see a fairly strong agreement that this is probably lawful," she said, referring to Soleimani's killing. But that would not make his killing just, moral or wise, Hennessey stressed, only that it would fall within legal precedents set by past administrations. And any rationale remains hypothetical. The administration has presented no legal justification, raising concerns that it may have acted without first establishing the order's legality. The gap between colloquial and legal definitions may reveal more than a linguistic issue. It parallels a growing divide between attitudes toward the appropriate use of deadly force and the US presidency's self-assigned powers to kill abroad. Soleimani's killing, by taking those powers to new extremes, draws new attention to how they became so broad, and so cloaked in executive branch secrecy, that an act that meets virtually any colloquial definition of assassination could be considered legally permissible. When is a killing an assassination? It helps to look at the intent of the original ban on assassination. In the 1970s, congressional investigations revealed a series of US plans or attempts to kill foreign leaders, provoking outrage at home and abroad. The plots were seen as violations of international norms and American values, as well as putting US leaders at risk. Former president Gerald Ford issued an order banning the government from undertaking "political assassination" but did not explicitly define the term. Beyond the clear intention of barring more plots against foreign leaders, the order's implications were unclear. Lawyers in the Ronald Reagan administration argued that a killing had to be unlawful in order to qualify as assassination an interpretation that has held. Kenneth Anderson, an American University law professor who advised the Barack Obama administration on its programme to target suspected terrorists abroad, said that, as a result, assassination came to generally mean an unlawful killing by the government. But executive branch lawyers typically determine when the government has the power to kill someone abroad. "There's a little bit of a circular logic to that," Hennessey said, "Anything the executive branch does, they're going to say is lawful, so they're going to say it's never an assassination." Beginning with Reagan, each administration has broadened those powers, in turn narrowing what the government might consider an assassination. Those expansions often focused on terrorist threats, such as a 1984 finding by CIA lawyers that the administration could target members of Hezbollah, a Lebanese group. Hezbollah's past attacks made it an ongoing threat, they reasoned; therefore, killing its members would constitute self-defence. The attacks of 11 September, 2001 and subsequent public demands that presidents stop terrorists before they strike led to ever-greater expansions, leaving Trump with a spectrum of legal interpretations and precedents to draw upon. Was Trump's order legal? The Trump administration has hinted at, but not explicitly made, two legal rationales: That the general was a legitimate wartime target and that killing him was a justifiable act of self-defence. The administration has cited, as legal authority, the 2002 Authorisation for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution, which approved the invasion of Iraq. The resolution is still in place, granting legal powers as if the war had never ended. If the administration can demonstrate that Soleimani's activities in Iraq made him an adversary in that conflict, it can call on broad wartime authority to target him, Anderson said. The administration has mostly emphasised claims that Soleimani posed an "imminent threat" to American lives, hinting at legal precedents set by past presidents. The George W Bush and Obama administrations concluded that they could, under certain conditions, lawfully kill someone who posed an imminent threat or whose past actions suggested they could pose a future threat. Their findings, which drew on interpretations of domestic and international law as permitting attacks to halt imminent threats, formed the basis of much of their targeted killing programmes. However, there is evidence that the US government uses an expansive definition of imminent, and many dispute whether it actually meets international legal standards. Anderson said that killing Soleimani would almost certainly have met legal standards used by the Obama administration, calling him "targetable" for his role in overseeing past proxy attacks against US forces. The Trump administration, however, initially said its strike was to deter future attacks, not to stop one. It has provided little evidence for its claims of an imminent threat, and some officials privately say that the case is thin and may not represent Trump's actual motivation. Although some argue that the US designation of Soleimani's military group as a foreign terrorist organisation bolsters the case for killing him, some legal scholars say that this is not relevant for determining whether he posed an imminent threat. Killing Soleimani solely for political reasons, or in the absence of a sufficient legal rationale like an imminent threat, would open Trump to charges that the killing was unlawful and therefore an assassination. Still, past administrations, citing secrecy, have at times presented little more legal justification than a promise that it had secured one, underscoring how far executive authority had expanded before Trump took office. While the Trump administration has not presented a rationale under international law, Mary Ellen O'Connell, a University of Notre Dame law professor, argued on EJIL Talk, a site on international law, that details released so far "do not meet" the conditions of "lawful self-defence" that would be necessary to make the killing legal under international law. Historical irony Killing Suleimani would mark a major escalation in the application of presidential authority, even if it might draw upon familiar legal justifications. Those powers were established, Anderson said, at a time when "the circumstances were not really the same geopolitically". Precedents set in the era of Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are being carried over into a new world of regional power struggles and state-sponsored proxy conflict. But foreign militaries can retaliate in ways that ragtag terrorist groups cannot. And, as Trump is learning, violating the norm against killing foreign leaders can bring international isolation. In a twist of historical irony, those expanding powers have led the United States back to the very action that the 1976 ban on assassination seemingly intended to ban: Killing a senior leader in a country with which it is not at war. Much like the Cold War plots that inspired that ban, Trump's strike is focusing attention on the perils of unconstrained executive authority. "Certainly this vindicates some of the concerns that opponents of the government's assertions of executive power in this area had," Hennessey said, arguing that also it showed Congress' unwillingness to check presidential power. Critics called Bush- and Obama-era targeted killing programmes legally and ethically dubious, and argued that they set dangerous precedents. Many called the practice assassination, implying that legal rationales were baseless. Even if legal scholars believe that past precedent could potentially clear the way for Trump's strike, some express discomfort with both the underlying law and the real-world results. "Many of the legal issues here are contested," Ashley Deeks, a University of Virginia law professor, said on Lawfare's podcast. "Which legal framework even applies to the killing? What does it mean for a threat to be imminent? Is that even the proper test for today?" Samuel Moyn, a Yale Law School professor also on the podcast, questioned whether, on a topic like assassination, legal definitional matters really could or should be taken in isolation. "The reality is that law is always politicised, in this area especially," he said, adding that concerns about the legality of, say, a drone strike "are really not about the law. They're about legitimation or delegitimation of this president, or of American war, in this case or in general." If a controversy like the legality of killing of Soleimani is treated as solely a matter of legal definitions, he added, "then we miss the point of talking about it". Max Fisher and Amanda Taub c.2020 The New York Times Company The Maharashtra government would consider investigation into the alleged suspicious death of special Central Bureau of Investigation judge B H Loya in 2014 if it gets any complaint with substantial evidence, a minister said on Wednesday. Loya, who was hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case of Gujarat, had died of cardiac arrest in Nagpur on December 1, 2014, when he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter. Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson and state minister Nawab Malik spoke about the Loya death case which had reached the Supreme Court after a party meeting in Mumbai. Speaking to reporters after the NCP held a three-hour-long meeting of its ministers in the Shiv Sena-led government, Malik said, the government will consider reopening of judge B H Loya's suspicious case if any complaint is received with substantial evidence." The meeting was presided over by NCP chief Sharad Pawar. "If the complaint contains some substance, then only investigation will be done. There will be no inquiry in the matter without any reason," he said. After the Sena-Congress-NCP government was formed in Maharashtra last year, Pawar was asked whether there will be any probe into the alleged suspicious death of Loya, Malik said. Pawar had made it very clear that investigation into the case of judge Loya was possible. The state home minister (Anil Deshmukh) had also indicated so, he said. The Supreme Court had held that Loya had died of "natural causes" on December 1, 2014, and had rejected PILs seeking an SIT probe into the death, questioning their motive. The SC had held that petitions were moved by political rivals to settle scores which was a serious attempt to scandalise the judiciary and obstruct the course of justice through a "frontal attack" on its independence. Deepika Padukones visit to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to stand in solidarity with the students has divided Twitter. While some people are praising the actors political statement, others are not so happy. In fact, many are tweeting and urging others to boycott her upcoming movie Chhapaak so much so, the hashtag #boycottchhapaak is also trending on the micro-blogging site. There are also some who are using the hashtag to inform people how they have cancelled their pre-booked Chhapaak tickets to shun the actors upcoming movie. Interestingly, however, multiple people have shared the same image of their cancelled tickets. The image shows the movie was booked for Friday January 10 in Cinemarc, Akota, Vadodara for 6:50 Pm. The pic further shows that three tickets were booked with seat numbers A10, A8, and A9 of Gold class. And, the refund amount is Rs 420. This information is same on the screenshots shared in all the tweets. Here are some of the tweets from various accounts sharing the same image: This man cancelled the booking of #Chappak. Now he will go to watch #TanhajiTheUnsungWarriror. RT if you are going to watch #Tanhaji this Friday. #BoycottChhaapaak #Tanhajichallenge pic.twitter.com/xw97VCalQY Vivek Bansal (@ivivekbansal) January 8, 2020 ALSO WATCH | Deepika Padukone visits JNU to support students protesting violence On Sunday, a masked mob attacked students and teachers inside JNU campus. The mob vandalised the hostel property and also the cars parked inside the campus. Oil sank the most in three months, erasing a rally that followed the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general, after President Donald Trump downplayed the impact of Irans attacks on American military bases in Iraq. Futures in New York reversed an advance that saw prices rise almost 5% earlier when the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the missile strikes in Iraq. The U.S. benchmark gave up all its gains for the year on news that no staff had been killed and as Trump said Iran appeared to be standing down. Futures declined further as total U.S. petroleum inventories jumped by almost 15 million barrels last week. The conflict has remained limited to the military dimension and the stage is set for de-escalation, according to Pavel Molchanov, a Houston-based analyst at Raymond James & Associates Inc. As such, there is no imminent prospect of impact on oil supply, he said in a note. Global benchmark Brent crude in London hit a three-month high of almost $72 a barrel immediately after the attack, in which 10 missiles struck the Ayn al-Asad base in western Iraq and another facility in Erbil. PREVIOUSLY: Oil surges after Iran retaliates in rocket attacks The attack followed the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani last week on Trumps orders. Tensions have flared between the two nations since the U.S. re-imposed sanctions on Iran last year over its nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter that the country had concluded proportionate measures in self-defense and is not seeking escalation or war. Not a single drop of oil supply has been lost due to the recent incidents and that is why the oil price so quickly has fallen back down again, said Bjarne Schieldrop, Oslo-based chief commodities analyst at SEB AB. Prices also abated as officials from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries promised to keep supplies flowing to customers. FUEL FIX NEWSLETTER: Now more than ever, you need our energy news in your inbox We are not forecasting a shortage of supply unless we have a catastrophic escalation, which we dont see, United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said in Abu Dhabi. OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo said he was confident that our leaders are doing everything possible to restore normalcy. Brent crude for March settlement fell $2.83 to close at $65.44 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe exchange, as of 2:37 p.m. New York time, after earlier reaching $71.75. West Texas Intermediate for February fell $3.09 to settle at $59.61 on the New York Mercantile Exchange. While oil flows from the Middle East continue unimpeded for now, fears persist about the risk to exports from the region, which accounts for almost a third of global supplies. Half of Saudi Arabias production was briefly knocked out by a missile strike in September, and most crude exports from the Persian Gulf transit the Strait of Hormuz waterway, which Iran has in the past threatened to close. If Iran seeks further targets for retaliation to the killing of Soleimani, but without crossing declared U.S. red lines that would prompt a military response, energy infrastructure may be appealing, said Jason Bordoff, a former Obama administration official who now works at Columbia University. The markets relatively muted response is another sign that global supplies are in an era of abundance, largely powered by the American shale-oil revolution. Furthermore, OPEC is sitting on huge amounts of spare capacity after reducing supplies for most of the past three years, while big oil consumers including the U.S. and China also hold millions of barrels in strategic reserves that can be deployed to offset any shortage. --With assistance from Alexander Kwiatkowski and Sharon Cho 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Acumen Research and Consulting, Recently Published Report On Bench-top Dental Autoclaves Market Size, Share, Growth Opportunities and Forecast 2019 - 2026. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global bench-top dental autoclaves market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 4.8% during the forecast period 2019 to 2026 and reach the market value of around US$ 94.5 Bn by 2026. Free Download Sample Report Pages for Better understanding@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/request-sample/1654 North America dominated the global bench-top dental autoclaves market in the year 2018. The region has experienced the potential growth owing to increasing dental disease, growing number of dental surgeries, and high adoption of technological advanced devices in the dental health industry. In addition, rising geriatric population susceptible to the dental disorders would contribute to the growth of North America region. Also, growing trend of cosmetic surgeries, increasing need for better sterilization procedures and less human error boosts the adoption bench-top dental autoclaves in the North America region. Asia pacific region is expected gain momentum in the global bench-top dental autoclave market over the forecast years. It is expected that the region is accounted for the highest growth rate in the global market during the forecast period. The primary reason for this growth would be the growing popularity of cosmetic dental surgery under medical tourism. Asia Pacific is considered to be the hub for medical tourism industry considering the low-cost surgical procedures and medications. Such factors are expected to enhance the market position of the region in the global bench-top dental autoclave market in future and create investment opportunities for the manufactures in the domestic market. View Detail Information with Complete TOC@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/bench-top-dental-autoclaves-market In 2018, automatic bench-top dental autoclaves product type segment has dominated the market and is projected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period from 2019 to 2026. The growth of this segment is attributed to the advantages offered by automated devices such as speedy sterilization process with no compromising on the quality of sterilization, low power consumption and its compact size. Also, the many of the autoclave manufacturers are now conducting rigorous research and development activities to develop more advance devices with comparatively lower price and reduced error frequency. In 2018, pre & post vacuum bench-top dental autoclave devices segment dominated the market on the basis of application. The factors responsible for the growth of this segment includes, high advantages offered by pre and post vacuum devices such as removal of cold air from the chamber to allow additional steam penetration and removing the same at the end of the cycle to enable speedy drying process. Class B bench-top dental autoclaves hold the largest share in the market on the basis of class. The benefits associated with class B dental autoclaves such as user-friendly design, low power consumption, which also fulfills the European Standard EN 13060. Owing to these advantages, most of the hospitals and dental clinics prefers class B bench-top dental autoclaves compared to other classes such as class N and class S. Considering the current industry need, many of the manufacturers such as SciCan and Midmark are developing class B bench-top autoclave devices which allows faster and efficient sterilization process with user friendly experience. Browse More Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals Industry Research Reports@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/industry-categories/healthcare-and-pharmaceuticals End use segment in the global bench-top dental autoclave market includes hospitals/dental clinics, dental laboratories and academic/research institutes among these, hospital/dental clinic holds the majority of the share. The factors are responsible behind the growth of this segment includes increasing dental cosmetic surgeries, increasing dental complications among patients, need for efficient sterilization technique to avoid hospital acquired infections. Also, favorable reimbursement policies for dental surgeries are expected to surge in number of hospitalizations for sophisticated dental services in coming years. The key companies involved in the global bench-top dental autoclave market includes Tuttnauer, Straumann, Cook Medical, Dentsply International Inc., W&H Dentalwerk International, Antonio Matachana, 3M ESPE, Sirona Dental Systems Inc., ThermoFisher Scientifics and W&H Dentalwerk Burmoos GmbH. Some of the key observations regarding bench-top dental autoclaves industry include: In September 2019, Midmark launched an updated version of Midmark M9 & M11 steam sterilizers with the advanced drying capabilities coupled with optional printer accessory to prepare immediate documentation. These devices are expected to provide the reliability and simplicity dental practices need to deliver safe, efficient care. In march 2019, SciCan launched STATCLAVETM G4 Chamber Autoclave which address the need for speed, flexibility, and efficiency in todays environments. It is a Class B vacuum sterilizer which incorporates pre-sterilization vacuum to improve steam penetration and post-sterilization vacuum to improve drying. In January 2018, Flight Dental Systems launched the Flight CLAVE B Pre & Post Vacuum Autoclave, which is a new class B autoclave with a self-regulating steam generator. This generator ensures the rapid sterilization cycles, has a stainless-steel chamber & a double locking system and LCD display. Request for Customization@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/request-customization/1654 The report is readily available and can be dispatched immediately after payment confirmation. Buy this premium research report@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/buy-now/0/1654 If you would like to place an order or have any questions, please feel free to contact at sales@acumenresearchandconsulting.com | +1 407 915 4157 OR +1 408 900 9135 For Latest Update Follow Us: https://twitter.com/AcumenRC https://www.facebook.com/acumenresearchandconsulting PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Palmaia, The House of AiA , invites guests to celebrate the complexity of the Riviera Maya while reconnecting with nature, the sanctity of life, and the true human spirit. In a region dotted with resorts and hotels, Palmaia stands apart with its location between a pristine white sand beach and cool-water cenotes on the cusp of the undisturbed jungle, and thoughtful programming created for guests to explore and step outside their usual comfort zones. The founder and visionary behind Palmaia, Alexander Ferri, designed the resort experience after his own way of living, with the belief that inner exploration and respect for nature and community is key to bringing people together to create meaningful change. The resort is a place where visitors can seek personal growth through the property's curated rituals and deep connecting ceremonies. One of the jewels of the experience is the Architects of Life program led by the in-house Shaman Balder. Alongside hand-selected visiting teachers and guides, Balder will lead guests through rituals such as cacao ceremonies, yoga, multi vibrational sound healing, meditation, plant ceremonies, and ancient practices that inspire reflection, exploration, and connection. The resort will also feature a Rituals of Sound program that pays homage to the music environment of Tulum and Mykonos, but in a more exclusive relaxed setting available only to guests. Palmaia will become a stage for creative experimental musicians who will transport guests through curated deep beats, and deep-fusion electronic music with acoustic overlays. These music rituals will take place in various forms daily from 4 p.m. until midnight allowing all ages to enjoy some conscious fun. "There is a growing community of unconventional thinkers and spiritual seekers that gather in small communities around the world to embrace creativity, music and the environment. Together we are creating a new modern collective consciousness," said Ferri. "Palmaia was designed to be one of these gathering points, and currently the only natural, forward thinking beach enclave of its kind. A safe place where we can create positive change within the boundaries of modern society." Perfectly matched to its surroundings of the Caribbean Sea and jungle, Palmaia offers travelers all oceanfront suites, each with its own private terrace for views of the Caribbean ocean in seven distinctive layouts. They include suites for families with bunk-bedding for children as well as open plan suites for adults, suites with swim-out access to one of the hotel's four infinity pools; and suites nestled among the ocean-side jungle - all designed sustainably and without the use of animal products. A Nomadic Guide will be assigned to each traveler to attend to guests needs throughout the stay, and for parents, Palmaia operates the only holistic fun children's activities program in hospitality run by certified Waldorf Educators. While on property, guests can dine from a selection of four restaurants along with a rotating food truck, each serving ethically sourced food from trusted farms and fisheries around Mexico. Executive Chef Eugenio Villafana, who has trained at numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, oversees the culinary programming. This includes creating parallel plant-based menus for each dining venue, a unique culinary offering in Riviera Maya and throughout the hospitality industry. Leading the plant-based dining programming is Noma alumni, Mauricio Alvarez. The signature fine-dining restaurant LEK serves gastronomic Mexican; Mar de Olivio is a destination for redefined Mediterranean cuisine; and the Oriental-fusion restaurant Ume merges Thai and Continental cuisines for a la carte dinner experiences highlighting sensual fragrances, exotic flavors, and densely rich hues. Su Casa, an integrated beach bar and restaurant on the dunes offers a laid-back Caribbean beach ambiance, with toes-in-the-sand comforts while El Caminante, offers an authentic food truck experience with a daily rotating menu. Eolo Beach Club plays beats by visiting sound artists, two pool bars serve fresh fruit cocktails and custom creations based on guests' mood, and the exclusive Atlas Club creates libations late into the night and houses a Health Cafe where guests can relax in a more modern city loft environment while sipping matcha lattes and snacking on avo-toasts. The resort also includes a jungle spa, Atlantis, where ancient ceremonies like the storied Temazcal are included in the menu of services. At Atlantis, one is guided by the Book of the Nine Paths to Health, designed to treat emotions as root causes rather than physical pain. Treatment rooms feature floor to ceiling windows that look out onto the foliage and are immersed between natural cenotes used for rituals and meditation. The fitness center is also hidden in the jungle. Guided by the philosophy that personal growth is the path to connect with Nature, Palmaia was conceptualized without disturbing the original landscape of nature. The resort was designed with sustainability in mind and strives to become one of the first true carbon-neutral properties in the world in 2021 by compensating the energy Palmaia uses by building solar panels on the resort and in other parts of Mexico. Additionally, guests will not find plastic water bottles on property and all bathroom amenities will be refillable and made with 100% biodegradable ingredients and essential oils. PalmaIa is a gifting community, and will provide everything guests need in the cost of a stay, so guests can enjoy unrestricted access without the hassle of exchanging currency. Opening rates start at $600 per person per night. For reservations and information about Palmaia, The House of AiA, please email [email protected] or visit www.thehouseofaia.com and @thehouseofaia. SOURCE Palmaia, The House of AiA Related Links http://www.thehouseofaia.com BAGHDAD Over an intense half-hour before dawn on Wednesday, Iran bombed targets in Iraq, striking in and around two large military bases that house thousands of Iraqi and American servicemen and women. Last night they received a slap, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said of the Americans in a speech after the missile strikes. But when the barrage of 22 missiles was over, the damage appeared to be to the bases infrastructure, not to people. In a short statement released Wednesday, the Joint Command in Baghdad, which includes both Iraqi and international representatives, said that neither coalition nor Iraqi forces had recorded any losses. Of the 22 missiles, the majority were aimed at Al-Asad, an air base in the desert of western Anbar, an entirely Sunni Muslim area. Of the 17 missiles aimed at the base, two fell outside it near the city of Hit, but did not explode, officials said. Five of the missiles were aimed at an air base in Irbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, and hit the headquarters building. Damage assessments were ongoing on Wednesday. Iran announced that the missile strike had concluded proportionate measures against the United States in response for the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike on Friday. But officials around the region cautioned that the statement did not mean Iran was done maneuvering. More broadly, Iran has remained focused on the goal of forcing the expulsion of U.S. troops from Iraq. Iran President Hassan Rouhani, in his meeting with the countrys Council of Ministers on Wednesday, hinted at that larger strategic goal in comments that were clearly directed at the United States and which referred to the fact that Soleimanis hand had been severed in the strike that killed him. You cut off the hand of Qassem Soleimani from his body, and we will cut off your feet from the region, Rouhani said. Iran has long viewed the U.S. presence on its doorstep, in both Iraq and Afghanistan, as a threat. And it has worked for decades to have leaders in those countries reduce or eliminate the U.S. presence altogether. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reached out to the prime minister of the Kurdish regional government in Iraq, Masrour Barzani, to update him on events. Barzani and his father, Massoud Barzani, have been staunch allies of the United States, and the air base in Irbil was the staging ground for the U.S. Special Operations mission that killed the head of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in October. Barzani, for his part, said in a Twitter post that in his call Wednesday with Pompeo, he had suggested ways to de-escalate and contain the situation. Iraqs prime minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, released a statement similar to Barzanis, saying the government would continue its intense attempts to prevent escalation. Referring to the Iranian bombing, he objected to the violation of Iraqs sovereignty, as he had after the killing of Soleimani and after U.S. strikes on an Iranian-backed militia in western Iraq in late December. Alissa J. Rubin is a New York Times writer. DES MOINES, Iowa Increasingly alarmed that Bernie Sanders could become their partys presidential nominee, establishment-minded Democrats are warning primary voters that the self-described democratic socialist would struggle to defeat President Trump and hurt the partys chances in premier House, Senate and governors races. The urgent warnings come as Sanders shows new signs of strength on the ground in the first two states on the presidential primary calendar, Iowa and New Hampshire, backed by a dominant fundraising operation. The Vermont senator has largely escaped close scrutiny over the past year as his rivals doubted the quirky 78-year-olds ability to win the nomination. But less than a month before Iowas kickoff caucuses, the doubters are being forced to take Sanders seriously. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, previously a senior aide to President Barack Obama, warned Democrats that Sanders status as a democratic socialist and his unwavering support for Medicare for All wont play well among swing voters in the states that matter most in 2020. You need a candidate with a message that can help us win swing voters in battleground states, Emanuel said. The degree of difficulty dramatically increases under a Bernie Sanders candidacy. It just gets a lot harder. The increasingly vocal concerns are coming from a number of political veterans tied to the Obama administration and the 2020 fields moderate wing, including those backing former Vice President Joe Biden, South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet. In some ways, the criticism is not surprising. Sanders has spent decades fighting to transform the nations political and economic systems, creating a long list of political adversaries along the way. Many people connected to Hillary Clinton, for example, still blame Sanders for not working hard enough to support her after their long and bitter presidential primary feud in 2016. Some Democrats still accuse him of not being enough of a team player. Sanders chief strategist Jeff Weaver dismissed the growing criticism as a reflection of the strength of his candidacy. He raised more money than any other Democratic candidate in the past quarter virtually all of it from small-dollar donors and hes considered a legitimate contender to win Iowa and New Hampshire next month. People in establishment Washington are terrified of Bernie Sanders, Weaver said. The truth of the matter is their centrist tacking over the years has led us to the place where someone like Donald Trump can get elected. Steve Peoples and Alexandra Jaffe are Associated Press writers. U.S. President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday discussed the tense situation regarding Iran and Iraq, a German government spokesman said, Reuters reports. They also exchanged views on the current situation in Libya and the political efforts to resolve the conflict in that country. They agreed to remain in contact on this issue, spokesman Steffen Seibert said in a statement. 8 Jan Despite receiving all the support from netizens and fellow celebrities alike to win TV King this year, Kenneth Ma would rather not think too much about his chances. As reported on Mingpao, the actor, who sat down for an interview alongside Joel Chan recently, stated that luck plays a big part in one's chance on winning, aside from a good role and project. "If you want to vote for something, vote for [my drama] "Big White Duel" to win Best Drama, since it was a group cooperation," he added. When mentioned that a lot of fans wanted to see him finally winning the title TV King, Joel Chan chimed in and said that the actor deserves to get it. "I became a lead actor just recently, and would need more time to make more progress. But Kenneth has been doing it for many years," he said. It is noted that fans had rallied behind Kenneth to win the said title back in 2017 through his hit TV series, "The Exorcist's Meter", but the actor was bested by Vincent Wong, who won for his role in "Legal Mavericks". He instead won My Favourite TV Male Character, a category that he won again the next year after losing TV King to "Life On the Line" star, Joe Ma. On the other hand, Kenneth has already won a similar title at the Singapore's StarHub Night of Stars back in November for his performance as Dr Tong Ming in "Big White Duel". (Photo Source: Kenneth Ma Weibo) Azerbaijan's Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement in connection with the death of a border guard, soldier Farzaly Farzaliyev, as a result of sniper fire opened by the Armenian armed forces in the direction of the village of Gushchu Ayrim in the Gazakh district of Azerbaijan. "Consistent violation by the armed forces of Armenia of the ceasefire regime on the state border, as well as along the line of contact of the troops of the two countries, targeted fire on the Azerbaijani military and civilians, and respect for the values of international law by official Yerevan only in words, once again clearly demonstrate the falsehood of Armenia's calls for peaceful resolution of the conflict and the desire of Armenia to hide its occupational and aggressive policies," the Azerbaijani foreign ministry said. The foreign ministry noted that "with this deliberate attack, Armenia once again confirms that the country is the aggressor, and its attempts to hide behind the puppet regime that it created in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, are completely vain." "The murder of a soldier of the State Border Service guarding the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan is a crime. Armenia, which keeps under military occupation the territories of Azerbaijan and having conducted ethnic cleansing in these areas, violates the fundamental principles of international law. The Armenian side regularly attacks the Azerbaijani military and civilians by violating the ceasefire regime, and it should be aware of the responsibility for all its crimes and that its actions will not remain unanswered," the ministry's statement said. Azerbaijani border guard Farzali Farzaliyev was killed as a result of sniper fire in the direction of Gushchu Ayrim village of Azerbaijans Gazakh district on January 7, at 14:56 (GMT +4). Turbulent times prevail in RTE with the deaths of three iconic broadcasters coinciding with the biggest financial crisis in its history. Legendary personalities Gay Byrne, Marian Finucane and Larry Gogan have all passed away in the space of two months, casting a dark pall over the organisation. Ryan Tubridy told the Irish Independent it was a "very, very sad day for us in RTE". "We have lost three iconic broadcaster who are not just people who are in a studio talking into microphones - they are friends and people's families and friends of the listeners," he said. "There is a strange connection with listeners. There is a great intimacy of having somebody in your kitchen, albeit in a disembodied way, or in your car. "You shout at the radio and give out. But they are your company and my company and when that company is taken from you, no matter how old someone is or how brutally or swiftly it is, it's just sad for everyone. While we accept it as a death of a colleague - whether it's Gay or Marian or Larry - the country has lost three friends." 'The Late Late Show' presenter, who considered Gay a mentor, said it had been a "tricky and tough two months". "It's been challenging at an emotional and soulful level - it has been humbling, it is very, very difficult. But like I say, I don't want to appropriate the sorrow," he said. "I think it affects everyone - people listening to Larry's Just a Minute Quiz, it's Marian interpreting the events, Gay 40 years in our life. Three icons gone in such a short space. It takes a bit of time to process that." He said Larry Gogan was a rare thing in Irish media, given that he was universally liked. Video of the Day "I don't have it, I don't know many people who do have it but he had it," he said. "He was one of those people who was a gentle man and a gentleman, he was kind thoughtful and someone people trusted." Miriam O'Callaghan said that "everyone is really shocked" at recent events. "People have grown up with RTE. They give out about us all the time but a lot of people had great affection for Gay, Marian and Larry. If we were to pick three broadcasters that Irish people really connected with and respected and loved, they are that trio and they are no longer with us within a very short period of time," she said. "They had real talent. People always say, 'Ah well, Irish broadcasters, will they get work anywhere else?' Yes, Gay, Marian and Larry, they would have got work in any broadcasting company in the world. They were still at the top of their game." Trump says no US troops hurt in Iran air raids, Tehran appears to be standing down. US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iranian missile strikes on bases in Iraq did not harm any US troops stationed there and damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanted to de-escalate a standoff. Iran appears to be standing down, Trump said at the White House amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over the US killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Iraq last week. Trump announced the US would immediately impose new powerful sanctions until Iran changes its behaviour. The comments were Trumps first televised remarks since Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops. Trump also said there were no Iraqi casualties. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it. American strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent, Trump said in a speech that struck a noticeably different tone than his tweets following the attack on Soleimani in which he threatened to fully strike back if Iran attacked any US citizen or site. Iran said Wednesdays attacks against an Iraqi base in Erbil and the Ain al-Asad base in western Iraq were revenge for the killing of Soleimani. It warned the US against retaliating for the strikes. Pieces of missiles are seen at the rural area of Al-Baghdadi town after Iran targeted Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq, which hosted US troops [Al-Baghdadi township/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images] Earlier on Wednesday, Irans Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei said Irans attacks were a slap on the face of the US and said US troops should leave the region. Tehrans foreign minister said Iran took proportionate measures in self-defence and did not seek an escalation. Under pressure The fallout for Trumps order to kill Soleimani had been swift. Iran vowed harsh revenge. Iraqs Parliament voted to expel US troops from Iraq, which would undermine efforts to fight ISIL (ISIS) in the region and would strengthen Irans influence in the Middle East. And regional and world leaders called for de-escalation The counterattack by Iran came as Trump and his top advisers were under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led the US president to order the US strike that killed Soleimani. Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi), an Iran-backed umbrella organisation comprising several militias, was also killed in last weeks strike. Top Senate Democrats, citing deep concern about the lack of information coming from the Trump administration about the Iran operation, called on Defense Department officials to provide regular briefings and documents to Congress. The full Senate and House are expected to receive separate classified briefings later on Wednesday. Trump and top national security officials have justified the air strike with general statements about the threat posed by Soleimani, who US officials said was planning an imminent attack. But details have been scarce. Trump on Wednesday said the US will continue to look at options to respond to the attacks, but did not elaborate. He said he will ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East. While the cause of the crash remains unclear, some aviation experts said that what was known indicated that the plane could have been attacked. Investigators should have that possibility at the top of their agenda, said Peter Goelz, a former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States. What did Ukraine and Iran say about the crash? Early statements from both countries were somewhat contradictory. Qassem Biniaz, an official at the Iranian Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, told the Islamic Republic News Agency, the governments official news agency, that an engine had caught fire and the pilot was unable to regain control. Iranian news organizations tied to the government initially referred to technical problems with the plane, without providing details or evidence. Ukraines Embassy in Iran initially issued a statement ruling out terrorism or a rocket attack as a cause of the crash. But Ukraines statement was later removed from the embassys website and replaced by one saying it was too early to draw any conclusions. The head of Irans Civil Aviation Organization, Ali Abedzadeh, told the semiofficial Mehr News Agency that so far there was no evidence of technical problems. A spokesman for Irans armed forces, Abolfazl Shekarchi, said the crash was not a result of any military action. They are spreading propaganda that the Ukrainian flight was targeted, the Iranian news media quoted Mr. Shekarchi as saying. This is ridiculous. Most of the passengers on this flight were our valued young Iranian men and women. Whatever we do, we do it for the protection and defense of our country and our people. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada said in a statement that he was shocked and saddened that the crash had claimed the lives of 176 people, including 63 Canadians. Indian markets recovered from early lows to close marginally in the red on January 8. The morning trade was volatile, in line with other Asian markets after Iran launched a missile attack against US troops in Iraq. Fears were abated slightly as hopes grew that the United States would stop short of a strong retaliation after President Donald Trump tweeted All is well! and So far, so good!, Reuters reported. Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also tweeted that the Iranians do not seek escalation or war, said the report. Lets look at the final tally on D-Street: the BSE Sensex fell 51 points to close at 40,817, while the Nifty ended 27 points lower at 12,025. Sectorally, the action was seen in telecom, IT, and banking stocks, while profit-taking was recorded in capital goods, energy, oil & gas, and metals. Broader markets outperformed, as the BSE Mid-cap index rose 0.08 percent and the Small-cap index gained 0.16 percent. The mutual fund space had something to cheer about. The net equity inflow for December 2019 stood at Rs 4,432.2 crore against Rs 933 crore the month before, AMFI data showed. Experts are of the view that investors should stay cautious and wait for a breakout above 12,200 before initiating fresh positions on the upside or a breakdown below 11,929. Markets settled with a marginal loss amid excessive volatility, in continuation with the prevailing corrective phase, Ajit Mishra, VP-Research, Religare Broking Ltd, told Moneycontrol. We do not see this volatility to fade away anytime soon and in fact, the prevailing earnings season would further add to the erratic swings ahead. We thus advise focusing more on stock selection and risk-management aspects. Also, keeping a close eye on global developments for cues. Top Nifty gainers Yes Bank, TCS, and Bharti Airtel, up more than 2% each Top Nifty losers IOC, L&T, Coal India, and Eicher Motors, down 2-4% each Stocks & Sectors Sectorally, the S&P BSE Telecom index rose 2.4 percent, followed by the S&P BSE IT index which was up 0.23 percent, and the S&P BSE Bankex closed flat but with a positive bias. On the other hand, the BSE Capital Goods index was down 1.4 percent followed by the BSE Energy index that fell 0.88 percent and the BSE Oil & gas index was down 0.77 percent. A volume spike of 100-400% was seen in stocks such as Coal India, Eicher Motors, UBL, NIIT Tech, Bharti Airtel, and Idea Cellular. Long Buildup NIIT Tech, Jindal Steel, MindTree Short Buildup - NMDC, Eicher Motors, Coal India, BPCL Stocks in news Shares of Suzlon Energy shed 10 percent after the company said it had defaulted on loans worth Rs 7,256.38 crore that were to be paid on March 19, 2019. Navin Fluorine International shares jumped 6 percent to a 52-week high of Rs 1,083.95 on the companys Dewas plant commencing commercial production after cGMP capacity addition. Yes Bank jumped 2 percent after the private lender said its board would meet on January 10 to consider fundraising. Goa Carbon rose 5 percent after the company reported improved production in December 2019. Technical View The Nifty defended 50-day exponential moving average (DEMA) placed at 11,982 but failed to close above 50-DMA. In the near term, markets may continue to remain volatile owing to the US-Iran tensions. If the Nifty sustains above its 50-DEMA, then the possibility of the short-term trend turning sideways with a positive bias will remain higher. The Nifty may remain in a range of 12,19011,920 for a couple of trading sessions before witnessing a breakout in either of the directions, experts say. Traders are advised to stay neutral. The intraday low of 11,929 is the lowest level since December 12. On the upside, 12,044, which is the intraday high, will be the first resistance to watch out for on January 9 Three levels: 11,929, 12044, 12200 While Trudeau is telling us he is committed to "saving the Canadian middle class," he has been busy responding to demands by big business to help lower the cost of labour. Several labour groups like farmers and temporary foreign workers have been exempt from complying with conventional labour standards, including wages, benefits, and housing, to provide select employers with cheap labour. Governments have also responded by opening the floodgates for refugees and migrants, real or fake, many who do not possess the hands-on, language or academic skills needed to perform any meaningful work. That also means literally millions of new Canadians will never make enough money to look after themselves, let alone pay any taxes. The end result is that the Canadian middle class, the very people who are doing the heavy lifting, are getting screwed, because they will be paying much higher taxes to provide necessities and costly social programs for an increasing number of people. At the same time, billions of dollars of laundered money is flooding Canada, inflating the price of housing and corresponding property taxes. Working Canadians are being forced out of their homes because they no longer can pay their inflated property taxes. The City of Vancouver is projecting an 8.2% increase in property taxes for 2020, 9.3% when other services are included. That will double those taxes in only eight years. The middle class Canadian workers who are building our core infrastructure like educational and healthcare facilities, our highways, and whose taxes are providing governments with the revenues they need to supply us with safety nets, such as social services, public safety, and national security are now being forced into living in high-density, institutional style housing. Without a middle class, we will be defined as a Third World country. Andy Thomsen, Kelowna IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Netreo, the award-winning platform for IT management and one of Inc. 5000s fastest growing companies, today announced that it has expanded the leadership team to accelerate the companys growth in bringing AIOps to the IT management sector. Jasmin Young, formerly a business models transformation leader from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), joins Netreo as chief executive officer (CEO), and Joe Rodgers, most recently from Carbon, has joined the team as vice-president of sales. Additionally, Andrew Anderson, a co-founder of Netreo who has been Netreos chief operating officer (COO) since 2000, now serves as Netreos president. We are thrilled to have this expanded leadership team drive innovation and scale through product, operations, and sales excellence, said Sumit Garg, Netreo chairman of the board, Together, these executives fuel our forces for growth: Andrew provides a firm foundation by expanding our vision for innovation and customer success. Jasmin will bring best practices from top technology companies to accelerate transformation and build on our culture with her high-growth mindset. And, Joe will drive expansion of our sales organization to bring Netreos innovation to the global market. About Jasmin Young, CEO Jasmin Young has joined Netreo as CEO after more than 20 years serving in strategic, marketing and operational leadership roles for established organizations and pioneering software companies. Prior to joining Netreo, Young was at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) where she worked with leading software and technology companies to accelerate growth by launching new subscription and cloud offerings, transforming customer experiences, and scaling operations. She was also instrumental in building the firms cloud capabilities globally, and establishing joint business relationships with key cloud partners, such as Amazon Web Services. Young, who is a thought leader on software as a service (SaaS) business model transformation, has also received awards for her role in driving industry consortiums. Young received her MBA from the University of California Berkeleys Haas School of Business, where she has been teaching graduate sales and marketing classes part-time for more than 10 years. Netreo is offering a compelling, new value proposition in IT management with its AIOps capabilities, which are transforming industries by empowering customers to leverage IT as a strategic asset by enhancing agility without compromising reliability. This enables customers to manage mission-critical priorities, while embarking on new digital models and businesses, said Jasmin Young, CEO. I am excited to drive Netreos next phase of customer success, innovation, and growth. About Joe Rodgers, Vice-President of Sales Joe Rodgers, a software industry veteran with 25 years of enterprise sales experience, is joining Netreo as vice-president of sales. Most recently serving as sales leader at Carbon, Joe has driven sales at several technology companies, such as PTC, Edgewave, GT Nexus, Resilinc, and Fuze. Over the years, he has successfully built world-class sales teams and go-to-market partnerships with many of the most recognizable brands around the world. Netreo has many great building blocks in place, including a great culture, reliable product, and passionate visionaries, said Joe Rodgers, vice-president of sales. I am thrilled to be part of a team that is committed to bringing Netreo to the next level. About Andrew Anderson, President Netreo co-founder Andrew Anderson is stepping up from his previous position as COO to serve as president of the company. In this role, he will continue to drive product and engineering, as well as build upon the vision he has had since he started the company. I am excited to lead Netreo through a new era of growth, as we disrupt the IT management space with our AIOps capabilities, said Andrew Anderson, president. Our customers are looking for solutions that simplify the management of increasingly complex hybrid environments. With 20 years of IT management experience, a wealth of data, and a growing team of AI data scientists, we are in a unique position to solve these problems. About Netreo Netreos award-winning full-stack IT management products are widely deployed by enterprises, and these products now monitor more than 15 million assets and devices per day. Try Netreo here at www.netreo.com, or connect with Netreo on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/netreo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/netreo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/netreo/ Attachment Stampede at Soleimani Funeral Kills Dozens By VOA News January 07, 2020 A stampede at the funeral Tuesday for top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani killed at least 40 people and injured more than 200 others, Iranian state media reported. Tens of thousands of people had gathered to honor Soleimani in his hometown of Kerman before his burial, following similar ceremonies this week in Tehran, Qom and Ahvaz. The state media reports said the burial was postponed following the stampede. Many of the mourners screamed for retaliation against the United States for the killing of Soleimani, taken out in a drone strike last week at the Baghdad airport on orders of U.S. President Donald Trump. "No compromise, no submission, revenge!" they shouted. Soleimani's killing has sparked fears of a wider conflict as the United States and Iran threatened strong responses to each other's actions. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif contended in a CNN interview that the U.S. killing of Soleimani, commander of the Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, constituted "state terrorism." "This is an act of aggression against Iran, and it amounts to an armed attack against Iran, and we will respond," Zarif said. "But we will respond proportionately - not disproportionately ... we are not lawless like President Trump." U.S. officials have blamed Soleimani for the killings of American troops in Iraq by Iranian-backed forces and accused him of plotting "imminent" new attacks against U.S. personnel in the region, while not publicly disclosing the nature of the threat. With tensions between the United States and Iran raised, the U.S. has denied Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif a visa to travel to New York for upcoming United Nations meetings. Following the airstrike, Iran also announced it was further cutting its compliance with the 2015 agreement that restrained its nuclear program. That prompted U.S. President Donald Trump, who withdrew from the deal and applied new sanctions against Iran, to tweet Monday, "IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!" Trump also vowed late Sunday that the U.S. will strike "very hard and very fast" at as many as 52 Iranian targets if Iran attacks U.S. personnel or assets. The number 52 represents the number of Americans Tehran took hostage in 1979 for 444 days. "They're allowed to kill our people," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "They're allowed to torture and maim our people. They're allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people and we're not allowed to touch their cultural sites? It doesn't work that way." Iranian President Hassan Rouhani rebuffed Trump's threat on Monday, tweeting: "Those who refer to the number 52 should also remember the number 290. #IR655. Never threaten the Iranian nation." It was a reference to the U.S. mistakenly shooting down an Iranian passenger jet flying over the Persian Gulf in 1988, killing all 290 people aboard the aircraft. Then-U.S. President Ronald Reagan expressed deep regret over the incident and the U.S. paid nearly $62 million in reparations to the victims' families. As the threats and counter-threats ricocheted between Tehran and Washington, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg urged Iran to avoid "further violence and provocations." At an emergency session of NATO's ruling council in Brussels, U.S. officials briefed allies about the drone strike that killed Soleimani. Stoltenberg said it was a "U.S. decision" to launch the attack, but added that the other 28 NATO countries had longstanding concerns about aggressive Iranian military actions in the Middle East. In another development, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud in Washington. The State Department said Pompeo thanked Al Saud for Riyadh's "continued support" and for "working with the U.S. to counter the threat posed by the Iranian regime." Speaking to VOA Persian, London-based Iranian dissident and political analyst Alireza Nourizadeh said the demise of Soleimani is welcome news to several of Iran's neighbors. "Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Lebanon -- they were targets of Soleimani and endured his attacks," Nourizadeh said. In another VOA Persian interview, former U.S. ambassador to the UAE Barbara Leaf said majority-Sunni Gulf nations Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who long have accused predominantly-Shi'ite Iran of seeking regional hegemony, both have been "muted" in their public responses to the U.S. killing of Soleimani. "The theme of their comments essentially is, it is time for de-escalation and a political approach to resolving these issues," said Leaf, an analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. "It is safe to say that all Gulf countries as well as Iraqis are extremely anxious about the prospect of an escalation to actual clashes between the U.S. and Iran." The White House said it will brief the entire 100-member Senate about the drone attack on Wednesday. While Republicans have generally supported Trump's action to take out Soleimani, opposition Democrats have called for publication of U.S. intelligence used by his aides to justify the strike. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Sunday letter to her Democratic colleagues that the House will vote this week on a war powers resolution "to limit the President's military actions regarding Iran." "It reasserts Congress's long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further Congressional action is taken, the Administration's military hostilities with regard to Iran cease within 30 days," Pelosi wrote. She called last week's airstrike "provocative and disproportionate," and said it endangered U.S. troops while escalating tensions with Iran. Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of Trump's Republican allies, said the president "did the right thing" and that his national security team is "doing a great job helping President Trump navigate Iranian provocations." VOA Persian's Katherine Ahn and Afshar Sigarchi contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Air turbulence can be scary and there have been multiple incidents where passengers onboard have been severely injured. But more often than not, it's the cabin crew who run the risk of getting severely hurt because unlike passengers, they are not always strapped in their seats when the pilot sounds out a turbulence warning. Source/Mail Online More recently, a flight attendant was left with a broken her leg in seven places, after a plane she was deployed on ran into severe turbulence. The turbulence caused the plane to climb up 500 feet all of a sudden and the attendant named Eden Garrity was serving passengers with a catering trolley at the time. The aircraft reportedly entered a mid-Atlantic hailstorm, causing it to violently climb up, the Mail Online reported. Source/Mail Online She was injured on August 2 last year, shortly after leaving Cuba, as she fell to the ground under the crushing force of the plane's sudden rise in altitude, she said. She broke her fibula in five places, apart from the tibia, ankle bone and fracture on her foot. She said: "We hit a massive hailstorm. The pilot said to me afterwards that it turned black all around him. "It was by far the worst turbulence I have ever experienced as a crew member or a passenger." She lay on the plane floor for an hour while seats were cleared and were in agony during the remaining travel that lasted seven hours, before she was taken to the hospital. Please register or log in to keep reading. No credit card required! Stay logged in to skip the surveys. International Networking Leader-BNIAA Celebrates 35 Years of Helping Businesses Grow Through Referral MarketingA CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, Jan. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --A BNI (Business Network International) celebrates 35 years of building referral generating relationships for its Members around the world. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1062991/BNI_Logo.jpg In 1985, BNI held its first meeting in Arcadia, Calif., with 20 people in attendance. Since that time, it has grown to be the largest and most successful business networking organization in the world. Today, BNI has over 270,000 Members in more than 70 countries around the world attending weekly meetings in nearly 9,500 Chapters. From its inception, BNI has helped its Members generate over $100 Billion in closed business. With thousands of chapters worldwide, BNI provides a global business network that is unparalleled in scope, scale and performance. After 35 years, BNI remains the world's leading referral organization. "It is very humbling to me to see what BNI has become," says Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI. "I simply had this nugget of an idea 35 years ago. If it was just me, BNI would be two chapters, not approaching 10,000. It was all our BNI Directors and Members that made the dream a reality. BNI's impact on the world of business and on individual lives continues to flourish.A I feel so proud of how the Givers GainA philosophy has been embraced by millions of people and expanded around the world." "The success of BNI is a tribute to our Founder Dr. Ivan Misner for having the vision, drive and determination to create an organization that is so simple in design and yet has had such an extraordinary impact on people's lives. A It's also a tribute to all the BNI Leaders and Members past and present who have tirelessly supported and helped each other grow their businesses. I look forward reaching BNI's next milestone of 10,000 chapters," says Graham Weihmiller, Chairman and CEO of BNI.A A A A For the 35th Anniversary Logo and photos: https://bni.canto.com/v/BNIAnniversary For more information about joining BNI: A https://www.bni.com/ About BNIA BNI is the world's largest and most successful business networking organization in the world. BNI has over 270,000 members who attend one of nearly 9,500 weekly chapter meetings in more than 70 countries around the globe. BNI's proven business networking platform provides its members the right environment, training and support to help them build strong referral generating relationships and business skills to grow their business.A Visit BNI.com for more information T he US and Iran have endured 65 years of volatile relations in the lead up to the recent killing of Iran's top military general and subsequent retaliation. Donald Trump ordered the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Quds Force in an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq, on January 2. A few days later, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two coalition military bases in Iraq. Here, we take a look at the tortured history between the two nations in more detail: Iranian protesters burn a US flag after the assassination of Gen. Soleimani / AFP via Getty Images Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh ousted in 1953 US and British intelligence agencies orchestrated a coup to oust Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. The secular leader had attempted to nationalise the country's oil industry, which had been built by the British on Persian lands since 1913 through the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. He was imprisoned for three years, then put under house arrest until his death in 1967. Hundred thousand of people gather at Tehran Freedom Square as the insurrection against the Shah's regime spreads all over the country / Iranrevolution07012020 Many Iranians regard him as the leading champion of secular democracy and resistance to foreign domination in Iran's modern history. Iranian Revolution in 1979 The US-backed Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlevi, was forced to leave the country on January 16. The ruler had faced months of protests and strikes organised by secular and religious opponents. The Islamic religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile two weeks later. Iranian protesters hold up a picture of the Shah of Iran. / Getty Images Following a referendum the country become the Islamic Republic of Iran on April 1. US Embassy hostage crisis in 1979 - 1981 American hostages were held inside the US embassy in Tehran for 444 days after protesters seized the building in 1979. The final 52 hostages were released in January 1981 - on the same day of President Ronald Reagan's inauguration. The 2012 Oscar-winning film Argo dramatised the true story of six Americans who had escaped the embassy. They were smuggled out of Iran by a team posing as film-makers. Iranian students climb over the wall of the US embassy in Tehran in 1979. / Getty Images Iranian passenger plane shot down by US warship in 1988 The USS Vincennes warship shot down an Iranian passenger flight in the Gulf on July 3, 1988. All 290 people on board were killed, most of whom were on their way to Mecca. The US said the Airbus A300 was mistaken for a fighter jet. President George W. Bush denounced Iran as part of "axis of evil" in 2002 President George W. Bush's State of the Union address caused public outrage in Iran in January 2002. US President George W. Bush delivers his State of the Union address 29 January 2002 on Capitol Hill / Getty Images Mr Bush said Iran was part of an "axis of evil" alongside Iraq and North Korea. He often repeated the phrase throughout his presidency to describe foreign governments that were allegedly sponsoring terrorism and seeking weapons of mass destruction. Nuclear fears and sanctions between 2000-2013 In 2002, an Iranian opposition group revealed that the country was developing facilities to build nuclear weapons, which included a uranium enrichment plant. Iran denied building a secret nuclear programme after the US fired off accusations. For a decade, the countries engaged in diplomacy and Iran worked with the UN's nuclear watchdog. But several rounds of sanctions were still imposed by the UN, the US and the EU against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government. Iran's currency lost two-thirds of its value in just two years. Nuclear deal under Obama between 2013 - 2016 In September 2013, President Barack Obama and the newly-elected moderate Iranian leader Hassan Rouhani spoke over the phone. It was the first top-level conversation between the two nations in more than 30 years. In 2015, Iran agreed a long-term deal on its nuclear programme with a group of world powers known as the P5+1, which included the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany. Under the agreement, the country agreed to limit its nuclear activities in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions. Trump abandons Nuclear deal in 2018 In May 2018, US President Donald Trump pulled out of the nuclear deal. US President Donald Trump abandons the nuclear deal. Pictured: Hassan Rouhini / AFP/Getty Images He then reinstated economic sanctions against the country before threatening to do the same to countries and firms that continue buying its oil. Iran's economy fell into a deep recession. Iran shot down US military drone in 2019 Tensions between the US and Iran escalated in May 2019, when the US tightened the sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Iran then began a counter-pressure campaign. When explosions hit six oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman in May and June, the US accused Iran. Iran shot down a US Global Hawk drone (Reuters ) / Reuters On June 20, Iranian forces shot down a US military drone over the Strait of Hormuz. The US claimed the drone was over international waters, but Iran said it was over their territory. Iran then started rolling back key commitments to the nuclear deal in July. Qassem Soleimani assassination and retaliation in 2019 On January 3, Iran's top military commander General Qassem Soleimani was killed by a US drone strike in Iraq. Iran then launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraq bases where US troops are stationed in retaliation for the assassination on January 7. Qasem Soleimani funeral in Iran 1 /24 Qasem Soleimani funeral in Iran An Iranian man reacts during a gathering to mourn General Qasem Soleimani VIA REUTERS Mourners wave flags as they gather during the funeral procession of slain Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani AFP via Getty Images Mourners gather during the funeral procession of slain Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis (image), Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and eight others in the Iraqi central city of Karbala AFP via Getty Images Thousands of Iraqis chanting "Death to America" today as they mourned an Iranian commander and others killed in a US drone attack AFP via Getty Images Mourners gather in the Iraqi central city of Karbala AFP via Getty Images Mourners take part in the funeral procession of slain Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani AFP via Getty Images Iranians gather to mourn General Qasem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, who was killed in an air strike at Baghdad airport, in Tehran, Iran VIA REUTERS A mourner holds up a picture AFP via Getty Images Thousands of Iraqis chanting "Death to America" today as they mourned an Iranian commander and others killed in a US drone attack AFP via Getty Images Mourners chant slogans against the U.S. during the funeral of Iran's top general Qasem Soleimani, AP Iran has vowed "harsh retaliation" for the US airstrike near Baghdad's airport AP Mourners carry the coffins of Iran's top general Qasem Soleimani AP Mourners carry the coffin of slain Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis AFP via Getty Images People attend a funeral procession for Iranian Major-General Qasem Soleiman VIA REUTERS An aerial view shows mourners attending a funeral ceremony for Gen. Qasem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani and his comrades who were killed in Iraq by a U.S. drone strike, are carried on a truck surrounded by mourners AP Mourners carry the coffins of Iran's top general Qasem Soleiman AP Iran has vowed "harsh retaliation" for the U.S. airstrike near Baghdad's airport AP British forces were in the coalition military bases, UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab confirmed. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday said the state has attracted investments to the tune of Rs 5 lakh crore in the last three years and it will create a large industrial base which will spur growth of the MSME sector in the state. Inaugurating the Odisha MSME International Trade Fair 2020 here, Patnaik said such fairs provide unique opportunities to MSME entrepreneurs of the state to showcase their products and services before national and international visitors. "Our government fully understands the importance of the MSMEs as they contribute immensely to the state's GDP and create employment opportunities," the chief minister said. Noting that Odisha has been witnessing rapid industrial development for the last few years riding upon its rich natural resources, he said the state also has a conducive business environment, forward looking industrial policy and infrastructure facility. The Make in Odisha Conclaves in 2016 and 2018 have been able to attract huge investments to the tune of Rs 5 lakh crore, and immense employment opportunities, Patnaik said. "This large industrial base shall provide ample new opportunities for MSMEs to grow," he said. The chief minister said he was happy to note that more than 350 MSMEs are participating in this five-day event in which 20 entrepreneurs from Iran and 12 from Bangladesh are taking part. He said special arrangements have been made for participation of women entrepreneurs and MSMEs from districts like Kalahandi, Nuapada, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Kandhamal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least one person is dead and three wounded from a shooting in Ottawa, Canada, police have said. This is not considered an active shooter situation, but the suspect remains at large and is not in custody, the Ottawa Police Service said in a statement. More follows Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 Jakarta is preparing for the worst following escalating tensions between Iran and the United States early on Wednesday, which prompted the Foreign Ministry to hold immediate coordination meetings with the heads of Indonesian missions overseas. Iranian military forces launched a ballistic missile attack on a US-affiliated air base in Ayn Al-Asad more than a 1,000 kilometers southwest of Tehran, marking the start of a new round of confrontations between the two nations. The attack is considered an act of revenge against Washingtons assassination of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani last week in Iraq. In a statement carried by Reuters, the US military said Iran had called the strike at about 1:30 a.m. local time, firing more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US-led forces. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, we are living in the United States of Propaganda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) in Dubai, UAE and Egypt's Alexandria University have signed an agreement to enrich smart learning systems in the Arab world. The signing took place in the presence of Lt Gen Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, deputy chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai and HBMSU chairman, and HBMSU Board of Governors. Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), both parties agreed to collaborate to create common channels of communication for the transfer, dissemination, enrichment, and localisation of knowledge. The signing ceremony was held at the HMBSU campus during the visit of Dr Essam El-Kurdi, President of Alexandria University, to the HBMSU. Dr El-Kurdi and HBMSU chancellor Dr Mansoor Al Awar, inked the agreement. Lt Gen Tamim said the move will enrich knowledge, which is the "true capital of mankind" as stated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. "Alexandria University has been instrumental in enriching scientific and literary knowledge for more than seven decades now. On the HBMSUs part, we are fully committed to sharing our pioneering experience in establishing a solid foundation of smart learning and disseminating our leading expertise in adapting advanced technology to bring higher education to the next level and produce new generations of leaders who are qualified to shape and create the future, he added. Dr El-Kurdi explained that this partnership is vital in the efforts directed towards enhancing and developing the smart learning system, creating a common channel to transferring, disseminating and localising knowledge; exchanging experiences and information; enriching intellectual production; and setting a comprehensive framework for mutually beneficial collaborations. He also explained that the MoUs area of cooperation includes the development and provision of joint programmes utilising smart learning technologies at Alexandria University. Faculty members of Alexandria University who will teach online joint programmes and facilitate academic and research exchange will also have an opportunity to register for free in the "Teaching Staff Certificate in Smart Learning", which will be granted by the HBMSU. Furthermore, both universities will provide opportunities for their respective faculty members to teach some courses through the internet. Dr Al Awar said: "The MoU is aligned with our vision to be a leader in promoting knowledge, innovation, and smart learning in the Arab region and the rest of the globe. The universitys vision is in response to the directives of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the University, to invest more in scientific and technological knowledge as a basis for the countrys progress and the youths exponential advancement." TradeArabia News Service The government on Wednesday issued a travel advisory, asking citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq in view of prevailing situation in the Gulf country. In retaliation to killing of top Iranian commander General Qassem Soleimani, Iran has launched missile strikes against two United States military bases in Iraq on Wednesday. 'In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification,' the advisory by Ministry of External Affairs said. It said Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq. 'Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq,' according to MEA. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Wednesday asked Indian airline companies to remain vigilant and take all precautions in airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf, hours after a Ukrainian International airlines carrying 170 passengers crashed near Tehran in Iran. "We had held meetings with the concerned Airlines and have sensitised them to remain vigilant and take all precautions," said a senior official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday morning. US aviation regulator Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also asked all US airlines to stop operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman due to 'events in Middle East'. Top House Democrats plans to push a measure limiting the Trump administrations war-making powers are in flux following an Iranian missile attack Tuesday on U.S. bases inside Iraq. The real prospect of rapidly intensifying conflict with Iran complicates the Democrats plan to repudiate President Donald Trump for a deadly drone attack on Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani last week without notifying Congress. House Democrats say they are likely to pause, if not abandon, their plans for a war powers resolution. This discussion started Sunday night. It's now 48 hours, or less than 48 hours since, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said Tuesday night. This is something that we have to consider seriously and thoughtfully and correctly and we're going to do that. We need to figure out whats going on, added Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), one of the nations most prominent anti-war Democrats, when asked about plans for a war powers vote this week. I think everyone expected some unfortunate retaliation, Lee said of Tuesdays Iranian attacks. Its a spiral now, that unfortunately might get out of control. Thats what we dont want to see. This aerial photo taken from a helicopter shows Ain al-Asad air base in the western Anbar desert, Iraq, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. An Iraqi general said Sunday that security has been beefed up around the Ain al-Asad air base, a sprawling complex that hosts U.S. forces, following a series of attacks. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser) Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced late Sunday that the House would vote this week on a war powers resolution that would restrain Trumps military powers and effectively halt the mounting crisis in Iran. The measure, led by Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), is intended to force Republicans to go on record backing Trumps provocative attack that killed the senior Iranian commander, though it was expected to gain few, if any, Republican supporters. But even before Tuesday nights counter-attack by the Iranians, Democrats had been struggling to agree on exactly what that resolution would look like. The vote had been expected this week, but it had not been formally scheduled. In a private meeting, some Democrats pushed to add a measure from Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) that would defund any U.S. military action against Iran without first receiving congressional approval to a broader measure. Story continues Khannas bill is essentially identical to a provision included in the Houses annual defense authorization bill over the summer. More than two dozen Republicans broke ranks to support Khannas amendment, but the language was eventually stripped out in final negotiations with the Senate last month. Theyre trying to figure out how to get it where it has the best chance with the Senate, to get the 51 Senate votes, and how to draft it in that way, Khanna said Tuesday night. Moderate Democrats had their own reservations about the whole exercise, and are unwilling to draft a resolution that would hamstring the military in its response to future attacks. Theyre also hesitant to support any language that would directly repudiate Trump for the Soleimani killing. Some progressives, meanwhile, were looking to go even further. Two lawmakers, Lee and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), had been pushing their own version of a war powers resolution over the weekend, before Pelosi announced the House would vote on Slotkins measure, according to multiple people familiar with the conversations. Omar, however, has become a lightning rod within the Democratic caucus, and a number of her colleagues were privately concerned about her taking on a high-profile role on the resolution. FILE -- In this Feb. 11, 2016 file photo, Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani attends an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, in Tehran, Iran. As Saudi Arabia holds a naval drill in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Soleimani, a powerful Iranian general was quoted, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, by the semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies as suggesting the kingdom's deputy crown prince is so There are obviously a lot of opinions, Hoyer said when asked about the vote, before reports of the Iran-led attack surfaced. In fairness to members, we want them to have the opportunity to see whats issued. Leaders in both parties have been desperate for answers about the Soleimani attack, as even the Pentagon has struggled to explain its next steps. The so-called "Gang of Eight" the four House and Senate leaders plus top Republicans and Democrats on the House and Senate Intelligence panels received their first briefing Tuesday afternoon about last week's U.S. strike on Soleimani. House lawmakers will receive a top-secret briefing on Wednesday with the same group of senior administration officials including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; Defense Secretary Mark Esper; Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; CIA Director Gina Haspel; and acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire. That group is also expected to brief the Senate. I actually would say that the people were more concerned about the war today or that there not be, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) said when asked for details on Pelosis impeachment plans. Everybody cares about what shes doing [on impeachment]. Weve done our job ... but were all very concerned about protecting the military, protecting our national security. American Vision Partners American Vision Partners has been focused on partnering with leading practices that share our desire to provide the highest quality of care throughout Arizona, said Kyle A. Bohannon, President & CEO of American Vision Partners American Vision Partners (AVP), one of the largest and fastest growing eye care practice management organizations in the nation, announced the strategic partnership with Havasu Eye Center. The partnership will improve the quality of care for patients and bring more comprehensive vision care services to the Lake Havasu, Parker and Blythe communities. As part of the American Vision Partners family, Dr. Stuart B. Adams, Dr. Stephanie L. Woo, Dr. Ariel Esquibel and the team at Havasu Eye Center will continue to provide patients the same high-quality care with the added support of American Vision Partners and their affiliates. We are very excited to team up with American Vision Partners, Dr. Adams said. Our patients and the communities we serve will be positively impacted by the added benefits this partnership will bring. American Vision Partners has been focused on partnering with leading practices that share our desire to provide the highest quality of care throughout Arizona. Through our relationship with Havasu Eye Center, we will bring exceptional eye care to even more patients throughout the state of Arizona, said Kyle A. Bohannon, President & CEO of American Vision Partners. Havasu Eye Centers loyal patients will benefit from even greater access to leading-edge technology, new services and nationally recognized surgeons. Havasu Eye Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care and taking care of patients eye care needs. The doctors at Havasu Eye Center examine, diagnose, treat and manage all eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. The doctors also provide services unique to the area, including Optomap retinal evaluations and specialty contact lens fittings. The offices also offer many brands and types of prescription lenses, glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. The affiliation with Havasu Eye Center represents the ninth partnership announced by American Vision Partners within the last 24 months. To learn more about a partnership with American Vision Partners, please visit http://www.AmericanVisionPartners.com, or contact Andrew Hewlett at Andrew.Hewlett@AmericanVisionPartners.com. About American Vision Partners American Vision Partners (AVP) is one of the nations largest and fastest growing eye care physician services organizations. AVP serves communities throughout Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada with more than 125 nationally recognized doctors and 64 locations, including 22 ambulatory surgical centers and 25 satellite clinics. We partner with the most respected ophthalmology practices in the country and share a best-in-class management system, infrastructure and technology to provide the highest-quality patient care. Our partner practices, including Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, Southwestern Eye Center, Retinal Consultants of Arizona, M&M Eye Institute, Abrams Eye Institute and Havasu Eye Center, have on average been in practice for more than 35 years. For more information, please visit http://www.AmericanVisionPartners.com. About Havasu Eye Center Havasu Eye Center focuses on improving vision and managing eye health. The Havasu Eye offices have been serving their communities since 1947. In addition to these deep roots in the community, Havasu Eye Center and its doctors have stayed current and have implemented emerging technology, including specialty equipment and expertise of doctors, which are not available within a 200-mile radius. The practice is dedicated to providing the highest-level care for all patients eye care needs. Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday inaugurated the first-ever flower road on its premises to both welcome the coming Lunar New Year and help patients soothe their pain and homesickness. The flower road snakes through the main internal walkways at the hospital, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Such floral roads are often built in Vietnam when the Lunar New Year festival approaches. Due late this month, the fest is considered the biggest celebration in the Southeast Asian country. Medical staff together with patients families built the colorful road in order to beautify the hospital while to some extent relieving the pains of the patients and easing their homesickness. Everyone was pleased with the idea when it was mooted, said Bui Phu Quang, chaiman of the Cho Ray trade union. The families of our patients also joined hands with medical staff to make the flower road and decorate the surroundings. Floral ornaments along the road symbolize joy, happiness, and peace for everyone in the coming new lunar year, which is the Year of the Rat and officially begins on January 25. Ive never walked along a floral road before as I live in the countryside, Truong Thi Kieu, from the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang, said when caring for her mother at the hospital. Ill take my mom to the road for some pictures. The road will be in place until January 28. Cho Ray is considered the biggest and leading general medical facility in southern Vietnam. Boasting 1,800 beds, it treats over 2,500 inpatients and 3,500 outpatients a day, its website says. Serious cases from hospitals around the southern region, and even the country, are normally transferred to Cho Ray as the last resort in Vietnam. Two kids pose for a picture along the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre A rat model is placed among floral arrangements along the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre Medical staff members give the thumbs up along the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre A doctor waters floral arrangements along the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre People walk along the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre A sign against drunk driving is hung along the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre A woman poses for a picture along the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre Best wishes are hung along the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre Two women pose for a picture along the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre A woman takes her ill mother around the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre A boy poses for a photograph along the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre A girl smiles along the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre A boy looks over a chicken cage along the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre A doctor points at floral arrangements along the flower road at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Daniel Hannan: Revolutionary Iran is a threat to our national security not just regional stability. It must be confronted and defeated. Daniel Hannan is an MEP for South-East England, and a journalist, author, and broadcaster. His most recent book is What Next: How to Get the Best from Brexit. In 2015, MI5 uncovered an Iranian-sponsored bomb factory in Hillingdon. Police found three metric tonnes of ammonium nitrate the explosive material used in, among other terrorist abominations, the Oklahoma bombing. The date is important. A few months earlier, Britain, as one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, had struck a deal with Iran that was meant to provide for that countrys reintegration into the world community as a non-nuclear state. 2015 was arguably the high point of the international communitys policy of constructive engagement with the ayatollahs. The bomb-making operation, in other words, was not a response to British or American provocation. It was simply an example of Iran being Iran the worlds pre-eminent exporter of violence. There is a tendency in Britain to think of Iran simply as a regional nuisance a threat, no doubt, to Israel, and to some of Britains Arab allies, but hardly a global menace. This is fundamentally to misunderstand the way the mullahs think. Consider the following list of countries: Albania, Argentina, Bahrain, Denmark, France, India, Kenya, Thailand. What do they have in common? Only this: they have all been on the receiving end of Iranian-sponsored terrorism, most of it masterminded by the late and unlamented Qasem Soleimani. A strange list, no? I mean, what possible interest could the Iranian state have in, say, Argentina? In 1994, a Jewish cultural centre in Buenos Aires was bombed, with 85 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. The trail led back to Teheran. What were the mullahs trying to achieve? Could it have been precisely Argentinas distance from Iran that made it attractive? That Irans leaders wanted to show that they could strike anywhere? That state sovereignty, territorial jurisdiction and geographical remoteness meant nothing to them? When we think of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, we tend to overemphasise the first word and underemphasise the second. Yes, Irans leaders are theocrats; but, far more immediately, they are revolutionaries, committed to spreading their revolt across the world. Like the French revolutionaries after 1789, or the Russian revolutionaries after 1917, they immediately spilled out from behind their borders, sponsoring militias and terrorist cells on every continent. In retrospect, their intentions were clear from their first act, namely the attack on the US embassy in Teheran. It is hard, forty years on, to emphasise quite how shocking it was to make hostages of diplomatic personnel. The sanctity of legation buildings is the cornerstone of the international order. When, for example, Gen Galtieri invaded the Falkland Islands, British diplomats in Buenos Aires never seriously feared for their safety. Even during the Second World War, when barbaric dictatorships fought to destroy one another, diplomatic personnel were peacefully evacuated through neutral countries. In refusing to recognise that norm, the ayatollahs were sending out the clearest possible signal: Your rules dont apply to us. We dont recognise your notions of international law. And so they have continued for four decades. Their apologists in the West want to make all this about us. If only we stopped meddling in the region, they argue, there would be no blowback. If only we hadnt backed the coup against Mohammed Mossadegh in 1953, all would have been well. If we carry on intervening, we can hardly complain when we get attacked in return. This line is taken especially strenuously by Jeremy Corbyn, a former employee of an Iranian state TV station. But it misses the nature of the regime in Teheran. Revolutionaries are precisely that revolutionary. Their regimes depend on a degree of overseas conflict. Again like the French and Russian revolutionaries, the Iranian revolutionaries win support at home by picking fights abroad. In Leninist terms, they export their internal contradictions. Or, to borrow a metaphor from chaos theory, they drink order from their surroundings. During the years when the West, led by the EU, sought to draw Iran back into the comity of nations, the ayatollahs continued to sponsor militias from the Balkans to the old Silk Road Khanates. They backed terrorist bombs, cyberattacks and drone shootings. The event that immediately triggered the retaliation against Soleimani was another Iranian attack on an American embassy this time in Iraq. Those who warn us sonorously against about the cost of escalation should at least acknowledge the cost of non-escalation. During the Cold War, Western leaders were careful to stress that their quarrel was with revolutionary communism, not with the peoples of Russia, East Germany or Cuba. They were clear that the problem was communism itself: that its internal logic made it expansionist and destabilising. Precisely the same applies today. Few nations can match Persia in the depth of their civilization. But that countrys present leaders are a menace to their people, their neighbours and everyone else. They need to be confronted and defeated. A nearly $1 billion Gulf Coast Ammonia plant to help manufacture fertilizers received final approval to begin construction this year in Texas City near Galveston, the companies said Wednesday. The plant would produce 1.3 million tons of ammonia per year from nitrogen gas and hydrogen feedstock with an estimated completion date in 2023. The project would create more than 40 permanent jobs and about 1,000 temporary construction positions. RESIDENTS PROTEST: Houston has few options to stop a concrete plant next to a park The project, which has faced opposition from environmentalists, the seafood industry and more, was developed by Miami-based Agrifos, but has now been acquired and jointly funded by the Connecticut-based private equity firm Starwood Energy Group and the German energy trading firm Mabanaft. The new backers are providing the influx of capital to commence construction. "This new world-class facility will meet domestic and global demands for nitrogen-based fertilizers to improve crop production and yields to feed the world's growing population, as well as specialty chemical production on the Texas Gulf Coast," said Ken Koye, the new chief executive of Gulf Coast Ammonia. Koye was previously a senior adviser at Mabanaft. The German firm is a subsidiary of the larger German energy group Marquard & Bahls, which also owns the company Oiltanking North America that will provide the marine and dock facilities for the ammonia project. RELATED: Plans for Texas City ammonia plant spark environmental, health concerns In conjunction with the ammonia project, Pennsylvania-based Air Products said Wednesday it has $500 million in combined new contracts to help service the facilities, including building a new hydrogen pipeline from Texas City to Baytown, connecting to the world's largest hydrogen pipeline system that runs from the Houston Ship Channel to New Orleans. Air Products also will build and operate in Texas City its largest-ever steam methane reformer to produce hydrogen, an air separation unit to supply nitrogen, and a steam turbine generator for the power and utilities. Air Products said the contracts add up to its largest-ever investment in a U.S. project. Using leading technologies, the companies pledge that Gulf Coast Ammonia will set a new bar in the safe and efficient production and storage of ammonia. While the Texas shale boom is focused on oil and natural gas, many shale wells also produce supplies of nitrogen gas that help manufacture the ammonia. And the hydrogen comes from methane in the natural gas. The cheap supplies of natural gas and natural gas liquids have spurred a petrochemical boom across the Gulf Coast from Corpus Christi to Houston to New Orleans. Prime Minister Imran Khan will be travelling to Malaysia this month to placate Kuala Lumpur after Pakistan skipped a summit of Muslim nations reportedly under pressure from Saudi Arabia, according to a media report. Khan had confirmed Pakistan's participation in the December 19-21 summit hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, but skipped the event at the 11th hour due to pressure exerted by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - key financial backers of the cash-strapped country. The summit in Kuala Lumpur was seen by Saudis as an attempt to create a new bloc in the Muslim world that could become an alternative to the dysfunctional Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) led by the Gulf Kingdom. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal even visited Islamabad last month to convey the Saudi leadership's gratitude to Pakistan for not attending the summit. Official sources confirmed that Khan is scheduled to travel to Kaula Lumpur by the end of January, The Express Tribune reported. It is believed that Khan will use the visit to explain Malaysian Prime Minister Mohamad the reason of Pakistan's pull out from the summit, it said. The report also mentioned that Islamabad is also making efforts to reach out to Turkey after it blamed Pakistan of pulling out of the summit under threats from Saudi Arabia. The report said that the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayab Erdogan next month to Pakistan would help remove any mistrust between the two countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India reaching out to foreign nations to allay CAA fears, says MEA spokesperson With the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) a subject for global debate, India has reached out to countries across all geographical regions to share its perspective on the issue, emphasising that it is an internal matter, the Ministry of External Affairs said last week. Indian ambassadors and consul generals were asked to reach out to not only the interlocutors in the government but also to the media, the MEA said. Photo courtesy: Wikimedia The Ministry adopted a two-pronged strategy of reaching out to a number of resident ambassadors and high commissioners based in India as well as having Indian envoys abroad engage with foreign governments, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. "We did reach out to countries across all geographical regions. We did write to our missions and posts. We did tell them to share our perspectives on the CAA and NRC to the host government," Kumar said in a media briefing. "We emphasised that the matter is internal to India. We also asked the consulates to convey that the Act just provides expedited consideration for Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities already in India from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh," he said. It was also conveyed to the countries that the CAA does not affect existing avenues of securing citizenship which are available to other communities, Kumar said, adding that the Indian government had no intent to strip anybody of citizenship. Asked about what was being said on the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Kumar said the Indian envoys were instructed to emphasise that the CAA and NRC are separate processes and not related. Protests over the CAA in New Delhi had led to the postponement of the Indo-Japan bilateral summit scheduled for last month and the cancellation of Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's trip to India. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@AdityaMenon22 "We have said that NRC is a Supreme Court-mandated process, this is our internal matter. What we are doing is directed by the Supreme Court, mandated by the Supreme Court and monitored by the Supreme Court," he said, referring to the NRC in Assam. "If you notice the reaction which we have received from across the world, barring a few countries, we feel most of the countries have accepted that this is an internal matter of India and that is what is getting reflected in their reactions and their pronouncements," the MEA spokesperson said. He also stated that one of the points made was that the Act does not alter the basic structure of the Constitution in any way, contrary to what some foreign press portals have portrayed. Indian ambassadors and consul generals were asked to reach out to not only the interlocutors in the government but also to the media, Kumar said. Protests over the CAA in New Delhi had led to the postponement of the Indo-Japan bilateral summit scheduled for last month and the cancellation of Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's trip to India, a day after Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan called off their visits following the enactment of the controversial law. Supermarkets and even McDonald's are running out of food as raging bushfires cut off the only road into Western Australia. The Eyre Highway, the only sealed road along the Nullarbor, has been closed for 10 days as fires burned more than 500,000ha on both sides. Shoppers at Coles and Woolworths in Perth were confronted with empty shelves as hundreds of supply trucks were stranded along the way. Locals said some McDonald's stores had even run out of lettuce and other essentials needed to make Big Macs. Scroll down for video Supermarkets are running out of food as raging bushfires cut off the only road into Western Australia Shoppers at Coles and Woolworths in Perth were confronted with empty shelves as hundreds of supply trucks were stranded along the way The Eyre Highway, the only sealed road into WA along the Nullarbor, has been closed for 10 days as fires burned more than 500,000ha on both sides 'I've been to three different supermarkets today, and it's not looking good. Even the staff don't know if and when they're getting new stock,' one shopper wrote online. Supplies are even more dire in towns and roadhouses along the highway where water is scarce, pubs are running out of beer, toilet paper is gone, and residents are rationing food. Authorities said there was no end in sight for the situation as 140 firefighters battled eight fire fronts in areas that reached almost 50C last week. Kalgoorlie MLA Kyran O'Donnell said at least 700 people were stranded in South Australia trying to get home. 'There is a mother with three autistic children, a husband who has dementia and cannot understand why they are not allowed to go through,' he said. 'Some families are even sleeping in their cars as they cannot afford accommodation just to name a few.' Both Coles and Woolworths said the highway closure disrupted its supply chain for many goods, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables Some trucking companies had 50 road trains in transit when the highway was closed and the fire could cost the WA economy millions of dollars Hundreds of trucks carrying food from the eastern states are stuck in South Australia, while others trying to head east are idling at the other end A little girl named Kaylee, stranded with her family and unable to get home to Perth, made two cards to thank the firefighters battling the blaze. 'Thank you so much for helping with the fires. I'm on holiday and stuck here and need help to get to Perth in 2 weeks and I hope you can make it happen and thanks for keeping me safe,' she wrote. Hundreds of trucks carrying food from the eastern states are stuck in South Australia, while others trying to head east are idling at the other end. Footage from along the highway showed long lines of trucks helplessly parked and unable to bring the much-needed supplies west. Both Coles and Woolworths said the highway closure disrupted its supply chain for many goods, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables. Coles diverted supplier shipments to rail to minimise the impact on available for customers and loads have been arriving since Monday,' the company said. 'We apologise to customers for any inconvenience and our team is working hard to ensure we can have all lines fully stocked as soon as possible. 'Coles is working with emergency services across Australia to support firefighting and relief efforts for those affected by bushfire.' Footage from along the highway showed long lines of trucks helplessly parked and unable to bring the much-needed supplies west Lines of trucks parked indefinitely waiting for the road to reopen - with their food supplies on board Trucks idle at a roadhouse along the Nullarbor with the highway closed in both directions A police supply run by light aircraft to towns stuck without food supplies for days on end IGA warned customers to expect shortages for four to six weeks, but that basic products like bread and milk - made locally - wouldn't be affected. McDonald's said its stock was impacted earlier in the crisis but it had since found alternative supply sources for all ingredients. Western Roads Federation chief executive Cam Dumesny said supplies of some medicines could even run low. 'Even some of your temperature-controlled medicines. We'll start having shortages of those or certainly interruptions to those into WA,' he told the ABC. Mr Dumesny said some trucking companies had 50 road trains in transit when the highway was closed and the fire would cost the WA economy millions of dollars. About 300 tourists and truckies were stranded for a week in towns and roadhouses along the 400km stretch of closed highway from Norseman to Caiguna. They were finally evacuated on Monday in a convoy guided through the dangerous fireground by police when cooler weather arrived. A little girl named Kaylee, stranded with her family and unable to get home to Perth, made two cards to thank the firefighters battling the blaze Authorities said there was no end in sight for the situation as 140 firefighters battled eight fire fronts in areas that reached almost 50C last week The blaze is still considered out of control and unpredictable and is impacting the Eyre Highway on both sides for hundreds of kilometres The hundreds more stuck on either side of the closed area were warned to expect long delays and terrible traffic when it eventually reopened. The fires have been burning since December 20 and are expected to be there for some days. The blaze is still considered out of control and unpredictable and is impacting the Eyre Highway on both sides for hundreds of kilometres. Emergency services urged travellers to stop taking backtracks and unsealed roads in an effort to get around the road closures in the Goldfields Esperance district. 'Western Australia Police Force have already had numerous requests for assistance for stranded travellers,' the DFES said. 'The decision to close a road is only made when there is a genuine risk to life. 'For your own safety as well as that of our crews, please do not try and travel through these areas.' The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its approval to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the UK's Department for International Development for enabling energy self-sufficiency in Indian Railways. An official release said under the MoU signed by Railway Ministry with DfID, the parties agreed on the scope of activities to be undertaken as a part of the endeavor for enabling energy efficiency and energy self-sufficiency for the Indian Railways. The parties agreed for energy planning for the railways in solar and wind energy sector, energy efficiency practices, fuel efficiency, development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and battery-operated shunting locomotives. The release said that the objective of the programme was to support structural reforms and the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India will be the guest of honour at the Paris Book Fair 2020 to be held in March this year, organisers announced on Tuesday. This will be the third time that India would be the guest country at the fair after 2002 and 2007. As part of Indian participation, the fair will see representation by 30 Indian authors from various linguistic regions of the country, alongside 15 Indian publishers. It will explore themes like the 'India of tomorrow', 'writing and rewriting India's history', among others. "The Paris Book Fair is more than just a book fair. It is a meeting of minds. It is Europe's most important literary and publishing appointment, where India can showcase, not just in France, but in Europe, new authors and recent works and get a great platform for its large publishing industry, its vibrant and innovative projects. "France is keen to engage with India in the publishing sector in all its diversity, through translations, through publishing incentives, through literary exchanges and more," said Bertrand de Hartingh, Counsellor for Education, Science and Culture, Embassy of France, and Director of the French Institute in India. According to the organisers, around 20 new Indian titles and 15 books will be translated into French and get into reprint, respectively. They added that the aim was to create a special "Indian moment" in France with cultural programmes in libraries, bookshops and landmarks in Paris and other cities in the European country. To continue the cultural exchange, France is expected to be the guest of honour at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2022. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) YAKIMA A man in handcuffs locked to a belt chain trudged up metal stairs, eyes fixed on the door of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement charter plane bound for El Paso, Texas. He turned and brightened when gusts carried the shrill tone of a whistle blown by one of a dozen activists 50 yards away. No estas solo! You are not alone! the activists yelled across the tarmac from behind chain-link and barbed wire fencing. Awkwardly, the man with a goatee and glasses one of 51 unidentified detainees dispatched on a recent Tuesday by ICE twisted his right wrist to wave. Much of the focus on President Trumps immigration crackdown has been at the U.S.-Mexico border, which has seen a surge of Central American asylum seekers hoping to cross into the United States. But more than 1,000 miles to the north, ICE finds itself bedeviled by activists, attorneys and politicians in the Pacific Northwest who are determined to gum up the machinery of immigration enforcement. Their efforts significantly impacted the agencys ability to carry out its mission in 2019, according to Tanya Roman, ICE spokeswoman for Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. State and local efforts thwarting ICE operations serve only to create additional security concerns and add significant delays and costs to U.S. taxpayers, she said in an emailed statement. Washington state plays a lead role resisting federal immigration practices because its politics are so diametrically opposed to the national policy of enforcement, said Leidy Perez-Davis, policy counsel at the American Immigration Lawyers Association in Washington, D.C. Opposition is also strong in Oregon, where last month state Supreme Court Chief Justice Martha Walters issued a rule forbidding ICE agents without warrants from arresting immigrants in or near courthouses. In February, Washington immigrant-rights attorneys won a settlement prohibiting Yakima Countys jail from holding inmates for ICE beyond their incarceration for local offenses. In May, Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee signed a measure called the Keep Washington Working Act, which curbs state and local law enforcement agencies collaboration with federal immigration agents and stops ICE from renting jail cells for detainees within two years. None of these steps appeared to perturb ICE officials as much as a decision in April by western Washingtons King County to ban agency flights from Seattles Boeing Field. County Executive Dow Constantine said in his order that deportations raised troubling human rights concerns, including separations of families ... deportations of people into unsafe situations ... and constitutional concerns of due process. ICE officials, turned down by other Northwest airports, were forced to switch the flights to Yakima, more than 100 miles to the southeast. Incoming and outgoing detainees are bused for hours across a snowy mountain pass between the central Washington farming hub and an ICE detention center in Tacoma. The flights from Boeing Field had transported more than 34,000 detainees since 2010, according to public records obtained by the University of Washington Center for Human Rights. Planes most often flew to either Mesa, Ariz., or El Paso. From there, deportees were delivered to domestic detention centers, bused across the Mexican border or put on connecting flights to other countries. ICE persists with its mission despite severe challenges that the flight relocation and other restrictions pose, Roman said. We will continue to do our sworn duty to seek out dangerous criminal aliens and other immigration violators, she said. In a statement reacting to the Oregon courthouse arrest ban, ICE said it had turned to arresting immigrants at courthouses because of policies preventing county jails and state prisons from transferring inmates to the agency. A courthouse may afford the most likely opportunity to locate a target and take him or her into custody, Roman said. Walters said her rule allowed state courts to hold accountable people accused of crimes. Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson made similar arguments when he sued the Trump administration Dec. 17 to end courthouse immigration arrests. Federal immigration officials are arresting people with no criminal history at all, Ferguson said at a news conference. As a result ... individuals are refusing to participate in our justice system. Seven states Washington, Oregon, California, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and New Mexico have limited or blocked ICE agents from making arrests in courthouses, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon. POST-ELECTION GROUNDSWELL Resistance to Trumps immigration policies began in the Northwest soon after his election. We saw people rallying on the immigration issue who were so horrified by what they were seeing, whether it was the Muslim ban or cruel and misguided policies at the southern border, said Enoka Herat, ACLU police practices and immigrant rights counsel in Seattle. She was referring, in part, to Trumps moratorium on admissions to the U.S. by people from a list of predominantly Muslim countries. The administration also came under fire for its family separation policy on the border and, later, its Remain in Mexico program, which keeps Central American asylum seekers waiting in Mexico. Inslee signed an executive order in February 2017 restricting state agencies from helping to enforce federal immigration laws. But a year later, the Seattle Times reported that the Department of Licensing in Washington, a state that allows undocumented immigrants to get drivers licenses, routinely gave ICE personal information that agents used to arrest and deport people. Inslee told the department to stop sharing the data. Refugee-rights groups formed a coalition after Trump was elected called the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, which has grown to include more than 100 organizations. The network operates a statewide hotline taking information on ICE and Customs Border Patrol raids and detentions. It trains and dispatches teams of lawyers and volunteers. When a call comes in about a raid, a team will go and begin to document by taking pictures, documenting the number of officers there, what types of vehicles theyre driving and who they are questioning, said Brenda Rodriguez Lopez, solidarity network coordinator. The team meets with families, provides them with moral support, connects them to local resources and accompanies them to court hearings. Activists follow detainees through the process, protesting conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, a facility run by the GEO Group where as many as 1,500 people are held. Longtime Seattle-area resident Maru Mora-Villalpando, who leads weekend protests outside the center, is herself an undocumented immigrant, a status that she doesnt hide as she needles ICE. At a demonstration in October, Mora-Villalpando said that about 200 detainees were staging a hunger strike to protest conditions at the center, where inmates said they had found maggots in food. Roman said that allegations of the centers kitchen being shut down and meals not being served were false, and simply another attempt from local advocacy groups to deceive the public. Mora-Villalpando tracks detainees on behalf of their family members as they leave the center and head for deportation. She receives spreadsheets tabulating numbers of deportees from the Yakima Immigrant Response Network, a group of volunteers who observe the ICE flights. At the Yakima airport, Michael Collins, a retired medical clinic business manager, takes photos of each detainee getting on or off a flight. He erects a camera tripod in a city-designated viewing area by the airport fence. Its just an act of witnessing, but I think its very important, said Collins, 71, who participated in the civil rights movement in his native St. Louis. Its an opportunity to stand up against the cruelty thats taken over the government. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Sudan banned two newspapers and two television stations on Tuesday, saying they had received funding from the government of former president Omar al-Bashir who was ousted last year following protests. The decision was made by a committee tasked by Sudan's transitional authorities with dismantling institutions linked to Bashir and his defunct National Congress Party. The ban covers the dailies Al-Sudani and Al-Ray Al-Am and satellite channels Ashrooq and Teeba along with their parent companies, according to committee member Taha Othman. "These institutions were funded by the state and we want to return the money to the Sudanese people," said Mohamed al-Fekki, a member of Sudan's transitional ruling council. By Tuesday evening, Ashrooq and Teeba channels stopped broadcasting. Diaa al-Din Belal, Al-Sudani's editor-in-chief, denied receiving funds from Bashir's government. "We operate under a private company and we did not receive any funds from a party or a government authority," he told AFP. Bashir was ousted last April after mass protests against his three-decade rule rocked Sudan for months. Sudan is currently ruled by a civilian-majority body formed after a power-sharing deal signed in August by protest leaders and the generals who ousted Bashir. In December, Bashir was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for corruption in the first of several cases against the ousted autocrat. He was charged with illicitly receiving millions of dollars from Saudi Arabia. Shoes produced at Sao Viet Company in Binh Duong province's Di An Industrial Zone (Photo: VNA) According to the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (Lefaso), footwear export revenue was expected to reach USD20 billion while handbags achieved USD4 billion this year. Nguyen Duc Thuan, Lefasos president, said foreign-invested producers remained the major driver for footwear and handbags, citing statistics that foreign-invested firms accounted for 75.8 percent of the sectors export revenue in 2019. The industry, however, saw a slight expansion of domestic producers in recent years, accounting for 24.2 percent of the export revenue in 2019, from 19.7 percent in 2017 and 21.6 percent in 2018. Thuan said that the US-China trade war would continue posing risks to Vietnams footwear and handbag exports. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Cao Quoc Hung said that the Government would continue to provide support for footwear and handbag firms in expanding markets and improving production capacity. The ministry was developing a strategy to turn leather and footwear into a spearhead industry for export. Hung also urged footwear and leather firms to take advantage of opportunities from free trade agreements while preparing for challenges from uncertain global and regional trade developments. He also said firms should be proactive in renovating technologies and enhancing their production capacity as well as focusing on market research and development. The industry reached an export revenue of USD22 billion in 2019, representing a rise of 12.2 percent over the previous year. Up to USD18.3 billion of the export revenue came from footwear exports and USD3.7 billion from handbags. The US was the largest market for Vietnams footwear and handbag products, with a revenue of USD7.41 billion (up 13 percent) in January-November, followed by the EU with USD5.418 billion revenue (up 7.2 percent) and China at USD1.776 billion (up 19.3 percent)./. 361 Degrees International Limited (HKG:1361), which is in the luxury business, and is based in China, saw significant share price movement during recent months on the SEHK, rising to highs of HK$1.83 and falling to the lows of HK$1.31. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether 361 Degrees International's current trading price of HK$1.38 reflective of the actual value of the small-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Lets take a look at 361 Degrees Internationals outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change. View our latest analysis for 361 Degrees International What's the opportunity in 361 Degrees International? According to my relative valuation model, the stock seems to be currently fairly priced. Ive used the price-to-earnings ratio in this instance because theres not enough visibility to forecast its cash flows. The stocks ratio of 7.61x is currently trading slightly below its industry peers ratio of 8.98x, which means if you buy 361 Degrees International today, youd be paying a reasonable price for it. And if you believe that 361 Degrees International should be trading at this level in the long run, then theres not much of an upside to gain from mispricing. Is there another opportunity to buy low in the future? Since 361 Degrees Internationals share price is quite volatile, we could potentially see it sink lower (or rise higher) in the future, giving us another chance to buy. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for how much the stock moves relative to the rest of the market. What does the future of 361 Degrees International look like? SEHK:1361 Past and Future Earnings, January 6th 2020 Investors looking for growth in their portfolio may want to consider the prospects of a company before buying its shares. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so lets also take a look at the company's future expectations. With profit expected to grow by 56% over the next couple of years, the future seems bright for 361 Degrees International. It looks like higher cash flow is on the cards for the stock, which should feed into a higher share valuation. Story continues What this means for you: Are you a shareholder? It seems like the market has already priced in 1361s positive outlook, with shares trading around its fair value. However, there are also other important factors which we havent considered today, such as the financial strength of the company. Have these factors changed since the last time you looked at 1361? Will you have enough confidence to invest in the company should the price drop below its fair value? Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on 1361, now may not be the most advantageous time to buy, given it is trading around its fair value. However, the positive outlook is encouraging for 1361, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to take advantage of the next price drop. Price is just the tip of the iceberg. Dig deeper into what truly matters the fundamentals before you make a decision on 361 Degrees International. You can find everything you need to know about 361 Degrees International in the latest infographic research report. If you are no longer interested in 361 Degrees International, you can use our free platform to see my list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. EMERYVILLE, Calif., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Peet's Coffee, The Original Craft Coffee, today announced the return of its annual Ethiopia Super Natural coffee, as well as a 2020 winter beverage lineup inspired by the global flavor of horchata that features a dairy-free offering. The handcrafted coffeebar beverages include the debut of Oat Milk Horchata Latte, Vanilla Cinnamon Latte, and Iced Vanilla Cinnamon Latte. Oat Milk Horchata Latte by Peets Coffee Ethiopian Super Natural: The Best of Coffee First One of the most anticipated Peet's coffees will return this winter. This year's selection of Ethiopian Super Natural hails from the Hambela region and features only freshly harvested, ripe coffee cherry meticulously dried in the African sun. "This sun-dried coffee from Ethiopia tasted so other-worldly good, we dubbed it super natural," said Doug Welsh, Roastmaster, Peet's Coffee. "This spectacular single-origin brews a sweet and full cup that is memorably, fragrantly fruity, with a whiff of white flower, a concentrated dose of dried blueberry, and a shot of candied citron." Available now through 3/3/2020, and while supplies last, coffee fans can purchase Ethiopian Super Natural at participating Peet's coffeebars, as well as at www.peets.com, for $19.95 USD per pound. Warming Up Winter with Handcrafted Horchata Horchata, a nearly thousand-year-old beverage, spans continents with almost all varieties using a type of spice sweetened plant-based milk. The 2020 winter beverage lineup honors the global flavor with a handcrafted twist that features the popular, plant-based oat in place of rice or nut milk. The following offerings are available across participating Peet's coffeebars from 1/8/2020 to 3/3/2020. Oat Milk Horchata Latte: Steamed oat milk carefully blended with sweet Madagascar vanilla and ground cinnamon poured over expertly pulled espresso. Also available iced. Steamed oat milk carefully blended with sweet vanilla and ground cinnamon poured over expertly pulled espresso. Also available iced. Vanilla Cinnamon Latte: Traditional hand-pulled espresso latte, warmed up for winter with fragrant Madagascar vanilla and ground cinnamon. Also enjoy iced, to blend cool with comfort, with an aromatic touch "As far as dairy-free alternatives go, oat milk has transcended from a trend into a staple," said Patrick Main, Beverage Innovator, Peet's Coffee. "With its creamy body and natural sweetness, it is a perfect ingredient base for espresso. We love how it blends with Madagascar vanilla and ground cinnamon to elevate our new Oat Milk Horchata Latte. And for dairy lovers, we are offering a similar flavor profile with our Vanilla and Cinnamon Latte." With over forty percent of consumers seeking plant-based offerings, Peet's is proud of its limited-time Oat Milk Horchata Latte (Datassential NCA Webinar "Trends in Coffee & Tea Additives," Sept 2019). As with all beverage offerings available at Peet's, patrons can request alternative dairy products including, oat, soy, or almond milk at order or at the condiment bar. About Peet's Coffee: Founded in Berkeley, California in 1966 by Alfred Peet, the "Big Bang of coffee," Peet's Coffee introduced an artisan movement by sourcing the world's best beans, hand-roasting in small batches, and crafting beverages by hand. With rich, complex, superior quality roasts unlike anything Americans ever tasted before, Peet's influenced generations of coffee entrepreneurs and connoisseurs. Today, Peet's is uncompromisingly dedicated to its founding tenets and asserts a strict standard of freshness, ensuring optimum flavor with a team that personally vets the beans and ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee available at 15,000 grocery and convenience stores nationwide. Peet's operates from the first LEED Gold certified roastery in the United States and grows its business through retail, grocery, on-premise, and e-commerce channels. For more information, visit www.peets.com . Stay connected to Peet's: @peetscoffee on Twitter and Instagram and facebook.com/peets . SOURCE Peets Coffee Related Links http://www.peets.com Peter Weber finally has a chance to find love after being sent home before he could propose on Hannah Browns Bachelorette season. When season 24 of The Bachelor aired Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, Weber met 30 contestants to potentially marry. Three of those ladies were flight attendants, except not one of them made it past the first night. It looks like fans might have figured out why he didnt keep them around. [Warning: The Bachelor Season 24 spoilers ahead ] Peter Weber | John Fleenor via Getty Images Who are the three flight attendants that Weber did not give a rose to on The Bachelor? Both Megan Hops and Eunice Cho work for United Airlines but are from entirely different areas of the country. 26-year-old Megan is from San Francisco and comes from a long line of flight attendants. Both her mother and grandmother are flight attendants. She was hoping Weber would join her to take spontaneous trips. She is very close to her mother and family in Portland. Eunice is a 23-year-old flight attendant from Chicago who is afraid of flying, but loves the lifestyle. She used to be a party girl but claims that it is time for her to settle down. Eunice did not seem like the huge family-type that Weber is looking to marry. Lastly, Webers third flight attendant contestant from Mesa, Arizona, was Jade Gilliland. Jade is also afraid of flying but is aiming to earn her private pilots license. The 26-year old is recently divorced, but was still excited to meet another possible husband. What impression did the three flight attendants make on Weber on night one of The Bachelor? Eunice made her entrance in a limo wearing angel wings and possibly a buzz from Ouzo (a Greek liquor). She did get a moment to have a heart-to-heart with Weber that evening and explain that she is a reformed party girl, ready to settle down. Me trying to convince him that Ive changed and that I fixed my attitude for the hundredth time, wrote Eunice on Instagram. Jades entrance included a butt grab, according to her Instagram account; however, the premiere did not show it. Fans are calling for justice for Jade, who hardly spoke one word the entire evening, from what fans at home can tell. Megan made quite the entrance with her PA system megaphone, making it evident that she was also a flight attendant. Throughout the evening, she frequently used her device to interrupt the other contestants and snag some time with Weber. What detail do fans feel the producers missed by choosing three flight attendants for Weber? The producers of The Bachelor heard Webers romantic story about his parents and thought that they could replicate it for him on the show. The pilots mother was a flight attendant, and she met Webers father while working since he was a pilot as well. We know that the bachelor admires and looks up to his parents relationship, so it seems like a good idea to introduce him to a few flight attendants. Fans feel differently. If Pilot Pete wanted to date a flight attendant, would he need to meet them on a television dating show? tweeted one fan. Various fans commented that if Peter was interested in finding a flight attendant, he probably had plenty of opportunities already since he is a pilot. Makes sense! wrote another Twitter user. If he wanted a flight attendant, then Im guessing hed already be with one. There also is the issue of the amount of time pilots and flight attendants spend away from their families. Viewers pointed out that he probably is well aware of this caveat since his parents both worked in aviation. If a pilot marries a flight attendant, they will 100% never see each other, commented another user. While it does seem sweet and romantic to have our eligible bachelor follow in his parents footsteps, if that love story were going to repeat itself, many feel that it already would have happened naturally. The Bachelor and his potential wives will return next Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, short three flight attendants. As authorities investigated the Dec. 12 slaying of 20-year-old Karla Rodriguez in Hudson, detectives obtained a search warrant to look for evidence inside the vehicle of Luis Santos, the man accused of murder in the fatal shooting. A search warrant affidavit in Marlborough District Court shows investigators searched Santos 2000 Toyota Corolla and seized a handgun magazine containing nine rounds of .9 millimeter ammunition. A bag and financial records were also seized from the car, the search warrant affidavit said. The Corolla was not registered to Santos, according to the court records. Santos paid a friend to register the vehicle. Authorities accuse Santos of getting a gun from the Corolla and shooting Rodriguez on Dec. 12 outside an apartment complex in Hudson. The search warrant does not mention if the gun was recovered. Massachusetts State Police investigators wanted to search the car for any fingerprints or evidence that connected the vehicle to Santos. Investigators were also looking for any ammunition. Santos is currently being held without bail in the killing of Rodriguez, the mother of a young boy who dated Santos for about three months. He returns to Marlborough District Court later this month. Santos pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, armed assault to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and carrying a firearm without a license during his arraignment last month. He is accused of shooting Rodriguez in the head while she sat in her car outside an apartment complex in Hudson. Hudson police were called to a parking lot at 7 Howe St. around 2 p.m. on Dec. 12 for a report of a medical incident inside a car, according to court records. An officer arrived on scene and found Rodriguez with a gunshot wound to the head. Investigators noticed what appeared to be two holes in the windshield of Rodriguezs 2011 Subaru Outback. Police also spotted two spent .9-millimeter shell casings at the scene. Rodriguez was rushed to a local hospital and then to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester where she was pronounced dead the following day, Dec. 13, at 12:47 a.m. Surveillance video obtained from the apartment building showed Rodriguez pull her Outback into the driveway on Dec. 12 around 1:45 p.m. A man, who authorities said is Santos, appeared in the video. He is seen opening the door of the Corolla and grab something, court records said. Santos approached Rodriguezs vehicle as she tried to pull out of the driveway. He then fired shots from a gun into Rodriguezs car, according to prosecutors. Police said Santos ran from the area. Rodriguezs Outback crashed into a fence nearby. Authorities found the Corolla around 8 p.m. on Dec. 12 and took it to the Hudson Police Departments garage. Santoss sister told investigators on Dec. 12, around 8:41 p.m., that her brother called her around 1:49 p.m. He hung up but picked up when she called him back two minutes later. Im sorry. Take care of yourself, take care of your family, Santos told his sister, according to court records. Police learned Santos also called a friend shortly after the shooting. I need help, I need help, Santos told the friend. I killed Karla. Santos then asked the friend to help him get a flight to Puerto Rico, according to court records. Rodriguezs mother told investigators that her daughter said she was pregnant. Rodriguez told her mother about two weeks before she was killed. Police reports said the mother told authorities the relationship between Santos and Rodriguez began to deteriorate after they learned about the pregnancy. Rodriguez stayed with Santos at an apartment at 7 Howe St. in Hudson, but the night before the shooting she stayed with her mother with her son, court records said. On the morning of the shooting, Rodriguez took her son to daycare then went to a medical appointment in Worcester. Rodriguez asked her mother for a ride home around 1 p.m. Santos was able to get to Worcester and picked up his girlfriend. Rodriguez then began to text her mother. She said Santos was mad and threatening to kill her, court records said. Her mother told her not to go back into Santoss apartment. The conversation between the mother and daughter then ended. He broke us. He hit us hard, Isabel Famania-Banks, the 27-year-old cousin of Rodriguez, told MassLive when Santos was arraigned last month. We just want justice for our baby girl. Family wore sweatshirts with the writing on the front in court. It read, #Justice4Karlita. Santos turned himself in to police around 7:15 p.m. on Dec. 13 after authorities obtained an arrest warrant for him. Related content: Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 10:12:57|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close DAYTON, the United States, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's auto glass manufacturer Fuyao Group said here Monday that it will invest 46 million U.S. dollars in new equipment at its Dayton plant, which will bring 100 new jobs to local community. At a ceremony held at Fuyao Dayton plant, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed his recognition of Fuyao's contribution to the region. "Fuyao Glass America (a subsidiary of Fuyao Group) has made a positive impact on the economy of Ohio through its investment and commitment to manufacturing," DeWine said. In 2014, Fuyao bought a former General Motors facility closed in the 2008 financial crisis and turned the abandoned plant into a two-million-square-feet factory. "It is really good to start off the New Year with this very good news about your expansion here," the governor added. "We are proud that you've made the Dayton area home ... We value very much this partnership." Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping said "I strongly believe that when we work together we can build up a very good relationship based on collaboration, cooperation and stability to bring the tangible fruits to benefit the people of our two countries and the world." In an interview with Xinhua, Cao Dewang, board chairman of Fuyao Group, said he is confident of Fuyao's operation in the United States and confident of the U.S. market, and his company will continue to invest in the United States. Fuyao Group has opened five factories in the United States. The Dayton factory now has 2,300 employees. Banking, transport and other services across the country are likely to be hit as trade unions have called a nationwide strike on Wednesday. Nearly 25 crore people are said to be taking part in this all-India strike to protest against the governments anti-people policies. Ten central trade unions like INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along with various sectoral independent federations and associations had adopted a declaration in September last to go on a nationwide strike on January 8, 2020. Several banks have already informed stock exchanges about the Wednesday strike and its impact on banking services. Various bank employee associations, including AIBEA, All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA), BEFI, INBEF, INBOC and Bank Karmachari Sena Mahasangh (BKSM), have expressed their willingness to participate in the strike. Banking services like deposit and withdrawal, cheque clearing and instrument issuance are expected to be impacted due to the strike. However, services at private sector banks are unlikely to be impacted. Other than banking, transport and other key services are also likely to be disrupted in many states due to this nationwide strike call. In West Bengal, trade unions affiliated to Left and other parties called for a bandh against the economic policies of the BJP-led government at the Centre. However, the state government said it will not support any bandh. The Ministry of Labour has failed to assure on any of the demands of workers which called a meeting on January 2, 2020. The attitude of the government is that of contempt towards labour as we construe from its policies and actions, the 10 CTUs said in a joint statement. We expect participation of not less than 25 crore of working people in the forthcoming National General Strike on January 8, 2020, to be followed by many more actions seeking reversal of the anti-worker, anti-people, anti-national policies of the Government, it said. The central government, meanwhile, has asked public sector undertakings to dissuade their employees from participating in the Bharat Bandh called on Wednesday and advised them to prepare a contingency plan to ensure smooth functioning of the enterprises. Meanwhile, in Kerala, the trade unions exempted the states tourism sector from Wednesdays general strike. Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society hailed as exemplary the decision by political parties and trade unions to exempt the states tourism sector from Wednesdays general strike. Any employee going on strike in any form, including protest, would face the consequences which, besides deduction of wages, may also include appropriate disciplinary action, said an office memorandum issued by the government. Suitable contingency plan may also be worked out to carry out the various functions of the ministry/department, it added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON We note that our enemies these days are quite good at waiting, which seems to be more common among ancient peoples who measure time by centuries rather than by seconds. We Americans arent so good at biding time, and consider waiting an insult to our social status. At the risk of inciting great consternation, I would aver that women are more naturally inclined toward patience and benefit from a communal wisdom accrued through the refined gestures of watching and listening. While men rev up their rockets to plant a flag on the moon, women bide their time in sync with the moons cycles and the ebbs and flow of natures tides. LAS VEGAS - The nation's largest consumer electronics show hosted Ivanka Trump as a keynote speaker a choice that drew scorn from many women in technology. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (734 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Crowds enter the convention center on the first day of the CES tech show, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) LAS VEGAS - The nation's largest consumer electronics show hosted Ivanka Trump as a keynote speaker a choice that drew scorn from many women in technology. Ivanka Trump spoke for nearly 40 minutes on stage Tuesday with Gary Shapiro, president of CES organizer Consumer Technology Association. She highlighted the work the administration has done with tech companies to retrain their workers for new skills. Ivanka Trump, the daughter and senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, answers a question as she is interviewed at the Consumer Technology Association Keynote during the CES tech show Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) There was no mention of the pushback about her appearance at the show. The hall was full, and she was met with applause. Organizers declined to say how many people were in the audience. The annual CES tech gathering in Las Vegas has long taken criticism over diversity issues. In recent years, CES organizers have invited more women to speak and sought to curb some of the show's more sexist aspects, such as scantily clad booth babes hired to draw attention of the mostly male attendees. But for critics and activists who have long pushed for broader recognition of the less-heralded women who found startups and take on difficult technical challenges, the inclusion of President Donald Trump's daughter, who is also a White House adviser, sent the wrong message. Ivanka is not a woman in tech, tweeted Brianna Wu, a video game developer who is running for Congress in Massachusetts as a Democrat. Shes not a CEO. She has no background. Its a lazy attempt to emulate diversity, but like all emulation its not quite the real thing. Shapiro told The Associated Press, ahead of the talk, that Ivanka Trump is fighting for workers at a time when robots are filling warehouses and factories and self-driving vehicles are worrying truck drivers. Weve had politicians speak before, cabinet secretaries and others whove come in," Shapiro said. Ivanka Trump has worked on skills-training initiatives at the White House. Companies including Google have joined that effort. She used her appearance to talk about the changing nature of jobs. People need to be thinking about investing in their workforce so that they can enable those people to do their same job using different equipment tomorrow," she said. Many people who tweeted the hashtag #BoycottCES on Tuesday in protest of Trump's appearance also took issue with the administration's border detention policies and various actions of the president himself. The technology industry has especially important issues pending with the U.S. government, including antitrust investigations into Facebook and Google, the trade war with China, immigration, election security and misinformation on social media. Government officials have long made regular appearances at CES. This year, for instance, the speaker roster includes both Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and Secretary of Energy Dan Bouillette. Other female speakers include Meg Whitman of video streaming startup Quibi and Linda Yaccarino, chairman of advertising and partnerships for NBCUniversal. Ivanka Trump is "taking this slot at this conference where women have been saying for so long, Hey, we are being overlooked," said Rachel Sklar, a tech commentator and founder of a professional network for women. The whole category of women being overlooked are still being overlooked. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Clearly they are not putting much effort into finding women in tech who can speak, said Carolina Milanesi, an analyst with Creative Strategies, who is at CES. Last year, CES caused an uproar when it revoked an innovation award presented to a female-led sex device company. CES reversed its decision and has allowed sex tech into the show for a one-year trial. Conference organizers also brought in an official equality partner, The Female Quotient, to help ensure gender diversity. Was there nobody else available? Seriously?" asked Ti Chang, co-founder of the wearable vibrator company Crave. Chang said Trumps experience running a clothing brand is a bad fit for CES and its focus on innovation and technology. I dont understand, she said. I would love to know what their rationale was. ___ Arbel reported from New York. Ortutay reported from San Francisco. AP video journalist James Brooks in Las Vegas also contributed to this report. SHAHEDSHAHR, Iran - A Ukrainian airliner carrying 176 people crashed on the outskirts of Tehran during a takeoff attempt Wednesday hours after Iran launched its missile attack on U.S. forces, scattering flaming debris and passengers belongings across farmland and killing everyone on board. The Iranian military disputed any suggestion the plane had been blown out of the sky by a missile, and Iranian aviation authorities said they suspected a mechanical problem brought down the 3 1/2-year-old Boeing 737. Ukrainian officials initially agreed but later backed away and declined to offer a cause while the investigation is going on. The Ukraine International Airlines jet was en route to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv with 167 passengers and nine crew members from several countries, including 82 Iranians, at least 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians, according to officials. Many of the passengers were believed to be international students attending universities in Canada; they were making their way back to Toronto by way of Kyiv after visiting with family during the winter break. The manifest included several teenagers and children, some as young as 1 or 2. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy cut short a visit to Oman to return to Kyiv and said a team of Ukrainian experts would go to Tehran to help investigate the crash. Our priority is to find the truth and everyone responsible for the tragedy, he wrote in a Facebook statement. In Canada, where the crash ranked among the worst losses of life for Canadians in an aviation disaster, the flag over Parliament in Ottawa was lowered to half-staff, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the country is shocked and saddened. He vowed the government will work to ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated and that Canadians questions are answered. Major world airlines Wednesday rerouted flights crossing the Middle East to avoid danger amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration barred American flights from certain Persian Gulf airspace, warning of the potential for miscalculation or misidentification of civilian aircraft. The plane had been delayed from taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport by almost an hour. It never made it above 8,000 feet, crashing just minutes after takeoff, according to data from the flight-tracking website FlightRadar24. Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Irans Road and Transportation Ministry, said it appeared a fire erupted in one of its engines and the pilot lost control of the plane, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. The news report did not explain how Iranian authorities knew that. The pilot apparently couldnt communicate with air-traffic controllers in Tehran in the last moments of the flight, said Hassan Razaeifar, the head of the air crash investigation committee. He did not elaborate. Ukraine International Airlines President Yevhen Dykhne, said the aircraft was one of the best planes we had, with an amazing, reliable crew. In a statement, the airline went further, saying: Given the crews experience, error probability is minimal. We do not even consider such a chance. Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for the Iranian armed forces, was quoted by the semiofficial Fars news agency as denying the plane has been brought down by a missile. The rumours about the plane are completely false and no military or political expert has confirmed it, he said. He said the rumours were psychological warfare by the governments opponents. Authorities said they found the planes so-called black boxes, which record cockpit conversations and instrument data. But it was not immediately clear how much access to the information the Iranians would allow. Aviation experts were skeptical about Irans initial claim that the plane was brought down by a mechanical problem. I dont see how they would have known that so quickly, said John Hansman, an aeronautics professor at MIT. They hadnt had time to look at the flight data recorder. They probably hadnt had time to investigate the physical wreckage of the engines. How do you know it was a mechanical issue versus a surface-to-air missile that went in the engine? Many planes have systems that send huge amounts of technical data, including potential problems with the engines or other key systems, to the airline and the manufacturer. But it was unclear whether Ukraine International had paid to download that information automatically during flights, or how much data from such a short flight would tell. A Boeing spokesman declined to say whether the company obtained any information about the jet during its ill-fated flight. In 1988, a U.S. Navy cruiser mistakenly shot down an Iranian passenger jet over the Persian Gulf, killing 290 people. Earlier this week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani referred to that episode in responding to President Donald Trumps threat to attack 52 targets in Iran. Those who refer to the number 52 should also remember the number 290, Rouhani tweeted. Never threaten the Iranian nation. The Ukrainian plane, fully loaded with fuel for its 2,300-kilometre (1,430-mile) flight, slammed into the ground near the town of Shahedshahr, causing fires that lit up the darkened fields before dawn. Din Mohammad Qassemi said he had been watching the news about the Iranian missile attack on U.S. troops in Iraq in revenge for the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani when he heard the crash. I heard a massive explosion and all the houses started to shake. There was fire everywhere, he said. At first I thought (the Americans) have hit here with missiles and went in the basement as a shelter. After a while, I went out and saw a plane has crashed over there. Body parts were lying around everywhere. The crash left a wide field of debris scattered across farmland, the dead lying among pieces of the shattered aircraft. Their possessions, including a childs cartoon-covered electric toothbrush, a stuffed animal, luggage and electronics, stretched everywhere. Rescuers in masks shouted over the noise of hovering helicopters. They quickly realized there would be no survivors. This was the first fatal crash involving Ukraine International Airlines, which began flying in 1992, according to the Aviation Safety Network, which tracks accidents. RELATED STORIES Canada 63 Canadians killed in plane crash near Tehran, Ukrainian official says As for the Boeing 737-800 model that went down, it an extremely common twin-engine jetliner introduced in the late 1990s, with thousands in use around the world, and has one of the best safety records among popular airliners. The Aviation Safety Network said there have been eight fatal crashes involving the Boeing 737-800 out of nearly 5,000 built. A FlyDubai crash in Russia in 2016 killed 62 people, and an Air India Express disaster in India in 2010 left more than 150 dead. The 737-800s have been the subject of inspections and repairs since last year, after airlines started reporting cracks in a part that keeps the wings attached to the fuselage. The jet that went down on Wednesday last underwent routine maintenance on Monday, the airline said. While the cause of the tragedy remained unknown, the disaster could further damage Boeings reputation, which has been battered by furor over two deadly crashes involving the new Boeing 737 Max, which has been grounded for nearly 10 months. Boeing extended condolences to the victims families and said it stands ready to assist. Boeing, like other airline manufacturers, typically helps in crash investigations. But that effort could be thwarted in this case by the U.S. sanctions imposed against Iran since Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear deal. ___ Karimi reported from Tehran, Iran, and Gambrell from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Adam Schreck in Bangkok; Mehdi Fattahi in Tehran; Daria Litvinova in Moscow, Inna Varenytsia and Dmytro Vlasov in Kyiv, Ukraine; Carlo Piovano in London and Rob Gilles in Toronto contributed to this report. Back to square one: Omicron set to badger tourism industry yet again New testing rules for inbound US travellers start from today: What you need to know 'Avoid non-essential travel': India issues travel advisory after Iran attacks US troops India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Jan 08: India on Wednesday issued a travel advisory to Iraq, where it advised people to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian carriers have been told to avoid the airspace of Iran, Iraq and the Gulf following tension in the region. "Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. "In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq. Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq," he added. Iran retaliates against US strike, Plane crashes near Tehran airport | OneIndia News The advisory comes hours after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases were US military. The attack was over the killing of Iran's top general Qasem Soleimani. Iran's Revolutionary Guards has warned the US and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack in Iraq. On January 3, the US took down Soleimani in a drone strike. Ever since the imposition of strict sanctions against Iran, tensions have been high with the US. Sanctions on Iranian oil exports were imposed last year and this had forced major importers like India and China to cut purchases. The sanctions were imposed after several oil tankers were attacked in the Persian Gulf. The US had blamed Iran for the attacks. Private groups such as Vingroup took part in massive deals last year Tiger Global and famous venture capital funds such as Sequoia India, GGV Capital, and RTP Global have recently joined a $25 million Series A funding round in Telio, Vietnams first business-to-business e-commerce platform focusing on consumer goods, to acquire an undisclosed amount of stakes in the firm. The venture funds target Telio as it has seen a sharp upward trajectory over the last eight months, with sales growing by 70 per cent on-month, and is making ambitious expansion plans in 2020 on the back of the high growth potential of the local retail market. The acquisition is demonstrating the attractiveness of the retail sector to investors. Vietnams large retail landscape is still dominated by traditional, fragmented trade channels. Small family-run street shops account for over 60 per cent of fast-moving consumer goods sales in urban areas and over 90 per cent in rural Vietnam, according to Kantar Worldpanel, a world-leading data, insights, and consulting company. Dang Xuan Minh, general director of AVM who leads the research team of the M&A Forum and of the Corporate Investment and Merger and Acquisition Centre (CMAC) said, In 2019 and the following years, M&A deals will continue to focus on consumer goods, retail, and real estate. Moreover, telecommunications, energy and infrastructure, pharmacy, and education are also expected to gain much of the attention. Restructuring-bound trend To make future M&A deals in these potential areas feasible, ventures are picking out businesses that are carrying out restructuring, making it one of the targets in M&A activities in 2020. Many more private-run groups are planning to restructure their future strategies to increase business efficiency after years of making wide-spread investment in non-core businesses. This will bring about opportunities for international financiers, added Minh. According to the latest study from the M&A Forum and CMAC Institute, the trend of focusing on restructuring of private-run groups has been occurring for several years, as seen in Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group and Hung Vuong Fisheries Service Manufacturing Trading Co., Ltd. In 2018, Hoang Anh Gia Lai Agricultural JSC, which was in a difficult situation, had to sell a 35 per cent stake to Truong Hai Auto Corporation (THACO) for VND22 trillion ($956.5 million). In 2019, the tendency continued with some typical deals including the Masans latest acquisition of 83.74 per cent in the Vingroup subsidiary that owns the VinMart retail chain. With the move, Vingroup aims to restructure its business strategy, focusing on technology and industry. Now in other sectors, TTC Land and a number of powerful real estate companies, as well as others such as Loc Troi Group, have announced their restructuring. Similarly, powerful property developer FLC Group is planning to sell stakes to foreign investor in Bamboo Airways. In addition to the opportunities coming from private companies, big deals are expected from the restructuring, equitisation, and divestment of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in 2020 when the governments more concrete actions are made after a slow year of implementation in 2019. Now, members of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, the Korea Chamber of Business in Vietnam (KorCham), and the Singapore Business Association of Vietnam are among the most eager. We are very interested in the equitisation of SOEs, and Vietnam has been planning to do this, said Hong Sun, vice chairman of KorCham. However, foreign investors still find it hard to access detailed and accurate information about their operations. If the information was made available in line with international practices, more M&As would be signed, thus contributing to improving their performance. Asia remains dominant Investors from the region including Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand have been playing a crucial role in the M&A scene in Vietnam, and statistics from the Ministry of Planning and Investment showed little change in 2019 in this regard. Hong Kong ranked first with $4.45 billion worth of stake acquisition, followed by Singapore ($2.69 billion), South Korea ($2.67 billion), and Japan ($1.25 billion). Among the sectors, retail is the third-most appealing to M&A international financiers in Vietnam in 2019, with total registered capital of nearly $2.6 billion, just behind manufacturing ($24.56 billion), and real estate ($3.88 billion). Strong M&A value reached $15.47 billion last year, contributing to increasing Vietnams total registered foreign investment by 7.2 per cent on-year to $38 billion. While the local market has witnessed some new deals with involvement of Hong Kong and Chinese companies, recent moves in 2019 prove that South Korea will likely continue to be among the biggest M&A ventures in Vietnam in the near future. It is also expected that M&A deals involved European investors will grow this year especially when the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement is ratified and enters into force. The research team of M&A Forum and CMAC Institute forecasts that the M&A value is likely to reach $7-7.5 billion this year. In 2020, investors will be more cautious in upcoming deals for fears of possible risks about price fixing, legal procedures, and personnel issues arising from previous failures, as seen in cases such as with MobiFone-AVG and Quy Nhon Seaport. NEW YORK and BASEL, Switzerland, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Roivant Sciences today announced that Vivek Ramaswamy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Roivant, will present an overview of recent developments and future directions for the business at the 38th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, CA. The company's presentation is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. PT on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the Westin St. Francis. Roivant recently announced the close of its transaction forming a strategic alliance with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. The company will discuss this transaction and other business updates during its presentation. About Roivant Sciences Roivant Sciences aims to improve health by rapidly delivering innovative medicines and technologies to patients. Roivant does this by building Vants nimble, entrepreneurial biotech and healthcare technology companies with a unique approach to sourcing talent, aligning incentives, and deploying technology to drive greater efficiency in R&D and commercialization. For more information, please visit www.roivant.com. Media Contact: Paul Davis [email protected] SOURCE Roivant Sciences Related Links roivant.com Acting Prime Minister of Spain Carmen Calvo has declared that the country has pulled some of its troops out of Iraq. Those who were in riskier positions have left for Kuwait, Calvo told RTVE. The decision came after NATO declared that it would pull some of its servicemen out of Iraq due to escalation of the situation. Dundalk councillor John McGahon has welcomed the announcement today of over 4.2 million in funding to support job creation in the area. Cllr McGahon welcoming the announcement, explained the purpose of the funding: I am delighted to see DkIT Connect DAC and Creative Spark CLG have been successful and will receive funding of 3,774,337 and 500,000 under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund. The fund is designed to support projects that support job creation and I am delighted to see our local area benefit in this way. "DkIT Connect objectives are: To bring increased dynamism and agility to Irelands Connected Health & Wellbeing industry through promoting, supporting and delivering Living Lab and Quadruple Helix led innovation. To become a catalyst for innovation in indigenous companies, both start-ups and existing businesses, supporting job creation, enhancing leadership development, upskilling and improving competitiveness. To link the major stakeholders in the Connected Health & Wellbeing sector into the region To create, validate and help commercialise a pipeline of products, services, business models and methods that will enable Irish industry to compete in new markets. "The enterprise FabLab @ Creative Spark is a high impact job creator and smart economy motivator with defined ambition to stimulate enterprise, creativity, innovation and education in the North-East region through the establishment of a FabLab digital fabrication enterprise and co-working initiative. "This will provide access to a suite of state-of-the-art digital fabrication hardware and software co-located in a thriving enterprise centre. The FabLab aims to create 127 jobs over the next three years and educate 765 trainees. "Enterprise FabLab @ Creative Spark will provide small-scale high-tech business incubation for 765 entrepreneurs and members with access to invention, technological empowerment, expertise and accredited training. "A key feature of this project is the development of an accredited training programme: Level 7 Certificate in Digital Design, Fabrication, and Advanced Manufacturing." Cllr. McGahon added, This news comes at a time when we now have the highest number of IDA-supported jobs in the regions ever. Under the third call of the REDF, applications were invited to submit proposals under three Streams: Strategic Change Projects grant funding of 500k up to 5m; Regional Strengthening Projects grant funding of 100k up to 500k; and Enterprise Clustering Projects grant funding of 50k up to 350k. The successful projects were selected through a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process managed by Enterprise Ireland, based on criteria which included: impacts and value for money; collaboration and participation; viability and sustainability; building regional strengths; and significance for innovation. The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Wed, January 8, 2020 17:35 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32165fdc 2 SE Asia #Malaysia,#corruption,1MDB,Najib-Razak,Abu-Dhabi Free Malaysia's disgraced ex-leader Najib Razak allegedly sought help from Abu Dhabi's crown prince to conceal wrongdoing linked to a multi-billion-dollar graft scandal, recordings released Wednesday by investigators showed. Huge sums were looted from Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB and used to buy items ranging from a super-yacht to artwork, in a fraud allegedly involving Najib and his inner circle. The allegations contributed to ex-prime minister Najib's shock 2018 election loss, and he has since been put on trial over the scandal. He denies any wrongdoing. Malaysia's anti-graft agency released a 2016 recording of Najib calling Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan to urge him to help his stepson, Hollywood producer Riza Aziz. The call came shortly after the US filed lawsuits seeking to recover large amounts allegedly pilfered from 1MDB, with Riza accused of receiving money to fund his production company Red Granite. Najib urged the crown prince to help fabricate a loan agreement for Riza which would suggest money that flowed to him was "a legitimate... financing package, it's not money-laundering", according to the recording. "At the moment he's under a bit of pressure in America, I'm worried about him in case they make him a scapegoat," he said. "He's totally innocent, all he wanted was to make movies." Red Granite, which produced the Leonardo DiCaprio film "The Wolf of Wall Street", later settled with US authorities but Riza has been charged in Malaysia. In another call, Najib pressed the crown prince to meet him to resolve a dispute between 1MDB and the emirate's sovereign wealth fund, relating to repayments on bonds that the Malaysian fund had missed. The agency played nine recordings of phone conversations from 2016 to the media, which also included Najib allegedly colluding with a then public-prosecutor to hide wrongdoing. The recordings showed evidence of "abuse of power, criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice, compromising national security, fabrication of false evidence", anti-graft agency chief Latheefa Koya said. Najib told reporters at court, where he is currently on trial over the scandal, that he was "surprised" by the revelations. A favorite stop for those in central Pa. traveling to and from Washington, D.C. has closed. Fitzgeralds Shamrock Restaurant in Thurmont, Maryland locked the doors on Dec. 30 after 57 years of serving diners crab cakes, crab soup, prime rib, shepherds pie and more. Sisters Dawn Knox and Donna Demmon, whose parents Mike and Doris Fitzgerald opened the Irish-American establishment in 1963, made the announcement in November, saying they were looking forward to some rest and relaxation. The sisters worked at the restaurant as teenagers. Demmon met her husband, a Marine stationed at Camp David, at the Shamrock in 1972 Not to make them feel over the hill, but to help everyone understand, its time to change our pace, the The Frederick News-Post reported the sisters wrote in an announcement. Its time to enjoy each other, take in some new vistas, let someone else set the table, take the order, cook the food and clean up the mess. The family is selling the land, which sits along Route 15. Itll be an immense loss for our community. Its hard to believe theyre actually going to close, Mayor John Kinnaird told the News-Post. The Shamrock is definitely a landmark restaurant in Frederick County. The Shamrock was the first restaurant in Frederick County to obtain a liquor license to serve cocktails and the restaurant was known for live music on Friday and Saturdays, reported the News-Post. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. B oris Johnson was warned of Brexit's "consequences" while discussing the possibility of a free trade deal with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. The prime minister has steadfastly stuck to his vow of attaining such an agreement - though Ms von der Leyen insisted "regulatory divergence" would hamper access to the EU's internal market. After the pair met in Number 10 today, Mr Johnson tweeted: "When we leave the EU on January 31st, we will negotiate a new free trade agreement with our European partners and continue to work together as friends and sovereign equals to tackle the worlds greatest challenges. A Downing Street spokesman said the discussions were positive, and said: "On Brexit, the PM stressed that his immediate priority was to implement the Withdrawal Agreement by January 31. They discussed the progress of ratification in the UK and in the European Parliament." Trade talks: The pair discussed a post-Brexit deal / Getty Images Detailing this further, he said: "He [Boris Johnson] said the UK wanted a positive new UK and EU partnership, based on friendly co-operation, our shared history, interests and values. "The PM reiterated that we wanted a broad free trade agreement covering goods and services, and co-operation in other areas." However, Ms von der Leyen has stressed her fears that the current transition is too short and may prevent the "best possible outcome" being achieved. Boris Johnson has vowed to secure a free trade deal post-Brexit / REUTERS She also said leaving the EU will have "consequences" - as the new relationship forged will not be as close a bond as a being a member was. A statement from the European Commission said: "President von der Leyen stressed the fact that the EU fully respects the decision by the UK to leave the EU. This decision brings with it consequences, as no relationship can be as close as being a member of the EU." She insisted the EU wishes to secure a positive outcome for both sides, though said the timeframe may not facilitate an ideal endpoint. "The EU will negotiate in good faith, in the framework of the Political Declaration, with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome," the statement added. "Time however is short for such an agreement to be reached and then ratified before the end of 2020. The President made clear that there is a trade-off between any regulatory divergence and access to the EU market." Australian fuel retailer Caltex has received approaches from a "number of parties" interested in making a takeover offer for its assets, raising the chance of a bidding war for the $8 billion giant. Caltex on Wednesday revealed its rejection of a takeover offer from Canadian convenience store operator Alimentation Couche-Tard late last year had prompted multiple rival approaches, including from UK-based EG Group. Caltex Australia is in the crosshairs of large foreign suitors. Credit:Sasha Woolley "There is no certainty that any binding proposal will be made by any of the parties who have expressed potential interest," Caltex said in a statement. "Caltex has not received any proposal to acquire Caltex subsequent to the proposals from Alimentation Couche-Tard." During a time of intense international conflict, people tend to look toward elected officials to provide calm and steady leadership. Sadly, in the wake of the drone attack that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, were witnessing something that looks a lot less like reassurance and a lot more like a food fight scene from Animal House. The leadership test, naturally, starts at the top. And President Donald Trump has failed spectacularly. Taking to his favorite outlet Twitter the president threatened Iran after they promised retaliation for Soleimani's death. Trump then tweeted about the possibility of targeting sites "important to Iran & the Iranian culture." The tweet received immediate criticism, along with reminders that such military targeting could be considered war crimes under international law. When Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sought to downplay Trump's tweet, he ended up being pushed aside. They're allowed to kill our people. They're allowed to torture and maim our people. They're allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people. And we're not allowed to touch their cultural site? It doesn't work that way, the president said to press aboard Air Force One not long after. Not helpful. Democrats, particularly those running for their party's presidential nomination, haven't exactly inspired confidence either. Senator Elizabeth Warren, in an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, referred to Soleimani as a "senior foreign military official" and claimed Trump had him "assassinated" (it took Meghan McCain on The View to get Warren to say Soleimani was also a terrorist). Warren also suggested Trump did it all to distract from impeachment. And when Tapper pressed, "What do you think?, Warren refused to answer, saying instead, "It's an appropriate question. Elsewhere, former vice president Joe Biden issued a statement acknowledging Soleimani's responsibility for the deaths of American troops and saying he "supported terror and sowed chaos, but went on to claim Trump "just tossed a stick of dynamite into a tinderbox." In an appearance on Morning Joe, former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg said Trump made the call "without the proper consultation with Congress," and suggested that the presidents actions might have been illegal. Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Show all 24 1 /24 Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions Iranian mourners gather around a vehicle carrying the coffin of top general Qasem Soleimani during the final stage of funeral processions, in his hometown Kerman. Soleimani was killed outside Baghdad airport in a drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump, ratcheting up tensions with Iran which has vowed "severe revenge" AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian people carry a coffin of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani during a funeral procession in Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions The assassination of the 62-year-old heightened international concern about a new war in the volatile, oil-rich Middle East and rattled financial markets AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners packed the streets of Tehran for ceremonies to pay homage to Soleimani, who spearheaded Iran's Middle East operations as commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force and was killed in a US drone strike on January 3 Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranians set a US and an Israeli flag on fire during the funeral procession AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, centre, with Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, second left, and President Hassan Rouhani, third left, standing next to him as he leads a prayer over the caskets of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Tehran University Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, left, openly weeps as he leads a prayer over the coffin of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners holding posters of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Coffins of Soleimani and others who were killed in Iraq by a US drone strike, are carried on a truck surrounded by mourners during a funeral procession, at the Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions An Iranian mourner holds a placard AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Downtown Tehran was brought to a standstill as mourners flooded the Iranian capital Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Former Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps chief Mohamad Ali Jafari prays on the coffins of Qasem Soleimani and of other victims during their funeral ceremony EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Satellite image Maxar Technologies/AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA In what was perhaps the most offensive broadside, Senator Bernie Sanders dared to suggest Trump ordering the drone attack that killed Soleimani was similar to Russian President Vladimir Putin murdering political dissidents. And just when you didn't think it could get any worse, along comes former Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley. Not typically known for engaging in absurdities, Haley iced the face-palm cake when she said, "The only ones mourning the loss of Soleimani are our Democrat leadership and Democrat presidential candidates." All parties literally and figuratively have to understand the killing of Soleimani was not the same as taking out a low-level Al Qaeda or Isis leader. And while the tucked-away enclave known as Washington DC will soon get caught up in impeachment drama once again, the issue of Soleimani's death will continue to reverberate internationally. As the saying goes, a house divided against itself cannot stand. President Trump and Democrats in Congress, as well as Trumps potential 2020 opponents, don't have to agree at all on how to handle the situation with Iran. Foreign policy and national security will always have diverging points of view on what will work best. But the propensity for United States political leaders to immediately fall into a sandtrap of political partisanship and the president to behave like a cartoon character doesn't do anyone any favors. The situation is not going away anytime soon. Democrats and Republicans alike have to put aside the petty bickering and begin to take their responsibilities to the American people much more seriously. Jay Caruso is the managing editor of the Washington Examiner magazine Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Reuters) Johannesburg, South Africa Wed, January 8, 2020 20:07 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3216af97 2 Environment desmond-tutu,Al-Gore,fossil-fuel,environment,South-Africa,climate-change,climate-crisis Free Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and veteran of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle, joined former US vice president Al Gore on Tuesday to call on nations and companies to ditch fossil fuels to head off climate change. Tutu, who is 88 and has been in hospital over the past few years owing to ill health, met Gore in Cape Town on Tuesday. "Any organization committed to operating responsibly in this new decade has a moral imperative to stop participating in financing the destruction of human civilization's future," the pair said in a statement. "Corporations, governments and institutions that continue to invest in fossil fuels despite all the evidence of their effect on accelerating climate change are furthering environmental, economic and social injustice." Gore followed up his 2006 Oscar-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth with a 2017 sequel arguing that the struggle against climate change is a moral fight. He likened it to the civil rights movement in the United States or the fight for gay rights in recent decades. His and Tutu's declaration is likely produce mixed reactions within the South African government, which has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but sees coal as crucial for generating electricity. Three quarters of South Africa's energy comes from coal, making it one of the world's top 20 emitters of carbon dioxide. Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has vowed to keep opening more coal-fired power stations, even as South Africa also diversifies into renewables like solar and wind. The Conversation, December 20, 2019 By Gordon Adams The Washington Post has, after more than two years of investigation, revealed that senior foreign policy officials in the White House, State and Defense departments have known for some time that the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan was failing. Interview transcripts from the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, obtained by the Post after many lawsuits, show that for 18 years these same officials have told the public the intervention was succeeding. Kabul graffiti written on the wall of one of the main streets in Kabul. (Photo: Afghan Freedom-Loving Youth Group/Facebook) The U.S. secretly plotted and carried out the overthrow of the democratically elected leader of Iran, Mohammad Mossadeq, in 1953. Here, an Iranian protests U.S. involvement in the coup. (Photo: Pahlavi Dynasty, public domain) Kabul graffiti written on the wall of one of the main streets in Kabul. (Photo: Afghan Freedom-Loving Youth Group/Facebook)The U.S. secretly plotted and carried out the overthrow of the democratically elected leader of Iran, Mohammad Mossadeq, in 1953. Here, an Iranian protests U.S. involvement in the coup. (Photo: Pahlavi Dynasty, public domain) In other words, government officials have been lying. Few people are shocked. Thats a stark contrast to 1971, when the Pentagon Papers, a classified study of decision-making about Vietnam, were leaked and published. The explosive Pentagon Papers showed that the U.S. government had systematically lied about the reality that the U.S. was losing the Vietnam War. The failure of the U.S. campaign in Afghanistan has been known for years. Virtually none of the U.S. goals have been met. These goals included a strong, democratic, uncorrupt central government; the defeat of the Taliban; eliminating the poppy fields that contribute to the worlds heroin problem; an effective military and police and creating a healthy, diversified economy. The Inspector General has repeatedly documented the reality in its widely available (and widely reported) audits. Despite this public record of failure, officials continued to trumpet political and military gains on the ground, even that the U.S. could prevail. Privately, they have been wringing their hands. Shades of Vietnam. Sad history of Vietnam The Pentagon Papers revealed that senior officials asserted in the 1960s that the Viet Cong were dying in record numbers, enemy leadership was decapitated and there was light at the end of the tunnel. Defense Secretary Robert McNamara and his commanders, who knew the reality, continuously called for even more force from 1961 to 1969. H.R. McMaster, in his classic study of Vietnam decision-making, excoriated the military for not bringing the truth to President Lyndon Johnson, for presenting Johnson with the lies that led to Vietnam. The U.S. was winning in Vietnam, until it was not. Right up to the moment diplomats in the U.S. embassy turned the lights off and were airlifted off the buildings roof. Are comparisons justified? Afghanistan is not Vietnam, it is said. Former Afghanistan Ambassador Ryan Crocker argues that the U.S. must be in Afghanistan for Americas security even if reconstruction fails. Brookings analyst Michael OHanlon asserts that there were no lies; officials were clear the policy was in trouble. He avoids discussing the voluminous true statements The Washington Post uncovered that were not made publicly. The U.S. was ignorant about both countries. Serving in the Obama transition in 2008, for example, I learned that Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute, the Bush-Obama Afghanistan coordinator, was carrying out a policy review process that led to a military surge. Now we learn, courtesy of The Washington Post, that, when interviewed in 2015 as part of Special Inspector Generals Lessons Learned project, Lute said, We were devoid of a fundamental understanding of Afghanistan we didnt have the foggiest notion of what we were undertaking. While Afghanistan is clearly not Vietnam, Washington is still Washington. Prevarication as policy After more than 30 years of policy work, government experience, teaching and research, I see no mystery here. Concealment, deception and outright lies have characterized U.S. national security policy for decades from the overthrow of democratically elected governments in Iran and Guatemala to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein and more. But Vietnam was the big lie, permanently exposing the gap between myth the government knows everything better and reality that policy is failing. Since Vietnam, the media and congressional, think-tank and scholarly investigators have suspected something with every intervention. To the public, the truth about Afghanistan has been clear; public opinion has been way ahead of what The Washington Post revealed. Good reasons for lies Lies are an integral part of national security operations. They seek credibility for government policy. They mislead adversaries, cover up mistakes and failures. Above all, they are intended to secure public support for policy and defeat opposition at home. Political scientist John Mearsheimer has noted that governments dont often lie to their allies and adversaries, but instead seem more inclined to lie to their own people. In particular, secrecy and deception convey power. As philosopher Sissela Bok says, Deception can be coercive. When it succeeds, it can give power to the deceiver. Secrecy allows policies to be tweaked outside public view. Insiders gain influence arguing for new approaches to the same goals. Even the goals can shift as interventions deteriorate. The political consequences of failure may be avoided. It is rare for an official to acknowledge failure and reverse policy; personal, political and national credibility may be at stake. President Johnson insisted that he was not going to be the first president to lose a war. Bush, Obama and even Trump did not want to lose Afghanistan. An act of political courage like the 1960-61 Algeria departure decision of French President Charles de Gaulle, who understood France had lost its fight, is rare. Trust broken Why has The Washington Post series not been explosive? In part, the Pentagon Papers broke the code of secrecy; the bond of trust between the policymakers and the American people was severed forever. In part, the lies about Afghanistan have been in plain sight for years, courtesy of the media and the Special Inspector General. And in part, the public is less directly engaged. The warriors are now volunteer professionals, not conscripts drawn from the general public. Casualties are one-twentieth of what they were in Vietnam. Nonetheless, lying about military interventions carries a serious risk. The Pentagon Papers eroded public faith in the credibility of our democratic government. That erosion was later reinforced by the Watergate scandal. As Bok, the philosopher, wrote, deception of this kind strikes at the very essence of democratic government. British leader Winston Churchill said, In war-time truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies. Deception aimed at the public and the Axis was an essential part of Churchills war strategy. The Afghanistan papers reveal yet again that statesmen still believe the truth should be concealed. But the credibility of statecraft and leadership itself were seriously eroded by the Vietnam lies, weakening the fabric of democracy. The mild reaction to lying in plain sight about Afghanistan suggests the U.S. may be well down the road to unravelling governments credibility and our democracy altogether. The Rajasthan police has seized a truck that its owner had reported stolen as part of a plan to sell off a consignment worth Rs 12.5 crore meant for security agencies, officials said. The truck owner and driver were later arrested in Alwar district and most of the consignment was recovered, the police said. According to the police, the truck carried electronic equipment and the two men had planned to sell it as scrap. The police refused to disclose the exact nature of the consignment or the establishments in Kota and Jaipur where it was to be delivered. A case related to truck carrying grocery items being stolen from an eatery on Behror highway was registered at Behror police station last Saturday. Investigation revealed that the truck was carrying equipment related to internal security and not grocery items, Bhiwadi Superintendent of Police Amandeep Singh Kapoor told PTI. He said the truck driver and its owner revealed during interrogation that they had parked the truck in Behror industrial area to dismantle the equipment and sell them in scrap. The accused were identified as Pintu Kewat and truck owner Dharmendra Singh, the officer said. Kapoor said 57 out the 58 boxes had been recovered and the search for the remaining one was on. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said Tuesday that persuasive intelligence report shows the threat posed by Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was "a matter of days," in an effort to justify the U.S. airstrike that killed him. "I can assure you (the intelligence) is more than razor-thin and persuasive ... I think it was only a matter of days, certainly no more than weeks," said the Pentagon chief when asked by CNN whether the threat was imminent as the Trump administration claimed. Esper also suggested that the United States seek to avoid military conflict with Iran. "We are not looking to start a war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one," he said. "What we would like to see is the situation de-escalated and for Tehran to sit down with us and begin a discussion about a better way ahead," he added. Esper's words came hours after Iran's parliament designated the U.S. Department of Defense as a "terrorist organization." The New York Times reported over the weekend that some U.S. officials "voiced private skepticism about the rationale for a strike on General Suleimani," pointing out that the intelligence indicating imminent threat was thin. The Trump administration officials will provide a classified briefing on Iran on Tuesday for congressional leaders and Republican and Democratic leaders of the intelligence committees, and then classified briefing for the full House and Senate on Wednesday, according to media reports. Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), was killed in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad airport on Friday, raising fear of an uncontrolled escalation in the region. JERUSALEM, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In the land of Ophir near the city of Eilat, private exploration company Mirbatzei Zahav Ltd. has made a significant gold discovery and is looking for investment partners to develop its property. Archeologists speculate that King's Solaman's Mines might also be located at this mountainous region in southeast Israel. Roded Gold Property Since ancient times, the area has been known for its vast mineral wealth. The region's Timna Valley is known for its archeological treasures, rich copper deposits and a surprising number of golden artifacts. There's also evidence that there were once 10,000 copper mines in the area. Mirbatzei Zahav Ltd. owns a 4,942 acre-property within the region called the Roded Gold Property and has found a significant gold discovery at its site. It's looking for active investors to develop the property, which is only a five km north from the city of Eilat. Minor gold explorations were conducted by the State of Israel in the area. Drill core samples to a depth of 51 and 56 meters revealed some surprising significant gold values from 2.5 g/t Au and up to about 9 g/t Au. In January 2019, an exploration and mining permit was obtained by the company from The Israeli Ministry of Energy's Natural Resources Administration. The permit allows the company exclusive rights to commercial mineral prospecting and mining in the Roded Gold Property. When mining operations become commercial, the company is obligated to pay a 5% royalty to the government of Israel. Mirbatzei Zahav Ltd. intends to conduct further drillings to peruse the full potential of gold mining operations in the area defined by the permit. Professor C. Tucker Barrie is the company's Economic Geologists. With more than 30 years of experience, he has seen similar rocks to those on the property owned by another company bearing a million ounces of gold. After visiting Roded Gold Properties in February 2019, Professor Barrie issued a report for further exploration, so that the additional drillings will allow the team to fully map the geological structures and gain a stronger indication for rare metals. It is the company's intention to pursue, in parallel to the additional drillings, to either an IPO, mergers and acquisitions or forming a strategic partnership. Geology The geology of the Roded Gold Property is underlain by Neoproterozoic rocks of the Arabian Nubian Shield geological province. These rocks are famous for hosting significant gold and base metal deposits as well as hundreds of mines in northeast Africa and in the Arabian Peninsula. There's also potential for mesothermal and/or epithermal gold vein mineralization, and alluvial gold mineralization on the property. Economic advantage of the location One of the major economic attractions of the development of a potential mine on this property is its location. The property has a massive working water pipe for the drilling equipment. It's also only a 10-minute drive from city of Eilat. The city has an international airport, a deep-water port in the Red Sea and easily accessible by working staff. Working with the best To ensure high professional industry standards, the company hires first rate leading industry experts such as Geology Professor C. Tucker Barrie from Ottawa, Canada. Professor Tucker has an international license and his expert reports have been formally submitted to stock exchanges around the world. He has a Ph.D. in Economic Geology and Geochemistry from the University of Toronto and a M.Sc. in Economic Geology from the University of Texas. His expertise includes mineral exploration, exploration research and management, metallic mineral ore deposits, geology, geochemistry, mineralogy and more. Roy Avneri, a Tel Aviv based leading commercial attorney, is the company's lawyer. He's a well-known attorney and graduated from Tel Aviv University Law Faculty, LL.B, with merit, Tel Aviv University School of Economics, B.A., with merit and the The Hebrew University School of Business Administration, Executive MBA in Financial Engineering and Banking, with merit. He's been a member of the Israeli Bar Association since 1998. Mirbatzei Zahav Ltd. is a privately held company owned by Mr. Eli Hacham who is a serial entrepreneur. In recent years, he has founded and developed companies in IT and bought Mirbatzei Zahav Ltd. in 2018 to develop natural resources in Israel For more information https://www.mirbatzeizahav.com/. If you're interested in forming a partnership to this incredible find, kindly contact the company through its legal counsel Roy Avneri at [email protected] or +972.3.6935600. SOURCE Mirbatzei Zahav Ltd. Related Links https://www.mirbatzeizahav.com An armed robber walked into the Rockford, Ill.-branch of the $375 million Heritage Credit Union Friday, holding a 39-year-old female employee hostage for six and a half hours when he allegedly sexually assaulted her, according to Rockford police investigators. Shortly after 2:30 p.m., Rockford police and authorities from four other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies responded to a robbery in progress at the credit unions branch at 5350 East State Street. SWAT team members surrounded the credit union and established contact with the suspect, Nicholas August, 39, of Rockford. Investigators learned that August entered the branch and threatened employees. He then took a female employee hostage and ordered the other employees out of the branch. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 19:31:02|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close COLOMBO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Tea Board has warned that it will continue to take stern action against those engaged in contaminating pure Ceylon Tea. Those indulging in contamination of this iconic brand of tea could be suspended from doing business for three months, local media reports quoting Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman Jayampathy Molligoda on Wednesday. Molligoda told the local Daily FT that, Ceylon Tea used to be adulterated with sugar syrup and molasses. But the Tea Board had put an end to the menace. Tea inspectors are now undertaking regular checks at the factory level and errant manufacturers are taken to task, the official said. In raids conducted so far, the number of factories found to be contaminating tea has drastically dropped. "The situation is under control at present," Molligoda said, adding that the Sri Lanka Tea Board would not compromise on leaf standards. Last year, Iraq was the main export destination for Ceylon Tea, followed by Turkey and Russia. Other export destinations included China, Libya, Azerbaijan, Syria and the United Arab Emirates. There was also a significant growth in exports to India, the United States and Germany compared to 2018. The Dental Agency in Randolph, NJ Being a dentist is one of the best careers you could have chosen to have a balance of financial security and enjoyment of life with family, friends or whatever your heart desires. My goal is to help you and put you on the path to achieve both. The Dental Agency in Randolph, New Jersey is excited to announce the launch of its new Hybrid-Responsive website: https://www.thedentalagent.com. Because The Dental Agency offers a unique service to dentists, founder Gary Baumwoll, Esq. knew it needed a website that would both attract new clients and be a valuable resource to existing ones. Baumwoll chose to implement a Hybrid-Responsive format that allows his clients easy access at home, work, and when they're on-the-go. According to Baumwoll, Being a dentist is one of the best careers you could have chosen to have a balance of financial security and enjoyment of life with family, friends or whatever your heart desires. My goal is to help you and put you on the path to achieve both. The Dental Agency's new website is equally responsive on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. Appointments can be requested by filling out a simple form on the website and all of The Dental Agency's offerings are explained in detail. Obtaining legal advice, perusing job opportunities, and finding dental practices for sale has never been easier. Meet Gary Baumwoll Gary Baumwoll found a niche he loved and built a thriving law practice out of that passion. Baumwoll focuses exclusively on the legal issues surrounding dentistry. His interest may have arisen while observing his wife Heather Baumwoll's orthodontic career, but his expertise was gained through years of experience and his studies at Princeton University and Rutgers School of Law, where he earned a J.D. in 2007. Baumwoll represents clients in New Jersey and New York. About The Dental Agency The Dental Agency was founded by Gary Baumwoll to support dentists in all aspects of their businesses. With a motto of "Be a Dentist... Enjoy Life," The Dental Agency takes care of the legalities and assists with the long term goals of dentists so the dentist can focus on what they do best: practicing dentistry. Clients of The Dental Agency have access to attorneys, accountants, brokers, financial advisers, and real estate consultants who specialize in the dental field. To learn more or request an appointment, visit the new website at https://www.thedentalagent.com or contact the practice's Randolph location: The Dental Agency 390 Route 10 West Randolph, NJ 07869 973-723-6115 Clergy and Human Rights Delegation Call for American Based, Nonlethal Technologies, to Stop Selling Teargas to Hong Kong Police NEWS PROVIDED BY Christian Defense Coalition Jan. 8, 2020 WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- The group will hold a protest and news conference outside of Nonlethal Technologies on Thursday, January 9, at 12:00 PM. The location is 9419 Rt 286 Hwy West, Homer City, PA 15748. Here is a national news story on Nonlethal Technologies. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/rosalindadams/tear-gas-hong-kong-made-in-usa Three members of the delegation were in Hong Kong for 5 days and were subjected to constant tear gas attacks and police assaults while they were involved in peaceful and prayerful events for freedom and democracy. Below is a picture of Rev. Patrick Mahoney after he was blinded for several minutes from a tear gas attack in Hong Kong. The group is currently working with members of Congress to prevent the sale of tear gas to the Hong Kong police. See article below: https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398401 After the news conference, the group will attempt to meet with the owners of Nonlethal Technologies and demand they stop the sale of tear gas to Hong Kong. Dr. William Devlin, President of REDEEM and a member of the delegation, states; "We are here today at Nonlethal Technologies to lovingly approach them and encourage them to stop selling tear gas to the Hong Kong police. Nonlethal Technologies products are being used on peaceful people who only want freedom, democracy, human rights and liberty for Hong Kong. We gently appeal to the leadership of this company to stop the sale of their products to the draconian and brutal Hong Kong riot police regime." Rev. Kris Keating President of Bright Mercy, who was also in Hong Kong, comments: "Endorsing and enabling the current abusive use of tear gas by the Hong Kong police is not in the best interest of the American people. Having witnessed and experienced violent and over-zealous police tactics to suppress peaceful demonstration in Hong Kong, I feel compelled to speak out against practices that allow for American companies to profit from the export and sale of tear gas to that nation. "As a United States citizen, I am proud of our country's legacy of inspiring and encouraging freedom. Nonlethal Technologies has a moral and patriotic obligation to cease any practices that facilitate the Chinese government's attempts to inhibit liberty and free expression in Hong Kong." Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, adds; "We join with member of Congress and all people of good will in demanding Nonlethal Technologies stop selling tear gas to Hong Kong which is being used indiscriminately on citizens involved in peaceful protests. "With over 18,000 rounds of tear gas fired, Nonlethal Technologies is creating a massive humanitarian and environmental crisis in Hong Kong. We will work passionately with Congress to ensure 'The PROTECT Hong Kong Act' passes and American companies will no longer be allowed to export technology to Hong Kong that will harm innocent lives." For more information or interviews Call Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741 Rev. Patrick Mahoney at: 540.538.4741 SOURCE Christian Defense Coalition CONTACT: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741 There are two types of people in this world: those who wake up on December 26 and immediately purge their homes of tinsel and twinkling lights, and those who leave their Christmas decorations up until January (we see you, Taylor Swift). But many people dont know theres actually a third category for the most non-superstitious royal, Queen Elizabeth. The queen doesnt just leave her Christmas tree up well in the new year, she leaves all her holiday decorations hung until February 6 each year. But there is one very specific reason for Her Majestys break in protocol that some royal fans fear might be bad luck. Queen Elizabeth II | Anwar Hussein Collection/Rota/WireImage Why do people leave their Christmas decorations up so long? Plenty of people follow the Christian tradition of keeping their Christmas decorations up until after the Epiphany (also called Three Kings Day), which occurs 12 days after Christmas Day on January 6. In fact, the popular song The 12 Days of Christmas specifically references this time period. All those leaping lords and drumming drummers arrive in January, not December. However, this Christian tradition comes with one additional rule. Just as followers arent supposed to take their decorations down before the Epiphany, they also arent meant to leave them up for any time after. Legend holds that doing so could invite bad luck such as spirits hiding in the Christmas tree that could ruin the harvest. Queen Elizabeth cares more about her late father than superstition The queen has a very good reason for leaving her Christmas decorations at Sandringham Estate up until February 6 every year she does it to honor her late father, King George VI. The king died on February 6, 1952 while in residence at Sandringham Estate. Queen Elizabeth was very close with her dad and felt terrible for not being at his deathbed. On that day in 1952, Elizabeth and Prince Philip were on an important royal tour of Kenya. They went in place of King George because he was too sick to travel, though Elizabeth believed he was recovering from an illness and never imagined he would die in his sleep. The queen surrounds herself with family for the holidays Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made headlines when it was revealed that they planned to skip the queens annual Christmas celebrations. Their absence was notable because everyone knows how seriously Queen Elizabeth treats Christmas festivities with the family. Keeping in mind that she lost her father not long after Christmas, this attitude makes perfect sense. The royal Christmas events last for several days and include church services, fancy meals including turkey on Christmas Day, gift exchanges, and merrymaking. But the most important thing the royal family does is spend time bonding with each other and taking time to appreciate each others company. And though it may be against tradition to leave her Christmas decorations adorning the walls so long, Queen Elizabeth refuses to take down her tree until after February 6. It all just proves that the queen is not truly superstitious! Justice Department Accuses Indianas Community Health Network of Medicare Fraud The Justice Department (DOJ) has filed a complaint against an integrated health care system based in Indiana, accusing them of making false claims to the Medicare program. Community Health Network Inc. (Community) has been accused of violating the physician self-referral law. Commonly known as the Stark Law, it prohibits hospitals from billing Medicare for services referred by a doctor or an immediate family member with whom they have a financial relationship, except when a statutory or regulatory exception applies. The complaint alleged that Community financial relationships with multiple doctors that did not meet Stark Law exceptions because the compensations Community paid to the doctors were well above fair market value and because Community conditioned paying bonuses on physicians achieving a minimum target of referral revenues to the hospital. Community would then submit claims to Medicare for services resulting from prohibited referrals from these doctors knowing that these claims were not eligible for payment, the complaint said. Improper financial relationships between hospitals and physicians corrupt clinical decision-making, threaten patient care, and ultimately drive up Medicare costs, Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justices Civil Division said in a statement. Community has disputed the claims, calling the allegations meritless. In a statement to media outlets, the health care system said that they were disappointed with their decision and believe that it is a waste of the governments time and resources to pursue these meritless claims. This lawsuit involves certain administrative issues that are completely unrelated to patient care. We are confident that we have complied with the laws and regulations that govern the way we operate our health network. We are committed to fighting these allegations which have no merit, the statement said. We are confident that we have complied with the law and regulations that govern the way we pay our physicians for the services they provide to our patients and to the communities we serveservices such as teaching, research, providing education to patients and developing protocols to enhance care delivery. Community added that in order to ensure compliance with physician compensation practices, they use a variety of resources such as independent third parties to evaluate the compensation to ensure that it is fair and complies with the law. The government filed their complaint in a lawsuit under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. That law allows the United States to intervene and take over the lawsuit, which was done in part in this case, the DOJ said. The Stark Law was enacted in 1989 to address overutilization of services, increased costs, and medical decision-making by physicians who stood to profit from referring patients to facilities or entities in which the physicians had a financial interest, the complaint said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 23:53:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close NINGBO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and German carmaker Mercedes-Benz announced Wednesday the establishment of a joint venture to operate and develop the Smart brand globally. The joint venture has registered capital of 5.4 billion yuan (about 777.5 million U.S. dollars), with each side contributing 2.7 billion yuan. Headquartered in Ningbo of east China's Zhejiang Province, the joint venture will enable the two carmakers to cooperate in R&D, manufacturing and supply chains to transform the Smart brand into a leading global producer of high-end, intelligent electric vehicles. With joint efforts of Mercedes-Benz and Geely Holding, the new model of the purely electric Smart brand will be manufactured in China and is expected to be launched and sold worldwide in 2022. The joint venture will bring the next generation of zero-emission smart electric cars to the Chinese and global markets, said Ola Kallenius, chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. Geely Holding chairman Li Shufu said Geely, with its advantages in R&D, manufacturing and supply chains, will step up cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit and accelerate Smart's electric and intelligent transformation. China calls on all sides to handle Iran issue with fairness People's Daily Online (China Daily) 07:38, January 07, 2020 Tensions escalated in the Gulf region over the weekend as Iran distanced itself from the 2015 nuclear deal amid growing threats and pressure from the United States. The Iranian cabinet said in a statement on Sunday that the country would "take the final step to reduce commitments to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action", and would not observe restrictions in operational areas, including uranium enrichment capacities, enrichment percentage, the volume of enriched material and research. Teheran will abandon the last key restriction in the operational field put up in the 2015 nuclear deal regarding "the limitations in the number of centrifuges", and will proceed solely based on the country's technical needs, Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency reported. As an important party to the nuclear deal, China is highly concerned about the current situation in the Middle East, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Monday, adding that the region's peace and stability is of vital importance for the entire world. Geng said that Iran has exercised restraint, although it was forced to end its commitment due to external factors. "Iran has clearly expressed its political willingness to comprehensively and effectively implement the 2015 nuclear deal and does not break obligations as stipulated by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," he said. Iran's 2015 nuclear accord with the United Kingdom, China, France, Germany, Russia and the US has been hanging by a thread since Washington's unilateral withdrawal in May 2018. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng said the withdrawal was "the root cause of the Iran nuclear tensions". "It should also be the basic starting point for all related parties to deal with the Iran nuclear issue in an objective and fair way," he said. Iran's announcement was another sign of the fallout from Friday's assassination of senior general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad in a drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump. On Monday, hundreds of thousands of people in Teheran mourned the death of Soleimani, the former commander of the Quds Force of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Geng said at a regular news conference in Beijing that the risky military behavior of the US "goes against the basic norms governing international relations as well as aggravates the tensions of the regional situation", and the power politics "are neither popular nor sustainable". The deadly strike has caused an unexpected stir in Iran and even the entire Persian Gulf region and limits opportunities to resume the suspended talks on the nuclear deal, said Zhu Weilie, director of the Center for China-Arab States Cooperation Forum Studies at Shanghai International Studies University. Iran's decision indicated the rapid escalation of tensions, and under such circumstances it will be difficult to avoid some regional conflicts, Zhu said. Meanwhile, Zhu said the announcement also shows Iran's disappointment with European countries. "The solution of establishing a special payment system led by the European countries has failed to meet Iran's expectation to break the economic blockade caused by US sanctions," he said. "Iran is pressing the Europeans by calling off its commitment to the nuclear deal." The leaders of Germany, France and the UK reacted by urging Iran to rethink its announcement. "We call on Iran to withdraw all measures that are not in line with the nuclear agreement," German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a joint statement. They also urged Iran to refrain from taking "further violent actions or support for them" and called on all parties involved to "show utmost restraint and responsibility". "It is crucial now to de-escalate," they said. Zhu emphasized that although Iran said it reduced its commitments, it still "plays within the frame and hasn't crossed the line". "We should see that Iran's non-compliance does not mean that it will begin to resume the development and use of nuclear weapons." Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif referred to Iran's final remedial step under the 2015 nuclear deal and said that Iran will continue its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. In comments posted on social media, Zarif said the latest step taken by Iran was within the remit of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and "all five steps are reversible upon effective implementation of reciprocal obligations". The cabinet statement also said Iran will be ready to return to its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal once the sanctions are removed and the country gets benefits from the agreement. Meanwhile, Trump insisted on Sunday that Iranian cultural sites were fair game for the US military, dismissing concerns within his own government that doing so could constitute a war crime under international law. "These media posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any US person or target, the United States will quickly and fully strike back, and perhaps in a disproportionate manner," he said on social media. The president claimed on Saturday that the US had targeted 52 Iranian sites, including cultural sites, and would hit them "very fast and very hard" if Iran retaliates, raising questions about the legality of attacks against significant world heritage sites. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Below Deck charter guest Justine Vastano shared that the reason the crew didnt receive a better tip was because chef Kevin Dobson served diner food during the charter. Vastano and Dobson clashed during the charter when she tried to give him advice on the food. Vastano is a private chef in Charleson, South Carolina. But, after seeing that Dobson was missing the mark, she visited him in the kitchen to suggest he go higher end with his dishes. After she left, Dobson seemed furious and brushed off any suggestions or advice she offered. Kate Chastain, Courtney Skippon, Simone Mashile, Kevin Dobson, Tanner Sterback, Ashton Pienaar, Brian de Saint Pern, Rhylee Gerber | Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images However, when the guests later noticed that Dobson was delivering the type of fare they anticipated, Vastano returned to the kitchen to offer praise and apologize. But he was still angry. He avoided making any eye contact with her and told stew Courtney Skippon to leave the garnish off Vastanos dish. His food (or attitude) cost the crew Despite food snafus and one guest riding the couch for a few nights, the Charleston crew still left a healthy tip of $17,700 ($1,600 per crew member). But Vastano says the tip could have been better but Dobson blew it. So yeah great professionalism, Vastano said in her Instagram story. I thought when I was entering the kitchen that I was going to be speaking to a professional. Not some high school girl. Everybody on the boat was calling his food cracker ball soup not matzo ball soup, she continues. Because it tasted like saltines thrown into soup. Worst pizza theyd ever tasted. Didnt know why we were eating diner food on this luxury vacation that we all paid the same amount for and we were all expecting a similar experience for. But uh yeah good job Kevin, she says giving the camera a thumbs up. On taking thousands off of everybodys tip because we really wanted to leave more. But we couldnt. Because of you. She also shades his comments about her background Dobson referred to Vastano as an Instagram chef and rolled his eyes about her qualifications. When she saw him call her an Instagram chef she said, Lets go. One, I dont take pictures of all of my food because Im busy working and serving my food at the correct temperature. Two, I said to Kevins face that my job is nowhere near as demanding as his. Im a private chef, I didnt choose to work on a charter where I have to please people 24/7. Three, I went to the French Culinary Institute. She adds, Four. What separates a cook from a chef is their demeanor, their sanitation, and their overall professionalism. I went into the kitchen to say Hey listen, sorry if I made you uncomfortable last night. You did a great job last night and I knew you could step it up. And he chose to not look me in the eye, say F**k her and tell Courtney not to garnish my food as everybody else got garnished. Vastano also shared the clip of Dobson learning she was a private chef during the preference sheet meeting. Shes a private chef, he asks in the episode looking annoyed. Well, whatever. Vastano added that Dobson had it out for her even before the charter began. A man abandoned as a child in Western Sahara, a protester who fears the death penalty in Iran are among those detained. Sydney, Australia With more than 7,000 men, women and children in migrant detention centres across Australia, the country has earned notoriety for its tough border protection policies, which have been condemned for breaching international human rights. Behind the barricades are refugees and migrants, who have fled from across the world in the hope of building a new home in Australia. For many, however, Australias detention centres have become their unlikely home, with their dreams of freedom shattered by what they say is a never-ending wait to be released. Here are two of their stories from detention. Stateless Said January 28, 2010 at 6:45pm Melbourne International Airport Said Imasi arrives at Melbourne International Airport from Norway. He is escorted by police out of the terminal and taken to a hotel room for interrogation. The 21-year-old is suspected of having a stolen Norwegian passport. Three days later, officers confirm the document is fake, and Said is taken immediately to a detention centre. Dubbed a stateless man, Saids case is rare. He does not know where he was born and has had more than eight different names. At the age of six, a non-government organisation found Said abandoned in Western Sahara. The charity sent him to an orphanage on the Spanish island of Las Palmas. At the age of six, Said Imasi (left) was found abandoned in West Sahara by a non-government organisation, and his birthplace remains unknown. In this photo, he is seen with his teacher, while living in Norway [Courtesy Said Imasi] From there he was shifted from orphanage to orphanage across Europe until, at the age of 10, Said escaped an abusive foster family in Belgium. After fleeing, he spent weeks on the streets, train-hopping from country to country. The first time Ive ever experienced love was in Holland. Still a child, a drug gang adopted Said as one of their own. They fed me and clothed me. They even bought me shoes. Id never had sneakers before that. Said unknowingly became an international drug mule and was sent on cross-border missions to make deliveries. I never asked what it was, I would just listen and do what they told me. In 2004, Said was caught and arrested in Norway. While in a jail for juveniles, he was sent to a care family by child protection services. For the first time in his life, he attended school, developed a passion for sport, joined a running team and turned his back on crime. I was happy with my life until the gang started to contact me again, threatening me to come back or they would hurt me I had to run away. Bound for New Zealand, Said borrowed a passport from a friend and left Norway on the 27th of January in 2010. February 13, 2019 at 4pm, High Court of Australia The now 30-year-old Said Imasi stands before all seven judges of the High Court of Australia. His lawyers are attempting to overturn legislation, which allows the indefinite detention of those who have no trace of their past. Surrounded by the friends he has made among the community groups visiting the detention centre, Said buries his face in his hands as the chief justice rejects the case. Whether he will ever be released is unclear. His future is in limbo and he remains in the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney. Said Imasi at the detention centre in Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney.[Courtesy: Said Imasi] Ghader, a father deprived 2009, Iran Ghader leads a protest in the streets against the oppression of his minority group. He is an Ahvazi from Iran; an Arab people who mostly live in the countrys resource-rich southwest, on the border with Iraq. His speech against the government lands him on a hit list. If I stayed I wouldve been killed straight away, thats what happened to so many like me. If I ever go back I will be killed straight away and so will my family, because they lied to protect me when I left. They have even made a death certificate for me already. 2010, Christmas Island A total of 88 men, women and children reach the shores of Christmas Island, having travelled from Indonesia squashed onto a rusted and rickety boat. Ghader is among them. I was excited, I thought Australia was a free country, Ghader told Al Jazeera. But Ghader languished in detention for two years while his refugee status was being processed before he was granted a bridging visa. Ghader, an Arab-speaking Ahvazi from Iran, has been in detention since 2010 [Courtesy Ghader] Although the visa did not allow him to work, study, earn an income or access public health services it did allow him the freedom to meet a partner, marry and start a family. In Australias second city of Melbourne, he met his wife. We had a good life, we were very happy. 2015, Melbourne Ghader was eight-months shy of becoming a father when he was called by an immigration official and told his visa was being cancelled, because he did not meet the requirements of refugee status. He was sent back to detention. 2015, Melbourne Immigration Detention Centre Ghader holds his newborn baby Aisha tightly in his arms. I asked them to take me to hospital so I could be there for her birth, but they didnt. They said they refused for security reasons. A few days later, guards barge into Ghaders cell, demanding he pack his belongings. Cuffed and shoved into the back of a van, he kept quiet, peering through the windows, trying to make out what was going on. He learns he is being flown back to Christmas Island. I begged them not to take me because my daughter was in Melbourne, and theres no way for me see to her on Christmas Island. 2017, Christmas Island After several failed court cases, Ghader receives a letter with an ultimatum from the then-Immigration Minister Peter Dutton. He is given two options: go back to Iran or remain in indefinite detention in Australia. This is what started to create problems between me and my wife. She lost hope, she didnt know if she would ever see me again. Ghaders wife filed for divorce later that year. Demonstrators rally in Melbourne in support of a Tamil family, who were sent to the remote Australian territory of Christmas Island. There are more than 7,000 men, women and children in migrant detention centres across the country [File: Julian Smith/EPA] I asked them many times to send me to Melbourne so I could be close to my daughter, but they sent me to Villawood instead. Ghader has been detained in the Sydney facility for almost two years and is currently being held in the maximum-security Blaxland wing, in the company of hardened prisoners. Ghader is the only inmate in the compound with no criminal record. They treat me like I am a criminal. They judge me because I have a beard and I pray. When I first arrived, I didnt eat for almost a month because every day they would serve me pork. I told them every day, I dont eat pork because of my religion, but they still did it. Al Jazeera contacted the minister of Home Affairs to ask about Ghaders allegations and why such stringent laws were in place. A statement from the ministry said each case is assessed on its own merits, while refusing to comment on the specific cases Al Jazeera investigated. The last time Ghader saw his daughter was almost five years ago when Aisha was just a couple of months old. He has never heard her speak or watched her walk, and will not be there to hold Aishas hand on her first day of school next year. Year 2020 will mark 10 years in detention for Said and Ghader. After several failed attempts to seek refuge in Australia, now all they want is freedom, wherever it may find them. I wish they would send me to another country, any country, but they said no. They only want to send me to Iran but if I go, I know I will be hanged. My message to human rights activists is if you really exist, act immediately, Ghader said. Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, has kicked against plans of the military to relocate Minok and Jakana communities in Kaga local government area of the state. Zulum said this on Tuesday after he visited the two communities that were attacked by Boko Haram attacks last week. The governor stressed that the militarys attempt to move inhabitants of the communities to internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Maiduguri, would compound the humanitarian crisis in the state. I call on the chief of army staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Burutai, to refrain from the action, he said. Read Also: Army Reacts To Accusation By Borno Governor That Soldiers Extort Commuters Rather Than Fight Boko Haram In as much as possible, we need to commend the federal governments effort in the counter-insurgency operation, but we are not in support of displacing these communities. We are fully behind the military and police with a view to condone and search exercise in the communities to arrest and prosecute all those involved in nefarious activities. But we do not want the communities to be displaced. The federal and state government, the National and State Emergency Management Agencies (NEMA and SEMA), humanitarian and development partners should be notified. The police, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and other security agencies should also be notified so that we can make adequate arrangements. I am sure that no information had been passed to the police, the Department of State Security Service (DSS), as well as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with respect to the planned evacuation of Jakana and other communities to Maiduguri. Just one day after returning from their six-week hiatus, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry have made a surprising announcement. After months of speculation, the Sussexes have declared their resignation as senior members of the British royal family. The Sussexes have talked openly about the toll that the constant scrutiny from the press and public has taken on their mental health. Theyve also expressed their desire to have more privacy, especially for the well-being of their son, Archie Harrison. Still, many people are shocked that the pair have decided to step back from the royal family to become financially independent. Meghan and Harry will take a major step back from the royal family Although they arent totally abandoning their royal duties, Harry and Meghan have made the decision to resign as senior members of the royal family. They intend to split their time between the U.K. and North America. The duo announced their decision in an Instagram post saying, After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This is how Harry and Meghans lives will look moving forward We expect to see much less of Harry and Meghan moving forward, especially because they will be splitting their time in multiple countries. However, when we do see them, they will probably be at major events for charity. We also expect to see them partner with big brands and organizations. It has already been suggested that they are going to have a US base for their foundation that makes total sense because of their links with celebrities such as George Clooney and Serena Williams who could provide huge benefits for charity, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Express. Just sharing the sweetest Christmas Card from our President and Vice-President, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Very Merry Christmas, everyone! pic.twitter.com/McOcHALoGl The Queen's Commonwealth Trust (@queenscomtrust) December 23, 2019 This is the real reason Meghan and Harry are no longer senior royals Living life in the spotlight is challenging, but being a member of the British royal family is truly a fishbowl existence. Prince Harry knows firsthand what the publics attention and obsession did to his late mother, Princess Diana, and he has taken steps to stop the scrutiny from affecting his wife and son. Additionally, the monarchy is changing. As Prince Charles prepares to take the throne in the coming years, there have already been discussions of a pared down royal family. Perhaps Harry and Meghans progressive new role within the family is a sign that times are changing. Early Wednesday morning local time, Iran delivered on its threats to retaliate for the killing of Major Gen. Qassem Soleimani with a missile strike on Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops. According to a Pentagon statement, more than a dozen ballistic missiles were fired from Iran toward at least two bases, at al-Asad and Erbil. Its not clear yet how much damage the missiles caused or if there were any casualties. Iranian state TV said the operation was called Martyr Soleimani and was a direct response to the generals killing in a U.S. drone strike last week. Irans Revolutionary Guards warned against further retaliation for these strikes, saying it would prompt further attacks against U.S. bases and U.S. allies. Advertisement While its still early, here are a few quick observations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, this attack is unusual in that it was directly claimed by Iran. Usually, the country attacks its enemies via its proxies in the region. The New York Times reported on Monday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had told senior officials that the response to Soleimanis death should be a direct attack by Iranian forces themselves. The fact that Iran is taking full credit this shows just how seriously they took the killing of Soleimani. Second, al-Asad is an Iraqi base that hosts Iraqi personnel as well as Americans. (Its the same one Trump threatened to make Iraq pay for if U.S. troops were forced out.) Early reports suggest there were Iraqi casualties. As such, this could also be viewed as an attack by Iran on the Iraqi state. Iraqs government reacted furiously to the U.S. drone strike last week, casting it as a direct attack on the countrys sovereignty and demanding the withdrawal of U.S. forces. Will it react similarly to an attack from Iran? Either way, as the U.S.-Iran showdown gets more dangerous, Iraqis are sadly going to be in the middle of it. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, though this strike could be interpreted as an escalation, several experts and journalists are suggesting that the limited attack on facilities (which, under the circumstances, were already on high alert and well fortified) could actually be a means to de-escalate the ongoing showdown between the U.S. and Iran. The Iranian government felt obligated to retaliate in some way for the killing of its most important military commander. Particularly if there are no casualties, this move allows them to declare Soleimani avenged without provoking massive American retaliation. Advertisement If that really is the strategy, its a hell of a risk, not least because it requires Trumpwho just days ago threated to attack 52 sites in Iran including cultural sites if there was any retaliation for the Soleimani striketo interpret this as an invitation to deescalate and to take the invitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were currently seeing the results of the Trump administrations decision to exit the 2015 nuclear deal and launch its ill-conceived pressure campaign against Iran. Its worth recalling that the purpose of the Soleimani strike, according to the administration, was to prevent an imminent attack by Iran on U.S. forces. It appears to have provoked one. And so much for the idea that the strike would reestablish deterrence and prevent Iran from taking further action. While the situation is far more dangerous now than it ever needed to be, catastrophic all-out war can still be avoided. Unfortunately, stopping this conflict from escalating even further is going to require cooler heads to prevail in both Tehran and Washington. Those are in short supply right now. NEW DELHI: Amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran over the killing of latter's top general - Qassem Soleimani - this week, the government on Wednesday said that the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trikhand can be deployed for evacuation of Indians from the Islamic nation if required. Addressing a press briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, ''The Indian Naval Ship INS Trikhand, which is in the Gulf of Oman since September 2019, can be deployed for evacuation of Indians if the need arises.'' The Talwar-class frigate, INS Trikhand was constructed in Russia's Yantar shipyard and commissioned into Indian Navy on June 29, 2013. With a maximum speed of 30 knots (56 kilometres per hour), INS Trikhand has a range of 4,850 nautical miles at 14 knots while it is 1,600 nautical miles if the warship is crusing at its maximum speed. The warship has a complement of 180 sailors including 18 officers. The MEA spokesperson further said that the government is also keeping a close watch on the developing US-Iran geo-political tensions. Expressing concerns over the situation arising from the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a US airstrike, the government urged both the countries to exercise restraint and resolve all issues through dialogue. As a precautionary measure, the MEA also issued a travel advisory for Indian citizens on Wednesday. Live TV The MEA appealed to Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Also, Indian nationals who are residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and avoid travelling within Iraq, the MEA added. "In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq," MEA spokesperson said in a tweet. He further said, "Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq." Moreover, the central government also directed all Indian airlines to avoid the airspace of Iran, Iraq and the Gulf. Directorate General of Civil Aviation tweeted, "We had held meetings with the concerned Airlines and have sensitized them to remain vigilant and take all precautions." Notably, Tehran has launched retaliatory short-range ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops. Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Wednesday said that his country took `proportionate measures in self-defence` and that it does not seek any escalation of the war. "Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," Zarif said in a tweet. In another incident today, with 180 passengers and crew onboard a Ukranian airplane have been killed, an Iranian emergency official told state television, shortly after it crashed near the airport in Tehran. The plane, said to be a Boeing 737, is suspected to have crashed near Irans International Imam Khomeini airport from where it had taken off due to technical issues, media reports said. The crash came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack targeting two bases in Iraq housing US forces in retaliation for the killing of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps General Qassem Soleimani. (With Agency Inputs) In yet another case of animal brutality in the capital, a street dog was tied up and beaten to death by some people from a popular locality. This isn't an isolated incident of street dog torture and murder and while we condemn any form of brutality, why do we fall short of doing the same for an animal? Especially for street dogs in India. Instagram While Australia is battling with saving their own animal species in wildfires, India is a notch ahead, killing animals without much remorse. A street dog (female), whose legs were tied together, was found badly injured, with a cracked skull, after she was beaten up by the locals of Masigarh, Sukhdev Vihar - a posh locality in South Delhi. Although no one has been identified behind the crime committed, it is believed a group of people were behind this and the only reason they beat her to death was because she was biting a few residents there. The dog, left to die, was then spotted by an animal lover, who called others from the fraternity for help. While she was taken to Friendicoes, the capital's leading dog shelter, another volunteer stayed back to round up some formalities with the police. While at Friendicoes, the dog was diagnosed with a broken skull and multiple fractures on her snout. Unfortunately, she didn't survive and passed away a few days ago. This incident alone is very unfortunate and we definitely believe the perpetrators need to be punished. But what is the punishment for animal abuse, torture and murder? Because we don't have stricter laws for animal abuse, most of us are unaware of a fulfilling and rightful punishment for the accused. Instagram Currently a complaint under Section 11(1) of the PCA and Sections 428 and 429 of IPC against unknown accused persons who beat the dog, has been filed. The section states that anyone who tortures an animal in any way or kills them shall be liable to imprisonment and fined as well. "We took the dog to tis hazari hospital where the doctor Rekha Kumari, informed us that she had no jurisdiction and was the duty doctor for that day. After speaking with several authorities and waiting for 3 hours with the body of the dog, the doctor informed the IO that there were no instruments to do the post mortem and it's the IOs responsibility to get the instruments to cut the dog's body" said Gauri Puri, a lawyer by profession and an animal rights activist, in an interview with MensXP As it is, Delhi Police has been facing a lot of wrath from the capital for their inactions towards particular incidents that occurred around the city, and in this case too, they failed to mitigate the dire situation. "As a Lawyer, I have faced several procedural difficulties not only with the police, but the govt vetenary hospitals too. While there is hope with the FIR, in the absence of any efforts to investigate the culprits or inquire who the accused were, the police has been taking statements of people allegedly bitten by the dog. This cruel act was admittedly done by the local residents of Masigarh, all of whom are known to be goons. Each one claims to have knowledge of how the incident happened , but with the lack of action of police, no name has been forthcoming" - Gauri added. There are a lot of incidents pertaining to animal torture that go by without the perpetrators paying for their heinous crimes. Remember Lucky? the Worli based street dog, who was beaten to death when he came to a gated colony to take refuge from rain? He died, and with him died the struggle to nab the culprits and put them behind bars. So, at any given point in time, if you see animal torture in any form around you, this is what you can do! (1) If you see someone hurt/torture/abuse an animal, the first thing you should do is confront them an ask them to stop. If you think that's not a safe option, try and gather a crowd and humiliate them for doing what they are. (2) Write to an active animal welfare group on social media, with adequate evidence of the abuse in the form of pictures and videos. Do this to garner as much support as you can. (3) Call the police and make sure the complaint is under Section 11 of the Prevention to cruelty to animals and section 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal code. Read up on these sections and do your research beforehand. Make sure your complaint is registered under all three sections. Many times complaint is only under Section 11 of the PCA, where the punishment is nothing. Instagram (4) Legally file a complaint and take a DD No. Make sure to take a copy of it. It's the complainant's right (5) Follow up with the Investigating Officer. Give a letter for reservations of CCTVs, as that can at as a vital proof of the incident. (6) Give the animal first aid ASAP. MLC (medico legal complaint) of the dog can be done afterward also (7) If the animal dies, and there is a complaint, it's the IOs responsibility to preserve the body, get the PM and dispose the body. While you follow these legalities, make sure to reach out to prominent people who can help you with such cases, legally an otherwise. While the investigations are still ongoing for this dog who succumbed to her injuries, we only hope we can prevent animal torture of this degree in the future and make a safe haven for all living creatures, around us. With inputs from Gauri Puri, Advocate (Delhi High Court) & Animal Rights Activist. - The mother of one announced the news through an emotional Instagram post - She hinted she was moving to another media house after working at Switch TV for over a year - Matubia's exit came days after confirming separating with her husband Kennedy Njogu Embattled actress and TV presenter Jackie Matubia has quit her lucrative Switch TV job. The beauty, who ventured into her journalism career in 2019, said she had a good run at the station but it was time for her to take a bow. READ ALSO: 11 eye-popping photos of well-built news anchor Hassan Mugambi giving ladies sleepless nights READ ALSO: Kiboko cha mwalimu ndicho kikali zaidi ulimwenguni, usikidharau Through an Instagram post that has since been deleted, Jackie thanked her fans for sticking with her through her short stint at the station. She described her time at Switch as an honour and hoped that soon enough she will move to greater experiences. READ ALSO: Actress Makena Njeri serve BFF goals with Michelle Ntalami during Ghana vacay The mother of one assured her viewers she was set to return to a screen near them in the near future. Good morning lovely people it was an honour gracing your screen, serving you tea and interacting with you guys. Thank you Switch TV for the platform. To my fans I love you guys and will be gracing the screens soon bigger and better, she said. Jackie has been handed curve balls in a span of just two weeks. As earlier reported, the single mum was accused of cheating on her husband with an unknown man. She even admitted her marriage went south and she has been single for eight months. Her baby daddy Ken Njogu was on the spot for jumping from bed to bed with different women while he was still hitched to Jackie. The two, however, said they went their separate ways months ago and have been seeing other people. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. I have no vagina, uterus and cervix - Julian Peter | Tuko TV | Tuko Talks Source: TUKO.co.ke A Boeing 737-800 of the Ukraine International Airlines fleet in September 2019. Photo: INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images A Boeing 737 operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed near the Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport Wednesday morning shortly after taking off, killing all 176 onboard. According to flight tracking websites, the plane, which was headed to Kiev, crashed about six minutes after takeoff. Officials from Iran and Ukraine offered several contradictory statements on what may have caused the crash, but suggested it was not related to the military conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which escalated after Iran struck U.S. bases in Iraq hours before the plane went down. According to Irans Press TV, all 167 passengers and nine crew members were killed in the accident. The Iranian Students News Agency posted a video purportedly showing the crash from afar. pic.twitter.com/M3bZiLLryQ (@isna_farsi) January 8, 2020 Reports from Iranian state news organizations referred to technical problems on the flight, and Ukraines Embassy in Tehran initially released a statement pointing to engine failure and ruling out terrorism. That statement was later taken down. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said hed ordered a criminal investigation into the crash. All possible versions of what occurred must be examined, Zelensky said in a Facebook post. Ali Abedzadeh, the head of Irans Civil Aviation Organization, said his country will not be sending the planes flight data recorders to Boeing for further examination. We will not give the black box to the manufacturer and the Americans, he told the Mehr News Agency. He added that officials from Ukraine would be involved in Irans investigation. Though no safety concerns have been flagged for the Boeing 737-800, the model belongs to the same aircraft family as the 737 Max 8. In March 2019, Boeing grounded all 737 Max planes in operation, after two crashes in six months resulted in the deaths of 346 people; the crisis ultimately led to the removal of former CEO Dennis Muilenburg. The crash in Iran comes the week before the new CEO David Calhoun takes over. Even without the tension surrounding the conflict with the United States, it has been a tumultuous and tragic two days for civilians in Iran. On Tuesday, at least 50 people were killed and 213 injured when a stampede occurred at the funeral procession for Qasem Soleimani. And on Wednesday, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck near the Bushehr nuclear power plant on the Persian gulf. This post has been updated throughout. Sydney, Jan 8 : Australian authorities on Wednesday confirmed that the death toll due to the raging bushfires that have ravaged the country since September 2019, has increased to 26. The toll reached 26 after firefighter Matt Kavanagh, 43, died wile on duty after a crash between two vehicles which police linked to the bushfires, Victoria's Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said. This is the third death in Victoria due to the fires, which have already caused 20 fatalities in New South Wales and three more in South Australia, reports Efe news. The confirmation came as firefighters continued their struggle to control dozens of fires that have been raging in the country's southeast as temperatures are expected to rise above 40 degrees Celsius at the end of the week. On Tuesday, they took advantage of improved weather conditions to bolster preparations against the blazes that continue to burn in those areas. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, during a visit to Kangaroo Island told reporters that weather conditions were expected to worsen in the coming days. Two people died on the island at the end of the year amid the still raging fires. The fires have burned more than 50 houses and almost half of this tourist island, located some 112 km from Adelaide, home to 60,000 kangaroos, 50,000 koalas and other endangered animals who are suffering the catastrophe's consequences. The Insurance Council of Australia said Tuesday a total A$700 million ($485 million) of accumulated damages have been recorded since September, with nearly 9,000 fire-related claims. Morrison, heavily criticized for his handling of the crisis, announced Monday a package of A$2 billion over the next two years to finance the recovery of affected areas. The fires have razed more than 8 million hectares of land throughout the country, equivalent to the area of Austria, including some 2,000 homes. They broke out before the beginning of summer in the southern hemisphere, which begins in December and where a shortage of rain is expected until the end of March. The (BJP) national president will himself monitor the finalisation of the names of candidates for the ensuing Delhi Assembly elections, said party sources. Party sources said that criteria for selection of candidates would be their 'winnability' in the forthcoming contest. As part of its preparations, preliminary lists of winnable candidates from each constituency is being prepared. They also said that Shah has asked the party functionaries to pull all stops so as to oust AAP from the power corridors. Also, there are instructions to senior party leaders to work as unit and not indulge in factionalism. "Senior leaders have also been told to work as a unit to secure victory for the party and they have been told that any sort of factionalism would not be tolerated," sources added. According to party sources, a team from the Pradesh will begin its visits to party units in various districts from Thursday to seek names of probable candidates in their areas. The district units have been asked to make detailed reports and give names of at least two probable candidates from each assembly constituency. This would begin the process of finalizing candidates for the tough contest ahead with the Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party. The is in a direct fight with the Aam Aadmi Party in the national capital and is banking on its tallest leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the revival of its fortunes. The has been out of power in the Delhi assembly since 1998. Though the party has been regularly winning the Lok Sabha and Municipality polls, victory has been elusive for the in Delhi Assembly. The Delhi elections for its 70 Assembly segments are scheduled to take place on February 8 and the results would be declared on February 11. When Sex Education first aired on Netflix in January last year, the recurring word to describe the coming-of-age comedy drama was "surreal". Created by then-unknown millennial writer Laurie Nunn, the show starred Gillian Anderson as Jean Milburn, a free-spirited sex therapist, alongside a bunch of first-time 20-something actors who play 15-year-olds navigating the perils of teenagedom in bucolic south Wales. The show was like a glossy brochure for a fictional holiday, with Jean and her emotionally precocious son Otis (Asa Butterfield), who doles out sex education pilfered from his mother to school peers for money, living in an extraordinary Scandinavian-style chalet overlooking the River Wye. Breakfast - no matter the month - is enjoyed on the balcony in gleaming sunshine, and Otis cycles blissfully through the Forest of Dean to a school where children wear varsity jackets and mooch through American locker-filled halls. Last year Nunn said she was inspired by the films of John Hughes, and deliberately sought "that American throwback nostalgia." Bafflingly, however, there isn't a single Welsh accent to be heard, and, while clearly set in the present day, the show's soundtrack and cultural references are decidedly '80s. And then there's the sex: while both relentless and explicit, any crudeness is dispelled by hilariously goofy mishaps, incongruous shots of the Welsh countryside and imaginative camera work. Season one's most memorable scene saw Otis's first successful sexual experience presented as a comically OTT religious encounter, his body hovering in the air and bathed in blinding white light while a choir trilled. And yet this peculiar show - think Stranger Things meets American Pie - swiftly became one of Netflix's biggest hits, watched by 40 million within the first four weeks, and with a second season beginning next Friday. At once tender, witty and deliciously relatable for millennial and Gen Z viewers, Sex Education went down like a cup of hot cocoa at bedtime. Or, considering its target audience, perhaps a shot of vodka. It also did the impossible: broaching every "woke" topic of 2019 so humorously and gracefully - from same-sex parenting and homosexuality to consent and cyber sex crimes - that even the most conservative of audience members wouldn't have the heart to roll their eyes. Marking an industry first, Netflix even hired an "intimacy director" (Ita O'Brien, who's joined by David Thackery for season two) to guide its young stars through the more uncomfortable moments on set, and Nunn hired a "sex educator" for her (largely female) writers' room. "The sex educator was very helpful in putting forward the issues young people today have questions about, and what they need to know about," says Nunn quietly during our interview at a London hotel, cutting a surprisingly timid figure for the creator of one of the frankest and filthiest shows on television. That explains one of the new season's funniest storylines: a chlamydia outbreak that brings the whole school to a standstill after one teenager claims the infection is contagious through breathing. "The sex educator also told me about vaginismus [when the vagina clamps up during intercourse], and how common it was. So that's something Lily [a friend of Otis] suffers from in the new season." Video of the Day While the first season was particularly priapic - centring on Otis's fear of masturbation, and the coming-out of the school bully, Adam (Connor Swindells) - the second shifts the focus onto its female characters. We see Maeve (Emma Mackey), a brainy, sharp-tongued feminist with pink hair and little patience for foolishness, battle with her single mother's crack-cocaine addiction, while her best friend Aimee (Aimee Lou Wood) is left traumatised by sexual assault. Meanwhile, another character begins to feel attracted to her best female friend despite having a boyfriend, and Anderson's character Jean teaches a middle-aged mother in a sexless marriage how to masturbate for the first time. This storyline is especially moving - how often do we see a woman past her prime pleasure herself on screen with no man in sight? "What was very important for me in the second season was thinking about female desire," says Nunn, who graduated from a Screenwriting MA at Britain's National Film and Television School in 2013. "When I was at school, there was no mention of sex beyond 'You're going to get pregnant and die.' And boys never learned about the female anatomy. I really hope we're going to see a big change in schools soon." Patricia Allison, who plays a starring role as Otis's new girlfriend Ola in the new season, tells me the show has given her "a real sense of ownership of my body. I talked about female masturbation with the intimacy coordinator, which was a huge de-stigmatisation for me." Wood, who happens to be dating her on-screen boyfriend Adam ("My dad was like, 'Not many people have seen their daughter and her boyfriend simulating sex on television!'") felt the same. "We used to lie at school and pretend we didn't even know what it was, when in fact we'd be up until two in the morning, getting tired the next day!" she hoots. "I used to hover by the shoots of water in the swimming pools as a child, and then I would feel ashamed, which is sad. Sex education in schools shouldn't just be about having children, it should be okay to learn about sex because you're horny. I honestly think we should have sex therapists at school." Allison first met Wood and her fellow cast members at a "sex workshop" with the intimacy coordinator Ita O'Brien. "We watched videos of different animals having sex and then we would mimic them and see which ones fit with our characters. It's pretty weird, being like, 'Hi, nice to meet you, I'm Patricia, and now I'm going to imitate a Bonobo monkey having sex!'" Allison laughs. "I loved watching the way the slugs intertwined, but in the end I went with how the cats do it." O'Brien wasn't always required, however. Asa Butterfield (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas), whose character Otis spends the majority of season two masturbating on his own - to the point that he worries he's "run himself out" when unable to rise to the occasion during sex - scoffs at the idea. "They did want me to have [the coordinator], but I don't think I need an older woman telling me how I might be breathing or what my facial expression should look like when I'm simulating that on my own." Butterfield also felt that he could figure it all out without an animal prompt. And did the intimacy coordinator choreograph the sex scenes? "We would build our own choreography using the animals," says Allison. "But she would split us into partners and we would go through every single body part and tell our partner whether we had an issue being touched there. You could say no to everything, if you wanted to. "Then we practise saying 'yes' and 'no' as if we're lying, so our partners can spot when we're saying yes but we really mean no. It's incredibly helpful, because when intimacy is done badly on set, it can feel like a little bit of your soul has been ripped away from you." Wood tells me how relieved she was with Nunn's writing. Even two years into the MeToo movement, female characters are still falling short. "They're completely flimsy and 2D. The script notes will say things like, 'she's beautiful, but in her own way', or 'nerdy but sexy'. So I just think, 'How will I ever play this?' "It just feels amazing to finally get a script where I can go, oh my god, I've said this! I've done this! I've been through this! These are real people." The second season of Sex Education streams on Netflix from January 17 Minds Matter is excited to have Qgiv as a preferred partner for our chapters across America Qgiv, Inc., a leading provider of nonprofit fundraising technology, and Minds Matter are working together to provide Minds Matters 14 chapters flexible fundraising technology for year-round online giving and peer-to-peer campaign management. Minds Matter is excited to have Qgiv as a preferred partner for our chapters across America, said Imran Noorali, Minds Matter Data and Support Manager. We expect incredible fundraising growth using Qgiv and believe that giving our chapters access to this powerful and user-friendly fundraising platform will allow them to better serve their students. Several Minds Matter affiliates are already using Qgivs tools, and their success with the platform has led to Qgivs new status as a preferred vendor. Qgivs flexible pricing, which gives affiliates the freedom to move between fundraising tools as their needs change, is designed to give nonprofits the room to experiment and grow. Chapters using Qgiv will have access to a full suite of online and in-person giving tools, specialized support, and discounted pricing just for Minds Matter. Qgiv is excited to work with Minds Matter to support and serve their mission, said Todd Baylis, CEO and Co-Founder of Qgiv, Inc. We look forward to continuing to solve the local chapters unique needs with individualized customer service and fundraising tools that support everything from special events to daily fundraising operations. All Minds Matter chapters are invited to adopt Qgiv as their digital fundraising platform. In addition to discounted pricing and specialized support, Minds Matter clients can opt in to using Qgivs tools for text fundraising, auction and event management, peer-to-peer fundraising, online giving, and more from a central location. About Qgiv: Qgiv, Inc. is a leading digital fundraising platform founded in 2007. From their headquarters in Lakeland, FL, they currently serve more than 3,500 nonprofit and faith-based organizations in the United States and Canada. No long-term contracts, unlimited access to tools and support, and integrations with leading CRM and email tools make it easy for nonprofits to experiment with new technology and grow their digital fundraising programs. Qgiv is committed to helping nonprofits raise more by anticipating and addressing their needs and challenges through customer-led development and close attention to industry best practices. To learn more about the Qgiv platform, peer-to-peer software, and the Facebook fundraiser integration visit http://www.qgiv.com. About Minds Matter: Minds Matter transforms the lives of accomplished high school students from low-income families by broadening their dreams and preparing them for college success. Through a highly selective and rigorous 3-year academic mentoring program, Minds Matter students accomplish the extraordinary. 100% of Minds Matter program graduates are accepted into a four-year college. More than 70% of them attend some of our nations more selective colleges. Powered by over 2,000 volunteers nationwide, Minds Matter Chapters are located in 14 cities across the country. The national office of Minds Matter is located in Manhattan. To learn more about Minds Matter visit http://www.mindsmatter.org/. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Iran "appears to be standing down" after it fired a barrage of missiles at American targets in Iraq in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Gen. Qasem Soleimani. But the U.S. is continuing to look at its options, and will "immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime," Trump said. He also warned Tehran repeatedly to abandon its nuclear ambitions, vowing: "As long as I am president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon." But he suggested that the U.S. is open to negotiations with Tehran. "We must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place," Trump said. He urged other world powers to break away from the Obama-era nuclear agreement with Iran and work out a new deal. The president, speaking from the grand foyer of the White House, said no Americans were harmed in Iran's overnight attacks on two Iraqi bases that house U.S. forces. Trump defended his administration's decision last week to kill Soleimani, saying the general's "hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood." Hours later at the Pentagon, the U.S. military's top general told reporters that Iran fired the missiles with the intent "to kill personnel." Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley praised early warning systems, which detected the incoming ballistic missiles well in advance, giving U.S. and coalition forces adequate time to take shelter at both bases. He described the damage to tents, parking lots and a helicopter, among other things, as "nothing major." "He should have been terminated long ago," Trump said. Trump was flanked by Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and the top officers of the nation's military branches. He spoke for about 10 minutes and took no questions. Iran launched at least a dozen missiles from its territory Tuesday evening at two military bases in Iraq that house U.S. military and coalition forces. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps described the attacks as the beginning of their "fierce revenge" against the U.S. Late last week, a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad killed Soleimani, whom the Trump administration claims had planned attacks that were "days" away from execution. In a speech following the missile attacks, Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the barrage a "slap on the face" to the U.S. "Such military actions are not enough," Khamenei tweeted. Khamenei TWEET But Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif took a different tone, tweeting that his country "took and concluded proportionate measures" against the killing of Soleimani while adding that "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." Zarif TWEET After the attacks Tuesday night, Trump did not make a formal address but said in a tweet that "all is well!" "Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq," Trump tweeted. "Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Hours before the Iranian missile attacks, Esper said the U.S. was not seeking war with Iran. "We are not looking to start a war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one," Esper said, adding that Washington wants to see the situation de-escalate. Earlier Tuesday, Pompeo said the U.S. "got it right" by killing Soleimani. "It was the right decision," Pompeo said at the State Department. "The Department of Defense did excellent work. And the president had an entirely legal, appropriate and a basis as well as a decision that fit perfectly within our strategy in how to counter the threat of malign activity from Iran more broadly." 'This didn't start with the death of Soleimani' Iranian mourners gather during the final stage of funeral processions for slain top general Qasem Soleimani, in his hometown Kerman on January 7, 2020. Atta Kenare | AFP | Getty Images Soleimani was killed by a U.S. airstrike at an airport in Baghdad on Friday, Iraq time. Soleimani, who led a special forces unit of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, had been a key figure of Iranian and Middle East politics. His death exacerbated already-high tensions between Iran and the United States. "There's still a lot of questions about the attacks last night, but the fact that there appear to be no casualties and that Iran provided defining language around the strike by warning the U.S. to not respond, and the fact that Trump took the night to access what was going on, gives the possibility that there is an off ramp," said Michelle Dover, director of programs at Ploughshares Fund. "This didn't start with the death of Soleimani, this really started with Trump pulling the U.S. out of the Iran nuke deal and reimposing sanctions. The maximum pressure campaign is what has really led to this escalation." Tensions between Tehran and Washington mounted following Trump's withdrawal from the landmark Iran nuclear deal brokered by the Obama administration. The 2015 nuclear agreement lifted sanctions that crippled Iran's economy and cut its oil exports roughly in half. In exchange for sanctions relief, Iran accepted limits on its nuclear program and allowed international inspectors into its facilities. On Sunday, Iran announced it would not abide by any limits established in the nuclear deal on the number of uranium enrichment centrifuges. That means Iran would have no limit on its enrichment capacity, the level to which uranium could be enriched, or on its nuclear research and development. Iranian state-run broadcast said Tehran's steps could be reversed if Washington lifted its sanctions. Last May, Iran stopped complying with some commitments in the nuclear deal after Trump in 2018 unilaterally withdrew from the agreement. Trump also reintroduced sanctions on Tehran that had been previously lifted in accordance with the nuclear deal. The last year was marked by increased geopolitical turbulence including multiple attacks on tankers and oil infrastructure blamed on Tehran, the Iranian downing of a U.S. drone, Iran's suspected attack that briefly cut Saudi Arabian oil production in half, and increasingly heavy U.S. sanctions laid down on the Islamic Republic. A lawyer was allegedly thrashed to death with sticks by five men at Damodar Nagar in Krishna Nagar here, police said on Wednesday. The accused had called Shekhar Tripathi (32) from his house on Tuesday night and took him away, SP (East) Suresh Chandra Rawat said. The body was found some distance away, he said. Previous enmity is stated to be the reason behind the murder. One of the accused has been arrested and identified as Vinayak Thakur, police said. Taking note of the incident, the Krishna Nagar SHO has been suspended, District Magistrate Abhishek Prakash told PTI, adding that police teams had been constituted to nab the accused within 24 hours. After a post-mortem, agitated lawyers took the body to the district collectorate. The authorities said the body was taken to Kanpur for cremation. "The situation is under control now," the DM said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) trump military defense donald bill spending ndaa fort drum AP Photo / Carolyn Kaster The US military is reportedly bracing itself for an "imminent" attack from Iran days after President Donald Trump ordered a strike that killed Iran's second-most powerful leader, Gen. Qassem Soleimani. American air-defense missile batteries stationed across the Middle East were put on high alert Monday night, according to a CNN report. The Iranian forces have moved weapons and other military equipment either to protect them from a US attack or prepare to attack US targets, intelligence officials told CNN. This comes as the Iranian government has promised "revenge" on the US and said it has discussed 13 possible lines of attack. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The US military is reportedly bracing itself for an "imminent" attack from Iran days after President Donald Trump ordered a strike that killed Iran's second-most powerful leader, Gen. Qassem Soleimani. American air-defense missile batteries stationed across the Middle East were put on high alert Monday night concerning the risk of an Iranian drone attack, according to CNN. The Iranian forces have moved weapons and other military equipment, including drones and ballistic missiles, US intelligence officials told CNN. The equipment may have been moved to protect it from future US attacks or to prepare it to attack American targets. The US is reportedly concerned about an attack on American targets in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. Reached Tuesday, US Central Command told Insider it had "nothing further to add" about US air-defense systems going on high alert beyond what is already public. The Iranian government has promised "revenge" on the US and said it has discussed 13 possible lines of attack. "The Americans should know that until now 13 revenge scenarios have been discussed in the council and even if there is consensus on the weakest scenario carrying it out can be a historic nightmare for the Americans," Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Tuesday, according to Reuters. Story continues If Iran retaliates against the US for Soleimani's assassination, Trump has promised to strike back against the country in a "disproportionate" manner, including by targeting Iranian cultural sites, which would be a war crime. Iran's leaders have called the US strike an act of war and the country's parliament voted unanimously on Tuesday to designate the US military and Department of Defense as terrorist organizations. Ryan Pickrell contributed reporting. Read the original article on Business Insider Two Iraqi security officials said at least one of the missiles appeared to have struck a plane at the Ain al-Asad base, igniting a fire. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they had no permission to talk to journalists. About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but, again, no injuries were reported, Brynjar Stordal, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces told The Associated Press. Trump visited the Ain al-Asad air base, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of Baghdad, in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice President Mike Pence also has visited the base. As Iran reels from Soleimani's death and the loss of life on the plane crash, it is also contending with aftermath of a deadly stampede that broke out Tuesday at Soleimani's funeral killed 56 people and injured more than 200, Iranian news reports said. Shortly after Wednesday's missile attack, Soleimani's shroud-wrapped remains were lowered into the ground as mourners wailed at the grave site in his hometown of Kerman. Wednesday, January 8th, 2020 (11:36 am) - Score 1,593 The Suffolk County Council (SCC) appear set to appointed a supplier for their new 10m+ state aid fuelled Phase 3 Superfast Broadband contract, which could see 7,000 additional premises (mostly in rural areas) being reached by faster UK ISP networks; most likely via gigabit-capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) technology. At present the existing 64m state aid supported Better Broadband for Suffolk (BBS) project with Openreach (BT), which is based off the Building Digital UK framework, has already put superfast speeds of 24Mbps+ within reach of 96% of homes and businesses within the county. The existing contracts should take this to 98% of local premises by the end of 2020. NOTE: The first two phases of the programme have delivered a fibre based broadband service (mostly The first two phases of the programme have delivered a fibre based broadband service (mostly FTTC and a little FTTP ) to more than 145,000 premises and 92,000 of those have taken the service. The procurement process for their follow-on Phase 3 contract (aimed at the final 2% of premises) began last year (here) and a final decision on the outcome of that is now due to be made by the end of this month (a meeting will be held to discuss all this on 14th Jan 2020). Wed probably put money on an operator like Openreach or Airband being chosen as the supplier(s). In terms of funding, the document for the aforementioned meeting only mentions 10m of gainshare (clawback) funding from BT, which is effectively a reinvestment of previous public funding that was put toward the earlier contracts (i.e. public money gets returned as take-up in related areas rises so as to improve coverage). But we also know that DEFRA funding of 1.725m will be included and a previous update put the total Phase 3 pot at nearly 15m. The contract signature would then be followed by detailed technical and civil engineering survey and planning work, before commencing deployment of broadband infrastructure in the second half of 2020, continuing through 2021 and completing in 2022 as soon as possible. As usual a full rollout plan will be available after survey work is completed. Interestingly its noted that in addition to the 10m from gainshare, a further 10m from DCMS / BDUK also exists, although apparently the Government are not willing to commit the DCMS share of the Suffolk gainshare to re-invest in further coverage under Suffolk Phase 3 (i.e. maybe for a future Phase 4?). However this was set before Boris Johnsons (PM) new 5bn gigabit rollout was announced and so SCC have given themselves some wriggle room, which means that if the policy did change then they could still add the extra 10m to their Phase 3 as an extension. In theory Phase 3 could push local coverage of superfast broadband to nearly universal levels. Oddly though Suffolks document still defines superfast as 24Mbps+, although all new contracts generally use the 30Mbps+ definition in order to align with the EU/Ofcom etc. UPDATE 16th Jan 2020 As expected the council has approved their Phase 3 plan. Commercial radio stations have removed certain songs from their catalogues while the nation experiences an unprecedented bushfire crisis. Bosses at the Hit Network, which broadcasts Sydney's 2DayFM and Melbourne's Fox FM along with a string of other stations, made the decision to censor any potentially "insensitive" material given the scale of the fires burning across Australia. Sister network Triple M, which focuses on sport and classic rock, has also pulled a number of songs from its playlists. Triple M's national drive show hosts Mick Molloy and Jane Kennedy. A spokeswoman for parent company Southern Cross Austereo said the policy was being implemented across the country. "Out of respect for the devastation impacting so much of our community, we have removed any songs that could be considered insensitive or in poor taste across both the Hit and Triple M networks nationally," the spokeswoman said. STORY LINK GBP to ZAR Exchange Rate Struggles to Hold Gains as Risk Sentiment Returns GBP Exchange Rates under Pressure as EU Officials Signal that Full Brexit Deal Unlikely The more divergence there is the more distant the partnership has to be, Without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020, you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnership. Without the freedom of movement of people, you cannot have the free movement of capital, goods and services. Without a level playing field on environment, labour, taxation and state aid, you cannot have highest-quality access to the worlds largest single market. ZAR Exchange Rates Rebounding as Market Panic over US-Iran Tension Calms Bouts of load shedding (power cuts) and persistent weak domestic demand coupled with more intense headwinds from the global economy likely weighed on activity during the year, GBP/ZAR Exchange Rate Forecast: South African Manufacturing Results Ahead Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: Despite UK data being generally supportive and South African data being weak, the British Pound to South African Rand (GBP/ZAR) exchange rate has fallen back from weekly highs today and is struggling to continue trending with an upside bias. The Pound is seeing mixed demand as uncertainty worsens over the Brexit transition period, while the South African Rand benefits from signs that market moods over US-Iran tensions are cooling for now.Following last weeks impressive GBP/ZAR surge from 18.35 to 18.71, GBP/ZAR spent the first half of this week trending with an upside bias as well.Overnight, GBP/ZAR briefly touched on a half month best of 18.93 before shedding all those gains this morning and touching on a new weekly low earlier.At the time of writing on Wednesday afternoon, GBP/ZAR is trending near the level of 18.68 below the weeks opening levels again.Earlier today, the Pound was seeing stronger demand.The British currency was supported by this weeks better than expected UK data, including this mornings higher than forecast labour productivity results. Hopes for the current phase of Brexit to conclude smoothly also helped Sterling.The UK governments Brexit plan will return to Parliament vote and analysts expect it will easily pass into law by the end of January, preventing a no-deal Brexit and leading to the Brexit transition period.However, in the afternoon the Pounds strength ran out of steam and the British currency saw weaker performance as Brexit concerns worsened.The UK government reiterated that it would not extend the Brexit transition period. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said later that the UK governments strict deadlines made a full UK-EU Brexit deal impossible.On Wednesday, Von der Leyen said:At the end of last week, global markets were shocked as the US killed a top Iranian military official in an air strike. Qassem Soleimani was the second highest ranked official in Iran, and analysts feared his death could spark considerable conflict between the US and Iran.It led to broad weakness in risk-correlated currencies like the South African Rand. Soaring prices of oil also weighed on the Rand, as South Africa is an oil-importing nation.As a result, todays calming market mood helped to support a rebound in the Rand.Iran attacked Iraq bases that housed US troops in a show of retaliation that the nation called proportionate measures. It was also reported that Iran warned Iraq of the attack beforehand, boosting hopes that things would not escalate further.Still, while the market mood calmed slightly and oil prices fell back from highs as well, the South African Rands gains were limited slightly by domestic factors.South Africas recent ecostats have been underwhelming, keeping investors anxious about the nations economic outlook. According ABSA, which compiled todays weaker than expected South African manufacturing report:South Africas domestic outlook could continue to influence the South African Rands movement in the coming days, as some notable ecostats will be published tomorrow.South African manufacturing production and business confidence data could offer the Rand some stronger support if it beats expectations.As for UK news, Thursday will see Bank of England (BoE) Governor Mark Carney hold a speech.If Carney takes a shift in tone tomorrow, or if the UK Parliament vote on Brexit sees an unexpected development, the Pound could be strongly influenced.In fact, as GBP/ZAR has been influenced mostly by political news this week so far, Brexit news and potential changes in global risk sentiment are the most likely to influence the pair in the coming sessions.The Pound to South African Rand exchange rate would weaken further if US-Iran tensions continue to cool, for example. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Rand Forecasts The small MPV market in the Philippine automotive industry is a fast-rising segment, thanks to the perfect blend of comfort, utility, and affordability these multi-purpose vehicles offer. Compared to the wide and towering SUVs, small MPVs are an ideal choice for Filipino families looking for a capable daily driver. Todays small MPVs are not just your run-off-the-mill grocery-getter, they are able vehicles outfitted with relatively adequate engines and notable safety features even for todays standards. The 2020 Suzuki Ertiga is Suzuki Philippines entry to the cut-throat small MPV segment. The all-new model of Suzukis compact seven-seater offers a refreshed exterior and a redesigned interior. Offered in four black edition variants, the 2020 Suzuki Ertiga offers a unique driving experience at every price point. Features centered on comfort and convenience found on all variants include the following: USB Ports 12V Accessory Outlets Front Cup Holders Front Door Bottle Holders Second and Third-Row Bottle Holders Audio System The common comfort elements offered by the Suzuki Ertiga across all four variants are tailored to provide adaptive and functional amenities for everyone on-board. Likewise, the 2020 Suzuki Ertiga does not compromise overall safety. Their safety features were designed and engineered to safeguard both the driver and the passengers as well as the pedestrians surrounding the vehicle. Here are some of the safety features shared by all variants. SRS Front Dual Airbags ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorages Side Impact Door Beams ABS with EBD High-Mount LED Stop Lamps Immobiliser Across the board, the 2020 Suzuki Ertiga is outfitted with the Japanese car manufacturers K15B engine found in other vehicles from the same brand like the facelifted 2018 Suzuki Ciaz and the 4th generation Suzuki Jimny Sierra. Heres an overview of the engine specs across all four variants. Story continues With its common features out of the way, here are some of the striking differences offered by each trim level. 2020 Suzuki Ertiga GA MT (Black Edition) The base model GA MT (Black Edition) provides drivers and passengers alike with Ertigas rudimentary features. Inside the 2020 Suzuki Ertiga GA MT (Black Edition), youll find an adjustable polyurethane 3-spoke steering wheel, an instrument panel center ornament in black horizon pattern, a brown shift knob without ornaments, a beige parking brake release button, beige inside door handles, remote fuel lid openers, and an audio system with 1DIN audio, tuner, and MP3 player. Its exterior boasts the elegant design the Ertiga models have been known for. Its basic exterior features include blacked-out C-pillars, a key-operated tailgate opener, and a matching outside door handles. Priced around 738,000, the 2020 Suzuki Ertiga GA MT (Black Edition) is yours to take home. Suzuki Ertiga GL MT (Black Edition) With a 858,000 price tag, the upper-class Suzuki Ertiga Ertiga GL MT (Black Edition) offers additional features like a drivers seatbelt reminder lamp, passenger seat sun visor with vanity mirror, an eight-inch multimedia audio touchscreen panel, additional USB ports, additional 12v accessory outlet located at the second-row seats, seat back pockets at the passengers front seat side, and an upgraded fabric upholstery material made of fabric with shiny brown diagonal strips. It also comes with a 50:50 luggage board for added utility. Its exterior boasts premium features complementing the 2020 Suzuki Ertigas design language. Were talking of chrome front grilles, front and rear mudflaps, blacked-out B and C-pillars, handle-operated tailgate opener, and a chrome tailgate garnish. Suzuki Ertiga GL AT (Black Edition) This automatic GL version offers the same features youd find on the Suzuki Ertiga GL MT (Black Edition). However, since it rides on a four-speed automatic tranny, it provides better riding comfort and convenience compared to its stick-shift counterpart. Nevertheless, the Suzuki Ertiga GL AT (Black Edition) offers a few features worthy of its increased price point like a satin chrome finished shift knob. The Suzuki Ertiga GL AT (Black Edition) is yours at 898,000. Suzuki Ertiga GLX AT (Black Edition) Worthy of its Grand Luxe (GLX) badge, the Suzuki Ertiga GLX AT (Black Edition) offers top-of-the-line experience with a top-of-the-line price. Separating it from its brethren, the upscale GLX Ertiga offers a keyless push start system, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, a 10-inch multimedia audio touchscreen panel, a leather covered 3-spoke steering wheel with audio controls, an outside temperature information display, and an instrument panel center ornament with wooden pattern. Its front cup holders are ventilated, the shift knobs are lined with a satin chrome finish, the parking brake release button and the inside door handles are also finished with chrome trimmings. To say that this upper-class Ertiga has all the bells and whistles is an understatement. It provides its driver and its passengers with the perfect blend of luxury and practicality you wont find on other MPVs. Verdict For those having a hard time choosing amongst the four trim levels, we recommend going with the Suzuki Ertiga GL AT (Black Edition). This variant provides you with better features both concerning comfort and safety. This mid-spec trim level checks all the right boxes allowing you to enjoy the definitive MPV driving experience. Check the table below for the current price list of the 2020 Suzuki Ertiga. Also read: The post Suzuki Ertiga Variants Explained appeared first on Carmudi Philippines. Gisela Landreville, Philip Segal, and Dr. Gregory Toback Use the Keystone Genesis Guided Surgery Kit for the First Time Dr. Toback is working directly with the Keystone engineer to assure this kit is of optimal design for use by doctors worldwide. Highly esteemed periodontist, Dr. Gregory Toback of Shoreline Periodontics, becomes the first doctor to use the Keystone Genesis Guided Surgery Kit to predictably replace teeth with dental implants in New London, CT. The kit includes all lengths and diameters of straight and tapered Genesis dental implants, allowing periodontists and dental implant surgeons to restore one, several, or all missing teeth with the utmost precision and accuracy. Keystone Dental is one of the leading manufacturers of dental implant systems and planning software for dental professionals. Their newest Genesis Guided Surgery Kit uses innovative design and advanced technology to aid in aesthetic-driven treatment planning for predictable, long-term results. The kit provides all necessary dental implant diameters, lengths, and shapes for the most accurate replacement of a missing tooth. The unique design of each Genesis implant ensures significantly greater surgical success (with expert planning and treatment) for patients with any number of missing teeth and for immediate placement after extraction. Dr. Toback is working directly with the Keystone engineer to assure this kit is of optimal design for use by doctors worldwide. Dr. Toback and his associate, Dr. Marianne Urbanski, offer guided dental implant placement for all dental implant surgeries, including their teeth-in-a-day dental implant protocol for single and full arch missing teeth. Using 3D CBCT scans and digital software, Drs. Toback and Urbanski can virtually plan surgery and build restorations, then create fully customized surgical guides prior to surgery. Following an advanced protocol, the periodontists can extract a tooth or teeth, surgically place dental implants using the guide, and attach a fixed restoration all in a single procedure. Teeth-in-a-day is possible because of our technology and 3D imaging, said Dr. Toback. We can plan the entire case ahead of time and build the teeth beforehand. This is a great benefit for patients because they can leave our office with fixed teeth and avoid removable temporaries during healing. Combined, periodontists, Drs. Toback and Urbanski, have decades of experience in dental implant treatment. Using advanced technology and systems like the Keystone Genesis kit, the team provides predictable care with beautiful and functional long-term results. Shoreline Periodontics offers advanced dental implant care in New London, CT and Westerly, RI. To schedule an appointment with either periodontist, visit http://www.shorelineperio.com or call the office. The New London office can be reached at 860-443-2428 and the Westerly office can be reached at 401-596-0000. About the Periodontists Shoreline Periodontics is a periodontal practice offering personalized dental care for patients since 1998 and is located in New London, CT and Westerly, RI. Leading board-certified periodontist, Dr. Gregory A. Toback, received his B.A. from St. Johns University and his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Connecticut. He also received advanced training in periodontics and dental implants at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Marianne Urbanski has been voted one of Connecticuts top dentists for more than seven years by Connecticut Magazine. Dr. Urbanski graduated cum laude from the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts where she earned a Bachelors degree in Biology. She also received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and her Masters of Dental Science degree from the University of Connecticut Dental School. Dr. Urbanski and Dr. Toback pride themselves on offering caring, professional treatment to each patient. Dr. Toback and Dr. Urbanski focus on minimally invasive surgeries including LANAP laser gum surgery and are certified to offer the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique for treatment of gum recession. To learn more about Shoreline Periodontics and their dental services visit their website at http://www.shorelineperio.com or call 860-443-2428 for the New London, CT location, or 401-596-0000 for the Westerly, RI office. Press Release January 8, 2020 Villanueva: Tap OWWA's P65-M repatriation fund for mandatory evacuation of Pinoys in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon The government's emergency repatriation fund lodged in the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration (OWWA) amounting to P65 million should be tapped to finance the mandatory evacuation of Filipino workers and migrants in the Middle East as tensions heighten over the killing of a top Iranian military official, according to Senator Joel Villanueva. Villanueva, chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development, said the fund, which was included in the 2020 General Appropriations Act that President Duterte signed earlier this week, would be enough to jumpstart the government's order to Filipino workers to leave Iraq. "The safety and security of our Filipino compatriots are the top priority of our government. Now that our diplomats and security officials have determined the imminent danger in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, we ask our countrymen to heed the call to return to the country immediately," Villanueva said in a statement. He urged OFWs to ensure their important documents such as passports and travel documents, and employment contracts, among others, are in safekeeping so that they could readily gather it if the need to evacuate the region arises. "Isa lang po ang pakiusap natin sa ating mga kababayan sa Middle East. Hiling natin na tumalima sila sa panawagan ng ating pamahalaan sakaling ideklarang hindi na ligtas ang rehiyon para sa mga manggagawa. Kaligtasan at seguridad po ninyo ang pinakamahalaga sa atin, at ayaw po nating mag-alala ang inyong mga pamilya dito sa Pilipinas," Villanueva implored. "Huwag po tayo umasa sa mga haka-haka o sabi-sabi 'pag dating sa isyu ng seguridad," he added, as he urged Filipinos to scrutinize the information being passed around, especially on social media. Villanueva also said he was keen to call for a public inquiry to ascertain the government's capacity and preparedness to mobilize thousands of Filipinos in the Middle East. "We expect our government agencies, mainly the Departments of Labor and Employment, and Foreign Affairs, to present to the Senate Labor committee how they intend to gather our OFWs working in the Middle East and repatriate them should the region become unstable as a result of political developments there," he said. The senator said he would be filing a resolution on the matter for the Upper Chamber to tackle when session resumes. About 2.17 million Filipinos, OFWs and migrants, are in the Middle East as of June 2019, according to data from the Department of Labor and Employment. JENISON, MI -- An assistant college professor, in a national television interview, claimed that authorities are treating him unfairly by charging him in the pool drowning of a son with autism. Timothy Koets, 50, appeared on Inside Edition during the Tuesday, Jan. 7 broadcast. It was the first public interview given by Koets, an assistant professor at Grand Rapids Community College, since he was charged with involuntary manslaughter in October. To be portrayed as an uncaring father and somebody that was negligent and wasnt watching him is so unfair, Koets told Inside Edition. His 16-year-old son Samuel Koets, who had severe autism, died in late March after drowning in the familys Georgetown Township pool. He had been standing in the icy water for about an hour before he succumbed to the conditions. Koets was aware his son was in the pool because a 13-year-old daughter told him in a text about 4:10 p.m. March 28 and sent a photo of him standing in the water. Koets never advised her to call 911. In the Inside Edition interview, Koets told the interviewer that he woke his wife before he left for work that day so she could watch Sam. The spouse, Michelle Koets, had worked a night shift as a registered nurse. She backed up her husbands claim. Tim woke me up and I fell back asleep. Tim thought I was up to supervise Sam so he could back to work. He would never leave Sam unattended, she told the news broadcast. The 13-year-old daughter ultimately shook her mother awake and she ran to get the teen out of the pool. But Samuel Koets already had gone under and, despite efforts by arriving rescuers, could not be revived. The Inside Edition story did not address additional charges filed against Timothy and Michelle Koets for allegedly filling their sons prescriptions after his death. According to police, they used the drugs, mostly Ritalin, for themselves. Maharashtra Home Minister and senior NCP leader Anil Deshmukh on Wednesday said he had demanded a detailed report on the Koregaon Bhima case including its current status. In a swipe at the erstwhile BJP government, the newly-appointed home minister said that labelling people "urban naxals" for holding a different view is a wrong practice. Notably, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had in December last year demanded that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) be set up under a retired judge to probe the action taken by Pune police in the 2018 Koregaon Bhima case. "I have sought a detailed report on the status of the Koregaon Bhima violence; its investigation and aftermath," Deshmukh told reporters. The term "urban naxal" was used by the Pune Police probing the alleged links between the Elgaar Parishad conclave of December 31, 2017 and the caste clashes around Koregaon Bhima in Pune district the next day. While some rights activists were arrested in the case by the Pune city police, their rural counterparts had booked Hindutva leaders Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide for allegedly inciting violence. While Ekbote was granted bail by the supreme court, Bhide was never arrested. "Whoever disagreed with their views were termed as urban naxals and this is wrong. The previous government had set up a example in this regard," the senior NCP leader said without taking the name of the BJP. Responding to a query on a woman holding a "Free Kashmir" poster at a protest held at the Gateway of India in Mumbai recently, Deshmukh said police are checking her antecedents. The placard had raised many eyebrows. "I have also demanded a report on the FIR registered against protesters who participated in the Gateway of India protest," he said. The protest was called off on Monday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Now you never have to wonder if youre booking a trip to Holland or the Netherlands, because the country has settled on an official name. According to Matador Network, the Netherlands has officially decided it will only be called the Netherlands. In the past, the countrys name was interchangeable with calling it Holland, leading to quite a bit of confusion for tourists. Technically, Holland specifically refers to two of the 12 provinces found in the Netherlands, North Holland and South Holland. The decision was made to rebrand the Netherlands international reputation and managing an overflow of tourists who go to the country to visit Amsterdam, but no other areas, according to Forbes. People cant get enough of quaint windmills, tulips, and biking along the canals. %image1 In the past, branding like Visit Holland put special emphasis on cities in North and South Holland, including not only Amsterdam but also Rotterdam and The Hague. By getting rid of the name Holland, the Board of Tourism hopes this will encourage tourists to go to less-visited places in the Netherlands. After all, if you want to get your fill of stunning city canals, theres also Utrecht. Or, if youre looking for the perfect city for biking everywhere you go, a good option is to visit Giethoorn. To control visitor flow and leverage the opportunities that tourism brings with it, we must act now, the Board of Tourism said in a statement, according to Forbes. Instead of destination promotion, it is now time for destination management. The new re-branding campaign cost $319,000, according to Matador Network. This included the countrys logo to be updated from a picture of an orange tulip (the countrys official flower) with the name Holland, to a picture of the tulip with the initials NL. Going forward, all companies, universities, embassies, and other governments will be referring to the country (as a whole) as the Netherlands, according to Matador Network. An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar recently described domestic violence as a global epidemic and it needs to be stopped. Six women were killed violently in domestic incidents during 2019 in Ireland and figures published recently showed that gardai received 2,568 reports of domestic violence in December 2018, compared to an average of 2,000 domestic abuse reports per month during the summer. Orla OConnor, director at the National Womens Council of Ireland (NWCI), said the data highlighted that the scale of our response to domestic violence has to increase. In an interview, published in the Irish Times, she said, We need to increase our refuge spaces. We clearly dont have an adequate number of spaces. We shouldnt have to have waiting lists and women shouldnt have to travel to different counties to get help. Prior to Christmas, the heartbreaking death of Arklow mum Nadine Lott following the serious injuries she sustained in an alleged assault shocked the nation. And in November, Cavan Circuit Court heard harrowing evidence how a man, who admitted to feeling like a scumbag, kicked and stamped on his pregnant girlfriend's head 17 times in an unprovoked drink-fuelled attack, leaving her with lasting brain damage. Longford Womens Link (LWL) has been in operation since 1995 and they have been supporting victims of domestic violence (DV) since its inception. They have supported thousands of women and the DV service comprises two full time staff, two part time staff and one full time coordinator. Read also: Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell guest speaker at Midlands Simon Community Nollaig na mBan Little Black Dress ladies lunch Domestic Violence Specialist with LWL, Moe Reynolds explained, We are busier than we have ever been. Last year, we developed a dedicated service to children who are the victims of DV. In 2018 we supported eight children directly, and in 2019 (up to November) we have supported 20 children. In terms of 2019, the LWL Domestic Violence Service supported 358 individual women, an increase of 5% from 2018. Specialists from the service accompanied around 200 women to court that same year, for a variety of reasons, including protection, safety, and barring orders, criminal assault cases, breaches of bail conditions related to domestic violence, and issues regarding access, custody and maintenance. Ms Reynolds said there was also an increase in the number of complex cases. These cases are high risk and intensive, invariably involving serious risk to children as well as to their mothers. For instance, in 2018, seven women had 100 or more interactions with Longford Womens Link. She pointed out that LWL are working closely with the gardai to recognise these high support cases, and to put in place a comprehensive safety plan involving a multitude of services. This is particularly relevant in light of a growing concern and understanding of femicide, and how most women are killed by a partner or ex-partner, or other member of their family. Ms Reynolds said surprisingly, Christmas is not our busiest time. She says women really put their heads down and just try to get through the holiday season, especially to make it easier on their kids. Post Christmas the scenario is entirely different. Our busiest times tend to be after Christmas, she revealed, adding towards the end of January when many women have survived the holiday season, but cant face into a new year suffering the same abuse, unpredictability and torture that surely marred their holiday season. Ms Reynolds said another busy time is at the end of September, once the children have settled back in school. This sometimes gives the space for women to start making plans to move, or at least space to start thinking about what is happening to them and reach out for help. Read also: Longford Fianna Fail Women's Network to celebrate Nollaig na mBan If you need help or advice for yourself or someone you know, please call; * Longford Womens Link Domestic Violence Service 043 33 41511 * Womens Aid freephone 24 hour helpline 1800 341 900 * Gardai 999 Gov. Ned Lamont is backing away from the states commitment to a regional climate initiative thats already fraying over proposed gas price hikes. Raising the gas tax, which frankly is what many Republican states have done to pay for transportation, is 100 percent paid for by Connecticut residents and probably not the way to go, Lamont said during a WNPR radio show Tuesday morning. The governors comments represent his strongest repudiation yet of the regional Transportation Climate Initiative signed over a year ago by former Gov. Dannel Malloy and 11 other Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. Lamont added hes already doing everything I can to promote public transportation and propel people to get out of cars. Cars and trucks represent 40 percent of our emissions. Cracks in the groups unity surfaced last month after a draft proposal showed the cap and invest program could result in a 17 cent per gallon rise in the cost of gas. In response, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu withdrew his state from the initiative. Maine is wavering and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is feeling pressure to step away as well. Vermonts most powerful union, citing higher gas prices, has come out against the pact, which also includes Rhode Island, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Under TCI, the proceeds from a fee on gasoline estimated at $2.7 billion a year would be distributed to the participating states. The money could be used to help fund transportation-related carbon reduction projects such as encouraging electric car use, replacing diesel fleets and increasing rail and public transit options. The idea is to eventually wean states off gasoline powered vehicles, which in turn would reduce greenhouse gas emissions that worsen climate change. Charles Rothenberger, climate policy director for Save the Sound and the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, said hes optimistic the pact will hold together. Rothenberger stressed the 17 cent-per-gallon gas fee represents the high end of various early models drawn up to help states meet a 25 percent reduction in transportation sector emissions. That slight potential increase in gas prices is accompanied by the opportunity for huge investments in transit and mobility, Rothenberger said. The TCI detasils now on the table are part of a preliminary blueprint developed by the participating states. A comment period is now underway and the states will be asked for a final commitment later this year. That means Lamont would face the decision of whether to sign the bill if the General Assembly were to pass it. Supporters expect the details will change as negotiations among the states continue. Many blame the current opposition to poor framing of the issue as a gas tax and not enough focus on the revenue states would gain to boost green transportation options and reap considerable health benefits from cleaner air. Still, opponents are beginning to dig in, signaling the battle to come. State Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, last month urged Lamont to drop out. The TCI program is designed to force fuel prices up so high that many residents will not be able to afford driving in our state, Fasano said. During the radio show on the National Public Radio affilliate, known as Where We Live, Lamont was more interested in touting his transportation plan, which includes tolls on trucks as a revenue source. It totally gets us where we need to go and sure beats borrowing, Lamont said, referring to his plan Amy McLean, a spokeswoman for the Acadia Center, an environmental advocacy group, said when TCIs benefits are understood voters favor the program, adding recent polls have shown support levels in excess of 80 percent. Im not sure we have a choice, McLean said of TCI. Dont be afraid of the right decision, McLean added. Its at our own peril that we dont make these research driven decisions that address the climate issues we face. McLean also was optimistic the coalition of states will hold together. When it comes down to it, some states are forging ahead and will be able to leverage some benefits, she said. I think people will fall in line, McLean added. We are dealing with a lot of political blowback from strong voices and its an election year. bcummings@ctpost.com business Editor's Take | Here's how US-Iran tensions could impact aviation sector Moneycontrol's Shraddha Sharma gets in conversation with Corporate Bureau Chief Prince Thomas to discuss the impact of the flare-up between the US and Iran. The search for a man who was mauled by a shark while scuba diving off the southern coast of Western Australia has been called off, police have said. Gary Johnson, 57, was attacked by a great white shark on Sunday while diving with his wife Karen Milligan near Cull Island, close to West Beach in Esperance. Only Mr Johnson's tank, vest and flippers have been found during days of extensive searches, which included using two remote-operated vehicles to scour the ocean floor. Police announced on Wednesday they have suspended search operations pending any new information. Scroll down for video Police have called off the search for the body of scuba diver Gary Johnson (pictured with his wife Karen) after he was mauled by a shark near Cull Island, close to West Beach in Esperance, WA on Sunday Three sharks (two pictured) were found feeding on a human corpse during the search for a diver who was mauled to death by a great white. The remains are believed to belong to another person Mrs Milligan had put out a mayday call and unsuccessfully tried to fight off the massive sea creature as it attacked her husband. She was then taken to hospital to be treated for shock. In an emotional statement following his death, she described Mr Johnson as her 'rock' and said he was at home in the ocean. 'We were always aware of the risks and often told each other that if we were attacked by a shark that would just be unlucky,' she said. 'We were completely against shark culling and I still am.' The announcement comes after three sharks were found feeding on a human corpse at Twilight Beach, near Esperance on Tuesday afternoon. Witnesses believed the body belonged to Mr Johnson, but police said the remains belong to a 21-year-old man who disappeared after being swept off rocks on January 2. South African tourist Michael Hayes described the horror of watching the sharks launch themselves at the body. 'The sharks took it up and then we could see it was a torso... Then we knew it was a body. They started a feeding frenzy. It was horrible,' he told The West Australian. The gruesome discovery was made amid the search for Gary Johnson, who was taken by a great white while diving with his wife (pictured together) at nearby West Beach on Sunday Mr Johnson (pictured) was a recreational diver who loved to share his passion for the ocean His daughter Alison Walker, who immediately called police, said she initially thought the body was a buoy. 'We were like ''oh a buoy would stay in one place''it's a body. [The sharks] were knocking it onto the rocks. It like started turning around and then we could see it was the head and the legs,' she said. Swimmers were evacuated from the water and the beach was closed. The body has since been recovered. Aerial footage showed the sharks from above lurking about 150 metres off shore. Twilight Beach was closed on Tuesday afternoon after sharks were spotted feeding on a human corpse Mrs Milligan revealed this week she desperately tried to fight the great white shark as it mauled her husband moments after he jumped into the water. 'We were both in the water when it happened, I tried to hit the tail of the shark but it did nothing,' she told The Australian. Mrs Milligan said she and her husband were both wearing shark shields, which emit electrical currents intended to scare the animals away, when he died. Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley confirmed on Tuesday Mr Johnson's device wasn't switched on when he was attacked. On Monday, Mrs Milligan shared a gut-wrenching tribute to 'her rock' just 24 hours after his death. 'Gary was my rock. He was a kind, gentle, strong man. He only ever saw the best in people. He will be so truly missed by me, by his family and his friends and the world will be a poorer place without this most beautiful man,' Mrs Milligan said. The couple ran the Esperance Dive Club together. It was their shared passion for the water that saw their relationship blossom. 'He loved diving. He loved squash. He loved his work. He loved Esperance. Most of all he loved his friends and families,' she said. Aerial footage showed the sharks from above lurking about 150 metres off shore, with one stalking a boat (pictured) Emergency services are still desperately searching for missing diver Gary Johnson who was taken by a shark off Cull Island in WA on Sunday Police and surf life savers cleared Twilight Beach, near Esperance on Tuesday afternoon after three sharks were spotted in a feeding frenzy on a body 'He and I were at home in and on the ocean. We would go out diving in our boat whenever we could, most weekends. Mrs Milligan said she and her husband were animal lovers and were staunchly against culling. 'We took photos, not fish. We were always aware of the risks, and often told each other that if we were attacked by a shark, that would just be unlucky,' she said. 'We were completely against shark culling, and I still am. We have watched with dismay the reduction of fish stocks over the years. 'We believed that if fish stocks were better protected, then the risk to people in the water would be reduced.' Chilling details of Mrs Milligan's chilling Triple 000 call emerged earlier this week. 'My husband's been taken by a great white,' she told the police operator, The Australian reported. One of the first responders - Glen Quinlivan - was setting up his power boat for a day trip when he heard Ms Milligan's cries for help. Karen Milligan and Gary Johnson were keen divers and water lovers before the shark attack on Sunday January 5 'We tried to find him. We tried to help her but to no avail,' Mr Quinlivan told The West. 'I really feel for her, she's obviously witnessed something you don't want to see.' He said the winds were blowing towards Charley Island when they found evidence Mr Johnson had been taken. Mr Quinlivan said they saw no sign of Mr Johnson, but found his flippers and part of his wet suit. 'I've done plenty of free diving around the area. I've dived in that spot before... I won't be again. You always have it in the back of your mind,' he said. Despite a widespread search of the area Mr Johnson was taken police still haven't located the diver's body. Senior Sergeant Justin Tarasinski said everyone was trying to bring closure for the family, but even the police were going through the grieving process. 'We've obviously got the blue shirts on but that doesn't protect us from emotions,' he said on Tuesday. Police also pleaded for the public to help find Ms Milligan's phone, which was left on a table at the nearby Woody Island in the days before the tragedy. 'Karen would like it returned as it has photos of her husband on it,' police said. The attack happened at about 1.30pm off Cull Island (pictured) in Esperance, south east of Perth, on Sunday January 5 U.S. conflict with Iran: What you need to read Heres what you need to know to understand what this moment means in U.S.-Iran relations. What happened: President Trump ordered a drone strike near the Baghdad airport, killing Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Irans most powerful military commander and leader of its special-operations forces abroad. Who was Soleimani: As the leader of the Revolutionary Guard Corps elite Quds Force, Soleimani was key in supporting and coordinating with Irans allies across the region, especially in Iraq. Soleimanis influence was imprinted on various Shiite militias that fought U.S. troops. How we got here: Tensions had been escalating between Iran and the United States since Trump pulled out of an Obama-era nuclear deal, and they spiked shortly before the airstrike. The strikes that killed Soleimani were carried out after the death of a U.S. contractor in a rocket attack against a military base in Kirkuk, Iraq, that the United States blamed on Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia. What happens next: Iran responded to Soleimanis death by launching missile strikes at two bases hosting U.S. forces in Iraq. No casualties were reported. In an address to the nation, Trump announced that new sanctions will be imposed on Tehran. Ask a question: What do you want to know about the strike and its aftermath? Submit a question or read previous Q&As with Post reporters. Texas education leaders are now discussing how to address the gross disparity and discrimination among the Latino faculty. A recent report shows that there are disparities in terms of gross pay and discrimination among the Latino faculty at the University of Texas at Austin. This discrimination transpired in compensation, leadership opportunities, and other measurements. Texas education leaders are now discussing ways to address these problems. It can be recalled that eight professors at the University of Texas at Austin released a 188-page report they called the "Hispanic Equity Report." The report entails the salary compensation of faculty members who are from Latino origin compared to their non-hispanic counterparts. It was also noted that the gap continued despite taking account of field, rank, and scholarship. According to Alberto Martinez, a university professor and chairman of the Independent Equity Committee, they "found that Hispanics are grossly underpaid and underrepresented in positions of leadership in a university that makes diversity one of its central missions." This confirms the published report in The Houston Chronicle that states that Hispanic professors at the University of Texas have long seen the inequalities and underrepresentation. Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies in the university has 13 directors since it was founded in 1940. However, none of the directors were from Hispanic or Latin American origin. The institute was named after a Hispanic alumna who donated $15 million. Professor Jorge Canizares-Esguerra at the University of Texas said that what occurred in Latin American Studies is also the same as having a prestigious center for African-Americans, but never having an African-American director. This is indeed very illogical. Officials of the University of Texas recognized the problem, but they disagree when it comes to the salary disparities of their faculty members. Gregory Fenves, president of the university, said during the Faculty Council Meeting that a university council on racial and ethnic equity and diversity completed the first phase of its study on the Latino faculty members' pay, finding few discrepancies. They found similar issues with the report of the Independent Equity Committee. The university president said: "There were some differences especially in interpretations of data, but there are inequity issues." He also said the council will be working diligently with the information. Meanwhile, a spokesman of University's vice president and provost Joey Williams said that the university is strongly committed to understanding the inequity and will be fixing it. Salary Gaps According to Martinez, they found that the longer a Hispanic professor stays in the university, the inequities grow and become larger. In 2017, full-time professors were only paid $25,300 which is less compared to their non-hispanic counterparts. The assistant professor faced a gap of $19,600 and the difference is about $10,600 for associate professor. This data is based on sources such as Texas Tribune's Government Salaries Explorer. Martinez also said that Hispanic women professors are the most underpaid in all categories and they are also extremely underrepresented. Meanwhile, Williams said that "the difference (in compensation) is a little over three percent for full and associate professors favoring non-hispanic faculty." He also said that Latina professors earn more compared to their non-hispanic counterparts in some job classifications. The spokesman of the provost also said that the "pattern is reversed with a much larger difference favoring our Latina over white assistant professors and not much of a difference at all when we compare salaries across races for assistant tenure track professors who are men. Regardless, this difference favoring non-hispanics over Latino faculty at the senior ranks needs to be investigated further." A former Madison County teacher pleaded guilty today to criminal charges of sexting and having sexual contact with two students. Lyndsey Sherrod Bates was sentenced to time served, plus three years of probation. Per a plea deal she hatched with Madison County prosecutors, a 10-year prison sentence was suspended. Bates, 23, can avoid prison time altogether if she successfully completes probation. Shes also required to register as a sex offender for the rest of her life. Her attorney didnt immediately return a call for comment. Bates formerly was a special education teacher at Madison County High School. She resigned and was arrested this past spring. She pleaded guilty today to the felony charges of having sex with a student and engaging in a sex act with a student younger than 19, plus three misdemeanor counts of distributing obscene material to a student. Madison County Assistant District Attorney Tim Douthit said both students were at least 16, which is the age of consent in Alabama, and neither was a student in Bates classroom. Alabamas teacher-student sex law says, consent is not a defense and prohibits all school employees from have sex with students regardless of whether the student is assigned to the teachers class. The crime is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Shes going to be a sex offender and felon, Douthit said. But were not sending people to jail for consensual sex without any evidence of coercion. At the time of her arrest, Bates was the daughter-in-law of Stacy Bates, a chief deputy for the Madison County sheriffs office. The sheriffs office, which investigated the case, said the relationship didnt affect the probe. Lyndsey Bates then-husband Andrew Bates filed for divorce two days after she was arrested in April of 2019. The uncontested divorce was finalized a few months later. ISTANBUL - As U.S. officials on Tuesday defended the decision to kill Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad last week, Iranian leaders have stepped up calls for revenge against the United States, which says it has no intention of removing troops from neighboring Iraq. The calls for retaliation came as Iranian authorities prepared to bury Soleimani in his hometown in Kerman, a city in the southeast of the country. Hours earlier, authorities had been forced to halt the burial proceedings after a deadly stampede killed dozens of people. In Washington, Defense Secretary Mark Esper reaffirmed that U.S. troops will not be withdrawing from Iraq, saying that a letter sent by the U.S. commander in Baghdad to Iraqi officials "has no value" and that the Trump administration wants a continued U.S. presence. Esper, speaking to reporters at the Pentagon for the second day in a row, called the letter a "draft." He said that he had asked whether a signed copy had been sent to Iraqi officials and that, "to the best of my knowledge," it had not. However, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, who resigned in November but is operating in a caretaker capacity, said earlier in the day in Baghdad that he had received a copy. A U.S. military official with knowledge of the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, also said Tuesday that a signed copy was sent. The letter does not say explicitly that the U.S. military will withdraw forces, but it appears to leave open the possibility. Marine Brig. Gen. William Seely wrote in it that U.S. forces "will be repositioning forces over the course of the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement" and that "we respect your sovereign decision to order our departure." Esper said Tuesday that "there may be some people trying to create confusion" in regard to the letter. On Monday, the Pentagon's top officer, Army Gen. Mark Milley, said sending the letter was "a mistake," but Iraq's prime minister is interpreting the letter as a "withdrawal announcement." According to senior officials in the Iraqi prime minister's office, Milley's comments are not being officially recognized, and the Iraqi government will now request a withdrawal timetable from Washington. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that the Trump administration "got it right" when it launched the airstrike that killed Soleimani, raising the risk of reprisal attacks on U.S. targets. "It was the right decision," Pompeo said at a news conference at the State Department. "We got it right. The president had an entirely legal, appropriate and a basis [for] a decision that fit perfectly within our strategy of how to counter the threat, the malign activity from Iran." Pompeo said he was confident that President Donald Trump's decision to target Soleimani was fully vetted by White House lawyers and that future actions would be legal. But he grew heated when asked about the growing criticism of Trump's threat to strike Iranian cultural sites if Iran retaliates, a potential war crime. "Every action we take will be consistent with the international rule of law," he said. "Let me tell you who has done damage to the Persian culture. It's not the United States of America. It's the ayatollah." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Trump's calls for targeting such sites "not appropriate." Tuesday afternoon. McConnell made his comments unprompted at the top of his first news conference of the year, before even being asked a question. However, McConnell also defended the president's handling of the killing of Soleimani, telling reporters that he did not expect the "Gang of Eight" to be notified before action was taken. "When President Obama took out Osama bin Laden, I was not told in advance, I was called by the VP afterwards and my response was, you did the right thing," he said. "Where is the applause on the other side for the killing of one of the heinous killers who ever walked the earth? It's mind-boggling." The funeral for Soleimani resumed Tuesday evening after a stampede among mourners killed at least 50 people earlier in the day. Iranian news outlets reported that Soleimani's remains reached the Martyrs' Cemetery in Kerman. The graveyard in Kerman, a southeastern city of about half a million people, is in a well-manicured lot near the teal-domed Saheb Zaman mosque. Earlier Tuesday, as mourners gathered to march to the site, the crowd surged near Azadi Square. In the ensuing panic, 50 people were killed and 200 injured. "Today, I think that there are more than one million people here. The city was definitely not prepared for such a crowd," a local resident, Morteza, told BBC Persian. Soleimani, a divisive but popular figure, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad last week. His funeral procession started Saturday in the Iraqi capital and included stops in the shrine cities of Karbala and Najaf, as well as in Ahvaz, Mashhad, Tehran, Qom and Kerman in Iran. In the wake of the commander's death, Iranian leaders have stepped up calls for revenge against the United States. Security council head Ali Shamkhani said 13 scenarios for retaliation are being considered, and specifically mentioned that U.S. bases in the region were under surveillance. Shamkhani said even the mildest of these options would be a "historical nightmare" for the United States. He added that the retaliation would "not be limited to a single operation." The leader of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps said Tuesday that locations loved by the United States would be set on fire in revenge - a possible reference to Israel. Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami spoke to hundreds of thousands gathering in the southern Iranian town of Kerman, birthplace of Soleimani, leader of the Guard's Quds Force. "We will set fire to the place they love, and they know where that is," said Salami. Some commentators have suggested that he could have been referring to Israel. As he spoke, the crowd chanted "Death to Israel!" The U.S. Department of Transportation issued an alert advising U.S. commercial ships to "exercise caution" when passing through waters near Iran, citing the threat from "Iran and its proxies." The alert listed the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and the entire Indian Ocean as areas in which to be cautious. After a U.S. airstrike killed a top Iranian commander early Jan. 3, the alert said, "the Iranian response to this action, if any, is unknown, but there remains the possibility of Iranian action against U.S. maritime interests in the region." A series of incidents occurred during the summer in the narrow waters between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula through which pass vast amounts of the world's oil. The incidents included attacks on six commercial vessels and the seizure of three tankers. NATO has begun moving troops out of Baghdad's Green Zone to other locations in Iraq and the broader region, citing a need to keep personnel safe. Military officials reported that the drawdown had already started, with helicopters evacuating a first wave of personnel overnight. The NATO mission in Iraq is focused on training Iraqi security forces fighting remnants of the Islamic State. Germany has temporarily moved all its military personnel stationed in non-Kurdish Iraqi territory to either Jordan or Kuwait, a German military spokesman said Tuesday. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has warned that militants "would be the only winners" of a full-blown war as a result of U.S.-Iran tensions. Raab singled out the Islamic State group as having most to gain. The U.S.-led international coalition fighting the Islamic State has suspended its operations over safety concerns, even though the move is so far only temporary. Raab's warning came after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement, which called on "all parties to exercise utmost restraint and responsibility." While nearly every U.S. ally has declined to support Trump's order to kill Soleimani, the U.S. leader has found support in one surprising location: Brazil. razilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has made strengthening ties with Trump the fulcrum of his foreign policy, said Brazil stood with "any country in the world in the fight against terrorism." In Washington, the bipartisan group of senators known as the"Gang of Eight" will receive a briefing on the killing of Soleimani on Tuesday from CIA Director Gina Haspel, National Security Agency Director Paul Nakasone and Joseph Maguire, acting director of national intelligence, according to two people familiar with the matter. Top Democratic leaders in Congress have said that they were not informed in advance about the strike. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday that the United States had denied his request for a visa to attend a meeting at the New York headquarters of the United Nations. The move appears to violate an agreement the United States made with the United Nations in 1947 requiring the U.S. government to facilitate the entry of foreign officials attending the organization's meetings. White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said Tuesday that the State Department may have refused to give Zarif a visa to attend a United Nations Security Council meeting this week because the timing was not right. "I don't think Secretary [Mike] Pompeo thought that this was the right time for Mr. Zarif to come to the United States," O'Brien told "Fox & Friends" on Tuesday morning. The State Department, which had no immediate comment on Zarif's visa, has granted Zarif visas only reluctantly in the past. Senior Trump administration officials have begun drafting sanctions against Iraq after President Donald Trump publicly threatened the country with economic penalties if it proceeded to expel U.S. troops, according to three people briefed on the planning. The Treasury Department and White House will probably take a lead role if the sanctions are implemented, the officials said. Such a step would represent a highly unusual move against a foreign ally that the United States has spent almost two decades and hundreds of billions of dollars supporting. - - - The Washington Post's Adam Taylor, Carol Morello Josh Dawsey, Karoun Demirjian, Jeff Stein, Dan Lamothe, Paul Kane and Colby Itkowitz in Washington, Louisa Loveluck in Baghdad, Rick Noack in Berlin, Mustafa Salim in Baghdad, and Paul Schemm in Dubai contributed to this report. Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido called Tuesday for three days of protests against President Nicolas Maduro, hours after he was sworn in for another term as National Assembly speaker following a standoff with the armed forces. Guaido was barred from entering the assembly by the National Guard for around half an hour in dramatic and chaotic scenes, while a rival claimant to the speaker's post occupied the chair. "It's time to stand up and to stand up with force," Guaido said later during a press conference. "We will mobilize for street protests on Thursday and Friday, and on Saturday we will all be in the streets." Guaido, self-appointed acting president of Venezuela, leads the opposition to leftist Maduro, who remains in power despite Guaido's year-long effort to oust the man he calls a "usurper." The National Assembly legislature is the only branch of government in opposition hands, and Guaido's holding of the speaker's post is important for continuation of his struggle with Maduro. Guaido is backed by the United States and more than 50 other countries but, despite Venezuela's economic collapse, Maduro appears entrenched with crucial support from the armed forces. He is also backed by China, Russia and Cuba. "Here we are, showing our face," Guaido said, taking his seat in the assembly after rival claimant Luis Parra and pro-government lawmakers left. - Blocked by troops - Lawmakers sang the national anthem but electricity to the chamber was cut off, leaving deputies to use flashlights on their mobile phones. Guaido then raised his right hand and took the oath of office for another term as leader of the assembly. Earlier, dozens of National Guard troops wearing helmets and carrying riot shields blocked Guaido from entering the building. "These are not barracks!" Guaido shouted. Some of his allies and members of the press were also blocked from getting inside. The opposition said on Twitter that four lawmakers were injured by "regime minions." Parra, an opposition legislator accused of corruption, had declared himself speaker on Sunday after the armed forces had prevented Guaido from entering the building. Guaido had declared Sunday that he was re-elected to his post after holding a legislative session alongside loyal deputies at the offices of a pro-opposition newspaper. Crisis-hit Venezuela has been in political turmoil since last January when Guaido used his position as speaker to declare himself acting president in a direct challenge to the authority of Maduro. The United States warned on Tuesday it could ramp up sanctions against Venezuela, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated Guaido on his re-election. "The Maduro regime's campaign of arrests, intimidation and bribery could not derail Venezuelan democracy, nor could its use of military forces to physically bar the National Assembly from accessing the parliament building," said Pompeo. Speaking Tuesday on state broadcaster VTV, Maduro called Pompeo a "failed clown" for supporting Guaido, whose swearing in as speaker was "a show." "The United States assumes it has the right to name the world's legislatures with (their) threats," he said. And Maduro's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeted that the US must "now assume that its strategy against Venezuela failed. They have not shown any skills as puppeteers and they lost their main puppet." Parra was kicked out of his opposition party last month after an online news site accused him of corruption linked to the over-pricing of food imported for the Maduro government. He remains a deputy and Maduro recognized Parra's election in a television address on Sunday. But even Maduro's left-wing allies Argentina and Uruguay have denounced the move. - Assembly sidelined - Before Sunday's vote, Guaido said the Maduro government had bribed some opposition deputies to vote against him. The opposition holds 112 of the 167 seats in the assembly. As well as two claimants to the presidency and the position of assembly speaker, Venezuela has two legislatures. The National Assembly has been effectively sidelined since 2017, when the Supreme Court, made up of Maduro loyalists, declared it in contempt. The court has since annulled its every decision. Maduro then controversially set up a Constituent Assembly -- also made up exclusively of loyalists -- with power to legislate in its place. MELBOURNE, Florida, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kona Gold Solutions, Inc. (OTC Pink: KGKG), a hemp and CBD lifestyle brand focused on product development in the functional beverage sector, is pleased to announce the Company has scheduled its second meeting with one of the largest supermarket chains in the Southeast, consisting of 550 locations over its portfolio of supermarkets. The Company will also be meeting with a Florida based, fourth generation run, food distributor as well, who covers the Southeast United States. Both meetings are set for the end of the month. Kona Gold also announced, in November and December, it had met with the majority of beer distribution houses in the state of Florida, receiving great response from its product portfolio. The Company is currently scheduling following up meetings with those beer distributors as those distributors ramp up for the new year and look to add non-alcoholic beverages to their portfolios. Through one of Kona Gold's distribution partners in Arkansas, the Company's Kona Gold Hemp Energy Drinks and HighDrate CBD Energy Waters are now available at Vapor Maven, a chain of over 100 stores and growing. Vapor Maven was furnished with Kona Gold and HighDrate branded refrigerators dedicated to the Company's products. Vapor Maven has stores located in Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, and Mississippi. "I am very pleased with the progress our sales team and distribution partners have made over the last several months, creating exciting opportunities for the Company," stated Robert Clark, CEO of Kona Gold Solutions, Inc. "Creating relationships with larger chains and distributors takes time, with multiple meetings, and we will announce to our shareholders once these agreements come to fruition, along with the names of those partners. We have been seeing more demand for our hemp and CBD products from larger players in the industry as popularity and acceptance continues to grow in these markets. Our team is currently working on opportunities across multiple states, including Hawaii, and we look forward to sharing developments as they arise." For more information regarding Kona Gold Solutions, please visit: https://www.konagoldhemp.com https://www.facebook.com/konagoldhemp https://twitter.com/konagoldhemp https://www.instagram.com/konagoldhemp/ For more information regarding HighDrate, please visit: https://www.highdrateme.com https://www.facebook.com/HighDrateMe/ https://twitter.com/highdrateme https://www.instagram.com/highdrateme/ For more information regarding Kona Gold Solutions, please visit: https://www.goldleafdist.com https://www.facebook.com/GoldLeafDist/ Kona Gold Solutions, Inc.: Kona Gold Solutions, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, has created wholly owned subsidiaries, Kona Gold LLC, HighDrate, LLC, and Gold Leaf Distribution, LLC. Kona Gold, LLC has developed a premium Hemp Infused Energy Drink line; please visit the Company's website at www.konagoldhemp.com. HighDrate, LLC has developed the beverage industry's first CBD Infused Energy Water, available in 6 delicious flavors; please visit the Company's website at www.highdrateme.com. Gold Leaf Distribution, LLC was created to fill the Company's distribution needs in markets it wants to quickly enter. The Companies are located on the east coast of Florida in Melbourne. Safe Harbor Statement: The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. Investor Relations Contact: Robert Clark 844-714-2224 [email protected] SOURCE Kona Gold Solutions, Inc. T he Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they are stepping back as senior members of the royal family. But the shock move raises many questions about their future, not least of all whether Harry and Meghan's attempt to redefine their royal lives is sustainable. What did Harry and Meghan's statement say? Meghan and Harry said they would continue to support the Queen / AP Where will they live? They said they now plan to balance their time between the UK and North America. What about their home Frogmore Cottage in Windsor? They will continue to base themselves at Frogmore Cottage when in the UK. Taxpayers paid 2.4 million to renovate Harry and Meghan's official residence, which the couple moved into just nine months ago. The couple during their royal tour in south Africa / Getty Images Where will they live in North America and will they buy a home there? This is not yet known. The couple have just spent six weeks in Canada so are expected to base themselves there for part of the year. TODO: define component type apester How will they become financially independent? Their new official website Sussexroyal.com said the couple will no longer receive funding through the Sovereign Grant from the taxpayer for their official office expenses - which it said accounted for 5 per cent of their office costs. The Prince of Wales currently pays for the remaining cost of their public duties and some of their private costs from his Duchy of Cornwall income. But it is not clear cut. The Sovereign Grant is also used to pay for Harry and Meghan's official royal travel, and their website said they "proudly" carry out official overseas visits in support of the Queen, suggesting they will still continue to do so. Harry is a former soldier and Meghan is a former actress but the pair are about to launch their new SussexRoyal foundation / REUTERS Will they be getting paid jobs? It looks like it in some form. Sussexroyal.com said the couple "value the ability to earn a professional income, which in the current structure they are prohibited from doing. "For this reason they have made the choice to become members of the Royal Family with financial independence." Harry is a former soldier and Meghan is a former actress but the pair are about to launch their new SussexRoyal foundation. Will the British taxpayers still pay for their security? They seem to think so. Sussexroyal.com, referring to armed security by the Metropolitan Police mandated by the Home Office, said: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are classified as internationally protected people which mandates this level of security." Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, said they are planning "to step back" as senior members of the royal family and "work to become financially independent" / AP But they are no longer senior royals? Yes this creates a problem. Non-senior royals generally don't have full-time royal protection officers. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie previously faced criticism over the use of taxpayers' funding for police protection, but the Duke of York now pays for their security himself. The undisclosed cost of guarding the royal family as a whole is estimated to be more than 100 million a year. What about the cost to the Canadians? If Harry and Meghan base themselves in Canada - a realm of which the Queen is monarch, it raises the question of whether the Canadians will have to contribute to their security costs as well, or even pay for an official residence. Harry and Meghan and pictured with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on Christmas Day 2018 / Getty Images Will they lose their HRH titles? Their statement makes no mention of them losing their HRH titles nor of Harry being removed from the line of succession. The duke and duchess said they have chosen to "carve out a progressive new role within this institution". Does combining private work with royal duties work? Having a dual role has proved controversial in the past. Harry and Meghan speak on stage during WE Day UK 2019 at The SSE Arena on March 06, 2019 in London, England. / Getty Images In 2002, the Earl and Countess of Wessex stepped down from their businesses to become full time royals after they were accused of cashing in on their royal status. Harry's cousin Zara Tindall earns her own income, but does not carry out royal duties nor live in an official residence. What about the Queen and the Prince of Wales? Prince Harry and his then-fiance Meghan, Prince Charles, the Queen, Prince Philip, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William after the Christmas Day service in 2017 / AP The announcement was made just seven weeks after the Queen's second son Andrew stepped back from royal duties after his disastrous Newsnight interview about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Buckingham Palace has warned that Harry and Meghan's decision to step back will be "complicated" and talks are still at an early stage. Why did Harry and Meghan take the decision? The couple spoke of their struggles dealing with royal life and the intense tabloid interest in a television documentary about their Africa tour. The MEK supporters rallies on Saturday, December 28, gave Iranian-Canadians a chance to show their solidarity with the Iranian protesters and especially those killed by regime forces, many of whom are women and children. The MEK supporters rallies, held on the 40th day of the Iran uprising, were attended by hundreds of people because it is traditional in Iranian culture to mourn the dead on the 40th day after their death. (Due to the secrecy of the regime, many families do not have an official date of death and were forced to mourn them 40 days after the protests began.) At one of the MEK supporters rallies, Roger Lyon, the former chair of the MSF Trade Union, urged the world the end their silence on the crimes against humanity that the regime is committing in a desperate attempt to end the protests. In Iran, members of the MEKs Resistance Units have been taking part in a major campaign to encourage more rebellion by the Iranian people and show them that they are not alone in their hatred of the regime. The MEK supporters put up posters of the MEK leaders with slogans like: Khamenei, Rouhani must face justice for committing Crimes Against Humanity Death to Khamenei, hail to Rajavi The blood of martyrs has blossomed into flowers Hail to the proud martyrs of the Iranian peoples uprising The MEK Resistance Units are risking their lives to do this because support for the MEK in Iran is punishable by death. However, the MEK supporters in Iran are not afraid. In fact, they are more terrified that the regime will continue. They see the freedom of their country as something worth the risk. This is what scares the mullahs and is why the regime has cracked down so hard on the protests. However, they also fear the consequences of being found to have committed crimes against humanity, which is why they are doing their best to conceal the crimes. Most notably, the regime has stolen the bodies of murdered protesters from hospitals and the streets. Theyve also refused to give the relatives of arrestees or murder victims and information about them. On December 29, the MEK released the names of 14 more martyrs of the uprising, which meant that, as of that date, 615 of the 1,500 had been identified. The Iranian uprising, where hundreds of thousands of people across Iran are demanding regime change and the overthrow of Supreme leader Ali Khamenei, began on November 15 because of the tripling of fuel prices overnight. The protests quickly spread to all of Irans provinces and the regimes Interior Minister Rahmani Fazli has admitted that the protesters destroyed at least 50 police and army centers, 140 government centers, 183 police vehicles, nine seminaries, 731 state-affiliated banks, and 70 gas stations. A Kentucky judge has been temporarily suspended without pay after she was accused of having a threesome in her courthouse and a slew of other misconduct. Judge Dawn Gentry was placed on temporary paid suspension earlier this week while a decision in her case is pending, NBC News reports. The family court judge was charged with multiple counts of misconduct in November 2019 by the state Judicial Conduct Committee. Family Court Judge Dawn Gentry has been placed on temporary paid suspension until a final decision in her case is made Gentry allegedly gave attorneys preferential treatment if they appeased her sexual demands and donated to her campaigns for re-election. Family Court Judge Dawn Gentry was hit with nine misconduct charges by the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission The 38-year-old has now been hit with nine misconduct charges. According to an investigation by the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission, she flirted with attorneys over Snapchat, put pressure on them to sleep with her and, in one case, asked a female attorney to join her in a threesome with her former church pastor turned lover. On one occasion, she and the former pastor even had a threesome with her secretary. Gentry serves as a family court judge for Kenton County which is south of the Kentucky-Ohio state line near Cincinnati. According to people who complained to the commission, she used the courthouse as a fun house to have sex with former pastor, Stephen Penrose. She and Penrose are in a band together. According to Gentry's ex-husband, they were having an affair during her marriage. Penrose plays the guitar in the band and Gentry plays the bass. Despite their relationship, Gentry gave Penrose a job in the court as a case specialist. The judge hired her alleged lover, Stephen Penrose, who she is in a band with. They are shown during one of their country music band's gigs. Gentry hired Penrose, a former pastor turned guitar player as a case specialist. It is unclear if he has any legal experience. Katherine Schulz (right) is one of the woman who claims Gentry asked her for group sex. She said no Gentry, shown with two cops, who are unrelated to the allegations, gives preferential treatment to attorneys who meet her sexual demands, it is claimed She fired the woman who had bee in the position to make room for him, it is claimed. She then allegedly tried to involve attorneys in her sex life. Katherine Schulz sat on a panel with Gentry that was set up to hear cases about abused children. She claims that Gentry told her to download Snapchat and then used it to ask her to seduce her now ex-husband, Brian Gentry, and also join her in group sex. Schulz said in an affidavit obtained by The Cincinnati Enquirer that Gentry was trying to have her sleep with her estranged husband so she could then pin her divorce on him being unfaithful. She then asked Schulz to have sex with her and Penrose at a legal conference, she claimed. The courthouse in Kenton County, Kentucky, where Gentry allegedly had sex and allowed drinking in her office When she declined that request, their friendship turned sour, she said. Schulz later resigned from the panel. Mike Hummel, who was also on the panel, said he was replaced with someone who donated four times as much as he did to Gentry's re-election campaign. He says she used her power on the bench to drum up donations. The judge is now waiting for a disciplinary hearing which is due to happen in the next two or three months. She denies the allegations. Gentry filed for divorce from her husband in April this year. They took the case to a different county and asked for the records to be sealed. A judge agreed but, after an appeal from The Cincinnati Enquirer, unsealed their docket. It however gleaned no information about her job, aside from the fact she earns $136,000 a year. The pair have two daughters together and were featured heavily in photographs together as part of her election campaign. Sir Keir Starmer took a commanding early lead in the Labour leadership race today as he won the support of an influential trade union to replace Jeremy Corbyn. The shadow business secretary, 57, was backed by Unison, which has 1.4million members, in a blow to the current party leadership's favorite Rebecca Long Bailey. It came as Sir Keir won the backing of 23 MPs after just a day of the official leadership race, which is enough to get him through to the next round already. Unison backed Mr Corbyn for the leadership in 2015 but general secretary Dave Prentis today took a swipe at his disastrous election campaign - its worst performance for 85 years - as he revealed the trade union's new endorsement. Lashing out at the left-wing protest politics of some of the current Labour hierarchy, he said: 'This is a pivotal time for Labour. We believe if elected by the membership Keir Starmer would be a leader to bring the party together and win back the trust of the thousands of voters who deserted Labour last month. 'Unions created the Labour Party to give working people a voice in Westminster. 'But it can only achieve for them, their families, their communities and the country's public services when in government.' The endorsement of a senior trade union is an important step for Sir Keir, the bookies' favourite to succeed Mr Corbyn. The shadow business secretary, 57, has won the backing of 23 MPs after just a day of the official leadership race, which is enough to get him through to the next round already. As well as the support of MPs, under Labour rules he needs to win the votes of unions and other affiliated organisations to get through to the final ballot of party members. How does the Labour leadership election work? Under the terms of the contest, candidates need to secure the nominations of least 10 per cent of the party's MPs and MEPs - which is now 22 after the general and European election defeats last year. Those who succeed will then go forward to the second stage when they must win the nominations of five per cent of the almost 300 constituency Labour parties (CLPs) OR three Labour affiliates - of which at least two must be trade unions - comprising at least five per cent of the fully paid-up affiliate membership. Applications to become a registered supporter open at 5pm on January 14 and close at 5pm on January 16. The freeze date for new members to join and be eligible to vote will be January 20 in the postal ballot. Under the timetable set out by the NEC, nominations from MPs and MEPs will open on January 7, closing at 2.30pm on January 13. The second stage of nominations from constituency parties and affiliates then opens on January 15 and runs to February 14. The ballot of members and registered supporters opens the following week on February 21, closing at noon on Thursday April 2. A special conference will be held two days later to unveil the new party leader. Advertisement The endorsement is also a soft power signal from the union to the party about the direction it wants the party to take in the future. It also endorsed Angela Rayner in her bid to become deputy leader. Sir Keir said he was 'honoured' by the endorsement, adding: 'UNISON members represent some of the best of our movement and our country.' Ms Long Bailey, has been nominated by just seven MPs so far, figures released by the party showed this morning. Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy were further back on six and two respectively, and shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry was on just 1. Clive Lewis, the sixth leadership candidate, has yet to win the backing of a single MP. But with 163 Labour MPs yet to give their nominations there is a lot to play for. Mr Corbyn announced last month that he would quit as Labour leader after handing Boris Johnson an 80-seat majority at the December 12 election. Under the terms of the contest, candidates need to secure the nominations of least 10 per cent of the party's MPs and MEPs - which is now 22 after the general and European election defeats last year. Those who succeed will then go forward to the second stage when they must win the nominations of five per cent of the almost 300 constituency Labour parties (CLPs) OR three Labour affiliates - of which at least two must be trade unions - comprising at least five per cent of the fully paid-up affiliate membership. The successful candidates will then go into a vote of party members before the new leader is unveiled at the beginning of April. Labour MPs blasted 'boring' Corbyn loyalist Ms Long Bailey after she made her opening leadership pitch to the parliamentary party last night, savaging her performance as 'like watching paint dry'. The shadow business secretary, seen as the current leadership's choice to succeed Mr Corbyn in leading the party, joined her five rivals at a hustings in Parliament. Six candidates (clockwise from top right: Ms Nandy, Ms Phillips, Sir Keir Starmer, Emily Thornberry, Clive Lewis and Ms Long Bailey) set out their stalls to fellow MPs The Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) has long been at odds with Mr Corbyn over his policies and attitude to Brexit and her speech on her vision for the future went down badly according to MPs in the room. This was in contrast to rivals Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy, who were applauded after calling for a change in political direction after the party's disastrous general election which saw it reduced to just 202 MPs. One left-wing MP said Ms Long Bailey was 'boring; it was like watching paint dry', according to the Guardian. Rival Ms Nandy, the MP for Wigan, said the leadership debate was 'possibly the most important in our history'. 'Now is not the time to steady the ship. If we do not change course we will die and we will deserve to,' she added. The figures were revealed as candidates vying to be party's deputy leader set out their stalls to MPs. Among those in the race for the deputy post, triggered by Tom Watson's decision to quit, are shadow sports minister Rosena Allin-Khan and Labour's only MP in Scotland, Ian Murray. Shadow cabinet ministers Angela Rayner, Dawn Butler and Richard Burgon, along with shadow Europe minister Khalid Mahmood, are also in the race for the job. Nigerians have taken out time to send out their congratulatory messages to actress Regina Daniels over claims that she is reportedly pregnant. The pregnancy rumour was fueled after the screen diva was spotted in a new bathroom video singing with her baby bump in full display. The actress is currently holidaying in Germany and has not confirmed the news about her alleged pregnancy. Read Also: Regina Daniels, Hubby Attend Press Conference On Eradication Of Malaria In Nigeria (Video) The beautiful screen diva is married to a 59-year-old former house of representative member, Ned Nwoko. Watch the video below: See congratulatory messages below: The 'world's first' smart wooden stick aims to bring back the old fashioned tradition of marking childrens heights on the wall. Demonstrated at CES 2020 in Las Vegas, the Pillar Memory is a wooden post fitted with thin layer of white LED lights and capacitive touch sensors. Users write directly onto the board using digital pens to create soft white LED-lit lines that record a childs height. The lines fade after a few seconds, but are recorded in cloud storage via a Wi-Fi receiver that comes embedded in the wooden post, according to Gizmodo. Pillar Memory is a new collaboration between Japanese startup Mui Lab and graphic design supplier Wacom, which will let people use a digital pen to create LED drawings on a specially designed wooden post The device was designed in collaboration between the graphic design supplier Wacom and the Japanese smart home startup Mui Lab Inc. It comes with a storage system that keeps track of height data and can be use dby multiple people, so the whole family can chart their relative growth. Young children can also doodle directly on the wooden post with the digital pens. The markings will disappear a few seconds after theyve grown bored, but they could also be saved in cloud storage and retrieved later on as part of a digital scrapbook. The Pillar Memory will also let users draw on the wood or write short messages for one another, which can be saved to cloud storage for later retrieval The digital pens, designed by Wacom, come in three options modeled after natural materials: wood, chalk, and charcoal The digital pens were developed by Wacom and come with three different jackets intended to resemble natural materials traditionally used for drawing: chalk, charcoal, and wood. The Pillar Memory is part of Mui Labs larger project of trying to make technology feel more natural and less intrusive in daily life. The company wants to create devices dedicated to cherishing human richness, and which emphasize the traditional customs and habits that are often lost in the midst of technologys advancement. Last year, the company revealed a smart home hub that was similarly built around a piece of wood that used the same unobtrusive LED technology to display weather information, incoming text messages, and display reminders about upcoming appointments. That device also comes with a built-in speaker and Bluetooth receiver and could be used as an interface for Google Assistant, Sonos, with a number of other smart home products, including Sonos, and Philips Hue system of light bulbs. The technology is indispensable, Kaz Oki, co-founder said in a promotional video for the company, but we think that by making the technology invisible we can make the quality of our time more satisfying again, SeABank achieves an impressive growth of $60.4 million pre-tax profit in 2019 At the end of the 2019 fiscal year, SeABank exceeded all business targets set at the General Meeting of Shareholders in early 2019 with impressive growth compared to 2018, as follows: Pre-tax profit reached VND1.39 trillion ($60.43 million), an increase of VND768.26 billion ($33.4 million), up 123.4 per cent on-year; Total assets reached VND157.4 trillion ($6.84 billion), a 12 per cent increase on-year; Total outstanding loans in Market 1 reached VND98.6 trillion ($4.3 billion), a 17.5 per cent increase on-year; Total mobilisation in Market 1 reached VND95.7 trillion ($4.16 billion), up 13.5 per cent on-year; Total net non-interest revenue reached VND2.3 trillion ($100 million), accounting for 44 per cent of the total net revenue; Capital adequacy ratio as prescribed in Circular No.41/2016 of the State Bank of Vietnam is 11.6 per cent; Capital adequacy ratio level 1 reached 9 per cent; Cost to income ratio (CIR) stood at 38.5 per cent; Profitability ratios continued to improve sharply, return on average assets (ROA) and return on average equity (ROE) were 0.75 per cent. In 2019, SeABank bought back all special bonds at VAMC and made full provision for risks in accordance with regulations while the credit quality of the bank was well managed with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio at 2.31 per cent. With the orientation of safe and prudent risk management, SeABank is Basel II compliant ahead of schedule, meeting international standards with Circular 41. In addition, SeABank has been given B1 long-term credit rating by Moodys. Moreover, in 2019, SeABank has completed the increase of its charter capital to VND9.369 trillion ($407.35 million) to improve its financial status. SeABank currently has a network of 167 transaction points serving nearly 1.2 million customers nationwide. SeABank is also a pioneer bank in Vietnam for successfully upgrading the core banking software T24 Temenos to the R18 version the most modern version with many important additional features. With the goal of providing a full suite of financial solutions and maximising benefits while remaining customer-centric, SeABank is constantly diversifying and adapting its products and services, applying digital technologies to help customers experience seamless traditional financial services and modern banking, as well as access attractive investment channels, healthcare, security, and accumulation for the future, improving the quality of the personal life of them and their families. An important highlight of SeABank's digital technology in 2019 is the launch of the SeAMobile New digital banking application with many outstanding features such as free use and no transfer fees. This is also the first digital banking application in Vietnam to provide Financial Healthfor customers. SeABank also launched the SeA-Easy international credit card with many incentives for online shoppers such as up to 8 per cent refunds for all online transactions, annual fee waivers, and interest-free overdraft up to 45 days. Along with business activities, SeABank always focuses on developing social activities in parallel with economic development. SeABank sets aside nearly VND12 billion ($521,750) for charitable activities, social security, and community development, spends nearly VND4 billion ($174,000) on scholarships for poor and studious students across the country through the Dream Nurturing Fund, in connection with the four series of SeABank Run For the Future. SeABank also aims to protect the environment through the Let's Go Green with SeABank programme, calling on employees and the community to collect and classify waste, restricting the use of non-biodegradable plastic bottles/jars, saving paper, electricity, water, and planting more trees. SeABank is committed to serving with dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism to bring a happier life and a prosperous future for the community. 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She highlighted the work the administration has done with tech companies to retrain their workers for new skills. There was no mention of the pushback about her appearance at the show. The hall was full, and she was met with applause. Organizers declined to say how many people were in the audience. The annual CES tech gathering in Las Vegas has long taken criticism over diversity issues. In recent years, CES organizers have invited more women to speak and sought to curb some of the show's more sexist aspects, such as scantily clad "booth babes" hired to draw attention of the mostly male attendees. But for critics and activists who have long pushed for broader recognition of the less-heralded women who found startups and take on difficult technical challenges, the inclusion of President Donald Trump's daughter, who is also a White House adviser, sent the wrong message. "Ivanka is not a woman in tech," tweeted Brianna Wu, a video game developer who is running for Congress in Massachusetts as a Democrat. "She's not a CEO. She has no background. It's a lazy attempt to emulate diversity, but like all emulation it's not quite the real thing." Shapiro told The Associated Press, ahead of the talk, that is fighting for workers at a time when robots are filling warehouses and factories and self-driving vehicles are worrying truck drivers. "We've had politicians speak before, cabinet secretaries and who've come in," Shapiro said. Ivanka Trump has worked on skills-training initiatives at the White House. Companies including Google have joined that effort. She used her appearance to talk about the changing nature of jobs. "People need to be thinking about investing in their workforce so that they can enable those people to do their same job using different equipment tomorrow," she said. Many people who tweeted the hashtag #BoycottCES on Tuesday in protest of Trump's appearance also took issue with the administration's border detention policies and various actions of the president himself. The technology industry has especially important issues pending with the US government, including antitrust investigations into Facebook and Google, the trade war with China, immigration, election security and misinformation on social media. Government officials have long made regular appearances at CES. This year, for instance, the speaker roster includes both Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and Secretary of Energy Dan Bouillette. Other female speakers include Meg Whitman of video streaming startup Quibi and Linda Yaccarino, chairman of advertising and partnerships for NBCUniversal. Ivanka Trump is "taking this slot at this conference where women have been saying for so long, 'Hey, we are being overlooked,'" said Rachel Sklar, a tech commentator and founder of a professional network for women. "The whole category of women being overlooked are still being overlooked." "Clearly they are not putting much effort into finding women in tech who can speak," said Carolina Milanesi, an analyst with Creative Strategies, who is at CES. Last year, CES caused an uproar when it revoked an innovation award presented to a female-led sex device company. CES reversed its decision and has allowed sex tech into the show for a one-year trial. Conference organisers also brought in an official "equality partner," The Female Quotient, to help ensure gender diversity. "Was there nobody else available? Seriously?" asked Ti Chang, co-founder of the wearable vibrator company Crave. Chang said Trump's experience running a clothing brand is a bad fit for CES and its focus on innovation and technology. "I don't understand," she said. "I would love to know what their rationale was. New U.S. Sanctions Most Likely to Hit Metals Sector: Iran Update (Bloomberg) -- Iran on Wednesday fired missiles at airbases jointly used by the U.S. and Iraq in retaliation for the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, roiling financial markets and disrupting air traffic but causing no casualties. President Donald Trump promised additional sanctions on Iran, but said Tehran appears to be refraining from additional attacks. With no Americans killed, expectations of an immediate escalation in the oil-exporting region appeared to recede. Though retribution had been expected for the deadly drone strike, Iraq said it had received verbal notice from the Iranians prior to the strikes. A U.S. official said the Iranians were likely aiming to miss. Airlines changed routes to avoid the conflict zone, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority restricted flights over the Persian Gulf. Here is a rundown of major events in Iraqi local time since Tuesday: Key developments: Iran retaliates against U.S. in rocket attack on Iraqi basesCommodities move on the news, stocks pare initial losses and oil shippers raise Middle East ratesAir Canada, Malaysia Airlines joint list of operators changing routesTurkish and Russian Presidents meet in Istanbul New U.S. Sanctions Most Likely to Hit Metals Sector (2:35 a.m.) President Donald Trump on Wednesday vowed more sanctions on Iran as part of his maximum pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic. Those penalties are likely to target key regime figures and the countrys metals sector, according to a person familiar with U.S. plans to keep squeezing Irans economy following the killing of Soleimani. The sanctions will likely be aimed at non-oil sectors of the Iranian economy and fit into a previously disclosed administration plan to choke off other sources of revenue now that the U.S. has clamped down on the countrys oil exports, said the person, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations. Pentagon Says Iran Fired With Intent to Kill Troops (1:50 a.m.) Story continues U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley said Iran targeted personnel with intent to kill in its strike on two bases in Iraq, and that its too early to tell what the Islamic Republic will do next. Defense Secretary Mark Esper, briefing reporters at the Pentagon alongside Milley, said 16 Iranian missiles were launched from three sites in the country and that a U.S. warning system gave American forces in Iraq time to protect personnel. Esper said he expects Shiite militias to still target U.S. forces. The Pentagon chief also said he has no information on whether Iran shot down the Boeing jet that crashed near Tehran the same night as the missile barrage in Iraq. Two Republicans Rip Administration Over Briefing (12:55 a.m.) Republican Senators Mike Lee and Rand Paul, two libertarian-leaning lawmakers, ripped the administrations briefing on its strike against an Iranian official as inadequate and said the administration must get authorization from Congress before taking any further military action.Lee, of Utah, called it the worst briefing on military affairs hes heard since coming to Congress and said it was insulting to lawmakers who wanted to understand President Donald Trumps strategy. As a result, he said hell back a Democratic-sponsored resolution to limit Trumps options to take military action. That briefing changed my mind, Lee said. After today, every time they pull a stunt like this, Im willing to consider and introduce any and every war powers act resolution. Paul, of Kentucky, said he considers himself a Trump supporter but that debate about a presidents authority to wage war is bigger than this administration or this president. He said he also would vote for the resolution sponsored by Virginia Democratic Senator Tim Kaine that would require the president to cease military actions against Iran unless authorized by Congress or in response to an imminent threat.Their remarks stood in stark contrast to the reactions of most other Republicans following a briefing by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and other administration officials. Senator James Risch of Idaho called it one of the best briefings hes gotten at the Capitol. Republicans, Democrats Feud Over Soleimani Threat (11:10 p.m.) Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress had starkly different interpretations of the classified briefing from Trump administration officials to justify the strike that killed Soleimani. The justification was sophomoric, according to House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrat Gerald Connolly. He said the explanation centered on the presidents constitutional authority to respond to imminent threats and the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force in Iraq. No case was made for imminence, Connolly said. No case was made for thinking this through. I leave this briefing more troubled than when I went in. Representative Mark Meadows, a Republican from North Carolina, said he was satisfied by the administrations justification, backed by intelligence presented by CIA Director Gina Haspel. He said Haspels information was exhaustive and contained numerous multiple potential threats and reasons why the action was necessary. Meadows said Soleimani will not be easily replaceable, and some of his operational abilities will take months if not years to replace. Trump Says Iran Appears to Be Standing Down (7:31 p.m.) Trump said Iran appears to be refraining from additional strikes against U.S. targets, calling it a good thing for both nations and the world. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned, Trump said in an address from the Grand Foyer in the White House. The American people should be extremely grateful and happy. No Americans were harmed in the attacks, Trump said. Trump said he would impose additional economic sanctions on Iran and would keep the measures in place until the Islamic Republic becomes less bellicose toward the U.S. He said he would ask NATO to become more involved in the Mideast, without elaboration. Trump to Give Iran Address at 11 a.m. (6:34 p.m.) Trump will speak to the American people at 11 a.m. Washington time from the White House on Wednesday to address the confrontation with Iran, the administration said. The speech marks the presidents most significant foreign policy remarks of his tenure as tensions in the region simmer. In the hours after the Iranian strikes, Trump sent a message of reassurance, saying in a tweet, All is well! Putin and Erdogan Urge De-Escalation (6:15 p.m.) Russias President Vladimir Putin traveled to Istanbul on Wednesday to meet with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. They issued a joint statement urging the U.S. and Iran to act with restraint, with common sense and with priority given to diplomatic means. We believe that the exchange of strikes and the use of force by either side do not contribute to the search for solutions to the complex problems of the Middle East and lead to a new round of instability, not responding to anyones interests, they said in the statement. No American Casualties in Iranian Strike (2:55 p.m.) There were no American casualties in Iranian missile strikes targeting bases in Iraq that hosted U.S. and Iraqi soldiers, a U.S. official said, asking not to be named because the information hasnt yet been made public. The attacks used guided missiles and in this instance, Iran appeared to have intentionally aimed the strikes away from Americans on the base, the official said. No British Troops Injured, Says Johnson (3:05 p.m.) Prime Minister Boris Johnson said no British troops had been injured in last nights attack. Answering questions in Parliament, he urged de-escalation in the region, but added that the question of the legality of killing Soleimani was one for the U.S. The U.S. has a right to protect its bases and its personnel, Johnson said. Pushed by opposition Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn, Johnson said Soleimani had armed terrorist groups, including those who attacked British soldiers. That man had the blood of British soldiers on his hands, he said. Tanker Majors Suspend Transit Through Straits of Hormuz: DJ (1:26 p.m.) Petrobras, Bahri, other tanker companies suspend sailing through the Straits of Hormuz, Dow Jones reported, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter. The decision comes after the Iranian strike raised concerns of a military escalation in the oil-exporting region. Iraq Says Got Verbal Notice From Iran Prior to Its Attack (1:16 p.m.) The iraqi Prime Ministers office said it got verbal notice from Iran prior to its attack. Iran said it would only target U.S. positions and no causalities were reported, it said in a statement on Twitter. The commander in chief has continued to follow developments from the beginning of the attack until this hour and is making necessary internal and external contacts in an attempt to contain the situation and not enter into open war where Iraq and the region will be among the first victims, it said. Lufthansa Suspends Flying Over Iran, Iraq Airspace (11:23 a.m.) Lufthansa has suspended flights over Iraqi and Iranian airspace in the wake of the missile strikes, a spokesman said by phone. Lufthansa also canceled a 1330 CET flight from Frankfurt to Tehran. Irans Zarif Says He Has No Statistic on Attack Fatalities (11:17 a.m.) Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif doesnt have any statistics on fatalities in the Iranian attacks on U.S. targets in Iraq, he told reporters in comments broadcast on TV. Zarif said hes sent a message to the Americans immediately after the attack but did not elaborate on its contents. Iran Gave U.S. Crushing Response, Supreme Leader Says (10:42 a.m.) Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised address on Wednesday that his country had given the U.S. a crushing response to the killing of Soleimani and called for an end to the U.S. presence in the region. Turkey Hints Readiness for U.S.-Iran Mediation as Putin Visits (10:53 a.m.) Turkey indicated its willing to mediate between the U.S. and Iran as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul to discuss escalating tensions in the Middle East and North Africa. Turkey is one of few countries and probably the most important one that can speak both with the U.S. and Iran, Erdogan spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said after a cabinet meeting late Tuesday. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will visit Iraq on January 9 within the context of our intensified diplomatic efforts to alleviate the escalated tension in the aftermath of recent developments in the region, the ministry said in a statement. Iraq says 17 missiles hit Ayn al-Asad base (9:13 a.m.) A Facebook account belonging to the Iraqi prime ministers office says 22 missiles entered Iraqi airspace early Wednesday, hitting coalition locations. It says there were no casualties among the Iraqi forces. Earlier, U.S. officials said Iran fired 15 missiles in total. Gold Tops $1,600 as Iranian Attacks Might Invite U.S. Action (07:58 a.m.) Oil and gold both rose while equities fell immediately on the news that Iran launched missiles against American targets as investors looked for a safe haven. But stocks in Asia pared losses and crude came off highs after Iran assured its strike didnt mean it was seeking war, and President Trump declared, All is well! Gold surged above $1,600 an ounce for the first time in more than six years but gains moderated as calm returned. U.A.E. Calls for De-escalation after Iran hits U.S. Targets (7:0.8. a.m.) U.A.E. hopes that there is no further escalation in the region, Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei told reporters in Abu Dhabi. We are hoping the wisdom of both sides will de-escalate the tension, Al Mazrouei said, adding that hes not concerned about oil supplies. Air Canada Joins Other Operators in Route Change Over Middle East (06:57 a.m.) Air Canada said it was altering flight routes into and over the Middle East, joining Malaysia and Singapore Airlines as tensions flared. Boeing 737 Jet Crashes in Iran to Technical Issue (05:33 a.m.) A state-controlled news agency said a Boeing 737 Jet crashed in Iran shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue. All 176 passengers and crew perished. U.S. Restricts Flights Over Persian Gulf (5:05 a.m.) U.S. aviation regulators issued new restrictions barring civilian flights over Iraq, Iran, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The effect of the restrictions wasnt immediately clear because the Federal Aviation Administration had been prohibiting U.S. carriers from flying over most of those areas. The FAA will continue closely monitoring events in the Middle East, the agency said in a statement. We continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with U.S. air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities. Key Stories: Iran Retaliates With Missile Strike on U.S.-Iraqi BasesStocks Pare Losses as Iran Says Attack Concludes: Markets WrapIrans Retaliation Offers Room for Trump to Calm TensionsGlobal Market Reaction to Iran Rocket Attack in Four ChartsIran Strike Renews Fight Over Who Has Say on U.S. War: QuickTake --With assistance from Arsalan Shahla, Richard Bravo, Nikos Chrysoloras, Thomas Penny, Jennifer Jacobs, Todd Shields, Nick Wadhams, Justin Sink, Kyunghee Park, Alan Levin, Kartikay Mehrotra, Olga Tanas, Josh Wingrove, Glen Carey and Tony Capaccio. To contact the reporter on this story: Nick Wadhams in Washington at nwadhams@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Bill Faries at wfaries@bloomberg.net, ;Lin Noueihed at lnoueihed@bloomberg.net, Joshua Gallu For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. In a blistering response at the White House today to an Iranian missile attack against Iraqi bases that house US troops, President Donald Trump alternated between using carrot and stick with Tehran: floating the possibility of military cooperation against the terror groups while pledging to step up sanctions against the Islamic Republic. As long as I am president of the United States, Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. Good morning, Trump opened Wednesdays remarks, more than 18 hours after the Pentagon said Iran launched 15 missiles at large Iraqi bases at Al-Asad and Erbil. No Americans were harmed in last nights attack by the Iranian regime. Trump said only minimal damage was sustained at the Erbil airport, which has taken on a role as a hub for defeat-IS (Islamic State) operations as the Pentagon thinned the number of American troops in Syria over the past three months, and Al-Asad, where the US president visited in December 2018 in his first overseas trip to see US forces in the field. The commander-in-chief credited early warning systems with helping to stop the attack, though its not clear what defenses were used. Defense Secretary Mark Esper is set to brief members of Congress on the attack later this afternoon. A US defense official said early warning systems detected incoming Iranian ballistic missile attacks on both Iraqi bases last night "well in advance," giving American troops and coalition forces "adequate time to take appropriate force protection measures." But in the wake of a US drone strike that killed Irans elite Quds Force chief Qasem Soleimani, Trump said the United States and Iran have a natural enemy in IS and can work together on this and other shared priorities in the future. Trump described Soleimani as "the world's top terrorist" who "fueled bloody civil wars across the region." Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution that overthrew the US-allied Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, successive American administrations have used Oman as a diplomatic go-between and enlisted Switzerland to represent American interests in the country. There is little to no track record of the United States and Iran working together militarily, even though Iraqs government has credited Iran with contributing to defeat-IS operations. One expert told Al-Monitor there was a period of cooperation against the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001, initiated by Soleimani, that included now-Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and other Quds Force officers who mostly met with Ryan Crocker. "That was real cooperation, though to what intended end (besides that of the Taliban) was never clear," said Afshon Ostovar, a senior analyst at the Center for Strategic Studies at CNA, and has joined the Naval Postgraduate School as an assistant professor of national security affairs. "It was short lived, marginal, and never fully embraced by the Bush administration." Between 2015 and 2016, the Pentagon used the chief of the Iran-linked Badr Brigade as a go-between to make sure Tehran-connected Popular Mobilization Units were not hit in US airstrikes against IS. Experts said the unlikely partnership is unlikely to get off the ground because of the deep enmity between the rival nations. The Iranians wouldn't want it, Phillip Smyth, a fellow at the Washington Institute, told Al-Monitor of possible military collaboration. De-conflicting is different from fighting alongside. Despite signs of renewed interest in talks from both sides after the 11-day military tit-for-tat that culminated in Soleimanis death and Wednesdays Iranian ballistic missile strikes, Smyth says a rapprochement based around fighting IS remains unlikely. It comes down to this: The Islamic Republic has a deep ideological hatred of the US, Smyth said. They like swooping in after the US has taken care of an issue related to IS, he added, citing the Iraqi security forces breaking a 2014 siege in the Iraqi city of Amerli, where US airstrikes helped seize ground from IS that Iranian-controlled Shiite militias hold today. Trump also called for Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Russia and China to break out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal to negotiate a better agreement, and he called for NATO to get much more involved in the Middle East. The Atlantic alliance said it planned to suspend military training in Iraq amid Iranian threats. The duration and extent of the fires raging across Australia have shocked millions of people, not only in the country itself, but around the world. Since late August, an unprecedented 8.4 million hectares of bush and prime agricultural land has gone up in flames. Some 2000 homes have been destroyed and at least 25 lives lost. Hundreds of millions of wild animals have been killed and incalculable ecological destruction wrought. And the JanuaryMarch period of the fire season, when the worst and most destructive fires have historically occurred, has only begun. For weeks, a large proportion of the population has been forced to go about their daily lives with the acrid smell of smoke containing hazardous levels of toxic particles. Cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and the national capital Canberra are regularly the most polluted urban centres on earth. Smoke from the massive Australian blazes is shrouding New Zealands cities and has reached South America. Politically, however, the most significant and enduring aspect of the 20192020 fire crisis is that it has laid bare the gulf between the working class majority and the minuscule financial and corporate oligarchy that controls the productive forces and dictates the policies of government. The representatives of the French aristocracy, on the eve of the 1789 revolution, are remembered for having advised a starving and rebellious population to eat cake. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will go down in history as the political leader who secretly went on holiday to Hawaii last month, while the country burned. Morrison epitomises the political type that has emerged to impose the dictates of the capitalist oligarchs. Like his counterparts internationallyfrom Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, and Shinzo Abe, to Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modihe tries to portray himself as a man of the people, while ensuring that the wealthy few continue to amass their obscene riches. Morrison has built his political credentials with the Australian ruling elite through right-wing demands for corporate and personal income tax cuts, the abolition of social programs, and the slashing of wages and working conditions. For at least three decades, climate scientists have documented, with increasing alarm, how global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions is fundamentally altering world weather patterns. In regard to Australia, warning after warning has been issued that the further drying out of large tracts of what was already the driest continent would vastly increase the regularity, scope and intensity of fire events. Yet Morrison is notorious for dismissing these concerns and denying the need to reduce fossil-fuel use, so as to protect the vested corporate interests of the coal and associated energy industries. For months, he continued to dismiss the fires as the natural cycle in Australia, with no relationship to global warming. On his return from his holiday in Hawaii, Morrison denounced a tweet by teenager Greta Thunberg, calling for greater emissions reductions as reckless and not in Australias economic intereststhat is, the interests of the mining conglomerates and the banks that underwrite their vast operations. On January 2, however, Morrison was brought face-to-face with the mass popular anger that is burgeoning over the inaction and indifference of his government, and the entire political establishment, towards the bushfire catastrophe. Working class residents in the fire-devastated town of Cobargo refused to shake his hand, shouted abuse and demanded that he leave. The encounter in Cobargo revealed the state of class relations in Australia. The fire crisis is triggering the type of shift in popular consciousness that has led to mass struggles and protests in country after countryfrom France and North Africa to Chile and Indiademanding the removal of governments and an end to the relentless attacks on the social position of the working class. Trust in the official establishment is collapsing. In the days since Cobargo, Morrison has gone into damage control to try to shore up the credibility and authority of the government. He now claims to take the threat of climate change seriously and has promised to meet whatever costs we need to assist devastated communities. Most ominously, his discredited government has mobilised thousands of military personnel to try and take control of disaster relief in the most affected areas, where anger is the greatest and ordinary people have concluded they need to organise for themselves. The political situation, however, has changed permanently. In the eyes of millions of workers and young people, Morrison and his government are not fit to rule. The opposition Labor Party has held power for 19 of the past 37 years, and has proven it is just as beholden to corporate profit interests as the Coalition. It is just as culpable for the lack of any serious action on climate change and the rundown of essential services, including those involved in firefighting. For weeks, opposition leader Anthony Albanese has voiced only mild criticisms of the government over its handling of the bushfire emergency, in the name of national unity. A crisis always lays bare the essential character of class relations. The disdain and indifference of the Australian political establishment towards the lives and well-being of ordinary working people, amid the flames engulfing entire communities, finds it reflection around the world. It recalls President Trumps attitude to hurricane-stricken Puerto Rico in 2017, which he initially dismissed as not being a real catastrophe, before flying in for a photo-op and tossing what he called beautiful, soft paper towels to desperate onlookers. The capitalist elite everywhere, with the short-sightedness and indifference of outmoded and reactionary ruling classes throughout history, has insisted that their narrow, national profit interests must take priority over the interests of society as a whole. The great political task in Australia and around the world is the development of an internationalist and socialist movement and leadership in the working class. None of the enormous threats and challenges that face the working classsocial inequality, the destruction of democratic rights, global warming and its consequences, and the immense danger of warcan even begin to be answered unless the capitalist profit system, and nation-state divisions and rivalries, are ended. The working class must, and can, take matters into its own hands and initiate a conscious revolutionary struggle to achieve the transformation of global economic and social life, including the expropriation of the banks and major corporations into public ownership and democratic control, and a vast redistribution of wealth. This perspective is outlined in the New Year statement published by the World Socialist Web Site on January 3, The decade of socialist revolution begins. Now is the time for all those who agree with the fight for a socialist future to make the decision to join the International Committee of the Fourth International and the Socialist Equality Parties around the world. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday visited South Australian communities devastated by bushfires, vowing to help them "rebuild and recover". Morrison toured Kangaroo Island, one-third of which has been burnt by fires, off the coast of South Australia with state Premier Steven Marshall. The pair announced an 11 million Australian dollars funding package for small businesses and farmers who have been affected by fires on Kangaroo Island and in the Adelaide Hills. "South Australia, particularly the Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills communities, have faced devastating losses and the bushfire threat is not over yet," Morrison said. "But we will be there, backing the communities every step of the way as they rebuild and recover," he added. Under the scheme, farmers and primary producers affected by the fires can apply for grants of up to 15,000 Australian dollars while small businesses will receive up to 10,000 Australian dollars. During his tour of the island, Morrison met with locals who called for him to deploy financial advisers to help affected communities. The government has deployed 121 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to Kangaroo Island to help with immediate relief and clean-up. Marshall told reporters that the ADF presence and the funding would help affected communities get "back on their feet and flourishing as soon as possible". "Despite the tragic circumstances, the people I meet on the ground are determined to recover and rebuild, and we are working with the federal and local governments to provide the support needed," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) World oil prices briefly surged 4.5 percent on Wednesday after Iran launched missile attacks on US targets in Iraq. The strikes, launched in retaliation for President Donald Trump ordering the assassination of the Islamic republic's top general last Friday, sent Brent and New York crude to multi-month peaks. Oil later trimmed gains as Iran said it had "concluded" for now its missile attacks, launched in response to the US drone assassination of Qasem Soleimani last Friday. The unrest has yet to impact oil supplies, analysts said. "Although the market was duly warned about upcoming Iranian retaliation attacks on US installations and armed forces the (Brent) oil price still spiked up to almost $72 per barrel following the Iranian attacks on two US Iraqi bases last night," said SEB analyst Bjarne Schieldrop. "Again, not a single drop of oil supply has been lost due to the recent incidents and this is why the oil price has fallen back down again so quickly. What the market fears is that the situation spirals out of control, with an uncontrollable escalation leading to outright war." Global stock markets however slid on investor concern of a broader conflict. In late Wednesday morning deals, London stocks were down 0.2 percent, Frankfurt fell 0.4 percent and Paris retreated 0.3 percent after heady losses in Asia. "Global markets have been shaken after Iran launched a ... missile attack against multiple US military bases in Iraq," said analyst Bethel Loh at trading firm ThinkMarkets. "Fears of escalation, however, were proven to be short-lived as the US administration avoided an impulsive military response in the aftermath." Tehran said it had halted its missile strikes, with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeting that the country does "not seek escalation or war". The Pentagon said it was still "working on initial battle damage assessments" after bases at Ain al-Asad and Arbil in Iraq -- which house US and coalition forces -- were targeted by more than a dozen ballistic missiles. There were no immediate reports on casualties. Trump said the assessment was underway, but added on Twitter: "So far, so good". Further geopolitical instability came after a Ukrainian Boeing 737 crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran airport, killing at least 170 people. Safe haven assets also rose Wednesday as investors dumped stocks and headed to the hills. Gold was up more than two percent, surging above $1,600 an ounce for the first time in six years, before falling back slightly to stand at $1,581.80. - Key figures at 1115 GMT - Brent Crude: UP 0.7 percent at $68.77 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: UP 0.2 percent at $62.82 per barrel London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.2 percent at 7,556.29 points Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.3 percent at 5,997.40 Frankfurt - DAX 30: DOWN 0.4 percent at 13,175.86 EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.3 percent at 3,748.97 Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.6 percent at 23.204,76 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 1.2 percent at 3,066.89 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 0.8 percent at 28,087.92 (close) New York - Dow: DOWN 0.4 percent at 28,583.68 (close) Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3121 from $1.3126 at 2200 GMT Euro/pound: DOWN at 84.82 pence from 84.97 pence Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1130 from $1.1153 Dollar/yen: UP at 108.67 from 108.44 yen Search Keywords: Short link: Natural catastrophes caused overall losses of US$150 billion during 2019, including insured losses of about US$52 billion, which matches the average of the past 30 years, according to Munich Res catastrophe update. The reinsurer said the protection gap (the difference between overall economic losses and insured losses) was higher in 2019 than in 2018, due largely to the high share of flood losses, which are often not insured to the same extent as wind damage in most industrial countries. Nevertheless, Munich Re said, the insured portion of overall losses, which was slightly above 35%, matches the average of the past 10 years. The ongoing protection gap is evidence that large sections of the market remain uninsured, especially in emerging and developing countries, the reinsurer continued. Typhoons in Japan Hagibis and Faxai caused the years biggest losses in terms of both overall economic losses and insured losses as well as bringing the countrys second consecutive year of record cyclone losses, the report said. Hagibis caused an estimated US$17 billion in overall losses, with insured losses of about US$10 billion, while Faxai caused overall estimated losses of about US$9 billion, with insured losses of about US$7 billion due to the greater share of more heavily insured storm losses. Munich Re said that last years typhoon season was again, as in 2018, subject to the El Nino Modoki effect, a natural climate oscillation that causes variations in water temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean. The reinsurer explained that these conditions cause typhoons steer more frequently towards Japan. Nevertheless, Munich Re said, the typhoon season in the northwest Pacific was close to the long-term average in terms of the number of storms. The typhoon season shows that we must consider short-term natural climate variations as well as long-term trends due to climate change, said Ernst Rauch, chief climate and geoscientist at Munich Re, in a statement in the report. In particular, cyclones are becoming more frequently associated with extreme precipitation, as with Hagibis in Japan in 2019 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017 in the U.S. Recognizing these changes can form the basis for further preventive measures to reduce losses, he added. Climate Change At several points in its report, Munich Re discussed the issue and effects of climate change. The severe cyclones in 2019 have highlighted the importance of knowledge about changes in risk, said Torsten Jeworrek, member of the Board of Management at Munich Re. Natural climate variations influence weather catastrophes from year to year. Longer-term climate change effects can already be felt and seen. As a result, he continued, buildings and infrastructure must be made more resistant in order to reverse the increasing trend in losses. This will enable insurance to be more effective and support the remaining financial losses, he affirmed. Regarding the ongoing devastation caused by bushfires in Australia, the reinsurer said individual events cannot be directly attributed to climate change, although recent studies have shown that in the long term the environmental conditions for bushfires have become more favorable especially in the south and east of Australia. Also discussing Californias wildfire trends, the report noted that losses were lower in 2019 than the record losses seen in prior years, but there is still a sharply rising long-term trend for forest area burned and wildfire losses in the U.S. A wet winter helped ameliorate summer drought conditions, Munich Re said. There were still many fires, but they burned a much smaller area than the five-year average, bringing overall losses of US$1.1 billion, of which about US$800 million were insured. Climate change was a factor in the growing losses from hailstorms across the globe, indicated the reinsurer. Recent scientific studies have shown that we can expect hailstorms to increase in many regions as a consequence of climate change, said Rauch. It is also clear in this case: Measures such as better early-warning systems and more resistant building materials are important in order to mitigate against long-term increases in losses. Additional findings from Munich Res natural catastrophe report include: Global Numbers. There were 820 natural catastrophes in 2019, causing overall losses of US$150 billion, with insured losses of US$52 billion. There were 820 natural catastrophes in 2019, causing overall losses of US$150 billion, with insured losses of US$52 billion. Hurricane Dorian. Dorian was the strongest hurricane of the Atlantic season, causing catastrophic damage in the Bahamas but largely sparing the U.S. mainland. Dorian caused overall losses of about US$5.6 billion, with only a small portion of these losses affecting the U.S. Insured losses were about US$4 billion. Dorian was the strongest hurricane of the Atlantic season, causing catastrophic damage in the Bahamas but largely sparing the U.S. mainland. Dorian caused overall losses of about US$5.6 billion, with only a small portion of these losses affecting the U.S. Insured losses were about US$4 billion. Atlantic Hurricanes . The number of three major hurricanes (category 35) in the Atlantic in 2019 was close to the long-term average (2.7), but the number of named storms (18) significantly exceeded the average of 12. However, losses were relatively low, as the strongest storms remained over the ocean or missed the U.S. mainland. . The number of three major hurricanes (category 35) in the Atlantic in 2019 was close to the long-term average (2.7), but the number of named storms (18) significantly exceeded the average of 12. However, losses were relatively low, as the strongest storms remained over the ocean or missed the U.S. mainland. U.S. Hurricanes . Due to the lack of severe hurricanes, the U.S. share of global natural catastrophe losses was lower than usual (31% of overall global losses compared with the long-term average of 35%). Overall losses in the U.S. during the 2019 hurricane season were US$3 billion, of which US$2 billion were insured. . Due to the lack of severe hurricanes, the U.S. share of global natural catastrophe losses was lower than usual (31% of overall global losses compared with the long-term average of 35%). Overall losses in the U.S. during the 2019 hurricane season were US$3 billion, of which US$2 billion were insured. Severe European Weather. Heatwaves and severe hailstorms combined to bring the greatest cause of losses in Europe. Overall losses from summer storms in Europe were US$2.5 billion (2.2 billion), including insured losses of about US$900 million (800 billion). Heatwaves and severe hailstorms combined to bring the greatest cause of losses in Europe. Overall losses from summer storms in Europe were US$2.5 billion (2.2 billion), including insured losses of about US$900 million (800 billion). Human Cost. About 9,000 people lost their lives in natural catastrophes in 2019 compared with 15,000 in 2018, which confirms the overall trend towards lower numbers of victims thanks to better prevention measures. On average, over the past 30 years, about 52,000 people annually lose their lives in natural catastrophes, Munich Re said. About 9,000 people lost their lives in natural catastrophes in 2019 compared with 15,000 in 2018, which confirms the overall trend towards lower numbers of victims thanks to better prevention measures. On average, over the past 30 years, about 52,000 people annually lose their lives in natural catastrophes, Munich Re said. Cyclone Idai. The greatest humanitarian catastrophe of the year was Cyclone Idai, which hit Mozambique and neighboring countries in March, killing more than 1,000 people, while hundreds of thousands lost everything they had. Overall losses came to US$2.3 billion with almost nothing covered by insured. The losses in Mozambique correspond to about a tenth of its gross domestic product, which is an enormous impact on a very poor country, Munich Re said. Source: Munich Re Related: Topics Carriers Catastrophe USA Profit Loss Europe Reinsurance Climate Change Hurricane The International Trademark Association opened registration today for its 142nd Annual Meeting, which will take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore April 25 to 29. More than 10,000 brand owners, intellectual property (IP) professionals, government officials, and other stakeholders are expected to register for the Annual Meeting, which is the worlds largest industry gathering. The five-day event features 300 educational and networking opportunities, including sessions on hot topics in technology and innovation, and doing business in the region, and an interactive anticounterfeiting workshop. This marks the first time INTA will be hosting its Annual Meeting in Southeast Asia and the second time the Association is bringing the event to Asia. Its Annual Meeting was in Hong Kong in 2014. This is a very exciting time for INTA to be holding our 2020 Annual Meeting in this part of the world, given that the region is fast becoming a center of global economic activity, said INTA 2020 President Ayala Deutsch. It offers our international audience the chance to meet in a culturally diverse and vibrant location where they can learn, network, develop business relationships, and discuss issues of interest. In addition, she said, it opens the door for registrants to take a closer look at all the vast opportunities this region presents for brand owners globally. Asia has a large and growing middle class, which is developing brand consciousness and loyalty, making it an important emerging market for brand owners to explore. With a concentration of emerging economies, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), comprising 10 countries in Southeast Asia, has one of the highest gross domestic product growth rates in the world today. The Annual Meeting will feature educational sessions with a focus on major markets of Asia, including China, India, and ASEAN, and will enable registrants to deepen their understanding of the Asia IP ecosystem and expand their professional networks in the region. The education program will also include several sessions in Mandarin to accommodate participants from many of the up-and-coming Chinese companies that will be in attendance. INTA opened its Asia-Pacific Representative Office in Singapore in March 2016. Through this office, the Association is working with government and industry stakeholders to promote trademarks, support harmonization and enforcement of trademark laws, and protect consumers throughout the region. Of course, our advocacy work helps us support our members in the region, but, importantly, it also greatly benefits our members worldwide who are looking to expand into this growth market, noted Seth Hays, INTA Chief Representative Officer, Asia-Pacific. The 2020 Annual Meeting is designed to reflect this strategy, so that local and non-local registrants can achieve their unique business goals. A confluence of factors contributed to INTAs selection of Singapore for the 2020 gathering, including the countrys extensive air linkages and ease of accessibility, hotel density, and local business culture, as well as English being widely spoken. The Association has implemented a rotation strategy for the Annual Meeting with every third meeting taking place outside the United States. To learn more and register for the 2020 Annual Meeting, visit inta.org/2020annual About the International Trademark Association The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a global association of brand owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and related intellectual property (IP) to foster consumer trust, economic growth, and innovation. Members include more than 7,200 trademark owners, professionals, and academics from 187 countries, who benefit from the Associations global trademark resources, policy development, education and training, and international network. Founded in 1878, INTA is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Brussels, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, and Washington, D.C., and representatives in Geneva and New Delhi. For more information, visit http://www.inta.org. For those of you who remember the multiple Greek bond restructurings, the gimmicks now being used to pretty up the prospects for student loans look awfully familiar. One of the devices Greeces creditors used to make it more plausible that broke and prostrated Greece might someday make good was extending maturities to lower the amount due in any year. This was particularly true of the loans that came from European governments, where payments in the 2015 restructuring were deferred to 2020 and 2022. We pointed out that the maturities of various borrowings had already been pushed out so far (40 to 60 years) that additional deferrals would buy little in the way of payment relief. The Wall Street Journal tonight describes how a similar trick is being used with student loans. Unlike Greece, investors in bonds that have Federally-guaranteed student loans as the source of their cash flows will eventually get their money. However, as the article explains, the timing is in question. And unlike Greeces creditors, who were more concerned about optics than discounted cash flows, bond investors know that payments that come in late are less valuable than ones that come in as scheduled. Bond rating agencies are playing along with this kick the can strategy, typically issuing a downgrade at the time the maturity is extended, then marking it back up to triple A. From the Journal: Because borrowers were taking longer to pay off their loans, there was a risk the bonds backed by the loans wouldnt be paid off in time. Bond-rating firms were watching and getting ready to downgrade the highly rated bonds, potentially causing losses for investors. The issuer of the bonds and the investors who owned them hatched a plan to avoid the downgrades. Their solution: make sure bonds were paid off in time by extending their maturity dates by decades Bond-ratings firms like Moodys Corp. and Fitch Ratings follow strict rules. They will downgrade a security if they dont think it will pay off by the due date, even when the underlying loans are guaranteed by the federal government Investors who hold on will eventually get paid back, but a downgrade might cause them to suffer a temporary loss. Some bonds went on a ratings roller-coaster ride, including a $406 million chunk of triple-A debt that Moodys downgraded to junk on Nov. 1, 2016. Later that month, the maturity date was moved from 2026 to 2055. Within weeks, Moodys upgraded the bond back up to triple-A. Other bonds ended up with widely divergent ratings. A $30 million chunk of a 2008 student bond deal is either triple-A, if you believe Moodys, or deep inside junk territory, if you believe Fitch. That bond is also now due in 2083. Mind you, this payment delay issue applies only to a subset of student loans, ones that Congress allowed to participate in an income-based repayment scheme, which limits monthly payments to 15% of discretionary income. The program was short-lived, ending with loans from 2010, but still has $262 billion in principal outstanding, of which roughly 26% is in default. The later loans total $1.2 trillion, with about 10% in default. The Journal points out that investors have incentives to maneuver borrowers into programs that arent in their best interest: The threat of downgrades got the attention of federal regulators at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In a 2015 report, the agencys student loan ombudsman cited issuers economic incentive to ensure that bonds backed by these loans perform on schedule as a concern because it might mean issuers steer borrowers toward temporary payment pauses and away from income-based repayment plans that provide longer-term relief. In January 2017, the CFPB sued [student loan servicer] Navient for allegedly failing borrowers at every stage of repayment. Navient says the CFPBs allegations are false and is fighting the lawsuit. Needless to say, we see in a very small way how securitization increases rigidity in handling borrower distress. We saw it in a far more dramatic manner during the foreclosure crisis, when loan servicers refused to make modifications that would have both salvaged many borrowers and reduced losses to the securitization trust. The immediate reason was that they were paid to foreclose and not paid to modify loans, which is a high-touch, customized activity, as much work as underwriting a new loan. But an additional reason was so-called tranche warfare: the riskiest bond tranche that was still getting payouts benefitted from foreclosures, because they would still get advances from the servicer until the foreclosed home was sold, while if a loan was modified, their income would be hit immediately. Those investors were often hedge funds whod picked up those bonds at distresses prices and were just the sort who would really could and would sue the servicers for arguably hurting their interest. However the events above illustrate an interesting conundrum. What would happen if Elizabeth Warrens awfully-slow-in-coming proposal to have student loans be dischargeable in bankruptcy were to become law again? Youd see a lot of broke borrowers doing just that, filing for bankruptcy to get their loans written off or reduced. There is other proposed Federal legislation to provide relief for student loans, including two with new income-based repayment plans with lower required payments (10% of discretionary income versus the old 15% level). So far, investors seem to recognize that government guaranteed student loans are such a gimmie that they arent about to squawk much publicly about having some features less favorable to them become more common. But rest assured, they have plenty of proxies they can use to argue their self-serving case. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal When you request an Uber, you get a driver who is already nearby. When you call 911 in Albuquerque, any officer might be dispatched, regardless of how far away he or she is. Uber is tenfold in technology ahead of our current CAD (computer-aided dispatch) and RMS (record management system), said Cmdr. Chris George of the Scientific Evidence Division. Right now, the dispatcher says OK, this officer is not on a call, well use him or her. Theyll be on the way over. He said other police departments across the country have computer systems with GPS so the officer closest to a call is the one sent. The hope is one day the Albuquerque Police Department will, too. George, along with Mayor Tim Keller, Chief Administrative Officer Sarita Nair and Chief Policy Adviser Damon Martinez, met with Journal editors and reporters Tuesday to provide details on the citys priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The city will ask for $20 million to upgrade its existing crime-fighting technology, such as the computer and records systems used by officers every day and its mobile crime scene units, as well as to implement new technology, such as gunshot detection devices and license plate scanners. As weve gone through different aspects of the department, we keep coming across this problem on the back end thats running underneath everything at APD, Keller said. I believe that it affects almost every aspect of criminal justice . What I mean by that is when and how and what the courts get, what the district attorney gets, what we get and how we actually allocate our officers. Keller and his staff visited cities across the country, including Detroit and Oakland, as well as Chihuahua, Mexico, to look at the technology their police departments employ and realized APD has a long way to go. For example, each time a call currently comes into dispatch, it can get routed through the Real Time Crime Center, where analysts work through several different records systems to find out as much background as they can. If there is one call, one welfare check, our team in the RTCC of four analysts can work up a 20-page dossier on the history there and get that to the officer before that call, Keller said. But if you have thousands of calls a week, its impossible. Thats the issue. The hope is, by improving existing software and purchasing new software, the systems APD uses will be able to talk to each other and will be able to quickly compile information on an address or a call before an officer heads out. Well need to invest time in developing the system thats the best for us and New Mexico, and using the most of what we already have, CAO Nair said. In addition to the $20 million, the city is also asking for $10 million to fund Violence Intervention Programs statewide $2 million of which would go to Albuquerque as well as funding for the Gateway Center for Behavioral Health homeless shelter, $22 million to widen Paseo del Norte on the West Side, $1.5 million to improve school crosswalks and more. An off-duty Houston police officer shot an armed robber Wednesday at a Walmart in northeast Harris County, authorities said. Around 2:40 p.m., a man held a customer service clerk at gunpoint near the front of the store in the 9200 block of North Sam Houston Parkway, according to the Harris County Sheriffs Office. The officer, a 17-year veteran, was standing nearby when she intervened and fired at least one round. Houston Police Assistant Chief Bobby Dobbins said the officer controlled the wounded suspect, who was still armed, immediately after shooting. Once the area was safe, the officer administered first aid, he said The suspect was transported to Ben Taub Hospital in stable condition. Authorities did not release the names of the suspect or the officer. Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com Newsfrom Japan Beirut, Jan. 7 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Ambassador to Lebanon Takeshi Okubo at a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Tuesday formally sought the Middle East country's cooperation in looking into former Nissan Motor Co. <7201> Chairman Carlos Ghosn's escape to Lebanon from Japan. It is very regrettable that Ghosn left Japan illegally, Okubo said at the meeting, held at the presidential office in a suburb of Beirut. Japan can never tolerate this, he added. Ghosn, who has been indicted by Tokyo public prosecutors for a series of alleged financial misconduct, fled Japan to Lebanon late last month while he was on bail ahead of his trial. Aoun showed readiness to offer full cooperation, saying that Lebanon attaches importance to relations with Japan. But he added that the Lebanese government was not involved in Ghosn's escape at all. The meeting was held at the request of Japan. Acting on a request from Japan, Interpol has issued a wanted notice calling for the seizure of Ghosn. But Lebanon and Japan have no extradition treaty. As Lebanon's domestic law bans the handovers of its citizens to foreign governments, the government of Lebanon has repeatedly shown its stance of rejecting Japan's request for transferring Ghosn, who has Lebanese citizenship, back to the country. Despite Aoun's denial, the Lebanese government is thought by some to have played a role in Ghosn's escape from Japan. Ghosn and Aoun, both Maronite Christians, are known to have a close relationship. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Concerned residents are coming up with clever ways to feed animals whose habitats and food sources have been devastated by bushfires. Over the past week, animal-conscious individuals and organisations have shared clever devices that can be left outside for starving wildlife. The creations include makeshift water fountains, fruit garlands, and a recipe for nutrition-dense 'fauna wildlife balls'. Arid Recovery, a conservation research organisation based in Roxby Downs, northern South Australia, posted instructions for a 'simple cheap way of getting water out for animals'. A South Australian conservation group posted a step-by-step on how to make a wildlife water fountain They suggested that those wishing to help could make water fountains, originally invented for drought-affected animals, using easily-accessible hardware store equipment. 'The key is to completely seal the top and bottom of the PVC tube with plumbers cement,' they wrote via their Facebook page on Sunday. 'This creates a vacuum that holds the water in the tube and limits evaporation. They last about a fortnight here in 40+ degree temps before they need to be refilled. 'Wherever possible, it's best to place the fountains amongst some shelter to reduce evaporation and give animals shelter from predators as they come in to drink.' Meanwhile, a New South Wales Dairy Farm are beading fruit onto string bands to wrap around tree branches. The Pines Kiama, 40km south of Wollongong, invited families to their properties to take part in making fruit garlands, which would be donated to bushfire communities further south. A NSW based dairy farm, south of Sydney, shared their food-hack for starving wildlife online 'Weve been hanging fruit garlands around as extra food for the wildlife who have lost their habitat,' they wrote on Wednesday. 'Our amazing producers have donated some seconds to be made into garlands that will be hung through Kangaroo Valley. 'If youd like to come make one bring the kids down this afternoon 3-6pm.' Melbourne woman Farrah Senior shared a recipe, invented by wildlife experts, for 'fauna wildlife balls', animal treats made from honey, spirulina, peanut butter, oats, and water. One animal lover shared a comprehensive guide to making zoologist-approved wildlife treats Ms Senior said she was making edibles for the animals affected by the East Gippsland bushfire and invited others to prepare more for donation. She warned others to follow the method correctly to ensure no harmful ingredients are used and said they are a short-term food ration designed for emergencies. 'These balls will be placed out under logs, rocks, in tree hollows, any safe places where fauna can search them out to supplement feed, but not become prey to predators,' Ms Senior wrote on Tuesday. While others crafted feeding devices, one wildlife group organised hundreds of volunteers to deliver carefully-prepared 'gourmet dinner' boxes 'MAKE SURE IT [the peanut butter] CONTAINS NO XYLITOL PLEASE AS TOXIC TO ANIMALS including BIRDS! 'If anyone else would would like to make some and drop off to my house l will be dropping them to a drop off point Friday.' While some innovated feeding implements, a Central Coast wildlife rescue group, spent Sunday assembling 'gourmet dinner' boxes filled with mixed vegetables and delivering. The hundreds of volunteers then delivered food to the 'door step' of local animals caught-up in the horrific blazes. Many have praised the feeding hacks have been widely praised online, with people sharing their emulations or variations of their water fountains. 'Brilliant! I hope the folks over east setting up water and food stations are aware of this design,' one woman wrote. Another comment read:' Fantastic idea, my husband made our chooks water & dry food feeder in a similar way with pvc pipes and they worked well.' So far, more than one billion animals have died this bushfire season, according to estimates by WW-Australia. San Francisco's first black female mayor will be inaugurated Wednesday morning at City Hall for her first full term, the mayor's office said. Festivities will begin at 11 a.m. in the rotunda of City Hall at 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. Mayor London Breed will be sworn in and she will make remarks during a ceremony featuring musical performances and an invocation. Breed became mayor when Mayor Ed Lee died unexpectedly in December 2017. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, said she is monitoring the situation after Iran launched several missiles targeting U.S. troops in Iraq, she tweeted late Tuesday afternoon. "We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding Iran cease its violence," Pelosi said in the message. "America & world cannot afford war," she said. A statement from the U.S. Department of Defense said that at about 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time Tuesday Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq. The missiles targeted two Iraqi military bases at Al-Assad and Irbil. Defense department officials said they are working to assess the damage. Plans for development of a new 2,300-acre community, including 13,000 residences plus offices, businesses and a college campus on the former Concord Naval Weapons Station -- which would be one of the largest construction projects in Northern California history -- are on hold until 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. After 6-1/2 hours, including three hours of public testimony from more than 80 speakers, the Concord City Council opted to hold over a labor agreement decision until Wednesday night, given the late hour and the long day. "There is no good decision-making done at 12:45 a.m.," said Councilwoman Karen Hoffmeister. The council voted 3-2 to continue the meeting to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall. Tuesday's action came in light of an impasse between the Contra Costa County Building and Construction Trades Council, a consortium of labor unions, and Lennar Concord, LLC, the chosen lead developer of the weapons station remake - formally known as the Concord Community Reuse Project - over construction labor agreements. The crux of the impasse is whether Lennar can afford to use as many labor union workers as county labor leaders propose. Lennar officials said that the difference between Lennar's overall labor offer and the Building Trades Council's overall request is about $546 million, said Guy Bjerke, Concord's reuse project director. The parents of a woman killed with a stolen federal gun on a San Francisco pier in 2015 have lost a bid to hold the U.S. government liable for her death. U.S. Magistrate Joseph Spero on Monday dismissed the claim by James Steinle and Elizabeth Sullivan that the government should be held responsible for the negligence of a U.S. Bureau of Land Management ranger whose unsecured and loaded gun was stolen from his parked SUV. Kate Steinle, 32, was killed while walking on Pier 14 in San Francisco on July 1, 2015, by a ricocheting bullet from the stolen gun, which was held by Jose Ines Garcia Zarate, a Mexican citizen who was released from San Francisco county jail a few weeks earlier. The gun was stolen three and one-half days earlier from the SUV of ranger John Woychowski, who left the weapon in a backpack in the vehicle in a parking lot about half a mile away from Pier 14. Spero said in a 14-page ruling that the theft of the gun was too far removed from the shooting in time, distance and other circumstances for the government to be held liable for causing the shooting. University of California at San Francisco police on Tuesday released the name of a Los Angeles man arrested Sunday in connection with the kidnapping of a Mendocino County teenage girl. King John Baylon, 21, has been arrested on suspicion of 18 felonies and one misdemeanor, including kidnapping, human trafficking involving a minor, having sex with a minor, possession of child pornography, using a minor for sex acts, lewd acts on a child, and meeting with a minor for lewd purposes. Baylon has been booked into San Francisco County Jail, where he's being held in lieu of $1 million. The 13-year-old Fort Bragg girl was first reported missing on Friday near UCSF's campus on Third Street in the city's Mission Bay neighborhood. The girl had apparently been at the UCSF Madison Clinic for Pediatric Diabetes as a family member was receiving treatment. After photos of the girl were spread on social media, she was eventually located Sunday at the Ferry Building on The Embarcadero, along with a man later identified as Baylon. Five auto burglary suspects were arrested in Palo Alto early Monday thanks to a 911 call by a witness who saw them banging on car windows, police said. The arrests came after the witness called the Palo Alto police 24-hour dispatch center at 3:39 a.m. to report possible auto burglaries in progress in the area of Amarillo Avenue and West Bayshore Road. A responding officer saw a vehicle traveling south on Tanland Drive at Amarillo Avenue matching the suspect description and pulled it over, police said. Inside the vehicle, officers found gloves, burglary tools, and several possibly stolen items. Investigators searched the area and found eight vehicles with smashed windows, then contacted the victims and returned stolen property found inside the suspects' vehicle. David Matthew Foster, 18, of Newark, Salvador Rodriguez, 19, of East Palo Alto, and David Taufur, 18, of East Palo Alto, were booked into jail on suspicion of auto burglary, conspiracy, vandalism and possession of burglary tools. A horse was euthanized Sunday after an injury in a race at Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley, another California horseracing death following a number of deaths last year in Southern California. Elegant Sundown was put to sleep in a van after a "catastrophic" injury to his right foreleg. He was 3 years old. It's not the first death in Northern California. At least 20 horses died at Golden Gate Fields in 2019, Patrick Battuello, founder and president of Horseracing Wrongs, said. Battuello's group has been advocating for the end to horseracing. Thirty-eight horses died last year at Santa Anita Park in Southern California, which raised concerns in the horseracing community. Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita Park are two brands of The Stronach Group based in Ontario, Canada, and the only two California horseracing operations in the company's portfolio. Wednesday will be partly cloudy. Highs will be in the mid 50s. Northwest winds will be 10 to 20 mph. Wednesday night will see rain likely after midnight. Lows will be near 50. West winds will be 10 to 20 mph. Thursday will be partly cloudy in the morning, then becoming sunny with a chance of rain in the morning. Highs will be in the mid 50s. Northwest winds will be 10 to 20 mph, before becoming north winds in the afternoon. The chance of rain is 50 percent. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Photo: The Canadian Press Chief of Defence Staff Jonathan Vance Hours before Iranian missiles hit targets in Iraq Tuesday, including in a city where Canadian troops have been based, the Canadian Forces started to move troops out of the country. According to U.S. authorities, about a dozen ballistic missiles targeted Al-Asad airbase near Baghdad and the northern city of Irbil, in the part of Iraq controlled by the country's Kurdish minority. Canadians have long been in Irbil, working with Iraqi troops and maintaining a helicopter unit, and Canada has a diplomatic presence there as well. The U.S. Defense Department said there were few, if any, casualties among its forces. Canada's response just after the attacks was non-committal. "Minister (Harjit) Sajjan is with senior leadership in the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of Defence," said the defence minister's press secretary Todd Lane in an emailed statement. "The minister is monitoring the situation closely." Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne's spokesperson Adam Austen struck a similar note: "Minister Champagne is aware of recent developments in Iraq. We are closely monitoring the situation." The Canadian military's redeployment followed other Western nations concerned about the increasingly volatile standoff between the United States and Iran. The withdrawal of an unspecified number of Canadian soldiers to Kuwait was billed by chief of the defence staff Gen. Jonathan Vance as a temporary measure intended to ensure their safety and security. When or even if they will return is an open question. In an open letter to the families of the 500 Canadian soldiers in Iraq, Vance said the safety of the troops was his top priority and that security measures were being "considered, reassessed and modified as required on a daily basis." "Over the coming days, and as a result of Coalition and NATO planning, some of our people will be moved temporarily from Iraq to Kuwait," Vance added in the letter, which was posted on Twitter. "Simply put, we are doing this to ensure their safety and security." Vance did not reveal how many Canadian troops were being pulled out of Iraq, and the Department of National Defence later said it would not provide that information for security reasons. However, even as Vance described the withdrawal as temporary, he added: "Naturally, the work we are doing on these missions, and the future of operations in Iraq, remain conditional on maintaining a sufficiently secure and productive operational environment." The Canadian contingent includes about 200 soldiers attached to a NATO mission in the south of the country that is training Iraqi counterparts in the basics of soldiering as part of the fight against the ISIS. There have also been up to 200 special-forces soldiers in the northern part of the country working with specialized Iraqi counter-terror troops while several dozen more Canadians are working with senior Iraqi officials or providing logistical, medical and other support to the rest of the contingent. All of the Canadians were ordered to suspend their activities and hunker down over the weekend and guard against attack following the killing by a U.S. drone at the Baghdad airport of Iranian Maj.-Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was seen as the second-most powerful person in Iran. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8 2020 Environmental activists have criticized President Joko Jokowi Widodo for rolling out the red carpet to mining investors at the expense of local people and have called for abstention during the 2020 regional elections as a form of protest. Under Jokowis regime, the [governments] dependency on the mining sector, especially coal mining, has become huge, Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam) campaign manager Melky Nahar said during a discussion in Jakarta on Monday. He said Jokowis policies that favor investors and corporations have led to rampant land conflicts in mining concession areas. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Three tech companies have followed Samsungs lead with their own foldable devices at CES 2020 this week. Dell, Lenovo and TCL are all following in the wake of Samsungs Galaxy Fold smartphone, which was released last September. The 1,800 Galaxy Fold, which folds down a central hinge within the screen, was beleaguered by technical hitches in the run-up to its worldwide launch. Samsung admitted it rushed commercialisation of the device following reports of broken displays after mere days of use when released to reviewers in April. With Samsung rumoured to unveil a more durable version of the Galaxy Fold next month, fellow tech companies are now trying to beat the company at its own game with foldable displays of their own. Huawei and Motorola have also already released foldable phones; now Dell, Lenovo and TCL have unveiled more foldable concepts at CES that could be brought to market this year. The TCL foldable phone concept opens in the centre to reveal a 7.2-inch plastic display Its noticeable that foldable devices are becoming increasingly popular as early kinks have been straightened out, said Phil Elford, head of technology at Argos. TCL teased a foldable phone which looks like a fantastic device for watching movies on the go and were really excited to see what comes next from this emerging brand, who look set to shake things up in the phone market. Lenovo, meanwhile, is boasting what it describes first foldable PC, while Dell is embracing the natural evolution of the PC' with its own prototype. Lets have a closer look. TCL You may not have heard of Chinese electronics maker TCL, which is mostly known for its televisions. But the company has turned heads at CES with a foldable phone concept with four cameras. The prototype, which is yet to receive an official name, opens up to reveal a 7.2-inch flexible touchscreen, smaller than the Galaxy Folds 7.3. TCL is known for high-end products at reasonable prices - meaning their folding device is likely to be more affordable than the almost $2,000 Galaxy Fold TCL also announced another high-end 5G phone that will cost no more than $500. As the company is known for its high quality products at affordable prices, fans are optimistic that the TCL foldable phone will retail much lower than the Galaxy Folds $1,980. The unnamed folding device will reportedly not have a screen on the outside and is still very much in prototype phase. TCL has come up with the technology itself and is used to helping develop phones for other companies, including under the Blackberry brand. Its foldable phone concept uses its own trademarked 'DragonHinge', which creates 'a mechanical housing' to fold and bend. The custom flexible AMOLED display panels are developed by its sister company China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT). Chinese tech giant TCL, which acquired the BlackBerry brand in 2016, is developing a flexible phone that can bend around your wrist to become a pseudo-smartwatch The company has already been rumoured to have at least five folding devices in the works, including two tablets, two smartphones, and a type of wearable that swivels around a wrist like a smartwatch. One of their prototypes, revealed last October, folds in two places to form a Z shape and straightens to form 10-inch display when fully opened. A CES 2020 TCL didnt mention when or if those devices would be released. Dell Dell has revealed two foldable concept devices at CES 2020 one double screen device that folds down a central pivot, and another that folds down the screen itself. The Concept Duet is a notebook made up of two 13.4-inch display that fold up to face each other. With the extra screen, users could host conference calls, check emails and take notes simultaneously on-the-go. But more excitingly is the Concept Ori, folds down the centre of a single screen, reminiscent of Samsungs Galaxy Fold smartphone. Concept Ori is a foldable device with a 13-inch screen that folds down the middle of the display itself, much like Samsung's Galaxy Fold smartphone The foldable screen can provide two separate displays or one big display, ideally for watching films or reading articles in vertical mode. You could switch between the single screen experience with stunning visuals, your favourite apps, and great pen experience; or a dual screen experience that opens new avenues for multitasking and notetaking and everything in between, the company says. However, both Concept Ori and Duet, as the name suggests, are concept designs and Dell has no concrete plans yet to make them available yet. Lenovo PC-maker Lenovo is bringing the foldable technology to a new laptop, which it describes at the worlds first foldable PC. The ThinkPad X1 Fold has a 13.3-inch folding OLED screen and comes with a wireless Bluetooth keyboard. It can be used like a tablet when flat or be folded to create different viewing angles for working or watching video. Users can connect to a video conference call on the upright part of the screen, while having a spreadsheet or word processing document open on the bottom half. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold (pictured above) will be the 'world's first foldable PC' when it releases in mid-2020 The company engineered the device so that a small gap just big enough to store the external Bluetooth keyboard when the device is folded shut. The screen itself is actually a blend of six different layers of plastic and metal framing material, designed to make the screen both flexible and durable. The fold is built around a four-point hinge system that connects two carbon-fiber plates. To avoid any bulging or buckling in the screen, the hinge has been designed to pull both sides of the screen flat when fully extended. The Fold was designed around a proprietary four-point hinge mechanism that pulls the screen flat when it's fully opened, ensuring the screen doesn't bubble or warp The durable plastic screen is actually comprised of six different layers of plastic and metal bracing to make it both flexible and scratch resistant Because of the uniquely thin housing, Lenovo developed a custom cooling system that combines a thin fan, a heat sink and a heat spreader. The Fold will offer an 11-hour battery life and weigh just 2.2 pounds. Lenovo plans to start selling the Fold in mid-2020, starting at around $2,500 (1,900). Other foldable devices Other companies are jumping aboard the foldable ship too; LG applied for several patents for foldable devices last year, according to reports. With the G8X ThinQ, LG enters an increasingly crowded market for phones that have unique displays that include Samsung's Galaxy Fold and Huawei's Mate X GALAXY FOLD SPECS Starts at $1,980 7.3-inch main display with Infinity Flex technology 4.6-inch outer display when folded 512 gb of Universal Flash Storage 3.0 7 nanometer processor 12gb of RAM Three rear-facing cameras Two front-facing cameras on main display, one camera when folded 'App continuity' technology to run three apps at once Comes in cosmic Black, Martian Green, Astro Blue and Space Silver Advertisement The company has also just released a $699 phone that comes with an attachable second screen for a dual-screen experience. But LG fans will have to wait for an LG device that folds down the screen itself rather than a central metal pivot. Huawei, meanwhile, began shipping its Mate X in China in November. The phone features a collapsible screen that can be used in two configurations. When open, the display spans 8 inches and appears closer to a tablet, and when closed, folds onto itself for a more traditional-looking 6.6-inch display. Motorola also brought its pocket-sized flip phone from the noughties back from the dead last year with an updated version that folds down the centre of the screen. The Mate X will look to avoid the flaws documented via Samsung's select release of the Galaxy Fold It will first go on sale in the US in December for $1,500, while UK pre-orders have just kicked off The reinvented Razr flip mobile has a 6.2 inch screen, which bends in half to shut in the same way as older 'clamshell' handsets. Following the huge global interest in the Galaxy Fold, Samsung last year also unveiled a concept for a device that folds down the screen. The device which is rumoured to be officially revealed at the companys Unpacked event in February bends vertically like a clam shell as opposed to horizontally like a book. Samsung Galaxy Fold Samsung's original folding device the Galaxy Fold was years in the making from its initial idea and patent stages. It features a foldable joint within the centre of the screen, allowing users to switch from a 4.6-inch display on the outside to a 7.3-inch display on the inside once unfolded. On the left is an image of how Samsung's current Galaxy Fold collapses while a picture on the right shows an unnamed device that folds vertically The technology has been inspired by watch mechanics to deliver symmetrical movement either side of the folding joint. The much-anticipated Galaxy Fold was released in September 2019, following technical troubles that held up its worldwide launch, including reports of broken displays after only a few days of use when the device was released to reviewers in April. Some of the damage was caused by impact on the top and bottom exposed areas of the hinge, the company said. Among the issues were dust and particles finding their way underneath the display and causing bumps and blemished in addition to interfering with the hinge mechanism. Samsung President Young Sohn told press in December that the company had sold one million Galaxy Fold units since its release in September. However, the company later backtracked on this claim, saying Sohn confused the tech giant's initial sales target with actual figures. The company actually predicted the device to sell 500,000 units by the end of 2019, although official sales figures of the device are yet to be revealed. Rumours suggest that Samsung could unveil a new version of its Galaxy Fold smartphone at its Unpacked event next month - although some suggest the Galaxy Fold 2 may take on a completely different form to its predecessor. After the United States issued notices outlining flight restrictions, India has asked all Indian carriers to avoid the airspace of Iran, Iraq and the Gulf region. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that they held meetings with the concerned Airlines and have alerted them to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions. India has also advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Raveesh Kumar, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took to Twitter to advise Indians residing in Iraq to be alert and avoid travel within Iraq. However, Kumar said that the Indian Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq. Read: Iran Fires Multiple Rockets On US Airbase In Iraq, Calls It Tehrans Revenge For Soleimani Indias advisory was issued soon after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued notices to airmen (NOTAM) outlining flight restrictions that prohibit US civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the water of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The FAA will continue closely monitoring events in the Middle East. We coordinating with national security partners and sharing information with US air carriers and foreign civil authorities, read the statement. Read: India Issues Advisory To Avoid Travel To Iraq Amid US-Iran Tensions Attack on US bases The situation is the Middle further escalated after Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles were launched against US military and coalition forces in Iraq. US Department of Defence said that the bases were already on high alert due to Irans indication to attack US forces in the region. The US has not revealed the number of casualties yet but Irans local media reports claim that around 80 people have been killed in the attacks. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region, said Pentagon in a statement. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that Tehran took proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. Taking to Twitter, Zarif said that Iran targeted the base from where cowardly armed attack against citizens and senior officials were launched. Read: All Is Well': Trump Insists After Iran Launches Multiple Missiles At US Airbases In Iraq Read: Iran Says 'took And Concluded Proportionate' Self-defence (With ANI inputs) The Medical Advisory Board will work closely with the DBM Corporation Inc leadership team as the Company continues to advance the brand, mission, and clinical development of its MIRACU PDO THREADS offerings, the best-in-class PDO Threads on the market. A line above the rest. The brand has redefined sutures, having become the first US FDA registered Class 2 pre-loaded PDO Threads of its kind designated for soft tissue approximation where use of an absorbable suture is appropriate with clearance for localized skin lifting and tightening. The brand offers a vast innovative PDO Thread offering, and top PDO Thread Educational Bootcamps and Preceptorships taught by Master PDO Thread Trainers throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. The brand held their first Medical Advisory Board Meeting on Dec 15th, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. "We are excited and privileged to have the opportunity to work with this group of experts on the development and distribution of MIRACU PDO THREADS , as well as on our broader pipeline of threads designed and developed with our Medical Advisory Boards needs in mind for what they feel their peers in the medical community is needing, along with development of a higher level of education on training. We are solution providers, and we are committed to offering only the most unique advanced threads on the market, backed by safety and driven by results," said Ethan Min, President and Chief Executive Officer. "These thought-leaders bring tremendous understanding of aesthetic needs, as well as extensive experience in aesthetic development from discovery through to late-stage clinical trials. We look forward to their contributions as DBM Corporation Inc enters a new stage in advancing MIRACU PDO THREADS." The Medical Advisory Board will be comprised of the following members: Chief Medical Director: Richard M. Goldfarb, M.D., F.A.C.S., Dr. Goldfarb graduated from the University of Health Sciences / Finch University, The Chicago Medical School with top honors in Surgery. He completed his surgical training at Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine. He did additional training in cosmetic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Plastic Surgery and Yale University. Dr. Goldfarb's combined 30 years of experience in General, Vascular, and Cosmetic Surgery provides his patients with the surgical expertise they are seeking. Dr. Goldfarb established the Center for SmartLipo & Plastic Surgery in 2007. Dr. Goldfarb also serves as a Medical Advisor for BENEV Company Inc. For more information visit www.centerforsmartlipo.com Richard Jin, M.D., Ph.D., Dr. Jin studied at the Boston University School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and the University of California Irvine. He completed research in the areas of cardiovascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, antioxidant enzyme properties, cell signaling, cellular redox mechanisms, free radical-induced oxidant stress, platelet biology, growth factors, and wound healing. Dr. Jin serves as Chief Medical Director for BENEV Company Inc., and President for Cellum Bio Medical. For more information visit www.rjclinicalinstitute.com Diane I. Duncan, M.D., F.A.C.S., Dr. Duncan obtained her medical degree from the Tulane University School of Medicine. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of several plastic surgery professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS). In addition to these affiliations, Dr. Duncan is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Dr. Duncan joins our Medical Advisory Board with over 30 years of experience in private practice as a plastic surgeon. She is an internationally-recognized speaker and educator in plastic surgery, Dr. Duncan has delivered presentations at industry conferences around the world. She has also authored medical journal articles on a variety of subjects in plastic surgery and currently serves as a member of the editorial review board for the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Dr. Duncan also serves as a Medical Advisor for BENEV Company Inc. For more information visit www.drdianeduncan.com J.D. McCoy, NMD. McCoy received his doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. He is one of the most accomplished naturopathic physicians practicing aesthetic medicine in the country. He completed an internship in internal medicine in Hawaii, and began specialized training, certification, and externship in cosmetic medicine and light-based therapies. McCoy has devoted his specialization, passion and his entire practice to the art of less-invasive cosmetic rejuvenation, weight-management, and natural bio-identical hormone therapy since 2003. McCoy's principles in the practice of aesthetic medicine include: prevention, the use of natural substances (light/energy, nutrients and other natural substances), and the use of the least invasive treatments possible. McCoy finds innovative solutions that reduce or eliminate the need for more invasive surgery- beautiful results naturally. He is recognized as an innovator and physician trainer for multiple technologies and techniques in cosmetic medicine including but most certainly not limited to a Physician Member: American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, American Society of Aesthetic Mesotherapy, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science. McCoy also serves as a Medical Advisor for BENEV Company Inc. For more information visit www.contourmedical.com About DBM Corporation Inc DBM Corporation Inc, headquartered in Mission Viejo, California, is a solution provider for medical aesthetic needs in U.S. market. DBM Corporation Inc is the Official Representative of MIRACU PDO THREADS in the US, Mexico and Canada. For more information regarding MIRACU PDO THREADS or to place an order, or learn more about one of our Educational Seminars, Bootcamps, Preceptorships, or Congresses, please contact DBM Corporation Inc. DBM Corporation Inc 1-949-616-8748 www.MIRACUUSA.com SOURCE DBM Corporation Inc Related Links https://www.miracuusa.com Cotton Closes Black on Monday Barchart - Mon Jan 10, 4:48PM CST Cotton futures were off their high at the closing bell on Monday, but were still 10 to 40 points in the black. New crop cotton also bounced on Monday, ending the session 40 to 76 points firmer. The Seam... CTH22 : 115.37 (+0.13%) CTK22 : 113.43 (+0.32%) CTZ21 : 111.55s (+0.25%) Wheat Markets Close Mixed Barchart - Mon Jan 10, 4:48PM CST Mondays wheat market ended with winter wheat gains to HRS weakness. Spring wheat futures ended the session a nickel to 9 cents in the red. March MPLS wheat has posted losses in 9 in the last 11 sessions... ZWH22 : 760-4 (-0.20%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.2051 (+0.47%) KEH22 : 777-0 (-0.16%) KEPAWS.CM : 7.5951 (+0.45%) MWH22 : 915-6 (+0.16%) Corn Weakens out of Weekend Barchart - Mon Jan 10, 4:48PM CST Mondays corn trading session left prices 5 1/2 to 7 cents weaker. May futures were able to hold above the $6 mark, while Marcha and July closed less than a penny under. New crop futures were fractionally... ZCH22 : 601-4 (+0.29%) ZCPAUS.CM : 5.8670 (-1.13%) ZCK22 : 602-6 (+0.25%) ZCZ21 : 588-6s (+0.77%) ZCPZ21US.CM : 5.7930 (-0.49%) Chart of the Day: KLA-Tencor - A Tech Stock Still Worth Looking At Barchart - Mon Jan 10, 4:37PM CST I wanted to find out if there were still any tech stocks that were worth buying so I screened the NASDAQ 100 Index stock for the highest Weighted Alpha and technical buy signals and found one. My Barchart... KLAC : 418.73 (+0.44%) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 15:17:27|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close CANBERRA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday visited South Australian communities devastated by bushfires, vowing to help them "rebuild and recover." Morrison toured Kangaroo Island, one third of which has been burnt by fires, off the coast of South Australia with state Premier Steven Marshall. The pair announced an 11 million Australian dollar (7.5 million U.S. dollar) funding package for small businesses and farmers who have been affected by fires on Kangaroo Island and in the Adelaide Hills. "South Australia, particularly the Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills communities, have faced devastating losses and the bushfire threat is not over yet," Morrison said. "But we will be there, backing the communities every step of the way as they rebuild and recover." Under the scheme, farmers and primary producers affected by the fires can apply for grants of up to 15,000 AUD (10,315 U.S. dollars) while small businesses will receive up to 10,000 AUD (6,876 U.S. dollars). During his tour of the island, Morrison met with locals who called for him to deploy financial advisers to help affected communities. Tourism operators, who largely rely on Kangaroo Island's diverse wildlife as a drawcard for visitors, asked the PM to send a message to international tourists urging them to visit the region. "The eastern half of the island is still open for business and we need the visitors to keep coming," Chris Schumann, the owner of the Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn, told The Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "There's a lot to see on Kangaroo Island still. There are beautiful areas like Seal Bay, swim with the dolphins." The government has deployed 121 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to Kangaroo Island to help with immediate relief and clean-up. Marshall told reporters that the ADF presence and the funding would help affected communities get "back on their feet and flourishing as soon as possible." "Despite the tragic circumstances, the people I meet on the ground are determined to recover and rebuild, and we are working with the federal and local governments to provide the support needed," he said. California Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to direct $750 million from the states upcoming budget to help homeless people get off the streets, his office announced Wednesday morning. Also on Wednesday, Newsom plans to sign an executive order directing state departments to identify state property that can be used for emergency shelters and designate 100 trailers in Californias fleet for temporary housing and health care services. The executive order will also establish a homelessness strike team. Homelessness is a national crisis, one thats spreading across the West Coast and cities across the country, Newsom said in a statement. The state of California is treating it as a real emergency. Newsoms announcement comes ahead of his full 2020-21 state budget proposal, which he is expected to unveil later this week, and as he faces immense pressure to address homelessness. California had significant increases in its homeless population in 2018, outpacing the rest of the country, according to a report released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Overall, California saw an increase of about 21,000 homeless people from January 2018 to January 2019, bringing the states total homeless population to about 151,000. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Newsom and other California leaders for failing to fix the problem and has threatened federal intervention. Reducing the states homelessness population has been a top policy priority for Newsom and one of his most stubborn problems. In the current state budget, he and lawmakers directed $650 million to help local governments address homelessness. The additional infusion of $750 million Newsom is proposing could be used to pay rent for homeless people, build housing for them and improve shelters. The money would come from one-time surplus funds projected for the upcoming fiscal year, Newsoms office said. Californias long recovery from the Great Recession gives Newsom some financial flexibility. The state is expected to have about $19 billion in reserve accounts by the end of June, and the Legislative Analysts Office is projecting California will bring in another $7 billion surplus for the 2020-21 budget year. Newsoms full budget proposal is due Friday and will kick off months of negotiations with lawmakers. They must pass a budget deal by June 15, in time for the start of the next fiscal year in July. The governor also wants to steer more money to Medi-Cal, the states health care program for low-income people, to expand the program to include housing assistance for homeless people. The governor wants to improve Medi-Cals mental health services, which would also help homeless people, his office said. In addition, Newsom is calling for a study of the causes of homelessness in California overseen by the states Health and Human Services Agency in collaboration with University of California researchers. Newsoms office plans to measure how well local governments are working to get people off the streets and require local governments to report their progress to access state homelessness money, his office said. Newsoms office also said he aims to consider changing Proposition 63 to make sure the money it generates helps homeless people. Voters passed the ballot measure in 2004 to fund mental health services by levying a 1 percent tax on people with incomes over $1 million. Last year, Newsom appointed Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas to lead an advisory council to guide his homeless policy. He credited the councils work for informing the actions and proposals he announced Wednesday. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jane Wardell and Nur-Asna Sanusi (Reuters) Wed, January 8, 2020 10:09 734 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3214d7ae 2 Environment koala,Australia,fire,bushfire,environment,knitting Free Knitting needles are clicking furiously around the world to create hundreds of protective pouches and blankets for native wildlife made homeless by Australian wildfires that have razed large swathes of bushland. The Animal Rescue Craft Guild said on Monday it has been deluged with offers of help after putting out a call for volunteers to make bat wraps, joey pouches, birds nests, possum boxes, koala mittens and other snuggly homes for marsupials. Donations to the volunteer-run group have come in from as far afield as the United States, Britain, Hong Kong, France and Germany. "It's been going crazy," Belinda Orellana, a founding member of the guild, told Reuters. "The response has been amazing." Blazes across Australia in recent weeks have scorched through 8 million hectares of bushland, an area the size of Austria. Some experts estimates put the number of animals, including domestic pets and livestock, killed as high as half a billion, with potentially hundreds of thousands of injured and displaced native wildlife. "It's the poor little souls that survived where we come in," said Orellana. "Our group creates and supplies items to rescue groups and carers around the country who take in and care for the wildlife." Orellana said the guild supplied thousands of rescue groups around the country and demand was growing, adding there was urgent need for fabric donations. Read also: Australia's 'insurance' koala population halved by bushfires Originally formed a few months ago to make dog and cat beds and coats for animal pounds, the guild's Facebook page has 75,000 members. Many of the crafters have crocheted, knitted and sewed a range of items including koala mittens for burned paws and pouches for infant "joey" kangaroos who have lost their mothers. Lara Mackay, a new volunteer who lives in New Zealand, has just made her first makeshift joey pouch, which she enlisted her cat to test out at home. "I'm planning to make as many as possible and am asking fabric outlets for fabric donations to sew," Mackay told Reuters. In Singapore, Leslie Kok was working on her fourth joey pouch and meeting up with other volunteers to share materials and tips. "I will knit as long as there is a need for the pouches," Kok said. Closer to the fires, Simone Watts in the Blue Mountains outside of Sydney, saw the plea for help and set to work turning pillow cases into beds for bats or flying foxes. "I looked at the list of what is most needed versus my fairly basic sewing capability and decided I could contribute the bat wraps," Watts said. Topics : koala Australia fire bushfire environment knitting Your browser does not support the audio element. Vietnam Airlines on Wednesday said it would reroute flights away from Iranian and Iraqi airspace in the wake of heightened tensions in the Middle East. The carrier will redirect its flights to keep a distance from areas that can be affected by the latest developments in the region, according to the national airline's representative. Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from its territory at at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel early on Wednesday, Reuters reported, citing the U.S. military. The Vietnam Airlines representative said that although its regular flights to and from Europe do not fly over Iran and Iraq, it has made the adjusted routes even further away from the respective airspaces to ensure absolute safety for its planes. The representative added that the adjustments to the flight paths will be maintained until the Middle East tensions end, despite major incurred costs. This is not the first time the carrier has made such adjustments. Vietnam Airlines diverted its flights departing from and arriving in Europe in order to avoid the Black Sea, an area at high risk of being affected by the Syrian conflict in 2018. On Wednesday, several major airlines in Southeast Asia also said they were rerouting flights to avoid the airspaces over Iraq and Iran after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned its carriers from the area. Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines were among those. Although these airlines are not directly affected by the FAA ban, their operators typically consider U.S. advice carefully when deciding where to fly. The FAA airspace ban also includes the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia, "due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations." Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Gov. Kristi Noem drafts bill limiting 'action civics' This legislation prohibits colleges and schools from directing, requiring or compelling students to protest or lobby as part of a grade or a class. US President Donald Trump will deliver an address on the conflict with Iran at 11:00 am (2130 IST) January 8, the White House said. It will be the first presidential response to Iran's missile salvo aimed at the US military in Iraq overnight other than a tweet in which Trump said that "all is well!" The Iranian strike was in response to last week's killing by the United States of the country's most important general, Qasem Soleimani. Initial assessments indicate there were no US casualties in the Iranian missile strikes on two bases in Iraq where US troops are based, the Pentagon said. There are still people dealing with flooding issues throughout multiple counties in Upstate New York, and local representatives want answers. Newport Town Supervisor Michael McEvoy is tired of having to tell people there's no help for individuals. "Its disheartening to tell someone Im very sorry. Theres no help for individual homeowners. Its even worse when you have to tell them on top of that theres nothing were going to do about that water up there when you have an ice jam and it re-routes and takes your house out or your garage. Im sorry. To me thats a terrible thing to have to tell somebody in this day and age." Waterville Homeowner Roger Frey is one of those homeowners whos been dealing with flooding issues. The water may have been the first issue he had to deal with, but getting through the government red tape remains an obstacle. "I would suggest to have one contact person that could be that liaison between DEC, the D.O.T., the townships, State and local governments. That would benefit me." The Senate had passed legislation to set up a task force for flood mitigation, but the measure never made it through the Assembly, so the Mohawk Valley Nine is hoping for a local task force to organize the issues and bring them to State representatives. Perhaps one of the biggest concerns for local municipalities is funding. Whitestown Town Supervisor Shaun Kaleta spoke about what the money means to smaller municipalities. "Funding remains important. Streamlining that funding is even more important, and while we wait for big projects like bridges to be replaced, you know if theres some smaller and perhaps less expensive solutions we can implement in a quicker fashion, we should really be doing that." Getting the funding often takes years, and can cripple smaller municipalities waiting for reimbursement. Many suggested changing the laws so crews can easily access the creek beds to clear debris, but theres a reason the DEC requires a study before the work gets done. Oneida County Executive Chief of Staff Al Candido explained why the studies are so important. "Youll never get money without a study, and I know thats the worst word. Nobody wants to hear study because it just means delay, (Bingo) but the reality is you dont know what to do until youve got someone in there to identify what happened, and whats got to be done to prevent it from happening again." It has been suggested to get those studies done as quickly as possible, so when funding does become available, distribution becomes that much easier. Mary Kennedy is among the celebrities to have signed up for the fourth season of Dancing with the Stars. Photo: David Conachy Mary Kennedy said she believes "everything happens for a reason" after being required to retire from RTE since turning 65. Kennedy has been a stalwart on Irish television for four decades for 41 years and is embarking on a new chapter of her life, one which no longer involves fronting Nationwide, which she has hosted for 11 years. "I am sad be to leaving Nationwide. I do think it's ridiculous to be saying to people, just because they're 65, that that's the end of it," she told TV Now magazine. "People were asking me were there any loopholes they could have found to keep me on, but I would not like an exception to be made for me and I would not like an exception to be made for anybody else. If that's the rule, that's the rule. "So, you just have to accept it, make your point and then move on. I thin dancing is the way I'm moving on." Kennedy is currently starring on Dancing with the Stars, a fitting transition from her more serious broadcast work to something more light-hearted and personality driven. It's viewed as a launch pad into the next generation of one's career and this year's batch of celebrities includes Glenda Gilson, Grainne Gallanagh and Fr Ray Kelly. Kennedy is considered beloved among viewers who have followed her career on-screen and for those off-screen, she is praised for her unwavering honesty, in particular about loneliness, which prompted bouts of anxiety. Expand Close Mary Kennedy and dance partner John Nolan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mary Kennedy and dance partner John Nolan "I was just too busy doing too much, stumbling from day to day. I was short of breath, I had this general feeling of dull flatness and I was waking at three in the morning in a total sweat. I know the feeling of loneliness and sadness and accept it as part of life's rich tapestry, but this feeling was different," she told VIP Magazine last year. "It was like a lot less energy and enthusiasm for everything, even for the ironing, which I was usually always on top of. My wardrobe was chaotic, clothes were pulled over the back of a chair in my bedroom. It was a habit alien to me. I felt ashamed even to admit my messy secrets. "I rang my GP and outlined a shortness of breath that was beginning to cause me alarm. I thought it was health related, something to do with my lungs, but he obviously recognised it and said, 'Are you worried about anything?' and I said, 'Nothing in particular', and he said, 'Just relax, it's anxiety.'" The last 12 months in particular have been a rollercoaster for Kennedy, who suffered a dramatic fall, which she says left her feeling vulnerable, but eventually with a fresh appreciation of her health. Video of the Day "It was seismic. I have never experienced anything like it. I don't know what it's like if you have an impact in car crash, but I mean, I am a tall woman and I went from running to on the ground...there was no stumble...straight down. I ended up with six stitches under my chin, loose teeth and very, very shook," she explained. "It definitely was an important moment in my life. I felt very vulnerable and my confidence was knocked. But I was lucky it wasn't worse. It forced me to slow down even more. "We are all responsible for our own wellbeing, you can't depend on somebody else for that. I don't think it's right and I don't think it works." SPRINGFIELD Lawmakers from both parties are calling for an investigation of a 2012 email exchange between a government insider and then-Gov. Pat Quinns staff regarding a possible cover-up of rape and other criminal activity. The bombshell report was published Tuesday by Chicago National Public Radio affiliate WBEZ-FM detailing emails from former Commonwealth Edison lobbyist Michael McClain and Quinns staff. WBEZ reported McClain a close confidant of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago sought leniency for a state worker facing disciplinary action, calling the employee a good compliance person. He has kept his mouth shut on Jones ghost workers, the rape in Champaign and other items. He is loyal to the administration, McClain said of the employee, according to an email obtained by WBEZ via an open records request. No further information about the alleged cover-ups was revealed in the email exchange, and the disciplinary hearing that prompted McClain to email the administration was apparently postponed. McClain responded to the news at the time with an email noting nothing happens accidentally. Its not clear what [the employee] was accused of or if he ever faced disciplinary action by the state, wrote Tony Arnold and Dave McKinney, the authors of the WBEZ report. The agency he worked for at that time would not say. And officials rejected a request from WBEZ for records of any reprimands he may have received, citing a law blocking the release of such records that are more than four years old. Lawmakers and advocates responded to the report swiftly. Quinn told WBEZ he had not heard any of the allegations before the report, Gov. J.B. Pritzkers office said the matter has been referred to investigators, but a spokesperson did not specify which investigatory authority would be taking a look at the matter. The governor was appalled and disgusted by these allegations, and his expectation is that all state employees will meet the highest ethical standards for their conduct, and anyone who does not meet that standard will be disciplined to the full extent of the law, according to a released statement. The administrations general counsel referred this email to the appropriate investigatory authority, who will make a determination about what next steps can be taken. WBEZ reported the employee in question who now has a $40-an-hour consulting contract with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board worked for Pritzkers 2018 campaign as a political consultant. The campaign told WBEZ it had no knowledge of the emails. The Illinois Senate Womens Caucus, among others, called for a criminal investigation. That email is horrifying. If anyone has any information about this crime, please contact authorities, said Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, and co-chair of the caucus. Sexual assault will not be tolerated. We need to get to the bottom of this and hold people accountable. Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, who co-chairs the caucus, agreed. I am stunned and disturbed that keeping quiet about a rape was so casually offered up as proof of loyalty. This needs to be investigated thoroughly, and anyone who helped cover it up needs to face the consequences, she said. House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, called the report one of the most disturbing and shocking set of facts hes ever seen and called for accountability. What society allows that to happen? he said Wednesday at an unrelated Chicago news conference. Its extremely disturbing, but it casts a shadow upon Springfield that has been brought upon by the power brokers that have existed down there for the past many decades who have controlled the legislative process and the passage of bills. WBEZ also reported a wide-ranging federal probe, one that led to FBI raids of several Statehouse insiders, is investigating allegations that ComEd hired politically-connected consultants in exchange for favorable actions in Springfield. McClains home in Quincy was raided by investigators in July. Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, asserted on Twitter that McClain still holds sway over Madigan who has been Illinois House speaker for all but two years since 1983. WBEZ and the Better Government Association reported that McClain continued to collect a paycheck from ComEd years after his official retirement from registered lobbying. And lets stop pretending (McClain is) a former anything. This is the guy who for decades has been seen as the most powerful lobbyist in the state and remains incredibly close to the Speaker, she posted to Twitter. Cassidy, as well as Alaina Hampton and Sherri Garrett both of whom made allegations of sexual harassment against top Madigan lieutenants which led to the staffers ouster issued a joint statement regarding the report Wednesday. This isnt the first disgusting, dangerous and brazen display of misogyny weve seen from Mr. McClain, but that doesnt make it any less outrageous. If the reports are even partially true, this represents a conspiracy to conceal a criminal sexual assault at the highest levels of state government, they said. We call upon law enforcement leaders, including Champaign County States Attorney Julie Rietz and the U.S. Attorneys Office, if appropriate, to immediately open an investigation into these allegations, and, if necessary, to impanel a grand jury. Hampton recently reached a settlement agreement with Madigans political campaign and three other Democratic Party organizations in the state regarding allegations of sexual harassment from one of Madigans top aides at the time. Madigan and the campaign committees did not admit liability or wrongdoing in the settlement with Hampton. Garretts harassment complaints against Tim Mapes, Madigans chief of staff at the time, eventually led to his ouster from the position as well as his role as Illinois House clerk and Democratic Party of Illinois executive director. Madigan has remained largely silent on accusations pertaining to McClain. He released a statement Wednesday on the cover-up emails. These are extremely serious and troubling allegations. I had no knowledge of the incident referenced in the story and only learned of this today. I encourage those with any information to come forward, Madigan said in the statement. A firefighter has slammed rumours and 'misinformation' about the bushfire crisis - and explained what he believes is really starting the blazes. Drew Strnk shut down the 'false science' and 'outright lies' about the fires which he said were being 'peddled on social media as news or facts'. Mr Strnk rubbished rumours about hazard-reduction burns and slammed the politicisation of the crisis, angrily saying there 'absolutely' needs to be more done. 'First of all does being a firey give me all the insight to this complex issue? Not even close and I need to make that clear,' he said. 'However, I've felt a strong need to say something here because I just can't stomach some of the false science and outright lies being peddled on social media as news or facts. 'No, the Greens haven't been stopping hazard-reduction burns from taking place.' Australian firefighter Drew Strnk (pictured) shut down 'false science and outright lies being peddled on social media as news or facts' surrounding the bushfire crisis across the country A kangaroo jumps in a field amidst smoke from a bushfire in Snowy Valley on the outskirts of Cooma on January 4 But he said weather extremes had reduced the time-frame in which it is safe to do hazard-reduction burns - and that state government's need to do more of them. 'NSW for example, as an estimate, would need to increase their budget from $100million to a half billion, a five fold increase and that money needs to come from somewhere,' the firefighter wrote. He also said conditions this season have been 'horrific' which have caused fires to burn through areas where hazard-reduction burns were already completed. 'Yes, indigenous people used to manage the land through burning and have an important contribution here,' Mr Strnk wrote. 'However, Australia is a different landscape now, home to 24 million people and so HRB's needs to be managed differently.' Mr Strnk said climate change was not the cause of the fires, but rather lightning strikes, people and negligence. But he did say climate change was contributing to 'increasing temperatures and increasing drought severity which is creating worsening fire conditions'. 'Yes, climate change is contributing to a longer fire season,' he wrote. 'Yes, we should have acted on climate change long ago. All of us. The whole world. Everyone.' A bushfire is seen along Putty Road on November 15, 2019 in Colo Heights Mr Strnk said climate change was not the cause of the fires, but rather lightning strikes, people and negligence (pictured: a fire ravaging the NSW South Coast) 'No, no one knows exactly how much climate change has contributed to exacerbating the conditions for this year's catastrophic fire season however the best science available and scientific consensus is that there is an undeniable link.' The firefighter called on everyone to look outside social media and news consumption as 'these fires have been politicised'. 'No, a video on FB of a guy in the bush screaming at the greens is not facts about what caused these fires,' he wrote. 'No, a video of someone shouting at ScoMo for not funding the NSW Rural Fire Service is not facts about what caused these fires.' The firefighter called on everyone to look outside social media and news consumption as 'these fires have been politicised' (pictured: a fire ravaging the NSW South Coast) 2019/2020 FIRE SEASON DEATH TOLL The national death toll of Australia's 2019/2020 bushfire season was 33 as of Monday, March 2, with 25 confirmed deaths in New South Wales, three in South Australia and five in Victoria. OCTOBER New South Wales: Robert Lindsey, 77, and Gwen Hyde, 68, were found in their burned out Coongbar home near Casino on October 9th. NOVEMBER New South Wales: The body of 85-year-old George Nole was found in a burnt out car near his home in Wytaliba, near Glen Innes. Vivian Chaplain, a 69-year-old woman from Wytaliba, succumbed to her injuries in hospital after attempting in vain to save her home and animals from the blaze. The body of 63-year-old Julie Fletcher was pulled from a scorched building in Johns River, north of Taree. Barry Parsons, 58, was found in a shed at Willawarrin, near Kempsey. Chris Savva, 64, died after his 4WD overturned near burnt-out South Arm bridge, near Nambucca Heads. A 59-year-old man was founded sheltered in a Yarrowitch water tank on November 7. He died of injuries on December 29. Victoria: David Moresi, 69, died after being involved in a traffic incident while working at the at the Gelantipy fire in East Gippsland on November 30. DECEMBER New South Wales: Firefighters Andrew O'Dwyer, 36, and Geoffrey Keaton, 32, died on December 19 after a tree fell on their truck while they were travelling through Buxton, south of Sydney. Samuel McPaul, 28, was battling a blaze in Jingellic, in Green Valley, about 70km east of Albury on the border of NSW and Victoria, on December 30 when a 'fire tornado' caused his 10-tonne firetruck to roll. South Australia: The body of 69-year-old Ron Selth was found in his Charleston home, which was destroyed by the Cudlee Creek blaze on December 21. NEW YEAR'S EVE FIRES New South Wales: Dairy farmer Patrick Salway, 29, and his father Robert, 63, died trying to save their property in Cobargo, near Bega, on December 31. A 70-year-old man, named by local media as Laurie Andrew, was found dead outside a home at Yatte Yattah, west of Lake Conjola. The body of a 70-year-old man was found in a burnt vehicle on a road off the Princes Highway at Yatte Yattah on the morning of New Year's Day. The body of a 62-year-old man was found in a vehicle on Wandra Road at Sussex Inlet about 11.30am on New Year's Day. A body, believed to be a 56-year-old man, found outside a home at Coolagolite, east of Cobargo on New Year's Day. An off-duty RFS firefighter, believed to be 72-year-old Colin Burns, was found near a car in Belowra after the New Year's Eve fires swept through. Victoria: Beloved great-grandfather Mick Roberts, 67, from Buchan, in East Gippsland, was found dead at his home on the morning of New Year's Day. Fred Becker, 75, was the second person to die in Victoria. He suffered a heart attack while trying to defend his Maramingo Creek home. JANUARY New South Wales: David Harrison, a 47-year-old man from Canberra, suffered a heart attack defending his friend's home near Batlow on Saturday, January 4. A 71-year-old man was found on January 6. Police have been told the man was last sighted on December 31, 2019 and was moving equipment on his property in Nerrigundah. An 84-year-old man who stayed to defend his home in Cobargo, NSW, dies in hospital three weeks after fire hit. His pet dog Bella, who stayed by his side as fires raged, was also killed in the disaster. Three American firefighters are killed when Coulson Aviation C-130 Hercules water bomber Zeus crashed while fighting fires near Cooma on Thursday January 23. They have been named as Capt. Ian H. McBeth, 44, First Officer Paul Clyde Hudson and Flight Engineer Rick A. DeMorgan Jr, 43. On January 24, Michael Clark, 59, was found in a Bodalla home destroyed by bushfires near the NSW South Coast town of Moruya. Victoria: Forest Fire Management firefighter Mat Kavanagh, 43, was killed Friday January 3 when he was involved in a two-car crash on the Goulburn Valley Highway. Bill Slade, a 60-year-old father of two from Wonthaggi was fighting fires with Parks Victoria at Omeo when he died on January 11. He has been remembered as one of the longest serving, most experienced and fittest firefighters. South Australia: Well-known outback pilot Dick Lang, 78, and his 43-year-old son, Adelaide surgeon Clayton Lang, died in the Kangaroo Island bushfire after their car was trapped by flames. Advertisement He urged people to help by donating to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and state fire services. 'On top of this, once the smoke clears, grab your mates or family, jump in the car and visit these towns, spend money in their shops, stay the night, help get their local economy's back on track. They will need our support,' he wrote. Mr Strnk praised his 'firefighting brethren' for their hard work over the past six weeks, saying they have worked harder now than ever. The message comes amid fierce debate surrounding hazard-reduction burning, with NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzimmons denying environmental clearances were the issue. 'This is a really complex argument,' he told Sunrise on Wednesday morning. 'We are environmentally conscious and law-abiding, we have streamlined processes. NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons (pictured) said the service has a 'streamlined' process for controlled burning 'But I've got to say, the environmental clearances are invariably not our problem with hazard reduction burning.' He explained that the biggest obstacle to controlled burning was the small window of opportunity they have in which to do it. Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale has angrily insisted his party supports hazard-reduction burns as a way of preventing bushfires Controlled burning, also known as prescribed burning, is planned so the fire burns slowly, allowing animals time to escape, stripping out the bottom level of a forest. It means that when fires do start, there is less likely to be 'laddering' - which is when a blaze burns from the forest floor all the way to the crown. Mr Fitzsimmons's father George Fitzsimmons was killed in 2000 conducting an RFS hazard-reduction burn at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park on Sydney's northern outskirts. Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale angrily insisted his party supports hazard-reduction burns as his critics accuse him of causing bushfires. The campaign against the Greens intensified on Facebook after blazes destroyed more than 6million hectares of bushland in Australia. Conservative commentators and some politicians, including Barnaby Joyce, have consistently accused the left-wing minority party of being responsible for raging infernos. More extreme critics have accused the Greens of being responsible for lives being lost, with 25 people now killed as a result of recent bushfires. Fire crews put out spot fires on January 4 in Sarsfield, Victoria, as the area endured a state of disaster, with thousands being forced to flee their homes Senator Di Natale, a Victorian, has hit back at claims his party opposes hazard-reduction burning operations to reduce fuel loads ahead of the summer bushfire season. 'Repeating a lie often enough doesn't make it true,' he told Melbourne radio station 3AW on Monday. 'The Greens, at state level, and federal level and local government level, have always supported hazard reduction burning. What is controlled burning? Controlled burning is a type of hazard reduction used to prepare for bushfires The low-intensity fires aim to reduce the fuel load (vegetation) on the forest floor This minimises the potential impacts of bushfire on life, property and the environment Advertisement 'People who make these claims can never point to a specific instance where a Greens state member has said "we don't support hazard reduction, or we're going to make it more difficult for you".' This bushfire season has been the most devastating on record, and the worst is yet to come. Massive bushfires burning along the NSW-Victoria border could merge to form a terrifying 'mega-blaze' this week if weather conditions deteriorate. The Corryong fire in Victoria's northeast is less than 2km away from connecting with a 297,000-hectare blaze in NSW's Snowy Mountains region, officials have warned. Meanwhile in Cobungra, in East Gippsland, fires are threatening to combine with those burning along the Tambo River region, north of Bairnsdale. This week's rainfall provided a brief respite from bushfires but will start giving way to sunny weather across Victoria on Wednesday, prompting warnings for people to remain vigilant. Former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's wife Carole said Tuesday she was not in the loop about his audacious escape from Japan, adding that it was the "only choice possible." Speaking after Japanese prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for her, Carole Ghosn told France's Le Parisien newspaper that she knew nothing about the December 29-30 escape when Carlos Ghosn jumped bail and fled from Tokyo. The interview came hours before an eagerly awaited press conference by the disgraced executive in Beirut on Wednesday. "I wasn't aware of anything... I was in Beirut with my children to celebrate Christmas, someone called me to say 'I have a surprise for you. It was the best in all my life!" she said. "Fleeing was the only possible choice as he saw his trial being postponed indefinitely and he was being detained in conditions that deprived him of his rights with the aim of dehumanising him. "Carlos cannot plead guilty for things he did not do," Carole Ghosn said, adding that her husband was the "victim of an industrial plot and the war between Renault and Nissan." She said he was slightly tense before his press conference, adding that this was "normal" as he was making "the most important statement of his life". Ghosn had been facing trial in Japan on charges of financial misconduct, which he denies, before fleeing the country in late December for Lebanon, where he was reunited with his second wife Carole. The globe-trotting former auto mogul accuses executives at Japanese automaker Nissan of manufacturing the allegations against him in a "plot" to prevent closer integration with alliance partner Renault. Ghosn appears to have left his residence in Tokyo, which was monitored by surveillance cameras under his bail conditions, alone. He reportedly later met up with two US citizens and boarded a bullet train to Osaka on December 29. In Osaka, he is reported to have been put into a large box with holes drilled into it to ensure he could breathe and then loaded onto a private jet that flew to Istanbul. Airport security rules meant large items loaded onto private planes were exempt from screening -- a loophole that appears to have allowed Ghosn to escape unnoticed. In Istanbul, he boarded a second private jet that took him to Lebanon, where he entered on a French passport. Under his bail conditions, his French, Lebanese and Brazilian passports were confiscated and held by his lawyers. But he was allowed to retain a second French passport -- in a locked case with the key held by his lawyers -- so he could prove his short-term visa status if needed when travelling in Japan -- which was allowed in the terms of his bail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reporter/Columnist Julie Wurth is a reporter covering the University of Illinois at The News-Gazette. Her email is jwurth@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@jawurth). Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a meeting with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and the country's diplomats in Tehran on Nov. 1, 2015. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) Irans Leader: Missile Attacks Not Sufficient Retaliation for Killing of Soleimani Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that the missile strikes launched by his country against U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq were not sufficient retaliation in the wake of the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. airstrike. Addressing a gathering of Iranians in Tehran chanting death to America on Jan. 8, Khamenei said the attacks late Tuesday were a slap in the face to the United States and U.S. troops should leave the region. Military action like this is not sufficient. What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region, he said, a demand Iranian leaders have repeatedly made. In the televised speech, Khamenei, the countrys spiritual and political leader, ruled out any resumption of talks with Washington on the 2015 nuclear deal that was negotiated by President Barack Obamas administration but not ratified by Congress. Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018. A man holds a picture of late Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters) Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Ari Jalal/Reuters) Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who was denied a visa this week by the United States, claimed to reporters: We did not start this process of escalation. The United States waged an economic war against Iran, the United States has to come to its senses. The presence of Iranian people in the streets of many cities, unprecedented in history, a sea of humanity, has to bring the United States to its senses. Weve said very clearly that if the United States takes any further action, Iran will respond accordingly and we will respond in a very harsh way, but proportionally, he added. They should stop listening to clowns. They should base their policy based on realities. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said during his weekly cabinet meeting, which was broadcast on state television: They cut the hand off our dear Soleimaniand you saw his dear hand next to his body in pictures and videos. As revenge we will cut off the U.S.s feet from this region. The Pentagon said in a statement that more than a dozen missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel. Iraqi students march during ongoing anti-government demonstrations in the southern city of Basra on Jan. 8, 2020. (Hussein Faleh/AFP via Getty Images) A burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike, in Baghdad, Iraq, early on Jan. 2, 2020. (Iraqi Prime Ministers Press Office, via AP) We are working on initial battle damage assessments, a Pentagon spokesman said. No casualty figures have been confirmed publicly as of Wednesday morning. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grishams office said that President Donald Trumps administration was aware of the reports of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq. The president has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team, she said. Trump later took to Twitter to respond to the missile strikes: All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Reuters contributed to this report. WASHINGTON U.S. officials braced for Iran to respond to the killing of its most powerful general, noting heightened military readiness in the country and preparing for a possible tit-for-tat attempt on the life of an American military commander. They warned ships across Mideast waterways crucial to global energy supplies about the possibility of Iranian action against U.S. maritime interests in the region. While officials say American intelligence isnt clear on whether Irans latest military moves are designed to bolster Tehrans defenses or prepare for an offensive strike, the U.S. is continuing to reinforce its own positions in the region, including repositioning some forces. One official said the U.S. anticipated a major attack of some type within the next day or two. On Monday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said no decision had been made about withdrawing troops from Iraq. Pro-Iranian factions in the Iraqi Parliament have pushed to oust American troops following Soleimanis killing on Iraqi soil. Esper spoke to reporters after a letter from a U.S. Marine general circulated that seemed to suggest a withdrawal had been ordered in response to a vote by the Iraqi Parliament over the weekend. Theres been no decision whatsoever to leave Iraq, Esper said. On Tuesday, the U.S. Maritime Administration put out the warning for ships, citing the rising threats after the Jan. 2 drone strike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Oil tankers were targeted last year in mine attacks the U.S. blamed on Iran. Tehran denied being responsible though it did seize oil tankers around the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of the worlds crude oil travels. U.S. officials are also aware that Iran could try to strike a high-level American leader in a tit-for-tat move, potentially a military commander. One official said some Iranian ships have spread out, and while the intent isnt immediately clear, they could move rapidly to attack. Two U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal discussions, said targeting Soleimani was not representative of a wholesale shift in American policy toward Iran, despite Secretary of State Mike Pompeos comments on Sunday that the U.S. was targeting Irans actual decision-makers rather than its network of proxy allies. Trump has repeatedly contended that he is not seeking regime change in Iran, as has been pushed by some of his more hawkish advisers. Pompeo sought Tuesday to place the killing of Soleimani within the Trump administrations campaign on Iran, noting there was a military component to the strategy as well as diplomatic and economic aspects. Our Iran policy is about protecting and defending the homeland and protecting and securing American lives, he said in a State Department news conference. I know that the efforts that we have taken, not only last week with the strike against Soleimani but the strategy we have employed, has saved American lives. Lolita C. Baldor, Robert Burns and Zeke Miller are Associated Press writers. Opinion Article 8 January 2020 Two decades ago, if I were to have asked you what the world would look like in 2020, what would you have said? Would you have anticipated the steady rise of self-service technology, tools allowing for instant gratification across all aspects of our life, and artificial intelligence? The autonomous vehicle? The seemingly endless runway of possibility stretches before us, with the help of cutting-edge platforms that were once merely a futuristic concept? Moreover, what predictions would you have offered up for travel? While our industry is always subject to change and, most would argue, has been on an upward trajectory of tech-influenced evolution the last few years, I cant help but feel that we are on the precipice of innovation. Admittedly, this new decade will represent an exciting and transformative era for hospitality. With this in mind, Ive compiled a snapshot of the technology and trends that are setting the stage for 2020 and beyond. Pop-Up Hotels Airbnb has long since disrupted the traditional hospitality experience, tapping into the modern guest demand for unique, boutique experiences. But, what if I told you there existed another novel alternative that seemingly bridges the gap between both accommodation styles? Recognizing the appeal of Airbnb-style rental units, along with the influx of vacant units within newly-built luxury apartment buildings, the idea of pop-up hotels was born. Last year, WhyHotel was introduced to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, taking advantage of new apartment buildings that had yet to fill up with tenants, but could offer temporary guests incredible amenities, brand new accommodations, and a unique, home experience. WhyHotel appeals to prospective guests with a promise of enhanced square footage (725 square feet, on average, versus 300), brand new furnishings, full kitchens, fast WiFi, and 24/7 onsite staff, all at a reasonable cost. The booking and check-in process is similar to that of any hotel, as guests receive email notifications with all pertinent information and details of their stay. Upon arrival, guests are buzzed up to the Sky Lobby, which, in this case, is a two-bedroom unit furnished, much like a high-end lobby, on whichever floor the first hotel unit starts on. The lobby offers guests 24-hour service, coffee, water, snacks, along with a local city host. Biometrics for Hotels and Travel Mobile check-in is hardly a new concept, but hoteliers will be taking it a step further with the introduction of biometric technology. Consider this: over 25 million passengers in the U.S. were scanned using facial recognition, ushering in a new era of traveler authentication. From digital fingerprint recognition to retinal scanning for facial recognition, biometric technology promises a faster, frictionless, and more secure way for guests to check in to their hotel of choice. As for the event industry, besides the adoption at the event registration or check-in counter, facial recognition technology is being used to create privilege experience at showroom or exhibition booths. This technology also plays an integral role in enhancing payment security, as guests can expect to use their fingerprint and facial recognition to confirm identities during the payment process. This would eliminate the need for plastic cards (which can be lost or duplicated) across the hospitality experience. Nomad-Friendly Alternative Accommodations Also, riding the wave of alternative hospitality experiences that blur the lines between home and hotel is nomad-friendly accommodations focused on group travel. Domio , founded in 2016 in New York City, is a notable example. The technology platform offers apartment hotels, also known as apart hotels to traveling groups, that are advertised as upscale yet affordable, more spacious, and more tech-friendly than boutique hotels. Domios target demographic ranges from families traveling together to companies looking to host teams of employees for a business trip or conference. The accommodations are typically five times bigger and 25% cheaper than the average hotel room and built-in newer or completely new buildings, where developers are considering an option like Domio as an alternative to selling as condominiums or apartments. Domio also makes use of an algorithm to identify regions it wants to build and is currently working on an app that will be the epicenter of how guests interact with booking places and managing their experience once there. In the same category, Selina, dubbed, the digital nomad hotel of the future, is a fast-growing hospitality brand offering co-working and accommodation under one roof in nomad-friendly locations in 14 countries around the world. The company raised $345M from DD3 Capital Partners, Access Industries, and Abraaj Group. We believe Selinas focus on building a global hospitality platform for digital nomads will redefine the way millennials live, work, play, learn and give back, said Lincoln Benet of Access Industries, in a statement. Autonomous Vehicle Sightseeing & Experiences Gone are the days of guided bus tours across a cityscape; at least, thats the future which Autoura is steadily creating for modern travelers. This should come as no surprise, as over the past year, industry leaders have frequently cited self-driving vehicles and blockchain as the next significant industry-wide invention to make and break companies. Robot-taxi services, such as the partnership between ride-hailing leader Lyft and Dublin-based Aptiv deployed a fleet of 30 self-driving BMWs in Las Vegas in 2018. Similarly, French manufacturer Navya, and AAA launched small driverless tours and shuttle buses in Las Vegas and have been scooting around Switzerland and Singapore for a couple of years. London's Heathrow Airport has transported passengers in autonomous "pods" since 2011 and the Australian Intellibus completed a three-month successful pilot. Toyota and others have also developed concepts of self-driving and fully electric vehicles that can serve interchangeably as ride-sharing, delivery van, mobile store, office, restaurant, even a hotel room. As autonomous vehicles began to disrupt the market, Autoura saw the opportunity to transition from human-driven tour buses to smaller autonomous vehicles offering unique sightseeing experiences. Although still in early stages, Autoura has made it their mission to build a technology platform that allows for the global implementation of autonomous vehicle sightseeing, and thus revolutionizes the way people get from point A to point B for business and pleasure. Connected Smart Trip Experiences Specific themes are underlying the technology making an impact on our industry right now, namely convenience, personalization, and ease of use. With respect to hotels, guests not only expect luxury provided through picturesque grounds, unique accommodations, and cutting-edge amenities they also expect to enjoy the comforts of home. With this in mind, connected rooms and experiences have begun to take over the hospitality landscape. Leveraging IoT technology, hoteliers are offering guests a range of intelligent solutions built-in to their stay, from keyless locks to voice-activated assistants, iPad controlled thermostats and personalized room settings, predictive repairs and maintenance, and more. Right on trend, Booking.com signed a one-year partnership with Google Nest this past month, to help build a more "connected trip experience" for travelers and property hosts. The partnership offers U.S. travelers a free Nest device when they spend more than $150, which can be used for information on flight times, weather, local information, translation capabilities, and more. In 2017, the Wynn Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas was the first to implement Amazon Echos in all of its guest rooms, which allowed guests to utilize voice commands to open the curtains, turn on the lights, activate TVs and control the temperature of their rooms. Recently major chains, like Hilton Hotels, have also launched IoT powered apps that allow for guests to control their room settings remotely. This ensures the room remains at the perfect temperature and prepared for guests return at their preferred settings. Our industry has undergone tremendous disruption over the past decade, and 2020 shows no sign of slowing down. And if one thing is for sure, its this: These trends that are at the forefront of hospitality innovation, are only the beginning. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) plans to invest approximately $62 million to upgrade the electric transmission systems to ensure safe and reliable electric service to customers in Berrien County. The Berrien Springs Area Improvements Project involves: Building the Blossom Trail Substation in Eau Claire Building approximately mile of transmission line to connect the new Blossom Trail Substation to existing lines Upgrading transmission lines from 34.5 kiloVolts (kV) to 69-kV standards to help enhance energy reliability in the area Replacing Berrien Springs Substation with the new Boxer Substation in Berrien Springs The project plan includes rebuilding about 4 miles of power line in four smaller segments in the existing right-of-way. Some sections may include re-routes and require new easements. I&M representatives will be in contact with landowners and residents throughout the project. Company officials expect construction to begin early this year and conclude at the end of 2020. For more information, including detailed project area maps, visit IndianaMichiganPower.com/BerrienSprings. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its 2,370 employees serve more than 597,000 customers. More than half of its generation is emission-free, including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 15 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company's generation portfolio also includes 2,600 MW of coal-fueled generation in Indiana. American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is focused on building a smarter energy infrastructure and delivering new technologies and custom energy solutions to our customers. AEP's more than 17,000 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electricity transmission system and more than 219,000 miles of distribution lines to efficiently deliver safe, reliable power to nearly 5.4 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 32,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including 4,300 megawatts of renewable energy. AEP's family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas). AEP also owns AEP Energy, AEP Energy Partners, AEP OnSite Partners and AEP Renewables, which provide innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. Contact Schnee' Garrett Indiana Michigan Power Communications 574-283-1852 smgarrett@aep.com As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ Nigerias Navy has rescued three foreigners kidnapped in the oil-rich Niger Delta last week, the Navy said on Wednesday. A Nigerian Navy team rescued the two Russians and one Indian late on Tuesday in an operation in the southwestern state of Ondo, Navy spokesperson Suleman Dahun told AFP on Wednesday. In separate operations, the Nigerian Navy has also killed several pirates and is searching to apprehend others, security sources told AFP. The three foreigners were abducted on Thursday last week in a pirate attack on an oil dredging ship that resulted in the killing of four operatives of the Nigerian Navy and the kidnapping of the three foreign sailors. The armed suspected pirates attacked the oil dredging ship MV Ambika in the waterways of the Niger Delta. Attacks and kidnappings are nothing new in the oil-rich Niger Delta which, despite its oil wealth, hasnt been good to its local people who have not seen oil revenues transform their lives. The coasts off Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea in general are prime targets for piracy in West Africa. Over the past year, piracy off the coasts in West Africa has seen a shift from oil piracy to kidnapping people. India, the most prolific source of maritime sailors in the region, has banned all Indian seafarers from working on vessels in Nigerian waters and in the Gulf of Guinea. In one recent incident before the kidnapping from last week, a gang of pirates kidnapped in early December 19 sailors after waylaying and boarding a supertanker loaded with oil. Hong Kong-flagged crude supertanker the Nave Constellation, owned by Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation, was boarded on December 3 while the ship was traveling through Nigerian waters. The attack occurred roughly 60-70 nautical miles south of Nigerias Bonny Island Offshore Terminal, where the ship was stocked with cargo. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: By Express News Service CHENNAI: Three persons were arrested as Air Intelligence Unit sleuths belonging to the Customs department, foiled bids to smuggle 2.65 kg of gold worth `1.1 crore. Ashaff Ali Khan (51) of Sri Lanka, who arrived from Colombo by flight UL123, and Mohamed Azarudeen (21) and Kalandar Abbas (36), both of Ramanathapuram were intercepted at the exit. On persistent questioning, they admitted to have concealed gold paste in rectum. On a personal search, 10 bundles containing gold in paste form were recovered, on Monday night. In a separate incident on Tuesday morning, Mohamed Ramzeen (51) of Sri Lanka, and Thajilamin (41) of Ramanathapuram, who arrived from Colombo, were intercepted at the exit of Chennai International Airport. They admitted to have concealed gold paste in rectum, in rubbery spread form. On personal search, seven bundles containing gold in paste form were recovered. In total, six cases, 20 bundles containing gold in paste form were recovered and on extraction, 2.65 kg of gold valued at Rs 1.10 crore was recovered and seized under Customs Act 1962 and three passengers were arrested, the release stated. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 04:48:07|Editor: ZX Video Player Close VILNIUS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The damage caused by a Lithuanian cardboard producer to the Curonian Lagoon might amount to 60 million euros, Lithuania's Minister of Environment Kestutis Mazeika said on Wednesday. Grigeo Klaipeda, a company operating in the Lithuanian Baltic seaport Klaipeda, admitted on Wednesday releasing untreated wastewater into the Curonian Lagoon and promised to search into what caused the incident. "According to the existing laws, the limitation period is five years, therefore the damage can be calculated for up to five years. In case it reaches 12-13 million euros a year, based on the amount (alleged amount of the untreated wastewater), the whole damage might reach around 60 million euros," Mazeika was quoted as saying by local media. In his words, the pollution has been stopped now by the company. On Tuesday, the Lithuanian prosecutors announced that an investigation into the environmental pollution by Grigeo Klaipeda, had been launched. According to the prosecutors, during the law enforcement raid it was discovered that wastewater which forms in a production facility did not enter water treatment equipment but, instead, ran through pipes straight to the Curonian Lagoon. Prosecutors said they believed that the damage was done deliberately, seeking to avoid taxes and other pecuniary losses. Meanwhile, Gintautas Pangonis, president and major shareholder at Lithuanian paper and wood industry group Grigeo, said in a press release published on Wednesday that the company had taken responsibility for the incident and had formed an internal investigation commission. "We are taking all responsibility and we will not flee from it - we will do our best to find out the causes of this incident, eliminate them and prevent this from happening again," Pangonis was quoted as saying in a statement. Back on Tuesday, Pangonis told the local broadcaster LNK that the wastewater could be released into the lagoon due to a "one-time breakdown", not intentionally. Environment Minister Mazeika later accused the head of Grigeo group of "lying" about possible reasons of the incident. The Environmental Protection Department under the Ministry of Environment announced on Wednesday it had launched an unplanned inspection at Grigeo Klaipeda to determine the extent of damage that might have been caused when untreated wastewater spilled into the Curonian Lagoon, news agency Elta reported. (1 euro = 1.11 U.S. dollars) London, Jan 8 : The UK government on Wednesday condemned the Iranian missile strikes on two US military bases in Iraq, where British personnel are also stationed. Speaking to the BBC, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay stressed that all parties in the crisis "need to de-escalate". "It's in no side's interest to see war," he said, adding that Prime Minister Boris Johnson would be updating the House of Commons and would also discuss the situation at a meeting with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday. While Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged Iran not to repeat "reckless and dangerous attacks", a Ministry of Defence spokesman added: "We are urgently working to establish the facts on the ground. Our first priority continues to be the security of British personnel." But Tehran's ambassador to the UK, Hamid Baeidinejad said that the attack was an act of self-defence and the country "does not seek escalation or war". In the early hours of Wednesday, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched the heavy ballistic missile attacks on the Ain al-Asad base near the border with Syria and a US operated airbase in Erbil, in retaliation to the killing of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani in an American drone attack in Baghdad on January 3. Ain al-Asad has a 4 km runway at 188m altitude from sea levels, which is the main and the largest US airbase in Iraq. All flights have been cancelled at Erbil airport. Currently, there are around 400 UK troops stationed in Iraq, primarily to assist Iraqi troops in defeating the Islamic State terror group. On Tuesday, the UK put the Royal Navy and military helicopters on standby in the Gulf amid the rising tensions. The government said non-essential UK personnel had also been moved out of Baghdad. Fire truck stuck after sinkhole opens up under wheel in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A sinkhole ensnared a Kansas City Fire Department rescue truck on its way back from a call today, resulting in a tow and a street shutdown. Multiple trucks responded to a residential fire call at 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 7. Today's reality check on so much taxpayer cash that wasto fix local streets . . . Moreover, pothole season hasn't even started so far this Winter. Take a look: Firefighter Drew (pictured) has slammed what he perceives to be the 'false science' and 'outright lies' that have been put forward on social media about Australia's bushfire crisis A firefighter has slammed what he perceives to be the 'false science' and 'outright lies' that have been put forward on social media about Australia's bushfire crisis. The firefighter, who is named as 'Drew Strnk' on Facebook, made the comments in a long post on the platform while also spelling out what he believes has caused the emergency. While admitting that he was no expert on the 'complex issue', he went on to say that he did not believe climate change was the direct cause of the fires. 'No climate change is not starting fires. Lightening strikes, people, negligence etc.. is starting fires.' In the same breath he conceded that climate change was an undeniable contributing factor and had exacerbated the country's already notoriously dry summer months. 'Yes, climate change is contributing to increasing temperatures and increasing drought severity which is creating worsening fire conditions,' he said. 'Yes, climate change is contributing to a longer fire season.' Fire and Rescue personal run to move their truck as a bushfire burns next to a major road on the outskirts of the town of Bilpin on December 19. Drew said that while there was an undeniable link between climate change and the bushfire emergency, lightening strikes, people and negligence were also to blame He asserted that people should have acted on climate change 'long ago'. 'No one knows exactly how much climate change has contributed to exacerbating the conditions for this year's catastrophic fire season however the best science available and scientific consensus is that there is an undeniable link,' he said. Amid Conservative accusations that Australia's Green Party had worsened the problem by not supporting hazard-reduction burns, Drew denied claims that the Greens had been preventing them from taking place. 'No, the Greens haven't been stopping hazard reduction burns from taking place. We still do them and yes we should absolutely do more of them.' Drew concluded his lengthy Facebook post by urging people to donate to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and state fire services. Drew's Facebook post comes amid fierce debate surrounding hazard-reduction burning, with Conservatives claiming Greens environmental measures prevented them from taking place. Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has spoken extensively about so-called 'green caveats' hampering Australian's ability to fight the fires. NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons (pictured) has slammed Barnaby Joyce's theory that 'green caveats' are helping the blazes to spread Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale has insisted his party supports hazard-reduction burns as a way of preventing bushfires What is controlled burning? Controlled burning is a type of hazard reduction used to prepare for bushfires The low-intensity fires aim to reduce the fuel load (vegetation) on the forest floor This minimises the potential impacts of bushfire on life, property and the environment Advertisement He said red tape - campaigned for by environmental groups - had made it difficult for firefighters to do burn-offs, leaving too much fuel building up in bushland. But the fire chief in charge of the effort to tackle bushfires in the state of NSW, Shane Fitzsimmons, has slammed Barnaby Joyce's theory. He explained that the biggest obstacle to controlled burning was the small window of opportunity they have in which to do it. Mr Fitzsimmons admitted climate change was making this window even smaller, as conditions quickly became too hot and dangerous. Meanwhile Greens leader Richard di Natale has insisted that his party supports hazard-reduction burns. UArizona Health Sciences Center for Innovation in Brain Science leverages big data in an effort to close the gap on cognitive health span, thanks to a $1.6 million grant from the National Institute on Aging TUCSON, Ariz. - A new research project at the University of Arizona Center for Innovation in Brain Science will apply a big-data approach, using bioinformatics and computational modeling, to better understand the systems biology of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. This research will seek to identify patient-specific therapeutic targets and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of drug combinations to treat Alzheimer's disease. Principal investigator Rui Chang, PhD, center member and an associate professor in the Department of Neurology in the College of Medicine - Tucson, has been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health that will allow his team to leverage big data to attempt to close the gap on cognitive decline and healthy aging. The two-year project will screen for small molecules and repurpose FDA-approved investigational and experimental drugs, or drug combinations, for Alzheimer's disease, employing big data to capture the complexity of neurodegenerative diseases, which are driven by an array of factors, including genetics, aging, gender, environment and disease stage. "We're able to go from patients to the single-cell level and use predictive models to integrate data that - thanks to this grant - now allows us to identify and validate key therapeutics in a cell-type specific way across the spectrum of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases," Dr. Chang said. The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's affects 44 million people worldwide, a number expected to increase to 75 million by 2030. Today, no cure exists for a single neurodegenerative disease. "Dr. Chang's work is critical to our quest to cure Alzheimer's disease," said Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD, director of the UArizona Health Sciences Center for Innovation in Brain Science. "His research is leading to a much deeper understanding of the complex biological networks involved in Alzheimer's disease, which ultimately will form the foundation of precision medicine to prevent and treat Alzheimer's." Through this grant, Dr. Chang will consider a variety of genetic and environmental factors associated with health and disease, with further potential of this research to identify potential therapeutic targets required to diminish or prevent Alzheimer's. "Using big data to create precision-medicine approaches to solve the world's most pressing health problems is one of our university's strategic initiatives. This grant is strong demonstration of the university's leadership in paving the way for transformative discovery - and how we are innovating new approaches to intractable diseases like Alzheimer's," said UArizona President Robert C. Robbins, MD. This research is supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health under Award No.: 1R56AG062620-01. ### About the UArizona Center for Innovation in Brain Science (CIBS) The Center for Innovation in Brain Science (CIBS) at the University of Arizona is addressing the challenge that, in the 21st century, there is not a single therapeutic for a single neurodegenerative disease. The CIBS mission is to create innovations in brain science of the future for those who need a cure today. The Center is focused on four age-associated neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). With expertise spanning discovery, translational, regulatory and clinical science, CIBS is shifting the research paradigm as one of the nation's leading research centers, pioneering patient-inspired, data-driven approaches to create cures for Alzheimer's and other neurogenerative diseases. Please find out more about how CIBS is achieving the vision of vibrant brains that last a lifetime. cibs.uahs.arizona.edu. (Follow us: Twitter | Facebook ) About the University of Arizona Health Sciences The University of Arizona Health Sciences is the statewide leader in biomedical research and health professions training. The UArizona Health Sciences includes the Colleges of Medicine (Tucson and Phoenix), Nursing, Pharmacy, and the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, with main campus locations in Tucson and the growing Phoenix Biomedical Campus in downtown Phoenix. From these vantage points, the Health Sciences reaches across the state of Arizona and the greater Southwest to provide cutting-edge health education, research and community outreach services. A major economic engine, the Health Sciences employs nearly 5,000 people, has approximately 900 faculty members and garners $200 million in research grants and contracts annually. For more information: uahs.arizona.edu (Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram) NOTE: Photos and logos available upon request. (Newser) It's what the AP calls "one of the greatest tests" of Donald Trump's presidency: how to respond to Iran's decision to fire ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases where US troops are present. And on Wednesday morning, he took to the airwaves from the White House's Grand Foyer to address the nation on what has transpired since his decision to take out Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Standout lines: "As long as I am president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Good morning." "I'm pleased to inform you the American people should be extremely grateful and happy. No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime." "Iran appears to be standing down; this is a good thing for all parties concerned and for the world." story continues below "For far too long, all the way to 1979 to be exact, nations have tolerated Iran's destructive behavior. Those days are over." "Last week we took action to stop a ruthless terrorist from threatening American lives. As the head of the Quds Force, Soleimani was personally responsible for some of the absolutely worst atrocities. ... He fueled bloody civil wars all across the region. He viciously murdered thousands of US troops ... In recent days he was planning new attacks on American targets but we stopped him. Soleimani's hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood. He should have been terminated long ago." Trump said the US will immediately impose additional sanctions on the regime "until Iran changes its behavior," citing its seizure of ships and the shooting down of US drones. "Today I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process. Over the last three years under my leadership ... America has achieved energy independence ... these are accomplishments nobody thought possible. ... We do not need Middle East oil. ... US armed forces are stronger than ever before ... under construction are many hypersonic missiles ... We do not want to use it. American strength both military and economic is the best deterrent." (Read more President Trump stories.) MIT professor is recognized by the BBVA Foundation for detecting and predicting the intensification of hurricanes as a consequence of global warming The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Climate Change has gone in this twelfth edition to American scientist Kerry Emanuel, "for his fundamental contributions to understanding of tropical cyclones and how they are affected by climate change," according to the committee's citation. Current evidence on these extreme climate events bears out Emanuel's predictions, made in the late 1980s, to the effect that hurricanes would grow in intensity along with the increase in global temperatures. "By understanding the essential physics of atmospheric convection," says the committee, "he has unraveled the behavior of tropical cyclones - hurricanes and typhoons - as our climate changes." His theories, they add, "predict the observed intensification of hurricanes and typhoons with global warming," while his research, "has opened new approaches for assessing risks from weather extremes." For committee chairman Bjorn Stevens, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, "it is hard to imagine an area of climate science where one person's leadership is so incontestable." Kerry Emanuel is a professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Hurricanes rank with earthquakes as the natural events causing most deaths and the heaviest economic losses. But when Emanuel began studying them, the underlying physics was still largely unknown. It was the work he did in the 1980s and 1990s that characterized them as heat engines, "massive, natural machines that convert the heat they extract from the ocean into wind energy," explains Emanuel, whom the committee additionally singles out for his "extraordinary effectiveness in communicating the science of climate change to the public and policy-makers." Besides unraveling the mechanisms of how hurricanes develop, Emanuel was the first to link them with the warming of sea surface waters driven by climate change. His models currently predict a 5% increase in hurricane intensity, i.e., wind speed, for each one degree rise in ocean temperatures. "Three degrees of warming would mean hurricanes 15% more intense, but that would actually triple if we talk about their destructive potential; in other words, with this three percent increase their power to wreak damage would increase by around 45%," remarked Emanuel on the phone yesterday after hearing of the award. "Today's most intense hurricanes may have a wind speed at the surface of 85 meters per second, but by the end of this century, unless we curb greenhouse gas emissions, we could start to see speeds of up to 90-92 meters per second. A hurricane's destructive potential is determined by its wind speed, so in fact the destructiveness of these storms for human populations would be considerably greater." A visionary prediction Emanuel was exploring the link between hurricanes and global warming as early as 1987. In a widely cited paper in Nature he discussed "the changes in tropical cyclone frequency and intensity that might result from short-term man-induced alterations of the climate," hypothesizing that we would likely face a jump in hurricanes' destructive power if climate change could not be reined in. For decades there was no way these predictions could be tested, largely, he admits, due to a lack of reliable data on hurricanes at global level. In recent years, however, satellite observations particularly have brought scientists round to a consensus on the issue. "The weight of evidence supports the hypothesis that higher temperatures ramp up hurricane intensity. Nothing in science is bullet proof, but the models show it, the date are beginning to show it, and we hope to be able to prove it in the next few years as more observations come in." Hurricanes in the Mediterranean Another of Emanuel's predictions increasingly borne out by the data is that hurricanes will spread into more regions of the planet. For the Mediterranean, this will mean the appearance of "medicanes," as they have come to be known; a phenomenon Emanuel studied, alongside researcher Romualdo Romero, during a sabbatical year spent at the University of the Balearic Islands (Mallorca) in 2005. "In some sense we are already seeing the geographical expansion of hurricanes," Emanuel points out. "Regarding the specific effect of climate change on "medicanes," our observations indicate that, in effect, as the Mediterranean warms up, we would expect to see a higher incidence of this type of hurricane. They occur under rather different weather conditions to tropical cyclones, but they're basically the same kind of storm." Not only that, a changing climate means hurricanes will develop more rapidly, becoming faster and more intense. And this, he warns, will complicate the already tough task of making accurate forecasts. In light of these predictions and the escalating risk to humanity, the new laureate does not hesitate to affirm that, right now, the international community "is not doing nearly enough" to combat climate change. "Hurricanes are devastating. It is our responsibility to do everything reasonable that we can to reduce this risk. We need to stop listening to the voices of denial out there, and instead listen to our own children, who are crying out for us to act. To me it is shameful that so little is being done." Bio notes Kerry Emanuel (Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, 1955) holds an SB degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences (1976) and a PhD in Meteorology (1978) both from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After his doctorate, he took up an appointment in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he remained for three years, except for a spell spent filming tornadoes in Oklahoma and Texas. In 1981, he returned to MIT, where he has pursued his research and teaching career for little short of forty years. Since 1987, he has held the post of Cecil & Ida Green Professor of Atmospheric Science in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS). From 1989 to 1997, he headed the EAPS Center for Meteorology and Physical Oceanography, and from 2009 to 2012 chaired the EAPS Program in Atmospheres, Oceans, and Climate. His is co-founder (with Daniel H. Rothman) and currently Co-Director of the MIT Lorenz Center, created in 2010 as a climate think tank which fosters creative approaches to learning how climate works. He has authored more than 200 scientific papers and several books, including Divine Wind: The History and Science of Hurricanes and What We Know about Climate Change. Climate Change committee and evaluation support panel The committee in this category was chaired by Bjorn Stevens, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (Hamburg, Germany), with Carlos M. Duarte, holder of the Tarek Ahmed Juffali Research Chair in Red Sea Ecology at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Thuwal, Saudi Arabia), acting as secretary. Remaining members were Sandrine Bony, Director of Research with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique at Sorbonne University (Paris, France); Miquel Canals, Director of the Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics at the University of Barcelona (Spain); Martin Heimann, Director Emeritus in the Department of Biogeochemical Systems at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (Jena, Germany); Edward Rubin, Alumni Chair Professor of Environmental Engineering and Science at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, United States); and Julie Winkler, Professor of Geography in the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences of Michigan State University (United States). The evaluation support panel of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) was coordinated by M. Victoria Moreno, the Council's Deputy Vice President for Scientific and Technical Areas, and formed by: Santiago Begueria Portugues, tenured scientist at the Aula Dei Experimental School (EEAD); Francisca Martinez Ruiz, research scientist at the Andalusian Earth Sciences Institute (IACT); Angel Ruiz Mantecon, Deputy Coordinator of the Global Life Area and research professor at the Mountain Stockbreeding Institute (IGM); Rafael Simo Martorell, research professor at the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM); and Blas Valero Garces, Deputy Coordinator of the Global Life Area and research professor at the Pyrenean Institute of Ecology (IPE). ### About the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards The BBVA Foundation centers its activity on the promotion of world-class scientific research and cultural creation, and the encouragement of talent. The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards, established in 2008, recognize and reward contributions of singular impact in diverse fields of science, technology, social sciences and the humanities with demonstrated power to significantly expand the frontiers of the known world, opening up new paradigms and knowledge fields. Their eight categories are expressive of the knowledge map of the 21st century, encompassing basic research in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, Biology and Biomedicine, Information and Communication Technologies, Humanities and Social Sciences, Economics, Finance and Management, Ecology and Conservation Biology, Climate Change, and the innovative artistic realm of music. The BBVA Foundation is aided in the evaluation process by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the country's premier public research organization. The Foundation and CSIC jointly appoint the evaluation support panels charged with undertaking an initial assessment of the candidates proposed by numerous institutions across the world and drawing up a reasoned shortlist for the consideration of the award committees. CSIC is also responsible for designating the chair of each committee, formed by eminent authorities in the subject area. Politicians, trade union workers and common people took to streets here on Wednesday to observe the 'Bharat Bandh' call by trade unions and other organisations against the central government. With a 12-point charter of demand, the ten central trade unions including Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Indian Trade Union Congress (INTUC), among others have given the call for the general strike. Speaking to ANI, CPI state secretary K Ramakrishna said: "Thousands of workers and employees are participating in the nationwide strike called by the trade unions. Along with them, other organisations and left parties are actively participating in Bandh. All the protests are being held peacefully here." CPI (M) leader V Srinivasa Rao said: "Today, the entire working class is observing the general strike. Minimum wages is one of their demands. Apart from this, we also protest against the attacks on students in connection with CAA protests. We condemn the attacks on JNU students and other university students across the country." "The citizens are suffering a lot because of the anti-people policies of the Modi government. They are trying to draw a thick line between Hindus and Muslims. Congress will fight against the BJP government. If Congress comes to power, we will give citizenship to all Muslims as we stand with them," Congress leader V Gurunadham told ANI. Urging Home Minister Amit Shah to roll back Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, Muslim leader Riyaz Ahmed said: "By introducing the CAA, Amit Shah tried to create a divide among the people of India on religious grounds. We condemn it and they should roll back CAA. Our strike will continue till Amit Shah takes this step back." The CAA provisions to grant citizenship to non-Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who fled religious persecution and arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) SUZHOU, China, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CStone Pharmaceuticals ("CStone" or the "Company", HKEX: 2616) announced that the first patient has been dosed in the Phase III GEMSTONE-304 study of the Company's anti-PD-L1 antibody CS1001 in combination therapy as first-line treatment in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The GEMSTONE-304 trial is a multicenter clinical study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CS1001 in combination with 5-fluorouracil plus cisplatin (FP) doublet chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of unresectable locally advanced, relapsed, or metastatic ESCC. According to the GLOBOCAN data released in 2018, there are approximately 307,000 new incidences of esophageal cancer and 283,000 cases of esophageal cancer-related deaths in China annually. The incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer are ranked 5th and 4th respectively among all tumor types nationwide. Epidemiological data indicate that 90% of all esophageal cancer cases in China are ESCC, and around 70% of ESCC cases were locally advanced or metastatic at the time of diagnosis. The platinum-based doublet chemotherapy is the current standard of care first-line treatment for patients with advanced ESCC, but it has limited efficacy. Existing data on this first-line treatment for advanced ESCC suggest an objective response rate (ORR) of 35%, a median progression-free survival (PFS) of less than six months, and a median overall survival (OS) of less than one year. There are no alternative treatments for ESCC patients who have failed the first-line treatment. CS1001 is an investigational anti-PD-L1 antibody developed by CStone. Results released at the 2019 Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) Annual Meeting have shown that, as of July 1, 2019, the Phase Ib trial of CS1001 in combination with the FP chemotherapy regimen in first-line treatment of ESCC achieved an ORR of 77.8% with durable response as well as good overall safety and tolerability. "Esophageal cancer is one of the tumor types that are particularly prevalent in China, with over 50% of the world's new esophageal cancer cases and related deaths occurring in the country. Furthermore, the lack of more effective treatments for this patient population has long represented an urgent unmet clinical need," said Dr. Frank Jiang, Chairman and CEO of CStone. "I am glad that we have dosed the first patient in the GEMSTONE-304 trial. I hope CS1001 will continue to demonstrate its clinical promise in its development programs, and soon be proven as a new treatment option for ESCC patients in China." "Early symptoms of esophageal cancer are relatively silent; as a result, esophageal cancer patients are commonly diagnosed at advanced stages for which there are very limited treatment options. Furthermore, no immunotherapy has been approved for the first-line treatment of ESCC. Recent results from the Phase Ib trial of CS1001 have already demonstrated promising preliminary antitumor efficacy in advanced ESCC. We will continue accelerate this Phase III trial with our best effort. Should this clinical program lead to successful outcomes, it will be a major breakthrough for advanced ESCC patients who are in urgent need of effective therapies," noted Dr. Jason Yang, Chief Medical Officer of CStone. About CS1001 CS1001 is an investigational monoclonal antibody directed against PD-L1 being developed by CStone. Authorized by the U.S. based Ligand Corporation, CS1001 is developed by the OMT transgenic animal platform, which can generate fully human antibodies in one step. As a fully human, full-length anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, CS1001 mirrors natural G-type immune globulin 4 (IgG4) human antibody, which can reduce the risk of immunogenicity and potential toxicities in patients, potentially representing a unique advantage over similar drugs. CS1001 has completed a Phase 1 dose-escalation study in China, in which the drug showed good tolerability. During Phase 1a and 1b stages of the study, CS1001 produced sustained clinical benefits in multiple tumor types. CS1001 is being investigated in a number of ongoing clinical trials, including one Phase 1 bridging study in the U.S. In China, its clinical program includes one multi-arm Phase 1b study, two pivotal Phase 2 studies, and four Phase 3 studies for several tumor types. About CStone CStone Pharmaceuticals (HKEX: 2616) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative immuno-oncology and precision medicines to address the unmet medical needs of cancer patients in China and worldwide. Established in 2015, CStone has assembled a world-class management team with extensive experience in innovative drug development, clinical research, and commercialization. The company has built an oncology-focused pipeline of 15 drug candidates with a strategic emphasis on immuno-oncology combination therapies. Currently, 5 late-stage candidates are at pivotal trials. With an experienced team, a rich pipeline, a robust clinical development-driven business model and substantial funding, CStone's vision is to become globally recognized as a leading Chinese biopharmaceutical company by bringing innovative oncology therapies to cancer patients worldwide. For more information about CStone Pharmaceuticals, please visit: www.cstonepharma.com Forward-looking Statement The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. SOURCE CStone Pharmaceuticals Related Links http://www.cstonepharma.com Come March, just one Kmart store is expected to remain in the Lehigh Valley. A spokesman for the stores parent company confirmed Wednesday the Kmart at 801 Male Road in Wind Gap is closing in March. A property listing advertising the sale of the 94,241-square-foot building led to social media chatter this past weekend about the news. Liquidation sales are expected to begin next week, said Larry Costello, a spokesman for Transform Co., the parent of Sears and Kmart. After careful review, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close the Kmart store in Wind Gap, Pennsylvania, Costello said. The areas other remaining Kmart is at 400 N. Best Ave., in Walnutport. Costello said there are no plans to shut down that location. Kmarts closure will bring at least three vacancies to the Wind Gap Plaza, which also has empty storefronts left by Payless ShoeSource and RadioShack. The strip mall currently houses Dollar Tree, Petvalu, Passion Nails, Fine Wines and Good Spirits, Holiday Hair, Advance Auto Parts, Anytime Fitness, Anthonys Pizzeria, Hong Kong restaurant, AT&T and a Giant supermarket. Kmart employees this past Monday said they didnt hear any news of a possible closure. All departments -- ranging from home improvement, pantry and appliances to auto care, household and toys to footwear, outdoor and furniture -- appeared to be well stocked. Kmart announced in August 2019 the discount retail chain would be closing four additional stores in New Jersey and the Wilson Borough location at 320 S. 25th St. in Pennsylvania. By mid-December, the Wilson Borough store was shuttered after a couple months of liquidation sales. Transform Co., the parent of Sears and Kmart, was formed after Sears Holdings declared bankruptcy in October 2018 beneath a reported $11.3 billion in debt. While the company did re-emerge somewhat after the bankruptcy, Transform still announced this past November it would be closing nearly 100 Kmart and Sears stores nationwide by early 2020, businessinsider.com reported. The move to streamline operations included the areas last remaining Sears, an anchor tenant at Whitehall Mall, expected to close sometime next month. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Carlos Ghosn, the former chairman of Nissan, is expected to speak to journalists in Beirut today, more than a week after his dramatic escape from Japan before his trial for alleged financial misconduct. The highly anticipated news conference by Mr Ghosn will be the first public appearance since he smuggled himself from Tokyo to Beirut, landing in the Lebanese capital where he grew up and is regarded by many as a national hero. Dozens of local and international journalists are expected to attend. Lebanese authorities have not made any comments about the news conference and it was not immediately clear whether they intend to summon him for questioning. Expand Close Private security guards at the home of Carlos Ghosn in Beirut (Maya Alleruzzo/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Private security guards at the home of Carlos Ghosn in Beirut (Maya Alleruzzo/AP) Mr Ghosns daring and improbable escape has perplexed and embarrassed Japanese authorities after he skipped bail and managed to flee the country despite supposedly rigorous surveillance. Media reports have said that he left his residence alone, met two men at a Tokyo hotel, and then took a bullet train to Osaka before boarding a private jet hidden inside a case for musical equipment. He flew to Istanbul and was then transferred onto another plane bound for Beirut, where he arrived on December 30. Lebanese authorities have said Mr Ghosn entered the country on a legal passport, casting doubt on the possibility they would hand him over to Japan. Lebanon last week received an Interpol-issued wanted notice a non-binding request to law enforcement agencies worldwide that they locate and provisionally arrest a fugitive. Lebanon and Japan do not have an extradition treaty, and the Interpol notice does not require Lebanon to arrest him. Mr Ghosn, who is Lebanese and also holds French and Brazilian passports, was set to go on trial in Japan in April. In statements, he has said he fled to avoid political persecution by a rigged Japanese justice system. He also said that he alone organised his departure from Japan and that his wife, Carole, played no role. On Tuesday, Tokyo prosecutors obtained an arrest warrant for Carole Ghosn on suspicion of perjury. That charge is not related to his escape. Lebanons justice minister said that Lebanon has not received any request related to that warrant. Japanese justice officials acknowledge that it is unclear whether the Ghosns can be brought back to Japan to face charges. Mr Ghosns former employer, Nissan Motor Corporation, said it was still pursuing legal action against him despite his escape, adding that Mr Ghosn engaged in serious misconduct while leading the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance. He denies all the charges. What if you get stuck on the highway in a storm? Here are some tips System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. 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Ahmad al-Mesmari, a spokesman for General Khalifa Haftar's self-styled forces, said Sirte, which lies some 450 kilometers east of the capital, "has been totally liberated." He said the militia took over the city after an operation that "lasted only three hours." However, airstrikes on government forces near the city had started months earlier. Al-Mesmari said Haftar's forces struck the city from five land and sea positions and had aerial cover, without elaborating. Haftar is backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. The Libyan government did not immediately confirm the fall of Sirte. Since 2014, Libya has been divided between two rival camps: one based in the eastern city of Tobruk, and the other, the internationally-recognized government of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, in the capital, Tripoli. Haftar is the self-proclaimed commander of an array of militia groups apparently supporting the eastern camp. In April, he launched an offensive to capture Tripoli and oust the government, which recently sought help from Turkey. Last Thursday, Turkey's parliament passed a bill allowing the government to deploy troops to Libya. And Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said last Sunday that Turkish soldiers had started deploying in Libya. UN calls for end to foreign interference Meanwhile, Ghassan Salameh, the United Nations (UN)'s special representative for Libya, urged countries to stop interfering in Libyan affairs. He made the call after he briefed the UN Security Council in closed consultations on Monday. "There is enough weapons in Libya, they don't need extra weapons. There are enough mercenaries in Libya, so stop sending mercenaries as is the case right now, with hundreds, probably thousands, coming into the country of late. So, yes, stop all kinds of foreign interference," he told reporters. There have been reports that Turkey has considered sending militants from an allied, anti-government militia group in Syria to Libya to shore up the Libyan government. Libya has been the scene of chaos since 2011, when former dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled from power after an uprising and a NATO military intervention. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Frightening-looking growths are popping up on Alabamas white-tailed deer, and state wildlife officials say they have an explanation for the stomach-turning affliction. The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division acknowledged the issue Tuesday, sharing photos of a buck found southeast of Tuscaloosa with bubble-like clusters on its head, neck and shoulders. The growths are a type of virus known as deer warts, and they can get so big they flop over the eyes of deer, impairing their vision, officials said. Cutaneous fibromas are hairless tumors found on the skin of white-tailed deer, the department posted. And now, for a medical moment: This deer had numerous cutaneous fibromas, or deer warts, on its head and neck. ... Posted by Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 Deer may have only one or two of the fibromas, or the growths can be much more numerous and even occur in clumps. ... Transmission from deer to deer is thought to occur from biting insects and possibly by direct contact with contaminated materials to an abrasion in the skin. State officials didnt say if the condition is more widespread than in years past. But they did say humans and farm animals cant get the virus from deer and the condition is known to clear up, if given enough time. Deer with warts may look icky, but the meat is still fine. Only a large tumor with secondary bacterial infection (i.e., oozing pus) would cause meat to be unfit for human consumption, the state posted. A lot of hunters werent buying that, however. Within hours, sportsmen were sharing their own photos of similarly afflicted deer, one showing an animal with a bed of the growths on its back. Some hunters complained the deer smelled so bad, they were afraid to eat them. Aint no way I could eat that meat, posted Lee Bo Langston on the states Facebook page. Im not shooting something that looks like that, said another commenter. Killed one a few years ago in Russell County with more than this on him. I threw the whole deer away. Something was wrong with it, wrote Wil Blackshear, adding that no other animals would eat the carcass as it sat on his property. No buzzards, coyotes, nothing. It laid there till it rot. Written by The Charlotte Observer and distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. By Trend The Armenian Armed Forces have once again committed a provocation by flagrantly violating ceasefire on the contact line of troops on the Azerbaijan-Armenia state border, Trend reports referring to the press service of Azerbaijans State Border Service. On Jan. 7, at 14:56 (GMT +4), Azerbaijani border guard, soldier Farzali Farzaliyev was killed as a result of sniper shelling in the direction of Gushchu Ayrim village of Azerbaijans Gazakh district. The Chief of the State Border Service, Colonel-General Elchin Guliyev and other senior officials are currently at the site of the incident, and necessary measures are being taken together with the Military Prosecutors Office. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding regions. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Tehran, Iran A stampede broke out Tuesday at the funeral for a top Iranian general slain in a U.S. airstrike, and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession, Iranian news reports said. As the crowds mourned Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, more angry calls rose from Iran to avenge his death, drastically raising tensions in the Middle East. The U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the region's waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. The U.S. Air Force launched a drill with 52 fighter jets in Utah, just days after President Donald Trump threatened to hit 52 sites in Iran. Tuesday's deadly stampede took place in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman as his coffin was being borne through the city in southeastern Iran, said Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran's emergency medical services. There was no information about what set off the crush in the packed streets, and online videos showed only its aftermath: people lying apparently lifeless, their faces covered by clothing, emergency crews performing CPR on the fallen, and onlookers wailing and crying out to God. "Unfortunately as a result of the stampede, some of our compatriots have been injured and some have been killed during the funeral processions," Koulivand said, and state TV quoted him as saying that 56 had died and 213 had been injured. Soleimani's burial was delayed, with no new time given, because of concerns about the huge crowd at the cemetery, the semi-official ISNA news agency said. A procession in Tehran on Monday drew over 1 million people in the Iranian capital, crowding both main avenues and side streets in Tehran. Such mass crowds can prove dangerous. A smaller stampede at the 1989 funeral for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini killed at least eight people and injured hundreds. Hossein Salami, Soleimani's successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard, addressed a crowd of supporters gathered at the coffin in a central square in Kernan. He vowed to avenge Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike Friday near Baghdad's airport. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. "We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about," Salami said. "Death to Israel!" the crowd shouted in response, referring to one of Iran's longtime regional foes. Salami praised Soleimani's work, describing him as essential to backing Palestinian groups, Yemen's Houthi rebels and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. As a martyr, Soleimani represented an even greater threat to Iran's enemies, Salami said. Soleimani will ultimately be laid to rest between the graves of Enayatollah Talebizadeh and Mohammad Hossein Yousef Elahi, two former Guard comrades killed in Iran's 1980s war with Iraq. They died in Operation Dawn 8, in which Soleimani also took part. GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Celebrity artist Jitish Kallat has had several exhibitions overseas over the past five years. He returns to his own city to unveil two of his latest and major new works. Kallat is represented by gallery Nature Morte and his exhibit opens on 10th Janu Image Source: IANS News Celebrity artist Jitish Kallat has had several exhibitions overseas over the past five years. He returns to his own city to unveil two of his latest and major new works. Kallat is represented by gallery Nature Morte and his exhibit opens on 10th Janu Image Source: IANS News Celebrity artist Jitish Kallat has had several exhibitions overseas over the past five years. He returns to his own city to unveil two of his latest and major new works. Kallat is represented by gallery Nature Morte and his exhibit opens on 10th Janu Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Jan 8 : Celebrity artist Jitish Kallat has had several exhibitions overseas over the past five years. He returns to his own city to unveil two of his latest and major new works. Kallat is represented by gallery Nature Morte and his exhibit opens on 10th January during the Mumbai Gallery Weekend. The pieces are open to viewing at Famous Studios until 22nd January. Kallat will unveil 'Covering Letter (Terranum Nuncius),' a multimedia installation inspired by cosmology as well as the art of letters, along with 'Ellipsis' a 60- foot long painting that has been 2 years in the making. 'Covering Letter' will later travel to the Frist Art Museum, Nashville for Jitish's first solo show there. IANSlife brings you this exclusive conversation with Kallat. Read excerpts: This showing took five years in the making, share with us how you feel about the grand reveal. Kallat: While in the last five years I've had several exhibitions overseas it is indeed special to return to one's own city with a new solo project. My last exhibition in India was my mid-career survey exhibition titled 'Here After Here' at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi in 2017, covering twenty-five years of work. In a way I'm pleased that this solo is the unveiling of two of my major new works 'Ellipsis' and 'Covering Letter (Terranum Nuncius)'. I'm sharing these within days of their completion so I'd be internalising them not in the silence of my studio but in the wider public domain. Give us a few details about your experience making the pieces and what motivated you to create them. Kallat: Both these works evolved in their own individual orbits but they've been parallel processes in the studio. I have been very interested in the movement of the Voyager space missions for a while and have followed closely their recent exit from the dominion of the solar system. My interest in these space probes, and the contents of the Golden Record, isn't stemming from technological and scientific perspective but more from a philosophical and symbolic dimension of what they represent. The probes point to a deep human need to expand and explore the distant and the inconceivable, while the contents of the Golden Record reveals the fundamental human need to communicate. The contents of the record convey evidence of our presence on this planet to an unknown, space-faring alien other. The two Voyagers and the Golden Record will most likely outlast us as a species and our planet, as well as our entire solar system. They remind us of our collective mortality and our collective journey on a tiny planet in an obscure corner of an ever expanding universe. I returned back to painting after a gap of close to five years in 2017. While working on specific canvases in 2018, simultaneously I began making marks and gestures on various other canvases. These fragments began to grow slowly, gather momentum and materialise as form, converging as clusters of speculative abstractions. Over the past several months these images slowly began to coalesce into a single painting titled Ellipsis. Emojis have replaced the art of letter writing, how is your work 'Covering Letter (Terranum Nuncius)' relevant today? Kallat: Indeed, we've gone from letters to short messages to emojis. We've also taken the declining path from complexity and detail to over simplification. I've been very interested in the epistolary, the form of the letter and our impulse to communicate. At a time when we find ourselves divided by all kinds of separatist propaganda and ideological differences, the contents of the 'Golden Records' can serve as a meditation of our shared origins and our impending extinction. At a time when we've lost the vocabulary to communicate to the other, someone who may not share our beliefs or worldviews, the contents of the 'Golden Records' reflect a compelling effort to search for a vocabulary to reach out to a distant other, an unknown alien. What can we expect from 'Ellipsis' - a 60- foot long painting that has been 2 years in the making? Kallat: To me Ellipsis has served as a large note-pad, an accordion like panoramic space where I can let forms emerge. The ideas enshrined in the piece have been long standing inquiries but directed through a deeply probing painterly process. I followed the impulses as they emerged from the canvases, letting a mark or a stain direct the course of the next gesture... evocations of the bodily, the botanical, the sub-oceanic and the intergalactic all intermingle and exchange energies. Being a contemporary artist do you feel events like The India Art Fair help popularize South Asian contemporary art? Kallat: Events like India Art Fair become convergence points, around which a lot of activity happens in New Delhi and hence they are very important to the art ecology. While India Art Fair along with other art projects such as the Kochi Biennale and Serendipity have brought art to the wider public who visit these events in large numbers. As an artist do you think social networking sites like Instagram have created a space where you have access to a wider audience? Kallat: I have stayed away from all social medi- Instagram, Twitter, Facebook etc. and my abstinence is only to secure a degree of silence in my creative life. That said I think they are rewiring the neural network of the collective planetary brain. [January 08, 2020] INVESTIGATION REMINDER: The Schall Law Firm Announces it is Investigating Claims Against The We Company a/k/a WeWork and Encourages Investors with Losses to Contact the Firm The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of The We Company a/k/a WeWork ("We Co." or "the Company") for violations of the securities laws. The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. The Wall Street Journal published an article titled "WeWork Employee Options Underwater as Ex-CEO Reaps," on October 23, 2019. The article includes the fact that We Co.'s founder and CEO, Adam Neumann, "stands to receive up to $1.7 billion as part of a deal with SoftBank Group Corp. to step away from office-space startup WeWork." The article continues by stating that the agreement "calls for SoftBank to buy WeWork's private shares from investors and some employees at $19.19 each, a fraction of the $110 a share price reached in January, when WeWork was valued at $47 billion." Bloomberg (News - Alert) reported on November 15, 2019, hat the Company is "drawing scrutiny from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over whether the co-working company violated financial rules in the run-up to its failed initial public offering," and that the SEC's "enforcement division is reviewing WeWork's business and its disclosures to investors." Reuters (News - Alert) reported on November 18, 2019, that the Company is facing an investigation by the New York State Attorney General to determine "whether WeWork's founder and former chief executive, Adam Neumann, indulged in self-dealing to enrich himself." If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 1880 Century Park East, Suite 404, Los Angeles, CA (News - Alert) 90067, at 424-303-1964, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected]. The class in this case has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005722/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta, Vice Chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty and others were confined for six hours in a building of the Visva Bharati in West Bengal on Wednesday as hundreds of Left-leaning students staged a sit-in outside accusing the politician of promoting hatred among communities. The two could finally leave the central university campus at Bolpur in Birbhum district after the students withdrew the sit-in around 10 pm, university sources said. Dasgupta was invited to speak on "The CAA-2019: Understanding and Interpretation" as a part of the Visva Bharati Lecture Series at the Lipika Auditorium of Santiniketan. Following protests by CPI(M) students' wing Students Federation of India (SFI), the venue was shifted to another auditorium of the social work department at Sriniketan, the second but contiguous campus of the Visva-Bharati. However, around 45 minutes after the lecture started, agitating students reached the department, shouted slogans and the programme was disrupted, officials said. "Drama ends in Vishwa Bharati without the confrontation that some protesters desperately wanted," Dasgupta posted on his Twitter handle shortly after the agitating students dispersed. Prof. Sudipta Bhattacharyya, the president of the Visva Bharati University Faculty Association, told PTI that both activists of the SFI and a Naxalite students' organisation dispersed from the place where they had been agitating since 4 pm. "VC Prof Bidyut Chakraborty and left the building where they were confined due to the sit-in by the students at 10 pm. We are happy that the situation did not turn for worse," Bhattacharya said. Earlier, the professor had said: "Dasgupta could not complete the lecture due to protests by students. He is currently inside the social work department at Sriniketan along with the VC. The students were shouting slogans outside. We are trying to persuade them to allow them to leave." In the evening, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya expressed concern over the situation and asked the state government to arrange for the safety of Dasgupta, who was invited by the varsity to deliver a lecture on the contentious citizenship law. "There are nearly 70 people locked inside a room in Vishwa Bharati, Santiniketan, for the crime of attending an official, university-convened lecture by me on CAA. This includes the VC. There is a howling mob outside itching for confrontation," Dasgupta had posted earlier on Twitter. Vijayvargiya warned the ruling TMC that if anything happened to Dasgupta, the consequences would be serious. " has been gheraoed by the goons of the SFI and TMC. He is inside. The police is nowhere to be seen. The life and honour of are very important," the BJP general secretary said in a video message. "I urge (Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee and the state administration to arrange for his safety and security. Otherwise the consequences will be grave," he said in the video that was also retweeted by Dasgupta. Dhankhar said the incident was reflective of the worsening situation of law and order in the state. "Talked to DG Police Virendra Kumar about serious situation of confinement of Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Swapan Dasgupta along with VC Viswa Bharati and many others for several hours, and urged him to take swiftly necessary steps. Such anarchy and failure of law and order is worrisome," he said. "It is of serious concern that Governance is taking a back seat. Time to take a serious look at this," the governor tweeted. The Visva Bharati vice chancellor or its spokesperson Anirban Sarkar could not be contacted for their comments. When Dasgupta reached the Santiniketan campus earlier in the day, students started protesting against him. The varsity''s SFI unit leader Somnath Sau said: "We withdrew the sit-in after talking to our teachers at 9 pm. However, members of a Naxalite student wing refused to budge from the spot. To my knowledge the Naxalite students also withdrew the stir an hour later." The Left students were opposed to allow anyone who "promotes hatred among communities" to spread propaganda on the soil of Visva Bharati, which stands for the ideals of Rabindranath Tagore. Visva Bharati, founded by Tagore in 1921, is now a central university. "We will continue our protests against the BJP and forces of the Hindutva," the SFI leader added. At that time, Dasgupta said in a tweet: "How does it feel to have a mob attack a peaceful meeting on CAA and intimidation students? This is what is happening to a meeting I am addressing at Vishwa Bharati now. Locked into room now with mob outside." Vice Chancellor Chakraborty then informed the agitating students that the lecture series was part of the academic exercise and there should not be any controversy, a senior professor said. However, the students did not pay heed to it. (Alliance News) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plan to negotiate post-Brexit trade arrangements with the EU by the end of this year is unrealistic, making an extension or partial agreement necessary, the European Commission president said on Wednesday. "Without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020, you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnership," Ursula von der Leyen said before holding talks with Johnson in London. "We will have to prioritize," von der Leyen said in a speech at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Von der Leyen was accompanied on Wednesday by the EU's lead Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, in her first official meeting with Johnson since his election victory in December. The two sides "looked at the year ahead [and] negotiating a new partnership," Barnier tweeted after the talks. He said future relations between Brussels and London "will not be as close as now," echoing comments in von der Leyen's speech. "Time is short. A new clock is ticking," Barnier wrote, adding that Brussels will focus on implementing Britain's withdrawal agreement and preparing negotiations on future relations. Von der Leyen said the start of Britain's formal withdrawal from the EU on January 31 will be "a tough and emotional day." She added that London and Brussels will remain "the best of friends and partners" after Brexit. Johnson has insisted that he will not extend the Brexit process again and will negotiate an agreement on future relations with the EU by December 31, just 11 months after "Brexit day." In Zagreb, Croatia's premier backed von der Leyen's assessment of the timetable. "This [Brexit] is clearly an unprecedented situation," said Andrej Plenkovic, the head of the most recent addition to the club of 28 EU states. Plenkovic was speaking ahead of Thursday's opening ceremony for Croatia taking over the EU's rotating presidency, which von der Leyen is scheduled to attend. The EU should "approach negotiations in a realistic manner," Plenkovic said. "That means not to put on a plate too many dossiers that we might not be able to deal with in the adequate time." Sources said Johnson would stress to von der Leyen "the importance of agreeing a confident and positive future relationship" with the bloc by the end of this year. He was also expected to say that negotiations on future relations should be "based on an ambitious FTA [free-trade agreement], not on alignment [with EU rules]," the sources said. According to a draft resolution to be voted on by the European Parliament next week, British concessions on the post-Brexit rights of EU citizens will determine the closeness of the future economic partnership. Free movement of workers is a key part of the EU single market and the parliament wants to maximize the rights of EU citizens after Brexit, David McAllister, chair of the parliament's foreign affairs committee, told reporters in Brussels earlier Wednesday. Britain will have to follow EU rules more closely if it wants greater access to its markets, said McAllister, a member of Germany's Christian Democratic Union. McAllister suggested that Johnson's tight timescale for negotiations could only produce an outline agreement on future relations, and the risk remains that Britain could leave the EU without future arrangements in place at the end of this year. Transitional arrangements will apply until the two sides reach agreement on future relations, so little will change after January 31 as EU rules continue to apply to Britain. By Bill Smith and Ella Joyner, dpa Copyright dpa Iran launched a barrage of missiles at two military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq early Wednesday morning local time, in an operation a top diplomat in Tehran said concluded Tehrans retaliation after the U.S. killed the commander of Irans elite Quds Force Qasem Soleimani on Jan. 3. Soleimani was the Islamic Republics most important figure after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini. U.S. President Trump told reporters Wednesday that there were no casualties. While that presents the Trump Administration an off-ramp from the warpath, a closer look at Irans history of responding to its enemies aggression suggests its too early to say whether this is, in fact, the end of its retaliatory moves. Codenamed Operation Martyr Qasem Soleimani, Irans fusillade of more than a dozen rockets struck Al Asad Air Base in Iraqs Anbar province. Another barrage beginning at about 1:30 am local time hit an airbase in northern Iraqs Erbil. U.S. and European government sources familiar with intelligence assessments told Reuters on Wednesday they believed Iran had deliberately sought to avoid U.S. military casualties. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter, the Republics Foreign Minister Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter soon after the strike. He added that Iran did not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Iran appears to be standing down, Trump said during a short address at the White House on Wednesday morning. He also boasted of the U.S. military strength and said he would immediately impose further sanctions on Iran. But in a Twitter post issued only hours after Zarifs, Irans Supreme Leader Khameini seemed to contradict his foreign minister, casting doubt on whether Irans retaliation has indeed concluded. [The Americans] were slapped last night, but such military actions are not enough, he said. Story continues In past instances where Iran has faced acts of military aggression, Tehran has sometimes declined to respond; at other times, it has retaliated with incredible violence, weeks later and thousands of miles from its borders. Heres how the latest strikes on U.S. air bases in Iraq fit into Irans strategic playbook and what we could expect next. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks from the White House in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 8, 2020. | Win McNameeGetty Images The Hostage Crisis and the Tanker War In 1953, the CIA orchestrated a coup detat to depose Irans democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadeq. The U.S.s first military intervention against the Islamic Republic started just months after the overthrow of the American-backed Shah in 1979, when Islamist revolutionaries stormed the U.S. embassy, taking 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage. In April 1980, the Carter Administration launched a failed military operation called Eagle Claw in a thwarted bid to retrieve the hostages. In 1988, towards the end of the Iran-Iraq war, the U.S. launched its second military intervention in the Islamic Republic: Operation Praying Mantis. In the one-day operation, retaliation after an Iranian mine damaged an American ship, the U.S. Navy destroyed two Iranian surveillance platforms, sank two of their ships, and severely damaged another. Months later, the U.S.S. Vincennes missile cruiser shot down an Iranian airliner, killing all 290 passengers on board in an incident the U.S. characterized as an accident. That neither operation Eagle Claw nor Praying Mantis provoked a military response from Iran was a function of the Republics lack of resources at the time, says Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based think tank that seeks to prevent and resolve deadly conflict. In 1980, the nascent regime was too weak to confront America, and at the end of the Iran-Iraq war in 1988, its forces were too depleted to open a new front. Although the Trump Administrations Maximum Pressure campaign of economic sanctions has placed Tehran under increasing strain, Iran in the 1980s is nothing like Iran in 2020, Vaez says. It is much more confident and much stronger in terms of both conventional military capabilities and the unconventional asymmetric means it has for defending itself. Assassinations and asymmetric warfare Washington has not launched an overt military operation in Iran since the 1980s but U.S. military force directed at both Irans allies and adversaries have at times prompted Tehran to reassess its activities in the region. In 2003, within hours of a U.S. cruise missile strike on a Sunni terrorist group Tehran had aided in Iraq, Iran shuttered the border over which it had supplied the group with arms. It also scrapped efforts to develop a nuclear warhead soon after U.S. troops toppled Saddam Hussain, according to U.S. intelligence agency assessments. But looking at Irans relations with another adversary, Israel, can provide an insight into Tehrans playbook. Israel, which traditionally maintains a policy of silence over its overseas military operations, is widely believed to have conducted a series of assassinations inside the Islamic Republic. It has fought a war against Iranian proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon and clashed with various Iran-allied groups in Syria. In 1992, the Israel Defense Forces killing of Hezbollahs secretary-general Abbas al Moussawi outside his home in Beirut was followed a month later by a suicide attack that killed 29 civilians at the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires. Hezbollah called the bombing revenge for its leaders death. An attack at a nearby Jewish community center two years later killed a further 85 people. Like Hezbollah, Iran has appeared to attack soft targets thousands of miles from its borders. In 2012 Khameini vowed to punish the perpetrators of a hit against an Iranian nuclear chemist, the fourth Iranian nuclear scientist Israel was believed to have assassinated over a two-year span. Amid fears of retaliation in Israel or on U.S. soil, attacks instead took place as far afield as Georgia, India, and Thailandwhere a series of bomb blasts wounded nine Israeli diplomatsand in Bulgaria, where another explosion killed five Israeli tourists, the Wall Street Journal reports. Iran has denied that it perpetrated any of the bombings. Irans global network of proxies and partnersmany cultivated by Soleimanigives it a variety of options to retaliate around the world. Nevertheless, experts note that the kind of terrorist attacks seen in the 1990s and 2000s have become less frequent since the establishment of effective deterrents between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006. Still, Irans policy of using proxies to attack its adversaries will likely endure beyond Soleimanis killing, Ariane Tabatabai, an Iran expert at the RAND Corporation told TIME on Jan 4: Lets not kid ourselves. [Soleimanis death] is not going to be a devastating strategic blow. Irans policy of cultivating non-state actors actually predates Soleimani. That should tell you that there is going to be a lot more continuity than we assume going forward. Maximum Pressure and Maximum Patience At least since President Trump took office in 2017, Irans leadership has believed its regional adversaries are seeking to push Tehran into direct confrontation with the U.S. as a means of curbing its influence in the region, says ICGs Vaez. The Iranian leadership has tried not to play into the hands of its enemies. During the first year of Maximum Pressure, it basically pursued a policy of maximum patience, he tells TIME. Irans carefully calibrated response to Soleimanis killing represents another attempt not to take the bait, demonstrating Iranian resolve while providing the Trump Administration a means of saving face. Still, that does not mean the Tuesday strikes are where Irans retaliation ends. The Iranians might choose the time for doing this in a way that it would minimize the risks for backlash, says Vaez. If the U.S. is bogged down in another confrontation, in another crisis with North Korea, for example, that might be the time Iran would choose to take an eye for an eye. South Korea on Wednesday reported a suspected case of a mysterious pneumonia-like illness that has been spreading in China, the public health and safety agency said. According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), a 36-year-old Chinese woman who had visited the city of Wuhan in Hubei Province showed symptoms of the illness. The patient has been isolated and is undergoing treatment after going into a local hospital on Tuesday. China has been grappling with people who have shown pneumonia-like symptoms such as fever, throat swelling and coughing in recent weeks. "The person is not suffering from any serious ill health," the KCDC said. It said measures have been taken to tighten monitoring of people entering the country. (Yonhap) Carlos Ghosn Fugitive auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn vowed on January 8 to clear his name as he made his first public appearance at a news conference in Beirut since skipping bail in Japan. The former Renault-Nissan boss addressed a large crowd of journalists on his reasons for dodging trial in Japan. Ghosn, who denies any wrongdoing, fled charges of financial misconduct including allegedly under-reporting his compensation to the tune of USD 85 million. Ghosn said he was "presumed guilty" and had "no choice" but to jump bail.He said he had been "ripped" from friends and family when arrested. The 65-year-old businessman, once a giant of the car industry, arrived in his native Lebanon almost two weeks ago, in the latest shock twist to a gripping saga. Ghosn's bail jump has prompted outrage from the Japanese government, which has called his escape "unjustifiable", as well as from Japanese automaker Nissan which labelled the getaway "extremely regrettable". Many were hoping Ghosn would disclose details of his audacious flight from Japan to Beirut via Istanbul -- a dramatic twist in a story worthy of a Hollywood plot. But Ghosn told reporters he was "not here to talk" about how he fled Japan. According to Japanese media, Ghosn slipped out of his house in Tokyo, boarded a bullet train to Osaka and then a private jet to Istanbul, evading customs by hiding in a box, before reaching Beirut on December 30. Ghosn says the charges against him stem from a "coup" inside Nissan by disgruntled executives and Japanese officials who feared his plans to more closely integrate the car giant with its alliance partner, French firm Renault. Nissan has continued to insist it has "incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn". But his legal team in France hit back at those remarks just hours before Ghosn was due to speak. The carmaker's claims that it has conducted a thorough investigation into its former boss is a "gross perversion of the truth", they said in a statement. The probe was "initiated for the specific, pre-determined purpose of taking down Carlos Ghosn," said the lawyers. Earlier Wednesday, private security personnel guarded the pink coloured villa in central Beirut where Ghosn is believed to be residing, an AFP photographer said, as reporters camped outside. Journalists, including several from Japan, watched with bated breath as vehicles -- some with tinted windows -- came and went from the premises. Ghosn's high-profile arrest and his long detention - 130 days in total - under severe conditions were widely considered draconian compared with the West. He twice won bail by persuading the court he was not a flight risk -- decisions seen as controversial at the time. His latest release came with conditions that included a ban on overseas travel and limited contact with his wife, Carole, who insisted this week she had no advance knowledge of the escape plan. Japanese prosecutors are also seeking to arrest her, alleging she "made false statements" during April testimony to the Tokyo district court. As Japan grapples with the fallout from the embarrassing security lapse, prosecutors on Wednesday attempted to raid the offices of one of his lawyers, Junichiro Hironaka, to seize computers. However, the lawyers refused them access, citing "attorney-client confidentiality". Ghosn himself has said he left Japan because he was no longer willing to be "held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system". "I have not fled justice -- I have escaped injustice and political persecution," Ghosn said in a statement on December 31. Lebanon, which has no extradition agreement with Japan, has said Ghosn entered the country legally in possession of a French passport and a Lebanese identification card. The tycoon holds Brazilian, French and Lebanese nationalities. The amended Citizenship Act providing Indian nationality to persecuted minorities from Pakistan among others was an "unfinished business" of the country's independence and partition, BJP leader Baijayant Jay Panda said on Tuesday. The CAA was the "only scheme" that lived up to Mahatma Gandhi's assurance to minorities in Pakistan in 1947 that they will always have shelter in their "original homeland," if given no proper security there, he said. Panda also sought to allay any fears over the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying it was only an "idea" welcomed by many people and that no formal proposal has been made. Speaking to reporters here after attending a pro-CAA rally organised by the BJP's state unit, Panda accused the opposition of lying on the Citizenship Act. "This is one specific scheme which is an unfinished business of our independence and partition. I keep saying that this particular scheme does not prevent others (religions) from applying for (Indian) citizenship." "This is the only one scheme which lives up to Gandhiji's assurance to the minorities of Pakistan in 1947 that if they are not given shelter, security properly in that country they will always be having shelter in their original homeland," Panda, BJP National Vice-President, said. Hitting out at the opposition criticism of CAA, Panda claimed they were lying on the issue. Recalling his visit to Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh earlier on Tuesday, he said he met many from the minority community who had told him the opposition was going about saying their citizenship "will be taken away by the CAA." "This is just plain lie. This has to be pointed out. This is the frustration of the opposition of not being able to take on the BJP, not able to match Modi ji and Amit shah's leadership," he said. This was the opposition's "frustrated reaction after seven or eight months of lot of big decisions in which they have played no part," Panda added. On the exclusion of Sri Lankan Tamils from the ambit of the CAA, he said in the past many people from Sri Lanka have got refuge in India, as did many from Uganda and other countries. However, CAA was aimed at fast tracking (citizenship) for religiously persecuted minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, he said. On the NRC, and fears of 'exclusion,' he said there was no formal announcement on it as of now. "NRC, if and when the formal proposal is made, all the concerns people have will be addressed. Right now NRC is not a formal proposal, it is an idea lot of people support," he said. There were millions of illegal immigrants around the country and there was a demand for NRC, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "clarified" that NRC was not being discussed nor was there a formal proposal, he said. If and when NRC is taken up for discussion, concerns of people will be addressed, he asserted. On the violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, and allegations that ABVP and RSS were involved in it, he urged "the media to report fully and not just bits and parts." Condemning the violence on January 5 in the campus, he however pointed out there was violence prior to that also. "Before January 5 also, there was violence by one section of students preventing other students from registration.They were vandalising university property, beating up staff and students." "This was not getting coverage. It escalated on January 5. There is CCTV footage and people can be identified," he said. Action will be taken against whoever had indulged in violence, he said, adding Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered an inquiry into it. Earlier, the BJP's state unit organised a well-attended pro-CAA rally here, attended by senior state leaders including former union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan. No media source currently available The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Amateur video appeared to capture the final moments of a Ukrainian passenger jet that crashed soon after taking off from Iran's capital, Tehran, on January 8. To the Editor: Re Trump Backs Away From Further Military Conflict With Iran (nytimes.com, Jan. 8): Iran could have reacted two ways to the assassination of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani. It could have bombed the hell out of us, killing hundreds of Americans. That would have forced America to respond in kind, and the end result would have been the feared war that nobody wanted. Or the Iranians could phone in a warning and then lob a bunch of low-rent missiles into an unoccupied part of two Iraqi bases. Obviously, thats the option it chose. The president killed General Suleimani for two reasons: because President Barack Obama wouldnt, and because he knew it would take the emphasis off his impeachment trial and bolster his ratings with his followers. The schoolyard bully poked and prodded a hostile enemy until it responded, then made up a story about pending terrorist attacks and his awesome response to the threat. As a former military member, I cried when I heard about the attacks on our bases. I thought of all those young American men and women who were going to die in the name of Donald Trumps maniacal bravado. Then I realized that Iran didnt target the Americans; it targeted Mr. Trumps ego. And in the process both sides got what they wanted. Iran wont get an ill-fated U.S. attack on its critical infrastructure. Mr. Trump hopes this boosts his chances of getting re-elected by followers who honestly think he saved us from Iranian terrorism. US Doesn't Want to Start a War With Iran But is 'Prepared to Finish One' - Pentagon Chief Esper Sputnik News 21:17 07.01.2020(updated 21:55 07.01.2020) American and Iranian officials have exchanged a series of back and forth threats in recent days in the aftermath of the US assassination of a senior Iranian military commander in Baghdad late last week. The United States is "not looking to start a war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one," US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said Tuesday, speaking to CNN. Justifying the recent US decision to assassinate Revolutionary Guard Quds Force General Qasem Soleimani, Esper said Washington had "persuasive" evidence of Soleimani's alleged malign plans to harm Americans which was "more than razor thin." "The fact of the matter is Soleimani was caught red handed on the ground in Baghdad. One terrorist leader of a terrorist organization meeting with another terrorist leader to synchronize and plan additional attacks on American diplomats, forces or facilities. I think we took the right action to remove these players from the battlefield," Esper said. The second so-called "terrorist leader" the Pentagon chief was referring to was Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the head of the Baghdad-allied Kata'ib Hezbollah Shia militia movement, who was killed along with Soleimani Friday morning after the convoy they were traveling in was targeted by a US Reaper drone. Esper noted that the US would like to see the situation with Iran "de-escalated," and that US officials wants "Tehran to sit down with us and begin a discussion about a better way again." He noted that the US would not withdraw troops from Iraq, and needed to retain its military presence in the country to combat terrorists. Earlier Tuesday, a NATO official told reporters that the alliance would be "temporarily repositioning" some of its troops out of Iraq as a precaution amid the escalating tensions in the country over Soleimani's killing. The move followed reports that German forces were preparing to withdraw some of the troops engaged in training operations, and the suspension of NATO forces' training activities. Iraq's parliament voted to expel US troops out of the country on Sunday. Trump threatened the country with sanctions and said he would not withdraw until Baghdad compensated Washington for US military facilities in the country. Iranian officials threatened to "avenge" Soleimani's death, leading to concerns that the thousands of US civilian administrators and the estimated 5,000 US troops stationed in Iraq could be targeted. Soleimani was killed in the early hours of Friday morning as the motorcade he was in was destroyed in a US strike at Baghdad International Airport. President Trump and the US State Department accused the Quds Force commander of harbouring "imminent" plans to target Americans and US interests. Before his death, Soleimani coordinated Iran's extraterritorial military and intelligence operations for over two decades, and was involved in multiple anti-terrorist campaigns across Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Three people were taken hostage when a minibus was hijacked at Dublin Airport in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The minibus had crossed the border and was detected by the PSNI in Crossmaglen. It then rammed the police patrol to make its escape back across the border. No PSNI officers were injured. Independent.ie understands the shuttle bus belonging to a well-known hotel was stolen from the roadway in front of Terminal 2 around 1am. Two hijackers locked the doors, effectively trapping the passengers already on board, and took off in the direction of the M1 motorway. A source said the traumatised passengers were eventually allowed out near Julianstown, Co Meath, a 30-minute drive away. The hijacker demanded money from the victims before they left the minibus. None were harmed. They thieves then continued north through Dundalk and across the border into Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) were alerted to the situation but it is believed the vehicle then diverted back into county Monaghan. A major garda operation, involving the air support and the armed Emergency Response Unit, swung into operation. It is understood the bus was crashed but the two men escaped on foot and stole a car. Gardai gave chase and two suspects were apprehended. In a statement to Independent.ie, PSNI confirmed that they "received a report from our colleagues in An Garda Siochana that a stolen transit van had been tracked crossing the border". "Officers observed the vehicle in Crossmaglen Square, and upon police entering the car park the transit van collided with the police vehicle causing damage to the front of the car," a spokesperson said. "The transit van then made off from the area and re-crossed the border. "The PSNI officers were not injured during the incident." Two men were later arrested by Gardai. A Garda spokesman said the two occupants of the minibus fled on foot before taking possession of a parked car, which was intercepted by officers close to Castleblayney a short time later. Two men, aged in their 30s, are being questioned at Carrickmacross Garda Station. Gippsland businesses fear tourist spending could go down by almost a third, despite catastrophic fires burning hundreds of kilometres away from some parts of the region. Justin Hales, the CEO of caravan hire website Camplify, says over the last month the level of online interest from its users for Gippsland has plummeted 30 per cent compared to usual for what is normally the middle of peak season. Camplify chief executive Justin Hales says interest in Gippsland as a tourist destination has plummeted. It's a steep drop for the operator, which is essentially an Airbnb for campervans, caravans and motorhomes. Other areas of Australia have seen a 25 per cent jump in online interest across Camplify in the last 30 days. Iran on Wednesday launched multiple rockets at US' Al Asad airbase, days after Washington assassinated Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Iran's semi-official news agency Fars News Agency tweeted a purported video of missiles firing and said "Start of Iran's vengeful US retaliation / Moment of Iranian missile firing at US base in Ain al-Assad." CNN News quoted a senior official confirming that the base, which houses US forces, had been targeted by a missile attack. Earlier on Friday, the United States on Friday carried out a fatal strike against Soleimani in Baghdad. Iran has vowed to take the "harshest revenge" against Washington. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has threatened that his country will hit 52 Iranian sites if Tehran dares to take any action against the "preemptive" strike. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Women who fail to have adequate check-ups during pregnancy are more likely to be suffering physical violence at the hands of their partners. The study also found that pregnant women who fail to attend regular hospital check-ups during pregnancy are more likely to be suffering physical violence at the hands of their partners. The research, published by the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, analysed a cohort of 779 women whose pregnancies were being monitored across 15 public hospitals in Andalusia. The authors used a validated international screening tool, the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA), to detect cases of physical and psychological violence perpetrated by the woman's partner during pregnancy. Such cases were identified under the strictest conditions of anonymity and confidentiality. The data were collected by midwives who had previously been trained to detect signs of gender violence. The results of the study revealed that 9.8% of pregnant women in Andalusia fail to have sufficient check-ups during pregnancy--that is, the number of hospital or health-centre antenatal appointments they attend is lower than recommended. Stella Martin de las Heras, Professor of Legal and Forensic Medicine at the UGR and lead author of this study, explains: "The detection of gender violence during pregnancy is crucial, because it can affect both the mother's health and that of the new-born. In addition, inadequate pregnancy check-ups can put the health of the mother and the foetus at risk." As the role of the healthcare professionals dealing directly with pregnant women is critical, "they must be alert to any warning signs." ### This study was funded via a research project under Spain's National R&D and Innovation Plan (FEM2016-79049-R). Led by Professor Martin de las Heras, the work formed part of the doctoral thesis of Casilda Velasco Juez. Also participating was Professor Khalid S. Khan, director of the Women's Health Research Unit, Queen Mary University of London. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Norman Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 16:25 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32161c93 1 Business PLN,PJB-Pembangkitan-Jawa-Bali,solar-power-plant,Cirata,West-Java,renewable-energy,electricity,UAE Free State electricity company PLNs unit Pembangkitan Jawa Bali (PJB) is looking to begin construction of the $129 million Cirata floating solar power plant in West Java next year with support from Abu Dhabi-based renewables firm Masdar. The companies will kick off development of the 145 megawatt (MW) Cirata floating solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant next week, when PLN signs a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Masdar, said PLN strategic procurement 1 director Sripeni Inten Cahyani. After signing the PPA, we aim to reach a financial close within a year. So by early 2021, we can begin construction, Sripeni told reporters on Tuesday. Once fully operational at 145 MW, Cirata will be Indonesias largest solar power plant, taking over the title from the existing 15 MW Likupang plant in North Sulawesi. The project will help boost renewable energy development in Indonesia, which is high on the agenda of the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry. Indonesia has set a target to have renewable energy account for 23 percent of the countrys energy mix, while the Indonesian Renewable Energy Society (METI) estimates that renewable energy will contribute around 9 percent to the energy mix in 2019. In its first stage of development, the Cirata plant will have a capacity of 50 MW, Sripeni said. PJB aims to increase the capacity to 145 MW by 2022. She also said PLN would pay 5.8 US cents per kilowatt hour (kwH) of the plants electricity. PLN and Masdar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the Cirata plant in 2017. Initially the plant had an estimated potential of 200 MW and a valuation of $300 million. However, PLN had to revise the MoU after the government abruptly changed a regulation over the appointment of power plant developers. BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has signed a State Council decree to publish a regulation on guaranteeing payments of wages to rural migrant workers, which will go into effect on May 1. To ensure that rural migrant workers get their wages on time and in full, the regulation has clauses on clarifying the responsibilities of employers and related government departments, detailing rules for special areas and strengthening supervision. The regulation said wages for rural migrant workers should be paid with bank transfers or cash, not in other forms such as physical goods or securities. Government-funded projects must be given sufficient funding and should not be funded in advance by contractors, and government officials in regions with serious wage arrears will be punished. The regulation also ordered government departments to beef up regulation, including setting up credit archives for employers and formulating a unified punishment system for those who default on migrant workers' wages. Experts: North Korea Can Use Iran to Justify Nuclear Deterrent Strategy 2020-01-07 -- North Korea experts say that Pyongyang will likely try to use the tension between the U.S. and Iran to justify a strengthening of its nuclear deterrence, in the wake of the U.S. drone-strike-assassination of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani. Two days after the drone strike, North Korea condemned the attack through state-run media. Thae Yong-ho, the former deputy ambassador of North Korea to the United Kingdom who famously defected with his family to South Korea in 2016, wrote on his personal website that Pyongyang is worried that word of the drone attack will spread among its people. Thae also criticized North Korea for what he said was a distortion of facts, saying the North had claimed "the Middle East will be a grave for the U.S." and that "pro-U.S. countries are putting the U.S. in a tough situation by remaining passive as Washington asks them to send troops." He also said that Kim Jong Un, was greatly surprised by the attack and the assassination in Iraq might now cement his convictions that only nuclear weapons will protect him. Cho Hanbum of the Korea Institute for National Unification told RFA's Korean Service the assassination actually puts North Korea in a hard place. Cho said that in the wake of the drone assassination, which has been widely seen as a preemptive strike, if North Korea starts its usual provocations, the U.S. will now have no choice but to take a hardline stance, and even North Korea's allies, China and Russia, will not be able to side with Pyongyang. Cho believes North Korea will instead focus on gaining an upper hand in denuclearization and sanctions relief negotiations with the U.S. rather than threatening provocations. But Cho's colleague Hong Min, the director of the institute's North Korea Research Division, said that the North could instead use the drone-strike as an excuse to launch provocations. Hong said that North Korea has declared a long-term war with U.S. under a so-called "frontal breakthrough" strategy, but it has not abandoned negotiations. He added that the U.S. would be displeased to see Pyongyang disrupt those negotiations. "North Korea may hope internally that the US will quickly organize its internal issues and focus on negotiations with the North," said Hong, adding "[but] due to the Iranian situation [that will likely] be put on the back burner." "So, North Korea may increase its level of provocation early so that the U.S. must focus on negotiations," said Hong. Hong added that if not for the drone-attack, North Korea would begin low-intensity provocations in late February or early March, when the annual U.S.-South Korean joint military exercises are in full swing. However, Hong said, now it is possible that North Korea could try to draw U.S. attention by unveiling its strategic weapons at an earlier date. U.S.-based experts weigh in Several U.S.-based experts also told RFA that the drone-strike would embolden North Korea's resolve to hold on to its nuclear program. "The U.S. action reinforces North Korea's decades-old paranoia about Washington's intentions for Pyongyang and bolsters the regime's narrative of a 'hostile' United States," said Jung H. Pak, from the Brookings Institution's Center for East Asia Policy Studies. "The killing of Iran's top general does not fundamentally affect the [North Korean] regime's strategic objectives or its methods, and if anything, further legitimizes Kim's decision to refuse to 'bargain' away the nuclear weapons," said Pak. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute said the drone-attack affects North Korea in two major ways. "On the one hand, Pyongyang is reminded that it is vulnerable and should refrain from lethal uses of force," said Cronin. "On the other hand, North Korea will continue to build up its nuclear arsenal to deter potential regime-change attacks," he said. Government encourages citizens' self-reliance to overcome sanctions Meanwhile in North Korea, authorities are forcing citizens to attend ideological education sessions where they are told to bear the difficulties of living under international sanctions using self-reliance. The sessions began after the Korean Workers' Party held a plenary meeting to decide the best way to deal with the sanctions, which are aimed at depriving North Korea of foreign cash and resources that could be funneled into its nuclear program. "These days, they are conducting these ideological sessions at every factory and women's organization," said a resident of North Pyongan in an interview with RFA's Korean Service Sunday. "The core idea of the party's plenary meeting was that people should persevere through economic sanctions with the power of self-reliance," said the source. But the source said the people are scoffing at the idea. "[They say] if they just sit there and believe what the Central Committee is saying, they might starve to death, so they have to save dollars on their own," the source said. "They say they don't believe in Kim Jong Un. They believe in hundred dollar bills, so they are saying that if they have dollars, they can overcome any hardship," the source said. Another source, also from North Pyongan, told RFA, "There is a saying circulating among residents that 'even a Kisaeng must work the farmland with her hoe'." Kisaeng were women trained to be courtesans for upper-class men during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) and earlier. The saying means the economic situation is so bad that even those who cater to the wealthy struggle to survive. The second source explained the saying in the current context, saying, "If government officials or rich people don't make enough money because of sanctions, women who live off of them will have to work hard and suffer a lot." The second source said that the education sessions indicate to the people that sanctions will not likely be ending soon. "The more that this type of ideological education is emphasized, the more people realize that the confrontation between North Korea and the U.S. will be prolonged, and the U.N. economic sanctions will not be easily lifted," said the second source. "If we give up nuclear weapons and missiles, foreign economic aid, including from South Korea, will begin on a large scale, so there is a lot of resentment and criticism about how the party is handling the situation." Reported by Seungwook Hong, Hyemin Son and Sangmin Lee for RFA's Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong. Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The new trailer has dropped for a Netflix reality series nobody really asked for and as it turns out, "the goop lab with Gwyneth Paltrow" might be just as paradoxical as the lifestyle brand itself. As the teaser opens, the actress incredulously wonders aloud, "What the fare you doing to people?" Seated on a bubblegum pink sofa next to Goops chief content officer, Elise Loehnen, shes apparently shocked by a sex therapists concept of orgasm workshops designed for women. Yet, seconds later, she asks, "How can we really milk the s out of this?" The six-episode season, slated for release on Jan. 24, follows Paltrow and her team as they guide a group of women through a trial series of spiritual health and wellness trends. Armed with the ideology of "leading with curiosity and keeping it real," no pseudoscience stone is left unturned. Gimmicky fads like energy healing and cold therapy meld with experimental exorcisms and psychic consultations, and mind-altering psychedelics are used as a form of mental health treatment. "I went through years of therapy in about five hours," one woman claims. Her words are intercut with shots of her laying on a yoga mat and sobbing, kind of reminding me of Penn Badgleys epiphany-inducing acupuncture session in the second season of "You." In another clip, Paltrow cheerily asks the women if theyre ready to "make a ruckus" before theyre eventually seen marching through the snow in a single-file line wearing nothing but bathrobes. MORE: New SF Goop store offers vampire repellent, anti-pollution drops Not everyone has fallen under the snake oil spell, however. Since the trailer was released Monday afternoon, some say they have even gone as far as to cancel their Netflix subscriptions in protest. "Search on Netflix and downvote in the ratings idk if it will keep it from ever showing up, but it might?" suggested one Twitter user when another begged to know how they could adjust their settings on the streaming platform in order to "NEVER SEE THIS GARBAGE." Many were angered by the title's inclusion of the word "lab," while others pleaded for renewals of "The OA" or "Anne with an E" instead. Its worth noting here: Paltrow is fully aware of what shes doing. In a 2018 New York Times Magazine profile, she referred to her dubious wares and their consequent clickbait as "cultural firestorms," telling a classroom of Harvard Business School students she knew how to "monetize those eyeballs." The promotional poster for the series also appears to be pretty tongue-in-cheek. "Reach new depths," its tagline reads, while a grinning Paltrow poses in front of what can only be described as a tessellation of vaginas (perhaps a nod to the jade egg controversy that cost her company $145,000). The release of the trailer coincided with Goops launch in Sephora stores nationwide. Products like Sex Dust and Balls in the Air Vitamins can now be purchased online. Amanda Bartlett is an SFGATE associate digital reporter. Email: amanda.bartlett@sfgate.com | Twitter: @byabartlett Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 09:47:54|Editor: ZX Video Player Close Photo taken on Jan. 7, 2020 shows the White House in Washington D.C., the United States. Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday that Iran had launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. "At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq," the Pentagon said in a statement. "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad & Irbil," the statement added. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that Iran planned to attack the U.S. forces and interests in the region, the statement noted. The Pentagon also pointed out that it would take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region. The White House said earlier that it had noticed the reports of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq, saying that President Donald Trump is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. The missile attack came hours after Trump's latest warning to Iran earlier in the same day. "If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly," Trump told reporters in the White House. Qassem Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad airport on Friday, raising fears of an uncontrolled escalation in the region. Commander of the IRGC Hossein Salami warned the United States on Tuesday that Iran would take "severe revenge" over its assassination of Soleimani. Evin Lewis steered the West Indies to a five-wicket one-day international victory over Ireland in Bridgetown. The hosts take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series courtesy of a comfortable win with more than 16 overs to spare as opener Lewis finished unbeaten on a run-a-ball 99. Captain Andy Balbirnie was soon made to regret his call to bat first as the tourists slumped to 88 for six before being dismissed for 180. Alzarri Joseph was the pick of the West Indian attack, claiming the scalps of openers Paul Stirling and Gareth Delany on his way to figures of four for 32. Lewis was the mainstay of the West Indies replay as wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end but they still eased home with 100 balls to spare. Lewis struck two sixes and 13 fours in his knock and just missed out on a third ODI century as the winning boundary dropped inches short of the ropes. WASHINGTON - Sen. Elizabeth Warren is promising to remake the nations consumer bankruptcy system if elected president, returning to her political roots while also potentially picking a fight with a top rival for the Democratic nomination, former Vice-President Joe Biden. The Massachusetts senator on Tuesday unveiled a plan she said would make the process of declaring bankruptcy easier and cheaper for many Americans with debts they cant pay. It also would largely undo a 2005 law that was backed by Biden and financial industry interests with a lot of political clout in his home state of Delaware. Warren, then a bankruptcy expert and professor at Harvard Law School, clashed with then-Sen. Biden while the law was being debated in Congress a dust-up she referenced in announcing her new plan. By making it harder for people to discharge their debts and keep current on their house payments, the 2005 bill made the 2008 financial crisis significantly worse: experts found that the bill caused about 800,000 additional mortgage defaults and 250,000 additional foreclosures, Warren wrote in an online post. And despite the claims from the industry and their allies in Congress that the 2005 bill would reduce credit card costs across the board for consumers, the cost of credit card debt went up too. I lost that fight in 2005, and working families paid the price, she added. Its a sign that Warren is seeking to shift focus to domestic policies that have made her the candidate who has a plan for top issues at a time when the 2020 campaign could be consumed by rising U.S. tensions with Iran. Thats potentially a strength for Biden, given his experience with foreign policy in the Senate and the Obama administration. Biden spoke Tuesday in New York about President Donald Trumps decision to approve an airstrike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. His remarks follow several days of campaigning in which he seemed uncertain of how much to highlight his foreign policy resume. Warren has also talked about Iran, calling Soleimanis killing an assassination. But Tuesdays plan is especially close to her heart. As a law professor at the University of Texas, she studied bankruptcy cases nationwide and concluded that, rather than overspending, many people declaring bankruptcy were doing so because the economy forced them to take on more debt and more risk to cling to their place in Americas middle class. And that meant one bad break could send them tumbling over the edge. Her extensive study of and writings on bankruptcy made her an expert on the subject when she moved to the faculty of Harvard Law School and helped prompt a fight with Biden, seven years before Warren was elected to the Senate. During a Senate hearing in 2005, Warren and Biden went back-and-forth, with Biden mentioning credit card companies and saying the problem was not with a bankruptcy proposal that eventually would became law but with borrowing rules. Warren responded, You cant take away the last shred of protection for these families, which prompted Biden to concede, Youre very good, professor. Now that Warren is saying she wants to roll back many of those provisions, some of her supporters see a showdown coming. When thinking about electability, it would be complete malpractice to nominate someone who conspired in backrooms for years with credit card lobbyists and voted for every corporate bankruptcy bill, Wall Street deregulation, and trade deal that voters hate, Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, said in a statement. Biden would ironically cede the outsider mantle to a corrupt incumbent president. Bidens campaign on Tuesday pointed to a statement that spokesperson Andrew Bates previously released on the 2005 law, saying the then-senator fought for and won important concessions for middle class families in it. Warren has feuded for weeks with another candidate bunched with her and Biden for Democratic primary front-runner status: former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Sharpening her rhetoric against Biden would put Warren more in line with a fellow White House hopeful competing for the Democratic Partys left flank, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. He has for months criticized the former vice-president, including saying Monday on CNN that Biden once wanted to cut Social Security and Medicare while in the Senate. Warren says her plan will also end the absurd rules that make it nearly impossible to discharge student loan debt in bankruptcy and allow for many of those doing so to keep their homes and cars so they can start from a firm foundation when they start to pick up the pieces and rebuild their financial lives. She also said shed work to address shameful racial and gender disparities in the current system. ___ Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, Ground Game. WILTON Michael Powers has filed an appeal following dismissal of his lawsuit against the town of Wilton and Board of Selectmen. In his appeal filed with Stamford Superior Court, Powers claims the judge who granted the defendants motion to dismiss the case, did so on the merits of the case, and not on any issue raised in the motion to dismiss itself. Powers lawsuit was filed on Sept 29, 2019, when he was a petitioning candidate for first selectman. He alleged the Board of Selectmen did not, on a number of occasions, follow Roberts Rules of Order for making a motion and thus those motions were null and void. Over the next several months, a number of motions were made by both sides, including a motion to dismiss the case made by the defendant, town of Wilton and Board of Selectmen. At a hearing on Dec. 16, 2019, Judge David R. Tobin granted the defendants motion to dismiss from the bench, without adjourning to formulate a decision. At a Board of Selectmens meeting later that night, First Selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice commented on the dismissal, saying, It speaks to the absolute lack of merit in the allegations in the lawsuit. She said the town was forced to pay taxpayer dollars on its defense for what she deemed a frivolous suit. She estimated the towns legal costs were approximately $10,000. Dollars that we might have otherwise spent on a more worthwhile purpose, she said. Discussing his appeal, Powers told the Bulletin he believed the judge dismissed the case on substantive issues when it should have been decided on procedural issues. With the dismissal being done from the bench, Powers was also critical of the lack of a written decision with explanations as to the dismissal. As to the costs the town has incurred for defending the lawsuit, Powers said the expense is de minimis considering the towns multi-million dollar budget and having officials act in the manner they are supposed to exceeds the money spent on the suit. Commenting on the appeal, Vanderslice said, It is unfortunate and frustrating that the town must continue to waste tax dollars on this frivolous lawsuit. Editors Note: This story was updated to include the first selectwomans comment about the appeal. pgay@wiltonbulletin.com COLUMBUS, OhioLast month, Gov. Mike DeWine announced plans to dramatically speed up Ohios process for granting pardons to inmates who have served their time. DeWines Expedited Pardon Project is designed not to release people from prison, but rather to offer those who have already served their time (in the governors words) a second chance to reach their full potential. How does DeWines new process compare to other criminal justice initiatives? And how will this affect people with criminal records? Here are some answers. How is DeWine changing the pardon process? The states existing pardon process will continue to operate as normal. The new Expedited Pardon Project will serve as a sort of express lane for a very specific subset of pardon seekers who meet a long list of criteria, including that they have to have been out of prison or jail for at least 10 years, not be convicted of any number of disqualifying violent and/or sex-related crimes, and have a clean record -- other than minor traffic tickets -- since their release. It usually takes years to be granted a pardon in Ohio; this new project seeks to lower that wait time to as little as six months for those who are eligible, according to DeWine. People convicted of both felonies and misdemeanors (except the violent or sex crimes mentioned above) are eligible to apply for an expedited pardon. They arent guaranteed to receive one, though they can still seek a pardon using the normal (but slower) process. Whats the idea behind it? Even though theyve served their sentences, many Ohioans criminal records bar them from securing employment, housing, or other things needed to move ahead with their lives. This new program, DeWine says, is intended to help them cross that hurdle without having to wait a prohibitively long time. What is a pardon? Is it an acknowledgment that a person was wrongfully convicted and did not commit the crime? A pardon is an act of grace or forgiveness" granted by the governor to relieve people of some or all of the ramifications of their punishment for a crime, according to the states prisons agency. It does not say that the recipient didnt commit the crime, nor does it erase his or her conviction. How is a pardon different from an expungement? How about a commutation, reprieve, or clemency? An expungement is when a judge effectively erases a crime from peoples criminal record, as if their conviction never happened: their court file is destroyed, and all references to their conviction are deleted. Thats not the case with pardons, which forgive but still acknowledge crimes. Clemency is the overarching term for the three types of powers the governor has to affect a convicts sentence: pardons, commutations, and reprieves. A commutation reduces, but doesnt eliminate, the penalty for a crime one example is to let an inmate out of prison early. A reprieve postpones the time when a punishment is carried out (they are most notably issued to reschedule execution dates). How frequently are pardons granted in Ohio? Not often. As DeWine approaches his one-year anniversary in the governors office, he has granted only one pardon out of the more than 400 clemency requests on his desk, according to data provided by the governors office. He has denied 16 requests so far. DeWines predecessor, John Kasich, was more liberal when it came to issuing pardons. During his eight years in office, he approved 159 pardons and rejected 1,484 requests, according to the states prisons agency. Does a pardon automatically seal someones record? It does in some states, but not in Ohio. Those who receive a pardon in the Buckeye State still have to ask a court to expunge or seal their record. Will this result in more pardons? It might, but probably not by a lot. DeWine and his administration admit they dont know how many people are eligible for the streamlined pardon process, though its strict eligibility requirements mean only a limited number of people can apply for it. The governor has also indicated he wont be very generous with handing out pardons, saying the vast majority of pardon applicants havent reformed their lives to the point that theyve earned clemency. Read previous stories: Trump in Ohio: A timeline of his presidential visits Baldwin Wallace expands polling to get pulse of presidential race in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin Gov. Mike DeWine visits East Cleveland intersection where woman died crossing the street Federal investigators subpoena campaign spending records for Newburgh Heights mayor Donald Trump wont face a primary challenge in Ohio; 11 Dems qualify for ballot India is likely to import more palm oil from Indonesia amid the government's informal advisory to refiners not to buy the commodity from Malaysia following its remarks on the new citizenship law and Kashmir issue, according to government and industry sources. On Monday, the commerce ministry held a detailed meeting with edible oil industry stakeholders and asked them informally to avoid purchase of Malaysian palm oil, a government source said. India, the world's largest importer of vegetable oils, buys nearly 15 million tonne annually. Of this, palm oil comprises 9 million tonne and the rest 6 million tonne is soyabean oil and sunflower oil. "We import 30 per cent of the palm oils from Malaysia, while 70 per cent from Indonesia. Our refiners can import from Indonesia which produces much higher than Malaysia," the source said. Indonesia and Malaysia are the two countries which supply palm oils. There would not be any extra cost to import from Indonesia as the product and price is same, the source added. Malaysia produces 19 million tonne of palm oil in a year, while Indonesia produces 43 million tonne, the trade data showed. "It does not make any difference for refiners to import palm oils from Indonesia when the product and the prices are same. Why would refiners take risk when the government has informally asked us not to buy," an industry source said. Instead of palm oils, India can think of increasing import of soyabean and sunflower oils to boost the domestic supply, the source added. On December 20, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad had reportedly said,"I am sorry to see that India, which claims to be a secular state, is now taking action to deprive some Muslims of their citizenship." "If we do that here, you know what will happen. There will be chaos, there will be instability and everyone will suffer," he said. Earlier, Mahathir had said in the UN General Assembly that India had invaded and occupied Kashmir. A drone is used to survey a corn research field in College Station, Texas, on May 23, 2018. (Reuters/Adrees Latif) Feds, Colorado Investigate Mysterious Suspected Drone Sightings FORT MORGAN, Colo.Groups of what may appear to be drones have been spotted buzzing over rural parts of northeastern Colorado and western Nebraska for weeks, unnerving residents. Now, U.S. officials are working with state and local authorities to determine who is behind the mysterious nighttime flights. Morgan County Sheriff David Martin hosted a closed-door meeting with law enforcement agencies and government officials Monday to talk about the recent sightings. The suspected drones reportedly have 6-foot (2-meter) wingspans and fly in grid-like patterns hundreds of feet in the air in groups of six to 10. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Air Force and the U.S. Army Forces Command have said they do not have information about the aircraft. We take every drone-sighting report seriously, the FAA said in a statement after Mondays meeting. Multiple FAA divisions are working closely with federal, state and local stakeholders to try to determine whether the reported sightings in Colorado and Nebraska are drones and, if so, who is operating them and for what reason. The FAA said it has contacted drone test site operators and drone companies but has not determined if they were behind the flights. The agency also has been in touch with several airports in the area, warning pilots to be cautious and asking them to report any sightings. Meanwhile, the Phillips County Sheriffs Office in northeastern Colorado posted on Facebook that a task force has been organized and is asking the public to be on the lookout for a command vehicle that is operating the suspected drones. The vehicle could be a closed box trailer with antennas or a large van that seems out of place, the post said. Sheriffs officials say it appears that no laws are being broken. Drone pilots are not required to file flight plans unless they are in controlled airspace, such as near an airport. Phillips County Sheriff Thomas Elliott told The Denver Post in December that the suspected drones remain about 200 to 300 feet (61 to 91 meters) in the air and fly steadily in square patterns of about 25 miles (40 kilometers). Theyve been doing a grid search, a grid pattern, he said. They fly one square and then they fly another square. Authorities in several Colorado counties have been getting calls about the devices. In central Nebraska, officials in three counties were investigating multiple reports of suspected drones flying overhead Sunday night. Martin, the sheriff in Morgan County, Colorado, did not respond to a request seeking comment about the meeting. Deepika Padukone has been out and about for the promotions of Chhapaak. And she recently made headlines when she made her way to Jawaharlal Nehru University to join students who were protesting against the recent violence on campus on Tuesday evening. JNU student leaders had been assaulted by masked goons on Sunday evening. She received support from most of Bollywoods film fraternity but a lot of criticism from some Bharatiya Janata Party leaders including one who suggested that people boycott her movies. Also read: Celebrity footballer Cristiano Ronaldos latest arm candy costs as much as a flat in Mumbai Deepika Padukone was the first celebrity to make an appearance at the JNU protest, and she was lauded for making such a big gesture by showing solidarity with the students even though her film, Chhapaak, is set to release in two days. In fact, she also made the headlines when she dressed as Malti, the character modelled after acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, and took to the streets of Mumbai. Deepika was trying to raise awareness about how people treat acid attack survivors and victims in public spaces. While Deepika is quite the philanthropist, she has also been in the news for her bold and revolutionary fashion choices, not too long ago the actor sported an all-leather look, and we have to say nobody would look as good as Deepika did in that outfit. Deepikas Proenza Schouler black leather top, and WE11DONE Official black leather pants were paired with pumps from Christian Louboutin. But we hadnt seen Nora Fatehis look, the dancer who has been promoting Street Dancer 3 along with Varun Dhawan. Noras Basque.in all-leather outfit was pretty good, even her matching black leather shoes looked great. She paired her outfit with a classic Burberry trench coat which costs around Rs 1.4 lakhs and a statement Petite Boite Chapeau Louis Vuitton bag, which costs a whopping USD 4,200, which is about Rs 3,00,000. In fact Noras Street Dancer 3 co-star Shraddha Kapoor also recently sported an all-black leather look. Although she went for a tube top, and her pants had bows at the bottom. Whose all-leather look did you like best? Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East New York City's transit authority has pulled nearly 300 newly delivered subway cars made by Bombardier Inc. due to safety concerns. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Bombardier plant is shown in Montreal, Thursday, October 29, 2015. The head of New York City's transit authority says it has pulled nearly 300 newly delivered subway cars made by Bombardier Inc. due to safety concerns. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes New York City's transit authority has pulled nearly 300 newly delivered subway cars made by Bombardier Inc. due to safety concerns. Two recent incidents "raised questions about the reliable operation" of the car doors, prompting the authority to remove all 298 of them from service Tuesday night, president Andy Byford said in a statement. "As documented, the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) has identified repeated issues with Bombardier's performance and finds this latest development unacceptable. We intend to hold the company fully accountable," Byford said Wednesday. The incidents caused no injuries and New York City Transit redeployed spare cars to service the morning rush hour, he said. Byford, who also dealt with delays to Bombardier streetcar deliveries during his time at the helm of the Toronto Transit Commission, briefly suspended deliveries of the new cars last January, citing software issues and previous problems with springs between the cars and doors that were "weeping oil." Bombardier said two doors on cars in the New York City fleet "failed to function as intended" because they were not properly calibrated by the supplier. "We are now inspecting all of the R179 cars and, where necessary, making adjustments to ensure the safe and reliable performance of the doors for the entire fleet," spokeswoman Maryanne Roberts said. She said the Montreal-based company is bringing in additional technicians to work "around the clock." New York City comptroller Scott Stringer slammed the MTA, which oversees transit in the state, for beleaguered deliveries that he called "unacceptable." Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "The New York City subway riders who foot the bill for the MTA's $600-million contract with Bombardier were promised new, state-of-the-art train cars to help modernize our ailing transit system. Now, all the cars that were delivered so far have been pulled from service due to critical defects," Stringer said in a statement. Last month, the comptroller released an audit laying out how the contract became three years behind schedule, costing taxpayers millions more dollars. Stringer noted Wednesday that the probe found "repeated failures to meet contract deadlines and requirements, poor project management and technical breakdowns, structural defects that delayed cars being put into service and several earlier structural problems that caused some of these trains to be pulled from service." "Bombardier sold us lemons. Strap-hangers need the MTA to manage these contracts from the beginning before the trains go off the rails," he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2020. Companies in this story: (TSX:BBD.B) Credit: Neil Krug We've got another cut from Tame Impala's upcoming album, The Slow Rush. The latest track from Kevin Parker's psych-rock project is called "Lost in Yesterday," and it's available now for digital download. The Slow Rush, which also includes the previously released songs "Borderline," "Posthumous Forgiveness" and "It Might Be Time," is the follow-up to 2015's Currents. It'll be released Valentine's Day, February 14. Last year, the band released the single "Patience." Tame Impala will play a batch of California shows in March, followed by a full North American tour in support of The Slow Rush launching in May. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. In the middle of December, a longtime homeschool family in Jefferson County, Kentucky received a visit from a school social worker. Other than informing the family that he was checking up on homeschoolers in the county, he offered no reason for insisting that the parents show him homeschool records for all their children and allow him to take pictures with his phone. Though his Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) identification card was visible on a lanyard around his neck, the family was a little suspicious about the social workers mannerisms and his explanation for being at their front door. Unsure whether they should simply turn over the documents he requested, they informed the JCPS official that they needed time to gather their school records. The social worker said that he would be back another day. Troubled by the visit, the family turned to the Christian Home Educators of Kentucky (CHEK) and HSLDA for help. In Compliance After talking with the HSLDA member family, I quickly learned that they had submitted the notice of intent for their private homeschool program within the first two weeks of the school year, in compliance with state law. Under the Best Practice Document (BPD), a longstanding agreement between CHEK and the Kentucky Directors of Pupil Personnel, a homeschool family who complies with state law is presumed to be operating a bona-fide private school. Recalling the prompt and amicable way JCPS officials have responded to me in the past, I reached out to the pupil personnel director for JCPS. We connected within a few days. I started off the conversation by informing the director that I had heard that JCPS staff were visiting homeschool families, asking to see their records, and taking pictures with their phones. I mentioned that the individual who visited our member family the previous Friday, while identifying himself as a JCPS employee, had concerned the family with his behavior and vague explanations. I also pointed out that according to the Best Practice Document, JCPS should only be checking up on families who have missed the two-week deadline for their notice or for whom there is some evidence of failure to homeschool their children. Renewed Assurances The director told me that as soon as he received my call on Friday that he spoke with the staff member in question, who is indeed a school social worker. The director assured me that he instructed the staff member that JCPS does not need pictures of homeschool records. He also said he would make it clear that anyone under him at JCPS should explain the reason for visiting a homeschool family right from the beginning. The director apologized, explaining that the social worker our member family encountered was new to this position and may have had some difficulty communicating because English is not his first language. The director also implied that his six staff members are too busy following up on reports of truant public school students to check up on homeschool families without evidence of wrongdoing. I did let the director know that the homeschool community is very concerned about unnecessary home visits, and that both CHEK and HSLDA are committed to protecting the liberty that we have in Kentucky. I asked the director to reach out to us in the future if his department receives a report regarding a homeschool family. Because random audits of Kentucky homeschoolers have happened before, we suggest that any family who is visited by a public school official ask the reason for the visit and then contact us if they need assistance. We often find that these visits are simply fishing expeditions and not due to any specific concern about a particular homeschool program. We are thankful that this incident was resolved. However, we will continue to monitor the situation in Jefferson County and elsewhere to protect the right of each family to educate their children at home. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 8, 2020 Victims of terrorist attacks in Israel want the Supreme Court to revive a lawsuit accusing Facebook of allowing its platform to be used by members of Hamas to communicate, organize and recruit new members. The case was previously dismissed by a trial judge who ruled that Facebook was immune from liability for crimes committed by users. In July, a divided panel of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that decision, ruling that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act protects Facebook from liability for activity by users, including ones linked to terrorist groups. Victims and their family members are now petitioning the Supreme Court to review the circuit court's ruling. The tragic circumstances of this case make all too clear that the practical implications of the questions presented are extraordinarily important, lawyers for the victims write in a petition sent to the court last week. Social media today reaches into the homes, offices and lives of billions of people, with potential for harm -- and good -- without parallel in human history. advertisement advertisement The request for review by the Supreme Court stems from a lawsuit brought by the estates and family members of four Americans killed by terrorist attacks in Israel (Stuart Force, Yaakov Naftali Fraenkel, Chaya Zissel Braun, Richard Lakin) and one survivor (Menachem Mendel Rivkin). All of the incidents occurred between 2014 and 2016. The lawsuit is one of numerous cases brought by terrorist victims against social media companies. The victims have tended to argue that the web companies assist terrorists by giving them a communications platform, which they use to recruit people and plan attacks. So far, the courts have ruled in favor of social media companies and dismissed the cases. In 2018, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Twitter in a lawsuit brought by family members of men killed in a 2015 shooting in Amman, Jordan. In that case, the judges said there was no evidence that Twitter did anything to cause the shooting. And in April, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to allow victims of the 2016 shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida to proceed with a lawsuit against Google, Twitter and Facebook. The judges in that matter said there was no proof that the social media companies caused the shooting. The lawyers representing Force and the other Hamas victims previously argued that Facebook's use of algorithms for recommendations -- which allegedly helped introduce thousands of terrorists to one another, facilitating the development of global terror networks -- should strip the company of immunity. A majority of the 2nd Circuit appellate panel disagreed. They said websites typically recommend third-party content to users -- such as by prominently featuring it on a homepage, or displaying English-language articles to users who speak English. The use of algorithms to make those recommendations doesn't make Facebook liable for the posts, Circuit Judge Christopher Droney wrote in an opinion joined by Judge Richard Sullivan. The 2nd Circuit's chief judge, Judge Robert Allen Katzmann, dissented from the opinion. As is so often the case with new technologies, the very qualities that drive social medias success -- its ease of use, open access, and ability to connect the world -- have also spawned its demons, he wrote. Shielding internet companies that bring terrorists together using algorithms could leave dangerous activity unchecked, he wrote. Hamas is far from alone -- Hezbollah, Boko Haram, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, and many other designated terrorist organizations use Facebook to recruit and rouse supporters. System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
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Qassem Soleimani. Details are still emerging about the attack, but heres what we know so far. What Exactly Happened More than a dozen ballistic missiles were launched from inside Iran and struck two military bases in Iraq: Al Asad Air Base, which sits just over 100 miles outside Baghdad, and another base in Erbil in northern Iraq. The Asad base is significant because it serves as an operational center for American military operations in western Iraq and was visited by U.S. President Donald Trump just a year ago during his first visit to a combat zone in December 2018. The base in Erbil is a staging site for special operations, including operations in northern Iraq and Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far there are no reported U.S. or Iraqi casualties from the strikes that the Iranian government says Iraq was notified of before the launch. The mouthpiece of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Fars News Agency, is reporting heavy casualties resulting from the strikes saying at least 80 U.S. troops were killed, though with zero corroborating reporting that seems very, very unlikely at this point. For a frame of reference, the U.S. still has some 5,000 troops based in Iraq as part of a force aimed at preventing the resurgence of ISIS. Along with the American troops, Australia, Great Britain*, Denmark, Poland, and Sweden all have soldiers stationed in the country. What Iran Is Saying Iranian assessment of the attackand what, if anything, comes nexthas varied widely, depending on the audience. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, struck a strident and incendiary tone, saying the attack had been a slap in the face to the U.S. and declaring during a national address Wednesday that incremental attacks on the U.S. were not sufficient. What matters is that the presence of America, which is a source of corruption in this region, should come to an end, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does that mean more attacks are on the way? Not necessarily. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif tweeted a much more restrained statement Wednesday, emphasizing that the strikes constituted proportionate measures in self-defense under the U.N. charter. It appears the missile strikes were timed to minimize the potential for casualties, which would buttress the argument that Iran could be looking to move on. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression, Zarif said. Those comments appear to offer an offramp to the escalation, at least from an Iranian perspective, that would allow the Iranian government to say to the millions of angry citizens who took to the streets during Soleimanis funeral procession that it had struck back against the U.S. for the assassination, while also signaling to Washington it did not intend to initiate a wider conflict. What the U.S. Is Saying Trump, ahem, tweeted out this statement Tuesday night: All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. What exactly does that mean? Who knows! U.S. officials have not had as much to say (yet) about the missile strike and potential next steps, but Trump will surely add some incomprehensible verbal fuel to the fire Wednesday. Just as rumors circulated that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could move to Canada and relinquish their royal titles, the Sussexes released a statement saying they would step back from their senior roles with the royal family, and would be splitting their time between the U.K. and North America. In a post on Instagram, they also said they would become financially independent from the royals. "After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution," they wrote. "We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages." They went on to say that the "geographic balance" will help "raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity." Story continues "We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties," the statement continued. "Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support." RELATED: Meghan Markle Just Masterfully Broke a Major Style Rule Earlier on Wednesday, Buckingham Palace declined to comment on speculation that Meghan and Harry would move to Canada. It's unclear what exactly this will mean for their future within the royal family i.e., how much they will be stepping back, or whether this means they will actually relinquish their HRH roles. But for now, 2020 is already shaping up to be an interesting year for the royals. Heart-warming footage shows a deaf baby's reaction to hearing his mother's voice for the first time after being fitted with a hearing aid. Arlo Clark, a 10-month-old boy who is partially deaf in both ears, lets out a giggle and cracks a sweet smile when his mother Sara says 'hello'. Mrs Clark revealed the sweet moment left her with tears in her eyes, saying she and her husband Adrian now feel like Arlo is 'properly' in their lives. The couple admitted it has been difficult, given they have struggled to share 'special moments' with their son, such as singing to him. But now, doctors at Worcestershire Royal Hospital have fitted Arlo with a behind-the-ear hearing aid on his left ear. He will soon receive one for his right ear. His parents noticed something was wrong with his hearing when he was a newborn because he didn't respond to sounds. Arlo has already learnt some sign language to cope with his deafness. He was fitted with the hearing aid on December 10. Mrs Clark filmed the moment she first spoke to him because Arlo's father wasn't able to get the time off from his job as a train ticket inspector. Heartwarming footage has captured the moment Arlo Clark, who is deaf, hears his mother's voice for the first time after being fitted with a hearing aid Mother-of-two Ms Clark, from St Peter's, Worcestershire, said: 'The moment I saw that he [Arlo] could hear my voice I had tears in my eyes' Arlo didn't appear to notice sound around him from a young age Mother-of-two Mrs Clark, from St Peter's, Worcestershire, said: 'The moment I saw that he could hear my voice I had tears in my eyes. 'I wasn't expecting him to be able to hear me at all. I couldn't believe that at last he could hear me. 'At first he looked completely shocked and then once I started talking to him he started to giggle and to smile. 'Adrian and I haven't been able to sing to him or have any of those special moments that you typically have with newborns. ' Mrs Clark, 31, added: 'Now that he can hear we feel like we finally have him properly in our lives.' Mrs Clark and Mr Clark, 39, realised that something wasn't quite right with Arlo when he was only a few weeks old. Recalling her son's struggle, Mrs Clark said: 'I noticed pretty much straight away that something was wrong. 'If you sneezed around our eldest Corey even when he was small he would notice it but Arlo didn't appear to notice sounds around him at all and would sleep through anything. 'Unless you were standing in front him in a quiet room and were directly looking at him, he couldn't hear you. 'It's been tricky to get his attention. If the room is too loud or too quiet he can't hear at all. It's been quite difficult for me as I'm with him all the time.' After Arlo was born he had a few hearing tests. However, it wasn't until he was eight months old that the family were finally told that he was deaf. Up to three out of every 1,000 children in the UK and US are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears, figures show. There are currently around 7,200 children with severe to profound hearing loss in the UK under the age of five. Mr and Mrs Clark had noticed something was wrong with Arlo since he was a newborn (pictured) because he didn't respond to sounds Arlo will soon receive a hearing aid for his right ear. He is pictured with Mrs Clark at home HOW DO HEARING AIDS WORK? A hearing aid is a small electronic device that a person who is deaf can wear in or behind the ear. It has three parts - a microphone, amplifier, and a loudspeaker. The hearing aid receives sound through a microphone, which converts the sound waves to electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear through a speaker. It makes some sounds louder so that a person with hearing loss can listen, and therefore communicate with people. For some people, hearing aids don't work. They may receive a special device that goes inside or is attached to their skull during an operation. These are known as hearing implants. Common types of implant include bone anchored hearing aids, cochlear implants, auditory brainstem implants and middle ear implants. Advertisement Mrs Clark said: 'We went to baby sign language classes with him and he can do about ten signs in total with us. 'It's been quite upsetting for Adrian and I. We haven't been able to have lots of the special moments you tend to have with newborns like singing to them or playing games.' She said: 'The doctor put the hearing aid onto Arlo's left ear and turned it on. 'It was very emotional for me and for Adrian when I showed him the video.' Mrs Clark added that Arlo will receive a hearing aid for his right ear later in the year. She said: 'He hears all sounds now. Feeding times are a lot easier because I can call him and he'll hear me. 'We can sing and play with him now so we can finally interact with him. 'It's great to have our boy back properly in our lives.' A spokesperson for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: 'Our dedicated staff work day in, day out to provide the best possible care to patients, so we're delighted to hear that the outcome in Arlo's case has been so positive. 'We will be sure to share his family's thanks with the team involved in his care, and wish him well.' (Kitco News) -Gold prices have dropped to session lows as the U.S government tries to deescalate tensions in the Middle East. Economists note that investors sentiment has improved after U.S. President Donald Trump did not say that it would take further military action against Iran. The comments come after Iran launched a missile strike against a two U.S. bases in Iraq In his national address Trump noted that nobody was killed in the missile attack and little damage was done to the bases. Trump added that it appears Iran is now standing down on further action following the missile attacks. Instead of further military action, Trump said that the U.S. government will impose more economic sanctions against Iran. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior, Trump said. Gold prices have dropped 1% on the session as investors sentiment has quickly shifted following Trumps comments. February gold futures last traded at $1,558.30 an ounce, down 1.03% on the day. Although Trump did not mention further military action against Iran in his address, he said took a hard line against Iran developing nuclear weapons. Iran has been the leading sponsor of terrorism and their pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens the entire world, he said. We will never let that happen. He added that he would like to see NATO countries to become more involved in the Middle East. Trump also said that he would like to see the international community come to the table and negotiate a new agreement with Iran. He added that these countries need to stop trying to hold on to previous deal that was signed in 2015. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions, he said. The time has come for the United Kingdom, France Germany, Russia and China to recognize this reality. They must break away from the remnants of the Iran deal and we must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place. Robert Downey Jr. took a break while promoting his upcoming movie Dolittle to send a special birthday message to his Avengers co-star Jeremy Renner. The 54 year old Downey took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a photo of him and his 49 year old co-star and to wish him a happy birthday. Renner also took to Instagram himself to thank his fans for all the birthday love, while also sharing a birthday message from another Avengers co-star, Josh Brolin. Birthday love: Robert Downey Jr. took a break while promoting his upcoming movie Dolittle to send a special birthday message to his Avengers co-star Jeremy Renner '#happybirthday #jrenn @renner4real ,,, I'll always have your back,' Downey said, while adding a number of hashtags #mountainman #americanpicker #manabouttown #nopantsrenner #glassofwine #sayhellotree #jeremiahjohnson He also added the hashtags #throwback #avengers #seoul #korea, which likely means the photo was taken on the Avengers press tour in Seoul, South Korea. Downey was wearing a camouflage trench coat with black pants and a neon green shirt in the photo while Renner rocked a white dress shirt under a grey coat and dark blue jeans. Birthday love: Renner also took to his own Instagram story to thank all of the fans who have been chiming in with so much birthday love today Renner also took to his own Instagram story to thank all of the fans who have been chiming in with so much birthday love today. He shared a brief video of himself dancing on the red carpet of 2016's Captain America: Civil War, set to his own song Sign. 'Birthday MOOD You fans got me feeling like... Thank you for all the love,' Renner said in his Instagram story video. Dance: He shared a brief video of himself dancing on the red carpet of 2016's Captain America: Civil War, set to his own song Sign He also shared an image from Josh Brolin's Instagram story, featuring Renner in a cowboy hat, hoodie and thick coat with gloves while leaning against a fence. 'Happy Birthday, brother,' Brolin said, while tagging his @renner4real Instagram handle in his post. Brolin portrayed the villainous Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including last year's blockbuster Avengers: Endgame. Thanos wishes: He also shared an image from Josh Brolin's Instagram story, featuring Renner in a cowboy hat, hoodie and thick coat with gloves while leaning against a fence Renner made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in 2011's Thor, in a small cameo as expert archer Clint Barton, a.k.a. Hawkeye. He joined Earth's Mightiest Heroes in the 2012 blockbuster The Avengers, returning in 2015's Avengers: Age of Ultron, 2016's Captain America: Civil War and last year's Avengers: Endgame. He returns as the archer in the upcoming Disney Plus series Hawkeye, starring alongside Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, who takes over as the new Hawkeye. For nine years, Joshua and Sandra Greenberg fought to uncover the truth behind the 2011 death of their 27-year-old daughter Ellen. Nearly a decade ago, the elementary school teachers fiance told police that he returned to their apartment to find the door locked. When he forced the door open, he found Ellen unresponsive with a knife in her chest. Each time customers opened the door to enter the soul food restaurant which had been featured on several local news programs and was included on a list of New Yorks top 10 restaurants of 2019 they were greeted with an apology. Im sorry, my love, the owner would say. Were closed, indefinitely. Millie Peartree, who owns Millie Peartree Fish Fry & Soul Food in the Fordham section of the Bronx, has been without cooking gas since late November. After an inspection found unauthorized gas plumbing work in the building, the gas service was shut off, leaving Ms. Peartrees restaurant, as well as the residents of the five-story building on Grand Concourse, unable to use their stoves and ovens. It is unclear who was doing work in the building, but a complaint logged by the New York City Department of Buildings noted theft of service. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed the chargesheet in a special court, Chennai against the accused identified as Hassan Ali, Haris Mohamed, Mohammed Ibrahim, Mohamed Sheik Maitheen, Meeran Ghani, Gulam Nabi Asath, Ahmed Azarudeen, Toufiq Ahmed, Mohamed Ibrahim, Mohammed Afzar and Farook. Chennai, Jan 8 (IANS) The NIA on Wednesday named 11 Tamil Nadu residents in its charge sheet for their involvement in Ansarullah case, pertaining to attempts to "establish Islamic rule in India through jihad", which is being probed by the anti-terror agency since July last year. They were charged under Section 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The NIA took over the case on July 9, 2019 and booked 16 accused persons from Tamil Nadu based on information received that they along with their associates, while being in the UAE, had conspired and conducted religious classes with the objective of establishing Islamic rule in India, through violent jihad and promoting unlawful activities. Fourteen accused persons were arrested and detained in the UAE, in connection with the case, for "clandestinely conducting religious classes and meetings" with the intention of promoting violent jihad and other unlawful activities, the NIA said. "They were arrested on their deportation from the UAE in July 2019. Hassan Ali, and Haris Mohamed were arrested from Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu in mid-July 2019 after recovery of incriminating materials during searches at their houses." Investigation in UAE and India has established that the charge sheeted accused persons had formed a pro-jihadi 'jamaat' (congregation) under the leadership of Mohamed Sheik Maitheen in UAE and that they had organized meetings and classes at various places in UAE and India on topics like jihad and Khilafat (Caliphate), said the agency. "The meetings were against democracy in India with the intention of establishing Islamic rule here through violent jihad and by promoting unlawful activities." Hassan Ali, Haris Mohamed, Mohammed Ibrahim, Gulam Nabi Asath and Toufiq Ahmed were also associated with the proscribed Islamic State by subscribing to and disseminating the violent jihadi ideology of the terror organisation. "Since the criminal conspiracy in this crime was hatched and considerable part of the pursuant acts committed in the UAE, investigation is continuing against accused Rafi Ahmed, Munthasir, Umar Barook, Moideen Seeni Shahul Hameed and Faizul Sharief, deported from UAE, besides Seyyed Mohammed Buhari and Divan Mujipeer, who are residing in Tamil Nadu." rak/vd Photo: Tyler Nix/Unsplash Looking to get some laughs? When it comes to comedy, there's plenty to keep you busy this week, from stand up events to improv shows. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. ComedySportz From the event description: ComedySportz is Seattle's leading improv comedy show. Two teams battle for laughs and points as they make up scenes, games and songs on the spot, in the spirit of TV's "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" A referee governs the action, calling fouls and keeping the match moving at a blistering pace. The audience is always a part of this interactive, family-friendly show, and audience volunteers sometimes even wind up on stage. It's perfect for dates, a night out on the town, or even quality time with the family, since kids love it as much as grown-ups. When: Friday, Jan. 10, 8 p.m. Where: CSz Seattle, 3509 Fremont Ave. North Price: $7.75-$15.50 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Kortney Shane Williams From the event description: Comedian Kortney Shane Williams is an international touring comedian. The master of satire has been a part of The Bridgetown Comedy Festival, Boston Comedy Festival, Laughing Skull Comedy Festival and Bumbershoot Arts festival. Kortneys self-deprecating humor has won him finalist spots in both Comedy Centrals South Beach Comedy Festival Competition and NBCs "Stand-Up Showcase." When: Friday, Jan. 10, 8 p.m. Where: Laughs Comedy Club, 5220 Roosevelt Way NE Price: $7.50 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets 'B-Rated' From the event description: For those of you who love to hate those groan-worthy flicks, whether they be terrible rom coms or "over-action-packed" adventures (there is such a thing as too many car explosions), then CSz Seattle has the perfect "movie" for you. "B-Rated" is an entirely improvised film based on audience suggestions that's supposed to be straight up awfulbut in a funny way! You pick the title, and they'll handle the rest. Story continues When: Friday, Jan. 10, 10 p.m. Where: CSz Seattle, 3509 Fremont Ave. North Price: $7.75 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets 'Seattle Theatresports' From the event description: Leave the stresses of the world outside, join your friends (and a few strangers) to really laugh. "Seattle Theatresports," the longest running show in the city, is celebrating 36 years. It is fun, fast-paced and hilarious. Two teams of improvisers rumble, competing with exciting fast-paced segments improv games, stories, scenes and a few songs. When: Friday, Jan. 10, 10:30 p.m. Where: Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley Price: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Democratic candidates take measured tone, send prayers as Iran tensions escalate after attack originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Democratic contenders seeking to replace President Trump are taking a measured tone in the wake of Iran's retaliation against the U.S. for an airstrike that killed the country's top general -- following days of excoriating the president for his foreign policy judgment. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who has repeatedly criticized the Trump administration for moving the country closer to the brink of war in recent days, reiterated that message Tuesday night. After Iran fired missiles at U.S. military sites in Iraq, she told supporters in New York City, "My three brothers all served in the military. At this moment, my heart and my prayers are with our military and with their families, in Iraq and all around the world." "But this is a reminder, why we need to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. The American people do not want a war with Iran," she warned. (MORE: Iran launches missiles at US military facilities in Iraq: US official) Former Vice President Joe Biden, who in the days since the president authorized the drone strike against Qassem Soleimani -- the second most important official in Iran's government behind Ayatollah Khamenei -- has launched a torrent of criticism against Trump, said he would "hold off on commenting on the news until we know more." "But there is one thing I will say, Jill and I are keeping our troops and Americans overseas in our prayers. We hope youll keep them in yours," he added. Im going to hold off on commenting on the news tonight until we know more, but there is one thing I will say: Jill and I are keeping our troops and Americans overseas in our prayers. We hope youll keep them in yours. Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 8, 2020 Biden first learned about the attack just prior to a fundraiser near Philadelphia, and without more details about the missile strikes, Biden said hed only speak briefly about the event, according to the pool report. Story continues "Whats happening in Iraq and Iran today was predictable," Biden said. "Not exactly whats happening but the chaos thats ensuing ... And I just pray to God as [Trump] goes through whats happening, as we speak, that hes listening to his military commanders for the first time because so far that has not been the case." PHOTO: Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Senator Elizabeth Warren speaks during a town hall event in Davenport, Iowa, Jan. 5, 2020. (Daniel Acker/Reuters) Earlier on Tuesday, Biden delivered a forceful rebuke of Trump's foreign policy agenda -- calling the president "dangerously incompetent" and arguing his decades of experience position him to be best suited to assume the presidency on day one. "President Trump has no strategy here, it seems to me. He has no endgame. And heres the hardest truth of all: His constant mistakes and poor decision making have left the United States with limited options of how to move forward," he said during a foreign policy address in New York City, prior to the missile attacks in Iraq. "There is a smart way to counter them -- to counter Iran -- and a self-defeating way. Trumps approach is demonstrably the latter." Hours after the attack was first reported, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said she was "closely monitoring what is happening in Iraq," before adding, "we must do all we can to protect our servicemembers and Americans at risk." Closely monitoring what is happening in Iraq. We must do all we can to protect our servicemembers and Americans at risk. Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) January 8, 2020 "I think we all know all is not well because we have an escalating situation with Iran and I hope that we're going to be able to step back now and use this precious moment to work with our allies" to "de-escalate" the situation, Klobuchar said on MSNBC late Tuesday, adding to her initial comments. A Pentagon spokesman estimated that there were more than a dozen missiles launched from inside Iran targeting U.S. military sites in Iraq on Wednesday morning, local time. The facilities include Erbil in northern Iraq and Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq, a U.S. official said. The rapidly unfolding development comes only days after a U.S. airstrike killed Iran's top Iranian military commander in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. The move marked a major escalation in months of tension between the U.S. and Iran, despite the White House's efforts to say the strike headed off an "imminent" attack. Trump told reporters Tuesday that the U.S. "stopped" Soleimani as "he was planning a very big attack and a very bad attack, for us, and other people," but did not elaborate on the nature of that attack or on the evidence the U.S. had that attacks were "imminent." (MORE: Iranian foreign minister says US 'will pay' for its 'act of war') As early reports of the ballistic missile attack unfolded, Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who often rails against "regime change wars" on the stump and has made foreign policy a central tenet of her campaign, told supporters at a town hall in New Hampshire, "Six rockets have been fired in to Al-Asad Air Base, and it's unclear at this point, what the casualties are, if any, and we're going to get updates here as we learn more information." "I want to start with that, first of all, in just asking everybody just to -- to pause for a moment and send our good wishes and prayers to our men and women in uniform who are in harm's way today, as we are gathered here. These are men and women from all across our country who made a choice to serve." At a fundraiser in Dallas late Tuesday, Pete Buttigieg, a former U.S. Navy intelligence office and mayor of South Bend, Indiana, underscored the stakes of the 2020 election, and the geopolitical implications of another four years of Trump, following the attack. "Its one more reminder of what is at stake in this election," he said. "As if we needed one more reminder that this is not a show and this is not a game. This is not about a horse race or whos looking good or who got the best zinger off in the debate, this is a life or death process about the future of this republic." "It will be weeks or months before we know the shape, the full shape of Iranian retaliation," he continued. Several other Democratic competitors also sent prayers to Americans under siege in Iraq, including New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations committee and one of the first candidates to react, who said, "Praying for the safety of our troops and personnel in Iraq right now." Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick echoed that sentiment, tweeting, "Americans and our allies are under fire tonight. Let us keep them and their families in our prayers." Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet wrote, "American servicemembers are under attack. I'm monitoring the situation and thinking of the brave men and women serving in our military tonight." Entrepreneur Andrew Yang also invoked a similar tone saying, "Our thoughts and prayers are with our brave men and women serving in Iraq and keeping our country safe - may they be safe and secure and see their families again." Author Marianne Williamson, too, said she was praying "for peace for all the world." "Iranian rocket attacks on U.S.bases in Iraq. Prayers for safety of all military personnel. Prayers for wisdom for all governmental personnel. Prayers for peace for all the world," she said. (MORE: 2020 Democrats look to step into commander-in-chief role amid intensifying Iran crisis) Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has not yet commented on the Iran attack, most recently told CNN on Monday, "Once you start this business of a major country saying, 'Hey we have the right to assassinate,' then you're unleashing international anarchy." Sanders has often invoked the escalating tensions with Iran to share his long-standing aversion to war and continue his critique of Trump's handling of international affairs. "As I said yesterday, I am deeply concerned that President Trump's actions represent a dangerous escalation that brings us closer to yet another disastrous war in the Middle East, which is exactly what we do not need," he told a room full of supporters in Iowa over the weekend. ABC News' Ben Gittleson contributed to this report. Debris is seen from a plane crash on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. (AP Photos/Mohammad Nasiri) Ukraine Embassy in Iran Drops Reference to Engine Failure as Cause of Crash The Ukrainian embassy in Iran dropped an initial reference to engine failure as the cause of a plane crash outside of Tehran, Iran, on Wednesday, according to reports. It said in a second statement that the causes were not disclosed, and it added that prior comments werent official, Reuters reported. Another Reuters report said an official at Ukraines embassy asked it to rescind an initial statement from Iran based on preliminary information on engine failure. Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk warned against speculation until an investigation into the crash is known, adding that Ukraine banned flights through Iranian airspace until around Jan. 9. Eighty-two Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, three Germans, and three Britons were on board the Ukraine International Airlines flight, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko. We express our condolences. The Ukrainian authorities continue to investigate, he wrote on Twitter. According to The Daily Beast, the embassy in Iran deleted a statement posted on its website that blamed the crash near Tehran on a mechanical failure. One of the engines of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, is seen in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. (Iran Press/Handout via Reuters) Red Crescent workers check the debris from the Ukraine International Airlines plane, that crashed after take-off from Irans Imam Khomeini airport, on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran on Jan. 8, 2020. (Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters) Airline officials stated most of the passengers were likely en route to making connecting flights in Kyiv, The Associated Press reported. Flightradar24 reported that flight 752, a Boeing 737-800 model, crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran. The website said the jetliner departed Wednesday at 6:12 a.m. local time. In the area of where the jetliner went down, photographers saw a field littered with debris. The fire is so heavy that we cannot (do) any rescue we have 22 ambulances, four bus ambulances and a helicopter at the site, Pirhossein Koulivand, the head of Irans emergency services, was quoted by Reuters saying. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cut short a trip to Oman and returned to Kyiv after learning about the crash. Our embassy is verifying information on the circumstances of the tragedy and the lists of the dead, he stated on Wednesday, reported Yahoo. My condolences to the families of passengers and crew members. The president of the airline, Yevhen Dykhne, said that the plane that went down was one of the best planes we had and featured an amazing, reliable crew, CBS News reported. The plane went down hours after Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at an Iraqi military base housing U.S. troops. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also issued an emergency restriction that prohibit[s] U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the agency said on Tuesday night. The FAA will continue closely monitoring events in the Middle East. We continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with U.S. air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities, the agency wrote. The restriction was implemented after the barrage of missiles were fired from Iran, which the Pentagon and Iranian Revolutionary Guards both confirmed. The US military contractor who was killed in a rocket attack in Iraq last month has been buried in Northern California after his death ignited a series of reprisals between the U.S. and Iran. Nawres Waleed Hamid, 33, died on December 27 at a military base near Iraq's northern city of Kirkuk where he worked as a linguist for Virginia based Valiant Integrated Services. US authorities say Iranian-backed militia fired rockets at the base, killing married dad-of-two Hamid and injuring several coalition troops. The attack inflamed tensions in the region with Iran's Supreme Leader warning America that Tuesday night's missile attack on two bases was merely 'a slap' and that such strikes are 'not enough' to punish the US. Hamid had lived in the Sacramento suburb of Arden Arcade and was buried in California's state capital on Saturday. He studied computer information science at American River College for five years. His devastated widow, Noor Alkhali, told The Sacramento Bee that she felt something was wrong when he stopped responding to her phone messages. Scroll down for video Nawres Waleed Hamid, 33, died on December 27 at a military base near Iraq's northern city of Kirkuk where he worked as a linguist for Virginia based Valiant Integrated Services Hamid's company paid for his funeral and burial at the Greater Sacramento Muslim Cemetery. The dad-of-two lived in the Sacramento suburb of Arden Arcade and was buried in California's state capital on Saturday. He studied computer information science at American River College A short time later, a representative for his employer, Valiant Integrated Services, visited and broke the news of his death. Valiant is based in Herndon, Virginia. It says its offers 'Defense Language Interpretation and Translation Enterprise (DLITE) Support to US Army Intelligence and Security Command' on its website. 'He was the only person I knew here,' Alkhalil said Tuesday as she sat with her sons, ages two and eight. 'It still doesn't feel real. It has been difficult to accept that he is no longer here.' How the death of Nawres Waleed Hamid sparked an escalation of US-Iran conflict December 27: Nawres Waleed Hamid is killed in a rocket attack on a base in northern Iraq. The U.S. blames the attack on Kataeb Hezbollah, one of several Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq December 29: U.S. airstrikes hit Kataeb Hezbollah positions in Iraq and Syria, killing at least 25 fighters and bringing vows of revenge. Iraq calls the strikes a 'flagrant violation' of its sovereignty. December 31: Hundreds of Iran-backed militiamen and their supporters barge through an outer barrier of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad January 3: A U.S. airstrike near Baghdad's international airport kills Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Iran vows 'harsh retaliation.' January 5: Iran announces it will no longer abide by the nuclear deal and Iraq's parliament holds a non-binding vote calling for the expulsion of all U.S. forces. January 8: Iran launches several ballistic missiles on two bases in Iraq housing American troops in what it says is retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Advertisement Hamid's company paid for his funeral and burial at the Greater Sacramento Muslim Cemetery. Colleagues say the family man decorated his work space with pictures of his young sons. Hamid was born in Iraq, and the couple came to the United States in 2011 while Alkhali was pregnant, she said. He became a naturalized US citizen in 2017, she added. She planned to remain in California. 'What would I return to in Iraq?' she asked. 'Now my focus is on my two children; they are my world.' His neighbor Abdul Naser told Fox40: 'One day in the morning, his wife was crying in the complex and we ask, "What's going on? Why are you crying?" And she said, "My husband passed away". 'He was the best person, best communication as well to help the people. But he was a very nice person.' Naser said he wants the US to pursue justice for Hamid, adding: 'To protect his family, to protect their children.' Another neighbor, Hamid Ullah Tahiry, told CBS Hamid was 'a really good guy', explaining he was the family's breadwinner. Tahiry added: 'He was really kind and he was really close to his family, to his wife, his children.' Following his death President Donald Trump tweeted: 'Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. 'Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!' Following his death President Donald Trump tweeted: 'Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will' 'Nawres served and sacrificed for our nation and we all owe him a debt of gratitude,' said U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui, a Sacramento Democrat. Virginia-based Valiant issued a statement on Tuesday calling Hamid 'a consummate professional and highly committed member of the Valiant team who was cherished and valued by his colleagues.' In an interview a Los Rios Community College District newsletter from 2015, when Hamid was studying at American River College, he talks of being a young father juggling family with his study. He said: 'Almost all of ESL students have a job or a family to take care of on the weekends In the end, we all need some space to function properly.' President Hassan Rouhani, pictured, said that the US might have 'cut off the arm' of the Ayatollah by killing Soleimani, but Iran planned to cut off America's 'legs' in response. 'Our final answer to his assassination will be to kick all US forces out of the region,' he said. Protesters demonstrate last Saturday over the U.S. airstrike in Iraq that killed Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Tehran, Iran Ballistic missiles were fired at Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and Erbil International Airport in the north early Wednesday local time, in a revenge strike for the killing of Soleimani Hamid's death was blamed by the U.S. on the Kataeb Hezbollah, or Hezbollah Brigades, an Iraqi militia backed by Iran. The U.S. responded with air strikes targeting the group's fighters that killed 25 people in Iraq and Syria, which in turn prompted an attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, followed by a U.S. drone strike near the Baghdad airport last Friday that killed Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The killing prompted waves of mourning and threats of revenge in Iran. The U.S. said Iran fired more than a dozen missiles targeting at least two Iraqi military bases hosting American forces and coalition personnel on Tuesday. The U.S. won't issue Iran's foreign minister a visa to travel to the United Nations later this week, contending there was not enough time to process the request. Mohammed Javad Zarif told CBS This Morning on Tuesday that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informed the U.N. secretary general, who in turn relayed the information to Zarif. Zarif's trip would have been an opportunity for him to discuss the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general in Baghdad last week. That targeted killing has escalated tensions with Iran, which has vowed to retaliate. A U.S. official said Tuesday the application couldn't be processed in time for Zarif's travel although it wasn't clear if his request had been formally denied. A formal rejection would trigger legal technicalities that could affect future visa applications and could also violate the host country agreement the U.S. has with the U.N. The official wasn't authorized to speak on the record and discussed the matter on condition of anonymity. The State Department declined to comment on the matter, citing visa confidentiality laws that bar the release of such information with certain limited exceptions, and Pompeo himself would not discuss specifics of the situation while briefing reporters. We don't comment on visa matters of those traveling here to the United States on visas, so I can't add much more on this issue of Foreign Minister Zarif's travel to the United States, he said. I'll say only this: We will always comply with our obligations under the U.N. requirements, the headquarters agreement, and we will do so in this particular instance and more broadly. Pompeo's remarks appeared to suggest that the U.S. believes it remains in compliance with the headquarters agreement as long as the visa was not formally rejected. At the White House earlier Tuesday, national security adviser Robert O'Brien told Fox & Friends, I don't think Secretary Pompeo thought that this was the right time for Mr. Zarif to come to the United States. This is because they fear someone will go there and tell the truth to the American people, Zarif said earlier Tuesday.`But they are mistaken. The world is not limited to New York. You can speak with American people from Tehran, too, and we will do that. Zarif had applied for the visa in order to speak to a U.N. Security Council session Thursday about the importance of upholding the U.N. charter. Whenever he comes to New York, he spreads propaganda, O'Brien said. I actually find it somewhat ironic that Mr. Zarif wants to take advantage of the diplomatic niceties of being able to come to New York and come to the U.N. when his revolution was born in the taking of 52 American diplomats hostage in Iran and holding them for 444 days. He can certainly call in to the meeting or he can participate by video teleconference and his voice will be heard if he wants to be heard. Under its obligations as the host country of the U.N. headquarters, the U.S. is required in most circumstances to issue visas to foreign officials for meetings at the world body. However, there are exceptions and the U.S. has severely restricted the movements of Iranian diplomats in New York in the past. It has also moved to bar non-U.N.-related travel by other foreign officials, notably the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 13:47:17|Editor: ZX Video Player Close An Iranian flag is pictured at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Jan. 8, 2020. In response to questions regarding Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif's failure to gain a U.S. visa for a Security Council meeting, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said the United Nations remains "very much in touch" with the U.S. government over the visa issues and stressed the UN's position that the Host Country Agreement should be upheld. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations remains "very much in touch" with the U.S. government over the visa issues raised by some of its member states, a UN spokesman said Tuesday. In response to questions regarding Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif's failure to gain a U.S. visa for a Security Council meeting, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, stressed the UN's position that the Host Country Agreement should be upheld. "We have made that clear over the last few months where there have been a series of cases," said the spokesman. Headquartered in New York, the UN is largely seen as an "international realm," but delegates from outside of the United States need a U.S. visa to attend its meetings. Under the 1947 Headquarters Agreement, the United States is required to let foreign diplomats enter the country on UN-related business. Media reports on Tuesday quoted the Iranian foreign minister as saying U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informed the UN secretary-general that the United States won't issue him a visa for the upcoming meeting, citing shortage of time to process the request, and that the UN chief relayed the information to Zarif. Dujarric confirmed to reporters that the secretary-general and Pompeo spoke on Monday and "discussed a number of issues," while refusing to disclose any details. He also said the UN took note of Pompeo's statement during a recent press briefing that the United States would comply with its obligations under the Host Country Agreement. Dujarric said Iran's UN mission contacted the secretary-general's office and spoke to a senior member of the office on Monday afternoon. "For many months, the secretary-general and our legal counsel have repeatedly conveyed their concerns and the legal position of the UN to senior representatives of the host country. We will continue to engage closely on that regard," Dujarric said. Asked if the UN plans to raise the issue to the United States if the situation remains unchanged and Zarif will not come to the meeting, Dujarric said "we remain in, very much in touch with the Department of State." According to media reports, Zarif applied for a visa on Dec. 20, a day after receiving an invitation from the Security Council to speak at a ministerial meeting on Thursday on Upholding the UN Charter. "(Authorities) will closely monitor capital flows of stocks and currency markets in particular." The Korean won was off 1% against the U.S. dollar shortly after opening, hovering near a one-month low. The Kospi fell 1.5% to 2,143.89, also the lowest since mid-December. The U.S. military said Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles against at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel. Korean government bond futures rallied, with the three-year bond futures up 0.1% to 110.73. (Reporting by Joori Roh and Cynthia Kim; Editing by Tom Hogue) Bushfire victims recovering from the horrific blazes on Kangaroo Island are being told to evacuate immediately. Dangerous conditions are set to return to the area on Thursday, with firefighters bracing for 40C temperatures. Around 140 people in Vivonne Bay, a popular tourist area on the south coast, are being evacuated. The island was devastated over the weekend, with more than a third of its entire land burned. The Kangaroo Island Complex Fire (pictured, in blue) is burning across 164,405 hectares. Around a third of the island has been burned so far this bushfire season Aftermath of bushfires at Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island (pictured) is seen on Tuesday The South Australian Country Fire Service advised residents of Kangaroo Island to be prepared (pictured) for tough conditions on Thursday But a bushfire still burning is threatening to escalate and breaches containment lines amid deteriorating weather. A convoy of army vehicles, transporting up to 100 reservists and supplies, is currently on Kangaroo Island as part of Operation Bushfire Assist at the request of the South Australian Government. The residents will be moved to Penneshaw or Kingscote on the island's east, away from heavily-wooded areas. A grave warning from the South Australian Country Fire Service said it was undertaking the 'pre-emptive relocation' on Wednesday afternoon. 'With increasing wind, warmer weather and going fires on Kangaroo Island, this situation is likely to change,' it said, Prime Minister Scott Morrison was on the island on Wednesday (pictured) to visit fire-damaged properties and meet with residents Kangaroo Island (pictured) is preparing for more devastating bushfires, with high temperatures expected on Thursday 'SAPOL will be advising all people in the area to relocate out of Vivonne Bay to a safer place. People will not be permitted to re-enter the area until Friday, January 10, if it is deemed safe to do so.' The CFS said it would be patrolling the area to make sure residents comply and evacuate immediately. It also explained the area would be subject to road closures from 3pm on Wednesday, and that existing road closures will be more stringent. Adelaide wildlife rescuer Simon Adamczyk holds a koala he rescued at a burning forest near Cape Borda on Kangaroo Island (pictured) on Tuesday Scott Morrison (pictured, left)) greeted troops as he visited an army water purification station at Kingscote Jetty on Kangaroo Island on Wednesday, shortly before the evacuation 'CFS is taking this action due to high fuel loads and poor defendability under these conditions should the fire break control lines and threaten Vivonne Bay,' it warned. 'Communities to the north including Andamel and Parndana are advised to put their Bushfire Survival Plan into action. If you are not prepared, it is advised that you relocate early to a safer place before conditions worsen tomorrow.' Fires on the island have been focused in the west, an area known for its rich biodiversity. Experts fear for the precious and endangered wildlife on the island during the fires, which have already killed thousands of koalas. The renewed concerns come as Prime Minister Scott Morrison toured some of the fireground on Wednesday, visiting a property that was among many severely damaged. Damage done to the Flinders Chase National Park (pictured) after bushfires swept through on Kangaroo Island over the weekend The Flinders Chase National Park (pictured) has already been devastated by the Kangaroo Island bushfire Mr Morrison drew on memories of Kangaroo Island as a tourist some years ago to lament the loss of much of its 'spectacular' west coast from the fire that has left local communities reeling. But he told locals he was confident in their spirit and willingness to fight back. 'I can tell you, you're going to rebuild, you're going to rebuild here in South Australia; they're going to rebuild in NSW and Victoria and in all the other places that are affected,' he said. 'And the platform we're going to build it on is you because you built it in the first place and you'll build it again.' As well as 56 homes destroyed, the fire has also destroyed 236 outbuildings and 257 vehicles, while stock losses will run to more than 100,000 animals. An orphaned koala (pictured) was one of a number saved on Kangaroo Island from the fires, but thousands more are thought to have perished 'This is still a large fire, which is not controlled,' chief officer Mark Jones told reporters. 'The fire has caused extensive damage to the Flinders Chase conservation park and devastated a number of small communities and properties.' The CFS has completed an aerial survey of the island to determine which areas are likely to be of most concern as temperatures push into the 30s. New fire activity is expected on the eastern flank of the fire in areas including Snug Cove, Stokes Bay and in the Andamel, Mt Taylor and Lathami conservation parks. Mr Jones said the CFS would increase its capability on the island and expected to be well prepared. It is also considering bringing in extra water bombers. A very hot air mass will imminently build over South Australia, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Adelaide will see temperatures at a blistering 40C on Thursday, as will Keith, Renmark and Clare. It will be even hotter in Leigh Creek, which will suffer through 44C heat. Kangaroo Island is seen cast in a eerie orange haze (pictured) earlier in the week, as an out-of-control bushfire continues to rage During his visit to the island, Mr Morrison urged Australian and international tourists to give tourism operators across the nation's bushfire-ravaged areas a hand by rearranging their trips or forgoing a refund. Mr Morrison said the island's tourism sector, along with its primary producers, had been hit especially hard. 'So, if you booked accommodation and you're now seeking a refund, can you cut them a break,' the prime minister said. 'That's in terms of, at the very least on the timing about when you might expect to receive a refund. 'These businesses have been hit very hard and their cashflow positions are not going to be in a position where they're going to be able to meet every request.' Peter Kirstein, a British computer scientist who was widely recognized as the father of the European internet, died on Wednesday at his home in London. He was 86. His daughter, Sara Lynn Black, said the cause was a brain tumor. Professor Kirstein fashioned his pivotal role in computer networking the old-fashioned way: through human connections. In 1982, his collegial ties to American scientists working in the nascent field of computer networks led him to adopt their standards in his own London research lab. Those standards were called Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol, or TCP/IP, which enable different computer networks to share information. Professor Kirstein embraced TCP/IP despite competing protocols being put forward at the time by international standards groups. In 2019, Hunterdon Healthcare launched an international nurse recognition program called, The DAISY Award. The award is part of the DAISY Foundations program to recognize the clinical skill and the compassion nurses provide to patients and families every day. On Jan.7, Lebanon Township resident Emily Heitkamp, BSN, RNC, 5 North Surgical Unit at Hunterdon Medical Center, received the award. The husband of a patient of Emilys wrote, My wife was admitted to Hunterdon Medical Center with severe abdominal pain. Emily was professional, caring and my wife and I were impressed with not only her skills, but her depth of knowledge of the treatment plan and why it was being given. Emily helped to reduce our anxiety in a stressful situation. She was supportive of the physicians and the care team, however, when the routine course of action didnt seem to be helping, Emily was a real patient advocate and presented facts on my wifes case to the decision makers. Emily communicated and listened. Paid attention to details and gave us the confidence and care we needed. As a retired CEO, I always looked for people who viewed their role as not just a job, but as a responsibility for success. Emily is that person and Hunterdon Healthcare is lucky to have such a wonderful nurse. The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. The care he and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patients families. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses has been adopted by 3,500 health care facilities and schools of nursing in all 50 states and 21 other countries, committed to honoring their nurses for their extraordinary care and compassion. Individual nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues and they are chosen by a Hunterdon Healthcare committee. We are proud to be among the healthcare organizations participating in the DAISY Award program. Nurses are heroes every day. Its important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that, said chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services, Patricia Steingall, MS, RN, NE-BC. DAISY Award recipients are presented with a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, a hand-carved serpentine stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, and a spotlight page on The DAISY Foundation website, featuring a photo and telling the story of why this nurse was honored. In addition, each DAISY Award facility will receive a large celebratory banner that is hung in the recipients unit for a month. To nominate a nurse that works for Hunterdon Healthcare System or to learn more, visit www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/daisy-award. Washington County Judge Kelly McKeighan made it clear this week that he is not a fan of the state's new bail laws, or how the state Legislature arrived at them. McKeighan was required by law to release Michael Zakrzewski, a three-time felon from Watervliet who had been in Washington County Jail since last June for allegedly trying to use counterfeit $100 bills to pay a court fine in Fort Edward, and then lying to a grand jury that reviewed his case. Zakrzewski faces two felony counts of first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and single counts of first-degree perjury, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and misdemeanor making a false written statement after an investigation by Fort Edward Police and the U.S. Secret Service. Zakrzewski's list of charges does not include any of the offenses for which bail can be set under the state's new "bail reform" laws, so his counsel made a motion to have him released from jail on his own recognizance. But he has a years-long history of not appearing for prior court proceedings that included at least nine failures to show up for court, as well as ties to Florida, where he has a felony conviction, records show. But McKeighan pointed out that courts can no longer take into effect a defendant's history of failing to appear in court, ties to the court's jurisdiction, prior arrest warrant or extradition history when deciding whether a defendant is eligible for bail. "Thus, stripped of any judicial autonomy in such matters, which would allow the employ of common sense and sound judgement, the court is constrained to obey these laws, which come dangerously close to relegating the judiciary to a rubber-stamping bureaucracy," the judge wrote in his Jan.6 decision. He added that there was "no legislative history" for the new law and no "input from a well-rounded group of knowledgeable professionals" about the potential impact of the changes when they were attached to state budget bills and passed last spring. Zakrzewski is due back in Washington County Court on Jan. 24. He faces up to 15 years in state prison. --Don Lehman Don Lehman covers police and court matters, Warren County government and the outdoors. He can be reached at 518-742-3224 or dlehman@poststar.com Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 1 Angry 8 Postal services were affected in Nagaland due to the strike called by trade unions, even as it didn't have any impact on normal life with vehicles plying and markets remaining open. Under the banner of All India Postal Employees Union (AIPEU), the staff demonstrated outside post offices across the state, including the head post office in state capital, demanding scraping of the New Pension Scheme and raising a host of other issues. Kevilekho Angami, the postmaster at the head post office, maintained that the demands of the union are genuine. Led by assistant divisional secretary L Imtikumjuk, the postal staff demanded that the Centre should stop privatisation of government departments and public sector undertakings. They also demanded withdrawal of "anti-worker" labour codes and labour reforms. Meanwhile, commercial establishments, including markets, shops, and other government offices operated as usual. The banking sector also did not have much impact, but employees of the Central Bank of India at its Kohima and Dimapur braches joined the strike. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Wallace Watson, a 52-year-old who attended her rally over the weekend in Dubuque, Iowa, said he decided to support Ms. Warren months ago because he saw her as the only candidate who could energize both voters who backed Mr. Sanders in 2016 and those who supported Hillary Clinton, the partys nominee. In recent months, however, he admitted that his faith in Ms. Warren had been tested. I think she has long-term viability, but its unfortunate that she has had press coverage in the last months of the year that has seemed to lessen her impact, Mr. Watson said. She needs to step up her campaign and make herself a viable candidate again. Im hopeful she will. Ms. Warrens campaign did not respond to a request for comment for this story. But in private conversations, her advisers acknowledge that this ideological squeeze is similar to one that doomed earlier candidates like former Representative Beto ORourke of Texas, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Senator Kamala Harris of California. But unlike those candidates, who often made grand pivots in order to appease both sides, Ms. Warren is placing her bet on authenticity and hoping voters will reward her for being consistent. But she is still making minor tweaks to her strategy. She has appeared on more national television programs in recent days, including a rare appearance on the Sunday political talk show circuit. Adam Green, who leads the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and has advised Ms. Warren, said to expect her to make the case for electability against Mr. Trump in the coming month, aimed at scared progressives who are tentatively parked with others like Biden. The campaign has also amassed a roster of energetic and potentially influential surrogates, including Julian Castro, the former cabinet secretary and presidential candidate, Representatives Ayanna S. Pressley of Massachusetts and Katie Porter of California, and a collective of activists called Black Womxn For, all of whom are set to descend on Iowa in the coming weeks. These surrogates may go on the offensive in ways Ms. Warren has resisted. At their joint rally in Brooklyn on Tuesday, it was Mr. Castro not Ms. Warren who made the most explicit case for why she was better suited than her primary opponents to beat Mr. Trump. Every month, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living posts a list of establishments that have been closed or fined for violating health codes. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Every month, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living posts a list of establishments that have been closed or fined for violating health codes. With 2019 over, the following is a list of all the Westman businesses listed as having violated health rules during the year. All information listed comes from documents posted on the provincial governments website at gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/protection/report.html. In all of Manitoba, the most-penalized business was in Wasagaming. In June, Buffalo Resorts in Wasagaming got fined for nine violations dating back to summer 2018. Those violations included failing to test water quality, failure to keep records, operating a pool with hazardous conditions, two counts of operating a pool without a permit and operating a pool where a gate was unlocked when not in operation. These violations cost the facility a total of $3,600. "For pools, this is likely the most convictions and fines ever weve had," veteran health inspector Mike LeBlanc told the Winnipeg Free Press in September. "People shouldnt be going into the pool." The Pita Pit on 18th Street in Brandon was fined $486 in January 2019 for failing to ensure that their dishwasher was satisfactorily sanitizing items. The location would again be fined $298 in September for a similar offence. That same month, Brandons Best Western on Middleton Avenue was dinged for three health offences related to their pool dating back to the previous August. Those three convictions earned fines totalling $2,166. Also in January 2019, The Meat Man butcher in Oakburn was fined $722 for failing "to ensure that potentially hazardous foods originate from an approved source." In April 2019, Lees Village Restaurant in Neepawa was fined twice for offences in February 2019. Two $486 fines were levied one for failing to ensure that potentially hazardous foods are maintained at a safe internal temperature and another for failing to ensure that potentially hazardous food was properly thawed. In June 2019, the Esso station in Elkhorn was fined $486 for failing to maintain a safe internal temperature for potentially hazardous food in July 2018. Shawarma Queen in Brandon was dinged in July 2019 for operating a food handling establishment with poor general sanitation in May 2019, costing them $298. July also saw the Aspen Grove Campground in Oak Lake have its swimming pool closed between the third and the fifth of the month for operating a pool with inadequate water recirculation or quality, failure to conduct a test as required by an inspector and operating a pool and failing to maintain records. The Landing Community Centres pool here in Brandon was both closed for four days in July 2019 and fined $672 for failing to maintain disinfection levels when the pool was in use and operating a pool with inadequate water recirculation. It was closed again for two days in August for operating with inadequate water recirculation or quality, operating a pool without conducting water quality tests and failure to maintain records as required. Wasagamings The Lake House hotel had its whirlpool shut down for a day for operating with inadequate water quality with the Arrowhead Family Resort in the same community having its pool also shut down for a day for the same reason. The Lake House would also be fined a combined $2,016 and the Arrowhead Family Resort fined a combined $1,344 for offences retailing to their pools. At the Corral Centre, the Subway was fined $203 in August for failing to maintain adequate sanitizer solution in June. Brandons Clay Pot Cafe was fined three times in September for offences dating back to July worth a total of $1,456, including failing to maintain a safe internal temperature of potentially hazardous food, the unsatisfactory function of a dishwasher and failing to supply soap and towels for washing hands. In Dauphin, the Hong Kong Cafe was fined three times for health violations in September, including twice for failing to maintain a safe internal temperature for potentially hazardous food items. Those fines cost them $846 in total. Also in September, the Chicken Chef in Brandon was fined $203 for "poor sanitation." The Crystal Cafe in Brandon was fined twice for a total of $398, including a $100 fine for having cannabis or other drugs on the premises. In October, Brandons Clarion Inn & Suites was fined $678 for an offence involving their pools recirculation. November saw Vegos Kitchenette in Neepawa fined $672 for operating without a permit and Shoal Lakes Allen Choy Restaurant was fined twice for a combined $501 once for storing raw meat above vegetables and once for failing to ensure cloths used for wiping down food surfaces was only used for that one purpose. Wood Fired Pizza in Brandon was closed in November for failing to register remodelling with the government. As the Sun previously reported, ownership is planning on turning the unit at 2430 Victoria Ave. into a second Shawarma Queen location. December saw the restaurant at the Miniota Motor Inn get fined twice for a total of $303 for failing to provide a proper thermometer in the food preparation area and for improper lighting. The document for establishment convictions has only been updated up to Dec. 16, so there is a possibility that there may still be some outstanding fines from 2019. cslark@brandonsun.com, with files from the Winnipeg Free Press Twitter: @ColinSlark Advertisement Donald Trump has said Iran is 'standing down' in the Middle East after a 'crushing revenge' strike aimed at avenging the death of one of its top generals failed to kill a single soldier. The President said he no longer wants to use American military might against Tehran as the two sides stepped back from the brink of all-out conflict, in what amounts to a victory for the US. Trump said he will impose 'punishing' new sanctions in an attempt to force Iran to abandon its nuclear program and stop supporting terrorists, but offered an olive branch by inviting European nations along with Russia and China to negotiate an alternative to the 2015 nuclear deal which he said would guarantee Iran 'a good future'. Trump added that the world should be 'very happy' after General Qassem Soleimani, who was credited with killing and maiming thousands of US and allied troops across the Middle East, was taken out using 'big, powerful, accurate, lethal, and fast' missiles. Donald Trump said Iran appears to be 'standing down' after a revenge strike for the death of General Qassem Soleimani failed to kill a single soldier, saying the world should be 'very happy' at the result The President said he doesn't want to use American military strength against Iran, as he vowed to impose more sanctions in order to force Tehran to abandon its nuclear programme and support for terror group across the region Trump's gamble in killing Soleimani in a drone strike at Baghdad airport last week appeared to have paid off after Iran launched 22 ballistic missiles in response, without causing major damage America is willing to negotiate an alternative to the 2015 nuclear deal that Iran signed with Obama, Trump insisted, that would guarantee the country 'a good future' Iran has fired 22 ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq that was visited by Donald Trump in December 2018 and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.20pm EST (1.20am local time) It is thought Iran used Fatteh-110 and Qaim-1 ballistic missiles during the attack, which failed to kill any US or Iraqi troops (pictured, one of the missiles is launched in Iran) Donald Trump speaks to reporters at the White House on Wednesday morning after Iran's revenge strike against the US Trump called on European powers alongside Russia and China to negotiate a new deal to replace the 2015 nuclear agreement signed under Obama, which he said would provide the country with 'a good future' Satellite images taken of the airbase at Ai al-Asad showed several structures at the base had been destroyed, but that much of the sprawling compound remained untouched In a victory-lap speech on Wednesday morning in Washington, he insisted that Iran will 'never' be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon on his watch. He also accused the Obama administration of funding the attacks on American bases, saying cash that was handed to Tehran as part of the 2015 deal was used to pay for the missiles launched overnight. He said: 'The civilized world must send a clear and unified message to the Iranian regime: Your campaign of terror, murder, mayhem will not be tolerated any longer. It will not be allowed to go forward. 'Today, I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process. 'Over the last three years, under my leadership, our economy is stronger than ever before, and America has achieved energy independence. These historic accomplishments changes our strategic priorities. These are accomplishments that nobody thought was possible. And options in the Middle East became available. 'We are now the number one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere in the world. We are independent, and we do not need Middle East oil. 'The American military has been completely rebuilt under my administration at a cost of $2.5 trillion. U.S. Armed forces are stronger than ever before. Our missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal, and fast. Under construction are many hypersonic missiles. 'The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it. American strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent.' Iran's Supreme Leader said America had been given a 'slap in the face' after 22 ballistic missiles were fired at the Ain al-Asad base and Erbil International Airport, though failed to cause significant damage. While it appears some missiles failed to explode on impact or missed their targets altogether, US and European intelligence sources said the regime deliberately pulled its punches for fear of provoking a 'disproportionate' response threatened by President Trump. Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi said Iran warned him about the attack on the Ain al-Asad and Erbil airbases an hour before they took place, allowing Iraqi and US troops to take shelter, while Finland and Lithuania said they were also told to get their soldiers to safety. Trump had threatened a large-scale attack against Iran, including on cultural sites, if Iran killed US personnel in revenge for the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani in a US strike last week. As the dust settled overnight he tweeted saying 'so far so good' and 'all is well'. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei subsequently described the attacks as a 'slap in the face of America' though admitted they were 'not enough' to avenge Soleimani. In a televised address he promised Iranians that the true revenge would be kicking US forces out of the Middle East altogether, but did not announce any further strikes. Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the attack had 'concluded' while praising Iran's 'proportionate' response, adding: 'We do not seek escalation or war.' Iranian television had tried to claim that 80 'American terrorists' were killed, but that figure was quickly rubbished by Iraqi and US officials. In an attempt to talk-up the impact of the strikes, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said they show 'we don't retreat in the face of America.' 'If America has committed a crime... it should know that it will receive a decisive response,' Rouhani said in a televised address. 'If they are wise, they won't take any other action at this juncture.' Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (left) said the attack it is 'not enough' for revenge against the US, before Iraqi militia commander Qais al-Khazali (right) vowed to exact his own revenge for the killing of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis While the attack marks a significant escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, it falls far short of direct attacks on US commanders that had been feared Iraqi security forces clear away pieces of shrapnel from the Ain al-Asad airbase after it was struck by ballistic missiles fired by Iran as part of operation 'Martyr Soleimani' Initial reports indicate at least 15 missiles were fired at two American bases in Iraq, though officials said early warning systems sounded alarms at the Ain al-Asad base (pictured) allowing troops to scramble for cover A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, in northern Iraq 70 miles from Erbil, following Iranian missile strikes Wreckage of a missile that was fired at Ain al-Asad military base in western Iraq but failed to explode on impact US officials said early warning systems sounded alarms at the Ain al-Asad base, allowing troops to scramble for cover Iraq said 17 missiles were fired at the Ain al-Asad base, two of which failed to explode (pictured, unexploded wreckage) Assessing the Iranian response, Annalisa Perteghella of the Institute for International Political Studies in Milan said; 'With the attacks, Tehran signalled its capacity and readiness to respond to US attacks, thus saving face, and yet they have been well targeted to avoid fatalities and thus avoid provoking Trump's reaction.' John Raine, a geopolitical expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, gave a similar analysis, saying: 'The Iranians are under pressure to do something immediately given the strength of feeling, and that's where the importance of demonstrating defiance comes in.' Meanwhile Francois Heisbourg of the Foundation for Strategic Research in Paris added: 'On the Iranian side, this is clearly a signal to stop the escalation process. The real question now is what Trump is going to do.' Hours after the launch, a Ukrainian Airlines Boeing 737 caught fire crashed near Tehran killing all 177 passengers and crew - including 63 Canadian and three Britons - amid fears it could have been caught up in the attack. The Ukrainian embassy in Tehran initially stated that the crash had been caused by an engine failure rather than terrorism or a missile attack, but later deleted that claim. Iran has blamed technical failure and an engine fire for the crash, after earlier saying the pilot had lost control during an engine fire. If it emerges that Iran did shoot down the plane - either accidentally or on purpose - then it is likely to prompt a global response that will escalate tensions in the region even further. Ukraine's foreign ministry said of those killed, 82 were Iranian, 63 Canadian, 11 Ukrainian, three British, with the remainder hailing from Sweden, Afghanistan, and Germany. Saeed Tahmasebi a newlywed from London who had flown to Tehran for a second wedding ceremony with bride Niloofar Ebrahim after trying the knot in the UK capital, was among those killed. Also killed was dry cleaning boss Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh, from Brighton, and Sam Zokaei, a BP engineer who also lived in London. International airlines have begun rerouting flights away from Iranian and Iraqi airspace amid fears they could be accidentally targeted by missiles. One British Airways flight, BA134, was spotted performing an abrupt U-turn and flying off across Saudi Arabia instead of taking its expected route across Iraqi airspace. President Donald Trump says 'all is well' and 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties continue to be assessed after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops The timing of the Iranian strikes - around 1.20am local time - occurred at the same time as the US drone strike which killed Soleimani. Following the strikes, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned any further strikes by America would be met with fresh attacks, and that any allied countries used as a base for such strikes would themselves become targets. Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif called the attacks 'self-defense' but said they did 'not seek escalation' but would defend itself against further aggression The Iraqi military said 22 missiles were fired in total - 17 at the Asad base, two of which failed to explode, and five more that struck Erbil International Airport. US officials put the total slightly lower at 15 - ten of which hit Asad, one which hit Erbil, four which failed in flight. Iran said it had used Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles for the attack, though analysts said images of wreckage near the Aasd base also appears to show Qaim-1 ballistic missiles were used. The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq - visited by Trump in December 2018 - and Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were struck by the missiles around 5.20pm EST Tuesday in an operation dubbed 'Martyr Soleimani' by Iran. The Pentagon says the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. A US official said there were no immediate reports of American casualties, though buildings were still being searched. Iraqi officials say there were no casualties among their forces either. There are still fears for US forces in the region after Qais al-Khazali, a commander of Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq, vowed to exact revenge for the killing of deputy-leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. 'The first Iranian response to the assassination of the martyr leader Soleimani took place,' he tweeted. 'Now is the time for the initial Iraqi response to the assassination of the martyr leader Muhandis. 'And because the Iraqis are brave and zealous, their response will not be less than the size of the Iranian response, and this is a promise.' Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran had delivered a 'slap in the face' to American forces but added that missile strikes are 'not enough' and called for the US to be 'uprooted' from the region The Ayatollah spoke in a televised address early Wednesday during which he praised a 'measured' strike against the US, which he said embodied the spirit of slain general Soleimani Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the attack shows 'we don't retreat in the face of America', while also urging Washington not to escalate tensions further The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) President Trump and First Lady Melania visited the al-Asad airbase in western Iraq in December 2018. The airbase was targeted by Iran on Tuesday in a missile attack Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were spotted arriving at the White House soon after news of the strikes broke Iraqi security forces and citizens gather to inspect the site where missiles fired by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps landed outside the Ain al-Asad airbase Pieces of shrapnel are seen near the Ain al-Asad airbase after a missile strike by Iran Members of Peshmerga fighters stand guard in center of Erbil in the aftermath of Iran's launch of a number of missiles at bases in Iraq Members of Kurdistan's regional government attend a meeting to discuss security after Iranian missiles targeted Erbil International Airport early Wednesday Britain, Australia, France, Poland, Denmark and Finland have confirmed that none of their troops stationed in Iraq were hurt in the attack, while calling for an end to hostilities and a return to talks. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has condemned what he called Iran's 'reckless and dangerous' missile attacks on bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops, and he called for 'urgent de-escalation' by Tehran and Washington. China and Russia, both key Iranian allies, also warned against escalating strikes with Vladimir Dzhabarov, lawmaker with Russia's upper house of parliament, warning the conflict could easily lead to a nuclear war. In a surprise move Barham Saleh Iraq's president, condemned the attacks, calling them a violation of sovereignty. The Syrian government, another key ally of Iran, has expressed full solidarity with Iran, saying Tehran has the right to defend itself 'in the face of American threats and attacks.' The foreign ministry said in a statement Wednesday that Syria holds the 'American regime responsible for all the repercussions due to its reckless policy and arrogant mentality.' Meanwhile Turkey, which is a NATO member but also has ties to Iran in Syria, said its foreign minister will visit Iraq on Thursday as part of diplomatic efforts to 'alleviate the escalated tension' in the region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed the EU will 'spare no effort' in trying to save the nuclear deal that Iran signed with President Obama and was ripped up by Trump, sparking the current tensions. Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which controls the country's missile program, confirmed that they fired the rockets in retaliation for last week's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. They reported the operation's name was 'Martyr Soleimani' and it took place just hours after the slain general's funeral. The rockets used in the attack, according to Iranian TV, were Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles, which have a range of 186 miles or 300km. The Iranian air force has since deployed multiple fighter jets to patrol it airspace, according to reports - as Iran warned the U.S. and its allies in the region not to retaliate. The Pentagon said it was still working to assess the damage. Iranian missiles that blitzed Iraqi airbases can deliver a precision-guided 500lb warhead over a range of more than 180 miles Two types of ballistic missiles were reportedly used to hit U.S. Military bases in Ain al-Asad in western Iraq and also around Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. The majority of those used are believed to be the Fateh-110, which can travel 180 miles or 300km and have a payload of around 500lb. Reports also suggest the Qiam-1 was also used, a short range ballistic missile produced by Iran which can travel 500 miles and carry 750lb warheads. The Fateh-110 is an Iranian-designed, short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile that can be launched from any location. While the Qiam-1 was specifically built to target U.S. bases in the Middle East, which have 'encircled Iran', according to Iranian sources. When it was launched the Fateh-110 was described by Iranian defence minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami as '100-percent domestically made - agile, stealth, tactical (and) precision-guided'. Both missiles are reported to have been fired from Tabriz and Kermanshah provinces in Iran. Advertisement 'In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces,' a statement from the Pentagon read. 'It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. 'As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.' The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, reportedly said Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was personally in the control center coordinating the attacks. They also warned U.S. allies in the Middle East that they would face retaliation if America strikes back against any Iranian targets from their bases. 'We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted,' they said. It also threatened Israel. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were spotted arriving at the White House soon after news of the strikes broke. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said on Tuesday night that the missile strikes were an 'act of war' and said Trump had all the power he needed to act. 'This is an act of war by any reasonable definition,' Graham told Fox News' Sean Hannity. 'The President has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond.' People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane carrying 177 passengers crashed near Imam Khomeini airport Rescue workers in protective suits gather up the bodies of passengers who were killed in the Boeing 737 crash in Iran today An aerial view of the crash site where rescuers searched the debris this morning with the cause of the crash still unclear Newlywed Saeed Tahmasebi Khademsadi, 35, pictured with his wife Niloofar Ebrahim, was an engineer at construction firm Laing O'Rourke Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh, 40 (left), was identified as one of the British victims of the Ukrainian Airlines disaster, while BP engineer Sam Zokaei (right) was named as another The Ukrainian pilots and crew of the plane which crashed are captured in an image thought to have been taken in Tehran shortly before their doomed flight House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted that the U.S., as well as the rest of the world, 'cannot afford war'. 'Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war,' she tweeted. After the strikes, Saeed Jalili - a former Iranian nuclear negotiator and foreign minister - posted a picture of the Islamic Republic's flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others in the drone strike in Baghdad. Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported, Brynjar Stordal, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces said. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Tuesday it would ban U.S. carriers from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia after the missile attack on U.S.-led forces. Earlier on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the United States should anticipate retaliation from Iran over the killing in Iraq of Soleimani. 'I think we should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form,' Esper told a news briefing at the Pentagon, adding that such retaliation could be through Iran-backed proxy groups outside of Iran or 'by their own hand.' 'We're prepared for any contingency. And then we will respond appropriately to whatever they do.' Trump had also earlier told reporters about the prospect of an Iranian attack: 'We're totally prepared.' 'They're going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly,' he said from the Oval Office during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Meanwhile, early reports of an attack at the al-Taji military base, just outside Baghdad, was later reported as a drill. Local reports initially suggested that five rockets had struck the base after 'shelter in place' sirens were heard ringing out around the compound. Sirens were also heard blaring out inside the U.S. consulate in Erbil, which was one of the bases struck in the missile attack. Muslim worshippers hold a candlelight vigil in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, to honour Iran's slain general Soleimani Shia Muslims prayed in support of Soleimani in Pakistan as Iran launched what it said were revenge strikes on the US Iran said the attack, dubbed Operation Martyr Soleimani, was launched hours after the funeral service for General Qassem Soleimani (pictured) - who was killed in a US drone strike - had finished Mourners attend funeral and burial of General Soleimani in his hometown in Kerman early Wednesday morning People lower the coffin of Qassem Soleimani into his grave in the city of Kerman, central Iran Mourners rush to lay their hands on the coffin of General Soleimani before it is lowered into a grave in the cit of Kerman Was the Ukrainian jet brought down by an Iranian missile - or were the 176 people on board killed by a mechanical failure? Here are the five key theories Theory one: Mechanical failure or pilot error Iranian authorities have said that initial investigations point to either an engine failure - or a catastrophic pilot error. The three-year-old Boeing 737 jet came down just three minutes after take-off from Imam Khomeini International Airport. Iranian officials said the pilot had lost control of the Boeing jet after a fire struck one of the plane's engines, but said the crew had not reported an emergency and did not say what caused the fire. Footage of the crash appears to show the plane streaking downwards with a small blaze on the wing, near its jet engines (pictured above on the ground). But critics have questioned the Iranian account, calling it the 'fastest investigation in aviation history' - and said the Boeing 737 has a largely outstanding safety record with no recent history of an engine failure of this kind. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has instructed prosecutors to open criminal proceedings - a clear signal that he is unsure about Iran's version of events. His Government also revealed the plane was inspected just two days ago. Theory two: Accidentally hit by an Iranian missile The plane came down shortly after Iran launched its missile attacks Iraq with tens of ballistic weapons fired from the rogue state. Photographs of the downed Ukrainian airlines jet show that the fuselage appears to be peppered with shrapnel damage. Experts have said that an engine fire or pilot error does not explain those holes (pictured). Ilya Kusa, a Ukrainian international affairs expert, said amid the US-Iranian tensions and said: 'It is difficult not to connect the plane crash with the US-Iran confrontation. The situation is very difficult. One must understand that this happened shortly after Iran's missile attacks on US military facilities'. Just hours before the crash, the US Federal Aviation Administration had banned US airlines from flying over Iran, Iraq and the waters of the Persian Gulf due to the Middle East crisis. This was due to the possibility of missiles flying towards Iraq - and airlines are still skirting the region as they head to and from Asia. Theory three: Jet was deliberately brought down by a missile Video footage tweeted by the BBC's Iran correspondent, Ali Hashem, appeared to show the plane already burning in the sky before it crashed in a massive explosion. It sparked speculation that the jet could have been shot down accidentally by nervous Iranian air defence soldiers, hours after Iran fired 22 ballistic missiles at US bases in retaliation for the killing of general Qassem Soleimani. But there is a major question mark over whether Iran would shoot down a plane with so many of its own citizens on board. Many of the world's major airlines have stopped flying through or even near Iranian airspace as they cross the globe amid safety fears after US/Iran tensions boiled over in the past week. Iran is a key ally of Vladimir Putin's Russia, which grabbed Crimea from Ukraine and has been involved in an on-off conflict with its neighbour since 2014. Russia has denied shooting down the ill-fated MH17 jet five years ago - but experts say otherwise with three Russians arrested over the disaster. Theory four: An accidental drone strike Experts have speculated that the Ukrainian aircraft could have collided with a military drone before crashing. The drone may have smashed into the engine - or been sucked in - with the pilot unsighted because it was after dark. This could cause an explosion and the fire seen as the plane hit the ground (pictured). Experts said Iranian were in the air at the time - in case the US decided to fight back - and not always picked up by radar. Russian military pilot Vladimir Popov said: 'It could have been an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, which are small in size and poorly visible on radars. A plane in a collision could get significant damage and even catch fire in the air.' Theory five: Sabotage or a terror attack Aviation experts have urged investigators to rule out whether the plane was brought down by terrorists or as an act of sabotage. They say that while a flaming engine is highly unusual, the sudden loss of data communications from the plane is even more so. This could be caused by a bomb, that blew up after the 737 took to the air, wrecking its systems. An electronic jammer weapon that knocked out the plane's controls could also explain it. British expert Julian Bray said it 'could be an altitude triggered device set to detonate during take off. Unusual that engine seen to be on fire before crash, points to catastrophic incident' or being 'deliberately brought down'. He added that based on the footage pilot error looks 'unlikely'. Experts have said that if the black box is not recovered by Iranian security officials (pictured) from the wreckage it could point to it being a deliberate act. After the crash the Ukrainian embassy in Tehran reported that the crash had been caused by an engine failure rather than terrorism - but this was later deleted on social media. Advertisement The strikes by Iran were a major escalation of tensions that have been rising steadily across the Mideast following months of threats and attacks after Trump's decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. Soleimani's killing and Iran's missile strikes also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. After the strikes, Saeed Jalili - a former Iranian nuclear negotiator - posted a picture of the Islamic Republic's flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others in the drone strike in Baghdad It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two nations, which have been foes since the days immediately following Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The revenge attack came a mere few hours after crowds in Iran mourned Soleimani and as the U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the region's waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. The U.S. Air Force launched a drill with 52 fighter jets in Utah on Monday, just days after Trump threatened to hit 52 sites in Iran. Meanwhile a stampede broke out Tuesday at Soleimani's funeral in his hometown of Kerman and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession, Iranian news reports said. There was no information about what set off the crush in the packed streets. Online videos showed only its aftermath: people lying apparently lifeless, their faces covered by clothing, emergency crews performing CPR on the fallen and onlookers wailing and crying out to God. A procession in Tehran on Monday drew over one million people in the Iranian capital, crowding both main avenues and side streets. Hossein Salami, Soleimani's successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard, addressed a crowd of supporters gathered at the coffin in a central square in Kernan. He vowed to avenge Soleimani, saying: 'We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about'. The al-Asad base for American and coalition troops (pictured above in December) was struck by missiles 'clearly launched from Iran', U.S. officials say The Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan, which provides facilities and services to at least hundreds of coalition personnel and CIA operatives, was also hit in the missile attack The Ayatollah's arsenal: A MILLION troops, hundreds of missile launchers capable of striking the entire Middle East and a maritime guerrilla force for choking the world's oil supply in the Persian Gulf Iran's supreme leader has a million troops on stand-by, hundreds of missile launchers capable of striking the entire Middle East and a maritime guerrilla force for exacting revenge on the US for Qassem Soleimani's killing last week. Tehran's first retaliatory move was delivered in a 22-missile strike on two US bases in Iraq last night. But despite the array of devastating options at his disposal, it is believed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei deliberately pulled his punches. There were no US casualties in the bombardments and US and European government sources said today it appeared the missiles deliberately missed the personnel in the bases, despite Tehran's furious threats of vengeance. Perhaps more humiliating, is the possibility that Iran's equipment failed. This would further underline the gulf between Iran, which still uses Soviet-era weapons, and its US enemy, which has the most advanced military in the world. Iran has threatened to carry out more strikes if America decides to lash out further, but has insisted that it is not looking for a wider confrontation with Donald Trump But should President Donald Trump choose to invade, the US would face a bitter war waged by the Ayatollah's 150,000 elite troops of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, 350,000 regular soldiers and half a million in reserve. Meanwhile the navy could put a strangle-hold on the world's oil supply in the Strait of Hormuz with a maritime guerrilla force of small, rapid vessels rigged with machine guns and missiles, as well as 'midget' submarines and sea mines. A third of the world's liquefied gas and almost a quarter of its oil flows through the narrow, shallow waters on Iran's southern coast, which was the scene of oil tanker attacks and seizures last year. Iran's defense spending soared after sanctions were lifted by the 2015 Iran Deal but the budget has fallen substantially since Trump reimposed those penalties. Spending for last year was around $20.7 billion - roughly 3.8% of its GDP - while the year before it was $27.3 billion. 'Tehran has committed itself to becoming the dominant power in the turbulent and strategic Middle East,' according to the US Defense Intelligence Agency. In the final months of 2019 we bore witness to an unexpected wave of popular discontent against presidents accused of manipulating democratic discourse and trampling the people's rights. In all these cases presidents who came to power through democratic elections ended up calling on the military or police to quell the protests and guarantee their continuation in office. Actually, this did not start last October. A quick look back and we see the President of Guatemala, Jimmy Morales, taking office in January of 2016 surrounded by military brass. Also, in January of this year former Army captain Jair Bolsonaro assumed the presidency of Brazil. His rhetoric containing religious overtones and an apology of the dictatorships of the 70s, he went on to buttress his power by appointing more than 140 officers to government posts. In the most recent events Ivan Duque, the president of Colombia, lost popular support due to his repression of protests in Bogota, Cali, Medellin and Barranquilla, sparked by increase in the price of basic groceries. Ecuadors President Lenin Moreno, meanwhile, announced a series of economic measures that triggered protests of such a magnitude in Quito that the ruler had to take refuge in Guayaquil, and withdraw them. Finally, he called for reconciliation, but surrounded by police and military. In early October Peru's President Martin Vizcarra, along with the heads of the Armed Forces and the Police, appealed to the people after dissolving the Congress; and in Chile Sebastian Pinera put police on the streets and decreed a curfew in response to protests against the increase in public transport prices. Governments considered progressive also resorted to the military to ensure their survival. In Bolivia, Evo Morales went to great lengths to win over the military, who went from considering him a traitor to his country, to an architect of political and economic stability. These allied forces, however, quickly accommodated the authorities and agreed to repress the people. In Venezuela the Armed Forces are the cornerstone of the "Bolivarian Project". With a model that closely resembles the Cuban one, the military there controls the economy, finance and illegal businesses. A few days ago the President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, appointed the former coronel Manuel Marrero as Prime Minister. Marrero has not exactly stood out for his military career, as he has been head of the technical investment group, deputy director and general manager of the Rio de Luna hotel, and deputy delegate of the Gaviota military company for the eastern provinces. Marrero, however, combines the economic and political strengths of post-Castroism: he has worked in the military apparatus that controls the vital Tourism sector. In 1999 he became vice-president of the Gaviota Tourism Group and, in 2001, its president. In 2017 he received the Tourism Excellence Award. From 2004 to 2019 he was Minister of Tourism. Tourism is key in the economic sphere, and the Armed Forces are essential in the political realm, and control the tourism business. Marrero's appointment surprised many, since he was a little-known official and not one of the candidates who were envisaged as the president's second-in-command. 594 deputies of the National Assembly of Cuba, however, ratified him. Diaz-Canel also appointed Brigadier General Jose Amado Cabrera Guerra a confidante of Raul Castro, who assigned him these duties in 2009 as Secretary of the Council of Ministers, making him a virtual chief of staff. Cuba's Council of Ministers has other officers too: the Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), and Army General Leopoldo Cintra Frias; and Vice Admiral Julio Cesar Gandarilla Bermejo, as Minister of the Interior. They are joined by members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, including Army General Alvaro Lopez Miera, who is also the First Deputy Minister of the FAR and Chief of the General Staff; and Army General Ramon Espinosa Martin, deputy minister of the FAR, among others, all this evidencing the military's influence on political decisions. The photo of Marreros designation as prime minister speaks for itself, pointing to a reality that many scorn, others do not know, and some seek to hide: in Cuba, the military no longer prepares for combat, but rather to control the economy and protect the president . Is it any coincidence that a member of GAESA, the powerful business conglomerate that manages much of the Cuban economy, has been tapped for the state's second highest post? This is open to two possible interpretations. On the one hand, skeptics only detect a mirage of power distribution, and are convinced that nothing is changing. Most Cubans, meanwhile, have still not expressed their opinions about this designation, whether out of fear, complacency, fatigue, or because its is irrelevant to their daily struggles. Even more than this investiture of a relatively obscure official, it is surprising that, although the military is still one of the institutions that calls the shots on the island, little is really known about the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR). In Latin America, the spread of democracy once managed to confine the military to its barracks. In recent years, however, the Armed Forces have become more engaged in politics, and meddled more in decision making. Concern about democratic, civilian control of the armed forces is waning. In regimes of doubtful democratic legitimacy, this concept of civil control, widely debated in the literature, is disparaged. Perhaps in this regard Argentina may be an exception, as democratic governments' human rights policies there have greatly discredited the military. However, both for Cuba and for the other countries in the region, this biased and gradual rise of the military's participation in society and the state has dire consequences. An institution that maintains a monopoly on the use of public force poses a potential threat to human rights, and constitutes a possible source of institutional imbalance. In most Latin American countries certain sectors of society bitterly recall the ineptitude, corruption, and, especially, the repression and violence instituted by the military. They are aware that armed forces should be created and trained to protect a country and all its citizens not government regimes. This is an ongoing issue, one which the press, intellectuals, and social and political groups must constantly monitor. Unfortunately, in 2019 democratic countries like Chile, Ecuador, Brazil and Colombia saw a greater militarization of their politics, as in Cuba and Venezuela. Instead of democratic progress, the region is being militarized. Cuba, and also Venezuela, empower the military as sentinels of their regimes, assigning them privileged functions. The paradox is that, at the same time, they corrode their political systems and frustrate any progress towards these regimes' professed revolutionary aims. Only active engagement by civil society, at the national and regional levels, can curb this intensification of military functions, which damages the lives of citizens. On the authors: Rut Diamint: Principal Investigator, Conicet, Professor at the Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Laura Tedesco: Vice-Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Saint Louis University / Madrid Campus The Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse, which hears cases from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, stands in Lower Manhattan, New York City, on Jan. 18, 2019. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Federal Court Denies Motions to Allow Trump Admin to Start Enforcing Public Charge Rule A federal appeals court in New York has refused to set aside a nationwide block on a new public charge rule, which restricts the eligibility of new immigrants who are deemed to likely become public charges to obtain visas. A three-judge panel at the U.S Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit denied motions on Wednesday to stay an injunction (pdf) issued by a district judge in New York (pdf) to halt the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) rule while the appeal is heard in court. The courts decision is the latest in the Trump administrations fight to enforce the immigration law aiming to expand the definition of public charges in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Public charge refers to an individual who is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, by receiving assistance such as food stamps or Medicaid. The new rule provides clarification about what factors would be considered when determining whether someone is likely at any time in the future to become a public charge. The rule was challenged in several states, leading to injunctions that prevented the rule from going into effect on Oct. 15. Two federal appeals courtsthe Fourth Circuit and Ninth Circuitlifted similar injunctions last month. Despite the partial wins, the rule still cannot be implemented because the injunction from New York will continue to apply across the country. The New York injunction falls under the Second Circuits jurisdiction. The judgesJudges Amalya L. Kearse, Guido Calabresi, Susan L. Carneyall appointees of Democratic presidents, also said in their brief order (pdf) that the court has set up an expedited briefing schedule on the merits of the governments appeals, adding that the last brief was due on Feb. 14. Oral argument will be scheduled promptly thereafter, the judges said in the order. As always, the merits panel as soon as constituted has full authority to consider the scope of the existing injunction. The White House did not immediately respond to our request to comment, while the Justice Department declined to comment. Meanwhile, the media office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, who led a group of states to oppose the rule in one lawsuit, did not immediately respond to our request to comment. In a Twitter post following the Second Circuits decision, James vowed to continue to fight against the rule while calling the rule dangerous, disruptive, and unlawful. Along with the states, a coalition of organizations fighting for immigrant rights also filed a separate lawsuit last year over the rule. The judges addressed both cases in their order. Ninth Circuit Ruling In early December last year, the Ninth Circuit ruling stayed two preliminary injunctions, ruling 2-1 that Congress did not provide direction on how the phrase public charge should be interpreted and the DHS has the discretion to do so, within its authority. Congress simply has not spoken to how public charge should be defined. We must presume that when Congress enacted the current version of the INA in 1996, it was aware of the varying historical interpretations of public charge, Judges Jay Bybee and Sandra Ikuta, both appointed by George W. Bush, wrote in the majority opinion (pdf). Yet Congress chose not to define public charge and, instead, described various factors to be considered at a minimum, without even defining those factors. It is apparent that Congress left DHS and other agencies enforcing our immigration laws the flexibility to adapt the definition of public charge as necessary, they added. Judge John Owens, an Obama appointee, dissented, saying that he would leave the injunctions in place while the appeals court reviews the case, while factoring in a number of considerations such as the lack of irreparable harm to the government at this early stage and opaqueness of the legal questions. Meanwhile, Bybee wrote an additional reasoning, pointing out that Congress had not fulfilled its responsibilities. By constitutional design, the branch that is qualified to establish immigration policy and check any excesses in the implementation of that policy is Congress, Bybee wrote. And, so far as we can tell from our modest perch in the Ninth Circuit, Congress is no place to be found in these debates. We have seen case after case come through our courts, serious and earnest efforts, even as they are controversial, to address the nations immigration challenges, he continued. Yet we have seen little engagement and no actual legislation from Congress. It is time for a feckless Congress to come to the table and grapple with these issues, he added. Dont leave the table and expect us to clean up. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin inaugurated a new gas pipeline linking their countries at a ceremony in Istanbul on Wednesday with tensions over Libya and Syria also on the agenda. Erdogan described the Turkstream pipelines -- which will deliver Russian gas to Turkey and Europe via the Black Sea -- as a "project of historic importance" for relations between their countries. Putin arrived late on Tuesday after paying a surprise visit to Syria -- his first to Damascus since the war began -- at a moment of acute uncertainty in the Middle East following the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by the United States. TurkStream and the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic allow Russia to increase gas supplies to Europe without having to rely on Ukraine. But Moscow's increasing domination of European energy markets has worried the United States, which last month sanctioned firms working on TurkStream and the almost-completed Nord Stream 2. The ceremony in Istanbul reflected a dramatic improvement in ties between Russia and Turkey, who appeared on the verge of war less than five years ago after Turkey shot down a Russian jet. They have established a regular dialogue over the Syrian conflict, despite being on opposing sides, but now find their relations tested again in Libya. Last week, Turkey sent its first troops to help defend the UN-backed Tripoli government, which is under siege from strongman Khalifa Haftar. Erdogan has underlined that the deployment remains small for now: only 35 soldiers and limited to training and coordination roles, according to comments carried in the Hurriyet newspaper. He has criticised the presence of 2,500 Russian mercenaries supporting Haftar -- claims denied by Moscow. Russia so far seems unfazed by the Turkish deployment in Libya, said Mariana Belenkaia, of the Carnegie Centre in Moscow. "The two countries will likely be tempted to share the Libyan burden," she said. Syria remains a potential powder-keg for Erdogan and Putin's relationship. Syrian government forces -- backed by Russia -- have ramped up bombardment of the last rebel strongholds in Idlib province in recent weeks, sending hundreds of thousands fleeing towards the Turkish border. Erdogan has called for a truce in Idlib, following previous temporary halts to the fighting brokered with Russia in late 2018 and updated in August last year. "Russia's demands are very simple," said Yury Barmin of the Moscow Policy Group think tank. "Turkey must do more to eliminate terrorist cells in Idlib. The discussions will be around this idea." Improved ties between the two countries have been facilitated by a number of major energy and defence deals. Russia is building Turkey's first nuclear plant and last year delivered the S-400 missile defence system, to the consternation of Turkey's NATO allies. Putin earned goodwill in Turkey after his quick support for Erdogan following an attempted coup in July 2016. The two men have developed a "strong personal relationship", according to Jana Jabbour of Sciences Po university in Paris, who adds that "their economic and energy plans are interdependent". The TurkStream project, which was temporarily halted during a frosty patch in Russia-Turkey relations, includes two parallel pipelines of more than 900 kilometres (550 miles). The pipeline links Anapa in Russia to Kiyikoy in northwestern Turkey and has already begun deliveries to Bulgaria. It is being extended towards Serbia, Hungary and Austria. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Conference MP Mohammad Akbar Lone on Wednesday said his party will not contest any election till the special status and statehood of Jammu and Kashmir is restored. "The National Conference will not take part in any election till the pre-August 5 position of Jammu and Kashmir is restored," Lone told reporters after a party meeting here. Lone said he was hopeful of a favourable verdict on the petition regarding the restoration of the special status in the Supreme Court. Asked about the new political front led by former PDP leader Syed Altaf Bukhari, Lone said "such elements were used by Government of India from time to time since 1953 to undermine people's aspirations". "Many of those who are part of this front were the same people who brought down the Farooq Abdullah government (in 1984) and formed a new government. Everyone knows how long that government lasted. They will be used and thrown away," the Lok Sabha member from Baramulla said. He said the BJP might be able to take their agenda to people of Kashmir, the leaders who are part of the new front did not have any public standing. "They will be rejected by people," he added. In response to a question, Lone said the hype around the domicile law for Jammu and Kashmir was of no value. "We will not even spit on such a law. Our agenda remains the same as that of (NC founder) Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The city of Las Vegas suffered a network breach early Tuesday as the result of a malicious email, officials confirmed.An email led to a "compromise" of the computer network at about 4:30 a.m. The incident also coincides with the first day of the Consumer Electronics Show, which is being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.City communications director David Riggleman said details surrounding the incident are under investigation and there should be a clearer picture in the coming days."We were obviously anticipating that a day like this would eventually come," Riggleman said.Like other governments and large corporations, the city faces numerous attacks on its system. Riggleman pointed out that about 2 million emails come through the city network each month, saying that the city was immediately notified of the "unusual activity.""Weve never had a compromise of this nature before, no, but weve had attempts in the neighborhood of 279,000 a month," Riggleman said.All the city officials could reveal in the early stages of the investigations is that the incident was tied to an email.Riggleman said residents may experience brief service interruptions, adding that any interruptions are tied to city staff working on the network."It's important to note that those interruptions are not caused by the compromise directly," Riggleman said. "Theyre caused by our systems analysts protecting our systems."Michael Sherwood, information technologies director for the city, declined to comment this afternoon. Known as "Officer Debbie," Ganley has served on the force for more than 18 years working on special events, such as the Farmers Insurance Open where she's been the lead police officer at Torrey Pines since 2002. Officer Ganley's passion for local events has prompted her appointment as lead officer for other notable San Diego events including the Holiday Bowl Parade, 2008 U.S. Open and more. "I am truly honored to receive the Farmers Insurance Hometown Hero Award. I've had the tremendous opportunity to work with dedicated officers and other first responders who have served at the tournament over the last few decades, and I want to thank them for making this an unforgettable experience," said Officer Ganley. "I'm grateful to represent the San Diego Police Department and for organizations like Farmers Insurance and The Century Club who help support first responders." Farmers presented Officer Ganley, who is retiring later this year, with a replica of the surfboard trophy the winner of Farmers Insurance Open receives as part of the Hometown Hero Award ceremony. "We're thrilled to present 'Officer Debbie' with the inaugural Farmers Insurance Hometown Hero Award as a way to thank her for everything she's done at the Farmers Insurance Open and throughout the San Diego community," said Leesa Eichberger, Head of Brand Marketing for Farmers. "This award is the first of many ways Farmers will be recognizing first responders during this year's tournament. We want to say 'thank you' to those who dedicate their lives to serving their communities, and we'd like to extend an extra special thank you to 'Officer Debbie.'" This year's Farmers Insurance Open will host more than 1,000 first responders as part of its celebration of those who continue to selflessly serve our communities. The 14th hole on the South Course will feature a special pin flag, tee signage and tee markers dedicated to first responders, and Farmers will donate $1,000 to the San Diego Fire Rescue and Police Foundations for each birdie made at the 14th hole during competition rounds. Guests will also have a chance to say "thank you" with a special Farmers Insurance Open hat designed to honor first responders. Proceeds from the hat sales, which will be available for purchase at the Torrey Pines Pro Shop, will be donated to local first responder nonprofits such as the San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation and San Diego Police Foundation. More information about the Farmers Insurance Open, including the location of the Pro Shop carrying the first responder hats, can be found at www.farmersinsuranceopen.com. ABOUT FARMERS INSURANCE "Farmers Insurance" and "Farmers" are tradenames for a group of insurers providing insurance for automobiles, homes and small businesses and a wide range of other insurance and financial services and products. Farmers Insurance is proud to serve more than 10 million households with over 19 million individual policies nationally through the efforts of more than 48,000 exclusive and independent agents and approximately 21,000 employees. Farmers Insurance Exchange, the largest of the three primary insurers that are part of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, is recognized as one of the largest U.S. companies on the 2009 Fortune 500 list. For more information about Farmers Insurance, visit Farmers.com, Twitter and Instagram, @WeAreFarmers, or Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance. Contact: External Communications Farmers Insurance (818) 965-0007 [email protected] SOURCE Farmers Insurance Dr. Timothy Kosinski of Bingham Farms is looking for 16 patients to be involved in his teaching program for doctors. Dr. Timothy F. Kosinski, a Bingham Farms, Michigan dentist is looking for individuals who are willing to be evaluated to see if they are eligible for dental implants at greatly reduced prices. Dr. Kosinski is looking for 16 patients to be involved in his teaching program for doctors learning his techniques in implant dentistry. Candidates must be missing upper or lower back teeth and have no uncontrolled medical problems. A no-fee evaluation will be completed to determine if they are candidates for this teaching program. Once selected, the individuals will receive a dental implant and abutment for $699 an incredible $1,500 savings. After healing, a crown over the implant will be created by Dr. Kosinski, also for a reduced fee. All patients accepted in this program will receive a CT scan, or three-dimensional X-ray to idealize their situation. Check out this video of the CT Scan https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cyGS7F2Hnxqluzo8kRGAE9wfrnfKJIQd/view Anyone interested in the reduced priced implant procedure should contact Dr. Kosinski's office, SmileCreator of Bingham Farms. To find out if you qualify please call Jan or Lorry at 248-646-8651 to schedule a free, no cost or obligation appointment. Dr. Kosinski is a Dental Practitioner who has established himself in the dental implant field and has trained hundreds of professional dentists and dental students in the best techniques for successful implants. Dr. Kosinski has placed well over 14,000 dental implants in his dental career and did over 1,100 implants last year alone. The implants at greatly reduced prices are offered because Dr. Kosinski participates in a dental training program he offers in cooperation with the Engel Institute led by Dr. Todd Engel. Professional dentists will come to Dr. Kosinski's office to be trained and under his mentoring will perform implant surgery on select patients. Dr. Timothy Kosinski is also proud to introduce the Vatech dental CT scan and the Medit digital scanner into his dental implant practice. These tools allow him to evaluate spaces in the mouth to determine the available bone in three dimensions and to create crowns digitally. This allows for more accurate placement of dental implants and ideal crown fabrication. Other health issues can also be evaluated including decay and abscesses. Dr. Kosinski uses this dental CBCT in his dental implant evaluations daily. It allows his to virtually place implants properly prior to any surgical intervention on his patients. Dr. Kosinski provides complete implant therapy from diagnosis to surgery to the final implant crown, full mouth bridges or hybrids or overdentures. All these techniques improve the quality of life of his patients by improving the ability to chew efficiently and smile confidently. The SmileCreator of Bingham Farms office is located at: 31000 Telegraph Rd., Suite 170, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. For more information call: 248-646-8651 or visit: http://www.SmileCreator.Net or www.michiganimplantdentist.com. About Dr. Timothy F. Kosinski, DDS, MAGD Dr. Timothy Kosinski is an Affiliate Adjunct Clinical Professor at the University Of Detroit Mercy School Of Dentistry and serves on the editorial review board of Reality, the information source for esthetic dentistry and is the Associate Editor of the Academy of General Dentistry journals. Most recently he was named the Editor of Dentistry Today Implants. He is a Past President of the Michigan Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Kosinski received his DDS from the University of Detroit Mercy Dental School and his Mastership in Biochemistry from Wayne State University School of Medicine. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the American Society of Osseointegration. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and received his Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Kosinski has received many honors including Fellowship in the American and International Colleges of Dentists and the Academy of Dentistry International. He received the "Humanitarian Award" from the Academy of Dentistry International in recognition of significant contributions to the enhancement of quality of life and the human condition. He is a member of OKU and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr. Kosinski was the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry Alumni Association's "Alumnus of the Year." In 2009 and 2014 he received the Academy of General Dentistry's "Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition." Dr. Kosinski has placed more than 14,000 dental implants, published over 200 articles on the surgical and prosthetic phases of implant dentistry and was a contributor to the textbooks, Principles and Practices of Implant Dentistry, and 2010's Dental Implantation and Technology. He was featured on Nobelbiocare's Nobelvision and lectures extensively. Media Contact: Scott Lorenz, President of Westwind Medical Marketing 734-667-2090, scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or www.WestWindCos.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 06:14:16|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HAVANA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Peking Opera performances at the National Theatre of Cuba in Havana on Jan. 10-11 are part of the celebrations this year marking 60 years of diplomatic ties between China and Cuba, local organizers said on Wednesday. The gala will feature about 20 artists from northeast China's Jilin Province performing traditional Chinese dances and music. Co-hosted by Cuba's Ministry of Culture and the Chinese embassy in Havana, the gala is among a series of events celebrating six decades of close ties between the two countries. This month, Cuba is also celebrating the Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, and the Chinese Culinary Week, Zhao Xiaoming, cultural attache at the Chinese embassy, noted at a press conference. Peking Opera was declared by the UNESCO in 2010 to be an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In 1960, Cuba was the first Latin American country to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. Since then, Beijing and Havana have maintained growing economic and trade relations, and forged ties of friendship based on mutual respect and solidarity. Local authorities suspect that the virus first spread at a seafood market in Wuhan City. (Photo : SLEEPINGPANDA, Shuttershock) Although there is still no reported death, Chinese health authorities already have moved to a "serious response" level after the mysterious pneumonia virus has infected at least 44 people in Wuhan, an inland city west of Shanghai. This outbreak has sparked fears that the deadly SARS virus has re-emerged. In 2003, the virus, which stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome, has killed around 700 people from many parts of China and its neighboring countries. However, the health experts in Wuhan said that this is not SARS -- not even Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) or bird flu -- but a strain of pneumonia virus that was never seen before. A new virus? Authorities believed that the infection started during the mid-December at a seafood market in Wuhan. The market has been shut down temporarily since the first day of the year. It is still unknown how it was transferred to humans, but some speculated that it might come from live animals like birds and snakes that were also available there. According to Professor David Hui Shu-Cheong, a respiratory expert at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, it is possible since some earlier pathogens also came from animals. For instance, SARS came from civet cat, while dromedary camels were considered as the source of MERS. However, Hui also said that the possibility of human-to-human transmission is still a possibility since most respiratory viruses worked that way. ALSO READ: UN Plan Hopes To Eliminate Childhood Deaths Caused By Pneumonia And Diarrhea By 2025 The Nationwide Hysteria This news sparked fear for nationwide (and possibly overseas) epidemic since it came just in time when Lunar New Year is coming -- on January 25. It was during this time when people are traveling from one place to another to attend family reunions or go on vacation overseas. Virologist Leo Poon from Hong Kong University said that the severity of the situation will depend on whether new pneumonia can really be transmitted among humans. Otherwise, the infection rate will be low since the market where the virus first spread is currently being sanitized. Currently, there was still no evidence to prove that it can be transferred through human contact, according to health authorities. None of the health care workers has been infected. But to be safe, around 160 people who have close contact with the infected patient were guaranteed. Asian countries are not taking the risk. Multiple Asian nations have put up preventive measures to mitigate the risk of suffering from the outbreak. The Singaporean Ministry of Health imposed a policy that requires people coming from Wuhan City to go through temperature screening at the airport. In South Korea, visitors from Wuhan were barred from touching wild animals or poultry and from visiting the local market. Quarantine task forces were also set up. In Taiwan, doctors will be administering screening for 26 viruses, including SARS and MERS, on suspected cases, rather than just checking their temperature and the place where the passenger came from. Yang Ching-hui, division chief of the Taiwanese counterpart of CDC, explained that this is necessary since not everyone infected will immediately show the symptoms of pneumonia. ALSO READ: New Antiviral Shows Promise Against Highly Contagious Coronaviruses AltMed Florida Dispensary Design We are excited about this location as it is our first in Broward County, and with easy access off the interstate it will be very convenient for patients living in Deerfield Beach and in nearby communities including Boca Raton and Pompano Beach. AltMed Florida, one of the fastest growing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTC) in Florida (source: OMMU), has announced the grand opening of a new MUV Medical Cannabis Dispensary at 10 a.m. Saturday Jan. 11 at 953 Federal Hwy, Deerfield Beach, Florida. AltMeds MUV Dispensary is located about two-minutes east of the busy Interstate 95 corridor. We are excited about this location as it is our first in Broward County, and with easy access off the interstate it will be very convenient for patients living in Deerfield Beach and in nearby communities including Boca Raton and Pompano Beach, said AltMed Marketing Director Todd Beckwith. The MUV Dispensary will offer an extensive selection of award-winning products including flower, pre-rolls, a wide range of vaporizer pens, metered dose inhalers, topicals, oral sprays, patent-pending encapsulation formulations in its Tinctures, 72-Hour Transdermal patches and transdermal gels. MUV is also recognized for having one of the widest selections of concentrates for patients needing macro-dosing options. Our dispensaries set the standard for quality products, service and overall patient experience at our current locations and were excited to offer our premium MUV medical cannabis brand to even more patients as we expand our presence in Southeast Florida, said AltMed Florida CEO John Tipton. Our MUV dispensaries are unlike any in the state and were excited to invite licensed patients throughout Broward County and beyond to visit our newest state-of-the-art Deerfield Beach location. Like AltMed Floridas 12 other locations (Apollo Beach, Clearwater, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Jacksonville/San Marco, Jacksonville Beach, Lakeland, Longwood/Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa and Wellington/West Palm), the new MUV Deerfield Beach Dispensary stands out from others because its designed as a premium experience. Think Apple store, with a modern, open-concept design and expert staff with extensive training. During the grand opening, all licensed Florida medical cannabis patients will receive 25 percent off their entire first purchase and the first 100 patients will receive a MUV SWAG bag with their purchase. Patients can also order online at muvfl.com for express pickup or delivery. The MUV brand already has a wide following in other legal medical cannabis markets, including Arizona, where it has won five Best of Arizona medical cannabis awards. MUV products are sold exclusively in Florida at MUV dispensaries because, unlike other states, Florida does not allow wholesale of product between license holders - only products that license holders make themselves can be sold in their dispensaries. For more information about the new ADA-compliant Deerfield Beach MUV Medical Cannabis Dispensary, including hours and available MUV products, visit muvfl.com. AltMed Florida is on pace to open 40 MUV Medical Cannabis Dispensaries across the state, all supplied by its 200,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art cultivation facility. Visit this link for images of AltMed Floridas cultivation operations and watch this brief video to see what makes AltMed Florida and its MUV Medical Cannabis Dispensaries stand out. About Plants of Ruskin, LLC - d.b.a. AltMed Florida, LLC - With a focus on quality and attention to detail, Plants of Ruskin has more than 35 years of experience in providing seedlings to farmers for vegetable and medical product production. Plants of Ruskin founders, the Dickman Family, are 4th generation farmers with a long history of working in conjunction with the University of Florida, including an endowed chair specifically dedicated to plant improvement. About AltMed Enterprises - Alternative Medical Enterprises, LLC, headquartered in Sarasota, FL and doing business as AltMed Enterprises, is a fully integrated medical cannabis company that brings compassion, community engagement and pharmaceutical industry precision to the development, production and dispensing of medical cannabinoids. About MUV - The MUV brand of cannabis infused products was launched in Arizona in 2016 and quickly gained international attention and recognition. In its first six months alone, MUV received four best of Arizona medical cannabis awards, including two first prizes for its proprietary Ethanol extractions that are the basis of all MUV products. Forward-Looking Statements - To the extent any statements made in this press release contain information that is not historical, these statements are forward-looking in nature and merely express our beliefs, expectations or opinions. For example, words such as may, should, estimates, predicts, continues, believes, anticipates, plans, expects, intends, potential, strategy and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations or estimates and involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) our ability to implement our business strategy of distributing high quality cannabis products where permissible under applicable law; (ii) availability and cost of additional capital; (iii) our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified employees and management; (iv) the impact of federal, state or local government regulations; (v) competition in the cannabis industry; (vi) our ability to generate revenues; and (vii) litigation in connection with our business. All forward-looking statements included in this press release and attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, regardless of whether new information becomes available, future developments occur or otherwise. 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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe (CNN) What's the travel document that opens more doors around the world than any other? It's a Japanese passport. The Henley Passport Index, which periodically measures the world's most travel-friendly passports, has released its first report of the new decade. Japan is now top of the leaderboard, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to an incredible 191 destinations around the world. Asia dominates the top of the list, with Singapore in second place (with a score of 190) and South Korea tying with Germany in third place (with a score of 189). European countries have a strong showing in the rest of the top ten, with Finland and Spain at No.4, Spain, Luxembourg and Denmark coming fifth, and Sweden and France sitting at No. 6. The US and the UK, meanwhile, continue to slide down the rankings. As we step into the 2020s, they hold joint eighth place -- a far cry from the number one spot they jointly held five years ago, in 2015. The ongoing certainty in the UK over what travel mobility in a post-Brexit Britain and Northern Ireland will look like means that this downward trend might not be reversed anytime soon. The report quotes Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, as saying: "The Conservative government has promised an 'Australian-style' points-based system that would be more liberal than current policies towards non-EU citizens, though still much more restrictive than free movement. As with all big migration policy changes, what this will mean for actual levels of mobility, however, remains extremely difficult to predict." Sumption also notes that net EU migration to the UK fell by 59% between 2015 and 2018, with many EU citizens perhaps wary of settling in the UK with the threat of Brexit on the horizon. One step above the UK on the leaderboard is Ireland, at No.7. A record-breaking 900,000 Irish passports were issued in 2019, due to a steady rise in applicants from British residents since the Brexit vote in 2016. The UAE has been the index's biggest success story of the past decade, climbing 47 places over the past ten years to sit in 18th place, with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival score of 171. Says Dominic Volek, Henley & Partners' head of Southeast Asia and manager partner, "Countries that embrace this new reality of global mobility are thriving, with their citizens enjoying ever-increasing passport power and travel freedom, as well as the array of benefits that come with it." The report notes, however, that there is a growing divide when it comes to travel freedom and this mobility gap is now the widest it's ever been since the index's inception in 2006. A Japanese passport holder can access 165 more destinations than a holder of the world's weakest passport, that of Afghanistan, which offers visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to just 26 destinations. The best passports to hold in 2020 are: 1. Japan (191 destinations) 2. Singapore (190) 3. South Korea, Germany (189) 4. Italy, Finland (188) 5. Spain, Luxembourg, Denmark (187) 6. Sweden, France (186) 7. Switzerland, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland, Austria (185) 8. United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Greece, Belgium (184) 9. New Zealand, Malta, Czech Republic, Canada, Australia (183) 10. Slovakia, Lithuania, Hungary (181) The worst passports to hold Several countries around the world have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to fewer than 40 countries. These include: 100. North Korea, Sudan (39 destinations) 101. Nepal, Palestinian Territory (38) 102. Libya (37) 103. Yemen (33) 104. Somalia, Pakistan (32) 105. Syria (29) 106. Iraq (28) 107. Afghanistan (26) Other indexes Henley & Partner's list is one of several indexes created by financial firms to rank global passports according to the access they provide to their citizens. The Henley Passport Index is based on data provided by the International Air Transport Authority (IATA) and covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations. It is updated in real time throughout the year, as and when visa policy changes come into effect. Arton Capital's Passport Index takes into consideration the passports of 193 United Nations member countries and six territories -- ROC Taiwan, Macau (SAR China), Hong Kong (SAR China), Kosovo, Palestinian Territory and the Vatican. Territories annexed to other countries are excluded. Its 2020 index puts the UAE on top with a "visa-free score" of 179, followed by Germany, Finland, Luxembourg and Spain with 172. This story was first published on CNN.com "Henley Index: Japan tops 2020 list of world's most powerful passports" Lawyers for former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn on Wednesday refused to turn over a computer used by the auto tycoon before he jumped bail and fled the country last month. Prosecutors arrived at the offices of one of Ghosn's Japanese lawyers with a warrant for seizure of the machine -- only to be told to go away. "Tokyo district prosecutors came to our office with a warrant to seize items used by Mr. Ghosn such as a computer," the defence team said in a short statement. "In light of attorney-client confidentiality obligations, we exercised the right to refuse the seizure, as permitted under Article 105 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and asked them to leave without entering our office," the statement said. Ghosn was out on bail in Japan on financial misconduct charges before he fled the country for Lebanon in late December. Under the terms of his bail, he was only allowed to use the internet via a designated computer located at the law firm of Junichiro Hironaka, one of his attorneys. Ghosn is due to address the media later Wednesday in Beirut, where he has pledged to supply evidence that the allegations against him were a "plot" to prevent him from more closely aligning Nissan with its French partner Renault. Ghosn's sensational November 2018 arrest kicked off a rollercoaster saga that culminated with his astonishing escape last month, reportedly hidden inside an equipment box on a private plane. Hironaka has said he was "dumbfounded" by news of Ghosn's escape, which he learned about from the media. Nissan has insisted Ghosn should be held accountable for his "various acts of misconduct", saying Tuesday it would continue to pursue legal action against him. Ghosn hit back in a statement issued by his French defence team early Wednesday saying Nissan's investigation was "initiated and carried out for the specific, predetermined purpose of taking down Carlos Ghosn". The statement accused the firm of conducting an investigation that was "fundamentally flawed, biased, and lacking in independence from its inception". BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - The Butte County Sheriff's Office has shared information about a murder investigation after a man was shot and killed in Oroville on Dec. 21. On that day, deputies responded to a report of a male suffering from a gunshot wound at a home located in the 700 block of Craig Access Road in Oroville. Deputies said upon arrival they determined the male was dead. He was identified as 27-year-old Jacob McArthur. Through investigation, detectives said they suspected the murder was directly related to the illegal sales of marijuana. Detectives identified a large drug trafficking organization, and at this point believe suspects participating in the drug trafficking organization were responsible for the murder of McArthur. Over the past two weeks, detectives have served search warrants at 13 homes in Butte County. 39-year-old Shaina Burnette, of Chico, was determined to be the leader of the drug trafficking organization, according to detectives. During one of the search warrants in Concow, detectives located electronic devices. While they were processing evidence, child pornography was located on one of the devices belonging to 30-year-old Christopher Mack, of Concow. Detectives said they obtained another search warrant and additional electronics. As a result of the search warrants, numerous evidence items were located including: Approximately 3,300 pounds of marijuana packaged for sale. Approximately 10 firearms, $140,000 in U.S. currency, $30,000 in silver coins, numerous cell phones, computers. A generator and vehicle that was purchased with the proceeds from narcotics trafficking. The United States currency and silver coins were also determined to be proceeds from narcotics trafficking, detectives said. The following people have been arrested: Dylan Rice of Chico, age 25 was arrested for maintaining a residence where narcotics are stored/sold, possession of marijuana for sale, and illegal cultivation of marijuana. Shaina Burnette of Chico, age 39 was arrested for maintaining residences where narcotics are stored/sold, possession of marijuana for sale, and illegal cultivation of marijuana. Morgan Karno of Chico, age 52 was arrested for maintaining residences where narcotics are stored/sold, possession of marijuana for sale, and illegal cultivation of marijuana. Christopher Mack of Concow, age 30 was arrested for maintaining a residence where narcotics are stored/sold, possession of an assault weapon, being armed while committing a felony, possession of marijuana for sale, illegal cultivation of marijuana, and possession of child pornography. Monique Bird of Chico, age 53 was arrested for child endangerment, possession of marijuana for sale, and illegal cultivation of marijuana. Gabriel Bacon of Oroville, age 43 was arrested for maintaining a residence where narcotics are stored/sold, possession of marijuana for sale, and illegal cultivation of marijuana. Action News Now had not heard about this investigation until we inquired about it. Butte County Sheriffs Office said: To protect the integrity of the investigation, a press release was not done until Detectives finished executing search warrants related to the murder. Detectives also had to finish the child pornography investigation, and ensure two juveniles contacted during the investigation were not victims of child pornography prior to issuing a press release. UK Government approach to the Scottish budget completely unacceptable, finance secretary Derek Mackay says The UK Government approach to the Scottish budget is completely unacceptable, finance secretary Derek Mackay told MSPs today, as he revealed he only found out the date of the UK budget when it was announced in the news. The UK Government gave no prior notice about the date of the UK budget, which showed complete disrespect for the Scottish Parliament and our budget process, Mackay said. The Finance Secretary revealed he had made repeated requests for clarity about the date, including a letter to the Chancellor on 22 December, which he has not received a reply to. He said: The UK Government gave no prior notice before announcing their budget date, showing complete disrespect for the Scottish Parliament and our budget process. I received no response to our repeated calls for clarity on the budget date, including the most recent letter sent to the Chancellor just two weeks ago. The UK Governments approach to the Scottish budget is completely unacceptable the delay of over four months since their original planned date cannot be blamed on the general election and suggests a disregard for devolution and a lack of fiscal responsibility. Mackay said the Scottish Government remain focused on introducing a Scottish budget for 2020-21 at the earliest practical opportunity, with an announcement on the proposed date for introduction of the new Scottish budget to be made in due course. Asked by Labour MSP Rhoda Grant about the effects of the delay on councils, Mackay confirmed there were profound consequences since the date of the UK budget, 11 March, is also the deadline for councils setting their budgets and council tax for the following year. He said: This is disrespectful of devolution. The UK Government, I think, know the consequences but dont care about the consequences. It appears to me that the Tory UK government has given up on the union altogether in not wanting to make our established processes work. Having wrecked their own processes, theyre trying to wreck the Scottish Parliaments as well, and we wont let that happen. Mackay promised to engage with opposition parties, the Scottish Parliament, Finance Committee and the Scottish Fiscal Commission to take forward an a transparent, orderly, consensual and constructive approach to give Scotland the certainty and confidence that it needs and deserves. He also said he would work with COSLA to make the best of a bad situation. In his response, Scottish Conservative finance spokesperson Murdo Fraser suggested the delay was due to the general election, which the SNP had called for, but Mackay refuted this, noting that the budget had been ready in November and the general election had been mid-December, leaving plenty of time for a budget before March. Mackay called for parties in the Scottish Parliament to work together, warning of a terrible calamity for public services, communities and people of Scotland if the Scottish budget was not passed. He said: Now is the year, I think like never before, that we should work together to ensure we have consensus around the Scottish budget, with responsibility following the UK Governments irresponsibility. Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie also urged other parties to bring constructive ideas to the budget process, but warned that despite the delay, parliament must be given time for scrutiny. Meanwhile in Westminster, SNP shadow chancellor Alison Thewliss asked the Chancellor, Sajid Javid, to meet with Mackay and apologise. However, the Chancellor suggested the Scottish Government should examine its own record. He said: It is important when it comes to productivity that the Scottish Government plays its role and it should examine its policies, especially its policies on tax and infrastructure and skills and how it has let down the Scottish people time and time again. In response to another question from Thewliss on the impact of Scottish councils having to set their budgets blindfold and whether he had given any consideration to Scotland, he added: In the election that we just had, we talked time and time again about the need to unleash the potential of the entire United Kingdom. Of course that includes all of Scotland. Where Scotland has been let down time and time again is by the SNP government, which is giving Scottish people the highest taxes in the United Kingdom and the worst set of public services. A Treasury spokesperson said: Nothing stops the Scottish Parliament from passing their budget before the UK budget. We are working with the Scottish Government as part of an agreed process to provide the information they need to prepare their budget. At the spending round, we announced that the Scottish Governments block grant will increase by 1.2 billion next year. FORT WORTH, TexasBeautiful, phenomenal, and something we need to see now is the impression Shen Yun Performing Arts and its storytelling dances, rife with divinely-inspired themes, left on Fort Worth area residents who attended the performance at the Bass Performance Hall, Jan. 7, 2020. Presidents Heart Touched by Shen Yuns Representation of Persecution Aaron Sisk is the owner and president of a bank marketing and consulting firm. He said New York-based Shen Yun is one of the greatest shows hes seen. Its amazing. Im glad I saw it. Its phenomenal, Sisk said. What touched him the most about the performance were the stories behind everything. The historic value of everything is phenomenal, he said. The piano and the [baritone] singing. The persecution part was very touching. Shen Yuns mission is to revive Chinas traditional 5,000-year-old civilization. While it is headquartered in the United States, the artists are not allowed to perform in China today, due to the communist regimes policy of doing away with traditional Chinese culture and replacing it with its own atheist and materialistic one. These policies go so far as to have Chinas security forces abduct spiritual believers from their homes and subject them to brutal brainwashing and persecution, with the goal of mental transformation, in other words submitting to the atheism of communist belief. Shen Yun performances include around 20 vignettes, including dances that depict stories of the hope, faith, and compassion displayed by victims of this persecution, especially followers of the ancient meditation practice, Falun Dafa. Sisk commented on the positive and powerful impact of these stories. Having to get through persecution to fight for your beliefs is phenomenal. And to come out and be able to do a show like this when they could probably still be persecuted today is amazing. [I have] a lot of respect for that, he said. Accountant Sees Deep Meaning in Shen Yuns Stories Gwen and Bill Dunlap thoroughly enjoyed Shen Yuns artistry, stories, and its acknowledgment of heavens role in our everyday lives. It was beautiful, said Bill, who is a former engineer. The choreography, the music, the performers were flawless. It was just a wonderful performance. I love it. Gwen, an accountant, felt that Shen Yuns mission of revival has enormous value in the world. The message that it brought I think is something that we need now to remember. I just loved it. Theres a message for people to hear, to be put down or persecuted for your belief, we know that its very prevalent in this day and age everywherepeople should be free to practice their religion whatever they believe in, without persecution. Gwen elaborated on the message she interpreted from the show, Where we came from, and what our purpose is here, and that we all have something that we are here for; to perform and help mankind and do good to others. And when weve done that we get our rewards back in heaven again. I thought it was beautiful. Shen Yun Is What We Need, Says Probation Officer The Shen Yun pieces that most resonated with Dana Victorson, a juvenile probation officer, were also those of overcoming injustice with belief in the divine. Just the perseverance of the characters in the stories and overcoming adversity, he said. His companion, Joy Newkirk, agreed. Newkirk said she enjoyed those stories of faith, of the people persecuted for their belief but no matter what they still held on to their beliefs, to their faith no matter what. Evil comes against them, they still held on to their faith and they didnt let go of that and thats what we need nowadays. I love that, thats what we need. I love it, said Newkirk, also a probation officer. My impression from the show, those are amazing dancers, amazing talents, balance, the quality of the music, the graphics, the background, its amazing, everyone needs to see this show, she added. Victorson came to the same conclusion: You just got to go see it yourself because no words will be able to describe it for you, he said. With reporting by Amy Hu, Ya Wen, and Brett Featherstone. The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time and has covered audience reactions since the companys inception in 2006. The German share price index DAX graph is pictured at the stock exchange in Frankfurt By Medha Singh (Reuters) - A rally in chip stocks helped German and Italian shares strengthen on Tuesday while gains in other European bourses were curbed by nervousness amid tension between the United States and Iran. Semiconductor stocks tracked their U.S. peers higher as Microchip Technology raised its third-quarter sales outlook. The technology index <.SX8P> rose 1.3%, the most among European sub-sectors. [.N] A more than 4% gain for Infineon Technologies helped Germany's DAX <.GDAXI> rise 0.8% while STMicroelectronics's 2.5% gain lifted Italian <.FTMIB> stocks by 0.6%. The pan-regional STOXX 600 index <.STOXX> finished a volatile session 0.2% higher after falling in the past two sessions following the killing of a top Iranian commander in Baghdad last week by the United States. The benchmark index is 0.4% below its record high hit on December 27. "Relative to the potential political and humanitarian consequences of an escalating conflict between Iran and a U.S.-Saudi alliance, markets have reacted fairly calmly so far," wrote Berenberg economist Holger Schmieding in a note. Oil prices surrendered some of their recent gains, pressuring London's energy-heavy FTSE 100 <.FTSE> index. Auto <.SXAP> stocks also shone after British carmaker Rolls-Royce marked a 25% jump in 2019 sales, giving some comfort to a sector that has been plagued by slowing global demand. Shares of Rolls-Royce owner BMW rose 1.6%. On the other hand, luxury British carmaker Aston Martin plunged about 16% after it warned its 2019 profits would almost halve due to weak European markets. The stock was the biggest loser on the London's mid-cap <.FTMC> index. Spanish stocks <.IBEX> lagged as Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez secured parliamentary backing by a tight margin to form a coalition government, following two inconclusive national elections last year. Story continues But without a solid majority in parliament, the coalition may struggle to pass legislation and will need to negotiate with other parties on a case by case basis. "The Spanish economy could probably cope with a weak left-left coalition that fails to get much done. Spain may gradually cease to outperform the remainder of the Eurozone," Schmieding added. (Reporting by Medha Singh in Bengaluru; editing by Nick Macfie) Warren County Sheriff's Office QUEENSBURY - A Hudson Falls man was arrested on Monday for allegedly stealing vehicles and burglarizing a garage and home, Warren County Sheriff's Office said. Galen A. Tryon, 33, of Oak Street, allegedly stole a vehicle in November in Queensbury and also burglarized a garage where a trailer, snowmobile and ATV were stolen in September in Thurman, deputies said. YEREVAN. In Azerbaijan, personnel changes related to elections are closely linked to the Karabakh issue. Analyst Grigori Ayvazyan, Chairman of the Assembly of Azerbaijan Armenians, said this at a January 8 press conference. "We see the process of strengthening the [Azerbaijan first lady] Mehriban Aliyeva clan," he said. "But the main goal of [President] Ilham Aliyev is to have personnel who will undoubtedly carry out his instructions." The analyst noted that Azerbaijan has long made a decision on its principle position on the Karabakh issue. "This position is conditioned by the fact that Karabakh must be part of Azerbaijan," Ayvazyan concluded. Besides, they are perceptually talking about certain arrangements, the Lavrov plan. The Armenian side responds to it by buying new weapons that fits into the logic of all processes, including the logic of preparing for war. " Early parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan on February 9, 2020. Ahmedabad: A high valued luxury car in Ahmedabad was fined Rs 27. 68 lakhs on Wednesday. The Commissioner of Transport, Gujarat said that the car was detained during a routine check for not having a number plate and no valid documents. The Porsche car was being driven without paying the intended road tax for close to two years. The Ahmedabad Police in a tweet said that this was one of the highest amount of fine levied in the country. Live TV The tweet said: "RTO @cotguj slaps a fine of total INR 27.68 Lakh on Porsche Car which was detained during a routine check by Ahmedabad Traffic West Police for not having required documents. One of the highest fine amount levied in the country ever." RTO @cotguj slaps a fine of total INR 27.68 Lakh on Porsche Car which was detained during a routine check by Ahmedabad Traffic West Police for not having required documents. One of the highest fine amount levied in the country ever. #GujaratRTO #AhmedabadPolice pic.twitter.com/xPY14vdUmW Ahmedabad Police (@AhmedabadPolice) January 8, 2020 The traffic police seized the Porsche car, the lifetime road tax was calculated at Rs 16 lakh while remaining Rs 7.68 lakh was tax interest. A fine of Rs 4 lakh was also charged. The tax was paid at the Ahmedabad RTO office. Give parents choice, and theyll flock to the best schools. Those schools will then flourish, either forcing poorly performing ones to improve or edging them out entirely. The idea is appealing in its simplicity: Introduce competition into public education, and market pressure will improve schools more efficiently than the government ever could. Theres also a compelling moral component to school choice: Freeing families from their zoned neighborhood schools can give low-income kids immediate access to higher-quality schools. School choice, many advocates argue, is not just a policy, its a right. These ideas are the pillars of the school choice movement. And they have been raised repeatedly by none other than the U.S. secretary of education, Betsy DeVos. But parents dont necessarily pick schools for their academic performance. And if school quality is not driving parent choice, what is? Sometimes its practical considerations, such as location. While there may be a better school across town, a family may not be able to realistically get there. Then, there are the ways that the brain processes information, and how that subconsciously drives our actions. The reality is, parentslike all peopleoften do not make decisions with the cool, calculated rationality policymakers and academics may expect. They often react to the world and systems around them in surprising and less than optimal ways. In the five years that I have covered school choice for Education Week, I found this among the most compelling and underexamined aspects of school choice policy. So I have put this question, What are some of the unseen influences on parent choices? to several experts who study this very topic, to shine a light on what is often a black box of parent decisionmaking. What they had to say complicates the tidy idea that infusing market-style competition into education, whether it be from charter schools, private school vouchers, or district open-enrollment policies, will make schools more responsive to parents wants. Choosing and applying to schools is hard, and it is time consuming. Parents have to search for reliable information. They have to make sense of that information. They have to weigh their priorities and limitations. And oftentimes, to give their children the best chance to get into a high-quality school, even a public one, they must apply to multiple schools with different application requirements and deadlines. Or, they dont have to do any of that. Parentslike all peopleoften do not make decisions with the cool, calculated rationality policymakers and academics may expect. In order to cut back on the burden, whether its choosing schools or cars or salad dressings, people take mental shortcuts. One of them is to pass on making a decision altogether. This is where we can tap the field of behavioral economicswhich is basically fusing economics and psychology to understand human decisionmaking. There are several other types of mental shortcuts people take, according to Ben Castleman, an associate professor of education and public policy at the University of Virginia. People put off making choices, which may mean missing deadlines for school applications. One strategy, Castleman said, is to rely on some kind of social norm or social reference. So, especially when we face uncertain decisions, its pretty common to say, Well, what do other people I know do? What do people like me do? He added that people can also use some other kind of simplifying rule or decision. That might mean picking a school because its in a nicer building, or its just easier to get to. The systems that support the school choice infrastructure can also affect parent decisionmaking, sometimes in unintentional ways. For example: You may think the more choice the better. But give people too many school options, and they can become overwhelmed. People handle that feeling by doing the opposite of what policymakers expect: They stick with the status quo; in this case, the school they were zoned for. Even the ways in which schools are arranged and presented to parents on an informational website can affect their decisionmaking. This is an idea that Jon Valant, a fellow with the Brookings Institution, studies. He found that something as seemingly innocuous as the default order in which schools are listed on a websitefor example, whether theyre listed by location or by academic rankingcan influence which schools parents select. Switching the default sort from a schools location to its letter grade, made parents more likely to choose a higher-performing school, even if it was farther from their home. If people were completely rational decisionmakers, this stuff wouldnt matter, Valant told me. But it does. A lot. And it has big implications for policymakersshould they be nudging parents toward high-performing schools? And how would they do that? None of this is to say that academic quality is not important to parentsit isbut its competing with our built-in psychological quirks as well as lots of practical considerations, such as transportation and availability of after-school programs. And that competition for mental headspace is fiercer for low-income parents, said Huriya Jabbar, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin who studies school choice. Because low-income parents have fewer resources, making decisions, whether it be about budgeting or schools, is simply more mentally taxing. Its like packing for a trip with a suitcase that is too small, to borrow a metaphor from research on behavioral economics and poverty. Every single item has to be weighed against the other, and its a more cognitively complex decision, said Jabbar. So, are the choices parents makeor dont makeundermining policymakers hopes that choice and competition will force schools to improve? Not entirely, argued Douglas Harris, a professor of economics at Tulane University in New Orleans, where he studies the citys unique all-choice school system. There are a lot of other reasons that K-12 public education cant function like a normal marketplace. For example, in a typical market, people can choose not to take part, but everyone must go to school. And the implication of that is low-performing schools dont necessarily close down, Harris said, because they will still get students. So, when you hear choice advocates say, The school is full, they must be doing something rightnot necessarily. You may think at this point that this piece has been building toward an indictment of school choice, a call to abandon it. Unfortunately, dear reader, I dont intend to leave you with the satisfaction of any such closure. There is some research that has shown market pressures do improve school performance. And there are many other potential benefits of school choicesuch as higher college enrollment ratesthat I havent addressed here. And while school choice may not deliver on the predictions and promises made by economists, policymakers, and advocates, Id wager just about every parent wants controleven though they may not think of it as school choiceover where they send their children to school. Whether its enrolling in a charter school, buying a house in a neighborhood with good schools, or even making no decision and sticking with the default zoned school, choice is everywhere. There are many important and passionate debates in education that deserve our attention. And there is a slow brewing one now over the extent to which policymakers should be nudging people toward certain choices and actions. Is it governments duty to help parents navigate the wilderness of choice or is it just paternalistic and big brotherish? I dont have the answer. But I put it to you that this still relatively obscure debate is one worth having. Iran Civil Aviation Organization chief Ali Abedzadeh said "terrorism" had played no role in the crash, the BBC reported citing Iranian Mehr news agency. Tehran, Jan 8 (IANS) Iran on Wednesday refused to hand over the black box of the crashed Ukrainian plane either to Boeing or the Americans, a decision that could potentially create difficulties for the investigators, reports said. Another official, Qasem Biniaz, blamed an engine fire. "Had the accident happened due to a missile strike, the plane would have exploded in the air," he told the IRNA news agency. A Kiev-bound Ukrainian Boeing 737 passenger plane with 179 people on board crashed on Wednesday shortly after taking off from the Iranian capital of Tehran, killing all those aboard. The number of people on board had differed and also the toll was initially said to be 176. But the head of Iran's Emergency Medical Services, Pir-Hossein Koulivand, confirmed the latest toll saying that there had been 170 passengers, including 147 Iranians, and nine crew members on the Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 that went down in the vicinity of Parand, a city in Robat Karim county, reports Press TV. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered the creation of a crisis team to handle the accident, including top ministers and managed by the country's national security agency. "We have prepared emergency planes to send to Tehran... to fly out the bodies of the victims, we are waiting a confirmation by Iran for their departure," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said that the victims were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians including all the crew, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Britons and three Germans. Ukraine International Airlines has suspended flights to Tehran indefinitely. pgh/bg Danielle Outlaw speaks during a press conference introducing her as Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department at City Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Monday, December 30, 2019. Outlaw was the chief of police in Portland, Ore. Read more Instead of a shoulder-length bob the go-to style of black women in charge (a la Kamala Harris) the hairstyle of Philadelphias incoming police commissioner Danielle Outlaw is shaved on the sides, complete with baby hair a poppin. A cluster of copper-tipped micro-twists cascade down her back. Dare I say Outlaws crescent-shaped eyebrows are on point? I wonder if her black nail polish is OPI Lincoln Park, or perhaps Licorice by Essie. And word is that Outlaw has tattoos at least three of them. Yet, take away her Ann Taylor-like suit and swap it with, say, a Milano di Rouge tracksuit, and I wonder if she looks like the very type of person the Philadelphia cops she oversees would stop on the street. If she showed up at the police station with a black eye, would they take her domestic abuse complaints seriously? If she was reported missing, would it be a priority to find her? Outlaws arrival as Philadelphias top cop is good for the city if for no other reason than her familiar Philly girl-next-door look might possibly make police officers think twice before disrespecting others who look like her. Its my wish that perhaps they may be less quick to profile and more prone to listen. Because who knows who is on the other end of the baton? Shes signaling that shes the consummate professional, but shes also signaling her own membership in various communities as well ... Just by being [here] not only will her subordinates have to see her humanity, they have to respect her professionalism," explained Sharrona Pearl, an associate professor of modern ethics at Drexel University. Pearls research specializes in how our faces and clothing spark judgment. These two things live together. This is not a contradiction, it may be a divergence from what has been done in the past. But it is not a contradiction. Our society requires that professionals follow certain fashion rules to be taken seriously and maintain a level of authority in the workplace. This often translates to conservative dress codes that leave no room for more permanent expressions of style. That means visible piercings and tattoos are frowned on if you are checking for a seat in the C-suite. Women have to deal with even more fashion restrictions. Curly or straight, hair should be controlled. Only recently have gray roots become acceptable. But black women with tightly coiled hair have the extra burden of finding looks that others deem professional and we consider authentic with our good-paying jobs on the line. (Thank God for the CROWN Act, a law pending in the some states and in Congress that will make it illegal to fire people for wearing ethnic styles.) For this reason, the world is used to seeing black people, especially women, in positions of power have a certain look. Some might define it as black versions of white people. In other words, the more mainstream we look, the more non-threatening we seem to appear. And thats what makes Outlaw different. Her optics suggest that maybe, just maybe, folks who dont conform wont be so quick to be stereotyped. When we wear our hair naturally or insert our own individuality with how we adorn ourselves, we risk not being able to make a living, said Vashti DuBois, executive director of the Colored Girls Museum in Germantown. This is why you will find that, in our communities, we will stifle each others individuality. It comes out of a desire for us to win. We hope that if we dress the right way, wear our hair the right way, do things that white people find acceptable, then we will win. Because there is this belief if that one of us wins, we all get to win. At 43, Outlaw has been a police officer for more than 20 years, so she knows the tricks of developing a personal style while in uniform. Her career started in her hometown of Oakland she was just 16 when Rodney King was beaten within an inch of his life by the LAPD then progressed through the ranks to her most recent stop as Portlands police chief. So shes seen a lot. And I imagine she, like many black women, winced when she learned of the mysterious death of Sandra Bland or cringed watching the footage of Philando Castiles girlfriend beg police officers not to kill her boyfriend. I know I have wondered, would those people be victims of police brutality if more people in power looked like Outlaw? From Outlaws speech last week, its clear shes a big believer in community policing in a way that allows for policing and humanity to exist in the same space. Its an activist move in the sense that shes saying that my culture, my history, and my identity can exist in this suit, Pearl said. Shes the suit, but shes not just the suit. But DuBois reminds us that Outlaws presence can be just as much about inspiring as it is about policing. Its important to see as many different possible versions of who you could be in public, DuBois said. For women especially black girls in Philly, thats important because her presence opens the door just a little bit more for anyone who wants to move in that world. And its an invitation to say, You can show up as yourself and do this thing. Big real estate, including two landlords with significant Lower East Side holdings (Cammebys International and Taconic Investment Partners), are reportedly going after Democratic state senators who were instrumental in the passage of landmark rent reform legislation. [The Real Deal] A Chinatown butcher got in trouble with federal authorities for selling uninspected meat products. [Daily News] State regulators reject a request from a landlord on East Broadway to install a biometric fingerprint entry system. [Gothamist] You have until Jan. 21 to apply to join your local community board. [Manhattan BP] Tonight at Abrons Arts Center, the City of New York offers residents the opportunity to sound off on Where We Live NYC, a draft report examining the impacts of segregation in local communities. [Facebook] Forlinis, the classic red sauce Italian spot in Chinatown, will close when the family eventually sells its building. [Eater] The latest on Zum Schneiders closing date and plans for the future. [EV Grieve] Subscriber content preview Historic Tacoma office tower sells to Portland investor No new plans have been filed for the century-old building. Real Estate Editor By BRIAN MILLER Real Estate Editor Photo by Richards Studio/Tacoma Public Library [enlarge] The Commerce Building in the 1940s. The 12-story tower was developed by W.R. Rust in 1920 for $350,000. A century-old downtown Tacoma office building, at 950 Pacific Ave., has sold for $12.5 million. Pierce County recorded the sale before Christmas. . . . login or purchase a To read this story in fullor purchase a subscription. Chicago's airports have added 'cannabis amnesty boxes' after the state of Illinois legalized recreational marijuana. O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport both added the boxes for passengers to dispose of weed before flying after the state's legalization came into effect on January 1. It's not illegal to possess cannabis in Illinois airports, and the Chicago police aren't looking to identify travelers with cannabis, the Chicago Tribune reported. However, marijuana is still illegal under federal law, and U.S. airspace is under federal jurisdiction meaning that passengers who want to remain strictly within the law must dump their pot before flying. A 'cannabis amnesty box' is seen at a TSA checkpoint at O'Hare. Illinois new law legalizing recreational marijuana came into effect on January 1 Most major airlines have asked passengers not to fly with marijuana, citing federal law. Starting New Year's Day, people 21 and older in Illinois are able to legally buy up to 30 grams of marijuana flower, 5 grams of marijuana concentrate, or 500 grams of THC-infused products such as edibles at licensed commercial dealers throughout the state. Illinois joins 10 other states and the District of Columbia where small amounts of the drug for adult use is legal. Medical marijuana in Illinois has been legal since 2014. In June, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, signed into law marijuana legislation that also allows for some 700,000 marijuana-related records and convictions to be erased. Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton reacts after purchasing recreational marijuana at Sunnyside dispensary on New Year's Day in Chicago Not everyone approves of the legislation. 'The message that... these foolish politicians are sending to our communities and especially to our young kids is that it's no big deal,' said Illinois Family Institute Executive Director David Smith, who opposes the measure. 'We know that it's a big deal from all of the studies that have been done about the high-potency marijuana that is today's product... we are seeing a spike in marijuana illnesses and addictions,' he said. Private pot sales, driving while high and consuming marijuana in public will remain prohibited in state. The law is projected to generate more than $57 million in new tax and fee revenue for Illinois in fiscal 2020, which begins on July 1 for the financially troubled state, according to Illinois revenue department. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dear Shareholders and Investors, The past year was an exciting time for Brixton Metals, where we drilled 9,642m between the Thorn and Atlin Projects and raised more than $10M in what remains a challenging market for junior exploration companies. We thank you for your support and sustained optimism as we continue to unlock the mountain of value and generate new discoveries on our wholly owned projects. Our priority is creating shareholder value, which is steeped in acquiring gold, silver and copper assets at a reasonably low cost. Through a systematic exploration process, we intend to unlock value as we advance them to feasibility. Highlights from 2019 The Thorn Project located in the northern tip of BCs Golden Triangle received most of our attention during the work season, where efforts were made to locate one or more of the porphyry centers. Drill hole THN19-150 was drilled to 829m in depth, which returned 554.70m of 1.97 g/t AuEq (0.57 g/t Au, 0.24% Cu, 43.18 g/t Ag, 0.55% Zn, 0.28% Pb), including 135.96m of 5.00 g/t AuEq (1.35 g/t Au, 0.31% Cu, 133.62 g/t Ag, 1.61% Zn, 0.89% Pb). See Brixton Metals Press Release, dated July 15, 2019 for complete results. Hole 150 ranks amongst the best drill intercepts globally of 2019. The Thorn Project mineral claim package was increased to 2,300 square kilometers. A new camp was established at Brixton Metals Atlin Goldfields Project followed by prospecting, soil-geochemical, magnetic geophysical surveys and drilling. This work identified a new area of interest with a 45 g/t Au rock grab sample(1) from Union Mountain and drilling at the LD Zone returned 2m of 8.5 g/t Au. See Brixton Metals Press Release, dated September 16, 2019 for complete results. 2020 Outlook We envision a three-pronged approach to unlocking value for shareholders during 2020. We plan to continue exploration activities with our current treasury of $5.5M, seek M&A opportunities, and secure JV partnerships with senior companies. At the Thorn Project we plan to complete the following: the deep seeing IP-MT geophysical survey (9 line-kilometers over the Camp Creek Copper Corridor); conduct a broad scale soil geochemical survey over the southern portion of the property, where a large area of high porphyry copper indicators were identified; conduct a detailed soil geochemical survey at the Outlaw west area, where 39 g/t Au and 12 g/t Au was returned from rock grab samples in 2018(1); complete selective drilling based on the results of the above. The Camp Creek blind porphyry target remains a priority with its multi-kilometer scale potential. The most advanced project held by Brixton Metals is the Hog Heaven Project located in NW Montana, USA. A feasibility study was completed in 1988 on 722 drill holes over 57,498m(2). Hole AFR-79-5 returned 12.19m of 5.97 g/t Au, 1,088.36 g/t Ag, 6.58% Cu and hole AFR-81-38A returned 67.06m of 2.65 g/t Au, 339.93 g/t Ag(3). We plan to follow up these intercepts with drilling, in addition to drill testing newly identified targets. Further metallurgical work is planned as we move toward an updated NI-43-101 resource and revised PEA. At the Atlin Goldfields Project we plan to conduct a property wide soil geochemical survey and prospecting program to generate new drill targets. Brixton Metals has amended and concluded the 2017 Option Agreement on the Eagle claims of 1,214 hectares. The final consideration to the vendor is the issuance of 165,000 common shares of Brixton Metals. 2020 marks Brixton Metals 10 year anniversary of its TSX Venture Exchange listing. A heartfelt thank you to the people who have contributed to our success. We look forward to generating exciting new results from our high impact exploration projects this year. We will be exhibiting at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference on January 19 & 20 and will be presenting at 11:20 a.m. on January 20th. More information can be found by clicking this link . Please feel free to reach out to us or visit us at the conference booth. Thank you Sincerely, Gary R. Thompson, P.Geo President, CEO, Chairman, Director, Founder gary.thompson@brixtonmetals.com 604-630-9707 Mr. Sorin Posescu, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration for Brixton Metals and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 standards has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. All reported drill assays are uncut weighted averages and represent drilled core lengths. The true width of reported mineralization is unknown at this time. Gold Equivalent values (AuEq) were calculated using the formula AuEq = ($1,250.00 x Au g/t 31.10 + $15.40 x Ag g/t 31.10 + $2.80 x % Cu 100 x 2204.63 + $0.90 x % Pb 100 x 2204.63 + $1.25 x % Zn 100 x 2204.63) $1,250 x 31.10. This method assumes full metal recoveries as metallurgical work has not been conducted. Note (1): This is a select sample and is not representative of the mineralization hosted on the property. Note (2): The feasibility study was completed prior to implementation of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and based on diamond drilling. While Brixton considers the study to be relevant to investors as it may indicate the presence of mineralization, a QP for Brixton has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources as defined by NI 43-101 and Brixton is not treating these historical estimates as a current mineral resource. Note (3): The Qualified Person (QP) for Brixton cannot verify the drill results reported in the table above. The precise location of the drill cores from the program is presently unknown and they have not been inspected by the QP, and therefore Brixton has not undertaken any re-logging, resampling or check assays; however, Brixton has no reason to doubt the results and considers the results relevant and suitable for disclosure. Data from the above drill results are historical results and it is unknown what type of quality-control programs were performed at the time. The QP also advises that true width of the above results cannot be determined at this time. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, and intend, statements that an action or event may, might, could, should, or will be taken or occur, including statements that address potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, potential size and expansion of a mineralized zone, proposed timing of exploration and development plans, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds, By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; and the additional risks identified in the annual information form of the Company or other reports and filings with the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on managements beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. The Philippines will dispatch cargo planes and a ship to help evacuate Filipino migrant workers from Iraq after ordering its citizens to leave following an Iranian missile strike targeting US troops, officials said Wednesday. Manila issued the mandatory evacuation order for its nationals after the Islamic republic carried out its first act of promised revenge for the US killing last week of a top Iranian general. About 1,600 Filipino workers are in Iraq -- among some two million of their countrymen across the Middle East -- as part of a vast diaspora that is a key pillar of the economy. Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing the US military, and Iranian state television said it was in response to Friday's killing of general Qasem Soleimani, one of the most important figures in the country's government. Philippine defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters the government will send at least three military cargo planes and a newly built coastguard ship to get Filipinos out of harm's way. The coastguard vessel, which left a French shipyard in December, will likely shuttle workers to Qatar, Lorenzana said. "Once we gather them, we can maybe charter a plane or charter our ships to bring them home," he added. Around 10 million Filipinos work abroad and the money they send home is a lifeline in a nation where many live in deep poverty despite the country's robust economic growth. The government has for decades hailed overseas workers as modern heroes, but advocacy groups have highlighted the costs -- which include the vulnerability of Filipinos to danger in troubled nations. Filipinos rallied in front of the US embassy in Manila to protest against the US strike that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Iraq. The Philippines has ordered all its citizens to evacuate from Iraq Hyundai Motor's initiative must be bolstered with laws and systems Hyundai Motor has teamed up with Uber Technologies Inc. to develop a personal air vehicle (PAV) concept as a first step toward transforming itself into a "smart mobility solutions provider." Their tie-up to develop self-flying electric cars was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Monday. The PAV, named the S-A1, is capable of electric vertical takeoff and landing and can carry up to four passengers. It will have a low noise design and the latest internet of things (IoT) technology. It will be piloted during the early stage of commercialization, but will eventually operate as an autonomous vehicle. As part of efforts to strengthen its vision for future mobility, Hyundai Motor suggested urban air mobility (UAM), purpose built vehicles (PBV) and hubs. "We expect UAM to be commercialized in 2028," Hyundai Motor Executive Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun told reporters after a CES media day event. Given looming urban congestion, the creation of an air mobility ecosystem will enable urbanites to enjoy a certain kind of freedom. Korea's largest automaker is tasked with ensuring both safety and economic feasibility while raising its technical prowess to survive the global competition and dominate the air mobility market. The question is how the government and the political sphere can bolster Hyundai Motor's mobility plan with appropriate laws and systems. It is urgent to certify air space for personal air vehicles and build standards for technical safety. This may sound too early, given the imminent task to develop the PAV concept. But the government should join forces with lawmakers to be in sync with Hyundai Motor's innovation speed. Corporate innovation will be all but impossible if laws and systems fail to keep up with trends. Iraq's President Barham Saleh on Wednesday condemned Iran's missile strikes on Iraqi bases where US and other foreign troops are based, saying he feared "dangerous developments" in the region. "We denounce the Iranian missile bombing that hit military installations on Iraqi territory and renew our rejection of the repeated violation of state sovereignty and the transformation of Iraq into a battlefield for warring sides," his office said in a statement. Iran launched the missiles early Wednesday in response to the killing of senior Revolution Guards commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Iraq last week. New York, Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global adipic acid market is expected to reach USD 8.99 Billion by 2027, according to a new report by Reports and Data. Adipic acid finds substantial application in the production of nylon-66, which is deployed in the automotive industry for use in engine covers, air intake manifolds, tires, airbag containers, and headlamp covers, among various others interior and exterior automotive parts. An increasing emphasis on reduction of vehicular weight to increase fuel-efficiency is expected to drive the demand for nylon in the upcoming years. Moreover, nylon is suitable for high-performance applications in automobiles, such as mechanical strength, wear & abrasion, chemical & temperature resistance, flexibility, moldability, and ease of processing. Thus, the increasing demand for nylon-66, in turn, would drive the growth of the adipic acid market. Request free sample of this research report at: https://www.reportsanddata.com/sample-enquiry-form/2328 Rapid growth of the electronics industry is likely to spur the market demand in the forecast period. In the electrical & electronics applications, nylon-66 is used where specific tests (such as GWIT, UL94) need to be passed. Nylon-66 is flame-retardant and is commercially available as non-halogenated & halogenated FR solutions. Furthermore, the polymer finds applications in the industry where there is an escalating demand for high-temperature resistance and thin designs owing to miniaturization. Adipic acid is generally added as the main acid constituent in bottled drinks to impart a bubbly fizz as well as to give a tart taste to fruit juice. The organic acid finds usage in several powdered food and drink mixes to deliver a sweet flavor. Additionally, adipic acid lets jam, jelly, and gelatin to jiggle while holding their shape. The acid adds texture to certain types of cheese and serves as a leavening agent in baking powder, baked goods, and cake mixes. Food oil producers add adipic acid to their edible oils to prolong the time it takes for bottled oils to turn into rancid. Further key findings from the report suggest By raw materials, cyclohexane contributed to the largest market share in 2018 and is expected to grow at a rate of 3.7% in the forecast period. The selective oxidation of cyclohexane is a significant industrial reaction because its oxidation products cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone (KA-oil) are precursors to adipic acid. By application, nylon-66 fibers and engineering resins held the largest market share in 2018 and is projected to grow at a rate of 4.9% in the forecast period. This is due to a high demand for nylon-66 in various applications owing to its properties such as high tensile strength, excellent abrasion resistance, and higher melting point, among others. By industry verticals, the automotive industry dominated the market in 2018 and is likely to have a CAGR of 4.1% in the forecast period. The market in the Asia Pacific region held the largest market share in 2018 and is estimated to have a growth rate of 5.0% in the forecast period. The market dominance of the APAC region is owing to the growth of the end-user industries such as the automotive, electrical & electronics, and textile industry, among others, in the region. Key participants include Asahi Kasei Corporation, Ascend Performance Materials, Invista, BASF SE, Petro China Company Limited, Radici, Lanxess AG, Rhodia, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., and Dow Chemical Company, among others. To identify the key trends in the industry, click on the link below: https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/adipic-acid-market Segments covered in the report: For the purpose of this report, Reports and Data have segmented the global adipic acid market on the basis of raw materials, application, industry verticals, and region: Raw Materials Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; 2016-2027 and Revenue, USD Million; 2016-2027) Cyclohexane Cyclohexanol/Cyclohexanone (KA oil) Others Application Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; 2016-2027 and Revenue, USD Million; 2016-2027) Nylon 66 Fibers & Engineering Resins Polyurethanes Adipate Esters Others Industry Verticals Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; 2016-2027 and Revenue, USD Million; 2016-2027) Automotive Electrical & Electronics Food & Beverages Textile Cosmetics Medical Others Order Now: https://www.reportsanddata.com/checkout-form/2328 Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million; 2016-2026) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany France UK Spain Italy Rest of the Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan Rest of Asia-Pacific Middle East & Africa Latin America Brazil Browse more similar reports on Materials and Chemicals category by Reports And Data Splice Tape Market - https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/splice-tape-market Sizing Agents Market - https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/sizing-agents-market Magnesium Alloys Market - https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/magnesium-alloys-market About Reports and Data Reports and Data is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our solutions purely focus on your purpose to locate, target and analyze consumer behavior shifts across demographics, across industries and help clients make a smarter business decision. We offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a multiple industries including Healthcare, Technology, Chemicals, Power, and Energy. We consistently update our research offerings to ensure our clients are aware about the latest trends existent in the market. Reports and Data has a strong base of experienced analysts from varied areas of expertise. New Delhi: A video has appeared on social media which claimed to be the first footage of a Ukranian plane that crashed in Iran on Wednesday early morning. It is to be noted that a Boeing 737 airplane belonging to Ukraine International Airlines crashed immediately after take-off from Irans Imam Khomeini airport. A Twitter user Monica shared a video claiming it to be the footage of the Ukranian plane crash in Iran. Take a look: According to Iran's semi-official news agency ISNA, there were 180 passengers and crew on board, and their fate is unknown. 'There isn't any sign of any survivors left after the Ukraine International Flight 752, carrying around 180 people, crashed outside Tehran,' the ISNA said. It further reported that the Ukranian Airlines plane crashed due to technical problems. The airplane is said to be enroute for Kiev from Tehran. Flight radar information shows Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 abruptly disappearing after takeoff from the Imam Khomeini airport after taking off just after 6 am local time. It is worth mentioning here that Ukrainian International Airlines is the flag carrier of Ukraine and serves almost 90 destinations. It began flying to Tehran in the summer of 2014. The crash comes hours after Iran fired 12 ballistic missiles into an Iraqi airbase in the country's west where the US and coalition forces are based. This was a response to an American drone strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi top commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad last week. Also Read: Ukrainian Airplane Carrying 180 Passengers, Crew Crashes In Iran Taking immediate cognisance of the missiles attack, US aviation authorities closed off the airspace over Iran and the Gulf region to all US carriers. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Central trade unions, except the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), have called for a nationwide strike today (January 8), citing dissatisfaction with the government's policy and action towards workers. This is the fourth nationwide strike called by 10 central trade unions since the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government came to power in 2014. Nearly 25 crore people are expected to take part in this all-India strike to protest against the government's anti-people" policies. Take a look at the pictures... WASHINGTON: United States President Trump on Wednesday said that no Americans were harmed in the Iranian missile attacks on military bases housing US troops in Iraq and urged world powers to forge a new nuclear deal with Tehran. Trump also warned that his administration will impose stricter sanctions on Iran and will never allow it to have nuclear weapons in response to Tehran's missile strikes against the US military and coalition forces in Iraq in apparent retaliation for the killing of its top commander Qassem Soleimani last week. ''No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties. All our soldiers are safe, only minimal damages were sustained at our military bases. Our great American forces are prepared for anything,'' President Trump said. ''An early warning system worked well and no American or Iraqi lives were lost,'' Trump said. The US President was flanked by Vice President Mike Pence, Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and military officers. Trump also signalled a de-escalation of tensions with the Islamic nation. "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," Trump said. The President also outlined new sanctions on Iran and reiterated his vow that "Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon." "The United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime," Trump said, noting his administration is continuing to review other options to respond to the Iranian missile strike on Tuesday. "These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behaviour," he added. "In recent months alone, Iran has seized ships in international waters, fired an unprovoked strike on Saudi Arabia and shot down two American drones," the President said in his brief address Live TV Trump also called on NATO to become more involved in the Middle East. In his short speech, Trump, who has been scathing and mocking NATO, called on the alliance to get more involved in the Middle East. However, he didnt go into further details and went on to boast that the US is now ''self-sufficient in oil and natural gas'', as the number one producer in the world, and said, We do not need Middle East oil. Trump then asserted, in warning Iran in characteristic tone, that our missiles are big and powerful and accurate...and lethal. He said he didnt want to use force, however, and said that Americas strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent. Trump said he is ''calling on Europe to break away from the remnants of the Iran nuclear deal, which he called a foolish deal and had previously announced the US would abandon. Referring to the Iranian commander's killing last week, Trump said the missile assassination of Iranian general Qassem Suleimani was a decisive action to stop a ruthless terrorist. Last week, we eliminated the worlds top terrorist, he said at the White House. The US President urged world powers, including Russia and China, to abandon the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran and work toward a new agreement. "We must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place," he said. Iran fired a number of missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops Wednesday local time in retaliation for the American strike that killed a top Iranian general last week. Iran`s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who earlier on Wednesday addressed a gathering of Iranians chanting "Death to America", said Iran`s attacks were a "slap on the face" of the United States and said US troops should leave the region. Tehran`s Freign Minister said Iran took "proportionate measures" in self-defence and did not seek an escalation. All least 167 passengers and nine crew members were killed when a Ukraine International Airlines flight crashed minutes after take-off from Tehran airport on Wednesday, according to Iran's state media. "All the 167 passengers and nine crew members were killed in the crash," IRNA news agency quoted a spokesperson of the Imam Khomeini Airport as saying. The flight had crashed near the airport in southern Tehran minutes after take-off when its engine caught fire, IRNA said. The plane, which is reported to have been a Boeing 737, was on its way to Kiev in Ukraine from Tehran. Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran's Emergency Medical Services, said on IRINN, a state-run media outlet, that emergency crews have been dispatched to the crash site between the cities of Parand and Shahriar. As per Iran's semi-official news agency ISNA, the crash was due to technical difficulties. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nearly two decades after the Iraq invasion, America is stumbling towards war in the Mideast based on a lie, again. This time the fiction is less important, because so few people believe President Trumps word in the first place. But when an American president lies to justify a move this momentous it still seems worth a mention. Heres what Trump said: Suleimani was plotting imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel, but we caught him in the act and terminated him. Who can argue with the justice of that move? In Trumps telling, this was like Jack Bauer on the Fox series 24 killing a terrorist as the final seconds ticked off a nuclear detonator. Go get em, Jack. Now, though, Trumps senior aides are backing off the Jack Bauer story line. On Monday, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, conceded that U.S. intelligence did not identify a specific attack in the works. Did the intelligence exactly say who, what, when and where? No. But (Soleimani) was planning, coordinating and synchronizing significant combat operations against U.S. military forces in the region, and it was imminent, he said. So, Suleimani wasnt caught in the act after all. Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, was asked how imminent the planned attacks really were. If youre looking for imminence, you need look no further than the days that led up to the strike that was taken against Soleimani, he said, citing a rocket attack on a U.S. base in Iraq a few days earlier. Merriam-Webster defines imminent as happening soon. An attack three days earlier doesnt qualify. Trumps claim made no sense in the first place, because Suleimani was not an operative in the field. He was a general. If he had ordered an attack, it would have happened anyway. Please, dont mistake me for a defender of Suleimani. He was a monster, the tip of the spear for a regime that seems to want to kill as many Jews as possible. He supplied and trained militias that killed hundreds of Americans. Hes the savior of the murderous Assad regime in Syria, and the patron of Hezbollah. But Saddam Hussein was a bad guy, too. That doesnt mean he had weapons of mass destruction. The lie, of course, is a small piece of a larger problem, the disdain and arrogance this administration shows the world at every turn. On Monday, Trump barred Irans foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, from visiting the United Nations to discuss the crisis, a move that was thuggish and probably illegal, given our commitments as host nation. And what did that achieve, beyond making America look like a bully? They fear someone will go there and tell the truth to the American people, Zarif said. But they are mistaken. The world is not limited to New York. You can speak to the American people from Tehran, too, and we will do that. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy sent Dean Acheson, a former secretary of state, to Paris to brief President De Gaulle. Acheson offered to share spy photos proving that Kennedys charges were true, but De Gaulle waved him off, saying that Kennedys word alone was enough proof for him. Weve come a long way. Weve lost a great deal. And with the Mad King managing this crisis for at least another year, its sure to get worse. More: Tom Moran columns Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or call (973) 836-4909. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Asthma Australia has called on all states to provide real-time air quality reporting for small particle pollution as the number of ambulance call-outs for asthma related to bushfire smoke increased by 50 per cent throughout NSW and Victoria. In NSW, the health department has distributed more than one million P2 masks to bushfire zones in southern parts of the state, as NSW Ambulance experienced a 50 per cent increase in respiratory call-outs in the first six days of 2020 compared to the same period last year. On Wednesday, outdoor pools and tennis courts were closed as smoke blanketing Sydney reduced the air quality to hazardous levels. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said air quality was "as bad as I can ever remember it". Asthma Australia has called for real-time reporting of small particle pollution. Credit:Bloomberg Ambulance Victoria experienced a 51 per cent increase in triple zero call-outs on Tuesday compared to an average day for breathing problems as smoke covered a large part of the state, with more poor air forecast for Thursday. With the number of people killed by measles in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) surpassing 6,000, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for more funding to curb the worlds worst outbreak of the infectious disease. Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock.com Since the beginning of 2019, approximately 310,000 suspected measles cases have been reported. According to the WHO, the outbreak, which is the worlds largest and fastest moving to date, has caused almost three times more deaths in the Congo than Ebola has. Since September 2019, when the Congolese government and the WHO launched an emergency vaccination program, more than 18 million children under the age of five have been immunized. However, in some regions, routine vaccination remains low, and one-quarter of reported measles cases are among children older than five years, which is the most vulnerable age group. Factors aggravating the epidemic As well as low vaccinate coverage among vulnerable communities, other factors aggravating the epidemic include malnutrition, poor healthcare infrastructure, and outbreaks of other diseases. Efforts to vaccinate against measles have also been hindered by difficulty accessing remote areas and health centers coming under attack from armed militia operating in the country. In a new appeal, the WHO has announced that a lack of funding remains a huge barrier in curbing the spread of the disease. Since the outbreak was declared in June 2019, cases of measles have been reported in every one of the countrys 26 provinces. The DRC is also experiencing the worlds most deadly outbreak of Ebola, but even this has claimed the lives of less than half the number measles has. We urge our donor partners to step up their assistance urgently We are doing our utmost to bring this epidemic under control. Yet to be truly successful we must ensure that no child faces the unnecessary risk of death from a disease that is easily preventable by a vaccine, says WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti. We urge our donor partners to urgently step up their assistance. So far, US$ 27.6 million has already been raised, but the WHO says a further US$ 40 million is needed for a six-month plan to extend the vaccination to older children, between the ages of six and 14 years. This extra assistance is also needed to strengthen the outbreak response beyond vaccination by improving treatment and health education, engaging communities, strengthening the health system, and stepping up epidemiological surveillance. We recognize the Governments engagement in the efforts to end the outbreak and we are grateful for the generosity of our donors. But we still need to do more. Thousands of Congolese families need our help to lift the burden of this prolonged epidemic from their backs. We cannot achieve this without adequate finances. Amedee Prosper Djiguimde, DRC WHO Officer-in-Charge The WHO, the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Medecins du Monde, Medecins Sans Frontieres, the United Nations Childrens Fund and other partners have all been supporting the Congolese government to help bring the epidemic under control. In December 2019, the WHO trained 60 healthcare professionals from the Ministry of Health to conduct various services, including health education, surveillance, and community engagement. These trained professionals are being deployed this week as part of the response to the emergency. Iran has launched a series of missile attacks on US facilities in Iraq, days after the US assassinated top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani. Iranian state television said in the early hours of Wednesday that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had attacked Ain al-Assad military base, where US troops are stationed. A second facility near Erbil airport was also hit. The Iraqi military said in a statement that 22 missiles were launched on the two sites between 1:45am and 2:15am. Two of the 17 missiles targeting Ain al-Assad base did not go off, the military said, while the five missiles on Erbil all targeted coalition headquarters. In a statement on Twitter, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran had taken and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression, he said. In Washington, US President Donald Trump said in a tweet late on Tuesday that an assessment of casualties and damage from the strikes was under way. All is well! Trump said in the Twitter post, adding that he would make a statement on Wednesday morning. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 Iranian state television claimed at least 80 American terrorists were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles, adding that none of the missiles was intercepted. The claim could not be independently verified and the state television did not provide evidence of how it obtained that information. Citing a senior IRGC source, the state television also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said US helicopters and military equipment were severely damaged. There was no immediate comment by US officials. Earlier, a US official speaking on condition of anonymity told The Associated Press news agency there were few, if any casualties. Meanwhile, the Danish armed forces said in a Twitter post no Danish soldiers were wounded or killed in the missile strike on the Ain al-Assad airbase. Denmark has about 130 soldiers at the base as part of the international coalition fighting the ISIL (ISIS) armed group. In a statement soon after the launch of the missiles, Iran warned US allies in the region including Israel that they too would be attacked if they allowed their countries to be used for attacking Iran. Iranian television reported a senior official in the Iranian supreme leaders office saying the missile attacks were the weakest of several retaliation scenarios. Iran attacked Ain al-Assad airbase in the western Anbar desert of Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday morning. US forces are stationed in the sprawling complex [File: Nasser Nasser/AP Photo] Meanwhile, the Pentagon confirmed more than a dozen missiles had been launched against US and coalition forces in Iraq, adding that the missiles had come from Iran. We are working on initial battle damage assessments, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. We will all take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners and allies in the region. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper arrived at the White House late on Tuesday and an official said Trump had been briefed on the attacks and was monitoring the situation closely. Hours earlier, Esper said the US should anticipate a response from Iran for Fridays killing of Soleimani, the head of the elite Quds Force who was assassinated in a US drone strike near Baghdads international airport, alongside Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and several others. I think we should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form, he told a news briefing at the Pentagon, adding that such retaliation could be through Iran-backed proxy groups outside of Iran or by their own hand. Were prepared for any contingency. And then we will respond appropriately to whatever they do. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, earlier warned the US and the world could not afford to go to war. Ismael Alsodani, a retired Brigadier General and former Iraqi defence attache to the US told Al Jazeera Irans response was calibrated to reflect the seriousness of the Soleimani attack. Killing Soleimani was an insult from the Americans to the Iranians, Alsodani said. They are compelled to retaliate in a way where the target will be the same size and scale of killing Soleimani. I dont think this will be the only retaliation. Prompted by the strong public backlash for Soleimanis killing on Iraqi soil, legislators in Iraq voted on Sunday to demand the removal of all foreign forces from the country. Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war. Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 8, 2020 More than 5,000 US troops remain in the country along with other foreign forces as part of a coalition that has trained and supported Iraqi security forces against the threat from ISIL. The worst expectation that Iraq had, that it will again become a theatre of confrontation between world powers seems to be coming true again tonight, as Iraq was the place where the US chose to take out Soleimani and Iraq again is the place where the Iranians chose to attack US forces, Al Jazeeras Osama Bin Javaid said from Baghdad. One of the brightest and most massive star-forming regions in our galaxy, the Omega, or Swan, Nebula, came to resemble the shape resembling a swan's neck we see today only relatively recently. New observations reveal that its regions formed separately over multiple eras of star birth. The new image from the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, or SOFIA, is helping scientists chronicle the history and evolution of this well-studied nebula. "The present-day nebula holds the secrets that reveal its past; we just need to be able to uncover them," said Wanggi Lim, a Universities Space Research Association scientist at the SOFIA Science Center at NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley. "SOFIA lets us do this, so we can understand why the nebula looks the way it does today." Uncovering the nebula's secrets is no simple task. It's located more than 5,000 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius. Its center is filled with more than 100 of the galaxy's most massive young stars. These stars may be many times the size of our Sun, but the youngest generations are forming deep in cocoons of dust and gas, where they are very difficult to see, even with space telescopes. Because the central region glows very brightly, the detectors on space telescopes were saturated at the wavelengths SOFIA studied, similar to an overexposed photo. SOFIA's infrared camera called FORCAST, the Faint Object Infrared Camera for the SOFIA Telescope, however, can pierce through these cocoons. The new view reveals nine protostars, areas where the nebula's clouds are collapsing and creating the first step in the birth of stars, that had not been seen before. Additionally, the team calculated the ages of the nebula's different regions. They found that portions of the swan-like shape were not all created at the same time, but took shape over multiple eras of star formation. The central region is the oldest, most evolved and likely formed first. Next, the northern area formed, while the southern region is the youngest. Even though the northern area is older than the southern region, the radiation and stellar winds from previous generations of stars has disturbed the material there, preventing it from collapsing to form the next generation. "This is the most detailed view of the nebula we have ever had at these wavelengths," said Jim De Buizer, a senior scientist also at the SOFIA Science Center. "It's the first time we can see some of its youngest, massive stars and start to truly understand how it evolved into the iconic nebula we see today." Massive stars, like those in the Swan Nebula, release so much energy that they can change the evolution of entire galaxies. But less than 1% of all stars are this enormous, so astronomers know very little about them. Previous observations of this nebula with space telescopes studied different wavelengths of infrared light, which did not reveal the details SOFIA detected. SOFIA's image shows gas in blue as it's heated by massive stars located near the center, and dust in green that is warmed both by existing massive stars and nearby newborn stars. The newly-detected protostars are located primarily in the southern areas. The red areas near the edge represent cold dust that was detected by the Herschel Space Telescope, while the white star field was detected by the Spitzer Space Telescope. The Spitzer Space Telescope will be decommissioned on Jan. 30, 2020, after operating for more than 16 years. SOFIA continues exploring the infrared universe, building on Spitzer's legacy. SOFIA studies wavelengths of mid- and far-infrared light with high resolution that are not accessible to other telescopes, helping scientists understand star and planet formation, the role magnetic fields play in shaping our universe, and the chemical evolution of galaxies. SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, is a Boeing 747SP jetliner modified to carry a 106-inch diameter telescope. It is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley manages the SOFIA program, science and mission operations in cooperation with the Universities Space Research Association headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, and the German SOFIA Institute (DSI) at the University of Stuttgart. The aircraft is maintained and operated from NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703, in Palmdale, California. JPL manages the Spitzer Space Telescope mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Science operations are conducted at the Spitzer Science Center at Caltech in Pasadena, California. Space operations are based at Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado. Data are archived at the Infrared Science Archive housed at IPAC at Caltech. Caltech manages JPL for NASA. Herschel is a European Space Agency mission, with science instruments provided by consortia of European institutes and with important participation by NASA. While the observatory stopped making science observations in April 2013, after running out of liquid coolant as expected, scientists continue to analyze its data. NASA's Herschel Project Office is based at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. JPL contributed mission-enabling technology for two of Herschel's three science instruments. The NASA Herschel Science Center, part of IPAC, supports the U.S. astronomical community. Caltech manages JPL for NASA. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. D onald Trump has said the US will "embrace peace with all who seek it" as he sought to ratchet down tensions with Iran. The US President spoke today after a revenge strike from Iran on two military bases, occupied by US and UK personnel, in Iraq overnight. These attacks came following the President's ordered killing of general Qasem Soleimani, who was slain by a US airstrike. Speaking from the White House, the US leader trumpeted the strength of his nation's forces - and its "big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast" missiles - though said it had had no desire to flex its military might. Ready for peace: Donald Trump gave a statement at the White House today / AFP via Getty Images In a message to Iran he said: "We want you to have a future and a great future, one that you deserve. "The United States will is ready to embrace peace with anyone who seeks it." Despite this conciliatory tone later in his speech, he also told the nation: "Your campaign of terror, murder and mayhem cannot continue any longer." Multiple rockets were launched at Al-Asad airbase in Iraq As he appeared to bid for common ground, he also called on Iran to work with the US in the fight against Isis, describing that as a mutual interest for both nations. In another major call he urged the UK and other European countries to break away from the Iran nuclear deal, in order for a new agreement to be secured. He said The very defective JCPOA expires shortly anyway and gives Iran a clear and quick path to nuclear breakout. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism. The time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China to recognise this reality. They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal or JCPOA and we must all work together towards making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place. General Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike / AP Just hours Mr Trump's remarks,prime minister Boris Johnson said the deal remains the "best way of preventing nuclear proliferation in Iran". Addressing MPs during Prime Minister's Questions, he said: "It is the best way of encouraging the Iranians not to develop a nuclear weapon - and we think that after this crisis has abated, which of course we sincerely hope it will, that way forward will remain. "It is a shell that has currently been voided, but it remains a shell into which we can put substance again." He added: "As long as I am president of the United States, Iran will never be able to have a nuclear weapon." Commenting on the overnight strikes, he said he was thankful that no US personnel had been hurt, while he added that Iran appears to be "standing down". Mr Trump also said he would call on Nato to become "much more involved" in managing peace in the Middle East. Despite outlining his intention to steer clear of a military response at present, he added that the US will impose financial sanctions on Iran. The new "powerful sanctions" will remain until Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions, he said. Reports suggested that President Trump discussed the situation with Boris Johnson earlier today. It was detected in ten nautical miles from the helicopter A helicopter of Naval Air Service of Ukraine detected the vessel of the coast guard of the Russian FSB in Pryazovya area during the operation in the counteraction Russian special services. It was in a distance about ten nautical miles as the Joint Forces Operation reported on Facebook. Representative of the command of the Mountain-Assault Brigade Edelveis noted that these events are held due to prevention of the invasion of Ukraine from the sea. After a few flights over the area of anchorage, the naval aviators forced the crew of the Russian vessel to move away from Ukrainians coast to the proper distance. Earlier, Heads of Foreign Ministries of Estonia, Lithuania, Sweden and Ukraine urged Russia to deblock the Sea of Azov. As we reported, the Ukrainian Navy shaped the new division of naval surface forces in the Sea of Azov. The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) has set up an operational headquarters due to the crash of a Ukrainian plane in Iran, according to a report on the NSDC website. On the instructions of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, an operational headquarters has been established at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine in connection with the crash of the Boeing 737 aircraft of the International Airlines of Ukraine (UIA) in Iran. According to the information confirmed, 168 passengers and nine crew members were registered as flying onboard, reads the report. The operational staff includes the prime minister of Ukraine, the minister of foreign affairs, the defense minister, the interior minister, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, the head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. The operational headquarters will be headed by Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov. President Zelensky instructed the operational headquarters to organize a set of measures related to the aircraft crash, clarify all circumstances of the tragedy and provide immediate information. As reported, the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 crashed near the Iranian capital, Tehran, shortly after take-off early on Wednesday, January 8. The plane was en route to Kyiv. President Zelensky urgently interrupted his trip to Oman and is returning to Kyiv because of the tragedy. Newsfrom Japan Tokyo, Jan. 7 (Jiji Press)--Aozora Bank <8304> has struck a capital and business alliance deal with Vietnam's Orient Commercial Joint Stock Bank, to mark its first investment in a foreign bank, informed sources said Tuesday. Aozora Bank will acquire a 15 pct stake in the Vietnamese bank as early as spring. The Tokyo lender has stayed away from foreign bank investment activities since it was remade with the backing of public funds from Nippon Credit Bank, which went bust in 1998. Aozora Bank will provide know-how in online banking and assistance services for corporate mergers and acquisitions to the Vietnamese partner, which has strength in the field of extending loans to small companies. The Japanese bank plans to acquire around a 10 pct share through a third-party allotment scheme and the remaining 5 pct stake from current shareholders. The total acquisition costs, which have not been disclosed, are believed to be between 10 billion and 20 billion dollars. The bank plans to send two board directors. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Iraq's foreign ministry said on Wednesday it rejected Iran's missile attack on Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops and would summon Tehran's ambassador in Baghdad to convey its protest. "The foreign ministry rejects these attacks and considers them a violation of Iraqi sovereignty," it said in a statement. "It stresses that Iraq is an independent state and that its internal security is its priority. We will not allow it to become a battlefield. "The foreign ministry will summon the Islamic Republic of Iran's ambassador and convey this to him." Search Keywords: Short link: A Perth teenager who has been charged with murder is believed to have caused serious injury to his victim during an alleged break-in gone wrong late last year. Midland detectives said it was some time after 3am on Thursday October 31 2019 when the 17-year-old and an accomplice broke into Odette Fieges Swan View home. Odette Feige. Credit:Facebook The 71-year-old was alone when the pair ransacked the house, and police allege the teenage boy assaulted Ms Fiege and caused her serious facial injuries. The pair then stole her blue 2005 Hyundai Tucson and fled. What is the worth of a U.S. presidents life? Iran has been exporting terror against the free world since about 1978. That has now occurred for some 42 years. Iran is now offering an $80 million bounty on President Trumps life for protecting U.S. citizens. That amounts to about 0.05 percent of the $150 billion in Iranian assets the Obama administration and other countries agreed to release as part of the Iran nuclear deal. How good has that deal worked out for the United States? Has Iran stopped its march toward a nuclear bomb? Have they stopped financing terror upon the sane, peace-loving world? Harry Campbell Bushkill Township He got down on one knee on New Year's Day and proposed to his girlfriend of nine months, Amanda Pacheco. And five days later, Wilmer Valderrama and his fiancee were spotted for the first time since their engagement. The actor, 39, and the model, 28, enjoyed a lowkey lunch date to Okumura sushi in Encino, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. Engaged duo! Wilmer Valderrama and his fiancee were spotted for the first time since their engagement on Monday in Encino, CA - a neighborhood of Los Angeles Wilmer sported black sweats and a matching jacket, adding a blue shirt and colorful sneakers. Dazzling: Amanda showed of her teardrop diamond engagement ring during their outing The handsome star, who became a household name on That '70s Show, was carrying two bottles of water. Amanda showed of her teardrop diamond engagement ring during their outing. The model donned cropped gray sweat bottoms with a blue graphic T-shirt she knotted at the waist. Amanda added a blue denim jacket with pink sneakers. The brunette beauty, who was carrying a to-go bag from the restaurant, had a black handbag on one shoulder. She rounded out her look with her short tresses loose and no makeup, highlighting her natural beauty. The lovebirds are back in LA after getting engaged on a beach in La Jolla, San Diego on New Year's Day. Casual: The actor, 39, and the model, 28, enjoyed a lowkey lunch date to Okumura sushi in Encino, a neighborhood in Los Angeles Duo: Amanda added a blue denim jacket with pink sneakers Lowkey: The handsome star, who became a household name on That '70s Show, was carrying two bottles of water Enjoy each other's company: The lovebirds are back in LA after getting engaged on a beach in La Jolla, San Diego on New Year's Day He posted a photo of the moment he proposed to his Instagram page, tagging the stunning location. The TV star was down on one knee with a jewelry box open in his hand on a rock by the ocean; Amanda rocked a patterned dress while barefoot in the image. Wilmer captioned the image: 'It's just us now,' adding the date: '01-01-2020.' Happy news: He got down on one knee on New Year's Day and proposed to his girlfriend of nine months, Amanda Pacheco Amanda shared the same image on her Instagram, adding a second photo that showed off her incredible ring close up. The beautiful pear cut diamond had a simple sparkling band; she had her hand on top of Wilmer's with a view of the ocean in the background. Amanda had the same caption as Wilmer. Ocean air: Amanda shared the same image on her Instagram, adding a second photo that showed off her incredible ring close up Wilmer and Amanda were first romantically linked in April 2019 while out shopping in Los Angeles. The lovebirds most recently returned from a holiday to Cabo, Mexico, where they toured sand dunes on ATVs. Wilmer was previously linked to Mandy Moore, Demi Lovato and Lindsay Lohan; he was in a relationship with Demi for six years before they split in 2016. Into the woods: Wilmer and Amanda were first romantically linked in April 2019 while out shopping in Los Angeles; pictured on December 25, 2019 in California Following Irans retaliatory missile attacks on U.S. occupied military bases in Iraq on Tuesday night, both Rep. Liz Cheney and Sen. John Barrasso expressed continued support for President Donald Trumps decision to kill a top Iranian military official late last week. In statements late Tuesday night, both Cheney and Barrasso issued statements warning Iran of an appropriate response following the launching of more than a dozen missiles at strategic targets in the Middle East a grave miscalculation in Cheneys words and the latest in a series of escalations between the two countries. Tonight, Iran attacked U.S. forces in Iraq, Barrasso said in a statement Tuesday night. My prayers remain with our service members in the region and their families. Our priority continues to be their safety. There is no doubt the U.S. will appropriately respond once we have a full assessment of what happened tonight. While an opportunity for Republicans to show unity with the president whose handling of the Iran crisis has been largely panned by the American public, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll released this week Tuesday night also presented an opportunity for Cheney to land a punch against Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who had called the assassination of Soleimani a needless provocation by the United States in a tweet Tuesday night. This came following photos surfacing of Pelosi making a brief appearance at the opening of a new restaurant in the Navy Yard neighborhood of D.C., which quickly attracted the ire of conservatives including Cheney on social media as the attacks were unfolding. Speaker Pelosi has proven herself time and time again to be completely and totally lacking in any seriousness, Cheney said in an interview on Fox News Wednesday morning, pointing to Pelosis withholding of Articles of Impeachment against the president in the House of Representatives as an example afterwards. Shes blaming the United States of America, suggesting a moral equivalence between the United States of America and Iran, she added. Shes clearly an embarrassment, yet the Democratic Caucus continues to support her as their leader and as Speaker of the House. On Wednesday, President Trump announced additional sanctions against Iran after both sides issued statements seeking de-escalation. Excellent remarks by @realDonaldTrump, Cheney tweeted following the presidents address to the nation on Wednesday morning. Era of Obama appeasement is over. Iran will not attain nuclear weapons. Regime will face additional sanctions, and they will be held accountable for their actions. Maximum pressure policy continues. America stands with the people of Iran. While war appears to have been averted for the time being, the past week has caused significant rifts in the United States standing in the region. Tuesdays attacks followed news Iran was considering withdrawing from an international nuclear arms treaty it had signed with four other countries the latest after the United States reneged on its end of the deal and a vote by the Iraqi Parliament calling on U.S. troops to withdraw from the region: an order the U.S. appeared to comply with in a letter the Pentagon later rescinded, prompting the Iraqi prime minister to express frustration. Its not a piece of paper that fell off the printer or reached us by coincidence, he said. The third member of Wyomings congressional delegation, Sen. Mike Enzi, has not issued a public statement on the latest Iran developments. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 3 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Last November, my colleague Dan Hugger critiqued comments by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) about his desire for common good capitalism informed by Roman Catholic social teaching. Generally speaking, this is an aspiration that many at the Acton Institute share, but the specifics of what that would look like are where the real differences lie. At the least, this demonstrates how people of good will, of the same (or similar) religious and ethical tradition, can still have divergent opinions about policy. Shared principles do not automatically produce shared prudential judgments. In another recent speech, the senator highlights this difference again, calling for the U.S. to take on an industrial policy where the government tries to direct the economy by favoring certain industries and companies over others crediting trade with China for a wide array of social and economic problems over the last few decades: Outsourcing jobs to China may be more efficient because it lowers labor costs and increases profits. But the good jobs we lose end up destroying families and communities. Just last year, a study found that areas of the United States that faced Chinese import saturation from 1990 to 2014 experienced drops in male employment, as well as declining marriage and fertility rates. In communities that bore the brunt of normalizing trade relations with China to put it euphemistically we even see jumps in suicide rates and deaths from substance abuse. For public policy makers, the common good cant just be about corporate profits. When dignified work, particularly for men, goes away, so goes the backbone of our culture. Our communities become blighted and wither away. Families collapse, and fewer people get married. Our nations soul ruptures. Liberty Funds Richard Reinsch responded yesterday at The American Mind with a critique that echoes one of the Acton Institutes core convictions: life is economic, but economics is not all of life. He writes, As in his Common Good Capitalism address last November, Rubio speaks with nationalist urgency to our problems. However, he hangs far too many of our ills on a materialistic diagnosis. Without explicitly naming it, he attributes to so-called China Shock (i.e., the loss of manufacturing jobs to China) the vanquishing of our families, marriages, small towns, and civil society. If only the causality of deaths of despair, male joblessness, marriage decline, and births outside of marriage were that linear and not the result of numerous policy, cultural, religious, and social feedback loops that stretch back for decades! Despite his apparent support for some form of capitalism, Rubios materialistic thinking cedes far too much ground to Karl Marxs claim that economic causes are ultimate and stands in contrast to the vast scope of the Christian tradition that Rubio desires to integrate into his policy-making. Yes, economics matters and Reinsch does an excellent job of debunking many of the false claims of contemporary economic nationalists, showing that even on that account they are mistaken but everything else matters too. Many people in their wedding vows promise to stay with their spouses in riches or poverty are we to blame economic causes when they dont? Even granting Rubios economic claims (which, again, Reinsch ably refutes), if marriages arent able to endure through material hardship, shouldnt we rather ask ourselves what that says about our culture of romance, our churches pastoral counseling, consumerism, spiritual formation, or any other more directly relevant issues? To reduce everything to economics is to take the Marxist posture of an answer searching for a question, almost like a self-help charlatan: What is it that bothers you? Marriage on the rocks? Addicted to opiods? Depressed? Suicidal? Whatever it is, I know the cause: your economic condition. And I know the cure: industrial policy. Thankfully, people like Richard Reinsch show a better, more nuanced, and prudent way of addressing the concerns of economic nationalism. You can read Reinschs article here. And while youre at it, be sure to read Samuel Greggs recent article on industrial policy at Law & Liberty here. Image credit: Overview of Detroit Industry, North Wall, 1932-33, fresco by Diego Rivera. Detroit Institute of Arts. Public domain. More from Acton For more on Rubios common good capitalism, check out Dan Huggers commentary, Marco Rubios myopic capitalism here. Ranchi, Jan 8 : The Jharkhand Assembly on Wednesday witnessed uproarious scenes when a Congress legislator Irfan Ansari dragged the RSS into the lynching of Tabrez Ansari last year. Irfan Ansari, speaking on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address, said "BJP and RSS are responsible for the killing of Tabrez Ansari". The Congress legislator's remark invited a sharp reaction from the BJP MLAs. Tabrez Ansari was thrashed by a mob in the Seraikela-Kharsawa district of Jharkhand on June 17, 2019 resulting in his death a few days later. The BJP legislators started demanding that the 'unsavoury' remark made about the BJP and the RSS should be expunged and said that the Congress legislator should express regrets about making such a comment. The legislators came to the well of the House demanding an apology and expunging of the remark. "What is the proof of the Irfan Ansari allegation," said BJP legislator C.P. Singh. Assembly speaker Rabindranath Mahto pacified the BJP legislators and asked them to return to their seats. The Speaker later expunged the Congress legislator's remark. The BJP legislators however stuck to the demand for an apology by Irfan Ansari and again came to the well of the House. 'Dismiss Irfan Ansari from House' and 'Irfan Ansari must tender apology' were some of the slogans raised by the BJP legislators. The Assembly Speaker's move to pacify the BJP legislators however failed. He left the apology issue to the conscience of the Congress legislator, who categorically said that he would not apologise. The BJP legislators then raised more slogans forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House. When the House reassembled, the BJP legislators again demanded an apology from the Congress and came to the well of the House. The issue got further aggravated when CP Singh said, "What if I say Irfan Ansari was a terrorist who attacked Mumbai, he was a sleeper cell of the ISI and agent of Pakistan, then what"? Singh's remark triggered heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches as MLAs stood on their seats and yelled at each other. The Speaker tried to pacify those BJP legislators who were in the well of the House. Amid the BJP legislators' protest in the well, the Speaker allowed Chief Minister Hemant Soren to speak on the motion of thanks. AJSU president Sudesh Mahto objected to this and said his party should be allowed to speak on the motion of thanks. The Speaker ignored his plea. The Chief Minister gave his speech and the motion of thanks was passed by a voice vote amid protests by the BJP legislators in the well. Suspicions were raised when RFS volunteer Blake Banner allegedly turned up early to a fire. Investigators became more suspicious in November, when police allege they saw the teenager sitting in a dual cab at the Bega River and noticed a fire shortly after. A home burns at Bilpin in December. Credit:Nick Moir Several hours later, police from the South Coast Police District arrived at the Tarraganda RFS shed and arrested the 19-year-old. He was taken to Bega Police Station where he was charged in connection with the lighting of seven fires. Bridgeport, CT Periodontist, Dr. John Thomas, Joins Advanced Periodontics Dr. Thomas has been working as a periodontist for over 50 years and has been a lifelong resident of the Bridgeport, CT area. Drs. Richard Amato and Michael Kang of Advanced Periodontics and Dental Implant Center of Connecticut welcome a new periodontist to their practice, Dr. John Thomas. An experienced periodontist from Bridgeport, CT, his patients can now receive care from Dr. Thomas at his new location in Monroe, CT. Dr. Thomas will be joining Drs. Amato and Kang at Advanced Periodontics in offering leading periodontal care, including treatment of gum disease through laser dentistry and minimally invasive gum recession treatment. Dr. Thomas has been working as a periodontist for over 50 years and has been a lifelong resident of the Bridgeport, CT area. He obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed his Periodontal Residency at Georgetown University. As an experienced periodontist, Dr. Thomas focuses on the areas of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum related conditions, like gum disease. Now at Advanced Periodontics and Dental Implant Center of Connecticut, Dr. Thomas will be adding his skills to the teams already extensive care offered for periodontal concerns. One of the leading services offered is treatment for gum disease. This common condition affects the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, including the gums, teeth and jawbone. When diagnosed early, gum disease can be treated before extensive and permanent harm occurs. However, if left to progress untreated, gum disease can cause serious oral and systemic health concerns. Advanced gum disease can cause jawbone deterioration and tooth loss. Research has even linked it to health concerns like heart disease and diabetes. Periodontists Drs. Amato, Kang and Thomas provide effective treatment for gum disease through LANAP laser dentistry. LANAP is an advanced solution that does not require the use of scalpels or sutures. With gentle laser light, infected gum tissue can be removed and healthy tissue can be stimulated for regrowth. Since there is no cutting, most patients find the treatment to be comfortable and sedation is often not required. This also means that treatment is quicker than traditional treatment and areas of gum disease can often be treated in just one appointment. Existing patients of Dr. Thomas from Bridgeport, CT are welcome to join him at his new Monroe, CT location. Also, those in need of gum disease care or who are seeking a periodontist near Monroe, CT are invited to make a consultation with any of the doctors at Advanced Periodontics and Dental Implant Center of Connecticut by visiting http://www.connecticutperiodontist.com or calling 203-268-2000. About the Periodontists Founder of Advanced Periodontics and Dental Implant Center of Connecticut in Monroe, CT, Dr. Richard Amato, and his associates, Drs. Michael Kang and John Thomas, are leading periodontists and dental implant specialists who offer personalized care using advanced technology. Dr. Amato earned his DDS degree from Stony Brook University and his Certificate of Proficiency in Periodontics from Eastman Dental Center at the University of Rochester. Dr. Amato has placed thousands of dental implants. He is the first and most experienced provider of LANAP laser gum disease therapy in Fairfield County, CT as well as the first periodontist in Connecticut to provide the minimally invasive gum recession treatment, the Pinhole Surgical Technique. Dr. Kang is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology. He completed his residency in periodontology from Columbia University and has published numerous articles on implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas is a veteran periodontist who has served the greater Bridgeport area for 50 years. To learn more about Dr. Amato, Dr. Kang, Dr. Thomas or the services they offer, visit http://www.connecticutperiodontist.com or call 203-268-2000. About 18 billion litres of petrol (PMS) was supplied in Nigeria for 2019, a report by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has said. The Executive Secretary of the agency, Abdulkadir Saidu, in the report, emphasised the need for enhanced private participation in the refining business, as well as the revamping of the nations refineries for improved production. The total quantity of PMS supplied across the nation as at November 2019 was 18,623,992,092 litres and the PMS average sufficiency stood at 40.68 days, the report said. The report revealed that 1,612 vessels, laden with different petroleum products, docked in Nigerian waters in 2019. A breakdown of marketers performance shows that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was responsible for 99.61 per cent of the total 19,175,737,226 litres of petrol that was imported. Major Oil Marketers of Nigeria (MOMAN), on the other hand, imported 0.39 per cent in 2019., while 166,332,185 litres of PMS was produced locally, in the same year. Other petroleum products imported into the Country are 4,586,878,439 litres of AGO, 128,110,313 litres of HHK, 951,769 084 litres of ATK, 306,791,987 litres of Base Oil, 125,561,557 litres of Bitumen and 45,980,957 litres of LFPO, it said. Mr Saidu disclosed in the report that fiscalisation of imported products was efficiently carried out at sea ports by industry recognised cargo inspectors in conjunction with the PPPRA field staff at sea ports. The PPPRA boss commended the dogged efforts of some marketers at sustaining the continuous development of the sector, despite the inherent global economic challenges. This is evident in the number of new facilities that emerged in the downstream subsector of the petroleum industry in 2019. Promise Mr Saidu said the agency will continue to ensure transparency in the oil and gas value chain by making reliable data available to strategic government agencies. The move is also for adequate planning and decision making in the country. The agency will also continue to collaborate with the NNPC and other Oil Marketing Companies towards improving the regulatory environment, as well as ensuring uninterrupted product availability, he said. A closeup of the wreckage at Iraq's al-Asad airbase, as captured on Jan. 8, 2020, by one of Planet's SkySat satellites. You don't have to be on the ground in Iraq to see the damage done by Iran's recent missile attack. Satellites operated by San Francisco-based company Planet have captured photos of Iraq's al-Asad airbase, one of the sites hit in last night's (Jan. 7) bombardment. The sharp images clearly show which buildings were reduced to ruin and rubble. Iranian officials have said that the attack was retaliation for the death of high-ranking general Qasem Soleimani, who was killed by a U.S. drone strike last week. The al-Asad airbase houses American troops, as does Erbil airport, the other site hit last night by Iranian missiles. Related: Iran in Space: Rockets, Satellites & Monkeys (Photos) No Americans or Iraqis were killed or wounded in the attack, President Donald Trump said during a news conference today (Jan. 8). Iraq received advance warning about the strike and passed that information along to the U.S., CNN reported today , citing Iraqi and American officials. Planet is most famous for its huge constellation of Doves, Earth-observing cubesats the size of a loaf of bread. But the al-Asad imagery comes courtesy of SkySats, Planet representatives said. The company operates 15 of these spacecraft, each of which is about the size of a minifridge and can resolve features as small as 28 inches (72 centimeters) on Earth's surface. (The Doves, for comparison, have a resolution of about 10 feet, or 3 meters.) A view of the damage at Iraq's al-Asad airbase, captured on Jan. 8, 2020, by one of Planet's SkySat satellites. (Image credit: Planet Labs Inc.) Planet currently has about 120 operational Doves in orbit, along with the 15 SkySats and five other "RapidEye" craft. These satellites capture photos for a variety of customers and uses. One of those uses involves keeping tabs on the rocket and missile programs of nations such as Iran and North Korea, as the new photos show. (And this past August, SkySat imagery revealed that an Iranian rocket apparently exploded on the launch pad .) Planet has successfully deployed more than 350 satellites into orbit since its first craft went up in 2013. Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, " Out There " (Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate ), is out now. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook . University students are seen preparing for the upcoming National Postgraduate Entrance Exam (NPEE) at a library in Shenyang in China's northeastern Liaoning Province on Nov. 26, 2019. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) Graduate Student Sets Fire to Commit Suicide A graduate student at Chinas Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications committed suicide on the night of Dec. 25 by setting a fire in a lab. The school authorities strictly blocked information about the incident so that even students in the same department didnt know about his death. It wasnt until the students mother was seen at the top of a school building crying loudly and blaming the school for her sons death that people learned what happened. Tan Dawei was in his third year of graduate school in Material Science at the university. His dormmate revealed that Tan was severely depressed because of constant exploitation and verbal abuse by his academic advisor over three years. The Tragedy Early in the morning of Dec. 26, a fire was seen in the Material Science laboratory building. The entire building was immediately sealed off once the fire was extinguished. Police officers visited the school that afternoon. However, students in Tans faculty had no idea how the fire started or that Tan ended his life in the blaze. On Jan. 5, Tans mother was seen on the roof of the schools history building on campus, crying and tragically saying: Return my son to me. Where is justice? The building is located in a high-traffic area. It was only then that people learned of Tans tragic death. Verbal Abuse, Humiliation, Exploitation A student living in Tans dormitory posted chat messages online indicating that Tan said he had been verbally abused, humiliated, and exploited by his female academic advisor, Zhang Hongman, over the past three years. According to the messages, on the afternoon of Dec. 25, Zhang refused to help Tan revise his research paper, and forced him to sign an agreement to delay his graduation date. She even demanded that Tan pay for the nitrogen he used in the lab. Another student, whose lab is close to Zhangs lab, revealed that Zhang often berates her students, and her voice is so loud that it can be heard all over the building. When she comments on students research notes, more often than not she uses harsh words such as, deduct money [from your paycheck], you should know better and get out of here, and drop out now. These are likely her responses to students whose research doesnt produce good results. One of Tans classmates told Tencent News that Zhang owns companies that sell chemical reagents, and she regularly uses her students as cheap labor, such as for delivery or accounting, for these companies. This activity is said to be an open secret in Zhangs department. Also, Zhang is known to use her lab as a warehouse for her companies, which explains the variety of flammable liquids available to Tan to set the fire. Actually, they were not typical reagents found in a material science research lab. According to the Chinese data platform Tianyancha, there are two companies under Zhangs name, one in Nanjing and the other in Changchun. She is listed as the principle shareholder and supervisor of both companies. Information Blockage and Professorial Bullying are Common Chinese netizens were impressed that the authorities could thoroughly block the news of Tans death for a whole week. Local journalist Ms. Zheng told Radio Free Asia that shortly after the fire, local media were told they were not allowed to get details about what happened. A university professor surnamed Zhou, who chose to remain anonymous when speaking to Radio Free Asia, said: In todays China, it is very common to block information when something bad happens. In universities, there is an unspoken ruleschool authorities will punish anyone who reveals secret information to the outside. In addition, Zhou revealed that using graduate students as cheap labor is a common practice in Chinese universities. If this professor hired a researcher for her company, she probably needs to pay him 10,000 to 20,000 yuan ($1,440 to $2,880) a month. If she uses her students to do the same job, she only needs to pay them 1,000 to 2,000 yuan ($144 to $288) a month. Thus, some professors certainly want to keep their students in school for as long as possible. Tan is not the first graduate student at this university to commit suicide because of exploitation by an academic advisor. In early 2016, a graduate student named Jiang Huawen jumped from the ninth story of a building. His advisor, Zhang Daiyuan, had verbally abused him in public on several occasions, and did not allow him to graduate when he should have. Washington D.C. [USA], Jan 8 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that he would never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. In his address to the nation after Iran's strike on US military installations in Iraq, Trump said, "As long as I am the President, Iran will never be allowed to have the nuclear weapon." The tension between the US and Iran had heightened after the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq last Friday. His death marked a dramatic escalation in tension between the US and Iran, which has often been at a fever pitch since Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact the world powers had struck with Tehran. Iran today fired a number of missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops in retaliation for the American strike. Soleimani's killing has once again put a question on the completion and operationalization of the strategic Chabahar port, located in the Sistan-Baluchistan province on Iran's southeastern coast. (ANI) OPEC and one of its biggest producers sought to tamp down concerns over Middle Eastern oil supply on Wednesday after Iran fired missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq. Global crude markets are well supplied, and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers will respond if necessary to spiking tensions in the region, U.A.E. Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei told reporters in Abu Dhabi. The escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran doesnt pose a risk to the Strait of Hormuz, a bottleneck for oil shipments from the Persian Gulf, he said. The market is well supplied, I would say now, and we are not forecasting a shortage of supply unless we have a catastrophic escalation, which we dont see, Al Mazrouei said in the United Arab Emirates capital. OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo reinforced the message. We remain confident that our leaders are doing everything possible to restore normalcy to arrest the situation before it spirals out of control, Barkindo said in Abu Dhabi. Oil prices jumped after Iran attacked two U.S.-Iraqi bases in its first response to the killing of one of its top generals on Jan. 3, sparking fears the deepening conflict will disrupt global crude supplies. Futures in London briefly surged more than five per cent to almost $72 (U.S.) a barrel as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the missile strikes, which the Pentagon said were launched from Iran. While oil flows from the Middle East continue unimpeded for now, the risk of disruption is spooking crude markets. Most exports from the Gulf, including shipments from Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq, pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that Iran has repeatedly threatened to block in the event of a war. Geopolitics is back as a factor in oil prices, after playing a lesser role for the past two or three years, Al Mazrouei said. However, the U.A.E. isnt concerned about the supply or demand for crude, and a war in the Gulf is the last thing we want, he said. We had war in the Middle East between two producing nation of OPEC, Al Mazrouei said, referring to the Iran-Iraq conflict of the 1980s. During that war, oil was low, and we continued supply. The Strait of Hormuz is not just important for us but for the world economy, and Iran understands that. If the supplies are cut, everyone will be impacted. The world economy cannot withstand $100 oil, he said. Demand for oil is healthy, and growth in U.S. shale supply is softening, he said. The so-called OPEC+ coalition agreed last month to deepen cuts in output through March in a bid to drain excess inventories and prop up crude. The U.A.E. is OPECs third-largest producer, after Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Irans output and exports have plummeted in the face of U.S. sanctions. With assistance from Manus Cranny and Giovanni Prati. Read more about: Ways to make an ever-popular New Year's resolution a reality Getting started on a healthy program can be easy with some professional help. Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, says security forces are working tirelessly to secure the release of all the captives in custody ... Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, says security forces are working tirelessly to secure the release of all the captives in custody of Boko Haram. Shehu said this in reaction to the allegation of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) that Christian faithful were being persecuted and are the primary targets of the insurgent group. The Christian body also alleged that the government had failed to secure the release of Leah Sharibu and some other Christian captives because of her religion. Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Shehu said the government trusts the security agencies to secure the release of all the captives. He accused some leaders of seeking political gains from religious differences, warning that the politicisation of religion has no place in Nigeria. He added that the government would not tolerate any act of religious intolerance and called on Nigerians to unite against the terror group and see the sect members for what they are. Shehu said: The security forces of Nigeria are working continuously to return those taken hostage by Boko Haram to their families, friends and communities. In doing this, the government has full confidence in their ability to accomplish the task. On its own part, government has condemned some of the appalling acts of terror, especially following the festive period. Yet, to continue to see these happenings solely in religious terms removed from social, economic and environmental factors simplifies complexities that must be heeded. Not seeing them as they should be is exactly what the terrorists and groups wish: they want Nigerians to see their beliefs as reason to turn against one another. On the contrary, Christians and Muslims alike are united in their opposition to Boko Haram and the hatred for decency that the infamous group stands for. Nigerians must continue to be united in ensuring that they do not subscribe to the terrorists message of division. Unfortunately, some leaders and politicians seek to make political capital from our religious differences. As we fight Boko Haram on the ground, so too must we tackle their beliefs: stability and unity in face of their hatred is itself a rejection of their worldview. This government shall never tolerate religious intolerance. We clearly and unambiguously restate our support for the freedom to practice whichever belief you wish. The politicisation of religion as forbidden by the constitution has no place in Nigeria. YEREVAN. Comedic actor Hovhannes Azoyan has been recognized as the victim of an incident in the Hrazdan Gorge of Yerevan. Naira Harutyunyan, head of the Information and Public Relations Division of the Investigative Committee of Armenia, told about this to Armenian News-NEWS.am. On January 3, police received a call that a man had struck Azoyan in the Hrazdan Gorge. The police who arrived at the scene found out the details of the incident and interviewed the actor. The suspect is a 30-year-old resident of Yerevan. At the police station, he explained what had happened. Police have launched a criminal case on charges of hooliganism. An investigation is underway. Hovhannes Azoyan had told on Facebook livestream that the incident had occurred in a place where young people gather and try to create contemporary music. We are extremely pleased that Congress has included Medicare coverage of OTPs in the just-passed opioid package, said Jason Kletter, PhD, president of BayMark Health Services. BayMark Health Services has announced that they are now able to accept Medicare for medication-assisted treatment services at their Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) across the country. Coverage for treatment with methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone, all FDA-approved medications, as well as counseling, began on January 1st. All BayMark branded opioid treatment programs are eligible, including BAART Programs, Health Care Resource Centers, MedMark Treatment Centers and Recovery Services of New Mexico, with the exception of our newest programs who have not yet obtained their CARF-accreditation. The October 24, 2019 signing of opioid bill H.R. 6, referred to as The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, extended this benefit for Medicare subscribers who may have otherwise lost their ability to stay in treatment when they switched from Medicaid to Medicare or for whom treatment was cost-prohibitive when not covered by their Medicare plan. We are extremely pleased that Congress has included Medicare coverage of OTPs in the just-passed opioid package, said Jason Kletter, PhD, president of BayMark Health Services. This coverage will, once implemented, provide immediate benefit to the roughly 20,000 Medicare beneficiaries currently receiving treatment in OTPs, as well as create treatment access for the 300,000 beneficiaries with a diagnosis of opioid use disorder, Dr. Kletter told AT Forum. In addition, Medicare coverage will likely result in greater coverage of OTP services by commercial health plans, exponentially increasing access to high quality, evidence-based MAT across the country. BayMark branded OTPs are known across the country as providers of quality, comprehensive medication-assisted treatment and counseling services. Programs provide addiction education, relapse prevention, lab testing, coordinated care for pregnant patients and linkages to community resources to assist patients on their path to recovery. The BayMark mission is to provide comprehensive medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder and other health care services to foster wellness, longevity and socially responsible behavior for the patients we serve. BayMark, through our various brands, provides treatment for opioid use disorder. We attempt to match each patient with the best level of care for their individual needs, shared David K. White, Ph.D., CEO of BayMark Health Services. Historically, methadone treatment has proven to be the most effective approach to providing affected individuals a real opportunity to recover, in part due to the structure of the OTP. It is great progress for our country that Medicare will now cover methadone treatment, as well as buprenorphine and naltrexone treatment, in the OTP setting. BayMark is happy to be a part of the solution to the opioid epidemic and all initiatives increasing accessibility and affordability of treatment. To find a BayMark OTP location near you, visit: http://www.Baymark.com/treatment-locations/. About BayMark Health Services: BayMark Health Services provides medication-assisted treatment to more than 56,000 patients in recovery from substance use disorder across the United States and Ontario, Canada. Our outpatient programs deliver medically supervised treatment, in a variety of modalities and settings, to meet the diverse needs of our patients who struggle with the use of opioids, alcohol and other prescription and illicit substances. The BayMark continuum of patient-focused services includes: highly structured opioid treatment programs utilizing methadone or buprenorphine and outpatient buprenorphine treatment programs, both of which incorporate counseling as part of an individualized treatment plan for opioid use disorder. Additionally, ambulatory withdrawal management services with naltrexone therapy, and inpatient detoxification services are offered for a variety of substance use disorders. The JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) is held for students aspiring to get admission in Indias top engineering colleges. The exam is conducted at two levels, JEE Main and JEE Advanced. JEE Main is conducted twice in a year. This year, it is being held from January 6 to 9 and April 3-9, 2020 in two shifts. The JEE Main acts as a screening exam for JEE Advanced and for getting admission in various NITs (National Institute of Technology). The exam takes place in an online mode (Computer Based Test) and is conducted by National Test Agency (NTA). The duration of the exam is three hours. The paper comprises of 75 questions with 25 questions in each section. Each section has 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and 5 Numerical Answer Type questions. The result of JEE Main January attempt is expected to be declared by NTA on 31st January 2020. Below is the analysis for Day 2, morning shift exam: 1) The overall level of the exam was Moderate to difficult. As compared to last year, the exam was similar in pattern and difficulty level. 2) Physics section was Difficult as compared to last year. With majority of questions being asked from Thermodynamics, Electrostatics and Magnetism no questions were asked from ray optics, transistors , units and measurements. 3) Maths was difficult compared to last year. However, this year it was Moderate in difficulty. Most of the questions were asked from Calculus and coordinate geometry. 4) Chemistry was Easy. Questions from Inorganic Chemistry were NCERT based. But no questions were asked from equilibrium 5) Mostly questions were asked from NCERT from Chemistry. 6) The Numerical Answer Type questions were lengthy in nature. 7) For future slots, students are advised to focus on basics and conceptual clarity. (Author Saurabh Kumar is Director Academics, Vidyamandir Classes. Views expressed here are personal) As Novelist Khaled al-Khamisi launches the latest season of Doum Art, he shares his "outsider status" in Egyptian society has taken him in many unusual directions Sitting in his living room puts the downtown Cairo building into perspective, as if time had stood still but had kept busy by maintaining the spirit of the ancient building. As the minutes tip-toe by, the renowned Egyptian cultural figure and novelist Khaled al-Khamisi explains that it's as if I had been born in 1930." Al-Khamisi is a novelist famous for his first novel Taxi, which was a bestseller, sold over 75,000 copies in Arabic, was reprinted seven times in one year, was translated into many languages, and was even turned into a play a few years ago. However, it took al-Khamisi some 15 years to realise that his true passion in life was writing. "Of all the activities I have done in my life, I have never loved anything as much as writing," he says. Born in 1962 to Egyptian actress Fatin al-Choubashi and left-wing poet Abdel-Rahman al-Khamisi, who was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize in 1979, Khaled al-Khamisi grew up in a rich cultural milieu. After the tragic death of his mother when he was only five years old, he moved in to live with his grandparents whose impact was immense on the young boy. "My grandfather was born in 1899 and my grandmother in 1910, so I grew up as if I had been born in 1930. My grandfather used to refer to boats as wabour al-bahr (an old Arabic term) and trains as wabour, and so I was raised against a cultural background that belonged to the 1930s and 40s, he recalls. The open door But being in a left-wing cultural atmosphere did not ease the drastic transformation that Egypt witnessed during the 1970s, when late president Anwar al-Sadat introduced his free-market Open Door Policy and the socio-economic conditions of the country changed. "I was born in 1962, one year after former president Gamal Abdel-Nassers nationalisations. I attended college in 1980, and one year later there was al-Sadats wave of arrests of almost all the countrys political figures. A month later al-Sadat was assassinated, and former president Hosni Mubarak started to rule when I was in my second year of college," al-Khamisi remembers. As a result of al-Sadats political and economic reforms from 1972 onwards most of our family and friends fled the country. And there I was living with my grandparents in a world apart from the political and economic scene of the day. I felt a great sense of non-belonging as a result, whether economic or political. Feeling out of place haunted al-Khamisi for years, but it triggered a great sense of adventure and a passion for endless searches. After gaining his degree in Political Science from Cairo University in 1984, al-Khamisi travelled to Paris to do a Masters and PhD at the Sorbonne. But before submitting his PhD thesis in international politics he realised he did not want to pursue an academic career and so came back to Cairo in 1990. Raising questions He had already written his first film script entitled "Turquoise" starring the actress Yousra and actor Ashraf Abdel-Baqi. However, the Egyptian cinema industry that year was hit hard and film production was down from 70 films to seven. The film was never shot. "What was I going to do in a society that was totally different from what I was thinking about at the time, he asks. That question was central to al-Khamisis relationship to Egyptian society. His estrangement helped him raise questions rather than answer them. This attitude in itself broke the mould of many Egyptian cultural figures who are expected to have most of the answers. Pursuing his passion within the cultural realm, al-Khamisi then tried out many paths over the years. Francophone cinema He founded a publishing house in the early 1990s called Nosos (scripts) that published books by literary figures such as Louis Awad and Nasr Hamed Abu Zeid. Al-Khamisi also published one of Egypt's first feminist magazines, Hagar. He was the first to publish an environmental magazine in Egypt, even if there was not enough funding to maintain this after 1995. Al-Khamisi then became a francophone cinema consultant and co-founded APIMED, the International Association of Independent Producers of the Mediterranean. Zaza wa Gargir "I also co-founded a utopian project in the shape of public libraries in underprivileged districts, and this went on for two years. I produced the first 3D graphic fiction series in the Arab world entitled Al-Mohema Ard 21 (Mission Earth 21), he adds, remarking that he also produced one of the few Egyptian animation series for kids. Called Zaza wa Gargir, this was awarded the Best Childrens Series Prize by the Cairo Festival for Arab Media in 2007. Later, al-Khamisi was faced with another barrier, when the government did not support his idea to produce a television series to document key Arab figures from the 20th century, among them the composer Said Darwish and politician Saad Zaghloul. The series, entitled "Farewell 20th Century," was never filmed because the government did not see any monetary profit in it. Taxi fifteen years later These 15 years of self and social exploration fed into al-Khamisi's first work of fiction, Taxi. The book summed up Egyptian society through the eyes of Cairo taxi-drivers, whose wit and sense of humour brought the social history of Egypt into the light of day. Taxi was an instant bestseller and was soon followed by more literary works such as Noah's Ark (2011) and another unpublished novel. Doum cultural foundation In 2013, al-Khamisi set up Doum. This is a non-profit foundation cultural foundation that aims to support critical thinking through creating cultural materials that can reach the largest to break away from the cultural centralisation of the country in Cairo and Alexandria. It works in five main areas publishing, performance, music, cinema, and the visual arts. On the 8th of January, Doum culture hosts Self Exploration, a visual art exhibition by Assuit Artist Emad Abu Grain. This is a unique experience of exploring such rich cultural heritage of the upper Egyptian governoarate through the eyes of the artist. I used to watch Abu Grain give free painting classes to children of Assuit every Friday,noted El-Khamisi explaining how he was impressed to see this young artist support younger artists as well. "I've always asked myself why are people focused on political development without seeing the importance of culture and knowledge? Why arent there more institutions working on the audience and on intellectual grounds, he asks. "The problem with Egyptian society is that its concept of an intellectual is a person who has all the answers. This is nonsense. A person is not a hard disc. The idea is to fight isolation Doum organised several cultural activities in the shape of art exhibitions, story-telling festival held in Qena in Upper Egypt that brought together folk story-tellers from all over Egypt and an annual literary festival in Mansoura in the Delta The idea is to fight isolation. As chairman of the board of the Greater Cairo Public Library since 2014, al-Khamisi's interest today in raising question marks and putting facts into a more comprehensive cultural context has been evident in all the activities he promotes. Search Keywords: Short link: As many as 500 protesters were detained here during the 'Bharat Bandh' call by trade unions on Wednesday. Among those arrested are members of various trade unions and supporters of Congress party. "Five hundred protesters belonging to trade unions and supporters of Congress have been detained. No untoward incident has been noticed in the city yet," said DCP Anup Sahoo. "All the roads of town have been cleared. There was enough deployment of police force at Bhubaneswar Airport and Railway station," he said. Trade unions including CITU, INTUC, among others have given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand. However, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is not taking part in the strike. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Viewers of Sun, Sea, and Surgery were left horrified last night after a 21-year-old British woman was 'pressured' by Turkish surgeons into having fat injection in her hips and given just hours to decide. Louise, 21, from Oxfordshire, appeared in the Channel 4 programme last night as she travelled to the Comfort Zone clinic in Turkey for liposuction in her thighs, stomach, lower back, hips and arms. But during her one-and-only consultation with Dr Serkan Balta shortly before her surgery, he asked if she wanted a Brazilian Butt Lift, before 'recommending' she have a fat injected into her hips to achieve the body shape she wanted. The Brazilian Butt Lift, also known as BBL, hit headlines last year after mother-of-three Leah Cambridge, 29, from Leeds, died while having the surgery at another clinic in Turkey last year. Despite admitting she 'hadn't had the chance to take anything in', Louise decided to have the fat injections, saying: 'The body shape I 'm wanting, if they're saying that's the way to do it, then I'll do it.' Many viewers were horrified by the programme, accusing the surgeons of being 'money-grabbing' and 'pressurising'. Viewers of Sun, Sea and Surgery were shocked last night after watching Louise, 21, from Oxfordshire, be 'pressured' into having a Brazilian Butt Lift (also known as BBL) shortly before she was meant to be having liposuction Dr Balta told the 21-year-old that an injection of fat into her hips would help her achieve the body shape she dreamed of One said: 'Sun, Sea and Surgery is honestly so disappointing. This girl is so young, and you're pressurising her into a Brazilian Butt Lift? An hour before her surgery.' Another wrote: 'He was pushing a 21-year-old too much to have Brazilian Butt Lift with a fat transfer. She should have had somebody there to say NO.' Louise travelled to Comfort Zone Clinic in Turkey, an all-inclusive cosmetic surgery provider, where 70 per cent of the clients are British women. The clinic pairs clients with regulated plastic surgeons, and provides full-board aftercare at their villas. Many of those watching were left horrified by the programme, with some suggesting the doctors were 'pressurising' The clinic's boss Engin explained his motivation for starting the business, saying: 'Plastic surgery is very expensive in Britain. Social media and plastic surgery go hand-in-hand. 'Obviously some of the results do go wrong. I think we have to be realistic about what we're offering here. when a person makes a decision to come abroad, they're getting a major discounted rate, but there are some setbacks.' He went on: 'If they have a major thing that needs corrected, then they have to come back to Turkey. They will only have to pay for flights, and everything is free here.' Initially, Louise said she wanted to have liposuction in six areas, thighs, stomach, lower back, hips and arms. Louise initially said she wanted to have liposuction in six different areas of her body after her mother convinced her not to have a Brazilian Butt Lift Having taken out a loan for the surgery, she said she planned to spend 2,750 on transforming her body. She said: 'I've got a muffin top. I'm not saying I'm fat. There's just more there than I want.' Kristine, Louise's mother, said: 'I've always been big, but I never worry about what other people think of me and what I look like.' Meanwhile Louise revealed she had long-suffered with depression and anxiety, having been diagnosed as a young teenager. Louise admitted she had long suffered from depression and anxiety, and regularly self harmed as a teenager She said: 'I used to self harm. I grew up with cuts all over my breasts and thighs and ribs. 'It wasn't so much about the shape of my body, it was what was on my body that I couldn't show it. 'And since I've got older, and I'm healed, I've pushed the worry on to the shape of my body. It's like there's something always holding me back from being confident with myself.' Louise admitted she felt pressurised by social media, and regularly edited her photos to make her body look perfect. Her mother Kristine told her she didn't need surgery, and said she had convinced her against having the dangerous Brazilian Butt Lift operation She said: 'On social media, I am who I want to be. Whereas in reality, I'm not.' During a frank conversation with her mother ahead of the surgery, Kristine said: 'I don't think you need surgery at all.' But Louise argued: 'It's not a need, it's a want. I'm in a situation where I am changing myself. It's just like a tug of war in my mind.' Her mother said she had already told her daughter there was 'no way' she was having a Brazilian butt lift. However when Louise had her one and only consultation with Dr Balta, he recommended she have fat injected into her hips to achieve the shape she wanted Louise said: 'You managed to convince me not to go that deep into it because of how risky BBLs are.' The 21-year-old planned to stay at the Turkish clinic for four days, with her consultation with a doctor and surgery on the same day. WHAT IS A BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT? A Brazilian Butt Lift uses fat transferred from other areas of the body, such as the love handles, hips or stomach, to provide patients with a fuller derriere. Clinics report the procedure, which costs between 6,500 and 10,000, has seen more than a 50 per cent increase compared to five years ago. The procedure's nickname was coined in 1996 after Dr Leonard Grossman was filmed performing fat transfer surgery on a patient from Brazil. The surgery takes anywhere from one to two hours to perform. The amount of downtime ranges from one to three weeks, plastic surgeons claim. HOW IT WORKS: 1. Liposuction to remove fat from abdomen/hips/thighs 2. Fat is 'processed' 3. Fat is injected into buttocks BBL STYLES: Upside-down heart, or 'A-shape': Much smaller waist and larger buttocks towards the bottom Round: emphasis on increasing the size of the butt, not pulling in the waist or thighs HOW TO PREPARE: Don't smoke (increases infection risk and blood clot risk) Don't gain weight (when you lose it again, your butt will change) RISK OF DEATH: Higher than most operations - 20 in 100,000 compared with 1 in 100,000. There are two major risk factors that can make a BBL fatal: Blood clots travel to lungs Accidental injection of fat to blood vessel RECOVERY: 1. Don't work for 10 days 2. Don't sit for 6 weeks 3. Sleep on stomach 4. Final shape will take months or a year to form Advertisement But during their consultation, Dr Balta appeared to think the fat injections could be the best option for Louise. He told her: 'Are you looking for BBL or not? When we remove your fat, we have two choices. Throw it away to waste, or second, use it, in your breasts, in your buttocks.' Touching her bottom, he said: 'You have some projection, but you have some lack of tissue in your outer hips here.' He went on: 'I know your concerns is mostly about the fat and the embolism right? 'In these type of surgeries, we put fat over the muscle. Making a big bum, giving extreme fat inside the muscle is risky, yes. But if you just give less amounts over the muscle, it's not too risky as you thought.' He added: 'We can just recommend it to you, but it's going to be your choice.' And an overwhelmed Louise admitted she had been left not knowing what to do. Dr Balta said: 'Okay, we have time, we will talk over it. But if you still don't want to do this, we will not perform anyway.' He went on to tell the camera: 'When you only have one consultation, you cannot understand if the patient is ready psychologically. 'If they have so much concerns in their eyes, it's better to delay surgery or just reject them. It's going to be their choice, but I just show them direction.' An overwhelmed Louise said: 'I haven't had a chance to take anything in. 'I haven't had a chance to consider the fat transfer thing. 'The body shape I'm wanting, if they're saying that's the way to do it, then I'll do it.' As she was prepared her for surgery, she said: 'I just wish I wasn't rushed on the decision. They've just bought in a BBL pillow. 'This is not what I came here to do. I don't know what to do.' But having made up her mind, she spoke to her mother over the phone from home. She told her: 'They're putting fat into my hips. They said that the bum is the riskiest area, and they said they're not going to put any in my bum.' Admitting she was incredibly worried about the procedure, Louise said: 'It's a last- minute add-on type thing. But any adjustments are literally last-minute.' And after her surgery, she admitted she felt 'sore', saying she never expected the operation to be so painful. As Louise was prepared for surgery, she admitted she still was unsure about whether to have the further operation But having made up her mind, she told her mother that she would be going ahead to have fat injected into her hips She said: 'Me being in bed, barely being able to walk wasn't something I anticipated.' Engin said: 'It's not all about the money, we have to make sure patients are happy with the results. 'We're just running a business, we're not forcing anyone to come for surgery.' Louise returned home to her mother four days after surgery. and seven weeks after her operation, said she was happy with the results. The British mother-of-three who died having 6,500 BBL at Turkish clinic Leah Cambridge, 29, from Leeds, suffered three heart attacks after having a Brazilian Butt Lift Leah Cambridge, 29, from Leeds, saved up thousands of pounds to have the procedure done in Izmir, Turkey, in August 2018 after feeling 'paranoid about her body'. But the beautician died while undergoing the controversial operation, where fat is removed from certain areas of the body - including the stomach and back - and then transferred into the buttocks to achieve an hourglass figure. She is believed to have suffered three heart attacks after the operation which involved injecting fat into muscles in her bottom. Her inquest at Wakefield Coroner's Court in October 2019 heard how she booked the surgery against the wishes of her partner, Scott Franks, through a company named Elite Aftercare, which offers clients a package that includes a stay in a villa. Recording a conclusion that Miss Cambridge died having the Brazilian butt lift (BBL) after not being fully appraised of the risks involved, coroner Kevin McLoughlin said: 'Against this backdrop, those involved in facilitating or conducting BBL procedures must decide whether it's safe to continue to do so. He added: 'At the very least, anyone thinking of submitting themselves to the hazards associated with the BBL should seek out independent medical advice.' Advertisement She said: 'I don't count it as a BBL, nothing was put, it was all put on my hips. I just like liposuction and a bit of fat transfer.' She explained: 'Before my surgery, if I had taken a photo and put it on Instagram, I would have photoshopped my body to look this way.' But Louise also said she wouldn't recommend surgeries to other people who have confidence issues, saying: 'If you've got that mentality, that you think you're not good enough, you find things to pick at. 'I had an unrealistic idea that having surgery would take away everything issue I had. After the surgery, Louise was barely able to get out of bed or walk, saying she never anticipated that she would be in so much pain And seven weeks after the operation, Louise said she was happy with the results of her surgery but didn't consider what she had a BBL 'I wouldn't recommend surgery, it's not a quick fix to whatever underlying issue you have about yourself.' Viewers were shocked by the programme, with many suggesting it was 'all wrong'. One commented: 'On Sun, Sea and Surgery...wait, is this guy (surgeon) trying to persuade the young girl to have a BBL?' One wrote: 'Sun, sea and surgery is so wrong. Pressuring girls to have things done they don't want, and giving them hardly anytime to think it all over. All they care about is money.' The United States on Wednesday hit South Sudan's first vice president with financial sanctions, accusing him of ordering the deaths of two opposition leaders. Taban Deng Gai also has created distrust that has inflamed conflict in South Sudan and undermined the peace process, the US Treasury Department said in a statement. Deng "reportedly arranged and directed the disappearance and deaths of human rights lawyer Samuel Dong Luak (Dong) and SPLM-IO member Aggrey Idry (Aggrey)... in order to solidify his position within President Kiir's government and to intimidate members of the SPLM-IO," Treasury said. "Taban Deng Gai's attempt to silence the opposition party is derailing the country's ability to implement a peace agreement," Deputy Treasury Secretary Justin Muzinich said in a statement. "The United States calls on all nations to exclude from the international financial system those who jeopardize South Sudan's future." Treasury sanctions freeze any cash or assets held in US territory and block access to the American financial system, which also typically impedes use of international banks that do business in the United States. Treasury on December 10 sanctioned five other individuals responsible for the "extrajudicial killings." Washington last month also slapped sanctions on two South Sudan ministers, accusing them of obstructing a peace accord signed in 2018 that has paused, but not resolved, five years of conflict. "The US government will not hesitate to target those who have perpetuated the conflict in South Sudan and will continue to apply pressure on the senior leadership of South Sudan to take concrete measures to bring peace and stability to the country," the US Treasury said Wednesday. South Sudan's First Vice President Taban Deng Gai is the latest official hit with US sanctions Senior BJP leader and Union minister Prakash Javdekar on Wednesday distanced the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party from the many calls for boycotting actor Deepika Padukones upcoming movie Chhapaak after she joined a protest by Jawaharlal Nehru University students last evening. This is a democracy anyone, any artist can go anywhere and put forth his or her view, Prakash Javdekar said in response to questions about the actors visit to the university last evening. Watch | Democratic country..anyone can go: Javadekar on Deepika Padukones JNU visit Deepika Padukones decision to join a protest by the Left-dominated JNU students union against the attack on students at the university on Sunday evening had riled several BJP leaders and workers. Within minutes of this visit, Delhi BJP spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga had asked followers to retweet his post on boycotting the movie. It was against this backdrop that many people on Twitter lauded Deepika Padukone for demonstrating the courage to take a stand in the face of a potential backlash. Javadekars stand was a sharp contrast to the one taken by several party leaders and activists on social media. When he was asked about boycott calls from BJP leaders, Prakash Javadekar shot back:. I am also in the party and a minister I am not saying so. The senior BJP leader, apart from handling weighty portfolios of environment, heavy industries and information and the information and broadcasting ministry, is also one of the BJPs two points persons for the campaign for Delhi elections next month. The minister, however, lashed out at the effort by JNU student leaders over the last few days to block the registration process for students. This is not related to an educational pursuit, the minister said, underscoring that there is no place for violence, especially on the campus. A large section of students, including the Left-controlled students union, and many professors blame the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) for the violence, and allege that the JNU administration was complicit in the attack on Sunday evening. The student wing of the RSS has denied all charges and blamed Left-leaning students instead. Over the past two days, the administration has also sought to blame left-leaning students and the JNUSU. Masked assailants armed with sticks, rods and hammers had gone on a rampage inside the university, leaving 34 students injured. The Delhi Police was present in and outside the campus but did not make any arrests. The police have claimed that they were yet to identify the culprits. Since Joker hit theaters in October, tourists have been flocking to one the most recognizable filming locations in the movie: a set of steps in the Bronx where Joaquin Phoenixs character danced in a red suit and clown makeup. Meanwhile, locals who live near the stairs and use them to get around the neighborhood have become incredibly annoyed. But Burger King is hoping to make it up to them, and this week is giving away free Whoppers to Bronx residents to cheer them up. Recognizable: Tourists have flooded a staircase connecting two avenues in the Bronx since Joaquin Phoenix's character in Joker danced down them Sorry: Now Burger King is giving away free Whoppers to Bronx residents to make it up to them The promotion is running through January 12, and the chain says it's to 'put a happy face' on Bronx residents who have been tolerating an influx of annoying tourists for months. In a new video released on Monday, dozens of tourists are seen posing on the staircase, some wearing clown noses and wigs. 'We know clowns can be annoying,' the ad reads. 'But don't worry. If you live in the Bronx, use the code "KINGSTAIRS" on Uber Eats to get a free Whopper.' Say cheese! In a new ad, Burger King shows a bunch of people posing on the stairs in costume 'We know clowns can be annoying,' the ad reads It concludes: 'But don't worry. If you live in the Bronx, use the code "KINGSTAIRS" on Uber Eats to get a free Whopper' The steps, which are located just a short walk, from Yankee Stadium, didn't usually make it on to tourists' to-do lists before the movie. But quickly after its release, some New Yorkers and out-of-towners began traveling there to gawk, take selfies, and dance. A few locals see at as a good sign. 'It's good for us. You know, publicity,' said Jose Cruz, a longtime resident who climbs the 131 steps at West 167th Street daily. 'People don't have to be scared of the Bronx no more, the way they used to.' But others have been annoyed and frustrated. 'We live in the neighborhood, it's taking up all of our time, we're all being inconvenienced,' Bronx resident Cathyrine Spencer told the AP. 'Every day when I come down the stairs, I have to go through a barrage of people.' Hot spot: Tourists have flocked to the staircase, much to the annoyance of locals Busy: The steps have become crowded with people trying to capture the perfect shot Going all out: A few have worn special costumes for their photos, while others have simply does the perfect Joker-style pose Copycats: Many have captured themselves performing the same dance that the Joker does Stay away: Street photographer Tiffthevisionary1 sharef an image of the street graffiti that had been sprayed as a message for the 'Joker Stairs' In late October, street photographer Tiffthevisionary1 took to Instagram to share an image of the street graffiti that had been sprayed on one of the buildings next to the steps located on Shakespeare Avenue. 'My poverty is not your photo shoot,' the irate message read in red spray paint. Another scrawling told tourists to 'go home'. And Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who represents part of east Bronx and was born in the borough, wants people to stay away, too. 'I think the way a lot of us feel is: keep your Instagram posts out of the Boogie Down,' she said. And she later told TMZ: 'When I was growing up everyone would tell us to stay away from those steps or go with a friend.' When asked why it was a place to be avoided she said: 'You know, you go there at night... whatever the Bronx is much safer now.' Press Trust of India Six eminent professors, including two women scientists, were on Tuesday awarded the Infosys Prize 2019 worth 100,000 USD for their excellent work across different categories of science and research. The annual award includes a pure gold medal, a citation, and a prize purse worth Rs 72,06,550 ($100,000) or it's equivalent in the Indian rupees, the Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) said. The winners of the Infosys Prize 2019 were announced across six categories Engineering and Computer Sciences, Humanities, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences. A panel of accomplished jurors comprising renowned scholars and professors shortlisted the winners from nearly 200 nominations. The winners were felicitated here by Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, Professor of Economics and Philosophy, Harvard University, US during a ceremony. The event was attended by distinguished scientists and academicians from India and abroad, business leaders, young researchers and students. "Knowledge generates many different types of rewards" - Prof. Amartya Sen We are honoured to have Nobel Prize laureate and Bharat Ratna Prof. Amartya Sen as the Chief Guest at the Infosys Prize 2019 Awards Ceremony.https://t.co/m5nnTdtr86 pic.twitter.com/UlkNj75yuV Infosys Prize (@InfosysPrize) January 7, 2020 "There are deep links between friendship and knowledge. Our intellectual horizons expand when we learn from each other," Sen said in his speech as a Chief Guest. "We can give to the world much more than what we get from it. For example, the mathematical revolution in India from the fifth century onwards, led particularly by Aryabhata, was influenced by intellectual developments in Greece, Babylon and Rome, but Aryabhatian mathematics, in turn, took gigantic leaps in India, and then spread abroad, with transformational impact on China, on the Arab world, and eventually on Europe," he said. "The constructive role of friendship applies not only across the national borders, but also within. Divisions between groups and sects not only damage our social lives, but they can also work as barriers to intellectual progress within and across the nations. Friendship is, in fact, central to the development of knowledge, said Sen. "The winners of the Infosys Prize this year have continued the tradition of those awarded over the last decade," said S. D. Shibulal, Co-founder, Infosys Limited and President of the ISF. "Their work shapes the path of research and progress in their respective fields, often significantly impacting other disciplines too, enabling innovation at the boundaries," he said. The Infosys Prize 2019 for Engineering and Computer Science was awarded to Sunita Sarawagi from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay for her research in databases, data mining, machine learning, and natural language processing, and for important applications of these research techniques. The jury said Sarawagi's work has practical applications in helping clean up unstructured data like addresses on the web, and in repositories which then helps in more efficient handling of queries. In the field of Humanities, the prize was given to Manu V. Devadevan, assistant professor at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi for his original, and wide-ranging work on pre-modern South India. He critically reinterprets much of the conventional wisdom about the cultural, religious, and social history of the Deccan and South India, ISF said. Manjula Reddy, chief scientist, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad bagged the prize in the field of Life Sciences for her "groundbreaking" discoveries concerning the structure of cell walls in bacteria. Infosys Prize 2019 in Life Sciences is awarded to Dr. Manjula Reddy by our Chief Guest Prof. Amartya Sen, ISF Trustee @NandanNilekani and Jury Chair Prof. Mriganka Sur. "This is an important milestone in my life" - Dr. Reddy pic.twitter.com/YU04PxS5aX Infosys Prize (@InfosysPrize) January 7, 2020 Reddy and her colleagues have revealed critical steps of cell wall growth that are fundamental for understanding bacterial biology. This work could potentially help in creating a new class of antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistant microbes, according to ISF. For Mathematical Sciences, the prize was awarded to Siddhartha Mishra, professor at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, for his outstanding contributions to Applied Mathematics, particularly for designing numerical tools for solving problems in the real world. Mishra told PTI that his work has been used in climate models, in astrophysics, aerodynamics, and plasma physics. "I have produced codes for complicated realistic problems such as tsunamis generated by rock slides, and waves in the solar atmosphere," he said, adding the award will boost the interest in Applied Mathematics in India. For Physical Sciences, the prize this year was awarded to G Mugesh, professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru for his seminal work in the chemical synthesis of small molecules and nanomaterials for biomedical applications. His work has contributed to the understanding of the role of trace elements, selenium and iodine, in thyroid hormone activation and metabolism, and this research has led to major medical advances. #KnowTheLaureate #InfosysPrize An anthropologist who brings the aspects of morality and ethical personhood in his research and has also analyzed the process of film-making in Tamil cinema, Prof. @anandspandian's work in social sciences knows no bounds.https://t.co/gQCyJOPS4O pic.twitter.com/ebOg44GLw4 Infosys Prize (@InfosysPrize) January 7, 2020 Anand Pandian, Professor at Johns Hopkins University in the US, was awarded the prize this year for the Social Sciences category for his imaginative work on ethics, selfhood, and the creative process. Pandian told PTI that his research encompasses several themes such as cinema, public culture, ecology, nature, and the theory and methods of anthropology. "We have become stuck in the way we live. My research provides new perspectives on life," he said. European stocks are lower on Wednesday after Iran fired missiles on Iraqi airbases housing U.S. troops, but were not seeing the same triple-digit losses we saw earlier in the day in Asia and the U.S. pre-market futures session. All sectors except oil and gas were trading in negative territory with banking stocks declining 1% to lead losses. At 09:41 GMT, the UKs FTSE 100 Index is at 7539.84, down 34.01 or -0.45%. Germanys DAX Index is at 13144.85, down 81.98 or -0.62% and Frances CAC is trading 5986.92, down 25.43 or -0.42%. Escalation of US-Iran Tensions Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated late Tuesday when Tehran retaliated to Washingtons airstrike that killed its top military commander last Friday. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohamad Javad Zarif said via Twitter that we do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Following a steep plunge in Asia and the U.S., the major stock indexes bottomed and began trimming losses after President Donald Trump tweeted, All is well! European markets were closed when the attacks started, and opened when the Asian markets were already rebounding from the earlier steep losses. British Prime Minister Meets with EU Chief British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Wednesday, where he is due to tell her that the U.K. will not extend its transition out of the EUR beyond December 2020. NMC Health Plunges 19% Shares of London-listed NMC Health plunged more than 19% in early trades after two investors sold their stakes in the company. The Abu-Dhabi-based hospital chain has been embroiled in a protracted dispute with activist short-seller Muddy Waters over its accounting practices. European Economic Data Contributing to the loss in Germany was a report that the countrys industrial orders fell unexpectedly in November on weak foreign demand and a lack of major contracts. Story continues Europes largest economy has been struggling with slowing factory activity over the past due to global trade and political ructions. US at the Forefront President Trump will speak to the nation about 14:00 GMT. He is expected to address the attack on the Iraqi air force base that housed U.S. military personnel. At 13:15 GMT, traders will get the opportunity to respond to the ADP Non-Farm Employment Change. It is expected to show the private sector of the economy added 160K jobs in December. This article was originally posted on FX Empire More From FXEMPIRE: Plans by Tayto Park to have its planned 15.5m 'Coaster 2021' project up and running next year have suffered a major setback after local residents objected again to the plans. The two residents, who successfully blocked businessman Raymond Coyle's plans last year, lodged another objection with Meath County Council. Donal Greene and Clare Smith have lodged their objection despite Mr Coyle claiming that the screams by passengers on the planned new rollercoaster would not impact on nearby residents. The new rollercoaster comes with specific measures aimed at eliminating any noise impacts for locals living nearby. "There will be screams, but they will be drowned out," Mr Coyle said last month. Last July, An Bord Pleanala turned down planning permission for Mr Coyle's previous rollercoaster plan, mainly due to noise impacts from passengers' screams on residents. The new 'Coaster 2021' project is made up of a 31m-high and 748m-long "suspended thrill coaster" and a 24.2m-high, 238m-long "family boomerang" ride. Planning documentation states that if the rollercoaster does not go ahead, "the longer-term viability of the park would be brought into question". The new plan contains 14 separate noise reduction measures drawn up by Dutch rollercoaster maker Vekoma, which has made rollercoasters across the world, including Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain for Disney. Now, Mr Greene and Ms Smith have told the council that the planned rollercoaster "will have a serious negative long-term impact on our peaceful enjoyment of our home and the protection of the natural environment". The objection now sets up the prospect of the application going before An Bord Pleanala if Meath County Council does grant the project planning permission. Last year, Mr Greene and Ms Smith appealed against the decision to grant permission, along with two other residents, and the appeals process took four months before the application was refused. Disappointed Even if the project secures planning permission this summer, any decision to appeal ends the prospect of 'Coaster 2021' becoming operational in 2021, as the rollercoaster will take a year to construct and six months to erect on site. Mr Coyle would only say yesterday that he was "disappointed" over the objection lodged. Mr Coyle had met with the objectors to the original plan, including Mr Greene, and showed the new plan that includes the noise reduction measures. A decision is due on the application later this month by Meath County Council. Pre-tax profits at Tayto Park declined by 7pc to 3.37m in 2018, in spite of a 6pc increase in revenues to 18.7m. President Donald Trump struck a reconciliatory tone Wednesday afternoon, urging Iran to embrace peace amidst raging fallout over the killing of its general last week. Mr Trump said Iran should stop being a rogue state and focus instead on common developmental goals with other countries across the world. The destruction of ISIS is good for Iran and we should work together on this and other shared priorities, he said. The American leader also said the U.S. does not necessarily have to use its military might. Our missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast, Mr Trump said during a televised address Wednesday afternoon. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean that we have to use it. Mr Trump said America has continued to ramp up its nuclear and other military arsenal since he assumed office, but peace was a far better option. His speech came hours after Iran fired more than a dozen rockets at two Iraqi military bases where Americans were staying. Mr Trump confirmed no American soldiers were killed or wounded in the attacks, which he said indicated Iran was standing down. Some Iranian media had earlier claimed between 30 to 80 American soldiers were killed, but subsequent events later exposed that report as mere propaganda. Iran said it was satisfied by the missiles it fired, saying it was a retaliation for the killing on January 2 of Qassem Soleimani, a long-time military chief and strategist. But since no one was killed either on the American or Iraqi side, speculation had become rife about why the missiles were fired in the first place. Some analysts said the attacks were Irans way of showing it could attack American bases with precision in the Middle East if it chooses to. Iran is also believed to have tipped off the Iraqis before the attack to prevent casualties. Mr Trump, however, said precautionary steps taken by the U.S. military ensured there were no casualties from the attack. Some other Americans see the recent actions as a victory for Mr Trump, although some commentators warned that the preemptive strikes could be a way of giving the Trump administration a false sense of security while a bigger assault was being planned by Irans military. Claiming that the violence in JNU is a "fabricated incident" cooked up by its Left affiliated students' union, West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday said a probe is needed to find out if JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh was really injured or faked it by using paints on her face. Aishe Ghosh, who suffered head injuries in the violence that took place inside the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on Sunday, was discharged from the AIIMS in New Delhi the next day. "The entire country is losing its mind over the JNU violence. But we have seen reports where it was claimed that the violence was a fabricated incident. It was cooked up by the Left students union," the BJP leader told a press conference here. The Left-controlled JNU Students Union and the RSS- affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) have blamed each other for the violence. "It needs to be probed whether the JNU student leader (Aishe Ghosh) was really injured in the violence or has used paints to pretend to be so," Dilip Ghosh said. The JNUSU had alleged that she was hit with stones and rods by members of the RSS-affiliated ABVP during the clash. The BJP leader also slammed opposition parties for blaming the ABVP for the violence at the JNU, claiming that activists of the RSS students' wing were at the receiving end. "The TMC, Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are condemning the violence at JNU. But what about the violence that had taken place at the Jadavpur University a few days back? What about the police beating up Left students activists during an agitation a few months back?" Dilip Ghosh said. "When the TMC does it, there is no threat to democracy. But when it happens at the JNU, democracy comes under threat. This is double standard," he said. Ghosh said violence at educational institutes is a "gift" of the Left who are now "getting it back" as scores are being settled. Reacting to Ghosh's claim that Aishe was pretending to be injured, TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee asked him to be more humane. "He should be more humane in his approach. He is a politician and a public representative. Ghosh and his party should shun this strongman approach," said Chatterjee who is also the state minister. More than 35 students and faculty members were assaulted on Sunday evening after masked men armed with sticks and iron rods went on a rampage inside the campus of the institute. The Left-controlled JNU Students Union and the ABVP are blaming each other for the violence. The Delhi Police is now probing the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Were excited for the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania to join us in the apprenticeship revolution, a movement to train and connect skilled workers with employers in need of talent. TranZed Apprenticeships, a nonprofit registered apprenticeship provider with the mission of expanding modern apprenticeships throughout the United States, partnered with the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania to provide technology apprenticeships to Pennsylvania companies and meet the need for skilled workers. Were excited for the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania to join us in the apprenticeship revolution, a movement to train and connect skilled workers with employers in need of talent, said Paul Champion, president of TranZed Apprenticeships. Apprentices earn and learn at the same time, closing the skills gap and becoming crucial additions to the modern workforce. The Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania (TCCP) is a technology trade association whose mission is to connect members and organizations to promote technology and fuel economic development throughout the Central Pennsylvania region. Established in 1990, the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania has helped technology companies and individuals throughout Central Pennsylvania grow and succeed by building partnerships, offering business development opportunities, playing a key role in attracting and retaining diverse talent, providing technology leadership and recognizing innovators. We see our new partnership with TranZed Apprenticeships as an innovative way to help our members recruit and retain the best talent while also distinguishing themselves and the technology community throughout Central Pennsylvania within a highly competitive national pool of employers, said Ann Hughes, president and CEO of the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania. In addition to providing apprenticeships to TCCP members, TranZed Apprenticeships will offer its Open 4 Apprenticeships toolkit and consultation to educate businesses about the benefits of modern apprenticeships. TranZed Apprenticeships and the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania will also cross-promote opportunities to their networks. Modern apprenticeships improve business productivity and performance, reduce recruitment and training costs and strengthen the workforce, Champion said. Apprentices become valued employees with improved engagement, problem-solving skills, greater leadership potential and flexibility under less supervision. They give businesses a competitive advantage in the marketplace. TranZed Apprenticeships works to advance modern apprenticeships throughout the United States and offers apprenticeship programs in the Mid-Atlantic developed to address the need for alternative career paths. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job, competency and project-based training with job-related classroom instruction. They offer an earn-and-learn model where apprentices earn money starting their first day and receive pay increases as they gain additional skills and master their occupations. (tranzedapprenticeships.com) REUTERS Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a missile attack late Tuesday against two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops. In a statement, the Defense Department said, It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil. The Pentagon said it was still assessing damage from the strike. No American casualties have been reported, as yet. So far, so good, President Trump tweeted. Tasnim News, an Iranian news outlet closely linked to the IRGC, published a statement from the IRGC which claimed it fired tens of rockets at al Asad air base in Iraq in an operation dubbed Operation Martyr Soleimani. We warn the Great Satan, the bloodthirsty and arrogant regime of the US, that any new wicked act or more moves and aggressions (against Iran) will bring about more painful and crushing responses, the Guards wrote. The IRGC claimed the strike was the countrys vengeance for the assassination of former Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The operation follows a U.S. drone strike earlier this week which killed Soleimani, a powerful commander in Irans military and the officer in charge of Tehrans wars in Iraq and Syria. The operation has plunged the U.S. and Iran into conflict after a summer which saw what the Trump administration said were escalating Iranian covert attacks against the U.S. and its allies in the region. The Tuesday night strike represents a significant escalation of Irans own. Never before have the Iranians fired ballistic missiles, orders of magnitude more dangerous than rockets, at U.S. positions in Iraqnot during the 2003-2011 U.S. occupation, nor the return of U.S. forces to Iraq after 2014. An Iranian official, apparently taunting Trump, tweeted out a picture of the Iranian flag immediately after the attack, mimicking Trumps own American flag tweet posted in the immediate aftermath of Soleimani's killing. Story continues The IRGCs statement warned other countries housing U.S. military bases that they could become targets. In addition, the IRGC statement said: By no means do we consider [Israel] separate in these crimes from the American criminal regime. But Javad Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister, sounded a somewhat softer tone. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter, he tweeted. We do not seek escalation or war. The IRGC-linked Fars News agency also published a video of what it said were rockets launched at Ain al Asad air base in Iraq, which is home to a small number of U.S. forces. The video shows what appears to be a handful of rockets streaking through the night sky. The Pentagon said Irans attack included more than a dozen ballistic missiles. Its unclear what kind of ballistic missile was used in the attacks but Irans missile arsenals include weapons which carry warheads weighing several hundred pounds in contrast to the smaller, unguided artillery rockets which the U.S. says Iranian proxy groups have used against American bases in Iraq over the past few months. Meanwhile, on the ground in Iraq, officials in both Baghdad and Erbil scrambled to get details of the rocket attacks in both cities. Senior leaders seemed to be unaware of exactly how many rockets had fallen and if there was significant damage to American infrastructure or whether anyone had been killed. Jennifer Carafella, the research director for the Institute for the Study of War, said that by targeting the base at Erbil as well as Al-Asad, the Iranians were sending a message to Iraqs Kurds to dissuade them from permitting U.S. forces evicted by Baghdad to reposition north to Kurdistan. Iran is signaling to the U.S. that nowhere in Iraq is safe, Carafella said, and to the KRG [Kurdistan Regional Government] that theres a price for standing by the Americans. This is what we were afraid of, said one Kurdish member of parliament. We were afraid wed get pulled into this struggle between the U.S. and Iran. And now we are seeing it. The Kurds want U.S. troops to stay. Theyve always wanted U.S. troops to stay. But in this environment the Kurds are going to be asking for a lot more backing and confirmation that the Trump White House is going to have their back, said a former senior Obama administration official working on Iraq policy. Throughout the course of the U.S.-led war on ISIS, the al Asad base was home to both American troops and military equipment, including MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1C armed drones. Unknown militants in Iraq attacked the base with smaller rockets in early December, shortly after Vice President Mike Pence arrived at the base for a visit. In the three days following the strike on Soleimani, Predataa firm that provides public and private sector clients insights based on public internet traffic data-monitored levels of online attention to hundreds of potential retaliation targets. One of the small number of trends that stood out was notably high levels of Persian-language attention to the al Asad airbase, according to Joel Meyer, a vice president at Predata. The firm is known for correctly predicting the timing of multiple North Korean ballistic missile tests. In a classified briefing to congressional staff last week, U.S. officials indicated that the precision of missile strikes could point to whether or not Iran was escalating hostilities, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the comments. Iranian proxy forces have long harassed U.S. targets with rockets that miss their targets; using missiles with more sophisticated targeting systems would be an indicator of heightened aggression from the Islamic Republic. Rep. Michael Waltz appeared to allude to the same issue in a Fox News appearance after the strike on al Asad, saying a strike that didnt result in casualties could be seen as de-escalatory. Spencer Ackerman and Betsy Swan contributed reporting Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Layan Odeh (Bloomberg) Wed, January 8, 2020 15:32 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3216027f 2 News Emirates,Flydubai,Iran,baghdad,travel Free Emirates and Flydubai canceled Wednesdays flights to Baghdad. Emirates cited operational reasons, while Flydubai said flights to Basra and Najaf will go ahead, according to statements from the carriers. Iran last night fired dozens of missiles at US-Iraqi bases, a direct attack on American forces in the region that risks further action from President Donald Trump after a U.S. strike killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani last week. Air Canada, Singapore Airlines and Srilankan Airlines altered their routes to avoid Iranian airspace. Other carriers in the Middle East continue to fly over Iran and Iraq, based on data from Flightradar24.com. Both Dubai-based airlines also have daily flights to Iran. Topics : Emirates Flydubai Iran baghdad travel With Kurt Cobain, Tupac Shakur, Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley gone, that undersized, underwhelming demographic known as Generation X was already short on idols. And after the death this past Tuesday of Elizabeth Wurtzel, the Prozac Nation author and 1990s-angst poster child, our confused, self-contradictory cohort may have lost the most Gen X member of us all. Ms. Wurtzel, who died of metastatic breast cancer at 52, was well cast to serve as a face for a generation that the news media perpetually cast as nihilistic and irony-suffused latchkey kids whose prospects were dimmed by recession and an America in decline. She certainly had the look: A cover-worthy grunge-pixie image consisting of bare-midriff tops, streaked hair, Goth black eyeliner and a perpetual rock star pout. Not for nothing was she called the Courtney Love of letters. For proof, look no further than the original cover of her 1998 book, Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women, where she posed topless and smirking, proudly displaying a middle finger to the world. SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), a leading global provider of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions, announced today that Digital Dutch Finco B.V., a wholly owned indirect finance subsidiary of the company's operating partnership, Digital Realty Trust, L.P., has commenced an offering of three series of Euro-denominated Guaranteed Notes due 2022, 2025 and 2030. The Euro Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of Digital Dutch Finco B.V. and will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the company and the operating partnership. The company intends to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering of the 2025 Notes and the 2030 Notes to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, recently completed or future green building, energy and resource efficiency and renewable energy projects, including the development and redevelopment of such projects. Pending the allocation of an amount equal to the net proceeds from the 2025 Notes and the 2030 Notes to eligible green projects, all or a portion of an amount equal to the net proceeds from such notes may be used for the repayment, redemption and/or discharge of debt of InterXion Holding N.V. or its subsidiaries and the payment of certain transaction fees and expenses incurred in connection with the previously announced combination with InterXion. The company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the 2022 Notes and, pending the uses described in the previous paragraph, may use the net proceeds from the offering of the 2025 Notes and the 2030 Notes to temporarily repay borrowings outstanding under the operating partnership's global credit facilities, acquire additional properties or businesses, fund development opportunities, invest in interest-bearing accounts and short-term, interest-bearing securities consistent with the company's intention to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and to provide for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including potentially for the repayment of other debt or the repurchase, redemption or retirement of outstanding debt or equity securities, or a combination of the foregoing. The Euro Notes will be offered only outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Euro Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to United States persons (within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Euro Notes, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of the Euro Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to the timing and consummation of the offering of the Euro Notes and the expected use of the net proceeds. The company can provide no assurances that it will be able to complete the InterXion combination or the offering on the anticipated terms, or at all. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the company's reports and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Reg S Statement This communication is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. or its subsidiaries. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. Consequently, the securities may not be offered, sold, resold, transferred, delivered or distributed, directly or indirectly, into or within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. Any offering of the securities will be conducted pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. Notice to EEA Retail Investors The Euro Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and, with effect from such date, should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area (the "EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive 2016/97/EU (recast) (as amended, the "IMD"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II. No key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling any in scope instrument or otherwise making such instruments available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared. Offering or selling the Euro Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. This communication has been prepared on the basis that any offers or sales of Euro Notes in any Member State of the EEA will be made pursuant to an exemption under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended or superseded, the "Prospectus Regulation") from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers or sales of Euro Notes. This communication is not a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation. SOURCE Digital Realty At least one person was killed, and three others injured in an early-morning shooting that occurred in Ottawa, Canada. The Ottawa Citizen reports that police and paramedics responded at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8 to reports of several people shot behind a home at 490 Gilmour St. Police found one man deceased. Three others who were injured were taken to hospital. There was no immediate word on their age or gender. Police said they continue to search for a suspect, but the scene has been secured, according to The Ottawa Citizen. A man has died after being hit by a lorry on a busy south London street. The pedestrian, believed to be in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene on Peckham High Street at around 1pm. Emergency services, including London Air Ambulance, rushed to the collision at 12.58pm but were unable to resuscitate the victim. Police are working to inform the next of kin. MPS Southwark said the lorry driver has not been arrested and is assisting police with their enquiries. Roads remain closed in both directions and motorists are advised to use alternative routes where possible. All 176 people on board died. The Ukrainian airliner that went down just after liftoff in Tehran, killing all 176 people aboard, probably suffered a technical malfunction and was not brought down by a missile that's what various Western intelligence sources are now saying. The Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 dropped from about 8,000 feet to earth in a fireball shortly after take-off from Tehran. No investigation has been conducted yet, though and Iran will not give the black box of the crashed Ukrainian airliner to planemaker Boeing, the head of Tehran's civil aviation organization was quoted as saying on Wednesday. Ali Abedzadeh also said it was not clear which country Iran would send the box to so that its data could be analyzed, semi-official Mehr news agency reported. Many questions remain. From Reuters: The Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800, en route to Kiev and carrying mostly Iranians and Iranian-Canadians, crashed hours after Iran fired missiles at bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq, leading some to speculate that the plane may have been hit. But five security sources three Americans, one European and one Canadian who asked not to be named, told Reuters the initial assessment of Western intelligence agencies was that the plane had suffered a technical malfunction and had not been brought down by a missile. There was evidence one of the jet's engines had overheated, the Canadian source said. "We are in contact with our airline customers and stand by them in this difficult time. We are ready to assist in any way needed," Boeing said in a statement earlier Wednesday, declining further comment. Its shares fell 1.1% today. The plane that crashed was a three-year-old Boeing 737-800NG. It had just received scheduled maintenance on January 6, according to Ukraine International Airlines. More: Technical problems behind deadly crash of Boeing jet in Iran: security sources Various observations below. Again, no official known cause at this time everyone is speculating, some are better at it than others. Garneau says Canada offering Ukrainian all technical assistance needed to help investigation. Canada's Transport Safety Board also willing to help if Iran and Ukraine want help. He says Iranians are leading the investigation because crash happened on their soil. Alex Ballingall (@aballinga) January 8, 2020 .@UN chief @antonioguterres was "deeply saddened by the crash" of a Ukrainian airliner near Tehran on Wednesday and in a statement offered his deepest condolences.https://t.co/9oZViW58Cr UN News (@UN_News_Centre) January 8, 2020 Initial assessment of Western intel according to a Canadian source: Ukrainian Boeing not brought down by a missile. Would be interesting to see if the 9M331 pic can be geolocated. https://t.co/UxIl7Q2dsy Bjorn Stritzel (@bjoernstritzel) January 8, 2020 Transport Minister Marc Garneau on the Ukrainian airlines crash: Satellite data suggests takeoff was normal, but then "we lost contact with it, suggesting that something very unusual happened, but we cannot speculate at this point." #PS752 Alicja Siekierska (@alicjawithaj) January 8, 2020 "[They] all had so much potential, so much life ahead of them" Canadian PM Justin Trudeau pays tribute to the 63 Canadians killed following the crash of a Ukraine-bound flight which went down minutes after taking off from Iranhttps://t.co/7vNbiuE9kx pic.twitter.com/dN7gsQX8wx BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) January 8, 2020 PHOTO by LLBG Spotter, Ukraine International Airlines B738, UR-PSR, TLV. CC BY-SA 2.0 Thousands of people have been evacuated to safer areas, millions of innocent animals have lost their lives, firefighters and volunteers are working hard day and night to save as many lives as possible, as almost half of Australia continues to burn. Amidst the worsening situation, people from across the world are coming forward as silver lining to help financially with whatever they have in their capacity. One such person is Kaylen Ward, a 20-year-old Instagram model, who reportedly raised nearly $500,000 a few days ago by selling her nudes to anyone who donates to victims of bushfires. Guys. Im so happy right now I am crying. We've officially donated $5,000 to save Australia. Thank you all so much! THE NAKED PHILANTHROPIST (@lilearthangelk) January 4, 2020 While her method was both appreciated and criticised by people, little did she know that it will soon start a powerful movement. Now, a lot of Instagram models and adult film stars are coming forward to help by offering to send nudes in exchange for donations towards Australia bushfires. Famous adult film star Riley Reid, recently took to social media and wrote, "I saw first hand how horrid the #AustraliaFires are. People & animals are dying & losing their homes. Please help spread awareness & donate. Email me proof of donation & I'll send you personal photos &/or videos." I saw first hand how horrid the #AustraliaFires are. People & animals are dying & losing their homes. Please help spread awareness & donate. Email me proof of donation & I'll send you personal photos &/or videos.https://t.co/h7E1GCkV0k Email: riley@reidmylips.com pic.twitter.com/eiXR5eCZH7 Riley Reid (@rileyreidx3) January 6, 2020 Apart from Reid, another adult content creator Jenna Lee posted on social media that she will send nudes to people who donate at least $10 to any one of the fundraisers for the wildfires. So far, according to reports, she has raised $40,000. Joining @lilearthangelk! I'm sending this nude to every person who donates atleast $10 to any one of these fundraisers for the wildfires in #Australia. You must DM me confirmation that you donated, nude sent via DM. Please RT #AustraliaOnFire #AustraliaFires pic.twitter.com/4hOOUw6mbm Jenna Lee (@TheJennaLee_) January 4, 2020 Im joining these babes to help with #AustraliaFires #AustraliaOnFire. $10 donation or more with confirmation, nude sent in DM pic.twitter.com/hSiWaVEgFS Emmy Elliott (@itsemmycorinne) January 5, 2020 No effort is too small and before judging them or their methods, let's appreciate and salute them for trying to help with whatever they can. Tehran/Baghdad, Jan 8 : Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday that it launched a missile attack on the US airbase of Ain al-Asad in Iraq in retaliation against the death of Major General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in an American drone attack on January 3. "Tens of surface-to-surface missiles," were fired at the strategic airbase and the attack was also confirmed by the White House and Pentagon, reports the Tehran-based Press TV. The attack comes after the IRGC had called for a complete withdrawal of US troops from the Iran, asserting that it would not differentiate between the Washington and Israel while retaliating against Soleimani's killing. "We warn US allies providing bases for the (American) terrorist army that any country serving as the origin of bellicose and aggressive attacks in any form against the Islamic Republic of Iran will be targeted," the IRGC said in a statement on Wednesday. It urged the US to recall all their soldiers back home to prevent more damage. Meanwhile, the semi-official FARS News Agency in a report said that a second wave of surface-to-surface missiles on Wednesday hit the two US airbases of Ain al-Asad and Harir Camp. Fars News Agency reported that the missiles were probably of Fateh 313 type and they were launched from Iran's western Kermanshah Province. Fateh 313 missiles are road-mobile single-stage solid-fuelled surface-to-surface missile with a range of 500 km. The Pentagon in a statement confirmed the missile attack, saying "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq". It further said that it would take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region. The White House said earlier that it was monitoring the attacks, adding that President Donald Trump was also following the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq," Efe news quoted White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham as saying on Tuesday night. "The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team." In response to the attack, Trump tweeted: "All is well. Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties and damages taking place now... "We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far. I will be making a statement tomorrow (Wednesday) morning." The strikes came hours after Trump's latest warning to Iran earlier on Tuesday. "If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly," Trump told reporters in the White House. Trump's remark came after the IRGC Commander Hossein Salami warned the US also on Tuesday that Tehran would take "severe revenge" over the death of Soleimani, who was the chief of the elite Quds Force. The anti-CAA protest was an ugly rant more consistent with the violent chaos of anarchy, argues Vivek Gumaste. IMAGE: A protest at the Gateway of India in Mumbai against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, National Register of Citizens, National Population Register and the attack at Jawaharlal Nehru University on January 6, 2020. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Protest is a mesmerising word, the clarion call of a revolutionary, the lifeline of a democracy and the buzzword for free speech. But the mere word 'protest' cannot sanctify every agitation, does not validate every dissent and does not justify any means including violence. For a protest to be valid it must be peaceful, informed and logical; it must be guided by sincerity and devoid of prejudice and deception. By these criteria the current agitation against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act scores an abysmal zero; an astounding failure of gargantuan proportions. Drilled down to the core, this protest turns out to be a dangerous cocktail of violent blackmail, naked political opportunism and revolting schadenfreude that celebrates the woes of persecuted minorities, especially Hindus from neighbouring nations. Visuals of a few thousand people out on the streets makes for a captivating picture; the same picture retweeted hundred times and played up by the media with a host of hyper excited news reporters screeching at the top of their voices multiplies its effect. But how much of our entire population do they constitute? Is an organised vocal minority trying to hijack democracy by violent blackmail and mobocracy? What is the message that we wish to send out? That Parliament is not supreme. Mobs rule the roost. Civilised channels of protest like the courts are not to be used. And anytime and every time we don't like a legitimately passed law, let us come on to the streets, burn a few buses, dub it as communal and discriminatory and derail democracy. This dangerous descent into anarchy instigated by rabble-rousers masquerading as defenders of democracy must be unmasked and stopped in its tracks. More than three weeks have passed since the protests began. It is time to dissect the anatomy of the protest and unravel its ugly innards to expose what it actually is. First, let us analyse the physical construct of this protest. The hundred million-dollar question that begs for an answer: Was this a peaceful protest? With more than 23 deaths and counting, innumerable buses torched, railway stations vandalised and private cars and vehicles damaged, the answer has to be a categorical no Second, this was not an impromptu expression of discontent. There are telltale signs that are troubling and which suggest a larger premeditated game-plan in play as these excerpts from news reports indicate: The visuals beamed on television (external link) show that many of them are using arms -- stones, bricks, lathis and some inflammable materials too. Kumar Gyanesh, additional DCP (Delhi-South East), said, 'Some protesters were carrying wet blankets and putting them on tear gas shells to minimise their impact. It did not seem to be spontaneous, but well planned. Protesters had petrol bombs, which were hurled at us. These things do not happen on the spot, it shows that it was a conspiracy' (ANI's tweet, December 17). Around 269 policemen were reportedly injured in Uttar Pradesh and 57 received bullet injuries. The Uttar Pradesh police also seized 405 country-made revolvers and pistols. The autopsies of the 18 dead reveal that most of the deceased were hit by these country-made bullets. Director General of Police O P Singh claimed (external link) women and children were used as 'shields by the protestors'. Days after the violent protests in Mangaluru against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act resulted in the death of two people, the police released video footage (external link) purportedly showing protesters bringing stones in an auto-trolley, hurling it at personnel and trying to destroy the CCTV cameras. The video also shows protesters covering their face with clothes to conceal their identity and attempting to destroy CCTV cameras in a bid to wipe out evidence. These reports indicate that this was not a totally spontaneous protest, but one that was carefully planned with protestors who carried not only bricks, lathis and stones but petrol bombs and country-made rifles as well. Protestors armed with pistols is a first for this country; a dangerous, deplorable tend which maybe the beginnings of a gun culture (57 policemen received bullet injuries) that does not augur well for our democracy. All right-thinking Indians of all political and ideological persuasions must take note of this dark reality. The modus operandi also is concerning: In Maoist style, the protestors specifically targeted and attacked police stations (Yatimkhana, Kanpur and Mangaluru North police station) which are seen as symbols of law and order. This cannot be justified as self-defence. Now details are emerging (external link) that radical Islamic groups like Popular Front of India and SIMI which is banned may be involved in these protests and that there maybe a Pakistani link to this entire brouhaha: Hate-filled anti Hindu slogans were a prominent feature of this protest, underlining its Hinduphobic construct; singing the national anthem and waving the tricolour in tandem with hate rants is an insult to our national symbols and cannot mitigate the venom of these outpourings. Ubiquitous and overwhelming ignorance was central to this protest. Rumour-mongering carried the day. No one actually knew what the bill was about or what they were protesting. Some students even exhibited a shocking lack of awareness; they appeared to be in the protest for the adrenalin rush that it provided. The role of a certain section of the media is highly questionable. Instead of elucidating the details of the CAA and allaying public concerns, it acted like an agent provocateur; it spun a web of lies based on specious speculation that fed into the insecurities of Muslims and provoked righteous indignation among several Indians. Additionally, the protest was imbued with a larger than life image by invoking student power and alleging police brutality -- two key incendiary factors in any protest movement. Especially telling is the attempt by a senior journalist to eulogise two women students of Jamia Milia University as heroic defenders of democracy; she even called them 'sheroes'. A perusal of their Facebook profiles, however, revealed their true persona. So much for idealistic journalism and idealistic students. The political Opposition did not cover itself with glory during this protest, either. After having been decisively defeated in the Lok Sabha election, the Opposition was waiting for an opportunity to corner the government. The CAA provided a perfect segue to channel its frustrations. Sonia Gandhi remarked on December 20, 'In a democracy people have the right to raise their voice against wrong decisions and policies of the government and register their concerns. The BJP government has shown utter disregard for people's voices and chosen to use brute force to suppress dissent.' Fair enough. But missing from her statement was a call for restraint; it almost appeared that the Opposition was gloating silently at the government's discomfiture in the face of this violence. While not denying that there was a degree of spontaneity and sincerity in the anti-CAA protests, the hyped magnitude was a conjured illusion floated by a decisively defeated Opposition, a slighted intelligentsia that is becoming increasingly irrelevant, and rabid fundamentalists out to exploit the situation with probably a little help from Pakistan. Playing along with this charade was a certain section of the media: A privileged English-speaking elite with a sense of entitlement mired in its own hubris and delusionary omnipotence which cannot stomach the idea of an independent leader not subject to their whims or the ascendancy of vernacular, indigenous India. The bottom line. This was by no stretch an altruistic and sublime expression of free speech. It was an ugly rant more consistent with the violent chaos of anarchy. Academic Vivek Gumaste, who is based in the United States, is the author of My India: Musings of a Patriot. Russian and Turkish presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan are meeting in Istanbul. Today's meeting is being held ahead of the launch ceremony of Turkish Stream natural gas pipeline project in the city, which the two leaders are set to attend. The leaders are also expected to discuss Syria and Libya, where the two leaders support opposing sides, while addressing regional tensions in Iraq and Iran, which have escalated with the American killing of a top Iranian commander. Hillsboro Police are investigating what led to the death of a 3-month-old girl Monday at her day care. The baby was found unresponsive at the in-home day care and pronounced dead by paramedics, said Sgt. Eric Bunday, a spokesman for Hillsboro Police. Investigators are awaiting autopsy results, he said. Our hearts go out to this family, he said. What a tragic, awful situation. Bunday declined to disclose the infants name until after the autopsy was done. The state Office of Child Care identified the day care where the baby died as Mrs. Williams Childcare. On Tuesday, the facilitys license to care for as many as 16 children remained active. Our hearts ache for the family, said Jeannette Williams, who operates the day care out of her home in northwest Hillsboro. She declined further comment. Eight children have died at licensed Oregon child care facilities since 2013. Nearly all were younger than 1. After a child dies at a day care, state regulators can request the facility to temporarily shut down or issue an emergency order to suspend its license. In 2017, officials quickly suspended a Portland day cares license after two infant deaths in 18 months. Melanie Mesaros, a spokeswoman for the Office of Child Care, said her agencys investigation into Mrs. Williams Childcare continues. There were no children in care today at the facility, and the provider has told us there will be no children in care this week, she said. On its website, Mrs. Williams Childcare advertises 24-7 child care for children up to age 12. The site says Williams has 35 years of professional and practical childcare experience. Her facility was licensed in June 2014 and inspected twice most years since then, according to the records that the Office of Child Care publishes online. The records do not say what inspectors found during any of those visits because those details are only available on paper, the website says. According to the website, inspectors visited the facility in February 2018 to investigate a complaint that a child was injured. An inspector closed the allegation as unable to substantiate, but the website does not say why the allegation could not be confirmed. The Office of Child Care has faced intense scrutiny for failing to disclose information to the public after children die in day cares. The August 2018 death of a baby boy at a Eugene day care did not come to public light for more than six months, until The Oregonian/OregonLive reported on the case in March 2019. Nine days after the story was published, Gov. Kate Brown called for a public review of what information the state discloses to parents online about child care facilities. Parents deserve transparency and clear and easy access to information so that they can do their homework when making such an important decision, she wrote at the time. A committee that included Office of Child Care staffers, district attorneys, law enforcement officers, child welfare workers and lawmakers, among others, met several times to review the process but has not yet finalized its recommendations. Meeting minutes say the committee agreed that notice of the death should be made public within 48 hours. The notification about Mondays death went up in less than 24. -- Molly Young myoung@oregonian.com Read more: The battle for the state Senate is on as veteran Democrat Steve Cassano, of Manchester, has signaled he will retire this year, leaving open a seat that Democrats narrowly defended in 2016 and Republicans hope to pick up in 2020. Cassanos likely retirement and 11 Senate seats held by first-term Democrats leave the Democrats with just 10 multi-term incumbents as Republicans begin to mount their campaigns. Democrats hold a 22-14 majority in the upper chamber. MD Masudur Rahman, a Democrat from Manchester, has filed paperwork to run for Cassanos seat representing about 90,000 residents of the 4th Senate District, which includes Glastonbury, Andover and Bolton. Rahman, who immigrated to Connecticut from Bangladesh over 20 years ago, said he met with Cassano for more than two hours to discuss his run for the senate, and said Cassano confirmed to him that he does not plan to seek re-election. He is advising me greatly, Rahman said. He said, MD, you have a story to tell. Cassano, who was first elected to the Senate in 2011, did not return a request for comment on his retirement or Rahmans candidacy Wednesday, but other sources familiar with the race said Cassano will not seek re-election in November. Others are expected to join the 4th district race including, Dennis Schain a former spokesman for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and for former Gov. M. Jodi Rell. Schain briefly campaigned for the Senate nomination two years ago, but withdrew when Cassano announced for re-election. Its certainly something Im considering, said Schain, who is currently a member of Manchesters nine-member governing body called the Board of Directors. No Republicans have yet filed to run in the 4th Senate District, but party chairman J.R. Romano noted that Matt Corey, who ran for U.S. Senate in 2018, lives in the 4th District, as does former state Rep. Prasad Srinivasan, who left the state legislature to run for governor in 2018. I think weve had some really good candidates up that way, and I think Republicans have a good opportunity to pick up seats across the state, Romano said. The Glastonbury and Manchester seat is a prime opportunity for us to pick up. Cassano, a former Manchester mayor, narrowly defeated his Republican challenger in 2016, winning with just 50.5 percent of the vote that year. In 2018, a big year for Democrats across the board, he won by almost 10 points. Democrats made huge gains in the 2018 election, taking back a majority in the state Senate by sending 11 freshman legislators to the statehouse in the past year. A handful have already filed paperwork, and all of them are expected to seek re-election, along with the 10 veteran legislators in the caucus besides Cassano, who has yet to officially confirm or announce his retirement. Two years ago I said it would be my last term, Cassano said Tuesday in a brief interview in the Capitol after emerging from a closed-door caucus of the Democratic Senate majority. Its the last thing on my mind right now. Im here to do the job. Nothings changed. Rahman, 45, lives in Manchester with his wife and three children. He runs a home health care agency, and is involved in several local nonprofits and boards. Im an immigrant. I came here with nothing except an American dream and a dream to have a good life and be a business and civic leader, he said. I started working multiple jobs, started saving money and opened a business ... Then I was thinking, this is the dream I am living, now its time to give my community and America something. So I started to get more involved. Ken Dixon contributed to this report. kkrasselt@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2563; @kaitlynkrasselt We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Quoteline.ch scored 40 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 17 Aug 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. 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Basic Information PAGE TITLE Quoteline - Kurse, Charts, Boerseninformationen aus aller Welt DESCRIPTION Quoteline - Kurse, Charts, Boerseninformationen aus aller Welt KEYWORDS OTHER KEYWORDS chf 20 chf, chf 20, 20 chf, chf 20 chf 20 chf, chf 20 chf 20, 20 chf 20 chf, 20 chf 20 CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The title found in the head section of the homepage. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. Domain and Server DOCTYPE HTML 4.01 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE German ISO-8859-1German DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Microsoft-IIS/6.0 (ASP.NET) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2003 The language of quoteline.ch as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Character set and language of the site. 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Loasana, Vela Andpaita, Kharishar Kahfi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 As the water subsides from roads and houses and Jakarta starts to recover from the recent massive floods, stakeholders begin to discuss a new approach to deal with the perennial occurrence. The city administration is sticking to its plan to normalize the Ciliwung River, the biggest of 13 rivers that run through the capital by allocating Rp 600 billion (US$43 million) in 2020. However, urbanists say it will need much more than just river normalization to prevent or mitigate floods in the capital city. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login DALLAS - Jan. 8, 2020 - In work that could have clinical implications, UT Southwestern researchers find that humans and mice with pancreatitis are deficient in a stress hormone called FGF21. Normally, FGF21 is more abundant in the pancreas than in any other organ in the body. They also show that replacement therapy reverses the condition in mouse models in about 24 hours and may even prevent it. The study published today in Science Translational Medicine also reports success with a second treatment strategy. A potential drug called a PERK inhibitor targets a different step in the integrated stress response, the cellular pathway affecting the amount of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) available in the pancreas. "Given that several FGF21 drug candidates are or soon will be in clinical trials for conditions related to metabolic disease, it may be possible to test fibroblast growth factor 21 for treating human pancreatitis in the near future," says David Mangelsdorf, Ph.D. In addition to being chair of pharmacology, Mangelsdorf is an investigator in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). He adds that he knows of no current investigations of PERK inhibitors for clinical use. Pancreatitis, a debilitating and sometimes deadly inflammation of the pancreas, can be acute or chronic. It accounts for about 275,000 U.S. hospitalizations each year, with its incidence on the rise for reasons that are unclear. The many causes of pancreatitis include long-term alcohol abuse, gallstones, and certain inherited conditions, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Pancreatitis also can occur as a complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography, or ERCP, a procedure in which a camera, contrast dye, and X-rays are used to view the bile duct, gall bladder, and pancreatic ducts. Treatment for acute pancreatitis is generally supportive. Most patients recover after a few days in the hospital, where they are given intravenous fluids and pain relief. Chronic pancreatitis, which is more common in those with alcohol use disorder, worsens over time. The progressive damage to the pancreatic tissue can affect the ability to digest food and sometimes requires prescription enzymes to avoid malnutrition. The pancreas, an organ near the small intestine, creates the hormone insulin that helps keep blood sugar in balance. The organ also creates enzymes that normally get released into the small intestine to aid digestion, says Mangelsdorf, who runs a joint laboratory with Steven Kliewer, Ph.D., professor of molecular biology and pharmacology. For nearly two decades the researchers have studied FGF21, learning valuable information about this important metabolic hormone. In 2017, the researchers reported the hormone's role in keeping digestive enzymes from damaging the pancreas. "We found that FGF21 stimulates the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes into the small intestine," Mangelsdorf says. "If this mechanism fails, the enzymes remain in the pancreas, where they damage the tissue and cause inflammation." Mangelsdorf says his and other labs have shown that loss of FGF21 magnifies damage and slows recovery in animal models of pancreatitis. That led him and collaborators at the University of Pittsburgh, Stanford University in California, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China to wonder whether the stress hormone might hold promise as a pancreatitis therapy. To answer that question, the researchers studied the effect of pancreatitis on the FGF21 pathway by analyzing samples from the pancreata of mice and humans with acute and chronic forms of the disease. They found in mice that pancreatic levels of FGF21 rose during the first four hours of pancreatitis and, unexpectedly, dropped at the 12-hour mark, becoming nearly undetectable after 18 hours. FGF21 was also reduced in human pancreatitis. They were able to verify FGF21 behaves similarly in three different mouse models of the disease: pancreatitis induced by the drug cerulein, which causes excessive secretion of pancreatic enzymes; alcohol-induced pancreatitis; and ERCP-induced pancreatitis. The experiments confirmed that loss of FGF21 is a hallmark of the illness. Next, they wanted to know if FGF21 replacement therapy would work, using these same three mouse models of pancreatitis. The researchers conducted several experiments using each of the three mouse models, repeating each investigation three to four times with three to eight mice per test group. They also ran experiments on 66 human tissue samples: 14 from healthy people and 52 from people with pancreatitis. Injecting 1 milligram per kilogram of mouse body weight of FGF21 four times over a 12- to 16-hour period after inducing pancreatitis increased the amount of FGF21 in the bloodstream and caused inflammation, necrosis, and swelling to mostly disappear within 24 hours in the mice with drug- or alcohol-induced pancreatitis. To see if they could somehow prevent ERCP-induced pancreatitis, the researchers mixed FGF21 with the contrast dye normally used in the procedure and found that by doing so, they were able to maintain normal FGF21 levels and prevent them from dropping, thereby preventing procedure-induced inflammation. Mangelsdorf cautions that the study's limitations include that the models mimicked but fell short of completely reproducing human disease, and that a definitive conclusion about pancreatitis in humans will require an analysis of a greater number of test subjects. "Nevertheless, we show that pancreatitis is broadly characterized as an FGF21-deficient state and restoring FGF21 pharmacologically reverses or prevents it," he says. ### Mangelsdorf, who has a secondary appointment as a professor of biochemistry, holds the Alfred G. Gilman Distinguished Chair in Pharmacology and the Raymond and Ellen Willie Distinguished Chair in Molecular Neuropharmacology in Honor of Harold B. Crasilneck, Ph.D. Kliewer holds the Diana K. and Richard C. Strauss Distinguished Chair in Developmental Biology. Additional UTSW study authors are lead author Genaro Hernandez, Ting Luo, Michael Kalwat, Kevin Vale, and Farah Ammouri, all of the Mangelsdorf-Kliewer laboratory. Other collaborators include Tanveer Javed (U. of Pittsburgh), Li Wen (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), and Sohail Husain (Stanford). The research was funded by the NIH (R0IDK067158, P01AG051459, R0IDK103002, R0IDK093491), the Robert A. Welch Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, UT Southwestern's Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the HHMI. The FGF21 protein was provided by Novo Nordisk. Mangelsdorf, Kliewer, and Hernandez collaborate and have received travel reimbursement from the drug company. Those three researchers are authors of a patent related to this work: "Methods and compositions for the treatment of secretory disorders" (US20190201490A and WO2017205517A1). About UT Southwestern Medical Center UT Southwestern, one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institution's faculty has received six Nobel Prizes, and includes 22 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 17 members of the National Academy of Medicine, and 15 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. The full-time faculty of more than 2,500 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians provide care in about 80 specialties to more than 105,000 hospitalized patients, nearly 370,000 emergency room cases, and oversee approximately 3 million outpatient visits a year. A nursery at the centre of a police probe into alleged sexual assaults by a member of staff has closed. Jack and Jill Childcare Limited in Torquay, Devon, said it has been helping police since an investigation was launched into allegations involving children last July. A worker was arrested and sacked after being accused of a number of 'contact offences' with young children, and remains on police bail. A sign at Jack and Jill Childcare nursery in Torquay, Devon, is pictured on November 5 last year The business stopped trading last November but has now decided to close for good. Parents were given the news in an email from the nursery. It said: 'It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you of our decision to close Jack and Jill Childcare Limited. Co-owner John Nelson, pictured at his home next to the nursery, said last November that he didn't see 'anything untoward' 'Following [alleged] events from July 2019, we have worked tirelessly alongside the police, Ofsted, and the Local authority. 'Thank you for your support over the years, and more especially recently. The love and care shown by so many of you has brought light during such darkness. 'We wish you every happiness and success, and may 2020 be a year of positivity for you all. With love and thanks from Jack and Jill Childcare Limited.' More than 100 families were initially contacted by police following allegations of sexual assault involving multiple children at the nursery. A teenage male was then arrested in connection and has since been released on police bail to January 22. His bail conditions include not attending the area of the nursery and he has since moved out of the force area whilst the investigation continues. The business in Devon stopped trading last November but has now decided to close for good The childcare business had been operating for 15 years. Speaking from his home attached to the nursery, the owner John Nelson told MailOnline last November: 'We have CCTV and most nurseries dont. 'We didnt see anything untoward but then maybe we are not looking with the same eyes as the police. Maybe we see something and perhaps dont see it as cause for concern'. When asked if he believed the male worker had abused the children he added: Its for a judge and jury to decide - and the CPS in the first instance - as to whether an offence has been committed. Parents were given the news that the site in Torquay is closing in an email from the nursery A multi-agency response involving police, the local authority, NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group and Ofsted was launched to investigate the allegation. Speaking last November, Acting Detective Chief Inspector James Stock said: 'Since the information was received in July, a police investigation has been ongoing. 'As part of this, over 250 hours of CCTV from within Jack and Jill Childcare have been reviewed. 'As a result of CCTV enquiries, a number of children aged 2+ have been identified as potential victims of contact offences. 'We have now contacted all parents and guardians of children who attended Jack and Jill Childcare in relation to our investigation. 'The contact appears to be limited to within the nursery setting and we do not believe that any other member of staff had knowledge of these matters. 'These appear to be the actions of a lone individual, and the offences do not involve the taking or distributing of any images.' A helpline was set up by the Torbay Safeguarding Children's Partnership, and is hosted by the local authority for anyone concerned. The number is 01803 208820. A man was held up at knifepoint after using a Belfast ATM. It happened in the Benmore Drive area of south Belfast in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Detective Sergeant Corrigan said: It was reported that a man had just lifted a sum of cash from an ATM in the area when he was approached by three masked men, one of which was armed with a knife, and they demanded the money. They made off with the cash and a smartwatch, thankfully the victim was not injured but he has been left traumatised by this ordeal. Enquiries are continuing and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 87 of 8/1/20. "Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime." Relative to that, the commercial vehicle (CV) and two-wheeler space looks a lot more promising, says Nilesh Shah, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) at Envision Capital, in a conversation with Swati Verma. Excerpts- What's your outlook for CY20? What are the factors that are expected to sway investor sentiment? Outlook is positive and more constructive as compared to how the outlook has been for the last two calendar years. ... Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. 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Digital Editor A new show at the Wallace Collection in London, Forgotten Masters: Indian Painting for the East India Company, curated by historian William Dalrymple showcases the extraordinary oeuvre of Indian artists for the first time ever. The Kampani qalam or the Company school of painting refers to the artworks created for the officials of East India Company in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Documenting the flora, fauna, heritage and people of the Indian subcontinent, it consists of a wide-ranging repository of art which was commissioned by British officials in India. A new show at the Wallace Collection in London, Forgotten Masters: Indian Painting for the East India Company, curated by historian William Dalrymple showcases the extraordinary oeuvre of Indian artists for the first time ever. The collection of 110 paintings is astounding in its scope as it throws light on little known artists of the time. Dalrymple, who has been writing and collecting material about these artworks for 25 years now, published his first piece on the Company school of painting in 1995. He curated a show on the late Mughal art in New York in 2013, which had a few artworks from the current collection. However, this is the first showing of the collection in its entirety, on loan from private collections and institutions based in the United Kingdom and the United States. The sheer beauty of these paintings caught the historians eye who calls them museum-quality pieces which turn up in auctions from time to time and are often misidentified. The exhibition mainly consists of artwork from four prominent centres of Company art: Calcutta and Lucknow, home to provincial Mughal painters from Murshidabad, Patna and Faizabad; Madras and Tanjore, where artists used south Indian traditions; and Delhi, the last bastion of the Imperial Mughal artists. The author says that most museums shied away from displaying these artworks due to post-colonial angst and the fact that they were associated with the heyday of British imperialism but when the curator of the Wallace collection sounded him out for ideas, he went all out to make it possible. From commissioning to opening the exhibition, it took 18 months which in art terms is an extremely short period. An exhibit of this size would usually take five years, Dalrymple says and laughs. The idea behind the show was to bring out of the wings the little-known artists of the time, and make the point that the best of them are also among the greatest Indian artists ever. Dalrymple says that just as they were not showcased in Britain due to post-colonial sensitivities, they were never fully recognised in India. Comprising the work by artists Shaikh Zain ud-Din of Patna, Bhawani Das, Ram Das, Govindoo, Rangiah, Yellapah of Vellore, Shaikh Mohammad Amir of Karriah, Sita Ram and Ghulam Ali Khan, the collection celebrates the artists as much as the art they created. Most of the pieces were commissioned for academic reasons or as personal mementos. There are diverse stories behind the art works. The first pictures were commissioned by Claude Martin (in the late 1770s) at a time when botany and zoology were the twin passions among intellectual Europeans. Martin imported no fewer than 17,000 sheets of European watercolour paper and employed a team to paint a series of natural history pictures. The collection also consists of 30 works commissioned by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Sir Elijah Impey and his wife Mary, who employed artists Shaikh Zain ud-Din, Bhawani Das and Ramdas to paint their private zoo as well as the nurseries, fishes and insects of Bengal. Other notable pieces include 16 images from the famed Fraser Album of early 19th century, commissioned by the Delhi-based brothers, James and William Fraser, from the imperial Mughal painter Ghulam Ali Khan. Dalrymple says that the lithographs are like polaroids of today and were probably meant as souvenirs. When the great Indian art historian BN Goswamy chose 101 of his favourite Indian art pictures, only one was a Company commission, and Company painting forms only a brief adjunct at the end of his seminal two-volume Masters of Indian Painting. Dalrymple remarks, This is in a sense an appendix to Goswamys work and gives the artists their rightful place in history. The collection consists of some of the greatest animal paintings ever done and these artists should be celebrated like Michelangelo or Raphael. The artists were influenced by a heady mixture of styles. The Mughal style of portraiture was still strong in India and while painting these artworks, the artists were introduced to European models which resulted in a unique mixture. The artists in south India didnt have Mughal art to draw inspiration from but were influenced by the prevailing styles of chintz and Kalamkari textile technique of Andhra Pradesh. Dalrymple agrees that the artists represented a variety of different training schools and origins. Whats interesting is that presumably in their youth, these artists were trained to paint the rajas, nawabs, courtesans and the musical mehfils. But they were also introduced to the lithographs of tulips from Holland, he explains and adds, Mansurs paintings from Jehangirs time show a variety of animals from Turkeys to Zebras so there is a repertoire of animal art in India. When one compares Mansurs images in 1612 of a cheetah done for Jehangir to a cheetah done by Zain ud-Din in Calcutta of 1780, they are very much of the same tradition. This glorious era of company school came to a swift end. While the British, which backlash after 1857, began to view Mughal etiquette as anachronistic, the arrival of photography in the early 1850s put an end to a glorious painting tradition of India stretching back to almost two thousand years. Dalrymple terms the exhibition as historic and a showcase of the syncretic art traditions of India. Just like today, we revere Indian painters like Goverdhan and Manaku, I very much hope that 20 years from now, people know who Shaikh Mohammad and Sita Ram were. This exhibit is a reminder of the high points in Indian art. he signs off. By Trend Some 3.1 million foreign citizens visited Azerbaijan from January through December 2019, which is 11.4 percent more compared to the same period of 2018, Trend reports on Jan. 8 referring to the Azerbaijani State Tourism Agency. During the reporting period, 224,000 tourists from European countries arrived in Azerbaijan (14.7 percent more compared to the corresponding period of 2018). Most of the tourists arrived from the UK (36,000, an increase of 25.3 percent), Germany (20,000, an increase of 19.4 percent), Italy (12,000, an increase of 10.8 percent) and France (9,000, an increase by 15.2 percent). As for the South Asian countries, 65,000 tourists arrived from India and 46,000 tourists from Pakistan (an increase of 66.8 percent and 12.9 percent, respectively). Turkmenistan is the leader among the Central Asian countries. The number of tourists from this country has grown by 85 percent. Furthermore, 47,000 tourists (an increase of 26.1 percent) arrived from Kazakhstan, and 23,000 people (an increase of 28.3 percent) - from Uzbekistan. The number of Israeli citizens who visited Azerbaijan increased by 17 percent. Among the Middle Eastern countries, Saudi Arabia ranks first (an increase of 46.7 percent). The number of tourists from China, where the agency has a representative office, has also grown (an increase of 62.4 percent). The number of tourists from South Korea and Ukraine where Azerbaijans tourism agencies will operate increased by 19.9 percent and 2.4 percent respectively. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz An amber alert has been issued for a three-year-old boy in New Mexico after his mother was found murdered inside her home. The Roswell police department issued the alert for little Osiel Ernesto Rico at 11:15am on Tuesday, shortly after his mother, Isela Mauricio-Sanchez, 27, was found dead inside her home at 602 East Forest Street by family members. Sanchez's death has since been deemed a homicide, authorities said in a statement. Investigators believe the boy is with his father, Jorge Rico-Ruvira, 32, who is suspected of Sanchez's murder. The Roswell police department issued the alert for little Osiel Ernesto Rico (left), 3, who is believed to be with his father Jorge Rico-Ruvira, 32, a suspect in the boy's mother's murder The alert was issued after Osiel's mother, 27-year-old Isela Mauricio-Sanchez, was found dead at 11:15 am on Tuesday morning The FBI has now joined the search for Osiel, who was last seen near his home on East Forrest on Sunday. Investigators say they believe the boy is in danger. Osiel is described as Hispanic, about 2 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing about 40 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. It was unclear what the boy was wearing when he was last seen. Rico-Ruvira, meanwhile, is described as being 5 feet 8 inches tall, 150 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. Police say he's thought to be driving a 2003 maroon GMC Yukon SUV with an with New Mexico license plate number MNF231. Investigators suspect he may be heading to Mexico. Police say Jorge Rico-Ruvira is thought to be driving a 2003 maroon GMC Yukon SUV with an with New Mexico license plate number MNF231 Isela Mauricio-Sanchez, 27, was found dead inside her home at 602 East Forest Street (above) by family members 'Prior to today, there had been no missing person's report or anything,' said Todd Wildermuth, a public information officer for the Roswell Police Department, said of Osiel to KOAT. 'Until the deceased woman was discovered and we responded there, it was then following that investigation, that we learned that she has a 3-year-old son that was missing.' Anyone with more information is urged to call the Roswell Police Department at (575) 624-6770 or the Chavez County Crime Stoppers at (888) 594-8477. U.S. troops sent to Iraq to fight the Islamic State refocused on their own defense. U.S. embassies in a growing number of countries outside the Middle East issued security alerts to U.S. citizens. Russia's Vladimir Putin visited Syria's President Bashar Assad, a key Iran ally. Trump backed away from his threats to target Iranian cultural sites if Iran retaliates against the U.S. Oil prices stabilized and stock market jitters appeared to calm. A stampede broke out early Tuesday at the funeral for a top Iranian general: At least 56 people were killed and more than 200 injured. President Donald Trump's national security team knew that killing Iran's most powerful general could hurt efforts to mop up and head off any revival of the Islamic State militant group and that is just what has happened. Two days after Gen. Qassem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad, the U.S. troops in Iraq to fight the Islamic State are now focused on their own defense, guarding American bases and the U.S. Embassy from an expected Iranian response. The fight against the militants is now on hold, and a Trump foreign policy achievement is in doubt. The Islamic State evolved in Syria after U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq in 2011; its fighters swept back across the border in 2014, captured wide swaths of western and northern Iraq and imposed brutal rule over a self-declared "caliphate." A U.S.-led coalition finally ousted the group, but thousands of fighters scattered throughout the region and continue to pose a threat. Meanwhile Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin showed up in Damascus for a meeting with President Bashar Assad. Official statements during the previously unannounced visit made no mention Soleimani, but the timing was conspicuous. Iran's longtime goal has been to force the U.S. out of Iraq, giving it a freer hand there. The U.S. had about 5,200 troops in Iraq before the Soleimani killing. The Iraqi Parliament on Sunday passed a nonbinding resolution calling for the expulsion of all foreign forces. Trump, however, told reporters in the Oval Office that he has no intention of withdrawing yet. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- The U.S. Army selected 20 small businesses and their nonprofit research institution partners to receive 22 Small Business Technology Transfer, or STTR Phase I contracts to develop technologies to address military challenges. The $166,500, three-month contract awards will conduct feasibility studies to determine the scientific, technical and commercial merit of the concepts. "We're excited about the potential of these awardees to provide game-changing technologies addressing key issues for the Army," said Michael Caccuitto, Army STTR portfolio director. "We have accelerated the STTR process so that successful projects will more quickly move on to developing a prototype and then transition to an acquisition effort to be put in the hands of the warfighter." The awardees provided proposals in seven categories important to the Army, including interference and jamming of high frequency radios, position navigation without GPS, phased-array antennas for extremely high-frequency satellite communications, millimeter waveforms for tactical networking, edge sensor processing, adaptable tactical communications (advanced Soldier radios) and standoff electronic denial (disrupting, disabling or destroying the electronics on a remote target). When Phase I is complete, the Army anticipates funding one project in each of the seven topics for STTR Phase II. Phase II awardees receive a maximum of $1,100,000 for a period between six and eighteen months during which they conduct a major research and development effort, culminating in a well-defined deliverable prototype. Congress established the STTR program in 1992 to provide small businesses and research institutions with opportunities to participate in government sponsored research and development. The program requires the small business to collaborate with a non-profit research institution, typically a university or federal laboratory. The Army evaluated and chose the 22 winning proposals from among 88 proposals. Many of those proposals were submitted as a result of the first- Army STTR Industry Day, Sept. 10, 2019 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Friday Center. The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Army Research Laboratory hosted close to 150 small businesses and research institutions and provided attendees the opportunity to learn how to participate in the Army STTR program and network for strong partnerships. CCDC ARL scientists from the Army Research Office and active-duty Soldiers provided participants with detailed insight into the seven special topics solicited for the program. The Army STTR program invests in all Army modernization priorities via nine participating CCDC and Army science and technology centers. View list of awardees at https://www.armysbir.army.mil/awards/sttr_phase_I_recent. The Army selected MaXentric Technologies LLC, an advanced research, development, and consulting company in New Jersey, in three topic areas. ### The Donald Trump administration and Iraqi lawmakers are raising questions about whether Baghdads caretaker prime minister has the authority to kick out US forces after parliament urged American troops to leave in a vote this weekend. Iraqi caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, who resigned in November amid anti-government protests, backed the parliamentary vote that urged Iraq to expel 5,200 US troops who are in the country to fight the Islamic State (IS). But despite Abdul Mahdis protests, top Trump administration officials such as Defense Secretary Mark Esper have repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of the vote and the sitting Iraqi government, arguing that the poll was manipulated by intimidation of Shiite lawmakers from Iran-backed groups and doesnt reflect the will of the Iraqi people. As you know, most Kurds and most Sunnis did not show and those Shiites who did vote, many of them voted at the threat of their own lives by Shiite militia groups, Esper said at a Pentagon briefing today. Even in the last few days we still see Iraqis on the streets protesting their government due to corruption and the malign influence of Iran. Asked what would constitute a binding order for US troops to leave, Esper said, "I think that's a great question for the Iraqi prime minister." The vote, he said, shows the support of most Iraqis for the presence of US troops. The Pentagon chief said he had not received a request from Abdul Mahdi to withdraw US forces, despite the prime ministers insistence that a letter sent from the American commander of forces in Iraq, which Pentagon officials insist was an unsigned draft, indicated US forces would leave. Yet the administrations pushback against the prime ministers calls for the United States to leave and to raise questions about the legitimacy of the government would represent a reversal. The Pentagon has previously argued that the United States is in Iraq to fight IS at the invitation of the government. The US-led coalition temporarily suspended the mission over the weekend as suspected Iran-backed rocket attacks struck near Iraqi bases housing coalition troops. At some point we want to get out. But this isn't the right point, President Trump said in the Oval Office today. "I think it's the worst thing that could happen to Iraq if we leave." Privately, Trump also appeared ready to threaten Iraq to keep American troops in the country after the vote, as The Washington Post reported Monday that the United States had begun drafting sanctions that could be applied if American troops are expelled. Some Iraqi parliamentarians who did not participate in Sundays vote also disputed whether Abdul Mahdi, who is only staying on until a successor is named, had the authority to kick US forces out of the country. I think Abdul Mahdi is talking about a document that was leaked and will not reach the Iraqi government officially, said Rehan Hanna Ayoub, a deputy in the Iraqi parliament council and a member of the foreign relations committee, referring to the US commander's letter. Adel is the caretaker of the daily business and has no power to repeal and conclude agreements. The US presence in Iraq is based on an exchange of diplomatic letters between the two governments, a senior defense official said last week. American forces originally redeployed to the country in 2014 after the IS advance into northern Iraq threatened the US Consulate in Erbil. On Monday, before the draft letter leaked publicly, Abdul Mahdi asked US Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tueller to come up with a timeline for the removal of American forces. A US defense official told Al-Monitor that there was no timeline for American forces to withdraw, and other Iraqi officials insisted the US letter was a draft to be discussed that should not have leaked. He [Abdul Mahdi] has no power to do that, said Sarkawt Shams, a member of Iraqs parliament who attended Sundays session. He even doesnt have [the power] to send [a] budget bill. Experts say that many aspects of Iraqs 2005 constitution that were supposed to be settled by lawmakers remain unresolved, which could be deepening questions about Abdul Mahdis authority to expel American forces. Yet if the United States were to stay against the will of the Iraqi government after Abdul Mahdis calls for forces to leave, it could be forced to come up with a different legal explanation for keeping troops in the country, such as American self-defense, which might not hold up. Thats a complete change of what US troops are doing there. Thats shifting entirely their mission set for being there, said Scott Anderson, a former State Department official in Iraq during the Barack Obama administration. "I think youre stuck in an area where youre not supposed to be there without Iraqi consent." Iran media claims 80 US soldiers killed in missile attacks: Iranian state media has claimed that 80 US soldiers were killed in missile attacks launched by Tehran on two Iraqi military bases housing US forces. This came days after Iranian top general Qassem Suleimani's assassination in a US air raid in Baghdad. Iran media claims 80 US soldiers killed in missile attacks: At least 80 US soldiers have been killed in missile attacks on two Iraqi military bases in retaliation against the killing of top general Qassem Suleimani, Iranian state media claimed. It said that the pre-dawn strikes also destroyed US military equipment including helicopters in twin bases housing US forces. This is the first action taken by Tehran after the assassination of Suleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, last week near Baghdads international airport. Iran has called the US soldiers, reportedly killed in missile attacks, as American terrorists. The state media, citing the IRGC source, said that Tehran would target as many as 100 US targets in the Middle East if Washington tried to launch retaliatory attacks. Iran has also threatened to bomb Dubai and Haifa. More than a dozen rockets were fired at two military bases the Ain al-Asad facility in Iraqs Anbar province and Erbil base in Iraqs semi-autonomous region Kurdistan, days after Suleimanis killing in the US airstrike. He was killed alongside Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Multiple U.S. bases under attack in #Iraq. US official confirms missile launched from Iran. #US Military bases confirmed hit by Iranian short-range ballistic missiles at this time. #Iran is calling this Operation Martyr Suleimani Stop this madness #NoMoreWars pic.twitter.com/Zu4rjobygA Terrence Daniels (Captain Planet) (@Terrence_STR) January 8, 2020 Iran has posted footage of a missile attack. Rockets often miss their targets. Missiles will hit a particular window in a particular house. Bad news. https://t.co/TgUmtWRTag Karen Piper (@PiperK) January 7, 2020 Hours after the Wednesdays missile strikes, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserted that the US must end its presence in the region. In a televised speech, Khamenei said that the retaliatory missile action was not sufficient. He had earlier vowed to avenge Suleimanis killing. The US has confirmed that the Iranian missiles hit its facilities, however, refuted any casualty as claimed by Tehran. US President Donald Trump, who had given directions to kill Suleimani, has also reacted to the strikes. He claimed all is every. The Republican president said that he would make a statement tomorrow, US local time. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 Earlier, millions of Iranians participated in the multi-city last rites of Suleimani, described by Iran as the most prominent anti-terror commander in the Middle East. As many as 56 people were killed in a stampede erupted due to the massive crowds in Kerman, slain commanders hometown. For all the latest World News, download NewsX App Acquisition will enhance Rockwell Automation's ability to deliver IT/OT cybersecurity services globally Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK) today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire privately held Avnet Data Security, LTD, an Israeli-based cybersecurity provider with over 20 years of experience providing cybersecurity services. Avnet offers a full set of IT/OT cyber services and solutions ranging from assessments, penetration testing, network security solutions, and training to converged IT/OT managed services. "Avnet's combination of service delivery, training, research, and managed services will enable us to service a much larger set of customers globally while also continuing to accelerate our portfolio development in this rapidly developing market," said Frank Kulaszewicz, Senior Vice President, Control Products Solutions at Rockwell Automation. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing parts of Rockwell Automation's services business. As the manufacturing industry has evolved and become more connected than ever before, legacy physical security strategies are no longer enough to protect production operations. To help our customers develop, maintain, and evolve proactive cybersecurity strategies, Rockwell Automation provides a comprehensive set of services and solutions. The extensive knowledge and experience of the Avnet team will support Rockwell Automation's strategic objective to achieve double digit growth in Information Solutions and Connected Services by expanding our IT/OT cyber and network expertise globally. "We are excited to join Rockwell Automation to further expand their already robust cyber offering," said Igal Cohen, CEO of Avnet. "We are continuing to serve our existing clients while expanding our reach to service a much broader range of customers. Our passion and mission have always been to help as many organizations as possible secure their data from internal and external threats." The transaction is expected to close in early 2020 subject to customary approvals and conditions, and it is not expected to have a material impact on Rockwell Automation's 2020 financial results. About Rockwell Automation Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 23,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing The Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com About Avnet Data Security, LTD Building cybersecurity resilience on a global scale since 1995, Avnet has accumulated unmatched knowledge and best practices in this highly demanding specialist sector. The company's Israel-based team includes dozens of cyber experts, trainers, senior consultants, researchers and system integration engineers, each with unparalleled knowledge in their fields. For more information, visit www.avnet-cyber.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005075/en/ Contacts: Jessica Kourakos Head of Investor Relations +1 414-382-8510 Jkourakos@ra.rockwell.com Ike Theodore Umunnah Director, Global Public Affairs +1 414-382-5679 itumunna@ra.rockwell.com The report highlighted the growing importance of storytelling and how authentic and creatively crafted stories can contribute significantly to the success of a F&B or hospitality establishment. It also delved into the growing number of millennial travellers and their influence on the hospitality industry. Serving up authenticity and memorable experiences Noting that just serving a delicious meal is no longer the end of an experience, Ben Gregoire, Vice-President of CKP Hospitality Consultants, explained that, "Good hospitality is all about providing memorable experiences for guests. Today's consumers are more discerning than ever." Gregoire added that establishments must consider every single aspect of the guest experience -- from the initial contact point to the moment they leave. Agreeing, Anurag Bali, Assistant Vice-President, Food and Beverage, South East Asia & Australasia of the Shangri-La Group added, "It's all about the guest experience and well-established, well-run concepts -- a strong story." Pointing out the dining trends now making "a strong story" across the region, Bali shared that restaurants and eateries that incorporate other elements such as decor or music, in addition to a strong menu, are also attracting diners in Asia. Indeed, with consumers more well-travelled and knowledgeable about the flavours of different food or the origins of certain ingredients, restaurants striving for authenticity will focus more on their food stories. According to Nicole Fall, Founder of Asian Consumer Intelligence and Head of Trends at Capchavate, this trend has resulted in "a virtuous cycle of restaurants upping their game attempting to recreate dishes as authentically as possible, whereas in the past, there was more emphasis on localisation or changing particular flavours and ingredients to suit local palates." Using technology to engage Technology is also a great enabler as F&B operators can now use digital tools to further enhance the customer experience. Eric Chia, CEO of cloud-based loyalty software provider Advocado noted that "while many hospitality service providers are focusing on the operations (efficiency and productivity) side of the business, we see a great opportunity to use technology to grow, nurture prospective customers, and eventually turn them to loyal fans." Chia pointed out that capturing consumer loyalty in the current digital age is becoming difficult as well. He advised business owners who want to achieve "maximum bang for their consumer acquisition buck" to adopt innovative ways to capture and grow their customer base. Growing the generational markets While millennials are the fastest growing segment in the luxury travel market, the hospitality industry should also look at catering to the different age groups such as the baby boomers. This latest trend would be an opportunity for the industry to create services that would promote more inclusivity among diverse age groups. "In the Asian region, for example, generational family holidays are nothing new," said Asian Consumer Intelligence's Fall. "What is new is the recognition that different ages have different needs. Yet until relatively recently, families were lumped into the same category whether the member was grandma or the toddler." Asian Consumer Intelligence predicted that more emphasis will be placed on families' distinctive needs without falling into the stereotypical tropes in the future. Consumers, regardless of age group, would be looking for seamless experiences, both 'in real life' and online. Download the FHA Insider Special report: Experiential trends in hospitality: Behind the scenes. Event At A Glance FHA-HoReCa Date: 3 - 6 March 2020 Venue: Singapore Expo Website: https://www.fhahoreca.com/ Featuring: Bakery, Pastry & Gelato; Foodservice & Hospitality Equipment; Hospitality Style; Hospitality Technology; Speciality Coffee & Tea Visitor Pre-registration: https://fhapwa.com/ Media re-registration https://www.foodnhotelasia.com/media-registration About FHA Insider Special FHA Insider Special is a two-part series of reports produced to investigate some of the most pressing challenges impacting the foodservice, hospitality and F&B sectors, examine the consequences, and outline promising opportunities industry players should look out for now; in the future; and at FHA. About FHA-HoReCa Where world's leading hotels, restaurants and cafe suppliers will gather to showcase the latest foodservice & hospitality equipment, products and services across five key profiles -- Bakery, Pastry & Gelato; Foodservice & Hospitality Equipment; Hospitality Style; Hospitality Technology; and Speciality Coffee & Tea -- serving discerning distributors, importers, manufacturers and retailers from Asia, all under one roof. For more information, please visit www.fhahoreca.com. About Informa Markets FHA-HoReCa is organised by Informa Markets, a division of Informa plc. Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com. SOURCE Informa Markets Related Links http://www.informamarkets.com Iran has struck back at the United States for killing a top Revolutionary Guard commander, firing ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops. The attack was a major escalation between the two long-time foes and Irans most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the US embassy in Tehran. Iranian state TV said it was in revenge for the US killing of General Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his killing. US and Iraqi officials said there were no immediate reports of casualties, though buildings were still being searched. The Iraqi government later confirmed there were no casualties among Iraqi forces. A presenter on Iranian state television later claimed, without offering evidence, that the strikes killed at least 80 terrorist US soldiers and also damaged helicopters, drones and other equipment at the Ain al-Asad air base. The strikes, which came as Iran buried Gen Soleimani, raised fears that the two foes were closer to war. But there were some indications that there would not be further retaliation on either side, at least in the short term. US President Donald Trump tweeted All is well! shortly after the missile attacks, adding So far, so good regarding casualties. Moments earlier, Irans foreign minister tweeted that Tehran had taken and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence, adding that Tehran did not seek escalation but would defend itself against further aggression. In Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the missile strike on the US bases in Iraq a slap in the face of the Americans, adding that military retaliation is not sufficient. The corrupt presence of the US in the region should come to end, he said. The killing of Gen Soleimani a national hero to many in Iran and strikes by Tehran came as tensions have been rising steadily across the Middle East after Mr Trumps decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers. They also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two enemies, who have been at odds since Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent US embassy takeover and hostage crisis. Adding to the chaos, a Ukrainian plane with at least 170 people crashed after take-off just outside Tehran on Wednesday morning, killing all on board, state TV reported. The plane had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport and mechanical issues were suspected, the report said. Iran initially announced only one missile strike, but US officials confirmed both. US defence officials were at the White House, probably to discuss options with Mr Trump, who launched the attack on Gen Soleimani while facing an upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate. We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targetedIrans Revolutionary Guard Irans Revolutionary Guard warned the US and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack on the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province. The Guard issued the warning via a statement carried by Irans state-run IRNA news agency. We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted, the Guard said. It also threatened Israel. After the strikes, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator posted a picture of the Islamic Republics flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Mr Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Gen Soleimani. Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the so-called Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 US and coalition forces. The US also acknowledged another missile attack targeting a base in Irbil in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners and allies in the region Jonathan Hoffman, assistant to US defence secretary The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles, two US officials said. Ten hit Ain al-Asad and one the base in Irbil. Four failed, said the officials. Two Iraqi security officials said at least one of the missiles appeared to have struck a plane at the Ain al-Asad base, igniting a fire. About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported, said Brynjar Stordal, a spokesman for the Norwegian Armed Forces. Mr Trump visited the sprawling Ain al-Asad air base, about 60 miles west of Baghdad, in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice president Mike Pence has also visited the base. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners and allies in the region, said Jonathan Hoffman, an assistant to the US defence secretary. The missile strikes happened a few hours after crowds in Iran mourned Gen Soleimani at his funeral. It also came as the US continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the Middle East waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. Expand Close Mourners gather to pay their respects to Gen Qassem Soleimani (Iran Press via AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mourners gather to pay their respects to Gen Qassem Soleimani (Iran Press via AP) US embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. A stampede broke out on Tuesday at Gen Soleimanis funeral, and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured, Iranian news reports said. Shortly after the missile attack, Gen Soleimanis shroud-wrapped remains were lowered into the ground. The deadly stampede took place in Gen Soleimanis hometown of Kerman as his coffin was being taken through the city in south-eastern Iran, said Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Irans emergency medical services. Hossein Salami, Gen Soleimanis successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard, earlier addressed a crowd of supporters in Kernan and vowed to avenge Gen Soleimani. We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about, he said. The funeral processions in major cities over three days have been an unprecedented honour for Gen Soleimani, seen by Iranians as a national hero for his work leading the Guards expeditionary Quds Force. The US blames him for killing American troops in Iraq and accused him of plotting new attacks just before he was killed. Gen Soleimani also led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that countrys civil war. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Assad in Syria on Tuesday amid the tensions between Washington and Tehran. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: After the violent attack by masked men inside the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus, the protesters at Shaheen Bagh say that they have been on alert against any disruptive elements. The protesters here have decided to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for anyone who could incite violence or cause any disruption to our peaceful demonstration. There is a suspicion that miscreants, like those who attacked JNU students, may attempt to foil our protests at Shaheen Bagh, Nadeem, a local protester told this newspaper. He said that more people have been coming to join protesters at Shaheen Bagh which has become a significant protest site from over three weeks. We have noticed that more people have been coming to show solidarity with the protesters. In fact, in the evening the number of protesters swells as those who come back from work and offices also drop by, he added. In the wake of the JNU Bollywood actor Zeeshan Ayyub who has supported the Jamia Millia Islamia students and Shaheen Bagh protesters also sent out a video message on Twitter asking more people to reach the area while the eyes of the nation were on JNU to ensure no violence takes place at the protest site. Protesters, however, said that there has been a significant police movement of in the area. Many lady constables have been posted behind the barricades. Nothing has happened so far, one of the locals said. The Vietnamese fintech startup ecosystem is now home to more than 150 companies and brands, covering a broad range of services from digital payments and alternative finance to wealth management and blockchain. Vietnam's fintech future looks bright as its start-up ecosystem is now home to more than 150 companies and brands, covering a broad range of services According to the ASEAN FinTech Census 2018 from Ernst & Young a global leader in assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services Vietnam currently ranks second (after Singapore) amongst ASEAN member states in the number of incubators, accelerators, and innovation labs. The fintech market was worth $4.4 billion in 2017 and is predicted to reach $7.8 billion by 2020, equaling a 77 per cent increase over three years. The fintech sector has very high growth potential, as the number of non-cash transactions in Vietnam is only 4.9 per capita, compared to 59.7 in Thailand, 89 in Malaysia, and 26.1 in China, according to a World Bank survey. Policy and regulations are key factors contributing to the success of a fintech hub concluded the Connecting Global Fintech report by Deloitte, in partnership with the Global Fintech Hubs Federation in 2017. Good regulations should be able to establish a healthy balance between maintaining stability in the market and protecting customers, while providing enough wiggle room for companies to develop and implement the latest innovations. As an innovative factor, fintech requires corresponding policy and regulations, most of which do not exist yet. Due to the lack of a legal framework, the competent authorities feel out of their depth when assessing dossiers, which leads to lengthy procedures or straight-out rejection. As a result, several projects could not be deployed and the chance of having innovative startups slips by. Consequently, the Vietnamese economy will be at a higher risk of lagging behind other countries. Additionally, the lack of regulations allows many companies to operate illegally. Without proper control from the authorities, these operations carry too many risks related to high-tech crime and fraud or financial crimes, such as theft of personal information, tax evasion, money laundering, or unlawful capital mobilisation. Therefore, a legal framework is in urgent demand to boost fintech growth and prevent illegal practices. The sooner policies and regulations for fintech are in place, the earlier the Vietnamese economy can benefit. Regulatory sandbox responding to urgent need of fintech Taking the initiative, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc issued Decision No.999/QD-TTg on August 12 to approve the Project on Promoting Sharing Economic Model. The goal of the project is to ensure an equal business environment among enterprises according to the sharing economy and traditional economy models, while ensuring the legitimate rights, responsibilities, and benefits of parties participating in the sharing economy, including service providers, service users, and platform providers. Furthermore, the project encourages innovation, the application of digital technology, and the development of the digital economy. Decision No.999/QD-TTg has turned on the green light and removed barriers for fintech, preparing for further developments. Referring to the experience of developed countries, the best way to build a legal framework is operating a fintech regulatory sandbox. Such a sandbox is a framework set up by a financial sector regulator to allow small-scale, live testing of innovations by private firms in a controlled environment (operating under a special exemption, allowance, or other limited, time-bound exception) under the regulators supervision, as defined by the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP). The sandbox helps regulators understand new technologies and any associated risks before products hit the mass market, and that helps startups to build in safeguards for consumers at an earlier stage. At the workshop on Deploying sandbox to strengthen the foundations of the sharing economy, on November 11, 2019 Nguyen Xuan Viet Binh, executive of e-wallet firm Moca Technology and Services JSC, said Moca supported the promulgation of the sandbox mechanism in fintech, as it would help promote innovation for fintech businesses, enhance people's access to banking services and comprehensive financial services, and move the country towards a cashless society. This is aligned with the prime ministers Decision No.2545/QD-TTg approving the scheme on non-cash payment development in Vietnam in 2016-2020. Ngo Van Duc, deputy head of the Payment Department under the State Bank of Vietnam, said that sandbox is important for the fast-developing banking-financial system and fintech in Vietnam. So far, 30 non-bank organisations have been licensed by the SBV to provide intermediary payment services; 24 banks, together with more than 50,000 places, have implemented QR code payment; 76 organisations have deployed internet payment services; and 44 organisations have provided mobile payment services. These numbers prove that fintech is an inevitable trend in Vietnam, but there still exist gaps in legal regulation. First, fintech management has not been mentioned in any legal document. Second, there is no organisation specialised in supporting and handling problems related to fintech activities. Third, except for intermediary payments, fintech activities are not yet regulated by legal documents, Duc added. Current legal provisions related to the operations of credit institutions do not yet allow the application of modern technology solutions. To solve these problems, creating a regulatory sandbox for fintech is an urgent need, he concluded. VIR Nhung Do Will Vietnam be sued if it restricts foreign investments in fintechs? The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) affirmed that regulations are in line with international commitments, which show Vietnam's management rights in the field of payment services. Lisa Vanderpump is being sued for allegedly not paying wages or providing meal breaks. Former employee Adam Pierce Antoine filed the class action lawsuit on Dec. 16 on behalf of himself as well as a number of other former employees, accusing Vanderpump, 59, and her husband Ken Todd of violating a number of California labor laws something Antoine claims has gone on for at least 4 years. According to the court documents, obtained by PEOPLE, Vanderpump who owns the famed West Hollywood, California restaurants SUR, Villa Blanca, Tom Tom, and Pump has failed to pay wages, including overtime wages. Antoine alleges that when restaurant staffers worked over 8 or 12 hours in a work day or more than 40 hours in a workweek they were not properly compensated. The lawsuit also accuses Vanderpump of manipulating or editing time records to show lesser hours than actually worked. Antoine also accuses Vanderpump of not paying minimum wages for hours that were worked off the clock, during training or when an employee was on call, according to the lawsuit. Lisa Vanderpump | MediaPunch/Shutterstock RELATED: Lisa Vanderpumps Restaurant Blasts Guest Claiming They Got Sick and Defecated on Floor Additionally, during Antoines workday, he was not provided proper meal or rest breaks, he claims in the court documents. According to California labor laws, which is stated in the lawsuit, no employer shall employ and employee for a work period more than (5) hours without a timely meal break of not less than (30) minutes in which the employee is relieved of all of his or her duties. According to Antoine, Vanderpump failed to comply with this law and also did not provide two 30 minute breaks for employees when they worked more than 10 hours a day. This same law applies for rest breaks. An employee must be given up to 20 and 30 minutes of rest breaks if working more than 6 hours. The law states that if breaks are not given, employees will be compensated, which Antoine says in the court documents never happened. Story continues In the lawsuit, Antonine also alleges that employees were not paid for the time they worked after being fired. He later claims Vanderpump also failed to provide employees with pay stubs. Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd | Chelsea Lauren/REX/Shutterstock As a result of the alleged infractions, Antoine says he has suffered damages in an amount subject to proof and is owed over $25,000. Vanderpump did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. Page Six was first to report the lawsuit. News of the lawsuit comes after a silver Ferrari drove into the patio area of PUMP. The vehicle crashed through the railings edging the outdoor area, leaving shattered glass scattered throughout the scene, according to KNBC. One person was sent to the hospital following the accident, KTLA reports, although its unclear what injuries the victim sustained. Cast of Vanderpump Rules | Landon Nordeman Vanderpump reacted to the crash on Twitter, making light of the scenario while also voicing that shes grateful no one was harmed. No. We are not a Drive-Thru. Thank God no one was hurt, the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star tweeted, sharing two photos from the aftermath of the incident. RELATED: Brandi Glanville Says Lisa Vanderpump Is My Own Personal Devil: She Tried to Ruin My Life! Vanderpumps husband, Todd, said he spoke with the driver involved in the massive crash, and revealed that one customer had minor cuts. He said that somebody cut him off, Todd, 62, told TMZ. Accidents happen, you know, and I take everything, rough or smooth. He couldnt help it, it was an accident. These things happen, he added. Its just life. Photo from Getty Images SINGAPORE A cleaner who worked at the SATS Airfreight Terminal 5 building trespassed into a female toilet to film a woman. But Lee Beng Chiu, 33, only managed to capture the bottom part of the victims pants and feet in three video clips in his Samsung tablet, which was placed outside the cubicle occupied by the victim. These films were discovered on his tablet a few days after the incident and Lee was arrested. The Malaysian was jailed for four weeks on Wednesday (8 January) after he pleaded guilty to one count of criminally trespassing into the toilet and insulting the modesty of a woman on 30 August last year. He entered into the toilet again on 1 September and the charge of trespass was taken into consideration for his sentencing. Another charge of possessing 11 obscene films was also considered. At the time of the offences, Lee was employed as a cleaner for Sun City Maintenance and was tasked to perform his duties from 7am to 7pm at the areas outside the SATS Airfreight Terminal 5, including walkways and carparks. On 30 August, about an hour after ending work, Lee was on level four of the building using his tablet by tapping the free wifi. He entered a female toilet on the same floor with the intention of filming women there. The victim was using a cubicle in the toilet at the time. When Lee realised the cubicle was occupied, he turned on the recording function of his tablet and placed it in front of the cubicle door. Court documents did not state how the victim came to realise she was being filmed. She complained to her colleagues about the incident and the matter was escalated to investigation officers with SATS. On 2 September, investigation officers patrolled level four of the building when they saw Lee using his tablet. They conducted a spot check on him and discovered three clips of a womans feet taken from outside a toilet cubicle. The videos were shown to the victim, who confirmed that she was being filmed. Lee was arrested and his device seized. Story continues The prosecution sought four to six weeks jail for Lee, who said in mitigation that his parents, including a sick mother, were waiting for him to return home. The unrepresented man said that he had a mortgage of more than 30 years to pay off and asked for leniency. For insulting the modesty of a woman, Lee could have been jailed up to one year and fined. For criminal trespass, he could have been jailed up to three months, or fined up to $1,500. Other Singapore stories MP Louis Ng: I will continue pushing for allowing cats in HDB flats $18.8m lost to China officials impersonation scams in Jan-Nov 2019: Shanmugam U ncertainty gripped the London markets today after Iran launched missile strikes against US forces in retaliation for General Qasem Soleimanis assassination last week. Investors were in risk-off mode and scrambled for gold miners and solid dividend-paying stocks. Oil prices were on the rise, with Brent crude up 1% to $69 per barrel, as the world waits to see a US response to the attacks by Iran. Traders believe Brent could hit $80 per barrel if the attacks escalate further, while the Saudis are understood to be worried that their oil facilities could be targeted by the Iranians. Safe-haven assets were the number one priority and the yield on 10-year US treasuries was down three basis points to 1.7899%. Gold prices hit a seven-year high, rising 2.2% to $1600 per ounce. The FTSE 100 was off 35.65 points to 7538.20 in morning trading. Long-haul airlines were being sold following the missile attacks, which has resulted in Dubai airlines Emirates and flydubai cancelling flights to Baghdad. British Airways, owned by International Consolidated Airlines, said it was monitoring the situation. The company said: We are in constant contact with our partners around the world to assess the security of our routes, and will always take action where appropriate. We would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so. The US aviation regulator banned American airlines from flying over Iraq, Iran and neighbouring countries. The ban includes the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Separately, three British nationals were on board the Ukrainian plane that crashed in Iran leaving no survivors. IAG shares were down 7.6p to 609p. Another notable faller was British Land after Westminster City Council planning committee refused plans for an 18-storey tower in Paddington. Londons authority planning officers claimed the height, size and design of the British Land-backed Five Kingdom Street scheme would harm the character and appearance of this part of the city. British Land said it was disappointed with Westminsters decision but it would not confirm whether it would appeal or go back to the drawing board. Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth on Wednesday pledged one million dollars towards relief efforts for the bushfire ravaged regions in Australia. In a short Instagram video, the 36-year-old Aussie native updated followers that with the weather continuing to remain dry, the fires continue to burn and inflict massive damage. He then pledged a million dollars towards disaster relief and urged people to donate money to the several charity links he posted on his profile bio. Hemsworth captioned the post: "Hi everyone. Like you, I want to support the fight against the bushfires here in Australia. My family and I are contributing a million dollars. Hopefully, you guys can chip in too. Every penny counts so whatever you can muster up is greatly appreciated. "In my bio, I've added links to support the firefighters, organisations and charities who are working flat out to provide support and relief during this devastating and challenging time. Beyond appreciative to everyone around the world for their well wishes and donations. It really does make a difference, so dig deep! Love ya." Celebrities and fans welcomed the 'Star Trek' actor's gesture with appreciative comments on his post. The Australian Red Cross too expressed its gratitude towards Hemsworth's kind gesture. "We are blown away by your support. We cannot thank you enough @chrishemsworth !" the organisation responded. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Accomplished sanctions and counter-terrorism professional to drive ACAMS outreach with governments and private sector globally The Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) will further amplify its global sanctions outreach work with the appointment of seasoned sanctions and financial integrity executive Dr. Justine Walker as Head of Global Sanctions and Risk, a newly created position at the organization. Dr. Walker was previously the Director of Sanctions Policy at UK Finance; her role at ACAMS is effective January 8, 2020. The appointment comes soon after the launch of a global sanctions certification Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) ACAMS' first new exam-based certification since the industry gold-standard CAMS was launched 16 years ago. ACAMS will leverage Walker's considerable knowledge and international reputation as a global specialist in economic sanctions to lead and inspire critical industry and public-sector relationships, including engagement with key international bodies and think tanks. ACAMS currently has more than 75,000 members present in more than 175 countries. "Justine joins ACAMS at an inflection point as global sanctions programs and regimes demand a heightened awareness and focus on new policies and geopolitical challenges," said Rohit Sharma, CAMS, president and managing director of ACAMS. "As a leading subject matter specialist on global sanctions implementation, she brings tremendous value and expertise to our global community of anti-financial crime professionals and will help forge strong public-private partnerships that have the ability to shape the industry." The former chair of the European Banking Federation Sanctions Expert Group, a position she held from 2015 until December 2019, Walker has held specialist policy positions in the United Kingdom at the Financial Services Authority and the Treasury's Counter Terrorist and Proliferation Financing Branch. She has further acted as an International Monetary Fund advisor on the Nigerian anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing capacity building program. Formerly based in Central Asia with the United Nations, she has also worked on programs surrounding weapons and drug trafficking, corruption and terrorist financing, and has served as a national expert on the financing of weapons of mass destruction matters. Walker was nominated for the 'Outstanding Female Professional' category of the Tackling Economic Crime Awards 2019 Walker holds a Ph.D. from the University of St. Andrews and an M.Sc. from the University of Edinburgh. About the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) ACAMS is a member of Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE), a leading workforce solutions provider headquartered in the United States. ACAMS is the largest international membership organization dedicated to enhancing the knowledge and skills of anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime professionals from a wide range of industries. Its CAMS certification is the most widely recognized AML certification among compliance professionals worldwide. Its new Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) certification commences in January 2020 and study materials are available from October 2019. Visit acams.org for more information. About Adtalem Global Education The purpose of Adtalem Global Education is to empower students to achieve their goals, find success, and make inspiring contributions to our global community. Adtalem Global Education Inc. (NYSE: ATGE; member S&P MidCap 400 Index) is a leading workforce solutions provider and the parent organization of Adtalem Educacional do Brasil (IBMEC, Damasio and Wyden institutions), American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists, Becker Professional Education, Chamberlain University, EduPristine, OnCourse Learning, Ross University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. For more information, please visit adtalem.com and follow us on Twitter (@adtalemglobal) and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005575/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Lashvinder Kaur lkaur@acams.org +44 7388 264478 Impossible Foods made huge waves in the food industry when it came up with a way of isolating and using "heme" molecules from plants to mimic the blood found in animal meat (also comprised of heme), bringing a new depth of flavor to its vegetarian burger. This week at CES, the company is presenting the next act in its mission to get the average consumer to switch to more sustainable, plant-based proteins: it unveiled its version of pork -- specifically ground pork, which will be sold as a basic building block for cooking as well as in sausage form. It's a critical step, given that pork is the most-eaten animal product in the world. Impossible has set up shop in CES's outdoor area, situated near a line of food trucks, and it will be cooking food for whoever wants to come by. (I tasted a selection of items made from the new product -- a steamed bun, a meatball, some noodles and a lettuce wrap -- and the resemblance is uncanny, and not bad at all.) And after today, the new product will be making its way to select Burger King restaurants in the U.S. before appearing elsewhere. It may sound a little far-fetched to see a food startup exhibiting and launching new products at a consumer electronics show, attended by 200,000 visitors who will likely be outnumbered by the number of TVs, computers, phones and other electronic devices on display. Indeed, Impossible is the only food exhibitor this year. But if you ask Pat Brown, the CEO and founder of Impossible Foods (pictured right, at the sunny CES stand in the cold wearing a hat), the company is in precisely the right place. "To me its very natural to be at CES," he said in an interview this week at the show. "The food system is the most important technology on earth. It is absolutely a technology, and an incredibly important one, even if it doesnt get recognised as such. The use of animals as a food technology is the most destructive on earth. And when Impossible was founded, it was to address that issue. We recognised it as a technology problem." Story continues That is also how Impossible has positioned itself as a startup. Its emergence (it was founded 2011) dovetailed with an interesting shift in the world of tech. The number of startups were booming, fueled by VC money and a boom in smartphones and broadband. At the same time, we were starting to see a new kind of startup emerging built on technology but disrupting a wide range of areas not traditionally associated with technology. Technology VCs, looking for more opportunities (and needing to invest increasingly larger funds), were opening themselves up to consider more of the latter opportunities. Impossible has seized the moment. It has raised around $777 million to date from a list of investors more commonly associated with tech companies -- they include Khosla, Temasek, Horizons Ventures, GV and a host of celebrities -- and Impossible is now estimated to be valued at around $4 billion. Brown told me it is currently more than doubling revenues annually. With his roots in academia, the idea of Brown (who has also done groundbreaking work in HIV research) founding and running a business is perhaps as left-field a development as a food company making the leap from commodity or packaged goods business to tech. Before Impossible, Brown said that he had "zero interest" in becoming an entrepreneur: the bug that has bitten so many others at Stanford (where he was working prior to founding Impossible) had not bitten him. "I had an awesome job where I followed my curiosity, working on problems that I found interesting and important with great colleagues," he said. That changed when he began to realise the scale of the problem resulting from the meat industry, which has led to a well-catalogued list of health, economic and environmental impacts (including increased greenhouse gas emissions and the removal of natural ecosystems to make way for farming land. "It is the most important and consequential issue for the future of the world, and so the solution has to be market-based," he said. "The only way we can replace themes that are this destructive is by coming up with a better technology and competing." Pork is a necessary step in that strategy to compete. America, it seems, is all about beef and chicken when it comes to eating animals. But pigs and pork take the cake when you consider meat consumption globally, accounting for 38% of all meat production, with 47 pigs killed on average every second of every day. Asia, and specifically China, figure strongly in that demand. Consumption of pork in China has increased 140% since 1990, Impossible notes. Pigs' collective footprint in the world is also huge: there are 1.44 billion of them, and their collective biomass totals 175 billion kg, twice as much as the biomass of all wild terrestrial vertebrates, Impossible says. Whether Impossible's version of pork will be enough or just an incremental step is another question. Ground meat is not the same as creating structured proteins that mimic the whole-cuts that are common (probably more common) when it comes to how pork is typically cooked (ditto for chicken and beef and other meats). That might likely require more capital and time to develop. For now, Impossible is focused on building out its business on its own steam: It's not entertaining any thoughts of selling up, or even of licensing out its IP for isolating and using soy leghemoglobin -- the essential "blood" that sets its veggie proteins apart from other things on the market. (I think of licensing out that IP as the equivalent of how a tech company might white label or create APIs for third parties to integrate its cool stuff into their services.) That means there will be inevitable questions down the line about how Impossible will capitalise to meet demand for its products. Brown said that for now there are no plans for IPOs or to raise more externally, but pointed out that it would have no problem doing either. Indeed, the company has built up an impressive bench of executives and other talent to meet those future scenarios. Earlier this year, Impossible hired Dennis Woodside -- the former Dropbox, Google and Motorola star-- as its first president. And its CFO, David Lee, joined from Zynga back in 2015, with a stint also in the mass-market food industry, having been at Del Monte prior to that. Lee told me that the company has essentially been running itself as a public company internally in preparation for a time when it might follow in the footsteps of its biggest competitor, Beyond Meat, and go public. "From a tech standpoint Im absolutely confident that we can outperform what we get from animals in affordability, nutrition and deliciousness," said Brown. "This entire industry is most destructive by far and has major responsibility in terms of climate and biodiversity, but it is going to be history and we are going to replace it." TEHRAN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- All the passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 737 Ukranian passenger plane that crashed near Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) on Wednesday morning are confirmed dead, official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported. Ali Kashani, the spokesman for the IKA, told IRNA that the flight PS-752 was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members when it crashed in Parand district, southern Tehran. Ealier reports said that 180 people were on board. The plane belonged to the Ukrainian UIA Airlines. It was bound for Kiev and crashed several minutes after taking off, according to IRNA. Montana Khaledi, the spokesman for Iran's Aviation Organization, said that the crash was likely caused by technical failure. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is ready to proceed with an impeachment proceeding as soon as Nancy Pelosi decides to refer the impeachment articles to the Senate. McConnells plan is to proceed in stages. First, the prosecution and the defense will make their presentations. Then, they will answer written questions from Senators. After that, if a party wants to call witnesses, the Senate will vote on whether to allow it. According to the Washington Post, all 53 Republican members of the Senate are on board with this procedure. Thus, thats how things will proceed once Pelosi sends up the impeachment articles. I hope that after the initial presentations, the votes will be there to dismiss the articles of impeachment on the grounds that the case presented by the prosecution, even if one assumes all of the facts asserted therein to be true, doesnt meet the constitutional standard for impeaching a president. If that happens, the Senate wont get to witnesses. Right now, the focus when it comes to witnesses is on John Bolton. He says he will testify if subpoenaed by the Senate. Democrats expect Bolton to testify that he understood the Trump administration to be withholding military aid from Ukraine in order to pressure the Ukrainians to investigate the Bidens, and that Bolton was unhappy, and maybe alarmed, about this. Their expectation is reasonable. It didnt take someone of Boltons intelligence to figure out that this is what Trump was doing. And as a supporter of Ukraines quest to combat Russian aggression, Bolton naturally would have been unhappy and perhaps alarmed. Indeed, Boltons former aides have already testified that their boss viewed Trumps Ukraine gambit as, metaphorically, a drug deal. In addition, Gordon Sondland, who was talking to Trump, understood that the president was conditioning aid to Ukraine on the announcement by that government of an investigation of the Bidens. In legal terms, Boltons testimony, as described above, would be cumulative, and thus unnecessary. The record, for those who are willing to examine it with an open mind, fully supports the inference that Trump tried to leverage a White House meeting and military aid to pressure the Ukrainian president to investigate the Bidens. Its almost impossible reasonably to conclude anything else. Its true that theres no smoking gun (nor is any required). But theres no reason to believe that Bolton will reveal one. It was Gordon Sondland, not Bolton, who was communicating with Trump about this matter. Why, then, are the Democrats so insistent on having Bolton (and others) testify? Because the testimony by previous witnesses failed to move the needle. Having the high-profile Bolton say the same kinds of things that Fiona Hill (his aide) and Gordon Sondland said, and having him say it in the well of the Senate, wont bolster the case as a matter of law, but it might help as a matter of showmanship. And that, after all, is what this impeachment is a show. The Democrats have no hope of removing Trump. They just want to score points against him and take down a Senator or two from a purple state who votes against removal. McConnell should run the Senate proceeding with the goal of blocking these objectives. To the degree feasible, I believe he will. Advertisement It's not as glitzy a show as the Golden Globes that brought out the Hollywood A-list in Los Angeles on Sunday night. But nevertheless, the New York Film Critics Circle did welcome a string of stars that it planned to honor at its annual awards gala in New York City Tuesday and since the organization revealed its list of winners last month, it made for a relaxed evening. Laura Dern and Reese Witherspoon brought glamour to the event held at TAO Downtown where other attendees included Quentin Tarantino, Brad Pitt, Martin Scorsese, Joe Pesci, Adam Sandler and Lupita Nyong'o. Red carpet: Laura Dern and Reese Witherspoon brought glamour to the New York Film Critics Circle annual awards gala on Tuesday night Dern, 52, who won a supporting actress Golden Globe for Marriage Story was honored in the same category by the NYFCC who recognized her work both in the Noah Baumbach film as well as Little Women. Wearing Tom Ford, she opted for a black ensemble of low-cut blouse and tailored trousers along with a long overcoat and silver scarf. She let her long blonde hair loose and accessorized with a pendant necklace along with emerald earrings and an emerald bracelet. She posed for photos with Witherspoon, her co-star in HBO's Big Little Lies and the movie Wild and who was no doubt set to present her with her award. Witherspoon, 43, opted for a striking monochrome dress that featured white floral motifs on a black background. She stepped out in cream heels with black ankle straps and dazzling jewelry from Chopard, including diamond-and-emerald hoop earrings and two stunning rings. Striking: Witherspoon, 43, opted for a monochrome dress featuring white floral motifs on a black background. She added cream heels with black ankle straps and silver hoop earrings Will take home a trophy: The NYFCC released its list of winners last month and Dern, 52, won supporting actress for Marriage Story and Little Women Stylish: Wearing Tom Ford, Dern opted for a black ensemble of blouse and tailored trousers with a long overcoat and silver scarf. She accessorized with a pendant necklace and emerald earrings and bracelet Friends: Dern and Witherspoon starred together in HBO's Big Little Lies and the movie Wild and the Legally Blonde star was on hand to present Dern with her award Nyong'o brought a splash of color to proceedings with a neon green gown. The pleated dress was sleeveless and cinched at the waist and the actress, 36, piled her hair high on top of her head. Nyong'o was the NYFCC's best actress award winner for her role in Jordan Peele's Us. The Critics Circle's best actor winner was Antonio Banderas for Pedro Almodovar's Spanish drama Pain And Glory. Banderas, 59, looking dapper in a dark two-piece suit and open-neck white shirt, arrived at the event with girlfriend Nicole Kimpel on his arm. Eye-catching: Best actress winner Lupita Nyong'o, 36, showed up in a neon green pleated gown that was cinched at the waist. She was honored for her role in Jordan Peele's Us Looking good: Nyong'o was joined at the awards gala by her Us co-star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, 33, who was turned heads with his geometrically patterned ensemble Date night: The Critics Circle's best actor winner was Antonio Banderas for Pedro Almodovar's Spanish drama Pain And Glory. Banderas, 59, arrived with girlfriend Nicole Kimpel on his arm Pals: Joe Pesci and Martin Scorsese represented Netflix's The Irishman. Pesci won best supporting actor for the mob drama directed by Scorsese which was named best picture The top honor of the night - best picture - was awarded to Netflix's The Irishman that was directed by Martin Scorsese. The legendary filmmaker attended the gala, posing for photos with Joe Pesci who won the best supporting actor award for his role in the mob drama. Adam Sandler, accompanied by wife Jackie, was on hand to honor the directors of his movie Uncut Gems, brothers Benny and Josh Safdie, who shared the best director award. Sandler, 53, wore a black suit paired with a white shirt and striped silk tie while his wife, 45, flashed cleavage thanks to her silky black blouse that fell open to reveal her black bra. Sleek: Sandler, 53, wore a black suit paired with white shirt and striped tie while wife Jackie, 45, flashed cleavage thanks to her silky black blouse that fell open to reveal her black bra Collaborators: The couple attended the awards gala to honor the directors of Sandler's movie Uncut Gems, brothers Benny and Josh Safdie who shared the best director award Luminaries: Director Spike Lee, 62, was on the guest list as was actress Tiffany Haddish, 40, who showcased her curves in a silky low-cut blouse and knee-length skirt with statement belt Winner: Quentin Tarantino picked up the prize for best screenplay for Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, having won the same award at the Golden Globes two days ago Helmer: Also walking the red carpet was South Korean screenwriter and director Bong Joon-ho, the winner of best foreign language film for Parasite On the guest list: New York residents Alec Baldwin, 61, and wife Hilaria, 36, showed up for the event held at TAO Downtown Comedy pros: Samantha Bee, 50, and Jason Jones, 46, went for a relaxed look for their evening out Quentin Tarantino picked up the prize for best screenplay for Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, having won the same award at the Golden Globes two days ago. The filmmaker was joined at the swanky event by Brad Pitt, who won a Golden Globe for his supporting role in the movie. Also walking the red carpet was South Korean screenwriter and director Bong Joon-ho, the winner of best foreign language film for Parasite. Other guests included Spike Lee, Tiffany Haddish, Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, and Samantha Bee and Jason Jones. A-lister: Brad Pitt was seen arriving at the venue in a natty gray suit with gray overcoat and shiny gray shoes. He was there to honor his Once Upon A Time In Hollywood director Tarantino Another awards show: Pesci and Scorsese chatted away as they reunited on the red carpet New Yorkers: Pesci and Scorsese got their picture taken with Lee Heartfelt: Dern seemed a little overcome with emotion as Witherspoon paid tribute to her on stage Gave remarks: Ben Stiller also made a surprise appearance on stage Surprise: Robert De Niro skipped the red carpet but popped up on stage with Pesci and Scorsese Things to say: Baldwin had a role to play at the event as did Steve Buscemi Honored: Nyong'o delivered her thanks after being presented with her award Star power: The celebrities had to run the gamut of autograph seekers as the headed into the event Gracious: Banderas also paused for a few moments to greet fans Famous face: Witherspoon made her way through the crowd with the help of security personnel Handsome: Brad was seen leaving the A-list event Dapper: He bundled up in a long grey coat Friendly to fans: She signed autographs including a Mr. And Mrs. Smith poster Gorgeous in green: Lupita looked absolutely fantastic Out and about: Ethan Hawke donned plenty of blue Warming up: Joe Pesci sported a long beige coat The Carlos Ghosn drama continues to build. Now, the International Criminal Police Organization, otherwise known as Interpol, has issued a global wanted notice for the former Nissan CEO, who skipped bail in Japan and escaped to Lebanon, reports say. Interpol issued what is known as a Red Notice, which alerts police around the world about internationally wanted fugitives. The Red Notice comes accompanied with a request to locate and provisionally capture a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action. Lebanons justice minister Albert Serhan confirmed that he had received a Red Notice for Ghosn on Thursday. However, the notice is not considered an arrest warrant, and does not compel Lebanon to make an arrest. Likewise, Lebanon doesnt have an extradition treaty with Japan, the country where Ghosn has a pending case. While Lebanese police may bring Ghosn in for questioning, legal experts say its unlikely that he will be handed over to Japanese authorities. Lebanon officials say that Ghosn did not violate any entry laws, and came into the country on a legal passport and Lebanese identification documents, so legally speaking, the country has no reason to take action against him. Ghosn managed to release a statement after his daring escape, claiming that his Lebanese wife and family knew nothing of his plans to flee his Japanese captors. The allegations in the media that my wife Carole and other members of my family played a role in my departure from Japan are false and misleading, he said. I alone organized my departure. My family played no role. nissannews.com Ghosn, who hails from Lebanon and holds French and Brazilian passports, was scheduled to go on trial in Japan in April. How he escaped Japan remains a mystery, although previous reports of him concealing himself inside a music instrument case have been debunked. Nissan Motor Corp. issued a statement calling Carlos Ghosns escape extremely regrettable. Below is Nissans statement in full: Story continues As stated by the public prosecutors office, former chairman Carlos Ghosns escape to the Lebanese Republic without the courts permission in violation of his bail conditions is an act that defies Japans judicial system. Nissan finds it extremely regrettable. Nissan discovered numerous acts of misconduct by Ghosn through a robust, thorough internal investigation. The company determined that he was not fit to serve as an executive, and removed him from all offices. The internal investigation found incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn, including misstatement of his compensation and misappropriation of the companys assets for his personal benefit. The consequences of Ghosns misconduct have been significant. In addition to his prosecution in Japan, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission concluded that Ghosns conduct, including his schemes to underreport his compensation, was fraudulent. Investigations in France concerning possible misconduct are still ongoing. Nissan will continue to do the right thing by cooperating with judicial and regulatory authorities wherever necessary. Ghosns flight will not affect Nissans basic policy of holding him responsible for the serious misconduct uncovered by the internal investigation. The company will continue to take appropriate legal action to hold Ghosn accountable for the harm that his misconduct has caused to Nissan. nissannews.com Also read: The post Interpol Issues Wanted Notice for Ghosn after Fleeing Japan appeared first on Carmudi Philippines. It has been widely reported that virtually every recent stabbing and attack on Jews in the New York metropolitan area has been perpetrated by someone who is black, Latino, or sympathizes with jihad. It is time for leaders of those communities to face-up to the anti-Semitism within their midst. Its time for truth telling. Perpetrators must be punished by legal authorities and shunned in their communities. New Yorks Leftist politicians speak about anti-Semitism, but are not using anywhere near the force of law to bring these perpetrators to justice. In fact, were hearing that last weeks attackers against Jews have already been released, due to New York States ridiculous new bail reform law and are back on the streets committing more attacks against Jews. Theres talk about protecting Brooklyns Jewish community with police cars, but hardly any talk of punishing those who roam Brooklyns streets looking for Jews. Much of the hatred against Jewish people is being fueled by jihadist talk, and yet, because of political correctness, authorities are not doing the pre-reconnaissance that common sense dictates. They call it profiling. Under Manhattans leftist mayor and City Council, the sensitivities of the Muslim community hold a higher importance than protecting Jewish lives. Weve heard the evasive platitudes about extremism, intolerance, and hate, but what we are witnessing in these attacks is raw Jew-hatred. New Yorks leftist politicians want us to believe this is coming from a climate of extremism and white supremacists, but in the metro area the anti-Semitism is being fomented within the minority communities. During an interview on Fox and Friends, I asked Rev. Alvedea King, Martin Luther Kings niece, if African American leaders would begin addressing the anti-Semitic attitudes among some in the Black community. It would be helpful. YouTube screen grab She seemed to ignore and whitewash the whole issue, saying that love of humanity will solve the problem. I found the response unrealistic and disappointing especially in light of how much energy the Jewish community put into the Civil Rights movement. In fact, in my view, the daily attacks on Jews in the streets, subways, and institutions in the NYC metro area is now the civil rights issue of our era. Here is an astonishing fact: In our lifetime, at least for those under 70, no minority has been attacked as many times in major American cities as have Jews been these past two years. The major Jewish organizations have failed the Jewish community by not calling out or pressuring the minority communities responsible for these attacks. They are wedded to leftist cliches and goals and, even now, routinely choose to be simpatico with minority communities over the safety of Jewish individuals. Perhaps that is why the politicians act the way they do. They cant be expected to be more concerned about the Jews than the Jewish organizations. They did organize a rally Sunday in New York City, but the headline had no reference to anti-Semitism. The Jewish organizers, UJA Federation and the ADL, entitled it No Hate, No Fear. But, no hate can refer to no hate against anybody. Jews need to stop universalizing everything, including the Holocaust, and speak with outrage against anti-Semitism itself. Speakers spoke about how anti-Semitism is a portent for other forms of hate. In contrast, no one ever denounced racism against Blacks only because it could lead to hate against other groups as well. The insecurity of Jewish spokesmen is pathetic and frightening. Im certainly glad there was a rally. However, its failure to specify Jew-hatred and denounce it as a stand-alone evil reminded many of the Pelosi Resolutions refusal to condemn anti-Semitism per se, and its insistence that anti-Semitism be mentioned only if Islamophobia was equally mentioned, notwithstanding that it was an Islamist whose anti- Jewish remarks sparked the whole controversy. Unfortunately, the Democrat Party knows the Jewish community will remain an enthusiastic constituency even though the Party is silent while anti-Semitism grows within its midst, as seen with Omar, Tlaib, Ocasio-Cortez and other outspoken members of their caucuses. The whole world watches as the American Jewish Community relinquishes its own self-interest and leverage in service to its undying infatuation with leftism and the Democrat Party. During the Holocaust years Stephen Weiss and other Jewish establishment leaders would not spotlight the Jewish Holocaust aspect of WW II out of fear of upsetting President Roosevelt and jeopardizing their power and position in the Democrat party. The Democrat party does not want to hear of the anti-Semitism among many of its members, nor do many of the Black and Muslim leaders, and the establishment Jewish groups are dutifully complying. The rally in New York City had the effect of sanitizing everybody and rescuing the New York Democrat politicians who have been shamefully cowardly and silent. Indeed, many of the policies of the mainstream progressive/leftist Jewish organizations are militating against solving this crisis: they have been backers of open borders; they have been against necessary vetting of those coming from Muslim countries; they are against what they call profiling; they are for bail reform leading to immediate release of suspects; they are the first to call racist anyone who asks the minority communities to begin fighting the anti-Semitism in their midst, and they are for a virtual ban on guns that could protect people from attacks. The time for feel-good dialogue is over. The time for Federations buying our safety must end; placating in exchange for peace is over. IN with what we need and deserve; Out with the sociology. The Jewish community deserves reciprocity. And, the Jewish organizations must stop prioritizing the sensitivities of minorities and their leaders over the lives and safety of the Jewish people. People ask: why is there not a resounding outcry over the daily violence against Jews as there would be if the targets were black, Muslim, or LGBTQ? The answer is that the high-profile mainstream Jewish organizations that often spearhead public outcries when minorities are attacked are far less angered and aroused when similar attacks happen against Jews if the perpetrators are from minority groups. If these attackers in the NYC metro area had been white or Christian, the establishment Jewish organizations and political leaders definitely would be howling and using the opportunity to condemn America and its way of life. American Jews need to learn from the Israelis the importance of self-defense. Self-defense is a religious obligation as much as is putting on tefillin. In communities with hundreds of thousands of Jews, where many are healthy young men, we should be able to protect ourselves from marauders coming into the neighborhoods wherein we constitute a vast majority. Im thankful to Curtis Sliwa and his Guardian Angels for patrolling Jewish neighborhoods, but doesnt it seem embarrassing that our thousands of young men are not out there, with the blessings of their elders and rabbis, visibly protecting their neighborhoods and families? You bet the Italians and Irish would be doing so proudly. The ethic of protecting ones family must become a central part of our Jewish way of life. Rabbi Aryeh Spero is spokesman for Conference of Jewish Affairs, author of Push Back and of Why Israel Matters to You, president of Caucus for America, and a frequent guest on Fox News. Three Americans were killed during an attack on a Kenyan military base on Jan. 5, one of which was man from a Tucson, Arizona, according to multiple reports. As reported by KOLD 13, Dustin Harrison was killed when al-Shabab extremists forced their way into a Kenyan military base that was used by the U.S. counter terror forces. During the attack, several U.S. aircraft and vehicles were destroyed. According to the news outlet, Harrison was a pilot working as a contractor for the Department of Defense. Spc. Henry Mayfield Jr., who was a 23-year-old resident from Chicago, also died during the attack. A second contractor was among the decreased, but he was not identified. Five of the attackers were also killed during the incident. Hope Harrison, Dustin Harrisons wife, confirmed the death of her husband on Monday, asking for privacy. She told KOLD 13 that she will be meeting with a coworker to learn more about the incident. She also said that she and her daughter will be flying to an Air Force base in order to bring back Harrisons body. In a Facebook post, Hope Harrison wrote about her husbands death. Received the heart wrenching call this evening that my beautiful husband was one of the casualties from the terrorist that took place early this morning. My world is completely a nightmare at the moment. My worst fear is now my reality. The pain is unbearable. Please keep myself and our family in your prayers, she wrote. She added on Tuesday that her husband has been returned to the United States, writing: My husbands remains were returned to U.S. soil at 2:45 a.m. It was the most dignified, honorable, and heart crushing transfer. We blew you kisses babe. My beautiful angel, my beloved husband Im so lost without you. According to The Associated Press, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack involved indirect and small arms fire. After an initial penetration of the perimeter, Kenya Defense Forces and U.S. Africa Command repelled the al-Shabab attack, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Africa Command. The 10-hour attack resulted in the death of 17 American and nine Kenyan soldiers, the statement said. Seven aircraft were also destroyed. Frontotemporal dementia describes a range of conditions that damage the frontal lobes. [Photo: Getty] Reading, jogging and spending time with friends could ward off frontotemporal dementia (FD), research suggests. FD is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that damage the frontal lobes. Found behind the forehead, these regulate behaviour, problem-solving, emotions and speech, according to the Alzheimers Society. READ MORE: Can coffee actually reduce dementia risk? Around 40% of FTD patients have a family history of the disease, with specific genetic mutations driving its onset in roughly half of these cases. To uncover if lifestyle habits could help, a team from the University of California, San Fransisco, looked at 105 people with mutations linked to FTD. They found the most active participants had declined 55% slower than their sedentary counterparts one-to-two years later. Those who kept mentally fit also performed twice as well as on cognitive tests. This is devastating disease without good medical treatments, but our results suggest even people with a genetic predisposition for FTD can still take actions to increase their chances of living a long and productive life, study author Dr Kaitlin Casaletto said. Their fate may not be set in stone. Research suggests exercise and cognitive fitness may slow or even prevent Alzheimers, however, less was known about how lifestyle habits influence FTDs onset. In the UK, at least 16,000 people live with FTD, Alzheimers Society statistics show. The disease affects between 50,000 and 60,000 people in the US, according to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. READ MORE: Dementia is the top public health crisis There's incredible variability in FTD, even among people with the same genetic mutations driving their disease, Dr Casaletto said. Some people are just more resilient than others for reasons we still don't understand. Our hypothesis was the activities people engage in each day of their lives may contribute to the very different trajectories we see in clinic, including when the disease develops and how it progresses. Story continues To get to the bottom of this, the scientists looked at patients who were genetically at risk of FTD but showing no symptoms or just mild signs of the disease. The participants had MRI scans to measure their extent of brain degeneration, while also completing tests on memory and thinking. They also reported on their daily physical and cognitive activities, like reading or socialising. Just one-to-two years later, the scientists saw noticeable difference in the speed and severity of FTD between the most and least physically and cognitively active participants. The participants relatives were asked about their functionality, including their ability to bathe themselves and manage their finances. READ MORE: Video of man with dementia riding 'a wave one last time' goes viral Results, published in the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia, suggest the most active 25% declined 55% slower than the least active 5%. This was a remarkable effect to see so early on, Dr Casaletto said. If this were a drug, we would be giving it to all of our patients. Scans revealed lifestyle habits did not have a significant impact on the degeneration of brain tissue, but still warded off symptoms. We've seen such significant effects in just the first year or two in people with very mild disease, Dr Casaletto said. If these results hold, we may see an active lifestyle sets individuals on a different trajectory for the coming years. Future trials aim to assess exercise levels more accurately, such as via a Fitbit. It is possible some participants have less active lifestyles because they have a more severe or aggressive form of FTD, which is already impacting their ability to be active, Dr Casaletto said. Clinical trials that manipulate cognitive and physical activity levels in people with FTD mutations are needed to prove lifestyle changes can alter the course of the disease. The scientists then hope to uncover how exercise and cognitive fitness wards off this form of dementia. Is that biological effect something we could replicate pharmacologically to help slow the progression of this terrible disease for everyone?, Dr Casaletto said. Psst! Dont let my editor read this! Im a national education reporter, and Im about to make a case that educators should care deeply about their local media. You could be forgiven if you think all of the important news is happening on the national level lately. If you have a news app on your smartphone, youve likely had few mornings over the last several years when you didnt wake up to a screen of alerts about big, national stories happening in Washington: scandals, investigations, bombastic tweets from the president. Its easy to get caught up in it. These peoplewho are hundreds or thousands of miles away from many of usare holding the future of our democracy in their hands. And we are all trying to keep up. But Im here to tell you our nations future is also being written in rooms that are often not covered at all: classrooms, school board meeting rooms, principals offices, and state capitols where lawmakers hammer out the details of education spending that affect millions of children. The people who should be in these roomsthe education reporters and statehouse reporters who toil away at local papers, connecting threads of ideas to give readers context and clarityare dwindling in numbers. Education and journalism are both crucial to democracy, and they need each other. The public, increasingly prone to surfing between isolated stories on social media and less loyal to particular news outlets, may not understand just how urgent the erosion of local news has become. In 2018, U.S. newspaper circulation reached its lowest level since 1940, according to an annual Pew Research Center report released last summer. Weekday newspaper circulationin print and digitalwas an estimated 28.6 million, down 8 percent from the previous year. Employment of journalists at U.S. newspapers dropped by 47 percent from 2008 to 2018, Pew found. Where there were once 71,000 photographers, editors, commentators, and reporters, there are now only 38,000. Education journalists are most likely to work at newspapers, the Education Writers Association has found. But they also work at specialized online outlets, radio stations, and, rarely, local TV stations. Reporters on other beats also play a crucial role in holding schools accountable. They include investigative reporters, statehouse reporters, and journalists who cover issues like crime and public health. The number of newsroom employees at U.S. newspapers dropped by 47% between 2008 and 2018. Theres little national data that show the deterioration of those specific beats in local newsrooms over time. But, in a 2016 survey of education reporters conducted by the EdWeek Research Center on behalf of the Education Writers Association, 65 percent of respondents said they had too much on their plates to do in-depth reporting projects. Among the subjects they identified as the most severely undercovered: inequality. Thirty-two percent said the size of their outlets staff had declined in the last two years. Meanwhile, in Washington, there are so many reporters clamoring to cover the tensions between Congress and the White House that U.S. Capitol Police have fretted that theres not enough physical space in the hallways for all of those people to move about. What do we risk losing without education coverage at strong local news organizations? Here are a few examples. A 2016 investigation by Brian Rosenthal, then a reporter at the Houston Chronicle who now works at the New York Times, found that Texas state officials had arbitrarily capped special education enrollment , pressuring districts to identify no more than 8.5 percent of all students. As a result, thousands of students with disabilities didnt get the services they needed. His investigation resulted in widespread changes. The Chronicle recently followed up on that reporting, detailing the work that remains to be done to fix the problem. After a former student killed 17 people in the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., reporters for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel pieced together court documents, leaked education records, and district policies to determine what went wrong that day. State and local lawmakers have cited that work as they consider policies to make schools safer. Nevada Independent reporter Jackie Valley spent a whole year in classrooms at a Las Vegas elementary school to follow the complicated work of improving outcomes for its students, many from low-income families. Editor Jon Ralston praised the series as an unvarnished portrait of life at a school that struggles but that has surmounted so many obstacles because of the dedication of a remarkable principal, an indomitable staff, and resilient students. As school leaders navigate through new academic standards, changing federal policies, and growing challenges, its a valuable thing for the public to have such a window into their work. Theres plenty for educators to value in the work journalists do. States are wrestling to dole out limited education dollars, often relying on complicated, decades-old formulas that may be more familiar to the experienced reporters covering them than to brand new legislators. We need someone to pay attention to that. School boards channel massive amounts of local tax dollars and control the largest employers many cities have. We need someone to pay attention to that. Surveys show distrust of institutions , including public schools. And a new federal education law has led states and districts to change the way they define school success, how they teach students, and even how they treat students who struggle with absences. We need someone to pay attention to that. We need reporters to help their communities understand these changes. And we need them to be part of comprehensive newsrooms where they work with colleagues who cover crime, public health, and state government to paint a full picture of the issues that affect students. The specialized, national journalism we do at Education Week also matters, and we value the readers who value our work. Its important to look for trends across state and district lines, to ask skeptical questions about the big ideas that shape policy, and to cover the U.S. Department of Education through a tumultuous administration. But Im so grateful for my colleagues at local outlets across the country, and I hope you are, too. What can you do to support local education journalism? Subscribe to a paper or general interest news outlet, and commit to reading it. Journalism isnt merely struggling for a lack of readers; hedge-fund takeovers and a changing environment for advertising revenue have been massively destabilizing. But your local outlet wont get betteror sustain the work it is already doingif the community doesnt commit to it. Encourage your school and your district to let reporters into classrooms and see the hard work of teaching, warts and all, so they can help the public understand it, too. Its a common complaint that the news media focuses too much on school board politics, power struggles, and bad news. The best way to address that is to give them exposure to a more complete picture. But 33 percent of education reporters in the 2016 Education Writers Association survey said they find it difficult to access classrooms and campuses. And 23 percent said education leaders were uncooperative and hostile with them. Teach your students the value of journalism, how to read it critically , how to process complicated ideas, and how those ideas affect the experiences they have at school every day. The work they do in your classroom could inspire them to become citizens who live (and read) in a thoughtful, engaged manner. The future of journalismand of healthy, publicly accountable schoolsmay depend on it. Khamenei referred to Iran's missile strike on the US bases, saying that "they were slapped" on the face. Tehran, Jan 8 (IANS) Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday called on the US to pull its forces out of region, hours after Iran launched missile attacks on two US military bases in Iraq. However, "military operations of this kind is not enough," and "what is important is to put an end to the corruptive presence of the Americans in the region," he said, Xinhua news agency reported. He gave a speech in Iran's religious city of Qom that was broadcast live on state TV. Khamenei said that "Americans have brought war, sedition, destruction and division to the region". He said "our region and the nations of our region no longer accept the presence of Americans." On Wednesday, Khamenei highly praised "bravery" of General Qassem Soleimani in fighting what he called against the US and Israel "atrocities" vis-a-vis the regional nations. Soleimani, the former commander of Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), was assassinated in a US airstrike near Baghdad international airport on Friday. In the early hours of Wednesday, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched the heavy ballistic missile attacks on the Ain al-Asad base near the border with Syria and a US operated airbase in Erbil, reports the semi-official FARS News Agency. Ain al-Asad has a 4 km runway at 188m altitude from sea levels, which is the main and the largest US airbase in Iraq. All flights have been cancelled at Erbil airport. Iraq said the attacks have not taken any toll from its army men stationed at these two bases. Following the attack, the US army had blocked entrance into Ain al-Asad to everyone, including the Iraqi army. pgh/ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on January 8, after an Iranian missile strike on US-led forces in Iraq, that Israel would hit back hard against anyone who attacked his country. Netanyahu reiterated his praise for US President Donald Trump for the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani last week, calling it a bold move. The Israeli leader said Soleimani had tried to destabilise the region for decades and was "planning much worse." Without directly referencing Iran's missile strikes overnight, in what Tehran called retaliation for the general's death in Baghdad, Netanyahu said in a speech in Jerusalem that Israel stood beside the United States. "Whoever tries to attack us will be dealt the strongest blow," Netanyahu said, accusing Iran of leading a campaign to "strangle and destroy" Israel. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 16:05:36|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SEOUL, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in South Korea from industrial accidents fell last year to the lowest since relevant data began to be compiled in 1999, labor ministry data showed Wednesday. The number of workers who were killed at workplaces during working hours was 855 in 2019, down 116, or 11.9 percent, from the previous year, according to the Ministry of Employment and Labor. The number of industrial disaster-related deaths per 10,000 workers was estimated at 0.5 or lower, the ministry said. The construction industry, which reported the biggest number of industrial accidents, recorded the death toll from industrial disasters at 428 last year, down 57 from the previous year. The deaths from falling and collision in the construction sites declined by 25 and 19 each in the year. The number of deaths from industrial accidents in the manufacturing sector reduced 11 over the year to 206 in the cited year. The number of workers, who were killed in machinery fell by 9 last year. After peaking at 1,456 in 1999, the death toll from industrial disasters continued to fall to 955 in 2015 before rising to 971 in 2018. The government aimed to reduce the deaths from industrial accidents to below 600 by 2022. Tehran [Iran], Jan 8 (ANI): The strikes against US bases in Iraq were "successful" and a "slap on the face" of the United States, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday. In a televised address broadcast on Iranian state TV, Khamenei called on American troops to leave the region. "Military action like this is not sufficient. What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region," Khamenei was quoted by Al-Arabiya as saying while ruling out resumption of dialogue with the US over the 2015 nuclear deal. The Supreme Leader also said that the US was trying to remove Lebanon's Hezbollah group in its bid to help Israel. Early on Wednesday, Iran launched more than a dozen missiles on US targets in Iraq -- first at the Ain Al-Asad airbase in Anbar province and another one at Erbil, which falls in the Kurdistan region. The strikes came hours after the funeral of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, whose killing in a US air raid last week has intensified tensions in the Gulf region. Countries including the UK have condemned Iran's strikes and have urged Tehran to pursue urgent de-escalation. Several international airlines, including Singapore Airlines and Air France, have decided to avoid flying over the region, in view of the prevailing situation. (ANI) Pictured: Kent Mawhinney, who is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the Jennifer Dulos case Lawyer Kent Mawhinney allegedly dug a makeshift grave before the disappearance of Jennifer Dulos, his arrest warrant suggests. Mawhinney, 53, was arrested alongside Dulos' estranged husband Fotis Dulos and his girlfriend Michelle Troconis on Tuesday and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. The former civil attorney and 'close personal friend' of Dulos was taken into custody when a warrant was issued for his arrest following the mother's disappearance in Connecticut on May 24. It has now been alleged that around a week earlier, on May 18, members of the Windsor Rod & Gun Club in East Granby came across a hole two feet wide, six feet long and three feet deep in a restricted area of the grounds. Jay Lawlor said he uncovered an 'area of disturbed ground' while walking through woods with his friend Lee McKay during a hunting trip for his birthday. He described the hole - which was covered by 'two barbecue grill grates', small branches and leaves - as '100 per cent a human grave', the New York Post reported. Inside the ditch, Lawlor found a blue tarp and two unopened bags of lime. According to the warrant, Lawlor 'shrugged off' the strange find until he heard that Mawhinney was 'involved in that Dulos case'. He went back to the site in June and discovered the land was covered 'as neat as a pin'. Fotis Dulos (left) was arrested on Tuesday and charged with murder in Connecticut and Michelle Troconis (right) was charged with conspiracy to commit murder The family of Jennifer Dulos (above) expressed their gratitude for the arrests in a statement Mawhinney, who had founded the Windsor Rod & Gun Club but was no longer a member, allegedly asked a member about accessing the property, which is secured by fencing and a logging chain, in March and April. The warrant claims he was then told of a hidden key. Cellphone records are said to place the lawyer near the site of the hole on March 29 and May 31. Dulos, 52, and his ex-girlfriend Troconis, 45, were also arrested by Connecticut State Police on Tuesday. Multiple police cars descended on Dulos' luxury mansion in Farmington, Connecticut and took him into custody. Dulos, 52, is charged with murder, felony murder, and kidnapping. Troconis, 45, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder. The arrests come eight months after the disappearance of Jennifer Dulos, who was last seen alive dropping their five kids off at school in May, amid a contentious divorce and custody battle with her husband. Her body has never been found. Arrest warrants reviewed by DailyMail.com listed a wealth of physical evidence, including trash bags and zip ties with Jennifer's DNA. The warrants also reveal why investigators are convinced that Jennifer is dead including a complete lack of financial and cell phone activity following her disappearance, and extensive blood stains discovered in her Land Rover and home. In Mawhinney's arrest warrant, Jay Lawlor claims he and his friend came across a hole which was 'one hundred per cent a human grave' a week before Dulos' disappearance The warrants also say that Mawhinney's name appears on 'alibi scripts' written by Dulos and Troconis, detailing their activities on the day of Jennifer's disappearance. Asked by a reporter if he thought there was enough evidence to convict him, Dulos shook his head and smirked as he was being led from the state trooper barracks. At a press conference on Tuesday, Dulos' attorney Norm Pattis vehemently denied the charged against his client and vowed to mount a vigorous defense. 'We categorically deny that Mr Dulos had any involvement in the disappearance of his wife, and we defy the state to prove that she is actually dead,' he said. Pattis added of the evidence in the arrest warrant: 'If this is all the state's got we wonder why it bothered.' Dulos, 52, (left) is charged with murder, felony murder, and kidnapping. His girlfriend Michelle Troconis, 45, (right) is charged with conspiracy to commit murder Dulos was seen being driven away in the front seat of a police car after his arrest. State police say they usually transport prisoners in the front because their cars don't have cages Dulos and Troconis had previously been charged with evidence tampering and obstruction in Jennifer's disappearance. Dulos' criminal attorney has previously proposed that Mawhinney could provide an alibi that cleared him of wrongdoing. In the arrest warrants, investigators allege that: Four zip ties were found with Jennifer's DNA, suggesting she was held against her will before she died forming the basis of the kidnapping charge Trash bags, gloves and other items were recovered with DNA and fingerprints that matched Jennifer, Dulos and Troconis in various combinations Blood stains were found in Jennifer's home and on her Land Rover, in amounts that suggested she could not have survived without medical attention Jennifer's bank accounts and phone showed no activity after she disappeared the morning on May 24, and hospitals have no record of treating her Troconis said Dulos took her to a 'creepy area' to throw garbage in a dumpster Dulos and Troconis wrote out 'alibi lists' that detailed their movements on May 24 The alibi lists did not include the trip where the duo dropped trash around town Mawhinney's name appeared on alibi lists, and he gave conflicting statements Troconis initially claimed Mawhinney gave Dulos an alibi for the murder Dulos was $4.5 million dollars in debt and had maxed out several credit lines He was also fighting a $2.5 million lawsuit from Jennifer's wealthy mother Investigators say there may have been a financial motive for the alleged murder Police have insinuated in charging documents that Dulos and Troconis disposed of garbage bags containing traces of Jennifer's DNA the night that she disappeared. They deny wrongdoing in the case and Dulos' attorney vows to fight the murder charge. Mawhinney represented Fotis Dulos in the $2.5 million lawsuits filed by his mother-in-law. He was involved in his own contentious divorce at the same time as Dulos was. In August, Mawhinney was charged with violating the terms of a protective order by using Fotis Dulos to contact his own estranged wife in an attempt to arrange a meeting with her. Mawhinney's wife told police she believed Dulos was working with her estranged husband 'to get rid of her,' according an August arrest warrant. Dulos briefly met with Mawhinney's wife in West Hartford on May 19, according to the warrant, and then contacted her on May 20 and May 21 three days before Jennifer vanished. Mawhinney has previously declined to tell reporters whether he was at Dulos Farmington home on May 24, the day Jennifer was reported missing. Fotis Dulos (left) has previously been charged with evidence tampering in his ex-wife Jennifer's (right) disappearance. Now he is charged with murder after police said he killed her Fotis Dulos is led by police in Connecticut after being arrested in the murder of his wife Asked by a reporter if he thought there was enough evidence to convict him, Dulos shook his head and smirked as he was being led from the state trooper barracks Connecticut State Police officers lead Fotis Dulos, center, into a car outside the State Police barracks Tuesday in Bridgeport after he was arrested at his home in Farmington Female troopers lead Troconis out from processing followed by an investigator wearing a purple tie for domestic violence awareness Troconis is seen being led from the state trooper barracks in Bridgeport after processing A portion of the arrest warrant lists physical evidence gathered in the case On Tuesday, Mawhinney's attorney said that he had spoken with him that morning, but that he didn't know where his client was located. The attorney said he urges all of his clients to surrender when warrants are issued for their arrest. The family of Jennifer Dulos expressed their gratitude for the arrests in a statement released by close friend Carrie Luft. 'Above all we thank the Connecticut State Police and the New Canaan Police Department, as well as the assisting local departments, for their tireless commitment and diligent, painstaking work that have led to these arrests,' the family said. 'Although we are relieved that the wait for these charges is over, for us there is no sense of closure. Nothing can bring Jennifer back. We miss her every day and will forever mourn her loss,' the statement added. 'We believe the arrest warrants will speak for themselves, and we ask that you please respect our privacy during this time. Thank you,' the statement concluded. Connecticut State Police troopers effected the arrest of Dulos on Tuesday. The state police said that a press conference would be held at Troop G in Bridgeport later Tuesday afternoon. Video footage from WTIC-TV at Dulos' home shows him being led away by troopers with his hands cuffed behind his back. Police take Fotis Dulos into custody at his Connecticut home on Tuesday Aerial footage shows Dulos being taken into custody by Connecticut state troopers Dulos and Troconis are seen in mugshots from their June arrest on charges of evidence tampering. Police said they disposed of evidence with Jennifer's blood Blood evidence listed in the warrants tells of a trail of horror in her New Canaan home He was driven away in the front seat of a state police cruiser. The state police said that prisoners typically ride in the front, because most of their vehicles do not have cages. An arrest warrant later revealed the array of evidence police have compiled in the case. Police say they have surveillance video showing Fotis Dulos in Hartford disposing bags of items containing Jennifer Dulos' blood; traffic and school bus camera footage of him driving a pickup truck to New Canaan on the morning she disappeared; surveillance video of him getting the truck washed and detailed days after she vanished; and evidence that Jennifer Dulos' DNA was found on the truck seat. State's Attorney Richard Colangelo Jr. said in court last year that Jennifer Dulos' blood was found mixed with Fotis Dulos' DNA on the kitchen sink faucet of her home in New Canaan. 'I'm not surprised that the state decided to bring the charge,' Dulos' attorney Pattis said on Tuesday. 'I haven't seen the warrant. I'll be surprised if they can win it. Mr. Dulos contends he was not involved and I don't think the evidence will show that he was.' So far the only law enforcement comment on Dulos' arrest came in the form of tweet from the police department in New Canaan, where Jennifer disappeared. 'Justice!' read the one-word tweet. Dulos' attorney Norm Pattis (above) confirmed that Dulos was being charged with murder Dulos' attorney said that he looked forward to fighting the murder charge in open court following months of speculation in the press. 'In a paradoxical way we welcome this fight because we think that we will win it,' said the attorney, Pattis. 'Now we won't have to speculate about what it looks like any longer,' he said. Dulos and Troconis are expected to face arraignment on Wednesday in Stamford. Dulos is being held in lieu of a $6 million bail. Bail for both Troconis and Mawhinney has been set at $2 million. Jennifer Dulos' mother, Gloria Farber, currently has custody of her daughter's five children and is caring for them in her Upper East Side apartment on Fifth Avenue. Former F1 driver Jan Lammers thinks it is possible that Mercedes will quit the sport. At present, no team or manufacturer is officially committed to Formula 1 beyond 2020, but top outfits Ferrari and Red Bull have at least signed up their key drivers for the long-term future. The future is less clear for Mercedes, with rumours swirling around Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff after the outfit's six consecutive titles. "It is somewhat uncertain what they will do in the long term," said Lammers, who is now the Dutch GP boss. "I certainly don't think it's unthinkable that they'll say 'It was fantastic, but it's time to do something else'," the Dutchman told F1Maximaal. Lammers thinks part of the issue for Mercedes is that, after so much winning, the perception now is that the German team can only lose. "I think the chance of further dominance is statistically small," he said. "Although they are still impressive, you can perhaps say that Mercedes has now reached the peak." Indeed, many are predicting that Red Bull-Honda is now looking like the potential favourite for 2020. "Honda just has to perform and they are doing that," said Lammers. "Verstappen has signed on the basis of technical and sporting confidence. With this (new contract), Max and his team are showing their confidence in Honda and Red Bull." (GMM) Pipeline 8 January 2020 Radisson Hotel Group is extremely proud to reveal the design concept for the brand new Radisson RED Reykjavik. This new city hub, the first ever Radisson RED in Iceland, is set to open its doors in 2021. The 203-room Radisson RED Reykjavik, set to open 2021, will be a newly built property that provides travelers with an ideal base from which to explore the city and beyond. Located in the city center, with easy pedestrian access to the main retail street, leisure areas and financial district, the 17-storey hotel will be an ocean front property offering guests panoramic views of the ocean, city and the surrounding mountain ridge. The design is comprehensive, welcoming, accessible and connects locals and travelers with the restaurant and bar on the ground floor, street plaza, Red Sky bar and a Terrace viewpoint. The roof of the hotel is activated with a two-level roof bar and viewing terrace accessed from a glazed panoramic lift with spectacular views to and from the spectacular city. Nepal on Wednesday deported 122 Chinese nationals who were arrested on suspicion of operating a large-scale cyber fraud operation in Kathmandu, officials said. Police made the arrests last month in raids on nine houses that were set up like hostels with large kitchens, bunk beds and rows of tables and chairs for working. Acting on a tip-off from Chinese authorities, more than 700 mobile phones, 331 laptops and nearly 100 desktop computers were seized along with pen drives and SIM cards. The arrests came days after over 340 Chinese nationals were detained in the Philippines in a raid on unlicensed gaming businesses. In November, almost 700 Chinese nationals were arrested in Malaysia when authorities busted a major online investment scam operation. Nepalese authorities said that the 114 men and eight women would be flown to China on Wednesday evening and that they were being deported for contravening immigration laws. "They were found to have overstayed their visas or violated terms of their tourist visas," immigration official Ram Chandra Tiwari told AFP. New York, 7 January 2020 (SPS) - The Frente POLISARIO has expressed its strong rejection and condemnation of the planned crossing of the so-called Africa Eco Race into the occupied Territories of Western Sahara in complicity with the Moroccan occupying authorities. The so-called Africa Eco Race is scheduled to enter the occupied Western Sahara on Friday, 10 January 2020, and to pass through the Moroccan-built illegal breach across the Buffer Strip in Guerguerat, in southern Western Sahara, on Monday, 13 January 2020. In a letter today, Tuesday, to Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr Antonio Guterres, Representative of the Frente POLISARIO at the United Nations, Dr Sidi M. Omar, confirmed that involving the so-called Africa Eco Race to cross the occupied Territories of Western Sahara was another example of Moroccos bad faith and its utter disregard for Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2494 (2019), which called for refraining from any actions that could further destabilise the situation in Western Sahara. The Representative of the Frente POLISARIO called on the United Nations Secretariat and the Security Council to assume their responsibilities in upholding the legal status of Western Sahara, as a Non-Self-Governing Territory waiting to be decolonized, holding the occupying power of Morocco fully responsible for the consequences that may result from its continued provocations and destabilising actions. The following is the full text of the Frente POLISARIOs letter to the United Nations Secretary General: H.E. Mr Antonio Guterres Secretary-General of the United Nations New York, 7 January 2020 Your Excellency, Upon instructions from my Authorities, I am writing to you to express our strong condemnation of the planned crossing of the so-called Africa Eco Race into the occupied Territories of Western Sahara in complicity with the Moroccan occupying authorities. According to the organisers, the rally raid is scheduled to enter the occupied Western Sahara on Friday, 10 January 2020, and to pass through the Moroccan-built illegal breach across the Buffer Strip in Guerguerat, in southern Western Sahara, on Monday, 13 January 2020. Involving the so-called Africa Eco Race to cross the occupied Territories of Western Sahara, which we vehemently denounce, is another example of Moroccos bad faith and its utter disregard for Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2494 (2019), which called for refraining from any actions that could further destabilise the situation in Western Sahara. It is deeply regrettable that the failure of the United Nations to take robust actions in the face of Moroccos repeated attempts to forcibly impose a fait accompli in the occupied Territories of Western Sahara has emboldened the Moroccan occupying power to deliberately persist in its provocative and unlawful actions and to defy the authority and resolutions of the Security Council. It is therefore imperative that the United Nations Secretariat and the Security Council assume their responsibilities in upholding the legal status of Western Sahara, as a Non-Self-Governing Territory waiting to be decolonised. The Frente POLISARIO reserves the right to use all legitimate means to defend the sacrosanct rights of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and independence and to respond resolutely to any actions that aim to undermine the integrity of Western Sahara. The Frente POLISARIO therefore holds the occupying power, Morocco, fully responsible for the consequences that may result from its continued provocations and destabilising actions, which seriously undermine not only the authority and credibility of the United Nations but also the prospects for advancing the already fragile UN peace process in Western Sahara. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Dr Sidi M. Omar Representative of the Frente POLISARIO at the United Nations (SPS) 062/SPS Fotis Dulos, 52, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with murder in Connecticut Alarming new details about the state of Fotis Dulos' finances have been revealed in the arrest warrant charging him with the murder of his estranged wife Jennifer Dulos. Dulos, 52, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with murder, felony murder, and kidnapping in the May 24 disappearance of 50-year-old Jennifer from her home in New Canaan, Connecticut. Also charged with conspiracy to murder were Dulos' girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, and his friend and civil attorney, Kent Douglas Mawhinney, for their alleged roles in plotting and covering up the murder. The body of Jennifer, a mother of five, has never been found but investigators are convinced she is deceased. Now, court documents reveal Fotis' desperate financial state in early 2019, stating that he was lapsing on loan interest payments and funneling money from his and his wife's joint checking account into his own personal account. The body of Jennifer, a mother of five, has never been found but investigators are convinced she is deceased. Now, court documents reveal Fotis' desperate financial state in early 2019 Fotis operates his company, Fore Group, from this massive $4.2 million mansion in Farmington, a palatial 15,000-square-foot residence with six bedrooms and 7.5 baths Fotis met Jennifer when they were students at Brown University, and the couple married in 2004. Fotis went on to complete an MBA in finance at Columbia University, and works as a builder and developer of luxury homes in Connecticut's Farmington Valley, where the couple raised their five children. He operates his company, Fore Group, from his own massive $4.2 million mansion in Farmington - a palatial 15,000-square-foot residence with six bedrooms and 7.5 baths. But behind the opulent facade lurked dark secrets, investigators say. Jennifer filed for divorce in 2017 and moved out of the Farmington mansion. The divorce battle turned ugly, as the pair battled for custody of their children. Meanwhile, Fotis' financial situation was turning increasingly dire, according to court documents. By the end of May 2019, when Jennifer disappeared, Fotis' total outstanding debts at added up to $4.5 million, in addition to mortgages taken out on his various properties, the documents say. As well, he faced crushing lawsuits from Jennifer's own mother, Gloria Farber, the widow of a prominent New York banker and philanthropist. Fotis Dulos faced crushing lawsuits from Jennifer's own mother, Gloria Farber (above), the widow of a prominent New York banker and philanthropist Fotis Dulos (left) siphoned insurance payments from a joint checking account with wife Jennifer (right) in the months before her disappearance, investigators say The lawsuits claimed that Fotis had failed to pay back various loans from Farber and her husband loans that Fotis said were gifts he was not obligated to repay. Mawhinney, the attorney charged with conspiracy to murder, represented Fotis in his divorce as well as the lawsuits from the mother-in-law. In early 2019, Fotis began scrambling to inject cash into Fore Group's main bank account, opening a new line of credit with People's United Bank as he maxed out an existing credit line with the Savings Bank of Danbury, investigators say. In March, April and May, he missed interest payments on the People's United Bank loan, which totaled about $530,000, according to documents. Then in April 2019, he received a wire for $149,500 from a cash advance operation based in Utah the type of high-interest loan that businesses turn to in moments of desperation. It was during this time period that Fotis received three checks from Chubb Insurance Group totaling $193,610.50 and made out to 'Fotis and Jennifer Dulos.' Bank records show that all three checks were deposited into a joint checking account held by Fotis and Jennifer, but that Jennifer did not sign any of the checks. Following each deposit, the funds were immediately withdrawn and deposited into Fotis' personal bank account, some of which was then transferred to the Fore Group account, according to investigators. None of the insurance money went to Jennifer. A breakdown of the bank account for Fore Group shows that most of the money coming in was from loans and cash advances in April and May 2019 Fotis Dulos is led by police in Connecticut after being arrested for the murder of his wife Girlfriend Michelle Troconis is led to a police car in Connecticut after earlier being arrested Investigators say that each of the Dulos' five children had a trust fund established by Gloria and her late husband, Hilliard Farber. 'In the event of Jennifer's disappearance, and in the subsequent event that Dulos gained custody of his children, Dulos would have expected some level of access to the children's trust funds,' cops wrote in the warrant affidavit. Jennifer's mother, Gloria, currently has full custody of the five children and is caring for them in her Upper East Side apartment on Fifth Avenue. Fotis and his attorneys have argued that Jennifer is not really dead, and likely staged her own disappearance, planting blood in an attempt to frame her estranged husband for murder. 'We categorically deny that Mr Dulos had any involvement in the disappearance of his wife, and we defy the state to prove that she is actually dead,' Dulos' criminal attorney Norm Pattis said at a press conference on Tuesday. 'Mr. Dulos contends he was not involved and I don't think the evidence will show that he was,' Pattis said. Michelle Troconis, 45, and Dulos' former attorney, Kent Mawhinney (right), are charged with conspiracy to commit murder for their alleged roles in the plot The family of Jennifer Dulos expressed their gratitude for the arrests in a statement released by close friend Carrie Luft. 'Above all we thank the Connecticut State Police and the New Canaan Police Department, as well as the assisting local departments, for their tireless commitment and diligent, painstaking work that have led to these arrests,' the family said. 'Although we are relieved that the wait for these charges is over, for us there is no sense of closure. Nothing can bring Jennifer back. We miss her every day and will forever mourn her loss,' the statement added. 'We believe the arrest warrants will speak for themselves, and we ask that you please respect our privacy during this time. Thank you,' the statement concluded. Fotis' girlfriend Troconis is accused of helping him dispose of evidence on the day of Jennifer's disappearance. The lawyer Mawhinney is accused of digging a grave and stocking it with lime before she disappeared, though the grave was discovered and never used. Fotis Dulos, Troconis and Mawhinney are expected to face arraignment on Wednesday in Stamford. Dulos is being held in lieu of a $6 million bail. Bail for both Troconis and Mawhinney has been set at $2 million. Several outfits of public sector banks, roadways, post office and farmers in Punjab and Haryana on Wednesday joined the one-day nationwide strike call given by 10 central trade unions to protest against the government's "anti-people" policies. Employees of public sector banks joined the strike, impacting banking services in the region. Representatives of trade unions and roadways unions held protests at several places, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Bathinda in Punjab and raised slogans against the government in support of their demands. There were reports that some factory workers were stopped from going to work by representatives of trade unions in Jalandhar. Public transport services at a few places, including Ludhiana in Punjab, were affected. In Haryana, though a faction of Haryana Roadways had announced to join the strike, public transport services were not affected much, barring a few places including Sirsa. Heavy police force was deployed at several bus depots in Haryana and Punjab to ensure smooth movement of buses, officials said. In Patiala, a student body held protest outside the Punjabi University against the Centre. Ten central trade unions like INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along with various independent federations and associations had adopted a declaration in September last year to go on a nationwide strike on January 8. Some farmers' bodies had also announced to stop supplies of milk and vegetables. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) PARIS He was the leader on the world stage, visiting troops stationed in a far-flung war zone for the holidays, shoring up alliances and economic deals in the Mideast, requesting a meeting with the German chancellor in his capital, portraying himself and his country as reliable partners in an increasingly uncertain world. Russian President Vladimir Putin has had a busy week, stepping into the aftermath of the American drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Putins visit Tuesday to Syria was emblematic of a reality that has been playing out in recent months: The U.S. strategic position in the Middle East is a mystery to many of its allies, and Russia is more than ready to fill any vacuum. The shift has, in many ways, left U.S. allies in a bind or turning to Russia themselves in search of a partner. Putin was the first world leader French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with just after learning about the drone strike on Friday. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, meanwhile, is traveling to the Kremlin to discuss the crisis in the Mideast. Putin offered an alternative to perceived chaos. Unfortunately, the situation in the region we are in tends to escalate. But Turkey and Russia are demonstrating different examples examples of cooperation for the sake of our nations and all of Europe, he said Wednesday in Turkey. Putins travel plans have continued apace. His visit to Russian troops for the Orthodox Christmas came unannounced, as was his meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad, who owes his continued rule to a combination of Russian and Iranian intervention. The message was unmistakable. Putins trip to Turkey was planned a month ago, even if its timing this week was fortuitous. And his visit to Damascus was simply a continuation of the Kremlins growing reach in the Mideast and the diminishing sway of the United States, said Marc Pierini, a former EU ambassador to Turkey and a visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe. Putin doesnt need to do much. Hes just watching. Everything youve seen for the past year or so, since December 2018 when Trump first announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, everything has gone the Kremlins way. Theres not much to do, theres nothing to activate. The Russian policy in that region has been to talk to everybody, to capitalize on an American vacuum, said Pierini. Lori Hinnant is an Associated Press writer. The BJP IT-cell members and several known pro-BJP handles were called out time and again for trying to bribe voters with petty payoffs in order to get them to support Citizenship Amendment Bill. Policy debates in the post-truth political era are held and won over social media and WhatsApp. And in India, the Bharatiya Janata Party is often considered the master of such tools with a large team of cyber warriors, as mentioned in several media reports. From playing a part in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic successive election wins, to mobilising support for some of the party's boldest policy ventures such as outlawing instant triple talaq and stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, the BJP's IT cell machinery was credited for many of party's achievements. However, the social media machinery appears to have developed a few glitches recently, especially in the wake of nationwide mobilisation against Citizenship Amendment Bill and the subsequent attack on Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The anti-CAA protests across the nation and the Twitter war with anti-CAA hashtags dominating trends since weeks before the BJP IT cell could manage to get pro-government phrases to trend within close quarters of the former got even pro-government sections talking that the government was 'caught napping' on the issue. What resulted from a hurriedly whipped out outreach programme was a less-than-perfect strategy with loopholes and moves that were flawed. Not only were the party leaders forced to twist themselves into knots to underplay the intent and impact of a law that for the first time makes religion the test of citizenship in India, but BJP leaders were also found prevaricating. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on the floor of Rajya Sabha on 20 November that the NRC process would be carried out across India. Later, in an interview to ANI, he defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's earlier comment that no discussion had taken place about NRC "either in Cabinet or Parliament". This led to several biting memes circulating online, and the IT cell was left to defend its party. Furthermore, the IT cell members and several known pro-BJP handles were called out time and again for trying to lure voters with payoffs in order to get them to support Citizenship Amendment Bill. The BJP launched a hotline number, 8866288662, on 2 January on which people were supposed to give a missed call to pledge support to CAA. However, it did not take long for this to go awry, with BJP supporters trying to get more missed calls on various pretexts. Some of the ruses included posting a mass appeal to call up on a Twitter user's 'lost phone' to help them locate it; adds and invites for sex chats; free Netflix subscriptions; and job postings. Netflix even issued a clarification: This is absolutely fake. If you want free Netflix please use someone else's account like the rest of us. https://t.co/PHhwdA3sEI Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) January 4, 2020 Most media channels carried reports covering the campaign. On 6 January the party chief said that the number received 52.7 lakh 'verified' missed calls in a span of two days. He said in total, the toll-free number received 68 lakh calls. Then, the JNU attacks took place. Screenshots of masked attackers juxtaposed with other pictures and videos of known ABVP activists caused JNU students to blame the right-wing organisation squarely for launching an unprovoked attack on the varsity campus. The ABVP and the BJP aren't officially related, but hold affiliation to the RSS. The party released its own version of events, with various BJP supporters seeking to counter the JNU students' claim by calling it a staged attack of Left-leaning students. The masked revolution of JNU unmasked! These students affiliated to Left unions blocked the main server room of JNU and today they went on rampage. Remember a few days ago there were tutorials by Left on how to use masks to avoid facial recognition? pic.twitter.com/ECvfTiYj5i Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) January 5, 2020 This is after several people on Twitter identified at least three ABVP activists armed with rods and sticks around the campus, while ABVP's Delhi joint secretary Anima Sonkar admitted on national television that ABVP activists were armed. During a panel discussion on Times Now, Sonkar, however, said the duo were carrying rods in "self-defence". Seeking to explain the videos that emerged following the Sunday night attack on JNU students and teachers on campus, Sonkar said they were "asked on WhatsApp groups" to be armed before stepping out. "In all the WhatsApp groups, so much panic was spread... whenever you are stepping out, step out in groups, step out while you have rods... whatever you get handy, pepper spray, somebody has acid. I have not even heard or seen any case of acid attack or something (sic)," Sonkar said during the televised debate. Asked by the anchor whether she was admitting that the men on the video were from the ABVP, Sonkar said, Yes, Vikas Patel is our activist. I am not disowning It's self-defence, complete self-defence." Later, members affiliated to the ABVP circulated a video of what they said was the 'trigger behind JNU violence'. The footage, as they claimed, showed a Leftist group attacking an ABVP activist as he was helping other students enrol for exam and hostel rooms against JNUSU's call for a total boycott of the procedure until a fee hike is rolled back completely. The video went viral with various BJP functionaries tweeting the clip. State-run Prasar Bharati News Services too tweeted it out. Video bears witness to #JNU VC @mamidala90's statement that those opposing registration for Winter session of #JNU are behind violence to scuttle the academic process of varsity. pic.twitter.com/JWr4n81GbW Prasar Bharati News Services (@PBNS_India) January 6, 2020 However, Alt News ran a fact check and found the situation to be quite different: the person being assaulted was in fact, an AISA activist, Vivek Pandey. The man in the red shirt, seen assaulting the former, was ABVP member Sharvender. Sharvender has now deleted/deactivated his social media accounts. Even today, hours after actor Deepika Padukone attended JNU protests as mark of solidarity against the students, a dedicated campaign was being run by some BJP supporters to boycott her upcoming film Chhapaak. #BoycottChhapaak was trending on Twitter with pro-BJP handles abusing the actor for standing alongside the 'tukde tukde gang' and 'anti-nationals'. Some people tweeted pictures showing that they cancelled their tickets for the film. However, several Twitter users pointed out that several of these boycotters appeared to have booked the same seats to the movie. It also transpired that they had all subsequently cancelled these tickets. 78% Have Trouble Filling Vacancies Job Seekers Holding Out for Higher Wages TORONTO, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The next decade is set to kick off with near record low unemployment, leaving businesses scrambling to find skilled workers. Yet some job seekers worry it will be even harder to find employment in 2020. So, where is the disconnect? In a recent Express Employment Professionals Job Insights survey of business leaders, 26% of respondents said it is very difficult to fill open positions, with more than half, 52%, reporting it was somewhat difficult. The number of decision makers who said recruiting was very difficult is down from 33% in January 2019. According to Bruce Hein, an Express franchise owner in Sarnia, Ontario, businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to find candidates in a market with such high employment. Businesses are seeing a decline in applicant traffic, he said. In order to compete, companies are stealing staff from each other to fill vacancies, creating stiff competition for talent. Hein notes that the skills gap has only compounded this problem for businesses in desperate need of skilled workers. In trades, it has become harder and harder for companies to fill key positions, he added. Mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, welders and many others are retiring without a skilled replacement to step in and fill that role. In Delta, British Columbia, Express franchise owner Niven Lee argues that businesses need to respond by prioritizing recruitment. Recruiting is not a core business for most companies and they do not devote enough time or resources to it, he said. Across industries, technology has made work processes faster and better; the customer expects it. But the decision making and recruiting process is still too slow and that needs to change. Unemployed in a Time of Low Employment Surprisingly, 46% of job seekers said finding a new job in 2020 will be somewhat difficult in a December 2019 Express survey of job seekers. Another 36% percent agreed that securing employment would be hard. One job seeker said they had applied to more than 75 businesses with only three interviews. Another added that most companies in their area promoted from within, making it harder to get hired for a more senior position. Bruce Hein believes that one of the reasons for this disconnect between employers and job seekers is that people looking for work often have unrealistic expectations. He urges job seekers to be more flexible and avoid fixating on salary or title. You may have to start in a position that is not your dream job and work your way up, he said. Or the starting wage might not be what you have in mind. But that first role is a foot in the door. Companies need good people, so prove yourself and you will quickly progress. What Employers are Looking For For those who predict finding a job in 2020 will be difficult, a hard work ethic/integrity is the number one attribute business leaders value in candidates, per the Express Job Insights survey. Lee Niven agrees and says that while experience and the ability to learn are important, they are irrelevant without integrity. It is the most important trait, he said. Integrity is the foundation from which trust and teams are built upon. As we saw in 2019, jobs are out there, and businesses are desperate to fill them, said Bill Stoller, CEO of Express. But employers and job seekers need to meet in the middle in the new year with candidates proving their value and companies willing to pay for it. About the Surveys In December 2019, Express Employment Professionals surveyed 585 business owners, decision makers and human resource professionals about the overall national hiring trends in the market today and how their business is impacted. The survey of 200 workers and job seekers was conducted in December 2019 on the Express Job Journey site. If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Adria Minsky at (416) 620-7111 or email adria@mapleleafstrategies.com About Bill Stoller William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the international staffing company has more than 800 franchises in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Since its inception, Express has put more than 7.7 million people to work worldwide. About Express Employment Professionals Express Employment Professionals puts people to work. It generated $3.56 billion in sales and employed a record 566,000 people in 2018. Its long-term goal is to put a million people to work annually. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bf4e2e3f-c749-4009-bc7c-647f916ca737 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d5c61cf1-540b-4f16-a6d8-e1873ca5a4c7 Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 15:25:28|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi military said Wednesday that no casualties were reported in the missile attacks earlier in the day against military bases housing U.S. troops. According to a statement released by the media office affiliated with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, a total of 22 Iranian missiles were launched. Of them, 17 struck the Ayn al-Asad air base in Iraq's western province of Anbar, and five landed on the U.S. headquarters near the city of Erbil, the capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, the statement said. Asia Philippines Orders Citizens in Iraq to Leave After Iran Attacks US Forces A Philippine Coast Guard vessel / REUTERS MANILAThe Philippines has ordered its citizens to leave Iraq, the Philippine Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, after Iran attacked US forces there in response to a US strike that killed an Iranian general last week. The alert level in the entire Iraq has been raised to alert level 4 calling for mandatory evacuation, said Eduardo Menez, spokesman at the Department of Foreign Affairs. The department said there are 1,600 Filipinos working in Iraq, more than half in the Kurdistan region and the rest at US and other foreign facilities in Baghdad and in commercial establishments in Erbil. A Philippine coastguard patrol vessel, newly acquired from France and en route to the Philippines, was ordered to sail to Oman and Dubai to assist Filipinos who may need to be extricated. Overseas Filipino workers will be brought to safer ports where there may be airlifted, as the need arises, the coastguard said in a statement. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who heads a newly created committee to prepare the evacuations, said on Tuesday the government was preparing aircraft for Filipinos in Iraq and Iran who wished to come home or move to safer areas. About 2.3 million people from the Philippines are working in the Middle East as domestic helpers, construction workers, engineers and nurses. They sent home US$5.4 billion (7.9 trillion kyats) in remittances in January to October last year, accounting for a fifth of total remittances for that period, making the region a major source of foreign exchange inflows which help drive growth in the consumption-led Philippine economy. Irans missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq came in the early hours of Wednesday, hours after the funeral of Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Irans elite Quds Force who was killed in a US drone strike on Jan. 3. There has been no confirmation of any casualties in the missile attacks. You may also like these stories: Philippines Duterte Bugged Again as Gecko Stalls Speech Iran Launches Missile Attacks on US Forces in Iraq Oil Price Soars After Attack on Saudi Facilities, as Asian Shares Struggle Western powers on Wednesday condemned Iran's missile attack on Iraqi bases housing US and other foreign troops, urging an end to the escalating crisis. Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles in the early hours of Wednesday, officials in Washington and Tehran said. Iran said it was responding to the US killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani last week, warning it would hit back even harder if Washington responded. - 'All is well' - "All is well!" US President Donald Trump's tweeted. "Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!" He would be making a statement on Wednesday morning, he added. - 'Refrain from further violence' - NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said: "I condemn the Iranian missile attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq. NATO calls on Iran to refrain from further violence." A NATO official said none of its troops in Iraq had been hurt in the strikes. - 'Resounding blow' -Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has described Soleimani as Iran's "terrorist-in-chief", made it clear Israel would strike back if attacked. "Anyone who attacks us will receive a resounding blow," he warned. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament: "Iran should not repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks but should instead pursue urgent de-escalation." Earlier, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab warned that another war in the Middle East would only benefit the Islamic State group "and other terrorist groups". The European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the attack was yet another example of "escalation and increased confrontation". "It is in no-one's interest to turn up the spiral of violence even further," he added, warning that the crisis was hampering the fight against Islamic State. EU foreign ministers will hold emergency talks on the Iran crisis Friday to discuss what the bloc can do to reduce tensions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement: "The priority is more than ever for a de-escalation. "France remains determined to work to ease tensions and is in contact with all the parties to encourage restraint and responsibility." - 'Violation of sovereignty' - The Iraqi prime minister's office said it had received an official warning from Iran just before the missile launches. Iran had told premier Adel Abdel Mahdi that "the strike would be limited to where the US military was located in Iraq without specifying the locations", said the statement from his office. "Iraq rejects any violation of its sovereignty and attacks on its territory," the premier's office added. - Civilian flights rerouting - In the wake of the Iranian attack, a number of airlines said they were avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace. The US Federal Aviation Administration said it was banning US-registered carriers from flying over Iraq, Iran and the Gulf. Its Russian counterpart, the Federal Air Transport Agency, recommended airlines avoid the air space over Iran, Iraq and the Persian and Oman Gulfs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Abdul Kerimkhanov Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has said that it is impossible to negotiate the status of Armenian-occupied Nagorno-Karabakh without the return of Azerbaijani population of the region to their homes. "What status can we talk about without the return of Azerbaijani population to Karabakh? In addition, the security issue is quite important for the Azerbaijani community in the region, just as for the Armenian community, and everyone knows that the use of international peacekeeping mechanisms is necessary," Mammadyarov said. As for the security and status issues that are constantly being raised by Armenia, Mammadyarov emphasized both issues should be regulated within the framework of the settlement process in accordance with relevant OSCE decisions, as well as UN Security Council resolutions, which have no statute of limitations. He stressed that Azerbaijan will continue negotiations on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, while there are opportunities for a peaceful solution. "Numerous meetings and specific initiatives put forward during the year demonstrate a certain need to continue the negotiation process. We have always stated that as long as there is an opportunity for a peaceful settlement of the conflict through negotiations, we will use it. Of course, the goal is to advance the process through substantive negotiations on the issues essence," he stated. Mammadyarov recalled that all documents prepared to date clarify the issues of a phased settlement of the conflict, the liberation of the Azerbaijani occupied territories, the return of IDPs and the settlement of the status problem at a subsequent stage. He stressed Azerbaijan is negotiating for the restoration of violated international law, the restoration of the sovereignty of Azerbaijan in internationally recognized borders. "We are negotiating in order to free the territories of Azerbaijan from occupation," he added. Mammadyarov noted that today due to the aggressive policy of Yerevan, there are no diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. "Negotiations between the parties are carried out through the mediation efforts of the three leading countries of the world, permanent members of the UN Security Council, the main international body responsible for maintaining international peace and security," he concluded. Nagorno-Karabakh is Azerbaijans breakaway region that along with seven surrounding regions was occupied by Armenian armed forces during the war in the early 1990s that killed hundreds of thousands of people. Around one million Azerbaijanis were displaced as a result of the occupation. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired by Russia, the U.S. and France has been negotiating the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for over two decades now. However, their efforts have not yielded any results to this date. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday said the state's budget for the year 2020-2021, would focus on education, health, security and self-reliance. "The state budget will focus on education, health, security and self-reliance," Khattar said whileaddressing stakeholders related to service sector and real estate sector in the pre-budget consultation meeting in Gurugram, an official release said here. In Haryana, the year 2020 has been declared as "Sushasan Sankalp Varsh" and under this, for the first time, thebudget would be prepared and presented after discussing different topics with all the MLAs of the state for three days in the Budget Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, he said. Haryana would contribute to its fullest to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024, for which growth needs to be increased in every sector, Khattar said. Keeping this in view, this time a pre-budget consultation meeting has been organised with five major stakeholders related to the economy before the budget, he said. He said that a good budget would be prepared by incorporating the suggestions of all the sectors and legislators. The state government's aim is to create more employment opportunities and faster development of infrastructural facilities, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A dusty looking green Ford Mustang with some surface rust and holes cut in the trunk could very well become the most valuable Mustang -- maybe even the most valuable American muscle car of any kind -- ever sold at auction. The 1968 Mustang GT, which will be offered for sale by Mecum Auctions at an event in Kissimmee, Florida, on Friday, was driven by the actor Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt. Even if you've never seen the movie in its entirety, there's a good chance you've seen clips from its famous chase scene. It features the Highland Green Mustang with black wheels and McQueen clearly in the driver's seat in many shots. And there have been plenty of movie chase scenes done since that were influenced by the Bullitt chase, considered the first and still one of the best "modern" auto chase scenes. There were car chases in movies before but they looked very different. The current record price for a Ford Mustang sold at auction is $2.2 million paid for a 1967 Shelby GT500 at Mecum's Kissimmee auction last year. The highest price ever paid for any muscle car at auction was $3.5 million for a '71 Hemi 'Cuda convertible sold at a Mecum auction in Seattle in 2014. This car could fetch more than either of those cars. Loading The Revolutionary Guard then warned the US and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack in Iraq. The Guard issued the warning via a statement carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency. "We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted," the Guard said. It also threatened Israel. A US official said there were very few, if any, casualties from the attacks. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in advance of a Pentagon briefing. The official says 15 missiles were fired. Ten struck the Ain Asad air base in Iraq's western Anbar province. One struck a base in Erbil in Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region. Four missiles failed to hit their targets. The official said the bases are still being searched for casualties. Tensions have mounted with Iran following the US drone strike on Friday that killed Soleimani. On Fox News, Republican Senator and ardent Trump supporter Lindsey Graham stated that he had "just got off the phone" with Trump about the situation and that if Iran continued "this crap" they were "going to wake up one day out of the oil business." "This was an act of war, Sean, by any reasonable definition," Graham continued, before declaring that "the President has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond. How he responds is yet to be determined". The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps told Iranian state television that further responses would be on the way. "The IRGC announces to the great Satan the US that any responses will be met with much more pain and destruction," the IRGC said. Iran was assessing 13 scenarios for retaliation, Ali Shamkhani, head of Iran's national security council, was cited as saying by the semi-official Fars news agency. "The entirety of the resistance forces will retaliate" for Soleimani's killing, he said. The US had vowed a quick and overwhelming response to any Iranian attacks. Over the past week, the Pentagon deployed about 3500 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne to Kuwait and another three Navy ships with about 2200 Marines to the Persian Gulf region. The US dispatched more troops to the Middle East this week. Credit:AP State TV said the operation's name was "Martyr Soleimani". It said the Guard's aerospace division, which controls Iran's missile program, launched the attack. Ain Assad air base is located in Iraq's western Anbar province. It was first used by American forces after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. It later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. Earlier White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said the White House was aware of the reports and Trump was consulting with his national security advisors. Loading Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in Kangaroo Island for the bushfires, said Australian Defence and diplomatic personnel were safe and he was working to protect Australians in Iraq. He had spoken to the chiefs of the Defence force and the Ministers for Defence and Foreign Affairs regarding the reports out of Iraq. He would be receiving further updates as more information comes to hand, a spokesman said earlier. Mr Morrison has also called Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese to keep him updated on the attack. On Tuesday, Iranian President Hassam Rouhani reacted to Trump's earlier threat to hit 52 sites in Iran on Twitter. "Those who refer to the number 52 should also remember the number 290. #IR655 Never threaten the Iranian nation," his official account posted. Speaking in New York, Biden said Trump used a "haphazard" decision-making process to order the killing of Soleimani and has failed to communicate the rationale to Congress or US allies around the world. Biden said Trump instead offered "tweets, threats and tantrums" that proved the Republican President to be "dangerously incompetent and incapable of world leadership." Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Trump's escalation of tensions with Iran proved him to be "dangerously incompetent" and put the US on the brink of war. TORONTO and NUCLA, Colo., Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. (CSE:WUC) (OTCQX:WSTRF) (Western or Company) is providing the following Company updates: Vancouver Resource Investment Conference 2020 Attendance Western announces that company representatives will be attending the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference 2020 to be held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at the Vancouver Convention Centre West on January 19-20, 2020. The conference is sponsored annually by Cambridge House International. Western will be at booth #519 to meet with attendees of the conference. The CEO of the Company, George Glasier will be making a corporate presentation on Sunday, January 19th at 1:20pm in the Workshop 3 room. Throughout the conference Mr. Glasier will be available for individual meetings with shareholders and stakeholders. If you wish to meet with Western, please email the Companys Investor Relations department at ir@western-uranium.com to set up a meeting or visit Western at booth #519. Grant of Stock Options Western announces that it has granted an aggregate of 600,000 options (Options) to purchase common shares to a number of officers, directors, and consultants of Western under the Companys Incentive Stock Option Plan. The Options were granted on January 6, 2020, and the exercise price set at CAD$1.03 based upon the closing prices on both the date of the grant and the prior trading day. Each option is exercisable to acquire one common share for a five-year term. The Options vest equally in three installments beginning on the date of grant and thereafter on January 31, 2020, and June 30, 2020. About Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. is a Colorado based uranium and vanadium conventional mining company focused on low cost near-term production of uranium and vanadium in the western United States, and development and application of kinetic separation. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking information or a forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, forward-looking statements). Statements of that nature include statements relating to, or that are dependent upon: the Companys expectations, estimates and projections regarding exploration and production plans and results; the timing of planned activities; whether the Company can raise any additional funds required to implement its plans; whether regulatory or analogous requirements can be satisfied to permit planned activities; and more generally to the Companys business, and the economic and political environment applicable to its operations, assets and plans. All such forward-looking statements are subject to important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys ability to control or predict. Please refer to the Companys most recent Managements Discussion and Analysis, as well as its other filings at www.sec.gov and/or www.sedar.com , for a more detailed review of those risk factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the Companys forward-looking statements, and that these statements are made as of the date hereof. While the Company may do so, it does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements at any particular time, except as and to the extent required under applicable laws and regulations. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: George Glasier President and CEO 970-864-2125 gglasier@western-uranium.com Robert Klein Chief Financial Officer 908-872-7686 rklein@western-uranium.com Leaders of various opposition parties are expected to participate in former BJP leader Yashwant Sinhas yatra to protest against CAA-NRC in its Gujarat leg, a prominent member of the outfit organising the event said on Wednesday. The Rashtra Manch, the non-political outfit floated by Sinha, a former Union minister, has organised the Mumbai-Delhi 'Gandhi Shanti Yatra'. The 3,000-km-long yatra will start from Mumbai's Apollo Bunder on January 9 and pass through Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana before culminating at Raj Ghat in Delhi on January 30. Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Sinha said he is embarking on the yatra to seek repeal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and a judicial probe by a sitting Supreme Court judge into "state-sponsored violence" like the one in Delhi's JNU. We have contacted all the opposition parties and many leaders are likely to join the yatra in Gujarat, former BJP chief minister of Gujarat and state convenor of Rashtra Manch Suresh Mehta said here. "We expect Congress leader Manish Tewari, TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi, retired diplomat K C Singh, ex-BJP minister Sompal Shastri and ex-BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha to join the yatra. Local leaders of the Congress, the AAP and the Samajwadi Party will also participate," Mehta said. During the yatra, Sinha will address meetings in Ahmedabad and Surat, he said. The yatra will enter Gujarat on Saturday and will be in the state for nine days, Mehta said. It will cover major centres like Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Porbandar and Ahmedabad. Mehta asked why the BJP government only wants to give citizenship to persecuted minorities of three neighbouring countries only and not to Hindus from Sri Lanka, Myanmar or any other country. "This is a clear attempt to divide the country on the religious lines and polarise vote banks," Mehta alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (TNS) The cost of repairing damage from the cyberattack that crippled the Luzerne County, Pa., computer network in May 2019 has topped $600,000, according to county Manager David Pedri.However, county officials hope the entire amount, apart from a $10,000 deductible, will be covered by the countys cyber-risk insurance policy, Pedri said Monday. He said he is waiting to hear from the countys insurance provider, Travelers Insurance Companies, to see if all costs will be covered. Those costs include overtime paid to county employees during the recovery from the cyberattack, as well as fees paid to outside cybersecurity firms and consultants.The one remaining issue concerns the county assessment database, which was effectively shut down by the attack that was discovered over the Memorial Day weekend, Pedri said.The database contains information, including assessed values, about nearly all of the more than 167,000 properties in the county.After months of work to regain access to the database, the one problem left is restoring information that was lost during and soon after the cyberattack, Pedri said.The issue will only impact the spring billing for about 400 property owners who built a new home, subdivision or addition on their property while the database was down, according to Pedri. Those property owners will receive an additional bill, as well as a notice explaining the problem, he said.We will deal with them on a case-to-case basis, Pedri said, noting those cases represent much less than 1% of properties in the county.The issue should be fully rectified by the time school district property tax bills get sent out in June and July, he said.The county is in better shape to prevent another cyberattack than it was one year ago, according to Pedri.All county employees have received mandatory training in cybersecurity measures, and a new position in the countys Information Technology department the only new position county council approved for this year has been posted and advertised, he said.Pedri reiterated that the county did not pay any form of ransom to regain access to its computer network.He said that in hindsight, he should have provided more frequent updates to the public and the media about the status of the county computer network as recovery from the cyberattack progressed. The past few days have borne witness to a whirlwind of excitement in the world of geopolitics- excitement born out of a sense of collective fear and negativity. Twitter users around the world woke up on the January 3, 2020, to see #WWIII as one of the top social media trends. Yet despite the collective global fear about the developments in Iran immediately following General Qassem Soleimanis assassination, the concerns about WW3 may well be unfounded. The stakes are high, and the potential for a limited war is extremely likely. Yet, to say that the Third World War is inevitable is incorrect- and this is not the result of the publics futile hopes for a diplomatic solution, but a ground reality based on fact. READ | Major Gaurav Arya's LIVE Blog: No One Wants This War Except... Rhetoric = Global Conflict Following last nights missile strikes on Al-Asad Air Base in northern Iraq, the Iranian government issued a series of threats against a variety of US allies in the Middle East. The two most outlandish and quoted of these threats have been against the UAE and Israel, with Tehran threatening to use Hezbollah militias to conduct terrorist attacks in Dubai and Haifa respectively. The escalating rhetoric from both Washington and Tehran at first glance may appear to be a call to arms, but a deeper look shows that it is really just coded calls for restraint aimed at one another. Iran hopes that its escalating talk of war and violence will pressurise American allies in the region to a point where they have to work together to prevent Donald Trump from deploying ground troops in Iran, thereby ending the looming threat of World War Three. READ | With the world on tenterhooks over Iran-US escalation, AAAs the magic word for Imran Khan War with Iran? No thanks, say Trumps Allies Despite Washingtons best efforts to gather support for its cause among allies, it is highly doubtful as to whether or not they will concede to the USAs demands. It is true that most of the USAs major European allies- Britain, France and Germany- have all faced off with Iran in the past year or have outstanding differences with Tehran. The UK had a tense face-off with Iran in July 2019, following Britains detention of an Iranian oil tanker, Grace 1, on the charge of evading sanctions and smuggling crude oil to Syria. Iran responded with the capture of British ships Mesdar and Stena Impero. After two months of tense negotiations, both sides relented and the ships were freed. After such a showdown, caused as a result of Whitehall pursuing American national interest on the basis of Londons Special Relationship with Washington, the UK will try to not become involved in a military confrontation with Iran. With the UK poised to leave the EU on the January 31, PM Boris Johnson will not want anything to distract from Brexit, viewed by many in the Conservative Party as Johnsons greatest political triumph. France has already expressed its concern about the escalating tensions between the USA and Iran. France and Iran had a severe diplomatic spat in late 2018, with France publicly declaring that Irans intelligence agencies were involved in an attempted bomb plot in Paris aimed at targeting a meeting of Iranian dissidents. Responding in 2019, Iran jailed two French academics on charges of espionage. The charges against the duo were dropped in January once France proposed to solve the US-Iran standoff diplomatically. READ | Amid Speculation Over Plane Crash, Iran Decides Not To Hand Over Black Boxes To Boeing While France continues to push for a diplomatic solution, it has still strengthened the security levels for the 160 French troops deployed in Iraq. However, this is little but a token gesture, aimed at creating a facade of apparent NATO unity while refraining from getting involved in what is viewed as an American war. Finally, Germany refuses to become entangled in any war against Iran. While Germany did voice support for the American assassination of General Soleimani, and was criticised by Iran for it, it is averse to supporting President Trumps military activities against Iran. In fact, Germany has rapidly started withdrawing some of its troops from Iraq already. The different lines of action being taken by France and Germany indicate that there is fractured support for war against Iran among NATO members. And despite certain shared views on the matter, no European ally of the USA is willing to go to war with Iran. In the case of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the USAs main regional allies, neither of them want a conventional war with Iran either. Despite the tensions between the USA and Iran, UAEs Energy Minister has rubbished what he calls exaggerations regarding WW3. Yet the UAE is quietly working on securing its oil routes in case war does break out- and even if it doesnt the actions the UAE is taking now will increase its standing as a regional power. The UAE has started quietly lobbying in Washington so that an Emirati company, DP World, is given the contract to invest in a construction project in Port Sudan. Such an investment will allow the UAE to transport oil via the Red Sea, and through the Suez Canal and Bab-el Mandeb strait to markets in Europe, Asia and beyond. In case of war, the Straits of Hormuz will be blockaded- which would otherwise have left the UAE in a lurch. READ | Iran repeats S.O.S for 'friendly' India's intervention after targeting US with rockets Some Practical Considerations From a strategic standpoint, war is not a feasible reality for the USA. The only two routes into Iran are through the south and north. A US landing in southern Iran would face the full might of the Iranian navy, and even then the invading American troops would have to traverse across wide desert and mountains to reach Tehran in the north. The invasion would also see widespread destruction in major Iranian port cities, such as Chabahar, where India is working on a port project. An invasion from the north would require American bases in Central Asian countries such as Turkmenistan, which are firmly part of Russias CSTO bloc. With the current tensions between Russia and the West, it is unlikely that the US will have this opportunity. An invasion from the west is most likely, since US forces in Iraq would be able to move eastward toward Tehran. Yet still, the terrain is rough and Tehran is extremely far away. Additionally, the western Iranian province of Khuzestan has borne witness to a decades-long separatist insurgency by the Sunni Arab population dominating the province. Violent interactions with invading American troops could quickly spiral into a Wahhabi insurgency funded by Saudi money. In conclusion, chances - if at all - of even a localised conflict spiralling into the Third World War may be remote. Despite what one might like to excitedly proclaim to ones friends, the real possibility is either a violent skirmish or an intense diplomatic showdown where both sides - Trump especially - may be able to walk away claiming a victory for the galleries. It is, and will be, peace in our time. YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described Iran's missile attack to the US base in Iraq as a "proportionate measure" which came "in self-defense", IRNA reports. In a twitter post early Wednesday morning, he said "Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched." Zarif went on to stress that "We do not seek escalation or war but will defend ourselves against any aggression." Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has targeted US airbase of Ain al-Assad in Anbar province in western Iraq on Wednesday in response to the US assassination of the IRGC's Quds Forces, Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Irans state news agency IRNA reported. The IRGC fired tens of surface-to-surface missiles at the airbase, IRNA reported citing a statement. The IRGC called on the US to recall their troops from the Middle Eastern region to avoid any further damage. The US military, in turn, said that Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from its territory against at least two Iraqi facilities hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel at about 1:30 a.m. (2230 GMT on Tuesday). US President Donald Trump tweeted All is well after the attack. Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning, Trump added. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan RICHARD KAY Not even 20 months have passed since that magical day when they stood on the steps of St George's Chapel at Windsor and, with a kiss, enchanted a global audience of millions. The wedding of Harry and Meghan was a love letter from Britain to the world, from the blue skies over a fairytale castle to the gospel choir and a carriage drive through streets thronged with cheering admirers. This was a moment to savour, the grandson of the Queen marrying a mixed heritage young woman descended from slaves. But it was also about the fulfilment of a nation's dreams for a prince, who was fixed in the collective national memory as a 12-year-old following his mother's coffin. The Cambridges and Sussexes William, Kate, Meghan and Harry at Sandringham Tragically, the shared happiness was misplaced. Harry and Meghan were not just a couple who wanted to embrace both modernity and tradition; they were bent on re-writing the rule book of what being a member of the Royal Family actually means. We should perhaps have realised; after all, the manner in which the duchess's father was ruthlessly excluded from the ceremony went beyond mere discourtesy. At the time, the failure of Thomas Markle to give his daughter away was blamed squarely on his own foolishness. Nor was much made of the absence of many of Harry's oldest friends, the mates who had stuck by him through thick and thin. In their place came a new set of chums, megawatt celebrities who had not been around when he was at his lowest ebb, but who would add a glamorous touch of stardust to proceedings. The tragedy of Harry and Meghan is that they could have been life-long royal heroes. The Prince himself was already much loved, second only to the Queen in popularity. Meghan and Harry join William and Kate on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to view a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force in July 2018 From seeing action on the front line in Afghanistan not once but twice, and from which he had emerged unscathed, Harry had won over those sceptical about his party prince reputation. After the Army, affection for him soared following his triumphant visit to the Caribbean, where he posed with another superstar, the Olympic athlete Usain Bolt. If elder brother William represented the dutiful if dull side of royalty, Harry was the fun side. He was open and amusing, taking everything in his stride. All he needed was to find the love of a good woman and his happiness and ours would be complete. His romantic path had been strewn if not with broken hearts then certainly with trepidation. Before Meghan, he had wooed and lost two other beauties Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas who valued a life out of the limelight, rather than marriage and the goldfish bowl of royal attention. In Meghan he found a soulmate who had at least experienced life in the spotlight. This, they both hoped, would provide an understanding for their future together. But if anything this understanding has served to drive them apart from the very institution they say they want to support. It has led to William and Harry, once the closest of brothers, being alienated from one another, and to a series of ill-judged interventions that have provoked bafflement and, yes, even resentment. Their preaching to ordinary people about how they should lead their lives particularly about climate change and what has come to be seen as a drip, drip, drip of complaints about how they are treated, has led to a real disconnect. Who would have thought that in recent times the mere mention of Harry and Meghan's names at Buckingham Palace would lead some of the Queen's most loyal courtiers to wrinkle their noses and pull a face. Harry and Meghan ride a horse-drawn carriage after their wedding ceremony in May 2018 The rot set in even before the glow of that May wedding day had passed. Shortly after returning from honeymoon, Meghan was asked by a younger member of the family how it had gone and, more to the point, where they had gone. 'We're not telling anyone,' the new Duchess of Sussex smiled. Was this merely a symptom of someone still adjusting to royal life, or someone who was not about to make any compromises about their privacy? It was not long before the Markle debacle over Meghan's father was again rearing its head. A sweet but naive figure, Thomas Markle did not help himself with his sudden fascination for giving interviews about his famous daughter. But here was a man of limited resources suddenly thrust onto a global stage, unsure of protocol and stumbling from one misadventure to another. Sympathy, at first, was with his daughter, but questions were soon asked about her and Harry's duty of care towards him. In fact, the seeds of this family fall-out which, I believe, has shaped the way Harry and Meghan are now, were sown through their own casual ineptness. They should never have allowed Markle to fall into the clutches of the paparazzi with his admittedly crass stunted pictures before the wedding. Why did no one from Harry's office or indeed Prince Charles's fly to Mexico, where the retired lighting director lived in genteel if reduced circumstances? He should have been flown to Britain, housed in any number of royal residences, dressed and presented to the world on his daughter's wedding day. This lack of care inevitably led to another unseemly domestic outcome the behaviour of Meghan's extended family. As unattractive as they undoubtedly were, there was no doubt they had a point when they railed about the duchess's treatment of her divorced father. Certainly it compared unfavourably with the kidgloves handling of Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, who played a prominent part in her daughter's wedding. Even so, many were prepared to cut Meghan some slack, pointing out how hard many young women particularly Harry's mother, Diana, had found royal life. But revelations about the duchess's apparently high-handed manner were causing unease. It emerged that there had been a row between Harry and one of the Queen's closest aides over the tiara the duchess wanted to wear at her wedding. Several tiaras had been considered, but the Queen did not want to lend the one Meghan preferred. Words were exchanged and Harry backed down. Meanwhile, it emerged that Meghan had complained about the mustiness of St George's chapel and wanted it sprayed with air freshener before the ceremony. This was a young woman who was clearly not going to accept her position quietly. There was further trouble over the bridesmaids' dresses, which was an early sign of the great tensions to come. It was reported that Meghan had reduced Kate, her soon-to-be sister-in-law, to tears, because of her manner. Weddings, of course, often lead to domestic tensions but are usually forgotten afterwards. With Harry and Meghan, they just increased. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a Creative Industries and Business Reception in Johannesburg, South Africa in October Meghan's decision to hold an extravagant baby shower in New York didn't just shock people, it offended them, too. What possible justification could there be for the private jets no matter who picked up the bill as well as luxury hotels, lavish parties and expensive baby gifts? It was the kind of look associated with the Kardashians, not the Windsors. Then came the biggest shock of all the secrecy over the birth of baby Archie. Here, not just tradition but common sense was upended. They announced there would be no bulletins on when or where the baby would be born, no traditional photograph and they even declined to say who was in charge of delivery. This didn't just upset royal fans but the Royal Family, too. For generations, the births of those close to the throne have been proclaimed on a notice placed just inside the railings of Buckingham Palace. It always includes the names of the doctors in attendance. Harry and Meghan simply ignored protocol and did it their way. While touching it undoubtedly was as Harry spoke of his pride and joy, the moment was riven with controversy. As for the birth, they cackhandedly arranged for a statement saying Meghan had gone into labour to be issued after the baby had actually been born. But the real insult came when baby Archie's christening was shrouded in secrecy. The couple refused to say who the godparents were, and when photographs did appear the infant's face was largely obscured. Some may see this as unnecessary carping about a couple who want to ensure their son is not brought up in the royal way, but has the privacy that was denied Harry and William as they grew up. Others suggest that all they were really doing was weaponising their family in their battles for privacy. Meanwhile, the 'fab four', as the royal brothers and their wives had been dubbed, was no more. Harry and Meghan moved to Windsor, separated his office from William's and split from their highly successful charity, the Royal Foundation . This was not just a change in direction but a unilateral declaration of independence. Nothing illustrated this more than their decision to give an interview to ITV while on a royal tour of southern Africa last autumn. It was a mistake of historic proportions. Standing against a backdrop of some of the most deprived regions on earth, they complained to the camera about their lot. At the same time Harry's comments triggered another wave of disbelief. Questioned about his relationship with William he confirmed what until then had been mere tittle tattle: that the once whisper-close brothers had fallen out. How much this domestic heartache is at the centre of the Sussexes's bombshell is not yet clear. But the repercussion are going to echo for a long time to come. The next generation of leaders, who may have not yet reached executive level, are becoming more influential in organizational success. Recognizing that young professionals are proving to be the lifeblood of successful organizations; State leagues and associations offer an artillery of benefits and resources to get them where they want to go. At the Louisiana Credit Union League (LCUL), we recognized early on that not only was there a void in the industry for young professionals to network, but our industry also lacked a platform to help with their overall understanding of the movement. As a result, LCUL took the lead in creating one of the most dynamic networks of young credit union professionals more than 400 members strong! We are proud to join a long list of state trade associations who have formed similar communities that strive to expose young professionals to credit union values with the goal of developing them into credit union champions. What weve learned A successful paragon of our industrys philosophy of cooperation and collaboration, leagues and associations regularly share best practices. A hot topic of late is the key components to successfully grooming the next generation of leaders. Some of the things we collectively agreed on: Use them as a resourceand vice versa. An environment where they can learn from industry leaders is ideal, but young professionals also want to share their ideas and opinions. Create an environment where conversations can be beneficial for everyone. This helps establish a level of respect for one another and what each has to offer. In my personal experience, they are a great sounding board during strategic planning as trends move at rapid pace. They also served as a lightning rod to help seasoned professionals like myself reconnect with why I love what I do. An environment where they can learn from industry leaders is ideal, but young professionals also want to share their ideas and opinions. Create an environment where conversations can be beneficial for everyone. This helps establish a level of respect for one another and what each has to offer. In my personal experience, they are a great sounding board during strategic planning as trends move at rapid pace. They also served as a lightning rod to help seasoned professionals like myself reconnect with why I love what I do. Volunteer Opportunities. Theyre looking to be a part of something bigger than themselves. This is the perfect opportunity for younger employees to interact with the community while engaging with the credit unions core values all at the same time. Its a win-win. Theyre looking to be a part of something bigger than themselves. This is the perfect opportunity for younger employees to interact with the community while engaging with the credit unions core values all at the same time. Its a win-win. Networking is everything. We must keep them engaged year-round. The constant connection helps build their relationships as well as their skill set and industry knowledge. And not just networking with peers, but anyone in the business arena that can build their personal brand. We must keep them engaged year-round. The constant connection helps build their relationships as well as their skill set and industry knowledge. And not just networking with peers, but anyone in the business arena that can build their personal brand. Resources for overall development. Yes, it is important to establish what the credit union philosophy is all about and the critical issues that we face. However, its just as important to help them grow in the general business arena, such as resume writing and business etiquette. From Ideas to Actions Leagues play a formative role in engaging young professionals in a variety of ways, providing essentials that will grow our young professionals into credit union champions. The Louisiana Credit Union League flipped the CRASH concept, holding a reverse crash at the annual YP conference. A handful of seasoned conference attendees had the chance to weigh in on the discussions. Reverse crashers learned just as much, if not more, than from the young professionals in attendance. at the annual YP conference. A handful of seasoned conference attendees had the chance to weigh in on the discussions. Reverse crashers learned just as much, if not more, than from the young professionals in attendance. The Carolinas Credit Union League developed the CUaware Protege Mentor program, providing credit union professionals in the Carolinas an opportunity to be paired with a mentor from a league-affiliated credit union. program, providing credit union professionals in the Carolinas an opportunity to be paired with a mentor from a league-affiliated credit union. YP Leads is open to Northwest Credit Union Association member credit union employees who identify as young professionals. Official YP Leads serve as ambassadors for the movement over a year by committing to serve as a strong credit union advocate by attending an advocacy event or championing local advocacy efforts. More than just a social networking initiative, program participants are exposed to the real issues affecting our industry. is open to Northwest Credit Union Association member credit union employees who identify as young professionals. Official YP Leads serve as ambassadors for the movement over a year by committing to serve as a strong credit union advocate by attending an advocacy event or championing local advocacy efforts. More than just a social networking initiative, program participants are exposed to the real issues affecting our industry. Volunteering is the core of all young professional communities and is nearly impossible to list them all. One special example is Oregons Pack for Parents. Often parents are blindsided by unexpected and indefinite stays at the hospital. To help alleviate the stress, they packed 300 overnight packs to help make their extended stay a little more tolerable. Often parents are blindsided by unexpected and indefinite stays at the hospital. To help alleviate the stress, they packed 300 overnight packs to help make their extended stay a little more tolerable. Need a little guidance? The League of Southeastern Credit Union provides a young professional resource page that includes YPG Networking Events Guide and YPG Community Outreach Guide. that includes YPG Networking Events Guide and YPG Community Outreach Guide. Like many other leagues, the Virginia Credit Union League hosts an annual YP Workshop strictly dedicated to young professionals. While they discuss issues and topics that matter most within the credit union system, the event also provides guidance for overall professional development applicable in any profession. strictly dedicated to young professionals. While they discuss issues and topics that matter most within the credit union system, the event also provides guidance for overall professional development applicable in any profession. Cornerstone Credit Union League has their young professionalstakeover a local chapter meeting, volunteering not only their time, but their ideas, in front of a mixed audience. These are just a few examples of league efforts facilitating engagement and development. You can see that our young professional collaboration initiatives offer just about everything they need to rally around the credit union movement. If you are a seasoned credit union executive, I urge you to make the investment in your young professionals like your associations have. I promise you will see their passion firsthand as they play a significant role in championing issues that impact the future of our industry. Reach out to your league and ask how they can help you in this effort. If you are a young professional reading this, congratulations on finding yourself in what I believe to be an incredibly special industry! I encourage you to visit your Leagues website or contacting a League representative to learn more about young professional initiatives. And dont be shy about asking the appropriate executive at your credit union to support your participation; my experience tells me they will appreciate your imitative and commitment to credit unions. Regardless of your tenure in the movement, you can help our efforts to retain talent within our movement for the long-term prosperity of credit unions. Applications are being accepted for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program for the 2020 spring, summer and fall and 2021 winter residencies. The Artist-in-Residence Program is open to artists and artisans whose work can be influenced by the unique northern wilderness setting of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Michigan's largest state park encompasses 25 miles of wave-washed shores, four inland lakes, entire river systems, countless waterfalls, enchanting wooded peaks, and an escarpment, which rises slowly from the edge of Lake Superior until it plummets abruptly into the Carp River valley. Still, the park's most impressive feature - and the reason for its creation - is the virgin forest of eastern hemlock and northern hardwoods and the variety of flora and fauna that it supports. Because of these attributes, the park is an ideal location to inspire creativity. The Artist-in-Residence Program offers writers, composers and all visual and performing artists an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the park and to express it through their art form. Each year a number of artists will be selected for residencies lasting a minimum of two weeks. Artists will be given the use of a rustic cabin located on the Little Union River and, if requested, a three-night backcountry permit so that they may live in and explore the park's 60,000 acres of natural beauty, ranging from stunning vistas to 90 miles of rugged backcountry trails. During their residency, artists will be asked to share their experiences with the public through demonstrations or talks. The artists are required to contribute an art piece representative of their stay. Selection will be based on artistic integrity, ability to reside in a wilderness environment, a willingness to donate a finished piece of art inspired by their stay in the Porcupine Mountains, and the artist's ability to relate and interpret the park through their art medium. The program is open to all art forms except those that may be inconsistent with the mission of the park. Applications for the 2020 spring, summer and fall and 2021 winter residencies must be received by Feb. 14, 2020. Selections will be announced by early April. Application materials for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program can be found at the Friends of the Porkies Web page at Porkies.org/Artist-in-Residence. A n alleged member of a neo-Nazi terror group entered a Miss Hitler beauty contest in the hope of attracting new members, a court has been told. Alice Cutter, 23, entered the sick on-line pageant in June 2016, in a bid to find new recruits for terrorist organisation National Action, a jury at Birmingham Crown Court heard. The prosecution claims Cutter's entry name for the competition, Buchenwald Princess, was inspired by her partners recent visit to Germanys Buchenwald concentration camp. Cutter and her boyfriend Mark Jones, 25, both of Sowerby Bridge near Halifax, West Yorkshire, deny being members of the unapologetically racist group between December 2016 and September 2017. Alice Cutter, 22, denies membership of terror group National Action / PA The pair are on trial alongside Garry Jack, 24, from Heathland Avenue in Birmingham, and 18-year-old Connor Scothern, of Bagnall Avenue, Nottingham, who also denied membership of the banned group. Opening the case on Tuesday, Barnaby Jameson QC, for the prosecution, accused all four of being part of a fellowship of hate made up by some 50 or 60 hardcore activist members of National Action. He told the jury: We are talking about a tiny, secretive group of die-hard neo-Nazis with no compunction about attaining their objectives with the use or threat of terror. A group with a common admiration for Hitler and the architects of the Holocaust. West Midlands Police issued images allegedly showing Cutter during the "Miss Hitler" competition / Press Association Images After showing jurors an image of Jones and another man posing at Buchenwald, while holding a National Action flag, Mr Jameson said the Nazi-era camp was now a permanent museum to victims killed there. Around seven weeks after Jones returned from Germany to Britain National Action staged a beauty contest titled NA Miss Hitler 2016, the court heard. Cutter, who is alleged to have been photographed while giving a Nazi salute on the steps of Leeds Town Hall during a National Action demonstration on May 9 2016, is said to have entered the contest the following month. Mr Jameson told the jury panel: On 24th June 2016 National Action staged, if you can believe this, a beauty contest that was titled Miss Hitler 2016. This was, no doubt a publicity stunt to raise the groups profile and attract more members. Amusing perhaps to a teenage schoolboy until you look at the detail. Alice Cutter entered the competition under the name of Buchenwald Princess and she set out her mission statement in a detailed interview. It is anything but funny. The name Buchenwald Princess was perhaps no coincidence given that Jones had visited the execution room at Buchenwald the previous month and that Jones and Cutter at this time or thereabout had become an item. Jurors were shown examples of media coverage of the sick contest. Earlier, Mr Jameson claimed that members of National Action shared pathological racial prejudice and conviction in brutal white supremacy alongside an enthusiasm for ethnic cleansing. Ultimately this is a case about a fellowship of hate, he told the jury. Immovable and unrepentant hate. Mr Jameson told jurors they would be wrong to believe the undiluted Nazi ideology of Germanys Second World War-era Third Reich had died with Hitler. Other members of National Action had equipped themselves with weapons and the ability to produce explosives, the court heard, and in one instance had constructed a pipe bomb. Mr Jameson told the eight men and four women of the jury: The Crown should make it clear at this early stage that this case, involving as it does Nazi fanatics, will by its nature lead you, the jury, into a world as dark as a black sun. Beidou ("Compass"), the Chinese version of GPS (Global Positioning System) is now fully operational, providing worldwide coverage. China achieved this in December 2019 when it put the last two of its Beidou satellites into orbit some 21,800 kilometer high circular orbits, joining 22 others in similar obits covering the entire planet, plus six more in 36,000 kilometer high geosynchronous (stationary) orbits. The full Beidou network will be open for business as a world-wide service in early 2020. People got their first experience with Beidou in late 2012 when the first few satellites were made available to anyone with a Beidou GPS receiver. Now China expects Beidou to become a major competitor for the existing global navigation systems among civilian users. China aims to grab a major share of the satellite navigation market from the original U.S GPS system and do it by 2030. It has been a struggle to get Beidou operational. In 2013 China had only 14 of 35 Beidou satellites in service. This was sufficient to provide GPS type service for all of China. It was expected that all 35 satellites (including spares) would be in service by 2019 and so it was, with a few weeks to spare. In 2008 China decided to expand its original Beidou 1 satellite navigation system to cover the entire planet and compete with GPS, the European Galileo and Russian Glonass. China has used the experience from this earlier Beidou 1 network to build the world-wide "Beidou 2" system. Since 2000 China has launched 53 Beidou satellites, including prototypes, replacements and various test models. The last two Baidu satellites were carried aloft by a single Long March 3B rocket. China put 30 satellites into orbit in 2019, more than any other nation. During 2019 only two satellites failed to achieve orbit, for a success rate of nearly 98 percent. The Chinese Compass network incorporates the best features of the GLONASS and Galileo systems, as well as items planned for the next generation American GPS satellites. With all that, no one has found a way to make a buck off a network of navigation satellites, at least not directly. There are plenty of ideas but no one has yet turned any of those ideas into cash. Moreover, there are disputes between the Beidou, Galileo, and Glonass organizations over who should uses what frequencies first. Since GPS got into service first no one is contesting the frequencies GPS uses. But the three other players have some problems. The success of the original GPS satellite navigation system has generated all this competition. But so far these other efforts have found the work much more difficult than expected. A European consortium went forward with Galileo despite growing costs and technical problems. Initially, Galileo was to be funded with private money. But the costs climbed beyond the most optimistic estimates of future income, so now Galileo is being paid for with tax dollars, as was GPS and the competing Russian and Chinese systems. Four of the European Union (EU) Galileo navigation satellites system went live in 2016 but the full complement of 30 satellites (24 active and six spares) will not be complete until 2020. Meanwhile, there have been some technical problems. Galileo first became operational during 2012. The plan was to have all 30 Galileo satellites operational by 2019 and apparently that will only be a year late. Galileo came about because the Europeans didn't like being dependent on an American system and didn't believe the Russians would be able to keep their GLONASS system viable. Galileo became operational because the European nations were willing to pay for a system that anyone could use without charge. Dual signal (GPS and Galileo) receivers won't cost much more (maybe 20 percent more) than GPS receivers do. Having two separate sets of signals makes for more reliable and accurate receivers. Also, the way Galileo is being set up, it will provide improved reliability in higher latitudes and in built up areas. Russia's answer to GPS, GLONASS, was at full strength (24 satellites) in 1996, shortly after the Cold War ended. But the end of the Cold War in 1991 meant the end of the regular financing for GLONASS. Maintaining the system required launching replacement satellites every 5-7 years. By the end of 2002, only seven GLONASS birds were still operational. However, the Russian economy recovered and provided funds for a series of launches in 2003 that increased the number of active satellites to twelve. That went to 18 by the end of 2007 and Russia had 24 GLONASS satellites in orbit by 2011 with the system fully operational by 2012. As a result GLONASS was the first real competitor for GPS. However, GLONASS was not completely functional until 2016 because of delays in building all the ground control stations. The money for GLONASS is coming from a Russian government that does not want to be dependent on the American controlled GPS system. But the money is only there because of high oil prices. Most GLONASS receivers in use are actually combined GPS/GLONASS receivers. Russia will have to put billions of dollars into GLONASS over the next few years to keep the system fully operational and then spend even more money to maintain the satellite network. GLONASS is widely used in conjunction with GPS. In other words many systems, including cell phones that already used GPS, added GLONASS and Galileo to provide better coverage and less instances where the signal was unavailable. Beidu is a more restricted system. Services available to anyone are less accurate than other systems but Beidu also has a special (more accurate and allows messaging) military mode that is only available to the Chinese and Pakistani military. China will make an effort to monetize its GPS service, which really would make it unique compared to the others. By Hallie Gu, Muyu Xu and Shivani Singh BEIJING (Reuters) - China has suspended its plan to implement a nationwide gasoline blend containing 10% ethanol this year, three sources briefed on the matter said, following a sharp decline in the country's corn stocks and limited production capacity of the biofuel. The reversal is a heavy blow to domestic producers that have built new plants, as well as biofuel exporters, including the United States and Brazil, which were looking to benefit from growing Chinese demand. China was expected to increase imports of U.S. ethanol after the recent announcement of Phase 1 of a trade agreement. Beijing announced in September 2017 that the national gasoline supply would contain 10% ethanol from 2020, part of a broad reform of its corn industry that at the time was suffering from a massive surplus. But at a meeting in late December with ethanol producers and oil majors, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said it will now halt the rollout of ethanol-gasoline supplies beyond the current handful of provinces that have already implemented full or partial blends, according to two of the three sources briefed on the meeting. Beijing's mandate - known as the E10 target - was conceived as a way to digest the country's huge state corn reserves and reduce pollution in the world's largest car market by using the cleaner-burning fuel. China is now unlikely to require large ethanol supplies without the mandate. "The decision was made after further study, which suggests any promotion of ethanol gasoline must be based on the precondition that food security is guaranteed," said one of the sources familiar with Beijing's plan, in reference to declining grain reserves in China. The United States exported about 20% of its fuel ethanol to China in 2016, trade worth about $300 million that year. American shipments have since plunged to a trickle, which was expected to be reversed following the announcement of Phase 1 of the recently announced trade deal. Story continues Beijing hiked import duties on ethanol in 2017 to 30% and then added trade war tariffs on U.S. cargoes twice during 2018, amounting to another 40%. "This is definitely a step in the wrong direction, but it was not completely unexpected," said Geoff Cooper, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, a U.S. industry trade group. "But even if implementation of the E10 target is delayed, we believe ethanol consumption will continue to grow in China as the government looks for low-cost ways to reduce air pollution in urban areas." In 2018, China was the eighth-biggest market for U.S. ethanol exports, taking up 52.9 million gallons of the corn-based fuel, according to the RFA. It also bought 290,173 tonnes of U.S. corn, U.S. Agriculture Department data shows. "It's not positive because exports have been an important piece of the puzzle for the industry in the last couple of years," said Tim Gannon, a farmer from Iowa and a former official with the Department of Agriculture. CAPACITY SHORTAGE Executives from China National Petroleum Corporation Limited (CNPC), and Sinopec also attended the NDRC meeting in December, according to one of the sources. The sources declined to be named as they were not authorised to talk to the media. NDRC, the National Energy Administration (NEA), CNPC and Sinopec did not immediately reply to faxes seeking comment. Six other contacts including producers, traders and analysts also said the government rollout of the mandate has significantly slowed or stalled, with few new plants built or markets opened in the past few months. "There is a big shortage of production capacity and few places have made breakthroughs (with the mandate rollout)," said Michael Mao, analyst with Sublime China Information. "I think the promotion has slowed. Maybe we need to wait until after 2020," Mao said. Reaching the 2020 target would have required about 15 million tonnes of the biofuel annually, more than four times current output, or some 45 million tonnes of corn, which is about 16% of the country's current consumption. The country does not disclose state grain reserve levels but state stockpiles of corn have fallen to around 56 million tonnes from more than 200 million tonnes in temporary reserves in 2017, a government expert said in September last year. (Reporting by Hallie Gu, Muyu Xu, and Shivani Singh in Beijing; Additional reporting by Stephanie Kelly in New York and Mark Weinraub in Chicago; Editing by David Evans and Matthew Lewis) MATSAPHA Small and medium enterprises specialising in the culinary industry have had their costs minimised by the opening of Umbuluzi Valley sales gate shop at Mathangeni. The shop that retails in chicken produce, beef, pork and game had its doors opened to the public yesterday. The director of the shop, David Lourens, said the establishment of the business was meant to take it to the people and cutting costs they may incur in terms of transport when travelling to bigger shopping complexes. He said the investment, which is worth over E4.5 million had already yielded positive results for the community in that it employed eight people adding to the 85 personnel employed at the factory located about five kilometres from the gate shop. Lourens said the business was a long-term investment that they were hoping shall expand into other towns. He said the demand for their products was high given that in December they sourced about six metric tonnes of pork from local farmers. We are supporting local farmers in that we buy all our products locally such that in the past months we procured 300 tonnes of chickens from local farmers. Furthermore, he said last month, they sourced eight tonnes of beef from local farmers. He said the idea of setting up the gate shop in Matsapha was aimed at minimising costs to their clients who are mostly SMEs. Worth noting is that Matsapha has a surplus of restaurants and roadside chicken braai stalls which, according to Lourens, were their major clients. Meanwhile, according to the Jabulani Mabuza-led Ministry of Agriculture, in the second quarter of 2019, an income of E47 070 223 was generated in through broiler production and sales. During this period, it was reported that about 1 125 638 birds were sold while in the pork industry about 418.3 metric tonnes of pork was produced generating E14 million. ban This revenue was generated during the second quarter of the 2019/20 financial year. Worth noting is that during this period, the country suspended animal imports from neighbouring South Africa for a second time in 2019 following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Despite this ban, local farmers were able to produce and supply the local demand with 7 228 pigs. During this period, Lubombo came out tops with the production and sale of 137 794 kilogrammes (kg) of pigs thus generating revenue of E4 822 790. The Shiselweni Region had the second highest produce as 134 400kgs of pork were produced. This generated E4 569 600 for the farmers. On the other hand, the Manzini Region came third with the production of 98 638kgs which was valued at E3 634 610 while the Hhohho Region had the least production of pork at 47 472kgs worth E1 703 502. The quarter ended with a total of 54 355 pigs countrywide which was a 9.59 per cent increment from the first quarter which had 1 164 registered farmers. The increment in production could also be attributed to an addition of 42 farmers in the Ministry of Agricultures database. This amounts to 1 227 registered farmers. T hree British citizens were among 176 people killed when a Ukrainian airliner burst into flames shortly after take-off from Tehran. Video footage appeared to show the plane on fire in the sky, having reportedly climbed to 7,875ft, before it crashed and exploded. Debris and smouldering engine parts were strewn across a field about six miles from Imam Khomeini airport in Iran. A fleet of 26 ambulances and a helicopter raced to the crash scene but the fire was so fierce that rescuers could not get near the wreckage, officials said. Iran: Tehran Plane Crash - In pictures 1 /13 Iran: Tehran Plane Crash - In pictures via Reuters AP AFP via Getty Images People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane crashed near Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran ISNA/AFP via Getty Images AP AP via Reuters AP Rescuers check the debris following the plane crash via Reuters Part of the wreckage from Ukrainian plane that crashed in Tehran shortly after take-off via Reuters Pictures from the crash scene led to speculation that the aircraft may have been shot down. A number of social media outlets pointed to suspicious holes in the fuselage. One of the Britons on board was named as Sam Zokaei, 43, a senior engineer for BP from Richmond. His best friend of 20 years, fellow engineer and UCL PhD student Omid Nooranipour, told the Evening Standard: He had been visiting family like any other Iranian does in January. "He was coming back today. Everyone is just in shock. A second Briton was said to be a businessman from Brighton. Also on board was Ukrainian flight attendant Valeriia Ovcharuk, who was also a keen amateur pilot. Stewardess Valeriia Ovcharuk was killed onboard the Ukraine plane / Instagram/O_valeriia Another victim was said to be Olga Kobiuk, 61, who had been visiting her daughter Alena in Tehran. The Boeing 737, heading to the Ukrainian capital Kiev, came down just minutes after take-off and hours after Iran had launched missile attacks on two US airbases in Iraq in retaliation to the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani. Ukrainian diplomats in Tehran initially blamed the plane tragedy on engine failure and there were not believed to be any immediate sign that it was terrorism-related. However, they later removed this statement and said the cause of the incident was being clarified. Other possible explanations include a collision with a military drone, being hit by a missile, possibly accidentally, sabotage or a bird strike. Ukrainian foreign minister Vadym Prystaiko said the victims included 82 from Iran, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, three Germans and three Britons. The countrys President Volodymyr Zelensky said all on board had died. My sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of all passengers and crew, he said in a statement. Ukraine International Airlines insisted that there was nothing wrong with its plane but said it was doing everything possible to confirm the cause of the crash, and the investigation would also involve Boeing and Ukrainian and Iranian authorities. It was the Kiev-based airlines first fatal accident. Iranian TV said the crash was due to unspecified technical problems. State broadcaster IRIB said on its website that one of the planes two black boxes the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder had been found. Tehran plane crash / AP There were reports that Tehrans civil aviation authority is saying it will not give the black box to the planes manufacturer Boeing. It is understood the plane, which was new in 2016, last passed a planned technical service two days ago. There were not a single issue with its technical state, no issues mentioned by the crew when they flew into Tehran, an airline official said. The plane went to 2,400m high (7,875 ft). Given the experience of the crew the chance of their making a mistake is minimal. On a possible missile strike the official said: There is nothing we have to confirm this yet. In the aftermath of the missile attacks on US bases in Iraq, a number of leading airlines including Air France, Qantas, Kuwait Airways, China Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Lufthansa and Emirates all said they were re-routing flights to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace. British Airways was also thought to be taking similar action but would not confirm it. Lufthansa said it was also suspending its services to Tehran and the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, close to one of the US airbases that was attacked. Emirates has cancelled todays service to Baghdad and Ukrainian International Airlines has indefinitely suspended its route to Tehran. The US Federal Aviation Administration has ordered all the countrys carriers to avoid air space over Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Emergency services at the scene of the crash / AP The crash took place hours after Iran began its ballistic missile strikes against US bases in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani, sparking speculation online on pilots forums that it may have been shot down. Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Irans road and transportation ministry, said it appeared the pilot of the aircraft lost control of the plane after a fire in the engine, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. Hassan Razaeifar, head of the air crash investigation committee, said it appeared the pilot could not communicate with air traffic controllers in Tehran in the last moments of the flight. The plane crashed into farmland near the town of Shahedshahr on the outskirts of Tehran. WASHINGTON The U.S. and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war Wednesday, as President Donald Trump indicated he would not respond militarily after no one was harmed in Irans missile strike on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. Speaking from the White House, Trump seemed intent on deescalating the crisis, which reached a new height after he authorized the targeted killing last week of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Quds Force. Iran retaliated overnight with its most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, firing more than a dozen missiles from its territory at the installations in Iraq. Trump credited an early warning system that worked very well" for the fact that no Americans or Iraqis were killed. He added that Americans should be extremely grateful and happy with the outcome. Trump, facing one of the greatest tests of his presidency, said Wednesday that Iran appeared to be standing down and said the U.S. response would be to put in place new economic sanctions until Iran changes its behavior." The strikes had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and put the world's attention on Trump as he weighed whether to respond with more military force. The Republican president delivered his remarks surrounded by his national security advisers in the foyer of the White House. It came after a late-night tweet in which he insisted All is well! after the strikes. Iran, for days, had promised to respond forcefully to Soleimani's killing, but its limited strike on two bases one in the northern Iraqi city in Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq appeared to signal that it was also uninterested in a wider clash with the U.S. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the country had concluded proportionate measures in self-defense." Trump, who is facing reelection in November, campaigned for president on a promise to keep the United States from engaging in endless war." On Wednesday he said the United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. That marked a change in tone from his Tuesday warning, If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly." Trump opened his remarks by reiterating his promise that Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon," even as that country announced in the wake of Soleimani's killing that it would no longer comply with any of the 2015 nuclear agreement's limits on enrichment that had been put in place to prevent it from building a nuclear device. Following the speech, Rep. Max Rose (D-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) said: I support the presidents goal to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon and ceases its support for terrorist proxies, and am encouraged by his efforts to de-escalate military tensions in the wake of Irans retaliatory attack last night. While the killing of Qasem Soleimani a terrorist with American blood on his hands was legal and justified, now is the time for diplomacy." I look forward to continued briefings and answers from the administration on their strategy for future actions. If we reach the point where any president believes proactive and sustained military action against Iran is necessary, then they must present their case for war to the American people and seek Congressional authorization. Under the Constitution, only Congress can declare war," Rose added. NEW NEGOTIATIONS Trump seized on the moment of calm to call for new negotiations to replace the deal from which he withdrew the U.S., objecting that it didnt limit Irans ballistic missile programs or constrain its regional proxy campaigns like those led by Soleimani. The president spoke directly to Iran, saying, We want you to have a future and a great future." Trump also announced he would ask NATO to become "much more involved in the Middle East process. While he has frequently criticized NATO as obsolete and has encouraged participants to increase their military spending, Trump has sought to have the military alliance refocus its efforts on modern threats. Like U.S. troops in the region, NATO forces have temporarily halted their training of Iraqi forces and their counter-Islamic State efforts, and re-positioned some forces due to the current instability. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking on Wednesday, said the overnight strike was not necessarily the totality of Iran's response. Last night they received a slap, Khamenei said. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end. Soleimani's death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets to mourn him. Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander. The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles in the latest strikes, two U.S. officials said. Ten hit the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Four failed, said the officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly about a military operation. According to a U.S. official, early warning systems detected the missile launches and alarms sounded, giving personnel at the bases time to get to shelter. Officials also said that the U.S. was aware of preparations for the attack. It's unclear if any intelligence identified specific targets or was more general. Two Iraqi security officials said a missile appeared to have struck a plane at Ain al-Asad, igniting a fire. Ain al-Asad was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and it later was used by American troops in the fight against the Islamic State group. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. Trump visited it in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice President Mike Pence visited both Ain al-Asad and Irbil in November. Trump spoke of new sanctions on Iran, but it was not immediately clear what those would be. The primary agencies involved in implementing such penalties the departments of Commerce, State and Treasury do not preview those actions to prevent the targets from taking steps to evade them. Since withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, the administration has already imposed harsh sanctions on nearly every significant portion of Irans economic, energy, shipping and military sectors. However, it retains broad authority to expand their scope and also to target individual Iranian officials and their families with penalties, including asset freezes and travel bans. It can also threaten foreign individuals and companies with U.S. sanctions if they do business with designated Iranians. The effort to deescalate the conflict comes after world leaders appealed to both sides for restraint. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a joint statement after a closed-door meeting on Mideast security warned that the further use of force would lead to a new cycle of instability and would eventually damage everyones interests. In Washington, Democrats called on Trump avoid military escalation. Rep. Eliot Engel of New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the administration needs to quickly extricate us from what could lead into a full-fledged war with terrible casualties. Engel said he feared the situation spirals out of control." The fallout for Trump's order to kill Soleimani had been swift. Iraq's Parliament voted to expel U.S. troops from Iraq, which would undermine efforts to fight Islamic State militants in the region and would strengthen Iran's influence in the Mideast. The counterattack by Iran came as Trump and his top advisers were under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led to the American strike that killed Soleimani. Top Senate Democrats, citing deep concern about the lack of information coming from the Trump administration about the Iran operation, called on Defense Department officials to provide regular briefings and documents to Congress. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the senators said in a letter Wednesday that the White Houses classified War Powers notification to Congress was generic, vague, and entirely inconsistent in its level of detail compared with the norm. They also registered their grave concern with Trumps comments on targeting Iranian cultural sites and asked for clarification. Members of Congress were to be briefed on the strike Wednesday afternoon in closed-door sessions on Capitol Hill. Trump and top national security officials have justified the airstrike with general statements about the threat posed by Soleimani, who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. One lawmaker who has read the classified notification that Trump sent Congress after the U.S. air strike that killed Soleimani said the two-page document did not describe any imminent planned attacks or contain any new information. The lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the classified document, said the letter gave a historic account of attacks that have been reported publicly. Weather Alert ...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Kentucky...Illinois...Missouri... Ohio River at Paducah. Ohio River at Cairo. Ohio River at Olmsted Lock and Dam. .Recent heavy rainfall and snow melt will continue to keep water levels on the lower Ohio River in or near minor flood this week. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. && ...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Ohio River at Paducah. * WHEN...Until early tomorrow afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 39.0 feet, Minor flooding occurs affecting mainly bottomland and surrounding low lying areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:00 PM CST Monday the stage was 38.6 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 39.0 feet tomorrow morning. - Flood stage is 39.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood && London, Jan 8 : In a major breakthrough, researchers have identified how a subset of immune cells are activated to kill cancerous cells, which could hold the key to new powerful therapies against cancer. This new study built on previous research which found that following immunotherapy some CD4+ T cells, traditionally thought to be 'helper' and 'regulator' immune cells, become cytotoxic and directly engage with and kill cancer cells. Published in the journal Immunity, the research team from University College London, examined the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning this activity, as part of an experimental study of immunotherapy in mice. Researchers found that IL-2, a 'growth factor' for T cells and the 'transcription factor' Blimp-1 are responsible for initiating potent killer activity in CD4+ T cells within cancerous tumours. "We knew these immune cells had the ability to proactively kill cancer cells with incredible potency, but to maximise their potential, we needed to know how this mechanism was activated," said study co-lead author Sergio Quezada. "Our discovery provides the evidence and rationale for utilising Blimp-1 to maximise the anti-tumour activity of CD4+ T cells," Quezada added. Work is now underway in our lab to develop new personalised cell therapies where the activity of Blimp-1 can be maxed up to drive potent tumour control, the researchers said. According to the study, T cells are a subset of lymphocytes (white blood cells), which play a key role in the body's immune response. In immunotherapy T cells are modified and used to attack cancer. These cells move around our bodies, looking for infected cells and killing them. However, T cells do not recognise most cancers, since cancers develop from our own tissues and appear normal to most T cells, the research said. The main challenge with T cell immunotherapy approaches is to find ways to direct T cells to attack cancer cells. "Cellular therapies have only recently entered the mainstream in terms of clinical application. Our findings broaden our understanding of the regulators of T cell differentiation, illuminating new elements that might be targeted to enhance therapeutic efficacy," said study researcher Karl Peggs from the University College London in UK. According to the researchers, the study like this helps scientists understand better the intricacies of our immune system and how it can be utilised to kill cancer cells. President Trump on Wednesday addressed Irans strikes on two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops, saying he plans to ask NATO members to contribute more to handling the situation in the Middle East. Today I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process, Trump announced at the White House. The presidents remarks came after Iran on Tuesday launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles aimed at two Iraqi bases in Ain al-Asad and Irbil in Kurdistan, which house U.S. soldiers. No casualties resulted from the attacks. The attacks were retaliation for the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Quds Force, who was killed Friday in a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad. The U.S. killed Soleimani after Iran-backed militiamen laid siege to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad last week, an attack Soleimani signed off on. Trump has frequently complained that NATO member states lean too heavily on the U.S. for defense spending to protect Europe. Last year, he reportedly floated pulling the U.S. out of NATO should members fail to contribute more. At some point, its going to have to go higher, Trump said in April of NATO military spending. During Wednesdays address, the president appeared to back away from escalating military conflict with Iran but threatened more economic sanctions on the state terror sponsor. As long as I am president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, Trump said. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. Trump also touted Americas energy independence, saying more options are now available in the Middle East since we do not need Middle East oil. More from National Review Fluence Corporationhas achieved Financial Close on the $265 million Ivory Coast water treatment plant.This was helped by the execution of the financing agreement by the Ministry of Finance of Ivory Coast and the Israeli Discount Bank.Fluence will start construction to fully erect the water treatment plant over the next 24 months.Achievement of Financial Close allows Fluence to immediately recognize no less than $29 million of revenue for work that has already largely been completed.Shares in Fluence Corporationclosed 0.3 per cent higher at 45 cents yesterday. Today in Iran: So Tuesday night was pretty busy. Iran fired some missiles at bases hosting U.S. service members in Iraq. (What does that mean, exactly?) Also, a plane crashed, and Aaron Mak has more on what we know regarding that. To cap it off, fake news mightve headed off an actual war. Dont worry: This isnt even close to being over. In or out? The new memoir Uncanny Valley, by Anna Wiener, explores the almost-unreality of working in Silicon Valley. In her review, Laura Miller says, What Wiener excels at is not argument or analysisthe articulation of deep patterns or historical shifts in power and attentionbut the texture of life for people in a particular and pivotal time and place. Counter that with Dan Kois look at Wieners elegant elision in describing proper nouns. Some heroes wear nothing: Heather Schwedel writes that women are using nude photos to raise money for relief efforts for the Australian wildfires. How did this intersection of NSFW and charity happen? For fun: Is the Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time tournament even fun to watch? It snowed but its gone now, Dawnthea The Mumbai police on Tuesday filed an FIR against Mahek Mirza Prabhu, a Mumbai-based storyteller and performer, for holding a Free Kashmir placard during a protest against JNU violence at the Gateway of India. Deputy commissioner of police Sangram Singh Nishandar said Mirza Prabhu has been booked under Section 153 (B) (making imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) of the Indian Penal Code. Earlier in the day, Mirza Prabhu posted a video on Facebook, where she apologised for the act, while clarifying that she had picked up the placard lying at the venue. The placard meant freedom to express themselves, freedom from the internet lockdown which many people have been voicing for. I was voicing my solidarity for basic constitutional rights, she posted. The incident triggered a war of words between ruling and opposition leaders with former CM and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis leading the counter-offensive over the placard on Twitter How can we tolerate such separatist elements in Mumbai?... Uddhav ji are you going to tolerate this Free Kashmir Anti India campaign right under your nose???, he tweeted on Monday. Maharashtra minister Jayant Patil accused Fadnavis of trying to confuse people by decoding words in a hateful manner. Devendraji, its free kashmir from all discriminations, bans on cellular networks and central control. I cant believe a responsible leader like you is trying to confuse people by decoding words in such a hatred way. Is it losing power or losing self control? Patil tweeted. If she is involved in any anti-national activity, action would be taken against her, said minister Anil Deshmukh. Meanwhile, the police have booked others who participated in the demonstrations at the Gateway of India, including Umar Khalid, Firoz Mithiborwala and Suvarna Salve. Nishandar said the protesters have been booked for unlawful assembly at the Gateway of India. An FIR has also been filed against ABVP members for their counter protests at Hutatma Chowk in Mumbai. A promising young female jockey critically injured in a horror fall is more determined than ever to ride again. Shanae O'Meara, 20, was left fighting for life with severe head injuries after the disastrous fall during trackwork at Swan Hill in regional Victoria on August 26. She was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital where she underwent lifesaving surgery and admitted to intensive care, where she was in a coma for five days and still unable to communicate with her family a fortnight after the fall. She was later transferred to Epworth Hospital's acquired brain injury rehabilitation centre, where she spent two months recuperating. Shanae OMeara spent two months in hospital after a horrific fall during trackwork in August More than four months on, Ms O'Meara has regained her speech and has made pleasing progress in her road to recovery. She has spoken publicly for the first time about the accident that almost ended her riding career before it began. 'I don't remember anything about the fall and for a long time, could only communicate through drawing,' she recently told Daily Mail Australia. 'I was back jogging again six weeks after the accident. But I still can't ride or drive, in case I have a seizure.' During her two month stay at Epsworth Hospital's acquired brain injury rehabilitation centre, Ms O'Meara underwent intense rehabilitation, which included physiotherapy and speech therapy twice a day, occupational therapy and daily assessments with a neuropsychologist. Her spirits were boosted during her hospital stint with a visit from 2015 Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne. Shanae was rushed to Melbourne for lifesaving surgery and was in a coma for five days O'Meara (pictured before the accident) has made remarkable progress during her recovery O'Meara remains in Melbourne to attend rehab three days a week as an out-patient and hopes to permanently return home 340km away in the coming months. She recently returned to the Austy Coffey Racing stables at the Swan Hill track where she was injured and has worked since she was 17. 'I returned to work at the track for the first time, which was amazing to see everyone and all the horses,' Ms O'Meara said. 'I will have a CT [this month], when doctors will then assess what happens from there but will probably remain in Melbourne until at least mid-February.' Ms O'Meara's horror fall occurred just days before two female jockeys were killed. Melanie Tyndall, 32, was riding at a Darwin race when she reportedly trampled when her horse clipped the heels of another and fell on August 31. She later died in hospital. A day earlier, apprentice jockey Mikaela Claridge, 22, died from injuries in a fall when 'her horse spooked' during trackwork in Melbourne. Shanae received an uplifting hospital visit from Melbourne Cup jockey Michelle Payne Of the 20 jockeys have been killed in Australia in the last 19 years, 17 were during races while the other occurred during trackwork. South Australian Jockey of the Year Raquel Clark, 26, can't ride for at least a year after a fall left her with head injuries that caused a temporary loss of memory and partial hearing loss. Her horse Goodgee bucked as the field was slowing down after crossing the finish line at Morphettville on November 9. She still suffers from severe headaches, hearing loss and is unable to drive, amid fears she may never ride again. Joy's other children have rallied around their sister as she continues treatment in Melbourne Not even other horror falls that have rocked the horse racing industry have deterred O'Meara from following her dreams. 'I'm still going to ride again and get my apprenticeship,' O'Meara vowed. 'This is the job I've wanted since I was 11-years-old.' It's a different story for her mum Joy Williams, who recalled the harrowing moment she got the call revealing her daughter had been critically injured at the track. 'I'm a nurse and was on my way to work when my other daughter rang and I knew there was something wrong straight away,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I still think about that gut-wrenching day seeing her in the emergency department and in a coma. 'I'm used to seeing trauma at work but when it involves family, it's a different story.' Shanae O'Meara (pictured with mum Joy Williams) still isn't allowed to ride or drive Shanae spent two months recovering at Epworth Hospital's acquired brain injury rehabilitation centre in Melbourne, where she continues to attend as an out-patient Ms Williams is 'super proud' of the progress her daughter has made in recovery. 'Doctors didn't expect her to recover so quickly she has,' Ms Williams said. 'She has improved in leaps and bounds. We're very lucky to still have her. She's as passionate and determined as ever, maybe sometimes too determined. 'Out of the horrific event that happened, we've met some amazing people and made lifelong friends.' She admits she still has fears about her daughter returning to the track in the wake of the recent tragedies. 'It's something that I'm always got to worry about but have to learn to accept,' Ms Williams said. Shanae (pictured with her mum) on October 28 when she was discharged from hospital Who Was Theodore W. Schultz? Theodore W. Schultz, who went by the name Ted Schultz, was born on April 30, 1902 and died on Feb. 26, 1998. He was an American Nobel Prize recipient, an economist, and the chair of Economics at the University of Chicago. He is most famous for developing the Human Capital Theory of economic recovery from disaster. Key Takeaways Theodore Schultz was an agricultural economist and the chair of the Department of Economics at the University of Chicago. Schultz made significant contributions to the economics of rural and agricultural development and the theory of human capital. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1991. Life and Career Theodore W. Schultz was born on a farm in South Dakota. He attended school until the eighth grade when he left to work on his family's farm due to labor shortages during World War I. Later, motivated by the persistent financial troubles he saw around him in the agricultural sector, Schultz would enroll in a special farm-oriented agricultural and economic studies program at South Dakota State. He finally earned a degree in agriculture and economics in 1928 at the age of 26. Two years later, in 1930, he married Esther Werth, who was the editor of all of Schultz's works until her death in 1991. Schultz was a professor at Iowa State University from 1930 to 1943. In 1943, a controversy about oleomargarine erupted with the question of whose interests economic policies should serve: consumers or producers. After the school suppressed research favorable toward oleomargarine under pressure from dairy producers, Schultz left his position at the university. Schultz went to the University of Chicago, where he would serve the remainder of his career (when he wasn't traveling internationally for research). He was made chair of the Economics Department in 1946 and served in that capacity until 1961. He attracted his friend and former student David Gale Johnson to Chicago, and together the pair made substantial contributions to doctrinal, ideological, and analytical economics, which attracted the support of several wealthy donors and charitable foundations, most notably the Rockefeller Foundation. He became the president of the American Economic Association in 1960. In 1979, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Economics for his research on the role of human capital in economic development. Contributions Throughout his career Schultz made a number of contributions to the advancement of economic science. These include his work on the agricultural economics of poor and developing nations and his human capital theory of economic development. In the course of his research, Schultz actually traveled to numerous nations to meet with local farmers, village leaders, and workers. Agriculture in Developing Countries Schultz extended his early applied work in agricultural economics to a global focus on the development of agricultural regions in relatively poor countries. He argued that economic stagnation across poor, rural, agricultural areas was largely due to government policies that favored richer urban areas over the interests of agriculture. Policies that restrain food and agricultural commodity prices, disproportionate taxation of crops and agricultural land, and the failure of many governments to support research and extension services all suppress rural entrepreneurship and reduce the incentive and ability of farmers to engage in innovation and investment in agriculture, according to Schultz. Human Capital and Economic Recovery Schultz noted the remarkable speed with which the post-war economies of Japan and West Germany rebounded from the complete devastation resulting from World War II, especially in comparison to the relatively intact economic infrastructure of the United Kingdom, which suffered a severe economic depression for several years after the war. Schultz determined that foreign aid from the Marshall Plan was actually damaging local economies in Europe, because while aid was distributed for free, local economies were distorted and smothered because free and subsidized aid suppressed prices leaving local farmers unable to compete. Schultz concluded that the root cause of Germany's and Japan's success was the healthy and educated populations of the two nations, a conclusion which eventually became the basis of Human Capital Theory. This led him to emphasize the quality of the population as a key factor in economic growth and development over the quality or quantity of land or other natural resource endowments. This led to a major shift in the funding of education and health promotion programs by international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Employees at an Australian tech company have the luxury of only working four days a week after their boss decided to shut up shop every Wednesday. The idea for Melbourne-based app developer Versa Agency to have a shorter work week came from chief executive Kathryn Blackham, who wanted to give staff a better work-life balance. Cancelling work on Wednesdays essentially created two work weeks in one, with 'Hump day' seen as a 'mini weekend'. And staff have been returning to work on Thursdays more refreshed, Ms Blackham claims. The idea for app developer Versa Agency to have a shorter work week came from chief executive Kathryn Blackham (pictured), who wanted to give staff a better work-life balance The unconventional work-week has seen the company take home a number of international awards, as well as increasing profit and productivity. Ms Blackham told the ABC they were three times more profitable than they were last year, revenue has increased and staff were happier. 'I know a lot of workplaces have kind of those Monday morning 'feels', where there's a bit of a vibe in the office, people are bantering back and forward. And in the end you get that kind-of 'Hump Day', which is a little bit harder to do. 'By the time we get to Thursday it's like a Monday again. You get a new feeling of enthusiasm and cracking on with work, collaboration.' Many people believe working fewer would make them lazy, however, Ms Blackham said that was far from true. The unconventional work-week has seen the company take home a number of international awards, as well as increasing profit and productivity (stock image pictured) 'All of the factors that you would have thought would have gone down because we're working 20 per cent less in theory, we're working one day less, although we are doing longer days on the other days actually we've seen them increase dramatically,' she said. She said that while they had received some backlash from within the industry, they had seen a lot of praise. The idea has generated a lot of interest from the United Kingdom, with Ms Blackham invited to speak to MPs and leaders of UK Labour about how it could work there. Last year, she has also spoke with executives from English supermarket Morrisons about a four-day work week. Actor Shilpa Shetty on Wednesday kick-started the shoot for her upcoming comedy-drama 'Hungama 2' and shared a video with fans to show how excited she is for the new venture. The 44-year-old actor hopped on to Instagram and shared an exciting video. She captioned the post as, "New beginnings: Hungama 2 | Day 1. Thrilled to be working with one of my favourite directors, #Priyadarshan Sir for the first time, while going back to where it all began @venusmovies @jainrtn." "Happy, nervous, excited, anxious, humbled, and blessed - feeling a gamut of emotions right now! Need your love and support as I start this new journey today #newyear #newbeginnings #newmovie #excited #blessed #lookingforward #backtowork #love #gratitude," she concluded. The 'Dhadkan' actor posted a video in which she looked visibly excited as she entered Venus studios for the shoot. She told fans that she is excited about the new year, her new haircut and the start of the new project with her "favourite" director. Shilpa also asked fans for their love and support. The fitness diva wore a cropped black tee with high-waisted blue jeans in the clip. 'Hungama 2' stars Paresh Rawal, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Meezaan Jaffery and South Indian actress Pranitha Subhash in pivotal roles. Paresh Rawal, whose character was one of the highlights of 'Hungama' is reuniting with Priyadarshan after seven years. The director-actor duo has worked together in comedies like 'Hera Pheri', 'Bhagam Bhaag', and 'Malamaal Weekly'. Directed by Priyadarshan and produced by the Ratan Jain, 'Hungama 2' is due to be out in theatres on 14 August 2020. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 20:12:07|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ISTANBUL, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin met on Wednesday in Istanbul to discuss regional developments. The mounting tension between the United States and Iran is expected to top the agenda of their meeting, after Iran fired missiles targeting U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq earlier in the day. Last week, a U.S. drone strike killed Major General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, at the Baghdad airport in Iraq, further straining the already tense relations between the two countries. The war in Libya, where Turkey is sending troops to in support of the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), and the conflict in Syria, are also set to dominate the meeting as well. Erdogan said on Sunday evening that Turkey "gradually" started to send troops to Libya under a deal inked with the GNA, a move which stirred opposition from some of its regional neighbors. The Turkish leader assured that the mission of Turkish soldiers is to ensure a cease-fire in Libya, torn by civil war, and not to fight. Another issue that strained ties between Turkey and Russia is the offensive of Russian-backed Syrian government forces on the country's last rebel-stronghold northwestern province of Idlib, which prompted a new flow of refugees toward the Turkish border. Erdogan earlier said he hopes that Turkey and Russia can establish a cease-fire in Idlib. After the meeting, Erdogan and Putin will proceed to the inauguration ceremony of the TurkStream natural gas pipeline project, which will deliver Russian gas to Turkey and Europe. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) will meet at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 16 in the Grace A. Dow Library Community Room. Guest speaker, Kate Hessling, new editor of the Midland Daily News, will be presenting her guiding philosophy that a newspaper's role is to inform, make strong connections, and help drive community development. Audience participation is welcomed. 31 Shares Share A recent study published in Science, one of the worlds leading academic journals, found that a predictive health care algorithm discriminated against black patients. The tool, created by Optum, was designed to identify high-risk patients with untreated chronic diseases, thereby helping administrators re-distribute medical resources to those whod benefit the most. But there was a glitch in the algorithm, according to researchers. Rather than ranking the needs of patients based on the severity or complexity of their illnesses, the algorithm relied on a surrogate measure: the cost of each patients past treatments. The problem with that is black patients receive less care than white patients with the same disease burden and, therefore, account for less medical spending on average. When the researchers went back and re-ranked patients by their illnesses (rather than the cost of care), the percentage of black patients who should have been enrolled in specialized care programs jumped from 17.7% to 46.5%. Since the error was discovered, Optums now-notorious algorithm has become the subject of intense media scrutiny, resulting in widespread outrage throughout the scientific community. News coverage of the controversy leaves no doubt about who (or, rather, what) is to blame. US Hospital Algorithm Discriminates Against Black Patients, reads a British Medical Journal headline. Racial Bias Found In A Major Healthcare Risk Algorithm, says Scientific American. Millions Of Black People Affected By Racial Bias In Healthcare Algorithms, notes Nature. Blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-algorithm To understand what the media and scientists got wrong, ask yourself: How did an algorithm discriminate against black patients? The answer is simple. It didnt. The technology didnt discriminate against black people, doctors did. The research published in Science falsely insinuated that racial bias occurred when the computer programmers started punching in zeros and ones. In fact, the bias in question took place long before that. For decades, American physicians have discriminated against patients of color, providing them with sub-optimal care. Want proof? You can read about racial disparities in breast reconstruction, or how black and Hispanic patients are less likely to receive pain medications, or any of the dozens of clinical studies that prove racial and ethnic minorities receive poorer care than whites. If physicians hadnt discriminated against black patients, the algorithm would not have demonstrated bias. Thats whats wrong with the headlines and analysis surrounding this story. Racial discrimination wasnt the byproduct of a computer algorithm. It was the result of physicians providing black patients with insufficient and inequitable treatment. Racial bias has long been a reality of American medicine. And its not the only form of discrimination thats holding back U.S. health care. How technophobia in health care harms us As the Science article shows, humans have a tendency to blame technology when it fails to perform as desired or expected. The truth is, however, Optums algorithm performed its function perfectly. To understand why we blame technology when human performance is at fault, consider a study from the University of Michigan, which examined a new way to test self-driving cars in order to improve vehicle safety. For context, there are roughly 40,000 traffic deaths on U.S. roadways each year. Given the high death toll, you might think drivers would be eager to embrace driverless vehicles. But, according to University of Michigan researchers, For consumers to accept driverless vehicles tests will need to prove with 80% confidence that theyre 90% safer than human drivers. To put that finding in perspective, humans would not embrace self-driving cars if they only prevented 20,000 or 30,000 deaths annually. To be considered safe enough to replace humans, driverless cars would need to save more than 35,000 lives each year, according to consumers. Its Complicated: Americas Relationship With New Technologies When it comes to new technologies, Americans are of two mindsor, more precisely, two sets of emotions: 1. Appreciation. Technologies that are either (a) helpful like Siri or (b) charmingly anthropomorphic like Anki Cozmo tend to elicit positive feelings, including empathy, appreciation, and even affection. Thats because we perceive these forms of technology as on our side and one of us. And because most consumer technologies fall into this category, 85% of Americans believe digital technology is a good thing for our country. 2. Aggression. When machines are perceived as others or threatening, we respond with fear and anxiety. The now-familiar motif of man vs. machine has been around since the industrial revolution, dating back to the Luddite Rebellion of the early 1800s, wherein English textile workers destroyed machines that threatened to automate their jobs. For modern-day interpretations of this phobia, see 2001: A Space Odyssey or the Terminator franchise or West World. Where do these fears come from? Psychologically, it isnt the threat of robotic annihilation that scares us. What were actually afraid of is the loss of control to an entity we dont understand. Fear of the unknown or of others can be a powerful motivator. It helps explain why some doctors discriminate against certain groups of patients and, likewise, why news outlets seem obsessed with technologys failures. In health care, an example of our pro-human bias manifests in medical errors, which kill 200,000 Americans each year. Human mistakes in health care are the third-leading cause of death (behind heart disease and cancer). Given the magnitude of the problem, youd think these errors would dominate news headlines, but they dont. You know what has sparked media frenzies and rigorous debate at medical meetings, despite being incredibly rare? Medical problems caused by artificial intelligence. The only thing to fear is an unwillingness to change Compared to the best radiologists, todays AI solutions can identify lung and breast cancer and diagnose pneumonia on chest X-rays just as accurately or even better. Thats because machine-learning software can compare thousands of normal studies against thousands of abnormal ones, spotting hundreds of minor differences in mere seconds. By contrast, doctors have to rely on heuristics to reach their conclusions, applying a few mental shortcuts to make determinations and reach a diagnosis. AI applications cant yet make perfect diagnoses from visual images. But in cases where theyre more accurate than radiologists, why not replace people with artificial intelligence, immediately? After all, if patients were asked to decide between a radiologist who was accurate 80% of the time and one who was right 85%, the choice would be obvious. AI isnt more prevalent in medicine now (and likely wont be for many years) because humans are biased against technologies they dont fully understand. Todays health-tech experts are reluctant to suggest that computers will someday replace humans, arguing (or, perhaps, hoping) that machines will merely play a supporting role. The fact is, IT solutions can lead to lower health care costs and improved quality. But for that to happen, we must be willing and able to embrace a more tech-focused future (including a future in which these technologies replace some physicians). To prepare the profession for the inevitable, medical schools will have to instruct students in the development and use of advanced IT. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other regulatory bodies will need to fund research that compares new technologies to the current physician performance (without holding technology to some theoretical ideal of robotic perfection). Finally, insurance companies must pay for high-tech services, just as they do for care delivered by humans. Going forward, both physicians and patients need to stop viewing technological tools as threats. The health of our nation and affordability of our health care depend on it. Robert Pearl is a physician and CEO, Permanente Medical Groups. He is the author of Mistreated: Why We Think Were Getting Good Health CareAnd Why Were Usually Wrong and can be reached on Twitter @RobertPearlMD. This article originally appeared in Forbes. Image credit: Shutterstock.com College students who post about their feelings of depression on Facebook may not be encouraged by their friends to seek help from a mental health professional, according to a new study. In the study, published in the journal JMIR Research Protocols, none of the 33 participating students said their friends helped them reach out to a mental health professional to discuss their problems. The researchers, including those from The Ohio State University in the US, said most friends of the study participants simply sent supportive or motivating messages instead. As part of the study, the 33 students reported what type of post they made, how their friends responded, and also completed a measure of depression. Nearly half of the participants reported symptoms which were consistent with moderate or severe depression. About a third of them indicated they had had suicidal thoughts several days in the previous few weeks. The participants' Facebook posts were mostly of two common themes. They were either negative emotions like "I just said I felt so alone" -- one student wrote -- or about having a bad day, "Terrible day. Things couldn't get any worse" -- another participant posted. Together, these two themes appeared in about 45 per cent of the posts reported by the students, the researchers said. Only one of the students directly asked for help, and only three mentioned "depression" or related words, the study said. While most of the students didn't use words like "depression" in their Facebook posts, many found ways to hint at their mental states without being explicit. Fifteen per cent of the participants used sad song lyrics, five per cent used an emoji, and another 5 per cent used quoted to express their depressed states. "It may be because of the stigma around mental illness. Or maybe they didn't know that their symptoms indicated that they were depressed," said Scottye Cash, lead author of the study from The Ohio State University. According to the researchers, the most common responses from the participants' friends -- about 35 per cent of Facebook post responses -- were simply supportive gestures. "All my close friends were there to encourage me, and letting me know that everything will be okay," one study participant said. Coming second, the next most common response -- 19 percent of posts -- asked what was wrong. The participants said they didn't always take such responses positively. "It is hard to tell who cares or who's just curious this way, though," one participant wrote. "For the friends reading these posts, they often have to read between the lines since few people came right out and said they were depressed," Cash said. According to the researchers, many people used quotes and song lyrics to talk about how they're feeling, so their friends had to decode what they were saying. She said the findings point to the need for more mental health literacy among college students so they can recognise signs of depression among their peers and know how to respond. "Both Facebook and colleges and universities could do more to give these students information about resources, mental health support, and how to recognize the signs of depression and anxiety," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The on Wednesday warned CoC of contempt proceedings if they do not release interim funds to the resolution professional by January 20 for completion of insolvency proceedings. "We again reiterate and instruct the Committee of Creditors (CoC) to release the interim amount as required by the RP of the grounded airline, so that the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) is completed and the assets of Jet are not devalued," Mumbai-bench of in its order said. Further, the bench comprising Bhaskara Pantula Mohan and Rajesh Sharma directed the CoC to at least pay the amount by January 20, or the tribunal will initiate contempt proceedings against the defaulting members. The tribunal directed the CoC members, who have not honoured the order of the court, to remain present on February 19 - the next date of hearing. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) also directed Indian Overseas Bank, which is in the process of filing application at the tribunal for exemption from payment as they are under Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) restriction, to approach the government authorities concerned in this regard. This direction came after the resolution professional pointed out that it is under tremendous pressure as many CoC members, in spite of the tribunal's earlier order, have not released funds. The lenders had in-principle sanctioned Rs 63 crore to the RP. Lead banker SBI and two other banks had reportedly already disbursed their portion of the interim amount. Meanwhile, the RP submitted its progress report saying that under the fresh expression of interest (EoIs), which was decided on December 17, has received interest from two parties. The CoC has decided January 15 as the last date of submission of EoIs and February 17 as the last date of submission of resolution plans, he said. South America's Synergy Group has filed its documents under this fresh EoI, he said, adding the other one is a domestic company, but not in the airline business. Italian kitchen appliance manufacturer Falmec has set up a subsidiary in the UK to market its premium extraction and cooking solutions. Launched officially on 1st January 2020, Falmec UK Limited is headed up by Sean Drumm, former MD of Dublin-based distributors Showtime, who has been successfully promoting and selling Falmec appliances in Ireland since 2007. Falmecs decision to have a direct presence in the UK is part of a global strategy by the company to be closer to its markets. The company wants to sharpen its focus on the UK markets specific needs and further enhance Falmecs product and service offer. Drumm explains: Our objective is to shine a brighter light on the extensive appeal of this award-winning collection and its many unique attributes. We are fortunate to already have a solid foundation in the UK - established by Euroline Sales & Marketing - on which to further develop the brand Alongside MD Sean Drumm, the Falmec UK team includes Ron Blount (formerly of Blanco & Inventum), who will be responsible for Business Development. Both are supported by highly respected Sales Managers from the industry: Gary Butcher and Ashley Porter. Having worked closely together with Falmec for well over 10 years, I know theres a lot of potential in this brand, says Drumm, who adds: With excellent after-sales service back-up & PR expertise, we intend to be 100% focused on growing market share so that the Falmec brand receives the recognition it so richly deserves Picture: The Falmec UK team (L to R): Ron Blount, New Business Development Manager (formerly of Blanco & Inventum); Sean Drumm, MD (also MD of Showtime in Dublin); Ashley Porter, Technical Sales Manager (Formerly of Wickes & Inventum) and Gary Butcher, Sales Manager (formerly of Blanco & Ridgeons) By Robin Emmott and Philip Blenkinsop BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European leaders warned Libya's internationally recognised prime minister on Wednesday against allowing Turkish troops on Libyan soil or agreeing to a natural gas deal with Turkey to avoid worsening the latest turmoil in the country. A day after British, French, German and Italian foreign ministers condemned Turkish plans to send military personnel to Tripoli, Fayez al-Serraj made a brief trip to Brussels to meet EU officials and Germany's foreign minister, after plans to meet in Tripoli on Tuesday were judged too dangerous. The European Union, seeking to avoid being sidelined as foreign powers jostle for influence and gas resources in Libya, pressed Serraj to work for a ceasefire as fighting between rival eastern and western administrations intensifies. The stakes are high - lawlessness in Libya has in recent years disrupted the OPEC member's oil output, fuelled migrant smuggling to Europe and given space to Islamist extremists. Charles Michel, who coordinates EU governments in Brussels, said he told Serraj "there is no military solution", while German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said a Syrian-style civil war in Libya must be prevented. "We want to avoid Libya becoming the scene of proxy wars," Maas said, referring to Turkey's plans for military aid for Serraj and Russia's support for the premier's rival in the east, Khalifa Haftar. "Libya cannot become a second Syria and so we need rapidly to enter a political process, an agreement on an effective ceasefire and an arms embargo," Maas said, adding he wanted a summit on Libya in Berlin in the coming weeks. At a separate NATO meeting on Libya, ambassadors pressed Turkey's top diplomat to the alliance not to send troops to the North African country, allied diplomats said. Turkey says the deployment was requested by Serraj's government. Libya has been torn by factional conflict since dictator Muammar Gaddafi's fall to a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. Haftar, who was a general in Gaddafi's army and whose forces hold much of Libya's east and south, is making a renewed attempt to capture Tripoli, the capital located in the northwest. Haftar may also be invited to Brussels, diplomats said. Story continues Michel said he also told Serraj that a recent deal to create an exclusive economic zone from Turkey's southern Mediterranean shore to Libya's northeast coast had no legal basis. Ankara says the deal aims to protect its rights under international law, and that it is open to signing similar deals with other states on the basis of "fair sharing" of resources. Michel said it "infringes upon the sovereign rights of third states and does not comply with the (United Nations) Law of the Sea." Greece and Cyprus see the deal as meant to scupper their development of East Mediterranean gas and destabilise rivals. (Reporting by Robin Emmott; Editing by Mark Heinrich) DGCA asks airlines to be vigilant in airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulfs India oi-PTI New Delhi, Jan 08: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday asked Indian airline companies to remain vigilant and take all precautions in airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf, hours after a Ukrainian International airlines carrying 180 passengers crashed near Tehran in Iran. "We had held meetings with the concerned Airlines and have sensitised them to remain vigilant and take all precautions," said a senior official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday morning. USA civil flights banned over the Gulf, Iraq and Iran Iran retaliates against US strike, Plane crashes near Tehran airport | OneIndia News The US aviation regulator FAA has also asked all US airlines to stop operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman due to "events in Middle East". Earlier, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq." For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 11:48 [IST] A 24-hour McDonald's in Sacramento has been playing bagpipe music outside to drive the homeless away, and the neighbors aren't loving it. Arnold Phillips, who lives across the street from the fast-food restaurant at Broadway and 24th, told CBS13 that the mournful strains of Scottish tunes drone on at all hours. For a while it was 24/7 "Braveheart" soundtrack. "It actually penetrates through the walls. We can hear it. Im trying to watch TV or whatever and its going through that," he said. Phillips' neighbor Nate Dewitt, who was wearing protective over-the-head ear muffs while using his leaf blower, told the station he could still hear the bagpipe music through the muffs when he turned off the blower. CBS13 said it asked three managers about the bagpipe tunes blaring from loudspeakers and they replied, "What bagpipes?" The weaponized music doesn't seem to be working, as homeless individuals are reportedly still frequenting the area. In 2016, a Burger King at Eighth and Market streets in San Francisco tried the same ploy only with classical music instead of bagpipes to roust loiters and people sleeping on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. The music was turned down between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Last September, residents of San Francisco's small Clinton Park neighborhood installed "hostile architecture" boulders on a half-block stretch of sidewalk to stop people from sleeping there and to discourage drug dealing. The city removed the large rocks after people kept pushing them into the street. ALSO: We asked 12 homeless people what happened. Their answers show we all are close to the streets The Sacramento neighbors told CBS13 that they have been waiting on McDonald's corporation to respond to their noise complaints. So far there has been nothing but silence. If McDonald's does indeed love to see you smile, it will have to try harder in this corner of Midtown Sacramento. --- Mike Moffitt is an SFGATE Digital Reporter. Email: moffitt@sfgate.com. Twitter: @Mike_at_SFGate Defence secretary Mark Esper chief of staff will leave at the end of the month: Getty Top Senate Democrats are demanding the Trump administraion keep them in the loop on the Iran crisis. In a letter to Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair General Mark Milley, party leaders expressed "deep concern over the lack of information from the Department of Defence as it concerns the potential threat from Iran and what the Department is doing in response". Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Defence Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin and Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed also condemned Donald Trump's previous threat to attack Iran's cultural sites . "As the Departments leaders, we urge you to correct the few, incomplete, and evasive updates that the Department has provided, as well as make clear to the chain of command that they may only execute lawful orders", the senators wrote, adding that the classified notification the administration provided regarding last week's targeted killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani "is generic, vague, and entirely inconsistent in its level of detail when compared with prior notifications by this and earlier administrations". They says they want Mr Esper and Gen Milley to provide "regular briefings and documents detailing the military units and members" of US forces who have been deployed or are in the process of being deployed to support any contingency plans for Iran, who are being notified of possible deployment, and who are having existing tours of duty in the Middle East extended, as well as any civilian Defence Department employees or contractors who are being deployed to support US forces in the region. While previous administrations have generally kept members of Congress from both parties informed of military actions, Mr Trump has in recent months been reluctant to comply with US law requiring him to inform the so-called "gang of eight" consisting of the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate intelligence committees, and majority and minority party leaders in the House and Senate of major actions. Story continues In particular, Mr Trump failed to notify top Democrats of both the strike on Soleimani and the Delta Force raid which resulted in the death of Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi last year. In the wake of the raid against Baghdadi, Mr Trump claimed without providing evidence that notifying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi or Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff ahead of time would have created a security risk. We were going to notify them last night but we decided not to do that because Washington leaks like Ive never seen before, Mr Trump said at the time. Top Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway reiterated the president's baseless claim on Monday when she was asked why top Democrats weren't told of the strike against Soleimani. "Could you imagine telling the chairman of the Intel Committee, one Adam Schiff, that this was going to happen? Could you imagine? The man goes to bed with his [TV] earpiece and microphone on," she said. Read more Trump viewed less favourably than Putin or Xi, major survey reveals Syracuse, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo today proposed cutting taxes on small businesses by 40 percent. The proposal, delivered today as part of his annual State of the State message, would affect businesses with fewer than 100 workers and less than $390,000 in annual income. The current rate for those businesses is 6.5 percent. Cuomo is proposing to lower that to 4 percent. He estimates that would affect 36,000 taxpayers across the state. The New York State Legislature would have to approve the proposal, which will likely be a part of the upcoming state budget. The legislative session begins in Albany on Thursday. Check syracuse.com throughout the day for updates to Cuomos proposal. Cuomos State of the State address: What it means for Central New York Albanys 2020 NY agenda: marijuana, guns, vaping, healthcare, voting reforms Cuomo to OK $75M Syracuse STEAM high school, training center NY promises $9M for nations largest indoor drone testing site in Oneida County Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. By Abdul Kerimkhanov Head of Nagorno-Karabakh's Azerbaijani community Tural Ganjaliyev has called for the release of Azerbaijani hostages who were detained by Armenian forces in occupied Kalbajar back in 2014. "The 'all for all' principle must be applied and hostages must be exchanged. This is the principle of international humanitarian law. Dilgam [Asgarov] and Shahbaz [Guliyev] must be freed. For this, the Azerbaijani state is taking all measures. We raise these issues at all international events in which we attend," Ganjaliyev told local media. Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev who were illegally detained in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, must be transferred to the Azerbaijani side, the head of Azerbaijani community said, adding that Baku holds a clear position on this matter. He further said Karabakhs Azerbaijani community is always ready to meet with the regions Armenian community for negotiations. However, Armenians repeatedly ignored the Azerbaijani communitys invitations for such negotiations during 2019. Unfortunately, no answer was given throughout the year. This suggests that the Armenian community [of Karabakh] depends on the illegal regime [set up by Yerevan]. It is quite possible that among community members there are those who want to co-exist with Azerbaijanis, but pressure is exerted on them, Ganjaliyev stated. He noted that after the Azerbaijani community urged the Armenian community to negotiate, mutual visits of journalists took place, but the Armenian side made a show out of it and started to make provocative statements. "This means that the representatives of the illegal regime, leadership of occupant Armenia arent interested in negotiations, he concluded. Furthermore, Ganjaliyev touched upon Karabakh schools established in various diaspora centers and under the Azerbaijani embassies abroad. The activity of schools (special centers, established to educate children) is aimed at conveying to the Azerbaijanis living abroad the historical truth about Karabakh, educating and enlightening young people and children in the spirit of patriotism, Ganjaliyev said. Note that in 2014, two IDPs from Azerbaijan's occupied Kalbajar region - Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev - were detained by Armenian forces while visiting their native places and graves of loved ones in Kalbajar. A third Azerbaijani who was with them, Hasan Hasanov, was killed in the same operation. Asgarov and Guliyev were later persecuted by the courts in the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh regime and sentenced to life imprisonment and to 22 years in jail respectively. Azerbaijans State Committee on Affairs of Refugees and IDPs, the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and other agencies have repeatedly urged international organizations, including the ICRC, to assist in release of Guliyev and Asgarov. In November 2018, Baku suggested the idea of exchanging prisoners according to the all for all scheme, proposing to exchange Armenian citizens Arsen Bagdasaryan, Karen Ghazaryan and Zaven Karapetyan for Russian citizen Dilgam Asgarov and Azerbaijani citizen Shahbaz Guliyev illegally convicted in occupied Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries arose in 1988 due to Armenias territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan lost Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions in the war that lasted till 1994. Over one million Azerbaijanis were displaced as a result of the war. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The Supreme Court revived on Wednesday the probe against a Adani group firm in a case of alleged overvaluation of Indonesian coal imports by staying the Bombay High Court's decision of quashing all letters rogatory (LRs) sent by the DRI to Singapore and other countries. Letters rogatory are sent to investigative or judicial agencies in other countries when some information is required during a probe of off-shore entities. "We are staying the order of the High Court," the bench comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde, Justice B R Gavai and Justice Surya Kant said while refusing the plea of the Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) that the matter be heard on a short notice without staying the October 18, 2019, HC order. The top court issued notice to the Adani Enterprises and asked it to reply within two weeks on an appeal filed by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that if the high court order is not stayed, it would be used as a law which will govern in all DRI investigations. "Kindly stay the order as this law laid down (by high court) prevents me from collecting evidence," Mehta said opposing the plea of senior advocate Vikram Nankani and advocate Mahesh Agarwala, appearing for Adani, who were seeking a week's time to give short reply to DRI's plea. The high court had quashed all letters rogatory (LRs) sent by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to Singapore and other countries in its probe of Adani group firms for alleged overvaluation of Indonesian coal imports. The court had said that it did not go into the merits of LRs issued by a metropolitan magistrate but found that due procedure had not been followed while issuing them. In September, AEL approached the high court seeking to quash the LRs, issued in 2016. In March 2016, the DRI initiated a probe against a few Adani group firms for alleged overvaluation of coal imports from Indonesia between 2011 and 2015. LRs were issued to Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong, seeking help to access documents lying with overseas branches of three state-owned banks relating to transactions under the probe. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON - Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles that targeted at least two military bases used by U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq, the Pentagon said Tuesday night after Iranian state television said the barrage was the opening of Tehran's "revenge" for the U.S. killing last week of a top Iranian general. The U.S. has not confirmed any casualties from the attack on bases in northern and western Iraq, according to Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman. "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran," Hoffman said in a statement. The missiles hit the Asad Air Base, one of the largest U.S. facilities in Iraq, which houses both Iraqi and U.S. forces, in western Iraq. They also struck a base in Irbil, in the Kurdish-governed north of the country. Both bases were already on high alert, Hoffman said, as U.S. forces braced for Tehran's retaliation over the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani on Friday in Baghdad. ADVERTISEMENT "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners and allies in the region," Hoffman said. Iran's semi-official news agency Fars showed footage of what it said was "tens" of missiles being launched toward the Asad Air Base. The attack was the "beginning of a harsh Iranian revenge" for the death of general, the news service said. The attack marks a major escalation of the conflict that was conducted for years in the shadows, but that spiraled out of control after Trump authorized the killing of Soleimani, one of Iran's most powerful military commanders. The missile launches apparently mark the first time Tehran has directly attacked U.S. positions and openly acknowledged doing so. U.S. officials have frequently accused Iran of being behind attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq, but those assaults generally involved Iranian-backed militias, not Iranian security forces. At the White House, press secretary Stephanie Grisham said officials were "aware of the reports of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq." "The president has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," she said. Earlier, President Donald Trump shifted his justification Tuesday for authorizing the killing of a powerful Iranian general as the top U.S. national security official belatedly provided classified briefings to congressional leaders about the administration's claim that Soleimani had been planning an imminent attack on Americans. Trump and his aides previously had insisted that Friday's deadly drone strike was intended to stop the Quds Force commander from killing "hundreds" of Americans. But his fiery death in Baghdad instead saw Iranian leaders vow to "set ablaze" scores of Western targets, prompted ally Iraq's threat to expel U.S. military forces, and pushed the Pentagon to beef up U.S. troops and bolster defenses in the region. ADVERTISEMENT With tensions rising, and unable to convincingly argue that Americans were safer, Trump and his aides instead pointed to Soleimani's role supplying insurgents who killed hundreds of U.S. troops during the Iraq War. "It was retaliation," Trump said Tuesday. The change in emphasis fueled growing concerns about the administration's still-murky strategy for dealing with Iran. It also underscored the unique challenge for a president who has uttered thousands of falsehoods since taking office as he and his aides sought to reassure Americans they can navigate a major foreign policy crisis, largely of their own making, before it spirals into all-out war. "I don't think any American president can simply say to the world, 'Trust me,'" said Richard Haass, president of the nonpartisan Council on Foreign Relations. "Trump has the added problem of his own record with the truth." "If you're trying to justify something that could ultimately take you to war, you better damn well do that as quickly and directly as you can," said Leon E. Panetta, who served as secretary of defense and CIA director under President Barack Obama. "The last thing that you need is to have an American public that questions why the hell we're going to war." For the second day in a row, senior U.S. officials were forced to walk back Trump's threats to bomb Iranian cultural sites, a potential war crime, if Iran launches retaliatory attacks. As criticism poured in, Trump appeared to back down, saying for the first time that he would not deliberately target Iran's antiquities. "If that's what the law is, I like to obey the law," he said. In Baghdad, Iraq's government demanded clarification over whether the approximately 5,200 U.S. troops in Iraq were making plans to pull out after receiving a letter - twice - from a U.S. commander that the Pentagon said was sent in error. Iraqi officials said the letter was delivered around 8 p.m., but the Arabic translation did not match the English-language version. Iraqi officials pointed out the discrepancy and later received a correct translation via official channels. ADVERTISEMENT "It wasn't a matter of a paper falling from a photocopier or something that came by accident," Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi said in a speech Tuesday, adding that the Pentagon's subsequent claims that the letter was a draft had bewildered the Iraqis. "OK, this is a draft," he said. "But we got it. So how should we behave?" Abdul-Mahdi urged Trump to withdraw U.S. troops, but Defense Secretary Mark Esper - holding his second news conference in two days - repeated his assertion that no pullout was underway or had been ordered. "A draft, unsigned letter does not constitute a policy change," Esper said. "And there is no signed letter, to the best of my knowledge. I've asked the question." Esper sought to defuse the heated rhetoric from both the White House and Tehran, offering Iran what he called "a big off-ramp" by backing down. "It's true we're not seeking war with Iran," he said. "What happens next depends on them. We should expect that they will retaliate in some way." Joseph Maguire, the acting director of national intelligence, provided classified briefings Tuesday to the leaders of the House and Senate, and the chairs and ranking members of the Intelligence committees on the evidence available before last week's drone strike. Normally the so-called Gang of Eight is informed before such a sensitive military operation takes place. Esper, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley and CIA Director Gina Haspel plan to brief rank-and-file lawmakers on Wednesday. The House Foreign Affairs Committee called a hearing on Iran for Jan. 14 and asked Pompeo to testify. At the State Department, Pompeo told reporters that Soleimani posed an "imminent threat" to Americans. But he declined to provide evidence of the threat, instead blaming the veteran commander for a "terror campaign" as he oversaw Iranian military and proxy-force operations across the Middle East. "We made the right decision. We got it right," Pompeo said. He dismissed Iraq's claim that Soleimani had flown into Baghdad for talks with Saudi Arabia, its chief regional rival, as part of an initiative to ease tensions. "Anyone here believe that?" Pompeo said. The contrasting statements and denials are now standard in the Trump era, though issues of war and peace are rarely so prominent. Trump's first defense secretary, James N. Mattis, differed with Trump repeatedly. He disputed Trump's claims that torture was an effective counterterrorism tool, slow-rolled Trump's demands for creating a Space Force as a separate branch of the military and delayed Trump's orders to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, which ultimately prompted his resignation from the administration. Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the conservative Hudson Institute, waved off concerns about whether intelligence showed what Trump described as "imminent and sinister attacks." "I find that to be a tempest in a teapot," he said. Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of American troops, and U.S. officials had blamed him for recent Iranian-backed militia attacks on military bases in Iraq and violent protests outside the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad that preceded Friday's drone strike. "The idea that there was no threat there is frankly silly," he said. "I don't think you need more than that." --- (Los Angeles Times staff writers Jennifer Haberkorn and Tracy Wilkinson in Washington and Nabih Bulos in Baghdad contributed to this report.) --- (c)2020 Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Industry veteran from Informatica, VMware, and Symantec, also named Silicon Valley Business Journal's 2018 CMO of the Year, joins Elastic to accelerate Elastic's global marketing and go-to-market efforts Elastic N.V. (NYSE: ESTC), the company behind Elasticsearch and the Elastic Stack, today announced that Sally Jenkins has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer. As CMO, Jenkins leads Elastic's global integrated marketing, brand strategy, corporate communications, product marketing, digital marketing, field marketing, and customer and partner marketing efforts. Jenkins will manage the marketing organization to lead Elastic's global growth strategy, and to drive customer and partner success through Elastic products and solutions. Jenkins is a globally recognized, results-driven marketing executive who was most recently Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Informatica, and has experience running global marketing for technology companies, including VMware, Symantec, Autodesk, Sun Microsystems, and Apple. At Informatica, Jenkins successfully led a global branding effort in support of transforming Informatica as a leader in Enterprise Cloud Data Management. Also, Jenkins accelerated Informatica's global go-to-market strategies with a focus on the G2K and ecosystem partners, Microsoft Azure, AWS, Salesforce, and Google. In 2018, Jenkins was named "CMO of the Year" by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for her transformation of Informatica's brand and accelerating Informatica's go-to-market strategies. Prior to Informatica, as the vice president, Portfolio Marketing at VMware, Jenkins was responsible for all Cloud Services marketing functions in support of VMware's Software Defined Data Center (SDDC) business units' revenue goals. She also led the efforts around VMware's design and execution of a multi-segment go-to-market strategy in support of its vCloud Air business. "I am excited that Sally has joined Elastic to help lead the next phase of our go to market evolution as demonstrated by Sally's rich experience transforming industry-leading, global brands. Sally brings strong marketing experience in the enterprise data, cloud and security industries, and she is a veteran at helping companies scale," said Shay Banon, founder and CEO of Elastic. "Her proven go-to-market experience is highly relevant in areas where we already see significant customer demand Security, Observability and Enterprise Search." "Elastic has had tremendous success in rapidly making 'search' a foundational part of so many data efforts, and, looking ahead, Elastic has a tremendous opportunity to become one of the key technology companies that underpin the massive shift towards digital transformation," said Sally Jenkins. "Elastic has demonstrated its innovation and forward-thinking with the widespread adoption of Elastic's technology for Enterprise Search, Observability, Security and more. I am energized by the prospect of helping enterprises and partners across regions and industries see how Elastic will play a critical role in transforming their organizations with search." About Elastic Elastic is a search company. As the creators of the Elastic Stack (Elasticsearch, Kibana, Beats, and Logstash), Elastic builds self-managed and SaaS offerings that make data usable in real time and at scale for use cases like application search, site search, enterprise search, logging, APM, metrics, security, business analytics, and many more. Founded in 2012, Elastic is a distributed company with Elasticians working in countries around the world. Learn more at elastic.co. Elastic and associated marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Elastic N.V. and its subsidiaries. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005851/en/ Contacts: Dan Reidy Elastic press@elastic.co The trial of the former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein on charges of rape and sexual assault is being watched closely in France, where sexual abuse by powerful men is in the spotlight. As Weinstein's criminal trial got underway on Monday in Los Angeles, on the other side of the Atlantic, doctors and health professionals gathered at Unesco's sprawling headquarters in western Paris for a two-day symposium to reflect on the gains made in tackling sexual violence. Inside a dimly lit conference hall, far away from the hype and hysteria of the Weinstein trial, television footage of the Canadian writer Denise Bombardier calling out French author Gabriel Matzneff for pedophilia was aired. The three minute excerpt from the 1990s set a defiant tone at the seventh international conference on sexual violence. Matzneff, known for his love of sex with teenage girls and boys, is ripped to shreds by Bombardier in the famous chat show Apostrophes. She accuses him of hiding behind his literary aura to carry out what she described as abominable acts. Once finished, the participants at Unesco draw parallels between operators like Matzneff and Weinstein, who use their position to exploit vulnerable people. "The footage clearly shows that there is a serious problem in France about the perception of sexual violence, which is minimised," said Violaine Guerin, a gynaecologist and president of the organisation Stop aux violences sexuelles, which organised the event in Paris. Sexual violence ignored Matzneff, 83, has denied any wrongdoing. But he is being investigated by French prosecutors after publisher Vanessa Springora wrote in her new book Consentement how she was left scarred at the age of 14 by her experiences with the then 50-year-old writer. On Tuesday, the prominent publishing house Gallimard suspended its contract with Matzneff. "Given the police inquiry into the allegations of rape against M Matzneff, we have decided to stop our collaboration with him," it said. The investigation into Matzneff's alleged sexual misconduct has plunged France's literary world into a state of soul searching similar to the #MeToo movement in Hollywood. If "Weinstein has come to epitomise an ongoing global reckoning with sexual abuse, Guerin says that in France there is still resistance in acknowledging the gravity of the phenomenon. "In France, one in four women and one in six men experience sexual abuse in their lifetime. Successive governments have made a lot of proposals to end this but have not backed them up." One of France's most notorious cases highlighting high-level impunity, emerged in 2009 when the then culture minister, Frederic Mitterrand, stared down calls to resign over his book La Mauvaise Vie which recounted a plethora of lurid encounters with male prostitutes in Thailand. #MeToo backlash Just over a decade later, the #MeToo movement has catapulted sex abuse claims to the forefront. Yet the tone of the campaign has sparked a backlash against women, campaigners say. "Today, victims [of sexual violence] are questioned about the veracity of their complaint," said Florence Tilkens, in charge of international development within the organisation Stop aux violences sexuelles. "Some men are even saying that they are victims of a kind of anti-male propaganda, so there have not been many trials, many appeals, or many results, which makes us say that #MeToo had this boomerang effect two years on," she told RFI. "When it started there were lots of expectations but the benefits have not materialised." On Monday, hours before the start of his trial for sexual assault, Weinstein was charged with four more counts of rape and sexual battery. For Tilkens, his fall from grace is not enough. "I think that all of Hollywood should be reformed because this industry is pushing people like Weinstein to believe that they are absolutely powerful and can take advantage of people who are not so powerful." Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday took on former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan on his statement that the Centre would implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at any cost. The BJP will pay a heavy price for such stubbornness, a statement from the CM said, adding that an elected government which refused to heed the voice of its people or respond to their anger is bound to lose their confidence and collapse. The CM added that the BJPs stance on the issue smacked of a dangerously fascist approach that would lead to their eventual downfall. You cannot force us to do so, he declared, even as he reiterated that neither he nor the Congress was against the grant of citizenship to persecuted minorities in other countries, such as the Sikhs in Pakistan. However, we are completely opposed to the discrimination in the CAA against certain religious communities, including Muslims. Despite the nationwide public outrage over the controversial CAA, the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre is refusing to acknowledge the unconstitutionality of the legislation, Amarinder said, terming Chouhans remarks on the CAA as shockingly inconsiderate. Chouhan has absolutely no idea of what he was talking about, nor has he bothered to study the act, which has triggered massive public protests across the country, the CM added, saying that these protests, were not the brainchild of the Congress or any other party, as Chouhan has claimed, but were the result of a spontaneous outrage among Indians, cutting across religious and party lines. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Helsinki Wed, January 8, 2020 12:00 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321523e6 2 Lifestyle work,finland,workweek Free Media outlets around the world have been reporting that Finland wants to introduce a four-day workweek. But in reality the country's government has no such plans. What are we verifying? Several international media outlets in Britain, the United States and Australia have reported that Finland's new young prime minister Sanna Marin has announced plans to introduce a four-day workweek, and in some cases a six-hour workday as well. What do we know? There is very little validity to these claims and according to the Finnish government itself no such plans exist. "There's no mention of this in the government's program. It is not on the government's agenda," a government source told AFP in a text message. The source regretted that "no fact-checking whatsoever" had been attempted. On Tuesday the government also officially denied the plans in a tweet. "In the Finnish Governments program there is no mention about 4-day week. Issue is not on the Finnish Governments agenda. PM @marinsanna envisioned idea briefly in a panel discussion last August while she was the Minister of Transport, and there hasnt been any recent activity," it said. Read also: Finland: from suicide hotspot to world's happiest country The 34-year-old Marin's envisioning of the idea refers to when she attended a panel discussion at the Social Democratic Party's 120-year anniversary in the city of Turku in August 2019. "A four day working week, six hour working day, why can't that be the next step? Is eight hours the final reality? In my opinion people deserve more time with their families, their close ones, with their hobbies and other things in their life. This could be the next step for us in working life," she said while listing things she hoped for in the future. Most international publications reporting the story refer to an article by Brussels-based publication New Europe, which was published on January 2. The New Europe article actually makes clear that this is not an official policy of the new government, but merely suggested that Marin could bring up the idea once again now in her new role as prime minister. In later retellings of the story, that distinction however was not always made clear. In some reports Marin was described as also planning to shorten the work day to six hours, and references to neighboring Sweden are made, where allegedly a six-hour workday has been in place since 2015, but this claim is also untrue. While there are a few isolated examples of companies and public sector workplaces that have experimented with shorter work-days in Sweden, the norm is still an eight-hour day, five days a week. What can be concluded? While there is some substance to the claim that Sanna Marin has suggested that a shorter workweek should be a future goal, there is no truth to reports that Finland in any way is preparing to introduce a four-day workweek or shorten the workday. Topics : work finland workweek By Express News Service CHENNAI: Nobody can predict the future with any degree of certainty. But The New Indian Express is certainly going to give it one credible shot. We're going to try and understand what India is going to look like when we turn 75. Vision 2022, if you will. We've taken Abdul Kalam's futuristic proposition and moved it forward a couple of years - and asked India's best minds to draw us a picture of what the future will look like, and what we need to get there. ThinkEdu Conclave will run across January 8-9. The day two session will start at 10 am tomorrow. Here are the highlights of Day 1 The tukde tukde gang is the one ruling us: Shashi Tharoor Speaking at the ThinkEdu Conclave organised by The New Indian Express (TNIE), Congress MP Shashi Tharoor slammed the ruling government and called them the tukde tukde gang. . @ShashiTharoor says, " Dissent is very much in the air. Democracy is a process and not an event. Elected leaders have to be accountable." #ThinkEdu2020 @PrabhuChawla @gsvasu_TNIE @Xpress_edex pic.twitter.com/hVW8aqVWPP The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) January 8, 2020 Tharoor also shared his views on the topic 'Why dissent matters and silence is not an option.' He said, "Dissent helps public evaluate all points of view. It's a reflection of freedom of expression and constructive criticism of the government." Teachers must ensure students don't drop out: Banwarilal Purohit Class teachers must be made responsible to ensure that students do not drop out from schools, said Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Wednesday. Speaking at the ThinkEdu Conclave organised by The New Indian Express (TNIE), the Governor said that when he had visited many parts of Tamil Nadu and had discussions with education officers, he advised them that if a child drops out, the class teacher must go to the house of the child and find out why and ensure they come back. (READ MORE) Dyslexia not just a mental health problem, it's a social problem, says expert A study in prisons in the United States found that one-third of the social delinquents there had learning disabilities. The founder of the Madras Dyslexia Association (MDA), D Chandrashekhar, quoted this while stating that no such research has been done on the implications of conditions like dyslexia, its identification or the lack of appropriate treatment in India. In Tamil Nadu alone, two million children have been diagnosed with the condition. (READ MORE) Indians are resolved to realise a new India by 2022: PM lauds ThinkEdu theme Appreciating The New Indian Express' choice of themes - India at 75: Vision for 2022 - for the ThinkEdu Conclave as being 'extremely relevant', Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished that discussions at the Conclave would be "enriching and thought-provoking and would provide a roadmap for a sectoral growth trajectory", in a message sent to Prabhu Chawla, Editorial Director, The New Indian Express. Reflecting on India's timeless tradition of valuing education, Modi said, "Weaved with the guru-shishya parampara an enabling environment of imparting education and learning has been an integral part of our society and culture since ancient times." (READ MORE) National Education Policy will be responsive to feedback, says Dr K Kasturirangan The National Education Policy (NEP), which is likely to be released soon, will be responsive to feedback from the implementation, stated Dr K Kasturirangan, NEP Drafting Committee Chairperson, speaking at TNIE's ThinkEdu Conclave 2020, organised in Chennai on Wednesday. The new draft of the policy, which the Government of India would like to bring out to meet the changing dynamics of the population's requirement with regards to quality education, innovation and research, was at the centre of contention when it was released in 2019. (READ MORE) ALSO READ: Think India, Think Edu: Here's the schedule for Day 2 Those who deny knowledge to others are enemies of Saraswati: Kerala Governor It isn't enough to be seekers of knowledge, one should also help those who are seeking knowledge, Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammad Khan said at the ThinkEdu Conclave 2020 held in the city on Wednesday. The Governor reflected on the fact that India has always been a knowledge destination and that our Indian values have been a thing of wonder even before Europe's renaissance. People who documented the world's history identified major civilisations for specific contributions - Iran for its culture, Roman for its gallantry, China for its people's obedience to law and India for its knowledge, he said. (READ MORE) There is no class or mass in music: Violinist Sunita Bhuyan Eyes closed and exuding simplistic grace, Sunita Bhuyan smiled as she gently touched her bow to the tuned strings of her violin, and what ensued was pure musical bliss for a packed house. From the get-go, the violin maestro was immersed in her performance, even as she exchanged pleasantries with eminent personalities and greeted the audience as she opened The New Indian Express' two-day ThinkEdu Conclave 2020 with her session titled 'Making Music, Changing Minds on January 8 in Chennai. (READ MORE) We are in the middle of a massive loss of knowledge and culture: Rohan Murty In India we do not have to make up history, we simply have to read it, said Rohan Murty from the Harvard Society of Fellows, speaking at the Think Edu Conclave 2020 on Wednesday. Recalling the literature he studied at school, he said that the syllabus that's prescribed for students leads to a "systemic deprivation of the good, bad and ugly of our own culture." "Growing up I learned about the American civil war and we haven't had anything like that in India for decades. So our children have been forced to read and understand literature that is foreign and unfamiliar to them," he said adding that our literature needs to be more relatable. (READ MORE) Don't turn India's learning crisis into a govt vs private school fight: Sandhya Rani It is important to recognise and address the fact that the learning crisis in India is not just an issue in government schools alone, said former Commissioner of School Education, Andhra Pradesh, Sandhya Rani K, on Wednesday. Speaking at the ThinkEdu Conclave 2020 organised by The New Indian Express (TNIE) in Chennai, Sandhya said that we should concentrate on making all schools work for children rather than just focusing on government or private schools separately. (READ MORE) You can watch the live stream of the entire Conclave at www.newindianexpress.com/thinkedu2020 MBABANE - The fact that we are being persecuted and prosecuted for expressing dissatisfaction about the management of public affairs is a violation of the right of freedom of expression. This was one of the submissions made by the four members of the civil and political organisations who are being investigated by the police. They also contended that the alleged seditious documents, which led to the police raiding their homesteads, were not found in their possession. The four who are being investigated by the police are Sibongile Mazibuko, Musa Nkambule, Jan Sithole and Wandile Dludlu. Mazibuko is the leader of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC), while Nkambule is the Chairman of Sibahle Sinje National Movement. Dludlu is the General Secretary of the proscribed Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and Sithole is the President of the Swaziland Democratic Party (SWADEPA) They all belong to the PPA, which is an association formed by different political, civil and human rights groups. In their replying affidavit filed by their lawyer yesterday, the quartet contended that it would be unlawful and unjust to have them charged, persecuted and prosecuted on the basis of information and evidence that was allegedly tainted by unlawfulness. The search warrants were unlawful because they did not specify what items the police were looking for and what offences were being committed by the applicants, they argued. It was further one of their submissions that, the detention orders were equally unlawful in the same manner and extent to which the search warrants were unlawful. Accept We are advised and verily accept that the magistrates issued the search warrants without having fully applied themselves on the matters before them. In her replying affidavit, Mazibuko argued that the magistrate was wrong to grant the search and seizure warrant because there was proper application before him. We are also advised that the applications that were served before the magistrates were supposed to be made at the High Court of Eswatini and not before the magistrates court. According to the applicant, the magistrates had no jurisdiction to have entertained the applications as they allegedly usurped the powers of the High Court. I respectfully state that the search warrants were unlawful as the papers that were served before the magistrate were in respect of a matter at the High Court, argued Mazibuko. According to the police, the quartet is suspected to have been the architects of the banner with inscription calling for the fall of the countrys authorities and introduction of multi-party democracy in the Kingdom of Eswatini. This is the banner which was displayed during a recent march by members of the Political Party Assembly (PPA) in Mbabane. The exact wording of the banner cannot be repeated as it is suspected to be of seditious nature. According to the law enforcers, they received information from their (police) Intelligence Department that the homesteads or residences of the four were places where suspected explosives, seditious documents and information were kept. Judge Nkosinathi Maseko, who heard the application, found that it would not be proper to allow the police to act on the strength of the warrants while the matter is still pending in court. The applicants are seeking an order declaring to be unlawful and setting aside the search warrants that were issued against them dated November 25. and December 19, 2019. During the argument of the matter, Assistant Attorney General Mbuso Simelane informed the court that criminal investigations against the quartet were 95 per cent complete. Meanwhile, in his answering affidavit, Deputy National Commissioner of Police Sam Mthembeni Mthembu denied that the search and seizure warrants against the applicants were unlawful and unconstitutional. He averred that the items that were seized from the applicants were taken to the respective magistrates who issued the warrants. Mthembu alleged that the magistrates then ordered that the items should be detained for purposes of assisting the police in furthering their investigations to the suspected acts of alleged sedition by the applicants. Challenged I have been advised by the officers who executed the search warrants that none of the applicants challenged the warrants, contended the senior police officer. According to the deputy commissioner of police, the searches and seizures were conducted on a reasonable ground for suspecting that there was, upon the premises of the applicants, anything to which there were reasonable grounds for believing that it would afford evidence as to the commission of the offence or anything intended to be used for the purposes of committing the offence. He also told the court that the application to set aside the search warrants was academic as the search had been conducted. The matter is still pending in court and it will be argued today. The State is represented by Assistant Attorney General Simelane and Principal Crown Counsel Bheki Tsabedze while appearing for the applicants is renowned human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko. Pakistani Lawmakers Approve Extending Term Of Powerful Army Chief January 07, 2020 Pakistan's lower house of parliament has approved legislation that would extend Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa's term by another three years. Passage by the chamber on January 7 came despite the objections of some political parties that accuse Pakistan's military of heavy-handed tactics in its anti-militant operations along the border with neighboring Afghanistan. The extension must still be approved by the upper house of parliament in Islamabad, which is expected to support the measure. Prime Minister Imran Khan's government approved the extension for Bajwa in August, citing a worsening national-security situation with neighboring India to justify the extension at the end of Bajwa's initial three-year term. But in November, the Supreme Court struck down the extension -- ordering the government and army to produce legal provisions and arguments for the reappointment. Khan's government responded by drafting legislation that the lower house approved on January 7, clearing the way for the extension after the expected approval by the upper house. Pakistan's two main opposition parties have a long history of clashing with the military, but backed the extension in an apparent attempt to avoid a politically damaging confrontation. Two smaller parties and some members of parliament from Pakistan's northwestern districts along the Afghan border opposed the extension. They accuse Pakistan's military of committing rights abuses during its anti-militant operations. The army rejects such accusations. Based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistani-lawmakers -approve-extending-term-of-powerful -army-chief/30364318.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deborah Copaken in The Atlantic: By the time of her arrival at Harvard the following fallnow Liz instead of Lizzieshe was instantly college famous. Within weeks on campus, everyone knew who Liz Wurtzel was. How could you not? Particularly after the popped-cherry party she threw midyear. Or rather, our mutual friend Donal Logue threw the party, and Liz commandeered it. So the story is we threw a huge party sophomore year in Adams House, said Donal earlier today, when we spoke to commiserate over her death. Liz, a freshman at the time, showed up and announced she had just lost her virginity and it was now officially the Elizabeth Wurtzel lost her virginity party. At first, I was surprised. She seemed so wild. When I got to know her and understood her Ramaz background, her high-school life, it made sense. Now Donal and everyone else who knew Liz, or has encountered her work since, are trying to make sense of the idea that shes gone. Elizabeth Wurtzel died on January 7, 2020, at the age of 52, of complications from breast cancer. When I spoke with Roberta Feldman Brzezinski, her college roommate and friend ever since, she remembered Liz as brilliant, acerbic, volatile, and fiercely loyal. In her last years, she became a fountain of life wisdom. Why do you care how people behave? You are the star of your own drama, and everyone else is just a bit player. In her case, that was epically true. Wurtzels 1994 memoir, Prozac Nation, forever changed the literary landscape. It redefined not only what women were allowed to write about, but when they were allowed to write about it: their messy, early decades in medias res. Mental illness was no longer something to be hidden or shameful. It was a topic like any other, to be brought out into the light. Liz was suddenly the It Girl in New York, throwing epic, unforgettable parties in her loft. Suddenly, in the same way that shed once drawn courage from my teenage writing, I now drew courage from her literary descriptions of early adulthood. You should write about your war-photography years, she urged me during one of her parties. And so I did. From then on, whenever anyone wanted to criticize women memoirists for oversharing; or dismiss personal writing as lesser or not literary; or shame us for describing, in intimate detail, the joys and miseries of human love, in all of its messy glory, wed get lumped in together or collectively shamed as examples of what not to do. As the years wore on, we sometimes even found ourselves oversharing on the same stage. More here. (Note: For my niece, Alia Raza, who sat many hours by Lizs side as she lay dying, and mourned and grieved her friend in a thousand silent ways. RIP Liz) Tax season looms. For those in the cannabis industry, its always better to be over prepared rather than under. Plant-touching companies -- dispensaries, cultivation sites, infused product manufacturers, cannabis concentrate producers -- are all heavily scrutinized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Entrepreneurs who work with the plant were responsible for $2.8 billion federal in taxes in 2018, New Frontier Data estimated. Marijuana-centric businesses have a higher chance of being audited than standard businesses. Plus, the cannabis industry is forced to pay the IRS predominantly in cash as companies await the passage of the SAFE Banking Act. RELATED: To Get Into the CBD Game, You Must Know These 8 Things There are multiple moving parts to keep track of in addition to running your day-to-day business -- its easy to feel overwhelmed. Heres what you need to know to be prepared for tax season. What is 280E? One reason taxes can be such a headache for cannabis business owners is IRS Code 280E. This federal statute forbids companies from deducting business expenses for gross income associated with the trafficking of Schedule I or II substances, as outlined by the Controlled Substances Act. While cannabis remains a Schedule I substance in the eyes of the federal government, businesses are stuck navigating these tricky tax circumstances. A bit of history: 280E was created in 1982 following a court case in which a convicted cocaine trafficker asserted his right under federal tax law to deduct ordinary business expenses. The Reagan administration decided it needed to prevent future traffickers from following suit and created 280E. 280E still penalizes cannabis businesses, even when they are regulated and comply with state law. Where other businesses may be able to deduct things like employee salaries, rent, equipment, and electricity, cannabis businesses can only deduct expenses that directly relate to making a profit -- the cost of goods sold (COGs). Cannabis companies must pay tax on gross income, which can be as high as 70 percent. Not giving enough attention to tax preparation and documentation can easily result in racking up interest, penalties, and fees. Plus, theres a higher chance that your business will be audited. MJBizDaily data found 6.3 percent of marijuana businesses were audited in 2015, higher than average business at 1.4 percent. These are serious consequences and have been known to take a business out overnight. Staying informed can help your business save money this tax season. Heres what you need to know. How To Save You can save money by determining your tax liability, finding deductions, and avoiding audits. Your businesss tax liability is what you owe to the federal government after deductions. Working with a tax professional can help cannabis businesses reduce liability, saving money and sleepless nights, when it comes time to file. Common areas to secure deductions, reduce liability, and avoid an audit include: 1. Square Footage and Rent When it comes to deductions, cannabis business owners should spend some time studying their floor plan. Why? An average cannabis dispensarys square footage might consist of 50 percent sales floor and 50 percent lobby. Because 50 percent of your business is directly connected to COGs, you can deduct 50 percent of your rent. Deducting 100 percent of your rent can result in a penalty, since cannabis transactions do not occur in the lobby of your business. Utilities can be a little more complicated, but are important to consider for deductions. Seek the advice of a tax professional to help you calculate this aspect of your deduction. 2. Employee Classification Payroll is closely scrutinized by the IRS, so youll want to make sure you accurately classify employees based on their responsibilities. This means you must clearly document what each employee is doing for your business. For instance, you might have an employee who works part-time as a grower and the remainder of time as a budtender. Their time spent in cultivation is deductible and included in COGs -- whereas their time as a budtender is not deductible. Technically, you could still sell cannabis without a budtender, but cultivators are considered necessary to tend to the plants. Thats how detailed and nitty-gritty 280E can be. 3. Record Keeping Any business will want to maintain a paper trail. But its crucial for cannabis businesses to keep impeccable records. This will help tax professionals identify additional deductions and support the numbers if an audit does occur. Working with an experienced tax professional can assist you in record keeping or migrating your documentation to the Cloud, if needed. The good news is, you dont have to go it alone. In fact, you shouldnt. Because of the complexities and nuances of 280E, it is vital to work with a knowledgeable accounting professional well-versed in cannabis. They can help you ensure your taxes are done correctly and your business is set up for sustainable, continued growth. There are a growing number of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) who specialize in the cannabis industry. Notable accounting companies that specialize in marijuana include RebelRock, GreenSpring LLC, New Approach, The Canna CPAs, Tax Center & Accounting, LLC, and PriceKubecka PLLC. Many cannabis companies will eventually form their own accounting department with legal compliance and taxing as the highest priority. Related: Three Ways Cannabis Businesses Can Save Money This Tax Season The 12 Tax Days of Christmas: Day 12 The 12 Tax Days of Christmas: Day 10 Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved All is well! is the message from Donald Trump, after Iran launched missile strikes against two US-Iraqi airbases. Tehran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at US targets inside Iraq in retaliation for the death of Qassem Soleimani, its top general, in an American drone strike last week. The rockets were aimed mainly at the Ain al-Asad airbase west of Baghdad, though another base in Erbil, in Kurdistan, was also struck. Mr Trump tweeted: All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Show all 24 1 /24 Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions Iranian mourners gather around a vehicle carrying the coffin of top general Qasem Soleimani during the final stage of funeral processions, in his hometown Kerman. Soleimani was killed outside Baghdad airport in a drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump, ratcheting up tensions with Iran which has vowed "severe revenge" AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian people carry a coffin of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani during a funeral procession in Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions The assassination of the 62-year-old heightened international concern about a new war in the volatile, oil-rich Middle East and rattled financial markets AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners packed the streets of Tehran for ceremonies to pay homage to Soleimani, who spearheaded Iran's Middle East operations as commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force and was killed in a US drone strike on January 3 Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranians set a US and an Israeli flag on fire during the funeral procession AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, centre, with Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, second left, and President Hassan Rouhani, third left, standing next to him as he leads a prayer over the caskets of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Tehran University Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, left, openly weeps as he leads a prayer over the coffin of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners holding posters of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Coffins of Soleimani and others who were killed in Iraq by a US drone strike, are carried on a truck surrounded by mourners during a funeral procession, at the Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions An Iranian mourner holds a placard AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Downtown Tehran was brought to a standstill as mourners flooded the Iranian capital Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Former Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps chief Mohamad Ali Jafari prays on the coffins of Qasem Soleimani and of other victims during their funeral ceremony EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Satellite image Maxar Technologies/AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Iran and its proxies had vowed revenge for the killing of Soleimani, who led the elite Quds Force within the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and coordinated Tehrans ties throughout the region. Mr Trump warned on Tuesday that the US would respond if Iran acted against it but following the missile strikes the IRGC told him not to, and further put other Middle East countries on notice. Any military action launched from the territory of US allies would incur reprisals, it said. On Twitter, Irans foreign minister said the country did not want an all-out war. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched, Javad Zarif tweeted. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. A Danish teenager who decided to stop plucking and let her unibrow grow says she's been flooded with requests from photographers who want to take her picture, and fetishists who want to take her on dates. Sarah Marie Clarke from Copenhagen, Denmark, used to pluck her eyebrows at least once a week, but in March of 2019, she gave up the tweezers for good. The 18-year-old soon began posting photos of herself and her unibrow, in all its glory and it's led to men telling her they'd do 'anything' to meet her and take her out on a date. Bring on the brows! Sarah Marie Clarke from Copenhagen, Denmark, used to pluck her eyebrows at least once a week, but in March of 2019, she gave up the tweezers for good Popular: The 18-year-old soon began posting photos of herself and her unibrow, and it's led to men telling her they'd do 'anything' to meet her and take her out on a date Testing it out: The first time she rocked the full unibrow, it wasn't even her hair: She was inspired by a makeup artist's trick online Sarah's mother had been encouraging her to let it grow for years, and she'd considered it herself in the past. 'My mother has always told me, "You can dye your hair, you can cut your hair, it doesnt matter, but dont touch your eyebrows,"' she said. But her friends were skeptical, and boys she dated would discourage her from letting her eyebrows grow. 'Before I grew it out, I would tell the men I was dating that I wanted to grow it out and they would say, "No, dont do that because it would make you look weird." I guess that is what teenage dating is like.' The first time she rocked the full unibrow, it wasn't even her hair: She was inspired by a makeup artist's trick online. Maintenance: Sarah (pictured before she stopped plucking) said she used to need to tweeze once a week Society: Sarah (pictured with family before she stopped plucking) would float the idea by guys she dated, but they told her she'd look weird 'One day, I was on Instagram and I saw a makeup artist draw one on and I did the same. I absolutely loved it but I was too insecure about going outside with it on,' she said. 'So little by little I started growing my own out. Then I also had time to get used to it, and over time I found a few other people on Instagram who did the same and I felt much more comfortable about it.' It wasn't until March of 2019 when she 'decided to go all-out with it.' Though she embraced the look, Sarah said that strangers have been cruel to her about her unibrow. 'In public and my work life, where there are a lot of people, I felt I had to hide my unibrow because they would be scared off it and judge me,' she said. 'One day, four girls on a bus started taking pictures of me and yelling at me. People online are weird and would post negative comments. Rude: Though she embraces the look, Sarah said that strangers have been cruel to her about her unibrow She said: 'One day, four girls on a bus started taking pictures of me and yelling at me. People online are weird and would post negative comments' She added: 'But the jokes on them because I get opportunities and jobs because of it' 'I get a lot of compliments, but of course there are some people who find it offensive and have the need to tell me how gross or how much of a joke they think I am. 'But the jokes on them because I get opportunities and jobs because of it.' After she grew it out, Sarah started posting pictures of herself showing off her unibrow on social media. Others took notice, and she started getting offers to model. 'Being comfortable about my unibrow on social media has attracted photographers who wanted to do photoshoots,' she said. 'Thats the cool part of it, I can help make it more acceptable; if more people see it, then they might not judge it as much.' Since embracing her unibrow, Sarah says that she has attracted a lot of men on social media for her look including fetishists. Model: Photographers have contacted her to do photoshoots Interested: She also has lots of men messaging her online for dates They've got a thing: Some men, she admitted, have fetishes and send her odd messages 'Mostly it scares men away, but I think its good because that means it scares the bad people away and I can get rid of all the a**holes,' she said. 'Ive deleted most of the messages because I found them uncomfortable, but one guy sent me a message said he would do anything to meet and date me because of my unibrow. 'I think some men can have a fetish for it, some men DM me about it. I get a lot of dating requests, men peacocking, flirting with me. 'I feel much better about myself now. I think I look beautiful. The whole reason I do it is because I think I look better this way,' she went on. She is also encouraging other women to try embracing their unibrows. 'The first time I tried it was with makeup. See how it looks. Don't do it because its a trend, dont do it because everyone else does or no one else does. Do it for yourself. Thats the most important thing,' she said. Kim Hyun-suk, president of Samsung Electronics' consumer electronics division, speaks during a press conference at the Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, Wednesday (KST). / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics Tech giant to roll out robot in first half By Baek Byung-yeul LAS VEGAS _ Samsung Electronics has presented a "three-fold growth" strategy for its TV business in 2020 by focusing heavily on high-premium 8K TV sets, its division chief said, Wednesday (KST). In a press conference with South Korean media on the sidelines of this year's technology fair in the U.S., Kim Hyun-suk, who also handles the company' consumer electronics business, said Samsung is ideally-positioned to beat its rivals in the race to develop next-generation TVs given it's prowess in manufacturing customized memory chips for ultra-high viewing resolution. "Samsung is looking at three-fold growth in the business in 2020. The 2020 lineup of 8K TVs has market competitiveness in terms of picture quality and sound as well as design. We also have widened the price range of 8K TVs to attract more customers," Kim told reporters. The executive highlighted Samsung's competitiveness in mass producing memory and logic chips which can be integrated into Samsung's 8K TV sets enhancing their high viewing resolution and contrast ratio. "The 8K chips we are currently using for the firm's TV lineup are not widely available in the market. It takes at least two years to develop such chips. I don't know when Chinese firms will start to manufacture their own chips," Kim said. He added the technological gap between the company and its main Chinese rivals spans at least two years on multiple fronts. Samsung has been leading the global TV market since 2006. SBS has announced Great Australian Railway Journeys will screen from early February. The six-part series sees British TV personality Michael Portillo as he traverses the length and breadth of Australia exploring monumental landscapes and uncovering feats of engineering in an inhospitable continent. Australia is a wonderful country to explore by train, offering epic journeys across the continent on the Indian-Pacific and Ghan railways. With my 1913 guidebook, I investigate convicts, koalas, kangaroos and camels; trace the history of European settlement along with its impact on the indigenous peoples; and look at the new multi-ethnic Australia coming to terms with its past, he said. The series is produced by Boundless (part of Fremantle). Armed with his 1913 Bradshaws Handbook to the Chief Cities of the World, Michael embarks on six railway journeys across Australias vast open spaces riding some of the longest passenger trains and the steepest railway in the world. Travelling over 9,000 miles, his journeys take him from Canberra to Melbourne, Sydney to Broken Hill, Newcastle to Brisbane, Port Augusta to Darwin, Kuranda to Townsville and Adelaide to Perth. The adventure begins with the Pichi Richi heritage railway the only remaining part of the Old Ghan line in operation before Michael boards the luxurious modern passenger service at Alice Springs bound for Darwin. Next on his list is a 125-second thrill on the steepest railway in the world at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, followed by an overnight journey on one of the worlds longest trains, the luxurious Indian Pacific Railway. In Melbourne, The Puffing Billy takes him through the rainforest of the Dandenong mountains, while in Queensland he marvels at the engineering expertise of the 1890s as he inches his way across the Stony Creek Bridge on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Along the way, Michael explores Australias culture and its dazzling cities from the iconic harbour-front metropolis of Sydney to Melbournes world-renowned sporting heritage. He climbs the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, discovers the remote Australian Red Centre and the tropical rainforests of Queensland. He hears Dreaming stories from the Indigenous Arrernte people, goes sheep shearing in Victoria, strikes gold in Kalgoorlie and swims over coral at the Great Barrier Reef. Tuesday February 4 at 7:30pm on SBS. NEW YORK, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enhanced Capital, a national investment firm, announced that it has financed a solar energy portfolio in collaboration with Green Street Power Partners (GSPP), generating clean energy in New Jersey, California, Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts through the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit program. Enhanced provided $10.2 million in tax equity to finance 11 distinct projects comprising the 10.25 MWdc community and commercial solar portfolio. In the first year of operation, the portfolio is expected to generate 12,900 MWh of clean, renewable energy the carbon dioxide offset equivalent of removing nearly 2,000 cars from the road. The energy output will be available to a variety of commercial, industrial and residential customers. Environmental sustainability and access to renewable energy are at the forefront of our mission, said Dan Packard, Director, Renewable Energy at Enhanced Capital. Enhanced Capital is proud to have provided the tax equity funding to make these projects a reality. With over 85 megawatts of solar assets under management or construction, GSPP is a nationally recognized commercial solar developer, owner and operator. The company specializes in providing solar energy systems for businesses, schools, nonprofits and municipalities. In 2019, GSPP was recognized as one of Inc.s Top 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies, ranking as No. 620 overall and No. 3 in Connecticut. We are proud to partner with Enhanced Capital to advance clean, renewable energy in the commercial and industrial sectors, said Scott Kerner, Chief Executive Officer of GSPP. We are excited about the benefits each system in this portfolio will bring to its respective communities, and we hope to partner with the Enhanced team on future opportunities. About Enhanced Capital Enhanced Capital is a leader in unlocking value for private investors seeking returns through socially responsible public investment initiatives. At the forefront of aligning private sector resources with public policy goals, we transform local economies to the benefit of both investors and community stakeholders by financing solar energy projects, historic building restorations and local businesses. Please visit www.enhancedcapital.com . About Green Street Power Partners Headquartered in Stamford, CT, Green Street Power Partners (GSPP) is a leading national developer, financier, owner and operator of solar energy systems across the country. As we rapidly expand our solar coverage, GSPP consistently provides the best available solar technology coupled with an unwavering commitment to customer service. Please visit www.gspp.com. New Delhi, Jan 8 : India on Wednesday issued an advisory for Indian nationals asking them to avoid travelling to Iraq for now. The advisory came soon after Iran claimed to have attacked two US military bases in Iraq, in retaliation to the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qasem Soleimani in an American drone attack on January 3. Fearing further escalation, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said: "In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification." Indian nationals living in Iraq have also been advised to be alert and avoid travel within the country. "Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq," the notification said. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned on Wednesday the attack by Iran on military bases in Iraq housing western troops in retaliation for the U.S. killing of an Iranian general, Trend with reference to Reuters reports. Iranian forces fired missiles at military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq in retaliation for the death of Qassem Soleimani, raising the stakes in its conflict with Washington amid concern of a wider war in the Middle East. We of course condemn the attack on Iraqi military bases hosting coalition forces, Johnson told parliament, speaking in public on the crisis for the first time. Iran should not repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks but must instead pursue urgent de-escalation. The President of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Prince Osibote, has strongly criticized the governors of the South-west states for allegedly recruiting their political thugs in the name of "Amotekun" security outfit. The leader of the authentic umbrella of Yoruba cultural group founded by late Dr. Frederick Fasehun, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) warned the six South-west governors and other interested parties in the proposed security outfit known as 'Operation Amotekun'. He warned that Chief Gani Adams does not have any moral, legal or social authority to carry out transaction/representation in the name of OPC. He stated that as the President of OPC he want all and sundry to note that the organization is one indivisible entity and that he ascended the leadership of OPC after the passage to Glory of the Founder, Dr. Fasehun. "For avoidance of doubts, the OPC which I lead will not do anything tantamount to destruction of Yoruba interest. It is regrettable to disclaim for the umpteenth time, that Adams does not represent OPC. We have already initiated legal process to stop him from parading himself either as a member or leader of OPC. Anyone who deals with him in this regard does so at his or her risk. He went on to commend the Amotekun initiative by governors of the South-west states. "While it is a timely, novel and a necessary initiative, we believe that the contribution and participation of all stakeholders must be sought. In our case, we seek to contend with the legitimacy of the OPC involved inorder to achieve an outstanding take off. We state this bearing in mind our modest initiative which has culminated through various permutations into this laudable Operation Amotekun. According to the Apex leader of OPC, "Amotekun is a Yoruba response to unprovoked attack and killings of our people by unidentified persons, masquerading as Fulani herdsmen. Part of Amotekun assignment should be to unravel the true identity of these killers and present incontrovertible evidence to indict and prosecute them". "The OPC under my leadership is ready to work with the governors and other constituted authorities to secure Yorubaland in particular and the rest of Nigeria in general". We are not averse to colaborating with other groups with similar interests, but we are not willing to concede any space to any interloper, obtruder, impostor, and impersonator. He challenged the South-west governors to make public, who they are communicating with in OPC because there are formal procedures and protocol. While the OPC leader welcomes Operation Amotekun initiative, he advised that it must be in collaboration with relevant and genuine stakeholders. The apparent non endorsement of the the launch of Operation Amotekun by the police, military authorities and other security agencies is posing a lot of questions, he stated. He went further to recall the scheming by groups that misled Gani Adams into distracting the Founder of OPC whose conscequence is still visible in OPC. "It is a shame that with the volume of information available on OPC both on analogue and digital space, some South-west governors feign ignorance of the authentic OPC and it's succession since the death of the founding father, Dr. Frederick Fasehun. Remarkablly, only one South-west governor has kept with the ideals of Fasehun". The OPC leader opines that the political class in Yorubaland want to hijack OPC for their selfish reasons, particularly those nurturing various political ambitions ranging from the highest political office to the lowest. "We have reinterated to them that OPC will never transform into a political party. However, our members are free to hold partisan views as they deem fit. Prince Osibote warned the South West governors to guard against an outcome that may lead to more complex security issues than it was meant to solve in arrangement and implementaion of Operation Amotekun. "We are firm believers of providing technology tools to care givers globally which they can use at the point-of-care to ensure patient safety, enhanced clinical outcomes, and improved patient experience." said Udayan Mandavia, Chief Growth Officer, iPatientCare/AssureCare iPatientCare, a pioneer in cloud-based ambulatory EHR, revenue cycle management services, integrated practice management, and patient engagement solutions announced today that its CGO, Mr. Udayan Mandavia, shall deliver an insightful talk dealing with FAQ on Electronic Health Record at HITCON 2020. HITCON is a mega HealthTech event in Ahmedabad, India, held annually and draws physicians and clinicians interested in implementing health information technology at their places of care delivery. This years HITCON is set to take place on January 11-12, 2020 at Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat, Opposite Physical Research Laboratory, University Road, Ahmedabad. Mr. Mandavia is recognized for his pioneering contribution to creating a cloud-based EHR which was first among the leading products that got certified by the US Federal Government, chosen by the US Army and NASA Space Medicine, and currently being utilized by more than 100,000 physicians, nurses and medical billers in the physician offices, hospitals, rural health clinics, and Federally Qualified Health Centers based in the United States and Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. He is currently in India for the pre-launch of iPatientCare suite of products in India and neighboring countries. His talk will include sharing his 20+ years of experience in the healthcare IT industry and will elucidate the impact of Electronic Health Records on Healthcare Delivery System, EHR system Utilization, how EHRs can reduce errors, improve patient safety, and support better patient outcomes, and how having a comprehensive Electronic Health Record can make a difference for patients. We are firm believers of providing technology tools to caregivers globally which they can use at the point-of-care and be empowered with the latest medical record of patients to ensure patient safety, enhanced clinical outcomes, and improved patient experience. As part of our commitment to serve the world, we plan to initiate our operations in the Indian subcontinent, which is an economically strong emerging market for healthcare IT. We want to demonstrate our product leadership and commitment to Indias medical practitioners by serving them from our Ahmedabad, India office. said Udayan Mandavia, Chief Growth Officer, iPatientCare/AssureCare. For more information about iPatientCares presence or to schedule a meeting with iPatientCare at HITCON 2020, drop an email at sales@ipatientcare.com. About iPatientCare iPatientCare is a full suite of innovative healthcare products and value-added services that help physician offices, rural health clinics, and community/federally qualified health centers (CHC/FQHC) nationwide in improving the health of their patients, enhancing patient care through care management/coordination/analytics, and reducing costs of care delivery. The awards-winning EHR, integrated practice solutions and value-added services, such as, the revenue cycle enhancement t and quality improvement consulting, provide everything you need to control your practice operations, increase revenues, and provide better patient care. The iPatientCare EHR - version 18.0, has received 2015 Edition ONC Health IT certification by Drummond Group, an Office of the National Coordinator-Authorized Certification Body (ONC-ACB), in accordance with the applicable eligible professional certification criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Full certification details can be found at the ONC Certified Health IT Product List. As part of its MACRA-ready solutions, iPatientCare has been recognized as a qualified MACRA-MIPS registry by CMS, and has a distinguished credit of being selected as a preferred EHR and medical billing software by more than 70,000 users nationwide, numerous hospitals/health systems, federally funded regional extension centers, and in the past by the US Army and NASA Space Medicine. Visit https://www.iPatientCare.com for more information. M ining giant Anglo American today swooped for Sirius Minerals, the struggling miner that wants to build a potash mine on the North York Moors. Anglo said it was in advanced discussions with Sirius over a rescue bid of 5.5p a share, valuing the company at 386 million. The mine near Whitby has been teetering on the brink of collapse after Sirius Minerals failed to raise $500 million in September, which would have unlocked further funding for the project. Anglo said it had been monitoring the situation for some time. Stephen Pearce, its finance director, said: Rarely does a tier one asset come to market. This is a good opportunity for us. For a long time we have seen the project as a fit. It provides certainty for the region as well as Sirius shareholders and employees. Pearce warned that the project still requires a heavy capital injection of around $3 billion in order that the mine can open in 2021, but said Anglo had the firepower to make it happen. Still to be financed is the sinking of two massive 1.5 kilometre shafts to access the potash and a 37km tunnel to move the material to a port on Teesside. Pearce added: We have the financial and technical capabilities to build on what Sirius has done. The deal is welcome relief for Sirius shareholders, who have seen the companys share price tank by more than 50% since September. Members of the public own almost half of the shares, with 85,000 backing the stock. Many had written the project off and there were rumours that the Government might step in and look to provide a financial lifeline. Sirius chief executive Chris Fraser previously blamed Brexit and the volatile market conditions for being unable to secure the finance. Anglo said Brexit had been a consideration before deciding whether to press ahead with a bid. Under UK takeover rules, Anglo American has until February 5 to make a firm offer for Sirius or walk away for six months. After Frances wars of religion came good King Henry IV, le roi de la poule au pot. After Britains Brexit wars comes good King Boris, a monarch of unbounded benevolence, setting out to unify once more the divided kingdom in a common patriotism and prosperity. Such at least was king Boriss demeanour today as he scattered with royal magnanimity the fruits of victory among his followers. David Morris (Con, Morecambe and Lunesdale) wants the Eden Project to come to Morecambe: King Boris assured him the Eden Project is very likely to come to Morecambe. Dehenna Davison (Con, Bishop Auckland), a new MP who captured her seat from Labour and the eye of spectators by wearing bright pink two rows behind the PM, wanted his support for the stroke rehabilitation unit in her constituency. After congratulating her and all new Conservative MPs on their victories, King Boris assured her in his most gracious manner that it is our intention to help Bishop Auckland. There were, of course, a few cavilling agitators of a republican disposition who proved immune to King Boriss charm. Chief among these was Jeremy Corbyn, who was worried by the assassination of General Suleimani and asked what evidence there was that this was not an illegal act. King Boris said that man had the blood of British troops on his hands. He waxed very hot as he said this, and expressed surprise that Corbyn has yet to condemn the activities of Qasem Suleimani. The Scottish Nationalists tried to disconcert King Boris by calling on him to hold another referendum on independence. Their leader, Ian Blackford, has bagged the first seat below the gangway, where Dennis Skinner used to sit until ejected by the electors of Bolsover. King Boris said the people of Scotland had decided in the referendum of 2014 to remain within the most successful Union the world has ever seen, and everyone had agreed at that time that this should be a once-in-a-generation event. The new Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, brought PMQs to a close within 31 minutes: a vast improvement on the unhappy practice instituted by his predecessor of allowing it to drag on for almost an hour. Photo: Hanny Naibaho/Unsplash Looking for something to do this week? From a rock show to a harmonica performance, here are some solid options to help you get off the couch and out into the world. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Black Flag with The Linecutters From the event description: Black Flag is an American band formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California, by guitarist, primary songwriter and sole continuous member Greg Ginn. Their discography includes seven studio albums and two live albums. When: Friday, Jan. 10, 8:30-11:30 p.m. Where: Cornerstone, 2367 Shattuck Ave. For music venue only, enter on Durant (2110 Durant) Admission: $25 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets WoodBarry From the event description: WoodBarry is a group of Bay Area veteran musicians featuring an eclectic mix of music from the 60s to the present. Nancy Hall, from the Curios and the Finger Puppets, as well as Neil Youngs touring company, Woody Trevorrow, who is from Hearts on Fire and Houston Jones, and Barry Silverblatt, from Hearts on Fire and other groups, create complex instrumental interplay and soaring harmonies. They're joined at The Back Room by special guest Glenn Houston. When: Saturday, Jan. 11, 8 p.m. Where: The Back Room, 1984 Bonita Ave. Admission: $15 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Drop-In Blues Jam and Workshop with David Matthews From the event description: Bring your instrument and come jam with us. All level of players welcome. David Matthews has been playing harmonica since 1982. His band has been performing around the Bay Area for more than 10 years. When: Sunday, Jan. 12, 4-6 p.m. Where: Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St. Admission: $13.50 (member registration); $15 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Mark Hummel's Blues Harmonica Blowout From the event description: Story continues Mark Hummel's Blues Harmonica Blowout, with Magic Dick, Lee Oskar, Jerry Portnoy and Duke Robillard, will take place at Freight & Salvage. Hummel is a Grammy-nominated artist and has won two times for album by the Blues Music Awards. When: Sunday, Jan. 12, 7-11:59 p.m. Where: Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St. Admission: $15$30. Click here for more details, and to get your tickets This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (TSXV:GPV)(OTCQB:GPVRF) ("GreenPower") a leading all-electric vehicle manufacturer, today announced that it deployed thirty EV Star buses with Green Commuter in December 2019, part of its previously-announced, 100-unit purchase order. Green Commuter is a California-based all-electric vanpool provider that offers van pooling, car sharing, shuttle service and fleet replacement. The thirty EV Stars were equipped with both executive seating and ADA configurations, providing versatility for Green Commuter's operations. "We are excited to be fulfilling a significant portion of the order from Green Commuter and look forward to continuing our partnership with such a progressive company." Commented Brendan Riley, President of GreenPower, "Execution of this order demonstrates the continued acceleration in GreenPower's business and provides a catalyst to increase production." Each of the thirty EV Stars has approved voucher requests for $100,000 of funding from California's HVIP program, for $3 million in total. This HVIP funding is part of the $12.3 million in approved HVIP voucher requests on 118 vehicles that GreenPower had in place at the end of the quarter ended September 30, 2019. GreenPower's wholly-owned subsidiary, San Joaquin Valley Equipment Leasing, provided lease financing for the remainder of the purchase price for the 30 EV Stars. The 25-foot EV Star is an all-electric, zero emission bus that seats up to 19 passengers with an operational range of up to 150 miles. The EV Star comes with a standard J1772 level 2 and CCS DC level 3 fast combo charge system, allowing for optimal flexibility in route planning for any duty cycle. The versatile vehicle can be used for micro-transit services, para-transit, vanpool, shuttle, school, employee transportation, tourist operations or cargo transport. For further information contact: Brendan Riley President (510) 910-3377 Ryne Shetterly Vice President of Sales and Marketing (909) 954-7530 GreenPower Investor Relations Chris Witty (646) 438-9385 About GreenPower Motor Company Inc. GreenPower designs, builds and distributes a full suite of high-floor and low-floor vehicles, including transit buses, school buses, shuttles, a cargo van and a double decker. GreenPower employs a clean-sheet design to manufacture all-electric buses that are purpose built to be battery powered with zero emissions. GreenPower integrates global suppliers for key components, such as Siemens or TM4 for the drive motors, Knorr for the brakes, ZF for the axles and Parker for the dash and control systems. This OEM platform allows GreenPower to meet the specifications of various operators while providing standard parts for ease of maintenance and accessibility for warranty requirements. For further information go to www.greenpowerbus.com Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, GreenPower's business and operations and the environment in which it operates, which are based on GreenPower's operations, estimates, forecasts and projections. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "will", "could", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe" or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict such as the manufacturing of product or are beyond GreenPower's control, such as the regulations and requirements in different jurisdictions including final approvals for this purchase of vehicles. A number of important factors including those set forth in other public filings (filed under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com ) could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Consequently, readers should not place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. In addition, these forward-looking statements relate to the date on which they are made. GreenPower disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. All amounts in U.S. dollars. 2020 GreenPower Motor Company Inc. All rights reserved. SOURCE: GreenPower Motor Company Inc View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572387/GreenPower-Deploys-Thirty-EV-Stars-with-Green-Commuter Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki prolonged their one-time-only doubles partnership Wednesday when they won through to the semifinals of the ASB Classic. Playing in combination for the first time in their careers, Williams and Wozniacki beat top-seeded Johanna Larsson of Sweden and Caroline Dolehide of the United States 6-2, 6-1 after beating Nao Hibino and Makoto Ninomiya of Japan in their opening match. The pair will not play together at the Australian Open, which will be Wozniacki's final Grand Slam tournament before retirement, but for an exhibition against Williams in Copenhagen in May. For that reason, the Auckland tournament offers the only chance for fans to savor the sight of two former world singles No. 1s playing as a partnership. The match against Larsson and Dolehide, both accomplished doubles partnerships, was the toughest test of their partnership. Larsson has 13 doubles titles and Dolehide has been a U.S. Open doubles semifinalist. Williams was a driving force in their win Wednesday, dominating the court, though she paid tribute to Wozniacki who, she said, "never missed." Wozniacki will play Lauren Davis in the second round of singles Thursday while Williams will play fellow American Christina McHale. Eugenie Bouchard came into the tournament as a wild-card entry after a difficult 2019 season and progressed to the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-4 win over eighth-seeded Caroline Garcia. Bouchard, who has been as high as No. 5 in singles, dropped out of the top 200 last year, at one stage losing 12 straight first-round matches. The 25-year-old Canadian showed signs of a return to form as she beat Garcia in 88 minutes. She incurred a time violation at set point in the first set but held serve, then closed out the match at her first opportunity. World No. 15 Petra Marcic, the No. 2 seed, lost 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to France's Alize Cornet, who finished 2019 outside the top 50 for the first time in eight years. Cornet sealed the match after 2 hours, 16 minutes with three consecutive aces. "It just happened to be the best time to do my first aces of the match and three in a row, come on! I don't even know how that happened," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2020) -Palamina Corp. (TSXV: PA) has secured a Declaracion de Impacto Ambiental ("DIA") from the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines for its Coasa Gold Project in the Puno region of Peru. The DIA allows for the construction of up to 40 drill pads at Coasa. With the DIA in hand, the Company has applied for the Authorization to Initiate Exploration Activities ("AIEA") which is required to commence initial drill testing of the Coasa gold system. Andrew Thomson, President of Palamina stated, "Palamina is one of a few pure gold exploration companies active in Peru with clear mineral title and a DIA approving up to 40 drill pads to test targets on its flagship Coasa gold project. Plans for an initial 2,500 m drill program focussed on testing below high-grade surface mineralization in the Veta Zone are being finalized. The Veta and Cayos discoveries, which combine to extend along 1.6 kilometres (see Figure 1 below), have never been drill tested and remain open at surface to the NE and SW." Based on recent favourable prospecting results and supporting surface assay results, Palamina may seek to modify and/or expand the DIA to provide for initial drill testing of the Cayos Zone as well. Figure 1: Coasa select surface sampling map (Reported in Palamina's October 8, 2019 news release) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4727/51248_dca5b533b4119be0_002full.jpg Palamina began staking the Coasa Gold Project area in January of 2017 to obtain the mining rights to a 22 km long deformation corridor hosting numerous discrete shear zones. Within the deformation corridor, the same shear zone hosts GoldMining Inc.'s Crucero gold deposit located 16 km to the south east. Coasa is within an east-west structure on the southern perimeter of the Puno Orogenic Gold similar to structures associated with the Ollachea and La Rinconada gold deposits to the northeast and southwest (see Figure 2). The mineralized surface footprint at Coasa is second only to La Rinconada. Figure 2: Coasa Gold Project & Puno Orogenic Gold Belt location map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4727/51248_dca5b533b4119be0_003full.jpg Palamina Corp. quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols are administered on all its exploration projects. Prior to delivery of field exploration samples to the analytical laboratory and with the objective to provide an independent check on precision, accuracy and potential contamination in the sampling and analytical procedure, Palamina staff insert coarse blank samples, field duplicates and certified standards into the sample stream. To assure best practice compliance, assay results are only reported once the results of internal QA/QC samples have been reviewed. This press release was compiled and reviewed Mr. William McGuinty, P. Geo., Palamina's VP Exploration. He is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has supervised the preparation of the technical contents of this press release. ABOUT PALAMINA Palamina holds applications and mineral rights to four gold projects in south eastern Peru in the Puno Orogenic Gold Belt (POGB), a silver-copper project in the Santa Lucia district and two copper-gold projects in Southern Peru. In September of 2019, Palamina concluded the sale of the Gaban gold and Tinka I.O.C.G Projects for 10,000,000 shares of Winshear Gold Corp. (formerly Helio Resource Corp.) and a 2% NSR per project. Palamina has 36,303,636 shares outstanding and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PA. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Andrew Thomson, President Phone: (416) 987-0722 or visit www.palamina.com This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company appears in the Company's continuous disclosure filings, which are available at www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51248 UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio Disorderly conduct: Cedar Road At 6:25 a.m. Dec. 31, police were called to a Cedar Road apartment address on a report of an intoxicated man creating a disturbance. Upon arrival, witnesses told officers that the man had been unconscious and lying on the floor of the apartments common area, then had been banging on doors. The man, 19, was found to be an undocumented alien from El Salvador who was residing in University Heights. After being apprehended outside the building, the man was charged with disorderly conduct/intoxication. Fraud: John Carroll Boulevard At 12:55 p.m. Dec. 30, a man, 30, reported that his credit card had been fraudulently used in Colorado to make a purchase for $132.49. The victim canceled the card before reporting the matter to police. The case was turned over to the detective bureau. Theft: Warrensville Center Road At 1:15 p.m. Dec. 31, security at Macys, 2201 Warrensville Center Road, reported having in custody a man who had stolen $190 worth of wristwatches. Police charged the Cleveland man, 44, with theft. Furnishing false information: Cedar Road At 5:10 p.m. Jan. 1, an officer stopped a car for improper display of license plates. The driver, a Cleveland woman, 22, was subsequently charged with furnishing false information to police, driving with a suspended license and improper child restraint. The vehicle was turned over to a licensed driver. OVI: Warrensville Center Road At 2:25 a.m. Jan. 3, an officer stopped a car for a traffic offense and discovered that the driver, a South Euclid woman, 38, was intoxicated. The driver was charged with OVI and having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. OVI: South Green Road At 3:05 a.m. Jan. 2, an officer saw a driver commit a traffic offense and conducted a stop. The driver, a South Euclid woman, 27, was found to be intoxicated. Police charged her with OVI and failure to maintain marked lanes. Disturbance: Fairmount Boulevard At 6:50 p.m. Jan. 4, a 22-year-old female staff member at Bellefaire JCB, 22001 Fairmount Blvd., reported that she had been injured in an altercation with a 13-year-old client. The woman was taken to Hillcrest Hospital. Police are investigating. Read more from the Sun Press. Jin Air counter at Gimpo Airport / Yonhap By Lee Suh-yoon Jin Air has been struggling with continued government sanctions as it is unable to acquire new flight routes and expand its fleet, according to industry officials Wednesday. The deteriorating ties between Korea and Japan has also made things go from bad to worse for the Korean Air-affiliated budget carrier as it is losing money on its Japan routes due to the falling number of Koreans traveling to the neighboring country, they said. In August 2018, the ministry banned Jin Air from adding new flight routes, acquiring new planes and operating unscheduled flights, following revelations of Hanjin Group heiress Cho Hyun-min's board membership. The ban was put in place after the ministry found Jin Air had broken the transport law by allowing Cho a U.S. citizen to serve on the company's board of directors between 2010 and 2016. The sanctions prevented the nation's second-biggest budget carrier from acquiring new licenses to open flight routes in February, including one between Incheon and Ulaanbaatar as well as Busan and Singapore. In May last year, it was also prevented from bidding for a new route linking Incheon and China. "The ban barred us from acquiring new flight route licenses to China, Singapore and Mongolia," a Jin Air spokesperson said. "It prevents us from forming a proper business plan for the future." But the transport ministry has no plans of repealing the 17-month long sanctions against Jin Air anytime soon. Jin Air CEO Choi Jung-ho at a ministry hearing in July 2018 / Yonhap WASHINGTON: Iran fired missiles and attacked multiple locations in Iraq, including the al Asad airbase that hosts US forces. A US official told Reuters on Tuesday, without providing additional information. It was unclear what other sites may have been attacked. Tensions have mounted with Iran following a US drone strike on December 3 (Friday) that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani. Another US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, had confirmed to Reuters earlier that a rocket attack had taken place against al Asad airbase, but did not confirm other sites. US President Donald Trump visited the base in his December 2018 trip to Iraq. Earlier, Al Mayadeen TV had said that at least six rockets landed at Iraq`s Ain Al-Asad air base that hosts US Forces. Ain al-Asad airbase is located in the western Anbar province. Sirens were heard and American helicopters were seen flying over at the Ain al-Asad air base on Wednesday, according to al Mayadeen TV. Also, total alert state was activated after the base was hit by rockets. Live TV On December 7 (Tuesday), Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had said in an interview with CNN that the killing of a top Iranian general by the United States was an act of state terrorism and Iran will respond proportionately. Zarif had said US President Donald Trump had displayed a lack of respect for international law by threatening Iran`s cultural sites. "This is state terrorism," Zarif had said on the killing of Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Revolutionary Guard`s Quds Force, in a US drone attack in Baghdad last week. "This is an act of aggression against Iran, and it amounts to an armed attack against Iran, and we will respond. But we will respond proportionately - not disproportionately ... We are not lawless like President Trump." Trump had said the US was ready to strike 52 Iranian sites, including some important to Iranian culture, if Iran attacked US assets or Americans. On Sunday, he said the United States would strike back "perhaps in a disproportionate manner" if Iran attacked any American target. Zarif had said Trump had shown the world he was "prepared to commit war crimes because attacking cultural sites is a war crime. The disproportionate response is a war crime". Soleimani was responsible for building up Tehran`s network of proxy armies across the Middle East and he was a key figure in orchestrating Iran`s long-standing campaign to drive US forces out of its neighbour Iraq. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Sapiens plans to pay up to $31.6 million for sum.cumo, an InsurTech based in Germany that provides technology and consulting services to the insurance sector and other customers. Both sides expect to close the deal half-way through the 2020 first quarter, pending regulatory approvals. Sapiens, an insurance software provider headquartered in Israel, said the acquisition will help it expand products and services to Germany, Switzerland and Austria, where sum.cumo primarily operates. Sapiens said it will continue to invest in and support sum.cumos offerings and also beef up its own digital products and services globally through sum.cumos tech and expertise. According to the deal announcement, sum.cumo is a technology provider that focuses on the insurance and lottery sectors with disruptive innovation and customer-centric [products and services] based on the latest technologies. The companys specialists help insurers gain a marketing edge through consulting, user experience, front-end development, back-end development and marketing products/services, with a focus on the digital arena. Sum.cumo launched in 2010 and was formerly owned by die Bayerische Versicherungsgruppe, currently one of its customers. Sum.cumo has more than 150 technology and insurance experts and serves customers in Germany and Switzerland from offices in Hamburg, Dusseldorf and Zurich, the deal announcement noted. Roni Al-Dor, Sapiens president and CEO, said the companys planned purchase of sum.cumo follows an ongoing strategy of accelerating growth through focused acquisitions. We are a strategic buyer that acquires companies that fit our mission, vision and culture. Sum.cumo met our parameters as one of the most innovative InsurTech companies in the region, Al-Dor said in prepared remarks. Al-Dor added that growing into Germany, Switzerland and Austria has been part of its long-term growth strategy. Bjorn Freter, sum.cumos founder and co-CEO, said that Sapiens acquisition of his operation will help the company grow better and support its customers while also helping them evolve and thrive. Sapiens said that sum.cumo should produce $16.7 million in non-GAAP revenues for 2019, as well as low single-digit profitability. The bulk of the purchase price is covered by cash, with a small amount of the acquisition paid for with Sapiens shares. Future customer retention and performance over the next four years could also affect the final pay-out, Sapiens said. Source: Sapiens The number of customers at many beer parlors in Ho Chi Minh City has dropped significantly since traffic police began strictly enforcing the countrys new law on drunk driving, which took effect this month. Business has been slow at many beer parlors in District 7, Thu Duc District, Binh Thanh District, and Go Vap District over the past days, according to the observation of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters. A beer parlor on Nguyen Bieu Street in District 5 is crowded in this photo captured in 2019, before Vietnams new law on drunk driving took effect. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre A beer parlor on Nguyen Bieu Street in District 5 is empty in this photo captured in 2020, after Vietnams new law on drunk driving took effect. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Vietnams new law on drunk driving, which came into effect on January 1, stipulates that drivers must be completely sober while operating bicycles, motorbikes, automobiles, and any other vehicles on Vietnams roads. Violators face fines many times higher than what were stated in the previous law, as well as tougher punishments including having their driving license revoked for up to 24 months. A beer shop in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City on December 19, 2019. Photo: Nguyen Cong Thanh / Tuoi Tre A beer shop in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City on January 7, 2020. Photo: Nguyen Cong Thanh / Tuoi Tre Huynh Thi Thuy, owner of a beer parlor on Pham Van Dong Street, estimated that the number of her customers has dropped by 30 percent since the law came into force. We previously sold up to 10-24 crates of beer a day. Now it takes us three days to sell a similar amount, Thuy elaborated. The same situation is reported at beer shops in the Trung Son Area, located in District 7 and Binh Chanh District. A venue in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City is pictured at 8:20 pm. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre At several other venues on Nguyen Huu Tho Street, owners have grown worried as more and more tables are unoccupied by the day. People face a serious fine for having just a few drinks. Its no wonder why they have stopped coming here, a security guard stated. Slow business at a venue in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Similarly, employees at multiple beer parlors on Nguyen Thi Thap Street in District 7 appeared laid back during their shift, either chatting with each other or playing games on their smartphones next to empty tables. If business remains slow for a long time, we may not be able to afford the rent and salary for our employees, an owner said. Empty tables at a beer parlor on Nguyen Thi Thap Street in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tu Trung / Tuoi Tre Empty tables at a beer parlor in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Employees play mobiles games at an empty beer place in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre A beer place in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Iran's direct retaliation for the January 3 U.S. assassination of Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani raises the stakes in the escalating conflict between Tehran and Washington but puts the ball back in the Unites States' court, analysts say. Iranian forces launched an overnight missile strike on two Iraqi facilities housing U.S. troops in Iraq, which was described by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a "slap in the face" for Washington. Khamenei did not call for more military retaliatory actions, instead saying that "What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region." Analysts say the next move in the affair lies with Washington. "I believe the comment that a war has already started may not necessarily be true, the U.S. response can be limited," said Mehrzad Boroujerdi, director of Virginia Tech's School of Public and International Affairs, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda. He added that the U.S. move will depend on whether the Iranian strikes resulted in fatalities among American troops. In his initial reaction, U.S. President Donald Trump, who ordered Soleimani's assassination, tweeted "All is well" and "So far, so good." Trump added that casualties and damage from the missile attacks were being assessed and that he would make a statement on January 8. Preventive Measures Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami said on January 8 that the U.S. had "certainly" taken measures to prevent casualties. "They knew that revenge would happen," he said. "They had made some preparations, although their preparations did not prevent the missiles from hitting [their bases] -- they had definitely taken measures to prevent casualties." Hatami added that Tehran's next move "will depend on what [the Americans] will do." "When it comes to us, we took harsh revenge," he said. Ali Vaez, the director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group (ICG), suggested that Tehran may have given Washington advance warning in order to limit or avoid any casualties. "I wouldn't be surprised at all if we later learn that either through visible movement of missile launchers or messaging through intermediaries, Tehran had tried to give advanced warning to the U.S. so as to limit casualties," he tweeted on January 8. "The ball is now back in Trump's court," he added. Despite the strikes, Iranian officials made it clear in their statements that they have no appetite for a full-scale war. "We do not seek an escalation or war, but we will defend ourselves against any aggression," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter, adding that the Iranian move "was legitimate self-defense." Creating An 'Unfavorable Atmosphere' Raz Zimmt, an Iran analyst at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv, told RFE/RL that Iran was making a distinction between immediate revenge for Soleimani's assassination -- namely its missile attack -- and more important long-term strategic revenge, which is the removal of the United States from the region. "Therefore, unless the U.S. retaliates to the Iranian attack, the Iranians, in my opinion, will prefer to execute a 'road map' or a working plan, ultimately aimed at ending the U.S. presence in Iraq, over continuing to hit American targets, which could further escalate the situation and even lead to a military confrontation which doesn't serve Iranian interests," he said. Clement Therme, a postdoctoral research fellow for the Nuclear Knowledge team at CERI-Sciences Po in Paris, told RFE/RL that Iran's objective was "to create a psychological atmosphere unfavorable to the maintenance of the American military and economic presence, and to break what it calls 'encirclement' by the American bases." Therme said that, in the short term, Soleimani's death has allowed the Islamic republic to capitalize on "anti-American sentiments in Iraq." "His death thus diverted attention from Iranian interference to American interference." Zimmt said Iran's plan could include "both military actions, especially through the use of proxies, and political pressure on Iraqi political factions and government to encourage a U.S. withdrawal." Speaking to journalists in Tehran, Hatami suggested that Tehran's proxies could retaliate over Soleimani's killing. "Martyr Soleimani was an international figure of the 'resistance' [an alliance between Iran, Syria, and the Lebanese Hizballah]; he was an asset that belonged to all the soldiers of the resistance," he said. "They will pursue some policies [in his name]." The market closed with a marginal loss amid volatility on January 8 with the Nifty defending the psychological 12,000-mark. It started the day sharply lower by falling a percent amid the fear of escalation in geopolitical tensions after Iran forces fired missiles on the US troops at Iraqi airbases. The BSE Sensex slipped nearly 400 points in the morning but erased most of the losses to end just 51.73 points lower at 40,817.74. The Nifty 50 declined 27.60 points to 12,025.40, forming a big bullish candle as closing was higher than the opening tick. "The short term trend of Nifty continues to be weak. Though the Nifty showed a promising intraday upside bounce today, this up move is unlikely to sustain for long," Nagaraj Shetti, Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities told Moneycontrol. According to him, the Nifty is expected to find key overhead resistance around 12,100-12,150 levels in the next 1-2 sessions, which could be a sell on rise opportunity. The important lower support is placed at 11,800, he said. All sectoral indices, barring FMCG and IT, closed in the red. The broader markets closed mixed with Nifty Midcap index rising a third of a percent and Smallcap rising a third of a percent. "We do not see this volatility to fade away anytime soon and in fact, the prevailing earnings season would further add to the erratic swings ahead," Ajit Mishra, VP - Research at Religare Broking said. "We thus advise focusing more on stock selection and risk management aspects. Also, keeping a close eye on global developments for cues," he added. We have collated 15 data points to help you spot profitable trades: Key support and resistance level for Nifty According to the pivot charts, the key support level for Nifty is placed at 11,954.93, followed by 11,884.57. If the index moves up, key resistance levels to watch out for are 12,070.33 and 12,115.37. Nifty Bank Nifty Bank closed at 31,373.65, down 0.08 percent on January 8. The important pivot level, which will act as crucial support for the index, is placed at 31,031.59, followed by 30,689.5. On the upside, key resistance levels are placed at 31,583.79 and 31,793.9. Call options data Maximum Call open interest (OI) of 24.71 lakh contracts was seen at the 12,500 strike price. It will act as a crucial resistance level in the January series. This is followed by 12,300 strike price, which holds 21.36 lakh contracts in open interest, and 12,400, which has accumulated 20.09 lakh contracts in open interest. Significant call writing was seen at the 12,000 strike price, which added 2.09 lakh contracts, followed by 12,100 strike price that added 1.11 lakh contracts and 12,300 strike which added 0.72 lakh contracts. Call unwinding was witnessed at 12,500 strike price, which shed 2.69 lakh contracts, followed by 12,700 strike which shed 1.78 lakh contracts and 12,200 strike which shed 1.01 lakh contracts. Put options data Maximum Put open interest of 39.46 lakh contracts was seen at 12,000 strike price, which will act as crucial support in the January series. This is followed by 11,500 strike price, which holds 28.34 lakh contracts in open interest, and 11,800 strike price, which has accumulated 21.14 lakh contracts in open interest. Put writing was seen at the 11,400 strike price, which added nearly 3.15 lakh contracts, followed by 11,800 strike, which added 2.2 lakh contracts and 11,500 strike which added 1.78 lakh contracts. Put unwinding was seen at 12,000 strike price, which shed 2.79 lakh contracts, followed by 11,600 strike which shed 2.23 lakh contracts and 12,200 which shed 2.18 lakh contracts. Stocks with a high delivery percentage A high delivery percentage suggests that investors are showing interest in these stocks. 27 stocks saw long buildup 32 stocks saw long unwinding Based on open interest (OI) future percentage, here are the top 10 stocks in which long unwinding was seen. 46 stocks saw short build-up An increase in open interest, along with a decrease in price, mostly indicates a build-up of short positions. Based on open interest (OI) future percentage, here are the top 10 stocks in which short build-up was seen. 41 stocks witnessed short-covering A decrease in open interest, along with an increase in price, mostly indicates a short covering. Here are the top 10 stocks that witnessed short-covering on January 8. Bulk deals (For more bulk deals, click here) Upcoming analyst or board meetings/briefings Reliance Communications: Meeting of Committee of Creditors postponed, to be held on January 9. Sterling and Wilson Solar: Company's officials will meet analysts/investors on January 9 and 10. Shiva Cement: Board meeting is scheduled for January 14 to consider October-December results. Alembic Pharma: Company will hold a post-results conference call on January 22. Hindustan Media Ventures: Board meeting is scheduled for January 22 to consider October-December results. Bharat Bijlee: Board meeting is scheduled for January 30 to consider October-December results. Tata Global Beverages: Board meeting is scheduled on February 4 to consider October-December results. TTK Prestige: Board meeting is scheduled for January 30 to consider October-December results. Tejas Networks: Board meeting is scheduled for January 21 to consider October-December results. HT Media: Board meeting is scheduled for January 23 to consider October-December results. Tata Coffee: Analyst Call in respect of the financial results for Q3FY20 is scheduled to be held on January 29. Affle India: Company's officials will meet SPA Securities and Emerge Capital on January 9, and Wasatch Advisors (US) and Edelweiss Broking on January 10. Stocks in the news Results on January 9: GTPL Hathway Alembic Pharma: Aleor Dermaceuticals, a 60:40 JV with Orbicular Pharmaceutical Technologies, completed USFDA inspection at its formulation manufacturing facility located at Karakhadi, Gujarat, India; without any observations. Aster DM Healthcare: Board meeting will be held on January 9 to consider share buyback. RITES: Stock will trade ex-dividend on January 9. SBI: Lender Launched 'Residential Builder Finance With Buyer Guarantee (RBBG)', to focus on affordable housing Sunteck Realty: Chairman Rajnish Kumar said SBI signed MoU with the company for 3 projects under RBBG HFCL: Company to buy 15% stake in Nivetti Systems for Rs 15.95 crore Vedanta: Board approved raising up to Rs 2,000 crore via NCDs. CSB Bank: Bank appointed BK Divakara as CFO w.e.f. February 5. JSW Energy: CARE assigned the rating of 'AA-/Credit Watch with Negative implications'' for the company's Rs 300 crore Non-Convertible Debenture (NCD) issue. FII and DII data Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares worth Rs 515.85 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares of worth Rs 748.4 crore in the Indian equity market on January 8, provisional data available on the NSE showed. Fund flow Stock under F&O ban on NSE Yes Bank is under the F&O ban for January 9. Securities in the ban period under the F&O segment include companies in which the security has crossed 95 percent of the market-wide position limit. Some years ago, I met a Catholic man who, with the zeal of a convert, tried to convince me there was something wrong with my church. The Methodist church split up seven times before it even left England, he told me. I wasnt sure what to say in response. As a Methodist, I dont see why such splits would be a bad thing, but that seemed like a flippant thing to say to a proud Catholic, and as Methodists were supposed to be nice. But were better than nothing, right? I offered. My new friend conceded the point, and later offered me a scapula, which I continue to treasure very much, as a reminder of the potential for fellowship with those that we disagree with. And now that the United Methodist Church is on the verge of splitting up again, I wanted to offer the same reminder to my fellow Methodists, many of whom are dismayed by the coming breakup. On HoustonChronicle.com: As Methodists discuss split, they unite in hope The UMC like most Christian churches has been roiled in recent decades over theological disagreements regarding human sexuality, and specifically over Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning rights. Last year, delegates to a Special Session of the General Conference narrowly voted to continue the denominations ban on same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy, rather than advancing the One Church plan recommended by UMC bishops, which would have left decisions on those matters up to individual congregations and conferences. A number of Methodist clergy and congregations had openly defied the ban, at that point. Some resolved to continue doing so, despite the possibility of formal sanctions. Others pondered leaving the church. On Friday, leaders from the churchs liberal, conservative and centrist wings put forward a proposal for separation as a means of resolving the UMCs internal disagreements on the subject. Under the plan which needs to be approved by delegates to the denominations annual conference in May Methodists who oppose same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy would be spun off into a traditionalist Methodist denomination. Signatories to the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation explained that, after careful reflection and a formal mediation process, they had concluded this would be the best means to resolve their differences. The United Methodist Church and its members aspire to multiply the Methodist mission in the world by restructuring the Church through respectful and dignified separation, they write. On its surface, this seems counterintuitive and overly optimistic. Assuming the plan is approved which seems like a safe bet the UMC will shrink, perhaps drastically. The denomination is currently the third-largest in the United States, with some 7 million members, and more than 12.5 million around the world. The separation process itself will be protracted, as a result of the UMCs complicated administrative structure, and painful for many of the institutions and individuals involved in it. Beyond that, its not clear what message the United Methodist Church is sending, by opting for the ecclesiastical version of divorce, or whether the split has broader implications for Christians in the U.S. Some evangelicals interpreted Fridays news as marking an implicit concession to the political left in the United States. Though tragic, this is inevitable and necessary, tweeted Andrew T. Walker, a professor at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. Faithfulness and unfaithfulness cannot coexist. It is not the traditionalists who are being schismatics, he continued. Those abandoning Scripture, reason, nature, and history are the ones being divisive. David French, the attorney and commentator, pronounced the impending split necessary, but sad and portentous. As an Evangelical, I lament the division of the Methodist church, French wrote. I lament the departures from Christian orthodoxy by so many millions of Methodist Christians. He also argues that we should now think of the Christian church in the United States as having three sides Catholic, mainline, and evangelical as opposed to Catholic and Protestant. What these analyses miss is that to be a Methodist in the first place is to be a member of a specific religious tradition, one that values fellowship but also freedom of thought. American Methodists are, as a group, more conservative than other mainline Protestants, such as Episcopalians. But were also members of a worldwide church, which is for several reasons theologically heterogeneous. For one thing, we dont read the Bible literally, like most of the denominations classified as evangelical in the American context. Nor does the United Methodist Church itself have a unitary executive, much less an infallible one. In fact, Methodist clergy have relatively little power over their flock. Although a pastor ordained by the Southern Baptist Convention, for example, has authority over his congregation, his Methodist counterparts some of whom are women are restricted to providing us with care and guidance. And, perhaps most importantly, Methodists dont especially value ideological conformity, particularly if it comes at the expense of the churchs broader mission. We think and let think, wrote John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, in 1742. The groups who demand that a particular economic or political doctrine shall be regarded as orthodox have deserted the faith of their fathers and insult the memory of John Wesley, wrote Bishop Gerald Kennedy, in 1960s The Marks of a Methodist. When the Methodist church itself is embroiled in political debates, the result may well be the kind of impasse the UMC reached last year, because theres no one who speaks for all Methodists, or even for all the members of a given Methodist church or who can claim the authority to do so, in order to tamp down such conflicts. The church leaders who put forward the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation, in this case, have kept the faith by putting forward a plan that will allow Methodists to make their own decisions about the future of their church. Thats bittersweet, because the result will be yet another schism, beyond which the future is uncertain. But the proposal put forward last week marks an important step towards affirming LGBTQ Methodists and the church, after all, has always been a work in progress. erica.grieder@chron.com By PTI ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda. Putin arrived late on Tuesday after paying a surprise visit to Syria -- his first to Damascus since the war began -- at a moment of acute uncertainty in the Middle East following the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by the United States. Russia's leader will seek to boost his credentials as a regional powerbroker at the symbolic opening of the TurkStream pipeline, which brings Russian gas to Turkey and southern Europe via the Black Sea. TurkStream and the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic allow Russia to increase gas supplies to Europe without having to rely on Ukraine. But Moscow's increasing domination of European energy markets has worried the US, which last month sanctioned firms working on TurkStream and the almost completed Nord Stream 2. The ceremony in Istanbul, due to start at 1200 GMT, reflects a dramatic improvement in ties between Russia and Turkey -- two countries seemingly on the verge of war less than five years ago after Turkey shot down a Russian jet. They remain on opposing sides in the Syria conflict and could be on a collision course in Libya. Last week, Turkey sent its first troops to help defend the UN-backed Tripoli government, which is under siege from strongman Khalifa Haftar. Erdogan says 2,500 Russian mercenaries are among those supporting Haftar -- claims denied by Moscow. But Russia so far seems unfazed by the Turkish deployment in Libya, said Mariana Belenkaia, of the Carnegie Centre in Moscow. "The two countries will likely be tempted to share the Libyan burden," she said. Syria remains a potential powder-keg for Erdogan and Putin's relationship. Syrian government forces -- backed by Russia -- have ramped up bombardment of the last rebel strongholds in Idlib province in recent weeks, sending hundreds of thousands fleeing towards the Turkish border. Erdogan has called for a truce in Idlib, following previous temporary halts to the fighting brokered with Russia in late 2018 and updated in August last year. "Russia's demands are very simple," said Yury Barmin, of the Moscow Policy Group think tank, "Turkey must do more to eliminate terrorist cells in Idlib. The discussions will be around this idea." Improved ties between the two countries have been facilitated by a number of major energy and defence deals -- Russia is building Turkey's first nuclear plant and provided a missile defence system. Putin also earned goodwill in Turkey after his quick support for Erdogan following an attempted coup in July 2016. The two men have developed a "strong personal relationship", according to Jana Jabbour of Sciences Po university in Paris, who adds that "their economic and energy plans are interdependent". The TurkStream project, which was temporarily halted during a frosty patch in Russia-Turkey relations, includes two parallel pipelines of more than 900 kilometres (550 miles). The pipeline links Anapa in Russia to Kiyikoy in northwestern Turkey and has already begun deliveries to Bulgaria. It is being extended towards Serbia, Hungary and Austria. With a decade plus of software experience and continuous research and development in the automotive industry, these new products demonstrate the excellent, technical strength of ArcherMind technology for the automotive industry. EX4.0 simplifies global automakers' software development across a fragmented field of HLOS options. EX4.0 also supports modern intelligent vehicle features, such as in-cockpit facial and voice recognition, as well as other AI-powered functions including driver monitoring systems and Automatic Parking Assistant (APA). Building on hypervisor technology, ArcherMind EX4.0 can also support a single chipset to drive multiple operating systems, as well as integrates augmented reality navigation, and HMI personalized customization. Additionally, ArcherMind EX4.0 delivers the core technologies and interactive user experiences of the next generation of automotive cockpit. To create the vehicles of the future, the cockpit will continuously integrate and upgrade the latest innovations which will consequently increase complexity of multi-ECU interactions. To address the issue, ArcherMind promotes the AHBS2.0 and ATSP benchmark and tools suite. AHBS 2.0 is a comprehensive benchmark tool for hypervisor-based automotive cockpits, which can deeply detect the complex interaction between OS's in a hypervisor environment, and measure algorithm efficiency and key performance indicators for data analysis for improvement. ATSP is a service package providing professional technical support during development process for new automotive cockpit designs. Together, AHBS 2.0 and ATSP fully support automakers and Tier 1 suppliers to mitigate cockpit performance risks, identify and remove design obstacles, and shorten the go-to-market design cycle. ArcherMind also provides professional technical support as a scaling partner for automakers and Tier 1 suppliers to work on the latest Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platforms. ArcherMind provides technical support, staffing, feature development, and turnkey solutions for customers working on the Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platforms to fully utilize the platform's full capabilities in immersive graphics, multimedia, vision, audio, video, and AI, in the shortest time to market. Cooperating with global automakers, ArcherMind offers automotive solutions and products to customers around the world. Positioned for the premium market, XPENG Motors, a China domestic electric vehicle OEM, launched the latest P7, B-Class flagship model. As a software provider, ArcherMind supports XPENG to build top-level infotainment systems based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820A platform, to provide users with the best-in-class graphics and HMI experience. Another China domestic electric vehicle, WM Motor, announced that it will release a next generation of flagship models with stronger computing power in 2020, in collaboration with ArcherMind. By improving the foundational technologies of battery, electric motor, electronic control system, electrical structures, it will comprehensively upgrade the vehicle's networking capabilities, computing power, software processing, and data collection via the rollout of 5G and gigabit ethernet technology. Looking forward, ArcherMind is dedicated to providing technology solutions and core software services for global automakers and Tier 1. Driven by the goal to shorten developing time, reduce cost and increase intelligence in the car. In the future, we hope to build intelligent vehicles with extraordinary experiences together with our partners. Mr. Bill Pinnell, Senior Director, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. said, "As in-vehicle HMI experiences become increasingly complex and highly upgradeable, integrated technologies such as the EX4.0 Automotive Cockpit Solution allow us to quickly and cost-effectively bring industry leading infotainment technologies to OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. We look forward to seeing our Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platforms play a role in providing an intelligent in-vehicle experience for both drivers and passengers utilizing high-power computing, artificial intelligence and a streamlined software development process." Mr. Liu Bing, GM of ArcherMind said "It's a great honor to cooperate with Qualcomm Technologies to provide the best technology solutions of automotive cockpit for global Automotive OEM and Tier 1 by combining the professional and technical capabilities of ArcherMind in Automotive with the excellent technology of the industry-leading Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platforms." ArcherMind will present the latest achievements in Qualcomm Automotive booth (#5606, North Hall) at CES 2020. About ArcherMind Technology (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. ArcherMind is a world-leading intelligent technology expert, focusing on the fields of smartphones, automotive, IoT and mobile internet and is committed to providing customers with the best solutions and technical services. Headquartered in Nanjing, China, ArcherMind has established R&D centers and offices in China, Japan, India and Germany. ArcherMind has established long-term and stable cooperation relations with many of the world's leading technology companies including semiconductor, mobile terminal equipment, operating systems and mobile Internet. ArcherMind has passed CMMI5, ISO27001, quality, information security, environment, occupational health and other management system certification. ArcherMind is listed on Shenzhen Stock Exchange in China (Stock code: 300598). Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. SOURCE ArcherMind Technology (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. AKRON, Ohio A former Twinsburg High School home economics teacher was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison for sexually abusing a 17-year-old student in a classroom pantry. Laura Bucy, 33, of Akron faced up to five years in prison for the third-degree felony charge of sexual battery, to which she pleaded guilty in June, Summit County Common Pleas Court records show. Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross also sentenced Bucy to five years of probation and to register as a sex offender. Twinsburg police began investigating Bucys relationship with the student after her ex-husband called police on Sept. 6, 2018, and told them Bucy said she had to confess to her sins and she had sex with a student of hers, according to a police report. Investigators spoke with Bucy on Sept. 11, and she admitted to engaging in a sexual relationship with the 17-year-old boy at a time when she felt very overwhelmed with having three kids to care for, working and attending college, the report says. Bucy, who had worked at the school since Aug. 2017 and resigned after her arrest, said she and the teenager made a very strong connection as he would come to her classroom and help her clean, according to police. She told officers that the boy acted and looked like her ex-husband. Bucy admitted to police that sexual abuse occurred in either February or March 2018. She said they had sex in the classroom pantry after he came to her room following lunch, police said. She said there was one instance of sexual intercourse, and afterward, they exchanged photos and videos of themselves on Snapchat. Bucy also told investigators she gave the boy liquid for his vaping device because she knew he liked it, and bought him $10 worth of marijuana from another student, police said. The same day they questioned Bucy, investigators spoke with the teenager and his parents. The student confirmed Bucys story, except saying the sexual abuse occurred before Christmas and not in February or March, police said. He told police he came to Bucys classroom to help her clean up when she came up behind him and started kissing him in the pantry, police said. The 17-year-old told police he didnt tell anyone about the incident because he didnt want to get his teacher in trouble. Police learned on Sept. 12 that Bucy had flown to see her father in Arizona. A warrant was issued for her, accusing the teacher of sexual battery and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. Bucy was arrested on Sept. 22, 2018, after she arrived at the Twinsburg Police Department. She was booked into the Summit County Jail. Bucys attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. To comment on this story, visit Wednesdays crime and courts comment section. Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.coms Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Jawaharlal Nehru University students union (JNUSU) president Aishe Ghosh catapulted to national political discourse after violence at the university campus in which she was injured. Ghosh was rushed to the hospital with injuries on her head and arm, but was soon back at JNU to join fellow students during a protest against the violence. Originally from West Bengal, Ghosh did her schooling in the industrial town of Durgapur in West Burdwan district. She never engaged in politics when she was in her home state, but growing up in a home influenced by Leftist thinking gave her inkling towards Left politics. Ghosh passed her secondary and higher secondary exams from two private schools in the city, before joining Daulat Ram College (DRC) in New Delhi from where she graduated in political science. Thereafter, she enrolled at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for masters degree. After completing her masters, she enrolled for MPhil at School of International Relations in JNU. She is at present a second-year student of MPhil. It was during her undergraduation days at Daulat Ram College that she was initiated into student politics. Her father Debasish Ghosh, an employee of Damodar Valley Corporations, has been associated with Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU), the labour wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). At DRC, Aishe joined the CPI(M)s student wing Student Federation of India (SFI). After enrolling at JNU, her involvement with student politics increased. She got elected as class representative twice, before being elected as the JNUSU president. On Tuesday, when Aishe and her comrades were busy on the JNU campus, her father was busy in Durgapur campaigning for the January 8 nationwide strike called by national trade unions, including CITU. Her mother Sharmishta Ghosh is a homemaker. She calls Aishe a studious and gritty girl. She has her own ways and she is not going to be influenced by us, or anyone else, for that matter. Even if we all urge her to stay away from such trouble, she is not the type of girl to listen to, as she is fighting for a greater cause, said 83-year-old Shanti Sinha, Aishes maternal grandmother. Her sister Ishika is presently doing her undergraduation from Syama Prasad Mookerjee College in New Delhi. CPI(M) leaders of the Durgapur area are all taking pride in her achievements. She has made us all proud and inspired us to keep fighting a fascist regime, said Pankaj Roy Sarkar, a West Burdwan district secretariat member of CPI(M). Kevin Emerson admitted charges of theft and fraud at Bournemouth Crown Court A retired vice president at JP Morgan who stole 118,000 over 10 years to cover up a transaction mistake that cost the company 540,000 has been jailed for two years. Kevin Emerson feared he would be sacked after he processed a foreign exchange payment for 100million rather than $100million - costing the company hundreds of thousands of pounds due a change in the exchange rate, Bournemouth Crown Court was told. To cover up his mistake Emerson, now 62, kept fraudulently transferring money between two different accounts over a decade to avoid being found out, stealing 118,000 from the bank in total. Emerson worked for JP Morgan for 33 years, mostly at the bank's offices in Bournemouth, before he retired. Some of the money was used to cover online gambling debts he had racked up. After he left the bank he was no longer able to hide the missing money and his deception was subsequently exposed. Emerson, of Verwood, Dorset, admitted charges of theft and fraud and was jailed for 28 months by Judge Stephen Climie. Afterwards Detective Constable Tom Alsford, of Bournemouth CID, said: 'Mr Emerson claimed the bulk of the missing cash was due to an 'error'. Emerson worked for JP Morgan for 33 years, mostly at the bank's offices in Bournemouth, pictured, before he retired 'He said it was a FX transaction exchange for 100 Million dollar/pounds. This was disputed but could not be proved. 'Emerson wrote cheques in the name of his credit card companies to pay his bills. So all the cheques would be going to financial institutions. 'Once he retired he was no longer able to hide the missing money from the JPM account. 'An automatic flag showed the money was missing. 'Given the time elapsed before the offences were discovered a large amount of financial data had been lost. 'We could only provide verified evidence of theft to the amount of 118,000 that he accepted. 'We do not have a total amount for his gambling debts. They occurred mostly online between 2002 and 2006. 'We would like to thank the fraud investigation team and JP Morgan for the assistance it has provided throughout the investigation.' Shura Council Chairman, Ali Al Saleh, has praised the role played by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to enhance Legislature-Executive co-operation and co-ordination, in line with the aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Mr Al Saleh asserted that HRH the Crown Princes keenness to meet the members of the Legislative Branch to be informed about their visions on various issues is appreciated and welcomed by everybody, given its role in enhancing the legislative work, and developing the governments performance in various sectors. This came as HRH the Crown Prince met here today the members of the Legislative Branch and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Mr Al Saleh said that the Shura Council is looking forward to more cooperation with the government to achieve national interests, strengthen coordination to turn challenges into opportunities to develop joint constructive action, as well as build on the kingdoms landmark achievements in various fields and optimise them. The Shura Chairman pointed out that the continuity of meetings between the Legislative and Executive branches will contribute to formulating ideas and visions that support the comprehensive development march in the kingdom, noting that every achievement will be attained through solidarity and joint cooperation. Mr Al Saleh stressed that the national duty requires everybody to assume their national responsibilities, especially amid the current circumstances and multiple challenges that the region is going through, in order to strengthen national cohesion and social fabric, as well as the Bahraini peoples inherent values of tolerance, peace, co-existence and loyalty to the homeland and to HM the King. As central trade unions are on a nationwide strike on Wednesday, the Shiv Sena trained its gun on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government over the state of the Indian economy and said it has not taken steps to improve the business atmosphere or condition of labourers despite being given another term by the people. The Sena said that the labourers have got together wake up the government that is in a Kumbhkarana-like slumber. The Sena, in its party mouthpiece Saamana, said that on one hand the slogans of sabka saath, sabka vikas were made, and on the other hand policies that would burden businesses and labourers were implemented. The editorial in Saamana said that the people of the country looked at the Modi government with expectations and hope in 2014. Because of the decisions like demonetisation and GST in the first term, the businesses and labour-class were completely shaken. Then too the people re-elected Modi government with a lot of trust in the last Lok Sabha elections. The expectation was that now the businesses that have gone off track will be back on track, and that the labourers will get jobs, but six months have passed there is no improvement, the editorial said. ALSO WATCH | Bharat Bandh: Railway tracks blocked, protest marches in several states The Sena said that though there are global factors including recession, US-Iran struggle, US-China trade war etc, but what about the policies and anti-labourer stand of the Modi government? It attacked the BJP over the hasty roll-out of the Goods and Services Tax and demonetisation which the Sena said shut over 10 lakh businesses and 5 crore people lost their livelihood. It has criticised the BJP policies when it shared power in the Centre and in Maharashtra between 2014 and 2019. The alliance ended in November 2019 when Shiv Sena entered in a partnership with the Congress and the BJP to form the government in Maharashtra. In the midcentury Popular Science future, the 21st century boasted flying cars and jetpacks and tall buildings with ramps spiraling around them. The sky was always blue, the people always happy and white. 2000 A.D. would find us all in a technological paradise. But by the closing decades of the century, that vision had changed to something more nuanced and complex, even sinister. In 1982 I saw a new film by Ridley Scott called Blade Runner. I watched it in Los Angeles with my friend David Scharf (whose electron microscope photographactually of pot budsappears in the sushi bar scene). Afterward we agreed the future would never be the same. We can thank Syd Mead, the films visual futurist, for that. Advertisement Sydney Jay Mead, who was born in 1933, is often credited with perfect vision for the future. He died on Dec. 30, just barely missing 2020. A graduate of the Art Center School in L.A., he started his career as an industrial designer at Ford. He soon formed his own industrial design company. But hes best remembered for work he began in his 40s: creating the futurescapes of Blade Runner (set in 2019), Tron, Aliens, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blade Runner did to the old future what Kubricks gleaming spaceships in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) did to tacky Flash Gordonera spaceships. In Blade Runner, Syd imagined the look of an all-too-plausible grimy and dystopian future. The film marked a dramatic shift in our expectations of the coming centuries. The Disneyesque Tomorrowland of worlds fairs collapsed into a more apprehensive sense of the comeuppance of centuries of human mischief, with a less friendly view of aliens, robots, computers, and corporations. Advertisement Advertisement But the grittiness of Blade Runner is misleading. Syds spouse, Roger Servick, told the New York Times that the design of Blade Runner was an interpretation of someone elses vision, not Mr. Meads own. He always tried to make sure that people knew that was not his idea of the future, that was Philip K. Dicks idea of the future, he said. Mr. Meads view was considerably more optimistic. What we need to do, Mr. Servick said, summarizing it, is work toward a better future, spend our efforts trying to make things better. Syd was old-school, one of the last great artists of the old 20 th -century style of professional illustration. Syds work often celebrated technology with no reservations about costs or consequences. Youd love to drive his sleek vehicles, which always looked straight out of the car wash, or work in his billion-dollar megabuildings. His cities are so powerfully streamlined that one almost expects them to launch into orbit, or at least go from zero to 60 in 7 seconds flat. Advertisement Advertisement Yet Syds future has no blade of wild grass, not even pigeons. In this techno-future, nature is not so much tamed as ignored. Perhaps tellingly, this is why even his optimistic techno-marvels often seem hard, even cold. In Syds future, humans seem happy to be alone with their machines. In Tron (1982), for instance, nature is dispensed with entirely for a world of pure industrial design. Advertisement Advertisement In photos Syd looks nothing like a visionary artist. In his younger days you might have pegged him as a NASA engineer, with his white shirt and skinny black tie. As he aged, he looked more like an Indy 500 car driver. In some ways he was deeply conservative. Rather than dream in his own private space, he was engaged in the real world as a highly successful industrial designer. In fact, some of his designs actually were used in the design of cars in the San Francisco BART system. He also drew many architectural renderings for nonfuturistic city plans with innovative roadways and other features. In his more imaginative work, he drew from sources as varied as automotive designs and the arcologies of the visionary architect Paolo Soleri. Advertisement Advertisement Any artist would admire Syds mastery of technical skills, his absolute command of perspective and the way light falls on variably curved surfaces. His reflective surfaces have a heft and realitynot to mention beautythe rest of us could only envy and try to match. His influence can be seen in many subsequent science fiction spacecraft (which dont really need all that cool streamlining in interstellar space). Advertisement Advertisement Thats because, ironically, Syd was old-school, one of the last great artists of the old 20th-century style of professional illustration. Trained in classical art techniques before perfecting his skills as a high-priced designer in the auto industry, Syd mastered tools now obsolete. He was of a generation of traditional art students whose final exam in perspective drawing would be to draw a room with a mirror leaning at an angle against a wall. Students were graded on how accurately they could draw the reflection in the mirror. Advertisement Rendering such perfect perspective without a computer is a skill now as rare as extracting square and cube roots manually. But Syd could do it because he was a product of that bygone era of drafting tables cluttered with T-squares and French curves and technical drawing pens, as nostalgia-inducing now to us remaining old 20th-century hands as slide rules and buggy whips. Nobody still working can draw like that anymore. Today Syds renderings would all be done on a computer, and therefore lack the vitality he breathed into every line. Advertisement How did his colleagues regard him? We feared him. I was chief artist on Carl Sagans original Cosmos series, which was in production in 1979, at the same time as Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Syds first movie gig. I already knew his work and was intimidated when I learned he was designing for that film, whose special effects budget far exceeded ours. We were struggling with how to depict Carls Spaceship of the Imagination, which would inevitably be compared to spacecraft in big hit films. After seeing a few Mead production images, I threw in the towel and opted for a more symbolic approach to spaceship designhence the dandelion spaceship motif. I certainly wasnt going head-to-head with Syd Mead in designing cool-looking spaceships. R.I.P., Syd. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. The Methuen Treaty, or Port Wine Treaty, as it became known, was signed between Portugal and England in 1703, during the early years of the Spanish War of Succession, to establish trading relationships between the two countries. At the beginning of that war Portugal had been aligned with France, who had promised to provide naval protection. However, when the English navy sailed dangerously close to Lisbon as it travelled to and from Cadiz, the Portuguese decided France wasn't keeping its side of the deal and it would be better to change sides. The Methuen treaties, one military and the other commercial, were the result of that decision and were named in honour of lead negotiator John Methuen, an MP who was also England's Ambassador to Portugal at the time. The Port Wine Treaty stipulated that English textiles, mainly woollen cloth, was to be admitted into Portugal free of tax and in return, Portuguese wines imported into England would be subject to a third less tax than wines imported from France. This was particularly important in helping the port industry to develop. As England was at war with France, it became increasingly difficult to acquire wine, and so people started buying port instead. This had a knock-on effect on the Spanish sherry industry in Jerez, in Cadiz province. The War of Succession and later Napoleonic wars resulted in sales to England and the Netherlands dropping considerably as the hostilities increased, and there was also a change in European tastes due to port becoming more accessible thanks to the Methuen Treaty. Many of the sherry producers found themselves left with unsold stock ageing in oak barrels in their bodegas, but as a result the taste of this wine became more concentrated and nutty. The producers would only bottle enough sherry as they needed according to demand, and then top up the barrel with some of their younger wine. This practice, which is now known as the famous 'solera', introduced new flavours and aromas and the wines developed new characters as they aged and became increasingly popular. A day after a huge crowd showed up at a Virginia Beach City Council meeting to add their locality to over 100 of Virginia's Second Amendment sanctuaries, the state's governor and his financier, Michael Bloomberg, in separate press conferences, tried to reassure the public they had no plans to confiscate guns. Bloomberg and Ralph Northam made their comments in Richmond on Tuesday as Virginia's new Democratic legislative majority convenes to take up gun control measures. The former New York City mayor insisted that "nobody's trying to take away anybody's handguns or rifles or shotguns. What we're trying to do is have sensible gun regulations." Bloomberg also said confiscating AR-15-style rifles currently in circulation would be difficult. "It's probably impossible to get all those back," he said. "One can only hope that when people see the damage they can cause, and the danger of having them in their houses, they'll decide to just take them to the local police station and say, 'Please get rid of this.'" Bloomberg is referring to the bill receiving the most attention, Senate Bill 16, which has no grandfather clause and would make it illegal to sell or even possess a number of firearms that are currently legal. At his press conference with leading Democrats in the state Legislature, Northam parroted Bloomberg, stating, "We have no intention of calling out the National Guard. We're not going to cut off people's electricity. We're not going door to door and confiscate individuals' weapons...saying things like we're going to cut off people's electricity, I don't know where things like that come from, but they're intimidating, they provoke fear, they're not necessary." Northam doesn't know where these things come from? In early December, when Northam was asked by a reporter if local governments would face retaliation for declaring themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries, Northam responded, "If we have constitutional laws on the books and law enforcement officers are not enforcing those laws on the books, then there are going to be consequences, but I'll cross that bridge if and when we get to it." At the same time Northam was threatening law officers, a Democratic Virginia congressman named Donald McEachin suggested that the governor should send in the National Guard if necessary. Then there's the "intimidating" gun law proposals heading to the General Assembly this week. From Bearing Arms (not a complete list) While Northam and Bloomberg attempt to convince law-abiding Virginians they have nothing to fear, the Virginia Citizens Defense League announced a "Lobby Day Rally" on January 20 in support of "rooting out every nugget of gun control it can detect in Virginia." Photo credit: Eli Christman. BEIRUT - Nissan's fugitive ex-boss Carlos Ghosn made his first public appearance since being smuggled out of Japan , saying Wednesday he fled a nightmare that would not end and vowed to defend his name wherever he can get a fair trial. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. BEIRUT - Nissan's fugitive ex-boss Carlos Ghosn made his first public appearance since being smuggled out of Japan , saying Wednesday he fled a nightmare that would not end and vowed to defend his name wherever he can get a fair trial. Ghosn spoke to a room packed with journalists for more than two hours in the Lebanese capital, where he arrived last week after jumping $14 million bail despite supposedly rigorous surveillance a bold and improbable escape that embarrassed Japanese authorities and has allowed him to evade trial on charges of financial misconduct. FILE - In this March 6, 2019 file photo, Carole Ghosn, wife of Nissan's former Chairman Carlos Ghosn, walks to a car waiting at the entrance of Tokyo Detention Center, where her husband is detained in Tokyo. Tokyo prosecutors issued an arrest warrant Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 for the wife of Nissan's former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, on suspicion of perjury. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File) Combative, spirited, and at times rambling, he described conditions of detention in Japan that made him feel dead ... like an animal in a country where he asserted he had zero chance of a fair trial. For the first time since this nightmare began, I can defend myself, speak freely and answer your questions, Ghosn said. I didn't run from justice, I left Japan because I wanted justice." Japanese officials, who were quiet in the aftermath of his escape during a long holiday break, spoke out quickly after Ghosn's dramatic news conference. Chief government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said whether Ghosn would be extradited was Lebanon's decision but that Japan would co-operate closely with international organizations "so that Japans criminal justice system can be operated appropriately. Journalists gather outside the Lebanese Journalists Syndicate where ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn is scheduled to hold a press conference, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. The disgraced former chairman of Nissan is expected to speak to journalists in Beirut, more than a week after his dramatic escape from Japan ahead of his trial for alleged financial misconduct. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) Justice Minister Masako Mori said Ghosn's comments about Japan's criminal justice system were unfounded and she wanted to prevent his spreading an erroneous understanding abroad. She said most of his criticisms were abstract, unclear of its intention, or baseless" and none of his claims can justify the fact he fled Japan illegally. And Hiroto Saikawa, Ghosns successor at Nissan, told Japanese media that Ghosn's claim of a plotted coup against him does not make any sense. Saikawa resigned last year after allegations related to dubious income surfaced against him. He has not been charged. With big gestures and a five-part slide presentation, Ghosn brought his case to the global media in a performance that at times resembled a corporate presentation. His one thought before fleeing, he said: You are going to die in Japan or you are going to get out. Private security officers check the names of journalists as they enter the Lebanese Journalists Syndicate building, where ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn is scheduled to hold a press conference, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. The disgraced former chairman of Nissan is expected to speak to journalists in Beirut, more than a week after his dramatic escape from Japan ahead of his trial for alleged financial misconduct. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) But he made clear the question most on everyone's minds would remain unanswered: An account of the daring escape that saw him spirited from Japan to Turkey and from there to Beirut. Media reports have said that he slipped out of his Tokyo residence alone, despite being under surveillance. He met two men at a hotel, and then took a bullet train to Osaka before boarding a private jet hidden inside a musical equipment case. He flew to Istanbul and was then transferred onto another plane bound for Beirut, where he arrived Dec. 30. Ghosn said he knew the escape attempt would be "disastrous" if it didn't work. But there was a little chance I succeed. I played it, and I'm very happy for making that choice, he told French TF1 TV. Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, right, faces the media in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday Jan. 8, 2020. The disgraced former chairman of Nissan is speaks to journalists in Beirut, more than a week after his dramatic escape from Japan ahead of his trial for alleged financial misconduct. (AP Photo) He described the decision to escape as the most difficult in his life, even though he said he was used to mission impossible. He said he made up his mind when aside from denying him evidence, visits from his wife and holding him in solitary confinement for over 130 days the judges kept postponing his trial. His lawyers had hoped it would begin in April, but he was told it would be postponed again. Ghosn portrayed his arrest in late 2018 as a plot linked to a decline in the financial performance of Nissan Motor Co. as the Japanese automaker resisted losing autonomy to French partner Renault. Ghosn had been in favour of an alliance between Nissan and industry ally Renault, of which he was also chairman. He denied Wednesday he was seeking a full merger. Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn faces the media in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday Jan. 8, 2020. The disgraced former chairman of Nissan is speaks to journalists in Beirut, more than a week after his dramatic escape from Japan ahead of his trial for alleged financial misconduct. (AP Photo) Ghosn also attacked Japanese prosecutors, saying they were aided and abated by petty, vindictive and lawless individuals in the government, Nissan and its law firm. He said it was them, not him, who are destroying Japans reputation on the global stage. He went on to dismiss all allegations of financial wrongdoing against him as untrue and baseless. I should never have been arrested in the first place, he said. Im not above the law and I welcome the opportunity for the truth to come out and have my name cleared. Journalists film vehicles leaving the home of ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. The disgraced former chairman of Nissan is expected to speak to journalists in Beirut on Wednesday, more than a week after his dramatic escape from Japan ahead of his trial for alleged financial misconduct. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) In a swift reply, the Tokyo public prosecutor's office said: Defendant Ghosn's allegations that the prosecution was conspired by Nissan and Public Prosecutors Office is categorically false and completely contrary to fact. Ghosn, who holds Lebanese, French and Brazilian citizenship, said he would be ready to stand trial anywhere where I think I can have a fair trial. He declined to say where that might be. He thanked the Lebanese authorities for their hospitality and defended its judicial system, which has long faced accusations of corruption and favouritism. Nissans fugitive ex-boss Carlos Ghosn, center, confers with a media adviser at a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. Ghosn said Wednesday that his arrest in Japan, from which he escaped last month, was a plot against him and described his detention conditions as a travesty against human rights. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo) The French government initially appeared to stand by Ghosn as did Renault when it kept him on before finally choosing a replacement in January 2019. But in recent days French officials have hardened their stance, calling Ghosn a defendant like any other" and saying he should face justice in a court of law. Ghosn said he didnt need anything from France, but when asked if he felt abandoned by it, he responded: How would you feel if you were in my place? There was no reaction from the French government or Renault to Ghosns remarks. Nissan's former chairman Carlos Ghosn arrives for a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo) However, union members at Renault, which has seen its market value tumble over the past year, said Ghosn did not produce any factual, verifiable evidence for his defence. Fielding reporters' questions as he switched from English to French to Arabic to Portuguese, Ghosn appeared at times bitter and at others relaxed as he joked with the roomful of journalists and some friends. Lebanon last week received an Interpol-issued wanted notice a non-binding request to law enforcement agencies worldwide that they locate and provisionally arrest a fugitive. FILE - This March, 2019, file photo shows former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn, right, and his wife Carole in Tokyo. Tokyo prosecutors issued an arrest warrant Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 for the wife of Nissan's former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, on suspicion of perjury. (Kyodo News via AP, File) Lebanon and Japan do not have an extradition treaty, and the Interpol notice does not require Lebanon to arrest him. Lebanese authorities have said Ghosn entered the country on a legal passport, casting doubt on the possibility they would hand him over to Japan. At the request of the Japanese government, Interpol published the notice on its website Wednesday as Ghosn was giving his news conference. Signalling that Ghosn's legal troubles may not be done, Lebanon's chief prosecutor summoned the ex-auto executive to his office Thursday over the Interpol notice. Separately, he faces possible legal action over a visit to Israel in 2008 after two Lebanese lawyers submitted a report to the Public Prosecutors Office saying the trip violated Lebanese law. The two neighbouring countries are technically in a state of war. At Wednesday's news conference, Ghosn apologized to the Lebanese, saying he never wished to offend anyone when he travelled to Israel as a French national after Nissan asked him to announce the launch of electric cars there. On Tuesday, Tokyo prosecutors obtained an arrest warrant for Ghosn's Lebanese wife Carole on suspicion of perjury, a charge unrelated to his escape. However, Japanese justice officials acknowledge that its unclear whether the Ghosns can be brought back to Japan to face charges. Nissan has said it was still pursuing legal action against Ghosn despite his escape. And in France, Renault alerted French authorities after an investigation found that Ghosn personally benefited from an exchange worth 50,000 euros" related to a philanthropic accord signed with the Palace of Versailles. Prosecutors are investigating but Ghosn is not charged with any wrongdoing in France. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Earlier in the day, Tokyo prosecutors raided a Japanese lawyer's office Ghosn had visited regularly before he fled. Japanese media reports said prosecutors investigating his escape and who might have helped him had likely seized a computer Ghosn was allowed to use there. Of the trajectory that brought him from house arrest in Tokyo to a reunion with his family in Beirut, the fallen auto industry executive told reporters Wednesday: The nightmare started with when I saw the face of the prosecutor and ended with the face of my wife. ___ This story has been updated with correct translation of abstract, not slanderous. ___ Associated Press journalists Yuri Kageyama and Haruka Nuga in Tokyo and Angela Charlton and Elaine Ganley in Paris contributed to this report. The La Crosse school board is about to lose a wealth of experience: two school board members with 36 years of service between them. Ive been on the board for 12 years, and I feel that Ive contributed what I can, said Dave Rudolph, who, along with longtime board member Connie Troyanek, has decided to forego re-election this spring. I feel its time for some new people to take their shot at it, Rudolph said. I also feel its a good time to go, because Randy Nelson is retiring, and hes been an absolutely awesome superintendent to work with. Rudolph taught English for 34 years in the School District of La Crosse before making a successful bid for school board in 2008. In his four terms with the board, Rudolph said, there was no issue more memorable or challenging than Act 10, the highly controversial budget-repair law that stripped many public workers of their collective bargaining rights. Getting the district through that and the staff through that is one of the things we worked really hard at, Rudolph said. There were a lot of restrictions on what staff could do. Unions were outlawed. But I think we preserved a lot of rights for people, rights that they justly deserved. Troyanek, who joined the board in 1996 after working as a registered nurse, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. In a written statement, Superintendent Randy Nelson praised both Rudolph and Troyanek for their leadership and positive impact on students. As the school board president for eight years, Connie deftly provided important leadership and guidance during a time of significant change in the landscape of Wisconsin education. Her balance of interests, whether they be focused on children, district employees, or the broader community is commendable, Nelson said. Dave Rudolph spent his career as a classroom educator. Upon retirement, he brought his educational expertise and his passion for students to the board of education. As a result, he has provided important school and classroom insights which have positively impacted the lives and school experiences of our students. Tuesday evening marked the filing deadline for local elections, including school board races. The latest release from the La Crosse district indicated that three candidates would be running for three seats, all at-large. Shaundel Spivey, an activist and educator who has worked as a cultural liaison for the district, and Brenda Leahy, a district parent and a career advisor at UW-La Crosse, are making bids for the seats being vacated by Rudolph and Troyanek. Incumbent and board president Laurie Cooper Stoll, who was first elected in 2017, is running for a second term. Spivey said he hopes to support and empower all students, especially those who have been historically marginalized or underrepresented. I want to provide a voice for the kind of students Ive worked with, he said. The reality of it is that every student and every employee of the district should feel a sense of belonging, and feel valued and appreciated. Im not saying students dont feel that way now, but as a school board member, Ill work to make sure that continues. Leahy offered similar remarks, saying that, after raising her children in the district, she is impressed with the quality of La Crosses public schools. I feel that we have some tremendous teachers and staff who really advocate for students, she said. I want to continue that, and I want to make sure were serving all of our students not just those who are high-performing, not just those with special needs, but all students. After the April 7 election, the new school board members will inherit a handful of issues that are vitally important to the district, including declining enrollment, aging buildings and a tight budget. One task the current school board is expected to complete before the election is the search for a new superintendent. The school board has already hired a firm to help identify candidates, and a pair of public input sessions are scheduled for Jan. 14. The search and selection process is set to conclude by the end of March. Kyle Farris can be reached at 608-791-8234 or kfarris@lacrossetribune.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kyle_A_Farris. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A court in Vietnam on Tuesday sentenced a man, on suspicion of paranoia, to life in prison for killing one elementary school student and injuring a teacher together with four other students with a knife last year. The convict was also required to pay nearly US$11,000 to the families of five of the victims. Court documents showed that Do Manh Chieu Minh, 25, was addicted to computer games and led an isolated life in Lang Chanh District, Thanh Hoa Province, located in north-central Vietnam. Minh exhibited signs of paranoia, believing that Le Van Thuan, a 34-year-old neighbor, transmitted the HIV to him, so he always wanted to take revenge on Thuan. At 7:30 on May 3, 2019, Minh rode a motorbike to the local Dong Luong Elementary School with the intention of killing Thuans son, 11-year-old L.H.P. The man waited outside P.s classroom with a knife in hand and then stabbed and slashed the child multiple times when he got out to take a break. P.s teacher T.T.Th. intervened, only to sustain an injury to her left arm following an attack by Minh. The man returned to stab P. following the attack. Minh went on to stab four other students, namely L.V.D., 11, L.M.Tr., 10, P.D.H., 10, and L.T.D.T, 9, on his way to the schoolyard. He fled the scene but police captured him later on. The victims were hospitalized; however, P. gave in to the wounds. The remaining five victims suffered injuries and survived them. The Thanh Hoa Peoples Court condemned Minh to life behind bars and required him to pay the families of the five students a combined VND252 million ($10,852) in compensation. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday decided to cancel the appointments of expert directors for the agricultural income market committees. It was also decided to omit the provision regarding the appointment of an expert director in the Maharashtra Agricultural Income Marketing (Development and Regulation) Act, 1963. It was agreed to send a proposal to repeal the provision to the Governor. In view of the decision taken by the Aurangabad Bench of the Mumbai High Court, the Cabinet took the decision was taken to cancel the appointments made till date. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Affectionately known as 'our eye on the Universe', the Hubble Space Telescope (pictured inset) was launched on April 24, 1990, via the space shuttle Discovery from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. It marked the most significant advance in astronomy since Galileo's telescope and thanks to five servicing missions and more than 25 years of operation, our view of the universe and our place within it has never been the same. But now, after 31 years orbiting Earth and following a trying year that has seen it drop offline for a multitude of reasons, Hubble has been succeeded by the James Webb Space Telescope. To celebrate more than three decades of unlocking the secrets of our solar system, MailOnline has delved into the archives to pull out some of Hubble's most mesmerising images. They include the famous Pillars of Creation (main), Small Magellanic Cloud (top right), Twin JetNebula (middle right) and an enormous bubble being blown into space by a super-hot, massive star (bottom right). Independent Investment Bankers Corp. Announces the Sale of Beatty Marketing & Sales, LLC Independent Investment Bankers Corp. ("IIB") is pleased to announce that Michael Bennett and Leif Johnson who are FINRA licensed investment bankers with IIB and partners of Liberty Ridge Advisors have assisted their client, Beatty Marketing & Sales Corporation (Beatty), with the sale of their company to Aspen Surgical Products, Inc. (Aspen). Beatty provides high-quality orthopedic products, including foam positioners, sterile positioning kits, and suture retrievers to hospital and ambulatory surgery center customers across North America. Based in Redmond, WA, Beatty has demonstrated a consistent track record of driving recurring revenue growth while providing lower-cost options to caregivers. The acquisition of Beatty helps to accelerate Aspen's leadership in the orthopedic surgical space and complements Aspen's portfolio of Colby fluid management products and other surgical disposables. Recently acquired by Audax Private Equity, Aspen is poised for both organic growth and growth through acquisition. For more information about this transaction, please contact Michael Bennett or Leif Johnson by visiting the Liberty Ridge Advisors wesite: www.libertyra.com. About Liberty Ridge Advisors Liberty Ridge Advisors assists businesses on capital transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and recapitalizations. Liberty Ridge Advisors offers concentrated experience and expertise in key Pacific Northwest industries including: food products, aerospace, building materials and construction, general manufacturing and distribution, wine, and business and financial services. www.libertyra.com Investment banking services and securities are offered through IIB. IIB and Liberty Ridge Advisors are unaffiliated entities. About Independent Investment Bankers Corp. IIB is an SEC (News - Alert) registered broker dealer and FINRA/SIPC member that provides back office support services to boutique investment banking groups that are primarily engaged in assisting companies either sell their business to strategic or other institutional buyers or help companies raise expansion debt or equity capital from institutional financing sources. www.iibcorp.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005183/en/ While regular fish have flat scales, shark 'scales' look more like teeth. But their denticles also cover their body and in particular influence their ability to swim. The denticles are made up of a compounds containing calcium. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere due to climate change has also led to a higher concentration of CO2 in the oceans. The CO2 dissolves in the seawater to create carbonic acid that acidifies the oceans. This higher acidity has already been found to damage the calcium carbonate in corals and other animals with calcium-based structures. The research team from three South African research institutions, from the University of Duisburg-Essen and HHU has now examined whether the more acidic seawater is also affecting sharks. The study was performed on puffadder shysharks, which live in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Cape Town and are also kept in aquariums in the DAFF Research Aquarium in Cape Town. A number of sharks were exposed to more acidic water over a period of several weeks and compared with control sharks in normal seawater. After that time, the researchers found that an average of around 25 percent of the denticles had been damaged compared to a figure of less than ten percent for sharks in a benchmark group living in normal water. The harm to the group exposed to acid can be so great that it limits their ability to swim. Because the sharks' teeth are made from a similar material, they can also be negatively affected, which can in turn have an impact on their food intake. In a further series of studies, the researchers analysed the blood of the animals kept in both acidic and normal seawater. They found that both CO2 and bi-carbonate concentrations were higher in the exposed group, with bi-carbonate preventing the blood itself from becoming more acidic. This means that sharks have acid-base regulatory mechanism for adapting to the environmental conditions. Students in the HHU working group of Prof. Dr. Christopher Bridges from the Institute of Metabolic Physiology undertook several research trips to South Africa. They carried out experiments there and took samples which they brought back to Dusseldorf and then analysed the structure and chemistry of the samples at HHU. ### The research is part of the comprehensive project "BIOACID - Biological Impacts of Ocean Acidification", which was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and to which a number of German universities and research institutions are affiliated. Further information on BIOACID. https://www.oceanacidification.de/ Original publication Jacqueline Dziergwa, Sarika Singh, Christopher R Bridges, Sven E Kerwath, Joachim Enax, Lutz Auerswald, Acid-base adjustments and first evidence of denticle corrosion caused by ocean acidification conditions in a demersal shark species, Sci Rep. 2019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54795-7 Two Republican senators came out of a closed-door briefing on Capitol Hill saying they would support a War Powers resolution that would limit President Donald Trump's ability to act in regards to Iran. 'That briefing is what changed my mind. That briefing is what brought me on board,' Senator Mike Lee told reporters after it concluded. 'I'm now going to support it. I walked into that briefing undecided and I walked out of that briefing decided specifically because of what happened in that briefing.' He said a request by administration officials to not debate Trump's action in Iran in public is what pushed him over the edge. He wouldn't say what officials made the request by the briefing was conducted by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley, acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire, and CIA Director Gina Haspel. Republican Sen. Mike Lee said the administration briefing on Iran convinced them to support a War Powers resolution limiting Trump's power Sen. Rand Paul said he would now support a War Powers resolution 'They had to leave after 75 minutes while in they're in the process of telling us we need to be good little boys and girls and not debate this in public. I find that absolutely insane,' Lee said. 'One of the messages we received from the briefers was do not debate, do not discuss the issue of the appropriateness of further military intervention against Iran, and if you do, you'll be emboldening Iran,' Lee added. 'I find this insulting and demeaning.' It is not acceptable for executive branch to tell us 'we can't debate the appropriateness of military intervention in Iran. It's unAmerican, it's unconstitutional and it's wrong,' the senator from Utah noted. Lee called the briefing 'probably the worst briefing at least on a military issue I've seen.' 'The administration was ill-served by this briefing today,' Lee said. His fellow Republican Sen. Rand Paul agreed. 'I join Senator Lee in also deciding to support the War Powers resolution,' he said. He said the administration's request lawmakers not to debate military action in public as 'particularly insulting.' 'I think we need to debate about separation of powers,' he said. Both men stated they support President Trump politically but could not in this matter. Lee said he wanted to speak to the president about what he heard in the briefing. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine introduced a War Powers resolution to limit Trump's power Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper leave the Capitol after spending the afternoon briefing members of Congress Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a 2020 presidential candidate, said she was unconvinced by what she heard from Trump officials in the briefing The two senators said they would support Sen. Tim Kaine's version of the War Powers resolution that he introduced on Friday, on the heels of the U.S. strike that killed Soleimani. The Senate version differs from the version of the War Powers resolution that the House will vote on Thursday in that it includes a timeline, saying U.S. forces must disengage from hostilities against Iran 'by not later than the date that is 30 days after the date of enactment of this joint resolution unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force.' The text of the resolution also points out that Trump has stated in the past that he believes he has the authority to initiate military action against Iran without Congressional approval. 'The question of whether the United States forces should be engaged in armed conflict against Iran should only be made following a full briefing of Congress and the American public of the issues at stake, a public debate in Congress, and a congressional vote as contemplated by the Constitution,' the resolution says. After 10 days, Kaine can force a vote on his motion in the Senate. Trump officials spent most of Wednesday afternoon on Capitol Hill, giving separate briefings to House and Senate lawmakers on the administration's justification for the killing of Soleimani. 'I thought we had a good set of briefings today,' Esper told DailyMail.com. But Chuck Schumer accused them of walking out of a closed-door briefing on the president's decision to kill Iranian General Qassem Soleimani when the questions got 'tough.' 'We had 97 senators there, 15 began to ask questions, the questions began to get tough and they walked out,' Schumer said Wednesday. Chuck Schumer accused Trump officials of walking out of a closed-door briefing on the president's decision to kill Iranian General Qassem Soleimani when the questions got 'tough' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives to conduct briefings for members of Congress on Capitol Hill Wednesday Secretary of Defense Mark Esper (left) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley (right) arrive to brief lawmakers; Esper told DailyMail.com he thought they had a 'good set of briefings' Several Democratic lawmakers came out of the briefings unconvinced by Trump's decision to kill the head of intelligence and security matters for Iran. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who is running for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, said she was unconvinced by anything she heard in the nearly hour briefing for senators. 'This was a Trump made crisis,' she said. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand called the briefing 'inadequate.' 'I would say I didn't come away convince,' noted Sen. Jon Tester. House Democrats also left their closed-door briefing unconvinced. 'I leave more troubled than when I went into it,' Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia told reporters afterward. 'I will characterize my overall impression, which was profoundly unconvincing.' Multiple House Democrats said the briefing was vague and offered no justification for killing Soleimani. They also said the officials offered no details on what kind of attack Soleimani was planning. Trump officials had said Soleimani was caught 'red-handed' planning a threat against the United States and that is why President Donald Trump ordered him killed. 'The fact of the matter is, Soleimani was caught red-handed on the ground in Baghdad, one terrorist leader of a terrorist organization meeting with another terrorist leader to synchronize and plan additional attacks on American forces, diplomats and facilities,' Esper said on CNN Tuesday. Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton, a retired Marine who served four tours in Iraq, said the Trump officials were 'grossly unspecific' about what threats were posed to the United States. 'They made some very vague statements but were grossly unspecific,' he said in a response to a question from DailyMail.com after the briefing. 'Everything in that briefing confirmed all of my concerns and fears about this administration's complete lack of a strategy for what's going forward,' he noted. Moulton said the administration officials were not on the same page about their justification for Soleimani's death. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives at a closed door briefing with top Trump administration officials that Democrats left feeling unconvinced Secretary of State Mike Pompeo walks between the House and the Senate sides of the Capitol Building Wednesday after briefing members of the House of Representatives 'When the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense separately cited their three points of Iran strategy where they didn't even line up. And they're sitting right next to each other,' he said. 'It is abundantly clear they have no strategy for what comes next.' Lawmakers coming out of the nearly one hour briefing said the officials first gave their presentation and then took questions from the members of Congress. The first was on the legal justification of the attack. Democrats have complained President Trump should have consulted Congress before he took such an action. 'The administration has not offered a remotely sufficient justification for the legal basis of this action,' Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin said. 'Article II,' Connolly said when asked the administration's justification. 'Last time I checked to get to Article II you've gotta look at Article I.' Article II of the U.S. Constitution deals with executive powers while Article I describes the power of Congress, which includes the right to declare war. 'The basic Constitutional design is that Congress declares war because the framers of the Constitution saw that the princes and kings were plunging their nations into wars of ambition and political advantage in order to distract their populations from political problems,' Raskin said. 'And the framers had a lot of wisdom in vesting the war power in Congress and we should get back to that original Constitutional notion.' Senators talk to the media after their administration briefing House Democrats, including Rep. Seth Moulton (left) and Rep. Gerry Connolly (right), said they were unconvinced by the briefing Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Sunday Democrats would bring a War Powers resolution to the House floor this week to limit the president's ability to act in regards to Iran. 'When we're ready we'll make that announcement,' the speaker said after the briefing. As Pompeo and others were briefing the senators, Pelosi put out a statement saying the vote would come the next day. 'Today, to honor our duty to keep the American people safe, the House will move forward with a War Powers Resolution to limit the President's military actions regarding Iran,' Pelosi said. 'This resolution, which will be led by Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, will go to the Rules Committee this evening and will be brought to the Floor tomorrow.' Duke and Duchess have confirmed they will be stepping down as senior royals The announcement that Harry and Meghan have quit as senior royals and will spend their time between the UK and North America caps off a troubled 12 months for the Queen and the entire Royal Family. During her 2019 Christmas Day address, the Queen acknowledged the 'bumpy' year endured by both the Royal Family and the nation. And the latest development will come as another 'bump' in the road for the Royals going into 2020, as Buckingham Palace is understood to be 'disappointed' at the decision, amid claims that the couple did not tell the Queen before they announced their departure. According to the BBC's Royal Correspondent Jonny Dymond, senior members of the Royal Family have been left feeling 'hurt' at the stunning announcement. The announcement that Harry and Meghan have quit as senior royals and will spend their time between the UK and North America caps off a troubled 12 months for the Queen and the entire Royal Family During her Christmas Day address, the Queen acknowledged the 'bumpy' year endured by both the Royal Family and the nation (Pictured: making 2019's broadcast to the nation from Windsor Castle in Berkshire) One of the biggest scandals faced by the Royals over the past year was the fallout from the Duke of York's disastrous Newsnight interview about his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew stepped back from public life following November's 'car crash' BBC interview in which he attempted to explain his friendship with Epstein. He repeatedly denied claims that he had sex with one of the disgraced financier's victims, Virginia Roberts, when she was just 17. Miss Roberts then accused him of lying. The Queen's second son also faced calls to speak to the FBI about his relationship with Epstein, who was found dead in his prison cell in August awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. Andrew was effectively sacked by his mother after his older brother Charles warned her that the scandal threatened to engulf the monarchy. Andrew stepped back from public life following November's 'car crash' BBC interview in which he attempted to explain his friendship with Epstein. He repeatedly denied claims that he had sex with one of the disgraced financier's victims, Virginia Roberts, when she was just 17. Miss Roberts then accused him of lying Prince Philip faced a police investigation over a car crash which injured two women (pictured: the Duke of Edinburgh talking to the Queen while at the wheel during the Royal Windsor Horse Show in November 2018) More recently, there were fears for the Prince's health as he was admitted to hospital in the lead-up to Christmas In January last year, Prince Philip was in a car crash involving two women near the Queen's Sandringham estate and faced a police probe. More recently, there were fears for the Prince's health as he was admitted to hospital in the lead-up to Christmas. Meanwhile Prince Harry did not deny rumours of a rift between him and his older brother. In a TV documentary, Harry said his relationship with his elder brother had 'good days and bad days', and they were 'on different paths'. In the same documentary, Meghan admitted she was struggling with her new life as a royal. Prince Harry did not deny rumours of a rift between him and his older brother. In a TV documentary, Harry said his relationship with his elder brother had 'good days and bad days', and they were 'on different paths' In the same documentary, Meghan admitted she was struggling with her new life as a royal Over summer the Duke and Duchess of Sussex found themselves embroiled in a scandal after it emerged they reportedly took four private jet journeys in 11 days, despite their stand for environmentalism. The newest bombshell announcement that Harry and Meghan are stepping back as senior royals has been met with shock. Buckingham Palace is understood to be 'disappointed' at Harry and Meghan's decision amid claims that the couple did not tell the Queen before they announced their departure on social media. Following their statement, the BBC's Royal Correspondent Jonny Dymond said on Twitter: 'BBC Understands that no other member of the Royal Family was consulted before Harry and Meghan issued their personal statement tonight, the Palace is understood to be 'disappointed'.' A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman followed up by saying that discussions with the couple on their decision were 'at an early stage', adding: 'We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.' Harry and Meghan released a statement accompanied with this picture on their official Instagram account in which they today revealed that they will be stepping down as senior royals The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released this statement this evening announcing that they will be quitting as senior Royals Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan was quick to blame Meghan, with whom he has a long-running feud, for splitting up the Royal Family, writing on Twitter: 'People say I'm too critical of Meghan Markle - but she ditched her family, ditched her Dad, ditched most of her old friends, split Harry from William and has now split him from the Royal Family. I rest my case.' Piers also referenced a quote attributed to Harry after the duke reportedly told Kensington Palace staff 'what Meghan wants, Meghan gets' as they prepared to move out in 2018. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their announcement in a statement on their official Instagram account this evening. They wrote: 'After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. 'We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. 'We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.' The National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed that the JEE Main 2020 examinations will be conducted as per schedule on January 8, in spite of the nationwide strike called by central trade unions (CTUs) to protest against the government's "anti-people" policies, The Indian Express has reported. The NTA has scheduled the Joint All India Entrance Examination for admission to engineering and medical courses between January 6 and 10. In view of the strike, the central trade unions had written to Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, urging him to defer the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). In the letter, the CTUs stated that due to the proposed strike, there may be disruption of normal traffic movement as transport sector employees are also participating in it. The students appearing in the examination on January 8 may face problems in commuting, the unions said. "We request you to please intervene in the matter appropriately so that the exam on January 8 is deferred to some other date to ensure that the examinees do not face any problem," the letter further read. However, the NTA has not deferred the examination. The JEE Main will be conducted as scheduled. We have informed stakeholders well in advance to be prepared for the same, the director-general (DG) of NTA told the publication. As the exam will now be held during the nationwide strike, students are advised to leave for the examination centre much in advance to avoid any inconvenience. While NTA did not postpone JEE Main 2020, the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) has postponed the ICAR National Eligibility Test (NET), which was also scheduled to be held on January 8, the report added. Ten central trade unions like INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along with various sectoral independent federations and associations had adopted a declaration in September 2019 to go on a nationwide strike on January 8, 2020. (With inputs from PTI) Tyger! Tiger! Burning bright In the forests of the night William Blake Poet William Blake symbolically depicts and immortalises the tiger as an awe-inspiring creature in his poem The Tyger. The very image of a tiger creates a feeling of fear and respect for the majestic animal. It has no known predator and is at the top of the food chain. Conservationists often refer to the tiger as a keystone or flagship species. It is because a healthy tiger population indicates the good health of the related ecosystem. It also reflects a good prey base and habitat for the wild animals it preys on. It is said the big cat needs 200-250 kg of flesh in a week to sustain. Royal Bengal tiger The Royal Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) found in Nepals lowland forests, northern India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh is one of the five remaining species of tiger found in the world today. The vast forests in the southern plains of the country were once a safe haven for the animal. Royalties from India and abroad used to come here to hunt tiger for the trophy. Such extended hunting expeditions, however, had hardly any impact on the abundant tiger population of the time. Degradation and fragmentation of tiger habitat Following the eradication of malaria in the country in the late 1950s, there was a large scale migration of hill people from the mid-hills to the fertile land of the southern plains. In the ensuing years and decades, there was unchecked deforestation for agricultural and infrastructure development. Rapidly growing human population coupled with subsistence agricultural practices not only degraded the prime tiger habitat there but also relegated the alarmingly dwindled tiger population to the confines of the wildlife sanctuaries and adjoining forests. Despite the subsequent conservation measures, this magnificent animal is highly endangered and still faced with the threat of extinction. Elsewhere, Balinese and Caspian tigers are already extinct, whereas the Javan tiger is believed to have disappeared in the 1980s. Challenges of Tiger Conservation The major challenges of tiger conservation include habitat loss due to burgeoning human population, poaching and illegal trade in its body parts. Local people who live on the fringe of forested areas depend heavily on forest resources such as firewood and fodder. The cattle they rear also need grazing ground. All these human-induced activities exerted tremendous pressure on the forests, further shrinking the remaining wildlife habitats. Local people and their cattle, however, have been traditionally using forest products for sustenance. The big question is why should a poor local inhabitant who does not know where his next meal is going to come from care for tiger conservation? Man-wildlife conflict The interface between man and some wild animals is certain to trigger conflict. Such conflict between local communities living around the protected areas and wildlife occur when herbivores damage crop in the adjoining crop field or tigers kill their domestic animal. Despite the legal provision of a hefty fine or a sentence of up to 15 years in jail or both for killing a tiger as well as a compensation scheme for crop or livestock damage, affected locals are sometimes known to resort to retaliatory killings. Tigers are elusive and avoid humans. Unfortunately, sometimes human life is lost in a tragic encounter between the two. There are also instances of affected locals killing a tiger by putting poison on its kill. In other words, a tiger could be killed without firing a single shot. Trained park technicians capture problem tigers by darting and immobilizing them and then send them to the enclosures at Chitwan or Bardia national park, or to the central zoo in Kathmandu. A compensation of NRs, 10 lakh is paid for the loss of life in a tiger attack. Likewise, up to NRs. 2 lakh is compensated for injuries sustained in such an attack. Tiger poaching and illegal trade in its body parts Increasing international demand for tiger skin and bone has fuelled illegal trade in its body parts, thereby threatening the long-term survival of this endangered wildlife. Tiger bone is used in some oriental traditional medicine for its so-called aphrodisiac properties. Being one of the tiger range countries, Nepal is considered both a source (country) and a transit point. In tandem with stringent international action, Nepals legislation regards wildlife crime as organized crime and prohibits trade in tiger parts in and out of the country. Despite the countrys commitment to curb wildlife crime together with the success achieved over the years in minimizing poaching and illegal trade in tiger parts, opportunistic poaching still remains a problem. In the past decade, 49 tiger skin and 204 kg of tiger bones were seized, while 2,258 people were arrested in connection with their involvement in the wildlife-related crime. Illegal dealers in wildlife trade are known to exploit the ignorance of vulnerable community members and lure them into providing information on wildlife movement and assisting them in poaching. As long as there is a demand for tiger parts in consumer countries, Nepal will face the threat of tiger poaching. In most of the aforesaid cases, the perceived benefit appears to outweigh the consequences of involvement in wildlife crime. Tiger conservation efforts The first tiger conservation initiative could be traced back to 1972, when the government of Nepal, WWF-US and the Smithsonian Institute jointly launched the Tiger Ecology Project in Chitwan. This project raised the issue of the importance of tiger conservation along with the need to secure its prey base and natural habitat. This issue eventually found its place on the national agenda. The early conservation emphasis was focused on species preservation and adherence to strict law enforcement practices. The units of Nepal Army stationed in national parks and wildlife reserves were initially intended to serve as a deterrent to illegal activities. Members of the units deployed there play an important role in regular patrolling in core areas, while also complementing in anti-poaching initiatives. A growing number of human populations living around the protected areas have been exerting pressure on forest resources of the adjoining and adjacent forests for a long time. Apart from the eventual park-people conflict on the fringe of forested areas, the lesson learned over the years was that a more conciliatory approach was needed to win the support of local people for the long-term survival of this marvel of nature, now confined to the island-like wildlife sanctuaries. Subsequently, the government established buffer zones around the countrys national parks and wildlife reserves with the objective of making local communities self-reliant on forest products through community forestry, while also creating opportunities for sources of livelihood for them. Moreover, a legal provision has also been made to plough back a major slice of the revenue earned there through eco-tourism to buffer zone development activities. Success story Nepals commitment to tiger conservation is eventually yielding results. The tiger count conducted in 2018 has recorded 235 tigers in the wild. The earlier census of 2009 had recorded 121 individuals. The result shows the country is close to doubling its tiger population and achieving the global commitment made in the 2010 St. Petersburg Summit in Russia. Tiger count is conducted through the animals unique stripe patterns by using the camera trap method. The said success in tiger conservation is the result of the concerted efforts of government agencies, conservation organisations, donors and community-based organisations. Local stewardship As a leading conservation organisation, WWF Nepal has joined hands and worked with the government of Nepal for over two decades. Its early focus on species-centred conservation work has evolved to more integrated conservation activitiesfrom income-generating activities for local inhabitants to winning their support in conserving endangered wildlife including the Bengal tiger. The mobilisation of local people in tiger conservation has helped in reducing wildlife poaching. Apart from providing support for community forestry in the degraded forest patches outside the protected areas, the conservation organisations other important work is relating to the initiation of the anti-poaching drive with an informants network. This approach is fully justified as poaching is often said to happen not in the core areas but outside itin the buffer zone and adjoining national forests. Community involvement in conservation is gradually showing positive signs as Nepal has witnessed zero-poaching (of rhinoceros) year several times. The Terai Arc Landscape The conservation lesson learned over the years is that protecting tiger in the existing protected areas alone will not ensure its long-term survival. In other words, tiger habitat needs to be extended beyond the confines of these sanctuaries. For this reason, the government and WWF have jointly launched the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) Program in 2001. This landscape-level approach in conservation aims to secure a larger area for tiger conservation by building connectivity between adjacent protected areas and adjoining forests within the country as well as between the forests of the trans-border areas of Nepal and India with biological corridors to facilitate dispersal of this endangered species. The community forestry program in the degraded patches of forests in TAL has not only helped in the regeneration of forests but also in wildlife movement. Mega terrestrial wildlife such as the wild Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and the Greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) have been sighted in the corridor forests. Moreover, the tiger movement has been recorded in the Khata corridor which provides connectivity between Nepals Bardia National Park and the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary of India. The way forward Experts say national effort alone will not be enough to deal with the nexus of illegal dealers in international trade in tiger parts and that tiger range countries need to meet regularly to address this thorny issue. Nepal has already initiated talks on the matter with neighbouring countries. Since both Nepal and India are tiger range countries and there are contiguous forests in some parts of the trans-border areas, the TAL program has been organising periodic meetings between the conservationists of the two countries to deal with wildlife crime and illegal trade in the trans-border areas. The ongoing efforts of governmental agencies, conservation organisations, committed conservationists, donors, and local people give us reason to feel optimistic about the future of the endangered species. BENGALURU, India, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY), (BSE: INFY), (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, will announce results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2019 on Friday, January 10, 2020 around 3:45 p.m. Indian Standard Time (IST) (5:15 a.m. US ET; 2:15 a.m. PST; 10:15 a.m. London time; 6:15 p.m. Singapore/Hong Kong time). The results will also be available on www.infosys.com. Common press conference (4:30 p.m. IST; 6:00 a.m. ET) Following the release, the leadership team will be part of a common press conference at 4:30 p.m. IST. The participating executives will address questions from the media during this interaction which will be streamed live on the Investor Relations section of Infosys website, following which it will be archived at www.infosys.com. The archive will be available after 7:00 p.m. IST on January 10, 2020 (after 8:30 a.m. US ET on January 10, 2020). In addition, a transcript of the conference will be available at www.infosys.com. Earnings call (6:15 p.m. IST; 7:45 a.m. ET) The company will conduct a conference call at 6:15 p.m. IST (7:45 a.m. US ET; 4:45 a.m. PST; 12:45 p.m. London time; 8:45 p.m. Singapore/Hong Kong time) on January 10, 2020 (open to investors/analysts in all regions), where the senior management will discuss company's performance and answer questions from participants. To participate in the conference call, please dial the numbers provided below 10 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of the call. During this time, the operator will provide instructions on how to ask questions. As participation in the call is limited, early registration is encouraged. This event will be webcast live on the Investor Relations section of Infosys website, following which it will be archived at www.infosys.com. The archive will be available after 8:30 p.m. IST on January 10, 2020 (after 10:00 a.m. US ET on January 10, 2020). In addition, a transcript of the conference call will be available at www.infosys.com. Summary of events Event Date and Time Web-site/ Region Telephone No. Earnings release over the wire services 3:45 p.m. IST 5:15 a.m. ET January 10, 2020 www.infosys.com Live Webcast of common press conference 4:30 p.m. IST 6:00 a.m. ET January 10, 2020 www.infosys.com Event Date and Time Web-site/ Region Telephone No. Earnings conference call (open for questions from investors / analysts in all regions) 6:15 p.m. IST 7:45 a.m. ET January 10, 2020 Questions during the call can be addressed to [email protected] India Toll, Mumbai: +91 22 6280 1168 +91 22 7115 8069 Toll, Bangalore: +91 7045671221 US Toll-free: 1 866 746 2133 Toll Number: +1 323 386 8721 Singapore Toll-free: 800 101 2045 Toll-number: +65 3157 5746 Hong Kong Toll-free: 800 964 448 Toll Number: +852 3018 6877 Japan Toll Free: 0053 116 1110 Toll Number: +81 3 4589 9421 UK Toll Free: 0 808 101 1573 Toll Number: +44 203 478 5524 Germany Toll-free: 00 8001 424 3444 Canada Toll- free: 011 8001 424 3444 France Toll-free: 0 800 914 745 Replay of conference call Till January 17, 2020 www.infosys.com Toll-free, USA: 1 833 289 8317 International toll: + 1 347 974 7488 Toll, Mumbai/India: +91 22 7194 5757 +91 22 6663 5757 Playback code: 4637# About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. We enable clients in 45 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over three decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer our clients through their digital journey. We do it by enabling the enterprise with an AI-powered core that helps prioritize the execution of change. We also empower the business with agile digital at scale to deliver unprecedented levels of performance and customer delight. Our always-on learning agenda drives their continuous improvement through building and transferring digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Contact: SOURCE Infosys The vision of a China Dream extolled by the countrys leader, Xi Jinping, it seems, has little appeal to people when they are given the chance to vote on it. A former deputy director of the office overseeing Taiwan affairs publicly acknowledged the failure at a policy forum in December, saying that China needed to rethink our own working methods and approach. Instead of enticing people in Taiwan to draw closer, Mr. Xis policies have pushed them farther away, and a recognition of that reality is already raising unusually public concerns in Beijing. An annual government survey in Taiwan found that barely 1 percent of Taiwanese favored unification as soon as possible. Winning over the hearts of the people and doing well in work with the masses was always the Communist Partys strong suit, our special skill, the former deputy director, Wang Zaixi, said at the forum. So why has it failed in the face of our Taiwan compatriots? Can you blame them? China, of course, has loomed over elections in Taiwan ever since the former Japanese colony transitioned to democracy after decades of authoritarian rule following the arrival of Chiang Kai-sheks Kuomintang forces in 1945. In this campaign, China has done more than ever to make its preferences clear and, critics say, to stoke polarization among Taiwans 23 million people. Since Ms. Tsai took office in May 2016, China has largely refused to engage with her government. Instead, Beijing has issued threats against Ms. Tsais aims to split China, and flexed its military muscle. It has also restricted economic and cultural ties, including the flow of tourists all in the hopes of undermining her political support. At the same time, it offered incentives to Taiwanese businesses and support for her political opponents, including the Kuomintang. Chinas tactics have involved what officials and analysts have described as covert efforts to spread disinformation and otherwise undercut Ms. Tsais administration. As Iran claims that 80 Americans were killed in its retaliatory fire on US military bases in Iraq and Donald Trump insists all is well, the stakes are raised in the conflict between the two amid concerns of a wider war in West Asia. As Iran claims that 80 American soldiers were killed in its retaliatory fire on US military bases in Iraq and Donald Trump insists "all is well", the stakes are raised in the conflict that many fear can tip the world towards a third global war, if caution is not exercised from both sides. US and Iraqi officials confirmed the Iranian attack but said there were no casualties among their forces; Iranian television channels, on the other hand, were quoted by Reuters as saying that 80 "American terrorists" had been killed and US helicopters and military equipment had been damaged. It provided no evidence of how it obtained that information. Iran's strike was a retaliation for killing of its most powerful military commander, the head of Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani, by the US. Tehran, on Wednesday morning, fired a barrage of missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house American troops in what the Iranian supreme leader said was a 'slap' against Americas military presence in the region. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, addressing a gathering of Iranians chanting "Death to America", also called for the US troops to leave the region. "Last night they received a slap," Khamenei said in a speech after the missile strikes. "These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end." However, despite the acrid rhetoric, there were some indications that there would not be more immediate retaliation on either side. Tehrans foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran took "proportionate measures" in self-defence and did not seek to escalate the confrontation. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 8, 2020 The next move appeared to lie with Washington. Trump, who ordered the drone strike that killed Soleimani in Baghdad on 3 January, gave an initial response on Twitter: All is well! adding that he would make a statement later on Wednesday. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 Trump, who was impeached last month and faces an election this year, at the weekend threatened to target 52 Iranian sites if Iran retaliate for Soleimanis killing. Other global powers who also have a presence in Iraq have said that they have not suffered any casualties either. Germany, Denmark, Norway, Britain, and Poland said none of their troops in Iraq were hurt. More than 5,000 US troops remain in Iraq along with the other foreign forces in a coalition that has trained and backed Iraqi forces against the threat of Islamic State militants. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region," Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said. Zarif said the strikes "concluded" Tehrans response to the killing of Soleimani, who had been responsible for building up Irans network of proxy armies across West Asia and who was buried in his hometown Kerman on Monday after days of national mourning. "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," he wrote on Twitter. Iranian television reported an official in the supreme leaders office as saying the missile attacks were the "weakest" of several retaliation scenarios. It quoted another source saying Iran had lined up 100 other potential targets. Way out? If the US military was spared casualties and Iran takes no further measures to retaliate for Soleimanis killing, there might be an opportunity for Washington and Tehran to seek a way out of their increasingly violent confrontation. Analysts have said that despite its strident rhetoric, Iran will want to avoid any conventional military conflict with superior US forces. In the past, they say it has focussed on asymmetric strikes, such as sabotage or other military action via proxies. US officials said Soleimani was killed because of intelligence indicating forces under his command planned attacks on US targets in the region. They have not provided evidence. Before Soleimani was buried, his body was taken on a tour of cities in Iraq and Iran, drawing huge crowds. A stampede at his funeral on Tuesday killed at least 56 people. An hour after the Iranian missile attack, state television showed footage of the burial, where hundreds of people started chanting God is greatest when the strikes were announced over loudspeakers. His revenge was taken and now he can rest in peace, Iranian television said. Tensions have been rising steadily in the region after Trumps decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers. In 2018, Trump withdrew from the deal approved by predecessor Barack Obama in 2015, and re-imposed sanctions on Tehran slashing its vital oil exports. Khamenei, in his speech on Wednesday, ruled out any resumption of talks with Washington on the 2015 deal. The killing of Soleimani and the strikes on the Iraqi bases housing US troops marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two rivals, who have been at odds since Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent US Embassy takeover and hostage crisis. Adding to the chaos, a Ukrainian airplane with 176 people crashed after takeoff just outside Tehran on Wednesday morning, killing all on board, Iranian state TV and Ukrainian officials said. The Boeing 737-800 had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport, bound for the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and mechanical issues were suspected. The plane carried 167 passengers and nine crew members from different nations. Ukraines foreign minister, Vadym Prystaiko, said there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians on board the Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and the nine crew. The rest were Swedish, Afghan, German and British nationals. The US Federation Aviation Administration had earlier warned of a potential for miscalculation or mis-identification for civilian aircraft in the Persian Gulf amid in an emergency flight restriction. The agency has barred US pilots and carriers from flying over areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace. Wednesdays missile strikes came as the US continues to reinforce its own positions in the region and warns of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in Mideast waterways, which are crucial routes for global energy supplies. US embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe have also issued security alerts for Americans. US allies in the Persian Gulf that host thousands of American troops are also concerned of an outbreak of direct conflict and retaliation from Iran. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have called for de-escalation. The situation is not currently a war situation, UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al-Mazrouei told reporters Wednesday, stressing that Iran is a neighbor and the last thing the country wants is more tension in the region. Irans Revolutionary Guard warned the US and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack on the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province. The Guard issued the warning via a statement carried by Irans state-run IRNA news agency. "We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted," the Guard said. It also threatened Israel. After the strikes, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator posted a picture of the Islamic Republics flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others Friday. Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 US and coalition forces. The US also acknowledged another missile attack targeting a base in Irbil in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles, two US officials said. Ten hit Ain al-Asad and one the base in Irbil. Four failed, said the officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly about a military operation. Two Iraqi security officials said at least one of the missiles appeared to have struck a plane at the Ain al-Asad base, igniting a fire. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they had no permission to talk to journalists. Trump had visited the Ain al-Asad air base, about 100 kilometres west of Baghdad, in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice President Mike Pence also has visited the base. While most global powers have called for restraint, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that his country would strike back hard against anyone who attacked it, as he reiterated his support for the US killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani last week. "Whoever tries to attack us will be dealt the strongest blow," Netanyahu said in Jerusalem. He said that Israel stands completely beside Trumps decision, saying Trump should be congratulated for acting "swiftly, boldly and resolutely." Democrats warn against escalating conflict with Iran Trumps US political rivals have challenged his decision to order Soleimanis killing and questioned its timing in a US election year. Democrats in the US Congress and some of the partys presidential contenders warned about the escalating conflict. We must ensure the safety of our service members, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America and world cannot afford war, US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Twitter. With inputs from AP and Reuters The shift in impeachment terrain has upended the tone of debate among Democrats and Republicans, with each side arguing a different theme from just three weeks ago when the House approved two articles against President Donald Trump. For weeks, House Democrats highlighted how their investigation unearthed Trump's pressure campaign on Ukrainian officials to investigate the president's domestic political rivals. House Republicans bemoaned what they saw as a flawed and unfair investigative process. It was a "sham impeachment," as Trump put it at a rally last month. With the case eventually moving into the GOP-controlled Senate, the sides have flipped positions. Most Senate Republicans, still dismissive of the House investigation, are pushing for a trial in which no more investigative work is done and a verdict is rendered within two weeks or so. And Democrats are demanding a fair process, asserting that it would be flawed without additional investigative work with more witnesses. "He doesn't want a fair trial; he wants a quick and sham trial," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said during a floor speech Monday. In denouncing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's handling of negotiations, Schumer used the phrase "sham trial" three times. This pivot in tone came to full force Tuesday when McConnell, R-Ky., declared that Republicans had determined they were ready to start the trial whenever House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., formally sends the articles and the team of House managers to prosecute the case in the Senate. Once that happens, the trial will begin and Republicans will quickly hold a vote that mirrors the 1999 procedures used for President Bill Clinton's trial, in which the Senate held off on consideration of witnesses until a few weeks into the case. McConnell brushed aside complaints that the process does not guarantee witnesses. "What was good enough for President Clinton in an impeachment trial should have been good enough President Trump," McConnell told reporters after the weekly Republican luncheon. Least deliberative Senate faces weighty task of holding Trump's impeachment trial McConnell, a veteran of parliamentary process fights, is most comfortable whenever he can cite a Democratic precedent. Almost four years ago, when Justice Antonin Scalia died, McConnell unilaterally declared that no nominee would be considered for Scalia's Supreme Court seat because the 2016 campaign was underway and the new president should make the pick. Republicans flailed for days afterward trying to explain their blockade, until they discovered video of then-Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., declaring in 1992, as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, that no Supreme Court nominee should be considered during a presidential campaign. Pretty soon, every Republican started citing the "Biden precedent" and held firm. By Monday, as the Senate returned for the first votes of the year, even the most moderate Republicans had fallen rhetorically in line with McConnell on the impeachment trial. "I have suggested that we follow the precedent that was established with President Clinton's impeachment trial," said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, recalling the trial that occurred during her first term. "I thought that worked well." With Senate Republicans dug in on impeachment proceedings, some Senate Democrats suggested that the trial start within days so they could try to pressure GOP colleagues to support votes on witnesses and documents in the weeks ahead. By Tuesday evening, however, after a huddle with her leadership team, Pelosi told colleagues that she still wants more information from McConnell before she will appoint House impeachment managers to prosecute the case. "She needs to know what the rules are," Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., who attended Pelosi's leadership meeting, told reporters. Democrats argue that this pursuit of testimony, particularly from Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, is about following the facts where they lead. Those advisers, whose testimony the president has previously blocked, can provide firsthand accounts about Trump's actions in relation to Ukraine and the nearly $400 million of security aid that he delayed over the summer. When they focus on getting at the facts, Democrats feel they are in strong position with voters. They pointed to surveys from six swing states with key Senate races this year in which 70% of voters wanted the Senate to "call witnesses who have so far refused to cooperate but who can provide direct, firsthand evidence," according to the Democratic pollster Geoff Garin. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., appearing at Schumer's side Tuesday, gave a forceful defense of how this case was different from the Clinton trial - which came only after a long independent counsel investigation in which every possible witness, including the president, had given testimony under oath. In today's case, Trump and his closest aides have yet to provide any testimony or documents. Van Hollen warned that the Clinton trial did eventually end with three witnesses providing depositions. "Okay, if you want to pattern this after the Clinton trial, remember, in phase two, there were witnesses," Van Hollen told reporters, referring to those depositions after the initial presentations in the trial. Pelosi emerges as Trump's most powerful political adversary with impeachment And Republicans run the risk of putting their political heads in the sand if they refuse to conduct any additional inquiry. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., oddly tweeted Monday that senators should consider only the "same testimony & evidence" collected by the House, despite regular criticism of the House probe, which McConnell routinely dismisses as a "slapdash process." "Our job is to vote on what the House passed, not to conduct an open ended inquiry," Rubio wrote. But revelations could continue to unfold - as some emails and documents have been made public by Freedom of Information lawsuits filed by news organizations - putting Trump closer to the decision-making. Bolton, who clashed with Trump and left the White House amid a public dispute, is writing a book. Those facts could embarrass senators who voted to block Bolton's testimony if he reveals damaging information. That is why, in the House, Pelosi always focused on facts, not process. In her speech formally starting the impeachment debate, she used the word four times, either citing an "established fact" or a "matter of fact." "What we are discussing today is the established fact that the President violated the Constitution," Pelosi said then. With the case heading to the Senate, McConnell appears comfortable to dismiss any process complaints so long as he can cite a Democratic precedent. "What's good for President Clinton is good for President Trump," he said Tuesday. Since the 19th century, the average human body temperature in the United States has dropped, according to researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Our temperatures not what people think it is, said Julie Parsonnet, MD, professor of medicine and of health research and policy. What everybody grew up learning, which is that our normal temperature is 98.6, is wrong. That standard of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit was made famous by German physician Carl Reinhold August Wunderlich, who published the figure in a book in 1868. Modern studies, however, have called that number into question, suggesting that its too high. A recent study, for example, found the average temperature of 25,000 British patients to be 97.9 F. In a study published today in eLife, Parsonnet and her colleagues explore body temperature trends and conclude that temperature changes since the time of Wunderlich reflect a true historical pattern, rather than measurement errors or biases. Parsonnet, who holds the George DeForest Barnett Professorship, is the senior author. Myroslava Protsiv, a former Stanford research scientist who is now at the Karolinska Institute, is the lead author. The researchers propose that the decrease in body temperature is the result of changes in our environment over the past 200 years, which have in turn driven physiological changes. Digging into the past Parsonnet and her colleagues analyzed temperatures from three datasets covering distinct historical periods. The earliest set, compiled from military service records, medical records and pension records from Union Army veterans of the Civil War, captures data between 1862 and 1930 and includes people born in the early 1800s. A set from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I contains data from 1971 to 1975. Finally, the Stanford Translational Research Integrated Database Environment comprises data from adult patients who visited Stanford Health Care between 2007 and 2017. The researchers used the 677,423 temperature measurements from these datasets to develop a linear model that interpolated temperature over time. The model confirmed body temperature trends that were known from previous studies, including increased body temperature in younger people, in women, in larger bodies and at later times of the day. The researchers determined that the body temperature of men born in the early to mid-1990s is on average 1.06 F lower than that of men born in the early 1800s. Similarly, they determined that the body temperature of women born in the early to mid-1990s is on average 0.58 F lower than that of women born in the 1890s. These calculations correspond to a decrease in body temperature of 0.05 F every decade. As part of the study, the authors investigated the possibility that the decrease could simply reflect improvements in thermometer technology; thermometers used today are far more accurate than those used two centuries ago. In the 19thcentury, thermometry was just beginning, Parsonnet said. To assess whether temperatures truly decreased, the researchers checked for body temperature trends within each dataset; for each historical group, they expected that measurements would be taken with similar thermometers. Within the veterans dataset, they observed a similar decrease for each decade, consistent with observations made using the combined data. Kin Man Hui / Staff photographer A new year provides an opportunity for reflection and renewal the chance to celebrate our accomplishments and continue to chart our course forward. The Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation board of directors has done just that to continuously provide transparency and build trust in our organizations mission of providing scholarships to capable and deserving students in this great community. When the foundation received a parcel of land as a donation, it was the first time it had accepted property; it did not have the experience of selling property to turn into money to fund scholarships. (Photo : Source: Samsung) Samsung Is Demoing a Magic Invisible Keyboard at CES 2020 and We Have So Many Questions Anyone who works from their phone knows the struggle of having to type out long texts on slow keyboards with limited finger space. But Samsung might just have a solution to this problem. Officially being demonstrated at CES 2020 in Las Vegas this week, the AI-powered invisible keyboard dubbed as "SelfieType" will eliminate the need for laser-projected and Bluetooth-enabled keyboards. What Is the SelfieType? SelfieType is among the five C-Lab Inside Projects that Samsung will show off during the world's largest consumer electronics convention. One their website, the South Korean tech giant described C-Lab as a sort of an incubation program where their employees can pitch and nurture innovative ideas. How Does the Invisible Keyboard Work? The prototype uses your device's camera to track your hands' movements as you type on an invisible keyboard in front of you. Using your handset's AI features, your fingers' movements will then be converted into QWERTY keyboard inputs. The unlisted demo video makes the prototype look like something straight from a sci-fi film. In the short promo, we see people tapping on a desk at an office, in a conference room, and at a cafe to write an email, write down meeting notes, and text someone, respectively. All of them are using Samsung devices. Is the SelfieType Compatible With Non-Samsung Devices? In the video, we see the models using a Samsung Galaxy Fold phone and a Samsung tablet. But the tech giant announced on their website that SelfieType is "highly adaptable to various mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops." Since they didn't explicitly say that the keyboard works exclusively on their devices, we can assume that it's also compatible with other brands. SEE ALSO: CES 2020: AMD Announces Radeon 5600 Series GPUs, 4000 Series CPUs, and a $4000 Threadripper What Makes It Different From Other Virtual Keyboards? Samsung's conceptual take on the visual keyboard is interesting, but not revolutionary. Over the years, we have seen both tech startups and giants produce varieties of virtual keyboards, some of these foldable and others ergonomic. But a standout feature of the SelfieType is that you don't need additional hardware or accessories to use it. Also, if we're talking about convenience, the product has so much potential in making virtual keyboards highly portable. When Is the Release Date? The full demonstration of the prototype will take place this week at CES 2020. As for its official market release, we'll have to wait until after the conference is done to see if some entrepreneurs are willing to fund and bring the project to life. Where Can You Buy a SelfieType? There's no official news yet as to whether the magic keyboard will be available to the public. But since the Samsung Newsroom reported that 40 of C-Lab's concepts have gone on to be fully-fledged startups and commercial products, there's a high chance we'll be seeing SelfieType in the market in the near future. RELATED LINK: CES 2020: Amazon Plans to Bring Alexa and AWS to the Automotive Sector 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, have inaugurated a dual natural-gas pipeline that will open up a new export route for Russian gas into Turkey and Europe. Putin joined Erdogan in Istanbul on January 8 for the official opening of the TurkStream pipeline -- a project that is part of Moscow's efforts to reduce shipments via Ukraine. The construction began in May 2017 and cost nearly $8 billion. The pipeline was a sign of "interaction and cooperation for the benefit of our people and the people of all Europe, the whole world," Putin said at the inauguration ceremony. Spanning more than 930 kilometers under the Black Sea, it will carry 31.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of Russian gas annually to Turkey's western province, with half of the volume flowing further to the Balkans and Central Europe, including Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary. The ceremony in Istanbul was also attended by the leaders of Serbia and Bulgaria. Russia has already started European gas deliveries through the pipeline, Bulgarian gas operator Bulgartransgaz said on January 5. The pipeline terminal is near the Turkish village of Kiyikoy, some 20 kilometers from the Bulgarian border. Its part of Russia's long-term goal of reducing or ending gas transit through Ukraine with alternate pipeline projects, such as Nord Stream 1 and 2. Both connect to Germany underwater but the near-completion of Nord Stream 2 has been delayed due to U.S. sanctions. Russia, which exported nearly 200 bcm to Europe last year, has been supplying gas to the Balkans and Turkey overland though Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania. Putin and Erdogan are also expected to discuss Syria and Libya, where the two countries support opposing sides, while addressing regional tensions in Iraq and Iran, which have escalated after the U.S. killing of a top Iranian commander. Putin came to Turkey straight from Syria, where he met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. "The leaders heard military reports on development in various regions of the country," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, dpa, TASS, and Interfax Amber Portwood is headed back to court. The Teen Mom OG star, 29, claims her ex Andrew Glennon, 35, disappeared out of their native Indiana with their one-year-old son James over the holidays without telling her first, denying her visits the court had awarded her, TMZ reported Tuesday. Portwood is asking the court to hold Glennon in contempt, make him pay her legal bills in the issue, and award her more time to make up for the holiday visits she missed out on. The latest: Amber Portwood, 29, claims her ex Andrew Glennon, 35, disappeared out of state with son James, one, over the holidays without telling her first, denying court-ordered visits The Anderson, Indiana native also claimed in court docs that James was bitten by a dog in Glennon's care, which he told her about on Christmas day - three days after the fact. Portwood said Glennon told her James needed a trip to a nearby emergency room after he was 'nipped' by a relative's dog. She said he sent her an image of the injury which displayed evidence her son had a black eye and his nose was bandaged, 'indicating that the injury was more than a "nip."' Glennon further violated an agreement they had come to earlier by posting a shot with James to his Instagram account New Year's Eve, Portwood told the court. Portwood last year pleaded guilty to felony domestic battery in connection with a July 4 incident in which Glennon told authorities that she hit him, and brandished a machete, as he held James. Tense: Portwood last year pleaded guilty to felony domestic battery in connection with a July 4 incident involving Glennon and their son Better times: Glennon and Portwood were snapped at the 2017 MTV VMAs in LA Portwood was ordered by the court to complete two-and-a-half years of probation, a batterers intervention program and a parenting course. Per the conditions of her probation, Portwood is subject to random testing for drugs and alcohol. They're currently involved in a custody battle, as James is seeking to move with the boy to Malibu, California. Glennon hasn't yet responded to the court, according to The Blast, and a date for a hearing in the matter has not been determined. She previously pleaded guilty to two domestic battery charges in June of 2011 in connection with an attack on ex Gary Shirley that had been broadcast on Teen Mom two years earlier. The pair parted ways in 2013. American Tower: "American Tower is trading right now on what the judge is going to do on the merger between T-Mobile and Sprint. I say wait a few days, the stock's coming down and then you'd get a better chance to buy." Mattel: "I think ... this thing can go to $17, $18 without a problem. They have fixed the company. I am a believer in Mattel." Nio: "The only Chinese stock I'm recommending is Alibaba, which I think is a great company, by the way, and I've used them myself." Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust: "I want to stay away from PEI. I really do. I wish it were doing better." Chewy: "We're in the same boat. You and me are in the same boat. We love dogs and we love Chewy. This is one of the situations where I feel like the love of the product and the fact that it's got great growth is O.K. for me and O.K. for you." Majority of MPs yesterday voted for a decree-law that obliges private sector establishments pay 30 per cent of wages of individuals conscripted in the military reserve force of Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). This came as the lawmakers convened for their weekly meeting yesterday and debated the legislation, which also mandates the public sector to pay the salary of the reserve force member who is called to serve in the force in case of emergency, war, or general mobilisation measures. It stipulates that private sector establishments shall contribute to paying the wages of the members of the force for one year, while BDF will bear the disbursement of salaries if the soldiers continue serving in the force for more than one year. The voting took place following a prolonged debate, in which the majority of MPs conveyed their endless support to the legislation, taking into consideration the rapidly escalating events in the region. During the discussion, Defence Affairs Minister Major-General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi explained that the reserve force was established as a supportive force to the BDF back in 1987, adding that the Governments submission of a decree law on amending the Reserve Force Law of the BDF is a result of the current situation in the region, accelerated events, and regional and international threats. He mentioned that the law-decree referred to the Council of Representatives includes the development of the reserve force and deals with the amendment of Article 10 concerning the reorganisation of wages, salaries and allowances for members of the force and civilian volunteers. A military reserve force is a military organisation composed of citizen-soldiers of a country who combine a military role or career with a civilian career. These individuals consist of retired military personnel, as well as civilian volunteers. They are not always under arms and their main role is to be available to join the army and fight when their military requires additional manpower in cases of war or emergencies. YEREVAN. The legal defense team of the second president of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan, has filed a cassation appeal today. Hayk Alumyan, one of Kocharyan's attorneys, told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am. The defense team has appealed the December 20, 2019 decision of the Criminal Court of Appeal on Kocharyan's case, and whereby it denied the motion of his legal defendants challenging the first-instance courts November 7, 2019 decision to declare inadmissible the application of bail as a pretrial measure for Kocharyan. On November 7, 2019, the Court of First Instance had denied the Robert Kocharyans attorneys motion to release him on bail. Kocharyan is charged in the March 1, 2008 criminal case with overthrowing the constitutional order. [January 08, 2020] SnapLogic Appoints Dayle Hall as Chief Marketing Officer SnapLogic, provider of the #1 Intelligent Integration Platform, today announced that it has named Dayle Hall as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Hall, who brings two decades of success building and scaling marketing organizations for high-growth technology companies, will lead the company's global marketing initiatives including: branding and digital marketing, corporate communications, product marketing, demand generation, field marketing, and more. He joins SnapLogic's executive leadership team and will report to CEO Gaurav Dhillon. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005227/en/ Seasoned B2B marketing executive Dayle Hall joins SnapLogic as CMO. (Photo: Business Wire) "We're excited to have Dayle join the SnapLogic team," said Gaurav Dhillon, CEO at SnapLogic. "Dayle's integratd marketing expertise, proven leadership skills, and history of success at high-growth SaaS (News - Alert) companies make him the right person to guide our global marketing programs as we ramp up for our next phase of growth. Dayle will be instrumental in helping to get our best-in-class, AI-powered integration platform into the hands of even more users across the globe." Hall is an experienced leader with a proven track record of building strong marketing teams and helping enterprise software companies accelerate and grow revenues. Most recently, Hall was CMO at People.ai, where he was instrumental in creating a new category for AI-powered revenue intelligence, and helping to grow revenues 5x. Prior, he led marketing at community and social media management software firm Lithium Technologies (News - Alert), and has held senior marketing roles at Aruba Networks and Cisco. "The opportunity at SnapLogic was too good to turn down," said Hall. "The team has done an incredible job establishing a market-leading position with a product that's intuitive, easy to deploy and use, and sits at the fulcrum of all enterprise automation. There's a massive opportunity to put this powerful platform in the hands of IT teams and functional lines of business alike because real business acceleration begins when data and applications are accessible across the entire organization. I'm excited to be here and put some firepower into SnapLogic's go-to market and marketing machine." About SnapLogic SnapLogic provides the #1 Intelligent Integration Platform. The company's AI-powered workflows and self-service integration capabilities make it fast and easy for organizations to manage all their application integration, data integration, API management, B2B integration, and data engineering projects on a single, scalable platform. Hundreds of Global 2000 customers - including Adobe, AstraZeneca, Box, Emirates, Schneider Electric (News - Alert), and Wendy's - rely on SnapLogic to automate business processes, accelerate analytics, and drive digital transformation. Learn more at snaplogic.com. Connect with SnapLogic via our Blog, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005227/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Facebook has taken its first steps to curb highly-convincing videos known as deepfakes that have been manipulated using artificial intelligence. The social media platform announced the change in a blog post, saying it would remove videos that have been manipulated using artificial intelligence or machine learning to make it appear that the subject has said words they did not. But Facebook stopped well short of a comprehensive ban for deepfakes, carving out exemptions for parody or satire, and videos that have been "edited solely to omit or change the order of words." And the approach immediately ran into criticism from some experts and politicians, who argued the company should go much further. Facebook has been slammed many times in the past for its failure to stop the spread of misinformation and hate speech. Deepfakes represent a new challenge for the company ahead of the 2020 US presidential election, a contest that is expected to breed huge amounts of fake news and disinformation that could mislead voters. Hany Farid, a professor of digital forensics at the University of California, Berkeley, said that Facebook's attempt to create a coherent policy on misinformation was a "positive step." But he said the new policy was "too narrowly construed," and questioned why the company had chosen to focus on deepfakes and not the broader issue of intentionally misleading videos. The blog post announcing the deepfake policy was written by Monika Bickert, Facebook's vice president for global policy management. The announcement comes one day before Bickert is scheduled testify before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in a hearing on digital manipulation and deception. Bickert is likely to face tough questions from lawmakers. On Tuesday, a spokesman for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said the company's deepfake policy only provides the "illusion of progress." "Facebook's policy does not get to the core issue of how their platform is being used to spread disinformation, but rather how professionally that disinformation is created," campaign spokesman Bill Russo said in a statement. "Banning deepfakes should be an incredibly low floor in combating disinformation." Test cases Facebook has already been forced to address deepfakes. In June, the company declined to remove a deepfake video of CEO Mark Zuckerberg from its Instagram platform. The post manipulated a real video with an actor's voice to make it seem as though Zuckerberg was discussing having total control of billions of people's "stolen data." Facebook told CNN Business on Tuesday that the video would not be removed under the new deepfake policy. However, the video would be subject to the company's other fact-checking policies, it said, including a warning for users that the content was false. Last year, Facebook also declined to remove a heavily edited video of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi which was slowed down to make it seem as though she was slurring her speech. Though the video was not technically a deepfake, it sparked a public conversation about what responsibilities social media companies have regarding edited videos of politicians. Bickert said in the blog post that Facebook is also focusing on the people behind deepfakes. Last month, the company removed a network of accounts fronted by fake photos created with artificial intelligence. The accounts generally posted in support of President Donald Trump and against the Chinese government. Battle lines Bickert wrote that Facebook would continue to remove any video that violates its rules on nudity, graphic violence, voter suppression or hate speech. Third-party fact checkers also review videos, and Facebook limits their distribution if the videos are determined to be fake or misleading. People who see the content or try to share it are warned that it's false. Facebook was praised by some experts, including Boston University Law School professor Danielle Citron, for becoming more proactive and receptive to outside input. Citron, one of the experts who advised Facebook on the policy, also said that exempting satire and parody was important, arguing the policy "gives breathing room for deepfakes that contribute to public debate" and marks a step to banning harmful ones. But she also said that Facebook needs to do more. "The policy should also ban digital forgeries showing people doing things they never did," she said. "Some deep fakes don't involve words, just actions like deep fake sex videos. They invade sexual privacy and cause profound harm." Farid, the Berkeley professor, asked how the deepfake policy would apply to advertisements on Facebook purchased by politicians, which are not reviewed for factual accuracy. How would Facebook respond, he asked, to a political candidate running an ad that featured a deepfake of their opponent? A Facebook spokesperson initially told CNN Business that a politician would be allowed to use deepfake video in a paid ad but then corrected themselves after this article was first published and said no manipulated media, including deepfakes, would be allowed in an politician's ad per Facebook policy. "If a politician posts organic content that violates our manipulated media policy, we would evaluate it by weighing the public interest value against the risk of harm," the spokesperson said. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's move to force through an impeachment trial rules without witnesses during a private caucus meeting Tuesday night. CNN reported that Pelosi criticized McConnell during her meeting with members and argued that Trump's impeachment is different than Bill Clinton's and it's not an apples-to-apples line-up. The California Democrat didn't divulge to members when she planned to hand over the articles of impeachment to the Senate, which she's delayed in order to have some sway in the process. Earlier Tuesday, McConnell announced he had the votes from his Republican senators to begin Trump's impeachment trial without witnesses. Speaker Nancy Pelosi would not answer questions about when she plans to formally transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate Mitch McConnell announced he has the votes from his Republicans senators to begin Donald Trump 's impeachment trial with no witnesses 'We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution essentially the same, very similar to the 100-0 vote in the Clinton trial,' McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, announced after having lunch with the members of his party. The support of his party allows McConnell to set up trial proceedings without the Democratic demand for witnesses to be called. And Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer suggested it was time for Speaker Pelosi to transit the articles of impeachment so the president's trial can begin. 'The speaker has said all along she wanted to see the arena in which she was playing when it came to a trial so she could appoint impeachment managers. Now its becoming clear that Mitch McConnell wants to do everything he can to avoid a fair trial so she has some idea of whats happening,' he said. By not sending the articles immediately she has already accomplished two things,' he added. 'One, Mitch McConnell could not do what some thought he might want to do: right before or after Christmas just dismiss. And second in two weeks theres been a cascade of evidence that bolsters the case strongly bolsters the case for witnesses and documents. So now we have a greater feel for where were headed and Speaker Pelosi I have great confidence in the decision she will make. But shes accomplished a great deal already.' He also said Democrats will push to hear from the additional witnesses they want to call, including former National Security Adviser John Bolton. 'We are telling our Republican colleagues you can run but you cant hide. There will be votes on the four witnesses weve asked for. There will be votes on the three sets of documents weve requested,' he said. It takes 51 votes to establish the parameter of the president's impeachment trial and, with a 53-seat majority, McConnell couldn't afford to lose support. Moderate Republican senators, the ones most likely to defect, indicated they are backing McConnell. 'I'm comfortable with that,' Sen. Mitt Romney told reporters on Capitol Hill Tuesday when asked about McConnell's proposal to call on additional witnesses after opening arguments are made in the president's impeachment trial. That model would follow the same one used in Bill Clinton's 1999 impeachment trial. But Clinton's trial rules were set by an unanimous vote on senators - 100 to zero. McConnell left the door open to calling witnesses later in the process: '51 senators determine what we do and there will be I'm sure intense discussion, once we get past phase one, about the whole witness issue,' he said. And Schumer expressed optimism enough Republicans - it would take four - would join Democrats to subpoena witnesses. 'I think theres a pretty decent chance we're going to get Republicans to vote for witnesses and documents,' he said. Fellow GOP moderate Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins have also indicated they will support McConnell - votes he will need as Trump's trial begins. 'The process moved to a period during which the Senate debated and voted that three witnesses should be deposed. I believe that this process the Clinton approach worked well,' Collins said Monday night. Murkowski also backed following the procedure used for Clinton's trial. 'I think we need to do what they did the last time they did this unfortunate process and that was to go through a first phase and then they reassessed after that,' she said Monday evening. Trump on Tuesday said he was ready for the Senate trial to begin. Yeah, he told reporters in the Oval Office when asked if he was prepared. Whatever it is, it's a hoax, the impeachment is a big hoax. It's become a laughingstock all over the world. There was nothing done wrong. In the meantime, Speaker Pelosi didn't answer questions about when she will transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate when she arrived on Capitol Hill Tuesday. Nor would she address the subject later in the day when she left her office for a classified briefing on the situation with Iran. Trump's trial cannot begin until she makes such a move. Senate Republicans attacked her for not sending them over. 'It's time for Speaker Pelosi to get on with it or out of the way,' Sen. John Barrasso said Tuesday afternoon. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer suggested it was time for Speaker Pelosi to transmit the articles of impeachment Senator McConnell left the door open to calling witnesses later in the trial process Republican Sen. Josh Hawley proposed legislation on Monday that would let the Senate begin the trial even without the articles if Pelosi waits longer than 25 days to send them. It's been 20 days since the House approved the two articles of impeachment - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress - against the president. 'We're going to have to do something or we could be here on day 200 or day 400,' he told reporters on Capitol Hill Tuesday. 'I mean, really, there's no end in sight.' Schumer wants to hear from four additional witnesses, including acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and former National Security Adviser John Bolton. His case was bolstered on Monday when Bolton said he was willing to testify in the Senate. 'If every Senate Republican votes to prevent witnesses and documents from coming before the Senate, if every Republican Senator votes for a rigged trial that hides the truth, the American people will see that the Republican Senate is part of a large and awful cover-up,' Schumer said on the Senate floor Tuesday. Donald Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton said Monday he will comply with a congressional subpoena if the Senate compels him to testify in the impeachment trial Bolton confirmed Monday that he would appear before the Senate if he is subpoenaed to testify. '[S]ince my testimony is once again at issue, I have had to resolve the serious competing issues as best I could, based on careful consideration and study. I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify,' Bolton said in a statement posted to his Political Action Committee website. Trump's ex-national security adviser, who parted ways with the administration on a sour note in September, revealed he would comply if he was served with a legal notice. But it would take 51 votes in the Senate to subpoena him, requiring Democrats to bring four Republican senators to their side. Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump pulled back from the brink of war with Iran on Wednesday, saying that Tehran appeared to be "standing down" after firing missiles -- without causing casualties -- at US troops based in Iraq. In a televised address to the nation from the White House, Trump emphasized there were "no Americans harmed" in the ballistic missile salvo aimed at two bases. While he promised to immediately impose "punishing" new economic sanctions on Tehran, Trump welcomed signs the Islamic republic "appears to be standing down" in the tit-for-tat confrontation. The comments cooled what threatened to become an uncontrolled boiling over of tensions after Trump ordered the killing last Friday of a top Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani. In New York, the Nasdaq stock market index surged to a record high of 9,129.24. However, the US president, facing both an impeachment trial in Congress and a tough reelection in November, defended his targeting of a man seen by many as Iran's second most influential official. Soleimani, a national hero at home, was "the world's top terrorist" and "should have been terminated long ago," Trump said. And although Trump ended his remarks with a call for peace, he opened by stating that he would never allow Iran to procure a nuclear weapon. It was Trump's 2018 withdrawal from a multinational agreement aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the reimposition of crippling economic sanctions against Tehran, which began an intensification of tensions between the two countries. - Missiles blast bases - Iran's missiles targeted the sprawling Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and a base in Arbil, both housing American and other foreign troops from a US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State jihadist group. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who earlier promised "revenge" for Soleimani, called the missiles a "slap in the face" against the United States. Story continues He indicated there was more to come. "The question of revenge is another issue," Khamenei said in a televised speech. Iraq's military said it also sustained no casualties. But the strike highlighted the difficult position of Iraq, caught in an ever-deepening conflict between Trump and Iran. The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, dismissed suggestions that Iran did not mean to kill Americans with the missile barrage. "I believe, based on what I saw and what I know, is that they were intended to cause structural damage, destroy vehicles and equipment and aircraft and to kill personnel. That's my own personal assessment," Milley told reporters. Iraqi President Barham Saleh rejected Iraq being a "battlefield for warring sides." At the United Nations, Iran's ambassador said in a letter to Secretary General Antonio Guterres that despite the missile firing, Iran respects Iraq's territorial integrity. Iran has powerful militia allies in Iraq and they said they intended to take revenge for Friday's US drone attack, in which top Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis died alongside Soleimani. Muhandis was the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi, a military network incorporated into the Iraqi state whose factions are backed by Tehran. Late Wednesday two rockets, fired by unidentified forces, landed in the supposedly high-security Green Zone, where US and other embassies are located, security sources said. AFP correspondents heard two loud detonations. - Unusual brazenness - The brazenness of Iran's ballistic missile strike was unusual. But as the dust settled, it appeared that Iran's attack -- coming soon after the burial of Soleimani at a funeral in front of vast crowds -- might have been more symbolic than anything. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif indicated Iran was satisfied for now. "Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defense," Zarif said on Twitter. Reflecting deep concerns among Trump's domestic opponents, the Democratic-led US House of Representatives scheduled a vote for Thursday on limiting the Republican president's ability to wage war against Iran without congressional approval. "The president has made clear that he does not have a coherent strategy to keep the American people safe, achieve de-escalation with Iran and ensure stability in the region," House speaker Nancy Pelosi said. But US Defense Secretary Mark Esper insisted the United States has restored some deterrence against Iran in the wake of the Soleimani killing. "But we will see. Time will tell," Esper said. - US headaches in Iraq - The apparent de-escalation in Iran did not remove pressure from approximately 5,200 US troops stationed across Iraq, where they face pro-Iranian Shiite militias and political opposition. Paramilitary chief Qais al-Khazali -- blacklisted as a "terrorist" by the US -- said his side's response to the United States "will be no less than the size of the Iranian response." But US Vice President Mike Pence told the CBS Evening News that "we're receiving some encouraging intelligence that Iran is sending messages to those very same militias not to move against American targets or civilians." Angered at the US drone strike, the Iraqi parliament has called for expulsion of American troops, sparking embarrassing confusion at the Pentagon over how to respond. - Airliner crash kills 176 - Separately, a Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 crashed just outside Tehran after taking off bound for Kiev, killing all 176 people on board shortly after Iran launched its missiles towards Iraq. There was no immediate suggestion of any link with the strikes but carriers including Air France, Royal Dutch Airlines and Lufthansa announced they were suspending flying though Iranian and Iraqi airspace as a precaution. The US aviation regulator banned civil flights over Iraq, Iran and the Gulf, citing the potential for "misidentification" of aircraft. burs-sms/dw/it In their statement, Ghosns lawyers said Nissan never once tried to interview the executive, or share with him evidence it had accumulated against him Fugitive ex-Renault-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosns legal team opened fire on Nissan Motor Co Ltd, charging the automaker used a flawed, biased internal investigation to engineer Ghosns arrest and stop him from more closely integrating Nissan and its French alliance partner Renault SA. Ghosns legal team issued the statement hours ahead of his expected appearance at a press briefing in Lebanon, where he has taken refuge after a daring escape from Japan on 31 December. The one-time auto industry star has said he will fight to restore his reputation, tarnished by accusations of criminal misconduct and by Nissans struggles since his ouster. Ghosn was awaiting trial in Japan on charges of financial misconduct when he slipped away from his Tokyo residence, crossed Japan on a bullet train and was smuggled onto charter jets that delivered him from Osaka to Lebanon via Istanbul. Ghosn has said he fled a rigged Japanese justice system after authorities delayed his trial into 2021. In their statement, Ghosns lawyers said Nissan never once tried to interview the executive, or share with him evidence it had accumulated against him. Turkish and Japanese authorities are investigating how Ghosn was smuggled out of Japan and through a Turkish airport on his way to Beirut. Interpol has issued a red notice seeking Ghosns arrest. Japanese authorities on Monday issued an arrest warrant for Ghosns wife, Carole, for alleged perjury in connection with her husbands financial dealings. Carole told French newspaper Le Parisien that Japanese prosecutors were hoping to put pressure on my husband ahead of his press conference in Lebanon. The statement from Ghosns legal team seeks to focus attention on his charge that he was the victim of a coup by Nissan executives who opposed giving up more authority to Renault. Perversion of the truth' Ghosn was arrested by Japanese police on 19 November 2018. Nissan said an internal investigation found that Ghosn had engaged in personal use of company money and had under-reported his income in violation of Japanese law. In their statement, Ghosns lawyers said Nissans claim of a robust, thorough internal investigation is a gross perversion of the truth. Instead, the lawyers wrote, the investigation was initiated and carried out for the specific, predetermined purpose of taking down Carlos Ghosn to prevent him from further integrating Nissan and Renault, which threatened the independence of Nissan. The former Nissan and Renault SA chairman has denied all charges against him and said he was the victim of 'backstabbing' and 'conspiracy' by Nissan executives who wanted to derail his efforts to merge the two automakers. Ghosns legal team also accused Nissan of allowing Hari Nada, an executive whose own conduct was the subject of the investigation, to run the probe of Ghosn. The statement also charged that Latham & Watkins, the law firm that assisted Nissans investigation, was not independent because it has long acted as outside counsel for the company. Ghosns lawyers said Nissans investigation failed to uncover evidence that then-CEO Hiroto Saikawa had also benefited from improper compensation. Saikawa resigned last year after admitting he had been overpaid in violation of internal procedures. Nissan was not immediately available for comment. Japans ambassador to Lebanon, Takeshi Okubo, met Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Tuesday, calling Ghosns flight to Lebanon deeply regrettable and requesting cooperation from Beirut, according to a Japanese foreign ministry statement. Source Photonics, a market leader of optical transceivers used in telecommunication systems and data communication networks, announced the appointment of Weiming Li as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Li, a returning veteran of Source Photonics, succeeds former CEO, Doug Wright, who resigned from the company. "Mr. Li is an experienced executive with extensive telecom industry experience and a diverse operational background," said Jiang Run, a director for Source Photonics and a partner for the lead investor in the company. "He has also served as General Manager of Source Photonics China between 2007 to 2013. We are confident that Mr. Li will provide the leadership necessary to take the company to the next level of success." The board believes that the job of the Source Photonics CEO requires additional attributes to successfully execute on the company's strategy. Li has a proven track record of growing businesses, building teams, and improving operations. He has a deep understanding of the optical communications technology, products, markets, and customers' needs which are crucial for the company's success. Prior to joining Source Photonics as a General Manager from 2007 to 2013, Li served as VP Operations and GM at Auxora Networks. He also held the positions of VP Manufacturing of Photop Group GM of Photop Koncent, located in Fuzhou, China. In addition, he served as VP of Business Development at Oplink. Prior to these posts, Li held various positions in General Management, Technology Strategy, and Product Development in various fiber optic, industrial automation, and machinery industries in both the US and in China. Li holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chong Qing University in China, and a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Control from San Jose State University. Source Photonics has been leading the industry for more than 30 years and was first-to-market various products for access, wireless, and datacom applications. The company aims to continue to support and partner with its customers to meet their volume requirements for advanced technologies. About Source Photonics Source Photonics is a leading provider of innovative and reliable optical communications technology that enables communications and connectivity in datacenters, metro, and access networks. We add value to our customers by developing next-generation solutions that enable their growth by meeting the rapidly increasing demands of cloud infrastructure, wireless communications, routing, and fiber-to-the-premises applications worldwide. Source Photonics has key R&D and manufacturing facilities in California, Taiwan, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Jintan, China. For more information about Source Photonics, please visit www.sourcephotonics.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005806/en/ Contacts: Jasmin Basal Senior Marketing Communications Phone: 818-885-4202 Email: jasmin.basa@sourcephotonics.com The Iranian government claimed responsibility Tuesday evening for rocket attacks on Iraqs Al-Asad air base, which houses U.S. troops. The brave soldiers of IRGCs aerospace unit have launched a successful attack with tens of ballistic missiles on Al-Asad military base in the name of martyr Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement. We warn all allied countries of the U.S. that if attacks are launched from bases in their countries on Iran, they will be a target of military retaliation. The Pentagon confirmed the attack, and a Pentagon official told ABC News that 15 ballistic missiles had been launched. Ten of those hit a base in western Iraq, one hit a base in Irbil in northern Iraqi Kurdistan, and four failed mid-flight. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Asad and Irbil, a Pentagon statement read. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the @DeptofDefense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. Alyssa Farah (@PentagonPresSec) January 8, 2020 There were initial reports of multiple Iraqi casualties, but no reports of Americans being harmed. Iraqi officials later told CNN that there were no Iraqi casualties. Iraqi security officials are now telling CNN there are no casualties among Iraqi security forces following the attacks on the al-Asad airbase in Anbar province and the attacks in Erbil. Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) January 8, 2020 After being briefed and meeting with members of his cabinet, President Trump tweeted All is well! and said he would brief the nation Wednesday morning. Story continues All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 Following news of the attack, Irans top nuclear negotiator and Representative of the Supreme Leader, Saeed Jalili, mirrored President Trumps response to the U.S. airstrike that killed top military leader Qasem Soleimani last week. But Irans foreign minister Javad Zarif took a more nuanced approach, saying Tuesday night that We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 8, 2020 Zarifs comments mirrored Trumps from a press conference last Friday, in which the president had said that Soleimanis killing was meant to stop a war. We did not take action to start a war, Trump said. We do not seek regime change. However, the Iranian regimes aggression in the region must end, and it must end now. U.S. officials had claimed in the aftermath of the U.S. attack that, based on solid intelligence, Soleimani was planning imminent attacks on U.S. facilities in the surrounding region that could have killed hundreds of Americans, but did not release the said intelligence. The New York Times reported Tuesday that Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told the Iranian National Security Council that a direct response was necessary following Soleimanis death. More from National Review Houston Zoo The Houston Zoo is coming to the aid of animals Down Under, donating $5,000 to help people and wildlife injured or left homeless by wildfires in Australia. The donation, according to a blog post by the Houston Zoo, was sent to the Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund, which is being run by Zoos Victoria. They were first linked in October, following his acrimonious split from Hana Cross. And Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz's romance is going from strength-to-strength as the pair enjoyed a loved-up dinner at Craig's restaurant in West Hollywood on Tuesday. The aspiring photographer, 20, wrapped a loving arm around the 24-year-old actress' waist as she carried a stunning bouquet of pink roses out of the eaterie. PDA: Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz's romance is going from strength-to-strength as the pair enjoyed a loved-up dinner at Craig's restaurant in West Hollywood on Tuesday Nicola teased a glimpse of her toned midriff in a scarlet crop-top paired with black high-waisted trousers and platform heels as she smiled at Brooklyn. The beauty wore her blonde locks sleek and straight while accentuating her pretty features with feline flicks of liner, highlighter and coral lipstick. Brooklyn, the son of David and Victoria Beckham, looked edgy in a white tee, gold medallion and denim jacket, teamed with joggers and monochrome trainers. His brown locks were worn over his face with an Alice band with the star sporting black nail varnish. Romance: The aspiring photographer, 20, wrapped a loving arm around the 24-year-old actress' waist as she carried a stunning bouquet of pink roses out of the eaterie Look of love: The pair were unable to contain their affection for one another as they shared a sweet kiss by the doorway The pair were unable to contain their affection for one another as they shared a sweet kiss by the doorway. Last week Brooklyn proved he is well and truly smitten with Nicola as he took to Instagram on Thursday to share a series of snaps with the star. Captioned with a love heart, star made his feelings for the actress clear. Whilst this marked the first time Brooklyn has shared a picture of Nicole on his Instagram Grid, the aspiring photographer revealed the actress had rung in 2020 with them via his Stories. Smitten: Nicola teased a glimpse of her toned midriff in a scarlet crop-top paired with black high-waisted trousers and platform heels as she smiled at Brooklyn A gift? Nicola looked delighted with her floral bouquet - no doubt a gift from her smitten beau The couple were first linked in October, when they were seen together at a Halloween party and then three times in less than a week. Things have since hotted up between the pair, with Nicola jetting over from Los Angeles to spend the New Year at Brooklyn's family home in the Cotswolds. Nicola seemed to be in her element as she joined her beau's mother Victoria, and siblings Romeo and Cruz, in finding out what Disney character they are using the popular Instagram feature. Casual cool: Brooklyn, the son of David and Victoria Beckham, looked edgy in a white tee, gold medallion and denim jacket, teamed with joggers Going strong: The pair looked happier than ever as they made their way to a waiting car Off we go: Brooklyn showed off his black nail polish as he escorted Nicola into the car Days earlier, the Bates Motel star was introduced to Brooklyn's grandparents, Jackie and Tony Adams, during at trip to watch Thriller - Live at the Lyric Theatre in London. Brooklyn has been linked to a string of women over the past few months following his split from model Hana Cross, including Canadian actress Natalie Ganzhorn, 21, and brunette actress Phoebe Torrance, 25. Most recently it was claimed he and Lottie Moss had a 'secret fling' before he started dating his now ex-girlfriend Hana. Star-studded night: Nicole Scherzinger and Thom Evans were also seen hitting up Craig's on Tuesday Glamour: AnnaLynne McCord and Morgan Fairchild were also spotted at the eaterie Here she is: Actress Nina Dobrev looked chic in a trouser suit as she attended with her mother Cute couple: Last week Brooklyn proved he is well and truly smitten with Nicola as he took to Instagram on Thursday to share a series of snaps with the star By Kang Seung-woo The United States has ramped up its pressure on Korea to send a naval contingency force to the Middle East to be part of the U.S.-led coalition in the Strait of Hormuz. Seoul remains well aware of the importance of strengthening its alliance with Washington, but the government appears unable to make a quick decision on this as military tension between the U.S. and Iran escalates further. This follows Iran's retaliatory attack on U.S. bases in Iraq, Wednesday, in the wake of a U.S. airstrike last week that targeted and killed an Iranian general. Participation in any maritime mission in such a climate, could endanger Seoul's ties with Tehran and threaten the safety of Korean residents in Iran. U.S. ambassador to Korea Harry Harris / Korea Times file The latest push for participation from Seoul's biggest ally came from U.S. Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris. "I would hope that Korea will send forces out there," Harris said in an interview with local broadcaster KBS, Tuesday, noting that Seoul gets so much of its oil from the Middle East. Harris added that the U.S. was waiting on the Korean government's decision on whether to send forces there, and if it did would welcome it irrespective of the scale. Early Wednesday morning, hours after Harris' interview was aired, Iran launched missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops in retaliation for last week's killing of General Qassem Soleimani who commanded the Quds force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. airplanes runway Getty Images A report by OAG ranked the most punctual airlines of 2019 in terms of on-time performance. Asia-Pacific airlines ranked among the most on-time. Only one airline in the US made the top 10 while none of the US's big three carriers make the cut Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories Flight delays and cancellations are the banes of every travelers' existence with a countless number of factors affecting on-time performance. Everything from a mechanical issue to the weather can determine whether a flight departs on or close to its schedule. The metric is a valuable determining factor of an airline's dependability as a flight delay could possibly jeopardize an entire trip. Some regulatory bodies, including the European Union, even require airlines to compensate passengers in the event of an extended controllable delay. Each year, OAG ranks the top 250 airlines and reveals which ones were the most punctual. The organization compiled the date from over 50 million flights operating around the world for the entirety of 2019. Here are the top airlines that did it right in 2019 and got passengers to their destinations on-time the most. 10. Thai AirAsia thai air asia Fabrizio Gandolfo/Getty The Thailand-based subsidiary of AirAsia, one of the largest low-cost airline groups in Southeast Asia, ranked 10th in the on-time list with 84.49% of flights operating on or close to schedule. The airline operates a fleet of close to 75 aircraft, according to planespotters.net, with service to around 15 countries from cities across Thailand, according to the airline. 9. Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images Singapore's flag carrier and one of the world's most luxurious airlines, Singapore Airlines came in at number nine with its flights operating on-time 85.35% of the time. The airline also holds the title for operating the longest flight in the world between Newark, New Jersey, and Singapore and has since 2018, save for two Qantas research flights that became the longest in the world for a day when they flew nonstop from New York to Sydney. Story continues 8. Jetstar Asia Airways Jetstar Asia Edgar Su/Reuters One of only four airlines based in the Singaporean city-state, low-cost airline Jetstar Asia Airways ranked 8th with a punctuality rate of 85.48%. The airline can trace its roots back to Australia's Qantas Airways, which owns 49% of the airline through its subsidiary Jetstar Airways, according to the Jetstar Group, and operates short and medium-haul routes from Singapore using a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft. 7. All Nippon Airways All Nippon Airways ANA Boeing 788 AP All Nippon Airways is the only full-service Japanese carrier on the top 10 list with an on-time percentage of 85.92% putting it at the number seven spot. Despite operating in a country known for punctuality, ANA was one of only two carriers in the top 10 with the carrier's main rival, Japanese flag carrier Japan Airlines, falling short of the top spots. 6. Aeroflot - Russian Airlines Aeroflot Regis Duvignau/Reuters Russia's largest carrier came in at number six on the list with Aeroflot - Russian Airlines achieving an on-time percentage of 86.3%, the only European carrier in the top 10 list. Aeroflot is one of the few remaining airlines in Europe to be owned, in part, by the state, with the Russian government claiming a 51% majority share in the flag carrier, according to the Centre for Aviation. 5. LATAM Airlines LATAM airlines Fabrizio Gandolfo/SOPA Images/Getty Despite being Latin America's largest airline, LATAM Airlines managed to earn the spot of the fifth most on-time carrier in the world with an on-time percentage of 86.41%. Delta Air Lines recently took an interest in the airline and invested in a 20% stake for $1.9 billion despite rival American Airlines already maintaining close ties to the South American carrier. 4. Hawaiian Airlines Hawaiian Airlines FG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty America's most isolated airline, Hawaiian Airlines, ranked fourth on the list as the only U.S.-flagged airline or legacy carrier to make the top 10 with 87.4% of flights operating on-time. The airline largely connects the Hawaiian Islands with each other as well as the rest of the world and recently opened the longest domestic flight in the US between Boston and Honolulu with its Airbus A330-200 aircraft. 3. Skymark Airlines Skymark Airlines Yuya Shino/Reuters Skymark Airlines, one of Japan's leading low-cost carriers, ranked third on the list with an on-time percentage of 90.12%. The all-economy airline, of which All Nippon Airways is a minority investor, is comprised of 29 aircraft, according to planespotters.net, serving 12 domestic destinations with one international route to Saipan, Guam, according to the airline. 2. Copa Airlines Copa Airlines AP Based at the crossroads of the Americas, Panamanian carrier Copa Airlines ranked number two with an on-time percentage of 92.01% as it connected the two continents via Panama City. The Star Alliance-member airline is known for operating long-haul flights with single-aisle Boeing 737 aircraft to destinations as far as Buenos Aires and San Francisco from Panama's capital city. 1. Garuda Indonesia Garuda Indonesia Willy Kurniawan/Reuters Indonesia's flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia, ranked at top of the list with a punctuality rate of 95.01% in 2019. Garuda Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian airline to achieve a percentage of over 90 while also operating a fleet of almost 150 aircraft, according to planespotters.net, to nearly 100 destinations from its bases across the archipelagic country, according to the SkyTeam. Read the original article on Business Insider Spoon-bending celebrity psychic Uri Geller, 73, has applied for a job in the British government in response to an advert for "misfits" and "weirdos", saying no other candidate would possess his powers. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's most senior adviser, Dominic Cummings, advertised government jobs for "assorted weirdos" in a recent blog post, complaining that the civil service did not have enough genuine cognitive diversity. In a cover letter beginning "Dear Dom", Geller said that his career as an entertainer has been the "perfect mask" for his work in espionage. "While many have doubted my abilities, my achievements cannot be dismissed as trickery or illusions," said the Israeli, who became famous in the 1970s for performing telekinetic feats on television, such as bending spoons without touching them. "In my intelligence work I assisted with Operation Desert Storm, helped to locate secret tunnels in North Korea, and used my skills to erase crucial diplomatic discs on their way to Moscow," he said. Read More Geller recently said he had used his powers to help Johnson win last month's election by giving his aides a spoon enthused with positive energy. "Perhaps you could have used my abilities in your dealings with Michel Barnier," he added in his letter, referring to Brexit negotiations with the European Union. However, Cummings and Johnson might not be impressed with Geller's previous Brexit involvement, after he called upon Britons in March 2019 to stop the process altogether by twice-daily bursts of mass-telepathy. Asked by Reuters whether he thought his paranormal powers would give him an unfair advantage over other candidates, he said: "Yes, absolutely." "I don't think any of the other people who filled out the form have any psychic powers, but I'm not 100 per cent sure," he said. BioLumic partners with JWC and Helius Therapeutics for cannabis research program TORONTO, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Canopy Rivers Inc. ("Canopy Rivers") (TSX: RIV, OTC: CNPOF) portfolio company BioLumic Ltd. ("BioLumic") has received approval from the New Zealand Ministry of Health to apply its proprietary ultraviolet ("UV") light technology to medical cannabis. While BioLumic's approach has been successful in increasing yields in certain crops, such as strawberries, by up to 60%, this approval marks the first time the company's UV light technology will be used on cannabis. BioLumic hopes that its research will show increased yields in the cannabis plant and help producers meet the rising demand for medical cannabis and cannabis-derived products. To bring its cannabis research program to life, BioLumic is partnering with two established cannabis companies. The company will work with Canada-based cannabis cultivator and Canopy Rivers portfolio company James E. Wagner Cultivation Corporation ("JWC") (TSXV: JWCA,OTCQX: JWCAF), as well as Auckland-based medical cannabis company Helius Therapeutics. With the support of these partnerships, BioLumic plans to begin conducting medical cannabis commercial trials in New Zealand and Canada by June 2020. "The partnership between BioLumic and JWC is another sign of strong collaboration in the Canopy Rivers ecosystem," said Narbe Alexandrian, President & CEO, Canopy Rivers. "We expect that BioLumic's expertise in non-cannabis agriculture technology will help cannabis cultivators like JWC produce high-yield, sustainable strains that meet consumer demands and patient needs." BioLumic's UV light technology treats plants to increase yields and enable plants to more effectively defend themselves against disease or pest attacks. By exposing seeds and seedlings to short duration UV treatments, BioLumic aims to increase yields and improve tolerance to drought, diseases, and pests. "Working with Canopy Rivers has opened the door for us to expand into cannabis, and that starts with the application of our technology to the cannabis plant," said Jason Wargent, Chief Science Officer, BioLumic. "From accessing capital to bring on new staff in science and AI, to introductions to companies such as JWC, we believe our ongoing relationship with Canopy Rivers is a catalyst for building the industry's understanding of how to improve the way cannabis is grown." "The BioLumic research program is an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of our knowledge of cannabis cultivation," said Nathan Woodworth, President & CEO, JWC. "JWC is committed to expanding our understanding of advanced cultivation techniques as they apply to cannabis, and our partnership with BioLumic is just one of the ways we are meeting this commitment." For its cannabis research program, BioLumic will combine photogenics the control of plant signalling responses to UV light and artificial intelligence ("AI") to focus on improving the yield of the fast-growing cannabis crop, with a focus on cannabinoids such as cannabidiol. BioLumic has hired additional science and AI-focused staff at its Palmerston North, New Zealand facility to accelerate its cannabis research program. Canopy Rivers invested in BioLumic in May 2019 as part of a Series A financing round led by Finistere Ventures, an agriculture technology venture capital fund supported by industry leaders Bayer and Nutrien. Canopy Rivers' strategic investment marked the venture capital firm's first investment in agriculture sciences. About Canopy Rivers Canopy Rivers is a venture capital firm specializing in cannabis. Its unique investment and operating platform is structured to pursue investment opportunities in the emerging global cannabis sector. Canopy Rivers identifies strategic counterparties seeking financial and/or operating support. Canopy Rivers has developed an investment ecosystem of complementary cannabis operating companies that represent various segments of the value chain across the emerging cannabis sector. As the portfolio continues to develop, constituents will be provided with opportunities to work with Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED,NYSE: CGC) and collaborate among themselves, which Canopy Rivers believes will maximize value for its shareholders and foster an environment of innovation, synergy and value creation for the entire portfolio. About BioLumic BioLumic harnesses the power of ultraviolet (UV) light to empower growers and seed producers around the globe. Clean, green and GM-free, BioLumic's pioneering technology activates natural mechanisms in seeds and seedlings that increase plant growth, vigor, and natural defense mechanisms resulting in increased yields at harvest. Backed by top Ag investors, BioLumic is headquartered in New Zealand and is actively growing its presence in North America. To learn more, visit www.biolumic.com. About James E. Wagner Cultivation Corporation James E. Wagner Cultivation Corporation's wholly owned subsidiary is a Licensed Producer under the Cannabis Regulations, formerly the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations ("ACMPR"). JWC is a premium cannabis brand, focusing on producing clean, consistent cannabis using an advanced and proprietary aeroponic platform named GrowthSTORM. JWC began as a collective of patients and growers under the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (the precursor to ACMPR). Since its inception, JWC has remained focused on providing the best possible patient experience. JWC is a family-run, family-owned company with deep roots planted in the local community. JWC's operations are based in Kitchener, Ontario. Learn more at www.jwc.ca. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of Canopy Rivers and its portfolio companies with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding: the application of BioLumic's UV light technology to cannabis and the anticipated benefits thereof; BioLumic's plans for its cannabis research program and the expected timing and locations of its commercial trials; BioLumic's partnerships and the anticipated impact thereof; BioLumic's belief that its relationship with Canopy Rivers is a catalyst for building the industry's understanding of how to improve the way cannabis is grown; and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical fact but instead reflects management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Canopy Rivers believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of Canopy Rivers. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: regulatory and licensing risks; the impact of BioLumic's UV light technology on cannabis; changes in the focus and plans of BioLumic and the timing associated therewith; developments in the fields of plant physiology and photobiology; the ability of BioLumic and its partners to collaborate; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; the global regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis, including political risks and risks relating to regulatory change; risks relating to anti-money laundering laws; compliance with extensive government regulation, including Canopy Rivers' interpretation of such regulation; public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry; divestiture risks; and the risk factors set out in Canopy Rivers' annual information form dated July 15, 2019, filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available on Canopy Rivers' profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Canopy Rivers has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Canopy Rivers does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. SOURCE Canopy Rivers Inc. Related Links www.canopyrivers.com Labors Jobs 2020 in Jeddah Saudi Arabia Latest Gulf Overseas Technical Services Labor Posts Saudi Arabia 2022 A well established and reputed oversea company requires the services of experienced, strong and responsible personnel for the positions of Labors in Jeddah Saudi Arabia 2020. How to Apply on Gulf Overseas Technical Services Job Advertisement Apply as per details in job advertisement. In some cases, you may apply online at vacancies after registering at https://www.jobz.pk online. Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If an employer asks to pay money for any purpose, do not pay at all and report us at contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs may not be applied online here. Human typing error is possible. Error & omissions excepted. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Niranjan Patnaik on Wednesday made a human chain to support a nationwide trade union strike against economic downturn. The Congress leader, along with the supporters, held hands and made a chain as a mark of protest. They also held placards to lend support to the strike. "The economy of our country has shattered to the core," Patnaik told ANI. Earlier today, he also took to the micro-blogging website Twitter to express his disappointment with the plummeting economy. "Government has forecast a grim picture of the economy. At 5%, GDP growth will slump to an 11-yr low in 2019-20," he stated, adding that it is because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's policies. "This is a direct result of the Modi government's ludicrous policies and short-sighted measures on the economic front," Patnaik added. Bus and train services in various parts of the country including West Bengal and Odisha have been affected due to protests held during Bharat Bandh.The ten central trade unions including Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Indian Trade Union Congress (INTUC), among others have given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is not taking part in the strike. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 19-year-old man has been charged with murder in the October shooting death of a Franklin Township woman in a possible case of a mistaken identity, authorities said Wednesday. Kerron Parker, 19, of the Somerset section of Franklin Township, was charged on Tuesday with murder in the death of 20-year-old Monserret Noyola-Narvaez, the Somerset County Prosecutors office said on Wednesday. This is the second murder charge against him in as many weeks. Parker is accused of shooting Noyola-Narvaez while she was in her car on Oct. 22. Noyola-Narvaez was found unconscious behind the wheel on Philips Street in Franklin Township after someone called 911 to report hearing gunfire. She was taken to a hospital, but was pronounced dead two days later. Her organs were donated through the NJ Sharing Network. A native of Mexico, Noyola-Narvaez lived in Franklin since 2004, according to her obituary said. She was a full-time student working towards becoming a nurse at a local community college, friends said on an online fundraiser. Parker was previously charged with murder in the Christmas Eve shooting death of Sharif Austin, 21, of New Brunswick, officials said. Officials did not provide a possible motive in that case. Parker remains in the Middlesex County Correctional Facility following a Jan. 2 arrest. Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Britain's most haunted house has finally been sold after 12 years on the market. The Cage, a former medieval prison in deepest Essex, once held inmates accused of witchcraft. It is located in St Osyth village and 14 women were imprisoned there while awaiting trial in the Elizabethan era, including Ursula Kemp who was executed in 1582. Owner Vanessa Mitchell, 46, moved into the property back in 2004 but she says she has been beset with hauntings and paranormal activity since. Electric toys turned themselves on and doors mysteriously slammed while walls inexplicably were covered in blood. Vanessa told how a ghoul shoved her to the ground when she was pregnant and how household items have flown across the two-bedroom property. The Cage, a former medieval prison in deepest Essex, once held inmates accused of witchcraft in the Elizabethan era After remaining unsold for 12 years, estate agents Home Domus, which put the two-bedroom property on the market for 240,000 last year, said it has now been sold She said that one spectre even slapped her bottom and she was eventually forced to flee the house. After remaining unsold for 12 years, estate agents Home Domus, which put the two-bedroom property on the market for 240,000 last year, said it has now been sold, subject to contract. Vanessa previously said: 'I honestly believe the house is cursed. I've lived here for years but seeing a tall dark figure standing between me and my son's cot was the final straw. She estimated 'at least a dozen' ghosts occupy the house - from young children through to male and female adults. Guests often described hearing women's voices from behind the kitchen door even though no one was on the other side. Worryingly, on one occasion two of Vanessa's friends were visiting and within minutes of their arrival the entrance hall had suddenly become covered in blood. Paranormal investigator Brad Mac was gobsmacked to see a colleague of his - known only as Debbie - 'transform' into a witch while he and five others spent the night at the house in St Osyth village, Essex Strange images captured from CCTV cameras at the property appeared to show a satanic ghost claimed Vanessa 'My friends were a high-ranking officer in the army and she was a well-respected NHS worker - so as witnesses go, they are about as credible as you could find. 'They were speechless when they saw what had happened, ' she said. Amazingly all of the sightings were in daylight hours - before 5pm - and none came in the hours of darkness. The claims led to paranormal investigators making regular visits to The Cage and it was also the subject of several paranormal investigations and documentaries. Following the spooky incidents, Vanessa decided to move out of the house in 2008 to live elsewhere in the village and put the property up for sale. But despite a lot of interest, she was not able to complete a sale until now. Vanessa decided to move out of the house in 2008 to live elsewhere in the village and put the property up for sale Despite a lot of interest, she was not able to complete a sale until now, with the estate agents saying the new buyer had fallen in love with the property and doesn't believe its supernatural reputation Florent Lambert, director of Home Domus, said: 'Vanessa did try to sell The Cage numerous times since 2008 and with a number of different estate agents. 'Most agents advised her to sell at auction at ridiculous prices or were not at all interested as they predicted it could not be sold. 'I took it as a challenge and a mission to find the way to best sell it.' The estate agents ran a campaign trying to sell the idea that The Cage would be a successful cottage to be rented to international paranormal tourism. 'We attracted over 30,000 views on Rightmove, which is a record for Essex in 2019, and also probably the highest exposure on Rightmove anywhere in the country that year. The estate agents ran a campaign trying to sell the idea that The Cage would be a successful cottage to be rented to international paranormal tourism 'We finally got a cash buyer falling in love with the place, but not believing at all into the supernatural element of it,' he added. A plaque on the side of the building describes the plight of Ursula Kemp, who was imprisoned in The Cage on suspicion of witchcraft before being hanged in Chelmsford in 1582. Men, women and children were detained in lock-up until 1908 when it then became a family home. The Little Village residents appointment to the 11th Senate District seat runs until the results of the November general election are certified. However, she is the only candidate who filed nominating petitions for a special March 17 primary for a term that runs through January 2023, the remainder of Sandovals unexpired time in office. While Republicans could slate someone for the November general election, the district is heavily Democratic. Congratulations, insanehomefatloss.com got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site: Insanehomefatloss.com scored 75 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 4/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 4 Jan 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. insanehomefatloss.com is very popular in Facebook and Google Plus. 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Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK NOT FOUND The total number of people who like website Facebook page. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The type of Facebook page. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The URL of the found Facebook page. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND By PTI NEW DELHI: Police has got vital clues about the identities of masked men who attacked students at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) here and is on the verge of cracking the case, government sources said. Police personnel are on "extra alert" on Wednesday following the mobilisation of students and teachers on the university campus, they said. Violence broke out at JNU on Sunday night as a group of masked people armed with sticks and rods attacked students and teachers and damaged property on campus, prompting the administration to call in the police. At least 35 people, including JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh, were injured in the violence in the university. They were admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre here and discharged on Monday. Downing Street squared off against the EU tonight, insisting it would not extend trade talks past the end of this year despite Brussels' top bureaucrat saying a deal was 'impossible' by December. The Government insisted there would be no extension to the Brexit transition period after European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the end-of-year deadline would limit what could be agreed in trade talks. Ms von der Leyen arrived in London this morning for her first face-to-face talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson in her role as president of the European Commission. It was the first formal meeting between the pair and it is likely to set the tone for crunch post-Brexit trade negotiations which will dominate the months ahead. After they met, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: 'The PM reiterated that we wanted a broad free trade agreement covering goods and services, and co-operation in other areas. 'The PM was clear that the UK would not extend the Implementation Period beyond 31 December 2020; and that any future partnership must not involve any kind of alignment or ECJ jurisdiction.' Ms von der Leyen had risked souring relations with Mr Johnson before the showdown after she used a speech in London this morning to lay down the gauntlet to the Prime Minister. The UK will leave the EU on January 31 but will then enter a 'standstill' transition period, ending in December, during which the two sides will try to hammer out the terms of a future trading relationship. Mr Johnson has vowed not to extend the transition period in any circumstances and he wants the UK and EU to have agreed a full deal in the next 11 months. But Ms von der Leyen said during an address at the London School of Economics, where she spent a year in hiding as a student in the late 1970s after becoming a target of the left-wing terrorist Baader-Meinhof gang, that a full deal would not be achievable. She said: 'Without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020 you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnership. We will have to prioritise.' Boris Johnson welcomed EU boss Ursula von der Leyen to Downing Street for talks this afternoon Mr Johnson was expected to tell Ms von der Leyen, the new president of the European Commission, that the end of 2020 must be treated as a hard deadline for striking a post-Brexit trade deal between the EU and UK But Ms von der Leyen had earlier today warned it would be 'impossible' to finish a complete agreement by the end of the year. She used a speech at the LSE in London to warn that 'without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020 you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnership' Ms von der Leyen hinted she would prefer the transition period to be extended but suggested if it is not then the UK could leave the EU with only a partial trade deal in place. However, she said that regardless of what happens Britain and Brussels will remain the 'best of friends' after Brexit. After the meeting her spokesman said: 'The EU will negotiate in good faith, in the framework of the Political Declaration, with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome. 'Time however is short for such an agreement to be reached and then ratified before the end of 2020. 'The president made clear that there is a trade-off between any regulatory divergence and access to the EU market.' The Prime Minister was expected to use today's meeting to warn that the end of 2020 must be viewed as a hard deadline for talks. Responding to Ms von der Leyen's comments, the PM's deputy spokesman said the UK had been 'clear that the implementation period will end at the end of the year and we will work with the EU to negotiate a free trade agreement'. Ms von der Leyen and the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier - who also attended No10 this afternoon - have previously branded the schedule 'unrealistic'. In another pressure tactic, it has emerged that Mr Barnier has been sabre-rattling over protections for EU citizens living in the UK, calling for a fully independent watchdog to guarantee their rights. Ms von der Leyen's arrival at No10 came as Britain took another step towards formally leaving the bloc, with the Withdrawal Agreement Bill continuing its progress through the Commons. Mr Johnson's tough stance on the transition period echoes a key pledge in the Tory manifesto and means there is now a race against time to try to agree the terms of a future partnership. Ms von der Leyen initially used her speech at the LSE to launch a charm offensive as she praised the 'fantastic sense of humour of the British people' and spoke of her 'love for this country'. She added: 'In just over three weeks on the 31st of January the UK will spend its last day as a member of the EU. This will be a tough and emotional day. The euro-federalist once seen as a successor to Merkel Ursula von der Leyen is the daughter of Brussels-born Eurocrat Ernst Albrecht, a senior German politician who worked in the EU Commission in the 1950s. It meant she spent her early years in the Belgian capital and partly explains her fanatic eurofederalism. Ursula with her centre-right politician father Ernst Albrecht and mother Heidi-Adele Albrecht in 1978 A former German defence minister, who has replaced Jean-Claude Juncker as EU Commission president, Ms von der Leyen has previously called for a 'United States of Europe' with its own army. The mother-of-seven has a medical degree and studied at the London School of Economics as well as Stanford in the US. She spent 12 months in the 'seething, international, colourful city' of London to avoid the Baader-Meinhof Gang, a hard Left group that carried out a string of bomb attacks and assassinations, she revealed last year. While in Britain she called herself Rose Ladson - the name of her American great-grandmother - to avoid detection. The qualified gynaecologist only entered politics in her 40s, but regularly emerges in opinion polls as one of Germany's most popular politicians. Ms von der Leyen is a mother of seven children. She is pictured with her family in 2005 She was Angela Merkel's defence minister from 2013, but became mired in controversy over the awarding of contracts for which she was eventually exonerated and has faced criticism about gaps in military readiness. She was once seen as a potential replacement to German Chancellor Mrs Merkel, but the contracts controversy saw her fade from contention. The 61-year-old speaks fluent English and French a crucial qualification for her new role in Brussels. Advertisement 'But when the sun rises again on February 1 the European Union and the United Kingdom will still be the best of friends and partners. 'The bonds between us will still be unbreakable.' But she struck a pessimistic tone as she said that while the EU wants to strike a 'truly ambitious and comprehensive new partnership' with the UK she does not believe that work can be completed by the end of 2020. She said: 'We will go as fast as we can but the truth is that our partnership cannot and will not be the same as before and it cannot or will not be as close as before because with every choice comes a consequence, with every decision comes a trade off.' Ms von der Leyen said the EU was willing to work 'day and night' to get a deal done but warned that talks would be 'tough'. Describing the end of the year deadline as 'very, very tight', she said: 'It is basically impossible to negotiate all of what I have been mentioning therefore we will have to prioritise as long as we face that deadline of the end of 2020.' She insisted that the negotiations would not be 'all or nothing' as she suggested some issues relating to the future partnership could be discussed in 2021 and beyond. But she delivered a clear hint that her preference would be for the transition period to be extended to make more time for talks and to avoid any disruption. She said: 'I would prefer that we look at the whole scenery before the summer starts... because we might together want to take a reconsideration of the timeframe before the 1st of July.' The divorce agreement struck between the UK and the EU states that the transition period can be extended by up to two years if both sides agree - but a decision must be made before July. Mr Johnson was expected to tell Ms von der Leyen - a German former defence minister and mother of seven - he wants a looser Canada-style free trade agreement without the close political alignment once planned by his predecessor Theresa May. The 'introductory meeting' between Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen came as it emerged that Mr Barnier expressed concerns in a letter sent before Christmas that the UK could renege on commitments in the divorce deal Mr Johnson sealed last year. According to the Telegraph, he said the citizens' rights watchdog - officially the Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) - must have the ability 'to act rapidly and in full independence' on complaints from EU citizens. A draft resolution due to be debated in the European Parliament next week expresses 'concern' about the set-up of the IMA, and notes that the authority must be 'truly independent' and should be operational immediately after the transition period ends. Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay will also attend the talks in Downing Street this afternoon. In a round of interviews this morning, Mr Barclay insisted the prospects for a trade deal were good as it represented a 'win-win' for both sides. 'I think there is scope for a very positive and optimistic approach to the trade deal,' he told Sky News. 'Both sides have committed to securing a trade deal by the end of December 2020. That is in the Political Declaration.' He also dismissed the suggestion that the government was looking to water down the rights of EU nationals living in the UK after Brexit. Brussels had insisted that trade talks would not be on the agenda at today's meeting. European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said the session would 'set the scene', but in order to launch trade talks the European Council - made up of the 27 remaining EU nations - would need to approve a mandate 'and we are not at that stage yet'. 'This is not a meeting that will go into the details of the trade negotiation per se,' he added. Mr Barnier told MEPs last month: 'It is unrealistic that a global negotiation can be done in 11 months, so we can't do it all. Key dates in the run-up to Brexit Today: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Michel Barnier are in Downing Street for talks with the PM. Tomorrow: EU Withdrawal Bill is due to clear its final Commons stages. Next week: The legislation moves to the House of Lords, where Remainer peers are expected to table a wave of amendments. January 22: Ministers expect the EU Withdrawl Bill to complete its progress by around this point, and receive Royal Assent. 11pm, January 31: The UK formally leaves the EU - although it will stay bound to the bloc's rules for at least another 11 months during the transition period. Advertisement 'We will do all we can to get what I call the 'vital minimum' to establish a relationship with the UK if that is the timescale.' Labour last night dropped an attempt to amend the EU Withdrawal Bill to force an extension of the transition period by another two years. MPs will continue to scrutinise the Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB) on Wednesday in the second day of its committee stage. On Tuesday, Mr Barclay insisted that the government would stick to its EU departure timetable after facing calls to guarantee the UK will leave with a trade agreement. The Cabinet minister said the Conservatives had committed in their manifesto to not extend the implementation period beyond December 2020. Mr Barclay expressed confidence in negotiating a trade agreement with the EU in the 11 month transition, but did not rule out a no-deal arrangement. Clause 33 of the WAB seeks to prohibit ministers from trying to extend the implementation period, which would begin once the UK leaves the EU on January 31. Labour said the WAB is a 'bad deal' for the UK and called on the Government to come forward with proposals to show how it will avoid the 'catastrophe of no-deal at the end of this year'. Ms von der Leyen was greeted by pro-EU campaigners as she left Europe House in central London today The president of the European Commission was joined in Downing Street by the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier Wednesday's Commons debate on the Bill is likely to be dominated by an amendment demanding the government continues to negotiate to take in lone child refugees from Europe after Brexit. A clause containing a commitment to strike a deal with the EU so unaccompanied child refugees could continue to be reunited with their families in the UK after exit day was removed from the Bill when it was reintroduced to Parliament after the election. Clause 37 replaces the pledge with a watered-down vow for ministers to 'make a statement' on the progress of the talks once the divorce with Brussels is complete. Labour leadership hopeful Sir Keir Starmer and Lord Alf Dubs, who fled from the Nazis on the Kindertransport to Britain when he was six years old, have written to all Tory MPs calling on them to vote against the Prime Minister's 'disgraceful' change. Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has denied the reports suggesting that he is under pressure to contest the 2023 presidential election. Some media reports had suggested that the former president is gearing up to contest again in 2023. However, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan said he was not under pressure to contest, rather he is focusing on promoting peace and sustainable democracy across the African continent. There was nothing like that. The former President has not made any comments nor spoken to anyone on the coming elections, he said. He is busy concentrating on his foundation, The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), and its work of promoting peace, sustainable democracy and youth empowerment in Africa. Describing the reports as old and fake, he added: If you check online, you will discover that a story with similar headline had been published in the past by few shady online sources. As China grapples with ongoing trade tensions with the United States and a slowing economy, many come to the lake in search of an emotional lift. They sing patriotic songs, recite Mr. Xis slogans about the Chinese dream and reminisce about revolutionary heroes. We want to show our gratitude to the party, Mr. Liu said, and to remember that China can only be strong with a strong party. The experience of the visit culminates at a 161-foot-long wall emblazoned with the partys hammer-and-sickle flag, where visitors clench their fists and recite an oath of loyalty to the party, a communist ritual that has come back into fashion under Mr. Xi, who also serves as the partys chairman. In 1921, Mao Zedong and a small group of revolutionaries held the partys first congress on a boat in the middle of the lake, after the police chased them out of Shanghai, about 60 miles northeast. Across China, the so-called red boat is well known. At the museum at the lake, which started construction when Mr. Xi was the top party official here in Zhejiang Province, a selective retelling of party history is on display. Inside, there are exhibitions about Chinas century of national humiliation at the hands of foreign powers, the spread of Marxism in China and Maos founding of the Peoples Republic in 1949. A glittering display on the top floor is devoted to Mr. Xi, Chinas most influential leader since Mao. His speeches play on loop and his slogans are plastered across the walls, including one that says, Lead the great renewal of the Chinese nation. A lot of what I know about Washington of how it looks now and of how it looked in the past is thanks to James M. Goode, the historian and author. He died Dec. 12 at age 80, and Ill miss being able to call him about some building or statue and ask, Whats the deal with that? Nelson Patea, sentenced to eight years' jail in 2018 after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Gold Coast man Greg Dufty, is a free man once again after just 20 months. Patea was eligible for parole in January 2019 and on Monday posted a picture on Facebook with the caption "back on the streets". It was the first time he had posted for three years. Nelson Patea, the brother of Lionel Patea, posted on Facebook on Monday with the caption: "Back on the streets". Credit:Facebook Mr Dufty, a father of two, was attacked by a group of men on the evening of July 6, 2015 and hit with a 40-centimetre shifting spanner before being kicked while on the ground. The attack was in retaliation for Mr Dufty's earlier theft of cannabis from one of his attackers. The body was incinerated at a property near Casino in northern NSW and was never recovered. In June last year, Indian Navy had launched a maritime security drill code named Operation Sankalp in the Gulf region (Photo Credit: Representative Image ) New Delhi: The Indian Navy has deployed warships in the Gulf region to ensure security of India's sea-borne trade and effectively respond to any emergent situation in the wake of fast escalating tension between the US and Iran, officials said on Wednesday. Iran launched missile strikes against two American military bases in Iraq on Wednesday in retaliation to the killing of its top commander General Qassem Soleimani by the US in a drone strike. The Indian Navy said warships and aircraft were deployed to establish presence, provide a sense of reassurance to the Indian merchantmen, monitor the ongoing situation and respond to any emergent crises. "Indian Navy continues to monitor the situation in the Gulf region and is maintaining presence in the region to ensure security of our sea-borne trade and the safety of Indian Flag Merchant Vessels transiting through the region," it said in a statement. "The Indian Navy stands committed to protection of the nation's maritime interests," the Navy added. In June last year, the Navy had launched a maritime security drill code named Operation Sankalp in the strategically key region following attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf of Oman. "Indian Navy warships and aircraft were deployed to establish presence, provide a sense of reassurance to the Indian merchantmen, monitor the ongoing situation and respond to any emergent crises," the Navy said. The operation is being progressed in close coordination with all stakeholders including Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Shipping and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. "Regular inter-ministerial meetings have been held to review the evolving maritime security situation in the Gulf region," a senior official said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. CALGARY, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Pembina Pipeline Corporation ("Pembina") (TSX: PPL;NYSE: PBA) announced today that it has agreed to issue $1 billion of senior unsecured medium-term notes (the "Offering"). The Offering will be conducted in three tranches consisting of $250 million principal amount to be issued through a re-opening of the Company's 4.02% medium-term notes, series 10, due March 27, 2028 (the "Series 10 Notes"); $500 million principal amount to be issued through a re-opening of the Company's 4.75% medium-term notes, series 11, due March 26, 2048 (the "Series 11 Notes"); and $250 million principal amount to be issued through a re-opening of the Company's 3.62% medium-term notes, series 12, due April 3, 2029 (the "Series 12 Notes"). Pembina expects net proceeds of $1.07 billion upon closing of the Offering. Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on January 10, 2020 and the net proceeds are intended to be used to repay indebtedness of the Company under its unsecured $2.5 billion revolving credit facility due May 31, 2024 incurred in connection with the acquisition of the U.S. portion of the Cochin Pipeline system, as well as to fund Pembina's capital program and for general corporate purposes. The re-opening of the Series 10, Series 11 and Series 12 Notes are being offered through a syndicate of dealers under Pembina's short-form base shelf prospectus dated August 30, 2019, as supplemented by related pricing supplements dated January 8, 2020. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the notes in any jurisdiction. The notes being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities law, and may not be offered or sold within the United States. About Pembina Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Corporation is a leading transportation and midstream service provider that has been serving North America's energy industry for 65 years. Pembina owns an integrated system of pipelines that transport various hydrocarbon liquids and natural gas products produced primarily in western Canada. The Company also owns gas gathering and processing facilities; an oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics business; is growing an export terminals business; and is currently constructing a petrochemical facility to convert propane into polypropylene. Pembina's integrated assets and commercial operations along the majority of the hydrocarbon value chain allow it to offer a full spectrum of midstream and marketing services to the energy sector. Pembina is committed to identifying additional opportunities to connect hydrocarbon production to new demand locations through the development of infrastructure that would extend Pembina's service offering even further along the hydrocarbon value chain. These new developments will contribute to ensuring that hydrocarbons produced in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and the other basins where Pembina operates can reach the highest value markets throughout the world. Purpose of Pembina: To be the leader in delivering integrated infrastructure solutions connecting global markets; Customers choose us first for reliable and value-added services; choose us first for reliable and value-added services; Investors receive sustainable industry-leading total returns; receive sustainable industry-leading total returns; Employees say we are the 'employer of choice' and value our safe, respectful, collaborative and fair work culture; and say we are the 'employer of choice' and value our safe, respectful, collaborative and fair work culture; and Communities welcome us and recognize the net positive impact of our social and environmental commitment. Pembina is structured into three Divisions: Pipelines Division, Facilities Division and Marketing & New Ventures Division. Pembina's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under PPL and PBA, respectively. For more information, visit www.pembina.com. Forward-Looking Information and Statements This document contains certain forward-looking statements and information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of applicable securities legislation that are based on Pembina's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "intend", "will", "shall", and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the Offering, including the anticipated closing date of the Offering and the use of the net proceeds of the Offering. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that Pembina has made in respect thereof as at the date of this news release, including: prevailing commodity prices, margins and exchange rates, that Pembina's businesses will continue to achieve sustainable financial results and that future results of operations will be consistent with past performance and management expectations in relation thereto, the availability and sources of capital, operating costs, ongoing utilization and future expansions, the ability to reach required commercial agreements, and the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: non-performance of agreements in accordance with their terms; the impact of competitive entities and pricing; reliance on key industry partners, alliances and agreements; the strength and operations of the oil and natural gas production industry and related commodity prices; the continuation or completion of third-party projects; regulatory environment and inability to obtain required regulatory approvals; tax laws and treatment; fluctuations in operating results; the ability of Pembina to raise sufficient capital to complete future projects and satisfy future commitments; construction delays; labour and material shortages; and certain other risks detailed from time to time in Pembina's public disclosure documents including, among other things, those detailed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Pembina's management's discussion and analysis and annual information form, each for the year ended December 31, 2018, which can be found at www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and available on Pembina's website at www.pembina.com. In addition, the closing of the Offering may not be completed, or may be delayed, if the conditions to the closing of the Offering are not satisfied on the anticipated timeline or at all. Accordingly, there is a risk that the Offering will not be completed within the anticipated time, on the terms currently proposed, or at all. The intended use of the net proceeds of the Offering by Pembina may change if the board of directors of Pembina determines that it would be in the best interests of Pembina to deploy the proceeds for some other purpose and there can be no guarantee as to how or when such proceeds may be used. Accordingly, readers are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause results to differ materially from those predicted, forecasted or projected. Such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by the above statements. Pembina does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information contained herein, except as required by applicable laws. SOURCE Pembina Pipeline Corporation Related Links http://www.pembina.com Its unlikely Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will be checking out the Help Wanted listings, but the couple announced on Instagram Wednesday that they want to be financially independent of Britains royal family. Harry, the youngest son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, and his American-born wife said they will be stepping back from their roles as senior members of the royal family. They intend to divide their time between the United Kingdom and North America. The couple had spent the holidays in Canada. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity, they wrote. After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year the couple wrote, adding that they hope to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen, they wrote. The announcement may have caught other senior royals off-guard. Buckingham Palace issued a statement in response saying, "Discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage. We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through. Congress leaders in Gujarat on Wednesday urged Governor Acharya Devvrat to stop the implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the National Population Register (NPR) in the state. The opposition party claimed that these provisions are not only "unconstitutional", but also "discriminatory, anti- poor and anti-Muslim". A Congress delegation led by state Congress chief Amit Chavda and Leader of Opposition in Assembly, Paresh Dhanani, called upon the governor in Gandhinagar and handed over a memorandum seeking that the implementation of controversial CAA, NRC andR be stopped in Gujarat. About the CAA, the Congress claimed that it is against the basic principles of the Constitution and it would divide the nation on the basis of religion. "The CAA would destroy the secular structure of the Constitution. It is deemed to be rejected for being unconstitutional and discriminatory," the memorandum said. "Though the present law is very much clear about who should get the citizenship, the CAA has been brought by the BJP government to misguide the nation and divert people's attention from real issues," it added. Claiming that the NRC and theR are "one and the same", the opposition party said people have doubts and fear about them as over 19 lakh people failed to prove their citizenship during NRC drive in Assam recently. "NPR is the first step towards NRC. Muslims have fear that they will be targeted and stripped off their citizenship. Implementation of both these provisions would bring lots of trouble for the poor, Dalits, tribals and minorities. People have apprehensions about these things," the memorandum further said. Citing the examples of other states like Kerala and West Bengal, the opposition party urged the governor to use his powers to stop the implementation of CAA, NRC andR. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Burma Myanmar Military Detains 2 Unarmed RCSS Members at Public Event in Shan State RCSS troops march during an event to mark Shan State National Day at the groups headquarters in Loi Tai Leng in 2016. / The Irrawaddy YANGONThe Myanmar military detained two members of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) who attended a public meeting in the village of Narpwe in Nansang Township in southern Shan State on Monday, according to Lieutenant-Colonel Sai Oo of the RCSS. Our members live in the village without wearing military uniforms. The military spotted them, and checked their phones. They detained them after they saw photos of them wearing military uniforms on their phones, he told The Irrawaddy. It is common for RCSS members to attend peace and drug awareness campaigns organized by local communities, he said, adding that it is unacceptable for the military to arrest them at a public meeting while unarmed. The military has not released them yet. They arrested them not because of a misunderstanding, but intentionally. Our members [should] have freedom of movement, Lt-Col. Sai Oo said. He said the RCSS would send a letter to the Myanmar military asking it to free its members. Myanmar military spokesperson Brigadier-General Zaw Min Tun said he could not confirm the arrests. I saw that report. But I havent heard anything about it and therefore still cant confirm [the arrests], he told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday. The arrests came as General Yawd Serk, the RCSS chairman and leader of the Peace Process Steering Team of 10 signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), visited Naypyitaw to attend the Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting (JICM) on Wednesday, which was also joined by the State Counselor and senior military leaders. Gen. Yawd Serk arrived in Naypyitaw on Monday. The RCSS chairman also planned to meet with government and military leaders to hold discussions on peace and building a federal Union, according to its statement released on Sunday. Sai Kyaw Nyunt, general secretary 1 of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, suggested that the detention of the RCSS members stemmed from the lack of a clear demarcation of territories between the Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups. There is no clear demarcation of boundaries with the NCA signatories or those who have signed bilateral [ceasefire agreements]. So, each side can accuse the other of intruding on its territory. This problem [detention] is the result of the lack of clear boundaries, he said. In October last year, the Myanmar militarys Central Eastern Command blocked an RCSS delegation led by Gen. Yawd Serk from traveling to Naypyitaw to attend an event marking the fourth anniversary of the NCA. The Myanmar military cited security concerns. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko You may also like these stories: More Than 1,000 Flee Latest Fighting Between Rival Armed Groups in Shan State New Amnesty Report Says Myanmar Military, EAOs Committing War Crimes in Shan Myanmar Army Partially Withdraws from Maungdaw, Allows Aid Access Transport and banking services at several places are likely to be affected due to the 'Bharat Bandh' called by all 10 Central trade unions along with different federations being organised to protest against "anti-worker policies of BJP government" on Wednesday. The ten central trade unions including CITU, INTUC, among others have given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) will not be taking part in the strike. Earlier on Tuesday, speaking to ANI Tapan Sen, general secretary of CITU had said, "All 10 central unions along with all independent federations of central and state governments, bank, defence production and other service sectors have called a strike against anti-worker and anti- policies of BJP government." "Workers are going on strike with a 12-point charter of demands. We are demanding equal wage for equal work for contract workers who do the same work but receive less than half wage than regular workers," he added. All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) which comprises about 250 farmers' organisations has also announced to observe 'Grameen Bharat Bandh', on Wednesday. Moreover, services at various bank branches are likely to be affected as hundreds of employees are likely to go on a bank strike across the country on Wednesday. The bank strike is part of the Bharat Bandh call given by trade unions to protest against the labour reforms and economic policies of the Central government, according to reports. The protestors' demand during the Bharat Bandh includes the Centre to drop the proposed labour reforms. A Bill in this regard was passed and proposes to merge 44 labour laws into four codes -- wages, industrial relations, social security, and safe working conditions. Meanwhile, in West Bengal Transport Department will operate 22 per cent additional buses on Wednesday in view of nationwide strike supported by various trade unions against economic policies of the central government. "The State Transport Units (STUs) will operate about 22 per cent additional buses tomorrow," a Transport Department release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Delhi Police Crime Branch on Wednesday, January 8, arrested two more persons in connection with the violence during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Seelampur area of Delhi. According to reports, the protesters had allegedly vandalized three buses during the protests. Earlier, a total of 16 people were arrested in connection with violence during the anti-CAA protests that took place on December 17. As per reports, the accused were sent to 14-day judicial custody. While two of them were granted interim bail on medical grounds, others were produced before the court at the end of their remand period. Protests in Seelampur area Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests had erupted in East Delhi's Seelampur area on Tuesday, December 17. According to police sources, the protesters had gathered at around 1.15 pm and marched towards Seelampur. The sources further stated that initially, the protests were peaceful. However, it took a violent turn in Seelampur, forcing the police to use tear gas shells to disperse the protesters. Read: DMK leaders walk out of Assembly after Speaker tables CAA discussion for another time Protests in Delhi The mood in the capital has been tense since December 15, when buses and police vehicles were set ablaze in an outbreak of violence near Jamia Millia Islamia University. The varsity's students denied involvement, and police action inside the campus had later sparked nationwide protests. The police had claimed that the protesters torched DTC buses and a fire tender was damaged. However, the students claimed that the police baton-charged them when they were holding a peaceful protest. Read: Digvijaya Singh sides with Deepika Padukone, calls opposing elements 'anti-democratic' The CAA seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Through this bill, Indian citizenship will be provided to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, to put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country. Read: Deepika Padukone reacts on CAA protests & JNU violence, says 'proud that we aren't scared' Read: Students from Delhi universities protest against CAA, NRC and JNU violence (WITH ANI INPUTS) A star of the film 1917 read on set about a paralysed machine gunner's heroism in the First World War - without realising it was his own great-great grandfather. Dean-Charles Chapman told how he was reading diaries from the Western Front while researching the conflict for his role in the new film by director Sir Sam Mendes. He learned about machine gunner David Peers, who spent four days in intense pain behind enemy lines after being shot through the hip in Loos in October 1915. Private Peers, 20, was paralysed in both legs in battle but dragged himself through the mud and drank water from his fallen comrades' bottles to survive. Chapman, 22, then learned that the dramatic account was about his own relative, telling The Sun: 'I read that book pretty much every day before I walked out on set. Actor Dean-Charles Chapman (left, in Hollywood last month) learned about machine gunner David Peers (right), who spent four days in intense pain behind enemy lines after being shot Dean-Charles Chapman (left) and George MacKay (right) play two lance corporals in 1917 who race across no man's land to deliver a message to save the lives of 1,600 British soldiers 'It was only after I spoke to my mum and dad, who then spoke to their parents, that it became clear that my great, great grandad had an entry in it. 'Just reading snippets of the story of my great, great grandfather and knowing I had an ancestor who was there made me feel so much more connected to Blake.' Chapman stars alongside George MacKay in 1917 as two lance corporals who race across no man's land to deliver a message to save the lives of 1,600 British soldiers. Private Peers was an apprentice fitter who joined his home regiment in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, and landed in France in March 1915 before fighting at Ypres. Director Sir Sam Mendes speaks on the set of 1917, which is released in the UK on Friday Private David Peers married Kathleen Johnson in 1917 but died in 1935 aged 40. Four years later their daughter Evelyn Ruby married Sidney Chapman - Dean-Charles's great-grandfather The film was inspired by a story told to Sir Sam Mendes (left, at the Golden Globes on Sunday) by his paternal grandfather, Alfred Mendes, about two young soldiers at the height of the war He was then sent south to coalfields near Bethune, where thousands of British soldiers died, and was chosen to go over the top and retake a German stronghold. On October 13 that year at 2pm after a two-hour bombardment, Private Peers and more than 600 comrades attacked the Germans in hand-to-hand combat. He was one of 217 men counted as missing from an original total of 659 from 5th Lincs, but was severely injured by a bullet which paralysed him from the waist down. According to the Sun, Private Peers later told the Red Cross: 'I was lying out for four days until I was found by a young German officer who said to me, 'Englander?' 1917 (left) will be released in the UK this Friday after coming out in the US last month. Chapman had read The Western Front Diaries by Jonathan King (right) while reading up on the conflict 'And when I said, 'Yes', he spat on the ground and said, 'Swine'. Then his superior officer came up and treated me well.' Private Peers was taken to a field hospital and then by train to a hospital in Aachen, Germany, where he was later transferred to a prisoner of war camp in Cologne. Six months after the attack he was put on a prisoner-exchange train to Brussels and finally got to the Queen Alexandra Military Hospital in London in May 1916. He was later transferred to Ralston Hospital in Glasgow and discharged, before getting a job making Remembrance wreaths in Richmond, South West London. Sir Sam Mendes accepts the award for Best Motion Picture - Drama for 1917 at the Golden Globes with Chapman, MacKay and Pippa Harris during the awards in California on Sunday Prince Charles and Camilla attend the 1917 premiere in London's Leicester Square last month Private Peers married Kathleen in 1917 but died in 1935 aged 40. Four years later their daughter Evelyn Ruby married Sidney Chapman - Dean-Charles's great-grandfather. The actor also appeared in Game Of Thrones as Tommen Baratheon, the youngest son of the fearsome Cersei Lannister, and played Billy Elliot in the West End. 1917, which also stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Scott and Richard Madden, received nine Bafta nine nominations yesterday, including for best film. The First World War epic was inspired by a story told to Sir Sam by his paternal grandfather, Alfred Mendes, about two young soldiers at the height of the conflict. 1917 will be released in UK cinemas on Friday, having come out in the US last month All his life, Akbar Padamsee never lost his spirit for experimentation and worked in plethora of media such as oils, water colours, plastic emulsion, sculpture, photography, computer graphics and printmaking. A decade ago, while researching my book on VS Gaitonde, I was struck by a monumental canvas hanging in artist Krishen Khannas dining room depicting a dense jumble of houses in shades of grey. It turned out to be a work that Khanna had purchased from his friend Abkar Padamsee at the latters exhibition in 1960. Khanna urged me to visit Padamsee, who was one of the few people to have known Gaitonde both in his Bombay years and later in the US, when both men were on a Rockefeller scholarship. Taking the senior artists advice, I dropped in on Padamsee on my next trip to Bombay. I was lucky to meet him as he was spending more and more time at Sadhgurus ashram in Coimbatore. We had a freewheeling conversation, not just about the subject of my book but on Padamsees own artistic journey. He regaled me with several anecdotes, often laced with his boyish yet acerbic wit, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Read on Firstpost: Legendary artist Akbar Padamsee passes away aged 91, leaving behind his indelible imprint on Indian art Padamsee embarked on a journey of colour and form by studying at the prestigious Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy School of Art better known as the JJ School of Art in Bombay. Here he was exposed to traditions of Indian miniature painting under Jagannath Ahivasi and the principles of western academic art under HG Nagarkar. Besides art, he also developed a keen interest in spirituality, greatly admiring his college senior, Shankar Palsikar, for his knowledge of the Upanishads. While at college he befriended the members of the Progressive Artists Group (PAG), and travelled to Paris with one of its founder members, Syed Haider Raza, in the early 1950s. In Paris, Padamsee encountered the works of the Swiss-born artist Paul Klee and was greatly taken by the first volume of Klees notebooks, The Thinking Eye. Filled with drawings, notes and illustrations, it contained material that Klee used for his Bauhaus school lectures on art and the creative process. But it was the section on colour, which included Goethes colour theory, that was of particular interest to Padamsee. It gave him a deep understanding of colour, which explains why he is often regarded in Indian art circles as a consummate colourist. On one of his trips to India he was asked by Palsikar, who was teaching at the JJ School of Art, to give a lecture on Klee. Padamsee readily obliged and recalled Gaitonde also attending the session. Later he learnt from friends that Gaitondes work was starting to resemble Klees! In turn Padamsee credited Gaitonde for introducing him to Mai Mai Szes Tao of Painting, which provided him with insights into the history of Chinese ink painting, calligraphy and philosophical thought. Perhaps a lesser known fact about Padamsees career was how he fought against the censorship of the arts. In 1954, Padamsee held his first solo at the Jehangir Art Gallery, where he exhibited two paintings Lovers No. 1, and Lovers No. 2, the former depicting two nudes, with the mans hand placed on a nude womans breast. The works must have evidently scandalised some visitors because they tipped off a certain Inspector Kanga of the vigilance branch of the Bombay Police. He requested Padamsee to remove the works from the show, deeming them obscene. Padamsee, however, stood his ground and bravely countered that he would rather risk arrest than take them down. The matter landed in court and the artist was charged under section 292 of the Indian Penal Code for obscenity. However, Padamsee with the help of his lawyer, was able to convince the magistrate that given the subject of the work, the gesture of the man was a way of pictorially establishing him as the womans lover. This case finally led to the landmark judgement that artists were free to exhibit nudes in gallery shows without attracting the charge of obscenity. As Art Heritage Gallerys Amal Allana succinctly put it, For what was at stake here for Akbar, was the freedom of artistic expression... something that he stood for and believed in till the end. All his life Padamsee never lost his spirit for experimentation and worked in a plethora of media such as oils, water colours, plastic emulsion, sculpture, photography, computer graphics and printmaking. He was also a pioneer in more ways than one. His foresight lead him to set up the Vision Exchange Workshop (VIEW) for printing and film making between 1969 and 1971. At the time there was no such space, which brought together artists and filmmakers, giving them the freedom to experiment in an interdisciplinary environment. The workshop was set up in his flat at Nepean Sea Road and Padamsee recalled how he had to prevail on a local manufacturer to produce an etching press based on his experience in the US. The Sardarji told me I will make it, but it will not print. But I told him, just make it. We took an etching. He was shocked that it worked for all of Rs 3,000! After that many people commissioned presses from him The workshop was attended by artists such as Gieve Patel and Nalini Malani and film directors such as Mani Kaul and Kumar Shahani. Padamsee too made two films, the short animation Syzygy, and Events in a Cloud Chamber. Syzgy has been enjoying a revival on the art circuit and was screened again most recently at the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa in a show curated by Nancy Adajania. Acknowledging the role that VIEW played in the development of her own career, Nalini Malani said, I was the youngest to be invited to his dream project and it is thanks to the Vision Exchange Workshop that I achieved my dream of making moving images on film. Thanks to Akbars workshop I made five films at VIEW and continue till date to make moving images. Padamsee could be extremely caring and generous to his fellow artists in more ways than one. Once, on learning that Gaitonde was in dire straits financially, he invited the artist to stay with him for a week. At the time Padamsee had rented a place in Juhu. But Gaitonde turned his offer down saying that if he became used to living by the sea, it would be difficult for him to pry himself away! Undeterred, Padamsee asked if he could help him in any way. Gaitonde asked him to buy one of his works instead, which the former generously did. Padamsee will also be remembered for his large-scale works done during the grey phase of his artistic trajectory. In 1959 on his return from Paris, he decided to eschew a colourful palette and turned to shades of grey instead. This phase included, apart from the aforementioned work in Khannas possession which in 2016 set a new record for his work at a Saffronart's auction going under the hammer for over Rs 19 crore several paintings in what is known as Padamsees Juhu series. Since the 1970s, the artist devoted his time oscillating between painting the human figure and his brilliantly coloured Metascape series or metaphysical landscapes. These are works, which could be viewed more as mindscapes, revealing an inner world. Rendered in shades of deep blues, oranges and reds, they were arrived at by Padamsees interest in Sanskrit texts such as Kalidasas Abhijnanashakuntalam, where he found a reference to the sun and moon as controllers of time. This inspired him to pair both the sun and moon in his sun-moon metascapes. Then there are the mirror image works, which reveal Padamsees interest in duality. These diptych landscapes are incomplete in themselves, each requiring the other to render them whole. As Padamsee mentioned in his conversation with me, Sadhguru has said we are torn apart by dualities. There is one way out of it: advaitya. But how can you reach advaitya? If you have understood what dvaitya is then you can play with duality. There is no birth or death without duality. Meera Menezes is a noted art scholar and author We conclude that Congress had the constitutional authority to impose a deadline on the ratification of the ERA and, because that deadline has expired, the ERA Resolution is no longer pending before the States, Assistant Attorney General Steven A. Engel wrote. Congress may not revive a proposed amendment after the deadline has expired. "Being sensitive to the many shipwrecked people of history who arrive exhausted on our shores, so that we too know how to welcome them with that brotherly love that comes from our encounter with Jesus". Vatican City (AsiaNews) - A prayer for "the Lord to help the people of Australia in this difficult moment with that blaze. I am close to the people of Australia" concluded today's general audience, in which the Pope resumed the cycle of catechesis on the Acts of the Apostles, in particular on Paul's journey by sea from Caesarea to Rome. This also gave Francis occasion to invite prayers for us "to be sensitive to the many shipwrecked people of history who arrive exhausted on our shores, so that we too know how to welcome them with that brotherly love that comes from the encounter with Jesus". The navigation encounters unfavourable conditions right from the start. The journey becomes dangerous. The plan that guides Paul towards Rome saves not only the apostle, but also his travelling companions; and the shipwreck transforms from a situation of misfortune to a providential opportunity for the proclamation of the Gospel. The shipwreck is followed by the landing on the island of Malta, whose inhabitants show a caring welcome. The Maltese are good, they are meek, they were already welcoming at that time. It rains and is cold, and they light a bonfire to provide the shipwrecked crew with some warmth and relief. Here, too, Paul, as a true disciple of Christ, places himself in service to feed the fire with some branches. During these operations he is bitten by a viper but does not suffer any damage: the people, looking at this, say; But he must be a great wrongdoer if he escapes shipwreck and ends up being bitten by a viper! They waited for the moment in which he dropped down dead, but does not suffer any damage and is even mistaken for a deity. In reality, this benefit comes from the Risen Lord Who assists him, according to the promise made before ascending to heaven and addressed to believers: They will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. (Mk 16: 18). The story tells us that from that moment onwards there have been no more vipers in Malta: this is Gods blessing for the welcome given by this good people. In fact, the stay in Malta becomes for Paul a propitious occasion to give flesh to the word he announces and to thus exercise a ministry of compassion in the healing of the sick. This is a law of the Gospel: when a believer experiences salvation he does not keep it for himself, but puts it into circulation. Goodness always tends to spread. Every authentic experience of truth and goodness by its very nature to grow within us, and any person who has experienced a profound liberation becomes more sensitive to the needs of others (Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium, 9). A Christian who has suffered can certainly become closer to those who suffer, as he knows what suffering is, and make his heart open and sensitive to solidarity with others. Paul teaches us to live through trials by staying close to Christ, in order to develop the conviction that God is able to act in every situation, even amid apparent setbacks and the certainty that all those who entrust themselves to God in love will bear good fruit (ibid., 279). Let us ask the Lord today to help us to live every trial sustained by the energy of faith; and to be sensitive to the many shipwrecked people in history who come to our shores exhausted, because we too know how to welcome them with that fraternal love which comes from the encounter with Jesus. This is what saves us from the frost of indifference and inhumanity. At the end of the audience, after his thoughts and solidarity expressed for Australia, ravaged by raging fires, and a performance by the Aqua circus, Francis asked the faithful to remember their date of Baptism. I would like each of us to know the date of the baptism: surely we know the date of the birthday, the date of nd I would like each one of us to find out the date of baptism: we know the date of our birthday, the date of our birth; but how many of you know your date of baptism? Few... since it is not celebrated, it is forgotten. I will give you some homework to do at home: Ask your parents, grandparents, uncles, friends: When was I baptized? When was I baptized? And always carry that date of baptism in your heart to thank the Lord for the grace of baptism. Will you do that? ". Flash U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said Tuesday that persuasive intelligence report shows the threat posed by Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was "a matter of days," in an effort to justify the U.S. airstrike that killed him. "I can assure you (the intelligence) is more than razor-thin and persuasive ... I think it was only a matter of days, certainly no more than weeks," said the Pentagon chief when asked by CNN whether the threat was imminent as the Trump administration claimed. Esper also suggested that the United States seek to avoid military conflict with Iran. "We are not looking to start a war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one," he said. "What we would like to see is the situation de-escalated and for Tehran to sit down with us and begin a discussion about a better way ahead," he added. Esper's words came hours after Iran's parliament designated the U.S. Department of Defense as a "terrorist organization." The New York Times reported over the weekend that some U.S. officials "voiced private skepticism about the rationale for a strike on General Suleimani," pointing out that the intelligence indicating imminent threat was thin. The Trump administration officials will provide a classified briefing on Iran on Tuesday for congressional leaders and Republican and Democratic leaders of the intelligence committees, and then classified briefing for the full House and Senate on Wednesday, according to media reports. Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), was killed in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad airport on Friday, raising fear of an uncontrolled escalation in the region. Boris Johnson today urged Donald Trump to 'de-escalate' the clash with Iran after he finally surfaced to face a grilling from MPs over the crisis. The PM stressed the need to ease tensions when he spoke to the US president on the phone this afternoon, in the wake of revenge missile attacks by Tehran. Earlier, Mr Johnson urged Iran not to 'repeat' the reprisals as he took the first PMQs session of the New Year with the fallout from the US killing of general Qassem Soleimani still raging. The premier he said of the notorious general: 'That man had the blood of British troops on his hands.' But Jeremy Corbyn accused Mr Johnson of 'prioritising' his relationship with Mr Trump over the 'security of the region'. Revealing the conversation between the leaders, a spokesman for the PM said: They discussed the escalation and the need for de-escalation to this crisis. They agreed to keep in touch, according to the spokesman. The missiles were launched in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani in a drone strike ordered by Donald Trump at Baghdad airport on Friday. The US says the notorious general was plotting terrorist attacks and it acted in self-defence. Boris Johnson urged Tehran not to 'repeat' the reprisals as he took the first PMQs session of the New Year The PM insisted Qassem Soleimani had 'British blood on his hands' as he dismissed Jeremy Corbyn's criticism of the US Jeremy Corbyn accused the PM of 'prioritising' his relationship with Donald Trump over the 'security of the region' Mr Corbyn said: 'Isn't the truth, Mr Speaker, that this Prime Minister is unable to stand up to President Trump because he has hitched his wagon to a trade deal with the United States and that prioritises everything else that he ought to be considering?' Mr Johnson has been accused of 'hiding' after he was not seen in public since returning from his Caribbean holiday on Sunday. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was sent to update MPs on the situation last night, And Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been doing most media appearances on the issue since the weekend. There have been claims the government was 'caught short' by the developments over the festive period. But No10 has insisted Mr Johnson has been working with other leaders behind the scenes to defuse the crisis. During the PMQs session, Mr Corbyn demanded to know what evidence Mr Johnson had that the killing of Soleimani was legal. But the premier shot back that it was not the responsibility of the government to justify the US action. Boris Johnson breaks cover for first time since Iran crisis erupts Boris Johnson's PMQs appearance was the first time he has been seen in public since returning from a Caribbean holiday on Sunday. Mr Johnson has been accused of 'hiding' after the US drone strike on Qassem Soleimani triggered a crisis. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was sent to update MPs on the situation last night, And Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been doing most media appearances on the issue since the weekend. There have been claims the government was 'caught short' by the developments over the festive period. But No10 has insisted Mr Johnson has been working with other leaders behind the scenes to defuse the crisis. Advertisement 'Clearly the strict issue of legality is not for the UK to determine since it was not our operation,' said the PM. 'But I think most reasonable people would accept that the United States has the right to protect its bases and its personnel.' The PM said Soleimani had supplied 'improvised explosive devices to terrorists, which I'm afraid killed and maimed British troops'. Mr Johnson said he opposed any further escalation of violence and told MPs: 'As far as we can tell there were no casualties last night sustained by the US and no British personnel were injured in the attacks. 'We are doing everything we can to protect UK interests in the region, with HMS Defender and HMS Montrose operating in an enhanced state of readiness to protect shipping in the Gulf.' Mr Corbyn said: 'Isn't the truth, Mr Speaker, that this Prime Minister is unable to stand up to President Trump because he has hitched his wagon to a trade deal with the United States and that prioritises everything else that he ought to be considering?' Mr Johnson replied: 'This is absolute fiction. But what I will say is that the UK will continue to work for de-escalation in the region.' He added: 'But he should be in absolutely no doubt, and this is of course a leader of the Opposition who famously received 10,000 from the Iranian Press TV, he should be in absolutely no doubt that we are determined to guarantee with everything that we can the safety and the security of the people of Iraq - whereas he, of course, would disband Nato. He swiped: 'I'm very surprised, at the end of these exchanges, that he is yet to condemn the activities of Qassem Soleimani.' The Iranian action appears to have been carefully calibrated to satisfy the anger of hardliners, while minimising the chances of the situation spiralling out of control. Mr Trump had threatened a 'disproportionate' response if any US personnel were killed in retribution. Earlier today, Mr Raab condemned Iran's revenge missile attacks on two military bases in Iraq containing US and British troops - and urged it not to escalate the situation. The Foreign Secretary called the strikes on camps in Erbil in northern Iraq and 200 miles south at the Ain al-Asad airbase 'reckless' and 'dangerous', adding: 'A war in the Middle East would only benefit terrorist groups.' Iraqi security forces clear away pieces of shrapnel from the Ain al-Asad airbase after it was struck by ballistic missiles fired by Iran as part of operation 'Martyr Soleimani' Multiple rockets were launched by Iran at Al-Asad airbase in Iraq (pictured)_ that is home to US and coalition forces, including British troops Dominic Raab, pictured in Brussels for talks with EU ministers yesterday, has condemned the missile attacks carried out by Iran in Iraq overnight on bases housing British troops He also caused confusion by voicing concern at 'reports of casualties' - although the UK, US and Iraq have all said they did not suffer casualties. Government sources suggested he had been referring to the possibility of local injuries. RAF will double size of Chinook fleet in Iraq while Navy puts Royal Marines on war footing Britain is doubling the number of Chinooks within range of Baghdad and putting Royal Marines on standby as tensions between Iran and western powers continue to grow. As many as five of the heavy-lift helicopters are expected to be deployed from RAF Odiham in Hampshire within a number of days to the Middle East following an Iranian attack on Iraqi Al Asad and Erbil air bases - which host US and Coalition forces. Four Chinooks - troop and supply transporters armed with machine guns - are currently stationed in Arbil, northern Iraq, but the precise destination of the five extra aircraft has not been disclosed for security reasons, the Times reported. And Britain's elite Royal Marines have been put on 12-hour standby to help evacuate British troops and civilians in the case of war in Iraq - as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab today calls for 'urgent de-escalation' in the region, saying a war would 'only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups'. Advertisement Mr Raab said: 'We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting Coalition - including British - forces. We are concerned by reports of casualties and use of ballistic missiles. 'We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation. A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups.' Iran fired 'more than a dozen' ballistic missiles last night against two airbases in Iraq where US and coalition forces, including British troops, are based. But Tom Tugendhat, the Tory MP who chaired the defence committee during the last parliament, voiced relief that the reprisals appeared to have been limited. He said the Iran attack on US military bases in Iraq was 'not hugely surprising', and it would be 'extremely welcome' if both sides could now 'get back to talking'. Mr Tugendhat told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'As far as I'm aware, it is the first time Iranian ballistic missiles have been fired directly at US bases. 'That is slightly caveating it, because of course the Iranians have been firing missiles via proxy for many, many years.' He added: 'If both sides can declare victory and get back to talking, then that would be extremely welcome.' Boris Johnson will finally face questions from MP over the crisis later as he takes his first PMQs since the election. The premier has not been seen in public since returning from his Caribbean holiday on Sunday - and yesterday sent Defence Secretary Ben Wallace to update the Commons on the standoff. Iran branded the UK a 'partner in crime' of the US by Iranian officials who summoned Robert Macaire, Britain's ambassador to Tehran, to the Iranian foreign ministry yesterday. Raab urges Iran not to escalate US conflict Dominic Raab today condemned Iran's missile attacks on two military bases in Iraq containing US and British troops - and urged it not to escalate the situation. The Foreign Secretary called the strikes on camps in Erbil in northern Iraq and 200 miles south at the Ain al-Asad airbase 'reckless' and 'dangerous', adding: 'A war in the Middle East would only benefit terrorist groups.' He also caused confusion by voicing concern at 'reports of casualties' - although the UK, US and Iraq have all said they did not suffer casualties. Government sources suggested he had been referring to the possibility of local injuries. Advertisement Mr Wallace told the House last night that non-essential British personnel had now been withdrawn from the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, to a base 40 miles north of the city. Mr Wallace also told the Commons military helicopters and ships were currently 'on standby', in case British soldiers and civilians needed to be evacuated from the region. HMS Montrose and HMS Defender will resume their duties escorting British-flagged ships through the Straits of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. The vital shipping lane became a flash-point for heightened US-Iran tensions when two tankers were attacked and a British-vessel was seized by Revolutionary Guard commandos last July. Mr Wallace said the assassinated general had not been a 'friend' to peace, and added that Tehran's actions had been stoking problems in the region by coordinating proxy militias. He repeated Washington's view that Soleimani had been plotting attacks on US targets when he was killed, adding: 'The UK has always defended the right of countries to defend themselves.' But one Iranian diplomat claimed Britain should have condemned the killing, saying: 'The message was that we expected the British government to condemn the act of terror, and we are not happy that they did not.' The attack, dubbed operation 'Martyr Soleimani' in Iran, came in three waves just after midnight, sources said. Boris Johnson left Downing Street today to take the first PMQs session of the New Year amid high tension with Tehran in the wake of the US killing of general Qassem Soleimani The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) Iran swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack, with state TV saying it had launched 'tens of missiles' on the base and promised 'more crushing responses' if the US carried out further strikes. Iran threatened 'more crushing responses' if Washington carried out further strikes, the Islamic Republic's state media said. It said the missiles were in response to a US strike last week that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi military commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. The Pentagon said Iran had fired more than a dozen missiles against Ain al-Asad and another installation hosting US and coalition forces near Arbil. It said bases hosting foreign troops had expected an attack and had been on 'high alert' for days. Mr Trump was 'monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team', according to the White House. The attack came after pro-Tehran factions in Iraq had vowed to join forces to 'respond' to the killing of Soleimani and Muhandis last week. Soleimani was seen as the 'godfather' of Tehran's proxy network across the region and Muhandis, one of his top advisors, was the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military network. Many factions within the Hashed, which has been incorporated into the Iraqi state, have ties to Tehran. A hardline Hashed faction issued its fiercest threat yet to retaliate last night. 'The US Marines must immediately return to their dens to make their coffins,' said Akram al-Kaabi, head of the Harakat al-Nujaba group. 'The International Resistance Regiments have been formed in order to execute a harsh, deliberate response to the American terrorist forces,' Kaabi added. His deputy had earlier called for an urgent meeting to unite anti-American forces across Iraq. 'We will wage a war against the American presence in all parts of the region that we can reach,' said Nasr al-Shammary. Addressing the U.S. conflict with Iran on Wednesday, Mr. Trump called on Europeans to abandon the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, as he did in May 2018. His wish is likely to go unheeded. Just a few hours before the president spoke, top European leaders repeated their commitment to the deal and urged Iran to return to compliance, even in the face of harsh American sanctions. After the killing of General Suleimani, Iran announced that it no longer would be limited by the deal, but it did not say what it would do, leaving room for both escalation and a return to compliance. The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and the blocs foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell Fontelles, both said the nuclear agreement should be preserved. To that end, Ms. von der Leyen, said Mr. Borrell has been reaching out to all signatories to the deal, including Russia and China. Iran has, in effect, been making a phased retreat from its obligations under the deal since Mr. Trump abandoned it and reimposed economic sanctions on Iran. Britain, France and Germany, together with the European Union, Russia, China and the United States negotiated the deal, but only Washington has pulled out of it. Iran has regularly complained that the Europeans are not doing enough to provide Iran the economic benefits it was promised in the deal. Any country giving Iran financial assistance could run afoul of the sanctions and risk incurring sanctions itself. But both Russia and China have found ways to buy at least some Iranian oil. And some European countries have proposed workarounds to help Iran while complying with U.S. policy. But in comments before reporters at the State Department, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pointed to Irans past behavior as justification, arguing that the days that led up to the strike were what made the response urgent and that the continuing efforts on behalf of this terrorist to build out a network of campaign activities that were going to lead potentially to the death of many more Americans were an additional concern. With 2021 concluded and the 20th anniversary of the ModDB's Mod of the Year Awards wrapped up, we take a stroll down history lane and look back at all the winners over the last two decades. Accusing the BJP of running a "fake factory" at full potential, former chief minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said according to reports only Rs 669 crore of additional flood relief funds is being released by the Centre for the state as opposed to the ruling party's claim of Rs 1,869.85 crore. Reacting to his attack, the State BJP unit, without clarifying on the actuals of the amount being released, said it believed in speaking the truth and not spreading lies. Siddaramaiah, leader of the opposition in the state assembly, tweeted: "Reports from State govt officials tells that only Rs 669 crore of addl funds (sic) are released in 2nd instalment as opposed to the claim of Rs 1870 Cr by @BJP4Karnataka leaders. At a time when manufacturing industries are closing, BJP's fake factory is running at full potential!! Calling BJP leaders "devotees of the God of lies," he said in another tweet that Prime Minister Narendra Modi released an additional Rs 669.85 crore moved by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappas plea, taking the total amount to Rs 1,869.85 crore. He said it was funny that they were attempting to depict the total relief amount as 1200+1869.85 equalling to Rs 3,069.85 crore. Siddaramiahs tweet was in response to Karnataka BJPs tweet last night claiming that the High Level Committee (HLC) Chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved the release of Rs 1869.85 crore as central assistance to the state towards flood relief. This was in addition to Rs 1200 crore already released by the Centre in October 2019, the BJP unit had said. On Monday, the HLC had approved additional central assistance to seven states affected by floods last year, from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), including Karnataka. While a PIB release states that Rs 1869.85 crore was approved for Karnataka, according to sources in the state government the figure was inclusive of Rs 1,200 crore released in October. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa while expressing confidence that more funds will be released in later stages, maintained that Rs 1869 crore has been released in addition to Rs 1,200 crore earlier, and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "...funds will never be enough, they (central government) will release in stages, they have released such big amount- earlier Rs 1200 crore, now again Rs 1869 crore- I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for it," he told reporters here. Revenue Minister R Ashoka said the state government will press for more funds in the days to come, and the state government will fulfil promises made to those hit by floods. Karnataka faced two spells of unprecedented rains and floods last year, resulting in widespread damage to life and property, following which the state government had submitted a report to the centre claiming loss was to the tune of about Rs 38,000 crore. Reacting to Siddaramaiah's attack of "fake factory" against it, the state BJP tweeted "Ayyo @siddaramaiah Avare, We surrender to You as we are incapable of running Fake News Factory like You or @INCIndia. We believe in speaking the Truth like Gandhiji, not spreading lies like Goebbels. Kannadigas still remember the "Lies Bhagya (a scheme)" you gave them as CM from 2013-18. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One man has been killed and three others seriously wounded after a gunman opened fire in a 'targeted attack' in a downtown Ottawa Airbnb apartment this morning. Ottawa Police and paramedics were called to the 400 block of Gilmour Street shortly before 7:30am to reports of shots fired that had caused 'many injuries'. In a statement, the police department confirmed that a man had been killed at the scene and three others were taken to hospital with severe injuries. One of the victims is a 15-year-old boy and he was taken to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario for treatment in a stable condition. The other victims are both male and are said to be in a 'serious' condition'. Police say a 'coordinated response' is currently underway, and said the gunman remains at large as they 'continue to seek a suspect in this shooting'. Ottawa Police and paramedics were called to the 400 block of Gilmour Street shortly before 7:30am to reports of an active shooter that had caused 'many injuries' (credit: Ottawa Matters) One of the victims is a 15-year-old boy and he was taken to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario for treatment in a stable condition Local resident Mark Ignatiev told CTV News that the home where the shooting took place is an Airbnb with three apartments spread across two floors. He said the shooting took place on the first floor Police said a 'coordinated response' is currently underway. They have not yet confirmed whether the shooter is still active 'The scene at Gilmour Street has been secured by police,' Ottawa police said in a news release. 'This is not considered an active shooter situation, but the suspect remains at large and is not in custody.' Inspector Francois D'Aoust said authorities don't yet have a description of the suspect but officers are going door-to-door in the area to gather more information. The motive of the shooting remains unknown, though police have said they believe the attack was a 'targeted shooting'. The incident took place on a residential street. 'Major Crime investigators have confirmed that there are no national security implications related to this incident,' a later statement released by the department confirmed. Local resident Mark Ignatiev told CTV News that the home where the shooting took place is rented out as an Airbnb with three apartments spread across two floors. He said the shooting took place on the first floor. The motive of the shooting remains unknown, though police have said they believe the attack was a 'targeted shooting'. The incident took place on a residential street Inspector Francois D'Aoust said authorities don't yet have a description of the suspect but officers are going door-to-door in the area to gather more information Kacey Griffiths, who lives next to the house were she shooting occurred, said she awoke to find heavily armed police surrounding the neighboring building. She observed police stretching two young people out of the home while they administered treatment to a third in the backyard Ignatiev recalled seeing two people being escorted out of the home on stretchers, one with a wound to the leg and a second with a wound to his arm. One of the victims reportedly said he was 20-years-old when asked by police. He says he then watched on as police apparently retrieved what looked like a gun from a neighboring yard. Kacey Griffiths, who lives next to the house were she shooting occurred, said she awoke to find heavily armed police surrounding the neighboring building. She observed police stretching two young people out of the home while they administered treatment to a third in the backyard. 'They were both people I've never seen before,' she told the network. 'I'm very local here and I know my neighbors. I've never seen these people in my life.' Griffiths theorized the shooting may have been gang-related, citing a similar shooting in the street last May. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted Tuesday afternoon confirming that he had spoken to Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson about the shooting. 'My heart goes out to everyone affected, and I hope all those injured have a speedy recovery,' Trudeau wrote. 'Id also like to thank the @OttawaPolice & paramedics for acting so quickly.' The scene of the shooting is less than a kilometre south of Parliament Hill. Police are urging people to avoid the area The scene of the shooting is less than a kilometre south of Parliament Hill. Police are urging people to avoid the area. An emergency message was sent out by the Parliament of Canada Protective Service to all federal government employees at 8:04am warning of an 'active shooter' who is still at large. 'Be advised: Active shooter near Gilmore St. and Kent St. Be vigilant. Shooter is still at large,' the message reads. Gilmour Street remains closed between Kent and Lyon while the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Major Crime Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca. This is a developing story Denver, CO, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Helix Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: HLIX) (the Company), the leading provider of critical infrastructure services to the legal cannabis industry, successfully completed the launch of the state tracking system for adult use marijuana sales in Illinois. The successful transition of the tracking system from medical to adult use allowed businesses to sell over $3.2 million of cannabis products on the first day of sales. The historic rollout marked the first state to legalize cannabis through legislation instead of a ballot initiative and is also the second, and most populous state in the Midwest to allow adult use marijuana, signaling a growing acceptance of the plant in the traditionally conservative region. Illinois represents the largest market in the Midwest, with first day sales topping nearby Michigan by over 10 times. On its first day, the Biotrack system successfully processed over $3.2 million in transactions representing over 70,000 item sales. The strong first-day sales showed little sign of slowing with the first week seeing more than a quarter million transactions totaling over $11 million. These numbers are expected to grow as more licenses are issued in the State. Our biggest challenge upon launch was ensuring that all users had the requisite knowledge prior to going live, said Dr. Moe Afaneh, COO of BioTrack. Our support and training personnel have been putting in long hours, especially over the holidays, to make sure everything went smoothly and that focus hasnt ceased in the last week. The success of this launch is a testament to their hard work and customer service focus. Biotrack was nothing short of excellent concerning its collaboration of this massive Illinois launch at our Sunnyside Dispensaries. The Biotrack team was extremely informative, professional and executed real time adjustments to fix any issues we ran into daily/nightly. They were truly a wonderful partner in this process, proactively reaching out to us and checking in to see that the system was operating smoothly, said Jourdan Kurtz, EVP of Retail Operations at Cresco Labs. This was the largest single deployment in industry history, and I am honored that the State of Illinois selected BioTrack as its partner. Our team demonstrated a real passion and drive to complete this effort flawlessly, said Helix Technologies CEO and Executive Chairman Zachary L. Venegas. I also want to thank our many commercial clients who continue to trust our services and integrate us into their business. About Helix Technologies, Inc. Helix Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: HLIX) is a leading provider of critical infrastructure services, helping owners and operators of licensed cannabis businesses stay competitive and compliant while mitigating risk. Through its proprietary technology suite and security services, Helix Technologies provides comprehensive supply chain management, compliance tools, and asset protection for any license type in any regulated cannabis market. While Helix provides services to the Cannabis and Hemp Industries, the Company does not deal directly with the plant or any derivative products. Helix Technologies products reach over 2,000 customer locations in 38 states and 6 countries and has processed over $20 billion in cannabis sales. For more information on Helix Technologies and to sign up for investor updates, visit us at www.helixtechnologies.com. Forward-Looking Statements Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ materially from those explicit or implicit in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: our ability to fund our operations and pay any outstanding debt; fluctuations in our financial results; general economic risks; the volatile nature of the market for our products and services and other factors that could impact our anticipated growth; our ability to manage our growth; changes in laws and regulations regarding the cannabis industry and service providers in the cannabis industry; reliance on key personnel; our ability to compete effectively; security and other risks associated with our business; intellectual property risks; and other risk factors set forth from time to time in our SEC filings. Helix Technologies assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Media Contact: Colt Peterson Helix Technologies, Inc. 303 324 1022 press@helixtechnologies.com IR Contact: Scott Ogur Helix Technologies, Inc. ir@helixtechnologies.com Photo: Emmy Squared/Yelp Wondering where Philadelphia's in-the-know crowd is eating and drinking? It's easy to spot lines out the door, but some underlying trends are harder to see. We took a data-driven look at the question, using Yelp to analyze which local businesses have been getting a noteworthy uptick in attention this month. To find out who made the list, we looked at Philadelphia businesses on Yelp by category and counted how many reviews each received. Rather than compare them based on number of reviews alone, we calculated a percentage increase in reviews over the past month, and tracked businesses that consistently increased their volume of reviews to identify statistically significant outliers compared to past performance. Read on to see which spots are sizzling hot, right now. Emmy Squared photo: emmy squared/yelp Open since 2019, this spot to score pizza, sandwiches and burgers is trending compared to other businesses categorized as "Sandwiches" on Yelp. Citywide, sandwich spots saw a median 1.7% increase in new reviews over the past month, but Emmy Squared saw a 39.5% increase, maintaining a mixed 3.5-star rating throughout. For an overview of the business, we looked to the history section of its Yelp page. Here's what we found: "Emmy Squared Pizza, co-founded by Emily Hyland and executive chef Matthew Hyland, specializes in Detroit-style pizza. The first Emmy Squared Pizza joined the neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 2016. Since then, Emmy Squared has opened its doors in locations across several states and has plans to expand nationally." It's not the only trending outlier in the sandwich category: Angelo's Pizzeria has seen a 9.2% increase in reviews. Located at 632 S. Fifth St. in Queen Village, Emmy Squared - Queen Village offers pizza, burgers and salads. Emmy Squared - Queen Village is open from 4 p.m.9 p.m. on Tuesday-Thursday, 5 p.m.10 p.m. on Friday, noon10 p.m. on Saturday and noon9 p.m. on Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.) Story continues K'Far Cafe Photo: Atif I./Yelp Whether or not you've been hearing buzz about Rittenhouse's K'Far Cafe, the well-established cafe and traditional American spot is a hot topic according to Yelp review data. While businesses categorized as "American (Traditional)" on Yelp saw a median 1.4% increase in new reviews over the past month, K'Far Cafe bagged a 20.4% increase in new reviews within that time frame, maintaining a strong 4.5-star rating. There's more that's trending on Philadelphia's traditional American scene: TGI Fridays has seen a 4.9% increase in reviews. Open at 110 S. 19th St. since 2019, K'Far Cafe offers dishes like Tunisian-style tuna tartare, smoked trout toast and pastries. K'Far Cafe is open from 8 a.m.2 p.m. and 5 p.m.10 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 8 a.m.2 p.m. and 5 p.m.11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sandler's On 9th photo: josh m./yelp Washington Square's Sandler's On 9th is also making waves. Open since 2018 at 834 Chestnut St., the well-established New American spot has seen a 6.3% bump in new reviews over the last month, compared to a median review increase of 1.2% for all businesses tagged "American (New)" on Yelp. Moreover, on a month-to-month basis Sandler's On 9th's review count increased by more than 200%. Who's behind this business? Look to Yelp: "Founded by Paul Sandler, Sandler's on 9th, is located in the highly acclaimed Franklin Residences in Center City Philadelphia, is a casual dining restaurant that features upscale American comfort food with a unique twist." There's more than one hot spot trending in Philadelphia's New American category: Xfinity Live! Philadelphia has seen a 0.9% increase in reviews. Sandler's On 9th offers plates like breakfast sandwiches, chicken and waffles and pastries. Over the past month, it's maintained a solid four-star rating among Yelpers. Sandler's On 9th is open from 7 a.m.10 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 7 a.m.9 p.m. on Sunday. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. M Ps are currently debating the legislation that will implement the UK's Brexit deal. The government, which won a commanding Commons majority at the general election, saw its Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB) overwhelmingly backed by MPs at its first stage in late December. It is expected to comfortably pass the remaining stages in the Commons by Thursday before moving to the Lords. The bill covers "divorce" payments to the EU, citizens' rights, customs arrangements for Northern Ireland and the proposed 11-month transition period lasting from 1 February to December 31. Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn battling away at Wednesday's PMQs / PA October's Bill The Government first introduced their WAB in October 2019 after Boris Johnson agreed a deal with Europe. This progressed to a Second Reading, in which the programme motion was defeated. The Bill then fell when Parliament was dissolved for 2019 General Election. Changes to the reintroduced Bill The new WAB is similar to the October 2019 Bill in many ways. However three clauses and one Schedule were removed and five clauses have been added, some of which have caused a backlash. The changes included removing MPs' approval role in relation to the Governments negotiating mandate and removing enhanced Parliamentary approval process for any future relationship treaty subsequently negotiated with the EU. They also included removing additional procedural protections for workers rights and prohibiting any UK Minister from agreeing to an extension of the transition period. Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday January, 8. / PA But a change that caused particular uproar was the removal of existing obligations to unaccompanied children seeking asylum in the EU who have family members in the UK. On 19 December 2019, MPs approved the second reading of the WAB by 358 to 234 votes, passing it onto the committee stage. What happened during the first day of debates? On Tuesday, January 7, the government easily defeated three opposition amendments to the WAB on citizens' rights during the first of three days where MPs scrutinise the legislation. Opposition parties put forward three proposed clauses but they were all voted down. New Clause 5 would have allowed all EU citizens living in the UK before Brexit day to have a right to permanent residence in the country. This was defeated by 342 votes to 252. Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons / PA New Clause 18 would have ensured that those who benefit from citizens' rights protections do not miss out registering as UK citizens due to the cost of the fee. This was defeated by 341 to 255 votes. New Clause 34, which would have established a right to appeal settled status decisions, was defeated by 343 to 251 votes. Debates still to come MPs continue to scrutinise the Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB) on Wednesday in the second day of its committee stage. Wednesday's Commons debate on the Bill is likely to be dominated by an amendment demanding the Government continues to negotiate to take in lone child refugees from Europe after Brexit. A clause containing a commitment to strike a deal with the EU so unaccompanied child refugees could continue to be reunited with their families in the UK after exit day was removed from the Bill when it was reintroduced to Parliament after the election. Clause 37 replaced the pledge with a watered-down vow for ministers to "make a statement" on the progress of the talks once the divorce with Brussels is complete. Labour leadership hopeful Sir Keir Starmer and Lord Alf Dubs, who fled from the Nazis on the Kindertransport to Britain when he was six years old, have written to all Tory MPs calling on them to vote against the Prime Minister's "disgraceful" change. Meanwhile, Brexit minister Stephen Barclay insisted that the Government would stick to its EU departure timetable after facing calls to guarantee the UK will leave with a trade agreement. The Cabinet minister said the Conservatives had committed in their manifesto to not extend the implementation period beyond December 2020. Mr Barclay expressed confidence in negotiating a trade agreement with the EU in the 11-month transition, but did not rule out a no-deal arrangement. Clause 33 of the WAB seeks to prohibit ministers from trying to extend the implementation period, which would begin once the UK leaves the EU on January 31. Stephen Barclay speaking as he opens the debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement Bill / AFP via Getty Images Labour said the WAB is a "bad deal" for the UK and called on the Government to come forward with proposals to show how it will avoid the "catastrophe of no-deal at the end of this year". What happens if it passes to the next stage? If the WAB passes the remaining stages in the Commons by Thursday, it will move to the Lords for further scrutiny. They will flag up and iron out any issues with the bill and proposed changes which they will send back to the Commons. The Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan visited the field formations and forward areas of Assam Rifles and the Army in the North East region, a Defence release said here on Wednesday. During the visits on January 7 and 8, the GoC-in-Chief of Eastern Command was briefed in detail by various commanders on ground about the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness in the region, the release issued by PRO Defence, Lt Col Sumit Sharma said. Chauhan expressed his satisfaction on the security measures and operational preparedness of the security forces, he said. The GoC-in-C also complimented the troops of both the security forces for carrying out a commendable job with regards to efficiently managing the security situation in the state. The Eastern Army Commander accompanied by General Officer Commanding Spear Corps and IG Assam Rifles (South) called on the Governor of Manipur Dr Najma Heptulla at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday, he said. The GoC-in-C apprised the governor of the actions being taken by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles in coordination with other agencies towards maintenance of peace and security in the state. The governor reportedly appreciated the untiring efforts of the forces in difficult conditions and complimented them for carrying out people friendly operations. Later in the day, Lt Gen Chauhan also interacted with Chief Minister N Biren Singh and discussed the security situation in Manipur. The Eastern Army Commander is on a visit to the Armys Spear Corps Zone till January 10, said the PRO Defence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gwyneth Paltrow-run lifestyle website Goop is being called out again for its wellness products, after a consumer watchdog group cited more than 50 instances in which the site offered "deceptive" health claims in marketing for its products. The group has filed a complaint with the California Food Drug and Medical Device Task Force to look into Goop's marketing practices. Truth in Advertising compiled a list of instances it felt Goop falsely claimed that its products (or third-party products) could "treat, cure, prevent, alleviate the symptoms" for a variety of health issues, from thyroid dysfunction and infertility to uterine prolapse and hormonal imbalance. GOOP ADVICE: 7 terrible health tips from Gwyneth Paltrow "These [Goop-endorsed products] include crystal harmonics for infertility, rose flower essence tincture for depression, black rose bar for psoriasis, wearable stickers for anxiety, and vitamin D3 for cancer," TINA.org wrote in a blog post on its site Tuesday. "The problem is that the company does not possess the competent and reliable scientific evidence required by law to make such claims." The group fired off a letter to Paltrow and the Goop group about its findings, asking on Aug. 11 that the company modify how its content, in what TINA.org labelled as "illegal health claims." The group gave Goop a deadline of Aug. 18 to make changes to the product descriptions, before they took its issues with the site to the California Food Drug and Medical Device Task Force. At its preset deadline, the group felt that the changes Goop made were not enough and sent a letter to California regulators. In a statement to BuzzFeed News, a Goop representative said that "while we believe that TINA's description of our interactions is misleading and their claims unsubstantiated and unfounded, we will continue to evaluate our products and our content and make those improvements that we believe are reasonable and necessary in the interests of our community of users." The representative went on to say that the company felt it "responded promptly and in good faith to the initial outreach from representatives of TINA and hoped to engage with them to address their concerns. Unfortunately, they provided limited information and made threats under arbitrary deadlines which were not reasonable under the circumstances." ADVENTURES IN GOOP: Gwyneth Paltrow's inaugural Goop health summit was as Goop-y as you'd expect Paltrow and Goop's health claims have come under fire for various products over the past few years, since its jump from a beauty newsletter to selling wellness products. Goop made past headlines for promoting $120 Body Vibes stickers that were allegedly made with "the same conductive carbon material NASA uses to line space suits," saying the stickers would "rebalance the energy frequency in our bodies." (NASA, in turn, refuted those claims, and a former chief scientist at NASA was quoted as saying, "Wow. What a load of B.S. this is.") Goop was also criticized for selling jade eggs, claiming that inserting the egg-shaped stones into a woman's vagina would balance hormones and improve the user's sex life. That information was disputed by San Francisco obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Jennifer Gunter, who said that using the jade egg as directed could lead to bacterial vaginosis or potentially deadly toxic shock syndrome. The site also drew recent comparisons to radio show host Alex Jones's InfoWars and the two sites' shared love for selling wellness items with questionable health claims. Actuarial consulting firm Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, Inc. has named Tim Mosler a principal and consulting actuary. He will continue to be based in the firms Atlanta office. Mosler joined Pinnacle in 2014 and has been in the property/casualty insurance industry since 1996. He has been a consultant since 2001, specializing in the areas of medical professional liability, workers compensation, general liability and commercial automobile insurance. His clients include insurance companies, captives, health systems, self-insurance funds and government risk pools. Mosler previously served as director and consulting actuary and a member of Pinnacles executive team. He currently leads Pinnacles research function, which keeps the firm ahead of major trends, directions and innovations in the insurance industry and actuarial profession. Mosler has been active in the actuarial profession, serving on numerous Casualty Actuarial Society and American Academy of Actuaries committees, including the CAS Exam and E-Forum committees and the CAS Member Advisory Panel since 2007. Pinnacle is an independent, full-service actuarial firm focused on the property/casualty insurance industry. With a home office in Bloomington, Ill., the firm also has offices in Atlanta, Chicago and San Francisco. Topics Market The prestigious British Museum in London has acquired a unique watercolour depicting a traditional musical performance in mid-18th century northern India after successfully raising the 440,000 pounds required to buy the rare painting. 'Trumpeters' by Nainsukh of Guler (1710-1778), described by experts as a delicate miniature of a rarely found calibre, had been blocked for export by the UK's ministry of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in 2018 in the hope of preventing its departure from Britain. With the support of the UK's Art Fund, the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) and the Brooke Sewell Permanent Fund, the British Museum announced this week that the masterpiece has now joined its collection and has gone on free display in the museum's Sir Joseph Hotung Gallery of China and South Asia. Nainsukh, whose name translates as Delight of the Eyes', is one of India's greatest courtly artists, and this outstanding painting showcases his gift for complex composition and precise observation, said Imma Ramos, curator at the British Museum. It was painted at the height of his career while he was working for the ruler of Jasrota, Raja Balwant Singh. Its jewel-like colour, intricate detail and poetic mood suggest it would have been seen up close and studied at leisure, enjoyed privately or among guests. We are delighted that it is now in a public collection for the first time, where it can be enjoyed by visitors for its beauty, and help further study of South Asian art, Ramos said. The painting, thought to have been created between 1735-40, depicts a traditional musical performance in northern India. It shows seven musicians playing Pahari horns with long pipes known as turhi, their cheeks puffed out with the effort. It is an unusual example of the artist's work, combining aspects of Nainsukh's early work with some of his later achievements. It has been in a private collection since being purchased by the prominent British artist Winifred Nicholson (1893-1981) during a tour of India, Burma (Myanmar) and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 1919-20. After Nicholson's death, it remained with her family and has now entered a public collection for the first time at the famous London museum. The decision to defer the painting's export licence followed a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, administered by the UK's Arts Council. They made their recommendation on the grounds that the painting is of outstanding aesthetic importance and of significant use in the study of Indian history. "This beautiful work has enormous historical value and will be admired by visitors from around the world as it goes on display at the British Museum, said UK arts minister Helen Whately. "Export bars are put in place to save masterpieces like this one for the nation, and I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone whose generous support made this acquisition possible," she said. Nainsukh is the most famous and highly regarded artist of the Pahari or Hill' style of painting, which developed in the Punjab hills of north-west India. He is famous for his sensitively observed portrayals of people and places, conveyed through highly original and dynamic compositions. Three other masterful paintings by Nainsukh of Guler are in the collection of the British Museum since they were donated in the 1940s. Together these paintings can be seen and studied alongside the British Museum's extensive South Asia collections, allowing for further understanding of the full scope of the Pahari painting tradition. Sir Peter Luff, Chair of the NHMF, noted: This miniature watercolour is a stunning example of Pahari art". "The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund agreed it was imperative to save The Trumpeters' for the nation and keep it on public display so that art enthusiasts and historians can enjoy and engage with the painting for generations to come, he said. The NHMF was set up in 1980 to save the most outstanding aspects of British heritage, in memory of those who have given their lives for the UK. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Rodrigo Duterte slammed Vice President Leni Robredo for her anti-drug war failure remark and called her a colossal blunder. You know, for all of these years, she has done nothing. She is a colossal blunder, Duterte said. The chief executive also slammed the election results saying, You know, I hate to say this, but how many voters are there in the Philippines? And you just do away with the 200,000 plus that she got as a majority over Marcos. It was really a mistake. With a slim margin and you talk big. Robredo, on Monday (January 6) released a report and recommendations on the governments war on drugs. She also called the governments drug war a failure which gained backlash from the Palace, lawmakers, and the President. Based on her report, only 1% of illegal drugs were seized by authorities from 2016 to 2018. She also recommended that the chairmanship of ICAD be transferred from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB). The president said Robredo cannot lecture him since she has only been a co-chair of the Inter-agency Committee on Anti-illegal Drugs (ICAD) for 18 days. If ever she becomes president, gawin niya iyon (she should do it). Pero (but) she cant lecture me what to do, he said. As a lawyer lecturing on me, well, she should revisit her record I suggest.AAC (with reports from Rosalie Coz) The post Duterte calls Robredo a colossal blunder for her drug war report appeared first on UNTV News. Pentagon Says a Dozen Missiles Were Fired From Iran at Iraqi Bases With US Troops Iranian officials said missiles were launched at U.S. troops in Iraq in retaliation after Iranian Gen. Qassem Suleimanis death in Baghdad, according to Iranian state-run media outlets, in an attack that was later confirmed by the Pentagon. A Pentagon spokesperson later confirmed missiles were fired at two or more Iraqi bases with American and coalition forces. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al Asad and Irbil, Jonathan Hoffman, assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, said in a statement. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. More than a dozen missiles were fired at the base, he added. Irans Revolutionary Guards, of which Suleimani was a member, also in a statement via state media: In Operation Martyr Suleimani in early hours of Wednesday, tens of ground-to-ground missiles were fired at the U.S. base and successfully pounded the al Asad base. The al Asad base is in Iraqs Anbar province, which hosts some American troops. The statement continued, The brave soldiers of IRGCs aerospace unit have launched a successful attack with tens of ballistic missiles on Al Assad military base in the name of martyr Gen. Qasem Soleimani. We warn all allied countries of the U.S. that if attacks are launched from bases in their countries on Iran, they will be a target of military retaliation. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grishams office said in a statement on Twitter the Trump administration is aware of the reports of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. She didnt say whether the United States has confirmed whether Iran was behind the attacks. During a meeting with key House Democrats on Tuesday night, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) learned about the attack, according to CNN. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) said she paused the discussion to tell other lawmakers of the news, he told the website. Its also not clear if there were any casualties. In this Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, file photo, Qassem Soleimani, commander of Irans Quds Force, attends an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, in Tehran, Iran. Iraqi TV and three Iraqi officials said Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, that Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Quds Force, has been killed in an airstrike at Baghdads international airport. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File) Several days ago, the U.S. military said a report about the al Asad base in Iraq being attacked isnt true. A U.S. Central Command spokesman told The Epoch Times on Jan. 3: That report is false. The al Asad air base is in Iraqs western Anbar province. It was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. It later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the ISIS terror group in Iraq and Syria. Hossein Salami, Soleimanis successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard, addressed a crowd of supporters gathered at Soleimanis coffin in a central square in Kerman. He vowed to avenge Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike Friday near Baghdads airport. We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about, Salami said. The United States said Soleimani was responsible for killing U.S. troops in Iraq and accused him of plotting new attacks just before he was killed. Soleimani also led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that countrys civil war, and he also served as the point man for Iranian proxies in countries like Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Assad in Syria on Tuesday amid the tensions between Washington and Tehran. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Using NASAs Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, the agencys Spitzer Space Telescope and other facilities, astronomers have discovered a compact system of three small planets orbiting around the cool M-dwarf star TOI-700. One of these planets, named TOI-700d, has a radius of 1.1 times that of the Earth and orbits within the conservative habitable zone of its host star. TOI-700 is located approximately 102 light-years away in the constellation of Dorado. The star is roughly 40% of the Suns mass and size and about half its surface temperature. Otherwise known as UCAC3 49-21611 and 2MASS J06282325-6534456, it hosts at least three exoplanets: TOI-700b, c and d. The planets are tidally locked to the star, which means they rotate once per orbit so that one side is constantly bathed in daylight. The innermost planet, TOI-700b, is almost exactly Earth-size, is probably rocky, and completes an orbit every 10 days. TOI-700c is a gas giant about 2.6 times the size of Earth, and orbits the parent star once every 16 days. The outermost planet, TOI-700d, is 1.1 times the size of Earth, and has an orbital period of 38 days. It lies within its stars habitable zone, receives from the star 86% of the energy that the Sun provides to Earth, and has a surface temperature of minus 3 degrees Celsius (26 degrees Fahrenheit). The planets were discovered in TESS data by University of Chicago graduate student Emily Gilbert and her colleagues. TOI-700 hosts several small planets and is ideal for mass measurements using precision radial velocity follow-up, the astronomers said. The planets are also interesting targets for transit spectroscopy observations to place constraints on their atmospheres. This system and other discoveries from the first year of TESS observations fulfill the missions goal of identifying new exoplanets prime for detailed follow-up and provide a positive outlook for TESSs second year and extended mission observations. In a separate study, Dr. Samuel Quinn, an astronomer at the Center for Astrophysics at Harvard & Smithsonian, and colleagues used Spitzer to confirm the existence of TOI-700d. Given the impact of this discovery that it is TESSs first habitable-zone Earth-size planet we really wanted our understanding of this system to be as concrete as possible, said Dr. Joseph Rodriguez, also from the Center for Astrophysics at Harvard & Smithsonian. Spitzer saw TOI-700d transit exactly when we expected it to. Its a great addition to the legacy of a mission that helped confirm two of the TRAPPIST-1 planets and identify five more. While the exact conditions on TOI-700d are unknown, astronomers can use current information to make predictions. Dr. Gabrielle Engelmann-Suissa, a Universities Space Research Association visiting research assistant at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center, and her colleagues modeled the planet in the habitable zone of an M-dwarf star over a wide range of possible atmospheric conditions. Our 3D climate models examined a variety of surface types and atmospheric compositions typically associated with what scientists regard to be potentially habitable worlds, they explained. Because TOI-700d is tidally locked to its star, the planets cloud formations and wind patterns may be strikingly different from Earths. One simulation included an ocean-covered TOI-700d with a dense, carbon-dioxide-dominated atmosphere similar to what scientists suspect surrounded Mars when it was young. The model atmosphere contains a deep layer of clouds on the star-facing side. Another model depicts TOI-700d as a cloudless, all-land version of modern Earth, where winds flow away from the night side of the planet and converge on the point directly facing the star. When starlight passes through a planets atmosphere, it interacts with molecules like carbon dioxide and nitrogen to produce distinct signals, called spectral lines. The scientists also produced simulated spectra for the 20 modeled versions of TOI-700d. Someday, when we have real spectra from TOI-700d, we can backtrack, match them to the closest simulated spectrum, and then match that to a model, Dr. Engelmann-Suissa said. Its exciting because no matter what we find out about the planet, its going to look completely different from what we have here on Earth. The three teams of astronomers presented their results this week at the 235th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Honolulu, Hawaii. _____ E.A. Gilbert et al. 2020. New Discovery of a Compact TESS Multiplanet System. 235th AAS Meeting, abstract # 349.02 S.N. Quinn et al. 2020. Spitzer Observations of a Habitable-Zone Planet from TESS. 235th AAS Meeting, abstract # 456.03 G. Engelmann-Suissa et al. 2020. Exploring Habitable-Zone Earths in Synchronous Rotation around Cool Stars with General Circulation Models and Simulated Spectra. 235th AAS Meeting, abstract # 173.10 Iran's President Hassan Rouhani told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday that America's interests in the region were "in danger", his office said, after the US killed an Iranian general. "The United States must know its interests and security in the region are in danger and that it cannot escape the consequences of this great crime," he said in an hour-long telephone call with Macron, quoted in a presidency statement. Friday's killing of General Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad on the orders of President Donald Trump ratcheted up tensions between the arch-foes. Iran vowed "severe revenge" before Trump warned that Washington had lined up 52 targets if Tehran attacked American personnel or assets. Amid the escalating war of words, France said Monday that Iran must not retaliate for Soleimani's killing. "It is essential that Iran renounce any reprisals or retaliations," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said, adding that "there is still a place for diplomacy, fortunately". Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed condolences to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rouhani. "I was deeply saddened by the news of heavy casualties as a result of a passenger plane crash near the city of Tehran," Ilham Aliyev said. "On the occasion of this tragedy, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my deepest condolences to you, families and loved ones of those who were killed," the Azerbaijani president added. "May Allah rest the souls of the dead in peace!" --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 'Hard Revenge': Iran's IRGC Bombards Al-Asad, Other US Bases in Iraq Sputnik News 02:12 08.01.2020(updated 03:36 08.01.2020) Ayn al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, which houses a large US air base, has been struck with several rockets following a strike carried out by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as "revenge" for the killing of Iranian Quds Force commander Gen. Qasem Soleimani, reported Press TV. The IRGC confirmed early Wednesday morning to Press TV that Ayn al-Asad Air Base was hit after tens of missiles were fired toward the facility, which contains US forces. "We warn all allied countries of the US that if attacks are launched from bases in their countries on Iran, they will be a target of military retaliation," the IRGC said in a statement obtained by the New York Times' Farnaz Fassihi. The IRGC warned both the US and regional allies against retaliation following the January 8 strikes in Iraq. Tehran-based news agency Tasnim reported a total of 35 rockets were fired and, according to VOA News' Carla Babb, "about 35 rounds total hit the base." Iran's Fars news agency labeled the reported Iranian ballistic missiles fired at the US base as "hard revenge" in a translated social media post. "Start of Iran's vengeful US retaliation," the news agency said in a since-deleted posting which reportedly showed the launch of several missiles toward the US air base. "Under missile attack from Iran. These are either cruise missiles or short range ballistic missiles. All over the country," said a senior US military source stationed in Iraq, reported Fox News' Jennifer Griffin. Missiles were also reportedly fired at the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, which contains a US consulate. US officials have yet to comment on the number of service members injured or killed in the strike. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said Tuesday. The IRGC's attack on the US military facilities in Iraq comes hours after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps official Maj. Gen. Mortada Qurbani announced his forces were "in a high state of alert to destroy [Europe and the US'] bases in the region and humiliate you." A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OAKLAND, CA and TORONTO, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Harborside Inc. ("Harborside" or the "Company") (CSE: HBOR), a California-focused, vertically integrated cannabis enterprise, announced today Interim Chief Executive Officer, Peter Bilodeau, and Chief Financial Officer, Tom DiGiovanni, will attend the AltaCorp Capital and ATB Financial Service's 8th Annual Institutional Investor Conference in Toronto on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the Shangri-La Hotel. Mr. Bilodeau and Mr. DiGiovanni will be conducting one-on-one meetings at the conference throughout the day. About Harborside: Harborside Inc. is one of the oldest and most respected cannabis retailers in California, operating two of the major dispensaries in the San Francisco Bay Area, and opened its third Northern California facility and first Southern California retail facility in late 2019. The Company also operates two dispensaries in Oregon and a cultivation facility in Salinas, California. Harborside has played an instrumental role in making cannabis safe and accessible to a broad and diverse community of California consumers. Co-founded by Steve DeAngelo and dress wedding in 2006, Harborside was awarded one of the first six medical cannabis licenses granted in the United States. Harborside is currently a publicly listed Company on the CSE trading under the ticker symbol "HBOR". Additional information regarding Harborside is available under Harborside's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Additional Information Additional information regarding Harborside is available under Harborside's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, including in Harborside's Listing Statement dated May 30, 2019. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Forward-Looking Information Certain portions of this press release contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, which is also referred to as "forward-looking statements", which may not be based on historical fact. Wherever possible, words such as "will", "plans," "expects," "targets," "continues", "estimates," "scheduled," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "may," "could," "would" or might, and the negative of such expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, have been used to identify forward looking information. Forward looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future events, future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of the times at, or by which, such events, performance or results will be achieved, if achieved at all. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Harborside, including expectations and assumptions concerning Harborside San Leandro. Although Harborside believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because Harborside can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. These risks and uncertainties, include, but are not limited to, the results of the due diligence review on the parties on each other are less than satisfactory, or the required shareholder approvals are not obtained. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward- looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. Harborside, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Harborside Inc Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 05:00:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (1st R) meets with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (3rd L) in Cairo, Egypt, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Binian) CAIRO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called for promoting the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level with the aim of building a community of shared future in the new era. Wang made the remarks during his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the Egyptian capital of Cairo. As the long-term trustworthy friend of Egypt, China firmly supports Egypt in preserving its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, adopting the development path matching its national conditions, and combating the terrorist and extremist forces of all forms, Wang said. China also supports Egypt in its efforts to achieve national rejuvenation and play a bigger role in the international and regional affairs, the top Chinese diplomat added. As the cooperation between China and Egypt grows in scope and depth, China has become the largest trading partner of Egypt, Wang noted, adding the Chinese investments in Egypt surged more than 60 percent in 2019. China is willing to deepen strategic coordination with Egypt in a joint effort to uphold peace and stability in the Middle East, preserve multilateralism, fairness and justice, and safeguard the common interests of all developing countries, he said. For his part, Sisi spoke highly of China's great economic and social achievements and the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Egypt, while thanking the valuable long-term support China has provided to Egypt. Egypt is willing to work together with China to promote the comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level, Sisi said. As a staunch supporter of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Egypt hopes to become a key partner in promoting the Chinese initiative, the Egyptian president noted. Proposed by China in 2013, the BRI refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road trade routes to seek common development and prosperity. Being at a critical moment for its development and revitalization, Egypt hopes to strengthen win-win cooperation with China in different fields and enhance exchanges in the fight against terrorism and extremism, Sisi said. The Egyptian president hailed the fair stance China has always maintained in the global affairs, while expecting China to play a more active and greater role in dealing with the current turmoil in Middle East. Washington D.C. [USA], Jan 8 (ANI): The United States is constructing many hypersonic missiles, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday. "We are constructing many hypersonic missiles," the President said in his address to the nation, adding that "we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it." Iran fired a number of missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops on Wednesday local time in retaliation of the American strike that killed the country's top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani last week in Baghdad. The killing of Soleimani has marked a dramatic escalation in tension between the US and Iran, that has often been at a fever pitch since Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact the world powers had struck with Tehran. The President, in his address, assured that no Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime. According to a US defence official familiar with the latest assessment on Wednesday morning, there has been "no major damage" at either base. The President, meanwhile, further added that as the head of the Quds force, "Soleimani was personally responsible for some of the worst atrocities. He trained terrorists around the region, including the Hezbollah, launching airstrikes against civilian targets. He also directed the recent attack on US personnel that badly wounded four service members and killed one American contractor. He also orchestrated the recent attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad." "Soleimani's hands were drenched with American blood. He should have been terminated long ago," Trump told the nation, further assuring that that through his killing "we have sent a powerful message to terrorists." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a televised address to the nation today, said that Iran gave the US "a slap in the face last night," in reference to the attacks. He added that America had cast Soleimani as a "terrorist," which was "unjust and unfair." The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), an elite wing of the Iranian military, said in a statement that the attacks on Iraqi bases were "hard revenge" for the death of Soleimani. (ANI) [January 08, 2020] Ansira Names Rajdeep Endow Chief Delivery and Innovation Officer ST. LOUIS, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ansira Partners, Inc. ("Ansira"), today announced that Rajdeep Endow has joined the company in the newly formed role of Chief Delivery and Innovation Officer. Endow will be based in the Dallas office. In his role, Endow will be charged with scaling Ansira's delivery capabilities, as well as expanding the company's offerings. Additionally, he will lead the company's focus on establishing innovative processes and tools, as well as driving innovation on behalf of its clients. "Rajdeep's capabilities and understanding of the marketing and technology space, as well as his ability to drive business growth, have yielded proven results, which I have seen firsthand," said Ansira's CEO Laurie MacLaren. "At Ansira, helping our clients evolve their customer experience is our top priority, and Rajdeep's leadership and experience will set Ansira up for growth in a scalable way." Endow joins Ansira after 17 years in leadership roles for Sapient, most recently as Managing Director at Publicis Sapient, where he led the business for SapientNitro, Razorfish, and Digitas in the Asia-Pacific markets. Prior to that, he led global delivery of services for Sapient, where he was responsible for managing the company's client work across more than 30 offices and over 8,000 people, as well as building and integrating diverse capabilities across marketing, design, and technology. "I'm really impressed with Ansira's solution sets for some of the most pressing marketing challenges of today," Endow said. "As our clients continue to reimagine their customers' experienc, I'm excited to work with the team to evolve our offerings, capabilities, and approach to further impact their brands and business." Ansira is backed by Advent International, one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, with deep expertise in the business and financial services sector. ABOUT ANSIRA In a world where it's never been harder for brands to capture and keep customers, experience is everything. An independent, global marketing agency, Ansira believes designing relevant, persuasive experiences for all the right moments is the only way to strengthen relationships, cultivate brand loyalists, and assure profitable growth. That's why Ansira arms brands and their sales partners with solutions to make those experiences possible: strategy, performance marketing, loyalty marketing, martech consulting and integration, channel partner marketing, and local marketing activation. For more information, visit Ansira.com or LinkedIn. ABOUT ADVENT INTERNATIONAL: Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has invested in over 350 private equity transactions in 41 countries, and as of June 30, 2019, had $54.3 billion in assets under management. With 15 offices in 12 countries, Advent has established a globally integrated team of over 200 investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; healthcare; industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology. After 35 years dedicated to international investing, Advent remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies. For more information, visit: www.adventinternational.com. Media Contact: Megan Duran [email protected] 972-663-1380 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ansira-names-rajdeep-endow-chief-delivery-and-innovation-officer-300983637.html SOURCE Ansira Partners, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The 5-inch breakfast pizza is one of the only personal breakfast pizzas on the market and has a flaky biscuit crust topped with creamy white gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage crumbles, bacon, ham, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This hearty, hot breakfast option is available in the hot foods case at the front counter of participating 7-Eleven stores during the morning hours and can be prepared on request at other times. 7-Eleven stores carry a wide variety of breakfast food for the millions of morning shoppers who visit its stores every day, most of which are available 24/7. In addition to the new breakfast pizza, they range from breakfast sandwiches and burritos; fresh-made-daily pastries, muffins and donuts; yogurt and fruit parfaits; fresh cut fruit; and protein and breakfast bars. "7-Eleven stores' busiest time of day is right in the heart of traditional breakfast hours, and people are hungry," said Robin Murphy, 7-Eleven fresh foods product director. "We took our busiest time of day and (one of) our customers' favorite hot foods pizza to create what we think will become a breakfast favorite that is delicious and easy to eat on the go." More than 90 percent of consumers say they love or like pizza, making it America's No. 1 favorite food. Put the two together, and it's no surprise that breakfast versions of pizza are one of the fastest-growing, up 54 percent over the past four years. As the traditional three-meal schedule gives way to some combination of meals and snacks, all-day breakfast is a trend that shows no sign of going away. Some breakfast foods are landing on lunch and dinner menus and even anchoring entire restaurant concepts. Two out of three 7-Eleven customers grab a beverage hot or cold as part of their morning stop. Fresh-brewed coffee is available all day long on the hot beverage bar along with cappuccino and hot chocolate. The retailer also offers its own 7-Select private brand line of cold-pressed USDA organic juice blends and single juices, which have become top-sellers in the vault. About 7-Eleven, Inc. 7Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7Eleven operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 69,000 stores in 17 countries, including 11,800 in North America. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee, Big Bite and Big Gulp, 7Eleven has expanded into high-quality sandwiches, salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings and mini beef tacos. 7Eleven offers customers industry-leading private brand products under the 7-Select brand including healthy options, decadent treats and everyday favorites, at an outstanding value. Customers can earn and redeem points on various items in stores nationwide through its 7Rewards loyalty program, place an order in the 7NOW delivery app in 28 participating markets, or rely on 7-Eleven for bill payments, self-service lockers and other convenient services. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com, via the 7Rewards customer loyalty platform on the 7-Eleven mobile app, or on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. SOURCE 7-Eleven, Inc. Related Links http://www.7-eleven.com Your browser does not support the audio element. A Russian man was asked to take a breathalyzer test after he started playing his ukulele when pulled over by police officers for not wearing a helmet in Hanoi. The incident happened at the intersection of Dien Bien Phu, Phan Boi Chau, Cua Nam, and Hang Bong Streets in Hoan Kiem District on Tuesday evening. Traffic police officers pulled over Aleks Ivanov, 29, after noticing he was riding a motorcycle without wearing a crash helmet as required by Vietnams road traffic law. After stopping next to a median strip, Ivanov refused to cooperate, took out his ukulele, and started playing the instrument. The officers gave him a breathalyzer test to check whether he was drunk. The result showed that the Russian was not under the influence of alcohol. Ivanov remained seated on his motorbike and refused to follow any instruction from the policemen. After nearly an hour, Dao Viet Long, deputy head of the citys traffic police division, arrived and eventually managed to persuade the visitor to come to the side of the street. Ivanov failed to present his drivers license, explaining that he had only been in Hanoi for a week. Russian Aleks Ivanov takes a breathalyzer test after being stopped by traffic police in Hanoi on January 7, 2020. Photo: Xuan Bui / Tuoi Tre He was eventually booked for failure to present a drivers license and not wearing a crash helmet while riding a motorbike. The violations are punishable by fines of up to VND200,000 (US$52) and VND300,000 ($13), respectively, according to Vietnamese traffic law. Russian Aleks Ivanov takes his motorbike to the side of the street after being stopped by traffic police in Hanoi on January 7, 2020. Photo: Xuan Bui / Tuoi Tre Russian Aleks Ivanov is booked for failure to present a drivers license and not wearing a crash helmet while riding a motorbike by traffic police in Hanoi on January 7, 2020. Photo: Xuan Bui / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A Wichita Falls man is accused of choking his girlfriend and headbutting her after she told him that "his fart smelled horrible." Christopher Ragsdale is charged with assault/family violence by choking. Bond was set at $10,000. According to his arrest affidavit, Ragsdale and his girlfriend were sitting in the living room of a friend's house on Sunday when he farted. The court document states, "She told Christopher that his fart smelled horrible and he got mad and grabbed her by the hair and pulled her to the ground." The victim told investigators that Ragsdale then sat on her back, and started choking her to the point where she could barely breathe. ALSO READ: Video shows 80-year-old Houston woman thrown to ground in violent purse snatching Court records state that the suspect got off of the victim when she called-out to her friend for help. The victim was about to leave with her friend when Ragsdale "got in the victim's face and started yelling at her," the affidavit states. "He then headbutted her..." The responding officer states that he arrested Ragsdale without incident. He also noted that the suspect has no previous conviction for family violence. Danny Hermosillo is the Digital News Editor for Chron.com | Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @Dannyherm1| Email him at Danny.Hermosillo@chron.com Tributes have been paid to British victims who were among the 176 people that died in a plane crash in Iran. The Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) 737-800 passenger plane crashed minutes into its journey from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Emergency officials told Irans state television it was impossible that those on board the Boeing 737 believed to comprise 167 passengers and nine crew members survived the crash. Three British victims have been identified as Saeed Tahmasebi, an engineer for Laing O'Rouke, Sam Zokaei, who worked for BP, and Mohammed Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh, who ran a dry cleaners in West Sussex. Mr Tahmasebi, 35, from west London, was a post-graduate researcher at Imperial College London. A spokesman from the university said: We are deeply saddened at this tragic news. Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi was a brilliant engineer with a bright future. His contributions to systems engineering earned respect from everyone who dealt with him and will benefit society for years to come. He was a warm, humble and generous colleague and close friend to many in our community. A photo of Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi, and the wreckage of the plane crash. (PA Images) A man places a memorial to the plane outside the Iranian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Saeeds family, friends and colleagues, as well as all those affected by this tragedy. Mr Zokaei, from Surrey, worked as an engineer at BP. A spokesman for the oil giant said: We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss of our friend and colleague and all of our thoughts are with his family and friends. 40-year-old Mr Kadkhoda Zadeh is listed as owning a dry cleaning business near Haywards Heath, in Sussex. Reports in Ukraine suggested there were 73 Canadians and 71 Iranians on board, as well as 15 Ukrainians, three Britons and several other Europeans. The plane took off from Imam Khomeini airport at 2.40am GMT, heading for the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. The planned flightpath for PS752. (PA Graphics) Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Irans Road and Transportation Ministry, said it appeared that a fire had started in one of the planes engines. Story continues However the OPS, an aviation risk monitoring group, told The Independent the tragedy looks likely to be a shootdown event. The Ukrainian airline said in a statement that the plane was last serviced on 6 January 2020. The statement added: According to our records, the aircraft ascended as high as 2,400 metres. Given the crews experience, error probability is minimal. We do not even consider such a chance. A rescue worker searches the scene of the crash. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) Debris is seen from the plane crash on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran (AP) Speaking from the site of the crash, Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Irans emergency services, told Iranian state television: The fire is so heavy that we cannot [do] any rescue... We have 22 ambulances, four bus ambulances and a helicopter at the site. Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky said in a statement: "My sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of all passengers and crew. The crash came as Iran fired missiles at military bases in Iraq hosting US troops, in response to the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani. There was no indication that the plane crash was linked to the rocket strikes. The state TV report said the crash is suspected to have been caused by engine failure, not terrorism. Iranian media quoted an Iranian aviation official as saying the pilot of the airliner did not declare an emergency. Rescue workers search the scene of the crash. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) Debris is seen from a plane crash on the outskirts of Tehran. (AP) The UK has urged Iran not to carry out further "reckless and dangerous" attacks after Tehrans attack on the military bases. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged Iran to pursue "urgent de-escalation" as the crisis in the Gulf intensified. Read more from Yahoo News UK: Boris Johnson warns Donald Trump against 'disproportionate' strikes on Iran Stampede at funeral procession for Soleimani leaves 56 dead and over 200 injured What the Iran crisis could mean for UK petrol prices US president Donald Trump tweeted "all is well" following the attack. US officials said 15 missiles were fired, with 10 striking the Ain al-Asad base 100 miles west of Baghdad, one striking a base in Irbil in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region, and another four missing their targets. A devastated volunteer firefighter returned home from battling bushfires to find his two pet dingoes shot dead. Murray Ings, 55, a forester in northern New South Wales, works with the Environmental Protection Agency and takes in dingoes. Mr Ings returned home on Saturday after battling the bushfires at Mount Nardi when he found his dingo Bindi and her two pups Wolf and Tyrant nowhere to be seen. Firefighter Murray Ings (pictured) has returned home to find two of this pet dingoes shot dead by intruders. Mr Ings pictured holding his dingo Bindi at five-weeks-old At first Mr Ings was not concerned, as his dingoes live mostly independent from him, but started to worry on Wednesday when the pup Tyrant returned home distraught. 'He was just sobbing you just had to hold him for hours and he didn't want to leave my side,' he said. Mr Ings asked several neighbours about the disappearance with one giving him the devastating news. 'I spoke to my neighbour and he said "there was a lot of shooting going on and after all it stopped all you could hear was screaming dogs",' he said. Mr Igns had been fighting fires with the Jiggi RFS when he returned home and his neighbours reported they had heard gunshots and dogs screaming on his property. Pictured is Bindi (right) and her two pups Wolf and Tyrant (left) Dingo Bindi and her younger pup Wolf were likely shot and killed on Saturday Mr Igns said he has now reported the alleged shooting and trespassing to NSW Department of Primary Industries and the NSW Police. 'I know the people that have done it I'm just waiting for it to be investigated,' he said. 'I've been told by neighbours that they (the shooters) have been hunting them for weeks.' The forester believes his dingoes were shot on December 14 but has not been able to find their bodies. If anyone has information they are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 PHOENIX For Molly Nygren, longtime Democrat and Houston transplant, 2018 was her first election in Arizona. Alice Lehr skipped the 2016 presidential election, but believes politics reached an intolerable tipping point last year under President Donald Trump. Both women participated in the states historic 2018 election, in which Democrats won a U.S. Senate race in Arizona for the first time in 30 years and won three other statewide contests. They are the type of voters who will help settle Arizonas elections in a year when Democrats and Republicans alike are treating the state as a crucial battleground for the White House and control of the Senate in November. Nygren, a Gilbert nurse, lives in the southeast Valley, where Democrat Kyrsten Sinema persuaded voters who collectively supported Trump in 2016 to back her Senate bid in 2018. I wasnt working, and didnt know what to do with myself, Nygren, 41, said of her political engagement in her new home state. I kind of thrust myself into politics when I moved here. Lehr lives in a new home in Buckeye, near where Democrats have traditionally done well, but where turnout is relatively light. Unimpressed with her choices, she didnt vote in the presidential race in 2016, but chose Sinema over Republican Martha McSally in 2018. In 2018, voters like Lehr, 74, turned out in record numbers. The bulging margins in those areas helped negate McSallys strong showing in rural Arizona. An Arizona Republic analysis of precinct-level voting results and registration trends shows both parties making gains, but Democrats turned Republican red precincts purple, while their blue precincts turned deeper blue. An area that roughly traces Loop 101, from communities spanning the Gilbert-Chandler line up north through Scottsdale, west to Peoria, has emerged as a key battleground within a state where the outcome will be fiercely fought. These voters were most likely to split their tickets in 2018 and could do so again this year. Story continues Arizonas changing election results owe partly to evolving demographics and to the unique moment in its politics. The state is, as usual, one of the fastest-growing in the nation, and its Hispanic population is increasingly of age to vote. At the same time, Trump, the most polarizing figure in politics, has helped push up GOP support among whites and in rural areas, while pushing away college-educated voters and minorities. With Trump back on the ballot this year, Democrats think they can build on their winning formula from 2018. Republicans are hopeful their party can again carry a state Trump won by 3.5 percentage points in 2016. Both parties will be battling for voters like Jeff Blodgett, a Republican from Peoria, just off Loop 101. He's a disaffected Republican who voted for Trump and McSally in past elections but is open to voting for Democrats in the presidential and Senate races this year. He's fed up with the partisan fighting that has gridlocked the nation. So, too, were most of the two dozen Arizona voters interviewed in key precincts. "They don't want to work together," Blodgett, 62, said. "It's like a war." Brad Parscale, campaign manager for President Trump, addresses volunteers at Arizona Republican Party headquarters in November 2019. A state in demographic flux At a recent appearance at the Arizona Republican Partys headquarters in central Phoenix, Trumps campaign manager Brad Parscale was preparing his troops. Parscale stood before a room filled with supporters to give them the inside scoop on the biggest volunteer army in the history of the Republican Party that he was building to help Trump in 2020. For Republicans, alarm bells are ringing. Trump's narrow win in 2016 and the party's 2018 loss of a Senate seat signaled peril. Republicans view the state as one of the most competitive in the election cycle and began building out their 2020 political infrastructure months earlier than normal. Vice President Mike Pence said during his October visit to the state that he and Trump would spend a lot of time in Arizona this election season. Republicans expect Trump could visit the state early this year. Youve got to understand, Parscale said to supporters. Arizona has not normally been a state where weve had to put this much work into it. Democrats see Arizona as a possibility. I dont think its there yet, but thats why all of you have to make sure you get active and you work hard. Republicans are having to work harder because the state is in flux, political experts say. In some ways, this is like the proverbial frog in the boiling water. These changes are happening, but theyre happening so slowly, its hard for us to observe them, said Michael McDonald, a University of Florida political science professor who studies voting behavior. Youve got a competitive Senate election, youve got a competitive presidential election, and these changes are going to manifest themselves statewide, but at the same time theyre going to be geographically located in the suburbs, he said. McDonald said Arizonas newfound competitiveness is a combination of an electorate growing more ethnically diverse, which usually benefits Democrats, while it also becomes older, which typically helps Republicans. Rachel Bitecofer, an election forecaster at Virginias Christopher Newport University, sees Arizona continuing its leftward lean in 2020. When Im looking at Arizona, Im looking at the metro areas and how much untapped surge potential is there, she said. They have not tapped into anywhere near the potential of the Latino population. If the Democrats were running Republican campaign efficiency, Arizona would already be blue. The voters are already there. Hispanic voters a rising force Midterm elections typically see a sharp fall in participation. This is usually most evident in more diverse areas. But in 2018, Arizonas Hispanic voters remained politically engaged, according to a voting analysis by Catalist, a progressive firm that tracks voter data. The estimated share of Hispanics in the midterms fell by 0.2 percentage points or less in 16 of the states 30 legislative districts, the firm's data shows. In three contiguous districts running diagonally from Litchfield Park, east to Paradise Valley, the Hispanic share of voters actually went up. Their sustained presence was seen in districts with large Hispanic populations and in ones where they are a small fraction of the electorate. And there are Hispanics who plan to vote this year who haven't before. In 2016, Democrat Norma Hernandez was so uninspired with her choices for president, she didnt vote. She wont do that again in November. I want him out, the middle-aged mom said of Trump. I feel like hes not really working for the people. Hes working for himself. I want to have a voice. If theres going to be change, I want to be a part of it. Hernandez plans on voting for whomever the Democrats nominate. She also plans on voting for Democratic candidate Mark Kelly in the Senate race. Whether it was driven by Trumps border and immigration policies or just a growing political engagement already seen in other states, such as Florida, Hispanic voters had a bigger stake in the results in 2018. That trend is expected to carry over into the 2020 elections. A less rural electorate While Hispanics figured more prominently in the states electoral equation in 2018, so, too, did the states two population centers, Phoenix and Tucson. In 2014, turnout in Arizonas two most populous counties, Maricopa and Pima, was about 1 percentage point lower than it was in the 13 other counties. In 2018, turnout in Maricopa and Pima was 3 percentage points higher than the rest of the state. It has meant a growing share of voters 77% in 2016 and 2018 came from areas that are more urban and racially diverse. There is another troubling fault line for Republicans in Pima County. Trump lost in that historically Democratic-leaning county by 57,000 votes. He mostly erased that deficit by winning Maricopa County by 44,000 votes and carried the rest of the state by 104,000. In 2018, McSally won rural Arizona by 65,000 votes. But she lost by 60,000 in Maricopa County and by 61,000 in Pima County. The Pima results were especially disappointing for a candidate from Tucson. Her problem in Pima County could get worse running against the husband of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., who hailed from southeastern Arizona. Trump carried Arizona in 2016, but McSally's performance in 2018 suggests a need for Republicans to expand well past the rural voters who have been a reliable cornerstone of their political base. Both parties are working on the ground to identify new voters they believe will help them get the upper hand in a narrowly divided state. For Republicans, one Trump-aligned PAC has identified 142,000 prospects they deem as conservatives who have not already voted for Trump but likely would. Groups aligned with Democrats are targeting a pool of 200,000 new registrants. The changing mix of people who vote in Arizona contributes to the states partisan drift. Arizona remains one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and Maricopa County has been the nations fastest-growing county three years in a row. Figures from the U.S. Census Bureau suggest the countys new residents largely come from Democratic-leaning areas. Twelve of the 15 out-of-state counties that have provided the most new residents to Maricopa County in recent years are locations where Democrats have dominated elections or voter registration. These include Democratic counties encompassing areas such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Houston and Chicago. But the transplants come in all political stripes. Republican Scott Fishman, 53, moved to Goodyear three years ago from New Jersey, drawn by the nice weather and lower taxes. He plans on voting for Trump again in 2020, even though he views him and all other politicians as corrupt. Fishman said Trumps America First agenda is a patriotic appeal to people like him, who feel like the nation has been ripped off by international trade deals. Im us-first, he said. We put everybody first all the time. You cant do that. Youve got to put us first. He sees the Democratic candidates as too weak to go toe-to-toe with Trump on the issues that matter most to him, such as border security and job creation. I like (Trumps) personality. Hes not boring," Fishman said. "Is he the most articulate? No, but then again youve got (former Vice President Joe) Biden, who is articulate, but cant put two sentences together without jumbling it up. And with them, everyones far left. Everything is free. Southeast Valley up for grabs Perhaps no part of Maricopa County better epitomizes the changing complexion of the states most populous region than the area around Chandler and Gilbert. The cities, home to corporate anchors such as Intel, GoDaddy and Northrop Grumman, have had some of the largest population gains in the nations fastest-growing county. Census data shows residents are, as usual, relatively well-educated and affluent. But the political winds have shifted. While many areas of the county voted less Republican than in recent years, this area of the southeast Valley flipped outright from 2014 to 2018. Voters in those cities supported Republican Gov. Doug Ducey in 2014 and Republican Sen. John McCain in 2016. But they supported Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential race, and Sinema in last years Senate race. Thad Letnes, 41, is one of them. The Chandler software engineer is an independent who split his 2016 ballot to vote for Clinton and McCain, who was elected to his sixth term. Troubled by Trumps attitudes toward science, the media and abortion rights, Letnes finds himself more aligned with Democrats these days. He voted for Sinema over McSally and plans to vote against McSally again in 2020. Hes not yet impressed with any of the Democratic presidential candidates, but he plans to vote against Trump. Im worried that were going to continue all the craziness, Letnes said, sitting on a park bench in Chandler. Across the street, Toyosi Omojaro said Democrats may force her to vote for Trump. Omojaro is a physician who moved to Chandler from Virginia last year and is a longtime Republican, although she hasnt voted for a president since George W. Bush in 2004. The middle-aged mom is so turned off by the partisan chaos that she registered in Arizona as an independent voter. I didnt want a label this time around, Omojaro said. I wanted to go in with a free mind. She appreciates Trumps anti-abortion stances and his rejection of political correctness. But shes turned off by his profanity-laced tirades and his treatment of women. I do applaud some of the things he does, but the way he goes about it just rubs me the wrong way, Omojaro said. I would want to be able to turn on the TV and let my daughter listen to a news conference without all this vulgarity. Its not necessary. Shes open to voting for a Democrat, but it must be someone more moderate than Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. If Democrats veer too far left, I may close my eyes, and vote for Trump, she said. She hasnt paid attention to her new states Senate race, and was unfamiliar with McSally or Kelly, the Democratic contender. More blue, not less red One thing that isnt changing in Arizona is whom GOP voters want. Bitecofer, the professor of political science, dismissed the idea that Republican voters abandoned their party in 2018. This idea that Republicans were disaffected is wrong. Theres no evidence that Republicans were embarrassed or sad because they showed up in big numbers in 2018, she said. There was no additional crossover voting. Its not that these House districts flipped because of Republicans joining hands with Democrats. Bitecofer said Sinema, who won by 2.3 percentage points, received at most up to 2 percentage points of Republican voters more than what happens in any election. Beyond that, Arizona voters just included more people who voted for Democrats, she said. To get a sense of where Arizona may be heading, keep an eye on Texas, she said. If Texas is within reach, Arizona basically becomes locked in, Bitecofer said. If theres a Latino somewhere on the ticket, I just cant see how Arizona cant go Democratic. Reach the reporters at ronald.hansen@arizonarepublic.com, yvonne.wingett@arizonarepublic.com and pamela.larson@azcentral.com. Follow them on Twitter @ronaldjhansen, @yvonnewingett and @PamReporting. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Election 2020: Arizona maps show a battleground for Trump, Democrats English Finnish GOFORE PLC COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT 8 JANUARY 2020 AT 9.00 Gofore Plc's Business Review 1 December31 December 2019: Net sales EUR 4.6 million, 27% net sales growth for the full year Gofores net sales in December were EUR 4.6 million (2018: EUR 3.8 million). The Group had a total of 582 employees (2018: 495 employees) at the end of the period. Net sales for the full year were EUR 64.1 million (2018: EUR 50.6 million, growth 27%). CEO Mikael Nylund comments on development: December net sales were as expected. During Christmas and New Year, personnel took the usual vacations, so net sales per working day did not reach that of the peak months. Net sales for the full year were EUR 64.1 million. We were able to continue our long-standing strong growth. This was the 15th consecutive year of profitable growth for the company. Year 2019 was also a time of learning, as customer demand was more difficult to estimate. At the beginning of the year, we expected growth of more than 40% for the financial year. However, in the first half of the year, there were fewer new projects than normal in our public sector clientele. This was to be expected since a similar phenomenon has occurred in the past when a new government was formed in Finland after elections, but the magnitude of this phenomenon surprised us. In addition, during the second quarter, a couple of our major private sector customers reduced their orders. These factors contributed to the years growth remaining reasonably good in itself, at 27%. Demand in the public sector normalized in the autumn and sales in the private sector also developed well. In December, we were selected as the primary supplier with the best score for IT Center for Science CSC's framework for information production. We expect the agreement to be worth approximately EUR 1.5-2 million for our part. We confidently look ahead at the start of 2020. In the Business Reviews, in addition to the month's net sales, the net sales of the corresponding month in the previous year is published. The reviews also include key indicators that further facilitate transparency of the company's growth strategy and comparisons between different periods. Reporting has been supplemented with the Full Time Equivalent (FTE) figure as well as subcontracting FTEs. Additionally, in the monthly Business Reviews for the quarter ending in March and September, the company publishes the Group's EBITA and EBITA-% as well as corresponding figures for the same period in the previous year. The figures are unaudited. Month (2019) Net sales, MEUR (net sales 2018)1 Number of employees2 Number of working days in Finland Overall capacity, FTE3 Subcontracting, FTE4 December 4.6 (3.8) 582 18 539 53 November 6.0 (5.3) 582 21 537 57 October 6.6 (5.4) 580 23 537 54 September 5.9 (4.7) 578 21 532 55 August 5.3 (4.6) 562 22 521 56 July 2.2 (2.2) 562 23 535 18 June 5.1 (4.1) 559 19 525 59 May 6.2 (4.4) 558 21 (+ Ascension Day) 515 60 April 5.5 (4.0) 552 20 504 57 March 6.1 (4.2) 544 21 500 66 February 5.3 (3.8) 538 20 487 61 January 5.2 (4.1) 504 22 469 52 1 Net sales, MEUR (net sales in 2018), reports net sales (unaudited) for that month. 2 The number of employees at the end of the review period. A German company, Mangodesign, acquired in June 2019, is counted from 1 July 2019. 3 The Overall capacity, FTE (Full Time Equivalent) figure shows the overall capacity of the Group's personnel, converted into a value corresponding to the number of full-time employees. The figure includes the entire personnel, regardless of their role. The figure is not affected by annual leave, time-off in lieu of overtime, sick leave or other short-term absences. Part-time agreements and other long-term deviations from normal working hours reduce the amount of overall capacity in comparison with the total number of employees. The capacity of Silver Planet Oy's personnel has been taken into account as of 15 February 2019. 4 The Subcontracting, FTE (Full Time Equivalent) figure shows the overall amount of subcontracting used in invoiceable work, converted into a value corresponding to the number of full-time employees. Subcontracting used by Silver Planet Oy has been included as of 15 February 2019. Further enquiries: Mikael Nylund, CEO, Gofore Plc tel. +358 40 540 2280 mikael.nylund@gofore.com Certified Adviser: Evli Bank Plc, tel. +358 40 579 6210 Gofore Plc is a Finnish digitalisation specialist with international growth plans. We're made up of some 580 people across Finland, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom and Estonia - top experts in our industry who are our company's heart, brain, and hands. We use consulting, coding and design as tools to incite positive change. We care for our people, our customers, and the surrounding world. Our values guide our business: Gofore is a great workplace that thrives on customer success. In 2019, our net sales amounted to EUR 64.1 million. Gofore Plc's shares are quoted in the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland. Learn to know us better at www.gofore.com. INS Sumedha, presently on Anti Piracy Patrol in the Gulf of Aden, came to the rescue of the crew of a traditional wooden vessel known as a dhow, Al-Hamid on Monday. Al-Hamid was detected by an Indian Navy helicopter launched from the deck of INS Sumedha, which confirmed that the vessel was in distress and drifting near the coast of Somalia. A boarding team along with a naval technical team embarked Al-Hamid for routine checks onboard and render assistance. The crew of Al-Hamid comprised 13 Indian citizens. Indian Navy: A boarding team along with a naval technical team embarked Al-Hamid for routine checks onboard and render assistance. The crew of Al-Hamid comprised of 13 Indian citizens. https://t.co/bTl8yafUrC ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 The technical team assessment revealed that the dhow had suffered a broken main engine shaft, which was not repairable at sea. The dhow was then towed to safety away from the Somali coast. Meanwhile, the owner of the dhow Al-Hamid has been sent another vessel for towing the dhow to port for repairs. Before departure, INS Sumedha provided fresh water and medical supplies to the crew of the dhow. Please DOUX follow us Doux Reviews has been on the web since 2004 and features thousands of episode reviews of the best classic and current television shows as well as many book and movie reviews By Express News Service MUMBAI: The BJP suffered a rout in its bastion of Nagpur in the Zilla Parishad elections on Wednesday. In the 57-seat ZP, which the party had controlled till now, it was reduced to 15 while the Congress-NCP alliance bagged 40 seats. The BJP reversed the sides in Dhule, where the party won 38 of 55 seats. Results for Six ZPs, that went to vote on Tuesday, were declared today. While voters from Nagpur and Dhule gave clear mandate, in all other local bodies including Nandurbar, Palghar, Akola and Washim alliances would be needed as no party or alliance won a clear mandate. In Nandurbar, of the 56 seats, the Congress and the BJP have won 23 seats each leaving 7 for Shiv Sena and 3 for NCP. This has passed on the key to power in the local body to Shiv Sena. The party also emerged stronger in Mumbais neighbouring Palghar district. It won 18 of the 57 seats in Palghar ZP while the NCP could win 16 and the BJP won 11. In Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkars home district Akola, his Bharip Bahujan MahaSangh (BBMS) won 19 of 53 seats while the Shiv Sena won 11 seats. In 52-member Washim ZP, local alliance JanVikas Aghadi remained popular preference of the people though Prakash Ambedkars Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), NCP and Congress bagged more seats than them. The three-party alliance like the one ruling the state can come to power in Washim, local sources said. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh's son Salil Deshmukh has registered victory from Mendpajara seat in Nagpur, while BJP candidate lost in the ancestral village of union minister Nitin Gadkari. Meanwhile, at Osmanabad ZP former minister and Shiv Sena MLA Tanaji Sawant turned rebel to help BJP gain power in the local body. Sawant, who was already going unhappy after failing to get into the state cabinet, wanted his nephew to be made official candidate for the post of local body chief. However, when it couldnt happen, he joined hands with the BJP to get him elected as the deputy chief of the local body. Nearly one year ago, Birmingham police Sgt. Wytasha Carter was shot and killed responding to a call at a downtown club. Sgt. Carters death moved Terri Endert to do something to honor him in the halls of North Precinct, where he worked. Enderts husband, Sgt. Carl Endert, also works in the North Precinct. She worked with a friend to create a metal shield honoring Carter. The shield will hang in the North Precinct. The shield was presented to Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith and the Birmingham City Council Tuesday morning. I want the family to know that I care and I know what they are going through because I have family that also serves and protects, she said. In the months after Sgt. Carters death, Endert reached out to her former classmate, Chris Underwood, who owns a metalworking shop in Idaho called CNS CnC. Over the course of a few months, she and Chris exchanged ideas over Facebook and eventually decided to create a large metal shield, resembling Sgt. Carters badge with the thin blue line mourning band. I hope that it accomplishes letting the family and the public know that there are citizens that actually care and have the police officers on their hearts, Endert said. Smith called the gift of the shield a tremendously kind gesture. Sergeant Carter was someone who went above and beyond not just for his department but for people and for his family. I think its a great tribute to him and to his family should they ever come by the station and just know that its there in his honor, he said. Smith also thanked Endert for acting on her idea to create something in memory of Carter. I want to publicly thank her for having the heart. Theres one thing to have a thought in your mind and let it pass. Theres another thing to have a thought in your mind, then it goes to your heart to where you take action. Its something that genuinely comes from the heart. You can tell today that its a very kind heartfelt gesture that you brought into reality, Smith said. Carters wife, Tiphanie, was unable to attend Tuesdays council meeting. Lt. Richard Haluska said she knows about the shield created in his honor and that she appreciates the gesture. A Jefferson County grand jury indicted 31-year-old Jeremy Elwin Owens on Aug. 23, charging him with capital murder, two counts of attempted murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, receiving stolen property and possession of marijuana. The attempted murder charges are for the wounding of Officer Lucas Allums and for allegedly shooting at Sgt. Talana Brown. He was initially arrested on the same crimes Feb. 14, one month and one day after Carter was killed. Six officers in Alabama died in the the line of duty in 2019. An conglomerate of organisations formed to oppose the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on Tuesday appealed to the people of Assam to remain united to take forward the ongoing anti-CAA movement by thwarting the "attempts to divide them and by rejecting the of sops". Contesting the government's assertion that the new law is to safeguard the ethnic and Assamese-speaking people of the state, the Nagarikatta Sangshudhani Ain Birudhi Samannai Samity president and eminent litterateur Dr Hiren Gohain claimed that the legislation is committed more towards national and foreign business interests. "Law is being broken to make Bangladeshi Hindus citizens in Assam," Gohain, a Sahitya Akademi awardee, told a press conference here. "It has become necessary to carry on this ongoing anti-CAA movement against the Centre and the state government so that the law is withdrawn. We appeal to the people to remain united, strengthen relations between the plains and hills people, and reject the of sops", Gohain said. He was referring to the Assam government's move to provide funds to various organisations and provide land pattas to landless indigenous people, as anti-CAA protests rocked the state since early last month. Condemning the violence at the Jawaharlal Nehru University on Sunday, the former Gauhati University professor said, "The police is for maintaining law and order. But they remained partisan and inactive in JNU when students were attacked inside the university campus and hostel rooms. It is dangerous for democracy." Claiming that independence of the media was being infringed upon, Gohain said, "Some of the honest outspoken journalists outside the state have been forced to move away. It is beginning to happen in Assam." Stating that the Samity will observe January 26 as Constitution Protection Day, he urged the people to burn a copy of the CAA during the upcoming Bhogali Bihu festival. The Samity's convenor Deben Tamuli demanded that the government suitably compensate the families of the five killed in police firing during the anti-CAA protests, institute enquiries into their deaths, release arrested KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi and others, besides halting "government attack on media independence and freedom of speech". The Samity consists of the CPI, CPI-M, NCP, SFI, All India Students Association, he said adding that its doors are open for the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) who in the forefront of the anti-CAA protests. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A map showing the location of the Jan. 7 earthquake just off the coast of Puerto Rico. (USGS) Trump Approves Puerto Rico Earthquake Emergency Declaration Following a series of earthquakes that hit Puerto Rico over the past several days, President Donald Trump signed an emergency declaration to coordinate relief efforts. Trump ordered federal assistance to supplement Commonwealth and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from earthquakes beginning on Dec. 28, the White House said in a statement on Wednesday. A powerful earthquake on Tuesday caused damage across the island and killed at least one person. Reports said the 6.4 magnitude tremor knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of customers across Puerto Rico. The new declaration from Trump authorizes the Department of Homeland Security [and the] Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, the White House said. A collapsed building with a car crushed underneath, following an earthquake in Yauco, Puerto Rico on Jan. 7, 2020. All the occupants of the home are reported to be uninjured. A 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico, the largest in a series of quakes in recent days, and caused heavy damage in some areas. (J. Miguel Santiago Twitter via AP) A map showing the location of the earthquake just off the coast of Puerto Rico on Jan. 7, 2020. (USGS) Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) called on Trump to approve the commonwealths request for aid. Now the island can fully begin its recovery process. I will continue to stay in contact with the leaders on the island and offer any assistance I can to help them along the way, Scott wrote on Twitter after Trump signed the declaration. Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vazquez signed an emergency declaration to give its government flexibility to respond quickly to the earthquake, she said on Tuesday during a press conference, according to CNN. FEMA later confirmed it received her declaration and is working closely with Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau before two teams were deployed to the island. A home is seen collapsed after an earthquake in Guanica, Puerto Rico on Jan. 7, 2020. (Ricardo Ortiz/Reuters) Puerto Rico has been hard-hit by natural disasters over the past several years, including two devastating hurricanes and flooding. But hundreds of quakes have touched the island, including 10 of at least a magnitude 4 on the Richter Scale, since Dec. 28, the U.S. Geological Survey said on its website, reported Reuters. In 2017, the commonwealth declared itself bankrupt, making it the biggest municipal bankruptcy ever in the United States. Danny burst back on to our screens this week and put all our New Year's workout resolutions to shame in his new edit ' Gymnasium '. It saw Danny back on the 24" wheels of a custom, carbon Santa Cruz trials bike ticking off some of the most creative tricks he's ever produced, and that's a pretty high bar to vault over.We caught up with Danny to talk about his return to the trials bike, how he motivates himself to constantly raise his riding level, and the custom bike Santa Cruz produced for him: You're back on your trials bike for the first time in a while, what prompted that shift back to from the mountain bike ones to the trials ones? Basically two years ago, in 2017, I broke my kneecap filming and that took a long time to recover from. I ended up having an operation and then a meniscus issue so basically I've not been on a 100% street level on my trials bike for a little while.The mountain bike is a little more forgiving and slightly easier going on the body than say street riding on my trials bike so that's kind of why I had to do more on the mountain bike. It was quite nice doing low impact riding but because it's low impact, you have to up the technical difficulty. There's plenty of tricks in there that took me a few hundred goes to land. At least this time it's in a warm room and not a windy hill in the middle of nowhere. Yeah, we actually had a full heating system so it was quite nice to be in shorts and a t-shirt in late November/ December. It was quite a luxury compared to shooting a week before that on a different video out in the elements and I was freezing for five days. Where did the inspiration for the theme come from? These days it certainly makes it a lot easier to make a video that's going to travel out of the bike scene if you have a little bit of a concept around it. I mainly spend my time in the gym when I'm doing my rehab but when you're on these machines it's pretty boring so I would daydream half the time about riding all over it.I thought it would be quite cool to make a little gym and not really have any limitations on it so I wrote down a bunch of ideas that I thought would be fun and we tried to make those come to life. It's quite a fun basic concept but it allows me to be quite creative. It felt spontaneous to me, how much was pre-planned and how much came to you there? I wouldn't say pre-planned - if pre-planned is a little sketch in a sketchbook then maybe! I actually had four days before filming to ride around and try some different things, like sticking the dumbells on their end. Normally what happens is you get massively disappointed, or you have this new idea and then reality kicks in and the physics just isn't on. Luckily there were some pretty out-there ideas that did come alive in the end, maybe not exactly how I would want them but I'm happy with what we got in the time we had. Which was the most difficult to pull off? The most difficult by far, was the ghosty to bump front flip catch. It took us two and a half days altogether. I really like the idea of being able to ghosty my bike and make it do something. I watch a lot of skateboarding videos and lots of the creative skateboarders, Matt Tomasello or Richie Jackson , quite often do tricks where they're jumping off the board doing something else and they reconnect and ride away.The nice thing about skateboarding is that it's got four wheels but with a bicycle, there's a bit more variation in what can go wrong with it. Initially, I was quite surprised at how high the bike jumped from the springboard, it's amazing how much energy you can get from a little bump. The dream was to not touch the horse myself and jump and connect with the bike in mid-air. The thing that was stopping me was basically that when you caught the bike in mid-air, the back wheel would touch the ground first and your pedals would spin backwards and your pedals wouldn't be where they were supposed to be - that's why this trick that you see is sketchily landed because my feet were looking for opposite pedals.I must have tried the trick at least 700 goes at least and it was probably the hardest thing I've ever done to any bike ever. That's why we had mats on the far side, it wasn't for myself, it was for the bike. The amount of times it was landing to the forks, to the handlebars, every which way you can imagine the bike to tumble and rag doll. It's not the kind of thing you do with a one-off carbon trials bike but I felt it was a good enough idea to justify the punishment. What keeps you going when you've tried a trick 500 times and you know it might take you another 200 to get right? I've been able to run a really reliable tubeless setup... and that's probably the biggest game-changing thing for me Well, in the beginning, you're going off into the unknown. It's quite nice when you're trying stuff that nobody else has done and I really enjoy that part of the filming process. In the beginning, the wonder is there, and that will give you 200 goes worth of motivation.Normally before 200 goes you've had a glimpse that it's possible. If you've not had a glimpse by 200 goes then you might as well give up.From 200-400 you start getting that feeling that it's possible, you're usually getting quite tired at that point, quite frustrated, usually lots of shinners and whatnot but once it goes beyond that point it can get disheartening.The motivation after that is that you've put 400 goes in already and you don't want it to be for nothing so you have to keep going until the end. With that kind of trick, there were so many variables, we were adjusting the tyre pressures by 1 or 2 psi, which would make a huge difference to the rotation. Half the time the bike would come back at me, it was just so inconsistent.I think I landed the one in the film after about 600 tries and I wasn't particularly happy about how messy it looked so I tried it another probably 200 goes after that and I couldn't get any better. My bike was pretty much going to be destroyed and I had to do some other bits to finish the film so I had to give it up.It's cool because it's my own ideas I'm working towards and I have my own team of friends that are willing to go through it with me. My friend Miles was running with a dolly style go-kart. He was having to sprint with me for 700 tries so we were both going through the mill with that one. Carbon seems like an unusual choice for a trials bike, what are the benefits you find from it? It's a little bit of everything. When I signed with Santa Cruz four years ago, one of the ideas that came up was to build a specific trials bike - whether it was aluminium or carbon. They have this new carbon lab at the headquarters in Santa Cruz where they build small parts for testing rims, testing layups of head tubes and whatnot, but they've expanded this part of their R&D so they can build an entire frame. Certain layups I've done on my carbon trials bike have gone on to be in the production mountain bikes. When you're riding do you notice a difference? Yeah, it's about 1.5 kg lighter over the whole bike but the one thing I want is for it to be strong enough. The last thing I want when I'm 360'ing down a bunch of stairs is to have a mechanical that makes me have to go up there and do it again. I got them to lay up the carbon pretty thick because I don't want to find out the breaking point of carbon steerer tubes and carbon forks so although it's light, it's pretty heavy duty.They also built some carbon Reserve wheels, which meant I've been able to run a really reliable tubeless setup with the Continental tyres and that's probably the biggest game-changing thing for me. In terms of being able to hit things that much harder, its probably added about 10 or 15 percent onto how high I can go bumping upstairs for the energy I can put into the bike without getting punctures. It feels quite futuristic, although it has been around for ages in mountain bikes. ADCC-enhancement for innovative cancer therapy BERLIN, Germany, January 08, 2020 / B3C newswire / -- ProBioGen AG has signed a commercial license agreement with Roche for applying ProBioGens proprietary GlymaxX technology to boost the antibodys ADCC anti-tumor activity. The GlymaxX technology for production of afucosylated proteins is universally applicable, simple and potent. The unique advantage of the GlymaxX technology is that a single GlymaxX modified cell line is sufficient to produce both, completely fucosylated or afucosylated antibodies and those with an intermediate defined fuscosylation level. The technology can easily be integrated in newly developed or already existing cell lines of different origins. About ProBioGen AG ProBioGen is a premier, Berlin-based specialist for developing and manufacturing complex therapeutic glycoproteins. Combining both state-of-the-art development platforms, based on ProBioGens CHO.RiGHT expression and manufacturing platform, together with intelligent product-specific technologies, yields biologics with optimized properties. Rapid and integrated cell line and process development, comprehensive analytical development and following reliable GMP manufacturing is performed by a highly skilled and experienced team. All services and technologies are embedded in a total quality management system to assure compliance with international ISO and GMP standards (EMA/FDA). ProBioGen was founded 1994, is privately owned and located in Berlin, Germany. About GlymaxX The GlymaxX technology, developed by ProBioGen, prevents the addition of the sugar fucose to the N-linked antibody carbohydrate part by antibody producing cells. The absence of fucose enhances ADCC (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity) activity for antibodies directed against cancer and infectious diseases. The GlymaxX technology is based on the stable introduction of a gene for an enzyme which deflects the cellular pathway of fucose biosynthesis. ProBioGen offers this technology royalty-free to third parties. Contact ProBioGen Dr. Gabriele Schneider Chief Business Officer Herbert-Bayer-Str. 8 13086 Berlin, Germany +49 (0)30 3229 35 100 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.probiogen.de Keywords: Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity; Fucose; Sugars; Antibodies; Glycoproteins; Glycosylation; Cell Line; Antibody-Producing Cells Published by B3C newswire and shared through Newronic A Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 airliner carrying at least 176 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran on Wednesday, killing everyone on board. It was unclear what caused the crash of the aircraft, a Ukraine International Airlines flight bound for Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. Early statements from both countries were confused and contradictory. The disaster happened against the backdrop of the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, which on Tuesday fired missiles at two bases in Iraq that house U.S. troops, but there was no immediate indication that the plane had been shot down or otherwise attacked. The Iranian Students News Agency, a state-run media organization, shared a video it said showed the predawn crash, with an aircraft, apparently in flames, descending in the distance before a bright burst filled the sky upon impact. Photos and videos from the crash site showed rescuers in a field littered with plane debris, smoldering fires and the belongings of passengers. Qassem Biniaz, an official at the Iranian Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, told the Islamic Republic News Agency, the governments official news agency, that an engine caught fire and the pilot was unable to regain control. Ukraine International Flight 752 left Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran at 6:12 a.m. Wednesday and lost contact at 6:14 a.m., according to a flight tracker. Iranian news organizations tied to the government referred to technical problems with the plane, but they did not elaborate or cite any evidence. Later, the head of Irans Civil Aviation Organization, Ali Abedzadeh, told the semiofficial Mehr News Agency that so far, there was no evidence of technical problems. The disaster has the potential to add to the crisis at Boeing, which has been dealing with the fallout from two crashes involving a different model of jet. After the crash, Ukraines Embassy in Iran initially issued a statement ruling out terrorism or a rocket attack as a cause of the crash. But the statement was later removed from the embassys website and replaced by a statement saying it was too early to draw any conclusions. Abedzadeh said the airliner had not contacted the control tower about an emergency. After an accident, the black boxes are often sent to the planes maker for analysis, but Iran would not send the flight data recorders to Boeing, an American company, Abedzadeh said in an interview with Mehr. We will not give the black box to the manufacturer and the Americans, Mehr quoted him as saying. Ukrainian officials, he said, would be involved in Irans investigation of the crash. There were 176 people aboard, including nine crew members, according to Ukrainian officials, but the Iranian authorities, who released the names of the dead, listed 177, while some Iranian news organizations cited other figures. The breakdown of the victims nationalities also diverged, though that may be because some passengers held dual citizenship; Irans tally included 147 Iranians and two Canadians, while Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraines minister of foreign affairs, said there were 82 Iranians and 63 Canadians. At a news conference at Boryspil International Airport in Kyiv several hours after the crash, Ukraine International Airlines executives said the plane had been in good working order and operated by a highly trained crew. They offered no theories as to what might have happened and declined to comment on whether or not it might have been shot down. Given their experience, it is very difficult to say that there was something wrong with the crew, Ihor Sosnovskyi, the airlines vice president of flight operations, said at the briefing. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine said he had ordered the prosecutor general to open a criminal investigation into the crash and that the countrys entire civil aviation fleet would be checked. All possible versions of what occurred must be examined, Zelenskiy said in a Facebook post. Boeing faces its own pressure. The company has been under intense scrutiny after the crash of two 737 Max jets in less than five months, which together killed 346 people. The Max has been grounded worldwide since March, creating a crisis for the company and leading to the firing of the chief executive. As the company struggles to get a fix for the Max approved by regulators, new safety risks have recently emerged with the plane, which the company may also need to assess on the 737-NG family, which includes the 737-800. The 737-NG is one of the worlds most widely used airliners, with almost 5,000 built since 1998, and it generally has a good safety record. We are aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information, Boeing said in a statement. The crash came at a tense time in Iran, as conflict with the United States had the country on edge. On Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration barred American airliners from flying over Iran, citing a risk that commercial planes would be mistaken for military aircraft. Several non-American carriers rerouted flights on Wednesday to avoid Iraq and Iran, according to Flightradar24, a site that tracks airplane transponders. In 2014, early in the war in eastern Ukraine between government forces and Russia-backed separatists, a Russian missile shot down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, killing 298 people. The crash could touch a nerve politically in Ukraine, because Ukraine International Airlines is partly owned through a network of offshore companies by Ihor Kolomoisky. Kolomoisky is an oligarch with close ties to the Ukrainian president. Zelenskiy cut short his trip to Oman, where he was spending the holidays, and was returning to Kyiv. Horrible news from the Middle East, he said in a post on Facebook. My sincere condolences to the relatives and loved ones of all of the passengers and crew members. While airlines in the former Soviet Union have a generally poor safety record, Ukraine International Airlines says on its website that its safety is audited and meets Federal Aviation Administration standards for code-sharing flights with foreign partners. It had not previously suffered a fatal crash, according to a list of Ukrainian aircraft accidents compiled by the Flight Safety Foundation. The airline said the plane was manufactured in 2016 and delivered directly from the factory, and that it had most recently undergone scheduled maintenance on Monday two days before the crash. The airline said it was canceling flights to Tehran indefinitely and promised a full investigation into the causes of the crash, involving officials from Ukraine, Iran and Boeing. The airline began in the 1990s as newly independent Ukraines state flag carrier but was subsequently privatized. Its website calls the business a public private entity. Before suspending service to Tehran on Wednesday, the carrier offered five direct flights per week from the Iranian capital to Kyiv. The airline flies a fleet of 35 Boeings and seven Embraer aircraft, according to its website. Officials from the Ukrainian Embassy in Tehran were at the airport Wednesday morning and working to compile a list of the passengers on board, Russias state-run RIA Novosti news agency cited an embassy official as saying. Ukraines Foreign Ministry said it had set up a crisis working group and a telephone hotline in response to the crash. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday condemned Iran's use of ballistic missiles on US-led coalition air bases in Iraq and called for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East. Addressing the House of Commons, he issued a warning to Iran to refrain from further reckless and dangerous attacks as he confirmed that non-essential British personnel had been moved from the region. "We of course condemn the attack on Iraqi military bases hosting coalition forces," Johnson said during the first Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) session since the UK Parliament returned from its Christmas recess. "Iran should not repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks but must instead pursue urgent de-escalation," he said. Iran's Revolutionary Guard has said the overnight strikes were in retaliation for the death of General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed outside Baghdad airport on Friday in a missile strike ordered by US President Donald Trump. Johnson told MPs that there had been no UK casualties in the missile attack "as far as we can tell". "We are doing everything we can to protect UK interests in the region, with HMS Defender and HMS Montrose operating in an enhanced state of readiness to protect shipping in the Gulf," he added. Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn described the situation in the Middle East as a real risk of developing into a full-scale war. Johnson will later also discuss the Iran crisis at a meeting with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during Brexit talks at 10 Downing Street. The UK is set to leave the European Union (EU) on January 31 and the meeting marks the first step towards working out the details of the exit from the 28-member economic bloc. Meanwhile, mounting tensions in the Middle East are being seen as the first major foreign policy test of Johnson's prime ministership since his landslide victory in the snap General Election last month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Riviera Maya | Photo: Ahnoki D./Yelp Need more tacos in your life? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top taco spots in Milwaukee, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to satisfy your cravings. January is one of the top months of the year for consumer spending at restaurants across the Milwaukee area, according to data on local business transactions from Womply, a provider of CRM for small business and business analytics for small businesses. The average amount spent per customer transaction at Milwaukee-area restaurants rose to $26 for the metro area in January of last year, second only to December with an average of $29, and 1% higher than the average for the rest of the year. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 1. Mazorca Tacos Photo: jenny b./Yelp First on the list is Mazorca Tacos. Located at 636 S. Sixth St. in Walker's Point, the food truck, which offers tacos and more, is the highest-rated taco spot in Milwaukee, boasting 4.5 stars out of 67 reviews on Yelp. 2. Riviera Maya photo: mike r./yelp Next up is Riviera Maya, situated at 2327 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. With four stars out of 186 reviews on Yelp, the tapas bar, which offers tacos and more, has proven to be a local favorite. 3. Laughing Taco Photo: steven r./Yelp Walker's Point's Laughing Taco, located at 1033 S. First St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the spot to score tacos and more four stars out of 89 reviews. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. The foreign exchange firm Travelex is currently being held to ransom by cyber attackers who say they will expose sensitive customer details unless the London-based firm pays over millions to the thieves. Travelex, which is one of the worlds biggest specialist currency exchange firms for travellers, says that the cyber attack is the ransomware virus Sodinokibi, also known as as REvil. Its online currency exchange feature is still unavailable to visitors. The hackers are reported to be looking for 5 million to release the company from its grip. They claim to have possession of credit card information, dates of birth and national ID numbers. "In the case of payment, we will delete and will not use that database and restore them [Travelex] the entire network, the gang told the BBC. "The deadline for doubling the payment is two days. Then another seven days and the sale of the entire base." However, Travelex has moved to downplay the threat, claiming that the level of customer data exposure is minimal. Whilst there has been some data encryption, there is no evidence that structured personal customer data has been encrypted, the company said in a statement. While Travelex does not yet have a complete picture of all the data that has been encrypted, there is still no evidence to date that any data has been exfiltrated. Whilst the investigation is still ongoing, Travelex has confirmed that the software virus is ransomware known as Sodinokibi, also commonly referred to as REvil. Travelex has proactively taken steps to contain the spread of the ransomware, which has been successful. The company statement said that the issue was first discovered on New Years Eve. On discovering the virus, and as a precautionary measure, Travelex immediately took all its systems offline to prevent the spread of the virus further across the network. Ransomware works by hackers targeting companies with malicious programs that can cripple systems overseeing everything from supply chains to payments to manufacturing, removing them only after receiving substantial payments. Two years ago, Ireland faced a ransomware epidemic partially due to out-of-date Windows software on Irish PCs. The malware, including Wannacry, shut down HSE services and caused a number of small businesses to pay criminals hundreds or thousands in cash to unlock their PCs. One in five Irish PCs currently face security worries from next Tuesday when Microsoft withdraws security support from computers running Windows 7. The security shutoff means that if a Wannacry-style virus is released in the coming weeks or months, Windows 7 desktops and laptops will have reduced defences, leading to a potentially large loss of data. Although Microsoft has been warning about the January 14 date for over a year, 19.3pc of Irish Windows PCs still use Windows 7, according to Statcounter. [January 08, 2020] INVESTOR ALERT: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Investigation on Behalf of Provident Financial Services, Inc. Investors Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces an investigation on behalf of Provident Financial Services, Inc. ("Provident" or the "Company") (NYSE: PFS) investors concerning the Company and its officers' possible violations of federal securities laws. On April 27, 2018, Provident disclosed "deterioration in selected commercial credits, including a $15.4 million credit to a commercial borrower" that had filed for bankruptcy in March 2018. The Company established a $2.5 million specific reserve for this impaired loan. On July 5, 2018, Provident revealed that it expected an additional reserve for the remainder of the $15.4 million credit and that its net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 would be reduced by up to $9.3 million. Then, on July 27, 2018, pre-market, Provident reported a net charge-off of $4 million for two additinal loans from another commercial borrower that became impaired during second quarter 2018. The Company's Chief Executive Officer Christopher Martin stated that the losses "were primarily driven by two commercial relationships which we believe involved borrower fraud in each instance." On this news, Provident's stock price fell $1.46 per share, or over 5%, to close at $26.23 per share on July 27, 2018, thereby injuring investors. Later, in December 2019, certain Provident emails, which became public during the course of certain litigation, indicated that the Company was aware of the fraudulent nature of and/or risks posed by at least one of its failed loans. Specifically, Provident executives and top-level management, including CEO Martin, seemingly ignored multiple red flags and extended a $17 million loan to Lotus Exim International. If you purchased Provident securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005868/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] WASHINGTON President Donald Trump insisted All is well! on Tuesday after Iran fired surface-to-surface missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. He promised to make a statement to the nation Wednesday morning about the increasingly precarious situation with Iran. Trump offered no immediate indication of whether he would retaliate, and stayed out of sight Tuesday night as news of the missile strikes emerged. But he tweeted that an assessment of casualties and damages was underway. The initial outlook, he said, was So far, so good! All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 The Iranian missiles came in retaliation for an American drone strike that killed top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Trump and his advisers are under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led to the U.S. strike. Trump said Tuesday that his decision saved American lives and that members of Congress will get a briefing on the reasons for the U.S. attack. "They were planning something," he said of the Iranians. Hours later, Iran struck back, firing the missiles at bases housing U.S. troops and warning the United States and its allies in the region not to retaliate. The White House said the president was monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. So far, Trump and top national security officials have justified the airstrike with general statements about the threat posted by Soleimani, who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. But the details have been scarce. "He's no longer a monster. He's dead," Trump said. "And that's a good thing for a lot of countries. He was planning a very big attack and a very bad attack for us and other people and we stopped him and I don't think anybody can complain about it." Soleimani was targeted while he was at an airport in Baghdad with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a veteran Iraqi militant who also was killed. FILE - In this Dec. 26, 2018, file photo, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit with members of the military at a dining hall at Ain al-Asad air base, Iraq. Iran struck back at the United States for the killing of a top Iranian general early Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, firing a series of ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops in a major escalation of tensions that brought the two longtime foes closer to war. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)AP Trump said they weren't in Baghdad to discuss vacation plans or visit a "'nice resort," but were there to talk over "'bad business."' The lack of detail doesn't sit well with Democrats, who recall how President George W. Bush justified his invasion of Iraq by accusing Saddam Hussein of having non-existent weapons of mass destruction. Lawmakers in recent days have been pressing for more detail to explain why Trump ordered the killing a decision that previous administrations passed up because of fears it would unleash even more violence. Soleimani traveled frequently and relatively openly, with visits to Baghdad more frequent in recent months. He also often showed up in Syria, including along the border between Iraq and Syria. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have called on Trump to declassify the written notification he sent to Congress after the strike. The notification was required under the War Powers Resolution Act of 1973, which requires the president to report to Congress when American forces are sent into hostile situations. "'The president must come to Congress and present clear and compelling intelligence as to why the strike against Soleimani was absolutely necessary," Menendez said in a speech on the Senate floor. "In the wake of all its misleading statements we must make clear to the administration that the president by himself does not have the authority to launch a war against Iran." Trump stressed that the strike was in retaliation for Iranian attacks and that the U.S. is prepared to attack again "'very strongly." He also said that while he eventually wants to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq, now is not the time because it would allow Iran to gain a bigger foothold there. Trump's top national security officials made several public appearances on Tuesday to further defend the strike. "We had deep intelligence indicating there was active plotting to put American lives at risk," and Iraqi lives too, said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Asked if the threat was imminent in days or weeks, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said: I think its more fair to say days, for sure. Esper said the intelligence was precise "razor thin." He said top Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate plus the chairmen and vice chairmen of the intelligence committees in both chambers were getting a classified briefing Tuesday afternoon on what led to the decision to kill Soleimani. He said other lawmakers will be provided general details about the attack. He said Soleimani was in Baghdad to coordinate additional attacks against the U.S. "To somehow suggest that he wasn't a legitimate target, I think, is fanciful," Esper said. Democratic lawmakers are not yet convinced it was the right decision. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., called the U.S. strike on Soleimani a mistake and said "I have yet to see how killing this man will prevent Iran from posing an even greater threat against the United States and our interests." In the wake of the killing, Iran has announced that it will no longer be bound by the 2015 nuclear agreement and vowed to retaliate against the U.S., its allies and American interests. Iraqs parliament also voted to expel U.S. troops from Iraq, which would undermine efforts to fight Islamic State militants in the region and strengthen Irans influence in the Mideast. Kevin Freking and Deb Riechmann of The Associated Press wrote this story. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kharishar Kahfi and Wahyoe Boediwardhana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta/Surabaya Thu, January 9 2020 Brewing scandal: General Elections Commission (KPU) chairman Arief Budiman (second right) and KPU commissioners Ilham Saputra (center), Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi (second left) and Hasyim Asyari (right) visit the Corruption Eradication Commissions office in Jakarta on Wednesday following the arrest of KPU commissioner Wahyu Setiawan by the antigraft body the same day. (Antara/Indrianto Eko Suwarso) The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested a number of corruption suspects in two different cities in the course of two successive days. One of the arrested figures is General Elections Commission (KPU) commissioner Wahyu Setiawan who is suspected of accepting bribes. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Families in Victoria's north-east have endured a sleepless night after spotfires from the Abbeyard bushfire sparked an emergency warning, which has since been downgraded. Homes were under threat by a heavy ember attack overnight, threatening the communities of Bobinawarrah, Carboor, Kneebones Gap, Whorouly, Whorouly East and Whorouly South. The warning was issued shortly before 11pm, and was downgraded on Thursday morning about 8am after being "extremely active overnight". A bushfire near Bairnsdale in East Gippsland on December 31. Credit:State Government/AAP A State Control Centre spokesman said spotting had slowed, and machinery had been brought in to establish containment lines around the blaze. The appointment of Lee Child (pictured), best-selling author of the Jack Reacher series, is an apparent attempt to reflect more popular tastes in novels It's the top literary award that celebrates high-brow writing rather the number of books that have flown off the shelves. So it came as a surprise yesterday when the Booker Prize revealed one of Britain's best-selling thriller writers will be a judge for the prestigious prize. The appointment of Lee Child, best-selling author of the Jack Reacher series, is an apparent attempt to reflect more popular tastes in novels. Previous winners have been dubbed difficult or obscure and while Child's books may not be traditional Booker fare, he has fans in the literary establishment. The prolific writer, real name James Grant, has published 24 books in the series and sold more than 100million copies worldwide. He has criticised the snobbery of some more high-brow authors who look down on his work. Child will join four other leading names on the judging panel to celebrate the best of fiction in one of the world's top literary prizes. They are poet Lemn Sissay, author and critic Sameer Rahim plus classicist and translator Emily Wilson. The panel's chairman will be editor, literary critic and ex- publisher Margaret Busby. In July, The Spectator's literary editor, Sam Leith, described Child as a 'skilfully unobtrusive stylist' and suggested he should be included on a list of 'living writers doing their best work'. Mr Leith added that Stig Abell, editor of The Times Literary Supplement, shared this respect and once declared that he 'loved' the thriller writer, 65. Child's books have been adapted into two Hollywood films starring Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher and Amazon is developing a drama based on the series. The judges will be looking for the best long-form fiction chosen from entries published in the UK from October 1 last year to September 30 this year. Last year's Booker Prize For Fiction was controversially shared between The Testaments by Margaret Atwood and Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo. TV rights have been snapped up for Miss Evaristo's novel and Miss Atwood's book is expected to be adapted by the producers of the popular screen adaptation of her earlier work The Handmaid's Tale. The Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress government in Maharashtra on Wednesday extended its support to the 'Bharat Bandh' call by trade unions against the policies of the Central government. "State government supports today's Bharat Bandh call of different trade unions, government at the Centre is an anti-labour government," said Congress leader and Cabinet Minister while speaking to ANI in Mumbai. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hailed the trade unions 'Bharat Bandh' call and said that the "anti-people" and "anti-labour" policies of the centre have created 'catastrophic' unemployment. "Modi-Shah Govt's anti-people, anti-labour policies have created catastrophic unemployment & are weakening our PSUs to justify their sale to Modi's crony capitalist friends. Today, over 25 crore workers have called for Bharat Bandh 2020 in protest. I salute them," Gandhi had tweeted. Bus and train services in various parts of the country including West Bengal and Odisha have been affected due to protests held during Bharat Bandh. The ten central trade unions including Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Indian Trade Union Congress (INTUC), among others have given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is not taking part in the strike. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Before arriving in Hong Kong last fall, junior Tre Vaughn Howard did not know much about the protests ensnaring the attention of the citys more than 7 million residents. But as he moved into his dorm room and started attending classes at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) for a semester abroad, his roommatea Hong Kong nativebegan telling him where the daily demonstrations were unfolding, sometimes even heading out to participate in them. His new classmates explained the reasons behind the nightly protests that engulfed areas of the city, and Howard received emails from CUHK and the U.S. Embassy about expected rally locations. Protests in America dont typically last very long, so it wasnt something I thought I needed to reconsider when choosing a place to study abroad, said Howard, a broadcast journalism and political science major who is also a Hammond Scholar, a member of the Presidents 100, and a reporter for UMTV. Yet, as the demonstrations escalated, Howard decided to document the historic moment in his temporary home. He interviewed demonstrators on camera, took video of vandalism he witnessed, and posted short broadcasts on his Instagram stories. I didnt go there to be a journalist; I went to be a student. But, I realized that I could not pass up the chance to tell this story, he said. People here are not aware of whats happening in the world, so I thought, let me update [my friends] so they have an idea of whats going on. While Howard was in Hong Kong, he interviewed students and residents who both supported and opposed the protests. He observed young demonstrators using sidewalk bricks to build blockades from the rubber bullets, water cannons, and tear gas used by police. In his last video, Howard shows viewers the messy aftermath of a nightlong rally between protesters and police at CUHK. The more I get into journalism, the more I understand how powerful it is, but also how vulnerable I am as a person reporting on a story, he added. For much of the semester, the clashes remained off college campuses. However, midway through November, the protests spilled onto the CUHKs campus, where Howard and another UM student were living. For their safety, the University of Miami Study Abroad Office quickly arranged flights for the two students to return home, said Devika Milner, assistant dean and director of the office. CUHK decided to end the semester a week early and Howard returned to the U.S., where he completed his finals online. We partner with [CUHK] intentionally because we can count on them in emergency situations to ensure the health and safety of our students, Milner said, adding that CUHK has been one of UM's longest-standing partner schools in Asia. The protests throughout the densely populated city of Hong Kong started in June 2019, when the government proposed a bill to allow suspected criminals to be extradited from Hong Kong to other countries, including Taiwan or mainland China. However, protesters were concerned that if it was passed, the bill could be used to detain political dissidents and would increase Chinas grip on the city. People look at it as another way that mainland China is violating Hong Kongs ability to be sovereign, Howard said. But its a very complex situation without a simple answer. Although it is connected by land to communist-led China, Hong Kong is a former British colony that was returned to China in 1997. To preserve its democratic independence, Hong Kong was labeled a special administrative area of the Republic of China until 2047, when it is supposed to become part of the mainland. Its title means that Hong Kong operates under a one country, two systems philosophy, where residents enjoy many freedoms that the Chinese do not, such as a free internet, an independent court system, and an uncensored press. Therefore, protests originally against the extradition billwhich is now withdrawnhave turned into rallies against Chinas attempt to control Hong Kong. The protests subsided in December, after election results led to some pro-democracy leaders taking power. Nevertheless, young demonstrators took to the streets again recently on New Years Day. The Universitys Study Abroad Office has canceled the spring program in Hong Kong because of the uncertainty, Milner said. Despite losing a week of his semester in Hong Kong, Howard is extremely glad he was able to study in the city. While many students opt to study in European countries with cultural norms similar to the United States, as a person who grew up in the small city of Fort Myers, Florida, Howard wanted an experience where he would be out of his comfort zone. In addition to understanding the protests, Howard learned about the high cost of living in Hong Kong and how large families were forced to share tiny apartments. He also got to discuss foreign affairs with students from across the world who were also studying at CUHK. I wanted something that would challenge me at all levels. And being in such a different environment, like Asia, really allowed me to grow, he said. It also allowed me to have more of a global perspective. Now, Howard wants to travel more, perhaps as a foreign correspondent. He spent weekends in Hong Kong traveling to South Korea, Thailand, and Japan. And after wrapping up his finals, Howard spent part of his winter break in Israel on a Hillel trip for non-Jewish students. Being in Hong Kong taught me that I can go anywhere and everywhere that this passport can take me, he said. I realized that I love to learn and do new thingsboth personally and professionallyand thats something I never want to stop doing. For more information about study abroad programs, visit the Universitys study abroad website or attend an information session. TeleVet, an Austin, Texas-based online platform that connects veterinary clinics to their existing clients, closed a seed funding round of $2M. The round was co-led by Dundee Venture Capital and Mercury Fund with participation from GAN Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to further invest in key hires and product innovation. Led by Co-Founder and CEO Steven Carter, TeleVet provides an integrated mobile app extension to existing veterinarian practice management systems. The app allows two-way communication between clients and veterinary staff, enabling telemedicine, appointment scheduling, digital prescriptions and more, across familiar channels such as texts, emails and video calls. The solution integrates into an existing office workflow, with no setup fee and unlimited live support. FinSMEs 07/01/2020 Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei today declared it had given its enemy America 'a slap in the face' after pounding two Iraqi bases containing US troops with a stream of ballistic missiles. The Muslim cleric addressed the nation in Tehran and hinted at more attacks saying last night's military retaliation for the assassination of his top general Qassem Soleimani is still 'not sufficient' revenge. Ayatollah Khamenei said: 'Last night we slapped them on the face. When it comes to confrontation, military actions of these kinds are not enough. The corrupt presence of the US should come to an end'. As his supporters chanted 'Death to America', many of them in tears, Khamenei praised Soleimani calling him a 'great, brave warrior' and 'dear friend to us.' He also accused the US of trying to remove Lebanon's Iranian-aligned militant group Hezbollah in its bid to help Israel. Donald Trump has said there were no US casualties - but Iranian state television said at least 80 'American terrorists' were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles launched by Tehran. It also said US helicopters and military equipment were 'severely damaged', adding Iran's Revolutionary Guards had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington fought back. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamene claimed to have given US a 'slap in the face' The Muslim cleric addressed the nation in Tehran and hinted at more attacks retaliation for the assassination of his top general Qassem Soleimani The Muslim cleric addressed the nation in Tehran and hinted at more attacks retaliation for the assassination of his top general Qassem Soleimani Iran has fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq that was visited by Donald Trump in December 2018 and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack. In a statement issued via Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, it said: 'We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted.' President Donald Trump says 'all is well' and 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties continue to be assessed after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general. 'All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far,' Trump tweeted late Tuesday as he broke his silence on the missile attack. Trump said he would be making an official statement on Wednesday morning regarding the attacks. Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran 'took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence', but it is unclear whether the strikes will satisfy many Iranians' demands for retaliation against the US. The Pentagon says the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq that Trump visited in December 2018 and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST). The Pentagon says the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. A U.S. official said there were no immediate reports of American casualties, though buildings were still being searched. Iraqi officials say there were no casualties among their forces either. A military official has revealed the U.S. had early warnings of the Iranian missile launches and were able to the sound the alarms at at least one of the two targeted bases. Those in harm's way were able to scramble to safety and hide in bunkers during the attack, the official told USA Today. U.S. troops at the base had been practicing safety drills for some time. Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which controls the country's missile program, confirmed that they fired the rockets in retaliation for last week's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, according to state TV. They reported the operation's name was 'Martyr Soleimani' and it took place just hours after the slain general's funeral. President Donald Trump says 'all is well' and 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties continue to be assessed after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif called the attacks 'self-defense' but said they did 'not seek escalation' but would defend itself against further aggression The rockets used in the attack, according to Iranian TV, were Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles, which have a range of 186 miles or 300km. The Iranian air force has since deployed multiple fighter jets to patrol it airspace, according to reports - as Iran warned the U.S. and its allies in the region not to retaliate. The Pentagon said it was still working to assess the damage. 'In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces,' a statement from the Pentagon read. 'It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. 'As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.' The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, reportedly said Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was personally in the control center coordinating the attacks. They also warned U.S. allies in the Middle East that they would face retaliation if America strikes back against any Iranian targets from their bases. 'We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted,' they said. It also threatened Israel. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were spotted arriving at the White House soon after news of the strikes broke. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said on Tuesday night that the missile strikes were an 'act of war' and said Trump had all the power he needed to act. 'This is an act of war by any reasonable definition,' Graham told Fox News' Sean Hannity. 'The President has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond.' 1. The conflict between the U.S. and Iran seems to be easing for now. Iran said it was done with proportional measures for the U.S. strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani. Irans 22 missiles caused no casualties at their targets, two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. In a news conference, above, President Trump avoided new threats. Iran appears to be standing down, he said, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. Still, Tehran is focused on getting U.S. troops out of the region. And some cyber experts see the possibility of a coming battle cloaked in computer systems. YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has targeted US airbase of Ain al-Assad in Anbar province in western Iraq on Wednesday in response to the US assassination of the IRGC's Quds Forces, Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Irans state news agency IRNA reported. The IRGC fired tens of surface-to-surface missiles at the airbase, IRNA reported citing a statement. The IRGC called on the US to recall their troops from the Middle Eastern region to avoid any further damage. The US military, in turn, said that Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from its territory against at least two Iraqi facilities hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel at about 1:30 a.m. (2230 GMT on Tuesday). US President Donald Trump tweeted All is well after the attack. Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning, Trump added. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here New Delhi, Jan 8 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear on Friday Centre's plea to transfer all PILs filed in different High Courts, across the country challenging the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, to the apex court. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde stating that different High Courts may take conflicting views on the matter, especially in the backdrop of nearly 60 PILs have been filed in the apex court. The court observed that it is always good to have advantage to see the view of the High Court. But, at the same time, the Chief Justice said we feel that the High Court should not take a view on the matter when it is pending before the apex court. Mehta said that a PIL on validity of the law is scheduled for hearing in Karnataka High Court this week. LONDON Like ex-spouses who have just signed divorce papers but not yet begun the ugly business of dividing their possessions, Britain and the European Union are tiptoeing around each other as the year begins, desperate to keep their dealings civil even as they gird for the unpleasantness to come. On Wednesday, a cordial Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the new president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to 10 Downing Street but offered no hint of flexibility on his campaign to negotiate a trade deal by the end of 2020. Dr. von der Leyen spoke warmly of a new beginning for old friends, but she made it clear she thought Mr. Johnsons timetable for negotiating a comprehensive agreement was utterly unrealistic. She warned Britain that the more divergence there is between Britains rules and the blocs, the more distant the partnership has to be. The truth is that our partnership cannot and will not be the same as before, Dr. von der Leyen, a former German defense minister, said in a speech at the London School of Economics. It cannot and will not be as close as before, because with every choice comes a consequence. Daughters Post Shows Firefighter Dad Sleeping on Ground After Battling Blazes, Goes Viral The content is not available due to expiration. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has become a style icon around the world, just like her sister-in-law Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. And it seems 2019 was a strong fashion year for both of them. Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle | Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images Vogue recognizes Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton for their style Meghan and Kate were named two of the best-dressed women of 2019 by Vogue. Most royal fans would agree that both women have impeccable style, and the publication credited the Duchess of Sussex for epitomizing modern-thinking royalty. It also noted that Meghans streamlined, considered wardrobe is emblematic of a woman who epitomizes modern-thinking royalty. Vogue loved Meghans style when she was pregnant with baby Archie, saying she revitalized maternity dressing. The publication praised her again for her post-pregnancy looks, specifically the Wales Bonner dress she wore during her postpartum moment when she and Prince Harry introduced their son to the world. Regarding Kate, Vogue called 2019 a Kate-naissance for her. Not only did the royal debut a new hairstyle, complete with sun-kissed locks, but she also upped her style game, playing around with glitter, sequins and prints, the publication said. Some of the other best-dressed stars of 2019, according to the fashion bible, included Naomi Campbell, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Lupita Nyongo, and Zoe Kravitz. The Duchess of Cambridge was left off Vogues 2018 list Kate Middleton | UK Press Pool/UK Press via Getty Images Kate was snubbed from Vogues 2018 list while Meghan got a best-dressed nod. The Duchess of Cambridges fans were upset that she missed out on the list, especially because she is seen as a fashion icon and often makes other best-dressed lists. However, she did have a rare fashion miss in October 2018 and was slammed for her choice to wear what has been dubbed as the worst ever Alexander McQueen dress to a state banquet at Buckingham Palace. Kate also potentially didnt make the cut because she usually plays it safe with her wardrobe. Meanwhile, Meghans fashion choices since joining the royal family have been a bit more daring, as shes known to go against royal protocol at times. Meghan guest-edited a landmark issue of British Vogue in 2019 Meghan Markle | @SUSSEXROYAL/AFP via Getty Images In 2019, Meghan teamed up with British Vogue for something that had nothing to do with her attire. The Duchess of Sussex was a guest editor for the September Forces for Change issue, which highlighted women who are positive changemakers. These last seven months have been a rewarding process, curating and collaborating with Edward Enninful, British Vogues editor-in-chief, to take the years most-read fashion issue and steer its focus to the values, causes and people making [an] impact in the world today, Meghan said about the issue. She added, Through this lens I hope youll feel the strength of the collective in the diverse selection of women chosen for the cover as well as the team of support I called upon within the issue to help bring this to light. Read more: Who Was the Hardest-Working Royal of 2019? (The Answer Will Surprise You) Norah is a mechanical engineer aboard a large structure surrounding the Kepler ocean drill, which is in the business of penetrating the Earths crust searching for minerals like a hungry anteater. Shes a cynical sort of savior, scooping spiders from the sink, but she knows how to make the tough decisions too. When the structure is rocked by several massive jolts, shes forced to sacrifice a couple of colleagues while sealing off a passageway to save the whole ship. Soon its just a small group of survivors, hoping to make their way down to the ocean floor and across to another drilling station, the Roebuck. It seems their vulnerable suits and the deadly pressure from the miles of water theyre under will be the most dangerous thing to navigate, but theyre of course underestimating the real threats of what lie beneath. FILE PHOTO: Demonstrators hold placards depicting Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, during a protest against killing of Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, who died in an air strike at Baghdad airport, outside U.S. Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, January 5, 2020. REUTERS/Murad Sezer Reuters Saeed Jalili, a conservative former secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Council, tweeted a picture of the Iranian flag on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after reports of missiles hitting US-stationed bases began emerging. At around 5:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, dozens of missiles hit at least two Iraqi bases housing US personnel. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps immediately took responsibility for the strike. Following the US airstrike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week, President Donald Trump tweeted an American flag. US officials claimed the strike was justified due to an "imminent threat." Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. An adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader mimicked President Donald Trump's previous message on Twitter, as Iran fired tens of missiles at Iraqi bases with US troops. At around 5:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, dozens of missiles hit at least two Iraqi bases housing US personnel. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps immediately took responsibility for the strike. US military officials confirmed "it is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran." Saeed Jalili, a conservative former secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Council, tweeted a picture of the Iranian flag on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after reports of missiles hitting bases where US troops are stationed began emerging. Jalili's tweet follows Trump's tweet of an American flag last Thursday. Trump issued the briefly-pinned tweet after the US performed an airstrike against Iran's elite Quds force commander, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani an attack US officials claimed was justified due to an "imminent threat." The US has not yet offered any evidence explaining the nature of the purported imminent threat. Congressional lawmakers are expected to be briefed by Trump officials the specifics of the threat on Wednesday. Story continues "The US military has taken decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force," the Defense Department said in a statement after last week's airstrike. "This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans. The United States will continue to take all necessary action to protect our people and our interests wherever they are around the world." In response to Iran's airstrikes at the bases in Iraq the Department of Defense issued the following statement: "In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region." It was not immediately clear if any people were injured or killed in the attacks. Read the original article on Business Insider Mike Bloomberg released Wednesday an economic agenda that focuses heavily on helping "the people and communities that have been short-changed by President Trump," per the plan's details, by creating jobs and increasing wages. Why it matters: It's no secret Trump wants to run his re-election campaign on the economy, but Bloomberg is tapping into a conversation we're hearing from voters all across the country, whether in our focus groups or on the campaign trail: wages aren't keeping up and Trump isn't talking about that. There might be more jobs available, but the wages aren't matching the demands of a 21st century lifestyle and many Americans are piecing together multiple gigs to make ends meet. Bloomberg will travel to Illinois, Minnesota and Ohio later today to sell his "All-in economy" agenda to voters there, and Axios will be at all three stops. Hillary Clinton won two of those three states in 2016, with Trump taking Ohio. What they're saying: "I know that our economy is working fine for people like me and people like Donald Trump," Bloomberg said on a call with reporters yesterday morning. "But it is badly broken for the vast majority of Americans." "Hes counting on the economy to lift him to victory and hes hoping to face a career politician whos never created any jobs," he said, referring to his three terms as mayor of New York City, during which he created 400,000 jobs. Between the lines: Through his policy rollout and travel, Bloomberg is trying to puncture a hole in the president's narrative of an economic boom for all Americans. Bloomberg is visiting a community college on the South Side of Chicago, an area that is facing high levels of poverty even though it's in one of the country's wealthiest cities. He'll speak to the concerns of displaced manufacturing workers in Akron, Ohio after that, and meet with farmers in Wells, Minn., who have been negatively affected by Trump's trade wars. The big picture: Despite his late entrance into the 2020 presidential race, Bloomberg hasn't wasted any time releasing policy proposals and taking on Trump directly. His "All-in economy" agenda starts with an investment in education and vocational training, so that Americans can get the skills that employers are prioritizing for hiring. The plan also proposes launching "a major public research and development initiative in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and medicine" to stimulate job growth. Bloomberg also calls for a $15 minimum wage, an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit to better help gig-economy workers, and a proposed investment in rural broadband access. A Bloomberg campaign official told Axios on the call yesterday that the exact costs of the plan are still being sorted out because "all of the plans hes issuing are intertwined." The campaign said they'll be releasing tax- and spending-related plans for Bloomberg's various policies "in the coming weeks." While there's no hook to the release of this plan, Bloomberg's 2020 team said, given his focus on Super Tuesday, it's important to have "as many critical policy positions out for voters to understand and discuss sooner than later." Go deeper: This is a tragic event and our heartfelt thoughts are with the crew, passengers and their families, a statement from Boeing said. We are in contact with our airline customer and stand by them in this difficult time. We are ready to assist in any way needed. With Tanhaji still up for release, the actor is already looking forward to making a biopic on Hari Singh Nalwa. Ajay Devgn had a screening of his film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior for the distributors and other important members of the trade. Everyone came out of the film praising it so much that they want to back the entire series of films being made under the tagline of unsung warriors or unsung heroes. It was a closed-door screening, but we enjoyed the film a lot. The film had enough material, keeping in mind a lot of VFX that would come in handy when the film would achieve its final look. Ajay is now looking at making a biopic on Hari Singh Nalwa, the commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Fauj next, says a trade source. Additionally, Nalwa is the founder of Haripur, a city which is now in Pakistan. He was also the Diwan of Kashmir earlier. A Nalwa biopic is on the radar, inform sources. Sanskriti Media Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West) Delhi, Devendra Arya on Wednesday said that the situation in JNU is under control of the police and that police deployment will continue inside the University campus on the request of the varsity administration. "The current situation in JNU is well within the control of the police. Police deployment is continuing in the JNU campus, on the request of JNU administration. There have been no untoward incidents, post the clashes that happened on January 5 in the JNU premises," Arya told reporters here. "The cases have been transferred to the crime branch for further investigation. Some complaints have been received from the North Vasant Kunj police station which are being examined. The forensics team has also visited the university campus. An SIT has been formed," he added. More than 30 students were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre after a masked mob entered the JNU and attacked the students and professors with sticks and rods on January 5. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) [January 08, 2020] Kirby McInerney Announces Settlement of Tax Whistleblower Case Against Moody's Corporation and Marsh Kirby McInerney LLP has secured an $8.5 million recovery in a tax whistleblower case alleging an underpayment of taxes to New York State and New York City by Moody's Corporation, along with various affiliates ("Moody's") and Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. ("Marsh"). In the case, Kirby McInerney represented a whistleblower who was a former Moody's employee. On the client's behalf, Kirby McInerney alleged that Moody's underpaid New York State and New York City business taxes between 2002 and 2014 by mischaracterizing its income as supposed premiums to its wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary. The firm further alleged that Marsh aided and abetted the scheme. Under the New York State and New York City False Claims Acts, a whistleblower can bring suit, known as a "qui tam" suit, on behalf of the government to help recover monies lost as a result of alleged fraud. In New York, whistleblowers are expressly permitted to bring actions against those who knowingly or recklessly underpay state taxes, and to receive a percentage share of the government's recovery as an award. If the government chooses not to proceed with the claims (or "declines" the case), then the whistleblower can step into the shoes of the government and prosecute the claims. In this case, the government dclined the case and Kirby McInerney, on behalf of the client, pursued the claims for the benefit of the government. With the settlement, New York State and New York City will now share in the recovery of millions of dollars. This settlement represents an unusual instance when a New York tax whistleblower has settled a declined case for the benefit of the government. It shows the importance of empowering whistleblowers to carry cases forward even when the government chooses not to take on a case. The settlement is also by far the largest non-healthcare recovery in 2019 under the New York False Claims Act. Kirby McInerney partners David E. Kovel and Karen M. Lerner represented the whistleblower. Mr. Kovel noted the critical position of whistleblowers in society, "if not for whistleblowers, it is possible that fraud could not be detected and would still be ongoing in many instances." By giving incentives to whistleblowers to help fight fraud, "we are making sure there is money to pay for important government services and that people who follow the rules are not left to pay the burdens for those who do not." Kirby McInerney LLP is a New York-based plaintiffs' law firm concentrating in securities, antitrust, and whistleblower litigation. The firm's efforts on behalf of clients and class members have resulted in recoveries totaling billions of dollars. Additional information about the firm can be found at Kirby McInerney LLP's website: www.kmllp.com. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005668/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] NWS Weather Alert NOTE: This information is provided by the National Weather Service. Forecast may differ from local information provided by our own 69News Meteorologists ...A SNOW SQUALL WILL AFFECT PARTS OF MORRIS...SUSSEX...WARREN... LEHIGH...CARBON...MONROE AND NORTHAMPTON COUNTIES... At 1048 PM EST, a snow squall was located along a line extending from near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to near Port Jervis, New York. Movement was southeast at 25 mph. Locations that may be impacted include... Newton, Lehighton, Montague, Mount Pocono, Dover, Hopatcong, Lincoln Park, Kinnelon, Northampton, East Stroudsburg, Hackettstown, Tobyhanna, Boonton, Butler, Wharton, Washington, Rockaway, Blairstown, Nazareth and Palmerton. This includes the following highways... Northeast Extension between mile markers 62 and 97. Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 278 and 314. Interstate 80 in New Jersey between mile markers 0 and 42, and between mile markers 50 and 51. Interstate 287 in New Jersey between mile markers 43 and 54. Interstate 380 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 0 and 13. Visibilities may drop quickly to less than a quarter of a mile in this squall. Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this snow squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads are possible. Consider delaying travel until the squall passes your location. A 1-year-old boy was shot dead inside his home early Sunday in Dallas as police there combat a surge in citywide homicides. The child, Rory Norman, was asleep with his family around 3:30 a.m. when a gunman opened fire into the home from the outside, Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall said at a press conference Sunday. "Not only are we broken-hearted, we are angry this one-year-old baby was killed due to senseless gun violence in this city that we are determined and aggressive about eradicating in 2020," Hall said. 1arory.jpg Rory Norman CBS DFW Hall appeared incensed as she spoke about the child's killing, and used an expletive as she gave an impassioned call for an end to the violence. "This happened on my watch, and I am angry," Hall said. "And this sh** has to stop in this city." Also shot was the child's 20-year-old uncle, who was visiting from a local university. The man was shot multiple times and taken to a local hospital, where he is in stable condition, Hall said. The shooter's identity remains unknown, but Hall said the crime was intentional and the location was targeted. The suspect was likely familiar with the layout of the home, Hall said, because the shooter fired into the bedrooms at a downward angle at a time when residents inside would likely be asleep. The boy's killing came days after the department released the draft of a plan, developed at the request of mayor Eric Johnson, to combat increased violence in the city. In 2019, Dallas saw 209 homicides, up 27% from the year prior, according to police. The Dallas Morning News reported the homicide tally is the highest the city of 1.3 million has seen since 2007. The killings reportedly include 10 considered by police to be justifiable. Neighbors who spoke to the Dallas Morning News were stunned by the killing of the boy, who was often seen playing in the yard. "It ain't ever happened around here, a shooting of a kid," next-door neighbor Terry Lockridge told the paper. "A baby like that, a toddler. It ain't ever happened around here. So it's like a shock. It's a surprise to me because I've been around here a long time, and I never heard of a baby getting killed." Story continues Hall's plan to decrease crime, expected to be presented to the city council's public safety committee sometime in January, aims to use data-driven policing to reduce murders and aggravated assaults by 10% in the Southeast, Southwest and South Central patrol divisions, and reduce violent crime overall across the city by five percent. The plan calls for the development of an intelligence-led police division to "forecast trends, identify patterns, and facilitate a more accurate picture of who is committing crime and where." But some critics argue the crime reduction goals it outlines aren't ambitious enough, the paper reports, and said more information is needed about how the department intends to use surveillance and intelligence-gathering methods to collect data. Johnson, who called the violence "patently unacceptable" in a December letter, said he wants to see violent crime rates return to historic lows from 2013 and 2014, reports the Dallas Morning News. Homicides in the city dropped to 116 in 2013, according to police data. "It is my expectation that our city staff and our police department will work more aggressively and more transparently toward making Dallas safer," Johnson wrote. Of the nation's ten largest cities, Philadelphia and New York also saw increases in homicides last year. Philadelphia, which saw a 12-year high in murders in 2018 with 353 people slain, saw another violent year in 2019 with 356 homicides, according to police. New York City saw a 7.8% increase in murders from 2018 to 2019, but the city has recorded historically low crime rates in recent years and crime was down overall across the city, according to the NYPD. Secret Iranian spy cables show how Soleimani wielded his power in Iraq Tennessee considers new law on transgender athletes Biden slams Trump as "dangerously incompetent" on Iran The United Methodist Church leaders have proposed a split to the denomination over same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy after years of division last week. The proposed agreement will be voted upon during another United Methodist general conference in May, but an early report by the New York Times indicates that it will likely be approved. If so, the churchs publishing arm, the United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH), has a plan in place for its publishing operations going forward. Rev. Brian Milford, president and publisher of UMPH, said the presumption is that the publishing operations would remain with the post-separated United Methodist denomination, offering materials that fit congregants demands. The current United Methodist Church does not allow same-sex weddings and gay clergy, but the proposal lays out a plan for allowing greater regional flexibility in the UMC. Any break-off denomination or denominations outside of the United Methodist denomination would presumably keep restrictions on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy in place, or determine their own stance on those matters. For more information about the proposal, visit here, and find answers to frequently asked questions about the potential split here. If legislation consistent with this plan is adopted by the General Conference in May 2020, the United Methodist Publishing House will remain the publishing and retail distribution arm of the ongoing denomination, which most observers expect will consist of the majority of annual conferences and congregations, Milford told PW. We will continue to provide an array of products for worship, Christian formation, Bible study, and other facets of congregational life for all who find them beneficial in their ministries. Additionally, UMPHs publishing imprint, Abingdon, and its retail division, Cokesbury, will also continue to operate as part of the United Methodist Church, rather than any new proposed denomination. The United Methodist Publishing House will follow the lead of our predecessors, who through many periods of trial and change over 231 years of continuous existence, navigated church splits, reunifications, and new partnerships, Milford notes. We will maintain very close collaboration with clergy and other leaders across the church to understand the themes, settings, and activities where program and study resources are needed. A U.S. appeals court last month declined to invalidate the Affordable Care Act, which has already been wounded by a decade of Republican undermining. By keeping whats left of Obamacare alive, the court has granted a reprieve for the patients who rely on it. But make no mistake: Millions of Americans with preexisting medical conditions are still threatened by the GOPs continued campaign of destruction. Former President Barack Obamas signature policy was an imperfect solution to Americas health care crisis, but it addressed the key issue of preexisting medical conditions. Those with such conditions used to routinely be denied health insurance or could get it only at exorbitant rates. To help insurance companies survive Obamacares money-losing requirement that they accept those patients, the program mandated that all Americans must buy health insurance, thus guaranteeing a large enough pool of healthy buyers to make it all work. A U.S. appeals panel struck down that mandate last month, ruling in a pending national lawsuit by Republican officials seeking to end the entire program. Since the mandate had already been effectively removed by a Republican Congress, that part of the ruling has no practical impact. More important is that the court declined to invalidate the entire law, as plaintiffs were seeking, and instead sent it back to the lower courts for additional analysis. Which means some 20 million Americans who rely on the Affordable Care Act can stay insured for now. But they are still one ruling away from having to choose between forgoing medical care or going bankrupt. The lawsuit was brought by 18 Republican state attorneys general including Missouris Josh Hawley, now the states junior U.S. senator in an attempt to get the courts to do what a Republican-controlled Congress was unable to, and destroy Obamacare. So much for the GOPs supposed disdain for legislating from the bench. The plaintiffs offer no realistic suggestion as to how preexisting conditions would be covered without Obamacare. With this suit, Republicans risk becoming that unfortunate dog who, after years of chasing cars, finally catches one. What, exactly, is the GOP going to tell those millions of Americans who, if the suit succeeds, would once again be forced to choose between poor health and poverty? The philosophical underpinning of this malignant lawsuit is that health care is not a right but a commodity like any other. And if you cant afford it, thats life. Whether Republicans say it or not, voters next year should view that as an overarching GOP campaign slogan, and vote accordingly. REPRINTED FROM THE ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Regulator Sebi on January 8 barred Adamina Traders from capital markets for three years for indulging in fraudulent trading in the shares of Secunderabad Healthcare. The regulator had issued a show cause notice in September 2017 to Adamina Traders alleging that the firm manipulated the price of Secunderabad Healthcare shares and created a misleading appearance of trading and thereby violated PFTUP (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices) norms during the period from November 2011 to January 2015. "The noticee (Adamina Traders) was not acting as genuine buyer and that the intent of the noticee was to mark the price higher and not merely to enter into the buy transactions carried out by it and that the noticee had placed buy orders of small quantities in order to execute trades which had a positive LTP (last trading price) impact," Sebi said in an order. By doing so, Adamina Traders has violated the PFUTP Regulations. Accordingly, the regulator restrained Adamina Traders from accessing securities market for a period of three years. During the period of restraint, the existing holding, including units of mutual funds of Adamina Traders will remain frozen. The order shall come into force with immediate effect, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) noted. HAMILTON, Ontario, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (TSXV:RHT or OTCQB:RQHTF) (Reliq or the Company), a technology company focused on developing innovative mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine solutions for Community-Based Healthcare, today announced that it has signed contracts with five new clients in Texas and expanded into Cameron county. We are very pleased to welcome five new clients in Dallas, Laredo and Cameron county, TX, said Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO of Reliq Health Technologies, Inc. These new clients include physician practices using both our iUGO Care Chronic Care Management (CCM) and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) solutions for their Medicare patients. The new reimbursement policies CMS introduced in 2019 to allow physicians to bill for both CCM and RPM services for their chronic disease patients have allowed us to expand our client base to include healthcare organizations serving either or both Medicare and Medicaid patients. The clients also include home health agencies using RPM for their Medicaid patients, and an adult day care using our iUGO Home product for biometric monitoring and GPS tracking of patients. We have already started onboarding patients at these new sites. Reliq Health Technologies is a healthcare technology company that specializes in developing innovative software solutions for the Community Care market. Reliqs powerful iUGO Care platform supports care coordination and community-based healthcare. iUGO Care allows complex patients to receive high quality care at home, improving health outcomes, enhancing quality of life for patients and families and reducing the cost of care delivery. iUGO Care provides real-time access to remote patient monitoring data, allowing for timely interventions by the care team to prevent costly hospital readmissions and ER visits. Reliq Health Technologies trades on the TSX Venture under the symbol RHT and on the OTCQB as RQHTF. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Dr. Lisa Crossley CEO and Director For further information please contact: Investor Relations at ir@reliqhealth.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are forward-looking statements. We caution you that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to commercial operations, including technology development, anticipated revenues, projected size of market, and other information that is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (the Company) does not intend and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, technology development and marketing activities, the Company's historical experience with technology development, uninsured risks. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Reliq Health Technologies Inc. Page Content Montreal, 8 January 2020 The Council President and the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) expressed the UN agencys deepest condolences today for the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. ICAO is in contact with the States involved and will assist them if called upon. Its leadership is stressing the importance of avoiding speculation into the cause of the tragedy pending the outcomes of the investigation in accordance with Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). Resources for Editors International Accident Investigations This Fact Sheet explains how accident investigation participating States are determined, as well as the process leading to the issuance of an accident investigation Preliminary Report (within 30 days of the event) and Final Report (asap or within 12 months of the event) following completion of the investigation. Final Reports ultimately provide as much official information as possible on an accidents contributing causes and factors, as well as any official recommendations on how applicable aviation safety frameworks should be amended in the future. ICAO does not normally participate in aircraft accident investigations, except when the State or States with due authority under Annex 13Accident Investigation request its assistance directly. In those exceptional circumstances, said assistance normally involves ICAO acting as an official observer and/or clarifying various Annex 13 technical requirements when requested. About ICAO A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection, amongst many other priorities. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 193 Member States. The ICAO Aviation Safety website Contacts Anthony Philbin Chief, Communications aphilbin@icao.int +1 514-954-8220 +1 438-402-8886 (mobile) Twitter: @ICAO William Raillant-Clark Communications Officer wraillantclark@icao.int +1 514-954-6705 +1 514-409-0705 (mobile) Twitter: @wraillantclark Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is quoting at Rs 453.5, down 1.63% on the day as on 13:19 IST on the NSE. The stock jumped 33.36% in last one year as compared to a 10.39% rally in NIFTY and a 11.15% spurt in the Nifty Energy index. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is down for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 453.5, down 1.63% on the day as on 13:19 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 0.58% on the day, quoting at 11982.75. The Sensex is at 40701.54, down 0.41%.Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd has lost around 9.24% in last one month.Meanwhile, Nifty Energy index of which Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is a constituent, has eased around 2.01% in last one month and is currently quoting at 15793.75, down 1.04% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 86.41 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 66.55 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark January futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 455.75, down 1.67% on the day. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd jumped 33.36% in last one year as compared to a 10.39% rally in NIFTY and a 11.15% spurt in the Nifty Energy index. The PE of the stock is 15.61 based on TTM earnings ending September 19. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police in the northern US state of Wisconsin said Tuesday they are looking for a man who shot two children who threw snowballs at his car over the weekend. The children -- a 12-year-old girl and a 13-year old boy -- suffered non-life threatening gunshot wounds, the Milwaukee Police said in a statement. They were part of a group of kids throwing snowballs at passing cars Saturday evening in Milwaukee, a city of about half a million people 90 miles (145 kilometers) north of Chicago. "One of the snowballs struck a white Toyota, no further description, and the driver of the auto fired shots into the group of kids striking the two victims," the statement said. The department asked for help identifying the shooter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 1 big thing: Why oil markets aren't going bananas Despite rising unrest in the Middle East including the targeted killing of an Iranian commander Americas average gasoline prices have remained under $3 a gallon, Axios' Amy Harder reports. Why it matters: Practically speaking, its great for drivers pocketbooks and President Trumps re-election campaign. It also shows the remarkable cushion created by America's booming oil production, which has doubled over the last decade. The U.S. oil boom is the primary reason nobody is seriously discussing triple digit oil prices even with everything that is going on and went on this summer. Ashley Petersen, senior oil market analyst, Stratas Advisors Driving the news: Several events in the Middle East over the last few years, and especially the last nine months, have put the reliability of production in the oil-rich region at risk, including... The U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. September's attacks on Saudi's oil facilities, which the administration blamed on Iran. Attacks last spring and summer on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Sanctions on Irans oil industry. By the numbers: The national average price of a gallon of gasoline in the U.S. has been steady at around $2.60, more than half of which is driven by global oil prices. Global oil prices are hovering below $70 a barrel (Brent was trading around $67.69 this morning). Oil prices have risen to varying degrees immediately following many of those events including nearly 20% after the September attacks on Saudi oil facilities but they've always dropped quickly. How it works: No country can ever be truly energy independent (as the popular political messaging goes) because oil is traded on a global market. But America is as close to it right now as its ever been. The oil-production increase in the U.S. from under six million barrels a day in 2010 to nearly 13 million today is reducing its dependence on foreign oil and creating a global supply surplus. Yes, but: Even the best cushion cant protect against everything. If an extreme (albeit unlikely) scenario were to occur like Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz for an extended time that would likely cause global oil prices to rise substantially and show the limits of Americas plentiful oil supplies. Go deeper I t's official: Sex Education is returning to Netflix in a matter of months. The critically-acclaimed series documents a group of students as they balance growing up with relationships, sex and school. It also sees late bloomer Otis Milburn (played by Asa Butterfield), the only child of a sex therapist, set up a sex advice clinic with his friend, Maeve Wiley (played by Emma Mackey). Gillian Anderson plays Otis' mother, Dr Jean F. Milburn, while Ncuti Gatwa plays Otis' best friend, Eric. Emma Mackey as Maeve Wiley, Asa Butterfield as Otis Milburn / Sam Taylor/Netflix Aimee Lou Wood plays Aimee Gibbs, Maeve's best friend, Kedar Williams-Stirling plays head boy and ex boyfriend of Maeve, Jackson Marchetti. But what will the second series entail? Here's everything we know about season 2 of Sex Education so far... What is season two about? According to Netflix, Otis is forced to "master his newly discovered sexual urges in order to progress with his girlfriend Ola whilst also dealing with his now strained relationship with Maeve." They add: "Meanwhile, Moordale Secondary is in the throes of a Chlamydia outbreak, highlighting the need for better sex education at the school and new kids come to town who will challenge the status quo. Butterfield (L) and Gillian Anderson in Sex Education / Sam Taylor/Netflix "Maeve and Aimees BFF relationship is stronger than ever since Aimee ditched the Untouchables. "Eric notices his new-found self-confidence attracting unfamiliar kinds of attention. "Adam is at military school, still conflicted by his feelings for Eric. "Jackson is forced to flex his mental rather than physical muscle and is still buckling under the pressure from his parents to succeed." When does the series return? Sex Education 2 will arrive on Netflix on Friday, January 17. Kedar Williams-Stirling plays Jackson Marchetti / Sam Taylor/Netflix Who is joining series 2? Sami Outalbali, George Robinson and Chinenye Ezeudu have been cast in the series. Chinenye Ezeudu plays Viv, an intelligent, multi-talented academic student, who is anything but talented in love. Sami Outalbali plays Rahim, a French student who turns heads when he joins Moordale Secondary. George Robinson joins the series as Isaac, who creates waves when he moves into Maeves caravan park. Is there a trailer for the series? Sex Education - Season 2 Official Trailer Netflix There is - the official full length trailer was released in early January and it features Otis' sex clinic back in business while the school has recruited Jean to officially start teaching sex education. Meanwhile he's got a new girlfriend, Ola, which could make things awkward with his relationship with Maeve - however it turns out that Ola's father has his eye on the therapist Jean. [January 08, 2020] iFLYTEK, Asia AI Leader, Debuts Cutting-Edge Voice Technologies in the US LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, iFLYTEK, one of the world's leading artificial intelligence (AI) and speech technology companies, unveiled a number of consumer and business products for the first time in the US. iFLYTEK creates responsible products that improve healthcare and education and help businesses and cities make smarter decisions and increase productivity. MIT Technology Review ranked iFLYTEK as the sixth smartest company in the world, and the iFLYTEK Translator 2.0 received the 2019 CES Innovation Award. "At iFLYTEK, we are using artificial intelligence to build a better world," said Mr. Dawei Duan, iFLYTEK Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President. "We have made global barrier-free communications a reality. Our iFLYTEK translator has been used more than 500 million times in more than 200 countries. Our smart education products have been used extensively in 35,000 schools serving more than 100 million students and educators in China, Singapore, and Japan. iFLYTEK AI Medical Assistants are now able to diagnose 1,100 diseases, helping to improve overall medical care standards, especially for rural community health centers." Product Debuts iFLYTEK is well known for its transformative product development and intellectual leadership in the AI marketplace. The following products were exhibited today for the first time in the US. Jarvisen A new generation translator that enables effortless communication between 60 languages. This consumer product is powered by iFLYTEK voice recognition, machine translation, and voice synthesis technologies. Jarvisen has an instant response rate of less than .5 seconds as well as a built in 2-year global data plan for coverage in over 200 countries. iFLYREC App This mobile app records and converts speech to text and then displays the text onscreen. In addition, iFLYREC App can translate between English and Chinese in real time. iFLYREC Smart Conference System (Video Conference Edition) L1 This smart system facilitates video conferences with real time translation and transcription. iFLYTEK AI Mouse This AI powered mouse records, transcribes, translates, and responds to voice commands. It can handle 400 words per minute of text input with high accuracy and supports translation between Chinese and 28 other languages. Alpha Egg Pro (new generation) A smart education companion for the whole family that integrates education, super TV, video calls, smart speakers and natural language-based understanding to facilitate human-robot collaboration. It can think, learn and express its emotions with eye movements just like a human being. It includes an optimized on-demand semantic search engine that offers access to massive cloud-based education resources. Global Chinese Learning Platform The first intelligent Chinese language learning portal, it is equipped with advanced voice and deep learning technologies and offers personalized learning programs for Chinese language students worldwide. The customized and dynamic lesson plans and real-time feedback improve students' learning experiences. Corporate Mission iFLYTEK's mission is to make machines that hear and speak, understand and think, and to use artificial intelligence to build a better world. Mr. Duan remarked, "iFLYTEK seeks to improve education and medicine with AI technologies, as well as to support linguistic and cultural communications and charitable projects that improve lives." For example, iFLYTEK bridges the chasm of communication for the hearing and visually impaired with its smart speech and AI technologies. Its speech recognition technologies enable the hearing impaired to "see" voice, and its speech synthesis technologies enable the visually impaired to "hear" text. Education iFLYTEK's education products cover a large spectrum of teaching, including giving and scoring exams. Mr. Duan noted, "We have been deeply engaged in smart education for the past 16 years. iFLYTEK's smart education system now helps teachers and students analyze topics and pinpoint individual weaknesses, providing focused exercises and more individualized learning." Healthcare iFLYTEK improves outcomes for patients by helping medical professionals more accurately diagnose and treat illnesses. Its products have the ability to help millions of people around the world and include AI-assisted medical centers, intelligent hospitals, and AI medical assistants. In November 2019, iFLYTEK signed an MOU with Deloitte Australia to provide advanced AI solutions to the Australian healthcare industry. Many Australian government agencies have now adopted iFLYTEK products. An overview of iFLYTEK's work in healthcare follows below. AI-Assisted Medical Centers Based on advanced image recognition and deep learning technologies, AI-assisted medical centers help radiologists diagnose injuries and diseases more effectively using medical imaging, thus greatly reduce missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Intelligent Hospitals iFLYTEK's intelligent hospitals have service robots for assisting patients, voice e-medical records for inpatient and outpatient treatment, AI assistants and mobile healthcare platforms for before, during, and after treatment. AI Medical Assistants iFLYTEK has developed doctor workstations featuring AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment, supplementary inquiries, prescription advice, an AI-assisted health management system, and an AI voice care center which provides follow-up services for discharged and post-operative patients. About iFLYTEK iFLYTEK is one of the world's leading artificial intelligence (AI) and speech technology companies with approximately 10,000 employees worldwide. The company has annual revenue of approximately $1.1 billion and is publicly traded with a market cap of over $10 billion. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iflytek-asia-ai-leader-debuts-cutting-edge-voice-technologies-in-the-us-300983397.html SOURCE iFLYTEK [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Universim developer-publisher Crytivo has pledged to support those affected by the Australian wildfires by donating two months' worth of revenue to the cause. Over the next two months, the studio intends to donate 100 percent of net revenue earned through its online Crytivo Store and 30 percent of Steam revenue towards rebuilding lost homes, supporting firefighters working overtime, and financing environmental cleanup efforts. According to the latest reports, the wildfires have ravaged 18 million acres of land including forests, bushland, and national parks, and impacted nearly half a billion animals -- millions of which have been killed as a result of the blaze. "Here at Crytivo, we may be a small organization but always work hard to make a big difference in the world," wrote company founder and CEO, Alex Koshelkov. "Our hearts go out to everyone who has suffered from this disaster and to the heroes working tirelessly to help. We hope this will inspire others to take action and help in any way they can." Photo: alyssa BLACK/Flickr Missed the most recent top news in Miami? Read on for everything you need to know. Ugly Betty creator Silvio Horta dead of apparent suicide Ugly Betty creator Silvio Horta was found dead in an apparent suicide in a Miami motel room on Tuesday. Read the full story on New York Daily News. Miami Heat to retire Dwyane Wades Jersey during 3-day legacy celebration The Miami Heat announced Tuesday that the team will honor Dwyane Wades storied career with three days of events, including his jersey retirement, in late February. Read the full story on CBS Miami. Man accused in shopping spree with credit cards stolen from Miami Beach tourist A South Florida man is accused of going on a Christmas Eve shopping spree using the stolen credit card of a Miami Beach tourist who had been robbed earlier in the day, police said. Levar M. Reeves, 36, was arrested Monday on five counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, according to an arrest report. Read the full story on NBC6. 2 students arrested after police find them with unloaded weapon at school Two students were arrested after police found them with a a gun and a BB gun, both unloaded, Monday morning at a North Miami school. Read the full story on NBC6. FBI searches for Miami Lakes bank robber The robber, who was wearing a bandana and sunglasses, entered a Chase Bank branch at 14045 NW 67th Ave. in Miami Lakes just after 6 p.m. Tuesday. Read the full story on CBS Miami. This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma has ordered a probe in the procurement of Chinese-made equipment at the JK Lon child hospital here, following the deaths of over 100 infants within around a month at the hospital's Kota branch. The minister has directed the additional chief secretary - medical and health, Rohit Kumar Singh to conduct the inquiry and submit a report. "The matter is primarily related with the JK Lon hospital of Jaipur," a senior official said. The equipment in question is the multipara monitor which is used for measuring vital parameters like blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate. The procurement of the multipara monitors was made through a medical college and the matter is being probed to ascertain facts like when the equipment was purchased and what was its quality. "A technical committee of the hospital gives specifications of equipment which are required and the medical college conducts the procurement process," the hospital sources said. Primarily, the matter is related with the JK Lon hospital here and facts regarding other hospitals like JK Lon hospital, Kota, where more than 110 children have died in 37 days, will also be collected. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dozens of black voters from Terrebonne Parish packed the courtroom and spilled out into the hallways of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans on Tuesday as the NAACP and deputies to Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry clashed in a long-running battle over black representation on Terrebonne's judicial bench. Attorneys for Landry are trying to overturn a federal judge's order creating a majority-black electoral district for judges in Terrebonne Parish by splitting the 32nd Judicial District where all judges currently campaign for office parishwide into five separate electoral districts. Arguments before a three-judge panel of the federal appeals court is just the latest skirmish in a years-long fight by the local NAACP to create a minority judgeship in Terrebonne Parish. The latest battle comes as civil rights groups launch new attempts to convince the federal courts to change the way Southern states including Louisiana select judges. For instance, a lawsuit filed this summer by the NAACP and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law seeks to redraw the electoral lines for the seven-member Louisiana Supreme Court by adding a second majority-black district. They argue that having two black justices would more closely mirror the state's population, which is nearly one-third black. In Terrebonne Parish, the local NAACP has for years argued that black voters who make up just under 20% of the parish's population have been denied adequate representation on the local courts. No black candidate has ever won a contested election for an at-large position in Terrebonne Parish, NAACP Legal Defense Fund lawyers contended in legal filings, and the parish's first and only black judge, Juan Pickett, was unopposed when he was elected in 2014. Efforts to create minority electoral districts under the Voting Rights Act generally have to meet three criteria: The minority group must be sizable enough to make up a majority in a voting district; the group must vote largely as a bloc that tends to coalesce behind certain candidates; and white residents must also typically vote as a bloc to defeat those candidates. The late U.S. District Judge James Brady, a nominee of President Bill Clinton, sided with the NAACP after an eight-day trial in Baton Rouge in 2017. Brady found that parishwide elections for judgeships violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting the votes of black residents, whose candidates white voters in the parish routinely defeated. Brady and his successor, U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick, a nominee of President Barack Obama, initially asked the Legislature to redraw electoral lines for Terrebonne Parish judgeships. But Dick ultimately redrew the lines herself to create a minority judgeship after local lawmakers who've opposed splitting up the parish's courts into individual electoral districts shot down proposals in two straight years legislative sessions. A number of Terrebonne Parish political leaders have opposed the NAACP's push to create a minority judgeship, including Parish President Gordy Dove, who testified against it at the 2017 trial and drove to New Orleans on Tuesday to attend the appeals court arguments. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up "It makes absolutely no sense to have five subdistricts," Dove told the Houma Courier newspaper last week. "If you go to court, a judge will hear your case no matter which district you live in. Dont you think that case should be heard by someone elected by everyone in the parish, not just in one district?" Landry, a Republican whose former congressional district included Terrebonne Parish, is the lone state official battling Dick's order. Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat who's also a defendant in the lawsuit, has indicated he'd accept the minority judgeship plan. Landry did not attend the hearing and attorneys representing his office declined to comment outside the courthouse. But Bill Stiles, Landry's chief deputy attorney general, called Dick's plan "unconstitutional" in a written statement to this newspaper. "We're grateful the Fifth Circuit gave us the opportunity to come before them today," Stiles said, "and we're confident they will uphold the rule of law." There's no timeline for a ruling by the Fifth Circuit's three-judge panel U.S. Circuit Judges Patrick E. Higginbotham and Edith Jones, both appointees of former President Ronald Reagan, and Stuart Kyle Duncan, who recently joined the court after being appointed by President Donald J. Trump that are considering the case. Angelique Duhon Freel, a deputy attorney general in Landry's office, told a three-judge panel of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals that accepting Dick's plan would violate a long-held legal principle that favors having judges represent all not just some of the people who appear before them. Freel criticized the meandering shape of the proposed minority judgeship district which would snake between the towns Houma, Schriever and Gray to gather in black neighborhoods and noted that black residents would barely make up more than half the population in that district. But Leah Aden, an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, argued that Terrebonne Parish was a clear-cut example of the kind of dilution of minority political power that the Voting Rights Act was designed to counter. Decades of elections have shown a "stark pattern of racially polarized voting in Terrebonne Parish," Aden contended, with the parish's white majority consistently voting down candidates backed by most local black voters. Aden also noted that Louisiana has chosen split courts including the Louisiana Supreme Court and some of the judges on the state's appeals courts into separate single-member electoral districts on a number of other occasions. The same is true of 11 of the state's 41 district courts, though Freel was quick to note that those election maps were redrawn only after an earlier wave of federal court battles in the 1980s and early 1990s. Those changes reshaped the judiciary in Louisiana by creating majority-black electoral districts for judges in about a quarter of the state's judicial districts, including in East Baton Rouge Parish. Democrats want the Iranian retaliation for Soleimani's death to be significant, with enough casualties to convince the public to either vote against Trump in the coming election or support his impeachment. Disgracefully, they are actually rooting for American deaths so they and the media can soak Trump in enough blood for the left to regain power. They are determined to be rid of this president, and if Americans must die for that to happen, their deaths will serve a higher purpose. Just as with Barack Obama, the Democrats care only about partisan advantage Americans themselves mean little to them in the great game of political power. Remember the good old days, when Barack Obama was president, and it was traitorous to oppose any of his foreign policy actions? Today, seditious Democrats side with Iran against a duly elected president. When Obama killed bin Laden in 2011, the nation rejoiced because it was good for America. Most Republicans swallowed hard and praised President Obama for ordering SEAL Team 6 to kill the leader of al-Qaeda. And you might also recall that for eight years, Obama not only droned on and on with his mouth, but droned everyone in sight. In fact, Obama increased the use of drones to assassinate our enemies tenfold over George W. Bush. He was the King of Drones, killing many legitimate targets along with thousands of innocents as collateral damage. He even targeted and killed an American citizen, Anwar al-Awlaki, in Yemen in 2011. Republicans didn't accuse him of impeachable crimes, even if they never despised the indiscriminate nature of his pursuit of our enemies and the deaths of people unlucky enough to get in his way. Obama's rules of engagement (ROE) for our troops were significantly different from the ones he set for himself with his use of drones. How many American soldiers died because they weren't allowed to shoot first and weren't allowed to return fire if even one innocent might be close enough to become collateral damage? Did the right accuse him of needlessly risking the lives of our soldiers for political gain? Did Republicans try to impeach him over the deaths of innocents during his drone strikes? No. Obama did many things that, while despicable, were exercises of presidential power. And that's not even mentioning what Obama did in Libya without congressional authorization. There, Barry prosecuted an air campaign designed to kill the nation's leader, Moammar Gaddafi. Obama decided that congressional authorization wasn't needed. Did the right call that a targeted assassination? Contrast that to what the Democrats are doing today. Trump killed a man responsible for the deaths of 600 Americans after attacks from forces he controlled killed an American citizen and attempted to overrun our Baghdad embassy, and Democrats are, at the very least, using it to build a better case for impeachment. There is talk that since the articles of impeachment have not been transmitted to the Senate, and technically, Trump has not been impeached until they are, more articles can be added on. Noah Feldman, one of the impeachment witnesses in the House, wrote an essay which is a perfect setup for it. They say killing Soleimani was a violation of the War Powers Act. They claim that the inevitable response by Trump to Iranian retaliation, if it includes targeting cultural sites, as Trump promised, would be a "war crime." Wouldn't a violation of the War Powers Act and purported "war crimes" make nice additions to the articles of impeachment Pelosi is withholding or as the basis for a new impeachment? Another Democrat talking point is that Soleimani posed no imminent threat, therefore he was not a legitimate target under the constitution. Awlaki was no "imminent" threat. In reality, Soleimani was the leader of Iran's Quds Force, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization and thus a legitimate enemy combatant from a country that has waged war on America for four decades. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), tweeted that while Soleimani was an enemy of the United States, "The question is this as reports suggest, did America just assassinate, without any congressional authorization, the second most powerful person in Iran, knowingly setting off a potential massive regional war?" He doesn't mention that Soleimani was a soldier or the leader of a designated terrorist organization. He wants Americans to believe that Trump assassinated the second most powerful political leader of a nation we're not at war with without congressional authorization. Wow, that sounds like "high crimes and misdemeanors." At least the way he says it. But wasn't Gaddafi a political leader? Didn't Obama engineer his assassination? All their allegations go better as impeachable acts if the Iranians spill American blood and the Democrats and the media can build a case that Trump is directly responsible for the casualties. Iran is our enemy. It's been telling us so for 40 years. Yet the traitorous Democrats side with Iran. Please follow the author on Twitter at @williamlgensert. DUSHANBE -- A senior U.S. diplomat has urged Central Asian nations to deepen their cooperation to boost economic opportunities and strengthen security in the region. Alice Wells, principal deputy assistant secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs at the U.S. State Department, told RFE/RL in a January 7 interview that Washington remains committed to working with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan through the so-called C5+1 format. "I think there is a tremendous potential for C5 cooperation both within Central Asian countries but also with the United States and with the neighborhood," Wells said. Wells noted that "more opportunities" for such cooperation came after Shavkat Mirziyoev took over the region's most populous country, Uzbekistan, in 2016 following the death of Islam Karimov, whose 25-year rule was mainly isolationist. "And we were actively seeking to take advantage of the opportunities to open borders and to [engage with] one another," Wells said, adding that "there are also common counterterrorism concerns, particularly as countries of Central Asia are courageously taking up the challenge of bringing back foreign terrorist fighters." Wells spoke at the end of the two-day visit to the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, and more than a month after a State Department official said the United States had intensified its bilateral diplomatic engagements with the five Central Asian nations. The increase in U.S. diplomatic contacts comes as Chinas economic and political influence in Central Asia grows and it seeks to strong arm those nations to return asylum seekers from China's northwestern region of Xinjiang, a major concern for the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The greater interest also comes as Washington seeks to exit its 18-year war in Afghanistan, which also borders Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Xinjiang. The post-Soviet countries of Central Asia, with mainly Muslim populations, have been implementing state programs to bring home citizens who had joined the Islamic State extremist group in Syria and Iraq. "We are committed to the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan. We are committed to Afghanistan never be used as a platform for terrorism, whether it is against Tajikistan, against the United States, against our partners," Wells said, stressing that Washington will continue to assist Tajikistan, which borders Afghanistan, with security-related matters. According to the Tajik Foreign Ministry, the sides also discussed bilateral ties, security in Afghanistan and the region, and "focused on the issue of the further strengthening of the guarding of the Tajik-Afghan border...as well as terrorism, extremism, radicalism, and illegal drug trafficking." Pawnbroker Ramsdens has seen shares jump after it said it will surpass profit forecasts on the back of strong Christmas trading. The retailer, which also offers services such as currency exchange, said each of its divisions saw sales increase over the festive period, meaning its full-year pre-tax profits are set to be comfortably ahead of market expectations. It said profits in its metals business were higher than predicted on the back of the recent rise in gold prices. Ramsdens said its pawnbroking and foreign currency arms both continued to produce good results. The groups jewellery retail division performed well in stores and online, with double-digit growth over the Christmas period, it said. It added that there was increased demand for new jewellery products, with sales of premium watches buoying overall sales. We are very pleased with the performance of our jewellery retail business over ChristmasPeter Kenyon, Ramsdens Ramsdens also confirmed that it expects to report a 800,000 one-off profit from its decision to scrap some of its slower moving jewellery stock. Chief executive Peter Kenyon said: We are encouraged by the strong momentum across the business and, as a result, the board now anticipates full-year profits will be comfortably ahead of current market expectations. We are very pleased with the performance of our jewellery retail business over Christmas, both in store and online. This reflects the growing reach and recognition of Ramsdens as a jewellery retailer, and the appeal of our new jewellery products, premium watches and unique secondhand pieces as great-value Christmas gifts. We look forward to updating our stakeholders further following the end of our financial year. Shares in the business rose 4.4% to 246p in early trading on Wednesday. Authored by Mike Krieger via Liberty Blitzkrieg blog. Another Stupid War All I wanted to do this week was work on part 2 of my localism series, but circumstances quickly got the best of me. The assassination of Irans top general Qassem Soleimani was an event of such historical significance, I feel obligated to detail my thoughts on what it means and how things unfold from here, especially given how much of a role geopolitics and questions of empire have played in my writings. First off, we need to understand the U.S. is now at war with Iran. Its an undeclared, insane and unconstitutional war, but it is war nonetheless. There is no world in which one government intentionally assassinates the top general of another government and that not be warfare. You can argue the U.S. and Iran were already engaged in low-level proxy wars, and thats a fair assessment, but you cant say we arent currently in far more serious a state of war. We are. Soleimani was not only a powerful general, he was a popular figure within Iran. Unlike other blows the U.S. and Iran have inflicted upon one another, this cannot be walked back. Theres no deescalation from here, only escalation. Even if you want to pretend this didnt happen and turn back the clock, its impossible. This is a major event of historical proportions and should be seen as such. Everything has been turned up a notch. Before discussing what happens next and the big picture implications, its worth pointing out the incredible number of blatant lies and overall clownishness that emerged from U.S. officials in the assassinations aftermath. It started with claims from Trump that Soleimani was plotting imminent attacks on Americans and was caught in the act. Mass media did its job and uncritically parroted this line, which was quickly exposed as a complete falsehood. CNN anchor uncritically repeating government lies. This is what mass media does to get wars going. https://t.co/QK1JET7TIj Michael Krieger (@LibertyBlitz) January 6, 2020 Its incredibly telling that CNN would swallow this fact-free claim with total credulity within weeks of discovering the extent of the lies told about Syrian chemical attacks and the Afghanistan war. Meanwhile, when a reporter asked a state department official for some clarification on what sorts of attacks were imminent, this is what transpired. When asked by a reporter for details about what kinds of imminent attacks Soleimani was planning, the State Dept. responds with: "Jesus, do we have to explain why we do these things?" Totally normal. pic.twitter.com/FDWtpfItEp Michael Krieger (@LibertyBlitz) January 6, 2020 Naturally, we learned soon after from the Iraqi PM himself that Soleimani was in Iraq as part of a diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions. In other words, he was apparently lured to Baghdad under false pretenses so hed be a sitting duck for a U.S. strike. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Iraqi Prime Minister AbdulMahdi accuses Trump of deceiving him in order to assassinate Suleimani. Trump, according to P.M. lied about wanting a diplomatic solution in order to get Suleimani on a plane to Baghdad in the open, where he was summarily executed. https://t.co/HKjyQqXNqP Joshua Landis (@joshua_landis) January 5, 2020 As youd expect, some of the most ridiculous propaganda came from Mike Pompeo, a man who genuinely loves deception and considers it his craft.. For example: Pompeo on CNN says US has every expectation that people in Iran will view the American action last night as giving them freedom. Josh Lederman (@JoshNBCNews) January 3, 2020 Then theres what actually happened. Absolutely massive crowds on the streets of Mashhad awaiting the arrival of Qassem Suleimani. "We are ready for war." pic.twitter.com/ZK4O8KQB17 Sam (@sonofnariman) January 5, 2020 Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Qassem Soleimani's daughter Zeinab were among the hundreds of thousands mourning Soleimani in Tehran today. Iranian state TV put the crowd size at 'millions,' though that number could not be verified. https://t.co/R6EbKh6Gow CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) January 6, 2020 Moving on to the really big question: what does this assassination mean for the future role of the U.S. in the Middle East and American global hegemony generally? A few important things have already occurred. For starters, the Iraqi parliament passed a resolution calling for U.S. troops to leave. Even more important are the comments and actions of Muqtada al-Sadr. WOW, Iraqi Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr orders the return of "Mahdi Army" in response the American strike that killed Suleimani. Mahdi Army fought against the US troops during the invasion in 2003. Sadr disbanded the group in 2008. Ragp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) January 3, 2020 Unmentioned in the above tweet, but extremely significant, is the fact al-Sadr has been a vocal critic of both the American and Iranian presence in Iraq. He doesnt want either country meddling in the affairs of Iraqis, but the Soleimani assassination clearly pushed him to focus on the U.S. presence. This is a very big deal and ensures Iraq will be far more dangerous for U.S. troops than it already was. Going forward, Irans response will be influenced to a great degree by whats already transpired. There are three things worth noting. First, although many Trump supporters are cheering the assassination, Americans are certainly nowhere near united on this, with many including myself viewing it as a gigantic strategic blunder. Second, it ratcheted up anti-American sentiment in Iraq to a huge degree without Iran having to do anything, as highlighted above. Third, hardliners within Iran have been given an enormous gift. With one drone strike, the situation went from grumblings and protests on the ground to a scene where any sort of dissent in the air has been extinguished for the time being. Exactly right, which is why Iran will go more hardline if anything and more united. If China admitted to taking out Trump even Maddow wouldnt cheer. https://t.co/zqaEDIoWH1 Michael Krieger (@LibertyBlitz) January 6, 2020 Iranian leadership will see these developments as important victories in their own right and will likely craft a response taking stock of this much improved position. This means a total focus on making the experience of American troops in the region untenable, which will be far easier to achieve now. If thats right, you can expect less shock and awe in the near-term, and more consolidation of the various parties that were on the fence but have since shifted to a more anti-American stance following Soleimanis death. Iran will start with the easy pickings, which consists of consolidating its stronger position in Iraq and making dissidents feel shameful at home. That said, Iran will have to publicly respond with some sort of a counterattack, but that event will be carefully considered with Irans primary objective in mind getting U.S. troops out of the region. This means no attacks on U.S. or European soil, and no attacks targeting civilians either. Such a move would be as strategically counterproductive as Assad gassing Syrian cities after he was winning the war (which is why many of us doubted the narrative) since it would merely inflame American public opinion and give an excuse to attack Iran in Iran. There is no way Iranian leadership is that stupid, so any such attack must be treated with the utmost skepticism. Its impossible to know exactly what will happen in the short-term, but in the much bigger picture I have a strong view of what this means. The assassination of Soleimani kicks off the beginning of the final chapter in the decline of U.S. imperial dominance. It will likely play out over the course of the first part of this decade (2020-2025), and by the time its over itll be undeniable that the U.S. is no longer the global hegemon it once was. The world at that stage will be unmistakably multi-polar. The signs are everywhere. Welcome to Americas two political parties: If youre a Democrat you must become brain dead about Russia and blame everything bad on it. If youre a Republican you must become brain dead about Iran and blame everything bad on it. This is what empire in decline looks like. Michael Krieger (@LibertyBlitz) January 7, 2020 Do empires fall because a superior military force beats them in a conventional war, or do they fall due to decades of debt, corruption and military entanglements on the periphery. Worth contemplating. Michael Krieger (@LibertyBlitz) January 3, 2020 Death to America this, Death to America that. The arrogance of the Iranians is astounding. They will never be as good at destroying America as America. Starfish Considering Taking Up Day Drinking (@IRHotTakes) January 5, 2020 This is not a time for despair, as there can be a huge silver lining to all of this. A singular focus on imperial hegemony has been terrible for most Americans. It has made us weak, it has destroyed the middle class, and it has entrenched a small subset of sociopaths into positions of total, unaccountable power. The energy and spirit of the American people have been pushed aside and smothered so a bunch of defense contractors, politicians and finance criminals can play a game of RISK at the publics expense. The transition is likely to be quite traumatic and fraught with danger, but empire has been a curse and has hollowed out the country. Shaking off empire at least gives us a shot at a revival. * * * Liberty Blitzkrieg is an ad-free website. If you enjoyed this post and my work in general, visit the Support Page where you can donate and contribute to my efforts. Ever since she was spotted walking arm-in-arm with Prince William during a ski trip in 2004, the Duchess of Cambridges style has come under close inspection. From Kate Middleton's early time in the public eye, during which she embraced preppy puffer jackets and hiking boots, to more refined gowns at evening galas, the royals wardrobe has experienced a coming of age over the years, prompting her sartorial status to soar. Most recently, the royal stunned fans when she arrived at the No Time To Die premiere wearing a shimmering gold Jenny Packham gown, complete with a sheer cape and structured shoulders. Her appearance was praised on social media, with some describing it as the best shes ever looked, while other said it was the biggest wow red carpet moment of the last two years. Today, as she rings in her 40th year, the Duchess is recognised for her effortless polish there isnt a public appearance where she doesnt look perfectly put together with the so-called Kate effect causing websites to sell out of designs in minutes, months-long waiting lists and surges in sales for lesser-known brands. While the royal regularly wears items from a number of luxury fashion designers, including Emilia Wickstead and Erdem, no brand is held in as high regard by Kate as Alexander McQueen, which she chose to create her custom wedding gown in 2011. In the years that have followed, Kate has turned to the luxury brand on several occasions for appearances including the Queens birthday party, the Royal Variety Performance and Trooping the Colour. However, the Duchess regularly ensures that such royal pageantry is balanced by wearing fashion thats considered to be more down-to-earth, with budget-friendly pieces from high street favourites such as Zara, Hobbs and LK Bennett. Aside from the royal wedding, some of Kates most talked-about fashion statements have been made on the steps at the Lindo Wing of St Marys Hospital in Paddington, following the births of each of her children, George, Charlotte and Louis. The Duchess introduced all three newborns to the world with a bedside blowdry and perfectly put-together looks designed by Jenny Packham in variations of spring yellow, baby blue and scarlet red. Here are Kates most memorable fashion moments. Kate Middleton and Prince Williams engagement, November 2010 Kate and William at their engagement (Getty) When the Duchess of Cambridge announced her engagement to Prince William back in 2010 she chose to wear a dark blue wrap dress designed by Issa. The outfit signaled the introduction of the Kate effect after the dress sold out in more than 43 countries. The royal wedding, April 2011 Kate and Williams wedding (Getty) For her wedding day on 29 April 2011, Kate Middleton chose a gown designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen which was inspired by the Victorian tradition of corsetry. The lace applique on the skirt and bodice was handmade by the Royal School of needlework, while the train made for a dramatic entrance measuring at two metres long. The royal wedding, April 2011 Kate Middleton during her wedding reception (Getty) At her wedding reception, Kate slipped into something a bit more comfortable. Another look designed by Sarah Burton, the angora bolero was an elegant touch over a satin A-line gown with a sweetheart necklace and a jewelled belt. The Diamond Jubilee, June 2012 Kate wore a red Alezander McQueen paired with nude heels (Getty) In honor of the Diamond Jubilee, Kate was a lady in red in this look from Alexander McQueens pre-fall 2011 collection. The dress featured long sleeves and a pleated skirt, and despite its 1,195 price tag, had reportedly sold out online by the end of the day. The birth of Prince George, July 2013 Kate and Will after the birth of Prince George (Getty) On 11 July 2013, Prince William and Kate Middleton welcomed their first-born child, Prince George Alexander Louis, weighing 8lbs 6oz. Just like Charles and Diana, the couple introduced the baby to the world outside the Lindo Wing the next day. For her first photo as a new mother, Kate wore a blue polka dot dress by Jenny Packham with a pair of nude wedges. Prince Georges Christening, October 2013 Kate at Prince Georges christening (GEtty) Kate and Williams eldest child Prince George was christened at St Jamess Palace on 23 October, 2013 - three months after his birth. The Duchess chose a creamy white custom Alexander McQueen dress for the occasion, with ruffled detailing at the front and an A-line style skirt. She teamed the ensemble with a silk organza rose and veil hat by milliner Jane Taylor. The Royal Variety Performance, November 2014 Kate Middleton attends the Royal Variety performance (Getty) The first time Kate attended the Royal Variety performance in 2014 she opted for a floor-length black gown with lace detailing created by American designer, Diane von Furstenberg. The royal finished the look with her hair styled in an updo and diamond earrings. The birth of Princess Charlotte, May 2015 Kate and Will following the birth of Princess Charlotte (Getty) The world gained a new Princess after the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to her second child, Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, on 2 May 2015. For her second appearance at the Lindo Wing after giving birth, Kate chose a pastel yellow and white floral print dress by British designer Jenny Packham, who also created her first post-pregnancy dress for her appearance following Prince Georges birth two years prior. Princess Charlottes christening, July 2015 Kate at Princess Charlottes christening (Getty) For Princess Charlottes christening at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate in 2015, Kate chose a stark white Alexander McQueen fit-and-flare dress and matching fascinator. India Tour, April 2016 Kate feeds an elephant in India (Getty) During their 2016 tour of India, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Kaziranga National Park in Assam, where they fed baby elephants and rhinos. Kate wore a casual Topshop dress with floral embroidery and completed the look with Dune London espadrilles and Accessorize earrings. Sydney Opera House, April 2016 Kate and William in Australia (Getty) The Duchess of Cambridge greeted crowds of public outside Sydney Opera House during a three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand wearing a vibrant yellow and white, color-blocked dress by Roksanda Ilincic. The royal loved this dress so much, she wore it again in July at Wimbledon in 2018. A Street Cat Named Bob premiere, November 2016 Kate attends A Street Cat Named Bob premiere (Getty) The Duchess wore an elegant white lace gown by Self-Portrait with a red poppy pin and a matching clutch as she walked the red carpet at the premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob in London. The film benefitted Action on Addiction, one of the many charities Kate supports. Pippa Middletons wedding, May 2017 Kate attends Pippa Middletons wedding (Getty) The Duchess wore a modest, pink dress designed by Alexander McQueen for her sisters wedding to James Matthews at St Marks Church. The pale pink silk midi dress featured bell sleeves and a cinched waist, and she accessorised it with a matching fascinator and suede heels. Wimbledon, July 2017 Kate attends Wimbledon (Getty) Kate wore a polka dot dress by Dolce & Gabbana as she made her debut as patron of the Wimbledon tournament. The royal teamed the tailored silk dress with earrings by Oscar de la Renta and simple black suede block heel sandals from Office. Royal visit to Sweden and Norway, January 2018 Kate wears mustard yellow and blue Erdem gown (Getty) Kate chose to wear a mustard yellow and blue, floral gown designed by Erdem as she and Prince William met with Swedish prime Minister Stefan Lofven and his wife, Ulla Lofven, for a dinner at the British ambassadors residence. The pregnant royal, who was expecting her third child, revealed her burgeoning baby bump in the high-neck dress which cost 1,945. A formal dinner at the Norwegian Royal Palace, February 2018 Kate and William in Norway (Getty) Kate made a regal statement in an Alexander McQueen draped gown for a formal dinner at the Norwegian Royal Palace. She accessorised with a diamond bracelet that was a wedding gift from the Queen, along with Her Majestys pendant earrings. The birth of Prince Louis, April 2018 Kate and William after the birth of Prince Louis (Getty) On 23 April 2018, Prince William and Kate Middleton welcomed royal baby number three, Prince Louis Arthur Charles. Kate opted for another Jenny Packham dress, this time in red and white - a look many speculated was a tribute to Dianas ensemble in 1984 following the birth of Prince Harry. The Queens Birthday Party, July 2018 Kate and William attend the Queens birthday (Getty) The Duchess wore a red Alexander McQueen off-the-shoulder gown at a garden party in Berlin in honor of the Queens birthday. For accessories, Kate choose Simone Rocha drop earrings and beige Prada heels. Prince Louis Christening, July 2018 Prince Louis christening (Getty) For the christening ceremony of her third child, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton wore an all-white Alexander McQueen dress that featured puffed sleeves, a V-neck and midi-length hem. The royal accessorised the look with an ornate Jane Taylor headband. Ballymena, Northern Ireland, February 2019 Kate arrived in a grey-blue coat by Mulberry (Getty) Some royals do wear capes. Kate Middleton opted for a baby blue cape coat by Mulberry for her second day of engagements in Northern Ireland in 2019. The statement piece of outwear was from the English brands Fall 2018 collection and featured a short cape that fell down to the elbows, as well as a belt and large buttons. Henry Fawcett Childrens Centre, March 2019 Kate wears a lavender Gucci blouse (Getty) The Duchess visited the Henry Fawcett Childrens Centre in Kennington wearing black Jigsaw trousers with a lavender Gucci bow blouse. She also carried a lilac Aspinal purse. ANZAC Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving, April 2019 Kate arrived wearing a teal coat (Getty) The duchess made an appearance at the Anzac Day services in London wearing a teal coat dress by London-based designer Catherine Walker. The dress was nipped at the waist and came with a pleated A-line skirt, oversized buttons and a strong shoulder line. Trooping The Colour, June 2019 William, Kate and children attend Trooping the Colour (Getty) For 2019s Trooping the Colour, Kate opted for a light yellow Alexander McQueen dress, matching Philip Treacy hat, and earrings borrowed from the queen. State Banquet, June 2019 Kate wore a ruffled white gown (Getty) Kate attended the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace during President Trumps three-day state visit to London. For the occasion, the royal turned to one of her favourite designers, Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, wearing a gorgeous white ruffled gown. She also debuted her sash and star of the Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order an honour she was given from the Queen in April that year on the day of her and Prince Williams eighth wedding anniversary. Wimbledon, July 2019 Kate at Wimbledon (Getty) Kate arrived at Wimbledon wearing a crisp white dress designed by British fashion label Suzannah. The Duchess accessorised her short-sleeved Wiggle dress with a black Alexander McQueen belt and Alexander McQueen Wicca mini clutch, completing her look with black bow brooch. The dress retails at 1,850 and is made from Italian silk crepe, the designer states on the website. Kings Cup Regatta, August 2019 Kate wore a casual Sandro and LK Bennett look (Getty) In one of her most casual looks, Kate attended the Kings Cup Regatta wearing a colourful stripy top by designer brand Sandro with high-waisted navy trousers by one of her go-to high street favourites, L.K. Bennett. The royal completed her casual but chic look with a classic pair of white trainers from Superga. Princess Charlottes first day of school, September 2019 Princess Charlottes first day of school (Getty) Kate dropped off Princess Charlotte to her first day of school wearing a striking red and white printed dress by Michael Kors, known as the Carnation dress. The gown was cinched at the waist with a slim black belt and paired with navy court heels. The Back to Nature festival, September 2019 Kate completed the look with a pair of wedged heels (Getty) Kate wore this breezy Emilia Wickstead dress to the opening of the Back to Nature playground and garden that she helped design at the Royal Horticultural Societys Garden Wisley in Surrey. The royal completed the look with a trusty pair of espadrille wedges for the grassy terrain. Royal tour of Pakistan, October 2019 Kate visits Pakistan (Getty) During a visit to Lahores Badshahi Mosque, Kate wore a green shalwar kameez by Maheen Khan, paired with a matching headscarf. On Twitter, Khan said she was proud to have designed this outfit for the Duchess. Khan explained that she and her team adorned the chiffon look with Phulkari embroidery, which is a craft and a pattern of geometrics [prevalent] in Chitral. Diplomatic Corps, December 2019 Kate attends the Diplomatic Corps (Getty) Kate wore an Alexander McQueen gown to the Queens 2019 Diplomatic Corps Reception. The dress was was a long, velvet gown complete with long sleeves, a subtle concave neckline, and a slim fit. She layered the gown with a blue sash, symbolising her Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order honor. Cruella screening, May 2021 Kate wore a Holland Cooper plaid coat (Getty Images) Kate arrived at a screening of Disneys Cruella at the Palace of Holyroodhouse wearing a Holland Cooper plaid trench coat. Playing tennis with school children in Scotland, May 2021 Kate plays tennis with schoolchildren (AFP via Getty Images) Kate wore a preppy cable-knit jumper by Ralph Lauren, paired with some loose trousers. Beating retreat, May 2021 Kate attends Beating Retreat in Scotland (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Kate attended the 2021 Beating Retreat in a blue Cath Walker cornflower blue coat dress. Wimbledon, July 2021 Kate wore an all pastel pink look (AFP via Getty Images) Kate attended the Mens singles finals in a belted pastel pink Beulah London dress, paired with Aldo heels and a pink floral mask. Meeting with the military, September 2021 Kate wore a wool Reiss blazer (Getty Images) In September, Kate met with military personnel who helped evacuate Afghans from their home country following the Talibans takeover. For the event, she wore a double-breasted, beige Reiss blazer paired with loose navy blue trousers and a beige mini bag. No Time To Die premiere, September 2021 Kate arrives in a gold Jenny Packham gown (Getty Images) The Duchess turned heads as she arrived on the red carpet wearing a full-length gold gown by British designer Jenny Packham. The Earthshot Prize ceremony, October 2021 Kate wore a lilac gown to the Earthshot Prize ceremony (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) In a nod to one of her favourite designers, the royal re-wore an Alexander McQueen gown that she first wore a decade earlier in 2011. Remembrance Sunday, November 2021 Kate accessorised with pearl drop earrings (Getty Images) Appearing on a balcony of the Foreign and Commonwealth office, Kate wore a structured black Alexandra McQueen coat paired with pearl-drop earrings. Royal Variety Performance, November 2021 Kate wore a Jenny Packham dress from 2019 (Getty Images) Kate wore an old favourite; a long-sleeved, emerald green sequin Jenny Packham dress. She first wore the gown for an official tour of Pakistan with the Duke of Cambridge in October 2019. Community Carol Service, December 2021 Kate wore a red Catherine Walker coat dress (Getty Images) The Duchess arrived in a red Catherine Walker coat dress, paired with matching red heels. A day-long nationwide strike call, given by the central trade unions against the government's "anti-people" policies, on Wednesday evoked partial response in Punjab and Haryana. Protesters resorted to blocking roads and squatting on rails tracks at a few places and also took out processions against the Central government in support of their demands in Punjab, the police said. With the state roadways employees joining the nationwide strike, buses remained off road at several places including Amritsar, Nawanshahr, Ludhiana, Roopnagar and Kapurthala in Punjab, causing inconvenience to passengers. Though a faction of Haryana Roadways had announced to join the strike, public transport services were not affected much, barring a few places including Sirsa and Hisar. At some bus depots in Haryana, the police ensured protesters do not disrupt plying of buses. Heavy police force was deployed at several bus depots in Haryana and Punjab to ensure smooth movement of buses, officials said. However, there was no impact on private bus services in Punjab, Haryana and UT Chandigarh. Shops and commercial establishments largely remained open in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, officials said. Banking services were hit in both states and union territory as employees of public sector banks observed strike. Employees under the banner of Punjab Bank Employees Federation held protest rallies at several places at Chandigarh, Ludhiana and other places,office bearer of the Federation claimed. However, private banks continued to carry out their operations. Work in the offices of BSNL and LIC was also impacted because of strike. There was no report of any untoward incident from any place in both states, officials said. In Amritsar, a few trains including Amritsar-bound Shane Punjab, Shatabdi got delayed after protesters blocked rail tracks in Amritsar while in Ludhiana, three trains including Malwa Express, two passenger and goods trains were stopped by agitatorsnear Giaspura on the outskirts of the city on Ludhiana- Delhi track, officials said. Protesting farmers also blocked rail track in Mansa. Expressing anger against the Central government for its anti-people policies, agitators comprising members of trade unions and employees of different departments several blocked roads including Hoshiarpur-Chandigarh road in Garhshankar, Sangrur-Chandigarh road in Bhawanigarh, Patiala-Sirhind road in Patiala, Bathinda-Chandigarh andAmritsar-Delhi national highway in Phagwara. There were reports that some factory workers were stopped from going to work by representatives of trade unions in Jalandhar. Factories and industrial units remained open in Ludhiana, an industrial hub of Punjab. The call of various farmers' organisations, which are seeking implementation of Swaminathan Commission report, to stop supplies of milk, vegetables and other items as part of their call to 'rural India bandh' also failed to evoke much response in both states, except at a few places. A group of farmers waylaid at Sandhuwal village in Patiala to block supplies of vegetables, milk and other commodities from villages to cities. In Patiala, a student body held protest outside the Punjabi University against the Centre. In Haryana, the Sarv Karamchari Sangh state president Subhash Lamba claimed the day-long strike in the state was successful and said that almost three lakh employees of different government departments participated in the strike. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iranian-Canadians gather in Toronto on Jan. 3, 2020, to celebrate the death of Gen. Qasem Soleimani in Iraq on Jan. 2. The killing has sparked renewed calls to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. (The Canadian Press/Cole Burston) Soleimanis Death Sparks Renewed Calls for Canada to Designate Irans Revolutionary Guard a Terrorist Entity The killing of a top Iranian general by a U.S. airstrike has reignited debate over Canadas engagement with Iran and renewed calls to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. Qasem Soleimani, leader of Irans Quds Force, was killed by a missile fired at his convoy as it left Baghdad airport in Iraq on Jan. 2. His death has elevated tensions in the Middle East and prompted threats of retaliation from Iran. The increased tensions are a concern for Canada, which has almost 850 troops as part of NATOs contingent in the region, including 500 in Iraq. Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne has called on all sides to exercise restraint and pursue de-escalation, while noting that Canada has long been concerned by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, led by Qasem Soleimani, whose aggressive actions have had a destabilizing effect in the region and beyond. Canada declared the Quds Force to be a terrorist organization in 2017. A year later, the Liberals supported a Conservative motion to designate the entire Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as terrorist, but that has not happened. The Conservative Opposition once again calls upon the Trudeau government to finally list the IRGC as a terrorist entity after 18 months of foot-dragging, says a joint statement by Conservative MPs Erin OToole and James Bezan issued after the airstrike. The Liberals voted for the measure, yet have done nothing to recognize the destructive and destabilizing influence of the IRGC. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia denounced the IRGC as a terrorist organization in 2018. The United States made the same designation in 2019 and asked its allies to do the same. Kaveh Shahrooz, senior fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institutes Centre for Advancing Canadas Interests Abroad, wholeheartedly supports the idea. He says the designation would severely increase pressure on Irans dictatorial government, putting every person and business on notice that they will face serious terrorism charges in Canada for engaging in any relationship that assists the IRGC. Last November, Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered a crackdown on protesters against his regime. As a result, the IRGC killed as many as 1,500 of Irans own citizens, Reuters reported. They are an incredibly repressive and violent and deeply corrupt organization, says Shahrooz. This is a really nefarious, malevolent force that Canada ought to oppose. Its unclear why the government has not yet made the designation. Fear of reprisals from Iran might be one reason. Another could be Canadas quest for a U.N. Security Council seat, given that one-quarter of the countries that vote are majority Muslim nations. Thats the elephant in the room now, Shahrooz said. And perhaps the calculation is that perhaps if we dont antagonize Iran, we may be able to either get their support or at the very least not have them actively oppose us in that quest. Retired Maj.-Gen. Denis Thompson wonders whether Canada can legitimately designate the IRGC as terrorist, given its official role in a sovereign country. I would say that it isnt the Canadian governments position to declare the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization, nor for that matter most organizations even if theyre perceived as evil if they are linked to a legitimate government. And that to me is where the issue lies. Conservative MP Garnett Genuis disagrees. Theres a good argument that it functions just like any other terrorist entity, not like a state actor. But in any event its actions, and not just whether it claims to be a state actor, should be the basis for its listing. Under the Iranian constitution, the IRGC defends the Islamic regime, and the national army defends the citizens and country. The IRGC was put in place by Iranian regime founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1979 to prevent a military coup from forces that might be loyal to the deposed shah. As Shahrooz put it in a column he co-authored in 2019, Its a fighting force devoted solely to imposing the Iranian theocracy at home, exporting it abroad, and lining its own pockets. Following Soleimanis death, Iran offered an $80 million bounty for Trumps assassination. The president has said he ordered the airstrike because Soleimani was plotting to kill American diplomats and military personnel. Soleimani was the architect of almost every significant intelligence and military operation that Iran conducted for the past two decades. This included the backing of militias in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, as well as terrorist attacks and plots in many countries around the world. Skyrocketing rents have one of the Bay Areas biggest business-boosting organizations looking to disembark from its downtown headquarters and move onto a converted ferryboat. Im a big advocate of ferryboats, but I never thought that I would be working on one, said Bay Area Council President and CEO Jim Wunderman. The Bay Area Council is a business, public policy and advocacy organization whose 300 members include the areas biggest employers, like Kaiser Permanente, Wells Fargo, Facebook, Google, Salesforce and the University of California. But even with that kind of pull, the council couldnt escape the rising cost of doing business in the city. Our lease is set to end, and you know the story of San Francisco rents, Wunderman said. He declined to say how much the 75-year-old organization was paying for the Sacramento Street offices only that the new lease would have doubled the rent. So we started looking at various alternatives, and somehow this came up, Wunderman said. The council plans to move onto the 95-year-old Klamath, a refurbished bay ferry now moored at the Port of Stockton, where it serves as corporate headquarters for Duraflame Inc. The goal is to have the Klamath towed from Stockton to San Francisco sometime in August, moor it near the Financial District and be ready for the council to occupy by the end of the year. It should make for a nice new headquarters, and it makes financial sense, Wunderman said. Wunderman said that in addition to serving as headquarters for the councils 35-member staff, the Klamath will also include a large rooftop deck that would be used as public open space. It has 25,000 to 30,000 square feet of usable space, but we will have to spend some money to modernize it, Wunderman said. The council now leases 10,000 square feet. One thing the ferry will not have, however, is parking but then, the council has no parking now. The move will signal a return to the bay for the Klamath. In 1964, Walter Landor and his design and branding company, Landor Associates, bought the Klamath after finding it abandoned at the Oakland Estuary. The ferry was renovated and for a time served as Landors headquarters at Pier 5. This time, the ferry, which once had room for 1,000 passengers and parking for 78 cars, will be docked at Pier Nine, near the foot of Broadway and right next to the offices of the Water Emergency Transportation Authority, the agency that regulates public ferry service on San Francisco Bay. Coincidentally, Wunderman has served on the WETA board of directors since 2015 and was just named chairman by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Negotiations are just beginning with the Port of San Francisco on rent. Its still early days. They still need approval from the Bay Conservation and Development Commission and other agencies, but it is interesting, said port spokesman Randy Quezada. I swear: On Wednesday, Mayor London Breed will be sworn into her first full term in office in what is being billed as a low-key ceremony at City Hall, but at least one musical surprise is in the works. The big inauguration was in July 2018 when Breed narrowly won the special election to fill out the term of former Mayor Ed Lee, who died in office. This time there will be a ceremony, followed by a meet-and-greet with the public in her office, then its back to work, said Breed campaign co-chairman P.J. Johnston. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The original hope was to have U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris administer the oath of office. But given the Trump impeachment proceedings and the situation in Iran and Iraq, Harris couldnt commit to the date. So Superior Court Judge Teri Jackson, a longtime friend of Breed, was tapped. The ceremony will be in the City Hall rotunda, the vast echo chamber where during his 2016 inauguration Lee was shouted down by protesters calling for the resignation of then-Police Chief Greg Suhr, who was in the spotlight following a string of fatal police shootings in the city. Breed staffers expect that security this time will be tighter, and the mood of the public less contentious, this time around. And there are also whispers of a special performance by a very, very well-known local guitarist. The event is at 11 a.m. and is open to the public. Later in the day, Breed will head across the street to the Herbst Theatre to administer the oath of office to incoming District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Breed is an interesting pick for Boudins swearing-in, considering that she supported one of his opponents, Suzy Loftus, in the November election. He called her, Johnston said. For the good of the city, this is a time for fresh starts. Boudin said he asked Breed to do the honors, because the mayor and I share the same basic goals for San Francisco and are looking forward to working together to achieve them. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Phil Matier appears Sundays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KGO-TV morning and evening news and can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call 415-777-8815, or email pmatier@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @philmatier Kenya is one of the top-ranked economies in the easiness of doing business. Due to Kenyas favourable ranking, the country has experienced one of the highest numbers of FDI (Foreign Direct Investments). Investors and companies moving to Kenya require skilled professionals. And to avoid missing out on these amazing opportunities, it's essential for Kenyan citizens to familiarize themselves with the most marketable courses in Kenya in 2021. Real estate. Photo: @myleon Source: UGC Many people who join institutions of higher learning often think that all courses are equal. That is not the case. Some fields that were once popular arent in demand in the job market nowadays due to technological advancements or the number of graduates being higher than the available positions. With Kenya creating a more favourable environment for doing business, there are many opportunities springing up that you should take into consideration. List of the most marketable courses in Kenya in 2021 Which are the most marketable courses in Kenya today? The list of the most marketable courses in Kenya is endless. However, the following courses will give you a better chance of getting a job after leaving university or college in Kenya: 1. Intellectual Property Law Kenyans are the most innovative people in the world. However, some of the innovations and artistic expressions are not registered with the relevant authorities. In case of disputes, most creators do not get the right legal representations. Intellectual property lawyers will, therefore, be in demand based on a couple of reasons. The Kenyan government, through the relevant ministries, have adopted policies that will make it mandatory to patent work. Unfortunately, few legal minds have specialized in this important niche. Concentrating on this niche is, therefore, one of the best career decisions in 2021. Another reason why intellectual property law is important from 2021 is the rising number of creatives on YouTube and digital streaming platforms. Kenyan musicians and entertainers have embraced these platforms for exposure and monetization. An intellectual property expert is needed for the easy settlement of copyright claims. 2. Digital Marketing A list of the most marketable courses in Kenya in 2021 is incomplete without mentioning digital marketing. Kenyan companies have embraced the digital space, thanks to the high internet access in Kenya. According to marketing pundits, digital marketing is one of the best courses to study in 2021. What makes digital marketing one of the top degree courses in Kenya? First, most companies have shown a huge interest in fully going digital as far as marketing is concerned. Second, digital marketing has democratized the marketing world and any business can venture into this form of marketing. The scope of digital marketing can be different from one business to another. However, unlike most markets in the world, the Kenyan market is understaffed. Becoming part of the first generation of digital marketers will put you in a better possible for any future marketing tread. Digital marketing as a course is relatively new in Kenya. It is, however, one of the most marketable certificate courses in progressive colleges and universities. 3. Cyber Security In the last two years, major banking institutions in Kenya have registered fraud cases. Although there are some unique cases, most of the instances are technology-related. Currently, millions of Kenyans use mobile banking to transfer and receive funds. Banks and consumers are therefore potential victims of cyber-attacks. A person working on the laptop. Photo: @thoughtcatalog Source: UGC Cybersecurity experts are therefore needed to safeguard this growing industry. Kenya also has one of the highest numbers of SACCOs, which also require cybersecurity experts for assessing and improving systems. In tech-related courses in Kenya, one of the most lucrative courses in cybersecurity. However, cybersecurity is not limited only to the banking sector. Real estate, for example, is one of the key beneficiaries of technology. Most buildings in Nairobi rely on automatic locks and it comes with its share of challenges. One of these challenges is constant security threats and therefore, a cyber-security expert will be one of the most lucrative courses in 2021. 4. Engineering Engineering is one of the oldest professions in the world and in 2021, it will be one of the most lucrative courses in Kenya. Kenya has numerous megaprojects and according to the government, the projects may take another two decades. The demand for engineers is, therefore, going up in the next two decades. The county governments also have smaller construction projects. These projects need professionals in different stages. Although most of the construction companies are foreign, the government has put structures that limit the number of expertise a company can bring in Kenya. Indigenous experts are therefore going to be on-demand. It is, however, important to note that not all engineers will be on-demand in this growth period. Some of the key engineering courses that will be on-demand include the following. Structural Engineering Civil Engineering 5. Information Technology and Computer Science Since 2008, Kenya has been one of the best internet-connected countries in the region. The availability of fibre optics has opened up Kenya to a lot of opportunities. Major companies such as Google have African headquarters in Nairobi. The availability of these opportunities makes tech-related studies the most marketable courses to study in 2021. In the last ten years, most companies in Kenya, and particularly in Nairobi have been utilizing the digital space as a marketing and visibility avenue. The number of companies and businesses that are digitalizing is still small compared to other countries in the western world. This difference between the businesses in digital spaces and the total number of businesses means that there is a vacuum of tech professionals. However, tech as an academic field is home to tens of courses. Some of the most marketable degree courses in this category include the following. Computer Science Information Technology Programming Languages 6. Natural Resource Management In the past ten years, Kenya has discovered many minerals. Turkana County, for example, is home to the first oil mining well. Managed by Tullow Oil, the well has created many job opportunities for the locals. However, Turkana as a county does not have natural resource managers. Tullow Oil is mandated by the Kenyan government to source a certain percentage of its human resources from Kenya. Pursuing a career in resource management in Kenya is, therefore, a great idea. Kenyan universities in the past five years have started developing curriculums, especially in natural resources niche. In addition to management courses in natural resources, universities in Kenya also offer exchange programs with other countries. Germany, for example, is a partner to local universities such as Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. 7. Performing Arts and Music Studies Arts as an academic niche is one of the few niches that will not be replaced by AI and machine learning. Although technology has enabled arts to grow, the position of human input in this niche is irreplaceable. In Kenya, different universities and colleges have started art programs. A keyboard and art book. Photo: @campaign_creators Source: UGC Scandinavian countries such as Norway have given Kenyan creatives a chance to showcase their talents in major European exhibitions. The British Council, which is in Upperhill Nairobi, has also given hundreds of creatives a chance to showcase their talents. Thanks to these investments, performing arts and music studies are the most marketable courses in Kenya in 2021. The availability of these platforms and funding from different organizations make this niche a viable career option. Arts is, however, a broad niche and some of the top degree courses in this niche include the following. Music Studies Performing Arts Film and Animation 8. Fashion Design Fashion is one of the few courses that continue to be relevant over the years. Unlike most courses, fashion related courses are timeless. The growth of the African fashion industry has opened doors for international brands to work with fashion designers from Africa. This trend is an indication that fashion as an industry will be one of the key Kenyan exports from 2021. Fashion studies are also one of the marketable certificate courses, thanks to government directives. The Kenyan government, for example, started the "Buy Kenya Build Kenya" campaign, which aims at empowering the Kenyan fashion industry. Unlike most courses in this list that require one to spend years in university, fashion as an industry has some of the best short marketable courses in Kenya. Colleges and institutes, for example, have come up with ways of condensing course scopes for faster and better learning. 9. Hospitality courses According to the global tourism index, Kenya is one of the most visited countries in Africa. Domestic tourism is also on the rise. The Kenyan coast, major towns, and national parks have a high number of visitors every month. These two trends create a huge market for Kenyan hoteliers. Two decades ago, the profession was unexplored, due to stereotypes and perceptions from academicians. The perception of hospitality has now changed. The national government has invested in awareness campaigns in the past two years, encouraging people to take hospitality courses. When selecting a course, you should do background research about the course credibility through the ministry of tourism. The credibility of a course is important when looking for attachment placement in different hotels and organizations in Kenya. If possible, consider government-sponsored institutions. It is, however, important to appreciate some facts about hospitality courses in Kenya. It is a diverse niche with many different mini-courses. Some of the most profitable courses in this area include the following. Hotel Management Travel and Tourism Management Food Production Tour Operations 10. Pharmacy A pharmacist arranging medicine on the shelves. Photo: @nickmorrison Source: UGC Pharmacy is one of the most recognized courses in Kenya. The high number of private and public hospitals has created career opportunities in the country. A pharmacist bestows treatment medications to patients and offers knowledge in the safe use of medicines. Also, they conduct screening, vaccination and offer advice on healthy living. Pharmacists in Kenya earn a good salary at a minimum of Ksh 92,000 and an average of Ksh 188,000. This salary includes housing, transport, and other benefits. However, wages are based on skills, experience, location, and gender. Today 25% of pharmacists earn Ksh 128,000, while 75% earn more than Ksh 128,000. One can obtain a pharmacy degree from UoN, JKUAT, and KU. Bachelor of Pharmacy is a full-time course and takes not less than five years to study. 11. Real estate Real estate as a career involves the improvement, buying, and selling of property. You can get into real estate as a property developer, online marketer, quantity surveyor, interior designer, real estate agent, or architect. Either way, real estate can earn you an average salary of Ksh 166,000. The minimum amount one can get from the career is Ksh 61,000. As a real estate agent, achieving depends on your hard work. You can make as much as you want just by closing sales. Real estate course is best offered in MKU, UoN, and Gretsa University School of business in Thika. It takes four years to study the course. 12. Survey This course includes determining the legal property boundaries. This is done by collecting data and compiling legal documents for real estate and mapmaking. Companies that may employ surveyors are real estate companies, quantity surveying companies, civil engineering specialists and consultancies, and local authorities. A surveyor earns an average salary of Ksh 86,500. 75% of such graduates make more than Ksh 58,800. The pay is based on the level of skills, experience, and location. The Survey course is best obtained in UoN and JKUAT. This course is only offered to full-time students and takes three years to complete. 13. Teaching A teacher writing on the board. Photo: @charlesdeluvio Source: UGC Teaching is one of the most stress-free marketable diploma courses in Kenya. In primary school, teaching involves basic stuff such as multiplications, additions, reading, name it. However, for a secondary school teacher, it is all about directing students in science practicals, telling history students what happened in the past, marking exams, and so forth. Teaching as a career earns you a minimum of Ksh 25,000 per month. Some of the high-ranking teachers earn up to Ksh 70,000, depending on the level of education. This is a good salary considering you are not working long hours. Institutions that offer teaching courses in Kenya are endless. Some of the best in the country include Laikipia University College, Presbyterian Teachers College, and Embu College. This course takes up to 4 or 5 years in Kenya. 14. Medicine Although medicine is labelled as one of the most challenging courses, it is a highly marketable course. As long as the country has sick patients, pregnant mothers, and finite people, you can never lack job opportunities. Medicine involves performing physical tests, running diagnostic checks creating patient care strategies, and treating patients. Doctors in Kenya earn an average salary of Ksh 345,000 per month. However, 50% of medical graduates in Kenya earn less than Ksh 331,000, while 50% earn more than Ksh 331,000. Alternatively, you can start a private hospital and earn from it. Many Kenyans have made fortunes from it. Today, medicine course is best offered in KU, MKU, UoN, Maseno university medical school, Kenya Methodist University School of Medicine, JKUAT, Egerton University, and Kisii University School of Health Sciences. 15. Statistics If you love mathematics, this is the course for you. Statistics is one of the fastest-growing careers in Kenya. It involves gathering arithmetic data to help corporations make numerical data logic, spot developments, and make predictions. A Statistician earns an average salary of Ksh 229,000 per month. This is Ksh 2.75 million per year. However, the fact is only 25% of statisticians in Kenya earn less than Ksh 159,000. The best universities offering the course include Strathmore University, Moi University, Maseno University, JKUAT, UON, and Kabianga University. A Bachelors degree in Kenya takes four years. The above are the most marketable courses in Kenya in 2021, based on the growing economies and the availability of professionals. This is not to suggest that these are the only courses you can undertake. In addition, the choice of an institution may vary from one person to another, but doing a background check is vital. In most cases, different schools may take different approaches to the teaching of a course. Different approaches, however, do not necessarily translate to one program being inferior to another. Tuko.co.ke shared the best TVET courses in Kenya in 2021, TVET institutions, and requirements. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) is a corporate body that regulates Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The authority is mandated to oversee the licensing and accreditation of learning institutions, trainers and programs. As a learner who wishes to join a TVET Authority institution, it is important to find a licensed institution for your certification to be recognized. Besides, you have to go through the list of the best TVET courses in Kenya to find out what will suit you best. Source: TUKO.co.ke KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Prosecutors have charged a 19-year-old Kansas City man in connection with a deadly shooting last September near 98th and Willow. Jordan L. White faces charges of second-degree murder, first-degree attempted robbery and two counts of armed criminal action in related to the shooting death of 20-year-old Robiell Avilla on September 21, 2019. By Trend Iran has attacked American targets in Iraq. It was noted that the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps) launched at least 35 missiles on Ayn al-Asad air base in Iraq's west and the base in Erbil. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called the Iranian strike a self-defense measure against a base in Iraq that launched an attack against Iranian citizens and officials, while he emphasized that Tehran was not seeking an "escalation or war." The attacks rocketed days after Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani's assassination by the US. US President Donald Trump spokesperson Stephanie Grisham said the president is informed of the attacks and is consulting with his team of advisers. CNN, citing the White House, reported that Trump had a meeting at the White House on the situation. In turn, the US banned flights of its civilian aircraft over a significant part of the Middle East, in particular over Iran, Iraq, the Persian and Omani gulfs. Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said the strike was from Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attacks that were retaliated for the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei should deliver a speech to a group of people in Qom today on the occasion of the anniversary of the events in this Iranian city on Jan. 8, 1978. This is important against the backdrop of Irans recent attacks on the US base in Iraq. In turn, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, said that it is time for the US leaders to withdraw their forces from the region as soon as possible, stressing that any new US actions would lead to a tougher response from Iran. Bagheri, warning US officials, said the operation last night expressed only part of the ability of the Islamic Republic Armed Forces to respond to the assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani. According to CNN, missiles fired by the Iranian side hit the part of Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq where there were no US troops. CNN notes that this is evidenced by the first data obtained in the course of assessing the damage caused to the US facilities as a result of the missile strike. At the same time, CNN indicates that to fully conduct an appropriate inspection of the air base will only happen during daytime. Hangzhou, Beijing and Guangzhou have established Internet courts to reduce times for commutes and court hearings. The Beijing Internet Court receives hundreds of Internet-related lawsuits every day, such as infringement of copyright, contract disputes and liability disputes. A judge with the Beijing Internet Court explains how the court works. (Photo/Xinhua) Zhang Wen, president of the Beijing Internet Court, said the court adopts voice recognition, facial recognition, AI judges, and legal knowledge mapping to integrate multilateral mediation, case trial and executing, documentation of electronic evidence, and online delivery. With the help of these technologies, the court has managed to reduce the average trial time for each case to about 55 days. A trial team usually has a judge, a judges assistant and two court clerks to hear a case. The judge can get the most professional advice by consulting with university professors and legal experts to make sure the case is properly handled, said She Guiqing, vice president of the Beijing Internet Court. The online litigation platform can translate the voices of the judge and the parties involved into text with an accuracy rate of 98 percent. The parties involved in a case can be present at a court wherever they are, as long as they have a cell phone and a network available. According to Zhang, the online litigation platform placed 42,114 cases on file and concluded 40, 083 of them in 2019. In addition, the platform helped each person involved save an average of 800 yuan per case and avoid 16 hours of commuting. The online litigation platform has also adopted a blockchain-backed system to check whether the electronic evidence submitted by a person is true or not. By the end of 2019, the system had collected more than 13.5 million pieces of data, documented all the information submitted by involved parties and verified 4,290 documents. The practices of the Beijing Internet Court have gained global attention. In 2019, the court was visited 47 times by foreign guests from 44 countries, including the U.S., the U.K., France, Canada, Japan, Poland and Australia. We should learn from the Beijing Internet Court! Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Felix Braz said. A crisis centre has been set up in Mallacoota's town hall to treat the wildlife who were burned during the devastating bushfires. Mallacoota's skies turned an eerie red as a ferocious bushfire tore through the small town on the Victorian coast on New Year's Eve - killing hundreds of animals. A team of veterinarian staff have rushed to the town to save as many animals as they can. A team of veterinarian staff (pictured Dr Leanne Wicker and veterinary nurse Evie Tochterman) rushed to the town to save as many animals as they can Zoos Victoria vet, Dr Leanne Wicker, has been at Mallacoota's town hall treating the animals, with the most seriously hurt being a small koalas with burnt paws. 'We've set up a triage station here, we've been seeing a lot of wildlife especially koalas. They're affected by the fire, they're sooty and burnt and have little singed ears.' 'Despite their injuries and trauma, the bravery shown by the koalas and wildlife at Mallacoota is inspiring.' Ms Wicker said they have managed to release a number of animals back into the wild already and the koala with injured paws is on the mend and is eating and wide awake. A koala is being fed after he was saved during the Mallacoota bushfires last week She said there were those whose injuries were too extensive to treat and had to be humanely euthanised. Zoos Victoria CEO Dr Jenny Gray said the full impact is impossible to determine at this early stage but they were determined to lend its expertise to assist. Australia's devastating bushfire season has taken the lives of 25 people and has destroyed almost 2,000 homes. Half a billion animals are estimated to have perished during the blazes which have scorched around six million hectares across the country. New voting machines that hundreds of districts will use for the first time in 2020 don't have enough safeguards against hacking by Russia and other U.S. adversaries, according to a study out this morning from researchers at the University of Michigan. The study marks the first major independent review of the machines called ballot-marking devices, or BMDs, which at least 18% of the country's districts will use as their default voting machines in November. The results are a major blow for voting machine companies and election officials, who have touted BMDs as a secure option in the wake of Russia's 2016 efforts to compromise U.S. election infrastructure. "The implication of our study is that it's extremely unsafe [to use BMDs], especially in close elections," Alex Halderman, a University of Michigan computer science professor and one of seven authors of the study, said in an interview. People who use BMDs cast their votes using a computer touch screen, but the machine spits out a paper record of those votes. That is usually used to tally the results and can be saved for audits that ensure votes were tallied correctly. The machines were touted by election officials as a compromise between paperless voting machines, which experts uniformly agree are far too vulnerable to hacking, and hand-marked paper ballots, which serious cybersecurity hawks favor but which can be tougher to tally and are inaccessible for many people with disabilities. But only a handful of people who vote on BMDs are likely to check that their votes were recorded accurately, the researchers found - meaning that if hackers succeed in altering even a small percentage of electronic votes, they might be able to change the outcome of a close election without being detected. "There's been a lot of discussion in the election security community about whether BMD verification works as a defense against hacking, but nobody really had any hard numbers," Halderman told me. "Now, for the first time, we have an experimental data point and, unfortunately, the results confirm some of our worst fears." The findings come as election security groups in Pennsylvania are already suing to block some counties from using a specific brand of BMDs, the ExpressVote XL machines designed by Election Systems & Software, over hacking fears. The same machines also went haywire and called the wrong winner in a Pennsylvania county judge's race in November. ES&S did not respond to a request for comment about the study. The researchers list several recommendations for how election officials can use BMDs as safely as possible,but the clear lesson is that voting jurisdictions should switch to hand-marked paper ballots if at all possible, Halderman told me. "There is a strong security reasons to prefer hand-marked paper ballots," he said. The researchers watched 241 people vote on a BMD machine in a simulated election - all of whom had at least one of their votes changed on the printed-out ballot. They found only 40% of voters reviewed their ballots at all and only about 7% told a poll worker something was wrong. At those rates, it's highly likely that if hackers changed just 1% or 2% of votes in a close election, they wouldn't be discovered, they said. The researchers also tried several methods to get voters to check their ballots for errors, including postings signs and having poll workers urge them to review the ballots - but none of them improved error detection "to the point that BMDs can be used safely in close or small elections," the researchers found. Congress, however, has steered clear of mandating that states use specific voting equipment, such as machines with paper ballots, or to conduct post-election security audits. Lawmakers have appropriated about $900 million for election security since 2016, including $425 million in December, but none of it has come with any of those specific cybersecurity mandates favored by Democrats. Yet even most Democrats don't insist that voters should use use hand-marked paper ballots rather than BMDs. Only one major bill, sponsored by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., would mandate that hand-marked ballots are the default for voters. That bill also includes $250 million to develop secure BMDs for people with disabilities who cannot use hand-marked paper ballots. 'Unholy Bible': University promotes art project of desecrated Bible, satanic Christ Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A universitys promotion of an atheist students art display of a desecrated Bible and demonic images covering Jesus' face has sparked outrage from Christians who meet on campus for worship. The University of Southern Maine has found itself embroiled in a controversy over the art piece called the Unholy Bible: Very Revised Standard Edition. The piece was created by sophomore Riley Harris for an art class assignment requiring students to re-purpose a book and create something new. Harris display consists of a Bible with torn pages that are painted orange to look like flames. According to The Kennebec Journal, satanic images cover the face of Christ in the display. Harris told the Journal that the piece is supposed to symbolize challenges to religious authority. People question different types of authority, but for some reason, religious authority seems too taboo to question, so I thought I would give it a shot, Harris told the newspaper. The project was completed for a class and later put on display by the university in a building in which community organizations and religious groups rent space regularly. One of those groups that meet in the building is the Casco Bay Church of Christ. This is someones sacred text being desecrated, destroyed and displayed in a public place, church member Charlie Flynn told the news outlet. I couldnt help but feel no ones sacred text should be treated that way. I think its very inappropriate and repugnant. Despite some Christians finding the display offensive, the school has stood by Harris on grounds that he has protected freedom of speech. Jared Cash, the universitys vice president for enrollment management and marketing, told CentralMaine.com that university policy dictates that the institution must support free speech as long as it does not violate the law, defame specific individuals, genuinely threaten or harass others or violate privacy or confidentiality requirements or interests. Academic freedom is the freedom to present and discuss all relevant matters in and beyond the classroom, to explore all avenues of scholarship, research and creative expression, and to speak or write without any censorship, threat, restraint, or discipline by the university with regard to the pursuit of truth in the performance of ones teaching, research, publishing or service obligation, the policy reads. The policy further states that demands for civility and mutual respect will not be used to justify restricting the discussion or expression of ideas or speech that may be disagreeable or even offensive to some members of the university community. The display of Harris work of art also drew the ire of Christian conservative pundit Todd Starnes. "He actually ripped pages out of the Bible and painted them to look like flames from the lake of fire, Starnes told CBN News. Then he took portraits and paintings of Christ and in place of the face of Jesus, he placed a satanic image. You can actually see the Nativity scene with Mary cradling the Christ child and there is an evil satanic face on the Christ child. Despite understanding the rights of free speech, Flynn still considers Harris piece hateful. If I saw a Quran with pig blood on it I would certainly call someone or a Torah with unclean foods on it, Flynn was quoted as saying. This is a Bible with Satans image put over Jesus image and around Christmastime. I dont understand why that would be viewable in an institution of higher learning. This is USM, a school that services the community. Starnes said that it would be improbable to see a school like the University of Southern Maine display a desecrated Quran or satanic images of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Here in the United States of America, only Christians and Jews are allowed to be attacked for their religious beliefs, Starnes argued. The display also drew an objection from the evangelical grassroots organization My Faith Votes. This is sad, a Facebook post from the organization reads. It seems here in the U.S., Jews and Christians can be attacked for their religious beliefs but Muslims seem to be off-limits. In 2018, USM also received pushback when it removed three oil paintings created by a former sex offender at its Lewiston-Auburn campus because administrators feared it could trigger victims of abuse. Critics felt that the school unfairly censored the artist who had paid the societal debt for a 20-year-old conviction. Is there any logical thought left in Washington, D.C.? Our Congress voted foreign aid to Ukraine. At the direction of President Donald Trump, the Office of Management and Budget proceeded to withhold that money. Whether there was a good reason or no reason, Trump exceeded his authority, abused his power and potentially endangered American national security interests. He also hypothetically helped Vladimir Putin and Russia. The proof is with Mick Mulvaney and political staff in the OMB, who know why the money was held. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam Wed, January 8, 2020 President Joko Jokowi Widodo has insisted that Indonesia has sovereign rights over natural resources in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the North Natuna Sea while allowing foreign vessels to pass peacefully. I am here to ensure the enforcement of our sovereign rights over maritime natural resources in our EEZ, Jokowi said as quoted in a press release issued by the State Palace on Wednesday. Why do we have the Navy and the Bakamla [Maritime Security Agency] here? They are here to enforce the law. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Or let Google manage your subscription Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], Jan 8 (ANI): The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) on Wednesday held a protest here in support of the Bharat Bandh call given by ten trade unions. Despite heavy snowfall people here gathered and participated in the protest with umbrellas and posters in their hands. The Bharat Bandh call had been given by all 10 central trade unions along with different federations. These unions include AIUTUC, CITU, INTUC, and others. (ANI) New Delhi [India], Jan 8 (ANI): As the tensions continued to remain high in the Gulf region following the killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in a US air raid last week, Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan on Wednesday said that Centre is closely monitoring the situation. "In view of the prevailing situation in the Gulf country, the Centre is closely monitoring the developments in the Gulf region. External Affairs Minister (EAM) has talked to his counterparts in Jordan, Oman, Qatar, France, UAE and has also talked to Foreign minister of Iran and the American Secretary of State," he said while speaking to reporters here. The MoS also said that India has issued a travel advisory for its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq. Early on Wednesday, Iran launched more than a dozen missiles on US targets in Iraq -- first at the Ain Al-Asad airbase in Anbar province and another one at Erbil, which falls in the Kurdistan region. The strikes came hours after the funeral of Soleimani whose killing in a US air raid last week intensified tensions in the Gulf region. Countries including the UK have condemned Iran's strikes and have urged Tehran to pursue urgent de-escalation. (ANI) A day after a Dalit minister stated in the Himachal Pradesh assembly that a legislator and he were not allowed to enter a temple, state Governor Bandaru Dattatraya said he was deeply hurt by the incident as it was against the spirit of the Indian constitution. Expressing concern over it, the governor in a statement said the Constitution of India extended the right to equality to every citizen. Discrimination on the basis of caste is against the spirit of the Constitution, he said, adding that the rights of the STs/SCs and OBC are protected by the Constitution. The governor said that Himachal Pradesh is known as the land of gods and such an incident is a matter of concern. He requested Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur to issue directions to make people aware in this regard. Himachal Pradesh Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Rajiv Saizal on Tuesday had told the state assembly that he and Nachan MLA Vinod Kumar were not allowed to enter a temple in the state. He, however, did not mention the name of the temple, its location and the time when they were not allowed inside. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Britain's Prince Harry, the grandson of Queen Elizabeth, said he and his American wife Meghan plan to step back from their roles as senior members of Britain's royal family and work to become financially independent. "We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth and our patronages," he and Meghan said in a statement on the social media platform Instagram on Wednesday. Search Keywords: Short link: On Tuesday morning, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake and several other strong tremors struck the island of Puerto Rico, causing hundreds of buildings to collapse, severely damaging many others and knocking out power across the US territory. So far at least one fatality and several other injuries have been attributed to the major tremor. Tuesdays quake was among numerous seismic events along an underwater fault line in recent days including a 5.8 magnitude earthquake the day before. In all, the US Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that 36 earthquakes with a magnitude of 3 or higher occurred since the sequence began. USGS is warning that there remains an 82 percent chance of an earthquake 5.0 or higher in the coming days and a 99 percent likelihood of shocks of magnitude 3 or higher, between now and January 14. It is likely that the string of quakes is already the most damaging wave to strike the island in more than 100 years. The epicenters of the quakes were located less than 10 miles south of the southern coast of the island between the cities of Ponce and Yauco, a region home to over 170,000 people. Residents in the region have reported that houses, schools, churches and other buildings have simply collapsed leaving behind a trail of devastation. A resident interviewed by the Spanish daily El Pais, described his experience, 14 kilometers away from the epicenter of Tuesdays quake, as super strong; I could hear vibrations coming from everywhere. A Puerto Rican flag hangs within the rubble, after it was placed there where store owners and family help remove supplies from Ely Mer Mar hardware store, which partially collapsed after an earthquake struck Guanica, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) In the Guayanilla municipality, one of the towns closest to the epicenter, 131 people have been evacuated. At least 31 homes have been reported as collapsed and another 15 as severely damaged. Residents also reported that a nearly 180-year-old Catholic church in Guayanilla was destroyed, along with numerous cars, businesses and government buildings. In another town, Guanica, at least 180 people sought shelter at the Coliseum Mariano Tito Rodriguez on Monday after the first earthquake destroyed the town. However, after Tuesdays earthquake the coliseum was evacuated due to fear of damage to the structure. Residents have since been camped out in the buildings parking lot with nowhere to go. In Ponce, Puerto Ricos second largest city, one person has been killed, crushed by a collapsing wall. Hospitals have been forced to evacuate patients and thousands of people have been displaced throughout the region. Thousands of buildings have suffered severe damage and are close to crumbling. Hundreds of people have been forced to pull their beds into the streets in fear that an aftershock could flatten their homes. Among the most serious consequences of the quakes has been the damage to the highly sensitive power grid, which is still severely damaged from Hurricane Maria in 2017. All of Puerto Ricos power generation plants are located along the southern coast near the origin of the seismic activity. Quake damage to the Costa Azul power plant, the largest in Puerto Rico, has led to widespread power outages throughout the island, affecting hundreds of thousands of households. The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) is said to have restored power to less than a third of the affected households. Full restoration of electric service will require two weeks, according to experts who spoke at an evening press conference on Tuesday. However, as the recent experience of Hurricane Maria revealed, it is very likely that residents will be without power for much longer. The complete lack of preparedness and inadequate response to the current crisis recalls the deadly scenes following Hurricane Maria which left tens of thousands of residents without power for months and led to an estimated 5,000 deaths. In fact, many of the homes destroyed on Tuesday were still awaiting repair from the damage caused in 2017, collapsing with blue tarps still protecting their damaged roofs. Workers in Puerto Rico are also no doubt recalling the experience of 2017when devastating reports emerged in the weeks and months after the initial stormof residents who relied on electricity for critical treatments such as dialysis dying in their homes as the longest and largest blackout in US history unfolded on the island. The complete lack of emergency response then, both locally and nationally, created dire living conditions in the wake of the storm. In one case, residents were forced to drink contaminated water out of desperation. Due in part to the collapse of electric service Tuesday, 300,000 people have once again been left without water. Wanda Vazquez, Puerto Ricos acting governor, has declared a state of emergency for the entire island and the National Guard has been mobilized to participate in rescue efforts. In a press conference Tuesday, Vazquez tried to calm the population: We are talking about an event that Puerto Rico has not experienced in 102 years and we are talking about something that we cannot predict, she said. Vazquez also promised that all schools will be inspected for damage by January 13, claiming that the government has learned lessons since Hurricane Maria. Vazquez noted that her government had not had direct contact with the White House, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said officials were still considering the governors request for an emergency declaration. The Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB), an unelected body that dictates the budget for Puerto Rico, reported Tuesday that it had approved the use of emergency reserve funds from fiscal years 2019 and 2020 for expenses related to the earthquakes. These funds, however, will not cover even the smallest fraction of the damage done by earthquakes to countless homes. Tehrans retaliatory attacks on two US bases in Iraq following the killing of a top Iranian military commander last week have put the world on edge. On Wednesday, American bases at al-Asad in Iraqs Anbar province and Erbil in its northern region were struck by a fusillade of over a dozen missiles launched from Iran. Tehran portrayed it as an act of self defence", part of its sworn response to the US drone strike that left General Qassem Soleimani dead, and claimed that dozens of US lives had been taken. The US, however, is yet to admit any casualty. US President Donald Trump appeared to downplay the event in a tweet soon after, saying All is well" and So far so good". Meanwhile, a Ukraine International Airlines jetliner crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran, leaving no survivors and drawing news attention back to Ukraine, a scandal over ties with which haunts Trumps presidency. Though Iranian authorities pointed to a technical fault", suspicions arose over the cause of this crash. The big question, though, is whether West Asia is on the verge of another flare-up of hostilities that could inflame oil prices and singe our economy. As things stand, both sides could plausibly portray their stated objectives as having been achieved and, thus, take no further action. Yet, markets remained nervous. And, this was not without reason. Although Trumps initial reaction suggests that Washington wants to glare at Iran and be done with it, if Americans see that body bags are being flown to the US, then the White House may find it politically untenable to let the latest provocation go. In Iran, even as swarms of people bayed for retaliation, Iranian officials reportedly said that Iran did not want war and the country had concluded" its reprisal. But if the US shrugs off Wednesdays attack, then Tehran might go after other targets. Unfortunately, what counts as a proportional response" is often shaped by popular perceptions. Iran may also have bigger ambitions. Having taken credit once for the electoral defeat of a US presidentJimmy Carter in 1980Tehran might see Trumps re-election bid as vulnerable to a public humiliation of the US armed forces. Irans economy has been reeling under US sanctions imposed after Trump binned a multi-country nuclear deal with Iran. Tehran now looks keener than ever to acquire nukes, but it may also bet that a Trump exit would allow it to revive its oil exports. Either way, the confrontation is at some risk of a military escalation. For India, a spike in global oil prices caused by a disruption in Gulf supplies will not just push up the countrys import bill, but its knock-on effects will also pressure the governments finances and complicate the central banks task of capping retail inflation. If the Centre opts to keep domestic fuel prices stable, its fiscal deficit will get strained further. If it lets fuel feed inflation, the Reserve Bank of India may have to give up its easy money policy. Either way, the cost of capital in India will rise at a time we can least afford it. Global investors will also revise their risk assessments and, if the rupee suffers too sharp a drop, our capital markets could see outflows. The country has been lucky to have had a benign oil outlook over the past half decade or so, with American shale oil keeping crude prices in check. But New Delhi now needs to be on guard against adverse scenarios. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics He had a gentle demeanor about him, and he was always looking for a way to build consensus, said former council member Howard Christensen, who now lives in Florida. There was a bit of contentiousness, and he dealt with it as best as he possibly could. But the meanness that came out against Bob was heartbreaking to me. Representative Image The Congress Working Committee under the chairmanship of Sonia Gandhi is likely to meet on Friday to discuss the party's strategy and the political situation arising out of the students' protests and violence in the JNU campus. According to sources, the CWC, the highest decision-making body of the Congress, will meet on January 11 and give shape to the party's strategy in the wake of widespread student protests over amended Citizenship Act and the proposed National Population Register (NPR). The agenda for the meeting has not been formalised yet and no formal invitation has been sent to CWC members, sources said. The Congress has come out against the amended Citizenship Act and has supported students' agitation in various educational campuses across the country. President Alassane Ouattara of Cote dIvoire on Monday announced his plan to propose modifications to the countrys constitution. In remarks to foreign diplomats, Ouattara, who has not yet announced whether he will be a candidate in October, said, In the first quarter of the year, I will put to parliament proposals for modifications to the constitution. According to him, the proposed revisions were intended to make the constitution more coherent to further consolidate the state of law and bring institutions closer to our fellow citizens I would like to reassure one and all that this is not about stalling anyone. As I have said, anyone can be a candidate, Ouattara added. I have just turned 78 and Im not thinking about excluding anyone, myself included. Ouattara gave no details but addressed warnings to the opposition about introducing age restrictions that would bar former presidents Laurent Gbagbo, 74, and Henri Konan Bedie, 85, from running for office in October. In 2016, the Ivorian parliament approved changes to the constitution that ease presidential eligibility requirements. The amendment removed the age limit of 75 for presidential candidates. The opposition denounced the changes. In recent months, Ouattara has talked about this option several times in private. He argues that the 2016 constitutional change, which imposes a two-term limit on presidents, started the timer over again and that his election in 2010 and 2015 do not count against him. The new constitution allows me to serve two terms from 2020, he said in June 2018. NORWALK The 18-year-old man accused of trying to stab a woman to death in Westport has been ordered to undergo a competency evaluation, based on the recommendation of his own attorney. I am strongly concerned for my client, said Wesley Mead, an attorney representing Ellis Tibere, a senior at Guilford High School. Mead also recommended Tibere be placed on suicide watch while in custody. Tiberes mother, Denise Paley, held back tears as she watched her son get escorted out of the Norwalk courtroom Tuesday afternoon. We love you, she mouthed as her son turned around for one last glance before he was returned to jail. Tibere was charged with criminal attempt at murder, first-degree assault and possession of a deadly weapon after he stabbed a woman multiple times outside of a Westport beauty salon on Monday afternoon. The 18-year-old scholar athlete told police he waited for more than three hours in the parking of New Beauty Wellness at 1137 Post Road E., before donning a black mask and attacking the unsuspecting Greenwich woman, according to an arrest affidavit. More News Guilford teen accused of attempted murder in Westport stabbing Police said Tibere walked up to the womans car, opened her door and began stabbing her. Tibere told detectives he only stopped stabbing the woman when a man exited the beauty salon, according to the affidavit. When police arrived, they found two men trying to staunch the victims bleeding. Officers applied a tourniquet to the womans leg. She was later transferred to Norwalk Hospital and is now in stable condition, police said. The victim remained hospitalized as of Tuesday. Weve been keeping up with her medical condition to determine the extent of the charges, Westport police information officer Anthony Prezioso said. Police found Tibere driving south on the Sherwood Island Connector shortly after the incident, where he surrendered to police without incident. The affidavit said police found a black knife sheath inside Tiberes car, which is registered under his mothers name. The report made no mention of the knife itself, however. Superior Court Judge William Wenzel upheld a $1 million bond that Tibere has been held on since his arrest. Wenzel also ordered that if Tibere posts bond, he would need to forfeit his passport. Tibere was also ordered to have no contact with the victim or her family. A neighbor of the family who asked to not be named said the incident was alarming, and this alleged behavior was uncharacteristic of Tibere. This kid is a model student. This is a tragedy, the neighbor said. ... He is a mild-mannered sweet kid. This makes no sense to me. This is not in any way, shape or form consistent with the family. Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe said he was proud of the work done by the towns police and EMS team to handle the incident. The combination of a brave response by a civilian to intervene, and the quick response of our police certainly brought a quick end to what couldve become a much more difficult and frightening situation, he said Tuesday. While I certainly view the incident as an aberration, the response of our public safety personnel demonstrates why Westport is a safe community to live and work in. Tibere is next scheduled to appear Jan. 21 in state Superior Court in Stamford. CHICAGO, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Capital Partners Management LLC, a private equity and advisory firm specializing in litigation finance, today announced major milestones in its growth. Christopher DeLise, Delta's Managing Principal, CEO and CO-CIO, stated, "Delta has met its key business objectives for 2019 by hiring top-tier professionals, building out our geographic footprint, and joining forces with a top-tier global financial partner. These developments have strengthened Delta's AUM and the successful completion of recoveries for claimants, Delta and the firm's investors. We look forward to continuing to provide world-class services to our investors and clients in 2020." Delta's Geographic Reach and Team Expansion In 2019, Delta increased its presence in several geographies where it had historically done business, by opening offices in Madrid, Prague, Warsaw and Hong Kong. New Management Team Members Daniel Bond, Esq., Managing Director Daniel Bond has been hired to lead Delta's intake, evaluation, due diligence, and monitoring efforts to support new investment opportunities. Mr. Bond was previously a Partner at Kirkland Ellis LLP. Mr. Bond has had a 10+ year law firm career with extensive experience in the planning and management of commercial litigation and dispute resolution. Since 2015, Mr. Bond has been named by Leading Lawyers as an "Emerging Lawyer in Illinois," an honor given to the top 2% of lawyers who are 40 years old or younger or practicing law 10 years or less, who have proven themselves professional, ethical and experienced at an early point in their legal career. Michael Makridakis, Esq., Managing Director Asia, Australia and Offshore Jurisdictions Michael Makridakis has been hired to lead Delta's business in Asia, Australia, and in the Offshore Jurisdictions including the Cayman Islands, BVI and the Channel Islands. Mr. Makridakis works out of the firm's Hong Kong office. Prior to joining Delta, Mr. Makridakis was Managing Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution & Insolvency of the Hong-Kong office of Carey Olsen. Mr. Makridakis has a broad range of experience with investment funds, both offshore and domestically. Mr. Makridakis has worked extensively with distressed investment funds and has been a commercial litigator for over 15 years with extensive global litigation and arbitration expertise. Prior to launching the Hong-Kong office of Carey Olsen, Mr. Makridakis practiced law in the Cayman Islands, starting his career with Walkers Global in 2008. Petr Malecek, Esq., Managing Director Central & Eastern Europe Petr Malecek has been hired to lead Delta's business in Central and Eastern Europe. Mr. Malecek works out of the firm's Warsaw and Prague offices. Mr. Malecek has over 20 years of experience advising corporate and sovereign entities on banking, finance and dispute-related matters in jurisdictions across Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Prior to joining Delta, Mr. Malecek co-founded a multi-disciplinary advisory practice where his areas of expertise included litigation management, dispute resolution, asset recovery, cross-border leveraged finance and the coordination of the company's advisors/practices and external contractors. Previously, Mr. Malecek was a Partner at CMS Cameron Mckenna and ran the banking and finance practices in Warsaw and Kyiv during that time. Joseph Drozd, Jr., Director Strategic Initiatives & Investor Relations Joseph Drozd brings over ten years of experience in investment management and specializes in fundraising and managing a fund's entire investment process. Before joining Delta, Mr. Drozd was the director of strategy and marketing with a major Chicago-based investment management company. Joe formerly was a portfolio manager and director of research for a multi-family office in Chicago and previously worked in the alternatives group at Mercer Investments. Jennifer Conley, Director Marketing & Communications Jennifer Conley has been hired to lead Delta's marketing and communications efforts. Ms. Conley has worked in marketing and business development across the legal and financial services industries for over 13 years. Ms. Conley is responsible for developing marketing and branding strategies, client pitches and proposals, social media initiatives, competitive intelligence research, national conference sponsorships, and client socials. Prior to joining Delta, Ms. Conley was a Global Practice Development Manager at Winston & Strawn and focused on practice and client development initiatives for the firm. In addition to the new management team members noted above, Delta also hired several support, finance, accounting, and legal professionals during 2019, including: Daniel Noonan, Alon Polischuk, and Erin Bishop, Esq. Delta's Institutional Financial Partner in 2019 In May 2019, Delta entered a joint venture with a prominent Chicago-based asset manager that has made more than 60 investments since 2007. The firm has had commitments and deployments of over $5 billion since inception and has an AUM of $9 billion. The firm manages funds with a variety of investment strategies, including private equity, venture capital, specialty financing, distressed bond and credit alternatives, and has invested extensively in litigation finance over the last decade. About Delta Capital Partners Management LLC Delta Capital Partners Management LLC is a US-based private equity and advisory firm specializing in litigation finance, judgment enforcement, asset recovery and related strategies serving claimants, law firms and other professional service firms, and businesses across the globe. The firm provides capital and expertise that enables their clients to de-risk, focus on their core businesses, and significantly enhance the probability of a successful and timely resolution of their and/or their clients' claims. SOURCE Delta Capital Partners Iran fired over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two American bases in response to the killing of its General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike. (Photo Credit: Reuters) New Delhi: Videos of Iranian ballistic missiles hitting two military bases housing US troops in Iraq are going viral. A video, which seems to be shot using a mobile phone, shows a streak of light coming from the sky and then hitting the ground and eventually turning into a ball of fire. Some people can be heard shouting after seeing the missiles in the sky. As soon as missiles hit the ground, these people can be seen running for cover. Officials in Pentagon said they are "working on initial battle damage assessments" after "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq." "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil," the Pentagon said. Meanwhile, the US aviation authority has prohibited its civil flight operators from using the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the Gulf. Tensions between Tehran and the US escalated after the killing of Soleimani, commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, in a US drone strike, which was ordered by President Donald Trump, on Friday when he was leaving the Baghdad International Airport. The strike also killed the deputy chief of Iraq's powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei vowed revenge against the killing of his general, saying "severe revenge awaits the criminals" behind the attack. In a notification issued Tuesday night, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) prohibited American civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. FAA said that it has issued notices to airmen outlining flight restrictions that prohibit US civil aviation operators from flying in that airspace. The aviation authority said it will continue to closely monitor events in the Middle East and that it is coordinating with its national security partners. Earlier, President Donald Trump said that the US was prepared for any attack by Iran and justified his decision to kill Soleimani, saying, "Well, number one, I knew the past. His past was horrible." "He (Soleimani) was a terrorist. He was so designated by president Obama, as you know, and he wasn't even supposed to be outside of his own country." Soleimani's killing was the most dramatic escalation yet in spiralling tensions between Iran and the US, already hit by serious differences over Tehran's ambitious nuclear programme. Soleimani was widely seen as the second most powerful figure in Iran behind the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His Quds Force, an elite unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, reported directly to the Ayatollah Khamenei and he was hailed as a heroic national figure. With PTI Inputs For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. US has no plan to leave Iraq: Pentagon chief Iran Press TV Tuesday, 07 January 2020 10:22 PM US Defense Secretary Mark Esper says Washington has made no decision to pull its military forces out of Iraq, dismissing a signed letter from the US side announcing a troop withdrawal. "Our policy has not changed. We are not leaving Iraq, and a draft, unsigned letter does not constitute a policy change," Esper said in a televised briefing at the Pentagon on Tuesday. Iraqi lawmakers unanimously approved a bill on Sunday that called for the withdrawal of all foreign troops led by the United States from the Arab country following the US assassination of Iran's top military commander, Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, and the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Brigadier General William Seely, who oversees US Task Force Iraq, sent a letter to the head of Iraq's Joint Operations Command on Monday, suggesting potential withdrawal of the forces belonging to a US-led coalition, which has been operating in Iraq since 2014 under the pretext of fighting Daesh. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi confirmed that Baghdad had received "signed and translated" copies from the US Army concerning the withdrawal. General Mark Milley, the US army chief of staff, however, said that the letter "was a draft, it was a mistake, it was unsigned, it should not have been released." Amid confusion over the reported US letter, Esper claimed on Tuesday he could not confirm the authenticity of the letter because he had seen it only after it was leaked, adding that it is "inconsistent with where we are right now." 'Iran will retaliate against US' Esper also said Washington should expect that Iran will retaliate over the US assassination of General Soleimani. "I think we should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form," Esper said, adding that such retaliation could be either through Iran's regional allies or "by their own hand." Shortly after the announcement of US troop withdrawal, the US-led NATO military alliance, Germany, Italy and Canada also moved to reduce the number of their troops stationed in Iraq due to heightened tensions in the region after a US airstrike that martyred the top Iranian commander. The US airstrike was carried out on the direction of US President Donald Trump at Baghdad's international airport early on Friday, assassinating Lt. Gen. Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis as well as eight other companions. Both commanders were admired by Muslim nations for eliminating the US-sponsored Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the region, particularly in Iraq and Syria. The US assassination has drawn a wave of condemnation from officials and movements throughout the world, and triggered huge public protests across the region. Iran has said that "harsh revenge" is awaiting the US over launching the deadly terrorist attack. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A kangaroo jumps in a field amidst smoke from a bushfire in Snowy Valley on the outskirts of Cooma on Jan. 4, 2020. And massive smoke rises from wildfires burning in East Gippsland, Victoria. (SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images; Dale Appleton/DELWP via AP) 1 Billion Animals Now Estimated Dead in Australias Wildfires: Experts Experts have said that more than 1 billion animals may have died in Australian wildfires since September as authorities worked to crack down on the perpetrators. University of Sydney professor Chris Dickman told the Huffington Post the figure in an update of his prior estimate of 480 million a week ago. The original figurethe 480 millionwas based on mammals, birds, and reptiles for which we do have densities, and that figure now is a little bit out of date. Its over 800 million given the extent of the fires nowin New South Wales alone, he said. If 800 million sounds a lot, its not all the animals in the firing line, he added. Dickman included bats, frogs, and invertebrates in the latest figure. Over a billion would be a very conservative figure, he told the website. A bushfire burns in the town of Moruya, south of Batemans Bay, in New South Wales on January 4, 2020. (PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images) On Jan. 3, the University of Sydney said that many of the affected animals are likely to have been killed directly by the fires, with others succumbing later due to the depletion of food and shelter resources and predation from introduced feral cats and red foxes. And according to Australian Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie, the wildfires are devastating the countrys livestock. Ive got 100 vets across the country Ive offered to state [agriculture] ministers, she told the Australia Broadcasting Corporation. I know South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales will be taking up that offer to get that assistance as soon as possibleto not just assess the health, but these teams will also be euthanizing stock. Burning embers cover the ground as firefighters (back R) battle against bushfires around the town of Nowra in the Australian state of New South Wales on December 31, 2019. (SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images) Ember and thick smoke from bushfires reach Braemar Bay in New South Wales on Jan. 4, 2020. SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images On Monday, the New South Wales police force said that since Nov. 8, officials have taken legal action against more than 180 people, including 24 people who were charged with alleged fire-related offenses. Numerous bush and grass fires have impacted the state, claiming the lives of 18 people and destroying hundreds of millions of animals and livestock, thousands of homes, and more than 4.9 million hectares of land, so far this bushfire season, police said. In my mind, anybody that lights a fire either necessarily or unnecessarily against the total fire ban is putting the community at risk and that needs to be pulled up, called out and in many cases, to be put before the court, Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said at a press conference on Tuesday, reported News.com.au. New Delhi, Jan 8 : Condemning the recent attack on students and teachers of the Centre-administered Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in the capital, students of the prestigious St. Stephen's College staged a "boycott classes" march in their campus here on Wednesday. Over a hundred students boycotted their classes of the day completely and gathered in the college campus to march towards the Arts Faculty building in Delhi university in a show of solidarity with the students and teachers protesting at JNU. Many students were heard raising slogans like "Iss Baar Nahi Hum Chodenge, Itihas Ki Dhara Modenge" (We will not let go this time, we will change the direction of history), while posters of "Stephens Against Fascism" were seen during the march During the protest, the students also read aloud the Preamble of the Indian Constitution outside the Andrews Court in the college premises followed by a protest song. One of the protesters said: "CAA-NRC-NPR (Citizenship (Amendment) Act-National Register of Citizens-National Population Register) is only another move of the government at the Centre against the rights of Muslims, but they have also simply ignored the concerns of the people of Assam, Tripura, and other states in the Northeast." Students of other colleges like Lady Shri Ram College and Miranda House also reportedly boycotted their classes on the call given by Stephen's students to raised their voice against the recent attacks on universities. Major violence resulting in serious injury to JNU students and teachers broke out on Sunday in the university campus, located in the southern part of the city, when a mob of masked goons raided the hostels attacking inmates with iron rods and sticks. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 23:47:38|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ABUJA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 people were killed and 30 others were injured on Wednesday following a road accident in Nigeria's northern state of Kano, said the local road safety police. Kabiru Daura, a spokesman for the Federal Road Safety Corps in Kano, said the accident occurred when a speeding vehicle hit the other from the rear in Tsaida town of Gaya local government area of the state. Daura said the road safety police had launched an investigation into the road crash. The corpse of the victims and those who sustained injuries have been rushed to a local hospital, he added. Deadly road accidents are frequently reported in Nigeria, often caused by overloading, bad condition of roads and reckless driving. PUNE A case of criminal breach of trust has been registered at the Kothrud police station against an unidentified number of employees of a fuel engine manufacturing company in Pune. The incident allegedly happened at the Kothrud office of the US-based company. The complait in the matter was lodged by Dheeraj Kolke, 46, a resident of Sun City, Sinhagad road, Pune. The employees booked belong to the cylinder-head department of the company, according to the complaint. The employees allegedly stole spare parts worth Rs 43,46,657 over eight months, between April, 2019 and November, 2019, according to the police. The theft was committed from the Dahanukar Colony office of the company. Senior police inspector Pratibha Joshi of Kothrud police station is investigating the case. A case under Section 408 (criminal breach of trust by clerk or servant) of Indian Penal Code was registered at Kothrud police station against the employees.. Earlier this week, false rumours began circulating that the firefighter who was filmed telling Prime Minister Scott Morrison to to go and get f***** had been dismissed from his duties. But for Paul Parker, the reality was far more devastating. The Nelligen firefighter, whose appearance on 7News resonated among frustrated bushfire victims and was broadcast across the globe, was faced with the terrifying prospect of defending his own home inland from Batemans Bay while juggling his duties as a volunteer firie. Nelligen fire fighter, Paul Parker had a a blunt message for Scott Morrison while fighting fires. Source: 7 News. As the Clyde Mountain Fire encroached on his and his neighbours homes on New Years Eve, Mr Parker was out fighting fires in the surrounding areas, his neighbour Karla Duroy told Yahoo News Australia. As soon as the fire front passed, Paul jumped in the truck and left to go and save his neighbours properties, she said. But by the time he returned, many of the properties, including his own, had been substantially damaged by the fire which ripped through the community. The fire scorched properties in Nelligen as Mr Parker tried to protect his and his neighbour's homes. Source: Supplied/ Karla Duroy Mr Parker (right) on a rare break from working or fighting fires. Source: Karla Duroy/ Supplied The fire scorched parts of Mr Parkers home, destroying fencing, water tanks and outbuildings. As soon as the fire had passed, an exhausted Mr Parker, who is a tradesman by day and lives with his partner Tanya, jumped back in his truck and left to go save other properties. He was later filmed by 7News cameras collapsed on the ground. Ive lost seven houses already in Nelligen and Im not going to lose anymore, he says in the footage, sprawled across the roadside. Hed earlier flagged down camera crews asking from the drivers window of his truck: Are you from the media? Paul Parker then collapsed and said seven homes had already been destroyed in Nelligen. Source: 7 News. Tell the prime minister to go and get f***ed from Nelligen. We really enjoy doing this s***, he continues sarcastically before giving a thumbs-up and driving off. Ms Duroy has commended her neighbours selfless actions at the height of the danger and has since set up a GoFundMe page to help Mr Parker, who hasnt had any income coming in while fighting fires, to rebuild his property. Story continues Please help donate to Paul, so that he can rebuild his own life whilst still protecting the community that he loves, she wrote on the page. A NSW Rural Fire Service told Yahoo News Australia earlier this week Mr Parker was asked to temporarily leave the field due to health concerns surrounding exhaustion from fighting the fires. The decision had nothing to do with comments hed made. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. Iran fired missiles Wednesday at Iraqi bases used by the US military, officials in Washington and Tehran said, in the first act of the Islamic republics promised revenge for the US killing of a top Iranian general. The Pentagon said it was still working on initial battle damage assessments after Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, the Pentagon said. There were no immediate reports on casualties but the Pentagon said it had been ready, after days of steadily mounting tension and exchanges of threats of war. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region, a spokesman said. Iranian state television reported an attack on one base housing US personnel, saying it was in response to Fridays killing in a US drone strike of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, one of the most important figures in the countrys government. Also killed was a top Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was with Soleimani just outside Baghdad international airport when the US drone struck. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced that the Ain al-Assad base was hit with dozens of missiles, warning that a US counter-attack would be met with an even more crushing response. In Washington, US President Donald Trump was monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team, according to the White House. Oil prices immediately jumped on the news, with the benchmark WTI spiking more than 4.5 percent to $65.54 a barrel before receding slightly. Tension and threats The potentially lethal new development followed days of sabre rattling between Washington and Tehran, coupled with growing confusion over the future of US troops in Iraq. At Soleimanis funeral in Iran, top Revolutionary Guards commander Major General Hossein Salami said Iran would take revenge. If further US attacks occur, we will set fire to what they love, he said. Trump warned that if Iran does anything that they shouldnt be doing, theyre going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly. He called Soleimani a monster. Trump, however, did walk back earlier threats to bomb Iranian cultural sites in the event of conflict -- something that could be a war crime. If thats what the law is, I like to obey the law, Trump said. In the Iranian city of Kerman, meanwhile, tragedy deepened an already highly tense situation when more than 50 people died in a crowd stampede at Soleimanis funeral, Iranian media reported. The influential figure, responsible for Irans regional network of official and unofficial military allies, was due to be buried in his home town when the crowd got out of control. Foreign troops waver Trump sought to end confusion over the status of the approximately US 5,200 troops in Iraq, saying they should stay despite calls by the Iraqi parliament for their expulsion. At some point we want to get out, but this isnt the right point, Trump told reporters at the White House. But despite Washingtons assurances that the US troops will stay put, several allies started to leave, raising questions over the future of a US-led mission to help the Iraqis fight the jihadist Islamic State group. Canada announced that some of its estimated 500 troops will withdraw to Kuwait. And NATO, which suspended its training mission in Iraq after the killing, said it also was temporarily repositioning some personnel to locations inside and outside Iraq. Several other countries, including Germany and Romania, announced plans to move forces. France said it had no intention of withdrawing its troops from Iraq. Italy also said that after a frank and articulate phone call between Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini and Esper that its approximately 1,000 soldiers in the country would stay. US attempts to clarify On Sunday the Iraqi parliament voted in favor of expelling US troops in response to Soleimanis killing. Then on Monday, a letter emerged from the head of Task Force-Iraq, US Brigadier General William Seely, that appeared to announce just such an exit. Back in Washington, US officials scrambled to deny the idea, calling the letter a mistakenly released draft or, as Trump suggested, a fake. I dont know anything about that letter, Trump told reporters. I understand it was an unsigned letter. I dont know if that letter was a hoax, or was it unsigned or what. Iraqs prime minister, however, insisted Tuesday that the letter had been taken seriously. It was an official letter written in such a manner, Abdel Mahdi told a televised cabinet meeting. Its not a piece of paper that fell off the printer or reached us by coincidence, he said. Attempting to draw a line under the issue, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that policy has not changed. We are not leaving Iraq. Trump said he favored eventual withdrawal from Iraq but that under the wrong conditions it would mean a strategic gift to Iran. If we leave, that would mean that Iran would have a much bigger foothold, and the people of Iraq do not want to see Iran run the country. That I can tell you, Trump told reporters. Its the worst thing that could happen to Iraq. A woman whose husband was fatally mauled by a shark while the pair were diving has vowed to honour his legacy in a touching tribute to her 'other half' - as search efforts to recover his body were called off. Karen Milligan said she is now just 'half a person' after her husband Gary Johnson was taken by a great white off Cull Island in Esperance, south-east Perth. The couple were diving when 57-year-old Johnson was mauled at about 1pm on Sunday. She won't even consider trying to find and kill the shark responsible for the attack, saying both she and Mr Johnson knew the risks of getting in the water. 'We were always aware of the risks, and often told each other that if we were attacked by a shark, that would just be unlucky,' she previously said. On Wednesday, Ms Milligan again paid tribute to her late partner. Ms Milligan said she and her husband shared a passion for diving and did so most weekends 'I'm half a person, my other half's not here, never will be again,' she told 7News. Only Mr Johnson's tank, vest and flippers have been found during days of extensive searches, which included using two remotely-operated vehicles to scour the ocean floor. On Wednesday, police said the search had been suspended pending any new information. Ms Milligan said her husband's lifelong dream was to open a marine park in the region where he was last seen. She now hopes to continue his work and bring his dream to life. Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley hinted that an Esperance Marine Park could become a reality - and Ms Milligan hopes it could be named in honour of Mr Johnson. 'Gary was my rock. He was a kind, gentle, strong man. He only ever saw the best in people. He will be so truly missed by me, by his family and his friends and the world will be a poorer place without this most beautiful man,' Ms Milligan said. Karen Milligan shared a touching tribute on Monday after her husband Gary Johnson was mauled to death by a shark The couple ran the Esperance Dive Club together. It was their shared passion for the water that saw their relationship blossom. 'He loved diving. He loved squash. He loved his work. He loved Esperance. Most of all he loved his friends and families,' she said. 'He and I were at home in and on the ocean. We would go out diving in our boat whenever we could, most weekends. 'We took photos, not fish.' Ms Milligan said she and her husband were animal lovers and staunchly anti-shark culling. 'We were completely against shark culling, and I still am. We have watched with dismay the reduction of fish stocks over the years,' she said. Ms Milligan said her husband loved his family with all his heart. Pictured: Mr Johnson with his mother, brother and sister 'We believed that if fish stocks were better protected, then the risk to people in the water would be reduced.' Western Australia Police scoured the waters for Mr Johnson's body, using specialist divers along with a search plane, but that search was called off on Wednesday. Peter Hudson, who was friends with Mr Johnson, said he was a 'very nice bloke'. 'People liked him. He did a lot to encourage people to appreciate the beauty of the ocean,' he said. One of the first responders - Glen Quinlivan - was setting up his power boat for a day trip when he heard Ms Milligan's cries for help. 'We tried to find him. We tried to help her but to no avail,' Mr Quinlivan told The West. 'I really feel for her, she's obviously witnessed something you don't want to see.' Emergency services are still searching for Mr Johnson. His wife was treated for shock. Police pictured at the scene Mr Johnson was a recreational diver who loved to share his passion for the ocean He said the winds were blowing towards Charley Island when they found evidence Mr Johnson had been taken. Mr Quinlivan said they saw no sign of Mr Johnson, but found his flippers and part of his wet suit. 'I've done plenty of free diving around the area. I've dived in that spot before... I won't be again. You always have it in the back of your mind,' he said. The tragic incident marks the second fatal shark attack in three years in the region after a 17-year-old died in 2017. The attack happened at about 1.30pm off Cull Island in Esperance, south east of Perth, on Sunday Ms Milligan also took a moment to state their views on the habitat of sharks around Western Australia Laeticia Brouwer was attacked by a great white at Wylie Bay when she was holidaying with her family over the Easter long weekend. Sean Pollard was attacked in 2014 by two great white sharks in the area - costing him his left arm and right hand. A local told 9 News on Sunday it was 'only a matter of time' before the next shark attack. 'It's frustrating,' the person said. 'There have been so many hanging around lately. But what can you do? History is going to keep repeating itself, unfortunately.' Esperance Shire president Ian Mickel told The West that losing people in the ocean to sharks was tragic. This is the second fatal shark attack in three years in the region after a 17-year-old died in 2017 'We have thousands of people having a good time on the water and [to] get a fatal shark attack - it's a major concern,' he said. 'There is a lot being done with Shark Smart, we've got the majority of our surfers contributing to that. Tagged sharks are registering against the buoys [receivers]but this is really tragic.' Swimmers have been advised to stay clear of the area and follow local beach closures. Last month Shelley Payne, Shire of Esperance councillor, said more needed to be done to warn locals about sharks. She said she wanted signage near the entrance informing people to check online about shark sightings. The rapidly increasing exploration activities in the oil and gas domain have been favourably impacting offshore support vessel market trends. It is prudent to mention that macro-economy plays a significant role in energy demand, fueling the demand for offshore structures and vessels, inherently propelling offshore support vessel industry share. In fact, oil prices also play a crucial role in determining the demand for these vessels, pertaining to the relationship that exists between oil prices, number of profitable fields, exploration and requirement of offshore vessels. According to IEA (International Energy Agency), the global oil demand has increased noticeably as compared to 2013, which has had a considerable impact on offshore support vessel market outlook. Considering the increasing requirement of offshore vessels, in 2014, the OECD Council Working Party on Shipbuilding had even arranged a workshop on offshore and shipbuilding industry for government partners, industry experts, and marine equipment firms. Today, numerous giants in offshore support vessel industry are increasingly investing in development of energy efficient and green vessels, pertaining to environmental safety. The shifting trends toward the development of eco-friendly shipbuilding is thus slated to augment offshore support vessel market size, pegged at $40 billion for 2016. Nowadays, many of the small-scale marine transportation companies and renowned giants in offshore support vessel industry are collaborating with oil production companies to supply long-term fuel sources. For instance, in November 2017, Harvey Gulf International Marine announced a deal with Shell Trading to transport LNG to the ports of Caribbean and Florida. In consequence, this is likely to encourage other offshore support vessel market players such as Solstad Farstad, Tidewater, Maersk, Vroon, REM Maritime, Edison Chouest, Swire, Seacor Marine, Island Offshore, Harvey Gulf, GulfMark Offshore, Inc., and Havila Shipping to establish joint ventures with oil and gas exploration companies. In addition, the acquisition of major shipping lines by reputed companies is also expected to propel offshore support vessel market size. For instance, recently, one of the largest suppliers of ship and supply vessels, Maersk successfully acquired the North Korean ocean trader, Hamburg Sud. Considering the lucrative business opportunities in offshore support vessel industry, many iconic automakers have been penetrating the domain of ship manufacturing. For instance, the British carmaker, Rolls Royce has revealed its concept of high-tech superyacht with a hybrid propulsion system that operates on the combination of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and battery power. It has also implemented an intelligent dynamic locating system and improved radar system. Technological advancements of this degree are certain to help offshore support vessels be comfortably positioned near oil rigs, which is likely to propel offshore support vessel market size over the years ahead. Offshore vessel designers are looking forward to diversifying the design of support vessels. Recently, the Europe based OSD-IMT has signed an agreement with US-based Gibbs & Cox to provide innovative vessel designs for commercial applications across United States. Under this agreement, both the partners would be developing efficient and cost-effective vessels. The aforementioned instance strongly underlines the plethora of investments in offshore support vessel industry. The surging introduction of new products would thus catalyse offshore support vessel market size, which will surpass a revenue collection of $60 billion by the end of 2024.-- Tradearabia News Service Donald Trump has backed away from threats of further military action against Iran, claiming that Tehran was also standing down following a five-day tit-for-tat exchange that began with an American drone strike that killed Tehrans top general, and concluded with Iranian ballistic missiles falling on American bases in Iraq. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world, said Mr Trump, who spoke from the White House flanked by vice president Mike Pence, secretary of state Mike Pompeo, defence secretary Mark Esper and a large coterie of top generals and admirals. He confirmed that there were no casualties in the ballistic missile attacks, which hit Ain al-Asad base in the western province of Anbar, and Erbil city, the capital of the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Rather than responding militarily, Mr Trump said on Wednesday the US would immediately impose additional powerful sanctions on Tehran, which would remain in force until Iran changes its behaviour. He did not specify what further sanctions could be added to those his administration has already imposed, which have largely cut Iran off from international trade and devastated its economy. Nor did he specify any specific conditions which could bring about relief from those sanctions other than his oft-repeated demand that Tehran give up its nuclear ambitions. After opening his remarks by boasting that Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon while he is president, Mr Trump declared that Americans should be extremely grateful and happy that none of their countrymen were harmed in last nights attack, which many observers judged to be a measured response by Tehran to the drone strike he ordered against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps general Qassem Soleimani last week. US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Show all 35 1 /35 US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures This photo released by the Iraqi Prime Minister Press Office shows a burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq, early Friday 3 January AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures The wreckage of the car in which general Soleimani was travelling when a targeted US airstrike struck outside Baghdad International Airport on 3 January Ahmad Al Mukhtar via Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Demonstrators burn the US and British flags during a protest in Tehran after general Soleimani was killed in a targeted airstrike by American forces Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike. The Pentagon said Thursday that the US military has killed general Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, at the direction of Donald Trump AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters burn Israeli and US flags as thousands of Iranians take to the streets to mourn the death of general Soleimani at the hands of America EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of Donald Trump pray at an 'Evangelicals for Trump' campaign event held on the day following the killing of general Soleimani. At the event, the president praised the "flawless strike that eliminated the terrorist ringleader" AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A huge procession of mourners gather in Baghdad for the funeral of general Soleimani on 4 January AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Thousands of Iranians take to the streets to mourn the death of Soleimani during an anti-US demonstration to condemn the killing of Soleimani, after Friday prayers in Tehran, Iran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iraqis perform a mourning prayer for slain major general Qasem Soleimani of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards at the Great Mosque of Kufa AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A billboard reading 'Death to America and Israel', installed by Iran-backed shiite armed groups at a street in Jadriyah district in Baghdad, Iraq EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A handout picture provided by the office of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him visiting the family of Soleiman KHAMENEI.IR/AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Thousands of Iranians take to the streets in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shiite Muslims burn a mock of a US flag as they hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, outside the US Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iran's Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammed Jalal Feiruznia, looks to a portrait of Soleimani, as he receives condolences at the Iranian embassy, in Beirut, Lebanon AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures People make their way on the street while a screen on the wall of a cinema shows a portrait Soleimani in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Aziz Asmar, one of two Syrian painters who completed a mural following the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani poses next to his creation in the rebel-held Syrian town of Dana in the northwestern province of Idlib AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A demonstration in Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures An anti-US demonstration to condemn the killing of Soleimani, after Friday prayers in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Mujtaba al-Husseini, the representative of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivers a speech in the holy shrine city of Najaf AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shiite Muslims burn a mock of a US and Israeli flags as they hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, outside the US Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters demonstrate in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shi'ite Muslims hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, in Peshawar, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters, holding a photograph of the leader of the People's Mujahedin of Iran Massoud Rajavi, outside Downing Street in London PA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters burn a US flag in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A Syrian man offers sweets to children to mark the killing AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshippers attend a mourning prayer for Soleimani in Iran's capital Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Kashmiri Shiite Muslims shout anti American and anti Israel slogans during a protest AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshipers chant slogans during Friday prayers Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A protest against the USA, in Islamabad, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranians burn a US flag in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Germany (NWRI) protest outside Iran's embassy in Berlin, Germany Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Germany (NWRI) protest outside Iran's embassy in Berlin Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshippers in Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Vehicles of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol a road in the southern Lebanese town of Kfar Kila near the border with Israel. Following morning's killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani, Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement called for the missile strike by Israel's closest ally, to be avenged AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian women take to the streets in Tehran EPA The president attributed the lack of casualties among both American forces and their Iraqi hosts to precautions taken, the dispersal of forces and an early warning system that worked very well. But Iran-backed militias in Iraq have threatened their own retaliation to the USs assassination of top commanders in Baghdad, sparking fears that an apparent detente between Washington and Tehran could be destroyed by further violence. Qais al-Khazali, a hardline commander in the Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), warned that now is the time for the first Iraqi response adding the impeding attack would equal the Iranian response. Fridays airstrike against Soleimani in Baghdad also killed PMF chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Speaking to The Independent, PMF commanders expressed frustration at the lack of bloodshed, saying they felt that the US had not been properly punished. This is the beginning of revenge, said Jawad al-Talibawi, a PMF commander and spokesperson, adding that if Wednesdays strikes were revenge ... it is not on the level of ambition. He refused to comment on the exact mode of the attack but added in a message to Washington: When you prepare the dismembered parts of your soldiers, you will know what the Iraqi response was and how severe. The Iraqi authorities, struggling with a tricky balancing act as allies of both the US and Iran, hit back at the Iranians for Wednesdays missile barrage and Washington for escalating tensions, saying they did not want to become an arena for settling scores. Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi urged all sides to practice self-restraint and resect Iraqi sovereignty. On Wednesday night, two Katyusha rockets were fired into Baghdads green zone. The Iraqi military said no one was hurt. Following Mr Trumps address, Democrats said they were planning a resolution designed to limit his power to engage in military action, and urged the administration to advance an immediate, effective de-escalatory strategy that prevents further violence. The president had endangered American and other lives with his fatal air strike on Soleimani, House speaker Nancy Pelosi said. Members of Congress are expected to vote on the measure on Thursday. During his press conference, Mr Trump at times appeared listless and slurred or mispronounced a number of words. Mr Trump also claimed that Irans hostilities in the region substantially increased after the foolish Iran nuclear deal was signed in 2013, and that Tehran had been given $150bn [115bn], not to mention $1.8bn in cash. Both claims are patently false. The agreement, called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed in 2015 by Iran, the EU and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. The signing of the deal saw a calming of tensions between Washington and Tehran, until Mr Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the agreement in May 2018. And although Mr Trump suggested that Tehran should have said thank you for being given $150bn and another $1.8bn in cash, the US did not give Iran money after signing the agreement instead the US and EU released $150bn in assets that had been frozen under sanctions. But the $1.8bn in transfers the US made to Iran around the same time had nothing to do with the JCPOA. It was in fact a settlement of a long-running dispute dispute involving funds which Irans previous government had paid for military equipment including US-made F-14 fighter jets which had never been delivered. After calling on the rest of the JCPOA signatories to abandon the deal, Mr Trump said he would ask members of Nato to become much more involved in the Middle East process even though a number of Nato members including Germany, Spain, Canada and the UK have long been involved in efforts to maintain order in Iraq and defeat Isis. In his closing remarks, Mr Trump suggested that Iran should work together on the destruction of Isis, which hed just claimed to have completely destroyed, adding that the US is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. The presidents claim that he was planning more sanctions was met with scepticism by experts. Lawrence Ward, a partner at the law firm Dorsey & Whitney who focuses on international trade compliance and national security law, said in a note to reporters that it was unclear what new economic sanctions the United States will impose against Iran following president Trumps announcement this morning. SHELBYVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- When globally recognized whiskey critic Fred Minnick unveiled his Top 5 American Whiskeys of 2019 on a livestream, in which he blind tasted 35 finalists, he revealed his third top pick to be Uncle Nearest 1820 Single Barrel Whiskey saying, "That is kind of an upset...It's a whiskey out of Tennessee and they are absolutely pushing the needle..." This blind selection made it the only non-Kentucky whiskey among the select group, surprising industry leaders who have long boasted that the most premium whiskeys hail from the Bluegrass State. Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey spent the entire year of 2019 quietly racking up top awards in spirit competitions and industry publications around the globe, including 10 Best in Class and Best in Show, and 25 Platinum, Double Gold and Gold medals. Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible rated 1820 Single Barrel Whiskey a 94.5, the highest score for a Tennessee Whiskey or Bourbon. He is joined by the more than 10 other industry leaders who rated Uncle Nearest's three labels - 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey, 1820 Single Barrel Whiskey and 1884 Small Batch Whiskey - between 90-96, with an overall industry-wide rating of 92.6. For the third year in a row, Cigar & Spirits Magazine named Uncle Nearest its No. 1 whiskey from Tennessee, awarding the brand a Double Gold medal for its 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey, a Double Gold medal for its 1820 Single Barrel and a Gold medal for its 1884 Small Batch expression. The Ultimate Spirits Challenge awarded the brand a Chairman's Trophy, its highest honor. At the New Orleans World Bourbon Festival, in a room full of the most elite American whiskey brands, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey was crowned Best American Whiskey. The World Whiskies Awards hosted by Whisky Magazine named the brand an Icon of Whisky, bestowing its highest honor of World's Best (a title it shared with a top Kentucky Bourbon). The SIP Awards, the only internationally recognized consumer judging spirits competition, handed Uncle Nearest two Double Gold medals, a Best in Class award, a Gold medal and a highly coveted Consumers' Choice award. At the China Wine & Spirits Awards, 1884 Small Batch Whiskey took home a Double Gold medal making it the Top American Whiskey at the biggest and most prestigious wine and spirits competition in China. Uncle Nearest 1884 also took home a Double Gold medal at the 2019 Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition hosted by Robert Whitley. For the North American Whiskey Tasting, powered by the Beverage Testing Institute, Uncle Nearest 1856 took home a Platinum medal, the competition's biggest award. "When my great-great-grandfather, Nearest Green, was alive, his whiskey was known to be the best," said Victoria Eady Butler, master blender for Uncle Nearest. "We know this because in all the Nashville papers, the distributors would discount every whiskey from Tennessee and Kentucky on Fridays to drum up business. The only whiskey that was never discounted, and I mean never from what we have found, was the whiskey my great-great-grandfather was making." For more information on Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, visit www.unclenearest.com , and follow @unclenearest on Instagram and Facebook . About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is inspired by the best whiskey-maker the world never knew, the first known African-American master distiller, Nathan "Nearest" Green. The Uncle Nearest brand, an all minority-led business wholly owned by Uncle Nearest, Inc., encompasses a premium aged expression featuring a blend of 8- to 14-year old whiskeys, an 11-year-old minimum single barrel whiskey, and a 7-year-old small batch offering, all mellowed using the Lincoln County Process, a unique filtering of bourbon through sugar maple charcoal. This process is confirmed to have been brought to Tennessee by enslaved people and taught by Nearest Green to the most famous Tennessee Whiskey maker of all time. Uncle Nearest is distilled, aged, bottled and hand-labeled in Tennessee. The brand was built on its knack for sourcing the best of Tennessee Whiskeys and Bourbons, and using its own non-temperature-controlled aging process and unique post-aging double filtration method that significantly changes the characteristics and profile of the original whiskeys. Uncle Nearest is the most awarded new American whiskey brand in United States history, garnering 72 awards since its July 2017 debut, including being one of two brands named "World's Best" at Whisky Magazine's 2019 World Whiskies Awards, and earning 15 Best in Class honors. Cigar & Spirits Magazine also named Uncle Nearest one of the "Top 5 Whiskies in the World." The whiskey is currently available in all 50 states and 12 countries (while shipping into a total of 148 countries), in more than 10,000 stores, bars, restaurants and at its 270-acre distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn., dubbed by a member of the press as "Malt Disney World." For more information please visit the Uncle Nearest website , and follow on Instagram and Facebook . SOURCE Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey "We're thrilled and humbled to have been recognized by Pallet Enterprise for our website. The magazine is a leading pallet resource and we appreciate their dedication to the success of the entire industry," says Natalya Calleja, Director of Marketing & Customer Experience at 48forty. 48forty Solutions is proud to announce they have been selected as one of the top five US pallet company websites by Pallet Enterprise. Pallet Enterprise, a leading pallet and sawmill trade magazine in the United States for the past 30 years, launched this initiative to recognize top performers in website design and functionality. Staff evaluated more than 40 websites for pallet manufacturers, recyclers or brokers located across the US and included companies of all sizes. "Here at 48forty, we are focused on our customers and the experience our website provides reflects that commitment. We're thrilled and humbled to have been recognized by Pallet Enterprise for our website. The magazine is a leading pallet resource and we appreciate their dedication to the success of the entire industry," said Natalya Calleja, Director of Marketing & Customer Experience at 48forty. In selecting 48forty's website as a top performer in the pallet industry, Pallet Enterprise says: "A video running as the background keeps the website from appearing too static. It creates natural movement and invites the visitor to look around. 'Get Quote' button stands out on the top right inviting a response. Tiered design helps the homepage stand out from most typical pallet company websites. Content is where this website really shines. From free resources, such as guide to evaluate pallet suppliers, to its blog, the content answers key questions that customers have and presents 48forty in a positive light. Visitors can subscribe for content updates. There is a login for 48fortys PalTrax customer portal. Bright pictures and video content create a compelling story and reason for customers to consider this company." Pallet Enterprise identified top performers using four main criteria focused on content, customer service, brand messaging, and visual design. Through this recognition, Pallet Enterprise aims to encourage improved industry design and marketing. Read more here: https://blog.48forty.com/blog/48forty.com-named-top-five-website-by-pallet-enterprise. 48forty Solutions is the largest pallet management services company in North America, with a national network of more than 225 facilities. The company provides end-to-end pallet solutions, from supply to retrieval, on-site services, reverse logistics, and retail services. 48forty Solutions is truly Pallet Management Made Simple. Connect with 48forty Solutions on social media: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/48forty Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/48forty Twitter: https://twitter.com/48forty Natalya Calleja 48forty Solutions 713-332-6145 natalya.calleja@48forty.com YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. A man suspected in running a fake Facebook account by the name of Diana Harutyunyan for spreading fake news has been placed in pre-trial detention, the National Security Service said. The man is charged with inciting national, racial or religious hostility publicly or by using media resources and illegally possessing computer information. The man who was behind authoring a fake news report through a fake Facebook account which made it to Azerbaijani headlines has been detained by the Armenian National Security Service (NSS). The suspect ran a Facebook account by the name of Diana Harutyunyan and used the account to spread false information, the latest of which was a fake report claiming that Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated US President Donald Trump on the assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani. Azerbaijani news media even cited this fake report and published it in their local outlets. The report was also published in the Iranian press. This fake report was refuted on the same day, but the seriousness of the matter in question made PM Pashinyan personally comment earlier : This is the case when the fake freedom of speech has created a threat for our national security. The authors of the report and their motives must be revealed. The public distribution of fake news with such content aimed at inciting ethnic, racial and religious hostility, manipulation in the information-propaganda arena has inflicted significant damage to the national security interests of the Republic of Armenia, the NSS said on January 5. The NSS said it revealed the suspect and detained him. In an NSS video, the suspect whose identity is not disclosed at the moment is claiming that he is an oppositionist of the government and disapproves the jailing of former president Robert Kocharyan and thats why he was running the fake account since 2018 and was spreading disinformation to defame the authorities. The suspect says he did not intend to cause damage to the national security and did not think that the fake news report authored by him would be re-published to that extent. He said he regrets having written the fake report. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan Whole Foods is announcing that it will close its Hoover location. The company released a brief statement after informing employees, saying it also plans to renovate its location in Mountain Brook. The company did not say when the store is expected to close. After careful consideration, Whole Foods Market has decided to close our Hoover, Alabama store and focus on serving the community by renovating our nearby Birmingham location, the company announced. This decision is not a reflection of our passionate Team Members who have worked so hard to satisfy and delight our Hoover customers. We are working closely with all impacted Team Members and hope to place them in nearby locations or find them other roles within the company. The 40,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market in Hoover is the second location in the Birmingham metro area. It was announced in 2014 and opened in 2017. LYNDHURST, N.J., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dynamic Energy Solutions, LLC announced today the completion of a 965 kW rooftop solar array for Wacoal America at their headquarters and distribution center in Lyndhurst, NJ. Wacoal America is a subsidiary for the Americas of Wacoal Holdings, a global manufacturer of women's apparel products. The 965 kW rooftop system generates solar energy for Wacoal America's headquarters and distribution center in Lyndhurst, NJ. Investing in this rooftop solar facility underscores Wacoal America's commitment to technical innovation and environmental stewardship. The project is yet another example of the state of New Jersey's leadership in the global transition to a clean electric grid. In light of New Jersey's imminent transition to a new solar incentive regime, Dynamic Energy mobilized an accelerated construction schedule to ensure Wacoal America secured the maximum benefits possible for their project, successfully executing contracting, turnkey development, installation, and commercial operation in under 12 months. Dynamic Energy designed and constructed a system that will power nearly all the distribution center's energy needs and enables Wacoal to participate in New Jersey's solar renewable energy credit (SREC) program. The 965 kW system is expected to generate approximately 1.2 million kWhs of electricity annually, avoiding the emission of 935 tons of carbon dioxide per year, while contributing to New Jersey's renewable energy targets. "Wacoal is excited about the completion of the solar installation and the opportunity to generate solar energy. This solar project with Dynamic Energy moves us in the right direction toward our Sustainability Initiative in support of our Corporate Social Responsibility," said LaRome Talley, Senior Vice President of Finance at Wacoal America. "It is exciting to see a commercial solar project realize significant economic and environmental benefits within such a short period of time," said Mike Perillo, Founder and CEO at Dynamic Energy. "We applaud Wacoal's investment and we are proud to be their partner to help them achieve their energy and sustainability goals." About Wacoal America Established in 1985, Wacoal America is the leading lingerie brand that women trust for fit, quality, and comfort for a wide range of body types from petites through I cup. Cultivated by over 30 years of expertise and dedication to their craft, Wacoal has pioneered the art of bra fitting, and today, their expert fit consultants help women find the sizes that make them look and feel beautiful. Never satisfied with the status quo, their designers keep a finger on the pulse of the fashion industry and are always looking for new and better ways to deliver beautiful bras that meet the expectations of modern women for comfort, quality, and performance. Wacoal's commitment to women extends beyond the design studio and into the community, where they support the fight against breast cancer through their longstanding partnership with Susan G. Komen. About Dynamic Energy Solutions, LLC Dynamic Energy is a full-service solar energy provider that brings together the diverse expertise needed to design, finance, build and maintain projects to meet the needs of commercial, industrial and institutional customers. With an in-house team that includes professional engineers, project managers, and master electricians, Dynamic Energy creates high-quality projects that reduce customer expenses, improve operating efficiency, provide an attractive return on investment and achieve sustainability goals. For more information, please visit www.dynamicenergy.com. Media Contact: Catherine Kendig 484-323-1176 [email protected] SOURCE Dynamic Energy Related Links http://www.dynamicenergy.com I have my suspicions, I don't want to say that because other people have those suspicions also. It is a tragic thing when I see that, it's a tragic thing but someone could have made a mistake on the other side. It was flying in a pretty rough neighbourhood and somebody could have made a mistake. Some people say it was mechanical. I personally don't think that's even a question, personally. So we'll see what happens. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 07:02:42|Editor: ZX Video Player Close MEXICO CITY, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's light vehicle sales fell to a five-year low in 2019, after tumbling 7.7 percent compared to the previous year, the national statistics institute Inegi said on Tuesday. In 2019, the industry sold a total of 1,317,727 units compared to 1,426,926 units in 2018. According to Inegi, the result is the worst since 2014, when 1,136,965 units were sold. In December, sales dropped 8.3 percent compared to the same month the year before, with 130,448 units sold. The figures derived from 21 companies affiliated with the Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA), Mitsubishi Motors and Giant Motors Latin America, said Inegi. Guillermo Rosales, a director general at the Mexican Association of Automobile Distributors (AMDA), said December marked the 31st month in a row of dipping sales, confirming that the domestic market is experiencing a "crisis." "The forecast for 2020 continues to be negative, estimating the number of new vehicles sold in Mexico could fall close to 2 percent during the year," Rosales said in a statement to the media. "However, automobile distributors predict (sales) will hit bottom in 2020, opening the way to a period of stability, though not representing a rapid recovery to the levels of demand seen between 2014 and 2016," Rosales added. New vehicle sales in Mexico reached a record 1,607,165 units in 2016. The AMDA is urging the government to take steps to spur the automobile sector by renovating public transport, and helping micro and small companies expand or upgrade their fleets with a "robust financing plan" with the participation of development banks and financial institutions. Latin America's second-largest economy underwent a "technical recession" in the first half of 2019 and stagnated in the third quarter. Australia's defence minister says the government won't be making any sudden decisions on withdrawing troops from Iraq. 'We're monitoring the situation to see what happens over the next couple of days,' Linda Reynolds told the ABC on Thursday.+ Iran on Wednesday launched more than a dozen missiles against two US-led military bases in response to the US assassination of an Iranian military chief. Australia's Defence Minister Linda Reynolds says the government won't be making any sudden decisions on withdrawing troops from Iraq Australian troops close to the attacked Al-Assad base were confirmed safe, with another 300 diggers further north unaffected. Cabinet's national security committee will meet in Canberra on Thursday to discuss the developing situation. 'We are all working very hard to ensure all parties exercise restraint and de-escalation,' Senator Reynolds said. She said it was important for Australia to have a presence in the Middle East to help with the fight against Islamic State. Defence chief Angus Campbell has been told to do whatever it takes to keep Australians safe and has not ruled out withdrawing troops. Australian Defence Force Lieutenant General Greg Bilton is advising the government on their policy position and admitted the situation in Iraq was concerning. Iran on Wednesday launched more than a dozen missiles against two US-led military bases in response to the US assassination of an Iranian military chief. A screen grab from Iran's state press agency purports to show one of the missiles being launched 'At this stage we've been contingency planning, as you always do, it's just common sense, and we're preparing those plans for a raft of different circumstances which I won't discuss here,' he told reporters. 'I'm not going to make any predictions here but (the situation) is concerning.' NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury is concerned about the potential impact on petrol prices. 'The US markets are worrying - prices jumped almost immediately by four per cent - if that's an indication of what's to come, it's very concerning,' Mr Khoury told AAP. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: Cybercrime police on Monday traced a 16-year-old boy who had gone missing on November 27 last year. Maturi Jagadish Sai hailing from Martur of Prakasam district was a first-year Intermediate student at a private college in Nidamanuru. Jagadish Sai reportedly left the college campus on November 27 over personal reasons and sent a message to his parents asking them not to search for him. Twenty days later on December 14, he logged into his Facebook account and sent a message to his cousin telling him that he was safe. However, Sai did not reveal his whereabouts and reasons behind his sudden disappearance. We immediately approached the police and told them about the Facebook message we received from Sai. The Cybercrime police was able to trace his location and reunited him with us, Sais father said. Addressing the media on the occasion, Vijayawada commissioner of police (CP) Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said the boy left for Hyderabad and joined as a helper in a private resort in Shameerpet. Timely action of cybercrime police helped in tracing him. The boy will be counselled, the CP added. An Albuquerque judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by a conservative advocacy group against the mayor. In August, the Keller administration issued an administrative instruction making clear that guns are not allowed in community centers. The New Mexico Patriots Advocacy Coalition filed suit weeks later alleging the mayor was operating outside of his authority. Among other things, the city argued in its motion to dismiss that the plaintiffs lacked standing. At a hearing on Tuesday, Judge Nancy Franchini granted the citys request on standing, saying she did not have jurisdiction over the case. She pointed out that it was being dismissed without prejudice, which means it can be refiled. In August, Keller cited state law prohibiting firearms in schools and said that community centers fall under the same law because they offer programming for over 200,000 kids each year. Every country shoulders the responsibility to safeguard international peace and security. Any abuse of power or risky military act is not acceptable for the international society. At present, the world is concerned about the possible results of the attack by the U.S. forces near Baghdad International Airport launched on Jan. 3. The tension between the U.S. and Iran increased the risk of military conflict, and has injected new uncertainties into the already complicated situation in the Middle East. To have an objective and just stance and follow the principle of justice and equity is the right way to solutions amid difficulties and troubles. As what China has proposed, all sides should earnestly abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations. Besides, Iraqs sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be respected, and peace and stability in the Gulf Region of the Middle East must be upheld. The international community also voiced support for justice to safeguard peace and stability. Russia stands against grossly trampling on other countrys sovereignty, especially through unilateral military operations. France opposes the use of forces in international relations. The Syrian Foreign Ministry says the attack reaffirms the U.S. responsibility for the instability in Iraq as part of its policy to create tensions and fuel conflicts in the countries of the region. The U.S. unilateral military practice also spurred opposition from the international public, the U.S. citizens are among those anti-war groups. On Jan. 4, groups of protesters took to the streets in Washington and Chicago to condemn the U.S. air strike. They held signs that read No war or sanctions on Iran U.S. troops out of Iraq! and No justice, no peace. U.S. out of the Middle East! A survey last year by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs found nearly half of Americans believe military interventions make the U.S. less safe, which indicates that unilateral military intervention hurts the others without benefiting the U.S. itself and wins no public support. It is not feasible to solve the contradictions between the U.S. and Iran through military strikes and exerting extreme pressure. The relations between the two countries kept deteriorating since the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, and restarted sanction against Iran. The U.S. enhanced its extreme pressure against Iran especially from last May. The JCPOA is an important result of multilateral diplomacy that embodies the efforts of all parties related. It also offers important support for safeguarding the peace and stability in the Middle East. Currently, each party should maintain close communication and shift away the influence of the U.S. strike on the execution of the JCPOA. Only peaceful settlement through political means can stop the vicious circle of retaliatory violence, and only by promoting dialogues and cooperation with inclusiveness can sustained solutions be found. This is a moment in which leaders must exercise maximum restraint. The world cannot afford another war in the Gulf, said Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General of the UN in a statement. It reflected the aspiration of the international society. All acts that exacerbate the tension in the Middle East would bring infinite disasters. The military actions taken against Iraq in 2003, as well as the external military intervention in the chaos in West Asia and North Africa in 2011 have brought lasting pain to these regions that only the indigenous could feel. The conscientious people from the international community were also clear about the trauma. Facts once again proved that unilateral military acts are not able to solve problems, but only lead to the other way around - a vicious circle of confrontation that is not easy at all to end. The Middle East needs stabilizers rather than new conflicts. Members of the international society should actively safeguard the international law and justice, play a responsible role in properly handling the situation in the Middle East, inject positive energy to achieving peace and stability in the region, and proactively bring each party concerned to the right track of seeking solutions through dialogues. (Zhong Sheng is a penname often used by Peoples Daily to express its views on foreign policy.) Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday. (Photo: File) Dubai: Iranian state television said on Wednesday that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on US targets in Iraq, adding that none of the missiles were intercepted. State TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said US helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged". Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday in retaliation for the US drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/08/2020 -- The global chlorotrifluoroethylene market is predicted to largely benefit from important applications of the chlorofluorocarbon in the semiconductor, electronics, and automotive industries. Chlorotrifluoroethylene could also find application in the medical industry, especially in the manufacture of specialized laboratory tools and instruments. Its use in a range of applications could be attributed to its favorable properties such as near-zero moisture absorption and exceptional stability in high and low temperatures. Importantly, chlorotrifluoroethylene could be used in the synthesis of high-performance elastomers, plastics, and lubricants. Companies operating in the global chlorotrifluoroethylene market are expected to sign merger and acquisition deals with other market participants or related businesses in future. Early in 2019, Daikin, a Japanese multinational air conditioning manufacturing company, announced the completion of its acquisition of AHT, an Austrian manufacturer of commercial refrigeration and freezing solutions. Players to Take Specific Measures to Achieve Sustainability Goals The report offers detailed company profiling of important players of the global chlorotrifluoroethylene market such as Honeywell, Hongjia Fluorine Technology, Jiangsu Bluestar, and Daikin. According to market experts, these companies are among the biggest producers of chlorotrifluoroethylene in the world and account for a significant aggregate share of the global chlorotrifluoroethylene market. Manufacturers are expected to set sustainable development goals to be achieved in the coming years. In September 2019, Daikin issued its Sustainability Report 2019. The report features the company's global activities to achieve its Environmental Vision 2050. It also sheds light on the company's specific measures and targets to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Get PDF template of this report: https://www.qyrconsulting.com/request-sample/8162 Market Segments By Product Type ? Purity 99.9% ? Purity 99.5% By Application ? Resin ? Refrigerant ? Others The product type segment of purity 99.9% is expected to account for a considerable share of the global chlorotrifluoroethylene market in the coming years. According to analysts, its market is still in the starting phase. Despite of this, its reasonable price and consistent high quality level are expected to help the product to show impressive growth in the global chlorotrifluoroethylene market. Based on application, the global chlorotrifluoroethylene market is segmented into refrigerant, resin, and others. Among these, resin may secure a commanding share of the global chlorotrifluoroethylene market. By Region According to market experts, the US is anticipated to become a leading chlorotrifluoroethylene market in terms of production. Its share of the total global chlorotrifluoroethylene production could stay strong for the next few years. Asia Pacific could be a profit-making regional market for chlorotrifluoroethylene, taking into consideration the high demand in the semiconductors and electronics industries. Strong consumption of semiconductor materials such as integrated circuits in China and Japan is expected to support the growth of Asia Pacific in the global chlorotrifluoroethylene market. Rise of the building and construction and automotive industries in India could be another growth factor to consider for the Asia Pacific market. For More Inquiry to Buy the Report: https://www.qyrconsulting.com/checkout/8162 About QYR Consulting QYR Consulting established as a research firm in 2007 and have since grown into a trusted brand amongst many industries. Over the years, we have consistently worked toward delivering high-quality customized solutions for wide range of clients ranging from ICT to healthcare industries. With over 50,000 satisfied clients, spread over 80 countries, we have sincerely strived to deliver the best analytics through exhaustive research methodologies. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were expecting Romilson Batista Ferreira to turn himself in to authorities on Jan. 7 for deportation. He didnt show. Agents later found his electronic monitoring device stuffed in a box outside a church. With it, a note said Im not going back to Brazil. Mary Larakers, an attorney for the Department of Justice, said in court documents filed Wednesday that the evidence suggests Ferreira violated the terms of his release, an agreement called an order of supervision. Larakers said ICE Boston will seek to re-detain and deport Ferreira. Ferreira, a Brazilian national, was one of six detained immigrants whose incarceration was re-examined as part of the class-action lawsuit against the federal government. The lawsuit made headlines in 2018 after the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts uncovered emails suggesting immigrants attending marriage interviews as part of their green card applications were set up to be arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. ICE initially declined to release Ferreira and the others because they were labeled flight risks or a threat to public safety or, in some cases, both. But the conditions of their detention came into question after ICE official Michael Bernacke testified that he didnt know until September, a month before the hearing, that certain detainees seeking release must get an interview under federal regulations. Federal Judge Mark Wolf said that despite a previous court order he had issued, ICE continued to violate the due process rights of the detainees. Ferreira and the five other detainees were released in mid-October under the condition that ICE can continue to remove them from the United States. He went to live with his wife and her children on Cape Cod and was required to wear electronic monitoring devices as part of their release. Ferreira, 33, of Brazil, spent about 18 months in ICE custody after being convicted of assaulting an officer. In October, Ferreira testified that he was in a hallucinatory state when the incident occurred and didnt know the officer was law enforcement. He said he believed the hallucinations started after his friend gave him what he believed to be a weight loss supplement at a party, a couple of days before the encounter with police. Ferreira said he was appealing his conviction. It is unclear where Ferreira went or whether his family is aware of his whereabouts. When Ferreira testified, Wolf asked why he should believe Ferreira would not flee. To begin, I want to be released and teach my son the right path in this life, Ferreira said in Portuguese through a translator, and be the husband to my wife shes never had and give myself a chance as well. As Longview City Manager Kurt Sacha put it, there is no perfect site for a new temporary camping site for the homeless population in Cowlitz County, but a committee Tuesday started developing a list of potential locations. Several possibilities were floated Tuesday, including the Cowlitz County fairgrounds, the old West Longview sewage treatment lagoons and a parcel near the Cowlitz County Jail. However, the Ad hoc committee formed to make a recommendation did not choose a site at its first meeting. At the very least, a government-established site should include disabled access, trash handling and collection, toilets and hand-washing facilities, security and oversight and rules about pets, Cowlitz County Community Services director Elaine Placido said. Committee members brought up other needs, such as laundry and access to fresh water. Cowlitz County staff will now develop a summary of these criteria and a handful of possible locations for the next meeting, which is scheduled for Jan. 16, Chief of Staff Axel Swanson said. If the community and the committee will bear with us, I think well take a shot at putting some sites that weve heard and some other ones up there ... (and) youll have some criteria to look at, Swanson said. The committee is made up of Cowlitz County Commissioner Dennis Weber; Longview and Kelso city managers Kurt Sacha and Andrew Hamilton; and Longview and Kelso council members Ruth Kendall and Lisa Alexander. The committee also discussed other considerations, such as zoning laws, safety, cost, and proximity to schools and neighborhoods. Questions abounded: How would people be encouraged to camp at the site and not elsewhere? Should there be multiple rotating sites or a single one? And would creating the camp or camps encourage more people to come? Alexander asked Sacha how officials would ensure the site helps local homeless and not campers coming in from out-of-town. There is no one checking people in or verifying where theyre from at the camp, Sacha answered, but its a topic theyre looking into. There are approximately 50 people camping at a site the city of Longview designated near the city shop near the corner of Alabama Street and Oregon Way. They were previously camping in front of Longview City Hall but were forced to move when a new city ordinance regulating camping in city rights of way took effect on Dec. 27. While its not an ideal site, (that site) is a far better location for the community, for the unhoused and I think for everyone, as opposed to City Hall, Sacha said. It seems to be, knock on wood, working fairly well thus far. But again, thats a very temporary housing in nature. The Alabama Street camp is intended to last 90 days and be available through March 30, Sacha said. Rotating campers to a new site or sites will allow officials to clean up, and Sacha said hed ideally like to see three or more sites in place to make that process easier. The cost to date of running that encampment is under $40,000, Sacha said, and the lions share of those costs was to put up a $30,000 fence. About $5 million is spent each year dealing with homelessness in Cowlitz County, Weber said. About 60% comes from government grants while the rest comes from private contributions. Love 4 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 2 Angry 29 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Ricky Gervais has hit back at critics of his controversial Golden Globes monologue with a scathing tweet. Taking to Twitter, the outspoken actor, 58, insisted that just because viewers were offended by his eight-minute speech 'doesn't mean they're right' and also claimed they weren't 'winning the argument' by pointing out 'someone is left or right wing.' It came after Ricky also vowed that he would never host the Golden Globes again following his expletive-laden monologue at Sunday's awards, which saw him skewer the 'woke' Hollywood culture. Not a chance! Ricky Gervais has hit back at critics of his controversial Golden Globes monologue with a scathing tweet (pictured arriving in the UK on Tuesday) Drama: The outspoken actor posted that just because viewers were offended by his eight-minute speech 'doesn't mean they're right' In his tweet Ricky listed four points which appeared to respond to various criticisms from fans surrounding his monologue. He wrote: '1. Simply pointing out whether someone is left or right wing isn't winning the argument. 2. If a joke is good enough, it can be enjoyed by anyone. '3. It's not all about you. 4. Just because you're offended, doesn't mean you're right.' Nope! It came after Ricky took to social media on Monday to respond to an article which featured fans demanding he return as the host next year Explosive: The After Life star divided viewers with his expletive-laden monologue at Sunday's awards, which saw him skewer the 'woke' Hollywood culture It came after Ricky took to social media on Monday to respond to an article which featured fans demanding he return as the host next year. Keeping his response to the point he simply wrote: 'Never gonna happen.' It came after Ricky finally arrived back in the UK on Tuesday following his trip to LA to host the Golden Globes. Swell: Ricky had shared a few words of thanks on Monday following his hosting duties at the annual awards show over the weekend Here he is! Following his defiant post, Ricky was spotted out and about in London on Wednesday Low-key: The star cut a casual figure in a relaxed grey jacket as he headed into a property in London Defiant: Ricky has laughed off fans' criticisms of his monologue and said he 'had a blast' hosting the show What's he up to? The Office star cut a low-key figure as he stepped out in the capital after returning from Los Angeles Hours earlier he had also taken to social media to thank fans for their reaction to his hosting gig, but implied he was glad the night was over despite saying he 'had a blast' on the night. He wrote: 'Thanks for all your amazing comments about my Golden Globes monologue. Best reaction ever and that means a lot to me.' 'I had a blast but thank f*** it's over, so I can get back to my real job of editing #AfterLife2 and touring #SuperNature. Make Jokes, Not War.' On Sunday Ricky sparked gasps from the A-List guests in attendance for the Golden Globes as he slammed the 'woke' Hollywood culture in his opening monologue. Back to work: Following his controversial awards appearance, it seemed that Ricky was back to his usual business Daring: During his eight minute speech, Ricky roasted Hollywood's 'woke' culture before rallying against the new brand of corporate giants dominating Tinsel Town During the eight minute speech - alongside pointing out it was his fifth and final time hosting the awards - Gervais railed against the new brand of corporate giants dominating Tinsel Town. Ricky Gervais' most controversial Golden Globes jokes - You say you're woke but the companies you work for in China unbelievable. Apple, Amazon, Disney. If ISIS started a streaming service you'd call your agent, wouldn't you? - Once Upon a Time In Hollywood nearly three hours long. Leonardo DiCaprio attended the premiere and by the end his date was too old for him. Even Prince Andrew is like 'come on Leo, mate' - I came in a limo tonight and the license plate was made by Felicity Huffman - [Afterlife] is a show about a man who wants to kill himself because his wife died of cancer and it's still more fun than this. Spoiler alert, season two is on the way so he didn't kill himself...just like Jeffrey Epstein. I know he's your friend, I don't care - [Birdbox is] a movie where people survive by acting like they don't see a thing. Sort of like working for Harvey Weinstein - It was a big year for paedophile movies. Surviving R Kelly, Leaving Neverland, Two Popes - The world got to see James Corden as a fat p****. He was also in the movie Cats, but nobody saw that - Dame Judi Dench defended [Cats] saying it was the role she was born to play because she loves nothing better than plunking herself down on the carpet, lifting her leg and licking her [expletive] - You're in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg Advertisement 'Apple roared into the TV game with The Morning Show,' he said, 'a superb drama about the importance of dignity and doing the right thing. made by a company that runs sweat shops in China.' Ironically, Apple boss Tim Cook looked like a sweat shop himself as all eyes - and video cameras - turned to him in the audience. Ricky also advised those receiving awards to avoid making political speeches because 'you're in no position to the public about anything.' He added: 'If you win, come up, accept your little award, thank your agent, and your God and f*** off.' In one moment which shocked the stars in the crowd, Gervais made a pointed remark about the death of paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. He said: '[Netflix series Afterlife] is a show about a man who wants to kill himself .... Spoiler alert, season two is on the way so he didn't kill himself...just like Jeffrey Epstein.' As the audience gasped, he doubled down on the remarks, saying: 'Shut up. I know he's your friend, but I don't care.' Gervais, also took a swipe at the #MeToo era, as he hosted the awards for the first time since the movement came to prominence. He said there was a wide variety of stars in the room, and they all have one thing in common: 'They're all afraid of Ronan Farrow,' Gervais said. New Yorker writer Farrow played a key role in outing sexual misconduct in Hollywood and exposing disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein. Later in the show, Gervais introduced a clip for the film Birdbox, describing it as 'a movie where people survive by acting like they don't see a thing. Sort of like working for Harvey Weinstein.' Gervais also mocked what he described as 'paedophile movies.' 'Taking of all you perverts, it was a big year for paedophile movies. Surviving R Kelly, Leaving Neverland, Two Popes,' he said before breaking down at his own joke. 'Shut up,' he told the stunned crowd, 'I don't care.' Savage: Ricky also advised those receiving awards to avoid making political speeches because 'you're in no position to the public about anything' His behaviour earned a divided response from viewers, with many quick to flood social media with hilarious memes poking fun at the stars' reactions. 'This mans got more of a range and damage yield to him than a f**king intercontinental ballistic missile,' wrote one Twitter user, approvingly. Another added: 'Man of the people,' one Twitter user wrote. 'Thank you for saying what needed to be said.' 'Thank you @rickygervais!!!!! Suck it Hollywood,' another tweeter wrote. 'I don't watch award shows and not into the celebrity scene,' one tweeter admitted, 'but boy did #RickyGervais skewer everyone. Wow.' He then added a meme reading 'shots fired.' Twitter users were quick to express approval and surprise at the way Ricky Gervais roasted Hollywood during his opening monologue on Sunday's Golden Globes Ricky's Hollywood roasting was not universally beloved on social media, with many outraged viewers taking to Twitter to express their anger. 'Can't believe Ricky Gervais has managed to convince the general public that he isn't part of the elite he's criticising,' one tweeter wrote. 'A guy who makes racist, homophobic jokes and mocks the disabled and the poor is suddenly a working class hero?' 'The #GoldenGlobes mood was already sober thanks to an impeachment, threat of war with Iran and Australian bush fires. The last thing anyone needed was Ricky Gervais there, telling them they sucked,' Los Angeles Times TV critic Lorraine Ali wrote. 'Ricky Gervais telling people not to make political statements at the #GoldenGlobes is in itself a political statement,' one Twitter user pointed out. 'Passive acceptance of the status quo is political, silence in the face of oppression is a political statement.' Outrageous: Ricky's Hollywood roasting was not universally beloved on social media, with many outraged viewers taking to Twitter to express their anger It was the fifth time Gervais has emceed the gala, after previously fronting the show from 2010 to 2012 and once again in 2016. When discussing the difficult balancing act of hosting an awards show, he admitted that no one was safe from his witty words. 'I don't think this time [any] individuals are [in the firing line],' he told The Hollywood Reporter last week. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 03:56:28|Editor: ZX Video Player Close KHARTOUM, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Sudanese government committee on Tuesday announced confiscation of all headquarters of the dissolved National Congress Party (NCP), the former ruling party, in the capital of Khartoum and all states. Sudan's Committee for Dismantling Ingaz (Salvation) Regime and Removing Empowerment made the announcement at a news conference in Khartoum. The committee also decided to seize the assets and accounts of Ashorooq and Tayba TV channels as well as the Al-Sudani and Al Ray Al Am newspapers, and dissolve the trade unions, professional associations and the Holy Quran Society. "The work of the committee is not intended to settle scores, but to dismantle the one-party state for the interest of all-Sudanese state," Mohamed Al-Faki Suleiman, a member of the committee, said at the news conference. He added that the committee targets whoever committed a crime against the Sudanese people during the past 30 years. To this end, the security forces seized the headquarters of the Ashorooq and Tayba TV channels, as well as the Al-Sudani and Al Ray Al Am newspapers. On Nov. 29, 2019, Sudan's Sovereign Council and the Council of Ministers approved a law to dismantle the former regime, including the former ruling party NCP. Indonesian President Joko Widodo (left), visits a military base in the Natuna islands, a chain in the South China Sea, amid a diplomatic spat over Chinese ships trespassing in Indonesian waters. Indonesian President Joko Widodo vowed on Wednesday to enforce his countrys sovereignty over waters off the Natuna Islands as he visited the region amid diplomatic tensions with China over maritime rights. The visit to the island chain in the South China Sea was the second of his presidency, after Jokowi, as he is known, held a cabinet meeting aboard a warship in the Natunas in June 2016, following a similar flare-up of tensions due to Beijing asserting claims on nearby waters. Im here to make sure that legal sovereignty over our maritime resources in the exclusive economic zone [EEZ] is enforced, Jokowi said during the visit, according to remarks released by his office. The president also inspected two warships and an air force base near Ranai, the main town in the island group. Jokowi later tweeted that he was informed by his military chief that there were foreign ships in Indonesias EEZ, but not in its territorial sea. In that zone, international vessels can pass freely, but Indonesia has a right to resources within it. Indonesia has sovereignty rights to arrest or expel foreign vessels that are trying to exploit the resources illegally, he said on Twitter. The EEZ is an area extending up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline of a coastal state. Territorial seas extend 12 nautical miles from that baseline. We expelled them A deputy of operations at the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla), Chokky Hutabarat, said the Chinese ships had begun sailing away from Indonesias EEZ. We expelled them. They have moved away to the north, he told BenarNews. Jakarta has deployed at least eight warships in the region off the Natunas to ward off encroaching Chinese fishing vessels, and sent four F-16 fighter jets to the area on Tuesday. On Jan. 5, military officials said about 30 Chinese ships had been sighted in Indonesian territory, accompanied by two Chinese coast guard ships and a fishing surveillance vessel. The previous month, the Foreign Ministry summoned Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian to protest the presence of at least 65 Chinese ships in Indonesias EEZ off the Natuna islands. China has insisted that its fishermen have legitimate rights to operate in the area. In Natuna, Jokowi met local fishermen at the newly established Integrated Marine and Fisheries Center. The government wants our marine resources in Natuna to be exploited for the utmost benefit of the people here, he told the fishermen. Dont ever question or doubt. Natuna has always been Indonesia, he added. On Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Jakarta and Beijing had communicated through diplomatic channels. China always views bilateral relationship with Indonesia from a strategic and long-term perspective, he said. We believe Indonesia will also have in mind the bigger picture of bilateral relations and regional stability, properly resolve differences with China and foster favorable atmosphere. Stronger pushback? Beijing claims nearly all of the contested South China Sea, a vital sea lane through which shipping trade valued at about U.S. $5 trillion passes each year. Indonesia traditionally has not been among nations speaking out about overlapping claims in the sea, portions of which are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. Following a series of encounters with Chinese ships in Indonesian waters in 2016, including one in which the Indonesian Navy fired warning shots at Chinese-flagged vessels, Indonesia further irritated Beijing by renaming the area the North Natuna Sea. In 2018, Indonesia began building a military base on Natuna Besar, the regencys main island, which will reportedly house several branches of the armed forces when completed as well submarines, warships and fighter jets. Ryamizard Ryacudu, the defense minister during Jokowis first term, envisioned the base as a future Pearl Harbor. Evan Laksmana, a researcher at the Jakarta-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said the government should seek a realistic strategic outcome in dealing with China. Getting Beijing to publicly renounce its (illegal) claims seems like a bridge too far as they remain central to Chinas domestic legitimacy, he said in an opinion piece in the Jakarta Post on Wednesday. Instead, we should focus on getting China to modify its behavior in the North Natuna Sea in the long run, he said. Indonesia should consider a stronger pushback beyond protest notes, including recalling its ambassador in Beijing if China refuses to leave the waters, Evan said. There are other steps we can take should the need arise, including reviewing existing cooperative activities and engagement, he said. If anything, Jokowi should be more willing to take risks in his final term. There are no easy paths to long-lasting legacies and there is none harder than laying a strong foundation for a more equitable strategic partnership with China, he wrote. Syracuse, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing a change to state law that he says would lower taxable income for an estimated 4,000 farmers and sole proprietors. The proposal would affect farmers who have less than $250,000 in net business income or net farm income. Currently, those farmers can reduce their adjusted gross income by 5%, reducing the amount of money they have to pay state taxes on. Cuomo, a Democrat in his third term, wants to triple that reduction to 15% -- further reducing the farmers taxable income. He made the announcement today as part of his State of the State message. The New York State Legislature would have to approve the proposal, likely as part of the states annual budget. The legislative session begins Thursday. Check syracuse.com throughout the day for updates to Cuomos proposals. Cuomos State of the State address: What it means for Central New York Albanys 2020 NY agenda: marijuana, guns, vaping, healthcare, voting reforms Cuomo to OK $75M Syracuse STEAM high school, training center Here is a timeline recounting the highs and lows over 40 years in the life of Harvey Weinstein. Once one of Hollywood`s most powerful executives, Weinstein faces criminal sexual assault charges at a jury trial beginning this week in New York. Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges he sexually assaulted two women, one in 2006 and another in 2013. More than 80 women have made allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. Juda Engelmayer, a spokesman for Weinstein, said late on Thursday that the two women in the criminal case had long-term relationships with Weinstein. He said it was prejudicial to conflate the criminal matter with allegations in civil cases or with public grievances he said were lodged by women who were not part of any lawsuit. 1979 - Harvey Weinstein and his brother Bob found independent film distribution and production company Miramax, naming it after their parents, Miriam and Max. June 1993 - The Walt Disney Company buys Miramax for $80 million but the brothers stay on until 2005. May 1994 - Director Quentin Tarantino`s "Pulp Fiction," starring Uma Thurman and John Travolta and backed by Miramax, wins the prestigious Palme d`Or award at the Cannes Film Festival. 1997 - Miramax wins its first Academy Award for best picture with "The English Patient." 1999 - Miramax`s "Shakespeare in Love" wins seven Oscars - including best picture and best actress for Gwyneth Paltrow. 2004 - Weinstein divorces his first wife Eve Chilton, with whom he has three daughters. 2005 - The Weinstein brothers leave Miramax to set up their own production company, The Weinstein Company. 2007 - Weinstein marries English fashion director Georgina Chapman. October 5, 2017 - The New York Times reports Weinstein settled with eight women who accused him of unwanted physical contact and sexual harassment over three decades. Weinstein in a statement apologised for causing pain to colleagues and said he was taking a leave of absence and entering therapy. Reuters did not independently verify the details of the New York Times report. October 6, 2017 - Weinstein takes indefinite leave of absence from The Weinstein Co. The company later says he is fired. October 10, 2017 - The New Yorker reports allegations by 13 women who said Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them, including three who said he raped them. Weinstein again denies non-consensual sex. Reuters did not independently verify the details of The New Yorker`s accounts. October 10, 2017 - Chapman, Weinstein`s wife, says she is leaving him. October 14, 2017 - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the group that selects the Oscar winners, expels Weinstein. October 2017 - Actress Alyssa Milano fuels the expansion of the #MeToo movement, founded by Tarana Burke, by writing on Twitter: "If you`ve ever been sexually harassed or assaulted write `me too` as a reply to this tweet." In the following weeks, #MeToo would be used by millions of women. January 1, 2018 - Hollywood celebrities launch the Time`s Up campaign to fight sexual harassment in the workplace. May 25, 2018 - Weinstein surrenders to New York police on charges of rape and a criminal sex act involving alleged assaults against two women, in 2004 and 2013. June 5, 2018 - Weinstein pleads not guilty to the charges. June 9, 2018 - Weinstein pleads not guilty to new charges of sexually assaulting a third woman in 2006. October 11, 2018 Weinstein wins dismissal of the charges over the alleged 2004 assault. Charges involving the other two women remain pending. January 17, 2019 - Benjamin Brafman, Weinstein`s defence attorney, issues statement saying he is quitting, without elaborating. January 25, 2019 - Weinstein appears in court to announce new defence team. April 26, 2019 - Weinstein`s trial is delayed until Sept. 9 to allow defence more time to gather evidence. July 11, 2019 - Weinstein hires third legal team after second team of defence attorneys exits the case. August 26, 2019 - Weinstein pleads not guilty to new indictment involving the same two women accusing him of two counts of predatory sexual assault, in 2006 and 2013. His trial is pushed back to Jan. 6, 2020. December 11, 2019 - Weinstein and his bankrupt studio reach tentative $25 million settlement with dozens of women who accused him of sexual misconduct. Representatives for Weinstein declined to comment. January 6, 2020 - Los Angeles prosecutors announce sexual assault charges against Weinstein just hours after he appeared in a New York court for the start of his trial on rape charge. January 7, 2020 - Jury selection at Weinstein`s trial due to begin. Yahoo News Singapore file photo SINGAPORE He came here on a social visit pass to gamble at the casino but was caught red-handed taking an upskirt video of an MRT commuter whom he had tailed over 10 train stations. A forensic analysis of Ng Pek Huats mobile found other upskirt videos taken at MRT stations. Ng would follow women whom he found attractive and stand close behind them as they took ascending escalators. He would also try to record the faces of his victims. At the State Courts on Wednesday (8 January), the 39-year-old Malaysian was sentenced to 12 weeks jail. He pleaded guilty to three out of 12 charges of insulting the modesty of a woman. Followed victim over 10 train stations Ng came to Singapore to gamble at the casino at Marina Bay Sands, the court heard. On 1 February last year, at about 3.00pm, he was waiting for a train at Bayfront MRT station when he saw a victim. The accused felt tempted to see what was underneath (her) dress and decided to follow her. When (she) boarded her train, the accused followed her onto the same cabin and sat nearby her, said Deputy Public Prosecutor Lim Shin Hui. Ng then took a video of the victim and the surrounding train cabin. About half an hour later, when the victim alighted at Serangoon MRT Station, which was 10 stops away on the Circle Line, Ng followed her. As she took an ascending escalator towards the exit of the station, Ng took upskirt videos and photos of the victim. While standing directly behind (the victim) on the escalator, the accused activated the camera on his mobile phone and thereafter bent down, pretending to touch his shoe while his right hand was holding on to his mobile phone, said DPP Lim. The accused took multiple upskirt photographs of her on the escalator while his camera flash was enabled, added the prosecutor. The camera flashes attracted the attention of a 25-year-old man on the same escalator. He confronted Ng and detained him till police arrived. Investigators found photos capturing the victims inner thighs, buttocks and undergarments in Ngs phone. Various other upskirt videos taken at MRT stations were also found on the phone. Story continues Tried to capture victims faces Investigations revealed that when the accused saw females whom he thought were attractive, he would follow the said female from behind and stand close behind her when they reached an escalator, said DPP Lim. He would then record upskirt videos of the unsuspecting victims. The accused would also often capture the victims side profile or full face in his videos. The accused recorded these videos to satisfy his fetishes, added the prosecutor. On 5 November 2018, at about 6.05pm, Ng saw a woman wearing a white dress at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and found her attractive. He followed her as she walked towards Bayfront MRT station, with the video recording function of his phone switched on. The accused took an upskirt video of the second victim near the entrance to Bayfront MRT station. Her face was also captured in the recording. Later that day, at about 7.40 pm, Ng saw another commuter wearing a green dress at Chinatown MRT Station. He followed her up an escalator at the train station and stood close behind her to record a video under her dress. When the third victim and Ng got to the top of the escalator, he waited by the ticketing gantry for her to tap out of the train station so that he could capture her face in his video recording. DPP Lim asked District Judge Adam Nakhoda to impose a total of 12 weeks jail in line with previous upskirt cases. She pointed out that Ng had followed his victims and that by capturing his victims faces, there was a greater intrusion of their privacy. In mitigation, Ngs lawyer said he was unemployed and stressed at the time, has a family to support in Malaysia and has no previous convictions. For insulting the modesty of a woman, Ng could have been jailed for up to one year and also fined up to $1,000. Other Singapore stories: Childcare centre principal jailed for siphoning over $16,000 Key 1MDB journalists slam Straits Times interview with Jho Low Cleaner who filmed woman's feet in toilet of SATS building jailed 4 weeks Woman who embezzled over $37,000 from Darul Aman Mosque jailed By Laman Ismayilova New images of the two Caucasian leopards have been captured at Zangazur National Park in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan region. The photos were taken in November-December 2019, thanks to cameras installed at the park as part of a joint project of the Ecology Ministry, IDEA and WWF nature (WWF). Over the past years photographs of six cubs of the Caucasian leopard have been taken in Zangazur National Park. It is encouraging that as a result of the measures taken to protect, the number of leopards is growing, which are one of the rare representatives of the fauna in Azerbaijan. As a result of monitoring conducted from 2012 to the present, 13 leopards were found in Zangazur National Park, and nine leopards in Hirakan National Park. These photographs indicate the results of increased measures aimed at wildlife protection as well as educational work and safe environment necessary for various animal species. Azerbaijan, one of the worlds lesser-known biodiversity hotspots, is home to the Caucasian Leopard. The Caucasian, Persian or West Asian leopard, as its also known, used to be widespread throughout the Caucasus. Numbers fell dramatically in the 20th century, largely because of hunting, persecution, trapping and poisoning. Since the 20th century, the leopard is listed in the Red Book. Until the early 2000s, very little information was available about leopards living in the territory of Azerbaijan. But thanks to the studies of past 15 years, Azerbaijani zoologists discovered their traces in Hirkan forest, Nakhchivan and Mingachevir water reservoir. Considered symbol of the Caucasus and the regions main living beauty, leopards, today are protected under the Caucasus Big Five and Protection of Leopards projects by IDEA Public Association, which holds various events aimed at public education, including summer camps, scientific seminars and workshops for students. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz BRIDGEPORT A judge has ordered an 87-year-old Stratford woman evicted from her home of more than 50 years after her family testified she has become a burden to them after injuring her ankle. Maria Michaels has until April to vacate her Rosebrook Drive home. In the meantime, she may now have to start paying rent to the nephew who now owns the house. He wants her to pay $1,000 a month to stay in her bedroom. A hearing on the rent issue has been scheduled for Jan. 15. While the defendant once had a right to occupy the premises, that right was terminated by both the notice to quit and the plaintiffs testified credibly that the defendant has become a burden to them, Superior Court Judge Walter Spader Jr. ruled. This finding sounds harsh, but the evidence demonstrates that certainly, the relationship between the parties has soured. We disagree with the courts ruling and plan to take whatever legal action is necessary to protect our elderly client, said Michaels lawyer, Charles Kurmay. Michaels and her husband owned and operated a small gift shop on Wilcoxson Avenue in Stratford, called Exclusively Yours, until her husbands death. In 1965, they purchased a lot on Rosewood Drive and built their dream house. According to court records, in 1989, Michaels and her husband agreed to sponsor her nephew Jan Hlinka to come to this country from the Czech Republic. When Hlinka arrived, the couple took him into their home and gave him a job, records show. Three years later, Hlinkas wife, Beata, arrived on the couples doorstep and the Michaels took her in, too. The Hlinkas raised a family in the Michaels home and have four daughters, according to court records. Their lawyer, Kevin Curseaden, did not return calls for comment. In May 1999, without the benefit of a lawyer, Michaels, her husband now dead, agreed to sell her Rosebrook Drive home to the Hlinkas for $165,000 with the written agreement that she would reside there as long as she does not become a burden to her nephew and niece. At the time, the house was appraised by the town for more than $220,000. But last February, the Hlinkas said they had enough and filed court papers to evict Michaels. During a trial in October before Spader, Jan Hlinka testified that safety had become a concern. Since Michaels fell and broke her ankle in the kitchen in 2016, there have been several incidents of her burning food on the stove and in the microwave, almost causing fires in the house, as well as other incidents that speak to her health and safety, he testified. Kurmay contended the Hlinkas just wanted to boot the elder woman to the street and enjoy their ill-gotten gains. During the trial, Kurmay put Michaels on the witness stand. I prepare my meals, I do my shopping, I do my laundry, I take my medications and I stay out of everybody's way, she testified. And does anyone from the Hlinka family currently help you with any of your activities of daily living? Kurmay asked her. No, not even a cup of tea, she replied. Kurmay also said that Jan and Beata were purposely trying to make it difficult for Michaels to live in the house by lowering the temperature in her bedroom and stopping grocery deliveries to her. Beata Hlinka testified she had gone to Shop Rite and told the manager they didnt want employees delivering groceries inside the house anymore. Martha Marchelli, social worker for the state Elderly Protective Services, testified that she determined Michaels was the victim of emotional abuse and neglect by the Hlinkas. However, the judge pointed out that despite the finding, neither Marchelli nor the state Department of Social Services took any further action. The judge continued that he did find it inexcusable for the Hlinkas to ask the supermarket to stop the inside deliveries. Lesley Hamilton posted the complaint to Air New Zealand on Twitter An irate plane passenger who went on a Twitter tirade because she was seated next to a 'screaming baby' has slammed her critics and called them 'woke losers'. Lesley Hamilton, former press secretary to ex-New Zealand prime minister Sir John Key, posted the complaint to Air New Zealand on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon. She suggested the airline offer 'seat selection' to let passengers know whether they'll be sitting near an infant. 'Dear Air New Zealand it would be really helpful if you offered a service on ''seat select'' that indicated whether you would be sitting beside to a screaming baby on a lap. Or put babies in rows after 20. God, get me home,' she wrote. Social media users hit back claiming Ms Hamilton lacked empathy. 'They often put children in the final two rows, I usually pick these seats in case a parent needs help as I have often come across single parents with more than one child ... a bit of empathy goes a long way,' one person responded. Ms Hamilton suggested the airline offer 'seat selection' to let passengers know whether they'll be sitting near an infant. Social media users claimed she lacked empathy But Ms Hamilton, who has an adult son, slammed the comment. 'I am totally empathetic,' she said. 'And if you asked the mum and dad in 6A and 6B from GC to Auckland right now they would tell you how I entertained the five-month-old all the way. The point, which you woke losers fail to get, is you should get the choice.' 'What a vile comment and horrendous sense of entitlement,' someone else wrote. 'If you don't want to sit next to young families (or any other type of person that you don't like) then don't fly!' Ms Hamilton labelled them a 'UK lefty' and said 'it must be wine o'clock in the northern hemisphere'. Lesley Hamilton, former press secretary to ex-New Zealand prime minister Sir John Key, is pictured posing with Katy Perry Despite the sea of criticism, some agreed with the former press secretary's sentiments. 'I don't get the backlash,' one commented wrote. 'Last year I flew to Asia with MY two-year-old and she was doing my head in screaming because she was tired...crying when she had to put her seatbelt on...making a mess... It's annoying. Are we not allowed to complain about it?' Ms Hamilton told Daily Mail Australia she tweeted the comment when she boarded the flight but the baby 'hardly made a sound'. 'The tweet was simply a "oh god there is a baby sitting next to me" throw away line when I boarded the flight.' 'As it turned out the parents were considerate and the baby hardly made a sound.' But after the outrage, Ms Hamilton had a final note for her attackers. 'Dear apoplectic lefties - outraged that I have insulted your crap parenting; here is the thing; we do not need to suffer your children. Crazy advice? Make them behave.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Air New Zealand for comment. 1. Police Complaint Filed Against Akshay Kumar For 'Defaming' Chhatrapati Shivaji In Advertisement Twitter In the advertisement, Akshay Kumar arrives with his army into a palace and says, "Maharaj aur uski sena dushman ko dhona jaanti hai, aur apne kapde bhi. (The king knew to beat up the enemies and also wash their clothes)". As the woman (his on-screen wife), points out towards the dirty clothes, Akshay and his army starts dancing in comical manner and wash clothes. 2. #JNUProtests: Film Industry Lauds Deepika Padukone For Her Courage While #BoycottChhapaak Trends While many are lauding her courage for taking such risk even when her first movie as a producer is due, some people are tweeting using #BoycottChhapaak. 3. Kangana Ranaut Lauds Deepika For 'Chhapaak', Says It Reminds Her Of Rangoli's Acid Attack In the video shared online by Kangana's Team, she extends a heartfelt thanks to Meghna Gulzar, Deepika Padukone and the entire team of Chhapaak for making such a film. 4. Is BJP Desperate To Get Bollywood Speak For Them? It's Arranging More Interactions With Celebs On CAA "More such meetings with a cross section of society, not just the film industry, will be conducted on the issue," a source was quoted as saying by PTI. 5. Australia Bushfire Crisis: International Aid & Donations Pour In Huge Numbers twitter/newscomauhq On Tuesday evening, British pop legend, Elton John ended his concert in Sydney with a pledge of $1 million, prompting a standing ovation. Hawley calls it unjust that the global economy works for so few. Actually, for a few billion people. Globally, 42 percent of the worlds population lived in extreme poverty in 1981; by 2015, just 10 percent did. In America, the Economist reports, after adjusting for taxes and government transfer payments, since 2000 the share of national income of the top 1 percent has been volatile around a flat trend and perhaps has changed little since 1960. Among the poor, falling marriage rates, which have causes more complex than economics, indicate household incomes declining but not individuals incomes. Furthermore, statistics often do not reflect the portion of corporate profits that flow to the middle class through pension funds: In 1960 retirement accounts owned just 4% of American shares; by 2015 the figure was 50%. And the Economist also says: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have announced they plan on stepping down as senior members of the British royal family. However, were not completely shocked by the news. While theres certainly a number of reasons they decided to resign, two, in particular, stood out to us. Their announcement In an Instagram post on Jan. 8, 2020, one day after the couple made an appearance at Londons Canada House to thank the commonwealth nation for their hospitality during their six-week hiatus from royal life, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they plan on resigning as senior members of the royal family. Not only that but they plan on becoming financially independent and splitting time between the United Kingdom and North America. Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, on Jan. 7, 2020, at Canada House | Chris Jackson/Getty Images They went on to say the geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. 1. Prince Harry and Markle will be away from British tabloids Its no secret Prince Harry and Markle have had a tumultuous relationship with the press, specifically the British tabloids. At the end of their royal tour of Africa in 2019, Prince Harry announced hed taken legal action against a number of outlets for publishing private letters belonging to Markle as well as accessing her personal voicemails. The couple choosing to split their time between North America and the U.K. will allow them some breathing room from the ever-present British tabloids they encounter while living in England. Plus, Prince Harry shared in the documentary Harry and Meghan: An African Journey, cameras and the media are the worst reminder of his late mother, Princess Diana. Every time I hear a click, every single time I see a flash, it takes me straight back, he said. In that respect, its the worst reminder of her life as opposed to the best. In the same documentary, Markle revealed she wasnt OK after having dealt with harassment and harsh criticism. The move and stepping down as senior royals will help Markle and Prince Harry achieve their goal of having some privacy and they can give their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, a more normal upbringing. 2. They can focus on what matters to them Prince Harry and Markle bonded during their first date over wanting to help others and make positive changes in the world. In fact, its what the Duchess of Sussex said made her want to go on a second date with the prince. As senior members of the royal family, theyve championed causes but once they step down, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will have more time to devote to additional charities and issues while still maintaining their current patronages. Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry in South Africa on Sept. 25, 2019 | Toby Melville Pool/Getty Images Aside from making the world a better place, Prince Harry and Markle have both made it clear a top priority for them is their family of three. When the couple isnt raising money or awareness for a particular cause, theyll likely be spending time with Archie whether thats in Canada where Markle used to live or Los Angeles, Calif., her hometown. 2020 is off to a big start for the Sussexes with more details to come in the future about the future of their lives within the royal family. The League of Women Voters wants all voters to know that between Jan. 7 and Jan. 14, 2020, the Democratic and Republican parties throughout Connecticut will hold their biennial caucuses to choose the voting members of their respective town committees. All registered Democratic and Republican voters are eligible to vote in their partys caucus. Why does it matter? When municipal election time rolls around, people sometimes ask, Who gets to choose these candidates? The answer is, the voting members of the towns Democratic and Republican Town Committees vote to endorse their partys candidates. The partys Town Committee members are also eligible to be delegates to the nominating conventions for Connecticut state legislative candidates, and candidates for U.S. Congress. The Securities and Exchange Policy Board of SECP on Tuesday approved changes in the Companies (Further Issue of Shares) Regulations, 2018 to facilitate capital formation and provisions whereby the Commission could impose conditions on further issue of shares, were substantially removed ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jan, 2020 ) :The Securities and Exchange Policy Board of SECP on Tuesday approved changes in the Companies (Further Issue of Shares) Regulations, 2018 to facilitate capital formation and provisions whereby the Commission could impose conditions on further issue of shares, were substantially removed. The Board, which met here with Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Chairman Professor Khalid Mirza in the chair. Major amendments approved by the SECP Board, include omission of including provision restricting more than one rights issue within a period of 12 months; underwriting requirements for rights issue; requirement for preparation and submission of financial projections to the Commission in case of rights issues; a mechanism for pricing the further issues either at premium or at discount; and information and documents currently required to be submitted along with applications for seeking approval of the Commission to issue further share capital without rights offer; preference shares; and employees stock option schemes. Amendments to Section 186/187 empowering corporate boards to appoint CEOs in all cases were approved to be incorporated in the Companies Act, 2017 to be proposed to the government. Also, amendments to sections 42 and 43 substantially removing the onerous requirements with respect to licensing and liquidation of section 42 companies were approved. The Board also approved the Commission's plan for merging the Securities Act with the Futures Act together with the required rationalization / simplification. The Board also asked for a review of the LLP Act with the objective of eventual substantial rationalization / simplification of the statute. The Policy Board also approved substantial reduction in NCCPL fees to facilitate investors and also advised the Commission to review the requirements for disclosure of financial statements on the website of trading only brokers. It deliberated and approved the process for appointment of nominees on the Boards of PSX/CDC/NCCPL. The Policy Board gave final directions to the Commission for reconstructing the SECP Annual Report, 2019 to include future outlook/plans for placing before the Government. Concern was expressed by the Board regarding the SECP officials, who remained attached to the law enforcement agencies (LEAs). The Board reiterated that LEAs should respect SECP's position as covered by Section 41B of SECP Act, 1997 (the Act) and the Commission was urged to seek recovery of files impounded by one of the agencies. The Board's mandate vis a vis SECP was also deliberated upon and it was affirmed that the board will act in accordance with the provisions of the Act with the oversight role of the Board being emphasized as the cornerstone. The Board pointed out various instances of regulatory actions that needed rectification together with related policy directives. In its recommendations to the Board, which were approved, the insurance committee strongly advised that the Ministry of Commerce and the SECP convince the provincial revenue authorities to remove sales tax from life, health and reinsurance as it was proving a major impediment to the growth of insurance sector, acting as a barrier to new entrants and inducing foreign insurers to leave the Pakistan insurance market. The committee recommended that the Pakistan Reinsurance Company Limited to undertake valuation of adequacy of its retrocession capacity from an independent actuarial firm. It also recommended that the Commission review the concept of creating a reinsurance pool by local insurance companies to ensure that foreign exchange does not flow out of country under various 'fronting' practices. The Board urged the Commission to take steps to broaden capital market and address ills of monopolization gnawing at the vitals of the market and stunting its growth the exchange, the depositary, the clearing house etc are all monopolies. It observed that the market needs to grow in terms of number, size and variety of trading platforms, supporting institutions, intermediaries, supply of issues, and investors. The market's size, reach, diversity and innovation has to substantially expand to allow for genuine competition in all aspects; and it is only then that the market will be able to play its role of promoting economic well-being through mobilization and allocation of resources on a risk adjusted basis. The Securities and Exchange Policy Board, in pursuance of Section 12 of the Act 1997, comprises ex-officio members of the Ministries of Finance, Commerce, and Law, SBP, SECP and persons of eminence from the private sector. THE BASIC principle behind Virginias decades-old right-to-work law is simple: No worker should be forced to join a union or pay union dues against his or her will as a condition of employment. The Virginia Code is clear on exactly what the law entails: No person shall be required by an employer to become or remain a member of any labor union or labor organization as a condition of employment or continuation of employment by such employer. At the same time, No person shall be required by an employer to abstain or refrain from membership in any labor union or labor organization as a condition of employment or continuation of employment. Right-to-work laws also protect employees who choose not to join a union from having compulsory union dues taken out of their paychecks without their permissiona right that has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. In its 2007 Davenport v. Washington Education Association decision, the high court ruled that unions have no constitutional entitlement to the fees of nonmember-employees. A 19-year-old former Hoover hotel employee is behind bars, accused in a robbery that happened there this week. Hoover police on Tuesday announced the arrest of Jakeria Tiyae Nunn-Smith. Hoover police responded at 9:20 a.m. to the Residence Inn on John Hawkins Parkway. When officers arrived on the scene, the hotel manager told them she had fired a member of the housekeeping staff earlier that morning. After being told she was fired, said Lt. Keith Czeskleba, Nunn-Smith went to the cash register and began taking money from the cash drawer. The manager tried to stop her and was assaulted. Witnesses at the scene reported the suspect claimed to have a gun during the attack. Nunn-Smith fled the scene but was captured by responding officers. The victim was treated at the scene by Hoover Fire medics and went to the hospital by private vehicle. Nunn-Smith is charged with first-degree robbery. Her bond is set at $10,000. So apparently the Texas Department of Agriculture website has been hacked... pic.twitter.com/gfFNFGyKuK Jose Santos Portugal (@JSPortugal3) January 7, 2020 The Texas Department of Agricultures website was briefly defaced Tuesday morning with an image of a high-ranking Iranian general killed in a recent U.S. drone strike.The brief changes to the agency's website showed the words "Hacked by Iranian Hacker" and "Hacked by Shield Iran x #theloserteam," and a black-and-white image of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in Baghdad Friday Department of Information Resources (DIR) Executive Director Amanda Crawford said attempts traced back to the Middle East have spiked in the last 48 hours, averaging a rate of about 10,000 per minute. Crawford said the geographic increase is due to retaliatory efforts for a drone strike authorized by President Donald Trump.Crawford said none of the probes has been successful, but self-described Iranian hackers have claimed responsibility for the defacement of the states Department of Agriculture website, which is not hosted by DIR.Maddison Jaureguito, a spokeswoman with the Department of Agriculture, said the cyberattack was not a hack, and said that staff have addressed the issue. Jaureguito added that the incident is under investigation by state and federal agencies.Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also acknowledged the uptick in attempted cyberattacks from Iran on state agencies during a roundtable discussion Tuesday with the Domestic Terrorism Task Force In response to a similar defacement of U.S. Federal Depository Library Program, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued advisories warning state, county and local governments of the cyberthreat.As described in the recent NTAS bulletin, in these times of increased threats, all organizations should increase monitoring, back up your systems, implement multi-factor authentication, and have an incident response plan at the ready, a CISA spokesperson wrote in an email toWhile it remains unknown if the recent slough of cyberattacks are being conducted by state-sanctioned hackers, experts worry that Iranian hackers may eventually move onto larger targets, such as infrastructure or ransomware. Even Joe Biden, one of the more moderate 2020 candidates, argued at the September Democratic presidential debate that We should be talking about rehabilitation. Nobody should be in jail for a nonviolent crime and that Nobody should be in jail for a drug problem. We build more rehabilitation centers, not prisons. Once a strong supporter of the death penalty, Biden now calls for its elimination, noting on his website: Over 160 individuals whove been sentenced to death in this country since 1973 have later been exonerated. Because we cannot ensure we get death penalty cases right every time, Biden will work to pass legislation to eliminate the death penalty at the federal level. While many of the Democratic presidential candidates have effectively joined the decarceration movement, the same unity cannot be found among House and Senate Democrats. At this level, the movement is one more source of conflict between the Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wing and the many members of the House and Senate who must fight for re-election in more moderate districts and states, including those that cast majorities for Trump in 2016. Laurence Tribe, a professor of constitutional law at Harvard, described the thinking underpinning progressive Democratic policies broadening the rights of the homeless. In an email, Tribe wrote: The supposed rights of those who are upset or psychologically threatened by the homeless, the deinstitutionalized, or others similarly situated are what I would call second-order rights, rights that a polity cannot fairly treat as having as strong a claim to protection, as trumps that override utilitarian claims as is true of genuine rights. Put another way, Tribe continued, my right not to be upset by your appearance or life choices cannot occupy the same plane as your right to live your life as you opt to, or are compelled to, live it if we are to have a viable social and legal system. One neednt be a libertarian to recognize that there is a difference in kind between someones genuine right to be free of anothers physical intrusion or displacement and someones ersatz right to be free of anothers merely offending or upsetting behavior or circumstances. In this view, according to Tribe, rights of the first, or primary, sort can be universally recognized; rights of the second sort must be subordinated if social life is to be tolerable. Trump, for his part, clearly rejects Tribes distinction between first versus second order, or genuine versus ersatz, rights. For Trump, the people who come into contact with the homeless have first order rights. In a July 1, 2019, interview with Foxs Tucker Carlson, Trump declared: You cant have whats happening where police officers are getting sick just by walking the beat. I mean, theyre getting actually very sick, where people are getting sick, where the people living there living in hell, too. Trump went on: We cannot ruin our cities. And you have people that work in those cities. They work in office buildings and to get into the building, they have to walk through a scene that nobody would have believed possible three years ago. And this is the liberal establishment. This is what Im fighting. Republicans are responding to the initiatives of progressive prosecutors with a vengeance. In a fiery speech on Aug. 12 at the Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Polices conference in New Orleans, Barr warned that progressive prosecutors in cities across the nation are demoralizing to law enforcement and dangerous to public safety. This threat, Barr continued, comes from the emergence in some of our large cities of District Attorneys that style themselves as social justice reformers, who spend their time undercutting the police, letting criminals off the hook, and refusing to enforce the law. These prosecutors, Barr declared, have been announcing their refusal to enforce broad swathes of the criminal law. Most disturbing is that some are refusing to prosecute cases of resisting police. Some are refusing to prosecute various theft cases or drug cases, even where the suspect is involved in distribution. And when they do deign to charge a criminal suspect, they are frequently seeking sentences that are pathetically lenient. So these cities are headed back to the days of revolving door justice. The results will be predictable. More crime; more victims. Three days later, William M. McSwain, the Trump-appointed United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, called a news conference to explicitly attack the Philadelphia district attorney, Larry Krasner. Krasner was elected in 2017 on a platform promising to End mass incarceration; Stop prosecuting insufficient and insignificant cases; Review past convictions, free the wrongfully convicted; Stop cash bail imprisonment; Treat addiction as a medical problem, not a crime. To McSwain these policies are heretical: There is a new culture of disrespect for law enforcement in this city that is promoted and championed by District Attorney Larry Krasner and I am fed up with it. It started with chants at the DAs victory party chants of F*** the police and No good cops in a racist system. There are, McSwain argued, plenty of criminal laws in this city but what we dont have is robust enforcement by the district attorney. Instead, we have diversionary programs for gun offenses, the routine downgrading of charges for violent crime, and entire sections of the criminal code that are ignored. Most recently, President Trump, at a rally on Dec. 10 in Hershey, Pa., told the crowd You have the worst district attorney, referring to the Philadelphia D.A., roughly 95 miles east. Ive been hearing about this guy, he lets killers out almost immediately. You better get yourself a new prosecutor. Turning the decarceration movement into a 2020 campaign issue fits into Trumps go-to strategy of inflaming divisive conflicts, especially those involving disputed rights particularly those benefiting minorities in order to activate racial resentment, to mobilize his core voters and to goad swing voters into lining up against the Democratic Party. While Trumps strategy was successful in 2016, it is by no means clear that this strategy will work as well in 2020. The former Western Army Commander Lt. Gen PN Hoon who led the Meghdoot Operation in 1984 passed away on Monday evening. Lt Gen PN Hoon was born on 4th October 1929, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan) in pre-divided India. PN Hoon's father Pran Nath Hoon was a railway officer and he was associated with the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the freedom struggle of India from 1936 to 1947. In 1947, Hoon joined the Indian Army as part of the Sikh regiment. He also battled the Chinese aggression in 1962 and also fought the Indo Pak war. PN Hoon's Legacy Blog In 1984, Lt Gen Hoon led the operation Meghdoot which is to date known to be one of the toughest operations carried by the Indian Army. The operation was to capture the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir region due to the Siachen Conflict. The operation was successful and Indian troops were able to gain control of the whole of Siachen Glacier. He was also involved in the biggest military exercise, Operation Brasstacks. He was in command of mountain and infantry brigades and retired as an Army Commander, Western Command, Chandimandir, in 1987. After retiring, he worked as a senior advisor in a textile company named Birla from the year 1988 to 1990 and was later appointed as an MD of cotton mills in Gwalior. Aman Singh Chinna Twitter For around seven years he was also involved in construction activities in Navi Mumbai and in the year 1999 he published a memoir Unmasking Secrets Of Turbulence- Midnight Freedom To A Nuclear Dawn. In the year 2015, He launched his book, The Untold Truth. The book stirred the political and military circles as it revealed a lot about the Rajiv Gandhi government. In the book, he revealed about Operation Blue Star and how it was a botched-up operation, in another chapter he also revealed that Operation Brasstacks was a war against Pakistan. Aman Singh Chinna Twitter It is also said that he wrote about the operations that he has been a part of and no one else knows about the exclusiveness of the operations he worked on which he elaborated on in the book. The devastating news of PN Hoon's demise that came out on 6th January has deeply saddened the nation. According to ANI, Hoon's family that resides in Chandigarh said he was admitted to Command Hospital, Chandimandir, Panchkula for the past two days due to illness and died on Monday evening after suffering a brain hemorrhage. His last rites were performed on Tuesday afternoon. Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi had a meeting on Wednesday with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian in Cairo. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to promote partnership between the two countries, especially at the economic and investment levels, in light of the major development projects under construction nationwide. Commending the strong ties between the two countries, Le Drian highlighted Egypt's pivotal role to preserve stability in the Middle East, presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said. He also stressed his country's commitment to bolstering cooperation ties at various levels. Egypt attaches great importance to furthering strategic ties with France in the period ahead by fostering bilateral cooperation and coordination on various issues of mutual interest, El-Sisi said. Reviewing the latest developments at the regional level, the two sides exchanged views on the current situation in Libya and the Gulf region, Rady added. They have agreed to consolidate joint efforts to bring a comprehensive political settlement in Libya. They also underlined the importance of a five-party coordination meeting among the foreign ministers of Egypt, France, Italy, Greece and Cyprus, currently held in Cairo, to discuss the recent developments in Libya. Search Keywords: Short link: Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Wed, January 8 2020 Being a superpower comes with its own perks; one of those advantages is that rules dont apply to you. When some international laws and conventions are not to your liking, you can opt out and go your own way. For a superpower like the United States, it has always been my way or the highway. In 2001, fearing that the Kyoto Protocol, if implemented, could hurt the US economy, then president George W. Bush decided to withdraw from the agreement. Also, in an effort to protect US leaders and citizens from being subjected to war crime investigations, the US decided not to join the International Criminal Court with little or no consequences. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login According to the statistics, four states from the South-east took the leading spots for Nigerian states searching for gay porn. It is a widely known fact that male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Nigeria as the maximum punishment in the twelve northern states that have adopted Sharia law is death by stoning. In the post first seen on The Guardian, Three states from the south-south also made the list along with one each from north-central (Abuja), south-west and north-east. Imo state also topped the list of the states where image search for gay porn originated and it is followed closely by Oyo while Rivers closes the top three. Reports claim March 31-April was the peak period for the image search for gay porn while the search was lowest between November 4-30 2019. The top seven states searching for gay porn in Nigeria according to image search are: Imo Oyo Rivers Edo Delta Abuja Lagos Read Also: Lawmaker To Pay 2020 WAEC Fees For Candidates In Her Constituency The top 5 Nigerian states searching for gay porn on YouTube are: Anambra Edo Oyo Lagos Abuja Information Nigeria had earlier reported that Nigeria and Ghana topped PornHubs list of Top 25 Countries Searching BBW . The Islamic State has launched a number of surprize attacks against Syrian army positions, causing heavy casualties reports Al-Masdar. The Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization launched several attacks against the Syrian Arab Army in the eastern region of Syria on Monday. The terrorist group began their attacks in Deir ez-Zor province, where they attacked a couple of Syrian Arab Army posts near the city of al-Mayadeen. ISIS then stepped up their attacks in the Badiya al-Sukhnah region of eastern Homs, striking the Syrian Arab Armys positions between the towns of al-Sukhnah and al-Shoula. While the Syrian Arab Army was able to repel the Islamic States attacks, they did suffer heavy casualties in the process. The Islamic States surprise attacks caught the Syrian Arab Army off-guard in this vast desert region, which is where the terrorist group has thrived since they lost their de-facto capital last year. Following these attacks, the Syrian and Russian airforces began heavily targeting the sites suspected of having an Islamic State presence in the Deir ez-Zor and Homs governorates. The Syrian Arab Army has since sent reinforcements to the Badiya al-Sukhnah region to search for the terrorists that launched todays attacks. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Rumors have long circulated that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could move out of the U.K. and perhaps give up royal life entirely and now, Buckingham Palace has responded (sort of). In a statement to the Daily Mail, the Palace said they would not comment on "speculation" that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be moving to Canada, but added that the royal couple will be undertaking more royal events in the coming weeks. Sure, a "no comment" isn't much of a statement, but "speculation" seems to be the key word here. That, coupled with the statement that Meghan and Harry will be taking on more royal duties, implies that they're dismissing rumors the couple will be moving on from royal life. Not to mention, the Palace rarely responds to rumors, meaning this statement is relatively significant. Chris Jackson/Getty Images In recent months, there's been plenty of speculation that Meghan and Harry could move to another country and even become private citizens. In light of the documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, which revealed the impact of negative press on the couple, rumors have swirled that they might move to Africa, California, or Canada. And since the Sussexes spent their holiday break in Canada, those rumors have only gotten more intense, with The Sun claiming earlier this week that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could relinquish their HRH titles and relocate their office to Canada. RELATED: Meghan Markle Gave Autumnal Dressing a Winter Twist in Her First Appearance of the Year For now, it looks like the rumors are just that rumors. She has been charged with battery of a person over 65. A most unfortunate woman in Florida was arrested after tossing a bucket of human feces in the general direction of her landlord, which somehow caused her to also up with dried excrement smeared all over her own face, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. Joanne Mercader, 59, first told deputies her landlord was the one who in fact first assaulted *her* with poop, according to the arrest report. In video of the incident, a deputy can be heard saying, "There is poop everywhere." "It's a really crappy situation," the deputy says. After a pause, his supervisor replies: "Yeah. Do the right thing." Ah, Florida. Never change. "She took the poop and she rubbed it on my face," Mercader told the deputy. A deputy's body camera showed her face covered with dried human waste. Mercader's landlord, a woman who was not identified, had wet feces on her face, the report said. "She's dripping with it," the deputy said. Mercader eventually told deputies that she had intended to toss a bucket of water on the landlord, whose name was redacted from the arrest report, but she got confused and threw the bucket of feces at her. Mercader told deputies she knew the landlord would be angry, so she ran into the bathroom, where the landlord spread excrement on her face. The deputy said Mercader's story still didn't add up. The landlord told deputies she was met with the bucket of feces in her face when she opened the door Saturday after no one answered. She said she had prearranged the visit to Mercader's home to look at several broken items. Florida woman accused of throwing human feces at landlord [AP, photo montage based on images from Volusia County Sheriff's Office and suspect mugshot] Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday that Ottawa would work to ensure a thorough investigation of a Ukrainian jetliner crash in Iran that killed dozens of Canadians. "This morning, I join Canadians across the country who are shocked and saddened to see reports that a plane crash outside of Tehran, Iran, has claimed the lives of 176 people, including 63 Canadians," Trudeau said in a statement. The airliner was carrying people from several countries when it crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran on Wednesday, killing all 176 on board. Ukraine International Airlines (UIA), the ex-Soviet country's privately owned flag carrier, said flight PS752 left Tehran airport at 6:10 am and disappeared from radars just two minutes later. "Our government will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated, and that Canadians' questions are answered," Trudeau said. According to Ukraine's foreign minister, 82 Iranians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans and three Britons were on the plane in addition to the Canadians. Eleven Ukrainians -- including the nine crew -- were also on board. "Today, I assure all Canadians that their safety and security is our top priority. We also join with the other countries who are mourning the loss of citizens," Trudeau said. Canada is home to a large Iranian diaspora and UIA offers relatively inexpensive flights between Toronto and Tehran, with a layover in Kiev. The crash came with regional tensions heightened over the US killing of a top Iranian general, and shortly after Tehran launched missiles at bases in Iraq housing US troops. There was no immediate indication of foul play and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned against speculating on the cause of the disaster. Earlier in the day, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne called the crash "tragic news." Trudeau said Champagne had been in touch with the government of Ukraine, and was speaking to "relevant authorities and to international partners." He added that Canadian Minister of Transport Marc Garneau was working with officials from Transport Canada and reaching out to international counterparts. Search-and-rescue teams were combing through the smoking wreckage of the Boeing 737 flight, which slammed into farmland at Khalaj Abad, in Shahriar county, but officials said there was no hope of finding anyone alive. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The global nonwoven filter market is expected to reach USD 8.32 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing demand for filtration in industries such as healthcare, transportation, food & beverages, and various others is expected to benefit the global nonwoven filter media market. Global agencies such as UN have issued directives and prescriptions to keep air & water pollution in check. HVAC, manufacturing, food processing, and hydrocarbon processing applications have found nonwoven filter media effective. Various regulations regarding water & air pollution are expected to have a favorable impact on the global industry growth. Moreover, there have been lots of technological advancements across the globe to develop new and innovative filter media over the past few years. Healthcare segment is presumed to be the fastest growing application over the next eight years. Nonwoven filter media is used as disposable medical products and helps protection against infections especially from hospitals. These media are also used in face masks to lessen the hazardous impact of pollution across the globe. Gaining popularity of membrane filtration may have a negative impact on the overall market growth. However, nonwoven filter media has a certain advantage over other media fibers such as light weight, easy to handle, can be tailor made, highly efficient and high temperature resistance. These characteristics give the product an advantage over other filter media. Access Research Report of Nonwoven Filter Media Market @ http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/nonwoven-filter-media-market Further key findings from the report suggest: Spunbond is the most preferred filter technology, and the segment accounted for over 35% of the total technology market in 2015. Spunbond technology is used across automotive, healthcare & personal care, and packaging industry. Meltblown nonwoven technology is expected to grow at a significant rate over the next eight years. Cost effectiveness is the attributed primary reason for this technologys widespread usage. Asia Pacific emerged as the leading regional market and held over 30% of the global demand in 2015. The surge in demand for nonwoven filter media in major end-use industries such as transportation, filtration, and healthcare to create ample opportunities in the region. Industrialization across regions such as South East Asia, India, and China is further anticipated to fuel the market development. Focus of major industry participants on innovation and research & development has intensified the industry competition. The market shows different dynamics regarding market strategies, M&As, and product diversification. The market is oligopolistic in nature and is dominated by few key players such as Ahlstrom, TransWeb, LLC, Delstar Technologies, Inc. and DuPont Inc. Major companies have established manufacturing units in different countries for efficient raw material sourcing and catering to global demand Efforts taken by companies to achieve product differentiation is contributing to increased industry rivalry Other companies involved in the industry include 3M, Dupont Inc, Cummins Filtration, Honeywell Process Solutions, Pegas Nonwovens S.r.o., Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Technology Insights Based on technology, the market is classified into spunbond, meltblown, wetlaid, needlepunch, and other technologies. Spunbond segment accounted for over 40% in 2015. Spunbond technology is mainly used in automotive, healthcare & personal care, and packaging. Spunbond media are light in weight, durable, have high liquid retention properties, and are cost-effective in nature. Meltdown technology held the second largest share in the market in 2015 and is expected to register fastest growth rate of 8.3% during the forecast period. It is an efficient method for manufacturing fine & separating filter media from synthetic fibers. Its efficiency has facilitated the companies to setup advanced production lines. For instance, in 2012, Sandler, a German company, launched a new production line VS 61 for meltblown nonwovens that has capability to create new nonwoven structures for pleatable filter media. Wetlaid is the second fastest growing technology segment over the forecast period. New advancements have been witnessed in this technology in terms of increased production rate. For instance. alumina coated micro-glass fibers, which were earlier difficult to produce by this manufacturing method, can now be manufactured using this method. About Grand View Research Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare. phoenixNAPs strategic location and the global network backbone significantly boost our capability to deliver seamless and secure services, said Ben Cannon, CEO, 6x7 Networks. phoenixNAP, a global IT services provider offering security-focused cloud infrastructure, dedicated servers, colocation, and specialized Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) technology solutions, announced today the addition of 6x7 Networks to its carrier-neutral data center in Phoenix, Arizona. This establishment enables phoenixNAPs clients to directly access 6x7 Networks encrypted Internet backbone, expanding their connectivity and security options. As the worlds only fully end-to-end encrypted Global Telecommunications Carrier, 6x7 Networks provides advanced security to organizations worldwide. With its presence in phoenixNAPs data center, the company will be able to deliver high-quality IP transit services to a greater number of organizations and with enhanced stability. Located near the Phoenix metro area, phoenixNAPs flagship data center is a strategic location for 6x7 Networks to access major domestic and global cross-connects. Our global carrier network has grown significantly over the last few years and we are excited 6x7 Networks is a part of that growth, said Ian McClarty, president at phoenixNAP. Our clients and tenants now have an option to directly access 6x7 Networks encrypted Internet backbone and improve their network security. This is an important step for us as we continue to add new data protection options to our portfolio of services and solutions. 6x7 Networks will leverage its first Arizona PoP to further improve connectivity to its robust communication network. The additional connectivity point will further optimize latency in delivering services and applications worldwide, ensuring greater efficiency for 6x7 Networks clients. phoenixNAPs data center network spans across six continents through 30 data centers and network PoPs, providing complete global coverage. For businesses in Arizona and beyond, this collaboration brings a possibility to establish a more secure network, which is especially important for organizations operating under strict regulatory requirements. By ensuring encrypted data transfer and protected storage, businesses can ensure operability and business continuity. phoenixNAPs strategic location and the global network backbone significantly boost our capability to deliver seamless and secure services, said Ben Cannon, CEO, 6x7 Networks. We are continuously working on the improvement of our network and technologies, and this is a big step for us as it makes our technologies directly accessible to a greater number of organizations. We are looking forward to developing the relationship with phoenixNAP and establishing new collaborations in the region. phoenixNAP is a Premier Service Provider in the VMware Cloud Provider Program and a Platinum Veeam Cloud & Service Provider partner. phoenixNAP is also a PCI DSS Validated Service Provider and its flagship facility is SOC Type 1 and SOC Type 2 audited. About phoenixNAP phoenixNAP is a global IT services provider with a focus on cybersecurity and compliance-readiness, whose progressive Infrastructure-as-a-Service solutions are delivered from strategic edge locations worldwide. Its cloud, dedicated servers, hardware leasing, and colocation options are built to meet always evolving IT businesses requirements. Providing comprehensive disaster recovery solutions, DDoS-protected global network, hybrid IT deployments with software and hardware-based security, phoenixNAP fully supports its clients business continuity planning. Offering scalable and resilient opex solutions with expert staff to assist, phoenixNAP supports growth and innovation in businesses of any size enabling their digital transformation. About 6x7 Networks 6x7 Networks, LLC is the worlds only fully encrypted Global Telecommunications Carrier. Serving the data communications needs of enterprise businesses, government, healthcare, finance, and national interests across the globe for over 26 years, 6x7 applies government-grade security on all links to meet or exceed FIPS-140 standards in hardware on its redundant and highly-available global tier 1 telco backbone. To better serve its customers; 6x7 owns and operates 2 Carrier-Neutral Datacenters in San Francisco and San Mateo, in addition to its bay area, California, Chicago, NYC, and global network of POPs which are integrated into other wholesale carrier partner networks in order to deliver a global wholesale footprint to the carrier community. This ensures a cost-effective, scalable and resilient network that is committed to the wholesale environment and their respective clients. For more information, visit http://www.6x7networks.com. We're going to wrap up the blog there for the day. We'll be watching developments overnight closely and will bring you news as we get it. Thank you for reading. Iran has delivered missile strikes against at least two military facilities in western Iraq, where U.S. troops are deployed, a statement from Assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman said. "At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq," the statement reads. "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil." Hoffman stated that "In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners." "These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region," TASS cited him as saying. The statement did not specify the damage or casualties following the missile attacks on the facilities saying "We are working on initial battle damage assessments." "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region," the statement added. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially claimed the responsibility for the missile attacks stating that US forces, which are involved in acts of aggression against Iran, would be subjected to military attacks. Irans news agency ISNA quoted a statement from the IRGC as saying that the operation in Iraq was code-named Martyr Soleimani. "During the operation code-named Martyr Soleimani, soldiers of the IRGC armed forces launched dozens of ground-to-ground missiles and destroyed the US Air Force base," the IRGC stated. Al Hadath television channel reported on Wednesday Several U.S. military aircraft were destroyed as a result of missile attacks on Al Asad airbase in the west of Iraq. White House Spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said in a statement that U.S. President Donald Trump was informed about the missile attacks in Iraq. "The president has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," Grisham stated. The situation in the Middle East deteriorated sharply after Commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps General Qasem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad airport. The missile strike came on order of U.S. President Donald Trump. According to the U.S. Administration, the operation was defensive, as it was aimed at protecting U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East, and the attacks planned by the Iranian general could have led to the deaths of hundreds of Americans and Iraqis. Iranian media reported Tuesday night that the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had attacked multiple American bases inside Iraq in the first step of retaliation for the criminal January 3 US drone missile assassination of General Qassem Suleimani, the head of IRGCs Quds Force. Suleimani was considered the countrys second most powerful figure. The main targets of the first missile attacks were reported by the Pentagon to be the Ain al-Assad base in western Iraqs Anbar province and another base near Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. A major center for US military operations in both Iraq and Syria, the Ain al-Assad base was visited by Trump in December of last year and by Vice President Mike Pence last November. Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) fire rockets targeting the U.S. air base of Ain al-Assad in Anbar in Iraq. (Credit: https://en.irna.ir) The spiraling war crisis in the Persian Gulf that was initiated with the murder of Suleimani had an immediate effect on world markets, with oil prices climbing by more than four percent and Dow futures dropping some 350 points Tuesday night. The clear implication being drawn by world finance capital is that a US counter-retaliation against Iran may well lead to Iranian attacks on Saudi and other Gulf state oil facilities, or a closing of the strategic Strait of Hormuz through which some 20 percent of globally traded oil passes. In evident preparation for full-scale war, the Pentagon has dispatched a bomber strike force consisting of six B-52 heavy bombers to the US military base on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, a British colonial possession that is within striking distance of Iran but beyond the range of Irans longest-range missiles. Amid the steadily escalating tensions that have followed the assassination of Suleimani, the deployment of the nuclear-capable bombers represents a direct threat of wholesale military violence against the nation of 82 million people. The sending of the B-52s to Diego Garcia follows the deployment to the Middle East of 4,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, along with the dispatch to the Persian Gulf of 2,000 Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan. The US military buildup in the region follows a series of increasingly virulent threats from Washington of new war crimes in response to any Iranian retaliation for the murder of General Suleimani, who was killed along with four other Iranians and five Iraqis in a US drone missile strike at Baghdads international airport. Speaking at the White House Tuesday, Trump stated, If Iran does anything they shouldn't be doing, they are going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly. Earlier, the US president claimed that he had selected 52 targets in Iran, one for each of the hostages taken in the 1979-1980 seizure of the US embassy in Tehran, and that these would include cultural sites, a war crime. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and Vice President Mike Pence all assembled with Trump at the White House Tuesday night following the report of the Iranian missile attacks. Multiple Iranian officials had made it clear that retaliation for the assassination of the Iranian leader was inevitable, particularly in the face of the mass outpouring of grief and rage in cities across the country. The turnout of millions of Iranian men, women and children, unprecedented at least since the 1989 funeral for the Islamic Republics founder Ayatollah Khomeini, took a tragic turn on Tuesday. A massive crowd attempting to accompany Suleimanis coffin to a cemetery in his hometown of Kerman became trapped in its narrow streets, leading to a stampede in which a reported 56 people were killed and over 200 more injured. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, considered a moderate within the Iranian ruling establishment, said of Suleimanis assassination: This is an act of aggression against Iran, and it amounts to an armed attack against Iran, and we will respond. But we will respond proportionately, not disproportionately We are not lawless like President Trump. Washington denied Zarif a visa to attend a scheduled meeting of the United Nations Security Council, where he would have indicted Washington for a war crime in carrying out the cold-blooded murder of an Iranian government official conducting a state visit to Iraq. National security adviser Robert O'Brien justified the denial of the visa by declaring, Whenever he comes to New York, he spreads propaganda. In a Tuesday morning press conference, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mocked Zarifs statement that Suleimani had gone to Baghdad on a diplomatic mission. Is there any history that would indicate it was remotely possible that this kind gentleman, this diplomat of great order, Qassem Suleimani, traveled to Baghdad for the idea of conducting a peace mission? he said. What Pompeo sought to ignore is the fact that Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has himself said he was scheduled to meet with Suleimani the morning of the murder to discuss the situation in Iraq and Baghdads attempts to mediate in the conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Trump administrations claims that it acted in response to an imminent threat of an attack involving Suleimani have proven increasingly threadbare. Defense Secretary Esper claimed before briefing the so-called Gang of Eight, the Democratic and Republican leaders of both houses of Congress and both of their intelligence committees, that US intelligence on the supposed threat was exquisite. Responding to reporters questions, however, he allowed that imminent could have meant either days or weeks. Pentagon officials speaking off the record have indicated that there was no intelligence of any impending attack. In any case, had there been, killing Suleimani, a top-level Iranian government official who was operating openly and in discussions with the Iraqi government, was hardly likely to stop it. The US position in Iraq has grown increasingly untenable in the wake of the assassination. Confusion continued to reign in Washington over a letter drafted by Gen. William Seely, a US commander in Iraq, that clearly implied that US forces were preparing to withdraw from the country in response to a unanimous vote by the Iraqi parliament on Sunday demanding their expulsion. Esper, Pomepo and others in the administration insisted that the letter was merely an unsigned draft and that Washington had no intention of withdrawing, no matter what the Iraqi parliament or people want. Esper went so far as to claim that the Iraqi members of parliament had voted unanimously for forcing US troops out because they were threatened. As for the letter, they claimed it was merely a poorly worded notification that US troops were being redeployed within Iraq as the US and its NATO allies evacuated Baghdads Green Zone out of fear of attack. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, however, insisted that he had been delivered a signed copy of the letter in Arabic not just once, but twice after it was sent back with a translation correction. In a televised speech, he reiterated the call for the end of the US military presence. We have no exit but this, otherwise we are speeding toward confrontation, he said, adding that Iraq would have to take a historic decision to expel US forces. Otherwise we will not be taken seriously. Outrage in Iraq over the drone strike has been nearly as strong as in Iran, with huge crowds taking to the streets of Baghdad, Basra, Najaf and other cities to condemn the assassinations of both Suleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was second in command of the powerful Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Shia militias that is considered part of the Iraqi armed forces. If the US defies Iraqi demands for a troop withdrawal, it could well face a resumption of the Iraq war, pitting American soldiers against these militias. The Iranian retaliation for the Suleimani assassination was expected to push back consideration of a toothless War Powers Resolution proposed by House Democrats, which would limit US military action against Iran to 30 days without a formal congressional authorization for the use of military force. As of Tuesday night, there were no reports of US casualties resulting from the missile attacks. Trump issued a tweet stating Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! He added that he would make a statement Wednesday morning. Whatever the response by Washington, the recklessness and criminality that characterize US policy toward Iran are a sign not of strength, but rather of the deep-going crisis of US imperialism, which has failed to achieve any of its strategic aims in the Middle East after decades of war, and which faces mounting social conflict and unprecedented political crisis at home. London: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced their effective resignation from the royal family and will split their time between the United Kingdom and North America. In an extraordinary statement that blindsided Buckingham Palace and their closest family members, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said after months of "reflection and internal discussion" the pair would separate from the broader institution. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are stepping back from royal duties. Credit:Getty "We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the royal family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to support Her Majesty The Queen," they said. "It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment." BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 Trend: Azerbaijan's Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement in connection with the death of a border guard, soldier Farzaly Farzaliyev on Jan. 7, as a result of sniper fire opened by the Armenian armed forces in the direction of the village of Gushchu Ayrim in the Gazakh district of Azerbaijan, Trend reports referring to the ministry. "Consistent violation by the armed forces of Armenia of the ceasefire regime on the state border, as well as along the line of contact of the troops of the two countries, targeted fire on the Azerbaijani military and civilians, and respect for the values of international law by official Yerevan only in words, once again clearly demonstrate the falsehood of Armenia's calls for peaceful resolution of the conflict and the desire of Armenia to hide its occupational and aggressive policies," said the ministry's statement. "With this deliberate attack, Armenia once again confirms that the country is the aggressor, and its attempts to hide behind the puppet regime that it created in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, are completely vain," said the statement. "The murder of a soldier of the State Border Service guarding the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan is a crime. Armenia, which keeps under military occupation the territories of Azerbaijan and having conducted ethnic cleansing in these areas, violates the fundamental principles of international law. The Armenian side regularly attacks the Azerbaijani military and civilians by violating the ceasefire regime, and it should be aware of the responsibility for all its crimes and that its actions will not remain unanswered," the ministry's statement said. On Jan. 7, at 14:56 (GMT +4), Azerbaijani border guard Farzali Farzaliyev was killed as a result of sniper fire in the direction of Gushchu Ayrim village of Azerbaijans Gazakh district. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. A Jefferson County jury recently awarded a $10 million verdict against the YWCA in the stabbing death of a 71-year-old woman in her Avondale apartment more than five years ago. Linda Albritton in 2014 lived in Four Winds East apartments, federally-subsidized housing that, at the time, was owned by the YWCA. The small apartment complex at 619 39th Street South housed mostly women who were elderly or disabled. On an August night that year, Birmingham police were called to the home when neighbors became alarmed that Albrittons door was slightly ajar. Officers went inside and found Albritton dead from multiple stab wounds. Two men were ultimately charged in Albrittons death, including an acquaintance police said had befriended her. Charges were later dropped against that acquaintance, but his former roommate three years ago pleaded guilty in her death and was sentenced to life without parole. That same year 2016 Birmingham attorneys Rob Riley, Keith Jackson and Jeremiah Mosley of Riley and Jackson filed a lawsuit against the YWCA and YW Four Winds East on behalf of Albrittons estate, claiming the YWCA, as owners of the apartment complex, knew or should have known and protected her from ongoing criminal activity at the complex that ultimately led to Albrittons demise. This is about trying to make sure that people who are elderly and disabled are provided with safe and decent housing as required by HUD and Birmingham municipal ordinance, Riley said. The defendants attorneys Thomas A. Kendrick and W.M. Bains Fleming of Norman, Wood, Kendrick and Turner have filed a motion to stay the jurys $10 million verdict. They are asking Jefferson County Circuit Judge Robert S. Vance to dismiss the judgment, or at least reduce it. Two prior requests to do so have been denied. The YWCA disagrees with the decision of the jury and intends to seek post-trial review of the verdict, Kendrick told AL.com. Albritton, who has no known relatives, loved to take care of stray cats and loved to go to church. She was a sweet, kind, fun lady that spent a lot of time with neighbors and friends, Riley said. Birmingham police on Aug. 31, 2014 were called to Albrittons apartment on a report of a person down. Neighbors who knew Albritton well called police after they noticed her door was slightly ajar. Once inside, officers found Albritton stabbed four times in the neck and at least once in the back. She also had several broken ribs. Her apartment had been ransacked and her vehicle had been stolen. She had last been seen alive about 4 p.m. the previous day. Police issued a lookout bulletin for Albrittons 1994 tan Buick Park Avenue. The vehicle was recovered about 2:30 a.m. the following day on Monday in the 4000 block of Third Avenue South. Witnesses told investigators they had seen 36-year-old Jeffery Justice driving the vehicle and he was taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, Justice was in possession of Albrittons car keys and they found he had multiple prior arrests on drug and property crimes. Authorities at the time said Justice lived near Alrbritton and had befriended her. Albritton was a known cat-lover and would often pick up strays around the neighborhood. Justice, police said, would help her recover them. Justices roommate, 43-year-old Gustavius Brown, was also arrested. Both were charged with capital murder in Albrittons death. Albrittons credit card was used at a gas station on Arkadelphia Road about 2 a.m. Sept. 2 and her car was recovered nearly their apartment on Third Avenue South. One year later, however, DNA results failed to link Justice to the crime and the capital murder charge against him was dismissed. DNA was found under Albrittons finger nails, but that DNA belonged only to Brown. Justices charge was reduced to second-degree receiving stolen property. Justice in August 2015 pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentence time served and released from jail. Brown, who police said broke into Albrittons apartment with a knife and the intent to steal money and/or her vehicle, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of felony murder and first-degree robbery on Sept. 12, 2016 and was sentenced to prison for life without the possible of parole. He is currently housed at Bibb Correctional Facility. The YWCA sold Four Winds East in 2018. But at the time Albritton lived there, and died there, the agency received rent payments from the tenants based on what they could afford. The rest was subsidized through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It was, the suit states, a continuum of residential programs for senior and/or disabled citizens. Because of their age and/or disability, the suit claims, residents at Four Winds are more susceptible to undue influence and pressure from those who would prey on the weak and the vulnerable. The suit noted that the YWCAs website stated that it is committed to providing excellent housing and supportive programming for women, children and families in central Alabama and boasts of the safe and nurturing environment of its housing complexes. According to the suit and the attorneys for Albrittons estate, the YWCA in weeks, months and years prior to (Albrittons) murder, was notified that Brown and others were committing illegal activity on and around the premises including manufacturing, use and sale of illicit drugs. Such reports were made on multiple occasions and by multiple residents of the neighborhood in which the Four Winds East housing complex is located, according to the suit, and had been notified that the elderly and disabled tenants of the Four Winds were in danger due to going criminal activity. The YWCA, they said, failed to take the steps necessary to secure their safety. Albritton, attorneys said, was a crime of opportunity. Riley said when Albritton was found, the window of her home had not been broken but simply removed from its frame. She had previously requested a security grate be placed over the window but had been denied, the attorney said. Her death, according to Riley, was preventable. This case was about trying to change the activities that were allowed to occur on that property to make sure it doesnt it doesnt happen again, he said. This judgement was a statement by the jury that in Jefferson County we are going to demand landlords provide certain levels of security and safety to prevent things like this from occurring, even if the landlord is the YWCA. FLINT, MI -- A lawsuit over alleged systemic failure to provide needed disability services to Flint children exposed to lead during the water crisis could go to trial this year. The lawsuit was filed in 2016 by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, Education Law Center and the White and Case law firm against the Michigan Department of Education, Genesee Intermediate School District and Flint Community Schools. It alleges the educational institutions violated federal civil right laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The lawsuit includes 15 named plaintiffs that say their children are victims of the water crisis. The lawsuit was partially settled in April of 2018 when the MDE provided more than $4.1 million to create a registry of Flint children affected by the water crisis. State to provide $4.1M to screen, test Flint children affected by lead However, a full settlement was never reached and now a trial is tentatively scheduled for sometime between June and September. The team that filed the lawsuit has also asked a judge to certify the case as a class action, which would extend it to include all students in Flint rather than just the 15 named in the complaint. Greg Little, the Education Law Centers chief trial counsel, said they were very pleased with the partial settlement reached in 2018 because it addressed a lack of federally-mandated identification of children with special education needs in Flint Schools. The case remains pending on two additional claims, he said. The claims include a need for adequate special education services to students identified as having a disability and systematic reform for children unfairly disciplined for behavior caused by their disabilities. Now these children are identified for needing these services but the services arent available to them, and thats the situation that we have right now," Little said. "We spent the last year trying to work with the state and with the county to see how we might be able to arrange for additional resources to be brought to the Flint Community Schools to take care of these kids and they simply have not done what was needed to be done. The ACLU put everything on pause in November 2018 after the election of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer with hopes that a settlement could be reached with the new administration, said Kristin Totten, education attorney for the ACLU. Negotiations fell apart in October and November of 2019, however, Totten said. We were getting somewhere and then it didnt happen so its really discouraging because we feel like we were giving an opportunity with the new administration with a hope to resolve it, she said. In response to a request for comment, the MDE directed The Flint Journal-MLive to the Attorney Generals Office, which has not yet responded to the request. Genesee ISD does not comment on ongoing litigation, Associate Superintendent Steven Tunnicliff said in an email. Superintendent of Flint Community Schools Derrick Lopez said in a statement, The Flint Community Schools District is deeply committed to the well-being and success of all students. In keeping with district policy, we will not be commenting on pending litigation. The district had a 13.1 percent special education rate during the 2012 to 2013 academic year, according to education statistics from the state of Michigan, the year before Flint switched its water source to the Flint River. By the 2018 to 2019 academic year, special education rates rose to 20.5 percent. Lopez has said he now estimates a 25-30 percent student population special education rate, over two times the state average. Students with Individualized Education Program needs cost 1.5 to two times more than a student without these needs, Lopez said previously. Flint schools face $5.7M deficit, could close more buildings In recent months, Lopez has attributed special education costs to part of the districts massive yearly structural deficit. Lopez believes special education for the district costs about $12.6 million a year. The Flint Community Schools Board of Trustees is facing tough decisions on what gets cut in face of the districts millions of dollars of yearly deficit. Flint school board votes to send deficit elimination plan to the state Lopez has proposed closing Eisenhower Elementary School, Pierce School, Scott Middle School and Flint Jr. High School, the former Northwestern High School, after the discovery of the massive deficit through a district-wide audit. However, the board must make a final decision on how to cut $5 million in yearly costs and Lopez encouraged further discussion on possible solutions. Last month, administrators and board members took time to walk through buildings proposed for closure. Lopez said in December there will be multiple community forums planned and the board will meet to further discuss its findings in January. Read more on here: Flint schools create committee to study disposal of vacant property Flint school board votes to get bond proposals on March ballot Flint board members address deficit, possible school closures Flint school paraprofessionals sign first new contract in 15 years New contract ends pay freeze, gives Flint teachers $3,000 starting salary increase Flint schools report 26 resignations, 7 retirements over the summer Repurpose Your Christmas Tree to Grow Food, and More! With the Christmas season officially over, many of us will be disposing of our living Christmas trees. While most municipalities will repurpose your Christmas tree for you by chipping them into mulch; you may like to consider other options for extending the life of your tree. Wildlife habitat Evergreen trees New Delhi: The Supreme Court has constituted a new nine-judge bench to hear Sabarimala case. The new bench, headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde, will comprise other judges including Justices R Banumathi, L Nageswara Rao, Ashok Bhushan, Mohan M Shantanagoudar, S Abdul Nazeer, R Subhash Reddy, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant. Notably, Justice Banumathi is the only women judge on the Bench. Two judges, Justices RF Nariman and DY Chandrachud who ruled in favour of women`s entry in Sabarimala case aren`t part of the new bench and the woman judge, Justice Indu Malhotra, who ruled against women`s entry, is also not part of the new bench either. In 2018, the five-judge bench of the apex court had allowed women of all ages to enter Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. Live TV On November 14, 2019, a five-judge Bench had, in a 3:2 majority verdict, referred to a seven-judge bench the pleas seeking review of the 2018 judgement. The SC had clubbed the curbs faced by Muslim women in connection with entry to mosques and dargahs and Parsi women, married to non-Parsi men, being discriminated from entering the Fire Temple. The apex court had also observed that the issues surrounding the constitutional validity of religious practices, which discriminate against women specifically in connection with entry to a place of worship, were not limited to the Sabarimala temple case. The order came under stiff opposition from various groups who later sought a review of the verdict. Acting on the numerous petitions, in November this year, the Supreme Court referred the issue to a larger, nine-judge bench. The bench will re-examine other religious issues, including the entry of women into mosques, the practice of female genital mutilation in the Dawoodi Bohra community and also Parsi women married to non-Parsi men being barred from the holy fire temple. The nine-judge bench will hear the case on January 13. Meanwhile, priests at Chilkur Balaji temple thanked the apex court for referring the review of Sabarimala judgement to a nine-judge Bench instead of a seven-judge one as per its earlier order. The top court on Monday issued a notice informing listing of the petition filed by Indian Young Lawyers Association seeking review of its historic 2018 judgement that allowed women and girls to enter the Sabarimala temple. "Take notice that the following matters will be listed for hearing before a nine-Judge Constitution Bench commencing from Monday the January 13, 2020", the notice had said. "This will give a greater scope to rectify the ambiguities in the Apex Court judgements on Shirur Mutt case which has led to the courts following a defective methodology of interpreting Article 26," Archaka Rangarajan, a priest at the Chilkur Balaji temple said in a release. "The term denomination has been wrongly interpreted to deny the rights to thousands of temple deities. Temples have been illegally taken over by the state governments and the pious purpose for which the deities have taken the form of idols for uplifting mankind spiritually has been denied," he added. Rangarajan further said, "The Constitutional rights of the temple deities should be properly guaranteed. Inquiring into which part is religious and which part is secular cannot be done by the Courts. Even this should be left to the religious groups." "It is heartening to note that a nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court will hear from January 13, the issue of allowing women and girls of all ages to enter Kerala`s Sabarimala temple along with other contentious issues of alleged discrimination against Muslim and Parsi women," he added. (With Agency Inputs) India and the US are looking for an exclusive partnership that can give companies of both the nations preferential market access, India's outgoing Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said. Shringla made the comments during his farewell reception on Tuesday organised by US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum or USISPF that was attended by members of the corporate world and representatives from the US Government. What we are really looking for is to provide the basis for an exclusive partnership in trade between our two countries that can give US companies preferential market access to India and Indian companies the preferential market access to the United States, Shringla said. The outgoing Ambassador, who would take up his new assignment as India's next foreign secretary later this month, said the two countries have been successful in bridging gaps through several rounds of trade talks. We have had several rounds of talks between our Minister of Commerce and Industry and the US Trade Representatives. We have had several rounds of talks between the senior officials and both sides. We have been successful in bridging many of the gaps, he said. Shringla was referring to the recent series of talks between the two countries on a trade package, which is expected to pave the way for a larger bilateral trade deal. The trade deal was first announced by US President Donald Trump when he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Trump on September 24 said his country will soon have a trade deal with India to boost economic ties between the two nations. Shringla said this is a continuous process of engagement. It's not a one-off thing, he said, adding that the bilateral trade deal that would give preferential treatment to the companies of one country into the other would result in exponential growth of trade between India and the US. If we were to seek concessions on an MFN (most favoured nation) basis, then it would like to all countries, that would mean that many of gains that you expect may not necessarily come your way, he said. But given the fact that we have a strategic partner, given the fact that the two countries share common ideologies, values and principles; it's natural that we should seek a mutuality in terms of trade and trading arrangements that would be in the best interest of all of us here, Shringla said. And if we are able to provide those conditions, and I am sure both sides would work together in reaching those, then I think we would see, not the 10-eight percent increase that we see; you will see an exponential increase in trade and economic ties, Shringla said. So, we are certainly working with that objective, he said. In 2019, the bilateral trade increased from USD142 billion to USD160 billion, he said. USISPF President Mukesh Aghi said that the one-year tenure of Shringla as India's Ambassador to the US has been result-oriented and he has been instrumental in taking the relationship to a new level. He has been extremely instrumental, not only in connecting with the business community, but also on the Hill side, on the executive side, but more importantly he has gone out to the diaspora, and met also the business leaders across the United States, Aghi said. Christopher Wilson, who serves as Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, expressed appreciation for the tremendous partnership the US has had with India during his tenure here. I think the Ambassador's work has been instrumental in making it possible for us to turn the corner into a constructive dialogue on trade and investment issues in the relationship, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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This is one of many new innovative products to come from this brand since developing their Medical Advisory Board, and the brand shows no signs of slowing down. Forward progress to refine, re-focus, update and release new scientifically driven results focused solutions with clinical backing is what the Medical Advisory Board will gear their focus to. The brand held their first Medical Advisory Board Meeting on Dec 15th, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. "We are excited and privileged to have the opportunity to work with this group of experts on the development and distribution of BENEV brand cosmeceutical products, as well as on our broader pipeline of products designed and developed with our Medical Advisory Board's needs in mind for what they feel their peers in the medical community is needing, along with development of a higher level of education on training. We are solution providers, and we are committed to offering only the most unique advanced solutions on the market, backed by science and safety and driven be results," said Ethan Min, President and Chief Executive Officer. "These thought-leaders bring tremendous understanding of aesthetic needs, as well as extensive experience in aesthetic development from discovery through to late-stage clinical trials. We look forward to their contributions as BENEV Company Inc enters a new stage in advancing BENEV brand cosmeceutical products." The Medical Advisory Board will be comprised of the following members: Chief Medical Director: Richard Jin., MD, Ph.D., Dr. Jin studied at the Boston University School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and the University of California Irvine. He completed research in the areas of cardiovascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, antioxidant enzyme properties, cell signaling, cellular redox mechanisms, free radical-induced oxidant stress, platelet biology, growth factors, and wound healing. Dr. Jin also serves as a Medical Advisor for DBM Corporation Inc., and President for Cellum Bio Medical. For more information visit www.rjclinicalinstitute.com Richard M. Goldfarb, M.D., F.A.C.S., graduated from the University of Health Sciences / Finch University, The Chicago Medical School with top honors in Surgery. He completed his surgical training at Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine. He did additional training in cosmetic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Plastic Surgery and Yale University. Dr. Goldfarb's combined 30 years of experience in General, Vascular, and Cosmetic Surgery provides his patients with the surgical expertise they are seeking. Dr. Goldfarb established the Center for SmartLipo & Plastic Surgery in 2007. Dr. Goldfarb also serves as a Medical Director for DBM Corporation Inc. For more information visit www.centerforsmartlipo.com Diane I. Duncan, M.D., F.A.C.S., Dr. Duncan obtained her medical degree from the Tulane University School of Medicine. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of several plastic surgery professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS). In addition to these affiliations, Dr. Duncan is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Dr. Duncan joins our Medical Advisory Board with over 30 years of experience in private practice as a plastic surgeon. She is an internationally-recognized speaker and educator in plastic surgery, Dr. Duncan has delivered presentations at industry conferences around the world. She has also authored medical journal articles on a variety of subjects in plastic surgery and currently serves as a member of the editorial review board for the Aesthetic Surgery Journal." Dr. Duncan also serves as a Medical Advisor for DBM Corporation Inc. For more information visit www.drdianeduncan.com Randy B Miller, MD., Dr. Miller is a board certified cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon practicing in Miami, Florida. Dr. Miller earned his Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master's degree in clinical immunology, Dr. Miller completed medical school at Jefferson Medical College where he graduated at the top of his class. He completed his training in general surgery and otolaryngology - head and neck surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Miller performed his plastic surgery training at Baylor College of Medicine located within the Texas Medical Center in Houston, which is the largest medical center in the world. Dr. Miller is a past president of the Miami Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Plastic Surgeons Patient Safety Foundation. Having served five consecutive terms on the Board of Directors of the Dade County Medical Association and as a delegate to the Florida Medical Association. Dr. Miller is a member and has received presidential appointments from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In addition to his role as a clinical professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Miami, Dr. Miller serves as a plastic surgery resident mentor. For many years he has served as the Liaison between the University of Miami, Division of Plastic Surgery and the Miami Society of Plastic Surgeons. Based on his research, publications and 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Miller has become an internationally recognized expert in the fields of stem cell research and therapy, including human and veterinary tissue regeneration. Dr. Miller provides a uniquely comprehensive approach to aesthetics and age management. Dr. Miller also serves as a Medical Advisor for DBM Corporation Inc. For more information visit www.millerplasticsurgery.com J.D. McCoy, NMD. McCoy received his doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. He is one of the most accomplished naturopathic physicians practicing aesthetic medicine in the country. He completed an internship in internal medicine in Hawaii, and began specialized training, certification, and externship in cosmetic medicine and light-based therapies. McCoy has devoted his specialization, passion and his entire practice to the art of less-invasive cosmetic rejuvenation, weight-management, and natural bio-identical hormone therapy since 2003. McCoy's principles in the practice of aesthetic medicine include: prevention, the use of natural substances (light/energy, nutrients and other natural substances), and the use of the least invasive treatments possible. McCoy finds innovative solutions that reduce or eliminate the need for more invasive surgery- beautiful results naturally. He is recognized as an innovator and physician trainer for multiple technologies and techniques in cosmetic medicine including but most certainly not limited to a Physician Member: American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, American Society of Aesthetic Mesotherapy, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science. McCoy also serves as a Medical Advisor for BENEV Company Inc. For more information visit www.contourmedical.com About BENEV Company Inc BENEV Company Inc, headquartered in Mission Viejo, California, is a solution provider for medical aesthetic needs in U.S. market. For more information regarding BENEV Company Inc or to place an order, or learn more about one of our Educational Seminars & Congresses, Please contact BENEV Company Inc. BENEV Company Inc 1-949-457-2222 www.BENEV.com SOURCE BENEV Company Inc Related Links www.BENEV.com Chicago, Illinois, Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Associa Chicagoland community manager, Lea Marcou, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, took home the 2019 CAI Illinois Olympus Award, which honors those chapter members that have had a profound influence on the development of the chapter. The CAI Excellence Awards and Winter Gala was an evening of excitement and inspiration that celebrated and honored the outstanding achievements of chapter members over the past year. Ms. Marcou has been a valued member of the Associa Chicagoland team since 2008 and has worked with a diverse portfolio of properties, including mid-rise condominiums, townhomes, single-family homes, and developer and commercial properties. Associa Chicagoland is extremely proud that the CAI recognized Lea for her continued achievements, stated Stephanie Skelley, Associa Chicagoland president. Our team works extremely hard every day to make our communities, residents, and board members living environment the best possible and continue to strive to provide the top management serves in the industry. With more than 200 branch offices across North America, Associa delivers unsurpassed management and lifestyle services to nearly five million residents worldwide. Our 10,000+ team members lead the industry with unrivaled education, expertise and trailblazing innovation. For more than 40 years, Associa has provided solutions designed to help communities achieve their vision. To learn more, visit www.associaonline.com. Stay Connected: Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/associa Subscribe to the Blog: https://hub.associaonline.com/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/associa Join us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/associa Ashley Cantwell Associa 214-272-4107 acantwell@associaonline.com Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab arrives in Downing Street for talks on the spiralling crisis in the Middle East (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The UK has urged Iran not to carry out further reckless and dangerous attacks after Tehran fired missiles at military bases in Iraq hosting British and US troops. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged Iran to pursue urgent de-escalation as the crisis in the Gulf intensified. The Foreign Secretary calls for urgent de-escalation following an attack on Iraqi military bases https://t.co/PVpInAwJZs Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) January 8, 2020 US President Donald Trump tweeted all is well following the attack on the bases, which was carried out in response to the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani by America. US officials said 15 missiles were fired, with 10 striking the Ain al-Asad base 100 miles west of Baghdad, one striking a base in Irbil in northern Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region, and another four missing their targets. American authorities said casualties were few, if any, while the Ministry of Defence said there were no British casualties. Mr Raab said a war in the Middle East would only benefit the so-called Islamic State also known as Daesh and urged Iran not to respond further. He said: We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting coalition including British forces. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) We are concerned by reports of casualties and use of ballistic missiles. We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation. A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups. Boris Johnson will face MPs in the Commons later for his first Prime Ministers Questions since the general election, following criticism from Labour about his lack of public comments on the crisis. The PM came under fire for his failure to address the Commons on the Iran situation on Tuesday, with Jeremy Corbyn accusing him of hiding behind Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. NCP chief Sharad Pawar will flag off and participate in the yatra being organised by the Rashtra Manch of former Union minister Yashwant Sinha against the new citizenship law, proposed NRC and NPR. READ: Maharashtra: Sharad Pawar Calls NCP Meet After Bhujbal, Ashok Chavan Tussle Over Seating The "Gandhi Shanti Yatra" will commence from the Gateway of India in south Mumbai on January 9 morning and will culminate at the 'Raj Ghat' in Delhi on January 30, the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The NCP made the announcement after Sinha, a former NDA minister, met Pawar in Mumbai on Wednesday. The yatra will pass through Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Harayana and Delhi and cover the distance of over 3,000 kms. "Sharad Pawar will flag off the yatra and also partake in it. NCP workers and office-bearers should take part in the yatra," Maharashtra minister and NCP's Mumbai unit chief Nawab Malik said in a statement. Pawar's NCP is a part of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, which also comprises the Shiv Sena and the Congress. Passing of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which proposes to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, had triggerred protests in many states. The proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) is also being opposed by many parties. Some states like Kerala and West Bengal are also against the National Population Register (NPR). Newlyweds, a toddler and university students returning to their studies were among 138 people travelling to Canada who died Wednesday morning when a Ukrainian passenger plane crashed shortly after taking off from Iran's capital, Tehran. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us In this photo taken on Saturday, May 26, 2018, showing the actual Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 UR-PSR plane that crashed Wednesday Jan. 8, 2020, on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran, seen here as it waits to takeoff at Borispil international airport outside Kyiv, Ukraine. This Ukrainian airplane carrying 176 people crashed on Wednesday shortly after takeoff from Tehran's main airport, killing all onboard, Iranian state TV and officials in Ukraine said. (AP Photo/Oleg Belyakov) Newlyweds, a toddler and university students returning to their studies were among 138 people travelling to Canada who died Wednesday morning when a Ukrainian passenger plane crashed shortly after taking off from Iran's capital, Tehran. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said 138 of the 176 passengers aboard the Kyiv-bound plane had connecting flights to Canada. "A Ukrainian Airlines plane just landed in Toronto from Kyiv," he said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon. "According to the airline, there were 138 passengers who weren't on that flight." A portrait of the people who should have filled those seats began to emerge in the hours following the crash. Universities across Canada lowered flags to half-mast and began mourning faculty members and students, who featured heavily on a passenger list that included at least 63 Canadians. Many of the victims were from Edmonton. Others included a North Vancouver couple, Toronto-area professionals and a family of three from Ajax, Ont. CIBC bank said Evin Arsalani, her husband Hiva and their one-year-old child all died in the crash. More than a dozen students from Canadian universities as well as professors and alumni were confirmed among the crash victims. University of Alberta president David Turpin said several of the school's students were on the plane. "This is a devastating loss for the University of Alberta," he said. "Ours is a closely interconnected community, and we grieve with everyone touched by this terrible loss." Payman Paseyan, a member of the Iranian-Canadian community in Edmonton, said his friend Pedram Mousavi died along with his wife Mojgan Daneshmand and their daughters Daria Mousavi and Dorina Mousavi. The parents were engineering professors at the University of Alberta. "They had two young girls with them. I can't imagine what was going through their mind," said Paseyan. Hossein Saghlitooin, who did his PhD and post-doctorate under Mousavi, said he has known the family for about six years. "I was crying my eyes out. I am not an emotional person, but I know them so much," he said. "It's not just that I was working with them or that he was my boss, he was a friend. He was like a father to me." Several other Canadian schools went through the heartbreaking task Wednesday of determining whether any of their students were aboard the plane. Bodies of the victims of a Ukrainian plane crash are collected by rescue team at the scene of the crash in Shahedshahr, southwest of the capital Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. A Ukrainian passenger jet carrying 176 people crashed on Wednesday, just minutes after taking off from the Iranian capital's main airport, turning farmland on the outskirts of Tehran into fields of flaming debris and killing all on board. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) The University of Toronto confirmed six of its students appeared on the passenger manifest, while the University of Windsor said at least five names on the list were members of its student or research community. Western University, Carleton, York, Waterloo, the University of Guelph, the University of British Columbia, Langara College in Vancouver, the University of Manitoba, Dalhousie University in Halifax and Montreal's Concordia University and Ecole de Technologie Superieure all confirmed students, alumni or faculty were among the dead. The Boeing 737-800 was en route to Ukraine's capital when it went down. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said the plane was carrying 63 Canadians, 82 Iranians, 11 Ukrainian passengers and crew, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans and three Britons. However, the final tally of Canadians could change as more information becomes available about those holding dual citizenship, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said. Trudeau promised the crash would be thoroughly investigated, adding that Champagne would be speaking with Iran's foreign minister. Both Trudeau and Transport Minister Marc Garneau said it was too early to speculate on what caused the crash. Garneau said satellite data appeared to show the plane taking off normally, but it's clear that something "very unusual" happened shortly after. "We cannot speculate at this point, there are a number of possibilities, and we will have to wait to obtain more information," Garneau said. While university students featured prominently in the plane's passenger list, those reported dead hailed from all walks of life. They included a dentist who worked in Aurora, Ont., and her daughter, an employee of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation and a high school student. Northern Secondary School in Toronto held a moment of silence after announcing Grade 10 student Maya Zibaie was among those on board. Some of those on the plane were newlyweds, returning from their weddings. They included Siavash Ghafouri-Azar and Sara Mamani, Montreal-area residents and graduates of Concordia University's mechanical engineering program. Gounash Pirniya, a close friend, said the pair had just gotten married in Iran and had recently bought a house together. "They were successful, kind, honest and hardworking people," Pirniya said. "They were enjoying their life as Canadian citizens." Fareed Arasteh, who was studying biology at Ottawa's Carleton University, had also just gotten married on Sunday, a family member confirmed. Shayesteh Majdnia, a past president of the Iranian Heritage Society of Edmonton, said she was close friends with Shekoufeh Choupannejad, a gynecologist who died along with her two daughters, Saba Saadat and Sara Saadat. Majdnia said she had spoken to Choupannejad's husband, who is still in Iran, for confirmation. "She was the kindest person I had ever met," said Majdnia, speaking about Choupannejad. Several of the victims were on their way home to British Columbia, including a North Vancouver couple in their mid-50s. Firouzeh Madani and Naser Pourshaban were both award-winning physicians in Iran, their niece Sara Hezarkhani said, and they were working towards getting their licenses to practice in Canada. "No words can describe their personalities, their true spirit, the passion that they had for the work," said Hezarkhani. Delaram Dadashnejad, 26, was studying at Langara College to become a dietitian because she was passionate about helping people with their health, said her friend Sia Ahmadi. "She was a very loving and compassionate person with a very kind heart," he said. "I believe the world is not going to be the same place without her." The crash comes in a region where tensions have been running high following the American assassination of a top Iranian general near Baghdad and retaliatory missile attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq. Ukrainian authorities initially said it appeared mechanical failure was to blame for the crash, but later walked that back, saying nothing has been ruled out. Global Affairs Canada warned against any non-essential travel to Iran "due to the volatile security situation, the regional threat of terrorism and the risk of arbitrary detention." The agency said Canadians, particularly those holding dual Canadian-Iranian citizenship, were at risk of being arbitrarily questioned, arrested and detained. The plane, fully loaded with fuel for its 2,300-kilometre flight, slammed into farmland near the town of Shahedshahr on the outskirts of Tehran. Videos show fires lighting up the darkened fields before dawn and rows of body bags laid out along the side of a road. The plane had been delayed from taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport by almost an hour. It never made it higher than 2,400 metres, data from the flight-tracking website FlightRadar24 indicates. It is one of the deadliest air disasters involving Canadians. With files from Salmaan Farooqui, Colin Perkel, Teresa Wright, Liam Casey, Bob Weber, Colette Derworiz, Brenna Owen, Laura Kane and The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2020. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version misspelled the last name of victim Evin Arsalani. Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe The new year brought a crop of new housing laws affecting Southern Californians, including state and local laws that ban landlords from turning away tenants simply because they're using a government-subsidized housing voucher. But a quick search on Craigslist turns up a couple hundred apartment listings in Los Angeles that still use phrases like "No Section 8," a reference to the federal rental assistance program. "That's definitely a violation of this law," said Sasha Harnden, a housing policy advocate at the Western Center on Law & Poverty. He advocated for the passage of the statewide voucher anti-discrimination law, SB-329, which went into effect on Jan. 1. "Any advertisements that are still out there that say 'No Section 8' or 'No Housing Assistance' are a pretty clear violation of this new protection," he said. WHO'S GOING TO ENFORCE? Local governments now face the challenge of enforcing the new rules. The city of Los Angeles has contracted with the nonprofit Housing Rights Center to enforce anti-voucher discrimination laws locally. Executive director Chancela Al-Mansour said, for now, her organization is focused on educating landlords who may not be aware of the new law. But the organization could pursue litigation and help file formal complaints with the state's Department of Fair Employment and Housing if landlords continue to flout the law. "They will be held accountable legally in the future if they do continue to ignore the law and intentionally discourage Section 8 applicants," Al-Mansour said. LANDLORDS 'NEED TO EDUCATE THEMSELVES' Groups representing property owners are now also trying to inform their members about compliance. Daniel Yukelson, executive director of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, said landlords tend to deny Section 8 in L.A. because they find dealing with the city's bureaucracy frustrating and costly. Nevertheless, he said it's now on landlords to comply with the law. "They need to educate themselves," Yukelson said. "Otherwise they're going to get into trouble and that trouble could end up being very costly to them." According to the city's Housing Authority, nearly half of the people getting Section 8 in Los Angeles end up having to forfeit their vouchers because they can't find anyone who will rent to them. Housing advocates hope to see more voucher holders secure housing this year as a result of the new laws. On Wednesday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the world by announcing their plans to step back as senior members of the royal family. By doing so the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may be giving up more than youd expect. After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution, the couple announced in an Instagram post. We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. According to the couple, they plan to split their time between the United Kingdom and North America to continue to honor our duty to The Queen. But the split will also provide them with more normalcy and balance for their son. The couple added, We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support. Story continues However, they dont get to just walk out the door scot-free. Heres everything Prince Harry and Meghan may be giving up in the process. The Couple May Lose Their Titles It would also be perceived as hypocritical for Harry and Meghan to quit their royal duties but hold onto their coveted royal titles, the Canadian news magazine Macleans explained. Harry Could Lose His Place in Line for the Throne Though Harry is now rather far away from ever taking over as King of England (hes currently sixth in line), he will likely now have to give up any chance at all. A voluntary renunciation of royal duties means theyd almost certainly have to give up claims to the throne for Harry and his descendants, including son Archie one cant be completely non-royal and at the same time remain a few heartbeats from the throne, Macleans added. Harry and Meghan May Be Cut Off From Tax-payer Support The British Royal Family makes plenty of its own money, however, the family does receive a solid chunk of change each year from the public thanks to the Sovereign Grant. That grant, the official website for the Royal Family explained, comes from a percentage of the profits of the Crown Estate revenue. From 2017 to 2018 the Royal Family was given about $100 million to continue their official duties, like attending events and going on royal tours. The fund is also used to maintain royal palaces, which are open to the public, as well as to pay staffing costs. It also pays for the royal familys official travels, including both the tours of the South Pacific and Africa that Meghan and Harry took in 2018 and 2019. It even helped partially cover the cost of Prince Harry and Meghans lavish royal wedding. However, if the couple is stepping back from making any official appearances or taking any trips in the name of the monarchy they will no longer receive any of the public funds to do so. That said, People reported that Prince Andrew, who is also stepping back from royal life, will still continue to receive private funds from the Queen, which may also be the case for Meghan and Harry. That said, the couple insinuated they wanted to be financially independent anyway so they may consider this a good thing. %image1 They May Have to Pay Rent for Frogmore Cottage Several other private members of the royal family still live on royal grounds. Both Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice currently pay rent to live on royal land as they are not considered full-time royals, which may soon be the case for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, too. Prince Harry and Meghan May Actually Lose More of Their Precious Privacy The couple has long had a tumultuous relationship with the global press. However, in the United Kingdom, its an unspoken rule that the British press does not take or publish unofficial photos of the royals or their children. But, once Harry and Meghan step back from official royal duties theres no telling what the paparazzi may consider appropriate. As Macleans added, Renouncing their positions as senior royals is not an experiment or a trial separation. If Prince Harry and Meghan decide to abandon their Windsor ways, then they do so knowing that their decision, once made, cant be undone. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Spacecraft could fly to distant stars using sails with surfaces similar to those of CDs and DVDs to help them stay centered on laser beams, a new study finds. Conventional rockets driven by chemical reactions are currently the dominant form of space propulsion. However, they are nowhere near efficient enough to reach another star within a human lifetime. For example, although Alpha Centauri is the nearest star system to Earth, it still lies about 4.37 light-years away, equal to more than 25.6 trillion miles (41.2 trillion kilometers), or more than 276,000 times the distance from Earth to the sun. It would take NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft , which launched in 1977 and reached interstellar space in 2012, about 75,000 years to reach Alpha Centauri if the probe were headed in the right direction (which it's not). The problem with all thrusters that current spacecraft use for propulsion is that the propellant they carry with them has mass. Long trips require a lot of propellant, which makes spacecraft heavy, which, in turn, requires more propellant, making them heavier, and so on. That problem gets exponentially worse the bigger a spacecraft gets. Related: Superfast Spacecraft Propulsion Concepts (Images) Previous research has suggested that "light sailing" might be one of the only technically feasible ways to get a probe to another star within a human lifetime. Although light does not exert much pressure, scientists have long suggested that what little it does apply could have a major effect. Indeed, numerous experiments have shown that "solar sails" can rely on sunlight for propulsion, given a large enough mirror and a lightweight-enough spacecraft. The $100 million Breakthrough Starshot initiative , which was announced in 2016, plans to launch swarms of microchip-size spacecraft to Alpha Centauri, each of them sporting extraordinarily thin, incredibly reflective sails propelled by the most powerful lasers ever built. The plan has them flying at up to 20% the speed of light, reaching Alpha Centauri in about 20 years. One concern with using laser sails is that if they drift out of alignment with the propelling laser beams which will be based here on Earth, at least initially, in Breakthrough Starshot's plan they may veer wildly off course from their targets. Now scientists have designed and tested a new sail that could in principle automatically keep itself centered on a laser beam for the required few minutes, allowing a spacecraft to stay on course for interplanetary or even interstellar journeys. The new sail relies on structures known as diffraction gratings , the most familiar versions of which are seen in CDs and DVDs. A diffraction grating is a surface covered with a series of regularly spaced microscopic ridges or slits that can scatter or diffract light, making different wavelengths or colors of light travel in different directions. A recording on a CD or DVD is encoded in the form of microscopic pits of different lengths that are placed in rows of the same width and equal distances, and laser beams can scan these disks to read their data. These rows form a diffraction grating on the mirror surfaces of CDs and DVDs that can split white light into the many colors that make it up, resulting in the rainbow patterns that one can see on these disks. "If you've ever examined the beautiful play of light from a compact disk, you will have seen the effects of diffraction," study senior author Grover Swartzlander, an optical physicist at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, told Space.com. The researchers built a sail consisting of two diffractive gratings placed side by side. Each grating was made of aligned liquid crystals that were contained in a plastic sheet. Similar liquid crystals are often used in the electronic displays of video screens and digital watches. Previous light sail designs act like mirrors that reflect beams of light back at their sources. In the new design, the liquid crystals in each diffraction grating deflect the light rays at an angle, generating forces that send the sail both backward and sideways. The grating on the left side of the new sail deflects light to the right of the laser beam, whereas the grating on the right side deflects light to the left. If the sail drifts so the laser beam fall on either side of the sail, that pushes the sail back into position with the light falling on the center of the sail. Related: Breakthrough Starshot in Pictures: Laser-Sailing Nanocraft to Study Alien Planets In tests of their experimental sail, the scientists had to detect the microscopic forces the sail generated in response to a laser while distinguishing those forces from disturbances such as building vibrations or air currents. "We were frustrated to find that our measurements were not reliable if the floor sagged from the weight of a small person," Swartzlander said. "Eventually, we found adequate locations and methods of avoiding disturbances." The researchers successfully detected the sail generating re-centering forces that pushed it back into alignment with a laser beam. "It was very satisfying to find that the experimental results agreed with our theoretical predictions," Swartzlander said. "This agreement suggests that we can confidently design more complex diffractive structures for light sails driven by either sunlight or a laser beam." The researchers are now experimenting with sails capable of centering themselves if they drift in any direction, not just left or right. "Interestingly, these may have optical properties very similar to the diffractive nature of compact disks," Swartzlander said. In the future, the researchers suggested, their sails could be tested on the International Space Station or on a small satellite around Earth. They detailed their findings online Dec. 13 in the journal Physical Review Letters. Follow Charles Q. Choi on Twitter @cqchoi . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook . An artists impression of how the bridge could look The architect who first proposed the idea of a bridge linking Northern Ireland and Scotland has said an alternative plan for a tunnel would not be as inspirational. Professor Alan Dunlop - a fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland - also said the idea which would link Northern Ireland to England instead, would see Scotland lose out on any economic benefit. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has championed the plan to bridge Northern Ireland and Scotland as a means to "strengthen the union". However, this week a second proposal was made. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) produced an imaginative plan to physically link Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK with two tunnels with one from England to the Isle of Man, and a second from the Isle of Man to Co Down. ICE argues that although it would be longer than the bridge, it would be cheaper and it would not be at the mercy of bad weather. It would also avoid the problems in spanning Beaufort Dyke, a deep sea trench in the North Channel containing a million tonnes of dumped wartime munitions. The plan is part of a broader list of tunnel projects put forward by the society. Another tunnel has been proposed linking Dublin to Wales - avoiding Northern Ireland and Scotland altogether. Read More Professor Dunlop's bridge plan was inspired by the Oresund Bridge which links Sweden and Denmark two countries that have a shared Nordic cultural heritage and population size similar to Scotland and Ireland. He said a bridge to Scotland would "demonstrate confidence and ambition in our shared futures". The bridge proposal was originally titled the Celtic Crossing, sparked by the idea of a Celtic Powerhouse in Scotland and Ireland," he told the Scottish National newspaper. The notion was to address the continuing centralisation of infrastructure in London and the south of England and to balance the Northern Powerhouse initiative being promoted by the Westminster government at that time, which focused on Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield." Read More Professor Dunlop said the tunnel proposition was "interesting" although argued it could cost the same as building the bridge. I contend that it would not bring economic benefit to Scotland and, in my view, would be much less inspiring." He again urged Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to set aside her differences with Boris Johnson and consider a bridge project. The Scottish Government has said it would "initiate discussions to explore improving connectivity" between the island of Ireland and Scotland, adding it was important "that all options are fully considered". Bill Grose, lead author of the ICE report, told the Sunday Times said a tunnel starting north of Liverpool that surfaced in the Isle of Man and then went back under to reach Belfast "would solve all the problems". The distance from England to the Isle of Man is around 50 miles, and from the Isle of Man to Northern Ireland is just over 30 miles. Professor Dunlop first proposed the idea of a bridge in early 2018 which has been championed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He has proposed two potential routes - one from Larne and Portpatrick (potentially costing around 20bn) or a crossing between the Mull of Kintyrne and Torr Head (potentially costing between 12bn and 15bn). Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he wouldn't dismiss the idea but insisted the UK had to foot the costs. He said "at the very least" a high-level engineering assessment could be carried out into if it was possible. The DUP has also backed the plan while Sinn Fein rejected the idea as "fantasy politics". Transport officials in London have been asked to look at various options for a bridge linking Scotland to Northern Ireland, it was confirmed in the Lords on Tuesday. Baroness Vere of Norbiton cautioned peers not to hold their breath about any quick outcome to the investigations. The issue was raised at Lords question time by Labour former minister Lord Foulkes of Cumnock as peers pressed the minister over repairs to Londons Hammersmith Bridge. Lord Foulkes said: During the general election Boris Johnson pledged to consider building a bridge from Northern Ireland to Scotland even though there are hundreds of tons of explosives in Beauforts Dyke, which were put there supposedly because its a safe place to put them. If the Government cant keep Hammersmith Bridge open how on earth are they going to manage to do that? he demanded, to laughter. Former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn on Wednesday denied all allegations of wrongdoing while leading the Japanese automaker, but he did admit to making at least one mistake during his prominent career. Ghosn, during a more than two-hour news conference in Lebanon, said he regrets not entertaining an offer by the Obama administration to become CEO of General Motors in 2009. "I made mistake. I recognize it today," Ghosn said as part of his first public comments since his November 2018 arrest in Japan and escape last week to Lebanon. "I should have accepted the offer, but I had my beliefs." Obama auto czar Steven Rattner, as detailed in his 2010 book "Overhaul" about the government's auto industry bailout, asked Ghosn if he would "be interested" in leading America's largest automaker. Ghosn said Rattner offered him double his salary to lead GM, however Ghosn was committed to heading the Nissan-Renault Alliance, which in preceding years had separately been in talks with the Detroit automaker as well as then-Chrysler to potentially join the alliance. Ghosn, who simultaneously led three automakers as part of the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance, on Wednesday used the example to illustrate why the depiction of him as a "cold, greedy dictator" in the Japanese media was unfair. "This is not a greedy guy talking. A greedy guy would say, 'Sorry guys, this is business. I'm going to go for my own interest.'" Ghosn said, adding the offer was "very attractive" but the captain of the ship doesn't leave the ship" when it's in need. Rattner, who was not immediately available for comment, wrote that he knew Ghosn's acceptance of the position was a "long shot" and that he "was not surprised when he deftly demurred." Ghosn was awaiting trial in Japan since his November 2018 arrest on charges of financial misconduct and misuse of corporate resources for personal gain when he fled the country last week. He has denied any wrongdoing and said he secretly fled to Lebanon, where he has citizenship, "not to escape justice," but "injustice." Editor's Note: 2020 is expected to be another year of significant uncertainty and turmoil. But the question is what asset will emerge the victor when the dust settles from the global trade war, Brexit, recession threats, negative bond yields. It's a showdown of global proportions, so don't miss all our exclusive coverage on how these factors could impact your 2020 investment decisions. (Kitco News) - Gold and silver prices are near steady in early U.S. futures trading Wednesday, and are way down from their overnight spike highs that were produced by an Iranian missile strike near U.S. troops in Iraq. February gold futures hit a nearly seven-year high of $1,613.30 overnight, while silver scored a more-than-three-month high of $18.895. February gold futures were last down $0.50 an ounce at 1,573.90. March Comex silver prices were last down $0.073 at $18.315 an ounce. Global markets that were open Tuesday evening U.S. time were rocked when Iran launched at least a dozen missiles at military bases in Iraq where U.S. troops were stationed. Iran immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks, which it called hard revenge for the U.S. killing of its leading military general last week. Reports say there are no U.S. casualties. President Trump tweeted all is well and said he would have more to say today. At first blush, it appears the Iranian leadership launched the missiles to appease Iranian citizens who were calling for revenge. However, it also appears Iran did not want to kill Americans which would then likely see a massive U.S. retaliation. Military analysts believe Irans missiles are accurate enough to have inflicted more loss of human life, if thats what Irans leaders wanted. But thats still just speculation. Reports said Iranian officials even warned the U.S. the strikes were coming. Irans leadership did say the missile attacks were proportionate and said they did not want an escalation of the conflict. The wildcard is, how will Trump respond? The marketplace Wednesday morning is acting like this situation will de-escalate from here, at least for the near term. Thats why gold and silver prices have backed well down from their overnight spike highs. Crude oil prices spiked to a nine-month high of $65.65, basis Nymex crude oil futures. U.S. Treasury prices rallied on the initial news, while U.S. stock indexes sold off sharply. However, once it appeared there were no U.S. casualties in the Iranian attack, global markets began to settle down. Asian and European stock markets were weaker overnight. Right now, U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward slightly firmer openings when the New York day session begins. Nymex crude oil prices are trading weaker and around $62.00 a barrel and the U.S. dollar index is modestly up. The other news overnight is the crash of a Ukrainian Boeing 737 jet airliner in Iran that killed over 170 people. Right now, Iranian authorities are saying the cause of the crash is mechanical issues. This plane was not the 737 Max that has been grounded for almost a year. U.S. economic data due for release Wednesday includes the weekly MBA mortgage applications survey, the ADP national employment report, and the weekly DOE liquid energy stocks report. Technically, the gold bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage amid higher volatility. A steep price uptrend is in place on the daily chart. Bulls next upside price objective is to produce a close in February futures above solid resistance at todays high of $1,613.30. That level will be strong chart resistance for the bulls to overcome. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at $1,530.00. First resistance is seen at $1,590.90 and then at $1,600.00. First support is seen at $1,568.00 and then at $1,556.60. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 8.5 March silver futures bulls have the firm overall near-term technical advantage as a four-week-old price uptrend line is in place on the daily bar chart. Silver bulls' next upside price breakout objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at $19.00 an ounce. The next downside price breakout objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $17.50. First resistance is seen at todays high of $18.895 and then at $19.00. Next support is seen at $18.25 and then at $18.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 7.0. A former care worker accused of stabbing 19 people to death in Japan has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Satoshi Uematsu, 29, entered the pleas in connection to one of the country's worst post-war mass killings at a care centre in July 2016. Twenty-six people were injured, 13 severely, before the defendant walked to a nearby police station in Sagamihara, around 50km south east of Tokyo. The court hearing today took a dramatic turn after Uematsu put something in his mouth, struggled with court officials and lay on the floor writhing. Before the interruption, Uematsu's lawyer said Uematsu acknowledged details of the indictment were true, but said he has a psychiatric disorder that led to diminished capacity at the time of the incident. "Mr Uematsu had a psychiatric disability and, as a result, he was not mentally competent," said the lawyer. A calm-looking Uematsu, wearing a navy blue suit, white shirt and tie, and with his hair in a long pony tail, bowed slightly as he entered the courtroom, Japanese media said. Soon after, Uematsu suddenly made motions as if to put something in his mouth, Japanese media said. A Reuters witness saw him struggling with uniformed court officials, writhing on the floor as three of them held him down, before the hearing was abruptly adjourned for about an hour. Once resumed, without Uematsu in attendance, one of his lawyers said his abuse of marijuana led to mental illness, adding: "This has turned him into a different person. As a result, this incident took place." But a prosecutor told the court any potential sentence would have to take into consideration the brutality and scale of the crime, noting that Uematsu had stabbed many victims in the neck. "(The defendant) had the capacity to tell good from bad, and capacity to control his conduct as well," she added. "We will prove he was completely responsible for what he did." Family members of the victims watched from a screened off area of the courtroom. The July 2016 killings at the facility in Sagamihara, southwest of Tokyo, where Uematsu had once worked, shocked the country, as violent crime is rare due to strict gun control. Interest in the trial was intense, with nearly 2,000 people lining up in cold rain for 26 viewing seats, and broadcast trucks lined the streets in front of the courthouse. The violence also sparked debate about the need for change in a society where people with disabilities can still suffer stigma and shame, a situation highlighted by the fact that the families of most of those killed have not revealed their names. One woman on Wednesday told NHK national broadcaster that Uematsu's trial prompted her to change her mind about concealing the name of her daughter, 19 when she was killed. Photos showed the young woman, who was autistic and unable to speak, smiling shyly in a photo taken by her mother soon after she entered the care home, just months before she was killed. "She loved music, she lived as energetically as she could," her mother wrote in the statement carried by NHK, saying she last saw her daughter two days before her death. Washington DC [USA], Jan 8 (ANI): US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Tuesday (local time) held a telephonic conversation with Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani over the missile attacks by Iran targetting two US bases in Iraq and both agreed to stay in 'close touch' amid the escalation of tensions in the Gulf region. "Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo briefed Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani by telephone today to update him on the Iranian missile attacks on Iraqi Air Bases, including in Erbil. The Secretary and Prime Minister Barzani agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Early on Wednesday, Iran launched more than a dozen missiles on US targets in Iraq -- first at the Ain Al-Asad airbase in Anbar province and another one at Erbil, which falls in the Kurdistan region. The strikes came hours after the funeral of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, whose killing in a US air raid has intensified tensions in the region. Meanwhile, Iraq has said that a total of 22 missiles targetted coalition bases, with 17 of them striking the Al-Asad airbase, including two that did not detonate. Five missiles hit the base in Erbil, the military said in a statement citing CNN. No casualties among the Iraqi security forces were reported from the strikes. Iranian state television has claimed that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed. The state media also said that none of the missiles were intercepted, reported Al Jazeera. Iran has threatened to strike inside America if the US responds to the missile attacks. (ANI) Babson College has suspended an employee after he wrote on Facebook that Iran should create a list of U.S. cultural sites to bomb. TB Daily News reported that the post, now since removed, stated Iran should create a list of 52 sites of beloved American cultural heritage that could be bombed in retaliation for the killing of Irans Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani was killed last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad. TB Daily News took a screenshot of the Facebook post. The post listed the Kardashian home and the Mall of America. Babson College condemns any type of threatening words and/or actions condoning violence and/or hate, reads a statement from the college. This particular post from a staff member on his personal Facebook page clearly does not represent the values and culture of Babson College. While we understand he has deleted the posts, we have immediately suspended him, with pay, pending the completion of our investigation. The college said it is cooperating with local, state and federal authorities. The employee, identified by the Boston Herald and the Facebook post reviewed by TB Daily News as Babsons director of sustainability Asheen Phansey, apologized for the post in a statement to the Herald. Phansey said in the statement: I regret my attempt at humor. As an American, born and raised, I was trying to juxtapose our cultural sites with ancient Iranian churches and mosques. He further said he was opposed to violence. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, a national civil liberties organization that defends student and faculty speech rights, said Phanseys post is core political speech. Professor Phanseys Facebook post is core political speech, protected under any principled understanding of freedom of expression," Adam Steinbaugh, director of FIREs Individual Rights Defense Program, said in a statement. "While Babson College is a private institution not bound by the First Amendment, it has committed itself to principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression. By suspending a faculty member due to his private political expression, Babson has betrayed those principles. Iran filed missiles at two Iraqi military bases on Tuesday. The bases housed U.S. troops but it does not appear that any troops were injured. LONDON, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Culture cannot be imposed through a top-down approach it is built by the collective. Within the workplace, good company culture requires buy-in from all employees, from entry-level members of staff right the way up to the C-suite. In an exclusive article for European CEO magazine, Karl-Heinz Oehler, Partner and Managing Director of Denison Consulting Europe , explained that there is now plenty of evidence to suggest that a healthy corporate culture delivers improved financial results. Good performance cannot be sustained by individuals or siloed teams, it comes from the way in which different company functions interact with one another. Almost all CEOs and management teams recognise the importance of building a high-performing culture that is appropriate for their industry, Oehler wrote . They know that employees deliver excellent results if they understand the meaning and purpose of their role and the work they perform. Leadership is not just about building a profitable business it is equally about building meaning and purpose for employees. A good human resources (HR) team is essential for businesses looking to cultivate a culture that gets the most from their human talent. HR should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost because of the way it can support staff retention, improve accountability and boost communication. When businesses recognise the value creation that HR teams can have, they become powerful allies in the search for a culture thats the right fit for your industry, market and employees. To find out more about Denison Consulting and how its solutions can help your company create powerful cultural change, check out an exclusive article in the latest issue of European CEO, available in print, online and on tablet now. www.europeanceo.com World News Media is a leading publisher of quality financial and business magazines, enjoying a global distribution network that includes subscriber lists of prominent and senior decision-makers around the world. SAN DIEGO - January 8, 2020 (Investorideas.com Newswire) GBT Technologies Inc. (OTCPINK: GTCH) ("GBT", or the "Company"), a company specializing in the development of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled networking and tracking technologies, including its GopherInsight wireless mesh network technology platform and its Avant! AI, for both mobile and fixed solutions, announced that it is now working on the development of a new LSTM (Long/Short Term Memory) RNN (Recurrent Neural Network). The new RNN will be based on GBT's upcoming communication IC patent (patent grant expected Q1 2020) with a goal of dramatically expanding its AI-controlled microchip technology platform. GBT targets AI-controlled communications markets which are constantly expanding, and to address this expansion, GBT is designing a new architecture of RNN that is based on a proprietary LSTR (Long/Short Term Memory) algorithm. The new RNN will seek to offer robust training capabilities along with vast computational power. The new RNN is designed to store and distribute vast amounts of information about past and present events efficiently. In addition, its design includes a non-linear flow that allows dynamic status updating of an event, which allows efficient, real-time response. This is particularly important for autonomous vehicles that require vast data analysis in real time. The new system is being designed to rapidly and efficiently learns about events, with the goal of creating a huge amount of possible responses, analyzing for the best one, and implementing it. It is expected that the entire process will last pico-seconds as the system captures the events, generates the knowledge base data, and runs a multi-solution solver in parallel to produce an optimal outcome. The LSTM feature is being designed to enable the RNN to classify and remember an event's data for a long/short time, according to event's significance and impact. The new algorithms are expected to take into account appearing/vanishing factors by using an advanced optimizer that can detect changes with a tiny gradient. The new RNN memory method is being designed to create a dynamic long-short term memory network based on database logistics and multiplicative interactions. The new, expected architecture may include various combination styles designed to work within GBT's GopherInsight communication AI microchip and can be used in a wide variety of applications. The new RNN will be implemented via hardware and software within the Company's communication microchip patent expected in Q1 2020. In addition, it is planned to be an integral part of GBT's future multi-planner microchip technology, which is currently in design with the goal to enable the design of 3D, multi-planner processing components inside a chip. "Our goal is for this new RNN to enable high-capacity, high-speed AI based analytics and data processing, which is crucial for advanced computing for use in autonomous vehicles and similar applications," stated Danny Rittman, GBT's CTO. "As we evolve towards vast, ever-changing conditions, it becomes crucial to be able to build a fast, self-learning, self-training system that is capable of remembering past events for long time. Decisions will have to be taken rapidly based on an event's point of time, importance and priority. "Imagine an autonomous vehicle with ever-changing events. We are developing our new RNN to learn on its own about these events, performing an analysis, evaluate numerous amount of possible solutions, make an optimal decision and executing it. That's is why we are creating a new architecture LSTM hierarchical algorithm in order to enable high-speed, high-capacity data input with point of time consideration. The world of computing has evolved dramatically over the past decade as we generate data at a faster rate than we can analyze it. The new RNN is targeted to be implemented within GBT's microchip's technologies. It's a powerful AI platform targeted to a wide variety of applications including autonomous vehicles, robotics, medicine and civil/military security systems. GBT foresee an on-going development for this new family of RNN algorithms with the goal of creating superior real-time, accurate decision making systems." About GBT Technologies Inc. GBT Technologies Inc. (OTC PINK: GTCH) ("GBT") (http://gopherprotocol.com/) is a development-stage company which considers itself a native IoT creator, developing Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled mobile technology platforms. GBT has a portfolio of Intellectual Property that, when commercialized, will include smart microchips, mobile and security applications and protocols, and supporting cloud software. GBT's system envisions the creation of a global mesh network. The core of the system will be its advanced microchip technology that can be installed in any mobile or fixed device worldwide. GBT envisions this system as a low-cost, secure, private mesh network between any enabled devices, providing shared processing, advanced mobile database management/sharing and enhanced mobile features as an alternative to traditional carrier services. https://www.avant-ai.net - Powered by : About GBT Technologies, S.A. GBT Technologies, S.A., a private Costa Rican corporation (GBT - https://gbttechnologies.com/) is a development-stage company in the business of the strategic management of BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) digital communications processing for enterprises and startups; distributed ledger technology development, AI development and fintech software development and applications. https://aggregatorv2.genesisexchange.io (New Beta Version) Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, governmental and public policy changes, the Company's ability to raise capital on acceptable terms, if at all, the Company's successful development of its products and the integration into its existing products and the commercial acceptance of the Company's products. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release. Contact: Dr. Danny Rittman, CTO GBT Technologies Inc. Media: press@gopherprotocol.com Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. 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More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Global Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market Overview Increase in the number of retail outlets for perishable items has given rise to the global commercial refrigeration equipment market. Market Research Future, a firm which specializes in market reports related to the Consumer and Retail sector among others, recently published a report on this market. The market is set to develop following an exceptional revenue growth with an outstanding CAGR per cent in the forecast period. Development of retail chains and their outlets have led to development of the market at a rapid pace. Development of commercial kitchens where high capacities of refrigeration devices are required has also been of the sources of demand source. Increase in the investment in the sector has caused the sector to branch out towards different applications. Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Industry Segments The market for commercial refrigeration equipment market is segmented based on: Type: Display cases, walk-in coolers, beverages refrigeration, ice-making machineries, parts and others. Display cases and beverage refrigeration devices are the most growing type of this segment. Applications: Hospitals, bars, food service, hotels, and food and beverages preservation. Food service and hotels are the major sector for this industry. End Users: Food manufacturing industries, hyper market and supermarket. Supermarkets are leading the segment in a major way as compared to other end users. Detailed Regional Analysis The market for commercial refrigeration equipment includes regions such as Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world (ROW). The North American market dominates the Global Commercial Refrigeration Equipment industry with the biggest market share, accounting for millions in revenue and is expected to grow tremendously by 2027. The Asia-Pacific has exceeded North America in 2015 to become the largest market for commercial refrigeration equipment and expected to grow at an optimistic CAGR. The European market for Commercial Refrigeration Equipment is expected to grow at an influential CAGR in the forecast period even though the market in Europe is heading towards the maturity. Access Complete Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/global-commercial-refrigeration-equipment-market-831 Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market Competitive Analysis: With companies aiming to capture a considerable share of the market segment as early as possible, experimentation with various advantage points is being seriously considered and implemented. Due to this, the sector is undergoing considerable transformation which has accelerated the growth pace of the sector. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be harnessed by ensuring ongoing process improvements and maintaining financial flexibility to invest in the optimal strategies. The industry players in the segment are effectively utilizing their primary resources to initiate long lasting growth changes. A trend of volume-driven growth has been observed in the market of late with the development of different varieties of product types. The prominent companies that are involved in industry are United Technologies Corporation, Hussmann Corporation, AB Electrolux, Frigoglass S.A.I.C to name a few. Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Industry Updates: Jan 2018 Filta Group Holdings has recently sold its refrigeration and HVAC maintenance and repair business to Scotia Cooling Solutions. Filta group who is into providing services to commercial kitchens, stated that the sale is for a cash consideration up to 125,000 and comprises Filta Refrigerations net assets of 99,719 and additional payments relating to finance leases. Scotia Cooling Solutions which is a Livingston-basedcompany has also taken on all refrigeration and HVAC related engineers, vehicles and current contracts. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, said she is monitoring the situation after Iran launched several missiles targeting U.S. troops in Iraq, she tweeted late Tuesday afternoon. "We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding Iran cease its violence," Pelosi said in the message. "America & world cannot afford war," she said. A statement from the U.S. Department of Defense said that at about 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time Tuesday Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq. The missiles targeted two Iraqi military bases at Al-Assad and Irbil. Defense department officials said they are working to assess the damage. The attack by Iran is likely retaliation for President Donald Trump's decision to kill Iranian Quds Force Cmdr. Qasem Soleimani at Baghdad International Airport early this month. Trump said Soleimani was a terrorist. Tuesday evening Pacific Time Trump tweeted, "All is well! He confirmed the attack by Iran and said, "So far, so good!" The president said he will be making a statement Wednesday morning. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, said Trump's decision to kill Soleimani was "reckless military action." "This is the result," Lee said and she called on all parties to "halt the violence." Trump, she said, "Should work with our allies to find a path to de-escalate." The president said on Friday that Soleimani was plotting attacks on U.S. diplomats and military personnel before the airstrike at the airport killed him. Pelosi warned last Thursday that the airstrike might result in more violence. She said the president carried out the strike without consulting Congress. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SOLVAY, N.Y. -- The mayor of Solvay fired a code inspector after the inspector repeatedly raised concerns about a pair of tenants who are friends with the mayor. The inspector, Chuck Callura, said he blew the whistle on shoddy code enforcement practices and a pair of squatters who had destroyed a landlords house. Mayor Derek Baichi fired Callura hours after Callura sent Baichi pictures of the ruined house. Baichi said Calluras claims arent true, but couldnt discuss Calluras dismissal. The tenants Lisa Ligoci and William Ekstrand were charged with animal cruelty at their previous house for leaving a pig unattended for weeks. The pig destroyed that property. At their next home, they went five months without paying rent, according to the landlord, then abandoned the house. The landlord told police they loosened some pipes before leaving and left garbage and cat feces everywhere. The landlord said the damage cost him $20,000 and months of hassles. Ligoci and Ekstrand are supporters of Mayor Baichi. At a public meeting last year, Baichi defended their efforts to raise money to fix up a local park, despite concerns from board members that they werent doing it properly. Hes appeared in Facebook videos with Ekstrand. He shut down a trustee who tried to speak on behalf of the landlord at a public meeting last year. Ligoci said the mayor gave her young daughter a shoulder to cry on as the couple went through a housing ordeal. After firing the code inspector, Baichi put Ligoci and Ekstrand on the villages codes committee, despite objections from a trustee. That means they sit on the committee that is tasked with writing housing codes. Callura and the tenants former landlord are appalled by that, since they say the two are notorious for destroying the properties they live in. Baichi said hes willing to put anyone on a village committee if they show interest and if they ask. Hed like to encourage participation in local government, he said at a village board meeting Tuesday. The ruckus over the ruined house and the fired inspector is the latest in a series of chaotic incidents and petty squabbles that have destabilized Solvay government over the last year. Those include a police chief suspended for two months with no given reason, a series of outbursts by the mayor at public meetings and a general lack of decorum during public business. On the surface, its another screwy tale of shenanigans among Solvays leadership. But this case lays bare claims of serious misconduct and potentially criminal behavior. There are claims that officials illegally intervened in a housing dispute then destroyed documents and fired a public servant who questioned their actions. Callura, the fired inspector, has hired a lawyer and is trying to get his job back. Hes also gotten the attention of the state code divisions oversight bureau, which has begun probing missing information on Solvays codes protocols. The landlord and others have gone to the district attorney with their claims. *** Chris Schlosser bought the home at 119 Summit Ave. in April 2019. He inherited its two tenants: Ligoci and Ekstrand. He said the previous owner had warned him that the pair were problematic and often didnt pay rent. He also knew their history with the pig. Before they moved into the Summit Avenue house, Ligoci and Ekstrand were arrested on animal cruelty charges at their previous house on Hall Avenue. Theyd left a 200-pound pig in the house, unsupervised, for three weeks, according to Solvay police. The pig urinated and defecated throughout the house and was found eating the floors. The animal was turned over to a shelter, according to a report at the time from NewsChannel9. Schlosser said he bought the house at 119 Summit Ave. with plans to oust the tenants and remodel the house. Schlosser said the pair were irresponsible tenants, but he offered them 90 days to find a new place to live so that he could renovate the house. He was trying to be lenient, he said, because he was afraid they might ruin his house, too. After about two months, Schlosser said, the couple stopped paying rent. He eventually gave them a notice of eviction. That kicked off a five month nightmare, he said, during which he felt the mayor was delaying his efforts to remove the delinquent tenants. In July, Ligoci and Ekstrand changed the locks at the house and stopped paying rent altogether, Schlosser said. That same month, Solvay Electric threatened to shut off the power at the Summit Avenue house because of an outstanding balance. Solvay has municipal power, which is overseen by the village. Code Inspector Anthony Alberti called Schlosser and asked him to put the power in Schlossers name. The landlord said no, since he hadnt been able to do a safety inspection and he wanted the tenants gone. The power stayed on anyway. In a letter to the state, Ray Fougnier, a village trustee, said the mayor intervened to keep the power on, despite safety concerns like a leak in the upstairs bathroom that had rotted through the ceiling. Schlosser was outraged. He wanted to know how the power was kept on without a passing code inspection. Schlosser submitted a Freedom of Information Law request to see the code violations on the property and any complaints from the tenants. Rather than send him the documents, the village responded with a three-page summary written by Alberti. In that summary, Alberti says he did a code inspection and found one smoke detector didnt work, but that the property wasnt in bad enough condition to remove the tenants. Alberti alludes to written code violations, but none were provided in response to the Freedom of Information request. Callura said he tried to pull the file on the house to look at its history, but it was empty. He said thats highly unusual, especially for a house with a known history of violations. He believes the file was intentionally removed or destroyed after the power was wrongfully kept on. Fougnier, the village trustee, agrees with Callura. He wrote a letter to the states code oversight bureau alleging village hall was flouting the rules to protect the tenants. We think this is misconduct and a coverup, he wrote. Schlosser wrote a letter to the Solvay board after that incident. A trustee read about half the letter at a meeting in October before the mayor said hed reached his time limit and ordered him to stop. In the letter, Schlosser said the mayor was pulling favors for Ekstrand and Ligoci to keep the power on. Baichi called the claim ridiculous, then banged his gavel and asked to move on. At the same meeting, Ligoci spoke on the mayors behalf, thanking him for supporting her when she lived at the house with the pig. On Nov. 29, after five months spent trying to evict the couple, Schlosser got a text from Ekstrand saying the house was vacant and the key was in the mailbox. Schlosser and Callura went to the house the next morning to take a look. They found the place ruined. Windows were broken. There was trash strewn throughout the house. A leaking pipe in the bathtub had torn a hole in the living room ceiling. Photos from Schlosser and Callura document the extent of the damage. Schlosser said the damage was done on purpose. He hired a plumber to fix the pipe and the plumber said it had been intentionally loosened. Schlosser found a pipe wrench on the floor next to the bathroom, he said. The tenants had used the attic as a litter box for their cat, Schlosser said. The basement was filled with water and worse. The place was filthy, Callura said. There was feces in the basement. Schlosser called Solvay police to file a report. He estimated there was $20,000 worth of damage to the house. Both he and Callura gave sworn statements to Solvay police detailing the entire saga at Summit Avenue. On Monday, Dec. 2, Callura said, he emailed pictures of the house to the mayor, hoping for some action against the tenants. I wanted him to see it for himself, Callura said. Baichi asked Callura to come to the mayors office. When Callura arrived, the mayor was there with two village police officers, Callura said. The mayor told him he was fired. The officers escorted him to his desk to collect his things. It was humiliating, Callura said. He didnt even give me a reason. Baichi said he wouldnt discuss Callura. He added, however, that Calluras claims of a retaliatory firing were false. He said he wasnt familiar with the situation at 119 Summit Ave. and generally has nothing to do with codes issues. After speaking with the village attorney, he sent a reporter a statement: Our legal department reviewed what was told to me by you and have advised all protocol was followed completely and legally, he said. Any further information must remain confidential due to personnel policies of the village. Callura sent a lengthy complaint to the state Division of Building Standards and Codes. He outlined the missing file, the request to have Schlosser put the power in his own name and his firing as part of a pattern of corruption by the mayor. He said the mayor willfully ignored code violations and bent the rules to help Ligoci and Ekstrand. It wasnt Calluras first complaint to the state. He had previously reached out to notify state officials that Alberti wasnt certified as a code inspector. (Callura had to take a six-week class to get certified when he was hired.) He thinks that got him in the mayors dog house. A state inspector sent Baichi a letter saying the village hadnt provided proper documentation for its code inspectors nor had it filed reports on annual fire inspections. After two weeks, Baichi hadnt responded, prompting the state to ask again. A spokeswoman for the state codes division said the New York Department of State is reviewing Calluras complaint. Reached Monday, Alberti said he could not discuss the house and directed a reporter to the codes director, Dave Balcer. Balcer said he would not answer any questions about Callura or the Summit Avenue house and directed a reporter to the mayor. Neither Ligoci nor Ekstrand responded to requests for comment for this story. A reporter tried to speak with Ekstrand at a village board meeting Tuesday. Ekstrand said he had nothing to say then became angry and threatened to call the police because he said he was being harassed. After six years of managing property in Solvay, Schlosser said hes getting out of town. Hes already sold three properties and is under contract on another, he said. Hes trying to sell the Summit Avenue house, too, and will likely lose money on it. I went through five months of hell, he said. "I just basically got ran out of Solvay... I want nothing more to do with that village. Chris Baker is a public affairs reporter for syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Contact him via email at cbaker@syracuse.com or follow him on Twitter. Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. New Parkson Corporation Website Our new website is indicative of our plans to continue investing in the future." Parkson Corporation is pleased to announce the relaunch of its newly designed website in conjunction with its 60-year anniversary celebration. The new website was created as part of a larger initiative to continuously advance and invest in the technologies offered and customer experience provided. This builds off more recent initiatives such as the launch of new in-channel screening products and creation of the Parkson University educational video series. The user experience is very important, so the website is designed to be mobile-friendly and easier for the customer to quickly find any needed information. New to the website is a section on Our Brands, which includes information on Parkson owned technologies and companies. Included are Hycor screening products, FilterONE USA aftermarket parts and services, and the most recently acquired Meurer Research, Inc., based out of Golden, CO. Additionally, an enhanced Parts & Services section includes information on FilterONE, Parksons Water Research Facility (which offers lab and pilot testing), and other aftermarket parts and services. Visitors will also find it easy to read through product pages with a newly designed Features & Benefits section specific to each product. One other change includes a literature page and video page that can easily be filtered through by type of literature, video or product. Our new website is indicative of our plans to continue investing in the future, said Brian Frewerd, Director of Marketing and Portfolio Management. As the year progresses, Parkson will be introducing step-change improvements to existing technologies while simultaneously launching new products and services in line with our mission of providing our customers with unparalleled value. Needless to say, our 60th year is going to be an exciting year! Visit http://www.parkson.com to explore the new website. For any inquiries or additional information, contact Lydia Ebert at marketingfl@parkson.com. About Parkson Corporation: Parkson Corporation, with offices in Fort Lauderdale, FL; Chicago, IL; Kansas City, MO; and Golden, CO, is a supplier of equipment and solutions for potable water, process water, and industrial and municipal wastewater applications. Parkson designs, engineers, assembles and manufactures the products it sells into the municipal and industrial wastewater segments. Its factories and warehouses are located throughout the U.S. The company was founded in 1960 and celebrates its 60th year in business in 2020. Parkson Corporation has been owned by Axel Johnson Inc. since 1967. The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar on Wednesday reached the Union HRD ministry for a meeting with the secretary to discuss about the violence on Sunday when a mob ransacked the university campus leaving many students and teachers injured. The HRD officials took stock of steps taken to restore normalcy on the campus. This morning met Shri Amit Khare and Shri GC Hosur at MHRD and briefed them on the steps being taken at JNU to bring normalcy. All efforts are being made to facilitate winter semester registration for willing students and a conducive environment for their academic pursuits, Kumar tweeted after the meeting. This morning met Shri Amit Khare and Shri GC Hosur at MHRD and briefed them on the steps being taken at JNU to bring normalcy. All efforts are being made to facilitate winter semester registration for willing students and a conducive environment for their academic pursuits. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar (@mamidala90) January 8, 2020 Earlier on Monday, the university had submitted its report on Sundays violence to the HRD ministry. The report has factual accounts of whatever came in our knowledge through our security officials, JNU Vice-Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar had told the media on Tuesday. Reacting on a news report saying that JNU administration had suggested the HRD ministry to temporarily shut down the campus after Sundays violence, the universitys Rector 1 Chintamani Mahapatra said, We have not made any such recommendation to the ministry. JNU Students Union (JNUSU) will also hold a press conference today. The union will continue its strike for the 72nd day on Wednesday. We will give details of the violence unleashed on the campus on Sunday, the JNUSU said. It has been protesting the administrations decision to hike the fees. Actor Deepika Padukone visited JNU on Tuesday evening to extend her solidarity with the students who got injured in violence. She had met JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh. Meanwhile, a fact-finding team constituted by the Congress party is also likely to visit the campus to gather details on Sundays incident. On Sunday, a violent mob entered the JNU campus and attacked students and teachers. More than 30 persons, including Ghosh, were injured in this violent attack. Police is yet to make any arrest in the case. Protectionist policies are, on the surface, attractive. Through state means, they promise to protect industries and workers as well as boost a countrys industrial production. But like most top-down solutions, theres a catch; the government has a knowledge deficiency. No one knows what technological innovation or entrepreneurial insight will upend the present economic landscape in Americaor any other country, explains Samuel Gregg in an article in Law & Liberty. Nor can such developments be anticipated by economic nationalist policies. Evidence proves that when protectionist policies are implemented and a country is shielded from competition, this will impede a countrys ability to adapt to changes in an industry, likely resulting in economic loss down the road. By examining the past results of economic nationalist policies in various countries, Gregg shows how supposed solutions like tariffs and subsidies have hurt nations. Negative repercussions of protectionist policies can be seen in France, Japan and the United States: A prime example is the Smoot-Hawley 1930 Tariff Act. In Peddling Protectionism: SmootHawley and the Great Depression (2011), Irwin demonstrates that increasing tariffs on over 20,000 imports not only resulted in higher prices for American consumers during the Great Depression; it also provoked retaliation against America, thereby hurting those American businesses which produced for foreign markets. As a consequence, Irwin states, Americas share of world trade fell sharply in the 1930s. Gregg does address issues of trade with authoritarian governments, such as China: By all means, America should confront authoritarian mercantilist states like China that, among other things, steal intellectual property and routinely violate WTO rules. A concern for free trade, not to mention justice, demands aggressive action in these areas, he says. In the long-term, however, economic nationalism damages the common good of those countries which embrace it. Thats the paradox which economic nationalists need to address. Read: How economic nationalism hurts nations 1.7k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Iran has launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house U.S. troops, NBC News is reporting on Tuesday. According to Courtney Kube of NBC News, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. forces and coalition forces in Iraq. It remains to be seen whether the attacks on the military bases have resulted in any casualties. Video: Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at two bases in Iraq that house U.S. troops. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/NJp531vqCL PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) January 8, 2020 Kube reported: The Pentagon, U.S. military is acknowledging that Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. forces and coalition forces in Iraq. This is what weve been waiting to here is exactly what the nature of this attack in Iraq was against al-Asad airbase in western Iraq. A dozen ballistic more than a dozen ballistic missiles. And theyre saying they were launched against excuse me, from Iran targeting two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military, not just at al-Asad but also in Erbil. This is a much more serious attack in the fact that a missile versus a rocket does a lot more damage, so the fact that these were actually not the kind of more crude rocket attacks that weve seen against the U.S. and Iraqis inside of Iraq in recent days and weeks really ratchets this up a notch there. Any attack on American troops is troubling, but what is unfolding in Iraq is likely just the beginning. As Courtney Kube added on Tuesday, Theres Iranian state media who are saying that this is the beginning of a larger, coordinated attack. Video: Courtney Kube of NBC News reports that the rocket attack on a military base in Iraq could be just the beginning of Irans response to the U.S. killing of Qasem Soleimani. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/OZ4dLpGhsK PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) January 8, 2020 Trumps strategy in the Middle East is unraveling For three years, Donald Trump has made one reckless move after the next to undo Barack Obamas foreign policy. As a result, the region has become more unstable, Iran has become more aggressive and the world is less safe. This is only the beginning of what looks to be a growing crisis in the Middle East for which Donald Trump is singlehandedly responsible. Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter The head of Libya's internationally recognised government Fayez al-Serraj will meet Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Wednesday evening, an Italian government source, said as efforts to agree a ceasefire build. During the day, Conte met Khalifa Haftar, the eastern commander whose Libyan National Army (LNA) militia forces have been fighting troops of Serraj's Government of National Accord (GNA), as both Russia and Turkey called for a ceasefire. Search Keywords: Short link: A middle-aged man from Nairobi was on Tuesday, January 7, arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on allegations that he verbally abused a female trader at Maasai Market, Kenya. The suspect, David Kigoma Onguyi, who was charged with creating disturbance in a manner likely to cause breach of peace, is alleged to have insulted Nyaboke [other names withheld] on January 5, 2020 at the Maasai Market, where she runs a Maasai curio shop. Onguyi allegedly told Nyaboke: Wewe ni mchafu, na hauna suruali. Na kama uko nayo, najua imetoboka. Kisha, tafuta tissue utumie kujipanguza ukienda kukojoa (You are dirty, and I know that you do not wear underwear. And, even if you have worn one today, I am sure it is torn. And again, remember to use tissue paper to wipe yourself clean after answering the short call of nature). Onguyi, a porter-cum-menial worker at the market, is said to have, thereafter, threatened to beat up Nyaboke. The alleged series of insults began after Nyaboke is said to have asked Onguyi to settle a Ksh500 debt that he owed her. The accused, the court was told, took a customer to Nyabokes shop on December 19, 2019, where she bought goods worth Ksh500. The said-customer gave Onguyi the money, and asked him to hand it over to Nyaboke. Onguyi, however, declined to give Nyaboke the money, promising to settle the debt later in the day. Subsequent attempts by Nyaboke to have Onguyi settle the debt bore no fruit. On January 5, 2020, Onguyi surged to Nyabokes shop, where he allegedly hurled the said-expletives, claiming that Nyabokes genitals were stinking. Onguyi made the remarks as other traders in the market and customers watched in disbelief. Nyaboke, thereafter, reported the incident at the KICC Police Station, leading to the arrest of the suspect. Onguyi denied the charges before Senior Resident Magistrate Mothoni Nzibe, and was released on a Ksh10, 000 cash bail. Nzibe set January 21, 2020 as the case hearing date. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Did you get a chance to see your local Santa Claus this year? If so, how did he seem? Was he excited to mingle with kids and kids-at-heart, or was he bored out of his mind? Was his Ho ho ho! heartfelt, or did his festive greeting fall flat? If you pay close attention, you can spot the subtle differences between the so-so Santas who only do it for a paycheck and the cheerful Saint Nicks who genuinely love what they do. While there are hundreds of Santa gigs around the world each year, the best Santas know it takes more than rosy cheeks and a fuzzy suit to make childrens eyes sparkle with Christmas magic. Thats why the most dedicated Kris Kringles go to Santa School. You did know theres a Santa School, right? Think of it like a CUNA Council Conference, but for jolly old elves who like to network and swap tips and tricks of their yuletide trade. Last year, 40 students boarded an Alaskan cruise ship and attended School4Santas, also known as the International University of Santa Claus. Believe it or not, even though Santa School is specialized and seasonal, it teaches sales and marketing tips that have the potential to boost your credit unions service levels all year long. Here are just a few: 1. You need to be able to adapt your experience to match the customers needs. A Hollywood Santa appearing on stage with celebrities needs to conduct himself very differently than a local mall Santa interacting with young children. The more Santa tailors his style to his clients, the more likely he is to be hired again the following year. The same goes for your credit unions frontline. Training them to speak to every member the same will guarantee they consistently lose at least half of their audience. Teach them how to observe people and communicate authentically based on each members personality and current mindset. Remember: No matter how much the product or service may benefit them, an upset member whos having a bad day doesnt want to be cross-sold. , ' ' | Filmibeat Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra recently unveiled the trailer of his upcoming film titled Shikara. Dedicated to his mother, the film is based on the hardships of Kashmiri pandits that were exiled from Kashmir Valley back in 1990s. As the film talks about violence and hatred, Vidhu Vinod Chopra also talked about the JNU attack during the launch. When asked to comment on the recent attacks at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus, Vidhu Vinod Chopra said, "I condemn all violence. And I am not just saying it because everyone else is, I have made a film on it. Shikara is about the hate crime that happened 3 decades ago and the story is still relevant for today's time. We are experiencing it again and the film's message, "When hate is all that is left, love is your only weapon." I truly believe this. I am saying the same things that I did 30 years back and it is still important." Many actors have come forward to condemn the violence in JNU. Alia Bhatt, Swara Bhaskar, Anurag Kashyap and more shared their opinion on social media while others like Taapsee Pannu, Richa Chadha, Zoya Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor and others took part in the protests happening on Mumbai streets. Bollywood star Deepika Padukone also visited the JNU campus to express her solidarity with the students. On the film front, Shikara is a homage to Vidhu Vinod Chopra's mother, who also had to leave her house in Kashmir during the exile and settle in Mumbai. The film stars debutantes, Aadil Khan and Sadia. Produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra Films and Fox Star Studios, Shikara will release on February 7, 2020. AR Rahman On Shikara: People Moved On From Hitler And Hiroshima, It's Time For India To Heal Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 00:54:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang Wednesday made arrangements for ensuring that government departments and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) clear their arrear payments to private firms and small and medium-sized enterprises, and required that resolute efforts be made to see the work through. Clearing payment arrears owed to private and small businesses bears on the market economic order, business environment and market expectations. Government's credibility is also at stake. It was noted at the meeting that by the end of last year, some 75 percent of the more than 890 billion yuan (about 128 billion U.S. dollars) of such arrears identified nationwide had been paid up, exceeding the original target of making no less than half of the arrear payments in 2019. The meeting urged redoubled efforts to see that due responsibilities be effectively fulfilled and that by the end of this year, all undisputed arrears be cleared as much as possible. Where dispute exists, the arrears problem should be addressed more efficiently through mediation, consultation and judicial means, and there must be no new arrears incurred. "Strong efforts have been made in clearing such payment arrears and progress has been made in this regard. Yet the government shall still not let up work on this front. A major part of overdue payments are owed by government authorities and state-owned enterprises to private, small businesses," Li noted. "This has made ill impact to government credit, to our business environment and market confidence, as well as to people's lives." It was decided at the Wednesday meeting that government departments at all levels must make concrete plans, down to each item and each category, for paying up the outstanding undisputed arrears. Those with large sums of arrears will be subject to the oversight and scrutiny by dedicated task forces. Provincial governments shall shoulder chief responsibility for the repayment work in their provinces. They will coordinate the effort in formulating plans for subordinate cities and counties which are unable to meet the repayments. Large SOEs must take holistic measures in their subsidiary companies to make sure that the repayment tasks are completed. The meeting urged effective implementation of the regulation on ensuring wage payments to migrant workers and establishment of an inter-agency mechanism for resolving the arrears issue, especially wages owed to migrant workers. Intensified efforts will be made with a focus on wage arrears to migrant workers in government-invested projects. Going forward, sufficient funds must be set aside in all construction projects to ensure that wage payments to migrant workers are made on time and in keeping with the contractual terms. In particular, no government departments, SOEs or public institutions should, for whatever reason, owe migrant workers wages. The SOEs will be urged to strengthen internal discipline for meeting payments on time, make the control and clearing of due payments part of their internal evaluation. No repayments shall be made in commercial bills or other non-monetary forms without the consent of the recipients. The meeting also required the issuing of a regulation regarding timely payments to small and medium-sized enterprises. Governments at all levels must tighten their belts, practice frugality and live within their means. No government-invested project without solid funding will be approved. Irregularities such as implementing projects outside the budget plan, starting construction before getting approval, or asking construction entities to make advance payments, will be seriously dealt with. "We must establish a long-term mechanism to prevent arrears by government departments and SOEs. New government officials must not disavow obligations undertaken by their predecessors. All undisputed arrears must be paid off by the end of this year," Li said. Zara and Mike Tindall at the 2020 Magic Millions on Australia's Gold Coast yesterday Zara Tindall was today banned from driving for six months after she was caught speeding at 91mph in her Land Rover near her home in the Cotswolds. Princess Anne's 38-year-old daughter received the ban in Cheltenham today under the 'totting up' procedure because she already had nine penalty points on her licence from previous motoring offences over the past three years. Magistrates imposed four points today for the equestrian's latest offence - and then imposed the mandatory six-month ban for exceeding 12 points, following three previous offences in February 2017, February 2018 and December 2018. These were for speeding, a fixed penalty offence and a traffic signal penalty. Land Rover told MailOnline it would stand by Mrs Tindall as an equestrian ambassador, but said: 'Land Rover does not condone any form of speeding.' Mrs Tindall, wife of former England rugby player Mike Tindall, who lives near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, did not attend court because she is currently in Australia. Through her lawyer, the Queen's eldest granddaughter pleaded guilty to driving in excess of 70mph on the A417 at Dartley Bottom in Daglingworth near Cirencester on November 6 last year. Police often operate a speed trap on a lay-by at Dartley Bottom - a long, straight stretch of the Gloucester-Cirencester road, and catch hundreds of drivers a year. Mrs Tindall drives her Range Rover to a polo match at Cirencester Park on May 25, 2018 Zara Tindall during the world premiere of the all-new Land Rover Discovery at Packington Hall park in Birmingham on September 28, 2016 Barry Warburton, representing Mrs Tindall, told the court he had been instructed to speak on her behalf because she is abroad. He emphasised to the magistrates that in law Mrs Tindall should therefore not be deemed by the court to be absent from the proceedings. Zara Tindall's four motoring offences which led to the ban today were: February 12, 2017 - Speeding, three penalty points February 15, 2018 - Fixed penalty offence, three points December 24, 2018 - Traffic signal penalty, three points November 6, 2019 - Speeding, three points Advertisement He said: 'I've advised Mrs Tindall not to drive from today in Australia as any driving ban in the UK would affect her insurance in Australia.' Prosecutor Farley Turner said: 'Because Mrs Tindall already has nine points on her licence she was unable to accept a fixed penalty for this offence.' Roger Utley, chairman of the bench, announced that the court was also fining Mrs Tindall 666 plus costs and a victim surcharge of 151 - making a total to pay of 817. Asked whether Mrs Tindall's ban affects her role as an ambassador for the company, a Land Rover spokesman told MailOnline today: 'While Land Rover does not condone any form of speeding, Land Rover will continue its association with Zara Tindall as an equestrian ambassador.' Mrs Tindall rides a horse on Surfers Paradise beach during the 2020 Magic Millions yesterday Mike Tindall (left), Zara Tindall (right) and their daughter Mia Grace Tindall (centre) attend the Christmas Lunch hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace on December 18 last year Mrs Tindall became an official ambassador for the brand in 2006, strengthening its royal connections. The Queen is thought to have had no fewer than 30 Land Rovers, while they are also driven by all of the Queen's children and most of her grandchildren - as well as the Duchess of Cambridge's family. Mrs Tindall became the first person to be given the keys to a Range Rover Evoque in 2011 and has presented a women's scholarship, for training in engineering, sponsored by the firm. The company also sponsors her equestrian competitions each year. In January 2009, her husband Mike was banned from driving for three years and fined 500 for his second drink-drive offence. Mrs Tindall appeared on Top Gear in June last year, with her husband, becoming the first member of the Royal Family to appear on the BBC motoring show She was caught speeding on the A417 at Dartley Bottom in Daglingworth near Cirencester (file) He was pulled over on the M4 motorway in Berkshire on March 15, 2008 as he was on his way to Twickenham to commentate on Englands Six Nations game against Ireland. The day before, he had been at the races in Cheltenham with Mrs Tindall, where he had been drinking beer and champagne. The player was also disqualified for 16 months in 2000 over a previous drink-driving incident. Mrs Tindall appeared on Top Gear in June last year, with her husband, becoming the first member of the Royal Family to appear on the BBC motoring show. NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Globo Comunicacao e Participacoes S.A. (the "Company" or "Globo") today announced that it has commenced a cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase any and all of the outstanding 4.875% Senior Notes due 2022 as set forth in the table below (the "Notes"). Title of Security CUSIP / ISIN Nos. Outstanding Principal Amount Issuer Consideration 4.875% Senior Notes due 2022 37957T AH4 US37957TAH41 }$300,000,000 Globo Comunicacao e Participacoes S.A. $1,053.75(1) P47773 AL3 USP47773AL38 (1) Per $1,000 principal amount of Notes and excluding accrued and unpaid interest from the applicable last interest payment date, which will be paid in addition to the Consideration, up to the Any and All Settlement Date, which is expected to be on January 23, 2020. The Tender Offer is made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase dated today and a related Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (collectively, and each as amended and supplemented from time to time, the "Offer Documents"), which set forth the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer will expire at 8:30 a.m. New York City Time on January 16, 2020, unless extended or earlier terminated (such time and date, as the same may be extended, the "Expiration Time"). Holders of Notes must validly tender and not validly withdraw their Notes at or prior to the Expiration Time to be eligible to receive the Consideration, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the Any and All Settlement Date, which is expected to be on January 23, 2020. Tendered Notes may be withdrawn at or prior to the earlier of (a) the Expiration Time or (b) if the Tender Offer is extended, the 10th business day after commencement of the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer for the Notes is conditioned upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the receipt by the Company of net proceeds from one or more new debt financings on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Company in an amount, together with other available sources of cash, that is sufficient to pay (i) the Consideration in respect to all the Notes (regardless of the actual amount of Notes tendered) and (ii) estimated fees and expenses relating to the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum amount of Notes being tendered. The Company has retained Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc. and Santander Investment Securities Inc. to serve as the Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer. Questions regarding the Tender Offer should be directed to Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC at 212-357-1452 (collect) or 800-828-3182 (toll free), Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc. at 212-710-6749 (collect) and Santander Investment Securities Inc. at 212-940-1442 (collect) or 855-404-3636 (toll free). The Company has also retained D.F. King & Co., Inc. to serve as the Information and Tender Agent for the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer is being made pursuant to the terms and conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase and Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, copies of which may be obtained from D.F. King & Co., Inc. New York: 212-269-5550 (Banks and Brokers) or 800-330-5897 (toll free), or via [email protected]. Copies of the Offer to Purchase and Notice of Guaranteed Delivery are also available at the following web address: www.dfking.com/globo. This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any Notes in the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer is being made only by, and pursuant to the terms of, the Offer Documents. The Tender Offer is not being made in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. None of Globo, the information and tender agent, the dealer managers or the trustee, nor any of their affiliates, makes any recommendation as to whether holders should tender or refrain from tendering all or any portion of their Notes in response to the Tender Offer. None of Globo, the information and tender agent, the dealer managers or the trustee, nor any of their affiliates, has authorized any person to give any information or to make any representation in connection with the Tender Offer other than the information and representations contained in the Offer Documents. About Globo Globo is the largest media group in Brazil and controls the leading broadcast television network and the leading pay-TV programmer in Brazil, as well as a diversified group of music content companies. Globo has a strong presence in the digital content and multi-platform content distribution business. Globo is indirectly owned by, and is under the leadership of, the Marinho family, whose interests in Brazilian broadcast television date back to 1965 when TV Globo began broadcasting from Rio de Janeiro under the leadership of Mr. Roberto Marinho. This communication includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding expectations as to the completion of the transactions contemplated by the Tender Offer. The forward-looking statements contained herein involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. More information about Globo and other risks related to Globo are detailed in Globo's most recent information available on its investor relations website (see below). Globo does not undertake an obligation to update forward-looking statements. Globo maintains an Internet website at http://globoir.globo.com . Globo uses its website as a channel of distribution of material company information to holders of the Notes. Financial information regarding Globo is posted quarterly in the "restricted area" section of the website at http://globoir.globo.com. Globo's website and the information posted on it or connected to it shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this communication. Additional factors that may affect future results and conditions are described in Globo's financial reports, which are available at Globo's investor relations website at http://globoir.globo.com. Investor Contact: Jose Brandileone e-mail: [email protected] Tel: (21) 2155 4000 SOURCE Globo Comunicacao e Participacoes S.A A familiar face is gone from Lorain City Hall. On Jan. 7, Public Property Department staff put a new sign over the face of the analog clock visible from the street at 200 W. Erie Ave. The clock had not operated for at least several years. Mayor Jack Bradley talked about the clock Jan. 6 when he described his first day in office to Lorain City Council members as part of Councils first meeting of the year. One of my first priorities was to take down that clock thats on City Hall, Bradley said. Safety-Service Director Max Upton called Public Property Manager Lori Garcia, who directed the project starting that day. I was very excited that we were going to get that clock down, Bradley said. On Jan. 6, he described the new lighthouse symbol that would appear the next day. So that when people approach our City Hall, theyre going to be proud that we are all proud of Lorain and that were going to have something that works, not something that doesnt work, Bradley said. The circular sign reads The City of Lorain, Ohio, Est. 1834, in black letters around its perimeter. A black silhouette of the Lorain Lighthouse sits in the center on a field of white. City staff created the new emblem at the print shop at Lorains Public Property Department. On Jan. 7, the group of Working Crew Leader Greg Zeise, motor equipment operators Ben Sanborn and Erik Pozik and electrical worker Les Wicker installed it. Sanborn was in the bucket of the lift truck to reach the circular sign, which sits at about the level between the third and fourth floors of City Hall. He used caulk around the circumference to seal out moisture from getting between the sign and the building. Sanborn also used caulk to cover the metal screws holding the sign onto the building. Although not nearly as large as the sign, the tops of the screws could be seen from street level in the right light. When that sun hit the screwheads earlier, they stuck out like a sore thumb, Zeise said. The workers agreed the new image stands out from the brown brick background and looked good on the building. Bradley also discussed the clock Jan. 2, his first day serving in office when City Hall was open after New Years Day. While enjoying walks on Erie Avenue, Bradley said he and his wife, Deborah, would look at the clock and wonder if the city could make it run again. Its time for change in the city of Lorain, and I think it was time for that clock to come down, Bradley said. We dont want to be right just two times a day, he said. On the pedestal clock in front of City Hall, Bradley said he would like to see Lorain City Schools Titan logos instead of the clock faces. PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. (CSE: GLH) (OTCQB: GLDFF) (Golden Leaf or the Company), a pioneering cannabis solutions company and dispensary operator built around the recognized brands of Chalice Farms, announced the launch of the RXO product line containing an ultra-pure pharmaceutical grade, full spectrum version of the popular Rick Simpson cannabis oil extract. Named after its creator, Rick Simpson oil refers to an unrefined, whole-plant, full-spectrum cannabis oil concentrate. To create Chalice Farms RXO product line, Golden Leaf Holdings has partnered with Real Solutions Organization utilizing Essential Innovations patented technology to create full-spectrum extract-focused products available in multiple consumption methods, including concentrated cannabis shatter for dabbing, pre-filled vape cartridges, and liquid concentrate for oral consumption. Golden Leaf has launched the RXO product in Oregon in late December 2019 and expects to launch in Nevada in early 2020. The RXO product line offers consumers and patients a highly-potent, uniquely pure extract for safe, dosed consumption. By offering this popular extract via several consumption options, we are able to serve a diverse health-focused audience seeking to maximize their wellness through a variety of methods, said Jeff Yapp, CEO of Golden Leaf Holdings. A truly complete oil is not defined by the use of alcohol or presence of any single compound but by the inclusion of all. Our patented production process provides just that. The full spectrum oil in RXO products are natures perfect balance of ingredients with every compound working in harmony to enhance its therapeutic value. We are very proud to play our part in bringing these quality products to the community, said Real Solutions Co-Founder and President Matt Steele. The extract in the RXO product line is created using a proprietary, organic grain ethanol-based extraction method and equipment. By using this proprietary extraction method and advanced process, RXO products feature a cleaner, more pure cannabis concentrate than other RSO products on the market. This concentration also captures the full range of bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenols, fatty acids and, most importantly, a variety of terpenes and cannabinoids in their natural acid form. Due to this process, RXO is safe for edible, topical, and smokable delivery methods. To be added to the distribution list please email ir@goldenxtrx.com with GLH in the subject line. For product photos or samples, qualified media may contact goldenleaf@kcsa.com. About Golden Leaf Holdings Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. is a Canadian company with operations in multiple jurisdictions including Oregon, Nevada, and Canada, with cultivation, production and retail operations built around recognized brands. Golden Leaf distributes its products through its branded Chalice Farms retail dispensaries, as well as through third-party dispensaries. Golden Leafs cannabis retail operations and products are designed with the customer in mind, focused on superlative in-store experience and quality products. Visit www.goldenleafholdings.com to learn more. Media Relations: Anne Donohoe / Nick Opich KCSA Strategic Communications adonohoe@kcsa.com / nopich@kcsa.com 212-896-1265 / 212-896-1206 Investor Relations: John Varghese Executive Chairman Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. 971-371-2685 ir@goldenxtrx.com Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Companys future business operations, the opinions or beliefs of management and future business goals. Generally, forward looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks include but are not limited to general business, economic and competitive uncertainties, regulatory risks, market risks, risks inherent in manufacturing and retail operations such as unforeseen costs and production shutdowns, difficulties in maintaining brand loyalty, and other risks of the cannabis industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Forward-looking information is provided herein for the purpose of presenting information about managements current expectations relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purpose. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration or an exemption from registration. New York, Jan 8 - The momentum on ocean protection and restoration has rapidly accelerated particularly since the 2017 Ocean Conference. However, a number of the SDG 14- Life Below Water targets still lag behind. Between overfishing, pollution, habitat loss and the multiple impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems, the ocean has never faced such a diverse range of threats. UNDP launches a new call to action Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) to accelerate progress on SDG 14 targets. The OIC seeks innovations that are transferable, replicable and scalable. The Challenge grants range from $50,000 to $250,000. Recognizing the increasing urgency of tackling ocean pollution, particularly from plastics and nutrients, the first of several planned OICs focuses on SDG 14.1- Reduce Marine Pollution. At a time when the worlds oceans and seas face unprecedented pressures, UNDPs new Ocean Innovation Challenge will shine a light on innovative, entrepreneurial and creative approaches that can advance ocean and coastal restoration and protection, says Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. Supporting the blue economy in this way can help us achieve SDG 14 while spurring economic development and helping to reduce poverty and inequality. From fisheries to aquaculture to industrial agriculture, the 'business as usual' scenario will not deliver the kinds of transformational change needed to move towards truly sustainable ocean use. With four of SDG14s ten targets maturing in 2020, we have a critical year ahead for the well-being of the Ocean. Thus the UN Ocean Conference, to be held 2-6 June 2020 in Lisbon, will have special importance in supporting the implementation of SDG14, says Peter Thomson, UN Secretary Generals Special Envoy on Oceans. To achieve SDG14, we must break new ground with innovative technologies, policies, regulations and financial instruments. In this regard, the new UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge is a most welcome addition to the growing number of ocean incubators and accelerators. For interested parties to take part in the Ocean Innovation Challenge: The innovations to be submitted can include technological as well as cutting edge policy, regulatory, financial, economic or other actions that address either sea-based or land-based sectors. Initial concepts can be submitted by public or private entities, including governments, private companies (including start-ups), NGO/CSO, United Nations entities, academic institutions, and intergovernmental organizations. The Challenge must be implemented in and benefit stakeholders in developing countries, but may be submitted by developing or developed country proponents. For more information and to submit a preliminary concept, see the Ocean Innovation Challenge website at www.oceaninnovationchallenge.org . About UNDP UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in nearly 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. www.undp.org. For more information: Sangita Khadka, Communications Specialist, UNDP, email: sangita.khadka@undp.org; Tel: +1 212 906 5043 Former Victoria's Secret model Bridget Malcolm is enjoying her summer holidays back in her hometown in Western Australia. And on Tuesday, the model shared a photo of herself at a nearby beach in a black bikini. The 28-year-old looked sensational in the skimpy two-piece, which flattered her already flawless figure. Stunning: Former Victoria's Secret model Bridget Malcolm shared a sexy photo of herself flaunting her slender body in a black bikini at South Beach Just one day earlier, Bridget took to Instagram to share her close encounter with a handsy quokka. In the image, the blonde beauty grinned at the camera as she was standing on the white sands of Fremantle's South Beach with her arms casually draped over her flat abs. Her slender figure was showed off to perfection in a sexy high-cut black string bikini with ties at the the hips which highlighted her endless pins. She appears make-up free, but is sporting a sun-kissed glow showing she has been making the most of her summer vacation. The 28-year-old is wearing her trademark blonde locks in a natural style, allowing it to cascade over her shoulders in tousled, beachy waves. The background shows crystal blue water and other beach-goers enjoying their day. Cheeky: Bridget shared a selfie from her visit to Rottnest Island where she had a close encounter with a cheeky quokka who stole her hat Bridget has been documenting her recent visit to Rottnest Island on social media. In one image, she kneeled on the floor, wearing a blue cap and shrieking in delight as a cheeky quokka pulls at her hat. 'I wanted a selfie, quokka wanted my hat. Quokka won in this instance,' she captioned the post. Bridget's fans were quick to react to her latest sexy beach picture, with many commenting on the about the bushfires which have been devastating Australia the last few months. 'Glad Your Safe! We Miss You Over Here!' commented one concerned follower. 'Good to see this part of Australia is alright,' wrote another. DENVER If Democrats were to have any hope of shaping the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump to their liking, theyd need help from Republicans like Sen. Cory Gardner. Gardner, a young and upbeat senator who didnt endorse Trumps 2016 election, represents Democratic-trending Colorado. But hes walked the party line during Trumps impeachment and subsequent skirmishes over the presidents trial. Gardners statements on the standoff that has seized the Senate have largely aligned with the presidents most fervent defenders. He has slammed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the process Democrats used to impeach Trump in the House and carefully avoided criticizing the president. Democrats have acknowledged that its unlikely the GOP-led Senate will remove Trump from office. But they had hoped impeachment will at least put pressure on some vulnerable Republican senators as Democrats fight to win the chamber in November. Gardners posture is one sign of the limits of that strategy. While the Democrats and Republicans battle over how and when to try the president for high crimes and misdemeanors, Gardner and several other GOP senators in tight races this year have shown little inclination to risk the wrath of Trump supporters at home. Its a political calculation that values loyalty to Trump and his base over any bipartisan appeal. And its one measure of the grip Trump has over the party. If (Gardner) does anything that turns off the Trump base in Colorado, thats more dangerous than anything from the other side, said Dick Wadhams, a veteran GOP strategist in the state. Im not sure impeachment complicates things any more for Cory. That dynamic also helps explain why other Republicans in competitive states, including Sens. Susan Collins in Maine, Thom Tillis in North Carolina and Martha McSally in Arizona, have followed their partys lead on impeachment proceedings. Democrats would need to net four seats to take back the Senate or three seats plus win the White House to have a tie-breaking vice president. One in their ranks, Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, is considered vulnerable and also squeezed by impeachment. Democrats can also hope for surprises in places like Kansas, where Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this week that he wont run for an open seat, leaving some Republicans worried about the strength of their candidates. By some measures, Gardner is the most endangered Republican on the target list. He won by less than 2% of the vote in 2014, elected largely on the midterm backlash to President Barack Obama. In one ad, Gardner pledged that when my party is wrong, Ill say it. Gardner was the only Colorado Republican to win a top-of-the-ticket race in the past 15 years, as an influx of white, college-educated transplants has shifted the states politics to the left. In 2016, Trump lost Colorado by 5 percentage points, and in 2018, Democrats won every single statewide race. Gardner is hoping he can squeeze every vote out of Colorados diminishing share of Republican voters. He also wants to appeal to the states long tradition of pragmatic centrists with Colorado-specific efforts like allowing marijuana businesses to access the banking system, expanding Rocky Mountain National Park and moving Bureau of Land Management headquarters to western Colorado. His strategists think that combination could secure him reelection. But analysts note its a difficult path in a time when Trump dominates all political conversations. Theres a lot of factors that are going to make things very difficult for Cory, said Floyd Ciruli, a nonpartisan pollster based in Denver. Impeachment just puts another issue out there. Gardner has carefully limited his statements on impeachment, sparking headlines in October when he refused to say that a politician should not solicit foreign help in an election. The dodge includes a defense of the president, suggesting Trump is the victim of partisanship. In a statement on Tuesday, Gardner spokeswoman Annalyse Keller said: Senator Gardner believes Nancy Pelosis impeachment inquiry to appease the far-left has been a total circus that has only served to divide this country. Senator Gardner will be a juror and unlike what has happened in the House, he is confident the process in the Senate will be bipartisan and fair. The key test on impeachment may come after the trial begins and Republicans like Gardner are forced onto the record on whether they want to admit new testimony and documents, as Democrats have advocated. Gardners alignment with the president has been gradual. The senator rescinded his endorsement of Trump in October 2016 after Trump was caught on tape bragging about sexually assaulting women. But, after Trumps election, Gardners criticism of the president has been muted. He chastised Trump after the president appeared to blame both sides for violence at a white supremacist march in Charlottesville, Virginia. But Gardner has been careful not to be personally critical of the president on any number of issues, from demands that Democratic congresswomen go back to their home countries to complaints that immigrants come from Africa rather than Norway. Meanwhile, Gardner has backed many of the presidents priorities, including votes for Trumps health care proposal, tax plans and conservative judges. He also ran the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2018 and helped engineer a cling-to-the-president midterm strategy that expanded the GOP majority even as they lost control of the House. At this point hes shown his allegiance is to Trump and not to the voters of Colorado, Craig Hughes, a Democratic strategist in the state, said of Gardner. Once youve gone this far with Trump, a break probably gets you less than it costs you. Gardners strategy contrasts with that of another Colorado Republican, former Rep. Mike Coffman. Coffman continued to criticize Trump through his 2018 reelection campaign in a competitive district in the Denver suburbs. Coffman lost by double digits. Josh Penry, a Republican strategist who advised Coffman and dislikes Trump, said Gardners reluctance to criticize the president makes sense. If Gardner ever turned on the president, Democrats would remain critical. Itd be thoughts and prayers and its just words,' he said, citing two criticisms thrown at Coffman during the last election. You can never do enough because this isnt about Trump, Penry said. Its that they want to defeat Cory Gardner. WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, January 9, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. ET, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger will testify before the U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity in a hearing entitled "Reviewing the Availability of Resources to Address Veteran Hunger." MAZON will shed light on the lack of food and nutrition support for tens of thousands of veterans who struggle with food insecurity, following their transition from military service. Panel 1: Dr. Thomas O'Toole, Senior Medical Advisor, Providence VAMC, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Ms. Christine Going, MPA, RD, FACHE, Co-Chairperson, Veterans Heath Affairs Ensuring Veterans Food Security Workgroup, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Ms. Pamilyn (Pam) Miller, Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Panel 2: Mr. Josh Protas, Vice President of Public Policy, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger Ms. Denise Hollywood, Chief Community & Programs Officer, Blue Star Families Mr. Vince Hall, CEO, Feeding San Diego For nearly a decade, MAZON has prioritized food insecurity among veterans and military families, calling on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address this long-overlooked issue. The agencies have made modest progress, but not nearly enough given the severity of the problem. MAZON will testify that if Congress and federal agencies do not take timely and concerted efforts to prioritize veteran hunger, it will only get worse and become more difficult to resolve. MAZON will point to the harmful impact of administrative changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) promulgated by the current Administration, condoned and even celebrated by some Members of Congress. This hearing is part of a larger conversation on veteran hunger in America, and MAZON looks forward to contributing to this national dialogue along with other stakeholders. The hearing will be livestreamed on the House Veterans Affairs Committee YouTube page beginning at 10:00 am ET: https://www.youtube.com/houseveteransaffairs. About MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger Inspired by Jewish values and ideals, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger is a national advocacy organization working to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States and Israel. Learn more at mazon.org. Contact: Julia Natasha Watthey, MBA Director of Communications MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger [email protected] | (424) 208-7203 SOURCE MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger Related Links http://www.mazon.org January 7, 2020 News By C. Todd Lopez Defense.gov Esper: Iran Has 'Big Off Ramp' to Avoid Further Conflict The United States does not want a war with Iran, and it's not leaving Iraq, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said. "As we defend our people and interests, let me reiterate, the U.S. is not seeking a war with Iran," Esper said during a Pentagon news conference today. "But we are prepared to finish one. We are seeking a diplomatic solution. But first this will require Iran to de-escalate. It will require the regime to come to the table with the goal of preventing further bloodshed. And it will require them to cease their malign activities throughout the region." There's a clear-cut way to avoid further conflict between the two nations, the secretary told reporters. "There is a big off ramp sitting in front of Tehran right now," Esper said. "That is to de-escalate, to message us that they want to sit down and talk without precondition, by the way to the U.S. about a better way forward, about a way forward which would constitute a new mode of behavior by Iran where they behave more like a normal country." Tensions have flared since the United States launched an airstrike in Iraq that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force. Esper said the protection of American personnel and partners remains a top priority of the DOD, as does maintaining readiness to conduct operations to respond to Iranian aggression. "Since the strike, I have spoken with the commanders on the ground to ensure they have the resources they need to protect their people and prepare for any contingencies," Esper said. "As a result, we have increased our force protection postures across the region and will continue to reposition and bolster our forces as necessary to protect our people, our interests and our facilities." Within Iraq, Esper said, the risk of retaliation by Iran has not deterred continuing U.S efforts to secure the enduring defeat of ISIS. "We have received widespread support for our actions from our allies and partners in the region, and we will continue to work with them to protect our gains against ISIS," he said. "I have been in constant communication with our counterparts, and I've called upon them to stand with us in the defense of coalition forces in Iraq. Working through NATO, the defeat-ISIS coalition, and with our partners on the ground, we continue to bolster Iraqi institutions to ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS." The secretary also told reporters the United States is not leaving Iraq, "Our policy is unchanged," he said. "We are not leaving Iraq. ... We are in Iraq, and we are there to support Iraqi forces and the Iraqi government [to] become a strong, independent and prosperous country." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address By Colin Packham SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian firefighters used a break from searing temperatures on Tuesday to strengthen containment lines around huge wildfires as the financial and environmental costs of the crisis mounted. More than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land an area the size of South Korea - have been razed by bushfires across the country in recent weeks, according to the latest data, with the southeast particularly hard hit. Imagery posted online from the Himawari 8 Japanese satellite and NASA's Earth Observatory showed plumes of smoke from the fires reaching as far as South America. GRAPHIC: A devastated east coast - https://graphics.reuters.com/AUSTRALIA-BUSHFIRES-MAP/0100B4TW2NK/index.html GRAPHIC: Bushfires in New South Wales raise air pollution levels - https://graphics.reuters.com/AUSTRALIA-BUSHFIRES/0100B4RE2HB/nsw-air-pollution.jpg Firefighters on the ground were making the most of a few days of cooler temperatures in the southeast to prepare for the expected return of heat and wind later this week that is expected to fan existing blazes and spark new ones. "We need to remain vigilant," Andrew Crisp, Victoria state's emergency management commissioner, told reporters. "We talk about benign conditions, and the fire is suppressed, but it is still there. It is still tinder dry." Australia's bushfire season started earlier than normal this year following a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland vulnerable to fires. Thousands of people have been left homeless, while many in rural towns have spent days without electricity, telecommunications and, in some cases, drinking water. Military-coordinated rescue and support efforts are going on. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the crisis would have a significant economic impact as Treasurer Josh Frydenberg met chief executives of insurers Insurance Australia Group , Suncorp Group and QBE Insurance Group , and local heads of Germany's Allianz and Switzerland's Zurich Insurance Group , plus heads of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac Banking Group . Story continues Morrison on Monday pledged A$2 billion ($1.39 billion) to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency. The Insurance Council of Australia increased its estimate for damage claims from the fires to more than A$700 million, with claims expected to jump when more fire-hit areas are accessible. Following are some highlights of what is happening in the Australian bushfires crisis: * Two men reported missing in New South Wales have been found, police said. * Forty-eight U.S. firefighters are scheduled to arrive in Australia on Wednesday, officials said, joining 39 compatriots already on the ground. A further 18 incident management personnel from the United States and Canada will arrive on Wednesday. * Prime Minister Morrison said he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also offered support. * Morrison attended the funeral of volunteer firefighter Andrew ODwyer, who was killed along with colleague Geoffrey Keaton on Dec. 19 after a burnt tree fell in the path of their firetruck, causing it to roll. * Data showed the fires were beginning to have an effect on the economy. The ANZ gauge of consumer confidence fell last week to its lowest level in more than four years, while its job advertisement data recorded the biggest monthly drop in seven months in December. * The military was deployed to help bury an estimated 4,000 dead sheep and cattle. * Authorities said the number of people calling for urgent medical care in Victoria jumped 51% on Monday as smoke covered the state. * There were 132 fires ablaze across New South Wales state, but all were back at the "advice" level, the lowest alert rating. * Victoria state had 39 fires with 13 "watch and act" alerts. * Almost 1,600 homes have been destroyed in NSW, Australia's most populous state, authorities said. In Victoria state, authorities believe 300 homes have been destroyed. * Insurers have received 8,985 bushfire-related claims in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland since the Insurance Council declared a bushfire catastrophe on Nov. 8. The claims are estimated to have a loss value of A$700 million. The council recorded the destruction of 1,838 residential properties. * A member of parliament from Morrison's party was criticised for an appearance on the "Good Morning Britain" ITV program during which he said there was no link between climate change and the bushfire crisis. "There is no link, the facts that cause the fires are the drought and the drying of the environment," lawmaker Craig Kelly said. (Reporting by Colin Packham and Byron Kaye; additional reporting by Swati Pandey and Paulina Duran in Sydney; Editing by Jane Wardell, Robert Birsel) India's rice-based food company LT Foods Limited has formed a joint venture with Japan's largest rice crackers company Kameda Seika to enter into healthy premium snack food segment. Together, they launched a range of rice crackers with the brand name Kari Kari that means crunchy in Japanese. Kari Kari crisps, made from rice and peanuts, are roasted with no-trans fat for the health-conscious youth who is well travelled and likes to experiment with food. It is the Indian version of the Japanese snack Kameda Crisp. Kameda Seika owns 30 per cent share of the Japanese rice cracker market. Available in four different flavours, Chilli Garlic, Wasabi, Salt and Pepper and Spice Mania, the rice crackers are priced at Rs 50 for 60 grams and Rs 99 for 135 grams pack. Kari Kari is made from a special rice grain with a higher percentage of starch for that additional crisp. The Delhi-based rice food company is manufacturing it in Haryana. The joint venture has invested Rs 70 crore in the new product range, out of which Rs 25 crore went into setting up manufacturing facilities in Sonipat, Haryana and the rest will be used over the next few years for expansion and marketing. Currently the products will be available online and in modern trade stores. Eventually, the plan is to cater to HoReCa (hotels, restaurants and cafes) segment. The firm plans to earn 15 per cent of its revenue from exports from Middle East, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka by the next financial year. It expects to earn Rs 10 crore revenues by this fiscal and reach Rs 130 crore over the next five years. Speaking at the launch, Vijay Kumar Arora, Chairman & Managing Director, LT Foods said, "Based on changing consumer needs and preferences and the demand for tasty and healthy snacks, the company has ventured into the premium snacks category in India with its rice-based snacks Kari Kari. This premium snacks category is growing at a rate of 20-25 per cent per annum. Kari Kari gained tremendous traction in its test launch phase in 150 modern trade stores across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Bangalore, based on the success of which we decided a country-wide launch." Jun Kono, Director, Daawat Kameda (India) and Overseas Manager, Kameda Seika, added, "Our rice snacks are popular in Japan and I am sure this roasted healthy snack with medley of rice crisps and peanuts will find much favour with the Indian Youth. The modern, technologically advanced manufacturing unit at Sonipat, will not only cater to the India market but the entire subcontinent, Middle East & other countries in future. Soon we will launch 'Kari Kari' in new formats as well." The launch will be supported by product sampling at retail stores, airlines, multiplexes, corporate and colleges along with digital and social media campaign. After six months, advertising in television and radio will be used for promotion. The company plans to have a presence at 20,000 retail outlets by 2024. Also read: IBM appoints Sandip Patel as MD of India, South Asia operations Also read: Maruti Suzuki's production rises 7.8% in December DARC 70 Years The German national club DARC celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2020 and offers the award 70 Jahre DARC for contacts with the special event stations DP70DARC and DF70DARC. For the rules see www.70darc.club. Later during the year, DK70DARC (special DOK 70DARC for all of them) will also be active. The callsigns rotate through DARC's regional districts on a weekly basis. NB: There are also other special event calls active with a DARC-suffix that do not count for the award. In a few weeks, DM30RSV will become active as well, commemorating the formation of the first independent national radio club RSV in the German Democratic Republic in 1990. This activity will be limited to the time frame of March 24 until October 2, mirroring the lifespan of the RSV 30 years ago. QSOs will count towards yet another award, rules are currently being finalised. (73 Ric, DL2VFR) Official: Munas Dabbur leaves Sevilla for Hoffenheim Sevilla Transfers Played just nine games for the club Sevilla have confirmed that striker Munas Dabbur has left the club to join Hoffenheim. The Israel international was not in Julen Lopetegui's plans and has left for a fee believed to be worth 12 million euros plus a further two million euros in add-ons. "The club wish to thank the efforts and involvement of Dabbur during these months as a Sevilla player and we wish him the best of luck in this new professional era," Sevilla said in a statement. After joining from Red Bull Salzburg, Dabbur played only nine times for Lopetegui's side, scoring three goals, with all of them coming in the Europa League. LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSXV:GBU) ("Gabriel" or the "Company") announces that it has granted an aggregate of 102,704 incentive stock options under the Company's stock option plan (the "Option Plan") and 115,944 deferred share units under the Company's deferred share unit plan (the "DSU Plan") to certain directors of the Company as non-cash directors' fees for Q4 2019 (the "Director Grant"). All incentive stock options issued under the Director Grant are exercisable for a period of ten years at $0.49 per share and vest immediately from the date of grant. The Option Plan allows for the issuance of up to 10% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company in the form of incentive stock options. As of the date hereof, a total of 25,635,711 common shares of the Company are reserved for issuance under the Option Plan, representing approximately 4.5% of the issued and outstanding share capital. 3,353,638 common shares of the Company are currently reserved for issuance under the DSU Plan. For information on this press release, please contact: Dragos Tanase President & CEO Phone: +1 425 414 9256 dt@gabrielresources.com Richard Brown Chief Financial Officer Phone: +44 7748 760276 richard.brown@gabrielresources.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Further Information About Gabriel Gabriel is a Canadian resource company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's principal focus has been the exploration and development of the Ro?ia Montana gold and silver project in Romania ("Rosia Montana Project"). The Rosia Montana Project, one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Europe, is situated in the South Apuseni Mountains of Transylvania, Romania, an historic and prolific mining district that since pre-Roman times has been mined intermittently for over 2,000 years. The exploitation license ("License") for the Rosia Montana Project is held by Ro?ia Montana Gold Corporation S.A., a Romanian company in which Gabriel owns an 80.69% equity interest, with the 19.31% balance held by Minvest Ro?ia Montana S.A., a Romanian state-owned mining company. Upon obtaining the License in June 1999, the Group (as defined below) focused substantially all of their management and financial resources on the exploration, feasibility and subsequent development of the Rosia Montana Project. Despite the Company's fulfilment of its legal obligations and its development of the Rosia Montana Project as a high-quality, sustainable and environmentally-responsible mining project, using best available techniques, Romania has blocked and prevented implementation of the Rosia Montana Project without due process and without compensation. Accordingly, the Company's current core focus is the ICSID Arbitration. For more information please visit the Company's website at www.gabrielresources.com. Forward-looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" (also referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company's operating environment. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the uncertainties associated with: the ICSID Arbitration, actions by the Romanian Government, conditions or events impacting the Company's ability to fund its operations (including but not limited to the completion of further funding noted above) or service its debt, exploration, development and operation of mining properties and the overall impact of misjudgments made in good faith in the course of preparing forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors including those set out below, that may never materialize, prove incorrect or materialize other than as currently contemplated which could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "is of the view", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", "potential", "possible" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of fact and may be forward-looking statements. Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation: delay or extension to the duration of the ICSID Arbitration; required disclosure, costs, process and outcome of the ICSID Arbitration against Romania; changes in the liquidity and capital resources of Gabriel, and the group of companies of which it is directly or indirectly parent ("Group"); access to funding to support the Group's continued ICSID Arbitration and/or operating activities in the future; equity dilution resulting from the conversion or exercise of new or existing securities in part or in whole to Common Shares; the ability of the Company to maintain a continued listing on the TSX Venture Exchange or any regulated public market for trading securities; the impact on business strategy and its implementation in Romania of: unforeseen historic acts of corruption, uncertain fiscal investigations; uncertain legal enforcement both for and against the Group and political and social instability; regulatory, political and economic risks associated with operating in a foreign jurisdiction including changes in laws, governments and legal regimes and interpretation of existing and future fiscal and other legislation; volatility of currency exchange rates, metal prices and metal production; the availability and continued participation in operational or other matters pertaining to the Group of certain key employees and consultants; and risks normally incident to the exploration, development and operation of mining properties. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and investors should not infer that there has been no change in the Company's affairs since the date of this press release that would warrant any modification of any forward-looking statement made in this document, other documents periodically filed with or furnished to the relevant securities regulators or documents presented on the Company's website. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to the Company's disclosure obligations under applicable Canadian securities regulations. Investors are urged to read the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory agencies which can be viewed online at www.sedar.com. SOURCE: Gabriel Resources Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572478/Issuance-of-Incentive-Stock-Options-and-Deferred-Share-Units (Alliance News) - Tesco PLC's sale of its Thai operations will be closely probed by the South East Asian country's competitions regulator, which is ready to level fines at the supermarket chain if any laws are breached, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday. Sakon Varanyuwatana, chair of Thailand's Office of Trade Competition Commission, told the newspaper it is ready to block any deals, should it lead to a monopoly. In December, the FTSE 100 firm confirmed the potential sale of its Asian business, though noted a review of options remains in the early stages. Tesco, which has operations in both Thailand and Malaysia in the region, said the review of the business began after an expression of interest from elsewhere. The FT said a potential deal could be worth up to USD9 billion, and three expected bidders already have notable retail operations in Thailand. The FT reported that Bangkok-based conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group, which owns the 7-Eleven retail brand in Thailand, is among the bidders. Also among those showing interest, the FT said, are The Central Group of Companies, which has large department store operations, and the retail operations owned by Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi. He is also the founder of Thai Beverage PLC, a distillery and beverage firm. https://www.ft.com/content/d1ad7710-312c-11ea-9703-eea0cae3f0de Tesco shares were 0.6% lower at 252.90 pence each in London on Wednesday morning. By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. All 170 passengers onboard a Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 airplane that crashed on Wednesday early morning are killed, Iran's state television said. The airliner crashed soon after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport due to technical difficulties. The Ukrainian plane burst into flames after crashing near the airport. "The fire is so heavy that we cannot (do) any rescue... we have 22 ambulances, four bus ambulances and a helicopter at the site," Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran's emergency services, told state television as cited by the Reuters. Reza Jafarzadeh, a spokesman for Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, told state television that the number of passengers onboard the flight was 170. According to air tracking service FlightRadar24, the plane that crashed was Flight PS 752 and was flying to Kiev. The website added that the airport's flight data showed a Ukrainian 737-800 flown by Ukraine International Airlines took off on Wednesday morning but stopped transmitting data to the air traffic controller (ATC) immediately afterwards. IRNA said according to preliminary information "the plane was bound for Kiev ... and had 180 passengers and crew." Boeing said the company was aware of media reports of a plane crash in Iran and was gathering more information. The Ukraine plane crash has come hours after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. These attacks came after the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike, which was ordered by President Donald Trump, on Friday. Boeing is already beleaguered by a spate of crashes that happened in October 2018 and last March. The disasters involving US manufacturer's 737 Max jet have claimed nearly 350 lives so far leading to the grounding of the said planes globally for 10 months. Meanwhile, ANI also reported that the Indian government has told all Indian airlines to avoid the airspace of Iran, Iraq and the Gulf due to the ongoing tension in the region. Also read: Ukrainian Boeing 737 plane with 180 passengers on board crashes in Iran Employees of Ordnance Cable Factory extended their support to All India strike called by trade unions against the policies of the Central government. These factory workers were protesting against demanded that the ordnance factories should not be handed over to the corporate sector and, rather, it should remain under the control of the Defence Ministry. "These factories were built by the British to fulfil the demands of ammunition. We don't want these factories to be handed over the corpo0rate sector. We will continue our protests until our demands are met,' said one of the protester. It should be noted that bus and train services in various parts of the country including West Bengal and Odisha have been affected due to protests held during the nationwide strike. Ten central trade unions, including Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and Indian Trade Union Congress (INTUC), have given the strike call with a 12-point charter of demand. The trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is not taking part in the strike. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Oil prices rose and Asian stock markets fell Wednesday after Iran fired missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of an Iranian general. Tokyo's stock market benchmark fell nearly 2%. (AP) Beijing: Oil prices rose and Asian stock markets fell Wednesday after Iran fired missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of an Iranian general. Brent crude futures, the benchmark for international oils, temporarily spiked more than $3 per barrel in London before retreating. Tokyo's stock market benchmark fell nearly 2% and Hong Kong's was off nearly 1%. Shanghai, Sydney and Southeast Asian markets also retreated. ``Investors appear to be pricing for an all-out war,'' Jingyi Pan of IG said in a report. The Pentagon said Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops. President Donald Trump tweeted All is well!'' and that casualty and damage assessments were ongoing, adding ``So far, so good!'' Iran's foreign minister described the attack as ``proportionate measures in self-defense.'' Financial markets have been on edge about the possibility of U.S.-Iranian conflict and disruption of oil supplies since last week's killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone in Baghdad. Brent crude was up $1.02 at $69.29. At the start of Wednesday's trading, it spiked $3.48 to $71.75 before retreating. Benchmark U.S. crude was up 82 cents to $63.51 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It earlier jumped $2.95 to $65.65 before settling back. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index fell 1.96% to 23,114.64 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.8% to 29,108.49. The Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.5% to 3,090.62 and Seoul's Kospi retreated 0.7% to 2,161.90. Sydney's S&P-ASX 200 shed 0.% to 6,809.80. Taiwan, New Zealand and Southeast Asian markets also retreated. Before the latest attack, the rush by investors into safe assets had been abating. Gold's momentum eased Tuesday after touching its highest price in nearly seven years. On Wall Street, the benchmark S&P 500 index lost 0.3% to 3,237.18 in trading that closed before the Iranian attack. President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday confirmed Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah as Ghana's highest judicial officer. By this confirmation, the respected justice becomes the 14th Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana. The investiture took place at the Jubilee House and was punctuated with three oaths viz----the Oath of Allegiance, the Judicial Oath and the Oath of Secrecy. In his address the president observed that almost all Justices of the Supreme Court that attended the vetting of the Chief Justice by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, were present, describing it as an 'admirable gesture'. I am hopeful that this same level of support will be forthcoming as he assumes the mantle of the Head of the Judiciary. To his colleagues on the bench and members of the Bar, I urge your continued solidarity and corporation with the new Chief Justice to promote the rule of law. That will be in line with the finest traditions of the Bench and the Bar and will help enhance the welfare of our people, the president stated. But would solidarity be enough? Certainly not. Solidarity among other things can help realise the President's expectation. So, it goes beyond that. The judiciary must fully enjoy its independent status without any interference whatsoever from the three arms of government, particularly the executive. More so, it's head, the Chief Justice must get the full support of the president. They say, a friend in need is a friend indeed. And every need has got ego to feed. The judiciary as an institution has many needs to meet and until perhaps those needs are taken care of the President's call for decency, discipline, fairness and deep-seated respect for the rule of law will be an illusion. Allusion Who else knows the judiciary better than President Akufo-Addo? He's arguably the best man who knows it all about this honourable institution. He's well aware and knows how dire the situation is. Indeed, he alluded to that necessity element in his address and assured the Chief Justice that the most pressing needs of the Judiciary such as their infrastructure challenges which directly affects the delivery of Justice in Ghana would be given the needed attention it deserved from the government. The 'Saints' & bruised image Unquestionably, the Judiciary in Ghana has long been viewed as an enviable institution. It commands respect and treads the streets with its shoulders high--- until a few years ago when it was hit by bribery/corruption allegations. Demons dance when the righteous falls. May the four-legged trespass not the corridors of the noble. Of course no one knoweth the truth. Only his Maker knows the truth or otherwise. And I think it was this perceived bruised image that informed the president to admonish judges in Ghana to live above reproach. it is vitally important that we have judges who are honest, possess integrity and sound knowledge of the law," Mr. Akufo-Addo said. He, therefore, charged the Chief Justice to ensure that during his term in office, the Judicial Service can confidently be said to be such. Is the president asking for more and what does the Judiciary get back? Remember, we've various institutions in the country that lack basic needs or the wherewithal to deal with day to day challenges. The police, SFO, EOCO, KwasiPeter (SP) and many more are all under-resourced. And my fear is that, if we don't build strong institutions, and provide them with the needed support-- technical and financial all the talks will come to naught. In short, we should walk the talk. Assurance Mr. Akufo-Addo gave the new Chief Justice this assurance: I assure Chief Justice Anin Yeboah that I will be a trusted partner of the Judiciary so that the Executive and the Judiciary can co-operate in the spirit of mutual respect to promote Good Governance for the advancement of people the President opined. On his part, Justice Anin- Yeboah said he was Honoured to have been appointed as Chief Justice of Ghana. He thanked the President, the Council of State and Parliament for the various constitutional roles they played leading to his appointed as Chief Justice. During my vetting by Parliament, it was evident that the following issues concerning the Judiciary were of concern to the representative of the people of Ghana. The integrity of the Judiciary and perception of corruption, delays in the justice delivery system, poor infrastructure of the Courts and residences of Judicial officers, inadequate resources for the running of the Judiciary and Justice delivery system of Ghana." I want to assure the people of Ghana that I will continue to jealously guard the integrity of the Judiciary as my predecessors in office have done. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that during my term in office, solutions are found to these issues of concern, Justice Anin- Yeboah underscored. On Thursday 12, December 2019 President Akufo-Addo announced his nomination. t's believed he was the President's favourite and was also highly favoured by the governing NPP lawyers Mr. Anin-Yeboah is known for his knack for excellence. He also exudes decency, integrity and honesty. He was appointed to the Supreme Court by President John Kuffour on the 11th of June 2008. Days leading to the announcement, Paul Adom-Otchere, journalist and host of Good Evening Ghana' a MetroTV prime-time programme had said that Mr. Yeboah's final verdict on the 2012 Election Petition could influence the President's decision. In that landmark ruling Justice Anin-Yeboah said this and I quote: "I will therefore, grant the relief One, in view of the evidence led, and decline to grant the relief two. I however, as consequential order, I will order the Second respondent (EC) to organise an election to select a president, as I cannot rely on an election which was seriously fraught with the malpractices, irregularities and statutory violations proved in this petition to declare the first petitioner as duly been elected." And yesterday that dream, that hope, perhaps that nurtured expectation of every judge or justice became a reality. Mr. Anin-Yeboah a Supreme Court Judge now replaces Mrs.Sophia Abena Akuffo who retired on 20 December 2019. Thus he becomes the 5th successive CJ appointed by the NPP after Justices Edward Kwame Wiredu (2001-03), George Kingsley Acquah (2003-07), Georgina Theodora Wood (2007-17)and Sophia Abena Boafoa Akuffo( 2017-19). Among the Justices named above, two are on record to have been the longest-serving chief justices in Ghanas history. They're CJ Wood 2007-2017, followed by CJ F.K Apaloo 1977-1986. Since Independence, Ghana has had 13 chief justices two of them women. Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution provides that the Chief Justice shall be appointed by the president acting on the advice of Judicial Council in consultation with the Council of State and with the approval of Parliament. Justice Anin-Yeboah, a well-seasoned law enforcer, was appointed to the Supreme Court by former President John Agyekum Kuffuor in June 2008. He had also served as a Justice of the High Court, and a Justice of the Court of Appeal. In addition, he was a part-time lecturer in Civil Procedure and the Ghana Legal System at the Ghana School of Law. Prior to that, he had served as a Justice of the High Court from 2002 to 2003 and a Justice of the Court of Appeal from 2003 to 2008. In the 4th Republic, the NDC has appointed only one CJ. That was Chief Justices Kobbina Abban in 1995. Chief Justice Philip Edward Archer before him, held the office into the 4th Republic. Flash The launch ceremony of "Visit Nepal Year 2020" was held in Beijing on Tuesday. The annual tourism campaign is sponsored by the Nepalese government, aiming to attract tourists from around the world. According to Nepalese authorities, Chinese tourists to Nepal are the second most numerous among all countries, making China an important partner for tourism cooperation. The ceremony was attended by Leela Mani Paudyal, ambassador of Nepal to China, and Zhang Qian, executive vice-president of Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. The ambassador delivered a welcome speech and recounted the state visits of both Chinese and Nepalese presidents in the past year. He also praised China's Belt and Road Initiative benefiting bilateral relations and boosting exchange. Zhang echoed the sentiment, and expressed well wishes for the tourism campaign. Also in attendance were a couple of celebrities: Xia Boyu, the second double amputee to climb Mount Everest in May 2018, spoke about his enthusiasm and determination for mountaineering; and Xu Qing, a Chinese actress who has been conferred as a goodwill ambassador for the promotion of the tourism campaign by Nepal, shared her travel video blog to show the beauty of the country. As four Bellaire City Council members raised their hands and swore oaths, there was a spirit of unity and celebration. Later in the council chambers though, a bit of contention began to show. The two-part council meeting on Monday, Jan. 6, started with an installation service in the Civic Center for reelected Mayor Andrew Friedberg and new Council Members Catherine Lewis, Nathan Wesely and Jim Hotze. It was followed by a reception. As former Council Members Trisha Pollard and David R. Montague lost their seats and Pat McLaughlan had reached his term limit, three of the seven council members were new, heading into a new year. The new council took the opportunity to introduce their families and friends and say opening remarks. Lewis had invited friends from around the Houston area and from as far as Burkina Faso, India and Iraq. Now they are here for the American Dream. And I tell them this is part. This is how it works in America. This is part of the American dream, Lewis said. Related: After election shakeup, Bellaire recognizes three outgoing council members Mayor Pro-Tem Gus Pappas, who was voted by the council into that role again, said he believed doing the job of a council member requires the support of the family. Friedberg and Council Member Neil Verma mentioned that it is not just the council member that sacrifices their time but their children and spouses. Wesley said, One thing you really do learn in campaigning is to be grateful for all the people who helped, but frankly all the people who are engaged on both sides and the fact that there are so many people willing to work hard for the city. So Im very grateful to be serving, and Im grateful for the opportunity. Following City Manager Paul Hofmanns report, some questions came from the new council members. But when do we introduce agenda items? Because I see full agenda through February, Lewis said. But I think theres items of interest to the community that were talked about a lot during the election, a lot of concern. Related: Bellaire to help crime victims with new specialist She said she had driven the Spruce and Fifth Streets drainage improvement site that morning and had bottomed out her car due to uneven road. She asked when the project could be revisited by council. Though the project had been controversial with community members, the former city council approved it by a 6-1 margin in February 2019. Friedberg said an agenda item can be presented at any time if it meets the administrative deadlines to physically get them printed. He also suggested approaching Hofmann about problems in the city that could be solved operationally and without an agenda item. Then, Hotze moved the conversation to the questions about quorums and walking quorums, which relate to having four or more of the seven council members discussing city issues among themselves and not in an open meeting that laws require. One could sense and hear differences among the new council members, but Friedberg said they will give them a path to forge ahead for the city. That this new council is more visibly reflective of the diversity of opinion throughout all of Bellaire can only be a good thing, Friedberg said. For everyone to feel they have a seat at the table provides a tremendous opportunity for all of us to work together rather than against each other. Above all that though, Friedberg said he looks forward to bringing the citizens of Bellaire together again, past some of the division of recent months, like the United States as a whole right now. Even as the rest of our country has become so bitterly polarized, I know were better than that at home, Friedberg said. Were neighbors after all and share the common goal of making Bellaire the best it can be. tracy.maness@chron.com 5 1 of 5 Art League of New Britain / Contributed photo / Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Art League of New Britain / Contributed photo / Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Art League of New Britain / Contributed photo / Show More Show Less 5 of 5 NEW BRITAIN The Art League of New Britain will open two solo shows of works with a reception on Friday: Cynthia Cooper in the Lacey Gallery and Pierre Sylvan in the Low Gallery. The reception runs from 6-8 p.m. Cynthia Coopers exhibit, Immersion, features paintings from her pool series, which was conceived as an underwater environment to immerse viewers in the work that has been immersing her. With her paintings of lane lines in a swimming pool, she plans transport viewers not only under the surface of that pool but also under the surface of her artistic practice. She imagines being surrounded by these paintings, not to reproduce the pool itself, but to be enveloped into that experience. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 20:13:08|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia, Japan and the United States have a trilateral diplomatic meeting slated for Friday, the Mongolian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday. A Mongolian delegation led by Damdinsuren Davaasuren, state secretary of the Mongolian Foreign Ministry, will participate in the meeting to be held in Washington, the capital of the United States, the ministry said in a statement. During the meeting, the three sides are expected to discuss ways to strengthen trilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, the statement said. At least four killed and 10 others wounded in Mogadishu as al-Shabab claims responsibility for the blast. At least four people have been killed and 10 wounded when a car bomb exploded close to a checkpoint near Somalias parliament in the capital Mogadishu, police said. A plume of thick black smoke was seen over the city on Wednesday, and witnesses said a number of vehicles were on fire. Explosives were packed in a vehicle which the security forces think was trying to pass through the checkpoint but because he could not do that, the suicide bomber detonated it, said police officer Adan Abdullahi. Initial reports we have received indicate four people were killed and more than 10 others were wounded in the blast, Adan added. Al-Qaeda-linked group, al-Shabab, claimed responsibility for the attack. There was chaos Abdirahman Mohamed, who was at a nearby grocery store when the blast occurred, said he saw several dead bodies. I saw the dead bodies of several people some of them killed by shrapnel inside their vehicles. There was chaos and ambulances reached the scene soon after the blast, he said. Shamso Ali, another witness, described smoke and chaos along the road, the blast was very heavy. Thanks to God I was a distance away but I saw the smoke and several vehicles caught on fire, he said. Mogadishu is regularly hit by attacks by al-Shabab, which has fought for more than a decade to topple the Somali government. Wednesdays attack comes after al-Shabab claimed a massive car bombing in Mogadishu on December 28, 2019, that killed 81 people. The attack hit a busy checkpoint in the southwest of the city, leaving vehicles charred and twisted at a crossroads in the deadliest assault in two years in the Horn of Africa country. Scores more were wounded. Al-Shabab has also managed to expand its network in the region, especially in Kenya which has suffered several devastating attacks in retaliation for it sending troops into Somalia in 2011. On Sunday, three US citizens died and several aircraft and military vehicles were destroyed when al-Shabab attacked a military base in Kenyas coastal Lamu region. The armed group has in the past carried out bloody sieges against civilians in Kenya, such as the upmarket Westgate Mall in 2013 and Garissa University in 2015. The uptick in attacks comes almost a year since the January 15 siege on an upscale Nairobi hotel which left 21 people dead. Really Seen It All: I receive a lot of upset, irate and (sometimes) abusive feedback to my work. I agree that how you receive this can transform the experience. People really do need to be heard. What would you like me to do? is the perfect response. Karl Stefanovic hinted that Prince Philip would also have 'something inappropriate' to say about Prince Harry and Meghan's decision to quit as senior royals. The Today host reacted with anger at the couple's shock decision to move to America, after intense speculation about their future in the royal family. Accusing the royal couple of 'cutting and running', he made the controversial remark about gaffe-prone Prince Philip just hours after the surprise announcement. Karl Stefanovic (pictured, left) said Prince Philip would have 'something inappropriate' to say about the Harry and Meghan's shock decision Prince Philip's best gaffes Speaking to British students in China, 1986: 'If you stay here much longer, you'll all be slitty-eyed.' In the UK, 1966: 'British women can't cook' During the 1981 recession: 'Everybody was saying we must have more leisure. Now they are complaining they are unemployed' Speaking to a driving instructor in Scotland, 1995: 'How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to get them through the test?' Looking at an old-fashioned fuse box, 1999: 'It looks as if it was put in by an Indian.' Advertisement 'I'm just outraged by it,' he said on Thursday morning, just hours after the shock announcement. 'Completely and utterly outraged. I love the Queen. She must be very, very upset. 'And if her husband could be involved in any of this, I'm sure he'd say something completely inappropriate.' Buckingham Palace is understood to be 'disappointed' at Harry and Meghan's decision to quit as senior royals. It comes amid claims that the couple did not tell the Queen before they announced their departure on social media. The 93-year-old Duke of Edinburgh completed 22,219 solo engagements since 1952 before retiring in August 2017. There were concerns about his health after he was admitted to hospital before Christmas, which palace officials said was a 'precautionary measure' on the advice of a doctor. Hary and Meghan wave to well-wishers at their lavish wedding in Windsor (pictured) in May 2018 Speaking with co-presenter Allison Langdon, Karl said: 'This whole thing goes to intent, and the fact they haven't told anyone establishes even deeper riffs in the royal family. 'These are two people who have been enabled and supported, particularly Prince Harry, by the British people for so long. 'His life has been made, and this is him spitting the dummy and saying "righto, I'm out of here".' Ms Langdon agreed, accusing the couple of throwing a 'tantrum'. 'I've almost flipped my opinion on this,' she said. Thousands of people lined the streets to watch Harry and Meghan's royal wedding (pictured) in Windsor in May 2018 Prince Philip (pictured leaving hospital on Christmas Eve) is known for his public gaffes 'I was very supportive of it, but to hear they would make a move like this and not tell the Queen or the rest of the royal family - that's just throwing a tantrum.' Harry and Meghan made their announcement on their official Instagram account on Wednesday evening UK time following intense speculation about a move. In an unusual move, a Buckingham Palace statement followed up by saying that discussions with the couple on their decision were 'at an early stage'. 'We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through,' it said. It came after Harry and Meghan wrote on social media: 'After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. The couple are seen on Tuesday at London's Canada House (pictured) just days before making their controversial decision public The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shocked the world when they made the surprising decision to step back as 'senior royals' on Instagram (pictured) 'We intend to step back as "senior" members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. 'We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. 'This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. Prince Harry and Meghan with their baby son Archie (pictured) at a meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in September 2019 'We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.' The couple's move follows weeks of speculation about their future after they took an extended break from royal duties over the festive period that followed an emotional appearance in a documentary. In the ITV programme they spoke about the pressures they have been facing and family rifts, and in a separate move Harry issued a damning statement against the media accusing sections of the press of bullying his wife. Death Toll From Kerman Stampede at Soleimani's Funeral Reaches 56 Reports Sputnik News 02:49 08.01.2020 MOSCOW (Sputnik) The number of people killed in a stampede at the funeral of Iran's commander Qasem Soleimani in his hometown of Kerman has reached 56, Iranian Press TV reports. Press TV said in the early hours of Wednesday that 56 people were killed and another 213 were injured in the stampede. The injured have been taken to the hospital. Earlier it was reported that over 50 people were killed in the Kerman stampede. Soleimani's burial ceremony on Tuesday had to be postponed as millions of mourners flocked to the city of Kerman to pay their respects to the late commander. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have pledged that Soleimani's death would not go unavenged, in response to what they consider a US crime. Soleimani, who led the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in Baghdad last Friday in a US drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In 2019, 65.8% of Haven Term policyholders learned a new trick, including: Taking the high road Growing award-winning tomatoes Negotiating with teenage children Driving a moving van, during rush hour , in New York City (twice) , in (twice) Writing statistical notation for hierarchical modeling Additionally, while 64.6% of customers played it safe (something for all insurance agencies to rejoice about), many enjoyed inspiring new accomplishments: "I went to Burning Man!" "I published my own book" "I got really into archery" "We adopted our daughter" "I flew in a hot air balloon" Meanwhile, 72.3% of Haven Term policyholders felt lucky in 2019, sharing gratitude for: Making new friends Looking great at 40 Beating cancer and becoming a survivor Finding a rare old coin on the beach Renting a new home that allows for pets. Even 16 of them. "The Haven Life community is such an incredible source of inspiration," said Haven Life General Manager John Latona, who successfully traveled to Greece with two toddlers last year. "As we close the book on 2019 and look forward to the year ahead, being able to celebrate their collective accomplishments brings us a remarkable sense of pride." Haven Term policyholders are excited about 2020, with a staggering 96.1% looking forward to significant milestones in the year ahead: "Becoming a father" "Visiting my ancestor's home in Scotland " " "Finishing my wooden sailboat project" "Going to the Olympics" "Another Haven Life Annual Report!" Read the 2019 Haven Life Annual Report. About Haven Life Haven Life Insurance Agency, LLC is a life insurance startup, backed and wholly owned by MassMutual, that offers a simple online experience for buying high-quality and affordable coverage. Driven by a mission to make life less hard, we're committed to changing life insurance so that it's less time-consuming and far more rewarding. SOURCE Haven Life Related Links https://havenlife.com Pakistani Shiite Muslim burn U.S. and Israeli flags in a protest against the killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in the US strike in Iraq, in Lahore, Jan. 7, 2020. AFP South Korea is not considering withdrawing its nationals from Iraq yet, the foreign ministry said Wednesday after a meeting to discuss the rising tensions in the Middle East in the wake of Iran's revenge missile attacks on American forces in Iraq. Fear of a full-blown war is rising in the region as Iran fired over a dozen ballistic missiles against at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel early Wednesday, in retaliation for last week's U.S. killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday it held an internal meeting of its officials to discuss measures to cope with the Middle East tensions and ensure the safety of South Koreans living or staying there. The ministry launched a task force team Sunday to deal with the situation around the clock. Yet a withdrawal of South Koreans from Iraq is not being considered, a ministry official said, largely citing no immediate impact on or imminent danger present to the people there. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close By Trend Azerbaijans Central Election Commission is doing its best to resolve all issues in favor of candidates in the early parliamentary elections scheduled for Feb. 9, Chairman of Azerbaijans Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panahov said at the commissions meeting Jan. 7, Trend reports. At the same time, there are such issues in connection with which the candidate himself or herself bears the responsibility, Panahov noted. Azerbaijani citizens who have put forward their MP candidacies should provide information about their property, the chairman added. This is requirement of the Electoral Code. District election commissions arent obliged to remind the candidates about this. Those who have put forward their MP candidacies must individually provide information about their property. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A hardworking mother shopping for groceries has stumbled upon a remarkably affordable solution for healthier-looking skin. Mum-of-two Jess Towers, 25, had never tried a face mask before buying a $1.99 'brightening cloth' during a recent supermarket shop at Aldi. After wearing the 'Lacura Rice Bran Oil' mask for just under 25 minutes, the disability support worker from the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales was pleasantly surprised to find her skin looked visibly smoother and brighter. Ms Towers told Daily Mail Australia her skin felt 'silky smooth' with a 'nice, healthy glow', and now plans to use the affordable masks once a week. Mum-of-two Jess Towers, 25 (pictured) had never tried a face mask before buying a $1.99 'brightening cloth' from Aldi's beauty range, which left her skin visibly smoother and glowing from the inside out The mask is made with rice bran oil, which promotes hydration, lightens pigmentation and evens out skin tone, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to make skin look younger. Happy with the results, Ms Towers shared photos of her budget-friendly find in an Australian parenting group on Facebook, prompting many to compliment her radiant complexion. 'I love all of [the face masks] in this range! You have great skin,' one woman said. A range of face masks are available from Aldi stores across New South Wales. The mask is made with rice bran oil, which promotes hydration, lightens pigmentation and evens out skin tone, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to make skin look younger The German discount retailer has struggled to keep its 'Lacura' beauty range on shelves since it launched in Australia in early 2019. The award-winning makeup and skincare collection has proven to be a huge hit Down Under, receiving two nods at the 2019 Australian Product of the Year Awards. Best-sellers include a $9.99 facial serum voted one of the nation's favourite products of 2019, a $7.99 lipstick and a $19 face mask which has been likened to La Prairie's acclaimed $690 Skin Caviar Luxe Cream. NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cornerstone Capital Group ("Cornerstone"), an SEC registered investment advisor whose mission is to help investors achieve targeted environmental and social impact goals without sacrificing investment performance, today announced that Erika Karp, its Founder and CEO, will be participating at two events in Davos, Switzerland. The first event is a roundtable discussion hosted by the World Benchmarking Alliance at the Seehof Hotel on Thursday, January 23. Karp will be discussing systematic change why it's needed, the barriers and opportunities to change, and how data for accountability factors into the equation. Karp will also participate in the Green Debate at the Seehof Hotel on January 23. She will be joined by Ibrahim Al Husseini, CEO of Full Cycle; Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever; Thimo V. Schmitt, Director of CSR Europe at Aurora; Paula Schwarz, Foundrice of Cloud Nation; Antje Biber, Head of SDG Office at FERI Gruppe; and Philippe Bertherat, Former Managing Partner at Pictet. Following the panel, Cornerstone is co-hosting the Gala Reception from 7-9 p.m. CET, where top forward-thinking executives and CEOs who share a common interest in practical solutions for sustainable business, development and SDGs will gather and network. "I am extremely pleased to be speaking about sustainability to such a prestigious global audience as we continue to develop strategies to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the world," said Erika Karp, Founder and CEO of Cornerstone. "At Cornerstone, we firmly believe that impact investing can lead to a more sustainable and inclusive global economy. I am thrilled for the opportunity to help inspire a dramatic shift in the mindset of how we deploy capital toward sustainable economic growth." About Cornerstone Capital Group Founded in 2013, Cornerstone Capital Group is a financial services firm based in New York. The mission of the firm is to enable investors to achieve targeted impact goals without sacrificing investment performance. Cornerstone works with families and individuals, foundations and endowments, multifamily offices and other registered investment advisors to develop and manage customized investment strategies to achieve bespoke financial and impact objectives. About the World Benchmarking Alliance WBA's mission is to provide everyone with access to information that indicates how companies are contributing to the SDGs. It will do so by developing free and publicly available corporate sustainability benchmarks that rank companies on their sustainability performance and contribution to achieving the SDGs. The WBA is also expected to play a role in helping to leverage and harmonise the incoming wave of SDG-related monitoring initiatives that are currently being developed. Learn more at: www.worldbenchmarkingalliance.org About IN-Events In-Events is a boutique events agency specializing in C-level business events, fundraiser galas, and events promoting environmental and sustainability solutions. IN-Events brings together global business leaders, investors, influencers, and citizens, to support environmental innovation, awareness, and sustainable practices. Contact: Betsy Emerson Cornerstone Capital Group 646-930-4257 [email protected] Jay Morakis M Group Strategic Communications 646-859-5951 [email protected] SOURCE Cornerstone Capital Group New Delhi: B-Town king of romance, Shah Rukh Khan and wife Gauri Khan's stunning daughter Suhana is one of the most adored star kids on social media. She has several fan pages dedicated to her who post fresh pictures and videos online. One of her active fan pages on Instagram shared a selfie of Suhana with her friend and we must say the pretty ladies are looking picture perfect. Check it out here: She came down from New York City a few days back to celebrate New Year with her family and friends back in Mumbai. Brother Aryan, AbRam, BFF Ananya Panday were a few amongst others who were seen ushering in the New Year together along with Suhana at Alibaug. Suhana Khan headed to New York University last year where she is studying acting. She completed her graduation from Ardingly College in England. Sometime back, filmmaker Theo Gimeno shared the first look poster of his short film starring Suhana in a lead role. Titled as 'The Grey Part Of Blue', it stars Robin Gonnella in the lead role besides Suhana. It has been written by Theo Gimeno. Speculation of her making her starry entry into movie business has always been around and now that she is studying acting as a course, looks like very soon the pretty girl will be making her big-screen debut. Duane 'Dog' Chapman has come under fire from his daughter Lyssa Chapman for dating his rumored girlfriend Moon Angell, just seven months after his fifth wife Beth Chapman passed away. Lyssa, 32, the ninth of Dog's 12 children, took to Twitter on Tuesday, blasting her 66 year old father for dating Moon Angell, who allegedly once dated one of Dog's sons. While she never mentions Moon by name, she hinted that Beth tried to warn her about Moon before she passed away. Her father posted a photo of him and Angell, who was reportedly the assistant to both Dog and Beth, on Sunday, which she responded to with a vomiting emoji, but now Lyssa claims Moon has moved in, and states Beth warned her about Moon. However, a source close to Dog insisted to People that they are not dating, stating, 'Moon has been a family friend to Beth and Dog for years. Since Beths death, she has stepped in to help Dog in his time of need. There will never be another Beth.' Lyssa tweeted, 'If someone who met your family by dating your brother, tried to date your father after your step- mom died what would you do? Duane and Moon: Duane 'Dog' Chapman has come under fire from his daughter Lyssa Chapman for dating his rumored girlfriend Moon Angell, just seven months after his fifth wife Beth Chapman passed away 'If you went to your mothers closet and saw she moved all her clothes and replaced them with her own, what would you do?' she added, with the hashtag #ItsNotWhenOrWhyItsWho. Lyssa was born to Dog's third wife, Lyssa Rae Brittain, and was featured on episodes of A&E's Dog the Bounty where she was known as 'Baby Lyssa' to differentiate from her mother, Big Lyssa. Calling out: 'If someone who met your family by dating your brother, tried to date your father after your step- mom died what would you do?' Lyssa began Lyssa didn't specify which of her brothers Moon had dated, but she made it clear that she did not support Moon moving in with Duane in another tweet. 'My dad is a GROWN A** MAN. His money. His dynasty. But you can guarantee that my name is not going down in history as a person who supported this,' she said. 'Happiness is granted to all, and all I wish is happiness for my family. When a person who has ill intentions, that my mother specifically warned me about before her passing tries to enter, the war is on. The devil ALWAYS goes for the weakest link. Not today satan,' she said. Grown: 'My dad is a GROWN ASS MAN. His money. His dynasty. But you can guarantee that my name is not going down in history as a person who supported this,' she said Lyssa isn't the only one in Chapman's family to express concern abut Moon, with the bounty hunter's step-daughter, Cecily B. Chapman, Beth's daughter from a previous marriage, speaking out on Twitter as well on Monday. 'I've been very quiet concerning the circumstances but tbh what kinda "friend" moves into a dead friends house with their husband?! And ACTS LIKE THEY DID NOTHING WRONG?' Cecily said, with the hashtag #Narcissist. No satan: 'Happiness is granted to all, and all I wish is happiness for my family. When a person who has ill intentions, that my mother specifically warned me about before her passing tries to enter, the war is on. The devil ALWAYS goes for the weakest link. Not today satan,' she said Wedding: Duane married Beth in Hawaii in 2006 and they had two children together, Bonnie, 21, and Garry, 18, with Duane adopting Beth's daughter Cecily as well Duane married Beth in Hawaii in 2006 and they had two children together, Bonnie, 21, and Garry, 18, with Duane adopting Beth's daughter Cecily as well. But after Beth passed away from complications from stage 2 throat cancer in June 2019, Cecily claims Dog kicked her to the curb. 'To bad talking to "FRANK" isn't really an option..... He acts like he cares and loves me but threw me to the curb as soon as my mom's funeral was over!' Cecily tweeted, with the hashtag #SickUglyTruth. Beth and Duane: But after Beth passed away from complications from stage 2 throat cancer in June 2019, Cecily claims Dog kicked her to the curb Frank: 'To bad talking to "FRANK" isn't really an option..... He acts like he cares and loves me but threw me to the curb as soon as my mom's funeral was over!' Cecily tweeted, with the hashtag #SickUglyTruth Duane has not yet responded publicly to his daughter and stepdaughter's tweets at this time, but the bounty hunter did admit to getting therapy after Beth's death. 'Going to my shrink for 6 months now ever since Beth left me I am not sure if it works let you know in another 6,' he said recently on Instagram. He added that he still had to carry on with his career, stating, 'I will never, ever be the same emotionally, because there's a huge piece of my heart that isn't there anymore. But I have to remain Dad and the dog.' International crises often lead, at least initially, to surging support for a country's leadership. And that's clearly happening now. Just weeks ago, a prominent world leader faced public discontent so intense that his grip on power seemed at risk. Then the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani transformed the situation, generating a wave of patriotism that has greatly bolstered the people in charge. Mourners gather during a funeral procession for Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of Iran-backed militias in Basra, Iraq. Credit:AP Unfortunately, this patriotic rallying around the flag is happening not in America, where many are (with good reason) deeply suspicious of Donald Trump's motives, but in Iran. In other words, Trump's latest attempt to bully another country has backfired just like all his previous attempts. From his first days in office, Trump has acted on the apparent belief that he could easily intimidate foreign governments that they would quickly fold and allow themselves to be humiliated. But this strategy keeps failing; the regimes he threatens are strengthened rather than weakened, and Trump is the one who ends up making humiliating concessions. Remember, for example, when Trump promised "fire and fury" unless North Korea halted its nuclear weapons program? He claimed triumph after a 2018 summit meeting with Kim Jong-un, North Korea's leader. But Kim made no real concessions, and North Korea recently announced that it might resume tests of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles. BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- China is poised to tackle the hardest phase in securing a full victory in the anti-poverty battle in 2020 as it enters the homestretch in achieving the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The clarion has sounded and the battle against poverty will not stop until complete victory is secured. Chinese leadership has repeatedly underscored its resolve to bring the whole population out of absolute poverty, which has plagued the Chinese nation for thousands of years. In its fight against absolute poverty, the government is helping people get rid of poverty in more precise ways. POVERTY REDUCTION ACHIEVEMENT In 2019, more than 10 million people and around 340 counties were expected to shake off poverty, the latest evidence that China will not leave a single family behind on the way to a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The "three regions and three prefectures," which include Tibet Autonomous Region, southern parts of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu Province, were regarded as the hardest nuts to crack in the poverty reduction campaign. There will not be a moderately prosperous society in all respects without poverty reduction success in such regions, according to the leadership. By the end of 2019, the poverty headcount ratio in the areas has fallen to 2 percent from 8.2 percent in 2018. Most notably, the anti-poverty drive has quickened since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012 with over 10 million people getting rid of poverty each year for seven consecutive years. FIGHTING GOES ON However, China still faces an arduous task in lifting the rest of the poor population out of poverty and preventing people from slipping back into poverty, according to Liu Yongfu, director of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development. Currently, there are still nine provinces that each has over 100,000 people living under the poverty line, nine prefecture-level cities with over 50,000 and 39 counties with over 10,000, he said. As the quality of the anti-poverty campaign and success of the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects will be largely decided by the work on agriculture, rural areas and rural people in 2020, efforts will be made to pool resources, enhance support and take targeted measures to strengthen the weak links, according to the annual central rural work conference which was held in late December. Efforts will be made to boost the development of rural infrastructure and water supply and improve the rural living environment, education, medical services, social security, cultural activities and ecological environment, the conference said. Measures will also be adopted to ensure that the basic living needs of rural poor populations are met and that such people have access to compulsory education, basic medical services and safe housing. SOLUTIONS WITH CHINESE CHARACTERISTICS Drawing on the concerted efforts from the government, society and market, China has been fighting the battle through various means including industrial development, employment, relocation, financial services and the digital economy. According to the latest data from the agricultural ministry, there are 93,000 leading agricultural enterprises and over 10,000 rural industrial parks throughout the country. In 2019, more than 8.5 million people came to the rural areas to start businesses while local rural residents who started businesses surpassed 31 million. While creating jobs will not work well for many -- particularly the old, the sick, and the disabled -- China ensures social safeguards for these most vulnerable groups. For those living in remote areas with few natural resources or fragile ecology, the government has offered assistance to relocate or provide compensation. In the eyes of many observers, China has a unique and efficient governance system that can concentrate resources and accomplish big things. For example, the central government departments and affluent eastern regions have been allocating resources to poverty-stricken areas, with a large legion of capable officials being selected to guide poverty relief work. Over the past seven years, a total of 2.8 million cadres at all levels have been sent to assist poverty relief work in poor regions. Among them, there are professors, doctors, veterans and management personnel from state-owned enterprises. "To eradicate absolute poverty will be a miracle for China, and it will be written into the annals of human civilization," said Zhang Weiwei, director of the China Institute of Fudan University in Shanghai. Enditem Infamous American mobster Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson has been represented on screen a number of times, although mostly in the guise of fictional characters based on him. In the original blaxploitation classic Shaft, Johnson was the model for Bumpy Jonas (Moses Gunn), the Harlem gang boss who hires Richard Roundtrees supercool private eye to rescue his daughter whos been kidnapped by the Italian Mafia. Laurence Fishburne played another fictionalised version of him called Bumpy Rhodes in The Cotton Club; years later, the same actor also played the real Johnson in the poorly-received Hoodlum, which played so fast and loose with the facts that it might as well have been a work of complete fiction. The Eddie Murphy-Martin Lawrence prison movie Life featured a Bumpy-like character called Spanky Johnson, played by Rick James. Johnson showed up as a minor character, played by an uncredited Clarence Williams III, in American Gangster, starring Denzel Washington as another real-life hoodlum, Frank Lucas, who alleged hed worked under Johnson for 15 years a claim that was trashed as pure invention by Johnsons widow. Bumpy finally takes centre-stage in the violent, flashy new period crime drama Godfather of Harlem, another acquisition by RTE2 which, like the excellent Mr Mercedes, has been bafflingly ignored by other mainstream broadcasters in Europe. Interestingly, its being sold as a prequel to American Gangster, although whether its a more truthful account of Johnsons criminal career than any of the fictional versions weve seen up to now, is open to question. Were informed before every episode that while the story is inspired by actual persons and events, certain characters, characterisations, incidents, locations and dialogue were fictionalised or invented for purposes of dramatisation. In other words, dont believe everything you see. What you cant quibble with is the authenticity of the lead performance by the excellent Forest Whitaker, who makes Johnson a compelling and convincing presence. Video of the Day The star, whos also one of the executive producers, is the best reason for watching the series, which kicked off last night with a double-bill. The second-best reason is the richly detailed period setting. It opens in 1963 as Bumpy, having served an 11-year stretch in Alcatraz, returns to Harlem, which is simmering with even more racial tension than usual (be warned: the series doesnt do any politically correct pussyfooting around the raw, racist language to spare delicate modern sensibilities). Hes very much still the king of his own community. In a scene thats very much, well, The Godfather, Bumpy has no sooner arrived at his welcome-home party than everyone, from the local car wash owner to a nun from a Catholic school, is sidling up and asking for favours. But all is not as it was. Bumpy used to have a stable, if not exactly mutually respectful, working relationship with the Italians; basically, he doesnt mess with them and they dont mess with him. But now somebody is doing just that. Vicious mobster Vincent Gigante, another real-life criminal played with snarling intensity by Vincent DOnofrio, has muscled in on his turf. Things have changed, an associate tells Bumpy. I havent, he snaps, before heading off, shotgun in hand, to confront Gigante, whos had one of Bumpys young soldiers kneecapped. Godfather of Harlem, which is stuffed with real historical figures, including Malcolm X (Nigel Thatch, repeating his role from Selma), tries to be a mash-up of over-familiar gangster cliches and lofty history of the African-American quest for social justice, but ends up overreaching. It also stumbles over far too many melodramatic subplots, including Bumpys attempts to make his drug-addict daughter, whose child he and his wife have secretly adopted as their own, get clean. Its diverting, rather than essential, viewing. Godfather of Harlem (RTE2) China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) has pulled out about 20 employees from the West Qurna-1 oilfield in Iraq as tensions in the region have escalated, a Beijing-based source from the company familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. CNPC declined to comment on the matter. The West Qurna-1 oilfield is jointly developed by CNPC and Exxon Mobil, with the U.S. major as the operator. "CNPC pulled out its staff from West Qurna on Jan. 5, following Exxon's direction as they are the operator, right after the U.S. killing of Soleimani," the source said. Qassem Soleimani, who commanded the elite Quds Force, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Iraq last week. Iran launched missile attacks on U.S.-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike on the Iranian commander, fuelling fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Exxon Mobil did not immediately respond to an email request for comment. CNPC maintained its staff of close to 60 at Rumaila, another Iraqi oilfield that is a joint venture with BP as the operator, said the source, who declined to be named as he was not authorized to speak to the press. At Halfaya, a third major oilfield in Iraq where CNPC works as an operator, the Chinese state oil firm maintains a team of around 100. "Teams at Rumaila and Halyafa update headquarters on the securities situation on a daily basis. For now there's no plan for evacuations," the source added. Georgia gets another crack at 'Bama for college football title Pompeo Denies Soleimani Came to Iraq on Diplomatic Mission Sputnik News 19:04 07.01.2020(updated 19:06 07.01.2020) WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denied that the top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani could be on a diplomatic mission in Iraq where he was killed in an airstrike. "Anybody here believe that? Is there any history that would indicate that it is remotely possible that this kind gentleman, this diplomat of great order, Qasem Soleimani, had travelled to Baghdad for the idea of conducting a peace mission?" Pompeo told reporters. "We know that wasn't true." Soleimani, who led the Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in Baghdad last Friday in a US drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump. Iran has vowed to avenge Soleimani, but Trump has promised a "fast and very hard" response in case of retaliation. Mr Pompeo also said that the US believes that Iran is working to undermine the peace process in Afghanistan by supporting the Taliban and other militant groups. "In Afghanistan, there's an aspect of that conflict that deserves more attention and that is the Islamic Republic of Iran's involvement there," Pompeo said. "Iran has refused to join the regional and international consensus for peace and is in fact today actively working to undermine the peace process by continuing its long global effort to support militant groups there." Pompeo said Iran has relationships with the Taliban and other related groups. Afghanistan has been suffering from violence by the Taliban and various militant and terrorist groups, including the Daesh* terror organization, that operate there. The United States wants the Taliban to cut ties with terrorists and engage in closer cooperation with the Afghan government, which would enable US troops to withdraw. Many rounds of peace talks have been held with no significant result. *Daesh (also known as IS/ISIS/ISIL/Islamic State) is a terrorist group banned in Russia. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The apex body for Auto LPG suppliers on Wednesday raised concern over the "stalled growth" of the eco-friendly automotive fuel, saying due to several "detrimental" government polices, India has been missing out on "huge" environmental benefits that can be accrued by shifting to it. Auto LPG (liquified petroleum gas) is a portable, eco-friendly fuel used in vehicles which in turn helps curb vehicular emissions and pollution. A statement issued by the Indian Auto LPG Coalition (IAC) said the LPG sector has been seeking support from the government to boost the usage of this fuel, which is present in the country in abundance. "Auto LPG is eco-friendly and available in abundance. The Auto LPG sector has been seeking policy support from the government. Currently, several policies are stalling the growth of this fuel. "One of the most detrimental policies that have contributed to curtailed growth of conversions to Auto LPG and CNG are the existing Type approval norms for vehicle conversions to gaseous fuels," said Suyash Gupta, Director General, IAC. Type approval or certificate of conformity is required to obtain conversion kits in vehicles to switch from one fuel to another. Gupta told PTI that the Type approval norms in the country are "cost prohibitive" and must be changed. "These norms of the Ministry of Road and Transport and Highways require extremely cost prohibitive Type Approvals for Auto LPG and CNG conversions to be renewed every three years. "This punishing practice, that is in complete variance of established global norms, has been extremely detrimental to the conversion industry in India. In fact, the government's cleaner fuel push in the form of the City Gas Distribution project faces the threat of being stalled due to lack of conversion providers, owing to these draconian regulations," he said. The IAC said while Auto LPG has consistently been cheaper than petrol by almost 45-50 per cent, yet "India has been missing out on huge environmental benefits that can accrue by shifting to Auto LPG." "Auto LPG has almost 50 per cent lesser PM emissions than CNG and petrol and 80 per cent lower PM than diesel, with lower carbon dioxide emissions," it said. Gupta said the IAC has urged the government to make the type approval validity perpetual. "We have made several representations and sent letters to the Ministry of Road Transport asking for laws to be brought in line with European norms where the Type Approval Validity is perpetual," he said. Highlighting the problem, the IAC said conversion kits are placed in the highest GST bracket of 28 per cent which is a hindrance in promoting clean energy. "Another highly problematic issue is of conversion kits for both Auto LPG and CNG being placed in the highest GST bracket of 28 per cent... "The high GST rate is proving detrimental to the conversion industry and hampering the growth of friendly transport fuels at a time when our cities are reeling under the impact of harmful vehicular emissions. The GST on conversion kits must be brought under the 5 per cent slab to encourage more conversions." The IAC is the nodal body for the promotion of Auto LPG in India. Members of the Coalition include the oil sector public sector undertakings, private Auto LPG marketers, Kit Suppliers and Equipment Manufacturers. The Coalition also works with the World LPG Association, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and Automotive Research Association of India. The body highlighted that despite its environmental benefits in the long run, Auto LPG is also slabbed at a high GST rate of 18 per cent that pushes up its cost for consumers. "This is inexplicable for a country that is yearning for clean air," Gupta said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) King Mohammed VI has reiterated his vision for a new educational system, which promotes learners interaction, develops his capabilities and hones his critical thinking skills in a bid to provide students with opportunities for creativity and innovation. In a message addressed to participants in the 33rd International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement, which opened Tuesday in Marrakesh, the Monarch said education is the main instrument for the development of human resources. It turns people into powerful levers that contribute effectively to creating wealth, enhancing awareness and promoting innovative, creative thinking. Education also forms citizens who are keen to exercise their rights and discharge their duties in all good conscience citizens who uphold universal values, who believe in the unity of humankind as much as in their rich yet varied identity, and who are committed to coexisting with others while being immune to extremism and reclusiveness, underlined the Sovereign in his message read out by minister of education & vocational training Saaid Amzazi School effectiveness can also be measured by the ability to guarantee education and care during early childhood, and to ensure school enrolment for children from all segments of society, in keeping with the principles of equal opportunities, social justice and regional equity, stressed the King. This is particularly true for rural areas and deprived regions, for girls in villages and hamlets, for vulnerable children and for youngsters in difficult situations, added the royal message, affirming that children of migrants and refugees are also entitled to an education that responds to their basic needs in terms of upbringing and integration. The King also said that learners must be given the chance to acquire skills and learn foreign languages in order to open up to the world, noting that young people are trained in Morocco to be good citizens, integrate youths into the development process, open up to other cultures and be fully involved in the knowledge and communication-based world. To ensure sound, practical implementation of this education project, Morocco has sought to include these guiding principles in an integrated framework law that governs the various stages and policies of the education and scientific research system, explained the Monarch. On many occasions, I have stressed the special importance I attach to the promotion of education, given my firm belief in the decisive role it plays as a catalyst for the achievement of sustainable development in the various social, economic, cultural and environmental sectors, went on to say the King in his message. The effectiveness of schools should be essentially measured to what extent they respond to the basic needs and concerns of young people, who are the driving force in society, said the Monarch. Young people should therefore be provided with the knowledge, competencies, skills, values, languages and culture that help them develop their personality, enhance their independence, improve their qualifications, achieve self-fulfillment, and increase their chances for social and professional integration, affirmed the King, underlining that this is something he has always seen as a right, and not a privilege. Morocco is the first Arab and African country to host the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement. The event gathers education practitioners throughout the world to strengthen North-South and South-South cooperation with respect to developing schools and education systems. This conference is an opportunity for African countries to discuss ways of enhancing the quality of education and training, and to consider the best avenues for fulfilling the main expectations of education systems in developing countries. The latter are seeking to develop their education systems to match those of developed countries. US President Donald Trump will not launch a military assault against Iran in retaliation for a wave of missile strikes targeting American troops, easing fears a tense standoff between both countries was about to spiral into a full-blown war in the Middle East. Walking back his earlier pledge to hit Iran if the regime targeted Americans or American assets, Trump announced "punishing" new sanctions on Tehran in response to the wave of ballistic missile strikes on two military bases in Iraq that house US and international forces. While Trump said he was "still evaluating" other responses, he said just because the US had a powerful military didn't mean it "had to use it". "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," he said during an address to the nation from the White House. Gold is considered a safe investment in times of political and economic turmoil. New Delhi: Gold soared as much as 2 per cent on Wednesday to vault over the USD 1,600 ceiling for the first time in nearly seven years, as investors flocked to safe havens, after Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes against US forces in Iraq. Spot gold jumped 0.8 per cent to USD 1,585.80 per ounce by 0250 GMT. Prices hit their highest since March 2013 at USD 1,610.90 earlier in the session. US gold futures rallied 1 per cent to USD1,589.30. Iran launched a missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday, followed by a second round of attacks against US bases in Iraq. The strike by Iran comes hours after the funeral of Tehrans top military commander Qassem Soleimani whose killing in a US drone strike last week has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Fears of uncertainty and further escalation in this military confrontation is dragging up gold prices, said Margaret Yang Yan, a market analyst at CMC Markets. This (Iran attacks) is definitely fuelling demand for safe havens, not just gold but also yen, while equities are being heavily sold off. Risk aversion spiked as financial markets were thrown into disarray after the attack, sending Asian stocks tumbling and oil rocketing. US President Donald Trump said in a tweet late on Tuesday that an assessment of casualties and damage from the strikes was under way and that he would make a statement on Wednesday morning. Gold is considered a safe investment in times of political and economic turmoil. CMC Markets Yan said that technically, gold is heavily overbought, adding that a pullback could occur if Trump resolves the issue diplomatically without triggering a full-blown war. The metals 14-day relative strength index (RSI) was around 88. An RSI above 70 indicates a commodity is overbought. Spot gold may break a resistance at USD 1,614 per ounce and rise towards the next resistance at USD 1,639, according to Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao. Among other precious metals, palladium hit a fresh all-time peak of USD 2,056.01 an ounce earlier in the session on sustained supply deficit, and was last down 0.3 per cent to USD 2,045.08. The autocatalyst metal touched a fresh record high for the third consecutive session. Silver rose 0.8 per cent to USD 18.53 per ounce, after hitting its highest since early September at USD 18.85, while platinum edged 0.1 per cent lower to USD 970.25. British citizen Benjamin Reynolds, ex-director of the crypto Ponzi scheme Control-Finance, has evaded regulators for six months following initial legal action against him for misappropriating over 22,000 Bitcoins. Control-Finance was a multi-level marketing scheme that used the hype of the 2017 crypto markets to defraud over 1,000 customers. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) sought to serve legal papers to Reynolds for civil monetary penalties, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, trading bans, and permanent injunctions against launching such a scheme again. However, Reynolds has been difficult to track down, leading the CFTC to request another 60 days to chase the elusive Brit. Process servers in the UK attempted to serve Reynolds at his registered address in Manchester in July 2019, listed in official Control-Finance documents as his service address. However, the address was abandoned. Telephone and email contact with Reynolds also proved fruitless, leaving the US regulator with few avenues to serve legal papers to the Ponzi director. According to Finance Feeds, the CFTC filed a motion on January 3 with the New York Southern District Court requesting that Reynolds be served through the popular UK newspaper The Daily Telegraph rather than receiving the papers in person. At this time, its unclear whether the motion will be passed. However, due to the amount involved, its highly likely the court will grant an extension at least. Huge crypto Ponzi scheme Reynolds defrauded customers in the period between May 1 to October 31 2017, a particularly volatile and hype-fueled period in the cryptocurrency markets. In an initial press release dated June 2019, the CFTC accused Control-Finance and Reynolds of misappropriating customer funds worth in excess of $147 million at the time. Through Control-Finance, Reynolds made outlandish claims, such as promising customers a 1.5% return on their investments per day and providing a safe-haven from Bitcoin market risks. Story continues In reality, Reynolds was pooling BTC sent to his company in single wallets and siphoning it off for his own nefarious means. In addition to the CFTCs investigation, its thought that officials from the Ulsan District Prosecutors Office in South Korea are also investigating the crypto Ponzi. You can read more about Bitcoin Ponzi schemes here. The post British Bitcoin Ponzi director evades regulators appeared first on Coin Rivet. "Serving in the military changes you. The shades and degrees of change vary for everyone, but no one is ever the same as... Fredericksburg, VA, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- BitFrontier Capital Holdings, Inc. (OTC: BFCH) is excited to announce that the Company will be featured in the premier of Crypto Minute TV on FMW Medias blockchain show, Exploring The Block aired on the FOX Business Network and Bloomberg TV as sponsored programming. The initial segment of Crypto Minute TV will be filmed and produced in New York City the week of January 20th, 2020. Being aired on the most recognized and broad-based business and investment networks and programs provides Crypto Minute TV and its featured companies with global access to a highly sophisticated business and investor-based audience specifically aimed at those interested in the Crypto sector and related investment opportunities and information. BitFrontier CEO, Spencer Payne, stated, With the grand opening of our flagship facility imminent we believe this is an excellent opportunity to bring awareness to our company. We anticipate that this exposure will allow us to quickly ramp up operations in the facility and hopefully allow us to expand at a more rapid pace. Exploring The Block airs in over 450 million homes on major U.S. and international networks and markets. Crypto Minute TV segments will be aired on major cable and television networks across the country and internationally showcasing companies and investment opportunities in the emerging Bitcoin, Digital, and Crypto-Currency sectors. In addition to airing on major networks such as FOX Business and Bloomberg TV as a sponsored program, Crypto Minute TV will also eventually air in over 40 million Over-the-Air (OTA) households in all major markets and soon into Satellite and Cable households that will include DirecTV, Dish, and Charter, which includes prime audience markets such as New York City and Los Angeles. The audience totals for DirecTV, Dish, and Charter alone will be over 45 million households in addition to the 40+ million OTA Households. The project will also include radio programming and advertising on over 300 radio stations across the US as well as top tier print and digital venues. FMW Media issued a News Release on December 2nd describing the new partnership between BGTV Direct, Crypto Minute TV, Exploring The Block, and their first featured Company BitFrontier Capital Holdings, Inc. In the news release BGTVs CEO, Marvin Baker, stated, The new televised segment will prove to be a perfect and very powerful partnership between Exploring the Block and Crypto Minute TV. We plan to showcase our content and provide investment and marketing opportunities to a worldwide audience and this partnership expands our potential viewership to over 450 million TV households both domestically and internationally. Baker further added, Exploring The Block gives us a worldwide footprint in China, Europe, South and Central America in addition to adding major business news networks in North America. Our first feature segment will be on BitFrontier Capital Holdings to discuss the grand opening of their new Crypto mining facility and offer investment opportunities in addition to selling and hosting miners in their new facility to our viewers. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/12/02/1955169/0/en/FMW-Media-Introduces-New-Clients-... Crypto Minute TV is also currently producing expanded Crypto sector content segments to be aired on other national TV networks, as well as other Crypto sector programs and venues. In addition, Crypto Minute TV is currently in discussions with BitFrontier Capital Holdings to jointly create and expand capabilities and opportunities in the emerging Crypto sector including the establishment of additional mining facilities in addition to BitFrontiers already planned five such facilities. About BitFrontier Capital Holdings, Inc.: BitFrontier Capital Holdings business plan is to concentrate on cryptocurrency related investments and development opportunities through cryptocurrency mining, investments in private and/or public entities, joint ventures and acquisitions of blockchain related companies. BitFrontier Capital Holdings has two wholly owned operating subsidiaries, BitFrontier Capital Investments, Inc. and BitFrontier Technologies, Inc. Through the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, BitFrontier Technologies, Inc., the Company is currently in the final stages of construction of a warehouse specifically designed for hosting cryptocurrency mining equipment. Cryptocurrency mining (e.g. bitcoin mining) entails running ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) servers or other specialized servers which solve a set of prescribed complex mathematical calculations in order to add a block to a blockchain and thereby confirm digital asset transactions. A party which is successful in adding a block to the blockchain is awarded a fixed number of digital assets in return. For additional information please visit www.bitfrontiercapitalholdings.com and follow BFCH at https://twitter.com/BitFrontierInc Investor Contact: BitFrontier Capital Holdings Investor Relations 540-736-3069 ir@bitfrontiercapitalholdings.com About Crypto Minute TV: Nothing has the far-reaching power or effectiveness of, As Seen On TV. Crypto Minute TV can put the eyes of the world on your Crypto enterprise by showcasing your company's brand, products, services, and investment opportunities to hundreds of millions of households across the country and around the world on the most recognized networks and crypto dedicated programs in the industry such as FOX Business, Bloomberg TV, ION TV, CNBC, and more! Crypto Minute TV will be featured on networks and programs that are literally household names, watched by investors around the world, and each segment will be aired at optimal times and during specific programs to maximize exposure to the investment and crypto communities. Even start-up companies with a limited budget aggressively fighting for market share and exposure in this emerging and very competitive sector will now have direct access to crypto/investor based audiences around the world. Interested parties can visit www.cryptominutetv.com to learn more about specific opportunities, featured companies, and networks as well as broadcast content, times, and dates. Crypto Minute TV also offers a free regularly distributed Crypto Investor Newsletter on its website with information on its Featured Companies and other various crypto investment related opportunities. For instant alerts and updates, be sure to follow them at Twitter.com/CryptoMinuteTV - @CryptoMinuteTV About BGTV Direct Worldwide Media Solutions: BGTV Direct LLC. and its broadcast and syndication partners are powered by NTR advertiser supported content across Television, Radio, Print, Mobile, and electronic advertising platforms. BGTV Direct has offices in Nashville, Las Vegas, and Silicon Valley. Current services include broadcast production and content, programming syndication, advertising sales, and media buying. For additional information please contact our Media Relations Department at www.bgtvdirect.com About Exploring the Block: Exploring the Block profiles Blockchain Technologies and Companies. Exploring the Block produces multi-part series following the goals and achievements of the companies we follow and invite our audience to track the growth and challenges these companies face. Each series provides a personal look at the company through the eyes of the CEO or company executive as they discuss their goals, roots, and products with our experienced team of anchors/journalists to provide our viewing audience with who, what, where, when, and why about the companies you want to learn about. Blockchain is changing the world and we will showcase Crypto Companies and their teams that are striving to do so with the companies they started. www.exploringtheblock.com About FMW Media: FMW Media Corp. operates one of the longest running U.S and International sponsored programming T.V. brands "NewToTheStreet," and its blockchain show Exploring The Block. Since 2009, these brands run shows across major U.S. Television networks. These TV platforms reach over 540 million homes both in US and international markets. Developing two additional shows "TheBestinNY" and "The Ultimate Listing. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Except for any historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's reports and filings at https://www.otcmarkets.com/ Certain statements contained in this release that are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by that Act. Reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because they involve unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as estimates, anticipates, projects, plans, expects, intends, believes, should and similar expressions and by the context in which they are used. Such statements are based upon current expectations of the Company and speak only as of the date made. BANGALORE, India, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Increasing numbers of messaging apps and voice assistants drive the conversational AI platform market. Many companies invest in chatbots and incorporate AI-based chatbots with websites to remain ahead of the competition, as customers prefer chatting as the primary mode of communication. Conversational AI adoption is expected to grow further as more and more businesses are incorporating conversational AI systems into existing chat, communication and call centres to provide seamless interactivity and personalized experiences to improve customer engagement. View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Othe-2T206/global-conversational-ai-platforms TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GLOBAL CONVERSATIONAL AI PLATFORM MARKET Growing number of messaging apps and voice assistant Improving cost-effective options for creating chatbots. Get Free Sample Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Othe-2T206/global_conversational_ai_platforms_market REGION WISE GLOBAL CONVERSATIONAL AI PLATFORM MARKET In 2018, North America accounted for the largest share of the global AI app conversational market. The acceptance of the conversational AI platform is the highest in this area with the involvement of the highest number of technology innovators and industry disruptors. The growing use of smart speakers, resulting in smart virtual assistant technology, drives the conversational AI platform market in North America . accounted for the largest share of the global AI app conversational market. The acceptance of the conversational AI platform is the highest in this area with the involvement of the highest number of technology innovators and industry disruptors. The growing use of smart speakers, resulting in smart virtual assistant technology, drives the conversational AI platform market in . Due to increased initiatives and investment on AI, the Asia Pacific region is expected to see the fastest growth rate. CONVERSATIONAL AI PLATFORMS MARKET SEGMENT BY REGIONS/COUNTRIES, THIS REPORT COVERS North America Europe China Rest of Asia Pacific Central & South America Middle East & Africa Inquire for Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Othe-2T206/global_conversational_ai_platforms_market CONVERSATIONAL AI PLATFORMS MARKET SEGMENT BY TYPE, THE PRODUCT CAN BE SPLIT INTO Cloud-Based On-Premise CONVERSATIONAL AI PLATFORMS MARKET SEGMENT BY APPLICATION, THE MARKET CAN BE SPLIT INTO Large Enterprises(1000+ Users) Medium-Sized Enterprise(499-1000 Users) Small Enterprises(1-499 Users) THE STUDY OBJECTIVES OF THIS REPORT ARE: To study and forecast the market size of Conversational AI Platforms in the global market. To analyze the global key players, SWOT analysis, value and global market share for top players. To define, describe and forecast the market by type, end use and region. To analyze and compare the market status and forecast among global major regions. To analyze the global key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks. To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth. To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments. To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trends and their contribution to the market To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. Buy Now @ https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Othe-2T206 REPORTS RELATED TO THE SUBSET OF CONVERSATIONAL AI PLATFORMS MARKET GLOBAL CONVERSATIONAL AI MARKET OVERVIEW Conversational Artificial Intelligence is a collection of technologies that allow computers to simulate real-time conversations. Conversational AI plays a crucial role in Intelligent Virtual Agents(IVA). AI implementation in intelligent virtual agents can comprehend open conversations while contextualizing them to a case or scenario. Businesses exploit AI technology by using a combination of ML and NLU that allows IVA to be prepared for an accelerated time to market with industry-specific knowledge and unique business data. Geographically, North America accounted for the largest share of the global conversational AI market and is expected to grow substantially over the forecast period. This market's growth is due to a large number of established players. This study focuses on the status of global conversational AI, future projections, opportunities for growth, key industry, and key players. The study aims to present the development of Conversational AI in the United States, Europe, and China. View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-26K333/conversational-ai-market CONVERSATIONAL MARKETING SOFTWARE MARKET In 2018, the global Conversational Marketing Software market size was 210 million US$ and it is expected to reach 2000 million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of 38.5% during 2019-2025. USA is the largest countries of Conversational Marketing Software in the world in the past few years and it will keep increasing in the next few years. USA market took up about 41.1% of the global market in 2018, while Europe and Japan were about 31.34%, 7.16%. USA and Europe are now the key developers of Conversational Marketing Software. There are a few vendors developing Conversational Marketing Software in India, but the Indian market is still much smaller than the USA at present. View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-3182/global-conversational-marketing-software-market ABOUT US: Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs. Our team of market analyst can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs. Valuates is curating premium Market Research Reports from the leading publishers around the globe. We will help you map your information needs to our report repository of Market research reports and guide you through your purchasing decision. We are based out of Silicon Valley of India (Bengaluru) and provide 24/6 online and offline support to all our customers and just a phone call away. CONTACT US: Valuates Reports [email protected] For U.S. Toll Free Call +1-(315)-215-3225 For IST Call +91-8040957137 WhatsApp : +91 9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Linkedin - https://in.linkedin.com/company/valuatesreports Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH4wNXynaTZbiD5m92WQI4A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/ SOURCE Valuates Reports Ordered to his knees after being handcuffed by police, Ukrainian activist Leonid Ovcharenko faced abuse from the crowd that had turned out to see a Russian blogger he had confronted with questions over Crimea due to her past visit to the peninsula that Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014. Things quickly escalated, and Ovcharenko and another activist were physically attacked seemingly not only by a few members of the angry mob. Social media posts appeared to show police were involved, and Ovcharenko reportedly bore the brunt of it. Social media posts and other comments suggested that many were appalled not only by the abuse the activists suffered and the alleged police involvement, but by where it happened. The January 6 incident did not transpire in Russia -- where questioning the country's territorial integrity, and thus its claim to Crimea, is a criminal offense -- but in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Amid cries of injustice, the Interior Ministry issued an appeal to the public on January 7. "If you witnessed any misconduct by law enforcement officers during yesterday's conflict and have evidence, please come forward," the ministry said in a statement quoted by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. The ministry said that the Russian blogger, Aleksandra Mitroshina, had entered Ukraine legally by train. But it announced that she would be added to a list of people banned from entering Ukraine due to having visited Crimea without authorization from Kyiv. Mitroshina, who had posted photos on social media in 2017 of a visit to Crimea, said on Telegram on January 6 that she did not support Moscow's annexation of the Black Sea peninsula, which Russia took control over in March 2014 after sending in troops, securing key buildings, and staging a referendum considered illegitimate by at least 100 countries. Only a handful consider Crimea to be part of Russia. She also said her appearance in Kyiv had no political motive. The two activists involved in the incident, Ovcharenko and Oleksiy Kalnytskiy are members of the Vidsich movement, which launched in 2010 to protest the election of Viktor Yanukovych as president. In a Facebook post, Vidsich said the two activists went to the site in Kyiv where Mitroshina was to speak to ask the Russian blogger a simple question: "Who does Crimea belong to?" A video uploaded to Twitter by a user called lennutrajektoor appeared to show Ovcharenko on his knees and handcuffed, encircled by a crowd, many using smart phones to document it all, as a stone-faced police officer hovers over the activist. In the clip, Ovcharenko appears to engage in a heated discussion with what appears to be Mitroshina, saying at one point "There are no words to describe the way you spit on Ukraine." A video uploaded to Facebook by a user called Oleksandr Ivanov, appeared to show both Ovcharenko and Kalnytskiy, being hit and kicked by a young man inside the building on Kozatska Street in Kyiv where Mitroshina was scheduled to speak. Vidsich said on Facebook that its two activists were detained by police for three hours before being released for "minor hooliganism," charges that were confirmed by police in Kyiv. Some said the abuse and humiliation that the two activists, especially Ovcharenko, endured was akin to what Ukrainians have faced in areas of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists. "One and the same," wrote a poster identified as krtmn79 on Twitter above a split photo of a kneeling Ovcharenko next to a memorable shot of a woman wrapped in a Ukrainian flag being kicked by a woman on a street in separatist-controlled Donetsk in 2014. Mitroshina, who canceled what had been billed as a "meeting with followers," called the confrontation with the Vidsich activists a "provocation." In a Telegram post on January 6, Mitroshina said she did not "support the annexation of Crimea," and denied working for the state-run Russian TV channel Rossiya-1, as detractors have contended. In 2017, Mitroshina had posted on Facebook photos of herself in Crimea, apparently having visited the Ukrainian Peninsula without authorization from Kyiv. These posts were taken down just ahead of her planned appearance in Kyiv on January 6, although a screen grab shot captures some of them. Mitroshina was praised in 2019 for spearheading a campaign on social media to pressure the Russian government to pass a domestic violence bill. She and another activist, Alyona Popova, urged social media users to post images of themselves with the hashtag # (I didn't want to die) and to sign a petition. Her image on Instagram has had nearly 470,000 "likes." Andriy Demchenko, a spokesman for the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service, told the Ukrayinskaya Pravda news website on January 7 that Mitroshina faced a three-year ban on entering Ukraine. HOUSTON, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lawyers with the firm Shepherd, Smith, Edwards & Kantas, LLP (SSEK Law Firm) are investigating claims involving the sale of non-traded Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) by NEXT Financial investment advisors. NEXT Financial (NEXT), based in Houston, TX and owned by Atria Wealth Solutions, is an independent brokerage firm that was recently fined $475K by two states stemming from complaints of unsuitability, failure to supervise its agent(s), and sales practice violations. NEXT was fined by the Massachusetts Securities Division for $150K as a result of its investigation into the sale of these unsuitable REITs by an unnamed broker over a 10-year period, along with allegations that many of the sales exceeded limits as determined by a clients overall liquid net worth. The New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation issued a fine of $325K as a result of its investigation for failing to reasonably supervise the sale of certain alternative investments to a number of clients, including unsuitable sales of non-traded REITs by NEXT broker Charles Chester Kulch. In addition to the financial penalties, NEXTs settlements with both regulatory agencies contain agreements by NEXT to make offers to remediate clients, which could significantly increase NEXTs overall financial exposure. Non-traded REITs are illiquid, alternative, high-commission investment products that are generally considered unsuitable for senior investors and should never comprise more than 20% of an investors liquid net worth. Many states have limits on the amount of these products that can be sold to an individual investor and/or can comprise an investors portfolio. According to the Massachusetts Securities Division, NEXT had internal guidelines in place related to the allowable concentration of alternative investments such as non-traded REITs in a clients portfolio, but failed to follow these standards. As a result, investors incurred significant financial losses. If you were a client of NEXT Financial and are invested in REITs, please contact the law firm of Shepherd, Smith, Edwards & Kantas, LLP today for a free, confidential evaluation of your account(s). We have a team of attorneys, consultants, and staff with over 100 years of combined experience in the securities industry and in securities law that are ready to assist you in recovering your investment losses today. Contact Info: 800-259-9010 Sam Edwards: sedwards@sseklaw.com Kirk Cook: ksmith@sseklaw.com Local councillor and Fianna Fail General Election candidate Joe Flaherty has released a statement regarding the now deferred commemoration of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP). Cathaoirleachs from across the country were invited to the commemoration, which was due to take place next week but, following widespread criticism from TDs, elected representatives and members of the public, and plans by many cathaoirleachs and councils to boycott the event, the government has deferred it. In a statement posted to his Facebook page, Cllr Flaherty said that the plans for the commemoration were "calamitous". "For those who asked, I wasn't invited and would not have been attending," he said. "We already had plans for an all-inclusive event to remember all who died during the War of Independence and this was the correct format to acknowledge those involved in the War who opposed the fight for freedom. "We have a complex history and what many are quick to forget is that this State is still in its infancy only last year we celebrated the centenary of the first Dail. Read also: 'In no other state would they celebrate the deeds of the oppressors', says Sinn Fein's Matt Carthy "For many years, various governments have worked through a cross party expert group that processed proposals to commemorate key dates and anniversaries in our history. The process depended upon, and thrived on expert advice and public consultation. "Such a group considered recommendations in connection with the commemoration of our War of Independence. It subsequently reported to the government and stated that the role of the RIC / DMP would have to be remembered. Crucially there was no discussion on what format this should take. It never recommended a commemoration as outlined by the Minister for Justice. "As an emerging modern nation, it is vital that we explore, process and learn from all aspects of our past. The impending War of Independence anniversaries are an ideal opportunity for us to discuss a complex past. It requires a calm and objective discussion / debate and the proposed event to commemorate the role of the RIC / DMP in the War of Independence did not enable this. "In what was one of the first significant actions in the War locally, Sean Connolly (subsequently shot along with six others at Selton Hill in Leitrim) and colleagues attacked the RIC Barracks in Drumlish 100 years ago yesterday. Over the next two years, we will have multiple and significant anniversary dates locally and nationally. We need to approach each of them in a spirit of enlightenment and a determination to learn from the past. "On June 19, 1921, only three weeks before the truce that ended the war, IRA man, Tommy Kelleher shot an Auxiliary in Drumlish and was subsequently gunned down by ten RIC men. He is commemorated locally by a Celtic Cross known as the Kelleher Monument. "Already today we have heard calls for the resumption of the cross-party committee on commemorations and this should happen immediately so that we can have a full and frank discussion on future commemorative events. What this escapade has highlighted is the need for consensus if we are to do justice to the past." Read also: 'It would be wrong': Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran announces he will not attend RIC commemoration Jesus Cantu, the information chief for Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Mexicos president, wakes up every morning at 4:30 am. He spends an hour or two reviewing the previous days news, including Donald Trumps tweets. Then he takes a shower and hails a taxi. At 6:15, Mexico Citys notorious traffic hasnt started yet, so Cantu is at the National Palace by 6:30, just in time to set up for the presidents daily morning press conference, the mananera. The mananeras can have an oddly lethargic effect. The early start time is partially responsible. One morning in June, as reporters streamed into the main hall, a reporter described with a guttural arghh what it was like to cover them. Just as much to blame, though, is the slow cadence of Lopez Obrador, known as AMLO, who rode into office in 2018 on a torrent of anti-eliteand anti-presssentiment. The mananeras tend to push two hours. AMLO took the stage at 7:15. Standing to the side was Cantu, 67 years old, with a blazer and moustache that gave him the look of a tenured professor. He seemed tense. There are some moments that I wouldnt call difficult, but complicated, Cantu says. When theyre not sleepy, the mananeras can quickly turn contentious; if AMLO gets a critical question, hell cite incorrect data, get lost on tangents, or attack journalists. Last spring, for example, after a heated exchange with Univisions Jorge Ramos over Mexicos murder rate, AMLO told reporters, If you step out of line, you know what will happen. But it wont be me, itll be the people. AMLOs languagewhich unleashes mobs of social media attacksmirrors President Trumps, but the consequences here are more violent. Mexico is the most dangerous country in the world to be a journalist, with more than 150 journalists killed since 2000 and twelve since AMLO took office. Nevertheless, Cantu will argue, AMLO is an improvement over Enrique Pena Nieto, his predecessor, who held only two press conferences during his tenure and ran a surveillance program targeting reporters. But the Mexican press faces two fearsome threats: one visiblenarco-violence and the unwillingness of officials to prosecute crimes against journalistsand the other less so. Cristina Ruelas, the Mexico and Central America director of Article 19, a global NGO dedicated to freedom of expression, calls the latter economic violence. Historically, national outlets have relied on publicidad oficial (public advertisement funding) for as much as sixty percent of their budgets and, according to Article 19, the number has been even higher for local publications. Under Pena Nieto, the government spent more than three billion dollars on advertising; when AMLO took office, he announced a fifty percent reduction as part of austerity cuts designed to combat corruption, spurring mass media layoffs. AMLO is destroying the press as we know it, Viridiana Rios, a columnist and frequent guest on Es la hora de opinar, a popular talk show, tells me. That said, she adds, The press as we know it was not necessarily the press as we want it to be. Over the years, officials have often used the public-funding arrangement to curb journalistic independence. The newspapers, radio stations, and television stations were instruments of the political groups in power, Luis Guillermo Hernandez, an independent journalist, says. Hes working with Ruelas and others to develop a plan for a more transparent system. AMLO, however, has used the corruption of the past to score points with his base at the expense of legitimate reporting. When the summer began, a government agency sent a list of thirty-six prominent journalists to Reformaa national newspaper alternately described as the Mexican New York Times or Fox News, depending on whos talkingthat was meant to publicize who had received ad funding from the previous administration. Yet the list, compiled by the AMLO administration, represented only a fraction of the total, and many publicly questioned why their names had been included. The implication was that those singled out were chayoteros, a derogatory term for reporters on the government payroll. Sign up for CJR 's daily email On the day of this mananera, the resentment level was high, and Cantu wasnt sure what to expect. It was up to him to serve as the conduit between journalists and the administration, a job that was becoming increasingly difficult. Even the mananeras themselves, journalists had realized, were a false gesture, designed to fill a void left by publicidad oficial. Its a self-serving exercise that feeds a narrative of openness, Javier Garza Ramos, a journalist in Torreon, tells me. When the media is obliged to cover a morning conference, what does the government need to advertise for? That morning, Cantu was relieved to watch as AMLO kept his answers relatively civil, his political charm on full display. It would be a quiet day. When a reporter asked him about the ongoing tariff wars with Trump, AMLO gave a smile before flashing a peace sign, Nixon-style. Soy el dueno de mi silencio, he said. I am the owner of my silence. Before Cantu became AMLOs information chief, he was a journalist. I was practically born between printing presses and linotypes, he tells me. In 1919, his grandfather founded El Porvenir, a newspaper in the northern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, and his father went on to run it. Cantu studied economics at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and briefly as a postgraduate, but journalism beckoned. His ambition, he says, was to contribute to the development of a more just and open society. He joined the family newspaper, went on to a number of reporting jobs, and eventually became El Porvenirs publisher. He spent ten years there, until 1992, when he moved to Culiacana city that became synonymous with Joaquin El Chapo Guzmans Sinaloa cartelto be the editorial director of Noreste. At the time, it was the reign of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which had subjected Mexico to single-party rule since 1929. One of its methods for retaining power was El Chayo: bribing Mexican media with envelopes of cash in exchange for positive coverage, later formalized as publicidad oficial. Both Porvenir and Noreste received publicidad oficial, though Cantu says the threat of withholding ad revenue didnt affect his work; he believed that the press was necessary to demonstrate the absence of democracy. At Noreste, he revealed the excessive salaries of government officials and helped uncover extrajudicial executions. In 1994, AMLO ran for his first political officegovernor of his home state of Tabasco. Originally a member of the PRI, he defected to the newly formed Party of the Democratic Election (PRD) in 1988 after a presidential election that was widely regarded as having been rigged in PRIs favor. AMLO lost the race, the first in a string of contested elections, but his national profile began to build. A social fighter, as Cantu saw him, AMLOs causes included election reform and human rights. He led a 2,000-strong caravan for democracy from Tabasco to Mexico City to protest electoral fraud and later appeared on the cover of the magazine Proceso, arms crossed and shirt bloodied, after blockading new oil wells to protect indigenous communities. That year, convinced that Mexicos biggest problem was corruption and rampant electoral fraud, Cantu left his newsroom to take a job as an adviser for the Federal Electoral Institute. In his new role, he met AMLO, a brash but honest figure, Cantu thought, with an awarenessunique among Mexican politiciansof class inequality. Cantu watched in 2000 as AMLO ran for mayor of Mexico Citythe last race he would win until the presidencyand when, a few years later, he became a target of attack by the conservative PAN party as it swept into national power. AMLO, already distrustful of the Mexican elite, became increasingly so. To hell with the institutions, he said in 2005. In 2006, AMLO ran for president for the first time, against Felipe Calderon. By then, Cantu had moved on from his electoral post to lead a political science masters program in Monterrey and write a column for Proceso. He followed the election closely and, when AMLO lost by half a percentage point, he sensed that something was amiss. It was an election filled with many, many irregularities, Cantu recalls. Afterward, there were widespread allegations of fraud: powerful companies had run illegal attack ads against AMLO and thousands of voters had disappeared from the electoral roll; the databases, it turned out, were run by a company owned by Calderons brother-in-law. More than fifty percent of the countrys 130,000 polling stations reported irregularities. Worst of all, in Cantus eyes, electoral authorities skirted their responsibility to investigate. For AMLO, the results were proof that the system was stacked against him, especially the media. He declared himself the legitimate president and began to hold rallies around the country. At one, AMLO pointed at Emiliano Ruiz Parra, a young reporter for Reforma whose coverage he disliked, and said, There is Reforma, the official bulletin of the PAN, the official bulletin of the Right. Another time, AMLO said that Ruiz Parras presence meant that our movement has not been extinguished, as our adversaries want. In 2012, AMLO ran for president again, facing challengers from both the PRI (Enrique Pena Nieto) and the PAN (Josefina Vazquez Mota). This time, Cantu conducted a media study of the race, finding that, while newspapers generally reflected the pluralism of the country, television networks were highly biased. Some seventy-six percent of Mexicans were informed about politics through television, with ninety-seven percent of the audience tuning into Televisa and TV Azteca. Cantu found that, during the campaign, AMLO received significantly more negative coverage than the other two candidates did, despite polling second. It is confirmed that the Mexican mass media is not politically neutral, Cantu concluded, and therefore, despite the intentions of legislators and electoral authorities, internal pluralism has not been achieved. AMLO lost again. Up until then, Cantu had stayed apolitical. He respected AMLOs social consciousness, but was bothered by his derisive nicknames for opponents; at a rally in 2006, for instance, AMLO famously told President Vicente Fox to Callate, chachalaca (Shut up, chatterbox!). When AMLO geared up for his 2018 campaign and invited Canu to join, as spokesman, the decision to say yes was ultimately about the opportunity to bring change, Canu tells me. The country was sitting on a powder keg, he says; more than forty percent of the population was living in poverty. After having been a reporter, an electoral authority, and an academic, his role would mean closing a circle that allowed me to have 360 degree vision of the electoral process. He believed, too, that he could repair the perverse relationship between the government and the media. Many journalists point out that AMLO became president with the support of investigative reportingoutlets such as Sin Embargo, Animal Politico, Quinto Elemento, and even Reforma uncovered corruption in Pena Nietos administration. Sometimes I consider it very paradoxical that Lopez Obrador now is complaining about the critical and independent press when that critical and independent press contributed so much to forge the climate of rejection toward the previous regime, Garza, the reporter in Torreon, says. AMLO did seem to forge a friendship with the TV networksthe chairman of TV Azteca would sit on his council of business advisors; when Jared Kushner visited Mexico, in March, he dined with AMLO at the home of Bernardo Gomez Martinez, the co-CEO of Grupo Televisa. But as Ruiz Parra says, the president didnt change his vision of the press, only his allies. Toward print publications, AMLO remained a consistent bully, both in terms of rhetoric and policy. In June, AMLO decided not to attend a summit hosted by the Committee to Protect Journalists at Mexico Citys National Museum of Anthropology. (On the day, AMLO was across town, tweeting that he was videoconferencing with Mark Zuckerberg.) In his place, he sent several representatives, including Cantu. AMLOs absence permeated the event, and panelists surged with anger and frustration. The only way to save the lives of journalists is to make the institutions work, to have investigations done, and to have the government act like a government, Anabel Hernandez, who covers cartel violence, told the crowd. For the last panel of the day, Cantu took the stage, for a discussion on the media and the state. During his opening remarks, he affirmed his support of the press. If we aspire to be a developed country and to construct a democracy, we need an open, independent, and pluralistic media system, he said. To Cantus immediate right, Daniel Moreno, of an outlet called Animal Politico, watched him warily, arms and legs crossed. Cantu visibly felt the hostility, often raising his voice as if anticipating a counterargument. We have to end the impunity, which is fundamental for ensuring freedom of expression, he said, of the governments historic failure to investigate crimes against journalists. We have to do a thorough review of the laws. Moreno and Ruelas, of Article 19, who was also onstage, looked skeptical. At one point, Cantu, responded to complaints from Moreno, including the list of journalists who had allegedly received government advertising. No journalist can say that AMLO has taken any action that diminishes their freedom of expression, he said. Moreno raised his hands in frustration. After Cantu finished, Moreno took the mic and faced him. Have you seen Chernobyl? he asked. Cantu and the audience laughed. Moreno wasnt joking. In the HBO series Chernobyl, he continued, theres a scene in which the head of the KGB says to a scientist, Trust, but verify. Moreno went on to say that, when he listens to Cantu speak about what the administration promises, We have to verify if theyre actually going to do it. Because I would say in the first six months, this has not been the case. When I catch up with Cantu several months later, he says, regrettably, there has not been the best progress. Since the summit, four journalists have been killed, and Morenos words have increasingly come to define the dynamic Cantu must manage. Over the summer, the United Nations completed a review of press security in Mexico and shared a set of policy recommendations with the government; AMLO has yet to implement them. In August, the administration signed an agreement with UNESCO to support investigative journalism, but any follow-through is, at best, months away. Cantu tells me that the administration is working on a plan to address the structural causes that are creating the threats and conditions of insecurity, though hes vague about what, exactly, that entails, and argues that it should not be entirely up to the government to solve the media industrys problems. If it were just the government, that would be contradictory, he tells me. The government alone cannot create a pluralistic, independent, and professional ecosystem. Journalists are weary of these lines. Narco-wars are escalating, and AMLOs approval rating is plummeting. In November, the UN and Inter-American Commission on Human Rights released a joint statement denouncing Mexico for being too slow in its investigation into the death of a reporter named Javier Valdez Cardenas, calling it inadmissible and a possible violation of the right to justice. AMLO has continued to attack the press, comparing journalists to dogs and accusing them of biting the hand that removed their muzzle. His supporters have followed his lead; after a speech celebrating his first year in office, AMLOs fans swarmed around a TV Azteca reporter, chanting, Chayotero, chayotero. Nevertheless, Cantu continues to stand by the president. The relationship between the government and the media has not been the best, he says, but it can be mended. Cantu still considers himself a journalist. Hes been a victim of the old practices of the Mexican governmentconditions that make it absolutely impossible to practice journalism, he saysand he believes that the administration has laid the groundwork for repairing freedom of the press. We are taking steps in the right direction, Cantu tells me. Cantu understands that his relationship with journalists is inherently fraughtits their responsibility to demand more from the government as long as solutions dont materialize. Only one thing will restore confidence, he says. Its not going to be promises or good intentions. We have to work with them, and we have to respond with facts. Its the only way were going to regain trust. Funding to support this piece came from New York University Journalism, the NYU Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, and the Gumroad Creators Fund. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Leo Schwartz is a freelance journalist and graduate student. His work has appeared in The Nation, PBS NewsHour, BuzzFeed News, and Roads & Kingdoms, and he is currently the web editor at the North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA) Report. ANNE DRAGO, Stonington, Girls Basketball, Senior; Drago was named to the all-tournament team at the WCCU Holiday Basketball Tournament. In two games, she scored 38 points and had eight rebounds. DANTE WILK, Westerly, Boys Basketball, Senior; Wilk was named MVP of the WCCU Holiday Basketball Tournament after the Bulldogs beat Chariho in the title game. Wilk had a combined 35 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and eight steals in two tournament victories. TYLER LABELLE, Chariho, Boys Basketball, Junior; LaBelle scored 41 points in two games to earn all-tournament honors at the WCCU Holiday Basketball Tournament. LaBelle had 22 in a win against South Kingstown and 19 in a loss to Westerly. ADDIE HAUPTMANN, Wheeler, Girls Basketball, Senior; Hauptmann scored 32 points in two games in the Montville Christmas Tournament. She also had 20 rebounds, seven assists and eight steals. Vote View Results New Delhi, Jan 8 : As US-Iran tensions escalated after Tehran fired over a dozen missiles on the American Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq, Twitter was abuzz on Wednesday with peaceniks voicing their views against war between the two countries. #IranAttacks trended on Twitter with 191,000 tweets and #IranvsUSA with 753,000 tweets. One user posted a clip of an Iranian crying and speaking about the US-Iran tensions and said: "The saddest video I have watched today. 'We love Americans but we hate your president'. Meanwhile, Trump had the audacity to say ALL IS WELL. #IranAttacks #IranvsUSA." One user remarked: "Understand that those two politicians have nothing to lose in this battle. Only innocent people will pay for this." A Twitter user posted a meme of Donald Trump hanging from the military bomber plane's undercarriage. He wrote: "The only bomb US should drop on Iran should be this." Another user posted; "The war is not just fought by soldiers. That war is also fought by his family and friends who wait for him at home. War is not an option. #IranAttacks." A Twitter user posted a clip of a woman protesting at an event and tweeted: "This woman saw war coming to the Middle East. We don't want any war again. America, Iran, Russia and Israel should settle down for peace. #worldwar3 #IranAttacks #IranvsUSA #WWIII." One post read: "Remember that movie called '2012' about the apocalypse? Well the movie should've been called '2020'. Big fires, earthquakes, war, plane crash... and we are only one week into the year." "A lot is up in the air at the moment. With both the US and Iran now exchanging missiles, tensions are high. "Trump's considering his response, and where we go now is uncertain. But one thing is clear: Australians don't want another war. Not now. Not ever. #IranAttacks," said one Twitterati. One post read: "War is not a joke. War is not a meme material. War is not a hashtag. War is not fun. War is not enjoyable. War is havoc. War is thirst for killing. War is hunger of ruining others. War is menace. SAY NO TO WAR." Supporters of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen attend a campaign ahead of the presidential election in Changhua, Taiwan on Jan. 7, 2020. (Ann Wang/Reuters) Taiwan to Vote in Shadow of China Pressure, Hong Kong Protests TAIPEITaiwan votes on Jan. 11 in an election overshadowed by renewed Chinese efforts to get the island to accept their rule, and as Taiwan nervously watches Hong Kong protests, worried they may be next if China ever succeeds in bringing them under its control. Taiwan has been a democratic success story since holding its first direct presidential election in 1996, the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law under the Kuomintang, which ruled China until forced to flee to Taiwan in 1949 after loosing a civil war with the Communists. President Tsai Ing-wen of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party is seeking a second term, and is being challenged by the Kuomintangs Han Kuo-yu, who favors close ties with Beijing and says this is the only way to ensure Taiwans security and prosperity. The issue of China has taken front and center in the campaign, especially after Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned last year they could attack Taiwan, though said hed prefer a peaceful one country, two systems formula to get control of the island. Both Tsai and Han have rejected one country, two systems, though the DPP has painted a vote for the Kuomintang as effectively a vote for that model. Han has angrily denied this. On Monday, Tsais team released a slick new campaign video comparing Taiwans freedoms with the struggle in Hong Kong, interspersed with images of Xi and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen attends a campaign ahead of the presidential election in Changhua, Taiwan on Jan. 7, 2020. (Ann Wang/Reuters) A few hundred miles from here, many young people are using their blood and tears to defend freedom, Tsai wrote on Facebook in introducing the video. The idea of imposing a one country, two systems model of a high degree of autonomy much like China offers the former British colony of Hong Kong has never been popular in Taiwan. It is even less so now after months of pro-democracy protests in the former British colony. The protesters have widespread public sympathy in Taiwan, and both the DPP and Kuomintang have pledged to help those who flee to the island. Han has complained of dirty tricks being used to smear him as a puppet for China, especially revelations in Australian media from a self-proclaimed Chinese spy who claimed China has supported Han. Han strongly rejects this. I beseech Taiwans people, in the 2020 presidential and parliamentary election, open your eyes. I hope Taiwans people see these wicked smears to paint me black, red and yellow and make a rational decision, Han said on Tuesday. Opposition Nationalist Kuomintang Party (KMT) candidate Han Kuo-yu speaks during an election campaign in Yilan, Taiwan on Jan. 7, 2020. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters) Scaring Taiwan In the run-up to the election, China has repeated its one country, two systems offer to Taiwan. Liu Jieyi, the urbane head of Chinas policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office, wrote in the Communist Partys official Peoples Daily last week that people in Taiwan were positively exploring this model, though offered no evidence. But one Chinese official, who meets regularly with senior members of the Peoples Liberation Army, told Reuters that the Hong Kong protests had increased the difficulty of getting Taiwan back. Whats happening there is scaring Taiwan, the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, referring to conversations with military officers. While China has denied seeking to interfere in Taiwans elections, Taiwans parliament on the final day of last year passed a new anti-infiltration law designed to stop Chinese influence on Taiwans democracy. Chinas military is not idly sitting on the sidelines. Its newest aircraft carrier, the Shandong, has twice sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait in the past two months, most recently in late December. The United States, Taiwans main arms supplier and strongest international backer even in the absence of official diplomatic ties, has said it is concerned at Chinese efforts to sway the election. Zhou Bo, director of the Center for Security Cooperation of the Office for International Military Cooperation at Chinas Defense Ministry, said China of course wanted to resolve the Taiwan issue peacefully. But China could not sit by while Taiwan continued attempts to distance itself from China, and the United States should heed that warning, he said. I dont know whether the United States is prepared to pay the price militarily for Taiwan. By Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard In a televised speech, the Iranian supreme leader says the corrupt US presence in the region must end. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called his countrys missile strike on US targets in Iraq a slap in the face for the US and said Washingtons troops must leave the region. Khameneis televised remarks on Wednesday came hours after the missiles were fired at the Ain al-Assad base in Anbar province and a facility in Erbil amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following the US assassination of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Iraq last week. The Iraqi military said in an online statement that 22 missiles were launched on the two sites between 1:45am and 2:15am on Wednesday (22:45 GMT and 23:15 GMT on Tuesday). Two of the 17 missiles targeting Ain al-Assad base did not go off, the military said, while the five missiles on Erbil all targeted coalition headquarters. The supreme leader had pledged severe retaliation against the US air strike that killed Soleimani as well as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iraqs Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi), an Iran-backed umbrella organisation, among others. Last night we slapped them in the face, Khamenei said in his speech in the capital, Tehran, adding that military retaliation was not enough. What is important is that the corrupt presence of the US in this region should come to an end. Khamenei was addressing a large crowd, many of whom were holding pictures of Soleimani, who headed Irans Quds Force, the overseas arm of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Soleimani was buried in the martyrs section of a cemetery in his hometown of Kerman after three days of funeral processions that saw his coffin travel to various cities across the country and huge crowds paying respects to him. Before Soleimanis burial, a stampede erupted at the procession in Kerman, killing more than 50 people. Im very sorry for that and Im very sad for that, Khamenei said, referring to the stampede. I would like to express my condolences to their families I wish their spirits, their souls, join the soul of Soleimani, he said. Iran is equipped Following the missile strike, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran had taken and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression, he said in a Twitter post. In Washington, US President Donald Trump said in a tweet late on Tuesday that an assessment of casualties and damage from the strikes was under way. All is well! Trump said in the Twitter post, adding that he would make a statement on Wednesday morning. US officials have said Soleimani was killed because of intelligence indicating forces under his command planned attacks on US targets in the region. But they have not provided this intelligence. Though it remains to be seen whether the attacks are the end of the latest escalation between the two nations, Iranian television reported a senior official in the Iranian supreme leaders office as saying that the missile attacks were the weakest of several retaliation scenarios. Accusing the US of bringing war and hostility upon the region, Khamenei in his speech reiterated Irans readiness to face threats. Today, we are armed. The nation of Iran is equipped against the bullies of the world, he said after praising Soleimani as a man of bravery and effectiveness. He paid tribute to the slain generals work in the region, referencing proxies in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. The role of our dear martyr was very bold and very important, Khamenei said of Soleimani, adding that he managed to halt US plans that were prepared for the West Asia region. M other's Day gives people the chance to celebrate their mothers. but the changing date means people are often caught out. Unlike Christmas, Valentine's Day and Halloween, Mothering Sunday falls on different dates in different countries every year. The UK will celebrate Mother's Day in 2020 on Sunday, March 22. Each year, it takes place on the fourth Sunday in the Christian festival of Lent. Here's everything you need to know about Mothering Sunday 2020: When is Mother's Day 2020? This year, Mother's Day will fall on Sunday, March 22 - the fourth Sunday in Lent. It also falls exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday, which is on April 12 this year. What are the origins of Mother's Day? The origins of Mothering Sunday in the UK begin in the Middle Ages, when children who had left their families to work in domestic service were allowed to go back to their home church - or "mother church" as it was known. At first, the "mothering" aspect of the day had no link to maternal parents, as it does today. This year, Mother's Day will fall on Sunday, March 22 - the fourth Sunday in Lent. (Unsplash) / Unplash The journey home also morphed into a spring occasion for families to reunite. The custom then developed for children to pick flowers on the way home as a gift to their mothers. The date also became a celebration as the fasting rules of Lent were relaxed to allow revellers a long-awaited feast. So it also became known as Refreshment Sunday, Simnel Sunday - after the simnel cakes traditionally baked on the day - and Pudding Pie Sunday to some. How did "Mothering Sunday" become "Mother's Day"? The American festival of Mother's Day, which is held later in the year and has no religious connotations, drifted across the Atlantic. So soon Mothering Sunday became more popularly known as Mother's Day in the UK. The American day was created in 1907 by Anna Jarvis, who held a memorial for her mother Ann Jarvis, a peace activist who treated wounded soldiers in the American Civil War. Her daughter campaigned for a day to honour the role played by mothers. The idea gained such traction that by 1911 all US states took on the holiday. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared Mother's Day a national holiday. When is Father's Day 2020? Father's Day 2020 in the UK falls on Sunday, June 21. The celebration is always held on the third Sunday of June to honour fathers. Former Venezuela's Oil and Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez gestures as he speaks during an interview with Reuters By Stefanie Eschenbacher, Marianna Parraga and Luc Cohen (Reuters) - Venezuelan state company PDVSA is letting some joint venture partners take over the day-to-day operation of oilfields as its own capacity dwindles due to sanctions and a lack of cash and staff, according to a former oil minister, an opposition lawmaker and industry sources. Crude production by PDVSA and its joint ventures has fallen to about a third of its peak 20 years ago. The steepest fall has occurred since military officials with no oil industry experience took over PDVSA's management in late 2017 and Washington imposed sanctions on the state-run company in early 2019 in a bid to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro's government and the opposition last year discussed allowing partners in PDVSA-led joint ventures to operate the oilfields, which would reverse a legal requirement that PDVSA control the operations. That could give Maduro more breathing room by encouraging fresh investment in PDVSA's operations, potentially boosting oil revenues. However, it would be controversial after late President Hugo Chavez, an iconic figure to many Venezuelans, made nationalization a flagship policy. Rafael Ramirez, a former oil minister and PDVSA president who left office after clashing with Maduro in 2014, said the company had already effectively handed control to joint venture partners even though an agreement had not yet been formally reached. Ramirez, an adviser to some international energy firms that have recently worked in Venezuela, said PDVSA had been reduced to little more than an administrator of contracts with oil companies. "PDVSA is no longer producing. It's signing contracts for others to produce in a de facto privatization," Ramirez told Reuters during an interview at a location he requested not be disclosed. Ramirez named Russia's Rosneft and China's CNPC among the companies helping to keep PDVSA alive by operating joint oilfields or injecting cash to the state company by buying larger stakes in some ventures. CNPC and Rosneft did not respond to requests for comment. PDVSA and the Information Ministry, which handles media requests for Maduro's government, did not respond to Reuters questions. Story continues Luis Stefanelli, an opposition lawmaker and member of Congress' energy commission, said the government and PDVSA have been using formulas originally proposed by the opposition to allow private partners to take more responsibilities in joint ventures, but in an illegal way. Jose Ignacio Hernandez, an overseas legal representative appointed by Congress' head, Juan Guaido, backed up the comment. "Under the Hydrocarbon Law, every agreement for PDVSA to cede exploration and production rights is illegal and unconstitutional. Maduro's regime is insisting in the oil industry's de-facto privatization, which is aggravating its collapse," he said over Twitter. Company executives, business partners and union leaders consulted by Reuters, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, also said minority partners in some joint ventures progressively took more roles in 2019, including financing, trading, procurement and shipping. A CNPC executive, who recently visited the company's facilities in Venezuela, confirmed the efforts to transfer operation of some oilfields to minority partners but said it was a "futile proposal." "Even if Caracas passes the new law to allow minority investors to become operators, companies can hardly do their job in reality," he said, added that lack of staff and widespread corruption were hobbling the industry. FREE FALL Ramirez was the longest-serving minister in Chavez's cabinet, supervising Venezuela's oil industry for more than a decade, before clashing with Maduro. Maduro accuses him and many other former executives of corruption. Ramirez said he and other PDVSA executives are victims of a political witch hunt. Ramirez said oil companies that signed partnerships or contracts with PDVSA without authorization from the National Assembly could see them annulled by any future government. Venezuela produced 1.01 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude from January through November 2019, according to data reported to OPEC. Industry sources estimated it was at least 20% less. Oil exports, Venezuela's main source of export revenue, fell 32% to an annual average of 956,000 barrels per day through November, according to Refinitiv Eikon. Ramirez blamed the collapse on Maduro's decision to place the military in charge of PDVSA. After jailing two former PDVSA presidents on corruption charges, Maduro in 2017 appointed Manuel Quevedo, a major general from the National Guard with no experience in the energy sector, as PDVSA's head and oil minister. That year, Maduro and Quevedo promised to add 1 million bpd to Venezuela's flagging output, but instead crude production and refining have slid to their lowest levels in almost 75 years. Ramirez said some 30,000 employees have left PDVSA in recent years, amid an exodus of experienced workers also described by union leaders and former staff. "It's been a disaster," Ramirez said. "The main processes in the industry - human resources, contracts, supply - are in the hands of military officials with no knowledge of oil." (Reporting by Marianna Parraga, Stefanie Eschenbacher and Luc Cohen; Additional reporting by Aizhu Chen in Singapore and Vladimir Soldtkin in Moscow; Editing by Dan Flynn and Leslie Adler) Prince Harry and Meghan have announced they will "step back" as senior members of the royal family and will now divide their time between the UK and North America. The couple's groundbreaking decision came in a statement on Wednesday, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they will work to become financially independent, while continuing to "fully support" the Queen. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced that they're stepping away from royal life. Photo: Getty Images "After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution," the couple said in their statement. "We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the royal family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty the Queen. "It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. "We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. "This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity." Meghan Markle and Prince Harry married in a lavish wedding ceremony in 2018. Photo: Getty Images he couple's move follows weeks of speculation about their future after they took an extended break from royal duties over the festive period that followed an emotional appearance in a documentary. In the program, Harry and Meghan spoke about the pressures they have been facing and family rifts, and in a separate move Harry issued a damning statement against the media accusing sections of the press of bullying his wife. Harry and Meghan married in May 2018 in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle, west of London, and in May 2019 the couple, known formally as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, had their first child, a boy they named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Story continues Harry, 35, is currently sixth in line to the throne, and media speculation had been rife that he and Meghan, 38, planned to step back from public life ever since their return this month from a six-week holiday in Canada. Reporting by AAP Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com. Amid speculation that he will be considered for Rajya Sabha from Karnataka, veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday said it will depend on what the Congress high command decides and he was a disciplined soldier of the party. "..is it in my hands? It is in Congress party high command's hand. It will depend on what high command decides," Kharge said in response to a question. Speaking to reporters here, he said "I have never asked for anything. I have been working as the disciplined soldier of the party." Four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka represented by Rajeev Gowda and B K Hariprasad of the Congress, Prabhakar Kore of the BJP and D Kupendra Reddy of the JD(S) will fall vacant in June. Kharge, who was popularly known as "solillada Saradara," (a leader without defeat), faced his first electoral loss in his political life spanning several decades, against BJP's Umesh Jadhav in Gulbarga by 95,452 votes during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. A nine-time MLA and two-term Lok Sabha member, Kharge had served as Congress' floor leader in the previous Lok Sabha. Also, there are reports about JD(S) looking at sending its patriarch and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda to the Uppper House. The regional party will need Congress support for this. Gowda was defeated in Tumkur constituency by hisBJPrival G S Basavaraj by over 13,000 votes. As the joint candidate of the then ruling Congress-JDS coalition, Gowda had chosen to contest from Tumkur at the last minute, after vacating Hassan-his home turf, to grandson Prajwal Revanna (a current MP). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. Iraqis say Irans targeting of US bases on Iraqi soil is an assault and call on parties to move battlefield elsewhere. Irans missile attack on Iraqi military bases hosting US troops has raised questions over Iraqs sovereignty and reflected Tehrans deep-rooted influence over Baghdad. Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi military bases early on Wednesday morning. The US Pentagon confirmed that the missiles hit the Ain al-Assad airbase in Anbar Province and a facility near Erbils airport in northern Iraq. The missile attacks were in retaliation for the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, leader of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force. He was killed by a US air attack near Baghdad airport last week, alongside Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Iraqi President Barham Salihs office issued a statement on Wednesday to condemn Irans missile attack for taking place on Iraqi soil. He also denounced Tehrans repeated violation of Iraqi sovereignty and its transformation of Iraq into a battlefield for confrontation between belligerent parties. Iraqs Speaker of Parliament Mohamed al-Halbousi issued a statement to condemn Irans violation of Iraqi sovereignty and express complete rejection of transforming Iraq into a spectre for settling scores. Al-Halbousis statement also called on his government to take the necessary measures to end the assault on Iraq, adding that the country should be left out of confrontations between Washington and Tehran. Following Irans attack on the bases, Iraqs caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said he was alerted by Iran that its response to Soleimanis assassination was either imminent or under way, according to his spokesman. Like the US The statements by both officials reflected increasing anger across Iraq following the early morning attack. Many Iraqis called it a stark violation of Iraqi sovereignty and compared it to the US strike that killed Soleimani. The strikes were definitely a violation of our sovereignty, 24-year-old Rayyan al-Jaaf told Al Jazeera. What Iran did was the same as the US when it launched a missile in Baghdad to kill Soleimani. Both were assaults on Iraq, yet the government has been mostly silent, he added. 200108071201927 Sarkawt Shams, member of the Kurdish Future bloc in the Iraqi parliament, agreed. Irans actions on Iraqi soil should be condemned just like the US airstrikes were, Shams told Al Jazeera. Following the assassination of Soleimani and Muhandis, Iraqs Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi condemned the move in a strongly worded statement in parliament. In an extraordinary session, parliamentarians responded to the incident by passing a resolution that urged the government to end all foreign-troop presence in the country and cancel its request for assistance from the US-led coalition. Anti-Iran sentiment For other Iraqis, the move reflected Tehrans deep influence on the Iraqi government, something that is denounced by many protesters who have taken to the streets since early October to demand a complete overhaul of the political system. ! . #_ 10-1 Hamzoz (@Hamzoz) January 8, 2020 Translation: Iran, the US and others arent the ones violating our sovereignty. Its the Iraqi government first and foremost that has violated Iraqi sovereignty. Its an incompetent prime minister and president and a parliament that does not represent us. Our sovereignty can only be restored by a complete overhaul to the political system. #We_demand_a_homeland If Iraq were a country like any other, our government would have responded more strongly, said Mustafa Ibrahim, a 28-year-old protester in Baghdads Tahrir Square. But Baghdad doesnt react when it comes to Iran, because it belongs to Tehran. In strong expressions of anti-Iranian sentiment since the protest movement began, protesters stormed the Iranian consulate in the city of Najaf on November 29, bringing down the Iranian flag and replacing it with the flag of Iraq. Earlier that month, videos shared on social media showed Iraqi demonstrators striking images of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Quds Force leader Soleimani. Pro-Iran groups But pro-Iran groups and members of the Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces or PMF), an umbrella organisation of mostly Iran-backed Shia armed groups, saw the attack on Iraqi soil as unproblematic. We have to avenge Soleimani and Muhandis, 29-year-old Amr al-Tamimy, who described himself as a member of the PMF, told Al Jazeera. Both of them sacrificed a lot for the sake of Iraq and worked to protect and secure Syria and Lebanon. So what if it [taking revenge] was done on Iraqi soil? Muhandis, whose real name was Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, was the top Iraqi adviser to Soleimani, founder of the Kataib Hezbollah armed group and de facto leader of the PMF. Muhandis fought alongside Soleimani, who was charged with extending Irans military influence beyond its borders. Along with other prominent Iraqi armed group leaders, including Badr Organisation, led by Hadi al-Amiri, they fought on Irans side in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. Nashville, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- LIG Assets, Inc. (OTC PINK: LIGA) (also known as the "Leader in Green Assets" or "LIGA") announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary BGTV Direct Worldwide Media Solutions, LLC, a multi-media production, programming, and distribution Corporation specializing in Television, Cable, Radio, Satellite, Print, and Digital broadcast platforms, will premiere Crypto Minute TV on FMW Medias blockchain show Exploring The Block aired on the FOX Business Network and Bloomberg TV as sponsored programming. The initial segment of Crypto Minute TV will be filmed and produced in New York City the week of January 20th, 2020. BGTV Directs CEO, Marvin Baker, will attend the filming in New York and provide content and additional information about Crypto Minute TV and Bitfrontier Capital Holdings, Inc., for the segment. Exploring The Block airs in over 450 million homes on major U.S. and international networks and markets. Crypto Minute TV segments will be aired on major cable and television networks across the country and internationally showcasing companies and investment opportunities in the emerging Bitcoin, Digital, and Crypto-Currency sectors. In addition to airing on major networks such as FOX Business and Bloomberg TV as sponsored programming, Crypto Minute TV will also eventually air in over 40 million Over-the-Air (OTA) households in all major markets and soon into Satellite and Cable households that will include DirecTV, Dish, and Charter, which includes prime audience markets such as New York City and Los Angeles. The audience totals for DirecTV, Dish, and Charter alone will be over 45 million households in addition to the 40+ million OTA Households. The project will also include radio programming and advertising on over 300 radio stations across the US as well as top tier print and digital venues. Crypto Minute TV has selected Bitfrontier Capital Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: BFCH) as their first Crypto sector Company to be featured on the popular Crypto investment series Exploring the Block. Being aired on the most recognized and broad-based business and investment networks and programs provides Crypto Minute TV and its featured companies with global access to a highly sophisticated business and investor-based audience specifically aimed at those interested in the Crypto sector and related investment opportunities and information. FMW Media issued a News Release on December 2nd describing the new partnership between BGTV Direct, Crypto Minute TV, Exploring The Block, and their first featured Company Bitfrontier Capital Holdings, Inc. In the news release BGTVs CEO Marvin Baker stated, The new televised segment will prove to be a perfect and very powerful partnership between Exploring the Block and CryptoMinuteTV. We plan to showcase our content and provide investment and marketing opportunities to a worldwide audience and this partnership expands our potential viewership to over 450 million TV households both domestically and internationally. Baker further added, Exploring The Block gives us a worldwide footprint in China, Europe, South and Central America in addition to adding major business news networks in North America. Our first feature segment will be on Bitfrontier Capital Holdings to discuss the grand opening of their new Crypto mining facility and offer investment opportunities in addition to selling and hosting miners in their new facility to our viewers. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/12/02/1955169/0/en/FMW-Media-Introduces-New-Clients-... Crypto Minute TV is also currently producing expanded Crypto sector content segments to be aired on other national TV networks as well as other Crypto sector programs and venues. In addition, Crypto Minute TV is currently in discussions with Bitfrontier Capital Holdings to jointly create and expand capabilities and opportunities in the emerging Crypto sector including the establishment of additional mining facilities in addition to Bitfrontiers already planned five such facilities. About Crypto Minute TV: Nothing has the far-reaching power or effectiveness of, As Seen On TV. Crypto Minute TV can put the eyes of the world on your Crypto enterprise by showcasing your company's brand, products, services, and investment opportunities to hundreds of millions of households across the country and around the world on the most recognized networks and crypto dedicated programs in the industry such as FOX Business, Bloomberg TV, ION TV, CNBC, and more! Crypto Minute TV will be featured on networks and programs that are literally household names, watched by investors around the world, and each segment will be aired at optimal times and during specific programs to maximize exposure to the investment and crypto communities, Even start-up companies with a limited budget aggressively fighting for market share and exposure in this emerging and very competitive sector will now have direct access to crypto/investor based audiences around the world. Interested parties can visit www.cryptominutetv.com to learn more about specific opportunities, featured companies, and networks as well as broadcast content, times, and dates. Crypto Minute TV also offers a free regularly distributed Crypto Investor Newsletter on its website with information on its Featured Companies and other various crypto investment related opportunities. For instant alerts and updates, be sure to follow them at Twitter.com/CryptoMinuteTV - @CryptoMinuteTV About BGTV Direct Worldwide Media Solutions: BGTV Direct LLC., and its broadcast and syndication partners are powered by NTR advertiser supported content across Television, Radio, Print, Mobile, and electronic advertising platforms. BGTV Direct has offices in Nashville, Las Vegas, and Silicon Valley. Current services include broadcast production and content, programming syndication, advertising sales, and media buying. For additional information please contact our Media Relations Department at www.bgtvdirect.com About Exploring the Block: Exploring the Block profiles Blockchain Technologies and Companies. Exploring the Block produces multi-part series following the goals and achievements of the companies we follow and invite our audience to track the growth and challenges these companies face. Each series provides a personal look at the company through the eyes of the CEO or company executive as they discuss their goals, roots, and products with our experienced team of anchors/journalists to provide our viewing audience with who, what, where, when, and why about the companies you want to learn about. Blockchain is changing the world and we will showcase Crypto Companies and their teams that are striving to do so with the companies they started. www.exploringtheblock.com About FMW Media: FMW Media Corp. operates one of the longest running U.S and International sponsored programming T.V. brands "NewToTheStreet," and its blockchain show Exploring The Block. Since 2009, these brands run shows across major U.S. Television networks. These TV platforms reach over 540 million homes both in US and international markets. Developing two additional shows "TheBestinNY" and "The Ultimate Listing. About BitFrontier Capital Holdings, Inc.: BitFrontier Capital Holdings business plan is to concentrate on cryptocurrency related investments and development opportunities through cryptocurrency mining, investments in private and/or public entities, joint ventures, and acquisitions of blockchain related companies. BitFrontier Capital Holdings has two wholly owned operating subsidiaries, BitFrontier Capital Investments, Inc. and BitFrontier Technologies, Inc. Through the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, BitFrontier Technologies, Inc., the Company is currently in the final stages of construction of a warehouse specifically designed for hosting cryptocurrency mining equipment. Cryptocurrency mining (e.g. bitcoin mining) entails running ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit servers or other specialized servers which solve a set of prescribed complex mathematical calculations in order to add a block to a blockchain and thereby confirm digital asset transactions. A party which is successful in adding a block to the blockchain is awarded a fixed number of digital assets in return. For additional information please visit www.bitfrontiercapitalholdings.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may contain forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "should," "intend," "estimate," "projects," variations of such words and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are risks that are detailed in the Company's filings on file at www.otcmarkets.com . Contact Information: LIGA Shareholder/Investor inquiries can be directed to: Marvin Baker President LIG Assets, Inc. CEO BGTV Direct Worldwide Media Solutions Email: Marvin@BGTVDirect.com www.LeaderInGreenAssets.com www.BGTVDirect.com The joys of train travel in New York City. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images Governor Andrew Cuomo wants to be known for building things in New York again. And if you go to La Guardia airport, which is one giant construction site, you cant miss the message. That airport has long sucked, and the mess of construction has made it temporarily worse, but now two brand-new departure concourses are open, Ive flown out of both of them, and I can finally envision what our new, non-horrible airport will be like in just a few short years. Its one part of his infrastructure push thats making at least my life a little better. Other parts of the push I find more questionable. In a weird way, Cuomo is excessively focused on the art of the possible, building what he can without much apparent thought to whether he should. The latest example came on Monday, when he announced a major undertaking to expand Penn Station southward. The project would entail acquiring a whole city block to add eight departure tracks and four platforms to the station. It would surely cost billions of dollars; land acquisition alone was estimated at about $1 billion for a previous incarnation of the project in 2015. And yet Cuomo did not announce any motion on the project that is ordinarily supposed to be paired with this one: the Gateway Tunnel, which would add two additional tracks connecting the station to New Jersey. I am not, as governor of New York, going to wait for the federal government to reverse themselves and decide they want to help New York or they want to fund Gateway, Cuomo said Monday at an Association for a Better New York lunch. Ill keep fighting for it, but I am not going to depend on it. But the usefulness of the Penn Station South project depends on building Gateway. The existing tunnels under the Hudson are already at capacity; whats the point of adding more station tracks when you dont have the feeder tracks to serve them? Just because this might be an easier project for New York to finance and build doesnt mean its worth doing in the absence of a key complementary component. Similarly, Cuomo is fighting to ensure that the shiny new La Guardia airport will get rail access for the first time in its history of operation. Unfortunately, the AirTrain plan he has championed would run the wrong way: east, toward Flushing. That means for most riders, the new AirTrain will take longer than existing bus service to the airport. And unlike the JFK AirTrain, it wont connect with the main line of the Long Island Rail Road; it will meet the Port Washington branch, which has service to Manhattan only every 30 minutes during the day and no service at all to most parts of Long Island. Again, this routing is a matter of political expediency. Cuomo likes the backward AirTrain because it can be built entirely over a freeway to a transfer station in an industrial area, avoiding any political objections from neighborhood residents in Queens. Port Authority executive director Rick Cotton says proposals to provide better transit connections and a more direct route such as an AirTrain connection to Jackson Heights or Woodside would require construction in densely populated neighborhoods and are thus fatally flawed nonstarters that would impose an unacceptable burden on affected communities. Of course, dont build in densely populated communities does not seem to be a standard restricting other major Cuomo-era projects, such as the Second Avenue Subway or even Penn Station South. Useful transit goes where people are; that means you sometimes have to build in dense places. If new construction in populated western Queens is a nonstarter, there is another option: improving the existing bus service, which again provides better connectivity and often better travel times than the proposed AirTrain. Better bus service especially deserves consideration because the AirTrains proposed cost keeps going up; originally, it was supposed to be $450 million, but you know how these things go; now its going to be $2 billion. But new bus service isnt sexy and doesnt provide the opportunity for ribbon-cuttings, so the Port Authoritys 2018 alternatives analysis considering access options to the airport included the conclusory criterion that the use of on-road vehicles for transit to the airport should be reduced, essentially deciding ex-ante that the recommended solution should have to be a train. That the Port Authority gave unduly short shrift to the lowly bus leads me to a counterintuitive observation: A governor with a holistic focus on transit in the New York region should be looking first for ways to build less rather than building more. Especially when our capital costs are so unreasonably and persistently high, the first question should always be whether a capital projects scope is larger than it needs to be. Cuomo seems to have understood this in one key instance: finding a way to simplify the Canarsie Tube rehabilitation project so a yearlong shutdown of the L train to Brooklyn was not necessary. But there are lots of other places where our regional transportation agencies should be asking themselves first if they can do more with the infrastructure they already have. Consider Newark airport, which unlike La Guardia has an existing AirTrain connection to a station on New Jersey Transits Northeast Corridor line. NJ Transits schedules are not coordinated to provide quality service to the airport; you can get stuck waiting as long as 40 minutes in the middle of the day for a train. So the Port Authority, which owns the airport, is looking at extending the PATH subway line, which it also owns, to serve the airport in addition to NJ Transit. Why not fix the NJ Transit service schedule instead of building a redundant, multibillion-dollar capital project? Because the various agencies that provide transit service in the New York area are completely incapable of productive cooperation. Similarly, the supposed necessity of Penn Station South is a reflection of cooperation failures. Penn Station is one of the busiest train stations in the world, but Chatelet-Les Halles, a hub station of Pariss RER commuter-rail system, serves approximately the same number of daily passengers despite having just eight tracks serving four platforms. Penn Stations 21 existing tracks are insufficient for current service because the pattern of service is stupid: The station acts as a terminal, with trains ending their routes and turning around, even though its actually laid out as a through station. If trains proceeded directly through the station, starting in New Jersey and terminating on Long Island, they wouldnt need to dwell so long on the tracks and they wouldnt need to wait so long at switches to cross each others paths on the way in and out. This is the secret to success in Paris. Obviously, if New York and New Jersey cant even work together to get the service schedule at Newark airports train station right, it would be a tall order to integrate our interstate commuter-rail system in the way that Pariss various lines were merged into the RER over the last few decades. But this is part of what is sad about New Yorks transportation capital projects: Not only do we pay way more than we should, and not only do we find ourselves somehow unable to afford needed projects like the Gateway Tunnel, what we do build is often duplicate capacity aimed at ensuring siloed agencies dont have to share facilities. Penn Station needs expansion because the three railroads there have service patterns that get in each others way. Grand Central, which already has more tracks than any other train station in the world, is getting a new, multibillion-dollar terminal over 100 feet underground with eight more terminal tracks because the LIRR and Metro-North cant share. We are possibly going to build a redundant transit station at Newark airport because these agencies cant work together. And of course, when we do build megaprojects aimed at avoiding the need to share operating facilities, the agencies involved still end up needing to work together on the construction, and their coordination failures are one of the factors driving up capital-project prices. Ill-considered, overly expensive projects still result in cranes and construction employment and the appearance of progress. Often, they result in shiny new buildings that are admittedly pleasant to be in. I am prepared to believe that Penn Station South, after many years and billions of dollars, could improve the experience of being inside Penn Station. But it wouldnt do much to increase the ability of commuters to get in and out of midtown, which should be the key goal of transit projects in midtown. It is a strange priority, but at least it will allow Cuomo to leave another physical mark on the city. A Florida mother is experiencing quadruple the joy after welcoming two sets of twins in 2019. Alexzandria Wolliston, who previously gave birth to Mark and Malakhi in March 2019, said she realized she had hit the twin lottery when doctors informed her she was expecting twins again last Mothers Day, according to WPTV. She became mom to a second set of twins on Dec. 27 when she delivered Kaylen and Kayleb. Wolliston told the local news outlet that she never thought she would welcome two sets of twins in just one year. She said she recently learned that both of her grandmothers had lost twins boys at birth, and she believes her new bundles of joy are a gift from above. RELATED: Wisconsin Couple Has Three Sets of Twins All Born on the Same Day! There Is Never a Dull Moment I always say that I feel like my grandmothers gave me their kids because two sets of twins and their twins passed away, Wolliston shared. I feel like they just sent them down for me. According to Good Morning America, all four children were conceived without in vitro fertilization. I say Ive won the twin lottery, Wolliston told the morning show, adding that the twins are a gift from heaven. Wolliston who is also mom to a 3-year-old daughter ArMani was initially nervous about having another set of twins, she told the outlet, and wondered if my body could handle it since I just went through it. RELATED VIDEO: Indiana Mom Gives Birth to Twins Born in Different Decades: Were Still Kind of Speechless Though Kaylen and Kayleb were born at just 34 weeks old, there have been no major complications, according to Good Morning America. Kayleb was released from the hospital on Monday, the outlet reported, while Kayleb will remain in neonatal intensive care unit, where he will learn to eat on his own. I was just thinking today, Is this really happening? Who has ever heard of this happening?' Wolliston remarked. Im just so amazed and grateful and thankful things turned out the way they did. US, Iran should try to find peaceful solution Tensions are escalating further in the Middle East after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two U.S. military bases in Iraq, Wednesday. The launches were revenge attacks for the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike near Baghdad, Friday. Iran's retaliatory action should not come as a surprise because its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed "harsh revenge" right after Soleimani's slaying. It defied the international community's call for restraint. The Islamic Republic also ignored U.S. President Trump's threat against any potential retaliation by Iran. On Saturday, Trump warned that 52 Iranian sites would be targeted if the country retaliated. Now no one can rule out the possibility of an all-out war as both sides are ready for tit-for-tat exchanges. Iran's missile attacks could be seen as only the beginning of further action against "Uncle Sam." If war breaks out, it would be open conflict between the two countries which have been archrivals since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The consequences of such a conflict will certainly destroy peace and stability not only in the Middle East but across the globe. For this reason, we cannot help but express deep concern about what is happening between Washington and Teheran. We call on both countries to refrain from ramping up tensions. They should not burn bridges and go head to head. If history is any guide, military conflict such as in the Iraq War cannot solve problems. This is why the two foes should try to find a peaceful solution to their longstanding confrontation. Trump ordered the assassination of Soleimani as part of the U.S. fight against terrorism. On the other hand, Iran described its top military leader as a martyr. Washington and Tehran will never find an exit from the hair-trigger situation unless they get out of the terrorist-martyr framework. Against this backdrop, other world powers such as Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia need to go all-out to ease tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The United Nations should also work hard to settle the dispute. Of course, this is easier said than done. Settling old scores and ending decades of enmity is not attainable overnight because it requires time and effort. It is regrettable for the Trump administration to shift its focus from peace to military action in dealing with Iran, which has sought to increase its influence in the Middle East. President Trump has come under fire for trying to play the Iran card to boost his re-election bid in the face of impeachment. He withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran which soured bilateral ties. Soleimani's killing might lead Iran to resume its nuclear weapons program, further destabilizing the region. Washington and Iran should avoid the worst-case scenario. It would be better for them to resume dialogue to end the rising conflict as soon as possible. Hours after Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq early on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump asserted that all is well, adding that the US has the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world. He further said that he will be making a statement on Wednesday evening. Taking to Twitter, the US President said, "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at 2 military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties&damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful & well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Live TV Iran attacked several locations, including the al-Asad airbase, in retaliation for the US drone strike on an Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani whose killing raised fears of a wider Middle East conflict. Iranian leader Ali Khamenei said the missile attack was a "slap on the face" of the United States and that US troops should leave the region. He was addressing a gathering of Iranians who chanted "Death to America". Iranian state television said Iran had fired 15 missiles at US targets. The US military said at least two Iraqi facilities hosting US-led coalition personnel were targeted at about 1:30 a.m. Iraq time (2230 GMT on Tuesday). Iraq said 22 missiles were fired. Iranian officials said Tehran did not want a war and its strikes "concluded" its response to Friday`s killing of Qassem Soleimani, a powerful general whose burial after days of mourning was completed around the time of the missile launches. Iranian television showed mourners celebrating the attack. Iranian state television said 80 "American terrorists" had been killed and US helicopters and military equipment damaged. It did not provide evidence of how it obtained that information. Germany, Denmark, Norway and Poland said none of their troops in Iraq was hurt. Britain, which also has personnel in Iraq, condemned the Iranian action. Iraq said its forces did not suffer casualties. More than 5,000 US troops remain in Iraq along with other foreign forces in the coalition that has trained and backed Iraqi forces against the threat of Islamic State militants. Iran, which has long said US forces should leave the Middle East, told Washington after the attacks to withdraw its troops to prevent more deaths and warned US allies including Israel not to allow attacks from their territories. The central trade unions and Trinamool Congress appear to be headed for a showdown over the nationwide trade union strike call on January 8. The BJP, against whose economic policies the strike has been called, said it will "wait and watch" to see what action the TMC government takes to curb the strike. The TMC government in West Bengal has announced that its employees would be barred from availing casual leave or half day leave on Wednesday. The Left parties have extended support to the trade union strike. It had also called a seven-day protest from January 1 against the CAA, National Population Register (NPR) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). About 60 organisations of students and elected office-bearers of some universities have also decided to join the strike to raise voice against increased fee structure and commercialization of education. The workmen staff of the countrys apex bank will join the country-wide trade union strike, sources in RBI's employees unions said. Their joining in the strike is expected to add to the disruption in banking services. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said she was in favour of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, but her party will not resort to the "cheap politics" of bandhs. Reacting to Banerjee's remarks, Anandi Sahu, a senior CPI(M) leader and the state general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), said that any attempt to foil the strike would be met with resistance. "There is no difference between the economic policies of the Narendra Modi and Mamata Banerjee governments and that is why attempts are being made to foil the strike," he said. "The TMC is hand in glove with BJP. If they try to oppose the strike, the masses and the working class will resist any such attempts," Sahu said. This strike, he said, is not against the policies of the state government but against the policies of the central government. State Parliamentary affairs minister Partha Chatterjee said that calling a strike is no way to protest against the policies of the central government as it puts presure on the economy, which is already in the doldrums. State BJP President and MP Dilip Ghosh said it is to be seen what action the West Bengal government takes to curtail the strike. "It is to be seen tomorrow whether the TMC government does what it says or its just tall claims by Mamata Banerjee and her party. The Left parties are on their political deathbed across the country. The strike won't be a success tomorrow," he said. The state government has already notified its employees that no leave will be sanctioned on January 8. Amid apprehensions of violence during the strike, the state Transport Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday promised an insurance cover of up to Rs 6 lakh for vehicles damaged due to violence. He also said that FIRs will be registered within 24 hours of such incidents taking place. The West Bengal Transport Corporation will operate 1,150 buses compared to a daily average of 900, while South Bengal State Transport Corporation will run 826 buses as against a normal of 692, Adhikari said. Ten central trade unions who have called the nationwide strike had said on Monday that around 25 crore people will participate in the nationwide strike against the government's "anti-people" policies. Ten trade unions -- INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC -- besides several sectoral federations and associations had adopted a declaration in September last year to go on the nationwide strike against the "anti-people" policies of the Centre, including the amended Citizenship Act, proposed NRC and updation of NPR. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Open Networking Foundation (ONF) today announced that T-Mobile (Poland) has achieved production roll-out of the ONF's Open Mobile Evolved Core ( OMEC ) open source platform. It is the industry's first deployment of a production-grade open source Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The ONF launched OMEC in 2019, making available the first production grade, disaggregated, control-user plane separated (CUPS), 3GPP-compliant open source mobile core solution that can run on containers, virtual machines or bare metal. It provides a cornerstone for the ONF's COMAC (Converged Multi-Access and Core) project, developed to bring convergence to operators' mobile and broadband access and core networks. It is based on and paired with COMAC Reference Design , which is now available for ONF Member review and feedback. With OMEC, operators like T-Mobile Poland can take control of their networks. T-Mobile's deployment demonstrates how operators and supply chain vendors who are willing to embrace open source can deploy solutions with disruptive value propositions in record time. T-Mobile Poland's pioneering project demonstrates the tremendous value of taking an open source approach to transforming networks and paves a path for other operators to follow. T-Mobile Poland is using OMEC's gateway control, user plane and billing components to deliver a Fixed Mobile Substitution (FMS) service to its customers. The OMEC components provide all the necessary features and standard 3GPP interfaces for interconnecting to T-Mobile's existing base stations, mobility management entities and lawful intercept platforms. "Our OMEC deployment provides us with a lightweight packet core providing connectivity, billing and charging at scale for a large number of fixed mobile subscribers. By taking the bold step of embracing open source as part of a new approach for building and deploying solutions, we are realizing a much lower total cost of ownership, rapid customizability, and greater transparency than we can achieve using any traditional EPC," said Michal Sewera, head of the EPC Shared Service Center at T-Mobile Poland. "The T-Mobile rollout of OMEC for Fixed Mobile Substitution service is an important milestone for open source-based solutions for operator networks. Intel has been a driving force and key contributor behind OMEC and NFV optimizations for Intel platforms," said Pranav Mehta, Vice President of Systems and Software Research at Intel Labs. "OMEC is optimized to leverage powerful performance and security enhancements, essential for 5G, and available in Intel Xeon processors, network adapters and switching technologies, including Data-Plane Development Kit (DPDK) and Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX)." T-Mobile's OMEC deployment highlights: Complete connectivity, billing and charging capabilities 3GPP Release 13 compatibility Supports a large number of subscribers with a high performance DPDK based dataplane. Optimized for lightweight cost-effective fixed-mobile substitution service deployments "T-Mobile Poland, supported by Deutsche Telekom as a partner of the ONF, has been at the leading edge of developing, testing, and now deploying OMEC into a production network," said Oguz Sunay, Chief Architect for Mobile, ONF. "This successful implementation demonstrates the power of community, the maturity of open source in the telco space, and the production worthiness of OMEC." More Information on OMEC can be found here: OMEC Project Video of T-Mobile, Intel, ONF and Sprint discussing OMEC and the value of an open source core at the ONF Connect 2019 conference. and the value of an open source core at the ONF Connect 2019 conference. OMEC will be featured in the ONF Booth at the 2020 Mobile World Congress in February, stand 1E11 OMEC in Context of ONF's COMAC Project OMEC is an integral building block for ONF's COMAC (Converged Multi-Access and Core) open source project. COMAC leverages SDN and cloud principles to create both converged access and converged core capabilities as part of a holistic platform. Built on disaggregated RAN, fixed access, and CUPS-compliant core network components, COMAC's target architecture is a highly optimized stack aggregating a programmable access layer, a converged Control Plane and a converged User Plane, supporting both LTE and 5G. The OMEC CUPS compliance LTE core plays an integral role in facilitating the development of the COMAC platform. The first release of the COMAC architecture is specified in the COMAC Reference Design (login required) , available now to ONF members. About the Open Networking Foundation: The Open Networking Foundation (ONF) is an operator led consortium spearheading disruptive network transformation. The ONF Is now recognized as a leader for open source solutions for operators. The ONF first launched in 2011 as the standard bearer for Software Defined Networking (SDN). Led by its operator partners AT&T, China Unicom, Comcast, Deutsche Telekom, Google, NTT Group and Turk Telekom, the ONF is driving vast transformation across the operator space. For further information visit: http://www.opennetworking.org Intel, the Intel logo, and Xeon are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. SOURCE Open Networking Foundation Related Links http://www.opennetworking.org Buckingham Palace has publicly poured cold water on Prince Harry and Meghan Markles announcement that they are quitting front-line royal duties, saying the familys plans were not finalised. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced on their Instagram account, Sussex Royal, that they were going to step back as senior members of the royal family and try to become financially independent. In a new public statement, the palace said discussions on the issue remained at an early stage. A spokesperson added: We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through. The Independent understands that the mood at Buckingham Palace is one of disappointment and that other members of the royal family were not consulted on the content of the statement Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures Show all 55 1 /55 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2017 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada. The Invictus Games is an international sport event for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) servicemen and women, both serving and veteran. It was created by the Duke of Sussex and aims to use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of all those who serve their country Invictus Games Foundation/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures November 2017 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for a photograph in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace following the announcement of their engagement AFP/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures November 2017 Meghan Markle shows off her engagement ring AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures December 2017 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene in King's Lynn Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan during a visit to Reprezent 107.3FM in Pop Brixton. The Reprezent training programme was established in Peckham in 2008, in response to the alarming rise in knife crime, to help young people develop and socialise through radio Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2018 Meghan Markle greets well-wishers on arrival at Cardiff Castle for a day showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Wales AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2018 The couple watching a dance performance by Jukebox Collective during their to Cardiff Castle AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures February 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk through the corridors of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on their way to a reception for young people in Edinburgh. The reception celebrated youth achievements, marking Scotlands Year of Young People 2018, an initiative that aims to inspire Scotland through its young people: celebrating their achievements, strengthening their voice on social issues and creating new opportunities for them to shine AFP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures February 2018 Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William at the first annual Royal Foundation Forum in London. Under the theme 'Making a Difference Together', the event showcased the programmes run or initiated by The Royal Foundation Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2018 Prince William, Kate, Meghan and Prince Harry attend a Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2018 Meghan Markle greets well-wishers after a visit to one of Belfast's most historic buildings, The Crown Liquor Saloon, a former Victorian gin palace, now run by the National Trust. It was the Royal couple's first joint visit to Northern Ireland AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures April 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meet participants as they attend the UK team trials for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 at the University of Bath AFP via Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland arriving at Cliveden House Hotel the night before her wedding to Prince Harry Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Royal fans sing for the television in Windsor the day before the Royal wedding AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Meghan Markle walks down the aisle in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, during her wedding AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand facing each other hand-in-hand before Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby during their wedding ceremony AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Prince Harry kisses the Duchess of Sussex, as they pass through the Cambridge Gate into the grounds of Windsor Castle at the end of their carriage procession AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 The newly married royals leave Windsor Castle after their wedding to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures June 2018 Queen Elizabeth II sitts and laughs with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge in the town of Widnes in Halton, Cheshire Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures June 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan return in a horse-drawn carriage after attending the Queen's Birthday Parade, 'Trooping the Colour' on Horseguards parade AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures July 2018 Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF Chris Jackson/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures July 2018 Meghan and Prince Harry kiss after the Sentebale Polo event that was held at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures August 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet the cast and crew of "Hamilton" backstage after the gala performance in support of Sentebale at Victoria Palace Theatre Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2018 Meghan meets 7-year-old Matilda Booth during the annual WellChild awards at Royal Lancaster Hotel in London Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan meet 98-year-old Daphne Dunne during a meet and greet at the Sydney Opera House during an official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan meet a koala named Ruby and its koala joey named Meghan after the Duchess of Sussex during a visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry looks on as his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is hugged by student Luke Vincent of Buninyong Public School following the couple's arrival at Dubbo Regional Airport in Dubbo AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Harry and his wife Meghan watch aboriginal dances at Victoria Park in Dubbo AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet with lifeguards at South Melbourne Beach. BeachPatrol is a network of volunteers who are passionate about keeping Melbourne's beaches and foreshores clear of litter to reduce the negative impact of litter on the marine environment and food chain, and provide a safe environment for the public to enjoy their local beach Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan join a circle during a "Fluro Friday" session run by OneWave, a local surfing community group who raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing, at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach AFP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 The British royals kicked off their shoes and donned tropical garlands on Bondi Beach AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan visit an exhibition of Tongan handicrafts, mats and tapa cloths at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre in Nuku'alofa, Tonga Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington, New Zealand Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and his wife Meghan visit Redwoods Tree Walk in Rotorua AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures November 2018 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at a service marking the centenary of WW1 armistice at Westminster Abbey Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures February 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas near the Moroccan capital Rabat AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan speak on stage during WE Day UK 2019 at The SSE Arena in London Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2019 Meghan and Prince Harry react as they are presented with baby gifts by Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Janice Charette, at Canada House, during an event to mark Commonwealth Day, in central London AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 A congratulatory banner message circling the BT Tower reading "Congratulations Harry and Meghan It's a Baby Boy!" AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 Footmen Stephen Kelly and Sarah Thompson set up an official notice on an easel at the gates of Buckingham Palace on May 6, announcing the birth of a son to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 Pround parents pose with their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. The Duchess of Sussex gave birth at 5:26 on 6 May Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan walk away after posing for photographs with their newborn son AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures June 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan join the New York Yankees in their clubhouse and receive gifts for Archie ahead of their match against the Boston Red Sox at the London Stadium. The historic two-game series marked the sport's first games ever played in Europe and The Invictus Games Foundation was selected as the official charity of Mitel and MLB London Series 2019 Invictus Games Foundation/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures July 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan meet cast and crew, including US singer-songwriter Beyonce and her husband, US rapper Jay-Z as they attend the European premiere of the film The Lion King in London AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex dance as they arrive for a visit to the "Justice desk", an NGO in the township of Nyanga in Cape Town, as they begin their tour of the region. Their first official family visit in the coastal city AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan pose with members of "Waves For Change" NGO at Monwabisi Beach outside of Cape Town. "Waves For Change" NGO fuses surfing with child-friendly mind and body therapy to provide mental health services to vulnerable young people living in challenging communities AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The royals arrive to visit the oldest mosque of Cape Town in Dorp Street in Bo Kaap district AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The Duchess of Sussex visits Auwal Mosque on Heritage Day with the Duke of Sussex during their royal tour of South Africa. Auwal Mosque is the first and oldest mosque in South Africa and for the Muslim community, this mosque symbolises the freedom of former slaves to worship Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan hold their baby son Archie as they meet with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah at the Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The British royal couple were on a 10-day tour of southern Africa -- their first official visit as a family since their son Archie was born AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan meet Graca Machel, widow of the late Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Duke last met with Mrs Machel during his visit to South Africa in 2015 Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2019 Meghan and Prince Harry attend a roundtable discussion on gender equality with The Queens Commonwealth Trust (QCT) and One Young World at Windsor Castle Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures December 2019 Prince Harry holding his son Archie. The photo was used on Instagram to wish their followers a happy new year SussexRoyal/PA Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2020 Duke and Duchess of Sussex depart Canada House in London after visiting to show thanks for the warm hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2020 Front page headlines, from UK daily papers, reporting on the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, plan to step back as "senior" members of the Royal Family AFP via Getty The Sussexes made their announcement amid a storm of speculation that they were planning a move to Canada, which was not denied by the palace. In their Instagram statement, the couple told their followers they wanted to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. They added: We intend to step back as senior members of the royal family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support. Responding to Buckingham Palaces move to issue a rival statement, royal commentator Sally Baker told The Independent: Theyve been away for six weeks in Canada working out what they want to do with their lives and theyve made an announcement. Its clear they didnt consult anyone about it. Now the palace is trying to take away from their announcement. It looks like the royal family is in trouble. Royal photographer Ian Lloyd said: I am not surprised. People have been speculating that it could happen for some time and perhaps their spell in Canada gave them time to think about their future. If they didnt consult the Queen, its not a good sign, novelist and broadcaster Sarah Gristwood told The Independent. And it is a major breach of protocol. The royal couple visited Vancouver for a six-week holiday over Christmas, choosing to spend the festive season with Meghans mother, Doria Ragland. On their return they made their first public appearance since Remembrance Day at Canada House, the Canadian embassy in Londons Trafalgar Square. The royals met with commission staff and Janice Charette, high commissioner for Canada in the UK, to thank them for the hospitality and support they received during their stay abroad. SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hagens Berman encourages 500.com Limited (NYSE: WBAI) investors who have suffered significant losses to submit their losses now to learn if they qualify to recover their investment losses. The firm is actively investigating whether the company and senior executives violated federal securities laws, and certain investors may have valuable claims. Relevant Holding Period: Before Jan. 2, 2020 Sign Up: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/WBAI Contact An Attorney Now: [email protected] 844-916-0895 500.com Limited (WBAI) Investigation: The investigation centers on whether Chinese online gambling operator 500.com concealed that its executives were bribing Japanese lawmakers to influence Japanese gaming policy and secure the development of a casino resort project in Hokkaido. On Dec. 27, 2019, media outlets reported that Tsukasa Akimoto, a lower house member of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, was arrested by Tokyo prosecutors and charged with receiving 3 million yen ($27,400) in cash from 500.com. According to prosecutors, the lawmaker was deeply involved in crafting Japan's gaming policy. Prosecutors also arrested three individuals from 500.com, including its Japanese representative Zheng Xi and advisers Masahiko Konno and Katsunori Nakazato. Media reports indicated that the investigation could be further expanded- prosecutors had reportedly conducted raids on another member of the Liberal Democratic Party and the office of the party's former lower house member. Then, on Dec. 31, 2019, 500.com announced the initiation of an internal investigation into alleged illegal money transfers, the concurrent resignation of its Chairman of the Board, and the "temporary" departure of its Chief Executive Officer pending the outcome of the internal investigation. News of 500.com illegal money transfers caused the price of WBAI ADRs to decline sharply. "We're focused on investors' losses and whether 500.com concealed its involvement in an illicit lobby scheme," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. If you purchased shares of 500.com and suffered significant losses, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman. Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding 500.com should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected]. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a national law firm with nine offices in eight cities around the country and eighty attorneys. The firm represents investors, whistleblowers, workers and consumers in complex litigation. More about the firm and its successes is located at hbsslaw.com. For the latest news visit our newsroom or follow us on Twitter at @classactionlaw . Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895 SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP Related Links https://www.hbsslaw.com Its time to worry about Iraq turning into a battlefield in a prolonged proxy conflict between Tehran and Washington The prospect of a broader conflict between Iran and the United States was reinforced Wednesday after the latter attacked two bases in Iraq that house American troops with a barrage of missiles hours after the remains of an Iranian commander killed by a US drone strike were returned to his hometown for burial. Caught in the middle, Iraq has long been at risk of falling into the grip of the shadowy war between Iran and the United States and its allies that is raging across the Middle East. Conventional wisdom has it that the Iraqi ruling elite, which is utterly discredited and already wracked by popular protests and crippled by political paralysis, is even less capable of handling the growing proxy confrontation between Tehran and Washington. Since the collapse of the Iran nuclear deal with the major world powers, the question has been when the tension between the two rivals will flare up and turn Iraq into a proxy battleground between Iran and the United States. That moment came last week when Qassem Soleimani, Irans point man in Iraq, and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were killed in a US airstrike on their convoy in Baghdad amid a standoff with Iran. US president Donald Trump ordered the airstrike that killed Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Al-Quds Force, and al-Muhandis, the head of the Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah militia, on Friday at Baghdad International Airport. Hours before the dramatic attack that raised the possibility of a broader conflict in the Middle East, US defence secretary Mark T. Esper said that the US military would pre-emptively strike Iranian-backed forces in Iraq and Syria if there were indications that Iran-backed groups were planning more attacks against Americans. That strong warning came less than a week after an American contractor was killed in a rocket attack near the Iraqi city of Kirkuk that was blamed on Kataeb Hezbollah and marked the latest round of escalation between Washington and Irans allies in Iraq. On 27 December, a salvo of 30 rockets landed at an Iraqi airbase near the northern city of Kirkuk where American soldiers are based for a mission of advice and assistance of Iraqi security forces in their fight against Islamic State (IS) group remnants. The rocket assault was one of many recent attacks on US bases across Iraq, including a slew of rocket attacks on a military base at Baghdad International Airport that hosts US soldiers. Two days later, the United States retaliated against Kataeb Hezbollah with airstrikes on their bases on the Iraqi-Syrian border that left 24 militiamen dead and dozens wounded. Two days after the bombings, on New Years Eve al-Muhandis walked into the heavily protected Green Zone in central Baghdad unopposed with hundreds of supporters of Irans proxy militias and set fire to the US embassy buildings. The Iraqi government did nothing to stop the anti-US protesters, and the riot soon became another escalation in the lingering crisis between America, Iran, and Iraq. Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the attack on the embassy, and in a series of tweets and statements he said that Tehran would be held fully responsible for attacks against US interests. Retribution came with the assassination of Soleimani and al-Muhandis less than 48 hours later, raising fears worldwide that the dramatic escalation could make the already tense and fragile region even more dangerous. While Irans supreme leader ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for crushing retaliation, Irans highest security body pledged to avenge Soleimanis killing in the right place and at the right time and at a very high price. For millions of Iraqis, their worst fears of escalating tensions have thus come true, with Iran vowing to seek revenge on the United States for killing one of the country's most powerful military and political figures and putting Iraq at the centre of a proxy confrontation between the US and Iran. It became clear that the immediate challenge for Iraq in the aftermath of the assassination of Soleimani and al-Muhandis was the presence of thousands of US soldiers in Iraq under agreements with the Baghdad government. Iran and its proxies in Iraq have been pushing through a chain of events for a US troop withdrawal from Iraq, and the killing of Soleimani accelerated Tehrans goal of driving the United States military out of Iraq. The Iraqi parliament, which is dominated by a Shia majority, called on Sunday for the government to take the necessary measures for US forces to leave Iraq amid a boycott by some Shia MPs and most Sunni and Kurdish lawmakers. Although it is not clear for now how outgoing prime minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, who leads a caretaker cabinet, will implement the controversial resolution, Washington seems to be dismissing the move as irrelevant. We are confident that the Iraqi people want the United States to continue to be there to fight the counterterror campaign. And well continue to do all the things we need to do to keep America safe, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo told the Fox TV channel in the US. The Pentagon has said that one reason behind the killing of Soleimani was that he was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. An estimated 7,000 US troops are stationed in Iraq as part of efforts to combat the remnants of IS and support Iraqi security forces. In addition, thousands of military contractors and security personnel are believed to be participating in the US operations in the country. Iraq and the United States are bound by a 2008 agreement aimed at keeping thousands of US military contractors in Iraq and ensuring cooperation in several fields, including helping Iraq in threat deterrence and law enforcement. The Pentagon said on Friday that it would deploy an additional 3,500 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East to bolster security in the region. The forces will join a battalion of about 750 soldiers from the Division that arrived in Kuwait on 2 January. The new dispatch will join tens of thousands of US troops at bases and aboard ships across the Middle East, as well as add to arrangements with various countries to move soldiers and military equipment through airstrips and ports. On Saturday, a military spokesman for Abdul-Mahdi said the Iraqi leader had decreed that the US troops in Iraq would be restricted to their camps and would need authorisations from the prime ministers office for their operations in Iraq. If implemented, this will make Abdul-Mahdi virtually the commander-in-chief of the US troops in Iraq, a move which is highly unlikely to be acceptable to Washington and raises serious questions about the future of the American military presence in Iraq. But while that remains unclear, the prospect for escalation between Iran and the US troops in Iraq remains high, and all eyes are now on what may happen next. Iran has vowed to take revenge on the US for killing Soleimani, though Iranian officials have differed on how their country will respond and whether Tehrans response will be by its military forces or through its proxies in the region. There are different scenarios for the unfolding conflict that could start with a small attack by Iran on a US-related target or the hitting of oil installations or tankers in the Gulf causing collateral damage or oil spills. In Irans retaliatory basket of targets there are also possible terrorist attacks abroad and on US soil, attempts to assassinate US officials, cyber-attacks, and taking more provocative steps on its nuclear programme. But in another and more likely scenario, Irans leaders may decide to stand up to the US in Iraq, where American troops and interests are vulnerable as they are increasingly operating in a hostile environment. Shia militias in Iraq with close ties to Iran have already made threats that they will hit US military forces and other American assets in Iraq in revenge for Soleimanis death and to push the troops to leave. While it remains to be seen if Iran will suffice with firing ballistic missiles from inside its borders at two of the main military bases In Iraq as enough retaliatory action, the attack was a significant escalation of force that threatened to ignite a widening conflict. For the time being, the probability is higher than at any time in the past for a war between Iran and the United States, no matter whether it will consist of low-grade attacks or a full-scale conflict. Fears are mounting that both Iran and the United States are in a dangerous escalatory cycle that could likely lead them into a shooting war. Unfortunately, there are many reasons to believe that Iraq will also be sucked into such a conflict between Washington and Tehran. Over more than a decade, the Islamic Republic has cemented its influence in Iraq largely because the United States has failed to confront its attempts to build a political, economic, security and cultural power base after the US-led invasion of the country in 2003. Iran has exploited all the mistakes and follies of the US occupation to expand its influence in Iraq and after the hasty withdrawal of the US from Iraq in 2011 to make the country into a client state. It is hard to envision, therefore, that Iran will pull out of Iraq or stop its endeavours to reassert itself as the dominant power in a country that has become a launching pad for its influence in the region. On the other hand, the escalation triggered by the killing of Soleimani and the repeated threats by Trump of a strike back have closed any window of opportunity for scaling down the confrontation. If the United States decides to fight Iran, Iraq will most likely be the main battleground in the theatre of the ensuing war, and it will suffer greatly from the scourges it will leave behind. No war, meanwhile, would allow Iran to declare its victory and consolidate its presence in Iraq, making it a crony nation and a jumping-off point for building an Islamic Shia-led cultural empire in the Middle East. The world would be wise to be prepared for that. *This article is an updated version of the one that appears in print in the 9 January 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the same title. Search Keywords: Short link: Ghosn is vexed that hes been portrayed in Tokyo as a cold, greedy, dictator. He sees himself as a victim and is determined to restore his reputation. But his flight from Japan, which relied on expensive hired help and private jets, showed how he operates by different rules to most people. He seemed to think that walking the streets of Tokyo during his release on bail without a bodyguard was in some way unusual. In one particularly ill-advised and vain comment he compared his failure to foresee his arrest to the U.S. not anticipating the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Even now, hes living in a house paid for by Nissan. SIOUX CITY -- The Sergeant Bluff-Luton school district is seeking a judge's ruling that Woodbury County acted illegally when approving the funding of $10 million in improvements to gravel roads. The school district on Thursday filed a petition in which it asks that a judge annul the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors' Dec. 17 adoption of a bond resolution and void the board's action to use tax increment revenues to finance the project. "The actions taken by the board are illegal and in excess of the law ...," the school district said in the petition, filed Thursday in Woodbury County District Court. The district's petition said that the county acted improperly when approving the bond resolution and also failed to make a finding that the gravel project assists in economic development by creating jobs and wealth, a key requirement for implementing the type of funding the board approved. The district contends that the type of bonding the county chose to finance the project should have been subject to a public bond election. County board president Matthew Ung said Tuesday he had not seen the petition, but, because of opposition to the funding plan Sgt. Bluff-Luton representatives expressed to the board prior to approval, he was not surprised the school district took legal action. "They're representing their interests, and we're representing ours," Ung said. "We understand the gravel project will benefit all residents and this is the best way to fund it. There's a reasonable difference of opinions between the school district and the county board, but our actions are legal." The school district's attorney, Sarah Franklin, of Des Moines, was not able to comment immediately and had not answered questions submitted to her via email before the Journal's deadline. SB-L superintendent Rod Earleywine also could not be reached for comment. County supervisors on Oct. 22 voted to borrow $10 million via general obligation bonds to cover the purchase of an estimated 2 million tons of gravel that would be applied to nearly 800 miles of roads in the next five years. For several months prior to the action, rural residents had raised concerns about the condition of county roads, saying that the gravel layer on many of them is too thin to support heavy agricultural equipment and they become sloppy in wet weather. To repay the bonds, the county board approved the usage of tax-increment financing generated from property included in the Grow Woodbury Urban Renewal Area that includes a large portion of the SB-L school district. The so-called TIF funding is used by governments to divert increased property taxes from new construction to pay off money borrowed by issuing bonds to pay for public improvements that spur economic development. Woodbury County established the urban renewal area in 2010. The area has been expanded since then, including a 2013 addition that included CF Industries' $2 billion expansion in the Port Neal Industrial area. CF's expansion, completed in 2016, has significantly increased the school district's property valuation base and potential for TIF funds generated within the urban renewal area. On Oct. 22, county supervisors voted to expand the urban renewal area to include the right of way of all county roads as well as related bridges and culverts. SB-L school district representatives were opposed to the measure, saying it was not equitable to spend money generated from an urban renewal area that covers only a portion of the county to fund countywide improvements. In its petition, the district asks that a judge rule the county can't designate incremental tax revenues generated within the renewal area for the gravel project. The county has yet to secure the funds for the gravel. County finance director Dennis Butler said Tuesday that the county hopes to have the money by the end of February. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 3 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Ill admit that if you look closely enough OK, maybe you dont even have to look all that closely youll see dust bunnies. And sand tracked in on the porch. Oh, yeah, and fingerprints on the windows. So, in other words, my house is not quite spotless. A Tamil Nadu-based 'jihadi' module with links to a similar group in neighbouring Karnataka and planning to carry out nation wide attacks has been busted with the arrest of eight men, police said on Wednesday. The eight people, including three "radical elements" from Bengaluru, were arrested and pistols and ammunitions recovered from them by the 'Q' branch police, which handles matters related to extremists and involving national security. Inputs gathered by the intelligence wing of Tamil Nadu police revealed that "a few notorious fundamentalist elements are making preparation to wage jihad at various parts of the country and (they) have disappeared" from the state in the third week of last month, a police release said. Some of them belonging to this Tamil Nadu jihadi module were linked to various communal cases including a sensational murder case in the state. "This module has developed link with a similar module in Bengaluru and started moving to different parts of the country," the release said. An operation was launched to track their activities in various locations and the states concerned were informed about their movement and their cooperation was sought. Further investigation led to the arrest of five people in Tamil Nadu. Later, three from Karnataka were arrested by the 'Q' branch sleuths with the assistance of neighbouring State's police. Three pistols and ammunitions were recovered from them. The arrested persons were produced before a court here which remanded them to judicial custody. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The central government has approached the Supreme Court seeking transfer of all the cases challenging Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) pending in various high courts to the apex court. The plea was mentioned today by Centres second senior-most law officer, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, before Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad Arvind Bobde. Mehta told the court that multiplicity of proceedings will lead to different conclusions regarding the validity of the act and it was, therefore, appropriate that the Supreme Court transfers all the cases in various high courts to itself. CJI Bobde agreed to hear the plea on Friday this week. The CAA, which seeks to fast-track citizenship to non-Muslim minorities from three neighbouring countries, has been challenged in various courts. While at least 60 petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the act, high courts have also taken up various matters connected with their respective jurisdiction. The Karnataka high court had even remarked on Tuesday that the Supreme Court has not passed any order barring HCs from taking up the matter and it will, therefore, hear a petition challenging CAA. A petition was filed in the Delhi High Court against the violence at Jamia Millia Islamia University during the protest against CAA. The court will hear the case in February this year. Similar petitions were also filed in the Allahabad High Court over violence in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), where students protested in solidarity with Jamia. Petitioners have approached various other high courts to decide on various issues arising out of the protests against CAA, as well as the constitutionality of the act itself. Several indie record labels announced today that theyve parted ways with Warner Music Groups Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA) and will be working with North Carolina distributor Redeye going forward, Billboard reports. Beggars Groupthe collective of labels that includes 4AD, Matador, Rough Trade, Young Turks, and XLare joined by Domino and Saddle Creek in the move. The labels made the change effective January 1. In April 2019, Warner moved all of its businessincluding physical product released by ADA indie labelsto the Indiana-based company Direct Shot Distributing. Record stores and retailers have complained about Direct Shot, saying shipments arrive after extensive delays or go missing entirely. Read more about the reported issues surrounding Direct Shot in Pitchforks report A Major Music Distributor Has Stifled Vinyl Sales for Record Stores and Indie Labels, Sources Say. Historically, independent labels have always seen getting records into stores as the first business decision they need to make, Beggars chairman Martin Mills said in a statement. But now that physical is such a small and decreasing part of the majors business, for indies, to whom physical, and especially vinyl, is so much more important, to partner with the majors for distribution has become arguably anachronistic. Beggars works with great, fully independent distributors everywhere else in the world, and believes in bringing the advantages of our scale to the sector; and much as were sorry to leave ADA, with whom weve had incredible success, were very happy to be fully independently distributed at last in the USA. Redeye will be responsible for the distribution of new albums by Grimes, Pinegrove, Dan Deacon, Frances Quinlan, and more. In 2019, the labels that announced the move to Redeye released new music from Big Thief, Thom Yorke, FKA twigs, Jai Paul, Kim Gordon, (Sandy) Alex G, Holly Herndon, black midi, Aldous Harding, Deerhunter, Hand Habits, Black Belt Eagle Scout, Georgia, and more. Originally Appeared on Pitchfork Greater Noida: Two persons were arrested Wednesday for killing a ration dealer in Dankaur on December 31. The suspects were identified as Rishipal,30, and Harveer, 50, the victims elder brother. The two persons allegedly murdered Dharamveer, 40, to grab his property. Kumar Ranvijay Singh, superintendent of police (rural) Gautam Budh Nagar, said the victim was not married. He used to work as a ration dealer in Mutaina village of Dankaur and lived with his elder brother Harveer. Police said Harveer believed that his brother will sell/transfer his property to someone else and he started making plans to grab the property. Singh said on December 31, Dankaur police received a call from Harveer, informing them that three neighbours Rohit, Amit and Veerpal had murdered his younger brother over a personal enmity. A police team visited the spot and found the body in a hut on the victims farmland. Dharamveer had sustained a bullet injury to his head. Harveer told police that his family had a personal enmity with the three accused persons, Singh said. Police registered a case under Section 302 (murder) and launched an investigation into the matter. Police questioned the three suspects but could not get any substantial information for their involvement in the crime. The three suspects were not in the village when the murder took place. We started investigating the matter from other angles. We received information from our informers that Rishipal, who worked for Harveer in the fields, was last seen going with Dharamveer into the hut that night he was killed, SP said. The police detained Rishipal and questioned him. Rishipal soon broke down and confessed to having shot Dharamveer dead. He revealed that Harveer had given him a countrymade gun and promised him 2 lakh on killing his brother, he said. The police then arrested Harveer. Harveer revealed that he had personal enmity with three persons, the ones who were initially named in the FIR. The victim was also planning to sell his house. Harveer decided to kill his brother, and put the blame on the three suspects, Singh said. Police arrested both the suspects and recovered the countrymade gun from the farmland. The two persons were produced in court and sent to judicial custody, Akhilesh Pradhan, station house officer, Dankaur police station, said. Now Open 8 January 2020 Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announces the opening of Thompson Washington D.C., the Thompson Hotels brand's first property in the nation's capital. Located in the emerging Navy Yard neighborhood, the new hotel features 225 sleek and modern guestrooms and suites, along with restaurant and bar concepts by Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, positioning Thompson Washington D.C. to serve as a modern hub for locals and visitors against the backdrop of the city's dynamic waterfront neighborhood, located less than one mile from Capitol Hill and other major D.C. monuments and museums. The newly built 11-story property is designed as a sophisticated lifestyle hotel, with architecture by New York-based Studios Architecture and interiors by award-winning firm Parts and Labor Design. The hotel's deeply textured facade and large industrial-inspired windows are a visual standout that embody the historic industrial language of the neighborhood, The Yards, a 42-acre waterfront development at the center of Capitol Riverfront's Navy Yard neighborhood. As the first lifestyle hotel in the growing mixed-used development, Thompson Washington D.C. is designed to be a social anchor in The Yards community, joining dozens of specialty retailers, restaurants, high-end residences, and cultural attractions. Situated on D.C.'s scenic riverfront, outdoor parks such as the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and The Yards Park are all mere steps from the hotel, inviting visitors to walk around and explore. The hotel's interiors were inspired by the Thompson brand's signature mid-century modern aesthetic and the area's notable Navy Yard, incorporating industrial patterns and textures found in the neighborhood's historic naval structures. The hotel's 225 guestrooms, including 17 suites, boast floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views of the Anacostia River and Nationals Park. Two expansive Thompson Suites also feature stunning outdoor terraces with views of the Washington Navy Yard. Each guestroom features custom headboards upholstered in a melange wool boucle from Holland complemented by sherry and plume-colored leather framed in a dark oak. Additional room elements include bathroom vanity tops made of green onyx and Brazilian white avalanche marble, 400-thread-count SFERRA linens, Tivoli radios, 55" flat screen HD TVs, D.S. & Durga custom bath products, and kimono-style robes. The hotel's mini bars are stocked with locally sourced items, including guilt-free snacks and candles from Freres Branchiaux Candle Co., where 10% of proceeds benefit Washington, D.C.'s homeless shelters. Among Thompson Washington D.C.'s many standout features is its signature restaurant, Maialino Mare, from famed Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG). The restaurant - a coastal sister to the original Maialino in New York City - focuses on seafood-forward pastas and other seasonally-inspired dishes sourced from local farmers and fishmongers, complemented by a robust Italian wine list and rustic desserts. Maialino Mare's interior reflects a nod to Italian tradition but is rooted in the local metropolitan, modern setting and community. The Roman-style trattoria is led by executive chef Rose Noel who was most recently executive sous chef at USHG's Manhatta restaurant. Parts and Labor Design crafted the restaurant, along with the adjacent Thompson Bar Room, which offers cozy bar and booth seating. Diners are invited to stay late and enjoy a menu of curated cocktails, wines, and beer. Maialino Mare will open with dinner beginning at 5:00 p.m. daily; breakfast and lunch will be introduced in the weeks to follow. The Thompson Bar Room will open at 3:00 p.m. daily. Anchovy Social, the hotel's rooftop bar, boasts an airy atmosphere accented with nautical elements and sweeping views of the city. Parts and Labor Design sought to create a contrasting but unified experience seen through the dark-to-light palette, allowing the space and its unprecedented 360-degree views of the city and waterfront to become a destination in itself. Inspired by the coastal spirit of sister restaurant Maialino Mare downstairs, Anchovy Social will debut with playful seasonal cocktails such as the Juice Box (vodka, cranberry shrub, Vermouth di Torino, rosemary) and Frozen "Hot" Chocolate (mezcal, fernet, cacao, coconut milk, mole bitters), and a robust wine and beer menu, alongside shareable bites such as Anchovy & Stracchino, Clams Casino, and Porchetta Melt Sliders, as well as Seafood Towers and larger plates. Anchovy Social will open in the weeks to come. Featuring more than 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, Thompson Washington D.C. is equipped for meetings and events across many occasions. Modern meeting rooms include Eight Bells and All's Well, and Maialino Mare's private dining room and wine room can host intimate gatherings. In addition, Anchovy Social's rooftop bar can be fully commissioned to accommodate 200 people, and it also offers a private events area offering outdoor space and a private bar. Thompson Hotels is an award-winning boutique lifestyle hospitality brand - part of Hyatt's global brand portfolio - featuring a collection of stunning, dynamic properties located in urban and resort destinations throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Bryan Stevenson, an attorney whose exceptional work is dramatized in Just Mercy, does not take the easy way out in his professional life, and this film tribute to him and what hes accomplished also chooses a challenging path. As the founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, Stevenson has dedicated the past 30 years to, among other things, providing legal services to death row inmates and has saved more than 125 unjustly sentenced people from execution in the process. As directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Just Mercy focuses on Stevensons legal beginnings, on the first seemingly impossible case he took on. But though it features Michael B. Jordan as the man himself, Just Mercy is not simply about bringing a hero to life. (Those looking for a sense of who Stevenson is and the entirety of his career should check out the fine documentary True Justice: Bryan Stevensons Fight for Equality.) Rather, the film is at its most convincing when doing something more difficult: allowing us, emotionally, to feel the extent of the crisis Stevenson has made his lifes work. As co-written by Cretton and Andrew Lanham based on Stevensons memoir, Just Mercy calmly presents a world where entrenched racism, suffocating intimidation and an all but closed legal system stack the deck, to a terrifying extent, against impoverished defendants of color. A powerful asset in making these points is the films impressive group of supporting players (Carmen Cuba was the casting director for the film, as she was for Queen & Slim). Especially effective is the group of actors (Jamie Foxx, Tim Blake Nelson, Rob Morgan, Darrell Britt-Gibson, J. Alphonse Nicholson and OShea Jackson, among others) who portray individuals whose lives have been mangled beyond recognition by being trapped in the machine. Just Mercy Rated PG-13: for thematic content including racial epithets Running time: 137 minutes **** (out of 5) See More Collapse Introduced first is Walter Johnny D. McMillian, a pulpwood worker strongly played by Foxx (who already earned a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for his work), initially almost unrecognizable behind a thick mustache. Almost as soon as we meet McMillian in 1987, we watch as hes arrested in Alabamas Monroe County by Sheriff Tom Tate (Michael Harding) on charges of murdering an 18-year-old white woman in Monroeville, which happens to be the hometown of Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird. Though there is a brief prologue of Stevenson as a student, hes introduced more fully as a recent Harvard Law graduate who gives his family pause when he turns down big jobs to go to Montgomery, Ala., and fight for people who need help the most death row inmates. Though he has the assistance of local activist Eva Ansley (Brie Larson, who starred in Crettons previous Short Term 12 and The Glass Castle), Stevenson doesnt initially understand what hes up against with the local power structure. A visit to Holman prison and its death row, where he endures a humiliating strip search, and a stonewalling conversation he has with the seemingly affable district attorney, Tommy Champan (a spot-on Rafe Spall), begin a process of education for both Stevenson and the audience. Though Just Mercy spends time with several of the death row inmates Stevenson has represented, most of its focus is on McMillian, and the film truly comes alive when the two men meet. Foxx, throwing himself into the character, explosively expresses a total lack of confidence in, and near contempt for, this young attorney. McMillian, as it turns out, is not the first person to underestimate Stevensons grit, ferocious perseverance and passion for justice. Stevenson eventually realizes that all roads in the McMillian case lead to Ralph Myers, a white career criminal whose questionable testimony was valued more by the jury than the numerous African American alibi witnesses the defense produced. Myers is played with compelling eccentricity by Tim Blake Nelson, who recently starred for the Coen brothers as the very different Buster Scruggs. Another strength of Just Mercy is its refusal to tiptoe around what it took to make McMillian the first man ever freed from Alabamas death row a long, tortuous and difficult process despite compelling evidence of his innocence. The film portrays the ferocious resistance of some people to the possibility that this man had nothing to do with the crime. And thats when Just Mercy is at its best. It's a charged time to say the least, and this social media superstar is trying to make things right after getting some attention she didn't want. A source has told DailyMail.com that cosmetics mogul and self-made billionaire Kylie Jenner has donated $1 million to several relief organizations in Australia that are scrambling to help the country amid widespread destructive bushfires. The contribution comes just one day after Jenner, 22, landed in the hotseat for what many fans deemed an insensitive concurrence of posts, one reading 'this breaks my heart' below an image of a burned koala and the text 'over half a BILLION animals' being killed by the wildfires, and the other a snap of her 'baby pink toes' peaking out from Louis Vuitton slippers made from real mink fur. Making it right: Self-made billionaire Kylie Jenner has donated $1 million to several relief organizations in Australia after stirring some unwanted controversy A source close to Jenner spoke to People about the social media shares, identifying it as nothing more than an unfortunate coincidence. 'That post was completely unintentional,' the insider said. 'Kylie stands behind her desire to want to help provide relief towards the devastation the fires have caused.' But the troubles for Kylie didn't end there, as also on Monday she shared a glamorous photo of herself sitting in front of a fireplace and captioned it 'find ur fire' alongside a fire emoji and a yellow love heart. When a fan's comment mentioned the disaster unfolding in Australia, Kylie seemingly had second thoughts and quickly edited the caption to, 'night out' and deleted the fire emoji. The pledge comes: Just one day after Jenner landed in the hotseat for what many fans deemed an insensitive concurrence of posts, one showing her dismay below an image of a burned koala, and the other a snap of Louis Vuitton slippers made from real mink fur Taken on December 31: A firefighter hosing down trees and flying embers in an effort to secure nearby houses from bushfires near the town of Nowra in New South Wales The comment read, 'If anyone needs fire... you can have ours - Australia.' And Kylie isn't the only one of her sisters engaged in controversy surrounding the situation in Australia. Jenner's sisters Kim Kardashian-West and Khloe Kardashian hit back at trolls who had unfairly criticized the family for their apparent lack of concern for the Australian bushfires. The fire is found: Also on Monday Kylie shared a glamorous photo of herself and captioned it 'find ur fire,' which prompted a pointed response from a user referencing the Australian fires On Sunday, Kim put a stop to it when she hit back at a hater on Twitter. The 39-year-old replied to a now-deleted tweet that claimed the family had not donated a dime. 'Nothing gets me more heated than to see the Kardashians/Jenners talk about climate change/wildfires and not donate even a penny,' the user had written, tagging the entire family. Kim responded in kind: 'Nothing gets me more heated than to see people think they know what we donated to and to think we have to publicize everything.' Stirring the pot: Kylie isn't the only one of her sisters engaged in controversy surrounding the situation in Australia And while many went on to praise Kim for her clapback, others called her hypocritical for continuing to wear fur and ride private jets. One wrote: 'You publicize everything else tho AND STILL WEAR FUR...AND TAKE PRIVATE JETS...wild.' Another tweeted: 'A girl selling her nudes online has almost made 17k to help with the Australian fires and the Kardashians only been tweeting emojis do ya'll see why I'm angry.' And Khloe, 35, defended Kim on Monday morning as well, first retweeting her sister's post before adding a bible quote. Not so fast: Kim Kardashian-West has hit back at trolls who had unfairly criticized the family for their apparent lack of concern for the Australian bushfires 'Modern King James Version. Therefore when you do your merciful deeds, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may have glory from men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward,' she began. So far, the Australian bushfires have killed 25 people, destroyed more than 2,000 homes and torn through more than seven million hectares of land. An estimated half a billion animals have already been wiped out in the blazes, which have been burning through much of the east coast of Australia since October. The fires are expected to continue to burn for at least another two months. Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service JAIPUR: The political row within the ruling Congress over the Kota Infant tragedy seems set to escalate. The Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot has once again reiterated the need for fixing accountability over a hundred infant deaths in J K Loan Hospital in Kota. Pilot said, "I had said before and even today I am saying that we will have to fix the responsibility so that such incidents do not recur in future." "If the responsibility is not fixed and it is continued in the same way, then such incidents may repeat in the coming future," Pilot told the media on Tuesday in Jaipur. "I am very hurt, very sad and worried about the death of children. I have focused on what was our response after such a big tragedy. Our response should be sensitive, people should feel that those who are sitting in power after this whole event are working to improve it, " he asserted candidly. The Deputy CM said that it's not the issue of any individual, party or any government but the effort should be to rectify the situation. Pilot said that he raised the issue to ensure that there should be active on the ground on the deaths of infants. On the allegation made by the Health Minister Raghu Sharma that the broken windows, doors and seepage in the roof was the responsibility of PWD department which is headed by Pilot, the Deputy CM said that as the President of the party, I have always said that whether we are in power or in opposition, we have to maintain contact with the general public all the time. Earlier on Sunday, after the state Medical and Health Minister Raghu Sharma questioned the PWD department over fixing responsibility of pending works wear and tear in the hospital, also statement was issued by the PWD department which said that the repair work could have been done in JK Lone Hospital after the release of the budget by the Department of Medical Education. In this case, on July 23rd, a demand for rupees10 Lakh was made and was sent to the Medical Education Department. But the Medical Education Department issued its approval on January 1, 2020, and now a tender has been sought for it. PWD had no budget available until 30 December 2019. With the Dy CM and the Health Minister making charges against each others department, the rift in the Rajasthan government over fixing accountability over the Kota tragedy now seems set to intensify. (Photo : Screenshot from: Ivanka Trump's Instagram Account) #Boycott CES Trends on Twitter, What Does Ivanka Trump Had To Do With it? Consumer Electronics Show or CES 2020 had officially started its event on Jan. 7, and although the event is still ongoing until Jan. 10, a lot of tech fans on Twitter already expressed their dismay towards CES after Ivanka Trump-- the first daughter of U.S, President Donald Trump-- appeared and talked about technology on the said event. Ivanka Trump Delivered CES Keynote Speech By Saying She Believes in 'Innovation' Ivanka Trump, currently described by White House as one of the advisors of the President, recently went trending after its not-so-shocking appearance in the world's largest consumer electronics show held in Las Vegas. On Jan. 7, Trump delivered her keynote speech on CES 2020 and explained what White House is currently doing for American workers when it comes to their employment and training for the future jobs in the country. "It's not only about training for the jobs of the future. People need to be thinking about investing in their current workforce so that they can enable those people to do their same job using different equipment tomorrow," Trump said. "I'm a big believer in innovation and the positive impact productivity has on the economy, and fighting for American dominance in the industry." Another topic that she listed down on her speech is how technology must be used for developing what she called an interoperable learning record. According to the first daughter, personal information such as high school diplomas or health records must be easily transferred to smartphones to "enable people to have their information on their iPhone." Though CNET pointed out that the speech might be welcomed with a lot of 'boos' from the crowd, the speech of Trump seemed to be successfully made as she finished her time to speak-- without any negative remarks from the crowd. However, there seemed to be a time when the audience was only filled with silence, especially on the part when Trump only speaks about the job policy programs of her father-- which was way out of line from the topic of technology advancement. #BoyCott CES 2020 Appeared on Twitter Before Trump Speech Days before CES 2020 even started, a lot of tech fans already expressed their disapproval with the event organizer of CES. This is after pointing out that Trump does not have the right to speak on a tech event since she was said to have no background in the tech world. This protest resulted in the trending #Boycott CES 2020 on Twitter. Twitter users explained that they were disappointed with the Consumer Technology Association's decision to invite Trump as one of their speakers when a lot more personalities are qualified to speak. Even famous tech personalities tend to have negative comments about this decision. "It saddens me that the CTA is using its power to promote Ms. Trump over the hundreds of qualified leaders of all genders actively working in tech," Lora DiCarlo, a sex tech startup and winner of an innovation award said in a statement Tuesday. "Ms. Trump is simply not the right voice to speak for the tech community." "There are many more women who are in tech and are entrepreneurs who could run circles around Trump on how technology will impact the future of work," Tech analyst Carolina Milanesi wrote on Forbes. "I don't think I am unfair in believing that Trump did not stop and think if she was the best woman for the job before accepting the invitation from the CTA." ALSO READ: Iran Now Launches F-14 Fighter Jets on 'Western Skies' Says Iranian Report CTA Defended Trump Though a lot were angry with the decision of CTA, the organizer of CES still defended their decision on making Trump as one of their speakers. "CTA invites officials from every White House - both Republicans and Democrats - to participate in and speak at CES. The future of work is a critical policy topic for the technology sector," said on a statement by CTA spokeswoman Jennifer Drogus. CTA President Gary Shapiro even gave praise to Trump on doing a 'great work' with her speech on CES 2020. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The death toll in a stampede during the funeral for Iranian general Qassem Soleimani at his hometown in Kerman has reached 56, according to the Iranian television. Over 100 people have been injured in the incident, Sputnik reported. Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq last Friday, Anadolu agency reported. His death marked a dramatic escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, which have often been at a fever pitch since President Donald Trump chose in 2018 to unilaterally withdraw Washington from a 2015 nuclear pact powers struck with Tehran. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who gave Soleimani the country's highest honour last year, vowed "severe retaliation" in response to his killing. The Pentagon accused Soleimani of plotting the earlier embassy attack in Iraq and planning to carry out additional attacks on US diplomats and service members in Iraq and the region. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Myanmar military spokesmen address the media at a press conference in Myanmars capital Naypyidaw, accusing some news agencies of exaggerating reports and twisting facts in their stories about the armed services, June 22, 2019. Myanmars powerful military has filed nearly 50 lawsuits against critical journalists, individuals, and organizations it has accused of defamation during the civilian-led governments nearly four years in office, a youth-led freedom of expression advocacy group said Tuesday. The Yangon-based, youth-led group Athan, which means voice in Burmese, said that military officers filed 47 legal cases during the 45 months that de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) has been in power. About 65 percent of the cases were filed by military officers, while seven others were filed by middlemen, and a dozen more were filed by the Yangon Regional Military Command, according to Athan. The lawsuits include 18 cases filed under the Telecommunications Law, 11 under Section 505(a) of Myanmars Penal Code, seven under Section 505(b), four under Section 500, two under the Unlawful Associations Act, two under the National Security Act, two under the Media Law, and one under Section 200, the group said. Among 96 people accused, 51 are activists, 19 are civilians, 14 are journalists, five are religious leaders, four are artists, and three are members of political parties. In most of the cases, the accused are activists, Athan founder and research manager Ye Wai Phyo Aung told RFAs Myanmar Service. The militarys lawsuits mostly try to limit the free speech. The prosecution of journalists by the military is not new, he added. They have filed many lawsuits since 2006. In 2019, they filed many lawsuits against journalists for covering the Rakhine issue. Myanmar forces have come under heavy fire by the international community for their campaign of violence against Rohingya Muslims in northern Rakhine state in 2017. The crackdown, which included indiscriminate killings, mass rape, torture and village burnings, left thousands dead and drove more than 740,000 members of the minority group out of the country. A few nations, including the United States, have imposed targeted sanctions on army commanders deemed responsible for the slaughter, while other countries have filed lawsuits on genocide charges against Myanmar for alleged state-sanctioned violence against the Rohingya at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court and in an Argentine court. Our observations indicate that the military has become ultrasensitive to any criticism against it as it is experiencing a political crisis and is responding to critics by filing lawsuits against them, Ye Wai Phyo Aung said. Intolerant on Rakhine issue When Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi appeared before judges during an ICJ hearing in December, she denied that the violence meted out against Rohingya was done with genocidal intent and insisted it was part of a military clearing operation to rid the region of Muslim insurgents. We find that the military is intolerant when it comes to the Rakhine issue, Ye Wai Phyo Aung said. They dont want the public to learn the truth about what happened on the ground in Rakhine state. They dont like it that the free press is publishing the up-to-date news, so they have prosecuted a bunch of news media for reporting on Rakhine state, he said, noting military lawsuits filed against RFA, the online journal The Irrawaddy, and the Rakhine-based Development Media Group (DMG) news service. In addition to the prosecutions, they have also made verbal and physical threats, he said. Besides filing lawsuits against those who have published news on Rakhine state, the military has also taken legal action against those who have criticized it and those who have called for the reform of the current constitution which enshrines its political power, Ye Wai Phyo Aung said. Especially in 2019, there were occasions like the ICJ lawsuit and growing calls to speed up constitutional amendments, he said. Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said the lawsuits were filed in response to unwarranted swipes at the armed forces. Since we are an institution, we will definitely have to prosecute any unfair criticism and distortions about us, he told RFA. We are not prosecuting all the news media, he said. Our lawsuits based on the acts of the accused. We only prosecute parties who deliberately defame us to damage our reputation. Zaw Min Tun noted that government officials and lawmakers have filed more defamation lawsuits than has the military. Two-year-old Athan publishes periodic reports on the state of media freedom in Myanmar under the NLD that point to a growing number of threats to freedom of expression since the party came to power after winning landslide elections in 2015. Reported by Nayrein Kyaw for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. US Congress(WASHINGTON) -- Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., submitted his resignation to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday after pleading guilty last month to conspiring to misuse campaign funds. "I write to inform you of my resignation, effective close of business on January 13, 2020, as United States Representative for the 50th District of California," Hunter wrote. "It has been an honor to serve the people of Californias 50th District, and I greatly appreciate the trust they have put in my over these last 11 years." Hunter pleaded guilty in early December to one count of conspiracy in a case surrounding his alleged misuse of $250,000 in campaign donations for personal expenses, including family vacations and oral surgeries. He announced after his plea that he would resign "shortly after the holidays." California Gov. Gavin Newsom has two weeks from Hunters last day in Congress to set a date for a special election to fill the seat, but in accordance with a state statute, it's not likely Hunters resignation letter was submitted early enough for the special election to fall on Californias primary voting day. Hunter, 42, succeeded his father in representing a district that includes parts of San Diego and Riverside County, in 2008. The younger Hunter narrowly won reelection in 2018 after being indicted, along with his wife, Margaret, on dozens of charges of improperly using campaign funds. Hunter won with nearly 52% of the vote, narrowly defeating Democratic newcomer Ammar Campa-Najjar by 3 points. Hunter is due to be sentenced in March, while his wife, who pleaded guilty on a single corruption count, is slated to be sentenced in April The House seat has been held by either Hunter or his father since 1980. The district, one of the last Republican areas in southern California, now could be more vulnerable to a Democratic takeover. Hunter was the second House member to endorse then-candidate Donald Trump in 2016. He now joins another early Trump supporter, former Rep. Chris Collins of New York, in pleading guilty to criminal charges, after claiming his prosecution was politically motivated. "I did make mistakes," Hunter told local station KUSI-TV in December. "I justify that plea with the understanding that I am responsible for my campaign and what happens to my campaign money. Whatever my time in custody is, I will take that hit. My only hope is the judge does not sentence my wife to jail. I think my kids need a mom in the home." Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Tijuana, again, tops the list as the city in the country of Mexico with the largest total cases of homicides in previous years. It is exceeding other cities in the country by hundreds of deaths. The city ended the year with an estimated 2,185 deaths from murder. The city's statistics regarding murder cases for 2019 is approximately 321 deaths lower than its record-breaking 2018 total. The statistics of the city had earned it the title as the "Most Violent City in the entire World" given by a not-for-profit Mexican association. 2019 is the second year the city recorded a minimum of 2,000 murders. The population of the city is approximately 1.8 million. It is common in the area that small-scale dealers get into violent activities and endangering their lives in the process of successfully selling drugs to a growing market in the local area. It is also a long-time battleground of foreign drug-trafficking groups to attain control over different routes to the United States of America. On the last day of the previous year, the dead body of a man aged between 25 to 30 years of age was found in the area around noontime. It was reported that the man got shot in the head. In the afternoon, another man was brought to the medical center in the city after acquiring wounds from a gunshot. These two cases were the least reported crimes in 2019. However, this information may change for instances such as the discovery and identification of victims. The secretary of Mexico for Public Safety named Alfonso Durazo stated during a conference with the media in the middle of December last year that the government will be implementing a new method of controlling the crime in the country with the assistance of the newly-established security forces National Guard and SEDENA. This had already decreased the total number of crimes occurring in Tijuana. The new force is tasked to patrol high-risk areas in the city. It is also responsible for the continuity of checkpoint operations in the city. Despite the downward trend of the total number of deaths in the city, the total for the year is still at an alarming rate, said Durazo. The two recorded deaths on December 31, 2019, and the four deaths recorded on December 31, 2018, shows the improvement of the security in the city. According to Durazo, in the past, there were 24 homicides recorded in one day in the city of Tijuana. Currently, the number dropped to three to five. They are currently aiming to reduce the numbers. According to the State Security and Investigation Guard commissioner from Baja California named Carlos Flores, the total number of homicides in the city of Tijuana makes up seventy-five percent of the total deaths in all over the state. Baja California is ranked the second-highest total record of murder in the country of Mexico for the year 2019. Despite the downward trend of the total number of murders in the area, he believes that the results are still too high and need to be brought to an even lower total. The New York Times The encryption debate between Apple and the FBI might have found its new test case. The FBI said Tuesday that it had asked Apple for the data on two iPhones that belonged to the gunman in the shooting last month at a naval base in Pensacola, Florida, possibly setting up another showdown over law enforcements access to smartphones. Dana Boente, the FBIs general counsel, said in a letter to Apple that federal investigators cannot gain access to the shooters iPhones because they are locked and encrypted, and their owner, 2nd Lt Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani of the Saudi Royal Air Force, is dead. Two people who had seen the letter described it to The New York Times on the condition of anonymity because the governments investigation into the shooting is still active. The FBI has a search warrant for the devices and is seeking Apples assistance executing it, the people said. Alshamrani is the Saudi Air Force trainee who federal authorities believe shot and killed three sailors at Naval Air Station Pensacola in December. The case could become a new flash-point in a long-running dispute between Apple and the FBI over what digital information should be accessible to law enforcement. In 2014, Apple started building encryption into iPhones that can be unlocked only with a given devices password, meaning even Apple cannot bypass the security. The technology has frustrated law enforcement authorities, who say Apple has given criminals a safe haven. Apple said in a statement that it had given the FBI all the data in our possession related to the Pensacola case when it was asked a month ago. We will continue to support them with the data we have available, the company said. Apple regularly complies with court orders to turn over information it has on its servers, such as iCloud data, but it has long argued that it does not have access to material stored only on a locked, encrypted iPhone. An FBI spokeswoman confirmed the existence of the letter, which was first reported by NBC News, but declined to comment further. Before sending the letter, the FBI checked with other government agencies and its national security allies to see if they had a way into the devices but they did not, according to one of the people familiar with the investigation. The official said the FBI is not asking Apple to create a so-called backdoor or technological solution to get past its encryption that must be shared with the government. Instead, the government is seeking the data that is on the two phones, the official said. Apple has argued in the past that obtaining such data would require it to build a backdoor, which it said would set a dangerous precedent for user privacy and cybersecurity. The Pensacola case resembles the 2016 dispute between Apple and the FBI over the iPhone of the man who, along with his wife, shot and killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California. As in that case, there is a dead gunman, a court authorisation to gain entry to a phone, and an early stalemate between law enforcement and Apple. But the San Bernardino investigation turned into a high-stakes showdown after a federal judge ordered Apple to help the authorities gain entry to the phone. Such a court order has not been issued in the Pensacola case, and it does not appear that the FBI has yet sought such a ruling. The letter could be the first step toward such an order, as the FBI would likely need to show a judge that Apple had refused to assist in executing a warrant. Apple did not respond to a question about whether it would comply with the FBIs request in the Pensacola investigation. After the federal judge ordered Apple to create a way to open the San Bernardino shooters phone in 2016, Tim Cook, Apples chief executive, responded with a 1,100-word letter in which he said that creating such a backdoor would compromise the security of every iPhone. The government suggests this tool could only be used once, on one phone, he said. But thats simply not true. Once created, the technique could be used over and over again, on any number of devices. Cook made an aggressive argument to the public that the Obama administrations actions would undermine peoples privacy and security. But he may find it more difficult to attack the Trump administration, which has long dangled the threat of tariffs on Apples products. Cook has become an ally of President Donald Trump, visiting him regularly in Washington and recently hosting him at a Mac computer factory in Texas, where the president claimed he had helped spur its construction when it had actually been open for six years. The dispute over the San Bernardino case was resolved when the FBI found a private company that was able to bypass the iPhones encryption. The Justice Departments Office of Inspector General later found that the FBI had not exhausted all possible solutions to unlock the phone before it tried to force Apple to build a way past the encryption. Both sides have since doubled down on their stances. Apple has made its encryption even tougher, closing gaps that law enforcement had exploited to gain entry to iPhones. And Attorney General William Barr has recently turned up his rhetoric criticising encryption. He said last month that finding a way for law enforcement to gain access to encrypted technology was one of the Justice Departments highest priorities. In several speeches last year, he noted that drug cartels, human trafficking rings and child pornographers depended on consumer products with strong encryption, such as WhatsApp and Signal, and he has singled out Facebooks efforts to wrap all of its products in virtually unbreakable encryption as a scourge for law enforcement. Were talking about when you have a warrant and probable cause and you cannot get the information, Barr said at a Wall Street Journal conference in Washington, DC, last month. Companies like Facebook are selling the idea that no matter what you do, youre completely impervious to government surveillance, Barr said. Do we want to live in a society like that? I dont think we do. Jack Nicas and Katie Benner c.2020 The New York Times Company - A winner has been selected in the now infamous 1 week Italy vacation proposed to married women by a Nigerian man - Francis Van-Lare picked a woman identified as Oluwapelumi, who is believed to be a pastor's wife - However, Van-Lare seems to have changed the nature of the trip from insinuating the selected woman would spend it with him - In the post announcing the winner, he explained that the N720k given to the husband as a show of appreciation would be used to get him a ticket to spend the vacation with his wife Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in Earlier, reports emerged of how a US-based Nigerian man identified as Francis Van-Lare, took to Facebook to put out an offer to women who have been married for less than 10 years to go on a 1-week vacation in Italy. After which he'd give the husband $2,000 as a thank you gift. Despite the backlash the post got, several married women and single women, joined the challenge and auditioned to be picked for the trip. Well, a winner has been chosen for the trip and much to the surprise of many, it's a pastor's wife. In a post announcing the winner, Van-Lare seemed to have changed the nature of the trip. His initial post had suggested he would be the one going on the trip with the married woman, after which he would thank the husband with $2,000. READ ALSO: Woman runs away with ex-boyfriend 6 days after wedding with husband Van-Lare (L) and Oluwapelumi, the pastor's wife (R) Source: UGC However, his new post now suggests otherwise. He explained that he wouldn't be the one going on the trip with her as the money given to her husband is to enable him to buy a ticket and join his wife on the trip, so they can spend some time together and spice up their marriage with the help of Van-Lare Italian friends. He wrote: "The Indecent Proposal. I have to close the thread early as contestants are being bullied. We have a winner. The Pastors wife Oluwapelumi Wonder. I keep telling all of you to think as if there is no box but you will not listen. The husband will be given $2,000 as promised but he must use it to buy a ticket to Venice ITALY and be thought how to spice his wife by my Italian friends who are experts in romance. READ ALSO: African-American lady's DNA test shows she's from Ghana (Video) "While there, take her on a gondola ride, give her breakfast in bed, wine and dine her, go dancing, shopping etc and my expectation is that this trip will take their marriage to the next level. I never said I will do all these for her myself, I said she will get all those spice but did not say by who. "If I had posted a free trip for couples everyone who thinks inside the box will jump in. Oluwapelumi has her own business and happily married and not hungry but she and her husband do not think in the box. To quote her, she participated because someone who wants to sleep with a married woman will not post it on facebook so she thought as if there is no box. Of course, I will travel with them and pay all the expenses and bring my Cinderella along too. Congrats Oluwapelumi." READ ALSO: Lady lists 'heavenly' qualities she wants in her dream man In other love news, a soon-to-be-married Nigerian couple has peppered people on social media with their beautiful pre-wedding photos. The couple took people by surprise with their inspiring pre-wedding photos. The couple decided to take a different approach with their pre-wedding photos by rocking their uniform. The couple, a policeman and an immigration officer captivated people in their ceremonial work dress. Enjoy reading our stories? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: YEN.com.gh China has released rare footage of its nuclear-capable, hypersonic missile DF-26 being launched during a military exercise. The mighty weapon, commissioned to the People's Liberation Army in 2018, is able to reach US territory and destroy aircraft carriers, according to previous reports. Beijing did not reveal the time or location of the exercise, but footage of the launch was recently released by the country's state broadcaster China Central Television Station. The Rocket Force of the People's Liberation Army of China released footage of a missile being launched from a desert during a military drill. State media China Daily then confirmed that the missile was DF-26, a medium-to-long-range missile said to be able to reach the United States The clip was also shared by the Rocket Force, part of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) which handles Beijing's growing missile arsenal. The military division did not mention the model of the missile in the video shared on Saturday on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter. The clip shows a missile being launched from a desert. 'The rocket rose into the sky like a giant, flaming dragon, piercing through fog and clouds and charging towards vast space,' the troop wrote. State media China Daily confirmed that the missile was DF-26 or Dongfeng-26, a medium-to-long-range missile said to be able to reach Guam, a US territory about 2,000 miles from the Chinese coast. The official newspaper made the announcement through its official account on short-video platform Douyin. DF-26 could reportedly reach a top speed of Mach 18, 18 times faster than the speed of sound According to Sina Military, DF-26 could reach a top speed of Mach 18, which is 18 times faster than the speed of sound (1,125 feet per second). The report also said that the missile could carry a four-megaton nuclear warhead and strike a target as far as 6,000 kilometres (3,728 miles) away. DF-26 was developed and built solely by Chinese engineers and was commissioned to the PLA Rocket Force on April 16, 2018, according to People's Daily Online which cited a clip from state broadcaster CCTV. It is said the missile is capable of carrying nuclear warheads and striking 'important targets on land and medium-to-large ships at sea with precision'. DF-26 made its first public appearance in September 2015 during a military parade in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II (pictured). It was also flaunted on October 1 last year during a parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of China DF-26 made its first public appearance in September, 2015, during a military parade in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. It was also flaunted on October 1 last year during a parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Communist nation. Beijing claimed to own about 2,500 ballistic missiles - including one of the world's most powerful weapons DF-41 - in a propaganda video released in 2017. The same video also said that other countries shouldn't be afraid of China's 'advanced artillery force' because Beijing would not deploy the weapons unless it is provoked. DF-41 missile is said to have the longest range of any ballistic rockets in the world, and could reach London or the United States with nuclear warheads. The PLA has two series of missiles, the Dongfeng or 'East Wind' guided missiles and the Julang or 'Giant Wave' nuclear submarine missiles. Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Zhang Jun speaks during a Security Council meeting at UN headquarters in New York, October 24, 2019. /AP Photo A Chinese envoy said Monday that China is committed to playing a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region. "China follows the situation very closely and the pressing task at the moment is to prevent the situation from further escalating and running out of control. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China is carrying out active diplomatic efforts," Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has had phone conversations with Russian, French and Iranian foreign ministers in firm commitment to regional peace and stability, and China opposes the arbitrary use of force in international relations, said Zhang. "The U.S.'s unilateral adventurist acts have violated basic norms governing international relations and led to aggravation of tensions," Zhang said. "We urge the U.S. side not to abuse force and call on relevant parties to exercise restraint and seek solution through dialogue. At the same time, the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq should be respected," said the envoy. Noting that the Security Council shoulders the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security, Zhang said the international community, including the Security Council, should work towards the de-escalation of tensions. China has noticed that the permanent representative of Iran presented a letter to the president of the Security Council, asking to pay close attention to U.S. actions and uphold the council's responsibilities, Zhang said. "China is ready to keep close communication with relevant parties, uphold a just and objective position, stand for international law, fairness and justice, and maintain peace and stability in the Gulf region and the Middle East," he said. "China firmly supports the protection of the safety of foreign missions in accordance with international law. The U.S. unilateral military action has led to drastic changes in the regional situation. Actions taken by the Security Council should reflect latest developments of the situation and help prevent escalation of tensions," he added. UN chief warns of 'profound risk of miscalculation' The 15-member Security Council on Monday failed to agree on a statement underscoring the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises after a December 31 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. China and Russia stressed that any statement on the attack must also include the latest developments. Militiamen and their supporters protesting deadly U.S. air strikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on December 31. U.S. President Donald Trump blamed Iran for "orchestrating" the attack on the embassy, which Tehran denied. On Friday, Iran's most prominent general, Qasem Soleimani, was killed in a U.S. drone strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport, an attack that carried U.S.-Iranian hostilities into uncharted waters. "We have seen more events taking place, especially the unilateral action from the United States," Zhang told reporters. "If the council is supposed to do something, we should have complete coverage of the whole thing." Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia echoed Zhang's remarks. "The press statement was nearly ready. It was agreed upon, at least with us and with the U.S. However then, on 3 January, there was that strike on the airport in Baghdad. To ignore this and not to take this into account in the overall context would be impossible," Nebenzia told reporters. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint to stop any escalation of global tensions. Warning that "geopolitical tensions are at their highest level this century," the UN chief told reporters that he was "in constant contact" with leading officials around the world and that his message was simple and clear: "Stop escalation, exercise maximum restraint, re-start dialogue and renew international cooperation." "The New Year has begun with our world in turmoil. We are living in dangerous times. Geopolitical tensions are at their highest level this century, and this turbulence is escalating. Even nuclear non-proliferation can no longer be taken for granted," the UN chief said. "This cauldron of tensions is leading more and more countries to take unpredicted decisions with unpredictable consequences and a profound risk of miscalculation," he said. (With input from Xinhua, Reuters) One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has described as 'pathetic' Prime Minister Scott Morrison's response to Australia's unprecedented bushfire crisis. The federal government has this week announced it would dedicate $2billion over two years to rebuild fire-ravage communities, with more than 7million hectares burnt so far. Senator Hanson, whose minor party shares the balance of power in the Senate, slammed Mr Morrison's spending pledge to create a National Bushfire Recovery Agency. 'What they're doing is pathetic of offering $2billion over the next two years,' she told Sydney radio 2GB broadcaster Luke Grant on Wednesday. Scroll down for video One Nation leader Pauline Hanson (pictured) has described as 'pathetic' Prime Minister Scott Morrison's response to Australia's unprecedented bushfire crisis 'A lot more can be done with it.' The Queenslander suggested Mr Morrison's handling of the drought and the bushfires had made him unpopular. 'He's actually getting such a backlash through the drought because of his ineptness of dealing with the problem,' she said. 'He hasn't dealt with the drought problem to the best of his ability to my way of thinking. 'He's lost a lot of confidence from the public.' Mr Morrison was heavily criticised before Christmas when he took a holiday in Hawaii as bushfire destroyed large swathes of the New South Wales Mid-North Coast around Port Macquarie. The Prime Minister copped a hostile reception in the New Year when he visited the fire-ravaged NSW South Coast town of Cobargo. A pregnant woman Zoey Salucci-McDermott, 20, was visibly upset when Mr Morrison grabbed her hand, after she had refused to shake it Mr Morrison was heavily criticised before Christmas when he took a holiday in Hawaii as bushfire destroyed large swathes of the New South Wales Mid-North Coast around Port Macquarie The Prime Minister copped a hostile reception in the New Year when he visited the fire-ravaged NSW South Coast town of Cobargo. A pregnant woman Zoey Salucci-McDermott, 20, was visibly upset when Mr Morrison grabbed her hand, after she had refused to shake it. Mr Morrison made a new faux pas on Wednesday when he visited Kangaroo Island, off the South Australian coast. He mistakenly suggested nobody he died there despite the fact pilot Dick Lang, 78, and his 43-year-old surgeon son Clayton were killed defending a property. 'Thankfully we've had no loss of life,' the Prime Minister said, before being corrected. Unlike many of Mr Morrison's critics, Senator Hanson disputes the link between human activity and climate change. Her One Nation party is often courted by the government to get legislation passed through the Senate. The Insurance Council of Australia estimates the damage bill from the bushfires has so far topped $700million, with 8,985 claims made since September in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver calculated a one percentage point reduction in Australia's gross domestic product, as a result of the bushfires, could wipe $20billion from the economy. Iran's missile strike on US-led forces in Iraq, and weak economic prospects for the current fiscal year 2019-20 kept investor sentiment at bay on Wednesday. Across-the-board selling, led by auto stocks, contained Indian equities in the negative territory. Irans missile attacks on the Ain Al-Asad air base and another in Erbil, Iraq, early in the day, intensified tensions in the region. US WTI crude zoomed 5 per cent in the morning deals, thereby reversing gains logged yesterday. At 3:00 pm, Brent Crude Futures were at $68.55 per barrel-mark, up 0.41 per cent, while WTI was at $62.81 mark, up 0.18 per cent. That apart, concerns remain elevated with respect to economic growth, as data released by the Central Statistical Office (CSO) Tuesday showed the growth in gross domestic product (GDP) being capped at 5 per cent for the current fiscal. The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex pared losses in the fag-end of the session, and settled at 40,800.26 level, down 51.73 points or 0.13 per cent. Bharti Airtel, Tata Consultancy Services, and UltraTech Cements were the top gainers today, up 2 to 3 per cent on the index. On the contrary, L&T, ONGC, Hero MotoCorp and Infosys were the top laggards, down between 1.3 and 1.9 per cent. In the intra-day trade, Sensex slipped 393 points to hit a low of 40,476.55. On the NSE, the Nifty50 closed at 12,025.35-mark, down 27.60 points or 0.23 per cent. The broader index hit a low of 11,929.60, down 123.35 points. Sectorally, NIfty IT and FMCG indices gained 0.37 and 0.11 per cent, respectively at close. On the other hand, Nifty Auto index closed 0.75 per cent lower. In the broader market, the S&P BSE mid-cap index inched 0.08 per cent higher at 14,873.91, while the S&P BSE small-cap index closed 0.18 per cent higher at 13,876.68 level. BUZZING STOCKS >> Shares of Adani Enterprises slipped as much as 4.6 per cent to Rs 194.65 on the BSE on Wednesday after media reports suggested that the Supreme Court has set aside Bombay High Court's order giving relief to the firm in the coal import case. According reports, the SC has sought reply from Adani Enterprises on plea by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence alleging over invoicing of imported coal. The stock bounced back from lows to settle 1.2 per cent lower at Rs 201.55 >> Eicher Motors shares were trading lower for the seventh straight day, down 4.7 per cent to Rs 19,810 on the BSE on Wednesday on weak December sales. The stock was trading at its lowest level since October 24, 2019. It closed 4.4 per cent lower on the BSE. >> Shares of Navin Fluorine International surged 8.1 per cent to hit a new high of Rs 1,104.75 on the BSE on Wednesday, in an otherwise weak market, after commencement of commercial production at Dewas, Madhya Pradesh plant. The stock was at Rs 1,090.65 at close, up 6.74 per cent. GLOBAL CUES Asian shares tumbled on Wednesday, while oil, safe-haven Treasury prices and gold shot higher after Iran fired rockets at US-led forces in Iraq. MSCIs broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.72 per cent, while Chinas blue-chip CSI300 index was 1.18 per cent lower. In Europe, the pan-European STOXX 600 equity index was down 0.5 per cent by 1:40 PM. The Star is compiling live updates to this story as they come available here. What we know Hours after Iran launched ballistic missiles against an Iraqi military base housing U.S. troops, a jetliner operated by Ukrainian International Airlines crashed shortly after taking off from Tehrans airport. There were no survivors. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday intelligence suggests the airliner was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile. The intelligence has come from multiple sources, including Canadas own intelligence agencies and intelligence from Canadas allies. Trudeau said it is too early to rule out any possibilities about what happened. The prime minister is calling for a full, credible investigation into the events that led to the planes crash before we can draw any conclusions. Irans civil aviation authority says it has invited Canadian investigators from the Transportation Safety Board to join the probe. Passengers aboard the plane include 63 Canadian citizens, though Trudeau told media Wednesday that 138 people aboard the plane were transiting through Kyiv to Canada. The victims include 82 Iranian citizens and 11 Ukrainians, as well as 10 Swedish, four Afghan, three German and three British nationals. The Star is maintaining a separate list of passengers with links to Canada. Flight 752 took off at 6:12 a.m local time from Imam Khomeini International Airport, en route to Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. The plane, a three-year-old Boeing 737-800, had been delayed from taking off from Tehran by almost an hour. It never made it higher than 2,400 metres, data from the flight-tracking website FlightRadar24 indicates. The flight through Kyiv is a popular route, as there are no direct flights between Canada and Iran. For its part, UIA president Yevhen Dykhne strongly rejected the possibility the crew error or failure of the jet were to blame for the crash, saying the aircraft was one of the best planes we had, with an amazing, reliable crew. In a statement, the airline went further, saying: Given the crews experience, error probability is minimal. We do not even consider such a chance. The tragedy comes on the heels of rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran. NATO has suspended a Canadian-led training mission in Iraq, citing security risks. However, NATO has said they are willing to restart the mission if tensions between the two countries improve. Global Affairs Canada warned against any non-essential travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation, the regional threat of terrorism and the risk of arbitrary detention. The agency said Canadians, particularly those holding dual Canadian-Iranian citizenship, were at risk of being arbitrarily questioned, arrested and detained. Air Canada said Wednesday it is rerouting flights to Dubai amid the uncertainty in the Middle East. The airline hasnt used Iranian airspace since the middle of last year, but now will also avoid Iraq affecting its service to Dubai, a major commercial hub. A relative of a passenger grieves at the site of the Ukraine International Airlines crash on the outskirts of Tehran on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. NYT/Arash Khamooshi Air Canada does not service locations in Iran or Iraq. Transport Canada said earlier that Air Canada would comply with U.S.-led restrictions on commercial airlines operating in the Persian Gulf region. What we dont know The Star is still working to confirm the identities of many victims. It is unclear how this will impact international relationships between Canada, the U.S. and Iran. The prime minister Thursday refused to draw any links between tensions between Iran and the U.S. and the downed plane. U.S. President Donald Trump has announced he would ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process. The Stars Alex Ballingall reported Wednesday that Canada now faces significant questions about its role as one of the alliances 29 member-states. Its unclear what the request of further involvement by the U.S. would look like at this stage. However, experts say its unlikely Canada will be sucked into a war in the region. This report was last updated Jan. 9 at 3:50 p.m. With files from Bruce Campion-Smith, Alex Boutilier, Star Staff and Star wire services Read more about: BLACK MOTHER (2019) Stream on Criterion Channel and Topic. The filmmaker Khalik Allah trained his eye on Jamaica in this, his most recent documentary, which he told the British magazine Dazed in 2018 is intended to show Jamaica from the inside-out. The film offers an idiosyncratic visual collage of footage from that country with a focus on its women, and on members of Allahs family. In its poetic, elliptical, concise way, this film makes a grand statement: The black mother is the mother of life itself, Glenn Kenny wrote in his review for The Times. And the gaze directed at the black faces and bodies in Black Mother is not a male gaze, or a documentarians gaze. It is a gaze of love. THE ART OF SELF DEFENSE (2019) Stream on Hulu; Rent on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu and YouTube. Jesse Eisenberg plays a nervous, lonely accountant who gets swept under the influence of a local sensei (Alessandro Nivola) in this dark comedy. The absurd results include Eisenbergs character karate-chopping a rearview mirror off a pickup truck. The vibe is less Karate Kid than Fight Club, minus the aggressive stylistic poses and the apocalyptic mumbo-jumbo, A.O. Scott wrote in his review for The Times. He called the film, which was written and directed by Riley Stearns, a wobbly sort-of satire. The purveyors of solar energy are working overtime to spin the now official failure of the Crescent Dunes thermal solar plant in central Nevada. The contracts to purchase the electricity from the constantly broken plant will be voided. Bloomberg Businessweek claims that Crescent Dunes was obsoleted by technological advances in the form of photovoltaic based solar plants. That is nonsense and misses the whole point of the Crescent Dunes project. It also misses the reality that all utility-scale solar is a failure not marginal, not growing into being practical, but a total and complete failure. The scalable forms of renewable energy are wind and solar. Hydro is severely limited by most state laws that define renewable energy not because hydro is not renewable, but because it is not politically correct. Dams are not politically acceptable to the kayakers and big thinkers at the Sierra Club. Nevada is wind poor but sunshine rich. So for Nevada, solar is the only route to energy nirvana. Nevada has a law requiring that 50% of the electricity be from renewable sources by 2030. That law was passed by the Nevada Legislature. No doubt they were influenced by the states utility, NV Energy, owned by the Warren Buffett organization. Tom Steyer is a California billionaire and global warming fanatic. Currently, he is running for president. Steyer bankrolled an initiative to put a 50% renewable electricity requirement by 2030 into the Nevada state constitution. The final vote on the constitutional amendment will be in November 2020. Presumably, renewable energy must be frozen into the constitution so that the investors in solar energy can be protected against the possibility that the Legislature will come to its senses and repeal the renewable energy quota. Crescent Dunes was a serious project designed to attack the great weakness of solar electricity. Sunshine is strongest in the middle of the day, but demand for electricity peaks at the end of the day and in the early evening. This is especially true during the Las Vegas summer, when air-conditioners are running full blast as temperatures soar well past 100 degrees in the late afternoon. A method of storing plentiful midday solar electricity so it can be utilized in the evening was needed. Otherwise, solar would hit a ceiling at far less than 50%. One method is to use batteries. That is wildly expensive and quite dangerous as the flammable batteries store vast quantities of energy. Thats not stopping the Gemini project, scheduled for a site north of Las Vegas. The Gemini solar project will have a $500-million battery system that stores as much energy as 5 million sticks of dynamite (1,400 megawatt-hours). There have been dozens of fires at similar installations around the world. The Crescent Dunes project stores energy in the form of molten salts. During the day, sunshine is concentrated by motorized mirrors aiming beams of sunlight at a central tower, where the liquid salts are heated to a high temperature. The hot salts are stored in a large tank. When power is need in the early evening, heat is taken from the tank to make steam and drive a turbine-generator to make electricity. Crescent Dunes was plagued by leaks in the salt tank, forcing it to close for months at a time. By contract, the electricity was sold to NV Energy for $135 per megawatt-hour, or about six times as much as it would cost to generate the same amount of electricity in existing natural gas plants. Crescent Dunes is eligible for the usual government subsidies amounting to around 75% of the construction cost. It was granted a $700-million government loan guarantee on the ground that it was pioneering, experimental technology, which it was and is. That problems emerged is not surprising. That happens to pioneers. But the not unexpected failures at Crescent Dunes besmirch the propaganda that solar energy is the wave of the future. Thus, it is necessary to kill Crescent Dunes for the spurious reason that it is obsolete technology. Like all utility solar, it is useless, but it was an honest attempt to fix the severe problem that solar doesnt work well late in the day, and not at all after the sun sets. Solar is useless because it cant replace the generating infrastructure of the traditional electric grid. In Nevada, an army of natural gas plants will never be replaced by solar. They have to remain because they are needed when solar stops working because it is cloudy or because it is night. All the solar accomplishes is to lower the utilization of these plants, saving some very cheap natural gas fuel. Without subsidies, using the cheaper photovoltaic plants, it costs about $80 per megawatt-hour to generate solar electricity. But electricity can be generated in the existing natural gas plants for $20 or $25 per megawatt-hour the cost of the fuel. The massive government subsidies for solar make it seem closer to being competitive than it actually is. The idea that solar energy is a practical solution for reducing emissions of carbon dioxide is strictly a fantasy. James Hansen, the scientist who virtually created the global warming scare, says renewable energy is a grotesque solution for reducing emissions. The reason is that it costs about $140 per ton of emissions prevented by using solar energy. That is too expensive. Much better methods exist. Hansen advocates nuclear energy. The rapidly increasing emissions from China and India dwarf the emissions of the United States, an illustration of the irrelevant nature of the renewable energy enterprise. The weaknesses of solar energy are well known among the gurus of renewable energy. But those weaknesses are rarely exposed in a blunt way. Criticizing the powerful solar industry is dangerous for people who are suspectible to economic or political pressure. So the problems tend to be downplayed, or it is suggested that the problems will be solved by future improvments. There is a large contingent of federal legislators who suppport renewable energy and support the climate disaster narrative. Scientists at the Energy Information Administration or the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are unlikely to pick a fight with congressmen or senators. The media, with honorable exceptions, are generally unable to understand technical matters and so end up parroting the press releases of the industry. Norman Rogers is the author of the book Dumb Energy: A Critique of Wind and Solar Energy. He runs the website NevadaSolarScam.com. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. 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Website: http://healthinsuranceassoc.com/ Dundalk woman Lisa Smith has been remanded on continuing bail pending the preparation of a book of evidence after she pleaded with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to drop the case against her due to lack of evidence. It was her first appearance at Dublin District Court since she took up bail and Judge John Hughes acceded to a request, in the interest of justice to grant the DPP another eight weeks to complete the book of evidence for her trial. A State solicitor told Judge Hughes it was day 35 of a 42-day limit but more time was required because it was a complicated and substantial case. Information from outside the jurisdiction and various mutual assistance requests had been applied for. The investigation file was not with the DPP yet but it was expected to be in the coming weeks, the State solicitor said. Possible further charges could be brought against the Co. Louth woman, the court has heard. The DPP has directed trial on indictment in a higher court, however, the book of evidence must be served first. Smith appeared again at Dublin District Court today after she was escorted into the building by two gardai on her arrival. Dressed in a black and white wool coat and black hijab with her face visible, she stood silently at the side of the court throughout the hearing. Defence solicitor Peter Corrigan consented to the eight-week adjournment. He said there was no objection, however, the defence would ask the DPP to consider the evidential threshold in relation to the charge, the present charge. He said he was present during garda interviews where all the evidence was presented and it was the defence opinion it did not reach the threshold. The solicitor said there had been significant debate in the DPPs office whether to prefer a charge. He asked for the evidence to be actively reviewed and the charge to be discontinued. There is not a single piece of evidence amounting to a charge, he submitted. Judge Hughes said that was a matter for the DPP, not for the court. He granted the State the eight-week extension, saying, It is in the interest of justice to do so. She denies the charge and was ordered to appear again on March 4 next. The former Irish defence forces member, who had left Ireland in recent years and married after she converted to Islam, had been found in a Syrian refugee camp. After a trek to Turkey with her daughter, aged two, she was brought back to Ireland on December 1 when she was arrested. The mother-of-one was questioned for three days before she was charged with being a member of ISIS from 2015 to 2019. She was refused bail on December 4 when she appeared at Dublin District Court. The 37-year-old, who pleaded to be let out and reunited with her daughter, brought a fresh bail application to the High Court on December 19. Despite Garda Special Detective Unit (SDU) objections, it was successful and she was ordered to obey a list of strict conditions, and to lodge 500. A further 1,000 out of 5,000 independent surety had to be put paid. She remained in Limerick Prison over Christmas due issues approving someone to stand the bail. However, Smith managed to take it up on December 31 and was let out. Her charges sheet states: That you the said Lisa Marie Smith between October, 28 2015 and December 1, 2019, both dates inclusive, outside the State, did commit an act which if committed in the State would constitute an offence under Section 21 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939, as amended by Section 5 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005, in that you were a member of a terrorist group which is an unlawful organisation, to wit an organisation styling itself the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) also known as Dawlat al-Iraq al-Islamiyya, Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Dawlat al Islamiya fi Iraq wa al Sham, otherwise known as 'Daesh' and the Islamic State in Iraq and Sham. It is an offence contrary to the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences). It can carry a ten-year sentence. The High Court has ordered that the address where she has been residing cannot be published but the media can report that she is living in the north east of the country. Mr Justice Robert Eagar made an order restricting the publication of evidence in support of the objection to bail to protect the integrity of the jury system. Smith joined the Irish defence forces after leaving school in 2000 and also served with the Air Corps on the government jet. At her High Court bail hearing, Mr Michael OHiggins SC submitted that risk of flight was low. She has a child here, her immediate concern of for her child, and this is a very strong anchor. She also agreed to abide by bail terms. In his ruling, Mr Justice Eagar had said Ms Smith was accused of membership of a terrorist organisation but was entitled to the presumption of innocence and the presumption of bail. The High Court was satisfied that no warrants had been issued for the accused and she had no prior convictions. He held that refusal of bail was not necessary but a number of conditions were attached. She was warned that breaching the terms would result in going back into custody. Louth native Lisa Smith has arrived at the CCJ for her fourth court appearance. The 37 year old is accused of membership of ISIS. pic.twitter.com/S8Zh14oQNp Stephanie Rohan (@StephGrogan3) January 8, 2020 She must reside at an address in the north east, sign on at a Garda station twice daily from 10am 1pm and 3pm 6pm. She was ordered to obey a curfew. She had to remain indoors from 8pm and not leave until 7am. She cannot leave the jurisdiction or apply for new travel documentation, having already lost her passport. She was ordered to provide gardai with a contact mobile phone number within 48 hours of taking up bail. The High Court judge warned her that she must answer the phone if rung by gardai and if she failed to do so it would be a breach of bail. He also banned her form accessing the internet or using any social media and the final condition was that she must not have contact with any non-Garda witnesses in the case. At her first hearing on December 4, her solicitor had pleaded for bail telling the district court his had come back to Ireland after walking with her toddler daughter, through bombs, poverty, and cesspit camps, and desert, to come to her country of origin. One of two children who were shot by a man in Wisconsin for throwing snowballs at his car is speaking out - as the gunman is still on the run. Nicholas Johnson, 13, was shot in the arm on Saturday night by the assailant in the distressing incident. 'I didn't think twice. He just got out of the car and started shooting,' Johnson said on CBS This Morning on Wednesday. His mother Kimberly Yancey condemned the driver saying he failed to warn the kids or talk to them before opening fire 'The man stopped the car. Got out and started shooting at them instead of saying why are y'all throwing snowballs at my car. He didn't say nothing,' Yancey said on the morning show. Scroll down for video Nicholas Johnson, 13, is speaking out on how he was shot in the arm on Saturday night in Milwaukee as he and a group of kids were throwing snowballs at a man's car. The man exited the car and opened fire, injuring Johnson and a 12-year-old girl 'I didn't think twice. He just got out of the car and started shooting,' Johnson said on CBS This Morning on Wednesday During the interview the 13-year-old's arm was wrapped and in a sling Two children were shot by a man in Milwaukee for throwing snowballs at his car on Saturday night. @adrianasdiaz sat down with one of the victims and his mother to explain what happened. pic.twitter.com/Y5SPcVFFGL CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) January 8, 2020 Officials say Johnson and the girl are expected to recover from their injuries. However, the gunman is still on the loose. Police said the children were thought be part of a larger group who were playing around in the snow and throwing snowballs at a man's car. However, when a snowball hit a white Toyota, an upset driver allegedly shot at the group, hitting the two children. Officers who found the injured children administered first aid before taking them both to a local hospital for treatment, police said on Twitter Monday. The shooting took place on Saturday shortly before 8pm on the 6100 block of West Birch Street (pictured) The Milwaukee police initially tweeted that a 12-year-old girl was found suffering from 'non-life threatening' gun shot at the scene But a follow up tweet adds there was a second victim, a 13-year-old boy, who also was found suffering a non-life threatening gunshot would. Both kids were taken to a local hospital and treated, the police said The Milwaukee Police Department later tweeted (pictured) that both victims were shot by a driver after a snowball was thrown, striking his 'white Toyota' The girl was the first found wounded by police, in the 6100 block of West Birch Street, police said in one of several tweets about the incident. 'Upon arrival officers found a 12 year old Milwaukee female suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound,' cops said in a second tweet. 'Preliminary investigation indicates both victims were with a group of juveniles throwing snowballs at cars passing by. One of the snowballs struck a white Toyota, no further description, and the driver of the auto fired shots into the group of kids striking the two victims,' the police wrote in a third tweeted description of the incident. Alderman Cavalier Johnson condemned the attack on the children saying: 'They could have let down the window and told the kids not to do that. They couldve yelled at the kids. They couldve chased the kids home, told their parents.' Anyone with information about the driver, his vehicle or the events of the shooting is urged to call the department at 414-935-7360, or the Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS Eric Mauron and his son-in-law Christophe Musy launched their brand in 2013. The Armure collection came out last year, and with it a rather unusual locally-based marketing approach. The original concept was to create a different kind of watch to give to friends and family, as an original gift. The Armure builds on the family duos skill in creating hermetic seals, and features an innovative gasket-free case that is water-resistant to 300 metres, thanks to Mauron Musys patented nO-Rings system. It quickly became clear that a watch like this deserved a wider audience than just the Mauron Musy family members and friends. But such a small brand doesnt have a big marketing budget, and for the launch, Mauron Musy decided to give the first watches to its brand ambassadors. Unlike the celebrity muses of the big brands, these are local people, primarily based in French-speaking Switzerland. In March 2019, 110 ambassadors were invited to collect their watches at a convivial event in Saint-Aubin (Fribourg canton), where Mauron Musy is based. 4x4 limited edition The idea of the Mauron Musy Armure Quadrifoglio limited edition, the companys latest creation, came from one of their ambassadors. Patrick Benoit, owner of the Garage du Littoral in Vevey, an Alfa Romeo dealership, wanted a special model to give his clients. Alfa Romeo aficionados will be familiar with the Quadrifoglio, the nearly 100-year-old emblem seen on the Italian car makers vintage racing cars, and its most high-powered modern vehicles such as the Stelvio SUV. The Mauron Musy Quadrifoglio is based on the Armure M 03, and it shares almost all the same features: titanium case equipped with nO-Ring technology, exclusive automatic calibre MM01, developed in collaboration with La Joux-Perret, a 55-hour power reserve and the same meticulous decoration found on the other M 03 models. But the black dial features a distinctive carbon structure, and at 3 oclock it has a deeply carved four-leafed clover filled with varnish, left deliberately colourless to preserve the sober design of the watch. Armure Mu-03 Quadrifoglio Limited Edition Mauron Musy The Mauron Musy Armure Quadrifoglio, developed in partnership with the Garage du Littoral, not with the Alfa Romeo brand, as Christophe Musy is at pains to point out), is a 16-piece limited edition a nod to the 4x4 version of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. It comes with three different black straps, with green and white, red or grey topstitching to mirror the leather options available for the cars seats and steering wheel. The Garage du Littoral will also handle marketing and sales for the watch, which is available for the price of CHF 11,900 (including taxes). Middle-East and Africa Despite Mauron Musys approach, its more than just a low-profile local brand. Over the last year the brand has expanded its distribution network internationally. It now works with around 10 retailers in the Middle East, with a presence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrein and Kuwait. On the African continent, after launching in South Africa six months ago, the Armure collection made its debut in Nigeria in December 2019. In Switzerland, the company places a priority on meeting clients directly, particularly through its ambassadors, but also through a retailer based in the ski resort of Arosa, in the canton of Graubunden. Looking back at 2019, and forward to 2020 With 200 watches sold in 2019, Christophe Musy says hes very happy that the brands performance exceeded expectations. 2019 was a year of intense production, and we had to work very hard to keep up, he admits. Today, were in a position to fill our orders at a more serene pace. Were a small team with a highly artisanal way of working. Were a niche brand offering exclusive products. Our goal is to produce 600 watches per year. The new launches announced for 2020 will show the way. Christophe Musy hints that the company will be launching an Armure GMT and an Armure skeleton at Baselworld. Theyre also working on a project with the Red Cross to create a limited edition of seven unique pieces, corresponding to the seven values of the international aid organisation. Bloody-Sunday 2019: Police brutalities at the campus of Jamia Milia Islamia University on 13 and 15 December 2019 ====== [PUDR strongly condemns the violence unleashed by right-wing hoodlums inside Jawaharlal Nehru University campus on the evening of 5 January 2019. A group of around 100 masked goons carrying rods, hammers, canes/lathis among other weapons barged into the closed campus in the evening and violently assaulted students and professors. Full Text of Statement by PUDR follows] Peopleas Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) Press statement 5 January Attack on JNU: An Orchestrated Conspiracy 8 January 2020 PUDR strongly condemns the violence unleashed by right-wing hoodlums inside Jawaharlal Nehru University campus on the evening of 5 January 2019. A group of around 100 masked goons carrying rods, hammers, canes/lathis among other weapons barged into the closed campus in the evening and violently assaulted students and professors. Doctors at AIIMS Trauma Centre have confirmed to PUDR that thirty-four students with injuries caused by sharp/blunt weapons were treated. The JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh also received severe injuries on the head. Of these thirty-three have been discharged now. Five Professors including Sucharita Sen, Ameet Parmeshwar and Saugata Bhaduri have also been severely hit. The sequence of events points to complicity of the university administration and the police, which stood outside campus gates and enabled the murderous mob to unleash violent assault on students inside the campus. While the press statement of the JNU administration and reports of some news channels have been calling this a aclasha between the ABVP and left groups, it is sufficiently clear that the attack was one sided, the street lights were turned off, entry was closed, the campus security let a murderous mob enter and even doctors and ambulances were attacked a all under the watch of Delhi Police that stood by as a mute spectator. The police did not apprehend any of the attackers. WhatsApp group messages shared by some news outlets show a careful planning behind the attack. These also confirm the involvement of the ABVP and related individuals in the planning of the attack. JNU has been witnessing peaceful protests by students against the fee hike. 5 January was the last date of registration for the new semester. The JNU Studentsa Union was demanding a roll back of the new fee structure and the ABVP was supporting the administration and encouraging the students to sign up. The attackers were allegedly waiting outside the university since around 4:00 pm and were waiting for somewhat a signal to start the attacks. At around 6:00 pm, the attackers entered the university campus and conducted the attacks till around 8 p.m. JNUSU twitter confirms that female students had to lock themselves in Sabarmati and Koyna hostels. The masked goons were walking across corridors with rods and sticks. Mahi, Mandvi and Periyar hostels were under siege. In addition to these attacks, eye witnesses have confirmed that the mob vandalised personal belongings of students, university property and private property on the campus, including cars of professors. Activist Yogendra Yadav and several journalists were heckled and manhandled by Bajrang Dal goons outside the JNU gate. Four FIRs have been filed concerning the incidents at JNU. Three of these concern the protest actions by the JNUSU in connection with their demand for withdrawal of the fee hike and name the JNUSU President and other students for vandalism in the campus, curiously filed after the hoodlum attack. The fourth FIR includes the hoodlum attack but fails to record the murderous attack under section 307 IPC (attempt to murder). This FIR has been registered suo moto by the police despite the fact that a number of those grievously injured and other witnesses to the attack were available. The sequence of events mentioned in the FIR is contrary to the accounts available to us and attempts to obfuscate the issue. In the light of the above, PUDR demands: 1. Registration of an FIR on the basis of witness accounts taken from those seriously injured. 2. Registration of FIR against Delhi police into the shameful criminal inaction and deliberate acts of omission that reek of complicity on the part of the police. 3. Independent and impartial inquiry monitored by retired judges into the incident of 5 January. Secretaries, PUDR Radhika Chitkara and Vikas Kumar Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-07 10:33:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the opening ceremony of the Coordinators' Meeting on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, capital of China, June 25, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will begin his official visit to Egypt, Djibouti, Eritrea, Burundi and Zimbabwe on Tuesday. As the largest developing country and the largest developing continent, China and Africa have always adhered to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and set a good example for South-South cooperation. by Xinhua writer Cao Kai NAIROBI, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- It has become a tradition for a Chinese foreign minister to begin a year of overseas tours in Africa. Minister Wang Yi is carrying this tradition to its 30th year. The minister, who is also a State Councilor, will begin his official visit to Egypt, Djibouti, Eritrea, Burundi and Zimbabwe on Tuesday, continuing this unique undertaking that highlights the great importance China attaches to its relations with Africa and demonstrates their enduring friendship. A visitor takes selfies with a staff member at the booth of Uganda during the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 28, 2019. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge) China and Africa have been brothers and partners sharing weal and woe. Since the 1950s and 1960s, when the newly-founded People's Republic of China was saddled with hardship, it has spared no effort to support the national independence and liberation movements of African countries. In 1971, China resumed its lawful seat in the United Nations, thanks to the firm support of its African brothers. In January 1991, at a time when the world was undergoing profound changes with the end of the Cold War, then Foreign Minister Qian Qichen visited Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, ushering in the diplomatic tradition of "Africa first" in each subsequent foreign minister's inaugural new year visits. The past three decades have witnessed the deepening of China-Africa cooperation. In the early 1990s, China-Africa cooperation was conducted with an intergovernmental focus. Meanwhile, amid China's reform and opening up, some pioneers had begun to look to Africa, setting off the first wave of investments to the continent by Chinese entrepreneurs. In 2000, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was established to form a collective dialogue mechanism between China and African countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. The forum opened a new chapter of pragmatic cooperation in China-Africa friendship. The round table of Chinese and African leaders attending the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 5, 2006. (Xinhua Photo/Ju Peng) The FOCAC Beijing summit in 2006 in particular marked a milestone in the history of China-Africa relations. It witnessed the establishment of a new type of China-Africa strategic partnership centered on political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchange. Eight measures were announced at the meeting to boost cooperation, including the formation of the China-Africa Development Fund and the construction of foreign trade and economic cooperation zones in Africa. As momentum continued to build, the Johannesburg summit in 2015 and the Beijing summit in 2018 saw more initiatives emerge to boost industrialization in Africa. The above plans have been carried out with tangible benefits for the African people. China has always taken Africa as its priority. In 2013, President Xi Jinping chose Africa for his first overseas visit after assuming the presidency. He put forward the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith, and focusing on pursuing the greater good and shared interests in their ties. He vowed that China would always be a reliable friend and sincere partner of Africa, charting the course for the development of China-Africa relations. As the largest developing country and the largest developing continent, China and Africa have always adhered to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and set a good example for South-South cooperation. China-Africa trade jumped from 10.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2000 to 204.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2018. With the continuous advancement of China-Africa cooperation, Africa has transformed itself into a vibrant and promising continent on a growth trajectory. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) put forward by China in 2013 has become a new driving force for China-Africa cooperation involving more than 40 African countries. Kenyans sing and dance beside a Chinese-made locomotive for the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, in Mombasa of Kenya Jan. 11, 2017. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) With strong support of Chinese capital, technology and personnel, African countries have witnessed vigorous infrastructure development. Botswana, Zambia and many other landlocked African countries have gained access to the sea, giving a strong boost to Africa's regional integration. In east Africa, the Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi railway and the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway have transformed development in the region. At present, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area that covers more than 1.2 billion people has been established, and Africa is at a critical stage of transformation and development. It is the right time for China and Africa to jointly carry forward the BRI, which is closely aligned with the African Union's Agenda 2063, the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the development strategies of African countries. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of FOCAC and the 60th anniversary of the Year of Independence for Africa. On the part of China, it enters the homestretch to securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and eliminating poverty. Wang's visit to Africa at the beginning of this special year will inject new vitality into cooperation and bolster China-Africa relations to new heights. Software company HighRadius has closed a $125 million funding round, valuing it at $1 billion and putting it in the elusive category of tech unicorns, according to CEO Sashi Narahari. The Houston company announced the Series B funding round on Tuesday, bringing its total funding to $185 million and vaulting its valuation into the three-comma threshold that most startups only dream of reaching. Though $1 billion is an artificial threshold, it does provide a talking point for those seeking to attract capital, talent and corporate headquarters as Houston seeks to foster a high-tech ecosystem. On HoustonChronicle.com: City Council approves $6M tax break for live-work-play entrepreneurial community There is no story more compelling than the story of a tech company that made it, said Harvin Moore, president of Houston Exponential, a nonprofit that works to accelerate Houstons tech industries by connecting and promoting Houstons various innovation players. HighRadius uses artificial intelligence to help large companies get paid faster. A company with revenue of $10 billion, for instance, will have roughly 10 percent of its bills outstanding at a time. Thats $1 billion the company could be using to drive growth. Narahari, who moved to Houston as a software developer in 1998, started the company in 2006. Those early days were more focused on paying his personal bills than becoming a tech unicorn, a term not even coined until 2013. When I started the business back then, Narahari said, I was like, Let me build this so at least I can pay myself a salary. So my wife doesnt think what is wrong with this guy. The company now has 1,000 employees, with 200 based in Houston, and 400 clients including Baker Hughes, Schlumberger, Johnson & Johnson and Adidas. Half of its customers are on the Forbes Global 2000 list of the worlds largest public companies. Narahari said the recent funding round, led by Iconiq Capital, with participation from existing investors Susquehanna Growth Equity and Citi Ventures, would be used to continue investing in the companys technology and to accelerate its global expansion. It will also help target more companies with $200 million to $1 billion in revenue. Its main target has been companies with more than $1 billion in revenue. The term unicorn was coined by venture capitalist Aileen Lee to highlight the rarity of such companies at the time. According to financial data and software company PitchBook, Lee sorted through 60,000 software and internet companies that received funding between 2003 to 2013 and found just 39 were valued at $1 billion or more. Unicorns have since become less rare, with PitchBook identifying 187 active unicorns in the middle of last year, and there hadnt been one in Houston, according to PitchBook data thats comprehensive back to 2002. There have been seven unicorns in Texas. On HoustonChronicle.com: Houstons venture capital investments fall sharply in third quarter And while Narahari shies away from the hype that accompanies the term unicorn - I did not want to use that term, Narahari said. Our marketing team convinced me. Id rather lie low and keep working - he said having companies grow and be successful in Houston creates the foundation for the next generation of startups. Employees from HighRadius, for instance, could experience entrepreneurship first hand and then go on to start new companies. Houston Exponentials Moore, who keeps several stuffed unicorns around the Houston Exponential office as a mascot, was excited about the milestone. HighRadius $1 billion valuation demonstrates how the Houstons tech ecosystem is growing and maturing, he said. We will see more of these because we have so many more startups now than we did when this company was started. andrea.leinfelder@chron.com Twitter.com/a_leinfelder A Ukrainian commercial airliner crashed on January 8 soon after taking off from Iran's capital, Tehran, killing all 176 people on board, mostly Iranian nationals, but also Western and Ukrainian citizens. Debris and smoldering parts from the Boeing 737-800NG belonging to Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) were strewn across a field southwest of the Iranian capital's Imam Khomeini International Airport as rescue teams with face masks retrieved bodies. The crash came just hours after Iran launched a ballistic-missile attack targeting two bases in Iraq housing U.S. forces in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps commander Qasem Soleimani. The cause of the crash was not immediately clear. The 3-year-old aircraft was en route to Kyiv. Ukrainian authorities said the victims included 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians including all nine crew, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Britons, and three Germans. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a statement that he had instructed the country's prosecutor-general to open criminal proceedings over the crash. Ukraine will send a team of experts to Iran later in the day to investigate the circumstances of the crash, the president said on Facebook. "Our priority is to establish the truth and those responsible for this terrible catastrophe," Zelenskiy wrote. Iran and Ukraine agreed "to coordinate further actions of our investigation groups closely to determine the cause of the terrible plane crash," according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystayko. In a statement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government will "work closely with its international partners to ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated, and that Canadians' questions are answered." U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was prepared to offer Ukraine "all possible assistance...with any investigation into the cause of the crash." Ukraine's embassy in Tehran initially blamed engine failure but later removed the statement. An embassy official said Iranian authorities had asked it to rescind an earlier statement from Iran based on preliminary information. Iranian TV said the crash was due to unspecified technical problems, and Iranian media quoted a local aviation official as saying the pilot did not declare an emergency. State media reported that the plane caught fire after crashing, but a video aired by the state broadcaster appeared to show the plane already on fire as it fell from the night sky. Zelenskiy said the airworthiness of Ukraine's entire civilian fleet will be tested. "My sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of all passengers and crew," Zelenskiy said, announcing that he was breaking off his visit to Oman to return to Kyiv. In a separate comment on Facebook, Zelenskiy also warned against speculation about the crash. "I ask everyone to keep from speculating and putting forth unconfirmed theories about the crash," he wrote. UIA said the plane underwent its last technical maintenance on January 6. It also said all flights to Tehran have been suspended indefinitely. The company said in a statement that most passengers were in transit and due to connect to other flights on arrival in Ukraine. The plane's two black boxes had been retrieved and are being investigated by Iranian aviation experts, the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported. The public prosecutor's office in Tehran said the remains of all passengers had been brought to forensics experts. Airline manufacturers usually assist in crash investigations, but such an effort could be affected in this case by U.S. sanctions reinstated after President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers in May 2018. Iran's semiofficial news agency Mehr quoted the head of the country's civil aviation authority as saying Iran would not give the black boxes to Boeing. The Boeing 737-800 is a common single-aisle, twin-engine jetliner used for short- to medium-range flights. Thousands of the planes are used by airlines around the world. Introduced in the late 1990s, it is an older model than the Boeing 737 MAX, which has been grounded for nearly 10 months following two deadly crashes. A number of 737-800 aircraft have been involved in deadly crashes recently. A FlyDubai 737-800 from Dubai crashed in 2016 while trying to land at Rostov-on-Don airport in Russia, killing 62 on board. Another 737-800 flight from Dubai, operated by Air India Express, crashed in 2010 while attempting to land in Mangalore, India, killing more than 150 on board. With reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, Fars, dpa, and IRNA An Instagram comment left by comedian George Lopez has caught the attention of the U.S. Secret Service after being publicized by and infuriating a group of vocal conservatives on Twitter. Lopez left the remark Sunday on a post by Chicano Worldstar. The pop culture account posted about an unsubstantiated claim that an $80 million bounty had been set for President Donald Trump (something apparently proposed by one eulogist at the funeral for Iranian Quds Force commander, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani). Lopez commented on the post: "We'll do it for half." A representative for Lopez said it was a joke. The Secret Service "is aware of the Tweet made by Mr. Lopez," a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement Tuesday. "The Secret Service takes all threats against the President and or any of our protectees seriously, and as a matter of practice, we do not comment on matters involving protective intelligence." No one from the Secret Service has yet contacted Lopez, the comedian's representative said. The agency routinely investigates threats made against presidents, and rarely says anything beyond being aware of such comments. (It's a violation of federal law to "knowingly and willfully" make "any threats to take the life of, to kidnap, or to inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States" or a successor.) The Secret Service has released similar statements when other entertainers have made allusions to threatening Trump, such as when a Snoop Dogg music video released in March 2017 featured a clown that was a clear parody of the president being shot with a toy gun that released glitter and a banner that read "Bang!." In that case, Trump tweeted his outrage, drawing further attention to the depiction. In May 2017, comedian Kathy Griffin posed for a photo shoot while holding a mask depicting Trump's bloody, severed head. Trump and his family forcefully denounced the image and CNN cut ties with Griffin, who faced wide and bipartisan condemnation. The comedian made a tearful apology, which she later retracted. Actor Tom Arnold said two Secret Service agents visited him in 2018 after he challenged Trump on Twitter to a body-slamming contest. (He had also tweeted, "Next time Kathy won't be holding his fake head!") Arnold, a former Trump friend turned foe, recorded the interview, and Mother Jones magazine viewed the videotapes. "You're a public figure," one agent said, according to the magazine. "But what we have to worry about is your type of audience and you say something inciting those that follow you." Ted Nugent, a musician and conservative activist, sat with the Secret Service after comments he made at a 2012 National Rifle Association meeting, where he said "we need to ride into that battlefield and chop their heads off in November," referring to the Obama administration, and that "if Barack Obama becomes the next president in November, again, I will either be dead or in jail by this time next year." Nugent said he found the complaints "silly." Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Lopez has attracted the ire of conservative media before. A prominent Mexican American comedian who grapples with identity in his material, Lopez has taken to criticizing Trump and his policies in his act. His 2017 HBO stand-up special is titled "The Wall," referring to the U.S.-Mexico border wall Trump promised to build on Mexico's dime. In 2017, Lopez posted this joke on social media: "The Trump administration is deporting Latinos to make the streets safer. You wanna make the streets safer? Deport the police." Fox News and other conservative outlets featured the joke, which helped stir up a backlash. The comedian deleted the post and followed it up with one joking about the rock band Police. In the aftermath, Lopez and his family received numerous threats, he told NPR in 2017. And while he stood by the joke, Lopez emphasized that he supported law enforcement: "There are good cops and bad cops." He also said there were lines of decency when it comes to comedy. "Police brutality is not off-limits. You know? It can't be," he told the outlet. "Holding up a severed head of the president, would I do that? No. Would anybody that worked with me allow me to do that? No way." One Night Away Booking One Night Away makes a statement, explained Cates. It reflects a woman that has boldly prioritized herself, adding, it proves she knows the massive value of filling her cup! The travel industrys first micro-travel booking site for wellness-minded travelers is pioneering the micro travel movement as it relates to personal renewal and well-being for women. One Night Away, founded by Cincinnati based author and entrepreneur, Jocelyn Cates, answers the growing interest and demand for solo and wellness travel while keeping micro at the forefront to align with the busy lifestyles of modern women. Studies show women earn more than ever, maintain the majority of housework, and take the brunt of the tougher, lesser desirable parenting efforts. All while striving to meet the demand of incredibly high standards in every area of life, said Founder, Jocelyn Cates. Its exhausting and perpetuates the feeling of never achieving enough; which also happens to be the two leading symptoms for women experiencing burnout. Cates continued, Women do so much; their plates are full. Our mission is to empower women to embrace self-prioritization. To ask for support and make time for themselves. One Night Away serves as the conduit by creating easy-to-book solo trips that fuel personal renewal and fit within the restraints of their busy lives. Census and industry reports show solo travel to be among the fastest-growing travel categories, driven by lifestyle shifts and social structures. Women specifically are inspired to solo travel primarily for personal reflection, renewal, and to promote self-discovery; per Expedias first-ever Solo Travel Report (July 19). The report also indicated the driving factor for the vast majority of respondents was the desire "to get away" and disconnect from work and the demands of everyday life pressures. These modern, maxed-out lifestyles have led to the emergence of micro travel (also: micro-cation or momcation) as a leading travel trend. The 2019 Vacation Confidence Index* by Allianz Global Assistance revealed micro trips grew by an average of 67% among all age groups. While wellness-oriented aspects are becoming more intertwined with tourism in general, wellness travel has long been primarily rooted in luxury segments and statistically longer in duration. Custom travel experiences that marry womens wellness with brevity have been scarce if offered at all. One Night Away has uniquely combined solo, wellness, and micro travel. The companys trip packages offered in cities nationwide range from one night/two full days to three nights/four full days. Travelers are guided by a trip plan detailing their personalized experience. Activities, experiences, hot spots, and dining recommendations are custom-tailored to the individual based on answers given on the companys XQ (experience questionnaire) completed upon booking. One Night Aways proprietary Rx for Renewal is a self-care strategy that seamlessly weaves prompts and guided practices into each days plan via digital content and/or printed materials provided. The "prescribed" guidance is also derived from the completed XQ and is designed to support the traveler during their time away and beyond. Travelers may be encouraged with any variety or combination of affirmations, introspection prompts, guided mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, self-care or visualization type exercises. Accommodations are secured exclusively with vetted, premium boutique hotels. Travelers receive their travel bag checklist, trip tips, and insights within a member portal/dashboard 7 days before the trip. The custom trip plan and Rx for Renewal are revealed via email and within the member portal 36 hours before the start of the trip and can be easily accessed online and in-app on any device. Pricing ranges from around $500 to $2000+ depending on destination, package, and inclusions. Package prices do not include mode of transportation due to wide-variances of micro travel styles (i.e extended business trip, road trip, staycation, airline preferences, etc.). Booking One Night Away makes a statement, explained Cates. It reflects a woman that has boldly prioritized herself, adding, it proves she knows the massive value of filling her cup! About the company: One Night Away features city destinations nationwide and custom destination requests are accepted. The company is founded by Jocelyn Cates, Cincinnati based entrepreneur and author of self-care focused book, Easy Now, a #1 bestseller in women's health, meditation, and spiritual healing on Amazon. The company partners with local travel hosts & experts, tourism ambassadors, and local business owners to support sustainable local tourism and to provide diverse, immersive travel experiences in domestic destinations. To learn more about How it Works visit: https://www.onenightaway.com/how-it-works or visit the company website at http://www.onenightaway.com will be connected to the rest of India through railway network by December next year as the government has set a fresh deadline for completion of the world's highest railway bridge. The rail line is expected to be 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. Konkan Railway has said it was most challenging project in the post-independent history of the Indian Railways. "It is most challenging task in the 150-year-long history of the railways. The highest railway bridge in the world, connecting with rest of country through rail line will be completed by December 2021," Konkan Railway Chairman Sanjay Gupta told reporters here on Wednesday night. "The construction of the bridge is the most challenging part of the rail link project undertaken post independence and, once completed, it will be an engineering marvel," Gupta said. The massive arch-shaped structure, being constructed in hostile terrain, have used over 5,462 tonnes of steel will be 359 metres above the river bed, he added. Designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km per hour, the 1.315-km-long "engineering marvel" will connect Bakkal (Katra) and Kauri (Srinagar). The bridge forms a crucial link in the 111-km stretch between Katra and Banihal, which is part of the Udhampur- Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project. Once completed, it will surpass the record of the Beipan river Shuibai railway bridge (275 m) in China. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project is highly essential to provide an alternative and a reliable transportation system to Jammu and Kashmir to join Kashmir Valley to the Indian Railways network, Gupta said. He added that in view of the importance of this project in providing seamless and hassle-free connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, the project was declared as project in 2002. It seems clear that the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a coalition of democratic groups that has the MEK as its largest member and serves as the Iranian parliament in exile, will soon take power and bring democracy to Iran. With that in mind, lets look at the 10-Point political platform adopted by the NCRI, which will show us how Iran will soon be run. Free and fair elections: The NCRI sees the ballot box as the only path towards political legitimacy, so they want to transform Iran into a republic based on universal suffrage. Indeed, the MEK will hold democratic elections in Iran just six months after the mullahs are evicted. Ban on the death penalty: The NCRI opposes the death penalty and would abolish it in Iran Freedoms: The NCRI and the MEK seek a want a pluralist system, with freedom of parties and the press, assembly, and expression, as well as unconditional access to the open internet. Separation of Religion and State: The NCRI would bring into place the separation of religion and government, as well as banning discrimination against the followers of any religion and denomination. Gender Equality: The NCRI and all groups within it including the MEK champion complete gender equality in political, social, and economic arenas, so they would ban any form of discrimination against women. Women in the future of Iran would have the right to choose for themselves in areas of marriage, divorce, education, clothing, and employment. The MEK is also committed to equal participation of women in political leadership, as shown by the gender balance in their own leadership. Judicial System: The NCRI wants to establish a modern judicial system based on the principles of presumption of innocence, the right to defense, effective judicial protection and the right to be tried in a public court. They would abolish the mullahs Sharia law and allow all judges to remain independent. Equality: The NCRI believes all nationalities are equal and that the language and culture of all Iranian residents should be preserved as part of the nations human resources. All the members of this parliament in exile, including the MEK, support the plan for the autonomy of Iranian Kurdistan, adopted by the NCRI. Human Rights: The NCRI and the MEK are committed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all of its international covenant and conventions. It would respect all human rights for everyone. Foreign Policy: The NCRIs foreign policy will be based on peaceful coexistence with neighboring states, international and regional peace and cooperation, as well as respect for the United Nations Charter. This would also result in a non-nuclear Iran, free of weapons of mass destruction. Market Economy: The NCRI recognizes private property, private investment, and the market economy, believing that all Iranians must enjoy equal opportunity in employment and business ventures. They also vow to protect and revitalize the environment. The government should infuse capital in the economy without worrying about the fiscal deficit target as the GDP growth is estimated to slip to 11-year low of 5 per cent during 2019-20, Industry body Ficci said on Wednesday. In a statement, Ficci President Sangita Reddy said the 5 per cent GDP growth estimate for the current financial year is on expected lines as the economic expansion in the first half of the year has been moderate. "We hope to see some momentum in the latter part. In fact, there are nascent signs that point towards an improvement and we need to make sure that these find a more solid footing going ahead," she said. Observing that the nature of the economy is cyclical, she said it was more important to infuse more capital to re-energise it than worrying about fiscal deficit. A time-bound plan must be put in place on the mechanics to repair fiscal deficit through different measures, including disinvestment in PSUs, added Reddy. "Ficci is of the view that the fiscal deficit target could be relaxed to support infusion of Rs 1.5-2 lakh crore in the economy in the coming year, as such fiscal expansion is much needed at the current juncture to give a boost to demand and trigger investments," the chamber president said. The government aims to restrict the fiscal deficit to 3.3 per cent of the GDP for the financial year ending March 2020. Referring to the forthcoming Union Budget 2020-21, she said the chamber look forward to government continuing taking steps towards bridging the existing gaps and giving out positive signals to boost the sentiment, consumption and investments. Apart from providing cheaper loans, more efforts must be made to increase incomes, especially in the rural areas, she suggested. "This can be achieved through an increase in the quantum of income support under PM-KISAN and expansion of the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme. Steps are also required to boost construction, infrastructure and exports," Reddy said. The industry body is also of the view that a significant focus on the economies of the future technologies like artificial intelligence, along with added stress on science and innovation, are also critical to add a parallel wave of growth, the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Wild birds dont need to be fed. Theres much more natural food out there than there are birds to eat it. But many people do feed birds, especially in winter, creating a billion-dollar-a-year business in bird seed and bird feeders. If you are interested in birds, its a good way to get up close and personal with them. And even if you are only slightly interested, avian activity does liven up the view at an otherwise gray time of year. About 20 species of birds regularly visit bird feeders in New Jersey. Some, like chickadees and cardinals, are permanent residents of New Jersey. Others, including juncos (snowbirds to some) and white-throated sparrows, are winter residents. Almost all of them breed north of us, but visit the balmy clime of Gloucester County in winter. Balmy? Well, yes, compared to Maine and eastern Canada. Seed can be offered in various ways. Many bird species feed on the ground. But dont put more seed on the ground than can be eaten by the birds in a day or two, or youll wind up feeding mice and squirrels. Nothing wrong with that, but squirrels eat a lot of seed, and they keep birds from feeding. Various kinds of platform feeders trays that permit birds to land on them flat footed are also manufactured or can be easily improvised. They keep seed from being buried under snow and leaves, and they can be pole-mounted and made squirrel-proof. Almost all birds will use them. And there are hanging feeders of many types, mostly designed for sunflower seed. Birds differ in their food preferences and eating habits. Sparrows, juncos and doves eat small seeds such as white millet and finely cracked corn and they feed on the ground, though they will come to a feeding platform. Cardinals also feed on the ground by preference, but their favorite winter food is sunflower seed. Chickadees, titmice, and house finches also eat sunflower seed, but they will readily come to a hanging feeder. Goldfinches are particularly fond of a small, black, oily seed which goes by the name of nyjer and comes from a semitropical sunflower-like plant. Its expensive, and goes in specially designed hanging feeders. Woodpeckers and a few other species will eat suet, which nowadays comes in cake form and is presented in special cages. Birds will become used to your feeders and youll get more birds at a regularly-filled feeder than you will at a feeder thats only filled occasionally. But birds never rely completely on a bird feeder for sustenance. Natural foods are also erratic. You dont have to worry about your birds starving if you go away on a midwinter vacation. They will find food and survive and will come around for the easy meals when you return and refill the feeder. For information about the Gloucester County Nature Club, see gcnatureclub.org/. Applies mostly for the reconstructed part of the railway, where trains are usually on time. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The passengers of 34 trains can now ask for financial compensation if there are some delays. The state-run railway passenger carrier ZSSK is testing the novelty on InterCity trains on the route between Bratislava and Kosice, as well as the regional fast trains running between Bratislava and Zilina, the SITA newswire reported. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement If these selected trains are delayed by between 60 and 119 minutes, passengers will be able to receive a compensation equalling one half of the sum they paid for the ticket. If a train is delayed for 120 minutes and more, they will get back the entire price of the ticket. The only exception is when the delay is caused by a collision or a death on the track. She has raised $100,000 since launching a bushfire charity appeal through her activewear brand, Jaggad, over the weekend. And Rebecca Judd took a break from her philanthropic efforts on Monday, when she joined her husband, Chris, and their four children - son Oscar, eight, daughter Billie, five, and twin sons Tom and Darcy, three - for a shopping trip in Melbourne. The businesswoman, 36, paraded her lean legs in a pair of tiny denim shorts, which she accessorised with a black leather Gucci belt. Shopping spree: Rebecca Judd took a break from her philanthropic efforts on Monday, when she joined her husband, Chris, and their four children for a shopping trip in Melbourne Rebecca also wore a striped Jaggad tank top, and completed her look with a black tote bag and round-frame sunglasses. Meanwhile, retired AFL star Chris dressed casually in a grey polo shirt, cargo shorts and sneakers. During the outing, the family paid a visit to an upmarket toy store - much to the delight of the couple's children. Lucky them! The family paid a visit to an upmarket toy store, much to the delight of the couple's children: Oscar, Billie, Tom and Darcy The sighting comes after Rebecca announced a GoFundMe campaign in conjunction with Jaggad on Saturday. 'The JAGGAD community is raising funds for those affected by the current Australian bushfires,' she wrote on Instagram. 'Like all Australians, the team at JAGGAD are thinking of those suffering from the horrible fires burning throughout our country. Helping hand: Rebecca has raised $100,000 since launching a bushfire charity appeal through her activewear brand Jaggad over the weekend 'Donations, no matter how big or small are so crucial for so many and we want to bring our community together with an aim to raise $100,000 for the Red Cross.' Rebecca added that she and Chris had already personally donated $50,000 'to get things started'. The fundraiser reached its target after just three days. At least 25 people have died in the bushfires since the start of the horror season and a billion animals have perished. Huge success: The Jaggad fundraiser reached its target after just three days Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity among upstream energy companies surged to a five-year high of $96 billion in 2019, thanks to mega deals such as Occidental Petroleums OXY buyout of Anadarko Petroleum. While a number of companies struck deals to increase scale and stay competitive, some transactions were driven by the need of diversification across geographical coverage. Here is an overview of the five major proposed exploration and production energy deals from 2019: 1. Occidental-Anadarko In early August, Occidental completed a $57 billion (including debt) mega-merger deal with Texas-based upstream company Anadarko Petroleum after it prevailed in a bidding war with supermajor Chevron CVX. At stake was Anadarkos 250,000 net acres in the fastest growing oil producing region in the world - the Permian basin spread over west Texas and New Mexico. Occidentals motive was to become the largest crude producer in the Permian Basin, where it owned maximum acreage (around 2.5 million acres) followed by Chevron (2.2 million acres). Per Occidental, the combined company boasts a production capacity of 1.3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day and is expected to be accretive to free cash flow within a year of the acquisition. It is also on track to generate $3.5 billion of free cash flow through $2 billion of annual cost synergies and $1.5 billion of annual capital reductions. 2. BP-Hilcorp Energy In August, BP plc BP announced that it has signed an accord with privately held Hilcorp Energy Co. to divest all its assets in Alaska for $5.6 billion. With the deal's anticipated closure this year, subject to approvals from the state and federal bodies, the British energy giant will exit Alaskan operations after 60 long years. Precisely, the assets to be divested entails BPs entire upstream and midstream operations in Alaska. This includes the British energy giants stake in the Prudhoe Bay the largest oil field in North America and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System spreading over 800 miles and transporting oil to the Port of Valdez. Story continues 3. Callon Petroleum-Carrizo Oil & Gas The deal frenzy continued to sweep the U.S. oil industry, bringing about a wave of consolidation in the prolific shale plays. Another energy company to join the bandwagon was Callon Petroleum Company CPE, which, in July, announced the acquisition of Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. in a $3.2-billion deal (including debt), in a bid to bolster its Permian presence. After months of opposition from some large shareholders, the transaction was eventually completed late last year on a revised buyout price and conditions. The combined company is expected to have around 200,000 net acres in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford shale. While the addition of Eagle Ford acreages to Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) Callon Petroleums portfolio meant that it lost the pure-play Permian status, the move will likely trigger economies of scale and lead to significant cost reduction. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 4. WPX Energy-Felix Energy Mergers in the upstream space continued throughout the year when WPX Energy WPX announced in December that it intends to acquire Delaware Basin-based Felix Energy for $2.5 billion. The purchase consideration comprises $900 million in cash and $1.6 billion in WPX Energy shares. This acquisition is in sync with the companys intention to further increase oil production. Felix Energy has nearly 1,500 gross undeveloped locations in the eastern portion of the basin, with expected production of around 60 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day. Out of the total production, 70% will be oil. The parties anticipate closing the transaction early in second-quarter 2020. 5. Parsley-Jagged Peak In October, Parsley Energy PE reached an agreement to acquire smaller rival Jagged Peak Energy JAG in an all-stock deal worth $2.27 billion comprising $625-million net debt as of Jun 30. Per Parsley Energy, this low premium deal will leave an immediate positive impact on its 2020 cash flow along with net asset value and returns on invested capital. Additionally, the Permian pure play will be able to curb general and administrative costs by almost $25 million in the first year followed by $40-$50 million annual savings subsequently. Parsley Energys assets are said to well complement Jagged Peaks high-margin, oil-heavy assets in the Delaware Basin. The integration between the two companies is expected to make a significant contiguous impression on the Delaware Basin, resulting in more optimized lease geometry with additional extended lateral walls. The transaction is expected to close by the first quarter of 2020. Expect More Oil Patch M&A in 2020 Upstream companies are currently under pressure from investors, who are no longer supporting drilling programs and expansions in the absence of strong cash flows. Investors want these companies to reduce costs, improve internal efficiencies, raise share repurchases and increase returns. One of the ways to tide over the low returns and weak cash flows is consolidation. In fact, mergers are viewed as a means to build scale and minimize overhead costs, thereby creating a stronger company with improving efficiencies and financial performance. As it is, a prolonged period of low oil prices has led to survival of the fittest. Larger companies especially those with cash to spend are set to take advantage of this opportunity and buy quality assets at cheap valuations. The most vulnerable companies are the ones with increasing levels of debt and distresses assets. Finally, with WTI crude, the domestic benchmark, bouncing back above $60 per barrel on multiple tailwinds, the investor hunger for M&A deals is likely to remain strong. The flurry of such activities in recent times suggest that stronger companies are lining up to buy the weaker ones. The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All Last year, it generated $24 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $77.6 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early. See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >> Click to get this free report Chevron Corporation (CVX) : Free Stock Analysis Report BP p.l.c. (BP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Parsley Energy, Inc. (PE) : Free Stock Analysis Report WPX Energy, Inc. (WPX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Callon Petroleum Company (CPE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Jagged Peak Energy Inc. (JAG) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research US Congressman Richard E. Neal, a 1972 alumnus of American International College in Springfield, MA, will deliver the keynote address at the college's 80th Model Congress on January 11, 2020. The 80th annual Model Congress at American International College (AIC) will convene on Thursday, January 9, 2020 with Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno delivering the opening welcome remarks for this milestone anniversary at 6 p.m. in the Mahogany Room at the Sheraton downtown. Founded in 1940, AICs Model Congress is the longest running continuous congress of its type in the nation, and one of the Colleges oldest campus traditions. Each year, AICs Model Congress brings high schools from throughout New England to campus to write, debate, and pass legislation in a simulated congress. The program is completely student run from program development, coordination, and hospitality to the organization and facilitation of the legislative sessions. With support from faculty and staff, AIC student leaders have kept the program thriving and secured its place as an educational opportunity for high school students throughout the northeast for eight decades. The AIC Model Congress is also one of the Commonwealths long-standing academic traditions during its rich history. Committee sessions will be held throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, January 10 and 11. Keynote speaker, United States Congressman and Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Richard E. Neal will address the students on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 11 a.m. in the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center/Esther B. Griswold Theatre located on the AIC campus. Neal is a 1972 graduate of American International College, where he received his Bachelor Degree in Political Science and was a member of the National Honor Society. He received a Master of Public Administration from the University of Hartford in 1976. First elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1988 after having served as mayor of the city of Springfield from 1984, Congressman Neal joined the Ways and Means Committee in 1993. In January 2019, he assumed the esteemed position of chair of that committee, marking the first time since 1875 that a representative from Massachusetts had done so. Chairman Neal is the dean of both the Massachusetts Delegation and the New England Congressional Delegation. In addition, he is an At-Large Whip for the House Democrats, is co-chair of the New England Congressional Caucus where he advocates for the unique interests of the six New England States, and is Democratic Leader of the Friends of Ireland Caucus. The AIC Model Congress awards scholarship opportunities to its top delegates. The top delegate will receive the Kathryn Mauke Scholarship, a full four-year tuition scholarship to American International College. Second and third place delegates receive a $10,000 and $5,000 four-year scholarships respectively to AIC. In addition, Best Bill, Outstanding Delegation, and School Spirit awards are given to the schools that submit the most outstanding legislation and demonstrate the highest level of participation, enthusiasm, and team spirit. The 2020 Model Congress has 11 participating schools including Agawam High School (Agawam, MA), Chatham High School (Chatham, NY), Chicopee Comprehensive High School (Chicopee, MA), East Longmeadow High School (East Longmeadow, MA), East Windsor High School (East Windsor, CT), Longmeadow High School (Longmeadow, MA), Minnechaug Regional High School (Wilbraham, MA), Poultney High School (Poultney, VT), SABIS International Charter School (Springfield, MA), Southwick Regional School (Southwick, MA), and Suffield High School (Suffield, CT). Founded in 1885, American International College (AIC) is a private, co-educational, doctoral granting institution located in Springfield, Massachusetts. AIC is an international educational institution comprising the School of Business, Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, and the School of Health Sciences. AIC supports and advances education, diversity, and opportunity for its students and the community. Catwoman reunites with an old flame (and meets a new mystery man) as Tini Howard takes over DC ongoing comic Catwoman returns to Gotham City, with a nod to Les Miserables Prosecutors in New York have said they will investigate celebrity chef Mario Batali after a business associate of his agreed to compensate former employees over sexual harassment allegations. New York Attorney General Letitia James said her office's probe of restaurateur Ken Friedman had unearthed information regarding Batali's alleged behaviour at a trendy Manhattan gastropub. Friedman, the majority owner of The Spotted Pig, will pay $240,000 to 11 women and give them a share of his restaurant's profits for ten years under a settlement negotiated by James, announced on Tuesday. In December 2017, as the #MeToo movement gathered steam, The New York Times published allegations by several ex-restaurant workers accusing Friedman of making sexual advances and engaging in unwanted physical contact. The owner of several reputable establishments disputed the accounts but nevertheless apologized. As well as the $240,000 in damages, Friedman will share 20 percent of his profits from The Spotted Pig until 2029. Friedman has also agreed to no longer manage the restaurant, situated in the West Village. Batali was an investor in The Spotted Pig and has also been accused of harassment and unwanted touching. Several employees told The New York Times that Batali had harassed them in full view of Friedman. "We have received credible information and are separately looking into him, his business partner, his management company and his three restaurants," James said of Batali at a press conference. He has previously denied the allegations. Batali, known for his red ponytail and orange Croc shoes, has been charged with sexual assault in a separate case in Boston relating to an alleged groping at a bar in 2017. He pleaded not guilty in May. US celebrity chef Mario Batali -- seen exiting an arraignment hearing in Boston -- is now being investigated by New York prosecutors Taking big on OnePlus, South Korean giant is all set to launch its next flagship Galaxy S10 Lite with Snapdragon 855 processor in India next month in the accessible price range of Rs 40,000-Rs 45,000. According to industry sources, Galaxy S10 Lite will go on sale in the country in the first week of February. Galaxy S10 Lite will be sold through online retail major Flipkart and launch deals are likely to bring prices closer to Rs 40,000, the sources told IANS on Wednesday. Galaxy S10 Lite will give a renewed push to Samsung's strategy in the premium segment (priced above Rs 30,000), where its flagship smartphones Galaxy S and Note series have traditionally done very well. Galaxy S10 Lite will house 48MP main camera, 12MP 'Ultra Wide' and 5MP 'Macro' sensors alongside the new 'Super Steady OIS (optical image stabilisation)'. The device will feature a 32MP Selfie camera. The device will come with 6.7-inch, edge-to-edge Infinity-O display, large 4,500mAh battery with super-fast charging and Samsung's ecosystem of apps and services, including Pay. announced new Galaxy S10 Lite along with another flagship Galaxy Note10 Lite smartphones earlier this month. "The Galaxy S and Galaxy Note devices have met consumer wants and demands around the world. The Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note10 Lite will introduce distinct key premium features that make up a Galaxy S and Galaxy Note experience," said DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics. --IANS na/ (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.) The government is unlikely to implement major reforms despite "prolonged economic slowdown" in the country and may continue to focus on Hindu nationalist themes for political dividends to make up losses in recent state elections, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. The country's gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first quarter was 5 per cent and 4.5 per cent in the subsequent three-months period. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, fiscal constraints and price pressures will preclude fiscal and monetary stimulus in the short-term. Meanwhile, emboldened opposition-controlled state governments are likely to obstruct the progress of major projects backed by the central government, further undermining the country's growth potential, it added. "Despite the prolonged economic slowdown (real GDP grew by just 4.5 per cent year on year in July-September), the government is unlikely to implement major economic reform. "Instead of unpopular economic measures, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to maintain its focus on popular Hindu nationalist themes as it seeks to rebound from its poor performance in recent state elections," the EIU said in its report. The government has reacted defensively to the drumbeat of poor economic data in recent months, lashing out at critics and questioning the basis of some official reports. In response to criticism from prominent business people over the state of the economy, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman warned that such rhetoric could harm India's national interest. She separately suggested in late November that India was incapable of experiencing a recession. Officials recently scrapped a government survey that showed an unprecedented decline in consumer spending between 2011-12 and 2017-18, arguing that the methodology was flawed. Rather than responding more robustly to the economic slowdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP are likely to remain focused on divisive social issues that they believe will pay political dividends, the EIU added. Several far right groups, including some affiliated with the BJP, have long been pushing for India to be recast as a Hindu country. Since winning re-election in May 2019, the government has altered India's only Muslim-majority state by revoking Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and special status under the constitution, it noted. Further, it also won a Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for a Hindu temple to be built on the site of a 16th century mosque destroyed by Hindu nationalists in 1992. In addition, new citizenship legislation, seen widely as a means of denying citizenship to Muslims who lack documentation, was enacted in December, sparking nationwide protests. "With Mr Modi strongly backing the citizenship measure in spite of the protests, the next major social measure on the government's agenda will probably be a uniform civil code. Such a measure would introduce a more progressive system of marriage and divorce, supplanting India's long standing practice of allowing Muslims to follow different practices," the report added. While Modi's hold over the national government remains unquestioned, the BJP has lost control of five state assemblies since late 2018, setting the stage for greater acrimony between the government and independently minded state legislatures. "The BJP is unlikely to improve its performance significantly in the state elections due in 2020. The party lost control of the mining and steel-centric state of Jharkhand on December 23 and faces an uphill battle to defeat the anti-corruption Aam Aadmi Party in elections in New Delhi scheduled for February 2020," the EIU noted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Activists in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, have urged Ukraine not to extradite Kazakh opposition blogger Zhanar Akhmet over safety concerns. Dozens of activists rallied in central Almaty on January 8, holding posters saying "Do Not Extradite Zhanar Akhmet," "Akhmet's Extradition Is Kazakh Government's Political Order," and "Stop Extradition Process!" The process to extradite Akhmet has been under way in Ukraine since October 2017, after she was arrested in Kyiv on the basis of a Kazakh arrest warrant that accuses her of fraud. In November 2017, a court in Kyiv released Akhmet at the request of Ukrainian lawmaker Svitlana Zaklishchuk, pending a decision on her extradition. Akhmet fled Kazakhstan in March 2017 with her son, who was 9 years old at the time, saying she feared for her safety if she remained in the Central Asian nation. Akhmet has said she decided to flee when she learned from sources that she could face charges of "organizing an illegal group" that uses the Internet to advocate self-immolation. She previously faced a series of court hearings in Almaty for alleged infractions, including jaywalking, that she considered politically motivated retaliation for her criticism of authorities. At least four other Kazakh opposition and rights activists -- Ermek Narymbaev, Moldir Adilova, Aidos Sadyqov, and Natalya Sadyqova -- also have fled to Ukraine in recent years. Malaysia produces 19 million tonne of palm oil in a year, while Indonesia produces 43 million tonne, the trade data showed. New Delhi: The government on Wednesday imposed restrictions on imports of refined palm oil, a move which could discourage the inbound shipment of the commodity from Malaysia. According to a notification of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), "import policy" is amended from "free to restricted" for refined bleached deodorised palm oil and refined bleached deodorised palmolein. Putting the commodity in the restricted category means an importer will require licence or permission for the inbound shipment. India, the world's largest importer of vegetable oils, buys nearly 15 million tonne annually. Of this, palm oil comprises 9 million tonne and the rest 6 million tonne soybean and sunflower oil. Indonesia and Malaysia are the two countries which supply palm oil. Malaysia produces 19 million tonne of palm oil in a year, while Indonesia produces 43 million tonne, the trade data showed. The move comes in the backdrop of remarks by Malaysia on the new citizenship law and Kashmir issue. On 20 December last year, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad had reportedly said, "I am sorry to see that India, which claims to be a secular state, is now taking action to deprive some Muslims of their citizenship". "If we do that here, you know what will happen. There will be chaos, there will be instability and everyone will suffer," he had said. Earlier, Mahathir had said in the UN General Assembly that India had "invaded and occupied" Kashmir. Further according to industry source, the government has advised importers not to buy palm oil from Malaysia. "We import 30 percent of the palm oils from Malaysia, while 70 percent from Indonesia. Our refiners can import from Indonesia which produces much higher than Malaysia," the source said. There would not be any extra cost to import from Indonesia as the product and price is same, the source added. The nation's largest consumer electronics show on Tuesday hosted Ivanka Trump as a keynote speaker a choice that drew scorn from many women in technology. The annual CES tech gathering in Las Vegas has long taken criticism over diversity issues. In recent years, the show's organiser, the Consumer Technology Association, has invited more women to speak and sought to curb some of the show's more sexist aspects, such as scantily clad booth babes hired to draw attention of the mostly male attendees. But for critics and activists who have long pushed for broader recognition of the less-heralded women who found startups and take on difficult technical challenges, the inclusion of President Donald Trump's daughter, who is also a White House adviser, sent exactly the wrong message. Ivanka is not a woman in tech, tweeted Brianna Wu, a video game developer who is running for congress in Massachusetts as a Democrat. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty She's not a CEO. She has no background. It's a lazy attempt to emulate diversity, but like all emulation it's not quite the real thing. Ivanka Trump spoke with CTA president Gary Shapiro for nearly 40 minutes, highlighting work the administration has done with tech companies to retrain their workers for new skills. She has worked on skills-training initiatives at the White House. Companies including Google have joined that effort. There was no mention of the pushback about her appearance at the show. The hall was full, and she was met with applause. Organisers declined to say how many people were in the audience. Mr Shapiro told The Associated Press that Ms Trump is fighting for workers at a time when robots are filling warehouses and factories and self-driving vehicles are worrying truck drivers. We've had politicians speak before, cabinet secretaries and others who've come in, Mr Shapiro said ahead of the talk. Ivanka Trump said the event offered a chance to talk about the way jobs are evolving and changing. The tech show has been attempting to curb sexist aspects of previous years (AP) People need to be thinking about investing in their workforce so that they can enable those people to do their same job using different equipment tomorrow, she said. Many people who tweeted the hashtag #BoycottCES on Tuesday in protest of Ms Trump's appearance also took issue with the administration's border detention policies and various actions of the president himself. The technology industry has especially important issues pending with the US government, including antitrust investigations into Facebook and Google, the trade war with China, immigration, election security and misinformation on social media. Chang: 'Was there nobody else available? Seriously?' (EPA) Government officials have long made regular appearances at CES. This year, for instance, the speaker roster includes both secretary of transportation Elaine Chao and secretary of energy Dan Brouillette. Other female speakers include Meg Whitman of video streaming startup Quibi and Linda Yaccarino, chairman of advertising and partnerships for NBCUniversal. Ms Trump is taking this slot at this conference where women have been saying for so long, 'Hey, we are being overlooked,' said Rachel Sklar, a tech commentator and founder of a professional network for women. The whole category of women being overlooked are still being overlooked. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Clearly they are not putting much effort into finding women in tech who can speak, said Carolina Milanesi, an analyst with Creative Strategies, who is at CES. Last year, CES caused an uproar when it revoked an innovation award presented to a female-led sex device company. CES reversed its decision and has allowed sex tech into the show for a one-year trial. Conference organisers also brought in an official equality partner, The Female Quotient, to help ensure gender diversity. Was there nobody else available? Seriously? asked Ti Chang, co-founder of the wearable vibrator company Crave. Ms Chang said Trump's experience running a clothing brand is a bad fit for CES and its focus on innovation and technology. I don't understand, she said. I would love to know what their rationale was. Associated Press Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan, North Sumatra Wed, January 8, 2020 20:07 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3216a5ca 1 National murder,crime,Indonesia Free The North Sumatra Police have arrested a woman, her lover and a hired hitman for the murder of her husband in Medan, North Sumatra, last year. North Sumatra Police chief Insp. Gen. Martuani Sormin alleged the murder of Jamaluddin, a judge in Medan District Court, was initiated by the wife, identified only as ZH, after she found out that her husband had cheated on her with another woman. Jamaluddin married ZH in 2011 after divorcing his first wife. Martuani said ZH had confessed to plotting to murder her husband in March last year. ZH initially asked for the help of someone identified only as LJH but the man refused, he said. ZH then asked for the help of a man identified only as JP, with whom she had an affair, they met at Ringroad City Walk's Coffee Town in Medan on Nov. 25 last year. ZH and JP planned the murder and told RF [the third suspect]. ZH gave RF Rp 2 million [US$143] to buy a cellphone, shoes, T-shirts and gloves, Martuani said during a press conference in Medan on Wednesday. On Nov. 28, ZH brought the two suspects at around 7 p.m. to her house. ZH previously allowed JP and RF to enter the house and hid them on the third floor, Martuani said. The murder took place on Nov. 29 last year at around 1 a.m. JP and RF entered Jamaluddins bedroom, in which ZH was pretending to sleep between Jamaluddin and her daughter. The two male suspects smothered Jamaluddin with a piece of fabric as he slept, according to the police. ZH calmed her daughter, who had briefly awoken, when the crime took place. At around 3 a.m., the suspects searched for a place to dump the body. Jamaluddin's body was found by locals inside a black Toyota Land Cruiser Prado car on Nov. 29 at around 1 p.m. on a palm oil plantation in Suka Dame village, Deli Serdang regency, North Sumatra on the same day. The body was found behind the drivers seat with both hands tied. The police's initial forensic laboratory result found no signs of violence on the victims body, leading to a conclusion that the victim died of suffocation. Investigators initially faced difficulties in discovering the perpetrators because of a lack of evidence, Martuani said. The police then asked for assistance from the National Police cybercrime directorate's forensic laboratory to obtain additional information for the investigation. Hence, the police were able to reconstruct the murder case, he added. The suspects have been charged under Article 340 of the Criminal Code on premeditated murder. Court spokesman Erintuah Damanik said the revelation that the murder had a personal motive was a relief, ending speculation that the crime was related to cases handled by Jamaluddin. The arrest of the three suspects stopped speculation that the murder related to a case handled in Medan District Court, Erintuah said. ZHs lawyer Onan Purba said his client would follow the legal procedure. Should our client become a suspect, well accept [the decision]. We will follow the legal process, Onan said. (sau) Topics : murder crime Indonesia The EU has warned Boris Johnson not to water down protections for its citizens living in the UK after Brexit, ahead of the first meeting between the British prime minister and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president. Michel Barnier, the EU's Brexit chief negotiator, raised "issues of concern" in a letter to Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay before Christmas. Mr Barnier highlighted the need for a fully independent watchdog to enable EU citizens to make complaints against the British government. His concerns, which have been echoed by the European Parliament, emerged last night as Ms Von der Leyen and Mr Barnier prepared to travel to London. Mr Johnson will stress the importance of agreeing a positive future relationship by the end of the year based on "an ambitious free trade agreement", but will reiterate that there will be no extension to the Brexit transition period, a Downing Street spokesman said. EU officials warn that the coming year of talks risks being soured by fears over Britain's commitment to the rights of more than three million EU citizens living in the UK after Brexit on January 31. Both the European Commission and the European Parliament have raised concerns about whether Britain will keep to the spirit of the Brexit withdrawal agreement. Mr Barnier warned in his letter before Christmas that the citizens' rights watchdog - officially the Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) - must have the ability "to act rapidly and in full independence" on complaints from EU citizens, adding that he looked forward to "constructive co-operation on these matters". He added that the Commission would be monitoring the implementation of the agreement "using all available channels", including citizens' rights lobby groups in Britain. The European Parliament, in a draft resolution to be debated in Strasbourg next week, expressed "concern" about the set-up of the IMA, and noted that the authority must be "truly independent" and should be operational immediately after the transition period ends. Under the terms of the withdrawal agreement, Britain's three million EU citizens can 'grandfather' their residential and social security rights by applying for "settled status". The European Parliament's Brexit steering group also raised "grave concern" about what it called "conflicting" signals about the fate of those who failed to register for settled status by the June 2021 deadline. Mr Barnier had also "pleaded" in his letter to Mr Barclay for a "generous interpretation" to such cases to avoid deportations. Mr Barnier's letter emerged as Whitehall officials voiced unease that the government was trying to neuter the citizens' rights watchdog's effectiveness by handing ministers the power to abolish the body in the new draft of the withdrawal agreement bill released after the election. The powers, which can be invoked on grounds as flimsy as the "efficiency, effectiveness and economy" of the authority, have raised alarm among opposition MPs and in the European Parliament, which must ratify the withdrawal agreement later this month. US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo has sent a message to American missions around the world, ordering diplomats not to meet with Irani... US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo has sent a message to American missions around the world, ordering diplomats not to meet with Iranian opposition groups without specific approval. Many exiled Iranian opposition groups try to engage U.S officials regularly to gain at least the appearance of tacit support and enhance their visibility and clout, Pompeo said in the cable obtained by CNN. He noted that many of the groups have previously or are currently using violent means in support of their political aims. Direct U.S government engagement with these groups could prove counterproductive to our policy goal of seeking a comprehensive deal with the Iranian regime that addresses its destabilizing behavior. Pompeo added that America wanted a comprehensive deal with Iran that covers its destabilizing behavior, including its nuclear program, missile program, support for terrorism, and malign regional behavior. The order became public 24 hours after the US denied Irans Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, a visa. The visa was meant to allow Zarif attend a UN Security Council meeting in New York on Thursday. Zarif said he had requested the visa about a month ago but the US told him it didnt have enough time to issue a visa. Mitch McConnell said Wednesday that 'there will be no haggling' with the House over how the Senate will conduct the impeachment trial once Nancy Pelosi hands over the articles of impeachment. 'Speaker Pelosi wanted leverage to reach in to the Senate and dictate our trial proceedings to us,' the Senate majority leader said in a speech Wednesday morning. 'Now I've made clear from the beginning that no such leverage exists. It is nonexistent. And yesterday we made clear it will never exist.' 'The House Democrats' turn is over. The Senate has made its decision,' he continued in a rebuff to House Speaker Pelosi, who is holding two impeachment articles against Donald Trump hostage in the House. In December the House voted, almost completely along party lines, to impeach Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The lower chamber, however, has not yet turned over the articles to the Senate for a trial. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said 'there will be no haggling' with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on the Senate impeachment trial, claiming she has 'no leverage' Pelosi has held back turning over two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate, where McConnell has strongly signaled the president will be swiftly acquitted The Republican-controlled chamber, with McConnell at the helm, has said it would hold a speedy trial without witnesses and have indicated that they have made up their mind already and would ultimately acquit the president. But McConnell's plan details that Senate Republicans would hear opening arguments from both House Democrats' impeachment managers and Trump's defense before making a decision on witnesses and documents. Democrats, on the other hand, have requested the Senate make decisions on new evidence at the same time it lays out the plan for the trial. McConnell announced Tuesday that he has the votes from Republican senators to begin Trump's impeachment trial with no witnesses as Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer suggested Pelosi should transmit the articles to the Senate. 'We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution essentially the same, very similar to the 100-0 vote in the Clinton trial,' McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, announced after having lunch with the members of his party. The support of his party allows McConnell to set up trial proceedings without the Democratic demand for witnesses to be called. Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer suggested this week that it's time for Pelosi to stop holding the articles and hand them over to the Republican-controlled Senate Schumer suggested it was time for the speaker to transit the articles of impeachment so the president's trial can begin. 'The speaker has said all along she wanted to see the arena in which she was playing when it came to a trial so she could appoint impeachment managers. Now it's becoming clear that Mitch McConnell wants to do everything he can to avoid a fair trial so she has some idea of what's happening,' he said. 'By not sending the articles immediately she has already accomplished two things,' he added. 'One, Mitch McConnell could not do what some thought he might want to do: right before or after Christmas just dismiss. And second in two weeks there's been a cascade of evidence that bolsters the case strongly bolsters the case for witnesses and documents. So now we have a greater feel for where we're headed and Speaker Pelosi I have great confidence in the decision she will make. But she's accomplished a great deal already.' He also said Democrats will push to hear from the additional witnesses they want to call, including former National Security Adviser John Bolton. 'We are telling our Republican colleagues you can run but you can't hide. There will be votes on the four witnesses we've asked for. There will be votes on the three sets of documents we've requested,' he said. It takes 51 votes to establish the parameter of the president's impeachment trial and, with a 53-seat majority, McConnell couldn't afford to lose support. McConnell announced Tuesday that he has the votes from Republican senators to begin Trump's impeachment trial with no witnesses Moderate Republican senators, the ones most likely to defect, indicated they are backing McConnell. 'I'm comfortable with that,' Sen. Mitt Romney told reporters on Capitol Hill Tuesday when asked about McConnell's proposal to call on additional witnesses after opening arguments are made in the president's impeachment trial. That model would follow the same one used in Bill Clinton's 1999 impeachment trial. But Clinton's trial rules were set by an unanimous vote on senators - 100 to zero. McConnell left the door open to calling witnesses later in the process: '51 senators determine what we do and there will be I'm sure intense discussion, once we get past phase one, about the whole witness issue,' he said. And Schumer expressed optimism enough Republicans - it would take four - would join Democrats to subpoena witnesses. 'I think there's a pretty decent chance we're going to get Republicans to vote for witnesses and documents,' he said. Fellow GOP moderate Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins have also indicated they will support McConnell - votes he will need as Trump's trial begins. 'The process moved to a period during which the Senate debated and voted that three witnesses should be deposed. I believe that this process the Clinton approach worked well,' Collins said Monday night. Murkowski also backed following the procedure used for Clinton's trial. 'I think we need to do what they did the last time they did this unfortunate process and that was to go through a first phase and then they reassessed after that,' she said Monday evening. Trump on Tuesday said he was ready for the Senate trial to begin. 'Yeah,' he told reporters in the Oval Office when asked if he was prepared. 'Whatever it is, it's a hoax, the impeachment is a big hoax. It's become a laughingstock all over the world. There was nothing done wrong.' In the meantime, Speaker Pelosi didn't answer questions about when she will transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate when she arrived on Capitol Hill Tuesday. Nor would she address the subject later in the day when she left her office for a classified briefing on the situation with Iran. Trump's trial cannot begin until she makes such a move. Senate Republicans attacked her for not sending them over. 'It's time for Speaker Pelosi to get on with it or out of the way,' Sen. John Barrasso said Tuesday afternoon. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley proposed legislation on Monday that would let the Senate begin the trial even without the articles if Pelosi waits longer than 25 days to send them. It's been 20 days since the House approved the two articles of impeachment - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress - against the president. 'We're going to have to do something or we could be here on day 200 or day 400,' he told reporters on Capitol Hill Tuesday. 'I mean, really, there's no end in sight.' Schumer wants to hear from four additional witnesses, including acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and former National Security Adviser John Bolton. His case was bolstered on Monday when Bolton said he was willing to testify in the Senate. 'If every Senate Republican votes to prevent witnesses and documents from coming before the Senate, if every Republican Senator votes for a rigged trial that hides the truth, the American people will see that the Republican Senate is part of a large and awful cover-up,' Schumer said on the Senate floor Tuesday. Donald Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton said Monday he will comply with a congressional subpoena if the Senate compels him to testify in the impeachment trial Bolton confirmed Monday that he would appear before the Senate if he is subpoenaed to testify. '[S]ince my testimony is once again at issue, I have had to resolve the serious competing issues as best I could, based on careful consideration and study. I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify,' Bolton said in a statement posted to his Political Action Committee website. Trump's ex-national security adviser, who parted ways with the administration on a sour note in September, revealed he would comply if he was served with a legal notice. But it would take 51 votes in the Senate to subpoena him, requiring Democrats to bring four Republican senators to their side. On Sunday, the Libyan National Army (LNA) took control of Sirte in central Libya after its armed brigades surged from the east and south of the city. They were reinforced by local troops that had switched allegiance. This comes at the peak of foreign interference on the ground in Libya by Turkey and Russia which want a foothold south of the Mediterranean for different reasons. Meanwhile, the Berlin process sponsored by the UN is facing challenges due to disputes among those involved in Libya with the aim of containing growing tensions on the south and east of the Mediterranean. General Ahmed Al-Mismari, spokesman for the LNA, told a news conference Sunday that the LNA surged onto Sirte and took control of the city in a flash three-hour operation. He said the city was home to terrorist groups attacking the oil crescent, but it is now officially liberated from terrorism. Al-Misrmari continued that the move on Sirte came from five main points, four by land and one by sea. Taking controlling of Sirte does not mean moving on to Misrata, he explained, where militia forces have been in control since the end of 2016. As soon as the announcement was made that Sirte was taken by Haftars forces, the interim government based in eastern Libya appointed security leaders there. Colonel Mimi Lamine Al-Sadiq Al-Tarshani Gaddafi was appointed security director of the city, in a move that appears to appease the Gaddafi tribe which has a strong local presence and is worried that Al-Firjan tribe, which is the tribe of LNA Commander General Khalifa Haftar, will dominate. Especially since Al-Firjan members played a key role in empowering LNA forces in the city, most notably the Salafi current. Local sources said that the Salafi 604 Battalion whose members mostly hail from Al-Firjan tribe, was operating under the banner of Sirtes Security and Protection Forces formed by the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord in March 2017, and facilitated the entry of the LNA into the city. Sources added that the picture remains unclear, especially since Misrata, where 700 people were killed while liberating it from the Islamic State group in 2016, may not accept that Sirte would remain under the control of its rivals, as tribal disputes, social and domestic conflicts escalate in the country. The turmoil has increased due to prevailing hate rhetoric propagated by the media that is mostly funded from outside Libya. The announcement by the LNA that it has taken control of Sirte comes amid continued stalemate on the ground in the southern suburbs of the capital, Tripoli, which since April 2019 has witnessed fierce battles between forces of the GNA and the LNA. Even though it has been 10 months since war broke out in Tripoli, international efforts to secure a UN Security Council-backed ceasefire have failed. On Saturday evening, drone strikes targeted the military academy in Al-Hadaba district in the capital, killing 30 cadets. This caused an uproar in Tripoli and among supporters of the GNA since the cadets were no more than 19 years old. On Sunday evening, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkish forces have started their descent on Tripoli to support the GNA, based on a memorandum of understanding between the two sides on security and military cooperation signed 27 November. Erdogan told CNN Turk: Our soldiers have started to gradually head to Libya... The mission of our soldiers there is to coordinate... Our soldiers are deploying gradually. He said Turkeys aim is not to fight but support the legitimate government and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. Erdogan rejected criticism by Saudi Arabia Sunday that condemned the decision by Turkeys parliament to give its ascent to Turkeys Libya intervention. We reject their condemnation and give it little weight, he said. Western and Arab media reported that Turkey recently sent Syrians allied with Turkey to fight in Tripoli. Arab media also reported that Russian security companies, as well as the Wagner Group, which is associated with President Vladimir Putin, reinforced its presence in combat zones south of Tripoli and Tarhunah with more fighters, as well as in areas of the oil crescent in the centre of the country. On Monday, Fayez Al-Sarraj, chairman of the GNAs Presidential Council, visited Algeria accompanied by Foreign Minister Mohamed Siyalah, Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha, National Security Adviser Tajuddin Al-Rizaqi and Brigadier General Mohamed Lakri from the Presidential Guard. The delegation met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune after a tete-a-tete meeting between Tebboune and Al-Sarraj. Also at the meeting were Algerias foreign, interior and defence ministers. At the end of the trip, the Algerian presidency issued a statement in which Tebboune declared that Algeria considers the Libyan capital Tripoli as a red line, and we hope no one crosses it. The statement continued that military escalation and violence do not and will not serve the interests of our Libyan brethren... Algeria always prefers dialogue over firepower, and once again urges its brothers in Libya to be rational and wise and choose dialogue away from outside pressure. This would serve a political solution that satisfies the Libyan people and provide them with security, stability and prosperity. Tebboune urged the world community to shoulder the responsibility of imposing an immediate ceasefire and end to military escalation which adds victims every day. He said his country strongly condemns acts of violence, most recently the massacre of 30 military cadets in Tripoli. It is a war crime, adding that Algeria firmly rejects foreign interference. The US and UN officially voiced their concern about the recruitment of mercenaries in the Libyan conflict, warning that it is destroying the countrys infrastructure and causing serious injury among civilians. They blame all Libyan parties for the serious interference by foreigners in the domestic conflict. Russian and Turkish intervention on the ground has propelled this domestic conflict onto the world stage. In the past three weeks, phone diplomacy was in overdrive among the presidents and foreign ministers of countries involved in Libya to warn of the dangers of foreign interference there, most notably by Turkey. On Wednesday, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry hosted a coordination meeting for the foreign ministers of France, Italy, Greece and Cyprus to discuss recent developments on the Libyan stage, and how to reach a comprehensive settlement that deals with all aspects of the Libyan crisis. Also, to resolve anything that hinders these efforts and discuss the overall situation in the East Mediterranean, according to a statement by the ministry. In recent weeks, Egyptian diplomacy has intensified efforts and international communications to rally support to block Turkish intervention in Libya, describing it as a direct threat to Egypts national security, especially due to Erdogans hostility towards Cairo. On Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel invited Algerias Tebboune to attend the international conference on Libya that will take place in Berlin. She also invited Tunisian President Kais Saied to visit Germany soon to discuss developments in Libya, according to the presidencies in Tunisia and Algeria. This indicates that Germany is willing to expand participation at the Berlin summit, which will be attended by the US, Britain, France, Russia, China, Egypt, the UAE, Turkey, Italy and Germany. International circles criticised the move to expand participation, and said the number of attendees should, on the contrary, be reduced. Until now, the summit does not yet have a date. *A version of this article appears in print in the 9 January, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: Concerns over security of personal data have risen in China after a zoo-goer became the first person in the country to file a lawsuit in relation to a dispute over the usage of facial-recognition cameras. Guo Bing waged war on the country's 'Big-Brother' surveillance system after being required by a safari park to scan his face on security cameras to gain entrance. The fed-up visitor brought Hangzhou Safari Park to court late last year after being notified that he had to undergo such scrutiny - despite the fact that he had bought an annual ticket when the park had no such requirement. Surveys have indicated a broad public willingness to surrender some privacy in exchange for the safety and convenience that technology can bring. A recent study revealed that nearly 80 per cent of the respondents expressed concerns over the security of their personal data China's 1.4 billion population are set to be carefully watched by 626 million street monitors - many having facial-recognition functions - as early as this year, according to a previous survey China is fast-expanding its high-tech network of mass surveillance and is on track to have one street camera for nearly every two citizens - or 626 million cameras in total - as early as this year. Many have also compared it to a dystopian system run by a fictional state leader, Big Brother, in George Orwell's novel 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'. A recent survey revealed that nearly 80 per cent of the respondents expressed concerns over the security of their personal data collected by facial-recognition monitors, according to a report from Xinhua yesterday. Facial-recognition technology has become embedded everywhere in China, from airports to hotels, e-commerce sites and even public toilets. Law professor Guo Bing filed the suit against the wildlife park in October to the Fuyang District People's Court in Hangzhou, raising the temperature in a growing debate about privacy and abuse of personal data in an increasingly digitised society. A fed-up visitor brought Hangzhou Safari Park to court late last year after being notified that he had to have his face scanned to gain entrance. Pictured, tourists look at a giant panda at the safari park in the provincial capital during the Chinese National Day holiday on October 2, 2018 China's government has thrown its support behind companies that develop facial recognition and artificial intelligence for commerce and security, part of a drive to become a world leader in advanced technologies. Surveys have indicated a broad public willingness to surrender some privacy in exchange for the safety and convenience that technology can bring. But that's changing as the collection of biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans mounts. Public reaction to Guo's case has exposed fears that technology is outpacing legal safeguards. Online posts regarding the case on the popular Weibo platform have garnered more than 100 million views, with many users calling for a ban on collecting such data. The most-surveilled Chinese city, Chongqing, is currently equipped with more than 2.5 million street cameras, or one for every six people. The picture shows cameras on Tiananmen Square The sentiment stems in part from the rampant abuse of personal data in China, ranging from outright financial fraud to the common leaking of mobile phone numbers to phishing operations. In a recent article posted online that generated wide discussion in China, Lao Dongyan, a law professor at prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing, called abuse of facial recognition data 'a deal with the devil'. 'The wanton promotion of facial-recognition technology will open Pandora's box. The price we pay will be not only our privacy, but also the security we strive for,' Lao wrote. China is currently building the world's largest surveillance system that aims to recognise any of its 1.4 billion citizens within three seconds. The state-led network is set to complete in 2020 Guo, a professor at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University in Hangzhou, said in his civil complaint that collection of data like facial scans, 'if leaked, illegally provided or abused, will easily endanger consumers' personal and property safety'. A hearing date is yet to be announced. Guo could not be reached for comment. A newspaper published by the Ministry of Science and Technology said the safari park's 'rash and rough attitude showed indifference' to public sensitivities. Laws must be used to prevent 'overreach', it added. The government has thrown its support behind companies that develop artificial intelligence On December 30, the government issued a directive specifying a range of practices related to the collection and use of personal information via mobile phone apps that it considered to be unlawful. China still lacks a specific set of laws governing personal data. Legislation is now being formulated, but it remains unclear when it could be introduced. China is constructing a massive high-tech surveillance state marked by ubiquitous security cameras, which authorities say is necessary to fight crime and ensure public safety. Devising laws that may infringe on this drive is a delicate matter and unlikely to lead to significant changes, say experts. 'There could be symbolic moves like setting up a privacy or data protection officer in companies, but nothing substantial,' said Beijing Normal University law professor Liu Deliang, founder of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Cyber-Law Studies. Lokman Tsui, a communications professor at Chinese University of Hong Kong, says the government could opt for tough laws that target the abuse of such data, rather than its collection. 'It would be relatively easy for the government to crack down on the processing or selling of data on the one hand, while still being able to practise government surveillance on the other hand,' he told AFP. China is constructing a high-tech surveillance state marked by ubiquitous security cameras Despite headlines about the brave new Chinese world of high tech, experts say China actually continues to lag far behind the US in advancement but excels in scaling up technologies for wide commercial use. It has the world's largest population of mobile internet users -- more than 850 million -- which operates as a valuable testing ground for consumer viability. Facial recognition is now used to pay bills, take attendance in some schools, streamline security in public transit and punish jaywalkers. Restrooms at some tourist attractions even require a facial scan in order to receive toilet paper to curb over-consumption. But the China Consumers Association in November 2018 released a report stating that more than 90 percent of mobile apps were suspected of excessively collecting personal information, and 10 percent excessively amassing biometric data. Concerns have grown after recent state media reports said thousands of pieces of facial data were sold online for as little as 10 yuan ($1.40) each, and after the government last month began implementing a new requirement that consumers provide a facial scan to register for mobile phone services. 5.2k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Decorated combat veteran and Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth tore Donald Trump to shreds on Tuesday night following Irans missile attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq. During an interview with MSNBCs Rachel Maddow, Duckworth said Trumps reckless incompetence has actually achieved the end goal that Iran wants in the region. This presidents decision has made Americas national security less safe, has put our troops lives in danger and has achieved the end goals of what Iran wants, she said. Video: Sen. Tammy Duckworth doesnt hold back, says the unfolding crisis in the Middle East was caused by Donald Trumps incompetence. #ctl #p2 #maddow pic.twitter.com/toilA8dF80 PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) January 8, 2020 Sen. Duckworth said: My overall take is the incompetence of this president as commander-in-chief has actually achieved the end goal that Iran wants in the region. You have to remember, Rachel, that we actually since October have had protests in Iraq against Iranian influence by Iraqi people, you know. We had thousands of Iraqis protesting against Iranian influence for months and months and months. It even was happening in Lebanon. Hezbollah was being protested against. And within the space of just a couple of days with this poor decision made by this president, we have now turned that around so that now the Iraqi parliament has voted to kick us out of their country, and we have now turned the sentiment into one that is much more pro-Iranian in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East as well. Essentially, with this one decision, this president has actually achieved the end goals of the Iranian regime. Now, I dont think they want their guy killed and frankly I dont shed a tear for this man. He was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans over the decades. But at the end of the day, this presidents decision has made Americas national security less safe, has put our troops lives in danger and has achieved the end goals of what Iran wants, which is greater influence in the region and the United States being not just requested, but ordered to leave. This is what happens when you elect a madman Whats unfolding in the Middle East is troubling, but its also not a surprising turn of events given who occupies the Oval Office. Hillary Clinton and a whole host of respected military officials spent an entire campaign warning the American people that Donald Trump is unfit to be commander-in-chief. Since he was sworn in, Trump has almost on a daily basis proved them all right. This is what happens when you give a madman the keys to the White House and its only going to get worse. Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter To get a reality check, Centre invites diplomats to J&K India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 08: A group of foreign envoys posted in India have been invited to travel to Jammu and Kashmir on January 9 and 10. The government wants the envoys to see for themselves the ground reality in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Government sources tell OneIndia that they have reached out to 18 diplomats from European, Gulf, Western countries and OIC members. The Valley has been off-limits for foreign diplomats since August 2019. Some of the diplomats have however sought to know as to how independent they would be during the visit. It may be recalled that in October 2019, the government had facilitated the Madi Group, an NGO, which escorted 23 members of the European Parliament to Kashmir. 'Free Kashmir' poster raised at Mumbai protest against JNU violence Iran retaliates against US strike, Plane crashes near Tehran airport | OneIndia News They met with locals and got some classified security briefings during their visit. On August 5, 2019, the government abrogated Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The Article granted special status to J&K and as a result of its abrogation, common laws of the land now apply to the newly formed Union Territory. By Azernews By Abdul Kerimkhanov Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has said that it is impossible to negotiate the status of Armenian-occupied Nagorno-Karabakh without the return of Azerbaijani population of the region to their homes. "What status can we talk about without the return of Azerbaijani population to Karabakh? In addition, the security issue is quite important for the Azerbaijani community in the region, just as for the Armenian community, and everyone knows that the use of international peacekeeping mechanisms is necessary," Mammadyarov said. As for the security and status issues that are constantly being raised by Armenia, Mammadyarov emphasized both issues should be regulated within the framework of the settlement process in accordance with relevant OSCE decisions, as well as UN Security Council resolutions, which have no statute of limitations. He stressed that Azerbaijan will continue negotiations on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, while there are opportunities for a peaceful solution. "Numerous meetings and specific initiatives put forward during the year demonstrate a certain need to continue the negotiation process. We have always stated that as long as there is an opportunity for a peaceful settlement of the conflict through negotiations, we will use it. Of course, the goal is to advance the process through substantive negotiations on the issues essence," he stated. Mammadyarov recalled that all documents prepared to date clarify the issues of a phased settlement of the conflict, the liberation of the Azerbaijani occupied territories, the return of IDPs and the settlement of the status problem at a subsequent stage. He stressed Azerbaijan is negotiating for the restoration of violated international law, the restoration of the sovereignty of Azerbaijan in internationally recognized borders. "We are negotiating in order to free the territories of Azerbaijan from occupation," he added. Mammadyarov noted that today due to the aggressive policy of Yerevan, there are no diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. "Negotiations between the parties are carried out through the mediation efforts of the three leading countries of the world, permanent members of the UN Security Council, the main international body responsible for maintaining international peace and security," he concluded. Nagorno-Karabakh is Azerbaijans breakaway region that along with seven surrounding regions was occupied by Armenian armed forces during the war in the early 1990s that killed hundreds of thousands of people. Around one million Azerbaijanis were displaced as a result of the occupation. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired by Russia, the U.S. and France has been negotiating the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for over two decades now. However, their efforts have not yielded any results to this date. A meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting will be held on January 11 to discuss the current political situation in the country. Party sources said the meeting will be held at AICC headquarters here. Following this Congress has called a meeting of the Opposition parties on January 13. Opposition parties will meet on January 13 in Parliament Annexe to discuss the current political situation and incident of violence against students. The opposition parties are meeting for joint strategy on the issue of Anti-CAA protests and alleged police brutality against the students. Ahead of the opposition meet, the CWC is meeting on Saturday on the same issues of interest against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The party has already supported the protest and showed solidarity with the demonstrations which is being spearheaded by student bodies. Sources say that Congress will come up with a detailed plan on this issue and a statement regarding ongoing unrest in the country and high handedness of the government. The party Chief Ministers are likely to oppose officially the present format of NPR but the final resolution will depend on CWC. The Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi has already condemned the violence and has sent a fact-finding team to the JNU. Sonia Gandhi in her statement had demanded a judicial enquiry into the JNU violence which took place on Sunday. She had said that the entire party stands in solidarity with the students. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Scott Patrick Carson Scholarship Program will offer two scholarships of $1,000 each PARK CITY, UT / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / Scott Patrick Carson is proud to announce the launch of his new scholarship program. The program will offer two scholarships of $1,000 USD each to students currently enrolled at a college or university in the U.S. or Canada. Scott Patrick Carson is the founder and CEO of MRP.io, a worldwide leader in the distribution of medical aesthetic devices. As a passionate entrepreneur, he hopes to help college and university students fund their education. In order to be eligible for this opportunity, applicants must fill out the online form and submit proof of enrolment in the form of a letter of acceptance, class schedule, or another supporting document. Applicants must also write and submit a 500-word essay that explains why they chose their program of study, what kind of career they hope to secure after graduation, and how the scholarship funds will help them achieve this goal. The deadline to apply for the Scott Patrick Carson Scholarship Program is March 1, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. The Scott Patrick Carson Scholarship Program's selection committee thanks all applicants for their submissions. Only successful candidates will be contacted. For more information and to apply for the scholarship, please visit https://www.scottpatrickcarsonscholarships.com/ About Scott Patrick Carson After several years working in the automotive industry in automotive dealership management and ownership, Scott Patrick Carson had the opportunity to work in the medical industry. After noticing inefficiencies in the medical device supply chain, he created a market to refurbish and redeploy used medical equipment. He went on to become the first and largest online reseller of capital medical equipment in the world. For more information, visit https://www.scott-patrick-carson.com/ Contact: Scott Patrick Carson apply@scottpatrickcarsonscholarships.com SOURCE: Scott Patrick Carson View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572444/Scott-Patrick-Carson-Launches-Scholarship-Program To the editor: Republicans who control state legislatures draw election district boundaries in a process called gerrymandering. Typically, they arrange small Republican majorities in a large number of districts and pack large numbers of Democrats in a few districts in order to retain a majority of Republican seats that do not reflect the distribution of Republicans and Democrats in the whole state. Fortunately, Michigan voters passed Prop 2 in 2018, a citizen initiated ballot proposal that establishes an independent commission of four Republicans, four Democrats, and five Independents to draw district lines fairly. But Republican lawmakers in the current GOP-controlled Michigan legislature are trying to undermine that. The Republican legislators will not criticize Trump for his laundering money from Russian oligarchs when U.S. banks would not lend him money because of his six bankruptcies. They will not criticize Trump for his subservience to Putin, Kim, Erdogen, Saudi Arabia, and other dictators while disrespecting our allies. They will not criticize him for trying to extort Ukraine to investigate the Bidens in order to get military aid to protect themselves from Russia approved long ago by Congress. They will not criticize Trump for his obstruction of the Mueller report; for his attempts to prevent people in the executive branch from testifying to Congress; and for asking Russia to interfere in the 2016 election. Republican legislators do not criticize the continual stream of lies that come from Trumps mouth and the mouths of the people that work for him every day. They have sold their souls, and all of us have to pay the price for Trump's deception and incompetence. Trump is nothing more than the head of a criminal enterprise who should be tried under the RICO statutes like the head of a Mafia family. Trump is not fit or worthy to be president or to hold any other public office. And those Republican legislators who will not hold him accountable for his disdain of the laws of our country are no better than he is and are also unfit for public office. RON PARMELE Midland Two days before flying home to San Francisco, I woke up to a single sentence in the Washington Post that raised the hairs on my neck: Airstrike at Baghdad airport kills Irans most revered military leader, Qassem Soleimani, Iraqi state television reports. As I landed at SFO, I feared going through Customs and Border Protection even though I am a born and raised U.S. citizen. Sitting on the airplane, I attempted compulsively to catch an update on the rapidly evolving situation with Iran as my cell phone vacillated between no service and one bar. I couldnt help but think about the fear that thousands of Iranian Americans felt in the immediate aftermath of President Trumps travel ban. In 2017, Trump signed a discriminatory executive order banning individuals from certain Muslim majority countries from entering the U.S. We flocked to the airports, set up a make-shift legal center, shut the airport down, and frantically tried to catch-up to an unexpected and unpredictable situation. On Sunday, as our plane taxied, I turned to my fiancee and calmly told her that when we go through customs, CBP may ask me questions and take me into a secondary detention area. I told her that I may lose access to my phone if CBP takes me to secondary. I gave her a list of names she should contact just in case. I reminded her that I had met with SFOs CBP director several months back as a representative of the Iranian American Bar Association and as a San Francisco Immigrant Rights Commissioner. We had toured the detention areas, and we learned about CBPs protocols. Despite all this, I did not feel calm. I feared that we had reached a point of no return and grave unpredictability vis-a-vis our president. In May 2018, President Trump unilaterally removed the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal, a globally lauded agreement that the world powers reached against all odds and after two years of painstaking negotiations. He upped the ante by instituting harsh economic sanctions without provocation and targeted Irans oil industry directly. Ever since, weve seen an increasingly dangerous military tit-for-tat that reached a seeming crescendo with Soleimanis assassination the first time since World War II the U.S. has eliminated a high ranking general of a sovereign nation. It is hard to perceive the decision to kill Solemani as anything other than crossing a red line. Imagine if the Iranian regime had killed Gen. David Petreaus. Soleimani was not only the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards elite Quds Force, but he was a revered religious and military icon throughout the Shiite Middle East. He is the second most prominent figure in Iran and commands a holy devotion in the Shiite Crescent from Lebanon to Afghanistan. Iran has already moved to expel U.S. troops from Iraq. Moreover, Iran announced it would no longer abide by its commitments under the nuclear deal while leaving the door slightly ajar to return to it. It is also likely that Iran will pursue nuclear capability based on existential considerations. Importantly, Iran has vowed to avenge Soleimanis death. So what will the Iranian regime do? And how will Trump respond? The situation remains volatile, unpredictable and at risk of spiraling into a war nobody seems to want. Aside from the risk of war that would eclipse the human and financial cost of the Iraq War, I am increasingly concerned about what will happen to Iranian Americans here in the U.S. On one extreme, if there is a war, will Trump decide to bring back internment by executive order? Short of internment, Iranian Americans are at risk of unlawful surveillance, national registry programs, hate crimes, overpolicing, employment discrimination and harassment. We lived through the post-9/11 NSEERS Muslim registry program. Here, in San Francisco, we saw the San Francisco Police Department and FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force violate our civil rights. Weve endured hate crimes on our homes and businesses. In November 2017, we saw an unarmed 25-year-old Iranian American named Bijan C. Ghaisar shot 10 times and killed by federal park police. In Southern California, a white supremacist killed 22-year-old student Shayan Mazroei in what amounted to a hate crime. Trump has issued executive orders based on hate and prejudice. He has emboldened white supremacists, anti-Semites and Islamophobes. And theres one question that continues to keep me up at night: If Trump is willing to use executive power to rip families apart with travel bans and children in cages, what will he do to Iranian Americans as tensions escalate with Iran? Nima Rahimi is an Iranian American attorney with a masters of science in global politics from the London School of Economics, a San Francisco Immigrant Rights Commissioner, and a current delegate to the California Democratic Party representing Assembly District 17. Many globally operating businesses will optimize their source language website for online search, yet they frequently neglect to optimize their translated and localized sites. CR Global Digital Marketing, an international SEO company, today announced that its founder would present at the 2020 GALA Conference in San Diego, California. In his March 16, 2020 presentation, Chris Raulf will share with attendees from the translation industry what tools and technologies are required to offer multilingual SEO to website localization customers. Additional information and registration are available by visiting https://www.gala-global.org/tools-and-technologies-offer-international-search-engine-optimization-website-localization-customers. The GALA Language of Business conferences welcomes all members of the translation and localization industry community. The non-profit trade association is a leading industry force in supporting their member companies and the language sector by building professional communities, sharing knowledge, and advancing best practices in the globalization sector. The four-day conference features several tracks and speakers from around the world. In a 45-minute presentation, global digital marketing expert Chris Raulf discusses why language service providers not only need to apply SEO best practices to their website and also how to offer international SEO to their website localization customers. Chris will share several tools and technologies that need to be part of this process. Attendees will learn proven and tested strategies that have helped many of Chris customers dramatically boost sales from their multilingual websites. Raulf notes, With a global market share of over 90%, people from around the globe turn to Google to find information on the Internet. Many globally operating businesses will optimize their source language website for online search, yet they frequently neglect to optimize their translated and localized sites. He adds: Any language service provider nowadays needs to be able to offer international SEO to website localization customers or they risk losing customers. The tools highlighted in Chris presentation play a critical role in completing multilingual SEO tasks such as keyword research, keyword transcreation, meta tags transcreation, global market research, and the ability to perform a basic technical site audit. Additional information, best practices, and resources are available by visiting https://chrisraulf.com/international-seo-blog/. About CR Global Digital Marketing CR Global Digital Marketing assists customers around the world with all of their digital marketing needs. Chris Raulf, the companys founder, is a global keynote speaker, and his international background makes him one of the few professionals in the industry who truly lives and breathes multilingual search engine optimization daily. The company has offices and training facilities in Denver and Boulder, Colorado, and in London, the UK, and offers highly effective and affordable SEO packages to businesses around the globe. Ankara and Moscow have called on the warring parties in Libya to reach a cease-fire agreement by midnight Jan. 12. The call, made in a joint statement by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, is a clear signal that neither power wants to lurch into confrontation in the oil-rich North African state where they are supporting opposing sides. The demand was made on the sidelines of a pomp-filled ceremony to inaugurate the TurkStream, an undersea pipeline that will carry natural gas from Western Siberian fields to Turkey and on to Europe. Erdogan seized the occasion to shower Putin with compliments, repeatedly calling the Russian leader "my valued friend and crediting him as the architect of the megaproject that will further intertwine the historic Black Sea rivals. This year we celebrate the 100th year of the establishment of relations with the Russian Federation. We harnessed a very special growth [in relations] with the esteemed Mr. Putin. Erdogans effusion was a further sign of efforts to appease Putin as Turkey finds itself facing mounting censure over its military intervention in Libya in favor of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA). Last week US President Donald Trump told Erdogan in a phone call that foreign interference is complicating the situation in Libya. The EUs foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell echoed Trump today, saying that external meddling was making Libyas crisis even worse. Erdogan revealed in a Jan. 5 interview with CNN Turk that Turkish forces have begun deploying to Libya. He insisted that the forces, who will be under the command of a Turkish lieutenant general, were being dispatched not for combat but for an advisory role. He did not offer any figures. In an obvious sop to Putin, he stressed that Turkey would not be involved in the so-called Berlin process to resolve the Libyan conflict unless Russia took part. The deployment follows authorization from the Turkish Parliament to send troops to the former Ottoman dominion. The move rests on a November agreement struck between Turkey and the GNA, led by the Muslim Brotherhood-friendly Fayez al-Serraj. Estimates vary but Turkey is believed to have transferred between 150 to 300 Sunni rebels from Syria to help the beleaguered Serraj fend off a recent offensive by the GNAs rival, eastern warlord Gen. Khalifa Hifter. Russia has been doing its fair share of meddling with an estimated 2,500 mercenaries affiliated with the private security firm Wagner on the ground to help Hifter. The latter is also backed by Turkeys regional foes the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia as well as by France. The United States and the European Union have increasingly embraced a hands-off approach as Hifters campaign has gained momentum since April. The push has freed space for Russia to wade in and tip the balance in his favor. On Monday, Hifters Libyan National Army announced it had entered Sirte, a key coastal city, seizing control of the al-Qaradabiya air base before advancing toward the city center. In todays speech, Erdogan reminded Putin, In recent times we have not allowed our differences in views to overshadow our common interests. This idea has held true in Syria, where Turkey and Russia have cut deals despite backing opposite sides. A similar balancing act will be difficult to strike in Libya, held as critical by Turkey in its drive for regional economic and political heft. Todays call for a cease-fire may be more of a bandage allowing both sides to win time, noted Kerim Has, a Moscow-based analyst of Russian-Turkish affairs. He believes that any appeals for Russia to withdraw its support for Hifter will fall on deaf ears because the current environment is squarely in the generals favor. Wolfram Lacher, a Libya analyst at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, believes there are various ways that Russia and Turkey could come to an understanding in Libya. But it will depend on the extent to which Turkey is prepared to increase its engagement, not for a battleground victory but rather to stabilize a balance of power in the field, Lacher told Al-Monitor. Erdogan has suggested that this is Turkeys aim, all with a view to achieving peace in Libya. More likely it's to win a seat at the table when the countrys future is being decided. Turkey is virtually the sole military power on the GNAs side, providing it with drones, armored vehicles and now men. But physical distance makes it hard to be effective. Libyas Maghreb neighbors Tunisia and Algeria have made it clear they will not allow themselves to become staging grounds for Turkish intervention. Should either Russia or Hifters most influential backer, the UAE, scent that Turkey is neither willing nor able to make the necessary push to restore battleground parity, it could prompt them to escalate further. Still, one thing Turkey and Russia could agree on is to reduce direct engagement in the battlefield and refrain from directly targeting each others assets, Lacher observed. If they are more ambitious they could think of an Astana-type framework. You could then have Russia and Turkey trying to preside over power-sharing negotiations or divide up areas of influence that would in some way cement the division. Astana refers to the Russian-led initiative with Turkey and Iran to allow the regime to reclaim rebel-held territory in exchange for Turkish license to pursue its Kurdish foes and to prevent a further influx of Syrian refugees. Lacher cautioned, however, This more ambitious understanding will be very difficult to achieve, not least because of the difficulty of getting the Libyan parties to to agree among themselves. The other hitch is that Russia will be loathe to alienate the UAE and Egypt. Has agreed, saying, An Astana-like arrangement in Libya seems unlikely because there are many more different players and the energy pie is far greater. The stakes are growing higher with Turkish claims on Eastern Mediterranean gas endorsed by the GNA in a maritime agreement, further escalating tensions with Egypt, Greece, Israel and Cyprus, who are bent on building a pipeline to carry the gas to Europe. Turkey has vowed to block the move, dispatching its own drill ships and naval escorts off Cyprus. Erdogans increasing appetite for risk, driven in part by an attempt to shore up his domestic standing, might well mean that Turkey will get further embroiled. That will pose a dilemma for the UAE, argues Oded Berkowitz, deputy chief intelligence officer at MAX Security, a geopolitical risk consulting firm. If and when Turkey decides to put bigger assets in place, attacking them will be difficult because the UAE has never admitted to helping Hifter, while Turkey is openly aiding the GNA on the basis of a formal agreement. As such, it's a gamble that benefits Turkey in the near term, Berkowitz told Al-Monitor. Berkowitz went on, If you look at every move that Turkey has made so far it's very, very rational. For example, they have a leverage point with Europe over everything that has to do with refugees, and their ability to officially intervene in Libya adds another point of leverage over everything to do with refugees. Turkey is making bold moves to increase its power significantly and it's making progress in this regard. Reuters Self-driving cars employ lidar, a remote sensing technology using pulsed laser light the way radar uses radio waves, and lidar makers waiting for the automotive market to take off are courting new customers who would use the technology for everything from monitoring cattle to helping a disc jockey synchronise dance music. Ouster, a San Francisco tech startup, is tapping new markets including delivery robots, disaster relief and even an approach from the disc jockey. Another Bay area startup, AEye, is talking to a bank that wants to monitor cattle growth to ensure the financial health of a rancher who is a loan customer. Alternative uses and customers are needed to keep revenue flowing at lidar startups waiting for the expected boom in self-driving cars, which still looks to be years away. We never took an exclusively automotive view of lidar, said Angus Pacala, Ouster chief executive and co-founder. We always expected to be operating in many different markets. Companies also are working to cut the cost of lidar sensors, currently anywhere from about $1,200 to more than $12,000. Lower prices will make lidar more attractive for new markets. Lidar pioneer Velodyne on Tuesday unveiled its smallest sensor to date called Velabit at a price tag of $100 (76.16 pounds). Chief Executive Officer Anand Gopalan said it was the first time Velodyne listed a lidar price in its press release because it wanted to show it has reached a level of scale both from a technology perspective and a manufacturing perspective." He said applications include driver assistance systems. China's DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer, also unveiled a low-cost suite of Livox lidar sensors at CES ranging in price from $599 to $999. The lower price makes them practical for markets beyond the robotaxi and self-driving truck markets. They can be used on robots that scrub floors, deliver groceries and mow the lawn, and on drones mapping fields, forests or construction sites. For smaller lidar companies backed by venture capital, developing new markets is key. Ouster has more than 550 customers in 50 countries, said corporate development head Raffi Mardirosian. In addition to small delivery robots and drones, its sensors are being used for disaster relief and rescue on robots that resemble small dogs, Pacala said. Ouster technology is also being used in security systems at nuclear waste facilities. Ouster CEO Pacala said the disc jockey customer "wanted to use our sensors in dance music contests to sense what the crowd is doing to help sync the music to the light show. A future application, Mardirosian said, could be some kind of super immersive virtual reality experience" such as "an automated tour of the Louvre. Ouster rival AEye is trying to focus on applications close to its core automotive business, according to Akram Benmbarek, head of business development. Those uses include automated trains, intelligent highways and smart cities, and machinery used in construction and mining. AEye has an inquiry from the bank looking to monitor its cattle rancher loan customer by scanning his cows in real time and tracking their growth." Our tech could handle that, said Benmbarek. But we really want to stay focused and prioritize opportunities that are aligned with our automotive road map. AEye also has been approached about using its sensors even farther afield, including to track performances at various sporting events where moving objects are hard to detect by other sensors, he said. (Also read: CES 2020: Sony reveals new Playstation 5 logo, confirms 2020 launch for next PS5 device Samsungs star labs unveils artificial human project Neon at CES 2020 CES 2020 is all in on surveillance tech from consumer gadgets to sensors, whether you like it or not CES 2020: The $999 Samsung Galaxy Chromebook is the latest premium chrome OS device Intel unveils Ghost Canyon NUC, a modular desktop gaming PC at CES 2020 CES 2020: Hyundai will unveil a concept electric aircraft developed with Uber) The threat of blowbacks from Iran could continue for years and may come in the form of covert or diplomatic action, an expert said on Wednesday. Jarrett Blanc, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, warned of a "further, overt response" if U.S. President Donald Trump "gloats" in a statement he is set to make on Wednesday morning stateside. Following a U.S. airstrike that killed Tehran's top commander Qasem Soleimani last week, Tehran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at bases housing American troops in Iraq early Wednesday morning local time. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter that Iran "took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense." But Blanc told CNBC's "Capital Connection" that this is unlikely to be the end of Iran's vowed retaliation. "I think it is almost inconceivable that this is the end of Iran's reaction," he said. "It might be the end of Iran's short-term reaction, it might be the end of Iran's overt reactions, but I think that there will continue to be blowbacks from Iran from the Soleimani assassination, whether that's covert action or certainly diplomatic action over the mid to long term," Blanc said. There's a "huge number" of directions that Iran can take, Blanc said. "They can certainly have their own assassination attempt. There could be a covert or terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in the region or elsewhere." He added that Tehran could continue to push the Iraqi government to force U.S. troops out of the country, though a "final decision" has not been made. A 3-Day programme held from 19th-21st December 2019, commencing with B2B meetings for exclusive delegation of women entrepreneurs from 4 African Nations looking at sourcing from India, kick-started the Celebrations for India ITME Society. This B2B event was attended by 52 Indian Companies with 462 meetings during the day including interaction with Indian Institutes & Associations resulting in business & MOUs for the student-faculty exchange programme and also a promise for an outbound delegation from India to Uganda. International Trade Centre (ITC), organized this 1st time initiative of bringing an all-women delegation to India in Partnership with India ITME Society. For the Society, completing its 40th Year of service, this activity was a step towards supporting women empowerment by encouraging entrepreneurship in the Textile Sector. Apart from Business, this 1st time overseas delegation was also treated to a special Heritage walk of GPO organised & initiated by Ms. Swati Pandey, Postmaster General, Govt. of India. Among the activities offered to the betterment of the industry & for enhancing the quality of Education in Textile Engineering, a special Technical session was organized by India ITME Society. The technical presentation on Digitization and sustainability Two drivers for the textile industry by Dr.-Ing. Yves-Simon Gloy, Adjunct professor in Clemson University & RWTH Aachen Institute of Textile Technology, Germany was well received by the academic community, attended by 180+ faculty & students from various Institutes like VJTI, ICT, DKTE, SNDT, NIFT, Kushal Institute, Bangladesh Textile Institute etc. Dr. Prof. Josphat Igadwa Mwasigi, MOI University, Kenya, alumni of PSG College of Engineering, Coimbatore also made presentation & discussed collaboration with Institutes paving way for a new partnership in sharing knowledge between India & Kenya. This also shall create an avenue for students to explore placement opportunities with multinational companies functioning in Africa. India ITME Society is not only about Textile & Textile Engineering, but functions as a culturally conscious organization promoting all aspect of India as a traditionally rich nation. To showcase rich textile heritage encaptured in our Postal stamps, India ITME Society organized philately exhibition for the invited guests from pan India & across the globe. Ms. Swati Pandey, Postmaster General, (Mumbai Region), Govt. of India, made a scintillating presentation on History of Indian Postal Service, educating audience about the services rendered by the Indian Postal Department even in the toughest of the tough conditions & how India Post plays a part not only in our heritage but also in our day to day lives even in todays digital times. Every invited guest, whether from India or overseas had a take away from India ITME Societys 40th-year programme. The various Textile & Textile Engineering Associations renewed their collaboration with India ITME Society through MOUs & also shared their experiences, suggestions & way forward to improve trade relations with their respective countries & organisations in a highly interactive Global Connect session in the afternoon session. H.E. Ms. Dorothy Tembo Deputy Executive Director, International Trade Centre, UN, spoke about the importance of Strengthening Bilateral Trade Relation with Neighbouring Countries. The evening celebrations continued into a glittering programme which was attended by Dignitaries, Diplomatic Missions, Govt. Officials, Industry Stalwarts, International & Domestic Media, presided over by Shri. P. Sathasivam, Former Chief Justice of India & Former Governor of Kerala, as the Chief Guest, H.E. Ms. Dorothy Tembo, Deputy Executive Director, International Trade Centre. UN spoke about the importance of Strengthening Bilateral Trade Relation with Neighbouring Countries. The evening celebrations continued into a glittering programme which was attended by Dignitaries, Diplomatic Missions, Govt. Officials, Industry Stalwarts, International & Domestic Media, presided over by Shri. P. Sathasivam, Former Chief Justice of India & Former Governor of Kerala, as the Chief Guest, H.E. Ms. Dorothy Tembo, Deputy Executive Director, International Trade Centre, UN, as the Guest of Honour, and Ms. Swati Pandey Postmaster General, Govt. of India, as Special Guest. India ITME Society extended the mood of celebration for both young & old, across the social & business segments. Certificate of merit & a cash prize of 1500 USD (1 Lakh INR) were awarded to the winners of the contests organized by India ITME Society in various categories. The evening brought together people from different walks of life, countries and culture, in knowledge, in business, in comradeship concluding the celebrations with live musical performance Pristine Harmonies. The road ahead shall be as challenging, as unpredictable, but India ITME Society shall continue to pursue and strengthen its capabilities to lead the Textile Industry & Textile Engineering to further heights through its ambitious and unique initiatives. Humility of Action, Integrity of Purpose and transparency of Conduct will be the key traits driving India ITME Societys growth and journey forward. 138 passengers on flight that crashed in Iran were headed for Canada: Trudeau Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says most of the passengers on the Ukraine International Airlines flight that crashed in Iran this morning, killing everyone aboard, were destined for Canada. "At least 63 Canadians were on board and a total of 138 passengers on that flight were connecting to Canada all people who won't be coming home to their parents, their friends, colleagues or their family," Trudeau told a press briefing in Ottawa this afternoon, hours after 176 people on Flight PS752 from Tehran to Kyiv including Canadian families, academics and students were killed. "While no words will erase your pain, I want you to know that an entire country is with you. We share your grief." Trudeau repeated his promise to make certain the crash one of the deadliest disasters involving Canadian citizens in decades is thoroughly investigated. He said Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne will soon speak with his Iranian counterpart to drive home that point. "Canadians have questions and they deserve answers," he said, flanked by Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Transport Minister Marc Garneau and Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance. Efrem Lukatsky/The Associated Press Neither Trudeau nor Garneau would speculate on the cause of the incident. Trudeau was asked if he could categorically say that the crash, which happened just hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. soldiers, was not shot down. "I cannot. It is too early to speculate," he said. At first, both Ukrainian and Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue brought down the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, but the Ukrainian Embassy in Iran later said any previous comments about the cause of the crash were not official. 'Something very unusual happened': Garneau Garneau, a former astronaut, says satellite data suggest the Boeing 737-800 aircraft took off normally, but officials lost contact with the flight almost immediately after. Story continues "We lost contact with it, suggesting that something very unusual happened, but we cannot speculate at this point," he said. "There are a number of possibilities and we will have to wait to obtain more information, perhaps from the black boxes or from other intelligence, but at this point it's too early to speculate." Canada's Transportation Safety Board said Iranian officials will lead the investigation and it will appoint a Canadian expert to receive and review information from the probe. "The TSB remains available to provide any technical assistance requested by Iranian and Ukrainian accident investigation bodies," says the agency's statement. Ukraine International Airlines, which has suspended flights to Tehran indefinitely, issued a statement saying the aircraft was built in 2016 and underwent its last scheduled maintenance Monday. The work of probing the cause of the crash and repatriating the bodies of the Canadians will be complicated by the fact that Canada severed diplomatic ties with Iran years back. "I think all sorts of issues will be hampered and, on top of that, it prevents Canada from mediating in this difficult situation that we're in right now," said Pouyan Tabasinejad, vice-president of the Iranian Canadian Congress. "The repatriation will take more time. Getting information and working with civilian aviation authorities in Iran is hampered." Situation evolving: foreign minister Champagne has called the situation "extremely fluid" and said the number of Canadians confirmed dead could change as more information becomes available, including news on dual citizens. "I have been in touch with my Ukrainian counterpart and will continue to speak to all relevant authorities," he said in a media statement. "We will continue to keep Canadians informed as the situation evolves." At least 27 people from Edmonton are believed to be among the dead. There are also reports of victims who lived in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. Marc Robichaud/CBC "We lost a significant portion of our community, and everybody in Edmonton that's of Iranian descent will know somebody that was on that flight," said Payman Parseyan, a member of the Iranian-Canadian community in the Alberta provincial capital. Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Vadym Prystaiko said Iranian, Ukrainian, Swedish, Afghan, British and German nationals were also aboard. Read more about the known victims: Ukraine's ambassador to Canada, Andriy Shevchenko, said his country is working with Iranian authorities on the ground to identify the bodies and help the families. "My heart is broken," he said. "We will have to go through this terrible pain together with our Canadian brothers and sisters." Ebrahim Noroozi/AP Trudeau said he spoke with number of leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who offered their condolences. So did domestic party leaders and premiers. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said the victims' families "deserve clear answers." "But whatever the cause, this is devastating," he said. "Love to their families, friends and communities, and to everyone touched by this tragedy." Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer called it the crash a "horrific tragedy," while Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde tweeted a reminder that "life is precious." "Today is a sad day for our country," said Scheer. Travel advisory for Canadians Global Affairs Canada says friends and relatives of Canadian citizens believed to be on board can contact Global Affairs' emergency watch and response centre. Canadian citizens in Iran requiring consular assistance should contact the Canadian Embassy in Ankara or call Global Affairs Canada's emergency watch and response centre. Canada is urging Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Iran "due to the volatile security situation [and] the regional threat of terrorism." "Canadians, particularly dual Canadian-Iranian citizens, are at risk of being arbitrarily questioned, arrested and detained," the warning adds. Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters "Iran does not recognize dual nationality and Canada will not be granted consular access to dual Canadian-Iranian citizens. Canadian-Iranian dual citizens should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Iran." The travel advisory does not mention the plane crash. Trudeau on U.S. action against Iran During his news conference on Wednesday, Trudeau confirmed that Canadian military personnel were present at an air base in Iraq hit by Iranian missile strikes Tuesday. "I can confirm that there were Canadians at the ... base in Erbil when the rockets landed but they are all safe," he said. When asked if he supported Trump's move to kill top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani with a drone strike last week, Trudeau said the decision was one for the U.S. to make. He did not say definitively whether he supports Trump's actions. "Canada has been aware of the threat posed by the IRGC on regional and local safety and security that is something we have long been aware of. The Americans made a decision based on their threat assessment," Trudeau said. After Tuesday's missile attack, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice outlining flight restrictions prohibiting U.S. civil aviation operators from flying in the airspace over Iraq, Iran and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Transport Canada followed up, tweeting that Air Canada the only Canadian air carrier that operates in the region covered by the U.S. notice has changed its routes in the region. A spokesperson for the airline said it's rerouting flights to Dubai and will make further adjustments as needed. "As a result of the current uncertain situation in the Middle East, like many international carriers Air Canada has taken precautionary measures," reads Air Canada's statement. "Air Canada has not used Iranian airspace since mid-last year. These latest adjustments relate to Iraq airspace, which we will now also avoid." Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images Its been a big week for big reversals, as the Trump administration scrambles to manage the fallout after a strike last week that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. On Monday, the Pentagon distributed, then announced as false, a letter to the Iraqi government that would have ended, after almost 17 continual years, the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq. On Tuesday, the president of the United States reluctantly walked back his threat to commit war crimes by bombing cultural sites in Iran. They are allowed to kill our people, Trump said before reporters in the White House. They are allowed to maim our people, theyre allowed to blow up everything that we have and theres nothing to stop them. We are, according to various laws, supposed to be very careful with their cultural heritage. And you know what, if thats what the law is, I like to obey the law. Though that last point could be contested his career before politics suggests a businessman that does not like to obey the law his comment is a major backpedal from his Saturday threat to strike 52 cultural sites in Iran, one for each of the Americans held during the hostage crisis following the 1979 revolution. Trump even doubled down on the threat, telling pool reporters on Sunday: Theyre allowed to kill our people. Theyre allowed to torture and maim our people. Theyre allowed to use roadside bombs And were not allowed to touch their cultural site? It doesnt work that way. As Human Rights Watch notes: Article 53 of Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions specifically prohibits any acts of hostility against cultural objects, including making such objects the target of reprisals. Trumps reversal on a topic he has expressed great interest in by pardoning and campaigning with accused U.S. war criminals and threatening to commit war crimes as a candidate in 2015 was likely influenced by pushback in his administration. On Monday, the Pentagon ruled out military strikes on cultural targets in Iran: We will follow the laws of armed conflict, said Defense Secretary Mark Esper. And on Sunday, CNN reported of widespread opposition within the administration to the presidents casual presentation of a situation that could make them complicit in a war crime. Max Verstappen's co-manager says the new contract with Red Bull was negotiated "fairly quickly". It is reported that the Dutch driver's salary has been doubled or even tripled as he ends speculation of a potential Mercedes switch with a deal through 2023. "Max, Jos and I agreed fairly quickly that this was the best choice," said Raymond Vermeulen, who co-manages Verstappen with the 22-year-old's father Jos. "We had the first non-committal conversation over dinner with Helmut (Marko) in Brazil," he told the Dutch publication Formule 1. "Then it was a process. We held several internal discussions with each other about the short, medium and long-term vision." Honda was a key part of the deal, as it is believed that the Verstappen camp has engineered an exit clause for if the Japanese manufacturer quits after 2021. "We have every confidence about Honda's development," Vermeulen said. "We think we have unfinished business with Red Bull and Honda. Red Bull helped us get into Formula 1 and we also have a fantastic commercial partnership, but the most important thing is to win. "Max also feels like a fish in water with the team," he added. (GMM) The Iranian missile attack on two US bases in Iraq is symbolic retaliation for the US assassination of General Qassem Soleimani on 3 January. Irans supreme leader Ali Khamenei said there would be direct action against the US by the Iranian armed forces, and this has now happened. The message is that the Iranian leadership wants to de-escalate the crisis; the initial tweet from the US president Donald Trump after the attack indicates that he wants the same thing. This does not mean that Iran will not respond later, using proxies to retain deniability and possibly against a US ally, as it did when making a devastating drone attack on Saudi oil facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais on 14 September. But even this type of low level guerrilla warfare is not inevitable, since Iran has shown in the past that it wants to avoid a full-scale war with a militarily superior US. The assassination of Soleimani clearly came as a shock to Tehran, and will have shaken confidence that Trump will not risk a war under any circumstances. After all, Soleimani paid with his life for miscalculating the degree of American anger over pin-prick Iranian attacks last year. Iran is more likely to seek to exploit the assassination for political gain, notably by increasing its influence in Iraq and acting through third parties. It will look to the Iraqi government, parliament and political parties to demand that the 5,200 US troops leave the country. They have been there since 2014 for the purpose of helping the Iraqi armed forces fight Isis but, from the moment General Soleimani was killed, have been looking to their own defence. Isis, seeking to revive itself after its destruction as a de facto state, is one clear beneficiary of the Soleimani assassination. US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Show all 35 1 /35 US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures This photo released by the Iraqi Prime Minister Press Office shows a burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq, early Friday 3 January AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures The wreckage of the car in which general Soleimani was travelling when a targeted US airstrike struck outside Baghdad International Airport on 3 January Ahmad Al Mukhtar via Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Demonstrators burn the US and British flags during a protest in Tehran after general Soleimani was killed in a targeted airstrike by American forces Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike. The Pentagon said Thursday that the US military has killed general Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, at the direction of Donald Trump AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters burn Israeli and US flags as thousands of Iranians take to the streets to mourn the death of general Soleimani at the hands of America EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of Donald Trump pray at an 'Evangelicals for Trump' campaign event held on the day following the killing of general Soleimani. At the event, the president praised the "flawless strike that eliminated the terrorist ringleader" AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A huge procession of mourners gather in Baghdad for the funeral of general Soleimani on 4 January AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Thousands of Iranians take to the streets to mourn the death of Soleimani during an anti-US demonstration to condemn the killing of Soleimani, after Friday prayers in Tehran, Iran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iraqis perform a mourning prayer for slain major general Qasem Soleimani of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards at the Great Mosque of Kufa AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A billboard reading 'Death to America and Israel', installed by Iran-backed shiite armed groups at a street in Jadriyah district in Baghdad, Iraq EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A handout picture provided by the office of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him visiting the family of Soleiman KHAMENEI.IR/AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Thousands of Iranians take to the streets in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shiite Muslims burn a mock of a US flag as they hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, outside the US Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iran's Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammed Jalal Feiruznia, looks to a portrait of Soleimani, as he receives condolences at the Iranian embassy, in Beirut, Lebanon AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures People make their way on the street while a screen on the wall of a cinema shows a portrait Soleimani in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Aziz Asmar, one of two Syrian painters who completed a mural following the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani poses next to his creation in the rebel-held Syrian town of Dana in the northwestern province of Idlib AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A demonstration in Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures An anti-US demonstration to condemn the killing of Soleimani, after Friday prayers in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Mujtaba al-Husseini, the representative of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivers a speech in the holy shrine city of Najaf AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shiite Muslims burn a mock of a US and Israeli flags as they hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, outside the US Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters demonstrate in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shi'ite Muslims hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, in Peshawar, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters, holding a photograph of the leader of the People's Mujahedin of Iran Massoud Rajavi, outside Downing Street in London PA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters burn a US flag in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A Syrian man offers sweets to children to mark the killing AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshippers attend a mourning prayer for Soleimani in Iran's capital Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Kashmiri Shiite Muslims shout anti American and anti Israel slogans during a protest AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshipers chant slogans during Friday prayers Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A protest against the USA, in Islamabad, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranians burn a US flag in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Germany (NWRI) protest outside Iran's embassy in Berlin, Germany Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Germany (NWRI) protest outside Iran's embassy in Berlin Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshippers in Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Vehicles of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol a road in the southern Lebanese town of Kfar Kila near the border with Israel. Following morning's killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani, Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement called for the missile strike by Israel's closest ally, to be avenged AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian women take to the streets in Tehran EPA Even if US troops stay for the moment, they will have a status near to that of hostages since many are in indefensible compounds in the middle of Iraqi military bases. The willingness of Iraqi security to defend American personnel is dubious, as was demonstrated when Iraqi troops in the Green Zone in Baghdad stood aside last week to let pro-Iranian paramilitary marchers enter the US embassy. Iran will already have made significant political gains from this crisis as long it does not now overplay its hand and seek to humiliate the US. Street protests in Iran sparked by a rise in fuel prices last November led to the security forces killing at least 304 protesters, according to Amnesty International. Who would have expected that the next big street event in Iranian cities would be millions of people gathering for the funeral of the second most important figure in the government that had been doing the killing? These were mourners, moreover, calling for vengeance against the US; protesters had previously blamed their leadership for wasting resources on foreign adventures such as those carried out by Soleimani. It is impossible to judge how far the Iranian leadership as been re-legitimised by the recent rising of tensions, but it is in a stronger position domestically to withstand the tough times resulting from US sanctions without the fear of a popular revolt. Recommended Iran will force Johnson to choose between the US and the EU In Iraq, there will be many who will be pleased to see the end of Soleimani, who ordered the violent repression of protests over jobs and government corruption since last October; since then, no fewer than 500 protesters have been killed and as many as 20,000 injured. But Iraqi protesters, too, have had the ground cut from under their feet because US interference in Iraq has just outpaced Iranian interference. Protesters will be accused of attacking a government that is seeking to defend Iraqi sovereignty. No Iraqi leader will want to be portrayed as pro-American. The pro-Iranian paramilitaries can present themselves as staunch patriots and not as Iranian proxies. Soleimani has done more for his country by his death than he ever achieved during two decades years as head of the Quds Force, the foreign operation arm of Irans Revolutionary Guard. From the US point of view, his assassination is proving counter-productive, leaving the government in Iran and its regional allies stronger than before. Gary Gene Sanderson, husband, father and long-time rancher in Grand Coulee, Washington, passed away at the age of 72 on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 Gary was born on February 19, 1947, in Coulee Dam, Washington, to Donald Pete and Winifred Sanderson. He graduated from Grand Coulee High School in 1965 and went on to receive his Bachelor of Finance degree from Washington State University in 1969. During this time Gary married Teresa Terry Dunning, and the family returned to ranching on the Sanderson homestead where he and Terry raised three daughters: Polly, Becky, and Jessica. Aside from ranching and farming, Gary loved to read and always enjoyed a good debate regarding current affairs, politics or anything he might have heard on NPR. He had a weakness for chocolate and would often bribe his children and grandchildren with sweets when no one was looking. Camping and fishing were also among his favorite past-times, and he was always looking for the next fishing hole where he might hook the big one. At the young age of 38, Gary accomplished his long-time desire to downhill ski. In the years to follow, he enjoyed family ski vacations where many evenings found him recounting stories of his speed and moves on the slopes. A celebration of Garys life will be held at the Coulee Dam Community Church Fellowship Hall on January 18, 2020, at 1 p.m. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, is assisting his family with services. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com for Gary's family. This notice will be in the hard copy of next week's Star. Red Crescent workers check the debris from the Ukraine International Airlines plane, that crashed after take-off from Iran's Imam Khomeini airport, on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran on Jan. 8, 2020. (Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters) Iran Says It Wont Give Black Box From Crashed Ukrainian Airliner to Boeing The head of Irans civil aviation organization said it wont give the black box from a Ukrainian plane that crashed in Tehran on Jan. 8 back to Boeing. The plane was a Boeing 737-800. It crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran at 6:10 a.m. local time. The semi-official Mehr news agency quoted the official as saying it was not clear which country Iran would send the black boxes to analyze the data, but it would not give them to Boeing. Iranian TV said the crash was due to unspecified technical problems, and Iranian media quoted a local aviation official as saying the pilot did not declare an emergency. The Ukrainian embassy to Iran initially said engine failure caused the crash but in a second statement said the causes of the crash hadnt been disclosed and said its initial comments werent official. Ukraines Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk, when asked at a briefing in Kiev if the plane could have been shot down, said people shouldnt speculate as the investigation into the crash was still ongoing. He added that Ukraine banned flights through Iranian airspace following the crash. Ukraine International Airlines, which owned the plane that crashed, also said it was suspending its flights to Tehran until further notice. UIA in close cooperation with the aviation authorities, takes all measures to determine the causes of the air accident. In parallel, the airline will be contacting the relatives of the passengers, providing all possible assistance in the current situation, the airline said in a statement. One of the engines of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini airport on Jan. 8, 2020, is seen in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. (Iran Press/Handout via Reuters) Ukraine International Airlines president Yevhenii Dykhne speaks during a news briefing following the crash of the Boeing 737-800 plane, flight PS 752, on the outskirts of Tehran, at the Boryspil International Airport, outside Kiev, Ukraine on Jan. 8, 2020. (Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters) The investigation would include aviation authorities in Ukraine and Iran, representatives from Boeing, representatives from the airline, and officials from the National Bureau of Air Accidents Investigation of Ukraine. It said the plane was built in 2016 and delivered to the airline by Boeing. The plane had maintenance performed on it on Jan. 6, it said. Four airline officials said the plane was one of the best planes in its fleet and that the pilots were very experienced. The officials spoke at a press conference in Kiev after the crash of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. Airline officials said there was no sign that anything was wrong before the plane took off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini airport and that it had last been routinely serviced on Jan. 6. Boeing said in a short statement after the crash: This is a tragic event and our heartfelt thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families. We are in contact with our airline customer and stand by them in this difficult time. We are ready to assist in any way needed. One hundred and seventy six people died in the crash, which left no survivors. Ukraine Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko confirmed the nationalities of those on board, which included 82 Iranian citizens, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, and 10 Swedes. Reuters contributed to this report. CLEVELAND, Ohio A Medina man pleaded guilty to a federal charge Wednesday after he told authorities that he was a missing Illinois boy who disappeared in 2011 at age 6. Brian Rini, 24, admitted in a federal courtroom in Cincinnati to an aggravated identity theft charge, which carries a mandatory penalty of two years in federal prison. Senior U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett will sentence Rini later this year, and prosecutors have agreed to drop false statements charges. Federal authorities said Rini claimed he was Timmothy Pitzen, a missing Aurora, Illinois boy, when police in Newport, Kentucky approached him on April 3, 2019. People reported him to police as he wandered the street, looking confused as if he needed assistance. Rini told an officer he was kidnapped as a child and he just wanted to go home, according to court records. A police officer officer took Rini to Cincinnati Childrens Hospital after he complained of abdominal pain. He reiterated his story to an FBI task force officer and said he had been held captive in a hotel room by two men and had been sexually and physically abused for years, filings stated. Rini refused to provide the agents with fingerprints but allowed them to take a swab from his cheek for DNA testing. That test showed he wasnt Timmothy. The DNA, however, did match Rini, who had his DNA on file from felony convictions in Medina County, including an 18-month prison stint for trashing a $400,000 Brunswick Hills home that he pretended to be interested in buying in order to gain access to the home. Records show Rini was released from prison on March 7, 2019. After the DNA test came back, Rini again insisted he was Timmothy, court records said. Investigators confronted him with the DNA test results and he admitted that he was not the missing boy. Rini said he learned bout the missing persons case from an episode of the ABC News magazine 20/20, officials said. He told investigators that he had just wanted to get away from his own family. Rini had also portrayed himself as the victim of juvenile sex trafficking on two other occasions. Both times his true identity was discovered through fingerprint identification, according to prosecutors. Family members told authorities he suffers from mental health issues. Timmothy vanished in 2011 after his mother, Amy Fry-Pitzen, pulled him out of kindergarten early one day, took him on a two-day road trip to the zoo and a water park, and then killed herself at a hotel. She left a note saying that her son was safe with people who would love and care for him, and added: You will never find him. If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Wednesdays crime and courts comments section. Read more: Medina man charged with impersonating missing Illinois boy Timmothy Pitzen Medina man accused of impersonating missing boy Timmothy Pitzen has history of lying about being sex crime victim, records show Medina man impersonated missing boy Timmothy Pitzen after watching 20/20 special on case, feds say A friend who left Mumbai for Bengaluru once joked after attending a protest on a short visit to her former city many years ago: Is it that the same 20 people protest against everything?! But after the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and some events before that, things have changed dramatically. Earlier protestors could march from Azad Maidan, opposite the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, to Flora Fountain or Hutatma Chowk and then march down Dadabhai Naoroji Road, flanked by stone buildings with covered archways. This was always a vibrant symbol of protest, till it was stopped by the High Court. It was here that journalists took out rallies demanding better wages. Often the marches ended near the state secretariat or Mantralaya near Hotel Samrat where the police would lathi-charge us for trying to go ahead to the government offices. It was outside the iconic Eros theatre that journalists protested the closure of the daily Indian Post for days and went on a hunger strike, it was here that Medha Patkar and hundreds of displaced people from the Narmada Valley would hold fast after fast. When I started out as a journalist in 1984, the city was different trade unions still mattered and protests were the norm. Bombay was recovering from the great textile mill strike in 1982 which propelled Datta Samant as the new leader of the workers. When the strike ended, many mills were closed and over 1.5 lakh workers were jobless. Politicians changed the law deviously to turn the sprawling mill area into prime real estate when it was meant to be used as a place to build affordable housing. The citys working-class identity metamorphosed into a business and service-oriented one, with glitzy hotels, high rises, and new office complexes coming up in central Mumbai, where the throbbing mills once existed. Although known for its commerce and industry, Mumbais past is tinted with a rich history of protests and events: This was the city where the Quit India movement was launched; where the Indian National Congress had its first meeting; which witnessed the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny in 1946 and which had a martyrs memorial at Hutatma Chowk to commemorate the 105 people who were shot dead during the Samyukta Maharashtra movement. One of the biggest protests was the massive march of Muslims after the Shah Bano judgement of the Supreme court which I covered in 1985. More protests in the 1990s came after the Srikrishna Commission report on the Mumbai riots was rejected by the Shiv Sena government; after journalist Nikhil Wagle was attacked; the massive protests after the firing in Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar in 1997 on Dalits who protested the desecration of a statue of B R Ambedkar. But the proliferation of pocket unions and a weakening of the working class culture led to diminishing voices, though Mumbai is still a city with a conscience as its reaction to provide relief and succour to the survivors of the 1992-93 riots showed. In 2018 and more recently there have been huge protests by farmers ending in Mumbai and that was when the city woke up to the harsh rural reality. Azad Maidan has been the epicentre of protest down the years, one of the largest being the anti-Danish cartoons rally but there have been many vociferous gatherings. Usually castigated for being apathetic, especially during elections, this time round the soul of the city has been stirred deeply by the events in the country. Massive displays of anger and protest have been witnessed since December 19, when the city poured into August Kranti Maidan, the site of the historic Quit India movement which was launched on August 8, 1942. There were more people than that day and what they were protesting was equally significant. Since then there have been several marches in the city including a big gathering at Azad Maidan, Carter Road, Mahim, and so on and it was not surprising that the city rose up spontaneously on the night of January 5 after the attack on Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU) in New Delhi. From the handful of youth who gathered holding up placards at 11 pm and started to occupy the Gateway of India area, the protests continued for a day till they were evicted by the police. For many years now, there has been a build-up of events be it the beef ban, the mob lynchings, the targeting of Muslims (and remember this is a city that has survived several communal riots) and it took the CAA and the violent events at JNU to provoke public outrage and articulate what was being felt deep within. Many people who came for the protests at August Kranti Maidan were students, and there were people who had never attended such protests but who felt it was time to speak up. The last time the Gateway of India witnessed a spontaneous gathering was a massive candlelight protest after the devastating 26/11 attack in November 2008. It is not only Mumbai but other cities too which have come out to protest not only the CAA but also the JNU attack, which was the flashpoint as it came after successive incidents of outrage at Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University. The straw that broke the camels back was JNU and connections have been made to Kashmir and the internet clampdown there. One student who held a placard Free Kashmir is now targeted for her crime of demanding basic rights for Kashmiris and police have filed a case against her. BJPs Kirit Somaiya, a former MP complained to the police, demanding action against this hapless youngster and former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is calling out the state government on allowing this lapse i.e. the poster which was carried at the protest. While the CAA and JNU attacks have sparked off large protests everywhere, the events in Kashmir where an internet ban is in place for over 150 days, and which has been reduced to a Union Territory, and Article 370 has been read down did not attract an immediate response. To the regret of Kashmiris under siege, the rest of India tacitly supported the central governments action. This young girl holding up a placard reflected what should have been a natural reaction to at least the internet shutdown, the arrests of political leaders and the silencing of a state. That she did so in Mumbai and is being defended by the government, and ironically the Shiv Sena as well, is a reminder of the upside-down world we live in. (Meena Menon is an independent journalist and author based in Mumbai) Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the authors own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH. Councillors at the Dundalk Municipal District January meeting heard that Tesco Ireland were not required to make a contribution towards the removal of the bridge at Hill Street in Dundalk, as they never followed up on phase 2 of the development, after the Tesco Extra was built on the Dublin Road. Members were discussing the planned Strategic Housing Development (SHD) planning application for 114 apartments and two retail units at Connolly's Field in Dundalk, between Tesco Extra and the Avenue Road, when the topic was raised. Due to the fact that the development is an SHD, the decision is made by An Bord Pleanala, with the local authority permitted to make submissions on the application. The development, which is being undertaken by Sprucefield Park Ltd, will include housing aimed at those over 55 years old. Among the issues councillors voiced at the meeting was potential flooding in the area and the issue of Hill Street Bridge. Removal of the bridge, the meeting heard, would be an important and needed development, for reasons including traffic, as well as mobility for the elderly who may move into the development. The meeting heard that there were two phases to the Tesco development. The first part was the removal of the old shopping centre and the construction of the new Tesco Extra. The second phase included removal of the Hill Street Bridge. Had it gone ahead, Tesco Ireland would have had to make a special contribution towards its removal. Since Tesco chose not to go ahead with phase 2, they were not required to make the contribution. Councillors agreed at the meeting that there should still be an aim to remove the bridge, with calls for a solution to be found to achieve this aim. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 08, 2020) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that its partner company Azincourt Energy Corp. ("Azincourt") has confirmed all relevant permits have been received for the upcoming 2020 winter diamond drilling program at the 25,000+ hectare East Preston Uranium Project located 50km southeast of Patterson Lake, in the Western Athabasca Basin, northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Bryson Drilling has been contracted for the winter 2020 drill program, under the guidance and supervision of Azincourt director Ted O'Connor, M.Sc., P.Geo, and Jarrod Brown, M.Sc., P.Geo, Chief Geologist and Project Manager with TerraLogic Exploration. Preston Uranium Project Map: http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/SYH-Patterson-Lake.pdf Road construction to the main camp began in December and work was on time and progressing rapidly before the holiday break. Road opening resumed on Monday, January 6, with the main crossing over the Mirror River scheduled for next week. The drill rig is expected to begin mobilization sometime later this week with the commencement of the drill program anticipated to begin later in the month. As detailed in the December 4, 2019, Company news release, drill target prioritization has been completed based on compilation of results from the 2019 winter drill program and 2018 and 2019 ground-based EM and gravity surveys, and property-wide helicopter-borne Versatile Time-Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM Max) and magnetic surveys. The proposed approximately CAD $1.2 million drill program will focus on prospective targets in the Five Island Lakes area with 2,000m to 2,500m in up to 15 holes of diamond drilling at up to 10 pad locations. The majority of proposed holes will test multiple subparallel EM conductors (A-zone and B-zone conductor corridors) in an area of marked structural disruption. Portions of the A-zone were drilled during the 2019 winter campaign verifying that the conductor hosts significant graphite in strongly deformed (sheared) host rocks that offer both fluid pathways and a reducing host rock conducive to uranium deposition. Initial drilling is also proposed for the Swoosh zone, a 7+ km long east-west structural lineament with strongly anomalous, spatially consistent geochemical anomalies (lake sediments, radon, soil) and coincident magnetic and gravity geophysical anomalies. Two holes are proposed for this area near the upstream terminus of the geochemical anomalies. This zone is located along strike approximately 5 km southwest of the A-zone. 2020 Drill Targets - East Preston Uranium Project http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/2020-Drill-Targets-East-Preston-Uranium-Project.pdf Option Agreement: Skyharbour and Dixie Gold Inc. entered into an Option Agreement (the "Agreement") with Azincourt whereby Azincourt has an earn-in option to acquire a 70% working interest in a portion of the Preston Uranium Project known as the East Preston Property. Under the Agreement, Azincourt has issued common shares and will contribute cash and exploration expenditure consideration totaling up to CAD $3,500,000 in exchange for up to 70% of the applicable property area over three years. Of the $3,500,000 in project consideration, $1,000,000 will be in cash payments to Skyharbour and Dixie Gold, as well as $2,500,000 in exploration expenditures over the three-year period. Project Location - Western Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/Project-Location-Western-Athabasca-Basin-Saskatchewan-Canada.pdf About East Preston: Extensive regional exploration work at East Preston was completed in 2013-14, including airborne electromagnetic (VTEM), magnetic and radiometric surveys. Three prospective conductive, low magnetic signature corridors have been discovered on the property. The three distinct corridors have a total strike length of over 25 km, each with multiple EM conductor trends identified. Ground prospecting and sampling work completed to date has identified outcrop, soil, biogeochemical and radon anomalies, which are key pathfinder elements for unconformity uranium deposit discovery. Azincourt completed a winter geophysical exploration program in January-February 2018 that generated a significant amount of new drill targets within the previously untested corridors while refining additional targets near previous drilling along the Swoosh corridor. Ground-truthing work confirmed the airborne conductive trends and more accurately located the conductor axes for future drill testing. The gravity survey identified areas along the conductors with a gravity low signature, which is often associated with alteration, fault/structural disruption and potentially, uranium mineralization. The combination/stacking of positive features has assisted in prioritizing targets. The Main Grid shows multiple long linear conductors with flexural changes in orientation and offset breaks in the vicinity of interpreted fault lineaments - classic targets for basement-hosted unconformity uranium deposits. These are not just simple basement conductors; they are clearly upgraded/enhanced prospectivity targets because of the structural complexity. The targets are basement-hosted unconformity related uranium deposits similar to NexGen's Arrow deposit and Cameco's Eagle Point mine. East Preston is near the southern edge of the western Athabasca Basin, where targets are in a near surface environment without Athabasca sandstone cover - therefore they are relatively shallow targets but can have great depth extent when discovered. The project ground is located along a parallel conductive trend between the PLS-Arrow trend and Cameco's Centennial deposit (Virgin River-Dufferin Lake trend). In early 2019 Azincourt conducted a small initial diamond drill program totaling 552m. The results confirmed the prospectivity of the East Preston project, as basement lithologies and graphitic structures intersected at East Preston were found to be very similar and appear to be analogous to the Patterson Lake South-Arrow-Hook Lake/Spitfire uranium deposit host rocks and setting. Qualified Person: The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Richard Kusmirski, P.Geo., M.Sc., Skyharbour's Head Technical Advisor and a Qualified Person. About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.: Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium and thorium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with six drill-ready projects. Skyharbour has acquired from Denison Mines, a large strategic shareholder of the Company, a 100% interest in the Moore Uranium Project which is located 15 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine. Moore is an advanced stage uranium exploration property with high grade uranium mineralization at the Maverick Zone with drill results returning up to 6.0% U 3 O 8 over 5.9 metres including 20.8% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. Skyharbour has signed option agreements with Orano Canada Inc. and Azincourt Energy whereby Orano and Azincourt can earn in up to 70% of the Preston Project through a combined $9,800,000 in total exploration expenditures, as well as $1,700,000 in total cash payments and Azincourt shares. Preston is a large, geologically prospective property proximal to Fission Uranium's Triple R deposit as well as NexGen Energy's Arrow deposit. The Company also owns a 100% interest in the Falcon Point Uranium Project on the eastern perimeter of the Basin which contains a NI 43-101 inferred resource totaling 7.0 million pounds of U 3 O 8 at 0.03% and 5.3 million pounds of ThO 2 at 0.023%. The project also hosts a high-grade surface showing with up to 68% U 3 O 8 in grab samples from a massive pitchblende vein, the source of which has yet to be discovered. The Company's 100% owned Mann Lake Uranium project on the east side of the Basin is strategically located adjacent to the Mann Lake Joint Venture operated by Cameco, where high-grade uranium mineralization was recently discovered. Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions. Skyharbour's Uranium Project Map in the Athabasca Basin: http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/SYH_Landpackage_2014.jpg To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd.. SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD. "Jordan Trimble" Jordan Trimble President and CEO For further information contact myself or: Simon Dyakowski Corporate Development Skyharbour Resources Ltd. Telephone: 604-687-3800 Toll Free: 800-567-8181 Facsimile: 604-687-3119 Email: info@skyharbourltd.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Navin Fluorine International share price jumped more than 6 percent to a 52-week high of Rs 1,083.95 on BSE on January 8. The company got traction following the announcement that after current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) capacity addition, its Dewas plant in Madhya Pradesh had commenced commercial production from January 6. The Dewas facility is the hub of the firms CRAMS activities. In December, the company had announced a Rs 450-crore investment in a new project in Gujarats Dahej. The company was planning a capex programme at Dahej through a wholly-owned subsidiary with an estimated aggregate capital outlay of more than Rs 450 crore over the next three-four years, it told BSE. At a meeting on December 12, the board approved a capital expenditure of around Rs 90 crore for site development and infrastructure for greenfield projects at Dahej through a wholly-owned subsidiary, to be incorporated. Shares of Navin Fluorine International were trading 2.96 percent higher at Rs 1,052 on BSE at 0940 hours. He found fame himself in the Love Island villa during the show's 2018 series, which he later won with ex-girlfriend Dani Dyer. And now Jack Fincham seems to be eyeing up another stint on the dating series, in the hope of striking up a romance with Love Island newcomer Shaughna Phillips. The former pen salesman teased he's on his way to South Africa after learning the beauty name dropped him as her celebrity crush in her pre-show interview, as she prepares to make her debut in the show's first winter series. Someone's keen: Jack Fincham has teased he is on his way to South Africa after learning Love Island newcomer Shaughna Phillips name dropped him as her ideal man Taking to Instagram, Jack shared a screenshot of Shaughna's interview, where she claims the Essex star is her ideal man. Asked who is her celebrity crush, Shaughna replied: 'Jack Fincham is a bit of me on toast!' Suggesting that the feeling is definitely mutual, Jack added a heart-eyed emoji, tagged the islander and wrote: 'Well @shaughnaphillips I'm gonna have a look at flights to South Africa now.' Jack knows all too well what to expect on the much-loved ITV2 show, as he headed into the villa two summers ago and fell for EastEnders star Danny Dyer's daughter, Dani. On his way: Jack joked he was off to look at flights to South Africa, while sharing a screengrab of Shaughna's interview to his Instagram story on Wednesday The pair were crowned Love Island winners in 2018 and moved in with each other, shortly after arriving back into the UK, once filming had wrapped. While Dani rekindled her romance with ex-boyfriend Sammy Kimmence, who she had dated prior to her Love Island debut, Jack appeared on E4 series Celebs Go Dating in the hope of finding love again. On the show he candidly discussed his split from Dani and insisted he wishes his former flame 'nothing but the best'. Jack told dating experts Anna Williamson and Paul C Brunson: 'If we had lived in Love Island forever, we'd have been fine. We rushed it straight away, we moved in together. I did want to, but I wish we had waited. 'I let her rush me a little bit. We had a genuine connection in there and I think anyone can see that.' Round two? Jack previously starred on Love Island's 2018 series where he was crowned a winner alongside his ex-girlfriend Dani Dyer, who he split from last year Jack shared his desire to move on, as he continued: 'Honestly, and I mean this, I wish her all the happiness in the world. I'm not a bitter person... one hundred per cent I'm over Dani and now I want to go and meet someone.' Meanwhile, fans are gearing up for the first ever winter series of Love Island, with the show heading to South Africa with a brand new cast of islanders. Shaughna leads the glamour in the villa this time round, alongside Lewis Capaldi's ex-girlfriend and former Britain's Got Talent star Paige Turley and Rochelle Humes' lookalike younger sister, Sophie Piper. Stunning: Democratic services officer Shaughna leads the glamour in the villa this time round Here come the girls! She joins the likes of Lewis Capaldi's ex-girlfriend and former Britain's Got Talent star Paige Turley (L) and Rochelle Humes' lookalike younger sister, Sophie Piper (R) Rochelle acknowledged her sister's addition to the lineup in a recent Instagram post and penned: 'Good luck baby sis. Bring us back a keeper,' while her husband Marvin Humes joked: 'Is this how far @rochellehumes will go to make me watch Love Island?! [Crying laughing emoji] Good luck Soph x.' Laura Whitmore will host proceedings this time round, following Caroline Flack's decision to step down from series six amid her assault charge, and will present both the main show and ITV2 spin-off Aftersun. Her boyfriend Iain Stirling provides voiceover for the series and referencing their relationship while confirming her addition to the show, Laura joked: 'The Love Island team are the best in the business including the voice and heart of the show, Iain. 'He thought he was getting a holiday away from me...not a chance.' A judge has prohibited five online retailers from selling flavored vape products in Massachusetts, while a lawsuit continues by Attorney General Maura Healey. The Massachusetts Legislature in November banned the sale of flavored tobacco products. Healey filed a lawsuit last month suing eight out-of-state online vaping retailers for continuing to sell flavored vape products to Massachusetts consumers. She also said the online sellers were not taking measures to make sure that anyone purchasing a tobacco product online was over 21. She asked for preliminary injunction to prevent the sale the banned products during litigation. After a hearing Tuesday, Suffolk Superior Court Judge Linda Giles issued an injunction against five of the companies, prohibiting them from selling or advertising flavored tobacco products to Massachusetts consumers, and from mailing any e-cigarettes to Massachusetts consumers without requiring a signature certifying that the person accepting the package meets the minimum legal sales age. In Massachusetts, only consumers over 21 can purchase tobacco products. The companies are: Fuggin Vapor Co. in Florida; Lan & Mike International Trading Inc., which does business as VaporDNA, in California; Level Up Vapor in Kansas; IPurchase Online, which does business as Vape Society Supply, in Nevada; and 2nd Wife Vape LLC in Texas. Healey is still in the process of serving the other three companies: Ejuiceconnect.com, Suorin USA, and Next Day Vapes. Healey said in her lawsuit that these companies were targeting minors by selling products like unicorn frappe, gingerbread dude, Maui mango and melon bubblegum flavored vapes. (Alliance News) - UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plan to negotiate Britain's post-Brexit trade arrangements with the EU by the end of this year is unrealistic, making an extension or partial agreement necessary, the European Commission president said Wednesday. "Without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020, you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnership," Ursula von der Leyen said in a speech at the London School of Economics & Political Science. "We will have to prioritize," she said, adding that the start of Britain's formal withdrawal from the EU on January 31 will be "a tough and emotional day". Despite the difficulties, von der Leyen said she expects London and Brussels to remain "the best of friends and partners" after Brexit. Copyright dpa Internet celebrity economy favored by stock market By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2020-01-08 16:32 Concept stocks derived from the Internet celebrity economy have recently become hot cakes on the capital market. Yinli Media, a company that has produced such reality shows as Running Man and Where Are We Going, Dad, has harvested eight daily limit boards in 10 trading days. Why is the capital city eyeing the Internet celebrity economy concept stocks? The Internet celebrity economy cannot be deemed merely as concept hype, according to Kong Rong, a chief analyst from Everbright Securities. As she observed, the Internet celebrity economy has entered the 3.0 era, as new opportunities emerge because of short videos, live broadcasts, e-commerce, and advertising. What lies behind the phenomenon is the transformation in the video industry and the maturity of the business models of the Internet celebrity economy. (More e-commerce companies choose to sell products via live stream broadcasting.) As statistics on chinadatapay.com shows, Chinese male beauty blogger Li Jiaqi, who livestreams reviews of lipstick on live broadcasting platforms, earned nearly 200 million yuan (28.8million USD) in 2019, and online star Li Ziqi, who shares videos of her rural life online, earned 160 million yuan (23million USD) last year. If we take net profit indicators for listed companies in 2018, that means 2,123 Chinese companies earned less than Li Ziqi. To put it in another way, over 60% of A-share companies in China were out-earned by an Internet star, in terms of profitability. (Li Ziqi) (Li Jiaqi) The new economys popularity in the capital market has also spread to the ears of many practitioners in the industrial chain. Peng Chao, who is in charge of an Internet celebrity service platform in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, has many people turning to him for advice. People want to figure out the logic behind the Internet celebrity economy and find investment opportunities in the industrial chain. According to some industrial insiders, the boom of live-broadcasting e-commerce has indeed broken the ceiling of profit for many MCN (Multi-Channel Network) institutions since 2019. However, for the time being on the A-share market, there is still a lack of leading companies in the Internet celebrity economy. Investors should avoid the risk of short-term overheating. Actually, the best MCN institution has not gone public yet, said a business insider. He expects to see more qualified MCN institutions on the A-share market. New Delhi: Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University has released recruitment notification for Assistant Professor posts in the Departments of Economics, Statistics, History, English, Journalism, Political Science, Sociology and Hindi. LSR, DU Recruitment notification is released to fill the respective positions on the Ad-hoc basis. All interested and eligible candidates need to visit the official website of Lady Shri Ram College, i.e. lsr.edu.in to apply online. The last date to apply online for the respective posts is February 3, 2020. A total of 78 vacant positions of Assistant Professor are going to be filled through this recruitment drive in various departments. Out of all vacancies, 11 vacancies are Economics, 1 for Computer Application, 4 for Commerce, 13 for Political Science, 5 for Philosophy, 1 for Psychology, 6 for Sociology, 4 for Sanskrit, 2 for EVS, 5 for Elementary Education, 5 for Journalism and English and 6 for History. Candidates belonging to General, EWS and OBC category need to pay the application fee of Rs 500 while SC, ST and PWD category candidates are exempted from the application fee payment. In order to apply for the Assistant Professor post, candidates need to have Master Degree in the relevant subject with 55 percent marks from a recognized university. In addition, candidates need to have cleared the UGC NET or CSIR exam. Candidates can click on the below mentioned direct link to check department-wise eligibility criteria and vacancy details for the post of Assistant Professor. LSR Recruitment Notification for Assistant Professor Post Direct Link Donald Trump appeared to stumble and slur his way through a scripted address, including failing to say the word "tolerated", in his response to Iran's attacks on two US bases in Iraq. He told Iran that its "campaign of terror, murder, mayhem, will not be 'tolerited' any longer". He also suggested former president Barack Obama's administration paid for the missiles used by Iran in last night's attack. US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Show all 35 1 /35 US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures This photo released by the Iraqi Prime Minister Press Office shows a burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq, early Friday 3 January AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures The wreckage of the car in which general Soleimani was travelling when a targeted US airstrike struck outside Baghdad International Airport on 3 January Ahmad Al Mukhtar via Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Demonstrators burn the US and British flags during a protest in Tehran after general Soleimani was killed in a targeted airstrike by American forces Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike. The Pentagon said Thursday that the US military has killed general Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, at the direction of Donald Trump AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters burn Israeli and US flags as thousands of Iranians take to the streets to mourn the death of general Soleimani at the hands of America EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of Donald Trump pray at an 'Evangelicals for Trump' campaign event held on the day following the killing of general Soleimani. At the event, the president praised the "flawless strike that eliminated the terrorist ringleader" AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A huge procession of mourners gather in Baghdad for the funeral of general Soleimani on 4 January AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Thousands of Iranians take to the streets to mourn the death of Soleimani during an anti-US demonstration to condemn the killing of Soleimani, after Friday prayers in Tehran, Iran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iraqis perform a mourning prayer for slain major general Qasem Soleimani of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards at the Great Mosque of Kufa AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A billboard reading 'Death to America and Israel', installed by Iran-backed shiite armed groups at a street in Jadriyah district in Baghdad, Iraq EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A handout picture provided by the office of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him visiting the family of Soleiman KHAMENEI.IR/AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Thousands of Iranians take to the streets in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shiite Muslims burn a mock of a US flag as they hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, outside the US Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iran's Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammed Jalal Feiruznia, looks to a portrait of Soleimani, as he receives condolences at the Iranian embassy, in Beirut, Lebanon AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures People make their way on the street while a screen on the wall of a cinema shows a portrait Soleimani in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Aziz Asmar, one of two Syrian painters who completed a mural following the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani poses next to his creation in the rebel-held Syrian town of Dana in the northwestern province of Idlib AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A demonstration in Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures An anti-US demonstration to condemn the killing of Soleimani, after Friday prayers in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Mujtaba al-Husseini, the representative of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivers a speech in the holy shrine city of Najaf AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shiite Muslims burn a mock of a US and Israeli flags as they hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, outside the US Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters demonstrate in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shi'ite Muslims hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, in Peshawar, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters, holding a photograph of the leader of the People's Mujahedin of Iran Massoud Rajavi, outside Downing Street in London PA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters burn a US flag in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A Syrian man offers sweets to children to mark the killing AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshippers attend a mourning prayer for Soleimani in Iran's capital Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Kashmiri Shiite Muslims shout anti American and anti Israel slogans during a protest AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshipers chant slogans during Friday prayers Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A protest against the USA, in Islamabad, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranians burn a US flag in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Germany (NWRI) protest outside Iran's embassy in Berlin, Germany Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Germany (NWRI) protest outside Iran's embassy in Berlin Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshippers in Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Vehicles of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol a road in the southern Lebanese town of Kfar Kila near the border with Israel. Following morning's killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani, Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement called for the missile strike by Israel's closest ally, to be avenged AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian women take to the streets in Tehran EPA Mr Trump claimed that "the missiles fired at us last night were paid for by the funds made available by the last administration" through the unfreezing of Iranian funds and lifting of sanctions against the country in exchange for curbing its nuclear capacity. The Trump administration withdrew from that agreement in 2018, igniting tensions between the two countries. Flanked by military officials and Vice President Mike Pence, the president delivered a relatively swift address claiming that Iran was "standing down" and reported no American or Iraqi casualties and only "minimal damage" following last night's missile attacks. WASHINGTON The Democratic presidential candidate Michael R. Bloomberg released a job creation plan on Wednesday that frames Americas economic divide primarily in regional terms and not along the rich-versus-everyone-else class lines favored by his more populist rivals. Aides said Mr. Bloomberg, a former mayor of New York, saw an effort to close the gap between so-called superstar regions like Silicon Valley and slower-growing areas like Akron, Ohio, as the best way to ensure that the economy delivered prosperity to Americans up and down the income distribution chain. The focus also allows Mr. Bloomberg, who is a billionaire, to take a view of inequality that largely skirts the criticism that the very rich wield outsize power and influence in an era of extreme income and wealth concentration in America. Other Democratic candidates, led by Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, have centered their campaigns on stripping economic wealth and power from rich individuals and corporations and redistributing it more evenly. They have accused Mr. Bloomberg of trying to buy his way into contention by spending millions of dollars from his personal fortune the type of wealth they are targeting on advertising. I ran has launched a series of missiles at two Iraq bases where US troops are stationed in retaliation over the killing of top general Qassem Soleimani. Iranian state TV said the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the Revolutionary Guard General, who was killed in a US drone strike last week. The Revolutionary Guard warned the US and its allies against retaliating as tensions escalated following the strikes on the Ayn al Asad airbase and the Erbil base the early hours of Wednesday. An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ayn al Asad airbase in Iraq (via REUTERS) / via Reuters The Pentagon confirmed that Iran had launched "more than a dozen ballistic missiles" at two targets hosting against US military and coalition forces. Defence Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said the attacks "targeted at least two Iraqi military bases" at Ayn al Asad and Erbil. Loading.... There were no immediate reports of any injuries in the two strikes, which unfolded at about 1.30am local time on Wednesday (10.30pm UK time). In the early hours of Wednesday, a Ukrainian passenger plane carrying 176 people has crashed and burst into flames shortly after taking off in Irans capital, Tehran. There are no survivors, Iranian state television reported after the aircraft came down in the early hours of Wednesday. It was not immediately clear whether the incident near the citys primary international airport is linked to the Iran-US confrontation. Soleimani's killing and the strikes by Iran came as tensions have been rising steadily across the Middle East after Mr Trump's decision to unilaterally withdraw the US from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. US troops outside the Ayn al Asad in Iraq (file image) / AP They also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two enemies, which have been at odds since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Soleimanis funeral on Tuesday in his hometown of Kerman prompted angry calls to avenge his death, which drastically raised tensions in the Middle East. Qasem Soleimani funeral in Iran 1 /24 Qasem Soleimani funeral in Iran An Iranian man reacts during a gathering to mourn General Qasem Soleimani VIA REUTERS Mourners wave flags as they gather during the funeral procession of slain Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani AFP via Getty Images Mourners gather during the funeral procession of slain Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis (image), Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and eight others in the Iraqi central city of Karbala AFP via Getty Images Thousands of Iraqis chanting "Death to America" today as they mourned an Iranian commander and others killed in a US drone attack AFP via Getty Images Mourners gather in the Iraqi central city of Karbala AFP via Getty Images Mourners take part in the funeral procession of slain Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani AFP via Getty Images Iranians gather to mourn General Qasem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, who was killed in an air strike at Baghdad airport, in Tehran, Iran VIA REUTERS A mourner holds up a picture AFP via Getty Images Thousands of Iraqis chanting "Death to America" today as they mourned an Iranian commander and others killed in a US drone attack AFP via Getty Images Mourners chant slogans against the U.S. during the funeral of Iran's top general Qasem Soleimani, AP Iran has vowed "harsh retaliation" for the US airstrike near Baghdad's airport AP Mourners carry the coffins of Iran's top general Qasem Soleimani AP Mourners carry the coffin of slain Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis AFP via Getty Images People attend a funeral procession for Iranian Major-General Qasem Soleiman VIA REUTERS An aerial view shows mourners attending a funeral ceremony for Gen. Qasem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani and his comrades who were killed in Iraq by a U.S. drone strike, are carried on a truck surrounded by mourners AP Mourners carry the coffins of Iran's top general Qasem Soleiman AP Iran has vowed "harsh retaliation" for the U.S. airstrike near Baghdad's airport AP "We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted," The Guard said following the strike. Ayn al Asad (also known as Ain Assad) air base is in Iraq's western Anbar province. It was first used by American forces after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Dictator Saddam Hussein. It later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. Mr Trump and top national security officials have justified the airstrike that killed Solemani with general statements about the threat he posed. The top general commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. "He's no longer a monster. He's dead," Mr Trump said earlier on Tuesday. "And that's a good thing for a lot of countries. He was planning a very big attack and a very bad attack for us and other people and we stopped him and I don't think anybody can complain about it." Soleimani was targeted while he was at an airport in Baghdad with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a veteran Iraqi militant who also was killed. Listen to today's episode of The Leader: A stolen picture of a Highland cow allegedly links a man charged with a spate of burglaries, the High Court has heard. Prosecutors claimed the framed portrait of cattle taken from one of the houses was later discovered at an address used by Eugene Smyth. The 32-year-old is also accused of stealing three cars during a spree of domestic break-ins at locations in south Belfast and Co Antrim. A Hyundai vehicle taken from the home of a 74-year-old man was later used in a subsequent raid at another location days later, it was alleged. Smyth, of Bleach Green Terrace in Belfast, denies four counts of burglary and further charges of making off without payment, theft from a vehicle, fraud by false representation, tampering with a vehicle, and driving while disqualified. His barrister described the case against him as "perilously weak". The house raids were carried out dates between August 14-19 last year. A pensioner living at Ardmore Park in Belfast reported that a Hyundai ix35, laptop, cash, scrap gold and electric razor had been taken after he went to bed, the court heard. According to the prosecution the victim's car was driven to the scene of a second burglary at Feldon Close, Newtownabbey, where a Vauxhall Insignia, television set and cash were stolen. Within hours two further properties on the Tullyrusk Road in Crumlin were targeted. A Range Rover Evogue, jewellery, clothing and phones were allegedly taken from one of those addresses. In a separate break-in at a neighbouring house the framed picture of a Highland cow was stolen along with another television set, whiskey, crystal and kitchen appliances. "The picture becomes relevant because it was recovered during a search at Bleach Green Terrace," a Crown lawyer submitted. She claimed Smyth's DNA profile was also recovered from the steering wheel of the stolen Hyundai. Opposing bail, she argued that all of the burglaries involved a similar modus operandi. Mr Justice O'Hara asked: "Was there any explanation in interviews why the picture of the Highland cow with horns was in (the Bleach Green Terrace address)?" Defence counsel Joe Brolly questioned if it was even the stolen portrait, and insisted other people frequent the location where it was discovered. He told the court that only a mixed and partial DNA profile was obtained from the car, suggesting it could have got there through contamination. "This case is perilously weak... there's zero evidence linking this accused to any of this," Mr Brolly claimed. "The prosecution says there's a similar modus operandi, but I don't know what that means. "Is it like the man who appears in the night and leaves a box of Black Magic on a window sill?" But disagreeing with the defence assessment, Mr Justice O'Hara refused bail. He said: "I don't accept the Crown case is perilously weak." Amid calls, including from some Bharatiya Janata Party functionaries, to boycott Bollywood star Deepika Padukone's upcoming movie Chhapaak for her visit to Jawaharlal Nehru University, the Union government said on Wednesday that not just artistes, even a common man can go anywhere to express their opinion in a democracy like India. IMAGE: Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone joins students protesting against the violence in JNU at the university campus in New Delhi on Tuesday. Photograph: ANI Photo Nobody objected to such expression of opinions, Union minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters when asked at a Cabinet briefing about Padukone's visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University on Tuesday to express solidarity with the students who were attacked by a mob. About the call given by some party functionaries to boycott her upcoming movie, the minister said he had not read their remarks but sought to underscore the significance of his statement, saying he is stating so as a minister and a "permanent" BJP spokesperson. "This country is a democracy. Why only artistes, even a common can go anywhere and express his opinion," the information and broadcasting minister said. To questions about violence in JNU where masked people attacked students on Sunday night, Javadekar expressed confidence that the ongoing police probe will "unmask" the accused and asserted that violence has no place in a "mature democracy" like India. "We are a mature democracy and everybody has the right to express their opinion. Violence has no place, especially in universities where people go to study," he said. Students body Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, which is affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has been blamed by several groups for the incident. It has, however, denied its involvement and blamed the rival Left organisations for the violence. Javadekar added that some unions in JNU had earlier decided to stop students from registering in semesters. "We should not forget that this is an important issue. Stopping students from semester admission is anti-education," he said. Left bodies, which rule the JNU student union, have been accused of preventing students from taking admission in semesters as part of their protest against fee hike. Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) The drug store operator missed estimates by 4 cents a share, with adjusted quarterly earnings of $1.37 per share. Revenue came in below estimates as well. Walgreens said it is maintaining its prior earnings outlook for the year despite the soft first quarter. Lennar (LEN) The homebuilder reported quarterly profit of $2.13 per share, beating the consensus estimate of $1.90 a share. Revenue also topped Street forecasts. New orders were up 23% on both a dollar and volume basis compared with a year ago. Macy's (M) Macy's has cut more than 70 workers at its Bloomingdale's chain and plans to announce larger layoffs in February, according to a report in Women's Wear Daily. The moves are said to be part of the retailer's restructuring plan. Separately, Macy's reported comparable sales for November and December fell 0.6%, with the retailer noting positive momentum compared to the prior quarter. Boeing (BA) Boeing is under pressure once again following the crash of a Ukraine International Airlines 737-800 shortly after takeoff in Tehran. Officials are pointing to engine failure as the likely cause and say the crash was not related to terrorism. Luckin Coffee (LK) Luckin announced a follow-on offering of 7.2 million American depositary shares. Additionally, a selling shareholder of the China-based coffee chain is offering 4.8 million American depositary shares for sale. The announcement came as Luckin announced it is expanding into vending machines to increase its share of the China market. Apple (AAPL) Apple said customers spent a record $368 million in its App Store on Jan. 1, up 20% from the same day last year. App Store spending was up 16% between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. United Airlines (UAL) United Airlines will take a $90 million charge against fourth-quarter earnings, due to Hong Kong disruptions stemming from ongoing anti-government protests. United said the protests have reduced demand for travel to Hong Kong. Alibaba (BABA) Alibaba is undercutting Amazon.com (AMZN) in Europe by offering lower fees for sellers, according to sources who spoke to Reuters. The sources say the move by the China-based online retailer has had mixed results. Becton Dickinson (BDX) Becton Dickinson was downgraded to "equal weight" from "overweight" at Barclays, which cites valuation. The medical products maker has seen its stock rise more than 22 percent over the past 12 months. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 00:01:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HONG KONG, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong police have seized a large number of lethal weapons including a rifle and bombs that could be used in public events and cause casualties. Weapons and dangerous goods seized by the police were of a great variety and extremely alarming in terms of both power and quantity, John Lee, Secretary for Security of the government of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said Wednesday when answering a question of the Legislative Council. -- On July 20, the police found self-produced powerful explosives of TATP, 10 completed incendiary bombs and other dangerous chemicals in Tsuen Wan. The power of the explosives could cause severe injuries. -- On August 1, the police found two bows, six arrows, petrol bombs and a large number of raw materials for making petrol bombs in Fo Tan. -- In mid-November and early December, police seized a total of about 8,000 petrol bombs, about 800 bottled liquefied petroleum gas, about 1,000 bottles of petrol and nearly 700 bottles of inflammable chemicals at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. -- On December 8, the police seized a 9 mm Glock semi-automatic handgun, 105 bullets and five magazines in North Point, as well as three items of dagger, saber and katana. Three of the five magazines seized were fully loaded and ready for use. -- Also on December 8, the police found two radio-controlled improvised explosive devices weighing about 10 kilograms in total in the vicinity of Wah Yan College in Wan Chai. Ignition of the bombs will pose lethal damage to the surrounding range of 50 to 100 meters and lead to the collapse of buildings. The bombs also contained many sharp nails for greater lethality. -- On December 20, the police seized an AR-15 long-range rifle, 200 bullets and a circular speedloader in a flat. A man was arrested in Tai Po, who fired a shot during the operation of police. Lee stressed that illegal possession or use of weapons and dangerous goods constitute very serious crimes, with the maximum penalty up to life imprisonment. "The police will make full investigation into each case to track the source of weapons, firearms, explosives and chemicals seized and the motive for committing crimes." Billionaire presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg plans to run for president on an economic message too - that while jobs are plentiful under President Trump, wages haven't grown. Axios reported Wednesday on some of Bloomberg's plans, including that he'll speak to 'the people and communities that have been short-changed by President Trump.' 'I know that our economy is working fine for people like me - and people like Donald Trump,' the former New York City mayor told reporters on a call Tuesday. 'But it is badly broken for the vast majority of Americans.' Presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg is running for president on an economic message too, hoping to attract voters who haven't seen their wages spike On Wednesday, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg went on a three-state tour, appearing first at the Olive-Harvey College on Chicago's South Side Mike Bloomberg has argued that while President Trump's economy has worked well for people like Bloomberg and Trump 'it is badly broken for the vast majority of Americans' On Wednesday, Bloomberg kicked off a three-state tour, making stops in Illinois, Minnesota and Ohio. In Illinois, the stop was at a community college on the South Side of Chicago. It's an area facing poverty, though situated in one of the country's wealthiest cities. Bloomberg spoke from a podium that touted an 'All-in Economy.' In Ohio, Bloomberg will stop in Akron to talk to displaced manufacturing workers. In Minnesota, he'll visit the town of Wells and talk to farmers who have been hurt by Trump's trade war with China. All three states have something in common: they have March primaries. Bloomberg was late to entering the 2020 race, announcing his intentions to run in late November, after initially saying he wouldn't throw his hat in. He's decided to take a chance and skip the traditional early contest states: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. Instead he's looking to Super Tuesday on. Minnesota's voters head to the polls on that day, March 3. Illinois and Ohio voters will select their preference two weeks later on March 17. Axios also reported Wednesday that Bloomberg planned to attend former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams' voting rights forum on Friday. For every rupee in govt kitty, 64 paise come from taxes, borrowings contribute 20 paise Explained: The Budget proposal to increase the insurance cover on bank deposits Sorry for the long budget speech says Nirmala Sitharaman Budget 2020 session from Jan 31; Union Budget on Feb 1 India pti-PTI New Delhi, Jan 8: The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs has recommended holding the Budget Session in two phases from January 31 to April 3, with the Union Budget to be presented on February 1, sources said on Wednesday. They said the first phase of the session will be from January 31 to February 11 and the second will be from March 2 to April 3. There is usually a month-long break between the two phases of the Budget Session to allow parliamentary committees to examine budgetary allocations made to various ministries. The President convenes both Houses of Parliament on the recommendation made by the Union Cabinet. PTI Colin Finnie's empty yacht Simba was reportedly found crashed on a reef weeks after the 67-year-old picked it up in Australia A Scots businessman who set off on a 5,000-mile sailing trip was missing last night after his boat washed up off the coast of Egypt. Colin Finnie's empty yacht Simba was reportedly found crashed on a reef weeks after the 67-year-old picked it up in Australia. The Scottish Sun has reported that grandfather Mr Finnie, from Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, was planning to be home for Christmas when he vanished at sea. His worried wife is said to have taken to social media to make an appeal, stating: 'He was in storms and low on fuel.' The former hotelier reportedly lost contact with family and authorities towards the end of his voyage across the Indian Ocean from Australia. According to website BoatWatch, his 45ft vessel was found deserted on a reef on December 13. The site is only 350 miles away from his planned destination of Port Ghalib, Egypt. A source told The Scottish Sun: 'Colin was planning to be back in Scotland for Christmas. 'He had come a long way and was nearing the final stage of his journey. It's just such a shock that this has happened.' The 45ft vessel was found deserted on a reef on December 13 (pictured). The site is only 350 miles away from his planned destination of Port Ghalib, Egypt The former hotelier reportedly lost contact with family and authorities towards the end of his voyage (pictured here) across the Indian Ocean from Australia Mr Finnie was said to have been excited about the prospect of bringing the yacht back on his own from Australia. However, the boat, which sells for up to 300,000, was found crashed on the Marsa Alam reef in the Red Sea, only three days' sailing from Port Ghalib. A friend told The Scottish Sun: 'A trip like that is a major commitment. It's only for the very experienced. You have to be physically and mentally strong. 'You need to be quite pig-headed and able to battle the elements and lack of sleep. Colin is a retired engineer. He's handy and would be able to fix most things if they went wrong.' But they added: 'It's quite an unusual route. Most would go by the Pacific Islands and Hawaii.' The BoatWatch website stated: 'The last known contact with FINNIE was on Saturday 07 DEC 2019 when he was about 300 NM (nautical miles) away from his destination.' The Foreign Office said: 'We are supporting the family of a British man reported missing while sailing in the Red Sea and are in contact with Egyptian authorities.' Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 18:24 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32166c70 1 National flood,teacher,Nadiem-Makarim Free Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim has said the ministry will provide three months extra allowances for teachers who were affected by the severe floods that hit Greater Jakarta, Lebak regency in Banten and some parts of West Java recently. We plan to provide a special allowance for three months for teachers affected by the floods, Nadiem said during a visit to Cirimekar 02 elementary school in Cibinong, Bogor, West Java, on Monday, as quoted by tempo.co. The extra allowance quite apart from professional allowanceswould be given as a result of floods that caused property damage at schools and hampered education provision. Teachers welfare is very important during a transition period like this. To help parents and students to adapt to this disaster we will provide teachers with an extra allowance, he said without elaboration on the size of the allowance. The ministry is currently gathering data on schools, students, teachers and educational staff affected by the floods. With regard to the rehabilitation of school buildings, Nadiem said the ministry would cooperate with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the Public Housing and Public Works Ministry. (sau) Several major airlines, including India's national carrier Air India, said on Wednesday they were re-routing flights to avoid airspace over Iraq and Iran Several major airlines, including India's national carrier Air India, said on Wednesday they were re-routing flights to avoid airspace over Iraq and Iran. A spokesperson of the airline said that the decision to temporarily reroute flights of Air India (AI) and that of its subsidiary Air India Express (AIX) in light of the tensions within the Iranian airspace. Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from its territory at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US-led coalition personnel early on Wednesday, the US military said. "This may lead to an increase in flying time by approximately 20 minutes for flights from Delhi and 30 to 40 minutes for flights from Mumbai," the spokesperson added. Aviation regulator DGCA on Wednesday morning asked Indian airlines to remain vigilant and take all precautions in the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf. The announcement came hours after a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 people crashed near Tehran and Iranian government conducted missile strikes against US military bases in Iraq. According to Reuters, a similar announcement was made by the American aviation regulator Federal Aviation Administration, which banned US carriers from the area following an Iranian missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq. The FAA said it issued the airspace ban, which also includes the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia, due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to US civil aviation operations. Before the latest guidance, the FAA had already prohibited US carriers from flying below 26,000 feet over Iraq and from flying over an area of Iranian airspace above the Gulf and Gulf of Oman since Iran shot down a high-altitude US drone last June. Carriers are increasingly taking steps to limit threats to their planes after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down in 2014 by a missile over Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. Re-routing around conflict airspace adds to flight times and burns extra fuel. Transport Canada said it was in close contact with the FAA about the situation in West Asia and that Air Canada was altering its routes. Singapore Airlines Ltd said after the attacks that all of its flights would be diverted from Iranian airspace. Malaysia Airlines said it did not fly over Iraqi airspace and would re-route to avoid Iran as a result of the attack. Taiwans China Airlines said it would not fly over Iran or Iraq because of the tension. Australias Qantas Airways Ltd said it was adjusting flight paths to avoid airspace over Iraq and Iran until further notice, adding up to 50 minutes to Perth-London flights and requiring it to reduce passenger numbers to carry the necessary fuel. Dubai-based Emirates Airline and Flyduabi each cancelled a return flight to Baghdad on Wednesday after Irans missile attack and said it would make further operational changes if required. Qatar Airways said its flights to Iraq were operating normally. Korean Air Lines Co Ltd and Thai Airways said they had been avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace before the attack on US troops. OPSGROUP, which advises airlines on security, said the new US airspace bans were significant, particularly given that the entire overwater airspace in the region is now unavailable. Flights headed to/from the main airports in the region such as Dubai will now need to route through Saudi Arabias airspace, it said on its website. An international aviation team has been activated to support effective coordination and communication between airlines and countries as tensions mount in West Asia after a US drone strike killed an Iranian military commander, global airlines body IATA said on Tuesday. Airlines and the UN aviation agency have started to monitor strategic airspace over Iran and Iraq. With some commercial carriers still serving those countries and others flying over their airspace, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) also issued a statement reminding countries of their obligation to communicate potential risks to civil aviation. It is critical that states live up to this obligation as tensions in West Asia rise, the group said, days after the killing of Irans General Qassem Soleimani on Friday plunged the region into a new crisis. The coordination team operated by IATA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was activated as a standard precautionary measure, in the event that contingency measures are required by airlines, IATA said in a statement to Reuters. The team brings together airlines, regulators and air navigation service providers to ensure any potential risks to aviation are shared quickly, an industry source familiar with the group said. With inputs from agencies He has left his wild years behind him and settled into a life of domesticity with his wife and two children. And Russell Brand was every inch the doting dad as he stepped out for ice cream with toddler daughter Mabel in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The actor and comedian, 44, looked relaxed and happy as he strolled along with his eldest daughter, who turned three in November - and enjoyed a pot of the frozen treat. Devoted dad: Russell Brand was every inch the doting dad as he stepped out for ice cream with toddler daughter Mabel in Los Angeles on Tuesday The Forgetting Sarah Marshall star cut a typically edgy figure in a white slogan print t-shirt paired with a black cardigan and joggers. Opting for comfort, he completed his ensemble with black and gold Nike sliders. His raven locks were styled into a bun while he sported his signature bushy beard. Mabel was adorable in a pink Minnie Mouse t-shirt and grey heart-print leggings as she held her father's hand. Laidback: The Forgetting Sarah Marshall star cut a typically edgy figure in a white slogan print t-shirt paired with a black cardigan and joggers Russell shares Mabel and daughter Peggy, 18 months with second wife Laura Gallacher, 32, who is the sister of TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher. The couple, who live in a quiet Oxfordshire village, married in 2017 at an intimate service near their home in Henley-on-Thames. In January 2019 Russell came under fire for admitting he has never spent 24 hours alone with their two daughters because their mother is more suited to the role. The Essex-born Lothario, who previously bragged about bedding five women a day, told The Sunday Times: 'She wouldn't go away for 24 hours, Laura. 'Laura's able to sustain and maintain domesticity in a way that's astonishing. I didn't have much experience of how to organise domesticity. I do whatever I'm told. 'It turns out that she is extremely well versed in the nuances and complexities of child-rearing.' Happy couple: Russell shares Mabel and daughter Peggy, 18 months with second wife Laura Gallacher, 32, who is the sister of TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher He admitted he is 'too sensitive' to change nappies and his 'romantic, reflective, religious world view' prevents him from being a full-time parent. In December 2018 Russell took to social media to celebrate 16 years of sobriety, and got teary-eyed as he discussed his journey, admitting he was 'eggshell fragile' at the depths of his heroin and crack addiction. Speaking in the candid clip, he said: 'I remember being eggshell fragile, this time sixteen years ago. December 12th, the day before, 2002 Jesus. 'I'd scored two brown that's heroin, two white that's crack. It may be a little more, I can't remember. Just tryna, need to big up my last use, but anyway I remember using it in Camden. 'I would have been hanging out with my various mates' houses, none of whom were drug addicts, I was just sort of sneaking off to do drugs in their toilets.' The star - who is now completely sober after being treated at a rehab clinic for heroin addiction and other drugs - attributed his success to keep sober to those who helped guide him. He also reflected on his new way of life as a husband and father of two daughters, admitting he is no longer 'enslaved' by fame or money. Infectious diseases triggered by bacteria and other microbes are the most frequent cause of human mortality across the globe. Roughly half of the world's population carry the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) in their stomach, known to be the most significant risk factor for ulcers, MALT lymphoma and adenocarcinoma in the stomach. The rapid spread of pathogens resistant to medication such as antibiotics is making it increasingly difficult to treat infections such as these using antimicrobial therapies. A research team from Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg (FAU) has now revealed a new mechanism which controls the causes of infection with H. Pylori, triggering the development of stomach diseases. It is hoped that these findings will lead in time to new therapies. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications. A team of national and international scientists led by Prof. Dr. Steffen Backert from the Chair of Microbiology at FAU has investigated how the bacteria manipulate the host's immune system in order to ensure their long-term survival in the stomach. A chronic inflammation is the most common cause for stomach illnesses such as these. The researchers have identified a 'molecular switch' which uses a previously unknown mechanism to regulate the inflammation reaction in the stomach. The interaction between H. Pylori and stomach cells activates a syringe-like pilus structure referred to as a type IV secretion system. A protein, CagL, is presented at the surface of this structure which allows the bacterial toxin known as CagA protein to be delivered into the stomach cells. The injected CagA then re-programmes the host cell so that stomach cancer can develop. It now appears that CagL also has another important function, however. The protein is recognised by the immune system via the receptor TLR5. Experiments in mouse models have demonstrated that TLR5 controls the infection efficiently. CagL imitates a TLR5 recognition motif in the flagellin protein of other pathogens, thereby controlling the human immune response. Interestingly, this signalling pathway can be both switched on and switched off by the type IV secretion system, which is not thought to be the case with other bacteria. Presumably, H. Pylori has exploited this signalling pathway over thousands of years of evolution to eliminate 'bothersome' bacterial competitors in the stomach. At the same time, CagL influences the congenital and adaptive immune system as well as the inflammation reaction in such a way that H. Pylori itself is not recognised and therefore cannot be eliminated - a mechanism which is crucial for long-term infections with H. Pylori in the stomach and triggering stomach disease. Researchers also observed that TLR5 is no longer produced in healthy stomach cells and once an infection has been resolved. This indicates that the expression of this protein is a new indicator for stomach disease in humans triggered by H. Pylori. New approach for treating stomach disease Prof. Backert hopes that these findings will help develop significant new approaches for anti-bacterial treatment, as CagL, CagA and TLR5 lend themselves well to treatment. The participating researchers have already started to test appropriate substances. 'We hope that specific inhibitors can paralyse the function of the type IV secretion system, or partially or entirely prevent infection,' reports Prof. Backert. ### The publication is the result of many years of research at the Chair of Microbiology at FAU funded by the German Research Foundation as part of Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 1181 'Schaltstellen zur Auflosung von Entzundung' (switching points for resolving inflammation) and carried out in collaboration with other working groups from Germany, Switzerland, Korea and India. Popular Kikuyu speaking musician Muigai wa Njoroge has defended his new political song against claims it was funded by Deputy President. Muigai is currently riding high on the song dubbed Tukunia'(meaning sacks), in which he faulted President Uhuru Kenyatta over the development of the Central Kenya region. In the song, Muigai further tells the president that his people in Mt Kenya are too hungry to listen to what he has to say. Dad, a hungry person has no ears to hear when you rant, the hunger that is in your home is unbearable. Id rather tell you the truth, and because I have no idea what the sacks tell you, but things on the ground are different, Muigai sings on the chorus. He also cautions the Head of State that dumping his deputy William Ruto was like aborting a seven-month pregnancy, which is risky and might result in the death of the mother. This has led to reports that DP Ruto funded the musician to release the song and support him in his quest for the top seat in 2022. But speaking to Word Is, Muigai wa Njoroge said no politician can be able to pay him enough so he can support them. I have been in the industry for over a decade, and singing songs with messages concerning politics in this country is part of my call, he said. It is my opinion and it is clear that the President has forgotten the struggles they have had with William Ruto and everyone can see the division, he said, adding that it would be easier to dump ODM leader Raila Odinga instead. Muigai further informed Uhuru that the rift in the Mt.Kenya region might make him not have a home to go back to after retirement, advising him to take immediate action before things get out of hand. The musician claims politicians have reached out to him and many are congratulating him for telling the truth. Those criticising me are the ones I am calling sacks because they have not been able to send the message to the President because they are not working and my opinion is I want them fired from their posts, Muigai said. This is not the first time Muigai has ruffled the political feathers with a controversial song. In 2018, he made headlines following the release of Mbari ya Kimendero (clan of the greedy), which was seen as an attack on DP William Ruto. Read: Musician Denies Releasing Controversial Kikuyu Song Attacking DP Ruto Vietnam needs a revolution in its policy-making mind-set before it can take advantage of the fourth industrial revolution, said Pham Xuan Hoe from the Banking Strategy Institute, at a forum in Hanoi on January 7. Pham Xuan Hoe from the Banking Strategy Institute speaks at a forum in Hanoi on January 7. Photo infonet.vn Attending the forum held by the Vietnam Institute for Economic and Policy Research (VEPR), Hoe said: if Vietnam can catch up with the revolution in time, the digital economy can help the country close the gap with other nations around the world. However, he was concerned about policies to help boost digital transformation, saying: Vietnam still applies outdated policies in a new economic context. Economist Nguyen Tri Hieu told the forum: Since 2016, the country has spoken a lot about the advantages from the fourth industrial revolution but, after four years, I dont see where it is in such a revolution. Responding to both comments, Ho Tu Bao from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, said: Vietnam is in the initial stages of the revolution, adding that each revolution takes between 50 to hundreds of years. Bao said the fourth industrial revolution is one of digital transformation, which helps close the gaps in social relationships, ease the burden on labour and remove the role of intermediaries to develop the economy. Bao is working with the Ministry of Health on a plan to connect the medical records of more than 50 million people with their health insurance details and another plan with the Ministry of Transport to connect transport records of 1.2 million vehicles. It is the last chance for Vietnam to take advantage of the era, Bao said. The two most important areas for digital transformation were tourism and agriculture, as the main drivers of economic growth in Vietnam. Some ministries go fast and some go slower in digital transformation, however, the awareness of many leaders has been improved. Digital transformation is a long term project, and should take at least 10 years, Bao said. Hosting the forum, VEPR director Nguyen Duc Thanh agreed that the economy was changing. Recognising the Governments efforts, VERPs director said Vietnam was spending on building an e-Government but the process was slow. Half of the countrys ministries were not yet digital. Thanh told the forum: The transformation will take time as the people (who make decisions) are still the same. There is no other way than to wait for them to change their minds. Professor Cao Doan told the forum that: Vietnam should define a clear plan for the revolution, or it will lose out. According to the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM), the implementation of the fourth industrial revolution can help boost economic growth from $28.5 billion to $62.1 billion, equivalent to 7-16 per cent of GDP over the next ten years. Lucy Cameron, lead author of the report Vietnams Future Digital Economy Towards 2030 and 2045, in 2019 forecast that in the best scenario, Vietnam will carry out a digital transformation across industries and export ICT products and services, GDP could see an increase of VND3.750 trillion in the next 20 years, an annual increase of 1.3 per cent. According to the SBVs Payment Department, ending 2019, the country had 78 organisations providing payment services online, 45 organisations providing payment services via mobile banking and 83.3 million personal bank accounts. VNS Increasing business readiness for 4.0 era The Fourth Industrial Revolution is now bringing immense prospects to Vietnamese enterprises to conduct digital transformation and smart production. SIA diverts flights from Iranian airspace Singapore Airlines (SIA) said Wednesday, January 8, that it is diverting all of its flights away from Iranian airspace. In an email statement, Singapore's national carrier said, "All SIA flight routes are being diverted from the Iranian airspace." Screenshot: Flightradar24 The airline did not provide a reason for the diversion, which came after Iran fired ballistic missiles at Iraqi military bases hosting US-led forces. In a tweet, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it has banned US carriers from flying over Iraq, Iran, as well as the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Britain on Wednesday condemned Iran's missile attacks on Iraqi bases housing coalition military, and voiced concern over "reports of casualties" from the strikes. "We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting Coalition - including British - forces," said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. "We are concerned by reports of casualties and use of ballistic missiles." Iran fired missiles overnight at Iraqi bases housing the US and British military, officials in Washington and Tehran said. It was the first act of the Islamic republic's promised revenge for the US killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani last week. Launched from Iranian territory and by Iranian forces not a proxy, the attack marked a new turn in the intensifying confrontation between the United States and Iran. The Pentagon said it was still "working on initial battle damage assessments" after more than a dozen ballistic missiles were launched, with no immediate reports on casualties. The Iraqi military said it sustained no casualties in 22 missile strikes on bases housing US troops. Raab urged Iran to show restraint going forward. "We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation," he added. "A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups," Raab said, referring to the Islamic State group. Search Keywords: Short link: On This Day The Day Myanmars Oil Workers Downed Tools Oil workers in Chauk in Magwe Region, central Myanmar, on strike. Yangon On this day 82 years ago, oil workers in Chauk in Magwe Region came out on strike for better pay and working conditions. The strike spread into the largest and longest-running national uprising during the colonial period. The British-owned Burmah Oil Company (BOC), the biggest oil company in Myanmar at the time, sacked staff without providing a reason and paid low wages without giving medical leave, while reducing the number of religious holidays. The strike spread from Chauk to BOCs refinery at Thanlyin Township on Yangons outskirts. Thousands of workers led by Thakin Po Hla Gyi marched about 650 kilometers to Yangon despite a violent crackdown by the colonial government. They were joined by thousands of workers, farmers and members of the Doh Bamar Asiayone (We Burmans Association) and other communities in the strike, which lasted for 18 months. The movement was crucial as a national uprising against colonial rule and became known as the Revolution of 1300, named after Myanmars calendar. Some strikers began to return to work voluntarily while others died of illnesses and some were coerced into returning by the British authorities. The BOC also yielded to some of their demands. However, the strike succeeded in increasing political awareness. Hundreds of protesters were imprisoned and over 20 people were killed in crackdowns. The pro-democracy uprising of 1988 is the only movement that is comparable in scale to the 1300 Revolution. You may also like these stories: The Day Anti-Chinese Rioting Erupted in British-Ruled Yangon The Day the British Annexed Upper Myanmar Although some observers believe that Turkeys importance to the United States and other Western governments will increase after the assassination of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani, they shouldnt be too quick to arrive at such conclusions in the aftermath of an event of such magnitude as to shake not only the Middle East but global politics as well. Four days after the killing of Soleimani, Robyn Dixon wrote the following in a Jan. 6 Washington Post op-ed: Some of the loudest critics of President Trump's order to kill a senior Iranian commander other than Iranians are Russian officials, who have denounced it as an illegal assassination and a politically motivated election-year decision. But it is Russia that may end up benefiting from the fallout. If the United States withdraws from Iraq as backlash over the killing widens, Russia could strengthen its foothold in the country much as it did in Syria after Trump ordered a troop pullout there last fall, a step that was later partly reversed. Dixon, the Post's Moscow bureau chief, added, Speaking to French President Emmanuel Macron Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Fridays targeted killing of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani would seriously destabilize the region. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cast it as illegal and counterproductive to his counterparts in China, Turkey and Iran, as well as to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The argument that Russia might emerge as a beneficiary of Soleimanis assassination at the order of President Donald Trump also reflects the view among circles close to Turkeys strongman, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Yusuf Erim, a political analyst for the state-owned TRT World, cited three main reasons why Turkey would emerge the big winner in the US-Iranian escalation: the American bases in Turkey would gain in strategic value; Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria would lose strength after Soleimani's death; and if US forces are expelled from Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government would look to Turkey as a security provider, paving the way for Ankara to ramp up counterterrorism operations against Kurdish armed groups in northern Iraq that Turkey views as a threat to its national security. Some foreign experts believe that US reliance on Turkey for its military mission in Iraq could indeed increase in the post-Soleimani era and that the assassination has supplied ammunition for Turkish leaders' self-indulgence in Turkey's increased geopolitical value. U.S. militarys heavy use of Turkish airspace for its re-supply mission in Iraq and elsewhere further suggests that Trump wont take action against Turkey (directly) over Libya while the U.S. is actively confronting Iran, Michael Tanchum, a Middle East expert, tweeted Jan. 4. Increased tension in the Mid-East & Turkeys strategic geographic location: Dover based 436th Airlift Wings two Super Galaxy C5 from Rota, a C17A Globemaster III from Incirlik & another Globemaster from Ramstein were among the many other USAF planes flying through Turkish airspace, Yoruk Isik, a Turkish analyst, wrote in response to Tanchums tweet. The dangerous escalation triggered by Trumps decision to kill an Iranian official and one of Soleimanis stature a legendary figure whose policies catapulted Iran to regional power status appears to have excited the pro-Erdogan Turkish mindset about the possibility of maximizing Turkey's geopolitical value. Soleimanis assassination comes at a time when Turkey finds itself increasingly isolated in the Eastern Mediterranean and in regard to Libya, particularly after Ankara's signing of maritime and military cooperation agreements with Libyas internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), based in Tripoli. Indeed, Erdogan referred to Soleimanis assassination while underlining the priority of the Libyan situation for Turkey. The whole region is boiling, he told CNN-Turk on Jan 5. On the one hand, we are facing some difficulties in Syria. On the other hand, while we are dealing with certain developments in Libya, this sudden development [Soleimanis killing] is thought-provoking. Despite voicing concern about possible repercussions of the assassination and describing the killing as an ill-advised decision, Erdogan has been careful not to go beyond that, sparing himself criticism from Trump, his only ally in Washington. Turkish officials speaking to pro-Erdogan media have drawn attention to Erdogan avoiding referring to Soleimani as a martyr, the description his Iranian partners prefer. TRT tweeted, Turkeys President Erdogan urges Iranian President [Hassan] Rouhani to refrain from escalating tensions with the US, while offering condolences over military commander Soleimanis assassination due to his official rank and did not use martyr to describe him Turkish official speaking to TRT World. Not to describe Soleimani as a martyr is not simply a matter of political consideration for Erdogan. It should not be forgotten that despite the partnership Turkey and Iran have been enjoying in Syria through the Astana process, the two countries remain competitors in the Middle East and in the broader Islamic world. Soleimani was one of the leading architects of Iran's expansion in the Middle East. Erdogan probably still remembers that Soleimani played a decisive role in keeping the Damascus regime in power at a point when the Turkish leader thought Bashar al-Assad's days were numbered. For all these reasons, Erdogan appears to have adopted a relatively neutral stance in the standoff between Iran and the United States. Ankara will try to defuse tensions in the Middle East in part to secure Erdogan a freer hand in North Africa (Libya) and the broader Eastern Mediterranean. In the end, Soleimani's assassination might not spark a new war in the Middle East, but it will certainly intensify the existing conflicts in the region. Thus serious mediators will be needed. Can Turkey, which has almost the same distance between Washington and Tehran, assume such a role? It seems highly unlikely given that Ankara is already a party to multiple conflicts in the area ranging from Syria to Libya. Moreover, the direction, content and magnitude of the seemingly inevitable US-Iranian confrontation could yield results contrary to the ones predicted by those who see Turkey as the big winner in Soleimanis assassination. Turkeys geopolitical positions could become like the grass in an African proverb: When elephants fight, it is the grass that is trampled. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Samir Ali - Trend: Debt of Azeristiliktechizat OJSC, an Azerbaijani heating supply operator, to Azerigaz Production Union for used gas has been fully repaid, Spokesman of the Union Jeykhun Safarov told Trend Jan. 8. Safarov said that the debt of the company has been repaid by the state. In accordance with the order of the Cabinet of Ministers last year, the debt of Azeristiliktechizat OJSC to Azerigaz in the amount of 32.7 million manat ($19.2 million) for gas used from Nov. 1, 2018 to Dec. 15, 2019, has been completely repaid by the state, the spokesman noted. Azeristiliktechizat OJSC will pay for gas used after that period, Safarov added. The Azerigaz Production Union transmits, distributes and supplies natural gas in Azerbaijan. The total volume of gas transported annually by the union inside and outside the country is 12.6 billion cubic meters. ($1= 1.7 manat on Jan. 8) COPPELL, Texas, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Caliber Home Loans, Inc., (Caliber) the nation's third largest non-bank mortgage lender and one of the fastest growing mortgage companies in the U.S., today announced that David Schroeder has joined the company as Executive Vice President, Third Party Originations. In this newly created role, Schroeder will focus on improving Caliber's use of data and analytics to advance TPO production capabilities while partnering with Operations to enhance fulfilment. By investing in and building momentum around transformation initiatives, Schroeder and the TPO team will continue to expand Caliber's reach in the market. Schroeder joins Caliber from ServiceMac where he most recently served as Executive Vice President of Marketing and Retention and enhanced ServiceMac's overall brand and retention capabilities. Prior to ServiceMac, Schroeder was at Quicken Loans, where he led the Third Party Originations channel and developed core strategies for channel differentiation, increased market share and implemented a customer-focused culture. "We are delighted to have David join Caliber at such a critical time. We have just completed our most successful year in company history, having grown over 70% in the third quarter, and we continue to grow aggressively in both the Correspondent and Wholesale channels where we are among the top 10 and top three lenders, respectively," said Sanjiv Das, CEO of Caliber. "David's experience and wealth of knowledge will be invaluable as we focus our commitment to speed, the best price, and best execution through leading edge technology and our delivery model." Schroeder will report to Russ Smith, EVP, National Production and Chief Operating Officer. About Caliber Caliber Home Loans, Inc. is a privately-held financial services company with headquarters in Coppell, TX. The company is an approved Seller/Servicer for both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, an approved issuer for Ginnie Mae and is an approved servicer for FHA, VA and the USDA. The company carries multiple servicer ratings from Standard & Poor's, Moody's, Fitch and DBRS. To learn more about Caliber, visit www.caliberhomeloans.com. Contact Information Rob Cushman SVP of Marketing and Corporate Communications [email protected] SOURCE Caliber Home Loans, Inc. Related Links http://www.caliberhomeloans.com CHILLICOTHE, Ohio, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Petland and Petland Charities are proud and honored to announce their support of more than 200 service dogs across the country, up more than 48% from 2018. Petland is grateful for the work these dogs do every day to help communities, children, veterans and those with special needs. Petland Heath (OH) General Manager Hope Mills stands with several Central and West Central Ohio area police K9 officers supported by Petland. Petland's national Community Service outreach includes offering support to local police, sheriff and fire departments as well as support for service dogs for children and military veterans. The assistance for protective K9 units is most often a feeding program, supplies or fundraising for specific items, such as bite-suits or training gear. Support for veteran service dogs often goes towards the costs associated with raising, training and on-going care. "For most of us, dogs play such an important role in our lives, as our pet and companion. But for some, the dogs also serve as a trustworthy partner and a vital role in protecting the safety of our communities. These K9 units have a tremendous impact and witnessing the unique bond between the partner and his canine officer is something special." said Elizabeth Kunzelman, Director of Public Affairs, "Providing support for these units across the county is just a small way to show our respect and appreciation." Last year, Petland became a supporter of the launch of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife Law Enforcement Program K-9 units. Petland stores support 96 K9 units across the state of Ohio. Petland in Heath recently held a K9 appreciation event, raising nearly $5,000 for local K9 units. Additionally, Petland supports service and therapy dogs for children and veterans through various programs and outreach. Petland and Petland franchisees sponsor service dogs for Heartland Canines for Veterans, a 501c3 organization that provides companion, service and therapy dogs for disabled veterans. The average cost to raise and train each service dog is $7,200. Petland, Inc. has committed to supporting the cost of one dog per year for five years. This is in additional to the funds provided by individually-owned and operated stores. Additionally, Petland stores across the country were able to raise $25,000 this past May so more veterans could get placed with a service dog. Petland has worked with Heartland Canines for Veterans since 2016. "The impact a therapy dog can make in the life of a veteran can literally be the difference between life and death. It is a life-changing relationship and we are honored to be able to support our veterans," said Kunzelman. Petland, Inc. is a franchise operation with quality, full service retail pet centers across the United States, Canada, China, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, El Salvador and Saudi Arabia. For more than 50 years, Petland Pet Counselors have been dedicated to matching the right pet with the right person and meeting the needs of both. To its customers who already have pets, Petland is dedicated to enhancing their knowledge and enjoyment of the human-animal bond. Petland was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in south central Ohio. For more information on Petland, visit www.petland.com. SOURCE Petland Related Links http://www.petland.com Stock Market Trend Review Current Position of the Market SPX: Long-term trend There are no signs that the bull market is over. Intermediate trend Most likely near an intermediate top. Analysis of the short-term trend is done on a daily basis with the help of hourly charts. It is an important adjunct to the analysis of daily and weekly charts which discusses the course of longer market trends. Daily market analysis of the short-term trend is reserved for subscribers. If you would like to sign up for a FREE 4-week trial period of daily comments, please go to www.marketurningpoints.com and request a trial. Market Review Point & Figure Overview of SPX Long-term trend: The bull market which started in 03/09 shows no sign of having run its course. A rough count taken on the long-term Point & Figure chart gives us a potential target to as high as 4080. P&F does not predict time, only price. (no change) Intermediate trend: The 3240 target was met on Friday 12/27/19. Some congestion (probably distribution) has formed at that general level since, but an intermediate top has not been confirmed, yet. It would take a decline down to at least 3220 to create a reversal on the long-term (3X10) P&F chart. Market Analysis (All charts are courtesy of QChart) SPX-IWM weekly charts Last week, SPX made another new all-time high, but also dipped slightly below the previous weeks low. IWM did not make a new high but it dipped even lower than SPX -- under the previous weeks low. This is a faint sign that IWM may be reasserting its relative weakness to SPX which would mean that we are getting close to a reversal. The price action of both indexes could suggest that the 3240 projection is valid, but it would be premature to regard this as more than a possibility at this time. SPX daily chart Whether you look at the price action or at the various indicators, there is some evidence that we could be close to a reversal of the trend which started at 2856. For the past week, SPX has traded in a limited range, which is in contrast with the previous steady uptrend and daily new, all-time highs. This may only be the beginning of a distribution pattern which will result in a decline when enough pressure is being exerted by the cycles scheduled to make their lows in February. These are not major cycles, but they are capable of bringing a respite to the seemingly endless series of new highs in the market. Consolidations and corrections are normal in a bullish uptrend and they can best be forecast by oscillators which are usually the first to detect the loss of upside momentum and the beginning of a reversal, and this is what those at the bottom of the chart are suggesting. The sequence is always the same: first, negative divergence appears indicating that buyers are beginning to be less aggressive; next, the oscillators become negative as sellers regain the upper hand. Currently, only the SRSI has gone negative. It will take all three going into the red to confirm a decline in prices. We are not quite there yet, and this suggests that we could see more distribution taking place at the current level before the SPX rolls over. SPX hourly chart The trend channel from 2856 broadened after the short-term correction to 3070. Since then, prices have continued to progress upward in roughly the middle third of the channel, and the index may be ready to challenge the bottom channel line if it can trade below 3214 as the current near term retracement makes its way lower. The hourly oscillators suggest this with two of them already negative and the CCI just about ready to join them after Fridays close. If it finds support at/near the channel line, SPX could continue the topping process which appears to be underway. Or even move still higher if the uptrend continues until the trade agreement is signed on January 15. This is the most logical date for the rally from 2856 to end, unless Middle-Eastern events take precedence and derail the market sooner. There are three cycles bottoming within a week or ten days of one another around February 15th. These should give us a correction into that date and the index is perhaps already preparing for this decline by starting to create a congestion top which will enable us to evaluate the extent of that correction when complete. $USD daily (courtesy StockCharts) The USD made a new correction low last week and, by staying above 96.00, may have signaled a short-term low which could hold prices above this level for some time. GDX (Gold miners ETF) weekly GDX has concluded its corrective phase and started to move toward its next objective of 30.50-31 near-term, and 38-38.50 intermediate term. Longer term, GDX has built a base since December 2016 which is capable of supporting a move to about 61.00. The recent move outside of its consolidation phase appears to be wave 1 of intermediate wave 3 from the July 2019 low. PASS (Pan American Silver Corp.) Weekly The precious metals have built bases which can produce significant moves, and these are just starting. PASS has a weekly chart pattern which is very similar to GDX (above). Its P&F chart also gives it a similar potential with a count to 55-60. BNO (U.S. Brent oil fund) daily BNO has profited from recent events in the Middle East and is quickly nearing its short-term projection to 22.00. Longer term, it is capable of reaching 31-35. Summary With January 15 being the prospective date for the signing of Phase One trade agreement between the USA and China, it would seem to be the logical time for SPX to end its uptrend from 2856 near that date. Because 3240 has already been exceeded, the next potential target of 3270-3300 could still mark the high of that phase. On the other hand, events in the Middle East could restrict any further price increase. Andre FREE TRIAL SUBSCRIPTON For a FREE 4-week trial, send an email to anvi1962@cableone.net, or go to www.marketurningpoints.com and click on "subscribe". There, you will also find subscription options, payment plans, weekly newsletters, and general information. By clicking on "Free Newsletter" you can get a preview of the latest newsletter which is normally posted on Sunday afternoon (unless it happens to be a 3-day weekend, in which case it could be posted on Monday). Disclaimer - The above comments about the financial markets are based purely on what I consider to be sound technical analysis principles uncompromised by fundamental considerations. They represent my own opinion and are not meant to be construed as trading or investment advice, but are offered as an analytical point of view which might be of interest to those who follow stock market cycles and technical analysis. Andre Gratian Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Apple's App Store sales hit a record in the last week of 2019, with sales totaling $1.42 billion between Christmas and New Year's Eve, it was reported Wednesday. The Cupertino, California,-based tech giant also had a new record single day with sales totaling $386 million on New Year's Day alone. Apple, as it touted its record sales on its website, reported that its app store gets more than half billion visitors each week, and uses the platform to provide software developers of 'all sizes' access to customers in 155 countries. The new total sales figures comes as the company has shifted its focus more toward services, as sales have slowed for its iconic iPhone. Apple's App Store sales hit a record the last week of 2019, with sales totaling $1.42 billion between Christmas and New Year's Eve, the tech giant reported Wednesday The Cupertino, California,-based tech giant also had a new record single day with sales totaling $386 million on New Year's Day alone. The new total sales figures comes as the company has shifted its focus more toward services, including its new Apple TV+ (pictured) The strategy appears to be paying off, as Eddie Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Internet Software and Services boasted in an online statement how '2019 was the biggest year for services in Apple's history.' 'We introduced several exciting new experiences for our customers, all while setting the standard for user privacy and security,' says Cue, echoing CEO Tim Cook's public commitment to improved and more secure privacy for the company's customers. 'We begin the new decade with incredible momentum and gratitude to our customers who have shown such enthusiasm for all of our services, and we continue to celebrate the work of the world's best creators, storytellers, journalists and developers,' Cue says. Apple's iPhone sales slump continued through the launch of its most recent models, the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro. On an October 30 earnings call, Apple announced iPhone revenue for fiscal Q4 2019 was $33.4 billion, a 9 per cent decline on sales from the same quarter a year earlier. Looking for the silver lining, Cook at the time noted it was less of a decline than the fifteen percent drop between Q4 2017 and Q4 2018. CEO Tim Cook has made a public commitment to improved and more secure privacy for the company's customers In spite of cooling iPhone sales, Apple reported a record high $64 billion in revenue for the same quarter. Apple attributed its success to 50 per cent revenue growth in its wearables business, which includes the Apple Watch and its two headphones lines, AirPods and Beats. Apple said its wearables business had grown to roughly the same size as its Mac computer business. Another key growth driver was the company's emerging services business, which in 2019 launched Apple Arcade for gamers, Apple News+, a subscription version of its news aggregation services, and Apple Music to compete with rivals like Spotify and Pandora. Apple TV+ was also launched to help the company go head-to-head with streaming leader Netflix, while at the same time competing with other startup efforts from Disney and CBS. Apple's spent $6 billion on creating the streaming service launched November 1 in 100 countries, with shows the tech-giant produced in-house. The programs included 'The Morning Show,' about a morning TV news program starring Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell. Subscriptions to the service were priced at $4.99 per month. Apple's streaming service launched November 1 with shows the tech-giant made in-house, including 'The Morning Show,' about a news show starring Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell. Carrell, Witherspoon and Aniston are pictured (from left to right) Apple even partnered with Goldman Sachs to offer Apple Card, a new custom credit card announced in March. Developers have earned more than $155 billion since Apple launched the app store in 2008, and about a quarter of that has come in the past year alone, according to the company's figures. Among the breakouts from the latest figures was the company's Apple News, which it said draws more than 100 million monthly active users in the US, UK and Australia. Apple News, the company said, will provide live coverage of 'key moments' in the upcoming US presidential election. Dramatic scenes were witnessed both inside and outside a Delhi court as it issued a death warrant against the four men convicted of gang raping and killing a 23-year-old paramedic student on December 16, 2012 inside a moving bus in south Delhi. As proceedings began, Vrinda Grover, the amicus curiae in the case, told the court that she has filed the status report detailing the documents required for filing the curative petition in the Supreme Court. After this, she told the court that she had met Vinay and Mukesh, two of the convicts, in jail and that she would now represent them. Meanwhile, ML Sharma, who had represented Mukesh in the trial, came to court along with Mukeshs mother. He told the court, presided by additional sessions judge Satish Kumar Arora, that he would represent Mukesh in the court for which he has also filed the necessary documents. The court then expressed its displeasure and said that this is a never ending process where the counsels keep changing. How long would you take? This is an endless process. The remedies are to be availed within a reasonable time period. It cannot be delayed, the judge remarked. As the court reserved its order, Mukeshs mother looked on without a clue as the proceedings went on, and left as soon as the first half of the hearing concluded. When media persons tried to speak to her, she rushed, crying, without having uttered a single word. The hearing, which was conducted in two parts, witnessed heated exchanges between the lawyers even as the victims parents waited with bated breath for the court to announce its judgement. The second half of the hearing started after a gap of 45 minutes, by which time the crowd outside the video conferencing room as well as the court premises had swelled up to witness the announcement. When the proceedings had started, all four convicts were produced via video conferencing from Tihar jail. The images of the three convicts were visible on the screen before media persons were asked to leave the court room. Seated calmly in the centre, Mukesh told the court that he would be represented by advocate Vrinda Grover and not by advocate ML Sharma. However, even before he could conclude, Akshay Singh, another convict, who was seated next to Mukesh, started showing the court a newspaper clip of a Hindi daily. Detailing the contents of the news report, he said all allegations against him are wrong and the media is writing false information. The story in question had reportedly quoted the director general (prisons) stating that the four had been kept in different jails as they may try to use delay tactics leading to some unfortunate incident. Later, advocate Jitender Jha, representing the victims mother, said the court did not pay much heed to the submissions. Jha, who was present in the court when the proceedings were on, said his client was becoming restless and at several instances tried to speak in the court. Many times when she felt that the court might adjourn the matter, she would come in between and try to speak up. She said that the convicts have been given ample number of opportunities and that the convicts rights are being considered but not hers, Jha said. Everyone, including relatives, other lawyers and media persons, waited outside the court as the video conferencing and adjacent proceedings continued for over an hour. As soon as the order came, the victims came out of the court flashing a victory sign. She had to be escorted out by police personnel after everyone ran to get a reaction from her and catch a glimpse of her after the order. One could easily see the relief on her face as she walked out of the court building. Donald Trump. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images No Americans were injured in the Iranian strikes Tuesday on two Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops, President Trump said in a White House statement Wednesday. He also said Iran appears to be standing down after launching the missiles, and he announced new sanctions against the country. In the statement, Trump sought to justify last Fridays drone strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the leader of Irans Quds Force. Soleimani, Trump said, was the worlds top terrorist. He addressed the justification for the timing of the strike against him. In recent days, he was planning new attacks on American targets, but we stopped him, Trump said. He should have been terminated long ago. Trump also announced new sanctions on the Iranian regime, which he said will remain until Iran changes its behavior, and called on U.S. allies to follow his lead and abandon the JCPOA, also known as the Iran nuclear deal. Despite Trumps claim that Iran seems to be standing down after Tuesdays missile attack, Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called the strikes a slap in the face to the U.S. and suggested that more could be coming. Military operations do not suffice, he said Wednesday, according to NBC News. What is important in addition to retaliation is to end the U.S.s corrupting presence in the region. The discussion about revenge is something else. This was just a slap in the face last night. In a statement following the strike, Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi of Iraq called on the U.S. and Iran to respect Iraqi sovereignty. Iraq, Abdul Mahdi said in a statement, rejects any violation of its sovereignty and aggression on its lands, and the government continues its efforts to prevent escalation and that all parties should respect the sovereignty of Iraq and not endanger its people. The latest on the Ukrainian plane crash that killed 176 people, including at least 63 Canadians, in Iran: Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Rescue workers recover the bodies of victims of a Ukrainian plane crash in Shahedshahr, southwest of the capital Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. A Ukrainian airplane carrying over 170 people crashed on Wednesday shortly after takeoff from Tehran's main airport, killing all onboard. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) The latest on the Ukrainian plane crash that killed 176 people, including at least 63 Canadians, in Iran: All times Eastern. 8:15 p A family member says Firouzeh Madani and Naser Pourshaban, a North Vancouver couple in their mid-50s, were on the flight. Their niece Sara Hezarkhani said they were award-winning physicians in Iran and were working towards getting their licences to practise in Canada. Delaram Dadashnejad, a 26-year-old Langara College nutrition student in Vancouver, was returning from visiting family and friends in Iran, said her friend Sia Ahmadi. Dadashnejad was originally booked for a round trip on Lufthansa Airlines, departing Vancouver on Dec. 17 and returning on Jan. 7, but her passport was stuck in Ottawa as part of her student visa renewal application, he said. 4:30 p.m. Transport Minister Marc Garneau says it's too early to say what caused a plane to crash in Iran, killing all 176 aboard, including 138 who were ultimately headed to Canada. But Garneau says it's clear that something "very unusual" happened. He says the pilot lost communication with controllers shortly after a normal takeoff. He's urging against speculation until an investigation reveals more. 4:25 p.m. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says 138 people aboard a flight that crashed in Tehran were ultimately travelling to Canada. He says 176 people died in the tragedy, at least 63 of them Canadian citizens. Trudeau says there were 138 empty seats on a plane that landed in Toronto this afternoon. They were supposed to be filled by people aboard the downed flight who were set to connect in Kyiv. 4:15 p.m. Concordia University says two of its alumni died on the plane that crashed in Iran. The Montreal school says it's mourning Siavash Ghafouri-Azar and Sara Mamani, who were aboard the plane. A close friend, says the pair were married in Iran about a week ago. Gounash Pirniya describes them as "successful, kind, honest and hardworking people." 3:45 p.m. The University of Windsor says at least five students and researchers are on the manifest list the plane that crashed on the outskirts of Tehran, killing all 176 people aboard. The school says it's heartbroken by the loss but didn't give further details about the victims. Meantime, York University in Toronto says one of its students was also killed in the crash, noting that it won't publicly identify that person. 2:45 p.m. The University of Toronto says "several" of its students are among the 176 dead in the plane crash in Iran. It did not provide details about how many of its students died. It says all three of U of T's campuses will fly their flags at half-mast as the university mourns. 2:15 p.m. The University of Guelph now says it does not have confirmation that a student's partner was on the plane that crashed in Iran. The school was walking back an earlier statement suggesting a PhD student was on board with her partner. It says two PhD students died in the crash that killed all 176 on board the flight bound for Ukraine. 2:05 p.m. Carleton University says a PhD student and an alumnus of the school are among the dead in the Tehran-area plane crash. The school says Fareed Arasteh was studying biology. A family member confirms he was just married in Iran on Sunday and was on his way back to Canada to continue his studies. Carleton says alumnus Mansour Pourjam is also among those killed. 2:00 p.m. One of Canada's largest banks confirmed one of its employees died in the Iranian crash alongside two other members of her family. CIBC says Evin Arsalan, her husband Hiva and her child all died in the crash. A list of passengers on board the flight show a passenger named Hiva Molani accompanied by a one-year-old listed as Kurdia Molani. A Facebook page for Evin Arsalani shows she is married to Hiva Molani. 1:40 p.m. The Iranian military is disputing any suggestion that the Ukrainian airliner that crashed on the outskirts of Tehran was brought down by a missile. Meantime, a spokesman for Iran's Road and Transportation Ministry says the pilot lost control after fire erupted in one of the plane's engines. He didn't explain how he was able to confirm that information. 1:35 p.m. A dental office in Aurora, Ont., says one of its dentists and her daughter died in the plane crash in Iran. E & E Dentistry says Parisa Eghbalian was travelling with her daughter Reera Esmaeilion when the plane went down early Wednesday morning local time, killing all 176 aboard. The company says Eghbalian's husband Hamed Esmaeilion also works there, but was not travelling with his wife and child. The company website says Eghbalian first immigrated to Canada in 2010 and lived with her husband and daughter in Richmond Hill, Ont. 1:30 p.m. The University of Alberta says "several" of its students died in the Tehran-area plane crash that claimed 176 lives. University president and vice-chancellor David Turpin did not confirm how many students are among the dead. But he says in a statement their deaths are a devastating loss for the school's interconnected community. 1:10 p.m. Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says that while preliminary reports suggest 63 Canadians were killed in the plane crash in Iran, the number may change as they learn about dual citizens. He describes the situation as "extremely fluid." Champagne is urging those whose loved ones may have been aboard the flight to get in touch with Global Affairs. 1 p.m. The union representing Ontario's high school teachers says one of its employees was on a plane crashed near Iran's capital, killing all 176 people aboard. The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation says Alina Tarbhai worked at the union's provincial office in Toronto, but offered no other details about what took her to Iran. The union says she was respected and well-liked by all. 12:45 p.m. Western University says four of its students are among the 176 people dead in a plane crash near Tehran. The university in London, Ont., says three of the victims were graduate students, while the other was an incoming grad student. Meantime, the York Region District School Board near Toronto says it's aware of multiple students who died in the crash, but did not provide further details. 12:10 p.m. The mayor of Edmonton says numerous city residents were among those killed in a plane crash near Tehran this morning. Don Iveson says he's devastated by news of the crash, which claimed the lives of 176 people, including 63 Canadians. He says the City of Edmonton is in mourning. 12 p.m. The University of Guelph in southern Ontario says two PhD students, as well as the partner of one of the students, were among the 176 who died in a plane crash near the Iranian capital of Tehran. The two students were studying in the departments of geography and marketing. The University of Waterloo also says two PhD students' names were on a list of passengers provided by the airline, but did not confirm whether they made it onto the plane. 11:40 a.m. Federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer has released a statement on the plane crash that claimed the lives of 176 people in Tehran, including 63 Canadians. Scheer says it's a sad day for Canada, and his thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims. Some of those killed on the Ukrainian International Airlines plane were university students headed to Canada for their studies. 10:30 a.m. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is offering his condolences to those who lost their loved ones in a plane crash near Tehran that claimed the lives of 176 people, including 63 Canadians. He says Canada joins with the other countries grieving, and will ensure that the crash is properly investigated. The Kyiv-bound plane crashed minutes after takeoff at Tehran's airport on Wednesday morning. 9:30 a.m. Transport Minister Marc Garneau says Canada has offered to help investigate a plane crash in Iran that killed 176 people aboard, including 63 Canadians. He says Canada is offering technical assistance to the upcoming crash investigation. Ukrainian authorities have also offered to help probe what happened to the Kyiv-bound plane. 8:45 a.m. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is sending his love to the friends and families of the 176 people killed in a plane crash in Iran, including 63 Canadians. He says the victims' loved ones deserve clear answers about what caused the crash. The plane went down just minutes after taking off from Tehran's airport on Wednesday morning. 8 a.m. Ukrainian International Airlines has released a list of the passengers on a plane that crashed in Iran, killing all 176 people aboard. The list includes years of birth, but not nationalities. The youngest person listed was born in 2016, while the oldest was born in 1950. 7:40 a.m. Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne has tweeted about the deadly plane crash in Iran, which killed 176 people, including 63 Canadians. "Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims, including many Canadians," he wrote. "I have been in touch with the government of Ukraine. We will continue to keep Canadians informed as the situation evolves." 7:30 a.m. Boeing has issued a statement expressing sympathy for the casualties of a plane crash in Tehran and their families, calling it a "tragic event." Iranian officials have said they suspect a mechanical issue brought down the 3 1/2-year-old Boeing 737-800 aircraft. "We are in contact with our airline customer and stand by them in this difficult time," Boeing said. "We are ready to assist in any way needed. 7:15 a.m. Global Affairs Canada is warning against any non-essential travel to Iran "due to the volatile security situation, the regional threat of terrorism and the risk of arbitrary detention." The agency said Canadians, particularly those holding dual Canadian-Iranian citizenship, were at risk of being arbitrarily questioned, arrested and detained. "Iran does not recognize dual nationality and Canada will not be granted consular access to dual Canadian-Iranian citizens," Global Affairs said. "Canadian-Iranian dual citizens should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Iran." 4 a.m. A Ukrainian official confirms 63 Canadians are among those killed in a plane crash near the Iranian capital of Tehran. Foreign Affairs Minister Vadym Prystaiko says Iranian, Ukrainian, Swedish, Afghan, British and German nationals were also aboard the plane. Ukraine International Airlines officials say most of the passengers were transiting through Kyiv to other destinations. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version said 66 Canadians were killed in the crash. A mother hoping to save $20,000 to buy a house for herself and her young son has created a simple chart to help her reach her goal by the end of 2020. Writing anonymously in a budgeting group on Facebook, the woman revealed she plans to save five figures in 12 months to put towards a home deposit in Melbourne, using a DIY 'savings tracker' to hold herself accountable. Her design is reminiscent of a children's colouring book and features a winding path made up of dozens of tiny boxes, which ends at her target sum. The premise of the chart is to colour in a box every time you deposit $200 into a savings account, helping to track progress and encourage thriftiness by acting as a visual representation of money saved. Inspired by the best-selling Harry Potter series by author J.K. Rowling, the chart features a wizard's broom, three 'Quidditch' goal posts and a large 'Golden Snitch' at the end of the trail, representing the goal of $20,000. A Melbourne mother hoping to save $20,000 to buy a house for herself and her young son has created this simple chart to help her reach her goal by the end of 2020 'This is a year of hustling so I can buy a place for my son and I by the end of the year,' she posted in on Facebook, alongside a photo of the planner. 'I've started a savings tracker and am so keen to keep colouring in squares!' MoneySmart, a financial guidance tool created by the Australian government, recommends tracking daily spending and saving in a planner to avoid living beyond your means. The woman who shared the post asked others for their budgeting and meal prepping tips to help her reach her goal inside her target time frame. Government finance experts recommend tracking daily spending in a planner to avoid living beyond your means (stock image) One mother suggested using Shopback, an app that selects the best discounts to save you money on online shopping. Others cut costs by making their own cleaning products, instead of splurging on expensive laundry powders and dishwashing liquid. Homemade cleaners can be made with Lectric Washing Soda, an Australian stain softener and heavy duty cleaner which can be used all around the home. Lectric Soda costs just $3.99 per kilogram in major supermarkets including Coles and Woolworths. U.S. fails to compensate after nuclear tests leave high levels of radiation in Marshall Islands A recent report on U.S. nuclear tests conducted decades ago in the Marshall Islands has triggered heated discussions in the international community, as they have been shown to be catastrophic for the island country. According to the Los Angeles Times, the U.S. carried out massive nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1958, and withheld key information about the resulting nuclear radiation. As the climate changes, the concrete dome where nuclear waste was dumped has cracked, leading to increasing risk of radioactive material leakage. Officials in the Marshall Islands have lobbied the U.S. government for help, but American officials have declined to do so. An American media outlet reported that the U.S. detonated 67 nuclear bombs on, in and above the Marshall Islands, which vaporized entire islands and exiled hundreds of people from their homes. By that time, some islanders were beginning to suffer from acute radiation poisoning their hair fell out in clumps, their skin was burned, and they were vomiting, said the Los Angeles Times. After the tests, U.S. authorities buried plutonium and other waste in an unlined bomb crater on an island and encapsulated it with concrete. According to Los Angeles Times, the U.S. had also transported 130 tons of soil from atomic testing grounds in Nevada to the Marshall Islands, which has never been reported before. In July 2019, a team from Columbia University found increasing levels of radiation in parts of the Marshall Islands that exceed those found near Chernobyl and Fukushima. Experts said that though the effects of such radiation may vary widely with most people, it is dangerous for local residents. The nuclear explosions released huge energy, and the hazards for local residents and creatures mainly come from instantaneous radiation of shock waves and particles, as well as the long-term radioactive pollution that follows, said Wu Yican, director of the Institute of Nuclear Energy Safety Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Wu told Peoples Daily Online that the explosion of the largest hydrogen bomb during the 67 nuclear tests conducted by the U.S. in the Marshall Islands was 15 million tons, over 1,000 times larger than the Hiroshima atomic bomb. Once the radioactive materials leak, they may diffuse to surrounding seawaters or lagoons, once again forcing local people to leave their homes. In addition, severe marine pollution caused by large-scale leakage will threaten bio-safety in nearby Pacific regions or an even wider range, Wu noted. For decades, the Marshallese have expressed their concerns over the waste site, but the U.S. kept saying the dome is on Marshallese land and therefore the responsibility of the Marshallese government. A tribunal, established by the two countries in 1988, concluded the U.S. should pay $2.3 billion in claims, but the U.S. Congress and U.S courts have refused. Documents show the U.S. paid just $4 million. Under normal circumstances, conducting nuclear tests in a region where a country is aware of the existence of humans is no different from dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, said Zhu Li, executive vice-director of the radiation protection office, Tsinghua University, during an interview with Peoples Daily Online. Zhu said the U.S. must be held accountable for the tests in the Marshall Islands, both economically and technically. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 08:48:49|Editor: Liu Video Player Close TEHRAN/WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has fired "tens of surface-to-surface missiles" at the U.S. airbase in Anbar province in western Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, Press TV reported Wednesday. The IRGC has called for a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from the Arab country and said that it would not differentiate between the United States and Israel in retaliation against the assassination of the Iranian general, according to the report. Iran has vowed to take a "harsh revenge" for Soleimani's death. The IRGC said it would release more details about the strikes. The White House has announced that the United States is monitoring reported rocket attacks on its airbase in Iraq. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq. The president ... is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," the White House said in a statement. World oil prices briefly surged 4.5 per cent on Wednesday after Iran launched missile attacks on US targets in Iraq. The strikes, launched in retaliation for President Donald Trump ordering the assassination of the Islamic republic's top general last Friday, sent Brent and New York crude to multi-month peaks. Oil later trimmed gains as Iran said it had "concluded" for now its missile attacks, launched in response to the US drone assassination of Qasem Soleimani last Friday. The unrest has yet to impact oil supplies, analysts said. "Although the market was duly warned about upcoming Iranian retaliation attacks on US installations and armed forces the (Brent) oil price still spiked up to almost USD 72 per barrel following the Iranian attacks on two US Iraqi bases last night," said SEB analyst Bjarne Schieldrop. "Again, not a single drop of oil supply has been lost due to the recent incidents and this is why the oil price has fallen back down again so quickly. What the market fears is that the situation spirals out of control, with an uncontrollable escalation leading to outright war." Global stock markets however slid on investor concern of a broader conflict. In late Wednesday morning deals, London stocks were down 0.2 per cent, Frankfurt fell 0.4 per cent and Paris retreated 0.3 per cent after heady losses in Asia. "Global markets have been shaken after Iran launched a ... missile attack against multiple US military bases in Iraq," said analyst Bethel Loh at trading firm ThinkMarkets. "Fears of escalation, however, were proven to be short-lived as the US administration avoided an impulsive military response in the aftermath." Tehran said it had halted its missile strikes, with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeting that the country does "not seek escalation or war". The Pentagon said it was still "working on initial battle damage assessments" after bases at Ain al-Asad and Arbil in Iraq -- which house US and coalition forces -- were targeted by more than a dozen ballistic missiles. There were no immediate reports on casualties. Trump said the assessment was underway, but added on Twitter: "So far, so good". Further geopolitical instability came after a Ukrainian Boeing 737 crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran airport, killing at least 170 people. Safe haven assets also rose Wednesday as investors dumped stocks and headed to the hills. Gold was up more than two percent, surging above $1,600 an ounce for the first time in six years, before falling back slightly to stand at USD 1,581.80. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iran will welcome any peace initiative by India to de-escalate tensions with the United States following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian envoy here said on Wednesday while asserting that his country wants peace not war. Iran's Ambassador to India Ali Chegeni also expressed the hope there would be no further escalation in hostilities between his country and the US. The ambassador's comments came hours after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq. Tehran said it was a "slap in the face" of America. "India usually plays a very good role in (maintaining) peace in the world. India belongs to this region. We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalation (of tensions)," Chegeni told reporters after a condolence meeting for Soleimani at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi. "We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region. We welcome any Indian initiative or any project that can help peace and prosperity in this world," he said. Maj Gen Soleimani, 62, the head of Iran''s elite al-Quds force and architect of its regional security apparatus, was killed when a US drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the Baghdad International Airport early on Friday. The strike also killed the deputy chief of Iraq''s powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. On the Iranian attack on US targets in Iraq, Chegeni said his country retaliated under its right to defend. Amid spiralling US-Iran tensions over the killing of Soleimani, external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Sunday had a conversation with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, voicing India's concerns over the escalation of tensions. Meanwhile, sources said Zarif is expected to visit India to attend the Raisina Dialogue next week. During his visit, Zarif will also hold talks with Jaishankar, the sources said. India has reached out to several stakeholders in the region over the security situation prevailing in the Middle East. Jaishankar has also separately spoken with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf Alawi, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well his Jordanian and Qatari counterparts Ayman Safadi and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani respectively, on the tense situation in the region. Noting that India is a "good friend", Chegeni said, "My minister (Javad Zarif) talked to Dr Jaishankar, they had a very good discussion. Recently we had the joint economic commission in Tehran...We see a very good future for the relationship. We have no problem with India." He said Iran and India can jointly work for peace in the world. Asked if Indian officials have reached out to the Embassy with a condolence message, the Iranian envoy said the embassy had opened a condolence book for two days and he expects Indian officials to come but it is "up to the Indian side". "Usually we have good relations and sympathy between the two countries," he said. The Iran embassy in New Delhi has been seeing a steady stream of envoys coming and expressing condolences on the death of Soliemani. Concerns have mounted across the globe over fast-deteriorating diplomatic ties between the US and Iran, and the spiralling tensions in the Gulf after Soleiman was killed. Soleimani's killing was the most dramatic escalation yet in spiralling tensions between Iran and the US. Talking about the US drone strike that killed Soleimani, Chegeni said, "He was in a third country. So this is very important for the world to not allow such an inhuman, illegal act which is against international rights." "He (Soleimani) was the one who removed the threat of ISIS from the world. Why you should kill him. That means you are supporting terrorists. If Gen Soleimani didn't act against ISIS, what would have happened to India, to Europe, and to all of the world because ISIS was really anti-human," he said. The world owes a debt to "anti-terrorist hero" Soleimani, he said. "That is why my country today officially retaliated based on the legitimate rights we have....We are not for war. We are not for escalation, but defending is our right," Chegeni said. "Everyone has the right to defence, even animals and trees...," he asserted. "This is not revenge, this was the right of our people. All the Iranian people asked for retaliation, early morning at the same time our national hero was attacked... we attacked the military bases," he said. BEIRUT Nissans fugitive ex-boss, Carlos Ghosn, said Wednesday that his arrest in Japan, from which he escaped last month, was a plot against him and described his detention conditions as a travesty against human rights. In his first appearance since his daring and improbable escape from Japan, Ghosn said during a 2-hour news conference in Beirut that the decision to flee was the most difficult of my life. He was due to stand trial for alleged financial misconduct at the automaker and on Wednesday again dismissed all allegations against him as untrue. With big gestures and a five-part slide presentation projected behind him, Ghosn brought his case to global media and said that his thought before fleeing Japan was: You are going to die in Japan or you are going to get out. He quickly added, however, that he would not address the details of his escape, which has embarrassed Japanese authorities. Media reports have said that he left his Tokyo residence alone, skipping out on his $14 million bail despite supposedly rigorous surveillance. He met two men at a hotel, and then took a bullet train to Osaka before boarding a private jet, hidden inside a musical equipment case. He flew to Istanbul and was then transferred onto another plane bound for Beirut, where he arrived Dec. 30. Ghosn portrayed his arrest as a plot linked to a decline in the financial performance of Nissan. Ghosn had been in favor of merging Nissan with industry ally Renault, of which he was also chairman. In a swift reply, the Tokyo public prosecutors office said: Defendant Ghosns allegations that the prosecution was conspired by Nissan and Public Prosecutors Office is categorically false and completely contrary to fact. Zeina Karam and Sarah El Deeb are Associated Press writers. A newly formed Houston pipeline company has landed $400 million in financing from San Antonio private equity firm EnCap Flatrock Midstream. Launched just before Thanksgiving and headquartered off Post Oak Boulevard in Houston's Galleria district, Edgewater Midstream is seeking to build crude oil, refined products and other bulk liquid pipelines. The company plans to use the $400 million to buy, build and operate pipelines and storage terminals in petroleum trading hubs and demand centers in North America where development in the shale basins in Texas and elsewhere has allowed the United States to grow production and exports. Changing dynamics in the North American petroleum market present attractive opportunities for Edgewater, the company's CEO Stephen Smith said in a statement. Supersize Me: Moda Midstream has VLCC-sized plans for exports Joining Smith at Edgewater are former Motiva Enterprises executive oil trader Brian Thomason and Mike Truby, a former senior vice president with the San Antonio pipeline company NuStar Energy. When forming Edgewater, we recognized that societal, technological and policy trends are reshaping the arena in which traditional oil and gas midstream businesses operate," Smith said. "Our team embraces new technologies and environmentally sustainable practices. Fuel Fix: Get daily energy news headlines in your inbox Headquartered in San Antonio with offices in Oklahoma City and Houston, EnCap Flatrock Midstream manages $9 billion for a broad group of institutional investors. The private equity firm is currently making commitments to new management teams from EFM Fund IV, a $3.25 billion fund. Read the latest oil and gas news from HoustonChronicle.com TORONTO - Air Canada's flights to its sole destination to the Persian Gulf region have been rerouted to avoid Iraqi air space due to a military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran, the airline said Wednesday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Rescue workers inspect the scene where a Ukrainian plane crashed in Shahedshahr, southwest of the capital Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. A Ukrainian airplane with more than 170 people crashed on Wednesday shortly after takeoff from Tehran's main airport, killing all onboard. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) TORONTO - Air Canada's flights to its sole destination to the Persian Gulf region have been rerouted to avoid Iraqi air space due to a military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran, the airline said Wednesday. "As a result of the current uncertain situation in the Middle East, like many international carriers, Air Canada has taken precautionary measures. It is rerouting its five-times weekly flight to Dubai," it said in a statement. It didn't provide details but The Associated Press reported earlier that Air Canada had rerouted a flight Wednesday from Toronto to Dubai through Egypt and Saudi Arabia to avoid travelling over Iraq. The airline does not fly directly to locations in Iran or Iraq and hasn't flown over Iranian air space since last summer. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration told U.S. carriers in June to avoid Iranian air space after a U.S. surveillance drone was shot down. It issued a new advisory on Tuesday to add Iraqi air space to its areas to avoid. Transport Canada says Air Canada is the only Canadian airline with routes affected by the latest ban on flights by U.S. commercial carriers. Aircanada.ca indicates the airline's next direct flight to Toronto from Dubai left on time Wednesday just before midnight local time and is expected to arrive nearly an hour later than originally scheduled at 5:52 a.m. Thursday. The airline also has an agreement with Lufthansa, which takes passengers from Dubai to Frankfurt where they can make connections with Air Canada flights to Toronto. WestJet partner Emirates Airline said Wednesday its scheduled flights between Dubai and the Iraqi capital Baghdad were cancelled Wednesday for operational reasons. The U.S. is embroiled in a standoff with Iran, which fired missiles at American military bases in Iraq on Tuesday in retaliation for a U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani last week. The Iranian missile attack occurred before a Ukrainian plane crashed minutes after takeoff at Tehran's airport, killing 176 people, including 63 people with Canadian passports. Ukrainian authorities initially said it appeared mechanical failure was to blame for the crash, but later walked that back, saying nothing had been ruled out. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2020. Companies in this story: (TSX:AC) BJP leader Ram Kadam on Wednesday condemned the visit of actor Deepika Padukone to Jawaharlal University to support students protesting against the recent violence in the campus and termed it "unfortunate!". "It is unfortunate that Deepika Padukone visited JNU. We condemn this," said Kadam while speaking to media. Targetting the actor, the BJP leader suggested that she should have visited the place with "an agenda of interest". "An actor should be an actor. It seems like she was the spokesperson of a political party," he added. The Bollywood actor on Tuesday had joined students protesting against the recent violence on the JNU campus. She was seen standing with students as the demonstrators raised the slogan of "Jai Bhim-Jai Bhim" and former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar gave a speech. She did not issue any statement nor did she address the students. Deepika was in the capital to promote her upcoming film 'Chhapaak'. More than 30 students were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre after a masked mob entered the JNU and attacked the students and professors with sticks and rods late on Sunday night. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Britons who are worried about lumps and bumps on their genitals can now send pictures of their genitals to doctors for medical advice. Better2Know, a private sexual health testing provider, offers to check the sensitive images for signs of STIs at a price of 160. A doctor looks for rashes, lumps or blemishes around the penis or vagina, which could be a sign of herpes, genital warts, pubic lice or syphilis. They will discuss their thoughts with the patient over the phone, but a diagnostic test, nor the treatment, is included in the hefty cost. Data privacy experts called the service 'irresponsible', warning pictures sent from personal email addresses could easily be hacked. They fear users of the controversial service could be blackmailed, if their sensitive pictures were intercepted, or be identified and shamed online. You can now receive a doctor's advice on embarrassing symptoms by sending photos of your genitals over email after Better2Know created an online STI checker The new Better2Know STI checker was launched earlier this week for patients who are too shy to go a clinic or GP surgery about their symptoms. First, a person must book a photo consultation over the phone or webchat and give payment before they can send a picture. Each patient will be given a 'unique PIN number' to use instead of their name when sending photos over email. However, it is not clear how their personal email address would be anonymised. A team of sexual health advisers who monitor the inbox arrange for an experienced doctor to examine the photo. It is not clear how the image will be passed around, or how many people will see it. The doctor then contacts the user by phone to discuss their analysis and suggest any necessary further steps, such as attending a clinic for tests. A face-to-face consultation with a doctor at one of the hundreds of Better2Know clinics in the UK costs 50 less than the photo consultation, at 110. Anthea Morris, co-founder of Better2Know, claimed some patients can feel anxious about getting tested for an STI, especially if it is their first time. She added: 'Our hope is that the photo consultation service will be the first step for many on a journey towards better sexual health.' The service could help patients get diagnosed quicker, preventing the spread of STIs and delays in treatment which can have grave consequences. For example, if syphilis is left untreated it can spread to the brain, eyes or internal organs. It can lead to death, in rare cases. Chlamydia and gonorrhea, which typically cause abnormal discharge, can cause preventable pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. The launch of the service comes amid a spike in STIs in England. In 2018, there were 447,694 new diagnoses a five per cent increase from 2017. Health experts have blamed the use of dating apps for casual and unprotected sex, and a culture of shame when it comes to check-ups. However, cyber-security experts have criticised the service, saying hackers could intercept the emails and find out who sent pictures and where they live. James Knight, a senior principal of Digital Warfare Corp, a specialist cyber-security consulting firm for businesses, said he would not be using the latest service as means of STI testing, should he ever need to. The service encourages patients to send an image of the symptoms on their genitals to a 'private inbox' (pictured, the website) He told MailOnline: 'Sending photos and health information in an email, unencrypted over the Internet is not a good idea. The data could be intercepted and viewed. 'Then there is the metadata on the photo that may give identity away such as the GPS coordinates of your house. DATING APPS BLAMED FOR RISING STI RATES Clinics are 'struggling' to cope with soaring numbers of STIs because dating apps are encouraging casual sex, experts have warned warned. Cases of syphilis rose by half in Wales between 2016 and 2017, and record numbers of over-65s are getting syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia in England, figures have shown. Experts and doctors in the field have warned the fast turnaround of partners and rise in casual sex fuelled by online dating apps may be making catching an STI more likely. And they also make it more difficult to contact past partners, who may not have mutual friends. Dr Olwen Williams, president of the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV told the BBC in October: 'The frequency of app hook-ups and dating apps used as a sort of medium to access sexual activity seems to have increased significantly. 'What we can say about sexual mixing and sexual networking is that things have changed considerably. 'We're seeing a genuine rise in STIs. If we were just seeing an increase in testing then our figures would look slightly different, but it feels that way. 'Certainly in my career I've never seen so much gonorrhoea or syphilis in my area, ever.' Advertisement 'As a cyber-security professional that understands the risks of sending data unencrypted over the Internet I would not be using this service.' Encryption is when data is converted into secret code which only the sender and receiver have the ability to decode. On services such as Whatsapp, encryption makes sure no one but the people in the conversation can read messages. Not even Whatsapp. Mr Knight said: 'If private information is sent unencrypted, it means that it could be intercepted, by hackers, and read. 'I imagine that if the data was captured, it could be used to embarrass someone or even blackmail them.' The most concerning part of the service is that the photos are sent via email, said Paul Bischoff, a privacy advocate at for Comparitech.com, a firm which tests and compares security services. He told MailOnline: 'Every responsible organisation should know better than to send sensitive information via email. 'Private medical data should be treated with at least the same level of privacy as passwords and credit card numbers. 'Email is generally not encrypted, so an attacker could intercept it in transit across a network.' Javvad Malik, a security awareness advocate at KnowBe4, which gives training to companies on cyber security, said: 'From a security and privacy perspective, a virtual photo-based STI sounds like an absolutely terrible idea. 'When we look at breaches in recent years, they include personal details from plastic surgery clinics, dating sites, hotels, and medical centres among others. 'We've seen from these how damaging it can be for impacted users whenever there has been a breach - in this case, it can range from embarrassment to blackmail and have a real impact on people's lives.' Better2Know said their email address is 'secure' and each patient will be identifiable by a PIN number that is not associated with their name. The Maryland Zoo has welcomed a new female baby chimpanzee. Zoo officials said the chimp was born Dec. 29 to 24-year-old Raven. Mom and baby have spent the last week bonding in a quiet, off-exhibit area. Chimpanzee gestation is approximately eight months long. Prenatal care begins once staff members get a positive pregnancy test. The veterinary and animal care teams also performed routine ultrasounds on Raven to make sure the baby was growing appropriately. Chimp babies usually weigh 2 to 3 pounds at birth. The tiny new addition looks like a miniature version of her mom, with fluffy black hair covering most of her body. She spends nearly all of her time cradled in Ravens arms. Raven is the second chimpanzee to give birth at the zoo recently. In July, the zoo welcomed baby Lola. At 6 months old, she still spends the majority of her time close to her mom, Bunny. Since Raven is a first-time mother, the Animal Care team has placed her with a smaller group of chimps, including Bunny and Lola. The arrangement allows Raven to focus on caring for her baby and not have to worry about the complex social dynamics of chimp society. The care team hopes Raven will gain comfort and confidence in her mothering skills by spending time with Bunny and Lola. There are currently 14 chimpanzees in The Maryland Zoos troop, including the newborn. While most of the troop can be seen daily in the Chimpanzee Forest, Raven and her baby will remain behind the scenes for a short period of time to allow them to continue to strengthen their bond. Value for money WSP Global (TSX:WSP) is one of my top stocks for a buy and hold for any RRSP and TFSA. WSP Global employs 48,000 people worldwide, has a market capitalization of $9.5 billion, pays an annual dividend of 1.25%, and has a five-year total return of 171%. I love companies that build and invest in the future of a society. More specifically, I love companies that build the next-generation way of how people interact in their communities, forward-looking infrastructure, and renewable energy systems. WSP Global fits ticks all of the boxes. Lets look at the Canadian market. Traffic congestion is increasing throughout Canada. Vancouverites waste between 34% to 65% of their commute times due to congestion. The annual cost of traffic congestion in Vancouver is $1.2 billion a year. The overall cost of traffic congestion in Toronto is $3.3 billion per annum. When so much money is lost to congestion, saddled by the downward pressures of a recession, more and more governments will take steps to ease congestion. I expect more businesses to put pressure on government to ease congestion because of tightening business conditions, increased costs, and lost productivity from workers who cant make it to work on time. One example of this is Amazons new warehouse outside of Ottawa. Many employees turned down job offers because of lack of public transport to the location. WSP Global has designed infrastructure to reduce congestion around Montreal. The company can leverage this experience to win similar contracts throughout the world. CBC reported Canadas infrastructure spending has fallen behind by $123 billion. The United Statess infrastructure deficit is US$4.5 trillion. Theres an upshot to all of this. Between now and 2023, the total global infrastructure spending on smart cities will reach US$189.5 billion. Who do you think will win those contracts? Companies that patch holes and maintain existing infrastructure or companies that combine different layers of technologies to re-engineer social spaces to enhance usability, profitability, and user interaction with a space? Story continues My moneys on the latter. Lets get back to basics the money. In July 2019, WSP won a US$335 million FEMA-supported project. Looking at the global picture, WSP has a bright future. Heres what gives WSP a global advantage. Asian countries need to spend US$1.7 trillion per year in infrastructure spending to maintain current growth rates. Thats US$26 trillion total between now and 2030. WSP Global has deep roots in Asia with over 40 years of consulting experience in the region. Heres something most people dont think about when it comes to infrastructure and Asia. Asia uses 65% of the worlds water supply, and about 30% of the people in Asia face water scarcity. Water shortages and infrastructure deficits pose serious challenges to governments who want to drive up standards of living and push further industrialization. Heres where WSP Global can step in. The company has over 130 years of experience dealing with water, wastewater, and water infrastructure. The company brings a unique blend of technical experience and regional experience to the table. In 2010, the worlds largest cities, cities with more than 25 million people, were distributed across the continents. By 2100, the worlds largest cities will be in India and bordering countries and sub-Saharan Africa. Those cities face a current energy infrastructure deficit, and the gap will increase between now and 2100. Whats more, cities with over 50 million people will be all in sub-Saharan Africa. WSP already has an extensive presence in southeast Asia and has a presence in South Africa. Not to mention, the company has been successful in expanding to Latin America. Another factor to consider is the companys consistent and impressive organic growth numbers. The company has consistently grown organically since 2008. In 2010, WSP grew organically by 9.6%. In 2017, the figure was 6.2%. In 2018, organic growth was 3.5%. Dont let the diminishing trend fool you. There has been a lull in infrastructure spending, and that spending must increase to deal with shortages, congestion, and the need for smart infrastructure. This stock is for investors looking to make money by building the future. More reading John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. David Gardner owns shares of Amazon. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon. Fool.ca contributor Renee Gendron has no position in the mentioned stock. The Motley Fools purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool Canadas free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Motley Fool Canada 2020 Iran Press/Handout via Reuters The crash of a Ukrainian International Airlines flight 10 minutes after it took off from Tehran, killing 176 people, raises questions about a known safety issue with the model of the Boeing 737 involvednot the grounded 737-MAX but the previous NG, or Next Generation, model. There has been no official finding of the cause of the crashwhether it was shot down or was doomed by mechanical failure or pilot error. Iran pointed to a technical malfunction, but Ukraine suggested it was looking at all scenarios. It is unusual for a crash like this to occur so suddenly during the climb out from an airport without the pilot being able to send a Mayday distress call. This could indicate the likelihood of a sudden and catastrophic failure overtaking the flight so completely that the pilots had no chance to respond. 63 Canadians Were on Board a Ukrainian Passenger Plane That Crashed Leaving Iran Investigators are sure to give priority to considering if this is a kind of failure that has previously occurred on the 737-800 NG model involved. In doing so, their attention will focus on Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 in 2018, when a sudden and catastrophic failure of an engine fan blade crippled a 737 so badly that only the nerve and skill of its pilot, Tammie Jo Shults, saved it from disaster. After investigating this incident, the National Transportation Safety Board last November pinpointed a flaw in the engine casing of this model of the 737 that made it possible for a failing engine fan blade to become like shrapnel from a missile that tears into the fuselage of the airplane. Boeing responded to the NTSB alert by saying that no airplanes needed to be grounded while the problem was fixed. It said: All 737 NGs are safe to continue operating normally as the issue is completely mitigated by the fan blade inspections. In addition, Boeing is working on the design enhancements to fully address the safety recommendation from the NTSB. Once approved by the FAA, that design change will be implemented in the existing NG fleet over the longer term. This issue is limited to the 737 NG and does not affect the 737 MAX. Story continues Engine casings are supposed to be designed to contain shrapnel from a failure, but the NTSBs November warning challenged Boeings assertion that in this case regular engine inspections mitigated the problem. It pointed out that the failure on the Southwest 737 exposed a weakness that had not shown up in the original tests when the FAA certified the design as safe. The chairman of the NTSB, Robert Sumwalt, wrote, It is important to go beyond routine examination of the fan blades; the structural integrity of the engine nacelle components for various airframe and engine combinations needs to be ensured. The board issued five new safety recommendations to the FAA that it said required action. The engines are jointly manufactured by General Electric and a French company, Safran, but the design of the engine casing is the responsibility of Boeing. The failure that hit Flight 1380 occurred at 30,000 feet as the flight reached cruise height. The Ukrainian 737 that crashed in Iran was at around 8,000 feet when disaster struck. There are two possibilities for an engine failure related to that altitude: The engines were stressed at maximum power for the climb, or there could have been a bird strike. Boeing has not commented on the possible cause of the disaster. In a tweet overnight, it said it had seen media reports and was gathering more information. Early Wednesday morning, it tweeted, This is a tragic event and our heartfelt thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families. We are in contact with our airline customer and stand by them in this difficult time. We are ready to assist in any way needed. Iranian officials said that the airplanes black box has been found and, if intact, this should provide enough data to establish what did cause the crash. It is likely that the Iranians will call on help from European investigators, most likely from France, to help analyze the data. Boeing said, We are aware of media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information. There are more than 5,000 Boeing 737-800 NGs in airline service around the world. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has welcomed the government's decisions to ease coal mining rules, provide viability gap funding (VGF) to build 'North East Gas Grid' project, and strategic disinvestment in state-owned entities. The apex industry body said the Cabinet decision to promulgate Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2020, will ease rules for auctioning coal mines, opening up process to all sectors, and will allow auction of 46 iron ore and other mines before March 31, 2020. "This decision will do away with the leeway provided to only steel, power and coal washeries and open the commercial coal mining bidding for all the firms. The Cabinet decision will also do away with end-use restrictions of the mining blocks and pave the way for the first leg commercial coal auctions within this fiscal," said Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General, FICCI. "The move is expected to provide a big push towards efforts for auctioning of coal blocks for commercial sale. It will help attract investments from Indian and global corporates. This is also a major step towards realising the Government's target to completely stop coal imports by power plants by 2024," he added. FICCI said that only 29 coal blocks were auctioned since 2014, when Supreme Court cancelled 214 coal blocks, due to end-user restrictions. The amendments will remove these restrictions and will also improve the ease of doing business in the country, it said. Recently, the government had announced 100 per cent foreign direct investments (FDI) under the automatic route for coal and lignite mining for captive consumption by power projects, as well as iron and steel, and cement units. The government also allowed auctioning of mines to all sectors. According to FICCI, these moves "will probably help in clearing all the hurdles ahead of the upcoming auctions of commercial coal blocks". FICCI also welcomed the Cabinet's approval of the proposal to provide VGF to build a gas grid in Northeast India at a cost of Rs 9,265 crore. "It's a welcome move and good for increasing the share of gas in the energy mix," said Y K Modi, Past President, FICCI and Executive Chairman, GEECL. The industry body voiced its support towards the Cabinet's approval for in-principle strategic disinvestment of equity shareholding in five PSUs - Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation Ltd (MMTC), National Mineral Development Corp (NMDC), MECON, Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd (NINL), and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL). "This will help generate resources for supporting investment and revive growth," said Chenoy. The Cabinet on Wednesday approved several proposals including strategic disinvestment of small PSUs and ratification of MoUs on energy sufficiency between India and the UK and promulgation of Mineral Laws. Apart from that, the Cabinet also approved ratification of migration and mobility partnership agreement between India and France. The agreement, signed in March 2018 till 2025, incorporates provisions for auto-renewal. By Chitranjan Kumar Also Read: Cabinet clears strategic disinvestment proposal for BHEL, Neelachal Ispat, MMTC, NMDC Also Read: FICCI calls for lower personal tax rates, tweaks in Taxation Bill to boost economy PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-08 20:53:41 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 934 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSXV:GBU) ("Gabriel" or the "Company") announces that it has granted an aggregate of 102,704 incentive stock options under the Company's stock option plan (the "Option Plan") and 115,944 deferred share units under the Company's deferred share unit plan (the "DSU Plan") to certain directors of the Company as non-cash directors' fees for Q4 2019 (the "Director Grant"). All incentive stock options issued under the Director Grant are exercisable for a period of ten years at $0.49 per share and vest immediately from the date of grant.The Option Plan allows for the issuance of up to 10% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company in the form of incentive stock options. As of the date hereof, a total of 25,635,711 common shares of the Company are reserved for issuance under the Option Plan, representing approximately 4.5% of the issued and outstanding share capital. 3,353,638 common shares of the Company are currently reserved for issuance under the DSU Plan.For information on this press release, please contact:Dragos TanasePresident & CEOPhone: +1 425 414 9256dt@ gabrielresources.com Richard BrownChief Financial OfficerPhone: +44 7748 760276Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Further InformationAbout GabrielGabriel is a Canadian resource company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's principal focus has been the exploration and development of the Rosia Montana gold and silver project in Romania ("Rosia Montana Project"). The Rosia Montana Project, one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Europe, is situated in the South Apuseni Mountains of Transylvania, Romania, an historic and prolific mining district that since pre-Roman times has been mined intermittently for over 2,000 years. The exploitation license ("License") for the Rosia Montana Project is held by Rosia Montana Gold Corporation S.A., a Romanian company in which Gabriel owns an 80.69% equity interest, with the 19.31% balance held by Minvest Rosia Montana S.A., a Romanian state-owned mining company.Upon obtaining the License in June 1999, the Group (as defined below) focused substantially all of their management and financial resources on the exploration, feasibility and subsequent development of the Rosia Montana Project. Despite the Company's fulfilment of its legal obligations and its development of the Rosia Montana Project as a high-quality, sustainable and environmentally-responsible mining project, using best available techniques, Romania has blocked and prevented implementation of the Rosia Montana Project without due process and without compensation. Accordingly, the Company's current core focus is the ICSID Arbitration. For more information please visit the Company's website at www.gabrielresources.com Forward-looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking information" (also referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company's operating environment. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements.Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the uncertainties associated with: the ICSID Arbitration, actions by the Romanian Government, conditions or events impacting the Company's ability to fund its operations (including but not limited to the completion of further funding noted above) or service its debt, exploration, development and operation of mining properties and the overall impact of misjudgments made in good faith in the course of preparing forward-looking information.Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors including those set out below, that may never materialize, prove incorrect or materialize other than as currently contemplated which could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "is of the view", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", "potential", "possible" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of fact and may be forward-looking statements.Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:delay or extension to the duration of the ICSID Arbitration;required disclosure, costs, process and outcome of the ICSID Arbitration against Romania;changes in the liquidity and capital resources of Gabriel, and the group of companies of which it is directly or indirectly parent ("Group");access to funding to support the Group's continued ICSID Arbitration and/or operating activities in the future;equity dilution resulting from Medicaid was created in 1965 as a social healthcare program to help people with low incomes receive medical attention. Many seniors rely on Medicaid to pay for long-term nursing home care. Most people pay out of their own pockets for long-term care until they become eligible for Medicaid. Though Medicare is an entitlement program, Medicaid is a form of welfareor at least thats how it began. So to be eligible, you must become impoverished under the programs guidelines, says Laura M. Krohn, a Rhode Island-based elder law attorney. Let's look at how the economics work, and how Medicaid can be used to pay for a nursing home. Key Takeaways Medicaid is for individuals and families living on a limited income; many seniors use it to pay for long-term care in nursing homes. In order to be eligible for Medicaid, you must meet specific income and asset requirements. To become eligible, seniors may choose to "pay down" or transfer their assets in order to meet Medicaid guidelines in their state. The transfer of assets must have occurred at least five years before applying to Medicaid in order to avoid the program's lookback period. Medicare vs. Medicaid Roles in Nursing Home Care Medicare does cover nursing home careup to a point. If you are sent to a skilled nursing facility for care after a three-day inpatient hospital stay, Medicare will pay the full cost for the first 20 days. For the next 100 days, Medicare covers most of the charges, but patients must pay $185.50 per day (in 2021) unless they have a supplemental insurance policy. For day 101 and beyond, the patient pays all costs. These rules apply to traditional Medicare. People on Medicare Advantage plans likely have different benefits Some nursing homes wont accept Medicaid patients outright, but the law forbids them from throwing you out if you become dependent on Medicaid when you are in their care. Qualifying for Medicaid In all states, Medicaid is available to low-income individuals and families, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and the elderly. Medicaid programs vary from state to state, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows states to provide Medicaid to adults (under the age of 65) without minor children or a disability. Income standards are usually based on the Federal Poverty Level. Each state has its own guidelines and eligibility requirements. For example, in New York state, there is an income limit of $1,482 monthly (in 2021) for individuals, but in Mississippi, the limit is $1,047 for individuals and $1,394 for couples. Separate limits apply with regard to the amount of financial resources (such as bank accounts, cash, real property, etc.) someone can have to be Medicaid-eligible. Because these rules vary by state, it may be best to speak directly to a regional office to obtain the correct set of guidelines for your home state. You can find a link to connect you via the Medicaid website. How Your Assets Impact Eligibility Besides income, your assets will be counted toward meeting eligibility requirements. Countable assets include checking and savings account balances, CDs, stocks, and bonds. In most states, you can retain up to $2,000 as an individual and $3,000 for a married couple outside of your countable assets. However, these amounts may vary depending on the state in which you live. Your home, your car, personal belongings, or your savings for funeral expenses remain outside of countable assets. If you can prove other assets are not accessible (because they are in an irrevocable trust, for example), they too are exempt. A house must be a principal residence and does not count as long as the nursing home resident or their spouse lives there or intends to return there. Upon becoming eligible for Medicaid, all of the applicant's income must be used to pay for the nursing home where the applicant resides. However, you may be allowed to keep a monthly "allowance" and a deduction for medical needs, such as private health insurance. The amount of the allowance varies depending on your living arrangements, type of nursing facility, and state rules. If you are married, an allowance may be made for the spouse still living in the home. Eligibility and Asset Transfer Rules In the past, to avoid exceeding Medicaid's income limits, some families would transfer a patient's assets into the names of other relatives, such as the children. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 made such maneuvers much harder to manage. Now, when you apply for Medicaid, there is a five-year lookback at all asset transfers. If Medicaid finds money was transferred within the past five years, a penalty period is imposed, delaying the onset of Medicaid coverage. Medicaid calculates the penalty by dividing the amount transferred by what Medicaid determines is the average price of nursing home care in your state. For example, suppose Medicaid determines your state's average nursing home costs $6,000 per month, and you had transferred assets worth $120,000. You will not be eligible for Medicaid assistance until you pay the cost of the nursing home for 20 months ($120,000 / $6,000 = 20). There is no limit to the number of months for which someone can be declared ineligible. The penalty period begins on the day the patient enters a nursing home. Not all transfers are counted in the lookback period. Arrangements that are allowed include transfers to: Spouse of the applicant A child under the age of 21 A child who is permanently disabled or blind An adult child who has been living in the home and provided care to the patient for at least two years prior to the application for Medicaid who has been living in the home and provided care to the patient for at least two years prior to the application for Medicaid A sibling with an equity interest in the house who also has been living there for at least one year before the patient applied for Medicaid Medicaid programs are paid for out of both federal and state funds. When a State Can Recoup Benefits After the Medicaid recipient dies, the state can try to recoup whatever benefits it has paid out. The home is usually the only major claimable asset. Currently, the state can only put a lien on it (or any other asset) if it is part of the deceased's probate estate. If the asset is jointly owned with a spouse or in a life estate or trust, then it can escape recovery. In most states, the government can place a lien on the home after the death of both spouses, unless a dependent child resides on the property. The Bottom Line Depending on Medicaid for your long-term care insurance can be risky if you have a sizable estate. And even if you don't, it may not meet all your needs. But if you anticipate wanting to qualify, review your financial situation as soon as possible and have an elder or senior care attorney set up your affairs in a way that will give you the money you need for now while rendering your assets ineligible to count against you in the future. Don't forget that asset transfers must be in place at least five years prior to your application to avoid Medicaid's lookback period. Even so, plan to have enough assets to pay a facility privately or through private long-term care insurance, at least for the initial six months to a year. Medicaid and Nursing Homes FAQ What is Medicaid? Medicaid is a federal program administered at the state level that's designed to provide medical care assistance for low-income individuals and families and people with disabilities. Medicaid is separate from Medicare, which is a federal program that pays certain healthcare expenses for individuals ages 65 and older. Does Medicaid pay for nursing care? Medicaid can help to pay the costs of long-term care in a nursing care facility. To qualify for assistance, you must meet the Medicaid eligibility guidelines established by your state. It's important to note that Medicare does not help with long-term care costs. What is a Medicaid lookback period? The Medicaid lookback period is a period of time (typically five years) in which any transfers of assets to family members may be subject to scrutiny for Medicaid eligibility. If it's determined that you specifically transferred assets during the lookback period in order to qualify for Medicaid, this can affect the benefits for which you're eligible. Get the hell out of our region! Thats what Azari Jahromi, a minister of telecommunications for the Iranian government, tweeted Tuesday night (early Wednesday in Iran), after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases that house U.S. soldiers. That seemed to sum up the sentiment among Iranian media after the attacks, which Iranian TV said were in response to the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qasem Soleimani. President Donald Trump isnt the only one wielding a Twitter account like a bludgeon. So once again, on a January night, audiences watched as cable networks reported from the region. It was eerily reminiscent at times of Jan. 16, 1991, kicking off the first Gulf War when the U.S. bombed Iraq. CNN reporters Bernard Shaw, John Holliman and Peter Arnett hunkered under a table in a hotel room and reported on U.S. bombs falling on Baghdad basically falling on them. Why Tuesday's coverage was different Yet there were striking differences, as well, in both the strikes and the coverage. For one thing, U.S. troops Tuesday were being attacked. Also, the U.S. had a large coalition of countries supporting the 1991 bombings. Not so when it came to the strike on Soleimani. But those things are obvious. 'This was an act of war': Lawmakers react to Iran's missile strike on US military bases What we know: Trump once visited Iraq base attacked by Iran missiles Other differences revealed themselves over the course of watching CNN, Fox News and MSNBC report on Tuesday night. In 1991, CNN was the only 24-hour news network on the air. And the coverage was remarkably straightforward that night. There werent attacks from politicians on each other, at least not then. The correspondents didnt offer opinions, other than sharing the opinion that they wanted to stay alive. Pentagon says Iran responsible for firing multiple missiles that hit Iraqi airbases housing U.S. forces And it was riveting. It wouldnt last. The world, and the media, are a lot different now. The coverage of the Tuesday attacks showed how. Most striking, at least if youve watched enough of this kind of thing: During the early reporting, Fox News refrained from cheerleading. Story continues Thats typical. During the breaking-news portion of the cycle, the networks are often indistinguishable from one another. They all do a good job. When news commentators arrive, the tone shifts Its when the story stalls and commentators start weighing in or those annoying panels on CNN that would fill a city bus that things turn ... different. Chris Cuomo on CNN actually remained pretty civil, for him. Rachel Maddow on MSNBC, while theres no question where she stands politically, was mostly inquisitive in interviewing experts. Then there is Sean Hannity. To the surprise of no one, Hannity immediately started making threats, saying bombers were on the way to the region and sounding like a schoolyard bully, gloating about how Mullahs better hide in their bunkers and refinery workers might want to change jobs pretty quick. He could not have sounded happier. This is a problem. When it comes to reporting the news, and when reasonable people like Chris Wallace weigh in on Fox News, it actually contributes to the conversation. When Hannity brags about potential bloodshed it isnt just dispiriting in comparison. Its dangerous. Its one thing to defend Trumps lies about the biggest inauguration in history or whatever. Its another to openly campaign for more attacks and we know how Trump watches Hannity. Cyberattack?: The risk of an Iran cyberattack is up after missile strike on Iraqi military bases Change to threat level?: US travel anxieties spike after Iran missile attack on Iraq bases Networks started sending emails bragging that they broke the story first, but in an age of live-tweeting, does that even matter anymore? Tuesday night was a reminder that, for all of the technical advances, we are in uncharted territory, with Trump's fast and loose association with the truth. No matter what side of the aisle you support, healthy skepticism is crucial. Blind faith and willful ignorance are cancers on the media and society. We need to know the truth, report the truth believe the truth. Its harder than ever, which will make the next few days fascinating. Follow Bill Goodykoontz on Twitter: @goodyk This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Iran missile attack: How Fox News, MSNBC and CNN covered attack The diplomats noted the counterproductive of the public discussion on the inner issues of Ukrainian policy On January 8, the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine invited Ambassador of Poland in Ukraine Bartosz Cichocki due to the critics of the honoring of the figures of Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) as the ministry reported. During the talk and in the context of the discussion of the fact of the joint statement of the ambassadors of the Republic of Poland and the State of Israel dated January 2, the attention of the Polish ambassador was drawn to the counterproductive of the public discussion on the inner issues of Ukrainian policy, the message said. It was also noted that during the contacts at the highest level of the leadership of Ukraine and Poland, it was agreed about the development of the dialogue on the historical issues at the expert level. It will need additional efforts, including diplomatic, aiming for the provision of the constructive cooperation of the specialists in the historical memory. We agreed on particular steps in this direction, the Foreign Ministry added. On January 2, Heads of diplomatic missions of Poland and Israel in Ukraine stood against paying tribute to Stepan Bandera and Andriy Melnyk. These were the leaders of OUN, the far-right movement in Ukraine in the first half of the 20th century. Later, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responded to criticism of Poland and Israel about honoring Stepan Bandera and a number of people who collaborated with the Nazis, citing the revival of "national memory." BOSTON, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Law students from across the country will have the opportunity to study with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor during the summer of 2020 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Consortium for Innovative Legal Education (CILE)which includes California Western School of Law, New England Law | Boston, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and South Texas College of Law Houstonwill have the privilege of hosting the Honorable Justice Sotomayor in its study-abroad program at the historic Charles University the week of July 6. Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), the Prague program is one of several international legal study-abroad options available to law students through CILE. The Prague program features international and comparative law courses taught by faculty members from CILE-member schools. Registration for the program is open to students in good academic standing who have completed at least one year at any national ABA-accredited law school. Participants will receive four to seven hours of transferable credit, depending on the sessions they choose to attend. In the past several years, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, and the late Justice Antonin Scalia also taught in study-abroad programs offered through CILE-affiliated schools in Prague, Czech Republic; London, England; Galway, Ireland; and Valletta, Malta. Justice Sotomayor, appointed to the United States Supreme Court by President Barack Obama in 2009, is the first Latina Supreme Court justice in U.S. history. She attended Yale Law School and received an undergraduate degree from Princeton University. Prior to taking her seat on the U.S. Supreme Court, she served as judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and was a lecturer at Columbia Law School and an adjunct professor of law at New York University School of Law. As enrollment is limited, law students interested in this study-abroad program are encouraged to register beginning February 1, 2020, at www.stcl.edu/prague. About the Consortium for Innovative Legal Education The Consortium for Innovative Legal Education (CILE) consists of a group of independent ABA and AALS accredited American law schools including: California Western School of Law, New England Law|Boston, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and South Texas College of Law Houston. CILE is an innovative educational service organization of combined resources and cooperative efforts designed to enhance and strengthen the educational mission of each law school separately and collectively. This unique partnership provides expanded opportunities for legal educational programs on a national and international level. The Consortium offers fully transferable courses between the four participating law schools, summer study abroad earning credit towards the J.D. degree, and a semester of study in a foreign country with credits toward the J.D. degree. SOURCE Consortium for Innovative Legal Education Kanhaiya Kumar, the former Jawaharlal Nehru University students union leader who was back in the campus Wednesday evening, tweeted a crisp thank you note to actor Deepika Padukone for her expression of solidarity with the students. Kanhaiya Kumar also praised the actor for her courage in visiting the university, the first celebrity to do so. You might be abused or trolled today, but history will remember you for your courage and standing by the idea of India, Kanhaiya Kumar said in a tweet past Wednesday midnight. And she was. Deepika Padukones visit to the university had drawn a sharp reaction on social media. There were also many calls including some from BJP leaders for boycotting Chhapaak, her upcoming movie that was inspired by the real-life story of Delhis acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. More power to you @deepikapadukone and thank you for your solidarity and support. You might be abused or trolled today, but history will remember you for your courage and standing by the idea of India. pic.twitter.com/q9WkXODchL Kanhaiya Kumar (@kanhaiyakumar) January 7, 2020 Watch: Deepika Padukone visits JNU to support students protesting violence At JNU, Deepika Padukone had shared the stage with Kanhaiya Kumar and student leaders of the university when Kumar was raising slogans. Before she left, Deepika Padukone also met JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh who was allegedly assaulted by masked goons who had reportedly entered the campus on Sunday evening. Sunday evenings attack had left over 30 students injured, many of them beaten by the masked assailants who were armed with sticks, rods and hammers. The JNU students union leaders have alleged the assailants were linked to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the students wing of the ruling BJPs ideological mentor, RSS. Kanhaiya Kumar had shot into limelight in 2016 when he was arrested by Delhi Police on charges that he had raised slogans calling for independence for Kashmir at the campus. Kumar, who was charged with sedition, had spent nearly three weeks in Tihar jail on a controversial sedition charge. It was around this time that the BJP leaders and right-wing supporters had come up with the term, tukde tukde gang to accuse Left-backed outfits and their supporters of a mindset that calls for the dismemberment of India. It was at the roaring welcome that Kanhaiya Kumar received after his release from jail that he had turned the accusation that he raised aazadi slogans on its head, underscoring that he had never asked for freedom from India, but freedom within India. Kumar was the CPIs candidate against BJPs Giriraj Singh from Begusarai in Bihar in last years national elections but lost by a staggering margin of four lakh votes against the veteran politician. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 22:04:24|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ANKARA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will visit Iraq on Thursday following an Iranian retaliatory attack on U.S. troops in Iraq, Turkey's Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday. "Within the context of our intensified diplomatic efforts to alleviate the escalated tension in the aftermath of recent developments in the region, Mevlut Cavusoglu, minister of foreign affairs, will pay a visit to Iraq on Jan. 9, 2020," the ministry said in a statement. The recent developments in the region, as well as bilateral issues, are expected to be discussed during the visit, the statement added. Cavusoglu also held a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif on Wednesday, during which they "discussed recent developments in the region and extended condolences" after a Ukrainian passenger jet carrying about 180 people crashed in the morning, diplomatic sources said on condition of anonymity. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched missiles at two bases in Iraq that host U.S. troops on Wednesday in retaliation for the killing of Qassem Soleimani, commander of IRGC's elite Quds Force, by a U.S. airstrike last week. WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Buckley LLP, a premier national law firm focused on financial services, white collar defense, and complex civil litigation, announced that James McGuire has joined the firm as a partner and will lead its San Francisco office. James has more than 20 years of financial services litigation experience, and represents banks and other financial services companies in bet-the-company complex civil litigation, with a focus on consumer class-action defense. "James has earned his reputation as an outstanding litigator through repeated successes for financial services companies, and will be instrumental in anchoring our San Francisco office," said Benjamin B. Klubes, Buckley's managing partner. "Our West Coast fintech and other financial services clients will benefit from his knowledge and experience." James has built a strong record successfully defending banks in cases that often involve claims of unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices (UDAAP), and frequently litigates and counsels clients on arbitration clauses. He has deep experience in the full range of consumer financial products, including credit cards, debit cards, and deposit accounts most recently demonstrated in overdraft cases involving "authorize positive, settle negative" transactions. He has also represented financial-institution plaintiffs seeking declaratory or injunctive relief in lawsuits against state attorneys general and other government officials, and has successfully mounted preemption defenses for national banks. James is an experienced appellate lawyer and has argued more than a dozen appeals before federal appellate courts, the California Courts of Appeal, and state supreme courts. "Buckley and I have a shared understanding of what our clients and the financial services industry need, and I am excited to join a team with such deep experience in regulatory and enforcement work," said James. "The opportunity to help a firm with Buckley's reputation expand in San Francisco is unique and compelling." James was a partner at Morrison & Foerster prior to joining Buckley. He received his J.D. from the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, and his B.A. from California State University, Sacramento. With offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and London, Buckley LLP offers premier enforcement, litigation, compliance, regulatory, and transactional services to financial services institutions and early stage and leading fintech and technology companies, as well as venture capital and private equity funds, investment companies, and corporate and individual clients throughout the world. "The best at what they do in the country." (Chambers USA) Contact: Mark Lutin (202) 349-7929 [email protected] SOURCE Buckley LLP A car being tested at an auto factory in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Minh Tuan. 55 percent of buyers prefer used cars assembled in Vietnam to those imported from South Korea and Japan, a 2019 survey found. This figure is several times higher than the 16 percent who favor South Korea and the 11 percent stuck on Japan, according to Cho Tot Xe, a popular car listing website in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City residents prefer newer, more expensive vehicles compared to those in Hanoi, the website's data shows. HCMC buyers favor used models released in the previous three years at a cost of VND300-700 million ($12,900-30,200). The top three models are Hyundai Grand i10 2016, Mazda CX 5 2017 and Honda City 2016. But buyers in Hanoi are more interested in vehicles priced less at VND300-400 million ($12,900-17,200), which date back to 2015, such as the Toyota Vios 2015, Hyundai Grand i10 2015 and Kia Morning 2015. The demand for used cars is on the up, listings on Cho Tot Xe rising 22 percent from 2018 to 200,000 last year, with the most popular brands Toyota, Kia and Hyundai. Sedans were the most popular used car types in 2019, with Honda City 2016, Toyota Vios 2017 and Mazda 3 2018 the top three. Toyota Innova maintained the best used price in 2019 at VND678-740 million ($29,220-31,890), followed by Chevrolet Spark and Ford Ranger. Vietnam has been striving to develop its car industry for decades, but experts say the small market size has constrained local producers. The localization rate of passenger cars in Vietnam is at 7-10 percent, compared to 55-60 percent across ASEAN. The country imported 133,696 vehicles in the first 11 months last year, up 95.6 percent year-on-year, mostly from Thailand and Indonesia, according to Vietnam Customs. 289,128 cars were sold throughout Vietnam in the same period, up 14 percent year-on-year, according to Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA). UK court to decide whether children, teens can consent to taking puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The question of whether children and teenagers can consent to taking puberty-blocking drugs and cross-sex hormones to thwart their bodies natural growth as part of transgender experimentation will be adjudicated this week at the U.K.'s highest court. The case is being brought by attorneys for Susan Evans against the Tavistock and Portman National Health Service which operate the lone gender identity clinic in the nation. Evans is a psychiatric nurse and psychoanalytic psychotherapist who believes the medicalization of gender in young people is experimental and carries lifelong, harmful consequences. According to The U.K. Times, Evans' lawyers will stress that providing puberty blockers and opposite-sex hormones at Tavistock for children age 18 and younger is against the law because minors are incapable of giving consent. There are so many unanswered questions that include the age at start, reversibility, serious adverse health events, long-term effects on mental health, neurological effects on cognitive functioning, the effect on bone density, circulatory systems and sexual functioning in adulthood," a crowdfunding page for Evans asserts. We cannot stand by and watch young people be part of an experimental medical treatment that exposes them to very significant risks. In 2004, Evans raised concerns about practices within the clinic. Though an internal inquiry was conducted, she ultimate left feeling nothing had changed substantially. The lawyers representing Evans are also representing a mother, whose identity has not been disclosed, of a 15-year-old autistic girl who's on the waiting list for the Gender Identity Development Service. The mother has said that no one, let alone her daughter, "understands the risks and therefore cannot ensure informed consent is obtained. Tavistock has been at the center of controversy in recent months as whistleblowers have exposed troubling internal protocols. In an July 18 open letter, Kirsty Entwistle, who until October 2018 was also employed at the GIDS in Leeds, accused Tavistock clinicians of misleading young patients, stressing that they had been making decisions that will have a major impact on children and young peoples bodies and lives ... without a robust evidence base. That many of the youth being treated at the clinic were victims of abuse and neglect or were poor was "minimized and dismissed" she explained, and the children and their families were told that chemical puberty suppressants were completely reversible, despite a lack of evidence for such a claim. Entwistle also recounted that an "unspoken rule" prevailed in the clinic, that families were never to be told that their children were not transgender. Critics of transgender medicine often point out that young girls are disproportionately impacted as are same-sex attracted youth, those on the autism spectrum, and victims of sexual trauma. In an interview with The Telegraph Monday, Evans noted that some children are referred despite having autism, being homosexual or suffering some form of trauma or sexual abuse. Children as young as 9 or 10 are being asked to give informed consent, she said in a separate radio interview, and the long-term repercussions of these treatments remain unknown. I really feel it's got to be questioned in the courts now because we've tried to talk to the Tavistock as have other staff at the Tavistock and it doesn't work, she said. Value investing is easily one of the most popular ways to find great stocks in any market environment. After all, who wouldnt want to find stocks that are either flying under the radar and are compelling buys, or offer up tantalizing discounts when compared to fair value? One way to find these companies is by looking at several key metrics and financial ratios, many of which are crucial in the value stock selection process. Lets put Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. WBA stock into this equation and find out if it is a good choice for value-oriented investors right now, or if investors subscribing to this methodology should look elsewhere for top picks: PE Ratio A key metric that value investors always look at is the Price to Earnings Ratio, or PE for short. This shows us how much investors are willing to pay for each dollar of earnings in a given stock, and is easily one of the most popular financial ratios in the world. The best use of the PE ratio is to compare the stocks current PE ratio with: a) where this ratio has been in the past; b) how it compares to the average for the industry/sector; and c) how it compares to the market as a whole. On this front, Walgreens Boots has a trailing twelve months PE ratio of 9.88, as you can see in the chart below: This level actually compares pretty favorably with the market at large, as the PE for the S&P 500 stands at about 20.23. If we focus on the long-term PE trend, Walgreens Bootss current PE level puts it below its midpoint of 16.64 over the past five years. Moreover, the current level stands well below the highs for the stock, suggesting that it can be a solid entry point. Further, the stocks PE also compares favorably with the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sectors trailing twelve months PE ratio, which stands at 28.86. At the very least, this indicates that the stock is relatively undervalued right now, compared to its peers. We should also point out that Walgreens Boots has a forward PE ratio (price relative to this years earnings) of just 10.04, so it is fair to say that a slightly more value-oriented path may be ahead for Walgreens Boots stock in the near term too. Story continues P/S Ratio Another key metric to note is the Price/Sales ratio. This approach compares a given stocks price to its total sales, where a lower reading is generally considered better. Some people like this metric more than other value-focused ones because it looks at sales, something that is far harder to manipulate with accounting tricks than earnings. Right now, Walgreens Boots has a P/S ratio of about 0.39. This is a bit lower than the S&P 500 average, which comes in at 3.5x right now. Also, as we can see in the chart below, this is well below the highs for this stock in particular over the past few years. If anything, this suggests some level of undervalued tradingat least compared to historical norms. Broad Value Outlook In aggregate, Walgreens Boots currently has a Value Score of A, putting it into the top 20% of all stocks we cover from this look. This makes Walgreens Boots a solid choice for value investors, and some of its other key metrics make this pretty clear too. What About the Stock Overall? Though Walgreens Boots might be a good choice for value investors, there are plenty of other factors to consider before investing in this name. In particular, it is worth noting that the company has a Growth Score of B and a Momentum Score of D. This gives WBA a Zacks VGM score or its overarching fundamental grade of A. (You can read more about the Zacks Style Scores here >>) The consensus estimate in the current year did not witness any changes in the past two months, while the next year estimate has inched higher by 0.3%. You can see the consensus estimate trend and recent price action for the stock in the chart below: Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Price and Consensus Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Price and Consensus This somewhat mixed trend is why the stock has just a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and why we are looking for in-line performance from the company in the near term. Bottom Line Walgreens Boots is an inspired choice for value investors, as it is hard to beat its incredible lineup of statistics on this front. Further, a strong industry rank (among Top 12% of more than 250 industries) instills our confidence. However, over the past two years, the Zacks Retail - Pharmacies And Drug Stores industry has clearly underperformed the broader market, as you can see below: So, value investors might want to wait for estimates and analyst sentiment to turn around in this name first, but once that happens, this stock could be a compelling pick. The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All Last year, it generated $24 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $77.6 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early. See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >> Click to get this free report Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Astronomers using the Mayall telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory, a program of NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory, have identified several overlapping bubbles of hydrogen gas ionized by the stars in early galaxies, a mere 680 million years after the Big Bang. This is the earliest direct evidence from the period when the first generation of stars formed and began reionizing the hydrogen gas that permeated the Universe. There was a period in the very early Universe -- known as the "cosmic dark ages" -- when elementary particles, formed in the Big Bang, had combined to form neutral hydrogen but no stars or galaxies existed yet to light up the Universe. This period began less than half a million years after the Big Bang and ended with the formation of the first stars. While this stage in the evolution of our Universe is indicated by computer simulations, direct evidence is sparse. Now, astronomers using the infrared imager NEWFIRM on the 4-meter Mayall Telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory of NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (OIR Lab), have reported imaging a group of galaxies, known as EGS77 [1], that contains these first stars. Their results were announced at a press conference held today at the 235th meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) in Honolulu, Hawai'i. "The young Universe was filled with hydrogen atoms, which so attenuate ultraviolet light that they block our view of early galaxies," said James Rhoads at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who presented the findings at the AAS press conference. "EGS77 is the first galaxy group caught in the act of clearing out this cosmic fog." The team began with an imaging survey designed to detect high redshift galaxies and combined these data with corresponding images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. This enabled the team to compute what is known as a photometric redshift, a proxy for estimating distance. At these redshifts, a galaxy's light is shifted completely out of the range of wavelengths to which the human eye is sensitive (the visible spectrum) to longer (infrared) wavelengths. The criteria for selecting distant galaxy candidates included a clear detection of them in the special infrared narrowband filters used with NEWFIRM on the Mayall 4-meter telescope and a complete non-detection in the shorter wavelength optical filter bands used by Hubble. "The discovery of the two fainter galaxies in the group was only possible because of the special narrowband filter used with NEWFIRM," said team leader Vithal Tilvi, a researcher at Arizona State University in Tempe. "Intense light from galaxies can ionize the surrounding hydrogen gas, forming bubbles that allow starlight to travel freely," said Tilvi. "EGS77 has formed a large bubble that allows its light to travel to Earth without much attenuation. Eventually, bubbles like these grew around all galaxies and filled intergalactic space, clearing the way for light to travel across the Universe." EGS77 was discovered as part of the Cosmic Deep And Wide Narrowband (Cosmic DAWN) survey, for which Rhoads serves as principal investigator. The team imaged a small area in the constellation of Bootes using a custom-built filter on the National Optical Astronomy Observatory's Extremely Wide-Field InfraRed imager (NEWFIRM). Ron Probst, a DAWN team member who also helped to develop NEWFIRM, adds, "These results show the value of maintaining instruments at our national observatories that are powerful and can flexibly adapt to pursue new scientific questions, questions that may not have been in mind when an instrument was originally built." advertisement Once identified, the distances and hence the ages of these galaxies were confirmed with spectra taken with the MOSFIRE spectrograph at the Keck I telescope at the W. M. Keck Observatory on Maunakea in Hawai'i. All three galaxies show strong emission lines of hydrogen Lyman alpha at a redshift (z = 7.7), which means we are seeing them at about 680 million years after the Big Bang. The size of the ionized bubble around each was derived from computer modeling. These bubbles overlap spatially, but are large enough (about 2.2 million light-years) that Lyman alpha photons are redshifted before they reach the boundary of the bubble and can thus escape unscathed, allowing astronomers to detect them. "We expected that reionization bubbles from this era in cosmic history would be rare and hard to find," said Sangeeta Malhotra, a collaborator at NASA GSFC, "so confirmation of this transition is important." This "cosmic dawn," the intermediate state between a neutral and an ionized Universe, is something that has been predicted. Such discoveries are made possible by the availability of powerful astronomical instruments that can probe the Universe in a way unimagined by past generations of astronomers. Notes [1] EGS, or the Extended Groth Strip, is a region imaged by HST in 2005; it corresponds to a narrow strip of the sky about the width of a finger held at arms length. There are at least 50,000 galaxies known within the strip. More information This research will be presented in a forthcoming paper and is currently close to acceptance. advertisement The research team is composed of: V. Tilvi, School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ; S. Malhotra, Astrophysics Science Division, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD; J. E. Rhoads,Astrophysics Science Division, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt; A. Coughlin, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Chandler, AZ; Z. Zheng, CAS Key Laboratory for Research in Galaxies and Cosmology, Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Shangha, People's Republic of China; S. L. Finkelstein,Department of Astronomy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX; S. Veilleux, Department of Astronomy and Joint Space-Science Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD; B. Mobasher, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, CA; J. Wang, CAS Key Laboratory for Research in Galaxies and Cosmology, Department of Astronomy, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China; Rob Probst, NOAO, 950 N. Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719. NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory, the US center for ground-based optical-infrared astronomy, operates the international Gemini Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), the Community Science and Data Center (CSDC), and the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST). It is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) under a cooperative agreement with NSF and is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. The astronomical community is honored to have the opportunity to conduct astronomical research on Iolkam Du'ag (Kitt Peak) in Arizona, on Maunakea in Hawai'i, and on Cerro Tololo and Cerro Pachon in Chile. We recognize and acknowledge the very significant cultural role and reverence that these sites have to the Tohono O'odham Nation, to the Native Hawaiian community, and to the local Communities in Chile, respectively. Legion, Lenovos line of gaming focused products has made a few announcements at CES 2020. These include their thinnest ever Legion Gaming laptop called the Legion 740s, their external GPU enclosure called the Legion Booststation, a 240Hz Legion gaming monitor and bunch other peripherals like keyboards and mice. Lenovo has introduced its thinnest gaming as of yet with an interesting quirk, it has no GPU. That is right, the Lenovo Legion Y740S is their newest addition to the Legion brand of gaming laptops and it only comes with an integrated GPU onboard. So how do you game on it? Well, you could use the Lenovo Legion BoostStation which is an external Thunderbolt 3 external GPU enclosure. The laptop alone is still impressive though. It can be configured with up to 10th Gen Intel Core i9 processors (that are coming soon), up to 32GB DDR4 RAM, up to 1TB PCIe SSD2 storage capacity and a 15.6-inch 4K IPS screen with 100 percent sRGB color gamut and VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification. For peak gaming performance, the laptop can connect to an eGPU via its thunderbolt 3 port at the back, achieving nearly desktop level GPU performance. The Legion BoostStation, which will support both NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon graphics, weighs in at just over 9 kgs and is completely tool-free. Lenovo is also announcing the Legion Y740 Laptop Studio Edition which is regular laptop meant for creators. It is a part of NVIDIA RTX Studio program laptops that are powered by NVIDIA RTX GPUs and Studio Drivers. The laptop will enable creators who want optimised drivers for content creation but who also want to game on the side. Coming to gaming monitors, Lenovo introduced a few new models with the highlight being the Legion Y25-25 Gaming Monitor. The monitors comes with a nearly bezel-less 24.5-inch, Full HD IPS panel with a refresh rate of 240 Hz and has AMD Freesync technology. The panel also has an anti-glare coating, can go up to 400 nits of brightness and is TUV Rheinland Eye Comfort Certified that ensures reduced eye strain. Other monitors launched include Lenovo G32qc Gaming Monitor with a 31.5-inch QHD 144 Hz Freesync monitor and the Lenovo G27c Gaming Monitor 27-inch Full HD curved monitor with a 1500R curvature and 165Hz refresh rate. The Legion Y740S starts at $1099.99 (Approx. Rs. 79104), sales starting from May 2020 while the Legion BoostStation eGPU starts at $249.99 (Approx. Rs. 17978) as a standalone accessory or with an option to bundle a NVIDIA GeForce RTX2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT GPU. The 25-inch Lenovo Legion Y25-25 gaming monitor will start at $319.99 (Approx. Rs. 23012) and is expected to be available starting June 2020. The 32-inch Lenovo G32qc Gaming Monitor will start at $319.99 (Approx. Rs. 23012) and is expected to be available starting March 2020 while the 27-inch Lenovo G27c Gaming monitor will start at $219.99 (Approx. Rs. 15,820)and is expected to be available starting in March 2020. SAN DIEGO, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jenna Ryan and Spencer Gordon, co-founders of the San Diego-based company Uqora, recently announced the beginning of clinical trials, aimed at expanding research on urinary health and urinary tract infections. "In 2014, I had 8 UTIs," says Ryan. "If you get UTIs, then you understand how awful the cycle can be. I was told repeatedly there was little I could do. I disagreed and was inspired to start looking for ways to begin my own proactive approach to overall urinary health." According to Ryan, it was this impetus that inspired the founding of Uqora and the development of the unique line of Uqora products, geared toward helping women who also need support with urinary health. Uqora products contain no antibiotics or other medications. Instead, they're composed of beneficial, science-backed ingredients including d-mannose, vitamin C, vitamin B6, green tea extract, and curcumin, all of which aid in cleansing the urinary tract in different ways. Uqora products, taken daily as powdered drink mix and tablets, effectively boost urinary health. Clinical trials to measure the effectiveness of Uqora's line of health products are currently underway, comprised of female volunteers who suffered two or more UTIs in the previous six months. The study includes 360 participants and is divided into two groups: Group 1 receives placebo supplements. Group 2 receives Uqora supplements. The study is conducted blindly, and published results are expected in January of 2021. Urinary tract infections affect millions of women every year and is the second-most-common infection in the nation. With this study, Uqora, founded by Ryan and Gordon, hopes to expand awareness about managing urinary health without the over-prescribing of antibiotics. About Uqora Founded in 2015 by Jenna Ryan and Spencer Gordon, Uqora provides science-backed, antibiotic-free solutions for urinary tract health. The San Diego-based company was inspired by Ryan's battle with recurring UTIs which traditional medicine failed to relieve. Today, Uqora helps thousands of women take a proactive approach to their own urinary health. Uqora's products feature a more natural approach to urinary health, offering a sustainable solution to urinary tract health. Uqora is a privately held company. Learn More About Uqora on LinkedIn and Crunchbase SOURCE Uqora Pakistan's upper house of Parliament on Wednesday passed three crucial bills to give extension to Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa for another three years. The bills to extend the retirement age from 60 to 64 years for the chiefs of army, navy and air force, and the chairman of the joint chief of staff committee sailed through the Senate or the upper house despite protests from minor parties, Geo News said. As soon as the bills were passed, Senate chairman Sadiq Sanjrani adjourned the session. The bills were already approved by the Standing Committee on Defence. On Tuesday, the three bills - The Army (Amendment) Bill 2020, the Air Force (Amendment) Bill 2020 and the Navy (Amendment) Bill 2020 - were passed easily by the National Assembly or the lower house of Parliament as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People Party (PPP) supported them. All eyes are now on President Arif Alvi, whose signatures on the bills will formalise them into law, which will grant the prime minister the power to extend the tenure of any service chief. Gen Bajwa, a close confidant of Imran Khan, was to retire on November 29 last year at the end of his three-year original term but the Prime Minister gave the 59-year-old Army chief another extension of the same length, citing the regional security situation through a notification on August 19. However, the Supreme Court on November 28 suspended the government order, observing that there is no law to give extension to the Army chief's tenure. But the apex court granted a six-month extension to Gen Bajwa after being assured by the government that Parliament will pass a legislation on the extension/reappointment of an Army chief within six months. The powerful military, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 72 plus years of existence, has wielded considerable power in deciding matters concerning security and foreign policies. Gen Bajwa was the second army chief to get full term extension in recent times. Earlier, Gen Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani was given a full term in 2010. Prime Minister Khan and Gen Bajwa have been working closely. Bajwa accompanied Khan on his maiden US visit during which he met US President Donald Trump at the White House. Khan had also nominated Bajwa as a member of the National Development Council, in an unprecedented move. When Bajwa was appointed army chief by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, he superseded three other generals. MADRID - Spanish maritime authorities say a dead newborn baby has been found on a boat of migrants as the vessel headed for Spains Canary Islands from the west coast of North Africa. Spains maritime rescue service said one of its planes spotted a rubber boat carrying 43 passengers on Wednesday 15 nautical miles east of the Lanzarote island port of Arrecife. The Spanish service said a rescue crew tried to revive a lifeless baby on board without success. Migrants on the boat told authorities the child was born at sea as they attempted to reach the European islands. The Canary Islands emergency services tweeted that two women and another child from the rescued boat were taken to the hospital on Lanzarote. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif requested a visa a few weeks ago to enter the United States to attend a Jan. 9 Security Council meeting on the importance of upholding the U.N. Charter, according to a diplomatic source familiar with the matter. The Thursday meeting was to provide Tehrans top diplomat with his first opportunity to directly address the world community since U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Jan. 3 drone strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Suleimani, a top Iraqi militia leader, among others. The Iranian government was awaiting word on the visa Monday when a Trump administration official phoned U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to inform him that the United States would not allow Zarif into the country, according to the Washington-based diplomatic source. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The move comes as the United States and Iran engaged in tit-for-tat recriminations over the killing of Suleimani. Trump tweeted over the weekend that if Iran retaliates for Suleimanis death, it will face U.S. attacks on 52 targetsthe number of hostages held by Iran in 1979. Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD, he said. The USA wants no more threats! Tehran, meanwhile, announced Sunday it was ending its commitment to limit enrichment of uranium as part of its 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump pulled out of in 2018 and then followed up by reimposing tough sanctions on Iran. But even before the current crisis, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in recent months had sought to restrict the ability of Zarifa skilled debater who has studied in the United States and has extensive contacts with American journaliststo make his case to the American public during previous visits to the United States. In July, the United States restricted his movement to a few blocks in Manhattan and Queens, preventing Zarif from making his regular visits to TV studios, universities, and think tanks. Pompeo defended the decision, noting that American diplomats lack freedom to travel in Iran. The United States broke off diplomatic relations with Iran after the revolution. Iran is permitted to maintain a diplomatic outpost in midtown Manhattan to conduct U.N. business. On the eve of the U.N. General Assembly debate in September 2019, Pompeo hinted that he might bar the Iranian delegation, led by President Hassan Rouhani and Zarif, from entering the United States, saying that Iran was responsible for carrying out an earlier drone and missile strike on two critical Saudi Arabian oil installations. The actions that the Iranian regime took violated the U.N. Charter, Pompeo said at the time. If youre connected to a foreign terrorist organization, it seems to me it would be a reasonable thing to think about whether they ought to be prevented to attend a meeting which is about peace. But U.N. legal experts question whether Pompeo has the legal authority to bar the Iranians. And the United States relented and granted the Iranians visas at the time. Any foreign minister is entitled to address the Security Council at any time and the United States is obligated to provide access to the U.N. headquarters district, said Larry Johnson, a former U.N. assistant secretary-general. Under the terms of the U.S. agreement with the United Nations, they are absolutely obligated to let him in. Johnson, who currently serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia University Law School, noted that the U.S. Congress, however, passed legislation in August 1947, the so-called Public Law 80-357, that granted the U.S. government the authority to bar foreign individuals invited by the United Nations to attend meetings at its New York City headquarters if they are deemed to pose a threat to U.S. national security. But Johnson said the U.S. law would require the individual be expected to commit some act against the U.S. national security interest while here in the United States. The State Department and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment, or a request to explain what the U.S. legal basis is for barring Zarif from entering the country. A spokesperson for the U.N. secretary-general also declined comment. It is not the first time, however, that the United States has prevented a foreign adversary from entering the country to attend a U.N. gathering. In 1988, the Reagan administration barred the Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat from addressing the U.N. General Assembly on the grounds that he posed a threat to U.S. security. At the time, Patricia M. Byrne, the U.S. representative in the host country committee, said the United States reserves to us the right to bar the entry of those who represent a threat to our security. In response, the U.N. General Assembly traveled to Geneva to hear Arafats speech. This article was originally published by "FP" - British companies including BT, National Grid and banks are on high alert as they brace for possible cyber attacks from Iran. Experts warned the threat of retaliation from the Islamic republic remained very real after the US killed top military chief Qassem Soleimani. It is thought providers of critical services such as water, electricity, telecoms and financial services could be targets, as well as public service contractors. Experts warned the threat of retaliation from the Islamic republic remained very real after the US killed top military chief Qassem Soleimani Government officials have reportedly warned firms to be vigilant, with BT and National Grid urging staff to watch for tactics used by Iran in the past. Among the biggest concerns are phishing emails, which urge recipients to click a malicious web page link that allows hackers to take control of their computers and steal data. Experts said Iran could also cause disruption by using distributed denial of service attacks, to overwhelm computer systems by flooding them with traffic. National Grid, which runs the network that gives tens of millions of homes power, urged staff to remain eagle-eyed. It told employees: Iranian authorities and sympathisers are expected to retaliate. While there is no specific intelligence indicating a direct threat, we are mindful there is a historical basis for correlating attacks with political conflict, along with physical actions. We ask each of you to be watchful. Broadband provider BT has warned staff to be on high alert for possible attacks. It said: Security is an absolute priority. We have long-term experience of protecting our UK and global networks against cyber attacks. We proactively monitor for any threats. Mike Beck, head of threat analysis at Cambridge-based Darktrace, warned that UK and US firms needed to ensure they had robust defences. Businesses should be concerned, he said, because theres no doubt that the Iranian regime is looking at their target options. We always see this when geopolitical tensions spike and create an environment where cyber attacks become more likely. I suspect they will look at destructive attacks that deliver some kind of malware. Dr Max Eiza, lecturer in computer and network security at the University of Central Lancashire, said businesses running key infrastructure such as energy providers, government contractors, telecoms firms and military communication providers were likely to be among the first targets. He added: They are a highly valuable target. We may see distributed denial-of-service as the easy route, as this can be easily mounted. From the point of view of Irans capabilities, its fair to say they are strong. This is evident from attacks a few years ago against major banks such as JP Morgan that were associated with Iranian hackers. The Government denied sending any warnings to businesses. A spokesman for the Department for Business referred queries on the matter to the National Cyber Security Centre, which declined to comment. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 20:40:13|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close DHAKA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A host of global leaders along with eminent personalities will attend various programs to be held marking Bangladeshi founding father's birth centennial ceremonies throughout this year. Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen made the announcement after meeting of Bangabandhu Birth Centennial Celebration Sub-committee on International Affairs at Dhaka's International Mother Language Institute (IMLI) on Tuesday. According to the minister, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir bin Mohamad, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Indian Congress party leader Sonia Gandhi, former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon are the leaders and eminent personalities who have so far confirmed their attendance. Bangladesh is set to start about three-month countdown to hosting a year long ceremonies and programs in observance of the country's Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's birth centenary. The minister said the founding father, also known as Mujib, was an advocate of peace, and they want to brand Bangladesh newly as a country of vibrant economy and promoter of peace. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the eldest of five children of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, will inaugurate the countdown at a ceremony on Jan. 10 which is the homecoming day of Rahman in independent Bangladesh in 1972 via London and New Delhi after 290 days of jail. 'Count me as your sister': Mamata writes to Amartya Sen on land row Exaggerated claims about Vedic maths generated world of fantasy: Amartya Sen India oi-PTI Bengaluru, Jan 08: Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen on Tuesday said exaggerated claims about Vedic mathematics had generated a world of fantasy in a section of educational institutions in the country, which should be resisted. He also said the understanding that friendship helped in the creation of knowledge was particularly important in the philosophy and history of science. Nationalist sentiments may make a counter-claim of some kind of a secluded flourishing of science and mathematics only in their country, detached from the rest of the world and unrelated to what we can learn from others, but that is not how science and mathematics and culture ultimately proceed," Sen said. Amartya Sens banners with his 'Jai Sri Ram comment new bone of contention For example, he said the view of ancient India as an island, making discoveries and inventions in a splendid isolation, might be pleasing to Indian nationalists, but that understanding was fundamentally mistaken. "Consider the golden age of mathematics. That was not the Vedic period, contrary to what is often claimed these days. "Exaggerated claims about Vedic mathematics have tended to generate a world of fantasy in a section of educational institutions in India today, which I think we should resist," the 86-year-old economist said. He added that the golden age of mathematics in India was rather the classic period -- the first millennium. "The great mathematical revolution in India was led particularly by Aryabhata, who was born in 476 AD, and what Aryabhata developed initially was taken forward by other great mathematicians in India like Brahmagupta, Bhaskar and others. "While deeply original, Aryabhata's mathematics was substantially influenced by the mathematical revolution that had already taken place in Greece, Babylon and Rome," Sen said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 16:26 [IST] TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Iran struck back at the United States early Wednesday for killing its most powerful military commander, firing a barrage of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house American troops in what the Iranian supreme leader said was a slap against the U.S. military presence in the region. The dramatic blast of more than a dozen missiles caused no casualties, however, and U.S. President Donald Trump said hours later that Iran appears to be standing down." It was a signal that both sides were stepping away from an immediate spiral of more direct exchanges that could throw the Middle East into great turmoil. Speaking at the White House, Trump said the U.S. would impose new punishing economic sanctions on Iran to force it to stop its nuclear program and what he called its hostilities in the region. But he also said Washington was open to a deal with Tehran. Iran, in turn, appeared to have calibrated its attack to avoid stoking further U.S. retaliation, giving some early warning to its Iraqi allies to avoid casualties. Last night they received a slap, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said of the Americans in a speech after the missile strikes. He made clear that Iran's actions were in response to the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in a drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets in mourning. Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end." Satellite imagery showed at least five impact sites on the Ain al-Asad base in Iraqs western Anbar province, each leaving charred blast marks that damaged or destroyed buildings. One obliterated a structure in a row of buildings next to a line of helicopters, though none of the aircraft appeared damaged, according to the imagery provided by Planet Labs, Inc. Iran's foreign minister tweeted that Tehran had taken and "concluded proportionate measures in self-defense, adding that Tehran did not seek escalation" but would defend itself against further aggression. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi said he received notification from Iran just after midnight that its retaliation was starting or would start soon and would focus only on U.S. positions. The militaries of Finland and Lithuania, which had personnel at one of the targeted bases, said they received information about an imminent attack and had time to move to shelters or leave the base. Irans attacks appeared designed for maximum domestic effect with minimum escalatory risk, said Henry Rome, analyst with Eurasia Group. "For a president who wants to avoid a war in the Middle East during an election year, the Iranians have provided an off-ramp he will likely take," Rome said. Tensions have risen steadily in the Middle East since Trump unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. The Iranian attacks on the bases marked the first time in recent years that Iran has directly attacked U.S. positions rather than through proxies in the region. Tehran and Washington have been at odds since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent U.S. Embassy takeover and hostage crisis. Adding to the chaos, a Ukrainian airplane with 176 people crashed after takeoff just outside Tehran on Wednesday morning, killing all on board, Iranian and Ukrainian officials said. Iran said mechanical issues were suspected, although Ukraine declined to offer a cause while an investigation continues. The Boeing 737-800 had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport, bound for the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. The plane carried 167 passengers and nine crew members. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians on board the Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and the nine crew. The rest were Swedish, Afghan, German and British nationals. The U.S. Federation Aviation Administration earlier warned of a "potential for miscalculation or mis-identification" for civilian aircraft in the Persian Gulf. The agency barred U.S. carriers from flying over areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf countries. The U.S. has been deploying more troops in the region. U.S. Gulf allies that host thousands of American troops are concerned about a direct conflict. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have called for de-escalation. The situation is not currently a war situation, UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al-Mazrouei said, stressing that Iran is a neighbor and the last thing the country wants is more regional tension. Irans Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and its allies against retaliating over the missile attack. 27 Iranian leader calls missile attack a 'slap' at US bases We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted, the Guard said in a statement carried by Irans state-run IRNA news agency. It also threatened Israel. The Iranians fired 15 missiles Wednesday, two U.S. officials said. Ten hit Ain al-Asad and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Four failed, said the officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly about a military operation. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners and allies in the region, said Jonathan Hoffman, an assistant to the U.S. defense secretary. Two Iraqi security officials said a missile appeared to have hit a plane at Ain al-Asad, igniting a fire. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they did not have permission to talk to journalists. Ain al-Asad was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and it later was used by American troops in the fight against the Islamic State group. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. Trump went there in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice President Mike Pence also has visited. As Iran reels from the loss of life in the plane crash, it is also contending with the aftermath of a deadly stampede Tuesday at Soleimani's funeral in his hometown of Kerman, killing 56 people and injuring more than 200. Shortly after Wednesday's missile attack, Soleimani's shroud-wrapped remains were lowered into the ground as mourners wailed at the grave site. We tell our enemies that we will retaliate, but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about," Hossein Salami, who commands the Revolutionary Guard, told a crowd in Kerman. The general's funeral procession in major cities spanning three days was an unprecedented honor for Soleimani, seen by Iranians as a national hero for his work leading the Guards expeditionary Quds Force in the face of U.S. pressure. The U.S. blames him for killing U.S. troops in Iraq. The Trump administration alleges he'd been plotting new attacks just before he was killed. Many Sunni Muslims in the region, however, view him as a destabilizing figure who commanded dangerous and deadly Shiite proxy militias. Soleimani led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that countrys civil war. Since his killing Jan. 3, Tehran has abandoned the remaining limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. In Iraq, lawmakers and pro-Iranian factions in parliament have voted to oust American troops from Iraqi territory. Kuwait said Wednesday that its state-run KUNA news agencys Twitter account was hacked and posted a false story on U.S. troops withdrawing from the nation. The fake alert went out on its account, Kuwait said. More than 13,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Kuwait, with more now on the way. Related Content: ABC will air a live episode of its sitcom "The Conners" on Feb. 11, the night of the New Hampshire presidential primary, incorporating news coverage of the results into the show. The program about a working-class Midwestern family will work the primary results into its story line for separate live airings for the East and West Coasts, ABC said in a statement tied to a Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California. Debris is seen from a plane crash on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran, Jan. 8, 2020. (Mohammad Nasiri/AP) Airplane With 176 on Board Crashes in Iran, No Survivors: Reports A Ukrainian plane carrying 176 passengers and crew crashed shortly after taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini Airport on Wednesday, reports say. State television reported on the development. There were no survivors. The Boeing 737 crash is believed to have been caused by a mechanical failure, Reuters and The Associated Press reported. An investigation team was deployed to the site of the accident in Tehran, the AP report said. We are following reports that a Ukrainian 737-800 has crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran. #PS752 departed Tehran at 02:42UTC. Last ADS-B data received at 02:44UTC. https://t.co/qXWHUPGDTu pic.twitter.com/vuAi6TOqTp Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 8, 2020 Flight data from the airport showed a Boeing 737 flown by Ukraine International Airlines took off on Wednesday. It stopped transmitting data right afterward, according to website FlightRadar24. Part of the wreckage from Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini airport on Jan. 8, 2020, is seen in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. (Iran Press/Handout via Reuters) We are following reports that a Ukrainian 737-800 has crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran. #PS752 departed Tehran at 02:42UTC. Last ADS-B data received at 02:44UTC, the flight monitoring website said. A video posted by Irans state-backed ISNA news agency showed a faint glow of light in the distance before an explosion could be seen. Debris is seen from a plane crash on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. (AP Photos/Mohammad Nasiri) Further details about the incident were not provided. The airline did not immediately respond to the reports. The crash came just hours after Iran fired missiles at two bases in Iraq that house U.S. troops in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassam Soleimani. On Tuesday evening, the Department of Defense said numerous missiles were launched from Iran at two airbases that house American soldiers. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al Asad and Irbil, Jonathan Hoffman, assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, said in a statement. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. Irans Revolutionary Guards said in a statement of its own that it was responsible for the missile attack. The brave soldiers of IRGCs aerospace unit have launched a successful attack with tens of ballistic missiles on Al Assad military base in the name of martyr Gen. Qasem Soleimani. We warn all allied countries of the United States that if attacks are launched from bases in their countries on Iran, they will be a target of military retaliation, it said via Iranian state media. #FAA Statement: #NOTAMs issued outlining flight restrictions that prohibit U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. pic.twitter.com/kJEbpPddp3 The FAA (@FAANews) January 8, 2020 Following the attacks, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency restriction over the Persian Gulf airspace. The FAA said the emergency restriction prohibit[s] U.S., civil aviation operators, from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the agency said on Tuesday night. The FAA will continue closely monitoring events in the Middle East. We continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with U.S. air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities. Icelandic mountaineer John Snorri and his team will make history when they embark on an international expedition and summit K2 this winter, a feat that has been attempted in the past but never successfully. Located on the ChinaPakistan border, K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,611 meters and arguably the most dangerous. The team aiming to be the first to reach the summit this winter is comprised of three successful and experienced climbers: John Snorri Sigurjonsson from Iceland, Mingma G from Nepal, Ga Li from China, and Tomaz Rotar from Slovenia. I have teamed up with some of the finest mountaineers in the world, says John Snorri of his fellow climbers. If it is possible to climb K2 in the wintertime, Im confident that this is the group that can do it. Meet the team: Born in Iceland in 1973, John Snorri is an experienced climber and mountain guide with WFR (Wilderness First Responder) certification, a member of the Icelandic National Rescue Team, and an EMT. During his mountaineering career, he has summited Ama Dablam, Lhotse, K2, Manaslu, and pre-summited on Broad peak. He was the first Icelandic man to summit K2, and this will be his first winter attempt on the same mountain. He is married and the proud father of six children. Mingma G is an experienced climber and mountain guide with IFMGA/UIAGM Mountain Guide certification, who was born in 1986 in Rolwaling, Nepal. He began his mountaineering career in 2006 and has since climbed 13 mountains over 8000 m, including K2 twice. He was named the Honorary Goodwill Ambassador for Nepal Tourism in 2011 and has earned numerous certificates and medals for his successful ascents. This will be his first winter attempt on K2. Gao Li was born in China in 1985 and has since conquered numerous 8000 m mountains as an experienced climber. Throughout his career, he has climbed Manaslu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. This will be his first winter attempt on K2. Tomaz Rotar is a Slovenian mountaineer and dentist. He has conquered the three highest peaks in the world in three years. Other supporting climbers will include Tamting Sherpa of Nepal, Phur Galjenn of Nepal, Passang Namke Sherpa of Nepal, and Sirbaz Khan of Pakistan. With low oxygen pressure, a temperature that can drop below -60C and include strong winds with snow, six summits have been attempted in the past during the harsh winter season, and none have succeeded. Some climbers have even lost their lives. This is a major challenge. In wintertime, we are dealing with extreme wind, frost and quite a lot of air pressure causing less oxygen at higher altitudes, John Snorri explains of what he and his team will face. The team will use the standard route that 75% of climbers use, the Abruzzi spur route, located on the Pakistan side. This is the southeast ridge of the peak, rising above the Godwin-Austen Glacier. The spur proper begins at an altitude of 5,400 meters (17,700 ft), where Advanced Base Camp is usually placed. The route follows an alternating series of rock ribs, snow/ice fields, and some technical rock climbing on two famous features, "House's Chimney" and the "Black Pyramid." Above the Black Pyramid, dangerously exposed and challenging to navigate slopes lead to the easily visible "Shoulder," and thence to the summit. The last major obstacle is a narrow couloir known as the "Bottleneck", which places climbers dangerously close to a wall of seracs that form an ice cliff to the east of the summit. The team is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on January 4th and will begin walking the Baltoro glacier on the 10th or 12th of January, depending on the weather. They will set up camps 1,2 and 3 before the 20th of February and the 6 km line up the mountain. Once that is complete, they will begin to monitor the weather conditions in order to determine the best time to summit K2, aiming for mid-March. Follow the brave climbers on their journey on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, please visit http://www.johnsnorri.com/ For all media inquiries, please contact info@johnsnorri.com At the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show, Lamborghini added Amazon Alexa to its feature list and this was nothing short of an honor for the Seattle-based company. But it doesnt end here. Now, Rivian has announced that Alexa will be directly integrated into the hardware of the R1T truck and R1S SUV. Amazon has seamlessly slipped into the automotive sector quite successfully. Unlike Sony and Samsung, Amazon is not working on a product directly for now, but it sure has left a strong impression by working with some of the most happening brands of today. This Works Beyond The Touchscreen System Fitted In The Vehicle Rivian has said that users will get a seamless Alexa experience because unlike Google and Apple, Amazon doesnt use a third-party app. The program is directly integrated into the Rivians infotainment system. Since Alexa already has a wide application in various places, this integration will also allow access to all standard Alexa features and capabilities, including playing music, getting directions, placing calls, turning on the air conditioner, and so on. The best part about this integration is that some features will be accessible even when the vehicle is offline. Whats more, you will also be able to control the functions of your house if you have Alexa at home, such as turning off the lights you forgot before leaving, or check out the rearview camera footage of your vehicle on your TV, and many such functions. Hows that for convenience? Google Assistant Lost Her Voice Rivian also said that it plans to offer the Amazon Alexa integration to the 100,000 electric delivery trucks that Amazon has ordered. This news comes after Alexa made its way into the Lamborghini Huracan EVO. Lamborghini is not the first VAG member to use Alexa. Audi, Seat, and Volkswagen are already using the software in their cars. Amazon has a long history with Rivian that extends past the 100,000 delivery van order. In February 2019, Amazon infused $700 million in Rivian, whereas Ford invested $500 million. In total, Rivian raised $2.85 billion in 2019. What They Had To Say Rivians founder, RJ Scaringe, said that Rivians vision is to enable exploration without compromises and provide our owners the best digital experience, no matter where their adventure takes them. We want this to be the most comprehensive, most seamless Alexa integration in the market. Weve continued to be impressed by the entire team at Rivian, and were excited to be working together on this upcoming integration. By leveraging the newest version of the Alexa Auto SDK, Rivian is able to make Alexa a natural part of the driving experience and provide customers with continuous access to key car control features even in remote locations where reception is poor or nonexistent, added Alexa Autos Vice President, Ned Curic. What We Know About The R1T Until Now Both the vehicles share the same powertrain, but a lot of emphasis has been on the R1T pickup truck lately. Heres what we know about the truck already: Rivian is marketing the R1T as an off-road, lifestyle adventure pickup, and is targeting it as a family camper It has a Tank Turn feature 12.3-inch instrument cluster A 15.6-inch touchscreen system on the dashboard Amazon Alexa integration Level 3 autonomy (which could become Level 5 depending on how Rivian proceeds with its new project) The R1T churns out 788 ponies that make it sprint to the 60 mph mark in three seconds flat Four electric motors - one connected to each wheel - make 197 horsepower each The R1T will be offered with three battery pack options: 105 kWh, 135 kWh, and 180 kWh The R1T will offer up to 400 miles of range 0-60 mph achieved in 4.9 seconds with the smallest battery pack and in 3.2 seconds with the largest battery pack Adjustable air suspension that can raise the R1T from 7.9 inches to 14.2 inches by the press of a button. Final Thoughts If you ever thought about it, this was inevitable. Rivian is majorly funded by Amazon and Ford, so Alexa being the primary candidate was unquestionable. With Alexa giving competition to Google as a voice command assistant, there might be other automakers lined up to use Alexa in their own cars. Alexa, is Sundar Pichai banging his head after reading about this? Do you think Amazon Alexa will become as important as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in all the car segments? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. In an interview with Radio Fardas Hanna Kaviani, U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus discussed a range of issues related to tensions with Iran, in the wake of the targeted killing of Qassem Soleimani, commander of the notorious Qods Force. Ortagus reiterated that the U.S. is not after a military confrontation with Iran. Hanna Kaviani: Thank you for your time. I really appreciate it in these busy days. My first question is about all the statements, warnings. There were a lot of them by many embassies, U.S. organizations all around the world, warning citizens, U.S. staff . I want to know what is your assessment of the risks right now. And if you are seeing any imminent threats that all these statements are going out? Morgan Ortegus: Well, we certainly are hoping that the strike that the President made, the decision to take out Qassem Soleimani will deter the regime in Iran from making further unwise decisions that they have been making. In the week leading to the death of Qassem Soleimani, you can see that we had an American contractor, a civilian, who was killed, We had American service members who were injured. It's only by the grace of God and the United States marine corps that we did not have more Americans harmed, injured or killed in the attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. So, obviously the regime in Iran has chosen a number of provocative action over the past year that involved targeting American interests and our allies. You saw the downing of the American drone where President Trump had a very restrained response. You then saw the regime in Iran targeting of the oil fields in Saudi Arabia, targeting civilian airports, targeting ships in the Persian Gulf. As we saw more and more of these provocative actions every single time the United States, we reached out the hand of diplomacy to the regime in Iran. Every time we were met, unfortunately, with some sort of kinetic force from the regime in response, so the President and Secretary Pompeo felt that it was time to put an end to these decisions by Iran. Hanna Kaviani: So, can you say that by this decision by the President of the United States America is a safer place, that there would be no risk to Americans in the US and in the world because as I said you put out many statements already warning US citizens about possible activities by the Iranians? Morgan Ortegus: First of all it is important to know that these decisions are never made without risk. The President and his security team including Secretary Pompeo weigh the risk and the consequences very heavily when making these decisions. These decisions are never made lightly. They are taken very somberly and very seriously. And of course, the President had to look and say does the risk of keeping Qassem Soleimani alive, does that outweigh the risk of seeing him dead. And of course, ultimately we decided that the greater risk was for Qassem Soleimani, the world's greatest terrorist, to continue to breathe life on this planet. So that's why the President made the decision. Obviously, we are doing everything within our power here in the State Department. We are working incredibly closely with our colleague at the Department of Defence to keep our diplomats and our American citizens safe. There is no higher priority for Secretary Pompeo to keep U.S. citizens safe abroad. Hanna Kaviani: So, we have a lot of audience from inside the country who are voicing their concerns about the possible military confrontation between the United States and Iran at this very high time of tension. And Secretary Pompeo spoke and he spoke of the strategy of the administration, of confront and contain. I want to know when having all of this, considering all of this, is the U.S. administration still thinking about having a diplomatic avenue. You mentioned diplomacy before. I want to know now, at this critical point, where does that stand? Morgan Ortegus: Thanks for the question. So it is very important for your viewers to know that the United States does not seek war with Iran. In fact, the strike was taken because we believed that it would deter the Iranian regime from making more unwise decisions. That was the whole point of making and we have called on the regime to not do anything that would harm any Americans citizens, that would kill American citizens or our military or our allies or our interests. It's important to know that the United States is not preparing for war and we're not planning for war and that's not the outcome that we seek but we're prepared to defend ourselves. So you've seen the Department of Defence send more forces into the region. We are not planning further actions, only action that would be to defend the United States, our people, our military, our allies and our interests. Hanna Kaviani: Since you are the spokesperson of the State Department, I want to ask you, besides what the Pentagon might do, what is the State Department pursuing diplomatically because a few days ago, after the killing of Qassem Soleimani, we heard of a message which was conveyed to Iran through the Swiss. Was that one of those avenues? Morgan Ortegus: We have said very publicly to the regime what our intentions are. the President, the Secretary of State. There is often talk about conveying messages through the Swiss, through the French, the Omanis or other people. We try to be very forthright to the entire world but especially to the regime. We have been very public about our intentions. Again, the President has said that the regime in Iran should not try to harm, or make any decisions that will kill or injure American citizens. That is incredibly important to President Trump. We do not seek war with Iran but we will of course take actions necessary to defend ourselves. And I think it is very important for your viewers to also to know that we have often talked about how important we think it is that the protests in Iran that have been going on in Iran over past few weeks, we think that it is hard to get an accurate number, but we think that there is at least a thousand Iranian members who were killed by the regime for peacefully protesting. We think at least there were 10,000 who were jailed for peacefully protesting and we want the Iranian people to know that we hear their voice, we know that they want an accountable government, we know that they want a regime that is not beholden to the whims of the Ayatollah and Qassem Soleimani and we hear their call for a more just society. Hanna Kaviani: Do you also hear those who say that confrontations might undermine the voices of the people who were on the streets in November, those families who are now seeking justice for their loved ones who died. What do you have to say to those people who say a possible military confrontation can undermine those calls? Morgan Ortegus: We think it's the opposite. We saw a regime that was emboldened, that was taking kinetic action upon kinetic action upon kinetic action. They were harming civilians in Saudi Arabia, in Yemen, in Lebanon, in Syria. Remember, Qassem Soleimani is responsible and helped oversee the brutal murder of hundreds of thousands of Syrians. He was responsible for killing more Muslims than he was attacking Americans even though we saw at least hundreds of Americans were killed because of Qassem Soleimani and the attacks that he sponsored over the past two decades. That unchecked behavior had gone on for too long and the United States was no longer willing to stand by and watch our embassies be attacked and watch our people be killed and that is why the President made a decision that he did. The Iranian regime's behavior had to be checked. So we spoke to them in a language that we think they finally understood. Hanna Kaviani: Miss Ortegas, thank you for your time. We really appreciate it. The UN Security Council has to condemn all illegal threats of the United States, Irans Permanent Representative to UN Majid Takht Ravanchi said in a letter to the UN Secretary General. He said the UN Security Council should condemn in the most serious way the illegal and unrestrained policies of the United States, as well as hold them accountable for all unlawful actions and force them to comply with international law. The Trump haters rallied Sunday in N.Y. to protest Trumps use of deadly force to kill Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, an avowed enemy of America responsible for the death of many American soldiers. The words must have choked them to give Trump any credit, but they reluctantly admitted Soleimani was a brutal oppressor. But they blame Trump for leading us to war with Iran. Pentagon and administration officials had information that Soleimani planned more deadly American carnage. Trump rightfully preempted those attacks. The first job of the government is to protect American lives. And thats what Trump did. Lets look at the scenario from a different perspective. If Trump, fully knowing Soleimanis plans, failed to stop him and the attacks caused American deaths, the Trump haters and the Democratic Party would have pilloried him for not preventing the attacks and saving American lives. Maybe those city protestors should go to Iran and join the Iranian protestors who chant, death to America." (Joseph Valente is a South Beach resident.) By Moon Chung-in A Dec. 31 deadline passed without Pyongyang delivering to the United States its threatened "Christmas gift" if Washington didn't alter its stance on sanctions and negotiations before the end of the year. A sigh of relief, although temporary, could be heard. All eyes then turned to what North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un would say in his traditional New Year address. But the address didn't come forth. Instead, a written report was released on the decisions reached at the 5th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party, which took place in the days leading up to Jan. 1. It revealed both good and bad news. The good news was that Pyongyang did not burn its bridges with Washington completely. Despite some critical remarks about the U.S., it hinted at the possibility of talks, if its demand that the U.S. drop its hostile policy was met. The restrained behavior ran counter to the prevailing predictions of experts that Pyongyang would abandon dialogue with Washington and formally declare its status as a nuclear-weapons state. The report was also well crafted not to attack President Donald Trump personally. That rhetorical restraint seems quite encouraging. There was also bad news. Kim threatened to end his country's moratorium on nuclear and ICBM tests. This would deal a critical blow to the U.S.-North Korea nuclear negotiations. In the year of a presidential election, Trump might rely on much tougher punitive measures, precipitating a return to the nightmare of the 2017 crisis. Equally worrisome is Kim's statement that "the world would witness a new strategic weapon in the near future." This signals a return to his old "byeongjin" line (a simultaneous pursuit of economic development and nuclear weapons) by discarding the "economy first policy" he declared in April 2018. Finally, anticipating a war of attrition with the U.S., Kim emphasized "the revolutionary line on launching an offensive for a frontal breakthrough, as required by the present situation and the developing revolution." On balance, the bad news outweighs the good news. What went wrong? The report underscores a deep-rooted distrust of American double-dealing. For Pyongyang, Washington's call for dialogue is nothing but a fig leaf to hide its intention to isolate, contain and strangle the North through sanctions and maximum pressure. "The U.S. labeled our state as its enemy, 'axis of evil' and 'target of its pre-emptive nuclear strike' and applied the most brutal and inhuman sanctions against, and posed the persistent nuclear threat to, the latter over the past seven decades." This is how Kim and his leadership circle perceive the U.S. A feeling of betrayal also runs deep. North Korea suspended its nuclear and ICBM tests and demolished the Punggye-ri nuclear-test ground in order to build confidence with the U.S., but it believes that it did not get anything in return. Kim's sentiment is well reflected in his remarks: "The U.S., far from responding to the former with appropriate measures, conducted tens of big and small joint military drills, which its president personally promised to stop; and threatened the former militarily through the shipment of ultra-modern warfare equipment into South Korea." Kim also mentioned "more than ten independent sanctions measures" against the North. In his eyes, asymmetrical reciprocity is the root of the current impasse. What might North Korea do? As Kim stressed 23 times in his speech at the plenary meeting, the "frontal breakthrough" seems to be the "new way" he described in his 2019 New Year speech. But it is conditional. If the U.S. offers a "new method" to the issue of its hostile policy, Pyongyang will resume dialogue and seek a negotiated settlement. Otherwise, risking President Trump's fire and fury, Kim will break through head-on with many more missile tests and new strategic weapons. He is not willing to compromise "the security and dignity of the state and the safety of its future for anything else." He may take "a shocking actual action to make it pay for the pains sustained by our people so far and for the development so far restrained." Kim expects a protracted war with the U.S. through a "clear standoff between self-reliance and sanctions." He is willing to "live under the sanctions by the hostile forces in the future." His answer to sanctions is to bolster the strength and wealth of the country through self-reliance and self-sufficiency. A strategy of self-reliance is easy to talk about, but difficult to implement. North Korea needs to have external ties to sustain its own economy. That's why Pyongyang is likely to foster its traditional ties with China and Russia. In fact, Pyongyang's self-restrained behavior might have been motivated in part by a U.N. Security Council sanctions-relief draft resolution sponsored by Beijing and Moscow. A catastrophic turn does not appear imminent, but time seems to be on nobody's side. Failure to resolve the current stalemate will surely trigger escalation into a major crisis eventually. Such a course would be a perilous odyssey for Chairman Kim, which would be much worse than the arduous march the country went through in the mid-1990s. Major stakeholders should take a more prudent and realistic stance to avert such a crisis. First, North Korea should relax its new position of the U.S. having to "withdraw hostile policy completely, otherwise no dialogue with the U.S.," and resume talks, while restraining itself. President Trump and Special Envoy Steve Biegun are the best hope the North can count on. The U.S. has heard Pyongyang's grievances, and the North should sit down with the Americans and discuss a detailed agenda for progress. Second, the U.S. needs to take a more realistic posture. The American demand to "denuclearize first, reward later" won't work. And as Van Jackson, adjunct senior fellow at the Asia-Pacific Security Program, has recently argued in his report Risk Realism, the "freeze, roll back and elimination" approach should be matched with more flexible corresponding measures. Signing a peace treaty, scaling back U.S. forces in South Korea, creating a cooperative threat reduction fund, offering snapback sanctions relief, and convening a U.S.-DPRK sanctions relief working group should be offered at the outset of a new round of negotiations. Third, the sanctions relief resolution recently proposed by China and Russia deserves close attention and consideration. Although it is flawed in lacking obligations for North Korea to take steps toward denuclearization, it can serve as a useful springboard to reignite U.S.-North Korea talks. Finally, South Korea needs to take a more proactive role. While putting pressure for constructive U.S.-North Korea talks, it should find ways of resuscitating dialogue with North Korea. Pushing for the railway reconnection project, reactivating robust inter-Korean economic cooperation, and initiating peace-related projects in the Demilitarized Zone in close cooperation with the international community can also facilitate a breakthrough to the current impasse. Moon Chung-in is distinguished professor of political science at Yonsei University in Seoul. He concurrently serves as special adviser on unification, security and diplomatic issues to President Moon Jae-in. The views expressed in the above commentary are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times. Moon's article was published in cooperation with the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (APLN), a Seoul-based advocacy group with more than 90 members from 16 countries across Asia and the Pacific. Prof. Moon is also vice chairman and executive director of the APLN ( www.apln.network ). "Min" helps "John" reach the roof of a building in Seoul for a photo shoot, in Alex G. Ringo's mockumentary "Inside Scoop from the Influencer. / Courtesy of Alex G. Ringo By Jon Dunbar There's no shortage of crazy rooftopping videos online, showing some thrill-seeker hanging off a ledge or climbing a perilous construction crane. It's all been done and netizens seem to have grown tired of them. But a new video, made by Russian urban explorer Alex G. Ringo, offers something different: it's a satirical mockumentary savaging the international jet-set urbex community, which he sees as having lost its soul to commercialism in the social media age. Ringo decided it's finally time to let the world see this year, now that it completed the 2019 festival circuit. It will be online this weekend. It was nominated last year for "Best short film made for less than $5,000" and for Best Experimental Short, Best Original Idea and Best Editing at the Spring 2019 Top Indie Film Awards. It also made the Coronet Selection in April at . And Ringo himself won an Award of Recognition at the in the Experimental category. Under the tagline "How boring is urban exploration as a full-time job?" the 16-minute film follows the misadventures of a cast of fictionalized explorers and Instagram influencers, many of whom appear in the film credits under aliases due to the legal gray area of their pastime. It was shot on location in Korea, China and Russia, with the bulk of the action taking place in Seoul in a few locations aboveground and below that are well-known to local explorers. The poster for "Inside Scoop from the Influencer" by Alex G. Ringo/2020-01-08() "Korea seemed to be the perfect place for shooting most of the street scenes and exploration scenes because it was a place where we had amazing locations as well as a crew," Ringo told The Korea Times. "A lot of work was done on pre-production stage to ensure everything would go smooth during the shooting days. The pre-production team arranged permissions, made location scouting, prepared costumes and props." The film follows Min, an aspiring model, as well as urban explorers Luna and John, as they fumble their way through the city trying to get that perfect shot involving increasingly ludicrous product placements. When we meet them, John is photographing Luna leaping repeatedly under the giant sculpture in front of the DDP. It's unclear what they're trying to accomplish but they refer to it presumptuously as urban exploration. Ringo explained he used this image to underline how misrepresented urban exploration is online. "If you analyze the content of influencers of referred period, you would find a lot of content that is visually appealing but totally not related to urban exploration," he said. The characters try to go on a roof for a photo shoot, taking the stairs up 50 flights while telling Min not to sweat and ruin her appearance. At the top, they find a sign on the door warning them not to enter, to which Luna says "Legal, illegal, doesn't matter this is the Instagram business." For Ringo, this shows the approach of "commercial-oriented explorers of the new wave." He added, "They didn't care about the sustainability of the hobby, thinking mostly short-term and caring only about getting content by all means possible." A behind-the-scenes shot showing the cast and crew of "Inside Scoop from the Influencer" on a rooftop in Seoul, with director Alex G. Ringo on the right. / Courtesy of Alex G. Ringo John fails to pick the lock, so Luna uses bolt cutters to snip it off, only to find it leads into a classy restaurant (Top Cloud, which used to be on the highest level of Jongno Tower). It's a morality tale for urban explorers, who traditionally eschew such tools for illegally damaging private property. The director relates an anecdote that helped inspire this scene. "I know the story about one teenager who came to Shanghai, did no research whatsoever, went to a high-rise building of interest and cut several locks to get to the rooftop," said Ringo, a self-described "old-school explorer" who frowns on any property damage caused by explorers. "After that event security measures got tighter and building is inaccessible ever since. The most hilarious part of that story is that the roof was freely accessible through opened doors you just had to navigate to the right stairwell." Finally on a roof, they tell the model to undress and begin setting up a shot aping another picture they saw online, only to realize they need to have the model wear a jacket and telling her to get dressed again. During their shoot, the characters get a call from their agent Margo, telling them about a new job to "shoot a cake in a dangerous way" and reminding them to reshoot a sneakers shot to be more "extreme." They enter a massive storm drain for their shoot, only to run into Margo and another urbex crew doing their own ridiculous photo shoot for "Super Shoes," which accidentally becomes abbreviated to "UE Hoes." Ringo said the film was shot in 2018, to serve as a "time capsule" of urban exploration in the period from 2014 to around 2018, when people began to monetize what had once been a fiercely private hobby. "What made the 2014-2018 period different?" he said. "Well, I think it's the approach to present the urbex hobby to a mass audience. Let me explain. Urban exploration has existed for a long, long time, and urban explorers took amazing pictures, they wrote deep, hilarious, touching books to share their excitement. Locations of interest were kept away from mass attention in order to keep them available for future generations of urban explorers. Authors before 2014 were amazing explorers, but they were bad at sales and marketing." But things started to change around 2013 and 2014 with the increasing influence of social media. "Contrary to previous generations of explorers they used basic human emotions such as fear to get mass attention. Multiple YouTube videos of climbing high-rise buildings and cranes triggered a surge in popularity of urban exploration in 2013-2014, and I believe in that time salesmen knew that they on something of a hot streak. After that it became a gold rush. People started to practice urban exploration with the sole aim to earn some quick cash and quick fame. Literally anyone could have made some shots on the edge, sell them to the media and get mass followings because it was novel content. Those were the times when companies were pouring money to influencers in exchange for representation of the products. Influencers were paid to bring literally any product to the rooftop clothes, watches, alcoholic drinks, baked goods, medications for influenza, cosmetics, you name it." Ringo noted that public interest in urban exploration has fallen recently. "I believe people got bored by the format by which urban exploration was presented to the mass audience. Since new-wave explorers were using the basic emotional response from the audience the content was actually quite uniform just some people climbing somewhere, with the video emphasizing the danger aspect of the climb. So mass audiences got tired of the monotonous content." The most successful of this generation of explorers, he says, adapted their content, focusing instead on travel videos or other forms of emotion-triggered videos, such as urban climbing or overnight challenges. "I think that such content triggers the same emotional response as MMA or prank videos, and have nothing in common with actual urban exploration," he said. The problem with this era of urban exploration was people were willing to take greater risks to get to the reward, which often could be a lot of money. Ringo describes this as a "goal-oriented approach contrary to the sustainable approach that was the norm of the hobby before." This resulted in tightened security measures, increased legal punishment and even a few high-profile accidents resulting in death. Alex G. Ringo pauses while climbing a ladder in Seoul in November 2016. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar "The purpose of the movie was not to show or promote good exploration techniques, but rather to catch an image and a vibe of commercializing the urban exploration scene. It was a time of low barrier of entry, of undemanding audience, of seemingly unlimited opportunities, of relaxed security, of overly naive and relaxed practitioners, of easy money for those who were willing to sell themselves out," Ringo said. "So if you want to be good urban explorer don't use the movie as a tutorial and avoid acting like the characters in it." Watch the video online . 50 mourners have been killed and more than 200 were injured in a stampede that broke out at the funeral ceremony for slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in the eastern city of Kerman, state media said. The head of forensic medicine in Kerman, Abas Amian, said authorities had identified 50 people who were killed in the crush, the causes of which are as yet unknown, according to Tasnim news agency on Tuesday. Videos circulating on social media allegedly showed several bodies lying on the floor, some with their faces purposefully covered over with jackets, reported Efe news. The head of Iran's Emergency Center Hossein Kolivand said hundreds of people had been injured. Many thousands of mourners packed the streets of the late general's home town ahead of his burial following similar displays of mass mourning in Tehran on Monday. His burial was delayed by the stampede. Soleimani's death on Friday in a United States drone strike outside Baghdad's international airport marked a considerable escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. As the head of the elite Quds Force, a branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Soleimani had for years wielded his country's influence across the wider Middle East, strengthening Shia militias from Lebanon to Iraq and coming to the aid of Tehran's allies, like Bashar Al Assad in Syria. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamanei led funeral prayers for the man widely regarded as the country's second most powerful figure on Monday. US President Donald Trump has warned that any military retaliation from Iran would be met with American strikes. Iranian lawmakers on Tuesday voted to designate the Pentagon and the US Army as a terrorist organization. Iran had previously only considered the US Central Command (CENTCOM) as a terrorist organization a measure that came in response to Washington's designation of the IRGC as a terror group. Parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani said Soleimani's killing had been a "brutal act" by Trump. "The Iranian people will not pardon him." There were cries of "Death to America" when lawmakers approved a financial package worth $223 million to the IRGC. The head of the elite military wing in Iran, Hossein Salami, said the US would "lament its error" and vowed to oversee the expulsion of US troops from the Middle East. There was confusion about the future of American troops in the US on Monday when the international coalition against the Islamic State released a statement suggesting soldiers would begin to "move out" of the region. It was later contradicted by the Pentagon. Amid calls, including from some BJP functionaries, to boycott Bollywood star Deepika Padukone's upcoming movie 'Chhapaak' for her visit to JNU, the Union government said on Wednesday that not just artistes, even a common man can go anywhere to express their opinion in a democracy like India. Nobody objected to such expression of opinions, Union minister told reporters when asked at a Cabinet briefing about Padukone's visit to the on Tuesday to express solidarity with the students who were attacked by a mob. About the call given by some party functionaries to boycott her upcoming movie, the minister said he had not read their remarks but sought to underscore the significance of his statement, saying he is stating so as a minister and a "permanent" BJP spokesperson. "This country is a democracy. Why only artistes, even a common can go anywhere and express his opinion," the information and broadcasting minister said. To questions about violence in JNU where masked people attacked students on Sunday night, Javadekar expressed confidence that the ongoing police probe will "unmask" the accused and asserted that violence has no place in a "mature democracy" like India. "We are a mature democracy and everybody has the right to express their opinion. Violence has no place, especially in universities where people go to study," he said. Students body ABVP, which is affiliated to the RSS, has been blamed by several groups for the incident. It has, however, denied its involvement and blamed the rival Left organisations for the violence. Javadekar added that some unions in JNU had earlier decided to stop students from registering in semesters. "We should not forget that this is an important issue. Stopping students from semester admission is anti-education," he said. Left bodies, which rule the JNU student union, have been accused of preventing students from taking admission in semesters as part of their protest against fee hike. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley said he believes Irans attacks on air bases in Iraq on Wednesday were intended to kill Americans and that advance intelligence enabled troops to take cover. Of the 16 Iranian short-range ballistic missiles that were fired across the border, one struck a base near the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, while 11 struck al-Asad air base in the western desert, where hundreds of U.S. and coalition troops are located, Milley told reporters at the Pentagon. The missiles were fired from three sites inside Iran that he declined to identify. But where the missiles exploded within the base perimeter suggests they were intended to kill U.S. personnel, he said. The points of impact were close enough to personnel and equipment and so on and so forth, I believe, based on what I saw and what I know, is that they were intended to cause structural damage, destroy vehicles and equipment and aircraft, and to kill personnel, Milley said. Some news reports earlier in the day suggested that the Pentagon believed Iran deliberately avoided harming U.S. troops. The absence of casualties has more to do with the defensive techniques our forces used than it does with intent, Milley added. Al-Asad is a big base. They put 11 large rockets with 1,000-pound, 2,000-pound warheads in it, but we took sufficient defensive measures." Damage at the base was confined to tentage, taxiways, the parking lot, a damaged helicopter, things like that. Nothing that I would describe as major, Defense Secretary Mark Esper added. No friendly casualties whether theyre U.S., coalition, contractor, etc. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper delivers a statement on Iraq and Syria, at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago property, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci) Esper also said he could not predict whether Iran will make other attempts to retaliate for the U.S. drone attack that killed Iranian paramilitary leader Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week. "I believe that we have restored a level of deterrence but we will see, Esper said. Added Milley: Part of our job is to create space for diplomacy, and there may or may not be an opportunity for that right now." But he said U.S. military leaders fully expect Shia militia groups to conduct terrorist operations against U.S. forces." Esper and Milley said they have not yet reviewed intelligence that might shed light on the crash of a Ukrainian airliner taking off from Tehran airport hours after the missile attacks. HYDERABAD: A good number of BJP workers belonging to minority community have distanced themselves from the pro-Citizenship Amendment Act meetings being organised by the party. After the million march against the CAA in Hyderabad, they are even abstained from interacting with people. There is a deep divide within members of the BJP minority wing, with many upset and angry with the party. During its membership drive in 2018 for the minority wing, BJP enrolled 40,000 members in the state. More than half of them have distanced themselves from the party after the Citizenship Amendment Act was passed in Parliament. A senior member of the party in Hyderabad explained, We are very upset. There is no one listening to us within the party. Majority of the members are introspecting on their future role in the party. Few are vocal about it. Those, who believe they still have a future in the party, have decided to keep quiet on this issue. This is the reason why they are not attending the pro-CAA rallies or interacting with people. If anybody approaches and questions them about CAA, they maintain they have no idea, just like the common man. A member of the BJP belonging to the minority community says they have been hurt by the decision of the government on CAA. Shia Muslims in Pakistan are suffering. They have been targeted in that country from time to time. The BJP patronised a large number of Shia Muslims. The Shia community in Uttar Pradesh even sided with the BJP. But what has the community got in the end? The persecuted Shia minorities in Pakistan have not got justice, the party member from minority community lamented. There are 400 families belonging to the Shia community in Hyderabad, who have relatives in Karachi and Quetta in Pakistan. These Shias had migrated to Pakistan from the Nizam state after its accession to India. These families were hopeful that after aligning with BJP, there would be a reprieve for them. But the stand taken by BJP has left them in lurch. The CAA provides for granting Indian citizenship only to non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. We have been left with nothing. Shias have not been politically active in all the three countries of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and have suffered due to this reason. There was some hope in India, but even that has been lost now, the minority wing leader remarked. National vice president of BJP minority cell Farid Sheikh Liaquat Ali says, Party workers and common people are asking the same question. I have told them what union home minister Amit Shah has said in Parliament, that CAA is not against Indian Muslims. But people are not convinced. Every meeting or social function that I attend, I find that people are angry and upset. I have been with the BJP for 33 years and whatever I hear from the people is being conveyed to the party. The incident that occurred at the madarasa in Uttar Pradesh has led to a pointed question: If this can happen to Muslims in UP, will it not repeat elsewhere? Nissans fugitive ex-chairman Carlos Ghosn has described his arrest in Japan, from which he escaped last month, as a plot against him and his detention conditions as a travesty against human rights. In his first appearance since his daring and improbable escape from Japan, Ghosn told a news conference in Beirut that the decision to flee was the most difficult of my life. He was due to stand trial for alleged financial misconduct at the carmaker and on Wednesday again dismissed all allegations against him as untrue. With big gestures and a five-part slide presentation projected behind him, Ghosn brought his case to the global media and said his view on fleeing Japan was: You are going to die in Japan or you are going to get out. In response, Japans justice minister Masako Mori said Ghosns comments were unfounded and she wanted to prevent him spreading an erroneous understanding abroad. None of his claims can justify the fact he fled Japan illegally, she said. Chief government spokesman Yoshihide Suga added that whether Ghosn would be extradited was Lebanons decision but that Japan would cooperate closely with international organisations so that Japans criminal justice system can be operated appropriately. Ghosn said he would not address the details of his escape, which has perplexed and embarrassed Japanese authorities. Media reports have said he left his Tokyo residence alone, skipping bail despite supposedly rigorous surveillance. He met two men at a hotel and then took a bullet train to Osaka before boarding a private jet hidden inside a case for musical equipment. He flew to Istanbul and was then transferred on to another plane bound for Beirut, where he arrived on December 30. Ghosn portrayed his arrest as a plot linked to a decline in the financial performance of Nissan. He had been in favour of merging Nissan with industry ally Renault, of which he was also chairman. Story continues Grab of a photo made available by IHA of packing crates, one of which IHA claims Carlos Ghosn used to hide to escape from Japan (IHA via AP) Unfortunately there was no trust. And some of our Japanese friends thought that the only way to get rid of Renault in Nissan is to get rid of me, he said. I should never have been arrested in the first place, he said. Im not above the law and I welcome the opportunity for the truth to come out and have my name cleared, he told a packed room of journalists. Ghosn said he would be ready to stand trial anywhere where I think I can have a fair trial. He declined to say what country that might be. Lebanon last week received an Interpol-issued wanted notice a non-binding request to law enforcement agencies worldwide that they locate and provisionally arrest a fugitive. Lebanon and Japan do not have an extradition treaty, and the Interpol notice does not require Lebanon to arrest him. Lebanese authorities have said Ghosn entered the country on a legal passport, casting doubt on the possibility they would hand him over to Japan. Carlos Ghosn faces the media (AP) At the request of the Japanese government, Interpol published the notice on its website on Wednesday as Ghosn was giving his news conference. The notice was previously only sent to Interpols member governments but not shared with the public. Ghosn, who is Lebanese and also holds French and Brazilian passports, was expected to go on trial in Tokyo in April. In earlier statements, he has said he fled to avoid political persecution by a rigged Japanese justice system. He also said that he alone organised his departure from Japan and that his wife Carole played no role. On Tuesday, Tokyo prosecutors obtained an arrest warrant for Mrs Ghosn on suspicion of perjury. That charge is not related to his escape. Lebanons justice minister said Lebanon has not received any request related to that warrant. Journalists outside the house of Carlos Ghosn in Beirut (Bilal Hussein/AP) Japanese justice officials acknowledge that it is unclear whether the Ghosns can be brought back to Japan to face charges. Ghosns former employer, Nissan Motor Co, said it was still pursuing legal action against him despite his escape, adding that Ghosn engaged in serious misconduct while leading the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance. Ghosn denies all the charges. In France, meanwhile, prosecutors are investigating a 50,000-euro (42,000) gift from the chateau of Versailles to Ghosn, linked to a lavish party there. Renault alerted French authorities after a company investigation found that Ghosn personally benefited from an exchange worth 50,000 euros in the framework of a philanthropic accord signed with the Chateau of Versailles. Renault said in June that an internal audit with partner Nissan found 11 million euros (9.3 million) in questionable expenses at their Dutch-based holding linked to Ghosn. The two carmakers recommended legal action in the Netherlands, where the alliance is based, and ordering Ghosn himself to reimburse the company for some of the expenses. Earlier in the day, Tokyo prosecutors raided a Japanese lawyers office where Ghosn had visited regularly before he fled. Carlos Ghosn and his wife Carole (Kyodo News via AP) Japanese media reports said prosecutors were likely to have seized a computer to track down how Ghosn escaped and who might have helped him. An hour before the scheduled press conference, a Lebanese prosecutor said Ghosn will be summoned in the coming hours over a visit to Israel more than 10 years ago, according to the state-run National News Agency. Two Lebanese lawyers had submitted a report to the Public Prosecutors Office against Ghosn last week, saying he violated Lebanese law by visiting Israel. The two neighbouring countries are technically in a state of war. Prosecutor Ghassan Khoury met with the two lawyers who filed the case on Wednesday and asked them to bring additional evidence, adding he would summon Ghosn in the coming hours. Ghosn visited Israel in 2008 and met officials including the prime minister and the president. At the time, he announced the launch of electric cars in Israel. Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn and his wife Carole in Tokyo. (File: AP) Tokyo: Private jets, bullet trains and boxes with holes for breathing: Former Renault-Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn's escape from Japan, where he was awaiting trial, is worthy of a Hollywood plot. A millionaire many times over, used to hobnobbing with the Davos set, Ghosn chaffed at what he felt were tight restrictions imposed as a condition of his bail ahead of an expectedly lengthy trial for financial misconduct. As 2019 drew to a close, the former CEO made a break for it. Here's what we know about his dramatic flight: 'Bullet train' Contrary to early reports of a Houdini-like escape from his house hidden in a musical instrument case, it seems the tycoon simply walked out of his luxury central Tokyo residence on December 29, security camera footage shows. According to Japanese media, he met two US citizens in a nearby hotel and the trio took a shinkansen bullet train from Shinagawa, a major Tokyo hub, to Osaka in western Japan, a trip of around three hours. All three headed to a hotel near Kansai International Airport, with security camera footage showing only the two Americans leaving, carrying "two big boxes"--with Ghosn apparently inside one of them. He departed in a private jet -- Turkish investigators say a Bombardier labelled TC-TSR -- that landed in Istanbul at 5:15 am local time on December 30 and parked in a hangar. A Japanese transport ministry official has told AFP that security checks on luggage are not necessary for private jet operators and the boxes were apparently too big for the X-ray machines at the airport. Citing sources close to the investigation in Turkey, the Wall Street Journal said holes had been drilled in the box containing Ghosn so the executive could breathe. 'Clandestine getaway' Turkish news agency DHA said in Istanbul Ghosn boarded a second private jet to Beirut, a Bombardier Challenger 300 TC-RZA, which left 45 minutes later. Turkey's Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul said seven people have been detained in connection with the jets, including four pilots. Five were formally arrested. The Turkish private jet company MNG filed a complaint Friday alleging its aircraft were used illegally, and said one employee admitted to falsifying the flight manifest to keep Ghosn off the passenger list. The 65-year-old former car executive has insisted he acted alone, without help from his family. The Wall Street Journal said he was aided by a former US special forces operative, Michael Taylor, now working as a private security contractor and described as an "expert in the art of clandestine getaways". Passport roulette In his own words, Ghosn was a symbol of globalisation and he held three nationalities: French, Brazilian and Lebanese. As part of his bail conditions, three passports were kept locked up by his lawyers. However, a source close to the matter told AFP the Tokyo court had allowed Ghosn to keep his second French passport so long as it was kept "in a locked case" with the key held by his lawyers. This second French document was so he could prove his short-term visa status if needed when travelling in Japan -- which was allowed in his bail conditions. He apparently used this to enter Lebanon -- airport documents there seen by AFP show he entered on a French passport. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he had "no particular information" about that. Japanese authorities have confirmed there is no record of Ghosn departing the country -- lending credence to the cargo box theory. What next? Interpol, the international police cooperation body, issued a "red notice" for Ghosn's arrest, but Beirut and Tokyo do not have an extradition agreement under which he could be sent back to Japan, and Lebanese officials say he entered the country legally. However, an official speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that Ghosn would receive a summons from the Lebanese judiciary which "is obliged to hear him" but "can still decide whether to arrest him or let him remain free". Nevertheless, he could still find himself in hot water in Lebanon. Three lawyers submitted a report to the public prosecutor demanding he be prosecuted over a 2008 trip he made to Israel -- a country Lebanon bans its citizens from visiting. A source close to the case in Japan has told AFP that a trial over alleged financial misconduct involving Ghosn's right-hand man Greg Kelly and Nissan could still proceed. Ghosn denies all the charges against him and has told Fox Business that he is ready to name executives and officials he says conspired against him in a "plot" to prevent Nissan getting too close to French firm Renault. He will address the media at a Beirut press conference on Wednesday. A delegation of interfaith leaders met the Minister of State for Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy on Wednesday to express solidarity with the central government in the wake of violent protests and public unrest over the amended Citizenship Act. "The delegation members expressed solidarity with the government and faith in the policies of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The delegation unanimously affirmed that the CAA concerns foreigners and no Indian, from whichever religion, caste, colour or creed, has anything to fear," a government release said. The delegation comprised of prominent spiritual gurus and social reformers from different faiths and sects, including Jain Acharya Dr Lokeshji, Meditation guru Swami Deepankar, Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, Sardar Sant Singh, Veer Chakra Awardee Col, TP Tyagi, Vineet Kumar and Gautam. "Highlighting the principles of Dharma and Ahimsa, the delegation affirmed their belief that the legislation has been passed on humanitarian grounds for those who fled from the three countries fearing persecution and had migrated to India for solace and safety," read the release. "The delegation said that India being a land of mutual acceptance and harmony; it is unacceptable that one protests against a decision that aims to alleviate the suffering of those uprooted families. The legislation is based on a perfect rationale and objective premise, the members reiterated," it said. According to the government, the delegation said that resilience of Indian democracy lies in the strength of our collectivism, the belief in non-violence, and acceptance and adherence to the principles of the constitution. "They reiterated the fact that we all identify ourselves as Indians before anything else and it keeps us together. It is this faith and belief that will keep us together and strong in the face of storm, let loose by forces that do not want to see us united and growing. They urged the people to guard themselves against misinformation meant to destabilize our foundations of mutual respect and acceptance," read the release. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Isuzu says prices for the BS6 models could increase by Rs 3 to 4 lakh in 2020. Isuzus model lineup includes the D-Max V-Cross pick-up and mu-X SUV. Both models are powered by diesel engines only. Isuzu says prices for the BS6 models could increase by Rs 3 to 4 lakh in 2020. Isuzu D-Max is priced between Rs 16.55 lakh to Rs 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Isuzu mu-X rivals Fortuner, Endeavour and Alturas G4, with prices starting at Rs 27.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It was already known that carmakers will be increasing the model prices for the BS6 update, especially for diesel cars, but the amount would vary. Isuzu has now announced that its range of private vehicles - the D-Max V-Cross pick-up and mu-X will get a lot pricier. Isuzu has announced that it will shut down production of its BS4 vehicles by the end of December 2019. Both the D-Max and mu-X are available with diesel engines only. The pick-up currently gets the choice of a 1.9-litre unit mated to a 6-speed automatic and a 2.5-litre unit mated to a 5-speed manual. Meanwhile, the mu-X 7-seater SUV is powered by a 3.0-litre diesel mated to an automatic transmission. The carmaker has announced that the prices for both models will get pricier by upto Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh once updated to meet the BS6 emission norms. The Isuzu D-Max is currently priced between Rs 16.55 lakh to Rs 19.99 lakh while the mu-X is priced between Rs 27.35 lakh to Rs 29.32 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi). While the D-Max pick-up doesnt have a direct rival as such, the mu-X competes against the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Mahindra Alturas G4. So, if you were considering to buy an Isuzu, it may be more affordable to place your order now. Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by Deccan Chronicle and is taken from a syndicated feed. Photos: CarDekho. A school has assured parents their children are in no danger after a pupil was injured in a stabbing yesterday. The Larne Grammar School Year 10 pupil was taken to hospital following the incident just before 11.30am. The Belfast health trust later confirmed he was in a stable condition. The police arrested a 13-year-old boy on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. Parents and guardians were contacted by text message to be told the traumatic incident was over and the rest of the school day would proceed as normal. Read More Principal Jonathan Wylie said lessons would continue as usual today. "The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is always our primary concern, and the authorities, including the PSNI, were contacted immediately," Mr Wylie added. "Parents have also been contacted. We are working with the Education Authority to ensure that pastoral support is available for those who require it. "This is the first time that an incident of this nature has occurred in school. The thoughts of the school community are with the injured pupil and his family. "We are unable to comment further due to an ongoing PSNI investigation." The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 11.21am about an incident on Lower Cairncastle Road. "Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one male patient was transferred to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children," a spokesperson said. Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson told this newspaper it was "a very concerning time" for students, staff and parents. "You know from both national and international incidents like this how difficult it can be for those connected with the school," Mr Dickson explained. "I have every confidence that Larne Grammar, like every school in Northern Ireland, has a plan in place to deal with incidents like this." Addressing those willing to risk carrying a weapon, Mr Dickson added: "There is no place for weapons in schools or anywhere else in society in this way. "Whatever has happened obviously needs to be investigated." DUP MLA Gordon Lyons wished the injured boy well. "Awful news coming from Larne Grammar School... my thoughts are with those affected," he said. Sinn Fein MLA Karen Mullan added: "(It is a) concerning incident. (I) hope the young person who was attacked is okay - and the whole school community." Figures from the PSNI show that more than 700 serious crimes involving a knife or a sharp instrument were recorded in Northern Ireland by September 30 of last year. SUSANVILLE, Calif. (AP) - Officials at a Northern California state prison say an inmate has been stabbed to death after an attack by two other prisoners. Correctional officers say they saw the attack Tuesday on 37-year-old Richard Leyva in an exercise yard at California Correctional Center in Susanville. Inmates Luiz Ortega and Vincent Martinez attacked Leyva and ignored orders to stop. Officers used pepper spray and pepper-spray grenades to break up the attack but Leyva received several stab wounds and died on the way to a hospital. Inmates Luiz Ortega and Vincent Martinez have been placed in segregation as authorities investigate the death. The West Bengal government does not support any excess by the police in dispersing the march by Left-affiliated students union of Jadavpur University (JU) to protest the attack at JNU, state Higher Minister Partha Chatterjee said on Tuesday. He also blamed the BJP for aggravating the situation on Monday night by bringing out a rally all of a sudden which came face to face with the march by JU's students near the university. Chatterjee said he has discussed with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee the alleged baton charge by the police on the JU students during the incident. "We are of the view police should show restraint during student protests and not interfere by using force.... Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asked the commissioner of police to show restraint," he said when asked to comment. Chatterjee, who is also the secretary general of the TMC, said the state will always ensure that the police never enters the campus of an educational institution. He said BJP is trying to prove that they do not need any persmission to take out a rally and supresses dissent by brute muscle power. On Monday evening SFI activists and members of other Left outfits of JU took out a rally near the university against the attack on students in JNU and came face to face with a march taken out by the BJP. BJP activists allegedly pelted stones at the Left activists prompting them to burn the flags of the saffron party and the police put up barricades and blocked both the rallies. As repeated attempts to calm the situation failed, police resorted to baton charge on both the rallies to disperse the protesters. The police were also seen brutally beating up the protesters, including students and women. Later on, South Suburban Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Sudip Sarkar said the intention of the baton charge was not to beat up the students. The SFI has filed a complaint at Jadavpur Police station alleging at least two of its activists were seriously injured in the police action. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Burma Mon Ethnic Party: Myanmar Govt, Military Lack Political Will for Federalism, Equality The 10th congress of the New Mon State Party, an ethnic armed group, convened from Dec. 25, 2019 to Jan. 8, 2020, in Ye Township, Mon State. / New Mon State Party The New Mon State Party (NMSP) has said that the National League for Democracy (NLD) government and the Myanmar army do not have the political will necessary to let ethnic groups in the country build a federal system. The NMSP issued a statement Wednesday after the party held its 10th congress, a two-week meeting at its headquarters in Bee Re, Ye Township, Mon State, during which the group analyzed the political situation in Myanmar and the rights of ethnic groups. There are barriers to working to build a federal system and we have found that the government and the army do not have the political will needed for our ethnic groups to build a federal system, the statement said. The statement said that though the NLD government has been in power for four years, the party still has not been able to make peace in the country or even amend the 2008 Constitution. The NMSP has signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and worked with the government to build peace in the country. Before the NLD assumed control of the government, the party acted as an ally to ethnic political parties in the country. The NMSP trusted that they could work with the NLD government on the issue of federalism. But the relationship between the NMSP and the NLD has grown tense. The NLD blocked a move to amend Article 261 of the Constitution, which would have allowed ethnic states to elect their own chief ministers. The NLD also supported the building of a statue of Burmese ethnic hero General Aung San in Mudon and named a new bridge in Mawlamyine after the general. The NMSP said actions like these show that the NLD does not have political will to give ethnic groups a federalist system. If they would like to give us a federalist system, they should let ethnic groups elect ethnic chief ministers. They should cooperate with ethnic groups to amend [Article 261], but they block it. Therefore, we made the point at the [NMSP] congress about how the NLD does not have political will for building federalism, said Nai Kao Rot, former colonel from the NMSP, who joined the congress as an observer. We have been watching [the NLDs] actions for five years. Their idea is to have democracy first, then they will have federalism. Without having federalism first, we cannot have democracy for our ethnic groups, said Nai Kao Rot. The congress concluded that the current government has returned to the system of Burmanization, in which past governments tried to influence and control ethnic groups under ethnic Burmese regimes. During the two-week congress, former party chair Nai Htaw Mon resigned and Nai Hong Sar became the new chair for the party. General Nai Bayar Ma San was appointed army chief for the Mon National Liberation Army (MNLA), the armed wing of the NMSP. The NMSP statement also said that party leaders would negotiate with the Myanmar military to ensure the return of an MNLA outpost in Three Pagodas Pass Township taken after the two sides clashed on Nov. 27, 2019. The statement added that armed conflict can only be solved through political dialogue and that there are many political challenges for the party but they will cooperate with the ethnic Mon people, including Buddhist monks, in order to fight for self-determination and equal rights for their ethnic group. Meanwhile, a representative from the NMSP attended the Joint-Ceasefire Implementation Coordination Meeting between the government and leaders from 10 ethnic armed groups on Wednesday in Naypyitaw, where they discussed ways to advance the peace process. Rachel Barger, SAP's chairwoman cum general director in Southeast Asia Under the new post, Barger will take responsibility for the companys strategies and performance, and also support customers in the region. Moreover, the new chairman will be based in Singapore and focus on shifting Southeast Asian branches to be smart businesses with the mission of framing value and reaching success. Digital technology has reached all industries, organisations, business process, and individual experience. Digital transformation has been contributing to the creation of the Southeast Asian digital economy, said Barger. The initial steps will be to work with the branches leaders in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the regionally emerging markets. Previously, Barger was SAPs COO at the Asia-Pacific, developing and carrying out growth strategies in the area. She is a global citizen with 15 years of experience in the software industry in North America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Europe. Barger was in charge of business customers, customer service, and business consultancy. The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting by-elections to fill 14 seats of the Edo State House of Assembly. Justice Ahmed Mohammed made the order following an application filed by Damian Dodo on behalf of the elected members, whose seats were declared vacant by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Frank Okiye, on December 4. Mr Mohammed said parties in the suit should stay action pending the determination of the motion before the court, which has been adjourned to January 28, for hearing. The elected members who filed the suit include: Washington Osifo, Victor Edoro, Vincent Uwadiae, Kingsley Ugabi, Michael Ohio-Ezomo, Sunday Aghedo and Chris Okaeben. Others are Crosby Eribo, Aliyu Oshiomhole, Oshomah Ahmed, Ganiyu Audu, Ugiagbe Dumez, Uyi Ekhosuehi and Eric Okaka. The suit dated December 10, 2019, has Mr Okiye and INEC as first and second respondents respectively. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the 14 lawmakers were among the 15 excluded from the controversial inauguration of the state assembly in June, last year, because of the power tussle between the national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, and the Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki. The excluded lawmakers-elect are loyalists of Mr Oshiomhole. One of the affected lawmakers-elect, Washington Osifo, who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES, said that the speakers action breached a fundamental principle in law since the 14 lawmakers-elect have a pending court case against him. All the 24 state legislators in Edo are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Nine out of the 24 lawmakers met at night to inaugurate the assembly and elect a speaker, Mr Okiye. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the exclusion of the others, was to prevent Mr Oshiomholes loyalists from taking control of the state legislature, an action which led to Mr Osifo and the 13 others filing a court case against the speaker and the others. Whereas the matter is in court, they have gone ahead to violate the elementary principle of law that says no party in a matter in court can do anything to render the position of the court that would eventually be, nugatory, Mr Osifo said, claiming that he was speaking on behalf of the other 13 lawmakers-elect. That in itself is contempt. He is pre-empting the court and attempting to tie the hands of the court and the court does not take it lightly with anybody who does that. In a bid to stop the electoral umpire from conducting fresh elections, the lawmakers approached the court, seeking an order of interim injunction restraining INEC from conducting by-elections in respect of their seats declared vacant by the speaker, pending the hearing of their motion on notice. The judge had at the last hearing ordered the two respondents to appear before the court on December 19 to show cause why the interim injunction being sought by the plaintiffs through their ex-parte application should not be granted. Mr Mohammed also ordered that all the elected members processes should be served on the respondents. Adjourning to December 19, the judge ordered that hearing notices be issued on the respondents, in order for them to appear before it and show cause. The court could not sit on December 19, 2019, but then adjourned to January 7, for further proceeding Court Session At the resumed hearing of the matter on Tuesday, the lawyer to the lawmakers, Ikhide Ehighelua, informed the court of the motion ex-parte filed on December 10, 2019. My Lord, my learned friend from INEC is here today, he said. Responding, INECs lawyer, Femi Adeyemi, acknowledged that he was served with all the processes but was not served with the motion ex-parte. Advertisements Mr Adeyemi, who told the court that INECs position on the matter was to be neutral, said the commission did not oppose the plaintiffs application filed. My Lord, our position is that we want to retain our neutrality, he told the judge. The electoral umpires lawyer informed the court that he had not filed an affidavit in support of the commissions position. Ruling on the said exparte application on Tuesday, the judge said based on provisions of Order 26 Rules 11, 12 and 13 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2019, where a defendant is asked to come and show cause, the respondent is expected to file an affidavit in evidence and not an oral evidence. What you are telling me here is evidence. I understand you very well. File an affidavit and explain there even if it is two paragraphs, but not to stand at the bar and explain, the judge said. Justice Mohammed held that having decided not to oppose the applications filed by the elected lawmakers, INEC should restrain itself from taking further step since the matter was still pending in court. The judge, in addition, ordered INEC to file an affidavit in support of its position and to show cause why the interim injunction should not be granted before the next adjourned date. WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- NeuroRx, Inc announced that it has received a notice of patent allowance covering the Composition of Matter for its drug NRX-101, which targets suicidal bipolar depression, an unmet medical need that results in the death of more than 25,000 Americans each year. The allowance is based on US Patent Application 15/987,932 entitled: Composition and Method for Treatment of Depression and Psychosis in Humans. The inventor, Prof. Daniel Javitt, Ph.D., M.D., is co-founder of NeuroRx and was among the first to report the role of the NMDA receptor in psychiatric disease. NRX-101, an NMDA-targeted antidepressant, is a fixed-dose combination of D-cycloserine and lurasidone and was awarded Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the US FDA. The drug is currently undergoing phase 3 clinical trials under an FDA Special Protocol Agreement (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03396068). NeuroRx's Chairman and CEO, Dr. Jonathan Javitt, and Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Robert Besthof, will be attending the upcoming JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, CA. About NeuroRx, Inc.: NeuroRx draws upon 30 years of basic science and clinical expertise in the role of N-methyl-D- aspartate (NMDA), a receptor that regulates human thought processes, particularly depression and suicidality. The company is privately funded and led by former senior executives of Johnson & Johnson, BMS, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Sunovion. NeuroRx's Board of Directors and Advisors includes Hon. Sherry Glied, former Assistant Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services; Mr. Chaim Hurvitz, former President of the Teva International Group, Lt. Gen. HR McMaster, the 23rd National Security Advisor, Wayne Pines, former Associate Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Judge Abraham Sofaer, and Daniel Troy, former Chief Counsel, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. About NRX-101 NRX-101 is designed to address suicidal bipolar depression for which there is no currently approved drug and for which the only FDA-approved treatment remains electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). NRX-101 is a patented, oral, fixed-dose combination of D-cycloserine, an N- methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor modulator, and lurasidone, which has D2/5-HT2a receptor antagonist activity. The combination has shown statistically-significant reduction in both depression and suicidal ideation in phase 2 studies and was awarded FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Fast Track Designation. A pivotal phase 3 study is ongoing under an FDA Special Protocol Agreement that targets patients with Severe Bipolar Depression and Acute Suicidal Ideation. Learn more at www.NeuroRxpharma.com Contact: NeuroRx: Brian Korb Solebury Trout [email protected] +1-646-378-2923 SOURCE NeuroRx, Inc. The development comes after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where the US military is stationed in Iraq. (Photo Credit: ANI) New Delhi : Hours after Iran targeted Iraqi airbase in the country's west where the US and coalition forces are based, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that it has restricted all civilian US aircraft from operating in the airspace over Iran, Iraq, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The development comes after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where the US military is stationed in Iraq. "The FAA issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) tonight outlining flight restrictions that prohibit US civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The FAA will continue closely monitoring events in the Middle East. We will continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with US air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities," the agency said in a statement citing CNN. Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines said that it was diverting all flight routes from Iranian airspace. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. The Ain al-Asad airbase came after pro-Tehran factions in Iraq had vowed to join forces to "respond" to an American drone strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi top commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad last week. This came hours after the leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened on Tuesday to "set ablaze" places supported by the United States. Hossein Salami made the pledge before a crowd of thousands gathered in a central square in Kerman, the hometown of the slain Gen Qassem Soleimani. Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. At approximately 1730 EST on Jan. 7, Iran launched at least a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military & coalition forces in Iraq, US Department of Defence tweeted. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran & targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military & coalition personnel at Al-Assad & Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments, it added. President Trump has been briefed and is monitoring the situation, officials said. We are working on initial battle damage assessments, Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said confirming the Iranian missile strikes. Hoffman said in recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defence has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard its personnel and partners. With PTI Inputs For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Turkey's foreign minister will visit Iraq on Thursday as part of diplomatic efforts to ``alleviate the escalated tension`` in the region, a ministry statement said. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also spoke with his Iranian counterpart Wednesday after Iran fired more than 20 missiles overnight at bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iran's top military commander last week in Baghdad. Turkey has called for calm and expressed concern about regional security after the U.S. drone strike. Turkey shares a border with Iran and Iraq and is engaged militarily in northern Iraq against Kurdish militants. Search Keywords: Short link: The Jharkhand Assembly witnessed ruckus on Wednesday when the opposition BJP Legislators protested Congress MLA Irfan Ansari accusing a political party and an organisation as responsible in the death of Tabrez Ansari in mob violence in June last year. This is the maiden session of the assembly after formation of the JMM-Congress-RJD coalition government in the state. Trouble broke out while the House was debating motion of thanks on Governor Droupadi Murmus speech. The saffron party legislators took strong exception to the Congress Jamtara MLA accusing a party and an organisation in the death of Tabrez Ansari after being thrashed by a mob at Dhatkidih village in Seraikela-Kharsawan district for alleged theft. Despite Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato expunging the objectionable part from the house proceeding and adjourning the assembly for 15 minutes, all the BJP MLAs trooped into the well of the house and raised slogans. They also demanded an apology by the Congress member for what BJP MLA C P Singh termed "baseless" allegations. After the adjournment, the Congress legislator backtracked saying he did not accuse any particular party for the incident but some of their members had allegedly been engaged in the lynching of the 24-year-old man and one M Ansari in Jamtara, triggering more shouts by the opposition members. Before expunging the remarks, the BJP MLAs had also demanded suspension of Irfan Ansari, besides an apology for levelling the "baseless" allegations. Expressing reservation at the demand for suspension, the speaker, however, directed to delete the remarks that had hurt the sentiment of the members. But, the BJP MLAs also insisted on an apology from the Jamtara MLA. The speaker left on the conscience of Irfan Ansari to express regret, but the latter refused, alleging Tabrez Ansari was murdered, triggering continuation of the din. The ruckus kicked up when the Congress member, speaking in support of the motion of thanks on the governors speech, raised Tabrez Ansaris incident and naming a political party and an organisation, which were later deleted from the proceedings as per the demand by the BJP lawmakers. The speaker adjourned for 15 minutes from around noon. After the adjournment, senior Congress MLA Rajendra Prasad Singh said that the BJP had earlier demanded either the remarks should be expunged or Irfan Ansari should be asked to apologise. Now that the remarks were removed they should stop. But the din continued even after resumption of the house. The speaker asked Chief Minister Hemant Soren to reply on the motion before passing it through a voice vote amidst the uproar. AJSU party president Sudesh Kumar Mahto urged the speaker to allow him to speak on the motion as his party was listed among the speakers. However, the speaker said Mahto would be allowed to speak during the debate over the supplementary budget later in the day. Tabrez Ansaris death in June last year had hit the national headlines. The 24-year-old Tabrez was badly beaten by a mob at Dhatkidih village in Seraikela-Kharsawan district for alleged theft when he and two of his associates supposedly tried to enter a house with the purported intention to commit theft, police had said about the incident then. The police reached the spot the next morning and took Ansari to jail on the basis of a complaint lodged by the villagers. When Ansaris condition deteriorated in jail the same day, he was taken to the Sadar Hospital in Seraikela-Kharsawan, where he was diagnosed with multiple injuries, the police added. Later, he was referred to the Tata Main Hospital in Jamshedpur where he died on June 22, they had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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Targeting Cookies We also use cookies to personalize your experience on our websites, including by determining the most relevant content and advertisements to show you, and to monitor site traffic and performance, so that we may improve our websites and your experience. You may opt out of our use of such cookies (and the associated sale of your Personal Information) by using this toggle switch. You will still see some advertising, regardless of your selection. Because we do not track you across different devices, browsers and GEMG properties, your selection will take effect only on this browser, this device and this website. We were featured on Tony's Kansas City! TRIGGER WARNING***** The language in the comments of Tony's Kansas City is very harsh and derogatory toward the LGBTQIA+ community. Well, it looks like Pansy finally made it. Tony's Kansas City , a long-running KC blog with the tagline "Opinion, Jokes, and Stories from KC," is known for being a professional troll. There's no such thing as bad publicity for fashionistas looking to sell merch and this catty reprisal against our blog community is betrayed only by their branding excitement.Check the local mention and condemnation as commenters are rightfully denounced as haters and TKC is mercifully only tagged as a "professional troll" whilst this crew clearly enjoy being. Read more: The government has organized several rallies and awareness campaigns to end the protest. So that the public can know about the law. Explain that 20 people had also died in violent demonstrations in UP in protest against the law. In the midst of all this, after 40 years, about 40 thousand people of Pilibhit have got happiness due to CAA. All these people live in the Pilibhit district of UP. There are about 37 thousand refugees in this district of UP. Some of them came here with their family in 1960, some in 1962 and some in 1970 and remained here. Computer baba met with CM Kamal Nath, know what happened According to media reports, Mouni Biswas, a refugee from Pakistan, states that when she came here in 1962 when she was 6 years old. She came to India with her father with 3 brothers. She told that her life goes through wages. She said that we consider India as our country and the decision is to remain the same. She further said that she is very happy with the decision of the government and it seems that the problems which she has been facing till now, will be overcome. Uma Bharti came in support of BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, says - "Protector of poor, pride of Indore" This story is not just about Mauni, there are many people who have been waiting for this decision for a long time. Especially the youngsters who were born on this land in this country, but could never get that honor, which they had brought to India from Pakistan. They have to bear the brunt of being an intruder, Bangladeshi and Pakistani for a long time. Now these youth are very happy. They feel that by getting citizenship, the stains on them will be washed away, that stinger will disappear. You will get the right to equality. Bharat Bandh: 4 bombs found on railway track during strike Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A n Iranian official appeared to mock Donald Trump hours after his country carried out a series of missile attacks on US bases Former foreign minister Saeed Jalili tweeted an image of an Iranian flag in an apparent reference to when Mr Trump posted a low resolution American flag after ordering the assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad airport last week. Jalili, whose full title is representative of the Supreme Leader to the Secretary of Supreme National Security Council, is also a former negotiator in the Iran-US nuclear deal which has been ripped up by the US president. Hours earlier Iran launched 22 ballistic missiles towards two Iraqi air force bases hosting United States and coalition forces. Iran fired the missiles from within their territory at the Ain Asad air base and another facility in Erbil, Iraq, at 1.30am local time (10.30pm GMT). Iran launches missiles at US sites in Iraq Iranian state TV said the strikes were in revenge over the US killing last week of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. US authorities said casualties were 'few, if any'. President Donald Trump responded by tweeting: "All is well!" Germany's defence minister condemned Iranian missile attacks on Iraqi bases housing coalition military on Wednesday and called on Tehran to end a "spiral" of conflict. "The German government strongly condemns this aggression," Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer told broadcaster ARD. "It is now crucial that we do not allow this spiral to continue," said the defence minister, adding that "it is now primarily up to the Iranians to refrain from further escalation." Kramp-Karrenbauer said that Germany had been in contact with the US department of defence throughout Tuesday night, and that "all channels" of communication would be opened in a bid to prevent further escalation. She added that she would seek a meeting of the coalition's 13 framework nations to discuss the situation in the region. Separately, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas urged Iran to "refrain from all steps that could lead to further escalation". He also called on all parties to excercise restraint. The overnight attack on bases in Al-Asad and Arbil was the latest escalation amid growing tensions in the region since a US drone strike killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani last Friday. Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is also the leader of Angela Merkel's ruling conservative party, said the missile attacks could see further withdrawals of German troops in Iraq. Germany temporarily withdrew 32 of its soldiers from a camp close to Baghdad on Tuesday, and the defence minister said that plans were now being drawn up for a "possible partial withdrawal" from Arbil. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association on Wednesday passed a resolution, condemning the January 5 violence at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. Bar Association president Dayal Partap Singh Randhawa said the association condemned the attack on students at the JNU. In the resolution, the Bar Association stated that it condemned "the violence and attack on students at the JNU by anti-social elements". At least 35 people were injured in the the attack by some masked men at the JNU on Sunday, triggering a nationwide outrage. JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh was among those injured in the attack. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Blac Chyna's lawyer admitted that the reality star will 'vigorously contest' Rob Kardashian's attempts to seek primary custody of their daughter, Dream. 'So Rob Kardashian who has posted illegal revenge porn against Chyna wants to take custody of Chynas beautiful daughter, Dream, away from her hands-on, extremely loving mother?' Lynne Ciani said in a statement to US Weekly. 'And Khloe Kardashian wants to take her niece Dream away from her loving mother, Chyna? Oh, please.' Rob filed documents in a Los Angeles court on Tuesday for full custody of his three-year-old daughter with his ex. Tough times: Blac Chyna's lawyer admitted that the reality star will 'vigorously contest' Rob Kardashian's attempts to seek primary custody of their daughter, Dream; seen in 2016 'Chyna will vigorously contest this latest despicable attempt to take away her daughter in a court of law, where she will keep prevailing against her ex-fiance Rob and the other malicious and vindictive members of his family,' Ciani added. The reclusive member of the Kardashian clan also reportedly asked the court to order Chyna to undergo random drug and alcohol testing, a move which was denied by a judge. In his court filings, Rob made shocking claims about Chyna as a mother and said she has taught their little girl to mimic sexual positions, snorts cocaine with strangers and has a $600-a-day-alcohol habit. 'Chyna will vigorously contest this latest despicable attempt to take away her daughter in a court of law, where she will keep prevailing against her ex-fiance Rob and the other malicious and vindictive members of his family,' Ciani added; seen on Instagram Tough: The reclusive member of the Kardashian clan also reportedly asked the court to order Chyna to undergo random drug and alcohol testing, a move which was denied by a judge He also asserts that Chyna is making for 'an unsafe environment due to her unpredictable behavior' and even makes violent threats to people in her home.' Kardashian said that Chyna who's also mom to son King Cairo, seven, with rapper Tyga uses foul language in front of Dream, who has subsequently repeated phrases such as 'What the f***?' and 'b***h.' In another instance Rob told the court his child started 'naked twerking, and acting out sexual positions that she said her mom taught her.' The sock designer wants Blac Chyna's time with Dream to be reduced to weekends with a nanny on hand, TMZ reported. Proud pa: Rob shared a shot of Dream as they celebrated her third birthday in November In the explosive new documents, Rob claims his ex brings strangers home to party with her, and gets violent at times - even throwing knives at people when she loses her temper. Kardashian said in court docs that a person who used to work with Chyna said that the Lashed entrepreneur spends about $600 on booze a day, He adds that she is usually drunk, and has finished a full bottle of Hennessy in one sitting. Sharp allegations: Rob claims Chyna has neglected to care for Dream's hygiene, as her teeth, hair and nails are unkempt when she drops her off in his care (pictured in August) Kardashian said Chyna has neglected to care for Dream's hygiene, as her teeth, hair and nails are unkempt when she drops her off in his care. Rob's sister Khloe Kardashian was prominently mentioned in the court docs, as Khloe claimed she heard Dream says she doesn't want to go with Chyna. Khloe noted to Rob that Dream that is 'decidedly more aggressive' and 'more in defense mode' as she arrives from her mother to go on outings with her cousins. Dream was involved in a physical fight with another kid last month, which Rob said is indicative of her mother's influence. Ron is asking the court to mandate Chyna take drug and alcohol tests a half-hour before visits; and that the nanny is granted legal power to terminate the visits in cases of violent or aggressive behavior when the child is present. Chyna told RuPaul in June that 'co-parenting is good' with both Tyga and Rob, as they're 'all in a good place.' 'With both of my baby fathers, we have a mutual agreement and everything runs smoothly,' she said. Rob and Chyna welcomed Dream in November 10, 2016, but they split in February 2017 Good Morning America The Biden administration's plan to send 500 million at-home tests to Americans for free is an historic undertaking, but one that will take weeks or months to fully execute, recently released contracts and interviews with seven test manufacturers suggest. Contracts for the first two batches of tests were announced on Friday, one for 13.3 million kits from a health technology company and another for an undisclosed amount from a distribution company in Virginia that had extras on hand -- all to be distributed in an effort to reduce the massive testing shortage in the U.S. Tests won't be available to be ordered through a government website until later this month, the official said, meaning it's unlikely the average American will get free tests delivered in time for the January peak of omicron cases predicted by most models. * The Philippines has ordered its citizens to leave Iraq, the Philippine foreign ministry said on Wednesday (January 8), after Iran attacked US forces there in response to a US strike that killed an Iranian general last week. * India on Wednesday issued a travel warning asking its citizens to avoid "non-essential" travel to Iraq, hours after Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq. * US President Donald Trump on Tuesday appeared to downplay Iran's missile attack against US forces in Iraq, while highlighting US military strength at the same time. * Dubai-based Emirates Airline cancelled a return flight to Baghdad on Wednesday following Iran's missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq. * No Norwegian soldiers were injured or killed in Iran's missile strike on the Al-Asad air base in Iraq, a Norwegian military spokesman told Reuters early on Wednesday. * No Danish soldiers were injured or killed in Wednesday's missile strike on the Al-Asad air base in Iraq, the Danish armed forces said in a post on Twitter. * The energy minister of the United Arab Emirates said on Wednesday he saw no immediate risk to oil travelling through the vital gateway of the Strait of Hormuz after Iran attacked bases housing US forces in Iraq. * Iraqi oil facilities are secured and the country's production is continuing, OPEC's Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo said on Wednesday. * Iran's army renewed a demand for US troops to be withdrawn from the Middle East, state TV reported on Wednesday, after the elite Revolutionary Guards launched missile attacks on American targets in Iraq. * Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the capital Damascus on Tuesday and met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on his first trip to Damascus since the war erupted nearly nine years ago, according to state news agency SANA. * British lawmakers started a three-day Brexit debate Tuesday on their first House of Commons sitting of the new year. MPs debated details of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit Withdrawal Bill which was passed last month with an overwhelming majority. * Top European diplomats emerged from a Tuesday meeting saying continuing outside interference is fuelling the crisis in Libya and that there is no military solution to it. * Venezuela's National Assembly convened on Tuesday with opposition deputy Luis Parra serving as president of the legislative body. A little past 10 a.m. local time (1400 GMT), Parra announced via Twitter that the day's session was opened "with the regulation quorum" required. * Austria's new coalition government was sworn in by President Alexander Van der Bellen at the presidential residence of Hofburg Palace on Tuesday. * Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday visited South Australian communities devastated by bushfires, vowing to help them "rebuild and recover." * Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vazquez declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after a series of earthquakes killed at least one person, toppled buildings and knocked out power to nearly the entire island of more than 3 million people. The largest of the quakes in the US territory registered at magnitude 6.4, the most powerful to hit the Caribbean island in 102 years. Guinean opposition parties on Tuesday confirmed they would boycott upcoming elections, allowing a registration deadline to pass, the day after fresh anti-government protests. The West African country has been hit by rolling demonstrations since mid-October over concerns President Alpha Conde plans to reform the constitution to attempt to stay in office for a third term. "We confirm the boycott," said main opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo, a foremost critic of Conde's proposals. "The conditions for a transparent election are not there," he told AFP, demanding an overhaul of the electoral rolls, a proper voter census and a "less biased" election commission chief ahead of the long-delayed February 16 ballot. "We will prevent these elections," Diallo said, repeating a previous vow. The electoral commission CENI said 29 parties had registered their lists including Conde's Rally for the People of Guinea. None were associated with widespread suspicions that Conde, who announced a draft constitution last month, wants to stay in office for a third term. CENI chief Amadou Salif Kebe said his team was nevertheless "determined to hold the elections on the planned date of February 16, 2020, because we are technically and materially ready." On Monday, violence between rival groups injured at least 12 people in the east of the impoverished former French colony as large protests swept the country. About 20 people and one gendarme have died since the protests began in mid-October, according to an AFP tally. Conde is a former opposition figure himself who was jailed under Guinea's previous authoritarian regimes. He became the first democratically elected president in 2010. Under the present constitution, presidents are limited to two terms in office. Despite initial hopes of a new political dawn, critics say Conde's rule has become increasingly authoritarian. [January 08, 2020] Weld North Education Acquires LearnZillion Weld North Education (WNE) the leading PreK-12 digital curriculum company focused on unlocking the power of technology for learning, announced today that it has acquired LearnZillion, a leading provider of K-12 high-quality digital-first core curriculum. LearnZillion's curriculum and software - delivered to teachers through an intuitive, easy-to-use platform - is designed to transform the classroom experience, offering teachers the power of engaging, customizable, classroom-ready tools to foster greater outcomes for students. This acquisition is WNE's first foray within the digital core market traditionally served through textbooks. Together with WNE's digital intervention, supplemental and assessment solutions, LearnZillion will reduce the reliance on textbooks which cannot generate the data required to personalize instruction. LearnZillion marks the third significant acquisition by Weld North Education, the largest pure-play digital education company, in less than a year. In February 2019, WNE acquired digital curriculum company Glynlyon, Inc. and in March 2019, acquired assessment software provider ATI, Inc. LearnZillion will broaden the solutions provided by the core businesses within WNE: Edgenuity and Imagine Learning. "This is a major step forward for Weld North Education and underscores our unwavering commitment to transform education by building the best digital curriculum company in the world, serving students, teachers, parents and administrators," said Jonathan Grayer, Chairman and CEO of Weld North Education. "LearnZillion has cracked the code for delivering a digital-first core curriculum to schools across the country, reducing the reliance on textbooks. With the addition of LearnZillion to our portfolio of leading K-12 digital curriculum businesses, we are well on our way towards redefining how teachers teach and how students learn by unleashing the power of data-driven instruction through engaging, adaptive products." Founded by former educators, LearnZillion's solution provides easy-to-follow lesson plans, student activities and embedded professional development all wrapped around research-based curricula with demonstrated efficacy. LearnZillion's curricula has received the highest rating on EdReports, a nonprofit that provides independent reviews of K-12 instructional materials. LearnZillion CEO Eric Westendorf and the LearnZillion team will remain with the business and become part of Edgenuity. "For years, educators have talked about the promise of digital curriculum that sits at the core of a blended learning approach," said Sari Factor, CEO of Edgenuity. "LearnZillion brings his capability with a proven track record of success. Together, we will provide educators with comprehensive digital core and supplemental solutions that support teacher-led instruction of trusted standards-based content, data-driven reporting and learning analytics." LearnZillion's offerings include core curricula for math and English language arts authored by Illustrative Mathematics and EL Education, respectively. Today, LearnZillion delivers EL Education's curriculum to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and collaborated with the Louisiana Department of Education to create Guidebooks 2.0, which built ELA Guidebooks into classroom-ready lessons for teachers. "LearnZillion meets a critical need in the market by making high-quality curricula accessible and usable by teachers. That significantly boosts both teachers' ability to bring the curriculum to life and to meet the needs of all their student," said Eric Westendorf, CEO and Founder of LearnZillion. "Now with resources of Weld North Education and Edgenuity, we will be able to fully leverage the advantage of technology for teachers in the classroom-content customization, embedded supports, and real time data-to continue to improve student outcomes." About Weld North Education Weld North Education, in partnership with Silver Lake, is a leading digital education technology company focused on developing digital curriculum and tools for PreK-12 students. The Company is built around two underlying businesses, Edgenuity and Imagine Learning. Edgenuity is a leading digital courseware provider focused on providing online curricula and intervention solutions. Imagine Learning is a leading digital supplemental solutions provider focused on addressing language, literacy and math. Read more about Weld North Education at www.weldnorthed.com. About LearnZillion LearnZillion curates and publishes the highest-quality core instructional materials, supported by exceptional professional development. LearnZillion is committed to helping educators plan and deliver powerful, lasting learning experiences. Districts that adopt our curricula empower teachers to spend less time building student-facing materials from scratch and more time meeting their students' needs. For more information, visit www.LearnZillion.com. About Edgenuity Edgenuity is a leading provider of online curriculum and instructional services for the K-12 market. Nationwide, Edgenuity is in use by more than 20,000 schools, including 20 of the 25 largest school districts, to meet academic goals and improve student outcomes. We offer initial credit courses, honors and Advanced Placement courses, credit recovery, intervention and test readiness. These solutions, in addition to Edgenuity's instructional services and professional development offerings, help students, educators and districts achieve success in their online and blended learning programs. For more information, visit www.Edgenuity.com. About Imagine Learning Imagine Learning is passionate about providing equity of access to learning for all students through teaching with technology. We are a leading educational technology company providing supplemental digital curriculum for PreK through 8th grade students. Our adaptive suite of Literacy, Math, and Assessment solutions are powered by the Imagine Learning Language Advantage; a theory of action that promotes rigorous and equitable development of language, enabling students to have deeper comprehension, engagement, and enjoyment of learning. Over 3 million students nationwide benefit from Imagine Learning programs to accelerate their learning. Learn more at imaginelearning.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005495/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The decision from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to push through rules governing President Donald Trump's impeachment trial that meet none of Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's, D-N.Y., demands has been harshly criticized. McConnell is right, and his critics are wrong. This impeachment has been a purely political affair from the start. A majority of Democratic voters and most elite pundits and commentators have wanted Trump gone from day one. Their relentless - often vitriolic - 24/7 campaign to persuade Americans to remove the hated interloper from office before the next election is unprecedented in modern politics. The House Democrats' decision to pursue formal impeachment proceedings after the disclosure of Trump's phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was simply the fire that set off the explosion many had long clamored for. The political challenge for impeachment advocates was that this never-ending barrage had hardened Trump supporters' resolve. These people interpret the past three years as an unsubtle attempt to coerce their unconditional surrender on matters of policy and culture that they deeply care about. Cornered dogs fight fiercely rather than submit. Trump voters are no different. House Democratic leaders, then, faced a serious choice when they decided to take up impeachment. They would need 20 GOP votes to convict Trump in the Senate. That was not going to happen so long as supermajorities of Trump voters opposed impeachment. Changing that calculus would have required a reversal in tactics, from never-ending assaults to calmer efforts to persuade. That would require GOP cooperation and take time. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., would have none of that. We can't know another's mind, but her actions were entirely consistent with those of someone who wanted to simultaneously gratify her party base and put Republicans on the defensive. The House process was designed to accomplish those goals. Democrats conducted closed-door proceedings, but their findings were always mysteriously leaked to friendly media each afternoon, ensuring that they controlled the flow of information. The public hearings chaired by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., were a mockery of an evenhanded inquiry. As his daily opening and closing statements showed, this was the political equivalent of a grand jury hearing where a prosecutor controls the information to get an indictment from jurors on his or her terms. House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler's, D-N.Y., hearings were less competently run, but equally imbalanced and outcome-driven. Unlike the successful Watergate hearings, the final outcome was never in doubt. Impeachment advocates seem to have never fully grasped, however, that they would have no influence over how McConnell would run the Senate trial. So long as McConnell could get 51 votes behind him, he could set the rules for the trial every bit as much to his political advantage as Pelosi did in the House. With Trump voters unswayed by the hearings, McConnell would be doing his party a disservice to do anything other than what he's doing. McConnell is widely acknowledged as one of the Senate's shrewdest leaders ever. He knew that it ultimately wouldn't matter whether the handful of politically conflicted Republican senators such as Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Cory Gardner of Colorado voted against Trump in impeachment, so long as he had their loyalty on the rules. And it was always in their interest to give him that commitment. Democrats and their elite pundit allies are furious that McConnell held his ground rather than meekly surrender. But that's always been McConnell's way. He is a consummate political animal and tactician whose behavior tracks the Oakland Raiders' unofficial motto, "Just win, baby." Unconditional surrender, or even a negotiated truce, was never going to be in the cards. McConnell's decision should remind impeachment advocates, who constantly bray about their devotion to democracy, of two democratic principles. The first is that in our federalist, bicameral system, you need more than simply narrow majorities to rule. The leaders of the Senate are every bit as constitutionally empowered to fight for their interests, and those of their voters, as leaders of the House or the president are to fight for theirs. The second is that Trump voters are Americans, too. There's a reason it's hard to impeach and remove someone: The Founders set high hurdles to ensure that narrow partisan majorities could not take power away from people whose power flows from elections. That means some Trump voters needed to be convinced to defect, and that required treating their views and opinions compassionately. Anti-Trumpers have never done that. This impeachment has always been an exercise in bare-knuckle politics. McConnell excels at winning this type of fight. It's no surprise he's ruthlessly exercising the power he has. It will also be no surprise that Republicans will praise him for doing this. Thousands of workers at state-owned steel plants boycotted work while some remained absent in protest against the government policies, according to SWFI, the apex body of steel workers in India. However, operations remained unaffected at the plants. The impact of strike was minimal on Coal India too. The protest was against privatisation of public sector companies, change in labour laws, low wages for contactual workers and other issues, Steel Workers Federation of India (SWFI) Working President P K Das told PTI over phone. "The strike was observed at some plants. Some boycotted work and some remained absent," he said. A SAIL official said production remained unaffected as workers in the night shift stayed back at the plants resulting in 100 per cent attendance in the 6 AM to 2 PM shift. Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has about 70,000 employees. It has five integrated steel plants namely Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh, Rourkela Steel Plant in Odisha, Bokaro Steel Plant in Jharkhand and Durgapur Steel Plant and IISCO Steel Plant in West Bengal. Besides, it has three special steel units in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and a ferro alloy plant in Maharashtra. An official of another steel PSU Rashtriya Ispat Nigam (RINL) said while all executives came to work, 80 per cent workers boycotted work. There are about 18,000 employees in RINL, out of which about 6,000 are executives, the RINL official said. According to a Coal India official, there was 89 per cent attendance (as of 2 pm ) at all the subsidiaries of the coal major. Coal India accounts for over 80 per cent of the domestic coal output. According to an official of CCL--a Coal India arm--all its 34 open cast and seven underground mines were operational. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Boris Johnson has told EU chiefs he will not extend the Brexit transition period beyond the end of the year despite Brussels insisting it would be impossible to get a comprehensive trade deal by then. After his first face-to-face meeting with new European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in Downing Street, the Prime Minister dug in on his deadline. Ahead of the meeting Mrs von der Leyen had made it clear that if the deadline was not flexible it would become a matter of prioritising certain areas for agreement. Today I met with @vonderleyen. When we leave the EU on January 31st, we will negotiate a new free trade agreement with our European partners and continue to work together as friends and sovereign equals to tackle the worlds greatest challenges. pic.twitter.com/ahN6gYqIVn Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 8, 2020 With the UK set to formally quit the EU on January 31, the country would then enter an 11-month transition period which would see it follow EU rules, but not have any say in how the bloc is run. Following the discussions at Number 10, Downing Street described the talks as positive. A spokesman said: The PM reiterated that we wanted a broad free trade agreement covering goods and services, and co-operation in other areas. The PM was clear that the UK would not extend the implementation period beyond December 31 2020. He said the UK wanted a positive new UK and EU partnership, based on friendly co-operation, our shared history, interests and values. The comments came after the European Commission president said Britain cannot expect the highest quality access to EU markets if it abandons Brussels rules after Brexit. Mrs von der Leyen said the timeline was very, very tight and it would be impossible to agree everything by December 31. The European Commission chief said the PMs deadline insistence meant there was a limit to what could be agreed before the UKs final break with the EU. Mrs von der Leyen said they would need to prioritise those areas where there were no international agreements to fall back on to avoid a damaging hard Brexit. Number 10 appeared willing to consider the prospect of sector-specific mini deals, with the Prime Ministers press secretary telling reporters: We want to get on in terms of negotiating a deal so maybe the approach of nothing is agreed until everything is agreed which characterised previous negotiations, thats not an approach we are interested in taking. Speaking at the London School of Economics, where she studied, Mrs von der Leyen said that would have consequences for the sort of agreement which could be reached. While the EU was ready to sign up to an agreement based on zero tariffs, zero quotas, there also had to be zero dumping of cheap exports on European markets. The European Union is ready to negotiate a truly ambitious and comprehensive new partnership with the United Kingdom. But the truth is that our partnership cannot and will not be the same as before, she said. With every decision comes a trade-off. Without the free movement of people, you cannot have the free movement of capital, goods and services. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Without a level playing field on environment, labour, taxation and state aid, you cannot have the highest quality access to the worlds largest single market. Mrs von der Leyen said that, throughout the negotiations, the EU would be committed to upholding the integrity of the single market and the customs union. There can be no compromise on this. But we are ready to design a new partnership with zero tariffs, zero quotas, zero dumping. A partnership that goes well beyond trade and is unprecedented in scope, she said. After the Downing Street meeting, a European Commission spokesman said: President von der Leyen stressed the fact that the EU fully respects the decision by the UK to leave the EU. This decision brings with it consequences, as no relationship can be as close as being a member of the EU. Dykhne noted a "reliable" crew. President of Ukraine's largest air carrier, Ukraine International Airlines (UIA), Yevhen Dykhne, says the Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 flight PS752 bound for Kyiv that crashed on Wednesday shortly after takeoff from Tehran airport was one of the UIA fleet's best aircraft with a reliable crew. "On behalf of the airline team, I express our deepest condolences to the families of those who were on board. It was one of our best aircraft with an excellent and reliable crew ... We guarantee the flight performance of all our aircraft and our crews' high qualifications," he said at a press conference at Boryspil International Airport on January 8. Dykhne added that the aircraft disappeared from radar screens just a few minutes after taking off from Tehran airport. Read alsoUIA suspends all flights to Tehran According to UIA Technical Director Oleksandr Shafiev, the crashed 2016 aircraft was delivered directly from the Boeing plant without any previous flight operations. "There were no concerns on [aviation] equipment. The aircraft passed its latest inspection on January 6. There were no reservations as it was in good condition," he added. As UNIAN reported earlier, UIA flight PS752 bound for Kyiv crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran airport in the early hours of Wednesday, January 8. According to preliminary information, there were 167 passengers and nine crew members on board. Two passengers were Ukrainians. The rest are citizens of Canada, Iran, Sweden, Germany, and Afghanistan. Read alsoPS752 Tehran crash: likelihood of crew error "minimal", carrier says Following the accident, UIA announced it had suspended its flights to Tehran for an indefinite period. New Delhi [India], Jan 8 (ANI): Some masked persons have been identified and police will soon crack the identity of the masked men seen in the videos who vandalised public and private property in Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and attacked students, government sources said on Wednesday. Delhi Police have received a total of 11 complaints from JNU; one from a professor, three from ABVP students and seven from JNUSU and other students in the JNU violence case. Local police have forwarded the complaints to Delhi Police Crime Branch SIT. More than 30 students were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre after a masked mob entered the JNU and attacked the students and professors with sticks and rods late on January 5. (ANI) Iran fired 15 ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases housing US and coalition troops on Tuesday night, a US Central Command spokesperson confirmed to Al-Monitor, in a possible escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran after a Pentagon drone strike killed a top Iranian military leader last week. Of the 15 missiles fired, 10 struck Al-Asad Air Base in Iraqs western Anbar province, while one struck Erbil Airport in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, though journalists in the area said reporting on the strike was inaccurate. Four of the missiles failed in flight, the spokesperson said. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the strikes, the first time in recent memory that Iran has fired ballistic missiles against US targets. CNN reported that there had been Iraqi casualties in the strike on Al-Asad. A defense official later said that the Pentagon is still conducting damage assessments and that Pentagon leadership had contacted regional and NATO allies. All of the phone calls that were made were taken, the official stated, batting back a report that Iraqi caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi had rejected a call from Defense Secretary Mark Esper. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now, President Donald Trump tweeted after being briefed on the strikes at the White House by top national security aides, including Esper, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Iraqs military reported no Iraqi casualties but cited a higher number of missiles fired during the 30-minute Iranian strike than US Central Command claimed. The attack, which lasted from 1:45 until 2:15 a.m. local time according to Iraq's Security Media Cell, saw 22 rockets fall on Al-Asad Air Base, 2 missiles fail to explode in Hitan near the Iraqi city of Heet, and 5 rockets fall in Erbil. Tensions have mounted between Iran and the United States since the Trump administration ended US sanctions waivers for importers of Iranian oil, culminating in a tit-for-tat over the past 11 days that included an Iranian-backed strike that killed an American contractor on Dec. 27 at a military base near Kirkuk, after which the United States bombed military targets in Iraq and Syria associated with the Kataib Hezbollah militia, said to be responsible for the American's death. Days later, on Dec. 31, angry Iraqi supporters of the militia stormed the US Embassy in Baghdad. Tuesdays attacks by Iran were seen as retaliation for the US drone strike that killed Quds Force leader Gen. Qasem Soleimani and Kataib Hezbollah leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Baghdad International Airport on Jan. 3. Pentagon officials insisted that the United States had taken the proper measure to defend American troops after the strike that killed Soleimani. We expected actions from the Iranians and we had put our forces in appropriate force protection posture, a defense official told reporters on Tuesday. The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State in Iraq suspended operations and enhanced efforts to protect American troops amid rocket attacks over the weekend. Soleimani has been linked to hundreds of American deaths, including 603 US troops killed by complex improvised explosive devices introduced by Iran during the 2003 Iraq war and subsequent US occupation. Defense Secretary Esper said Soleimani and Muhandis were plotting imminent attacks against US forces, contradicting Iraqi Prime Minister Mahdi, who said the military leaders had been in Baghdad seeking to quell tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who reportedly has been denied a US visa to give an address on Thursday at the United Nations in New York, insisted that Iran was acting in self-defense after Soleimanis death. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched, Zarif tweeted late Tuesday. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. A Rajasthan minor girl was rescued by the state police from Guna in Madhya Pradesh, where she was brought by a Facebook friend and allegedly raped for two months while being kept hostage. The rescued girl was presented before Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Kota, her hometown, on Wednesday. Vimal Jain, a member of the CWC Kota said the 17-year-old girl was trapped by the youngster into friendship on Facebook before she was brought to MP and that his family was also involved in keeping the girl captive. After bringing her to Guna, the accused took the victims mobile phone while his mother and sister harassed her by forcing her to work all day without food. The girl, however, somehow managed to call her father and narrated her ordeal after which Udhyog Nagar police of Kota city reached Guna on Tuesday to recover the girl. The CWC has sent the victim to the Girl protection home in Kota. Meanwhile, Udhyog Nagar police have lodged FIR against the accused under Protection of Children from Sexual offenses (POCSO) Act and other relevant sections of IPC for rape and abduction of the minor. PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-08 08:48:03 Press release January 8, 2020 Edenred strengthens its leadership position in the United Arab Emirates payroll cards market Edenred is acquiring the payroll card portfolio of Mint, the second-largest operator specializing in pay distribution and management for under- or unbanked workers in the United Arab Emirates. The transaction will strengthen Edenreds leadership position in the UAE market, where its C3 solution already boasts more than a million users. The Group will facilitate the daily lives of nearly 600,000 employees currently holding Mint payroll cards by giving them simple and secure access to the range of value-added services offered via the C3 card and its myC3card mobile application. In the United Arab Emirates, where nearly 60% of the working population is outside the current financial system, Edenred offers an innovative solution that facilitates the financial inclusion of countless workers, while allowing companies to comply with local regulations that require that wages be traceable. For companies, Edenreds C3 digital solution is an easy way to manage the payment of wages for all or part of their employees via a secure online portal, especially in sectors that need large workforces, such as construction and facility management. The C3 card is a guarantee that employees will receive their pay regularly and securely. They can then make withdrawals from ATMs, or make physical and online payments. The myC3card mobile app linked to the C3 card also gives access to an extensive suite of value-added services that facilitate employees daily lives, including mobile phone top-ups, secure international money transfers at favorable rates and real-time consultation of their account balance and transaction history. These differentiating services, constantly improving, generate new sources of revenue for the Group. Mints payroll card activity, which mostly serves clients based in Abu Dhabi, recorded strong revenue growth in 2019. The acquisition will enable Edenred, until now mainly present in Dubai, to round out its geographic footprint and significantly increase its visibility in this market. With a combined total of more than 1.6 million users, Edenred will benefit from substantial scale effects linked to its B2B2C intermediation platform model and its global technology assets. The deal will increase the Groups EBIT from 2020. Arnaud Erulin, Chief Operating Officer, Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: Edenred is improving the daily lives of under- and unbanked workers residing in the United Arab Emirates via a mobile app that each year adds new functionalities to closely match their needs. Edenreds commercial and technological know-how currently allows over 1 million employees to benefit from this unique suite of services in the United Arab Emirates, up from 400,000 five years ago. And we are now delighted to be extending access to nearly 600,000 Mint card holders. Edenred is the everyday companion for people at work. Its leading intermediation platform connects 50 million employees and 2 million partner merchants via 830,000 corporate clients, across 46 countries. Thanks to its global technology assets, the Group managed 2.5 billion specific purpose payment transactions in 2018, primarily carried out via mobile applications, online platforms and cards, and representing nearly 30 billion in business volume. Edenreds 10,000 staff are driven by a commitment to improving employees quality of life, increasing companies efficiency and boosting merchants revenues. They achieve this through three business lines: Employee Benefits (food, meals, well-being, leisure, culture and human services) Fleet & Mobility Solutions (fuel, tolls, maintenance and business travel) Complementary Solutions, including Corporate Payment Services (virtual payment cards, identified wire transfers and supplier payments), Incentive & Rewards (gift cards and platforms, and incentive programs), and Public Social Programs. For more information: www.edenred.com The logos and other trademarks mentioned and featured in this press release are registered trademarks of Edenred S.A., its subsidiaries or third parties. They may not be used for commercial purposes without prior written consent from their owners. CONTACTS Communications Department Marie-Laurence Bouchon +33 (0)1 86 67 20 08 marie-laurence.bouchon@edenred.com Media Relations Matthieu Santalucia +33 (0)1 86 67 22 63 matthieu.santalucia@edenred.com Investor Relations Solene Zammito +33 (0)1 86 67 23 13 solene.zammito@edenred.com Loic Da Silva +33 (0)1 86 67 20 67 loic.dasilva@edenred.com Attachment Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. I believe the events between 1916 and 1922 should be seen for what they were from all perspectives. In the past, our history was airbrushed to give glory to the 1916 Rising and subsequent Independence. I believe this was wrong, as these events impacted strongly on people, families and communities. Let us not forget there were atrocities on all sides. It is disappointing that, in what appears to be an inclusive and tolerant 2020 society, we appear unable to remember the harsh reality of rebellion and evil deeds. This commemoration has the potential for this to occur without glorification. Lest we forget! Joe Harrison Spanish Point, Co Clare Minister fails to understand nature of his proposal Finally bowing to public opinion, the minister for justice, Mr Charlie Flanagan, has cancelled the planned commemoration of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP), who were killed in action during the period of the Irish War of Independence. It seems, however, that the minister continues to misunderstand the controversial nature of his original proposal. The RIC was an illegitimate paramilitary police force, which took up arms against its own democratically elected Irish government. The election in question took place in December 1918 and resulted in Sinn Fein winning over 70% of all seats on the island of Ireland. Subsequently, Dail Eireann was formally established in January 1919. Britain refused to recognise the mandate of the Irish people and employed the RIC to hunt down the elected representatives and their lightly armed guards. A war of unequal forces was thereby unleashed upon the people. (Though unarmed, the DMP worked hand in glove throughout the period in question with the RIC, the Black and Tans and the Auxiliary police). So far the minister for justice has had nothing at all to say about the real police heroes of the conflict, such as the poorly-armed republican police force. Nor has he mentioned the heroic RIC mutineers of Listowel in June 1920 and the hundreds of other RIC throughout the country who followed their example. These men sacrificed their careers rather than commit murder (the words of Constable Jeremiah Mee, police leader at Listowel barracks). Billy Fitzpatrick, Terenure, Dublin 6W Trump looks more likely to follow Clinton than Obama I hope Donald Trump hasnt been talking to Hillary Clinton, who said in 2008: I want the Iranians to know that if Im the president, we will attack Iran [if it attacks Israel]. We would be able to totally obliterate them. Barack Obama dismissed her rhetoric as sabre-rattling. Trump is no Obama. Dr John Doherty Vienna, Austria Lets stick to the English, not American, language While I generally find John Downings articles insightful, his use or maybe it is an Irish Independent style choice of the American date format is irksome, writing the month first, followed by the day. While many might feel we are culturally closer to Boston than Birmingham, we have been using, for the most part, British English conventions in writing and speech. Alas, and perhaps inevitably given the USs global influence, the Americanisation of our English appears to have grown considerably over the last generation or so. Note, as another manifestation, the widespread use of gotten as the past participle of get, uttered by adolescents in North American tones. In these turbulent times, lets not further alienate ourselves from our nearest neighbour. After all, the English did lovingly give us the language, didnt they? Brendan Corrigan Bogota, Colombia Use Nama funds and land to build more low-cost housing Instead of giving the money to the Government fraught with danger with an election looming Nama should be told to use the money to build a mix of houses for sale at cost or below on land it controls. For social housing this is a no-brainer, and to produce private housing at cost would go some way to undermining an overheated market hugely influenced by the cost of land, heavily invested and hoarded, another scandal the Government claims to be addressing with a feather duster. This is our money and the early risers have paid through the nose for it since the visit from the Troika. Is there some reason for the Governments tardiness in addressing the housing market is it worried that every homeless person in the EU is waiting in the wings? Or is it like the last government, still in the palm of developers? Dr Michael Foley Rathmines, Dublin A female student at Tuskegee University has filed a federal lawsuit against a man indicted for raping her but who pleaded to a lesser charge of harassment. She also names the university and the former dean of students as defendants. Asia Bradford, a Tuskegee student studying chemical engineering, is suing Braxton Canady, a male student who recently graduated from the university, for allegedly pulling her into a bathroom at a party and raping her in late April 2017. He is also being sued for the alleged invasion of privacy. The plaintiff is seeking punitive and compensatory damages, as well as court and attorney fees, according to the lawsuit. Bradford started her schooling at Tuskegee University in Fall 2016. Before exams and the end of her spring semester -- April 29, 2017, according to the lawsuit -- she attended a party with friends to celebrate. Canady, a stranger to the plaintiff, approached her, the lawsuit states. The defendant pulled Bradford into a bathroom and sexually assaulted her," according to the complaint. Canady did not respond immediately to request for comment. Once Bradford was able to get away from Canady, she found her friends, began to cry and they left. A friend drove the plaintiff to East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama, after dropping off the remainder of the group and sexual assault nurses performed a rape kit on Bradford, according to the complaint. Local authorities were contacted. Bradford filed a report with the Tuskegee Police Department, according to the lawsuit, on April 30, 2017, and she filed a complaint with the Office of the Dean of Students, per guidelines set by the student handbook, on the same day. Defendant Bomani Spell was the dean of students for Tuskegee University at that time. Spell is now serving as the associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida. He did not respond immediately to request for comment. Bradford received a response from the Title IX Office at the university, signed by Spell, that ordered she and Canady avoid all contact both on- and off-campus. Failure to comply, the complaint said, would result in suspension or expulsion. After the alleged incident, Bradford went home to her mother because of the suffered emotional distress, the lawsuit states. The physician with the Sexual Assault Response Team recommended she not take exams following the Spring 2017 semester because of her need for recovery, according to the complaint. The plaintiff alleges that the university ignored those recommendations and she was required to take those exams in August when she returned for the Fall 2017 semester. When she returned, she found that Canady was allowed to return, and on April 30, 2017, he approached her -- laughing, taunting and glaring, the report states. Canady was unfailingly and deliberately aggressive and intimidating, according to the complaint. According to the complaint, the Tuskegee Student Handbook states that rape, as defined by the Alabama Criminal Code, and is punishable by interim suspension, and if the student is found to be in violation and of a capital offense, they are to be expelled. Between 2017-19, according to the complaint, the plaintiff submitted several complaints to administration regarding the continued alleged harassment and sexually aggressive behavior. The plaintiff is suing the university and Spell for violation of Title IX, fifth and fourteenth amendment rights. Tuskegee did not respond to request for comment. In late April or early May 2019, Bradford noticed Canady walking toward her in Foster Hall despite him being allegedly banned from the area after a previous complaint the plaintiff had filed. Frightened for her safety, the complaint said, she quickly walked out of Foster Hall. Canadys continued harassing, intimidating and sexually-aggressive behavior of plaintiff deprived her of educational opportunities enjoyed by her male colleagues..., according to the complaint. Bradfords preexisting medical condition was exacerbated by medications she was forced to take as a result of the sexual assault," and her grade point average fell below a 3.2, according to the complaint, costing her the academic scholarship she obtained when entering the university. Bradford filed a motion for protection from abuse on Oct. 10, 2017, that said, [Canady] harassed [plaintiffs] friends and had a physical altercation with [Bradfords] brother...". In 2018, Canady was indicted on a charge first-degree rape, and he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of harassment in mid-October 2019 in Macon County Circuit Court. His entire 30-day sentence was suspended and he is on probation for 12 months as of Oct. 21, 2019. - Prophet Elisha Salifu Amoako has descended on Prophet Dr. Kofi Oduro over his 'disrespectful' utterances - Prophet Salifu Amoako issued a strong warning to Prophet Oduro to be mindful of his utterances - He, therefore, called on all prophets to rise up against disrespectful Prophet Oduro Founder and General Overseer of Alive Chapel International, Prophet Elisha Salifu Amoako, has descended on Prophet Dr. Kofi Oduro over what he says is the latter's 'disrespectful' utterances. Prophet Salifu, who was one of the prophets who predicted a win for the NPP at his December 31, 2019 service, in an interview with blogger Zionfelix described Prophet Oduro as a drunkard. Registering his disappointment, Prophet Salifu Amoako added that Prophet Oduro was a disgrace to his church, family and Ghana. READ ALSO: God hasnt revealed anything to 'ashawo' foolish Ghanaian prophets Prophet Kofi Oduro "I'm sure he drinks akpeteshie, he's a drunkard. I am sure, so he talks under the influence of alcohol. I used to respect him. But he has disappointed me. He is a disappointment to God, his country, his church, and his family. He is useless and I've never seen a useless man of God like this man before. Anybody who stands on the pulpit should be able to comport himself," he fumed. Prophet Salifu Amoako issued a strong warning to Prophet Oduro to be mindful of his utterances. He therefore called on all prophets to rise up against disrespectful Prophet Oduro. "All prophets in Ghana must arise. I want to call all prophets, Prophet One, Dr Owusu Bempah...we won't sit for this guy to insult us. It is an insult to our ministry. How can you talk like that? Meanwhile, you used to call yourself a prophet... He's lost the anointing of God. the fact that he's shouting does not mean he's anointed. The guy is not anointed...God does not give anointing to people for them to insult other men of God." READ ALSO: Mahama jabs Nana Addo to shun violence in election 2020 In a related development, founder and leader of the Alabaster International Ministry who is popularly known as Prophet Dr Kofi Oduro has come out to boldly criticize the surge of Ghanaian prophets predicting the outcomes of elections. Many reports have been heard in recent times of popular Ghanaian prophets asserting that God revealed the outcome of the upcoming general elections in Ghana to them. A video sighted by YEN.com.gh indicates that the revered prophet Kofi Oduro made the bold declarations at his Tesano church in Accra. READ ALSO: Iran plane crash: 176 persons killed after Boeing 737 shortly after takeoff Enjoy reading our stories? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: YEN.com.gh No sooner had the news broken this morning that a Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) flight, PS752, had crashed shortly after its departure from Tehran for Kiev, than speculation erupted on social media that the plane must have been brought down by a missile or some other act of foul play. After all, this was the same night that the Iranian authorities had elected to target US military facilities in Iraq with missile strikes in response to the killing of General Qasem Soleimani on 3 January. The Iranian authorities must have been fearful of any tit-for-tat response from the Americans, meaning that any aircraft deviating even slightly from its intended course could be deemed to pose a threat and become the target of a trigger-happy anti-aircraft gunner. (There are memories here of Korean Air flight 007, which was shot down by a Soviet fighter when it veered away from its planned route between Alaska and Seoul in 1983, with the loss of 269 lives.) But, for now, it's all speculation. And I'd prefer to avoid speculating until more details become apparent. That said, if not an act of foul play, intended or otherwise, it is a cruel coincidence that two of the countries most associated with previous missile attacks were to be the protagonists in the loss of PS752. Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Show all 18 1 /18 Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 passengers crashed near Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran ISNA/AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran People and rescue teams are pictured amid bodies and debris All 176 people on board a Ukrainian passenger plane were killed when it crashed shortly after taking off, Iranian state media reported ISNA/AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran One of the engines State news agency IRNA said 167 passengers and nine crew members were on board the aircraft operated by Ukraine International Airlines Iran Press via Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Rescue teams work at the scene AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Passengers' belongings West Asia News Agency via Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Members of the International Red Crescent collect bodies of victims EPA Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Rescue teams work amidst debris AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran A relative of a victim reacts at Boryspil International Airport, outside Kiev Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran ISNA/AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Part of the wreckage Iran Press via Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran West Asia News Agency via Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Officials inspect the wreckage EPA Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Most recently, in 2015, in the highest profile shoot-down of the modern era, it was Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 that was brought down whilst overflying Ukraine by a Buk missile. In an instant, 298 innocent lives were lost; Russian-backed rebels are believed to be responsible. Then again, in 2001, and only shortly after the 9/11 attacks, Ukraine itself was held responsible for the shooting down a Siberia Airlines flight en route from Tel Aviv to Novosibirsk. It was a mistake a tragic one as the Ukrainian forces were engaged in a military training exercises and had locked on to what they believed to be a drone; inadvertently they had actually locked on to the Siberia Airlines flight and 78 people were to lose their lives as a result. Ukraine never officially accepted responsibility, but they did cough up compensation to the victims' families. And an Iranian aircraft was itself the target of a missile strike back in 1988 when the USS Vincennes shot down Iran Air flight 655, en route from Bandar Abbas to Dubai, allegedly mistaking the Airbus for a fighter jet. All 290 passengers and crew died. In the aftermath of the subsequent bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie in December 1988, those who considered Iran responsible for the bombing (and who question Libyan involvement) moot that it could well have been a retaliatory act against the US for the destruction of Iran Air flight 655. But, for all that, it's too early to state what happened to PS752. Was it brought down by a missile? Or, as initially claimed by the Ukrainian authorities (albeit subsequently retracted), was a major technical malfunction responsible? If that latter, it just happened to occur on an aircraft between two states sadly associated with loss of aircraft due to military error, on a night when Iran was likely to be most sensitive to being the target of an aerial attack. Philip Baum is Visiting Professor, Aviation Security at Coventry University, and Editor-in-Chief, Aviation Security International Jaipur, Jan 8 (IANS) Doctors at the special newborn care unit (SNCU) of Udaipur Medical College has achieved success in saving a baby of extreme low birth weight (670 gramme). The newborn was discharged on Tuesday after 75 days in hospital and gaining 1,375 gramme weight. Devali Bai (18), a resident of Nichali Odan in the Rajsamand district, gave birth to a female baby weighing just 670 gramme after 26-week pregnancy at home on October 27, 2019 under the supervision of a midwife. Due to the premature delivery, the baby was sick. The baby was taken to Nathdwara Government Hospital from where she was referred to M.B. Hospital, attached to R.N.T. Medical College, Udaipur. The child was admitted to the SNCU on the day of birth under senior professor and head of the paediatrics department Dr Suresh Goyal. Dr R.L. Suman, Medical Superintendent, M.B. Hospital Udaipur, said the mother weighed 40kgs and was primipara (woman who is giving birth for the first time). She had taken 3 antenatal visits and two doses of T.T. The baby's father, Dinesh Bheel, is a daily wage labourer. He studied till Class VIII, while Devali Bai, the mother, is illiterate and was malnourished. According to Dr Goyal, the baby was kept on oxygen, intravenous fluids, parenteral nutrition and was transfused blood four times. "The baby's health deteriorated several times during the first 30 days of hospital stay due to feeding problems. But later she started gaining weight," said Dr Goyal. Dr Lakhan Poswal, Principal and controller of the medical college, said during the 75- day stay at NICU/hospital, medicines/food/other facilities were provided free under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana (JSSY) of the Rajasthan government. Dr Suman said on many occasions parents needed financial support for other expenses. It was happily and voluntarily provided by nursing staff, resident doctors and faculty members, the doctor added. He thanked and appreciated the efforts of Dr Poswal, Dr Goyal and Dr Anuradha Sanadhya and residents doctors. Dr Goyal said the parents had been counselled about feeding, prevention of hypothermia, symptoms of sickness and given other tips about baby care. They have been asked to bring the baby after seven days for the next follow-up. Bheel and Bai thanked the doctors and hospital staff for for giving new lease of life to the newborn and their support during the hospital stay. arc/pcj GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip For the first time in more than a decade, Israel has allowed the export of products made in Gaza, bound for the Gulf, European and Israeli markets via the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing. Moreover, according to Dec. 29 reports by Palestinian and Israeli media outlets, Israel allowed some dual-use materials into Gaza. The moves followed a Dec. 26 announcement by Palestinian factions of a three-month suspension of weekly demonstrations on the border with Israel as part of the Great March of Return, launched in March 2018. After the suspension ends in March, protests will only be held once a month and on national occasions. According to some observers, Israel appears to have viewed suspension of the demonstrations as a welcome sign of Hamas desire to reach a long-term truce agreement. The Israeli Security Cabinet had met on Dec. 29 to discuss the calm with Hamas, but did not disclose the results of the talks. Hamas denies any contact with Israel with regard to the prevailing calm. A Hamas official who spoke to Al-Monitor on the condition of anonymity said the suspension of the protest marches was aimed at preventing demonstrators from being killed and at avoiding friction with the Israeli military independent of any future truce agreement. Also according to the source, The economic incentives that Israel is trying to promote for the Gaza Strip do not meet the Palestinian demands that were submitted to the mediators over the past two years. Palestinians have variously sought an end to the blockade imposed on Gaza since June 2007, removal of bans on imports and exports, a 15-nautical-mile zone for fishing and resolution to the chronic electricity shortages plaguing the coastal enclave. The creation of job opportunities for the unemployed and for graduates and allowing the entry of Qatari funds amounting to $15 million a month to assist poor families were among the conditions Palestinian factions included in understandings reached with Israel in October 2018. Following a cease-fire agreed to on Nov. 14 this year, following a round of violence after Israel assassinated the commander of Islamic Jihad's military wing on Nov. 12, Israel expanded the fishing zone off Gaza to 15 nautical miles and allowed large fishing boats to trawl for the first time since 2007. It also permitted the entry of equipment to build an American-supplied field hospital in northern Gaza. Nizar Ayyash, head of the Palestinian Fishermen's Association in Gaza, told Al-Monitor that fishermen have experienced a significant reduction in Israeli harassment since mid-November and are waiting for Israel to soon allow the entry into Gaza of much needed materials previously prohibited, especially fiberglass, which is used in the manufacture and maintenance of fishing boats, and steel cables and wires. Tarzan Daghmash, spokesman for the Union of Automobile Tires Companies in Gaza, told Al-Monitor that Israel had informed the association about lifting the ban on automobile tires, which had been barred since April 2018 as a dual use product in response to their being burned at demonstrations during the Great March of Return. Daghmash explained that with the banning of tires, Palestinians had to import them from Egypt at double the price, that is, $430 for a set of four, rather than the standard $200 before the ban. Wael al-Wadiya, director of the Sarayo Alwadiya Group, which produces food products, told Al-Monitor, This is the first time that Israel has allowed us to export our products since 2007. On Dec. 30, Wadiya's company exported eight tons of sweets to Bahrain, which allowed it to increase its production capacity, which had fallen to 30% over the past few years as a result of the economic crisis gripping Gaza and the ban on exports. In a Dec. 31 press statement, Ali al-Hayek, head of the Palestinian Businessmen Association in Gaza, predicted that if Israel continues with the current approach Gaza could move toward economic recovery in 2020 and improve the living conditions of residents, who are burdened by poverty and unemployment that reached 75% in 2019, according to the Ministry of Social Development. The Palestinian Authority (PA) has angrily attacked the economic opening of Gaza. On Dec. 31, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh asserted that Israel's goal in relaxing the import-export bans is to deepen the Palestinian division and separate Gaza Strip from the West Bank and Jerusalem, thus undermining the Palestinian national project. Talal Okal, political analyst and writer for the Ramallah-based newspaper Al-Ayyam, asserted to Al-Monitor that indicators on the ground and the Israeli measures suggest that Hamas and Israel have actually made tangible progress in talks. He believes that Hamas' denial of contacts with Israel regarding the calm suggests that the Islamic movement is merely waiting for the right time to announce a truce agreement to its public. Okal explained that any truce would naturally have to benefit both parties' interests. In this regard, Hamas has to produce economic progress in Gaza, especially after the suspension of the return marches, while Israel needs a period of calm from Hamas so it can deal with trying to prevent Iran forces from acquiring a permanent foothold in Syria and to prepare for the third round of parliamentary elections in less than a year. Meanwhile, Iyyad al-Qara, a writer for the newspaper Felesteen in Gaza who is close to Hamas, described the Israeli incentives as fake. What Israel is offering for the Gaza Strip is basic rights, some of which were agreed upon through mediators as part of the understandings for calm, he told Al-Monitor. It appears that the Israeli military establishment has succeeded in convincing political leaders to make use of economic incentives in a bid to reach a truce agreement with Hamas. As things currently stand, Israeli leaders do not want a military confrontation with the movement given predictions in some quarters that 2020 will bring a high probability of war on Israel's northern border involving Iran and its allied proxies forces. Private hospital operator NMC Health and Travelex owner Finablr suffered a bruising day after major investors sold a bucketload of shares. Two Gulf billionaires, Saeed Mohamed al-Qebaisi and Khalifa Butti al-Muhairi, offloaded 375million of stock in NMC and 55million in Finablr at a big discount. In a statement after the market closed on Tuesday, they said they were doing it to pay down debt. It comes at a difficult time for Finablr, which is fighting a cyber-attack at Travelex that was discovered on New Years Eve and has left it resorting to fulfilling orders with pen and paper after it took all computers offline. Two Gulf billionaires, Saeed Mohamed al-Qebaisi and Khalifa Butti al-Muhairi, offloaded 375m of shares in NMC and 55m in Finablr at a big discount Finablr yesterday tried to reassure the market by saying it did not think there would be a material hit and that it had contained the spread of the attack. The hackers, from a group known as Revil, are said to want 4.6million in exchange for not releasing personal data from customers. Finablr, which floated last May at 175p per share, fell 18.5 per cent, or 28.5p, to an all-time low of 126p. Finablr was founded by Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty, the 77-year-old billionaire who also founded United Arab Emirates-based NMC, which is also struggling in the wake of an attack last month from an aggressive hedge fund, Muddy Waters, rather than cyber criminals. The price the Gulf duo sold their stock at was 20 per cent lower than NMCs share price on Tuesday, prompting the embattled health group to plunge 15.9 per cent, or 237p, to 1257.5p. Although the pair have sold around a 10 per cent stake, their holdings combined were over 30 per cent before the auction, meaning they are still significant shareholders. Stock Watch - Avacta Group Biotechnology minnow Avacta Group is to collaborate with Korean pharmaceutical company Daewoong to develop stem cells that can treat auto-immune and inflammatory diseases. These therapies will use tiny proteins Avacta has been working on, which make medicines more effective when they are administered. Avacta will own 45 per cent of the venture, which will be fully funded by Daewoong. Shares in AIM-listed Avacta climbed 5.7 per cent, or 1p, to 18.5p. The FTSE 100 inched up by 0.01 per cent, or 1.08 points, to 7574.93, while the FTSE 250 clocked up a larger drop of 0.83 per cent, losing 180.76 points, to finish at 21651.92. Footsie firms Glencore and Smiths Group were boosted by upgrades and upbeat notes from brokers. UBS analysts upgraded their rating on Glencore from neutral to buy, as they believe 2020 will be a pivotal year for the miner and commodities trader. Easing trade tensions between the US and China and more stability in the price of thermal coal will help Glencore, they believe, sending shares in the firm up 1.2 per cent, or 2.8p, to 239.8p. And Bank of America Merrill Lynch analysts also upgraded engineering group Smiths to buy from underperform, with shares rising 1.5 per cent, or 25p, to 1745p in response. But Aston Martin shares stayed in reverse after Kepler Cheuvreux downgraded the luxury car maker to reduce from hold. It comes after Aston released a surprise profit warning on Tuesday, the latest bad news since it floated in 2018. The James Bond favourite fell 6.1 per cent, or 26.6p, to close at 408.4p. Topps Tiles rose 0.7 per cent, or 0.5p, to 76.3p, despite reporting sales at stores open for at least a year fell by 5.4 per cent in the 13 weeks to December 28. But retail giants Tesco and Marks & Spencer were in the red ahead of trading updates about sales over the crucial Christmas period, which are released today. Marks slid 0.1 per cent, down 0.2p, to 218.6p, while Tesco lost 1.4 per cent, or 3.5p, to 251p. Small-capper STV, a Glasgow media firm, fell out of favour after it bought a 25 per cent stake in Two Cities, the company that produced Benedict Cumberbatch hit Patrick Melrose, from the BBC. It lost 0.5 per cent, or 2p, to 435p. Over on AIM, pawnbroker Ramsdens expects annual profits to be ahead of expectations after strong sales over Christmas, particularly in its jewellery arm. It jumped 4.9 per cent, or 11.5p, to 247p. Cybersecurity threat Mass attacks and firearms (TNS) Cyberattack attempts originating in Iran are increasing, Texas officials said Tuesday.Over the previous two days, as many as 10,000 probes of state agencies IT systems per minute came from Iran, according to Gov. Greg Abbott and state Department of Information Resources executive director Amanda Crawford.Its very important that everybody be particularly vigilant right now about what may happen out of Iran, Abbott said.He revealed the potential cybersecurity threat in remarks to reporters after the quarterly meeting of a group he created to combat domestic terror after the Aug. 3 mass shooting in El Paso that left 22 people dead.Also Tuesday, at Abbotts urging, the Texas Department of Public Safety released two intelligence assessments of threats posed by domestic terrorists and the prospect of more mass violence events. Although one of the DPS reports acknowledged that racially motivated individuals are currently the most active type of domestic terrorists, it described as a growing threat the emergence of incels, or involuntary celibate males who blame women and society for their inability to develop intimate romantic relationships.What begins as a personal grievance due to perceived rejection by women may morph into allegiance to, and attempts to further, an Incel Rebellion, the report warned.Before Brian Isaak Clyde opened fire last June on the Earle Cabell Federal Building in downtown Dallas, dying soon thereafter in an exchange of shots with federal security personnel, he posted Incel-related items online, the report noted.On the cybersecurity threat possibly posed by Iran, Abbott noted that tensions across the Middle East have mounted since Fridays U.S. drone strike at an Iraq airport killed Irans Revolutionary Guard leader, Gen. Qassem Soleimani.Speaking after a meeting of the Texas Domestic Terrorism Task Force, of which shes a member, Crawford of the state information resources agency said as far as she knows, none of the attempted cyberattacks on state government networks originating in Iran have been successful.Her department, which provides internet and technology services to many state agencies, has been on high alert since several local governments in Texas fell victim to ransomware attacks in August.In recent days, after the federal Department of Homeland Security urged increased monitoring for possible cyberattacks from Iran, the department looked more closely at whether attempts from Iran were increasing, Crawford said.We have noticed that there has been some sort of increase in activity from that region, yes, she said. Later, she amended that, saying she meant there has been an increase from Iran.However, Crawford acknowledged that the department hasnt been tracking numbers of attempts from Iran until recently.We have no way of knowing whether anything is government-based or not or government-sanctioned, she said, referring to the Islamic Republic of Iran.Attempts to sabotage IT networks come from domestic as well as international sources and in high volumes, Crawford said.We see literally billions of probes on a given day, she said. We have been looking in light of events. We have been making sure were extra vigilant on certain areas of the globe.She and Abbott recommended that local governments, private businesses and individual Texans practice good cyberhygiene, which includes changing passwords, backing up files and limiting administrator access to networks. Tips about cyberhygiene are listed on the departments website , Abbott noted. He urged state and local government personnel who have concerns or want advice to call the departments Incident Response Hotline at (877) 347-2476.In the intelligence assessment on mass violence events released Tuesday, DPSs Texas Fusion Center said firearms are the main weapons used in mass attacks.Racially motivated attacks are currently the most violently active type of Domestic Terrorism within the United States and Texas, the report said. In 2018 and 2019, at least four major attacks occurred in the United States (including one in Texas) conducted by racially motivated actors, and at least four other incidents were thwarted.The separate report assessing domestic terrorism said Patrick Crusius of Collin County, the alleged El Paso shooter, not only feared ethnic replacement of whites by Hispanics but also veered into eco-fascism," a racially charged fear of environmental catastrophe.It noted that his alleged manifesto included references to environmental concerns, linking those concerns to his anti-immigration and anti-corporation sentiments.Under a section on Black Racially Motivated Terrorism, it listed Micah Johnson, who in 2016 opened fire on a group of Dallas police officers, killing five of them.Subsequent investigation revealed Johnson had liked several social media sites for BRM groups, or black racially motivated groups, it said.The report lamented how under neither federal nor state law is there a chargeable offense of domestic terrorism.Although there is a federal statute defining domestic terrorism, it does not include any domestic terrorism offenses, the report said. Thus, for the purposes of investigation and prosecution, law enforcement must rely on a variety of other criminal offenses such as murder, arson, fraud, hate crime, or assault. This complicates the ability for law enforcement agencies to track domestic terrorism incidents, and therefore trends, within a given jurisdiction. Russian Ball of Budapest will be held again for the 12th time in 2020 in the Grand Ballroom of the Budapest Marriott Hotel, where the organisers welcome guests of every nationality with champagne, vodka, caviar - and more Russian specialities. The opening dance is followed by the Gala Dinner showcasing the flavours of the traditional Russian cuisine. The performance by artists from Moscow is followed by music and dancing for guests until dawn. The Grand Prize of the raffle is a trip for two to Saint Petersburg or Moscow. The Official Drink of the Ball is Russian Standard vodka, offered by Roust Hungary. Fine Wines are from Badacsony, Eger and Szekszard, served with the Gala Dinner and the midnight snack. Program * Gate opens:18:30 * Welcome champagne, vodka and caviar * Opening dance: 19:30 * Official opening 19:40 * Gala Dinner with white, rose and red wine and with vodka: 19:45 * Dinner music with Russian songs * Show of the Russian performers 22:00 * Dance * Fashion show: 00:15 * Raffle: 00:30 * Midnight snack * Closing time: 03:30 (subject to modifications and extensions) Dress code: Black tie Formal evening dress for ladies, dinner jacket/tuxedo (or dark suit) for gentlemen Entertainment program: Singers, dancer and musicians from Moscow Live music: Marschall Show Band Grand prize of raffle is a trip for two to Moscow or to Saint Petersburg (flight and 4 star hotel included) offered by Marriott Hotel and 1000 Ut Travel Agency. Ticket price Drinks, programs and VAT, excluding the raffle): HUF 48 000/guest VIP ticket (around the dance floor and with panoramic view HUF 58 000/guest (including all the services offered by the ball, all the meals, Venue: Budapest Marriott Hotel 1052 Budapest. Apaczai Csere Janos utca 4. Tickets: Rozsa PR Agency e-mail: media@rozsapr.hu Click here to visit Rozsa PR Agencys website online Source: ManpowerGroup Tri Dat JSC, a private company providing services and ancillary products in aluminum casting and metallurgy for 10 years in Hanoi, has been trying to recruit an electric engineer for several months. Preparing for the expansion plan, we intended to recruit one more electrical engineer, but its not simple. We have received dozens of applications, many of which are good ones but we cannot recruit because their abilities are limited. Some of them were chosen but after a trial period we have had to end the contracts, Nguyen Dinh Chi, the companys deputy director, told VIR. According to Chi, in his companys field the electric part is crucial, so he would like to build a professional team for this. Its easy to find many electrical engineers but it is really hard to find those that are skilled to the required level, Chi said. We used to recruit one engineer who had good vocational skills but lacked in soft skills. It is a common situation in the labour force in our country. Sharing the same difficulties, audio and lighting group Viet Hung JSC, has also struggled to track down a professional website administrator. This role requires an IT engineer to be quick and creative. It will take us months, even years to train newly-graduated students to be able to work. But after that, they often soon quit the job to find a bigger company or foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) to work with, director Le Manh Quan told VIR. According to Quan, the quality of newly-graduated students now is low. They do not identify their position and ability, and always have the thought that the grass is greener on the other side, he said. Discussing Vietnams labour force, a representative of the Japan External Trade Organization said that the country is facing a lack of engineers due to the sheer amount of FIEs and other manufacturers. However, many Vietnamese who have worked as technical trainees or high-tech specialists in Japan return to Vietnam yet struggle to utilise their skills here. It is important to improve the working environment for those who have acquired skills abroad to be able to effectively apply this experience after returning home, the representative said. In its Total Workforce Index 2019 report released recently, ManpowerGroup, a global workforce solutions company, revealed that Vietnam ranked 57th across the globe (versus 43rd in 2018), and 13th across the Asia Pacific region (compared to 12th in 2018) for sourcing, hiring, and retaining a skilled workforce. According to the index, the average monthly wage of the Vietnamese workforce is about $240 per month, while manufacturing wages are around the same, as compared to the regional average of $1,800 per month. The report also pointed out that the Vietnamese highly-skilled workforce in 2019 made up 11.6 per cent of the local total workforce of 57.5 million, an increase from 10.8 per cent the previous year. The Vietnamese permanent workforce accounts for 41 per cent, while the local contingent workforce is responsible for 57 per cent of the total number. In an increasingly complex global market, access to skilled talent is a priority for organisations looking to build or grow their business, said Simon Matthews, country manager of ManpowerGroup in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Middle East. According to Matthews, in order to support enterprises, Vietnam is required to promote vocational training and also improve education generally. Indian students considering a career in medicine have the opportunity to study at world class university and gain clinical experience in the US and UK St. Georges University (SGU) in Grenada, the leading international medical school in the Caribbean, is offering Indian doctors of the future the chance to study for an MD amongst students and faculty from all over the world. The lack of spaces in Indian medical schools is well-documented, and is leading to many potential medical students looking abroad for the chance to qualify in their chosen field. St Georges Universitys is now the second largest source of doctors for the entire US workforce and its 20,000 graduates comprise physicians, veterinarians, scientists, and public health and business professionals. An MD course at St Georges University provides ambitious students with the chance to study and work in multiple countries as part of their training and beyond. In addition to the University campus in Grenada, SGU also allows its MD students to apply to complete up to 50% of their degree in the United Kingdom at Northumbria University in Newcastle. The academic program in the UK is identical to the program delivered in Grenada - with the same content, examinations, and schedule, while providing students on the 5-year Doctor of Medicine program the opportunity to spend part of their degree program in the UK. The University recognises the global challenges of physician shortages and offers a range of scholarships for UK and Commonwealth students, who can undertake clinical training in the US, UK, and Canada. On Monday, Facebook announced a new policy to ban artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes as well as videos edited or synthesized in ways that arent apparent to an average person. In theory that sounds like a welcome effort to curb disinformation. But the new policy wont, for example, cover subtly edited videos like last years slowed down viral Nancy Pelosi clip. And politicians and their ads remain off limits to Facebooks third-party fact checkers. A company spokesman told me Tuesday that if Facebook determines a politician has shared manipulated media in an ad, Facebook will remove it. But, as far as I can tell, bogus content even outright lies is still allowed, as long as it isnt manipulated by artificial intelligence. And the company left a big loophole: Facebook will not censor political speech if it is in the public interest to see it. If a politician posts organic content that violates our manipulated media policy, we would evaluate it by weighing the public interest value against the risk of harm. Our newsworthy policy applies to all content on Facebook, not just content posted by politicians, the spokesman wrote in an email. In an effort to assuage the public on political disinformation, Facebook has only muddied the waters. Would Facebook allow distribution of a deepfaked video if it were shared by the president as rationale for the bombing of Iran? Such a hypothetical post would certainly be newsworthy, though such a video would be a clear violation of Facebooks rules. What if the president shared a less manipulated shallowfake video, like the Pelosi video, of a potential 2020 opponent? These are, admittedly, edge cases, but when it comes to foreign policy, national security and election integrity, edge cases are often the highest profile and consequential. MBABANE From the worst to the best results in 10 years. The Junior Certificate Class of 2019 has managed to turn the tide and achieve the highest pass rate over the last 10 years. The good news was delivered by Minister of Education and Training Lady Mabuza yesterday morning during a press conference held at the ministry. This is a huge turnaround from the Class of 2018, which had produced the worst results in 10 years where 3 512 failed. Compared The 2019 pass rate, according to the minister, stood at 85.92 per cent, which shows an increase of 4.85 per cent when compared with the 2018 pass rate, which was 81.07 per cent. The minister said in 2019, a total of 15 992 candidates passed out of a total of 18 613 who sat for the examinations. The top pupil in the country in 2019 was Thantazile Nozipho Mamba from Mhlatane High School, who averaged an impressive 96 per cent, which was the same aggregate for the top pupil last year, who was from Dwalile High School. The 2019 candidature increased by 56 (0.3 per cent) entries when compared to the 18 557 who sat for the JC exam in 2018. However, it was not all rosy as a total of 2 621 failed the 2019 examination. The number of failures decreased by 891 when compared to the 3 512 who failed in 2018, which equates to a difference of 25.4 per cent. According to the analysis presented by the Examinations Council of Eswatini (ECESWA), centres that registered candidates for the JC exam increased from 270 in 2018 to 274 in 2019. The 2019 entries were also the highest since 2010. Of the 274 centres, a total of 42 attained a 100 per cent pass rate in 2019, which is 16 more centres when compared to 2018. Congratulated Making her remarks, the minister congratulated all candidates and schools which performed well in the 2019 JC examination. She said she was, however, aware that not all learners and schools made it. She advised the affected learners to return to school and work diligently. The schools that performed below the desired standard need to get back to the drawing board and work out a fresh strategy towards the 2020 examination, said Mabuza. She added that as the successful learners will be looking for spaces in Form IV, all head teachers were urged to admit them regardless of their pass categories. Mabuza thanked all parents for supporting the learners in various ways throughout the year and the demanding examination period. She also thanked teachers who worked diligently in preparing the learners for the examinations and those who participated in the marking process. Mabuza said such sacrifices had contributed to the timely release of the results. The website elaborated on why they are seeking financial independence from the monarchy's funding mechanism, known as the Sovereign Grant." A page on the site states the grant they are forsaking covers just 5% of the costs for the duke and duchess and is used for their official office expenses. Best snowfall places in India to visit in December 2020 Tourists advised not to travel to Shimla, Manali as heavy snowfall led to over 250 roads block India oi-Mousumi Dash Shimla, Jan 08: Government authorities on Wednesday advised visiters not to travel to popular tourist destinations Shimla and Manali as over 250 roads have been blocked in Himachal Pradesh due to heavy snowfall, officials said. Reportedly, through a post on its Facebook page, the Shimla Police notified that all the roads leading towards the city are blocked. It will be appropriate not to travel till the opening of the roads, Shimla SP Omapati Jamwal said to PTI. The tourists have been stranded for several hours in Shimla because the roads are snow-bound. Fresh snowfall at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, chopper service suspended Similarly, the Kullu Police said the lower areas of Manali have been blocked due to heavy snowfall. Vehicles are also not allowed beyond green tax barrier, Kullu SP Gaurav Singh said tp PTI. The Kullu Police, has meanwhile requested the people not to take their vehicles towards Manali till further instructions. As per the latest Meteorological (MeT) Department update, Shimla has received 20 cm snowfall between 5.30 pm on Tuesday and 8.30 am on Wednesday. Whereas, Dalhousie in Chamba district received 35 cm snowfall, followed by Manali in Kullu district (22 cm), Kalpa in Kinnaur district (16 cm) and Lahaul-Spiti's administrative centre Keylong (8 cm), the department said. Kharapather witnessed 60 cm snowfall, Khadrala (33 cm), Gondola (18.5 cm), Theog (12 cm), Jubbal (7.5 cm) and Pooh (5 cm) during the period. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 15:55 [IST] Millions of people visit Walt Disney World annually. For many visitors, every moment spent at a Disney park or resort must be well accounted for, which means that planning the perfect Disney vacation is something of an art form or, at the very least, an in-demand skill. The desire to maximize time spent at Disney has spawned an entire market of Disney planning books, guides and podcasts. Some travel agents focus solely on planning Disney trips and are able to tell guests things like how to avoid waiting in line to get on rides and how to best get around the resorts. Every week for the next year, each panelist will answer about 15 questions from eager travelers seeking advice on where to stay, which rides to go on, where to eat and how to activate wristbands, among other questions. In most cases the panelists will pull from their own Disney experiences and also do some research to see if there is new information available. Some questions may take 10 minutes to answer, others 30 it all depends. Each panelist has some kind of area of expertise: Disneyland in California, Disney World in Florida, Disney Vacation Clubs across the country or the Disney Cruise Line. Some have multiple specialties. They each already have some kind of plan for how they will fit the panel into their busy daily lives. Tiffanie Sojourner, whose expertise is in Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., and who works full-time in wealth management in San Diego, plans on answering questions after work and on the weekends. Clara Chlon, a pediatric newborn hospitalist in Cincinnati, Ohio, will answer questions on days off, after work and on weekends. Andres Villa, a special-education teacher in Ventura, Calif., plans to keep his evenings open to answer questions. (Dr. Chlon and Mr. Villa will also be answering questions submitted in Spanish.) The kinds of questions the experts have to answer are typically detailed, with multiple parts. Online, one person recently asked the 2019 panelists: What is a good value resort that offers theme park tickets for a 4 night stay over the Christmas holidays? Do they include any meals or package deals and if so are there any bundled offers? Another wrote in: We are staying at animal kingdom with a 22 month old & a 5 month old. We plan on probably going to magic kingdom & animal kingdom this Friday & Saturday. Which day is better for which park? Also what are fun things to do with young toddler? The panelist position, while a Disney contractor role with an intensive application process, is not paid. In exchange for answering these questions every week, the panelists get a free stay at a Disney park or vacation club of their choice for five nights and can bring three people along. London: Ukraine has withdrawn its previous assurances that mechanical failure was to blame for a plane crash over Iran that killed 176 passengers and crew, with experts warning a potential "catastrophic" event may have caused the airliner to plummet to the ground. The crash of the Ukraine International Airlines flight minutes after takeoff from Tehran's airport occurred just hours after the regime launched a ballistic missile attack on military bases housing American troops in neighbouring Iraq. Officials from Iran and Ukraine quickly downplayed fears the crash - which killed everyone on board - was connected to the tensions in the region. Both countries initially blamed mechanical error amid claims from Iranian officials that one of the airliner's engines had caught fire, causing the pilot to lose control and crash into a field. NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Frankly Inc. ("Frankly") (TSX-V: TLK) (OTCQX: FRNKF), announces that its Frankly Media subsidiary ("Frankly Media") has entered an agreement with an arm's length lender, EB Acquisition Company, LLC (the "Lender"), whereby the Lender has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, to provide Frankly Media with a revolving term line of credit in the principal amount of up to US$5 million (the "Loan"). In connection with entering into the Loan, Frankly Media has drawn US$4 million under the Loan under an initial advance. Subsequent advances may be made, subject to customary conditions precedent to be satisfied by Frankly Media or waived by the Lender. Summary of Loan Terms - The Loan has a one-year term, extendable for a second year upon the mutual agreement of Lender and Frankly Media, and is secured by a security interest in Frankly Media's assets, as well as a guarantee by Frankly, secured against Frankly's assets. The Loan is subject to a US$100,000 commitment fee, payable US$50,000 within the later of five business days following (a) the entry of the Loan agreement or (b) receipt of any required regulatory approval. If the Loan term is extended for a second year, an additional fee will be payable by Frankly Media in the amount of 1% of outstanding principal balance under the Loan as of the commencement of the second year of the Loan term. Interest on outstanding balances of the Loan will accrue at a rate of 10% per annum. The Loan is subject to mandatory repayment arising upon Frankly's raising of certain amounts of additional financing. The proceeds of the Loan will be used to supplement Frankly Media's general working capital. Summary of Warrant Terms - In connection with the Loan, and subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, Frankly will also grant the Lender warrants to acquire up to US$500,000 of Frankly common shares (determined in reference to the "Market Price" of Frankly common shares pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) (the "Bonus Warrants"). Each Bonus Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one Frankly common share with an exercise price of C$0.50 per share. The Bonus Warrants will have a two-year exercise period commencing on the date of their issuance, provided that if there is full repayment of the outstanding principal balance of the Loan within the first year of the Loan term, or the term of the Loan is not extended for a second year, the exercise period of the Bonus Warrants will be reduced to one year from the date of their issuance. The Bonus Warrants granted in connection with the Loan will be subject to a regulatory hold period of four months from the date of issuance. Director Compensation Separately, in connection with its Board compensation plan, Frankly has granted its Chairman of the Board, Tom Rogers, 234,101 restricted stock units (RSUs), and has granted directors Steve Zenz and Samuel Hyun 183,210 RSUs and 29,356 RSUs, respectively, due for Board service. These grants represent regular quarterly amounts due for Q3 and Q4 2019 and Q1 2020. About Frankly Media Frankly Media provides a complete suite of solutions that give publishers a unified workflow for the creation, management, publishing and monetization of digital content to any device, while maximizing audience value and revenue. The company is headquartered in New York with offices in Atlanta. Frankly Media is publicly traded under ticker TLK on Canada's TSX Venture Exchange. For more information, visit www.franklymedia.com Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Frankly and its respective businesses, including statements regarding Frankly's expectation that the TSX Venture Exchange will approve the issuance of the Bonus Warrants (and the expected terms thereof) in connection with the Loan, as well as statements regarding future advances which Frankly Media may borrow under the credit facility established by the Loan, which may not occur on the timetables contemplated or at all or which may occur on terms that materially differ from those described herein. Forward-looking statements and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the parties. Material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described herein include: that required regulatory approvals in connection with the Loan will not be obtained on terms acceptable to the Lender and Frankly or at all and risks that Frankly may not be able to cause Frankly Media to satisfy the conditions precedent to obtain subsequent advances under the Loan in a timely manner, or at all. Forward looking statements depend on certain assumptions that management deems to be reasonable in the circumstances, but such assumptions may prove to be incorrect and the outcome of the subject of any forward-looking statement cannot be guaranteed. Such assumptions are based on, among other things, management's assessment of the ability to obtain required approvals of the TSX Venture Exchange and management's assumptions regarding its ability to cause Frankly Media to satisfy the conditions precedent under the Loan in respect of subsequent advances. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Frankly undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Frankly Media Related Links https://franklymedia.com BAYONNE, N.J. - A woman angry about long lines at a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office smashed computer equipment, assaulted two staffers and kicked police officers as they tried to arrest her, authorities said. Shawna Joseph, 28, of Jersey City, was told to leave the office in Bayonne around 2 p.m. Tuesday after she became irate over the length of the line of customers, authorities said. She then returned about two hours later and caused another disturbance. When she was confronted during the second visit, Joseph pushed the office manager and began breaking computer equipment, authorities said, eventually causing $23,000 in damage overall. The manager and a security guard struggled to remove Joseph from the office, and she repeatedly punched both of them, authorities said. Police soon arrived and, as they and the security guard tried to restrain Joseph, she repeatedly kicked the officers while they attempted to handcuff her, authorities said. Joseph was later found to have a PCP-laced marijuana cigarette in her possession, authorities said. She was charged with criminal mischief, drug possession, aggravated assault and hindering apprehension. Joseph could not be reached for comment Wednesday. A phone listing for her could not be found, and authorities did not know whether she had an attorney. The office manager suffered an undisclosed injury and was treated at a hospital, authorities said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 16:58:44|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Two skiers were killed and five others injured in an avalanche at a ski resort in the U.S. state of Idaho on Tuesday, Idaho police said. The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office of Idaho confirmed Tuesday evening that a second skier pulled from the snow in the avalanche of the Silver Mountain Resort in northern Idaho has died. Silver Mountain Resort officials confirmed on Facebook earlier in the day that a skier was found dead from the avalanche, and they now believed that all other skiers on the mountain are accounted for after a search for people possibly trapped in snow. Silver Mountain officials said the resort will be open Wednesday, except for the runs where the avalanche took place. No details about the victims would be released at the moment out of respect for their families and privacy, said the officials. Armenian News - NEWS.am presents a daily digest of top news as of 08.01.2020: The US-Iran confrontation is entering a military phase. On the early morning of January 8, the situation in the region has dramatically worsened. Dozens of ballistic missiles have hit the US base in Iraq's Al-Anbar Province. The shooting took place as a response to the murder of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by US forces in Iraq. Soleimani has already been buried in Kerman. General was expected to be buried on Tuesday, however, the mourning ceremony was postponed due to a stampede leaving 50 people killed. Armenian PM Nikol Pashiyan has convened a meeting to discuss the situation in the region. Our position remains unchanged, he said. Armenia will not be involved in anti-Iranian or anti-American actions, the PM noted urging the sides to begin talks. According to Iran's deputy chief of mission to Armenia Ali Mohammad Mottaghi, General was subjected to terrorism by the US in Iraq. The Union of Iranian Students in Armenia also paid tribute to the General by lighting candles and laying flowers in front of Iranian Embassy in Armenia. Ukrainian plane crashed Wednesday near the airport of Tehran. There reportedly were 167 passengers and 9 crew members on the plane. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote all people on board died. The plane caught fire at the takeoff. Qassem Biniaz, an official at the Iranian Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, told IRNA that an engine caught fire and the pilot was unable to regain control. Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan, FM Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Armenian Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan have already expressed their condolences. As Armenian MFAs spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan noted, according to preliminary data, there are no Armenian citizens on the list of the casualties. The Consular Section of the US Embassy in Yerevan has informed all US visa applicants about a change in Embassy entry procedures when visiting the Consular section. Large personal bags will no longer be permitted, the respective statement reads. The US Embassy in Yerevan has issued another statement informing that it has temporarily suspended some visa services. Due to recent events in the Middle East, the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan has temporarily suspended some visa services, said in a statement. A criminal case has been launched amid a suicide of the contract soldier Gegham Khachatryan, Armenian Investigative Committees press service reported. The tragic incident occurred on January 6. Gegham Khachatryan shot himself from a service weapon. The legal defense team of the second president of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan, has filed a cassation appeal today, said one of Kocharyan attorneys Hayk Alumyan. The defense team has appealed the December 20, 2019 decision of the Criminal Court of Appeal on Kocharyan's case, and whereby it denied the motion of his legal defendants challenging the first-instance courts November 7, 2019 decision to declare inadmissible the application of bail as a pretrial measure for Kocharyan charged in the March 1, 2008 criminal case with overthrowing the constitutional order. A 26-year-old man was charged with a murder of 16-year-old girl in Yerevan, Investigative Committee representative said. The body of a girl, 16, was found in Yerevan apartment on January 5. The Investigative Committee detained a young man who had confessed to the crime. According to media reports, Rafael Sukiasyan serves at Armenian Defense Ministry. Another group of peacekeepers has completed their mission in Lebanon and returned to Armenia. According to Armenian Defense Ministry's press service, peacekeepers were met by the unit commander, Colonel A. Avdalyan. BENNINGTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. - A public defender filed a notice to seek an insanity defence for a mid-Michigan man accused in the slaying and mutilation of a man he met online. Shiawassee County Court documents say attorney Douglas Corwin also filed a motion Tuesday afternoon for a forensic evaluation for Mark Latunski, WNEM-TV reported. The insanity defence notice was to the county prosecutors office, according to the television station. Latunski was arraigned Dec. 30 on open murder and disinterment and mutilation of a body charges. A probable cause hearing was scheduled Wednesday for Latunski. The naked body of Kevin Bacon, 25, of Swartz Creek near Flint, was found Dec. 28 hanging from the ceiling of Latunskis Bennington Township home, according to court records. Latunski admitted to stabbing Bacon in the back, slitting his throat and eating parts of his victim, the records showed. Family members reported Bacon missing when he didnt show up for breakfast on Christmas Day. Bacons roommate told MLive.com that Bacon was going to see a man he had met Dec. 24 on Grindr, a dating app. Bacons car was found in Clayton Township, near Flint. State police received a call for assistance from Clayton Township police to conduct a welfare check at the Bennington Township home, about 80 miles (128 kilometres) northwest of Detroit. Latunski allowed officers to enter and search his home. During the search, officers questioned Latunski, who admitted to killing Bacon, hanging him by the ankles, removing his testicles and later eating them, court documents said. Divorce, custody and criminal records from the 66th District and 35th District Circuit courts show a history of complaints about the mental health of Latunski. He was known to stop taking the medication prescribed to treat his mental health illnesses. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Wednesday speaking about the Bharat Bandh called by trade unions said that left parties are on a ventilator and they are trying to stop the progress of the country. "The left parties are on a ventilator and they are trying to stop the progress of the country. Today the country is demanding a stable and strong government," Naqvi told ANI. On actress Deepika Padukone's visit to the JNU campus to meet the protesting students, Naqvi said: "This is a democratic country and anyone can go wherever they want. There are people who create an event for the promotion of their films. They went for the promotion of their film." Ten Central trade unions along with different federations called a nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest against "anti-worker policies of BJP government". The Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) did not take part in the strike. The trade unions have a 12-point charter of demand which includes the dropping of the proposed labour reforms by the centre. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kyunghee Park (Bloomberg) Wed, January 8, 2020 14:07 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32156edb 2 News Singapore-Airlines,travel,Iran,airspace Free Singapore Airlines Ltd. is diverting its flights to Europe after Iran fired rockets at joint US-Iraqi airbases, reigniting fears that the killing of a top Iranian general will trigger a wider conflict in the Middle East. All SIA flight routes are being diverted from the Iranian airspace, Singapore Air said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg News. The carrier didnt provide further details. Iran fired rockets at two US-Iraqi airbases early Wednesday morning Baghdad time, the Pentagon said, in response to the killing of General Qassem Soleimani by American forces last week. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the barrage, which the US said was launched from Iran and targeted the Ayn al-Asad base in western Iraq and another facility in Erbil. It wasnt immediately clear whether there were casualties or major damage from the attacks. Tihar Jail will seek the services of two hangmen from Uttar Pradesh prison to execute the four convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape case, the jail authorities said on Wednesday. According to a court order issued on Tuesday, the four convicts are to be hanged on January 22 at 7 am. "We will most likely write to the prison authority of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday and seek services of two hangmen depending on the availability," a senior Tihar Jail official said. Elaborating on it, the official said of the two hangmen, one is very aged. The other is Pawan Jallad from Meerut who has already expressed his willingness to hang the four. All the four convicts are likely to hanged simultaneously. On Wednesday, the jail authorities conducted routine medical check-up of the four convicts and this will be a regular drill until the hanging. "The jail authorities is also holding conversations with the convicts on daily basis to ensure that they are in good mental state," the official said. Last month, before the death warrant was issued, Tihar authorities had written to Uttar Pradesh prison authority, seeking services of a hangman from Meerut, the official added. A Delhi court pronounced the death warrants against the four death-row convicts Mukesh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31) on Tuesday and they will be hanged at 7 am on January 22. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Azernews By Abdul Kerimkhanov Chairman of the Armenian National Unity Party Artashes Geghamyan has criticized Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans policies over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan. "I should mark the foreign policy situation in the context of our negotiating position on the Karabakh conflict settlement as a setback and a complete transfer of the initiative into the hands of Azerbaijan. There is also the failure of all the agreements that were reached after the 2016 April war," Geghamyan said in an interview with Armenian media recently. He also said that Ilham Aliyevs recent critical speeches made in international forums and summits, testifies to the fact that Armenia is not well-accepted by such institutions. "And what is Prime Minister Pashinyan doing? He organizes a rally in Karabakh, during which he declares that Karabakh is Armenia thereby nullifying the very existence of the OSCE Minsk Group. Having spent more than $350,000 of budget money, he flies with a voyage overseas to the U.S. and again organizes a rally with fiery speeches. Moreover, of the 46 invited congressmen, the invitation, in fact, accepts only one," Geghamyan stated. The MP believes that Armenia lacks prospects in key foreign policy issues, noting that Yerevan is faced with the danger of being completely isolated. "All these possible threats to national security are in no way reflected in concrete practical actions implemented by Pashinyan and the Foreign Ministry... When unprofessional people are at the helm of the government, in conditions when Armenia and Karabakh are in a state of neither war nor peace, this can be fatal for both of them," he said. Geghamyan also criticized Pashinyan for abuse of power. He recalled PMs statement made at a government meeting on December 12 that everything positive that takes place in Armenia is being done contrary to the state apparatus, moreover, the fight against corruption causes torpedoing by law enforcement agencies. Explaining impossibility of the state apparatus to fulfill Pashinyans instructions, Geghamyan said that they are far from concrete and are unprofessional. Speed Darlington, US-based Nigerian rapper, has threatened he would go fetish on Tunde Ednut, an Instagram celebrity, over popularity cl... Speed Darlington, US-based Nigerian rapper, has threatened he would go fetish on Tunde Ednut, an Instagram celebrity, over popularity claims by the latter. In an expletive-laden rant, Darlington called out Ednut for taking credit for his rise to fame in several videos posted on his social media page. The Instagram blogger had demanded an appreciation from the US-based rapper, claiming he would have remained unknown had it not been for his influence. I made Speed Darlighton through Gods divine grace and he still owes me a thank you! No one would have known him if its not for my constant push. Me being disrespected to this level ends it all today. Im not afraid of nobody. I just deserve a thank you, but its obvious some people are not normal. Bye!, he had written. But in his reaction, Darlington tackled the social media influencer, warning him to either stop posting videos of him or risk the consequence of his action. Tunde stop posting my video he said in one of the videos, raining curses on him, mostly in pidgin. You keep offending me. If I carry N20, 000 go give one babalowo now and they tie your future, the next thing, is that they will deport you, he said in another video. E go be say omo Igbo is wicked. Omo Igbo is begging you to stop disrespecting him now but you wont listen. You know I am home right? Its easy to tie your future from here, you know you dont have green card. I can easily make that Black American girl that is helping you make your papers not to show up for interview. You keep fucking with the wrong one, Tunde. Baba, I am home now, anybody I dash N50, 000, them go finish you for me. I am going to Warri on Friday I can find one hungry Babalawo there to tie all your future but you wont know until it happens to you. Everything seemed funny to you, but I am not laughing, I am upset, everything is not a joke. You are pissing me off bro. Seriously, you are pissing me off. Stop posting my videos. Dont make me get you deported bro. The rapper has always made the headlines for several controversial issues. He had once declared his interest to become president of Nigeria. Five years after deadly attacks on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo prompted public national unity rallies that drew millions of people across the country, rights groups said France faced a whole different set of threats to press freedom. The Islamist attacks that killed 12 people and injured 11 others in and around Charlie Hebdo's Paris office on 7 January 2015 spurned lively public debate about the freedom of the press. The magazine's attacks on religion, especially Islam, were not to everyone's taste, and its portrayals of the Prophet Mohammed took much criticism for the message they sent to France's Muslims, including those living in impoverished suburban areas. Still, the attacks cut to the heart of some of France's core values and prompted two million people to march among 40 world leaders at a unity march in Paris on 11 January 2015, with some 3.7 million others demonstrating elsewhere in the country. All of French society was calling to defend freedom of expression, says Pauline Ades-Mevel, spokesperson of Paris-based press freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Demonstrators were not necessarily readers of Charlie Hebdo, and many did not even like Charlie Hebdo. Religious intolerance On the eve of the fifth anniversary of the attack, RSF joined with two UN special rapporteurs to warn that the spirit of solidarity and support for press freedom was fading. They sounded an international call for states to protect journalists from religious intolerance and to decriminalise blasphemy, an offense punished by death in some countries. We remind heads of state and government including those who marched against terrorism and for free speech through the streets of Paris on 11 January 2015 of the importance of not only protecting journalists and cartoonists but also protecting their right to criticise systems of thought, they said. There are worrying signs that we may not be as committed to the defence of free speech as we claimed in the aftermath of the attacks, said special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief Ahmed Shaheed. France sees new threats to press freedom In France itself, the Charlie Hebdo shootings were the first of a series of jihadist attacks large and small through 2015 and 2016, mostly claimed by the Islamic State (IS) armed group, which claimed more than 220 lives. Today, large-scale attacks have subsided with the demise of the IS caliphate in Iraq and Syria, although smaller attacks continue to claim lives, and the country remains at its second-highest terror alert level. But RSF acknowledges that religious extremism poses little hindrance to press freedom in France at least for now and that more serious challenges are found on other fronts. Five years later, freedom of expression is suffering a lot from hate speech on social networks, and this stops people from expressing themselves out of fear they will be criticised or attacked, Ades-Mevel says. It's a kind of paradox, because now we have to rely on the state to protect freedom of expression, while it should be part of national debate and public society. Press freedom is also the theme of a special fifth-anniversary issue of the magazine, but Charlie Hebdo has set its sights on different targets, namely what it calls new censorships and new dictatorships imposed by what it calls the gurus of political correctness and monolithic thinking. Attacks on journalists RSF's assessment on France puts more recent highlights on verbal and physical attacks by protesters, especially during Yellow Vest protests of 2018 and 2019, as well as heavy-handed treatment by riot police. It also cited lawsuits by the powerful Bollore business group to bring lawsuits against investigative journalists covering the company's activities. But social unrest was aprimary concern for RSF. We have seen a lot of insults, threats, physical attacks and injuries coming from protesters at demonstrations, says Pauline Ades-Mevel. There is also a major issue of violence coming from the police, the fact that journalists are regularly attacked when covering demonstrations. We are very alarmed by this level of violence. It's probably the most worrying sign for journalism in France right now. Former owner of Rockstar Burgers back in Platte County court PLATTE COUNTY, MO (KCTV) -- The former owner of Rockstar Burgers was back in court Tuesday morning. Brian Smith faces charges in Platte County for second-degree domestic assault for allegedly pistol-whipping a former girlfriend. Kansas City police raided the building where Smith worked. Social media backlash put him behind barslegal proceedings require his defense and more evidence in this case that included a lot of doggone nasty chatter. Checkit: An Australian couple are facing a $100,000 medical bill after a terrifying ordeal on board a cruise ship. Recently retired Gary and Sue McGinty were due to spend just under four weeks on the Sun Princess travelling through Asia, however just days into their trip, Mr McGinty fell seriously ill. "I'd vomited heaps of blood ... it was out of the blue, no warning, no nothing," he told Channel Nines A Current Affair. Gary and his wife Sue McGinty faced a horrifying ordeal after he was winched off of their cruise ship when he began vomiting blood. Source: ACA Mr McGinty had passed out and was in need of emergency medical attention staff on the vessel couldnt provide. Fearing hed suffered a potentially-fatal stomach ulcer burst, the nearest available rescue team hundreds of kilometres away were called in. RELATED: Unbelievable reason why tourist diagnosed with brain tumour in Thailand was refused insurance claim The Royal Singapore Air Force winched Mr McGinty into a helicopter before rushing him for immediate medical attention in Singapore. There was no room for Ms McGinty inside the helicopter, meaning she spent a painstaking three days waiting for the cruise to dock before she could rush to her husbands side. While Mr McGinty was in a stable condition, their woes were far from over. Mr McGinty in hospital with the Royal Singapore Air Force crew who saved him. Source: ACA Double check your insurance, expert warns When his wife tried to claim his spiralling medical costs on their travel insurance, they were informed by American Express who had provided cover via Mr McGintys credit card that due to a recent transition to a new card and the cancellation of the previous one, his costs would not be covered. Even if I had cancelled the card, I'd paid for the holiday on the card, which I expected they would honour even without the card, because I thought it was a contract," a devastated Mr McGinty told A Current Affair. His medical costs abroad have risen to $100,000, including $70,000 for the Royal Singapore Air Force rescue team. He said he feels let down and is now trying to avoid a bill he and his wife say they simply cannot afford. Finder.com.aus insurance expert Sophie Walsh said one of the dangers of complimentary credit card cover is many are unaware of what theyre actually covered for. Story continues She told A Current Affair its always best to get in touch with your bank and double check the insurance cover you intend to use abroad. Mr McGinty is awaiting further testing regarding his sudden decline in health, with doctors unable to find any stomach ulcers. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. No casualties in Iran missile strike, Iraqi authorities say The Interior Ministry of the Kurdish Regional Government in northern Iraq confirmed no casualties in the US base the attack. Iraqi authorities on Wednesday reported that there had been no casualties following Iran's missile strike targeting two US military bases in Iraq. 22 MISSILES FELL ON IRAQI TERRITORY Iraq's state-run Security Media Network said in a written statement that 22 missiles had fallen on Iraqi territory. "Seventeen of these rockets hit Ain Al-Assad airbase [] and five missiles fell on Erbil city," the network said. Earlier Wednesday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq. The missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases where US military and coalition personnel are stationed in response to the killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani. A recommendation for what firm Isabella County should hire as its engineering/architectural firm to help build a new jail is expected to go before the countys finance and administration building next Tuesday. Hiring an engineering company is the next major step forward in the project, enabling the county to start thinking seriously about obtaining land. The county hopes to get its hands on at least 30 acres, of which 10 would be set aside for a new jail and sheriffs office. The other 20 acres would be available should future county commissions opt to reunite the countys major buildings in a single campus as they have right now in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Once the engineering company is hired, it is anticipated they would join representatives of county government and Clark Construction Co., hired to manage the project, in determining which property best fits the bill. Getting land is itself critical in figuring out how much the project will cost the county and what kind of financing it will pursue. In late 2019, county administrator Margaret McAvoy said that she hoped that the county could get moving on the hire early in the year, sending the recommendation through both the finance and administration committee and ad hoc jail committee before taking it before the full county board for final approval. A subcommittee of the ad hoc committee comprised of McAvoy, County Sheriff Michael Main and facilities director Rick Jackubiec have worked to pared down the list of applicants to their top choice. The only question was which committee it would go before first. Itll be the countys finance and administration committee, the leadership for which was determined at Tuesday nights annual organizational meeting of the Isabella County Commission. The county board opted for a stay the course approach to its leadership and committee structure. Had the subcommittee brought its recommendation to finance and administration, it would have put it before a committee chaired by county commission vice chairman Jim Horton, a Union Township Republican from District 4, and Tobin Hope, a Mt. Pleasant Democrat from District 7. In 2020, it will go before a committee chaired by Jim Horton, a Union Township Republican from District 4, and Tobin Hope, a Mt. Pleasant Democrat from District 7. Assuming that the committee greenlights it, itll go before the full commission chaired by George Green, a Farwell Republican from District 1, with Horton as its vice chairman. In 2019, it would have gone before a full county board chaired by George Green, a Farwell Republican from District 1, with Horton as its vice chairman. In fact, nothing changed from 2019. Once nominated by Horton and elected unanimously by the rest of the board, Green returned the exact same committee structure with the same membership and chairmen as they had in 2019. That includes returning Jim Moreno, a Mt. Pleasant Democrat from District 5, who publicly beefed with the county commission leadership in second half of the summer over money to attend conferences, to chair the human resources and public works committee. He is joined by Steve Swaney, a Mt. Pleasant Democrat from District 6. There are two other standing committees. Jerry Jalosznski, a Shepherd Republican from District 3 will chair the criminal justice and county affairs committee, with Beal City Republican Frank Engler from District 2 as its member. Hope will chair intergovernmental affairs committee, with Moreno serving as its member. In 2019, Green served as the alternate member for all committees. In 2020, Green will serve as the alternate member for all committees. READ MORE: Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale may be two successful actors, but they're really dorks at heart, they revealed Tuesday on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The couple, who have sons Rafael, two, and Rocco, four, said they went to bed at 9:45 pm every night, and spent New Year's Eve watching the 1989 Patrick Swayze film Roadhouse. Rose, 40, had a 104-degree fever that evening, she added, as Bobby, 49, cracked, 'It was fun.' Joint appearance: Rose Byrne made her first-ever joint late-night appearance with husband Bobby Cannavale on Tuesday on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Stephen mentioned that as a young actor in Chicago, he had auditioned for Roadhouse, which made Bobby remember that he'd auditioned for 1997's Starship Troopers. 'The whole audition was just screaming ''Bug!'',' the actor recounted. 'That was the whole thing. And I didn't get it. And it was a pre-read. It wasn't even for the director.' The two actors were appearing in their first-ever joint late-night interview to promote their upcoming appearance in Medea at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, in Brooklyn, New York. In their reimagining of the Euripides play, opening January 30, the two of them play scientists, with Rose's Medea being responsible for the success of Bobby's Jason, who then leaves her. Early nights: The couple, who have two Rafael, two, and Rocco, four, said they went to bed at 9:45 pm every night, and spent New Year's Eve watching the 1989 Patrick Swayze film Roadhouse 'It's a lot like Bridesmaids,' cracked Rose, who starred in that hit film. Stephen asked Rose and Bobby if they ever found their private issues as a couple showing up in the play, to which Bobby said, 'Maybe, but we just don't think about it so much.' 'You come home, you can't bring anything home with you, 'cause the kids, they just want to eat or they want to play,' he explained. Working together: Rose and Bobby star together in Medea opening later this month Warm welcome: Stephen welcomed the Hollywood stars onto the show filmed in NYC 'The energy is a lot,' Rose admitted, as Bobby revealed they called Rafael 'Seal Team Six, 'cause he's crazy and he's a killer.' 'The first one, Rocco, is very sensitive, he's always singing and dancing,' Bobby explained. 'The little one, he's just tough.' The family was recently in Toronto, the actor remembered, and the kids were playing with a big box. Rocco tried to swat Rafael away, so Rafael grabbed him by the hair and pulled him down. Tough kid: Bobby told how his younger boy Rafael was a wild one compared to his older brother Rocco 'He pulled him out by the hair, crawled in and did this,' the boy's father said, making a rocking movement, 'until the box stood up again, and then you couldn't see him, 'cause he was in there, and he was just laughing. And then the four-year-old was crying. It was great.' In the morning, Bobby added, he and Rose would hear the kids talking about them in their room. Rocco would get Rafael out of his sleep sackwhich Bobby called 'a straitjacket for babies'and they would mumble about 'Mama' and 'Dada' as though they were conspiring. The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the elections of governors of four states across the federation. The governors are Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Darius Ishaku of Taraba State, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Abubakar Bello of Niger State. The seven-member panel of the Supreme Court in its series of hearings and judgments delivered within six hours reaffirmed verdicts earlier given at the lower court. In all, the apex courts decision saw the four incumbent governors emerging victorious over the various election petitions filed against them. Abia The Supreme Court affirmed the election of Mr Ikpeazu as Governor of Abia State. Justice Paul Galinje, a member of the seven-member panel, who read the unanimous judgment, held that the appellants reliance solely on the smart card readers in proving the alleged over-voting was fatal to their case. Mr Galinje also held that the law is clear that the petitioner must tender the voters register, and should relate the document to the specific area where the elections were affected. According to Mr Galinje, the card reader print out tendered by the appellants at the tribunal is not part of the constitution or electoral act which determines the conditions for over-voting. The judge said that the appellants failed to lead credible evidence in proving their case. The candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Alex Otti, and his party had approached the apex court to set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal which upheld the election of Mr Ikpeazu. They had in their appeal argued by their lawyer, Lateef Fagbemi, asked the apex court to nullify the election of Mr Ikpeazu on grounds of over-voting and noncompliance with the electoral laws. Mr Fagbemi in his argument urged the court to allow the appeal and set aside the judgment of the lower court and declare Mr Otti as the lawful winner of the March 9 governorship election in Abia State or in the alternative order a fresh election. In their separate replies, the respondents urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit. The lawyer to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) adopted his brief of argument and urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal. The lawyer to Mr Ikpeazu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wole Olanipekun and Levy Uzoukwu, respectively told the court that the case of the appellants lacked merit because it was hinged on alleged over-voting occasioned by non-use of the card reader which the apex court has held cannot dethrone the manual accreditation of voters. Delivering the judgment on Wednesday, Mr Galinje held that the appeal lacked merit and accordingly dismissed it. The Court of Appeal in Owerri, the Imo State capital, headed by Justice R. A. Adah, had struck out the appeal filed by Mr Otti, and validated Mr Ikpeazus victory. A three-member panel of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, chaired by A.L. Ogumoye, had also earlier dismissed the petition The tribunal ruled that the petitioner failed to prove the case of over-voting and noncompliance to the INEC election guideline and the electoral act. Mr Otti had asked the tribunal to cancel the results of elections in 15 out of the17 local government areas in Abia State. He claimed that the respondents, PDP and Mr Ikpeazu, perpetrated excessive malpractice in those local governments. Not satisfied with the tribunal judgment which threw out his the petition, Mr Otti approached the appellate court asking it to quash the tribunal ruling and uphold the reliefs he (Otti) sought in court. Delta In a similar decision, the apex court also ruled against an appeal by Great Ogboru of the All Progressive Congress (APC) who had challenged the election of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on grounds that the election was marred by vote-buying. Respondents in the appeal are Mr Okowa, PDP and INEC. Advertisements Mr Ogboru and his party, APC, had sought to upturn the decision of the Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which affirmed Mr Okowas election for a second term as governor of Delta State. INEC had declared Okowa and PDP winner of the March 9 governorship election in Delta State. Justice Centus Nweze who read the decision of the apex court on Wednesday affirmed the election Mr Okowa. In his argument, Yunus Usman, who represented the appellants, argued that the votes claimed by Mr Okowa exceeded the total number of accredited voters for the March 9, 2019 governorship election. According to him a total of 757,754 registered for the election in the state, while the final declared numbers at the end of the election were 955,274 votes. However, Mr Okowas lawyer, Damian Dodo, urged the court to dismiss the appeal for being incompetent and unmeritorious. Mr Damian said the appellants have failed to prove all their allegations both at the tribunal and at the court of appeal. But dismissing the appeal on Wednesday, the seven-member panel led by Justice Nweze, unanimously held that the appellants, Mr Ogboru and the APC, failed to prove allegations of over-voting. Mr Nweze said: the appeal is a share waste of the precious time of the court. Taraba In the case of Taraba, the All Progressive Congress (APC) argued that the governor, Darius Ishaku, was not duly elected by a majority of lawful votes cast in the election. The appellants also alleged noncompliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act (2010) However, the lawyer who represented Mr Ishaku and the PDP, Kanu Agabi, urged the court to dismiss the APCs appeal for being incompetent and lacking in merit. Mr Agabi said the APCs appeal has become academic following the withdrawal of their governorship candidate, Abubakar Danladi, from the petition, after his disqualification over false age declaration. Responding to Mr Agabis submissions, the APC lawyer, Ishiaka Dikko, while admitting that the partys candidate was disqualified from the election, said that the first runner up in the APC primaries ought to have been allowed to contest the election. Mr Dikko urged the court to nullify Mr Ishiakus election and order a fresh election. Delivering the judgment, the justices of the apex court all agreed that APC did not have a legal candidate at the election due to Mr Danladis disqualification. One of the justices held that the APCs argument that the runner up in the primaries be allowed to contest the election, was wrong because Sani Yahaya did not participate at any stage of the election. He said APC lacked the locus standi to file a petition in the first place at the tribunal. Niger The Supreme Court also affirmed the election of Abubakar Bello as the governor of Niger State. The apex court while striking out the appeal filed by Umar Nasko of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), held that it lacked merit. In the unanimous judgment read by Justice Mary Abaji, the court held that the Supreme Court will not tamper with the decisions of the Court of Appeal. Mrs Abaji held that the Court of Appeal was right in holding that the decision of the tribunal delivered outside the 180 days allowed by law was a nullity. She said that a judgment already declared a nullity by the appellate court cannot confer any benefit on the PDP candidate and any other party. She, therefore, agreed that the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction to entertain the appeal and consequently struck it out for want of jurisdiction. Mr Nasko had challenged the election of Governor Bello at the tribunal on the ground that he submitted forged documents and gave false information in his form CF001 submitted to INEC to secure clearance for the March 9, 2019 election. However, the tribunal failed to deliver judgment in the petition within 180 days allowed by law, prompting the Appeal Court to declare the judgment of the tribunal a nullity, having been delivered outside the required period. Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad: Updates, Schedules, Historic Train Rides Published 01/07/2020 at 5:05 AM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Garibaldi, Oregon) Probably the most astounding of the Phoenix-rising-from-the-ashes story on the Oregon coast is the emergence of the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. For almost 20 years now its been one of the most popular attractions on the entire coastline. Based out of the little town on the Tillamook Bay, the Oregon Coast Crawler and the Oregon Coast Explorer take you on an a variety of heady journeys originating in Garibaldi. Its a leisurely journey up the Oregon coast, as the train huffs and puffs along the north coast, affording big, panoramic views of both Tillamook Bay and Nehalem Bay. These vintage, antique trains stop make regular stops between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach, and sometimes special runs take you to tiny, comely Wheeler. Many of the train excursions happen on a 1910 Heisler Steam Locomotive. Runs are highly seasonal, with most taking place in summer, but some special excursions run in fall, winter and then around spring break. After making a service stop, and photo run-by or two, it is all done again in reverse, allowing for different sightseeing opportunities on the return trip. No other railroad in North America offers the range of scenery found on the Tillamook Branch Line, and no train in recent years has made it possible to experience it all behind steam power, said a spokesman for the train rides. During the summer, regular weekend rides depart from Garibaldi at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. then depart again from Rockaway Beach after a layover and some free time. Cost for kids is usually a little over $10, while prices for adults are just over $20 most rides. Special holiday and dinner trains will cost more. Specialty trains happens on Fourth of July, Mother's Day, Father's Day and in the fall and spring, along with several other dinner tours, live music rides and more. Call 1-503-842-7972. Lunch will be served at picnic-style. Concessions will be available for purchase onboard the train. It is limited to less than 100 passengers, so organizers highly recommend making your reservations soon. Special rides link here for online reservations. Other regular tour information is at This Link History of the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad started with north coast resident Scott Wickert who always had the dream of creating a live, working railroad museum. Under his aegis, Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (OSCR) was built through help from the community, family and friends. Wickert signed an agreement with Tillamook Bay Railroad and the Port of Tillamook Bay in 2002 to begin bringing these antique rail cars, with the first locomotive coming to the area a year later. For the first two years, the locomotive rides ran under through the Port of Tillamook Bay, and by 2004 the OCSR became a non-profit organization. In 2005, OCSR began slowly operating as its own agency. It has since become a major force as an enormous attraction on the Oregon coast. Antique equipment used on the rails include a McCloud River Railroad from American Locomotive Works from 1925, the Curtiss Lumber Co. #2 from Heisler Locomotive Works from 1910, a Lima Locomotive Works from 1910, a Lima Locomotive Works from 1887, a Heisler Locomotive Works from 1922 and a Heisler Locomotive Works from 1909. Other trains were made in the 50's and 40's. You can see the full roster of equipment, including the passenger cars at the Equipment link. Below are news updates from the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad and updates from its Facebook page - as well as more photos. Hotels in Tillamook Bay - Where to eat - Tillamook Maps and Virtual Tours More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Railroad Updates Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted THE net gain of jobs at Enterprise Ireland-backed firms has reached a seven-year low as Brexit jitters and a tight labour market take their toll. Enterprise Ireland CEO Julie Sinnamon said net gains in employment in EI's food sector clients rose only 1pc last year, while more buoyant sectors struggled to retain staff and fill posts amid 4.8pc unemployment. "We are seeing a moderation in the pace of job growth, reflecting the impact of Brexit uncertainty, as well as wider skills and talent recruitment and competitiveness challenges for SMEs," she said. Enterprise Ireland's year-end figures published yesterday showed that EI-aided firms hired 16,971 people in 2019, but simultaneously lost 12,265 from their payrolls. That net gain of 4,706 was half the level reached in 2018. "This is proof that we should never take jobs for granted," said Business Minister Heather Humphreys. She cited Brexit, weak eurozone growth, geopolitical instability and trade tensions as challenges facing Ireland in 2020. "We must focus on what we can control domestically," she said. "We need to constantly evolve to remain competitive." The last time EI-backed firms recorded such a small net gain was in 2012, when its portfolio of SMEs added just 3,338 jobs. And the number of lost jobs nearly matched the 2013 mark of 12,591. Ms Sinnamon cautioned that EI's job loss figures were not, in reality, all job losses. She said more than 1,000 jobs removed from EI's client books in 2019 still exist, but they have moved outside Ireland or into IDA Ireland's portfolio, as clients expand into foreign markets. She added that, because of competition for scarce labour, many EI-sponsored firms that previously offered more part-time roles - particularly in agriculture - had chosen to employ fewer people "in better, secure, full-time roles". Economists said EI's slumping figures reflected the environment of high employment combined with skills shortages in premium tech roles. "With the public sector hiring again and the FDI [foreign direct investment] market flourishing, the competition for labour is as tough as it has been since the last boom," said Neil Gibson, EY's chief economist for Ireland. Irish small firms were experiencing higher levels of job loss as "technology creates new types of jobs while making others obsolete", he said. "The pattern of greater flux in the SME economy is likely to remain a feature of the Irish economy and does not reflect any systemic failure in the Irish SME market. It says more about the prevailing levels of competition and transformation." Independent economist Alan McQuaid noted that the latest unemployment figures, published yesterday, did show modest gains in the total number of people out of work since October, and this "may suggest the labour market has peaked". He added: "But I think it has more to do with a lack of suitably qualified candidates, particularly in the IT sector, where the main growth opportunities lie. It is no surprise that the food sector is under pressure, as this is the most vulnerable to Brexit." Ms Sinnamon said nearly two thirds of the jobs created last year were outside Dublin. She said growth in employment was strongest at EI-aided cleantech firms, up 9pc from a year ago. Jobs grew by 6pc at life sciences and fintech firms, and 5pc at electronics firms. But Enterprise Ireland said its core food sector - home to more than 63,500 EI-backed jobs, over a third of its 222,000 total - laid off nearly as many workers as it hired last year. Feared Brexit disruption to Irish food exports to the UK was cited as a key reason why. Ms Sinnamon said continued jobs growth in a tight labour market required "an increase in investment in innovation", including in more recruitment of foreign-based expertise to Ireland. "Our research shows companies that invest in research and innovation generate 67pc more in global sales," she said. Despite the trend since 2017 of narrowing net job growth within EI client companies, Ms Sinnamon said she does expect to keep growing the agency's headline total of jobs supported this year, at an estimated cost per head of 3,400. "The success in contracts we've signed this year suggests we will continue in a positive vein," she said. "I don't have a crystal ball but I certainly expect that we will have a positive figure." Candidates appearing in the UPTET-2019 examination in Lucknow on Wednesday said they had a tough time as incomplete addresses of the examination centres were mentioned on their admit cards. Besides, candidates at several centres claimed they were not allowed to appear in the examination as they got delayed due to their search for their centres. Over 50 candidates, who were supposed to take the exam at the Municipal Girls Inter College at Kashmiri Mohalla in Lucknows Sadatganj, did not got the address of the centres on their admit cards. I came from Barabanki for the exam in the morning and it took me over two hours to find this school because its address was not mentioned in the admit card, said Archana Srivastav, a candidate. Other candidates arrived late at the exam centre because of this reason and they were not allowed to take the test. These candidates gave a letter to the centre in-charge to register their complaint. We were forced to miss the first exam because of this. The government must give us another opportunity to attempt in the exam later, the candidate added. In another incident, some women candidates created a ruckus at an examination centre in the Vipul Khand area of Gomtinagar here on Wednesday after they were allegedly not allowed to appear in the examination due to their late arrival at the centre. A candidate Kritika said she and many other women were not allowed to appear in the UPTET 2019 at Annie Besant school. The centre incharge claimed all of them arrived late at the examination centre and hence they were not given entry. Candidates alleged that centre incharge had asked them to produce other documents, apart from admit card and the Aadhaar card which they had brought. Police were called in to control the angry candidates. District inspector of school (DIOS) Mukesh Singh said 87.61% candidates took the exam in the first shift and 87.75% of them did so in the second shift in Lucknow. As many as 40,863 candidates were registered for the primary school teachers test in the state capital. While 35,803 took the test, 5060 skipped it. Likewise, for upper primary schools, 24,636 candidates were registered in Lucknow. While 21,619 candidates took the examination, 3,817 skipped it. The test for primary school teachers was held at 82 centres and that of upper primary schools at 50 centres, he said. Uttar Pradesh Teachers Eligibility Test (UPTET) 2019 examination was initially to be held on December 22. It was postponed because of anti-CAA protest and rescheduled to January 8, 2020 (Wednesday). Over 1.6 million candidates had registered for UPTET-2019 across the state. The higher education department had issued directives to officials to keep all degree colleges under its ambit closed on January 8 in view of UPTET examination as 1.6 million candidates had to be accommodated. (ANSA) - Brussels, January 8 - Migrant arrivals on the central Mediterranean route fell 41% to 14,000 in 2019 compared to 2018, Frontex said Wednesday. Tunisia and Sudan are the main origin countries, it said. Along the western Med route, on the other hand, arrivals were 58% down to 24,000. The EU border agency said the number of irregular entries by migrants into the EU fell to its lowest since 2013 last year. Entries were down to "a little over 139,000", it said, 6% down on 2018 and 92% down on the record set in 2015. Migrant arrivals have fallen steadily since 2015, it said. F-35A Lightning II standup complete at Hill AFB's 388th, 419th Fighter Wings By Micah Garbarino, 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs / Published January 07, 2020 HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) -- A little more than four years after receiving their first combat-coded F-35A Lightning II aircraft, Hill Air Force Base's fighter wings have achieved full warfighting capability. The term describes a set of focus areas within the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings: fully trained pilots and maintainers, a full complement of 78 aircraft and the mission and support equipment needed to fly. While the designation of full warfighting capability is an important milestone, the wing has been combat capable since the Air Force declared initial operational capability in August 2016. Since then, the wings have participated in several large combat exercises, deployed twice to Europe and once to the Pacific and supported two Middle East combat deployments, including one short-notice tasking. "Every training opportunity, exercise and deployment we've completed over the past four years has been a key stepping stone in reaching full warfighting capability," said Col. Steven Behmer, 388th Fighter Wing commander. "This is just the beginning of sustained F-35A combat operations and we will remain focused on staying ready to deploy whenever, wherever we're needed." Fully-trained pilots The first F-35As arrived at Hill AFB in September 2015 and the final aircraft arrived in December 2019. In the intervening years, Airmen at Hill AFB have been training and developing tactics as the aircraft systems and capabilities have matured. Reaching the right balance of qualified manning can be a challenge when activating a brand-new weapon system. The first squadron to stand up, the 34th Fighter Squadron, started with a core of pilots who had some level of F-35A training and experience in other platforms. As the wing began to grow, that experience level was diluted, and each squadron has been through a period where a majority of pilots could be considered "inexperienced wingmen." "We didn't have a majority of pilots who had been training and carrying out F-35A tactics for 15 or 20 years. So, the core experience is less," Behmer said. "We've worked hard and achieved the right balance in the squadrons." Through large exercises like Red Flag, local exercises, instructor pilot and flight-lead training, the squadrons have drastically increased that level of experience. Young pilots, some who have never flown any other aircraft, now have real-world combat experience. Fully-trained maintainers When the first jets arrived at Hill AFB, about 50% of the maintainers were fully-trained, seasoned F-35 maintainers from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. That number decreased due to PCS, retirements and separations. Since then, there has been an influx of new manning with less experience, and every other maintainer has been "homegrown." "We really relied on our more experienced personnel, and as we received more aircraft, spread them throughout the group to train and equip the next F-35A aircraft maintenance units the right way," said Col. Michael Miles, 388th Maintenance Group commander. "When you have the right mix of leadership, with the right focus, they can empower their people and everyone develops maintenance capability quickly." All 78 aircraft delivered When the first aircraft arrived in 2015, the goal was to fully equip each squadron with 24 primary assigned aircraft and six backups by the end of 2019. That was realized in December with the delivery of the 78th jet. "It was really exciting to get the first jet in 2015 as we'd been talking about it and looking forward to it for a long time," said Chief Master Sgt. Eric Engel, 466th Aircraft Maintenance Unit superintendent with the 419th FW. "When we started out, most of our folks were longtime F-16 maintainers and it's been truly impressive to see their aptitude and quick transition to a fifth-generation aircraft that is so vastly different from the F-16." Over that four-year period, the wings received roughly two jets every month and immediately began putting them to use. In the spring of 2016, the 34th FS deployed six jets to RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. In some cases, the delivery process became so streamlined that the aircraft were able to fly combat training missions within 24 hours of arriving at Hill AFB. This was more than just convenient. It meant that it was possible to deliver a jet from the factory straight into combat if necessary. Mission and support equipment Fifth-generation technology on the F-35A requires more specialized equipment than legacy aircraft. Every system on the F-35A has an associated piece of equipment to keep aircraft loaded, fueled and flying. There are more than a dozen critical pieces of heavy equipment, from the standard power generators and weapons loaders, to the unique 13,000-pound air conditioners to cool the jet's advanced avionics. There's also other equipment like the high-tech, personalized helmets that integrate with the jet's mission systems and computer and network systems to support flying and maintenance. "At IOC (initial operational capability), we had the equipment to support one squadron that could do some semblance of combat operations. Now, as each squadron has progressed, and we're on track to have all the required assets, we demonstrated that we can rely on the program for the technical support and weapons system parts we need while we deployed all our squadrons last summer," Miles said. In 2019, the wings proved that they could balance the equipment requirements to support all three squadrons away from home station the 4th FS was deployed to the Middle East, the 421st FS was in Europe and the 34th FS spent two months at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. In a seven-day span the wings had aircraft, equipment and personnel operating out of nine different countries. "It took everyone's input from E1 to O6 to get where we are today. Through hard work, providing programmatic feedback, and developing new processes and procedures, we shaped and pushed the program. Each Airmen can look back with pride and see their contributions over the last four years standing up this wing, and enabling F-35A combat capability for our country," Miles said. Editor's note: Full Warfighting Capability for the 388th and 419th FW is a separate designation from F-35A Full Operational Capability. That designation will be made by the Air Force after several other service-wide requirements have been met. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address T he Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they are stepping back as senior members of the Royal Family as they seek to "carve out" a new role. Harry, Meghan and their son Archie will split their time between the UK and North America and work to become "financially independent" in a bid to "provide our family with the space to focus on the next chapter". The bombshell announcement, which comes after "months of reflection and internal discussions", followed weeks of speculation about the couple's future after they took an extended break from royal duties over the festive period. Last year, they made an emotional appearance in a documentary in which they discussed the pressures they faced in the public eye. Harry also issued a damning statement against the media accusing sections of the press of bullying his wife. The development took an even more dramatic turn when Buckingham Palace warned Harry and Meghan that their decision would be "complicated". It is understood that the Queen and the Prince of Wales were not aware of the content of Harry and Meghan's personal statement before it was issued. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Canada House in London 1 /13 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Canada House in London PA Getty Images PA AFP via Getty Images PA PA PA Getty Images Getty Images PA In a statement released on Wednesday evening, they said: After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen." In the message, which they posted on Instagram, they added: It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Baby Announcement - In pictures 1 /26 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Baby Announcement - In pictures Prince Harry in front of the horses, apparently named George and Sir John, as he announces the birth PA A framed notice of birth was placed outside Buckingham Palace AFP/Getty Images Royal fans celebrate outside Windsor Castle PA the Instagram account of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, reads "It's a Boy !". AFP/Getty Images Television crews at work outside Windsor Castle following the news of the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's new baby boy PA People gather outside Buckingham Palace to take pictures on their mobile phones of the notice placed on an easel in the palace's forecourt in London to formally announce the birth of a baby boy to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex PA Prince Harry speaks after the Duchess of Sussex gave birth to a baby boy Reuters The moment Prince Harry thanks the horses People celebrate outside Windsor Castle after Britain's Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex gave birth to a boy Reuters A television journalist (L) works as Royal wellwishers celebrate outside of near Windsor Castle in Windsor, AFP/Getty Images Town crier Tony Appleton announces the birth of baby boy to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Duchess of Sussex, outside Windsor Castle EPA Reuters Britain's Prince Harry speaks after Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, gave birth to a baby boy, at Windsor Castle Reuters Footmen Stephen Kelly and Sarah Thompson bring out the easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace in London to formally announce the birth of a baby boy to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex PA Memorabilia is pictured as people celebrate outside Windsor Castle after Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex gave birth to a boy Reuters Pedestrians walk past Windsor Castle AFP/Getty Images People gather outside Buckingham Palace to take pictures on their mobile phones of the notice placed on an easel in the palace's forecourt in London to formally announce the birth of a baby boy to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex PA A sign is placed outside the Prince Harry pub after the announcement of the birth of a baby boy to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Duchess of Sussex in Windsor EPA The BT Tower displays a message in celebration of the birth of Prince Harry, and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex's new baby boy AP Iconic London landmark known as the London Eye is seen illuminated in red, white and blue to celebrate the birth of Harry and Meghan's baby boy Getty Images We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity." Following the announcement, a Palace spokeswoman said: "Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage. "We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through." Harry and Meghan have only recently returned from their six-week break spent in the Canadian province of British Columbia with their eight-month-old son Archie. TODO: define component type apester Harry said they had received an unbelievable welcome while in the Commonwealth country for around six weeks. Harry and Meghan will split their time before North America and the UK / Getty Images It is likely they will be spending their time in the Commonwealth country when not in UK and may travel to America, Meghan's homeland and where her mother lives. Any move to Canada, even for a period of the year, would throw up important questions about Meghan and Harry's long-term future within the royal family. Meghan, a former actress, lived and worked in Toronto during her time starring in the popular US drama Suits, and the couple were famously pictured together when Meghan joined her then-boyfriend Harry at the 2017 Invictus Games in the city. The cost of security for the couple would also be an issue, and as Canada is a realm, a country where the Queen is head of state, it may have to pay for keeping the couple and their son Archie safe. The couple's aim to be "financially independent" may point towards them seeking a job, or a paid role with an organisation whose aims compliment their own beliefs. Other members of the monarchy who have salaried jobs include the Queen's grandchildren Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and Peter Phillips, who all work for a living. Listen to The Leader podcast: Trump could be making a brilliant chess move, but only if the next 20 moves have been well thought out in advance, which certainly is not his style. We can only hope that the professionals in the military and foreign service exactly the people that Trump disdains have done their homework. Class Enemy, United States Worse than war is the near certainty that Iran will be a nuclear power soon. It is imperative that the U.S. and Iran act diplomatically to settle differences now before there is further escalation and more bloodshed. The future threat of nuclear weapons unleashed in the Middle East overwhelms other considerations. Let us return to the 2015 nuclear accord, lift sanctions against Iran and treat Iran not as an enemy but as any other nation. Irans burden is to do the same with the U.S. We must erase 40 years of discord however we can. Harold, Bellevue, Wash. Killing an enemy who kills Americans is an easy decision I am no fan of this president. Hes foolish and dangerous, for many reasons. But I am continually astonished at the lengths some people will go to to vilify everything he does. Trump brings it on himself because hes so easy to dislike, but killing an enemy who kills Americans is an easy decision. Letting him live when you could have done something about it would have been the greater evil. Mike, Pennsylvania There is a real possibility for Iran to have a true leadership role in that area of the world in the future, although it is difficult to see that under the current leadership. I do see a young, educated population yearning to be part of the world at large and that doesnt want their resources spent on militias and terror groups anymore. The U.S. is in a position to finish Iran with minimal casualties in the region. Economic warfare with a military shield is a devastating combination. Irans theocratic leadership can easily see its end of days, depending on its choices. Mark, Texas If there is a war, it wont be without heavy human cost When a Democrat proposes universal health coverage, the first question is always, How much will it cost and how are you going to pay for it? So I ask: How much did killing Suleimani cost us? Not just the drone and rockets, but the man hours for planning and executing it, and then beefing up security at the Baghdad embassy and every military installation in the Middle East, bringing in new troops and relocating others. How will the Suleimani operation and its consequences be paid for? By taxes, of course, and deficit spending with interest on borrowed money. I know, I know. Its all worth it for national security. Abigail49, Georgia San Francisco, Jan 8 : In a bid to give developers more time to address security vulnerabilities, Google has made changes to its Project Zero disclosure programme which could also mean that other companies roll out half-baked patches. Announced in July, 2014, the Project Zero is a team of security analysts employed by Google who are tasked with finding zero-day vulnerabilities, the secret hackable bugs which are exploited by criminals, state-sponsored hackers, and intelligence agencies. "We recently reviewed our policies and the goals we hope to accomplish with our disclosure policy. As a result of that review, we have decided to make some changes to our vulnerability disclosure policy in 2020. We will start by describing the changes to the policy, and then discuss the rationale behind these changes," Tim Willis, Manager, Project Zero, wrote in a blog post on Tuesday. "For vulnerabilities reported starting January 1, 2020, we are changing our Disclosure Policy: Full 90 days by default, regardless of when the bug is fixed." If there is mutual agreement between the vendor and Project Zero, bug reports can be opened to the public before 90 days elapse. For example, a vendor wants to synchronise the opening of our tracker report with their release notes to minimise user confusion and questions. "Fix a bug in 20 days? We will release all details on Day 90. Fix a bug in 90 days? We will release all details on Day 90," noted Willis. The tech giant said it will try this policy for 12 months, and then consider whether to change it long term. The Russian and Turkish presidents have called for a cease-fire in the conflict in Libya where Moscow and Ankara are backing opposing sides. After meeting in Istanbul on January 8, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a statement saying they supported "the necessary measures to be taken for stabilizing the situation on the ground" in the North African country. The proposed truce would start from midnight on January 12, according to the statement. The move comes amid an offensive by rebel forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar to capture Libya's capital, Tripoli, where the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) is based. Libya has been torn by violence since longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011. The country has two rival administrations, the UN-backed one in Tripoli and Haftar's in the city of Tobruk. The GNA is supported by NATO-member Turkey and its ally Qatar. Haftar is backed by the United Arab Emirates, and others, including what is believed to be a force of Russian private military contractors. "The worsening situation in Libya is undermining the security and stability of Libya's wider neighborhood, the entire Mediterranean region, as well as the African continent, triggering irregular migration, further spread of weapons, terrorism and other criminal activities including illicit trafficking," Putin and Erdogan said in their joint statement. The Turkish president announced last week he had dispatched military elements to Libya to ensure stability for the GNA. Based on reporting by AFP and TASS SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- A statewide ban on single-use plastic bags in restaurants and retail stores has left some small businesses in Springfield scrambling to get into compliance. The ban went into effect on Jan. 1. Anna Bornstein, the manager at Chicken Bonz in Springfield, said she first thought it only applied to Eugene and not the entire state. She said it wasn't until Dec. 30 that she came across a news article on social media and realized that the ban would impact them. They ended up throwing out about $30 worth of single-use plastic bags and purchasing recyclable paper bags to get into compliance. She said that they have also ordered reusable plastic bags that they expect to arrive at the end of the week, but she said she doesn't like the idea of having to charge customers an extra $0.05 per bag for them. "I think there should have been way more communication and it think it would have made it easier for everyone," Bornstein said. "From what I understand it wasn't just us that had the confusion about the process." A territory manager for U.S. Foods, a company that supplies restaurants, said Chicken Bonz isn't the only company confused by the changes. Nick Sahonchik said around 15 to 20% percent of his customers were caught off guard. "There is a lot confusion," Sahonchik said. "We got copies of the law, and we're trying to inform them." Under state law, businesses could face up to a $250 fine per day for not being in compliance. Springfield police said they're not actively seeking out any businesses that are not following the law. They said they will speak to the business owners only if they first get a complaint. From there, police said they will work to educate the owner to make sure they know single-use plastic bags have to go. Police said they have not yet received any complaints. The capital largely remained unaffected by the nation-wide strike called by trade unions on Wednesday, though most industrial workers stayed away from work. Metro and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) services functioned normally despite the strike call. Officials said no trains have been affected in the capital, but some Delhi-bound trains from Odisha and West Bengal could be affected. Widespread intermittent rains in the capital also reduced the intensity of the strike. The industrial areas of Mayapuri and Wazirabad witnessed protest march. At the ITO, workers affiliated to left unions gathered in support of the general strike called by 10 central trade unions against the central government's "anti-worker" policies.' CPI(M) leader Subhashini Ali, who took part in an agitation at the ITO, said they were protesting against the "anti-labour" laws of the Centre. "We are protesting against the anti-labour laws of the Modi government, and the labour codes they plan to introduce which are against the welfare of the workers. They even want to sell a Maharatna like Bharat Petroleum (Company Ltd) and move towards privatisation," she said. Members of 10 central trade unions -- including AITUC, INTUC, CITU, AICCTU, CUCC, SEWA, LPF, -- along with various sectoral independent federations are participating in the nationwide strike, Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary, AITUC said. The trade unions have claimed around 25 crore people are participating in the strike to protest against the government's "anti-people" policies. US-Iran Tensions Updates: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an address to the nation said 'we slapped them (Americans) on the face last night' with a missile strike but military action is not enough. Auto refresh feeds Trump offered no immediate indication of whether he would retaliate, and stayed out of sight Tuesday night as news of the missile strikes emerged. President Donald Trump insisted "All is well!" on Tuesday after Iran fired surface-to-surface missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops. He promised to make a statement to the nation on Wednesday morning about the increasingly precarious situation with Iran. "Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq," Kumar said. In view of the latest missile attack on Iraqi military bases on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a travel advisory to Indians, asking them to avoid all non-essential travel to the country until further notification. Trump said Tuesday that his decision saved American lives and that members of Congress will get a briefing on the reasons for the US attack. The Iranian missiles attacking Iraqi military base came in retaliation for an American drone strike that killed top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Donald Trump and his advisers are under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led to the US strike. "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," he added. Zarif further said that Iran took the measures in self defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting the military bases, "from where cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched." Following the multiple missile attacks in Iraq, Foreign Affairs Minister of Iran Javad Zarif tweeted saying that the country has "concluded" its attacks on American forces and does "not seek escalation or war". "We must ensure the safety of our service members, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America and world cannot afford war," said Pelosi. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi Closely responded following the ballistic missile attacks in Iraq targeting US troops, saying "closely monitoring the situation". She further drew attention to the safety of service members and said it is crucial to end "needless" provocations from the Trump Administration. But, Al Hadath (Arabic newspaper in Jordan) just posted a claim that the Ukrainian plane was shot down by Iranian missile. Meanwhile, speculations on social media was doing the rounds regarding the Boeing 737 belonging to Ukraine International Airlines, which initially reported by state TV stated that it crashed due to technical problems near an airport in Tehran. Iranian news network Press TV reported that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed on Wednesday in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on US targets in Iraq. However, Press TV could not verify the reports on the number of casualties According to Iranian state TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said US helicopters and military equipment were severely damaged. In view of the tension between United States and Iran, Singapore Airline has diverted all flights in and out of Europe from the Iranian airspace. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely," said the Airlines. Following Iran's missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq, Dubai-based Emirates Airline cancelled a return flight to state capital Baghdad on Wednesday. Its sister carrier, flydubai, also cancelled a Wednesday flight to Baghdad. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to soon deliver speech following the missile attack targeting US miliary air bases in Iraq, reports Press TV. The Iranian state TV claimed that Donald Trump's 'All is well' tweet was made in attempt to downplay the damage done by Tehran's attack on US troops in Iraq. Prior to this claim, the state TV also reported that the missile strikes have killed 80 "American terrorists". Irans missile attacks on the Ain Al-Asad airbase and another in Erbil, Iraq, early in the day came hours after the funeral of an Iranian commander whose killing in a US drone strike has intensified tensions in the region. Financial markets were roiled on Wednesday after Iran fired missiles at US forces in Iraq, sending Asian stocks and US Treasury yields sliding and jolting oil prices higher as investors feared a wider conflict in the Middle East. The jump in the price of whats viewed by investors as a safer asset in times of political and economic uncertainty came after Irans missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq early on Wednesday. Spot gold climbed 1.9 percent to $1,603.21 per ounce by 0056 GMT. Prices hit their highest since March 2013 at $1,610.90 earlier in the session. US gold futures GCv1 rose 2 percent to $1,605.80. Gold prices surged more than 2 percent on Wednesday, crossing the key $1,600 mark, as investors sought cover in the safe-haven metal after Iran fired rockets at Iraqi airbase which hosts USforces. So-called safe haven assets, like gold and the Japanese yen, also rose on the news. Oil prices have risen after two bases hosting US troops in Iraq were hit by ballistic missiles. Brent crude was up by 1.4% at $69.21 per barrel in the middle of the Asian trade, easing back from earlier gains. "We urge Iranto pursue urgent de-escalation. A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups," said Raab. The foreign secretary said he was "concerned by reports of casualties" and urged Iran not to repeat the "reckless and dangerous attacks". Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak tweeted, "None of the Polish soldiers in Iraq were hurt in rocket attacks on Al Asad and Erbil bases. We are in constant contact with the commander of the Polish Military Contingent in Iraq." "Irans People and government are fully behind their armed forces," Baeidinejad said. He further warned the United States against any "adventurism" or their armed forces would "forcefully" respond. Hamid Baeidinejad, Iran's ambassador to the United Kingdom, on Wednesday affirmed that the nation's attack on Iraqi military base targeting US troops was conducted in self defence. He spoke hours after the strike at military bases in Iraq used by US forces. The strike was in retaliation for the US killing of Iran's top military commander in Baghdad. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an address to the nation said "we slapped them (Americans) on the face last night" with a missile strike but military action is not enough. He also invoked the virtues of the slain commander, General Qassem Soleimani, saying he was a "great, brave warrior" and dear friend to us". Huge crowds in Iran have mourned Soleimani's death last week in the airstrike in Baghdad. Iraninian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the "corrupt presence of the US in the region should come to an end," saying it has caused war, division, and destruction. Irans President @HassanRouhani to make announcement soon following #Iran 's missile attack targeting U.S. air bases in #Iraq . #IranvsUSA #DecisiveResponse #GhasemSoleimani #SoleimaniAssassination pic.twitter.com/G7kEb3CRTF Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to soon deliver speech following the missile attack targeting US miliary air bases in Iraq, reports Press TV. The Iranian state TV claimed that Donald Trump's 'All is well' tweet was made in attempt to downplay the damage done by Tehran's attack on US troops in Iraq. Prior to this claim, the state TV also reported that the missile strikes have killed 80 "American terrorists". Irans missile attacks on the Ain Al-Asad airbase and another in Erbil, Iraq, early in the day came hours after the funeral of an Iranian commander whose killing in a US drone strike has intensified tensions in the region. Financial markets were roiled on Wednesday after Iran fired missiles at US forces in Iraq, sending Asian stocks and US Treasury yields sliding and jolting oil prices higher as investors feared a wider conflict in the Middle East. The jump in the price of whats viewed by investors as a safer asset in times of political and economic uncertainty came after Irans missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq early on Wednesday. Spot gold climbed 1.9 percent to $1,603.21 per ounce by 0056 GMT. Prices hit their highest since March 2013 at $1,610.90 earlier in the session. US gold futures GCv1 rose 2 percent to $1,605.80. Gold prices surged more than 2 percent on Wednesday, crossing the key $1,600 mark, as investors sought cover in the safe-haven metal after Iran fired rockets at Iraqi airbase which hosts USforces. So-called safe haven assets, like gold and the Japanese yen, also rose on the news. Oil prices have risen after two bases hosting US troops in Iraq were hit by ballistic missiles. Brent crude was up by 1.4% at $69.21 per barrel in the middle of the Asian trade, easing back from earlier gains. "We urge Iranto pursue urgent de-escalation. A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups," said Raab. The foreign secretary said he was "concerned by reports of casualties" and urged Iran not to repeat the "reckless and dangerous attacks". Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak tweeted, "None of the Polish soldiers in Iraq were hurt in rocket attacks on Al Asad and Erbil bases. We are in constant contact with the commander of the Polish Military Contingent in Iraq." Iran in an act of self-defence as enshrined in the UN Charter, attacked two US military bases. Iran does not seek escalation or war. Our armed forces are quite ready to forcefully respond against any adventurism. Irans People and government are fully behind their armed forces. "Irans People and government are fully behind their armed forces," Baeidinejad said. He further warned the United States against any "adventurism" or their armed forces would "forcefully" respond. Hamid Baeidinejad, Iran's ambassador to the United Kingdom, on Wednesday affirmed that the nation's attack on Iraqi military base targeting US troops was conducted in self defence. He spoke hours after the strike at military bases in Iraq used by US forces. The strike was in retaliation for the US killing of Iran's top military commander in Baghdad. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an address to the nation said "we slapped them (Americans) on the face last night" with a missile strike but military action is not enough. He also invoked the virtues of the slain commander, General Qassem Soleimani, saying he was a "great, brave warrior" and dear friend to us". Huge crowds in Iran have mourned Soleimani's death last week in the airstrike in Baghdad. Iraninian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the "corrupt presence of the US in the region should come to an end," saying it has caused war, division, and destruction. US-Iran Tensions Updates: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an address to the nation said "we slapped them (Americans) on the face last night" with a missile strike but military action is not enough. He spoke hours after the strike at military bases in Iraq used by US forces. The strike was in retaliation for the US killing of Iran's top military commander in Baghdad. Hamid Baeidinejad, Iran's ambassador to the United Kingdom, on Wednesday affirmed that the nation's attack on Iraqi military base targeting US troops was conducted in self defence. He further warned the United States against any "adventurism" or their armed forces would "forcefully" respond. Oil prices have risen after two bases hosting US troops in Iraq were hit by ballistic missiles. Brent crude was up by 1.4% at $69.21 per barrel in the middle of the Asian trade, easing back from earlier gains. Iranian news network Press TV reported that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed on Wednesday in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on US targets in Iraq. However, Press TV could not verify the reports on the number of casualties. In view of the latest missile attack on Iraqi military bases on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a travel advisory to Indians, asking them to avoid all non-essential travel to the country until further notification. Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar advised Indian nationals residing in Iraq to remain alert and avoid travel within Iraq. "Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq," Kumar said. President Donald Trump insisted "All is well!" on Tuesday after Iran fired surface-to-surface missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops. He promised to make a statement to the nation on Wednesday morning about the increasingly precarious situation with Iran. Trump offered no immediate indication of whether he would retaliate, and stayed out of sight Tuesday night as news of the missile strikes emerged. But he tweeted that an assessment of casualties and damages was under way. The initial outlook, he said, was "So far, so good!" All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 The Iranian missiles came in retaliation for an American drone strike that killed top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Trump and his advisers are under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led to the US strike. Trump said Tuesday that his decision saved American lives and that members of Congress will get a briefing on the reasons for the US attack. "They were planning something," he said of the Iranians. Hours later, Iran struck back, firing the missiles at bases housing US troops and warning the United States and its allies in the region not to retaliate. The White House said the president was monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. So far, Trump and top national security officials have justified the airstrike with general statements about the threat posted by Soleimani, who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. But the details have been scarce. "He's no longer a monster. He's dead," Trump said, adding, "And that's a good thing for a lot of countries. He was planning a very big attack and a very bad attack for us and other people and we stopped him and I don't think anybody can complain about it." Soleimani was targeted while he was at an airport in Baghdad with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a veteran Iraqi militant who also was killed. Trump said they weren't in Baghdad to discuss vacation plans or a visit to a "nice resort but, were there to talk over bad business." The lack of detail doesn't sit well with Democrats, who recall how President George W Bush justified his invasion of Iraq by accusing Saddam Hussein of having non-existent weapons of mass destruction. Lawmakers in recent days have been pressing for more detail to explain why Trump ordered the killing a decision that previous administrations passed up because of fears it would unleash even more violence. Soleimani traveled frequently and relatively openly, with visits to Baghdad more frequent in recent months. He also often showed up in Syria, including along the border between Iraq and Syria. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have called on Trump to declassify the written notification he sent to Congress after the strike. The notification was required under the War Powers Resolution Act of 1973, which requires the president to report to Congress when American forces are sent into hostile situations. "The president must come to Congress and present clear and compelling intelligence as to why the strike against Soleimani was absolutely necessary," Menendez said in a speech on the Senate floor. "In the wake of all its misleading statements we must make clear to the administration that the president by himself does not have the authority to launch a war against Iran." Trump stressed that the strike was in retaliation for Iranian attacks and that the US is prepared to attack again "very strongly". He also said that while he eventually wants to pull US troops out of Iraq, now is not the time because it would allow Iran to gain a bigger foothold there. Trump's top national security officials made several public appearances on Tuesday to further defend the strike. "We had deep intelligence indicating there was active plotting to put American lives at risk," and Iraqi lives too, said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Asked if the threat was imminent in days or weeks, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said: "I think its more fair to say days, for sure." Esper said the intelligence was precise "razor thin". He said top Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate plus the chairmen and vice chairmen of the intelligence committees in both chambers were getting a classified briefing Tuesday afternoon on what led to the decision to kill Soleimani. He said other lawmakers will be provided general details about the attack. He said Soleimani was in Baghdad to coordinate additional attacks against the US "To somehow suggest that he wasnt a legitimate target, I think, is fanciful," Esper said. Democratic lawmakers are not yet convinced it was the right decision. Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., called the US strike on Soleimani a mistake and said "I have yet to see how killing this man will prevent Iran from posing an even greater threat against the United States and our interests." In the wake of the killing, Iran has announced that it will no longer be bound by the 2015 nuclear agreement and vowed to retaliate against the US, its allies and American interests. Iraq's parliament also voted to expel US troops from Iraq, which would undermine efforts to fight Islamic State militants in the region and strengthen Iran's influence in the Mideast. President Donald Trump speaks in the Grand Foyer of the White House on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images On the morning after Iranian missile attacks on Iraqi bases where U.S. forces are stationed, President Trump delivered a televised address from the White House that offered a condensed version of every national-security trope beloved of Republicans and a good chunk of his campaign stump speech. We got a declaration of victory: Our great American forces are prepared for anything, he said. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. We got the United States as the worlds sheriff: Irans pursuit of a nuclear weapon is a global threat, but we will never let that happen, Trump declared. At his direction, the United States military eliminated the worlds top terrorist, Qasem Soleimani. (Thats something people who actually study terrorism would dispute.) We got campaign-trail chest-thumping: The American military has been completely rebuilt under my administration, at a cost of $2.5 trillion, Trump claimed. (That figure represents three years of military spending, nothing more or less.) The U.S. has achieved energy independence. Weve developed advanced weapons, and our missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal, and fast. All while the economy is booming. We got a few lines for those who like to think of Trump as an antiwar president, despite his belligerent rhetoric and the uptick in casualties from U.S. drone and missile attacks under his administration. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it, he said. We got beating on European allies. Trump said he would be asking NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East. Never mind that last week the Trump administration failed to alert NATO, which has hundreds of troops supporting the U.S. in Iraq, of its attack plans. You could almost hear the screens shattering at NATO headquarters, as dozens of beleaguered Alliance officials punched the W-T-F keys. We got hints that what Trump really wants is a negotiation with Tehran that provides even more photo ops and victory declarations. He called on the U.K., Germany, France, Russia, and China to abandon the Iran nuclear agreement they negotiated along with the Obama administration, so they can all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place. But we also got rhetoric suggesting that Trump or the hawks around him like Vice-President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is still set on the destruction of the Iranian regime. The president announced he is imposing additional punishing economic sanctions on Iran, and said the world must tell the regime its campaign of terror, murder, mayhem will not be tolerated any longer. What was missing from the speech was any sense of a coherent strategy toward Iran or the Middle East in general. It seems the president and his advisers were trying to send various messages to Iran and our allies, not all of them compatible. As Brookingss Tamara Wittes pointed out, the president didnt balance his were outta here rhetoric with any statement of support for Israel, Saudi Arabia, or other Gulf allies i.e., the places Irans proxies will target for revenge. Nor did Trump offer Iran or our European allies anything concrete to negotiate about. That doesnt mean Trumps speech was completely nonstrategic. As usual, Trump was sweet-talking his base, while suggesting to GOP interest groups that if they stick with him through impeachment, hell keep delivering on their wish lists. Above all, his aim was to control the narrative: claim credit for at least temporarily returning to the status quo with Iran, while looking tough standing amid a crowd of top military officials. The problem, of course, is that there are many longer-term narratives that Trump doesnt control like whether Iran does dash to make a nuclear weapon, whether our allies are willing to work with us in the Middle East, and whether American leaders maintain any credibility on the global stage. By engaging in chest-thumping, dishonest insults, and incoherent messaging, Trump is losing ground on all of these fronts. Starting this year, routine pediatric visits for millions of California children could involve questions about touchy family topics, such as divorce, unstable housing or a parent who struggles with alcoholism. California now will pay doctors to screen patients for traumatic events known as adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, if the patient is covered by Medi-Cal the state's version of Medicaid for low-income families. The screening program is rooted in decades of research that suggests children who endure sustained stress in their day-to-day lives undergo biochemical changes to their brains and bodies that can dramatically increase their risk of developing serious health problems, including heart disease, asthma, depression and cancer. Health and welfare advocates hope that widespread screening of children for ACEs, accompanied by early intervention, will help reduce the ongoing stresses and skirt the onset of physical illness, or at least ensure an illness is treated. The higher the number of such adverse events and so, the higher a child's ACEs "score" the higher the risk of chronic illness and premature death. About 63% of Californians have experienced at least one adverse childhood event, and nearly 18% have faced four or more, according to state health officials. California is the first state to create a formal reimbursement strategy for ACEs screening, and the program will be open to both children and adults enrolled in Medi-Cal. The initiative is part of a larger ACEs awareness campaign championed by the state's first surgeon general, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, who is a national leader in the ACEs movement. The public health impact could be significant as Medi-Cal covers 5.3 million kids roughly 40% of all California children and 6.3 million adults. "It is a profound shift that's going to change the type of prevention and management we do with families," said Dr. Dayna Long, a pediatrician who is director of the Center for Child and Community Health at UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital Oakland and helped develop the state-approved screening tool for children and teens. "We're not going to make all the hard things go away, but we can help families build resilience and reduce stress." Here are five key things to know about ACEs and California's new screening program: 1. How it works. At a typical well-child visit, parents or caregivers will be asked to fill out a state-approved questionnaire about potentially stressful experiences in their children's lives. For children under age 12, caregivers fill out the survey. Young people ages 12-19 will complete their own questionnaire in addition to their caregivers' questionnaire. The questions will touch on 10 categories of adversity spanning the first 18 years of life: physical, emotional or sexual abuse; physical or emotional neglect; and experiences that could indicate household dysfunction, such as a parent who has a serious mental illness or addiction, having parents who are incarcerated or living in a home with domestic violence. The screening will measure for experiences that could regularly trigger fear and anxiety, including homelessness, not having enough food or the right kinds of food, and growing up in a neighborhood marred by drugs and violence. Long acknowledged some caregivers and children might be reluctant or unwilling to disclose sensitive information, particularly if they fear shame or repercussions. "We acknowledge it takes time to build trust," she said. "But we want to encourage families to have hard conversations with their doctors and to understand how stressful events over the life of the child are impacting that child's health." Physicians will review the responses and discuss them with caregivers during the visit. Doctors will have access to free online training on how to communicate with families and connect them to community resources. Physicians will be eligible for a $29 reimbursement for each Medi-Cal patient screened. The responses are considered confidential patient information and won't be shared with state officials. But researchers hope that aggregated information will be studied to improve care for patients with high ACEs scores. 2. The screenings are voluntary. Doctors do not need to offer them, and patients and their caregivers do not have to participate. Doctors will need to complete online training before they can be paid for screening patients. The state will cover the costs of screening once a year for children and once in a lifetime for adults. But children are the main focus of the screening campaign. 3. What happens after the screening is less clear. Community clinics often have social workers or "navigators" available to connect families to aid like food stamps or counseling. Doctors in private practice, however, are less likely to have those resources, said Dr. Eric Ball, an Orange County pediatrician who served on a committee advising the surgeon general on the ACEs campaign. Ball said local chapters of the American Academy of Pediatrics will work to educate doctors on how to help children who register high ACEs scores, because social services vary so much by county. Doctors "are not going to get rich doing ACEs screenings, that's not the point," Ball said. "If we can pick up kids at higher risk for these issues down the road and mitigate it, that's really exciting to me." 4. Researchers aren't yet sure which interventions will best help kids with high ACEs scores. Long and her UCSF Benioff colleagues are continuing to study how well the ACEs screening works and what interventions might be most effective. It's one thing to help hungry families sign up for food stamps and free school lunches. It's less clear how to help a child whose parent is in prison. Researchers have identified protective factors that can help children better resist the effects of toxic stress, including nurturing relationships with trusted adults, such as grandparents or teachers. "The fact of screening is also an intervention," Long said. "Being able to sit in a room with a pediatrician is not going to make those hard experiences go away, but it creates a freedom to talk about some things that are solvable. That's therapeutic in and of itself." 5. Not everyone agrees that widespread ACEs screening is a good idea. Sociologist David Finkelhor, director of the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire, is among those who caution that universal screening for ACEs is premature, given there is little consensus about the potential negative effects of screening or the best interventions. "The good news is that we are focusing on these adversities that are clearly the source of so many downstream health and mental health problems," Finkelhor said. "But the bad news is we're moving way too fast, before we know how to best conduct this kind of screening and intervention, and we could get it wrong with pretty disastrous consequences." "Mostly, we don't know what to do with somebody who has a high ACE score," he said. "There are already long waits to get into family counseling or child mental health programs." For example, a doctor might be legally required to report previous abuse to authorities, upending a family even if the child no longer is exposed to the abuser, Finkelhor said. "These are tough questions," Long of UCSF acknowledged. Still, she said, screening is important, because it encourages physicians to engage in difficult conversations they might not otherwise have and pushes clinics to create links to supportive services and resources. "That is the next phase, and that is important," Long said. "We're doing this because we care about your child and want them to grow into healthy adults." This KHN story first published on California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8 2020 The Constitutional Court rejected on Monday a petition for a judicial review of several articles of Law No. 12/1969 on the establishment of the West Irian autonomous province and autonomous regencies in West Irian province. West Irian was the former name of the Indonesian part of Papua Island. The 1969 Law is the legal basis of Papuas integration with Indonesia after the end of Dutch colonial rule. The judicial review was filed by dozens of lawyers, academics, Papuan leaders, churches and womens organizations under the Coalition of Advocates for Truth and Justice in Papua. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Indonesian President Joko Widodo visits a military base in Natuna, near the South China Sea, Indonesia, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Laily Rachev/Courtesy of Indonesian Presidential Palace/Handout via Reuters) Indonesias President Visits Island in Waters Disputed by China JAKARTAPresident Joko Widodo visited an island in waters disputed by China on Jan. 8 to assert Indonesias sovereignty amid a standoff between Indonesian and Chinese vessels. The confrontation began in mid-December when a Chinese coast guard vessel and fishing boats, entered waters in Indonesias exclusive economic zone, off the coast of the northern Natuna islands, prompting Jakarta to summon Beijings ambassador. Widodo told reporters on Natuna Besar island that the disputed waters belong solely to Indonesia. We have a district here, a regent, and a governor here, he said. There are no more debates. De facto, de jure, Natuna is Indonesia. Widodo also met with fishermen on the island. Earlier this week, Indonesia deployed more ships and fighter jets to patrol the surrounding waters. Nursyawal Embun, the director of sea operations at the Maritime Security Agency, said as of Wednesday morning that two Chinese coast guard vessels remained, while 10 Indonesian ships were on patrol. China has not claimed the Natuna islands themselves, but says it has nearby fishing rights within a self-proclaimed nine-dash line that includes most of the South China Seaa claim that is not recognized internationally. In 2017, Indonesia renamed the northern reaches of its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea as the North Natuna Sea, as part of a push back against Chinas maritime territorial ambitions. The dispute has soured Indonesias generally friendly relationship with China, its biggest trading partner and a major investor in Southeast Asias largest country. In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, Luhut Pandjaitan, coordinating minister for maritime resources and investment, said that both Beijing and Jakarta will forge ahead with diplomatic discussions. Whats the point of war? Nothing. Wars are the last step to a failing diplomatic process, Pandjaitan said. China claims most of the South China Sea, a global trade route with rich fishing grounds and energy reserves, based on what it says is its historic activity. But Southeast Asian countries, supported by the United States and much of the rest of the world, say such claims have no legal basis. On Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing and Jakarta are in contact through diplomatic channels. We wish to, with Indonesia, continue to appropriately deal with differences and uphold peace and stability in bilateral relations and the region, Geng said. The last peak in tensions between Indonesia and China over the South China Sea was in 2016. At the time, Widodo held a meeting with several of his ministers on board a naval ship in a show of support. New Delhi: President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that no Americans were harmed in the attack by Iran on US bases in Iraq as he offered to embrace peace with the Iranian leadership, in a significant move to de-escalate spiralling tensions in the Middle East. The Iranian state television claimed that "at least 80 terrorist US soldiers" were killed in the strikes. Some 5,000 US soldiers are in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the IS terror group. "We suffered no casualties. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases," Trump said in his 10-minute address to the nation from the White House Grand Foyer. His remarks came hours after Iran launched 22 ballistic missiles in a pre-dawn attack on Wednesday targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces are stationed in Iraq, which Tehran said was a "slap in the face" of America. According to the Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards General Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by Trump. Trump said Iran appeared to be standing down, which was a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. He added that peace and stability cannot prevail in the Middle East as long as Iran continues to foment terrorism. Trump also asked NATO "to become much more involved in the Middle East process." He vowed that he will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. Here are the top quotes from US president Donald Trump's address: 1. "As long as I'm President of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon" 2. "By removing Soleimani we have sent a powerful message to terrorists. If you value your own life you will not threaten the lives of our people." 3. "Soleimani's hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood. He should have been eliminated long ago." 4. "United States was ready to embrace peace with all who seek it". 5. "To the people and leaders of Iran, we want you to have a future and a great future, one that you deserve" 6. "Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism" 7. "For far too long, all the way back to 1979 to be exact, nations have tolerated Iran's destructive and destabilising behaviour in the Middle East and beyond. Those days are over" 8. "Your campaign of terror, murder, mayhem will not be tolerated any longer. It will not be allowed to go forward" 9. "We must also make a deal that allows Iran to thrive and prosper and take advantage of its enormous untapped potential. Iran can be a great country" 10. "We are now the number one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere in the world. We are independent, and we do not need Middle East oil" For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance announced on Jan. 6 that it awarded GetInsured , a health insurance marketplace platform provider, a five-year contract to develop and operate the technology to transition from the federal marketplace to a state-based exchange. Under the contract, GetInsured will develop and operate the technology platform for New Jersey's State-Based Health Insurance Exchange. The selection is a key step in New Jersey's effort to transition to a State-Based Exchange for Plan Year 2021 to improve health coverage access for New Jersey residents and allow the state more autonomy over its health insurance market. "We made it a priority in New Jersey to ensure families have access to the health coverage and care they deserve by creating a State-Based Exchange that is tailored and efficient for our residents. We took a first step this year by moving to a State-Based Exchange on the Federal Platform, which allowed us to increase our investment in outreach to New Jersey residents at a time when the federal government was cutting costs. We now begin the work of establishing the technology platform and consumer assistance center for New Jersey's State-Based Exchange that will allow us to best serve the health coverage needs of our residents into the future," said Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride. The new exchange, established by legislation signed into law in June of 2019, will be operated by the Department of Banking and Insurance and funded by an assessment on premiums. The assessment was previously paid to the federal government to utilize the Federally Facilitated Exchange (FFE). While GetInsured will build the exchange platform, Maximus will operate the consumer assistance center for the state. "We look forward to delivering a best-in-class enrollment experience for the state of New Jersey," said Chini Krishnan, CEO and co-founder of GetInsured. "Technology allows states to greatly advance their exchanges and take better control of their health insurance markets. There is great momentum in the market right now; with Idaho, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and now, New Jersey moving off of the federal platform. We expect to see even more states evolve with technology as we move into the new decade." GetInsured currently operates the technology for five state health exchanges, including Nevada, Idaho, Minnesota, California, and Washington, and in addition to New Jersey, plans to launch an exchange in Pennsylvania for fall 2020. To learn more about GetInsured, visit company.getinsured.com. About GetInsured Founded in 2005, GetInsured builds and operates award-winning enrollment tools that serve state-based exchanges, brokers, insurers, and consumers. In addition to eligibility determination, plan selection, and enrollment technology for state agencies, the company delivers innovative agent marketing and call center tools and services. GetInsured currently has the largest state-based marketplace footprint, including the state exchanges of Nevada, California, Idaho, Minnesota, and Washington State, powering more than two million enrollments annually. To learn more visit company.getinsured.com. SOURCE GetInsured Related Links https://company.getinsured.com By AFP BAGHDAD: Iran on Wednesday launched a missile attack on an Iraqi airbase where US forces are based, threatening "more crushing responses" if Washington carried out further strikes, Iranian state media said. It said the missiles were in response to a US strike last week that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi top commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Security sources told AFP that nine rockets hit the sprawling Ain al-Asad airbase in the country's west, the largest of the Iraqi military compounds where foreign troops are based. The attack came in three waves just after midnight, the sources said. Iran swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack, with state TV saying it had launched "tens of missiles" on the base and promised "more crushing responses" if the US carried out further strikes. ALSO READ: Intense military jet activity over Iraq capital Baghdad after Iran attack The Pentagon said Iran had fired more than a dozen missiles against Ain al-Asad and another installation hosting US and coalition forces near Arbil. It said bases hosting foreign troops had expected an attack and had been on "high alert" for days. US President Donald Trump was "monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," according to the White House. #WATCH: Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles at 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7 and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, in Iraq. pic.twitter.com/xQkf9lG6AP ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 The attack came after pro-Tehran factions in Iraq had vowed to join forces to "respond" to the killing of Soleimani and Muhandis last week. Soleimani was seen as the "godfather" of Tehran's proxy network across the region and Muhandis, one of his top advisors, was the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military network. ALSO READ: US bans all its passenger flights over Gulf, Iraq, Iran, says regulator Many factions within the Hashed, which has been incorporated into the Iraqi state, have ties to Tehran. On Tuesday, a hardline Hashed faction issued its fiercest threat yet to retaliate. "The US Marines must immediately return to their dens to make their coffins," said Akram al-Kaabi, head of the Harakat al-Nujaba group. "The International Resistance Regiments have been formed in order to execute a harsh, deliberate response to the American terrorist forces," Kaabi added. His deputy had earlier called for an urgent meeting to unite anti-American forces across Iraq. "We will wage a war against the American presence in all parts of the region that we can reach," said Nasr al-Shammary. US installations across Iraq had faced some 15 rocket attacks in recent months but none had been claimed. As a result, the US-led coalition and NATO announced they were temporarily suspending their operations in Iraq. Regulatory News: Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) today released its regular weekly Net Asset Value ("NAV") and performance returns on its website, https://www.pershingsquareholdings.com/company-reports/weekly-navs/. The NAV and returns were computed as of the close of business on Tuesday, 7 January 2020. PSH NAV per share as of close of business on 7 January 2020 was 27.07 USD 20.64 GBP and year-to-date performance was 00.5%. Weekly net asset value ("NAV") is calculated as of the close of business on each Tuesday and posted on the following business day. In the event that Tuesday is not a business day, the Company will calculate the close-of-business NAV as of the business day immediately preceding that Tuesday. The end-of-month NAV is calculated as of the close of business on the last day of the month and posted on the following business day. For weeks that include a month-end NAV report, PSH will provide only the month-end NAV and not report the Tuesday NAV. Monthly NAVs are published in accordance with the Decree on Conduct of Business Supervision of Financial Undertakings under the Wft (Besluit Gedragstoezicht financiele ondernemingen Wft). Performance is presented on a net-of-fees basis and reflects the deduction of, among other expenses: management fees, brokerage commissions, administrative fees and accrued performance fees, if any. The performance figure includes the reinvestment of all dividends, interest and capital gains. Depending on the timing of a specific investment, net performance for an individual investor may vary from the net performance as stated herein. Net performance is a geometrically linked time weighted calculation. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. All investments involve risk including the loss of principal. About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund that makes concentrated investments principally in North American companies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005875/en/ Contacts: Media Camarco Ed Gascoigne-Pees Hazel Stevenson +44 020 3757 4989, media-pershingsquareholdings@camarco.co.uk The First Circuit decision appears likely to have an impact beyond Massachusetts, in other states that, without explicitly exempting au pairs, offer protections to domestic workers greater than those of the federal au pair regulations. The ruling is binding in the First Circuit, which, in addition to Massachusetts, includes Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Puerto Rico. The minimum wage in Massachusetts, $12.75 per hour, means that families who employ au pairs will now have to pay them roughly $528 a week for 45 hours of work, when factoring in overtime and a $77 deduction for room and board. The lawsuit, which was brought in 2016, had been working its way through the courts for several years, but it appeared that many au pair agencies had not warned host families about the pending case or the possibility that the domestic workers rules might apply. Among the proposals that parents groups are urging lawmakers to consider, one bill would allow families to deduct up to 40 percent of the weekly wages that they paid au pairs to cover lodging and food. Parents also were hoping legislators would agree to delay until July when the domestic workers rules would apply. Several parents said the ruling fundamentally misconstrued the nature of the au pair program, which was designed as a cultural exchange, allowing young people to pursue their education while experiencing everyday life in an American family. Au pair means on par in French, and the State Departments online information about the program says au pairs should be included whenever possible in family meals, outings, holidays and other events. Several parents said they considered current or former au pairs to be members of their family. And in a brief filed with the court, the federal government argued against applying the Massachusetts law to au pairs. State and local regulations have the potential to severely undermine the au pair program, particularly if increased costs or record-keeping burdens discourage participation by host families, the brief said, describing the program as a valuable tool of U.S. foreign policy. But some former au pairs disagreed with the parents and the view of the federal government. Thaty Oliveira, 35, who is from Brazil, was an au pair in Massachusetts in 2003. While she said she had a great experience with the family, and worked at most 30 hours a week, she said that was not the norm among her fellow au pairs, many of whom spent too many hours doing child care to get a rich exposure to American culture. Even in her case, she said, she considers the child care she performed to have been real work, deserving of a minimum wage. State Sen. Vincent Hughes, center; Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry Jordan, back left; State Rep. Brian Sims, back second from right; State Sen. Christine Tartaglione, back right; joined teachers and parents Wednesday in urging Gov. Tom Wolf to prioritize funding for Philadelphia's schools in this year's budget during a news conference at Carnell Elementary, another Philadelphia school recently closed due to asbestos issues. Read more As Philadelphia continues to grapple with asbestos hazards in its schools, state and local elected officials joined with teachers and parents Wednesday morning to demand state money to make repairs. Standing outside Carnell Elementary in Oxford Circle, which has been closed since Dec. 20 due to damaged asbestos, speakers at the news conference organized by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers said the state needed to step up with funding. Weve got over $300 million in the states Rainy-Day Fund. Lets make it rain for these school buildings, and take some of that money and put it into these buildings to fix them up, said State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D., Phila.). State Rep. Joe Hohenstein (D., Phila.) said Gov. Tom Wolf gave away a lot of power in the last budget and has to put this issue, and the infrastructure for public schools around the state, into the priorities of his budget. The district has closed six schools since September following the discovery of damaged asbestos. While asbestos is present in most of the districts buildings, it doesnt pose a health risk unless it is disturbed, allowing it to release fibers that can cause cancer and other illnesses if ingested. READ MORE: This Philly teacher taught in toxic schools for 28 years. Now, she has mesothelioma. I never would have imagined this would be keeping me out of teaching, never, Tina Asman, a Carnell teacher who has worked in the district for 23 years, said Wednesday. We need to get our kids back to school. A Carnell parent, Rishawn Reynolds, said she had been making lesson plans for her fourth grade daughter at home. The School District, which has taken heat for its handling of the ongoing problems, has pledged faster responses to asbestos concerns and better communication with families. READ MORE: Missed asbestos, dangerous dust: How Philadelphias Ben Franklin H.S. project went wrong But Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. has said addressing the full scope of the districts known lead and asbestos issues would cost $150 million. The district cannot raise money on its own and says it would need to look to the state and city for that funding. The state has given added money to Philadelphia over the last two years to help address environmental hazards in schools, steering $12 million to the district between 2018 and 2019 for lead paint removal. Wolf agrees that more funding is needed to protect the health of students and teachers, said spokesperson J.J. Abbott. He said the governor continues to urge the legislature to support a severance tax on natural gas drilling to fund infrastructure improvements. Republican legislative leaders have repeatedly rejected severance tax proposals. Several officials Wednesday called for the state to spend $170 million, the figure the teachers union has put on the districts broader facilities troubles. City Councilmember Helen Gym supported that request but also called for local accountability, saying she would be reviewing school board members selected or reappointed as part of a nominating process that begins Wednesday. Mayor Jim Kenney appoints the nine-member board, but Council has confirmation power. Students deserve to learn every day, Gym said, adding that the string of school closures over asbestos should never occur in a modern American school system. DETROIT -- Francisco Rodriguez is still grinding. The celebrated closer -- known as K-Rod in the United States and El Kid in his native Venezuela -- has pitched in the minor leagues, an independent league and Mexico since the Detroit Tigers released him in 2017. On Tuesday night, his 38th birthday, Rodriguez returned to the Venezuelan winter league for the Tiburones de La Guaira. He pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning, inducing a flyout to center field and then striking out the next two batters. It was a big win for La Guaira, which is facing the Leones del Caracas in the first round of the playoffs. They are one victory away from advancing. Rodriguez hadnt pitched in the Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional (LVBP) since the postseason of 2013-2014 and his arrival this week was somewhat of a surprise. The Venezuelan league has fewer foreign players this year due to U.S. sanctions on the Venezuelan government and the ongoing economic crisis in the south American country. The uncertain security situation and confusion about whether the sanctions would apply to Venezuelan nationals playing in the big leagues has also made this a challenging year for the league. The Tigers did not give permission for Victor Reyes and Harold Castro to play this winter, although that may have been for workload issues rather than political ones. Both have played for Caracas in the past and likely would have been facing K-Rod on Tuesday night. El Kids days as a big-leaguer are probably done, but perhaps hell look for another opportunity in Mexico this summer. K-Rod finished his career with 437 saves over 16 seasons. Hell appear for the first time on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2023. FURTHER READING Tigers, Michael Fulmer agree on 2020 contract Tigers calendar 2020: Important dates, games, events 12 cheap outfield options the Tigers should consider Tigers bring back familiar face to compete for bullpen role As corner outfielders dwindle, so do Tigers options As Tigers add pitchers, Toledo could be getting crowded Tigers select pitcher from Yankees in Rule 5 Draft Despite losing season, Ron Gardenhire wanted to keep Tigers staff together Lou Whitakers path to the Hall is still alive despite vote Tigers rebuild entering new phase, GM says 'We document everything: Tigers GM on new data-driven player development system Tigers GM expects another challenging season in 2020 Tigers GM wants Miguel Cabrera to stick with nutrition plan to ease pressure on knee Model Min Zee-an / Courtesy of @Xackfotograf Law student-turned-model dreaming to be on global stage By Jung Da-min Becoming a fashion model never seemed like a viable career option, says Min Ha-kyung, who has taken a break from law school and made it to third place at a famous model contest hosted by broadcaster SBS, the 2019 Supermodel Contest which aired on Nov. 18. "My mother is a high school teacher and for her, it was natural to think that her daughter should get good grades at school and enter a prominent university," said Min, who uses the name Min Zee-an professionally, during an interview with The Korea Times in Seoul, Dec. 4. "I think I had unconsciously excluded the option of becoming a model from my possible professions." Just like many other students, Min did not know what she really wanted to do after graduation. She ended up entering a law school as she was doing "okay" with studying at school and her parents were happy about it, she said, but it never made her feel as alive as modeling did. To avoid regret, she went to numerous open casting calls at agencies in search of a modelling contract but seeing young competitors there made her feel that it might be "too late" for her to become a professional model. At a 2014 modeling contest she participated in when she was 22 years old, the winner of the contest was 10 years younger than her. "That was when I felt it might be too late for me to join the modeling industry," Min said. But things have changed, Min said, with the development of online platforms such as YouTube and Instagram that have brought with them the concept of online influencers. Min continued her efforts to engage in the industry, shooting and uploading photos and videos through her social network accounts, which later became her portfolio when her dream to join a professional modeling agency finally came true in July last year. Min signed a contract with YG KPLUS model agency in Seoul and has since been actively working as a model. Her recent features include the stage for the 2019 ASEAN-Republic of Korea Fashion Week held on the sidelines of the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit in late November last year. Min said her case was extremely rare as the industry favors "young" models. "Most of my colleague models at the agency are around 10 years younger than I am. Even after I got picked by the casting director of my agency, I was frequently asked about my age from the industry officials," Min said. "But listening to my own instinct I've made my way through as a professional model I always told those who say I am 'too old' that I would make my own definition of what a model is." Min said she wanted to tell people, who feel frustrated and don't know what they really want to do, to keep asking themselves, as she did. "There must be a thing that makes your heart beat, if you keep asking. When you find that thing, do not hesitate to jump to the challenge to do what you really want, as it's all about YOLO: You only live once!" PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 02:12:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) meets with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Istanbul, Turkey, Jan. 8, 2020. Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called for restraint and diplomacy to avoid "a new cycle of instability" in the Middle East amid growing Iran-U.S. tensions. (Turkish Presidency/Handout via Xinhua) ISTANBUL, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday issued a joint statement on the civil war of Libya, crisis in Iran and developments in Syria after their consecutive meetings in Istanbul. The two leaders called on all parties in Libya for the establishment of an immediate cease-fire and to stop all hostilities. They said the cease-fire should be sustainable and "supported by the necessary measures to be taken for stabilizing the situation on the ground and normalizing daily life in Tripoli and other cities." The North African country has been torn by a raging civil war, between the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) based in the capital Tripoli and the Libyan National Army and its allies based in the east. On Sunday, Erdogan said Turkey is "gradually" sending troops to Libya under a deal inked with the GNA. On the growing aggression between the United States and Iran, the two presidents called on both sides to act with restraint and prioritize diplomacy. "The use of force does not contribute to finding solutions to complex problems in the Middle East, but ... would lead to a new cycle of instability," the statement said. Earlier on Wednesday, Iran fired missiles targeting U.S. military in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, near the Baghdad airport in Iraq in a U.S. drone strike. Erdogan and Putin also reiterated their commitment to the preservation of sovereignty, independence, political unity and territorial integrity of Syria. Turkey and Russia are at odds over the offensive of Russian-backed Syrian government forces on the country's last rebel-stronghold in the northwestern province of Idlib, which prompted a new flow of refugees toward the Turkish border. "We underscore the necessity to establish calm in the Idlib de-escalation area by fully implementing all agreements on Idlib," the statement said. Ken Clarke delights in pointing out that under Margaret Thatcher, who he served as a reforming Minister, a political cycle would turn roughly as follows. She would win an election. Her Government would then undertake a series of reforms, all of which would swiftly run into opposition, not least from all the interest groups concerned. The Conservative poll ratings would plummet. Another election would eventually come. She would then win it againat which point the cycle would once again commence. Last years Tory manifesto and yesterdays Cabinet meeting are a reminder that it is all rather different these days. The former was stress-tested in order to avoid a repetition of the social care calamity of 2017. Quite right too. But a consequence is that one can scour its pages without finding much by way of major reform. Fifty thousand more nurses! Twenty thousand more police! Millions more invested in schools, science, apprenticeships and infrastucture! A massive programme of improvements for our roads! As for our armed forces, we will always fund them properly. Over at the Treasury, Sajid Javid has helped to ensure that the Government is committed to ensuring that public sector net investment will not average more than 3 per cent of GDP and that debt will be lower at the end of the Parliament. That means a squeeze on current spending it is a different matter with capital if taxes are not to rise higher than they otherwise might. The Government has said that it will not raise the rate of income tax, VAT or National Insurance. That form of wording leaves room for some jiggery-pockery with thresholds, but both Javid and Boris Johnson will want to avoid that if at all possible. So there is a trade-off between tax hikes elsewhere and spending rise reductions. Ministers have consequently been told to slaughter sacred cows even though the interest groups concerned will fight like protective tigers. Some officials will squeal. It is an entire animal farm. Departments have been told to go through their spending line by line. In his latest famous blog, Dominic Cummings has written that there is a huge amount of low hanging fruit trillion dollar bills lying on the street. If these can be found in the ways he then suggests then departmental ministers can relax. But it may all not be quite that straightforward. Another Dominic, Raab now embroiled in Iran once proposed a plan for radical savings. He wanted to slash the number of departments from 20 to eleven. Many of his proposals echo current ones, or vice-versa. For example, he wanted to put the Department for International Development intothe Foreign Office. It isnt clear whether Johnson intends such structural reform. And if does whether the civil service will ensure that it becomes a shuffling rather than the removing of deckchairs. But whatever happens, there are limits to what can be squeezed out of departmental change. One comes back in the end to reform if one wants savings and stable let alone lower taxes. On healthcare, the manifesto pledges to study carefully the recommendations of the ongoing review led by NHS clinical staff into A&E and clinical performance. On education, provision will be expanded for those who have been excluded from school. On social care, the Government will let you know; sorry, build a cross-party consensus. That defence pledge costs money if met. So does Universal Credit. We dont believe that reaching net zero by 2050 can be done without cost. Tougher sentencing means more prison place. Oh, and we will keep the triple lock, the winter fuel payment, the older persons bus pass and other pensioner benefits. Some claim that Laffer curves can solve all these problems. But all Conservative Governments, including Thatchers, have put sound money first. In a properly-ordered political world, there would be a real fundamental spending review, looking at everything government does, and asking whether it must be done and, if so, whether civil society or the private sector can do it more effectively. The Big Society, anyone? But this Government is roughly a million light years away from undertaking any such thing. Voters are sick and tired of austerity whatever that may mean now. That mass of Red Wall seats was won precisely because Johnson was able to bat off claims that he leads the same old Tories. That meant no big reform plan. All these challenges can be danced around or ducked or evaded for a while. But not indefinitely. Minister of Justice, NGOs speak out about dangers of non-electronic IDs By Levan Abramishvili The Constitutional Court of Georgia approved the issuance of non-electronic IDs. The IDs wont have chips in them as some claim is against their religion.Part of the Georgian citizens has been demanding the issuance of non-electronic IDs for years, which the Government opposed with several arguments, including the issue of election fraud.I dont know anymore what the Ministry of Justice can do to convince these people who own paper IDs that their identities can easily be falsified. Their property can be transferred without their knowledge. Also, if there is a corrupt government in power, there is a risk that someone might be deprived of their right to vote, addressed the Minister of Justice of Georgia Tea Tsulukiani in March of this year to 400,000 people who have paper IDs and urged them to order biometric ID cards.Electronic ID cards are issued in Georgia since August 1, 2011. The document contains an electronic chip containing an electronic copy of the data visualized on the card. The card is also equipped with online authentication and digital signature tools that the cardholder can use at their will. The electronic IDs are issued in accordance with the rules set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and can be used not only domestically but also as a travel document abroad.However, a part of the Georgian population thinks that the chips on the electronic ID cards can be used for total control of the people and is related to the apocalyptic foretelling of the Bible.On December 26, the Constitutional Court of Georgia has accepted to consider the constitutional lawsuit of Nana Sepiashvili and Ia Rekhviashvili against the Parliament and Minister of Justice, which concerns the rule of issuing IDs and biometric passports, which does not allow the documents to be received non-electronically without the chip.The Court has pointed out that in the context of the disputed norms, persons who refuse to obtain identity cards on religious grounds have limited right to vote, access to medical care, employment, education, etc. Accordingly, the Constitutional Court suspended the statutory content of the disputed norms prior to reaching the final ruling on the case, which prevents the issuance of non-electronic ID cards to persons who refuse to obtain an electronic ID card on the religious grounds.The Minister of Justice has commented on the Court decision, saying that the electronic IDs are important to hold fair and democratic elections.An electronic ID card is a document ensuring the democratic and correct development of our country. This also implies credible elections. It is almost the election year. That is why the biometric photo list that Georgian Dream introduced in 2014 is credible because there is an electronic ID in our country and I do not want to think it will one day be called into question, Tsulukiani said.According to the Justice Minister, more than three million Georgian citizens and adults today own authentic electronic ID cards. Tsulukiani hopes that they "will conduct the next elections based on a biometric photo list and electronic ID."An NGO working on election issues International Society for Fair Elections And Democracy (ISFED) noted that it is right that the paper IDs are easier to falsify, but at this point, it can only be argued at the level of unreasonable speculation about whether or not this issue will be exploited for the elections.Another local NGO The Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC) notes that even though manifesting one's faith and conducting it following the beliefs of one's is an important aspect of the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of belief. That is why, in some cases, the legislator is obliged to assess whether a substantially neutral norm leads to an unjustified restriction of the rights of persons of a particular faith.It should be noted that as per the ruling of the Holy Synod of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia, there is no usage of anti-Christian symbols in the IDs containing the chips the denial of such ID does not derive from the Orthodox teachings. The EMC notes that the applicants should explain how the electronic IDs are related to their faith, which cant be seen in the case files.The Constitutional Court has used the suspension mechanism, which is only applied in exceptional cases by the Court where there is a threat of irreversible, permanent infringement of plaintiffs rights and the person has no other legal remedy to avoid such an outcome. The Constitutional Court held that if the disputed norms were found unconstitutional, the harm caused by these norms could not be remedied. However, the court did not see the risks of unjustified restriction of the rights and public interests of third parties by suspending the disputed norms, noted EMC.EMC added that the decision made by the Court lacks reasoning and even though the exceptional suspension mechanism was used, the Court did not substantively consider at a prima facie point if the applicants demands were in accordance with the requirement of seriousness and significance test and if it was satisfied to place the case in a protected area of freedom of religion.Additionally, EMC said the court did not properly consider the dangers of suspending the disputed norms to the public interest. EMC stated that they will observe the substantive review of the case. Timmothy vanished after his mother pulled him out of kindergarten in Aurora, took him on a two-day road trip to the zoo and a water park, and then killed herself at a hotel. She left a note saying that her son was safe with people who would love and care for him, and added: You will never find him. Photo: Eric Fleming/Flickr Read on for the most recent top news you may have missed in Jacksonville. Jacksonville police release image of gun allegedly found in vehicle following officer-involved shooting The two men were taken to the hospital, where one was declared dead, while the other remains in critical condition. Read the full story on FIRST COAST NEWS. Man arrested in connection to Jacksonville teacher's death had violent past, released from jail in September 2019 First Coast News has been digging into the criminal past of Zebulon Perkins, the 27-year-old man arrested in connection to the death of an Atlantic Coast High School teacher. Read the full story on FIRST COAST NEWS. Police investigating after teen shot in Jacksonville The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is investigating after a teen was shot in the buttocks Tuesday night. The 17-year-old male victim was driven by a friend to UF Health Shands. The teen sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Read the full story on FIRST COAST NEWS. City of Jacksonville sues former pension fund head John Keane In the latest salvo of a protracted, nearly five-year-long battle with former Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund executive director John Keane, the city and the pension fund filed their own lawsuit asking Keane to pay back decades worth of pension payments. Read the full story on FIRST COAST NEWS. Jacksonville, state leaders call for change in Northwest Jacksonville Jacksonville city council members and a state representative announced a plan to address crime, economic development and infrastructure issues in her district. Read the full story on FIRST COAST NEWS. This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. She also recorded the fourth-fastest womens time in the races 45-year history. Peterson, 5 feet, 1 inches tall and 100 pounds, is an instructor in the ISU College of Technology Occupational Therapy Program and is a sponsored Nike Trail runner. Last June, she finished the Western States in about 17-1/2 hours, battling the womens race champion nearly to the end, still competing with the eventual winner at the 95-mile mark. The race is held in Californias Sierra Nevada mountains, starting in Squaw Valley and ending in Auburn. The contestants toil through 18,000 feet in elevation gain and descend about 23,000 during the race. I was kind of an underdog, because I dont have a ton of national recognition at the 100-mile distance, but I was off contract (teaching) in May thats the beauty of working in academia and was training down in California, Peterson said. I was confident in my training, I knew the course and I knew how to execute. I was really shooting for the podium, but wasnt terribly open about that at the time because so few people ever get to be on the podium. Among her other running accomplishments, Peterson also has the fastest known time for women, 36 hours and 44 minutes, for climbing all nine of Idahos 12,000-feet peaks. Her boyfriend, ISU geosciences alum Cody Lind, holds the mens record for the Idaho 12ers. Peterson said that working at ISU is a boon to her running, and that her running is an asset to her teaching. Shes able to complete her 50 to 100 miles of weekly training runs around her teaching schedule. I feel like I blend both worlds, Peterson said. Being good in your profession and being good in a specialized sport requires the same drive and enthusiasm. My boss tells me that running is asset for me as an instructor versus a hindrance because it shows students well-roundedness, responsibility and dedication. A native of Duluth, Minnesota, Peterson practiced as an occupational therapist in Boise for seven years before moving to Pocatello to work at ISU two years ago. When I was practicing in the community it felt like, with the traveling and competing, I was not providing the continuity of care I wanted to, she said. Academics is super flexible. For example this year I started the semester teaching in Pocatello and a week later I was in France running the CCC (an ultra-run event in the Alps) and then doing ZOOM (online) lectures back to my students. In Pocatello, Peterson has found a tight outdoor recreation community and a trail system made to order for an ultra-runner. I loved living in Boise, but the trails in Pocatello are way better. Sometimes there are more moose on the trails than people, said Peterson, who likes to train with her dogs, two huskies and a pitbull. There are true single-track trails that start right on the edge of town that are actually technical at higher elevations. Her love of the trails in the Pocatello area are another in for connecting with current and potential ISU students. When I lead tours with potential students I can share that I am more of a small-town girl who loves outdoor recreation and Pocatello can be a beautiful blend for students, she said. The university makes Pocatello more of a thriving place and Im hoping to see more changes in the community centered around outdoor recreation. She mentioned that university and community members interesting in exploring trail running can meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday nights at the Pocatello Running Company, located in Old Town. The group caters to brand new to seasoned trail runners who want to explore area trails and meet people. Bottom photo information: Peterson on the podium at Western States. By ZEKE MILLER and DEB RIECHMANN Associated Press WASHINGTON The U.S. and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war Wednesday, as President Donald Trump indicated he would not respond militarily after no one was harmed in Irans missile strike on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. Speaking from the White House, Trump seemed intent on deescalating the crisis, which reached a new height after he authorized the targeted killing last week of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. Iran retaliated overnight with its most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, firing more than a dozen missiles from its territory at the installations in Iraq. Trump credited an early warning system "that worked very well" for the fact that no Americans or Iraqis were killed. He added that Americans should be "extremely grateful and happy" with the outcome. Trump, facing one of the greatest tests of his presidency, said Wednesday that Iran appeared to be "standing down" and said the U.S. response would be to put in place new economic sanctions "until Iran changes its behavior." Your browser does not support the iframe HTML tag. Try viewing this in a modern browser like Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9 or later. The strikes had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and put the worlds attention on Trump as he weighed whether to respond with more military force. The Republican president delivered his remarks surrounded by his national security advisers in the foyer of the White House. It came after a late-night tweet in which he insisted All is well! after the strikes. Iran, for days, had promised to respond forcefully to Soleimani's killing, but its limited strike on two bases one in the northern Iraqi city in Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq appeared to signal that it was also uninterested in a wider clash with the U.S. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the country had "concluded proportionate measures in self-defense." Trump, who is facing reelection in November, campaigned for president on a promise to keep the United States from engaging in "endless war." On Wednesday he said the United States is "ready to embrace peace with all who seek it." That marked a change in tone from his Tuesday warning, "If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly." Trump opened his remarks by reiterating his promise that "Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon," even as that country announced in the wake of Soleimani's killing that it would no longer comply with any of the 2015 nuclear agreement's limits on enrichment that had been put in place to prevent it from building a nuclear device. He seized on the moment of calm to call for new negotiations to replace the deal from which he withdrew the U.S., objecting that it didn't limit Iran's ballistic missile programs or constrain its regional proxy campaigns like those led by Soleimani. The president spoke directly to Iran, saying, "We want you to have a future and a great future." Trump also announced he would ask NATO to become "much more involved in the Middle East process." While he has frequently criticized NATO as obsolete and has encouraged participants to increase their military spending, Trump has sought to have the military alliance refocus its efforts on modern threats. Like U.S. troops in the region, NATO forces have temporarily halted their training of Iraqi forces and their counter-Islamic State efforts, and re-positioned some forces due to the current instability. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking on Wednesday, said the overnight strike was not necessarily the totality of Iran's response. "Last night they received a slap," Khamenei said. "These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end." Soleimani's death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets to mourn him. Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander. The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles in the latest strikes, two U.S. officials said. Ten hit the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq's western Anbar province and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Four failed, said the officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly about a military operation. According to a U.S. official, early warning systems detected the missile launches and alarms sounded, giving personnel at the bases time to get to shelter. Officials also said that the U.S. was aware of preparations for the attack. It's unclear if any intelligence identified specific targets or was more general. Two Iraqi security officials said a missile appeared to have struck a plane at Ain al-Asad, igniting a fire. Ain al-Asad was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and it later was used by American troops in the fight against the Islamic State group. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. Trump visited it in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice President Mike Pence visited both Ain al-Asad and Irbil in November. Trump spoke of new sanctions on Iran, but it was not immediately clear what those would be. The primary agencies involved in implementing such penalties the departments of Commerce, State and Treasury do not preview those actions to prevent the targets from taking steps to evade them. Since withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, the administration has already imposed harsh sanctions on nearly every significant portion of Iran's economic, energy, shipping and military sectors. However, it retains broad authority to expand their scope and also to target individual Iranian officials and their families with penalties, including asset freezes and travel bans. It can also threaten foreign individuals and companies with U.S. sanctions if they do business with designated Iranians. The effort to deescalate the conflict comes after world leaders appealed to both sides for restraint. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a joint statement after a closed-door meeting on Mideast security warned that the further use of force "would lead to a new cycle of instability and would eventually damage everyone's interests." In Washington, Democrats called on Trump avoid military escalation. Rep. Eliot Engel of New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the administration needs to quickly "extricate us from what could lead into a full-fledged war with terrible casualties." Engel said he feared the situation "spirals out of control." The fallout for Trump's order to kill Soleimani had been swift. Iraq's Parliament voted to expel U.S. troops from Iraq, which would undermine efforts to fight Islamic State militants in the region and would strengthen Iran's influence in the Mideast. The counterattack by Iran came as Trump and his top advisers were under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led to the American strike that killed Soleimani. Top Senate Democrats, citing "deep concern" about the lack of information coming from the Trump administration about the Iran operation, called on Defense Department officials to provide "regular briefings and documents" to Congress. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the senators said in a letter Wednesday that the White House's classified War Powers notification to Congress was "generic, vague, and entirely inconsistent in its level of detail" compared with the norm. They also registered their "grave concern" with Trump's comments on targeting Iranian cultural sites and asked for clarification. Members of Congress were to be briefed on the strike Wednesday afternoon in closed-door sessions on Capitol Hill. Trump and top national security officials have justified the airstrike with general statements about the threat posed by Soleimani, who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. One lawmaker who has read the classified notification that Trump sent Congress after the U.S. air strike that killed Soleimani said the two-page document did not describe any imminent planned attacks or contain any new information. The lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the classified document, said the letter gave a historic account of attacks that have been reported publicly. ___ Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Lolita Baldor, Darlene Superville Alan Fram and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report. The Daily Beast Fox News White House correspondent and perpetual nemesis of Jen Psaki thought he had Joe Bidens press secretary cornered on Monday when he asked her why the president is still referring to COVID-19 as a pandemic of the unvaccinated when so many people are getting breakthrough infections. He was wrong.I understand that the science says that vaccines prevent death, Doocy began, before undercutting that basic truth. But Im triple-vaxxed, still got COVID. Youre triple-vaxxed, still got COVI Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 05:13:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close GAZA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Hamas, ruler of the Gaza Strip, said on Wednesday that the visit of its chief Ismail Haniyeh to Iran "must not affect the ties with Egypt." Mahmoud al-Zahar, a senior Hamas official, said in a press statement that the Hamas leadership is not aware of any Egyptian criticism of Haniyeh's visit to Tehran to pay condolences for the killing of the senior Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani. "The visit must not influence or affect the relationship with Cairo because we are a liberation movement and we want to liberate our occupied Palestinian lands," al-Zahar said. "We don't want to back any party against any other," he added. Last week, Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy chief of Iraq's paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces, were killed in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad airport, sparking outrage among some political factions and military wings in Gaza. It is worth noting that the Hamas-led militants in Gaza have never denied financial and military support from Iran. "Iran has always supported the Palestinian armed resistance groups with arms and money and it has never asked anything or political price in return," al-Zahar said. As the tensions continued to remain high in the Gulf region following the killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in a US air raid last week, Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan on Wednesday said that Centre is closely monitoring the situation. "In view of the prevailing situation in the Gulf country, the Centre is closely monitoring the developments in the Gulf region. External Affairs Minister (EAM) has talked to his counterparts in Jordan, Oman, Qatar, France, UAE and has also talked to Foreign minister of Iran and the American Secretary of State," he said while speaking to reporters here. The MoS also said that India has issued a travel advisory for its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq. Early on Wednesday, Iran launched more than a dozen missiles on US targets in Iraq -- first at the Ain Al-Asad airbase in Anbar province and another one at Erbil, which falls in the Kurdistan region. The strikes came hours after the funeral of Soleimani whose killing in a US air raid last week intensified tensions in the Gulf region. Countries including the UK have condemned Iran's strikes and have urged Tehran to pursue urgent de-escalation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The body of slain Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a US airstrike last week, was laid to rest in his hometown of Kerman on Wednesday morning, state media said. Thousands of people were seen weeping during the funeral ceremony of Soleimani, Iran's state-run Press TV reported citing CNN. The burial comes hours after Iran launched a series of attacks on US targets in Iraq including the targetting of two bases at Al-Asad and Abril with over a dozen ballistic missiles. The attacks came in retaliation to Soleimani's killing. Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq last Friday. His death marked a dramatic escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, that have often been at a fever pitch since Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact powers struck with Tehran. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who gave Soleimani the country's highest honour last year, vowed "severe retaliation" in response to his killing. The Pentagon accused Soleimani of plotting the earlier embassy attack in Iraq and planning to carry out additional attacks on US diplomats and service members in Iraq and the region. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Boehringer Ingelheim, a global pharmaceutical company, has appointed Mohammed Tawil as regional managing director for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) region, in addition to his role as head of Human Pharmaceuticals. Tawil will lead the companys operations from its regional headquarters in Dubai, UAE. Prior to joining META, Tawil was a regional business manager within the Emerging Markets region, based at the companys headquarters in Germany. He was responsible for China, Mexico, Brazil and South America, where he successfully managed positive transformational changes across Boehringer Ingelheims Emerging Markets operations. As regional managing director for Boehringer Ingelheim META, Tawil will focus on achieving growth and market leadership, while further developing innovative solutions that serve customers and patients across the Human Pharmaceuticals and Animal Health businesses. Commenting on his new role, Tawil said: Im excited about taking on this role and look forward to contributing to the sustainable development of the business in the region. I see tremendous potential to bring more value to the communities that we operate in through two main factors. First, that the company has a strong focus on bringing innovative solutions to patients in an effort to better serve their needs. And secondly, our region is highly responsive and open to partnerships that would reshape the overall healthcare landscape. Knowledge sharing and effective teamwork are among the main driving forces in Boehringer Ingelheim. The greatest successes I have witnessed in my international career were a direct result of the combined efforts of an exceptional diverse group of professionals. I am keen to ensure that we apply this approach not only to deliver results, but to make a difference for the generations to come, Tawil added. TradeArabia News Service DASM Construction Contractor Company Jobs 2020 in Qatar Latest DASM Construction Contractor Company Management Posts Qatar 2022 Dar Al-Salam Mall DASM Construction Contractor Company requires the services of experienced and technical candidates for the posts of Purchasing Officer, Assistant Civil Engineer, Finance Manager, Assistant Electrical Engineer, Audit Officer, Salesman, Office Boy, Security Guard, Store Incharge, Computer Operator, Civil Engineer, Document Controller, Electrical Engineer, Civil Foreman, Receptionist and Delivery Boy in Qatar. How to Apply on DASM Construction Contractor Company Job Advertisement Apply as per details in job advertisement. In some cases, you may apply online at vacancies after registering at https://www.jobz.pk online. Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If an employer asks to pay money for any purpose, do not pay at all and report us at contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs may not be applied online here. Human typing error is possible. Error & omissions excepted. Muzaffarnagar/Meerut, Jan 8 : Samajwadi Party workers tonsured their heads in Muzaffarnagar and took out a procession with black cloth tied on their mouths in Meerut on Tuesday to protest against the assault on students in Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi. In Muzaffarnagar, the SP workers gathered at Ahilyabai Bai Chowk and started the protest against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and violence in JNU. They also raised slogans to demand employment for the youth. The protesters staged a dharna and got their heads tonsured. SP member Aleem Siddiqui said, "The BJP government is trying to disturb the communal harmony by imposing CAA. We are against the BJP's policy, and to oppose the government's policies we will keep on protesting every Tuesday." Scores of members of Samajwadi Party took to the streets in Meerut to protest against the brutal assault on the students of Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University. The party members covered their mouths with black cloth to showcase that the voices of the masses are being 'muzzled". Babur Chauhan, SP leader, said, "It is a matter of concern that the students are being thrashed with lathis and rods in their hostels in JNU, and the police is yet to take action against the accused." Iranian clerics look at a ballistic missile Shahab 1 during the second day of military exercises, codenamed Great Prophet-6, by Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards at an undisclosed location in Iran, June 28, 2011. According to Iranian state TV on Jan. 7, 2020, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Crops (IRGC) launched a series of rockets targeting Ain al-Assad air base located in al-Anbar, one of the bases hosting U.S. military troops in Iraq. The attack comes days after the Top Irani General Qassem Soleimani, head of the IRGC's Quds force, was killed by a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad. EPA Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq on Wednesday in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing last week stoked fears of a new Middle East war. Iranian state television said Iran had fired 15 missiles at U.S. targets in Iraq early on Wednesday. The U.S. military said at least two Iraqi facilities hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel were targeted at about 1:30 a.m. Iraq time (2230 GMT on Tuesday). Iraq said 22 missiles were fired. Iranian officials said Tehran did not want a war and its strikes "concluded" its response to Friday's killing of Qassem Soleimani, a powerful general whose burial after days of mourning was completed around the time of the missile launches. Iranian television showed mourners celebrating the attack. U.S. President Donald Trump said in a tweet that an assessment of casualties and damage from the strikes was under way and that he would make a statement on Wednesday morning. "All is well!" Trump, who visited one of the targeted sites in Iraq, Ain al-Asad air base, in December 2018, said on Twitter. One source said early indications were of no U.S. casualties, while other U.S. officials declined to comment. Iranian state television said 80 "American terrorists" had been killed and U.S. helicopters and military equipment damaged. It did not provide evidence of how it obtained that information. Germany, Denmark, Norway and Poland said none of their troops in Iraq were hurt. Britain, which also has personnel in Iraq, condemned the Iranian action. Iraq said its forces did not suffer any casualties. Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said the bases targeted were al-Asad air base and another facility in Erbil, Iraq. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region," Hoffman said. More than 5,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq along with other foreign forces in coalition that has trained and backed Iraqi forces against the threat of Islamic State militants. Iran, which has long said U.S. forces should leave the Middle East, told Washington after the attacks to withdraw its troops to prevent more deaths and warned U.S. allies including Israel not to allow attacks from their territories. Soleimani, a pivotal figure in orchestrating Iran's campaign to drive U.S. forces out of Iraq, was responsible for building up Iran's network of proxy armies across the Middle East. 'PROPORTIONATE MEASURES' Iranian television reported an official in Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's office as saying the missile attacks were the "weakest" of several retaliation scenarios. It quoted another source saying Iran had lined up 100 other potential targets. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was expected to speak later on Wednesday, state television reported. TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has said that a united Ireland is "further away" in the wake of the controversy over plans to commemorate the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC). Mr Varadkar also said there are "lessons to learn" from the furore over the event that had been planned for next week but is now cancelled. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan postponed the ceremony after a massive backlash over the plans to remember a police force that was reinforced by the notorious Black and Tans during the War of Independence. Mr Varadkar said Mr Flanagan was right to defer the commemoration but expressed hope it will still take place at a later date "in a way thats more appropriate and allows us to consult with the opposition and with others". However, he said he believes a united Ireland has been delayed as a result of this week's row. Unionists in the North have expressed disappointment that the event is not going ahead and questioned if they would be welcome in a future united Ireland. Expand Close Charlie Flanagan Photo: Arthur Carron / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Charlie Flanagan Photo: Arthur Carron Mr Varadkar said he firmly believes in a united Ireland and that it's possible within his lifetime. He added: "For a united Ireland to work it is going to have to be a very different State, a State that recognises that there are over a million people on our island who identify as British and come from the Unionist tradition. "We have to understand that as a country, as an island, we have a shared history that people north and south, catholic and protestant, unionist and nationalist fought on different sides, but they all fought for what they believed in". Read More Mr Varadkar added that people on both sides were victims of, and involved in atrocities. "We need to embrace and understand that shared history if we are going to build a united Ireland. "It is my deep regret that this week, embracing that shared history, moving towards a united Ireland feels to me to be a little bit further away than it was before." He said he regrets that there has been a "setback for unity and a set back for reconciliation" but added: "I think that can be changed... we have lessons to learn and work to do. Mr Varadkar also said he regrets that some members of the Opposition misrepresented the plans for the commemoration adding that this was "wrong". Meanwhile, Charlie Flanagan has been hit by criticisms from one of his own government team in the bitter row over plans to honour police officers who operated under the old British regime. The Governments chief whip, Sean Kyne, has said he sees plans for the event to honour the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police, as a solo run by Mr Flanagan which did not have full Government endorsement. Mr Kyne said the week-long controversy has been a learning curve for Government and much more widespread consultation must accompany further commemorations of the turbulent centenary year of 1920 and beyond. Mr Kyne, a Galway West TD also responsible for Gaeltacht affairs, made his intervention on Wednesdays main evening news on the Irish language station TG4. When asked if the plans for the event - now delayed beyond the January 17 date - were a solo run by Mr Flanagan, the Governments Dail enforcer did not mince words. "That is a question for Minister Flanagan but as I said, it wasn't on the official list that we got before Christmas. We got an invitation on the 6th January. And there has been a lot of controversy since and it is clear that more consultation is needed with the parties, organisations in order to discuss this...," Mr Kyne told TG4. Asked if the controversy of the past week were a learning curve for the Justice Department, and for the Government, Mr Kyne was unequivocal. "Yes, definitely, and it is important that there is more consultation from now on and everything is brought to government to discuss," Mr Kyne said. The Galway West TD further distanced Government and Fine Gael from the ill-starred commemoration. "It was a decision by the Department of Justice. This commemoration was not on the list that came before government before Christmas so it wasn't on the list of what we discussed, Mr Kyne said. But it was proposed by the Advisory Committee that the RIC and the DMP be looked at and do something but no decision was made on what type of commemoration or what kind of event to commemorate the RIC and DMP, he continued. In my opinion, I welcome the decision to go back on this decision and that more consultation is needed on this complicated topic and it is important that Minister Flanagan does that now," Mr Kyne concluded. The Justice Minister delivered a low-key response to the Government chief whips intervention. He said thousands of commemorative events spanning the Irish Revolution had been organised by diverse groups across the country including local and national government. Earlier this evening, Minister Regina Doherty insisted Charlie Flanagan never intended to "make a mess" with plans to commemorate the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) but suggested there was not enough consultation on the controversial event. Ms Doherty also said the controversy was a "real eye opener" if a border poll on a United Ireland is to be seriously considered in the coming years. Ms Doherty was asked by reporters if Mr Flanagan should apologise to his Fine Gael colleagues for "making a mess" of the issue. She said: "Look, I don't think Charlie's intention was ever to make a mess." She said family histories in Ireland are complex and pointed to how one of her great grandfathers had fought in the British Army in World War One, while another was an IRA man who was on the Black and Tans wanted list., Ms Doherty added: "We need to find a route to remember the history that has brought us to where we are today and to be thankful for it but I think, as well as just looking back, we need to look forward." She said there's been a lot of talk about a border poll from Sinn Fein. "Maybe there wasn't as much consultation with regard to this commemoration as there should have been or could have been. "But I think it's a real eye opener to how we need to reflect on what the country is going to look like for the next number of years if we are to seriously consider having a border poll and talking about a United Ireland in my lifetime." Read More Elsewhere, Business Minister Heather Humphreys argued that there was "a lot of misinformation about this particular commemoration." She insisted it was never about remembering the Black and Tans, but rather about the Irish men that lost their lives while working for the RIC. Ms Humphreys said: "I think its a good idea that the minister has postponed the event but I do look forward to it taking place because there have been a number of people who contacted me because their family members served in the RIC and they did make sacrifices and I do believe they deserve to be remembered." She added: "We need to look at our history in a fair and balanced way, in an inclusive way and try to understand the different narratives. "It is a very, very complex and difficult period in our history and we need to look at it with an open mind." These 14 new Disney Parks Mom Panel members beat out thousands of applicants. (Photo: Disney Parks) Theyve mastered Mickey, downed Dole Whips by the dozen and been tossed and turned by the teacups countless times now theyre, yep, going to Disney World. On Wednesday, Disney Parks revealed the 14 people joining the Disney Parks Moms Panel for 2020 and no, not all of them are moms or even women, with three men and two non-parents in the mix. According to the New York Times, more than 10,000 Disney enthusiasts applied for the unpaid opportunity to dish out their top tips for navigating the companys theme parks, resorts and cruises, from how to fast-track a fussy toddler through long lines to stocking up on the best snacks. "Every guest has their own unique expectations for a magical Disney vacation, Leanne O'Regan, director of public relations for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, said in a press release. Disney parks and resorts offer endless options from dining and activities to accommodations and transportation for vacationers looking to personalize their dream trip. Making the choices that best fit your ideal Disney vacation is where the Disney Parks Moms Panel comes in. Our Disney-savvy panelists are incredibly passionate and eager to help others experience the wonder of Disney for themselves, which is why they are the ideal group to provide guidance and advice to those preparing for their next Disney vacation." The new recruits billed as real moms, dads, grandparents and in the know family members with 714 Disney vacations between them will join 28 existing members of the Disney Parks Mom Panel in offering online advice and sharing their firsthand experiences with prospective park guests. The first panel, launched in 2008, had just 12 members. Members of the Disney Parks Mom Panel don't have be moms, but they do have to share their in-depth insight into the parks and resorts. (Photo: Abigail Nilsson/ABC via Getty Images) As the Times reports, being a panelist means devoting nights, weekends and/or days off to responding to about 15 typically detailed questions from people planning their own Disney vacations. Each panelist boasts a particular area of expertise for example, California-based Tiffanie Sojourner is touted as a pro at Disneyland Resorts vegan and plant-based food options and is given training on researching park info and interacting with members of the public in a polite, helpful manner. Story continues While the work is unpaid many panelists, who are considered Disney contractors, have full-time employment elsewhere there is a major perk. In exchange for their expertise and vacation planning assistance, theyll each score a free 5-might stay at a Disney park or vacation club for themselves and three guests. ORegan told the Times that the lack of monetary pay results in authenticity from the panelists, who are free to share their honest feedback and recommendations with travelers. Even without the pay, many told the newspaper that the gig is a dream come true. While Id love to work for Disney, I love what I do, Sojourner, a Passholder who works in wealth management and doesnt have children, said. I feel like Im able to be a part of this Disney family without having to move or change my life completely. I know there are a lot of people that love Disney and that would love to help other people to have a memorable vacation with their family, added new panelist Tamela Hansen, who spent 12 years applying for the role. I just thought, OK, well, the glass slipper isnt shiny for me this year. Itll be shiny for me one year. Hansen finally got her chance and with it, insider details on amusements, rides, guest services and food this year after joining the thousands who responded to Disneys call for applications last August. Before being hired, she and others went through a three-part interview process which included short answer essay questions, a video submission and a phone interview. At each stage, applicants were encouraged to show off not only their Disney knowledge, but also their personal passion for the brand. As ORegan put it to the Times: The Disney Parks Moms Panelists live and breathe Disney details. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: The process of Air Indias sale got off to a start on Tuesday, with the government approving a draft document inviting expressions of interest to be issued before the month-end, a senior official said on condition of anonymity. In addition, the government could soon approve a further transfer of Air Indias debtcurrently more than Rs 60,000 croreto a special purpose vehicle (SPV), the official said. About half the debt has already been transferred to the SPV. Tuesdays meeting of a group of ministers was attended by home minister Amit Shah, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, commerce minister Piyush Goyal, aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri and aviation secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola. Puri said the government will soon release a statement regarding the decisions taken at the meeting. It was not, however, immediately clear what the government plans to do with Air Indias large workforce, currently more than 20,000, including that of its subsidiaries. Air India has 128 aircraft in its fleet, according to its website, while its subsidiaries Air India Express has 25 and Alliance Air 19. A cash shortage has forced the grounding of 26 of these aircraft, according to a report by aviation consultancy firm CAPA India. In a separate development, Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA), a representative body for pilots of Air India Ltd, on Tuesday said it will conduct a secret ballot to decide whether to call a strike or approach the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) as the airline has failed to clear pending dues of staff. A strike shall be declared only after giving 14 days notice to the employer... and provided two-thirds of the members of the respective regions vote for the decision to strike, ICPA, which has more than 600 members, said in a statement to its members. ROME - Tension increased in the Middle East on Wednesday in the military escalation between Iran, Iraq, and the US, after the launch of Iranian missiles on a US military base. "The use of weapons must be stopped now to make way for dialogue," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, on the sidelines of the College of Commissioners meeting where the crises in Iraq, Iran, and Libya were discussed. "In the medium term, as coordinator of the JCPOA, EU High Representative Josep Borrell will make all possible efforts to be in contact with all participants and safeguard the Iranian nuclear accord," she said, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, more commonly referred to as the Iran nuclear deal. Borrell said the JCPOA is "now more important than ever" because "it is the only place in which we can sit together with the Russians and the Chinese to talk about the risks that we are facing". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the Israeli National Security Council on Wednesday, continuing a consultation that started Monday on regional repercussions of the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, said Israeli media. The meeting is expected to take place early Wednesday afternoon. Air France said it has suspended "all flights over Iraqi and Iranian airspace". German airline Lufthansa announced the suspension of all of its flights to Iran and Iraq, starting with a flight planned on Wednesday from Frankfurt to Tehran. The group said the measure was "prudential" given the current situation in the region. "We are not at the moment flying over Iran or Iraq," a spokesperson said. Thus far, however, no decisions have been made on any eventual modifications to the Middle Eastern routes. Emirates Airlines and flydubai cancelled their flights to Baghdad for "operational reasons" following the Iranian attack on US military bases in Iraq. "The flights Emirates EK 943 from Dubai to Baghdad and EK 944 from Baghdad to Dubai on January 8 have been cancelled for operational reasons," said Emirates Airlines, the Middle Eastern region's largest carrier, in a statement. "We are carefully monitoring the developments and are in close contact with the relevant government authorities with regards to our flight operations, and will make further operational changes if required," it said. The low-cost airline flydubai cancelled its flight to Baghdad, but operated other flights in Iraq, to Bassora and Najaf. "We are working with the authorities and we continue to closely monitor the situation," the airline said in a statement. Other airlines operating in the Gulf region did not make statements regarding their intentions on flights to Iraq, but some of them continued to accept reservations for various Iraqi cities. The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency advised Russian airlines to not use the airspace above Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf, and Oman. "Due to information on the existing security risks for international flights for civilian aircraft, it is advised to not use the airspace over the territories of Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf, and Oman for civilian aircraft of the Russian Federation, including transit flights, until further notice," said the statement, cited by TASS news agency. Two new US investors; lead investor, venBio Partners and Sofinnova Investments, join syndicate of existing investors Richard Gaster, M.D., Ph.D., Principal at venBio Partners, and Maha Katabi, Ph.D., CFA, Partner at Sofinnova Investments join the Board Proceeds will be used to progress the SEFA development pipeline: Completion of Phase 2b study of lead programme Icosabutate in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) Initiation of clinical development of two new programmes for dyslipidaemia and for parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) NorthSea Therapeutics B.V., ('NST') a Dutch biotech company developing novel and innovative strategies for the treatment of NASH (Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis) and other metabolic, inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, today announced the closing of a US $40 million (36 million) Series B financing round. NST welcomes new US investors venBio Partners, which led the Series B round, and Sofinnova Investments. Existing investors, Forbion, Novo Seeds, New Science Ventures (NSV) and BioGeneration Ventures (BGV) all participated. Richard Gaster, M.D., Ph.D., Principal at venBio Partners and Maha Katabi, Ph.D., CFA, Partner at Sofinnova Investments, will join NST's board of directors. The proceeds of this fundraising will be used by NST to drive the development of its pipeline of SEFA (Structural Engineered Fatty Acids) programs. The Company will develop two additional SEFAs within its clinical pipeline in addition to completing the Phase 2b with its lead candidate Icosabutate. Icosabutate, NST's lead product, is a structurally designed fatty acid that regulates pivotal pathways involved in hepatic lipids, inflammation and fibrosis. In September 2019, NST announced that it had dosed the first patient in its Phase 2b dose ranging ICONA study (ICOsabutate in NASH) and that around thirty clinical trial sites have been initiated in the US. NST's second SEFA program is SEFA-1024 for dyslipidaemia, a condition where there is an abnormal amount of triglycerides and/or atherogenic cholesterol in the blood. Severe or untreated dyslipidaemia can lead to a variety of serious health conditions including coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). The Company aims to initiate a Phase 1 study in the second half of 2020. The third SEFA program is SEFA-6179 for the orphan indication, PNALD (Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Liver Disease). PNALD is a liver disease that affects patients with intestinal failure who are dependent on total parenteral nutrition; this is where nutrition is administered to the patient via alternative routes to the mouth or alimentary canal. The disease represents a high unmet medical need as there are currently no approved treatments available. NST's aim is to initiate a Phase 1 study in the first half of 2021. Rob de Ree, NST's CEO, commented: "We are delighted to start the year with a successful Series B financing, which brings both US investment and expertise to our shareholder syndicate and to our Board. The great support from both new and existing shareholders will enable us to leverage our SEFA technology and to enter the clinic with two new clinical programs within the next 18 months. Both new programs have the potential to have a significant impact on patient care." Sander Slootweg, NST's Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner of Forbion, said: "We are very pleased to have added venBio and Sofinnova to our shareholder's base. As both parties only selectively invest in Europe, we see this as a true testimony to the excitement of our most advanced drug candidate Icosabutate and our SEFA platform. With the proceeds of this round we expect to show both the breadth and strength of our technology in patients and establish SEFAs as a new and exciting therapeutic modality." Richard Gaster, Principal at venBio Partners, added: "NorthSea Therapeutics' structurally designed fatty acid platform has generated compounds with the potential to address a diverse set of metabolic disorders. The Company will initially focus on NASH, which we believe is an area of large unmet medical need and where we are confident there is room for multiple successful approaches with the right cardiometabolic profile. We are excited about Icosabutate based on its impressive clinical data in patients with dyslipidaemia, and robust pre-clinical data in a number of models of NASH. This financing will enable NST to complete its ongoing Phase 2b trial in NASH before the vast majority of NASH assets currently in clinical development. Given the management team's stellar track record, we are very optimistic and confident about the future." -Ends- Notes to Editors About NorthSea Therapeutics NorthSea Therapeutics B.V.(NST) is a Dutch biotech company focused on developing structurally engineered fatty acids ('SEFAs') for the treatment of inflammatory, metabolic and liver diseases. NST licensed the rights to its lead compound icosabutate and a library of discovery- and pre-clinical-stage SEFAs from Pronova BioPharma Norge AS, which developed Omacor, a blockbuster cardiovascular drug. Icosabutate was been found to be safe and effective in two prior Phase 2 clinical studies for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia and is currently in clinical development for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A Phase 2b study was initiated in July 2019 (ICONA) to study the efficacy of icosabutate in NASH. NST is based in the Netherlands with sites in the UK and Norway and supported by several investors including Forbion, Novo Seeds, BGV, NSV venBio Partners and Sofinnova Investments. Find out more about us online at www.northseatherapeutics.com About venBio Partners venBio Partners is a life sciences investment firm that partners with industry leaders to build innovative medicines and technologies, with a focus on novel therapeutics for unmet medical needs. For more information, please visit www.venbio.com. About Sofinnova Investments Sofinnova Investments is a biopharmaceutical investment firm with approximately $2.1B in assets under management. We seek to build world class companies that aspire to dramatically improve the current state of medical care today and ultimately, the lives of patients. For more information, please visit www.sofinnova.com. About Forbion Forbion is a dedicated life sciences venture capital firm with offices in The Netherlands, Germany and Singapore. Forbion invests in life sciences companies that are active in the (bio-) pharmaceutical space. Forbion's investment team has built an impressive performance track record since the late nineties with successful investments in over 60 companies. Forbion manages well over EUR 1 billion across ten funds. For more information, please visit www.forbion.com. About New Science Ventures New Science Ventures, LLC (NSV) is a New York-based venture capital firm that invests in companies using novel scientific approaches in the life sciences sector (biotech, pharma and medical devices) and the information technology sector (semiconductors, photonics and advanced materials). NSV was founded in 2004 by Somu Subramaniam, Managing Partner, and Tom Lavin Partner, and has invested approximately $600 million in both early and late stage companies located in the United States and Europe. For more information, please visit www.newscienceventures.com. About Novo Holdings A/S and Novo Seeds Novo Seeds is the early stage investment arm of Novo Holdings A/S. Novo Holdings A/S is a private limited liability company wholly owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. It is the holding and investment company of the Novo Group, comprising Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S, and is responsible for managing the Novo Nordisk Foundation's assets. Novo Holdings is recognized as a leading international life science investor, with a focus on creating long-term value. As a life science investor, Novo Holdings provides seed and venture capital to development-stage companies and takes significant ownership positions in growth and well-established companies. Novo Holdings also manages a broad portfolio of diversified financial assets. For more information: https://www.novoholdings.dk. About BioGeneration Ventures (BGV) BioGeneration Ventures (BGV) is a venture capital company, with a focus on early stage European biotech. BGV has a strong track record of significant financial returns through investing in innovations in healthcare and providing the expertise to build world-class teams. The Company manages over 100 million of funds investing in areas where true scientific innovations, the unmet medical need, and the potential to demonstrate a significant proof of concept all come together. BGV strives to work with founding teams to mature science and build companies. The Company uses its experience to guide progress into clinical trials, ultimately leading to successful drug development and value realisation for its investors. BGV applies its expertise in a rigorous process to select the most compelling opportunities with the best prospects for exit. Historical successful investments include divestment of Dezima Pharma to Amgen for up to USD 1.55 billion in total deal value and in Acerta Pharma for up to USD 7 billion with a guaranteed payment of USD 4 billion. Both companies were co-founded by BGV in 2012 and 2013 respectively. The Acerta Pharma sale was the largest exit ever of a privately held European biotech company. BGV is based in Naarden, The Netherlands, and closely collaborates with Forbion. For more information, please visit www.biogenerationventures.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005047/en/ Contacts: NorthSea Therapeutics B.V. Rob de Ree (CEO) E-mail: rob.deree@northseatherapeutics.com Tel: +31 356993000 Media Contact: Instinctif Partners Dr Christelle Kerouedan Melanie Toyne-Sewell E-mail: NorthSea@instinctif.com Tel: +44 20 7457 2020 New Delhi, Jan 8 : All markets in Delhi and across the country opened on Wednesday while the trade unions have given a call for nationwide bandh. Praveen Khandelwal, General Secretary, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) told IANS that all markets are open and there has been no call for a strike in the markets. The strike call by trade unions and workers may affect the functioning of the factories in some parts of the country but commercial activity in markets will continue, the traders body said. Water woes and a lack of funding are among the many problems said to be affecting residents Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email david.bloom@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes Job Title: Personal Banker (Several No Experience Customer Service Jobs) Organization: Absa Group Limited (formerly Barclays Bank UK) Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda About US: Absa Group Limited (formerly Barclays Bank UK) is a diversified standalone African financial services group, delivering an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth, investment management and insurance. Absa Group Limited is listed on the JSE and is one of Africas largest diversified financial services groups with a presence in 12 countries across the continent and around 41 000 employees. We own majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, the Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Barclays Bank in Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia. We also have representative offices in Namibia and Nigeria, as well as insurance operations in Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Administration: Effectively fulfill all required administrative duties, including tracking and reporting Branch Customer Support: Manage in coming telephone call of REs and EBs whilst they are in consultation with clients and set up appointments for clients In discussion with the Sales team set up appointments for clients from the Review Listing to book appointments for reviews to be conducted Risk Support and Administration: Assist the sales team with any governance and compliance procedures to be implemented of relevant governance and compliance training; e.g. NCA, FAIS and Competition Commission Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The ideal applicant for the Absa Group Limited Personal Banker should hold a Bachelors Degree in Business, Commerce and Management Studies, Business Improvement Orientation (Meets some of the requirements and would need further development), Digital familiarity (Meets all of the requirements) Enabling team success (Meets some of the requirements and would need further development) -Previous experience in a similar environment Openness to change (Meets some of the requirements and would need further development) Product and/or Service Knowledge (Meets some of the requirements and would need further development) Quality orientation (Meets some of the requirements and would need further development), Sales support (Meets all of the requirements) How to Apply: All suitably qualified and interested candidates who wish to join ABSA Group in the aforementioned capacity should apply online at the link below. Click Here For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Banowetz worked long hours so he could afford to pay for school and cover his rent, and often talked about how much money he would make when he became a pharmacist, the woman said. "He really liked the idea of not being strapped for money and finally being able to afford nice things," she said. She last heard from Banowetz around Christmas, when he had worked two 14-hour shifts in a row at his blue-collar job to pay his expenses. "When I talked with him he seemed normal," she said. The woman said Banowetz told her he was 23, though police on Monday identified him as 28. He also told her he grew up in foster care. "Everything now is just making me wonder how well I actually know him," she said. Another former classmate said Banowetz seemed like a normal undergraduate student hoping to become a pharmacist. "I didnt get any weird vibes from him," said the student, who had several classes with Banowetz this past fall and also asked not to be named. "I guess you just never really know what people are capable of." Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, the Senate leader said, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called. Mitch McConnell on Tuesday said he has the backing in his majority caucus to pass a set of rules for the trial unilaterally -- leaving the issue of witnesses and documents until after the historic proceedings have begun. "We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution (setting up) what could best be described as a phase one," that lays out arguments of the prosecution and defense, and a period of written questions by senators, McConnell said. No action can be taken, though, until House Speaker Nancy Pelosi transmits the articles of impeachment -- one for abuse of power, the other for obstruction of Congress -- to the Senate. Pelosi has withheld the articles since the House impeachment vote in December, in a bid to press Republicans for fair trial rules. "They sat on the papers now for three weeks," he said, following the first party lunch since a holiday break. "I hope that'll end this week." The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives has accused Trump of using military aid and other incentives as leverage to get Ukraine to investigate Democrat Joe Biden, his potential November presidential opponent, and then preventing Congress from fully investigating. McConnell said he wants the ground rules for the upcoming trial to mirror those from 1999 when president Bill Clinton faced his impeachment trial. Senators at the time voted unanimously to approve the first set of rules, only afterward debating the relevance of calling witnesses. "All we're doing here is saying we're going to get started in exactly the same way that 100 senators agreed to 20 years ago," McConnell said. "We'll get around to the discussion of witnesses." Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer cried foul, insisting "there will be votes" on whether to subpoena key documents and four witnesses whom Democrats want to testify. They include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and John Bolton, Trump's former national security advisor who said Monday he would testify if subpoenaed. Bolton could be a critical witness as he is known to have spoken directly with Trump about the freeze on aid to Ukraine. Schumer issued a challenge to Republicans, mindful that he needs just four defectors to pass a rule allowing witnesses. "Will they stand for bringing evidence forward?" he asked. "Or will they be engaging in a cover-up?" Trump said he was ready for the trial, come what may. "Whatever it is, it's a hoax," he told reporters at the White House. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By IANS TEHRAN: Some 80 US personnel were killed and nearly 200 others injured during Iran's missile attack on the American Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq on Wednesday, which was launched in retaliation to the killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani, an Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) source has claimed. However, the claim is yet to be verified. In a tweet, US President Donald Trump said, "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far." Speaking to the Tehran-based private Tasnim News Agency, the source said the ballistic missiles launched by the IRGC killed at least 80 "American terrorist forces". "At least 104 targets from the positions of the Americans and their allies in the region have been identified, and if the Americans make any mistake again, those positions will be targeted," the source warned. He added that a number of American drones and helicopters and a large amount of military equipment have been seriously damaged in the attack. ALSO READ: Trump says 'all is well'; Tehran says 'took and concluded proportionate' self-defence Fifteen missiles struck the Ain al-Asad airbase, none of which were intercepted by the US army's radar system, the source said. The US is yet to officially comment on the number of casualties. In the early hours of Wednesday, the IRGC Aerospace Force launched the heavy ballistic missile attacks on the Ain al-Asad base near the border with Syria and a US operated airbase in Erbil in retaliation for the January 3 American drone attack that killed Soleimani in Baghdad, reports the semi-official FARS News Agency. Ain al-Asad has a 4 km runway at 188m altitude from sea levels, which is the main and the largest US airbase in Iraq. All flights have been cancelled at Erbil airport. Iraq said the attacks have not taken any toll from its army men stationed at these two bases. Following the attack, the US army had blocked entrance into Ain al-Asad to everyone, including the Iraqi army. Cyprus has said that it had accepted a request from the United States to keep a rapid response team on the island if any US diplomats or civilians needed to be evacuated. According to reports, Cyprus' decision comes after Iran's ballistic missile strike on US military and coalition forces bases in Iraq. Cyprus accepts US request for 'humanitarian operations' According to reports, spokesperson of Cyprus' government, Kyriacos Koushos, said that America's request was accepted only for 'humanitarian operations'. Koushos further added that for a long time Cyprus has extended its help for humanitarian operations on requests made by other countries. He also said that the decision to allow the US to station a temporary response team was to maintain a sense of stability and security in the region. Meanwhile, the latest attack on US bases in Al-Asad and Arbil by Iran further escalated the tension in the region. Just before Soleimani was buried in Kerman, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against the US military and coalition forces in Iraq. The US did not reveal the number of casualties yet but Irans local media reports claimed that around 80 people had been killed in the attacks. Read: Iranian Leader Saeed Jalili Mocked Trump With A Tweet Of Iran's Flag After Missile Attack Read: US-Iran Escalation: UK Calls For Dialogue And Restraint But Also Keeping Forces Ready Bases already on high alert However, the Pentagon said that the bases were already on high alert due to Irans indication to attack US forces in the region. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region, said Pentagon in a statement. This missile attack was first reported by Iranian state TV, who described it as Tehrans revenge operation over the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) General Qassem Soleimani. Taking to Twitter, the President also stated that the US has the most powerful and well-equipped military and further apprised that he will make a statement on the attack tomorrow. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 Read: Iraq's Speaker Calls Iranian Attack 'violation Of Iraqi Sovereignty' Read: Israel Promises To Join Battle, But Does It Want A War With Iran? (With inputs from agencies) BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: The US received a "slap in the face" last night, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, Trend reports via IRINN Khamenei said that it is necessary to put an end to the US participation in the region, which leads to undesirable consequences. Irans supreme leader added that the US and its supporters blame Iran for any issue in the region. Khamenei welcomed the decision of the Iranian parliament to make sure the presence of the US in the region is eliminated, adding that it should be implemented. Earlier, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) used Fateh-313 ballistic missiles to attack Iraqs Ayn al-Asad Air Base. At least 80 US servicemen were killed in the attack, according to Iranian sources. Tamil Nadu police have arrested a Kerala youth for kidnapping and killing of a 17-year-old schoolgirl, who used to rebuff his advances. The body of the minor was found in a tea estate at Valparai in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, around 100 km away from Chalakudy in Thrissur in neighbouring Kerala, from where she had gone missing on Tuesday. The victims father had filed a missing complaint on Tuesday after his daughter didnt return from school, expressing fears that a man, who had been stalking his daughter for some time, could be behind her disappearance. Police put the suspects mobile phone on surveillance and traced his location to Valparai. Tamil Nadu police were immediately alerted and requested assistance. A Tamil Nadu police team found the stalker but the girl was not with him. On questioning, he revealed he had dumped her body after killing her. Her body was later recovered by the police from the spot identified by the accused. The body had many stab wounds and the police have not ruled out sexual assault. He reportedly told police that he killed her for rejecting his wedding offer. A police team from Kerala has left for Tamil Nadu to bring back the body and the accused. Victims father said the accused Zafar Shah had been stalking her for about a year despite being told several times to leave her alone. The victim had learnt that Shah was a drug addict and maintained distance from him. Police said more details will emerge only after post-mortem. Seoul and Beijing are fine-tuning a schedule for Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is expected to visit Seoul despite lingering frictions in March. "We are in talks with China," about Xi's visit, "but nothing has been decided yet," Cheong Wa Dae spokeswoman Ko Min-jung said on Tuesday. Xi was originally expected to stop over in Korea on his way to Japan, but Seoul apparently persuaded Beijing to make an official visit earlier than that. The government may want to make political hay from the visit ahead of the general elections on April 15. Xi last visited Korea in July 2014 when President Park Geun-hye was in office, but ties have since soured. The government hopes that Xi will officially lift what remains of a boycott of Korean goods and services imposed after Korea permitted the U.S. to station a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile battery here in late 2016. President Moon Jae-in pledged in his New Year's address Tuesday to "strengthen exchange and cooperation with China in a variety of fields." He said that Xi and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will visit Seoul this year and that he will work hard to develop the bilateral relations "to a higher level." The two presidents are also expected to discuss Syria and Libya, where the two leaders support opposing sides The Turkish and Russian presidents were in Istanbul on Wednesday to inaugurate the dual natural gas line connecting their countries that opens up a new export path for Russian gas into Turkey and Europe. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russia's Vladimir Putin are also expected to discuss Syria and Libya, where the two leaders support opposing sides, and deteriorating security in the Mideast, with U.S.-Iranian tensions high since the American killing of a top Iranian commander. With TurkStream, Russian gas passes through the Black Sea to Turkey. Together, the two 930-kilometer (578-mile) lines under the Black Sea, along with the Russian and Turkish onshore pipes, have the capacity to carry 31.5 billion cubic meters (1.1 trillion cubic feet) of natural gas annually. Russia is the top gas supplier to Turkey, which relies on imports for its energy needs, transporting gas through another pipeline under the Black Sea called Blue Stream and the onshore West Line through Ukraine. Relations remain tense between Moscow and Kyiv amid years of conflict and TurkStream now allows Russia to bypass Ukraine by opening up a second direct transport line to Turkey. From Turkey, Russian gas will reach southern and southeastern Europe through new and existing lines. Turkstream has already begun transporting gas but the two leaders will turn a symbolic valve in the ceremony. Erdogan and Putin talk and meet often, cooperating on trade, energy and defense industries. Their close partnership is a dramatic reversal from 2015, when diplomatic relations hit rock bottom with Turkey's downing of a Russian fighter jet along the border with Syria. Their increased cooperation has worried Turkey's NATO allies, especially with Moscow's delivery of a Russian-made missile defense system to a base near Ankara over the summer. Putin is in Turkey following a visit to Damascus where he met Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has re-established control in much of Syria with Russian and Iranian backing. Turkey, in contrast, has supported the rebels opposing Assad and has carved out zones of control in Syria's north. The Syrian government's all-out offensive to retake rebel-held Idlib has pushed hundreds of thousands of civilians towards the closed Turkish border, risking a major new refugee flow into Turkey. War-torn Libya is now another venue where the two leaders will press their diplomatic influence. Turkey has moved to send Turkish soldiers and weapons to support the weak U.N.-recognized Tripoli-government while Russia has backed the rival eastern-based forces of Gen. Khalifa Hifter. Also on the agenda are soaring tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran targeted with missiles Iraqi bases where American troops are stationed in retaliation for Friday's American drone strike killing Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The escalation risks open conflict between the two rivals and violence through their proxies in the region. Search Keywords: Short link: Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday ratified the Constitution (126th) Amendment Bill, which proposes to extend quota to SC/STs in Lok Sabha and state assemblies by another 10 years. A special one-day session of the state legislature was held to ratify the Constitution Amendment bill, which was passed by Parliament on December 11. The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in the Assembly. Leader of OppositionDevendra Fadnavis supported the resolution. The joint sitting of both Houses began with an address by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The draft of his speech was approved by the state Cabinet on Tuesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Republicans may run but they cant hide, said Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader. There will be votes at the beginning on whether to call the four witnesses weve proposed and subpoena the documents weve identified. America and the eyes of history will be watching what my Republican colleagues do. At the moment, Republicans appear content to plunge ahead with their approach modeled on the Clinton proceeding, and Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, is confident he has his troops on board. As in the Kavanaugh confirmation, Mr. McConnell has no worries whatsoever about the vast majority of Senate Republicans who appear ready to acquit the president without going much beyond opening arguments. On Twitter and in interviews, they argued that it was not the Senates responsibility to repair what they saw as a defective investigation by the House. Our job is to vote on what the House passed, not to conduct an open ended inquiry, Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, declared on Twitter. Instead, Mr. McConnells concern in the Kavanaugh fight was the handful of Republicans who might break from the pack Ms. Collins, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Jeff Flake of Arizona and sink the nomination. As a result, Mr. McConnell needed to pay heed to their wishes as they pushed for reconvening the hearings to allow Ms. Blasey Ford to testify, and later to reopen the background check of Judge Kavanaugh to pursue new material that surfaced about his conduct. The renewed F.B.I. investigation was very limited in its scope, frustrating Democrats, and produced no damning material. Google is bringing a bunch of new updates to the Google Assistant today at CES 2020 that will be coming to everyone later this year. This includes features like Scheduled Actions, a central place for sticky notes, interpreter mode for businesses and support for the Assistant on more devices. Scheduled Actions will be coming sometime later this year and will let users direct the Assistant to turn on/off or start/stop a compatible smart device at the time of your choosing. Lets say for example, you want to turn on your lights at 6pm in the evening. You will be able to simply ask the Assistant to, Turn on the lights at 6pm and Google will essentially carry out the required task at the mentioned time. Google is expanding this capability with partnerships with various smart home device companies like August Smart Locks, Philips Hue HDMI Sync Box, Telus Wi-Fi Hub routers, GE Appliances Ultrafresh Front Load Washer, etc. The second feature that Google announced is aimed at better organising you important information that you want to keep at your fingertips in your house. It is called household notes and is designed to be used with the Assistant on your Smart Display. It gives users a centralised location to keep all your notes. You can use them pass on information to someone else in household for a later time or you can, for example, keep important contacts on speed dial that will allow users to quickly make calls to that person. Another cool feature that Google is bringing showcasing at CES today but does not have a launch date, is a type of webpage reader of long form content. Simply put, if you have, lets say, a news article or blog, you can ask, Hey Google, read it and the Assistant will read content out loud for you. You can even ask Google to translate content in a different language with support up to 42 languages at the moment. Google is also releasing interpreter mode to businesses through their partners Volara and SONIFI. Interpreter mode is a feature where the Assistant will real time translate free flowing conversations between people through their phone, Smart Display or smart speaker. Source Washington: If even the Pentagon does not know whether it is coming or going in Iraq, it might be hard to blame the rest of the world for being a little confused about US President Donald Trump's strategy for the Middle East. As Iranian missiles fell early on Wednesday on two bases in Iraq where US troops are stationed in retaliation for the drone strike last week that killed Iran's most powerful general, the administration scrambled to explain its mission and goals in the region amid a chaotic brew of conflicting statements, crossed signals and mixed messages. Iran state TV shows a missile attack on a US base. US President Donald Trump said "all is well". The President who promised to bring troops home from the Middle East is now dispatching more instead. The Pentagon sent a letter saying it was withdrawing from Iraq, only to disavow it as a mistake. The State Department talked about "de-escalation" while Trump beat the war drums describing all the ways he would devastate Iran if it harmed more Americans. And even then, the President was forced to back off his threat to target Iranian cultural sites after his own defence secretary publicly said doing that was a war crime. Likewise, the administration's explanation for authorising last week's strike has varied depending on the moment. At first, officials emphasised that General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's elite security and intelligence forces, was eliminated to prevent an "imminent" attack that could take hundreds of American lives. But in the last day or so, Trump and others focused more on retribution for Soleimani's past attacks on Americans. New Delhi [India], Jan 8 (ANI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday filed charge-sheet in the agency's special court in Chennai against 11 accused persons from Tamil Nadu in the Ansarullah case. "The case was registered by NIA on July 9, 2019, against 16 accused persons from Tamil Nadu based on credible information received that the accused persons and their associates while in UAE, had conspired and conducted religious classes with the objective of establishing Islamic rule in India, through violent jihad and promoting unlawful activities," an official release said. The case was filed under various sections of IPC besides Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. Fourteen accused persons in the case were arrested and detained in UAE for "clandestinely conducting religious classes and meetings with the intention of promoting violent jihad and other unlawful activities". NIA investigation in UAE and India revealed that accused had formed a pro-jihadi group or jamaat Mohammed Ibrahim alias Jamali. "And that they had organised meetings and classes at various places in UAE and India on topics like jihad and Khilafat besides against democracy in India, with the intention of establishing Islamic rule in India through violent jihad and by promoting unlawful activities," the release said. Five accused were also associated with the proscribed terrorist organization ISIS/ Daish, by subscribing to and disseminating the violent jihadi ideology of the proscribed organization. (ANI) Derry City and Strabane Districts PEACE IV Board is encouraging local community and voluntary groups interested in accessing funding for peace and reconciliation projects through a new European Union (EU) cross-border programme to sign up this month for an information event. PEACE Plus is a new EU cross-border programme that will contribute to a more prosperous and stable society in Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland. The event will take place in the Guildhall on Monday, 20 January, from 6.00pm-8.00pm and all interested groups are invited to attend. In a recent conference over 60 representatives from PEACE IV Council funded programmes on both sides of the border met in the Waterfoot Hotel. The event offered the opportunity to share learnings from the current PEACE IV programmes delivered through Derry City and Strabane and Donegal County Councils. The current PEACE IV EU funded programme runs until December this year and is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) with match-funding from the Executive Office NI. In the current programme weve 6.7 million of projects stretching geographically across the Derg, the Sperrins, Strabane, Faughan, Cityside and Waterside, said Sue Divin, PEACE IV programme manager with Derry and Strabane Council. She added: Conversations around PEACE PLUS are just beginning. The upcoming SEUPB led information events are a key opportunity for our local groups to speak up and help shape the new programme. The local cross-border conference also featured insightful guest speaker input from Dr. Martin McMullan and Paddy Boyd (Youth Action NI) and Claire Heaney-McKee, The Playhouse Theatre of Witness. These were really useful perspectives which prompted interesting conver- sations, said one participant. Resources provided were useful in considering the best methods to start conversations about peace and the Troubles with young people who do not have significant information or education around it, said another. The networking event showed a clear consensus that the EU PEACE IV funding in both Council areas (6.7 million alone in the Derry City and Strabane District Council awrea) is making a significant difference to local community projects working to promote respect, shared space, understanding and reconciliation. Projects at the event discussed what combined messages they may have for the forthcoming PEACE PLUS consultation from both sides of the border and from across urban and rural perspectives. Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan joined industry colleagues Deepika Padukone, Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, Richa Chaddha, Swara Bhaskar, among others, in condemning violence against the students of Jawaharlal Nehru University on Sunday, calling it a sad and dangerous situation. PTI quoted Varun as saying, Cannot stay neutral on such issues. Its dangerous & sad if masked people enter an educational institution and all this happens: Actor Varun Dhawan on JNU Violence. Also read: Diet Sabya calls out shoddy edit job on Kareena Kapoors pic, fans ask where are her knees? While Richa, Swara, Zeeshan and Sushant Singh have been voicing concerns over violence in universities for some time now, Deepika joined the students in JNU on Tuesday evening. She paid a visit to the campus and stood in support of JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh who was badly injured during the violence on Sunday. Deepika was in the national capital to promote her upcoming film Chhapaak. Filmmakers Hansal Mehta, Anubhav Sinha and Anurag Kashyap have also been regularly tweeting out in support of the students. Deepika stood with students at the Sabarmati T-point in JNU, where a public meeting had been called by JNU alumni over Sundays violence. She also met Aishe but didnt address the meeting. She left after an hour, before Aishe speech. Reacting to Deepikas visit, Aishe said, When you are in a position, you should speak up. There are many people in Bollywood who do not put forth their views when they are not be aired. They are considered role models. I appeal to them: Make inspiring films after something has happened but when you are in that position, also talk about the story that is currently happening. Later, Aishe told PTI that Deepika expressed solidarity with the JNU students. Ahead of the release of her first film as a producer, Deepika is widely being praised for taking a stand and standing in solidarity with the students who faced violence. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, Chhapaak features Deepika as acid attack survivor Malti. Deepikas character is inspired by Delhis acid attack survivor, Laxmi Aggarwal. The film is slated to hit theatres on January 10. Varun is currently awaiting the release of Remo DSouzas Street Dancer 3D where he will be seen alongside Shraddha Kapoor. Street Dancer 3D is slated to hit theatres on January 24 and also stars Prabhu Deva and Nora Fatehi. Follow @htshowbiz for more Changes being considered include increasing the number of signatures needed to put an issue on the ballot. Wiemann also said the threshold for changing the Constitution should be increased from a simple majority of voters to a super-majority. Its too easy right now to change our Constitution, he said. Budget concerns Lawmakers will also soon begin debate on the state's $30 billion annual budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Haahr said hes concerned that the state budget for next year may be the last traditional budget approved by the Legislature for the foreseeable future. For example, the state owes prison guards $114 million in back pay following a successful lawsuit by correctional officers. The economy also could take a nosedive, affecting tax revenues. And, voters in November could approve an expansion of Medicaid, which could force the state to pay more to provide health care for the poor and disabled. Each one of those represents a pretty significant change to general revenue. It would certainly change the way we handle the budget at that point, Haahr. In Nigeria, at least 30 people were killed in the northeastern state of Borno after an improvised explosive device detonated on a bridge Monday. According to local sources, the bomb detonated on a crowded market on a bridge connecting the Nigerian town of Gamboru and Cameroons Fotokol. Authorities said more than 35 other people, including both Nigerians and Cameroonians, were injured. No group immediately took responsibility. Both Boko Haram and the regional offshoot of Islamic State, known as ISWAP, are active in the area and have targeted Gamboru on multiple occasions since 2014. Boko Harams increasingly brutal attacks, which now often target civilians, spread fear and terror in the region. Over ten years, around 32,000 people have been killed and millions driven from their homes. Under President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian army did manage to regain control of a territory once occupied by Boko Haram. However, the group changed tactics and started using young girls as suicide bombers and ambushing soldiers. The group is now estimated to have more than 26,000 members, of whom 1,800 receive a monthly salary of about 50 US dollars. The group aims to create a hardline Islamic state in northeast Nigeria. Also on Monday, a video surfaced showing 10 Christians being decapitated by Jihadists in Nigeria, purportedly to avenge the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, self-proclaimed leader of the Islamic State terrorist group, whose death was announced by Donald Trump last October, and send a message to Christians around the world. The 56-seconds long video, shot in Nigeria by jihadists from the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP), was published by the Amaq news agency, the propaganda organ of the Islamic State. The video also shows one Christian being shot. According to infochretienne.com website, the killing took place on December 26, while the Christian world was still celebrating Christmas. All of the victims were said to have been captured in previous weeks in Borno State, Nigeria. According to the Gatestone Institute, 900 churches in northern Nigeria have been destroyed and 16,000 Christians have been killed since 2015. The U.S. already has overwhelming force in the Middle East to deal with any threat from Iran, as it has built up air, ground and naval assets steadily since last May, as well as recent preparations for a possible conflict. By contrast, Iran has relied on "asymmetric" rather than conventional warfare by its own forces and proxies. But it possesses advanced missile and drone capabilities, according to the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency. After the U.S. executed a deadly strike on Iranian Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani Jan. 3, and Iran retaliated Jan. 7 by launching missiles at two bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops, predictions are flying about what a possible conflict would look like. At the start of 2019, the U.S. had about 60,000 military personnel in the Middle East, including 5,000 in Iraq and about 2,000 in Syria, before President Donald Trump ordered reductions to less than 1,000 in that country. They are backed by formidable air assets operating out of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and other bases throughout the region, and by the Fifth Fleet operating out of Bahrain. Related: Six Missiles Hit Al Asad Air Base in Suspected Iran Strike Those forces were bolstered by the strike group of the carrier Abraham Lincoln, which was replaced last month by the carrier Harry S. Truman, and by the deployment of about 14,000 additional troops and the dispatch of Patriot anti-missile batteries to Saudi Arabia to guard its oil fields after drone strikes caused major damage last year. As hostilities in the region spiked recently, culminating in the U.S. strike last week against Soleimani, the U.S. deployed about 3,500 paratroopers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division to Kuwait, put about 200 troops from the 173rd Airborne Brigade on notice to deploy and sent six B-52 Stratofortress bombers to the Indian Ocean base of Diego Garcia. In addition, about 2,200 Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship Bataan, are en route to the region, and elements the 75th Ranger Regiment are expected to deploy. Last week, about 100 Marines from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, deployed from Kuwait to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad as part of the Special Marine Air-Ground Task Force, Crisis Response-Central Command after a siege by protesters. In a 117-page "Iran Military Power" report in November, the DIA said that Iran's military consists of parallel forces. The conventional ground, naval, air and air defense forces currently number about 420,000, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), committed to the defense of the Islamic system of government at home and abroad, number about 190,000, the DIA said. A particular concern is Iran's development and production of "a wide range of lethal and non-lethal UAV [Unmanned Aerial Vehicle] platforms. Iran has reverse engineered many of these systems based on captured Western UAVs," the report states. Some of Iran's newer UAV platforms, including the Shahed 129 and the Mohajer-6, "can be armed and are capable of conducting precision air-to-ground strikes with small guided munitions." The U.S. has charged that Iran used drones and possible cruise missiles to inflict heavy damage on Saudi oil fields in September. In releasing the report in November, a senior DIA official, speaking on background, did not give specific numbers but said that Iran in recent years has built up the largest arsenal of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles in the Middle East -- surpassing Israel's inventory -- to deter the U.S. and regional adversaries and make up for shortfalls in its aging air forces. In addition, Russia's sale last year of the SA-20c surface-to-air missile system "provided Iran with its first capability to defend itself against a modern air force," the official said. In his preface to the Iran report, Army Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley, the DIA director, said, "Iran continues to rely on its unconventional warfare elements and asymmetric capabilities" to counter the strengths of a superior adversary. "Its substantial arsenal of ballistic missiles is designed to overwhelm U.S. forces and our partners in the region," Ashley said, adding that Iran's small boats, large inventory of naval mines and anti-ship missiles could also be used "to severely disrupt maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Read more: A Lance Corporal's Phone Selfie Got His Marine Unit 'Killed' at 29 Palms Global oil prices plunged Wednesday, totally reversing an earlier brief spike that followed Iranian missile attacks on US targets in Iraq amid hopes the conflict will not escalate further. Comments by Iranian officials and US President Donald Trump eased tensions substantially and pushed crude prices lower and lower in late European trading. The strikes, launched in retaliation for the assassination of Iran's top general last Friday, sent Brent and WTI prices to multi-month peaks before profit-taking prevailed. Iran said it had "concluded" its missile attacks for now, and observers remarked that they had seemed carefully calibrated to avoid US casualties. Trump told a news conference: "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world." Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had tweeted earlier that the country does "not seek escalation or war." A Eurasia Group note predicted that Tehran and US President Donald Trump will de-escalate the crisis, saying the Iran attack "appeared designed for maximum domestic effect with minimum escalatory risk." Analysts pointed out that oil traders had many sources at their disposal in any event. SEB analyst Bjarne Schieldrop added that "not a single drop of oil supply has been lost due to the recent incidents and this is why the oil price has fallen back down again so quickly." Analysts also said the drop in prices was due in part to a weekly US oil supply report that showed higher inventories. Global stock markets initially slid on investor concern over the US-Iran clash, but European bourses mostly finished higher as anxiety over the situation ebbed. Wall Street stocks rallied after Trump's late morning statement. All three major indices ended solidly higher, with the Nasdaq at a record. "At least for now, the retaliation is behind us," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at National Securities. "The market can move on." Story continues Hogan said investors are focused on an expected signing of a US-China trade accord next week and an upcoming quarterly earnings season. Among individual shares, Boeing dropped 1.8 percent, weighing on the Dow, following the fatal crash of a Ukraine International Airlines plane in Iran. The aircraft involved in the accident was 737-800, a predecessor to the Boeing 737 MAX, which has been grounded following two earlier crashes. Analysts said it was too soon to speculate on causes of the crash but characterized the incident as another unwelcome challenge for the company. - Key figures at 2200 GMT - Brent Crude: DOWN 4.1 percent at $65.44 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 4.9 percent at $59.61 per barrel New York - Dow: UP 0.6 percent at 28,745.09 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.5 percent at 3,253.05 (close) New York - Nasdaq: UP 0.7 percent at 9,129.24 (close) London - FTSE 100: FLAT at 7,574.93 (close) Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.3 percent at 6,031.00 (close) Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 0.7 percent at 13,320.18 (close) EURO STOXX 50: UP 0.4 percent at 3,772.56 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.6 percent at 23,204,76 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 1.2 percent at 3,066.89 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 0.8 percent at 28,087.92 (close) Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3095 from $1.3126 at 2200 GMT Euro/pound: DOWN at 84.79 pence from 84.97 pence Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1105 from $1.1153 Dollar/yen: UP at 109.13 from 108.44 yen burs-jmb/dg [January 08, 2020] itelligence Completes Acquisition of FH S.A. in Brazil SAO PAULO and BIELEFELD, Germany, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- itelligence AG, the globally leading SAP Partner, announced today that it completed the acquisition of FH S.A. Brazil on December 11, 2019. The agreement to acquire FH was made public on October 3, 2019. Norbert Rotter, CEO itelligence AG: "With the beginning of the new year 2020, itelligence starts into a new era in Brazil and South America together with FH S.A. This acquisition opens up one of the fastest growing SAP markets to itelligence AG. FH owns the market leading tax solution 'Guepardo' for SAP in Brazil. The deep know-how of FH to develop SAP based software is a strategic asset for itelligence and NTT DATA Business Solutions globally." Founded in 1999, FH is one of Brazil's leading SAP consulting and development companies. Its SAP-based tax solution is in use by companies that together account for over 8% of Brazil's GDP. FH is thus Latin America's leading vendor in the area of SAP's Customer Experience portfolio and has completed numerous successful SAP rollout projects in over 30 countries. Ricardo Fachin, CEO of FH, comments: "With revenue of R$ 168 million (37 million Euro) in 2019, an increase of 25% over the 2018 result, FH enters 2020 with an optimistic outlook on the market and plans to achieve R$ 200 million (44 millio Euro). New projects are in progress, including the expansion to other Latin American countries and new offers based on artificial intelligence (machine learning, deep learning and Big Data)." With this acquisition, itelligence is expanding its presence in one of the currently strongest-growing economic regions in the world. According to IDC and Gartner, Brazil is the eighth largest IT market globally. It grew by 9.8% in 2018 and market analysts expect an above global average growth rate until 2024. About FH FH is a Brazilian company enjoying solid growth. As an important SAP partner, it offers SAP services and software development. It provides end-to-end services for SAP S/4HANA, SAP C/4HANA, as well as its own tax software (GUEPARDO and ECG). As an SAP Gold Partner, it services its customers from six locations in Brazil and operates a certified support center (PCoE SAP Partner Center of Expertise) in Curitiba/Brazil. https://www.fh.com.br/eng/ About itelligence itelligence AG transforms IT landscapes and business processes through the combination of innovative SAP software and technology with services and products developed in-house. As an SAP Global Platinum Partner, itelligence supports SMEs and large enterprises in every phase of their digital transformation. itelligence's range of services includes IT strategy and transformation consulting, software deployment and implementation, as well as application management and managed cloud services. The excellence of these services is built on the foundation of itelligence's local presence, global capacity, and comprehensive industry expertise. itelligence partners with customers to create new and innovative business opportunities through the use of IT for each facet of the customer's business. Thousands of satisfied customers have placed their trust in itelligence, many of them since the company was founded 30 years ago. itelligence's contribution to innovation and long-term business success has been confirmed by numerous SAP awards and leading market analysts. itelligence is part of the global NTT DATA group and employs about 10.000 people across 25 countries. In 2018, itelligence generated 926.6 million euros in total revenues. www.itelligencegroup.com Press contact Head of Corporate Public Relations itelligence AG Silvia Dicke itelligence AG Konigsbreede 1 D-33605 Bielefeld E: [email protected] T: +49-(0)-521 / 9-14-48-107 W: http://itelligencegroup.com/de/ Contacts with the press in Brasil: Smartcom Inteligencia em Comunicacao Karen Krinchev/Silvana Pineiro Tel.: +55-(43)-9-9612-2711/ (11)-9-95989-7537 E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has described his landmark victory at the Supreme Court as the will of God and reaffirmation of the people's mandate. Governor Abubakar Sani Bello stated this shortly after the judgement made by the supreme court in Abuja , which he said would enable the government focus on meeting its mandate to Nigerlites. He reiterated that the present administration operates an all inclusive government which allows everyone to make contributions towards the development of Niger State. He then called on everyone to join hands towards moving the state forward, irrespective of party differences or political ideologies. Governor Sani Bello further called on Nigerlites to continue to support the government and maintain peace adding that no rancour was expected as the judgement reflects the aspirations of Nigerlites. He commended the judiciary for exhibiting the expected fairness and restoring the hope of Nigerlites and Nigerians at large in the justice system Earlier in the day, the supreme court in a unanimous judgement had ruled in favour of Abubakar sani Bello of the Niger as the duly elected Governor, striking out the petition of Umar Nasko of the PDP, challenging the earlier ruling of the appeal court... Signed Mary Noel Berje CPS While houses made from shipping containers have been around for a few months now, the latest designs are innovative and a far cry from what you might expect. Bernard Mager, from Smart Way Homes, in Nelson in New Zealand, is the brains behind one such shipping container home business - and he says that the advantages of buying a pre-fabricated, custom-made tiny home are myriad. 'You can put a shipping container home up anywhere. The last two we supplied went all the way to Bermuda and Mexico,' he told FEMAIL. Bernard Mager, from Smart Way Homes, in Nelson in New Zealand is the brains behind one such shipping container home business (pictured: his Lyra property) Bernard said there are many advantages to living in a shipping container (pictured) - including the fact that they are self-sufficient, affordable and economical 'They are also entirely self-sufficient, affordable and economical to live in. 'While all of our tiny homes are different in design and so cost different amounts, we estimate that buying one of them is 40 per cent cheaper than a conventional build, and a lot more resilient.' One such tiny home shipping container Bernard and his team have recently finished designing is the Lyra model. This is 110 square metres in size and super stylish both from the front and the back. The 110-square-metre Lyra property is stylish from the front, back and interiors - thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows (pictured) and skylights The houses are pre-fabricated and can be shipped all over the world, ready to be erected in just one week (pictured: the interior of the Lyra property) The Lyra home features an upstairs, downstairs and a lavish deck area where you can sit out and enjoy the sunshine wherever you place your home. The property also includes floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights granite benchtops in the kitchen and a stylish spiral staircase. 'We always supply the full package - as a turn-key home, inclusive of all fittings, bathroom and kitchen etc,' Bernard said. The houses are pre-fabricated and can be shipped all over the world, ready to be erected in just one week. Bernard explained that the idea of shipping containers as homes is changing, as people think of them as old and in a backyard, but now they are modern and stylish (pictured) Bernard explained that the idea of shipping containers as homes is changing: 'People may think of old containers sitting in someone's backyard, but it's not like that at all,' he told Stuff. 'We don't use second-hand containers off the wharf we use new ones straight from the factory that have never been used to carry chemicals or any other item.' For more information about Smart Way Homes, please click here. Prices start at $76,000. MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Mednet, a healthcare technology company, announced a new software release of its all-in-one e-clinical solution, iMednet. The recent update builds on Mednet's strategic priorities to simplify and shorten study build times, increase efficiency in study execution and improve the overall user experience and scalability of the platform. The latest release was recently rolled out to existing customers and is also now available for new customers. Mednet's strategic product development plan focuses on fully optimizing its comprehensive, all-in-one eClinical solution to effectively support both the current and emerging demands of clinical trials. Enabling customers to build and execute studies as quickly as possible is a key component of the plan delivered in this latest software release. New iMednet features and enhancements include: Manage Form in an Interval allows users to configure an individual form to be hidden/disabled/enabled conditionally, improving user experience and reducing study build time as designers do not need to create multiple grids to manage a subset of forms to display. allows users to configure an individual form to be hidden/disabled/enabled conditionally, improving user experience and reducing study build time as designers do not need to create multiple grids to manage a subset of forms to display. Business Logic (BL) enhancements enable variable name changes to automatically update across all BL, saving study designers significant time since they will not need to spend time identifying and fixing broken business logic. The new software release also includes the addition of a new framework for the Job Service to optimize the platform for bidirectional integration, while also improving the user experience and performance of jobs in iMednet. The framework, designed to refactor all jobs into an Amazon Web Service (AWS) solution, will enable iMednet to effectively scale for greater volume, including more concurrent studies and also an increase in larger studies. "Increasing complexity of study designs, rapid growth in the number and sizes of studies and an ongoing pressure to build and execute studies as efficiently as possible these are just a few of the pressures facing clinical research organizations today," said Rob Robertson, chief executive officer, Mednet. "As an eClinical provider, we are committed to delivering a solution that helps our customers effectively address both current and emerging demands. This latest release further optimizes the iMednet platform with key enhancements to increase study build efficiency, improve the user experience and expand scalability." To learn more about the latest iMednet release and future development plans, contact us. About Mednet Mednet is a healthcare technology company specializing in eClinical solutions designed for the global life sciences community. Mednet's all-in-one eClinical platform improves the efficiency of clinical studies of all types and sizes. Beyond electronic data capture (EDC), Mednet's comprehensive solution set provides the tools required to build and manage all types of clinical research, while enabling organizations to adapt to evolving demands and requirements. Pharmaceutical, medical device, biotechnology and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) around the world have trusted Mednet for nearly 20 years to deliver the technology innovation, experience and reliability they need for success. For more information, visit www.mednetsolutions.com. Contact: Barbara Correll, [email protected] SOURCE Mednet Related Links http://www.mednetstudy.com NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairstead, a fully-integrated real estate firm committed to the preservation of high quality housing, today announced the financing of a 905-unit portfolio of subsidized housing across nine properties (49 buildings) in New York City. Over the last six months, in nine distinct transactions, Fairstead restructured the $430 million portfolio with $310 million in HUD-insured financing. The portfolio, located throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan, had been on the verge of conversion to market-rate housing. Fairstead, the NYC Council Members who represent these neighborhoods, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) collaborated to rehabilitate and preserve this affordable housing. Fairstead entered into new regulatory agreements with HPD to ensure that all 905 units will remain affordable for at least the next 40 years. The most recent transaction, which closed December 30, was a $46.4 million loan provided by Capital One and HUD for 680 St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. Fairstead completed a comprehensive renovation of the property last year and introduced a social services platform as well as amenities including a new community room and enhanced connectivity services for residents. "Preserving affordable housing allows families to stay in their homes while giving new life to the buildings they live in," said HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll. "HPD is proud to work with Fairstead to rehabilitate hundreds of homes across nine properties, protecting this valuable housing, and giving New Yorkers the security of knowing they can afford to stay in their communities for years to come." Will Blodgett, co-founder and partner at Fairstead, credited NYC Council Members Laurie Cumbo, Carlos Menchaca, Bill Perkins, and Council Speaker Corey Johnson as well as HPD and HUD for their support of these transactions preserving affordable housing in their districts and jurisdictions. "Affordable housing continues to be a scarce resource in this country, especially in New York. Public-private partnerships are key to creating and maintaining this affordability and Fairstead is proud to work with city council members and agencies alike who recognize the importance of preserving these affordable units and Fairstead's ability to bring about positive change. We are incredibly proud of the entire team, for without these partnerships, none of this would have been possible. We thank everyone involved and look forward to keeping these units as deeply affordable for at least the next 40 years." The portfolio is comprised of: Sunset Park Rehab (3 Buildings, 28 units, Sunset Park, Brooklyn ) (3 Buildings, 28 units, Sunset Park, ) Sixth Avenue Rehab I (2 Buildings, 45 units, Sunset Park, Brooklyn ) ) Sunset Park NSA Group II (13 Buildings, 148 units, Sunset Park, Brooklyn ) ) Sunset Park NSA Group I (24 Buildings, 187 units, Sunset Park, Brooklyn ) ) 414 West 48 th Street (1 Building, 54 units, Midtown West , Manhattan ) Street (1 Building, 54 units, , ) 523 West 53 rd Street (1 Building, 41 units, Midtown West , Manhattan ) Street (1 Building, 41 units, , ) Plaza Apartments (2 Buildings, 76 units, Crown/ Prospect Heights , Brooklyn ) , ) St. Nicholas Manor Apartments (1 Building, 112 units, Harlem, Manhattan ) ) Harlen Housing (2 Buildings, 214 units, Harlem, Manhattan ) "Today's announcement is a triumph of the Sunset Park community's resilience, and the power of our community to work together and fight to keep families in affordable homes," said City Council Member Carlos Menchaca. "When I was elected in 2013, I promised I would fight to preserve affordable housing in our district. This led to a partnership with Fairstead and the inclusion in their portfolio of four Sunset Park buildings. I am proud to stand with Fairstead as they announce their entire portfolio will remain affordable for the next 40 years, including those in Sunset Park. There is still more work to do, but with this victory, I am more optimistic than ever." The portfolio was financed with HUD-insured 223f loans, which allowed Fairstead to invest over $35 million to upgrade all buildings with a full interior renovation of units and common areas. These renovations include: new cabinetry, countertops, tiling, low-flow fixtures in all kitchens and bathrooms, sustainability measures to significantly reduce utility costs, handicap accessibility improvements, infrastructure upgrades and improved security and connectivity. "This administration is committed to the preservation of affordable housing, especially in such a densely populated region as New York City," said Lynne Patton, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey. "Through the HUD-insured 223f loan program, $310 million was financed to renovate existing homes and ensure residents have access to the decent, safe and sanitary housing units they deserve." "At Fairstead, we are committed to bringing together all public and private partners to achieve the rehabilitation and long-term preservation of healthy, safe, and socially vibrant communities," said John Tatum, partner at Fairstead. "This transaction further demonstrates our expertise in large scale, tenant-in-place rehabs. It also highlights our growing presence in the New York market." Fairstead's design and construction team will lead the full tenant-in-place rehab. The team has already completed Plaza Apartments and St. Nicholas Manor Apartments. The remainder of the portfolio is under construction and expected to be completed in 2020. "Plaza Apartments is an example of a successful collaboration between NYC Council, HPD, and HUD," said Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo of District 35 in Brooklyn. "I am very pleased that people who need affordable housing will get the quality that a brand-new upgrade allows, and the management accountability they so deserve." The financing was arranged by the FHA teams of multiple lending partners, including Truist, Greystone, Capital One, and Meridian Capital Group. About Fairstead Fairstead is a socially responsible, fully-integrated real estate investor, developer, owner and operator specializing in affordable, mixed-income, and market-rate housing. Fairstead utilizes a purpose-driven, innovative approach and has acquired, developed or preserved nearly 15,000 units since inception. Fairstead currently owns 11,500 affordable, mixed-income and market-rate rental units across 14 states. CONTACT: For Fairstead: GREAT INK 212-741-2977 Tom Nolan ([email protected]) Roxanne Donovan ([email protected]) SOURCE Fairstead Lyra McKee, the young Northern Ireland journalist fatally shot during rioting in Derry in April 2019, has been posthumously awarded a Master of Arts degree in online journalism by Birmingham City University. The Belfast-born editor and writer was described as a very special student by her former lecturer, Professor Paul Bradshaw. Dharmesh Shah The past decade was an eventful one on a few fronts, but it was also a lost decade for action on climate change. Not only do we stand defeated in our goal to arrest rising global temperatures at 1.5C but its now hard to even imagine preventing a rise to 2C or beyond. To put that in perspective, the half degree difference would spell disaster for the worlds coral reefs, expose nearly 40 per cent of the population to extreme heat waves and cause sea level to rise between two and seven feet thus impacting over 300 million people. As the decade concludes, two of the most extreme weather events marked 2020. Social media feeds were peppered with videos of rescued Koalas and Kangaroos fleeing from Australias worst bushfires till date while extreme rainfall battered Indonesia killing 60 and displacing 100,000 during the subsequent flooding. In 2019 alone, major forest fires were reported on almost every continent from California in North America to the Amazonia in the south, from Indonesia and India in Asia to frigid Siberia, and the DR Congo in Africa. The Australian bush fires offer yet another grim reminder for our future in a rapidly changing world. The Indonesian floods join the long list of extreme precipitation related disasters through the decade. However, it remains a distant sixth position behind India which tops the list of countries most vulnerable to flooding-related economic risks. India has weathered 15 major floods in the last decade which have dented our GDP growth by $14.3 billion per year. Extreme rainfall events have become more common globally since the 1950s. Climate scientists expect the trend to continue as the planet warms up. Each degree of warming increases the airs capacity to hold water vapour by about 7 per cent, hence causing more intense precipitation events. As natures most destructive forces continue to take its toll on the society and as communities grieve into and console out of calamities, two questions should nag us is the collapse of human civilisation imminent or is there a way out? In 1970, a group of MIT researchers set out to interrogate just that and answer whether the policies then were leading to a sustainable future or to collapse, and what could be done to create a human economy that provided sufficiently for all? The team, led by Dennis Meadows, employed the theory of system dynamics to seek answers. System dynamics is premised on the logic that all happenings are manifestations within a dynamic system which is characterised by interdependence, mutual interaction, information feedback, and circular causality. In that, the human body, the economy, the nation state and ultimately the planet earth are all systems. The earth is a complex, dynamic, interdependent system comprising of physical, chemical and biological processes and our economic system is embedded within and ultimately dependent on the earths systems. The teams research culminated into a report titled Limits to Growth (1972) that developed scenarios predicting the worlds economic development over the two centuries from 1900 to 2100. The critical conclusion of the project was that humanitys ecological footprint would overshoot the carrying capacity of the planet and begin hitting various limits. The most observable among them currently is what was defined as the source and sink limit which is the earths finite sources of natural wealth and its finite capacity to act as a sink for the waste generated in the process of converting natural resources into goods and services that makes human welfare possible. Water illustrates this source and sink dynamics aptly. For instance, 21 Indian cities are expected run out of groundwater by this year due to over exploitation and poor replenishing whereas 80 per cent of our surface water bodies have been rendered unusable due to severe pollution. The research team found that in each of the projected scenarios, end to physical growth in the 21st century was imminent (more precisely after the year 2015). The difference was as to how this could occur: either as a sudden collapse of the society which means a rapid demise of life on the planet preceded by an uncontrolled decline of human welfare, or through a more orderly approach wherein deliberative corrective interventions would adjust the human footprint to match the carrying capacity of the planet. It is important to note here that all growth does not lead to collapse. Collapse is a consequence of growth that overshoots earths carrying capacity. It is a scenario that we would like to avoid at all costs. However, the failure of the 2019 Madrid climate talks and Americas withdrawal from the Paris agreement is just another indication of our society embracing the collapse scenario. Hope could temporarily help us tide over the vagaries of a changing planet, but it cannot be our currency in the long run. The Supreme Judicial Court will allow the case to proceed against Hampden County doctor Frank Stirlacci for improperly instructing his office manager to prescribe narcotics in his name while he was in jail. Stirlacci and his office manager Jessica Miller were each indicted on 26 charges of improper prescribing, 20 charges of issuing false prescriptions and 22 charges of submitting health care claims. A Superior Court judge dismissed some of the claims, and prosecutors appealed. The SJC allowed the case to continue on some of the charges. Stirlacci, a solo practitioner with offices in Agawam and Springfield, was incarcerated in Kentucky in April and May 2015 for failing to pay child support. During that time, Miller, in Stirlaccis name, issued 15 prescriptions for hydrocodone, six prescriptions for oxycodone, two prescriptions for fentanyl, and three prescriptions for methadone. In phone conversations from jail, Stirlacci spoke about his inability to raise money pay alimony if he remained in jail and was unable to see patients. He also worried about abandoning his patients and about liability if a patient could not obtain medication. Typically, when Stirlacci was on vacation, he would leave pre-signed prescription forms for Miller, who was not a medical professional, to give patients so they could obtain medication renewals. While Stirlacci was in jail, he instructed Miller that if a patient came in seeking a renewal, she should issue it using the pre-signed prescription and submit a claim to the patients insurance company for an office visit. A nurse practitioner expressed concerns about the propriety of Miller issuing prescriptions and billing insurance for patients who had not been seen by Stirlacci. Stirlacci told Miller she was doing the right thing and, according to court documents, expressed frustration with the nurse practitioner's unwillingness to recognize that small private practices could not afford to follow every regulation if they were going to be successful. The SJC, in a ruling issued Wednesday and written by Justice Barbara Lenk, ruled that there is enough evidence to indict Stirlacci on 26 counts of false prescribing. But the court ruled that because Miller is not a medical practitioner, she cannot be indicted on those charges. Neither Stirlacci nor Miller will be able to be charged with issuing false prescriptions. Both Stirlacci and Miller can be charged with submitting false health care claims. The case will continue in Superior Court on those charges. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 22:44:30|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close The Canadian National Tower (CN Tower) is seen with light off in memory of the victims of the Ukrainian passenger plane crash in Toronto, Canada, Jan. 8, 2020. Sixty-three Canadians were among the 176 people killed in a Ukrainian plane crash just minutes after the plane took off from the Iranian capital's international airport, according to Canada's television network CTV Wednesday. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) OTTAWA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sixty-three Canadians were among the 176 people killed in a Ukrainian plane crash just minutes after the plane took off from the Iranian capital's international airport, according to Canada's television network CTV Wednesday. Quoting Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, CTV reported that the minister has been in touch with the Ukrainian government. The Ukrainian International Airlines passenger plane, with 176 people on board, crashed near Iran's Imam Khomeini International Airport on Wednesday morning shortly after taking off. All passengers and crew were killed. Many of the 63 Canadians are believed to be Iranian-Canadian students returning to school after the holidays. More than a dozen ballistic missiles have been launched at at least two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops, Pentagon officials confirmed Tuesday night. The attack, officials said, was by Iran, apparently in response to the Jan. 3 U.S. strike that killed Iranian Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani. In a statement released just after 7 p.m. Tuesday, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said the attack had begun roughly 90 minutes earlier, targeting multiple bases. "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq," he said. "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Asad and [Erbil]." Hoffman said officials were still developing initial battle damage assessments. "In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners," Hoffman said. "These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region." Irans Tasnim news agency, which has close ties to the IRGC, reported that IRGC units targeted Al Asad but made no mention of attacks on other U.S. bases. Tens of surface-to-surface missiles were fired from Iran to hit Al Asad, the outlet said, adding the exact number of missiles launched was not immediately known. A defense official said later that Iran fired a total of 15 missiles into Iraq. Four failed in flight, 10 struck Al Asad and one hit Erbil, the official said. There were also reports that the U.S. base at Taji in Syria on the Jordanian border also may have been attacked. The defense official said the U.S. was aware of the reports about Taji, but could give no immediate confirmation. There were no immediate reports of casualties, an official said of the missile attacks, but we have yet to do assessments on the ground. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley were at the Pentagon when the first reports of the Al Asad attacks came in, and both later went to the White House to join Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in briefing Trump, who has warned of a fierce U.S. response. In President Donald Trumps first public comments since the attacks broke out, he said assessments of casualties and damages continue. All is well! the commander in chief tweeted after the defense secretary and other advisers reportedly left the White House. So far, so good! he added, referring to possible casualties. We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! After Esper and Milley had briefed Trump, a senior defense official declined comment on whether the Iranian missile launches were an act of war. Thats something were not going to get into while battle damage assessments were still underway, the official said. The official also declined to state whether there were any casualties to U.S. or coalition troops at Al Asad and Erbil. He noted that as Iranian threats escalated, U.S. commanders put our forces in appropriate force protection postures. As the first reports of Iranian missile launches came in, Esper and Milley immediately met with all members of the Joint Chiefs on a potential U.S. response, the official said. Senior members of Congress also were notified and Esper made a series of phone calls to coalition and NATO members. Both Esper and Milley then went to the White House to meet with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on the attacks, the official said. There were initial reports that Trump was preparing to address the nation on the attacks, but the official said that plan was scrapped. Milley and Esper are meeting on Capitol Hill Wednesday with members of the Senate in closed session on the Iran crisis as they await the presidents direction on the next move, the official said. Al Asad is the main hub for the U.S. train, advise and assist mission against the Islamic State. Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, is home to an air base housing U.S. military members as well as a U.S. consulate. Hoffman said the U.S. military would take "all necessary measures to protect U.S. personnel as well as American partners and allies in the region. "Due to the dynamic nature of the situation, we will continue to provide updates as they become available," he said. The strike follows the end of a three-day mourning period in Iran for Soleimani. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the umbrella group for the Quds Force led by Soleimani took credit for the attack in statements reported by Iranian media. Official Press TV in Iran said the IRGC also "has warned the U.S. of more crushing responses" if the U.S. retaliates. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement that "we are aware of the reports" of the attack on Al Asad and "the president has been briefed." There are roughly 6,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, according to a Washington Post report this month. It's not clear how many are currently stationed at Al Asad. Vice President Mike Pence visited the base over Thanksgiving in 2019; President Donald Trump spoke to troops there during a visit after Christmas in 2018. Last week, troops at Al Asad held a mass casualty drill. Army medics treated mock wounds to improve readiness in the event of a mass-casualty incident, according to Defense Department photos. U.S. troops' presence in Iraq was already in question this week after a letter, which Pentagon officials say was only a draft, suggested the American troops would withdraw from the country. The Iraqi parliament had voted a day earlier to expel U.S. forces, which was largely viewed as backlash over the decision to kill Soleimani in Baghdad. Iraqi forces are collocated alongside coalition troops at Al Asad. -- Hope Hodge Seck and Gina Harkins contributed to this report. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at richard.sisk@military.com. Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) does not think a crew error is among the the possible reasons for the crash of the Boeing 737-800 in Tehran. "We have data that the plane gained 2400 m altitude. The chance the crew made an error is minimal. We simply don't presume it. Given their experience, it's very difficult to say that there could be anything wrong with the crew," said UIA Vice President for Flight Operations Ihor Sosnovsky on Wednesday. According to him, Volodymyr Yaponenko (command pilot), Oleksiy Naumkin (instructor), Serhiy Khomenko (co-pilot) handled the airplane. Six flight attendants worked during the flight. Before departure, the crew had a rest in a hotel. "We decided to cancel flights to Iran for a certain period. The airline carries out all the international procedures provided," said UIA President Evhen Dykhne, in turn. Go-Go Is Getting Closer To Becoming The Official Music Of DC Following Unanimous Council Vote Elijah C. Watson Elijah Watson serves as Okayplayer's News & Culture Editor. When The go-go bill needs to clear another council vote and be approved by Mayor Muriel E. Bowser before taking effect. Go-go could very well become the official music of Washington, D.C. A bill titled the Go-Go Official Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act of 2019 was unanimously voted in favor of on Tuesday by the D.C. council, according to the Washington Post. However, in order for the legislation to take effect, it needs to clear another council vote and be approved by Mayor Muriel E. Bowser. Through the bill, Bowser would also be expected to design and implement a program to support and preserve, including through marketing, and archive Go-Go music and documents relating to Go-Go music and its history. Last year, the hashtag #DontMuteDC came about after complaints were directed at an electronics store that sold and played go-go music. The owner of a Metro PCS store in D.C. was forced to stop playing go-go music from his storefront because of complaints from residents in a nearby luxury condo. Protests and petitions came as a result of neighbors complaining about how loud the music was. The petition, titled Dont Mute DCs Go-Go Music and Culture, received close to 65,000 signatures, while a rally of protesters shut down 14th and U streets, with Wale even appearing during the protest. The store has since been able to resume playing go-go music. Source: Washington Post By Abdul Kerimkhanov Azerbaijans Foreign Affairs Ministry has slammed the killing of an Azerbaijani soldier by Armenian forces on January 7. "The killing of a soldier of the State Border Service guarding the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan is a crime, and the Armenian side is responsible for this vicious act," the ministry said in a statement published in its official website on January 8. The ministry said that Armenia once again confirmed its aggressive nature by deliberately killing the Azerbaijani soldier. "Consistent violation by the armed forces of Armenia of the ceasefire regime on the state border, as well as along the line of contact of the troops of the two countries, targeted fire on the Azerbaijani military and civilians once again clearly demonstrate the falsehood of Armenia's calls for peaceful resolution of the conflict and the desire of Armenia to hide its occupational and aggressive policies," the statement reads. The ministry said that Armenia, the country which keeps under military occupation the territories of Azerbaijan, violates the fundamental principles of international law. "The Armenian side regularly attacks the Azerbaijani military and civilians by violating the ceasefire regime, and it should be aware of the responsibility for all its crimes and that its actions will not remain unanswered," the ministry concluded in its statement. Azerbaijani border guard Farzali Farzaliyev was killed as a result of sniper fire in the direction of Gushchu Ayrim village of Azerbaijans Gazakh region, on the Azerbaijan-Armenia state border on January 7. Armenia and Azerbaijan are locked in a conflict over Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region, which along with seven other regions were occupied by Armenian forces in a war in the early 1990s. Around one million Azerbaijanis were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities that were started by the Armenian forces due to territorial claims against Baku. A temporary cease-fire agreement was signed between the countries in 1994, however a final peace deal has not been reached yet. Peace negotiations mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs have yielded no results to this date. Since 1992, negotiations have been underway for a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. In 1993, the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions (822, 853, 874 and 884) on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. However, due to the unconstructiveness of Armenia, they still remain on paper. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Yael Stone attends the "Orange Is The New Black" Final Season World Premiere at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on July 25, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images) Orange Is the New Black star Yael Stone is giving up her green card to reside in her native Australia full-time amid the global climate war. As bush fires devastate the continent, the 34-year-old actress, who played Lorna Morello in the Netflix series, took to social media to slam the lack of leadership from Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison amid the ecological disaster. She went on to call for regular citizens to step up as leaders and said she would be making immediate changes to her own lifestyle, starting with giving up her green card in the U.S. and residing full time in Australia to reduce her own carbon footprint. Read more: Kim Kardashian defends family over claims they didnt donate to bushfire crisis relief "I'm sitting in a dark room wondering what the hell is happening," Stone said in the first of two Instagram videos. "Our country is on fire... and our prime minister has done absolutely nothing. Cold, calculated nothing. We don't have leaders, we have cowards. The leaders we have are the people around us and thats what we have to become. We have to step up because this is war. This is a climate war. And for the first time, our enemy is not wearing a uniform that we'll be able to recognise. Our enemy is our own behaviour. And, yeah sure on an individual level things can change but its corporate-wide, its government-wide, its systematic changes that must happen and they must happen yesterday. Its time to act. She went on to detail the personal change that shes going to make. To begin with, Id like to announce that Im giving up my green card. After a long considered process, weve come to understand that its unethical for us to set up a life in two countries knowing what we know, explained Stone, who shares a one-year-old child with Jack Manning Bancroft, founder of AIME, the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience. The carbon emissions alone from that flying, it's unethical, it's not right. So I will be going through the process of giving up my green card and saying goodbye to a life in America. I'm going to be here in Australia doing the work I can to make a difference here because the time is now." Story continues Stone had primarily been living in New York while making her Netflix series, which ended last year. According to the West Australian, the Sydney native moved back to Australia in February so going forward that will now be her main and permanent home. It doesnt mean that Stone is done acting, however. She noted that Australia will be home and when I have to travel for work I will be investing in @feat.artists, Future Energy Artists, which is a platform that encourages artists to back sustainability. Residents look on as flames burn through bush on January 04, 2020 in Lake Tabourie, Australia. A state of emergency has been declared across NSW with dangerous fire conditions forecast for Saturday, as more than 140 bushfires continue to burn. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images) While the wildfires rage in Australia, Morrison has been criticised for not addressing climate change, which experts say played a key role in the ecological devastation there. (Bush fires are a regular and expected part of the Australian weather cycle, but they have been worse this year due to it being the countrys hottest and driest year on record.) However, he defended his government. "There has been a lot of blame being thrown around," Morrison said over the weekend. "And now is the time to focus on the response that is being made. ... Blame doesn't help anybody at this time and over-analysis of these things is not a productive exercise." An injured koala rests in a washing basket at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park in the Parndana region on January 08, 2020 on Kangaroo Island, Australia. The Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park positioned on the edge of the fire zone has been treating and housing close to 30 koala's a day. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) The biggest celebrities to come out of Australia including Chris Hemsworth, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban and Kylie Minogue have made huge donations to firefighters and other non-profits amid the destruction. Australian comedian Celeste Barber created a Facebook fundraiser for the New South Wales Rural Fire Service which has become the largest-ever Facebook fundraiser globally, raising over $30 million. Non-Australians have been extremely generous as well. Meanwhile, Russell Crowe used his Golden Globes acceptance speech, which he had Jennifer Aniston deliver, to give a stern warning about climate change. Make no mistake, the tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate change-based, Aniston read on Crowes behalf. We need to act based on science, move our global workforce to renewable energy, and respect our planet for the unique and amazing place it is. That way we all have a future. And the Irwins Bindi, Robert and Terri have treated more than 90,000 animals injured amid the fires at their Australia Zoo. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed condolences to the President of the Republic of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. "I was deeply saddened by the news of heavy casualties as a passenger plane of Ukraine International Airlines crashed near the city of Tehran," Ilham Aliyev said. "On the occasion of this tragedy, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my deepest condolences to you, families and loved ones of those who were killed." BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 Trend: Azerbaijans Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov has arrived in Turkey to attend the opening ceremony of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, Trend reports with reference to Azerbaijans Energy Ministry. The ceremony to be held in Istanbul Jan. 8, along with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be attended by senior government representatives from several other countries. Construction work on the Turkish Stream project began in 2017. The Turkish Stream gas pipeline will pass along the bottom of the Black Sea to the European part of Turkey and further to the border with Greece. The first branch is intended for supplying the Turkish market, the second - for deliveries to the countries of Southern and Southeast Europe. The throughput of each branch is 15.7 billion cubic meters. By MSU News Service The Navajo Code Talkers of World War II will be the subject of a free multimedia lecture at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 5, at Montana State University Strand Union Building ballrooms. Zonnie Gorman, historian and daughter of one of the code talkers, will discuss Growing Up with Heroes: A Daughters Journey with the Navajo Code Talkers. Gorman will share her fathers story as a Code Talker who worked to develop the code that helped shape the outcome of World War II. Gorman will share seldom heard stories of the first 29 Navajo Code Talkers. She will also discuss the Navajo reservation of the 1940s, the historic Native American boarding schools for Indian children and governmental policies of assimilation that she says were designed to destroy Indian culture and languages. Gorman will also discuss the importance of role models and mentors for Native American communities as well as the importance of fostering cultural pride and educating both Navajos and non-Navajos about the history of her tribe. Native American historian Zonnie Gorman will lecture February 5, 2020, on Growing Up with Heroes: A Daughters Journey with the Navajo Code Talkers. The lecture is free, but tickets must be reserved. Courtesy photo Gorman earned a masters degree in history from the University of New Mexico and is currently working on her doctorate. A recognized Code Talkers historian, Gorman has appeared in documentaries and spoken extensively on the topic. She is also a project coordinator for the Circle of Light Navajo Educational Project. Doors open at 7 p.m. A reception will follow the event. Free tickets are available at EventBrite at tinyurl.com/Zonnie-Gorman-at-MSU Gormans lecture is hosted by the MSU Leadership Institute MSU College of Letters and Science , Murdoch's Ranch and Home Supply, First Interstate Bank, MSU Office of the Provost and ASMSU are sponsors. For more information call the MSU Leadership at 406-994-7275 or visit montana.edu/leadership or facebook.com/MSULeadershipInstitute MSU News Service shares stories about Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, and the accomplishments of its students, faculty, alumni and staff. Follow on Facebook and Twitter Join the Conversation It had already been an eventful day in Iran: The country had just launched missiles at United States forces based in Iraq and an airliner carrying at least 176 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran on Wednesday, killing everyone on board. Then just before dawn, a 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck southern Iran at a depth of about six miles, the United States Geological Survey reported, in the same region as the troubled Bushehr nuclear power plant. It struck just as Iranian leaders were trumpeting their strike on two Iraqi bases housing United States forces, in retaliation for last weeks American drone strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, commander of Irans elite security and intelligence forces. No casualties were immediately reported, but rescue teams were working at the site, Jahangir Dehqani, managing director of the Bushehr crisis management agency, told the state-run IRNA news agency. The quake was reported about 30 miles from the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear plant. The plant, which is monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency, has long been seen as a safety concern by Western countries. It has been plagued by construction delays and technical problems, and is on an active fault line. Experts have feared that could lead to an accident on the scale of the Fukushima disaster in Japan, or even Chernobyl. Tensions in the region due to ME,not in anyone interest: Shah Mahmood ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said rising tensions in the region due to the situation in the Middle East was not in anyone's interest, adding that the region could not afford war. In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran launched missile attacks on United States-led forces in Iraq in retaliation for the US drone strike on Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. "The region cannot afford war. It is not in anyone's interest and will impact the global economy," Qureshi said, according to a statement issued by the foreign minister's spokesperson. Qureshi added: "The ones who were attacked this morning are still assessing the damage. Initial reports suggest that there has been no loss of human life." Commenting on Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif's recent statement, Qureshi said it reflected Iran's intent to not escalate tensions. "The statement reflected the seriousness of the situation and showed restraint. The US should also exercise caution. "There is still a large majority in the US which is not in favour of war and does not want to thrust the US army into the frontlines," he said. The foreign minister added he had been in touch with his counterparts in the region. "We are also endeavouring to ensure that tensions in the region remain in check." Qureshi went on to say that the views expressed by him during the Senate session on Monday were the views of the government. "It is too premature to say anything for certain as the situation is still precarious. However, Pakistan does not want tensions to escalate. This region cannot witness yet another war," the foreign minister emphasised. "Such matters need to be resolved through dialogue. The UN security council and the international community needs to play a role in resolving tensions in the region," he said. On Monday, Qureshi briefed the Senate on tensions in the Middle East, making it clear that Pakistan will not become party to the regional conflict. Qureshi told the Senate that according to regional experts, the repercussions of the strike that killed Soleimani could be more severe than the 2011 raid that killed Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and the 2019 killing of militant Islamic State group chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. "The situation in the Middle East is very sensitive, fluid and concerning." He maintained that Pakistan "does not support any unilateral action and is against the use of force as it never resolves matters". "Pakistan backs principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN charter," he said, adding that Pakistan urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint. I even urged Iran to exercise its traditional wisdom and refrain from any escalatory measures in the larger interest of the region, the minister added. He said Middle East cannot be pushed into another war. It will be disastrous and Pakistan will also face the repercussions of such an occurrence, he cautioned. "Pakistan's soil will not be used against any other state," Qureshi said, adding that Pakistan "will not be party to this regional conflict". The foreign minister urged the UN Secretary General to play his role in safeguarding the region and "putting out this fire". Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, has been getting along very well with Queen Elizabeth II since being married to Prince William for nearly a decade. As Prince William is being groomed for his future, Kate has also adjusted to her role as well. Duchess Kate confidently pulled off a matching outfit with the Queen during her birthday celebrations. She donned a purple coat, as did Her Majesty. It would appear that Kate is more comfortable with her relationship with the Queen now, and the British monarch likewise with her. Stepping out in twinning outfits, it is believed that Kate has now become the favorite of Queen Elizabeth. While Meghan Markle had returned and is sometimes photographed with the Queen, too, Meg has never had the privilege to match her outfits with the Queen's as Kate now has. Kate Takes a Spin on Queen's Look Kate went twinning with the Queen in a muted plum-colored coat. She paired it with a royal blue fedora hat. Blue is known to be the Queen's favorite color. The Queen also wore purple, opting for a more vibrant hue as she is known for her style. Purple bears huge significance in royalty for many centuries. The Queen often favors this color and even Princess Anne as well as Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, also wear deep shades of purple. In history, only rulers could afford wearing purple garments. The color became closely associated with royalty, wealth and power. The elite would be known for the cost of dye of their purple garments. During the time of Queen Elizabeth I, the Tudor ruler had banned close Royal family members from wearing the color. Only she was able to wear it. Decoding Their Outfits As is tradition, Prince William and Kate joined Her Majesty to church in Sandringham on Sunday. This showed clear support for the British monarch. Even Kate's purple coat and blue hat hinted at her dedication to the monarchy and to her future role. With Prince Charles taking over soon, Prince William is being groomed for his future role more intensely. Kate, who will be future Queen consort is also groomed to be a solid support for her husband. Similarly, the Cambridge children will also be trained for this purpose. Kate opted to wear similar hats with the Queen. Instead of fascinators she usually wears, she chose a Hicks & Brow feathered fedora to keep it young and daring. Kate wore a purple Roksanda coat that retailed for 2,600. The coat is no longer available for purchase. Birthday Celebrations The visit of Kate, Prince William and the Queen to the church was due to the celebration of the Duchess of Cambridge's 38th birthday. Kate's actual birthday is Jan. 9, but she celebrated it earlier with friends and family over the weekend. The royals had a birthday party for Kate after church. The Duchess' parents Michael and Carol Middleton were there, as well as their close friends, Rose Hanbury and Tom van Straubenzee. It has been the Cambridge family tradition to entertain their friends in their Norfolk home at the beginning of every year, before Kate's birthday. The Cambridges have since returned to London as their children, George and Charlotte are set to return to school. The village has secured funding to widen and re-pave the 7400 and 7500 blocks of West Argyle Street, and Jezierny said that in the spring it will apply for a grant to repave Carl Cassatta Sr. Lane from North Oak Park Avenue to North Sayre Avenue, as well as the 7200 and 7300 blocks of West Leland Avenue. The village is also working with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) to fund green alleys that will help with street and sewer drainage by diverting water into the ground, beginning with the 4700 block of North Newcastle Avenue and New England Avenue. Union Ridge Elementary School will also be fitted with a green parking lot to assist with drainage. The team of Chinese scientists probing the mysterious pneumonia-like illness that's struck 59 people have identified a new, never-before-seen strain of coronavirus in some of the patients, the Wall Street Journal reported. Both SARS and MERS - which have previously broken out in Wuhan - are coronaviruses, but the current viral was not a match for either. A new strain was detected in a sample taken from one patient. The scientists sequenced the genome of the virus, and found something wholly unique. Further tests confirmed the presence of the virus in several other patients, according to the Wall Street Journal, but that doesn't mean that all of them have that strain, or that that's causing the illnesses. Some of the 59 patients with a mysterious respiratory have a strain of coronavirus scientists have never before seen. Pictured: Central Hospital in Wuhan, the central Chinese city where the cases have been identified (file) South Korea is monitoring incoming travelers for fevers in an effort to prevent the mysterious illness from spreading from China Prior to the new discovery, there were six known coronaviruses that affect humans. Collectively, the family of viruses has killed 774 people. Two of them cause SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome). Both of these illnesses are aggressive and can turn deadly. But not all coronoviruses trigger such severe symptoms, so the newly-discovered one my not be driving the ongoing outbreak in China, which began in December. Other possible cases have cropped up in 15 travelers who returned to Hong Kong and following visits to the city in Hubei province. One suspected case was also reported in Singapore. The two nations have put new screening measures in place following fears travelers will spread the mystery illness. Seven patients are in a critical condition, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced it is closely monitoring the situation It was feared the life-threatening SARS, a highly contagious virus, was behind the flurry of cases in Wuhan. SARS killed hundreds of people in China and Hong Kong in the early 2000s. But no cases have been recorded in the world since 2004. But SARS, bird flu, Middle East respiratory syndrome and adenovirus have now been ruled out following investigations, authorities have said. The outbreak which began at the start of December has prompted the closure of a seafood market in Wuhan's suburbs, where several patients worked. The South China Seafood City food market where several of the infected patients worked has been suspended while under investigation The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said in a statement on Sunday evening: 'We have excluded several hypotheses, in particular the fact that it is a flu, an avian flu, an adenovirus, respiratory syndrome severe acute (SARS) or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).' Some 163 people who had been in contact with those infected are currently under medical observation, while efforts continue to try and identify the virus. No obvious human-to-human transmission has been found and no medical staff had been infected, the commission previously said. Experts from the National Health Commission is to carry out further tests, in hope of finding a cause of the cases. Hong Kong's Hospital Authority said Sunday that a total of 15 patients in Hong Kong were being treated for symptoms including fever and respiratory infection after recent visits to Wuhan. Tests have yet to confirm if they have the same illness. Hospitals and doctors have been directed to report cases of fever in anyone who has travelled to Wuhan in the past 14 days. The city is home to 11million people. The hospital authority said it activated a newly created 'serious response' level over the weekend to curb spread of the infection. The city's health department added an additional thermal imaging system at Hong Kong's airport to check if arriving passengers had a high temperature. More staff have been assigned to carry out temperature checks at the West Kowloon high-speed rail station, which connects Hong Kong to mainland China. Hong Kong's health chief Sophia Chan warned residents against visiting wet markets places that sell fresh meat and eating wild game in mainland China. The South China Seafood City food market, where many of the infected patients had worked, has been suspended until investigations are complete. But the two latest possible cases in Hong Kong two females, aged 12 and 41 are not thought to have visited the market during a trip to Wuhan. A Chinese nurse wears a mask as she attends to patients at a hospital in Beijing amid a SARS outbreak in April 2004 The South China Morning Post reported Singapore has had one suspicious case of the mystery illness. The Ministry of Health said on January 4 that it had been notified of a three-year-old girl from China who had been to Wuhan and was suspected to have the illness, The Straits Times reported. She had been isolated as a precautionary measure and preliminary tests suggested respiratory syncytial virus had caused pneumonia. It is not clear how she was uncovered as a suspected case of the mystery virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) said it was closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with Chinese authorities. It added 'the reported link to a wholesale fish and live animal market could indicate an exposure link to animals'. But the agency added that no travel or trade restrictions are necessary at this time. The mystery condition's most common symptom is fever, with shortness of breath and lung infections appearing in a 'small number' of cases. Typical symptoms of SARS include a high temperature, fatigue and headache, with a dry cough and breathing difficulties arising later on. The 2002-2003 SARS epidemic started in southern China and killed more than 700 people in mainland China, Hong Kong and elsewhere. The WHO criticised China for under-reporting the number of cases following the outbreak, which infected four people in the UK. China sacked its then-health minister Zhang Wenkang for the poor handling of the crisis, several months after the first case was reported. Online speculation about a resurgence of SARS began when the mystery infection was first reported in Wuhan. Wuhan police on Wednesday said they had punished eight people for 'publishing or forwarding false information on the internet without verification'. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 21:50:22|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KAMPALA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Uganda on Wednesday handed over nine Rwandan nationals released by a military court to ease tensions between the two neighboring countries. Sam Kutesa, Uganda's foreign affairs minister handed over the freed prisoners to immigration authorities in the presence of Frank Mugambage, Rwanda's High Commissioner to Uganda. Kutesa said the gesture is in line with the Luanda Memorandum of Understanding signed between Uganda and Rwanda on the normalization of the relations between the two countries. "We have withdrawn the charges against these nine people. We are doing this as a political move to ease the tensions between our two countries," said Kutesa at the handover ceremony in the capital Kampala. "To withdraw charges is an act of goodwill which we consider and hope will be reciprocated by the Rwanda government by dealing with other issues we have raised with them," he said. Uganda's General Court Martial on Tuesday set free nine Rwandese who were facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The move followed the prosecution losing interest in the case. Mugambage said the release and handover is a step in the right direction and called for the end of arbitrary arrests of Rwandese who visit Uganda. The handover came in the wake of negotiations by the two neighboring countries to end close to a year of misunderstandings. Last year, Rwanda closed its common border with Uganda alleging that the latter was incarcerating its citizens. Uganda denied the allegations. Mizoram's lone Lok Sabha member C Lalrosanga, who has come under severe attack for supporting the amended citizenship law, was shown black flags as he arrived at the Lengpui airport here on Tuesday. Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), which has been spearheading protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA, staged demonstration at the airport, seeking apology from the MP for "acting against the interest of the people". With placards saying "Mizoram opposed to Hindu Nationalism" and "MZP rejects CAA", protesters put on 'Pawndum', traditional Mizo shawl signifying dissent, to express their anger against Lalrosanga for voting in favour of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Parliament. The agitating students also raised slogans demanding his resignation and equated him with Biblical Judas, who betrayed Jesus. MZP president B Vanlaltana said the apex students' body of the state, under the aegis of North East Students' Organisation (NESO), has been opposing the amended citizenship law. He said that the new law is harmful for Mizoram, and the religion and culture of indigenous Mizos, who fear demographic impact. "There is no any political interest behind the protests against CAA. We don't support any political party nor against them," he said, adding that the students' body will support any party that does good. NESO leader Ricky Lalbiakmawia said that Mizoram is not fully protected from illegal influx despite it being exempted from purview of the new law. He said people of the Chakma community from Bangladesh will migrate to the neighbouring states and later come to Mizoram if the CAA is not either scrapped or the entire Northeast is not exempted from its purview. Lalrosanga, who arrived in the afternoon amid tight security, refused to talk to reporters. Soon after arrival, he was taken to his residence in the city amid heavy deployment of police forces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the Grand Foyer of the White House hours after Iran rained more than a dozen rockets down on airbases in Iraq housing U.S. troops. Iranians said the attack was in response to a U.S. drone strike last week that killed Qasem Soleimani, one of Tehrans most powerful leaders. Read the transcript here. Following are highlights from Trump's remarks: 11:48 a.m. EST Warning and olive branch Trump ended his remarks at 11:37 a.m. after speaking for nine minutes. The president threatened Iran with additional sanctions and said his administration is considering its "options." He also appeared to offer the Iranians an olive branch, signaling the United States does not seek a war with Tehran. "The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it," Trump The president signaled he was open to negotiations with Iran, an offer he has made at other times since pulling out of the multinational Iran nuclear accord in 2018. Tehran has rebuffed the overtures, saying it already negotiated a deal that the U.S. abandoned. Iran has also demanded a lifting of sanctions imposed under the Trump administration. "We must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place," Trump said. "We must also make a deal that allows Iran to thrive and prosper and take advantage of its enormous untapped potential." On Capitol Hill: 'This was an act of war': Lawmakers react to Iran's missile strike What we know: Iran's missile attack and its repercussions 11:42 a.m. EST Trump delivers message to Iran The president spoke directly to Iranian leaders, insisting the United States wants them to have a "great future, one that you deserve one of prosperity at home and harmony with the nations of the world. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it." President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media in the Oval Office on Jan. 7, 2020. 11:38 a.m. EST Trump urges NATO to take larger role Story continues The president said he plans to ask NATO allies to "become much more involved in the Middle East process." He touted the U.S. economy, American energy independence and a stronger military under his leadership, adding they are accomplishments "nobody thought were possible." 11:37 a.m. EST Iran nuclear deal Trump called on the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China to break off from the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal. 11:35 a.m. EST Trump to impose more sanctions on Iran Trump said his administration will impose new sanctions on Iran in response to the attack. He did not specify how those sanctions would be applied. "These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior," Trump said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo listens as President Donald Trump speaks about the situation with Iran on Jan. 8, 2020. 11:33 a.m. EST 'Those days are over' "For far too long, all the way back to 1979 to be exact, nations have tolerated Iran's destructive and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East and beyond," Trump said. "Those days are over," he said. He called Iran the leading sponsor of terrorism and said its "pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens the civilized world." A protester waves the national flag while demonstrators set fire to close streets near Tahrir Square in Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 8, 2020. 11:31 a.m. EST 'All of our soldiers are safe' Trump said the United States suffered no casualties in Irans attacks on military bases in Iraq. All of our soldiers are safe, he said. 11:28 a.m. EST Trump takes the podium "As long as I'm president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon," Trump said. 11:22 a.m. EST Speech taking place in Grand Foyer Trump will take the podium in the Grand Foyer. Also called the Entrance Hall, it is the primary, formal entrance to the White House. Partially covered by a red carpet, its where presidents often deliver major addresses to the nation. 11:09 a.m. EST What to watch for Will Trump pump the brakes on escalating tensions with Iran or add fuel to the fire? Initial assessments from the Pentagon indicate the Iranian attack inflicted minimal damage and no casualties. If those reports are accurate, it could provide Trump the off-ramp he needs to avoid war with one of Americas most challenging foes. The Trump administrations messaging has been inconsistent. Trump threatened to target Iranian cultural sites, then backed away. A Pentagon letter suggesting the United States was withdrawing from Iraq (a goal for Iran) was leaked, then dismissed by senior officials as a mistake. Trumps remarks will provide an opportunity to clear up those and other matters and define U.S. intentions in the region. 10:58 a.m. EST What Trump said the night of the attack Trump huddled with national security aides late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, officials said, in part to prepare his remarks on the way forward with Iran. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were among the national security officials spotted at the White House early Wednesday. "All is well!" Trump tweeted. "Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far!" All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 Will Iran attack again? Another sign of reduced tensions: A U.S. official told USA TODAY that there was advance warning of Iran's missile assault, allowing the military to take precautions. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter that Iran "concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter," and that its targets included the military base "from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched." He said, "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 8, 2020 The latest confrontation between the United States and Iran, perhaps the most dangerous one since the hostage crisis of 1979-80, began last month with an attack by an Iranian-backed militia that killed an American contractor. The United States responded with attacks on militia bases that killed at least two dozen people. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump, in address to nation, warns Iran but says peace possible - updates Officers responded to two reported robberies Jan. 2 in Pearland, according to a police department bulletin. The first incident, described as aggravated robbery, reportedly occurred at about 8:36 p.m. in the 2000 block of Main Street. A second aggravated robbery was reported at about 10 p.m. in the 5500 block of Broadway, police said. Burglary Items were taken from a vehicle without consent Dec. 30 or Dec. 31 in the 7300 block of Shade Court, police said. Police conducted a vehicle burglary investigation Dec. 31 in the 10900 block of Memorial Hermann Drive. A vehicle was burglarized Dec. 31 at Planet Fitness, 11005 Shadow Creek Parkway, police said. Vehicle burglary was reported Jan. 2 in the 10000 block of Broadway, police said. Police filed a vehicle burglary report Jan. 2 in the 2400 block of Appian Way. A business was burglarized Jan. 3 in the 1000 block of Main Street, police said. A vehicle was burglarized between Jan. 1 and Jan. 3 in the 2100 block of Kingsley Drive, police said. Burglary of a building was reported Jan. 4 in the 3200 block of McLean Road, police said. A vehicle was burglarized Jan. 4 at Dillards, 11200 Broadway, police said. Burglary of habitation was attempted Jan. 5 in the 2700 block of Lauren Rose Lane, police said. Police conducted a vehicle burglary investigation Jan. 5 in the 1000 block of Bass Pro Drive. Theft Shoplifting was reported Dec. 30 in the 2900 block of South Sam Houston Parkway East, police said. Trailer theft occurred Dec. 25 in the 5900 block of Bardet Street, according to a Dec. 30 police report. Police conducted a vehicle theft investigation Dec. 30 in the 3500 block of Broadway. A phone and credit cards were reported stolen Dec. 30 in the 15800 block of Pearland Parkway, police said. A vehicle was taken without consent Dec. 30 or Dec. 31 in the 4800 block of Pinder Lane, police said. Police filed a shoplifting report Dec. 31 in the 1700 block of Broadway. Theft was reported Jan. 2 in the 12200 block of Shadow Creek Parkway, police said. Police took a Houston man, 47, into custody for shoplifting Jan. 2 in the 1900 block of Main Street. A Galveston man, 44, was arrested on a shoplifting charge Jan. 2 in the 10100 block of Broadway, police said. Theft occurred Dec. 19, according to a police report filed Jan. 2 in the 1600 block of Broadway. A Dec. 24 theft in the 9600 block of King Authors Court was reported Jan. 2, police said. Police charged an 18-year-old Houston man and 19-year-old Pearland woman with shoplifting Jan. 2 in the 11200 block of Broadway. Police filed a shoplifting report Jan. 3 in the 10100 block of Broadway. Vehicle theft was reported Jan. 3 in the 2700 block of Broadway, police said. Theft occurred between Nov. 29 and Dec. 21 in the 11200 block of Broadway, according to a Jan. 3 police report. Police conducted a shoplifting investigation Jan. 3 in the 11100 block of Shadow Creek Parkway. Shoplifting was reported Jan. 3 in the 1900 block of Main Street, police said. Police filed a shoplifting report Jan. 4 in the 1900 block of Main Street. Police filed a shoplifting report Jan. 4 in the 10100 block of Broadway. Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle was reported Jan. 4 in the 2100 block of Country Place Parkway, police said. A thief ran out of Dicks Sporting Goods, 11200 Broadway on Jan. 4 with stolen merchandise, police said. A Cypress woman, 25, received a shoplifting citation after she allegedly stole groceries Jan. 4 at H-E-B, 2805 Business Center Drive, police said. Police took a Houston man, 45, into custody for shoplifting and Fort Bend County warrants Jan. 4 in the 11200 block of Broadway. A 49-year-old Pearland man was charged with shoplifting and public intoxication Jan. 4 in the 12800 block of Broadway, police said. Theft of service was reported Jan. 4 in the 1200 block of Broadway, police said. Police charged two League City women, 31 and 55, with shoplifting Jan. 4 in the 1700 block of Broadway. A Houston man, 29, was charged with shoplifting Jan. 5 in the 1700 block of Broadway, police said. Fraud, forgery Forgery occurred between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1 according to a police report filed Dec. 30, 2019, in the 3500 block of East Walnut Street. Police filed a credit card abuse report Dec. 30 in the 2200 block of North Washington Avenue. Theft by fraud occurred between April 30 and Dec. 30 according to a police report filed Dec. 30 in the 2500 block of Cullen Parkway. Forgery was reported Dec. 31 in the 14000 block of Texas 288, police said. Police filed a report for potential identity theft Jan. 2 in the 2900 block of Waterloo Road. Forgery occurred between Nov. 24 and Jan. 3, according to a police report filed Jan. 3 in the 2700 block of Cullen Parkway. Police filed a forgery report Jan. 3 in the 3500 block of Linwood Drive. Assault Police filed a family violence report Dec. 31 in the 4000 block of Village Drive. A Pearland woman, 40, was charged with assault, family violence Dec. 31 in the 4100 block of Boulder Drive, police said. Police took a Pearland woman, 43, into custody for assault, family violence Jan. 1 in the 1200 block of Pine Field Court. Police filed an assault report Jan. 1 in the 2900 block of Oak Road. Assault and burglary of a habitation were reported Jan. 1 in the 2300 block of North Pearland Avenue, police said. Police detained a boy for assault, family violence Jan. 2 in the 3700 block of Skylark Way. Police took a Pasadena woman, 34, and Pearland man, 28, into custody for assault, family violence Jan. 2 in the 2200 block of Oday Road. A Houston man, 37, received an assault citation after allegedly pushing a woman at Dennys, 11221 Broadway, police said. A Pearland man, 36, was arrested on an assault charge Jan. 4 in the 1900 block of Kingsley Drive, police said. A Houston man, 24, received an assault, family violence citation Jan. 4 in the 11100 block of Broadway, police said. Police filed an aggravated assault report after a disturbance between two people Jan. 4 in the 12300 block of Shadow Creek Parkway. Assault, family violence occurred Jan. 2 in the 1900 block of Kingsley Drive, according to a Jan. 5 police report. Narcotics Police arrested a Houston woman, 30, on a charge of marijuana possession and a warrant Dec. 30 in the 3900 block of Second Street. A Pearland man, 20, was charged with marijuana possession Jan. 1 in the 2200 block of Kirby Drive, police said. Police took a Pearland man, 22, into custody on a charge of marijuana possession Jan. 5 in the 8500 block of Hughes Ranch Road. A Houston man, 35, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon Jan. 5 in the 5000 block of Main Street, police said. Driving while intoxicated Police arrested a Houston man, 37, on a charge of DWI with a child passenger Dec. 30 in the 5900 block of Broadway. A Pearland woman, 46, was charged with DWI Jan. 1 in the 8200 block of Broadway, police said. Police charged a Houston woman, 45, with DWI Jan. 2 in the 1500 block of Stone Road. An Angleton woman, 39, was arrested on a DWI charge Jan. 4 in the 16700 block of Texas 288, police said. Public intoxication Police charged a Houston woman, 30, with public intoxication Dec. 31 in the 3600 block of Business Center Drive. A stolen vehicle also was recovered, according to the report. A 30-year-old Pearland woman was charged with public intoxication Jan. 1 in the 2600 block of Cloverfield Court, police said. Weapons Accidental discharge of a firearm was reported Dec. 30 in the 12400 block of Shadow Creek Parkway, police said. Police charged a Houston man, 49, with deadly conduct, discharge of a firearm Jan. 1 in the 1900 block of Dry Willow Lane. Criminal mischief, trespass Criminal mischief was reported Dec. 30 in the 2500 block of Pearland Parkway, police said. Police filed a criminal mischief report Dec. 31 in the 3200 block of McLean Road. Criminal mischief was reported Dec. 31 in the 4900 block of Pecan Grove Drive, police said. Police conducted a criminal mischief investigation Jan. 1 in the 6500 block of Broadway. Police filed a criminal trespass report Jan. 2 in the 2600 block of Nightsong Drive. Criminal trespass was reported Jan. 2 in the 2200 block of North Austin Avenue, police said. A criminal mischief report was filed Jan. 2 in the 2000 block of Hillhouse Road, police said. Resisting arrest A Pearland man, 30, was charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct Dec. 30 in the 2600 block of Sandstone Creek Drive, police said. Police took a Pearland woman, 29, into custody for resisting arrest and active warrants Jan. 1 in the 3900 block of Spring Forest Drive. Police charged a 23-year-old Pearland man with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct Jan. 1 in the 3400 block of Main Street. Traffic Police charged a Houston man, 47, with duty on striking a fixture or highway landscaping Jan. 1 in the 12800 block of Shadow Creek Parkway. A Webster man, 36, was taken into custody for fictitious or altered vehicle registration, driving while license invalid and a Brazoria County warrant Jan. 3 in the 2500 block of Broadway Street, police said. Other incidents Police took a Houston man, 30, into custody for violating a magistrates order for emergency protection Jan. 1 in the 1700 block of Old Alvin Road. Police conducted an animal cruelty investigation Jan. 5 in the 1400 block of Stone Road. Latvia Stops Training Iraqi Security Forces - Defence Ministry Sputnik News 03:31 07.01.2020 RIGA (Sputnik) - Latvian troops stopped training with Iraqi security forces in the wake of escalated regional tensions, Defence Ministry spokesman Kaspars Galkins said. "Latvian soldiers in Iraq stopped instructing Iraqi security forces and training with them," Galkins told journalists on Monday. Latvian troops were sent to Iraq in 2016. There are currently six instructors serving with the Danish contingent at a joint US-Iraqi military base located 160 kilometres (99 miles) from Baghdad. The situation in the Middle East in general, and in Iraq in particular, became tense on Friday when strikes by US drones in Baghdad took the lives of Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, who led the Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force. Latvian Defence Minister Artis Pabriks supported US actions on the same day. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A 24-year-old Mississippi teacher tragically lost her unborn child eight months into her pregnancy after she was struck by a hit-and-run driver on the way home from her baby shower, Sgt. J.D. Carter of the Jones County Sheriffs Department confirmed to PEOPLE. Mashayla Harper was transported to the hospital in critical condition after she was discovered lying along the roadway in Soso when her Honda Accord was struck head-on by a 2005 Nissan Titan. The accident occurred just before 6 p.m. local time Saturday, Sgt. Carter confirmed. Harper, a fourth-grade teacher, had been driving back from her baby shower when her car was struck by the Nissan. Sgt. Carter said that that the driver, 33-year-old James Gilbert, fled the scene on foot. Hours later, newly elected sheriff Joe Berlin called Gilberts wife and got her to contact the suspect and allow police to take him in. RELATED: Rae Sremmurds Half-Brother Being Held in Custody After Stepdad Shot and Killed in Mississippi Gilbert has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident that caused death or injuries and he is being held on a $100,000 bond. The charge and bond could be increased depending on his blood test results, Sgt. Carter said. Sgt. Carter also said that Gilbert admitted that he had been drinking before getting behind the wheel. I was scared, he told local outlet The Laurel-Leader Call when asked why he ran away. Im very sorry. Im so sorry. Harper has been transferred from South Central Regional Medical Center to Forrest General, where she underwent surgery, the outlet reported. Sgt. Carter confirmed, per Harpers family, that she is awake but remains in critical condition. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLEs free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Harpers father, Maurice Pruitt Sr., shared an emotional message on Facebook, along with photos from her baby shower earlier that day. To see our baby go from this being the happiest day if her life to I.C.U. in a matter of minutes was a complete tragedy, Pruitt wrote. That idiot hit her head on and left her out there on that road to die. We are grateful for the individual that happened to be in the area hunting to come to her aid, otherwise we may not be sitting in I.C.U. praying as she fight for her life. A GoFundMe page was started Tuesday to help pay Harpers medical bills. SPRINGFIELD - Members of the two anti-gang police task forces have charged two with unlawful weapons possession after a raid on Forest Park apartment found a gun hidden under a bed, police said. Members of the state police Gang Unit, the Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force and Hampden County Narcotic Task Force executed a search warrant at a first-floor apartment at 37 Virginia St. The warrant was issued by the courts as part of an investigation into drug activity at the apartment, police said. No drugs were found, but police found a loaded handgun under a bed, police said. Police charged Alex Gonzalez, 29, of Springfield, with unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm, illegal possession of a firearm with two prior convictions for violent crime or drugs, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Police said when officers came in through the front door to serve the warrant, Gonzalez was stopped while trying to climb out a rear window. The gun was found under the bed where he was standing, police said. A resident of the apartment and her two children were home when the police arrived. State police said she was not arrested but will be summonsed to court on firearm and ammunition charges. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Ilhama Isabalayeva Trend: Some 3.1 million foreign citizens visited Azerbaijan from January through December 2019, which is 11.4 percent more compared to the same period of 2018, Trend reports on Jan. 8 referring to the Azerbaijani State Tourism Agency. During the reporting period, 224,000 tourists from European countries arrived in Azerbaijan (14.7 percent more compared to the corresponding period of 2018). Most of the tourists arrived from the UK (36,000, an increase of 25.3 percent), Germany (20,000, an increase of 19.4 percent), Italy (12,000, an increase of 10.8 percent) and France (9,000, an increase by 15.2 percent). As for the South Asian countries, 65,000 tourists arrived from India and 46,000 tourists from Pakistan (an increase of 66.8 percent and 12.9 percent, respectively). Turkmenistan is the leader among the Central Asian countries. The number of tourists from this country has grown by 85 percent. Furthermore, 47,000 tourists (an increase of 26.1 percent) arrived from Kazakhstan, and 23,000 people (an increase of 28.3 percent) - from Uzbekistan. The number of Israeli citizens who visited Azerbaijan increased by 17 percent. Among the Middle Eastern countries, Saudi Arabia ranks first (an increase of 46.7 percent). The number of tourists from China, where the agency has a representative office, has also grown (an increase of 62.4 percent). The number of tourists from South Korea and Ukraine where Azerbaijans tourism agencies will operate increased by 19.9 percent and 2.4 percent respectively. Chennai: Indian Renault Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn at the launch of 'Kwid' in Chennai on May 20, 2015. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: PK Beirut, Jan 8 : Tokyo's Ambassador to Beirut has asked Lebanese President Michel Aoun for more cooperation in the case against Carlos Ghosn, the ousted Nissan chief who fled Japan to the Arab country, the Lebanese presidency has said. "Japan is extremely concerned about the case of Carlos Ghosn especially due to the way he left Japan and entered Lebanon," Takeshi Okubo said on Tuesday during a meeting held at the Baabda presidential palace. He asked for "more cooperation in this regard to avoid negative consequences on our friendly relations, especially that I am doing intense efforts to maintain the relations between the two people and countries", reports Efe news. The Japanese embassy in Lebanon, meanwhile, issued a statement that did not make reference to "negative consequences", but it did demand more cooperation. "Ambassador Okubo stated that defendant Carlos Ghosn's illegal departure from Japan and arrival in Lebanon is deeply regrettable and can never be overlooked by the Government of Japan," the statement said. "He requested that the government of Lebanon should provide all necessary cooperation on this matter, for which Japan has grave concern, including ascertaining the facts behind this case," it said. Lebanon "maintains the safety of all its citizens, residents or present on their territory, without discrimination", Aoun was cited as saying by the state-run NNA news agency after a meeting with the UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Jan Kubis. Aoun did not specifically mention Ghosn, who was facing charges of alleged financial misconduct in Japan. Ghosn, the former president of Nissan, escaped Japan in secret via Osaka airport. He is scheduled to hold a press conference on Wednesday, which will be his first appearance since he was arrested in Japan on November 19, 2019. The Lebanese public prosecutor's office has also received an Interpol red notice requesting authorities to preventively arrest Ghosn while he awaits extradition. Japan does not have an extradition treaty with Lebanon. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump appeared to hold his fire Wednesday in America's standoff with Iran, opting instead to promise fresh economic sanctions, prod NATO allies to do more and demand an end to a "very defective" international deal that aspired to slow Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in Washington, accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and others. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump appeared to hold his fire Wednesday in America's standoff with Iran, opting instead to promise fresh economic sanctions, prod NATO allies to do more and demand an end to a "very defective" international deal that aspired to slow Tehran's nuclear ambitions. After a nervous night that began with a barrage of Iranian missiles raining down on two Iraqi military bases where U.S. soldiers are stationed, Americans tuned in to hear just to how their famously unpredictable president might respond. But Trump, flanked by senior members of his national security team, appeared willing to take advantage of an opening that some observers speculated might have been there by design: the fact that none of Iran's missiles fired in retribution for last week's killing of Maj.-Gen. Qassem Soleimani drew any American blood. "All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases," the president said in a statement from the White House. "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all concerned, and a very good thing for the world." Instead, Trump aimed his trademark ire at two of his favourite rhetorical targets: the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a multilateral agreement reached in 2015 under Barack Obama that was supposed to discourage Iran's nuclear program, and NATO, a military alliance the president believes has left the U.S. with an unfair share of its burden. "Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism," he said. "The time has come for the U.K., Germany, France, Russia and China to recognize this reality; they must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal ... and we must all work together towards making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place." He said the "very defective" Obama-era agreement, which the Trump administration abandoned in 2018, is too short-term and too lax and gives Iran a "clear and quick path" towards developing a nuclear arsenal. "Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon," Trump said. Iran declared after Soleimani's death that it would no longer abide by the limits on enrichment of nuclear fuel imposed by the 2015 deal a deal the federal Liberal government in Canada has championed as an important international effort to keep the world safe from nuclear proliferation. Just last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Charles Michel, president of the European Council, reiterated their collective support for the agreement and its role in promoting regional stability in the Middle East. Trump, who regularly criticizes NATO allies for what he characterizes as their failure to shoulder a fair share of the burden, also said he would ask NATO to become "much more involved" in the Middle East. A NATO readout of Trump's call with Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg later Wednesday said the two "agreed that NATO could contribute more to regional stability and the fight against international terrorism" something the alliance already does through its training efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Trump and Trudeau also discussed the situation in Iran and NATO's role in the Middle East during a phone call Wednesday, the prime minister told a news conference in Ottawa. "He recognized the important role that the international community can play in supporting the move towards a more stable Iraq," Trudeau said, citing Canada's role in NATO's efforts to train local forces as part of the ongoing mission against the Islamic State group. Canada is already one of the countries doing the most in that regard, he said, "but there are always going to be more reflections on what are the next steps to take, given the current circumstances and the path forward that partners in the region and global partners will be looking at." Trump made no explicit demands of Canada in that regard, he added. Gen. Jonathan Vance, Canada's chief of the defence staff, said in French that Canadian soldiers who along with American personnel have been gradually relocating to Kuwait this week are prepared to continue with the anti-ISIL mission if circumstances permit. Vance acknowledged the heightened risk but noted Canadian forces are taking all the necessary security precautions. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2020. Follow James McCarten on Twitter @CdnPressStyle Gibraltar Youth Service London Trip 2020 On Wednesday 1st January 2020 twelve young people and four Youth & Community Workers from Gibraltar Youth Service embarked on a five-day residential trip to London. The trip was the culmination of months of hard work by the young people and staff alike. Young people were selected based on their good behaviour and positive participation during youth club sessions over a long period of time with representation of members from Youth Centre, Plater, Laguna and Dolphins Youth Club. Throughout the project these young people showed creativity, commitment and an unmatched enthusiasm. During the initial period the group met weekly for team building activities, planning of the trip and the organising of community based initiatives with a view to the group of young people acknowledging the value of giving back to their community. The group participated in Clean up the World, organising community events and preparing and delivering winter food hampers to the community in December. The leisurely activities of this trip allowed the young people to experience the culture and excitement of being in Central London. Some of the places visited included; the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, London Dungeon, River Thames and Westfield Shopping Centre amongst many others. The Gibraltar Youth Service would also like to acknowledge the kind donation from the Kusuma Trust in support of this great initiative. Rajasthan will implement the new Motor Vehicle Act only after reducing penalties, Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said here on Wednesday. Khachariyawas said the state had the right to reduce penalties and his department had sought legal opinion on reduction in penalties in 17 offences. Reacting to the advisory on the implementation of the Act, the minister said the Centre had failed to get the new law implemented even in the BJP-ruled states. He said the BJP-ruled Gujarat had even relaxed compulsory helmet rules. "The state has the right to change penalties and we will implement the Act only after reducing the penalties," the minister told reporters. "Even the BJP-ruled states are not implementing the new Act. Why is it happening," he asked. He termed the advisory from the Centre illegal, alleging that it was using threatening language. He said the Centre should call a meeting of state transport ministers and should tell them what is good in the Act. "The amended Act has high penalties. The country is already suffering from economic slowdown and unemployment. Reduction penalties is under our jurisdiction, which we are doing," he said. Khachariyawas said the department had submitted the proposal for reducing penalties to the law department and after necessary approvals and opinion, it would be implemented. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A pair of twins walked into the Love Island villa for the first time in the show's history. Students Eve and Jess Gale appeared as contestants for Winter Love Island but this won't be their first brush with the world of celebrity. Before heading into the villa they revealed snippets of information, including who their celebrity crush is (they both say Anthony Joshua) and their all-important thoughts on "girl code." Here's all you need to know about Love Island hopefuls Eve and Jess Gale... Who are Eve and Jess Gale? ITV London-based Eve and Jess are originally from Cambridge but moved to the capital to work as waitresses and VIP hostesses. The 20-year-old students reckon they will be a big hit in the villa thanks to their "confident", "fun" and "easygoing" personalities. Both twins say their hair is their best feature, with Jess rating herself a 7.5/10 and Eve a 7/10. However, the duo have a problem with time-keeping as Jess says her worst habit is "being late" with Eve saying it is "sleeping in." Who are Eve and Jess coupled up with? After a dramatic arrival, the twins spent some time getting to know the other Islanders before choosing who to couple up with. But the drama didn't stop their, with Jess opting to pair with Mike (who had been partnered with Leanne) and Eve choosing Callum - leaving Shaughna both single and fuming. However, things have taken a turn for the worse for Eve who was booted from the show following a tense recoupling which saw Nas Majeed chose Jess over her. Nas' decision dew gasps from the other Islanders, and Eve urged her sister to continue on the show. The brutal dumping saw Jess in floods of tears as well. Are Eve and Jess Gale on Instagram? Of course they are - they are about to appear on Love Island. Eve can be found @evegale and Jess's handle is @jessicarosegale. Their accounts are packed full of glamorous shots of themselves dressed up to the nines at glitzy nights out in London or in bikinis on sun-kissed beaches. Both women appear to be fans of the jet-set lifestyle, with a recent trip to Ibiza helping them to top up on their Love Island tan. The twins shared numerous poolside snaps of their recent Balearic getaway, with other trips including Andalusia in southern Spain, Greece and Indonesia. What are Eve and Jess's types? Meet the Love Island 2020 cast Both of them are after a "confident" man, with Jess saying her ideal type would be someone "self-assured, kind and respectful and on the same intelligence level as me." Meanwhile Eve says she is looking for a "switched on" and fun alpha male - but shyness and insecurity are big no-nos, as are "disrespectful f***boys". They both say casual drinks at a rooftop bar would impress them on a first date. What's the connection to Tyga? Eve says it was during her work as a VIP hostess that she met Tyga, having been introduced to him at a party they were both at. She claims the rapper slid into her DMs and the two began messaging before he tried to meet up with her in Ibiza, but it seems it was too late by then. She explained: "Tyga, Kylie Jenners ex, messaged me. We were both at an event and I posted an Instagram story tagging him. He then messaged me afterwards and we spoke on WhatsApp. "Then when me and Jess were in Ibiza, he was there again. He asked me to meet him but we arrived the day he left. Pop Smoke, the R n B rapper, messaged me too." What have Eve and Jess said about Winter Love Island 2020? Watch out boys - you'll need to do a lot to win over the girls, who say their girl code as twins is "stepped up by 1000%". "If its meant to happen it will happen naturally," says Jess. "If Im forcing it, it probably shouldnt be happening in the first place." Eve meanwhile says: "I dont chase, I like being chased. If a guy doesnt want me then I dont want him." And be warned guys - you'll need to treat them right because if you upset one, you upset both and you will be "cancelled". When does the new series of Love Island start? Indonesian President Joko Widodo visited Natuna Islands Wednesday amid renewed tensions with China over the lucrative fishing waters that lie between Malaysia and Borneo. Jokowi, as Widodo is popularly known, was scheduled to meet hundreds of fishermen in the area following the sighting of Chinese fishing vessels and coast guard ships near the Natuna Islands in recent weeks, according to a statement on the cabinet secretariat website. Indonesia has sent warships and 120 fishing vessels to patrol the area, Indonesian authorities said. On Tuesday, the Indonesian Air Force deployed four F-16 fighter jets to the islands, Detik news site reported. While Indonesia claims the incursion of the fishing vessel was in violation of international laws, China said it's operating legally. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said during a regular briefing on Tuesday both sides have been in communication using diplomatic channels. "Between us, friendship and cooperation is the mainstream while difference merely a branch," Geng said. "Both China and Indonesia shoulder the important task of safeguarding regional peace and stability." The situation comes as both countries prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. Jokowi said the increased presence of Chinese ships in the disputed waters since December was a violation of international law. Speaking at a plenary cabinet session in Jakarta Monday, he said there would be "no negotiation when it comes to our sovereignty." Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said her government will intensify maritime border talks with Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Palau and Timor Leste this year. Any territorial claim by a country must be based on international law, the minister said Wednesday. Marsudi earlier this week urged China to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, saying "Indonesia will never recognize nine dash lines or unilateral claims made by China that do not have legal reasons recognized by international law." The latest conflict follows accusations by the U.S. and other coastal states in Southeast Asia that China was taking a more aggressive stance on its claims to more than 80% of the lucrative waters in the South China Sea. China has said it's operating legally, and has called on the U.S. to stop interfering in the region. There were several reported incidents involving Chinese coast guard vessels entering waters controlled by other claimants last year, including one that resulted in a nearly four-month-long standoff with Vietnam. Malaysia also drew an objection from Beijing on Dec. 12 when it issued a submission to the UN defining its continental shelf. The incident began more than two weeks ago when Chinese coast guard vessels escorting dozens of fishing vessels were spotted in Indonesia's exclusive economic zone, the Jakarta Post reported, triggering the foreign ministry to send a diplomatic protest to Beijing on Dec. 30. China responded the next day, with Geng saying the country has sovereignty over the nearby Spratly Islands and their waters in the northeast, which had for years been traditional Chinese fishing grounds. Last year, the Indonesian government announced plans to develop the lucrative fishing grounds near Natuna in part to assert its sovereign authority there. It also pledged to build new cold-storage facilities to turn the area into a functional fishing hub by the year's end. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes This is not the first time the two sides have faced conflict near Natuna. Indonesia has for years fended off fisherman from coastal Asian countries caught poaching in its waters -- confiscating and destroying hundreds of boats, some of which were Chinese. Indonesia's moves are reminiscent of 2016 when Jokowi took similar actions -- including issuing a statement on the country's sovereignty, sending F-16s to the area and making personal visit there -- following several incursions by Chinese fishing boats and its coast guard. Jakarta has nevertheless sought to remain neutral in the wider dispute. "This is how it has responded since the 2016 incursions. So if there was posturing, it was back then," said Aaron Connelly, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Southeast Asian Political Change and Foreign Policy program. "Indonesian policy has been remarkably consistent on this issue." - - - Bloomberg's Harry Suhartono contributed. Iran Launches Missile Strikes At U.S. Troops In Iraq, Casualties Unclear 01/08/20 Source: RFE/RL Iran has carried out a ballistic-missile attack against U.S. forces stationed in Iraq in retaliation for the killing last week of a prominent Iranian military commander. Iranian state television said Iran had fired 15 missiles at U.S. targets in Iraq early on January 8. The U.S. military said at least two Iraqi facilities hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel were targeted in the overnight attack. It is unclear if there have been any casualties. There is a growing belief among some US administration officials that Iran's missiles intentionally missed areas not populated by Americans during attacks last night, multiple administration officials said. https://t.co/4ThgvwRirz pic.twitter.com/SYzzHNkCYI CNN International (@cnni) January 8, 2020 Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attacks, Iranian state television and state news agencies reported. The IRGC said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani, who died in a U.S. air strike last week in Baghdad. The attack on the Ain Assad base, which hosts U.S. troops, was "a total success by all accounts," the IRGC said. U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted shortly after the missile attacks: "All is well!" adding, "So far, so good" regarding casualties. Trump said he would make a statement on January 8. Trump's Iran policy - the current policy of the United States - is driven by a thirst for vengeance and domination. There is no legitimate policy objective and no strategy, and never will be. My thoughts in @RStatecraft: https://t.co/ZiXuwHHXBE Stephen Wertheim (@stephenwertheim) January 8, 2020 "We are aware of the reports of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq," the White House told reporters according to a media pool report. "The president [Donald Trump] has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national-security team." Iranian state television claimed, without offering evidence, that the strikes killed "at least 80 terrorist U.S soldiers" and also damaged helicopters, drones, and other equipment at the Ain al-Asad air base in Anbar Province and the Harir air base in Irbil. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg condemned the attack and urged Tehran to hold back. "I condemn the Iranian missile attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq. NATO calls on Iran to refrain from further violence," Stoltenberg tweeted. A NATO official said that there were no casualties among the personnel on the alliance's training mission in Iraq. Here's how countries from around the world are reacting to Iran's decision to fire missiles at US targets in Iraq. Follow the latest here: https://t.co/7kUgGBsrCY pic.twitter.com/FfSIbKihlS Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 8, 2020 The Iraqi military said 22 missiles were fired. "There were no victims among the Iraqi forces," the military said. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi received a verbal message from Iran telling him a response to the U.S. killing of Soleimani was either imminent or under way, Abdul-Mahdi's spokesman said in a statement. Tehran told Abdul-Mahdi it would only target locations where U.S. forces were present but did not specify the locations, his spokesman said. The Iraqi prime minister simultaneously received a call from the United States while missiles were falling on the Ain al-Assad and Harir air bases, the spokesman said. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in a televised speech that the attack was "a slap in the face" delivered to the United States. Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami told state television that should Washington retaliate, Iran would respond with "proportional" force. "We used short-range missiles.... I hope this will be a memorable lesson for America," Hatami said. "Iran's response [to any U.S. retaliation] will be proportional to what America will do," he said, adding that Trump "has turned the [U.S.] administration into a terrorist government." EU leaders plead with Trump not to respond to Iranian attacks https://t.co/pQbwe0I9Gp Guardian news (@guardiannews) January 8, 2020 Following the attack, several major airlines, including Air France and Germany's Lufthansa, said on January 8 that they were rerouting flights to avoid airspace over Iraq and Iran, while the Federal Aviation Administration banned U.S. carriers from the area. The multiple attacks came hours after Soleimani was buried in his hometown on January 7. Iran's military leaders and pro-Iranian factions in Iraq had vowed to avenge his death. Professor Stephen David of Johns Hopkins University told Voice of America that while Iran's retaliation wasn't unexpected, it was surprising that Tehran chose to launch the attack from its own territory and use ballistic missiles -- a weapon substantially more powerful than a rocket. "I think it was surprising that the attack was from Iran. It was not at all deniable," David said. "It was clear what the source of the attack was; the fact they use ballistic missiles also was a bit of a surprise, something of an escalation." With reporting by AP, TASS, Reuters, Al Jazeera, dpa, and AFP The brother of a man who was struck by lightning while surfing saved his life because he copied CPR he had seen performed by lifeguards on Bondi Rescue. Josh Bush, 29, was hit by the lightning at Dee Why Beach, north of Sydney on Monday afternoon. His brother Lionel said he rushed into action after seeing his brother unconscious in the water. 'I looked around like 'Oh, was everyone OK?' and then I saw my brother lying in the water, so I sprinted over as fast as I could and he was just gone - eyes completely open - just gone,' Lionel told Ten News. 'I just jumped in and tried to grab him. It was in the wash water. I've just seen Bondi Rescue, so I just jumped on him and started pumping his chest as hard as I could.' Josh Bush, a 29-year-old surfer, was struck by lightning while he was in the water at Dee Why beach Mr Bush's brother, Lionel, said he rushed into action after seeing his brother unconscious in the water Mr Bush was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital where he is being treated in a stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery. A woman was also struck by lightning a few minutes before Mr Bush on Monday. A 71-year-old woman was struck out the front of her home in Arcadia, in the city's north just after 5pm. She reportedly heard a tree fall down in her front yard, and was hit by a bolt to the chest when she went outside to investigate. The woman was rushed to Westmead Hospital by helicopter in a critical condition. She remains in hospital in a critical condition. A woman was also struck by lightning a few minutes before Mr Bush on Monday when a bolt hit in her front yard Emergency services were on the scene in Arcadia whera 71-year-old woman was struck by lightning NSW Ambulance Duty Operations Manager Carolyn Parish described the proximity of the incidents as 'extraordinary'. 'This is the first time I have ever come across two lightning strikes within 10 minutes - it's terrifying,' Ms Parish said. 'Paramedics had to work quickly at the scene they want to get in there and do whatever needs to be done to save a life, often putting their own safety as risk.' His brother performed CPR before emergency services arrived and rushed the man to hospital She explained reactions to being struck by lightning can vary significantly, but the most common response is for the body to go into cardiac arrest. 'We really need the public to take extra safety in these extraordinary fire conditions that are driving lightning strikes across the state.' The extreme weather has contributed to a power outage currently impacting parts of the northern beaches. Ausgrid confirmed customers from Freshwater through to Dee Why and Manly lost power. Photo Illustration by Kelly Caminero/The Daily Beast As President Trump grappled with how to respond to Iran throughout the last year, one of the people he turned to for advice was his personal attorney and unofficial envoy, Rudy Giuliani. The former New York City mayor has had a long-standing interest in Iranian affairs. He was once paid by organizations linked to an Iranian dissident group formally designated by the U.S. government as a terrorist organizationuntil Giuliani helped get the outfit off the terror list. As recently as the summer of 2018, Giuliani appeared on stage at an event for the Peoples Mojahedin of Iran, known by its Farsi acronym, MEK. Hes stayed in touch with the groups U.S. lobbyists, meeting with representatives of its political arm as recently as last fall. And when Trump authorized the strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, Irans top general, Giuliani jubilantly referred to the MEK in the first person. Soleimani was directly responsible for killing some of my MEK people, he told The Daily Beast in an interview on Monday afternoon. We don't like him very much. And Giuliani isnt the only MEK ally in Trumps ear. Former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Giulianis longtime friend and former law partner, is now a pro bono lobbyist for the groups political arm, the National Council of Resistance of Iran. Trumps recently departed national security adviser, John Bolton, is a longtime MEK ally. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has met with the NCRIs Washington operation. And retired Gen. Jack Keane, a Fox News fixture, has plugged the MEK as a viable Iranian opposition. Giuliani has parlayed his position as Trumps lawyer and confidant into a role as a shadow diplomat, helping to steer U.S. policy in major areas of international affairs. And while Giulianis role in the still-unfolding Ukraine scandal contributed to the presidents impeachment last month, his behind-the-scenes advice on Iran, where Giuliani has long promoted the interests of a controversial dissident group frequently described as cult-like, has the potential to even further impact U.S. policy at the highest levels. Story continues According to two sources, including one senior administration official and a source with direct knowledge, Trump has sought his personal attorneys advice on U.S.-Iran-related matters on multiple occasions. Shortly after Trump greenlit and then called off military strikes on Iran in June that were expected to kill dozens of Iranians, for example, the president asked Giuliani if he thought he did the right thing, one of the sources said. Iran Fires Missiles at Base Housing U.S. Troops as Vengeance for Soleimani Killing Giulianis longstanding MEK ties are the sorts of red flags that would stick out on the publicly disclosed finances of any high-level government official. Those ties were emphasized in an internal opposition research file compiled by the Trump transition team as it weighed whether to tap Giuliani to be the secretary of state. He was passed up for the post, and now, in his role as an informal but potent adviser to the president, Giuliani is helping to shape U.S. policy unencumbered by ethics rules that govern senior U.S. government officials. Giuliani has not filed financial disclosure reports as a government employee, nor has he filed disclosure reports as a foreign agent or lobbyist, noted Brendan Fischer, the director of federal reforms for the Campaign Legal Center, so the public has no idea who is paying Giuliani or how he is advancing their interests. The public would not know if, say, Giuliani continued to receive payments from MEK front groups, as he did in 2011 and 2012 in exchange for a handful of speaking appearances. Those payments came as Giuliani pressed for the MEKs removal from the U.S. governments list of designated foreign terrorist organizations. The State Department delisted the group in 2012, though the Iraqi and Iranian governments still consider it a terrorist outfit. Asked whether he had any ongoing financial relationship with Iranian interests such as the MEK or the NCRI, Giuliani told The Daily Beast, I have [the] same relationship everyone else has and its not with MEK. He did not elaborate on Tuesday. The NCRI did not respond to inquiries about its political and public relations strategy, and relationships with key Trumpworld figures such as Giuliani. Giuliani declined to go into any details about specific conversations with Trump regarding the Islamic republicand said he and the president rarely talk about Iran nowadays. The discussions they have had go back to the 2016 presidential campaign, he said. I advised him on foreign policy," Giuliani said of those campaign-era discussions, but said he didn't want to get into detail about what, exactly, he's told Trump about U.S. foreign policy since the inauguration. Giuliani said he tells President Trump "what I believe on things he asks about, but it's not for me to say [what] He has a very good view on Iran. The MEK has been targeted, often brutally so, by Iranian law enforcement and security services, including in operations in the U.S. itself. In August 2018, the FBI arrested two IraniansAhmadreza Mohammadi-Doostdar and Majid Ghorbani, both of whom pleaded guiltyand accused them of doing surveillance to put together target packages for Iranian intelligence. The targets included MEK members. As part of that target surveillance, Ghorbani went to the May 6, 2018 MEK conference at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C., where Rudy Giuliani spoke. Ghorbani is visible in a video of the event uploaded by the MEK standing near Giuliani as he gave a speech. In late June of 2018, just a month before the indictment of Ghorbani and Doostdar, German police arrested an Iranian diplomat and Belgian police arrested a Belgian-Iranian couple and charged them with plotting to bomb an MEK rally in Paris where Giuliani later spoke. European intelligence agencies reportedly intercepted conversations between the Iranian diplomat, Asadollah Asadi, and authorities in Iran coordinating the plot. Theres no indication that Giuliani plugged the MEK specifically in his discussions with the president, or that hes promoted specific military or foreign policy proposals. But Giuliani acknowledges that his beliefs fall on the aggressive end of the policy spectrum when it comes to Iran policy. I'm one of those people who's convinced there has to be regime change in Iran, Giuliani said. He called Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei an irrational actor and Soleimanis destruction a good thing. That view on Iran puts him squarely in line with Tehrans most vehement critics, including the MEK, which hailed the killing of Soleimani last week as a major victory and a step towards the removal of the Iranian regime. Indeed, Giuliani literally led a chant of regime change at an MEK event in 2018. More recently, in September 2019, Giuliani met twice with NRCIs registered U.S. lobbyists. He didnt say what they discussed. But a day after the second meeting, Mukasey officially registered to lobby for the NCRI as well. Mukasey told the Justice Department that he would communicate with executive branch and legislative officials on a pro bono basis. He told The Daily Beast in an email that he has not discussed Iran with Trump in either his personal or professional capacity. The NCRIs in-house lobbyists, meanwhile, have disclosed meetings with Trumpworld figures such as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who still speaks often with the president and his team on various issues. The MEKs high-profile supporters have also included Alan Dershowitz, who has become one of Trumps foremost defenders amid the various investigations targeting the president and his administration. Dershowitz told The Daily Beast last year that hes also advised Trump and other top administration officials on approaches to Middle East peace. The MEK has also enjoyed support of late from retired Army Gen. Jack Keane, a Fox News senior strategic analyst who directly advises the president on foreign policy. Since Soleimanis death, Keane has become a prominent booster of Trumps decision, a move that two prior U.S. administration, as well as the Israeli government, had declined to take. This death of Soleimani has shook this regime that way nothing has in 41 years, Keane said on Fox on Monday. Khamenei himself, I believe, is personally shook by it, stunned and surprised that it actually happened. The MEK itself appears to have embraced a public relations strategy that targets conservative media outlets, including the television networks where its messaging has a not-insignificant chance of catching Trumps eye directly. The NCRIs most recent foreign agent filing, covering the six months ending on November 30, reported placing quotes and interviews with Fox News and Fox Business Network, two of the presidents favorite cable channels, and with One America News, an upstart conservative network vying to compete with Foxand succeeding, of late, in getting the presidents attention. Its not clear that more forceful U.S. action against Iran will vindicate the MEKs sustained campaign in the U.S. and abroad to establish itself as a viable alternative to the ruling Iran regime. Despite that campaign, and the roster of influential Trumpworld figures lending their support to that effort, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ordered U.S. diplomats on Tuesday not to meet with Iranian dissident and opposition groups without explicit sign-off from Foggy Bottom. The cable explicitly mentioned the MEK, Bloomberg News reported. But the MEK nonetheless hopes that Soleimanis liquidation is a step towards the eventual removal of Irans ruling government. For Trumpworld foreign policy hawks such as Bolton, that would naturally lead to the MEKs ascendance in Tehran. There is a viable opposition to the rule of the ayatollahs, Bolton declared at an MEK event in Paris in 2017. And that opposition is centered in this room today. with additional reporting by Adam Rawnsley Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. CHENNAI: It isn't enough to be seekers of knowledge, one should also help those who are seeking knowledge, Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammad Khan said at the ThinkEdu Conclave 2020 held in the city on Wednesday. The Governor reflected on the fact that India has always been a knowledge destination and that our Indian values have been a thing of wonder even before Europe's renaissance. People who documented the world's history identified major civilisations for specific contributions - Iran for its culture, Roman for its gallantry, China for its people's obedience to law and India for its knowledge, he said. "India has been identified as a knowledge destination but like Vivekananda said, we cannot monopolise education. We are people who worship knowledge and so we cannot make it inaccessible to people," he went on to add. WATCH | Pakistan mistreating minorities could lead to war with us: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan ALSO READ | Teachers must ensure students don't drop out: Banwarilal Purohit He said those who deny knowledge to others are the enemies of Saraswati, Goddess of Education. Khan said that in Indian history, institutes like Nalanda have always been inclusive. While appreciating The New Indian Express for holding the conference said while it is not glamorous, education is a real game-changer, which is why it should be discussed and debated. He narrated a story from the Upanishads of a young boy who did not know who his father was but wanted to enroll in a school. However, since he did not know his 'gotra', he was worried about being allowed to study there. "A Brahmin is a title given to a person who wants to acquire knowledge and has succeeded in expanding his mind. So, the Rishi said that the boy was brave for asking and thus, already saw that the boy had expanded his mind and heart. So, it did not matter that he was the illegitimate child of a Brahmin," he explained. ALSO READ | There is no class or mass in music: Violinist Sunita Bhuyan He also said that in the Mahabharata, Kunti told the Pandavas that they should have the will and the heart to spread their knowledge to everyone. Khan also recalled an incident from his childhood to drive home a point. "The farmers decided to grow only one kind of mangoes because it was less expensive and they made good money for a couple of decades. But after 30 years, the trees died and they were told it was because they didn't have any diverse trees. Which is why I say, the more diverse we are, the more progressive," he explained. Answering a question about when we have to give up on learning and pursue a career, Khan said that we cannot stop learning till the very last breath. On another question about how we can bring back our culture into our education and why no parliamentarian had spoken about the same, Khan said that it is not just up to the government but also society itself to try to inculcate our Indian values in children from the very beginning. A single mother accused of stealing a $30 pair of pants from a clothing store claims the alleged theft was nothing more than an honest mistake. Madeline Hume from Masterton, New Zealand, has been charged with shoplifting - but she claims it was a changing room mix-up. The mother-of-two claims she had no idea until this week when she was arrested at her home in front of her young children and taken back to the police station, where she was thrown into a jail cell. Madeline Hume was horrified to be arrested in front of her two young children this week Ms Hume insists the December 23 incident was a 'huge misunderstanding'. She told the New Zealand Herald she dropped into her local The Warehouse on her way to work after the black pants she was wearing split and says she grabbed' five-odd pairs' to try on. 'I left my husband a year a half ago and I've lost a lot of weight and I wasn't sure what size would fit,' Ms Hume said. 'So I grabbed five-odd pairs and went into the changing room to try them on. I quickly tried them on and found two that fit, put my pants back on, paid for the ones I wanted and left the store.' The mother-of-two claims she was unaware of last month's alleged theft until this week Ms Hume was unaware until she was unaware this week she had actually left the torn pair of pants she was originally wearing on the changing room floor and wore a third pair out of the store without paying for them. She insists she would have immediately rectified the mistake and paid for the pants had she been contacted by the store. Since being charged and granted bail, Ms Hume has tried to make amends by writing a letter of apology to the store and paying for the $30 pair of black pants. She will appear in court later this month and has been banned from the Masterton branch of The Warehouse for two years. The Warehouse declined to comment, saying it was a police matter. New Zealand Police also declined to comment, citing privacy concerns. The Philippines will dispatch cargo planes and a ship to help evacuate Filipino migrant workers from Iraq after ordering its citizens to leave following an Iranian missile strike targeting US troops, officials said Wednesday. Manila issued the mandatory evacuation order for its nationals after the Islamic republic carried out its first act of promised revenge for the US killing last week of a top Iranian general. About 1,600 Filipino workers are in Iraq -- among some two million of their countrymen across the Middle East -- as part of a vast diaspora that is a key pillar of the economy. Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing the US military, and Iranian state television said it was in response to Friday's killing of general Qasem Soleimani, one of the most important figures in the country's government. Philippine defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters the government will send at least three military cargo planes and a newly built coastguard ship to get Filipinos out of harm's way. The coastguard vessel, which left a French shipyard in December, will likely shuttle workers to Qatar, Lorenzana said. "Once we gather them, we can maybe charter a plane or charter our ships to bring them home," he added. Around 10 million Filipinos work abroad and the money they send home is a lifeline in a nation where many live in deep poverty despite the country's robust economic growth. The government has for decades hailed overseas workers as modern heroes, but advocacy groups have highlighted the costs -- which include the vulnerability of Filipinos to danger in troubled nations. An estimated 2000 people turned out to the two WuXi Biologics open days which the company held in Dundalk on Saturday, December 28 and in Drogheda on Saturday January 4. According to a statement released by WuXi today, the open days were held to give people the local community the opportunity to hear first-hand about the range of job opportunities which the establishment of the WuXi Biologics facility in Mullagharlin on the outskirts of Dundalk will present. When it becomes operational in 2021, the WuXi Biologics facility in Dundalk, which will employ 400 people, will be home to the largest Factory of the Future contract manufacturing single-use biologics production facility in the world. A second WuXi project, a WuXi Vaccines facility, which was announced in November 2019 will employ an additional 200 people when it becomes operational in 2024. This new project announced last November will manufacture a vaccine for the global market and is among the first of its kind in the industry. The combined projects on the WuXi Campus, supported by IDA Ireland, will create several hundred new jobs. The two new facilities will provide exciting career opportunities for talent to work in a world leading and innovative BioPharma company. As it begins its 2020 recruitment programme, WuXi is looking for people with various skills from different backgrounds, both scientific and non-scientific. At the Dundalk and Drogheda Recruitment Open Days members of the WuXi Biologics start-up team were on hand in numbers to meet and speak with attendees about jobs which will be available in Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Supply-Chain and other business functions. Sharon Conlon, HR & Recruitment Lead for the WuXi Biologics facility in Dundalk said: the WuXi team was delighted to hear at first hand the level of interest which the two WuXi projects have generated nationally and along the M1 Corridor, and we expect that a good number of near term hires will have met WuXi for the first time during the two highly successful Recruitment Open Days. "We anticipate that a number of the hires for the WuXi Campus will come from the within the general M1 geography and that many future employees will be attracted not just by the exciting jobs and career opportunities which WuXi will provide, but also by the ease of commute and corresponding life-style attractions." Ms Conlon added: "Ireland has become a hot-spot for talent in Biologics with many global firms operating well-established biologics medicine production facilities around the country. The WuXi Campus will look to attract talent to Dundalk not just from the Pharma and BioPharma sectors but also from other highly regulated manufacturing industries." For instance, I would poach cherries in kriek and have them taste it. I want them to understand the intensity of the flavor that I want, and I think the best way to do that is to just taste it in a dessert that reminds me of the flavors I want, you know? So thats how we do it. Theyre gonna sit at a table, and Im going to present to them the flavors and how I want them to taste it and how I want them to think about it. Reach key decision makers with sales-ready leads that shorten your sales process. Move the needle by delivering funnel qualified leads to your sales team. Learn more Twitter on Monday announced its formation of a new Privacy Center to give users more clarity on what it does to protect the information people share. The center will host everything relevant to Twitters privacy and data protection work, including initiatives, announcements, new privacy products and communication about security incidents, Twitter Data Protection Officer Damien Kieran and Product Lead Kayvon Beykpour said in an online post. Twitter also announced the relocation of accounts of users outside the United States and European Union from its Twitter International base in Dublin to San Francisco, where they wont be covered by the General Protection Data Regulation, the EUs tough new data privacy law. Twitter highlighted its work to protect the privacy and data of users in three areas: eradicating technical debt by replacing legacy systems with newer ones; building privacy into new products; and keeping the company accountable to the people who trust it with their data. We believe companies should be accountable to the people that trust them with their personal information, and responsible not only to protect that information but to explain how they do it, Kiernan and Beykpour wrote. Part PR, Part Necessity Twitter is one of several Silicon Valley companies that believe they need to do a better job explaining their privacy policies, noted Matthew Feeny, director of the Project on Emerging Technologies at the Cato Institute, a public policy think tank in Washington, D.C. Theyre doing it partly as a PR move, but theres also this California consumer privacy legislation kicking in next year that requires companies like Twitter to provide consumers with more information, so the Privacy Center could be viewed as part of that effort, he told TechNewsWorld. With the Privacy Center, Twitter can create a universal repository of privacy, data and regulatory information to meet the requirements not only of laws like the GDPR and California Consumer Privacy Act, but also any rules and laws that take effect in the future. Every piece of global legislation includes a requirement to communicate in clear non-legalese in order to share opt-in or opt-out requirements and openly answer questions that consumers may have, be they communicated directly to Twitter or in response to media headlines and controversy, said Liz Miller, principal analyst at Constellation Research, a technology research and advisory firm in Cupertino, California. Consumer Benefits Consumers will benefit from the Privacy Center, she said. Consumers should have a destination to demystify rumor and have access to facts about what Twitter will, will not, can or cannot do, Miller told TechNewsWorld. A D V E R T I S E M E N T The center also will be a place where consumers can ask questions. The hope here is that Twitter will not just answer questions around consumer protection and information sharing, Miller said, but also deliver unbiased facts and market details to help consumers differentiate fact from fiction. While consumers can benefit from a central repository of information, theyre probably not as concerned about privacy on Twitter as they may be about other social media, noted the Cato Institutes Feeny. When it comes to the sheer amount of data collected, I dont think Twitter holds a candle to Facebook, he said. Twitter is trying to present itself as a privacy-friendly company, Feeny continued, but if you polled people around the world about what company theyre most concerned about when it comes to privacy, Twitter wouldnt be at the top of the list. Skirting GDPR Twitter has characterized the move of users registered in Dublin to San Francisco as a means to test settings and controls on them without running the risk of violating the GDPR, according to a Reuters report. The idea is to learn from those experiments and then roll out experiences based on the results to Twitters global user base, the company told Reuters. Not everyone sees the move in a benign light. Twitter is trying to evade privacy obligations under the GDPR, said Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a civil liberties advocacy group in Washington, D.C. That is striking, he told TechNewsWorld, because other U.S. tech firms, including Apple, Google, Facebook and Microsoft, said they would comply with the GDPR. A D V E R T I S E M E N T The move likely will trigger increased scrutiny by regulators, Constellations Miller noted. Nothing says, Hey, watch everything I do, like saying you are going to flout regulations or that you have found a workaround, she said. Why dedicate yourself to transparency in a centralized privacy center if you are going to reclassify users to ensure they are only protected by narrow privacy laws? Miller asked. Terrible Stewards Since the election of Donald Trump, theres been a trend among big tech companies to appear to be proactive when it comes to privacy protection in order to stave off serious regulation, Feeny explained. No company should wait until regulations dictate the trust dynamic between brand and customer, Miller said. If they do, they will be behind from the moment the ink is signed on the law. There is good reason for regulatory heat to descend on Silicon Valley, maintained Fatemeh Khatibloo, principal analyst at Forrester Research, a market research company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. To put it bluntly, these companies are proving to be terrible stewards of the power they wield, she told TechNewsWorld. Whether its failing to keep users data secure or putting profits ahead of protecting democracy, they simply arent ethical actors, Khatibloo continued. Regulators are finally acknowledging that self-regulation isnt working, and realize that they must step in to protect consumers. Meanwhile, privacy has been transformed from something in the realm of IT departments and operational checklists to a brand issue, Miller noted. Privacy it is a promise that a brand is making with each individual customer, she said. That also sets up the expectation that if the brand breaks that trust or through their own actions or inaction put the customer at risk that customer can and will walk, with their loyalty, wallets and public sentiment in tow, likely never to return again. Tehran, Jan 8 : Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday said that Tehran's attack on the US Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq, which was in retaliation to the January 3 killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani, was just "a slap". "A slap was delivered, but what is important is that the seditious presence of America in the region should be ended," Press TV quoted Khamenei as saying. Broadcast live on the national television, Khamenei said Iran was "quite equipped in the face of global bullying powers". In the early hours of Wednesday, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched the heavy ballistic missile attacks on the Ain al-Asad base near the border with Syria and a US operated airbase in Erbil, reports the semi-official FARS News Agency. Ain al-Asad has a 4 km runway at 188m altitude from sea levels, which is the main and the largest US airbase in Iraq. All flights have been cancelled at Erbil airport. Iraq said the attacks have not taken any toll from its army men stationed at these two bases. Following the attack, the US army had blocked entrance into Ain al-Asad to everyone, including the Iraqi army. President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in Washington, as Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and military leaders, looks on. Read more WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war on Wednesday as President Donald Trump signaled he would not retaliate militarily for Irans missile strikes on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. No one was harmed in the strikes, but U.S. forces in the region remained on high alert. Speaking from the White House, Trump seemed intent on deescalating the crisis, which spiraled after he authorized the targeted killing last week of Iran's top general, Qassem Soleimani. Iran responded overnight with its most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, firing more than a dozen missiles at two installations in Iraq. The Pentagon said Wednesday that it believed Iran fired with the intent to kill. Even so, Trump's takeaway was that "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world." Despite such conciliatory talk, the region remained on edge, and American troops including a quick-reaction force dispatched over the weekend, were on high alert. Last week Iranian-backed militia besieged the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and Tehran's proxies in the region remain able to carry out attacks such as the one on Dec. 27 that killed a U.S. contractor and set off the most recent round of hostilities. Hours after Trump spoke, an 'incoming' siren went off in Baghdad's Green Zone after what seemed to be small rockets "impacted" the diplomatic area, a Western official said. There were no reports of casualties There is no obvious path to diplomatic engagement, as Trump pledged to add to his "maximum pressure" campaign of economic sanctions. He said the new, unspecified sanctions would remain in place "until Iran changes its behavior." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the overnight strike was not necessarily the totality of Iran's response. "Last night they received a slap," Khamenei said. "These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end." Trump, facing perhaps the biggest test of his presidency, credited the minimized damage to an early warning system "that worked very well" and said Americans should be "extremely grateful and happy" with the outcome. The strikes had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and left the world waiting to see whether the American president would respond with more military force. Trump, in his nine-minute, televised address, spoke of a robust U.S. military with missiles that are big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast. But then he added: We do not want to use it. Iran for days had been promising to respond forcefully to Soleimani's killing, but its limited strike on two bases one in the northern Iraqi city in Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq appeared to signal that it, too, was uninterested in a wider clash with the U.S. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the country had "concluded proportionate measures in self-defense." Trump, who is facing reelection in November, campaigned for president on a promise to extract the United States from "endless wars." On Wednesday, he said the United States was "ready to embrace peace with all who seek it." That marked a sharp change in tone from his warning a day earlier that "if Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly." Members of Congress were briefed on the Iran situation Wednesday afternoon in closed-door sessions on Capitol Hill, where Democrats and some Republicans expressed dissatisfaction with the administration's justifications for the drone strike on Soleimani. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah said it was "probably the worst briefing I've seen, at least on a military issue, in the nine years I've served in the United States Senate." He said it was "distressing" that officials suggested it would only embolden Iran if lawmakers debated the merits of further military action. He and Sen. Rand Paul announced their support of a largely symbolic war powers resolution to limit Trump's military action regarding Iran. Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced after the briefing that the House would vote Thursday on a war powers resolution of its own. Trump opened his remarks at the White House by reiterating his promise that Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Iran had announced in the wake of Soleimanis killing that it would no longer comply with any of the limits on uranium enrichment in the 2015 nuclear deal crafted to keep it from building a nuclear device. The president, who had earlier pulled the U.S. out of the deal, seized on the moment of calm to call for negotiations toward a new agreement that would do more to limit Iran's ballistic missile programs and constrain regional proxy campaigns like those led by Soleimani. Trump also announced he would ask NATO to become "much more involved in the Middle East process." While he has frequently criticized NATO as obsolete and has encouraged participants to increase their military spending, Trump has tried to push the military alliance to refocus its efforts on modern threats. Like the U.S. troops in the region, NATO forces have temporarily halted their training of Iraqi forces and their work to combat the Islamic State. Soleimani's death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets to mourn him. Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander. Iranians fired a total of 16 missiles in the latest strikes, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters Wednesday. Eleven hit the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq's western Anbar province and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The missiles were described as likely short-range with 1,000 to 2,000 pound warheads. Four failed to detonate, they said. Milley added that the Pentagon believes that Iran fired the missiles with the intent "to kill personnel." He praised early warning systems, which detected the incoming ballistic missiles well in advance, providing U.S. and coalition forces adequate time to take shelter at both bases. Officials also said that the U.S. was aware of preparations for the attack. It's unclear if any intelligence identified specific targets or was more general. Ain al-Asad was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and it later was used by American troops in the fight against the Islamic State group. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. Trump visited it in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice President Mike Pence visited both Ain al-Asad and Irbil in November. Trump spoke of new sanctions on Iran, but it was not immediately clear what those would be. The primary agencies involved in implementing such penalties the departments of Commerce, State and Treasury do not preview those actions to prevent evasion. Since withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, the administration had already imposed harsh sanctions on nearly every significant portion of Iran's economic, energy, shipping and military sectors. Wednesday's efort to deescalate the conflict came after world leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, appealed for restraint. The fallout for Trump's order to kill Soleimani had been swift. Iraq's Parliament voted to expel U.S. troops from Iraq, though Trump said they would not be leaving. Trump and top national security officials have justified the Soleimani drone strike with general statements about the threat posed by the general, who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. Associated Press writers Deb Riechmann, Robert Burns, Kevin Freking, Lolita Baldor, Darlene Superville, Alan Fram and Padmananda Rama in Washington and Sarah El Deeb in Beirut contributed to this report. Becky Albertalli is the YA author of William C. Morris Award winner and National Book Award longlisted title Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (Balzer + Bray, 2015), which was adapted into the film Love, Simon; The Upside of Unrequited (Balzer + Bray, 2017); and What If Its Us, cowritten with Adam Silvera (Balzer + Bray, 2018). Aisha Saeed is the author of Amal Unbound (Penguin/Paulsen), a PW Best Book of 2018; and Written in the Stars (Paulsen), among others. She is also a founding member of We Need Diverse Books. Albertalli and Saeed have now teamed up to write a collaborative YA novel, Yes No Maybe So, about two teens of varying backgrounds who come togetherand fall in lovethrough political canvassing. We asked the authors to interview each other about their new book. Aisha Saeed: Im so excited to be in conversation with you for this piece. It feels like we are always in conversation anyway, either in person, on the phone, or via text. Becky Albertalli: We are! And weve been obsessively discussing this book for years now, so this is kind of my dream interview. Saeed: I was cleaning out a drawer the other day, and found our notes from our Cafe Intermezzo coffee date when we began brainstorming the seeds of the idea for this book. That discovery brought back so many memories for meboth what a tough time it was, as we were reeling from the 2016 election, and how this book has been an anchor for me ever since we began writing it. Albertalli: I loved that coffee date! But yes, it was such a surreal period. So many of us kept saying it felt like someone had died. Saeed: It was so painful. Albertalli: I remember going to a toy store the day after the election to get a present for a birthday party, and an employee asked if they could help me. I burst into tears on the spot. I felt, in that moment, that I could not be helped, and that the U.S. could not be helped. I truly felt hopeless. And it took some time for that feeling to transform into any sort of purposeful action. Saeed: I remember texting you one day, saying, I cant take the relentless bad news. Im going offline. Text me if theres any good newsI could use that. A few moments later you texted me! Jon Ossoff announced he was running for an open House seat in our district [in Georgia]there would be a special election. That was the jolt I neededa way to take my anger and despair and do something with it to effect change. Id never knocked on doors to canvass for a politician beforethe thought made my introvert self queasybut now I wanted to. I wanted to take action. Albertalli: Exactly. And I felt the same. Saeed: So we canvassed. We went together, and sometimes brought along our children as well. What had seemed so scary and intimidating turned out, to our surprise, to be fun and rewarding. And from there, a story idea was born. Albertalli: We sometimes call it our Jon Ossoff fanfiction. Saeed: Of course, Ossoff lost in a runoff in June 2017, which was heartbreaking. How did that impact you as you wrote this story? Albertalli: Oh my goodness. Yes. Ossoff losing was the worst Id felt since the presidential election, hands down, but what made it even harder were the hot takes from people in my online community, who werent super familiar with the GA-6 congressional district. I was born and raised here. I cant emphasize enough what a huge deal it was that Ossoff came so close to winning. It was devastating, absolutely, but there was a thread of hope. I think the process of nurturing that hope was the emotional heart of this story. And, of course, I always love to mention the beautiful real-life epilogue of that congressional seat flipping blue with Lucy McBaths victory in 2018. Saeed: Yes!!! We couldnt have predicted it when we wrote the story, but we got our own happy ending too. For now. Lucys seat is up for election again in 2020. (No matter where you live, this upcoming election, please vote!) Albertalli: Yes, please vote! Saeed: So, should we talk about our writing process? Albertalli: Its been dreamy! I love co-writing. Ive been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to collaborate with two of my absolute best friends, and its been incredible. We went into this really trusting each others judgment and loving each others writing, which makes all the difference. What was it like for you doing it for the first time? Saeed: I loved co-writing so much. Its indescribable to have a writing partner who you trust and admire, to work together with on a book and bounce ideas off of anytime. I am forever spoiled by the amazing experience I had writing with you. And bonus for us: we both live in suburban Atlanta, where the story is set, so we got to do a tour of all the spots featured in our book, which was the highlight of the year for me! Albertalli: That was the best day. I think my favorite thing was the way the universe decided to troll us, like it always does, by bringing details of Yes No Maybe So to life. Saeed: It really does! This March I had a signing line where I met four people in a row named Maya, Jamie, Sophie, and Boomer, all of whom are central characters in our book! Albertalli: And when I took you to my childhood synagogue, which appears in the book, there were leftover programs from a bar mitzvah. The program bizarrely contained the last names of several of our characters (all the Jewish ones, basically). Saeed: Lol, yes. It was as though wed just missed Sophies bat mitzvah. Albertalli: Yes! Saeed: Do you want to talk a little bit about Jamie and why hes the absolute best? Albertalli: Haha, that is the most flattering phrasing of that question. Saeed: I mean, this is a biased interview. Albertalli: Jamie is such a sweet little hot mess, and Im pretty fond of him. Hes kind of a Neville Longbottomnot naturally bold, but ultimately braver than he realizes. How would you describe Maya? Im kind of a huge fan of hers, too. Saeed: Lots of things are changing in Mayas life the summer we meet her, and Maya doesnt do well with change, but shes doing the best she can. She has her cat Willow, a pile of books on her TBR pile, and will do just about anything for the people she loves. She reconnects with Jamie at the perfect time. They are each exactly who the other needs, even if they dont know it. Albertalli: I think Jamie knows it. Saeed: Lol. Right. Good point! Albertalli: One of my favorite things about this project is how it is truly a love story. We were really intentional about not holding back on that aspect, but also not glossing over the political realities of this moment. Saeed: Yes! Classics like When Harry Met Sally and the Walk to Remember trilogy with Ethan Hawke were big touchstones with me as I wrote. Wait, not Walk to Remember... Before Sunrise. Doh. Albertalli: Dont worry, I mix up Mandy Moore and Ethan Hawke all the time. Saeed: Common mistake. But going back to what you said about the political aspects: when I do school visits, I often hear from teens who are frustrated. Its a tough age, where you understand the issues and they affect youbut you cant vote. We hope this book is a message that teens are empowered and can directly impact change. Albertalli: Were you nervous writing a book for teens that was so unabashedly political? It seems to be a bit of a micro trend for 2020, understandably, but people sometimes are surprised our characters both specifically identify themselves as Democrats. Saeed: I wasnt nervous about writing a book that was unapologetically political, because that was why we wrote the storyteens are experiencing issues like Islamophobia and anti-Semitism and feeling disenfranchised. We wanted to write a book that gave teens hope during these difficult times. That said, there is always a bit of worry, putting ourselves out there politically, especially with you, Becky, as a Jewish woman, and me as a Muslim woman. Theres always the concern about how those who wont like our message may react. But fear cannot be a reason to not tell this storyits a reminder that this story was especially crucial. Albertalli: I agree with this so much. Weve talked about this a lot, that choosing not to be political is a privilege. Its not a thing either of us can avoid, as members of minority religions. Of course, not all marginalized experiences are comparable. As a white Ashkenazi Jew (with a non-Jewish last name), I have a ton of privilege in my daily life. I know it was important to us to try to unpack that nuance in Yes No Maybe So. Maya and Jamie are not marginalized to the same degree, though both of their experiences matter. Saeed: Exactly! Writing is how I make sense of the world personally, and writing this book and delving into these topics taught me so much. Albertalli: Me too. And I learned so much from you! Saeed: Hard same. It was a blessing to write this book for so many reasonsand I miss living inside it sometimes! Albertalli: I miss it all the time! Okay, heres a question. If you could pick one thing non-Muslim readers could take away from Mayas experience, what would it be? Saeed: Oh, good question! I hope non-Muslim readers enjoy the sneak peeks into Mayas life as she celebrates Ramadan and the holiday of Eid. I hope they can also see that bigotry is painful and affects real peopleMaya may be fictional but her experiences are all too real. Albertalli: Oh, I love that, and I think its so important. Saeed: What about you? What would you want non-Jewish readers to take away from the book? Albertalli: Probably just the fact that modern anti-Semitism is real, and that Jewish joy is equally real. Even progressive people sometimes erase both of those experiences without meaning to. Saeed: And what about for Jewish readers? Albertalli: I think Id want yall to know that your Judaism is valid, no matter how observant you are or arent. What about you, for Muslim readers? Saeed: I want them to know they are not alone. I want to remind them they matter and can take action to create the world they want to see. Albertalli: I also hope people will see that Jewish and Muslim communities are often deeply connected. Were too often pitted against each other. Saeed: Yes! This bothers me so much. We have so much more in common than not. Albertalli: So I want to end by calling Maya and Jamie out. Saeed: Uh oh! Albertalli: Because they are, in my opinion, a little too open-minded about Goldfish flavors. The truth is, much like Oreos, the classics are superior. Cheddar. The end. Saeed: Look. I was with you on this until I tried Mickey Mouse Goldfish. Those are really out of this world good. Though I do draw the line at Oreo Goldfish. Even if you can do something, sometimes you have a moral obligation not to. And trust us, we have eaten a lot of Goldfish while writing this book. For research, of course. Albertalli: So, in conclusion: you can change the world. But when it comes to Goldfish, maybe you shouldnt. Saeed: Mic drop. Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $19.99 Feb. 4 ISBN 978-0-06-293704-9 The Cabinet chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, yesterday, called for de-escalation and an intensification of efforts to foster greater regional security and stability. In this regard, the Cabinet underlined the regions central importance in global affairs and emphasised the importance of collective international action to maintain regional security and stability. HRH the Crown Prince reviewed the measures taken by government ministries and agencies in order to ensure services are provided to citizens regardless of the various conditions and challenges. The Cabinet condemned Turkeys decision to send military forces into the State of Libya, as it constitutes a blatant interference in the internal affairs of an Arab nation and is a clear threat to Arab national security, regional stability, as well as being a flagrant violation of international legitimacy resolutions. The Cabinet drew attention to the dedicated efforts of the Ministry of Finance and National Economy to further enhance the Kingdoms economic development, highlighted by the positive results in the Kingdoms Q3 2019 Bahrain Economic Quarterly report, compared to the same period during 2018. The positive results come as a direct result of the various initiatives deployed to promote economic diversification within the framework of Bahrains Economic Vision 2030. The Cabinet noted that the Kingdoms positive economic trajectory and diversification efforts have contributed to providing quality opportunities for citizens, by creating various initiatives and programmes. These include the National Employment Programme (NEP), which aims to increase employment opportunities and meet the requirements of the labour market. The NEP initiative has contributed to the employment of over 9,000 job seekers, increasing the daily employment rate by 30 per cent, or an average of 103 employments per day. The number of job vacancies that have been received since the inception of the programme stands at around 13,321, an increase of 82pc. HRH the Crown Prince directed government ministries and agencies to study the possibility of implementing the twelve ideas that qualified to the final stage of the second edition of the government innovation competition Fikra. In this regard, the Cabinet highlighted the importance of further strengthening innovation and creativity within the public sector in order to enhance the efficiency and quality of its service delivery and noted the vast amount of participants who partook in the competition, which demonstrates the public sector employees ambition and drive to accelerate innovative solutions across government. The Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by the governments Executive Committee, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince, on a proposal to develop renewable energy certificates and establish a certification system. US bases on heightened security alert following Soleimani assassination Iran Press TV Tuesday, 07 January 2020 4:17 PM US military bases are placed on heightened security alert following the assassination of a top Iranian commander. Iran's top intelligence and security commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani was killed by a US assassination drone ordered by US President Donald Trump. Following the assassination of Lieutenant General Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in Iraq on Jan. 2, US bases across the world tightened security amid the heated rhetoric between the two sides. "While we will not discuss specifics, US Northern Command is implementing additional force protection condition measures to increase security and awareness for all installations in the US NORTHCOM area of responsibility," according to a statement. MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, began 100-percent identification checks on Saturday, according to a Facebook post. The base houses US Central Command, US Special Operations Command, Special Operations Command Central and Marine Forces Central Command among other base tenants. The new policy will require checks for all, in addition to standard screening if no one in the car has a common access card. As of Monday morning, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Meade, Maryland, had all posted to their Facebook accounts advising personnel that waits would be longer than normal. High alert US military bases have announced a higher force protection condition from "Alpha" to "Bravo," which indicates "an increased or more predictable threat." Also on Saturday, the Homeland Security Department issued a National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin lasting until Jan. 18. "At this time we have no information indicating a specific, credible threat to the Homeland. Iran and its partners, such as Hizballah, have demonstrated the intent and capability to conduct operations in the United States," it said. However, past plots have included planning physical attacks on infrastructure, as well as cyber threats. "Be prepared for cyber disruptions, suspicious emails, and network delays," according to the bulletin. Over the weekend, bases across Europe also announced enhanced security measures including 100% ID checks, resulting in traffic advisories via Facebook and Twitter. "Due to recent world events, expect to see an increase in security measures at [U.S. Army Garrisons] Bavaria at Grafenwoehr, Netzaberg, Vilseck, Hohenfels and Garmisch," USAG Bavaria posted Saturday. "As a matter of force protection policy, we will not comment on the specific security measures. Though there are no known threats to US personnel or assets, we ask for your cooperation." The command further asked soldiers not to release operation details on social media and to remain vigilant on bases. There are five Force Protection Condition (FPCON) levels -- Normal, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta. Meanwhile, the US is continuing to reinforce its military positions in the Middle East as it anticipates a "major" attack of some sorts by Iran and/or its allies. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the Islamic Republic will respond proportionately to the United States'. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The team comprising Naseer Hussain, Hibi Eden both MPs and Amrita Dhawan met on Tuesday at the party office to deliberate on the issue. The team has to submit its report within week to party chief Sonia Gandhi. New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) A Congress fact-finding team is scheduled to visit JNU on Wednesday. The team headed by Sushmita Dev has three former student leaders, who will visit the spot and speak to students to try and find out the reason behind the Sunday assault in JNU. The party earlier tweeted: "40 hours since the violent attacks in JNU and the Delhi Police has failed to arrest a single perpetrator, despite the glaring evidence. "Is the police so incompetent under Amit Shah? Instead they file an FIR against a victim of the attack. Disgraceful." On Tuesday, it attacked the government for not arresting the culprits who were involved in the attack in the campus and instead filed FIR against JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh and the victims. According to Congress leaders, Mahila Congress President Dev, and three student leaders -- MP Eden, its student wing National Students Union of India's former President Amrita Dhawan and MP and former JNU Students Union President Syed Nasir Hussain will reach the JNU campus at 11 a.m. On Sunday, at least two dozen students suffered injuries after violence erupted inside the varsity campus when several masked individuals, both male and female, thrashed students, including girls, and teachers with wooden and metal rods. On Tuesday evening, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone also visited the varsity campus to express her solidarity with the injured students. On Monday, Dev and Congress spokesperson Sharmistha Mukherjee had also visited the JNU campus and met the students. miz-aks/in With the 2020 elections looming and amid continuing concerns over social media's role in U.S. politics, four top universities have published a comprehensive new report recommending how candidates, tech platforms and regulators can ensure that digital political campaigns promote and protect fair elections. The report, Digital Political Ethics: Aligning Principles with Practice, was developed by Johns Hopkins, Georgetown and Fordham universities and the University of North Carolina. Hopkins political scientist Adam Sheingate and his co-authors conducted extensive interviews with digital political consultants and executives from platforms such as Facebook to devise best practices for ethical online campaigning. From those discussions four broad ethical principles emerged for how campaigns, platforms, and regulators handle digital campaigns: They should encourage voter participation, protect election integrity, increase transparency, and ensure fairness and consistency. The authors detail 12 recommendations - including a call for federal regulations - to achieve those goals. For example: Digital campaigns should not use hacked or stolen materials or accept help from foreign agents. Platforms should not ban political advertising, as Twitter did last year. And campaigns making exaggerated claims should provide proof just as TV ads are required to do by federal regulations that do not exist yet for digital efforts. The report covers a variety of issues critical to the 2020 elections: microtargeting on Facebook, government regulation of online ads, data transparency practices of Facebook and Google, security of voter data, and the role of misinformation. Absent any current regulatory oversight power, the authors encourage journalists to use these ethical best practices when examining the digital practices of campaigns. ### The report was co-authored with Daniel Kreiss of the University of North Carolina, Leticia Bode of Georgetown University, and Jessica Baldwin-Philippi of Fordham University. It was funded by the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins. For more information or to arrange an interview with Sheingate, contact Douglas Donovan at 443-997-9907, 443-462-2947 or at douglasjdonovan@jhu.edu. To arrange a video or audio interview with a Johns Hopkins expert, contact the media representative listed. Johns Hopkins has a studio ready for television and radio requests. PBR Beef Chili, served in a New York City-style takeout coffee cup, is on the menu at Wine Dive. Read more A husband and wife known for their serious approach to beer are having fun with wine in their brand-new South Street West shop. Also this week, I head to Chester County to check out a novel approach to Korean food, and I visit West Philadelphia for hot bagels served with all the deli trappings. Ill also share some inside news: Jamila Robinson, a decorated writer and editor with a knack for engaging readers and baking pies, starts Feb. 3 as Inquirer food editor. (Hmph. Just when Craig LaBan and I had the old one, Jenn Ladd, broken in. She will move into writing.) Also: We hear from Craig, always ahead of the curve, as he explains how the humble cabbage turned over a new leaf in 2020. Read on. If you need food news, click here and follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Email tips, suggestions, and questions here. If someone forwarded you this newsletter and you like what youre reading, sign up here to get it free every week. Michael Klein Grape expectations from South Streets new Wine Dive Everything happens for a riesling. Chris Fetfatzes and Heather Annechiarico, whose bar-restaurant group includes the beer-forward Hawthornes in Bella Vista, are on Cloud Wine these days. Next door to their South Street pub The Cambridge, theyre rolling out a quirky wine shop/bar called Wine Dive this week at 1506 South. Official opening is 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11. Truly hodgepodge decor has a vague 70s/80s rec-room look. An almost life-size Spuds MacKenzie statue, borrowed from Fetfatzes moms house, sits on the bar. Shelves are stocked with 200-plus bottles at a variety of prices, including 20 by the glass. Theres a fun food and drink menu from Cambridge chef Derek Cantwell (chili served in one of those New York-style takeout coffee cups). There are boxes of sake (like juice boxes, complete with straws); 45 different beers in cans, plus 20 ciders; cheap gifts such as candles and cards; a 50-cent jukebox with a Ben-FM-like collection of everything; and there are wowlers. Wowlers? Theyre the wine version of a growler. Bartenders fill bottles with tap wine (25-ounce and 12.7-ounce) and affix a stamped wax seal to the cork for a festive look. Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (kitchen serves till 1 a.m.) daily. Late-night happy hour, starting at 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, includes $6 cocktails. This Weeks Openings Barts Bagels | West Philadelphia See below. Dig | Rittenhouse Healthful, veggie-forward scratch cooking in a fast-casual setting at 1616 Chestnut St. Nudys Cafe | Conshohocken Diner-ish drop-in, the 11th location in the western burbs, sets up at 100 Fayette St. Vegan-ish | West Philadelphia Vegan sandwich shop at 1214 N. 52nd St. with a slight twist: Seafood is available as add-ons to four menu items. Wake Coffee Roasters | Ambler Coffee roastery/cafe, with a bar, at 133 S. Main St., across from the SEPTA station. Wine Dive | South Street West See above. This Weeks Closings La Veranda | Penns Landing White-tablecloth Italian at Pier 3 is gone after nearly 30 years. A seafood-steak eatery called Riverstone is on its way this spring. Mortons The Steakhouse | Center City The manly steakhouse bowed out after just over 20 years upstairs at 1411 Walnut St. (Trivia: Mortons launched in 1985 at One Logan Square, across 19th Street from the Academy of Natural Sciences, and moved in July 1999.) Sovana Bistro | Kennett Square Fire destroyed this Chester County BYOB on Jan. 3. Track 3 Microbrewery & Coffee House | Dresher The beer-coffee pair-up in Dreshertown Shopping Center folded after 8 months. Its beer is available at Amblers new Wake coffee shop. Where were enjoying a Hoppy Meal lunch special Butcher Bar, 2034 Chestnut St., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday Trademark misappropriation aside, Butcher Bars lunchtime deal is a McSolid one: a 4-ounce beef patty with the works on a brioche bun, a respectable-sized order of house-cut fries, and a beer from a rotating selection for $12. Thats the price of a burger alone at more than a few places nearby. Butcher Bar, which rocks a meat menu and an old-time butcher shop look, also offers a happy hour (4-6:30 p.m. weekdays) with $4 drafts and pretzel monkey bread; $5 wines, sloppy Joe poutine, and smoked Gouda mac and cheese; and $6 well mixed drinks, confit duck wings, and roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. Where were eating Oori, 2228 Pottstown Pike, Pottstown Chef Michael Falcone, who wowed em a few years back at Pottstowns Funky Lil Kitchen, has a brand-new bag: cooking Korean-influenced dishes such as fried chicken and ramen in a former pizzeria on Pottstown Pike near Route 23 in South Coventry, Chester County of all places. Oori (say it OO-dee) is a fresh-looking, full-service BYOB thats worth the 25-minute hike from King of Prussia, but snag a reservation first. Weekend waits for the 40 seats can stretch past an hour. Staff is unfailingly friendly. Say hey to owner David Backhus, who also runs Elverson Coffee House about 20 minutes yonder. Bring beer for the Korean fried chicken (served wet or dry), the kimchi trio, and various ramens. The dandan noodles ($18), topped with spicy ground pork, get a mellowing from black tahini. Dinner brings a few additions, such as steamed Arctic char ($19) over a short-grain rice cake and braised grass-fed beef ($18) over bone marrow congee with bok choy and red pepper puree. Hours: lunch (11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.) and dinner (5-9 p.m.) daily. Barts Bagels, 3945 Lancaster Ave. Theyre putting new keys in all the lox, all right, at Barts Bagels, which officially debuts on Wednesday in West Phillys Mantua section. This is the passion project of brothers Kyle and Brett Frankel. Brett, the self-taught bagel guy, obtained the chef services of Ron Silverberg (The Silverspoon, Hawthornes, a.kitchen, Ela), whose menu hits the highlights of traditional bagel shops and delis: smoked fish sandwiches, breakfast egg sandwiches, and specialty sandwiches including house-roasted corned beef and turkey. Theres coffee, too. The smoked fish is sourced from Samaki, out of the Hudson Valley. Initial hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Dining Notes Meet The Inquirers new food editor, Jamila Robinson, who starts Feb. 3: As a young girl in Detroit, she grew up hoping to combine a love of music and journalism in a job as a classical-music critic; she became a passionate food editor and writer (and figure-skating instructor) instead. Ever gone into a bar and wound up debating a stranger about Phillys best restaurants? Thats the premise, more or less, of WHYY-TVs new show, Check, Please!, which premieres tomorrow night. Want to appear on season 2? Heres how to catch the producers eye. You probably saw the ads for Bud Light Seltzer while watching the Eagles tragic playoff game this weekend. Budweiser might be the latest entrant to the seltzer pool, but local breweries have already dipped their toes into the fizzy water. Finally, for New Years resolution-inspiration, check out the fitness routines for these seven Philly chefs Muay Thai, kettlebells, and CrossFit, oh my! Its Ambler Restaurant Week, through Jan. 13, while Center City District Restaurant Week ties on the feedbag from Jan. 12-24. The deadline for Jet Airways corporate insolvency resolution process is October 21 The NCLT on January 8 warned Jet Airways CoC of contempt proceedings if they do not release interim funds to the resolution professional by January 20 for completion of insolvency proceedings. "We again reiterate and instruct the Committee of Creditors (CoC) to release the interim amount as required by the RP of the grounded airline, so that the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) is completed and the assets of Jet are not devalued," Mumbai-bench of NCLT in its order said. Further, the bench comprising Bhaskara Pantula Mohan and Rajesh Sharma directed the CoC to at least pay the amount by January 20, or the tribunal will initiate contempt proceedings against the defaulting members. The tribunal directed the CoC members, who have not honoured the order of the court, to remain present on February 19 - the next date of hearing. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) also directed Indian Overseas Bank, which filed applications at the tribunal for exemption from payment as they are under Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) restriction to approach the government authorities concerned in this regard. This direction came after the resolution professional pointed out that it is under tremendous pressure as many CoC members, in spite of the tribunal's earlier order, have not released funds. The lenders had in-principle sanctioned Rs 63 crore to the RP. Lead banker SBI and two other banks had reportedly already disbursed their portion of the interim amount. However, the bench exempted IDBI Bank from releasing these funds as it is under the Reserve Bank of India's PCA framework. The tribunal has also said that Indian Overseas Bank must seek similar exemption. Meanwhile, the RP submitted its progress report saying that under the fresh expression of interest (EoIs), which was decided on December 17, has received interest from two parties. The CoC has decided January 15 as the last date of submission of EoIs and February 17 as the last date of submission of resolution plans, he said. South America's Synergy Group has filed its documents under this fresh EoI, he said, adding the other one is a domestic company, but not in the airline business. Labour faces humiliation over anti-Semitism after it emerged prosecutors are considering bringing criminal charges against five party supporters. Scotland Yard Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick revealed yesterday that six have been arrested or interviewed under caution following an inquiry into social media messages denying the Holocaust and abusing Jewish people. Jewish groups and Lord Macdonald QC, the former Director of Public Prosecutions, called for those responsible for the vile abuse to face prosecution. Four men and one woman who were Labour Party members have been referred to prosecutors for allegedly publishing or distributing material likely to stir up racial hatred. Another man remains under investigation. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick told LBC today that the CPS has files on five Labour members accused of anti-Semitism The London-based radio station handed this dossier of evidence to the Met in 2018. It included the names of 21 Labour members now reduced to five at risk of prosecution Police launched a probe after an internal Labour Party dossier detailing alleged anti-Semitic messages by members was passed to detectives in September 2018. The bombshell dossier, obtained by LBC radio, included one comment which read: 'We shall rid the Jews who are a cancer on us all.' Another said a 'Zionist extremist MP who hates civilised people' was going to 'get a good kicking'. The contents of the file led to arrests in March in Birmingham, Kent, London, Gloucestershire and Yorkshire. Yesterday, Lord Macdonald told LBC he thought the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had had long enough to come to a decision. He said: 'There are posts suggesting Jews should be exterminated. There's talk about gas chambers. Dame Cressida told Nick Ferrari that cases involving abusive or racist post online are complex and difficult to prove One Labour member was active on an American neo-Nazi website sharing bizarre and offensive comments about Jewish people 'Speech has to be pretty extreme to amount to incitement to racial or religious hatred, but some of this does look to be very extreme indeed.' Euan Philipps, spokesman for Labour Against Anti-Semitism, said: 'The Met's referral of these cases to the CPS underlines the degree of criminality that anti-Jewish racism in the Labour Party has reached. 'Over the past three years we have reported hundreds of similar cases of anti-Jewish racism in the Labour Party, which we believe also constitute hate crimes. They too must now lead to prosecutions.' The Labour Party has established that three of the accused have left the party, but it is still trying to determine the identities of the other suspects. A spokesman said: 'Anti-Semitism has no place in our society and we are committed to challenging and campaigning against it in all its forms.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 17:22:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close As a major investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Sahiwal power plant has so far generated 21.83 billion KWh of electricity, effectively narrowing the gap in power supply in Pakistan. The eco-friendly project has also changed local people's negative impression about thermal power plants. by Misbah Saba Malik, Liu Tian, Li Hao ISLAMABAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Surrounded by patches of wheat, sugarcane and guava orchards, the 1,320-megawatt coal-fired power plant located in the Sahiwal district of Pakistan's east Punjab province is playing a significant role for the electricity-starved country, and has changed local people's negative impression about thermal power plants. As a major investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Sahiwal power plant has so far generated 21.83 billion KWh of electricity, effectively narrowing the gap in power supply in the country, especially in the Punjab province. The power plant has also contributed some 48.04 billion rupees (309.39 million U.S. dollars) to the country's tax revenue since it was built in 2017. Photo taken on Dec. 22, 2019 shows the Sahiwal coal-fired power plant in Sahiwal, Punjab Province, Pakistan. (Xinhua/Li Hao) ELECTRICITY SHORTAGE Pakistan has suffered a prolonged energy shortage for years. In the past, the Sahiwal district used to face blackouts of up to 18 hours every day, troubling residents and affecting crop yields there. Meanwhile, frequent blackouts also occured in major neighboring cities such as Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad, repeatedly bringing these industrial and commercial hubs to a standstill. Li Xin, CEO of the power plant's operator Huaneng Shandong Ruyi (Pakistan) Energy (Private) Limited, said that Pakistan depends on coal for 30-40 percent of its power supply. The Chinese-operated power plant, which now provides about 6 percent of the total electricity generation in Pakistan, has "not only brought comfort to our lives but has also helped raise agricultural yields" due to improvements in irrigation, Alam Khan, who tends a guava orchard near the power station, told Xinhua. "All orchards in the village are in full bloom. The plant benefited them by resolving the water issue with an uninterrupted supply of electricity," said the 65-year-old, who has been farming since he was a teenager. People work in the control room of the Sahiwal coal-fired power plant in Sahiwal, Punjab Province, Pakistan, on Aug. 6, 2019. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) ECO-FRIENDLY PLANT Water is the lifeline of agriculture, but being close to a coal-fired power plant, the guava orchards' crops would only prosper if strict environmental measures are in place. "We were the first company to introduce supercritical technology in Pakistan. It is one of the top coal-fired technologies in the world to generate clean electricity," Zohaib Hassan, an environment engineer at the power plant, told Xinhua. "The technology enables us to produce more electricity with less coal consumption. Less coal means less emission and less harm to the environment." Furthermore, the coal used by the plant contains very low mercury and sulfur content and has a high calorific value, meaning it produces comparatively lower emissions, Hassan said. But in order to further control it, "the world's best environmental protection technologies have been applied in the plant," the engineer said. "We have a system to control various kinds of emissions from the plant. For nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission control, we have low NOx burners, whereas sulfur dioxide emission is controlled by a flue-gas desulfurization system," Hassan said. Application of such technologies has enabled the plant to keep emissions well below not only national standards in Pakistan, but also below those in Europe and Japan, he added. However, Hassan is worried about rumors about the power plant he's so proud of. "There was an accusation that the power plant is emitting water which is harmful for human health and crops, but green fields surrounding the plant and fruit orchards in the nearby villages themselves are the testimony (that these things are not true)," he said. "Some people believe that coal equals pollution because it is dark, but they are not aware of the measures we are taking to control the emissions," said Li. Local environment officials told Xinhua that they have very strict criteria when checking emissions, especially during and after the recent smog season. "The power plant submits us records of their emissions on a monthly basis, and our mobile lab also made several surprise visits to the power plant and every time the emissions are way under the national standards," an official from the environmental protection department said. Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2019 shows the Sahiwal coal-fired power plant in Sahiwal, Punjab Province, Pakistan. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) BEYOND POWER GENERATION To meet Pakistan's urgent energy needs, the Sahiwal power plant was built within 22 months, with the capacity to supply power to 4 million households. Besides electricity, it also provides jobs, skills and business opportunities to locals. Over 3,000 local workers have been recruited by the planet, during its construction phase and its current operational phase. About 800 local residents are currently working in the plant in different capacities. "Many young educated boys have built their own houses after earning good money from the power plant, while scores of others who used to wander the streets now work as laborers in the plant and make decent earnings rather than being a burden on their families like in the past," Nazir Ahmad, a 70-year-old villager living near the plant, told Xinhua. The employment opportunities have helped many locals enjoy a better life, while enabling others to send their kids or younger siblings to better schools, which they themselves could have not afforded. Operators of the power plant also spent 500 million Pakistani rupees (about 3.2 million dollars) to set up a vocational school in the area, offering multiple courses and providing students with free food and lodging. Some local engineers working at the plant are also given the opportunity to be trained in China to learn advanced technologies in the industry, Bilal Chaudhry, manager of human resource development at the power plant, told Xinhua, adding that more and more local employees are taking managerial posts at the plant. Reviewing the performance of the plant regarding both production and social roles, the staff of the plant "went all out to fulfill our commitment to the Pakistani people and contribute to Pakistan," said Li. (Video reporters: Liu Tian, Jiang Chao; Video editor: Zheng Xin) U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper arrived at the White House late on Tuesday after Iran fired missiles on at least two Iraqi air bases hosting U.S.-led coalition forces, Trend reports citing Reuters. A White House spokeswoman said President Donald Trump has been briefed on the attacks as is monitoring the situation closely. Vice President Mike Pence has been in contact with congressional leaders, a Pence spokeswoman said. The newly constructed ocean-front resort delivers a distinctive retreat through immersive programming and an ethos of sustainability PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Palmaia, The House of AiA, invites guests to celebrate the complexity of the Riviera Maya while reconnecting with nature, the sanctity of life, and the true human spirit. In a region dotted with resorts and hotels, Palmaia stands apart with its location between a pristine white sand beach and cool-water cenotes on the cusp of the undisturbed jungle, and thoughtful programming created for guests to explore and step outside their usual comfort zones. The founder and visionary behind Palmaia, Alexander Ferri, designed the resort experience after his own way of living, with the belief that inner exploration and respect for nature and community is key to bringing people together to create meaningful change. The resort is a place where visitors can seek personal growth through the property's curated rituals and deep connecting ceremonies. One of the jewels of the experience is the Architects of Life program led by the in-house ShamanBalder. Alongside hand-selected visiting teachers and guides, Balder will lead guests through rituals such as cacao ceremonies, yoga, multi vibrational sound healing, meditation, plant ceremonies, and ancient practices that inspire reflection, exploration, and connection. The resort will also feature a Rituals of Sound program that pays homage to the music environment of Tulum and Mykonos, but in a more exclusive relaxed setting available only to guests. Palmaia will become a stage for creative experimental musicians who will transport guests through curated deep beats, and deep-fusion electronic music with acoustic overlays. These music rituals will take place in various forms daily from 4 p.m. until midnight allowing all ages to enjoy some conscious fun. "There is a growing community of unconventional thinkers and spiritual seekers that gather in small communities around the world to embrace creativity, music and the environment. Together we are creating a new modern collective consciousness," said Ferri. "Palmaia was designed to be one of these gathering points, and currently the only natural, forward thinking beach enclave of its kind. A safe place where we can create positive change within the boundaries of modern society." Perfectly matched to its surroundings of the Caribbean Sea and jungle, Palmaia offers travelers all oceanfront suites, each with its own private terrace for views of the Caribbean ocean in seven distinctive layouts. They include suites for families with bunk-bedding for children as well as open plan suites for adults, suites with swim-out access to one of the hotel's four infinity pools; and suites nestled among the ocean-side jungle - all designed sustainably and without the use of animal products. A Nomadic Guide will be assigned to each traveler to attend to guests needs throughout the stay, and for parents, Palmaia operates the only holistic fun children's activities program in hospitality run by certified Waldorf Educators. While on property, guests can dine from a selection of four restaurants along with a rotating food truck, each serving ethically sourced food from trusted farms and fisheries around Mexico. Executive Chef Eugenio Villafana, who has trained at numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, oversees the culinary programming. This includes creating parallel plant-based menus for each dining venue, a unique culinary offering in Riviera Maya and throughout the hospitality industry. Leading the plant-based dining programming is Noma alumni, Mauricio Alvarez. The signature fine-dining restaurant LEK serves gastronomic Mexican; Mar de Olivio is a destination for redefined Mediterranean cuisine; and the Oriental-fusion restaurant Ume merges Thai and Continental cuisines for a la carte dinner experiences highlighting sensual fragrances, exotic flavors, and densely rich hues. Su Casa, an integrated beach bar and restaurant on the dunes offers a laid-back Caribbean beach ambiance, with toes-in-the-sand comforts while El Caminante, offers an authentic food truck experience with a daily rotating menu. Eolo Beach Club plays beats by visiting sound artists, twopool bars serve fresh fruit cocktails and custom creations based on guests' mood, and the exclusive Atlas Club creates libations late into the night and houses a Health Cafe where guests can relax in a more modern city loft environment while sipping matcha lattes and snacking on avo-toasts. The resort also includes a jungle spa, Atlantis, where ancient ceremonies like the storied Temazcal are included in the menu of services. At Atlantis, one is guided by the Book of the Nine Paths to Health, designed to treat emotions as root causes rather than physical pain. Treatment rooms feature floor to ceiling windows that look out onto the foliage and are immersed between natural cenotes used for rituals and meditation. The fitness center is also hidden in the jungle. Guided by the philosophy that personal growth is the path to connect with Nature, Palmaia was conceptualized without disturbing the original landscape of nature. The resort was designed with sustainability in mind and strives to become one of the first true carbon-neutral properties in the world in 2021 by compensating the energy Palmaia uses by building solar panels on the resort and in other parts of Mexico. Additionally, guests will not find plastic water bottles on property and all bathroom amenities will be refillable and made with 100% biodegradable ingredients and essential oils. PalmaIa is a gifting community, and will provide everything guests need in the cost of a stay, so guests can enjoy unrestricted access without the hassle of exchanging currency. Opening rates start at $600 per person per night. For reservations and information about Palmaia, The House of AiA, please email contact@thehouseofaia.com or visit www.thehouseofaia.com and @thehouseofaia. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1063207/Palmaia_AiA_Signature_Cenote.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1063206/King_swim_outR.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1063208/Beach_Hotel_View_2.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1063209/Palmaia_v1_1_AiA_Green_Logo.jpg A truck carrying the coffin of slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani makes its way through a sea of mourners in his hometown Kerman. (Photo: AFP/ATTA KENARE) The tragedy came as grieving crowds packed the hometown of Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani, a hugely popular figure in the Islamic republic. More than 50 people were killed and 212 people injured in the stampede in Kerman, semi-official news agency ISNA said, citing officials in the southeastern city. Anxious Iranians gathered outside a city hospital to check the lists of victims or show doctors pictures of their missing relatives. Inside, patient Ali Salaji, 28, recounted the crush as his mother tended to him. "I could hardly breathe. I had a seizure, and my foot was crushed pretty bad under the weight of all that crowd," he told AFP. The streets of Kerman overflowed with mourners, while others took refuge on hillsides around the city, where the general was to be buried at the martyrs' cemetery. After the stampede, Iranian media stopped broadcasting live from the cemetery, with some outlets suggesting the burial might not take place before morning. Soleimani, the head of the Guards' Quds Force foreign operations arm, was killed on Friday in a US strike near Baghdad international airport, an operation that shocked Iran. "The enemy killed him unjustly," the Revolutionary Guards' top commander, Major General Hossein Salami said, adding that the process of "expelling the United States from the region has begun". "Our will is firm. We also tell our enemies that we will take revenge, and that if they (strike again) we will set fire to what they love," he told the sea of black-clad mourners. Schoolgirls joined chants of "Death to Trump" from the crowd. The assassination of Soleimani set off an escalating war of words between Iran and the US. In Tehran, President Hassan Rouhani on Monday warned Trump to "never threaten" Iran, after the US leader issued a US strike list of 52 targets in the Islamic republic. On Tuesday, he told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that America's interests in the region were in danger, Rouhani's office said. The United States "cannot escape the consequences of this great crime," he told Macron in a telephone call, according to the Iranian presidency. Iranian lawmakers voted to designate all US forces around the world "terrorists" over Soleimani's killing. Parliament also agreed to bolster the coffers of the Quds Force by US$244 million (200 million). 'BOILS THE BLOOD' In Kerman, people converged from afar on Azadi Square where two flag-draped coffins were on display, with the second one reportedly containing the remains of Soleimani's closest aide, Brigadier General Hossein Pourjafari. "We're here today to pay respects to the great commander of the holy defence," said one of the mourners who came from the southern city of Shiraz. "Haj Qasem was not only loved in Kerman, or Iran, but also the whole world," 56-year-old war veteran Hemmat Dehghan told AFP. Another mourner said Soleimani's assassination "boils the blood of the Iranian people". The assassination of the 62-year-old general heightened international concern about a new war in the volatile Middle East. Iraq's parliament has demanded the government expel the 5,200 American troops stationed in the country in response to the drone attack which also killed top Iraqi military figure Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Baghdad requested in a letter to the UN - seen by AFP - that the Security Council condemn the US strike so that "the law of the jungle" is not allowed to prevail. The operation represented "a dangerous escalation that could lead to a devastating war in Iraq, the region and the world," wrote Iraq's UN ambassador Mohammed Hussein Bahr-Aluloom. US LETTER 'SIGNED' The US said it mistakenly notified Baghdad on Monday night of an imminent troop pullout in a letter that sparked confusion. "We respect your sovereign decision to order our departure," said the letter, whose authenticity was confirmed to AFP by both Iraqi and US defence officials. In the letter, US Brigadier General William Seely said the US-led coalition would "be repositioning forces". Pentagon Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley then said the letter was an unsigned draft sent by mistake. But on Tuesday evening Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi said that he had receied signed versions of the letter. Germany said it was withdrawing some of its troops deployed to the anti-IS coalition in the country. NATO also said it would temporarily reduce its presence in Iraq because of the increased risk to troop safety. France, however, has "no intention" of pulling its troops from Iraq, a French government source told AFP. The European Union, whose foreign ministers will hold emergency talks on the crisis Friday, said it was in the interests of Iran and Iraq to "take the path of sobriety and not the path of escalation". Saudi Arabia - an oil-rich US ally seen as vulnerable to Iranian counter strikes - also appealed for calm after a "very dangerous" escalation. Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said he was informed by UN chief Antonio Guterres that Washington had denied him a visa for a planned trip to UN headquarters in New York. In addition, to become a fully developed nation by 2035, Southeast Asia's second largest economy realized it, too, must leapfrog from traditional manufacturing into the innovation age and become a hub for artificial intelligence, robotics, biosciences, aerospace and other new pillars of what is frequently termed the world's fourth industrial revolution. Thailand's government therefore merged four separate government departments into a new Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovations, which aims to work closely with the private sector in Thailand and overseas to increase research and human resource development (HRD). Meanwhile, Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) is offering additional tax incentives to companies engaged in HRD. Companies investing in the establishment of education and vocational training institutes specializing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics -- the so-called STEM subjects -- will be granted five years corporate income tax exemption. The BOI also offers so-called SMART visas that enable foreign investors and their families, as well as key talent in business, science and education, to enjoy privileges that include residing in the country for up to four years without needing to obtain a work permit. BOI also struck an agreement with Thailand's Research Universities' Network, comprising eight of the country's leading research schools, to improve R&D information sharing. The agreement is aimed at stimulating collaboration in private sector demand-driven R&D activities, co-operative education programs and high-skilled workforce recruitment. "We want to ensure a perfect match between demand and supply," says Ms Duangjai Asawachintachit, Secretary General of the BOI. "This agreement reinforces the BOI's facilitation role in fostering cooperation between business and academics to increase research and development in Thailand and to strengthen our manufacturers' competitiveness in key technologies." These recent initiatives are adding momentum to an already identifiable trend. In the five years to 2017, Thailand's spending on R&D doubled to 1 percent of GDP and the government aims to raise that to 1.5 percent by 2021. Thailand jumped five places to 25th in Switzerland-based IMD Business School's annual global ranking of the world's most competitive economies in 2019. The Kingdom was also placed first among the nine countries that form the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, on the UN's 2019 Sustainable Development Goals, which include quality education. Collaboration between local and foreign educational institutions and the private sector is also another essential driver to support the HRD. King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, (KMITL), based on Bangkok's eastern outskirts near Suvarnabhumi International Airport, teamed up with Pittsburg's Carnegie Mellon University. And, in 2019, CMKL University, a joint venture between KMITL and CMU, launched its first masters and doctoral programs in computer and electrical engineering. "Many companies moved to Pittsburgh to be near CMU and now we are bringing CMU to Thailand," says Dr Supan Tungjitkusolmon, President of CMKL University. "Together we can create a new collaboration between industry and academia." KMITL's deal with CMU is just one example of Thailand's efforts to upskill its workforce through human resource development and incentivize foreign investors and some of the world's best academic and vocation training institutions to supply critical support. In addition to the CMKL joint venture, Bangkok's Thammasat University and Amata University in the EEC have both partnered with National Taiwan University while Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, which is funded by Thailand's biggest company, Fortune 500-ranked PTT, is in collaboration with leading Japanese, Korean and European educational institutions with the aim of becoming a world class university and center of cutting-edge innovation. Bangkok's Burapha University has combined with Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation to develop and accelerate education standards in automation technology using AI and industrial robots to operate intelligent factory systems. Significantly, Thailand's education reforms stress the importance and status of vocational studies. One of the best examples is a collaboration by KMITL with Japan's National Institute of Technology to open a tertiary engineering school offering world class vocational training provided by the Japanese KOSEN technical college system. KOSEN-KMITL, as it is known, teaches a five-year course from age 15 that produces engineers qualified in mechatronics, a combination of electrical and mechanical engineering that is required in both robotics and AI. Japan is the biggest foreign investor in Thailand and graduates are expected to mostly join the Japanese companies that are moving into the EEC. Classes are held in English and Thai, with Japanese added in year three. The first batch of 24 students was chosen from more than 300 applicants from all over Thailand. A second KOSEN institute, known as KOSEN-KMUTT, will open at KMITL's sister campus, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, next year. KOSEN-KMITL Associate Professor Dr Komsan Maleesee says that by choosing to work with two universities, Japan's National Institute of Technology will raise the status of technical education in Thailand. Graduates will also have the opportunity to complete an additional two years study to gain a full university degree. "We plan to send all of them to further their studies in Japan to inspire future generations," he says. Thailand's educators and businesses are also tapping European vocational expertise. One of the world's leading education companies, UK-based Pearson, is working with the EEC to develop career-focused programs that offer BTEC diplomas awarded by Britain's Business and Technology Education Council. In addition to traditional fixed-term degree and vocational courses, Thailand's educational institutions plan to focus on working with the private sector to provide lifetime learning programs and more flexible short courses to constantly update specific skills. "We call it reinventing universities," says Dr Poolsak Koseeyaporn, a Senior Director at the Office of National Higher Education Research and Innovation Policy Council. With such a strong commitment to human resource development, Thailand's target of boosting innovation-focused foreign investment and achieving developed nation status by 2035 is looking increasingly attainable. For more information, please contact: Thailand Board of Investment Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111 Website: www.boi.go.th SOURCE Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) Related Links http://www.boi.go.th The fourth and last round of technical discussions between Egyptian, Sudanese and Ethiopian water resources and irrigation ministers on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) began today (Thursday, 9 January 2020) in Addis Ababa. The meeting is part of the roadmap agreed during the tripartite foreign ministers meeting in Washington on 8 November 2019, a process that will conclude on 13 January in one of two ways: either an agreement is reached on the rules and schedule for filling and operating GERD, or a decision will be made to extend talks for another limited period of time after evaluating what has been accomplished during the technical discussions. Since the November agreement in Washington three rounds of negotiations have taken place. The first round was held in Ethiopia on 15-16 November and the second in Cairo on 2-3 December. The third round was held in Sudan on 22 December. Despite official statements and reports on the progress made during the last three rounds of technical talks, the latest two days of talks are not expected to conclude in a comprehensive agreement. The hope is that participants will agree on the broad outlines of an agreement preparatory to any final tweaks to be made in the expanded meeting on Monday 13 January that will also include the three countries foreign ministers. If this fails a new phase will begin, bringing in Washington and the World Bank as mediators as per the November agreement in Washington. According to Article 10 of the Agreement on the Declaration of Principles signed between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan on 23 March 2015, in the event the parties fail to reach an agreement through direct consultations or negotiations they can collectively request arbitration. The Washington meeting in November essentially set a deadline of 15 January 2020 after which, if the parties cannot agree, mediation kicks in. Last week Egypt reaffirmed its determination to reach an agreement on rules for filling the GERD reservoir and operating the dam that not only observe the stakeholders respective interests but also, in keeping with Article 5 of the Agreement on the Declaration of Principles, encourages cooperation and development. A spirit of optimism has prevailed since the meeting in Washington in November, when the US and World Bank acted as observers and US President Donald Trump told President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi that he was keen to see the talks succeed. The US president also met with the foreign ministers of the three countries to urge them to show the flexibility needed to produce an agreement. At the end of their meeting in Cairo on 3 December the ministers of irrigation released a statement suggesting there was a convergence of views on the rules for filling the dam during years of heavy rainfall, and that the subject of the precautions each country needs to take during years of drought had been broached. A second tripartite foreign ministers meeting was held in Washington in the second week of December 2019. The participants affirmed that progress had been made in the technical talks and that Addis Ababa was committed to implementing any technical rules and guidelines for filling and operating GERD that emerged. On 22 December Sudanese Minister of Water Resources Yasser Abbas said, the three countries submitted proposals concerning the filling and operation of the dam and progress had been made towards a convergence of views. According to Mohamed Abdel-Ati, Egypts minister of irrigation and water resources, Cairo has shown flexibility in the negotiations. Egypt listened closely to Ethiopian concerns and expressed willingness to reconsider certain positions, demonstrating the constructive spirit it is bringing to the process of working together with Sudan and Ethiopia. He noted that the three parties agreed that the filling and operation of the dam should be carried out in a cooperative and coordinated manner that takes into account the annual water yield of the Blue Nile. In this spirit, the Ministry of Water Resources proposed an alternative formula linking operations of GERD and the High Dam to better promote the interests of both sides. There are indications that Ethiopia is beginning to shift from the position it has held for the past three years over the timeframe for filling the reservoir. It now speaks in terms of four to seven years, a move towards the Egyptian demand of at least seven years. Trump tasked his secretary of the treasury, whose department is responsible for overseeing foreign aid and grants, with monitoring the talks. It represents a veiled warning to the three countries to refrain from actions or behaviour that could impede the success of the negotiations. Washington is Addis Ababas main supporter, economically, militarily and in the fight against terrorism. Ethiopia received $1 billion in aid from the US in 2018. Washington is also a major supporter of Egypt. It is keen to see the three countries reach agreement on rules for filling and operating the dam. In this spirit it asked them to demonstrate good will by signing an agreement to uphold the right to economic development and prosperity (an Ethiopian demand) in accordance with which the signatory parties respect the other parties rights to Nile waters (an Egyptian demand). The World Banks participation has lent further impetus to the talks. The bank oversees the implementation of rules that regulate transboundary water courses and prohibit the construction of facilities for the purposes of electricity production or irrigation without the assent of other countries on the same watercourse and in the absence of necessary precautions being taken to prevent harm being caused to downriver nations as a result of water shortages. Sudans new Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdoks stances have also been encouraging. Sudan will not allow any harm to come to Egypt and shares Egyptian concerns over GERD because any impact from the dam will be felt by his country first, he told the daily Arabic Al-Ahram. Sudans interests align with those of Egypt on the dam," he said, stressing the importance of mutual understanding, exchange of information and joint management of the operations of the dam so as to avert harm to any party. Hamdoks remarks were reassuring to Cairo which had suspected Sudan of siding with Addis Ababa when Omar Al-Bashir was in power in Khartoum. On the other hand, and compounding Egyptian concerns, Sudans minister of irrigation recently said that his country only uses six billion cubic metres of the quota of 18.5 billion cubic metres of Nile water fixed by the 1959 Nile Water Agreement. He stressed the need to review laws and regulations governing hydraulic projects on the river so Sudan can take advantage of its full quota. Should this occur, Egypt will face a sharp reduction in the quantity of water flowing via the Nile. Whether the general feeling of optimism will translate into movement on the ground is another matter. Egypt and Ethiopia remain far apart on some issues. The spokesman of the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources denied that any agreement had been reached during the last three meetings. He also refuted his Ethiopian counterparts claim that Egypt had agreed to a reduction in the flow of Blue Nile water to 35 billion cubic metres during the filling of the dam. Cairo continues to insist that the flow of the Blue Nile to Egypt should be sustained at at least 40 billion cubic metres a year. In mid-November 2019, Egypts Ministry of Water Resources spokesman affirmed that the Egyptian proposal for filling the GERD reservoir was based on data on the hydrology of the Blue Nile (including low flooding seasons and drought), the principle of avoiding harm to downstream nations and collective management of the operation of dams on the Nile. In remarks to Al-Shorouk newspaper he said that these principles were applied to all international river courses and were currently applied by Egypt and Sudan with respect to their dams on the Nile. The Egyptian proposal, he stressed, met the provisions of the Agreement on the Declaration of Principles, recognising Ethiopias right to generate electricity while minimising any impact on downstream states. Mahmoud Abu Zeid, chairman of the Arab Water Council and a former Minister of Irrigation, believes that Egypts accommodations suggest an agreement is within reach, at least on issues that need to be resolved quickly. In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper he said that it was unlikely that Egypt and Ethiopia would not reach an agreement now that the US is sponsoring the process. Former irrigation minister Mohamed Nasr Allam, in remarks to the same newspaper, did not share Abu Zeids optimism, putting the chances of an agreement at less than 50 per cent. It is crucial that GERD operates in the framework of a unified hydraulic system for the Blue Nile which means coordinating its operations with those of Sudans dams and Egypts High Dam to ensure their ability to produce electricity efficiently. This entails an agreement that guarantees the amount of water released by the Ethiopian dam does not fall below 40 billion cubic metres annually and that the water level behind the High Dam is sustained at 165 metres above sea level, towards which end Ethiopia must take into account low flood and drought years and agree not to refill the GERD reservoir at rates that will lower the amount of water discharged from the agreed upon rates. Unfortunately, Addis Ababa has continued to reject these demands. Ethiopia has long insisted on restricting negotiations over the filling of the GERD reservoir to its initial phase. If Egypt and Sudan agreed to this Addis Ababa would be able to do as it pleases when it comes to refilling the dam and there will be nothing to compel it to observe the needs of downstream nations in years of drought and low flood. Any comprehensive agreement must not only include future management of the filling of the reservoir but incorporate a monitoring mechanism. It must be based on cooperation between the three countries, as stipulated in the Washington agreement, and be clear and detailed, leaving no room for abuse, circumvention or misunderstandings that lead to new disputes. Under international law on transboundary watercourses, upper riparian states wishing to build new dams or other hydraulic projects must do so in a way that avoids harming the operation of dams and water installations previously constructed on the same watercourse. In our case, this means the High Dam in Egypt and the Merowe, Roseires and Sennar dams in Sudan. Under the Declaration of Principles Agreement of 2015 Egypt and Sudan are entitled to composition for any economic, environmental or social damage caused by GERD. *A version of this article appears in print in the 9 January, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Devon Energy Corp. (DVN) today announced plans to report its fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 results on Tuesday, Feb. 18, after the close of U.S. financial markets. The earnings release and operations report for the fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 results will be available on the companys website at www.devonenergy.com . On Wednesday, Feb. 19, the company will hold a conference call at 10 a.m. Central Time (11 a.m. Eastern Time), which will consist primarily of answers to questions from analysts and investors. A webcast link to the conference call will be provided on Devons website at www.devonenergy.com . A replay will be available on the website following the call. Devon Energy is a leading independent energy company engaged in finding and producing oil and natural gas. Based in Oklahoma City and included in the S&P 500, Devon operates in several of the most prolific oil and natural gas plays in the U.S. with an emphasis on achieving strong corporate-level returns and capital-efficient cash-flow growth. For more information, please visit www.devonenergy.com . Investor Contacts: Scott Coody, 405-552-4735 Chris Carr, 405-228-2496 Media Contact: John Porretto, 405-228-7506 Guanica, Puerto Rico: Cars, cots and plastic chairs became temporary beds for hundreds of families who lost their homes in south-west Puerto Rico as a flurry of earthquakes struck the island, one of them the strongest in a century. The magnitude 6.4 quake that struck before dawn on Tuesday, local time, killed one person, injured nine others and knocked out power across the US territory, and a majority of Puerto Ricans remained without electricity early on Wednesday. Maribel Rivera Silva, 58, rests outside a shelter after an earthquake in Guanica, Puerto Rico. Credit:AP It was strongest in a string of quakes that have shaken the island since December 28. The US Geological Survey reported dozens of small quakes and aftershocks in the same area, including a magnitude 6.0 on Wednesday morning. At least one person, a 73-year-old resident of Ponce, died as a result of Tuesday's earthquakes. One of the major highways in the southern part of the island was blocked by rockfalls and was starting to reopen by Tuesday evening. "I didnt take office to be the typical Minister but to truly work for the people." PHILIPSBURG:--- Honorable Minister of Justice Egbert Jurendy Doran, who took office exactly 7 weeks ago, on November 19th, 2019, said that although the Justice Ministry faced many challenges when he took over, with a concerted effort, he was able to see great progress take place in the Ministry over the short period. The Minister, who came in with determination, persistence, and commitment, immediately got acquainted with the department heads and was updated on the functioning and state of affairs of each department that falls under his Ministry. Goals were set and the Minister committed himself to achieve them. The Minister encountered many serious unattended issues, some of which were put on the back burners for as long as nine (9) years. Here is a short outline of some of the issues that Minister Doran was able to almost immediately deal with and solve during his short time in office. 1. End prison strike and made some changes to outdated policies Inmates at the Point Blanche Prison were on strike since October 23rd, 2019. Due to the tense situation and the overall safety of the guards and the inmates at the institution, the situation was one of the Ministers first priorities. The minister first met with the director of the prison and then had a meeting with the inmates association and addressed some 20 grievances, bringing the month-long strike to an end. In his opinion, getting that issue resolved, meant taking care of the safety of the workers and those incarcerated. 2. Establishing CFATF committee During the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) plenary meeting on November 28th, 2019, it was determined that Sint Maarten must improve on certain recommendations in order to exit the third round of mutual evaluations and have the Public Statement that was issued revoked during the upcoming plenary meetings that will take place in May of 2020. In order to assist in exiting the Public Statement, the Minister has committed himself to establish a National Anti-Money Laundering Committee, which will include members of the business community, the banking community, experts from the tax office department, in addition to the existing members from MOT and Justice. The task force will work together on rectifying the outstanding CFATF recommendations and coordinate all efforts regarding anti-money laundering and terrorist financing in Sint Maarten. 3. Established committee to deal with Law Enforcement Council recommendations In 2016, 2017 and 2018, the Law Enforcement Council (Raad voor de Rechtshandhaving) carried out inspections of the Prison at the request of the Ministers of Justice of the Kingdom (JVO), this in connection with the monitoring of the Human Rights (CPT) recommendations. Several independent recommendations were made by the Council. In order to ascertain solutions, propose courses of action and to monitor the compliance of the proposed recommendations, Minister Doran is establishing a committee that will be specifically tasked with this role in regard to the recommendations of the Council. The Minister has agreed to meet with the Council every month in order to review the progress of the proposed recommendations. 4. Signed covenant for ankle bands On the 20th of December 2019, Minister Doran was able to sign a covenant between the different services within the Ministry of Justice (KPSM and the Public Prosecutors office) in order to facilitate the electronic monitoring of inmates. One of the most important aims of introducing the Electronic monitoring system is to bring relief to the capacity of the Prison in Point Blanche which is currently at its maximum. 5. New foster home The Minister of Justice has taken note of the closure of the I-Can Foundation on the 31st of December 2019. Six (6) children were remaining in the home for which homes were found. In the meantime, it was possible to also find a suitable home for the minor who was away on vacation during the holidays. With the closing of the I-Can foundation, the Minister deems it necessary that a structured childrens home with capable personnel, be established. In the coming weeks, the Minister will be exploring the possibilities for a new home for the children. 6. Came to a consensus on the positions and appointment year for some eighteen police officers The class of 2011 consisted of eighteen (18) cadet police officers. In May 2017 twelve of the cadets took government to court in order to be placed in their correct position(s) respectively the correct year (appointment date). Although the officers were carrying out duties as police officers all these years, on paper they are Cadets, because of some discrepancy as to which year they would be promoted from trainee to police officer (Agent) and subsequently from police officer to Sergeant (brigadier). On the 13th of December 2019, the Minister, after obtaining official information on the case, met with the officers, management of the police force and other stakeholders, came to a consensus on the disputed appointment year and their positions. The payments along with the correct status will be granted retroactively to all eighteen officers. 7. Found legal basis to execute Police officers payments Another important achievement on the slate of current Minister of Justice Egbert J. Doran, is the payment for the Police Force of Sint Maarten. This is a matter that has been lingering for nine (9)long years, whereby the workers of KPSM have been in continued uncertainty. In order to make a complete assessment of the problem, Minister Doran sat with the various Unions representing KPSM and came to realize that there was a legal basis missing for the payments. Upon realizing this, the Minister requested his team within the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the staff of other relevant ministries, to prepare the legislative tool that was needed in order to make the payment necessary. This was done in the form of a National Decree (LBham) and an accompanying note of explanation (NvT,). The salary tables for the KPSM were established, for both the police civil servants tasked with executive roles and those with supportive roles, therefore completing the needed legal basis. The Minister of Justice then requested an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers which was held on Tuesday, December 31st, and championed the cause there. The document was approved, and has been submitted to the Governor and will be forwarded to the Council of Advice (RvA). Once this legislative route is complete this National Decree will be published and entered into force. 8. Minister Doran returned civil servants to work that are on the payroll, but not actively working for years without legal basis. It came to the Ministers attention that there were civil servants within the justice ministry that are on the payroll, but are not actively working. After careful review of each case, the Minister decided that some eight (8) civil servants will be returning to work in their respective functions. It involves civil servants from Judicial Affairs, Customs and the Police department. The employees will be returning to work this week. 9. Established Management Team (MT) at the Customs Department The Minister established a new Management Team (MT), consisting of three persons at the Customs Department. The purpose of the MT is to make decisions and guide the day-to-day organizational operations of the department. Minister of Justice Egbert Jurendy Doran, thanks all workers under the Justice Ministry for their tireless efforts in keeping Sint Maarten safe in all aspects. He encourages them to continue doing all that they can despite the hurdles that may come. Sint Maarten needs to be able to count on you at all times the Minister said. The Minister also wishes to thank the staff at his cabinet, the department heads and all other stakeholders at the Ministry of Justice for their individual roles played in getting things done. In closing Minister Doran stated that he will ensure, that together with those in charge of the various departments, restructuring and revitalizations take place, in order to ensure that all departments are being run on an acceptable level. Travel with Central Holidays on Amazing Last Minute Travel Deals Central Holidays is pleased to introduce amazing savings on last minute travel deals in Europe and South America that are fully commissionable to travel agents. Our company is composed of travel pros that know the destinations we serve intricately and who are able to negotiate incomparable preferred pricing. We are proud to say that this insight is reflected in our level of expertise on planning these trips and on the amazing value-added deals they present. We invite travel advisors and their clients to get the insiders perspective into these countries traveling on our special last minute deals, said Lori Corless, Vice President of Marketing for Central Holidays. 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Additional restrictions may apply. To Book: Call 800-935-5000 About Central Holidays: Founded in 1972, Central Holidays is an award-winning travel brand that offers superior travel programs, value, and service to enchanting destinations across Italy, Europe, Egypt, Africa, West Asia, and Latin America. As true destination specialists, this leader in travel offers an expansive range of Independent, Escorted, Hosted, and Land/Cruise itineraries. Central Holidays presents a wide array of diverse travel opportunities including cultural programs, culinary adventures, family vacations, romantic getaways, and active travel. Group Travel Experiences are a hallmark of the company, offering special interest travel, religious pilgrimages, and fully-customized programs. Their newest brand, Journeys by Central Holidays, was created to orchestrate tailor-made travel experiences that redefine luxury. Central Holidays remains at the forefront of the tourism and travel industry, offering distinctive travel programs that support brand promises of reliability, expertise, and flexibility. For more information, contact Central Holidays at 1-800-935-5000 or visit centralholidays.com. UAE carriers Emirates Airline and low-cost Flydubai said Wednesday they had cancelled flights to Baghdad for "operational reasons" after Iran fired ballistic missiles on bases housing US troops. "Emirates flights EK 943 from Dubai to Baghdad and flight EK 944 from Baghdad to Dubai on 8 January have been cancelled for operational reasons," Emirates Airline said in a statement. "We are carefully monitoring the developments and are in close contact with the relevant government authorities with regards to our flight operations, and will make further operational changes if required," said the Middle East region's largest carrier. Iran early on Wednesday fired 22 missiles at two bases in Iraq housing US troops in retaliation for the Friday killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike. Dubai's budget carrier Flydubai also said it had cancelled its scheduled flight to Baghdad on Wednesday but operated other flights to Basra and Najaf. "We are liaising with the relevant authorities and continue to monitor the situation closely," the airline said. There was no word immediately from other Gulf airlines on their flights to Iraq but some of them have continued to accept bookings to various Iraqi cities. Bahrain's Gulf Air on Friday suspended flights to and from Baghdad and Shiite holy city of Najaf until further notice. Kuwait Airways said on Twitter on Monday that its flights to Najaf, the only route it operates to Iraq, had been suspended for four weeks following the outbreak of violent protests for "safety" reasons. Planet Fitness, Inc. PLNT, which banks on solid brand presence and continual expansion, has opened its 2000th store in Colorado Springs. Notably, the store situated in Colorado on E. Woodmen Rd. was opened on Dec 31, 2019. It has also opened its 2,001st store on the same date in the year, thereby bringing its 2019 total store count to a record 261. Chris Rondeau, chief executive officer of Planet Fitness stated, "I am proud to announce this milestone, which demonstrates how our judgement free, affordable approach to fitness continues to resonate with consumers and the tremendous work being done every day across our system by our franchisees, their team members on the front lines, and our corporate employees." Expansion to Spur Growth Recently, the company signed an agreement, per which it will open minimum 35 Planet Fitness locations in Australia over the next few years. In a bid to expand presence, Planet Fitness has been focusing on strategic partnerships and international expansions. In this regard, it also partnered with Kohls. Per the terms of the agreement, Planet Fitness can open stores adjacent to select Kohls stores. In 2019, Planet Fitness intends to open up to 10 stores, adjacent to select Kohl's retail locations across the country. Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest growing franchisors, as well as operators of fitness centers in the United States. As of Sep 30, 2019, Planet Fitness had more than 14.1 million members and 1,899 stores in 50 states. This apart, Planet Fitness is committed to open an additional 1,000 stores under prevailing area developments agreements. Backed by solid expansion strategies and a strong brand presence, shares of Planet Fitness have gained 30.3% in the past year as compared with the industrys 7.5% growth. We believe the companys expansion strategy will help it to drive the top line. In the third quarter, revenues of $166.8 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $162 million and increased 22.1% on a year-over-year basis. System-wide same-store sales also increased 7.9% year over year in the quarter. Story continues Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider Planet Fitness currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the leisure space include Carnival Corp. CCL, Trip.com Group Ltd. TCOM and STUDIO CITY IH MSC each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Carnival and Studio surpassed all the trailing four quarters with the surprise being 11.3% and 90%, on average, respectively. Trip.com has an impressive long-term earnings growth rate of 14%. Just Released: Zacks 7 Best Stocks for Today Experts extracted 7 stocks from the list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys that has beaten the market more than 2X over with a stunning average gain of +24.6% per year. These 7 were selected because of their superior potential for immediate breakout. See these time-sensitive tickers now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Carnival Corporation (CCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Planet Fitness, Inc. (PLNT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Ctrip.com International, Ltd. (TCOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report STUDIO CITY IH (MSC) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research HELENA, Mont. - The ACLU of Montana is asking the state Supreme Court to rule state law does not allow local law enforcement officers to arrest people for alleged civil violations of federal immigration law. The court did not immediately rule after hearing arguments Wednesday. The ACLU filed a lawsuit against Lincoln County in October 2018, after Agustin Ramon a dual resident of Mexico and France was arrested for stealing prescription medication from a neighbours house in Eureka in August 2018. His bail was set at $25,000, but he did not post bond because the sheriff said he would comply with a Department of Homeland Security request to detain Ramon on their behalf for another 48 hours after any potential release date. Ramon pleaded guilty to burglary in January 2019, was given a six-year deferred sentence and deported to France. He spent 203 days in jail. The ACLU is appealing a ruling by District Judge Matthew Cuffe, who rejected a request for a temporary restraining order and an injunction that sought to prevent Lincoln County from detaining Ramon if he posted bond. Lincoln County argues the case is moot because Ramon is no longer being held. A similar effort to obtain a restraining order in Gallatin County was denied by District Judge Holly Brown, who said inmate Luis Soto-Lopez hadnt posted bail so he wasnt being jailed on the immigration hold. Soto-Lopez then posted his $500 bail on a misdemeanour charge in March 2019 and was quickly turned over to federal immigration officials. Brown then declared the case moot because Soto-Lopez was no longer in the countys custody. That case was put on hold while Ramons case is decided. The ACLU argued Wednesday the Supreme Court should still rule on the merits of the Ramons case because it is of public importance, the same thing could happen to someone else and it is likely to evade judicial review during the 48 hours a suspect could be detained. Plaintiffs like Mr. Ramon are in a catch-22 facing expedited transfers to federal custody, but only able to show those transfers are unlawful by pursuing the deliberative judicial process, the ACLU wrote. Practically speaking, they are highly unlikely to have their valid legal claims adjudicated by the court while still in custody. Attorney Maureen Lennon with the Montana Association of Counties, which is defending Lincoln County, argued the Supreme Court should rule the case moot because Ramon never posted bond, so he wasnt held on the detainer, and the court can provide no remedy to him. The issue has been raised in two counties and does not rise to the level of public importance, Lennon said. This court protects the rights of individuals, Justice Laurie McKinnon said. And one individual whos freedom is deprived is significant for this court to take interest in. The issue is gone. He is deported, Lennon responded. This is about: Is this a significant public concern at this point on this record? Otherwise its just an advisory opinion. An authoritative determination by the court on the merits of the case would actually help folks like the Lincoln County sheriff, ACLU of Montana attorney Alex Rate said after the hearing. The primary purpose of litigation challenging immigration detainers is ... to make sure that these folks arent being unlawfully arrested and ... to provide guidance to county officials so that they can do the right thing. Department of Justice Attorney Francesca Genova argued, in support of Lincoln County, that the court should uphold the sheriffs co-operation with immigration detainers, which are recognized under federal law. Lawsuits in Colorado and Massachusetts led to rulings that officers had no authority under state state law to honour civil immigration detainers. Some local governments have made damage payments and some settled immigration detainer cases before lawsuits were filed, the ACLU notes. I dont think this is any secret that this is a whistle stop along the way the ACLU is going from state to state to get state courts, based on state law, to find these immigration detainers unlawful, Lennon said. If were going to be faulted for representing people in need and marginalized folks who are being held illegally, then thats fault Im perfectly happy to take, Rate said after the hearing. ___ This story has corrected the name of the district judge to Matthew Cuffe, (Bloomberg) -- Iran fired volleys of rockets against U.S.-Iraqi airbases early Wednesday as part of its promised retaliation over the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. His death last week has escalated tensions in the region, and Iran says its weighing 13 scenarios for reprisal. The attack by Iran roiled global markets in early trading Wednesday. Key developments: Iran retaliates against U.S. in rocket attack on Iraqi basesU.S. denies Iraq exit after errant letterIn Brussels, the so-called E3 are going to meetIranian threat ends upbeat start for marketsIrans parliament passes a bill designating Pentagon as terrorists Heres the latest. All times are New York local time: Texas Reports Surge in Cyber Interference (10:18 p.m.) Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday that reconnaissance of the states computer networks by foreign operatives has surged in the last two days to 10,000 attempts per minute. While its not uncommon for adversaries to attempt attacks on an hourly basis, Texas has detected increased activity from outside the United States, including Iran, according to the Texas Department of Information Resources. There have been warnings of Iranian cyber attacks in the wake of the killing of an Iranian general in a U.S. airstrike last week. The Texas agency emphasized that it has successfully blocked every attempt to gain entry, but declined to explain exactly where hackers have tried to gain access. The agency constantly detects and blocks malicious traffic on the networks of the multiple state agencies it services, according to a statement issued by the state after Abbott met with his domestic terrorism taskforce. As global threats to cybersecurity increase, we urge Texans to be vigilant and use heightened awareness as they conduct Internet activity. The Texas statement came three days after the website for the U.S. Federal Depository Library Program was hacked and defaced with pro-Iranian, anti-U.S. messaging. The South Alabama Veterans Council was similarly targeted. Story continues U.S. Restricts Flights Over Persian Gulf (9:05 p.m.) U.S. aviation regulators issued new restrictions barring civilian flights over Iraq, Iran, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the agency said Tuesday night in an emailed statement. The effect of the restrictions wasnt immediately clear because the Federal Aviation Administration had been prohibiting U.S. carriers from flying over most of those areas. The FAA will continue closely monitoring events in the Middle East, the agency said in the statement. We continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with U.S. air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities. Separately, Singapore Airlines Ltd. said it would divert its flights to Europe in the wake of the attacks and fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. All SIA flight routes are being diverted from the Iranian airspace, Singapore Air said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg News. The carrier didnt provide further details. Tehran Says It Fired Rockets at U.S. Base in Iraq (6:32 p.m.) Iran fired tens of rockets at a joint U.S.-Iraqi airbase early Wednesday morning Baghdad time, Iranian state television reported, citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A U.S. defense official confirmed that an attack was underway against the Ayn al-Asad in western Iraq. We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement. The president has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps told Iranian state television that further responses will be on the way to the Soleimani strike last week. The IRGC announces to the great Satan the U.S. that any responses will be met with much more pain and destruction, the IRGC said. U.S. stock futures fell on the news, with contracts on the Standard & Poors 500 index dropping 0.8%. U.S., Iran Seen Having Range of Military Options (5:30 p.m.) A new report from the Congressional Research Service said the U.S. and Iran have a wide range of direct and indirect military options to deploy as tensions between the two countries soar. But, the report adds, military escalation is unlikely to help either side achieve its political goals. Iranian-only targets for the U.S. include Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy vessels in the Persian Gulf, nuclear facilities, military bases, ports and oil installations, according to the report. Another option: Iranian proxies. Attacks on Iranian allies could be limited or expansive -- intended to seriously degrade the military ability of the Iranian ally in question, according to the report by CRS analysts Kenneth Katzman and Kathleen McInnis. But such actions could harm the prospects for resolution of U.S.-Iran tensions or the regional conflicts in which Iranian allies operate. For Iran, its support of armed factions across the Middle East and its stockpile of short-range ballistic missiles offers it the potential to expand confrontation into areas where U.S. response options might be limited, the report said. Trump Says Now Isnt Right Time to Leave Iraq (2:42 p.m.) President Donald Trump said it isnt the right time for the U.S. to pull out of Iraq after the countrys parliament called for foreign troops to depart and confusion erupted over a draft U.S. letter suggesting preparations for a withdrawal. Eventually we want to be able to allow Iraq to run its own affairs, Trump said Tuesday during an Oval Office meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This isnt the right point. Trump said a U.S. departure would be a mistake because it would give Iran a foothold in the country. Questions about whether the U.S. would exit Iraq swirled on Monday after a letter surfaced that purportedly told military officials in Baghdad that American forces were repositioning in advance of a departure. Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters Monday that the letter was a draft and should never have been sent. Trump said he didnt know anything about the letter. Separately on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he hasnt received any request from the Iraqi government to withdraw U.S. forces. And he said at the time of last weeks strike, Soleimani was just days away from attacking U.S. forces in Iraq. U.K. Minister Says Iran Nuclear Deal is Still Alive (12:23 p.m.) The U.K.s defense chief said he doesnt think the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran is dead, and added that the government is working hard with France and Germany to ensure the agreement doesnt fall by the wayside. We dont think its dead, we think that there is still a chance, and we will make sure that despite whats going on now in the immediate, in the long term, that is the best solution, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said on Tuesday, when asked in the House of Commons about the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the accord in 2018 and Iran this week said it will suspend all limits on uranium enrichment activities and remove all curbs on the number of centrifuges required to induce a fission chain reaction. Despite that, Wallace said European allies could seek to pull Iran back to the terms of the deal by using its dispute resolution mechanism, something theyve yet to try out. Pompeo Derides Claim Soleimani Was on Peace Mission (11:34 a.m) U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo derided claims that Soleimani was in Baghdad on a diplomatic mission when he was killed in a U.S. drone strike, as leaders in Iran and Iraq have claimed.Anybody here believe that? Is there any history that would indicate that it was remotely possible that this kind gentleman, this diplomat of great order, Qassem Soleimani, had traveled to Baghdad for the idea of conducting a peace mission? Pompee told reporters at a briefing on Tuesday. We know that wasnt true. Pompeo said the claims by Iranian and Iraqi officials are Iranian propaganda.He again warned Tehran against attacking the U.S., saying President Donald Trump would respond in the same decisive, serious way it did against Soleimani. U.S. Companies Told to Brace for Likely Cyberattack (11:05 a.m.) U.S. corporations need to brace for possible cyberattacks within a month as Iran retaliates for the killing of a top military figure, threat experts said Tuesday. I dont think theyre going to bring the economy to its knees, said John Hultquist, director of intelligence analysis at the cybersecurity firm FireEye Inc. But can they do a lot of damage to individual participants - major companies? Absolutely. Its not too late to prepare, Hultquist said in an interview after speaking at a symposium at the Washington office of the Council on Foreign Relations. Priscilla Moriuchi, head of nation-state research at threat tracking firm Recorded Future, said she expects a cyberattack within a month but noted that impacts may be unknown for weeks and months after an assault begins. Targets could include oil and gas companies operating in the Middle East, and perhaps public web pages of military bases, she said. Republican Paul Says U.S. Less Safe After Killing (9:55 a.m.) Senator Rand Paul said attacks on U.S. targets are more likely after the killing of Soleimani. The person who has replaced him has been his assistant general for 22 years, is a hardliner, and now the whole country of Iran is consumed with revenge, Paul, a Kentucky Republican, told Fox News on Tuesday. So if youre asking yourself will there be attacks on America, I think theres much more likely to be attacks now with his death. He said the killing set us back a great deal and that diplomacy is off the table. The only possibility now is military escalation, he said. Soleimani Planning to Kill, OBrien Says (8:47 a.m.) Soleimani was planning to kill, to attack American facilities and diplomats, National Security Advisor Robert OBrien told reporters Tuesday at the White House. Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who were located at those facilities. OBrien said he could not reveal sources and methods for gathering the intelligence but I can tell you it was very strong. As long as theres bad actors in the world there are always threats to Americans and the Iranians have been making many many threats to the United States over the past several days, OBrien said. We take those seriously. And were watching and monitoring them. U.K. Security Council to Meet on Iran (8:34 a.m.) The U.K.s National Security Council will meet at 5 p.m. in London, the prime ministers spokesman James Slack said, adding that Boris Johnson told ministers at their weekly meeting on Tuesday morning that efforts are focused on protecting British citizens and their interests. U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is in Brussels for talks. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace will brief lawmakers in Parliament at 3:30 p.m. and will outline diplomatic and military steps the U.K. is taking in response to the crisis. Slack refused to comment on any legal advice Johnsons government has received over the killing of Qassem Soleimani. Emergency Meeting of Europeans in Brussels (4:33 a.m.) With tensions rising by the minute, the foreign ministers of the U.K., France and Germany will hold an emergency meeting in Brussels to discuss what -- if anything -- can be done to defuse the situation. With the 2015 nuclear deal all but dead, the pressure is rising to toughen their response. Read more: Europeans Scramble to Work Out What They Can Do About Iran Stampede Reported at Soleimanis Funeral (4:20 a.m.) A stampede erupted at the funeral procession and an unspecified number of people have been killed or injured, AP reported, citing Iranian state TV. The head of Irans emergency medical services, Pirhossein Koulivand, was cited for the information. Hossein Salami, the leader of Irans Revolutionary Guard, threatened at the funeral to set ablaze places supported by the U.S., AP reported. U.S. Futures Pare Gain on Irans Warning of Retaliation (2:45 a.m.) An upbeat start to trading on Tuesday faded as a semi-official news organization in Iran said the country is assessing scenarios for its response to Soleimanis killing. U.S. equity futures pared gains, while Treasuries and gold reversed declines. Earlier, stocks posted strong gains across Asia amid a general easing of concern about the situation in the Middle East. Shamkhani Says Irans Response Will Be Historic Nightmare for U.S. (2:30 a.m.) Even if the weakest of these scenarios gains a consensus, the implementation of it can be a historic nightmare for the Americans, Ali Shamkhani, head of Irans national security council, is cited as saying by the semi-official Fars news agency. For now, for intelligence reasons, we cannot provide more information to the media, he says. Iran is assessing 13 scenarios for retaliation, Shamkhani was cited as saying. The entirety of the resistance forces will retaliate for Soleimanis killing, he says. Zarif Says Hell Attend Davos (2 a.m.) Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos this year, Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger reported, citing organizers of the meeting. A spokesman for the event, which will be held from Jan. 21 to Jan. 24, wasnt immediately available to comment. The news comes after Zarif was denied a visa to travel to New York for meetings at the United Nations, according to a person familiar with the matter on Monday evening. The person said the U.S. had to take certain precautions after Soleimanis killing. As part of its agreement to host the UN headquarters, the U.S. is obligated to approve visas for official travel to the global body. The U.S. and Iranian missions to the UN didnt immediately reply to questions about the status of the visa request. Zarif Says Regional War Could Drag On for Generations (1:55 a.m.) Speaking in Tehran, Zarif said the Middle East will have to deal with war for generations if it relies on the U.S. The countdown has begun for Americas exit from the region, he said. Germany to Temporarily Withdraw Some Troops (1:45 a.m.) Germany will temporarily move some troops from Iraq who were taking part in a training mission there, according to a lawmaker from Chancellor Angela Merkels party. Of Germanys 120 soldiers in Iraq, between 30 and 40 will transfer to Jordan, CDU lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio. The mission will continue, although it has been suspended for the time being, Kiesewetter added. Of course, if the Iraqi government decides that all foreign troops should withdraw it would affect the training mission and have grave consequences for the fight against IS, Kiesewetter said. We would be well advised to make it clear to the Iraqi government what it would mean if 67 states withdrew from the whole region. U.S. Embassy in Lebanon Tightens Security (1:45 a.m.) The U.S. embassy in Beirut is waiting for security backup from American military forces in Italy in anticipation that Iran will retaliate for the killing of its most powerful general, the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported. Its unclear whether the backup will arrive by air or sea, an unidentified military official familiar with the matter told the London-based newspaper. U.S. Forces Designated as Terrorists by Iranian Lawmakers (1:30 a.m.) Parliament in Tehran passed a bill in retaliation to U.S. actions, according to ICANA, the legislative bodys official news service. Under the legislation, which expands a previous bill that blacklisted U.S. Central Command, all members of the Pentagon and related companies, as well as actors and commanders involved in the martyrdom of Qassem Soleimani, are designated in the list of terror groups. Earlier: Trump Vows Sanctions on Ally Iraq, Toughens Rhetoric on Iran (1) Europeans Scramble to Work Out What They Can Do About Iran (2) Forwards Traders Raise Speculative Bets Against Gulf Currencies Trump Threat to Attack Irans Cultural Treasures Spurs Backlash Iran Says Not Bound by Nukes Deal in New Soleimani Fallout (4) --With assistance from Arsalan Shahla, Richard Bravo, Nikos Chrysoloras, Thomas Penny, Jennifer Jacobs, Todd Shields, Nick Wadhams, Alex Morales, Justin Sink, Glen Carey, Kyunghee Park and Alan Levin. To contact the reporter on this story: Kartikay Mehrotra in San Francisco at kmehrotra2@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Bill Faries at wfaries@bloomberg.net, ;Lin Noueihed at lnoueihed@bloomberg.net, John Harney, Chelsea Mes For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Question:What allows private for-profit ambulance companies to run tax-exempt license plates on their vehicles? Answer:Vehicles owned by ambulance services specifically intended for emergency response or providing ambulance services are exempt under the Minnesota State statutes. All services must have a valid license issued by the board. The license shall specify the base of operations, the primary service area, and the type or types of ambulance service for which the licensee is licensed. The licensee shall obtain a new license if they wish to expand their primary service area, or to provide a new services. You can avoid a ticket and a crash if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths. DANVERS, Mass., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Unless current law is updated, Massachusetts residents will increasingly lose the ability to take their cars to independent repair shops and be forced to pay more at dealerships, the head of the Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition told members of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce this morning at its Executive Breakfast Forum. In 2012 Massachusetts voted 86% for right to repair law but automakers are now using wireless technologies to transmit repair and diagnostic information directly to manufacturers, cutting out car owners and the independent repair shops many rely on for service. "Car manufacturers are taking advantage of this wireless loophole to keep independent car repairers from accessing diagnostic information they need to fix cars," said Tommy Hickey, Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition Director. "In 2012 voters overwhelmingly voted in support of having the choice of where to take their cars for repairs. That right should be protected. If this law is not updated, consumers will start to lose their choice and be forced by automakers towards more expensive automaker authorized repair options." As of this year, more than 90% of new cars are now equipped to transmit diagnostic and repair information wirelessly to vehicle manufacturers. "This threatens the rights of our customers to shop around for the best deal," said Leo Malo from Advanced Technologies repair shop in Gloucester, who attended the forum. "They won't be happy if they have to pay more for repairs, and it also hurts small businesses like ours. We need the Legislature to update Right to Repair." The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition supports HB4122 filed by Representative Paul McMurtry and cosponsored by more than 70 other legislators to update the Commonwealth's Right to Repair law. The legislation would ensure that drivers have access to repair information but it has not advanced on Beacon Hill. The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition is a group of Massachusetts independent repair shops, local auto parts stores, trade associations, consumers, and drivers interested in making sure car owners have access to the repair and diagnostic information produced by the vehicle they own, now has more than 2,000 members statewide. Members of the Coalition also include the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts (AASP-MA) and the New England Tire and Service Association (NETSA). More information at massrighttorepair.org Media Contact: Kate Kahn Phone: (617) 513-8849 [email protected] SOURCE Massachusetts Right to Repair Related Links https://massrighttorepair.org DENVER - If Democrats were to have any hope of shaping the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump to their liking, theyd need help from Republicans like Sen. Cory Gardner. Gardner, a young and upbeat senator who didnt endorse Trumps 2016 election, represents Democratic-trending Colorado. But hes walked the party line during Trumps impeachment and subsequent skirmishes over the presidents trial. Gardners statements on the standoff that has seized the Senate have largely aligned with the presidents most fervent defenders. He has slammed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the process Democrats used to impeach Trump in the House and carefully avoided criticizing the president. Democrats have acknowledged that its unlikely the GOP-led Senate will remove Trump from office. But they had hoped impeachment will at least put pressure on some vulnerable Republican senators as Democrats fight to win the chamber in November. Gardners posture is one sign of the limits of that strategy. While the Democrats and Republicans battle over how and when to try the president for high crimes and misdemeanours, Gardner and several other GOP senators in tight races this year have shown little inclination to risk the wrath of Trump supporters at home. Its a political calculation that values loyalty to Trump and his base over any bipartisan appeal. And its one measure of the grip Trump has over the party. If (Gardner) does anything that turns off the Trump base in Colorado, thats more dangerous than anything from the other side, said Dick Wadhams, a veteran GOP strategist in the state. Im not sure impeachment complicates things any more for Cory. That dynamic also helps explain why other Republicans in competitive states, including Sens. Susan Collins in Maine, Thom Tillis in North Carolina and Martha McSally in Arizona, have followed their partys lead on impeachment proceedings. Democrats would need to net four seats to take back the Senate -- or three seats plus win the White House to have a tie-breaking vice-president. One in their ranks, Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, is considered vulnerable and also squeezed by impeachment. Democrats can also hope for surprises in places like Kansas, where Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this week that he wont run for an open seat, leaving some Republicans worried about the strength of their candidates. By some measures, Gardner is the most endangered Republican on the target list. He won by less than 2% of the vote in 2014, elected largely on the midterm backlash to President Barack Obama. In one ad, Gardner pledged that when my party is wrong, Ill say it. Gardner was the only Colorado Republican to win a top-of-the-ticket race in the past 15 years, as an influx of white, college-educated transplants has shifted the states politics to the left. In 2016, Trump lost Colorado by 5 percentage points, and in 2018, Democrats won every single statewide race. Gardner is hoping he can squeeze every vote out of Colorados diminishing share of Republican voters. He also wants to appeal to the states long tradition of pragmatic centrists with Colorado-specific efforts like allowing marijuana businesses to access the banking system, expanding Rocky Mountain National Park and moving Bureau of Land Management headquarters to western Colorado. His strategists think that combination could secure him reelection. But analysts note its a difficult path in a time when Trump dominates all political conversations. Theres a lot of factors that are going to make things very difficult for Cory, said Floyd Ciruli, a nonpartisan pollster based in Denver. Impeachment just puts another issue out there. Gardner has carefully limited his statements on impeachment, sparking headlines in October when he refused to say that a politician should not solicit foreign help in an election. The dodge includes a defence of the president, suggesting Trump is the victim of partisanship. In a statement on Tuesday, Gardner spokeswoman Annalyse Keller said: Senator Gardner believes Nancy Pelosis impeachment inquiry to appease the far-left has been a total circus that has only served to divide this country. Senator Gardner will be a juror and unlike what has happened in the House, he is confident the process in the Senate will be bipartisan and fair. The key test on impeachment may come after the trial begins and Republicans like Gardner are forced onto the record on whether they want to admit new testimony and documents, as Democrats have advocated. Gardners alignment with the president has been gradual. The senator rescinded his endorsement of Trump in October 2016 after Trump was caught on tape bragging about sexually assaulting women. But, after Trumps election, Gardners criticism of the president has been muted. He chastised Trump after the president appeared to blame both sides for violence at a white supremacist march in Charlottesville, Virginia. But Gardner has been careful not to be personally critical of the president on any number of issues, from demands that Democratic congresswomen go back to their home countries to complaints that immigrants come from Africa rather than Norway. Meanwhile, Gardner has backed many of the presidents priorities, including votes for Trumps health care proposal, tax plans and conservative judges. He also ran the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2018 and helped engineer a cling-to-the-president midterm strategy that expanded the GOP majority even as they lost control of the House. At this point hes shown his allegiance is to Trump and not to the voters of Colorado, Craig Hughes, a Democratic strategist in the state, said of Gardner. Once youve gone this far with Trump, a break probably gets you less than it costs you. Gardners strategy contrasts with that of another Colorado Republican, former Rep. Mike Coffman. Coffman continued to criticize Trump through his 2018 reelection campaign in a competitive district in the Denver suburbs. Coffman lost by double digits. Josh Penry, a Republican strategist who advised Coffman and dislikes Trump, said Gardners reluctance to criticize the president makes sense. If Gardner ever turned on the president, Democrats would remain critical. Itd be thoughts and prayers and its just words, he said, citing two criticisms thrown at Coffman during the last election. You can never do enough because this isnt about Trump, Penry said. Its that they want to defeat Cory Gardner. ISTANBUL Russia and Turkey have called for a cease-fire in Libya to begin this weekend, stepping in on Wednesday to try to resolve a conflict that Western powers and the United Nations have struggled to end. Analysts say the Russians and Turks are seeking to exploit a diplomatic void left by Europes failure to end the fighting in Libya. A German-led effort to hold an international conference on Libya has come to nothing, and the United Nations Security Council has not called for a cease-fire. The Russian and Turkish foreign ministers issued a joint statement calling for the cease-fire on Wednesday after President Vladimir V. Putin and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met and presided over the inauguration of the TurkStream gas pipeline in Istanbul. It is not clear how much Russia and Turkey can influence events on the ground, but Mr. Putin and Mr. Erdogan have met regularly to discuss military deployments in Syria, and have declared Libya a priority. Security has been increased around the grounds of the White House tonight in light of the current tensions with Iran, a U.S. law enforcement official said. A U.S. Secret Service official declined to comment, passing along a statement released by the agency, saying it "continually assesses the threat environment surrounding all protectees." USSS officers with assault rifles were spotted at checkpoints near the White House. Today, Iran has delivered missile strikes against at least two military facilities in western Iraq, where U.S. troops are deployed. According to assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman, Al-Assad and Irbil military bases were targeted. Iranian state television said on Wednesday that at least 80 'American terrorists' were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles launched by Tehran on U.S. targets in Iraq, adding that none of the missiles were intercepted. State TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said U.S. helicopters and military equipment were 'severely damaged.' But a U.S. military official said there were no immediate reports of American casualties. Iran launched missile attacks on American-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike which killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. U.S. troops reportedly had early warnings of the missile launches and were able to the sound the alarms at at least one of the two targeted bases. Iran targeted the U.S. late Tuesday by firing more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq housing American troops The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) Those in harm's way were able to scramble to safety and hide in bunkers during the attack, the official told USA Today. Al-Asad and Erbil bases were both targeted in the attack. U.S. troops had been practicing safety drills for some time. Iraqi officials say there were no casualties among their forces either. President Donald Trump tweeted that 'all is well' and 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties continued to be assessed. Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. The al-Asad base for American and coalition troops (pictured above in December) was struck by missiles 'clearly launched from Iran', U.S. officials say The Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan, which provides facilities and services to at least hundreds of coalition personnel and CIA operatives, was also hit in the missile attack About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported, Brynjar Stordal, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces said. The rockets used in the attack, according to Iranian TV, were Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles, which have a range of 186 miles or 300km. The Pentagon had earlier said the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces. The Pentagon said it was still working to assess the damage. President Donald Trump says 'all is well' and 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties continue to be assessed after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif called the attacks 'self-defense' but said they did 'not seek escalation' but would defend itself against further aggression 'In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces,' a statement from the Pentagon read. 'It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. 'As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.' San Diego utility company Sempra Energy has chosen Houston for a regional headquarters that will oversee electricity transmission and liquefied natural gas export operations in Texas and Louisiana. In a Monday morning statement, Sempra announced that the company's new regional headquarters will be located at 1500 Post Oak Boulevard in Uptown Houston, an upscale area of high-rise offices, hotels, shops and restaurants near the Galleria. Dubbed as the "Center of Excellence," Sempra's regional headquarters will include office space as well as exhibit space to showcase the company's technology on the power grid and in the liquefied natural gas business. The company plans to connect virtual reality equipment to its Cameron LNG export terminal in Louisiana. "Texas is a remarkable market, and our Houston Center of Excellence will allow us to add hundreds of new engineering and construction positions to support our growing liquefied natural gas business in the Gulf region, while also allowing us to showcase our company's commitment to innovation, technology and leadership within the energy industry," Sempra Energy CEO Jeff Martin said in a statement. Exports: Port Arthur LNG takes step forward with Saudi support Sempra has undergone a dramatic expansion in Texas over the past two years. The company bought Dallas power line operator Oncor in a $9.5 billion deal that closed in March 2018. In an April 2019 decision, federal officials issued Sempra a permit to build the Port Arthur LNG export terminal in southeast Texas. One month later, the company bought a 50 percent stake in the McAllen-based power line operator Sharyland Utilities. Focused mostly on the liquefied natural gas business in Texas and Louisiana, the company currently has 100 employees working at an office off Briarpark Drive near the intersection of Westheimer Road and Beltway in far west Houston. Employees will move to the regional headquarters, once complete. The company's new office will be in the same 30-story tower as the Australian mining and oil giant BHP. Fuel Fix: Get daily energy news headlines in your inbox In a recent interview with the Houston Chronicle, Sempra Energy's regional vice president of external affairs Brian Lloyd said the company plans to double its workforce in Houston over the next few years. "Sempra Energy has already made a strong commitment to Texas with big investments in Oncor, Sharyland and natural gas infrastructure," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. "Their new Houston office is a symbol of confidence in Texas' energy leadership, workforce and regulatory climate. Houston is the world's premier energy community and I welcome Sempra's expansion in Texas." Read the latest oil and gas news from HoustonChronicle.com An internationally isolated US President Donald Trump on Wednesday backed down on immediate retaliation against Iran for its attacks on American bases and appealed to Western leaders to join his campaign against Teheran. While affirming that the US kept its options, he seemed to be taking a way out of imminent violent confrontation that could spiral into a war. Flanked by military leaders, he said in an address to the nation from the White House, "Iran appears to be standing down which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world." Equally, his speech signalled he was also standing down for now despite his macho rhetoric. Trump denounced the Iranian Major General Qassim Soleimani, the head of Iranian Quds Force defended his killing last week as necessary to prevent future attacks on Americans and the nation's interests. Iran retaliated with a tepid missile attack on two bases in Iraq with US personnel on Tuesday that did not kill anyone or cause major destruction. Trump said, "No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made it a symbolic attack, describing it a "slap on the face." Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Teheran "concluded proportionate" measures in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani under United Nations Charter's self-defence provisions, indicating that it was a calibrated face-saving move rather than attempt to raise the level of confrontation. Isolated by NATO and other Western allies, Trump appealed to them to join him in putting pressure on Iran. "The time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China to recognize this reality. They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal or JCPOA." Trump had withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that was reached by UN Security Council permanent members and Germany to limit Iran's nuclear weapons programme. Iran has said that it is no longer bound by it and would go ahead with its nuclear programme. He said that stricter sanctions would be imposed on it and he would ensure that it would never develop nuclear weapons. Trump also reached out to Teheran, telling it, "ISIS is a natural enemy of Iran. The destruction of ISIS is good for Iran. And we should work together on this and other shared priorities." The US and militias linked to the Quds Force worked in tandem to fight the ISIS in Syria and Iraq leading to its defeat and rout from territories under its control. Attacks on the militias and Iran could end up re-empowering the ISIS, whose operatives and sympathisers have carried out attacks within the US. Trump was, however, silent on the killing of three American -- a military personnel and two civilians --on Sunday were killed on Sunday in Kenya on Sunday by a Sunni terrorist organisation, al-Shabaab. While Soleimani's killing followed the attack in Iraq that took the life of an American by a militia linked to Shia Iran, there has been no counter-attacks on al-Shabaab or high decibel rhetoric. US allies in Europe and elsewhere have cautioned the US against escalating the confrontation against Iran. Domestically, even Trump's cabinet members like Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper have distanced themselves from the extreme warnings from Trump of destroying cultural sites in Iran. Democratic and other politicians, while relieved at the killing of Soleimani, who was responsible for the killing of US troops in Iraq, were opposed to the manner in which he was killed in Iraq. Iraqi parliament has demanded the removal of US troops from the country because of the attack within the country. Standing down would also mean Trump keeps his promise to his base to avoid foreign military adventures, while the killing of Soleimani is a show of strength for them. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The cannabis market has shown rapid growth in the past few years owing to rapid demand increase for cannabis and related products. Market Research Future, who specializes in market reports related to the consumer and retail sector among others, recently published a report on this market. Expansion of the North America cannabis market is estimated with a CAGR of 33% in forecast period from 2016 to 2021. Medical uses of cannabis are one of the major uses that have driven the demand for the market especially in North America. Legalization of cannabis in many of the North American countries has led to creation of further demand and enhanced the growth potential of the market. Furthermore, introduction of different cannabis included products has led to expansion of the market size significantly. Utilization of cannabis to treat various medical ailments has been beneficial to the progress of the sector. The North America cannabis market is categorized on the following basis: Based on Derivatives: Industrial Hemp and Marijuana/Flowers, Other Concentrates/Products which include Keif, Hash, Hash Oil Etc. Based on Applications type: Based on applications the market is segmented into applications of marijuana into medicinal applications, recreational applications and others and applications of hemp into food and baby care, clothing & textile among others North America Cannabis Market Regional Analysis Cannabis market in North America was over USD 3.5 billion in 2015. This industry was mainly operating in the black market; however, with developments in the medical applications of the derivatives such as marijuana and hemp this market experienced significant growth over the past few years. Presently, the cannabis market is not a bare collaboration of the growers or producers of marijuana and hemp; it is rather a conglomerate of science and technology. The U.S. being the largest market in the region was valued over USD 3 billion and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR over 30% between 2016 and 2021. North America Cannabis Market Competitive Analysis A trend of volume-driven growth has been witnessed in the market of late with the development of different varieties of product types. The sector is undergoing considerable transformation which has accelerated the growth pace of the sector. The industry players in the segment are efficiently utilizing their primary resources to initiate long lasting growth changes. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be harnessed by ensuring ongoing process improvements and maintaining financial flexibility to invest in the optimal strategies. Conversely, with companies aiming to capture a considerable share of the market segment as early as possible, experimentation with various advantage points is being seriously considered and implemented. Access Complete Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/cannabis-market-950 North America Cannabis Market Updates: Jan 2018 Tokyo Smoke merged with DOJA Cannabis Company Ltd., a Kelowna B.C.-based licensed producer, to create a new company, Hiku Brands Company Ltd., which was listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange recently. Tokyo Smoke of TS Brandco Holdings Inc had been attempting previously to manoeuvre into carefully cultivating a cannabis-centered lifestyle brand leading up to recreational legalization in the country. Jan 2018 Canopy Ventures, the new investment arm of a Boulder-based cannabis accelerator is raising a new pool of cash to help early stage companies that have survived their startup pains grow to the next level. They are launching a $50 million venture fund that will focus on tech-based cannabis companies. The accelerator, since inception in 2015, has invested seed-stage capital in 73 companies, several of which have gone through its accelerator program. This new fund will help finance more mature, so-called growth stage companies. Jan 2018 MedReleaf Corp announced recently that it has entered into an arrangement with Canaccord Genuity Corp. and GMP Securities L.P. to buy, on a bought deal basis 3,800,000 units of the company at a price of $26.50 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of $100.7 million. MedReleaf plans on using the net proceeds to fund the acquisition and/or construction of further cannabis production and manufacturing facilities in Canada as well as in other jurisdictions with federal legal markets. The group of children likely thought they were in for a night of harmless fun. The activity? Chucking snowballs at passing cars in a residential area on Milwaukee's northwest side. But police say things took a dangerous turn when one driver retaliated against the kids - with a gun. Shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday, officers from the Milwaukee Police Department responding to a report of a shooting arrived to find a 12-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy suffering from gunshot wounds. It didn't take long for authorities to figure out what had triggered the act of violence: a single snowball. "Preliminary investigation indicates both victims were with a group of juveniles throwing snowballs at cars passing by," the police department wrote in a series of tweets Monday. "One of the snowballs struck a white Toyota, no further description, and the driver of the auto fired shots into the group of kids striking the two victims." Officers at the scene provided first aid to the children, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are now recovering at a Milwaukee hospital. A search is underway for the driver, and as of Monday night, no arrests had been made, ABC News reported. Investigators, who are asking for any information related to the case, are looking for home-surveillance video that may have captured the shooting, WISN reported. In a city where gun violence was the leading cause of homicides last year, the circumstances of Saturday's shooting left residents and local leaders unsettled, sparking outrage and renewed concerns over safety. "Over a snowball you're going to kill somebody?" Pearlee Piggue, who heard the shots while cooking dinner, told WDJT. "It's ridiculous." Alderman Cavalier Johnson, whose district includes the scene of the shooting, was equally appalled by the driver's alleged action. "They could have let down the window and told the kids not to do that," Johnson said. "They could've yelled at the kids. They could've chased the kids home, told their parents." Though several people were shocked that a snowball could prompt such violence, there have been a handful of similar cases nationwide. A Philadelphia teen was fatally shot in the head in 2008 after he threw a snowball that hit a passing adult in the face. In 2009, a D.C. police detective pulled out his gun during a confrontation with a group of people who pelted his squad car with snowballs. More recently, a woman in Seattle was arrested last February for allegedly trying to run over people having a snowball fight when one of the icy projectiles smacked her Jeep. Milwaukee police didn't specify how many shots were fired from the white Toyota on Saturday night, but one person told WISN she counted up to five. The gunfire sent Ravell Davis and his family scrambling for cover inside their home nearby, fearing they could be struck by an errant bullet. "Me and my wife, we got six kids, we in the kitchen [and] all of the sudden you hear all these loud booms, so I actually told everybody to get down," Davis told WISN. Davis later added: "It's getting bad. You know, it's ridiculous when you look outside and the front and the side of your house is taped off. It's getting real crazy now." Since 2014, Milwaukee has seen higher rates of homicides and nonfatal shootings, according to the Justice Department's Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. Data gathered by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel found that there were nearly 100 homicides in the city last year and more than 80 percent of the cases were shootings. Saturday's incident should serve as yet another example of the necessity of gun legislation, Johnson told WDJT. "Gun laws in this state are decided in Madison," he said, referencing the state capitol. "Once again, I'm asking for the people who control the legislature, to do something about this so we don't have situations like this in this city or anywhere in Wisconsin." Two black McDonald's executives have sued the fast food company alleging the workplace is rife with racial discrimination as they and fellow black staffers have been consistently passed over for promotions. The lawsuit was filed by Victoria 'Vicki' Guster-Hines and Domineca Neal, both senior directors at McDonald's office in Dallas, on Tuesday in federal court in Chicago, Illinois, where the company is headquartered. The suit claims that the Golden Arches franchise is a hostile environment with civil rights abuses against employees of color that include threats, derogatory racial comments, and preventing African Americans from moving up within the company. The lawsuit is the latest scandal to hit McDonald's and new CEO Chris Kempczinski who stepped in as top boss when former CEO Steve Easterbrook was fired in November for having a consensual relationship with an unnamed staffer. Black McDonald's executives Vicki Guster-Hines (left) and Domineca Neal (right) filed a lawsuit against the company on Tuesday in Illinois court accusing the franchise of racial discrimination and impeding them from advancing within the company. Both Guster-Hines and Neal were demoted from vice president to senior director positions in July 2018 In the lawsuit Guster-Hines and Neal say McDonald's looked over black executives and led a 'ruthless purge' of top ranking African Americans at the company. The number of high ranking African Americans at the company dropped from 42 to seven since 2014. Both Guster-Hines and Neal were demoted from vice president to senior director positions in July 2018. However, the company also reduced the total number of officer-level positions in general over the past five years as a part of a larger restructuring. They say that the racial discrimination intensified after a new group of executives was ushered in in 2015, when Easterbrook took the helm of the company and brought in Kempczinski. 'In shocking ways difficult to overstate, McDonalds under Easterbrook and Kempczinski declared war against the African American community,' the lawsuit said, according to the Chicago Tribune. The suit names CEO Kempczinski, ex CEO Easterbrook and US regional president Charlie Strong. The women are seeking undisclosed monetary damages. Guster-Hines cites over $2million in lost pay and benefits and Neal reported a loss of 'hundreds of thousands of dollars'. Last year during a meeting Guster-Hines expressed concern with a small number of African American leaders at the company to Kempczinski and Melissa Kersey, a human relations executive. It's not clear how Kempczinski responded in that meeting. 'In shocking ways difficult to overstate, McDonald'ss under Easterbrook and Kempczinski declared war against the African American community,' the lawsuit said. Former CEO Steve Easterbrook pictured above. He was ousted in November for having a consensual affair with a staffer Chris Kempczinski, who worked with Easterbrook, is now CEO of McDonald's A McDonald's spokesman said 45 percent of the company's corporate officers are people of color, along with all of its 10 US field vice presidents. 'While we disagree with characterizations in the complaint, we are currently reviewing it and will respond to the complaint accordingly,' a spokesman said to DailyMail.com. Guster-Hines and Neal are on leaves of absence, Chicago-based attorney Carmen Caruso, who is representing the duo, said Wednesday. After taking over the company, Kempczinski has told employees that diversity and gender balance are his top priorities. He said that measuring diversity among employees as a percentage is a better metric than absolute numbers. He has also notably assembled a diverse group of staffers in his own executive team, according to the Wall Street Journal. Since taking over McDonald's Kempczinski has said he's trying to change the boys club and party culture of the franchise and restore a more professional environment. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi means of boosting bilateral relations along with regional and international issues of common concern on Wednesday. "I chose Egypt as my first destination in Africa given its importance to China," the Chinese foreign minister said during the joint press conference with Shoukry today. Wang Yi is scheduled to pay official visits to Djibouti, Eritrea, Burundi and Zimbabwe till 13 January. The Chinese minister added that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Egypt's 2030 vision for development as well as combating terrorism and extremism are among the most important issues discussed during his meeting with his Egyptian counterpart. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang was quoted by Xinhua as saying that this is the 30th consecutive year since 1991 for a Chinese foreign minister to visit Africa at the start of every year. "This fine tradition fully reflects China's high priority on developing its ties with Africa, which is strong proof of the time-tested solid friendship between China and Africa," Geng Shuang said. Search Keywords: Short link: The lawyer representing Harvey Weinstein claims he is 'not a rapist' and has been made a 'scapegoat' for the #MeToo movement. Donna Rotunno said a 'band of sisterhood' could 'cloud true events and facts' during the disgraced film mogul's upcoming rape and sexual assault trial in New York. Weinstein, who is recovering from recent back surgery and has been seen shuffling into court this week using a walker, is charged with raping one woman in a hotel room in 2013 and forcibly performing a sex act on another in 2006. In an interview with ITV News, Rotunno accused the #MeToo movement of going 'too far' and said he had a right to a fair trial. If convicted the 67-year-old could get life in prison if convicted. His defence team tried to delay the jury selection in light of a new case filed in Los Angeles, but that request was denied by a judge. Film producer Harvey Weinstein arriving at New York Criminal Court alongside his lawyer Donna Rotunno for his sexual assault trial in the Manhattan today Donna Rotunno told ITV News her client, Harvey Weinstein, has been made a 'scapegoat' In the Los Angeles case, which will be tried at a later date, he is accused of sexually assaulting two women on back-to-back nights in 2013. The former studio boss behind such Oscar-winning movies such as Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love has said any sexual activity was consensual. 'I met with Harvey, I spoke with Harvey and from day one I didn't believe that he was a rapist,' Rotunno told ITV News in her first UK broadcast interview. She said: 'Harvey has the right to a defence. Harvey has the right to a fair trial. Harvey has the right to be presumed innocent. 'I do think he's been made a scapegoat and I think that Harvey is accused of doing things that have happened for decades and decades and decades.' Once one of Hollywood's most powerful producers, Weinstein has now been accused of sexual assault, harassment and misconduct by dozens of women, from famous actresses to assistants at his former company, that triggered the #MeToo movement. Harvey Weinstein, followed by his attorney Donna Rotunno (right) today. He has been seen arriving at New York City criminal court for his sex crimes trial using a walker and struggling to get up stairs Rotunno also accused the #MeToo movement of going 'too far' and said Weinstein had a right to a fair trial Asked if the #MeToo movement had gone too far, Rotunno said: 'I do think anything that strips of your right to a fair trial puts you in a circumstance you have to say that it's gone too far. Rutunno claimed there was 'almost a celebrity status that comes with making some kind of a claim against Harvey'. She added: 'I think that band of sisterhood may cloud the true events and facts.' The New York lawyer told ITV News correspondent Rebecca Barry that she confident that under cross-examination she would expose what she called 'lies'. Questioned on whether a woman would accuse a man of rape because they're fame hungry, Rotunno added: 'I think to say that women won't lie is not true. I think women do lie, I think women have lied and that's the unbelievable benefit of cross examination.' She went on to say that she believes if found not-guilty, Weinstein would 'come back stronger'. 'He has that kind of fortitude he has that grip that I think pushes people forward. he's really extraordinary in that way and I do, I think that he can come back bigger than before.' Donna Rotunno, Harvey Weinstein's lawyer, speaking to the media outside court after a hearing in New York on Monday Harvey Weinstein (centre) leaving court with his lead attorney Donna Rotunno (left centre) at the end of the first day of jury selection in his trial on Tuesday Earlier today Weinstein's defence team tried to ban celebrity attorney Gloria Allred, who is representing multiple alleged victims in the case, from the trial. Among Allred's clients is former production assistant Mimi Haleyi, one of the women Weinstein was charged with assaulting. But Judge James Burke denied the request, saying there was too much uncertainty over whether Allred would take the stand to prevent her from observing testimony. Yesterday 84 potential jurors were dismissed after admitting they could not be impartial in the case. Prospective jurors were read a list of names that could come up during the trial of Weinstein, either as witnesses or who could be referenced as part of proceedings, including actresses Salma Hayek, Charlize Theron and Rosie Perez. Hayek claimed in December 2017 she was harassed and propositioned by Weinstein for close to a decade. During an interview with Oprah, Hayek claimed Weinstein threatened to 'break her kneecaps', after she refused his advances during filming for the 2002 film Freida. Theron blasted Weinstein last December amid claims he told aspiring actresses she had slept with him to get acting roles. The leader of Austria's conservatives Sebastian Kurz was sworn in Tuesday as the world's youngest democratically elected leader, at the head of an unlikely coalition with the Greens following the collapse of his previous alliance with the far-right. Vowing to "protect the climate and the borders", the 33-year-old has become chancellor of the Alpine country's first government to include the Greens, an arrangement called "exotic" and "unlikely" by Austrian media. Speaking at a handover ceremony with his predecessor Brigitte Bierlein, Kurz said it was "good to be able to continue working for Austria" and promised: "We will strive every day to give our best." Kurz's People's Party (OeVP) and the Greens agreed last week to govern together after the last administration with the far-right fell apart in a corruption scandal. Both the OeVP and the ecologist party made key gains in September's snap polls. President Alexander Van der Bellen reminded the new government that "citizens have great expectations of you," adding that "trust must be rebuilt". The new government aims to please both parties by pushing for Austria to be carbon neutral by 2040 and also continuing previous strict anti-immigration measures. Some observers think that if successful the alliance could become a model for other European countries as nations across the continent grapple with populist sentiments but also climate change. - 'Best of both worlds' - Kurz -- whose conservative OeVP has been in government for more than three decades -- has defended the undertaking as combining "the best of both worlds". The OeVP has 10 ministers in the new coalition, while the Greens have four with its party chief Werner Kogler, 58, taking on the vice-chancellorship. Among the ministers being sworn in Tuesday more than half are women, including the defence minister. Many are in their 30s and 40s. A Green politician and former activist will front an enlarged environment ministry, which includes traffic, energy and technology as well. The Greens have also nominated an openly lesbian party veteran to hold the culture portfolio, while a Green legal expert of Bosnian origin, who arrived in Austria as a child refugee, will head the justice ministry. - No 'love marriage' - But for all that's new, it's not a "love marriage", according to analyst Johannes Huber. "As he (Kurz) says at every opportunity, they are very different parties", which have always been rivals rather than allies on a national level until now, Huber told AFP. And their detractors are many, including some in their own ranks. The Far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) -- the third strongest party in parliament after the OeVP and the Social Democrats (SPOe) -- was quick to denounce Kurz's "swing to the left" and the "dangerous experiment" out of which "nothing good" can come for the country of 8.8 million people. The SPOe too criticised the new government's programme, saying social questions hadn't been addressed well enough. Kurz first became the world's youngest chancellor in a government with the FPOe from December 2017 until May last year, driving a hard line against immigration and brushing off a steady stream of racist and anti-Semitic incidents involving his far-right colleagues. But then the FPOe leader and vice-chancellor became engulfed in a graft scandal, leading to the collapse of the coalition and snap elections. Disappointed FPOe supporters dealt the party a setback in the polls, many shifting their votes to the OeVP which won 37.5 percent -- an increase of almost six points from 2017. The Greens, who failed to get into parliament in a shock result in 2017, garnered 13.8 percent as climate change replaced immigration as a top voter concern. Party officials have said they have had to make "painful" compromises to reach the agreement with the powerful conservatives. "The Greens are very pragmatic... It is important for the party to take on responsibility on a national level," Huber said. Kurz has promised Austrians a stable government for the next five years. However, "the new coalition has not provided a complete answer on how they plan to finance their fiscal plans," according to analyst Katharina Koenz of Oxford Economics. Sebastian Kurz returns in Austria as the world's youngest democratically elected leader Werner Kogler (C), leader of the Austrian Green party, takes the post of vice-chancellor The world's youngest political leaders. Austria's Sebastian Kurz was sworn in on January 7. When a swarm of drones and cruise missiles attacked Saudi Arabia's biggest oil facility on 14 September, an outraged Trump administration quickly blamed Iran for what it called an unprecedented attack on global energy supplies. But the real surprise was the strike's accuracy: Of 19 weapons used, all but two scored direct hits. When the smoke cleared, Saudi officials counted 14 holes where incoming projectiles had sliced through petroleum storage tanks. Three other critical parts of the oil-processing facility had been hit and disabled, shutting down the facility and temporarily cutting Saudi oil production in half. In subsequent reports, US analysts would describe the attack as a kind of wake-up call: evidence of a vastly improved arsenal of high-precision missiles that Iran has quietly developed and shared with allies over the past decade. In the event of a wider war with the United States, Iran can be expected to deploy such weapons to inflict substantial damage on any number of targets, such as US military bases, oil facilities or Israel, analysts say. On Tuesday, Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq used by the United States, according to the Pentagon, which was conducting a damage assessment. Attack on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia: In pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Attack on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia: In pictures Attack on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia: In pictures Smoke billows from multiple fires at the Aramco oil processing facility in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia on 14 September Reuters Attack on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia: In pictures Thick black smoke billows from a fire following drone strikes on major oil facilities in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia Planet Labs Inc/Reuters Attack on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia: In pictures The Aramco oil processing facility in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia prior to the drone strikes on 14 September AP Attack on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia: In pictures Damage is seen to the Aramco oil processing facility in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia following drone strikes on 14 September, the previous day (Image 1 of 2) AP Attack on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia: In pictures Damage is seen to the Aramco oil field in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia following drone strikes on 14 September, the previous day (Image 2 of 2) AP Attack on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia: In pictures Damage is seen to the Aramco oil field in Khurais, Saudi Arabia following drone strikes on 14 September, the previous day (Image 1 of 2) AP Attack on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia: In pictures Damage is seen to the Aramco oil field in Khurais, Saudi Arabia following drone strikes on 14 September, the previous day (Image 2 of 2) AP Attack on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia: In pictures Smoke billows from multiple fires following drone strikes on major oil facilities in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia AFP/Getty Attack on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia: In pictures Smoke rises from a fire following a drone strike at the Aramco facility in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia on 14 September Reuters Attack on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia: In pictures Smoke is seen following a fire at the Aramco oil processing facility in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia on 14 September Reuters They're saying, 'We can now hit those,' said Fabian Hinz, an expert on Iran's missile program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California. What we've seen in Iran in the past few years is a change from missiles that were mainly political or psychological tools to actual battlefield weapons. This is a quantum change. US and Middle Eastern officials say the upgraded missiles some with ranges of more than 1,200 miles are but one of several potential avenues for carrying out Iran's promise to exact revenge for last week's killing of general Qassem Soleimani, Iran's most powerful military leader. Most experts believe the US would respond forcefully to any direct military attack on US assets, but Iran would possess the ability to launch a painful counterstrike or an attack on Israel. Because Iran has provided its advanced missiles and bomb making technology to proxy groups, it also possesses options for harming its adversaries while limiting the risk of reprisals. In the past, Tehran frequently tasked pro-Iranian militant groups chiefly the Lebanon-based Hezbollah, but also proxies and sympathisers based in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Bahrain with carrying out a wide range of covert actions on its behalf, including bombings and missile strikes, kidnappings and cyberwarfare. Iran attacks where it sees vulnerabilities, and it exercises restraint when it thinks there could be major consequences, said Karim Sadjadpour, an Iran policy analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington think tank. Mr Sadjadpour said any missile launch in the near future would be less likely to come from Iran, and more apt to be fired by Iran's Houthi allies in Yemen against soft targets such as oil infrastructure, airports or desalination plants in gulf states. Such attacks could significantly damage the economies of key US allies while triggering a spike in global oil prices. Smoke billows from an Aramco oil facility in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia (AFP) Less impactful globally, but psychologically disruptive, would be a series of assassinations or kidnappings, conducted in such a way as to shield Iran from blame. After Israeli operatives allegedly killed several Iranian nuclear scientists a decade ago, Tehran activated sleeper cells and dispatched hit men to carry out assassinations of diplomats around the world. India, Thailand and Georgia places you wouldn't expect, Mr Sadjadpour said of the attempts. US embassies throughout the world should be on alert, not just for the next few days but for at least another year. Iran's improved missile capability is the result of changes ordered more than a decade ago by the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. At the time, Tehran's most sophisticated missiles were derivatives of the Soviet-era Scuds that Iran and Iraq fired at each other's cities in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq war. Since then, the country's military laboratories have funnelled millions of dollars into creating guidance systems that would vastly improve the accuracy of new missiles and, through retrofitting, upgrade many older models. Iran has been providing missiles to smaller groups who are likely to carry out attacks on enemies without reprisal (AFP) The result is a line of short and medium-range missiles than can deliver warheads with an accuracy range in the tens of meters, a Defence Department intelligence official said. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive assessments of Iran's military capability. We have observed consistent improvements in Iranian ballistic missile accuracy, the official said. Among the more striking and potentially worrisome developments is technology on Iran's 500-mile Qiam missile that allows controllers to fine-tune its trajectory during flight. Even the Fateh-110, a short-range model provided to Hezbollah and other militant groups, has been refitted with electro-optical and radio-guidance systems so that it can zero in on highly specific targets, the official said. The 14 September strike on two Saudi Aramco oil facilities used armed drones and cruise missiles that are both highly manoeuvrable and difficult to stop with antimissile batteries. Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for that attack, although US analysts later concluded that the missiles and drones were launched from southern Iran. A UN investigation was unable to find hard evidence linking the missiles and drones to Iran. Iranian citizens cheer missile launches on US troops based in the country (Reuters) Saudi Arabia's expensive, US-built missile defence system failed to stop the drone and missile attack, leaving local security forces with no means of defending the facilities other than with small arms. General Joseph Votel, the former US Centcom commander who retired from the army in March, said the gains in Iran's missile capability have been surprisingly rapid. We've been watching this for a while, with both these drones and with missiles and other things that can actually penetrate defensive systems and get in and hit those sensitive targets, Mr Votel said an interview with the CTC Sentinel, a publication of the Combating Terrorism Centre at West Point. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Most disturbing, Mr Votel said, is the maturation of these systems and how quickly [the Iranians] are learning. When you look at our long learning curve here, theirs is much sharper, he said. They're taking advantage of what we have learned. Other experts were more struck by Iran's ability to shield itself from direct blame after a major attack such as the one on the Saudi oil facilities. While Mr Trump has threatened massive retaliation for any Iranian attack on US facilities or assets, the threat becomes less meaningful if the source of the strike is ambiguous, analysts say. Such ambiguity, long an Iranian speciality, will probably be a feature of Tehran's eventual response to Soleimani's death, they said. I'm assuming that the Iranians will be carefully calculating some kind of revenge, which will create real pain without provoking certain retaliation, said Greg Thielmann, a former director of strategic, proliferation and military affairs in the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research. There would seem to be an abundance of soft targets in the Middle East. The Washington Post by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, January 8, 2020 While things might have been worse at Macys, its sales fell 0.7% in November and December. And some predict that the report from Cincinnati-based retailer, the first major chain to release combined results, foreshadows discouraging results from other department stores. Macys, for its part, described the declining results as positive, reflecting a strong trend improvement from the third quarter especially in digital sales, according to CEO Jeff Genette in the announcement. Additionally, customers responded to our gifting assortment and marketing strategy, particularly in the 10 days before Christmas. But the company is reportedly shuttering 28 Macys stores and one Bloomingdales store early this year. And it says that next month, it will use its previously announced investor day event to outline a new three-year strategy. advertisement advertisement Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, called the results disappointing, and says those soft sales -- while not surprising -- underscore Macys challenges. Macys was inevitably helped by a relatively robust consumer economy where shoppers were happily spending online and in-stores, he writes in his note on the results. This lifted the whole retail sector. Without this fillip, which likely wont be repeated as we move into 2020, Macys results would have been considerably worse. And compared to a total retail market that grew about 3.7% in the last two months of the year, the numbers show Macys is still losing customers and market share at a rapid clip. Still, Saunders was encouraged by the strength in a group of stores Genette has christened the Growth150 group, where the company has been focusing investments in improvements and new initiatives. Macys is hardly alone in its struggles. A new analysis from Business Insider says 1,700 stores are already on the chopping block in 2020, with the total expected to break new records. Last year, more than 9,300 stores closed, beating the previous record, set in 2017, of roughly 8,000 closures in 2017, according to an analysis by Business Insider. It reports retail giant Cushman & Wakefield estimates as many as 12,000 stores could disappear this year. She has been sharing candid updates about her ankle injury to Instagram over the festive season. And Amber Heard didn't let her foot brace ruin her New Year's getaway to Maui, Hawaii, as she was seen enjoying a beach hike in Hana with friends last week. The Aquaman star, 33, who jetted back to Vancouver on Tuesday, looked radiant as she went make-up free for the idyllic outing. What injury? Amber Heard didn't let her foot brace ruin her New Year's getaway to Maui, Hawaii, as she was seen enjoying a beach hike in Hana with friends last week Amber wore a white bohemian linen midi dress, which cinched in at the waist, with a lace camisole underneath. Adding some glamorous touches, the star accessorised her look with a collection of chunky gold jewellery and a slip-on brown heeled mule on her uninjured foot. Amber left her blonde locks loose into a relaxed tousled hairdo which she later plaited into a loose ponytail. Natural beauty: The Aquaman star, 33, who jetted back to Vancouver on Tuesday, looked radiant as she went make-up free for the idyllic outing Bohemian-chic: Amber wore a white bohemian linen midi dress, which cinched in at the waist, with a lace camisole underneath Despite her ankle injury, the actress didn't let it ruin her getaway as she appeared in good spirits during the hike, sitting on rocks and walking along the beach with her pals. It is not known how Amber hurt herself but the star has been sharing several candid updates about her foot brace to Instagram. MailOnline has contacted Amber's representative for comment. In one picture, posted on New Year's Day, the Justice League actress posed on a rock with her injured ankle in the air while wearing a pair of skinny jeans and a skimpy low-cut vest top. She captioned it: 'Kicking this year off feeling booty-licious.' Radiant: Amber left her blonde locks loose into a relaxed tousled hairdo which she later plaited into a loose ponytail Happy: Despite her ankle injury, the actress didn't let it ruin her getaway as she appeared in good spirits during the hike Happy days: Amber was seen sitting on rocks and walking along the beach with her pals The star also shared a selfie of herself with friends and in front of a vending machine with the ankle brace on, she penned: 'Feel lucky to have been able to hobble down to the most exquisite black sand beach in Hawaii.' While Amber also posted two different photos of herself in a bikini, one reading on the beach with the other showing her pose next to a swimming pool. She captioned them respectively: 'Obviously swimming wasnt on the agenda' and 'never let a boot get in the way of your dreams'. Ouch: It is not known how Amber hurt herself but the star has been sharing several candid updates about her foot brace to Instagram It is not known how Amber hurt herself, but she went straight to the doctors after landing back in Canada on Tuesday. Amber posted a video of herself in a medical centre as she waved a plastic skeleton ankle in the air. She later bemoaned the end of her holiday to her Instagram Stories, she said: 'If you squint your eyes it's almost like Hawaii again, right?' 2020: In one picture, posted on New Year's Day, the Justice League actress posed on a rock with her injured ankle in the air while wearing a pair of skinny jeans and a skimpy low-cut vest top. She captioned it: 'Kicking this year off feeling booty-licious.' 'Lucky': The star also shared a selfie of herself with friends, she penned: 'Feel lucky to have been able to hobble down to the most exquisite black sand beach in Hawaii.' Work it: Amber and a pal posed in front of a vending machine during their Hawaii getaway It comes as Amber's next TV miniseries The Stand, based on the Stephen King post-apocalyptic epic, is due out this year She will play Nadine Cross, opposite Alexander Skarsgard and Whoopi Goldberg, among others. Her romantic thriller Run Away With Me, also due out this year is in pre-production and Aquaman 2 has been announced for 2022. Strike a pose: While Amber also posted two different photos of herself in a bikini, one reading on the beach with the other showing her pose next to a swimming pool Stunning: Amber jetted back to Vancouver on Tuesday and shared a stunning selfie to mark her return to the Canadian city Doctors: It is not known how Amber hurt herself, but she went straight to the doctors after landing back in Canada on Tuesday Amber remains embroiled in a defamation lawsuit with her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, 56. He sued Amber earlier this year for $50 million for defamation over an op-ed that she wrote in The Washington Post in December 2018. They married in 2015 and Amber filed for a divorce in May 2016 before it was finalised in January 2017. Amber and Johnny met in 2011 while filming The Rum Diary together. Seeing the positive side: Amber posted a video of herself in a medical centre as she waved a plastic skeleton ankle in the air Violence in Bengal Sporadic incidents of violence were reported from various parts of West Bengal during the 24 hours strike called by the trade unions. A bus was vandalised in Cooch Behar, West Bengal this morning. Protesters burnt tyres to block roads in various parts of the East Burdwan district, besides staging a sit-in on railway tracks, affecting train services in the sector. NEWS AT 3 PM, 8th JANUARY, 2020 Poor response in Karnataka The nationwide bandh evoked poor response in BJP-ruled Karnataka. While traffic was normal in most parts of the state and schools and colleges functioned normally as no holiday was declared, malls and shopping complexes in most cities wore a deserted look. Strike evokes little response in Uttarakhand The nationwide strike evoked little response in Uttarakhand on Wednesday even as their affiliates staged a dharna at the inter-state bus terminal here. Slogan-shouting unionists sat on a dharna inside the ISBT premises as a token of support to the strike but movement of buses remained largely unaffected. Banking services in the state also remained unaffected as most banks functioned as usual. No effect of strike in Goa; banking ops normal Normal life remained unaffected so far in Goa. Various labour unions held a public meeting under the banner of the 'Goa Convention of Workers' at the Azad Maidan in Panaji. Most of the banks, including nationalised ones, are functioning normally, while only a few private industries recorded low attendance. Banks, financial institutions affected by strike in Tripura The strike called by trade unions evoked a mixed response in BJP-ruled Tripura where banks and offices of financial institutions remained shut in most places, even as train services and vehicles operated as usual. Shops and markets remained open in most parts of the state and attendance in majority of government offices, including the civil secretariat, were near normal. Police said no untoward incident was reported from any part of the state. Cong, left leaders taken into custody in AP Leaders of the Congress, CPI and CPM were taken into custody as they staged a sit-in protest on the highway outside the RTC bus station in Vijayawada. Employees stayed off duties in various public sector undertakings, mostly in Visakhapatnam. Most of the banks remained shut. Rallies were taken out by the Left parties and trade unions in major towns and cities of Andhra Pradesh. Strike near total in Left-ruled Kerala The day-long strike called by central trade unions was near total in Left-ruled Kerala on Wednesday, with vehicles, including state-owned KSRTC and private buses keeping off the roads.Very few private vehicles and autorickshaws were seen plying on roads. Strike affects mining activities in Jharkhand Mining activities in Jharkhand were affected due to the general strike, even as asserted that situation was normal in the sector. The strike, however, did not impact normal life in the state with public transport plying as usual and markets and other commercial establishments operating normally. Mixed response in Rajasthan The nationwide strike call given by 10 central trade unions evoked a mixed response in Rajasthan during morning hours on Wednesday. Banking and roadways services were partially affected as members of trade unions joined the strike. 1. S&P 500 futures turn positive after sinking overnight on Iran's retaliation Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange. Brendan McDermid | Reuters S&P 500 futures turned higher Wednesday morning, coming back from an overnight drop of more than 1.6% after Iran retaliated for the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general. Strong ADP data on December private sector job growth was also providing stock futures support. In the immediate aftermath of Iran's launching of more than a dozen ballistic missiles against two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq on Tuesday night, Dow futures sank 400 points and international oil prices surged 4%. But like stocks, crude oil prices evened out as the Iranian attacks were less than feared. Oil actually turned negative Wednesday morning. 2. Trump tweets, 'All is well,' plans to make a statement in the morning There are no reports of any U.S. servicemembers being hurt in the Iranian strikes. President Donald Trump responded on Twitter: "All is well!" "Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far!" Trump plans to make a statement Wednesday morning. TRUMP TWEET 3. Ukrainian airline's Boeing jet crashes after takeoff in Iran, killing all on board Search and rescue works are conducted at site after a Boeing 737 plane belonging to a Ukrainian airline crashed near Imam Khomeini Airport in Iran just after takeoff with 180 passengers on board in Tehran, Iran on January 08, 2020. Fatemeh Bahrami | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images A Boeing 737-800 passenger jet operated by a Ukrainian airline crashed minutes after takeoff from Tehran on Wednesday morning. There were no survivors. Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 had 167 passengers and nine crew members on board. The cause of the crash was not immediately known and could take months to determine. However, state media in Iran reported that the jet went down because of technical problems without providing any more details. The plane is a different model than Boeing's troubled 737 Max. 4. Decline in Boeing shares causing a drag on Dow futures Dow stock Boeing was down about 1% in premarket trading Wednesday after the Ukrainian airline crash in Iran. The drop in Boeing shares, which has been under sustained pressure since last year's grounding of the 737 Max fleet after two deadly crashes involving those jets, was responsible for about a 20-point drag on Dow futures, which were pointing to a steady open Wednesday on Wall Street. 5. Private payroll growth surges in December to end 2019 strong A "Now Hiring" sign advertising jobs at Best Buy hangs outside a store in Salem, New Hampshire, November 25, 2019. REUTERS/Brian Snyder Brian Snyder | Reuters Gardai hope to bring charges against two cousins who hijacked a hotel shuttle bus, with three passengers on board, at Dublin Airport, before embarking on a 100km-plus cross-border rampage. Three police cars - two Garda vehicles and one PSNI car - were rammed, but no officers were injured. The siblings, aged 25 and 26, from Navan, Co Meath, eventually crashed the bus in Co Monaghan, and stole a car, which was then subject to pursuit and a hard stop near Castleblaney by an Armed Support Unit jeep. The cousins are well known to gardai for a variety of crimes, including burglaries. The drama unfolded at 1am on Wednesday after the pair appeared to engage in an "opportunistic crime" when they spotted the engine of a vehicle running outside Terminal 2 with the driver not at the wheel. It is thought the driver may have been outside the shuttle bus tending to passengers at the time. They locked the bus door and sped off, but sources said it was not clear if the cousins knew there were passengers on board when they took it. The three passengers were dropped off some 25kms into the hijacking, at City North Junction on the northbound stretch of the M1, physically unharmed. They are understood to have gone to the nearby hotel, ordered a taxi and travelled back to the airport and boarded their trans-Atlantic flight. After the hotel driver alerted gardai, GPS tracking was used to locate the bus and garda units spotted it on the M1 near Drogheda, Co Louth. A patrol car near Dundalk was rammed by the mini-bus, which proceeded to cross the border. The operation, coordinated by the Regional Control Room in Galway, alerted the PSNI. A statement from the PSNI said: Police received a report from our colleagues in An Garda Siochana that a stolen transit van had been tracked crossing the border. Officers observed the vehicle in Crossmaglen Square, and upon police entering the carpark the transit van collided with the police vehicle causing damage to the front of the car. The transit van then made off from the area and re-crossed the border. The PSNI officers were not injured during the incident. The Garda helicopter aided in the search once the bus crossed back in Co Monaghan and gardai discovered it abandoned, having crashed. Gardai said the occupants fled on foot before stealing a parked car. An Armed Support Unit pursued the vehicle and performed a hard stop on the car near Castleblaney. ASU officers are trained in the risky tactic, but none of them were injured when their jeep was struck by the stolen car. The cousins were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act at Carrickmacross Garda Station and charges are expected. The whole thing is bizarre, but it could have ended an awful lot worse, said one garda source. This story was amended at 9.40am on January 9, 2020. MIDDLETOWN The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce announced that its restaurant week! The fifth annual Taste of Middlesex County runs from Jan. 13-17. The week will feature restaurants throughout Middlesex County and is sponsored by Comcast Business. Restaurant week is designed to highlight the numerous and diverse dining experiences within the greater Middlesex region. All restaurants participating in the Taste of Middlesex County will feature a fixed price menu options three-course meal for just $20.20, (does not include beverages, tax or gratuity). To include greater diversity of entree items, some restaurants will also provide $30.20 fixed priced menus in addition to the menus that they are providing for $20.18. Dinners include an appetizer, main entree, and dessert. Participating restaurants so far include: Baci Grill in Cromwell, Eli Cannons in Middletown, Esca Restaurant & Wine Bar in Middletown, Mizzu Asian Bistro & Hibachi in Cromwell, On the Rocks at Fox Hopyard in East Haddam, Scotch Plains Tavern in Essex, Herd in Middletown, Tavern at the Armory in Middletown, The Gelston House in East Haddam, The Griswold Inn in Essex, Vero Cucina Rustico in Middletown, El Pulpo in Middletown, and Waters Edge Resort and Spa in Westbrook. They will offer a specific menu for Taste of Middlesex to highlight their diverse menus. Follow updates on social media by searching the hashtag #TasteOfMiddlesex and by visiting https://www.middlesexchamber.com/pages/taste-of-middlesex-county for more information. If your restaurant would like to participate in the Taste of Middlesex County, please contact Sandy Heinly at 860-347-6924 or sandy@middlesexchamber.com. Co-op hosting open house Jan. 25 ESSEX The Connecticut River Artisans Co-op is hosting an open house for artists from 1-3 p.m. on Jan. 25 at its shop at 55 Main Street, Essex. Any Connecticut artists looking for a new venue to showcase their work are welcome. We have been established since 1980 and believe we are the oldest Co-op in the state. Stop in, enjoy the refreshments, chat with one of our artists and find out what we are all about. Compare the advantages of belonging to a Co-op verses consigning your work or selling at shows. Bring your portfolio, pictures or samples of your work as we will be viewing that day, members said in a statement. We are looking for all handcrafted, art inspired work. Items must be quality originals made by the artists. No imports, wholesalers or reps please. We are not jurying jewelry or candles at this time. Appointments are preferred, or stop in. Call Gay Petruzzi Ritter 860 339 5251 with any questions. Learn more at www.ctriverartisans.org or go to Facebook.com/ConnecticutRiverArtisans Nominations wanted for Hall of Fame The Haddam-Killingworth Hall of Fame is issuing its annual call for nominations, as we begin putting together the Class of 2020. The Haddam-Killingworth Hall of Fame was established in 2009 to recognize individuals from our communities who meet one or both of the following criteria: Exemplary commitment to the service of the children of Haddam and/or Killingworth, and outstanding record of service to the community (Haddam and/or Killingworth). In addition, the individual must be an excellent role model, exhibiting behavior that is highly ethical, caring, and one in which the individual assumes responsibility for his or her actions. Nominated individuals, who are chosen by the selection committee, will be honored at a banquet held in the May of 2020 and will have their names permanently inscribed into the Haddam-Killingworth Hall of Fame. To nominate someone for this recognition, please do so by completing the Nomination Form at http://f.rsd17.org/halloffame.shtml and sending it to: Haddam-Killingworth Hall of Fame, PO Box 24, Higganum, CT 06441. Medical director to present The Aging Brain DURHAM Dr. Marilise Hyacinth, medical director of Adult Outpatient & Day Treatment Services with the Middlesex Health Department of Psychiatry, will present The Aging Brain on Jan. 17. The snow date is Jan. 24. Dr. Hyacinth specializes in the treatment and diagnosis of dementia and Alzheimers disease in older adults. She is board certified in geriatric and adult psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. This event is sponsored by the Durham Senior Citizens Board and is funded by a grant from the Connecticut Valley Education Fund. The program is the second in a series of health seminars. It will be held at the Durham Activity Center, 350 Main St. Lunch starts at noon, followed by the presentation at 12:45 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 860-349-3153 or signing up at the Durham Activity Center. East Hampton Senior Center offers trips EAST HAMPTON The East Hampton Senior Center, 105 Main St., is offering the following trips. Visit www.easthamptonct.gov, call 860-267-44426, or stop by for more information. Ogunquit Maine- Kennebunkport City Tour, Fosters Clambake, and Nubble Lighthouse Cruise, June 1-3 2020. Cost is $479 double/triple and $589 single. $200 deposit due by March 2nd. Register at the senior center. Newport Playhouse, July 19, 2020. A unique dinner theatre presents On Golden Pond and features a great lobsterfest menu and cabaret show. Cost is $111 and a $25 deposit is due by March 25. Register at the senior center. The Lighthouses of Boston Harbor, Aug. 25, 2020. Enjoy a 90 minute narrated historical cruise of the five Boston Lighthouses. Lunch at The Venezia Restaurant, waterfront location with views of the Boston skyline. Cost is $121.00, deposit of $25 is due by April 22nd. Register at the senior center. Fire protection in the City of Katy has reached new heights. At 2 p.m. on Dec. 6, the Katy Fire Department put in service its 107-foot aerial ladder truck which is based at Station 1, 1417 Ave. D in Katy, said Fire Chief Russell Wilson. In addition, the truck can pump 2,000 gallons per minute. It replaces a 2004 tower truck which due to its age became too costly to continue to maintain and which will be sold at auction. My desire originally was to keep that aerial truck as a backup or reserve, said Wilson. Because of its age, some parts no longer were available and had to be manufactured. Wed have to wait for long periods of time to get parts in so that the local vendor could repair it, he said. Quite honestly the tower had gotten so old and repairs were so extensive, continued the chief, who said he decided the city had put enough money in the 2004 fire engine which had a 105-foot ladder. Though fire trucks dont usually get a lot of mileage, pumping water for 90-minutes at a fire scene, for example, represents wear-and-tear on the engine. A meter records engine hours which are multiplied by 35, which represents an average speed of 35 mph, as part of a formula to measure that wear-and-tear, explained Wilson. In January 2019, the city executed a lease agreement for the aerial ladder fire truck, which was manufactured in Wisconsin, and related equipment with property cost of $1,229,253. Including interest, the total cost is approximately $1.5 million. From Wisconsin, it was shipped to Siddons-Martin Emergency Group, which has a location in Brookshire, which did the finishing work on the truck. The new Pierce aerial ladder truck as a larger piece of equipment also carries a large tool cache, said Wilson. Those include ventilation and rescue saws and hydraulic rescue tools that include the more familiarly named jaws of life. Lt. David Gabriel, a firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT), opens compartments on each side of the truck and at the rear that show an assortment of ladders, tools to punch through roofs for vertical ventilation as well as other equipment. His squad mans the truck and includes Tana Vallone, firefighter/EMT; Edward Thraen, engine operator, and Jared Mikolajczak, firefighter/EMT. These guys train constantly, said Gabriel as he talks of what they and the new truck can do. They know this truck better than anyone else. They should know where everythings at without having to open most of the doors. They should go straight to it. Its a lot of muscle memory. Its going to be a big help to us, he added. Its big help to the city. Were glad to have it. Gabriel credits two department members based at Station 2 for roles they played in helping to put the truck together, which included going to the main factory: Capt. Chad Dismukes and engineer operator Brett Wisniski. They designed the truck for the departments specific needs and selected all the equipment, explained Gabriel. They put in a lot of hours to come up with what the department needed. It came out really beautiful. Because it is a larger truck, Wilson said operators will attend classes that will be scheduled to go over details of its operation as well as include practice using the new machine. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Ramco System share price rose 6 percent intraday on January 8 after the company bagged a multi-million-dollar deal from a leading Australian University. The company secured a multi-million-dollar Global Payroll and Workforce Management (WFM) deal from a leading Australian University. With this win, the company will be expanding its foothold in the higher education vertical which is witnessing good demand for HR & Payroll transformation. The company will be partnering with a leading global consulting firm to implement its multi-country payroll solution while will also offer workforce management solution in partnership with an Australian headquartered cloud-based WFM provider, thereby providing an integrated payroll and workforce management solution. At 11:30 hrs, Ramco System was quoting at Rs 175, up Rs 9.30, or 5.61 percent on the BSE. The share touched its 52-week high of Rs 278.00 and its 52-week low of Rs 134.40 on 9 January 2019 and 12 December 2019, respectively. Currently, it is trading 37.05 percent below its 52-week high and 30.21 percent above its 52-week low. Nissan's fugitive ex-boss, Carlos Ghosn, on Wednesday described his arrest in Japan, from which he escaped last month, as a plot against him and his detention conditions as a ``travesty'' against human rights. In his first appearance since his daring and improbable escape from Japan, Ghosn told a news conference in Beirut that the decision to flee ``was the most difficult of my life.'' He was due to stand trial for alleged financial misconduct at the automaker and on Wednesday again dismissed all allegations against him as untrue. With big gestures and a five-part slide presentation projected behind him, Ghosn brought his case to global media and said that his view was on fleeing Japan was: ``You are going to die in Japan or you are going to get out.'' He quickly said he would not address the details of his escape, which has perplexed and embarrassed Japanese authorities. Media reports have said that he left his Tokyo residence alone, skipping bail and despite supposedly rigorous surveillance. He met two men at a hotel, and then took a bullet train to Osaka before boarding a private jet hidden inside a case for musical equipment. He flew to Istanbul and was then transferred onto another plane bound for Beirut, where he arrived Dec. 30. Ghosn portrayed his arrest as a plot linked to a decline in the financial performance of Nissan. Ghosn had been in favor of merging Nissan with industry ally Renault, of which he was also chairman. ``Unfortunately there was no trust. And some of our Japanese friends thought that the only way to get rid of Renault in Nissan is to get rid of me,'' he said. ``I should never have been arrested in the first place,'' he said. ``I'm not above the law and I welcome the opportunity for the truth to come out and have my name cleared,'' he told a packed room of journalists. Ghosn said he would be ready to stand trial ``anywhere where I think I can have a fair trial.'' He declined to say what country that might be. Lebanon last week received an Interpol-issued wanted notice - a non-binding request to law enforcement agencies worldwide that they locate and provisionally arrest a fugitive. Lebanon and Japan do not have an extradition treaty, and the Interpol notice does not require Lebanon to arrest him. Lebanese authorities have said Ghosn entered the country on a legal passport, casting doubt on the possibility they would hand him over to Japan. At the request of the Japanese government, Interpol published the notice on its website Wednesday as Ghosn was giving his news conference. The notice previously was only sent to Interpol's member governments but not shared with the public. Ghosn, who is Lebanese and also holds French and Brazilian passports, was expected to go on trial in Tokyo in April. In earlier statements, he has said he fled to avoid ``political persecution'' by a ``rigged Japanese justice system.`` He also said that he alone organized his departure from Japan and that his wife, Carole, played no role. On Tuesday, Tokyo prosecutors obtained an arrest warrant for Carole Ghosn on suspicion of perjury. That charge is not related to his escape. Lebanon's justice minister said Tuesday that Lebanon has not received any request related to that warrant. Japanese justice officials acknowledge that it's unclear whether the Ghosns can be brought back to Japan to face charges. Ghosn's former employer, Nissan Motor Co., said it was still pursuing legal action against him despite his escape, adding that Ghosn engaged in serious misconduct while leading the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance. Ghosn denies all the charges. In France, meanwhile, prosecutors are investigating a 50,000-euro gift from the chateau of Versailles to Ghosn, linked to a lavish party there. Renault alerted French authorities after a company investigation found that Ghosn personally benefited from ``an exchange worth 50,000 euros in the framework of a philanthropic accord signed with the Chateau of Versailles.'' Renault said in June that an internal audit with partner Nissan found 11 million euros (currently $12 million) in questionable expenses at their Dutch-based holding linked to Ghosn. The two carmakers recommended legal action in the Netherlands, where the alliance is based and ordering Ghosn himself to reimburse the company for some of the expenses. Earlier in the day, Tokyo prosecutors raided a Japanese lawyer's office where Ghosn had visited regularly before he fled. Japanese media reports said prosecutors had likely seized the computer to track down how Ghosn escaped and who might have helped him. An hour before the scheduled press conference, a Lebanese prosecutor said Ghosn will be summoned ``in the coming hours'' over a visit to Israel more than 10 years ago, according to the state-run National News Agency. Two Lebanese lawyers had submitted a report to the Public Prosecutor's Office against Ghosn last week, saying he violated Lebanese law by visiting Israel. The two neighboring countries are technically in a state of war. Prosecutor Ghassan Khoury met with the two lawyers who filed the case on Wednesday and asked them to bring additional evidence, adding he would summon Ghosn in the coming hours. Ghosn visited Israel in 2008 and met officials including the prime minister and the president. At the time he announced the launch of electric cars in Israel. Search Keywords: Short link: After Irans missile attack on Iraq, UAE foreign minister warns that OPEC has limits to ability to handle oil shortages. The energy minister of the United Arab Emirates said on Wednesday he saw no immediate risk to oil travelling through the vital gateway of the Strait of Hormuz after Iran attacked bases hosting United States forces in Iraq. The situation is not a war, and what is happening now should not be exaggerated, Suhail al-Mazrouei said on the sidelines of a conference in Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital. We will not see a war, he added. This is definitely an escalation between the US, which is an ally, and Iran, which is a neighbour, and the last thing we want is more tension in the Middle East. Iranian officials have said the missiles fired at Iraqi military bases hosting US troops were a response to Fridays killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. Al-Mazrouei said he saw no situation that would provoke a fear of supply shortages, with demand healthy and global oil inventories hovering near the five-year average. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) would respond to any possible oil shortages if necessary, but it also had limitations, he said. We cant replace any quantity with the spare capacity we have. Al-Mazrouei stressed that he did not forecast any shortage unless the situation changed. We are not forecasting any shortage of supply unless there is a catastrophic escalation, which we dont see. At the same conference, OPEC Secretary-General Mohammed Barkindo said Iraqi oil facilities are secured and the countrys production is continuing. Its a big relief that the facilities continue to be secured in Iraq, the production is continuing and effective, Barkindo said. He added that he was optimistic Iraq would reach 100 percent compliance with OPEC cuts in time, despite current tensions. In a message to US President Donald Trump, Barkindo said OPEC alone could not shoulder the responsibility of maintaining a stable oil market. A homeless man who kidnapped and sexually assaulted an eight-year-old boy in south London has been jailed. Shane Upton, 24, was waiting in a public toilet in a park in Southwark on May 17 2019 when the child walked in. Upton held him against his will and committed sexual offences upon him, both in the cubicle and outside in the park, the Crown Prosecution Service said. A passer-by saw the victim being taken to the bush and called the police. Two officers arrived and chased Upton. A jury at Inner London Crown Court found him guilty of sexual assault of a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence. He was sentenced on Wednesday to 11 years in prison. CPS spokesman Nathan Paine Davey said: This was extremely serious offending against a young boy. The victim bravely gave evidence at the trial via video link, meaning that he did not have to come face-to-face with his attacker again. Thanks to the courage of this eight-year-old boy, the court heard of the ordeal he went through. Illustration: Matt Golding Credit: About 300 Australian troops are located at the Taji base north of Baghdad but the facility does not appear to have been targeted, despite earlier reports of an attack there. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran "took and concluded" the measures in self-defence. "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," he wrote on Twitter. The statement and the use of "concluded" led observers to suggest Iran would not take further action unless the US retaliated in turn. US President Donald Trump reacted to the attack by declaring on Twitter that "all is well" and the damage was being assessed. "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties and damages taking place now. So far, so good!" he wrote. "We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far!" A boy carries a portrait of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq. Credit:AP Mr Morrison said he had been told all Australian diplomatic and defence personnel in Iraq were safe but he warned the situation was "very fluid" and the government was in contact with the Trump administration to gain updates. "Were working closely to protect the safety of Australians," he said. "Were doing everything to ensure their continued safety." Loading Mr Morrison spoke to the Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, immediately after the Iranian attack to ask him to do "what was necessary" to protect the Australian personnel in Baghdad. The Prime Minister was due to speak to General Campbell in Canberra on Wednesday night and spoke earlier in the day with Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese. While the NSC meeting was previously scheduled to discuss the bushfire response and Iraq, it will consider an expanded agenda in the light of the Iranian attacks on the Ain Asad air base in western Iraq and a facility in Erbil in the north of the country. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard confirmed through a statement to state television that they fired the missiles in retaliation for the US action last week in assassinating Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike. The Australian Defence Forces chief of joint operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, said on Wednesday afternoon he had received "no reporting of impacts" on the Australians at Taji. Asked about the possibility of withdrawal or evacuation of Australian personnel, Lieutenant General Bilton said the military was preparing for all eventualities. "At this stage, we have been contingency planning as you always do," he said. "Its just common sense. And we are preparing those plans for Iraq in different circumstances, which I won't discuss here ... Government is working through its policy position at the moment." Loading Mr Morrison was travelling to South Australia aboard a Royal Australian Air Force jet to see the impact of bushfires on Kangaroo Island when he learned of the Iranian missile attacks, leading him to confer with General Campbell, Senator Payne, Senator Reynolds and Mr Albanese. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, who received an initial briefing from Mr Morrison, expressed caution about the possibility of entering into another conflict in the Middle East and said all parties should exercise restraint. "The actions of the United States have led to then another response from Iran. This is potentially very dangerous indeed. And I don't want to see Australia drawn into a military conflict in the Middle East," he said. "The first priority ... should be ensuring that Australians are kept safe, the Australians are located very close to where the Americans are located in the area that has been targeted. So they are just next door," he said. Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said any further escalation depended on Mr Trump's response to the missile attack. Loading "I think it will largely depend on what President Trump decides in the next few hours. The next few hours really are critical," he said. "If they retaliate in a manner that's disproportionate and wider, given that the ballistic missiles were fired from within Iran that's quite possible, then the Iranians would feel the need to respond back and so you could see that escalatory cycle occurring." (Alliance News) - Shield Therapeutics PLC said Wednesday it has entered into agreement with Beijing Aosaikang Pharmaceutical Co Ltd for development and commercialization of its lead product Feraccru/Accrufer in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Feraccru/Accrufer is a treatment for iron deficiency in adults with or without anemia. The pharmaceutical company said it will receive an upfront payment of USD11.4 million and is eligible to receive a further USD11.4 million upon regulatory approval of Feraccru/Accrufer in China. Shield Therapeutics said it also will receive up to USD40 million in milestone payments upon the achievement of specified cumulative sales targets. For the duration of the intellectual property in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, the company will receive tiered ongoing royalties of 10% or 15% of net sales the product, the company said. Beijing Aosaikang Pharmaceutical will be responsible for all clinical and regulatory costs and activities as well as all manufacturing and distribution costs of products sold. Carl Sterritt, chief executive officer, said: "The market in China for novel prescription pharmaceuticals continues to grow rapidly and this agreement will mean more patients with iron deficiency will benefit from Feraccru/Accrufer therapy, enabling them to enjoy the things that make a difference in their everyday lives." In July last year, Shield Therapeutics had said its iron deficiency product Feraccru was approved by the US regulator, having already been approved in the EU and Switzerland. Shield Therapeutic shares were up 4.1% in London at 180.00 pence each on Wednesday. By Loreta Juodagalvyte; loretajuodagalvyte@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Submit Iran's overnight ballistic missile attacks against U.S. targets in Iraq have raised global concerns about an armed conflict spiraling out of control in the Middle East. Thomas Warrick, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Atlantic Council, said in an initial assessment that the "crucial" question about what happens next is whether the attacks from Iran caused any American casualties. "[U.S.] President [Donald] Trump has been very clear that causing American casualties is a red line for him," Warrick told VOA early on January 8 as the Pentagon was still carrying out its initial damage assessment. "At this hour, we just don't know whether the strikes caused American casualties or Iraqi casualties or casualties of people from other countries," Warrick said. "It's clear that that the world could wake up to a situation where Iran and the United States would find themselves at war, or possibly, that we're in for a period of more tension," Warrick said. Trump tweeted shortly after the missile attacks, "All is well!" He said: "So far, so good" regarding U.S. casualties. Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi said shortly after noon in Baghdad on January 8 that his government had received no reports of casualties among Iraqi military forces or U.S.-led international coalition forces. Officials in Britain, Germany, France, Poland, Denmark, and Finland also have confirmed that none of their troops stationed in Iraq were killed or injured by the Iranian missiles. Iranian state television claimed, without offering evidence, that the strikes killed "at least 80 terrorist U.S soldiers." Iranian state TV also claimed the missile attacks damaged helicopters, drones, and other equipment at the Ain al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, which hosts both U.S. and British troops. 'Overwhelming U.S. Military Force' If there were significant American casualties from the Iranian missile attacks, Warrick said he has no doubt that "strikes against the Iranian homeland will be ordered by President Trump." "He would be most likely targeting the places from which these missiles were fired and other military facilities that are well-known to the United States," Warrick said, adding that it is "quite possible we could end up with the militaries of Iran and the United States firing at each other over the next several days." "U.S. officials have been extremely clear that any attack that kills Americans is going to be met with overwhelming U.S. military force," Warrick said. "It will be a level of force that Iran is simply not going to be able to match." Steven David, a professor of International Relations at John Hopkins University, said it was significant that the missile attacks were launched from Iranian territory because the source is clear and undeniable. David also said Iran's use of ballistic missiles rather than short-range rockets fired by its proxy militia fighters within Iraq was "an escalation." "A ballistic missile is an order of magnitude more serious than a rocket," David told VOA early on January 8. "When we think of ballistic missiles, we also think of nuclear missiles which, fortunately, Iran does not have. But its connotation is one that is very frightening. And it shows that the Iranians really mean business." When asked whether there is a path for Washington and Tehran to de-escalate the growing conflict, David said Iran has sent the message that it "is not going to sit still from what they consider to be an American provocation." "I think what to expect next is an American retaliation," David said. "Then I expect American allies in Europe, the United Nations, and others -- everyone -- to say it's time to get an off-ramp to these hostilities." "It's hard for me to imagine America standing by and not doing anything," David explained, adding that further U.S. strikes could lead Tehran to carry out attacks against Saudi Arabia and Israel or attempt to launch cyberattacks against the United States. "This is very frightening," David said. "You've got two leaders in two countries, neither of which wants to back down. They're armed with all kinds of weapons -- ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, chemical weapons, cyberweapons." "I hope cooler heads prevail," David said. "I do hope that at some point both sides simmer down and allow this to de-escalate. Neither country wants this to get out of hand. To me, that's the most positive sign in this horrible mess." 'Reckless And Dangerous Attacks' World leaders on January 8 urged both Washington and Tehran to show restraint and prevent the situation from spinning out of control. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a joint statement from Ankara during a visit there by Putin, saying they believe that exchanges of attacks and the use of force by any party "do not contribute to finding solutions to the complex problems in the Middle East." "We express our commitment to de-escalate the existing tensions in the region and call on all parties to act with restraint as well as common sense and to prioritize diplomacy," the statement from Putin and Erdogan said. Initial reactions from U.S. allies reflect little desire for another full-fledged war in the Middle East. Britain's government denounced the January 8 Iranian missile strikes, warning that a new war in the Middle East will fuel terrorism. "We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting coalition -- including British -- forces," U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said. "We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation." Raab also said that war between Iran and the United States "would only benefit" Islamic State (IS) militants and "other terrorist groups." German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer condemned the Iranian missile attack, saying Berlin "rejects this aggression in the sharpest possible terms." Kramp-Karrenbauer said "it's now particularly up to the Iranians not to engage in further escalation." NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Twitter on January 8: "I condemn the Iranian missile attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq." "NATO calls on Iran to refrain from further violence," Stoltenberg said. "Allies continue to consult & remain committed to our training mission in Iraq." United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazruei said both Washington and Tehran need to exercise restraint. "We are hoping the wisdom of both sides will de-escalate the tension," he said. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said it carried out the attacks in response to the January 3 assassination of Iranian Quds Force commander, General Qasem Soleimani, by a U.S. air strike near Baghdad International Airport. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the Iranian action "was legitimate self-defense and the United States should avoid assessing it based on illusions," Zarif said. In an address to the country early on January 8, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the missile attacks on Iraqi bases that are used by U.S. forces was "a slap." "These military actions are not sufficient [retaliation]," Khamenei said. "What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end." With reporting by VOA, Reuters, and AP CARBONDALE R. E. Bridges was a young man in his early 20s when he became owner of Italian Village. Reflecting on the restaurant's 60 years in business, Bridges credited good employees, loyal customers and consistent service. We dont cut any corners and we just hang in there, Bridges said Tuesday morning in an interview with The Southern at a corner booth in the bar area of the restaurant he co-owns with his wife, Debbie Bridges. Italian Village is a staple of Carbondale, one of the few local haunts to have survived decades of change. And in that way, it serves as a connection between Carbondales past and its present. The walls of the restaurant are wallpapered with graffiti and autographs, photographs of famous guests, such as Walter Cronkite Jr. and Walt Clyde Frazier, and other Southern Illinois memorabilia. Older folks who remember hanging out there and writing their names on the wall when they were young now bring in their children and grandchildren to carry on the tradition. An original menu from 1960 hangs near the entrance. That year, it cost 60 cents for an Italian beef sandwich; 90 cents for a small cheese pizza; and $1.30 for spaghetti with meat sauce. Bridges said that when he became owner of the restaurant, I wasnt even hardly an adult. And it wasnt easy. I brought the first self-service restaurant to the southern half of Illinois when I opened this place, he said. Orders are placed at the counter, and picked up there when a guests number is called. That's not an unusual setup anymore, but it was a new concept in the early 1960s. Bridges said his first customer walked out because he was miffed that no one came to his table to take his order. Over the years, thousands more came in. In the early years, his patrons were almost exclusively students from Southern Illinois University. Sundays were especially busy because meals werent served that day on campus. Back then, the front door opened onto Washington Street, and young people lined up down the block, he said. Bridges inspiration for the setup of Italian Village or IVs, as its known colloquially came from a similarly styled pizza joint in Cupertino, California. He ended up there after accepting the offer of a Carbondale couple to drive them across the country to visit family in California. He had graduated from Carbondale High School in 1954 and enrolled at SIU, but didn't much care for school. This seemed like an interesting adventure, he said. The couple was to pay for the trip, but ran out of money about halfway there, he said. When I got there, I didnt have any money either, he said. So I got a job and lived out there for four years. He sold milk door-to-door, and worked part-time for the restaurant, soaking up everything he could learn about running a business and making dough. In 1960, Chicago native John Dughetti opened Italian Village on property that has been in the Bridges family for generations, according to newspaper archives. Three years later, Dughetti sold the restaurant to Bridges and his father, and Bridges returned to Southern Illinois to take it over, and make it his own. I feel fortunate that Im still here, he said. He noted that the last few years have seen the closure of locally owned establishments in Carbondale, and encouraged people to remember the mom-and-pop restaurants and stores when they go out. That loyalty, he said, is how Italian Village has survived this long. I cant give enough thanks to all of the customers that have supported me all of these years. A lot of people, he said, have been coming in forever. Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that Italian Village was originally opened by John Dughetti in 1960, and that Bridges took over ownership in 1963. 10 foods that say Southern Illinois Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. After an attack that injured five people at a rabbi's house in downstate New York, Democratic congressional candidate Dana Balter who is Jewish posted a series of tweets about the incident and anti-Semitism. The reaction from some Twitter users didn't surprise her, but it was shocking to see the language they used to attack her. A review of the tweets and screenshots provided by Balter's campaign show the Syracuse Democrat was the target of anti-Semitic posts from users, nearly all of whom used aliases to hide their identities. There were more than 200 replies to Balter's posts. Some of the comments were removed after the campaign reported them to Twitter. In one message, a user wrote: "You are the one making a mistake. The same mistake that pushed 109 countries to show your people the door. It would be a crying shame if anti-American/pro-globalists, like you, made it 110." The "109" reference, according to the Anti-Defamation League, is used by white supremacists to claim that Jewish people have been expelled from 109 countries. "Anti-Semites use this purported figure to claim that Jews must be a malicious and harmful to have been expelled from so many places; they also use the figure to call for the expulsion of Jews from countries where they currently live," the ADL explained on its website. Other users who replied to Balter's tweets denied the Holocaust occurred. When Balter noted that her grandparents escaped from Austria during World War II and that more than 6 million people were killed in the Holocaust, one user responded, "That never happened." "On the one hand, it didn't surprise me because I'm a Jewish woman in the United States of America and this is not my first rodeo," Balter said in an interview with The Citizen. "On the other hand, it shocked me because it is so vile and so virulent and it, I think, is a very sad indicator of some very serious and very widespread trends in this country that we need to confront. We have to acknowledge this is happening. This is not an isolated incident." There has been an increasing number of anti-Semitic incidents reported. In 2018, the FBI reported there were 835 anti-Semitic hate crimes, up from 609 in 2014. The Anti-Defamation League's audit found there were 1,879 anti-Semitic incidents in 2018. There were robocalls targeting Jewish schools and community centers. And there was an increase in physical assaults. There were 11 people killed in a mass shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. The tweet posted by Balter that received the most responses included the hashtag, #Monsey, and mentions President Donald Trump. She wrote, "When the president uses historically anti-semetic (sic) language like "America first" & fighting "globalists" to frame his views & rile his base & you say nothing, you're helping this happen." There were more than 120 responses to that tweet, with several Trump supporters panning Balter for her criticism of the "America First" slogan used by the president and his anti-globalism world view. "What really troubles me about what is happening in this country right now is that we have a president who regularly spews this kind of hatred himself and praises other people who do the same," Balter said. "He is actively fostering an environment of hate." She continued, "History has shown us over and over and over again that when you foster an environment where these kinds of verbal and physical assaults are not only accepted but are excused, we end up in very serious trouble. This takes us down a road of the ultimate persecution." Balter said the anti-Semitic comments reinforced her belief in standing up against these attacks. To combat anti-Semitism, she believes it will take "everybody stepping up and doing their part." "Again, what I learned as a young child from my family's history is that silence is complicity," she said. "And when you hear something or see something or witness in any way somebody spewing this kind of hatred, you have an obligation to speak up, to say no, to say this is not acceptable." Online producer Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 3 Angry 3 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: An increase in oil prices is in favor of Iran, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh told reporters following the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports referring to ANA news agency. Oil prices are falling and rising, Zangeneh said adding that Iranian Armed Forces have taken steps on the basis of the instructions given to them. The minister said that the US must stop to aggravate the situation in the region and let the peoples of the regional countries to live peacefully. On the morning of Jan. 8, Iran has attacked American targets in Iraq. It was noted that Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched at least 35 missiles on Ayn al-Asad air base in Iraq's west and the base in Erbil. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called the Iranian strike a self-defense measure after the attack launched from the base in Iraq against Iranian citizens and officials, while he emphasized that Tehran was not seeking an "escalation or war." The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine announces the start of an investigation into the causes of the crash of an aircraft of the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) company that performed the PS752 flight on the Tehran-Kyiv route. "The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, according to media reports, began a pretrial investigation of the crash ... The purpose of the investigation is to establish the facts that led to the deaths, according to preliminary data, of 167 passengers and nine crew members. Ukrainian citizens were among them," the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine said on the Telegram channel on Wednesday. The relevant data were entered in the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations under Part 3 of Article 276 of the Criminal Code (violation of traffic safety rules or the operation of air transport, resulting in deaths). But many of the people who cause problems are likely the ones who could benefit from a long-term city partnership with a mental health service provider. NEW DELHI (AP) Commercial airlines on Wednesday rerouted flights crossing the Middle East to avoid possible danger amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Changed flight plans were expected to inconvenience as many as 15,000 passengers per day, lengthen flight times by an average of 30 to 90 minutes and severely bruise the aviation industry's bottom line, analysts said. The flight restrictions reflected fears that the conflict between the longtime foes could ratchet up following Iranian ballistic missile strikes Tuesday on two Iraqi bases that house U.S. troops. Those strikes were retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike near Baghdad last week. "In a war situation, the first casualty is always air transport, said Dubai-based aviation consult Mark Martin, pointing to airline bankruptcies during the Persian Gulf and Yugoslav wars. At least 500 commercial flights travel through Iranian and Iraqi airspace daily, Martin said. A Ukrainian passenger jet crashed on Wednesday, just hours after Irans ballistic missile attack, but Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue brought down the 3-year-old Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Ukrainian officials initially agreed, but later backed away and declined to offer a cause while the investigation is ongoing. Still, at least two Kazakh airlines Air Astana and SCAT were considering rerouting or canceling their flights over Iran following the crash, which killed all 176 passengers. Poland's national carrier, PLL LOT, said Saturday that it was changing routes to bypass Iran's airspace. A suite of other European carriers followed on Wednesday, and the restrictions were expected to further depress air travel between Iran and Western Europe, which saw strong growth after the Iran nuclear deal but a sharp dive when President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement and reimposed sanctions, according to the Sydney-based Center for Aviation consultancy. Paris-based Air France and Dutch carrier KLM both said Wednesday that they had suspended all flights over Iranian and Iraqi airspace indefinitely. German airline Lufthansa and two of its subsidiaries also canceled flights to Iraq. The Russian aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, issued an official recommendation for all Russian airlines to avoid flying over Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman "due to existing risks for the safety of international civil flights." Russia's biggest private airline, S7, said it would reroute its twice-a-week flight from the Siberian city of Novosibirsk to Dubai. Asia-Pacific carriers, which operate many of the world's long-haul flights, were also expected to be hit hard by the ad hoc no-fly zone over Iran, Martin said. Australian carrier Qantas said it was altering its London to Perth, Australia, route to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice. The longer route meant that Qantas would have to carry fewer passengers and more fuel to remain in the air for an extra 40 to 50 minutes. Malaysia Airlines said that due to recent events, its planes would avoid Iranian airspace. Singapore Airlines also said that its flights to Europe would be re-routed to avoid Iran. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation advised Indian commercial carriers to avoid Iranian, Iraqi and Persian Gulf airspace. Buta Airways, an Azerbaijani low-cost carrier, said Wednesday that it was not planning to suspend or reroute daily flights between Baku, the country's capital, and Tehran. In North America, Air Canada rerouted its flight from Toronto to Dubai through Egypt and Saudi Arabia to avoid traveling over Iraq. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said it was barring American pilots and carriers from flying in areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace. The agency warned of the potential for miscalculation or mis-identification" for civilian aircraft amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Such restrictions are often precautionary in nature to prevent civilian aircraft from being confused for ones engaged in armed conflict. The FAA said the restrictions were being issued due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations. In the Middle East, United Arab Emirates-owned budget airline flydubai said it had canceled a scheduled flight Wednesday from Dubai to Baghdad but was continuing flights to Basra and Najaf. Emirates airline flights between Dubai and Baghdad were canceled. The safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority and will not be compromised," Emirates said in a statement. Qatar Airways, however, said its flights to Iraq were operating normally. The safety of our passengers and employees is of the highest importance, and we continue to closely monitor developments in Iraq," the airline said in a statement. The past year was marked by more record crops of grains and oilseeds, the abolition of state monopoly on production of alcohol, and a high-profile bill set to launch historic land reform in October 2020 if adopted. The most significant event for Ukrainian farmers in 2019 was the long-awaited shift in land reform. The Verkhovna Rada in December approved on first reading a bill on farmland circulation and interrupted the twenty-year tradition of extending the moratorium on farmland sales. The new parliament ignored all pleas of influential opponents of land reform, and the moratorium was lifted effective January 1, 2020. The fight for Ukrainian land in the Verkhovna Rada led to a several-week delay of the second reading oas over 4,000 amendments have been introduced. Deputies will consider them all in January. So this will be a decisive moment for the launch of the land market, which the government plans to start in October 2020. What is exactly known today about the model of the future market? There will be no foreigners on it yet. Only Ukrainians will be able to acquire land, while foreign citizens and companies from other countries will be granted such a right only if Ukrainians agree to it in an all-Ukrainian referendum. The ban will also affect Ukrainian agricultural holdings with foreign capital. It is also known that no more than 10,000 hectares could be sold per individual no matter how many companies and legal entities they register. This should protect smaller farmers from the massive purchase of plots by major players. The price per hectare, experts say, could reach about US$2,000 in the first year after the launch of the market. The price may vary depending on the region, soil conditions, and competition. In the future, the price per hectare will directly depend on lending rates in Ukraine. For example, in Europe, where they are practically close to zero, the cost of land ranges from EUR 2,000 to tens of thousands of euros per hectare. Therefore, cheaper and more affordable lending will increase the price of land in Ukraine. The Cabinet of Ministers promises to lower lending rates for farmers to below 5%. Almost UAH 4.5 billion is promised to be allocated for the agricultural sector support program this year, while most of these funds could be spent on loan compensation. By the way, experts advise plot holders not to rush selling land, since lease tariffs will also increase, so owners will be able to get more money for their land. Another agri-record Despite the autumn drought, crops of grains and oilseeds in the past year exceeded 75 million tonnes, almost 5 mln tonnes more than a year earlier, which exceeded the initial forecasts. The lion's share of the Ukrainian crops came from maize (over 35 million tonnes) and wheat (28 million tonnes). However, according to insiders, the real crop of grains and oilseeds can be much larger and reach one hundred million tonnes. Exports may also strike another record. In July - December last year, farmers delivered over 30 million tonnes of grains to foreign markets, a third more on year. And there's still half the marketing season ahead. Now a favorable weather foundation is being laid for harvesting winter crops in 2020. Experts from the Hydrometeorological Center and farmers say that abnormally warm December benefited these crops as most of them are now in good and satisfactory condition, while the rest of the "cold" season is unlikely to bring any catastrophic cold snaps. Therefore, it is possible that this year Ukraine will set a new harvest record. That's particularly due to the fact that part of the grain production came out of the shadows, so now farmers and agricultural associations will have to work more transparently in order to increase their chances of obtaining loans and state aid for land acquisition. Less joyful are expectations for dairy farms, which for the first time in the history of independent Ukraine produced in 2019 less than 10 million tonnes of milk. According to analysts, last year livestock decreased by 4%, while profitability of milk production kept falling. Experts predict a further reduction in livestock and jobs on farms, while Ukrainian stores, unfortunately, are set to opt for cheaper imported milk. But there is a possibility that private land ownership, together with the right to buy and sell it, will allow farmers to stand on their feet more confidently. End of government monopoly for alcohol production At the end of 2019, another reform started in Ukraine, however, on a slightly smaller scale. In December, President Zelensky signed a law on liberalization of the alcohol industry. Thus, from January 1, a state monopoly ceased to exist, while any licensed companies were allowed to produce and sell alcohol, including for exports. To protect domestic companies, the law prohibits alcohol imports until 2024 and obliges producers to use Ukrainian raw materials exclusively in producing alcoholic beverages for sale within the country for the same period. It was also decided to privatize factories and industrial capacities of Ukraine's main monopoly holding Ukrspyrt. The government plans to auction off these assets until mid-2021, planning to receive UAH 2-3 billion. During the audit, the economy ministry learned that only under thirty factories out of eight dozen are in operating condition, while some production facilities even have no roofs over them. After the completion of Ukrspyrt privatization, from mid-next year, Ukraine will allow building new private distilleries. Liquidation of Agriculture Ministry and export growth Another important reforming event of the past year is worth noting: the liquidation of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food. The new government, led by Oleksiy Honcharuk, lowered its status to that of a department in the newly created Ministry for Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture. In this regard, some experts warned about the loss of a strong agricultural lobby and possible decline in exports and quality of the products supplied. However, pessimistic forecasts do not seem to come true. In the second half of last year, Ukraine began to supply meat products to a new market, Japan, and also received four times as many quotas for chicken supply to Europe in 2020 as it had in 2019. Exotic products of Ukrainian origin, such as snails, are in great demand today. Ukraine is entering the year of 2020 with new export prospects, having agreed on the supply of honey and rapeseed to China. According to market players, Ukraine has serious intentions to supply poultry products to China as well. Ukraine also began supplying apples to Bangladesh and received quotas from India for fruit exports in 2020. Also, Ukraine reached an agreement on additional trade contracts with the world agricultural leader, Canada. Therefore, we can assume that in 2020 Ukraine will expand the geography of exports and the range of agricultural and agri-industrial products in markets where it is already present. Good grain harvest expected this year will undoubtedly contribute to foreign trade success. Also, the launch of the land market, even if it doesn't attract foreign investment in the economy in the medium term, will allow many Ukrainian farmers to become real owners of their land plots and develop their business with higher confidence. Anna Nahorna WASHINGTON President Donald Trump backed away from further military confrontation with Iran on Wednesday after a barrage of missiles fired at U.S. troops killed no one and Tehran indicated that would be the end of its retaliation for the killing of a top general. Iran appears to be standing down which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world, Trump said in a televised statement from the Grand Foyer of the White House, flanked by his vice president, Cabinet secretaries and senior military officers in their uniforms. His comments came the morning after Iran fired a reported 22 ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house U.S. troops in response to last weeks drone strike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, commander of Irans elite security and intelligence forces. No U.S. troops were injured or killed in the attacks, the president said. In the hours since, some analysts expressed cautious optimism that the missile strikes might prove the end of the immediate conflict rather than the start of a larger confrontation that could spiral into a full-fledged war. Irans foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said afterward that Iran had concluded proportionate measures in its retribution for Soleimanis death, and Trumps response seemed to indicate an openness to letting it go without further reprisals since no casualties were reported. But analysts cautioned that even if the two sides ease off a further military clash in the short term, the conflict could very well play out in other ways in the weeks and months to come. Iran has many proxy groups in the Middle East that could stir trouble in new ways for U.S. troops or U.S. allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia, and U.S. experts remained wary of a possible Iranian cyberstrike on domestic facilities. President Hassan Rouhani of Iran made clear that his country still saw its mission over the long run as driving the United States out of the Middle East after the killing of Soleimani. Our final answer to his assassination will be to kick all US forces out of the region, Rouhani wrote on Twitter. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the countrys supreme leader, likewise suggested Wednesday that an incremental operation would not be the end of the clash. What matters is that the presence of America, which is a source of corruption in this region, should come to an end, he said in a speech to a hall filled with imams and others, who chanted, Death to America! and Death to Israel! The operation against Soleimani may prove to have consequences beyond the direct relationship with Iran. Outraged that the general was killed after arriving at Baghdad International Airport, Iraqs Parliament voted without dissent to expel the 5,000 U.S. troops from the country. Such a decision would still have to be enacted by the caretaker government, but the Pentagon has begun preparing for the possibility of losing its bases in the country nearly 17 years after the invasion ordered by President George W. Bush. Trumps televised statement Wednesday morning was his first formal effort to explain the situation to the country since ordering the drone strike on Soleimani on Thursday. He has fired off tweets and spoken with reporters a couple of times since then without making an official speech outlining his thinking. The administrations messages up until now have at times been conflicting and confusing. The president was forced to walk back threats to target Iranian cultural sites after his defense secretary made clear that would be a war crime. The U.S. headquarters in Baghdad had drafted a letter saying it was withdrawing from Iraq only to have the Defense Department say it was a draft document with no authority. And the administration has not given a detailed public explanation of its reasoning for conducting the strike now, given that Soleimani has been responsible for killing U.S. soldiers and stirring trouble in the region for many years. Officials at times have asserted that the administration was acting to forestall an imminent threat and at others have stressed that it was responding to his past actions. Congressional Democrats have complained that the administration has not been much more forthcoming in a classified war powers notice or in briefings, raising questions about the nature of the intelligence used to justify the drone strike. Gina Haspel, the CIA director, and other administration officials were scheduled to brief the entire House and Senate on Wednesday. The White House has said the president acted under his constitutional authority to take action in self-defense as well as in keeping with the power granted by Congress in a 2002 measure that authorized Bushs invasion. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said she would hold a House vote this week on legislation meant to rein in the presidents ability to go to war with Iran, although such a measure presumably would not be accepted by the Republican-controlled Senate, much less signed into law by Trump. But some Democrats urged Trump to pull back from further military escalation anyway. Both sides need to find offramps to avoid conflict from spiraling further out of control, said Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon. Iran claims it does not seek escalation or war. Now is our chance to let them prove it. President Trump should look at diplomatic options and remember that our greatest strength has never been our military might but our global leadership. Even Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, seemed to nudge Trump not to ratchet up the conflict further. As a superpower, we have the capacity to exercise restraint and to respond at a time and place of our choosing if need be, he said on the floor. I believe the president wants to avoid conflict or needless loss of life, but is rightly prepared to protect American lives and interests. Soleimani, commander of the elite Quds Force of Irans Revolutionary Guard, was the architect of Irans efforts to extend its influence throughout the Middle East. He helped direct wars in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen as he sought to establish a regional bloc of Shiite power, and he was held responsible by the United States for attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq that killed at least 600 back during the height of the war. More recently, U.S. officials pointed to Soleimani as the force behind a Dec. 27 rocket attack on a base in Iraq that killed an American civilian contractor. They said he had traveled the region in recent days as part of preparations for a future attack that could have killed hundreds of Americans; however, they provided scant details and no evidence. Trump has seen Iran as the main enemy of the United States since taking office, withdrawing from the nuclear agreement brokered by President Barack Obama and reimposing sanctions in hopes of crippling its economy. He has signaled in the past that he would be willing to negotiate without preconditions, but diplomacy now appears even unlikelier than before as Tehran vows to abandon constraints in the Obama agreement and proceed with developing its nuclear capabilities. The Iranian missile strikes, which began early Wednesday local time or late Tuesday in Washington, targeted Al Asad Air Base, long a hub for U.S. military operations in Iraq, and another base in Irbil in northern Iraq, which has been a home for Special Operations forces in the fight against the Islamic State both in Iraq and in Syria. In the hours afterward, Trump seemed to indicate that the Iranian missiles did no meaningful damage. All is well! he wrote on Twitter. Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! This article originally appeared in The New York Times. 'Drone warfare has come to stay.' 'India should exploit the expected Reaper acquisition from the US to build an effective counter terror campaign,' argues Group Captain Murli Menon (retd). IMAGE: An Iranian demonstrator holds a picture of the late Iranian General Qassem Soleimani outside the United Nation office in Tehran, January 3, 2020. Photograph: Nazanin Tabatabaee/West Asia News Agency via Reuters Countries such as Israel and the United States of America have traditionally believed in targeted killing of its enemies, be they in the form of spies or terrorists in nature. These nations have thus bestowed the requisite authority for such killings on their executive heads. India, on the other hand, has lived for decades with terror elements operating from across the border with virtual impunity. Our counter terror campaign perforce was limited to ground operations within our territory. Besides the inability to do precise counter terror targeting across borders for want of intelligence gathering and hard kill wherewithal, there was always the fear in the minds of decision makers, of escalating to an all out war from a counter terror strike. The January 3, 2020 MQ 9 Reaper attack by the US air force at Baghdad airport, statedly using upgraded Hellfire missiles, killing General Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran's Quds Force, and his aides, has lessons galore for political and military analysts alike. Whilst the political and moral correctness of the Soleimani killing is a matter for a different discussion, the military lessons of the drone strike are very revealing. If the video footage doing the rounds in the social media is indeed a genuine one, the drone strike was militarily perfectly executed to take out a high value target, with no collateral damage and no involvement of large scale air or ground military assets. Use of close in-laser designation by friendly forces is well neigh a possibility, given the apparently high accuracy of the strike. The accompanying radio chatter of the video clip is revealing too, in terms of the lethality of the unmanned weapon system. The advent of hard kill drones such as the Predator and Reaper has indeed morphed the aerial targeting arena dramatically as we well know. India is in the midst of negotiating the purchase of MQ 9 Reapers initially for the Indian Navy and possibly follow ons for the other two services. Hellfire missiles are already on order with IAF Apache attack helicopters. Given the security scenario in our neighborhood, there is no gain saying the importance of having this weapon system in the inventory of our army, navy and the IAF. The Americans clearly have their own interests in mind, possibly to target international terrorists in the maritime domain around India. But India knows better. Our main targets are the likes the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba's Muhammad Sayeed and fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Whilst the deal with the Americans is being negotiated, caution needs to be exercised to avoid tricky end user agreements that stymie our targeting options. Despite imposing a hefty $10 million bounty on Muhammad Sayeed and declaring him an international terrorist, the US has not yet prioritised him as a target for neutralisation. For India, his urgent killing is a political signal for greater strategic dominance in the war on terror. So let's assume we work around the American penchant for protecting the vested interests of their erstwhile Cold War ally Pakistan, tailoring our tactical intelligence gathering network to obtain real time intelligence on desired targets within Pakistan (and elsewhere in the neighborhood should it so warrant). India already has the signal intelligence capability in terms of our PHALCON AWACS, space assets and other ground and air sensors with our agencies and armed forces. These need to be optimised to facilitate timely hard intelligence on our intended terror targets. This would be a challenge given the existing lay of the land in terms of the international border, Line of Control and the hard fact that humint (human intelligence) would be hard to obtain in most cases. That's where the ingenuity would be called for to optimise our sensors and their triangulation capabilities. The other important aspect is the fact that deniability of a drone hard kill would be difficult in our context, tending to push such anti-terror missions into the realm of a hot shooting war. This, of course, would not be a desirable option, given that ideally we would like to emulate the modus operandi of the Americans in Afghanistan and FATA or the Israelis in the Middle East. Having our strategic ally Israel on board would be highly desirable. The mistakes made earlier by our then leadership in not enlisting Israel's assistance in neutralising our adversary's nuclear capability before the Kahuta reactor went critical in the 1980s cannot be allowed to be repeated. We need to train with Israel to carry out such anti-terror missions effectively. The challenge in our context is to train for such missions realistically and tailor our mission within the operational parameters of our air war strategy. Given the uncanny political situation in our country, such high profile targeted attacks may not find political sanction across the aisles in our Parliament (as indeed is being witnessed in the US these days). Therefore, it is imperative that we have a gutsy political leadership to go through with such missions. Peacetime counter terror missions employing drones would be even more challenging in this context. Though it is not part of the brief as yet for the newly created chief of defence staff, the government may consider bringing counter terror ops under his ambit, mainly so the equipment induction and operational training could be dovetailed in a truly tri service manner. Drone warfare has come to stay. So whilst aiming for indigenous technology to bear fruit, India should exploit the windfall in terms of the expected Reaper acquisition from the US to build capabilities towards indigenisation and an effective counter terror campaign. Pre-emptive aerial targeting of national terror enemies has become an accepted norm in modern geopolitics. Having made a beginning with our Uri and Balakot strikes, it is time India extended its capabilities to the realm of targeted drone kills. Photograph: UPI/Barcroft Media In the midst of a dangerous national security crisis like the situation with Iran, the chances for peace often rest on one side hitting the brakes. It is time for the United States to de-escalate. That is what a true global leader would do. In the wake of the Iranian missile attack on Iraqi bases where US and Iraqi troops are stationed, the messages coming from both governments are mixed. Its hard to interpret any attack even if in retaliation as anything but dangerous and provocative. But the lack of casualties from its attack could allow Iran a face-saving way to show strength while avoiding massive escalation. By not announcing more military action, Trumps initial response could be viewed as avoiding further escalation as well. But Trumps litany of threats, increased sanctions, vague request that Nato get more involved in the region, and lack of strategy or goals are not exactly calming. Trumps policies of the last three years have done nothing but escalate tensions and brought us to the brink of war. The danger is still very real, and more tit-for-tat escalation could spiral out of control even further. Americas military capabilities are unparalleled and could cause unconscionable devastation. Irans missiles can hit targets across the region, its proxies reach from Lebanon to Syria to Iraq, and Americas partners from Israel to Europe and beyond could be in Irans crosshairs. A war with Iran of any sort conventional, asymmetric, or proxy would be terrible for all. The only responsible path forward is a diplomatic one Irans attacks on Iraqi bases must be condemned, but Americas response does not have to be and should not be a military one. The only responsible path forward is a diplomatic one. The United States can show that attacks against American troops are unacceptable while opening an off-ramp to de-escalation. Great powers like America do not need to wield the sword to prove their strength; true strength right now would be the worlds most powerful nation choosing restraint and diplomacy. No one disputes Americas military power; but with Trump in office, it is very much in question whether America has the capacity to achieve its goals through peaceful means. Story continues America must start to walk away from the brink right now. The United States should convene an immediate session of the UN security council which includes Iran. That would provide the United States the opportunity to condemn Irans actions and rally others to do the same, while also allowing Iranian officials to come to the UN headquarters to participate, thus creating a chance for a quiet meeting between US and Iranian officials. Other diplomatic channels should be pursued as well. Related: The optics of Trump's announcement: America stands ready to strike The United States must continue to enhance security measures to protect US personnel and interests around the world. The missile attacks may be the extent of Irans retaliation, but there is certainly no guarantee of that. There are many other steps Trump could take to change course rejoin the nuclear deal, reverse sanctions, lift the travel ban on Iranians, etc but we should have absolutely no faith in the ability or desire of the Trump administration to execute a responsible Iran policy. This crisis was sparked by Donald Trump. Trump withdrew from the deal that had stopped Irans nuclear weapons program, leading Iran to restart its nuclear program. Trump ramped up economic pressure and sent more US troops to the region, and tensions grew. Then the US killed Gen Qassem Suleimani , signaling a significant escalation, to which Iran responded with an attack on Iraqi bases where US and Iraqi troops are stationed. America is far worse off today towards Iran and in the Middle East than it was when Trump took office It is up to Congress and the American people to force Trump to adopt a more pragmatic path. For too long Congress has ceded to the executive branch its authority to determine when America goes to war, and the current crisis with Iran is exactly the kind of moment that requires intense coordination between the legislative and executive branches. The president cannot start a war without congressional authorization, and with the erratic Trump in office, Congress must make that clear by cutting off the use of funds for war with Iran. This is not just about how to de-escalate its about recognizing that America fundamentally needs to change its disastrous course. Even if de-escalation of the acute tensions is possible, the risks will remain as long as the United States pursues a reckless policy. America is far worse off today towards Iran and in the Middle East than it was when Trump took office even worse off than we were on 1 January 2020. Today, Iran is advancing its nuclear program, America has suspended its anti-Isis campaign, Iraqs parliament has voted to evict US troops from the country, and we are in a dangerous military standoff with Iran. Digging out of this hole will be difficult and this administration is not capable of it. Over the long run, future administrations will need to reorient Americas goals and policies. America needs to re-enter the nuclear deal and begin negotiations to strengthen it; work with partners like Iraq without a large US troop presence in countering potential threats like a resurgence of Isis; and adopt a broader regional policy that focuses on protecting US interests and standing up for human rights and democracy rather than picking sides in a regional civil war between dictatorships like Iran and Saudi Arabia. Achieving US goals in the region will not be possible with a mere de-escalation of tensions we need to find a new path towards Iran and the Middle East. Rape in Bengaluru: Time to wake up to the grave threat of illegal Bangladeshi crime syndicates in India Second escape bid: Prime accused in gangrape case shot at by cops in Bengaluru How can illegal immigrants protest against citizenship law asks BJP leader India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 08: Illegal immigrants cannot be allowed to hold protests against the CAA which has nothing to do with bonafide citizens of the country, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said on Tuesday. Tiwari urged the protesters holding demonstrations against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at Shaheen Bagh area here to end their road blockade saying they do not need to fear anything. "I request those protesting at Shaheen Bagh and other places that if you are born here and are a citizen of India, you need not fear anything, but if you are not a citizen of India then you must catch the first train and leave (dheere se gaadi pakdo lo aur nikal lo)," Tiwari said at a press conference at the Delhi BJP office. Kejriwal's NRC remark: Manoj Tiwari warns Delhi CM of legal action if he fails to apologise Tiwari has been at the forefront demanding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise in Delhi, alleging that illegal immigrants are involved in the majority of crimes like snatchings and loot in the national capital. The protestors in Shaheen Bagh near Jamia Millia Islamia University, including women, have been camping in the area for nearly a month. As a result, the crucial Kalindi Kunj road linking south-east Delhi areas to Noida remains blocked. Iran retaliates against US strike, Plane crashes near Tehran airport | OneIndia News The roadblock is posing hardships to motorists commuting between Delhi and Noida as there are heavy traffic jams at alternate roads including the DND flyover. Delhi Traffic Police has been flashing alerts daily on its official twitter handle warning commuters about the closure of Road no 13A between Mathura Road and Kalindi Khunj for traffic movement, suggesting motorists to take the DND or Akshardham road to commute between Delhi and Noida. Tiwari said the BJP and its government at the Centre have been consistently saying that CAA has nothing to do with any citizen of India, even if they are Muslims. The minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have been given citizenship and illegal immigrants will have to leave the country, he said. Kejriwal says Manoj Tiwari will have to leave if NRC brought to Delhi, BJP MP responds "We cannot allow it if the illegal immigrants (ghuspaithiye) are holding protests," Tiwari stated. The BJP leaders have been visiting people in different parts of the city explaining to them that CAA was not meant for taking away their citizenship, but was aimed at helping persecuted religious minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday led the party's door-to-door campaign in Lajpat Nagar area, visiting households and distributing literature to spread awareness about the CAA. Union minister and Delhi BJP's assembly poll in-charge Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday visited Madrasi Camp locality in Moti Bagh area, spreading awareness about the amended law on citizenship. Those spreading "rumours" about CAA are not well-wishers of the country. Their objective will not be allowed to succeed, Javadekar stated. When the Supreme Court decided South Dakota v. Wayfair in 2018, small business owners everywhere may not have known what was to come. And what was to come was a gigantic headache for those who do business with customers in many states. Unfortunately, many on the hook for handling this new requirement don't even know it's their onerous responsibility. What happened was this: the Supreme Court rejected the physical presence test for sales tax, whereby remote companies previously didn't have to collect or pay sales tax in states where they weren't physically located. The decision was meant to bring a certain tax symmetry to online and in-person retailers. Now, e-retailers have to collect sales tax for potentially any state in which they do business, or apply for an exemption. For businesses that use third party digital platforms to sell goods, such "market facilitators" must sort out the taxes for those sellers. Many states jumped at the chance to collect extra taxes they were due for these online sales. Businesses that sell their goods using outside facilitators will find compliance more straightforward; but small business owners who sell directly will bear the brunt of this complex new compliance obligation. The time spent sorting out the price of tax in Ohio for a tiny sale certainly means less time devoted to growing your business. Worse yet: sometimes, the sales tax varies throughout the state or jurisdiction. For small business owners, this is more than just an inconvenience. Many are hoping this rule just goes away once the powers that be realize the effects are catastrophic. But until then, most will need to find a way to cope with the current situation. Below are five tips to get through the hassle of it all. 1. Get to know the rules. First, small business owners should understand the new rules that states put in place following the Wayfair decision. Although each state can have different regulations, many are currently imposing collection on companies that have either more than $100,000 in sales or over 200 transactions in their state. 2. Get familiar with the responsible party rules. Sales and use taxes are considered trust fund taxes--similar to payroll taxes--and, as such, even conducting business as a corporation does not necessarily protect a responsible person from personal liability for unpaid tax amounts. A responsible person can be an owner, a controller, an officer, an employee, etc.--anyone responsible for the payment of taxes for the business. 3. Review the out-of-state transactions. Make sure you review the company's out-of-state transactions to determine in which state there might be a new reporting or collecting responsibility. This involves taking a close look at the software currently being used. Is it providing the information the company needs in order to make these determinations? Is a new system needed to ensure that these liabilities are not being overlooked? 4. Realize that you might be in for paperwork either way. As states are identified in which a new reporting liability potentially exists, be sure to register and begin collecting and submitting taxes as required, or collect exemption paperwork for wholesale sales in that state. You may also be required to interact with one of many new state revenue departments. 5. Know what you don't know. Finally, decide if the tasks related to determining and monitoring out-of-state sales can be handled in-house. Consider whether it's more cost effective to hire an expert. Check with local accounting firms or CPAs and find someone experienced in this area who can provide guidance in either setting up a system for you or providing ongoing support to make sure liabilities are being appropriately handled. After the attack on Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus by some masked attackers that led to widespread protests across the country in solidarity with the varsity, a protester was booked in Mumbai for holding a Free Kashmir poster. The Mumbai Police filed an FIR against Mahek Mirza Prabhu, a Mumbai-based storyteller and performer, for holding Free Kashmir placard during a protest at Gateway of India on Monday. The FIR was filed suo motu by Colaba police. A police source told India Today, We have filed case against Mahek Mirza Prabhu under Section 153b (Imputation, assertions prejudicial to national interest) under IPC. We have not yet called her for statement. We are trying to get in touch with her, when needed we will call her for statement. Mahek Mirza Prabhu held a poster that read 'Free Kashmir' during a protest at Gateway of India on Monday evening. #WATCH Mumbai: Poster reading, 'Free Kashmir' seen at Gateway of India, during protest against yesterday's violence at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/i7SeImYxCE ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2020 The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly objected to the poster and demanded immediate inquiry into the matter. BJP even blamed the current ruling government of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress for the same. Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut defended the protester and said she may be asking for lifting restrictions being imposed on the people of the Valley such as internet shutdown. twitter As the matter gained heat, Mahek Mirza Prabhu released a video message in which she said the placard was only to protest the lockdown in Kashmir and added that there was no other motive behind her actions. Mehak was booked under Section 153B of the IPC for imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration. No arrest has been made. Conviction attracts jail for a maximum of five years. She sought to clarify her position in a video she put out on social media and in a chat with TOI, saying she was speaking only of basic constitutional rights and freedom of expression in J&K in view of the internet shutdown there. A senior police officer said that they will analyse Mehaks profile on social media. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Friendship Circle Fort Lauderdale, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is excited to announce the opening of The Friendship Cafe, a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant that trains and employs adults with autism, down syndrome, and other special needs. Located at 1306 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, the official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Mayor Dean Trantalis will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. The entire Fort Lauderdale community is invited to attend. Friendship Cafe's Special Needs Employees Friendship Cafe's Special Needs Employees "The Friendship Cafe is an exciting community project, and I am truly thrilled by the idea of a restaurant that serves great food made with love by our special needs adults," stated Dean Myerow, a local cannabis entrepreneur and advisor to the Friendship Circle. "After being introduced to The Friendship Circle and their impact on the community through my teenagers, who regularly volunteer, I began attending weekly programming. The cafe expands the potential to do good, one of the core values of the organization." Friendship Cafe offers employment training, education, and employment to adults and young adults with developmental disabilities who want to work in the food service, hospitality, or customer service industry. The job skills that will be acquired by special needs adults include customer service, food safety, food prep, and many more. The one-story, 700-square foot cafe was created from two former restaurant spaces that had been vacated on Las Olas, and the vision was executed by Bill Feinberg, President of Allied Kitchen & Bath, whose firm donated time and materials to the project. The fast-casual restaurant will feature a warm and cozy French country theme designed by international interior designer, Perla Lichi of Perla Lichi Designs. The Friendship Cafe is a community-based Mediterranean restaurant featuring a menu that includes falafel platters, falafel pitas, hummus platters, vegetarian shawarma, fresh salads, coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. The delectable offering was conceptualized by Alex Rabino and Ana Silva of Netspot USA, along with all logistical procedures to support the special needs team members they hire. The food in the cafe does not fall short of delicious. World-renowned chef, Yoram Getter, the owner of several of the most successful restaurants in all of Israel, is the creative force and hard worker behind the scenes when it comes to The Friendship Cafes cuisine. A perfectionist by nature, he is the ideal person to be involved with a restaurant from conception to birth. When Yoram heard about the cafe employing adults with special needs, he was more than compelled to be a major facet of the restaurant. The cafe and its mission have a special place in Yoram's heart, having a nephew with special needs himself. The Friendship Cafe intends to broaden its ability to employ more special needs adults as the restaurant becomes self-sustaining. Elizabeth Camp, the special needs program coordinator, has been actively training the special needs adults alongside the cafe's professional restaurant staff. "We are so lucky to have found someone who has the skillset and personality to know what it takes to train special needs adults to integrate into the workforce. We are living miracles here," stated Bill Feinberg. The organization is actively seeking individual volunteers and corporate partners that are passionate about helping those with special needs and to further the mission. About Friendship Cafe The Friendship Cafe was created because approximately 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed nationwide. Friendship Cafe focuses on abilities rather than limitations and is a local incubator for learning employment and social skills while serving top quality food and making friends along the way. For more information, please visit https://www.friendshipcafefl.org. About Friendship Circle Fort Lauderdale Friendship Circle is an organization with over 80 chapters worldwide pairing developmentally disabled individuals with volunteer Friends. Friendship Circle of Fort Lauderdale, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which has been serving the needs of over 54 special needs citizens in Fort Lauderdale for the past five years. For more information, please visit https://www.friendshipfl.org. "Eating Great, Doing Good and Making Friends" Media Contact: Lais Pontes Greene The Pontes Group (954) 960-6083 [email protected] SOURCE The Friendship Cafe The Nordstream II pipeline from Russia to Germany has taken a new round of U.S. sanctions and has annoyed the Germans, who want the thing mightily. They're blaming President Trump and arguing that he's interfering in their internal affairs. But what happened just a few days ago between Russia and near-abroad Belarus ought to get the Germans' attention. To show they haven't changed a bit after all these years and are still hell-bent on using energy as an instrument of control, they cut the Belrusians off. Here's an Associated Press report, emphasis mine. (MINSK, Belarus) Belarus has reached an agreement with Russia for limited oil supplies after Moscow earlier this week stopped supplying crude amid stalled talks on strengthening economic ties between the neighboring countries. Belarusian state-run oil company Belneftekhim said Saturday that the country's refineries started receiving the first batch of crude oil, sufficient to ensure "non-stop operation of the country's refineries in January 2020." "...amid stalled talks on strengthening economic ties"? They cut off a country's oil for that? Who'd want economic ties with people who'd leave you freezing? Belarus, of course, is run by a bad dictator, who plays footsie with Vladimir Putin and the Chicoms all the time. But what goes to Belarus by pipeline often has a way of making its way West, meaning that if Belarus doesn't play ball with Putin any time he wants to, then no more oil. Freeze your tail off in the middle of the icebound northern European January. Funny how these cutoffs happen so often in January. Worse still, these cutoffs are not new. The Russians cut off gas lines to Ukraine that were critical in supplying energy to Eastern Europe in 2006 over a payment dispute, and Europe went without. Some Europeans even froze to death. The Russians did it again in 2009, over similar matters, and yet again in 2014 over the same thing. If there's one thing obvious about buying oil or gas from Russia, it's that a buyer needs to be prepared for a cutoff, because cutoffs are a way of life for the Russians. The Nordstream II pipeline now under sanctions was a bid to get around the petty disputes of Russia's former empire, the near-abroad states such as Ukraine and Belarus, and deal directly with the Germans, pretty much blaming the Eastern European states' plights for the problem. Europe gets 15% of its gas from Russia, and Nordstream II will make that percentage higher. No wonder the U.S. is trying to save them from themselves. Here's a useful CNBC report on the U.S. sanctions: The Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass the multi-billion dollar billion defense policy bill, formally known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), on Tuesday. The NDAA covers a broad range of defense policy and military spending. The annually-set NDAA is also significant for Europe's energy scene, however, as the 2020 bill also contains provisions to impose sanctions on companies installing deep sea pipelines for Russia's $10.5 billion Nord Stream 2 (NS2) gas pipeline linking Russia and Germany (via the Baltic Sea). The pipeline is Russia-led, under the aegis of the country's state-owned energy giant Gazprom, but has been part-financed by several European energy companies, including Shell, OMV and Engie. The AP thinks it won't make much difference, given that the project is nearly complete. But the bottom line remains: Russia uses energy as a weapon. It uses cutoffs to command obedience to its dictates from its buyers, and it insists on money as tribute. The Russians did it before on the shambling little eastern European borderland states, and they'll do it to Germany, given the right conditions, too. Germany seems determined to fall for it. Instead of developing their own energy resources, such as their once-great nuclear power industry, which they shut down a few years ago, the Germans are determined to substitute Russian goodwill for energy independence. Trump bad, Putin good so the recent German poll goes. Putin and German chancellor Angela Merkel, meanwhile, are busy meeting together now in a bid to check Trump on restoring the Iran deal. Does any of this make sense? Germany seems determined to make itself Russia's pawn in a bid to Get Trump. The Germans seem to want to learn the hard way that this won't end well. Image credit: U.S. Department of Energy via Wikipedia Russia, public domain. What happened next sparked a national debate about the behavior and motives of the participants. Initial news accounts said Sandmann blocked Phillips way and smiled at him as Phillips beat a small drum and chanted. In the aftermath, Phillips said Sandmann was the aggressor, but Sandmann later said he had no intent to impede or harass Phillips. Video that later emerged showed that a third group, who identified themselves as Black Israelites, had been taunting the group of Kentucky teenagers. An even $1,000 stands between Judge George Powell and his re-election bid for the 351st judicial district court. That isnt by any fault of his own, the judge says. An election worker at the Harris County Democratic Party told him to pay an insufficient fee when he filed his candidacy for the criminal court, and the party has since dug in its heels, hindering any efforts to remedy the situation, Powell testified Tuesday in civil court. I think (the election worker) admits his mistake, Powell said during an injunction hearing for the lawsuit he filed against the party. I dont think the party does. Powell is now awaiting a ruling from civil District Judge Lauren Reeder, whose decision could put him back on the ballot for the March 3, Democratic primary. Both legal parties on Tuesday largely agreed on the facts of the case, but some testimony raised bigger questions about the organizations reasons for blocking Powells presence on the ticket. The judge completed his application before the filing deadline - 6 p.m. on Dec. 9 - at the Harris County Democratic Party headquarters, according to documents shown at the hearing, and he got a letter the next day saying that his application was denied. Lillie Schechter, party chair and a defendant named in Powells suit, sent the judge an email stating that he would not be able to run for office because he paid $1,500 instead of the required $2,500, and wrote his work address instead of his home address on his application. The issue over the address is now irrelevant - Powell could write his work address under a state law that helps judges protect their personal addresses from the public in certain situations - but court documents and testimony allege that Marc Malacoff, a staff member of the party, told Powell the wrong filing fee amount even though the judge was able and prepared to pay the full $2,500. Malacoff on Tuesday admitted to the mistake. I was rushing to beat the clock, the election worker said, describing what might have led him to quote the wrong fee. It was extremely noisy. Attorneys for the party meanwhile pushed Powell to take responsibility for his potentially failed candidacy. The judge applied too close to the filing deadline to fix the problem, and he should have known the rules ahead of time, the lawyers said. Cris Feldman, an attorney representing the local Democratic party, said that while Malacoff made an error, there wasnt a viable resolution to the mistake if the party wanted to uphold election codes. Weve been transparent in this process, he said. Weve got to follow the letter of the law. Powell had in fact paid $1,500 for his own application as well as another $2,500 designated as a loan for another potential candidate. That womans application wasnt even received by the party because it was incomplete, but the check on her behalf was accepted, meaning the party cashed $4,000 from the bank account of George Powell. Regardless of how Powell earmarked that money, the party held more than enough cash from Powell for his application to be valid, according to his attorney, Kent Schaffer. The judge and his lawyer both said it was reasonable to assume that a trained election official could be trusted for correct information. Schaffer also alleged more nefarious intent in blocking Powell from the ballot, even if he wasnt intentionally given the incorrect information to fill out his application. Ive always assumed someone is pulling strings on this, Schaffer said. Feldman called the allegations ludicrous. Powell was elected to his seat in 2016. He is one of 11 current and former judges in Harris County who were publicly admonished this year by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct in response to complaints that they ordered hearing officers to deny no-cost bail to indigent defendants, violating state and judicial laws and canons. That admonishment has since been retracted for unclear reasons. If his candidacy isnt approved, Natalia Cornelio will run unopposed. She is the director of legal affairs for Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, according to her campaigns Facebook page. That website also cites her as helping to draft and finalize a settlement in a landmark misdemeanor bail reform lawsuit which changed the outlook for a bail system that was ruled to discriminate against poor defendants. Cornelio is an intervener in the lawsuit, or an interested party protecting her interests. Her attorneys argued mostly in line with the Harris County Democratic Partys lawyers, and she declined to comment after the hearing. Reeder said she expects to make a decision by mid-morning Wednesday. samantha.ketterer@chron.com BAR HARBOR, MAINE Scientists at the MDI Biological Laboratory, in collaboration with scientists from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, Calif., and Nanjing University in China, have identified synergistic cellular pathways for longevity that amplify lifespan fivefold in C. elegans, a nematode worm used as a model in aging research. The increase in lifespan would be the equivalent of a human living for 400 or 500 years, according to one of the scientists. The research draws on the discovery of two major pathways governing aging in C. elegans, which is a popular model in aging research because it shares many of its genes with humans and because its short lifespan of only three to four weeks allows scientists to quickly assess the effects of genetic and environmental interventions to extend healthy lifespan. Because these pathways are conserved, meaning that they have been passed down to humans through evolution, they have been the subject of intensive research. A number of drugs that extend healthy lifespan by altering these pathways are now under development. The discovery of the synergistic effect opens the door to even more effective anti-aging therapies. The new research uses a double mutant in which the insulin signaling (IIS) and TOR pathways have been genetically altered. Because alteration of the IIS pathways yields a 100 percent increase in lifespan and alteration of the TOR pathway yields a 30 percent increase, the double mutant would be expected to live 130 percent longer. But instead, its lifespan was amplified by 500 percent. Despite the discovery in C. elegans of cellular pathways that govern aging, it hasnt been clear how these pathways interact, said Hermann Haller, M.D., president of the MDI Biological Laboratory. By helping to characterize these interactions, our scientists are paving the way for much-needed therapies to increase healthy lifespan for a rapidly aging population. The elucidation of the cellular mechanisms controlling the synergistic response is the subject of a recent paper in the online journal Cell Reports entitled Translational Regulation of Non-autonomous Mitochondrial Stress Response Promotes Longevity. The authors include Jarod A. Rollins, Ph.D., and Aric N. Rogers, Ph.D., of the MDI Biological Laboratory. The synergistic extension is really wild, said Rollins, who is the lead author with Jianfeng Lan, Ph.D., of Nanjing University. The effect isnt one plus one equals two, its one plus one equals five. Our findings demonstrate that nothing in nature exists in a vacuum; in order to develop the most effective anti-aging treatments we have to look at longevity networks rather than individual pathways. The discovery of the synergistic interaction could lead to the use of combination therapies, each affecting a different pathway, to extend healthy human lifespan in the same way that combination therapies are used to treat cancer and HIV, Pankaj Kapahi, Ph.D., of the Buck Institute, has said. Kapahi is a corresponding author of the paper with Rogers and Di Chen, Ph.D., of Nanjing University. The synergistic interaction may also may explain why scientists have been unable to identify a single gene responsible for the ability of some people to live to extraordinary old ages free of major age-related diseases until shortly before their deaths. The paper focuses on how longevity is regulated in the mitochondria, which are the organelles in the cell responsible for energy homeostasis. Over the last decade, accumulating evidence has suggested a causative link between mitochondrial dysregulation and aging. Rollins future research will focus on the further elucidation of the role of mitochondria in aging, he said. ### The research was conducted at the MDI Biological Laboratory and Nanjing University using information from double mutants developed by Kapahi. Rollins and Rogers work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (AG056743), the Morris Scientific Discovery Fund and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (P20GM103423 and P20GM104318). About the MDI Biological Laboratory We aim to improve human health and healthspan by uncovering basic mechanisms of tissue repair, aging and regeneration, translating our discoveries for the benefit of society and developing the next generation of scientific leaders. For more information, please visit mdibl.org. (Bloomberg) -- For Paul Boudre, U.S. President Donald Trumps push against Chinese telecommunications companies is less about espionage than the race for technological supremacy. Boudre, the chief executive officer of Soitec, a French maker of semiconductor materials that go into 5G equipment, automobiles, cloud computing and IT infrastructure, says Trumps actions are aimed primarily at allowing American firms to catch up. Trumps kick in the pants for companies is to wake them up and to catch up, Boudre said in an interview Tuesday in Paris. Trump is the emissary saying that if nothing is done, well be blown away. Thats why hes been trying to put a brake on the advances that China has made. With the everything-connected era well under way, the race for a technological edge is intensifying. Trump has repeated railed against China and its companies, including Huawei Technologies Co., citing industrial espionage and intellectual property theft. He has limited their access to the U.S. market and to American suppliers, while also pressing allies from Japan to The Netherlands to review policies toward the Asian giant. The executive push and the infrastructure policy are driving U.S. companies like Cisco, Qorvo Inc., Skyworks Solutions to accelerate their research, a move that could allow American players to get new 5G technologies rolling out potentially in 2021, Boudre said. Technology has become political today, he said. Supply Chains The U.S. pushed to block the sale of chip manufacturer ASMLs technology to China by sharing a classified intelligence report with the Dutch government, Reuters reported on Monday, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter. Soitec, which has factories and licenses for producing the substrate for handsets and infrastructure in France, Singapore and China, can provide China Free material if requested, Boudre said, adding that no such demands have been made by its clients. Whats happened with Trump is a modification of supply chains, he said. Huawei wont rely exclusively anymore on Qorvo, Skyworks, Qualcomm, because there is a risk. So theyve developed relations with Murata, STMicro and others. Story continues Developments in the U.S. 5G market this year and next will be a test of whether Trumps policies were fruitful, Boudre said. Clearly, two technologies are now being implemented, with Chinas 5G building on 4G, while the U.S.s 5G thats more of a new development called millimeter wave. The U.S. technology may hit the broad market in 2021, Boudre said, with Cisco driving the innovation. Qualcomms modem chip using millimeter wave technology is likely to hit the market in 2020. Soitec Rising While Trumps moves have roiled trade and supply chains for companies building 5G and other technologies, Soitec has been spared, the executive said. The company, whose material goes into almost every smartphone in the world, plans to double sales in the next three years, reaching $1 billion in its fiscal year 2022, and sees revenue tripling in the next five years or so. Founded in the early 1990s in the French Alps, Soitec, which now employs 1,500 people, sits at the heart of the revolution thats made possible everything from mobile phones, personal assistants like Amazon.com Inc.s Alexa and Googles Nest, to 5G antennas and connected devices in cars. In the automotive sector, where Europe has an edge, Soitec is working with Robert Bosch GmbH, Audi AG, STMicroelectronics NV and others to define future components, Boudre said. In artificial intelligence, he sees a shift of computing power from the cloud to devices lifting demand for Soitecs materials, which allow chipmakers to combine computing, memory and connectivity on a single chip. The extent of all that growth will be evident when the company discusses its long-term plans in June, Boudre said. Soitecs stock rose 85% in 2019, making it among the top 10 performers of the benchmark SBF120 index. --With assistance from Caroline Connan and Francine Lacqua. To contact the reporters on this story: Helene Fouquet in Paris at hfouquet1@bloomberg.net;Rudy Ruitenberg in Paris at rruitenberg@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Giles Turner at gturner35@bloomberg.net, Vidya Root For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. The new capital will be used to expand and accelerate further Slayback's already rich and differentiated pipeline of complex generic and specialty pharmaceutical products Slayback Pharma LLC has announced an agreement with The Everstone Group to invest up to $50 million in Series B funding. Everstone has a significant resource base across its seven offices in Singapore, India (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore), London, New York and Mauritius. The new capital will be used to expand and accelerate further Slayback's already rich and differentiated pipeline of complex generic and specialty pharmaceutical products. In addition to the investment, Everstone Managing Directors Arjun Oberoi and Puncham Mukim will join Slayback's Board of Directors. Everstone joins existing institutional investor KKR, who first invested in Slayback with a $60 million commitment in December 2016. Slayback is a New Jersey-based company focused on complex generic and specialty pharmaceutical products with a team of 85 employees and operations in the U.S., India and Europe. Ajay Singh, Founder & CEO of Slayback, said: "We are delighted to partner with Everstone in our quest for smart solutions to complex pharmaceutical challenges. Their experience in investing in and building pharmaceutical businesses with a focus on regulated markets will help turbo-charge our growth pipeline of complex and specialty products. We are especially thrilled to welcome Arjun and Puncham to our board." Sameer Sain, Co-Founder & CEO of Everstone, said: "Slayback's expertise in complex generics fits well with our healthcare investment strategy. Slayback joins our list of notable healthcare investments, and we are optimistic about the commercial potential of Slayback's highly differentiated pipeline of complex generics developed by its strong R&D team in India. We are excited to become a part of Slayback as it is poised for its next wave of growth." Ali Satvat, Co-Head of KKR's Health Care investment team and member of Slayback's Board of Directors, said: "Since our initial investment in Slayback, the growth that the Company has achieved in its portfolio and pipeline has been rather remarkable. As we look ahead to the next chapter of Slayback's growth, we are delighted to be working with Everstone to help scale the Company and its differentiated products even further." As tourism continues to rise (2018 saw a global increase of 6% in 2017) consumers are not shy to make their preferences known on how they want to travel and, afterwards, what they thought of the experience. Jared Ruttenberg Self-directed and self-researched vacations Experience-driven Local-inspired While therell always be culturally- or regionally-specific microtrends, some larger trends are quite easily noticeable.Conversations Ive had with several accommodations and tour operators have confirmed that more travellers are opting to take self-drive holidays rather than group packages or arranged tours.It seems that the desire to handpick their itinerary and a plethora of material available online is resulting in more self-curated holidays.Certainly, gone are the days when the local travel agent was the trusted fount of knowledge concerning all things travel. TripAdvisor and the host of accompanying social media platforms have become the experts.With a growth in travel blogger/influencers, holiday-goers also now increasingly basing their travel plans based on places recommended by the social media personalities that they follow and trust.As a travel writer operating in the social media context, Im inundated with requests from people asking for my various travel recommendations, and its always a pleasure to direct them to the lists that Ive curated.Another very visible trend is that holidays are no longer for just kicking back. Yes, we all love to wind down on a beach for a day or two with a good novel, but recent trends such as volunteer-tourism and educational-tourism have grown in popularity, showing that hands-on experiences are now a vacation must.And Its not only millennials who are wanting to get their hands and mind busy learning new skills. All ages are keen to get in on the action and learn something new while on holiday.Whether it is a bucket-list adventure activity or gourmet food lessons, travellers are looking for intimate and hands-on curated experiences.Were seeing larger hotels partnering more with tour companies and service providers, whereas smaller boutique accommodation offerings are able to more easily tailor-make experiences themselves. Experiential travellers are willing to pay more for these curated travel experiences, providing of course that they are authentic and personal.There's definitely seeing a rise in travellers wanting to spend time with locals. Part of feeling at home in another country is experiencing it through the lens and footprints of a local.It hardly gets more personal or local with these types of immersive experiences. Taking guests on my private tours, I see first-hand how much they appreciate the chance to direct their questions to someone who is at home in the context theyre exploring.Several online services for example, Airbnb Experiences, Like A Local, Withlocals, etc. help facilitate these experiences and connect travellers with locals. So kicking it off was five-time host Ricky Gervais. The comedian pulled no punches. Maybe because it was to be his last time hosting. First off the list was Felicity Huffman. Ooh! This was a good one just going by the reactions of her colleagues. Then he took a dig at Leonardo DiCaprios preference for dating women much younger than him. Leo took it well. Veterans Scorsese and Joe Pesci got a pat on the wrist. Nothing too outrageous. Except the one on Judi Denchs defence of Cats, which made us wince. Lets admit it. 2019 was a rash that just got worse by day 365. No matter where you looked, the world was going to pot. The return of Measles, trigger-happy Trump, and Climate Change showing us its very real. Thats just a few from the bad-news cycle of everyday. So its only right that the Golden Globes, the opener of the 2020 awards season was going to come lock, stock and barrel with political statements. For what else is there to say? Weve all heard that thank you speech. Also, if you havent got an opinion then youre just not in vogue. Gervais saved his bullets for the big shots. He called out Apple, which has newly entered the streaming platform, for pretending to be woke while running sweatshops in China. He said this in front of Tim Cook! But the real guts on toast is taking on his employers - The Hollywood Foreign Press Association. He cut to the jugular by calling them racist for the lack of diversity in the nominees. And then, the vinaigrette to his deliciously spicy monologue were his words of advice to the winners - If you win an award tonight, please dont use this as a platform to make a political speech. Youre in no position to lecture the public about anything. He told them it would be best if theyd just come up, accept your little award, thank your agent and your god and f*** off. That being said, no one listened to him. Michelle Williams urged women to exercise their power of choice and vote in their self-interest. Kate Mckinon paid tribute to Ellen DeGeneres courage to come out and bolster the LGBTQ community. Sacha Baron Cohen while introducing the film JoJo Rabbit, made sure he snuck one in on why he despises Mark Zuckerberg so much. It was an intelligent dig. The storyline of the film was the insult . Joaquin Phoenix doffed his hat to the Hollywood Foreign Press for ensuring a plant-based menu at the ceremony in a bid to point out that animal-farming is a serious contributor to Climate Change. He went on to urge his fellow actors to desist from flying around in private jets while he was played off the stage with music. Patricia Arquette called out Trump on his plans to wage war on Iran and urged people to vote wisely. Director Sam Mendes wrapped up his acceptance speech by sincerely hoping there wouldnt be a WW III. Jarred Harris who stars in the show Chernobyl that was awarded the Best Miniseries, dedicated the Golden Globe to the victims of the tragedy. While at the mic, he said Craig, your script poses the question: What is the cost of lies? And that question becomes more relevant with each passing days news cycle. The people of the Ukraine and Belarus bore the brunt of this catastrophe and they shielded millions of people from its worst effects at the cost of their own lives. Pierce Brosnan and Cate Blanchett did their bit to highlight the devastating bushfire that has engulfed the continent of Australia. Perhaps the most hard-hitting of all was the one rendered by Jennifer Anniston on behalf of Russell Crowe. But the most riveting political statement of the night was made by winner Ramy Youssef who began his acceptance speech with Allahu Akbar. It means God is the greatest. But the only way Hollywood has portrayed it in popular cinema is as a jihadi war cry. Ramy effortlessly made a case for varied perspective just by being earnest and thankful. The current volatile situation in India could have also found a mention at the Golden Globes had Priyanka Chopra used her platform. For India too, has a had tumultuous beginning to the new year. Clamping of dissent, violence against peaceful protestors, thugs vandalising college campuses and assaulting students. Being a country with one of the biggest movie industries in the world and where stars are venerated, one would think there would be an uproar from the big names. But, no. Thats not the case. While a bold few are speaking out, the ones with the massive fan following are keeping mum or sticking to overtly cautious scripted lines. One can make a case for doing what they can and not having to proclaim it on social media. One can even make a case for being afraid. But who isnt. Priyanka Chopra had the opportunity to put Indias current turmoil into click-bait that would have had the attention of the Indian Expat community. Especially the ones who enjoy Americas secularism but who arent keen on seeing those same rights available for all back home. Instead, she stuck to introducing the winner of Best Musical or Comedy. Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone has made a powerful statement by being present at a protest at the JNU campus. And for those saying its a publicity gimmick for Chappaak that is releasing this Friday, well, thank god for common sense! You cant star in and co-produce a movie on acid attack victims and not show solidarity for students who were threatened by ABVP goons who have admitted to carrying acid into the JNU campus. The attendance is welcome even if its not altruistic. Every bit counts. Now heres hoping the other big leaguers will join her. More stories from the author: GOT finale: Everyone gets their due, and the long con that had us all Hasan Minhaj's Patriot Act: An essential watch ahead of Indian elections Four More Shots Please: How not to treat your friends New Earworm: Premgi's 'Kodi Mangani' Simran & Rajini light up new Petta Pongal Poster Game of Thrones Season 8: Its coming! With both houses of Congress having reassembled after a two-week holiday recess, the impasse remains between the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives and the Republican-controlled Senate over the procedure to be followed in an eventual Senate trial of Donald Trump, the third president in US history to be impeached by the House. The deadlock over the trial, itself an expression of the intensity of the political crisis in Washington, has now been overtaken by the war crisis triggered by Trumps illegal drone missile assassination of Iranian Gen. Quassem Suleimani. That act of war was itself a response to mounting geopolitical, economic and social contradictions confronting American imperialism, and, above all, the growth of social tensions and working class resistance within the United States. Following the December 18 party-line vote by the House to approve two articles of impeachment against Trump, one for abuse of power and the other for contempt of Congress, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that she would not forward the impeachment articles to the Senate until she was satisfied that the Republican leadership would ensure a fair trial, including testimony from new witnesses who had not appeared before the House impeachment inquiry. Senate rules preclude the commencement of an impeachment trial until the upper chamber has officially received the impeachment articles from the House. As a result, the start of the trial has been indefinitely delayed. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) talks with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) talks with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) (Erin Schaff/Pool via AP) While the expected outcome of a trial is a vote to acquit Trump (conviction and removal from office require a two-thirds vote of the 100-member chamber), the deadlock over the process reflects the intensity of the impeachment crisis. On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Republican from Kentucky) told the Republican caucus that he had the votes to begin a trial without complying with Democratic demands that the Senate commit itself to hearing new witnesses and gaining access to documents that had been withheld from the House on the orders of the White House. With the Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, it would take four Republican defections to pass a procedural framework ensuring the admission of new testimony. McConnells announcement followed the statement Monday by John Bolton, former national security adviser to Trump, that he was reversing his refusal to testify during the House hearings and would testify in a Senate trial if subpoenaed. A notorious neo-con war hawk who has advocated wars for regime change against Iran, North Korea and Venezuela, and who was an architect of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Bolton clashed with Trump over the latters decision to temporarily withhold $391 million in military aid to the anti-Russian regime in Ukraine. He was forced out of his White House post in September. It was the decision to withhold the military aid from Ukraine, which is fighting a US proxy war against Russian-backed separatists and is seen by Washington as a front-line state in its drive to cripple and ultimately carve up Russia, not Trumps alleged solicitation of Ukrainian interference in the 2020 election, that triggered a furious conflict within the state and the Trump administration itself. This conflict, which erupted more than a month before the notorious July 25 phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, convinced the Democratic leadership, acting in concert with the CIA, to proceed with impeachment. McConnells announcement on Tuesday was designed to scotch media speculation that Boltons announcement would compel the Senate Republicans to back down and agree to the Democrats terms for the trial of Trump. He remains adamant, following talks with Trump, that the procedural framework will allow for opening arguments by the House impeachment managers and Trumps defense, followed by questions to both sides from the senators, with the issue of witnesses and new documents to be decided following these first two phases. Pelosi responded to McConnells statement by telling Democrats at a closed-door meeting Tuesday that she would send the articles of impeachment to the Senate soon, but not until she finds out more about the procedure for conducting the Senate trial. While the House reconvened on Tuesday, the Senate reassembled last Friday. Its first session was dominated by dueling floor speeches on the impeachment trial by McConnell and Democratic Minority Leader Charles Schumer of New York. McConnell chided the Democrats for delaying the trial, accusing them of getting cold feet after having voted for impeachment. Instead of sending the articles to the Senate, they flinched, he declared. McConnell claimed the delay was due to the absence of any genuine case for impeachment against Trump. He justified his refusal to agree in advance to new witnesses by citing the 100-0 vote in the impeachment trial of Bill Clinton in 1999 to begin the process with the presentation of arguments and questions from the senators, while leaving the issue of witnesses and documents to be determined at a later point in the trial. In his reply, Schumer pointed out that in the current case, unlike the Clinton precedent, the White House sought to block all testimony and access to documents by ordering an across-the-board boycott of the House impeachment inquiry by current and former administration officials. He accused the Republicans of a cover-up and named four witnesses whose testimony the Democrats are demanding. The four are Bolton, acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, his top aide Robert Blair, and Michael Duffey, the associate director of national security programs at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This list is significant both for the individuals it includes and those it excludes. All four were intimately involved in the intra-state conflict over Trumps withholding of military aid to Ukraine, but only marginally involved in the White House effort to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr to announce a corruption investigation into former Vice President and 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter. The July 25 phone call between Trump and Zelensky was seized on by Trumps opponents in the intelligence, military and foreign policy establishment to claim a quid pro quo linking resumption of the military aid to the announcement of an investigation. Based mainly on this single phone call, the Democrats constructed the central charge in their impeachment drivethat Trump abused his power by soliciting foreign intervention in the 2020 election against a leading contender for the Democratic nomination. Notably absent from the list of witnesses demanded by the Democrats is the individual most directly involved in Trumps efforts to pressure the Ukrainian regime to investigate the BidensTrumps personal lawyer and the former mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani. That the Democrats impeachment drive is essentially designed to mobilize dissident factions within the state against Trump and effect a more aggressive posture against Russiaand has nothing to do with the defense of democratic rightsis further underscored by the central place in the Democrats agitation given to a recent article published by the national security blog Just Security. The article, published January 2, cites unredacted emails from White House officials documenting the conflict between the White House and the Pentagon over the withholding of the military aid package and naming Trump himself as the author of the hold. (The latter is hardly a revelation, since Trump has boasted of ordering the hold on the military aid, claiming he did so as part of a campaign against corruption in Ukraine.) The email cited most widely in the press is an August 30 message from OMB official Duffey to the acting Pentagon comptroller, which states: Clear direction from POTUS to hold. The New York Times published an editorial on January 4 based on the Just Security report arguing that the new evidence it provided proved the Democrats allegations against Trump and undermined the position of McConnell and the Republicans on the Senate trial. Schumer directly cited the article and Duffeys email in his speech Friday on the Senate floor, claiming that they further expose the serious concerns raised by Trump administration officials about the propriety and legality of the presidents decision to delay military assistance to Ukraine. These developments underscore the right-wing, pro-war basis of the Democrats impeachment drive and the fact that the political conflict in Washington is between two reactionary factions of the ruling class and the state, both of which, despite their bitter tactical differences, agree on the pursuit of war as an instrument of imperialist foreign policy and an intensification of attacks on the democratic and social rights of the working class. - The achievement of MUI Halal certification for Epodion, the company's market leading erythropoietin product - Aims to enter the Middle East drug market using halal certification from Indonesia, the largest Muslim country SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Daewoong Infion Co. has achieved world's first halal certification for animal cells-derived biopharmaceuticals. Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (CEO Sengho Jeon) announced that Daewoong Infion, the company's joint venture with Infion, an Indonesian company, has obtained halal certification from The Assessment Institute for Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics, the Indonesian Council of Ulama (LPPOM MUI) for the joint venture's Erythropoietin (EPO) product, Epodion on the 3rd. Daewoong Infion is a joint venture of Daewoong Pharmaceutical and an Indonesian company, Infion, that was formed in 2012. Indonesia's first biopharmaceutical plant has been constructed in Surabaya and is currently producing and selling Indonesia's first biosimilar drug, Epodion. Epodion is an anemia treatment for dialysis patients with kidney failure and cancer patients, which obtained approval from Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) in December 2016 and was launched in April 2017. Six months after its launch, the product has ranked 1st in Indonesia's EPO market and currently leading with over 40% of the market share. Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population in the world, implemented the Halal Product Guarantee Act in October 2019, which requires mandatory labeling of all foods, cosmetics, chemicals, and biological products that are halal certified. MUI, Indonesia's halal certification body, is one of the world's three largest halal certification bodies, along with Malaysia's JAKIM and Singapore's MUIS. Daewoong Infion has been preparing to enter the global market through Halal certification in Indonesia based on Epodion's achievements. Following the product licensing of Epodion, Daewoong Infion formed a separate team to obtain its halal certification. As a result, after the halal certification application in October 2017 and going through a due diligence in 2019, within 2 years, the halal certification has been obtained. Obtaining a halal certification for synthetic drugs is known to be a very difficult procedure. Based on halal certification, Daewoong Infion plans to obtain Halal certification for all products that are being produced in Indonesia, including Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and growth hormone-making Caretropine (Caretropin). "Daewoong Pharmaceutical is aiming to enter the Middle East drug market, based on halal certification from Indonesia, the largest Muslim country," said Chang Woo Suh, CEO of Daewoong Infion. "As a global healthcare company, we will do our best to contribute to improving the quality of life for many Muslims around the world by providing excellent and safe medicines." Meanwhile, Daewoong Infion won the Indonesian Minister of Health and Welfare's Award in 2017 for its outstanding biopharmaceuticals and accomplished the achievement of being selected as the best biopharmaceutical company from the Indonesian Food and Drug Administration. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1063129/image_AME.jpg Bank employees have extended support to the Bharat Bandh call given by 10 central trade unions, AIBEA general secretary CH Venkatachalam said. The banking services including the private sector were impacted in many states during the all-India employees' strike on Wednesday called by 10 central trade unions to protest against the Central government's "anti-labour" policies. In some states, industrial workers including those in the state-run companies also joined the strike. West Bengal: Protesters also block railway track in Kanchrapara,North 24 Parganas. Ten trade unions have called for #BharatBandh today against 'anti-worker policies of Central Govt' https://t.co/NkSTHTirXv pic.twitter.com/bbTf9Xydhh ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 Bank branch activities including cash withdrawal and deposit in public sector banks in many places across the country have been affected due to the strike, reported PTI. Most of the lenders had informed their customers in advance about the strike call given by All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers' Association (AIBOA), BEFI, INBEF, INBOC and Bank Karmachari Sena Mahasangh (BKSM), and its impact on banking services. Bank employees have extended support to the Bharat Bandh call given by 10 central trade unions, AIBEA general secretary CH Venkatachalam told PTI. "We have been opposing government policies on bank merger, privatisation, fee hike and other wage-related issues," he said. All India Reserve Bank Employees Association (AIRBEA) and All India Reserve Bank Workers Federation (AIRBWF) and some insurance unions have also extended support to the strike. Trade unions INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC along with various sectoral independent federations and associations had adopted a declaration in September last year to go on the nationwide strike on 8 January. The trade unions have claimed around 25 crore people are participating in the strike to protest against the government's "anti-people" policies. Bengaluru PSU trade unions stay away from Bharat Bandh Hundreds of city-based employees of public sector undertakings (PSU) stayed away from the day-long shutdown on Wednesday, as the protest against the Central government's 'anti-labour' laws and privatisation plans have coincided with the anti-CAA and anti-NRC protests by other organisations, reported IANS. "As the day-long strike against the central government for its anti-labour policies and decision to privatise PSUs is coinciding with anti-CAA and anti-NRC protests, we are not participating as the latter (CAA and NRC) is not our agenda," said BEML Employees' Union convener Domlur Sreenivas Reddy in a statement in Bengaluru. The joint action front of the trade unions' members are employees of Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Indian Telephone Industries Ltd (ITI). Trade, industry shutdown in Maharashtra In Maharashtra, lakhs of workers from government, private sectors, banks and other establishments joined the nationwide trade shutdown called by the trade unions, including the ruling Shiv Sena. "There is a total response in the banking and financial sectors, oil companies, central/state government, defence establishments, docks and ports, private engineering and chemical sectors, government hospitals and industrial estates, railway workers, Mathadi labour, aangandwadi employees, etc." Trade Union Joint Action Committee (Maharashtra) convenor Vishwas Utagi told IANS. However, the response was partial in the transport sector, wholesale fresh produce markets and some shops and commercial establishments were reported to be open in some urban centres. Banks, business establishments remain shut in Kerala In Kerala, even though the body of the small traders and business establishments had announced they would not take part in the strike, it failed to evoke any response, as all the otherwise big markets across the state remained shut. While banks and other private business establishments were closed, the police provided security for convoys bringing in IT employees at Technopark here and at the Infopark campus at Kochi. What has come as a dampener for the Kerala government which is organising an investor meet spread over two days beginning Thursday at Kochi, was a statement made by Tony Thomas, Chief Information officer of Nissan, which has an IT unit at the Technopark campus here pointed out that the investor meet opens after a 24-hour total shutdown, will be sending negative vibes. Postal staff, BSNL employees join strike in Uttar Pradesh In Uttar Pradesh, several trade unions have extended support to the bandh call and will be participating in the strike. Bank unions, postal staff, Life Insurance and BSNL employees have said they will join the strike. Power employees will also be boycotting work in support of their demands. Farmers' unions have said that they will stall transportation of vegetables on Wednesday. Work at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant affected At Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) in Andhra Pradesh, striking employees along with leaders of trade unions and leaders of the Left parties staged a protest demonstration. Trade unions claimed that 30,000 employees of the steel plant are taking part in 'Bharat bandh'. The protesters raised slogans of 'POSCO go back'. They demanded that the government drop plans to privatise VSP in the guise of joint venture with the South Korean steel-maker POSCO. Coal India's output likely to be hit Coal India Ltd's output could be affected by a planned strike on Wednesday, a senior official at the state-run company told Reuters. "Production could be adversely affected at some subsidiaries," the senior company official said. Coal India's December production rose after five straight months of declines, the latter reflecting the heaviest monsoon rains in 25 years, strikes and protests. Gouranga Chatterjee, organising secretary of the coal workers unions, said production at Coal India would be affected as the striking unions have a sizeable following. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, affiliated to Modi's party, is not participating in the strike With inputs from agencies I can tell you pretty much every Iranian in Edmonton knew some of them, Mr. Akbari said. So its very devastating. The crash also took the lives of the wife and daughter of an Iranian author, Hamed Esmaeilion, a dentist celebrated as a leading writer of his generation. Husband-and-wife engineering professors at the University of Alberta, Mojgan Daneshmand and Pedram Mousavi, and their daughters Daria and Dorina Mousavi, were also killed. The university described Professor Daneshmand as a pioneering researcher in microwave sensors who had been making advances for a variety of products, including wearable health monitors. In North Vancouver, Arash Azrahimi, owner of Rosewood Photography, said several of the victims had been his customers. Two of them, he said, Mohammadhossein and Zeynab Asadilari, who were in their 20s, were children of a member of the Iranian government and had been living in Vancouver. Other victims from Vancouver area included a couple both of them doctors and the wife and daughter of a bakery owner, he said. Majid Mahichi, a Vancouver-based television producer of a Persian-language program, knew the doctor couple, Firouzeh Madini and Naser Pourshabanoshibi, for 40 years. He said they had gone to Iran to visit their parents and had one daughter, who did not travel with them. The pair moved to Canada about five years ago, Mr. Mahichi said. They were a very happy couple, he said. They were so happy to have moved to Canada. English Danish Notice convening the annual general meeting of Per Aarsleff Holding A/S The annual general meeting of Per Aarsleff Holding A/S will be held on 30 January 2020 at 15:00 at the companys headquarters, Hasselager Alle 5, 8260 Viby J, with the following agenda: 1. Report by the board of directors on the activities of the company. 2. Presentation and approval of the annual report and consolidated financial statements. 3. Resolution on the appropriation of profits or losses as recorded in the annual report as adopted. The board of directors proposes that a dividend of DKK 124,575,000 be paid. Of this figure DKK 13,615,932 constitute dividend concerning treasury shares. 4. Decision to grant discharge to the executive management and board of directors. 5. Any other proposals from the board of directors and/or the shareholders. Proposals from the board of directors: The board of directors proposes that a new remuneration policy for board of directors and executive management of Per Aarsleff Holding A/S be approved. It is proposed to amend the remuneration policy subject to the attached draft with a view to implementing the new legal requirements. The board of directors proposes that the ordinary board remuneration per board member shall amount to DKK 275,000 for the financial year 2019/20 plus a multiple thereof for the Deputy Chairman and the Chairman as well as ordinary members of the board of directors in accordance with the remuneration policy. The Deputy Chairman shall receive 1 times the ordinary board remuneration and the Chairman shall receive two times the ordinary board remuneration, and one ordinary board member shall receive an additional fee of DKK 90,000. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the board of directors shall receive no further remuneration for any committee work. The board of directors proposes to reduce the companys share capital by nominally DKK 4,530,000 from nominally DKK 45,300,000 to nominally DKK 40,770,000 by cancellation of part of the companys own B shares. If the proposal is adopted, the companys holding of own shares will be reduced by 2,265,000 B shares of nominally DKK 2 each. These shares were repurchased under the companys share buyback programmes which were carried out in the period from 20 October 1998 to 22 June 2010 for a total amount of DKK 60,398,000 which means that in addition to the nominal capital reduction amount, DKK 55,868,000 has been distributed to the shareholders, cf. section 188 (1) (2) of the Danish Companies Act. The capital reduction will thus take place at a price of DKK 26.67 (rounded off) equal to the average price of the repurchase of each share of a nominal value of DKK 2. Adoption of the proposal implies the following amendment of article 4.1 of the articles of association taking effect upon completion of the capital reduction: The share capital of the company amounts to DKK 40,770,000 divided into DKK 2,700,000 class A shares and 38,070,000 class B shares. The board of directors proposes that until 30 January 2025, the board of directors is authorised with pre-emptive rights for the shareholders to increase the share capital by up to nominally DKK 8,154,000 new shares by changing article 4 a of the companys articles of association to: "Article 4 a. Until 30 January 2025, the board of directors is authorised, with pre-emptive rights for the shareholders, to increase the share capital by up to nominally DKK 8,154,000 new shares on one or several occasions. The capital increase can be made by cash contribution. The increase may be effected by the issue of class A shares as well as class B shares according to the proportion between the two classes of shares, or on condition the capital increase is made at market rate by the issue of class B shares only. If the capital increase is made by issue of both class A and class B shares, the class A shareholders are granted a pre-emptive right to new class A shares and the class B shareholders are granted a pre-emptive right to new class B shares. In case of a capital increase by class B shares only, the shareholders of both share classes shall have a proportionate pre-emptive right to the new class B shares. If bullet 4 above is adopted, the board of directors recommends that until 30 January 2025, the board of directors is authorised, without pre-emptive rights for the shareholders, to increase the share capital by up to nominally DKK 8,154,000 new shares by changing articles 4 b and 4 c of the companys articles of association to: "Article 4 b. Until 30 January 2025, the board of directors is authorised, without pre-emptive rights for the shareholders, to increase the share capital by up to nominally DKK 8,154,000 class B shares on one or several occasions. The capital increase shall be made at market rate and either by cash contribution or by contribution of assets other than cash. Article 4 c. The aggregate authorisations of the board of directors pursuant to articles 4 a and 4 b can at the most be exercised to increase the share capital by a total sum of nominally DKK 8,154,000. The board of directors proposes that the annual general meeting extends the existing authorisation to allow the board of directors to purchase own shares so that the board of directors in the period until 30 January 2025 may allow the company to purchase own shares corresponding to a total of 20% of the B share capital, corresponding to nominally 7,614,000 B shares (after the reduction of the B share capital mentioned in bullet 2). In connection with the purchase of own shares, the price of the shares must not deviate by more than 10% from the market price which applies at the time of acquisition. The board of directors proposes that the age limit for election or re-election to the companys board of directors is changed from the age of 70 to the age of 75 subject to amendment of the articles of association of the company, article 12, 1 to: Members may not be elected or re-elected to the board of directors after they have attained the age of 75. 6. Election of members to the board of directors The board of directors proposes re-election of Jens Bjerg Srensen, Charlotte Strand and Bjarne Moltke Hansen as well as new election of Ebbe Malte Iversen and Henrik Hjen Andersen. The board of directors proposes that the board of directors consists of five members elected by the annual general meeting. Andreas Lundby and Peter Arndrup Poulsen are not seeking re-election. Information on the nominated candidates background and executive positions is available on the companys website www.aarsleff.com. 7. Appointment of auditor. In accordance with the recommendation from the Audit Committee, it is proposed that PWC, Statsautoriseret Revisionsaktieselskab, be re-elected. The Audit Committee has not been influenced by a third party and has not been imposed upon it any contract entered into with a third party restricting the choice by the annual general meeting to certain auditors or audit firms. 8. Any other business Agenda etc. The agenda and the proposals in full will be available on www.aarsleff.com from 8 January 2020. The annual report for 2018/19 including managements review, income statement and balance sheet, consolidated financial statements and auditors report is also available on the companys website. No later than three weeks before the annual general meeting, the following information will be available to the shareholders on www.aarsleff.com: The notice convening the annual general meeting including the agenda and the full text of the proposals. The total number of shares and voting rights at the date of the notice. The documents which are to be presented at the annual general meeting. Any forms required for voting by proxy and voting by letter. Passing of special resolutions For the passing of resolutions concerning the proposal on capital reduction, authorisation of the board of directors to increase the share capital as well as amendment of the age limit for election or re-election of the board of directors of the company (bullet 2, 3, 4 and 6 of item 5 of the agenda), it is necessary that shareholders corresponding to at least two thirds of the votes cast at the annual general meeting must vote in favour of the resolution, cf. article 11 of the articles of association. Date of registration Shareholders right to attend and vote at the annual general meeting is determined on the basis of the shares held by the shareholder on 23 January 2020 (date of registration). The shares held by each shareholder at the date of registration are calculated on the basis of registration of the shareholders ownership in the register of shareholders and notifications about ownership received by the company for entry into the register of shareholders, but which have not yet been registered in the register of shareholders. Notice of attendance Participation in the annual general meeting is conditional upon the shareholder having requested an admission card no later than Monday 27 January 2020 at 11.59 p.m. Admission cards may be requested from Computershare A/S: Electronically via the shareholder portal on www.aarsleff.com/investor. The admission cards will be sent to the shareholder by e-mail to the e-mail address provided in the shareholder portal at the time of registration. An electronic or printed copy of the digital admission card should be presented at the entrance to the annual general meeting. By filling in, signing and submitting the registration form by e-mail to gf@computershare.dk or by ordinary mail to Computershare A/S, Lottenborgvej 26 D, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby. The registration form is available at www.aarsleff.com /investor. Please note the delivery time of the postal services if the registration form is sent by ordinary mail. Admission cards requested using the registration form may be collected at the entrance to the annual general meeting against presentation of a valid photo ID. or by ordinary mail to Computershare A/S, Lottenborgvej 26 D, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby. The registration form is available at /investor. Please note the delivery time of the postal services if the registration form is sent by ordinary mail. Admission cards requested using the registration form may be collected at the entrance to the annual general meeting against presentation of a valid photo ID. By contacting Computershare A/S, Lottenborgvej 26 D, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby on tel. +45 4546 0997 (weekdays from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.). Please note that admission cards will not be sent by ordinary mail. Shareholders who have registered for the annual general meeting in due time will be admitted to the meeting upon presentation of the following at the entrance: Electronic or printed copy of the admission card if the shareholder has registered for the annual general meeting through the shareholder portal on www.aarsleff.com/investor. The electronic admission card will be sent via e-mail to the e-mail address provided by the shareholder and registered in the shareholder portal at the time of registration. Valid photo ID if the shareholder has registered for the annual general meeting by submission of the registration form or by telephone. Shareholders with voting rights will receive a voting form at the entrance to the annual general meeting. Shareholders or proxy holders may attend the annual general meeting accompanied by an adviser. For questions concerning registration for the annual general meeting or use of the shareholder portal, please contact Computershare A/S on tel. 4546 0997 (weekdays from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.). Proxy Voting rights may be exercised through a proxy holder who must present a proxy which is in writing and dated. The proxy will not be valid for more than one year at a time. Proxies must be granted no later than Monday 27 January 2020 at 11.59 p.m. Via the Shareholder Portal on www.aarsleff.com/investor. By filling in, signing and submitting the proxy and postal voting form by e-mail to gf@computershare.dk or by ordinary mail to Computershare A/S, Lottenborgvej 26 D, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby. The proxy and postal voting form is available at www.aarsleff.com /investor. Please note the delivery time of the postal services if the proxy form is sent by ordinary mail. Proxies may be revoked at any time. Postal votes Registered shareholders may vote by postal voting. Postal votes may be submitted: Via the shareholder portal on www.aarsleff.com/investor. By filling in, signing and submitting the proxy and postal voting form by e-mail to gf@computershare.dk or by ordinary mail to Computershare A/S, Lottenborgvej 26 D, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby. The proxy and postal voting forms are available at www.aarsleff.com /investor. Please note the delivery time of the postal services if the proxy form is sent by ordinary mail. Postal votes cannot be revoked. Computershare A/S must receive the postal votes no later than Wednesday 29 January 2020 at 4.00 p.m. Questions At the annual general meeting, the companys management will answer questions from the shareholders about matters of significance to the assessment of the annual report, the general position of the company and any other questions to be addressed at the annual general meeting. The size of the share capital and voting right The share capital of the company amounts to DKK 45,300,000 divided into DKK 2,700,000 class A shares and DKK 42,600,000 class B shares. Article 10 of the articles of association determines the following as to voting rights: A shares shall carry 500 votes per DKK 100, and B shares shall carry 1 vote per DKK 2. The Board of Directors of Per Aarsleff Holding A/S Attachment Terming the appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as a welcome move, former Army chief General (retd) Shankar Roy Chowdhury on Wednesday said it had not been done earlier owing to the then political bosses' fear of a coup. He said the appointment of a CDS was due for a long time and the services wanted it to be there in the country so that the Army, Navy and Air Force come under one umbrella, "but the problem was political." "The fear of a coup was ingrained among the earlier political bosses if all the three forces - Army, Navy and Air Force - were brought under one umbrella and that was the only reason that a post of CDS was not created," Roy Chowdhury told newspersons here. General Bipin Rawat, who retired as the Army chief on December 31, has taken charge as India's first Chief of Defence Staff the next day with a mandate to bring in convergence in the functioning of the Army, Navy and the Indian Air Force and bolster the country's military prowess. Gen (retd) Roy Chowdhury said the military is always subordinate to the civil authorities in the country, but an "unsubstantiated" fear of a coup if the forces were brought under one head had prevented the then political establishment from taking a decision on it. "This is the single reason why the country did not have a CDS so far," the former Army chief said. He said the post of CDS is important for the coordination of the three forces. The former Army officer said the CDS will always have to work under internal pressure to meet with demands from the Army, Navy and the Air Force with each trying to get more of the defence budget pie in order to meet their requirements. "The CDS will have to make his judgement on the requirements of the three forces and judiciously recommend distribution of funds to each," Roy Chowdhury said. The former Army chief said all the three services are under-funded and the demand for at least two per cent of the country's GDP to be spent on the Defence budget has never been met. "The CDS has to ensure that the resources are allocated equitably or priority wise within the services, in his recommendations to the government," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed condolences to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rouhani. "I was deeply saddened by the news of heavy casualties as a result of a passenger plane crash near the city of Tehran," Ilham Aliyev said. "On the occasion of this tragedy, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my deepest condolences to you, families and loved ones of those who were killed," the Azerbaijani president added. "May Allah rest the souls of the dead in peace!" Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki / Yonhap South Korea is ready to swiftly act to stabilize financial markets if necessary amid escalating military tensions between the United States and Iran, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Wednesday. Hong made the remarks as volatility in the nation's financial markets rose in the wake of Iran's revenge rocket attacks against U.S.-Iraqi air bases earlier in the morning. "By closely monitoring markets, the government will cope with the situation in line with contingency plans," Hong told reporters. Financial authorities are observing movements on the stock and currency markets, Hong said. This was a difficult task at the time, because the Kardashians were just beginning their careers as fashion moguls and entrepreneurs, John explained on "The Wendy Williams Show" in April 2017. "Nobody would do it; they didn't believe in these girls," he said. He often paid to have his own brands, such as FUBU or Coogi, featured on the show. In the first few seasons of E!'s "Keeping Up With The Kardashians," which premiered in 2007, John was responsible for integrating product placement on the show, he explained in a 2016 interview with 1010Wins that he recently tweeted. That meant finding brands for the Kardashian family to wear or talk about on the show, in order to give the brands exposure. While most people today know Daymond John as the creator of the clothing brand FUBU and an investor on ABC's "Shark Tank," in the early 2000s, John worked closely with the Kardashian family. As part of John's role, he had promised to appear on a few episodes of "Keeping Up With The Kardashians." Then, "Shark Tank" came along. John was approached to join ABC's "Shark Tank" as an investor around 2008, but he initially turned it down "when I found out we were going to spend our own money," he joked in the 2016 interview. In fact, John thought the show was going to be a failure, he said at the Yahoo Finance All Markets Summit in 2017. But, amid a recession, John realized it was the right time to diversify his business portfolio. "I had 10 clothing companies, eight of them weren't doing well because nobody's buying clothing; they can't pay the mortgage," John said in 2016. "So, I said to myself, 'I'm only getting pitched clothing companies. I need to get pitched other things.'" Suddenly, joining "Shark Tank" seemed more appealing, but there was a catch: John couldn't take the job because he was involved with "Keeping Up With The Kardashians," which appeared on a different network. "ABC said, 'You can't do any other show but ours,'" he said in 2016. When Khloe Kardashian heard about the conflict, "she basically fired me from the show" so he could pursue "Shark Tank," John said in 2016. "She said she would never get in my way." Before officially joining "Shark Tank," John negotiated on one more term: the opportunity to meet with television producer Mark Burnett. "I said, 'OK, I will go out there and shoot the show, but I need to be able to pitch Mark Burnett three of my ground-breaking television ideas if I do,'" John said at the Yahoo Finance All Markets Summit. In the end, this "firing" from the Kardashians' show had a fortuitous ending; John has been on more than 180 episodes of "Shark Tank," and currently appears on the show's 11th season. Affectionately nicknamed "The People's Shark," many of the companies he's invested in have gone on to have great success. For example, the sock brand Bombas now brings in $100 million a year, as of April 2019. And one of John's largest "Shark Tank" investments ($300,000 for a 30% share) was the barbecue company Bubba Q's, which was doing $16 million in sales as of 2017. And despite going their separate ways, John and the Kardashians remain on good terms. "You always had the respect from me and you always had the ability to see things others couldn't!" Khloe Kardashian tweeted in response to John sharing the story of their working relationship. "Now... everyone sees keep on shining only love over here." "Say what you want about the Kardashians, but they are a force to be reckoned with and care deeply for the people they love," John tweeted on Jan. 5. Disclosure: CNBC owns the exclusive off-network cable rights to "Shark Tank." Like this story? Like CNBC Make It on Facebook. Don't miss: By IANS NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday said there is anger in the country with every section of society feeling disturbed, and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as Home Minister Amit Shah to visit universities facing unrest and listen to the youth. Discussing Sunday's attack on students by a masked mob in Jawaharlal Nehru University, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also said it was the government, not just Delhi Police, that had been found wanting. "If there is unrest in the universities, we expect the prime minister to go there, we expect the home minister, senior leaders of the BJP to go and listen to the youth of this country," he told reporters. ALSO READ | Booking victim instead of perpetrators of crime is the new normal now: Congress on JNU violence Addressing a press conference in which he discussed a host of issues, Khera referred to JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh being named in FIRs and said it was the "new normal" in the country with the victim being named rather than the perpetrator. "Delhi Police is one aspect, a very critical aspect, but when your leadership acts in a manner which is divisive, which tries to provoke one group against the other, which is unfair, unjust, what else do you expect the Delhi Police to do? "They are just carrying orders. I hope Delhi Police realises its potential and the expectations people have from it and acts responsibly," he said. No arrests have been made in the JNU attack case yet. The Congress leader alleged that there is unrest and anger in the country and every section of society is feeling disturbed and apprehensive. "Be it the 45-year record high unemployment, price rise, unkept promises or arrogant attitude of the government, the result of this attitude is visible across the country. "From campuses to different sections of the society, you see unrest, you see anger, you see apprehension," he said. Khera also questioned the government over the state of PSU undertakings and asked why the government was "hell bent" on destroying Maharatna companies by planning to sell them at cheap prices. Supporting the nationwide strike call given by labour and workers unions across the country on Wednesday, the Congress leader said the unions are also seeking answers from the government on what it has done to create new employment and why existing jobs have been destroyed methodically. "Labour and farmers are the worst affected whenever the economy falters or there is a slowdown. Government policies over the last five years show that not only is this government anti-youth, but no steps have been taken for the welfare of farmers either," he alleged. The UPA, he said, had passed the revolutionary Food Security Act and the Supreme Court must intervene to ask state governments to submit a report on its implementation. "UPA had passed it, NDA has destroyed it," he said. The Congress leader added that the UPA government had brought in the Nirbhaya Fund with Rs 1,000 crore a year but the government had been unable to spend the money. "States are unable to spend it because of hurdles from the Central government. We don't see a commitment towards women security," he alleged. PHILIPSBURG:--- Marcellina Loblack by successfully completing the ILO training program in Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes has now achieved certification by the ILO in Labour Mediation. Prior to this, Ms. Loblack participated in two ILO related training in the area of Labour Mediation namely "Negotiation Skills for the world of work" and "Building effective labour dispute prevention and resolution systems, at the ILO Training Center in Turin, Italy. The Labour Mediator is an official at the Policy Department of Labour within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour. Ms. Loblack is however independent in performing her duties and reports directly to the Minister. Based on Ms. Loblacks training with the globally recognized international standards as set forth by the ILO, mechanisms have already been applied to further enhance the functioning of the Office of the Mediator which supports government in its efforts to improve the labour relations between employers and workers and to further promote industrial peace to ensure economic stability and growth. The Minister recognizes the importance of Mediation in the area of collective labour disputes. The Minister, Pamela Gordon-Carty congratulates Ms. Loblack on her achievement and wishes the Office of the Mediator much success in the future endeavors to promote and ensure labour peace. President Donald Trump plans to address the nation on Wednesday morning after Iran on Tuesday night launched dozens of missiles at a pair of Iraqi bases that house American troops. The attacks caused no American or Iraqi casualties, Iraqi officials told multiple outlets. Iranian leaders, who vowed to avenge last weeks U.S. drone strike that killed Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani and heightened tensions across the Middle East, called the missile strikes the first steps of retaliation. All is well! Trump tweeted after the attacks. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 Mohammad Javad Zarif, Irans foreign minister, who on Tuesday called Trump lawless, said on Twitter that the attacks were proportionate measures in self-defense according to United Nations guidelines in response to the cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression, he said. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 8, 2020 Over the last several days, Iranian leaders and Trump have ratcheted up threats and warnings related to potential retaliation for the strike against Soleimani, Irans longtime military and intelligence leader. Democrats in Congress and candidates for president have hammered Trump in recent days over the strike, saying his administration was ill prepared for the consequences. But Trump and the Pentagon have said the strike saved lives because Soleimani was part of plans for an imminent" threat targeting Americans. In a speech in New York City Tuesday, Former Vice President Joe Biden called Trump dangerously incompetent and demanded that the president release evidence of any attack thwarted by the strike against Soleimani. Addressing reporters Tuesday morning, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declined to provide details of any threats or plans that prompted Soleimanis killing, but said that Soleimani and Iran had engaged in a pattern of behavior, including escalating violence and support of terrorist groups, that would not be tolerated by the Trump administration. Tensions have risen between Iran and the U.S. since Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated by the Obama administration and placed strong sanctions against Iran. Attempts to return to the negotiating table stalled earlier this year. The U.S. recently conducted airstrikes that killed 25 fighters of Kataeb Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia in Iraq and Syria. Military leaders said the strikes came in retaliation for the killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base. The drone strike that killed Soleimani led Iranian parliament on Tuesday to declare all U.S. forces terrorists, according to CNN. The Associated Press reported that Iraqs parliament voted to expel U.S. troops from Iraq, which could hurt efforts against Islamic State militants and boost Irans influence in the region. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 23:53:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WARSAW, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Polish Ambassador to Iraq, Beata Peksa, has been repatriated, the country's Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz told journalists here on Wednesday. According to Czaputowicz, Peksa was evacuated at the request of the United Kingdom -- the Polish Embassy in Baghdad is located in the international zone of the British Embassy building complex. The ambassador is currently in Poland and Czaputowicz said that she may later return to her post. Meanwhile, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said on Wednesday that no Polish soldier currently stationed in Iraq had been hurt during Iran's attack on U.S. military bases in Iraq on Tuesday night. There are currently around 200 Polish soldiers stationed in Iraq. They are involved in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) training missions, which have been suspended in the context of the U.S.-Iran tensions. During a parliamentary session attended by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Wednesday, several Polish opposition parties called for the complete withdrawal of Polish troops. "We are taking care of our Polish soldiers, but in line with NATO procedures. We are in dialogue with our partners. We want to see de-escalation and the maintenance of peace and stability. The situation of our soldiers in Iraq is today under control," Morawiecki said. Stock of Apache Corp. surged more than 25 percent Tuesday after the Houston energy firm confirmed it struck oil offshore of the small South American nation of Suriname. Just two weeks after Apache formed a joint venture with the French energy major Total, the two companies said theyve made a significant oil discovery that could turn Suriname into a legitimate oil producer just as Exxon Mobil is doing with neighboring Guyana. The announcement comes after Apache first offered vague drilling results in early December that disappointed investors and battered Apaches stock. The company Apache then formed a 50-50 partnership with Total to eventually hand over the Suriname operations to the French firm. In just over a month, Wall Street sentiments have made an about face on Apaches Suriname plans with the joint venture and, now, the first promising well results. Fuel Fix: Get energy news sent directly to your inbox Apaches stock spiked to $32.51 per share on Tuesday, up $6.87. Apaches shares are up more than 75 percent since the first Suriname test well results were announced in early December. Apache is trading at its highest stock price since April, which is when the U.S. benchmark for oil traded above $65 per barrel. Oil settled Tuesday at $62.70 a barrel in New York, down 57 cents, but oil prices were spiking after hours late Tuesday following the news of Iranian rocket attacks on U.S. military installations in Iraq. High hopes Apache has pinned high hopes on Suriname after Exxon Mobil started developing huge oil projects offshore of Guyana. Apache is quick to point out that it is drilling just seven miles from the Guyana maritime border. Although Brazil and Venezuela both have many decades of oil experience, energy companies have begun focusing on their smaller neighbors to explore their offshore waters. Theres also more exploration occurring by Colombia. Apache said it discovered substantial oil volumes at two different depths at the first Suriname test well, called Maka Central-1. High pressures underground prevented drilling much deeper than 20,000 feet to test a third interval at about 22,000 feet. But the initial results show additional promise at the greater geologic depth, called the Turonian, as well, Apache said. Preliminary formation evaluation data indicates the potential for prolific oil wells, said Apache Chief Executive John Christmann. On HoustonChronicle.com: Apache at crossroads as it pins hopes on Suriname offshore field The exploration area, known as Block 58, contains about 1.4 million acres. We have identified at least seven distinct play types and more than 50 prospects, Christmann said. In partnership with Total, we look forward to advancing both exploration and development of discoveries on the block. Under the deal with Total, Apache will serve as the initial operator while Total agreed to pay the Houston company a bonus of $100 million. Total also agreed to pay its share of past costs for the project. After the first three test wells, Total will take over as operator. Alpine High The discovery comes at an important time for Apache after its last big discovery in West Texas has largely disappointed. Last fall, Apache said it would cut back on its drilling activity in the Permian Basins Alpine High play to two rigs from five. Considered one of the energy sectors biggest discovery of 2016, Alpine High essentially has proven more natural gas-heavy with less oil than previously believed. While crude oil values are modest, oil remains far more lucrative than natural gas, which has contended with very low prices in recent years. In the Permian, crude oil is prized above all. Apache also is in the process of cutting an undisclosed number of jobs and further centralizing its organization to save an extra $150 million per year. In addition, Apache plans to cut its 2020 capital spending by up to 20 percent a cutback of as little as $250 million to as much as $500 million. Apache also reported a larger-than-expected $170 million loss for the third quarter. More: Read the latest oil and gas news from HoustonChronicle.com jordan.blum@chron.com twitter.com/jdblum23 West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar Tuesday accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of a "selective approach" in condemning the assault on JNU students and said the silence of authorities over what happened at Jadavpur University is "painfully worrisome". The ruling Trinamool Congress was quick to return fire, asking him not to behave like a "political leader". Dhankhar, who has been at loggerheads with the TMC government in the state over a range of issues, said there is need for soul searching. His comments followed Banerjee's condemnation of the attack on JNU students and teachers as a "fascist surgical strike" by the BJP. "Acts of violence, anarchy in educational institutions is worrisome and should not be tolerated. Silence of those in authority (who severely condemned JNU violence) over what happened at Jadavpur University a fortnight ago is painfully worrisome," Dhankhar said in a tweet this morning. Recounting the incident at Jadavpur University in December where his entry was blocked by protestors during the annual convocation, Dhankhar said his position as the varsity's chancellor "was compromised by omission and inaction of state and university authorities". "Why this selective approach to violence and disruption on JU campus ! Fire at home ought to be first priority. Am sure there will be soul searching," he said. TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee criticised Dhankhar for equating the situation in the JNU with the Jadavpur University. "He did not utter a single word after the JNU incident but posted a tweet on Tuesday where he equated the JNU with Jadavpur University where nothing of that sort happened," said Chatterjee, the state higher minister. Dhankhar must keep in mind he is the governor and not a political leader, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Newcastle disease outbreak reported in Dominican Republic Agriculture minister, Osmar Benitez said the recent Newcastle disease outbreak was caused by poultry producers not continuing the poultry vaccination programme, reported Dominican Today. The Newcastle disease outbreak, which occurred in the Espaillat province, was incorrectly diagnosed as bird flu. Newcastle disease was first detected in the Dominican Republic in 1960 and has affected poultry production in the Cibao area. Benetiz said both bird flu and Newcastle disease have similar symptoms in chicken, such as poor appetite, and death in more severe cases. He added that bird flu was first detected in the Dominican Republic in late 2017, with an outbreak declared in early 2018. The country was declared free from bird flu but new cases of the virus have been discovered in recent years. However, it has not reduced poultry production in the country. - Dominican Today By ANI NEW DELHI: Four rapists, who were on Tuesday issued a black warrant by a Delhi court for brutally raping and murdering a 23-year-old physiotherapy student, are expected to be hanged according to directives prescribed under the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018. Since the death sentence was awarded to the convicts named Pawan, Akshay, Vinay and Mukesh years ago, the issuance of black warrant or death warrant by the court merely confirmed the date and time of their hanging. More than seven years after the horrendous rape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student inside a moving bus in Delhi by six persons, four of them are now scheduled to be executed on January 22 at 7 am in New Delhi's Tihar jail. ALSO READ: Nirbhaya case - Independent India to see first multiple execution What procedure will the prison authorities follow to hang them? Firstly, they will be kept in isolation cells until the date of their execution. According to the manual, if desired by the prisoner, jail authorities have to inform their relatives and facilitate their last meeting. The convict facing the gallows is also allowed to prepare his will. Days before the execution is slated to be carried out, the Superintendent of the prison will inspect the gallows and the rope which is to be put around their neck for execution. The official is also entrusted to see if the rope, made of either cotton yarn or manila, is carefully tested. "As a rule, a dummy or a bag of sand weighing 1 and 1/2 times the weight of the prisoner to be hanged and dropped between 1,830 and 2.440 meters will afford a safe test of the rope," the rules states. The rules also go into great detail about the weight of the prisoner and the corresponding height from which he should be hanged. ALSO READ: 'Will file curative petition in Supreme Court', says Nirbhaya convicts' advocate For example, if a prisoner weighs less than 45.360 kilograms, he should be given a drop of 2,440 meters so that the rope does not break during the execution. "If he weighs more than 90.720 kilograms, a drop should be of 1,830 meters." The extreme limits of 1,830 meters and 2,440 meters are adhered to as per the physical peculiarity of the prisoner. Wax or butter is also applied to soften the ropes. The rope for the execution of Parliament attack case convict Afzal Guru in February 2013 was brought from Bihar's Buxar jail. The prison rules also categorically mention that the execution should take place early in the morning before it gets bright. The prison rules state that Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, medical officer-in-charge and a resident medical officer should be present at all executions. If so desired by the person to be hanged, a priest of his faith is allowed to be present at the place of hanging. No other person, especially relatives of the prisoner, should be allowed to witness the execution. The jail authorities may, however, permit social scientists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, etc. to conduct the research there. ALSO READ: Nirbhaya case - Convict Vinay Sharmas mother defends her son On the morning of the execution, the Superintendent has to make sure if any communication is awaiting him regarding the execution. He should then visit the prisoner in his cell and get any document requiring his attestation, such as a will, signed by him. Next, the hands of the prisoner are pinioned behind the backs after which he is escorted to the scaffold guarded by the head warder and six warders, two walking in front, two behind and two holding arms. On arrival of the prisoner near the scaffold, the Superintendent confirms his identity to the Magistrate. He then reads the warrant to the prisoner in a language he understands. A cotton cap, with a flap, is then put on the face just before he is taken to the gallows-enclosures. The prisoner should not be allowed to see the gallows. According to the manual, after entering the gallows, "the prisoner shall mount the scaffold and be placed directly under the beam to which the rope is attached, the warder still holding him by the arms". The executioner then straps the prisoner's legs tightly together and adjusts the noose around his neck. The Hangman is paid by the government of Delhi for the execution of each prisoner. The person to execute the four convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case is being brought from Uttar Pradesh's Meerut district. Subsequently, the Superintendent should make sure that the rope around the neck of the prisoner is adjusted properly and the knot is placed in a proper position. "The warders holding the prisoner's arms shall now withdraw and at a signal from the Superintendent, the executioner shall draw the bolt" The operations should be done simultaneously and as quick as possible. "On completion of all these operations, the Superintendent shall give a signal, on which the executioner in-charge shall push the lever to release the trap-door," the manual stated. When the trap-door is opened, the prisoner falls through and dies. After the execution, the body remains suspended for half an hour before being taken down or until the Resident Medical Officer has certified that "the life is extinct". The Supreme Court in Shatrughan Chauhan judgment in January 2014 made it mandatory to conduct a post-mortem after the hanging. It is then disposed of according to the requirement of the religion the deceased belong to. The body can also be handed over to the relatives if they give an undertaking that they will not make a public demonstration of the cremation of the executed prisoner. "The body of the executed prisoner shall be taken out of the prisoner with solemnity. A municipal hearse or ambulance shall be used for the transportation of the body to the cremation or burial ground," the rules state. Photo: Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg via Getty Images In the wake of the crash of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 in Tehran this morning, two schools of thought quickly emerged. The first accepted the explanation given by Iranian authorities: that the 3-year-old 737-800, which had taken off minutes before, had suffered engine failure before plunging into the ground at Khalaj Abad, killing all 176 aboard. The second, widespread on the internet, was that the Kiev-bound plane had been accidentally shot down by an Iranian air-defense missile. Given that the facts are just starting to trickle in, its far too early to say with any certainty what actually happened. Based on past experience, much of what has been reported as fact will turn out to be wrong; the true cause may very well turn out to be something no one has yet considered. But given the information we have right now, the second explanation makes more sense than the first. According to flight data recorded by Flightradar 24, the plane took off at 2:42 universal time, or 6.12 a.m. local time, a little more than three hours after Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops. Three minutes later, it had reached an altitude of nearly 8,000 feet and was continuing to climb at a steady ground speed of 276 knots, or 318 mph. Then, abruptly, it dropped. A state-run Iranian media outlet released a video that appeared to show the aircraft descending in flames before impacting the ground. An Iranian official told the IRNA news agency that a fire had broken out in one of the engines, causing the pilot to lose control. Engine malfunctions can certainly cause planes to crash but generally not in the manner observed with Flight 752. The wing, not the engine, is what keeps a plane in the air, and even if a plane loses power in all its engines, it can still glide for a considerable distance under pilot control (see: the Miracle on the Hudson). Even if an engine catches fire, the flight crew generally has time to respond. Worth noting too is that Irans explanation came implausibly quickly, before officials had scarcely had a chance to pick through the still-smoldering debris. Tellingly, Ukrainian officials, who had endorsed the engine-failure explanation soon after the crash, soon backtracked, saying it was too early to ascribe a cause. Meanwhile, the sudden loss of flight data suggests a catastrophic event that instantly destroyed or disrupted the electronic equipment that transmits the data. To be sure, there are ways other than a missile strike that a passenger plane can come to catastrophic grief soon after takeoff. In the case of Flight 752, however, none seem to fit very well. The plane was fairly new, the pilots quite experienced. It is plausible, however, that Iranian air-defense forces would have been on high alert. President Trump had already warned that the U.S. military would aggressively bomb Iran if the country used force in the spiraling escalation between the two countries. Tehran, the nations capital, would be an obvious target. Memories remain fresh of U.S. airstrikes against Baghdad at the start of its wars against Iraq. If the tragedy was indeed the result of an accidental shoot-down, it presents eerie echoes of the destruction of Iran Air 655, an Airbus A300 that the U.S. destroyer Vincennes shot down on July 3, 1988, killing all 290 aboard. That accident also happened during a period of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran though in that case, it was overeager U.S. personnel who mistakenly pulled the trigger. In the wake of this mornings crash, some voices argued against premature speculation. For instance, one much-circulated set of images showed the planes wreckage with circles around what seemed to be puncture marks from shrapnel. Nick Waters, a member of the group Bellingcat, which did extensive open-source intelligence investigations into another shoot-down of a civilian airliner (MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014), urged caution. Hey all, be careful about analysis of holes in various parts of the plane, Waters tweeted. For example: these images show the same piece, where at least some of the holes actually appear to be small rocks or other debris in higher resolution images. Given the pace of air-crash investigations, it will be at least several days before a clearer picture emerges and months or years before the truth can definitively be known. For now, the tragedy seems almost uncannily engineered to stimulate public reaction with a trifecta of breaking-news hashtags: Boeing, Iran, and Ukraine. In 2019 more than 400 Bay Area restaurants closed, according to Yelp data, including landmarks like San Franciscos Jardiniere and Lucca Ravioli. In their place came highly anticipated projects such as Dear Inga, Nari and Selbys on the border of Atherton. This is the natural order of things in the Bay Area restaurant landscape: Openings and closures happen in waves, while styles and trends are dictated by the regions high operating costs, rising rents and wage increases. Those financial constraints wont disappear in 2020. Fortunately for local diners, neither will the food worlds ambitious spirit. In San Francisco alone an Arab bakery is headed to the Mission District, celebrity chefs are moving to the Chase Center property, Chinatown is getting a 7,500-square-foot restaurant on Grant Avenue and two of the countrys best bakers are opening a new restaurant in Pacific Heights, just to name a few. Here are the 2020 openings worth following. Baia Paul Kuroda / Special to The Chronicle 2019 Plans for the upcoming vegan Italian restaurant Baia, which is set to replace Jardiniere on Grove Street in Hayes Valley, were announced less than a month after chef Traci des Jardins closed her flagship restaurant in April. Tracy Vogt, the owner of a 32-acre farm animal sanctuary in Sonoma, is leading the meatless venture alongside Matthew Kenney, a California-based restaurateur who has multiple upscale vegan restaurants across the country. Why were excited: The meatless movement is a formidable driver of the local restaurant scene, but Baia is the first vegan venture to open in such an opulent space. Location: 300 Grove St., San Francisco. Opening: TBD. El Garage Few family-run taco pop-ups have a cult following like El Garage, the local outfit known for its cheesy quesabirria tacos. The family-owned business is opening a storefront near the Richmond BART Station. El Garage began in Richmond, when the Montano family started serving the Tijuana-style tacos from their driveway in early 2019. Why were excited: El Garages recent success comes as the Bay Area embraces a wave of food trucks and pop-ups serving these cheesy Tijuana-style tacos. Location: 1428 MacDonald Ave., Richmond. Opening: January. Empress by Boon The former home of Chinatowns landmark Empress of China restaurant, which closed in 2014, will soon be home to Empress by Boon. At the helm is Ho Chee Boon, the former chef of international Cantonese restaurant chain Hakkasan. Boon is joined in the venture by pastry chef Rory MacDonald (Patisserie Chanson + Dessert Bar, Gordon Ramsey, Hakkasan). Matier & Ross / Andrew Ross/SF Chronicle Empress of China was a staple in the neighborhood for nearly 50 years. The property was purchased in 2017 by John Yee for a reported $17.2 million. Why were excited: Empress by Boon may mark the end of a years-long saga over the destiny of a landmark Chinatown space. Location: 838 Grant Ave., San Francisco. Opening: early 2020. Horn Barbecue Matt Horn, who has arguably become one of the countrys best young pit masters through his pop-ups, is opening a restaurant inTanya Hollands former Brown Sugar Kitchen location on Mandela Parkway. It is less than a mile from the empty service station at 17th and Center streets where Horn first attracted his East Bay customers. The new location will feature Horns Texas-style smoked brisket, beef ribs and sides, and desserts from his wife, Nina. Stephen Lam / Special to The Chronicle 2019 Why were excited: The Bay Area is a culinary mecca but never has it been a barbecue destination, until now. Location: 2534 Mandela Parkway, Oakland. Opening: February. Oakland Assembly Oaklands efforts to revitalize the Jack London Square food scene will continue with Oakland Assembly, a 35,000-square-foot food hall set to open in the summer at 44 Webster St. The food hall will feature 300-square-foot kiosks, including from East Bay star chefs Reem Assil, Preeti Mistry and Matt Horn. Yalonda M. James / The Chronicle 2019 Why were excited: The future of Jack London Square has been questioned for years. If the Oakland As build their proposed stadium nearby at Howard Terminal, the food hall could become a dining destination unlike any the city has known. Location: 44 Webster St., Oakland. Opening: summer. Reems California in San Francisco Reem Assil opened her Oakland bakery, Reems California, in October 2017, but the roots of the concept remain in San Francisco. Years ago, Assil ran the bakery as a pop-up business called Manoushe Monday out of Mission Pie (which closed last year) in the Mission District. Assils bakery, like its sibling across the Bay Bridge, will have khobz sim sim, soft breads sprinkled with sesame seeds, as well as her baklava, among other things. Michael Short / Special to The Chronicle Why were excited: Reem Assils expansion to San Francisco represents the ongoing ascension of one of the Bay Areas best and brightest chefs. Location: 2901 Mission St., San Francisco. Opening: February. Routier Belinda Leong and Michel Suas are expanding their award-wining Pacific Heights bakery, B. Patisserie, into the space next door with a restaurant called Routier, named after roadside eateries throughout France. Joining them in the venture is chef John Paul Carmona, who previously worked at Alinea in Chicago and Clio in Boston. Carmona plans to create a menu with a Franco-American slant in a similar theme as B. Patisserie. Paul Chinn / The Chronicle Leong and Suas also have plans to open a mochi business in San Francisco called Mochi Mochi. The concept does not have a timetable for opening as Leong and Suas await operating permits from the city. Why were excited: With Routier opening soon, Leong and Suas could potentially end 2020 with four concepts in the city: B. Patisserie, B. On the Go, Routier and Mochi Mochi. Location: 2801 California St., San Francisco. Opening: early 2020. San Ho Won Corey Lee, the chef-owner of three Michelin-star Benu, Monsieur Benjamin and In Situ, will open a Korean barbecue restaurant in San Franciscos Mission District. Though details are slim, Lee said San Ho Won will open in the former home of Blowfish Sushi to Die For, which closed at 2170 Bryant St. after nearly 23 years. John Storey / Special to The Chronicle 2018 Why were excited: Corey Lee, one of the industrys brightest culinary minds, first mentioned this concept in 2013, and with so much time to mull it over, the end product could be as dazzling as his other ventures. Location: 2170 Bryant St., San Francisco. https://sanhowon.com. Opening: summer. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Shake Shack The East Coast burger chain has two locations set to open in San Francisco in 2020. First up might be an outpost in the food court of the Westfield San Francisco Centre. A location is also in the works in Cow Hollow, but it has encountered delays. Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle Shake Shack is owned by restaurateur Danny Meyer and can trace its origin to a humble food stall in New York Citys Madison Square Park. The Westfield location and the forthcoming Cow Hollow outpost represent the brands first foray into San Franciscos restaurant scene. Why were excited: San Francisco residents have long pondered when Shake Shack would open in the city and now its finally happening. Location: Westfield San Francisco Centre, 865 Market St., and 3060 Fillmore St., San Francisco. Openings: TBD. Thrive Citys Miller & Lux, Michael Mina food hall Over the last two years San Franciscos Mission Bay neighborhood has become a dining destination, thanks in part to Thrive City the 11-acre plaza being built around the Golden State Warriors new Chase Center arena. Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle The plazas anchor tenants include a yet-to-be-named food hall from restaurateur Michael Mina. It is slated to take up 16,000 of the plazas 100,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space. Joining Mina at the property will be Miller & Lux, an upscale steak house from celebrity chef Tyler Florence, although details are few. Why were excited: Mina and Florences involvement is emblematic of the recent burst of new development in Mission Bay, which within two years has transformed into one of the hottest dining neighborhoods in the city. Location: Thrive City. 1725 Third St., San Francisco. Opening: TBD. New vegetarian option Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski, the husband-and-wife duo behind State Bird Provisions and the Progress, are diving into the meatless movement with a vegetarian restaurant in Lower Haight. The restaurant, which the couple have yet to name, will open at 799 Haight St. The building was home to a neighborhood convenience store for years. When the space was left vacant in 2017, the last tenant was a bike shop called San Francyclo. Leah Millis / The Chronicle 2014 Why were excited: The meatless movement is taking over San Francisco restaurants, and the State Bird Provision teams foray might be the most exciting addition to the trend. Location: 799 Haight St., San Francisco. Opening: TBD. The Anchovy Bar Brioza and Krasinski are also opening an anchovy bar in the former Fat Angel space. It promises to be a simple spot, focusing on local anchovies, West Coast oysters, wine and beer. Why were excited: One of the best aspects of State Bird Provisions and the Progress is their ever-changing California version of boquerones, Spanish pickled white anchovies. The team will now get to dedicate all its attention to the little oily fish through the Anchovy Bar. Location: 1740 OFarrell St., San Francisco. Opening: April Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @JustMrPhillips Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Kartik Aaryan is the latest Bollywood celebrity to show support towards Deepika Padukone for visiting JNU on Tuesday evening. Kartik said he hopes more people will come out and speak up against the violence. Talking to Bollywood Hungama, Kartik said he cant believe the atmosphere the country is in right now. Of course, I respect what Deepika did yesterday and I hope a lot of people would stand up and a lot of citizens should come ahead and talk about it. Strict actions are needed. The way these things are happening, this is not our country, these things should not happen here. I really hope strict actions are taken, he said in the interview. Deepika Padukone at JNU on Tuesday evening. JNU has been on the boil since Sunday when groups of masked miscreants intruded into the campus and assaulted students in Sabarmati hostel with sticks and metal rods. The students and ABVP members have been accusing each other for the violence. Also read: Chhapaak trailer reminds Kangana Ranaut of Rangolis struggles Kartik also expressed disappointment that the Delhi Police has still not made any arrests in the matter. I saw the video and the way they entered the campus or the video in which (JNUSU president Aishee Gosh was seen with blood streaming down her face after the attack)...again, it makes you...I just think this is a really bad atmosphere right now and it is necessary to take action, he added. Deepika visited JNU on Tuesday evening and extended her support to those who had gathered to protest the violence that happened inside the campus. Social media has been divided into two opinions over her visit, with hashtags such as #ISupportDeepika and #BoycottChapaak trending on Twitter. Follow @htshowbiz for more Neil Young has outlined the first of two concert movies he plans to release this year, noting the first, Greendale Live, was a monster performance of 2003. "We are in the midst of many projects, most notably now, Way Down in the Rustbucket and Greendale Live. Both with Crazy Horse," Young wrote on his Neil Young Archives website. "Greendale is a monster! Currently in the final editing stages, this performance from Toronto with a cast of 50-plus is like a Broadway show." "We took it all around North America in 2003, setting up that massive set over 80 times. Now we are preparing it to share through NYA and theaters. A Greendale Live album will be part of the release. Greendale's live music is in a big groove with Crazy Horse!" he continued. Way Down in the Rustbucket was prevuously described by Young as a "one of a kind" concert from California. "With six cameras rolling, Crazy Horse lit into one of its greatest performances of all time. And no one knew it until it was very recently discovered. There are a lot of things in the Archives that we know we have to see, but this one had slipped by until now. Forgotten between [1990's] Ragged Glory and [1991's] Weld, it had escaped us." Young also looked back on 2019 in his New Years post, saying: "I am still missing my old friend Elliot Roberts, my incredible manager of 50-plus years," he said. "One year now to the day since my children lost their loving mother Pegi. She lives on in our memories. Peace. I am thankful for my amazing wife Daryl, who has made my life so much better in so many ways." Newsfrom Japan Fukuoka, Jan. 8 (Jiji Press)--Kyushu Electric Power Co. <9508> said Wednesday that it will take part in a microgrid project in the Philippines. The company, based in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka, has already invested in Filipino power utility PowerSource Group, which runs the project, through a subsidiary. It did not disclose the amount of the investment. The project provides electricity generated by diesel-powered facilities to a total of seven regions not covered by major power grids on and near the Philippine islands of Palawan and Cebu. Kyushu Electric plans to contribute its technology to the project, which aims to expand to other regions, and introduce solar power and storage battery systems. The company also plans to use its microgrid technology to conduct business in other foreign markets, and in remote islands and mountainous regions in Japan. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] An Australian couple claim they saw a cigar-shaped alien aircraft with no wings or tail flying near their car at lightnning speeds. The husband and wife, who wish to remain anonymous, were driving along the Bruce Highway toward Rockhampton in Queensland just after 4pm on December 4 when they saw the mysterious airborne object. 'We were following the road veering slight left as the object turned slight right to come along parallel to us and at the same speed, 100km/h,' they said. They were driving along the Bruce Highway toward Rockhampton in Queensland just after 4pm on December 4 when they saw the mysterious airborne object 'The object made no sound and had no trail, nor haze behind it. As we progressed for about ten seconds the trees cleared for a clear close view of the object for another ten seconds.' The woman said the UFO had no wings or tail section. Her husband claimed he saw 'four white rings of ionization around the silver metal fuselage' as it accelerated past. 'We watched it accelerate for about five seconds until it had disappeared into the distance,' they continued. 'It travelled in a direct straight line about 25 degrees upwards, almost parallel to us, and looked like it went into space.' The couple described the object as a 'cigar shaped fuselage with no wings nor tail' that was the diameter of a small jet and the length of two buses (stock image of UFOs) They also said it made 'no sonic booms' and 'accelerated to a speed far exceeding any conventional technology'. They described it as a 'cigar shaped fuselage with no wings nor tail' that was the diameter of a small jet and the length of two buses. UFO Research Queensland Inc president Sheryl Gottschall told The Morning Bulletin there have been many cigar-shaped UFO sightings over the years, but disks and triangles have been reported more recently. She also said cigar-shaped vessels are thought to be 'motherships' among UFO researchers. Rochester, Minn. - Researchers used post-mortem genetic testing to find the underlying cause of multiple sudden deaths in young people and sudden cardiac arrests in two large Amish families. Using an exome molecular autopsy, Michael Ackerman, M.D., Ph.D., and his associates conducted genetic testing of four siblings who each died suddenly during exercise. Dr. Ackerman is a genetic cardiologist and director of the Windland Smith Rice Comprehensive Sudden Cardiac Death Program at Mayo Clinic. The findings are published in JAMA Cardiology. Dr. Ackerman is the senior author. Based on a family history of exercise-associated sudden deaths in the young and sudden cardiac arrests, researchers suspected a recessive inheritance pattern because the parents of affected children did not show visible characteristics, or phenotype. This recessive condition requires the inheritance of the genetic variant from each parent, such that the children who are affected have two copies of the variant. If both parents carry a single copy of the genetic variant, their children have a 25% chance of inheriting two copies of the variant and are likely to express the phenotype that puts them at risk for sudden cardiac arrest or sudden death. "Alarmingly, people with this condition often have an unremarkable clinical course and routine cardiology clinical testing, such as an electrocardiogram or even stress testing, that do not reveal an individual at risk for a sudden cardiac event," Dr. Ackerman says. A molecular autopsy revealed a common genetic factor among all four siblings. Each had the same homozygous multiexon duplication in RYR2, as did multiple distantly related relatives who also experienced a sudden cardiac arrest during exercise. Researchers then compared a second, unrelated Amish family that also has multiple exertion-related sudden deaths and sudden cardiac arrests in the young. Genetic testing confirmed that both families possessed the exact same gene duplication. To date, 23 family members have been identified as being affected. Of those 23 family members, 18 have tragically died suddenly at a young age. Identifying which people in these Amish communities are at risk is important for their future, but it is difficult without genetic testing. "Now that our genetic sleuthing has revealed the underlying genetic cause for these families' tragic events, a simple genetic test can be performed to identify family members at risk for their own sudden cardiac arrest," Dr. Ackerman says. "In fact, identification of unaffected heterozygous carriers may provide potentially lifesaving premarital counseling and reproductive planning for the Amish community." The researchers are re-engineering blood samples into beating heart cells from two affected people to create a "disease-in-the-dish" cellular model. This effort will provide further insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms that are causing these tragedies, according to David Tester, first author of the study and lead scientist for the Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory at Mayo Clinic. ### Other researchers involved in this study are: Beth Pitel; Erik Thorland, Ph.D.; John Giudicessi, M.D., Ph.D.; Samantha Hamrick; John Kim, Ph.D.; and Carla Haglund-Turnquist -- all of Mayo Clinic Hannah Bombei; Dianne Atkins, M.D.; Luis Ochoa Nunez, M.D.; and Ian Law, M.D. -- all from The University of Iowa Kristi Fitzgerald and Joe Temple, M.D. -- both from Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children Barbara Russell and Christopher Johnsrude, M.D. -- both from University of Louisville The study was supported by the Mayo Clinic Windland Smith Rice Comprehensive Sudden Cardiac Death Program. About Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news and An Inside Look at Mayo Clinic for more information about Mayo. Media contact: Terri Malloy, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu Iranian Regime Craves Revenge for Soleimani, But Faces Challenges to Its Rule Commentary Qassem Soleimani was removed from the battlefield by U.S. drones, and the Iranian regime ordered the entire country to mourn him. Many Iranians didnt, and sat it out, even though the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was shown with tears in his eyes. Regime leaders promised revenge. Those Iranians who did mourn generally did it because they were told to show up, and their jobs depended on their obedience. No matter that they had not been paid in weeks or months; they were moved from city to city by bus and train, and fed from public coffers. If you look carefully at the mourners, you can see the same faces in the mobs across the land. Theres no doubt that Khameneis tears were genuine; Soleimani had been a great pillar of strength for the regime throughout the 80-year-old supreme leaders 30-year tenure. Above all, he and his Quds Force troops provided the backbone for Bashar Assads survival in Syria; he held Hassan Nasrallahs hand during Hezbollahs battle with Israel; and he masterminded the Iranian assault against Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Soleimani became the second-most-powerful man in the Islamic Republic and a leading contender to be Khameneis successor. He defied a United Nations order to stay inside Iran, and nobody tried to stop him until the U.S. drones terminated his activities last week. The death of Soleimani was a terrible blow to the regime, which now must deal with a widespread challenge to its rule, both within Iran and throughout the region. Khamenei is well aware of his weakness; aside from the tiny sliver of faithful followers around him, he faces tens of millions of Iranians who have seen, firsthand, the failure of the Islamic Republic. The banks have no money, the markets are without affordable food, security forces are constantly deployed to hold down anti-regime forces to the tune of hundreds of new arrests by the day, and public executions are commonplace. That is why the regime staged a bogus attack on two Iraqi bases where U.S. troops are stationed. Khamenei had to pretend that he had struck back against U.S. troops overnight on Jan. 7 to 8. Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter: Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. The Iranians know that any direct conflict with the United States would be fatal to the regime, and Khamenei doesnt wish to go down as the supreme leader who fell from power and grace. Khamenei has been fighting America and killing Americans for 30 years. He has enough problems without an ongoing battle with the United States. Iranian responses to the Soleimani affair will be limited to covert actions abroad and a continuation of harsh repression at home. Khamenei is quite prepared to fight to the last Arab, as we saw with Iranian missiles aimed at bases in Iraq. The one sure thing is that Iran didnt exact revenge on President Donald Trump. The regime no doubt craves revenge; it would love to see him dead. Or at least out of office. But they would have to organize the votes to do that. Of course, no one expects the Iranian mullahs to have a hand in whom the American people elect, and I doubt the 70 million Iranians who detest the regime will wait until November for that to happen. Michael Ledeen is a freedom scholar at Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He has served as a consultant to the National Security Council and the departments of State and Defense, and as a special adviser to the secretary of state. He is the author of 35 books, most recently Field of Fight: How to Win the War Against Radical Islam and Its Allies, co-authored with retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], Jan 8 (ANI): To encourage the transgender community to open up about various issues faced by them and for speedy grievance redressal, the Kerala State Youth Commission has scheduled a state-level "Adalat" to be held here on Friday. The "Adalat", exclusively for the LGBT community is being held for the first time in the state. Chintha Jerome, chairperson, Kerala State Youth Commission told ANI that the Adalat will be a platform for the transgender community to air their grievances. "We assume that it is for the first time a statutory body is coming forward to hear the problems of the LGBT community. The Youth Commission is a judicial body and stands for protecting the right of the youths. When we define the term youth...not only young men and women, we also have to address the problems of young people in the transgender community," she said. Kerala government has a transgender policy in place from 2015 for improving the lives of the transgender community. There is also transgender cell working under social justice department of Kerala. (ANI) The four men convicted of the gang rape and murder of a Delhi woman on December 16, 2012 were hanged in the darkness of pre-dawn on Friday, ending a horrific chapter in India's long history of sexual assault that had seared the nation's soul. Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31) were executed at 5.30 am for the savage assault in an empty moving bus on the 23-year-old physiotherapy intern who came to be known the world over as Nirbhaya, the fearless one. Following is the chronology of events in the Nirbhaya case -the sensational gang rape-and-murder of a 23-year-old girl on December 16, 2012 -in which a Delhi court Tuesday ordered hanging of the four convicts on January 22 at 7 am in Tihar Jail. Dec 16, 2012: Paramedical student gang raped and brutally assaulted by six men in a private bus and thrown out of the moving vehicle along with her male friend. The victims admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. Dec 17: Widespread protests erupt demanding stringent action against the accused. bccl Police identify the accused bus driver Ram Singh, his brother Mukesh, Vinay Sharma and Pawan Gupta. Dec 18: Ram Singh and three others arrested. Dec 20: Victim's friend testifies. Dec 21: Delinquent juvenile nabbed from Anand Vihar bus terminal in Delhi. Victim's friend identifies Mukesh as one of the culprits. Police conduct raids in Haryana and Bihar to nab the sixth accused, Akshay Thakur. Dec 21-22: Thakur arrested in Aurangabad district of Bihar and brought to Delhi. Victim records statement before the SDM in hospital. bccl Dec 23: Protesters defy prohibitory orders, take to the streets. Delhi Police Constable Subhash Tomar, on duty to control protests, rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Dec 25: Girl's condition declared critical. Constable Tomar succumbs to injuries. Dec 26: Following a cardiac arrest, victim flown to Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital by the government. Dec 29: Victim succumbs to injuries and other medical conditions. Police add murder charge in the FIR. Jan 2, 2013: Then Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir inaugurates fast track court (FTC) for speedy trial in sexual offence cases. Jan 3: Police file charge sheet against five adults accused of murder, gang rape, attempt to murder, kidnapping, unnatural offences and dacoity. Jan 5: Court takes cognisance of the charge sheet. Jan 7: Court orders in-camera proceedings. Jan 17: FTC starts proceedings against the five adult accused. bccl Jan 28: Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) says minority of juvenile accused is proved. Feb 2: FTC frames charges against five adult accused. Feb 28: JJB frames charges against the minor. Mar 11: Ram Singh commits suicide in Tihar Jail. Mar 22: Delhi HC allows national media to report trial court's proceedings. bccl Jul 5: Inquiry (trial) in JJB against the juvenile in concludes. JJB reserves verdict for July 11. Jul 8: FTC completes recording of testimonies of prosecution witnesses. Jul 11: JJB holds minor also guilty of illegally confining and robbing a carpenter on December 16, night before allegedly taking part in the gang rape. Delhi High Court allows three international news agencies to cover the trial in the case. Aug 22: FTC begins hearing final arguments in trial against four adult accused. Aug 31: JJB convicts the minor for gang rape and murder and awards three-year term at probation home. Sep 3: FTC concludes trial. Reserves verdict. Sep 10: Court convicts Mukesh, Vinay, Akshay, Pawan of 13 offences including gang rape, unnatural offence and murder of the girl and attempt to murder her male friend. Sep 13: Court awards death penalty to all 4 convicts. bccl Sep 23: HC begins hearing the convicts' death sentence reference sent to it by the trial court. Jan 3, 2014: HC reserves verdict on convicts' appeals. Mar 13: HC upholds death penalty to the 4 convicts. Mar 15: SC stays execution of 2 convicts, Mukesh and Pawan, after they file appeals. Later, stays execution of other convicts also. Apr 15: SC directs police to produce the dying declaration of the victim. Feb 3, 2017: SC says it would hear afresh the aspect of awarding death penalty to the convicts. Mar 27: SC reserves verdict on their appeals. bccl May 5: SC upholds death penalty to four convicts, says the case falls under the category of 'rarest of rare' and the offence created "tsunami of shock". Nov 8: Mukesh, one of the four death row convicts in the case, moves SC seeking review of its verdict upholding the capital punishment awarded to him. Dec 12: Delhi Police opposes Mukesh's plea in SC. Dec 15: Convicts Vinay Sharma and Pawan Kumar Gupta move SC for review of its verdict. May 4, 2018: SC reserves order on review plea by two condemned convicts--Vinay Sharma and Pawan Gupta. Jul 9: SC dismisses review pleas of three convicts. Feb, 2019: Victim's parents move Delhi court for issuance of death warrants of the four convicts Dec 10, 2019: Akshay moves plea in SC seeking review of his death penalty. Dec 13: Victim's mother moves SC opposing review plea of convict Dec 18: SC dismisses Akshay's review plea. Delhi govt seeks death warrants for execution of death sentence to the 4 convicts Delhi court directs Tihar authorities to issue notice to convicts to avail their remaining legal remedies. bccl Dec 19: Delhi HC dismisses plea of Pawan Kumar Gupta claiming he was a juvenile at the time of the offence Jan 6, 2020: Delhi court dismisses complaint filed by Pawan's father seeking FIR against sole witness Jan 7: Delhi court orders 4 convicts to be hanged on January 22 at 7 am in Tihar jail. Jan 9, 2020 - Vinay Sharma and Mukesh Singh had moved the curative petitions in the top court after a Delhi court issued death warrants in their names for their hanging on January 22 Jan 17, 2020 - Nirbhaya case: Tihar jail seeks issuance of fresh death warrants against the four convicts. Jan 17, 2020 - 4 Nirbhaya convicts to be hanged on Feb 1, 6 am, says Delhi court Jan 18, 2020 - SC to hear on Jan 20 plea of Nirbhaya death row convict against Delhi HC order on his claim of being juvenile. The first date of execution--January 22--fixed on January 7 was postponed by the court to February 1. Jan 31, 2020: The court indefinitely postponed the hanging. Feb 17, 2020: The court again issued fresh date for execution of death warrants for March 3 at 6 am. March 2, 2020: The hanging of the four convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case scheduled for March 3 was deferred for the third time in six weeks by a court. A notice was served to jail authorities by a Delhi court after Delhi gang-rape convict Pawan Gupta alleged he was beaten inside prison. However, the notice was dismissed by the court the next day. March 16, 2020: Nirbhaya convicts and their families have written a letter to the Judges of the International Court of Justice seeking urgent hearing to prevent their "unlawful execution". March 17: The ICJ has no jurisdiction to order a stay on the March 20 hanging of the Nirbhaya case convicts, former Supreme Court Judge BN Srikrishna had said. March 19, 2020: Repeated attempts made in Supreme Court but to no avail. March 20, 2020: All four convicts hanged in Delhi's Tihar Jail. Vivek Aryan, the director of last years Malayalam release, Ormayil Oru Shishiram, passed away following a bike accident. Vivek met with the accident while riding on a bike with his wife and was undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care unit at a hospital in Kochi. The accident occurred when the bike hit a dog at Kodungallur. Viveks wife also got injured in the accident. Vivek has assisted well known filmmaker Jeethu Joseph in the hit movies Drishyam and Memories. Jeethu has expressed his condolences to the young filmmaker. Vivek was 30 years old. Crispin Odey's Odey European Inc long/short fund lost 10.1 per cent in 2019 The hedge fund owned by controversial billionaire Crispin Odey has plunged to a fourth annual loss in five years. The Odey European Inc long/short fund lost 10.1 per cent in 2019, adding to losses between 2015 and 2017. The only winning year was 2018, when it jumped 53 per cent. Those who backed him five years ago have lost over half their investment, according to Bloomberg. By contrast an investor who placed 10,000 in a FTSE 250 tracker would now have 13,600. Overall profits at his company, Odey Asset Managerment, rose from 8.8million to 17.1million. It awarded a dividend of 1.1million, and the top director, believed to be Odey, took a pay packet of 187,000. Odey was presented as the unacceptable face of capitalism by Jeremy Corbyn during the general election campaign. The Brexit-supporting financier, once the son-in-law of Rupert Murdoch, drew controversy for betting against the pound on the day of the 2016 EU referendum. He made 220million in a day as the pound slumped, although he later lost money as markets rallied. The pound has since rallied, and was yesterday worth $1.31. President Donald Trump announced that more punishing sanctions would be immediately levied against Iran after it fired missiles at a U.S. military forces in Iraq overnight. These sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior, he said before adding that Today, I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the attacks on Wednesday morning, while the Pentagon confirmed missiles were fired from Iran. The Guards later warned that if Washington responds with force, it would launch more attacks. We suffered no casualties only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases, Trump during his morning press conference. No Iraqi lives were lost, he added. President Donald Trump speaks about the situation with Iran in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) He credited American military dispersal systems and early warning systems for the lack of American casualties in the attack. Iran appears to be standing down, Trump said, but he stressed the United States would not allow Tehran to procure a nuclear weapon. Referring to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Trump said Germany, China, the United Kingdom, and other countries realize that its been a failure. He called for a new deal to restrict Irans nuclear aspirations. The president again defended the airstrike to kill Gen. Soleimani, saying the general was planning attacks on American assets in the near future. In his remarks, Trump described Soleimani as the worst terrorist in the world. Soleimani, he added, launched strikes against civilians and helped fuel civil wars in the region. Soleimanis hands were both drenched in American and Iranian blood, Trump said. He should have been removed long ago. Last night, the Pentagon said that more than a dozen missiles were fired from Iran into Iraq. The commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Quds Force, Gen. Qassem Soleimani is seen in Tehran on Sept. 14, 2013. (Mehdi Ghasemi/ISNA/AFP via Getty Images) It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al Asad and Irbil, Jonathan Hoffman, assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, said in a statement. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. The Al Asad base is in Iraqs Anbar province, which hosts some American troops. The United States has said Soleimani was responsible for killing U.S. troops in Iraq and accused him of plotting new attacks just before he was killed. Soleimani also led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that countrys civil war, and he also served as the point man for Iranian proxies in countries like Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Assad in Syria on Tuesday amid the tensions between Washington and Tehran. From The Epoch Times US National Security Council Meets to Discuss Iran Missile Attacks Sputnik News 03:16 08.01.2020(updated 03:47 08.01.2020) The US National Security Council met at the White House Tuesday shortly following a series of strikes against the Ayn al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq that were launched from Iran. "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments," Defense Department spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement Tuesday. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region," the statement adds. Ayn al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, which houses a large US air base, has been struck with several rockets following a strike carried out by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as "revenge" for the killing of Iranian Quds Force commander Gen. Qasem Soleimani. "We warn all allied countries of the US that if attacks are launched from bases in their countries on Iran, they will be a target of military retaliation," the IRGC said in a statement obtained by the New York Times' Farnaz Fassihi. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US is prepared for any retaliation on the side of Iran and that Washington is ready to retaliate in return. The US president's remarks came just days after he tweeted about the possible targeting of 52 cultural sites in Iran - a number that symbolizes 52 Americans held hostage in the US Embassy in Tehran back in 1979. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Former US treasury secretary Timothy Geithner called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. The prime minister said he had an excellent meeting with Geithner. "We talked about numerous issues relating to economic as well as development related policies," he wrote on Twitter. Geithner served as the 75th United States Secretary of the Treasury under President Barack Obama. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police are searching for a road rage motorist who allegedly ordered his dog to attack a young driver, who also was beaten and yelled at with racial slurs in Utah last month. The 19-year-old victim claimed he was bitten by a dog ordered out of a vehicle which had been following his Volkswagen Jetta while flashing its lights and honking its horn last month, according to a social media post made by law enforcement of the incident on Monday. The victim told police he pulled into a Famous Dave's barbecue restaurant at East Fort Union Boulevard in Cottonwood Heights on December 19th to confront the driver of a black Nissan Altima which had been following behind him. The driver, identified by KUTV as Ahmed Alwisi (pictured), told the news outlet that he punched back at the animal, which was possibly a German Shepherd. The victim told police he pulled into a Famous Dave's barbecue restaurant at East Fort Union Boulevard in Cottonwood Heights on December 19th to confront the driver of a black Nissan Altima which had been following behind him That's when the driver, described as a white man, about 30-years-old, 6-foot, two-inches-tall, weighing 180 pounds with short-blond curly hair, got out of the Altima. He then opened the vehicle's back door, released the dog and 'commanded' it to attack, police said. The driver, identified by KUTV as Ahmed Alwisi, told the news outlet that he punched back at the animal, which was possibly a German Shepherd. The driver, who at the time also was with his girlfriend, then held the victim down to allow the dog and the woman to continue the attack, police said. The girlfriend was described as also being white, and possibly having black hair with blond highlights. 'During the incident, the suspect was yelling profanities and racial slurs,' police said. No specifics were given on the language used in the assault. Alwisi, who was reportedly from Midvale, told KUTV that he suspected the road rage driver may have thought he had had cut him off. 'But I actually didn't,' he told the news outlet. 'I know how to drive.' Alwisi, who was reportedly from Midvale, said that he suspected the road rage driver thought he had had cut him off. 'But I actually didn't,' he said. 'I know how to drive' The youth recalled that when he pulled over to confront the driver, he was yelling, 'Fight me! Fight me!' he tells KUTV. The driver left the scene after the attack, leaving Alwisi pleading for help. 'I was, like, screaming, 'Help me! Help me!' he recalls, but no one immediately came to his aid. The driver left the scene (pictured) after the attack, leaving Alwisi pleading for help, he says Alwisi revealed a puncture that he said he suffered after the dog bit him in the lower back. He said he was forced to miss a week's worth of work from two jobs because of the incident Alwisi revealed a puncture wound to KUTV that he said suffered after the dog bit him in the lower back. He told the news outlet he was forced to miss a week's worth of work from two jobs because of the incident. Anyone who may have witnessed the attack or with information about the incident is asked to contact authorities at jgriffith@ch.utah.gov, or by calling 801-947-7013 or 385-252-9080. The head of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has said that declaring a major incident at Irelands worst-hit hospitals is essential in order to de-escalate a situation which saw record trolley numbers recorded for two days running. The INMO has touted a five-point plan which it said the HSE could put into action within days in an effort to curb the ongoing crisis, which has seen some hospital emergency departments over-run. Ahead of an emergency meeting with the HSE this afternoon to discuss the situation, the organisation called on the HSE to immediately sanction the recruitment of frontline health workers, to source additional bed capacity in the private and voluntary sectors, and to refocus hospital capacity to deal with the current flood of emergency admissions. Trolley numbers across the country dropped by 139 overnight to a total of 621, which the INMO said was attributable to efforts made to source capacity within the private and voluntary sectors. However, todays figure remains higher than any seen in January 12 months ago. The worst-hit hospitals remain University Hospital Limerick with 63 people on trolleys, University Hospital Galway with 46, Cork University Hospital with 43, and South Tipperary General Hospital with 39. I think that it is really important because it is the equivalent of a major incident when you have people for whom there are no beds and you have a hospital that has no capacity to do anything, Phil Ni Sheaghdha, general secretary with the INMO, said ahead of the meeting. We have to ensure that all of our focus is on getting de-escalation, on getting as many people out of the hospital that dont need to be there, on providing community services for people, and on providing funding to open community beds and beds in voluntary and private hospitals. Asked about the INMO dropping a suggestion that all elective surgery in the worst hit hospitals be cancelled after the idea was rejected by Minister for Health Simon Harris, Ms Ni Sheaghdha said: What were we're saying is that all capacity has to be focused on emergencies and on people who are sick enough to be admitted to hospital. We have to focus and ensure that beds are available for them. That's still what we're saying. Meanwhile, Minister Harris has been summoned to an emergency meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee on January 15th to discuss the trolley crisis. Sinn Fein spokeswoman on health Louise OReilly said of the situation that it has been clear that the planning of the Minister for Health and HSE Officials has failed, and the consequences are drastic. The public health system is currently crippled by a lack of capacity and staff, and hundreds of patients are struggling to access our hospitals daily, Ms OReilly said. The situation is putting the health and well being of patients and staff at risk, she added. A decision is yet to be taken by the government of Ukraine and approved by the Iranian side. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine says it is ready to send a mobile group of emergency experts to Iran for search operations in connection with the crash of the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 in Iran. "The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine is ready to send a mobile team to Iran for search operations. A group of specialists from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the Ministry of Internal Affairs expert service has been formed at the Ministry of Internal Affairs to assist in the search operation," the ministry said on its website. Read alsoIranian authorities say Ukrainian passenger jet crashes after engine catches fire It is noted the units of the State Emergency Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs are awaiting a decision by the government of Ukraine and the Iranian side. As UNIAN reported earlier, UIA flight PS752 bound for Kyiv, with 167 passengers and nine crew on board, crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran airport in the early hours of Wednesday, January 8. Local emergency services say no one survived the crash. A renewed apology issued by dissident terrorists over the killing of Lyra McKee has been dismissed as hollow. The 29-year-old journalist died after being shot in Londonderry as she observed a riot last April. In a statement to the Irish News newspaper, the New IRA issued a renewed apology over the killing. Hollow words from terrorists. The only way to ensure this never happens again, is to disengage from trying to murder ANYONE and accept that the overwhelming majority of people want to live in peace. #weareyou @irish_news https://t.co/oaFu1TKcM1 Police Federation for Northern Ireland (@PoliceFedforNI) January 8, 2020 The group admitted responsibility and offered sincere apologies last April. This week it claimed it has introduced new measures for members involved in carrying out future attacks. The statement said: The IRA again take this opportunity to offer our full and sincere apologies to the partner and family and friends of Lyra McKee for her death. Our volunteers have been instructed to take the utmost care in future when engaging the enemy and we have put in place measures to ensure this. However, the group also pledged to meet force with force in reference to the security forces. Against a background of the British government and its proxies stamping their authority on Ireland by force, we in the IRA intend meeting force with force, it said. Finally, we look forward to a successful 2020 and to consolidation of the struggle against the illegal British occupation and all that it entails. The representative body for police officers in Northern Ireland branded the apology as hollow. Hollow words from terrorists, the Police Federation tweeted. The only way to ensure this never happens again, is to disengage from trying to murder ANYONE and accept that the overwhelming majority of people want to live in peace. Yesterday, Lyra McKee was posthumously awarded an MA in Online Journalism by @bcumedia in a special graduation ceremony. Lyras sister Nichola Corner and brother-in-law John Corner received the award on her behalf https://t.co/MKJxfMDrsV pic.twitter.com/rOi6i0RnkL Birmingham City Uni (@MyBCU) January 8, 2020 Earlier this week Ms McKee was posthumously awarded a Master of Arts degree in online journalism by Birmingham City University, where she previously studied for a distance learning masters degree. Her sister Nichola Corner accepted the honour at a ceremony held at Symphony Hall Birmingham. - Additional reporting by Press Association Air France have confirmed that "the lifeless body of a stowaway" was discovered at Charles de Gaulle Airport early in the morning on a flight from Abidjan. The news comes on the day that British MPs voted down proposals to enshrine protections for child refugees as part of the Government's Brexit agreement. The BBC are reporting how the body was found in the well of the landing gear of an aircraft which flew in from Ivory Coast. "The airline expresses their condolences and deplores this human tragedy," Air France said in a tweet, without specifying the age of person found. The BBC said the National Gendarmerie confirmed the body was of "African origin". Meanwhile, following his election victory, Boris Johnson re-drafted his European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill and rowed back on the previous governments acceptance of an amendment from Labour peer Lord Dubs to allow unaccompanied child refugees to continue to be reunited with their families in the UK after exit day. Clause 37 of the Bill replaces the pledge with a watered-down vow for ministers to make a statement on the progress of the talks once the divorce with Brussels is complete. Johnson's decision to tear up the commitment to family reunion for unaccompanied refugee children after Brexit is a disgrace. Tory MPs should take a moral stance and force the Government to rethink its approach on this vital issue. My letter with @AlfDubs. #Scrap37 pic.twitter.com/vg5KLvoZZQ Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 7, 2020 Labour branded the move disgraceful, while the SNP said it could have tragic consequences. With Conservative MPs voting against the amendment, it was defeated by a majority of 96 votes on Wednesday afternoon, on the Bills second day of committee stage scrutiny in the Commons. Ahead of the debate, Labour leadership hopeful Sir Keir Starmer and Lord Dubs, who fled from the Nazis on the Kindertransport to Britain when he was aged six, wrote to all Tory MPs calling on them to vote against the Prime Ministers disgraceful change. Legal family reunion is a lifeline to these children who would otherwise risk their lives in dinghies or in the back of lorries In the Commons chamber, SNP home affairs spokeswoman Joanna Cherry urged the Government to accept proposals to protect child refugees after Brexit or risk tragic consequences. She told MPs: Right now, across Europe, there are thousands of unaccompanied children living in the most desperate circumstances, many of whom are separated from their families. And legal family reunion is a lifeline to these children who would otherwise risk their lives in dinghies or in the back of lorries in order to reach a place of safety with their family. Lord Dubs wrote to Tory MPs about the change to the child refugee pledge in the Brexit Bill (Yui Mok/PA) Brexit minister Robin Walker has said the Government is committed to supporting child refugees. Mr Walker told MPs: This Government is fully committed both to the principle of family reunion and to supporting the most vulnerable children. Our policy has not changed. We will also continue to reunite children with their families under the Dublin Regulation during the implementation period. He added that there was very strong support on these benches for the principle of family reunion. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, January 8, 2020 Sonos, the maker of a wireless speaker, sued Google in a California federal court Tuesday, accusing the Alphabet company of infringing on its patents. The suit claims Google knew about the patented wireless technology that could span multiple rooms as early as 2013. Sonos is seeking a ban on Google speakers, smartphones and laptops in the U.S., and financial compensation. The filing shows an illustration of the Sonos' multiroom technology. Sonos initiated the lawsuit to hold Google accountable for its willful infringement of Sonos patent rights, according to the suit. Google has been blatantly and knowingly copying our patented technology in creating its audio products, Sonos CEO Patrick Spence said in a statement Tuesday. advertisement advertisement The suit names Google Chromecast Audio, an audio adapter/dongle released in 2015, followed by a app that allows consumers to listen to audio content in multiple rooms, a decade after Sonos' first product launch. It states that these features include Sonos patented technology for setting up a playback device on a wireless local area network. Other than Chromecase Audio and Google Home speakers, the list of allegedly infringing products includes Nest Mini, Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Point, Pixel phones, Pixel Slate tablet, and Pixelbook laptop. Sonos owns more than 750 patents in the U.S. related to audio technology, the company said in the suit. It also alleges Google used its dominance to flood the market and expand its product offerings, causing significant damage to Sonos, the company said in its lawsuit. The sheer amount of countries the Danube River flows through means that it delivers an exceptional diversity in food, architecture, culture and history, as well as unparalleled choices for travelers. Given this, it's no surprise that nearly 50 percent (49%) of Avalon Waterways travelers chose the Danube River as the star of their European vacation in 2019. "Along this legendary path, Avalon Waterways has created a boatful of extraordinary river cruise vacations that take travelers beyond the river Danube's beautiful views to delve into breathtaking stories, personalized experiences and untethered exploration that forever shapes the way they choose to see and experience the world," said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways. "In fact, Avalon provides travelers nearly 30 river cruise itineraries, ranging from four (4) to 27 days, that feature a plethora of sail and see options along the Danube River. Avalon has an average of 60 percent (60%) more Danube itineraries than other river cruise lines." In addition to giving travelers the widest variety of vacations available on the Danube River, only Avalon Waterways has created what they call "Short and Suite" getaways ranging from four- (4) and six- (6) days. These unique river cruise vacations are priced from $874 and provide time-starved travelers and first-time river cruisers the chance to test river cruise waters. Avalon is also the only river cruise line that offers travelers highly customizable Active & Discovery itineraries on the Danube River, giving them a choice of nearly 30 "Active," "Discovery" and "Classic" excursions throughout their vacation. "We take great pride in inviting travelers to cruise against the stream on the Danube River," added Pam Hoffee. "In addition to our Avalon Choice excursions and Adventure Hosts on every itinerary, our relationship with Globus, Cosmos and Monograms gives travelers exclusive access to Your Way cruising which seamlessly provides them options for immersive sightseeing access, hotel accommodations and transfers in European cities before and after each cruising vacation." Whether sailing the upper Danube through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary or its lower tributaries through Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria, every Avalon Waterways' itinerary is unique, catering to the varied interests and needs of travelers, while also inviting them to check-off Bucket List destinations. BOOK NOW & SAVE: For a limited time, travelers can extend select Danube vacations in Budapest or Prague for FREE (up to a $759 value). For details, click here. ABOUT AVALON WATERWAYS Travelers wanting to see the world need only cruise down its legendary rivers. For those interested in seeing more of the world, there's Avalon Waterways. Our entire fleet of Suite Ships proudly present Avalon Waterways' unique Open-Air BalconySMcruising's only bed with a view, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. When travelers pair panoramic scenes with the widest-ranging excursion choices in river cruising, they're in for an experience as wide open as the view. On an Avalon cruise, schedules give way to whims, leaving travelers the freedom to do exactly as they please, when they please. Whether enjoying a guided walking tour of one of Europe's great cities, joining a cooking class or paddling a canoe, our Avalon Choice selections of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions offer a wide range of possibilities. When travelers prefer to explore on their own, Avalon helps with recommendations, information and the gear they need, thanks to Adventure Hosts, an Adventure Center and AvalonGO mobile app. And when it's time to refuel, Avalon's FlexDining program gives guests the choices they crave. When travelers sail the world with Avalon Waterways, every day is an adventure and every adventure is up to our guests. For more information, visit www.avalonwaterways.com; travel agents can visit www.globusfamilypartner.com. Avalon Waterways is a proud supporter of The Ocean Cleanup. SOURCE Avalon Waterways Related Links http://www.avalonwaterways.com By Rich McKay FORT BRAGG, N.C. (Reuters) - For many of the soldiers, it would be their first mission. They packed up ammunition and rifles, placed last-minute calls to loved ones, then turned in their cellphones. Some gave blood. The 600 mostly young soldiers at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, were headed for the Middle East, part of a group of some 3,500 U.S. paratroopers ordered to the region. Kuwait is the first stop for many. Their final destinations are classified. "We're going to war, bro," one cheered, holding two thumbs up and sporting a grin under close-shorn red hair. He stood among dozens of soldiers loading trucks outside a cinder-block building housing several auditoriums with long benches and tables. Days after President Donald Trump ordered the drone killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, raising fears of fresh conflict in the Middle East, the men and women of the U.S. Army's storied 82nd Airborne Division are moving out in the largest "fast deployment" since the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The 82nd's commander, U.S. Army Major General James Mingus, waded through the sea of camouflage-uniformed men and women as they prepared to leave the base near Fayetteville on Sunday. He shook hands with the troops, wishing them luck. One soldier from Ashboro, Virginia, said he wasn't surprised when the order came. "I was just watching the news, seeing how things were going over there," said the 27-year-old, one of several soldiers Reuters was allowed to interview on condition they not be named. "Then I got a text message from my sergeant saying 'Don't go anywhere.' And that was it." While the killing of Soleimani has ratcheted up tensions between the United States and Iran, it remains to be seen whether they will escalate to full-out conflict. Trump last week said he ordered the killing to stop a war, not to start one. And despite Tehran's strident rhetoric, analysts say Iran will want to avoid any conventional conflict with the United States and is likely to focus on asymmetric strikes, such as sabotage or other military action via proxies. Story continues Risks seemed to be pushed to the back of the minds of the younger soldiers, though many packed the base chapel after a breakfast of eggs, waffles, oatmeal, sausages and 1,000 doughnuts. One private took a strap tethered to a transport truck and tried to hitch it to the belt of an unwitting friend, a last prank before shipping out. 'THIS IS THE MISSION' The older soldiers, in their 30s and 40s, were visibly more somber, having the experience of seeing comrades come home from past deployments learning to walk on one leg or in flag-draped coffins. "This is the mission, man," said Brian Knight, a retired Army veteran who has been on five combat deployments to the Middle East. He is the current director of a chapter of the United Service Organizations military support charity. "They're answering America's 911 call," Knight said. "They're stoked to go. The president called for the 82nd." There was lots of wrestling holds as the troops tossed their 75-pound (34 kg) backpacks onto transport trucks. The packs hold everything from armour-plated vests, extra socks and underwear, to 210 rounds of ammunition for their M4 carbines. A sergeant pushed through the crowd shouting for anyone with Type O blood, which can be transfused into any patient. "The medics need you now. Move," he said, before a handful of troops walked off to give a little less than a pint each. UNCERTAINTY PREVAILS While members of the unit - considered the most mobile in the U.S. Army - are used to quick deployments, this was different, said Lieutenant Colonel Mike Burns, an Army spokesman. "The guys are excited to go, but none of us know how long they'll be gone," Burns said. "That's the toughest part." Soldiers were ordered not to bring cellphones, portable video games or any other devices that could be used to communicate with friends and family back home, out of concern that details of their movements could leak out. "We're an infantry brigade," Burns said. "Our primary mission is ground fighting. This is as real as it gets." A sergeant started rattling off last names, checking them off from a list after "heres" and "yups" and "yos." For every fighter, there were seven support crew members shipping out: cooks, aviators, mechanics, medics, chaplains, and transportation and supply managers. All but the chaplains would carry guns to fight. A 34-year-old senior master sergeant said: "The Army is an all-volunteer force. We want to do this. You pay your taxes and we get to do this." The reality of the deployment wouldn't sink in until the troops "walk out that door," he said, pointing to the exit to the tarmac where C-5 and C-17 transport planes and two contract commercial jets waited. His call came when he was on leave in his hometown of Daytona Beach, Florida, taking his two young daughters to visit relatives and maybe go to Walt Disney World. "We just got there and I got the call to turn right around and head back to base," he said. "My wife knows the drill. I had to go. We drove right back." On a single order, hundreds of soldiers jumped to their feet. They lined up single file and marched out carrying their guns and kits and helmets, past a volunteer honour guard holding aloft flags that flapped east in the January wind. (Reporting by Rich McKay; Editing by Scott Malone, Sonya Hepinstall and Jonathan Oatis) Just because a business does not make any money, does not mean that the stock will go down. For example, although software-as-a-service business Salesforce.com lost money for years while it grew recurring revenue, if you held shares since 2005, you'd have done very well indeed. But the harsh reality is that very many loss making companies burn through all their cash and go bankrupt. So, the natural question for SoftOx Solutions (OB:SOFTOX-ME) shareholders is whether they should be concerned by its rate of cash burn. In this report, we will consider the company's annual negative free cash flow, henceforth referring to it as the 'cash burn'. Let's start with an examination of the business's cash, relative to its cash burn. See our latest analysis for SoftOx Solutions When Might SoftOx Solutions Run Out Of Money? A company's cash runway is the amount of time it would take to burn through its cash reserves at its current cash burn rate. As at June 2019, SoftOx Solutions had cash of kr2.9m and no debt. In the last year, its cash burn was kr20m. That means it had a cash runway of around 2 months as of June 2019. It's extremely surprising to us that the company has allowed its cash runway to get that short! You can see how its cash balance has changed over time in the image below. OB:SOFTOX-ME Historical Debt, January 8th 2020 How Is SoftOx Solutions's Cash Burn Changing Over Time? Although SoftOx Solutions reported revenue of kr6.9m last year, it didn't actually have any revenue from operations. To us, that makes it a pre-revenue company, so we'll look to its cash burn trajectory as an assessment of its cash burn situation. As it happens, the company's cash burn reduced by 6.1% over the last year, which suggests that management may be mindful of the risks of their depleting cash reserves. SoftOx Solutions makes us a little nervous due to its lack of substantial operating revenue. We prefer most of the stocks on this list of stocks that analysts expect to grow. Story continues How Hard Would It Be For SoftOx Solutions To Raise More Cash For Growth? Even though it has reduced its cash burn recently, shareholders should still consider how easy it would be for SoftOx Solutions to raise more cash in the future. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash to fund growth. By comparing a company's annual cash burn to its total market capitalisation, we can estimate roughly how many shares it would have to issue in order to run the company for another year (at the same burn rate). SoftOx Solutions's cash burn of kr20m is about 9.3% of its kr209m market capitalisation. That's a low proportion, so we figure the company would be able to raise more cash to fund growth, with a little dilution, or even to simply borrow some money. Is SoftOx Solutions's Cash Burn A Worry? Even though its cash runway makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought SoftOx Solutions's cash burn relative to its market cap was relatively promising. After looking at that range of measures, we think shareholders should be extremely attentive to how the company is using its cash, as the cash burn makes us uncomfortable. While it's important to consider hard data like the metrics discussed above, many investors would also be interested to note that SoftOx Solutions insiders have been trading shares in the company. Click here to find out if they have been buying or selling. If you would prefer to check out another company with better fundamentals, then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt or this list of stocks which are all forecast to grow. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The mayor of Anchorage has asked state legislators to consider giving part of the Alaska Permanent Fund to cities and boroughs. Ethan Berkowitz made a pitch to lawmakers Monday for municipalities to share a portion of the annual cash transfer from the fund to the state treasury. Lawmakers approved the transfer in 2018 but did not determine the specific split of the money between government operations and the permanent fund dividend for residents. The Legislature is set to consider the issue again after the next session opens Jan. 21. The Legislature should consider splitting the transfer three ways, with one of the three shares consisting of a community dividend, Berkowitz said. The funds would cover some of the states responsibilities, he said. A community dividend, in essence, would mean you would divide the dividend payout between state government, the dividend itself and local government, Berkowitz said. A community dividend would allow the state to eliminate school bond debt payments and require local governments to take a greater share of public works, Berkowitz said. We could do things like plow some of the state road and that would do things like reduce costs at the state level, and at the same time give us increased capacity locally, Berkowitz said. Democratic state Rep. Andy Josephson of Anchorage said the measure would be politically difficult to accomplish. Theres just been no momentum behind a community dividend, he said. The state has repeatedly cut financial support for municipalities since 2014 while transferring some obligations to cities and boroughs. The Alaska Municipal League, a group that lobbies on behalf of boroughs and cities, has expressed support for the community dividend. Sydney Festival director Wesley Enoch has unloaded on legendary French actress Isabelle Adjani and the producers of Opening Night who cancelled their show due to fears about how Sydney's bushfire smoke might affect cast members. A furious Enoch said he felt abandoned and was "incredibly disappointed" about the cancellation, which Adjani's team says was necessary to avoid "endangering her life". Isabelle Adjani won't be coming to Sydney because of bushfire fears. Credit:Getty Images "I've been told not to swear about this," Enoch said. "It's very demoralising for us who are already living through this. Im very ... angry and I'm upset. "The signal it gives to the people of Sydney is that this company of artists don't care about us, that they care more about themselves and their fears. I'm not at all sympathetic to their issue." Three wanted criminals belonging to a nomadic tribe, including two accused of dacoity and rape, were arrested from Etah district by the Uttar Pradesh police's Special Task Force (STF) on Wednesday, officials said. The accused were members of a gang active in western Uttar Pradesh and involved in robberies and dacoities at residential houses, the officials said, adding that they also used to target vehicles on highways. Those arrested were Lalla alias Raju alias Raj Kumar Baheliya alias Manoj, Akash Baheliya alias Kundan alias Ajaypal and Karan Singh Baheliya, all natives of Farukkhabad district, a senior police officer said. The Baheliyas are a nomadic tribe. "The three men were held at around 6 pm by the Noida unit of the STF, along with the Etah police, following a tip-off," Deputy Superintendent of Police, STF, Raj Kumar Mishra said. "Gold weighing about 2.5 kg, silver jewellery, Rs 1.20 lakh in cash, three pistols, along with ammunition and a gas cutter, were seized from their possession. Two motorcycles of the accused have also been impounded," he added. Lalla (40) was involved in the gangrape of a woman at a brick kiln in Greater Noida's Rabupura area in 2016, Mishra said. Other members of his gang were also involved in multiple cases of robbery, dacoity and rape, dating back to 2000, he added. They have FIRs registered against them in Agra, Bulandshahr, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Farukkhabad, Etah, Mainpuri and Kanpur, the officer said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two of the biggest health unions will continue their crippling strike action on Friday as their fight for better pay and conditions gathers pace. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is due to stage its second 12-hour strike this week, while Unison members will take part in co-ordinated action around Northern Ireland. There will be a 12-hour strike by all Unison members between 8am and 8pm at Ulster, Ards and Bangor hospitals, while hospitals in Belfast will be hit by Unison nurses striking for the first four hours of their shifts. Read More There will also be a four-hour strike across the whole of the Western Trust, beginning at 10am, while Unison receptionists and ward clerks at Antrim Area Hospital's ED will walk out between 4am and noon. It comes after Wednesday's 12-hour strike by RCN members who are campaigning to improve patient safety across Northern Ireland. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures were cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations, as a result. However, there are fears that Friday's action could have catastrophic consequences for the already fragile health service. Dr Tony Stevens, chief executive of the Northern Trust, expressed his concern about the timing of the action - coming as the service is already under considerable pressure. Expand Close Striking staff outside Belfast City Hospital / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Striking staff outside Belfast City Hospital And he warned that the full impact of this week's strike action may not become evident until Sunday. The chief executives of the health trusts have come under fire for raising concerns over the safety of the ongoing industrial action. In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, they said: "With two strike days planned in the space of 72 hours this week, there are serious concerns that the system could be pushed beyond the tipping point. "This could mean patient safety compromised as never before. "While we continue to support our staff and are respectful of their right to take action, we would urge a postponement. "Given the pressurised context, we believe this would be a responsible action as we know their members care deeply about patient and client safety." Read More Dr Stevens was present at the picket line at the entrance of Antrim Area Hospital on Wednesday, where he denied claims by the RCN that nurses feel they are being "bullied" by bosses calling for a pause to the strike action. "Obviously there is real tension at the moment, but I think the chief executives have been very clear in their support for the staff fighting for pay parity and we share their concerns about staffing," he said. "I am very concerned that after all this is over, that the public will have lost confidence in the health service. "We want to attract people to work here but how can we do that if we're making headlines saying the service isn't safe? "I don't agree that it isn't safe. In the midst of all the noise, can we please recognise that the quality of care that the vast majority of people get is a good standard? "We employ fantastic staff, doing fantastic work, who are doing amazing things under too much pressure, but we believe the industrial action may take us beyond tipping point. Expand Close Striking workers outside Ulster Hospital / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Striking workers outside Ulster Hospital "The reality is it's a tough day in our hospital today and Friday will be hard, but I worry about Sunday the most. "We can't discharge a lot of patients on a Saturday, so I think Sunday is when you're going to see problems." Asked whether it is realistic to expect health service members to postpone strike action in the hope that political parties will return to a power-sharing executive, Dr Stevens said: "I think we should have confidence in the politicians." It has been claimed repeatedly by the Secretary of State that only the Department of Health can provide pay parity. The political parties have until Monday to re-establish an executive or face an election. On Wednesday, the Belfast Telegraph revealed that Northern Ireland is facing the possibility of crippling strike action by teachers, NHS staff and civil servants in a matter of weeks. Public service unions are discussing staging industrial action on a scale never been seen before in Northern Ireland in a bid to save the crisis-hit health service. They are also considering asking private sector workers to come out and protest in solidarity as efforts to secure pay parity and safe staffing levels in the health service are ramped up. The Equal Justice Initiative reported today that some prison systems banned the book Just Mercy by EJI founder and executive director Bryan Stevenson, along with other books under what it says are arbitrary rules that exclude books on civil rights, especially by black authors. According to EJI, prison systems in Kansas and North Carolina banned Just Mercy" but lifted the ban after objections were raised. Just Mercy tells the true story of Walter McMillian, who was released from Alabamas death row in 1993 after serving six years for a murder he did not commit. Stevenson and EJI represented McMillian and exposed the false testimony that led to his conviction. The Warner Brothers movie based on the book, also entitled Just Mercy, will be widely released on Friday. According to EJI, black writers whose work is frequently banned by prison systems include James Baldwin, Malcolm X, Alex Haley, Toni Morrison, and Michelle Alexander. Examples of books banned by state and federal prison systems include the autobiography Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. DuBois, and Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama, EJI said. EJI does not list the states that banned Just Mercy. It does not report that Alabama prisons banned the book. EJI filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of an inmate in 2011 when an Alabama prison banned the book, Slavery by Another Name by Douglas Blackmon, which won a Pulitzer Prize. Prison officials lifted the ban after a wave of media attention over the lawsuit. This story was updated at 8:08 p.m. to say that Kansas and North Carolina prison systems banned Just Mercy but lifted the ban after objections were raised. In the aftermath of the killing, US Embassy in Iraq has come under attack once. But more prominently, on January 5, Iran announced it would abandon limitations on enriching uranium, taking a further step back from commitments to a 2015 nuclear deal with six major powers. (Image: Reuters) Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement advising all Indians to drop any plan of non-essential travel to Iraq. It goes on to urge all Indians to cut down travel as much possible even within Iraq and stay alert at all times. MEA: In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq. pic.twitter.com/kmFsb0G60M ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 The MEA statement reads: In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq. Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq. The urgent notification comes after Iran launched a salvo of missiles to destroy US military bases in Iraq in retaliation to the US drone strike that killed Irans top Revolutionary Guard commander Qassem Soleimani on January 3. The Iranian general was killed on the behest of US President Donald Trump as he wanted to quell Iran's plans to attack American diplomats in the future. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 Meanwhile, the US President has responded to the missile attack with an "All is well tweet". DOWNIEVILLE, Calif. - A retiree has cancelled an around-the-world trip to save California's oldest weekly newspaper, which was set to shut down when its editor retires this month. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. In this Dec. 13, 2018, photo, Scott McDermid loads freshly printed copies of The Mountain Messenger, the oldest weekly newspaper in Sierra County, into the trunk of a car in Quincy, Calif. It covers two rural counties northeast of Sacramento and was set to stop publishing when its editor retires in January 2020. But retiree Carl Butz has stepped in and says he will take over the weekly based out of his hometown of Downieville, Calif. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via AP) DOWNIEVILLE, Calif. - A retiree has cancelled an around-the-world trip to save California's oldest weekly newspaper, which was set to shut down when its editor retires this month. The paper began in 1853 as a twice-per-month publication; its claim to fame is that Mark Twain once wrote there under his real name, Sam Clemens. He was there hiding out from authorities in Nevada, where he had accepted a challenge to a duel after dueling had been outlawed, Don Russell, 70, the current publisher who is retiring told SFGate. Carl Butz, 71, says he is taking over the Mountain Messenger, which is based out of his hometown of Downieville and covers two rural counties northeast of Sacramento. Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed. "I've been a widower for three years and this is a new chapter in my life," Butz, who lives in an off-the-grid cabin, told SFGate. What am I going to do? Go on another trip around the world? Instead, I'm doing something good for the community, and I feel good about it. Known around the area as the Mountain Mess, the paper covers school board meetings, federal land use and other issues. Ready, Pet, Go! Leesa Dahl looks at everything to do with our furry, fuzzy, feathered, fishy (and more!) pet friends. Arrives in your inbox each Monday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Russell, the Mountain Messenger's editor-publisher, told The Los Angeles Times he is planning to retire soon and had spent the past year trying to sell the paper but hadn't received any offers. Russell became co-owner of the paper in the early 1990s. The Jan. 16 edition will be his last in his current role but he said he plans to continue his association with the paper after he takes a vacation with his wife. Its the absolute best thing I could have hoped for, he said. I get to do the stuff I like to do and not have to do the stuff I dont like to do. A retired independent software consultant, Butz plans to run the weekly as a non-profit and do some writing and editing. He will rely on volunteers to help fill the paper. Hes already found a woman who wants to cover the Board of Supervisors meetings, he said. As newspapers shut down nationwide, Butz says he is happy to keep the Mountain Messenger going. Theres just been this rash of these things across the country; you lose the community, Butz said. The US cannot evade the consequences of its terroristic measures , said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. According to him, the Americans could not achieve their goals assassinating General Qasem Soleimani, Mehr reported. The US cannot evade the consequences its terroristic measures and will definitely receive the response of its wicked crime, Rouhani said Wednesday adding that Americans made a grave historic mistake by this criminal act. "If General Soleimani wished, he could terminate hundreds of American commanders in different parts of the region, but he was one of the most moderate military commanders in the region and the world, he noted. He also described the decision of the Iraqi parliament on the need for the withdrawal of American troops from the country as another response to the US criminal act. "The Americans thought that they burned Gen. Soleimanis body with missile, but they burned the hearts of millions of free people in the world and it is natural that America cannot distance itself from this catastrophe and it will definitely get a response for this crime, the President added. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 12:32:11|Editor: ZX Video Player Close MUMBAI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Indian Police has filed a first information report (FIR) against a woman for holding "Free Kashmir" placard during a protest at Gateway of India late Tuesday in Mumbai. "We have filed case against Mahek Mirza Prabhu under Section 153b (Imputation, assertions prejudicial to national interest) under IPC (Indian Penal Code)," a city police official said. So far, the police are scanning CCTV footage and other video evidences to get more details, but have not called her for a statement. Mahek Mirza Prabhu, a story-teller and performer, was holding a poster that read Free Kashmir during a protest at Gateway of India in Mumbai on Monday evening against police in action at a campus on Sunday in Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. Mahek had already apologised for the controversy, stating that her holding the placard has been misinterpreted. The Head of the Petitions and Social Affairs department replied that Their Majesties the King and the Queen have directed him to acknowledge the receipt of her letter. Besides the request has been forwarded to the attention of the Mayor of the City of Brussel Open source The Belgian royal palace sent a letter of response to Kseniya Zbyshko, an 11-year-old Kyiv school girl, who presented a Chat Pis sculpture to the Royal family of Belgium to make a contribution to the family of masterpieces of the Petit Julien, the Jeanneke Pis, and the Chien Pis. The Head of the Petitions and Social Affairs department replied that Their Majesties the King and the Queen have directed him to acknowledge the receipt of her letter. Besides the request has been forwarded to the attention of the Mayor of the City of Brussels. "I received a response to my letter from the Belgium royal palace! Thank you very much, Your Royal Highness! I am looking forward to the decision of the Mayor of the City of Brussels," Kseniya Zbyshko wrote on her Instagram page. As we reported earlier, Kseniya Zbyshko offered the royal family of Belgium to install the sculpture Cat Pis in Brussels. A murderer who has spent 30 years in prison but always refused to reveal where he dumped his victim's body will be released from jail, it emerged today. Ian Simms, 63, was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years after killing 22-year-old Helen McCourt in 1988 as she walked home from work in Billinge, Merseyside. The Parole Board confirmed it is standing by its original decision to free Simms after refusing the justice secretary's request to keep him behind bars. Helen's mother Marie McCourt called on Robert Buckland to step in after the board decided Simms had met the test for release three decades after Helen went missing. Ian Simms (left, in August 2014), 63, was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years after killing 22-year-old Helen McCourt (right) in 1988 as she walked home from work in Billinge, Merseyside Marie McCourt holds a picture of her late daughter Helen McCourt after she gave evidence at a Parole Board hearing on November 7 last year A Parole Board spokesman said: 'The Parole Board has decided that the original decision to release Ian Simms should stand, after considering a reconsideration application from the Secretary of State. 'Whilst the Parole Board has every sympathy with Helen McCourt's family, if the board is satisfied that imprisonment is no longer necessary for the protection of the public, they are legally obliged to direct release.' In a statement, Mrs McCourt said: 'I am very disappointed with the Parole Board's announcement and do not accept what they are saying - that Simms is safe to be released. 'I am consulting my legal team to discuss my next steps.' Mr Buckland said: 'The reconsideration of this case by a Parole Board judge is a process independent from Government but we are obviously disappointed with the outcome. 'I understand this will be extremely upsetting for the family of Helen McCourt and my heartfelt sympathies remain with them. 'Marie McCourt has told me and my predecessors repeatedly of the additional anguish experienced by her and others in similar situations. 'I hope Helen's Law, which is now before Parliament, will serve as a lasting legacy to Helen and to the bravery of Marie and her family.' Her mother Marie McCourt is pictured at home in front of a collage of a picture of her daughter Since his conviction in 1989, Simms has shown no remorse and steadfastly refused to reveal what he had done with the insurance clerk's remains. He has always maintained his innocence over the death of the insurance clerk, who vanished on her way home from work in Liverpool in 1988 and whose body has never been found. His release has now been approved despite Mr Buckland last month ordering the board to review its decision on the former pub owner. Mr Buckland's request for a reconsideration was made on grounds including that the original decision was 'irrational' and 'erroneous', according to documents on the application. WHAT IS HELEN'S LAW? Marie McCourt wants Britain to adopt 'Helen's Law' legislation which would prevent the release of killers who have hidden the locations of their victims' bodies. She writes on change.org: If parole is granted, my hopes of finding my daughter may never be realised. No other family should live this ordeal. I, hereby, petition the Prime Minister Theresa May and Home Secretary Amber Rudd to acknowledge the pain and distress caused to the families of missing murder victims by: Denying parole to murderers for as long as they refuse to disclose the whereabouts of their victim's remains Passing a full life tariff (denying parole or release) until the murderer discloses the location (and enables the recovery) of their victim's remains Automatically applying the following rarely-used common law offences in murder trials without a body*; preventing the burial of a corpse and conspiracy to prevent the burial of a corpse, disposing of a corpse, obstructing a coroner (*as in the case of R v Hunter, 1974 (from Archbold, Criminal Pleading Evidence and Practice 2015) Advertisement In his findings, Parole Board chairman Sir David Calvert-Smith, a former director of public prosecutions and retired judge who reviewed the request, said it was 'impossible' to characterise the decision as 'irrational' and therefore the application was refused. Simms will not be released imminently and it could take weeks to arrange but may be dependent on whether campaigners launch legal action against the ruling, it is understood. The original decision came after Mrs McCourt's campaign to keep killers behind bars until they lead police to the victim's body, dubbed Helen's Law, failed to be ratified before Parliament on numerous occasions - twice being delayed because of general elections. The Prisoners (Disclosure of Information about Victims) Bill was brought back to Parliament on Wednesday but a date has not yet been set for it to be properly debated by MPs. Pub landlord Simms, who was convicted by a jury on overwhelming DNA evidence of Ms McCourt's abduction and murder, is serving his life sentence at HMP Garth in Leyland, Lancashire. He has always maintained his innocence over the death of Ms McCourt, an insurance clerk who vanished on her way home from work in Liverpool in 1988. Simms was convicted of her murder the following year, having been told he would serve at least 16 years and one day behind bars. He was eligible to be considered for release in February 2004. Mrs McCourt previously said she was 'in shock' at the decision to consider Simms' release. The summary of the Parole Board's original ruling said Simms was deemed suitable for release due to factors including the 'considerable change in his behaviour'. The decision to release him was subject to a number of conditions including residing at a designated address, having to wear a tagging device to monitor his whereabouts, observe a curfew and avoid any contact with the family of his victim. Ian Simms arrives at St Helen's Magistrates' Court in Merseyside on February 15, 1988 The victim's mother Marie McCourt campaigned for four years for a new law which would force the Parole Board to consider a killer's failure to reveal where their victim's body is located before approving their release. The legislation, dubbed Helen's Law, was just weeks from being put on the statute books when Parliament was dissolved for last month's General Election. In the meantime, Simms was given a parole hearing and judges agreed he could go free. They claimed that Simms was low risk, despite agreeing he would probably never reveal what he had done with Miss McCourt's remains because during his three decades inside he has convinced himself he is innocent. Mrs McCourt said the Parole Board's logic was flawed and its argument proved Simms was a 'psychopath'. She also cited a menacing letter he wrote to her from jail in 1991, in which he threatened her family and vowed 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,' and to get 'justice' for himself once released. Under measures introduced last July, following the outcry when the Parole Board incorrectly ordered the release of rapist cab driver John Worboys, the Justice Secretary or a prisoner can make a request for a decision to be reconsidered. This can be made if someone has reasons to show the decision is either unfair - for instance, important evidence was not shared - or because it was irrational. The Queen's Speech last month saw Helen's Law return under its official title of the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information about Victims Bill). Washington and Tehran should immediately stop using weapons to give space to dialogue to de-escalate the situation, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters. The use of weapons must stop now to give space to dialogue. We are all called upon to do everything possible to rekindle talks. There cannot be enough of that, CNBC reported quoting the EC President. 2020 is just one week old and already off to a fast news start. By no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the big data trends and storylines Gallup editors will be watching throughout the rest of the year: Migration Four years after the peak of the migrant crisis in Europe and on the other side of the signing of the global migration compact, is the world more or less accepting of migrants? Is the U.S. still one of the most-accepting countries? Gallup will answer these questions later this year when we release the results from our second global administration of the Migrant Acceptance Index. Amid the backlash against migrants in the wake of the European migrant crisis, Gallup developed the Migrant Acceptance Index to gauge people's acceptance of migrants not only in Europe, but also throughout the rest of the world. The results from the inaugural index found the countries on the front lines of the migrant crisis were among the least-accepting countries in the world for migrants, with most located along the Balkan route that once channeled asylum-seekers from Greece to Germany. Many of these countries also rejected signing the Global Compact for Migration in late 2018. Least- and Most-Accepting Countries for Migrants Least accepting of migrants Most accepting of migrants Macedonia 1.47 Iceland 8.26 Montenegro 1.63 New Zealand 8.25 Hungary 1.69 Rwanda 8.16 Serbia 1.80 Canada 8.14 Slovakia 1.83 Sierra Leone 8.05 Israel 1.87 Mali 8.03 Latvia 2.04 Australia 7.98 Czech Republic 2.26 Sweden 7.92 Estonia 2.37 United States 7.86 Croatia 2.39 Nigeria 7.76 Note: Based on 138 countries surveyed in 2016; U.S. and Canada surveyed in 2017; top possible score is 9.0 Gallup World Poll Global Leadership The image of U.S. leadership was in poor shape worldwide in 2017 and 2018. What does it look like ahead of the next presidential election? Will the leadership of Russia and China continue to gain global clout? What about Germany, as longtime Chancellor Angela Merkel prepares to step down? Gallup will continue to track its decade-plus trend of how the world views the leadership of the U.S., Germany, China and Russia and will examine the regions where each of them has the most strength and weakness. Stress, Anger and Worry More people worldwide were stressed, worried and angry in 2018 than they've been at most points over the past decade that Gallup has been monitoring these emotions. This was particularly true in the U.S., where a majority of Americans (55%) said they had experienced stress during a lot of the day, nearly half (45%) said they felt worried a lot and more than one in five (22%) said they felt angry a lot. But are they as stressed and angry today? Or even more so? Find out how Americans are doing -- and how the rest of the world feels -- when Gallup updates its annual global barometer on emotions. Global Hotspots for Suffering GDP and other traditional income-based metrics that measure economic growth don't tell us enough on their own, and they certainly do not guarantee growth that is inclusive and sustainable -- which is where wellbeing metrics, including people's evaluations of their lives, help fill in the blanks. Gallup classifies individuals as "thriving," "struggling" or "suffering" based on how they rate their current and future lives using a ladder scale with steps numbered from zero to 10 (based on the Cantril Self-Anchoring Striving Scale). In 2018, at least one in three people in five countries -- Afghanistan, Yemen, Haiti, Iran and Ukraine -- rated their lives so poorly that they were considered suffering. The Five Countries With the Highest Levels of Suffering The Life Evaluation Index measures respondents' perceptions of where they stand now and in the future. Thriving Struggling Suffering % % % Afghanistan -- 15 85 Yemen 5 50 45 Haiti 14 46 40 Iran 12 54 34 Ukraine 14 53 33 Gallup World Poll, 2018 In war-torn Afghanistan, a record-high 85% of Afghans rated their lives so poorly in 2018 that they were considered suffering. This is notably also the highest percentage that Gallup has ever recorded for any country in the past decade. No Afghans rated their lives highly enough to be considered thriving. Although relatively high percentages of Yemenis have been considered suffering since civil war broke out in 2015, the 45% of Yemenis who were suffering in 2018 represents a new high for that country. This number has edged higher as the civil war rages on and Yemenis suffer from food shortages and disease outbreaks. More than six in 10 Yemenis (61%) struggled to afford food for their families in 2018. Haiti rounds out the top three countries with the highest levels of suffering in the world, with four in 10 Haitians rating their lives poorly enough in 2018 to fall into this category. High percentages of Haitians have been in distress for years, even before the devastating hurricane in 2016. That year, Haiti had the second-highest level of suffering of any country in the world. While several of the countries with the highest levels of suffering have been hotspots for years or even decades, some have faded from the news in recent months. However, given the high levels of suffering in these countries and the fact that many of them play host to or are involved in unresolved conflicts, they remain places to watch in 2020. This is John Baldessaris pencil. This is John Baldessaris chair. This is what John Baldessari sees when he sits at his desk. This is a film about John Baldessari, the artist. John Baldessari decided that this film should be narrated by me, Tom Waits. Hes got a great voice. Thanks, John. John Baldessari has been called the godfather of conceptual art a master of appropriation, a surrealist for the digital age. Hes made paintings, photographs, billboards, videos, films, sculptures, digital art, credit cards and an iPhone app. In 1970, John Baldessari burnt everything he ever made. It was in a crematorium so the proper term would be cremated, I suppose. Well get back to that. John Baldessari is a towering figure. Hes 6 foot 7 inches tall. Oh, yeah, you get a lot of, you know, Hows the weather up there?, blah blah blah. John Baldessaris studio door has two peepholes: regular height and Baldessari height. John Baldessari wonders about Clint Eastwoods height. How tall is he? John can be instantly recognized by his big, beautiful beard. Its pretty much the same color as my hair. John Baldessari has had over 200 solo shows and over 1,000 group shows. Johns awards and honors include membership in the American Academy of Arts and Letters the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement award at the Venice Biennale in 2009 for the lifetime [mumbles] Jesus Christ. This is John Baldessaris coffee machine. Thats John Baldessaris Wi-Fi password. In a hundred years John Baldessari suspects he will be best remembered as The guy that put dots over peoples faces. John Baldessari is so successful that he carries absolutely nothing in his pockets. Not a thing. John Baldessari was born and raised in National City, Calif., 15 minutes from the Mexican border. Another former resident is me, Tom Waits. The art scene in National City in the 1960s was It was probably me. John printed text on canvas and he called it art. He also took photographs with intentionally bad compositions, and he called it wrong. If the artist calls it art its art. In 1970 John Baldessari decided to cremate all the paintings he made between 1953 and 1966. I still have the ashes in a bronze urn in the shape of a book suitable for your library shelf. This is John Baldessaris library. These are John Baldessaris push pins Baldessari once said that the most important artist of the 1960s was not Andy Warhol or Jasper Johns but the director Jean-Luc Godard. I probably did say that. John Baldessari has a huge collection of film stills organized by subject. Guy riding a horse. Indian riding a horse. Guy being shot with an arrow. Indian falling off a horse. And, uh, a lot of shots with kissing. This is John Baldessaris dog, Giotto. In 1971 John Baldessari made a famous announcement. I will not make any boring art Baldessari made a video in which he wrote the phrase until the tape ran out. I will not make any more boring art. Baldessari had many photographs taken of himself covering his face with different hats, waving at sailboats, hitting objects with a golf club. He was making art. I am making art. I am making art. One day, John Baldessari made a simple discovery. Dots. I just had these price stickers I was using for something else in some graphic way. And I put them on all the faces. And I just felt like Id leveled the playing field. Baldessaris work was hailed as cool, funny, cerebral, sardonic, provocative. I think its just my take on the world John Baldessaris name is internationally recognized. Cool. Ladies think his name sounds sexy Like, I can live with that. John Baldessaris recent blockbuster exhibition Pure Beauty started at the Tate Modern in London. traveled to Barcelona, then to LACMA, then finally touched down at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. John Baldessari has influenced an entire generation of the worlds leading artists. His studio is filled with thank-you notes and inscribed books. Some of the inscriptions say gratitude, friendship, thank you, a mentor. John Baldessari believes that every young artist should know three things. One: Talent is cheap Two: You have to be possessed which you cant will. And three: Be at the right place at the right time. I will not make any more boring art. I will not make any more boring art. I will not make any more boring art. This is John Baldessari waving goodbye. Bye, John. Andrew Yang talks rising tension in Iran, again calling the killing of Soleimani a 'mistake' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Businessman Andrew Yang, and his wife Evelyn, joined ABC's "The View" Wednesday, his third guest appearance as a presidential candidate, to address the rising tension in Iran and the recent killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, which he has repeatedly called a "mistake." "The View" co-host Abby Huntsman asked Yang how he would have handled relations with Iran and if he would have authored the attack that killed Soleimani. "I would not have, no. I think it was a mistake," Yang said. "The story seems to be that a number of solutions were represented to President [Donald] Trump and he chose the most dramatic option that even the military leaders would never have expected him in some way." Yang said he believes the American people are looking for a commander-in-chief with "the right temperament, judgment and values." "I would push the power to declare war back to Congress where it belongs in our constitution," he told the hosts, echoing recent efforts by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to debate and vote on updates to the war powers resolution. While Congress does still have the constitutional power to declare war, it hasnt taken a vote to do so since World War II. According to the 1973 War Powers Act, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of any armed conflict and is required to get congressional approval for any involvement beyond 60 days, but Congress has often been reticent to vote on such involvement. MORE: Iran missile attacks: Trump to address nation Yang stands as one of the top several remaining candidates in the race less than a month before the first votes will be cast in the Iowa caucuses -- even outlasting several former and current lawmakers. He and his wife have been campaigning together, openly speaking about the challenge of raising a son with special needs -- as one of their sons is autistic. The couple have hosted several campaign events focused on how theyd support other families who have children with special needs. Story continues The entrepreneur is still three polls away from qualifying for the January Democratic debate, prompting his campaign in late December to write Democratic National Committee chairman Tom Perez a letter, urging the DNC to commission additional early state polls in order to help diversify the debate stage. PHOTO: Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang appears on ABC's 'The View,' Jan. 8, 2020. (Paula Lobo/ABC) Yangs request was denied, but in that letter he stated that he agreed that the debate thresholds "should consistently be raised as we get closer to Caucus day in Iowa." This seemed to contradict his stance from a couple weeks earlier when he signed on to a letter written by New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker asking the DNC to revert the debate qualification criteria to the less stringent ones used in the earlier debates. When pressed by ABC News about if he had contradicted himself, he clarified by saying he had hoped that the qualifications had not been raised" for the upcoming January debate, "in part so that Cory would have a better shot at qualifying." MORE: Andrew Yang qualifies for last Democratic debate of 2019 as lone candidate of color But even as the candidate has plateaued in the polls, his fundraising totals have continued to grow each quarter. Yang conceded that the reason his poll numbers have struggled to gain traction, is because he has yet to introduce his campaign to more voters. "Well Im new to most Americans and as soon as people find out more about me and my vision for the country, how we need to humanize our economy and make it work for us and our families, then we see consistent increases in support, he told "The View" co-host Sunny Hostin. Yang told ABC News he feels confident hell make the debate stage, citing "the electricity" in his crowds. Multiple campaign events in recent days have had to be spaced out between different venues to accommodate the growing interest. During one event in New Hampshire last week, his campaign moved a throng of supporters outside in 30 degree temperatures so Yang could address everyone. The rise in interest also comes as Yang has been distinguishing himself from other candidates. MORE: Andrew Yang on 'The View': 'Zero truth' to former staffer's firing claims His signature universal basic income policy, the "Freedom Dividend," would give $1000 a month to every American citizen over the age of 18 who opts into the program. This approach has drawn countless supporters to his campaign, but he admittedly has yet to draw in support from a key Democratic voter block: African-Americans. PHOTO: Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and his wife Evelyn Yang appear on ABC's 'The View,' Jan. 8, 2020. (Paula Lobo/ABC) "We have to make the economy work for us, for you, for your families and the best way to do that is to put money directly into your hands, he said as he looked straight into the camera. "Dr. [Martin Luther King, Jr.] championed the guaranteed minimum income for all Americans and that is exactly what Im fighting for. Unlike Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who has proposed imposing a wealth tax on wealthy individuals, he argued, his money would go straight into the hands of Americans through his "Freedom Dividend." Yang also proposed paying for his dividend plan by imposing a Value Added Tax on big corporations such as Amazon. MORE: Andrew Yang: Everything you need to know about the 2020 presidential candidate And after former Vice President Joe Biden suggested that coal miners could learn how to code, Yang said he disagreed. "Joe and I get along very well but he and I disagree fundamentally on this. Where the skills necessary to be a coal miner and the skills necessary to be a coder are very, very different," he said. "And generalizing and saying that anyone can do one can do another is very counterproductive. It's not indicative of reality." But his campaign continues to struggle with some more logical aspects. PHOTO: Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang appears on ABC's 'The View,' Jan. 8, 2020. (Paula Lobo/ABC) In the past week, his campaign said a "bureaucratic paperwork issue" caused their application for the Ohio ballot to be denied, now forcing them to launch a write-in campaign in order to appear on the state's ballot. The 14-page document, pulled from Ohio's Portage County, shows a number of missing components in the paperwork filed by Mr. Yang's campaign, and calls attention to the fact that the Yang campaign is not run by traditional political operatives and staff. MORE: Andrew Yang, pressed on health care, says he would 'expand' universal health care 'over time' "We appreciate the Ohio Secretary of States handling of this matter and respecting the democratic process," Yangs National Press Secretary S.Y. Lee said in a statement. "We are thrilled that Andrew Yang will be able to engage with Ohio voters in a meaningful way." Yang has said hed be open to being a VP pick for any of his fellow candidates and reiterated that hed be open to serving the American people in any capacity, even if its not as president. "Im here to help solve the problems that affect us all that we are leaving for our kids," Yang said. "If thats as president, great. If thats in some other capacity, also great -- because we all need to do more to help build the country." ABC News' John Parkinson and Steff Thomas contributed to this report. A Lebanese prosecutor said Wednesday he was summoning former auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn due to an Interpol "red notice" over financial misconduct charges in Japan, state media said. Ghosn was summoned to appear for questioning Thursday and would also be asked to give a statement over a complaint filed by Lebanese lawyers that he travelled to Israel as head of Renault-Nissan, the National News Agency said. Lebanon is technically still at war with neighbouring Israel. Search Keywords: Short link: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged all citizens to remain calm as officials race to produce a list of those aboard the crashed airline in Iran. Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 crashed shortly after take off from Imam Khomeini International Airport, Tehran, on Wednesday morning, Tehran, killing all 176 passengers and crew members onboard, according to Iranian Red Crescent. Initial reports said 180 passengers and crew members were aboard. The flight took off at about 6:12 a.m. local time, crashing within minutes afterwards. Irans ISNA news agency circulated a video on Twitter which showed a glow of an aircraft light flickering for a few seconds before a massive explosion. In a Facebook post shortly after the crash, Mr Zelensky confirmed all passengers and crew members were killed. He condoled with the families of victims and said foreign ministry officials have been directed to establish the circumstances that led to the crash. In additional updates on his Facebook page, the president said a commission had been raised to investigate the crash alongside Iranian authorities and civil aviation experts. The crash occurred hours after Iran fired missiles at Iraqi military bases sheltering American soldiers, although initial reports already blamed technical difficulties for the crash. Mr Zelensky urged the public to be patient and refrain from circulating unconfirmed causes of the crash. I really ask everyone to refrain from speculating unverified versions of the disaster, the president said. Officials from the Iranian Red Crescent said medical experts arrived at the scene of the crash in multiple helicopters on Wednesday morning to evacuate remains of victims. They urged people to stay away from the scene to avoid compromising material that may be useful to air crash investigators. The Red Crescent also said the crash did not affect homes, even though it occurred in a field near a residential area. January 6, 2020: December is a good time for Chilean cherries to hit the market. The strong sunlight and fertile volcanic soil of South America provide the perfect conditions for producing exquisite, flavorful and plump cherries with a pleasing color and sweetness. On Christmas Day, a large quantity of Chilean cherries completed their long journey from South America to arrive at the Port of Nansha. On Dec. 25, Christmas Day in the West, the Nansha Harbor Area of the Port of Nansha saw the arrival of the container ship Lloyd Don Giovanni, the very first cherry express service from Evergreen. The unloading, customs clearance, release and transportation to Jiangnan Fruit Wholesale Market were completed within only 2.5 hours, bringing the freshest Chilean cherries to eager Chinese consumers. This sets the record for the fastest and most cost-effective cherry express service in South China. To expedite customs clearance and maintain the highest levels of freshness and firmness, Nansha customs applied a special customs clearance mode designed for very delicate fruits such as cherries and permitted advance declaration of the shipment. The shipment comprised 23 containers of cherries in total, of which six containers (26%) were inspected. For a closer look at the speed of the clearance process, let us examine the timeline: 3:17 p.m. Fastening of first mooring rope 3:50 p.m. Unloading of first container 4:17 p.m. First container out of the gate 4:25 p.m. Arrival of containers at Haixin Cold Storage Inspection Center for inspection 4:31 p.m. Unloading of last container 4:45 p.m. Last container out of the gate 5:15 p.m. Release of inspected containers 6:40 p.m. Arrival of the first vehicle of cherries at Jiangnan Fruit Wholesale Market The containers that did not require inspection were shipped to Jiangnan Fruit Wholesale Market, five vehicles of cherries were transferred from the Haixin Cold Storage Inspection Center to Shanghai, and one vehicle of cherries was transferred to Jiaxing market in Zhejiang province. Nansha Harbor Area is the nearest wharf to Jiangnan Fruit Wholesale Market. Through the Nansha Express, produce arriving at Nansha Harbor Area can reach the Jiangnan Fruit Wholesale Market on the same day as their arrival via Hong Kong. In light of the martyrdom of commander Qasem Soleimani, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Armenia has opened a Book of Mourning for high-ranking officials and others to leave notes, reports the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Armenia. The Union of Iranian Students in Armenia will also pay tribute to the honorable martyr, commander Qasem Soleimani by lighting candles and laying flowers in front of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Armenia. Citizens may also join this ceremony of paying tribute to the commander on January 8-9. Bengaluru, Jan 8 : The all-India shutdown call by trade unions and other organisations on Wednesday showed little impact in this tech city as it turned out to be a normal working day, an official said. "No effect of shutdown in the city though banking operations are affected as bank staff is supporting the trade unions," the official told IANS here. However, thousands of workers participated in other parts of Karnataka protesting the central government's anti-labour laws and privatisation attempts. The six major demands of the protesting trade unions are that the Centre should drop the proposed labour reforms, raise minimum wage in the range of Rs 21,000 - Rs 24,000 per month, and stop privatisation of public sector undertakings (PSUs). Other demands include opposition to privatisation of railways and corporatisation of 49 defence production units, merging 44 labour laws into four codes and the repealing of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR). Protesters were seen carrying the red trade union flags at several places such as Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Tumakuru, Mysuru, Bengaluru and others. Massive protests were seen in Peenya, and Neelmangla areas of Bengaluru. At the busy Majestic location in the city, politician Vatal Nagaraj joined the protesters. A massive protest is currently underway at the Freedom Park in the city, with the agitators chanting in Kannada against the government. In Madikeri, stones were pelted at a bus and some protesters were detained in Kolar. Thousands of women participated in Mysuru wearing pink sarees. The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Indian National Trade Union Congress and Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) have given the Bharat Bandh call. Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa instructed the intelligence chief and additional director general of police Kamal Pant to maintain law and order in view of the Bharat bandh when he apprised him of the situation. Police tightened security across the city by deploying 11 deputy commissioners of police (DCPs), 23 assistant commissioners of police (ACP), 111 inspectors, 316 sub-inspectors, 476 assistant sub-inspectors, 4,547 constables along with 82 platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP). Bengaluru police commissioner Bhaskar Rao appealed to protesters not to inconvenience the general public. "No organizations permitted processions and all have obliged. We will do everything to keep city peaceful and normal. Protesters can exercise their democratic rights at Freedom Park. Call 100, if you need anything," tweeted Rao. In Bengaluru city, Metro services were not affected by the nationwide strike. In view of the shutdown, security was beefed up at the Metro stations. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Congress party has extended full support to the shutdown call, appealing to its party workers to take active part in protests. "I call upon everyone to vehemently oppose the hostile polities of Narendra Modi government and defend the rights of working class people," tweeted Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) working president and Bhalki MLA Eshwar Khandre. He recently took to the skies in a hot air balloon for his role in film The Aeronauts. And Eddie Redmayne swapped his mode of transport for something a little more practical when he went for a bike ride in Notting Hill, London, on Wednesday. However the eco-friendly British actor, 38, did not look very impressed as he attempted to cycle, somewhat unsteadily, down the road with a flat tyre. Oh no: Eddie Redmayne, 38, did not look very impressed as he attempted to cycle with a flat tyre in Notting Hill, London, on Wednesday Eddie had a pensive expression on his face as he held both handlebars on the cycle and kept on peddling regardless. The Theory Of Everything actor donned a red and black checked shirt for his ride which he paired with navy trousers. He completed his casual outfit by wearing crisp white trainers, a backpack and a patterned tan scarf. Oops! The actor's back wheel suffered a puncture and was seen completely flat as Eddie made his way along the road Eddie recently attended the world premiere of the HBO documentary Finding The Way Home, where he posed for snaps with his wife Hannah Bagshawe. The British actor narrates the film inspired by JK Rowling's foundation Lumos which seeks to end the institutionalization of children around the world. The documentary seeks to raise awareness of what life is like for the estimated eight million children worldwide who are living in orphanages and other institutions. Couple: Eddie and his wife Hannah Bagshawe attended the premiere of the HBO documentary Finding the Way Home, which he narrates, in New York City on Decemeber 11 The in demand actor's most recent film release was in The Aeronauts, where he plays 19th century meteorologist and hot air balloon pilot James Glaisher. The real-life figure broke an altitude record, though he ultimately passed out from the lack of oxygen before making an official recording. Glaisher was instrumental in taking temperature and humidity recordings of the atmosphere tens of thousands of feet above sea level. Little details: The star appeared to be wearing the same scarf on the red carpet, pictured, as he donned for his bike ride in London on Wednesday The film has been a success among critics and garnered a coveted 72 percent certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However the film's choice to erase Glaisher's co-pilot Henry Coxwell in favour of Felicity Jones' fictional character Amelia Wren upset some historians and scientists. Eddie will next be seen in another historical film, The Trial Of The Chicago 7, written and directed by The West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin. The movie concerns the trial of seven Vietnam Warera activists who were put on trial by the federal government for multiple charges related to protests in Chicago including inciting to riot and conspiracy. Eddie plays the activist and politician Tom Hayden, who was also married to Jane Fonda from 19731990. He will also return to the Harry Potter spin-off series Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them for its third installment. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. A federal housing agency is close to selling a group of nursing homes it took over 18 months ago after the biggest default in the history of a government mortgage insurance program that provides critical support to the nursing home industry. The Department of Housing and Urban Development recently reached an agreement with Greystone, a New York real estate finance firm, for the chain of elder care facilities scattered throughout Illinois, according to documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. The housing agency has managed the chain, Rosewood Care Centers, with the help of a court-appointed receiver since the previous owners defaulted on $146 million in government-guaranteed mortgages. The default raised questions about the departments oversight of a decades-old mortgage insurance program that backs 15% of the nations nursing homes. Greystone is a major lender to the nursing home industry and was servicing Rosewoods mortgages when the former owners defaulted. The company did not respond to requests for comment on the sale, which could close as early as February, according to filings in federal court in Illinois. HUD solicited bids for the Rosewood facilities a dozen nursing homes and one assisted living center until the end of May but since then has repeatedly declined to disclose the name of the prospective buyer or the purchase price. According to court filings, there were four bids for the properties, which the department had valued at $95 million. A HUD spokeswoman said the department could not comment until the sale is complete. The department has spent nearly $30 million since August 2018 to make up for shortfalls in funding at the Rosewood facilities and to pay for repairs. Greystone, which manages nursing homes in Florida, was identified as the incoming owner of the Rosewood chain in a licensing application filed in December with the Illinois Department of Public Health. The application documents, which were released in response to a public records request, indicate that Greystone will own and operate the facilities through a series of limited liability companies. The firm also intends to rename each of the facilities, according to the application. It is not clear how Greystone is paying for the facilities or if the firm is getting any credit from HUD for the losses it may have incurred in the default. The sale of the Rosewood facilities will not immediately end the work of the court-appointed receiver, the Long Hill Co. David Lawlor, Long Hills president, said in a court filing last month that his firm may remain on the job for another year to help with the transition to the new owner and operator. Court records also show that federal securities regulators are close to reaching a financial settlement with a former owner of the Rosewood facilities. The Securities and Exchange Commission in September charged a Chicago-area rabbi, Zvi Feiner, with defrauding a group of Orthodox Jewish investors who had put money into the Rosewood properties and other elder care facilities. Financial troubles at the Rosewood facilities began years before the government went to court to oust the former ownership group led by Feiner. HUD said in court documents that the owners had improperly diverted millions of dollars in federally insured funds to another nursing home that was not part of the program. Feiner already paid a $1 million penalty to HUD this summer for failing to file several years of audited financial reports required by the mortgage insurance program. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the central government does not provide funds for the annual 'Gangasagar Mela' held in the state, though it extends financial assistance to the 'Kumbh Mela'. Listing out various projects initiated by the state government in view of the Mela, held on the occasion of 'Makar Sankranti', Banerjee said the administration has been making consistent efforts to develop the Sagar Island, where it is held. "Gangasagar Mela is at par with the Kumbh Mela. The Centre provides funds for Kumbh Mela but does not extend financial assistance for Gangasagar," Banerjee said at Outram Ghat here. The Kumbh Mela is held in Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik and Ujjain. The West Bengal government had recently rolled back the pilgrim tax. "We had been demanding the withdrawal of pilgrim tax when we were in the opposition but to no avail. But, once we came to power, we decided to scrap it with immediate effect," she said. Asking devotees not to hurry to board vessels during their trip to the confluence, the CM said Rs 5 lakh as insurance would be given to the next of kin of a pilgrim in case of death. Banerjee said apart from making available 10 lakh water pouches and 4,000 buses, air ambulances will be deployed to help the pilgrims travelling from UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and other states. Lakhs of pilgrims from across the country gather every year at Sagar Island, situated at the confluence of the Ganga and Bay of Bengal, for the holy dip. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON - The Trump administration made its case on Capitol Hill for killing a powerful Iranian general, but Democrats and a handful of Republicans said the classified briefings Wednesday were short on details and left them wondering about the presidents next steps in the volatile Mideast. Democrats said that by not disclosing many details of the threat that prompted the U.S. to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, President Donald Trump is asking the American public to trust the very intelligence reports he has often disparaged. Top Trump administration officials have repeatedly stressed that the undisclosed intelligence about imminent threats to Americans in the Mideast required action that the president would have been negligent not to strike Iran. But Democrats want more information about what led Trump to kill Soleimani a man whose hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood, according to Trump. Trust us. Thats really what it all boils down to, Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said after a classified briefing top administration officials gave members of the House. But Im not sure that trust me is a satisfactory answer for me, Engel said. In contrast, Sen. Jim Risch, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called the Senates meeting one of the best briefings hes had as a member of Congress. He said the information was crystal clear. Some Republicans joined Democrats in criticizing the administrations presentations. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said it was probably the worst briefing Ive seen, at least on a military issue, in the nine years Ive served in the United States Senate. He said he found it insulting and demeaning for administration briefers to warn lawmakers against debating the merits of further military action against Iran because that would only embolden Tehran. It is not acceptable for officials within the executive branch of government ... to come in and tell us that we cant debate and discuss the appropriateness of military intervention against Iran. Its un-American, its unconstitutional, and its wrong, Lee said, adding that he now planned to support a war powers resolution introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. At one point, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, asked when, if not in this instance, would the administration consult Congress, according to a Senate aide familiar with the private session but unauthorized to discuss it by name. The answer from the top officials was basically a disinterest in consulting Congress, the aide said, leading some senators to storm out. The House is expected to vote this week on a similar resolution to limit Trumps military actions regarding Iran. Defence Secretary Mark Esper said he thought the congressional briefings offered lawmakers a compelling argument that the intelligence supported the strike on Soleimani. But he noted that only eight lawmakers the top four lawmakers in the House and Senate and chairmen and vice chairmen of the intelligence committees in both chambers are the only members of Congress who are authorized to see all the intelligence. One of the challenges, of course, is not everybody has, in fact most members of Congress do not have, access to the intelligence that I think was the most compelling, Esper said. Thats just simply the nature of the intelligence, and its restricted to the Gang of Eight. Democrats also are skeptical of the timing of the strike, which comes in the run-up to a Senate impeachment trial and at the start of a presidential election year. Its the same skepticism that some Republicans expressed in 1998 when they accused President Bill Clinton of using military strikes on Iraq to interrupt and delay a pending impeachment resolution against him. A top defender of the president, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., said afterward that theres no question the killing was justified. Asked if she was convinced by the briefing that Iranian attacks were imminent before the Soleimani strike, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., said, Yes. My questions were answered and satisfied. Democrats werent convinced. There were so many important questions that they did not answer, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., called the briefing profoundly unconvincing and said no case was made that the Iranian attacks were imminent. I leave this (briefing) more troubled than I went into it. The White House so far has ignored calls to declassify the written notification that Trump sent to Congress after the military operation, as required by the 1973 War Powers Act. Some lawmakers have said it was vague and inconsistent with details other administrations have provided Congress about military operations. They wondered why it had to be classified in the first place. One lawmaker, who has read the classified notification Trump sent Congress, and another individual familiar with it said the two-page document did not describe any imminent, planned attacks or contain any new information. The lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the classified document, said the letter gave an historic account of past attacks that have been reported publicly. Its unclear if more detailed information about the intelligence that led to the strike on Soleimani will ever be publicly released. Whereas the gravity of the situation requires a clear explanation of the Iranian threat to Congress and the public, disclosure of any possible classified information does risk exposing sources and methods which could then leave us blind to Irans next threat to U.S. lives, said Norman Roule, former national intelligence manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The lack of casualties from Irans retaliatory strikes Tuesday on Iraqi bases housing American troops could tamp down Democrats demand for more information, but it might not silence critics who think Trump only embraces U.S. intelligence that fits his agenda. While in office, Trump has repeatedly disagreed or refused to accept U.S. intelligence assessments on a range of key national security topics, including Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, Irans compliance with the nuclear deal and the role of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. ___ Associated Press writers Lolita C. Baldor, Alan Fram, Dustin Weaver, Laurie Kellman, Lisa Mascaro, Matthew Daly and Mary Claire Jalonick contributed to this report. Banking services in Madhya Pradesh were affected on Wednesday due to the nationwide strike called by 10 Central trade union to protest against the Central government's "anti-labour" policies. However, transport and other services remained unaffected with markets and petrol pumps remaining open across the state. Several bank employees under the banner of the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) and All India Bank Officers Association among others took out a rally at MP Nagar here. "The strike has affected banking operations in the state and we have received reports that it was also effective in transport, income tax and postal sectors," Madhya Pradesh Bank Employees Association (MPBEA) general secretary, V K Sharma told PTI. Bank employees carried placards with slogans "Stop anti-people banking reforms; "stop privatisations of banks and declare wilful defaulters as criminal", and marched in large numbers from Oriental Bank of Commerce in MP Nagar area. However, operations of the State Bank of India remained unaffected, as its employees refrained from taking part in the protest, an SBI official said. While the strike impacted banking and postal services in Jhabua and Sehore districts, markets and petrol pumps remained open in the entire state. Trade unions INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along with various sectoral independent federations and associations are participating in the strike. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) RIZWAN TABASSUM, Contributor / AFP via Getty Images Oil surged to more than $65 a barrel in New York after Iran fired a series of rockets at two U.S.-Iraqi air bases, heightening fears that the U.S. killing of a top general will trigger a wider conflict in the Middle East that could disrupt global supplies. Crude has risen 6% since the U.S. assassinated General Qassem Soleimani last week sparking a furious reaction from Tehran and pledges that it would retaliate. While flows from the Middle East still continue to be unimpeded for now, the risk of disruption is spooking the oil market amid warnings that energy facilities could be targeted. Hours after a Ukrainian plane with 176 people on-board crashed near Tehran in Iran, aviation regulator DGCA on Wednesday asked Indian airlines to take all precautions in the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of the Persian Gulf, and reroute their flights to ensure safety of passengers. The security situation in the Middle East region is also tense because of Iran's missile strikes against two US military bases in Iraq on Wednesday. The missile strikes were in retaliation to the killing of top Iranian commander General Qassem Soleimani by the United States on January 3. A senior official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Wednesday evening, "In view of the impending tension in the Middle East, all air operators are directed to take appropriate precautionary measures including rerouting of their flights in order to ensure complete safety of passengers." Therefore, Air India announced on Wednesday that it is temporarily rerouting its flights and that of its subsidiary Air India Express which use Iranian airspace. US Federal Aviation Adminstration has also asked all American airlines to stop operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman due to "events in Middle East". Qassem Biniaz, spokesperson for Iran's Road and Transportation Authority, said one of the engines of the Boeing 737 aircraft, which had 167 passengers and nine crew members, of the Ukranian International airlines was struck by fire immediately after take off, causing the plane to crash. IndiGo does not operate any flights over Iranian and Iraqi airspace, hence it does not expect its flights to the Middle-East or Turkey to be impacted. "The routes to Gulf operate through Oman, Saudi Arabia and Persian Gulf, while the routes to Turkey fly over the northern routes over the Caspian sea and head directly from there to Istanbul. Currently, our flights are operating as per normal schedule," IndiGo said in a statement. "We are monitoring the situation closely and in case of a contingency, there might be slight time changes in our operations, which will be proactively communicated to our passengers through our regular channels," it added Flight crew of the PS752 flight - which crashed on Wednesday morning near Tehran - of Ukranian International Airlines (UIA) comprised of three pilots: Captain Volodymyr Gaponenko (11600 hours on Boeing 737aircraft including 5500 hours as captain); Instructor pilot Oleksiy Naumkin (12000 hours on Boeing 737 aircraft including 6600 hours as captain); First officer Serhii Khomenko (7600 hours on Boeing 737 aircraft). "Tehran airport is anything but a simple one. Therefore, for several years UIA has been using this airport to conduct training on Boeing 737 aircraft aimed at evaluating pilots' proficiency and ability to act in emergency cases," noted Ihor Sosnovsky, Vice President, Operations, UIA "According to our records, the aircraft ascended as high as 2400 meters. Given the crew's experience, error probability is minimal. We do not even consider such a chance," it added. The Indian government has issued a travel advisory, asking citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq in view of the prevailing situation in the Gulf country. "In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification," the advisory by the Ministry of External Affairs said. It said Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) HOUSTON, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GoExpedi, an industry-disrupting e-commerce company that has reinvented procurement for industrial and energy assets, has announced the opening of their new distribution center in Bakerfield, California. On the heels of raising $25 million is Series B Funding, GoExpedi continues the next phase of their transcontinental expansion. Their new location will serve clients in the San Joaquin and Los Angeles Basins. The new location is also fundamental to GoExpedi's industry diversification as they move into the mining sector. GoExpedi Commenting on the company's push westward, CEO, Tim Neal states, "This location is pivotal to properly serving our clients and continuing to disrupt this industry. It is just one more step in our rapid North American expansion. As always, our commitment is to provide clients with strategic procurement solutions to increase the efficiency of their industrial and energy asset operations. This new distribution center brings us closer to this goal. 2020 is going to be an exciting year for us -- both here in North America, and as we look to expand abroad." GoExpedi is a leading innovator in industrial procurement solutions, providing over 200,000 critical parts and supplies to customers through their eCommerce platform. Their state-of-the-art supply chain model backed by innovative technology has allowed the business to provide procurement solutions and incredible service at a lower cost than traditional suppliers. For more information on GoExpedi, visit www.goexpedi.com or email [email protected]. Contact: Alexandra Fulenwider, (281) 734-5633, [email protected] Related Images image1.jpg SOURCE GoExpedi Related Links http://www.goexpedi.com kavon hakimzadeh 2 U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kaysee Lohmann As tensions escalate with Iran, the American aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman has been stationed nearby in the Arabian Sea. Commanding the ship is Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh, an Iranian-American who fled Iran during the 1979 Revolution. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. As tensions between the US and Iran heat up, the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman stands ready in the Middle East. And at the helm of that ship is a commander with a personal connection to the country. kavon hakimzadeh U.S Navy photo by Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Rebeca Gibson Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh is an Iranian-American who spent his early childhood in Iran, before being forced to flee with his family during the 1979 revolution. Speaking to The Virginian-Pilot in August after taking command of the ship, Hakimzadeh said what he experienced as a child inspired his line of work. "As an 11-year-old it was a little traumatic to have life as you know it completely change like that," Hakimzadeh said. "I think it is probably a lot to do with why I decided I wanted to serve and wanted to be in this line of work." Hakimzadeh was born in Texas in the late 1960s to an Iranian father and an American mother, The New York Times reported. He moved to his father's home country as a baby, and spent much of his early childhood there. Hakimzadeh attended an international school, where children spoke both Farsi and English. He was raised in the Southern Baptist religion. But his "idyllic" childhood was shattered in 1979, when a revolution resulted in the overthrow of the US-backed shah and the institution of a conservative Muslim theocracy. Hakimzadeh was 11 years old when he and his family were forced to flee the country, luckily catching a flight just as the airport was closing which he said was very much like the film "Argo." His sister was nine and his mother was seven months pregnant. Story continues He joined the Navy straight out of high school, and early on it became his goal to command an aircraft carrier after seeing one for the first time during initial training in Norfolk. harry s truman Matt Cardy/Getty "I love to tell people that it's a testament to our merit-based Navy that a kid at 19, 20 years old can look at these things and go, 'You know what? I want to command those one day.' And it's certainly a testament to the United States of America that a guy named Kavon Hakimzadeh can do that," he told The Virginian-Pilot. Much of Hakimzadeh's career has been spent as a flight officer, and he has flown in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has received the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among other awards, according to the Navy. Read the original article on Business Insider CHICAGO, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "VVT & Start-Stop System Market by Technology (Cam-Phasing, Cam-Phasing Plus Changing, BAS, Enhanced Starter, Direct Starter, ISG), Phaser Type (Hydraulic, Electronic), Valvetrain (SOHC and DOHC), Fuel type, Vehicle, And Region Global Forecast to 2027", published by MarketsandMarkets, the automotive VVT & Start-Stop System Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7%, reaching USD 85.2 billion by 2027 from USD 54.7 billion from 2019. Some of the major factors responsible for the growth of the VVT & Start-Stop System Market are government regulations for reducing emissions levels and increasing hybridization of vehicles. Browse in-depth TOC on "VVT & Start-Stop System Market" 269 Tables 57 Figures 212 Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=1206 Gasoline VVT system is expected to be the fastest growing market The gasoline VVT segment is expected to be the fastest growing market during the forecast period. In a gasoline engine, the fuel is mixed with air prior to its entrance into the engine cylinder. The fuelair mixture is controlled by a valve in the gasoline VVT system. The duration and timing of the fuelair mixture entrance are controlled by the inlet valve. Motor enthusiasts generally prefer gasoline engine vehicles over diesel engine vehicles due to the added performance advantages. Diesel engines are better in terms of economies of scale but lag in performance because of their low power and torque output. Also, particulate emissions in gasoline vehicles are less. Hence, the demand for gasoline vehicles increases worldwide as they comply with emission norms. Cam-phasing plus changing is expected to be the fastest VVT system market The adoption of Cam-phasing plus changing system is estimated to be higher in Asia Pacific and North America owing to the increase in performance-focused fuel efficient vehicles and stringent emissions regulations. The market for VVT systems is estimated to further increase with the rising production levels of automobiles incorporated with these advanced technologies. Europe is projected to witness moderate growth for VVT systems due to the saturation of VVT technology in countries such as Germany, France, and Spain. The high rate of technological adoption in regions like China, India, and South Korea is also a driving factor for the growth of these systems in the Asia Pacific region. Request FREE Sample Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=1206 Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest market during the forecast period Asia Pacific is the largest market for VVT & start-stop system systems because of the increasing automotive production in Japan, China, and India. The region has the largest share of VVT systems globally due to the increased manufacturing of vehicles equipped with VVT systems. India is growing at a very high pace due to increased preference for diesel-powered vehicles, which has resulted in the demand for VVT system for diesel engines in the country. In addition, improving socio-economic conditions in Asian countries such as India, Thailand, and Indonesia have resulted in the growth of premium segment passenger cars. This has accelerated the market for VVT & start-stop system in these countries. Many automotive manufacturers are focusing on the Asia Pacific region owing to various benefits such as easy availability of economic labor, access to advanced machines, lenient regulations for environment & safety, increased FDI for the automotive industry in countries like India, South Korea, and China, and the growing demand for vehicles. Key Market Players The global VVT & Start-Stop System Market is dominated by key manufacturers such as Continental AG (Germany), Denso Corporation (Japan), Delphi Technologies (UK), BorgWarner Inc. (US), Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), and Hitachi Ltd. (Japan). These companies have been focusing on developing new products and are entering into partnerships with key organizations to expand their presence in the global VVT & Start-Stop System Market. BorgWarner Inc. is currently the market leader due to its innovation in these systems and expansions in major countries. These companies have secure distribution networks at a global level. Besides, these companies offer a wide range of products and services in the market. The key strategies adopted by these companies to sustain their market position are new product developments, collaborations, and contracts & agreements. Browse Related Reports: Automotive Valves Market by Product (Solenoid, EGR Valve, Brake Combination Valve, AT Control Valve, Engine Valve), Vehicle (PC, LCV, HCV, EV), Application (Engine, Brake, HVAC), Function (Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Electric), and Region - Global Forecast to 2022 Exhaust System Market by After-Treatment Device (DOC, DPF, LNT, SCR, and GPF), Aftermarket (DOC, DPF, and SCR), Vehicle Type (Passenger Car, LCV, HCV, Construction Equipment, and Agriculture Tractor), Component, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. 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Contact: Mr. Shelly Singh MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/variable-valve-timing-vvt-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/variable-valve-timing-vvt.asp SOURCE MarketsandMarkets Help Bic With Research and Development When You Shave With Their AI Razor Bic's Giving Away Free Smart Razors to Find Out How You Shave No matter what you do online or where you go with your smartphone in tow, it's highly probable that some company somewhere is gathering data about you. It's just a fact of life in the digital age we live in. But now, Bic wants to get even closer to your daily habits and behaviors by tracking how you shave. RELATED: The 8 Best Razors for Men At this year's CES in Las Vegas, Bic unveiled a new prototype of a manual, multi-blade razor boosted with artificial intelligence thanks to its collaboration with GPS manufacturer Invoxia. It's the Next Bic Thing for the company, but don't worry they're not looking to drop this tech into any old razor so they can spy on your personal bathroom habits. Rather, consumers must choose to opt-in to the research by signing up as a member of the Bic R&D Squad at the Next Bic Thing website. In turn, users can give the brand new shaver a spin and simultaneously help Bic develop and hone new shaving technology by providing data about the way that they shave. So what, exactly, does the non-motorized razor track? With each shave, it will take notes on how long it takes you to shave, how many strokes you use on each part of your face your sideburns, mustache, chin and neck and even how much water you use to rinse the blade. It will also factor in air temperature, humidity, blade dullness and hair density. The information gets sent to Bic through the connected smartphone app where you can browse all the interesting data for yourself as well. It's a refreshing bit of transparency in an age where most of our activities tend to be tracked without our knowledge or consent. For more great CES coverage, check out our sister sites, PCMag, IGN, Mashable and Geek. Voluntarily joining the Bic R&D Squad is just the first step in the company's big market research and development plan, however. As it collects insights and feedback with its A.I. razor and analyzes the way consumers use their products, the brand will be better equipped to adapt to your wants and needs. And who wouldnt want a better razor with a closer, more comfortable shave? If you're interested in joining the squad and giving the razor a try, you can sign up now at the Next Bic Thing. You Might Also Dig: Dominic Raab WPA Pool/Getty Britain condemned Iran's "reckless and dangerous" attacks on two airbases in Iraq where UK and US troops are stationed. The attacks were a response to the killing of Qassem Soleimani, the powerful Iranian military commander, in a drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump. The move appears to be a calculated attempt by Iran to placate its hardliners while avoiding actions that would cause the crisis to spiral out of control. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The UK's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Wednesday condemned Iran's "reckless and dangerous" missile attacks on two military bases in Iraq where British and American soldiers are stationed, as tensions in the Middle East ratcheted up further. In a statement, Raab said: "We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting Coalition - including British - forces. We are concerned by reports of casualties and use of ballistic missiles. "We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation. A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups." Raab said the strikes on camps in Erbil in northern Iraq and Ain al-Asad, 200 miles south, had not claimed any British casualties. The US and Iraq have also said they did not suffer any casualties. Boris Johnson Trump Getty Iran fired at least a dozen ballistic missiles against the two airbases in Iraq last night, in response to the killing of Qassem Soleimani, the powerful Iranian military commander, in a drone strike at Baghdad airport ordered on Friday by Donald Trump. The US says the general, who was responsible for planning Iran's covert and military operations across the Middle East, was plotting terrorist attacks. The attack on US and UK airbases appears to be a calculated attempt by Iran to placate its hardliners while avoiding actions that would cause the crisis to spiral out of control. Story continues Trump has threatened a "disproportionate" response if any American personnel are killed in retribution for Soleimani's killing. Boris Johnson will finally face MPs as he prepares for Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. He has not been seen in public since returning from a holiday to the Caribbean island of Mustique, which he refused to cut short to address the crisis. Read the original article on Business Insider The speaker of the Iraqi parliament, Mohammed al-Halbusi, on Wednesday condemned a salvo of retaliatory Iranian missile strikes on Iraqi bases housing US-led troops as a "violation of Iraqi sovereignty". Halbusi, the most senior Sunni Arab in Iraq's confessional power-sharing system, called for urgent measures to stop Iraq being turned into a proxy battlefield for outside powers, including Shiite Iran. "While we condemn the Iranian violation of Iraqi sovereignty at dawn today... we confirm our absolute refusal to the conflicting parties to use the Iraqi arena to settle scores," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Danielle Outlaw speaks during a press conference introducing her as Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department at City Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Monday, December 30, 2019. Outlaw was the chief of police in Portland, Ore. Read more Philadelphias incoming police commissioner, Danielle Outlaw, was welcomed to the city of brotherly love with glowing anticipation from the media. Outlets including The Inquirer, Billy Penn, and CNN cooed that Outlaw will be the first woman of color to serve as Philadelphias top brass. Coverage focused on her being a black woman and Philadelphias supposedly scandal-plagued police force. Many articles ignored or buried the surging murder rate in our city Billy Penn and CNNs first reports didnt even bother to mention it. Apparently the police chief exists solely to affirm the progressive ideal of what an officer should look like, rather than focus on the need to fight crime on behalf of vulnerable Philadelphians. This ignorance of Outlaws key mandate preventing violent crime that victimizes residents across the city, especially neighborhoods like Fairhill, Kensington, and Southwest tells you everything you need to know about the progressive media class and their disconnect with reality. Most of todays rhetoric on violent crime exists in a different world from the people experiencing it as a daily phenomenon. Put another way, if you are more concerned about how a police chief looks than the citys murder rate, it is likely that youve never had to rely on the police to respond in a moment of extreme danger. So, what is Outlaws record, and why does it matter for Philadelphia? Well, since 2017 when she began leading Portlands police force, the small city in the Pacific Northwest has continued to be rocked by antifascist mobs including protesters willing to maim anybody to the political right of Joseph Stalin. The police force has been accused of inaction two years after Politico dubbed Portland Americas most politically violent city. Though that title predates Outlaw, Portlands lasting political strife is not exactly an auspicious sign for Philadelphia. READ MORE: New Years Eve homicides make 2019 the worst for killings in Philly since 2007 Outlaw arrives to a city in dire need of better policing. Our murder rate has risen sharply after decades of decline. In 2019, Philadelphias residents experienced the most shootings in over a decade (narrowly beating 2018, itself a record year), and our deadliest year since 2007. The murder rate is over 40% higher than it was in 2013, an astounding figure that garners scant attention compared to the plaudits on officer identity and constant refrain that police are a corrupt, racist occupying force in Philadelphias neighborhoods. While progressive types may defend reforms coming from City Hall and the district attorney, the rising number of children being buried in our city can ill-afford more of the same. All this doesnt doom Outlaws tenure. Her record points to a seasoned and respectable cop who, like most police officers, wants to see the people of Philadelphia protected and our crime levels go down. READ MORE: Philadelphias new police chief Danielle Outlaw doesnt have a bob. Heres why thats awesome. | Elizabeth Wellington But it does mean we need to focus on the right issues when we talk about her future here. Outlaw can start in Philadelphia by pursuing a higher clearance rate rate of cases solved for homicides and other violent crime, and by incarcerating those who sling drugs and weapons through communities and endanger everybody around them. Outlaw may focus especially on building lines of communication between the police and communities who may distrust them, and who instead of going to the cops pursue their own street justice leading to ever-escalating cycles of violence. Outlaw can also serve as a strong voice for our police, not against them. She can speak out against inane and counterproductive stances like abolishing the police entirely an absurd position highlighted in The Inquirer last week, where an argument for abolition concluded that people facing down murderers should rely on family, friends, and neighbors instead of calling the cops. Once again: It must be nice to never have to call the police, while residents who live in fear of violent crime need them for protection. What our city is facing is a murder epidemic. Chief Outlaws work will be to bring it down. Anybody demanding less from Outlaw, and the rest of our law enforcement and ruling class, is likely more concerned with affirming their own political biases than stopping the crime that victimizes so many. Its a privilege they can afford to live with, but many Philadelphians cannot. Albert Eisenberg is a Philadelphia-based political consultant. He formerly served as the communications director for the Philadelphia Republican Party, and is a founder of Broad + Liberty. @albydelphia First launched in 1990, the contest aims to introduce Vietnamese culture, land and people to domestic and foreign travelers, while attracting more visitors to the country, thus contributing to transforming the tourism into a spearhead economic sector. The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers who are Vietnamese citizens from their home country or abroad, as well as expats living and working in Vietnam. Contestants are encouraged to capture the natural beauty, historical sites, cultural practices and values, customs, festivals, and people from across the country. Entries should be submitted no later than June 5, 2020, and the organising board will award one first, one second, three third and five consolation prizes to the most exceptional entries. Addressing the event, Vice chairwoman of the VNAT Ngo Hoai Chung noted with pleasure that the hospitality sector made significant contributions to the overall development of the country in 2019. Vietnam was honoured with various tourism awards and was ranked as one of the top ten countries that have the fastest-growing tourism industry in the world. The sector welcomed more than 18 million foreign arrivals last year, up 16.2% year-on-year, and served 85 million domestic travelers. Revenues from tourist related activities reached VND726 trillion (US$31.2 million) In 2020, the country strives to welcome approximately 20.5 million international tourists, and 90 million domestic ones. The tourism sector aims to gross over VND830 trillion (US$35.9 billion) in revenue. Przepraszamy! Ogoszenie na stanowisku: IT Helpdesk with French wygaso z dniem 2020-02-04 Ta propozycja bya zozona przez Cyclad Mozliwe przyczyny wygasniecia ogoszenia to: oferta zamieszczona przez pracodawce zostaa wycofana z naszych zasobow ogoszeniodawca zakonczy proces rekrutacji uzyskujac odpowiednia ilosc CV zleceniodawca zmodyfikowa tresc zlecenia i jest ono dostepne pod innym adresem WWW dostawca tresci usuna ogoszenie z bazy danych zy adres WWW ogoszenia Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w branzy Inne / Pozostae, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Inne / Pozostae Jezeli poszukujesz pracy na stanowisku IT Helpdesk with French, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca IT Helpdesk with French Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w miescie: Katowice, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Katowice Pamietaj, ze mozesz takze rozpoczac poszukiwanie pracy od strony gownej, kliknij tutaj. Inne oferty, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan: India's world famous Khajuraho temples completed 1,020 years in 2019. For those who have never been to Khajuraho, whatever one reads or hears about the temples do not do justice to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. For me it was far more incredible th Image Source: IANS News India's world famous Khajuraho temples completed 1,020 years in 2019. For those who have never been to Khajuraho, whatever one reads or hears about the temples do not do justice to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. For me it was far more incredible th Image Source: IANS News India's world famous Khajuraho temples completed 1,020 years in 2019. For those who have never been to Khajuraho, whatever one reads or hears about the temples do not do justice to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. For me it was far more incredible th Image Source: IANS News India's world famous Khajuraho temples completed 1,020 years in 2019. For those who have never been to Khajuraho, whatever one reads or hears about the temples do not do justice to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. For me it was far more incredible th Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Jan 8 : India's world famous Khajuraho temples completed 1,020 years in 2019. For those who have never been to Khajuraho, whatever one reads or hears about the temples do not do justice to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. For me it was far more incredible than I had ever imagined and on my very first visit I realised that its erotic element that has been the most highlighted, is but a miniscule part of the whole. Visiting Khajuraho has become much easier these days. To start with, there is a modern airport with a number of wide runways. On my first visit, the plane had touched down on a runway stretching out among the fields! I remember being shocked at the short bumpy runway and the choice of location! There is a fascinating legend behind the dynasty that created Khajuraho. The creators claim their descent from the moon and Chandravaraman, the founder of the Chandela dynasty is said to be born from the union of Hemwati, the beautiful daughter of a Brahmin priest and the Moon God. In his dreams, Chandravaraman is said to have been told by his mother, to build these temples- a task achieved in an inspired burst of activity, over a span of 100 years. With the decline of the dynasty, the temples lay forgotten for many centuries and are said to have been rediscovered only in the last two centuries. On my first visit to Khajuraho, I reached rather late in the afternoon and sunset was not too far away. On the cab driver's advice, I restricted my visits to the eastern group of temples, located near the village and are said to be a combination of Hindu and Jain origin. The Parsvnath Temple is the largest in this group and most of the beautiful carvings that one sees printed everywhere are part of this group - the standing figure of Shiva and Parvati, usually used for posters on Khajuraho and others, such as the famous Singara figures of a graceful feminine figure applying kohl to her eyes and another removing a thorn from her feet, are all here. Adjacent to the Parsvnath Temple is the more recently restored Adinath temple with its fine carvings running along the sides in three bands of sculpture. Within both these temples there are images of Tirthankars in black stone. According to me this temple could well be considered one of the most graceful structures in Khajuraho. A third temple built around 1028 AD and is known as the Shanti Nath temple, has a four and a half metre high standing image of Adinath, known to attract pilgrims of the Digambar Jain Sect, throughout the year. There are also three Hindu temples in the group - Brahma, the Vamana and the Javari dedicated to Vishnu, with their richly carved gateways and exterior carvings. But what I found more interesting was the Hindu 'Ghantai Temple' (temple of bells), located within the village and is counted among the eastern group. This temple must have been a rather splendid structure, but now lies in ruins. All that remains is the entrance doorway with its rows of heavenly bodies and the seventeen pillars carved with scrolls of bells, after which the temple is named. Thanks to the driver I also managed a 'Darshan' of 'Shankar Bhagwan' at the Matangesha temple. This is part of the western group of temples, but is located outside the walls of the complex and still in use. Not a particularly ornate temple, it was, however, clear that it dated back to the same period as the rest of the temples. Religious sentiments appeased, I decided to call it a day. Next morning, I set out quite early for the western group of temples, but found a large number of visitors, there before me! Here, the first temple to see is the Lakshmana Temple, dedicated to Vishnu and his incarnations. On the lintel of the entrance to the temple are carved images of the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. In the intricately carved sanctum, there are idols of Vishnu's many incarnations. Located right opposite the Lakshmana temple, lies the Varaha Temple. Here one can see an amazing nine foot standing statue of Vishnu's 'Varaha' (boar) incarnation - its intricately carved surface polished by the touch of countless hands. This rare and fully carved standing image, has hardly ever been seen or mentioned in any description of the Khajuraho temples. But is definitely a must -see! Sex toys are for relaxation. For education. For healing after childbirth. For long-term or long-distance relationships. For women's emancipation. And also... for pleasure. But manufacturers aiming for respectability tend to save this argument for last. "Sex toys have an extremely negative connotation," said Jerome Bensimon, president of Satisfyer. "So we've rebranded ourselves as a 'sexual wellbeing company.'" The company has gained attention for its pressure wave technology used for clitoral stimulation, and has plans to launch a smart phone app for controlling sex toys, in particular by using voice commands. At its booth at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, vibrators and Ben Wa balls sit alongside mini vibrators shaped like ice cream cones. After some ups and downs, "sex tech" is testing the waters this year. As recently as last year the display likely would have been banned. At the 2019 show, the Consumer Technology Association, which runs the expo, stripped the Ose massager of an award for innovation, saying it was disqualified for being "immoral," "obscene" and "profane." After an uproar, the CTA reversed itself and returned the prize to Lora DiCarlo, the company which manufactures the Ose. Sex toys "are consumer electronics just like any other but are not treated like that," said Janet Lieberman-Lu, co-founder of Dame Products, which manufactures small devices for clitoral stimulation. Given their widespread use, "sex toys are by definition mainstream.... They're more adopted than a lot of products at CES." Her company has taken New York City's public transportation system to court, complaining that it allows advertisements for erectile dysfunction medications and ads that contain humorous references to sex -- but not for sex devices. "When you say that male sexual function is healthy and necessary but vibrators for women are obscene, you're saying that men are supposed to be able to have sex and women aren't supposed to be able to enjoy it," said Lieberman-Lu. "That's what leads to rape culture." - Starting the conversation - Entrepreneurs in this industry, many of whom started out in conventional consumer electronics, medicine or cosmetics, say pleasure and health go hand-in-hand. Given that school textbooks only recently began including information on the shape and size of the clitoris, they say they are on a mission to educate the public. It is often "much easier to talk about health than pure pleasure, which can involve fear of rejection," said Soumyadip Rakshit, CEO of Mystery Vibe, which develops vibrators that deal with both erectile difficulties in men and postpartum vaginal scarring in women. To open up, people often need a catalyst. "Everyone is keen to talk about it but no one wants to be the first," he said. "If someone does that for them, a company, an article, a doctor... it makes that so much easier." Elsewhere on the showroom floor, Gerard Escaler, chief marketing officer at Lovense, explains how a male "masturbator" works. The tubular objects have internal sleeves and are pink when intended for straight users and translucent for gay users. The Hong Kong-based company offers several internet apps for use in long-distance relations -- with a partner or with online erotic performers like "cam girls" who sell access to live web video. Lovense also is developing a virtual reality game for the male sex toy with female characters. Visitors have to imagine the contents, however, since the imagery, even if artificial, is not allowed during the consumer expo. But the "sexual wellbeing" industry, which could swell to nearly $40 billion by 2024, according to a forecast from market research firm Aritzon, may have good reason to maintain an air of mystery and controversy. Without the storm it created last year, the $300 Ose vibrator might not have taken off quite the way it did, said Lora Haddock DiCarlo, founder of the eponymous company which produces it. "When we did our presale with Ose, after its long-awaited release at the end of November, we hit our yearly sales goal in five hours," she said, as she road aboard a transparent mobile showroom plying the streets of Las Vegas during the show. The roving booth, like a fishbowl on wheels, displayed the catch phrase: "The pleasure is all yours." Sex toys have cautiously been allowed into this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas Crave shows its wearable vibrators at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show Ergo-Fit presents its sex toys at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show U.S. employers gain simplified access to more than 60 global job boards in 138 countries LEBANON, N.H., Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Appcast, the leading technology provider for programmatic job advertising, announced it has been selected by The Network as its exclusive U.S. partner. Unifying more than 60 of the worlds leading job boards in 138 countries, The Network is the worlds leading single point of contact for online recruitment. With this new partnership, employers in the United States can utilize Appcast and The Network to fulfill their global hiring needs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. unemployment rate remains unchanged at 3.5 percent, and the number of job openings has edged up to 7.3 million in the U.S., forcing organizations to compete for qualified talent. At the same time, the hiring criteria for many companies has expanded beyond the U.S., necessitating the ability to recruit talent in new regions without market representation or country-level experience. Appcasts partnership with The Network enables U.S.-based multinationals to recruit effectively, whether the job opening or the candidate is in Singapore, Finland, Costa Rica or Kenya. Instead of taking a one size fits all approach, the local recruitment websites under The Network offer individual solutions via a single point of contact. Chris Forman, Appcasts CEO, commented, By centralizing global hiring through Appcast and The Network, our clients benefit from a highly efficient and effective approach. The Network brings global recruiting to the local level, ensuring that the nuances of different markets and cultures are considered as part of the overall hiring strategy." Pierre Antebi from The Network noted, The synergies between Appcast and The Network are significant. Weve created a single point of contact for a recruiters ultimate convenience; no matter where you need to recruit, The Network is your global expert. Story continues Forman concluded, Were thrilled to have been selected as The Networks U.S. partner, and we look forward to helping US companies solve their global hiring challenges. To learn more about how Appcast can support international hiring efforts for employers, visit: https://appcast.io/product/solutions-for-international-hiring . About The Network The Network enables recruiters who have a global recruitment need to fill a wide range of job roles across different industry sectors worldwide. As a powerful alliance comprised of 138 countries and 60+ market-leading job boards, The Network serves as one solution for international hiring needs. About Appcast Using real-time data and programmatic technology, Appcast is advancing the recruitment advertising industry, enabling employers, agencies, recruitment firms, and job boards alike to improve recruitment outcomes, ROI, and attract high-quality job seekers. To learn more, visit https://www.appcast.io . Note to editors: Trademarks and registered trademarks referenced herein remain the property of their respective owners. Media Contact: Heather Salerno Appcast heather.salerno@appcast.io Padma Vibhushan Shri Ratan Tata at the meeting chaired by Maharashtra CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. This meeting, in association with the CII, is organized to gather inputs & set expectations with the vision to make Maharashtra a trillion-dollar economy by 2025. (Image: Twitter) Ikea_MAlM Dresser IKEA In 2017, 2-year-old Jozef Dudek died after 70-pound recalled Ikea dresser fell on top of him. On Monday, it was revealed Ikea agreed to pay the Dudek family a $46 million settlement. It's rumored to be the largest child wrongful death settlement in US history. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. On May 24, 2017, Craig Dudek entered the bedroom where he left his son, Jozef, sleeping only to find the two-year-old pinned beneath an approximately 70-pound Ikea "MALM" three-drawer dresser. Despite Craig's attempts to perform CPR on his son, Jozef's injuries to his neck caused him to suffocate and die. "We were devastated by the loss of our beautiful Jozef as a result of a tip-over of an Ikea Malm dresser. We miss him so much," Jozef's parents, Joleen and Craig Dudek wrote in a statement. "He would be turning 5 years old this April." Following a lawsuit on behalf of the California toddler, Ikea has agreed to pay $46 million to Jozef's family in what is rumored to be the largest child wrongful death settlement in US history, according to the law firm representing the family. In the lawsuit filed against the Swedish furniture retailer and seen by Insider, the Dudek family argued that Ikea knowingly designed and sold furniture that did not meet American Society for Testing and Materials safety standards and failed adequately warn customers about the tip-over hazards of their furniture despite the multiple injuries and deaths caused by issues with the "MALM" line in the past. Jozef Dudek Courtesy the Dudek family "People don't sit around looking at recall notices they're living their own lives. It's up to IKEA to notify everyone that bought or may have these dressers," Alan Feldman, the Dudeks' attorney, told Insider. "They need to constantly remind folks that they put 17 million time bombs in the homes of consumers and they have an obligation to get them out." Story continues The lawsuit even pointed to a quote from Lars Petersson, Ikea USA's former president, acknowledging that "drawers are a very tempting playground for children" and that the " the risk of tip-over is very high." (Patterson stepped down from his role as Ikea USA's president in January 2019.) In 2016, Ikea recalled nearly 29 million chests in the "MALM" series following the death of three children, NBC reported. The Dudeks, who purchased the three-drawer "MALM" dresser in 2008, say they didn't know about the recall and hope the Swedish company will do more to warn consumers about the dangers of their recalled furniture. "We never thought that a two-year-old could cause a dresser just 30 inches high to topple over and suffocate him. It was only later that we learned that this dresser was unstable by design and did not meet safety standards and that this had happened to other little boys," the Dudeks said in a statement obtained by Insider. In response to the unprecedented settlement, an Ikea spokesperson told Insider that "while no settlement can alter the tragic events that brought us here" the company is committed to addressing this issue. The company recently launched the Ikea Safer Homes app and plans to host safety workshops in stores and mandatory training for co-workers. The dangers of falling products are not exclusive to the Swedish furniture giant. According to a 2018 report by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there was an estimated annual average of 28,300 emergency department-treated injuries associated with products including televisions, furniture and other appliances from 2015 to 2017 with 68% of those injuries related to furniture "tip-over." Despite the "favorable result for our clients," Feldman said that the multi-million remuneration is not enough, and demands that all furniture makers ensure their drawers meet "minimum safety standards" and "resist tip-over" especially Ikea. "No child should ever die from a furniture tip-over, they are completely preventable. Any 30-inch dresser that can be tipped over by a two-year-old is completely unsafe and defective," Feldman said. "Ikea persisted in behavior that was dangerously detrimental to children across the country. It's time for them to stand up and tell people about the dangers of the furniture that they sold and get them out of American homes." Read the original article on Insider In a piece published toward the end of last year, Wall Street Journal columnist Joseph Sternberg oddly contended that the most important economic story of our day is that the Chinese Communist Party has run out of reliable ways to stimulate its economy of 1.4 billion consumers." It seems he miswrote. This is not how Sternberg thinks. Implicit in his expressed analysis is that government, by virtue of it being the government, has the tools to improve things by pulling the proverbial strings of the economy in ways commensurate with progress. In particular, it can somehow boost the economy by engineering more consumption. Except that it can do no such thing. Not in China, not in the U.S., not in Peru. Seemingly missed by Sternberg is that consumption is always and everywhere a consequence of production. In any economy products are invariably exchanged for products, which means production is the only way to stimulate consumption. Given this basic truth, theres no mystery as to how Chinas nominally communist leadership could further stimulate its economy. More economic freedom to produce is the easy and obvious answer. More production that logically leads to consumption is as basic as reducing or removing the tax, regulatory, tariff, and monetary barriers to production. And while some will say that the response to Sternberg is a supply side response, the more reasonable way to think about barrier reductions is that the latter is a common-sense response. Consumption springs from production, so remove the barriers to production. End of story. Sternbergs arguably mis-communicated analysis yet again presumes that government has otherworldly powers that it can unveil in economically troubled times that will magically transform whats bad into good. No chance. The more realistic truth is that freedom works. Its very simple. Addressing Sternbergs analysis further, hes at least vaguely giving into the false notion that China's wondrous economic advance in modern times has been a creation of government planning. Surely he knows better. Central planning was tried all over the world in the second half of the 20th century, and it failed all over the world. In China it cracked-up in murderous fashion. Chinas remarkable progress in recent decades is very much a consequence of less government, and exponentially less in the way of vain attempts by the countrys political leadership to stimulate anything. About this, conservatives more and more tie state support of China-based industry to the countrys prosperity, but they get it 100% backwards. The question few conservatives are asking is how much more prosperous China would be, and by extension how much more prosperous the U.S. would be (Chinese demand for U.S. plenty is already enormous, plus Chinese production has enabled much greater individual specialization stateside), if Chinese businesses and entrepreneurs werent burdened by government meddling, subsidies, and other childish attempts to create prosperity through the political allocation of resources. No matter how much politicians and pundits may imagine otherwise, prosperity springs from economic freedom. Always. Chinas growth has been a logical result of government there doing less, and the growth would be even greater if government did even less going forward. Which brings us to former Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke. Up front, it should be stressed that the Feds ability to stimulate the most dynamic economy in the world is quite a bit more theory than reality. The Fed projects its always overstated relevance through banks that logically cant lend toward growth given the frequently razor-thin margins they operate under. A business model rooted in Dont.Lose.Money. is hardly one thats going to power the growth that usually results from surprise advances hatched by entrepreneurs that bankers eager to not lose money generally cant touch. Except that Bernanke truly believes the central bank he used to head can be the instigator of advance. It says here Bernanke is wildly incorrect, but thats what he believes. And since he does, and since the economy was in such disastrous shape while he was at the Fed, one wonders why Bernanke would see fit to comment on anything related to the U.S. economy and growth. Luckily for the former Fed Chair, economists still take him seriously. In a paper presented at an economic conference last weekend in San Diego, Bernanke not surprisingly made a case for an activist Fed approaching slow growth in (by his standards) inventive ways. As he put it, The old methods wont do. If monetary policy is to remain relevant, policy makers will have to adopt new tools, tactics and frameworks. Translated, Bernanke argues that the Fed and other central banks should design new ways to intervene in the economy, particularly during slowdowns. Oh dear. Predictably missed by a former Fed Chair whose tenure at the central bank was so very much associated with economic decline and crisis is that the crisis aspect of the decline was naturally a consequence of government intervention. We know this to be true because booming, progressing economies are always and everywhere defined by endless mistakes, bankruptcies, corrections of mistakes, and the growth-inducing knowledge that springs from mistakes, bankruptcies and corrections of mistakes. Bernanke, having learned little from 2008 and seemingly even less from the 1930s he claims to understand in expert fashion, still believes government in a general sense and the Fed in a specific sense exists to fight recessions. No. He misses by a mile. The natural state of free people is growth, and failure is a certain aspect of the growth. All activist government meddling logically correlates with is slow growth because it's all about restraining the error realization without which progress slows: see the 1930s, see the economy post 2008. Worse is when Bernankes proposed tools are contemplated. With serious rate cuts no longer an option (that theyre toothless is lost on Bernanke and his fellow economists), he calls for asset buying of the QE variety because its apparently the equivalent of 3 percentage points of rate cuts. You cant make this up. Weak economy, so the Fed should buy Treasuries and other bonds with an eye on creating false rate signals? Talk about a non sequitur. And this intervention would boost the economy how? Oh well, readers with a clue see where this is going. Freedom once again works. If growth is the concluding chapter, then economic freedom is the introductory chapter and everything in between. This is true in China, and its true in the U.S. If you want growth, the simple answer is less government, and less people empowered by government like Ben Bernanke. The Iraqi Prime Minister revealed today that Iran gave him a tip-off about last night's missile strikes, giving time for troops to scramble to bunkers. US troops also got a heads up warning from America's advanced detection system. Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan in the early hours of Wednesday local time. PM Adel Abdul Mahdi received a call from Tehran warning him an attack was imminent in retaliation for the US killing of its highest ranking general, his spokesman said. CNN, citing an Arab diplomatic source, said that Iraqi officials then passed the information on to US troops before the attack began. US troops were also alerted to the danger using an 'early warning system,' an official revealed. This is believed to refer to the little-known National Security Agency base at Fort Meade, Maryland, which gathers real-time intelligence on missile launches. The Iraqi PM said he was told by Iran it would only target locations where U.S. forces were present but did not specify the locations, his spokesman said. However, as the missiles were raining down on the US bases, he also received a call from Washington to tell him what they knew of the assault. Iran targeted the U.S. late Tuesday by firing more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq housing American troops The NSA's base at Fort Meade, the Defense Special Missile and Aerospace Center (DEFSMAC) uses a range of satellites, radar and heat detection to gather intelligence on missile launches as they happen. 'The early warning system worked,' an official told USA Today. So far no casualties have been reported, the Pentagon issued a statement last night saying, 'We are working on initial battle damage assessments.' Those in harm's way at the Ain al-Asad airbase are understood to have taken cover in bunkers throughout the bombardment, putting in place well-drilled practices. What do we know about DEFSMAC: The Defense Special Missile and Astronautics Center has served the Pentagon since 1964, according to a declassified NSA report. The Department of Defense said in 2012: 'DEFSMAC is located at NSA headquarters at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, and has been in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for almost 50 years.' It outlines how in the 1970s the emphasis was on Soviet missiles and space launches, but as other nations gathered such arsenals from Africa to China, it became a global detection system. 'The Gulf War in 1991 gave DEFSMAC a chance to shine,' the report says. Advertisement Buildings were still being searched to find possible casualties, an official said. Iraqi officials confirmed there had not been any casualties among their forces. President Donald Trump tweeted that 'all is well' and 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties continued to be assessed. The Iraqi military said 22 missiles were fired in total - 17 at the Asad base, two of which failed to explode, and five more that struck Erbil International Airport. US officials put the total slightly lower at 15 - ten of which hit Asad, one which hit Erbil, four which failed in flight. The Fort Meade base evolved during the Cold War and detected Iraq's launch of Scud missiles during the first Gulf War, NBC reported. The 22 missiles fired last night are believed to be a combination of the Qiam-1s or Fateh-110s. The majority of those used are believed to be the Fateh-110, which can travel 180 miles or 300km and have a payload of around 500lb. Reports also suggest the Qiam-1 was also used, a short range ballistic missile produced by Iran which can travel 500 miles and carry 750lb warheads. The Fateh-110 is an Iranian-designed, short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile that can be launched from any location. The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) While the Qiam-1 was specifically built to target U.S. bases in the Middle East, which have 'encircled Iran', according to Iranian sources. When it was launched the Fateh-110 was described by Iranian defence minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami as '100-percent domestically made - agile, stealth, tactical (and) precision-guided'. Both missiles are reported to have been fired from Tabriz and Kermanshah provinces in Iran. Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. The al-Asad base for American and coalition troops (pictured above in December) was struck by missiles 'clearly launched from Iran', U.S. officials say The Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan, which provides facilities and services to at least hundreds of coalition personnel and CIA operatives, was also hit in the missile attack About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported, Brynjar Stordal, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces said. The rockets used in the attack, according to Iranian TV, were Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles, which have a range of 186 miles or 300km. The Pentagon had earlier said the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces. Iran's Revolutionary Guards admitted to firing the rockets in retaliation for last week's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Iran's foreign minister said: 'We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any agression' President Donald Trump tweeted that 'all is well' and 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties continued to be assessed They reported the operation's name was 'Martyr Soleimani' and it took place just hours after the slain general's funeral. Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif called the attacks 'self-defense' but said they did 'not seek escalation' but would defend itself against further aggression. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, reportedly said Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was personally in the control center coordinating the attacks. In the immediate aftermath, they warned U.S. allies in the Middle East that they would face retaliation if America strikes back against any Iranian targets from their bases. President Trump and First Lady Melania visited the al-Asad airbase in western Iraq in December 2018. The airbase was targeted by Iran on Tuesday in a missile attack 'We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted,' they said. It also threatened Israel. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said after the attacks that the missile strikes were an 'act of war' and said Trump had all the power he needed to act. 'This is an act of war by any reasonable definition,' Graham told Fox News' Sean Hannity. 'The President has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond.' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted that the U.S., as well as the rest of the world, 'cannot afford war'. 'Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war,' she tweeted. The missiles strikes prompted the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to ban U.S. carriers from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia. That decision came just hours before a Ukrainian passenger plane bound for Kiev fell from the sky just outside of Tehran - sparking speculation it was shot down, killing all 170 passengers on board. After Uttarakhand Assembly, Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday ratified the 126th constitutional amendment passed by Parliament in December 2019. The Assembly passed the resolution unanimously. The speaker Nana Patole had moved the proposal suo motu, which was supported by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and Opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis. The Uttarakhand Assembly had on Tuesday given assent to 126th Constitution Amendment Bill to extend SC/ST quota, excluding the anglo-Indians, in State Assembly by another 10 years. The Constitution (126th Amendment) Bill, 2019, was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad, on December 9, 2019. The Bill amends provisions related to reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).The Constitution provides for reservation of seats for SCs and STs and representation of the Anglo-Indian community by nomination, in Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies of states. This has been provided for a period of 70 years since the enactment of the Constitution and will expire on January 25, 2020. The Bill seeks to extend the reservation for SCs and STs by another 10 years till January 25, 2030. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Manufacturers Look to Evolve Auto Shopping Experience with Enhanced Digital Features TROY, Mich.--The J.D. Power 2020 Manufacturer Website Evaluation StudySMWinter is a semiannual study that measures the usefulness of automotive manufacturer websites during the process of shopping for a new vehicle by examining four key measures (in order of importance): information/content; appearance; navigation; and speed. This years study was redesigned to underscore several recent trends seen in automotive vehicle manufacturer websites, said Jon Sundberg, senior manager of digital solutions at J.D. Power. Weve taken note of the digital advancements OEM websites are implementing to evolve the automotive shopping experience. Items like personalization, customization and digital retailing are being implemented or are on the digital road map for many OEM sites, and we wanted to ensure the customer has a voice in these areas. Weve even added self-guided videos and transcripts of shoppers using OEM websites to give further context to the shopping experience. This years study finds that overall satisfaction averages 834 (on a 1,000-point scale) for the luxury segment, while the mass market segment averages 826. Land Rover (864) ranked highest in the luxury manufacturer brand segment and Mitsubishi (848) is the highest-ranked mass market brand. The Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study, initially released in 1999, is based on responses from 10,031 new vehicle shoppers who indicate they will be in the market for a new vehicle within the next 24 months. The study was fielded in November 2019. For more information about the Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study,SM visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/resource/us-manufacturer-website-evaluation-study See the online press release at http://www.jdpower.com/pr-id/2020001. J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. These capabilities enable J.D. Power to help its clients drive customer satisfaction, growth and profitability. Established in 1968, J.D. Power has offices serving North America, Asia Pacific and Europe. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) The Justice Department on Wednesday said it will investigate the individuals and agency behind the recruitment of Jeanelyn Villavende the Filipina domestic worker who was killed in Kuwait. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told CNN Philippines The Source that the probe will commence as soon as possible with the National Bureau of Investigation also set to conduct its own autopsy of Villavendes body. If there is ground to charge these people with violations of our laws governing the deployment of foreign workers abroad, then the DOJ will take the appropriate action to investigate and prosecute these people, Guevarra said. We have not commenced any investigation; we're just about to start this investigation because the body still has to be autopsied, he added. An embalming certificate released by the Kuwait's Ministry of Health has confirmed that Villavende was killed on December 28, 2019. She died of "acute failure of heart and respiration" as a result of shock and multiple injuries in the vascular nervous system. She was 26. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration administrator Hans Cacdac previously confirmed Villavendes remains are expected to be back in the country by Wednesday or Thursday. The suspects the couple of the household where the Filipina worked are now detained. Villavendes case along with other reported maltreatments and deaths of overseas workers in the Gulf state prompted the Philippine government to impose a partial deployment ban to Kuwait. The ban, which took effect on Friday, covers newly-hired household service workers. Labor Secretary Silverstre Bello III, however, earlier said the move may be lifted if Kuwaiti courts take appropriate action on the Filipinas case. Kourtney Kardashian has taken some time off from Keeping Up with the Kardashians, as she focuses on her new relationship. But the mother-of-four is still making time for her fellow Kardashian/Jenner women off-camera. She sported a color-blocked look Tuesday as she stepped out at mom Kris Jenner's office in Los Angeles. Color blocking: Kourtney Kardashian sported a color-blocked look Tuesday as she stepped out at mom Kris Jenner's office in Los Angeles The 40-year-old donned an ankle-length leather duster jacket, which was black on one half and brown on the other, featuring exposed white stitching. She accessorized the look with a pair of thin black sunglasses and some black leather platform boots. Kourtney recently went public with boyfriend Younes Bendjima, 26, making their relationship Instagram official. She posted a photo of herself with the Algerian model at the annual Kardashian/Jenner Christmas party, which she hosted at her Calabasas mansion. Leather queen: The 40-year-old donned an ankle-length leather duster jacket, which was black on one half and brown on the other, featuring exposed white stitching Momager: Kris was also seen out and about Instagram official: She recently went public with boyfriend Younes Bendjima, 26, making their relationship Instagram official at the Kardashian/Jenner Christmas party Reignited spark: The couple first met in Paris, back in October 2016, later breaking up in August of 2018 The couple first met in Paris, back in October 2016, during the infamous trip when sister Kim was robbed at gunpoint. They later broke up in August of 2018, having since sparked rumors of a rekindled romance as they remained close. A source recently told People: 'In the past, Kourtney was very happy dating Younes and she feels the same now. 'They took a long break because Kourtney felt that she couldnt trust him. He is trying to convince her that she can though.' Kourtney previously stepped down from KUWTK in attempt to regain some privacy with her relationship and her kids. Alabama economic development leaders rolled out a plan Tuesday to keep the state competitive in a new global manufacturing revolution. The manufacturing world is changing rapidly and we in Alabama, all of our workforce resources, have to answer the bell on that topic, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ed Castile said in Decatur. For us to not only stay competitive, but to help our customers (Alabama industries) remain competitive in the world they work in. Castile and other state leaders came to the Alabama Robotics Technology Park near Decatur, where employees are trained now to work in modern production systems featuring robots and other advance technology. They unveiled RTP 2, a new plan to focus future training at the park on automation, robotics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, data analytics and 3D printing. Some new technologies 3D printing, for example are as relevant to auto plants as aerospace plants, Castile said. The vehicles are going to have the technology in them, he said, and building them will have technology in the processes. He gave new advanced joining technologies as an example. Cars today welds are certainly there but many of them are being glued together, frankly, and some of the technology that surrounds that is phenomenal. The plan includes new equipment for the Robotics Technology Park, including laser welding tools, and training in such skill areas as producing Automated Guided Vehicles and combining technologies with materials. Responding to the challenge starts with making sure graduates of Alabama training programs understand basic manufacturing, the leaders said. New technologies and processes will keep coming, but workers first need a general foundation in how plants operate. State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) praised the states commitment. Too many times in state government, we start something and then allow it to drift, get stagnant, get stale, become less and less effective and the world around it changes, Orr said. We do not want that to happen here at the robotics park. Brooks Kracke, president and CEO of the North Alabama Industrial Development Association, said the robotics training center helps us immensely in recruiting new industry to the state. In 2020, there will be 2 million robot systems sold worldwide, Kracke said. Some of those will be handled here at the Robotics Technology Park. Jakarta: Indonesia's air force deployed four fighter jets to the South China Sea late on Tuesday in a stand-off with Beijing after Jakarta protested over a Chinese violation of its exclusive economic zone. The stand-off began in mid-December when a Chinese coast guard vessel, accompanying Chinese fishing boats, entered waters off the coast of Indonesia's northern Natuna Islands, prompting Jakarta to summon Beijing's ambassador. Indonesian President Joko Widodo, seen here on the way to the Natuna Islands in 2016, left for the area on Wednesday. Credit:AP The issue has soured Indonesia's generally friendly relationship with China, its biggest trading partner and a major investor in Southeast Asia's largest country. President Joko Widodo left for Natuna on Wednesday morning to meet with local fishermen who were earlier mobilised to help the country's navy in the area. It also deployed several navy ships. YEREVAN. The host of the fake Diana Harutyunyan Facebook page of Armenia has been charged. The National Security Service (NSS) press center informed this to Armenian News-NEWS.am. He was charged under the Criminal Code articles on inciting national, racial, or religious hostility; and illegally accessing computer information. Arrest was chosen as a precautionary measure against him. On January 3, the aforesaid Facebook page reported that, allegedly, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had congratulated the US President on the action taken against Iran's top military. This false news was also spread in the Azerbaijani and Iranian media. On January 5, the NSS announced that the identity of the host of this fake Facebook page had been ascertained, he had been apprehended, had confessed, and detained. A four-member fact-finding team of the Congress visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University on Wednesday to probe the attack on students and faculty members by a masked mob earlier this week. The team comprising All India Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev, party MP from Ernakulam Hibi Eden, former NSUI president of JNU unit Syed Nasser Hussain and former NSUI president and ex-president of Delhi University Students' Union Amrita Dhawan interacted with students on the issue. Statements of students were video-graphed. On Sunday, a mob of masked young people stormed the JNU campus in south Delhi and targeted students and faculty members in three hostels, unleashing a mayhem with sticks, stones and iron rods, hitting inmates and breaking windows, furniture and personal belongings. They also attacked a women's hostel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Emerging mobile payment startup joins growing list of fintech brands working with the firm's UK team PAN Communications, an integrated marketing and PR firm for tech and healthcare brands, today announced the signing of UK-based tech startup VibePay to its growing fintech client roster. VibePay makes it easy for users to send and receive money, no matter who they bank with and with no need to share bank account numbers or sort codes. The brand is tapping PAN's UK team for integrated marketing and PR support during its nationwide consumer launch. Additionally, the firm will be tasked with helping move the company into the B2B payment space, where it will offer payment services to e-sellers and small businesses. With VibePay, users can create groups to split payments and remind friends to pay them back without having to check their bank account. PAN will help build a narrative on how VibePay tackles "social debt," using the brand's supporting research that demonstrates nearly a quarter (23%) of Brits are owed money by their mates, with the average amount being 98. PAN will also support VibePay's earned media strategy as it expands its payment offerings. VibePay was founded by 26-year-old entrepreneur Luke Massie. Massiue also built Vibe Tickets, which successfully disrupted the ticketing market with its fee-free model. The wider Vibe Group is backed by Candy Ventures, employs 30 people and has offices in Lancaster and London. "We want to disrupt the incumbent payment providers and make VibePay the nation's favourite way to pay," says Massie. "Earning fans across social and mainstream media is an important part of that and we need the help of an ambitious agency. We're delighted to have PAN on board." Recognising the gap that VibePay fills in the payment market, PAN UK's Vice President General Manager, Nia Evans, sees great potential for the brand. "As a nation, we find it excruciatingly uncomfortable reminding a friend they owe us money. This reluctance is not just leaving a big hole in our pockets, it's also destroying friendships," says Evans. "We're super excited to be working with VibePay to address this issue with a quick and secure way to get paid back." Led by Evans, the PAN UK team looks forward to working with VibePay to increase awareness and bring the early-stage brand's story to life. About VibePay VibePay is the social way to get paid back, making it easier for friends to split the cost of concert tickets, presents, holidays, dinners, etc. Founded by young entrepreneur Luke Massie in 2018, VibePay is powered by Open Banking and enables secure direct-from-bank payments. The VibePay app for consumers is currently available for beta testing and will soon be free to download via The App Store and Google Play. VibePay for Business, a frictionless payment solution for merchants and marketplaces, will also launch in the coming months. About PAN Communications PAN Communications is a leading integrated marketing and PR agency servicing tech and healthcare brands across all stages of growth. Recently named "Medium PR Firm of the Year" by PR News in 2019, the agency has office locations in London, Boston (headquarters), San Francisco, New York and Orlando. PAN's approach offers the agility and personalized service of a mid-sized agency, while delivering strategy and service that meets the demand of international programs. PAN moves ideas that create compelling stories, drive intent and influence markets across all forms of media for brands such as SAP, Samsung, 8x8, Radial, Monster, MediaMath, Actian, Cogito and ArmadaHealth. For more information, visit our website at www.pancommunications.com, follow us on Twitter (@PANcomm) or call 617.502.4300. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005055/en/ Contacts: PAN Communications Sofia Cabrera scabrera@pancomm.com +44 (0) 20 7924 55656 If you serve in the military or are a veteran, a Veterans Affairs loan can help you unlock the door to your dream home. But how many times can you use a VA loan? Borrowers who have earned this benefit can use it as many times as they want for life, as long as they qualify. Eligible active-duty service members, veterans and surviving spouses can use this loan each time they purchase a primary residence, or the main home they live in. The catch: You may have to sell your VA-financed home before you can use a VA loan to buy another home. Here's more about reusing your VA loan benefits. [Read: Best VA Loans.] What Are VA Loans? VA loans are issued by private lenders but guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Compared with conventional loans, VA loans feature more attractive terms, such as lower fees and other costs, because of the VA guarantee. The guarantee reduces lender risk. One hallmark feature of VA loans is that down payments are typically not required. "The VA loan program is one of the best available for eligible homebuyers," says Kevin Parker, vice president of field mortgage originations at Navy Federal Credit Union. The program had major rule changes take effect in 2020, making homebuying even easier for those who have earned this benefit. How Many Times Can You Use a VA Loan? A VA loan is not a one-time deal. "There is no limitation on how many times you can use a VA loan," says Summer Kim-Davis, founder and CEO of IKON Mortgage, a Dallas-based mortgage broker. If you qualify, you can use VA loans throughout your lifetime, no matter how many primary homes you buy. But there are rules to keep in mind. For starters, you can only use a VA loan to purchase or refinance your main residence, Parker says. "This generally means borrowers cannot use a VA loan to finance the purchase of a rental or investment property," he says. In some cases, you can qualify for a VA loan even if you do not sell your primary home. Eligible borrowers who have paid off and will keep the home they bought with their VA loan can apply to restore their full VA loan benefit. Story continues The VA says this strategy can be used when: -- You purchased a home with a VA loan and have paid off the loan. -- Or you purchased a home with a VA loan and refinanced the mortgage to a non-VA loan. [Read: Best Mortgage Lenders.] How Many VA Loans Can You Have? Although you can reuse your VA loan benefit over and over, it is generally for one loan at a time. But you can use a partial entitlement for a second loan. The VA guarantees up to 25% of the loan amount without a down payment for eligible service members. That means the VA pledges to repay the lender up to 25% of the purchase price of your home if you default. If you've used your entitlement but have not fully paid back the loan, you still have a partial entitlement. A partial entitlement provides the same 25% guarantee with a caveat. You cannot borrow more than the Freddie Mac conforming loan limit, reduced by the amount of entitlement you have not yet restored. The 2020 Freddie Mac conforming loan limit is $510,400 for most U.S. counties. Say you bought a home for $200,000 and used your full 25% entitlement of $50,000. Because you used all of your entitlement, you couldn't take a partial entitlement for a new loan. But if you bought a $200,000 home and used 12% of your entitlement, or $24,000, you could still apply 13%, or $26,000, toward a new $200,000 loan. [Read: Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders.] Should You Use a VA Loan? If you can get a VA loan, should you? Although VA loans can only be used for a primary residence, they make sense for many borrowers, Parker says. "There are no real disadvantages associated with VA loans," he says. "In most cases, they are an eligible borrower's best option." VA loans often make the most sense for borrowers, agrees Kim-Davis. "All VA veterans should take advantage of VA loans whenever they purchase a home with less than a 20% down payment," she says. Choosing a VA loan in such cases means you won't have to purchase private mortgage insurance. That adds up to big savings: PMI can cost between 0.55% and 2.25% of the loan amount each year, according to the Urban Institute 2017 Mortgage Insurance Data at a Glance report. Still, a conventional loan may be a better choice if you are buying a home that costs more than the VA loan limit or you have great credit, Kim-Davis says. "It may be wise to compare different loan options -- including VA and other conventional loans -- to find the right loan products," she says. Consult a mortgage lender to weigh your options, Parker advises. "There are few instances when another type of loan would be a more suitable option for a borrower," he says, adding that "the perks and benefits VA loans provide are hard to beat." More From US News & World Report Kyivstar and lifecell mobile operators have provided privileges for communications with Iran for their subscribers, the companies have said. "From January 8-10, 2020, funds for calls from the Kyivstar network to mobile or fixed-line numbers in Iran will not be charged. All expenses for calls will be returned within the day the call was made," the mobile operator said. In connection with the tragic events in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kyivstar expressed its condolences to the families of victims of flight No. PS752 Tehran-Kyiv of Ukraine International Airlines (UIA). Lifecell, in turn, also expressed condolences to the victims of the disaster and provided free communications services to its subscribers located in Iran, charging them 20 minutes of voice calls within the host country and to Ukraine for free. Vodafone Ukraine said it was ready in fact to adjust the accounts if necessary. "We always help our citizens and subscribers in the event of natural disasters and other emergencies. In this case, we are unlikely to be able to help the citizens of another country with anything. But if there is at least some traffic, we'll be ready to adjust the accounts," it said. The two governments were on Wednesday night reworking the draft text of their proposals to restore power-sharing at Stormont after input from the DUP and Sinn Fein. Stormont sources said that the blueprint for breaking the deadlock contained "challenges" for Northern Ireland's two largest parties, but that both believed a deal was still possible. While there was no imminent breakthrough, they said nobody was "writing off" the process. Read More The DUP is keen to directly involve its senior MPs in the negotiations but it is understood they may need to remain at Westminster for votes on Thursday. The party wants to avoid a repeat of 2018 when its Stormont talks' team agreed a draft deal which later met with staunch opposition from DUP grassroots and MPs. London and Dublin briefed Sinn Fein and the DUP on their proposals on Thursday but did not share the same detail with the smaller parties. While the governments are keen to publish their proposals as soon as possible and inject pace into the process, talks insiders said that could still be some time away as it was "more important to get it right than get it quickly". Secretary of State Julian Smith and Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney worked late into the night at Stormont with the two big parties. Sources said they were amending and tweaking parts of the draft text following consultation with the DUP and Sinn Fein. Bilateral negotiations continued on Wednesday. There was one round-table discussion involving all five parties but it is understood to have been very brief. Alliance, the Ulster Unionists and SDLP left the negotiations as the governments got down to work with the DUP and Sinn Fein. The three parties have been told they will be briefed on the draft text on Thursday - the third anniversary of the collapse of devolution. All talks participants will return to the negotiations on Thursday morning. The Secretary of State has said that if a deal isn't reached by January 13, then fresh Assembly elections could be called. The blueprint presented to the DUP and Sinn Fein represents the governments' joint assessment of what a compromise deal to resolve outstanding disputes over the Irish language and Assembly voting practices might look like. They are urging the parties to sign-up to the agreement ahead of Monday's deadline. On that day, legislation to give civil servants extra powers to run public services here expires and Westminster assumes a legal duty to call a fresh Assembly election. The events at Stormont came as Prime Minister Boris Johnson, addressing the Commons, urged Northern Ireland's politicians to "take responsibility" and get the institutions up and running again. Ongoing industrial action by healthcare workers has heaped pressure on the political leaders to get back into a devolved Assembly. Thousands of nurses are on picket lines at hospitals in a dispute over pay and staffing shortages. Anne Waterman (60), a staff nurse striking outside the Ulster Hospital, less than a mile from the gates of Stormont, delivered a stark message to politicians. "If I was to stop working for three years I would not be getting paid," she said. "I think politicians here really have to step up to the mark, speak up for us and support us because we do not know what else to do." The last DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition government collapsed in January 2017 at the height of the 'cash for ash' scandal over renewable energy subsidies. Photo: John Lamparski / Echoes Wire/Barcroft Media via Getty Images First-term representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made substantial progress in her battle to stifle her many critics from both parties with the debut of a new surrogate on her team that all pols can agree on. Its a dog! As her Instagram post on Monday revealed, she purchased a French bulldog that she has yet to name. Yes! the goal is to train him to be a community pup. Ideally we want to work to the point where he can enjoy town halls, be an Amtrak pup, come to the office, etc. But first, naps pic.twitter.com/ec8beJTrmZ Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 7, 2020 In the announcement of the career-defining news, AOC promised that her new companion will be a community pup, suggesting the Frenchie will make appearances both in D.C. and in her district in the Bronx and Queens going the route of Elizabeth Warrens public wonder, Bailey, rather than that of Joe Bidens underreported but altogether very good German shepherds, Champ and Major. Presumably, both parties are thrilled by the development, though its unlikely that one of AOCs greatest critics, the president, will be moved. In the past, Trump has not held most canines in high estimation or had a strong understanding of what could be described as doglike; he frequently states that people are fired like a dog, even though military, police, and other employed dogs usually receive nice retirement ceremonies or honorable discharges. Sign Up for the Intelligencer Newsletter Daily news about the politics, business, and technology shaping our world. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Terms & Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said on Wednesday he had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif following the crash of an Ukrainian airliner in Iran. "Agreed to coordinate further actions of our investigation groups closely to determine the cause of the terrible plane crash," he tweeted. A Ukrainian airliner crashed and burst into flames shortly after take-off from Tehran early on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. Search Keywords: Short link: The grounding of the Boeing 737 Max following deadly crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia last year can be linked to a decision by Frontier Airlines to cancel flights out of Mobile, officials and airline industry analysts said Tuesday. But Frontiers exodus wont disrupt the focus of the Mobile Airport Authority and Mayor Sandy Stimpsons office to proceed with a transformation of commercial airline service to the Downtown Mobile Airport at the Brookley Aeroplex. Frontier is the only airline providing flights out of the Downtown Airport. The Denver-based low-cost carrier announced Monday it was leaving the Mobile market on April 22. The root of this is with the Boeing problem with the 737 Max, Stimpson said. You have 500 airplanes sitting on tarmacs that cant fly. This caused a real problem with Southwest, which in reaction to that, had to close down (flights from) Newark. Frontier saw an opportunity to move into Newark. Frontier is going to take advantage of going to a bigger market, a bigger footprint, and unfortunately, Mobile winds up on the short end. Chris Curry, president of the Airport Authority, said, There were other opportunities presented to them especially in Newark and the New York market when Southwest Airlines vacated. It was too good of an opportunity to pass up and came at the expense of smaller cities. Indeed, Frontier Airlines is rapidly expanding at the Newark Liberty International Airport, announcing in August that it was adding 15 nonstop routes to Denver, Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, Miami, Punta Cana, the Dominican Republican and elsewhere. The first of the routes began on Nov. 14, and additional services will be added in March and April 2020. Frontiers announcement occurred less than one month after Southwest Airlines among the biggest U.S. customers for the 737 Max revealed it was no longer flying to Newark. The 737 Maxs grounding prompted the airline to cease its Newark operations and end its 20 daily departures effective Nov. 3. They are very opportunistic and, if they saw an opportunity they perceived available at Newark for a short period of time, I can understand they rushed to take advantage of it, said aviation consultant George Hamlin. The capacity came from places other than Mobile as well. Said Curry, If you announce 15 (routes) in places like Newark you dont have enough aircraft to fly unless you take them from other markets. Downtown momentum 20 Mobile Downtown Airport A Frontier spokeswoman on Monday said the companys decision to leave Mobile was related to a lack of sufficient demand. Curry, however, argues that is not the case and pointed to some eye-opening statistics: Frontier flights departing Mobile to Denver were at a load capacity of 92%, which is well-above industry standards. Since the Downtown Airport opened on May 1, the airline served more than 40,000 passengers to Denver and Chicago, the planes were full, and that half the flights last month were 100% booked, Curry said. Mobile is not the only Alabama market that Frontier has exited. The airline ended its service last year at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. But the blow in Birmingham is minimized by the fact that other airlines provide service to Orlando and Denver the two destinations to which Frontier flew. In Mobile, Frontiers exodus has offered more of a sting because it was the only airline providing destinations from the fledgling new airport. None of the airlines at Mobile Regional Airport provide service to Denver and Chicago which Frontier provided when it began offering flights from the Downtown airport on May 1. Frontiers exodus is also viewed as a downer for Mobile that has, up until this point, experienced momentum in transferring its commercial air service from Mobile Regional Airport to the Downtown Airport at Brookley. The authority, last year, invested $8 million in cash reserves to renovated a portion of an Airbus logistics center into Terminal One a 50,000-square-foot, two-gate commercial airport. The new airport, while small, has been viewed as the start of something bigger that will lead to a larger terminal and a complete shift of commercial airline services to the Brookley complex. The complex is already anchored by an aerospace giant Airbus, the worlds new No. 1 manufacturer of commercial aircraft and Boeings chief rival. Airbus has its largest North American imprint in Mobile with a $600 million plant that builds the A320-family of planes. A federally funded master plan, laying out the specifics of how the airport transition will work, is due out this summer. Curry said that all signs, including the activity with Frontier, point to continued momentum toward the airport shift. And Stimpson said hes remaining focus on his expectations of the Airport Authority by backing the movement of commercial air service to Brookley. Weve proven that an airline can fly successfully out of Brookley, said Stimpson. Its about crossing more ts and dotting more is to make sure it happens. Cruise ship comparisons Curry, meanwhile, is dismissing comparisons about Frontiers exodus to Carnival Cruise Lines decision in 2011 to relocate the Carnival Elation ship to New Orleans, which left the Alabama Cruise Terminal empty. The terminal stood vacant for five years before the Miami-based cruise company announced it was moving the Carnival Fantasy to Mobile, where it continues to sail on a regular basis. Ive been in the industry for 18 years and Ive seen (airlines) come and go, and go bankrupt Ive seen it all, said Curry. I will tell you that if Mobile was not a profitable city for Frontier to operate, they would not announce now and continue service until April 22. Ive seen where airlines announced that they are leaving and be gone within days because they have the ability to do that. Stimpson said his administration plans to aggressively market the Downtown Airport similar to its efforts to market the cruise terminal to the cruising industry. The major difference between the two situations for the city of Mobile is with costs: The city pays around $1.8 million annually on a bond for the cruise terminal, whereas the city budget isnt on the hook for the Downtown Airport. We were relentless in trying to make sure we got a ship back, said Stimpson. That same mindset (will apply) in having aircraft fly out of Brookley. We have a terminal. Its going to happen. Legacy or low-cost The inaugural flight from the Mobile Downtown Airport took place on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in Mobile, Ala. Frontier Flight 413 to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport was the first flight to depart from the approximately $8 million new terminal. In this picture, Chris Curry, president of the Mobile Airport Authority, provides remarks before the flight departs the new terminal. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). Curry, meanwhile, said the focus of the Airport Authority will be to aggressively pursue the relocation of a so-called legacy carrier such as United Airlines or Delta, from Mobile Regional Airport to the Downtown Airport. He said that the timeline for doing so could occur during the first half of this year, and ahead of the master plans release in the summer. The only limiting factor on moving the legacy carriers over (to the Downtown Airport) was space, said Curry. The temporary terminals amount of space only allowed for the operation of one airline: Frontier. The whole room space was not large enough to accommodate two aircraft on the ground at the same time. Now that we have the space, we will be reaching out to the legacy carriers to see which one or two might be interested in moving to the Downtown Airport sooner. But luring another low-cost airliner to replace Frontier is going to be key for Mobiles commercial airline competitiveness, said one aviation industry observer. Dean Headley, a professor emeritus in the Department of Marketing at the W Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, said that in order for a smaller-sized airport to keep its overall fares competitive, it needs to maintain a low-cost operation. Headley said in Wichita, business and city leaders wooed Southwest to enter its market and provide lower-fare services to help drive down overall fares from its airport. In order to do so, the Kansas Affordable Airfares program was created and doled out millions of dollars in subsidies to Southwest Airlines so they would provide flights from Wichitas airport. The subsidy lasted for three years, ending in 2015. Southwest Airlines remains in Wichita, and Headley said the incentive program while unpopular on its surface turned out to be a good investment. There is no indication that Mobile might consider a subsidy program to woo another low-cost carrier. Wichitas airport was the 96th busiest in 2018, with an average fare of $396.63 in 2018. By comparison, Mobile ranked No. 166, and had an average fare of $503.95, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The subsidy is what kept the low-fare carriers, said Headley. Without a low-fare carrier in Wichita, a flight (to Denver) which is an hour and half via air, it was costing $600. It was highway robbery. Right now, you can go for $220 to $230. He added, The subsidy was a distasteful thing to most folks. Its tax money, lets face it. But its like a lot of other cities if you dont have transportation, health care and an airport, a lot of people dont think you have much of a city. You can check if youre registered to vote for the March 26 presidential primary on the Georgia My Voter Page, and if youre not registered, you can do so on the Secretary of States website. Titans action star Minka Kelly made quite a dramatic entrance to the 83rd annual Fashion Scholarship Fund gala at the New York Hilton on Tuesday. The 39-year-old LA native struck a pose in a colorful-striped Bibhu Mohapatra ball gown featuring a black bustier top, which was selected by stylist Toye Adedipe. The Drunk History funnywoman wore her brunette mane down in waves for the awards ceremony. Train time! Titans action star Minka Kelly made quite a dramatic entrance to the 83rd annual Fashion Scholarship Fund gala at the New York Hilton on Tuesday Minka sported an excess of pink blush and she brought out her brown eyes with lashes and defined brows. The Fashion Scholarship Fund is a national non-profit association dedicated to supporting, nurturing, and honoring the future of fashion. Kelly was joined by fashionABLE founder Barrett Ward, whom she's partnered with as far back as 2009 in Ethiopia and Kenya to help sex-trafficking survivors. Later, the nepotistically-privileged daughter of former Aerosmith guitarist Rick Dufay hit the stage to accept a translucent trophy from Eleanor Turner. Werrrk! The 39-year-old LA native struck a pose in a colorful-striped Bibhu Mohapatra ball gown featuring a black bustier top, which was selected by stylist Toye Adedipe Bronzed: The Drunk History funnywoman wore her brunette mane down in waves for the awards ceremony Rosy: Minka sported an excess of pink blush and she brought out her brown eyes with lashes and defined brows Function: The Fashion Scholarship Fund is a national non-profit association dedicated to supporting, nurturing, and honoring the future of fashion The Friday Nights alum last made headlines on May 16 speaking out about the abortion she underwent when she was young, which was the 'smartest decision I could've made.' 'Not only for myself and my boyfriend at the time, but also for this unborn fetus,' Minka wrote to her 1.3M social media following. 'For a baby to have been born to two people - too young and completely ill equipped - with no means or help from family, would have resulted in a child born into an unnecessary world of struggle. Having a baby at that time would have only perpetuated the cycle of poverty, chaos and dysfunction I was born into.' Kelly concluded: 'Lest we forget, outlawing abortion has never stopped women from attempting it.' Team: Kelly was joined by fashionABLE founder Barrett Ward (L), whom she's partnered with as far back as 2009 in Ethiopia and Kenya to help sex-trafficking survivors Congrats! Later, the nepotistically-privileged daughter of former Aerosmith guitarist Rick Dufay hit the stage to accept a translucent trophy from Eleanor Turner (R) 'The smartest decision I could've made': The Friday Nights alum last made headlines on May 16 speaking out about the abortion she underwent when she was young Outspoken: Other celebs who joined the #YouKnowMe campaign included Cynthia Nixon, Rosanna Arquette and Ashley Judd, Milla Jovovich, Busy Philipps, and Keke Palmer Other celebs who joined the #YouKnowMe campaign included Cynthia Nixon, Rosanna Arquette and Ashley Judd, Milla Jovovich, Busy Philipps, Keke Palmer, and Jameela Jamil. The 5ft5in brunette certainly bulked up her biceps playing vigilante Dawn 'Dove' Granger on the set of DC Universe series Titans, now shooting season three. This Friday, Netflix users can start streaming the 13-episode second season of the superhero series created by Akiva Goldsman, Geoff Johns, and Greg Berlanti. Now shooting season three! Minka certainly bulked up her biceps playing vigilante Dawn 'Dove' Granger on the set of DC Universe series Titans (pictured in 2019) YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs has offered condolences to the families and friends of the 176 victims of the Ukraine International Airlines Tehran-Kiev flight that crashed after takeoff today in the Iranian capital. Very sad news about the crash of Ukrainian International Airlines airplane Boeing 737 en route from Tehran to Kiev. Deep condolences to families and friends of victims, FM Mnatsakanyan tweeted. The 176 victims include 164 passengers and 9 crew members. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan U.S. sanctions on Nord Stream 2 help Ukraine sign new gas deal with Russia Prystaiko 14:40, 08.01.20 13072 At the beginning of the negotiations, Russia did not want to conclude an agreement, the minister said. Accustomed to unfulfilled promises from the Chinese government, foreign businesses are keeping a wary eye on a nascent law aimed at addressing their long-standing grievances about unfair treatment in the world's second largest economy. The foreign investment law, which came into force on January 1, is supposed to give local and foreign companies equal treatment in the Chinese market and improve protections of intellectual property. But international companies, which have in the past complained about having "promise fatigue", have not been wowed by the legislation. "Our expectations are quite modest," said Lester Ross, who heads the policy committee at the American Chamber of Commerce in China. "The longest-standing issues in China do not concern an absence of legislation, but rather the lack of enforcement and the breadth of government discretion resulting in selective enforcement," Ross said. The legislation, which replaces three older laws, says foreign firms are no longer obligated to have a Chinese partner to start a business in the country. It also prohibits the use of administrative means to force foreign firms to transfer technology to Chinese partners -- one of the major sticking points in Beijing's trade war with the United States. But a survey of 249 companies, published in December by the British Chamber of Commerce in China, indicated that 38 percent of respondents believed the law would not change anything. A quarter of respondents did not know what changes to expect. Beijing passed the law as it faces rising competition for foreign direct investment from other Asian manufacturing hubs, notably in Southeast Asia, said Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist at IHS Markit. "This reform is an important priority for the Chinese government in order to maintain an attractive business climate for foreign investment," Biswas said. Rising wages have reduced China's competitiveness, with countries such as Vietnam offering manufacturers a cheaper alternative. Biswas said China has recognised that in order to attract more foreign investment, notably in high-tech, it had to provide a more level playing field and improve intellectual property protection. But without strict on-the-ground implementation mechanisms, foreign investors are unlikely to be reassured, Ross said. Other issues remain as well. The law does not spell out what penalties would be imposed for violating intellectual property rights. It is also silent on subsidies to state-owned enterprises. Such enterprises have been accused of distorting competition, and the issue of subsidies has been among structural reforms that the US has been demanding from China in the trade war. Joerg Wuttke, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, said a significant issue is the continued existence of a legal framework that treats foreign investment differently from that of Chinese players. "The foreign investment law's implementation measures are a step up from the previous draft, but many significant concerns remain," Wuttke said. The European chamber is also concerned about the vague wording of certain provisions which would allow local governments to expropriate investments that "harm the public interest". Foreign companies also criticise the difficulty of making an appeal in the event of litigation. Another concern surrounds the provision that China can "take appropriate measures" if a country adopts "discriminatory restrictions" or "discriminatory prohibitions" against it. This appears to be linked to the sanctions against Chinese telecoms giant Huawei in the US, suggesting that Beijing reserves the right to take retaliatory measures in such a case. In spite of the new law, foreign investors in China remain excluded from many business sectors such as healthcare and publishing, although China has reduced this "negative" list and promised to continue doing so. Pakistani Shiite Muslim protest against the killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Iraq, outside the U.S. consulate in Lahore on Jan. 7, 2020. AFP A handout photo made available by the U.S. Army shows Paratroopers assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division preparing equipment and boarding aircraft bound for the U.S. Central Command area of operations in the Middle East, from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Jan. 4, 2020. EPA U.S. President Donald Trump's national security team knew that killing Iran's most powerful general could hurt efforts to mop up and head off any revival of the Islamic State militant group _ and that is just what has happened. Two days after Gen. Qassem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad, the U.S. troops in Iraq to fight the Islamic State are now focused on their own defense, guarding American bases and the U.S. Embassy from an expected Iranian response. The fight against the militants is now on hold, and a Trump foreign policy achievement is in doubt. ''When we looked at this operation we knew there would be consequences,'' said Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. ''We knew there'd be risk.'' But he said the threat of attack on U.S. interests was too great to not act. The Islamic State evolved in Syria after U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq in 2011; its fighters swept back across the border in 2014, captured wide swaths of western and northern Iraq and imposed brutal rule over a self-declared ''caliphate.'' A U.S.-led coalition finally ousted the group from the last of its territory in Syria in March 2019, but thousands of fighters scattered throughout the region and continue to pose a threat. Defense Secretary Mark Esper agreed on Tuesday that ''the suspension of activities in Iraq'' against IS was foreseen as a possible outcome of killing of Soleimani. Two days after a missile launched from a U.S. drone killed the general in Baghdad on Jan. 3, shortly after he arrived, the U.S.-led military coalition in Iraq announced a pause in its years-long partnership with Iraqi forces against IS remnants. The focus shifted to protecting coalition troops and the U.S. Embassy, in anticipation that Iran would try to avenge Soleimani's death by attacking. Ketti Davison, a retired Army intelligence officer with experience in Iraq, said there is no doubt that the fight against the militants has been undercut. ''The counter-ISIS campaign was already strained,'' said Davison, an intelligence expert at the Institute for the Study of War. The effort in Syria has been hampered since Turkey invaded northern Syria in October, complicating U.S. cooperation with Kurdish fighters and giving the Russian military a wider role in the country. Vietnams assumption of the UNSCs non-permanent membership for the 2020-2021 tenure and the UNSCs presidency in January 2020 is a valuable opportunity for the country to contribute to the international community. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh Such positions will also help to improve Vietnams position and deepen its relations with other countries and major partners, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh wrote in a recent article. Pointing out the present challenges to global peace and security such as prolonged conflicts in Africa, escalating tensions in the Middle East and potential hot spots in some regions, including Asia-Pacific, Minh affirmed that Vietnam will continue persistently pursuing its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, active international integration, multilateralisation and diversification. The country will make efforts to promote dialogues, ease tensions and confrontations, and seek fair, suitable solutions to issues that threaten regional and global peace and security, he said. At the same time, Vietnam will work to promote respect for international law and the UN Charter, especially basic principles on sovereignty equality between countries, as well as respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and socio-political regimes, no interference in each others internal affairs, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and not using or threatening to use force, Minh said. The Deputy PM also stressed Vietnams advocacy of the spirit of partnership for sustainable peace, which focuses on conflict prevention, peace building, post-conflict reconstruction and enhancement of multilateralism and multilateral institutions, especially the UN and regional organisations. As President of the UNSC in January 2020, Vietnam will do its best to fulfill the task of managing the councils operations and step up the search for solutions to issues raised at the councils agenda, he said. Apart from maintaining the objectivity, transparency and respect for the UN Charter as well as the councils procedures, the country will reconcile differences of parties and strive to build consensus. Regarding the UNSCs work programme in January 2020, Minh said Vietnam will preside over more than 30 meetings and debates, and the council will decide on the operations of peace-keeping and political missions in some countries like Cyprus, Yemen and Libya, among others. There will be two major events focusing on enhancing the observance of the UN Charter and forging cooperation between the UN and UNSC, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Deputy PM said. With a foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, the countrys new position, international support, experience in hosting regional and international multilateral mechanisms, careful preparations and close, effective coordination between ministries and agencies at home and abroad, we have adequate foundations to believe that Vietnam will successfully perform the UNSCs presidency in January 2020, creating momentum for the country to serve as the councils non-permanent membership, Minh stressed./.VNA 28 Shares Share I should explain to you, Socrates, that our friend Cratylus has been arguing about names; he says they are natural and not conventional; [] that there is a truth or correctness in them. Plato I once heard that the sound of ones name is the most beautiful thing in the universe, which is probably an overstatement. But ones name is one of the first words one hears from birth, as parents coo into a babys ear. Consequently, a person becomes attuned to it, craves it. You will even physically turn towards that sound at a too-loud party when someone murmurs your name from across the room a phenomenon dubbed the cocktail party effect. When meeting a stranger, what do you do? You ask their name. And when a doctor assesses mental status, often the first question is about ones name. Why? A name is at ones core. In some religions and cultures, a name is even considered sacred, and to know it is to know the essence of who someone is. By the time we forget ones own name, society may proceed to call that once-human a vegetable. Sadly, society at large doesnt much care for Brussels sprouts. So when the resident called, Med Student, bring me the bucket, we felt a vegetative withering. The bucket was a pink, plastic emesis basin repurposed for hauling myriad surgical supplies including gauze, tape, scalpels, saline, and so on. Like sherpas, we hauled it up and down the floors and during the Everest of morning rounds. My friend Anjie handed the bucket over to the doctor, whos hand was simply outstretched, waiting. In another instance, eyes scan over your white coat for a badge, searching for a name. This happens hours after you already introduced yourself, or just after a few minutes. Or there will be a conversation with your supervisor-mentor-(buddy?) in which your name is conveniently omitted and replaced with hey or a generic you along with a Pan-Am smile. After a series of conversations like this, despite having hauled the bucket and writing SOAP notes the whole past week, things start to feel more than awkward. So Anjies name, my name, is Med Student. Like a dark comedy, I sometimes even introduce myself that way now, but secretly I know it is not an act of reclamation and empowerment, rather the endpoint of my own obliviation. Forgetting or ignoring a name is perhaps one of the most common forms of medical student mistreatment. Like other forms of passive mistreatment, such as neglect, it is more insidious, though no less harmful than physical abuse, verbal assaults, and relegations to bucket duty. As one colleague who identified as gender non-binary disclosed to me, when their pronouns and chosen name were ignored, the feeling of disrespect was nearly debilitating. In another situation, a hospital I was rotating at refused to issue me an ID badge with my chosen name (which happens to be my legal middle name) because it was not protocol. Situations like those can ultimately hamper learning, patient care, and inflict real hurt. It takes too much time! Theyll be gone in a week or two anyway! There are too many of them to keep track of! I have other things to worry about! These are the excuses one might hear, though the same could be said of patients. Fortunately, for patients, we are generally able to remember not just their name, but every detail down to last months CBC. That detail is important, or easy enough to remember, it seems. But even for patients, Ms. Rose might become the diabetic, and thus transform the person into pathology. This is a moment that we have all witnessed. Sadly, Rose, by another name, is not Rose. We know and can do better, not just doctors, but anyone who works with people. It starts with an introduction and asking who you are, including ones chosen name and pronouns. A medical student by his, her, their, zir name is suddenly a person with real value. With a name, I will feel empowered to answer my other calling: medical student. The author is an anonymous medical student. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, left, and Michel Barnier, chief negotiator for the European Union (EU), arrive ahead of von der Leyen's a speech at the London School of Economics in London, U.K., on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. LONDON The EU is ready to negotiate a zero-tariff trade deal with the United Kingdom but the relationship between the two sides will never be the same, the European Commission President said Wednesday at an event in London. "The truth is that our partnership cannot and will not be the same as before. And it cannot and will not be as close as before, because with every choice comes a consequence," Ursula von der Leyen, who took over the presidency of the EU's executive arm in December, said at the London School of Economics. The U.K. is scheduled to leave the European Union in 23 days, on January 31 becoming the first member state to do so. This will kickstart a transition period, when London and Brussels will engage in new negotiations that will include future trade arrangements. However, both sides have been at odds over the length of that next phase. "The European Union is ready to negotiate a truly ambitious and comprehensive new partnership with the United Kingdom," von der Leyen said. However, she warned that "without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020, you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnership." "The transition time is very, very tight," she said, adding there's a maximum 10 months to negotiate new trade arrangements, so these can be ratified before December. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pushed legislation to force trade talks with the European Union to end by no later than December. Johnson has made it clear that he is seeking an "ambitious" free trade arrangement with the EU, similar to a deal Europe negotiated with Canada the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). That deal took seven years to negotiate and has yet to be fully ratified by national parliaments in Europe. If there is no trade agreement between the U.K. and the EU, businesses could find themselves trading on World Trade Organization terms potentially meaning higher tariffs and barriers to commerce. This possibility is often described as a "no-deal" or "cliff-edge" Brexit. A koala named Sootie who was rescued after he was burned in bushfires has tragically died. Sootie - named because of his ashy appearance - suffered severe burns when fires tore through New South Wales' mid north coast in November. He was cared for by Paul and Christeen McLeod, who run the Koalas in Care rescue service from their home in Taree, but he was unable to recover from the burns. On December 8, the 'brave little man' passed away. Sootie's ears, paws, fur and noes were all burned in the fires, and he was left suffering from shock. Sootie was sent to the Port Stephens Koalas organisation after the McLeods' home became too crowded. 'Our poor little Sootie lost his battle over his horrendous burns,' Port Stephens Koala wrote on their Instagram. 'His little body couldn't cope anymore. He was such a stoic, brave little man. Never a complaint and he tried SO hard. 'Safe travels, you will certainly be missed by us and all the carers at Koalas In Care, Taree.' In a video taken before his death, Sootie was seen eating eucalyptus leaves and wearing mittens on his paws that had been sent to the koala hospital. 'After you put the burn cream on, the mittens go over the top and stops the medication from being rubbed off and keeps it in contact with the burnt skin so it can do its job,' Port Stephens Koalas posted. Sootie the koala tragically died last month after suffering serious burns from bushfires The koala suffered burns to his paws, nose, fur and ears after fires tore through New South Wales' Mid North Coast in November Sootie was laid to rest at the Port Stephens Hospital. 'Very sad to be informed of the passing of Sootie. He put up a brave fight & did so well to begin with & then sadly despite the efforts of Port Stephens Koala Carer Sue, his battle was lost,' The McLeods wrote on Facebook. The couple had the painstaking task of cleaning the fur of koalas who had been scorched in the fires. They had to cut off their peeling skin and apply cream to help their injuries heal. The McLeod's, who run the Koalas In Care rescue service from their home in Taree on New South Wales' mid-north coast rescued Sootie Each koala has their own set of towels as well as eucalyptus leaves to feed on, and Ms McLeod said they are using antibiotics and pain relief to help them recover. Mittens have also been donated from around the country to give to the koalas, which the couple use to cover their paws and keep the cream in place. Australia's devastating bushfire season has taken the lives of 25 people and has destroyed almost 2,000 homes. Half a billion animals are estimated to have perished during the blazes which have scorched around six million hectares across the country. Mobileye announced Tuesday an agreement to test and eventually deploy a robotaxi service in Daegu City, South Korea, the latest example of the company's strategy to expand beyond its traditional business of supplying automakers with computer vision technology that power advanced driver assistance systems. Under the agreement, which was announced at CES 2020, Mobileye will integrate its self-driving system a kit that includes visual perception, sensor fusion, its REM mapping system, software algorithms and its driving policy that will drive the cars to enable a driverless mobility-as-a-service operation in South Korea. This systems driving policy, or the decision-making of the car, is influenced by Responsibility Sensitive Safety, or RSS, a mathematical model introduced in 2017 by Mobileye in a white paper. Mobileye, a subsidiary of Intel, has long dominated a specific niche in the automotive world as a developer of computer vision sensor systems that help prevent collisions. The company generated nearly $1 billion in sales from this business, and its tech made it into 17.5 million new cars in 2019, Amnon Shashua, Mobileye's president and CEO and Intel senior vice president, said in an interview with TechCrunch. But in recent years, the company has also turned its attention and resources to mapping, as well as developing the full self-driving stack to support higher levels of automated driving. Mobileye's REM mapping system essentially crowdsources data -- by tapping into the millions of vehicles equipped with its tech -- to build high-definition maps that can be used to support in ADAS and autonomous driving systems. In 2018, the company expanded its focus beyond being a mere supplier and toward operating robotaxi services. Intel and Mobileye began testing self-driving cars in Jerusalem in May 2018. Since then, the company has racked up agreements, first with Volkswagen and Champion Motors. The companies formed a joint venture called New Mobility in Israel with a plan to start a self-driving ride-hailing service there. Story continues Mobileye then made an agreement with RATP in partnership with the city of Paris to bring robotaxis to France. The company also partnered with Chinese electric car startup Nio in late 2019 to develop autonomous vehicles that consumers can buy. Under the agreement, Nio will supply vehicles to Mobileye for China and other markets. Mobileye also announced Tuesday that China's SAIC will use its REM mapping technology to map China for Level 2+ a newer industry term that is meant to cover higher levels of automated driving that still require a human driver to be in the loop. Level 2+ systems often cover highway autonomy, which means the system handles driving on highways but in certain conditions requires the human driver to take over. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: A Florida judge on Tuesday blocked special prosecutors appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis from obtaining grand-jury records from alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epsteins 2006 indictment on a single charge of soliciting prostitution, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. Epstein, a financier who was found dead in a New York jail in August while awaiting prosecution, was accused of numerous instances of rape and sex trafficking. The Herald revealed in 2018 that Epstein had received an extremely lenient plea deal after a 2008 conviction on state prostitution charges. DeSantis has tasked special prosecutors with investigating whether any corruption was involved in forming the plea deal. The unusual deal allowed Epstein to serve 13 months in county jail, much of which was spent in his personal office on work release, and all but ceased an FBI probe into the financier and other powerful figures who may have participated in his sex crimes. The prosecutors requested that Palm Beach County judge Krista Marx unseal grand-jury tapes from the 2006 indictment to determine whether the jurors were aware that many of Epsteins victims were underage. Marx refused, saying prosecutors had not established evidence of corruption on part of the grand jury and that grand-jury tapes could only be unsealed as a last resort under Florida law. There has not been a scintilla of evidence to suggest corruption, Marx said. She emphasized that prosecutors would need to provide more than bare-bones evidence of wrongdoing before the tapes could be revealed. The Epstein scandal has roped in a number of prominent public figures including Prince Andrew, son of Englands Queen Elizabeth II. Virginia Roberts, a vocal Epstein accuser, has repeatedly alleged that the British royal raped her. The FBI is currently investigating Epsteins friend and alleged madame Ghislane Maxwell. Maxwell is accused of luring Roberts into Epsteins circle, forcing her to have sex with both Epstein and Prince Andrew. More from National Review The Federal Aviation Administration has banned U.S. aircraft from Iraq and Iran airspace following a retaliatory attack by Iran. In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi bases which house U.S. troops. Reports suggest there were no casualties, as early warnings were given to troops to reach shelters before the missiles struck. The attack was in retaliation by Iran for the killing of its general, Qassem Soeimanni, last week in Baghdad by a U.S. airstrike. According to Reuters, the FAA said the airspace ban from Iraq, Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia is due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations. Prior to the latest ban, warnings had already been issued by FAA prohibiting U.S. carriers from flying below 26,000 feet over Iraq and from flying over an area of Iranian airspace above the Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Many airlines including Transport Canada, Singapore Airlines Ltd, Malaysia Airlines, Taiwans China Airlines, Australias Qantas Airways Ltd, Dubai-based Emirates Airlines, Korean and Thai Airlines are all said to be avoiding that airspace and rerouting their flights. Reuters also reported that the coordination team operated by International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) was activated as a standard precautionary measure, in the event that contingency measures are required by airlines. Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C. (SDV) has promoted Bethany L. Barrese to partner, effective January 1, 2020. Barreses practice focuses on complex policyholder coverage issues. She has experience handling coverage disputes arising from construction projects and frequently negotiates construction defect and additional insured claims on behalf of owners, architects, construction managers and general contractors. She is an advocate for policyholders with a focus on assessing and litigating bad faith and unfair trade practices claims. She also works with clients to review their existing insurance programs, recommend various risk management strategies and develop long-term solutions to common coverage issues. Barrese maintains a remote office in northern New Jersey, where she will continue to represent corporate policyholders nationally in conjunction with SDVs Northeast office. SDV is a law firm representing policyholders in insurance coverage disputes. Its clients range from individuals to international corporations across all industries. Source: Saxe Doernberger & Vita Topics Mergers New Jersey Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 16:58:43|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close TEHRAN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday called on the United States to pull its forces out of region, hours after Iran launched missile attacks on two U.S. military bases in Iraq. Khamenei referred to Iran's missile strike on the U.S. bases, saying that "they were slapped" on the face. However, "military operations of this kind is not enough," and "what is important is to put an end to the corruptive presence of the Americans in the region," he said. He gave a speech in Iran's religious city of Qom broadcast live on state TV. Khamenei said that "Americans have brought war, sedition, destruction and division to the region." He said "our region and the nations of our region no longer accept the presence of Americans." On Wednesday, Khamenei highly praised "bravery" of General Qassem Soleimani in fighting what he called against the U.S. and Israel "atrocities" vis-a-vis the regional nations. Soleimani, the former commander of Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), was assasinated in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad international airport on Friday. In retaliation, IRGC launched multiple missile attacks on the U.S. bases in Iraq on Wednesday. Residents and tourists in Australia have been left reeling as wildfires engulf parts of the country, killing at least 24 people and destroying an area larger than Denmark. We asked readers to describe how they have grappled with one of the worst fire seasons on record. We heard from people who said they fled to the beach, where they dug trenches and prepared to jump into the water at a moments notice. Some said they sought refuge in camps where people brought dogs, chickens, goats and other animals. Others said they stayed behind, hosing down their homes in the hopes of saving their property from destruction. We received more than a hundred responses from around the country. Many described struggling to breathe amid the choking smoke and being overcome with sadness and anger as they watched their communities and forests burn and pondered the toll it had on the countrys renowned wildlife. TORONTO, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CB2 Insights (CSE:CBII; OTCQB: CBIIF) (CB2 or the Company), a leading data-driven company focused on bringing real-world evidence driven from the point-of-care to the medical cannabis community, today released its CEOs 2019 Year In Review. The letter, which has also been sent to Investors, provides an update on the growth and development of the business last year as well as the foundation and opportunities that are ahead for 2020. The letter in its entirety can be found within this release. Dear Shareholders, CB2 Insights has been pleased to deliver a year of outstanding performance for 2019, driven by a strong focus on establishing business fundamentals, execution of a well defined business strategy and growth in new business verticals to support a growing global demand for cannabinoid data and research. Our focus on execution has allowed us to achieve strong growth in revenues, improvements in cost efficiencies and an operating structure that will enable us to reach profitability in Q2 2020. We closed out the year having become a public company in March with a mission to increase our patient volume, improve our technology platform in order to better capture clinically-validated data within our clinics and begin to leverage those assets to bring a more traditional level of data and research to the medical cannabis space. We recognized that while revenue growth was important, more vital was bringing ourselves to profitability. While its not uncommon for a technology and data firm to grow solely based on external funding during its growth stage, we had uniquely positioned the company to be largely self-funded through our clinical operations which in turn allowed us to avoid having to do large raises resulting in shareholder dilution. After the final payout from the acquisition of Canna Care Docs, we operated with the cash flows that came from the clinical operations as well as less than $2M in external capital in our first year as a public company. Many people believed we would never be able to grow without doing a large financing. We believe this, in part, is why there has always been significant pressure on our stock the assumption that a large raise was always around the corner. The facts: We were able to successfully complete 3 acquisitions, grow the company 24% year on year, decrease our expenses to near-profitability and now are proving new verticals of revenue with partnerships managing technology and research projects with licensed producers, research bodies and product manufacturers in North America, the UK and Colombia. We have always approached the industry with a traditional healthcare slant. In the last few months, oversight bodies, such as the US FDA, have begun cracking down on medical cannabis providers who claim benefits to their products but have yet to prove safety and efficacy through the traditional healthcare channels. Warnings and demands to remove marketing statements have reached 20+ companies already. Everyone in the medical cannabis industry recognizes that clinical trials, real-world evidence and other means of proving out efficacy are the only way that the industry will move to its forecasted value. But most dont know where to begin. In just a few short months, we have over $300K in booked revenue related to our data and research efforts with a growing pipeline. And as we are currently able to handle those projects with the team that we already have in place, we expect strong profit margins of over 50% on that new revenue. Within these conversations, we are seeing movement that will lead to multi-million dollar agreements and we are working around the clock to secure them. The results for this year come after 5 years of establishing a strong foundation of technology, data analytical tools and clinical operations. This foundation sets us apart from our competitors as CB2 Insights is now in a position to truly support its customer end to end, maximize revenue and minimize time and cost in bringing drugs to market. Firstly, establishing large patient registries and cohorts, gives them access to a large network of patients to test and qualify their products safety and efficacy. Secondly, our proprietary Sail electronic data management platform, allows for big data analytical and insights generation , across multiple data sources to help customers in minimizing clinical trial costs, recruiting patients, identifying future drug formulations, and validating current products in market. Finally, full service Contract Research arm with experience in traditional clinical trials, aims to support customers in the validation and advancement of drugs to market including registration with regulatory bodies for future product registration and commercialization in current and new Global markets. The investments we have made will now generate a strong return for shareholders as we have started to monetize and build the pipeline for further deal flow across all three verticals of the business: Clinical Operations & Market Access, Technology and Data Analytics, and Contract Research and Development. They also help set our expectations for another year of strong double-digit sales growth, profitability and market expansion. Fiscal 2019 Operational and Financial Highlights: As of reviewed Q3 2019 financials, YTD revenue of $10.3M representing a significant YoY growth as well as improved adjusted EBIDTA from -25% in Q1 to -7% in Q3 with continued improvement into Q4; With the acquisitions of Relaxed Clarity, MedEval and NJAM clinics, CB2 Insights now owns and operates one of the largest multi-state networks of specialty clinics in the US assessing nearly 100,000 patients seeking treatment which provides immediate market access to US-based product manufacturers for clinical trial and research programs; The Company has built both electronic data capture (EDC) and clinical data management software (CDMS) tools, which work to support its partners of any size to execute their data and clinical strategies. Most recent client announcements include Drug Science (Project T21), VIVO Cannabis, FCM Global, Premier Health, and My Access Clinics; and Full service contract research organization (CRO) services, including full-scale clinical trial management, trial design, monitoring, and other key research functions used by licensed producers, multi-state operators and traditional pharma companies entering the medical cannabis space. Most recent client announcements include Drug Science (Project T21), FCM Global, and Green Lotus. We have truly transformed our operation not only to reach profitability, but to pursue opportunities that will elevate the position of CB2 Insights as a valuable provider of data and research to stakeholders in both the medical cannabis and life science verticals. We are on pace to build and develop the industries largest data bank of anonymized clinical data on the safety, efficacy and usage of medical cannabis-based products and delivery forms. We believe this is going to a vital requirement by the industry in the years to come. The time is right. There are no other companies that are openly vying for this business at the moment. Which is also partially why it has taken a lot for us to convince partners that this is how they will secure their position in the medical cannabis space. But it is also why it is ours for the taking. When you look at similar companies in the traditional healthcare space such as IQVIA, Health Catalyst, Syneos and Medpace, you will see that their valuations are strong. They represent a stronghold in the traditional healthcare space and we are now best positioned to realize the same value in the coming years. Our mission continues to be a global leader in medical cannabinoid therapy data and research. Our technology and research will continue to deepen insights and improve patient outcomes, while educating and supporting informed decisions that improve quality of life. We are also excited to announce that our most recent warrant repricing program that offers CB2 the most equitable form of non-dilutive capital, has had great support and uptake and we believe will provide adequate capital for CB2 to achieve its goal of reaching profitability by the end of Q1, 2020. We strongly believe that this enables CB2 to refrain from any significant future dilutive share issuances to finance operations and near-term organic growth. We look forward to another strong year ahead and continued demonstration of value to all our stakeholders. From all of us as CB2 Insights, Happy New Year! Sincerely, Pradyum Sekar CEO & Co-Founder The Year in Review letter to shareholders can also be found on CB2s website at: https://www.cb2insights.com/news/article/1055 About CB2 Insights CB2 Insights has a mission to mainstream medical cannabis into traditional healthcare. We are a research and technology company, offering a suite of data and technology solutions as a full service clinical CRO, specializing in Phase II, III and IV, post-marketing, observational and experimental trials in a range of therapeutic areas for sponsors worldwide. CB2 Insights helps industry stakeholders create a strong value story with Real World Evidence, generation of safety and efficacy data, operating in two segments: clinical solutions and data solutions. For more information please visit www.cb2insights.com. Primary Contact: Dan Thompson Chief Corporate Officer 1.855.874.4999 ext. 120 investors@cb2insights.com Forward Looking Statements Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in CB2s filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will, could, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, potential, believe, should," and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding the opportunity to provide services and software to the U.S. cannabis industry. Although CB2 has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to: dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals; investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are subject to inconsistent legislation and regulation; change in laws; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; hindering market growth and state adoption due to inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical-use and recreational-use marijuana industry and; regulatory or political change. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. CB2 disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and CB2 does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein. No securities regulator or exchange has reviewed, approved, disapproved, or accepts responsibility for the content of this news release. Chris Hemsworth proved that he also possesses superhuman strength just like Thor after he joined the long list of celebrities that offered help in the on-going disaster in Australia. Since Sept. 2019, wildfires in Australia have spread through 11 million acres of land in the continent. Currently, ecologists from the University of Sydney estimated that almost half a billion of wildlife have already died in 130 still-burning fires. To help the victims and community in need, Hollywood stars like Pink and Nicole Kidman pledged to donate $500,000 to the Rural Fire Services. A concert called "Fire Fight Australia" is also set on Feb. 16 at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney to help raise funds for the Australian bushfire relief. Fortunately, the aid continues to grow, as the "Thor" actor announced his donation for his country. Chris' Pledge The 36-year-old Australian actor took to Instagram to share his thoughts about the bushfires in Australia. "They continue to burn, there's warmer weather on its way, we're really still in the thick of it here and there's plenty of challenging times ahead," he started before asking everyone for their support and donations as he announced about his million dollars' pledge. Chris highlighted that the $1M he is going to put out from his pocket will directly go to the firefighters, frontlines, as well as the victims and the communities who are in need of assistance and support. Hemsworth also took the chance to thank those people who already sent their donations and said, "Dig deep, lots of love and we'll keep pushing forwards. Cheers." His pledge is a great addition to the global fundraiser Celeste Barber's latest goal of $40 million that will greatly help the firefighters who have been risking their lives since last year. Overwhelming Support Having launched on Friday, the campaign's $36 million amount as of the writing overwhelmed Celeste that she expressed her gratitude on her social media as soon as it hit the great amount. "It's just hit me, it's so much money... it's incredible," she stated. The money raised will directly go to the registered charities -- NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades Donations Fund. Moreover, pledged donations made by donors are due between 15 and 90 days. Saima Afreen By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Jyothsna. It means moonlight in Sanskrit. The soft white beams feature a lot in Jyothsna Phanijas writings as her words become celebrations of light. Other colours and iridescent shades follow, too, to complete the mosaic of her memories which form only from her perceptions of touch, sound, taste, and smell. She cannot see light, but feels it. The Telugu girl who completed her doctorate from English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad in English Literature was born hundred percent blind to Telugu parents. She holds the record of being the youngest person at 25 to complete PhD in English Literature from an Indian university. Born in the village of Kaikalur in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, she grew up with challenges, but studied till tenth standard at Andhra Blind Model High School, Narsapur. To this she adds, Though I secured highest marks in tenth standard, the principal of Kaikalur Government Junior College, refused me admission to the college as I wanted to study History, Economics and Civics. This infuriated me and I took it as a challenge. Those two years, I was determined to show the non-disabled people what people with disabilities can do. She was the state topper securing 85.2 per cent marks, and received Pratibha award, gold medal and merit scholarship from AP Government. And the rest as they say is history. She went ahead for further studies and secured one more gold medal as a topper in the class in her graduation in English Literature, from Maris Stella College, Vijayawada. And later it was Masters and doctorate at EFLU which won her more accolades. Her PhD was on Post Colonial Women Writers. Even though she cleared National Eligibility Test in English in 2011, published ten research articles in books and journals, presented six papers at National Seminars and Conferences, she faced humiliating experiences in the interviews for teaching jobs. The interviewers would often ask her questions like How do you teach? How do you control the class? How do you take the attendance? and she used to get miffed at the trivial nature of questions. She continued attending the interviews, and finally she got selected for the post of Assistant Professor of English, at ARSD College, (University of Delhi), where she currently teaches English Language and Literature at present to the Post Graduate and Under Graduate students. What tools and software does she use? "Earlier I used to study in Braille, but later upgraded to the software for visually challenged people which is named 'Job Access With Speech' (JAWS). Its a screen reader and has text-to-voice output. It has been an immense support and I rely heavily on it for reading and writing," says the 30-year-old author whos penned a book of poems titled Ceramic Evening which has vignettes from her village and childhood adding to her mosaic of memories. So whats her idea of colours? And how does she infuse the same in her writing? They take abstract forms and appear in my mind forming their own shapes, she shares adding that her training in classical Indian music adds to her perception, The music flows through my words and it happens naturally. And her inspiration and strength? "My husband Krishna has been my biggest support. I would never have come this far without him by my side," and shes not wrong when he asks her gently as to what shes written lately. She smiles and says nothing. He reprimands her gently saying, "Why not? You are a writer. Make writing your everyday habit." And while she pauses to refer something in her Vasant Kunj apartment, New Delhi her three-year-old son asks her to narrate a story and as she prepares for it her five-month old baby-girl clutches her dupatta in her tiny fist. She laughs adding that its time to get back to writing another book. And she longs to come to Hyderabad which has shaped a major part of her journey. The writer can be contacted at saima@newindianexpress.com Twitter: @Sfreen A champion equestrian horse suffered horrific injuries after the animal and its young rider were mauled by a savage dog at a beach while on holidays. The terrifying attack at Cabarita Beach South in Tweed Heads in northern New South Wales near the Queensland border on January 2 shocked families holidaying at the nearby pony club campsite. The dog, believed to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Boxer cross remains with its owners as investigations into the savage attack continue. Cabarita Beach Pony Club campsite caretaker Issabell Star told Daily Mail Australia a young girl, 11, was riding her horse in shallow waters when her father noticed a dog had broken free from its owner and was rushing towards them. The champion equestrian horse suffered horrific injuries in the vicious dog attack They returned to the sand, where the dog jumped up and repeatedly attacked the horse in its face belly and legs, which bolted off into nearby scrub with the dog in pursuit. The horse was later found down by campers at Hastings Point. The girl was knocked off her horse in the process and suffered puncture wounds to her upper inner thigh when she was bitten by the dog. Another horse handled by the girl's father was also attacked by the dog while searching for the one that bolted. Photos of the bloodied horse afterwards show its gruesome injuries, which required emergency surgery. The horse's competitive rising career may be over after it underwent emergency surgery 'The horse was absolutely mauled- it had to have staples as well as stitches,' Ms Star told Daily Mail Australia. 'It was bitten right up into its nostrils while the bottom lip has permanent nerve damage. 'The girl won on the horse on the Monday prior to the attack. The horse's competitive riding career could now be over as a result of what happened.' Th girl was left shaken by the terrifying ordeal on what was her family's second day at the campsite. Ms Star took to Facebook at the time to express her anger and warn horse riders of the potential danger when using the beach. The fact that the dog attacked two horses and a young girl doesnt seem to be enough for it to be destroyed which is not good enough in my opinion,' she wrote. 'Please be extra careful whilst riding.' Many other families were also holidaying at the site at the time. While off-leash dogs are allowed at one end of South Cabarita Beach 200 meters south of Norries Headland, they must be on a leash along the section where the attack occurred. 'We're a small community so it's been an emotional and distressing time for everyone involved,' Ms Star said. 'Horse riders know there's a risk and have been chased along the beach before but nothing to this severity.' 'It has affected the community here but hasn't stopped riders from using the beach.' Police were called to the incident but no further action was taken, while council investigations continue. The horrifying attack happened on Cabarita Beach South in Tweed Heads on January 2 Ms Star is disappointed the dog wasn't impounded and is still with its owners. 'Nothing has been done about the dog, which could do the exact same thing again,' she said. 'It's very lucky the attack wasn't worse than what it could have been.' The campsite caretaker hopes it will prompt horse riders and dog owners to work together so a similar attack never happens again. 'I want to see common courtesy prevail so all of us can enjoy the beach,' Ms Star told Daily Mail Australia. 'If dog owners on beach see a horse approaching, they should keep them restrained, while riders should slow down until the dogs walk past.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Tweed Shire Council for comment. The dog involved is believed to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Boxer cross (stock image) The council website states all dogs must be on a lead when in a public place unless in a designated off-leash area. 'A dog that is in a public place must be under the effective control of a competent person by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash that is attached to the dog and that is being held by (or secured to) a person,' it states. 'An infringement notice will be issued for non compliance.' The council told the Gold Coast Bulletin it had inspected the owner's property and was satisfied the dog was 'appropriately secured'. 'All dog owners must ensure they have adequate control over their dogs in a public place, including in an off-leash area,' a spokeswoman told the publication. By Express News Service The relationship that began between Salman Khan and Sudeep on the sets of Dabangg 3 has graduated from the two being just professionals. Salman paid a surprise visit to Sudeeps house when he drove down to Bengaluru with Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan. The Bollywood superstar also had a special gift for him, and spent time with his family members, making it even more special for Sudeep. He also enjoyed long conversations with Sudeeps father (Sanjeev). The trio even had a photo op to keep the moment memorable. The actor took to his Twitter account to express his gratitude, saying, Good always happens when u do good. @beingsalmankhan made me believe this line further with this surprise landing at home along with his BMW M5 ??. Thank u for the luv u have showered on me n my family sir. It was an honour to have worked with u n to have had u visit. (sic). Sudeep worked with Salman Khan in the latters latest venture Dabangg 3, directed by Prabhudheva, in which he played the antagonist, Bali Singh. According to a source, the duo has developed a strong bond, and Salman now considers Sudeep as one of his brothers. Sudeep is currently busy with his upcoming project, Kotigobba 3, directed by Shiva Karthik and produced by Surappa Babu. The actor has confirmed his next project, which will be helmed by Anup Bhandari and produced by Manjunath Gowda. Meanwhile, Sudeep has also announced his comeback in direction, which is likely to take off by the end of 2020. Newswire's Earned Media Advantage Guided Tour Has Helped Another Industry Leader Optimize Their Media and Marketing Communications Strategies NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / Newswire's attention to detail has paid off for a leading content marketing platform, as the brand was recognized by major industry outlets thanks to their participation in the Earned Media Advantage Guided Tour. With a comprehensive media marketing and communications plan in place, the platform was able to increase their brand awareness, which in turn has driven them to compete with larger competitors in the space. Leading Content Marketing Platform Recognized by Key Industry Outlets as a Result of Newswire's Earned Media Advantage Guided Tour Newswire's Earned Media Advantage Strategists worked closely with the brand's team members to pinpoint journalists and media outlets that had the best potential to offer great coverage of the platform. During this process, Newswire's team referenced past articles written by said journalists and researched the audiences of the selected outlets to ensure that any earned media mention would result in the brand delivering the right message, to the right people, at the right time through the right mediums. Through effective outreach campaigns and proper distribution, the brand was eventually put in contact with representatives at both of the aforementioned outlets, which ultimately lead to media recognition. Newswire's team has worked with companies across a wide range of fields to help improve their media marketing and communications plans. By leveraging owned media, Newswire helps customers increase overall brand awareness, drive traffic and generate greater return on media spend. "We cannot express the importance of a well-thought-out plan enough when it comes to media marketing and communications strategies," said Charlie Terenzio, Director of Earned Media Strategy. "Outreach, distribution, and media engagement are all important parts of this process. But, without a plan or a strategic campaign that has been prepared in the correct fashion, a company's opportunities for exposure can diminish greatly. That's why we take great pride in the plans we develop for our EMAGT customers." As a part of the Earned Media Advantage Guided Tour, Newswire customers can learn how to leverage the power of the Media Database to achieve the Earned Media Advantage. Using the right strategies, customers can lower their costs of press releases, increase the value of each release and lower paid-media costs while shortening the journey to achieve earned media mentions. Download How the Earned Media Advantage is Transforming Business and discover how to empower your go-to market strategies with the Earned Media Advantage: greater brand awareness, increased traffic, generate greater return on media and marketing communications spend and increased sales. About Newswire Newswire delivers press release and multimedia distribution software and services (SaaS) that empower the Earned Media Advantage: greater brand awareness, increased traffic, greater return on media and marketing communications spend and a competitive edge. With over a decade of experience, Newswire continues to provide its customers with the ability to deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time through the right medium. To learn and experience Newswire, visit http://www.newswire.com Contact Information Anthony Santiago Vice President of Marketing Newswire Office: 917-398-2622 anthony@newswire.com SOURCE: Newswire View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572101/Leading-Content-Marketing-Platform-Recognized-by-Key-Industry-Outlets-as-a-Result-of-Newswires-Earned-Media-Advantage-Guided-Tour The Chinese government said today that the countrys race to boost pork supplies by increasing hog breeding has raised the risks of worsening the African swine fever crisis. The South China Morning Post reported that the African swine fever situation remains severe and complex and quoted vice-agriculture minister Yu Kangzhen, who said: The risk of outbreaks will rise with the rapid increase in the number of live pigs. According to Mr Yu, Chinas sow herd rose 2.2% in December compared with November. Chinas sow herd declined by about 40% after the deadly disease ASF killed millions of pigs and prevented many farmers from restocking farms. Mr Yu did not reveal December data on live pigs, but said that the number of pigs sent for slaughter rose by 14.1% from a month earlier, as farmers liquidated their herds ahead of the Lunar New Year festival later this month. Farmers typically fatten up their pigs for slaughter before the holiday, when pork is in high demand. Winter and spring is the high season for animal diseases including swine fever, and the risk of spreading the virus will rise greatly with more live pigs and pork products being distributed nationwide before Lunar New Year, Mr Yu said. Get Our E-Newsletter - Pig World's best stories in your in-box twice a week See e-newsletter example Will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy By Sam Richards Bay City News CONCORD (BCN) Plans for development of a new 2,300-acre community, including 13,000 residences plus offices, businesses and a college campus on the former Concord Naval Weapons Station -- which would be one of the largest construction projects in Northern California history -- are on hold until 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. After 6-1/2 hours, including three hours of public testimony from more than 80 speakers, the Concord City Council opted to hold over a labor agreement decision until Wednesday night, given the late hour and the long day. "There is no good decision-making done at 12:45 a.m.," said Councilwoman Karen Hoffmeister. The council voted 3-2 to continue the meeting to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall. Tuesday's action came in light of an impasse between the Contra Costa County Building and Construction Trades Council, a consortium of labor unions, and Lennar Concord, LLC, the chosen lead developer of the weapons station remake - formally known as the Concord Community Reuse Project - over construction labor agreements. The crux of the impasse is whether Lennar can afford to use as many labor union workers as county labor leaders propose. Lennar officials said that the difference between Lennar's overall labor offer and the Building Trades Council's overall request is about $546 million, said Guy Bjerke, Concord's reuse project director. Hundreds of area union members and their supporters crowded not only in the council chambers and an overflow room, but the courtyard outside council chambers at City Hall. Many held up "PLA" placards, and sporadically chanted "P-L-A! P-L-A!" One of those there was Matt Burt, a member of Teamsters Local 315 based in Martinez. "We're trying to make sure we get our union wages and keep things to a high standard," said Burt, a Pleasant Hill resident. "We want to keep everything competitive." A key fear among union supporters like Burt is, as one commenter stated it Tuesday, was that Lennar would "bring in outside workers from the (San Joaquin) valley and from Arizona and pay substandard wages." Building Trades Council attorney Dan Cardozo said Tuesday night that the unions have been asking since summer for the basic labor cost and estimated revenue numbers Lennar has been using to reach its conclusions. He asked why Lennar would want to withhold such numbers. Also among items addressed in the labor agreements are local hiring requirements and vocational training and incentive programs for military veterans, as proposed by the Building Trades Council. In late 2019, after the Building Trades Council indicated no progress was being made with Lennar on the labor agreements, former mayor and current Councilman Edi Birsan created an ad hoc committee to encourage the two parties to come together. The two sides have met nine times since June 2018, the last two times with the ad hoc committee present, all to no avail. Greg Feere, the now-retired former CEO of the Building Trades Council, said Tuesday that when he last spoke with Bonner about the Concord project in 2016, the labor agreement was set to be 100 percent union. "It was going to be an all-trades agreement, period," Feere said. When Birsan asked Feere whether conditions had changed since then, Feere said no. "For the life of me, I don't know why we're here today," Feere said. Bonner remembered things differently Tuesday. "At all times, I was clear we would have to understand the economics of the project." Most of the 80 public commenters urged the council to keep the project going, with a labor agreement in place, to provide needed affordable housing, to provide good jobs and to help existing local business. If the whole process has to start over with a new developer, several said, the development could be lost forever. For retired police sergeant Scott Wagner, it was finding Lennar meets PLA requirements "or be known as 'the city that could not make this happen.' " Said Cora Mitchell of Concord, "If (Lennar) can pay their way into this deal, they can pay for union labor to finish it." Otherwise, she said, a new developer should be found. Birsan told Bonner his vote in 2016 to name Lennar as master developer was predicated in part on the company's strong support of union labor for its then-current Hunter's Point project in San Francisco. "Was I not clear when I said I wanted the same thing here as in San Francisco?" Birsan said. But several people Tuesday night said San Francisco's housing market makes the extra cost of union labor more affordable than in Contra Costa County. If the council find's Lennar's efforts to get a project labor agreement haven't satisfied to meet the city's requirements, Lennar could have to "relinquish their role as master developer for Phase 1" of the reuse project, according to a city report. And Bonner said that, without the proper deal, Lennar would walk away. The U.S. Navy is awaiting a resolution of the Concord project labor agreement issue, and progress on a draft specific plan on the former weapons station land, to resume negotiations with the city of Concord for formal sale and transfer of the land to the city. The northernmost part of the old weapons station, north of state Highway 4, continues in operation as the Military Ocean Terminal Concord. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. The Tripura High Court has ruled that Neermahal, the summer palace of Tripura's last ruler Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, is a government property. Advocate General Arun Kanti Bhowmik said a division bench of the court headed by Chief Justice AK Qureshi rejected the plea of royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma and his mother Bibhu Kumari Devi and clarified that the property belongs to the state government. Neermahal, the iconic red and white palace on the banks of the famed Rudrasagar Lake in West Tripura, has become a tourist hotspot. Taking note of its rising popularity among tourists, the Centre has decided to provide money for a facelift of the palace built in 1930. The water palace, a blend of distinct Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, was built by the Martin and Burn Company. The property was handed over to state government by the then royal scion Kirit Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarma in 1974 for maintenance and use in public interest. In 2005, his wife Bibhu Kumari Devi and son Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma a filed a petition in a local civil judge court claiming the royal family granted "permissive possession" of the property to government and would like to get it back. Later in 2015, the court ruled in favour of the royals and ordered the state government to hand over the property to the royal family. However, the government challenged the decision at the High Court. The advocate general said the court rejected the plea of the royals in an order on Monday and said Neermahal belongs to the state government. However, Pradyot Kishore said that he would not "compromise" on the issue and move apex court. "Neer Mahal-I challenge the govt to provide one Legal document to suggest that my father 'gifted' Neer Mahal to them, also I am glad that finally the state government has admitted that no money was ever paid for Neer Mahal to my father or my family," Pradyot wrote in a Facebook post. "I will challenge the matter in Supreme Court but I must ask one question to all if the erstwhile royal family cannot protect their private property then what hope does a poor person have," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) London, Jan 8 : UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will stress on the importance of Britain and the European Union (EU) reaching a trade deal by the end of the year during his meeting with the new European Commission (EC) chief Ursula von der Leyen here on Wednesday. The meeting will be held in 10, Downing Street, reports the BBC. Once the UK leaves the EU on January 31, the two sides will begin talks on their future economic relationship. Johnson has insisted a deal is possible by the end of 2020 and the process will not be extended. After its proposed exit, the UK will enter into an 11-month transition period in which it will largely follow EU rules but will not have any representation in the bloc's institutions. This period will come to an end on December 31. Speaking to the BBC on Wednesday morning, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said that the UK and EU had agreed in the political declaration to do a trade deal by the end of this year and they were "confident" they will do that. "Of course there will be planning within Whitehall for any eventuality, but we aim to get a trade deal. "Both sides are clear they want a trade deal, the political declaration says it can be done to that timetable, let's be positive," he added. Von der Leyen, a former German Defence Minister, took over from Jean-Claude Juncker at the start of December. Besides meeting Johnson, she will also set out her vision for future UK-EU relations in a speech at the London School of Economics. In public, EU officials have said they will do all they can to reach agreement by the end of the year although, in private, many have cast doubt on whether this is possible without some difficult compromises. The strikes against US bases in Iraq were "successful" and a "slap on the face" of the United States, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday. In a televised address broadcast on Iranian state TV, Khamenei called on American troops to leave the region. "Military action like this is not sufficient. What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region," Khamenei was quoted by Al-Arabiya as saying while ruling out resumption of dialogue with the US over the 2015 nuclear deal. The Supreme Leader also said that the US was trying to remove Lebanon's Hezbollah group in its bid to help Israel. Early on Wednesday, Iran launched more than a dozen missiles on US targets in Iraq -- first at the Ain Al-Asad airbase in Anbar province and another one at Erbil, which falls in the Kurdistan region. The strikes came hours after the funeral of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, whose killing in a US air raid last week has intensified tensions in the Gulf region. Countries including the UK have condemned Iran's strikes and have urged Tehran to pursue urgent de-escalation. Several international airlines, including Singapore Airlines and Air France, have decided to avoid flying over the region, in view of the prevailing situation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CLEVELAND, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Park Place Technologies today announced the acquisition of the network operations center (NOC) business of Cleveland-based IntelliNet Corporation. Since 1991, Park Place Technologies has been the preferred partner for IT data center hardware maintenance and support services globally. IntelliNet's NOC is the second acquisition for Park Place that is outside the third-party hardware maintenance space. The first was Entuity, a network analytics business, acquired in 2019. Together, these new offerings provide services to improve IT performance and drive digital transformation. "Adding NOC capabilities to our portfolio, which includes Parkview and Entuity Network Analytics (ENA), furthers our mission to help customers discover, monitor, support and optimize their data centers," said Chris Adams, President and CEO, Park Place Technologies. "Now we offer our customers an aggregated service delivery platform with the ability to monitor and remediate hardware, networks, operating systems and applications." IntelliNet's NOC is Park Place Technologies' 13th acquisition since 2016 and its first in 2020, following the 2019 acquisitions of Entuity in August and UK-based MCSA Group Limited in April. Acquisitions in 2018 included Latin America-based CMG-Nicsa, Singapore-based Axentel Technologies and Houston-based Solid Systems CAD Services (SSCS). About Park Place Technologies Park Place Technologies is the global leader for IT data center hardware maintenance and support services, operating since 1991. Park Place recently introduced a new IT industry category, Discover, Monitor, Support, Optimize (DMSO). DMSO is a new approach to managing and maintaining an organization's critical infrastructure to accelerate business transformation. By combining Park Place's best in class hardware maintenance with industry-leading and award-winning services such as ParkView, Entuity Network Analytics, and now IntelliNet's NOC, Park Place Technologies simplifies maintenance and management of digital infrastructure environments. With 24/7 access to a global support center and the industry's most advanced engineers, Park Place Technologies is empowering customers to maximize uptime and improve operational performance. With more than 17,000 customers, Park Place Technologies' services can be found across 58,000 data centers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit us at www.parkplacetechnologies.com. Park Place Technologies Media Jennifer Deutsch | Chief Marketing Officer Main 877-778-8707 | Direct 440-991-3105 Michael Miller | Global Content and Communications Manager Main 877-778-8707 | Direct 440-683-9426 SOURCE Park Place Technologies Related Links http://www.parkplacetechnologies.com People gesture as they celebrate after Iran launched missiles at US-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2020. REUTERS Irans retaliation for the killing of its top commander Qassem Soleimani was quick. Two airbases housing United States troops in Iraq were hit by more than a dozen ballistic missiles from Iran further escalating an already tense situation. Most regional and extra regional stakeholders in West Asia have been calling for de-escalation and India has been no exception. Indias entanglement in the US-Iran dynamic is not new but this time stakes could be much higher. Until May, India was the second-largest buyer of crude oil from Iran, after China. However, after the US ended its sanctions waiver, which had allowed India to import Iranian crude oil, Indias energy ties with Iran have undergone a change. Tehran had previously attracted Indian buyers with lucrative provisions such as free shipping and extended credit, but the US diktat to cease oil imports from Iran has led New Delhi to change its calculus. In 2018-19, despite mounting US pressures to cut oil imports, India had purchased 479,500 barrels of crude oil per day, more than what it had purchased in the previous fiscal year. After the Donald Trump administration ended its Iran sanctions waivers for a select few countries last year, the US encouraged its oil-producing allies, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to boost production and stabilise the international oil markets, which would have otherwise entered a tumultuous phase due to the absence of Iranian crude oil. In an interesting shift, there has been an increase in Indias oil imports from the US, outpacing imports from its traditional suppliers in West Asia. In addition to purchase of oil from the US, India has also got assurances from the UAE, which has promised to cover for any shortages that India would face owing to the current situation. The continuing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the proximate region have made India nervous. The ongoing crisis could have further ramifications, as Indias dependence on imported crude oil hit a multi-year high of 84 per cent in 2019. Even as consumption has steadily ticked up in recent years, Indias domestic oil output has fallen from 36.9 million tonnes in 2015-2016, to 34.2 million tonnes in the most recent fiscal year, raising concerns in New Delhi about the future of the countrys energy security. It is therefore important for India that the Gulf region remains stable and a military confrontation or conflict wouldnt serve its interests. India also have extensive trade, investment, security and people-to-people ties with countries in the region. As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underlined during his meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last year, energy security is part of it [situation in the Gulf] but there are other concerns as well about diaspora, regional security, and trade. The US sanctions regime has certainly affected Indias relations with Iran, where New Delhi has important strategic and economic interests. In addition to the purchases of Iranian crude oil, which have now been curtailed, these include the ambitious Chabahar port project in southeastern Iran which India has a major stake in developing and Indian investments in Irans oil and gas sector. Though India had earlier stated that it only adheres to United Nations sanctions and not to unilateral sanctions by a foreign country, it has been less explicit in expressing its discontent regarding the US policy towards Iran. That is despite the fact that the US sanctions have clearly hurt Indias trade with Iran. Indian fossil fuel companies are now hesitant to do business with Iran, and foreign companies, including those from Europe, are refusing to participate in the Chabahar project, slowing its development. Despite assurances from the US that its sanctions regime would spare non-fossil-fuel-related business between India and Iran, US secondary sanctions target companies which indulge in Irans port and shipping sector, which make Indian investments in Chabahar and other associated developments around it vulnerable. Having comprehensive trade ties with Iran is simply not viable for any Indian entity at the moment. Though the US has issued India a waiver to develop Chabahar port, the Trump administrations crippling economic sanctions on Iran have ensured that companies remain wary of engaging Iranian ports, resulting in slowing down of trade via Chabahar. Just last month, India and Iran had decided to accelerate Chabahar port cooperation during Jaishankars Tehran visit. As a result, the Iranian issue has emerged as one big irritant in an otherwise robust Indian-US partnership. The Trump administrations hawkish position on Iran has made things difficult for Indian diplomacy, though there are signs that Washington is not keen to push the Iran issue beyond a certain point when it comes to Indian-US engagement. During his meeting last year with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the recent G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, US President Donald Trump was keen to play down this issue: We have a lot of time. There's no rush, they [India] can take their time. There is absolutely no time pressure. However, New Delhi faces a different timetable. Indias West Asia policy has traditionally tried to balance the three poles in the region: the Arab Gulf states, Israel and Iran. As Trump turns the screws on Iran, this policy will increasingly become untenable. The Sensoria crew jumps for joy before entering the mock Martian habitat on Jan. 4, 2020. The crew will stay in the habitat until Jan. 18, 2020. (Image credit: SENSORIA Program) This past Saturday (Jan. 4) in Hawaii, on the remote slopes of Mauna Loa, the largest volcano in the world, six scientists embarked on a novel "mission to Mars." Analog astronaut missions place scientists and explorers in remote locations on Earth that physically resemble cosmic destinations like the moon and Mars. There, the researchers explore and perform research as if they were in space. This both generates important scientific data and informs space agencies about what it might be like to step foot on those far-off surfaces. One such crew of analog astronauts set off this weekend on Sensoria I, the inaugural outing in the Sensoria project. This series of missions will take place at HI-SEAS (the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation), an analog Mars habitat for human researchers. Sensoria I will last from Jan. 4 to Jan. 18, when the crew will emerge from the "Martian" habitat. The Sensoria program is unique for a number of reasons, but one that stands is that this is the first HI-SEAS crew to consist of all women. The mission is not the first all-female Mars simulation crew. That title belongs the Mars Society's Mars Desert Research Station in Utah in 2005 and 2006. Related: HI-SEAS' 8-Month Mock Mars Mission in Pictures "This is the first all-female crew to be at the HI-SEAS habitat," Erin Bonilla, the vice commander and medical officer for this mission, told Space.com. She added that intentionally supporting women is a major part of the vision of the Sensoria missions, which aim to put "women at the forefront of space exploration, which has historically not been the case. "It's kind of become this sisterhood that supports one another in the space sector professionally as well as personally," J.J. Hastings, a bioengineer and the commander of this inaugural Sensoria mission, told Space.com This is only the first Sensoria mission and, while the crews will not all consist solely of women, women will always be the majority and the crews will be put together with a concerted effort for diversity and inclusion. Going forward, "All of our missions will be female-led and female-majority. We, of course, will welcome with open arms our male colleagues, but we believe that women need to be placed at the center of our shared vision for space exploration, that women need to be given a platform for professional development, opportunities for research and training," Hastings said. A view from inside the HI-SEAS habitat during the Sensoria mission, which began Jan. 4, 2020. (Image credit: Sensoria Program) A unique "Mars" mission The all-female crew is not the only thing that separates Sensoria from the pack. This is the first analog astronaut mission to be backed by venture capital, Hastings said. Hastings also serves as the CEO of Analogs LLC, a company that is backing the mission and the entire Sensoria space program. The program and collaboration provide "access to the analog environment for commercial partners, for government partners as well as our academic collaborators," Hastings said. On this mission, for instance, crewmember Adriana Blachowicz, a science officer for this mission who works as a researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will test an instrument that will be sent to the International Space Station. The Sensoria missions additionally aim, as other analog missions have done, to push forward important research with a focus on sustainable solutions. "These simulation missions are meant to be an opportunity," Hastings said, "to solve some of the problems that we still have in understanding how to make space sustainable. And as anyone who works in the space sector knows, everything we do to solve for space solves for Earth." In other words, by studying and developing solutions to common space problems, researchers can then apply those solutions to problems on Earth. Historically, a whole host of important technologies were developed with research directly from NASA's Apollo program. Sensoria will also work with educational institutions to support and uplift young girls. The project will communicate with undergraduate women who will be on site at the commercial space company Blue Origin. The series of Sensoria missions has also partnered with Sally Ride Science, an education nonprofit focused on supporting learning and women in science. The crewmembers of Sensoria will create content for the thousands of young women involved with Sally Ride Science. "Mars" research The six researchers (alongside a number of remote crewmembers who will be supporting the mission) come from a variety of backgrounds, with many having participated in numerous analog missions previously. With this varied experience comes a host of interesting research that the crewmembers will pursue. Additionally, as the team mentioned, while each crewmember will focus on a number of projects, they will also work together and help each other with their studies. Below are a few research highlights from the analog mission that the crewmembers described to Space.com: Hastings and Blachowicz will swab the surfaces within the habitat and the crewmembers themselves to collect data about the microbial environment of the habitat. They will even perform genetic sequencing on site within the habitat to see if they can detect the evolution of this environment in real time. Hastings will work to develop sustainable hydrogels, which can be used in everything from biomedical engineering to food development. Crewmembers will work with different fermented foods created from recipes from colleagues around the world. The crew will both experiment with the foods themselves and study the microbial species that ferment those foods. Sian Proctor, a geoscientist who will be serving as a science-communication outreach officer for this mission, will work on her Meals for Mars program, which focuses on food, space, and increasing both creativity and sustainability with food on and off Earth. Blachowicz will test technology that is set to travel to the space station. Makiah Eustice, an aerospace engineer and a habitat operations officer on this mission, will investigate improved ways of communication for extravehicular activities (EVAs). She will draw inspiration from existing means of communication, like American Sign Language and communications used in scuba diving and skydiving. Bonilla will work on an extension of her master's thesis that focuses on critical self-reflection in a space, or space analog, environment. She will also work on an illustration project, incorporating art into the mission. Bonilla will investigate how the environment changes her art and how making art changes her experience in the simulation. Proctor will also help to coordinate EVAs with the crew, working as a geoscientist to communicate to nongeologists how to sample from and analyze different terrain. Maraia Hoffman, the crew engineering officer and training manager for this mission, will study crew dynamics in the habitat to inform future design parameters. An additional note: The crew will participate in a daily dance party to keep morale high and maintain their connection to their lives on Earth. An important part of Sensoria, Hastings said, is to analyze how space exploration and culture function together and how astronauts can maintain a relationship with their lives and homes on Earth. Correction: This story was updated to reflect that the Hi-SEAS Sensoria mission was not the first all-female Mars simulation mission, but the first at the Hi-SEAS habitat. he first all-female mock Mars missions were performed by the Mars Society's Mars Desert Research Station in Utah in 2005 and 2006. Follow Chelsea Gohd on Twitter @chelsea_gohd . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook . The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has constituted a special team to probe the deaths of four tigers -- an adult tigress and three cubs -- who were poisoned to death in Golavali village in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary in Goa. In a notification, the MoEF said it has constituted a team comprising Rajendra Garawad from Bengaluru and the Regional Deputy Director of the Western Region Mumbai to inquiry into the case of the tiger deaths and coordinate a response by the state forest authorities and to suggest further legal course of action under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The team has been directed to submit its report within seven days. The Goa Forest Department with the help of the Goa Police has already arrested three persons -- Vitho Zipo Pawne, 60, Nalo Nago Pawne, 55, and Bomo Nago Pawne, 45, belonging to the Dhangar community who are accused of poisoning the family of four tigers to death. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in a tweet said he was shocked and saddened by the death. The tragic incidents of tiger deaths are shocking and saddening. We will investigate and take stern action against the perpetrators. State authorities are working round the clock and three arrests have been made in this connection, Sawant tweeted. Earlier in the day, BJP Minister Vishwajit Rane in whose constituency the deaths have occurred, implored Union Minister of Forests Prakash Javadekar to depute an inquiry team from Delhi to get to the bottom of the killings. With reference to the two cubs that have been found dead at Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Sattari, I would request Union Minister for Forest Shri @PrakashJavdekar to intervene and send a central team to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter. Having a passion for wildlife, especially tigers, this incident in my constituency at Valpoi has taken me by shock. A thorough investigation into the matter is vital, Rane tweeted. It is very important to stop such mishaps as it is our duty to conserve & protect wildlife, he added. Local environmental activist Rajendra Kerkar believes that the tigers were deliberately poisoned. In the last week of December one cow and a buffalo belonging to a Dhangar family was found killed and believed to have been claimed by the tiger. It is possible that the villagers poisoned the tiger because it was attacking the animals, Kerkar said. Forest officials believe that the villagers laced meat with a poisonous spray along the trail the wildcat was known to travel in a bid to kill it. Kerkar, has however, also warned that since the claws of the first tiger were missing, it was possible that the people of the village were aware of their value and were also in touch with wildlife trophy traders. At least one person was killed and three others injured in a shooting on a residential street in Ottawa on Wednesday, the authorities in the Canadian capital said. Though initial alerts sent out around 8 a.m. ET suggested a gunman was at large on the 400 block of Gilmour Street, near the city center, the Ottawa Police later said they believed it was a targeted shooting that unfolded both inside and outside a home. It wasnt an active shooter running around shooting people, said Constable Amy Gagnon of the Ottawa Police. It was targeted. She said the police were still investigating what led to the shooting, which occurred about half a mile from Parliament Hill, the home of the countrys legislature. The police said they were still looking for at least one gunman. A day after Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar advised students to "make a new beginning and put the past behind," former finance minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Wednesday said that Kumar should follow his own advise and leave JNU. "The VC of JNU wants students to 'put the past behind'. He should follow his advice. He is the past. He should leave JNU," Chidambaram tweeted. Kumar on Tuesday termed January 5 violence as "unfortunate" and stated that violence is not a solution. He said that the administration will find every opportunity to make sure that normalcy returns to the University. "The incident that took place on Sunday, January 5 is unfortunate. Our campus is known for debates and discussions to resolve any issues. Violence is not a solution. We will find every opportunity to make sure that normalcy returns to the University," Kumar told media here. "The registration process has been restarted. Students can register for the winter semester now. Let us make a new beginning and put the past behind," he added. On Sunday evening, more than 30 students of the university including JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh were injured and were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre after a masked mob entered the varsity and attacked them and professors with sticks and rods. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Newser) The woman who inspired Jennifer Lopez's turn in Hustlers is suing the movie's production companies for an eye-popping $40 million, the Wrap reports. Samantha Barbash claims the producers defamed her and disregarded her civil rights. "My client is offended that the defendants used her likeness to make over $150 million, defamed her character and tried to trick her into selling her rights to the production company for a mere $6000," a Barbash lawyer tells Rolling Stone. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, doesn't claim the defendants fictionalized her life, but accuses them of engaging "in a systematic effort to make it well-known that JLO was playing Ms. Barbash." story continues below The movie was based on a 2015 New York Magazine story, for which Barbash was a source, about (SPOILER ALERT) strippers who drugged and stole from customers. Barbash later turned down what she considered a lowball offer from the movie's producers to portray her on screen, per TMZ. The strip-club host now says the movie shows her as "using and manufacturing illegal substances in her home where she lived with her child," which she calls inaccurate and offensive. The four film companies she's suingincluding Nuyorican Productions, which Lopez foundedare keeping mostly quiet, but STX Films says it will "defend our right to tell factually based stories based on the public record." Hustlers was made for a reported $20 million and has grossed over $157 million worldwide. (Read more lawsuit stories.) As a political newcomer, Loeffler, 49, has faced a lot of criticism from conservatives for being too moderate and inexperienced for the role. President Donald Trump even tried to pressure Kemp to appoint Georgia Rep. Doug Collins to the seat instead. Collins, a Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, has been vocal about his support of defending Trump against impeachment , reports CNN . Loeffler, who is the former CEO of financial services firm Bakkt, was appointed by state governor Brian Kemp to replace Sen. Johnny Isakson, who retired at the end of 2019 due to health concerns. On Jan. 6, Republican businesswoman Kelly Loeffler was sworn in as Georgia's newest senator, bringing the number of women in the Senate from 25 to a record 26. Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., waits for Vice President Mike Pence to arrive for her swear-in reenactment for the cameras in the Capitol on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020. Loeffler, who is co-owner of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream team, has also said that she will vote against removing Trump from office, reports TIME. And, during her appointment, she described herself as "a lifelong conservative. Pro-Second Amendment. Pro-military. Pro-wall. And pro-Trump." Right now, Loeffler's appointment makes her the ninth Republican woman currently serving in the Senate, compared to 17 Democratic women. Since she is serving in an interim Senate role following Isakson's retirement, Loeffler will have to run in an official open primary race in November against candidates from all parties. So far, Collins is the only Republican who has said he may run against Loeffler for the seat. Meanwhile, no Democratic candidates have openly stated a plan to run. The former finance executive, who is married to New York Stock Exchange chairman Jeffrey Sprecher, has pledged to spend $20 million of her own money for her first political campaign in an effort to win the race, reports TIME. Whoever wins the November election will still have to run for re-election two years later in 2022. Loeffler, who is just the second woman to represent the state of Georgia in the Senate, received a warm welcome for her recent appointment from Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California and Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine. "This is the most women to ever serve in the Senate, and it comes at a time when we need more diverse voices in politics, not fewer," Feinstein and Collins said in a joint statement. "It took 27 years to go from two women to 26, and we should be able to reach equal representation in the Senate much more quickly." The 49 year old's appointment also comes a year after the 116th Congress made history by swearing in a record number of 127 women into office. Like this story? Subscribe to CNBC Make It on YouTube! Don't miss: These are the women making history as the 116th Congress is sworn in US to receive definitive resolute response to its brazen act in place, at time it hurts most: Zarif ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Tue / 7 January 2020 / 11:00 Tehran (ISNA) Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday delivered speech at the opening ceremony of "Tehran Dialogue Forum". Here is the full text of Zarif's speech at "Tehran Dialogue Forum": In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful May the peace and mercy of Allah be with you I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah. Of them some have completed their vow to the utmost and some (still) wait; But they have never changed (their determination) in the least Allah the Almighty, the High has spoken the truth Your Excellency, Mr. Yusuf bin Alawi Your Excellency, Mr. Hamid Karzai Excellencies and Honorable Resident Ambassadors; Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen; At the outset, I would like to seize the opportunity to welcome all of you to Tehran, to IPIS, and to the building that will henceforth be re-named after our proud Martyr General Qassem Soleimani. I also express my deep gratitude to the IPIS colleagues for having organized the "Tehran Dialogue Forum" in these extremely critical days and circumstances in our region. We have gathered here to engage in synergistic exchange of views towards exploring practical ways out of the perilous situation dominated by the paradigm of aggression, extremism and violence. I would like to share with you, as thinkers and peace-lovers, a number of reflections and ideas. Excellencies, Before turning to the substance of my remarks on the situation before us, let me say, it is indeed difficult for me to address this august assembly just four days after having lost, to the criminal and murderous state terrorism of the United States, a courageous, wise, rational, and visionary friend and colleague of mine, Martyr General Qassem Soleimani. A great man who embarked on a life-long struggle to make the world a better and safer place for us has now departed for the Heavens: slain at the hands of the most vicious people. The Iranian people, along with every other independence-seeking and anti-colonialist individual in the region is mourning this huge loss. The United States' terroristic assassination of one of the Iranian top military commanders has in fact opened the gates to an ugly course of action which might, sooner or later, come to haunt itself across the globe. The U.S. has proved, once again, to everybody, its total, blatant disregard for the jus cogens in international law as well as for universally-recognized rights and immunities. This is the same schizophrenic approach that repugnantly threatens, in contravention of international law, to strike Iran's cultural sites which are part of the shared human cultural and civilizational heritage. Martyr General Qassem Soleimani represented the voice of independence-seeking struggles of a region that has been afflicted with the unfortunate accumulation of multi-layered problems and difficulties emanating from the insatiable lust of international masters of money and might and their foolish, opportunistic allies. What transpired at the early hours of January 3 was not a mere attack on Iraq's national sovereignty or just the cowardly, brutal assassination of a proud Iranian general. In fact, one of the pillars of striving for security in this area, fraught with various plots, was targeted. Terroristic, extremist groups, from Al-Qaida to ISIS and Al-Nusra Front the very brainchildren of the U.S. and its regional servants are those who view commanders like Soleimani as their greatest enemy. It comes as no surprise that the unmannered and tactless US President committed a strategic blunder, driven by folly and arrogance, in ordering the assassination of the great conqueror of battles against terrorism and extremism, and the most successful "peace-making general" of the region in recent decades. This time, though, he has made a huge gamble, and must know that the Divine promise is true; that the righteousness will be the ultimate victor, and that "Allah is dominant in His affairs." Ladies and Gentlemen, One the most important problems in the region surrounding us comes from the misconceptions and miscalculations that have profoundly impacted the regional equations. I have frequently stressed that this cognitive disorder and the miscalculations emanating from it constitute one of the most endemic roots of the current crisis in the region. The U.S. has demonstrated, for the umpteenth time, how it can take dangerous steps, emanating from its miscalculations and misperceptions of the domestic situation in Iran and of the region, to wreak insecurity in the world and, ultimately in their own country. The depth of grief and bereavement among the nations in the region and the Muslim world at large, and in particular the unprecedented popular funeral processions held in both Iraq and Iran for Martyr General Soleimani and his life-long comrades, including Martyr Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, are telling signs of the profundity of the U.S. erroneous perceptions and calculations vis-a-vis Iran and the region. Just note the statistics: the US foreign policy expenditures in West Asia under the current administration has increased by 1 trillion USD, reaching a total of 8 trillion USD. The figure, however, does not reflect at all the incalculable value of the bloods shed and the innocent lives perished due to such miscalculations. It is a fact of history that many US presidents, and now Donald Trump, have set on fire a region and even the entire world for the short-sighted goals in their domestic policies. It is unfortunate that nowadays we are facing the biggest historical lie ever; that the U.S., notwithstanding a long trail of massacres and bloodshed, pretends to pursue the collective good and peace and security in the region and in the world. Our region has been embroiled in endless wars, extremism and violence caused by the US continuous aggressions as well as by the conflicts in recent years. Resort to war, considered an exception in international relations, has unfortunately become a norm and rule in the region due to the attitude and conduct of the U.S. and its followers. This is a vicious circle that must be broken by the regional actors and all those committed to peace, quiet, and stability. Unfortunately, cognitive dissonance and miscalculations are not peculiar to the U.S only. Some of the US allies and like-minded states in the region, due to their absolute dependence on foreigners and purchasing legitimacy and security from without, have also adopted and pursued the same wrong, calamitous path; a path that has led to divisions and conflicts more visible today than ever before from battle of norms to the clash of strategies. What is more deplorable is that these ongoing regional divisions and conflicts have in fact created the breathing space for malignant forces within and without of the region to strengthen and expand their illegitimate and illegal military presence in the region through fabricating trumped-up threats and artificial securitization scenarios. The most important and visible consequence of such ploys is to be seen in the endless pain and suffering the oppressed nations in the region continue to endure; from Afghanistan and Iraq to Syria and Libya. The other side of these devastating and incendiary policies concerns the sale of destructive arms to the region, in the order of hundreds of billions of dollars, equal to one fourth of the total global arms sales. Distinguished Audience, The disorders and shortcomings we witness today in the region, from a dire lack of "inter-regional dialogue" to a want of institutionalized, structural interactions, unmistakably reveal the fact that regional conditions are not moving in the direction of improvement. For some, the accumulation and intensification of the crises might mean that the region has arrived at a practical and even conceptual impasse. As Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I deeply believe that although solutions to the current crises might far-fetched, they are, in actual fact, "within reach and accessible." To bring what appears to be "far" close and make it "accessible," in addition to requisite political will and mustering of regional capabilities, we need a paradigm shift. The needed shift requires both courage as well as collective efforts. The paradigm currently imposed on our region which is reproduced by some in the region, wittingly or otherwise - is premised on the presumption that American arms and war bring security. In my conviction, what can bring security to the vast geography of the West Asia and the Persian Gulf and can create lasting peace in this region lies in enhancing inter-regional solidarity, shared understanding, and cooperative relations. Shared understanding is the cornerstone of any meaningful movement in this region which requires, in the first place, dialogue. What this region needs now, more than ever before, is inclusive, comprehensive intra-regional dialogue. This lies at the foundation of the initiative Iran has been pursuing for years within the UN framework. This initiative, currently known as HOPE -Hormuz Peace Endeavor was introduced at the UN General Assembly last year by the honorable President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This initiative, taking into account the regional realities and based on the solid belief that building of a new, inclusive architecture free from the language of aggression and threat as the colonial heritage in the region, is not only "viable," but it is in fact the "most imperative" task everyone in the region should undertake. This is the very logic and language detested by masters of money and might; those who seek their interests in war and division, and hence, spare no efforts to preclude it, through recourse to terror and assassination. Ladies and Gentlemen, The path chosen by the U.S. for itself and the region is characterized by insecurity, war and bloodshed. But, Iran, as the unified voice arising from the heart of every child of this ancient and proud land, heralds peace and quiet for the region. The ultimate expulsion of the U.S. from West Asia is the doomed fate of Washington's unbridled exploitation of the tools of war, sanctions, and assassination. The U.S. will receive the definitive resolute response to its brazen, criminal act in a place and at a time it hurts most. However, I would like to send this message to the region, in my capacity as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, that Iran will continue to serve as the anchor of peace and security and also as the axis of regional development. The Islamic Republic of Iran pursues a proactive and solution-oriented regional approach and policy. All regional countries should also serve as an axis of solution to various regional cases and situations. It goes without saying that this path requires the partnership of all neighbors and the imperative of taking clear steps by everybody in the region. Security cannot be realized through "hurling stones at the neighbor's house." We believe in security for all. Now we are standing at an important juncture in the history of the region and the world at large. As countries situated around the Strait of Hormuz, we all of us, let me underline should abandon the paradigm of elimination and antagonism premised on the illusion of purchasing security and development from without. This paradigm has not but brought war and turbulence to our region and to the world. We should instead opt for and subscribe to a paradigm of regional inclusivity and synergy as the only realistic way out of the current cycle of perpetuating crises so that we can proceed towards a thriving, prosperous future with promising prospects for future generations. And to conclude, let me say, that this will indeed be the actual realization of the greatest wish and aspiration of my martyred brother, General Qassem Soleimani. Thank you for your kind attention End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address By AFP TEHRAN: Iranian search and rescue teams have found the black boxes from a Ukrainian airliner that crashed Wednesday soon after takeoff from Tehran's main airport, the country's civil aviation authority said. "The two black boxes of the Ukranian 737 aeroplane that crashed this morning have been found," said the authority's spokesman, Reza Jafarzadeh, according to semi-official news agency ISNA. The Ukrainian jet bound for Kiev slammed into a field before dawn at Khalaj Abad, about 45 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of Imam Khomeini International Airport. None of the 176 people on board survived, Iranian officials said. ALSO READ | Commercial airlines reroute flights amid US-Iran tensions The plane belonged to Ukraine International Airlines, which said the Boeing 737 involved in the crash had been built in 2016 and was checked only two days before it went down. Preliminary statements by Iranian and Ukrainian authorities suggest the plane suffered an engine malfunction, though the airline did not detail any reasons for the accident. The crash came shortly after Iran said it fired missiles at Iraqi bases in revenge for the killing of one of the Islamic republic's top military commanders in a US drone strike on Friday. ALSO READ | Crashed Boeing was checked two days ago: Ukrainian airline Following the missile strikes, the US Federal Aviation Administration said it was banning US-registered carriers from flying over Iraq, Iran and the Gulf after rocket attacks on US forces in Iraq. Other international carrier said they were suspending all routes passing through Iraqi or Iranian airspace. Kelcy Taratoa leans back in his chair in the Te Ara a Mauao building at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technologys Windermere Campus and asks: Do you want to hear a story? Its the perfect way to start the interview. It was held the week after Kelcy opened his latest exhibition at the Tauranga Art Gallery - a site-specific work exploring the cultural significance of Tukutuku panels on the 7m high walls in the buildings atrium and has agreed to talk about becoming a creative, his career as a practitioner and how teaching the next generation is helping his own practices. Kelcy begins to tell the story and the glass meeting room draws closer, the sound of the air conditioning unit fades, as he draws together the strands in his considered and careful way. My father told me this story from his childhood experience. When he was little and everyone had gone to bed, he would hear my Koro Hoani, or John, saying karakia (prayer) in the dining room. The dining room and living area were separated by glass doors and he would go to those doors and peep through to watch his dad carve. My koro would recite karakia before, during and after. So from a young age, my father understood the art of whakairo (carving) was drawn from another space and created from inspiration that came from another place or realm. When my father asked his dad to teach him how to carve, he said: Well stop talking then. My dad understood from then that some knowledge of the art was passed on through observation. Coming back to me, I love my dads story because I realised that I was the same. From a little boy my learning about art was done from observation. That connectivity or sensory stimulation and how that connection forms my desire for making. And its this desire that he is sharing with the next generation of creatives. Kelcys day job is as a tutor on the Bachelor of Creative Industries course at Toi Ohomai. While he says hes a practitioner first, Kelcy wanted to work for Toi Ohomai because, just like his dad and koro, he likes to share his observations. He says he is still able to work on his own projects and gets to share the experiences with the students. I am really passionate about this programme and enjoy my time with the students. One of the things that attracted me to this programme is its relationships with industry. My tertiary studies, and this is fairly consistent across most arts degrees, dont normally have an industry component that connects students directly with industry. However, our students understand what that actually looks like, what industry looks like, what the artist world looks like and who the people are that work in it because they get to experience it. Kelcy says the New Zealand creative industries is a very small world, where everyone knows one another. Exhibiting at Tauranga Art Gallery provides students with opportunities to make key connections with industry. They say that its a small world but the creative industry is even smaller and everyone literally knows everyone so being able to build that community early on is huge. We can only teach so much in terms of process but our students will spend the rest of their lives getting to know their discipline and getting to grips with these skills so they can use these expertly. Making connections in the industry and helping them see how it works is key. Our Bachelor of Creative Industries teaching team are an incredibly talented and inspiring group. Theyre active within industry and their projects are exciting which enables them to teach directly from industry contact. Kelcys own artistic path was helped by tertiary education. When he left school, with only a basic level of reading and writing, he completed a trade in painting and decorating. He says he had always loved art but he wasnt sure about what to do after leaving school so thought a trade would keep him in good stead. But he always knew his soul was craving something more, something creative. He says some of his earliest memories are of him sitting at the table, drawing, and this was where he was the most happiest, the most at peace. I remember my dad giving me some pointers on drawing one day when I was about 10 years old. It was about line weight thick and thin lines and the density of the line. My dad was teaching me about how to use line weight to create images that create the illusion of 3 Dimensionality. These early experiences left me with this desire to be creative that has never left me, and leaving me with a desire to want to make art for the rest of my life. But it hasnt been an easy road for Kelcy. When he was young, he says he quickly realised that he didnt see the world how everyone else saw it. When I was a young boy, standard 3, we had art class in the afternoon. I didnt complete my work and the next day we picked it up and we had to present our work. When I presented my work the teacher asked me: Why did you make the sky blue and pink? And I was really confused because I couldnt see what she was taking about. I thought it was all blue. I ended up being tested for a colour deficiency and it turned out I was diagnosed with colour blindness. I dont see the breadth of colour that most people experience. When I look up at a rainbow in the sky I only see two colours, one light the other is dark. I find it almost impossible to differentiate between violet and blue, yellow and bright green, red and brown. I have however learned to see colour through colour theory. It is with this understanding that I am able to see colour. However, true to his resilient nature, Kelcy says he has not let this nuance keep him out of the art world, in fact he has used it as a point of difference that sets him apart from others. I didnt see it as a weakness and I thought this could be interesting and I realised I had to develop a system that enabled me to use colour in painting. So Kelcy signed up for a certificate in Art and Design at the Universal College of Learning (UCOL) in Palmerston North and this rejuvenated his love of learning. That experience spurred him on and he completed Bachelors and Masters Visual Arts degrees at Massey University. He says learning about art was enjoyable and gave him a love for reading that he had been missing for all those years. He says during this time at university he soaked up the advice of his tutors who helped shaped him as an artist, adding to what he had already learned from his dad and Koro, and it was this experience that he thought about when he was considering joining Toi Ohomai. Kelcy says he was working at UCOL when he got a call from former Toi Ohomai Creative Group Manager Mary Stewart. The Bachelor of Creative Industries course had just been set up at Toi Ohomai and Mary, who was integral in its development, was on the hunt for a new tutor who had the practical skills and a strong presence in the industry. Mary had been given Kelcys name by Penny Jackson, former director at the Tauranga Arts Gallery and called him to see if he wanted to come in for a chat about the job. As a keen surfer, Kelcy had spent some time in Tauranga, and knew he had whakapapa (genealogy) that connected him to Tauranga Moana, so says he was keen to climb Mauao and eat fish and chips at Bobbys before heading to the chat with Mary. I didnt seriously think I got the job, I just thought we were going through the interview process. I got home and a couple of days later I got a call and they were offering me the job. I had to walk really slowly down the hallway to think about how I was going to tell my family. My wife said it was a great opportunity, and I said they want me to start next week. My wife was really open to making the change and so we did. Its been a really good decision coming to Tauranga with my whanau and making connections back to where my Koro grew up on Rangiwaea Island. My family loves it here in Tauranga, and working at Toi Ohomai has been good for me also. I dont actually see myself as an academic, I am a visual arts practitioner, thats what I do, it is my first love - I wake up every day with creative activity at the forefront of my mind. And so I teach through this industry lens. I enjoy sharing industry insights with my students, as I know these insights will aid them in navigating the visual arts terrain. I have shared with the students insights Ive obtained from my grandfather and my fathers art practices. I have told them that when I visit my dad 9 times out of 10 he is going to be in his shed carving - and when my Koro was alive, I would find him in the shed carving. And so I have learned it is important to be engaged in what you love doing the most. The veritable Mary is not one to give compliments easy, but she absolutely gushes when she talks about Kelcy becoming a tutor at Toi Ohomai and the work he has undertaken since joining the institute. She says she doesnt remember when Kelcy started exactly but he has become an integral part of the creative industries team and his knowledge is invaluable. I am not sure when he started because it feels like you have been here forever. You were quite foundational in the growth of the Bachelor of Creative Industries degree. The inspiration is amazing, the passion that you brought for your work and for our students, and our communities - now that is the real gold and it was really obvious. Kelcys connections with industry provide an authentic narrative, and this is a significant exchange. He also provides experience as a practicing artist and students have been able to come on the journey with him and he understands the process it takes to develop serious art. Mary says Kelcy is already a force to be reckoned with in the creative world and every day he helps to inspire the next generation of artists. She says she believes he is creating a legacy just like his dad and Koro, coming full circle with his story. But unlike Mr. Obama or especially President George W. Bush, who gave long, comprehensive speeches explaining their approaches to the wars of the Middle East, Mr. Trump rarely takes the time to lay out his thinking in any depth. Instead, he offers Americans edgy tweets or clipped sound bites in short encounters with reporters, leaving it to others to outline his strategy, although he plans a statement of his own on Wednesday morning. Until now, the main person doing any explaining since the strike on General Suleimani has been Mr. Pompeo. Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to give a speech on Monday describing the administrations Iran policy at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a group that has led opposition to the Tehran government. Mr. Pompeo has been a forceful public advocate for both the president generally and the strike specifically, but he and others like Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper have been caught out trying to talk their way around things the president has already said. When Mr. Trump threatened to target Iranian cultural sites in violation of international law, Mr. Pompeo insisted that was not what he meant while Mr. Esper gently but unmistakably made clear the military would not do it. Mr. Pompeo has been pressed to explain the reasons behind the attack at this time given that General Suleimani has been responsible for the deaths of American soldiers in Iraq going back many years. Asked on Tuesday to elaborate about the imminent attack he previously described, Mr. Pompeo instead shifted to General Suleimanis past actions, citing a rocket attack by forces tied to Iran on an Iraqi base that killed a United States civilian contractor. So if youre looking for imminence, you need look no further than the days that led up to the strike that was taken against Suleimani, Mr. Pompeo said. As for Mr. Esper, in his own appearance before reporters on Tuesday, he disputed the notion that the confrontation with Iran was detracting from operations against the Islamic State, even though military in the field announced the other day that it was halting such operations to protect themselves from anticipated Iranian reprisals. Waypoint Capital, the business enterprise for investments associated with the Bertarelli Family, today announced the appointment of Elias Zerhouni, M.D., a world-renowned physician-scientist, to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Dr. Zerhouni is Professor Emeritus of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University, and was most recently the President, Global Research and Development for Sanofi from January 2011 to July 2018. Dr. Zerhouni's academic career was spent at the Johns Hopkins University and Hospital where he was Professor and Chair of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering and Executive Vice Dean from 1996 to 2002. He was appointed to serve as Director of the United States National Institute of Health from 2002 to 2008. From 2009 to 2010, Dr. Zerhouni was named Presidential Envoy for Science and Technology by the U.S. President and was a Senior Fellow of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine and the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. Among his many awards is the Medal of the Legion d'honneur of the French National Order. Dr. Zerhouni serves on a number of non-profit boards, including the Lasker Foundation, the Foundation for NIH and Research America. He is also currently a director of Danaher Corporation, a Fortune 500 science and technology innovator based in Washington, D.C. He has authored over 200 publications, holds eight patents and has founded five start-up companies. Commenting on the appointment, Ernesto Bertarelli, Chairman of Waypoint Capital, said, "We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Zerhouni to our Board of Directors and are looking forward to benefitting from his immense experience and knowledge, which reaches from academia to government to industry. He is a world-renowned expert in science and medical technology and shares our commitment to investing in biotechnology and life sciences to help improve health outcomes." Dr. Zerhouni said, "I am excited to be supporting Waypoint in its effort to help drive innovation and advancement in science and medicine. I look forward to working alongside the rest of the Board and management team to share my perspectives and support Waypoint's execution of its business growth and development." About Waypoint Capital Waypoint is the Bertarelli family's principal investment and advisory platform. Their history is that of a family of entrepreneurs and Waypoint and its diversified range of business interests reflects that spirit. Chaired by Ernesto Bertarelli, Waypoint was founded in 2012 to give strategic leadership to the group and provide a broad range of professional services to its businesses and investment programs. It has offices in London, Geneva, Jersey, Boston and Luxembourg. Waypoint has two principal areas of focus: Life Sciences and Healthcare, building on the Bertarelli family's long involvement in biotechnology and life sciences. - Asset Management, where Waypoint uses its expertise to develop interests in areas such as hedge funds, private equity, real estate and venture capital. Waypoint's U.S. holdings include Gurnet Point Capital, a unique healthcare fund founded by Ernesto Bertarelli and Christopher A. Viehbacher, which has invested in Corium International, Innocoll Holdings plc and Auregen BioTherapeutics. The companies and investments associated with Waypoint benefit from its advice and execution capabilities that span the full range of professional skills needed in a group of this size, success and vision. They are also supported by the extensive network of relationships within Waypoint and across its many investment programs, with the sharing of ideas and opportunities this creates. As well as acting as the holding company for the investment businesses within the Waypoint group which manage and advise the funds in relation to its various investment programmes, Waypoint also manages investments directly, both majority holdings in established companies and minority venture capital investments in innovative companies at an earlier stage of their growth. www.waypointcapital.net View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005148/en/ Contacts: Tom Johnson Abernathy MacGregor tbj@abmac.com 212-371-5999 Jorg Neef Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors joerg.neef@konsulenten.ch +41 43 344 42 42 Iraqs President Barham Saleh on Wednesday condemned Irans missile strikes on Iraqi bases where US and other foreign troops are based, saying he feared dangerous developments in the region. We denounce the Iranian missile bombing that hit military installations on Iraqi territory and renew our rejection of the repeated violation of state sovereignty and the transformation of Iraq into a battlefield for warring sides, his office said in a statement. Iran launched the missiles early Wednesday in response to the killing of senior Revolution Guards commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Iraq last week. The awarding ceremony of the "Inspired Women of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in New Era" is held in Hohhot, North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on December 28, 2019. Two representatives of the honored women receive an interview. [China Women's News] On December 28, 2019, the Women's Federation of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region held an awarding ceremony of the "Inspired Women of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in New Era" in Hohhot, capital city of North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Seventy women in the autonomous region were awarded the honorary title. Seven representatives of the inspired women received an interview at the ceremony. Zheng Xiaomei, a recipient of the honorary title and First Secretary of Liujianfang Village in Qahar Youyi Middle Banner, said that the honor was given to all the women officials who conduct poverty alleviation work at grassroots level. "I have worked in the village since May 2014. At that time, the offices of the village committee did not have heating installations, computers and drinking water. I coordinated relevant departments to dig a well, set up a women's home for embroidery and established a loving supermarket in the village. The local women can earn income at home through making embroidery," said Zheng. According to her, they can also accumulate points by observing discipline, obeying all laws, and behaving in accordance with socialist core values. The points can be used to exchange goods from the supermarket. "Every change in the village makes me feel a sense of achievement," Zheng added. Representatives of the award-winning women shared their stories about conducting poverty-alleviation work, inheriting intangible cultural heritages, participating in ecological-civilization construction, promoting the spirit of Ulanmuqi (an art troupe of the Mongolian ethnic group established in 1957, to give performances and publicize the policies and guidelines of the central government on the grasslands), carrying out the Party building work in non-public-owned enterprises, promoting the autonomous region though Internet and accomplishing the mission as a doctor. They showcased their unique power and talents to make contributions to the economic and social development of the autonomous region. Representatives of the women who are awarded the honorary title [China Women's News] Hudagula, President of the Women's Federation of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, said that the autonomous region's women's federation selected and promoted outstanding women in different fields to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The honored women have made remarkable contributions and the federation urged all women in Inner Mongolia to learn from them, she added. Representatives of the inspired women share their stories. [China Women's News] (Source: China Women's News/Translated and edited by Women of China) New Delhi, Jan 8 (UNI) Amid heightened tension in the Iran-US relationship, Iranian envoy in India Ali Chegeni on Wednesday described India as a 'good friend' and maintained that it will welcome any Indian initiative that can help peace in the world. "India is a good friend for us......We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region," Mr Chegeni said after a condolence meeting for Iranian commander Maj General Qassem Solemani at the embassy. "We welcome any Indian initiative that can help peace and prosperity," he said. The remarks came within hours, Iran launched missile strikes against two US military bases in Iraq killing reportedly at least 80 US soldiers. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif also said in a tweet: "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression". India has last week called for restraint. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also has held telephonic talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and shared India's 'deep concerns' over the escalation of tensions. ".....Noted that developments have taken a very serious turn. India remains deeply concerned about the levels of tension. We agreed to remain in touch," Dr Jaishankar had tweeted after his conversaion with Iranian Foreign Minister. Dr Jaishankar has also held tele talks with his counterparts from UAE, Qatar and Jordan. UNI DEVN 1320 "Throughout her career, Stephanie has consistently provided a thoughtful and valuable perspective on matters concerning our business and our industry," noted McMullian. "I, along with the board and other members of the management team, look forward to her contributions as she takes on her new role as our chief legal officer." Tillman said, "This is an exciting time to take on new responsibilities as Flowers continues to grow and evolve, and I look forward to working closely with Ryals and the entire management team. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Steve Avera for his friendship, his advice and guidance as a mentor, and for the many opportunities he afforded me to succeed." Since joining the company's legal team in 1995 as a corporate attorney, Tillman has managed a broad range of legal matters, including the development of a comprehensive compliance program for the company. She has held a number of positions with the company, including vice president and associate general counsel; vice president of compliance and assistant general counsel; and, most recently, vice president, chief compliance officer and deputy general counsel. About Flowers Foods Headquartered in Thomasville, Ga., Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO) is one of the largest producers of fresh packaged bakery foods in the United States with 2018 sales of $4 billion. Flowers operates bakeries across the country that produce a wide range of bakery products. Among the company's top brands are Nature's Own, Wonder, Dave's Killer Bread, and Tastykake. Learn more at www.flowersfoods.com. Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to current expectations regarding long-term strategic and other objectives of management and the expected benefits of the management transition and are often identified by the use of words and phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would," "is likely to," "is expected to" or "will continue," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those projected. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained in this release and that may affect the company's prospects in general include, but are not limited to, (a) general economic and business conditions and the competitive conditions in the baked foods industry, including promotional and price competition, (b) changes in consumer demand for our products, including changes in consumer behavior, trends and preferences, including health and whole grain trends, and the movement toward more inexpensive store-branded products, (c) the success of productivity improvements and new product introductions, (d) a significant reduction in business with any of our major customers including a reduction from adverse developments in any of our customer's business, including as a result of product recalls or safety concerns related to our products, (e) fluctuations in commodity pricing, (f) energy and raw material costs and availability and hedging and counterparty risk, (g) our ability to fully integrate recent acquisitions into our business, (h) our ability to achieve cash flow from capital expenditures and acquisitions and the availability of new acquisitions that build shareholder value, (i) our ability to successfully implement our business strategies, including those strategies the company has initiated under Project Centennial, which may involve, among other things, the integration of recent acquisitions or the acquisition or disposition of assets at presently targeted values, the deployment of new systems and technology and an enhanced organizational structure, (j) consolidation within the baking industry and related industries, (k) disruptions in our direct-store delivery system, including litigation or an adverse ruling from a court or regulatory or government body that could affect the independent contractor classification of our independent distributors, (l) increasing legal complexity and legal proceedings that we are or may become subject to, (m) product recalls or safety concerns related to our products, and (n) the failure of our information technology systems to perform adequately, including any interruptions, intrusions or security breaches of such systems. The foregoing list of important factors does not include all such factors, nor necessarily present them in order of importance. In addition, you should consult other public disclosures made by the company, including the risk factors included in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and disclosures made in other filings with the SEC and company press releases, for other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by the company. We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as they speak only as of the date made and are inherently uncertain. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update such statements, except as required by law. SOURCE Flowers Foods, Inc. Related Links https://www.flowersfoods.com The country's largest pure-play mortgage financier HDFC has made a commitment to invest Rs 250 crore in the government-led special fund to revive stalled real estate projects, a top company official said on Wednesday. HDFC Chief Executive Keki Mistry, however, added that the realty sector's revival hinges a lot on banks, which are reluctant to lend to stalled projects due to regulatory issues. As part of its measures to boost growth, the government had in November last year announced a Rs 25,000 crore package for the real estate sector, including a corpus to help stalled projects. SBI Caps, which is managing the fund, had last month announced the first close of the fund with Rs 10,530 crore commitments from investors, including HDFC. "We are participating in the fund (with a contribution of) Rs 250 crore," Mistry told reporters on the sidelines of an event by industry lobby CII here. Mistry said apart from the fund, support in the form of bank lending is essential for reviving the sector's prospects and flagged his concerns on reluctance among bankers to lend. "The problem is that no one wants to do it because when you lend to a project which is NPA in someone's books, you have to straight away classify (it) as NPA from day one, in which case there is a lot of reluctance on the part of banks to participate," he explained. Mistry said HDFC has been going slow on project loans for the last four to five quarters because of the overall conditions, but it is focusing on the individual loans segment with the same vigour as before. He said the real estate sector is very important for the economy because it helps creates jobs both directly and indirectly. Welcoming the Centre's package for the realty sector, he said the government will have to focus on job creation to spur growth momentum. SpendEdge has been monitoring the global sustainable packaging market and the market is poised to experience spend growth of more than USD 90 billion between 2019-2024 at a CAGR of over 6% during the forecast period. Request Free Sample Pages. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005312/en/ Read the 125-page research report with TOC and LOE on "The Global Sustainable Packaging Market Procurement Intelligence Report, Pricing Outlook in Geographies that include APAC, North America, South America, and MEA, top service providers, supplier selection and negotiation strategies, and insights into best practices to optimize procurement spend." Buyers from the food and beverage, chemical, cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical sectors are deepening their focus on implementing sustainability in their production process and their overall operation. This focus is primarily contributing to spend growth in the sustainable packaging market. With the environment-related regulations bringing operations of these sectors under their scanner, buyers are being compelled to adopt sustainable measures in their operations. The demand in the sustainable packaging market in North America is being governed by the dynamic consumer preferences and their purchasing trends. In Europe, stringent environmental regulations and legislations are compelling buyers to partner with suppliers who are known to adhere to waste disposal and directives that govern the use of recycled content. Subscribe to our procurement platform to get instant access to over 1000 market-ready procurement intelligence reports without any additional costs or commitment. The Top Sustainable Packaging Suppliers Enlisted in this Report: An increase in the prices of raw materials will inflate suppliers' OPEX. To compensate for this, they are likely to hike their service charge which will increase the overall price structure in the global sustainable packaging market. However, strategic cost-control initiatives, price forecasting techniques, and adequate technology adoption will aid sustainable packaging suppliers to sustain their profit margins. Such suppliers will have the liberty to offer service to buyers at competitive rates without hurting their profit margins. On this note, this report has listed the top sustainable packaging suppliers, SLA agreement insights, and the selection and negotiation strategies that buyers must undertake to achieve optimal procurement in this market. Insights into some of the suppliers' portfolio are given below: International Paper Co -This supplier is known to take environmental initiatives such as developing a system for the collection and incineration of odorous gases and rebuilding gas cleaning equipment using hardwood pulp manufacturing. Engaging with this supplier will aid buyers in achieving their sustainability goals. Amcor - Amcor reduced the weight of its coffee sachets by 45% by using the MetSeal technology. This technology aids in protecting the product without the assistance of foil, which results in low carbon emissions. Crown Holdings -Buyers must assess the measures taken by this supplier to transition from fossil fuel-based power sources to renewable ones. The transition can be supported by the purchase of renewables or investment in renewable energy products, the use of alternative fuels, hybrid vehicles that minimize fuel use, and the development of innovative technologies that curb energy use. Buy 1 report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 reports and get the third for free. Download the free sample of this report on the sustainable packaging market. Some of the key topics covered in this report are: Sustainable packaging market spend segmentation by region Sustainable packaging supply market analysis Regional spend opportunity for sustainable packaging suppliers Sustainable packaging suppliers cost structure Total cost of ownership analysis in the sustainable packaging market Sustainable packaging pricing models analysis Category management objectives Cost saving opportunities in the sustainable packaging market Free sample of reports that you may like: Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Procurement Intelligence Report Global Industrial Packaging Market Procurement Intelligence Report About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more, https://www.spendedge.com/request-free-proposal View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005312/en/ Contacts: SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 630 984 7340 UK: +44 148 459 9299 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Eldar Janashvili Trend: The changes made according to a decree in relation to the optimization of the mechanism for issuing subsidies envisage stability, sustainability and simplification of the issuance of subsidies in Azerbaijan, Trend reports referring to Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers. Previously, a separate subsidy was issued for each agricultural product, and decrees were signed for each subsidy. For example, a decree on crop production was signed, and a one-time subsidy was allocated to a farmer in the amount of 100 manat ($58.8) per hectare. Separate decrees were also signed for livestock, beekeeping and fish breeding farms. Tobacco growing and cotton growing were not included in this list. After the adoption of a single rule, along with the signing of a separate decree, there is no need to sign a new one and, finally, subsidies are issued for the production of tobacco and raw cotton. In other words, there is no need to sign the same decrees in each sphere. As a result, a one-time mechanism covering all spheres, which is a single system of regulatory nature, is created, and duplication is eliminated. In accordance with the decree, a new, more stable and long-term mechanism for issuing plastic cards is being formed. Previously, three-year plastic cards, to which subsidies were transferred, were issued only to farmers involved in the field of crop production, including tobacco growing and cotton growing. The new unified rules also envisage the issuance of three-year plastic cards for cattle breeders. This ensures the stability and simplicity of the state support for farmers. The third important point is that previously, farmers appealed for plastic cards to the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance separately. From now on, they will appeal only to the Agency for Agrarian Credit and Development under the Ministry of Agriculture. Thus, the new single rule: - creates regulatory mechanisms of state support for farmers involved in cotton growing, tobacco growing and livestock sector; - strengthens state support for agriculture; - forms a stable and easily predictable mechanism of state support; - simplifies the procedure for registration in the process of subsidizing; - allows farmers to draw up a clear, long-term business plan for up to three years; and - reduces investment risks in agricultural production. ----- Follow the author on Twitter: @eldarjanashvili Hunter Biden, son of former Vice President Joe Biden, waits for the start of his father's debate at Centre College in Danville, Ky., on Oct. 11, 2012. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP Photo) Hunter Biden the Biological and Legal Father of Child in Arkansas Paternity Suit: Judge An Arkansas judge ruled this week that Hunter Biden, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Bidens son, is the father of a child in a paternity suit. Circuit Judge Holly Meyer said in a Jan. 7 order (pdf) that the child, the mother of the child, 28-year-old Lunden Roberts, and Biden, 49, submitted to DNA testing. The results of the DNA tests indicate with near scientific certainty that the defendant is the biological father of the child in this case, Meyer wrote. This Court finds and declares Robert Hunter Biden to be the biological and legal father of the child, who has not been named. The child, whose gender has also remained shielded, was born on Aug. 28, 2018. The Arkansas Department of Health shall issue a new or substituted birth certificate listing Lunden Alexis Roberts as the mother and Robert Hunter Biden as the father, Meyer wrote in her order. In another order, Meyer said Roberts was awarded primary physical and legal custody and Biden was named the noncustodial parent of the child. Biden will have visitation with the child as agreed between the parties, she wrote. That agreement was not disclosed. Then-Vice President Joe Biden waves as he walks out of Air Force Two with his granddaughter Finnegan Biden (C) and son Hunter Biden (R) at the airport in Beijing on Dec. 4, 2013. (Ng Han Guan-Pool/Getty Images) Requests for comment sent to lawyers for Biden and Roberts werent immediately returned. Meyer, who recently took over the case after a recusal by Judge Don McSpadden, also took the opportunity to castigate a private investigative firm for twice trying to intervene in the paternity suit by filing papers seemingly unrelated to the matter at hand. D&A Investigations and investigator Dominic Casey claimed that Hunter Biden was involved in a major counterfeiting scheme and made other accusations against the plaintiff. Meyer said in a document that Caseys attempt to intervene was blocked and warned him against filing frivolous pleadings. The author, Dominic Casey and D&A Investigations, are strongly cautioned not to file frivolous pleadings and is ordered to refrain from future frivolous pleadings or be subject to show cause why they should not be brought before the Court, held in contempt by this Court, and punished by fine, incarceration or both, Meyer wrote in court papers. She also ruled against another person who had tried intervening. The case is still ongoing as several other matters, primarily child support, have yet to be decided. Hunter Biden has three children with Kathleen Buhle, his ex-wife, and is expecting his fifth child with Melissa Cohen Biden, whom he married last year. Joe Biden, 77, the former vice president and Hunter Bidens father, has not yet commented on the declaration of his newest grandchild. His campaign didnt immediately return a request for comment. Asked by a reporter in November 2019 about the case, Biden said: Thats a private matter and I have no comment. Shoshanah Bewlay has been named the new executive director of the New York State Committee on Open Government. After an extensive search by the Committee on Open Government, Bewlay was selected for her wide range of experience and depth of knowledge regarding the Freedom of Information, Open Meetings and Personal Privacy Protection laws, according to a news release. With more than 20 years of broad experience in both the public and private sectors, Ms. Bewlay will be an asset to the Committee on Open Government, Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said. Bewlay replaces Robert Freeman, who was let go last June after multiple allegations of sexual harassment lodged by co-workers. Freeman had been in the position for more than 40 years. Robust experience We are fortunate that Ms. Bewlay is bringing her robust expertise to this role to continue to enhance and educate New Yorkers about transparency within our government. Thank you to Kristin ONeill and the committee for their exceptional work over the past several months during this transition period, Rosado said Bewlay said, It is an honor to be selected by Governor Cuomo and the Committee on Open Government to serve as the next executive director. Open and transparent government is a priority of Governor Cuomo and I look forward to working with the committee to continue to highlight the importance of the Freedom of Information, Open Meetings and Personal Privacy Protection laws. Bewlay previously served as the general counsel and chief legal officer at the New York State Office of Information Technology Services, where she oversaw the agencys legal department, providing advice and guidance on legal and regulatory compliance. She also advised on information security and data breach response, legal and technical eDiscovery compliance for the state executive agencies, New York State IT policy and strategy alignment, IT procurement and contracting, and New York state public ethics. Prior to serving as the general counsel, Bewlay served as the agencys records access officer and personal privacy protection officer. Bewlay joined ITS in 2014 after seven years with the state Office of the Attorney General, where she managed that offices eDiscovery program. Prior to joining the Office of the Attorney General, Bewlay had more than 10 years of private practice experience in New York City and San Francisco, in which she specialized in the defense of large corporations in securities and tender offer litigation. Bewlay is a member of the New York, Connecticut and California state bar associations and is a graduate of Vassar College and the University of Connecticut School of Law. Local support Clinton County Administrator Michael Zurlo, who serves as the countys public information officer, said he was pleased to see Bewlay take over the job. It is extremely important that we have someone to ably fill this vital role of disseminating information to the public, Zurlo said. The Committee on Open Government, housed in the Department of State, oversees and advises the government, public and news media on Freedom of Information, Open Meetings, and Personal Privacy Protection laws. The committee offers guidance in response to phone inquiries, prepares written legal advisory opinions and provides training to government and other interested groups. Recommendations to improve open government laws are offered in an annual report to the governor and the state Legislature. For more information on the Committee on Open Government, visit the Department of State website at the following link, https://www.dos.ny.gov/coog/index.html. Love 0 Funny 6 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 NEW YORKThe owner of The Spotted Pig restaurant, who was accused of sexual harassment by former employees, has agreed to a settlement, following an investigation. The restaurant is known as a celebrity haunt, but became notorious for the allegations of sexual misconduct against owner Kenneth Friedman, who was accused of inappropriately touching his employees, making sexual advances, and pressuring them into sending him nude photos. Four former employees of the restaurant joined Attorney General Leticia James as she announced the settlement on Jan. 7. Women have been the keepers of your dirty little secrets, said Trish Nelson, a former waitress at The Spotted Pig. Luckily, that silence has now ended. Friedman has agreed to pay the former employees $240,000. He also agreed to step down as operator of the business, however he will keep his shares in the company. Additionally, for a decade he will share 20 percent of all of his future earnings in the company with the victims. Natalie Saibel, another waitress, said she came forward with others as the #MeToo movement snowballed. When I was fired in 2015, I really felt that I had no recourse, that no one would listen to just me, she said in an interview with NTD News. And its been pretty incredible that its resulted in this way. Friedman was not criminally charged. In a statement obtained by food and dining newsletter Eater, he said that he didnt agree with all of the allegations, but apologized for any harm he did cause. He added that he hopes that former employees will find some comfort in his stepping down. O2 customers with the iPhone XR are being kicked off the internet, they say. A variety of users complain that they lose connection several times a day, apparently for no reason. Some of them have been suffering with the problems for weeks, they say. Switching the phones off does appear to fix the issue. But only temporarily, and it will return soon after, affected users say. The issue appears to be specifically related to the way that iOS on iPhones that are on the O2 network. Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty That means it will be fixed through an update from Apple. The company says it is working on a resolution in an upcoming software release, but it is not clear when that will arrive. "We're working closely with our partners to resolve an intermittent issue affecting some of our customers using iPhone XR," O2 told customers. "In the meantime, please turn the device off and on to restore the signal temporarily." The iPhone XR is one of Apple's most popular devices. It was the cheapest of the three phones it released in 2018, and is still on sale. Delhi Police have identified some of the masked men who attacked students and teachers in Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Sunday and vandalised public and private property, government sources said Wednesday. Also on Wednesday, the Union human resource development ministry told vice chancellor Jagadesh Kumar to make all out efforts to restore the normal functioning of the University at the earliest. Kumar who on Tuesday appealed the students to put the past behind and return to campus, had been severely criticized by students and teachers for not being able to stop the attack. ALSO WATCH | JNU violence: Probe on track, says Delhi police; cops stand guard at varsity The crime branch of the Delhi Police is investigating the attack on students and teachers in JNU that injured over 30 and sparked outrage across the country. The Left-controlled JNU students union (JNUSU) and the ABVP blamed each other for the violence that continued for nearly two hours. On Monday, police had claimed that they have found vital clues and would crack the case soon. A fringe group called Hindu Raksha Dal claimed responsibility for the attack. The groups leader Pinky Chaudhary took the onus of the attack in a video post on Twitter on Tuessday. Police are probing his claim. While no one has yet been arrest for Sundays mayhem, JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh who suffered head injuries after being beaten with iron rods, was booked for allegedly manhandling security personnel and destroying university property on January 1 and 4 along with other students. The police had come under fire for not responding quickly to distress calls to stop the attack by the gang of masked men. The police insisted that they responded as soon as a PCR call was received and sanitized the area after the university staff called them. Tucson, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2020) - On December 31, 2019, ABCO Energy, Inc. (OTC Pink: ABCE) ("ABCO") completed negotiations, financial arrangements and closed on the purchase of a 4,800 square foot office and warehouse building located on one/half acre of paved land on one of Tucson's busiest streets. This property will be more than adequate to house both the Solar business (Now 3600 SF and the HVAC business (now 2000 SF) including our previously announced acquisition of a Tucson HVAC service and equipment supplier. The land and outbuildings will accommodate all of our equipment. The acquisition was priced at $325,000 and the financing was spread over a twenty-year mortgage based on a 20 [20] year amortization and a balloon payment at the end of five (5) years. The monthly payment is one/half of our current rent on both businesses. The property will require repair, but all improvements will add to the current valuation. ABCO will be able to do almost all of the repairs with current employees. We believe the land is worth more than the entire property price. The property is centrally located on North Alvernon Street, close to the center of the Tucson Metropolitan area. We feel very fortunate to find and close on this property at a time when office/warehouse occupancy has reached 99% for this type of facility. Figure 1: ABCO Solar New Office and Warehouse Building To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6847/51224_f6282ba664720aba_002full.jpg This property will add to our owned assets and improve our balance sheet at December 31, 2019," said Michael Mildebrandt, President of ABCO Energy, "and it is an excellent location to advertise our businesses on a busy street." The Company will move its operations into the new building as improvements allow and our leases expire or are subleased on our current property. The HVAC subsidiary to be acquired will be relocated to the property as soon as we close on the funding for the acquisition of this operating company. Story continues About ABCO Energy ABCO Energy, Inc. is a commercial and residential installer of Photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, LED lighting solutions and HVAC products and services. ABCO Energy, Inc. is a Nevada corporation, which maintains offices located in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona. ABCO is a fully reporting public company trading under the symbol ABCE. Since its inception in 2008, ABCO Energy has taken great pride in delivering quality solar installations and has a reputation for outstanding customer service. Safe Harbor Statement Note: Certain statements in this news release may contain "forward-looking" information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-5 under the Securities Act of 1934 and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than the statements of fact, included in this press release may include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. ABCO undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances or to reflect unanticipated events or developments. CONTACT INFORMATION: Michael Mildebrand Email: info@abcoenergy.com ABCO Energy, Inc. 2100 North Wilmot Road #211 Tucson, AZ 85712 Phone: 520-777-0511 Fax: 520-620-5574 Website: www.abcoenergy.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51224 Speaking to ABC as part of a new two-hour special, 'Truth and Lies: Jeffrey Epstein', Michelle Licata, Courtney Wild and Jena-Lisa Jones speak candidly of their horrifying encounters with the now-dead millionaire predator, how they were groomed into being abused by him and the torturous years they spent blaming themselves for it Three of Jeffrey Epstein's victims have spoken out about the struggles they endured trying to reclaim their lives after being subjected to sexual abuse at the pedophile financier's Palm Beach mansion when they were just teenagers. Speaking to ABC as part of a new two-hour special, 'Truth and Lies: Jeffrey Epstein', Michelle Licata, Courtney Wild and Jena-Lisa Jones speak candidly of their horrifying encounters with the billionaire predator, how they were groomed and the torturous years they spent blaming themselves for the abuse. Just 16, 14, and 17-years-old at the time respectively, each of the teen victims were recruited as 'masseuses' between 2002 and 2004, but they were all coerced in an eerily similar way: a popular girl at school told them about her wealthy friend, Jeff, who was willing to pay them $200 for an hour's work. 'Jeff', the three victims would later learn, was Jeffrey Epstein, a then 51-year-old mega-wealthy financier who would, by 2006, come under investigation by local and federal authorities in Florida for alleged sexual crimes against more than 30 underage girls. 'We weren't prostitutes. We weren't whores,' said Jones, a now 31-year-old mother of three, of herself and other victims. 'We were children.' Michelle Licata, 16, Courtney Wild, 14, and Jena-Lisa Jones, 17 were recruited as 'masseuses' between 2002 and 2004, but they were all coerced in an eerily similar way: a popular girl at school who told them about her wealthy friend, Jeff, who was willing to pay them $200 for an hour's work 'Jeff', the three victims would later learn, was Jeffrey Epstein, a then 51-year-old mega-wealthy financier who would, by 2006, come under investigation by local and federal authorities in Florida for alleged sexual crimes against more than 30 underage girls (Epstein's mansion pictured above) A 16-year-old Michelle Licata had been stressing over how she would buy Christmas presents for her parents and six siblings in 2004 when she was approached by a 16-year-old girl at her school, who told her of an opportunity to make some quick cash. Licata says the girl, who she's chosen not to identify, told her that all she had to do was to give a massage to 'some old man' in a facility-type setting and she would be handed $200. 'So I told her, 'Yeah, I would love to make some extra money for Christmas,' Licata recalled for ABC. Licata was picked up after work days later by the same girl and driven to Palm Beach. She says she can still vividly recall the anxiety she felt when the car pulled into El Brillo Way, and realized she wasn't going to a facility as described, rather someone's home. 'When we stopped in his driveway,' Licata said, 'She started telling me there's going to be a guy that you're going to give a massage to. He's going to ask you to take your shirt off and your pants off. But don't worry, you can keep your underwear and your bra on.' As she walked through the front door of the mansion, Licata said her heart started to race, comparing the feeling to a car accident, when 'you know something bad's about to happen, but you can't stop it.' When we stopped in his driveway, she started telling me there's going to be a guy that you're going to give a massage to. He's going to ask you to take your shirt off and your pants off. But don't worry, you can keep your underwear and your bra on. Michelle Licata She said she was greeted by two women who 'looked like supermodels' and said she noticed adults scattered throughout the property. 'It was just people that worked for him,' Licata recalled. 'There was a guy outside trimming flowers. People at the pool, people that are just hanging out. But nobody looked up. Nobody really cared that there were young girls walking into the back of this old man's mansion.' She then she was led upstairs by a young woman, who took her into a bathroom where Epstein was laying waiting on a massage table, talking on the phone. The chaperone then set a timer and then left the room, telling her it was time to begin the massage. A 16-year-old Michelle Licata (pictured left at 16 and right now) had been stressing over how she was buy Christmas presents for her parents and six siblings in 2004 when she was approached by a 16-year-old girl at her school, who told her of an opportunity to make some quick cash 'After he flipped over, when he had gotten off the phone, he told me to take my clothes off,' Licata told ABC. 'He was touching me. He was touching my boobs. He was touching my hips, my butt.' Licata said it appeared Epstein was masturbating at the time, but she was too scared to look down, focusing her eyes up high refusing to avert her gaze away from the ceiling. 'His face was enough to terrify me for the rest of my life and haunt me for the rest of my life,' she told the network. When the timer buzzed, Licata was handed $300 by Epstein - $200 for her and $100 for the girl who brought her - who then made her way downstairs and then, as she remembers it, cried all the way home. 'I was just thinking, 'I'm never going to let anybody touch me again. I don't want anybody to look at me. I don't want anybody to touch me.' Licata said she never mentioned the incident to her parents, until a year later when a detective from the Palm Beach Police Department knocked at her door. Other victims have shared similar memories of being too afraid to talk to anyone about their encounters with Epstein, believing him to be a powerful man who would enact revenge on them if they did. Such reluctance, combined with the shame of being lured into the situation, is precisely what allowed Epstein's deplorable behaviour go unnoticed in Palm Beach for so long. Two years before Letica's ordeal, 14-year-old Courtney Wild - now 32 - had started hearing whispers around the school yard that other girls in her class were making money from an old rich guy living in Palm Beach. Two years before Letica's ordeal, 14-year-old Courtney Wild - now 32 - had started hearing whispers around the school yard that other girls in her class were making money from an old rich guy living in Palm Beach Wild says she wasn't sure who the man was, she'd heard he was a brain surgeon or a doctor, but either way he didn't seem familiar, she just 'knew he had money'. Wild began visiting Epstein at his home regularly to give him massages that inevitably turned sexual. She was then 'indoctrinated' into recruiting other girls for Epstein. She eventually broke free of the financier's hold and later became one of the leading forces behind trying to bring him to justice, and later holding the government accountable for their lenient treatment of him. Wild said much of her motivation behind her efforts came from the remorse she felt for introducing other girls to Epstein and allowing the abuse to continue. Because I was under-developed and younger looking he was going to like that. [I was told] he's going to like that Jena-Lisa Jones 'I hold such an extreme amount of guilt for bringing these girls, and now that I've gotten older, I just hold so much guilt for ever having somebody do that or introducing that to somebody's life,' Wild told ABC. The abuse would continue for more than four years after Wild was recruited, where, in 2006, 17-year-old Jena-Lisa Jones was told of the same scheme by an older girl at a house party. 'Because I was under-developed and younger looking, [Epstein] was going to like that, is what she pretty much told me, ' Jones told ABC. 'She said "He's going to think you're beautiful." 'I was like, "alright, I guess we're going to do this.' Wild began visiting Epstein at his home regularly to give him massages that inevitably turned sexual. She was then 'indoctrinated' into recruiting other girls for Epstein The abuse would continue for more than four years after Wild was recruited, where, in 2006, 17-year-old Jena-Lisa Jones was told of the same scheme by an older girl at a house party. 'Because I was under-developed and younger looking, [Epstein] was going to like that, is what she pretty much told me, ' Jones told ABC. 'She said "He's going to think you're beautiful." 'I was like, "alright, I guess we're going to do this. Just weeks later on May 1, 2006, the Palm Beach PD forwarded an investigative reports on Epstein to the office of the then-State Prosecutor Barry Krischer, following a year-long investigation, recommending five felony sex crime charges. Also included in the was a letter from Michael Reiter, the chief of police in Palm Beach at the time, requesting Krischer to remove himself from the case, believing him to have acted more like Epstein's 'defense attorney, than a state prosecutor' during their probe. Krischer never responded to the letter, or the recommended charges, and instead took the case to a grand jury two months later, which returned a single felony count indictment for solicitation of prostitution. 'Calling these girls prostitutes is a very offensive thing,' Reiter told ABC. 'They need to be apologized [to] for that. Prostitution conveys that there is no victim in this. A child can't be willing. A child can't consent to this.' A decade on and Epstein was re-arrested on federal sex crime charges in July 2019. One month later he was found dead inside his Manhattan jail cell after an apparent suicide 'We weren't prostitutes. We weren't whores,' said Jones, a now 31-year-old mother of three, of herself and other victims. 'We were children.' Wild agreed, adding: 'It's such a deep hurt to be called those things. 'That's not OK to feel the emotions, even to this day, that it brings to me. That will never be OK to be identified as that.' On the same day of Epstein's indictment, the FBI contacted Reiter asking to take over the case, which they investigated for two more years. However, without informing any of his victims, federal investigators secretly entered into a non-prosecution with Epstein and his defense team, sparing him a length prison term in exchange for guilty pleas to two lesser state charges. Epstein would serve just 13 months of an 18-month sentence in a private wing of a county jail, securing release in 2009. Reiter called Epstein's punishment a 'mockery of the criminal justice system.' A decade on and Epstein was re-arrested on federal sex crime and trafficking charges in July 2019. One month later he was found dead inside his Manhattan jail cell after an apparent suicide. Wild, Jones and Licata all say they still feel betrayed by the way they were treated by law enforcement and the government in Palm Beach, and outraged by the leniency they showed their attacker, allowing the freedom to go on to attack dozens more young women. 'And at the end of the day, I still feel like there's no closure. I haven't gotten any closure from this, and for all the other victims,' Wild said. 'Justice hasn't been served yet. And we want to know why.' Truth and Lies: Jeffrey Epstein airs on Thursday, January 9 (9:00 11:00 p.m. ET) on ABC. A podcast, hosted by ABC News Mark Remillard, will also be available for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn and the ABC News app starting January 9 with new episodes posting every Thursday. LONDON - Europe and Britain, in a very public way, staked out their newest, most definitive Brexit negotiations Wednesday over their future relationship, with the new president of the European Commission warning British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that it would probably be "impossible" for the two sides to complete a comprehensive divorce deal by his "very tight" deadline at the end of 2020. The coming talks will shape the future for all sides after Britain exits the European Union at the end of January. The break follows four decades of the closest cooperation on trade, security and immigration, which allowed Europeans and Britons to live and work freely in any country in the 28-member bloc. Speaking before her first face-to-face meeting with the prime minister in Downing Street in London on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that if Johnson's new government wanted the most favorable terms for divorce, with deep access to the largest, richest single market on the planet, then Britain should seek to align itself with EU rules and regulations. Johnson has given multiple, contradictory answers on the question of alignment. During his campaign, which led to a landslide victory for his Conservative Party last month, Johnson never was clear about what kind of Brexit he will seek, except to speak in the most general terms about the future being great. Von der Leyen, a former German defense minister, lamented that the U.K.-EU marriage was kaput. She remembered fondly her year at the London School of Economics, where she gave her speech, and recalled, too, her pleasure in exploring a multicultural London, with frequent trips to Camden Town record stores and Soho pubs. But she cautioned Johnson and his libertarian allies that without the free movement of European citizens into Britain, one of the foundational pillars of the European Union, "you can't have the free movement of goods, services and capital." Britain sells a lot of lamb, cheese and cars to Europe - but its number-one export is financial services, including banking, insurance and the movement of money. Von der Leyen said she hoped the two sides could reach a trade deal with "zero tariffs, zero dumping, zero quotas." But she warned that if Britain diverged from EU alignment and created an uneven "playing field" on things such as workers' rights, the environment and government subsidies for industries, then Britain will not have full access to Europe's single market of 500 million consumers. And she said that the less time they had to negotiate, the smaller the eventual deal. "The more divergence there is, the more distant the partnership has to be," she said. "Without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020, you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnership." Johnson, for his part, told von der Leyen that he was firm on spinning away from the European Union altogether at the end of the year. After it formally leaves the bloc at the end of this month, Britain plans to leave most EU regulations in place as negotiations start up - but only until December. Johnson "reiterated that we wanted a broad free trade agreement covering goods and services, and cooperation in other areas," his office said in a statement. Johnson once denounced a border in the Irish Sea for future EU-U.K. customs checks, which his predecessor swore "no prime minister would ever agree to," as it threatened the integrity of the United Kingdom. Then Johnson caved and agreed to it. But there were clear differences on display during the visit, posturing aside. When Johnson welcomed von der Leyen to Downing Street, he noted breezily that "Ursula and I were at school together" as children in Brussels, where both of their fathers worked for European institutions. "But not at the same time," von der Leyen immediately replied, firmly adhering to the facts, in what might be a preview of the unsentimental negotiation approach from the EU side. (They missed each other by a few years, it seems, though Johnson wasn't able to remember exactly which years he was there.) They did share a teacher. At von der Leyen's speech in London, she welcomed the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, to the stage, where he warned that Britain faces in the coming months not only a renegotiation with Europe but the fact that it will need to redo 600 international agreements that the European Union had concluded on behalf of all its members. Britain, Barnier said, has to rebuild "each and every trade deal around the world." None can be implemented until Britain leaves the European Union, he said. - - - Birnbaum reported from Brussels. Quentin Aries in Brussels contributed to this report. The whole time people kept cribbing why is Bollywood not speaking up on the current national scenario but when a Bollywood celeb shares his or her opinions, all they receive is severe backlash. And that's exactly what happened in Deepika Padukone's case. Where many A-listers kept silent on CAA or JNU attack, Deepika chose to visit the JNU campus in a show of solidarity with the students. Deepika didn't speak on the issue but her images that are going viral have created a divide in the opinions of people on social media platforms. A certain section of people feels that Deepika's move to meet JNU students was nothing but a cheap publicity stunt and have started to trend #BoycottChhapaak. There are people who feel with Deepika supporting JNU students, she has increased her fan base in Pakistan. Never Seen #DeepikaPadukone Visit URI Martyr's family Never Seen Her Visit Pulwama Martyrs Never Seen Her Visit Kashmiri Pandit family Yesterday's Visit Was A Cheap Publicity Stunt. #boycottchhapaak pic.twitter.com/t6OXWm6cZs Vinita Hindustani (@Being_Vinita) January 8, 2020 789 universities in India .. She @deepikapadukone didn't choose an IIT to discuss any innovation to help girls' safety She didn't choose a medical university to gain better treatments for acid-throw victims...#boycottChhapaak# pic.twitter.com/BZ6sQzWzih Manish Ashok Mishra (@Manish1949) January 8, 2020 #boycottchhapaak Congrats @deepikapadukone .. all anti nationals and Pak supporters are now with you. U may have made new fans across border and India haters here but u lost many honest fans. Every 1 r angry for u standing with leftists in JNU who actually started the violence. pic.twitter.com/UBLE19w5np CA Vikram Sharma (@thesharmavikram) January 8, 2020 There's no limit of hypocrisy in Bollywood it goes side by side.#boycottchhapaak Anuj Kumar Jha (@AnujKum63835433) January 8, 2020 She thinks that by supporting these handful of protesters she can make her movie a blockbuster?? @deepikapadukone majority of people who are your fans, support the government. We all know that these were fake attacks. I'm disappointed in you. #boycottchhapaak Deepak Sharma (@DeepakS62575205) January 8, 2020 However, there are people who are supporting Deepika for making it a point to meet the JNU students and understanding the pain they might have gone through. They have been trending #RespectDeepika, #IStandWithDeepika and #ISupportDeepika on Twitter, appreciating the courage that she has shown by visiting the campus. Let's make this movie first blockbuster of 2020.#ISupportDeepika pic.twitter.com/L3LuqUYQDK Rajkumar Yadav (@Rajkumar_yadav) January 8, 2020 Thank you @deepikapadukone for standing by the future of India. #IStandwithDeepika pic.twitter.com/qiKp1pMPLy (@LoopsPadukone) January 8, 2020 Deepika was one of the first A-listers who came out with her opinion in the form of visiting the campus. Celebrities like Anurag Kashyap, Swara Bhasker, Vishal Bhardwaj, Taapsee Pannu and Richa Chadha joined protests in Mumbai against the JNU violence while the biggies were missing. What's your take on the whole fiasco? Let us know in the comments section below. Jeremy Corbyn last night refused four times to say Qassem Soleimani was a terrorist - and described his killing by the US as 'illegal'. The Labour leader also criticised the killing in the House of Commons after previously writing a letter to Boris Johnson asking for an urgent Privy Council briefing about the US assassination of top Iranian General Soleimani last Friday. He asked for evidence and clarification that proved Soleimani was a threat - but the Prime Minister rejected his request yesterday. Speaking to Sky News last night, Mr Corbyn was asked four times whether he believed Soleimani had engaged in terrorism. He did not say yes and also added that it would be a 'good idea' if all foreign troops were pulled out of Iraq. Discussing Soleimani, he said: 'He was in Iraq, for reasons of contact, I assume, with the Iraqi government - I've no idea what his actual meetings were. 'All I'm saying is that to assassinate an official of a foreign government in a third country, in this case Iraq, is illegal under any law and the US - if it wants the world to stand by international law - must stand by international law itself.' Asked a second time, he added: 'I'm not here to defend the special forces of Iran, I'm not here to defend any of those actions that have happened or been planned for the future.' On the fourth time of asking, he said: 'Soleimani is the head of special forces of Iran. They obviously operate in all kids of places that you or I would not agree with or want. That is not the point.' Mr Corbyn was mocked by Tory MPs in Parliament yesterday afternoon after he claimed to have 'long spoken out against the Iranian government's human rights record'. Jeremy Corbyn described the assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani as illegal The Labour leader demanded answers from the Defence Secretary Ben Wallace in the Commons over the UK's response to rising tensions in the Middle East following the US killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. But he was interrupted by laughing Conservative backbenchers after he insisted he was no ally of the Iranian regime. Mr Wallace accused Mr Corbyn of talking the 'usual tripe' and 'anti-America, anti-imperialistic guff' after the Labour leader had slammed Donald Trump for what he described as the 'illegal' fatal drone attack in Baghdad last Friday. Mr Corbyn has faced repeated criticism in recent years for past paid appearances on Press TV, Iran's controversial state television broadcaster. The Labour leader told the Commons: 'As the Secretary of State for Defence will confirm, I have long spoken out against the Iranian government's human rights record, including when he and I visited Iran together in 2014.' The Labour leader demanded answers over the UK's response to rising tensions in the Middle East following the US killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani His remarks prompted a wave of uproarious laughter on the Tory benches opposite the Labour leader as he had to raise his voice in order to continue. Mr Corbyn said the killing of Soleimani meant the world was facing a 'highly dangerous moment' as he demanded to know why Mr Wallace was updating MPs instead of Boris Johnson. The Leader of the Opposition asked the Defence Secretary: 'Could he tell us where the Prime Minister is and what is he doing that is so much more important than addressing Parliament on the assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani? 'An extremely dangerous and aggressive act that risks starting yet another deadly war in the Middle East.' But Mr Wallace hit back and said: 'We have had the usual tripe about this is about Trump, this is about America and all the anti-America, anti-Imperialistic guff that we have had [from Mr Corbyn]. 'The Leader of the Opposition asks where the Prime Minister is. Funnily enough the Prime Minister is running the country - something the Leader of the Opposition will fail to ever do as a result of the election.' Mr Corbyn claimed Mr Johnson was 'hiding behind his Defence Secretary' as he claimed the killing of Soleimani was 'widely regarded as an illegal act'. The US has insisted the strike was justified on the grounds of self-defence. Mr Corbyn demanded to know whether the White House had provided any evidence to the UK to support that claim. He also attacked the government's response as he claimed the UK's call for calm had only been directed at Tehran. He told MPs: 'I wonder if Iran had assassinated an American general whether the British government would be telling Washington that the onus was entirely on the US to deescalate?' He continued: 'Time and time again over the last two decades the political and military establishments have made the wrong call on military interventions in the Middle East. 'Many of us opposed the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the failed invasion of Afghanistan and I opposed the bombing of Libya in 2011. 'Have we learnt nothing from those events? This House must rule out plunging our country into yet another devastating war at the behest of another state.' Mr Corbyn's comments came as Mr Johnson gathered senior ministers, military chiefs and spy bosses in Number 10 to discuss the mounting crisis in the Gulf. At a Cabinet meeting earlier on Tuesday, the Prime Minister set out the government's position on 'the importance of protecting British citizens and interests and de-escalating tensions'. It comes as Iran launched missile attack on two US bases in Iraq housing US and coalition troops, defense sources revealed. The Al Asad airbase in western Iraq - where Trump visited in December 2018 - was reported to have been hit by 35 missiles fired from inside Iran. And a US site in Erbil, in Iraqi Kurdistan, which provides facilities and services to at least hundreds of coalition personnel and CIA operatives, was also hit. Iranian state TV said 'tens' of surface-to-surface missiles were launched Tuesday by the Revolutionary Guard's aerospace division that controls the country's missile program. They reported the operation's name was 'Martyr Soleimani' - named after the general killed in a US drone strike. Prospective buyers and a real estate agent, center, enter a home for sale in Warren, Michigan. Daniel Acker | Bloomberg | Getty Images December is not the most popular time to list a home for sale historically, but this past December it was particularly unpopular. The supply of homes for sale was 12% lower compared with December 2018, according to realtor.com. The decline was much steeper than the 9.5% annual drop in November. Buyer demand is so strong, that whatever is on the market is going quickly. The shortage of homes for sale is worst on the low end of the market, but the supply drain is actually accelerating across all price tiers, including the most expensive homes. In December, the supply of entry-level homes, those priced under $200,000, fell 18.1% annually, a larger drop than the 16.5% decline in November. In the midrange, the supply of homes priced between $200,000 and $750,000, dropped 10.2% annually, compared with November's decline of 7.4%. At the top, the number of homes for sale priced over $1 million fell 4.4%, compared with November's 2% decline. "The market is struggling with a large housing undersupply just as 4.8 million millennials are reaching 30-years of age in 2020, a prime age for many to purchase their first home," wrote George Ratiu, realtor.com senior economist, in a release. "The significant inventory drop we saw in December is a harbinger of the continuing imbalance expected to plague this year's markets, as the number of homes for sale are poised to reach historically low levels." The overall supply drop in December represents a loss of about 155,000 listings compared with the previous December, and the number of new listings is also shrinking. The reasons for that are manifold: Older Americans are increasingly choosing to age in place, rather than sell their large homes. High prices are keeping potential move-up buyers from listing their properties. And, perhaps the most dramatic change in the market over the last decade, investors have turned about 5 million homes into single-family rentals. Those homes are largely out of the for-sale pool now. Of course all real estate is local, and some markets are seeing supply drop more dramatically than others. San Jose, California, Seattle and San Francisco all had inventory declines of more than 30% in December. Just three large markets, San Antonio, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Las Vegas saw their inventory of homes for sale increase. A Ukraine International Airlines* passenger jet crashed shortly after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran, the New York Times reports. The plane has been identified by flight tracking service Flight Radar 24 as Flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 flying from Tehran to Kiev. Flight PS752 took off at 6:12 a.m. on Wednesday local time and sent its last tracking signal two minutes later. The Iranian Students News Agency, which is state-run, reports that 176 passengers and crew were aboard, and the outlet posted a video that it says shows the plane during its fiery descent and crash: Advertisement pic.twitter.com/M3bZiLLryQ (@isna_farsi) January 8, 2020 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to ISNA, everyone aboard died in the crash, which was caused by technical problems. (Update, Jan. 8, 2020, at 12:31 p.m.: Ukraine has not ruled out the possibility that the plane was shot down.) The Boeing 737-800 is not the same plane as the 737 Max, the Boeing model whose engineering flaws recently caused the deaths of 346 people and the ouster of former CEO Dennis Muilenberg. In a statement, Boeing said, We are aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information. Advertisement Advertisement Theres never a good time for a civilian airliner to crash in Iran, but this seems like a particularly bad one, given that Iran launched missiles against Iraqi military bases where U.S. troops were stationed earlier Wednesday morning. Shortly before the crash of PS752, the Federal Aviation Administration banned American airliners and pilots from flying over the region due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations due to the potential for miscalculation or mis-identification. ISNA says that Irans national aviation department is investigating the circumstances of the crash and recovering the dead. For a few hours Tuesday, there was reason to fear that the United States was on the edge of war with Iran, in the aftermath of the targeted killing of one of the Islamic Republics top generals. After Irans threatened retaliation a missile attack on two bases in Iraq resulted in no American casualties, it appeared the two nations had pulled back from the brink, at least for now. Yet there is a long history of animosity and some interludes of cooperation between the U.S. and the nation of 81 million whose proud history traces back more than 2,500 years to ancient Persia. Today Iran is a regional power that projects influence throughout the Middle East, mostly by way of militias that adhere to its Shiite brand of Islam. It is a sworn enemy of Israel, but also of ISIS, and it backed the war that defeated the Islamic States caliphate in Iraq over the past five years. How did we reach this dangerous passage? Here, some key developments over recent decades, days and weeks: _____ 1953: Mohammed Mossadegh, Irans democratically elected prime minister, is overthrown in a CIA-backed coup. Mossadegh had faced international opposition to his plans to nationalize the oil industry within the country. 1979: A revolution removes the U.S.-backed Iranian monarch, Shah Reza Pahlavi, and installs the Islamic Republic, a theocratic state whose supreme leader is the Muslim cleric Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Later that year, after the exiled shah is admitted to the United States for medical treatment, the U.S. Embassy is overrun and occupied by demonstrators, who hold 52 American personnel hostage for 444 days. The U.S. freezes Iranian assets in the country and stops the delivery of weapons, some of which have already been purchased. American hostages are paraded by their militant Iranian captors in Tehran on Nov. 4, 1979. (Photo: Bettmann Archive via Getty Images) 1980s: Iraq invades Iran, starting a years-long war between the two countries. The United States formally supports Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. But a cabal within the National Security Council also secretly sells weapons to the Iranians as part of a three-way deal supposedly aimed at freeing hostages held in Lebanon by an Iranian-backed militia, and to illegally channel funds to right-wing rebels in Nicaragua. The Iran-Contra affair becomes the most significant scandal of the Reagan administration. In July 1988, the U.S. military accidentally shoots down an Iran Air flight over the Persian Gulf, killing all 290 people onboard. The U.S. military says it had mistaken the plane for a fighter jet. Story continues 1990s: The U.S. passes a series of sanctions against Iran, including the Iran-Iraq Arms Nonproliferation Act of 1992 and the 1996 Iran-Libya Sanctions Act, later known as the Iran Sanctions Act. 2002: In his State of the Union address, President George W. Bush says Iran, Iraq and North Korea are a new axis of evil. President George W. Bush delivers his State of the Union address on Jan. 29, 2002. During the speech, Bush labels North Korea, Iran and Iraq an axis of evil. (Photo: Doug Mills/AP) 2003: The United States invades Iraq on the pretext that the regime of Saddam Hussein is developing weapons of mass destruction. No such weapons are found. The resulting power vacuum allows Iran further influence in the country. 2006: The United Nations initiates a series of sanctions against Iran with an intent to curb the countrys uranium enrichment program. September 2013: President Barack Obama and new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speak over the phone, the first high-level conversation in decades between the leaders of the two nations. July 2015: The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and world powers the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, France and Germany takes effect, easing sanctions in exchange for Irans suspension of its nuclear weapons program. As part of the deal, the U.S. returns several billion dollars to Iran, representing funds frozen after the 1979 revolution. 2016: Donald Trump wins the Republican nomination for president and campaigns on ending the nuclear deal, which he describes as a horrible one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made. July 2017: Congress passes new sanctions against North Korea, Russia and Iran. The Senate passes them 98-2, with Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rand Paul, R-Ky., the no votes. May 2018: Trump announces that the United States will withdraw from the JCPOA. President Trump announcing the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, May 8, 2018. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP) April 2019: The U.S. State Department declares the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization. June 2019: Iran shoots down a U.S. military surveillance drone. Trump announces that he called off a planned retaliatory strike on Iran over concerns about casualties. Dec. 27, 2019: A U.S. contractor is killed in a rocket attack on a base in northern Iraq. U.S. authorities blame Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia. American and Iraqi troops are also injured in the attack. Dec. 29, 2019: U.S. responds via airstrikes against Kataib Hezbollah positions in Iraq and Syria, killing at least 25. Fighters from Kataib Hezbollah, or Hezbollah Brigades militia, inspect the destruction at their headquarters in the aftermath of a U.S. airstrike in Qaim, Iraq, Dec. 30. (Photo: AP) Dec. 31, 2019: Iranian-backed militias storm the outer barrier of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, smashing windows and setting fires while U.S. Marines respond with tear gas. No one is killed or injured on either side. [PHOTOS: Iraqi Shiites break into U.S. Embassy in Baghdad] Jan. 3, 2020: President Trump orders an airstrike that kills top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani at a Baghdad airport. The strike occurs without consultation with allies or notification to Congress. The White House says the strike was justified by an imminent threat from the Quds Force, the Iranian special forces, which Soleimani commanded. (As of Wednesday morning, the intelligence supporting this assessment had not been made public.) Iran says it will retaliate. A vehicle burns at Baghdad International Airport following the U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Jan. 3. (Photo: Iraqi Prime Minister Press Office via AP) Jan. 4, 2020: Trump threatens to target cultural sites across Iran if it retaliates by killing Americans. Intentionally targeting historic, religious or cultural sites is considered a war crime. Four days later, Trump backs off the threat. Jan. 5, 2020: The Iraqi Parliament votes unanimously for a nonbinding resolution demanding the withdrawal of U.S. troops, who have occupied the country since invading in 2003. In response, Trump says if troops were forced to leave he would impose sanctions until the United States was paid back for the infrastructure it built in the country. Iran announces it will no longer abide by the nuclear deal. Iranian lawmakers hold up a picture of slain Gen. Qassem Soleimani as they vote during a parliamentary session in Tehran on Tuesday. (Photo: Getty Images) Jan. 6, 2020: The United States military sends a letter to Iraqi officials announcing it will begin the withdrawal of troops. Shortly after the memo is made public, Pentagon officials say it was a draft that didnt accurately relay their intentions and shouldnt have been sent, calling it a mistake. Jan. 7, 2020: At a Pentagon briefing, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper says he predicts Iran will retaliate. Hours later, it does, firing over a dozen ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases housing both Iraqi and U.S. troops. There are no U.S casualties reported, and afterward Trump tweets, All is well! Reports later surface that the U.S. had advance warning of the attack. The Iranian Parliament approves a bill declaring the U.S. military as terrorists. Cover thumbnail photo: Lefteris Pitarakis/AP _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Reanalyzing only those samples that show violations indicates ArcelorMittal "is still in a mode of trying to conceal or attempting to avoid reporting violations rather than stopping or fixing them," Michaels said. "This report underscores that, absent some kind of legal action, their behavior wasn't going to change," he said. A spokesman for ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor said the company has been working cooperatively with IDEM and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for months. "The August event related to the primary water discharge point at the mill. We sample this water on a daily basis and the mill has been in compliance with our cyanide and ammonia limits every day since the August 2019 event concluded," he said. Permit limitations are issued by the state to be protective of human health and the environment, the spokesman said. "ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor does not manipulate data," the spokesman said. "We use certified, independent laboratories to analyze samples and we report the data, including any corrected data, from the labs to the regulatory agencies consistent with industry and laboratory standards. ArcelorMittal has a track record of providing accurate sampling data to the agencies." Hemp legalization in the US and internationally is forecasted to be a $26.6 billion industry by 2025 CHICAGO, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Epazz Inc. (OTC: EPAZ), a leading provider of drone technology, blockchain mobile apps and cloud-based business software solutions, has announced that its holding, ZenaPay Inc., has confirmed five preorders of patent-pending ZenaDrone Smart Farming Solution with GreenHeart CBD for Irish hemp farms. We are forecasting sales to be over $600,000 for the first year in 2020. We also believe the drone technology will generate profits its first year. The profits will be reinvested back into the technology. In August 2019, the ZenaPay team beta tested its drone-mapping and plant-tracking solutions in Ireland with GreenHeart and Hemp Tech hemp farms. The beta test was a success, and ZenaPay signed up additional customers. With the success of the beta test, ZenaPay Inc. and GreenHeart CBD LTD signed a distribution agreement for GreenHeart to sell ZenaDrone Smart Hemp Farming Solution to its network of farmers in Ireland and the United Kingdom with an option to expand through the European Union. Paul Walsh, CSO and co-founder of GreenHeart CBD LTD, said, Every farmer in its network would be required to sign up with ZenaPay Smart Farming solution to assure the quality of his or her hemp plants. GreenHeart is quickly growing its network. Ireland and the United Kingdom have hundreds of hemp farms. GreenHeart CBD has been featured on Ireland television services Ear on the Ground, Irish Independent newspaper, Health Europa and 103.2 Dublin City radio. ZenaPay will release ZenaDrone in April 2020. The ZenaPay team is heading back to Ireland in February to provide GreenHeart with demonstration models of ZenaDrone 1000 to assist in its efforts to grow its network of hemp farmers. Epazz, Inc. has provided ZenaPay, Inc. with an exclusive license to its patent pending drone technology. Epazz, Inc. is the largest shareholder of ZenaPay, Inc. ZenaDrone 1000 will be a workhorse for hemp farms, which will have multiple functions and features to scan fields and remove the male hemp plant to double female hemp production. The feedback we received from our trip to Ireland has provided us an opportunity to extend our technology to include tracking livestock and testing soil samples. ZenaDrone multispectral sensors (ZMS) provide five spectral bands (blue, green, red, red edge, near-infrared) which gather both visible wavelengths and wavelengths outside the visible spectrum. This allows the ZMS to collect data and help farmers understand the health of their crops by analyzing the light reflecting off objects. When other bands are combined with near-infrared, farmers can determine the vegetation's stress level. According to MarketsAndMarkets.Com, the Industrial Global Hemp Market is forecasted to reach $26.6 billion USD by 2025. The report cited increased use of hempseed oil and hempseed in various food applications, rising use of nonpsychotropic cannabinoid cannabidiol hemp oil in food and pharmaceutical segments and increasing legalization of the cultivation of industrial hemp. Epazz sees major opportunities in providing critical technology solutions, both software and hardware, to service the Industrial Global Hemp. ZenaDrone is the first part of an overall technology offering. Dr. Shaun Passley, CEO of Epazz and ZenaPay, said, This is a major opportunity to provide technology to the industrial hemp market. Our agreement with GreenHeart, we are able to access a large network of hemp farmers. We believe that artificial intelligence and our facial recognition technology are the next technologies to positively impact agriculture production. Our agreements with preorder customers will demonstrate the benefits of the ZenaPay Drone Farming Software and the efficiency gained from tracking plant growth from seed to harvest. If you are interested in preordering our ZenaDrone farm solution, please go to www.zenapay.com . Epazz will maintain its twitter page with daily updates about the drone development and the company. You can visit the Epazz twitter page at https://www.twitter.com/epazz. About ZenaPay Inc. (www.zenapay.com) ZenaPay is a drone smart hemp farming solution that monitors the plant life cycle from growth to sale. In accordance with your government regulations for quality assurance measures, ZenaPay tracks, monitors and calculates plant lifecycle in real time, providing accurate data extraction for management and auditing reports and certifying the plant life cycle from start to its targeted purpose. About Epazz Inc. (www.epazz.com) Epazz Inc. is a leading cloud-based software company that specializes in providing customized cloud applications to the corporate world, higher-education institutions and the public sector. Epazz BoxesOS v3.0 is the complete business web-based software package for small- to mid-size businesses, Fortune 500 enterprises, government agencies and higher-education institutions. BoxesOS provides many of the web-based applications organizations would otherwise need to purchase separately. Epazzs other products are DeskFlex (room scheduling software) and DeskFlex (an applicant-tracking system). SAFE HARBOR This is the Safe Harbor statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking statements such as may, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, believe and continue (or the negative thereof) or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results or those implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Epazz Inc. assumes no obligation and has no intention of updating these forward-looking statements, and it has no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that is not paid for by Epazz Inc. Investors are encouraged to review Epazz Inc.s public filings on SEC.gov and otcmarkets.com, including its unaudited and audited financial statements and its OTC markets filings, which contain general business information about the companys operations, results of operations and risks associated with the company and its operations. Two of Perths most prestigious private boys schools have shot up in the annual secondary education ranking, taking over exclusive all-girls schools that usually hold the top spots in the statewide system. Boys only Hale School and Christ Church Grammar School placed second and third respectively in the top-50 list based on 2019 median Australian Tertiary Admission Rank scores compiled by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority. For comparison purposes, the graph above shows the top 20 schools ranked from 2012 to 2015 based on the previous Western Australian Certificate of Education ranking system compared to the 2016 to 2019 scoreboards based on the new ATAR ranking. The graph shows how well schools performed in accordance to how SCSA results have ranked them over the past seven years to give a snapshot of how they placed during that time. The Lake County Salvation Army said their food pantries are in desperate need of meat donations to continue serving Region families. The holiday season was busier than expected, leaving a shortage of items in its wake. The food pantry locations in Munster, East Chicago and Gary are in need of chicken, ground beef, pork, seafood and more, according to a news release from the Lake County Salvation Army. Despite the good economy, there is a growing number of households with single parents who are unable to hold full-time jobs, said Kevin Feldman, Director of Development for The Salvation Army. Quite often these families have to choose between having enough food, and paying the heating and electric bill. The 2019 Christmas season was busier than anticipated for The Salvation Army, leaving us with little or no beef, chicken, and ham to feed the children and adults we serve. Fresh and frozen poultry, seafood and meats must be wrapped in 2 to 5 pound packages to be distributed to individuals and families. Due to health department guidelines, food pantries are prohibited from handling and dividing large packages of food. More than 200 members of Congress have signed a legal brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, arguing it set up an unworkable and haphazard standard for lower courts. The brief was signed by 207 Senators and Representatives, including a dozen female members. Most who signed the brief are Republicans, although two (Reps. Daniel Lipinski of Illinois and Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota) are Democrats. The Jan. 2 brief asks the Supreme Court to uphold a 2014 Louisiana law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the clinic. The court will hear oral arguments March 4. The Fifth Circuit upheld the law in a 2-1 decision. The Fifth Circuit labored to do the best it could with the vague and opaque undue burden standard on which the Court has relied since Casey, the brief says, referencing a 1992 decision, Planned Parenthood v. Casey, that declared abortion restrictions unconstitutional if they placed an undue burden on a woman. [The members of Congress] respectfully suggest that the courts struggle similar to dozens of other courts herculean struggles in this area illustrates the unworkability of the right to abortion found in Roe and the need for the Court to take up the issue of whether Roe and Casey should be reconsidered and, if appropriate, overruled. Roe v. Wades jurisprudence has been haphazard from the beginning, the brief asserts. Furthermore, the briefs says, the high court should not be hesitant to overturn precedent. The Court has exercised that judgment to overrule precedent in over 230 cases throughout its history, the brief says. Forty-six years after Roe was decided, it remains a radically unsettled precedent: two of the seven Justices who originally joined the majority subsequently repudiated it in whole or in part, and virtually every abortion decision since has been closely divided. The brief also notes that the Supreme Court itself has struggled to follow the logic of Roe and Casey. The high court overturned a partial-birth abortion ban in 2000, only to uphold one in 2006, the brief notes. These incessant retrenchments show that Roe has been substantially undermined by subsequent authority, a principal factor the Court considers when deciding whether to overrule precedent, the brief says. Casey clearly did not settle the abortion issue, and it is time for the Court to take it up again. Related: Supreme Court to Hear Major Abortion Case that Could Gut Roe v. Wade Trump Admin. Urges Supreme Court to Uphold Pro-Life Law, Citing Gosnell Atrocities New Trump Rule Stops Obamacares Hidden Abortion Surcharge Democrats Medicare for All Bills Would Legalize Taxpayer-Funded Abortion One-Third of Independent Abortion Clinics Have Closed since 2012 Pro-Life Win: High Court Upholds Law Requiring Ultrasounds before Abortions Despite Popular Belief, Women Are More Pro-Life than Men, Gallup Poll Says Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com. Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Zimmytws Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. A meet between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and BJPs Devendra Fadnavis on January 7 has given rise to speculations over a possible tie-up between the two parties. According to an NDTV report, Raj Thackeray began talks with the BJP after a fallout with his cousin and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who is now the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Insiders have revealed that the MNS chief wants his ideological shift to reflect on the partys flag, by changing the blue, green, and saffron flag to just saffron. This move is of significance by virtue of being in direct contrast to Raj Thackerays approach towards the BJP last year during the Lok Sabha elections. In the run-up to the 2019 general election, the MNS chief had spared no opportunity to hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah. His party had gone to the extent of preparing and broadcasting multimedia presentations to highlight the discrepancies in what BJP promises and how much it delivers. While the rallies were no doubt a crowd-puller, the audience couldnt stop thinking about the unabashed support he had extended to the BJP and particularly PM Modi, before the party came to power in 2014. Thackerays party had won only 13 seats then, which went further down to one in October 2019. Hence, Raj Thackeray's move is being seen as a measure to mend his partys shrinking presence in Maharashtra politics. However, the unlikely union that is might take shape is not a departure from convention, since the Shiv Sena too recently joined hands with rivals Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress. The move came after BJP and Sena severed its years-old ties over a power scuffle after Maharashtra Assembly elections in October last year. On the occasion of marking his political debut, Uddhav Thackeray had invited his estranged cousin to the November 28 oath-taking ceremony too. The gesture was largely viewed as a sign of a thaw between the two Thackerays, but the recent development hints otherwise. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that no Americans were harmed in the attack by Iran on US bases in Iraq as he offered to embrace peace along with the Iranian leadership, in a significant move to de-escalate spiralling tensions in the Middle East. His remarks came hours after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles in a pre-dawn attack on Wednesday targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, which Tehran said was a "slap in the face" of America. "We suffered no casualties. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases," Trump said in an address to the nation from the White House Grand Foyer. According to the Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by Trump. The Iranian state television claimed that "at least 80 terrorist US soldiers" were killed in the strikes. Some 5,000 US soldiers are in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the IS terror group. "No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime," Trump said as he described Gen Soleimani as a "ruthless terrorist." "In recent days he was planning new attacks on American targets, but we stopped him," Trump said. "By removing Soleimani we have sent a powerful message to terrorists. If you value your own life you will not threaten the lives of our people," he said. "Soleimani's hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood." Trump called on Iran to "work together" to eliminate the Islamic State, saying the killing of ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was "good" for Iran. In a direct message to the Iranian leaders and the people, Trump said the United States is "ready to embrace peace with all who seek it". "To the people and leaders of Iran, we want you to have a future and a great future, one that you deserve," Trump said. Trump said Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. "For far too long, all the way back to 1979 to be exact, nations have tolerated Iran's destructive and destabilising behaviour in the Middle East and beyond. Those days are over," he said, adding that peace and stability cannot prevail in Middle East as long as Iran continues to foment terrorism. Trump also asked NATO "to become much more involved in the Middle East process." He vowed that he will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. "As long as I'm President of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon," Trump said. President Trump criticised the Barack Obama-era Iran nuclear deal as "very defective" and "foolish." "The very defective nuclear deal expires shortly, anyway, and gives Iran a clear and quick path to nuclear breakout. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism," Trump said. Iran on Wednesday announced that it was partially withdrawing from the deal. Trump, who has already withdrawn from the deal arguing that it does not meet the desired objective, called on other allies to "break away" from the deal. "We must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place," he said. Asserting that America has achieved energy independence, Trump said US doesn't "need Middle East oil." He also said that his administration will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on Iran. "These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behaviour," Trump said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi : In view of the heightened tension after Iran attacked US military bases in Iraq, Indian on Wednesday issued a travel advisory for its citizens asking them to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq. Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq, the advisory reads. "Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq," the advisory reads. According to reports, the government has asked all Indian carriers to avoid the airspace of Iran, Iraq and the Gulf following tension in the region. Meanwhile, Iran has threatened to bomb Israel and Dubai if the United States retaliates for its ballistic missile strike that slammed into an Iraqi airbase where the US and coalition forces are based. Iran's Revolutionary Guard in a statement carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency said, We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted. Guard also threatened to bomb Dubai and Haifa in Israel if US retaliates, Daily Mail reported. The attack on military bases came hours after leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened on Tuesday to "set ablaze" places supported by the United States. Hossein Salami made the pledge before a crowd of thousands gathered in a central square in Kerman, the hometown of the slain Gen Qassem Soleimani. Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. Iran while defending the attack said, all the measures were taken in self-defence. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said, Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A number of commercial airlines have rerouted flights to avoid possible danger amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. The UK has urged Iran not to carry out further reckless and dangerous attacks after Tehran fired missiles at military bases in Iraq hosting British and US troops. British Airways rerouted flight 134 from Mumbai to Heathrow mid-way through the flight, to avoid crossing Iraqi airspace. The plane flew in a circle and was then diverted to the Greek capital Athens for refuelling. Expand Close The flight had to be diverted at the last minute, flying in a circle to avoid Iraqi airspace. (Flight Radar) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The flight had to be diverted at the last minute, flying in a circle to avoid Iraqi airspace. (Flight Radar) The move has left a number of Indian passport holders stuck in the terminal as they do not possess the right visa to leave the airport. One passenger, who asked not to be named, told the PA news agency that Indian nationals had been stuck in the terminal for a number of hours. He said: Since we dont have Schengen visa, BA couldnt put us in hotels which are outside the airport. Athens staff are doing their best to find alternate BA flights for us but looks like 20 odd passengers couldnt be accommodated. So either we will be put on other flights or else have to spend the night at the terminal lounge. Expand Close It has now landed in Athens to refuel. (Flight Radar) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp It has now landed in Athens to refuel. (Flight Radar) He said the flight, which took off more than 15 hours ago, had been rescheduled to Thursday morning. British Airways said: We appreciate the frustrating situation that a handful of our customers are in, without visas to enter Greece, following the diversion. We have apologised to our customers for the delay to their travel plans and our colleagues are doing everything they can to rebook customers, and take care of them until their flight departs. Virgin Atlantic said it is closely monitoring the situation and its aircraft are not flying over Iranian airspace. Due to changes in flight routing, trips to and from Mumbai may take longer than expected. Australian carrier Qantas said it is altering its route from London to Perth, Australia, to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice. Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines have also rerouted planes to avoid Iranian airspace. The US Federal Aviation Administration has barred American pilots and carriers from flying in areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace while the Russian aviation agency has recommended all Russian airlines avoid flying over Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has urged Iran to pursue urgent de-escalation as the crisis in the Gulf intensifies. US President Donald Trump tweeted all is well following the attack on the bases, which was carried out in response to the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani by America. US officials said 15 missiles were fired, with 10 striking the Ain al-Asad base 100 miles west of Baghdad, one striking a base in Irbil in northern Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region, and another four missing their targets. The purpose of this policy is to disguise the crimes committed by Qassem Suleimani, who headed the Revolutionary Guards Quds Force and to turn him into a national idol and hero. Along the way, the governments small and large officials give this international criminal titles while mocking and disrespect the national values and beliefs of the people, such as his comparisons to Amir Kabir, Ario Barzan, Sorena, Jalaluddin Khwarazm Shah, Nader Shah Afshar and even Raisali Delvari and Mirza Kuchak Khan. This a repeated policy by the Iranian regime and everyone is informed about its purpose. For example, building a palace on the grave of the founder of the Iranian regime Khomeini, and calling him Imam is one of them. The regime went so far as to add to the splendor of this shrine to diminish the tomb of Shiite Imams, but can someone change the history and hide history from the coming generations? Other examples are calling the Iranian supreme leader Imam. Giving the title, Sardar (commander-in-chief) of Islam! to Ali Sayyad Shirazi who was killed by the MEK/PMOI on 10 April 1999, to damn the words of Sardar and Islam. We have not forgotten that the mullahs to cleanse Qassem Suleimanis crimes in Syria have exalted the beheaded Mohsen Hojaji (an IRGC soldier). In that case, they built a dome for this anonymous IRGC soldier and edified him. Going back a bit, we will remember that during the Iran-Iraq war, government propaganda provoked children who were sent to the war to walk over the minefields while keys hung on their necks and proclaimed that these were the keys to heaven. Another fact was while during the Iran-Iraq war the mullahs put some people with white costumes on white horses to play the role of Imam Zaman (the last Imam of the Shiite Muslims) on the fronts. While at that time Qassem Soleimani, sent many youths from Kernam to the furnace of the Syrian war. He was one of the main warmongers. Khameneis goals of sanctification By the way, what is the purpose of this charlatanism? Qassem Suleimani was the central figure of Khameneis extremist policy and terrorist interference in the framework of the Quds Force. With his loss, this policy received a major blow. Khamenei wants to prevent or limit the spread of the blows to other key elements of his regime and prevent the Iraqi people from ousting his regime from Iraq. The morale of the regimes forces is harmed by the death of Qassem Suleimani. Government propaganda had previously made Qassem Suleimani a legendary and invincible figure that Americans would need Spider-Man and Batman to counter. There was no other purpose than to give him different medals and declared him to be above politics and to pave the way for his presidency. The death of Qassem Suleimani struck this monstrous charisma, and now Khamenei wants to restore the lost atmosphere by calling him a holy man. The mullahs power in the country faces the risk of an uprising. To reduce the scope of the uprising, these scenes are desperately needed. Since it does not have the power of war, it fears a war with the United States and attempts to remove or deflect the problem of any protest by propagandas risks blowing into the furnace of revenge. Khamenei, while knowing very well the situation of his regime, seeks to seize the opportunity to create a unity among all the factions in its regime; but knows that this unity is not very reliable, like the time the US designate the IRGC as a terror group and lawmakers wore the uniform of this organization to shoot photos, this unity is ridiculous because this division between the factions will be not removed by such acts. After the November protests in Iran and in the situation while Khamenei and his regime are weakened, especially after the death of Qassem Suleimani, how much he can reach his goals is another discussion but until now it is worth to say: If history could be falsely presented and its pyramid could be turned upside down, and foist black as white, and introduce a bloodthirsty killer as the hero of a nation, who is famous as the child killer, other people in history before Khamenei would be ahead and could do it better in a situation while the communication was not so advanced. Former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Siggy Flicker has expressed her concern over the Australian bushfire crisis which has so far claimed 25 lives, after 183 people were charged with deliberately setting bushland alight. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the relationship expert, 53, said she is shocked that people would 'destroy their land' and urged fans to donate to help the victims. 'Not many things shock me these days. This did,' she wrote alongside a picture of a report which detailed the number of arson attacks. 'This shocked me!' Former Real Housewives Of New Jersey star Siggy Flicker (pictured) has expressed her concern after '183 people were charged with deliberately setting fires' amid Australia's bushfire crisis She continued: 'To have a group of people deliberately setting fires & killing innocent animals, innocent people & their own beautiful land is just beyond comprehension!' Siggy then urged her fans to donate to the bushfire victims and the brave firefighters battling the blazes which have destroyed Australia. 'No comments. Please continue to send donations and prayers,' she ended, sharing links to the state fire service websites. Awareness: Siggy (pictured) said she is shocked that people would 'destroy their land' and 'kill innocent animals and innocent people' The fires across Australia have so far claimed 25 lives as well as destroyed more than 1600 homes and left around one billion animals dead. More than 180 people have been arrested accused of deliberately lighting bushfires since the start of the horror season. On the New South Wales south coast, where at least nine people have died since the fire season picked up in October, 29 blazes have been deliberately lit. So far 24 people across the state have been charged with starting blazes in the bush, while a further 159 have been charged or cautioned over less serious fire offences. 'Please continue to send donations': Siggy also urged her fans to donate to the bushfire victims and the brave firefights battling the blazes which have destroyed Australia, sharing links to the state fire service websites In Queensland, police have arrested 101 people accused of starting bushfires, 69 juveniles and 32 adults. Five people were arrested for allegedly setting bushland alight in Tasmania - and a further 10 in South Australia. Meanwhile in Victoria, where locals have experienced some of the most catastrophic conditions the nation has ever seen, 43 people were charged with firebug offences. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday condemned Iranian rocket attacks on Iraqi bases housing US troops, carried out in retaliation for the killing of one of Tehran's top commanders. Tehran fired ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq overnight in the first act of the Islamic republic's promised revenge for the US killing of Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad on Friday, drawing criticism from Western powers. "I condemn the Iranian missile attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq. NATO calls on Iran to refrain from further violence," Stoltenberg tweeted. "Allies continue to consult & remain committed to our training mission in Iraq." A NATO official said that there were no casualties among the troops on its training mission in Iraq, though on Tuesday the alliance said it was moving some personnel out because of the increased danger following Soleimani's killing. The 500-strong NATO mission has suspended training activities due to the increased security risks, but Stoltenberg has said it will resume when the situation improves. US and allied foreign troops in Iraq are concerned they might be targeted by Iran or allied Iraqi militias after the killing of Revolutionary Guards general Soleimani, and some countries involved in the NATO mission have moved their troops out of the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) W hite House Farm has begun on ITV, telling the chilling story of the real-life murders that shocked the UK. The six-part series chronicles the events that took place in 1985, with top acting talent portraying the real people at the centre of the story. Set in the idyllic English countryside in Essex, the small village of Tolleshunt D'Arcy is rocked by the news that a couple, their daughter and two grandchildren have been found shot dead at their family home and the only surviving member of their family is their son, Jeremy. The case dominated the headlines for months and this is the first time a television drama has centred on the story. So how much truth is there in ITV's retelling of events? Here's the true story behind the programme... Who were the Bamber family? White House Farm: Real Life & Characters - In pictures 1 /12 White House Farm: Real Life & Characters - In pictures Shelia Caffell and Cressida Bonas Jeremy Bamber and Freddie Fox June Bamber and Amanda Burton Colin Caffell and Mark Stanley Nevill Bamber and Nicholas Farrell Mark Addy as DS Stan Joines Stephen Graham as DCI Thomas 'Taff' Jones Nicholas and Daniel Caffell Alamy Gemma Caffell as Ann Retired RAF pilot Nevill Bamber and his wife June lived together on a 300-acre farmland in the village of Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Essex. They were unable to have conceive naturally so adopted their children, Sheila and Jeremy, when they were babies. The two siblings were not biologically related to each other. June was a devout Christian and, according to court papers, had a troublesome relationship with both Jeremy and Sheila due to her staunch beliefs. Jeremy was also working on the farm prior to their deaths. Shelia's two sons, Daniel and Nicholas Caffell, had gone to stay with their mother at Nevill and June's farmhouse for a week as part of their summer holiday. Their father Colin, who they lived with for the majority of the time, stayed at home with his wife. Jeremy also had a previous history with robbery and theft, while Sheila had been diagnosed paranoid schizophrenia. Jeremy Bamber's phone call to the police The episode, and the case, begins with Jeremy's panicked phone call to Chelmsford Police Station in the early hours of August 7, 1985. The 24-year-old claimed he has received a phone call from Nevill, saying his sister Sheila had "gone crazy" with a gun before the line cut out. The discovery Police then attended the scene, with Jeremy arriving afterwards. The officers decided to wait until a tactical firearms group arrived before entering the house. The squad discovered all the doors and windows to the farmhouse were shut, except for the window in the main bedroom on the first floor. They tried to communicate with Sheila using a loud hailer but only heard the dog barking in response. Officers questioned Jeremy, who spoke calmly, outside the house, and asked him if Sheila would go berserk with a gun, to which he responded: I don't really know. She is a nutter. She's been having treatment. When they entered the house, officers found Jeremys father Nevill in the kitchen where there had been signs of a struggle June and Sheila in the couples bedroom and Daniel and Nicholas dead in their beds. The real Jeremy Bamber and the actor who plays him The assessment When Detective Chief Inspector Thomas "Taff" Jones first examined the crime scene, he believed there had been a murder-suicide, with Sheila killing her children and parents before shooting herself. This then had an impact on the thoroughness of the searches and examination of the farmhouse, judge Lord Justice Kay said later. A key detail that would later emerge was the fact the family had been shot multiple times, with Sheila being shot twice. The funeral An inquest was held on August 14 and the police gave evidence saying the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide. According to the book The Murders at White House Farm, by Carol Ann Lee, Jeremys cousins said that he was behaving strangely at the funeral, as he appeared distraught in front of the cameras and during the service, but then gave them the biggest grin later on during the procession. When did police begin to suspect Jeremy? A month after the funerals, on September 7, Jeremys ex-girlfriend Julie Mugford, rang the authorities and said she had omitted details from her original statement. In her original report, according to court papers, she said nothing adverse to the appellant. [Julie] spoke of receiving a telephone call from him at about 3.30 a.m. on the night of the killings. "She said that he sounded disjointed and worried and he said There's something wrong at home. She had been sleepy and had not asked what it was. The house where the murders took place / PA But in her second statement, she said when she and Bamber first met it became obvious that he disliked his family and made several references to killing them. She added that he rang her the night before the murders, saying he was "pissed off" and had been thinking about the crime all day and that it was going to be "tonight or never". He then called Julie in the early hours of the morning and said: "Everything is going well. Something is wrong at the farm. I haven't had any sleep all night bye honey and I love you lots," but she had not taken him seriously. She later asked him if he had committed the murders, and Jeremy said he hadnt but arranged for a friend of his, Matthew MacDonald, to kill his family. She added that the pair had drunk champagne and cocktails after the funerals and had gone on holiday to Eastbourne the day afterwards before travelling to Amsterdam. She claimed they stayed in expensive hotels, ate out at restaurants and he bought her clothes. Who was arrested? Jeremy and Matthew were. Matthew was later found to not have been at the farm that evening and gave evidence during the trial which was not disputed. Jeremy was interviewed for three days, during which he maintained his innocence, denied the confession and talk of wanting to kill his family, while claiming Julie was lying because he jilted her. He was then re-arrested on September 29 and charged with the five murders. Stephen Graham in White House Farm What happened at the trial? The prosecution said Jeremy was motivated by hatred and greed, wanting to kill his family members as he was due to inherit considerable sums of money. The defence stuck to Jeremys statements, saying that Julie felt jilted which is why she gave the statement and maintained it was Sheila who killed them as she was seriously mentally ill. Jeremy was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison in 1986. The appeals Jeremy has consistently maintained his innocence over the years and his lawyers have tried to challenge the evidence given in court, but have not been successful. He also tried to claim compensation from his remaining family members after being cut out of his grandmothers will following his conviction. In October last year, he claimed that an earthed police telephone call showed he was somewhere else at the time of the murders. It was discovered after several police documents were released to him in 2011. Essex Police responded that they had no comment on the phone call as Jeremy's conviction has been the subject of several appeals and reviews by the Criminal Cases Review Commission and there has never been anything to suggest that he was wrongly convicted." (Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. shares hit a new high on Wednesday after the company said customers spent a record amount in its App Store during the final days of the holiday season. App Store spending totaled $1.4 billion between Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, up 16% from the same period in 2018, the Cupertino, California-based company said in a blog post. The stock rose as much as 1.6%, pushing its gains since the end of 2018 to 92%. Rising spending on apps, and the success of wearables such as AirPods, highlight Apples ability to generate more revenue despite sluggish iPhone growth, according to Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives. That speaks to the underlying strength that Cupertino is having monetizing its golden jewel installed base of 925 million iPhones worldwide, he wrote in a research note. Gene Munster, a veteran Apple analyst and founder of Loup Ventures, said the App Store data are more evidence that Apples services expansion isnt directly linked to iPhone sales, supporting his argument that the companys shares should trade at a higher price-to-earnings multiple. Apple also said App Store spending on the first day of 2020 reached $386 million, a single-day record and a 20% increase from last year. To contact the reporter on this story: Jeran Wittenstein in San Francisco at jwittenstei1@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Catherine Larkin at clarkin4@bloomberg.net, Alistair Barr For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Boris Johnson has given the strongest British backing yet for the US killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, telling the House of Commons that most reasonable people would accept that the United States has the right to protect its bases and its personnel. In his first public appearance since the targeted killing threw the Middle East into crisis on 3 January, Mr Johnson said the leader of the feared Quds Force had the blood of British troops on his hands. But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the attack on Soleimani which he branded an assassination was almost certainly illegal. He accused Mr Johnson of prioritising a trade deal with the US over standing up to president Donald Trump. The bitter clash came at the first session of Prime Ministers Questions since the election, just hours after Iran fired 22 missiles at US targets in Iraq in retaliation for Soleimanis death. Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Show all 24 1 /24 Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions Iranian mourners gather around a vehicle carrying the coffin of top general Qasem Soleimani during the final stage of funeral processions, in his hometown Kerman. Soleimani was killed outside Baghdad airport in a drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump, ratcheting up tensions with Iran which has vowed "severe revenge" AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian people carry a coffin of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani during a funeral procession in Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions The assassination of the 62-year-old heightened international concern about a new war in the volatile, oil-rich Middle East and rattled financial markets AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners packed the streets of Tehran for ceremonies to pay homage to Soleimani, who spearheaded Iran's Middle East operations as commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force and was killed in a US drone strike on January 3 Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranians set a US and an Israeli flag on fire during the funeral procession AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, centre, with Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, second left, and President Hassan Rouhani, third left, standing next to him as he leads a prayer over the caskets of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Tehran University Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, left, openly weeps as he leads a prayer over the coffin of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners holding posters of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Coffins of Soleimani and others who were killed in Iraq by a US drone strike, are carried on a truck surrounded by mourners during a funeral procession, at the Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions An Iranian mourner holds a placard AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Downtown Tehran was brought to a standstill as mourners flooded the Iranian capital Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Former Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps chief Mohamad Ali Jafari prays on the coffins of Qasem Soleimani and of other victims during their funeral ceremony EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Satellite image Maxar Technologies/AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Mr Johnson condemned the Iranian strike, telling MPs: Iran should not repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks but must instead pursue urgent de-escalation. The prime minister assured the Commons: As far as we can tell, there were no casualties last night sustained by the US and no British personnel were injured in the attacks. We are doing everything we can to protect UK interests in the region, with HMS Defender and HMS Montrose operating in an enhanced state of readiness to protect shipping in the Gulf. Mr Corbyn told the Commons that the drone strike on Soleimani had created real risk of going into a full-scale war and demanded to know what evidence the UK government had seen to support Washingtons claims that it was taking action to avert an imminent attack on its interests. If we stand by international law as I am sure the government does and would want to then surely killing somebody in a foreign territory is an illegal act and should be condemned as such, said the Labour leader. Mr Johnson responded: Clearly the strict issue of legality is not for the UK to determine since it was not our operation. But I think most reasonable people would accept that the United States has the right to protect its bases and its personnel. Crowds gather at Qassem Soleimanis funeral (AP) The prime minister said he was surprised that Mr Corbyn had not condemned the baleful role played in the region by Soleimani who as commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Quds Force over many years had supplied missiles used against innocent civilians by Houthi rebels in Yemen, propped up the Assad regime in Syria and produced roadside bombs that killed and maimed UK troops in Iraq. But Mr Corbyn said: US actions have undoubtedly escalated the risk of a serious conflict putting civilians, UK troops and nationals at risk and leaving the Iran nuclear deal in danger of being dead in the water. This governments response is not putting this countrys interests first, but seems more interested in prioritising the prime ministers relationship with President Trump over the security of the region and this country. Isnt the truth that this prime minister is unable to stand up to President Trump because he has hitched his wagon to a trade deal with the United States and that prioritises everything else that he ought to be considering? Mr Johnson replied: This is absolute fiction. But what I will say is that the UK will continue to work for de-escalation in the region. But he should be in absolutely no doubt, and this is of course a leader of the Opposition who famously received 10,000 from the Iranian Press TV, he should be in absolutely no doubt that we are determined to guarantee with everything that we can the safety and the security of the people of Iraq whereas he, of course, would disband Nato. A senior Labour spokesperson later said the 10,000 figure was incorrect, and that Mr Corbyn had stopped appearing on Press TV when he believed that he was no longer able to speak entirely freely about whatever he wanted. The spokesperson also said that it was hard to see how Soleimanis assassination could be justified as a legal action. Since the assassination of senior officials, generals or ministers of internationally recognised governments is, on the face of it, entirely illegal in international law, that defence the defence of an imminent threat has to be made public for there to be any question of there being legality around it, the spokesperson told a Westminster briefing. No such evidence has been forthcoming and, on the face of it, its hard to see how that would be the case. But, of course, if that was produced by the US government then that would have to be taken seriously. A woman born and raised in Spring has been named the new executive director of the Texas Psychological Association, with the intent of ensuring Texans have access to high-quality mental health care. Jessica Magee started her new position Jan. 2, and has been in the middle of the onboarding process, going through membership, and watching the upcoming races for the March primary. Im incredibly excited and I think that we are looking at 2020 as an opportunity to make TPA more forward-thinking, growing our membership and promoting the science behind the discipline of psychology, Magee said. There are a lot of opportunities for growth and Im looking forward to being a part of that. Related: Therapist talks mental health at Concordia Lutheran in Tomball Magee brings experience in public policy, working on Texass Capitol Hill. She previously served five members of the Texas House, including as a chief of staff and caucus policy director. She also worked for the Texas Health and Human Services Commissions Office of Inspector General providing government relations support. Having worked for all three branches of state government and served in leadership positions at the Capitol for six legislative sessions, Im ready to bring my unique skillset to TPA, Magee said. It was Magees experience with governmental relations which led to her appointment, she said, as that was what they were trying to bring into the association to have a strong legislative agenda. I think this is a unique opportunity, Magee said. Behavioral health is a growing field that deserves to be available to everyone in the same way that we think of traditional health care benefits, and I think that there are unique needs that need to be fostered so I hope that my particular skills can track with these strategic objectives of TPA. Mental health care services like therapy were stressed as important needs by Magee, who said parity is an important issue when comparing mental health services to other health care services. Related: Mental Health Match helps more than 500 Houston-area residents find help After growing up in Spring, Magee graduated from Texas State University with an English degree, and then acquired her law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Magee was appointed unanimously by the TPA board following a competitive search process, TPA Board President Alice Ann Holland said. TPA will benefit from Jessicas extensive legislative, legal and public policy experience, Holland said. She brings a breadth and depth of professional experience to our association at a critical time, as we work to elevate and expand the role of the association in addressing policy, patient access and professional concerns facing psychologists today. paul.wedding@hcnonline.com lran's FM says Tehran gives "proportionate" response to U.S. killing of Soleimani TEHRAN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday that Iran has given a "proportionate" response to the U.S. recent assassination of a top Iranian military leader. "Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials were launched," Zarif tweeted. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday targeted U.S. airbases in Iraq including al-Asad and Harir Camp to the north of Erbil, capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, with a second wave with surface-to-surface missiles, semi-official Fars news agency reported. The Pentagon has confirmed Iran's launch of more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. IRGC claimed responsibility for the attacks in a statement, saying it was in retaliation for the U.S. killing of its Quds Force commander General Qassem Soleimani on Friday in Iraq. Zarif also tweeted that "we do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." The Visit of the Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh to China is an indication of deepening military ties between India and China. During his six days long visit to China, the Northern Army commander will be meeting several top leaders of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China. Sources have confirmed to Republic World that the Army Commander will be meeting with Gen Han Weiguo Commander of the PLA. Read: China says US unilateral withdrawal from nuclear deal led to escalation This is a significant visit which comes at a time when Pakistan is under stress due to its domestic issues related to their former military dictator. Senior Army officers of Pakistan are fuming as they have been denied promotion after Bajwa was given a three years extension, a senior Army officer told Republic World and requested not to be named. Pakistan is also under pressure because of the actions being taken by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The visit of the Northern Army Commander indicated deepening of the relations between China and India and is a huge blow to Pakistan which always banks on China for its military cooperation, the officer said. Read: Communist Party of China dismisses two party officials for corruption This is the second visit ever by the Northern Army Commander to China, earlier Lt Gen D S Hooda was the first Northern Army Commander to visit China. Northern Command is responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the Line of Actual Control with China in the Ladakh region. Although off and on incidents of transgression in Ladakh from both sides are reported, not a single bullet has been fired by the armies of both sides. Read: Amid Soleimani killing, China dials Russia and condemns US' military adventurism The Indian side has signed several agreements with China to ensure peace and tranquillity is maintained at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The visit has come soon after the military exercise 'Hand-in-Hand' by the PLA and the Indian Army were conducted in Eastern Command in December last year. Sources indicate that the visit is an indication of deepening of relations between India China Border dispute resolution will get a shot in the arm, the sources said. The itinerary of the Northern Army Commander includes meeting with the delegation that represents entire front with Maj Gen from NE formation. Apart from meeting Gen Han Weiguo Commander of the PLA, the Northern Army commander will be visiting various military establishments of China.The Army Commander has gone to China on the invitation extended by China, Army Commander is leading a delegation to China to exchange with Chinese counterparts ways of furthering peace and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, a source said. Read: China urges US 'not to abuse force': Foreign Minister Adani Enterprises fell 1.74% to Rs 200.35 after the media reported that the Supreme Court (SC) has set aside Bombay High Court's order giving relief to the firm in the coal import case. According to reports, the Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice to Adani Enterprises on an appeal by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in a matter connected with the alleged over-invoicing of Indonesian coal imports. DRI alleges that the Adani group companies had overvalued the coal that it imported from Indonesia to avail tax benefits in India between 2010 and 2016. The group routed the imports through several countries and siphoned off money, according to DRI. In October last year, the Bombay High Court ruled in favour of Adani Enterprises and quashed all Letters Rogatory (LRs) sent by the DRI, halting the investigations by the agency which were going on since 2016. The DRI was probing at least 40 companies for alleged overvaluation of coal imports from Indonesia pegged at Rs 29,000 crore between 2011 and 2015. An LR is a documents making a request through to obtain information or evidence from a specified person within the jurisdiction of that court. Barring Adani Green, which was locked in an upper circuit of 5%, all other Adani Group stocks witnessed selling pressure. Adani Power (down 1.48%), Adani Gas (down 1.35%) and Adani Transmission (down 0.26%) tumbled. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Supreme Court on Wednesday that 35 girls believed to have been murdered in the Muzaffarpur shelter home in Bihar have been found to be alive and that the agency has not been able to find any evidence regarding the alleged murders in the shelter home. This is the first time the number of girls allegedly murdered is being mentioned as 35 in court; in May last year, CBI told the court that 11 girls were allegedly murdered by main accused Brajesh Thakur and his associates, according to statements of the victims of sexual abuse at the shelter home. Attorney general KK Venugopal, representing CBI, told the court that all 35 girls have been traced and that the bones recovered from the premises of the shelter home belong to two adults and not children. CBI, in its latest report submitted before the court, also said that its investigation into all 17 shelter homes in Bihar, including the one at Muzaffarpur where children were allegedly assaulted, have been completed and that the final reports in 13 cases have been sent to the competent court. Departmental action has been recommended against erring officials, including district magistrates for omission in performing their duties, it added. CBIs report also suggested cancellation of registration or blacklisting of certain NGOs. Out of the remaining four cases, no incriminating evidence proving commission of any criminal offence could be gathered and, therefore, no FIRs were registered, the agency told the court. Allegations of murder and sexual exploitation of children in the Muzaffarpur shelter home in Bihar and other homes in the state surfaced in 2018 after an audit conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) . Subsequently, many girls were rescued from the shelter home at Muzaffarpur. Their statements alleged rampant sexual abuse and possible murders. The shelter home was run by NGO Sewa Sankalp Evam Vikas Samit, managed by Brajesh Thakur who was arrested and sent to judicial custody. Thakur who was initially lodged in Central Jail in Bhagalpur was later shifted to Patiala. The top court started monitoring the case after journalist Nivedita Jha filed a petition. Initially, CBI was probing the Muzaffarpur shelter home while allegations against other shelter homes were being investigated by the state police. The Supreme Court, however, noted on November 28, 2018, that the state police was not doing its job as expected when it came to investigation of cases mentioned in the category of Grave Concerns by TISS in its report. The court had, therefore, ordered CBI to take over the probe. In February 7, 2019, it also moved the Muzaffarpur case to a Delhi court. The ongoing growth of fracking in the U.S., plus the related buildout of pipelines, refineries and petrochemical plants, will release the equivalent of 50 new coal-fired power plants over the next five years. An estimated 157 new or expanded plants are slated to come online in that timeframe, according to a new report from the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP). Those plants are expected to release 227 million tons of additional greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, a 30 percent increase from the industrys 2018 emissions total. The US is already struggling to meet climate commitments and transition to a low-carbon future, said Courtney Bernhardt, Research Director at the Environmental Integrity Project. This analysis shows that were heading in the wrong direction and really need to slow emissions growth from the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. Roughly 36 million tons of the 227-million-ton total will come from expanded drilling. But that means that more than 80 percent of the additional emissions comes from all the associated midstream and downstream facilities. About half of the 157 new facilities are to be built in Texas and Louisiana. This isnt just a matter of greenhouse gas emissions, but also of harmful pollutants that affect public health. For instance, the planned facilities will emit 119,000 tons of volatile organic compounds each year, which will exacerbate smog, as well as 11,100 tons of fine particles that contribute to asthma and heart attacks. Related: The Hottest Permian Takeover Targets For 2020 One of the largest sources of new emissions could come from the massive $9.4-billion Formosa chemical and plastics plant to be built in Louisiana, a plant that will dramatically increase the amount of toxic chemicals released in the regions Cancer Alley. That plant has faced stiffed resistance, but recently received crucial state permits, inching the project forward. The tidal wave of investment in petrochemical plants to produce plastics is the next chapter of the fracking boom. Enormous supplies of natural gas and natural gas liquids, which have crashed prices, are set to be transformed into plastics. Shells gargantuan ethane cracker in Western Pennsylvania is one example, but the Gulf Coast is home to many more planned ethane crackers and related petrochemical sites, taking advantage of the huge volumes of oil and gas flowing from the Permian and Eagle Ford. Related: Turkeys Energy Agenda Puts The Entire Region At Risk Globally, the oil and gas industry is expected to invest $1.4 trillion in new projects around the world over the next five years, although the bulk of that will flow into U.S. shale. U.S. oil and gas expansion by itself will make it virtually impossible for the rest of the world to manage the safe, equitable and necessary phase-out of oil and gas production by 2050, a December 2019 report published by a broad coalition of environmental groups said. In a separate report that looked at all emissions, the Rhodium Group estimates that total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions fell by 2.1 percent in 2019, largely the result of the 18 percent decline in coal-fired generation. The increase in gas-fired generation offset some of that improvement, but power sector emissions overall declined by 10 percent. Transportation emissions were flat, but emissions from industry and buildings rose. Still, U.S. emissions grew prior to 2019, so there has been no net reduction in the past three years, leaving the U.S. behind on its relatively modest climate targets. As part of the Copenhagen commitment, the U.S. pledged to cut emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. The year has arrived and the U.S. has only cut by 12.3 percent. Achieving the Copenhagen goal by the end of this year will require another 5.3 percent reduction in emissions, a bigger annual drop than the US has experienced during the post-war period, with the exception of 2009 due to the Great Recession, the Rhodium Group concluded. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 06:36:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ISTANBUL, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Turkey and Russia have clashing interests but are also bound by shared benefits, pushing the two countries to compromise their differences during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Istanbul on Wednesday, experts said. The official reason for the visit, which comes at a time of heightened tensions since the U.S attack that killed a top Iranian commander last week and Teheran's missile response hours earlier, was the launch of the TurkStream project, a pipeline through the Black Sea from Russia to Turkey that is to deliver Russian natural gas to Europe. Following bilateral talks reportedly focused on Syria, Libya and regional crisis, Putin praised in a speech the "strategic partnership" between the two countries, indicating that their bilateral cooperation will not be affected by regional divergences. "Russian-Turkish cooperation is developing in all fields," he noted, adding TurkStream will further cement this partnership. "We didn't allow diverging opinions with Russia to get into the way of our partnership and common interests," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. "I am convinced that our companionship will continue with determination," he added, implying that dialogue will prevail over disagreement between Turkey and Russia. "Despite the fact that Turkey and Russia have an important number of differences, both countries would not want a clash of any kind. It is simply not in their interests," Togrul Ismayil, an expert on Russian affairs from Kahramanmaras University, told Xinhua. "Russia and Turkey need each other and U.S. policies in the Middle East are drawing the two nations which don't want to step on each other's feet toward each other," he argued. Irritated by Russia's growing influence over energy security in Europe, Washington has imposed sanctions on companies in the TurkStream project. Russia is also involved in another massive energy project in Turkey, Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which is set to become operational later this year. Russia and Turkey have developed a close relationship despite diverging policies in Syria, a development that has seen NATO member Turkey buy a Russian S-400 missile defense system which angers its Western allies. Moscow and Ankara have also a new challenge: Libya. They are backing opposing forces in the North African nation, with Russia supporting Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army and Turkey supporting militarily Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj's internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA). Turkey has started to send troops to Tripoli under a newly-signed bilateral security cooperation agreement with the UN-backed Libyan government. Turkey has key interests that largely depend on the survival of Sarraj's government. Ankara signed a maritime deal with oil-rich Libya that serves the energy interest of both countries and strengthens Turkey's hand in Eastern Mediterranean against rivals such as Greece, Cyprus, Egypt and Israel. Russia and Turkey reached an understanding in November to share control of a land strip in northern Syria, where Turkey launched a month prior a cross-border operation, a move that prompted analysts to believe such a formula could be repeated for the Libyan crisis. Both Turkey and Russia regard the oil-rich country as strategically important to project their influences. Ankara, however, doesn't want to engage in a proxy war with Russia in a far-away country with limited military capacities. "It is highly unlikely that a direct confrontation will happen in Libya between Turks and Russians," argued Ismayil, who believes that Ankara and Moscow will find a common ground in order not to be involved in such a dreaded scenario. Besides, "Turkey is the gateway for Europe and the world for a geopolitically boxed Russia," thus prompting Moscow to seek some form of compromise with Ankara, he said. Meanwhile, Turkey and Russia on Wednesday called warring parties in Libya to reach a cease-fire by midnight of Jan. 12. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, speaking alongside his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov's in Istanbul, said he hopes the cease-fire will embolden the Berlin process seeking to resolve the conflict. The call was hailed as positive by Turkish experts who considered it a new sign that Russia and Turkey could cooperate in Libya too after Syria. "Turkey and Russia should work together so as not to compete with each other in this country," Serkan Demirtas, a political analyst, told Xinhua. "A fresh cycle of violence will be to the disadvantage of both Turkey and Russia, with impacts on the Syrian and Iraqi theaters," he argued. "Russia and Turkey are both aware that their cooperation on regional matters are to their benefit and are acting accordingly," a Turkish diplomatic source told Xinhua. "We may have different approaches to matters but our communication channels are open," she said on the condition of anonymity. Your browser does not support the audio element. A spokesperson of Tu Du Maternity Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City stated at a press conference on Tuesday that there were no medical errors involved in the death of a 40-week fetus last month despite its parents' claim that doctors were at fault. The incident occurred on December 28, 2019 when Nguyen Van Quy, a 31-year-old man living in Binh Thanh District, took his wife, N.T.K.D., to Tu Du for tests after she had had bloody vaginal discharge in the 40th week of pregnancy. According to Quy, the fetus had a normal heart rate of 150 beats per minute upon his wifes admission to Tu Du. Routine examination results at the hospital had also showed no abnormalities in both the fetus and mother from the start of pregnancy until the 39th week. However, D. noticed an increase in vaginal discharge between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm on December 28. Quy said that he continuously reported his wifes bleeding to the on-duty medical staff at the infirmary for several times during that period. The staff kept telling me that was a normal sign [that my wife would go into labor soon], Quy said. The staff also told the 31-year-old husband that there was no other way than waiting for your wifes cervix to open up further. The complication However, at 10:30 pm on December 28, it became so difficult to detect the fetal heart rate that doctors had to resort to medical ultrasonography. The results showed no heart rate, which means that the baby had died in the womb. At that time, doctors told me that they could only perform a surgery to take the unborn out to save the mother as our babys heart had already stopped beating, Quy tearfully recalled. At around 1:00 am on December 29, Nguyen Thi Kim Hoang, head doctor of the shift during which the incident had happened, directly explained to Quys family that his babys death was due to a placental abruption and nuchal cord incident. A nuchal cord occurs when the umbilical cord is wrapped around a baby's neck inside the uterus, while placental abruption is when the placenta partially or completely separates from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery, possibly decreasing or blocking the baby's supply of oxygen and nutrients and causing heavy bleeding in the mother, the hospital said at a press conference on Tuesday. However, Quy disagreed with this explanation and wanted the hospital to clarify the responsibility of the team in charge since his wife was admitted to the infirmary until the fetus died. Quy insisted that the staff were irresponsible and indifferent, as they did not offer any solution for intervening before the babys heart stopped beating although his wife showed various abnormal symptoms such as heavy bleeding and abdominal pain. The explanation Speaking at Tuesdays press conference, Nguyen Ba My Nhi, deputy director of the hospital, affirmed that all the process of examination, follow-up check-ups and emergency surgery for patient N.T.K.D. had been performed without any professional errors on the part of the medical staff. Dr. Nhi clarified that the doctors initially planned to have D. deliver the dead fetus by vaginal birth, but turned to surgical removal finding signs that the placenta had separated early from the uterus. In addition, images on screen monitors during the surgery to take the baby out showed that the umbilical cord was tightly wrapped around the childs neck for two times. Mr. Quy was invited to the surgery room to watch the scene, Dr. Nhi said. According to Dr. Nhi, D.s routine ultrasonography results had not showed any sign of the knotted umbilical cord, which then led to a complete interruption of normal blood, nutrient, and oxygen exchange between the mother and her baby. The incidence of a true knot of the umbilical cord is not only very rare, taking up only 0.3-2 percent of all pregnancies in the world, but it is also often undiagnosed antenatally when present despite the availability of prenatal ultrasonography, Dr. Nhi explained. If the doctors had discovered the knotted umbilical cord via ultrasonography by chance, they could have taken the baby out [alive], she added. As a mother, Dr. Nhi said that she could empathize with the pain and loss that Quys family is suffering from. Regardless of whether our failure to protect the baby is due to objective or subjective reason, or medical risks, we all feel sorry for the patient, she said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Iraq said on Wednesday that it had been notified by Iran that Tehran had launched a retaliatory strike against U.S. troops in Iraq to avenge the killing of top Iranian military commander Qassim Soleimani, while oil majors continue to evacuate personnel out of Iraq. Amid the tension in the region, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) evacuated some 20 employees from the West Qurna-1 oilfield in Iraq operated by ExxonMobil, a CNPC source based in Beijing told Reuters on Wednesday. After the killing of Soleimani, Chevron, too, pulled all of its American oil workers out of Northern Iraq. Late on Tuesday, which was in the early hours Iraqi time on Wednesday, Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops. Oil prices surged by 4 percent on the news, but had given up most of those gains by early morning U.S. time on Wednesday. Oil prices had originally surged on Friday, following the assassination of Soleimani, Irans most powerful and visible military leader, by U.S. forces in Iraq. The attack was carried out following a direct order from U.S. President Donald Trump and was aimed at deterring future attacks on U.S. diplomats and service members throughout the region. Prices also rose on Monday, but then retreated on Tuesday while the world and investors were waiting for Irans response. Related: The Hottest Permian Takeover Targets For 2020 That response came late on Tuesday, with Iran notifying Iraq it would start the retaliatory strike that would be limited to the military bases. The U.S. also notified Iraq that the bases at Ain al-Asad and Irbil were under missile attacks. Following the Iranian missile attack on U.S. bases in Iraq, U.S. President Donald Trump said All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said on Wednesday that They were slapped last night, but such military actions are not enough. The corruptive presence of the US in the West Asian region must be stopped. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said the attack on U.S. troops in Iraq was self-defense and that We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The IC, through an act of Congress, required insurance firms to have at least PHP900 million (US$17.7 million) by the end of 2019, up from PHP550 million previously. By end-2022, this capital requirement will be raised to PHP1.3 billion (US$25.5 million). There are currently 31 life and 55 general insurers operating in the Philippines. While a large number of general insurers were unable to meet the requirements, Funa said that most life insurance companies are able to comply, with only a couple unable to do so. He added that several insurance companies are going to merge in order to meet the new solvency requirements, but the regulator will leave it to the companies to announce the specifics of these transactions. " " Cork trees aren't cut down in the harvesting process. Only the bark is stripped from the cork oak, and it regenerates every nine or 10 years. Martin Child/robertharding/Getty Images/Collection Mix: Sub You may (or may not) have heard a rumor that the world's supply of cork is dwindling. Cork, which is made from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber), is used in a variety of products, the most common being wine stoppers. So is there any truth behind the idea that we are running out of cork? Not at all. There's actually an abundance of the totally sustainable, eco-friendly material. In fact, if you've ever traveled to the rural areas of Southern Portugal where most of the world's cork oak trees are grown you've seen firsthand that the supposed shortage of the cork supply is indeed a myth. Advertisement Insiders in the cork industry which employs an estimated 30,000 workers in varied jobs confirm that there are plenty of cork oak trees to be found in the sustainable and environmentally harvested cork forests of Portugal. Regular planting ensures a continuous and steady supply, but the process requires some patience. Newly planted cork oak trees need, on average, more than 25 years of growth before their bark can first be harvested. Farmers then must wait another nine or 10 years until the trees fully recover and are ready to have their outer bark layer harvested again. This approach yields a high-quality raw material, while enabling the trees to live about 300 years. The takeaway? There are said to be enough cork trees today in the sustainable cork forests of Portugal to last more than 100 years. Translation: There's enough harvestable cork to seal all of the wine bottles produced in the world for the coming century. So, what led to the rumor that the world is running out? One thing that might have fueled the rumble about a cork shortage or that cork is endangered and at risk of extinction is that many companies in the wine industry began switching from traditional cork stoppers to plastic "corks" and screw caps in the 1990s to cut costs. The reason? Cork is much more expensive compared with the alternatives because it can be harvested only once a year by skilled farmers. That being said, wineries had to convince people wine drinkers in particular that it would be more beneficial to use the plastic corks or screw caps to seal wine bottles rather than cork stoppers. What better way to do that than to insinuate that cork is endangered? Then, more people might be willing to choose wines sealed with screw caps. Another myth that might have contributed to this: In 1923, the Portuguese government began to protect the cork tree by law from improper or out-of-season harvest because officials were worried that developers would clear out the cork forests to build. To stop this from happening, the government declared the cork oak tree endangered. The truth is the cork oak tree is not endangered. And because wine vintners prefer screw caps for various reasons, that's actually led to a decrease in demand for cork wine stoppers. So there's actually an abundance of cork and cork oak trees. And here's the cool part: That abundance has opened up a world of opportunity for the impermeable, lightweight and moisture-resistant material. Today cork handbags and wallets are becoming popular leather alternatives. And cork also is used in flooring, shoes and other vegan fashion accessories. NOW THAT'S INTERESTING Seventeenth-century French monk Dom Perignon is credited with being the first to recognize the ability of cork to contain sparkling wines. On Jan. 1, the Chinese regime implemented a new encryption law that officials say helps protect cybersecurity. But critics say global companies in China can no longer keep their data secrets safe. Foreign companies in China often use encryption technology to protect their data and communications. But a part of the new law requires certain encryption products used by companies to be turned over to the Chinese authorities for testing and certification. Critics say the law effectively gives the Chinese regime access to business secrets of foreign companies operating in China. Article 26 of the new law says that commercial cryptography products that involve issues including national security, national economy, and the peoples livelihood or the societal public interest should be included into the special product catalogs and can only be sold or provided after passing testing and certification by qualified bodies. Despite the testing and certification mainly targeting products involving issues like national security, Fleming said it still puts most companies at risk, since the Chinese regime often uses national security as a cover for the political motive behind their activities. They have to turn over encryption keys, cybersecurity expert Casey Fleming told NTD. They cannot use VPNs any longer in China, they most likely cannot use their own servers in China, they must use Chinese servers. So every bit of information and intellectual property research and development that companies run their companies on is now open for use by the Chinese Communist Party, for no cost, he said. Fleming said the law is one of the many methods the Chinese regime uses to steal intellectual property from the United States. He compares the strategy to a fight that wont kill the adversary immediately, but gradually. Its basically death by 1,000 cuts, he said, So you dont really notice a cut here and a cut there. But, by the time 1,000 cuts have accumulated, then youre close to death. Thats the way the Chinese Communist Party continues to philosophize and operate. The United States and the Chinese regime announced that they will sign phase one trade talks, which included the areas of intellectual property (IP) and forced technology transfer. According to the fact sheet released by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, however, the initial trade deal has not properly addressed the new cybersecurity laws. Another former Fuller Theological Seminary student who says he was expelled because of his same-sex marriage has joined a lawsuit alleging the nations largest interdenominational seminary violated anti-discrimination laws. In the amended complaint filed Tuesday morning, Nathan Brittsan, an American Baptist Churches USA minister, and Joanna Maxon, a former Fuller student who sued the school in November over a similar experience, ask for more than $1 million each in compensation. The suit is believed to be the first of its kind, and its outcome could have wider implications for Christian colleges and universities who receive government funding. Title IX bars federally funded educational programs from discrimination based on sex, though dozens of Christian schools have received exemptions. Its a very important case at this time in our nations history, said Paul Southwick, the attorney representing Maxon and Brittsan. This case could set an important legal precedent that if an educational institution receives federal funding, even if its religiously affiliated, even if its a seminary, that its required to comply with Title IX prohibitions on sex discrimination as applied to LGBT individuals. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty will represent Fuller. Becket specializes in the defense of religious liberty and has taken on numerous high profile cases, including the Supreme Court cases Burwell v. Hobby Lobby in 2014 and Holt v. Hobbs in 2015. Beckets lawyers have not yet reviewed the amended complaint and are consulting with Fuller about the next steps in the legal defense. The claims here are dangerous for faith-based institutions, said Becket Fund attorney Daniel Blomberg. If the court was to accept them, then they would be harmful to religious groups of all backgrounds and particularly minority religious groups that have beliefs that the majority and the surrounding communities might find unpopular We think thats unlikely that courts would accept these kinds of arguments because theyre weak claims. But theyre dangerous. Maxons original suit was filed in November. She was expelled in 2018 after administrators noticed her wife was listed on her tax returns. Maxon, who took mostly online classes, had completed more than three years of course work and was in her final semester. Brittsan received his letter of dismissal in 2017, two days before beginning his first quarter. In the letter, a dean said administrators knew about Brittsans same-sex marriage because of his request to change his last name. Brittsan had not told the school why he wanted to change his last name in the request, but administrators knew he was part of an LGBT-affirming church. Brittsan had also disclosed his recent marriage to another dean and a professor who spoke with him before the administration sent the letter. The suit alleges, Nathan was not informed that this discussion was actually part of an initial inquiry or investigation by Fuller into Nathans perceived Community Standards violation. Brittsan attempted to appeal his expulsion twice, according to the lawsuit, and asked for his disciplinary procedure records at least five times. The suit alleges the seminary disputed his enrollment at the time of the appeals, as well as whether it was required to release the disciplinary records. Brittsan wanted to appeal his explusion to the Board of Trustees, but wasnt allowed to do that without documentation of his disiplinary records, according to his lawyer. Brittsan filed a complaint with the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights to obtain disciplinary records in January 2018, but still has not seen them. The case will mainly hinge on Fullers Sexual Standards policy, which states the seminary holds marriage to be a covenant union between one man and one woman and believes homosexual forms of explicit sexual conduct to be inconsistent with the teaching of Scripture. These policies are nothing new. Evangelical schools have traditionally asked students to adhere to certain standards in accordance with their faith, with many barring sex outside of marriage. After same-sex marriage was legalized, some schools changed policies to extend benefits to same-sex couples, revise their codes for students, or clarify their commitment to traditional marriage. Fuller maintained its comment to a one man, one woman view of marriage. There is a growing momentum around LGBT anti-discrimination measures in court and mounting legal effots to expand Title IX protections to gender identity and sexuality. According to Southwick, the combined lawsuit is the first against a Christian institution of higher education institution for expelling a married LGBT student since the Supreme Court decided Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015. The suit claims Fuller violated Title IX as well as other legislation protecting LGBT people from discrimination. Fullers policy states, The seminary does lawfully discriminate on the basis of sexual conduct that violates its biblically based Community Standard Statement on Sexual Standards. Fullers attorneys have two weeks to respond to the complaint. They are expected to ask the court to dismiss the case. Gegham Khachatryan, 32, the contract soldier who is believed to have committed suicide, was from Berd town of Armenias Tavush province. Berd mayor Harutyun Manucharyan told Armenian News-NEWS.am that the soldier was married and had an 11-year-old son. According to the mayor, the family had rented a house in Berd upon returning from Russia, and Khachatryan had been a contract serviceman for several years. On January 6, contract serviceman Gegham Khachatryan had shot himself with the machine gun registered to him in a combat position at a military unit of Armenia. The Investigative Committee has launched a criminal case on the incident. An investigation is underway. After becoming the world's youngest elected leader in 2017 at the age of just 31, Austria's Sebastian Kurz is back in the top job, having pulled off yet another surprise. After working with the far-right in a coalition government which was brought down in a corruption scandal, the "Wunderkind", as he is known by some of his fans, has now formed an alliance with the Greens. If anyone can pull off such a drastic change of allies, it is the millennial leader of the centre-right People's Party (OeVP) -- even though he has proved to be a polarising figure. "He knows that this is somewhat of a real stunt politically... (but) he is one of the best political marketers in Europe," says analyst Thomas Hofer. Despite presiding over a period of unusual instability when a graft scandal engulfed his junior coalition partner, the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), in May 2019, Kurz managed to expand his support base, picking up unhappy FPOe voters to win 37.5 percent in snap elections the following September. - 'Saint Sebastian' - Growing up in Vienna as the only child of a secretary and a teacher, Kurz became active in the OeVP at the age of 16. Having dropped out of his law studies to focus on politics, he first entered government in 2011 as secretary for integration, and then as foreign minister two years later, aged 27. Full of praise for Hungary's populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Kurz claimed credit for closing the Balkan migrant trail in 2016. Surfing a wave of feeling against traditional figures in politics, Kurz wrested control of the OeVP in 2017 and transformed it into the "Liste Kurz", a movement centred on his own image. He swiftly axed the OeVP's coalition with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPOe), prompting snap elections in which his campaign -- as immaculate as his trademark gelled-back hair -- propelled him to the top job. The youth and dynamism his supporters credit him with are also at the fore of an official biography whose sycophantic tone was widely mocked on social media. Passages describing how Kurz "uttered his first words at the age of 12 months" and lauding his "bravery" as an adolescent prompted critics to dismiss it as a hagiography of "St Sebastian". - Macron or Orban? - Kurz does not enjoy universal acclaim. Some have accused him of being a "mini-dictator" and running the OeVP as a "one-man show". His predecessor as party leader, Reinhold Mitterlehner, said Kurz's first government was leading Austria towards "an authoritarian democracy" and scapegoated refugees. That was dismissed as sour grapes from the man Kurz ousted, but others have made similar comparisons. While some of his admirers prefer parallels with the similarly youthful French President Emmanuel Macron, his detractors see him more as a budding Orban. Kurz's boycott of the UN migration pact, welfare cuts for asylum seekers and a raft of other anti-migration measures have made him as divisive a figure as his Hungarian counterpart. At the same time, he has been careful to present himself as pro-European and avoid any slips of the tongue. But during the 18-month-long partnership with the FPOe, Kurz's near total inaction over a steady stream of racist and anti-Semitic sentiment uncovered among FPOe members -- a source of embarrassment for Austria abroad -- earned him the sobriquet the "silent chancellor". What comes next in a coalition with the left-leaning Greens remains to be seen. Some analysts say the conservatives' unprecedented alliance with the ecologists could set a precedent for the rest of Europe, describing it as a "daring experiment". Kurz has maintained fighting immigration as one of his core promises and has created a new integration ministry -- with a minister from his party. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Eisya A. Eloksari and Norman Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 For President Joko Jokowi Widodo, it was frustrating that nearly four years after he issued a presidential regulation that limits gas prices from exceeding US$6 per million British thermal unit (mmbtu), prices now average at $8 to $9 per mmbtu. Even more frustrating, 80 percent of Indonesias gas supply is being consumed by domestic industries, which he relied on to stoke growth amid a domestic economic slowdown. The industries include electricity production, chemical, food, ceramic, steel, fertilizer and glass all basic materials for day-to-day consumer products. Jokowi demonstrated that he is serious about the issue by leading discussions on gas prices in the first Cabinet meeting of the year. He then announced three potential concrete measures to lower industrial gas prices, namely through tax incentives, domestic market obligations (DMO) and simplifying imports. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login WASHINGTON House members returned to the U.S. Capitol Tuesday to the official announcement that Rep. Jeff Van Drew was no longer a Democrat and had lost his posts on the Agriculture and Natural Resources committees. Its now up to House Republican leaders to name Van Drew to congressional committees. Van Drew, R-2nd Dist., announced he was switching parties last month following his vote against both counts of impeachment against President Donald Trump. He met Trump in the Oval Office of the White House a day after the impeachment vote, pledging his undying support. Following that meeting, House Democratic Chairman Hakeem Jeffries sent a letter to Van Drew telling him he no longer was a member of the caucus. The president is traveling to Wildwood, in Van Drews district, for a campaign rally on Jan. 28. As the second session of the 116th Congress began, Van Drew also found himself without any committee assignments, even as the websites of the Agriculture and National Resources committees still listed him as a Democratic member of both panels. McCarthy spokesman Mark Bednar said Van Drew had not yet been assigned to any committees. During session, the Chair laid before the House communications from Democratic leaders regarding Rep. Van Drew's resignation of membership in the House Democratic Caucus and automatically vacated committee appointments. House Press Gallery (@HouseDailyPress) January 7, 2020 Walt Deegan, president of the Greater Wildwood Democratic Club, blasted Van Drew for switching parties. By pledging his undying support to the most corrupt and obscene president in our nations history, he has proven his loyalty lies not with the Constitution, his constituents, or the future of our democracy but his political future," Deegan said. "Now he thinks a ridiculous rally with an impeached president will guarantee him a primary victory but I believe South Jersey Republicans see this man for what he is, a fraud. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Qantas will re-route some flights to Europe as airlines avoid airspace around Iran after Tehran launched a missile attack on US-led forces in neighbouring Iraq on Wednesday. The US Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday banned US carriers from flying over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia. That order is not binding for airlines from other countries, but carriers typically consider the FAAs advice when making safety decisions. Qantas will have to offload passengers to fly the extra distance required by the diversion. Credit:Getty Qantas non-stop flights between Perth to London (QF9 and QF10) frequently fly over Iran and Iraq. The airline said on Wednesday it would redirect those flight to go over Afghanistan instead, following flights from Australia's east coast which travel via Singapore. Michael Bloomberg intends to make a big statement about President Donald Trump in a one-minute ad running nationally during this year's Super Bowl. The $10 million he's spending to do so makes a statement of its own about the billionaire's unconventional campaign strategy. To get a perspective on the eye-popping scale of the expense, consider: The Wall Street titan is plowing more into that 60 seconds of airtime than the campaigns of the three leading Democratic candidates - former vice president Joe Biden, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. - have spent on all of their television advertising combined as of the first of this year, according to data from FiveThirtyEight's campaign ad spending tracker. For Bloomberg, though, the spot is a relative drop in the bucket. Since jumping into the race on Nov. 24, he has spent an estimated $100 million on television advertising. Bloomberg's unmatched outlays are core to his plan for capturing the Democratic nomination. The former New York mayor is skipping the first four primary states - and forgoing the debates, which require candidates to demonstrate support from hundreds of thousands of donors. Bloomberg is self-financing instead and staking his bid on the delegate-rich contests in bigger states deeper into the calendar. He continues drawing from from that playbook today, when herolls outan economic plan, aimed at creating jobs and boosting wages, with stops in Illinois, Minnesota and Ohio. The approach has drawn sharp criticism from Sanders and Warren, who are blasting Bloomberg as an out-of-touch billionaire aiming to subvert democracy by buying the election. Appearing on the Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, Warren urged voters to "get in this fight, because the alternative is Michael Bloomberg's version of democracy. And that is billionaires who decide among themselves who's going to reach in a pocket and throw a few hundred million on the table and buy what? A nomination? Buy an election? If that's the case, then our democracy becomes something that only works for a tiny number of people, and it's going to shut everybody else out." But Bloomberg's approach is showing some initial signs of success. In a matter of weeks, he has vaulted into fifth place in national polling,according to RealClearPolitics. And his spending isn't limited to the television airwaves. It has also allowed him to rapidly assemble an intimidatingly large ground game across the map. Per NBC's Alex Seitz-Wald, "He already has 800 people on staff, including 500 in more than 30 states. In comparison, Hillary Clinton had about 800 people on her staff in the final stretch before the 2016 election. He's also spent about $150 million spent on television and radio so far, according to Advertising Analytics, plus $20 million on Facebook and Google, per the Democratic firm ACRONYM." The scale of the effort has the attention of Bloomberg's competitors. "Rival campaigns worry about the creeping possibility that he finds a way to catch fire if the early states deliver no clear front-runner, or that he wins enough delegates to deny anyone a majority, granting him a brokering role in choosing the nominee before the convention," my colleagues Isaac Stanley-Becker and Michael Scherer wrote recently. "His ability to dominate airwaves could also raise advertising rates for everyone else." While Bloomberg's spending - coupled with his opposition to liberal Democratic proposals such as a wealth tax - has opened him up to criticism from the left, his campaign is framing his seemingly bottomless war chest as a strength. As the nominee, his camp argues, the billionaire would be able to outmatch Trump on his own turf. "Mike is taking the fight to Trump," Bloomberg spokesman Michael Frazier The Washington Post about the Super Bowl ad buy. The Trump campaign - which along with the Republican National Committee has $200 million on hand - also says it is spending $10 million to advertise during the Super Bowl. Trump himself used his wealth to buttress his anti-corruption message in the 2016 campaign, arguing he was too rich to be bought by special interests. "The American people, because they're so skeptical about the current campaign finance system, actually find that an attractive message, so it's worked in many cases," Meredith McGehee, executive director of the group Issue One and a longtime advocate of tighter controls on campaign spending. "But we also know just because you are rich doesn't guarantee you success." Bloomberg, elected three times to lead the nation's largest city, has a proven record as a candidate. By virtue of those wins, he also comes to the 2020 presidential race with a stable of experienced political hands, an asset that self-financing rookie candidates usually lack. But Bloomberg by his own description is "basically nonpartisan," while the party is arguably lurching left, a tension encapsulated by the debate over how he is deploying his fortune. "How Bloomberg is going to navigate being accused on the Democratic side of trying to buy the election at a time when the party is taking a stand that it's for small donors is going to be very interesting," McGehee says. Moon Jeon-il, president of Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement (KIRIA) / Courtesy of KIRIA By Baek Byung-yeul The robot industry has become a key factor in many countries as robots can help them achieve economic diversification and boost manufacturing efficiency. Korea is also exerting efforts to raise the robot industry as a new growth engine and in 2020 the country will kick it into high gear, said Moon Jeon-il, president of the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement (KIRIA). "With the advent of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) and fifth-generation (5G) network, the robot industry has become a key subject of the Fourth Industrial Revolution," Moon told The Korea Times during an interview in Seoul, Dec. 24. "Robots will play a pump-priming role to spur the economic development of Korea, helping local companies improve competitiveness and solve social problems such as labor shortage and care for elderly people." Korea is making efforts to foster the robot industry with an aim of becoming the world's fourth-largest player by 2023. It also set a goal to nurture 20 major robotics companies and double the number of industrial robots to 700,000 from 320,000 to expand the market size to 15 trillion won ($12.9 billion), currently valued at around 5.7 trillion won, by that year. "To become a strong robotics player, the government drew up a five-year Third Robot Basic Plan in August. Under the scheme, the government will foster both industrial and service robot sectors and establish a vibrant ecosystem for local robotics companies," Moon said. Based in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, KIRIA was established in 2011 with an aim to boost the robot industry through various support programs and policies. Moon is the fourth president of the state-run institution. Embracing the importance of nurturing the robot industry, the government almost doubled KIRIA's budget to 55 billion won in 2020 from 29.7 billion in 2019. Of the total budget, KIRIA will spend about 30 billion won to foster industrial robots, service robots and an ecosystem for the robot business. "For the industrial robot sector, we will work on distributing industrial robots to companies in manufacturing industries such as welding, fiber and food and beverage, because companies in the sector are struggling with workforce problems. For the service robot sector, we will concentrate on nurturing care robots, wearable robots, exoskeletons and medical robots," he said. "KIRIA is also devoted to galvanizing the ecosystem for the robot industry. We are offering education programs to companies so they can educate their employees to utilize robots. To become a strong player in the industry, the country needs more than 30,000 robotics professionals within 10 years. As part of our efforts to strengthen the ecosystem, we will expand these programs." Though Korea lags behind China, Japan, the United States and European nations in terms of software and hardware, the KIRIA chief said the country's robot industry has a rosy outlook given it has the world's highest "robot density" rate. "Korea's robot industry is estimated at around 5.7 trillion won and has seen an annual growth of 12 percent on average. In terms of the production scale of robots, Korea accounts for about 10 percent, being placed fifth in the world," Moon said. "However, the outlook is not that bad as the robot industry here is centered on industrial robots and the country has the highest number of industrial robots for every 10,000 people employed in manufacturing, which is 631 as of 2016," he added citing the data provided by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). With the government's support plan, he forecasted that the country will be able to nurture major robotics companies that can generate an annual revenue of more than 300 billion won in the near future. "There will be more star players in the industry while currently Hyundai Robotics is the only company that logs an annual revenue of around 300 billion won and Japan has more than 20 companies that generate a revenue of 500 billion won," he said. 'Japan's export control is a chance for the local robot industry' Moon said Japan's export curbs on tech materials bound for Korea, starting in July, will help establish a healthy ecosystem for the robot business here despite concerns that the export controls would make Korea companies experience difficulties in conducting business. Before the export restrictions, Korean firms were reluctant to consider using robots or robotic parts made by local producers. But Moon said local robot companies could benefit from the dispute as the export controls forced buyers to diversify their supply chains. "Japan's export curbs will become an opportunity for Korean robot companies. To develop a product, there should be a proof procedure between manufacturers and users but robot firms here had not even had a chance to promote their products because Korean firms relied heavily on Japanese products, which are more dependable," Moon said. "After the export control, however, a growing number of companies are moving to collaborate with local robot companies as they are urged to diversify their supply chains to avoid over-reliance on Japanese companies." As chief of an institution that plays a mediator role between large companies and robot firms here, Moon said his goal is to upgrade the business capability of small robotics firms to compete with strong players from Europe and Japan. "Robot companies here have been relying heavily on overseas robot parts makers as the localization rate for Korean robots is less than 50 percent. Our goal is to help those robot makers here enhance their capabilities so that they can be recognized as players that can be compared to strong robot firms from European countries and Japan," he said. Drone maker Joy Drone employees pose with the company's drones at a shared booth set up by the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement during the IFA fair in Berlin, Sept. 6. / Korea Times photo by Baek Byung-yeul Former police officer-turned-politician Raja Aijaz Ali on Wednesday urged the Centre to reconsider its decision to lower quota for local officers in IAS and IPS in Jammu and Kashmir. Ali, who retired as the inspector general of Police (IGP) and joined the Peoples Conference in December last year after parting ways with the Peoples Democratic Party, said the decision was bound to impede already "retarded, rather negligible" career progression of the Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) and the Kashmir Police Service (KPS) officers. The Centre has decided to lower the quota from existing 50 per cent to 33 per cent for local officers from state services to IAS, IPS and Indian Forest Service in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The personnel ministry has finalised all modalities in this regard and an official order is expected soon, officials said. Earlier norms allowed the former state to enjoy 50:50 formula for the three all-India services -- the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS). "The extension of various central laws to the UT of J&K is expected to enhance the progress, development and quality of life but the decision of DoPT implementing 67:33 ratio in All India Services is bound to impede already-retarded, rather negligible career progression of KAS and KPS officers," Ali told reporters here. He said there are sanctioned strength of 80 posts of regular recruits from the UPSC and 67 local cadre, but the posted strength shows regular recruits 65 and only three local officers one additional director general of police who are also retiring from the service shortly. He expressed hope that the Union home minister would certainly reconsider the decision of extending 67:33 ratio to the Union territory and would also direct the administration to accomplish the induction process of the officers in a given time frame. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) PHILIPSBURG:--- In a Parliamentary Election Press briefing held today, January 07th, 2020, Chief of Police Carl John, Chief Inspector Gout and Interim Head of the KPSM PR department Inspector Josepha sat alongside the members of central voting bureau, to reiterate the role of the Sint Maarten Police force within the upcoming elections; to be held on January 09th, 2020. Election Day is expected to be a busy day for the island because not only will our people be out voting, but there will be 5 cruise ships in port on that day as well. Sint Maarten is expected to have over 23.000 +/- tourists on the island, not including the crew members of the vessels, Chief of Police John informed, and that we have initiated operation: all hands on deck. We have requested assistance from officers of the neighboring islands, Curacao, Bonaire, and Aruba, to assist with maintaining public order on this day. It is imperative that the general public cooperates in helping the traffic to flow as freely as possible by making use of the road only when necessary. The main focus of the KPSM will be to establish public order. In an effort to do so, we plan to have a live traffic feed broadcasted three (3) times throughout that day, via our Facebook page (Police Force of Sint Maarten - Korps Politie Sint Maarten) in order to update the public on the traffic situation as it is taking place. Officers will also be placed at each polling station. We are asking the general public to cooperate with the taxi and tour bus drivers, as they may need to get through the traffic with police assistance to get back to the ships on time. The Sint Maarten Police Force would like to thank the general public in advance for their cooperation and wish everyone a safe upcoming election day. KPSM Press Release Chief Ministers New Year Message 2020 "Mr dear friends, I hope you have all enjoyed restful and uneventful Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year celebrations. Our Hindu and Muslim brethren have also peacefully enjoyed their Diwali and Eid festivals respectively throughout the year. "Once again, it has been a year of plenty in most of our homes. Children delighted with presents, and tables bountifully laden with nothing but the best to indulge in. These days are also days of reflection. Tonight, as Christmas trees come down and we return to our daily routines, I want to share with you some thoughts about the year to come. I believe that this year we will be called upon to reflect long and hard about the values and the blessed nature of the life we lead here in Gibraltar. This year we must appreciate and value what we have and not take anything for granted. Because 2020 will undoubtedly be a year of great challenges for Gibraltar. And these challenges we face are ones we did not choose. But they are challenges we are confident we will surpass. Because we have already been working 36 months to deal with the relevant issues since the morning of the Brexit referendum result. And although 2019 was not the year Gibraltar left the European Union, this year we will leave the EU. At the end of this month, at midnight on the 31st January 2020, we will cross the Rubicon of departure. We will do so together with the rest of the British family of nations. And thanks to the agreements we negotiated, we will do so with the benefit of a transition period. Securing Gibraltars inclusion in the transition period was an achievement of critical importance. It will soften the process and effect of our departure from the EU. And even though we did not choose this course, we must make a success of it. I am confident that we will. To do so, we must all now firmly be in the frame of mind of looking for the opportunities that leaving the EU will bring. From 6 Convent Place we can see equally clearly both the dangers AND the opportunities that leaving EU presents. The Government I lead has done the hard work to ensure that Gibraltar is now poised to reap a Brexit Bonus from our privileged position of continued access to the UK services market. We are also greatly advanced in the work of Gibraltars inclusion in the UKs new network of free trade agreements around the world. This is in addition to the establishment of the seminal Double Taxation Agreement between us and the United Kingdom. Together with the International Tax Treaty with Spain, these agreements will bring certainty to businesses and individuals who do cross-border work or business in Gibraltar. They recognise our tax systems and position us in the international mainstream. And those are the circumstances that will give great confidence to those national and international businesses who are making the decision to invest more in Gibraltar. I expect to be making a major announcement of such an investment in coming weeks. But that does not mean that we will not also face logistical problems in our departure from the EU. Of course we will. But we have also done the work to prepare Gibraltar for all the potential consequences of our departure. Those consequences will come now at the end of the transitional period. That is now likely to be at the end of this calendar year. The solutions for any such consequences are already in hand. We will be more than ready by then. Because we have worked and continue to work hard to ensure that Gibraltar is not caught out in any way. And we must ALL now work together going forward to deliver for Gibraltar. We must ALL be ready to do our bit and contribute fairly as Gibraltar stares down the challenges before us. That means EVERY one of us. Each of us has to be ready to ask for less from our nation and to do more to secure our childrens future. Because Gibraltarians dont run away from difficult challenges. We run over them. We run over them with hard work and, if necessary, stoic sacrifice. That is what characterised the generations that came before us. That is what has given our nation the strength it has today. That is what has delivered the prosperity we enjoy and which comes to the fore during the festive season. What we must now do is ensure that our strength and prosperity endure for future generations. That is why we will be taking steps to further strengthen our public finances. That is why we will be ensuring that abuses by some are properly dealt with. That is why this year we will create a new Rainy Day Fund to guarantee that Scholarships are always available in the future. As we will also continue to fund the work of the Trustees of Community Care in providing necessary support for our elderly residents. Our young people and our elderly people protected. And it is to ensure that we preserve our way of life for our future generations that we have spent prudently and invested wisely. We are also now starting work on Hassans Centenary Terraces and on the new schools and homes to be built at Europort Avenue and Queensway. Works on the tunnel under the runway are also now almost complete and I am looking forward to opening that much needed new route into Gibraltar. Of course we have spent money and you can see where and to what effect. The investments we have made are palpable for all to see. They are investments that make Gibraltar a better place in which to live. They make Gibraltar also a great place in which to do business. They will be an important part of delivering on our programme and Economic Plan. A key part of that plan is the drive for further self-sufficiency, achieving greater efficiency and the elimination of waste. All these are also key components of action on climate change. This year we will be developing a Climate Change Strategy and a 25 Year Environment Plan. These will form the backbone of our approach to the Climate Emergency declared by the Parliament. A key part of improving our environment in terms of reduction of pollution is our new power station, which is now up and running. It has already been supplying the whole grid during the testing phase. This year, we will finalise commissioning and we will finally switch off all our diesel generating capacity. And we will continue our work on the grid to renew it and make unscheduled power cuts a thing of the past. And so tonight, I also want to start the year by thanking you. Those of you who work hard in our economy. Whether in the public or private sectors. The good news is that you have done a great job last year. The better news is that we are all expecting each other to work even harder this year to ensure that our socio-economic success continues. And I know you expect me to be the one who works the hardest of us all. Rest assured that I will not let you down. And as we observe political developments in neighbouring Spain, we will note that there may be a PSOE/Podemos Government in Spain by tomorrow afternoon. I hope this will be a Government ready to work with Gibraltar for the mutual benefit of citizens on both sides of the frontier. A sensible, responsible future relationship is, after all, a key component of limiting friction at our border with the EU. But let me be clear: The Government I lead is equally willing to walk away if the terms proposed do not favour Gibraltar or respect our red lines. And I believe that, in this respect, Gibraltar will find a unity of purpose in 2020. We will share a national purpose. The purpose of doing a good deal for Gibraltar in our future relationship with Europe; as well as the determination to turn down a bad one. Any negotiation for Gibraltar for such a deal will be conducted for Gibraltar by a separate and distinct Gibraltar Government team. That team will be led by me or by Joseph Garcia, your elected representatives. No one else will lead negotiations for Gibraltar. And such negotiations must be based on mutual recognition, mutual respect and an understanding that nothing can ever be imposed on Gibraltar. Because we, in our Parliament, will enjoy a total veto on any agreement or arrangements in relation to Gibraltar. Because only we, the Gibraltarians, can agree to the application to Gibraltar of anything that affects us. Make no mistake: Our sovereignty, our jurisdiction and our exclusive control of our affairs are all non-negotiable. We will use our veto to protect every aspect of these. So there is no question of bilateralism over Gibraltar. And we will negotiate for a fair deal. For a deal that works for us and those around us. A deal that protects us, our economy and those who commute into Gibraltar every day to work here, who are an essential part of our success. As well as a deal that protects the access to Gibraltar of those who come here as tourists or clients of our many and diverse businesses. Because, we are never out to hurt anyone or damage anyone. We play by the rules. We work hard, we stick to the rules and we succeed. And in the context of the changing face of the Spanish political scene, we stand firm. That is why we have taken the important step of filing proceedings against the hard-right party Vox in Spain. We will do what it takes to stop them spreading lies and sowing hatred towards the good people of Gibraltar. We will not stand idly by as they threaten the safety and security of Gibraltarians by stoking the flames of hatred. Such hate speech and incitement against our people has no place in modern politics. We will fight Vox in Courts in Spain. We will fight them in Courts in Gibraltar. And we will fight them in Courts in Europe and wherever else we need to. We will ensure that their vicious political narrative in respect of our people does not go unchallenged. We will continue to stand up to them. Because Gibraltar is a beacon of freedom as well as of entrepreneurship. A success story forged from sheer hard work, grit, determination and a community coming together for the common good in social justice. In 2019 we were dedicated to honouring the sacrifice of generations of Gibraltarians past. In 2020 we will be dedicated to working to secure the prosperity of generations of Gibraltarians to come. Our history lights the way to our future. So, this year, let us celebrate the idea that there is more that unites us than that which divides us. Let us celebrate our solidarity with Europe, despite leaving the EU. Let us celebrate our unity with the United Kingdom, the British family of nations and the Commonwealth. And let us celebrate the unity of our Gibraltarian society. A society based on mutual respect. Whatever your race, colour, creed, gender or sexual orientation. We rise as one. United. Now is the time for our communitys common interests to prevail. Now is the time to put the Nation first. Now is the time for our joint work and joint endeavour to propel Gibraltar forward. Have no doubt that united in support of the Governments strategy, we will achieve just that in the twelve months to come. We have set Gibraltar on a course for continued success since the referendum three and a half years ago. Now, as we enter the third decade of the third millennium, be in no doubt. I am certain that Gibraltar can continue to thrive as it has done throughout its modern history. Because the Gibraltarians resolve is as strong as ever. The Gibraltarian spirit is unbowed. And the Gibraltarian nation is ready for the year ahead of us. And so, on behalf of Justine and our children, Sebastian, Oliver and Valentina, I wish you all good health and happiness this seminal year." Two Northwest Indiana lawmakers are urging Gov. Eric Holcomb to declare a state emergency due to the severe beach erosion along Lake Michigan in Porter and LaPorte counties. In a letter hand-delivered to the Republican chief executive's office, state Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes, and state Rep. Pat Boy, D-Michigan City, said the lake's near-record water level and corresponding beach erosion "is threatening both private property and public infrastructure." "From homes in Ogden Dunes, Dune Acres and Long Beach with failing sea walls, to the lakefront pavilion at Portage beach, to the water lines and gas lines that run under Lake Front Drive in Beverly Shores, there is imminent danger of substantial property loss to our state's citizens," they said. Tallian and Boy believe an emergency declaration by the governor, in conjunction with already declared local emergencies, could make the state and its residents eligible for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as help save the Region's lakefront tourism industry. The top Republican in the New York State Assembly who was charged with driving while intoxicated after he crashed his state-issued vehicle on New Years Eve allegedly tried to blame the accident on his wife. Brian M Kolb, 67, who represents a district just outside Rochester, was arrested after he ran his 2018 GMC Acadia into a ditch near his home in Canandaigua. When the tow truck driver arrived, Kolb claimed that his wife had been behind the wheel, according to court documents. 'The male stood up and put his hands up and said: "My wife was driving!"' tow truck driver Michael Scoville told an Ontario County deputy. 'He then said: "You know how women drive."' Scoville said there was no one else near or in the vehicle. Kolb later admitted to police that he was the one driving and said he'd drank four or five cocktails beforehand. A police report stated that Kolb's eyes were glassy and bloodshot and his breathalyzer test indicated his blood alcohol level was twice the legal driving limit. New York Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb was charged with driving while intoxicated after he crashed his state-issued vehicle on New Years Eve. Court documents alleged that the Republican lawmaker tried to blame the accident on his wife (pictured together) Kolb, 67, was arrested after he failed a field sobriety test and admitted to officers that he'd consumed four or five cocktails. The politician, who represents a district just outside Rochester, is pictured left in his mugshot and right in 2015 Kolb issued an apology the following day. 'Last night, I was charged with driving under the influence near my home. This was a terrible lapse in judgment, one I have urged others not to make, and I take full responsibility for it,' he said. 'I fully recognize the severity of the situation and I am profoundly sorry. There is no excuse and no justification for what occurred Tuesday evening. I made the wrong decision, and it is one I deeply regret.' The arrest came only a week after Kolb wrote a Christmas Eve column in the upstate Daily Messenger newspaper warning against people driving under the influence of alcohol during the holidays. 'There is no excuse for driving impaired this holiday season,' he wrote. Referencing statistics from the Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated, he told readers that last year alone there were 4,142 arrests for impaired driving and 144,197 tickets and violations issued. 'This year, let's try to get both of those numbers to zero,' Kolb wrote. 'Many of our holiday traditions, especially our New Year's Eve celebrations, involve indulging in spirits,' he wrote. 'Done safely, and in moderation, these can be wonderful holiday experiences. However, tragedy can be only one bad decision away.' He also acknowledged that December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. The site where Kolb drove his car into a ditch near his home in Canandaigua is pictured. A breathalyzer test determined that his blood alcohol level was twice the legal driving limit Kolb has represented the 131st District since 2000 and has served as Assembly minority leader since 2009. The district covers all of Ontario County and a portion of Seneca County. In 2018, Kolb briefly campaigned to unseat Gov Andrew Cuomo before dropping out of the race. The politician had received the $43,601 SUV, funded by taxpayers, last February. News of Kolb's arrest led fellow Republican Assemblyman Kieran Michael Lalor to call for him to step down. Kolb 'should step down as Assembly Minority Leader,' Lalor tweeted. 'That he hasn't done so already is a disgrace.' Kolb is due to appear in Town of Victor court at a later date. District Attorney Jim Ritts said Kolb would not get special treatment because of his job and a special prosecutor. A judge from outside of the county will be assigned Thursday. 'We want everybody in Ontario County and in this district to understand we are doing this the right way,' Ritts said in a press conference with the sheriffs office on Wednesday. 'We want to make sure that everybody feels that the justice system works the same for everyone. Thats what were doing, that's what we would do in any circumstance like this and certainly the assembly leader is no different.' While Kolb has stepped down as the Assembly's minority leader, he has not resigned. Kolb issued a public apology and said he'd made a 'terrible lapse in judgment' Search and rescue works at site of Ukrainian airline's Boeing 737 plane crash near Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran, Iran on 8 January. All 176 passengers on board were killed in the crash. Photo: Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu Agency via Getty Stocks in airlines and aerospace companies sold off on Wednesday morning, as another Boeing (BA) aircraft crashed, the plane manufacturer made concessions on its grounded 737 Max jet, and oil prices climbed. A Boeing-737 plane with 176 people on board crashed in Tehran early on Wednesday morning. The plane was operated by a Ukrainian carrier and the Ukrainian embassy in Tehran said the crash was caused by an engine failure, according to the BBC. There were no survivors. Separately on Tuesday, Boeing said it would bow to pressure and recommend pilots training to fly its 737-Max jets do so in a flight simulator. The manufacturer had resisted calls for simulator training as it would likely delay the roll-out of its new jet. The 737 Max has been grounded globally since March 2019, after two crashes that killed hundreds of passengers. Elsewhere, rising tensions in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher, after Iran fired missiles at US bases in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of general Qasem Soleimani last week. The flurry of bad news hit stocks in airlines, which depend on oil to fly, and aerospace engineers, many of which do large amounts of business with Boeing. Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets, said it was difficult to say which is hitting the sector hardest given the flood of bad news. Shares in Ryanair (RYA.L) fell 1%, shares in British Airways-owner IAG (IAG.L) dropped 1.3%, and Norwegian Air (NAS.OL)s stock fell 0.7%. A relative of a victim of the Ukraine International Airlines PS 752 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport reacts at Boryspil International Airport, outside Kiev, Ukraine. Photo: Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters Engineering group Senior (SNR.L) dropped 0.7% in London. The company has previously warned that Boeings 737 Max issues would hit margins. Rolls-Royce (RR.L), which builds engines for Boeing, was down 0.8%. Melrose Industries (MRO.L), which owns aerospace parts maker GKN, declined by 1.7%. In Paris, Safran (SAF.PA) lost 1%. The company makes landing gear and other components used in the 737 Max. In Frankfurt, MTU Aero Engines (MTX.F) lost 0.8%. Hewson told Yahoo Finance UK Boeings climbdown on the flight simulator was potentially the biggest blow to suppliers as theres not an infinite number of simulators so that will mean itll take a hell of a lot longer to get them back in the air, assuming it is cleared to fly again at all. Story continues Authorities continue to investigate problems with the 737 Max. The incident has so far cost Boeing at least $9.2bn (7.1bn). Russ Mould, investment director at stockbroker AJ Bell, said the Iran crash comes at a time when Boeing is already on the back foot thanks to the disasters associated with the 737 Max. This is a different, if I believe related, aircraft but it could put extra pressure on Boeing and potentially its supply chain, depending upon the findings of the investigation of the causes of the tragedy, Mould told Yahoo Finance UK. Locals walk down the snow-covered streets as frozen are gathers outside a shop in the Russian city of Murmansk An incredible collection of snaps has revealed the darkest city on earth where there is no sun for 40 days. Photographer Amos Chapple took a night-mode enabled smartphone camera to document life in Russias north through the polar night. A local worker tends to his stall as darkness sweeps over the arctic city From December 2 until January 11, the sun does not rise above the horizon in Murmansk. The city lies in the Russian Arctic circle. Amos captures a collection of stirring images of life in the area. The haunting image shows snow falling as locals make their way through a forest path About 100 kilometers to the east of Murmansk, boats lie frozen in the moonlight late at night. Murmansk was founded as Romanov-on-Murman in 1916, when Tsar Nicholas II sought an ice-free port that would allow war supplies to be shipped in from Russias allies. Photographer Amos Chapple used just a smart phone to capture the incredible images over the city Within months of the citys founding, revolution swept the tsar from power and the city was renamed Murmansk. In World War II, Murmansk again became vital for the Soviet Union and its Western allies. Cars are completely covered in heavy snow during the bitter winter in northern Russia It was a main route for delivering materiel and aid for the Red Army. In 1941, Murmansks defenders held off attacks from German forces, but the city was largely wiped out by Nazi air raids. *** Source: The Sun UK "Curiosity IoT will add a new layer of capability to customer's IoT needs in Australia," said Ivo Rook, senior vice president of IoT and product development for Sprint. "We are thrilled to be working together with Telstra to extend our access with full visibility across deployments, helping our customers benefit from the Curiosity IoT platform when their business takes them to Australia." "Our agreement with Sprint makes it effortless for IoT customers with international needs to implement solutions in Australia, with access to local in-country profiles," said Gerhard Loots, head of Global IoT solutions for Telstra. "Our local profiles will provide Curiosity IoT customers with a local point-of-presence in Australia which will be very helpful as a service differentiator, especially for latency sensitive applications." To cement the Telstra and Sprint relationship, one of the first customer deals has been inked with Wagz, an animal-loving connected pet company that offers smart tracking and feeding solutions. Wagz now has access to the Telstra network in Australia to extend its global reach through the Curiosity IoT platform. "We are excited to continue with our mission to bring the connected pet lifestyle to families across the globe thanks to connectivity that enables our innovative technologies with Sprint Curiosity IoT," said Wagz CEO, Terry Anderton. From device and connectivity management to international expansion, Curiosity IoT continues to demonstrate true partnership with existing capabilities and plans." Certainty Capability Curiosity Sprint Business is changing the way SMBs, enterprises and government entities connect, manage and secure its people, places and things orchestrating an array of next generation technologies and insights, artificial intelligence and the power of Sprint's converged wireless, wireline and Curiosity IoT capabilities to create unparalleled products and solutions. Curiosity IoT will be on display at CES 2020 in Las Vegas. Come see it for yourself in the Sprint meeting area at the ARIA Resort and Hotel. To set up a briefing with a Sprint executive or to schedule a demo in person, contact [email protected]. About Sprint: Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served 53.9 million connections as of September 30, 2019 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Today, Sprint's legacy of innovation and service continues with an increased investment to dramatically improve coverage, reliability, and speed across its nationwide network and commitment to launching a 5G mobile network in the U.S. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint. SOURCE Sprint Related Links http://www.sprint.com (Alliance News) - Iran fired missiles Wednesday at Iraqi bases housing the US military, officials in Washington and Tehran said, in the first act of the Islamic republic's promised revenge for the US killing of a top Iranian general. The Pentagon said it was still "working on initial battle damage assessments" after "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq." "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel" at Ain al-Asad and Arbil, the Pentagon said. There were no immediate reports on casualties. The Pentagon said the facilities had been on "high alert" after days of steadily mounting tension and exchanges of threats of war. "Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence" targeting a base from which a "cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials" was launched, said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Twitter. "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," he added. Trump, who visited al-Asad with First Lady Melania Trump in December 2018, his first trip to US troops deployed in a war zone, said initial casualty assessments indicated "all is well." He tweeted that "assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!" Iranian state television reported an attack on one base housing US personnel, saying it was in response to Friday's killing in a US drone strike of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, one of the most important figures in the country's government. Also killed was a top Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was with Soleimani just outside Baghdad international airport when the US drone overhead opened fire. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced that the Ain al-Asad base was hit with dozens of missiles, warning a US counter-attack would be met with an even "more crushing response" and threatening to strike Israel and America's "allied governments." "We advise the American people to recall US troops (deployed in the) region in order to avoid further losses and not to allow the lives of its soldiers to be further threatened by the ever-growing hatred of the regime," the IGRC said in a statement. But Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif seemed to indicate that the missile strikes were over for now. "Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence" targeting a base from which a "cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials" was launched, he said on Twitter.A The brazenness of the strike was highly unusual for Iran, which has tended to disguise attacks on US interests or troops through the use of proxy Shiite forces. This time, conventional, rather than guerrilla-style weapons were used and responsibility was rapidly claimed. "It is a major escalation. Ballistic missiles openly launched from Iran onto American targets is a new phase," said Phillip Smyth, an expert on Shiite militias. Trump did not go on evening television to address the nation a something of an informal presidential tradition in times of foreign policy crises. But he said to expect a statement early Wednesday. Oil prices immediately jumped on the news, with the benchmark WTI spiking more than 4.5% to USD65.54 a barrel before receding slightly. Brent was quoted at USD69.01 early morning in London. In the US, the aviation regulator banned civil flights over Iraq, Iran and the Gulf, citing the potential for "misidentification" of aircraft. The slide into open confrontation followed days of sabre rattling between Washington and Tehran, coupled with growing confusion over the future of US troops in Iraq, where many are outraged at the drone strike. At Soleimani's funeral in Iran on Tuesday, top Revolutionary Guards commander Major General Hossein Salami vowed "revenge." Earlier, Trump warned that "if Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly." He called Soleimani a for years the mastermind of Iran's regional network of official and covert military and anti-US alliances a "a monster." Trump, however, did walk back earlier threats to bomb Iranian cultural sites in the event of conflict a something that could be a war crime. At Soleimani's funeral in the Iranian city of Kerman, tragedy was added to the geopolitical tensions, when 56 people died and 213 were injured in a stampede as the vast crowd of mourners got out of control, local media reported. Iran's Fars news agency reported that the commander was interred on Tuesday night. Hours before Iran struck, Trump tried to end confusion over his plans for the approximately US 5,200 troops in Iraq, saying they should stay despite calls by the Iraqi parliament for their expulsion. "At some point we want to get out, but this isn't the right point," Trump told reporters at the White House. Despite Washington's assurances, several allies started to leave, raising questions over the future of a US-led mission to help the Iraqis fight the jihadist Islamic State group. Canada announced that some of its estimated 500 troops will withdraw to Kuwait and NATO said it also was temporarily "repositioning" some personnel to locations inside and outside Iraq. Several other countries, including Germany and Romania, announced plans to move forces. France and Italy said they had no intention of withdrawing troops from Iraq. On Sunday the Iraqi parliament voted in favor of expelling US troops in response to Soleimani's killing. Then on Monday, a letter emerged from the head of Task Force-Iraq, US Brigadier General William Seely, that appeared to announce just such an exit. Back in Washington, US officials scrambled to deny the idea, calling the letter a mistakenly released draft or, as Trump suggested, a fake. "I don't know anything about that letter," Trump told reporters. "I understand it was an unsigned letter. I don't know if that letter was a hoax, or was it unsigned or what." Iraq's prime minister, however, insisted Tuesday that the letter had been taken seriously. "It's not a piece of paper that fell off the printer or reached us by coincidence," Abdel Mahdi told a televised cabinet meeting. Trump said Tuesday he favored eventual withdrawal from Iraq but that under the wrong conditions it would mean a strategic gift to Iran. By Maya Gebeily, with Marc Jourdier in Tehran and Sebastian Smith in Washington source: AFP Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. BOSTON - The Justice Department has thrown a roadblock into efforts to revive the Equal Rights Amendment, finding that an expired pair of deadlines imposed by Congress on ratification of the measure means its too late for additional states to ratify it now. The memo by Assistant Attorney General Steven Engel comes as Virginia is poised to become the decisive 38th state to approve the ERA nearly four decades after Congress sent it to states in 1972, attaching a 1979 ratification deadline to it. That deadline was later extended to 1982. During that time just 35 states ratified it three short of the 38 needed. Because three-fourths of the state legislatures did not ratify before the deadline that Congress imposed, the Equal Rights Amendment has failed of adoption and is no longer pending before the States, Engel wrote. Accordingly, even if one or more state legislatures were to ratify the proposed amendment, it would not become part of the Constitution, he added. Engels finding is unlikely to be the last word on the amendment. Democratic Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring said Wednesday hes going to make sure the will of Virginians is carried out and the ERA is added to the Constitution. Women in America deserve to have equality guaranteed in the Constitution, Herring said in a statement. The fact that Republican attorneys general are suing to block the ERA, and that they now have the support of the Trump Administration, is absolutely repugnant. On Tuesday, supporters of the ERA filed a federal lawsuit in Massachusetts aimed at clearing a legal path for adoption of the amendment. The lawsuit argues that because the deadline was set forth in legislation authorizing states to ratify the amendment and not in the three-sentence amendment itself its not constitutionally binding and Virginias vote would put the amendment over the top. We are not surprised that the Trump administration acted swiftly to declare its opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment, said Wendy Murphy, a lawyer for Equal Means Equal, one of the groups that filed the lawsuit in Massachusetts. This development makes our lawsuit even more urgent. Engel also said Congress may not revive a proposed amendment after a ratification deadline has expired. He said the only option is for Congress to begin the process again. Efforts by ERA opponents are underway to block its ultimate adoption as the Constitutions 28th Amendment, including a lawsuit filed in federal court in mid-December by Alabama, Louisiana and South Dakota. Conservative activists have depicted the ERA as a threat to their stances on abortion and transgender rights. The language of the ERA states that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. A "romantic" thief stole 15 bouquets of flowers from a shop to give to his partner after an argument, a court has heard. John Flynn (58) shoplifted the flowers, worth a total of 375, on three occasions from the same store in north Dublin. Judge John Cheatle said he can avoid a four-month jail sentence if he is found suitable to carry out 100 hours of community service. Adjourning the case, the judge said he would also give Flynn a four-month suspended sentence if a probation report is favourable. Flynn, of Ferrycarrig Avenue, Coolock, pleaded guilty to theft. Dublin District Court heard gardai went to Spar on Malahide Road, Artane, last July 5. The store manager told them Flynn had taken five bouquets of flowers worth a combined 125, passed the tills and left without paying. Gardai were told of two other separate occasions the previous day when the accused stole a total of 10 more bouquets from the shop. Bereaved Separately, gardai were called to a north Dublin health centre at 10.30pm last October 8. Flynn was drunk in the car park carrying a bag containing six bottles of wine, which had been stolen earlier that day. On March 28 last year, gardai found Flynn drunk and "incoherent" at Railway Mews, Clongriffin, and arrested him for public intoxication. He had 66 previous convictions going back to the late 1980s. Flynn had had a chronic alcohol addiction, but was not drinking now, his solicitor Lorraine Stephens said. All of his previous offending was linked to alcohol. In relation to the flower theft, Ms Stephens said there had been an argument with his partner and "he becomes romantic in some respects, that is the explanation he has given". "It's not a situation where he stole them to sell them on," Ms Stephens said. Flynn had been recently bereaved when his brother was found dead on the streets in England, the court heard. There had been difficulty identifying him and Flynn went and took charge of bringing his brother home. The United States on Wednesday urged "complete cooperation" with a probe into a Ukrainian flight's crash in Iran, which has rejected giving the Boeing plane's black boxes to arch-rival Washington. "The United States calls for complete cooperation with any investigation into the cause of the crash," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement, without naming Iran directly. Pompeo offered condolences to the loved ones of the 176 people who were all killed on board, most of whom were Iranian or Canadian. "The United States will continue to follow this incident closely and stands prepared to offer Ukraine all possible assistance," he said. The crash came as the tense relationship between Iran and the United States had sharply worsened, with Washington killing one of Iran's top generals while he visited neighbouring Iraq. Hours before the crash Iran had fired missiles at bases in Iraq housing US troops, but there was no immediate indication of foul play concerning the Ukraine International Airlines flight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned against "speculating" on the cause of the disaster, which is the latest in a string of mishaps involving a Boeing plane. The head of Iran's civil aviation organization, Ali Abedzadeh, said that Iran would cooperate with Ukraine but not send the black boxes to the United States, which has no diplomatic relations with Tehran. Under the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organization, of which Iran, Ukraine and the United States are all members, air crash investigations are led by the country where the accident occurred. However, according to aviation experts, the countries that are capable of analysing black boxes are few -- notably Britain, France, Germany and the United States. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) by Chuck Martin , January 8, 2020 Hyundai presented its vision of the mobile future at CES this week, including a partnership with Uber with the carmaker manufacturing flying vehicles for the ride-hailing company. Hyundais vision of the future is one including flying transport vehicles. Hyundai formed a city advisory group to advise the company on its future direction and the group developed a future city scenario, which incorporated personal flying vehicles. Hyundai showed a small scale it its flying vehicle, the eVTOL S-A1, at a press briefing Monday and then introduced a life-sized version at its main exhibit at CES. The flying vehicle would carry up to four passengers with a pilot. The idea for urban air mobility would include purpose-built vehicles and Hubs, locations from which the small flying vehicles would take off and land, which is where Uber comes in. We exist to help you move, said Eric Allison, head of Uber Elevate, one of the presenters at the Hyundai CES presentation. Hyundai would manufacture the Uber air taxis, which would be integrated with the Uber mobility platform, including vehicles and scooters. The plan is to launch in 2023. A puzzle of political districts sits on a table during a public input meeting of the Pennsylvania Redistricting Reform Commission at Tindley Temple United Methodist Church in South Philadelphia on May 28, 2019. The bipartisan commission, established by Gov. Tom Wolf, was seeking input from residents across the state on how future legislative districts should be drawn. Read more A trove of documents recently released by the daughter of a deceased GOP strategist includes some clues about what Republicans were thinking almost a decade ago when they redrew Pennsylvanias congressional maps in a way that was later ruled unconstitutional. The documents, compiled at least partly amid the decennial redistricting that took place in 2011, include a warning that the party got greedy in an attempt to create districts favorable to GOP candidates 10 years earlier. The disclosure came in files posted by the daughter of Thomas Hofeller. Before his death in 2018, he was a leading force behind GOP redistricting efforts across the country. GOP gerrymandering got greedy the last time and bad political climate caused it to unravel, one of the state-by-state analysis documents in the files said of Pennsylvania. Democrats will be concentrating on trying to safe up their gains. That was presumably a reference to the congressional maps Republicans drew in 2001, which created more districts that were only marginally GOP friendly. Some of them were captured by Democrats in the 2006 election amid unrest over the Iraq War. Gerrymandering is the process of drawing congressional or legislative districts to favor a political party. Lines are typically drawn following the decennial census. Hofellers estranged daughter, Stephanie, discovered the files following his death and started sharing them with news organizations and other groups. They figured prominently in a fight the Trump administration ultimately lost before the Supreme Court in its attempt to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census. Stephanie Hofeller made the files public by posting them Sunday on a website she created called the Hofeller Files. The files are voluminous and disorganized, and include many personal items, such as a recipe for coconut cake and an offer for a free consultation from Wisteria Landscapers. But among the political files were some references to Pennsylvania. Its not clear whether those files were created by Hofeller or others. That document confirms what we already knew. Pennsylvania was in the cross hairs of national political operatives who sought and for a time succeeded in manipulating districts not to benefit voters in those districts, but to serve a national political agenda, said Benjamin Geffen, an attorney who represented Democratic plaintiffs in Pennsylvania who sued over the 2011 congressional maps. Neal Lesher, a spokesman for Republican State House Speaker Mike Turzai, declined to comment directly on the memo that referenced a greedy GOP gerrymander. While previous reporting has indicated Hofeller advised state Republicans on redistricting, Lesher said Hofeller was not involved. They seem to be notes to himself, Lesher said. We did not have any contact with this gentleman or use him for our [2011] maps. ... To the degree that there are notes in his papers for Pennsylvania seems to merely suggest he was taking notes. In 2018, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down the states congressional maps as violating the state constitution. At the time, of the 18 members of the states delegation to the House of Representatives, 13 were Republicans and five were Democrats. That meant Republicans held about 72% of the House seats in the state, despite winning just 54% of total votes in Pennsylvania congressional elections in 2016. Ultimately, the state Supreme Court drew its own maps, which were in place for the 2018 election. That made districts in the Philadelphia suburbs considerably more favorable for Democrats. Now, Republicans hold nine of 18 seats. J.J. Balaban, a Democratic political consultant who has worked on Pennsylvania House races, laughed at the greedy reference to what is presumably the 2001 maps. He said the maps that came after that were arguably much more gerrymandered to favor Republicans. The 2001 maps, Balaban said, had some continuity of keeping communities together. ... It was considered undoable to split Erie [County] into two districts, but it happened [in 2011]. There were other districts carved up in odd shapes. The former 7th District, which was based in Delaware County, was said to look like Goofy kicking Donald Duck and became a running joke among redistricting experts and hobbyists. A separate state-by-state analysis file from 2011 also found in Hofellers files said: The Democrats felt they were badly stung last time and will fight for better results this time. The RNC is already involved, and expects to assist in both line-drafting and litigation. Given the fact that some of our presently held seats are weak, the GOP will be hard pressed to make the Democrats eat the one-seat loss. Hofeller also had a file detailing how much it would cost for each state to legally fight redistricting challenges. Pennsylvania had a $300,000 price tag. It was one of 13 states where Republicans anticipated they would need to spend money defending maps in litigation. Late on Dec. 31, as Americans were preparing to forget about our grim politics for a few hours and ring in the New Year, Chief Justice John G. Roberts had something more cogent on his mind. He released his Year-end Report on the Federal Judiciary. Fittingly for this time of constitutional crisis, he spoke to the need for all Americans to contemplate and understand the principles of our nation's founding document. "In our age, when social media can instantly spread rumor and false information on a grand scale, the public's need to understand our government, and the protections it provides, is ever more vital," he wrote. I couldn't agree more. America has dangerously strayed away from understanding the very democracy that sustains us, distancing from civic responsibilities crucial to keeping our nation strong. My wish is for a U.S. population that is less concerned about zero-sum attacks on those they deem "the other," and more acceptance of the truth that like it or not, how one segment of the republic fares, so we all go. We need less tribalism, fewer screeds launched on social media and hyper ventilating about a conspiracy theory that doesn't follow even simple logic. There was a time, in decades past, when the U.S. was willing to invest in its own people through actions that lifted all ships, more than even its creators imagined. The nation prospered. Unfortunately, it took a second world war and the memories of what had occurred economically after the first one to get us there. Congress passed the G.I. Bill, which is credited with creating the middle class. Also known as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, it was seismic legislation shifting millions of people into a class level that had been out of their reach previously by funding college educations and skilled apprenticeships, along with helping people to buy homes and businesses with low-interest loans. It infused a sense of civic duty that resulted in large numbers of people being engaged in politics, in philanthropy, in what it meant to take part in a democratic society. America's suburban cities, where so many school districts have thrived, would not exist without it. Another legacy was how it changed the norms of who was considered worthy of a college degree and the higher social status such education offered. This "profound impact on social culture, tearing down assumptions of ethnic, religious and racial superiority that were, if possible, even more deeply embedded in the minds of academics than ordinary citizens," is described in "When Dreams Came True: The GI Bill and the Making of Modern America" by Michael J. Bennett. The initial G.I. Bill was a sweeping example of a government-backed program, a mammoth infusion of dollars through bi-partisan support that would be difficult to fathom today. Sad to say, if the G.I. Bill was introduced in 2020, many Republicans would probably call it welfare, or socialism. But the very type of civic engagement that Roberts lauded in his report flourished as a direct result. The G.I. Bill, admittedly, became a bit of a minor obsession for me several years ago. Its primary author was Harry W. Colmery, a Topeka lawyer, World War I Army veteran and American Legion leader. I chronicled unsuccessful efforts to gain Colmery a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom, an honor he greatly deserves. The obvious concern is what it would take to inspire a similar infusion of government resources upon large numbers within our population today. The justification of the G.I. Bill was obvious and difficult to argue with: It was the nation paying back a debt to 15 million soldiers, sailors and marines. But even a cursory look at the current state of American society invites comparisons to the cleavages between rich and poor of a century ago. In that context, it's not loony to suggest that finding ways to provide young Americans with free or very cheap higher education, as well as other conduits to STEM and trade careers, might achieve longitudinal benefits on a par with the G.I. Bill. Roberts noted in his remarks; "Civic education, like all education, is a continuing enterprise and conversation." Let's start this conversation. Readers can reach Mary Sanchez at msanchezcolumn@gmail.com and follow her on Twitter @msanchezcolumn. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The attorney added that any cannabis business that might open in the village is unlikely to be included in the first wave of licenses granted by state regulators. The state of Illinois accepted applications from prospective new dispensary owners until Jan. 2, and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has said it plans on granting a maximum of 75 licenses by the beginning of May. GREAT FALLS A Native American tribe in Montana has planned a celebration after recently gaining federal recognition. The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana has announced plans to host a celebration Jan. 25 in Great Falls, The Great Falls Tribune reported Monday. The celebration comes about one month after President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act containing an amendment giving the Little Shell Tribe federal recognition, officials said. The free celebration will be held at the Holiday Inn from 5-10 p.m. and is open to the public, tribal council members said. The celebration includes dinner, traditional music played by fiddlers and speeches by dignitaries and council members. Other tribes are expected to be represented at the event, councilmembers said. The public is also invited to attend a pipe ceremony the same day at 1 p.m. at the Shawn Gilbert Event Center, tribal members said. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 PHOENIX The slain husband of a woman whose two children are missing and the subjects of a nationwide manhunt claimed she believed she was a god and threatened to kill him months before his death in Chandler last year, according to divorce records. The disappearance of Lori Vallow's children, Joshua "JJ" Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 17, may have ties to two ongoing death investigations in Arizona, including the shooting and killing of her former husband, Charles Vallow, in Chandler last July. The search for Joshua and Tylee, who haven't been seen since September in Rexburg, Idaho, is ongoing. Divorce documents filed by Charles in Maricopa County Superior Court last February provide insight into Lori Vallow's apparent state of mind months before his death and her children's disappearance. Mom Lori Vallow claimed she was 'a god' Charles claimed Lori Vallow didn't want anything to do with him or Joshua "because she had a more important mission to carry out," according to the court documents. Charles said Lori claimed she was "a god assigned to carry out the work of the 144,000 at Christ's second coming in July 2020," the court documents said. She also told Charles that she would kill him if he got in her way and that she had "an angel there to help her dispose of the body," court documents said. Shortly after her alleged threats, Charles took out an order of protection against Lori Vallow, according to court documents. Charles claimed that Lori Vallow had "become infatuated and, at times, obsessive about near-death experiences and spiritual visions," according to court documents. He said he attempted to get her help; however, she refused to visit a doctor because they would discover that she is a translated being," court documents said. Cult connections?: Man links 'radical' religious group to his attempted murder in Arizona and 2 missing child Story continues Ongoing investigation: 2 missing Idaho kids are in danger and mom 'completely refused' to help find them, police say Lori Vallow not 'mentally stable enough' to care for son In the divorce documents, filed just shy of the couple's 13th wedding anniversary, Charles petitioned for sole custody of Joshua because he didn't think Lori Vallow was "mentally stable enough" to make decisions for him. Joshua is Charles and Lori Vallow's adopted son. Charles said in the documents that, two weeks before he filed for divorce, Lori took some of his and Joshua's belongings while he was on a business trip, including Joshua's iPad, medication and clothes, and wouldn't answer requests to return them. Charles explained that the iPad was essential to keeping Joshua calm because he has autism spectrum disorder and ADHD and prefers a routine, the court documents said. "Mother has also never contacted Father about JJ's well-being or requested any parenting time with JJ. Father is extremely concerned that Mother would abandon JJ and take JJ's necessities without even attempting to communicate or see JJ," the document said. These undated photos released by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children show Joshua Vallow, 7, (left) and Tylee Ryan, 17. They were last seen on Sept. 23, 2019, in Rexburg, Idaho. Their mother, Lori Vallow, is the second wife of Chad Daybell. Kids' disappearance follows a string of deaths Five months after he began and then quickly dismissed divorce proceedings with Lori Vallow, Charles was shot to death in Chandler. Police at the time said Lori Vallow's brother, Alex Cox, shot Charles. Cox, who claimed to shoot Charles in self-defense, died Dec. 12 in Gilbert. Both Charles' and Cox's deaths remain under investigation, officials said Monday. Charles Vallow is Lori Vallow's second husband to die in the past two years. Joseph Ryan died of an apparent heart attack in 2018 in Gilbert, Fox 10 reported. Ryan was Tylee's father. Lori Vallow married Chad Daybell weeks after the death of Chad's wife, Tammy Daybell, 49, in October. Authorities initially believed the woman died of natural causes but have determined it may be suspicious. Tammy Daybell's remains have been exhumed, and autopsy results are pending. On Oct. 2, one of the children's relatives, Brandon Boudreaux, was shot while driving home from the gym. The bullet missed his head. The Jeep that his would-be killer was driving was registered to Charles Vallow. Police believe Joshua Vallow and Tylee Ryan are in danger Lori Vallow and her new husband, Chad Daybell, are wanted for questioning in connection with Joshua and Tylee's disappearances. Idaho police said they believe Lori Vallow knows where they are or what happened to them. However, the couple is not cooperating with police. Police spoke with Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell on Nov. 26 while attempting a welfare check on Joshua. The couple told police the boy was staying with a family friend in Arizona, but police discovered that wasn't true. Police also said they believe the children's lives are in danger. Rexburg Police Department Assistant Chief Gary Hagen said there were no updates in the case Monday. Authorities searched Chad Daybell's home Jan. 3 in connection with the disappearance of Lori Vallow's children, the Associated Press reported. FBI spokeswoman Sandra Barker said Monday the agency is assisting in the case but deferred all inquiries to the local agencies. Hagen said Rexburg police is handling the missing children's case but referred inquiries about the search warrant at Chad Daybell's home last week to the Fremont County sheriff. Sheriff Len Humphries in Fremont County did not respond to The Arizona Republic on Monday. Contributing: Rachel Leingang, Jessica Boehm and Mike Cruz, Arizona Republic This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Missing Idaho kids: Mom Lori Vallow said she was a god willing to kill South Korea's Moon Urges North to Work On Arranging Kim's Visit to Seoul Sputnik News 06:13 07.01.2020 TOKYO (Sputnik) - South Korean President Moon Jae-in has called on Pyongyang to do everything possible to implement the agreement on a return visit of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Seoul. "I hope South and North Korea can make efforts together so that the conditions for Chairman Kim Jong-un's reciprocal visit can be arranged at an early date," Moon said in a televised address on Tuesday, as quoted by France 24. An agreement on Kim Jong-un's reciprocal visit was made in the fall of 2018, when Moon held talks with the North Korean leader in Pyongyang. Moon and Kim held a total of three summits in 2018 - in April, May and September - that helped achieve an unprecedented thaw in relations between the two nations, which have been divided since 1953. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in late September of last year that North Korea and the United States were preparing to relaunch denuclearization talks after they collapsed in February following an unsuccessful leaders' summit. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday gave its approval for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for International Development (Government of United Kingdom) for enabling energy self-sufficiency for Indian Railways. The MoU between the Ministry of Railways and the UKs Department for International Development underlines various activities that would be undertaken by the two bodies for energy planning including wind, solar and other alternative energy-based projects. Read: Police recover 4 crude bombs from railway track near Hridaypur station in West Bengal Each participant will, subject to the laws, rules, regulations and national policies from time to time in force governing the subject matter in their respective countries, endeavour to take necessary steps to enable energy efficiency and energy self-sufficiency for Indian Railways, an official release said. Read: IRPOF supports Railway Ministry's plans to merge cadres According to the Ministry, the countries will move towards energy planning for the Indian Railways by taking up projects in the solar and wind energy sector, adopting energy efficiency practices, enabling fuel efficiency, electric vehicle charging infrastructure deployment, battery-operated shunting locomotives. Capacity development like training programs, industrial visits, field visits, etc. or any other form co-operation may be approved in writing by the participants, according to the release. The Participants will coordinate the activities, as appropriate, under this MoU. Nothing in this MoU will be construed to prejudice existing or future arrangements for cooperation between the participants, the release added. Organisational Restructuring Of Indian Railways Recently the PM Modi-led Cabinet approved the transformational organisational restructuring of the Indian Railways and this was announced by Railway Minister Piyush Goyal in a press release on Tuesday, December 24. According to the reforms introduced, the Board will now have some independent members and the Chairman Railway Board (CRB) will head the re-organisation of Railway Board on functional lines. "This organisation of the department runs deep down to the grass-root level of the Railways," the government says in a release. The release read that, "Railways has an ambitious program to modernise and provide the highest standards of safety, speed, and services to the passengers with a proposed investment of Rs. 50 lakh crore over the next 12 years. (With Agency Inputs) Read:Railway Min claims not a single passenger killed in FY 19-20, calls it 'a safety record' Read: More representation sought for civil services cadre in Railways Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 05:00:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Wednesday condemned in a statement the recent intercommunal violence in West Darfur of Sudan, in which dozens of civilians were killed and tens of thousands displaced. After being briefed by the UN assistant secretary-general for Africa on the latest situation, Dang Dinh Quy, the council's president for the month of January and Vietnam's permanent representative to the UN read out the statement to the press. The council members underscored the need for continued progress in local mediation, peace building effort and economic development in order to ensure sustainable peace and stability, Quy said. The members underlined their continuous support to the work of the government of Sudan, and commended the effort by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, the statement said. According to media reports, the intercommunal clashes that erupted on Dec. 29 were the worst in West Darfur for years, and the slowly emerging casualty count is at least 65 dead and over 50 injured. The reports said the violence broke out after a dispute between Arab and African ethnic groups in the state capital of el-Geneina. Arab militiamen raided a camp for internally displaced people and attacked and burned several villages. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8 2020 Industry players, especially food and beverage producers, are struggling to comply with the mandatory halal certification regulation, specifically when it comes to fulfilling requirements related to product reaudits for adding new ingredients, halal storage, distribution and means of transportation. Enforced in October last year under the Halal Products Guarantee Law, the law mandated that all non-haram products and services must obtain halal certification. The law also shifts the authority to handle the issuance of halal certification from the Indonesian Ulema Council Assessment Institute for Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics (LPPOM MUI) to the Halal Certification Agency (BPJPH) under the Religious Affairs Ministry, though the former is still assigned to evaluate, test and approve the products. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login The Indian Navy Ship Sumedha during anti-piracy patrol in Gulf of Aden rescued 13 crew members of a private vessel which was in distress, Indian Navy offical said on Wednesday. A boarding team along with a naval technical team embarked Al-Hamid for r Image Source: IANS News The Indian Navy Ship Sumedha during anti-piracy patrol in Gulf of Aden rescued 13 crew members of a private vessel which was in distress, Indian Navy offical said on Wednesday. A boarding team along with a naval technical team embarked Al-Hamid for r Image Source: IANS News The Indian Navy Ship Sumedha during anti-piracy patrol in Gulf of Aden rescued 13 crew members of a private vessel which was in distress, Indian Navy offical said on Wednesday. A boarding team along with a naval technical team embarked Al-Hamid for r Image Source: IANS News The Indian Navy Ship Sumedha during anti-piracy patrol in Gulf of Aden rescued 13 crew members of a private vessel which was in distress, Indian Navy offical said on Wednesday. A boarding team along with a naval technical team embarked Al-Hamid for r Image Source: IANS News The Indian Navy Ship Sumedha during anti-piracy patrol in Gulf of Aden rescued 13 crew members of a private vessel which was in distress, Indian Navy offical said on Wednesday. A boarding team along with a naval technical team embarked Al-Hamid for r Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Jan 8 : The Indian Navy Ship Sumedha during anti-piracy patrol in Gulf of Aden rescued 13 crew members of a private vessel which was in distress, Indian Navy offical said on Wednesday. "A traditional wooden vessel known as Al-Hamid was detected om January 6 by an Indian Navy helicopter launched from the deck of INS Sumedha, which confirmed that the vessel was in distress and drifting near the coast of Somalia," Indian Navy offical said. A boarding team along with a naval technical team embarked Al-Hamid for routine checks onboard and render assistance. The crew of Al-Hamid comprised 13 Indian citizens. The technical team assessment revealed that the vessel had suffered a broken main engine shaft, which was not repairable at sea. The vessel was then towed to safety away from the Somali coast. Meanwhile, the owner of the Al-Hamid has sent another vessel for towing the dhow to port for repairs. Before departure, INS Sumedha provided fresh water and medical supplies to the crew of the dhow. T hree Britons, including a young dad and newlywed engineer, are among the 176 passengers killed when a Boeing 737 crashed in Tehran early this morning. Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda Zadeh, 40, Saeed Tahmasebi Khademsadi, 35, and Sam Zokaei, 42, have been identified as the three British citizens who died in the tragic incident. All three were named on the list of 167 passengers on board flight PS752 by Ukraine International Airlines (UIA), which crashed moments after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport. Nine members of crew and at least 26 children were also on board, according to details provided by UIA. Britain's foreign secretary Dominic Raab expressed "deepest condolences" to all the families of the victims, describing the crash as a "tragic loss of life for all countries affected". Among the victims were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians including all nine crew 10 Swedes, four Afghans and three Germans, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said. Information on the three British passengers has been provided over the course of the day by friends, neighbours and colleagues as follows: Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh Mohammed Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh was 'always very friendly and helpful' Mr Kadkhoda-Zadeh, a divorced father-of-one, travelled to Iran to see family over the Christmas period and was returning to the UK via Ukraine, his neighbours confirmed. The 40-year-old, known to friends and locals simply as "Reza", lived in Brighton, East Sussex, and ran a dry cleaning business called Smartys in nearby Hassocks. Stephen Edgington, who runs Hassocks Pet Centre next door, described his neighbour as a lovely man. Iran: Tehran Plane Crash - In pictures 1 /13 Iran: Tehran Plane Crash - In pictures via Reuters AP AFP via Getty Images People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane crashed near Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran ISNA/AFP via Getty Images AP AP via Reuters AP Rescuers check the debris following the plane crash via Reuters Part of the wreckage from Ukrainian plane that crashed in Tehran shortly after take-off via Reuters He told the Standard: Reza was always very friendly and helpful and just a really nice guy." The whole thing is a complete shock, he added. It hasnt really sunk it. I dont even think many people in the community know hes gone. When I saw news of the crash this morning my first reaction was I hope Reza wasnt on that flight. But, sadly, he was. A team from Iran's Red Crescent searched the debris for victims / AP Savvas Savvidis, 36, who rented a room from Mr Kadkhoda-Zadeh said the single dad was a "humble man who loved his nine-year-old daughter very much." He was a super-nice person. Right away we got along so well," Mr Savvidis said. Its so sad. Before he left we had a conversation, he told me that he spent all his life working, working really hard, and now finally he wants to start to enjoy life a bit more. The 36-year-old said he was shocked when police turned up at the three-bedroom house where the pair had lived on Wednesday morning and told him what had happened. Saeed Tahmasebi Khademsadi Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi worked for a construction firm based in Kent Mr Khademsadi is reportedly a newlywed who travelled to Iran in early December with his wife and her family. His brother-in-law Amir Vaheat, 42, told The Times the whole family were left devastated by the news of their tragic death. He told the paper: Saeed had just got married, he and his wife were on the way back home to start their life together. All 176 passengers aboard the Boeing 737-800 were killed / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images He added: My wife is going crazy, we cannot believe it. Saeed was such a nice man. All his friends are coming round trying to help, but it is too much for words. Friends of Mr Khademsadi described the engineer and researcher at Imperial College London as a "very bright, very clever and smart" man who had a bright future. A spokesman for the London university said: We are deeply saddened at this tragic news. Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi was a brilliant engineer with a bright future. His contributions to systems engineering earned respect from everyone who dealt with him and will benefit society for years to come. He was a warm, humble and generous colleague, and close friend to many in our community. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Saeeds family, friends and colleagues, as well as all those affected by this tragedy. Sam Zokaei Sam Zokaei's death has been described as 'deeply tragic' Mr Zokaei was a senior engineer for BP who had worked for the oil and gas company for 14 years. His best friend of 20 years, fellow engineer and UCL PhD student Omid Nooranipour, told the Standard: He had been visiting family like any other Iranian does in January. "He was coming back today. Everyone is just in shock. The remains of one of the plane's engines was among the debris / AFP via Getty Images The 42-year-old from Twickenham, London, was on holiday from working at BPs site at Sunbury-on-Thames in Middlesex, the company confirmed. It said in a statement: With the deepest regret, we can confirm that one of our colleagues at BP, Sam Zokaei, was a passenger on the Ukrainian International Airlines plane that crashed in Iran this morning, reportedly with no survivors. We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss of our friend and colleague, and all of our thoughts are with his family and friends. Wreckage of the Ukrainian plane that crashed near Tehran In the hours following the tragedy, airline officials and world leaders issued their condolences to the "crew, passengers and their families." Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted: Terrible news from the Middle East. This morning, after departing from Tehran International Airport, a UIA passenger plane crashed near the airport. "According to preliminary reports, all 167 passengers and crew of nine members died. Sincere condolences to family and friends. A UK Foreign Office spokesman later issued a statement saying: We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in the plane crash in Iran overnight. We are urgently seeking confirmation about how many British nationals were on board and will do all we can to support any families affected. Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) said its flight to Kyiv disappeared from radar just a few minutes after taking off from Tehran International Airport. The UIA statement added all flights to Tehran were suspended with immediate effect until further notice and added it was investigating the cause of the crash. It said: As at 9.30am (local time), UIA in close cooperation with the aviation authorities, takes all measures to determine the causes of the air accident. In parallel, the airline will be contacting the relatives of the passengers, providing all possible assistance in the current situation. The flight was operated on a Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft (registration UR-PSR). The aircraft was built in 2016 and delivered directly to the airline from the manufacturer. The last scheduled maintenance of the aircraft took place on 06 January, 2020. Investigation will be conducted with the involvement of the aviation authorities of Ukraine, Iran, representatives of the Boeing manufacturer, the airline, and the National Bureau of Air Accidents Investigation of Ukraine. The airline will inform about the progress of the investigation and the causes of the tragic event as soon as they are identified. It has since ruled out human error as a potential explanation for the crash. Ukraine's embassy in Iran initially blamed the disaster on engine failure and denied that it was terror-related or that a rocket had hit the aircraft. However, Ukraine's Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk later refused to rule out the possibility that the plane was downed by a missile while addressing reporters in Kyiv. Meanwhile, President Zelensky has called for restraint from "speculation" and warned against "putting forward untested versions of the disaster before the official announcements. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 15:19 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3215dca9 1 National Natuna,water,Jokowi,Indonesian-Military,South-China-Sea,North-Natuna-Sea Free President Joko Jokowi Widodos visit to Natuna regency in Riau Islands serves as a signal that Indonesia sees its territorial integrity as a matter of great importance, a minister has said, amid tension between the country and China over the latters maneuvers in the North Natuna Sea. This visit shows that the Indonesian government, especially the President, is paying serious attention to the issue of Natuna, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said. Pramono also cited a similar case in which Jokowi asserted Indonesias sovereignty in the region in 2016, when the President held a limited Cabinet meeting on board a warship in Natuna waters, which was seen by analysts as a power play in defense of Indonesian sovereign rights in the area. Jokowis visit to Natuna on Wednesday is his fourth to the regency, but his first since starting his second and final term in office in October. Those [signals] show that Indonesias sovereignty is inviolable, non-negotiable, he went on, The President has said during the recent Cabinet meeting that Natuna [territorial integrity] is nonnegotiable, he added. Over the past week, Jakarta and Beijing have been embroiled in a diplomatic tug-of-war over the latters claim in Indonesias exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the North Natuna Sea, which borders Vietnam and Malaysia and is located adjacent to the disputed South China Sea. The government responded with a series of firm actions, from summoning the Chinese envoy in Jakarta and lodging an official protest with Beijing, to making a show of rejecting Chinas illegal claims to the waters and planning to increase its presence in the waters off the Natunas. Pramono also asserted that the presence of Jokowi the countrys leader and commander-in-chief in Natuna served as a symbol that Indonesia is present in the region. The Indonesian Military (TNI) has claimed that Chinese fishing vessels remain in the North Natuna Sea located at the southern tip of the South China Sea, which China claims as its traditional fishing grounds. The Navy and Air Force have deployed at least six warships and four jet fighters, respectively, to secure and patrol Natuna waters. Pramono went on to say that the state was prepared to strengthen the Air Force and Navy bases in Natuna accordingly. Therefore, what the President is doing during the visit is asserting that [Indonesias] sovereignty is inviolable, Pramono said. (sau) Winnipeg police hope a tip from the public will assist them in tracking down a suspect vehicle they believe could be connected to a Christmas Day slaying in the North End. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Winnipeg police hope a tip from the public will assist them in tracking down a suspect vehicle they believe could be connected to a Christmas Day slaying in the North End. Police are seeking information about a red Chevrolet Sonic that was seen being driven through the area where Gordon Edward Pashe, 37, was killed Dec. 25. Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Jay Murray said the car was also seen in the North End in the days leading up to, and following, the homicide. "I have to be very careful, because this is still an open investigation, one we still need to make some headway with, so I dont want to provide any information about why this vehicle has come on our radar, but we certainly feel its a vehicle of interest," Murray said Wednesday. "If you have any information about this vehicle, wed appreciate a call into to our homicide unit or Crime Stoppers Its a plea to the public. Both media and the public have helped us immensely in the past with investigations like this." General patrol officers found an unresponsive man on the sidewalk at the intersection of Salter Street and Redwood Avenue at 10:18 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2019. Officers began emergency first aid while waiting for an ambulance to arrive, before the victim was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead. The victim was later identified as Pashe, a man with an extensive criminal record, with multiple convictions for drug, weapons and property offences. Soon after, police were called to a home at 376 Redwood Ave. after receiving reports of a man armed with a gun. The residence, which area residents told the Free Press operates as a rooming house, is located a half-block from where Pashe was found. The WPS armoured vehicle and tactical support officers responded to the scene, leading to a two-hour standoff. Police believe Gordon Edward Pashe was assaulted at 376 Redwood Ave. before he stumbled down the street and collapsed. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files) Eventually, officers took four individuals all of whom previously known to police into custody. All four were later released without charges. Murray said Wednesday investigators believe Pashe was assaulted with a weapon by at least one suspect at 376 Redwood Ave., before he stumbled down the street and collapsed near the intersection. Minutes later, the red Chevrolet Sonic was captured on video surveillance being driven on Salter Street, north of Redwood Avenue. Murray declined comment when asked what led police to identify the car as a vehicle of interest. He would also not reveal what weapon was used in the assault. Police have previously said they believe the slaying could be connected to street gang activity. Pashe was released from custody in November 2019, after serving 48 days for a liquor theft. In February 2018, he was sentenced to 20 months in jail after being arrested in March 2017 in possession of a machete and a sawed-off shotgun. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Murray said police are able to search the Manitoba Public Insurance database for every red Chevrolet Sonic registered in the province. "Weve certainly made some progress on this investigation, but theres still a lot that has to be done," Murray said. Anyone with information about the suspect vehicle, its occupants, or Pashe's death is asked to contact homicide investigators at 204-986-6508. In total, there were 44 homicides in Winnipeg in 2019 the highest number on record in a single calendar year. ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @rk_thorpe Following the resignation of Mr Reinhard Grindel in 2019 from his positions as a UEFA Executive Committee member and FIFA Council member, elections for these two positions will be held at the 44th Ordinary UEFA Congress on 3 March 2020 in Amsterdam. By the set deadline of Friday 3 January 2020, the UEFA Administration has received the following candidature for the position of UEFA Executive Committee member to be elected for a one-year term (until 2021): - Mr Rainer Koch (Germany) In addition, the UEFA Administration has confirmed that the only candidate for the position of European member of the FIFA Council to be elected for a three-year term (until 2023) at the above-mentioned Congress, Mr Noel Le Graet (France), has passed the eligibility check carried out by FIFA. The full agenda of the upcoming Ordinary UEFA Congress will be communicated in due course. Even as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) gears up to send four men shortlisted for the Gaganyaan mission to Russia for training, the organisation's chief, K Sivan, said the first spaceflight may carry just one person. According to a report by The Hindustan Times, Sivan said while he cannot reveal the identities of those who have been selected for the mission, he told the newspaper that all four of those shortlisted are men. According to the report, all four of them are expected to begin their training in Russia in the third week of January. "The astronauts will undergo the physical fitness training in Russia for 11 months, after which they will receive module specific training in India. In that, they will train in the crew and service module designed by us, learn to operate it, work around it, do simulations," Sivan told the newspaper, adding that the astronauts, who are all Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots, will also receive physical fitness training in different types of environments. "We are designing the mission for three people to go to low earth orbit for seven days. However, whether we send two people or one person and whether they spend seven days in the orbit or one will be decided later on in the mission after the two unmanned flights," Sivan said. "Usually, the first flight is very crucial and even countries such as the USA, Russia, and China sent only one person for the first time and for a very short time one orbit, or one day, or even like the USA did only part of the orbit," the ISRO chief added. According to the report, the food menu for the mission is being prepared by the Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) and, according to news agency ANI, it will include egg rolls, vegetarian rolls, idlis, moong dal halwa and pulao, along with a food heater. Sivan also told the newspaper that a committee of external experts has also been set up to review the systems and check for robustness. "Usually, for other missions, the review is done by Isro people, but since humans are involved in the mission, a committee of external experts will review the work," Sivan said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in 2018, announced the space mission during his Independence Day speech. "When India celebrates 75th year of Independence in 2022, and if possible even before, an Indian son or daughter will undertake a manned space mission on board Gaganyaan carrying the national flag," PM Modi had said. Egypt is following with "great concern" the current developments in Iraq and the Gulf region and the recent escalation in military force, the Egyptian foreign ministry said. In a short statement issued Wednesday evening, the foreign ministry called all parties involved in the current escalation in the Gulf region and Iraq not to get dragged into "vicious cycles of violence," and to consider the dire consequences of destabilising the region. Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian forces fired missiles at military bases housing US troops in Iraq in retaliation for the US assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Search Keywords: Short link: Tesla officially delivered the first batch made-in-China Model 3 sedans to non-employee customers and also launched a project to manufacture Model Y vehicles in its Shanghai gigafactory. Tesla's China production is widely expected to have a "catfish effect" in the country's auto industry, pushing domestic rivals to speed up technological upgrading. SHANGHAI, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. electric carmaker Tesla officially delivered the first batch of 10 made-in-China Model 3 sedans to the public Tuesday afternoon, one year after the company broke ground on its first overseas plant. The company also announced the launch of a project to manufacture Model Y vehicles in its Shanghai gigafactory. Guan Yunfeng, from the city of Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, is among Tesla's first customers. "The new car looks so cool," Guan said excitedly. Tesla CEO Elon Musk poses with Tesla China-made Model 3 vehicle owners during a ceremony in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 7, 2020. (Xinhua/Ding Ting) Tesla CEO Elon Musk was also present at the ceremony. "The most amazing thing really is the incredible progress that has been made by the Tesla Shanghai team," he said. "Without the support of the Chinese government, especially without the help of the Shanghai government of all levels, we would not be able to make this progress." "We'll continue to make significant investments in China, making Model 3, Model Y and future models as well in China," said Musk. TESLA'S CHINA SPEED Tesla signed an agreement with the Shanghai municipal government in July 2018 to build the factory. In October 2018, the company was granted approval to use an 864,885-square-meter tract of land in Lingang for its Shanghai plant. As the largest foreign-invested manufacturing project in Shanghai, construction of the gigafactory began on Jan. 7, 2019 when the area was still a wasteland. In 10 months, it had already entered trial production and on Dec. 30, the first 15 Model 3 cars were handed over to company employees less than a year after it began operation. Tesla's Shanghai plant has manufactured nearly 1,000 vehicles available for sale and reached a production capacity of more than 3,000 vehicles per week, according to Tesla's latest financial report. Photo taken on Jan. 7, 2020 shows China-produced sedans at Tesla's gigafactory in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Ding Ting) "The sedans' components will be completely domestically produced by the end of 2020," according to Song Gang, the plant's manufacturing director. Currently, 30 percent of the components are produced locally. Tesla has built more than 300 supercharging stations, 2,200 supercharging piles and 2,100 destination charging piles in over 140 Chinese cities, the company said. Tesla's first V3 Superchargers in Asia also went into operation in Shanghai in late December last year. CATFISH EFFECT Green cars have seen rapid growth in China in the past decade, with sales rising from fewer than 10,000 in 2009 to more than 1.26 million in 2018. But the industry is also seeing challenges as the government slashes subsidies and foreign brands like Tesla make inroads into China with their factories. "Tesla's China production will have a 'catfish effect' in the country's auto industry, pushing domestic carmakers to speed up technological upgrading," said Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association. Yang Yang, who works in Shanghai, has considered changing his car recently. After comparing many petrol-powered vehicles and new energy vehicles (NEVs), he opted for a domestically made Tesla Model 3. "The price is acceptable and the car has a relatively long driving range, which meets all my needs," Yang said. Prior to the made-in-China Model 3 cars, the price of an imported Tesla Model 3 vehicle stood above 439,900 yuan (about 63,069 U.S. dollars) in the Chinese market. The price tag of the Shanghai-made sedans, however, starts at 323,800 yuan. As a benchmark for NEVs, the Model 3 will help drive the innovation and upgrading of domestic suppliers, according to a report by Minsheng Securities. Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks at a delivery ceremony for Tesla China-made Model 3 in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 7, 2020. (Xinhua/Ding Ting) Besides Tesla, more luxury car brands have made plans to produce NEVs in 2020. The foreign-made NEV cars will compete on equal footing with Chinese automakers, as China is scheduled to eliminate government subsidies for NEVs this year. "Though the NEV market is now dominated by local brands, with new forces joining in, China's new energy automobile market will enter an era of fierce competition after 2020," said Mou Jiawen, consulting director of Deloitte Auto. BENEFICIARY OF OPENING UP As the first project after China lifted restrictions on foreign investment in the auto industry, Tesla's Shanghai gigafactory shows that China, with continued efforts in reform and opening-up, still tops the list of investment destinations for foreign firms. The country has in recent years significantly eased market access for foreign capital, vowing to further open up the market with new laws and regulations to support their investment. Tesla CEO Elon Musk attends an opening ceremony for Tesla China-made Model Y program in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 7, 2020. (Xinhua/Ding Ting) Data from the Ministry of Commerce showed that foreign direct investment expanded 6 percent year on year to 845.9 billion yuan on the Chinese mainland in the first 11 months of 2019, and China attracted 722 foreign-funded projects, with each worth more than 100 million U.S. dollars, during the same period, an increase of 15.5 percent from a year ago. Manila (CNN Philippines Life) From surefire hits that brought something new to the table like Alone, Together, to triumphant and vibrant stories like Cleaners, to stylish genre films like Dead Kids, there was no shortage of groundbreaking and entertaining Filipino films that appealed to every kind of viewer in 2019. This year promises to be no different, if even better. Anticipated sequels and big-name titles are a given, but there are also bold new directions for high-concept genre films such as horror and socially relevant crime thrillers, as well as ambitious projects with all-star casts that frame Metro Manila and other Philippine regions in a whole new light. If theres anything to be said about the coming decade in Filipino filmmaking, its that we continue to branch out and grow as creators and consumers if we can pull off complicated science fiction and lore and even animated movies about cats and dogs in love, we can do anything. And its all very exciting to watch unfold. Here are 10 movies across different genres and platforms to watch out for in 2020. Screenshot from CINEMA BRAVO/FACEBOOK Nightshift Yam Laranas, known for Aurora and The Road, directs Yam Concepcion in this horror film, opening Jan. 22. Concepcion plays an assistant to a pathologist on her first day at work, who has to spend the night in the morgue. The long hours are torture enough, but then the dead begin to show signs of reanimation, and no one seems to heed her cries for help. Screenshot from ABS-CBN STAR CINEMA/YOUTUBE Block Z Mikhail Red follows up Dead Kids with another thriller centered on a young cast this time a group of university students battling zombies after a viral outbreak reaches the city. The ensemble cast is led by Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia and includes Maris Racal, McCoy de Leon, Ian Veneracion, Dimples Romana, and Ina Raymundo. The project, which has been anticipated for years, finally opens on Jan. 29. Love or Money Angelica Panganiban and Coco Martin are set to play romantic leads for the first time in this feature. Produced by Black Sheep Productions and directed by Mae Cruz Alviar, Love or Money was announced late last year as Star Cinemas latest Valentines Day offering. Plot details have yet to be revealed, but it already has a tentative release date of Feb. 12. Photo from BLACK SHEEP/FACEBOOK "Death of Nintendo" Helmed by "Smaller and Smaller Circles" director Raya Martin and set in the suburbs of Manila the summer before the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, "Death of Nintendo" introduces four 13-year-old friends who discover everything together from pop culture and video games to circumcision and first love. It's set to premiere in the 2020 Berlinale this February. Screenshot from WATCH LIST/FACEBOOK Watch List Having competed in independent film festivals across the United States including the Seattle International Film Festival, American director Ben Rekhis Watch List hits Philippine cinemas on Feb. 19. The crime thriller stars Alessandra De Rossi as a widow whose husband becomes a casualty of the war on drugs. In order to protect her children, she has to confront dark forces working against her some of them within herself. Photo from ALESSANDRA DE ROSSI/FACEBOOK PAGE Fluffy and Fream Alessandra De Rossis directorial debut is a romantic drama featuring Piolo Pascual and De Rossi herself. In the trailer, posted by the actress to Twitter, a couple experiences the ups and downs of a relationship in scenic locations. Fluffy and Fream is produced by Pascuals Spring Films and co-written by De Rossi and Noreen Capili. Whether the Weather is Fine Daniel Padilla and Charo Santos-Concio play mother and son in this film, which explores the events and aftermath of typhoon Yolanda and the victims stories of survival, loss, and hope. Whether the Weather is Fine is directed by Carlo Francisco Manatad and co-stars MNL48 member Francinne Rifol, also known as Rans, who makes her acting debut. Screenshot from CINEMA BRAVO/FACEBOOK Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story First announced in 2017, Hayop Ka! by director Avid Liongoren, turned heads with its eye-catching animation style applied to a teleserye-esque story in which the leads are anthropomorphic animals. Title character Nimfa Dimaano is a cat who works at a department store and finds herself caught in the middle of a love triangle with two dogs: her boyfriend, who works as a janitor, and a high-profile entrepreneur. The film features the voices of Robin Padilla, Sam Milby, Empoy Marquez, Arci Munoz, and Angelica Panganiban. James and Pat and Dave Ronnie Alonte reprises his role in this sequel and spin-off to the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival top grosser Vince and Kath and James. After Kath and Vince (played by Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia in the first film) experience their happily ever after, James (Alonte) is left to deal with the aftermath of rejection and second lead syndrome. Director Theodore Boborol also returns to helm the project, which co-stars Loisa Andalio and Donny Pangilinan. Kapag Wala Nang Mga Alon The latest from Lav Diaz is expected to be a 300-minute retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo in black and white. The story revolves around a prisoner who is freed after 30 years and returns to his hometown, where he executes a plan to reclaim the wealth and love he has lost by exacting bloody revenge against his former best friend the man who took them in the first place. Photo from ANTONETTE JADAONE/INSTAGRAM Fan Girl Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, Fan Girl stars Paulo Avelino as himself and revolves around a teenager who finds herself stuck inside a mansion with a celebrity who has been the object of her fixation and realizes that she doesnt actually know him as well as she thought. The production team held open auditions for the titular character, and the actress selected for the role has yet to be revealed. MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Bright Health, a diversified consumer-focused healthcare company, announced it has signed an agreement to acquire California-based Universal Care (d.b.a. Brand New Day) health plan. The transaction will combine Brand New Day's local expertise and specialized clinical programs with Bright Health's nationally recognized leadership, next-generation technology and intelligence platform, and innovative personalized approach to healthcare. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and expected to close in 2020. "For 37 years, the Davis family and Brand New Day have been committed to improving their members' health in local communities throughout California," said Mike Mikan, President and Vice Chairman of Bright Health. "Their integrated approach to serving vulnerable populations with complex conditions aligns closely with our Health Plan Care Partner model. By combining our core strengths, we will be able to deliver an even better experience for our members across the country." Brand New Day was founded in 1983 by the Davis family to improve health outcomes through an emphasis on complex care management, population health and strong relationships between patients and their primary care physicians. Current leadership, including Jeff and Jay Davis, will join the Bright Health Plan leadership team and will continue to lead local market operations, ensuring continuity for Brand New Day members and alignment across Bright Health Plan's business. "We are impressed by Bright Health's seasoned leadership, national scale and depth of expertise. And the speed with which they've grown demonstrates the strength of their consumer-focused healthcare model," said Jeff Davis, CEO of Brand New Day. "We look forward to working alongside Bright Health leadership to deliver robust healthcare options to more consumers in California and beyond." "This transaction gives Bright Health Plan a strong presence in California with an established and philosophically aligned partner," said Mikan. "But beyond that, it positions us to leverage this partnership to bring key elements of Brand New Day's patient-first, integrated clinical model of care to all our members across product lines and geographies." About Bright Health Bright Health is a diversified consumer-focused healthcare and technology company, providing a broad range of innovative healthcare products and services for consumers and care providers in local markets throughout the U.S. Working in close alignment with Care Partners and doctors to create a virtually integrated healthcare system, Bright Health connects their members to Personalized Care Teams, combining care and coverage to deliver high quality, simpler and more affordable everyday healthcare. Their health plans, which include individual, family and Medicare Advantage plans, are available in 22 markets across 12 states. Learn more at www.brighthealthinc.com. About Brand New Day / Universal Care Universal Care (d.b.a. Brand New Day) has been a leader in providing healthcare services in California for over 35 years. Brand New Day serves Medicare eligible seniors and special needs populations in 12 counties through their extensive provider network of over 7,300 PCPs and 22,300 specialists. They combine deep analytics and evidence-based clinical programs with aligned provider relationships to provide high quality, affordable care for complex and vulnerable populations. They have a long-standing commitment to providing local, community-based care to individuals in a personalized manner to improve health and quality of life. For more information, visit www.BNDHMO.com or call (866) 255-4795. SOURCE Bright Health Related Links https://brighthealthplan.com A potential national network of doctors officially authorised to help in natural disasters will be considered once the bushfire crisis is over, after GPs complained they were locked out of recovery efforts. Minister for Regional Services Mark Coulton said while the current focus was on responding to the medical needs of those affected by the crisis, "opportunities to enhance current arrangements ... will be considered as part of the longer-term bushfire response". The Morrison government will review emergency medical response systems after the bushfires. Credit:Kate Geraghty This will include a potential national network of accredited doctors to be called upon by disaster management agencies in times of crisis, as requested by the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, the minister said. RDAA president John Hall said GPs were being "turned away from assisting patients" despite being qualified to deliver emergency care, saying a new system was needed to "not only to engage with these doctors as part of the response, but also to ensure that their identity and credentials are pre-approved". MILFORD The cause of Justin Griffins death while in police custody remained unclear Tuesday, as officials deferred to an ongoing state police investigation instead of releasing the information. Griffin, 31, died early Sunday. Janet Ainsworth, an attorney with the Legal Affairs Unit of the Connecticut State Police, said Tuesday that any information the medical examiners office has provided to the department could not be immediately released, as it is part of an active investigation. An official with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said Tuesday that the autopsy for Griffin had been completed. When asked for the cause of his death, she said the specific circumstances of his death are still under investigation by police. The medical examiners office Monday directed a request for the cause of Griffins death to state and Milford police. More News Man who died in Milford police custody IDd Griffin was arrested Saturday after being stopped by Milford police, according to the department. During the course of the traffic stop, officers discovered Griffin was the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Milford Police Department for processing. According to The Associated Press, Griffin was wanted for allegedly failing to register with the states deadly weapon offender registry. During the processing procedure, officers observed Griffin to be lethargic and requested medical evaluation, officials said. Griffin was transported to Milford Hospital via ambulance and observed at the hospital for approximately five hours. Upon discharge, Griffin was transported back to Milford Police Department and placed in a holding cell. During a prisoner check at approximately 5:13 a.m. Sunday, officers discovered Griffin was not breathing. Officers began CPR and Griffin was transported to Milford Hospital where he was pronounced deceased shortly after 6 a.m. At the request of the Milford States Attorneys Office, Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad detectives were requested to assume the untimely death investigation. Arlene Bender, Griffins grandmother, told News8 WTNH that Griffin had fallen from a ledge and hit his head the day before he was arrested. She declined to be interviewed by the Register Monday. Justin had a long road in his life, Bender said to WTNH. He did the best he could. Were very sad. Justin was a good person. He had a good heart. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com Houston police are searching for four men who may be tied to a deadly noontime shooting in Sagemont. Officers were called to the 11800 block of Algonquin Drive shortly after noon Wednesday, according to the Houston Police Department. Paramedics pronounced one man dead on scene while another was taken to a nearby hospital in an unknown condition. President Donald Trump will deliver remarks from the White House at 11 a.m. Wednesday following Irans ballistic missile attacks on two airbases in Iraq that house U.S. armed forces. Hours after the Tuesday night missile strikes, which Iraqi officials said caused no casualties, Trump tweeted that all is well and said he planned to issue a statement the following morning. What time can people tune in? The official White House Twitter account said the speech was planned for 11 a.m. What networks will air and live stream the address? C-SPAN and the White House will live stream the presidents remarks, which will also be televised and live streamed by CNN, Fox News and major networks. According to C-SPAN, Trump will speak from the grand foyer of the White House. Vice President Mike Pence will join Trump during the address, CNN reported. What will the president focus on? Iranian leaders, who vowed to avenge last weeks U.S. drone strike that killed Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani and heightened tensions across the Middle East, called the missile strikes the first steps of retaliation. Trump, the Pentagon and the presidents backers have argued the strike against Soleimani, a longtime military and intelligence commander whose operations killed hundreds of Americans, saved lives and staved off an imminent threat targeting Americans. The administration has offered no evidence of potential attacks thwarted by Soleimanis assassination. Multiple Trump administration officials told CNN that they believe Iran intentionally avoided casualties in the retaliatory strikes to prevent escalation. Iraqs Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi said in a statement that Iraqi officials were notified of the nearly two dozen strikes in advance. While Trumps initial message after Tuesday nights strikes was upbeat and Iranian leaders hinted that they did not want further escalation, pushing American troops out of the Middle East remains Irans goal. In a tweet Wednesday morning, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani credited Soleimani for his war on terror, and said our final answer to his assassination will be to kick US forces out of the region. Speaking at CES, Ivanka Trump said Tuesday that Americans should be able to carry their diplomas and other important records on their smartphones, much as they are starting to be able to carry health records and other data. Why it matters: The presidential daughter and adviser says that, too often, data is hard for hiring companies to obtain. Driving the news: Trump's conversation with Consumer Technology Association CEO Gary Shapiro focused on knocking down the barriers to employment and preparing workers for a rapidly changing economy. Trump talked about the need for a greater focus on apprenticeships as the nation seeks to prepare for the jobs of the future. "It's just not part of the American DNA outside of the skills trade," Ivanka Trump said. About the new rules for paid family leave for federal workers that were included in last month's funding bill, she said, "We cannot ask all of you to offer this benefit to your workforces if we are not willing to do it ourselves and we must lead by example. We're not stopping there." On immigration, Trump said the president thinks it's "absolutely insane" that America educates people from around the world but kicks them out just as they are ready to start businesses and employ people. She did not address the administration's efforts to end a visa program for foreign-born entrepreneurs. Between the lines: Ivanka Trump was a controversial choice for a CES speech, with many noting that if organizers were looking to diversify their mostly male keynote lineup, there were plenty of women with more tech expertise. Shapiro and Trump largely stayed on comfortable turf as the crowd listened politely, applauding at the start and finish and sparingly during the 40-minute talk, with no booing. Editor's note: This article has been corrected to note there was applause during Ivanka Trump's talk. Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today Partly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low --11C. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low --24C. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Russian and Turkish President Vladimir Putin and Recep Erdogan issued a statement following their meeting in Istanbul. According to them, the assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani undermines stability and security in the region. Today's launch of the TurkStream gas pipeline is a vivid example of such mutually beneficial relations, the leaders said noting they are satisfied that their cooperation not only serves the interests of the two peoples, but also contributes to solving regional problems. The two also touched upon the situation in Iran, and expressed deep concern about the escalation of tension between the US and Iran, as well as its negative consequences for Iraq. According to them, the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani is an act that undermines security and stability in the region. What comes to Irans ballistic missile strikes against coalition military bases in Iraq on January 8, 2020, they believe that exchanging strikes and using force by either side does not contribute to finding solutions to the Middle East issues and lead to a new round of instability, not meeting any interests. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to preserve the sovereignty, independence, political unity and territorial integrity of Syria and highlighted their determination to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as well as to counteract separatist agendas in Syria. The two noted the need to establish a peace in the Idlib de-escalation zone through the full implementation of all Idlib accords. Putin and Erdogan have also discussed Libyan issue. We have decided to take the initiative and, as intermediaries, call on all parties in Libya to stop hostilities as of 00.00 hours on 12 January, declare a sustainable cease-fire, supported by the necessary measures to be taken for stabilizing the situation on the ground and normalizing daily life in Tripoli and other cities, and immediately come together around a negotiating table with a view to putting an end to the sufferings of the Libyan people and bring back peace and prosperity to the country," Daily Sabah reported quoting a statement. TEHRAN, Iran - The latest on U.S.-Iran tensions after the U.S. airstrike that killed Irans top general (all times local): 2:10 a.m. Iran is informing the United Nations that it took a measured and proportionate military response to the U.S. airstrike that killed its top military commander and does not seek escalation or war. But Irans U.N. Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi warned that Tehran would vigorously respond to any further military adventurism against it and any aggression. Ravanchi said in a letter late Wednesday to the U.N. Security Council and to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that in the early morning hours of Jan. 8, Iran targeted an American air base in Iraq from which the cowardly armed attack against martyr (Qassem) Soleimani was launched. He said Iran was exercising its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter. The operation was precise and targeted military objectives thus leaving no collateral damage to civilians assets in the area, Ravanchi said. ___ 1:50 a.m. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says he believes Irans missile strikes on two Iraqi bases were intended to kill Americans. Milley and Defence Secretary Mark Esper told reporters that 11 ballistic missiles that landed at al-Asad air base in western Iraq inflicted moderate damage, such as destroying or damaging tents and a helicopter, but no Americans were killed or injured. I believe based on what I saw and what I know is that they were intended to cause structural damage, destroy vehicles and equipment and aircraft and to kill personnel, Milley said. Milley said the fact that no one was killed was due to the defensive procedures and the effectiveness of U.S. early warning system. ___ 0:45 p.m. A handful of major shippers operating in the Persian Gulf are curtailing operations there. Several oil tankers operated by major players have diverted away from the Persian Gulf or delayed loading by several days. Thats according to Reid IAnson, global energy economist at Kpler, a data intelligence company. IAnson said a tanker chartered by Brazilian oil giant Petrobras was supposed to load up with oil in Basra on Jan. 5, but instead it left the Persian Gulf empty. He said another tanker operated by a major oil shipper has been idling in the Arabian Sea for about a week. IAnson says the disruptions are minor right now. But he said thats a lot of money to be out in the sea with no oil going nowhere. In 2018, some 21 million barrels per day passed through the Strait, a narrow waterway which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. One-fifth of the oil consumed by the world passes through the narrow waterway, which Iranian officials threatened to close in April in response to U.S. sanctions. ___ 8:45 p.m. Turkeys national airline has temporarily cancelled flights to Iran and Iraq. The official Anadolu news agency said Wednesday that Turkish Airlines flights would be suspended as a precaution until 1800 GMT Thursday. Turkish Airlines flights will not use Iraqi and Iranian airspaces during this time and planes would change their routes, the agency said. Commercial airlines are rerouting flights throughout the Middle East to avoid potential danger during heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. Also Wednesday, a Ukrainian passenger jet crashed shortly after taking off from Irans capital killing 167 passengers and nine crew members just hours after Irans ballistic missile attack. Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue. ___ 8:12 p.m. President Donald Trump says he is going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East. Trump spoke during an address Wednesday from the White House after Iran struck back at the United States for killing its most powerful military commander. Trump has frequently criticized NATO as obsolete and has encouraged participants to beef up their military spending. He cited more reliance on NATO while also seeking to emphasize U.S. military strength. He said American military and economic strength is the best deterrence to war. Trump also used his address to speak directly to Iran, saying we want you to have a future and a great future. He said the United States is ready to embrace peace and all who seek it. ____ 8:10 p.m. President Donald Trump says the U.S. will immediately impose new sanctions on Iran in response to its missile attacks on military bases in Iraq that house American troops. In an address to the nation Wednesday, Trump said those new powerful sanctions will remain until Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions and ends its support for terrorism. Trump also said he would ask NATO to become more involved in the Middle East. That seems to indicate continued U.S. involvement in the region despite Trumps desire to withdraw troops from what he calls endless wars. At the same time, Trump says the United State is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. ___ 8:05 p.m. President Donald Trump says the American people should be extremely grateful and happy that no Americans were harmed when Iran launched ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops early Wednesday. Trump says Iran appears to be standing down and is crediting an early warning system that worked very well for the fact that no Americans or Iraqis were killed. The launch was Tehrans most brazen direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and came days after Trump authorized the targeted killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Quds Force. Iran had pledged to retaliate, bringing the two countries closer to the brink of war. Trump added: We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! ___ 7:55 p.m. Oxfam says it is restricting its humanitarian work in Iraq due to serious security concerns following Iranian missile attacks on military bases hosting U.S. troops there. Oxfams Iraq country director said in a statement Wednesday that humanitarian work, including cash aid, had been suspended in some areas of the country owing to travel difficulties and checkpoints on in remote areas. It added that some Oxfam staff had been relocated to other areas over fears of more violence. Andres Gonzalez Rodriguez added that if the organization was forced to continue the suspension of aid for a few weeks, 100,000 of the most vulnerable people will be affected. Oxfam runs 26 programs in five Iraqi governorates providing water and sanitation, food, cash and protection assistance, the statement said. ___ 7:45 p.m. The U.N.s head Antonio Guterres is renewing his passionate appeal for peace, stressing that the world cannot afford a war in the Persian Gulf. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric reiterated on Wednesday the secretary-generals appeal to world leaders to stop escalation and re-start dialogue. His appeal followed Irans ballistic missile launches at two bases in Iraq where U.S. troops are based, that was in response to the U.S. killing of the top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani earlier this week. The U.N. says Guterres is continuing contacts with key parties, stressing: It is our common duty to make every effort to avoid a war in the Gulf that the world cannot afford. ___ 7:25 p.m. Denmarks prime minister says it will relocate some of its 141 troops in Iraq to neighbouring Kuwait. Mette Frederiksen added Wednesday that Danish forces will continue with their mission to counter the Islamic State in Iraq, leaving behind 30-40 troops. Frederiksen told a news conference that the move was temporary, without providing further details. She added: We are deeply worried about the situation. There are 133 Danish troops at Ain al-Asad air base where they train and advise Iraqi forces. The base was hit early Wednesday by an Iranian missile attack but no Danish forces were wounded, the prime minister said. On top of that there are 8 Danish soldiers with the NATO mission in Iraq in Baghdad that have already been moved to Kuwait. ___ 7:15 p.m. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a joint statement after a closed-door meeting on Mideast security are warning that the further use of force would lead to a new cycle of instability and would eventually damage everyones interests. Their statement Wednesday expressed deep concern about the escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran after Tehran fired ballistic missiles at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. Iran retaliated after the U.S. killed its top general in a drone strike last week, which Erdogan and Putin called an act undermining security and stability in the region. The Turkish and Russian leaders said they have always been against foreign interventions, unilateral military actions and sectarian conflicts and they called for de-escalation and diplomacy. Erdogan also vowed to work diplomatically to calm soaring tensions between Washington and Tehran, saying that no one has the right to throw the region, especially Iraq, into a new ring of fire for their personal gain. 7 p.m. The United Arab Emirates is seeking to allay concerns it has been impacted or is a target in tensions between its ally the United States and its regional neighbour Iran. The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said tensions in the region will not affect citizens, residents or visitors. It stressed that sectors across the country are operating normally. Also Wednesday, the financial and tourist hub of Dubai said rumours being circulated regarding security threats targeting the emirate are fake and havent been issued from any official Iranian government source. The UAE, which has supported maximum pressure on Iran, has called for de-escalation. 6:40 p.m. The White House says President Donald Trump plans to address the nation at 11 a.m. local time Wednesday (1600 GMT). Trump faces one of the greatest tests of his presidency now that Iran has launched ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. It was Irans most brazen assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Irans missile strikes were in retaliation for last weeks American drone strike that killed Irans top general. Trump huddled with his national security advisers to weigh a response. Top Senate Democrats are citing deep concern about the lack of information coming from the Trump administration about the Iran operation. 6:25 p.m. Pakistans prime minister has stressed the need to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. In a Twitter post, Imran Khan added that he is sending his foreign minister to Iran, Saudi Arabia and United States to meet with counterparts. Regional tensions remain high after Iran fired missiles at two bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces in retaliation for the U.S. killing of its top military commander. During a meeting Wednesday with Omans minister for religious affairs, the Pakistani leader reiterated that his country will not be part of any conflict in the region. Also Wednesday, Pakistans military said the U.S. defence secretary has discussed the Middle East situation with Pakistans army chief, saying Washington does not want to seek a conflict but will respond forcefully if necessary. 5:45 p.m. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has condemned what he called Irans reckless and dangerous missile attacks on bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops, and he called for urgent de-escalation by Tehran and Washington. Johnson also said Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander killed in a U.S. airstrike last week, had the blood of British troops on his hands. Britains main opposition Labour Party has suggested the U.S. may have broken international law by killing Soleimani. Johnson told British lawmakers on Wednesday that the strict issue of legality is not for the U.K. to determine since it was not our operation. But I think most reasonable people would accept that the United States has the right to protect its bases and its personnel. The Trump administration alleges that Soleimani had been plotting new attacks just before he was killed. 5:30 p.m. Iraqs presidency has condemned Iranian missile strikes on two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. troops, reiterating its rejection of breaches of Iraqs sovereignty. Barham Salehs office also said in a statement that the fate of U.S. troops in Iraq is an internal matter based on legal agreements to combat the Islamic State group. The statement adds that Iraq has previously declared its refusal to be a starting point for aggression against any country, and also refuses to be a source of threat to any of its neighbours. The Iraqi prime minister has publicly said U.S. troops must leave after a drone strike killed Irans top military commander in Baghdad, and parliament has passed a non-binding resolution pushing for withdrawal. 5:10 p.m. NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg has condemned Irans missile strike against U.S. forces in Iraq, while a NATO official says there were no casualties among the military alliances personnel in the country. The Iraqi mission consists of several hundred staff from allied nations and non-NATO countries. In a message to The Associated Press, the NATO official who was not authorized to speak publicly said they were keeping the situation under close review. Meanwhile, in a message posted on Twitter, Stoltenberg urged Iran to refrain from further violence. NATO last week said it had suspended a training mission for Iraqi soldiers after the U.S. killing of top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Stoltenberg said allies remain committed to the training mission in Iraq. 4:50 p.m. An official says the Cyprus government has approved a U.S. request to temporarily deploy a rapid reaction team to help evacuate personnel from U.S. diplomatic missions in nearby countries if needed. Cyprus government spokesman Kyriakos Koushios said Wednesday the team also will be tasked with evacuating U.S. civilians from the region in the event of an emergency. The development comes after Iran fired more than 20 missiles overnight at bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Irans top military commander. Koushios said the east Mediterranean island nation granted permission as part of its long-standing policy to offer assistance to missions of a humanitarian nature following requests from non-European Union member countries. He said Cyprus has excellent relations with eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern nations. 4:10 p.m. Turkeys foreign minister will visit Iraq on Thursday as part of diplomatic efforts to alleviate the escalated tension in the region, a ministry statement said. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also spoke with his Iranian counterpart Wednesday after Iran fired more than 20 missiles overnight at bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Irans top military commander last week in Baghdad. Turkey has called for calm and expressed concern about regional security after the U.S. drone strike. Turkey shares a border with Iran and Iraq and is engaged militarily in northern Iraq against Kurdish militants. 3:50 p.m. Slovenias defence ministry says its six soldiers stationed in northern Iraq with a German-led training mission will be evacuated after their base came under Irans missile attack in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Irans top general. The Slovenian ministry said Wednesday the soldiers were unhurt in the attack near Irbil as they were in the bases shelter during the strike. The ministry said the evacuation will be conducted in co-operation with the German partners. It did not say where the soldiers will go. 3:30 p.m. The Syrian government is expressing full solidarity with Iran, saying Tehran has the right to defend itself in the face of American threats and attacks. The foreign ministry said in a statement Wednesday that Syria holds the American regime responsible for all the repercussions due to its reckless policy and arrogant mentality. The statement came after Iran fired more than 20 missiles overnight at bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Irans top military commander last week in Baghdad. Syria is Irans strongest ally in the Arab world, and Tehran sent thousands of Iran-backed fighters to join President Bashar Assads forces in the countrys civil war. 3:10 p.m. One analyst says Irans missile strike against U.S. forces in Iraq was the smallest attack that Iran could carry out while at the same time being able to say they got revenge. Peter Viggo Jakobsen, an associate professor with the Royal Danish Defence College, added Wednesday that Iran has done all that is possible to avoid American casualties. If what we hear is correct, they have warned the Americans in advance. He told Denmarks TV2 channel the Iranians are doing all they can to avoid an American military response as harsh as President Donald Trump has promised. I would be deeply surprised if the Americans choose to respond militarily again, he said. 2:30 p.m. Italy has condemned Irans missile strikes against the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq and repeated its call for de-escalation of tensions. Italy has some 900 troops in Iraq, based in Baghdad and Irbil, that are involved in training Iraqi troops and in fighting the Islamic State group. There has been no report from any member of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq about casualties among their forces. After a U.S. drone strike killed Irans top general last week, Italian news reports said Italy had transferred some troops from a Baghdad base to a more secure location. Italys Foreign Ministry again urged European allies to work for dialogue, according to a statement. 2:15 p.m. The Iraqi prime ministry says Iran notified Iraq shortly after midnight that its response to the killing of its top military commander had begun, and that retaliation would be limited to locations where the U.S. military is present. Adel Abdul-Mahdis office said in a statement Wednesday that Iraq was simultaneously informed by the Americans that military bases in Ain al-Asad and Irbil were under missile attack. The office says it has received no reports of casualties on the Iraqi side and has not been officially notified of any losses among the U.S.-led coalition. Iraq refuses any violation of its sovereignty and any attacks on its territory, the statement said. It added that Iraq is doing everything in its power to contain the situation to avoid a devastating all-out war. 2:05 p.m. Polands Foreign Ministry says its ambassador to Iraq, Beata Peksa, has been evacuated to Poland for security reasons amid the rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The evacuation was at Britains request because Polands diplomatic mission is located in the British Embassy. According to Polands Foreign Ministry only the ambassador was evacuated while its embassy in Baghdad continues its work. Poland is one of several European countries that has said their troops in Iraq were not harmed in the Iranian missile strike overnight that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops. 1:55 p.m. Chinese media reports say state oil company China National Petroleum Corporation has evacuated about 20 employees from the West Qurna-1 oil field in Iraq as a result of the rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran. No details were given, and company spokespeople could not immediately be reached for comment. The news followed the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops. The attack was in retaliation for a U.S. drone strike that killed Irans top commander last week near the Baghdad airport. 1:45 p.m. The U.S. Embassy in Jordan has issued a security warning to American government personnel to avoid non-essential movements following the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in neighbouring Iraq housing U.S. troops. In a tweet Wednesday, the embassy says that out of an abundance of caution American children should also be kept home from school. The embassy in Amman remains open. 1:30 p.m. Anti-government protesters in Iraq have set fires and closed streets near Baghdads Tahrir Square during a demonstration against the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops. The Iranian attack was in retaliation for a U.S. drone strike that killed top Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week near the Baghdad airport. About 100 protesters took part in Wednesday mornings demonstration near Tahrir, the epicenter of Iraqs protest movement. The protesters carrying Iraqi flags shouted Iran out, out! before they were dispersed by security forces. The protesters who rose up against their countrys ruling elite in October, accusing them of corruption, have also been revolting against neighbouring Irans military and political involvement. 1:20 p.m. Finlands defence forces say they received advance warning of the Iranian missile strike against bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops. The defence forces gave no details Wednesday, Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat reported. They added that Finnish troops at the base in Irbil that was targeted were were protected in a bomb shelter and were not hurt. Irbil is the capital of Iraqs self-governing Kurdish region. 12:55 p.m. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has condemned the Iranian missile strike against bases hosting coalition forces in Iraq and urged Iran to refrain from further military action. The Ministry of Defence said Wednesday there were no British casualties in the attack launched in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that killed Irans top Revolutionary Guard commander, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad last week. U.S. officials have said there are no immediate reports of U.S. casualties. We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation, Raab said. A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh (the Islamic State group) and other terrorist groups. Coalition forces are in Iraq to train local forces to fight the extremists. Tom Tugendhat, the chairman of the defence committee during the previous Parliament, told the BBC it would be extremely welcome if Irans action marked the end of tensions and both sides could get back to talking. 12:05 p.m. Chinas foreign ministry is expressing concern about the spike in tensions in the Middle East and says it hopes matters can swiftly cool off. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters Wednesday that Beijing has called for restraint by all sides and is in close consultation with the governments involved, including at the United Nations and through Chinas embassy in Baghdad. He spoke after the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces but did not address it directly. Geng also accused the U.S. of abusing the rights of people in the region through its military actions. 11:50 a.m. Germany has condemned the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said Wednesday the government rejects this aggression in the sharpest possible terms. She told German public broadcaster ARD that its now particularly up to the Iranians not to engage in further escalation. None of the German troops stationed in Iraq were injured. It joined several European countries in saying their troops in Iraq were not harmed, including France, Poland, Denmark and Finland. 11:35 a.m. At least one missile from the Iranian strike against U.S. forces in Iraq on Wednesday landed in a field near Bardarash, about 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Irbil, the capital of Iraqs self-governing Kurdish region. An Iraqi Kurdish channel, Rudaw TV, showed video of police inspecting the impact site and removing shrapnel. No casualties were reported but residents said the earth shook upon impact, and one man was seen cleaning up slight damage to his house on a nearby street. The Kurdish region hosts American military forces at its main airport just outside Irbil. 11:15 a.m. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an address to the nation says we slapped them (Americans) on the face last night with a missile strike but military action is not enough. He spoke hours after the strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Irans top military commander in Baghdad. Khamenei added that the corrupt presence of the U.S. in the region should come to an end, saying it has caused war, division, and destruction. Irans supreme leader also invoked the virtues of the slain commander, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, saying he was a great, brave warrior and dear friend to us. Huge crowds in Iran have mourned Soleimanis death last week in the airstrike in Baghdad. 10:45 a.m. A Russian lawmaker warns that a conflict between the U.S. and Iran might lead to a nuclear war. The comments by Vladimir Dzhabarov, lawmaker with Russias upper house of parliament, on Wednesday followed an Iranian missile strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing Irans top military commander in Baghdad. Reciprocal strikes by the U.S. and Iran may lead to an all-out war in the region, Dzhabarov said. If Washington sees that it cant achieve its goals, theres a danger of a nuclear war. The Russian lawmaker said the U.N. Security Council should get involved to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. Iraqs military says it had no troop casualties in the Iranian strike, and President Donald Trump tweeted thatAll is well! as casualty and damage assessments are ongoing. 10:30 a.m. The Iraqi military says there are no casualties among its troops as a result of an Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The military said in a statement carried by the state news agency Wednesday that the attack lasted half an hour, starting at 1:45 a.m. local time. The statement said 22 missiles were fired. Seventeen missiles hit al-Asad air base, including two that did not explode in the Hitan area west of the town of Hit. Five other missiles hit the northern region of Irbil. 9 a.m. The energy minister of the United Arab Emirates says he sees no immediate shortages in oil supplies, but that OPEC will be called in if there is an issue. The situation is not currently a war situation, Suhail Al-Mazrouei told reporters Wednesday. We are all hoping for deescalation. I think wisdom will prevail despite the tension. He spoke after an Iranian missile strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing an Iranian general in Baghdad. He said even in past times of war, the flow of oil has been maintained. So lets not exaggerate whats happening. There is no risk that we have seen to the Strait of Hormuz or the movement of oil yet, Al-Mazrouei said, referring to the narrow waterway between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran through which 20% of the worlds oil passes through. He spoke reporters in Abu Dhabi at the Gulf Intelligences UAE Energy Forum. Brent crude oil has jumped to around $70 a barrel amid heightened concerns over tensions between Iran and the United States. ___ 7:40 a.m. Japan says it will urge governments to do their utmost to help ease tensions following an Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The strike came in retaliation for the killing of an Iranian general. Japanese Chief Cabinet spokesman Yoshihide Suga said Wednesday that his government will co-ordinate with the related governments to collect intelligence while we ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in the region. He added: Japan will also urge all related nations to do their utmost diplomatic effort to improve the relations. He said Japan remained on track to soon deploy a warship to the Gulf to help safeguard Japanese vessels and oil tankers transiting the area. ___ 7:15 a.m. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says all of his countrys troops and diplomatic staff in Iraq are safe after Irans firing of missiles at two military bases there. Around 300 Australian defence personnel are stationed in Iraq. Morrison said he spoke with President Donald Trump about the situation between the U.S. and Iran on Tuesday during a call about the wildfires raging in Australia. Sepaking to reporters Wednesday, Morrison said in reference to the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani: The United States have taken the action that they have to address what has been intelligence that they say that they received, which was putting their interests at risks and under threat. ___ 6:45 a.m. President Donald Trump says All is well! after more than a dozen Iranian missiles were fired at two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq. Trump tweets that casualty and damage assessments are ongoing but adds, So far, so good! He says he will be making a statement on the strikes Wednesday morning. Iranian state TV says the missile strikes were retaliation for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying. __ 6:05 a.m. Irans foreign minister is calling Tuesday nights ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops proportionate measures in self-defence. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has also tweeted, We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. His tweet follows the missile attack in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike last week in Baghdad. __ 6 a.m. Iran has buried a top Revolutionary Guard general slain by U.S. airstrike in Baghdad after a stampede at his funeral killed 56 and Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing American troops in response. Officials lowered the shroud-wrapped remains of Qassem Soleimani into the ground in the southeastern city of Kerman just before 6 a.m. Wednesday. Mourners at the grave site wailed. Soleimanis death in the airstrikes has drastically raised tensions between Tehran and Washington. Iran launched a ballistic missile attack just hours earlier on two Iraqi bases housing American troops. __ 5:55 a.m. A U.S. official says there were very few, if any, casualties from Tuesday nights Iranian missile attack on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in advance of a Pentagon briefing. The official says 15 missiles were fired. Ten struck the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province. One struck a base in Irbil in Iraqs semiautonomous Kurdish region. Four missiles failed to hit their targets. The official says the bases are still being searched for casualties. Iranian state TV says the missile strikes were retaliation for the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying. Lolita C. Baldor __ 5:10 a.m. The Federal Aviation Administration is barring U.S. pilots and carriers from flying in areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace. The agency is warning of the potential for miscalculation or mis-identification for civilian aircraft amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The emergency flight restrictions follow ballistic missile strikes Tuesday on two Iraqi bases that house U.S. troops. Such restrictions are often precautionary in nature to prevent civilian aircraft from being confused for ones engaged in armed conflict. The FAA says the restrictions are being issued due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations. __ 4:30 a.m. Vice-President Mike Pence has briefed top Democrats in Congress on the Iranian strikes on installations in Iraq holding U.S. forces. Aides to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer both confirmed the lawmakers spoke with the vice-president by telephone Tuesday. Justin Goodman, a spokesman for Schumer, says the New York Democrat is closely monitoring the situation and is praying for the safety of service members and other personnel. Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill tweeted that the speaker returned a call from the vice-president moments after presiding over the House. Katie Waldman, a spokeswoman for the vice-president, says Pence has been in continuous contact with national security officials and made calls to congressional leadership at President Donald Trumps direction. __ 3:45 a.m. The Pentagon is confirming that Iran has launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two targets hosting against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. Defence Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman says It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran. He says the attacks targeted at least two Iraqi military bases at Ain Assad and Irbil. Hoffman says the U.S. is working on initial battle damage assessments. Iranian state TV says the attack was in revenge for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose funeral Tuesday prompted angry calls to avenge his death. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - Sri Lankan police have suspended a leading investigator who probed the killings of journalists and alleged abductions during the presidency of the current presidents brother for discussing a politically sensitive murder case in a phone call with a government minister. The police spokesmans office said in a statement Wednesday that the phone conversation between Senior Superintendent of Police Shani Abeysekara and Ranjan Ramanayake, a former minister and now an opposition lawmaker, had marred the police departments image. Police did not give details of the phone call, but government politicians have circulated recordings of a conversation purportedly between Abeysekara and Ramanayake in which the two discuss sending a politician loyal to current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa to jail for the 2011 murder of a political rival. The case did not make headway until a new government took over after Mahinda Rajapaksa lost the 2015 presidential election. The recorded phone conversation was made public after police arrested Ramanayake last weekend for possessing an unlicensed pistol. Opposition members said Ramanayakes arrest was a political vendetta for his criticism of Gotabaya Rajapaksa during the campaign for the November 2019 presidential election that brought Gotabaya Rajapaksa to power. Ramanayake was a strong critic of alleged corruption and nepotism by the Rajapaksas. Ramanayake was the third opposition politician to be arrested within weeks of Rajapaksas election. Previously, two former Cabinet ministers were arrested and released on bail. Shortly after Rajapaksas election, Abeysekara was removed from his position as head of the polices Criminal Investigation Department and transferred in what appeared to be a demotion. Abeysekara was heading police investigations into alleged abductions, torture, killings and enforced disappearances of journalists and activists while Rajapaksa was defence chief during his brothers presidency. The opposition said Abeysekaras removal was intended to disrupt ongoing police investigations into alleged crimes and corruption by Mahinda Rajapaksas government while he was president. Just after Gotabaya Rajapaksa assumed the presidency, another key police investigator, Nishantha Silva, fled to Switzerland. Silva was a junior officer to Abeysekara. Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been accused as defence chief of overseeing what were known as white van abduction squads that whisked away critics. Some were returned after being tortured, while others were never seen again. He has denied the allegations. The new year will bring new opportunities for those in Midland County struggling with mental health, as the 42nd Circuit Court will be officially opening its mental health court program by the end of the month. A mental health court is a specialized court that links offenders with mental health assessment and treatment programs in cases where they might otherwise face prison time. Judge Stephen Carras will oversee the program. He said the inspiration to introduce a mental health court came after years of observing people going through Midland's court systems, and witnessing the need for this type of specialized court. Following approval from the Midland County Board of Commissioners at its Dec. 17, 2019 meeting, the position of the program's coordinator was posted to the county's website. "(The year) 2020 will be the first that we delve into that area, and I'm really optimistic at how that's going to impact people that are coming through the system," said Bridgette Gransden, Midland County administrator/controller. Until a new coordinator is officially hired, Carras said Brionna Varner, who serves as the coordinator for the the circuit court's MiHOPE program, will be filling in as interim coordinator. The program's first "team meeting" will take place Jan. 23, during which Varner will speak with a group of the program's organizers to discuss the first round of admissions to the program. After the initial meeting, enrollees in the program will meet on Thursday mornings every second week. "It's a model similar to what our Midland County Drug Court does, which Judge (Michael) Beale runs," Carras said. The establishment of the new court was made possible by a grant for the State of Michigan to the amount of $40,290. A large portion of the funds will go toward hiring a part-time coordinator, with other costs including the hiring of a liaison with Community Mental Health for Central Michigan, establishing a drug-testing process, and purchasing miscellaneous office supplies. According to the job description, the coordinator will be responsible for all aspects of the administration and coordination of services through the program, and will perform administrative functions, including grant writing, billing, submitting specialized reports, data tracking and other duties required for the overall sustainability of the program. Rob Gibson There's something about Inglis Place that is attracting late night thieves. For the second time in a month, a thief was caught on video surveillance trying to get into vehicles along the street, shortly before 3:30 a.m. Monday. "They are definitely targeting the neighbourhood. I don't understand why," said Nick, who provided Castanet with his surveillance video. The video shows a woman walking up his driveway, peering through the window of two vehicles, then trying the door handles before moving on. Nick says the unknown woman was apparently dropped off in a white Toyota Rav 4 before scouring the neighbourhood. "Last time, it was a guy. This time, it's a female," he said. A neighbour's SUV was apparently broken into. Last month, a vehicle was stolen. FUNDAMENTALS * Spot gold climbed 1.9% to $1,603.21 per ounce by 0056 GMT. Prices hit their highest since March 2013 at $1,610.90 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures rose 2% to $1,605.80. * The jump in the price of what's viewed by investors as a safer asset in times of political and economic uncertainty came after Iran's missile attack on U.S.-led forces in Iraq early on Wednesday. The attack came hours after the funeral of an Iranian commander whose killing in a U.S. drone strike has raised fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. * The United States confirmed reports of the attack by Iran and said President Donald Trump had been briefed and the situation was being monitored. * On the trade front, in a move that would make it tough for Beijing to meet import commitments in its 'Phase 1' trade deal with the United States, China will not increase its annual low-tariff import quotas for corn, wheat and rice to accommodate additional purchases of U.S. farm goods. * Elsewhere, palladium hit a fresh all-time peak of $2,056.01 an ounce earlier in the session on a sustained supply deficit, and was last down 0.6% to $2,040.57. * Silver jumped 1.2% to $18.60 per ounce, after hitting its highest since late September at $18.71, while platinum advanced 0.3% to $973.95. DATA/EVENTS (GMT) 0700 Germany Industrial Orders MM Nov 0745 France Reserve Assets Total Dec 0830 UK Halifax House Prices MM Dec 1000 EU Consumer Confid. Final Dec (Reporting by Asha Sistla in Bengaluru; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell) WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump appeared to hold his fire Wednesday in America's standoff with Iran, opting instead to promise fresh economic sanctions, prod NATO allies to do more and demand an end to a "very defective" international deal that aspired to slow Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in Washington, accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and others. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump appeared to hold his fire Wednesday in America's standoff with Iran, opting instead to promise fresh economic sanctions, prod NATO allies to do more and demand an end to a "very defective" international deal that aspired to slow Tehran's nuclear ambitions. After a nervous night that began with a barrage of Iranian missiles raining down on two Iraqi military bases where U.S. soldiers are stationed, Americans tuned in to hear just to how their famously unpredictable president might respond. But Trump, flanked by senior members of his national security team, appeared willing to take advantage of an opening that some observers speculated might have been there by design: the fact that none of Iran's missiles fired in retribution for last week's killing of Maj.-Gen. Qassem Soleimani drew any American blood. "All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases," the president said in a statement from the White House. "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all concerned, and a very good thing for the world." Instead, Trump aimed his trademark ire at two of his favourite rhetorical targets: the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a multilateral agreement reached in 2015 under Barack Obama that was supposed to discourage Iran's nuclear program, and NATO, a military alliance the president believes has left the U.S. with an unfair share of its burden. "Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism," he said. "The time has come for the U.K., Germany, France, Russia and China to recognize this reality; they must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal ... and we must all work together towards making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place." He said the "very defective" Obama-era agreement, which the Trump administration abandoned in 2018, is too short-term and too lax and gives Iran a "clear and quick path" towards developing a nuclear arsenal. "Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon," Trump said. Iran declared after Soleimani's death that it would no longer abide by the limits on enrichment of nuclear fuel imposed by the 2015 deal a deal the federal Liberal government in Canada has championed as an important international effort to keep the world safe from nuclear proliferation. Just last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Charles Michel, president of the European Council, reiterated their collective support for the agreement and its role in promoting regional stability in the Middle East. Trump, who regularly criticizes NATO allies for what he characterizes as their failure to shoulder a fair share of the burden, also said he would ask NATO to become "much more involved" in the Middle East. A NATO readout of Trump's call with Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg later Wednesday said the two "agreed that NATO could contribute more to regional stability and the fight against international terrorism" something the alliance already does through its training efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Trump and Trudeau also discussed the situation in Iran and NATO's role in the Middle East during a phone call Wednesday, the prime minister told a news conference in Ottawa. "He recognized the important role that the international community can play in supporting the move towards a more stable Iraq," Trudeau said, citing Canada's role in NATO's efforts to train local forces as part of the ongoing mission against the Islamic State group. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Canada is already one of the countries doing the most in that regard, he said, "but there are always going to be more reflections on what are the next steps to take, given the current circumstances and the path forward that partners in the region and global partners will be looking at." Trump made no explicit demands of Canada in that regard, he added. Gen. Jonathan Vance, Canada's chief of the defence staff, said in French that Canadian soldiers who along with American personnel have been gradually relocating to Kuwait this week are prepared to continue with the anti-ISIL mission if circumstances permit. Vance acknowledged the heightened risk but noted Canadian forces are taking all the necessary security precautions. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2020. Follow James McCarten on Twitter @CdnPressStyle Add CoolSocial badge. Show it by adding this HTML code on your site: Marksandspencerecards.com scored 44 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 27 Dec 2012, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. Add a widget like this on your site: click here The total number of people who shared the marksandspencerecards homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the marksandspencerecards homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if marksandspencerecards has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the marksandspencerecards homepage on Delicious. The total number of people who shared the marksandspencerecards homepage on StumbleUpon. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the marksandspencerecards homepage on Twitter + the total number of marksandspencerecards followers (if marksandspencerecards has a Twitter account). Basic Information PAGE TITLE Free ecards | E-cards | Marks and Spencer Ecards | Send free Ecards | Greeting Ecards | Free Ecar DESCRIPTION Send a free Marks and Spencer Ecard for any occasion to your friends and family. We have lots of fantastic free Ecards for you to choose from KEYWORDS Free ecards, Send free ecard, E-cards, Marks and Spencer ecards, greeting ecards, Free ecard, greeting ecards, greeting cards, ecards ecards, greeting cards, ecards for free, birthday greetings, free online ecard OTHER KEYWORDS CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The title found in the head section of the homepage. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. Domain and Server DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Strict CHARSET AND LANGUAGE English (United Kingdom) UTF-8English (United Kingdom) DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Microsoft-IIS/6.0 (ASP.NET) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2003 The language of marksandspencerecards.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Type of server and offered services. Character set and language of the site. Operative System running on the server. Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world. Referring domains for marksandspencerecards.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines. Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK NOT FOUND Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. The type of Facebook page. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. The URL of the found Facebook page. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND A Russian politician has warned that tit-for-tat reprisals between the US and Iran in the wake of the killing of Qassem Soleimani could spark nuclear war. Vladimir Dzhabarov, a senior lawmaker in Russia's parliament, urged against escalation in the wake of Iranian ballistic missile strikes on Iraqi bases housing US troops in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The strike was in retaliation for the US killing Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on Friday night. Vladimir Dzhabarov, a senior lawmaker in Russia's parliament, urged against escalation in the wake of Iranian ballistic missile strikes on Iraqi bases housing US troops in the early hours of Wednesday morning Iran has fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq that was visited by Donald Trump in December 2018 and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) 'Reciprocal strikes by the U.S. and Iran may lead to an all-out war in the region,' Dzhabarov said. 'If Washington sees that it can't achieve its goals, there's a danger of a nuclear war.' The Russian lawmaker said the U.N. Security Council should get involved to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran's defence minister Amir Hatami said their response to US retaliation would be proportional to what the the US would do. Iraq's military says it had no troop casualties in the Iranian strike, and President Donald Trump tweeted that'All is well!' as casualty and damage assessments are ongoing. Mr Dzhabarov's remarks came as Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared it had given its enemy America 'a slap in the face' after pounding two Iraqi bases containing US troops with a stream of ballistic missiles. The Muslim cleric addressed the nation in Tehran and hinted at more attacks retaliation for the assassination of his top general Qassem Soleimani The Muslim cleric addressed the nation in Tehran and hinted at more attacks saying last night's military retaliation for the assassination of his top general Qassem Soleimani is still 'not sufficient' revenge. Ayatollah Khamenei said: 'Last night we slapped them on the face. When it comes to confrontation, military actions of these kinds are not enough. The corrupt presence of the US should come to an end'. As his supporters chanted 'Death to America', many of them in tears, Khamenei praised Soleimani calling him a 'great, brave warrior' and 'dear friend to us.' He also accused the US of trying to remove Lebanon's Iranian-aligned militant group Hezbollah in its bid to help Israel. Donald Trump has said there were no US casualties - but Iranian state television said at least 80 'American terrorists' were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles launched by Tehran. The Pentagon says the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq It also said US helicopters and military equipment were 'severely damaged', adding Iran's Revolutionary Guards had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington fought back. Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack. In a statement issued via Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, it said: 'We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted.' President Donald Trump says 'all is well' and 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties continue to be assessed after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general. 'All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far,' Trump tweeted late Tuesday as he broke his silence on the missile attack. Trump said he would be making an official statement on Wednesday morning regarding the attacks. Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran 'took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence', but it is unclear whether the strikes will satisfy many Iranians' demands for retaliation against the US. The disastrous fires that have devoured southern Australia this summer seem to be entirely without precedent. Yes, there are bushfires every summer and almost inevitably the tragic loss of life and property. But no bushfire season in living memory comes near the dimensions of this catastrophe; its scale and its flow-on effects across NSW, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT have been unique. Calls for a national inquiry are growing louder. But should any inquiry be national? Why wouldn't the states hold their own? Or, as The Sydney Morning Herald editorialised on Wednesday, make it a state-run royal commission with broad powers, modelled on Victoria's inquiry into the 2009 Black Saturday fires. In the face of our worst bushfire calamity, it is the states that need to conduct their own inquiries. Credit:Nick Moir If it is to be national, lets hope its terms of reference do not include investigating the establishment of a national civil emergency authority, which would consume the usual millions of dollars, be based in Canberra and require either extensive constitutional reform or a complex set of arrangements with the states to be effective. Remember, civil emergency and law-enforcement responsibilities and land-management (including environmental) planning powers currently almost entirely sit with the states. Giving Canberra further environmental or planning powers would need a mother of a referendum and constitute a significant centralisation of power. UK productivity growth has been 'awful' over the past decade, according to a think tank. Photo: REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth Britains awful productivity growth over the past year is now the biggest threat to the size of workers pay rises, according to a leading think tank. The most recent official figures published on Wednesday showed labour productivity creeping up just 0.1% in the year up to last summer, on top of four quarters of stagnation. Katherine Kent, head of productivity at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said there had been sustained weakness since the economic downturn from 2008. Such weak growth troubles policymakers as more output per hour potentially increases salaries and profits, improves standards of living and enables the tax-take to grow, as the ONS notes. But in reality UK workers also saw a significant squeeze on pay levels in the years after the financial crisis, until higher employment eventually began to push up wages from 2017. READ MORE: UK house prices leapt at fastest pace in a year on Conservative victory Now the Resolution Foundation think tank has warned Britains disastrous productivity performance since the 2010s threatens to derail the recent recovery in wages. Weak productivity is a major brake on rising living standards, now posing the biggest threat to the UKs much needed pay recovery, said Cara Pacitti, a researcher at the think tank. She said recent real pay growth of 1.8% could not be maintained indefinitely if productivity continued to stagnate, suggesting employers may struggle to afford high pay rises. A slight pick-up in productivity growth last summer cant hide the stagnation of the past decade and even worse performance in 2019, she added. Taken together, this means that UK productivity is 22 per cent below where it would be if pre-crisis trends had continued. pic.twitter.com/e6vFAkJdgl ResolutionFoundation (@resfoundation) January 8, 2020 Analysis by the foundation suggests productivity growth averaged just 0.3% a year in the 2010s. By contrast, official figures show average growth of 2% a year in the decade before the financial crisis, which was around the historical average. Story continues Productivity in Britain is now 22% lower than where it would be if pre-crisis trends in growth had continued. Experts have been trying to understand Britains so-called productivity puzzle for years, with Britains official statistics body calling it arguably the defining economic question of our age. The ONS itself has said economic uncertainty since the financial crisis may have deterred firms from long-term investments in technology that could boost productivity. READ MORE: Businesses wince at minimum wage hike in Britains stagnant economy Firms may have boosted production instead by hiring more staff or offering more hours, preventing significant increases in output per hour worked. The Resolution Foundation called on the UK government to make raising productivity a top priority in the budget, confirmed yesterday for 11 March. Tej Parikh, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, said the lacklustre figures laid bare the challenges facing the government and also called for swift action. He said prolonged uncertainty had sapped business leaders confidence to invest, while talent shortages and infrastructure bottlenecks also constrained growth. HM Treasury said on Twitter the stats showed why we need to do more to boost productivity and unleash Britains potential. Chancellor Sajid Javid said in the Commons on Wednesday the government would invest billions in infrastructure, R&D and a new national skills fund. King Mohammed VI is spearheading efforts to safeguard water supply in Morocco through following up a national program in that respect covering 2020-2027 period. To that end, the King chaired a new meeting attended by ministers and top advisors to review the measures taken to ensure regular water supply in the country and address challenges relating to water stress. The Monarch was briefed by the cabinet on the latest developments concerning a drinking water priority program covering 2020-2027. During the meeting, water and interior ministers, overviewed the various components of the program citing notably the efforts made to secure water supply through dam construction, water management in the agricultural sector, water supply in rural areas and wastewater treatment for irrigation purposes as well as rationalization of water consumption. Morocco is expected to tender this year for a project with a capacity of 1.35 billion cubic meters of water that will meet the needs of Tangier and Oujda. Since his accession to the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI has consolidated the policy led by late King Hassan II to provide the Kingdom with water infrastructure through dams of different sizes. Morocco also plans to build 20 large dams across the country with a capacity of 5.38 billion m3, which will help reach an overall retention capacity of about 25.3 billion cubic meters. Australian cities continue to witness shrinking vacancies and inflating rent costs, both of which could spur an upward pressure on property prices this year. The national vacancy rate currently sits at 2.2%, down from 2.3% a year ago, according to SQM Research. Six of the eight capital cities have vacancy rates of below 2.5%. The other two, on the other hand, have a vacancy rate of slightly above 3%. Hotspotting director Terry Ryder said many housing markets across the country are experiencing a supply shortage as construction levels for new dwellings and listings decline. In fact, SQM Research figures show that there was a 14.8% decrease in listings in December, with Sydney and Canberra reporting the biggest declines. "This helps to explain why we have begun 2020 with prices rising in most cities and in most state regional markets," Ryder said. Of all the capital cities, Hobart remains the tightest rental market. The city currently has a vacancy rate of 0.5%. The market also remains tight in Adelaide and Canberra, where vacancy rates are at 1%. "Those three cities all recorded solid growth in rentals, for both house and apartments, over the past year," Ryder said. The market also remained tight in Melbourne, despite the slight increase in the vacancy rate at 2.2%. While vacancy rates in Brisbane and Perth hovered above 3% a year ago, they are now sitting at 2.5%. These cities are also witnessing growth in rents. The only cities where rents are not inflating are Sydney and Darwin. In these two cities, vacancy rates are more than 3%. Sydney's average vacancy rate jumped from 3.2% to 3.4%, but some parts of the city saw rates drop. "Many analysts have forecast supply to tighten further as 2020 progresses, because construction levels have dropped from the recent higher levels and listings of existing homes for sale remain lower than demand in many cities," Ryder said. The same story goes with regional markets. Vacancy rates in Victoria's Ballarat, Queensland's Mackay, and New South Wales' Dubbo are below 1.5%, helping support attractive rental yields. "Tight vacancies and rising rentals in most Australian cities suggest there will be upward pressure on prices in 2020," Ryder said. Walmart Inc. WMT is committed toward widening its assortment range to better cater to consumers needs. To this end, the worlds largest retailer has been undertaking constant moves, including alliances and buyouts, evident from its latest deal with SmileDirectClub SDC for a unique line of oral care products. SmileDirectClub has unveiled a set of superior yet reasonably-priced oral care products solely at Walmarts U.S. stores as well as its website, Walmart.com. These products include a state-of-the-art electric toothbrush, as well as bright on, which is a fine teeth whitening system. Apart from this, SmileDirectClub will offer other products at Walmart, including toothpaste for whitening and sensitivity, water flosser and smile spa, a cleaner that sanitizes toothbrush heads, dentures and retainers, among others. Apparently, this deal will make SmileDirectClub consumers the first oral care product resource in the mass retail space. This move reinforces Walmarts solid focus on enhancing assortments to boost sales. In fact, there were rumors that the company is planning to enhance its alcohol range by providing hyperlocal craft beers, high-end wines and top-shelf spirits to its liquor options. Sales-Driving Initiatives in Place Clearly, Walmart is exploiting every nook and cranny to augment store and online sales to stay firm amid the rising competition from Amazon AMZN. The big-box retailer has been on track with store remodeling to upgrade them with advanced in-store and digital innovation. Walmart is also gaining from its compelling pricing strategy. The company has been undertaking e-commerce initiatives, including buyouts and alliances, and improving delivery and payment systems. The companys contracts with Green Dot and Microsoft MSFT; buyouts of ShoeBuy, Moosejaw, Bonobos, ModCloth and Jet.com; and deal with Lord and Taylor, among others, are noteworthy. Further, buyout of a 77% stake in Flipkart is likely to bolster Walmarts e-commerce sales. Apart from this, the company is making aggressive efforts to expand in the booming online grocery space, which has long been a major contributor to its e-commerce sales. In connection with this, the company launched Walmart InHome Delivery across three markets and same-day pickup at all of Mexicos Sams Club locations. Prior to this, the company joined hands with Point Pickup, Skipcart, AxleHire and Roadie. Other than this, deals with Postmates and DoorDash along with the acquisition of Parcel reflect the companys focus on enhancing grocery sales. Story continues Backed by such endeavors, U.S. e-commerce sales surged 41% in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. E-commerce sales improved on the back of strength in online grocery. These factors keep management optimistic about achieving 35% of U.S. e-commerce sales growth in fiscal 2020. Also, these upsides are likely to bolster Walmarts U.S. sales and boost investors sentiments. Markedly, this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock has rallied 26.1% in a year, outpacing the industrys growth of 23.3%. Just Released: Zacks 7 Best Stocks for Today Experts extracted 7 stocks from the list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys that has beaten the market more than 2X over with a stunning average gain of +24.6% per year. These 7 were selected because of their superior potential for immediate breakout. See these time-sensitive tickers now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Walmart Inc. (WMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report SmileDirectClub, Inc. (SDC) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2020) - Aftermath Silver Ltd. (TSXV: AAG) (OTCQB: AAGFF)("Aftermath" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company's OTCQB trading symbol has changed, effective at the open on January 7, 2020, from FLMZF to AAGFF. The Company will continue to trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange Venture under the symbol "AAG". Trading the Company's shares on the OTCQB Market provides Aftermath Silver with a dealer market in the United States that will provide easier access for US based investors and shareholders. The OTCQB Market through its SEC registered OTC Link ATS features over 110 US broker-dealers. Aftermath has also applied for Depository Trust Company (DTC) eligibility. DTC is a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, a U.S. company that manages the electronic clearing and settlement of publicly traded companies. Aftermath has acquired 2 silver projects in northern Chile and is currently designing exploration programs for both projects. Cachinal Project, Chile Cachinal is located in Chile's Antofagasta Region (Region II), about 40 km east of the Pan American Highway, at an elevation of around 2,700 m above sea level, and 16 km north of Austral Gold's Guanaco gold-silver mine. It is a low-sulphidation epithermal deposit which hosts a current CIM compliant1 18.4 million silver ounces Indicated Mineral Resource (5.66 million tonnes of 101 g/t) and 3 million silver ounces Inferred Mineral Resource (0.82 million tonnes of 115 g/t), with associated gold credit. Challacollo Project, Chile The Challacollo project is located in Chile's Tarapaca Region (Region I). The project is approximately 30 km east of the Pan American Highway. Challacollo is a low-sulphidation epithermal deposit which hosts an historic Mineral Resource2 of 30 million silver ounces Indicated (4.7 million tonnes at 200 g/t silver) and a 6.9 million silver ounces Inferred (1.6 million tonnes of 134 g/t), with associated gold credits. Power transmission lines are located 15-30 km from the property and includes water rights. Qualified Person Peter Voulgaris, MAIG, MAusIMM, a consultant to the Company, is a non-independent qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Voulgaris has reviewed the technical content of this news release, and consents to the information provided in the form and context in which it appears. About Aftermath Silver Ltd: Aftermath Silver Ltd. is a Canadian junior exploration company engaged in acquiring, exploring, and developing mineral properties with an emphasis on silver in Chile. The Company is focused on growth through the discovery and acquisition of quality projects in stable jurisdictions. Aftermath Silver continues to seek new opportunities to take advantage of the current silver price. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Ralph Rushton" Ralph Rushton, CEO/President 604-484-7855 The TSX Venture Exchange / OTCQB does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notes on Mineral Resources 1. Cachinal Mineral Resource: For full details please see the October 30, 2019 National Instrument 43- 101 ("NI 43-101") Technical Report entitled "Amended and Restated Independent Technical Report for the Cachinal Silver-Gold Project, Region II, Chile." Prepared by the qualified persons Cole, G and Couture, J. of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. for Aftermath Silver (the "Technical Report"). A copy of the Technical Report can be found on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. 2. Challacollo Historic Mineral Resource: An independent "Qualified Person", as defined in NI 43- 101, has not done sufficient work on behalf of Aftermath to classify the historical estimate as a current indicated or inferred mineral resource, and Aftermath is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. For full details please see the March 2015 43-101 Technical Report "NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Challacollo Silver Project, Region 1, Chile" QPs Mroczek, M., Collins, and M., Butler, S. of Mining Plus Canada Consulting Ltd. and Tapia, J.C., of Sedgeman S.A. Prepared for Mandalay Resources, available on the Mandalay Resources SEDAR profile. Challacollo mineral resources were classified according to the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (December 2005). Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 60 g/t Ag. Mineral Resources are estimated using a silver price of US$24/oz, a gold price of US$1,400 per ounce, metallurgical recoveries of 92% for silver and 75% for gold, and operating costs of US$50 per tonne. A density of 2.45 g/cm 3 is used as a base density with adjustments according to the variation of the estimated barium, lead and zinc grades. No capping of Ag grades has been applied due to low grade variability. Au grades have been capped at 3 g/t for two sample composites 4.57 g/t Au and 4.11 g/t Au respectively. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements within this news release, other than statements of historical fact relating to Aftermath Silver, are to be considered forward-looking statements with respect to the Company's intentions for the Cachinal Project in Chile. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, are reliant on future events or conditions, or include words such as "expects", "goal", "potential", "anticipates", "plans", "believes", "considers", "significant", "intends", "targets", "estimates", "seeks", attempts", "assumes", and other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which, while considered reasonable by Aftermath Silver Ltd, are, by their nature, subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include: the interpretation of previous and current results, the accuracy of exploration results, the accuracy of Mineral Resource Estimates, the anticipated results of future exploration, the forgoing ability to finance these acquisitions further exploration and development, delays in the completion of exploration, the future prices of silver and gold, and other metals, and general economic, market and/or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements and assumptions will prove accurate and, therefore, readers of this news release are advised to rely on their own evaluation of the information contained within. In addition to the assumptions herein, these assumptions include the assumptions described in Aftermath Silver Ltd's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended August 31, 2019, as filed with the TSX Venture Exchange and available on SEDAR under Aftermath's profile at www.sedar.com. Although Aftermath Silver Ltd. has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual performance, achievements, actions, events, results or conditions to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements, there may be other risks, uncertainties and other factors that cause future performance to differ from what is anticipated, estimated or intended. Unless otherwise indicated, forward-looking statements contained herein are as of the date hereof and Aftermath Silver Ltd. does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date on which such statements were made, except as required by applicable law. Cautionary Note to US Investors This news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ('NI 43-101') and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Canadian public disclosure standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and information concerning mineralization, deposits, mineral reserve and resource information contained or referred to herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51239 ...as a family-owned business we are able to provide a personal-touch experience thats tailored to our clients' needs. This makes us personally invested in our clients success. Dave Krause RiseUp Technologies was recently highlighted as Most Influential Family-Owned Business of 2019 by the Los Angeles Business Journal. Family-owned businesses account for more than 60% of both the nations employment and U.S. GDP. These businesses create an internal culture of stability, commitment, and authenticity. Their prevalence speaks to the positive impact family leadership has on customers. In fact, in a 2018 study of consumers impressions of different organizations, family-owned businesses were largely considered to be more stable, approachable, trustworthy and customer-friendly than other types of companies. Employees of family-owned businesses tend to be happier and more productive as well. (Magzanyan, 2019) Dave Krause along with his sister Susan Philp manage day to day operations at Los Angeles based RiseUp Technologies. RiseUp is known to be an Elevated IT Services company dedicated to helping small to medium sized businesses scale their operations and leverage the latest technologies to increase their competitive advantage. Krause and his team support local businesses by prescribing the right technical resources and tools so that they can compete in a much larger market, without having to make significant capital investments in infrastructure or operations. In todays environment where virtually every profitable business is made or broken based on their ability to utilize technology, being influential in this area has become a paramount goal for any tech support organization. RiseUps CEO Dave Krause remarks: Influencing clients to make the right choices when it comes to technology is what we are uniquely qualified for and as a family-owned business we are able to provide a personal-touch experience thats tailored to our clients' needs. This makes us personally invested in our clients success. Krause emphasizes one of the biggest challenges most businesses face when it comes to technology is education. Most dont know what they need to thrive and grow quickly, let alone how to procure and integrate it within their current infrastructure. Theres also the massively growing concern of Cyber Security. This is a bigger problem than most realize because many businesses that get hit [with ransomware, viruses, or malware] dont report it. It would be damaging to their brand. We commonly get calls asking how to respond to an emergency situation - my response is if youre not already prepared, its sadly too late. Educating their clients has become priority for RiseUp so businesses are up to date with protection from the latest techniques hackers utilize to gain ransom payments and steal intellectual property and trade secrets. Another challenge that RiseUp helps their clientele with is leveraging the latest technologies that can turn their business from static to agile in todays developing markets. Virtual technologies have transformed the landscape in recent years providing a level of redundancy and elasticity never seen before. Coupled with the latest Cloud offerings, companies in the know can bring their entire workflow online and be able to leverage a growing pool of remote workers. RiseUps specialty has been transforming companies infrastructure and making them less location-dependant, integrating the latest cutting-edge technologies available that are delivered on point and on budget. In 2019, RiseUps CEO Dave Krause has met with multiple California Senators and Los Angeles County representatives to discuss cyber and physical security concerns affecting businesses across Los Angeles. Krause has also advised Emergency Response teams on how they can detect and mitigate some emerging technologies that have recently interfered with rescue efforts in Southern California. RiseUp encourages growing business to contact them for a free security evaluation - for more information on RiseUp Technologies, visit http://www.riseuptech.com. SCORE Association: (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/family-owned-businesses-create-78-of-new-us-jobs-and-employ-60-of-the-workforce-300613665.html) Magzanyan, A. (2019). Most Influential Family-Owned Businesses 2019 Retrieved from https://labusinessjournal.com/MostInfluentialFamilyOwned/ A top Sri Lankan police officer has been banned from travelling abroad after a leaked telephone conversation purported to be between him and a former minister revealed that he shared sensitive information with him. Shani Abeysekera, former Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), was interdicted on Tuesday by Nugegoda Magistrate's Court based on information which surfaced in a telephone conversation between him and former minister Ranjan Ramanayake of the United National Party. The police spokesman's office in a statement on Wednesday said that the phone conversation between Abeysekara and Ramanayake, now an Opposition lawmaker, had marred the police department's image. The conversation centered on some of the police investigations against the powerful Rajapaksa family between 2005 and 2015. The police had seized the tapes from Ramanayake's house last weekend when he was arrested. He was accused of trying to influence investigators and judges. The police commission ordered an investigations to be conducted against Abeysekera for breach of discipline. On Wednesday his passport was impounded by the court preventing his foreign travel. Abeysekera was transferred out from his crime investigation police role to a province immediately after the presidential election held in November. It was only last week that he had filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court to prevent his transfer. Ramanayake's voice recordings with top investigators including some of the judges have caused a political storm. Namal Rajapaksa, the nephew of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said the tapes gave an insight into the kind of political pressure exerted by the Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe government during 2015-2019. Most members of the Rajapaksa family and their close associates came under investigations for alleged wrongdoing during the Mahinda Rajapaksa presidency between 2005-15. Ramanayake has defended his action to record conversations saying although it may be unethical I have done that in good faith in my fight against corruption and wrongdoing. The police announced that there will be a full scale investigation on the tape recordings of conversations of Ramanayake with key personalities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment In 2008, Abby Johnson, the manager of the Bryan, Texas, Planned Parenthood, became that organizations Employee of the Year. By 2009, she quit for conscience sake. Why? That year, for the first time, she saw an ultrasound of an abortion of a 13-week-old unborn child in her own clinic. This was not a blob of tissue, a clump of cells, a non-living being. This was a baby that was fighting for his life. Although Abby Johnson was a good salesman of abortions and thought that she was helping women through her work, seeing that baby fighting for his life caused the scales to fall from her eyes. Abby says that after she saw that ultrasound, I knew that I had been part of a lie. I had been a part of a corrupt system, a corrupt organization, that really preyed upon women in their vulnerable states, and I knew that I needed to leave. She has now written a book (with Cindy Lambert) called Unplanned, and PureFlix (Gods Not Dead) has now turned that book into an excellent movie. Abby Johnson has also started an outreach, And Then There Were None (ATTWN), to help abortion workers leave the field. I have interviewed Abby before and have previously written about her story. But here is an update about ATTWN, since I interviewed for Christian television two of her assistants at ATTWN recently. One of them is Meagan Weber, who told me, [Abby] wrote her book hoping that a worker would pick it up as a skeptic and see the truth, and see themselves through her words, and within three months of her books release in 2011, she had 17 abortion workers contact her for help. In effect, Abby and those 17 workers became the beginning of her work to help transition abortion clinic workers out of the field. Her reasoning is simple. She says in her ATTWN website, abortionworker.com, We always say that nobody grows up wanting to work in the abortion industry. Nobody. Our vision statement for And then there were none is No abortion clinic workers, no abortion clinics, no abortions it starts with the workers. We see ourselves as being part of a pro-love movement. That we want to love these workers out of the clinics. We want to love them to a path of healing, and we want to love them back into a relationship with Jesus Christ. As an abortion worker, Abby Johnson had thought that what she was doing at Planned Parenthood was helping women. But she learned the hard way that the real bottom line of Planned Parenthood was its bottom line. Weber, who serves as Abby Johnsons assistant, told me, They asked her to increase the number of abortions at her facility by half, and so she said, Dont we tell the media that we want to reduce the number of abortions to make them safe, legal, and rare? And her supervisor laughed and said, Well, Abbey, how do you think we make our money? And she really was blindsided by that. Weber also says, Leaving your job in the abortion industry is not like leaving your job in a fast food outlet. It has the same high turnover rate, but you dont just leave your job, you leave your friends, you leave your ideology you go from one day championing womens rights and abortion rights to the next day having to humble yourself and say, I was wrong. I was part of a very evil system, and they have to come to terms with that. So there is a lot of emotional trauma, and there is abandonment. I also have spoken with Laura Ricketts of ATTWN for Christian television. She observed, As we walk through the process of healing them, as we meet their practical needs with financial assistance, with resume writing, with jobs search help, as we help them pay their bills, get back on their feet, once their practical needs are met, they are ready to meet their emotion and spiritual needs. So far the organization has been able to help hundreds of clinic workers get out of the abortion field. Meagan states, And so here we are seven years later, and weve helped 550 workers and seven full-time doctors. The movie alone helped cause about a hundred abortion clinic workers to respond to consider coming out. Ricketts told me, I think one of the most exciting things about the movie is the impact it had across the country and now across the world. We saw hearts changed, abortion clinic workers leaving their jobs. Abby Johnson says, My story is really an expose. Its pulling back the curtain into an industry that has been normalized. Abortion has been so incredibly normalized in our society, and its anything but normal. 08.01.2020 LISTEN The Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Youth for Peace and Development, Prince Hardi Adam has declared his intention to contest the NPP primaries in the Gushegu constituency come April 2020. Speaking to a section of the youth in the Gushegu constituency, Prince Hardi explained that he has always been supportive to the people of the Gushegu constituency and thought of taking his developmental activities in the area to another level. The Founder of the NYPD stated that jobs for the people as well as interventions that will improve the lot of the people shall be his priority when given the mandate of the people. Prince Hardi Adam is also the Founder and Executive Chairman of Prinhad Group of Companies which includes Prinhad Hotel at Lapaz, Prinhad Hotel Annex at Alhaji and Prinhad Guest House at Tabora all suburbs of Accra. The Aspiring Parliamentary Candidate is also the CEO of Prinhad Rentals. Prince Hardi further indicated that his activities as a Civil Society worker have exposed him to lots of networks and contacts that he hopes to bring to bear on the Gushegu constituency. The Aspiring Parliamentary Candidate had earlier expressed his intention to contest the NPP primaries in the Yendi Constituency but later told The Voiceless Media that the people of the Gushegu constituency asked him to contest there instead. Prince Hardi Adam is the grandson of the late Gushenaa Bawa who was once the Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service. He says he has solid and large family connections in the Gushegu constituency and it stands as a plus for him. The current MP for the area is Dr. Ziblim Iddi of the NPP and he is seeking re-election. ---The Voiceless Media COEUR D'ALENE, ID / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / Timberline Resources Corporation (OTCQB:TLRS)(TSXV:TBR) ("Timberline" or the "Company") reports that it drilled a long interval of copper-silver porphyry-style mineralization in the initial test of the Morning Glory Hill target at the Elder Creek project in the Battle Mountain district of Nevada. Reverse circulation ("RC") hole RCEC 19-05 intercepted 305 feet (ft) (93 meters (m)) grading 0.25% Cu, 0.08 g/t Au, and 9 g/t Ag and bottomed in mineralization at 555 ft (169 m) because of limitations of the drill rig within intensely silicified rock. Additionally, three RC holes further delineated a broad area of thick, near-surface copper oxide mineralization at the Valmy Pit target area of the project. Timberline has the right to acquire a 65% interest in the 16 square mile (41 km2) Elder Creek property through an earn-in agreement with McEwen Mining Inc. The Company is actively seeking a strategic partner for Elder Creek. Steven Osterberg, Timberline's President and CEO commented, "The recently-completed drill holes at Elder Creek further define a large mineralized copper-gold-silver porphyry system with multiple intrusive and mineralizing events. We have already identified six priority target areas over only a small portion of the porphyry system. Three of these targets have been tested by initial drill holes, most of which bottomed in long intervals of porphyry-related mineralization. Elder Creek is a unique opportunity for a significant discovery in an active mining jurisdiction with excellent infrastructure." Morning Glory Hill Target RCEC19-05 tested an area of outcropping mineralized porphyry breccia on Morning Glory Hill. The breccia is coincident with large IP resistivity and chargeability high anomalies (Figures 1, 2 and 3). Assay results are summarized in Table 1. The mineralized interval is intensely altered with silica (quartz), sericite, and chlorite and contains from 2% to >10% disseminated sulfides including pyrite, chalcopyrite, and minor molybdenite. Silver has a strong positive correlation with copper values. Copper mineralization in RCEC19-05 and in nearby historic hole 98EC-07 (18 m @ 0.45% Cu, and 6 m @ 0.57% Cu) appears associated with coincident high IP and high resistivity geophysical signatures (Figure 3) likely due to the disseminated sulfides and pervasive silicification, respectively. Table 1. Summary of Elder Creek Drilling Assay Results by Target Area Drill Hole From (feet) To (feet) Total (feet) From (meters) To (meters) Total (meters) Cu (%) Mo (ppm) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Morning Glory Hill Target RCEC19-05 75 250 175 22.9 76.2 53.4 0.03 181 0.017 4 250 555 TD 305 76.2 169.2 TD 93.0 0.25 122 0.083 9 including: 255 345 90 77.7 105.2 27.4 0.34 141 0.138 14 255 265 10 77.7 80.8 3.0 0.74 69 0.280 38 98EC-07 (historic) 135 455 320 41.2 138.7 97.5 0.23 Historic; No Data including: 375 435 60 114.3 132.6 18.3 0.45 135 155 20 41.2 47.3 6.1 0.57 RCEC 19-01 270 1960 TD 1690 82.3 597.6 TD 515.3 0.07 212 - 2 including: 475 680 205 144.8 207.3 62.5 0.12 222 - 4 1115 1180 65 339.9 359.8 19.9 0.25 181 - 5 1615 1630 15 492.4 497.0 7.6 0.21 233 - 5 Quartz-Sulfide Breccia Target CCEC 18-02 840 1497 TD 657 256.1 456.4 TD 200.3 0.15 730 - 4 including: 1313.5 1360 46.5 400.5 414.6 14.2 1.20 0.31% 0.13 26 Valmy Pit Target RCEC 18-01 0 500 TD 500 0 152.4 TD 152.4 0.21 145 - 3 including: 160 270 110 48.8 82.3 33.5 0.44 181 - 5 including: 195 210 15 59.5 64.0 4.6 0.55 132 0.33 13 RCEC 19-02 85 270 185 25.9 82.3 56.4 0.22 - - 3 415 565 TD 150 126.5 172.2 TD 45.7 0.16 - - 3 RCEC 19-03 0 405 TD 405 0 123.5 TD 123.5 0.16 - - 2 including: 0 100 100 0 30.5 30.5 0.20 - - 5 RCEC 19-04 0 30 30 0 9.2 9.2 0.19 - - 6 150 165 15 45.7 50.3 4.6 0.34 - - 9 *True thickness of drill intercepts is unknown; **TD: drill hole total depth *** see below section "Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Quality Assurance" for protocols Valmy Pit Target RCEC19-02, 03 & 04, totaling 1,470 ft (448 m) (see Table 1), were drilled to offset and expand the mineralization identified in RCEC 18-01 (Figure 1) which averaged 0.21% Cu over its entire 500 ft (152 m) length, including 110 ft (34 m) grading 0.44% Cu. RCEC19-02 contained intercepts of 185 ft (56 m) grading 0.22% Cu and 150 ft (46 m) grading 0.16% Cu, while RCEC 19-03 averaged 0.16% Cu across its entire 405 ft (124 m) length. Each drill hole bottomed in mineralization with drilling terminated due to intense silica alteration and groundwater. These holes extended the footprint of the shallow copper oxide mineralization at the Valmy Pit target area to approximately 575 ft (175 m) by 400 ft (122 m). The mineralization remains open in all directions and to depth, where it transitions to sulfide mineralization. Exploration Plans Given the magnitude of the opportunity at Elder Creek, the Company is actively seeking a strategic partner to explore this areally huge porphyry system. Only a small portion of the system has been evaluated to date. The three target areas that have been drilled contain substantial Cu Mo-Ag-Au prophyry mineralization. Future objectives include offsetting and deepening these drill holes, and identifying and testing new targets. Figure 1. Elder Creek Property Geology, IP Geophysics, Drilling, and Target Areas Figure 2. Elder Creek Priority Target Areas, IP Anomaly, Structures, Drilling Results Figure 3. Elder Creek L3800N Geology and Drill Holes, and IP/Resistivity Cross Section Elder Creek Property: Timberline's Elder Creek copper-gold, and adjacent Paiute properties lie within the prolific Battle Mountain District of Nevada, approximately 11 miles (18 km) north of Newmont's Phoenix mining complex. Data compiled from over 40-plus years of exploration on the property includes only limited shallow (typically less than 500 ft (152 m)), historic drilling in the pronounced magnetic low and along the north and northeastern of magnetic high donut zone targeted primarily at gold. Geologic and geophysical characteristics, and rock geochemical sampling results evident at Elder Creek (see press release dated June 18, 2018 at http://timberlineresources.co/press-releases/) are common to major porphyry copper deposits. Three primary target areas have been identified to date at Elder Creek. Further technical details of the Company's Elder Creek project may be viewed at: http://timberlineresources.co/projects/ElderCreek/. Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Quality Assurance: Samples of reverse circulation cuttings were collected at the drill rig at 5 feet intervals under the supervision of a Company representative and transported to ALS in Nevada for analyses. Samples were assayed for gold by Fire Assay of a 30 gram (1 assay ton) charge with an AA finish (ALS code Au-AA23). Samples were also assayed for a 48 multi-element using four acid ICP-MS (code ME-MS61). "Over-limits" were re-assayed using 4-acid Aqua regia digestion and ICP or AAS finish (code Cu-OG62). Steven Osterberg, Ph.D., P.G., Timberline's President and Chief Executive Officer, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this release. Mr. Osterberg is not considered independent of the Company as defined in Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. Drill intercepts are reported as drill thicknesses; true widths of intercepts are unknown. About Timberline Resources: Timberline Resources Corporation is focused on advancing district-scale gold exploration and development projects in Nevada. These include the Lookout Mountain joint venture project with PM & Gold Mines operated by Timberline and the Windfall project, both in the Eureka district, as well as being operator of both the Paiute joint venture project with Nevada Gold Mines, and the Elder Creek joint venture with McEwen Mining, both in the Battle Mountain district. All of these properties lie on the prolific Battle Mountain-Eureka gold trend. Timberline also owns the Seven Troughs property in Northern Nevada, which is one of the state's highest-grade former producers. Timberline has increased its owned and controlled mineral rights in Nevada to over 43 square miles (27,500 acres). Detailed maps and NI 43-101 estimated resource information for the Eureka property may be viewed at http://timberlineresources.co/. Timberline is listed on the OTCQB where it trades under the symbol "TLRS" and on the TSX Venture Exchange where it trades under the symbol "TBR". Forward-looking Statements: Statements contained herein that are not based upon current or historical fact are forward-looking in nature and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company's expectations about its future operating results, performance and opportunities that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the advancement of projects, and exploration potential. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "upcoming," "plan," "target", "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to Timberline Resources Corporation, its subsidiaries, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. There are no assurances that the Company will complete the earn-in on the Elder Creek project as contemplated or at all. Factors that could cause or contribute to risks involving forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in the Company's business and other factors, including risk factors discussed in the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For Further Information Please Contact: Steven A. Osterberg President and CEO Tel: 208-664-4859 E-mail: info@timberline-resources.com Website: www.timberline-resources.com SOURCE: Timberline Resources Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572213/Timberline-Drills-Primary-Copper-Porphyry-Mineralization-and-Expands-Copper-Oxide-Zone-at-Elder-Creek-Project-Battle-Mountain-District-Nevada Was Queen Elizabeth completely blindsided by Prince Harry and Meghan Markles announcement about stepping back from their royal duties? According to reports, the queen will be meeting with Prince Harry and senior royal members to discuss the Sussexes future plans. Queen Elizabeth ll, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry | Anwar Hussein/WireImage Prince Harry and Markle made a shocking announcement Many royal fans were surprised when Prince Harry and Markle made their announcement, taking to Instagram to share the big news. They wrote in a caption accompanying a photo of them smiling and holding hands: After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. Their statement continued: It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. In closing, the couple noted: We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support. Did Prince Harry and Markle consult with the royal family on this decision? Prince Harry and Markles announcement shares that theyve had internal discussions but the queen issued a statement about discussions being at an early stage and involving complicated issues that will take time to work through that seemed to paint a slightly different picture. In fact, Jonny Dymond, royal correspondent for BBC News, tweeted: BBC Understands that no other member of the Royal Family was consulted before Harry and Meghan issued their personal statement tonight, the Palace is understood to be disappointed. Dymond followed it up by tweeting: A palace source tells the BBC that senior members of the Royal family feel hurt by the announcement that Harry and Meghan are to withdraw from their current Royal roles. The source confirmed that no members of the royal family were consulted. BREAKING A palace source tells the BBC that senior members of the Royal family feel hurt by the announcement that Harry and Meghan are to withdraw from their current Royal roles. The source confirmed that no members of the royal family were consulted. Jonny Dymond (@JonnyDymond) January 8, 2020 Prince Harry is meeting with the queen to discuss the exit plan While rumors swirled that Prince Harry and Markle didnt consult with the queen about their plan to leave their royal duties behind, its now being reported that there will be a meeting to further discuss their future. According to multiple reports, Prince Harry will be meeting with Queen Elizabeth at her Sandringham Estate on Jan. 13, with senior royal family members in attendance to include Prince Charles and Prince Willam. They will gather to discuss Prince Harry and Markles future after they made the announcement that they wanted to step back from being senior members of the family. Markle will reportedly not be part of the discussion as she returned to Canada, though a palace source told NBC News that she might call into the meeting. The insider added: There is a range of possibilities the family will review, taking into account the thinking of the Sussexes, noting theres a genuine agreement and understanding that any decisions will take time to be implemented. Evans, the councils longest-serving member, will step down Jan. 17, days before his colleagues were set to expel him for using his office to benefit clients that were paying him for consulting services and for failing to disclose those clients. His decision to resign became public Tuesday, moments before a scheduled council hearing at which he would have had a chance to defend himself. Viet Nams GDP growth would reach 6.8 per cent from the 7.02 per cent posted in 2019, mainly due to a slowdown in the industrial sector, analysts from Fitch Solutions forecast. Infrastructure and human capital bottlenecks are forecast to cap growth of the Vietnamese manufacturing sector in 2020. Photo baoquangninh.vn The growth of the industrial sector will likely continue to slow this year after easing to 7.3 per cent in the last quarter of 2019, from 10.4 per cent in the third quarter. Transport and logistical infrastructure and human capital bottlenecks will continue to weigh on the sector's growth, which accounts for around 16.5 per cent of the Vietnamese economy, Fitch said. The US-China trade war has accelerated a structural shift in low-end electronics and textiles manufacturing out of China and into ASEAN, with Viet Nam being a major beneciary. However, the rush to set up operations and export out of Viet Nam has put considerable stress on existing road and port infrastructure, resulting in severe congestion in and around major cities such as HCM City and Ha Noi, and also week-long delays at ports. Indeed, export growth has decelerated since September 2019 and this trend is expected to persist over the coming months. A shortage of qualied labour, as suggested by high year-on-year wage growth of between 12 per cent and 18 per cent across the occupational skill levels, will also weigh on manufacturing growth by inhibiting the integration of better technology into work processes. Viet Nams manufacturing production growth slowed sharply to 6.5 per cent year-on-year in November 2019, its lowest level since 2017, from 10.8 per cent year-on-year in October 2019. The agriculture sector will also be under pressure in 2020 due to hydroelectric dam projects upstream of the Mekong River in Laos, as well as diseases such as African swine fever. However, it is expected that stronger growth in construction and services will partially offset the slowdown. The construction of the North-South Highway, which began in September 2019 and is expected to be completed by 2021, will be a key project supporting the construction sector. Meanwhile, services growth would be underpinned by four key sub-sectors, analysts said. Firstly, a strong increase in real wages, in part driven by skills shortages, would support a continued rise of Viet Nams middle class. This, together with the ongoing trend of robust tourist arrivals, boded well for further strengthening in retail as well as hospitality services. Retail sales growth had been relatively stable above 10 per cent over the past three years, growing by an average of 11.7 per cent year-on-year. Next, the inux of companies to Viet Nam to circumvent US tariffs on China would also support the growth of transport and warehousing services, especially with a shortage of such services likely to push up prices and protability in this sub-sector. Finally, despite a likely (slight) softening of economic growth in 2020, still-robust economic activity would continue to support growth of financial services. VNS Vietnams GDP expands 7.02 percent in 2019 Vietnams gross domestic product (GDP) increased 7.02 percent in 2019, marking the second straight year the economic growth rate topping 7 percent since 2011, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). Wolves, apparently, dont need an invitation. Whether Coloradans approve or decline their reintroduction in a statewide referendum in November, it appears the predators have returned to their native range. For the first time since wolves were systematically eradicated in the 1940s by shooting, trapping and poisoning, state officials suspect a pack is roaming the states northwest corner. After a Craig Daily Press report, Colorado Parks and Wildlife on Wednesday released pictures of recognizable paw prints around a shredded elk carcass described as consistent with known wolf predation. The evidence was found on hunting grounds around Moffatt County. An eyewitness account claiming six large canids is very credible, CPW says. If confirmed, this would be Colorados sixth wolf sighting in 25 years the first of a pack. It looks like we have a group in the northwest part of the state that finds a good habitat here and has the ability to sustain itself, says Rebecca Ferrell, CPWs spokeswoman on endangered species. Thats significant to us. It shows that the habitat can contain these animals and it shows they are willing and able to come here. The news comes days after Colorados secretary of state announced enough signatures had been collected to add an initiative to the 2020 ballot that would launch a plan bringing wolves back to the Western Slope. The prospect has people split. One side claims the predator would restore natural balance. Another fears the opposite, including Grand Junction resident Denny Behrens, representing the Stop the Wolf Coalition. Were gonna continue to see wildlife depredation on wildlife, he says, and sooner or later theres gonna be depredation on livestock. Thats when its gonna get serious. A packs possible presence is reason enough for voters to reject bringing in more as proposed in Initiative 107, Behrens says. Theyre already here. No, the news should embolden proponents, says Rob Edward, president of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Action Fund. The pack would be the vanguard for the new generation, he says. The best we can do for these wolves is to bring some more down and be part of their extended family in the future. Colorados last confirmed wolf sighting was announced in Jackson County in July, northwest of Fort Collins. The male came from Wyomings Snake River pack, Sara DiRienzo, of the states Game and Fish Department, told The Gazette then. Its not uncommon for a wolf to travel a far distance, she said, especially if theyre trying to find new territory. That very well could be the case, Ferrell said at the time. It was entirely possible that wolves from bordering states could reestablish themselves in Colorado without human help, she said, but that would certainly, obviously be a very slow process. A pack might indicate that process starting. Says Ferrell now: This is the first time that weve had some pretty compelling evidence that we may have a pack here in Colorado. Despite the sightings of lone animals, CPW has yet to confirm there are breeding pairs in the state. If that was happening, we would know, Edward says. Maybe not, says Behrens, who at the time of the Jackson County sighting predicted a pack lurked somewhere, based on anecdotes he regularly heard from fellow hunters. We get up to probably 100 reported sightings in a year, and probably 5% to 10% of those are what we consider credible sightings, Ferrell says. Before last summer, Colorados last confirmed wolf was killed in 2015 near Kremmling; a hunter thought he shot a coyote. Another was found poisoned in 2009 in Rio Blanco County. And five years before that, one was run over by a car on Interstate 70. The British teenager found guilty in Cyprus of lying about being gang-raped has vowed to clear her name after arriving back in the UK. The 19-year-old woman, whose identity has not been revealed, was handed a four-month jail term, suspended for three years, on Tuesday by a judge who said he was giving her a "second chance. Lewis Power QC, the teenager's lawyer, said her legal team would now be challenging her public mischief conviction and is prepared to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights. The young woman, from Derbyshire, told The Sun: "I am innocent and the fight will go on to clear my name. "It's been a nightmare for me, Mum and everyone. Now I just want to be with my friends and family. The 19-year-old has vowed to clear her name. (AP) "What kept me going was my family and the amazing support of my friends and all other people who got in contact to say they believed me. The teenager was stuck on the Mediterranean island for almost five months after claiming she was raped by up to 12 Israeli tourists in a hotel room in the town of Ayia Napa on 17 July. She later retracted the claim. She was charged and spent about a month in prison before being granted bail in August. Read more from Yahoo News UK: Father of UKs worst rapist says sons punishment fits his crimes Young Israeli couple die after getting trapped in flooded lift Jeremy Corbyn refuses to describe Qassem Soleimani as a 'terrorist' The dozen young men and boys, aged between 15 and 20, arrested over the incident were freed after she signed a retraction statement 10 days later. She maintains she had consensual sex with one of the Israelis before he pinned her down and raped her with others a claim all of them deny. The woman said she was forced to change her account under pressure from Cypriot police following hours of questioning alone and without legal representation. Protesters in London demonstrate in support of the British woman found guilty of lying about being gang-raped. (AP) Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he has raised concerns over her treatment with the Cypriot authorities, after the teenager's conviction provoked outrage in Cyprus and the UK. Story continues After the sentence, he said: "We will be following up on some of the issues in relation to the case. I spoke to the Cypriot foreign minister about that. The teenager's family had raised fears that she would suffer permanent damage to her mental health if she was sent to prison, having been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. But Judge Michalis Papathanasiou told the court he would not be jailing her, despite insisting that all the evidence suggested she was guilty. Sentencing her, he told the packed courtroom: "Her psychological state, her youth, that she has been away from her family, her friends and academic studies this year this has led me to decide to give her a second chance and suspend the sentence for three years." by Tanya Gazdik , January 8, 2020 As automakers look to improve the shopping experience with enhanced digital features, their websites have taken on increasing importance. Land Rover and Mitsubishi ranked highest in their respective segments in the J.D. Power 2020 Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study (Winter), released today. The semiannual study measures the usefulness of automotive manufacturer websites by evaluating four key factors, in order of importance: information/content, appearance, navigation and speed. This years study was redesigned to underscore the digital advancements automakers are implementing to evolve the automotive shopping experience, said Jon Sundberg, senior manager of digital solutions at J.D. Power. advertisement advertisement Items like personalization, customization and digital retailing are being implemented or are on the digital road map for many [automaker] sites, and we wanted to ensure the customer has a voice in these areas, Sandberg says in a release. This years study finds that overall satisfaction averages 834 (on a 1,000-point scale) for the luxury segment, while the mass-market segment averages 826. Land Rover (864) ranked highest in the luxury manufacturer brand segment and Mitsubishi (848) is the highest-ranked mass-market brand. Other top finishers in the luxury segment are Lincoln (855), Audi (849), Cadillac (844), Lexus (842), Porsche (837), Genesis (836), Infiniti (835) and Jaguar (835). Luxury brands that finished below average are BMW (831), Acura (823), Alfa Romeo (820), Mercedes-Benz (817), Volvo (809) and Tesla (806). Behind Mitsubishi, the top finishers in the mass market segment are Ram (848), Buick (836), Chrysler (833), Honda (832), Dodge (831), Fiat (831), GMC (831), Chevrolet (827), Hyundai (826) and Subaru (826). Mass-market brands that finished below average are Kia (825), Volkswagen (823), Jeep (821), Toyota (819), Ford (818), Mazda (818), Nissan (804) and Mini (801). The Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study, first released in 1999, is based on responses from 10,031 shoppers who indicate they will be in the market for a new vehicle within the next 24 months. The study was fielded in November 2019. The two-year-old toddler, who was kidnapped after the brutal murder of his mother by some unidentified assailants, was found dead here on Wednesday, police said. The body was recovered from the rear side of Unique Tower in the area falling under the jurisdiction of the Pratap Nagar police station. "The body was recovered on Wednesday from the rear side of the building where her mother was murdered on Tuesday. An FSL team is collecting evidence," DCP Rahul Jain said. Some unidentified assailants had murdered Shweta (30) at an apartment in Unique Tower and abducted her son on Tuesday evening. They slit the woman's throat with a knife and hit her head with a heavy object. The matter came to light when her husband Rohit reached home and found his wife murdered. They also took away the woman's mobile phone and later called her husband, demanding a ransom of Rs 30 lakh. Police suspect the involvement of someone close to the family. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tropical cyclone Blake made landfall in the Kimberley coast of Western Australia and NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite provided an image that showed its center inland with the storm extending to the southern part of the state where fires raged. On January 8, 2020, the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument aboard Suomi NPP provided a visible image of Blake that showed its center was just inland from the Kimberley coast. Bands of thunderstorms stretched far south all the way to the southern coast, where fires are raging. In the VIIRS image, red spots at the southern extent of the state indicate the heat signature of wildfires burning. A brown stream extending over the Southern Indian Ocean and into the Great Australian Bight is the smoke generated from the fires. At 10 p.m. EST on January 7 (0300 UTC on January 8) the Joint Typhoon Warning Center or JTWC in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii issued their final warning on the system. At that time, Blake was centered near latitude 20.7 degrees south and longitude 119.7 degrees east, about 66 nautical miles east-southeast of Port Hedland, Australia. Blake was moving to the southwest and had maximum sustained winds near 35 knots (40 mph). By January 8 at 10 a.m. EST, radar from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's station in Kalgoorlie showed some showers in the area. According to the website Emergency WA (Western Australia) there were fires burning south of Kalgoorlie in the Dundas Nature Reserve on January 7 at 11 p.m. EST. That fire is affecting Salmon Gums including the southern part of the Dundas Nature Reserve, Norseman, Higginsville, Widgiemooltha, Londonderry, Burra Rock, Victoria Rock and North Cascade in the Shires of Coolgardie, Dundas, Esperance and Widgiemooltha. Blake is dissipating inland over the northwestern part of Western Australia, but generating rain that extends to the south. Tropical cyclones and hurricanes are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA's expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting. ### Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Tensions have boiled over again between Iran and the United States with the US assassination of a top Iranian general and a missile strike from Iran in retaliation. Iranians took to the streets to mourn the loss of the military leader Qassem Soleimani but the streets were soon packed with protests over a different incident: Iran's downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet, killing all on board, on January 8. The tit-for-tat attacks between Iran and the US come after months of escalating rancour between the two long-standing enemies. Some have likened the atmosphere over the past year or so to the feeling leading up to George Bush's invasion of Iraq in 2003. Why are the United States and Iran old enemies? What will happen next? Women protest in Tehran over the US airstrike that killed Qassem Soleimani. Credit:AP How did this start? The current deterioration in relations began in May 2018 when President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of 2015, which limited Iran's nuclear development in return for easing sanctions. Trump said it was not tough enough and imposed more severe sanctions, under a policy he called maximum pressure. On April 8 last year, Trump moved again and, over the objections of Pentagon officials, designated a powerful arm of the Iranian military, its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as a foreign terrorist organisation. Advertisement Then, on May 5 last year, Trump's then national security adviser, John Bolton, referred to "troubling and escalatory indications" from Iran and sent an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Oman. A week later, four oil tankers two belonging to Saudi Arabia and one each to the United Arab Emirates and Norway were attacked. Bolton blamed Iran. On May 8, Trump slapped sanctions on Iran's metals industry, its largest source of revenue outside oil. This prompted Iran to ramp up production of nuclear fuel to produce 20 per cent-enriched uranium. This moves it closer to the ability to build a nuclear weapon, even though it has always insisted its nuclear program is peaceful. On May 24, Trump ordered another 1500 troops to the region and declared an emergency over Iran, moving ahead with arms sales to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, which had been blocked in Congress. The troubles didnt end there. On June 13, two more oil tankers were holed in the Gulf of Oman. Again, the United States blamed Iran. When a US drone was shot down by Iran, Trump described the act as "a big mistake". Then he initially approved attacks on a handful of Iranian targets, such as radar and missile batteries, before abruptly calling them off, saying later it would have cost 150 lives, so was not "proportional". On June 20, US Cyber Command conducted online attacks against an Iranian intelligence group that US officials believed helped plan the attacks against the oil tankers, according to people briefed on the operation. Advertisement These attacks came after hackers believed to be working for the Iranian government had targeted US government agencies, as well as sectors of the economy, including finance, oil and gas a campaign that appeared to have started shortly after the Trump administration imposed sanctions on the Iranian petrochemical sector earlier in June. In July, British marines seized an Iranian oil tanker at the request of the US, and Iran responded by seizing a British-owned tanker three weeks later. It also arrested 17 US citizens in Iran, claiming they were CIA spies. The acrimony bubbled along for the rest of the year. A US military photo from June 13 shows damage to a tanker in the Gulf of Oman. Credit:AP What triggered this year's troubles? On Christmas Eve, protesters supporting Iran attacked and surrounded the US embassy in Baghdad, effectively imprisoning US diplomats for 24 hours. The US responded with a dramatic escalation: the assassination of Irans top general, Qassem Soleimani. The general died in a drone strike ordered by President Trump that killed five officials as a two-car convoy left Baghdad airport at 1am on January 3. The Pentagon claimed the strike was defensive action to prevent attacks it claimed Soleimani was planning on US personnel. According to a report in The New York Times, the option of killing Soleimani was one of a broad range of retaliatory options to the embassy attack put to Trump by Pentagon officials, who were stunned by the presidents decision to take their most extreme option. Advertisement Qassem Soleimani in 2016. Credit:AP Who was Qassem Soleimani? It is difficult to exaggerate the significance of Major General Qassem Soleimani. Since the late 1990s he had been commander of the Quds Force, a unit in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that specialises in unconventional warfare and intelligence operations. In that role, he effectively ran Irans network of powerful militias throughout the Middle East, including Lebanese Hezbollah, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as well as militias in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. In some of these theatres, the militias have come to be more powerful than state defence forces. The coffins of Qassem Soleimani and others killed by the US drone strike during a funeral procession at the Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square in Tehran. Credit:AP Soleimani is credited with diplomatic efforts to secure Russias intervention in Syria, effectively protecting the regime of Syrian dictator and Iranian ally Bashar al-Assad, and with leading the Iranian efforts to defeat Islamic State. Americans viewed him as a threat to regional stability and as responsible for the deaths of countless US troops in Iraq. As far back as 2012, there was speculation he might leave the army to run in the presidential election. Advertisement He is known to have had a particularly close relationship with Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose authority sits above the military, the clergy and the president, and who wept openly at his funeral. Soleimani considered Khamenei to be a venerated spiritual leader. In 2015, he was quoted as saying, I ask God to sacrifice my life to you. The Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini waves to followers in Tehran in 1979. Credit:AP But why do Iran and the US hate each other? The animosity goes back to 1953 when the US deposed a democratically elected Iranian prime minister, Mohammed Mosaddegh, who had resisted foreign interference, returning power to the Iranian monarch, or Shah. The country remained a client state of the US under the Shah, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, until the Islamic revolution in 1979. Then there was the Iranian hostage crisis. US support for the Shah led to a group of Iranian students from the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line, who supported the revolution, storming the US embassy in Tehran in November 1979. Ultimately, 52 US diplomats and staff were held hostage for 444 days, and a failed rescue mission launched by the Carter administration resulted in the deaths of eight American servicemen. It was also fatal to Jimmy Carter's presidency. The first day of occupation of the US embassy in Tehran in 1973 shows US hostages being paraded by their militant Iranian captors. Credit:Getty Images Advertisement Company boards are operating under increased 'political and regulatory' pressure to improve their governance standards, and the resultant risk averseness is a prime reason for the growth slowdown, HDFC's Chief Executive Keki Mistry said on Wednesday Mumbai: Company boards are operating under increased "political and regulatory" pressure to improve their governance standards, and the resultant risk averseness is a prime reason for the growth slowdown, HDFC's Chief Executive Keki Mistry said on Wednesday. The mortgage lender's executive said bankers are not taking lending decisions because of this risk averseness syndrome, and warned it will hamper India's animal spirit unless there is a change. The comments come at a time when official estimates for FY20 GDP growth hurtling to an 11-year low of 5 percent. The government is also allaying fears in the face of greater actions by agencies like CBI, ED and SFIO. "Boards are currently operating under far greater scrutiny than ever before, with greater political and regulatory pressure on companies to improve their governance standards," Mistry said at an event organised by industry lobby CII here. Citing a few instances, he warned this extreme risk averseness will "hamper India's animal spirit and could lead to a slowdown in economic growth in the country", adding that a few calculated risks ought to be taken. Without taking names, the long-standing key executive of the largest pure play home financier, who sits on many boards himself, said there have been instances of independent directors refusing to approve strategic investments fearing that they were "risky". The wariness can result in more independent directors of good calibre staying away from joining company boards where they might be needed the most, Mistry said, hinting that the "overarching compliance pressures" need to be softened. He said the CII will be leading a delegation to the government to impress its concerns on the pressures faced by independent directors. On bankers' conduct amid this period of heightened risk averseness, Mistry said that there have been instances wherein lenders have not renewed their loan pacts even with the good customers, which is hurting economic growth. "One of the reasons why we are seeing a slowdown in the economy in the last couple of years has been the fact that risk-taking has become a huge issue of banks. Banks have become extremely reluctant..there is plenty of liquidity in the system, there is no shortage," he said. "Risk averseness is something that is hurting the economy in a big way and will continue to hurt the economy till we become more willing to take on risks," Mistry added. Regulations should not become such that because of them people start becoming so fearful that they do not take decisions, he told reporters later. He also added that we are at present going through a period of transition on the same and also welcomed government steps on this front. On the high quantum of non-performing loans, Mistry said there is a need to look at such instances as a regular business occurrence. He also sought for a nuanced view on whistleblowers, stating that mala fide intentions need to be curbed as many a times accusations get made out of personal factors like greed and animosity, and also termed some individuals as "opportunists". Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2020) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed PCT LTD (OTC Pink: PCTL) ("the Company"), a company that focuses its business on acquiring, developing and providing sustainable, environmentally safe disinfecting and tracking technologies products. President of the Company, Gary Grieco, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly. Jolly began the interview by noting that the Company recently deployed their Annihilyzer Infection Control Systems in England, and asked what this move means for their future. "We recently shipped our system and got it all up and running," shared Grieco, adding that testing is set to begin January 15th. Grieco then expanded on the incredible potential of the product considering the current healthcare industry in England. Jolly then asked about the Company's flagship product. "Systems that produce and effectively apply hypochlorous acid are the products that we manufacture," explained Grieco. "Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL) is a non-corrosive, very benign disinfectant," said Grieco, adding that the solution has existed for several years. He then explained that hypochlorous acid has been challenging to distribute in the past due to a short shelf life. "What we've done is we've taken our history of working with the product and developed a system for hospitals where it is generated on site and on demand," said Grieco. "It is just a long arduous problem getting into the hospitals because of the layers of people that you have to go through," said Grieco. "We have found that from the initial discussion with a hospital, it takes about six months before we get a system in there," he explained. Grieco then shared that the Company has installed multiple systems in New York hospitals and are in discussions with additional New York facilities. Jolly then noted the spread of disease in hospitals and asked how the Company's flagship product solves this issue. "It kills any tested pathogen, and by that I mean bacteria and viruses," said Grieco, noting that the system is also effective against C DIFF and MRSA. "What's the competition in this space?", asked Jolly. Grieco explained that while hypochlorous acid is available through numerous competitors, the onsite generation of it by the system and application using electrostatic applicators is unique. "It's more than the product," said Grieco. "A room can be terminally disinfected once clean with our system within ten minutes, which would take thirty to forty minutes by hand," explained Grieco. Jolly inquired about the Company's recent agreements and partnerships with SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Grieco explained that the SUNY facility chose to renew their contract with the Company for an additional five years after utilizing the system for one year. The Company has also been involved in testing gas wells with high levels of hydrogen sulfide, which is an extremely dangerous and corrosive compound. "Our results have been more than gratifying," shared Grieco. The conversation then turned to the Company's entrance into the cannabis space. Grieco explained that companies in this space currently treat mold with peroxide, which is effective but costly. However, the Company is building a system that would be effective for both indoor and outdoor grow facilities in eliminating mold, E. coli, and salmonella. "Our initial testing has been spot on," said Grieco. To close the interview, Grieco expressed his excitement in the Company's ability to face its challenges, as well as its incredible potential across numerous industries. To hear Gary Grieco's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7473420-pct-ltd-discusses-their-international-expansion-and-growth-strategy-with-the-stock-day-podcast Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/ About PCT LTD: PCT LTD ("PCTL") focuses its business on acquiring, developing and providing sustainable, environmentally safe disinfecting and tracking technologies products. The company acquires and holds rights to innovative products and technologies, which are commercialized through its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Paradigm Convergence Technologies Corporation (PCT Corp). Currently trading on OTC, "PCTL" aspires to and is actively engaged in preparations for up-listing its common stock to a national securities exchange. The Company established entry into its target markets with commercially viable products in the United States and now continues to gain market share in the U.S. and U.K. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Such statements are based on expectations, estimates and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: any implied or perceived benefits resulting from the continued positive results relating to the installation of PCT's Annihilyzer systems in hospitals; the results of any manufacturers' representative and/or license agreements, actual sales revenue to be derived from agreements, if any such contract is executed; PCT LTD's and its subsidiary's business prospects; PCT LTD's ability to raise sufficient funds to satisfy its working capital requirements; the ability of PCT LTD to execute its business plan or list its common stock on a national stock exchange; benefits of the Annihilyzer Infection Control Systems, "high-volume" equipment or its suitability for market applications, Hydrolyte generators and fluids; any other effects resulting from the information disclosed above; risks and effects of legal and administrative proceedings and government regulation; future financial and operational results; competition; general economic conditions; and the ability to manage and continue growth. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements PCT LTD makes in this press release include market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents it files from time to time with the United States Securities Exchange Commission. PCT LTD undertakes no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Contacts Company: Gary Grieco, President and Chairman of the Board (843) 390-7900 Office (843) 390-2347 Fax www.para-con.com www.pcthealth.com www.survivalyte.com Brokers and Analysts: Chesapeake Group +1-410-825-3930 info@chesapeakegp.com About The "Stock Day" Podcast Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America. Stock Day recently launched its Video Interview Studio located in Phoenix, Arizona. SOURCE: Stock Day Media 602-441-3474 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51263 Created in collaboration with the 3D printing system developer Lincsolution in 2017, Amorepacific's face mask 3D printing system uses its own smartphone app to instantly measure users' facial dimensions, printing a personalized hydrogel mask that caters to individual facial features and skin conditions. Recognized as a CES 2020 Innovation Award Honoree, the face mask 3D printing technology will be available to consumers through Amorepacific's lab-based skincare brand IOPE, as a part of its tailored service available at the brand's Seoul flagship store starting April 2020. Face masks currently available in market are mass produced regardless of users' different facial features and various skin conditions. To offer customers with bespoke skin care experiences that cater to these differences, Amorepacific teamed up with 3D printing system developer Lincsolution to create a system that prints bespoke face masks. The system first captures the image of the face using an application developed by Amorepacific, measuring areas around the eyes, nose, mouth, forehead, cheeks and chin to generate a mask design. Hydrogel formulas with various skincare effects are then prescribed for each of the face areas. The printing takes less than five minutes to complete. The technology was recognized as a CES 2020 Innovation Award Honoree for extending the scope of 3D printing technology from materials like plastic and silicon to liquid-type hydrogel. It was noted for excellent temperature control and the cartridge-based module that ensures hygienic and efficient use of liquid-type hydrogel material in printing skincare products for the face. A prototype of the system was available at the IOPE Lab located in Seoul, Korea from 2017 to 2018. Through the pilot project, Amorepacific was able to significantly improve both speed and accuracy of analysis and printing, and was recognized with an award in the design concept category at the 2019 Red Dot Design Awards. from 2017 to 2018. Through the pilot project, Amorepacific was able to significantly improve both speed and accuracy of analysis and printing, and was recognized with an award in the design concept category at the 2019 Red Dot Design Awards. Starting from April 2020 , the 3D printing service will again be available to customers as a part of the IOPE's Tailored Solution, which offers bespoke counter sessions from skin analysis to prescription of skincare products and regimen. Also included in Amorepacifc's CES debut showcase is its latest beauty device that features flexible LED technology. Unveiled for the first time to the public, the lightweight, flexible LED patch fits close to the skin, minimizing light dispersion and maximizing the skincare effect, as well as providing a hands-free wearable experience. The flexible LED device will be available in Korea through the company's beauty device brand MakeON this year. Wonseok Park, Senior Vice President of Amorepacific R&D Center's Innovation Division said, "We are very pleased to present our innovative beauty technology for the first time at CES. Digitalization is making waves in the beauty industry, and as the leading beauty company in Korea Amorepacific is actively investing in converging the best of both worlds to develop creative products for our customers." SOURCE Amorepacific Royal family supporters are thrilled to see Prince Harry and Meghan Markle back in London and once again ready to roll with some of their royal engagement. Fresh from their six-week holiday break in the U.S. and Canada, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Canada House in London on Tuesday afternoon for their first royal engagement for the year 2020. The 38-year-old Meghan and 35-year-old Prince Harry marked the New Year by paying tribute to the country who hosted their much-needed private family time with their eight-month-old son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. Meghan arrived in a monochromatic look wearing a camel coat with a rust-brown turtle neck sweater underneath paired with a trendy chocolate-brown satin slip skirt from Vince and velvet-pumps. During the royal couple's meeting with at the home of High Commissioner of Canada to the U.K. Janice Charette and the rest of the Canada House staff, they expressed gratitude for the country and the Canadian people's warm hospitality and support during their recent stay. "Thank you so much, not that any of you had that much to do with it," Prince Harry humorously said. "The warmth and hospitality we were shown while there was unbelievable, and that's exactly why we chose Canada." It looks like the couple is also in a good mood as Prince Harry is reportedly throwing out jokes, one of which was when he introduced his wife Meghan to the Canadian crowd. "My wife will now finish in French," a punch line that generated resounding laughter from their audience. Sharing her own appreciation of the country and Canadian hospitality, Meghan could not help but also share their baby boy's priceless reaction with the Canadian sceneries. "My goodness, it was just such an incredible time that we were able to have there and with our son, too," Meghan said. "Just to be able to take in the warmth that we experienced from the people also just walk around and just see the beauty of Canada. To see Archie go 'ahh' when you walk by and just see how stunning it is, so it meant a lot to us." Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, joined the family of three during their stay in Vancouver Island. Some of Meghan's close friends, including her former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer and actress Janina Gavankar, also spent some time with the family on a New Year's Day hike at the Horth Hill Regional Park. During their winter hike, the royal mom reportedly extended a helping hand to a couple who is struggling to take a photo using a selfie stick, so Meghan offered to take the picture herself. In an interview with Vancouver Island CTV News, the 29-year-old Asymina Kantorowicz shared how Meghan graciously offered to take the photo even if they were not able to recognize her at first. Kantorowicz recalled that she only realized that the girl who took their photo was Meghan when she recognized Suits actress Abigail Spencer and noticed that Prince Harry was also in the same group of hikers. WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sammons Financial Group (SFG) has named Bryce Biklen to a new role as vice president and chief distribution officer for Sammons Independent Annuity Group (SIAG), a division of SFG. In this position, Biklen will lead the SIAG distribution teams for SFGs member companies. Those companies include North American Company for Life and Health Insurance and Midland National Life Insurance Company . Bryce is an exemplary sales leader one who takes initiative and delivers results, said Rob TeKolste, SIAG president. His broad and diverse experience in all aspects of insurance distribution will help us to execute our growth strategy. Biklen will be responsible for leading sales growth for the North American and Midland distribution channels through building and maintaining relationships with key Independent Marketing Organization (IMO) partners and financial professionals. In todays financial services environment, it is imperative we offer to our channel partners a first-in-class combination of innovative products and benefits, said Biklen. To best deliver on this promise, we must work tirelessly to create and communicate what we offer in the most compelling and effective way possible. I look forward to leading that charge. Biklen has been working in annuity distribution since 1997, and since 2017, he has served as vice president and national sales manager for Sammons Institutional Groups Midland Retirement Distributors. He spent the past 18 years at SFGs member companies in a variety of roles across multiple distribution channels. That experience includes positions as vice president of sales, director of broker dealer distribution, and director field training and sales support. In addition to SFG, Biklen has been an independent financial advisor, a regional vice president with an IMO and a regional vice president for another insurance carrier. Biklen holds an undergraduate degree in business management from Central College (Pella, Iowa) and is a licensed investment professional certified through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and is a licensed insurance agent. He and his family reside in West Des Moines, Iowa. About Sammons Financial Group, Inc. The member companies of Sammons Financial Group, Inc. (SFG) , are here to help families and businesses protect their future, so they can enjoy lifes moments today. A subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc. , SFG is a group of privately-owned financial companies, including several of the most enduring and stable companies in our industry. SFG is comprised of three member companies: Midland National Life Insurance Company , which includes Sammons Corporate Markets ; North American Company for Life and Health Insurance ; and Sammons Institutional Group SM , which consists of Midland Retirement DistributorsSM and Sammons Retirement Solutions . Together, the SFG member companies offer some of todays most sought-after life insurance, annuity, and retirement planning products. Sammons Financial Group: With You for Every Moment. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/63184271-cbbf-4a53-8c3e-4e9f51d1ea98 J eremy Bamber was found guilty of murdering his mother, father, sister and her two children at White House Farm in Essex, on the August 7, 1985. The scene was made up to look as though it was a murder suicide, but after further investigation police said it was murder and arrested Bamber. 35 years on, ITV is releasing a six-part dramatisation of the White House Farm murders. We take a look at Bamber's life and the tragic events that resulted in five deaths. ITV's new six-part drama will focus on the White House Farm murders / ITV Who is Jeremy Bamber? Born in 1961 as Jeremy Marsham, Bamber was adopted in June that same year by June and Nevill Bamber. His mother, Juliet Dorothy Wheeler, was the daughter of a vicar who had an affair with an army sergeant major who was also a controller at Buckingham Palace. Bamber grew up with his adopted parents in their Georgian farm house near Tolleshunt D'Arcy in Essex. Jeremy attended a private prep school and then went on to boarding school in Norfolk. According to his friend Brett Collins, Bamber was sexually assaulted aged 11. Bamber left school without any qualifications but managed to obtain his O-levels at sixth form in Colchester. After schooling, Bamber underwent a scuba diving course in Australia and New Zealand funded by his father. Upon his return, Bamber worked in a series of bars and restaurants, before going back to his father's home in Essex. What happened during the White House Farm murders? Jeremy Bamber grew up on White House Farm in Essex / PA On August 7, 1985, the police received a call from Jeremy Bamber at 3.30am. During the phonecall, Bamber claimed his father Nevill had called him to say his sister, Sheila Caffell, had "gone crazy" and had got ahold of their father's rifle. Police then visited the property and discovered Caffell dead on the floor of her parents' bedroom. The rifle was positioned against her throat. Cafell's six-year-old twin sons, Nicholas and Daniel, were then found dead in their beds. The body of Bamber's mother June was discovered with Sheila's, while Nevill's body was found in the kitchen. His dad had been shot eight times and had also been beaten. Initially, police believed it was a murder suicide, but eventually Bamber's girlfriend implicated him. Was there motive? Bamber's girlfriend at the time, Julie Mugford, tipped police off, saying Bamber was after his 436,000 inheritance. During Bamber's trial in 1986, Ms Mugford told the court that Jeremy had spoken about sedating his family and setting the farm house on fire, before plotting to hire an assassin to kill them. Where is Jeremy Bamber now? Bamber is currently an Category A inmate at HM Prison Wakefield / PA Bamber is currently serving a life sentence at HM Prison Wakefield. He and two other prisoners appealed to the European Court of Human Rights in 2013, claiming it was against their human rights to be denied any prospect of release - despite being handed life imprisonment. The San Francisco city attorney sent a cease-and-desist order Tuesday to a rogue e-scooter company that has parked vehicles along Fishermans Wharf and the Embarcadero and that it says is using fake permits with the city seal. Startup Go X engaged in dangerous and illegal conduct that interfered with the citys impoundment of improperly parked scooters, City Attorney Dennis Herrera wrote in a letter to the companys lawyer, Joshua Ridless. He ordered the company to shut down by Jan. 18 or face immediate abatement under the general public nuisance law and the states unfair competition law. The company owes $233,800 in unpaid fines, after racking up 540 citations in 10 months for operating without a permit and carelessly stashing e-scooters in the public right-of-way, according to the city. By doing business this way, it gained an unlawful and unfair advantage over competitors that abided by the citys Powered Scooter Share Permit Program, Herrera wrote. Go X CEO Alex Debelov said he was perplexed. In an interview Tuesday he characterized himself as a well-intentioned entrepreneur who didnt fall within the citys regulations, because his company parks scooters at businesses mostly hotels rather than on curbs. Since starting in May hes put 1,000 e-scooters on streets, spreading them along Fishermans Wharf, into the Financial District and to Union Square. Debelov has partnered with more than 70 businesses, sharing revenue from scooter rides in exchange for space to park. He hopes to get authorization from the city to keep operating past Jan. 18. Debelov said hes tried to cooperate with the city, while using his own legal theory to expand a business. Overall our customers are very happy, he said. The city isnt buying it. Herrera gave a detailed account of misbehavior, from a startup that leased space from local merchants, wrote bad checks to the city purporting to pay fines and obstructed Public Works employees who impounded its vehicles. Go X also swiped the Chamber of Commerce logo for its fake permit, the chamber says, catching the attention of CEO Rodney Fong, who wrote to Herrera on Monday. The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce does not distribute private scooter rental permits, or any city permits, Fong wrote, adding that his organization did not condone this use of the logo or the statement it represents. In one instance, a Go X representative boarded a Department of Public Works truck and seized several scooters that the city had lawfully taken for blocking public streets and sidewalks. The scooters were en route to a storage facility. Herreras spokesman, John Cote, spurned the company. Not only is it operating illegally, it lied to businesses about having permits approved by the City and the Chamber of Commerce, Cote wrote in a statement. Go X seems to think its above the law. It couldnt be more mistaken. Yet Debelov protested, saying hed reached out to city agencies. He said he crafted the document with the Chamber of Commerce logo to distinguish himself from one of the permitted e-scooter companies that rents from public streets. Go X riders are instructed to leave their two- and three-wheeled devices at one of the companys partner businesses. Those who leave scooters on the street are charged a recovery fee of $15 to $25. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Ridless declined to comment Tuesday afternoon, saying he had not yet read the letter or spoken with his client. E-scooters created controversy when they plopped down in San Francisco in spring 2018 a tech gadget invasion that some compared to aliens from outer space, though others welcomed the new form of micromobility. The citys new transportation chief, Jeffrey Tumlin, has touted scooters as a potential alternative to cars. But he chastised Go X for continuously disobeying the law. This behavior is not in the best interests of San Franciscans, Tumlin said. We take compliance and safety seriously, and we wont tolerate the egregious behavior weve seen from Go X. After months of debate in City Hall, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency created a permit program that became permanent in July. In December the city permitted 750 more e-scooters, bringing the total number to 3,250. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan In Shen Yuns performance in San Francisco, audience members felt touched and enlightened by the deeper aspect of the performance. Anna Gatmon is an author, speaker, spiritual teacher, and also the founder and principal of Towards Wholeness LTD. She did not expect to see a higher element in the performance, an essential part of traditional Chinese culture. I was surprised and touched halfway through. I mean, Im almost in tears, said Gatmon. You saw grace, you saw beauty, I mean, these are all spiritual qualities, and you saw that in the movements, right? So in a very material way, she said. And the costumes, and the choices of colors, and the storytellingit was justand you saw humanity. You saw good and evil, you know, you saw human nature and human [nature] transcending. So it was beautiful. Nicole Zakheim is a documentary filmmaker who focuses on people, groups, and communities. The pieces about the persecution of the meditation group Falun Dafa in China stuck with her. Persistence. Persistence. When people are telling you that you are wrong when people are telling [you] that you should be quiet, you should continue to speak up, you should continue to practice what you believe in and what makes you feel good, said Zakheim. Many of the artists are Falun Dafa practitioners, a practice banned in China. They want the world to know about the Communist regimes heinous crimes against humanity, so they depict pieces of faith triumphant over the Communist regime, a contrast of good and evil. We live in times that we cant afford to deny whats going on in America, in China, in Europe, in Israel, in South America, wherever we are. We have to stand up and speak the truth, said Gatmon. I came here, and I watched it, and I kid you not, I feelIm sincere and earnest when I saythat I walked out feeling like a weight lifted, a little bit, and I want to explore it more, said Zakheim. Leaving this performance, I feel extremely peaceful. I feel healed to an extent. To the extent that I want to explore the practice further. Spiritual practice is not something you do in a retreat center, and then you go back to your material life. Its something you do every day, in your life, said Gatmon. Youll come for the art, for the colors, for the movements, and you will leave inspired by humanity. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 21:25:19|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close RIGA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Latvian soldiers currently training Iraqi forces will be withdrawn from the country if the Iraqi government asks them to leave, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said on television Wednesday. Asked to comment on the Iraqi parliament's resolution demanding a pullout of U.S. and other foreign troops amid the recent escalation in the region, the Latvian prime minister said that the Latvian soldiers joined the broad multinational coalition fighting the Islamic State terrorist group in Iraq at the Iraqi government's request. For the time being, there have been no pullout demands from the Iraqi government and the Latvian servicemen continue to train the Iraqi soldiers. "We are there with a clear mandate to help fight Islamic State," Karins said, noting that although the Iraqi parliament has called for foreign troops' withdrawal, the country's government has yet to respond. Karins said that if the Iraqi government asks foreign troops to leave, Latvia will pull out its contingent from that country. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) All Filipinos living in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon were ordered to return to the Philippines after the highest threat alert was raised in those countries amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, an official said on Wednesday. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III told reporters that Alert Level 4 was raised over the three Middle Eastern countries. Mandatory repatriation is ordered under that alert level, which is issued when there is large-scale internal conflict or a full-blown external attack in the area. "Ang marching order sa amin ay mandatory repatriation," said Philippine Embassy in Iraq Charge dAffaires Jomar Sadie. Malacanang said Filipinos in Iraq will not be forced to go home; they can opt to be evacuated to a safe place instead. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said one of the options is to send them to Saudi Arabia, where there are frigates awaiting their arrival. "Repatriation is out of the question when there is a shooting war. We have to place them in a safe place. Hindi naman sila kailangang umuwi habang nagkakaroon ng giyera doon o digmaan. Hindi mo naman maiuuwi iyun talaga," he told CNN Philippines. [Translation: They don't have to go home to the Philippines when there is an ongoing war. You can't bring them home anyway.] He said repatriation remains the Philippine government's "end goal." But would Filipinos even want to be repatriated? "Most of the Filipinos there are married to Iranians, so are they coming home or not? Hindi mo naman pwedeng pilitin kung ayaw nilang umuwi," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said. [Translation: You cannot force them if they don't want to go home.] Bello also said that they would not be able to do anything in case Filipinos refuse to cooperate in the mandatory repatriation. Still, he appealed to them to heed the governments call for them to come home. Hindi natin masiguro na kapag sumabog ito, kahit na gaano kaganda ang buhay nila doon, hindi mo matitiyak ang kanilang kaligtasan, he said. [Translation: We are not certain of their safety if this blows up.] Troops to be deployed President Rodrigo Duterte during a command conference with defense officials in Malacanang Tuesday night ordered the deployment of at least a thousand troops from the Army and the Marines to the Middle East to assist in the repatriation of Filipinos from countries in the region. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made it clear that the troops there would not engage in combat with anyone. "'Pag in-ambush sila, proteksyon lang naman. They'll protect themselves," Lorenzana said. [Translation: If they are ambushed, they'll just protect themselves.] The rules of engagement that will cover the troops have yet to be finalized. But whether they will actually be allowed to carry out rescue missions is still unknown. "That will be decided upon by higher [authorities,] but we are ready to do everything. Pero siyempre, we want authority and higher-ups' decision. That will be the higher-ups' decision," Lorenzana said. The DFA is now working out documents, including diplomatic clearances, to allow the deployment of Philippine troops for the repatriation. "What we are waiting is 'yung go signal nila to proceed ... Kasi 'di naman pwede pagka sinabi na, 'Pumunta kayo doon,' we could go there immediately. We have to go on with the process," Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff LtGen Felimon Santos Jr. said. [Translation: What we are waiting for is their go signal to proceed ... Because we cannot just go there immediately when they tell us to do so. We have to go on with the process.] The coordination will include where Philippine military planes will land, where Philippine Navy ships will dock and where these assets will refuel and resupply. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is eyeing deployment in at least two countries Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, who is also serving as the country's special envoy to the Middle East, said Dubai will serve as the central logistics base for the repatriation. Troops will likely be transported through the Navy's landing dock vessels within 72 hours after they get a go signal. However, Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said it may take them 18 to 22 days to reach the Middle East. Filipinos might have to travel by land Cimatu said they will convince Filipinos living in areas where the highest alert level is raised to go home. He also appealed to their families to convince them to return to the country. Cimatu said they plan to send 1,592 Filipinos in Iraq who are ready to go home on a flight from Baghdad's airport to Manila. There are 4,204 Filipinos in Iraq, with 4,000 of them being undocumented, according to data as of June 2019 from DFAs Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers. Government officials are now giving conflicting numbers on the current numbers of FIlipinos in Iraq, with DFA Spokesperson Eduardo Menez saying Wednesday that there are around 1,600 Filipinos there. The Labor department, meanwhile, says there are 2,191 Filipino workers in Iraq. If the airport is closed, Cimatu said the Filipinos will be transported by land on a bus to Amman, Jordan or Erbil in Iraq, where they can board a plane to Dubai or Qatar, and then board another plane to Manila. He added that the bus that will be used to transport Filipinos will display the Philippine flag as a signal to combatants that they are not involved in the ongoing conflict in the area. Filipinos in Iran, meanwhile, can be transported by land to Turkmenistan, Cimatu said. From there, they can be brought to Ankara, Turkey, where they can board a plane to Manila. He also assured that the Foreign Affairs department will help Filipinos who cannot obtain visas to get the necessary travel documents for them to be repatriated. He added that they will prepare Filipinos in Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain for a possible Iranian strike on US bases there. Bello assured that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will give financial aid to documented Filipino workers who will be repatriated from Iran, Iraq and Lebanon. Undocumented Filipino workers will be brought home, but would not get financial aid, he said. He also assured that they will provide livelihood assistance to Filipinos who will be brought home. He added that the Labor Department is in talks with China, Japan, Russia, Canada and Germany for the redeployment of Filipino workers. Bello said the government is eyeing to use commercial planes or Navy boats to send back Filipinos home. He also said he will ask his counterpart in Qatar if they can lend the Philippines a plane for the repatriation of Filipinos. Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano has also ordered all local government units to provide all forms of assistance to Filipino workers who will be evacuated from Iraq and Iran. The government said it is ready to roll out a mass repatriation for Filipinos living and working in the Middle East, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Hans Cacdac said Tuesday. Related: PH ready for mass repatriation amid conflict in Middle East Military officials are also considering tapping the services of cruise ships. The Philippine Coast Guard said its BRP Gabriela Silang is sailing to either to Oman or Dubai to carry out repatriation missions. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard's first offshore patrol vessel, BRP Diego Silang, which was on its way to the Philippines from France has been diverted and will be sent to either Dubai or Oman. Conflict between US and Iran continues to rise after US President Donald Trump ordered an airstrike that killed Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad, Iraq on January 3. On Wednesday, Iran fired missiles at two bases housing US troops in Iraq. Keep in touch with the embassy Filipinos in Iraq were urged to contact the embassy following the repatriation order. "We know the options and choices of our citizens abroad may change. They may choose to wait. The key is to keep in close touch with the embassy so they're properly informed," Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans Cacdac said. Sadie reiterated the importance of coordinating with the embassy located in Baghdad. He said there are options for the processing of Filipinos who wish to go home, such as asking for the help of their employers or by personally contacting the embassy, especially if they're not employed. According to data from the DFA as of June 2019, there are 29,676 Filipinos in Lebanon 11,972 of them are undocumented or irregular migrants. Meanwhile, there are 1,181 Filipinos in Iran, with 59 of them undocumented. The same data shows there are nearly 2.2 million Filipinos in the Middle East. Filipinos in Iraq may contact the embassy at 0781 606 6822 and 0751 616 7838. They may also contact the embassy via email through baghdad.pe@dfa.gov.ph or embaphilbaghdad.secretary1@gmail.com, or through its Facebook page, Philippine Embassy in Iraq. They may also contact DOLE at (0632)1349 and OWWA at (0632)1348. Will you consider bushfire threats when planning your summer holiday in 2021, perhaps for that first time avoiding holiday hotspots that have a higher risk of natural disaster? Thats an awkward question. Maintaining tourism income is a low priority compared to saving and supporting bushfire-affected communities now and in coming years. Or recognising the incredible contribution of volunteers and others who have given time and/or money. The sky in Eden and other tourist hotspots turned red as bushfires threatened. Credit:Phil Williams Lets hope holidaymakers return to bushfire-affected areas this time next year, conditions permitting, to support those communities and their hospitality businesses. That said, plans to rebuild affected communities, particularly those that rely on summer holidaymakers, must factor in the longer-term impact of bushfires on tourism. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday said that his country's final answer to the killing of Qasem Sulaimani, the commander of the country's elite Quds Force, will be to kick all US forces out of the region. "General Soleimani fought heroically against ISIS, Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda, et al. If it weren't for his war on terror, European capitals would be in great danger now," the President tweeted. "Our final answer to his assassination will be to kick all US forces out of the region," he said. According to media reports, the killing of Soleimani in an airstrike ordered by the Pentagon near the Baghdad International Airport in Iraq was already described as an act of "both terrorism and war." Hours after the 'beloved hero' of the Iranians was laid to rest on Tuesday, Iran fired dozens of missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops in retaliation for the American strike that killed a top Iranian general last week. The early morning attack presents US President Donald Trump with the biggest test of his presidency to date. A US official told CNN that there were no initial reports of any US casualties from the attack, but an assessment of the impact of the strikes is underway. Iraq's joint military command said there were no casualties among Iraqi military forces. "Between 1:45 am and 2:45 am, Iraq came under an attack of 22 missiles," the Iraqi military said in a statement. "All missiles struck coalition bases," it added. Trump later tweeted, "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties and damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a televised address to the nation today, said that Iran gave the US "a slap in the face last night," in reference to the attacks. He added that America had cast Soleimani as a "terrorist," which was "unjust and unfair." The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), an elite wing of the Iranian military, said in a statement that the attacks on Iraqi bases were "hard revenge" for the death of Soleimani. The IRGC said any country housing US troops could be subject to "hostile and aggressive acts" and called on American citizens to demand the government remove US troops from the region. It warned the US: "If you repeat your wickedness or take any additional movements or make additional aggression, we will respond with more painful and crushing responses." Iraq received "an official verbal message" from Iran about the missile attack shortly before midnight on Wednesday, according to a statement from Iraq's Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi. He said that Iraq was told that: "The strike would be limited to the whereabouts of the US military in Iraq, without giving the exact location." Once they received the warning, Iraqi military leaders were warned "to take the necessary precautions." Soleimani's death marked a dramatic escalation in tension between the US and Iran, that has often been at a fever pitch since Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact the powers had struck with Tehran. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iran attacked a US base in western Iraq early Wednesday, Iranian official news media and US officials said, the start of what Iran had promised would be retaliation for the killing of a top Revolutionary Guards commander Iran attacked a US base in western Iraq early Wednesday, Iranian official news media and US officials said, the start of what Iran had promised would be retaliation for the killing of a top Revolutionary Guards commander. "The fierce revenge by the Revolutionary Guards has begun," Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement on a Telegram channel. Iranian news media reported the attack hours after the remains of the commander, General Qassem Soleimani, were returned to his hometown in Iran for burial. Hossein Soleimani, the editor-in-chief of Mashregh, the main Revolutionary Guards news website, said that short-range ballistic missiles had been fired at the US base at Asad, in Anbar province, in western Iraq. One US official said six rockets had landed at Al Asad Air Base, but could not confirm that they were missiles. Iraq's Joint Military Command said seven rockets had hit the base. Iranian officials said the attack began at 1.20 am local time, the time that Qassem Soleimani was killed by an American drone at the Baghdad airport Friday. The White House said in a statement that it was "aware" of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. "The president has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," the statement said. President Donald Trump visited US military forces at Al Asad in December 2018, making his first trip to troops stationed in a combat zone. The strike at Al Asad came less than two hours after reports circulated that rockets had been fired on Taji Air Base, an Iraqi military base where US troops are deployed. Officials said the reports of an attack there appeared to be false. 'He was clearly on the battlefield' Defence Secretary Mark T Esper said on Tuesday that General Qassem Soleimani had planned attacks to occur within days, laying out the administration's legal justification for killing the Iranian commander in a drone strike. US officials have been pressed over their claims that they targeted Soleimani to forestall imminent attacks against US interests. At a Pentagon news conference Tuesday, Esper was asked whether attacks had been expected in days or weeks. "I think it's more fair to say days," the defence secretary said. He declined to offer more details, nor to describe the intelligence underpinning that assessment. Esper said Soleimani, who was killed Friday in Iraq, "was in Baghdad to coordinate additional attacks". "He's been conducting terrorist activities against us and our coalition partners for over 20 years," Esper said, "He has the blood of hundreds of Americans, soldiers, on his hands and wounded thousands more. And then we could talk about all of the mayhem he's caused against the Syrian people, the people of Lebanon. Even his own people in Iran." He added: "To somehow suggest that he wasnt a legitimate target, I think, is fanciful. He was clearly on the battlefield." Esper also said that despite an unsigned draft letter from the U.S. military command in Baghdad on troop withdrawal and a unanimous vote by the Iraqi parliament, the United States does not plan to pull its troops out of Iraq right now. The Pentagon has made preparations in anticipation of Iranian retaliation, Esper said, and US troops in West Asia are on a heightened state of alert. "I think we should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form," Esper said, "We're prepared for any contingency and then we'll respond appropriately to whatever they do." Trump walked back his threat to strike Iranian cultural targets President Donald Trump on Tuesday told reporters he would avoid targeting cultural sites in military attacks, walking back a threat he made against Iran days earlier. Following a bipartisan and international uproar, Trump conceded that striking such sites would amount to a war crime. "If that's what the law is, I like to obey the law," he said in the Oval Office as he hosted the visiting Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. His remarks to reporters came a day after Esper said striking Iranian cultural sites with no military value would be a war crime. That appeared to put him at odds with his boss. "We will follow the laws of armed conflict," the defence secretary said at a news briefing at the Pentagon on Monday when asked if cultural sites would be targeted. On Saturday, Trump declared that the United States had identified 52 potential targets in Iran, some "important to Iran & the Iranian culture". None of them qualified as cultural sites, according to an administration official who asked not to be identified. But the president's threats and his initial refusal to back down in the face of criticism generated condemnation at home and abroad while deeply discomfiting US military leaders. Some NATO troops are leaving Iraq NATO is removing some of the trainers who have been working with Iraqi soldiers battling the Islamic State, in the wake of the US killing of Soleimani. On Monday, the NATO secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, announced that training had been temporarily suspended. Describing security of NATO personnel, the organisation said in a statement that it would be taking precautions including "the temporary repositioning of some personnel to different locations both inside and outside Iraq". NATO "maintains a presence in Iraq" and remains committed "to fighting international terrorism", an official said, but refused to provide "operational details" about troop movements. NATO has had roughly 500 soldiers doing the training. Some NATO countries, like Canada, Germany and Croatia, have announced that they are moving troops out of Iraq altogether, at least temporarily, because of security concerns. Canada is temporarily moving to Kuwait some of its 500 military personnel based in Iraq, the country's top military official, General Jonathan Vance, said in a letter posted on Twitter on Tuesday. Thirty of the 120 German soldiers in Iraq will be sent to Jordan and Kuwait, while others will remain positioned in the less volatile Kurdistan region, the German defence and foreign ministries said in a joint letter to the German parliament, the Bundestag. "When the training is able to resume, the military personnel can be reinstated," the letter said. Croatia has also moved its small contingent of soldiers 14 from Iraq, with seven bound for Kuwait and the rest headed home, the Croatian defence ministry said. Slovakia has also removed its seven soldiers. Some NATO troops began leaving Baghdads Green Zone in helicopters Monday night. The NATO training mission began in 2018 at Iraq's request. Iran issued new threats before the funeral procession Iranian State-run news outlets reported a deadly stampede during the funeral procession for Soleimani in his hometown, Kerman, in southeastern Iran, on Tuesday. Millions were reported to have flooded the town's streets to witness the procession for the general, who was killed in an American drone strike in Baghdad last week. In a fiery speech made in Soleimani's hometown, the leader of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps vowed to "set ablaze" places where Americans and their allies live. "We will take revenge a revenge that will be tough, strong, decisive and finishing and will make them regret," the corps leader, Hossein Salami, said on Tuesday in front of a crowd of mourners. "We will set ablaze the place they like, and they know where it is." "Today, the seeds of hatred for the US have been sown in the hearts of Muslims," he added, according to Fars, an Iranian news agency associated with the Revolutionary Guards. The pledge to seek vengeance echoed the rhetoric of many of the country's leaders since Soleimani's killing on Friday. "Death to Israel," the crowd chanted back, according to news reports. Israel, a close ally of the United States, has long been an enemy of Iran. Thousands of mourners, dressed in black and carrying photos of Soleimani, crowded the central square of Kerman, where the generals body was taken for burial after a funeral procession Monday in Tehran, the capital. Before arriving in Kerman, the general's remains were taken to the holy city of Qom, where thousands of residents came out, hoping for a chance to touch the coffin of a man the state has declared a martyr. On Monday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wept and offered prayers over Soleimani's coffin at the enormous state funeral. The ayatollah, Iran's supreme leader, had a close relationship with the general, who was widely considered to be the country's second-most powerful man. Soleimani's successor swore revenge during Mondays ceremony. "God the almighty has promised to get his revenge, and God is the main avenger," said Esmail Ghaani, the Iranian general who will succeed Soleimani as head of the Quds Force, the foreign expeditionary arm of the Revolutionary Guards. "Certainly, actions will be taken," he added. As the world focused on Iran, Putin took a bow in Syria With the American role in West Asia in flux, President Vladimir Putin of Russia flew to Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday for a victory lap of sorts. Highlighting Russia's newfound influence in the region, Putin met with President Bashar al Assad of Syria, the strongman whose rule was largely rescued by Russian military intervention in Syria's civil war. Putin told Assad that "one can now confidently state that huge strides have been made in restoring Syrian statehood and the territorial integrity of the country," a Kremlin statement said. The Kremlin made no mention of Iran in its description of Putin's visit, which had not been announced of Moscow in propping up Assad against Syrian rebels, including those backed by the United States. Russia has called the killing of Soleimani of Iran illegal and expressed condolences to Tehran. On Wednesday, Putin is scheduled to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey in Istanbul, with Syria and Libya on the agenda, according to the Kremlin. France's president urged calm in a call with his Iranian counterpart President Emmanuel Macron of France spoke with the president of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, by phone Tuesday afternoon to plead for calm and de-escalation. Macron called on Iran to "refrain from any step that might aggravate the escalation already underway," according to a statement from the Elysee Palace, the seat of the French presidency. France has tried to play the role of mediator between the Iranians and Americans for months, but in vain. The French president also called on Iran to respect the 2015 nuclear accord, and to release two French academics, Fariba Adelkhah and Roland Marchal, who are being held there, a major source of tension between the two countries. Iran's foreign minister says he was denied visa for UN Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister, said on Tuesday that he had been rejected for a visa to attend a Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York, confirming reports from US news outlets that he would be barred. Zarif, in an interview with the Iranian news outlet Press TV, said that his office had requested a visa weeks ago to participate in the meeting Thursday, rejecting claims by US officials that they had not had time to process the application. "The Americans are trying to create the impression that our request to attend the meeting was put forth following the assassination of Soleimani," Zarif said, according to the news outlet, adding, "The question everyone needs to be asking this lawbreaking administration is: What are they so scared of?" Zarif later posted on Twitter about the situation, taking aim at Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and President Donald Trump. During a Tuesday morning news conference, Pompeo was asked about the visa but said he would not comment specifically on visa matters. He added that the United States would "comply with our obligations" under UN rules. Robert C O'Brien, the US national security advisor, was asked on Fox & Friends on Tuesday morning about the visa. "I don't think Pompeo thought that this was the right time for Zarif to come to the United States, and whenever he comes to New York, he spreads propaganda," O'Brien said. In August, the United States announced sanctions on Zarif, a seasoned diplomat who helped negotiate the 2015 nuclear deal. The New York Times c.2020 The New York Times Company A Nike-brand jumper could hold the key to finding the killers of Melbourne fruit seller Paul Virgona on a busy freeway two months ago, police say. The 46-year-old small businessman was found shot dead inside his white work van on the city's Eastlink Freeway at Donvale about 2.20am on November 9. Homicide Squad detectives released images on Wednesday of a black Nike jumper with light and dark grey panels which may have been left behind by his attackers. A Nike-brand jumper could hold the key to finding the killers of Melbourne fruit seller Paul Virgona on a busy freeway two months ago, police say Paul Virgona A Mercedes-Benz sedan is believed to have followed the devoted father from his Croydon home before the ambush. The luxury vehicle was driven from the scene and later found torched in Mooroolbark, with the occupants thought to have changed to a second getaway car, a waiting Volkswagen Amarok utility, about 2.50am. Twenty minutes after the switch, police spotted and tried to halt the ute on Windermere Drive in Ferntree Gully. Officers followed the two suspects before they dumped the vehicle near Mountain Highway and Scoresby Road in Bayswater and ran into adjacent parkland. Police air wing, dog squad and critical response teams searched the area but couldn't find them. The medium size Nike jumper was found in the reserve, prompting the theory it was dropped by one of the killers. 'Everything about this shooting indicates that it was a targeted attack, however we're still no closer to understanding why someone wanted to shoot Paul,' Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said on Wednesday. 'There is no motive for his killing that we have been able to establish.' Mr Virgona was well-liked in the community and police haven't ruled out a case of mistaken identity, the homicide squad detective said. Anyone with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to come forward, especially that which may contain images of vehicles carrying the registrations BE 158 (Mr Virgona's van), AZE 010 (the Mercedes sedan) and 1MC 9PG (the VW Amarok). The first advance estimates of gross domestic product for the current year, released by the government on Tuesday, showed that growth in the Indian economy will slow to 5 per cent, compared to 6.8 per cent last year. Since most high-frequency indicators suggest that a sharp rebound is unlikely in the near-term, stakeholders are looking for policy support. While it will take a few weeks to know to what extent the government is willing to support growth through the Budget, markets have been hoping that after a pause in December, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will lower policy interest ... Xerox secures $24 billion financing for proposed HP takeover Xerox Holdings Corp (XRX.N) said on Monday it has secured $24 billion in financing for its $33.5 billion takeover offer for HP Inc (HPQ.N), a deal that the personal computer maker is opposing. HP rejected the $22 per share offer in November saying it significantly undervalued the company, following which the printer maker took the offer directly to HPs shareholders. Xerox Holdings Corporation on Monday sent a letter to the board of directors of HP Inc confirming that it has obtained $24 billion in binding financing commitments from Citi, Mizuho and Bank of America to complete its combination with HP. Xerox said the combination would deliver substantial synergies and meaningfully enhanced cash flow that could, in turn, enable increased investments in innovation and greater returns to shareholders. Xerox has engaged in constructive dialogue with many of HPs largest shareholders, the companys chief executive officer, John Visentin, said in a letter addressed to HPs board on Monday. Pointing to the strategic benefits of the merger proposal and the support extended by some major shareholders, Visentin said. My offer stands to meet with you in person, with or without your advisors, to begin negotiating this transaction. Activist investor Carl Icahn, who has a 4.2 per cent stake in HP and a 10.9 per cent stake in Xerox, in December urged HP shareholders who agreed with a merger with Xerox to reach out to the PC makers directors for immediate action. HP had said it was open to exploring a bid for Xerox, stating that it recognizes the potential benefits of consolidation. HPs shareholders and advisors have been questioning Xeroxs ability to raise capital necessary to finance the proposal. The binding financing commitments (that are not subject to any due diligence condition) from Citi, Mizuho and Bank of America, will help remove all such doubts, Xerox stated in its letter to HP board. Citi is acting as Xeroxs financial advisor, and King & Spalding LLP is providing legal counsel to Xerox. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is providing legal counsel to Xeroxs independent directors. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is acting as legal counsel to Xerox in connection with the financing for the proposed acquisition of HP, and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is acting as legal counsel to the financial institutions providing the financing. Niamey, Niger (PANA) - Asylum seekers, mostly Sudanese, on Sunday set a refugee camp on fire about 15 km from Agadez town which lies 1,200 km north of the Nigerien capital, Niamey, to denounce their detention conditions and waiting time to obtain a refugee card, PANA learned on Wednesday Advertisement There are photographs of African animals and then there are Laurent Baheux's photographs of African animals. In his coffee table book The Family Album of Wild Africa (by teNeues and YellowCorner), the French photographer showcases a collection of animal images that show their magnificence and lay bare their tender, vulnerable and seemingly sensitive sides. Animals from cheetahs to elephants have been snapped nuzzling each other, tending to their young, and apparently relishing the landscape in which they live - taking baths, basking in the sun and enjoying a drink at a watering hole. In the foreword to the book Fedora Parkmann writes: 'There's no darkness, no ferocity in the animal portraits captured during his travels... Laurent Baheux advocates for the consideration of animals' sensitivity.' Some of the photographs feature intimate close-ups of the faces of animals, giving readers of the book the sense that they're looking right into the animals' eyes. The book's publisher, teNeues, explains: 'Every photograph is so carefully composed and well lit that the details equal the evocative precision of an Old Masters portrait. Through Baheuxs eyes we get close to creatures that will both inspire and humble us all.' Scroll down for a taster of Baheux's astonishing images. Three lions nuzzle up to each other. Baheux has captured expressions of what looks like pure contentment on their faces as they nestle into each other A leopard is photographed mid-stride. The foreword to the book explains that Baheux's quest is to capture the 'absolute magnificence' of the animal kingdom A baby primate clambers all over an elder. Book publisher teNeues has explained that Baheux's photographs emphasise the subjects individual spirits A hippo wallows in the water. Many of the photographs in The Family Album of Wild Africa zoom in on the facial expressions of the subjects A giraffe is snapped looking quizzically at a brash bird that has just landed on its nose. The foreword to the book explains that Baheux tries to capture animals in states that reflect their 'dignity, power and spontaneity' Baheux captures a hyena as it snaps its head around to look at something behind it. A string of saliva hangs from its lips and its fur is ruffled A herd of elephants lumbers along the plains. Four calves try to keep pace with the older members of the group A cheetah settles on the grass, looking contemplatively out over the African landscape. The foreword to the book describes how Baheux aims to transpose the 'quiet strength' of animals into his photographs Baheux photographs an elephant and two calves through the mist as a bird attempts to take a break on the older elephant's back The Family Album of Wild Africa by Laurent Baheux, published by teNeues and YellowKorner The Family Album of Wild Africa by Laurent Baheux is published by teNeues and YellowKorner and costs 98. Visit www.teneues.com and www.yellowkorner.com for more. On Wednesday, a minister from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) spoke on the rising tensions between the US and Iran stating that he hopes for a "de-escalation of tensions." On Wednesday, Iran struck back at the United States for killing their top Revolutionary Guard commander, firing a series of ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops, escalating tensions between the two longtime foes. Following this, UAE's Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei addressed a press conference in Abu Dhabi and said that he hopes "wisdom will prevail." Read: Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei says Tehran delivered 'slap in face' to US "We are all hoping for de-escalation, wisdom will prevail despite the tension. Let us not exaggerate what is happening. There is no risk that we have seen to the Strait of Hormuz or the movement of oil here," he said. Effect on Strait of Hormuz Soaring tensions between Iran and the United States have reignited fears that the Strait of Hormuz could be closed by Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is a strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman which provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is one of the world's most strategically important choke points. On Wednesday, the price of crude oil soared internationally along with the fall in the U.S stocks following reports of the airstrike by Iran. Read: Iran says missile attacks on airbases housing US troops were 'legitimate self-defence' Iran strikes back Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said the country has delivered 'slap in face' to the United States after Tehran launched attacks on American bases in Iraq. Khamenei, in a televised address, said that the US cut off Soleimanis hand so Iran, in response, will cut their legs off in the region. US President Donald Trump surprisingly responded to the airstrikes saying All is well, adding that he will make a statement on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, Pentagon said that the bases were already on high alert due to Irans indication to attack US forces in the region. Read: 'A leg for an arm': Iran's President Rouhani warns he'll cut off US presence in the region Read: Iran designates US army as terrorist organisation after Soleimani's killing A war powers resolution submitted by U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin would require the Trump administration to obtain Congressional approval before using military force against Iran. House Democrats are trying to rein in President Donald Trump after he ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week, a move that inspired Iran to fire missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops Tuesday night. The five-page resolution, released to the public Wednesday, directs Trump to end the use of armed forces against Iran unless Congress declares war or determines force is necessary to defend against an imminent armed attack on U.S. allied forces. This resolution is intended to make clear that, if the President wants to take us to war, he must get authorization from Congress, Slotkin said in a statement. This is simply what our Constitution requires. If our loved ones are going to be sent to fight in any protracted war, the president owes the American people a public conversation about why and for what ends." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the House will vote on the war powers resolution Thursday, though Trump will likely veto the measure. A Senate counterpart is also being brought forward by Democrats. Michigans House Democrats are largely in support of the measure, while Republicans said Trump rightly prevented Soleimani from carrying out planned attacks on American targets. Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and Pentagon official who served in the Middle East, said Congress has failed to keep a check on past administrations use of military force. As an Army wife with a step-daughter and son-in-law currently on active duty, who could very well be deployed to the Middle East, I feel strongly that Congress has long abdicated its responsibility, as laid out in the Constitution, to make the hard decisions we owe our troops and our country when it comes to authorizing war, she said in a statement. "We owe it to our military and to ourselves as a nation to provide our troops clarity, and to abide by the Constitution that they have sworn their lives to protect. Trump signaled he would not retaliate with force during a public address at the White House Wednesday. The president pledged to add economic sanctions to put pressure on Iran until the country "changes its behavior. No one was harmed in the strikes, but the Department of Defense said U.S. forces in the region remain on high alert. Some members of Congress have criticized the White House for not obtaining congressional approval before killing the Iranian general, questioning Trumps rationale for the attack. Members of Congress participated in a briefing with top national security officials Wednesday. U.S. Rep. Andy Levin, D-Bloomfield Township, left the meeting entirely unconvinced that an imminent threat necessitated Soleimanis death. We cannot let this president drag our nation into another endless war," Levin said in a statement. "Now is the time to fulfill our duty under the Constitution and prevent a war that will cost billions of taxpayer dollars and, most importantly, American lives. U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, I-Cascade Township, said the Trump administration has provided no evidence to prove the original strike on Soleimani was a necessary defensive response to an imminent attack. Amash, in a statement posted to Twitter, said the White House had no valid authorization to carry out the attack. The war powers resolution defines Iran as a leading state sponsor of terrorism and calls Soleimani the lead architect Irans destabilizing activities throughout the world. It also states the U.S. has a right to self-defense and ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel serving abroad. When the United States uses military force, the American people and members of the United States Armed Forces deserve a credible explanation regarding such use of military force, the resolution states. Trump said peace and stability in the Middle East cant prevail as long as Iran continues to incite violence. However, he ended his remarks Wednesday by saying the U.S is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - About 40,000 people have been displaced in Sudans West Darfur State in recent days, following inter-communal clashes, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday, citing Sudanese Government data A plane crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran, Iran, on Wednesday morning, killing all 176 passengers and nine crew members on board. The Ukraine International Airlines plane was headed to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv when a fire erupted in one of its engines, causing the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, according to The Associated Press (AP). Debris is seen from a plane crash on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. (AP Photos/Mohammad Nasiri) Flight data was lost just two minutes after the plane took off from Imam Khomeini International Airport, according to Flightradar24. Debris was seen littering fields as rescue workers sifted through the rubble. The sky was clear at the time of the incident with no precipitation in the area, according to weather observations from the airport. The temperature was in the middle 30s F (1-2 C). The weather will be dry for continued cleanup efforts into the weekend. BOSTON, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As a new year and a new decade begin, college students, faculty and Cengage leaders are sharing their predictions on what challenges and opportunities will take center stage for higher education in 2020 and beyond. "My hope for 2020 is that the industry will make a concerted effort to really listen to students and focus on their needs so that education is more impactful," said Michael E. Hansen, CEO at Cengage. "All of us in education need to show we have the courage, willingness and financial ability to break the mold and innovate to improve the overall system for students." Broadly, the predictions focus on the need to address affordability to make learning more accessible for all: 1. Addressing the affordability crisis will be paramount to the future of education. "Navigating the future of higher education has become a complex puzzle. In 2020, I expect (and hope) we will see growing awareness of the college affordability crisis in the United States drive action both in lowering the barriers to entry for students, but also supporting the whole student throughout their educational journey. This includes focusing on adequate funding to attract and retain qualified faculty, providing resources for students that help them thrive inside and outside the classroom, and ultimately looking for new and innovative ways to rethink the traditional and in many cases antiquated approach to education." Donna Sue M. Shellman, Program Coordinator and an Instructor in Medical Office Administration at Gaston College (NC) "College affordability and the student debt crisis will continue to fuel debate in the 2020 presidential campaign. What I expect will shift is that finer points of each candidates' approach will be put under a harsh spotlight as they defend their plans for "free college" (or their alternative) as the best approach to the American people. With that, if free college is the answer, who benefits? Will it just be for community colleges? What about continuing education and certification programs? What is the right balance to ensure those who need aid most, get it? These are some of the questions I expect will fuel the conversation, and ultimately shape the narrative as the Democrats narrow down the field to face off against President Trump later this year." George Miller, Senior Education Advisor at Cengage, Former Chairman, U.S. House Education and Labor Committee "I think affordability will be a topic of focus in higher education in 2020. The price of higher education keeps increasing while the minimum wage hasn't increased. Any way to reduce the cost of higher education should be considered. I also think the idea of having campuses becoming more diverse and inclusive. I think that's important to provide a learning environment for everyone while also making it affordable."- Victoria A. Doll, student at University of Louisville 2. Accessibility will no longer be viewed as a nice-to-have, it's a must have. All students need access to quality learning. "I hope that in the future, college becomes more accessible for everyone. I also hope that high schools place more emphasis on alternative paths besides attending a traditional 4-year university. My high school had little to no information on trade schools, community college, or other options. I think that university has been made to be the 'normal', but it's important for students to know all their options before graduating and moving on to the next chapter of their lives." Jennifer Ye, student at University of Maryland-College Park "I predict 2020 will bring renewed emphasis on ensuring accessibility for all as part of educational content and platforms. Accessibility will become second-nature as more and more companies build guidelines and criteria to ensure products are born with a set standard of accessibility." George Moore, Chief Technology Officer at Cengage. "As we look ahead to 2020 and beyond, colleges and universities will be pushed to evolve and innovate in order to accommodate all types of learners. As the value of a college degree continues to be questioned, institutions will explore new opportunities to help students embark or advance in their careers, such as certification training and micro credentialing. This will be especially important as institutions look for ways to create efficiencies and increase revenue, and as students look for more affordable and valuable education options." Sandy Keeter, Program Manager/Professor, Computer Concepts & Applications, Seminole State College (FL) 3. The promise of digital learning will continue to evolve to support workforce development around the world, appealing to the individual way in which each student learns best. "With a tightening job market and continued pressure on degree costs in 2020, more students will seek out online courses that provide the quality, flexibility, and affordability to get a degree while working. Institutions already embracing online courses and digital learning tools will have a competitive advantage to capture the growth in online enrollments." Fernando Bleichmar, General Manger, Higher Ed & Skills at Cengage "I think higher education will change to tailor to the student. Students now have options when getting their education and their method of learning, and learning materials need to adjust." Rebecca Caro, student at Florida State University "When we look at the evolving role of technology in educating the next billion, we must be more focused in ensuring the right use of technology in emerging markets, rather than just technology for technology's sake. I expect we will see an evolution to concentrate on technology applications that help these emerging markets grow and foster better quality learning; such as tools to aid in teacher training and digital resource adoption to help emerging markets scale quickly." Alexander Broich, President of Global Businesses at Cengage What do you think is ahead for education in 2020? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter at @CengageLearning using the hashtag #EdTech2020 About Cengage Cengage is the education and technology company built for learners. As the largest US-based provider of teaching and learning materials for higher education, we offer valuable options at affordable price points. Our industry-leading initiatives include Cengage Unlimited, the first-of-its-kind all-access digital subscription service. We embrace innovation to create learning experiences that build confidence and momentum toward the future students want. Headquartered in Boston, Cengage also serves K-12, library and workforce training markets around the world. Visit us at www.cengage.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Media Contact: Emily Featherston, Cengage 617.757.8035, [email protected] SOURCE Cengage Related Links http://www.cengage.com A firefighters brutally honest social media post has gone viral after he addressed the hot topics the world is discussing as Australias bushfire crisis continues to make headlines. Firefighter Drew has spent the last decade as a WA firefighter. In an emotional Facebook post on Tuesday, the firefighter bluntly addressed issues surrounding the fires around the country. Firefighter Drew has made a career out of saving lives. Source: Facebook. Source: Facebook I've felt a strong need to say something here because I just can't stomach some of the false science and outright lies being peddled on social media as news or facts, he posted. The humble hero prefaced the lengthy post by saying that being a firefighter didnt give him complete insight into such a complex issue but he shared his views on hazard reduction burning, climate change and who is the blame for the crisis. More hazard reduction burning The firefighter said he believed the Greens were not responsible for stopping hazard reduction burning and we should absolutely do more of them. Yes, the weather extremes and droughts have significantly reduced the window in which it is safe to perform these burns, he wrote. Yes, the state governments need to invest more money. He then said the state of NSW would need to increase the budget from $100 million to half a billion to fund the hazard reduction burns. The experienced firefighter then said that Australias changing landscape meant hazard reduction burning needed to be managed differently as conditions have been so bad this season that fires have still burnt through areas where hazard reduction burns were completed earlier in the year. Fire crews working frantically to put in containment lines through out the South Coast region after many communities were devastated by bushfires. Source: AAP Climate change doesnt start fires Drew then took on the topic of climate change and stated that while climate change is contributing to increasing temperatures and increasing drought severity, which is creating worsening fire conditions it was not starting fires alone. Lightening strikes, people, negligence etc.. is starting fires, he wrote. He warned however that ignoring science was not the answer. Story continues No one knows exactly how much climate change has contributed to exacerbating the conditions for this year's catastrophic fire season, however the best science available and scientific consensus is that there is an undeniable link, he said. Who is to blame for the bushfires? Nelligen firefighter Paul Parker went viral with his blunt message for Scott Morrison. Source: 7 News. The career firefighter reminded people that viral videos of people shouting their anger at different governments and political parties were not facts about what caused these fires. If you're left leaning and read Fairfax newspapers, you're more likely to blame ScoMo and the government right now for their response. If you're right leaning and read News Ltd newspapers you're more likely to blame the Greens right now for 'stopping' hazard reduction burns, the firefighter wrote. He said that he thought everyone, including himself, was bias. Has Scomo done enough? Should he have gone on holidays? If you know me you know I'm left leaning so my answer will naturally contain a bias, he wrote. A royal commission is the solution The firefighter said he believed the best solution to address the bushfire crisis was a royal commission. Let's let impartial experts tell us what went wrong and how to act in response to it. I think you'll find we're all a little bit right as well as a little bit wrong, he wrote. He ended his post urging people to donate what they could. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been under intense scrutiny in recent months. Source: AAP What can you do right now? F**king donate!! The Red Cross appeal, the Salvation Army, Wires, Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, your state Rural Fire Service. Whoever. Do your research and donate wisely, he said. Social media reacts to firefighters post The post went viral overnight and has attracted thousands of comments praising his perspective. Perfect description from someone we (whether left or right leaning) ALL should listen to, one person responded. Mate this is so spot on. Thank you for this message, another added. Oh so true we, no matter our belief, have to pull together so blaming any one person right now isn't going to help, somebody else wrote. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. A total of 22 missiles struck two bases housing US troops, but there were no Iraqi casualties, the Iraqi military said Wednesday after the overnight attack. "Between 1:45 am and 2:15 am (2245 GMT and 2315 GMT) Iraq was hit by 22 missiles, 17 on the Ain al-Asad air base and...five on the city of Arbil," the Iraqi military command said in a statement, adding they hit sites being used by the US-led international coalition. "There were no victims among the Iraqi forces," the military said, referring to the attack carried out by Iran in retaliation for the US killing of a top Iranian general. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the Long Beach Unified School District commits to keeping classes in-person, the city a new testing site opens for LBUSD employees and students only. The city is also ramping up its own testing efforts with a new 3,000-person per... By PTI SYDNEY: Australian officials issued fresh evacuation warnings Wednesday ahead of a forecast spike in the intensity of out-of-control bushfires that have devastated vast swathes of countryside and sent smoke clouds as far away as Brazil. Residents of Victoria state's fire-ravaged east were urged to leave before another heatwave raises the bushfire danger Friday, while in South Australia state authorities began relocating people from a small community on Kangaroo Island. "Leave, and leave early," Victoria police minister Lisa Neville urged those in the danger zone. "Everything we've done in terms of issuing warnings has been about saving lives, and today I'm asking people to continue to heed the messages that we are giving." The catastrophic bushfires have been fuelled by a crippling drought that has turned forests to tinder and exacerbated by climate change, which scientists say is increasing the length and intensity of Australia's fire season. Authorities on Wednesday confirmed that a fourth firefighter had died while battling the blazes, bringing the overall death toll to 26 people. ALSO READ: Amid bushfires, Australia to kill 10,000 camels to save water More than 2,000 homes have been destroyed since the crisis began in September and some eight million hectares (80,000 square kilometres) has been burned, an area the size of Ireland or South Carolina. University of Sydney scientists estimate one billion animals have been killed in the fires. The figure includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not frogs, insects or invertebrates. Smoke from the fires has been spotted more than 12,000 kilometres (7,400 miles) away in Brazil and Argentina, weather authorities in the South American countries said. Despite days of cooler weather and rainfall in parts of the country's east, dozens of areas continue to burn out of control, and Australians are bracing for yet another heatwave that could spark fresh fires. The country experienced its driest and hottest year on record in 2019, with its highest average maximum temperature of 41.9 degrees Celsius (107.4 degrees Fahrenheit) recorded in mid-December. Each time the mercury has risen in recent months, the risk of deadly blazes has also soared. Unprecedented in scale even in bushfire-prone Australia, the fires have shocked the world and prompted an outpouring of support from celebrities, athletes and leaders around the globe. Authorities warn the disaster still has weeks or months to run. Residents have begun returning to fire-raved towns to assess damage, but the cost of the disaster was still unclear. The Insurance Council of Australia says claims worth Australian dollar 700 million (USD 485 million) had already been filed and the figure was expected to climb significantly. The government has earmarked an initial Australian dollar 2 billion (USD 1.4 billion) for a national recovery fund to help devastated communities. Piers Morgan has pointed the finger at Meghan Markle for driving a wedge between Prince Harry and the Royal Family after the couple sensational resigned from their official duties tonight. In a stinging attack following this evening's announcement, the Good Morning Britain presenter said the Duchess had a history of destroying relationships and reeled off a list of those with whom she has cut ties. He tweeted: 'People say I'm too critical of Meghan Markle - but she ditched her family, ditched her Dad, ditched most of her old friends, split Harry from William & has now split him from the Royal Family. I rest my case.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed their intention on Instagram 'to step back as "senior" members of the Royal Family' to spend more time in Canada, where they have recently returned from holiday. But Piers' epic multi-tweet slap-down said the couple had committed 'spiteful treachery' and 'breaking up the Royal Family after fleecing the public purse'. Piers Morgan has pointed the finger at Meghan Markle for driving a wedge between Prince Harry and the Royal Family after the couple sensational resigned from their official duties tonight Harry and Meghan released a statement accompanied with this picture on their official Instagram account in which they today revealed that they will be stepping down as senior royals Piers, who has had a long-running feud with Meghan since he accused the former Suits actress of 'ghosting' him, also referenced a quote attributed to Harry after the Duke reportedly told Kensington Palace staff 'what Meghan wants, Meghan gets' as they prepared to move out in 2018. The broadcaster has often blasted the couple for hypocrisy, especially after they banged the drum for environmentalism while taking gas-guzzling private planes. And he doubled down on these accusations after Meghan refused to be photographed at Wimbledon despite using millions of public money to renovate Frogmore Cottage. The Royals have also waged war on the British press, which Canadian journalist Meghan Murphy said had 'bullied' Meghan in a campaign which was 'painful to watch'. But Piers hit back on Twitter: 'Oh pur-lease. What's been "painful to watch" has been their absurd woke hypocrisy & constant whining. All on our dime.' Piers' epic multi-tweet slap-down said the couple had committed 'spiteful treachery' and 'breaking up the Royal Family after fleecing the public purse' The Duke and Duchess (pictured, yesterday at Canada House in London) were said to be looking at making the move across the Atlantic where they would be based for a significant part of the year. Rumours abounded before they confirmed this evening that they would be splitting their time between the UK and North America Piers has also expressed sympathies with Thomas Markle, with whom Meghan has severed ties following a row over him speaking to the press about his daughter. And the commentator said the Duchess had sowed division between Harry and Prince William, amid rumours of a rift between the brothers. The couple's move follows weeks of speculation about their future after they took an extended break from royal duties over the festive period that followed an emotional appearance in a documentary. In the ITV programme they spoke about the pressures they have been facing and family rifts, and in a separate move Harry issued a damning statement against the media accusing sections of the press of bullying his wife. This evening's announcement came after Harry and Meghan's rumoured relocation to Canada this afternoon sparked speculation that they could be about to withdraw from public life. The family spent Christmas in Canada and Harry posed for a picture with his little boy Archie, who the couple have said they will raise with a respect for the tradition into which he was born In their statement, they wrote: 'After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. 'We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. 'We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. 'This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. 'We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.' Eager to avoid the acrimony and Republican walkouts that temporarily paralyzed the end of last years legislative session, Oregon lawmakers have been busy crafting a new version of their climate change policy in hopes of passing it in the 35-day session that begins Feb. 3. From Democrats perspective, the proposal includes significant concessions to appease critics who claimed the bill would be a disaster for rural Oregon; that it threatened the viability of some of the states biggest industrial employers; and that backers were trying to ram a bill through on party lines while ignoring Republican input. There are already signs, however, that Republicans will continue to satisfy their rural base on the issue. Sen. Fred Girod, R-Stayton, who was invited by Senate President Peter Courtneys office to contribute to the new concept, said he has abandoned the effort, adding that the concessions are all fake, and that he was disgusted by the process. Climate change activists, meanwhile, worry that backers of the bill overreacted to criticism and so fundamentally diluted the program that it may be worse than doing nothing at all. They also worry a weakened bill would disqualify Oregon from linking its proposed carbon cap and trade market with Californias a feature of last years bill designed to lower costs and keep the program uniform across state lines. Backers acknowledge that theyve had to water down the legislation in hopes of getting it passed. But they say the proposal maintains the same emissions caps and will generate the desired pollution reductions in the same time period as last years failed House Bill 2020. Senate backers plan to unveil Legislative Concept 19 for their colleagues at a hearing Monday, and stress that its a work in progress. We got the message there was fear out there around HB 2020, particularly in rural areas, said Sen. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland, chair of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee and co-chair of the Joint Carbon Reduction Committee. I believe those fears would not have come to pass, that there would have been more benefits than difficulties for rural parts of the state. But we took those fears seriously and addressed them in these changes. The upcoming climate debate will once again spotlight the hyper-partisan, populist dynamics at work in the Oregon Legislature, as nationally. If it fails, there are potentially ballot measures and executive actions in the offing to accomplish similar goals. Its outcome may also play an important role in upcoming elections. Its clearly going to be the No. 1 issue everyone across the state is going to be looking at, said Jim Moore, a political science professor at Pacific University. Its also the prism by which voters will view the upcoming elections and by which people decide to challenge incumbents in the primaries. The broad framework of HB 2020 remains in place. That means the bill would establish a gradually declining cap on statewide carbon dioxide emissions. It would also require polluters from the transportation fuels, utility and industrial sectors to acquire allowances to cover every metric ton of their emissions. As the supply of those allowances declines over time, the theory goes, the price of allowances will go up and force polluters to clean up -- by electrifying transportation, building more wind and solar farms or adopting more efficient production technology. Changes in the new version include: Protections for rural Oregonians from rising fuel prices: In the proposal, the requirement for transportation fuel providers to buy emissions allowances would be phased in geographically. It would be effective in metropolitan Portland in 2022 and metro areas with populations greater than 30,000 in 2025. More rural areas, meanwhile, would be exempted indefinitely, though counties would have the ability to opt in. Revenues generated by the sale of transportation allowances would also be restricted geographically. Eighty percent would go to those metropolitan areas and counties participating in the program, with the bulk likely headed to the Portland metro area. The remaining 20% would go to the Oregon Department of Transportation for use throughout the state. New exemptions/subsidies for industrial companies: Industrial companies would now be responsible only for the emissions from their own production processes, not the emissions from natural gas they bought from a utility or gas marketer. That reduces the number of companies that meet the emissions threshold to be directly regulated under the program from 30 to approximately 11. It also exempts the food processing and pulp and paper industries some of the loudest critics of HB 2020. The 11 companies still regulated under the program would receive 100% free emissions allowances until 2030 if they meet an energy efficiency benchmark for their industry, and some level of subsidization in their energy efficiency investments. Rebates for big industrial gas users: Natural gas use would be regulated upstream, with utilities and gas wholesalers responsible for purchasing allowances to cover emissions from the gas they sell. But those gas companies would get free allowances to cover so-called trade exposed natural gas users, which they could sell and use the proceeds to provide rebates to their customers, holding them harmless for the fuel price increases. Boeing freebie: Boeing was a big critic of HB 2020. It buys its power from a so-called Energy Service Supplier that resells electricity it buys on the wholesale power market. The company said it was under contract and claimed its power bill would go up by $1 million annually. The new legislative concept grandfathers existing wholesale contracts, giving Boeing and a few other companies a break until their existing contract expires and they can structure a greener one. Oversight: Instead of a creating an entirely new state agency to run the program, it would now be managed by the Department of Environmental Quality in a new Office of Greenhouse Gas Regulation. There are apparently widely varying views of how all this will work or not. Girod said he came to the table with ideas that Republicans would find acceptable, but found Dembrow and Sen. Arnie Roblan, D-Coos Bay, were focused on concepts developed by the governors office. He dismissed the rural fuel breaks, saying the obligation to buy emissions allowances would fall on fuel importers, who would pass along the cost to distributors, who would in turn charge retailers for them. The prices of gas will be higher, he said. Theres nothing to differentiate rural gas from urban gas. There is nothing that guarantees there will be a lower price for rural Oregon, and the cities of over 30,000 take in the extra money. It looks like shes giving them something, Girod said, but its all smoke and mirrors. He is also skeptical about the new exemptions for industrial companies and the energy audits that will be required to receive them. Environmental and climate advocacy groups, meanwhile, say that by phasing in the gas and diesel requirements and exempting rural Oregon, the program would only regulate emissions from half of the diesel fuel and 65% of gasoline consumed in the state by 2025. They also believe drivers and fuel companies could game such a system. The geographic phase-in is completely unworkable, said Tera Hurst, executive director of Renew Oregon. Well be continuing to push hard to try and change that. I understand the politics, but at the end of the day it has to make sense. Likewise, the groups are critical of proposals to shield large industrial users of natural gas from the price impacts of the program. Were essentially paying them for business as usual, said Meredith Connolly, Oregon director of Climate Solutions. At the end of the day, Connolly said, the policy could exacerbate the states urban-rural divide by directing most of the job creation, environmental benefits and training investments into urban areas. Meanwhile, the states program would be too weak to link to California, much less inspire the kind of aggressive action that they hope Oregons program will spur in neighboring states. To keep the pressure on lawmakers after last years end of session debacle, climate activists filed several initiative petitions for this Novembers election that would have forced greenhouse gas reductions similar to HB 2020. Initiative Petitions 48 and 49 would have required the state to transition to 100% renewable and carbon free electricity by 2045. Both were rejected, however, by Secretary of State Bev Clarno, who contends they violated the single subject requirement in the Oregon constitution by also requiring that the jobs created by that transition meet fair labor standards. Clarno is in hot water with environmentalists around the state after making the same ruling on several forestry initiatives. They accuse the Republican appointed to serve out the term of former Sec. of State Dennis Richardson of making blatantly partisan decisions to keep popular measures off the ballot. On the other hand, Clarno let Initiative Petition 50 stand, while modifying the title. That initiative would mandate the elimination of greenhouse emissions from fossil fuels and from industry by 2050, with interim reduction targets. This might be called the California approach, as the Golden State established its cap and trade system first by establishing hard emission caps, then leaving it up to the Air Resources Board to establish a plan to get there through administrative rulemaking. Gov. Kate Browns staff were heavily involved in developing some the proposals that made their way into the draft legislation. Oregonians across the state have strong feelings on this issue, and weve heard from a lot of them throughout the fall as our staff worked alongside legislators, businesses and advocacy groups, said Kate Kondayen, a spokeswoman for the governors office. While the latest Senate bill draft is a work in progress, it demonstrably reduces impacts on rural manufacturers and drivers, which was a central goal. New York: Iran has launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where United States military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. Shortly after the missile attacks, Trump tweeted, 'All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.' Officials said President Trump has been briefed and he is monitoring the situation. "We are working on initial battle damage assessments," Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said. Hoffman said around 5:30 pm on January 7, "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US.military and coalition forces in Iraq." "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, he said. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said the President has been briefed about the situation. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," Grisham said. Hoffman said in recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defence has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard its personnel and partners. "These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region," he said. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region," Hoffman said. Meanwhile, President Trump spoke with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and thanked him for his country's strong partnership with the US. The two leaders discussed the situation in Iraq and Iran, as well as other critical bilateral and regional issues, officials said. State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo telephoned Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and updated him on the Iranian missile attacks on Iraqi air bases, including in Erbil. The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 16:00:35|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TOKYO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower Wednesday, as investor sentiment was dented by renewed concerns about tensions in the Middle East after Iran launched missile strikes against Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 370.96 points, or 1.57 percent, from Tuesday to close the day at 23,204.76, marking its lowest closing level since Dec. 4. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 23.65 points, or 1.37 percent, to finish at 1,701.40. Marine transportation, precision instrument and real estate-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play. A woman accused of having her husband kill her ex-partner expressed relief when she learnt a laptop, potentially containing evidence against her, hadn't been seized by police, a court has heard. Biannca Edmunds, 33, is charged with murder over a fatal fight on March 12, 2016, when Glen Cassidy and Michael Caposiena killed each other at the latter's Westmeadows home. Biannca Edmunds (left) has been charged with murder, with prosecutors alleging she directed, encouraged or assisted her husband, Glen Cassidy, (right) to kill her ex-partner. Police believe Mr Cassidy shot his intended target dead but only after Mr Caposiena inflicted subsequently fatal stab wounds on the other man during a fight. Both died from their injuries. Ms Edmunds wasn't at the scene, but prosecutors allege she directed, encouraged or helped Mr Cassidy, her husband of two weeks, kill Mr Caposiena, her ex-partner. Mr Caposiena had travelled to Shepparton the day before to visit the son he had with Ms Edmunds. A Jawaharlal Nehru University student on Wednesday claimed that he escaped a masked mob that went on a rampage on the campus three days ago by "faking" that he belonged to the ABVP. Rajesh Kumar Arya, a student of School of International Studies, told this to a four-member fact-finding committee of the Congress, which was recording statements of those injured and eyewitnesses to the violence on Sunday. Arya told the panel that a mob of around 20 men carrying sticks, iron rods and hammer stormed the Sabarmati hostel around 6.45 pm. "My room is on the second floor of the hostel. When I looked down, I saw men moving from room to room, beating up students. Most of them had their faces covered," he recalled. According to Arya, when the masked mob saw him, one of them pointed towards him and yelled: "Look, there are people above too". The student switched off the lights of his room and bolted the door from inside. Arya said the men banged on the door for sometime and broke the ventilator's glass. Scared, he "surrendered" before them. "I folded my hands. They surrounded me and pushed me into a corner. Some of the men stood on my bed. They asked my name and enquired about my political affiliation," he told the panel. "Some of them said 'lay him on the floor and beat him up'. I said folks, I am also from the ABVP," he said. "They asked me who all I knew in the organisation. I blurted out some names, but could not convince them." "They then asked for proof. I showed them the book I was reading 'Hindu Nationalism: A Reader'," Arya claimed. The men took the book, read the title and left, he added. Asked about the fact-finding committee, Congress spokesperson Sushmita Dev said they had met the faculty members and students, adding that they would ask every side to talk to them. "We don't want to give a pre-determined judgement because there are many versions," the All India Mahila Congress president added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Created by Jon Favreau; Directed by Dave Filoni, Rick Famuyiwa, De borah Chow, Bryce Dallas Howard and Taika Waititi In mid-November 2019, Disney launched its new streaming service, Disney Plus. The latters big launch-day title was The Mandalorian, the first live-action Star Wars television series. The first season included eight episodes released on a weekly basis and was created and written by Jon Favreau, best known for directing Iron Man (2008), as well as the recent Disney remakes of The Jungle Book (2016) and The Lion King (2019). This first season of The Mandalorian takes place five years after the conclusion of the original Star Wars trilogy (Return of the Jedi [1983]), in a time and place where the Galactic Empire has been defeated and a New Republic has emerged to reorganize political life in the galaxy. The events are set across several planets and areas of space known as the Outer Rim, where the New Republic has little influence and criminal activity is rife. Pedro Pascal and Horatio Sanz in The Mandalorian The protagonist, simply called The Mandalorian or Mando (Pedro Pascal) throughout the series, is a bounty hunter who wears his peoples traditional Mandalorian armor, and is known for taking on the most dangerous and difficult jobs for high fees. The first episode puts him on a job where he must retrieve an unknown target for an enigmatic former imperial official, using an electronic tracking device. The target turns out to be a toddler of a strange species who is able to move large objects with his mind. The Mandalorian initially hands the Child over to the imperials, but soon after has a change of heart, attacks their compound, and rescues the Child. The rest of the series deals with the Mandalorian evading other pursuing bounty hunters and eventually confronting the imperials directly to stop their pursuit for good. Along the way, he builds working relationships with former Rebel Alliance shock trooper Cara Dune (Gina Carano), alien moisture farmer Kuiil (Nick Nolte), leader of a bounty hunter guild Greef Karga (Carl Weathers) and former assassin droid IG-11 (Taika Waititi), all of whom band together with the Mandalorian in the final two episodes to confront the evil imperials. In addition to the attention this series has received due to its belonging to the Star Wars universe and the first large-scale television series produced for Disney Plus, The Mandalorian has also seen its popularity rise through word-of-mouth and social media buzz due to the presence and cuteness of the Child. This new character belongs to the same species as the popular Star Wars character Yodawho first appeared in The Empire Strikes Back (1980)but in toddler form who has yet to even learn to speak. The Child has become popularly known as Baby Yoda, and is set to create a whirlwind of revenue from new toys and plush dolls in the coming months. The series also comes with a dose of pessimism regarding the aftermath of revolutionary events. In this time period after the fall of the totalitarian Galactic Empire, which George Lucas created to mimic Nazism in many of its visual representations, one of the points that is made by many of the characters, and seemingly the writers, is that without the Empire, the galaxy has become lawless and inefficient. The New Republic, which is supposed to represent a new awakening of democracy, is spurned as being terribly inefficient, and the implication is that the Empire, like Benito Mussolinis fascist regime in Italy, supposedly made the trains run on time. The two options presented to the audience, whether the creators intend this or not, is that the world can either be put into order by a totalitarian force or left in a lawless, anarchic state. Gina Carano in The Mandalorian As for the story and the characters, as one has come to expect from the Star Wars franchise, it leans heavily on tropes and plotlines of past cinema, particularly the films of Akira Kurosawa and Sergio Leone in this instance. The Mandalorian character borrows from Toshiro Mifunes Sanjuro in Kurosawas Yojimbo (1961) and its sequel, Sanjuro (1962), and Clint Eastwoods Man with No Name in Leones trilogy, A Fistful of Dollars (1964), For a Few Dollars More (1965), and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966). There is even an entire episode (Chapter 4: Sanctuary) that imitates beat for beat the story of Kurosawas Seven Samurai (1954). The Mandalorian and Cara Dune train a village of farmers to defend themselves against a band of raiders who regularly pilfer their food stores. Another episode (Chapter 6: The Prisoner) contains scenes reminiscent of Die Hard (1988). Yet another (Chapter 5: The Gunslinger) sends the Mandalorian to the planet Tatooine, where much of the first Star Wars (1977) took place, and even sends him to the same cantina visited by Luke Skywalker and Ben Kenobi where he sits down at the same table where the pair negotiated with Han Solo, all painstakingly recreated from the original film. What do all of these references and imitations of other films and tropes do for The Mandalorian ? Not much. Aside from intriguing film buffs or Star Wars fans who may recognize settings or plot points from their favorite moments in film history, the story is unoriginal and uninteresting. The dialogue is filled with one-liners and bad jokes, delivered by a slew of comedians cast in many of the supporting roles, including Horatio Sanz, Amy Sedaris and Bill Burr. The filmmakers and producers rely more on these familiar names and settings as well as name recognition with popular action-film stars like Carl Weathers ( Rocky [1976] and Predator [1987]), rather than on a story that contributes something creative or meaningful to the artistic universe. The Mandalorianis essentially a parody of the action-adventure film genre set in the Star Wars universe. Werner Herzog in The Mandalorian Disneys CEO Bob Iger announced early in 2019 that the company would be shifting its focus onto direct-to-consumer business moving forward, and therefore pushed billions of dollars into Disney Plus before its launch. The Mandalorian, with its episodes ranging from 33 to 49 minutes each, reportedly cost $15 million per episode to produce. This shift toward an attempt to dominate the streaming direct-to-consumer market was also part of the impetus behind Disneys acquisition of 21st Century Fox, much of which will be funneled into the Hulu streaming service, which Disney also controls. Hulu is slated to be the official streaming home of FX beginning in March, and, during that same month, Disney Plus will launch in international markets across western Europe. Disney plans to roll out this service worldwide within two years so as not to cede any ground to Netflix. Disney currently offers consumers a bundle that includes Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Plus for $12.99 per month. This shifting of so many brands beneath the Disney banner (Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 21st Century Fox) has meant that a good deal of content has been removed from Netflix, which has been the dominant direct-to-consumer streaming leader for many years. This has also been accompanied by the release of 10 exclusive originals on Disney Plus at the time of its launch, and, by 2024, Disneys goal is to release 65 annual exclusive originals. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2020) - Media Central Corporation Inc. (CSE: FLYY) (FSE: 3AT) ("MediaCentral" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Rodney Davis to the position of Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Davis, a Chartered Professional Accountant in Ontario, brings over 25 years of experience leading change management in private and public organizations spanning a variety of industries. Specifically, Mr. Davis' wealth of practical knowledge of the Media and Publishing sectors will serve MediaCentral well in successfully advancing its strategy. Mr. Davis' past experience includes the facilitation and management of the purchases of more than 300 companies in media, advertising, technology, retail and oil & gas. Between 1995 and 1999, while Vice President and Corporate Controller of Southam Inc., he led the acquisition and integration of more than 200 daily and weekly newspapers including: Calgary and Edmonton Fast Forward, the St. Catharines Standard and 32 related weekly papers, The Halifax Daily News and the purchase of the Financial Post from Sun Media. Mr. Davis previously served as Partner, Director of Corporate Finance for Ernst & Young in the Caribbean and has held senior finance and management positions with MDC Corporation (Canada); Cable and Wireless (Barbados & Jamaica); Cool Group of Companies (Jamaica); and DJI Holdings (UK). In addition to being a registered Chartered Professional Accountant in Canada, Mr. Davis is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica. The Company would like to thank Stephen Gledhill, outgoing CFO, for his efforts and contributions to its development. About MediaCentral Media Central Corporation Inc. (CSE: FLYY) (FSE: 3AT) is an independent and alternative media company. By consolidating the currently fragmented independent and alternative media markets, MediaCentral Corp. will unite the influencers, tastemakers and culture leaders of the world and is strategically positioned to become a competitive global media publishing company serving the fastest-growing readership demographics. MediaCentral owns Canncentral.com, NOW Magazine and nowtoronto.com as wholly owned subsidiaries. www.mediacentralcorp.com Instagram: @mediacentralcorp Twitter: @mediacentralc Facebook: Media Central Corp. For more information, please contact: Investor Relations investors@mediacentralcorp.com Media Relations Faulhaber Communications Lexi Pathak media@mediacentralcorp.com Legal Disclaimer This press release contains "forward-looking statements", which may be identified by the use of words such as, "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "expect", "anticipate", "believe, "intend", "plan", "forecast", "project", "estimate", "outlook" and other similar expressions, including statements in respect of the initial price range of MediaCentral's initial public offering, the over-allotment option and MediaCentral's intentions with respect to stock exchange listing. 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Forward-looking statements involve significant risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual future results or anticipated events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements, including that the eventual offering price in respect of the initial public offering may fall outside of the price range provided in the registration statement and the prospectus. Please see the heading "Risk Factors" in the registration statement and the prospectus for a discussion of the material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information. MediaCentral Corp. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are included herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51244 An Instagram comment left by comedian George Lopez has caught the attention of the U.S. Secret Service after being publicized by and infuriating a group of vocal conservatives on Twitter. Lopez left the remark Sunday on a post by Chicano Worldstar. The pop culture account posted about an unsubstantiated claim that an $80 million bounty had been set for President Donald Trump (something apparently proposed by one eulogist at the funeral for Iranian Quds Force commander, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani). Lopez commented on the post: "We'll do it for half." A representative for Lopez said it was a joke. The Secret Service "is aware of the Tweet made by Mr. Lopez," a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement Tuesday. "The Secret Service takes all threats against the President and or any of our protectees seriously, and as a matter of practice, we do not comment on matters involving protective intelligence." No one from the Secret Service has yet contacted Lopez, the comedian's representative said. The agency routinely investigates threats made against presidents, and rarely says anything beyond being aware of such comments. (It's a violation of federal law to "knowingly and willfully" make "any threats to take the life of, to kidnap, or to inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States" or a successor.) The Secret Service has released similar statements when other entertainers have made allusions to threatening Trump, such as when a Snoop Dogg music video released in March 2017 featured a clown that was a clear parody of the president being shot with a toy gun that released glitter and a banner that read "Bang!." In that case, Trump tweeted his outrage, drawing further attention to the depiction. In May 2017, comedian Kathy Griffin posed for a photo shoot while holding a mask depicting Trump's bloody, severed head. Trump and his family forcefully denounced the image and CNN cut ties with Griffin, who faced wide and bipartisan condemnation. The comedian made a tearful apology, which she later retracted. Actor Tom Arnold said two Secret Service agents visited him in 2018 after he challenged Trump on Twitter to a body-slamming contest. (He had also tweeted, "Next time Kathy won't be holding his fake head!") Arnold, a former Trump friend turned foe, recorded the interview, and Mother Jones magazine viewed the videotapes. "You're a public figure," one agent said, according to the magazine. "But what we have to worry about is your type of audience and you say something inciting those that follow you." Ted Nugent, a musician and conservative activist, sat with the Secret Service after comments he made at a 2012 National Rifle Association meeting, where he said "we need to ride into that battlefield and chop their heads off in November," referring to the Obama administration, and that "if Barack Obama becomes the next president in November, again, I will either be dead or in jail by this time next year." Nugent said he found the complaints "silly." Lopez has attracted the ire of conservative media before. A prominent Mexican American comedian who grapples with identity in his material, Lopez has taken to criticizing Trump and his policies in his act. His 2017 HBO stand-up special is titled "The Wall," referring to the U.S.-Mexico border wall Trump promised to build on Mexico's dime. In 2017, Lopez posted this joke on social media: "The Trump administration is deporting Latinos to make the streets safer. You wanna make the streets safer? Deport the police." Fox News and other conservative outlets featured the joke, which helped stir up a backlash. The comedian deleted the post and followed it up with one joking about the rock band Police. In the aftermath, Lopez and his family received numerous threats, he told NPR in 2017. And while he stood by the joke, Lopez emphasized that he supported law enforcement: "There are good cops and bad cops." He also said there were lines of decency when it comes to comedy. "Police brutality is not off-limits. You know? It can't be," he told the outlet. "Holding up a severed head of the president, would I do that? No. Would anybody that worked with me allow me to do that? No way." Flash Austria's new coalition government was sworn in by President Alexander Van der Bellen at the presidential residence of Hofburg Palace on Tuesday. The new government is the first conservative-green coalition in Austria and the first majority-female cabinet. And its Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of the People's Party (OVP) is still by far the world's youngest head of government at the beginning of his second term at 33. The OVP has 10 ministers in the new coalition, while the Greens have five with its party chief Werner Kogler, 58, taking on the vice-chancellor post. The OVP ministers are responsible for areas such as education, economy, finance, integration, agriculture, tourism, internal affairs, defense, Europe and family. The Greens are leading the ministries responsible for justice, social security, environment and infrastructure, sports, art and culture. Independent politician and career diplomat Alexander Schallenberg serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is the only one of the transitional government to remain in office. The public now expects the new government to begin work quickly, said President Van der Bellen. He wished that the colors of this government were "red-white-red", which are the colors of the Austrian national flag. That also means strengthening the common ground, promoting fundamental and freedom rights and also thinking about future generations, he said. Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Mekathoti Sucharitha on Wednesday accused former state chief minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu of being responsible for the chaotic situation in Krishna and Guntur district. Launching a scathing attack on Naidu, who was taken into detention and later dropped at home while trying to take out a rally in solidarity with farmers agitation, Sucharitha said, " Opposition leader N Chandrababu Naidu is turning out to be an anti-social element after losing power and he is responsible for the chaotic situation in Krishna and Guntur districts". Sucharitha further accused Naidu of trying to save the lands of 'his benamis' in the capital region by creating a law and order problem. "Everybody knows that there is a proposal to keep the legislative capital in Amaravati despite the proposal of a three capital issue as per his wishes", she added. She also outlined that Sri Krishna Committee and Sivaramakrishan Committee had already made it clear that there would be unrest in the state if there was no decentralization of development. "Now the present government is trying to rectify the damage done to the state by the past government by proposing decentralization of governance and development. Moreover, the government is bent on doing justice to the farmers of Amaravati region", she said. She also accused the TDP leaders of intentionally creating law and order problem with supporters and said, "Creating problems in Vijayawada by Naidu only goes to prove that he is trying to foster goonda raj in the region by his behaviour." Andhra minister also added that police has always maintained calm even in times of provocative acts. "People are exasperated with the behavior of Naidu, who is acting like a restless goon. TDP chief was behaving like this as he was not able to tolerate the popularity of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy", she added. Earlier in the day, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu who was detained by police in Vijayawada was dropped off at his residence in Undavalli here. The other detained leaders were also dropped off at Naidu's residence. Police had detained Naidu ahead of the flagging-off ceremony of Amaravati Parirakshana Samiti's bus yatra against YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led state government's decision of three state capitals. A tense situation prevailed at Vijayawada after Naidu and other leaders were detained by the police. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China imposes harsh new rules governing religious groups in 2020 Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment China announced it will soon implement harsh new measures requiring all religious personnel to support and implement total submission to the Chinese Communist Party, sparking concern among Chinese Christians. Asia News reports that the new administrative measures will be put in place for Chinese religious groups starting Feb. 1. The measures complete the "Regulations on religious affairs" revised two years ago and implemented on Feb. 1, 2018. The new measures include six chapters and 41 articles dealing with the organization, functions, offices, supervision, projects and economic administration of communities and groups at both a national and local level. Under the new rules, every aspect of the life of religious communities from formation, gatherings to annual and daily projects is subject to approval by the governments religious affairs department. Additionally, all religious personnel are required to support, promote and implement total submission to the Chinese Communist Party among all members of their communities. Article 5 reads that religious organizations must adhere to the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, observe the constitution, laws, regulations, ordinances and policies, adhere to the principle of independence and self-government, adhere to the directives on religions in China, implementing the values of socialism According to Article 17, Religious organizations must spread the principles and policies of the Chinese Communist Party, as well as national laws, regulations, rules to religious personnel and religious citizens, educating religious personnel and religious citizens to support the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, supporting the socialist system, adhering to and following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics The law stipulates that without the approval of the religious affairs department of the peoples government, or registration with the civil affairs department of the peoples government, no activities can be carried out in the name of religious groups. Persecution watchdog International Christians Concern warns that the latest measures will be used by the Communist government as a legal tool to further tighten space for religious groups. A Chinese Catholic priest told Asia News the new provisions are just another example of the CCPs continued crackdown on religion. "In practice, your religion no longer matters, if you are Buddhist, or Taoist, or Muslim or Christian: the only religion allowed is faith in the Chinese Communist Party, he said. Since the initial implementation of the "Regulations on religious affairs" in 2018, Christians and other religious groups have experienced heightened levels of persecution. China has banned online sales of Bibles, leveled churches, and arrested hundreds of Christians for "inciting subversion of state power." In December, China sentenced Wang Yi, founder of one of Chinas largest unregistered churches, to nine years in prison for subversion of state power. The U.S. condemned the sentencing as another example of Beijing's intensification of repression of Chinese Christians and members of other religious groups. The Chinese government has also been accused of detaining more than a million Muslims in what it calls re-education camps. In a letter released Dec. 31, the China Human Rights Lawyers Group warned that it seems as though the Cultural [Revolution] is returning in covert form across China. Basic freedom of speech is being suppressed, sensitive news is prohibited, ideological discussions in universities are being shut down. Many matters of societal welfare are politicized, and internet censorship is the norm, they wrote. The state of human rights in China is in rapid decline. Human rights violations in the Chinese frontier are being roundly criticized and condemned by many countries. Chinas leaders seem to have become the enemies of civilized countries overnight. By the looks of things, there is really no reason to be optimistic as we look at the festering regression of Chinas human rights situation throughout 2019. Despite oppression, the lawyers urged human rights advocates and others to continue making the most fundamental efforts for the sake of advancing the cause of human rights in China. China is ranked 27th on Open Doors USAs World Watch List of 50 countries where it's most difficult to be a Christian. A National Workshop on the Harmonized System and Advance Rulings on Classification was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 16 to 20 December 2019. The Workshop, jointly organized by the WCO and the Thai Customs Department and funded by CCF Japan, was facilitated by two experts from the WCO Secretariat. It was attended by 30 officials from the Customs Tariff Division, Customs Tariff Appeal Section, International Customs Tariff Section and Customs Talent Management Programme, all working at the Headquarters. The Workshops main focus was to secure uniformity in the interpretation and application of the HS Nomenclature and to introduce the amendments to the HS that will enter into force in 2022. Furthermore, the Workshop offered an opportunity to discuss the tools and instruments developed by the WCO under the Revenue Package to assist the improvement of the current classification work and related infrastructure, including an Advance Ruling system. The participants worked in groups to discuss some recent classification cases decided by the HS Committee and also presented the results of the practical application of the Diagnostic Tool on Tariff Classification, Valuation and Origin Work and Related Infrastructure, including action points with proposals and solutions related to the modernization of classification work. The Deputy Director General of Thai Customs, Mr. Kitti SUTTISUMPUN, highlighted the importance of HS classification as one of the pillars of Customs and recognized the need of imparting the necessary knowledge to the officials that work in this area. He thanked the WCO for working together with Thai Customs in order to strengthen this important technical area. The Workshop provided an excellent opportunity for networking and exchange of views on a range of topics on tariff classification and management of tariff and statistical nomenclatures. US President Donald Trump will soon make a statement after Iran attacked US air base in Iraq, Trend reports citing CNN. Trump is about to address the nation from the White House. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) used Fateh-313 ballistic missiles in attack on Iraqs Ayn al-Asad Air Base. These missiles were fired from Irans Kermanshah province (430 kilometers) because of its proximity to the military base. The missiles have a range of 500 kilometers. Previous reports said that at least 80 US servicemen were killed in an attack on Iraqs Ayn al-Asad Air Base by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). About 200 people were injured. Ayn al-Asad Air Base was a strategic spot for the US and delivered support to drones from that base, the IRGC representative said. Fifteen missiles were fired at 20 sensitive locations, Numerous drones and helicopters were destroyed. Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in Gibraltar Roadshow The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association will be holding two roadshows in Gibraltar aimed at introducing young people to the work of the CPA, the importance of the Commonwealth family and the CPAs vital role in the democratic process. The two presentations will be delivered by the Acting Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Mr Jarvis Matiya, and by the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia, in his capacity as Minister with responsibility for relations with the Commonwealth. Dr Garcia will cover Gibraltars involvement with the Commonwealth in the past and the policy of the Government in this area going forward. Since they were launched in March 2016, there have been more than 60 CPA Roadshows which have reached over 11,000 young people in seven of the nine CPA regions. Within these regions, roadshows have been held in educational institutions in places such as Bangladesh, Montserrat, Guyana, Pakistan, Jersey, Mauritius, Queensland (Australia), Guernsey, UK, New Zealand, Tonga, Northern Ireland, Bermuda, Zambia, Isle of Man, Scotland, Malaysia, Singapore, Northern Territory (Australia), Turks and Caicos, Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Canada, St Helena, Cameroon, Mauritius, Nevis and Jamaica. The Commonwealths 53 member countries have a combined population of 2.4 billion of whom more than 60% are under the age of 30. This is the reason behind the CPA initiative to strengthen its outreach to the Commonwealths young people. Tomorrow, Wednesday, the roadshows will be given to Year 12 and 13 students at Bayside and Westside schools and students from the College of Further Education. If the playground, park and movie routine is getting a little tired, why not do something different with the kids this week? From a tamale festival to a digital scavenger hunt, these events will win approval from everyone in the family. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Medina's Good Tamales, Holly Tamale, & Armando Leduc present: The 3rd Annual New Orleans Tamale Festival 2020 From the event description: Celebrate the city's diverse culture at the Third Annual Tamale festival. The event features a tamale eating contest, face painting and musical performances by Mofongo, Rumba Buena and more. When: Saturday, Jan. 11, noon Where: 1328 St. Bernard Ave. Price: $5 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Up to 51% Off at Operation City Quest From the Operation City Quest deal description: Gather up to six family members or friends for this digital scavenger hunt. You'll compete with other teams while learning interesting facts about the city. Where: 410 Royal St., French Quarter Price: $19 (51 percent discount off regular price) - City Quest for Two; $40.50 (49 percent discount off regular price) - City Quest for Four. More options available. Click here for more details, and to get this deal Up to 51% Off Admission at 3Quest Challenge From the 3Quest Challenge deal description: Challenge your crew to a local scavenger hunt. With the digital scavenger hunt 3Quest Challenge running on your smartphones, you'll race the clock, solving puzzles, gathering clues and completing challenges around the city. Where: 410 Royal St., French Quarter Price: $19.50 (51 percent discount off regular price) - 3Quest Challenge for Two; $40.50 (49 percent discount off regular price)-3Quest Challenge for Four. More options available. Click here for more details, and to score this deal This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. People in wheelchairs attend a lottery for admission tickets to the court hearing of Satoshi Uematsu, accused in the 2016 murder of 19 disabled people at a Japanese care home, outside the Yokohama District Court in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture on January 8, 2020. AFP YOKOHAMA - The man accused of the 2016 murder of 19 disabled people at a Japanese care home admitted the attack as his trial opened Wednesday but pleaded not guilty on grounds of diminished capacity. Satoshi Uematsu, a former employee of the care centre outside Tokyo, did not dispute his involvement in the horrifying stabbing rampage during his first court appearance on charges including murder. After prosecutors read out the details of the charges, the judge asked Uematsu "is there anything in the charges that differs from the facts?" "No there isn't," Uematsu replied, dressed in a navy suit with a white shirt and tie, his long black hair tied back in a ponytail. But despite admitting the attack, Uematsu's lawyers entered a plea of not guilty, saying their client was suffering a "mental disorder" at the time. "He was in a condition in which either he had no capacity to take responsibility or such a capacity was significantly weakened," his lawyer said. Traces of marijuana were found in Uematsu's system after the attack, and his legal team has claimed drug use may have affected him. The session was disrupted shortly after it began when court security restrained Uematsu after he reportedly attempted to put something in his mouth. The disturbance prompted the judge to call an unscheduled recess, though the session was due to resume in the afternoon. Uematsu has reportedly said he wanted to eradicate all disabled people in the horrifying attack at the Tsukui Yamayuri-en centre in the town of Sagamihara outside Tokyo. The 29-year-old is accused of breaking into the facility and moving room-to-room, killing 19 people and injuring 26 half of them seriously. He turned himself in at a police station, carrying bloodied knives and admitting the attack to officers. It emerged later that Uematsu had left his job at the home just months before the attack, and had been forcibly hospitalised after telling colleagues he intended to kill disabled people at the centre. But he was discharged after 12 days when a doctor deemed him not a threat. He had also written a letter outlining plans to attack the home, claiming "disabled people only create unhappiness." He faces the death penalty if convicted on some of the six charges, including murder, with a verdict expected on March 16. Since his arrest, Uematsu has shown no remorse, telling Japan's Mainichi Shimbun daily in an interview that people with mental disabilities "have no heart", and "there's no point in living" for them. "I had to do it for the sake of society," he said of the attack. Uematsu's self-styled mission to rid the country of people with disabilities shocked Japan, with experts and activists raising questions about whether others might hold similar views. Japan has been making efforts to increase accessibility particularly in Tokyo ahead of this year's Paralympic Games and activists hailed last year's election of two disabled lawmakers. But some critics feel the country still falls short of fully integrating people with disabilities, and the government last year was forced to admit data on hiring people with disabilities had been padded to meet quotas. Hundreds of people lined up outside the courtroom in the rain for a chance to attend the first session. "I want to know why he came to have such ideas about disabled people," Yuki Kuriyama, 41, who uses a wheelchair, told AFP. "I am worried not only about a man who thinks that way but also about this entire society where there are some people who apparently agree with his ideas." Many of the names of those killed in the rampage have been withheld by family members fearful of similar attacks or discrimination. The relative of a 55-year-old man killed at the home told NHK that a long-time neighbour had remarked afterwards: "It's sad that it happened, but wasn't it good for you?" Among the few victims to be identified publicly was a 19-year-old woman, Miho, whose mother told Japanese media she hoped the trial would start a conversation on "how we can build a society to prevent a recurrence of this sad incident". "I want Miho to be remembered," she added. "She was a daughter we were very proud of." (AFP) Advertisement Justin Trudeau has today vowed to get answers after 176 people including 63 Canadians died in a plane crash near Tehran, with Iran blaming an engine fire but refusing to hand over the recovered black boxes. The Boeing 737 jet came down just minutes after take-off from Imam Khomeini International Airport early this morning, sparking fresh alarm in the Middle East hours after Iran launched missile strikes on US bases. Three Britons and 63 Canadians were among the 168 passengers and nine crew on board the Ukrainian International Airlines flight to Kyiv. There were no survivors. Today the Canadian PM offered his 'deepest condolences' to the victims' families and vowed to 'ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated, and that Canadians' questions are answered'. The US promised 'complete co-operation' with the probe. But the initial assessment of Western intelligence agencies is that the Ukrainian airliner was not brought down by a missile, according to a Canadian security source. The source, who declined to be identified, said the agencies believed the Boeing 737 plane suffered a technical malfunction. Iran has pointed the finger at 'technical difficulties' and says the pilot lost control after an engine caught fire in mid-air, but Tehran is refusing to say what will happen to the black boxes. Video footage appeared to show the plane already burning before it fell out of the night sky, while pictures at the crash site showed the fuselage peppered with mysterious holes. The Boeing plane was less than four years old and had been checked just two days earlier, with 'one of our best crews' manning the aircraft, the Ukrainian airline said. The disaster will heap further pressure on Boeing which was thrown into crisis by two plane crashes in October 2018 and March 2019 which killed a combined 346 people - especially if Iran's claims are proved true. People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 passengers crashed near Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran, sparking fresh alarm in the Middle East today Pieces of debris are seen lying at the crash site in a picture released by an Iranian news agency today, showing what appeared to be holes in the fuselage of the Boeing aircraft Rescue workers in protective suits gather up the bodies of passengers who were killed in the Boeing 737 crash in Iran today The black boxes (pictured) from the Ukrainian airliner were found today but Iran says it will not hand them over to Boeing An aerial view of the crash site where rescuers searched the debris this morning with the cause of the crash still unclear A map showing the route of the brief flight and some of the clues to the cause of the crash which soon started to emerge A woman shows her emotions at Boryspil International Airport in Kyiv where the doomed plane was headed Victims of the Ukraine International Airlines crash in Iran, University of Alberta professors Mojgan Daneshmand and Pedram Mousavi, pose with their daughters Daria and Dorina Mousavi A victim of the Ukraine International Airlines crash in Iran, Dr. Parisa Eghbalian (left) poses with her husband Dr. Hamed Esmaeilion at their dentistry practice in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Eghbalian died in the crash along with her daughter Reera Esmaeilion, nine. Her husband Dr. Esmaeilion is now en route to Tehran French jet engine manufacturer CFM said any speculation about a technical failure was 'premature', while the Ukrainian embassy in Iran initially ruled out a missile strike but later backtracked. Aviation experts were at odds today as they struggled to explain the disaster, with some saying a shoot-down was unlikely while others said an MH17-style event should be the starting assumption. The crash sparked fresh fears in the Middle East, which is on high alert after Qassem Soleimani was killed last Friday, and a series of airlines have today announced they will stop flying over Iranian airspace. The Ukrainian foreign ministry revealed there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and three Britons on flight PS752, along with 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans and four Germans. The three British victims were later named as businessman Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh, 40, and engineers Saeed Tahmasebi Khademsadi, 35, and Sam Zokaei, 42. Canada is home to a large Iranian diaspora community and UIA offers discount flights between Tehran and Toronto, with a transit in Kiev. Today Boeing declared the air disaster a 'tragic event' and offered its 'heartfelt thoughts' to the 176 passengers and crew on board the plane. 'We are ready to assist in any way needed,' the airline said in a statement. The jet which crashed was a Boeing 737-800 - a very common single-aisle, twin-engine jetliner used for short to medium-range flights. Thousands of the planes are used by airlines around the world. Introduced in the late 1990s, it is an older model than the Boeing 737 MAX, which has been grounded for nearly 10 months following the two deadly crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. According to flight tracking data from FlightRadar24, the jet which crashed today reached an altitude of 7,925ft before tracking suddenly ended after three minutes. The plane had been delayed from taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran by almost an hour. Unverified video appeared to show Ukrainian plane ablaze as it falls from the sky before crashing huge fireball Mojgan Daneshmand and Pedram Mousavi, pose with their daughters Daria and Dorina Mousavi in an undated family photo in Edmonton, Alberta A fleet of search and rescue workers at the crash site today after a Boeing 737 crashed near Tehran, sparking fresh alarm in the Middle East Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau (pictured) offered his 'deepest condolences' to the victims' families and vowed to 'ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated, and that Canadians' questions are answered' The three British victims: dry cleaning firm owner Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh (left), newlywed engineer Saeed Tahmasebi Khademsadi (centre) and BP engineer Sam Zokaei (right) One of the engines of the plane lies among the wreckage - as its French manufacturer said it was too early to say what caused the crash Debris at the crash site included English-language books, amid reports that Canadians and Britons were killed in the crash Part of the Ukrainian Airlines jet lies at the crash site today where rescue workers are recovering more than 170 bodies Rescue workers in masks retrieve the bodies of passengers from the crash site following the fatal crash near Tehran today Iranian state media reported the Kiev-bound Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752 - Boeing 737 -crashed in the early hours of Wednesday morning just three minutes after takeoff from Imam Khomeini International Airport, killing all 167 passengers and nine crew on board Part of the wreckage from Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8 An image from the flight tracker website Flightradar24 showing the path of the Ukranian International Airlines jet which crashed just over two minutes after taking off from Tehran President Donald Trump says 'all is well' and 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties continue to be assessed after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops Boeing's safety record: Explosive decompression, mid-air collisions and some of the worst crashes in history Today's crash will pile further pressure on Boeing after two deadly crashes in five months forced the 737 Max 8 aircraft to be grounded worldwide. All 189 people on board a Lion Air flight in Indonesia were killed when the 737 Max 8 jet dived into the sea in October 20108. Five months later in March 2019, 157 passengers and crew were killed when an Ethiopian Airlines plane - another of the Boeing jets - crashed shortly after leaving Addis Ababa. A number of other 737 Next Generation aircraft have also been involved in deadly accidents over the years. September 29, 2006 - There were no survivors when a Gol Transportes Aereos Flight 1907, using a brand new 737-800, collided with another jet in mid-air and split apart, dropping in the Brazilian jungle. May 5, 2007 - 105 passengers and nine crew perished when they plummeted into a swamp on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. No one survived the crash. February 25, 2009 - A Boeing 737-800 used on a Turkish Airlines Flight skidded along a field after it tried to land at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Nine people died, including both pilots and a pilot-in-training, while 84 were injured. January 25, 2010 - An Ethiopian Airlines flight crashed into the Mediterranean shortly after taking off from Beirut en route to Addis Ababa, killing all 90 passengers. 22 May, 2010 - A 737-800 flight from Dubai, operated by Air India Express, crashed while trying to land in Mangalore, India, the third deadliest accident involving the series, killing more than 150 onboard. 16 August, 2010 - AIRES Flight 8250 departed from Bogota in the dark and crashed on the Colombian island of San Andres, seriously injuring nine. March 19, 2016 - A Flydubai 737-800 from Dubai crashed while trying to land at Rostov-on-Don airport in Russia, killing 62 onboard. April 17, 2018 - The left engine on a Southwest Airlines 737-700 failed and debris shot out, smashing a cabin window and causing explosive decompression. A woman was partially ejected from the aircraft and later died from her injuries. September 28, 2018 - A 737-800 flying from Pohnpei, Micronesia to Papua New Guinea crashed into a lagoon when it undershot a runway. One person died. Advertisement The jet was new and had been checked two days ago, the Ukrainian airline said. 'The plane was in working order,' UIA company president Yevgeniy Dykhne told a briefing in Kyiv where he choked back tears. 'It was one of our best planes with a wonderful crew.' It was the Kyiv-based carrier's first fatal accident, and it said it was doing everything possible to establish what had happened. Just hours before the crash, the US Federal Aviation Administration had banned US airlines from flying over Iran, Iraq and the waters of the Persian Gulf due to the Middle East crisis. Television footage showed debris and smouldering engine parts strewn across a field, and rescue workers with face masks retrieving bodies of the victims. After dawn had broken, photos published by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency showed rescue officials in a farm field, with what appeared to be pieces of the aircraft laying nearby. Rescue workers carried body bags and the passengers' personal items - including cases, clothes, a Santa Claus doll, English-language books and a boxing glove - were lying amidst the debris. Search-and-rescue teams were combing through the smoking wreckage of the plane from Tehran to Kiev but officials said there was no hope of finding anyone alive. 'The fire is so heavy that we cannot (do) any rescue... we have 22 ambulances, four bus ambulances and a helicopter at the site,' Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran's emergency services, told Iranian state television. The Ukrainian embassy in Iran initially issued a statement saying: 'According to preliminary data the plane crashed due to engine failure for technical reasons. As of now versions of terrorist attack or missile attack are ruled out.' However, that claim had been deleted from the embassy website by Wednesday lunchtime, with an updated statement saying merely that the causes of the crash were under investigation. Any previous comments about the cause were 'not official', the embassy said. Iranian media quoted an aviation official as saying the pilot of the airliner did not declare an emergency. Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Iran's Road and Transportation Ministry, said it appeared a fire struck one of the plane's engines. The pilot of the aircraft then lost control of the plane, sending it crashing into the ground, Biniaz said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. A series of airlines have today announced they will stop flying over Iranian airspace. This map shows how routes might be affected A British Airways flight from Mumbai to London was diverted to avoid Iraqi airspace, eventually stopping in Athens to refuel This aerial view of the crash site shows bodies of the crash victims being laid out in bags after the plane came down today Members of the International Red Crescent collect bodies of victims around the wreckage near Tehran today Rescue workers search the scene where a Ukrainian plane crashed in Shahedshahr in the early hours of Wednesday Emergency workers carry the body of one of the victims - with aviation experts divided over the likely cause of the crash Rescuers carry a body bag at the crash site near Tehran today where 176 people were killed in the Ukrainian Airlines crash People examine the wreckage of the Boeing 737 plane which came down only a few minutes outside Tehran this morning Emergency services personnel walk amidst the wreckage after an Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 carrying 176 people crashed Was the Ukrainian jet brought down by an Iranian missile - or were the 176 people on board killed by a mechanical failure? Here are the five key theories Theory one: Mechanical failure or pilot error Iranian authorities have said that initial investigations point to either an engine failure - or a catastrophic pilot error. The three-year-old Boeing 737 jet came down just three minutes after take-off from Imam Khomeini International Airport. Iranian officials said the pilot had lost control of the Boeing jet after a fire struck one of the plane's engines, but said the crew had not reported an emergency and did not say what caused the fire. Footage of the crash appears to show the plane streaking downwards with a small blaze on the wing, near its jet engines (pictured above on the ground). But critics have questioned the Iranian account, calling it the 'fastest investigation in aviation history' - and said the Boeing 737 has a largely outstanding safety record with no recent history of an engine failure of this kind. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has instructed prosecutors to open criminal proceedings - a clear signal that he is unsure about Iran's version of events. His Government also revealed the plane was inspected just two days ago. Theory two: Accidentally hit by an Iranian missile The plane came down shortly after Iran launched its missile attacks Iraq with tens of ballistic weapons fired from the rogue state. Photographs of the downed Ukrainian airlines jet show that the fuselage appears to be peppered with shrapnel damage. Experts have said that an engine fire or pilot error does not explain those holes (pictured). Ilya Kusa, a Ukrainian international affairs expert, said amid the US-Iranian tensions and said: 'It is difficult not to connect the plane crash with the US-Iran confrontation. The situation is very difficult. One must understand that this happened shortly after Iran's missile attacks on US military facilities'. Just hours before the crash, the US Federal Aviation Administration had banned US airlines from flying over Iran, Iraq and the waters of the Persian Gulf due to the Middle East crisis. This was due to the possibility of missiles flying towards Iraq - and airlines are still skirting the region as they head to and from Asia. Theory three: Jet was deliberately brought down by a missile Video footage tweeted by the BBC's Iran correspondent, Ali Hashem, appeared to show the plane already burning in the sky before it crashed in a massive explosion. It sparked speculation that the jet could have been shot down accidentally by nervous Iranian air defence soldiers, hours after Iran fired 22 ballistic missiles at US bases in retaliation for the killing of general Qassem Soleimani. But there is a major question mark over whether Iran would shoot down a plane with so many of its own citizens on board. Many of the world's major airlines have stopped flying through or even near Iranian airspace as they cross the globe amid safety fears after US/Iran tensions boiled over in the past week. Iran is a key ally of Vladimir Putin's Russia, which grabbed Crimea from Ukraine and has been involved in an on-off conflict with its neighbour since 2014. Russia has denied shooting down the ill-fated MH17 jet five years ago - but experts say otherwise with three Russians arrested over the disaster. Theory four: An accidental drone strike Experts have speculated that the Ukrainian aircraft could have collided with a military drone before crashing. The drone may have smashed into the engine - or been sucked in - with the pilot unsighted because it was after dark. This could cause an explosion and the fire seen as the plane hit the ground (pictured). Experts said Iranian were in the air at the time - in case the US decided to fight back - and not always picked up by radar. Russian military pilot Vladimir Popov said: 'It could have been an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, which are small in size and poorly visible on radars. A plane in a collision could get significant damage and even catch fire in the air.' Theory five: Sabotage or a terror attack Aviation experts have urged investigators to rule out whether the plane was brought down by terrorists or as an act of sabotage. They say that while a flaming engine is highly unusual, the sudden loss of data communications from the plane is even more so. This could be caused by a bomb, that blew up after the 737 took to the air, wrecking its systems. An electronic jammer weapon that knocked out the plane's controls could also explain it. British expert Julian Bray said it 'could be an altitude triggered device set to detonate during take off. Unusual that engine seen to be on fire before crash, points to catastrophic incident' or being 'deliberately brought down'. He added that based on the footage pilot error looks 'unlikely'. Experts had said that if the black box was not recovered by Iranian security officials (pictured) from the wreckage it could point to it being a deliberate act. It has been found, but Iran says it will not share the data with Boeing or Ukraine. After the crash the Ukrainian embassy in Tehran reported that the crash had been caused by an engine failure rather than terrorism - but this was later deleted on social media. Advertisement An investigation team was at the site of the crash in southwestern outskirts of Tehran, Iran's civil aviation spokesman Reza Jafarzadeh said. 'After taking off from Imam Khomeini international airport it crashed between Parand and Shahriar,' Jafarzadeh said. 'An investigation team from the national aviation department was dispatched to the location after the news was announced.' Iran's English-language broadcaster Press TV cited the Imam Khomeini International Airport spokesman as saying the crash was caused by 'technical difficulties'. Critics have questioned the Iranian account, calling it the 'fastest investigation in aviation history' - and said the Boeing 737 has a largely outstanding safety record with no recent history of an engine failure of this kind. Iran says it has found the plane's black boxes but will not give them to planemaker Boeing or the United States. Ali Abedzadeh, the head of Tehran's civil aviation organisation, said it was not clear which country Iran would send the box to so that its data could be analysed. Pictures at the scene appeared to show unexplained holes in the charred fuselage. State media reported that the plane caught fire after crashing, but a video aired by the state broadcaster appeared to show the plane already on fire as it fell from the night sky. Another theory is that the plane could have have collided with a military drone before crashing. Ilya Kusa, a Ukrainian international affairs expert, said amid the US-Iranian tensions 'there were lots of them in the sky' immediately after the rocket attacks. Russian military pilot Vladimir Popov said: 'It could have been an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, which are small in size and poorly visible on radars. 'A plane in a collision could get significant damage and even catch fire in the air.' Aviation experts were divided in their assessments of the crash today. Stephen Wright, a professor of aircraft systems at Tampere University in Finland: 'There is a lot of speculation at the moment it has been shot down - I think that is not going to be the case at all. 'Planes fly the same routes day in, day out,' he said. 'You don't tend to put... missiles next to international airways for obvious reasons.' He added: 'It could be a bomb or it could be some sort of catastrophic breakup of the aircraft.' Against that, one aviation risk group said the first assumption should be that it was a 'shootdown event' like MH17 which was brought down by a suspected Russian missile over Ukraine in 2014. A statement from OPS suggested there were 'obvious projectile holes in the fuselage and a wing section'. 'Whether that projectile was an engine part, or a missile fragment is still conjecture,' the group said. 'We would recommend the starting assumption to be that this was a shootdown event, similar to MH17 until there is clear evidence to the contrary.' Meanwhile, a former pilot and head of flight operations at Britain's Civil Aviation Authority cast doubt on the theory that a mechanical failure was to blame for the crash. Captain Mike Vivian told Sky News that the Ukrainian Airlines crash was a 'puzzling accident'. The Boeing aircraft was less than four years old and there was no sign of bad weather or pilot error, making it a 'difficult accident to explain', he said. 'It is a puzzling accident because the normal culprits like weather, like maintenance, like old aircraft or like possibly crew training - I don't believe they're present in this case,' he said. 'Obviously in this case they'll be trying to work out whether it broke up mid-air as indeed it appears to have done or whether it broke up when it hit the ground. 'They'll be looking for evidence of mechanical failure, although I find it difficult, troubling to suggest that engine failure may have caused this. 'Even with a double engine failure, these aircraft are capable of gliding - not far, but they can glide - so I find it very difficult to understand that.' Today a series of airlines including British Airways and Air France have responded to the crash by routing their flights away from Iranian airspace, while German carrier Lufthansa said it was cancelling its daily route from Frankfurt to Tehran. The region is a central corridor for flights between Europe and Asia, but aircraft can be rerouted fairly easily. One British Airways flight from Mumbai to London was diverted to avoid Iraqi airspace, eventually stopping in Athens to refuel. A BA spokeswoman declined to comment on exact routings, telling MailOnline: 'We are in constant contact with our partners around the world to assess the security of our routes, and will always take action where appropriate. 'We would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.' Malaysia Airlines said that 'due to recent events,' its planes would avoid Iranian airspace, and Singapore Airlines also said that its flights to Europe would be rerouted to avoid Iran. Ukraine International Airlines said it had indefinitely suspended flights to Tehran after the crash. The rerouted flights were causing delays of up to an hour for passengers travelling over the Middle East. The rescue group Red Crescent said teams were assisted by soldiers and firefighters in the effort to recover bodies. 'Obviously it is impossible that passengers' on flight PS-752 are alive, Red Crescent head Morteza Salimi told semi-official news agency ISNA. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky voiced his condolences in a message from Oman. 'Terrible news from the Middle East,' he said. 'This morning, after taking off from the Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran), a passenger plane of Ukraine International Airlines crashed near the airport. 'According to preliminary data, all passengers and crew members were killed. Our embassy clarifies the information about the circumstances of the tragedy and the lists of casualties. 'My sincere condolences to the families and friends of all passengers and crew members.' Zelensky ordered the creation of a crisis team to handle the accident including top ministers and managed by the country's national security agency. His priority was the 'establishment of the truth and those responsible for this terrible catastrophe,' he said. The agency said it has information about 167 passengers who had checked in for the flight as well as nine crew members, putting the total estimated number of people on the plane at 176. Breaking down the numbers, officials said there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and three Britons on flight PS752, along with 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans and four Germans. Canada is home to a large Ukrainian and Iranian diaspora. Prime minister Justin Trudeau said his government would work closely with investigators. 'I join Canadians across the country who are shocked and saddened to see reports that a plane crash outside of Tehran, Iran, has claimed the lives of 176 people, including 63 Canadians,' Trudeau said in a statement. 'I offer our deepest condolences to those who have lost family, friends, and loved ones in this tragedy. 'Our government will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated, and that Canadians' questions are answered.' Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine's ambassador to Canada, also expressed condolences. 'My heart is broken. We will have to go through this terrible pain together with our Canadian brothers and sisters,' he tweeted. The crash marks one of the worst losses of life for Canadians in an aviation disaster. In 1985 a bomb exploded and killed 329 people aboard an Air India flight, most of whom were Canadian. Newlywed Tahmasebi, 35, from Chiswick, west London, was celebrating his marriage to bride Niloofar Ebrahim (pictured) in Iran when the pair perished in the Ukrainian Airlines tragedy Businessman Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh (left) and engineer Sam Zokaei (right) both died in the crash Two flight attendants in an experienced crew were Mariia Mykytiuk (left) and Valeriia Ovcharuk (right) Pilot Vladimir Gaponenko (left) and flight attendant Denis Lykhno (right) were part of the crew on the doomed flight Julia Solohub (left) and Igor Matkov (right) were also among the crew on board the doomed Ukrainian passenger flight Canadian family killed in the Boeing plane crash in Iran pictured, left. The family were from Edmonton, capital of Canada's Alberta province, and have been named as father Pedram Mousavi, mother Mojgan Daneshman and daughters Darya Mousavi and Darina Mousavi. Pictured right is the Swedish family who were killed. Raheleh and Mikael Lindberg, 37 and 40, were killed along with their two young sons Erik, nine, and Emil, seven, after the Boeing 737 burst into flames following take-off from Tehran Canadian victims of the Ukraine International Airlines crash in Iran, University of Alberta professors Mojgan Daneshmand and Pedram Mousavi, pictured in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada The first of the three British victims was later named as father-of-one Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh, 40, who ran a dry cleaning business in East Sussex. He is understood to have travelled to Iran to see family over the Christmas period and was returning to the UK via Ukraine. The second victim, Saeed Tahmasebi Khademsadi, 35, was an engineer at construction firm Laing O'Rourke where he was today hailed as a 'popular and well-respected' colleague. He had flown to Tehran with new wife Niloofar Ebrahim for the second leg of their wedding with friends and family after tying the knot at Wood Green register office in London last month. The third, 42-year-old Sam Zokaei, was an engineer at BP where colleagues mourned a 'tragic loss' today. The pilot was named as Vladimir Gaponenko who had 11,000 hours of experience. Second pilot Serhiy Khomenko had 7,600 hours flying time - but unusually also on board was airline instructor Alexey Naumkin with 12,000 hours experience. Flight attendant Maria Mikityuk, 24, was described as 'a very bright, beautiful, cheerful and sincere woman' hailing from Ivano-Frankivsk in Ukraine. Her colleague Valeriia Ovcharuk was originally from Luhansk in rebel-held eastern Ukraine. Another flight attendant, Denis Lykhno, was described 'a great guy and a good friend' who was remembered for 'learning everything in theist week' to pass exams. Officials in Tehran said 15 children were among the passengers. The semi-official news agency ISNA said 13 were students from Tehran's Sharif University, the most prestigious in the country. A UK Foreign Office spokesman said: 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in the plane crash in Iran overnight. 'We are urgently seeking confirmation about how many British nationals were on board and will do all we can to support any families affected.' Debris of a plane belonging to Ukraine International Airlines which had been checked just days before it crashed A rescue worker searches the scene where an Ukrainian plane crashed in Shahedshahr, south-west of the capital Tehran Former pilot doubts mechanical failure theory A former pilot and head of flight operations at Britain's Civil Aviation Authority has cast doubt on the theory that a mechanical failure was to blame for the crash. Captain Mike Vivian told Sky News that the Ukrainian Airlines crash was a 'puzzling accident'. The Boeing aircraft was less than four years old and there was no sign of bad weather or pilot error, making it a 'difficult accident to explain', he said. 'It is a puzzling accident because the normal culprits like weather, like maintenance, like old aircraft or like possibly crew training - I don't believe they're present in this case,' he said. 'Obviously in this case they'll be trying to work out whether it broke up mid-air as indeed it appears to have done or whether it broke up when it hit the ground. 'They'll be looking for evidence of mechanical failure, although I find it difficult, troubling to suggest that engine failure may have caused this. 'Even with a double engine failure, these aircraft are capable of gliding - not far, but they can glide - so I find it very difficult to understand that. 'They'll also be looking obviously for evidence of foul play whether there was possibliy an internal device or whether there was a missile or something fired from the ground at the aircraft. 'The wreckage should reveal that, although clearly there are political sensitivities here bearing in mind the nature of the situation prevailing in Iran.' He added: 'Boeing are reeling at the moment, they've got numerous investigations on them and this would just be another hammer blow for them.' Asked about the safety of travelling over the Middle East, he said: 'If you're above about 30,000 feet, which most airliners travelling to and from India and the Far East are, there isn't a great risk at all. But to be prudent, airlines stay away. 'By and large, the risks are to the lower level. As far as I'm concerned, it's prudent to stay away from these areas. 'There's now a well rehearsed routine for avoiding and rerouting flights. It will take longer in some cases.' Advertisement Zelensky's office said he had cut his visit to Oman short and was returning to Kyiv because of the crash. The country's prime minister Oleksiy Honcharuk confirmed the casualty toll. The Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and nine crew members. Airline officials said most of the passengers were transiting through Kyiv to other destinations. 'Our task is to establish the cause of the crash of the Boeing and provide all necessary help to the families of the victims,' said parliament speaker Dmytro Razumkov in a Facebook statement. The airline said it was notifying passengers' families and working with aviation authorities 'to do everything possible to find the reasons for the aviation accident'. 'The plane was manufactured in 2016, it was received by the airline directly from the (Boeing) factory,' a Ukrainian International Airlines statement said. 'The plane underwent its last planned technical maintenance on January 6, 2020.' An airline official said: 'Given the complexity of the flight there was a reinforced crew on this flight. Given the experience of the crew the chance of their making a mistake is minimal. We do not even consider such a chance.' On a possible missile strike he said: 'There is nothing we have to confirm this yet. 'The information we gave you was a technical failure of the plane. It was one of our best crews. 'There was nothing by late last night suggesting to us that we needed to restrict flights. 'We have a right to make this decision and had there been a single threat we would have stopped the service.' A number of 737-800 aircraft have been involved in deadly accidents over the years. In March 2016, a Flydubai 737-800 from Dubai crashed while trying to land at Rostov-on-Don airport in Russia, killing 62 on board. Another 737-800 flight from Dubai, operated by Air India Express, crashed in May 2010 while trying to land in Mangalore, India, killing more than 150 onboard. Boeing, like other airline manufacturers, typically assists in crash investigations. However, that effort in this case could be affected by the U.S. sanctions campaign in place on Iran since President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in May 2018. Remains of the plane are seen as search and rescue works are conducted at the site near Tehran today A handout picture provided by the Iranian Red Crescent shows rescue teams working at the crash site today Search and rescue works are conducted at the crash site after the Boeing airliner came down in Iran this morning There were no survivors among the 168 passengers and nine crew, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said Debris of the plane is seen at the crash site today with the cause of the crash yet to be fully established Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had previously made veiled threats to American airliners after tweeting a reference to the 1988 Lockerbie bombing that killed 270 people. Rouhani tweeted that America should 'never threaten Iran' after warning the US should 'remember the number 290' in reference to an incident when the US Navy accidentally shot down an Iranian passenger jet in the Persian Gulf in July 1988, killing 290. Some Middle East experts have taken this as a veiled reference to the Lockerbie terrorist attack, which saw a bomb destroy Pan Am flight 103 over Scotland in December 1988 killing 270 - months after the downing of Iranian flight 655. Libya has always been blamed for the Lockerbie bombing, and one of their intelligence agents was jailed in Scotland for the terror attack. But Western spies believe Tehran played a role in the attack and executed it in revenge for the downing of the Iranian passenger jet. The crash added to jitters in the Middle East just hours after Iran fired at least 15 missiles at US bases in Iraq in an operation called 'Martyr Soleimani'. A US defence official told Military Times that Iran shot 15 missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. Ten missiles hit al-Asad airbase, one missile hit Erbil International Airport in in the north, and four missiles failed in flight. An Iraqi statement gave different figures, saying that 22 missiles were fired of which 17 hit the base. Donald Trump tweeted that 'all is well' and 'so far so good' after the attack, with no early reports of casualties. State television claimed that the missile strikes killed 80 Americans, but did not provide evidence and there was no such claim in US media. Bodies of passengers are being carried from the site by search and rescue team members at the crash site Rescue teams work amidst debris after a Ukrainian Airlines plane crashed just minutes into its journey Rescue workers search the scene where an Ukrainian plane crashed in Shahedshahr this morning Members of the Iranian Red Crescent group work at the crash site after the sun rose this morning following the crash The head of Iran's emergency services initially said they may be able to save a few on board Images show a helicopter and emergency vehicles at the scene of the crash as first responders worked to find any survivors Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752 carrying 176 people and heading to Kiev crashed near Tehran Wednesday The UK's Ministry of Defence confirmed that no British military personnel were injured in the barrage, while Iraq and France also said they sustained no casualties. Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran 'took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence', but it is unclear whether the strikes will satisfy many Iranians' demands for retaliation against the US. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that 'military action like this is not sufficient' and demanded America's withdrawal from the region. 'Last night, a slap in the face was delivered,' Khamenei said in a speech broadcast live on state television. Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which controls the country's missile program, confirmed that they fired the rockets just hours after the slain general's funeral, and reported the operation's name was 'Martyr Soleimani'. Britain condemned the missile strikes, urging Iran 'not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation'. 'A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups,' said foreign secretary Dominic Raab, using an alternative term for ISIS. German defence minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said the government in Berlin 'rejects this aggression in the sharpest possible terms.' Debris is seen from a Ukrainian plane which crashed as authorities work at the scene in Shahedshahr Authorities are seen carrying bodies away from the scene after the crash on Wednesday Iranian Red Crescent's Relief and Rescue Organization said it was impossible for there to be any survivors Later emergency responders said the fire was too heavy at the scene and they could do no rescue Search and rescue works are conducted at site after a Boeing 737 plane belonging to a Ukrainian airline crashed near Imam Khomeini Airport in Iran just after takeoff with 180 passengers on board in Parand, Iran on January 08, 2020 The two-engine plane crashed between the cities of Parand and Shahriar. Debris is seen from a plane crash on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran About 10 ambulances were on the scene after the crash as emergency responders tried to gather bodies Search and rescue works were being conducted at site on Wednesday after a Boeing 737 plane crash The airliner, said to be a Boeing 737, went down around Parand 60 kilometres south-west of the Iranian city Tehran. The aircraft took off 2.44am UTC (6:14am local time) on Wednesday and had reached 7,925ft The Boeing 737, Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752, went down near Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport According to the flight record, the plane was doing 275kts when it was downed. Flight data shows the three-year-old Boeing 737-800 reached an altitude of 2.4 km and then suddenly disappeared three minutes after take-off in Tehran The burial for Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani has taken place in his hometown earlier Trump: 'So far, so good' as casualties and damage are assessed after Iran ballistic missile strike President Donald Trump says 'all is well' and 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties continue to be assessed after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general. 'All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far,' Trump tweeted late Tuesday as he broke his silence on the missile attack. Trump said he would be making an official statement on Wednesday morning regarding the attacks. The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq that Trump visited in December 2018 and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST). The Pentagon says the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. A U.S. official said there were no immediate reports of American casualties, though buildings were still being searched. A military official has revealed the U.S. had early warnings of the Iranian missile launches and were able to the sound the alarms at at least one of the two targeted bases. Those in harm's way were able to scramble to safety and hide in bunkers during the attack, the official told USA Today. U.S. troops at the base had been practicing safety drills for some time. Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which controls the country's missile program, confirmed that they fired the rockets in retaliation for last week's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, according to state TV. They reported the operation's name was 'Martyr Soleimani' and it took place just hours after the slain general's funeral. Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif called the attacks 'self-defense' but said they did 'not seek escalation' but would defend itself against further aggression. Iran has fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq that was visited by Donald Trump in December 2018 and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) The Pentagon says the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq The rockets used in the attack, according to Iranian TV, were Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles, which have a range of 186 miles or 300km. The Iranian air force has since deployed multiple fighter jets to patrol it airspace, according to reports - as Iran warned the U.S. and its allies in the region not to retaliate. Iranian missiles that blitzed Iraqi airbases can deliver a precision-guided 500lb warhead over a range of more than 180 miles Two types of ballistic missiles were reportedly used to hit U.S. Military bases in Ain al-Asad in western Iraq and also around Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. The majority of those used are believed to be the Fateh-110, which can travel 180 miles or 300km and have a payload of around 500lb. Reports also suggest the Qiam-1 was also used, a short range ballistic missile produced by Iran which can travel 500 miles and carry 750lb warheads. The Fateh-110 is an Iranian-designed, short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile that can be launched from any location. While the Qiam-1 was specifically built to target U.S. bases in the Middle East, which have 'encircled Iran', according to Iranian sources. When it was launched the Fateh-110 was described by Iranian defence minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami as '100-percent domestically made - agile, stealth, tactical (and) precision-guided'. Both missiles are reported to have been fired from Tabriz and Kermanshah provinces in Iran. Advertisement The Pentagon said it was still working to assess the damage. 'In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces,' a statement from the Pentagon read. 'It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. 'As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.' The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, reportedly said Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was personally in the control center coordinating the attacks. They also warned U.S. allies in the Middle East that they would face retaliation if America strikes back against any Iranian targets from their bases. 'We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted,' they said. It also threatened Israel. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were spotted arriving at the White House soon after news of the strikes broke. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said on Tuesday night that the missile strikes were an 'act of war' and said Trump had all the power he needed to act. 'This is an act of war by any reasonable definition,' Graham told Fox News' Sean Hannity. 'The President has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond.' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted that the U.S., as well as the rest of the world, 'cannot afford war'. 'Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war,' she tweeted. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- A Staten Island man allegedly struck two city traffic agents with a pipe Tuesday morning in Manhattan, as they were writing him a ticket. Michael Didonato, 52, of the 200 block of Bedell Avenue, Tottenville, faces charges of felony assault and weapon possession, according to an NYPD spokesman. The traffic agents were writing summonses at W. 28th Street and Broadway about 9 a.m., when Didonato exited his black Chevy pickup and attacked the agents, police allege. He fled the scene, but was apprehended less than 12 hours later. Earlier today, Michael Didonato allegedly assaulted two NYPD traffic agents with a pipe after being issued a summons. Didonato was identified by the 13th Precinct Squad and subsequently apprehended by Manhattan Warrants and Regional Fugitive Task Force in less than 12 hours. Chief Rodney Harrison (@NYPDDetectives) January 8, 2020 One of the officers was struck in the back, and the other was struck in the leg. Neither suffered serious injuries, according to a New York Daily News report. Newly appointed Police Commissioner Dermot Shea reportedly issued a department-wide email in regard to the incident. I want to reiterate what Ive said many times before: An attack on any member of the New York City Police Department is an attack on society, and must be denounced by all New Yorkers." Madame Tussauds. (PA Images) A 28-year-old man accused of preparing acts of terror planned to kill people outside Madame Tussauds and at Londons pride parade in London, a court heard today. Mohiussunnath Chowdhury, of Kirkwood Road, Luton, was motivated by dreams of martyrdom for the cause of Islam, and inspired by preachers of hate, prosecutor Duncan Atkinson QC told a jury at Woolwich Crown Court. Chowdhury was caught after unwittingly confiding his plans to undercover police officers who had placed him under surveillance, the court heard. Various potential targets were discussed between the defendant and those he believed to be committed to the same cause and the same forms of violence as himself, Mr Atkinson said. The targets mentioned included Madame Tussauds in London, the gay pride parade and an attack on tourists on a London open-top tour bus. The 2019 Pride parade in London. (Claire Doherty/Sipa USA) The object was to unleash death and suffering on non-Muslim members of the public who happened to be present, using a firearm, sword and even a van as part of an attack. Mr Atkinson told the jury Chowdhury had previously been cleared of a terror charge after attacking police officers with a sword outside Buckingham Palace in August 2017. Two unarmed officers suffered cuts to their hands when they fought to disarm Chowdhury near the palace as he repeatedly shouted Allahu Akbar. He insisted he had been suicidal and was not attacking the officers. In the lead-up to the incident, he made references on WhatsApp to the Westminster jihad attacker Khalid Masood, who killed six people. He commented on how Masood had been shot by police, how he stood up to the bastards and how that was a good way to go. Mr Atkinson said Chowdhury had bragged about deceiving the jury which cleared him at that trial. He told the jury that Chowdhurys assertions to undercover police could be considered as him indeed trying to carry out a terrorist attack in 2017 and that he had deceived the earlier jury that acquitted him of it. Story continues Three undercover officers began to earn Chowdhurys trust in January 2019, and he showed them a replica Glock handgun, the court heard. Mr Atkinson said: He told them of his training regime, and sought to involve them in his firearms-related training. He told them of what he was wanting and planning to do, and sought to involve them in the carrying out of one or more terrorist attacks. Chowdhury is charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts, collecting information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, and disseminating terrorist publications. His sister, Sneha Chowdhury, who lives at the same address, denies two charges of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism. Mr Atkinson said she had better reason than anyone to understand what her brother wanted to achieve but did nothing to stop him. The court heard that Chowdhury used his sisters bank account in March 2019 to order two Red Oak Bokken wooden training swords to their home. The trial continues. Two months ahead of Israels third round of elections in less than a year, all means appear to be justified by the end of gaining as many votes as possible on March 2, including the spreading of falsehoods, wild incitement against entire population groups and dissemination of absurd conspiracy theories. This week Israels Chief Sephardic Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the son of the founder of the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party, spread serious allegations regarding the Jewish identity of Israelis who immigrated from the former Soviet Union and Israels motives in bringing them into the country. The comments by Yosef, a senior public official on the governments payroll, were made at a recent conference of rabbis in Jerusalem and they were reported Jan. 7 by Ynet. The chief rabbi stated, Tens or hundreds of thousands of non-Jews came here under the who is a Jew law, the chief rabbi stated, referring to an amendment to the law of return that allows the immigration of grandchildren of Jews. Some are communists, hostile to religion, haters of religion. They're not even Jewish, they're gentiles. They were brought here to provide a counterweight to the ultra-Orthodox so that if elections are held, there will not be many votes for the ultra-Orthodox. That was why they were brought here. Total non-Jews. Unfortunately, we see the fruit of the incitement they conduct. It was not the first time that ultra-Orthodox politicians and rabbis have sought to make political capital on the backs of the more than one million immigrants from the former Soviet states. During the 2013 election campaign, Shas posted a satirical video of a Jewish wedding between an Israeli-born groom and Russian-speaking bride that suggested immigrants were undergoing fictitious conversions to Judaism. The video caused a storm at the time, but six years on, ahead of the April 2019 elections, Shas leader Aryeh Deri was back with the familiar refrain, declaring at a rally in Ashdod that immigrants from the former Soviet Union are DNA tested to prove their Jewishness. He later clarified that his ministry does not conduct such tests. The current tirade against Israelis who immigrated from the former Soviet Union followed a Dec. 23 Ynet report of a document compiled by the Population and Immigration Authority according to which 86% of those immigrating to Israel are non-Jews. The report also noted that only 4.3% of immigrants from Russia are Jewish. Several hours later, the Interior Ministry conceded that the figures were imprecise, but still claimed that most immigrants from Russia and Ukraine were not Jewish. The saga continued on Dec. 30 with Yosef calling Yisrael Beitenu head Avigdor Liberman evil and suggesting that the Moldovan-born politician go to eat pork in Ashdod, which has a large Russian-speaking population. On Jan. 2, two Russian-speaking Israeli women complained of anti-Semitism among the immigrants in an interview with ultra-Orthodox pundits Yossi Elituv and Aryeh Erlich on Israels public radio. The women claimed that the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption, which in recent years been headed by members of Libermans party, had brought to Israel hundreds of thousands of anti-Semitic non-Jews so they would vote against the influence of religion on the state and against the ultra-Orthodox parties. Now one of Israels two chief rabbis is making the same claims. Conspiracy theories are particularly popular among members of the right-wing and ultra-Orthodox parties, known as the immunity bloc for their support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus request for Knesset immunity from prosecution and his battle against the political left, the media and the state prosecution. They appear to have also taken hold in Shas, of which Yosef is an integral part. These conspiracy theorists claim that the ministry and other government agencies have conspired against the ultra-Orthodox and brought tens of thousands of non-Jews to Israel in order to undermine their influence. Here are several facts regarding immigration from the former Soviet Union: All of these immigrants were eligible under the law of return, which enables children and grandchildren of Jews to become Israeli citizens. Despite the criticism of the 1970 grandchildren clause, the law was never amended, not even by the 20th Knesset that was dominated by right-wing and ultra-Orthodox parties. The massive wave of immigration began in December 1989 under Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir of the Likud and Immigration and Absorption Minister Yitzhak Haim Peretz of Shas. Peretz served in this position until 1992, by which time the bulk of the immigrants had already come. Yisrael Baaliya, the first political party of immigrants from the former Soviet Union, was established in 1996 by Nathan Sharansky. A second party of immigrants, Yisrael Beitenu, was established by Liberman in 1999. Israel continues to take in immigrants but in relatively small numbers, about 25,000 a year, compared with some million immigrants from the former Soviet states between 1982 and 1992. In the 30 years since the start of the mass immigration, the State of Israel, where religion and state are inexorably linked, has failed to find a solution for immigrants who came under the law of return but are not considered Jews by Jewish halachic law, for instance those with a Jewish father but a non-Jewish mother. As such, they are unable to marry (Israel does not provide for civil marriages, only for religious ones), even though they must serve in the military and pay taxes. Various estimates put the number of the group eligible under the law of return but not recognized by the religious establishment at some 400,000. Yosefs latest diatribe made headlines. The heads of the centrist Blue and White Party, the leftist Democratic Camp and Yisrael Beitenu issued harsh criticism of the rabbis claims. Liberman and fellow Knesset member Tamar Zandberg of leftist Meretz urged the attorney general to investigate the chief rabbi for incitement by a public official. Netanyahus response was fairly mild, calling the rabbis remarks outrageous and inappropriate but without naming the speaker or his job. Immigration from the former Soviet Union is a huge boon to the State of Israel and the Jewish people, Netanyahu added. He was probably afraid of angering his ultra-Orthodox partners and made do with a vague reaction, figuring that Russian-speaking Israelis would not rush to support his Likud in any case. Many Israelis who came from the former Soviet Union 30 years ago or from Russia and Ukraine in recent years have told Al-Monitor they were insulted by Yosefs comments. For the politicians, it may all boil down to nothing more than a political campaign, but anyone who has encountered exclusion or incitement related to their origin may view things completely differently. Edward Doks, who immigrated from Ukraine 33 years ago, told the Russian-language Vesty newspaper that the rabbis comments remind him of the anti-Jewish incitement in the former Soviet Union. There, I heard propaganda to the effect that all the communists were Jews. These days, nationalists use this myth, too. Now a new myth has been born: that non-Jews are communists. It seems to me that our rabbi has gotten kind of lost. It was the smutty jokes Jeremy Bamber cracked during the funeral of his parents and sister that first raised alarm bells. Thirty-five years ago, in a crime that horrified and fascinated the nation in equal measure, three generations of his family were murdered in a farmhouse in rural Essex. The infamous White House Farm massacre saw the then 24-year-olds adoptive parents Nevill and June, sister Sheila Caffell and her twin sons Nicholas and Daniel, both six, all shot dead at the isolated Georgian property. Yet while police quickly declared it a case of murder-suicide committed by Caffell a former model suffering schizophrenia others soon started to have suspicions about her brother Jeremy. A famous piece of news footage showed the former public school boy struggling through his familys funerals, his faced etched with apparent grief. But, says Colin Caffell, ex-husband of Sheila and father of the murdered twins, as soon as the cameras stopped rolling, Bambers whole demeanour changed. Jeremy started cracking jokes and laughing, he wrote in his 1994 book In Search of the Rainbows End, telling The Telegraph later that his former brother-in-law had started to make lewd comments about how he couldnt wait to get back to the house with Julie [Mugford, his then girlfriend] and have some fun. It was the first crack in a facade that would soon come crumbling down and end with this handsome, charismatic young man found guilty of wiping out his whole family during a summers night of extraordinary violence. The whole grim story concludes on Wednesday evening with the finale of a six-part ITV drama called simply White House Farm. The Most Notorious Serial Killers Show all 20 1 /20 The Most Notorious Serial Killers The Most Notorious Serial Killers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley Ian Brady and Myra Hindley were found guilty of murder, in the sensational 'Bodies of the Moor' trial. Both were sentenced to life imprisonment. Getty The Most Notorious Serial Killers Harold Shipman Shipman was convicted of murdering 15 of his elderly patients in Hyde, Greater Manchester but an inquiry later concluded he probably murdered 250 people over the course of his career as a GP. Getty The Most Notorious Serial Killers Ted Bundy Ted Bundy confessed to killing 30 young women and girls across the US in the 1970s. He was executed by electric chair in 1989. AP The Most Notorious Serial Killers Fred and Rosemary West Serial killers Fred and Rosemary West who committed at least 12 murders between 1967 and 1987 in Gloucestershire. PA The Most Notorious Serial Killers Charles Manson Charles Manson, a hippie cult leader, orchestrated the murders of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and six others in Los Angeles during the summer of 1969. Rex The Most Notorious Serial Killers Andrei Chikatilo Notorious Ukrainian cannibalistic serial killer Andrei Chikatilo who was charged with the murders of 53 people. Getty Images The Most Notorious Serial Killers Jack the Ripper Jack the Ripper murdered female prostitutes who lived and worked in the East End of London. Their throats were cut prior to internal organs being removed from the bodies. The killer was never caught. Getty Images The Most Notorious Serial Killers Beverley Allitt Nurse, Beverley Allitt, murdered four children and injured others during her time at the children's ward at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital, Lincolnshire in 1991. PA The Most Notorious Serial Killers Edmund Kemper Kemper murdered his paternal grandparents aged 15 and was sent to a maximum-security facility that housed mentally ill convicts. However, was released after convincing the psychiatrists that he had been rehabilitated aged 21. He went on to murder several women, including his mother in the 1970s, where he engaged in necrophilia after the killings. Bettmann Archive/Getty The Most Notorious Serial Killers Jeffrey Dahmer Jeffrey Dahmer confessed to murders of 17 men lured to his apartment. He kept the skulls of his victims after eating parts of some of them. Channel 4 The Most Notorious Serial Killers Gary Ridgway Gary Ridgway received 48 life sentences, with out the possibility of parole, for killing 48 women in the Green River Killer serial murder case. Getty Images The Most Notorious Serial Killers Peter Sutcliffe Peter Sutcliffe, became known as the Yorkshire Ripper after he murdered 13 women between 1975 and 1980. Most of his victims were prostitutes. Express Newspapers/Getty The Most Notorious Serial Killers The Zodiac Killer The Zodiac Killer murdered several victims between the 1960s and 70s. He sent a series of letters to the local press in Northern California which included cryptograms to help solve the murders. The killer's identity remains unknown. The Most Notorious Serial Killers Joanna Dennehy Joanna Dennehy stabbed three men to death and attempted to murder another two people during the 'Peterborough ditch murders'. She carried out the crime over a 10-day period in 2013. PA The Most Notorious Serial Killers Tsutomu Miyazaki Tsutomu Miyazaki who was sentenced to death in 1997 after carrying out the gruesome killings of four young girls. He abducted, killed and indulged in sexual activities with their corpses, as well as keeping body parts of the victims and sending postcards to their families describing the murders. AFP/Getty Images The Most Notorious Serial Killers Aileen Wuornos Aileen Wuornos murdered six men whilst she was working as a prostitute. She shot them all at point-blank range between 1989 and 1990. Getty Images The Most Notorious Serial Killers Dennis Nilsen Nilsen, the 'Muswell Hill Murderer', is a serial killer and necrophiliac. He murdered at least 12 men between 1978 and 1983. PA The Most Notorious Serial Killers John Wayne Gacy John Wayne Gacy sexually assaulted, tortured and murdered at least 33 teenage boys and men between 1972 and 1978. Rex Features The Most Notorious Serial Killers Dennis Rader Dennis Rader, 'the BTK murderer', killed 10 times between 1974 and 1991. His first victims were all from one family. The pattern of systematic torture, lead him to be called the Bind, Tie, Kill (BTK) murderer. Getty Images The Most Notorious Serial Killers Mary Ann Cotton Mary Ann Cotton was believed to have had as many as 21 victims. She is thought to have used arsenic to poison and kill three of her four husbands, possibly as many as eight of her own children, seven stepchildren, her mother, a lover and an inconvenient friend. She was hung on March 24, 1873, after being found guilty of murdering her stepson. Rex Features I think almost everyone who was around at the time still remembers it, says Carol Ann Lee, whose 2015 book The Murders At White House Farm inspired the new series. This was a wealthy family living what appeared to be an idyllic life in the countryside, and that ended in what was essentially a blood bath. It was shocking. Police were first alerted something tragic had occurred at the family home, near the village of Tolleshunt DArcy, in a call from Bamber himself in the early hours of on 7 August 1985. He phoned Chelmsford Police Station from his home in the nearby village of Goldhanger reporting that he had received a desperate call from his father who told him: Your sisters gone crazy and shes got a gun. The line had gone dead, he told officers, after the sound of a shot. The scene that greeted armed police who attended the property was one of unimaginable horror. Nevill, 61, had been beaten and shot eight times four of them in the head in his own kitchen, while his wife June, also 61, was found to have seven bullets riddled throughout her body in the master bedroom. One was right between her eyes, fired at point blank range. Blood smeared across the floor and covering the carpets suggested she had made a futile attempt to drag herself away from her killer. Her daughter Sheila Bambers sister had been gunned down in the same bedroom. The children had both been killed in bed while they apparently slept. Daniel still had his thumb in his mouth. Blood, contemporary reports suggested, was everywhere. The house was turned red. Jeremy Bamber today continued his court battle against whole-life jail terms (PA) Yet, despite this treasure trove of forensic evidence, police, influenced by Bambers call, almost immediately pinned the blame on Caffell. Her body was found holding a semi-automatic .22 rifle, along with a bible. Model goes berserk and massacres her family, ran one headline soon after.Yet, within days, such a theory was falling apart. Bambers behaviour at the funeral did not just raise suspicions with Caffell, a sculptor now aged 66. Police watching the footage were also not convinced by his teary performance. Neither, for what its worth, were many people viewing it on that nights news. I remember seeing Jeremy Bamber at the funeral and feeling uneasy about the way he was behaving, Mark Addy, the actor who plays Detective Sergeant Stan Jones in the new drama, said earlier this week. At least two attendees later recalled that the young mans suit that day was a Hugo Boss number. Back at the farmhouse, he is said to have come down the stairs and opened his jacket to show guests, Lee tells The Independent. Boss, he said. Thats what I am from now on. White house farm trailer More pertinently, perhaps, an inspection of the farm house by Bambers own cousins days after the service uncovered vital evidence police had missed: namely a silencer for the murder weapon. Because this had traces of Caffells blood on it and because experts agreed she could not have placed it in the cupboard after shooting herself, it cast doubts on if she was really the killer. No traces of gun oil were found on her nightdress. Bambers behaviour again came under scrutiny some weeks later, meanwhile, when he contacted The Sun newspaper hoping to sell topless modelling shots of his dead sister. The newspaper declined and instead ran a story about the bizarre approach. But it was only a month later when Mugford the now ex-girlfriend who had accompanied Bamber to the funeral got in touch with police that the case against him really started to build. Jeremy Bamber handcuffed to a police escort in 1988 (Today/Rex) She told officers he had previously spoken of killing his family to inherit the sprawling 500,000 farm estate. On the night of the crime itself, she said, he had called to say: Its tonight or never. At about 3am, he phoned her again. Something is wrong at the farm, he said. I havent had any sleep all night. The pairs relationship had fallen apart by this point and Bamber has always maintained Mugford made up the allegations as revenge for him ending their relationship. A jury in 1986 did not believe him. He was found guilty of the five killings and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The Judge, Justice Drake described him as evil, almost beyond belief. Subsequent appeals have all been rejected. Lawyers attempts to have this weeks drama blocked from being aired have also failed. I have studied this case for years and never seen anything to suggest he is not the killer, says Lee, 50. It is a compelling case but I am certain the right person was found guilty. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration banned U.S. carriers from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia after Iran launched a missile attack on U.S.-led forces in Iraq. The FAA said it issued the airspace ban due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations. But several non-U.S. airlines had flights over parts of Iraq and Iran at the time, according to FlightRadar24 data. They are not directly affected by the FAA ban, but foreign carriers and their national regulators typically consider U.S. advice carefully when deciding where to fly. Frances airline Air France suspended flights over Iraq and Iran airspace. Flight plans are adjusted in real time according to the decisions of the French and regional authorities, throughout the world, in order to ensure the highest level of flight safety, Air France said in a statement. The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency advised Russian airlines not to use airspace over Iran and Iraq, as well as over the Persian and Oman gulfs. "Due to information on the existing risks to security of international flights of civil aircraft, the Federal Air Transport Agency recommends not using the airspace over the territories of Iran, Iraq, the Persian and Oman gulfs for flights of civil aircraft of the Russian Federation, including transit flights, until further notice," the message said. Major Kazakhstans Air Astana airline company also suspended flights through the airspace over Iraq and Iran. The company has made the decision to change the route of flights from Almaty and Nur-Sultan to Dubai, having excluded flights through the airspace of Iran and Iraq. According to Air Astana, the time of the flight will increase: on the Almaty Dubai route by 20 minutes, on Dubai Almaty route by 10 minutes, on Nur-Sultan Dubai route by 55 minutes, on Dubai - Nur-Sultan route by 35 minutes. Today, Iran has delivered missile strikes against at least two military facilities in western Iraq, where U.S. troops are deployed. According to assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman, Al-Assad and Irbil military bases were targeted. Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 crashed this morning after taking off in Tehran. According to preliminary data, 168 passengers and 9 crew members died in the incident. UL announced its IoT Security Rating program and the UL Verified Mark Wednesday at CES, a new effort to measure how hackable IoT and smart devices are. The company also said that appliance giant GE would be the first company to submit its products for testing. IoT devices from smart light bulbs to voice-activated assistants are pushing deeper and deeper into our homes, despite continued reports that such devices can be hacked. UL (formerly Underwriters Laboratories), with its leadership position in testing product safety, no doubt saw an opportunity to create standards and perform testing to assure consumers that there are adequate levels of protection from individuals seeking to eavesdrop or steal data. The UL Verified Mark is also a public statement that GE and other participating companies considered cybersecurity when designing its products. UL said that it is testing and assessing all connected products on the GE Appliances IoT security platform, including dishwashers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, water heaters and water softeners, to help demonstrate baseline security capabilities and protection of their consumers data at the appliance, on the GE Appliances mobile app and in the cloud. UL A closeup of the UL IoT Diamond rating, the most stringent of the five tiers. The products are tested against their implementation of baseline security practices. UL said those practices are aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technologys draft NISTIR 8259, the European Telecommunications Standards Institutes IoT security framework, ETSI TS 103 645; and Council to Secure the Digital Economys CSDE C2 Consensus. ULs testing will also demonstrate compliance for the cybersecurity laws governing IoT security and data collection that went into effect January 1 in Oregon and California (including the California Consumer Privacy Act). UL will offer five rating tiers, from Bronze to Diamond, which the participating company can use on rated products. The company has published descriptions of what the various UL security levels mean. The Bronze tier, for example, includes such basics as no default passwords, a secure reset button that wipes the device of data, and secure connections and update capabilities. If the device provides additional security features, it stands to receive a higher-tier rating. The Silver rating includes the disclosure of what data is collected by the device, with the opportunity to opt in. The Gold rating includes the assurance that the device is secured out of the box, and that data is stored and transmitted using encryption. The Platinum level adds basic protections against malware and hacking. The maximum Diamond rating includes more aggressive malware protection and the requirement that stored data not be personally identifiablea capability many of us might prefer to see in lower tiers. UL says the verified products are evaluated on an ongoing basis to capture changes and improvements as products evolve. The UL Verified Mark is no guarantee that a device wont be hacked, especially if a consumer picks a dumb, easily guessed password. What the UL Verified Mark provides, however, is some assurance that the manufacturer itself is paying as close attention to device security as you, ideally, are also doing. LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) IU Health Arnett is leading a class to help community members quit smoking. The eight week course started Tuesday evening and aims to counsel people about the benefits of giving up tobacco. Thanks to a $12,500 grant, there will be support from a Tobacco Treatment Specialist along with free nicotine replacement. Indiana has the 10th highest smoking rate among states and one in five people in the state use tobacco. Respiratory Therapist Tori Ramsey-Moriarty said she is committed to helping anyone who can set aside the time to come to her class. "My primary goal is to have them be at a place where they stop smoking or use tobacco products," said Ramsey-Moriarty. The course is open to the public. Each class is every other Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at IU Health Arnett. It's address is 2600 Greenbush Street, Lafayette, IN. Email trasmey@iuheath.org to get started or call her at 765-427-0345. The United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. This is what US President Donald Trump declared in his statement addressed to the American people after Irans attacks on US military facilities in Iraq. Trump didnt go into detail about the nature of the sanctions, but stated that these powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior. Trump called on Europe to break away from the remnants of the foolish Iranian nuclear deal. He declared that he plans to ask NATO allies to become much more involved in the Middle East process. He touted the US economy, American energy independence and a stronger military under his leadership, adding they are accomplishments nobody thought were possible. According to Trump, the US has enough oil and natural gas and doesnt need the oil of the Middle East. He warned Iran that US missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast, but said we do not want to use it. Trump said the US is open for talks with Tehran. He also supported his administrations decision to kill general Soleimani, saying his hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood and he should have been terminated long ago. ATHENS, Greece (AP) The International Monetary Fund will close its offices in Athens in coming months, a decade after it joined in a huge bailout program that kept Greece afloat, Greece's prime minister said Tuesday. Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece would continue to cooperate with the IMF, but "as a country that has exited the IMF's strict surveillance framework." The planned move is seen as symbolic confirmation of the country's return to financial respectability. Mitsotakis spoke following a meeting in Washington with the fund's new managing director, Kristalina Georgieva. Greece required three bailouts from its partners in the eurozone and the IMF starting in 2010, to avoid going bust. This became necessary after the country found itself unable to borrow in international money markets, following revelations that it had under-reported key financial data for years. The bailout programs ended in August 2018, and the country has regained market access after a painful eight-year effort to right its finances - the rescue money came with strict conditions. During the bailout era, Greece saw unemployment spike sharply higher, while incomes were repeatedly slashed and taxes hiked. Athens is still subject to post-bailout surveillance by its creditors. Last year, Greece made an early repayment of some of its loans from the IMF, and the government says a further portion of the IMF loans will be repaid early later this year. Noida/Ghaziabad: A nationwide strike called by trade unions to raise issues concerning labour rights went off peacefully in Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad Wednesday. Lakhs of workers attached to 10 central trade unions went on a nationwide strike against the governments decisions on disinvestment, privatisation and labour reform policies. Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self Employed Womens Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) took part in the strike. Hundreds of daily wage earners joined the protest organised by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) in Noida. Protesters handed over memorandums concerning labour rights to the Noida authority and the city magistrate in the afternoon. The District administration and police department were on alert in view of the strike. Protesters from different trade unions organised rallies in Noida sectors 11, 8, 2, 30, 37, 57, 58, 59, 60, 63 and 64. Hundreds of daily wage earners working with various organisations took part in the rally. The trade unions in their memorandum has demanded an increase in minimum wages of daily wage earners, provision of basic facilities like clean water, electricity, sewer and better roads in areas where most daily wage earners colonies are located such as the ones near Hindon river, in Bhangel, Nangla and other underdeveloped areas. We have demanded that the minimum wage for Class 4 employees should be 21,000 a month. Currently, in Uttar Pradesh, it is 8,000 and in Delhi, it is around 15,000. We are also against the privatisation of government facilities such as the Railways. We want the government to ensure that rights of the labour class are taken care of, Gangeshwar Dutt Sharma, district president, CITU, said. City magistrate Shailendra Mishra said the strike went off peacefully in the district and no inconvenience was caused to the common man. Everything went off peacefully in the district, BN Singh, district magistrate, said. The protests in Ghaziabad were mostly carried out by trade unions and their members in the different industrial areas and no untoward incident was reported. The protests were carried out in industrial areas such as South Side GT Road, Sahibabad Site 4 and Meerut Road, among others. Police presence was high and there was no untoward incident our members did not block roads keeping in mind the convenience of the public, JP Shukla, district general secretary, CITU, said. The protests remained peaceful and there was no disruption of local transport whatsoever, Dilshad Ahmad, Ghaziabad auto-rickshaw Chalak Sangh, said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 11:48:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday targeted U.S. bases in Iraq including Al-Asad and Harir Camp to the north of Erbil by the second wave of surface-to-surface missiles, semi-official Fars news agency reported. According to the report, Iran launched a dozen of ballistic missiles. IRGC claimed responsibility for the attacks in a statement, saying that it was in retaliation for the recent killing of its Quds Force Commander General Qassem Soleimani. Fars News Agency reported that the missiles were probably of Fateh 313 type and they were launched from Iran's western Kermanshah Province. Fateh 313 missiles are road-mobile single-stage solid-fueled surface-to-surface missile with a range of 500 km. "We warn all allied countries of the U.S. that they will be a target of military retaliation if attacks are launched from bases in their countries on Iran," the IRGC statement said. It urged Americans to recall all their soldiers back home to prevent more damage. Kerman [Iran], Jan 08 (ANI): The death toll in a stampede during the funeral for Iranian general Qassem Soleimani at his hometown in Kerman has reached 56, according to the Iranian television. Over 100 people have been injured in the incident, Sputnik reported. Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq last Friday, Anadolu agency reported. His death marked a dramatic escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, which have often been at a fever pitch since President Donald Trump chose in 2018 to unilaterally withdraw Washington from a 2015 nuclear pact world powers struck with Tehran. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who gave Soleimani the country's highest honour last year, vowed "severe retaliation" in response to his killing. The Pentagon accused Soleimani of plotting the earlier embassy attack in Iraq and planning to carry out additional attacks on US diplomats and service members in Iraq and the region. (ANI) Las Vegas, Jan 8 : If US President Donald Trump listens to his advisor and eldest daughter Ivanka Trump, then there could be a major overhaul of US immigration policy that would be more open to welcome high skilled workers to join the American workforce. In a keynote session on Tuesday at the ongoing CES here, Ivanka Trump said that the government's policies should be revised to allow highly educated non-citizens to live and work in the US learning from the policies being followed in other neighbouring countries such as Canada. This, however, she added, "can't displace the investment that needs to be made in marginalized, unskilled Americans". She said that overhauling the immigration policy would also help the US grow and innovate. "The President says he thinks it's absolutely insane that we educate immigrants from around the world and just when they're about to start companies, we throw them out of the country. We need to reach over the sidelines, draw them into our workforce." The address by what White House calls President's advisor should be music to thousands of Indian students studying in various US universities and looking forward to realising their US dream thereafter. However, concerns about providing jobs to Americans have pushed these aspiring and highly skilled immigrant workers to look at other geographies for a remunerative and productive employment, The run up to CES keynote by Ivanka Trump has not been smooth with her credentials as a tech expert being questioned by several women in the field. In her CES 2020 keynote session, titled "The Path to the Future of Work", Ivanka spoke about the White House's focus on reskilling workers so they can be ready for the jobs of the future. But she largely kept herself away from technology and rather focused more on her father's policy on jobs and what private sector can and should do to re-skill American work force. Ivanka Trump also co-chairs the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board that's made up of tech leaders including the CEOs of Apple and IBM. She said that Americans need to develop skills to compete in the long term. This, she said, is not just about training Americans for the jobs of future but also sensitising the potential employers to take care of their existing workforce as well and provide the ample opportunity to grow through retraining and reskilling. The keynote took shape of an interview where Ivanka Trump was asked questions by Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, producer of the annual CES consumer-electronics show. Trump said one of the White House's big priorities is to work with private industry to build the country's workforce. In the keynote, Ivanka Trump did not address her father's impeachment last month by the House of Representatives. Nor did the current geopolitical crisis with Iran -- sparked by the US drone strike ordered by President Trump that killed Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani on January 3 -- came up in Ivanka Trump's talk with Shapiro. Ivanka Trump touted record low unemployment in the US across all demographics. Of people who have secured jobs in the past year, 73 per cent came from groups that were marginalized or came from outside the workforce, she claimed. Ivanka Trump noted that there's a concern among American employers about lack of skilled workers. There are 500,000 unfilled jobs in the US manufacturing sector and over 7 million unfilled jobs total across the country because companies can't find workers with the right skills, she said. "It's forced employers to get creative," she said, citing examples of companies hiring formerly incarcerated people. Trump said the fastest wage growth among US workers is happening in the bottom quartile of earners: "There really is a blue-collar boom in this country." Asked whether growth of technology and innovation will squeeze jobs, Ivanka Trump saidthat in the contrary, innovation is net job creator and will enable more inclusive jobs. She asked the private sector to be active on their part to see how there workforce could be made more productive and get skills that make them useful to the changed work environment. In this regard she mentioned how 42 CTA members have identified 392,214 new US worker training opportunities over the next five years. On the subject of parental leave, Shapiro asked Ivanka Trump about the recently signed law that grants federal workers 12 weeks of paid parental leave. "We cannot ask all of you to offer this benefit to your workforces unless we are able to do it ourselves," she added. (Subhash Narayan is travelling to Las Vegas at the invitation of CTA. He can be contacted at subhash.n@ians.in) My fingers and toes were still frozen from my walk in the neighborhood with my friend Sue Balter Reitz. We decided to warm up by grabbing a bite of breakfast on this blue-skied Sunday morning. With our timing right at church letting out, we prepared for a wait at the popular Sophies Kitchen, located in Billings West End at Shiloh Commons by the City College. Since its opening in mid-November, crowds have embraced its arrival. Sophies Kitchen is one of the business anchors for the apartments above. We slipped through the nondescript entry behind a small group of people into a bright sunny space. Inside, the decor brought childhood memories of Disneys Tomorrowland, and from the cartoon show, the Jetsons living room. Avocado green colored the base of the host station and tall-backed booths. The room, lined with windows, had the capacity to seat more than 100 people. A couple of garage-style doors allow for al fresco dining when the climes warm. Luck was on our side as we were quickly shown to a table. I slid into the Bentwood silhouette chair at a table for two situated next to the dining bar fronting the service area and the kitchen. We studied the staggered pages of the clipboard menu edged in the theme colors of green, orange and black. The category names were playful and nontraditional. For breakfast food items fell into Eggs & Such," "Brunch Sides" and "Lunch Break," while dinner offered up Let's Get Started," "Staples & Seasonal Fare" and "Quench Your Palate. Our server, Christy, quickly arrived at our table to take our drink orders. She began by explaining that the food was prepared in-house with fresh ingredients sourced as locally and sustainably as possible. Christy, an experienced restaurant worker who said she had worked at other area restaurants, said proprietors Stacey Hettinger and Dylan Brumwell really care about their employees. She said they tried to make changes that help out workers. When she interviewed for the job, she knew it would be a good fit. Co-owner Brumwell grew up in Billings as well as his partner and aunt, Hettinger. They chose to name the restaurant after Brumwells great-grandmother and Hettingers grandmother from Lovell, Wyoming. In the kitchen, Chef Ramiero Gallegos, transplanted from Seattle, cooked up what Brumwell described as upscale comfort food with a twist. This is Hettingers third restaurant, with sister eatery Geraldines Counter. The restaurant, located in Columbia City, south of Seattle, has been serving up all-day classic American breakfast since 2005. The menu developed there with co-owner Gary Synder, including childhood comfort foods, inspired the menu at Sophies Kitchen. Brumwells favorite item on the menu is Slammin with two eggs cooked to your liking, choice of meat, and buttermilk pancakes with his recommendation of the French toast that has been soaked overnight and cooked to crispy perfection as described on the menu. Brumwell said of the dish, You get everything in Slammin. We could not resist ordering the coffee cake made with raspberries and sour cream, especially after Christys enticing description. This reminds me of New York-style coffee cake, Sue exclaimed on first bite, It is really moist, similar to a New York crumb cake, a tender cake topped with chunks of cinnamon sugar. The two-inch thick buttery goodness was crowned with melted raspberries and a brush of sour cream prettied with a dusting of powdered sugar. Sue ordered the Bacon, egg and arugula sandwich substituting avocado for the bacon, while I opted for the feta scramble, both served with browned hash browns and fluffy scrambled eggs. While Sues sourdough bread made from the Annex Bakery shined, I found comfort in the house-made biscuit that accompanied my dish. Now happily warmed, Sue and I zipped up our jackets and made our way back into this brisk winter day. Stella Fong, author of 'Historic Restaurants of Billings and Billings Food' hosts 'Flavors Under the Big Sky: Celebrating the Bounty of the Region' for Yellowstone Public Radio. TheLastBestPlates.com is a digital destination that serves up Montana's tasty food, travel and culture stories one bite at a time. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga was jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years. (Reuters) The father of Britains worst ever rapist believes his son deserves his punishment for his horrific crimes. Indonesian student Reynhard Sinaga was jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years on Monday after being convicted of drugging 48 men and filming himself sexually violating them in his Manchester city centre apartment after picking them up outside nightclubs near his home. The 36-year-old was a "perpetual student" studying for a PhD in Manchester, thanks to his rich family his father, reportedly a devout Catholic, is a wealthy banker in his home country of Indonesia. Speaking about his sons crimes, Sinagas father, Saibun Sinaga, told BBC Indonesia: "We accept the verdict. His punishment fits his crimes. I don't want to discuss the case any further. Manchester Crown Court heard that police had established during their investigations that Sinaga appears to have assaulted at least 195 different males while they were unconscious. Sinaga would go out in the early hours of the morning, hunting for lone, drunk young men around nightclubs near his flat. (PA) After Sinaga was publicly identified on Monday following the conclusion of his fourth trial for sex crimes, Greater Manchester Police set up a dedicated incident room to hunt for more victims. The force said it has had a "very positive response" with multiple calls received. A spokesman said: "For operational reasons we are unable to give out specific numbers of calls made to the incident room or information made online via the Major Incident Public Portal at this time. "However, we can confirm that some of these reports relate to potential further victims of Sinaga. Read more from Yahoo News UK: Reynhard Sinaga: the 'Peter Pan' student who raped scores of men How serial rapist posed as a good samaritan to lure victims Home Secretary wants review into 'date-rape' drug GHB after Sinaga case Officers previously revealed that they had not yet been able to identify 70 of the 195 men. Sinaga went out in the early hours of the morning, hunting for lone, drunk young men around nightclubs near his flat. Story continues The slightly built student posed as a good samaritan who offered them a floor to sleep on or promised them more drink. His victims who were mainly heterosexual had little or no memory of the hours that followed as Sinaga repeatedly raped many of them. A police image of Sinaga's flat, where men were raped on the floor. (PA) It is thought he laced alcoholic drinks with a drug such as GHB, also known as liquid ecstasy. The rapist was caught when one of the men regained consciousness and fought him off before going to the police and, crucially, handing in Sinaga's phone. The student was found guilty of a total of 159 offences committed between January 2015 and May 2017 136 counts of rape, 13 counts of sexual assault, eight counts of attempted rape and two counts of assault by penetration. Anyone wishing to speak to police and make a report relating to Sinaga is urged to get in touch on 0800 092 0410 (from within the UK) or 020 7158 0124 (international calls). Alternatively, reports can be made online via the Major Incident Public Portal. Watch more from Yahoo UK The upcoming Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2020 will begin a new decade of ambitious global work to achieve the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, a media report said. With the start of a new decade, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is a key event in the world of sustainability, as it gathers specialists and experts from around 175 countries and includes several key programmes, constituting a global platform for promoting international dialogue on sustainability, reported Emirates news agency Wam. This year, the weeks scope of topics was expanded in line with the UNs Sustainable Development Goals to include energy, climate change, water, food, the future of transport, space exploration, and vital health technologies and technologies for a better future. It will also discuss Artificial Intelligence, AI, the community and the youth. In an exclusive statement to Wam, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), said that Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will cover many strategic international sustainable development issues, with an emphasis on key areas, such as renewable energy, the youth, water, the environment and waste, noting that these topics shall be discussed over eight days in Abu Dhabi. Sustainable development represents the core of the UAE Vision 2021 and its national agenda. It also launched several initiatives in line with the UNs goals, including the establishment of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, along with its efforts to offer aid around the world. The UAE, which recently launched the Air Quality Index, hosts the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) and has implemented many related local and international projects, the report said. In 2012, the UAE Green Growth Strategy was launched to build a green economy, under the slogan, A Green Economy for Sustainable Development'. The strategy includes a range of programmes in the areas of energy, agriculture, investment and sustainable transport and environmental policies. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2020 will take place from January 11 to 18. France Boosts Security of Troops in Iraq Amid US-Iran Tensions Sputnik News 00:33 08.01.2020 PARIS (Sputnik) - France stepped up security measures to protect military personnel in Iraq after a US strike on an Iranian commander in Baghdad heightened tensions in the region, the French Defence Minister said Tuesday. "After events in Baghdad we raised the security level of 160 French troops in Iraq starting last Friday", Florence Parly tweeted. Parly argued that France had a stabilizing presence in Iraq. She called on Iran to exercise restraint and return to the nuclear deal, which it said Sunday it was no longer bound by. Separately, the French Foreign Ministry has updated its travel advisory for Iran to warn French citizens against going to the country over regional security concerns. Those already in Iran were asked to avoid public gatherings. The Iraqi parliament has demanded that all foreign troops withdraw from the country but Washington said its forces were staying. A US general's letter announcing the pullout of the international coalition appeared on social media but was rejected by the Pentagon as a mistake. Tensions between Iran and the United States soared after Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani was killed last Friday on the orders of US President Donald Trump. Tehran has vowed revenge. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address There might be an opportunity for the U.S. and Iran to take tensions down a notch after the latest Iranian strikes on Iraqi bases housing American troops, said a former U.S. ambassador on Wednesday. "It all depends on what turns out to have been the damage or any potential casualties," Richard Schmierer, U.S. ambassador to Oman from 2009 to 2012, told CNBC's "Street Signs Asia." "And so this might be the opportunity in the absence of casualties for the two sides to now say: 'okay we have each done something, we can stand down,'" said Schmierer, who is currently chairman of the board of directors at the Middle East Policy Council. Early Wednesday morning local time, Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles aimed at Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops. It came less than a week after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered an airstrike in Baghdad that killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, who led the foreign operations wing of the elite paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Tehran had vowed to retaliate. Republicans on the bipartisan committee that selects candidates to appear on Wisconsins 2020 presidential primary ballots are fully committed to President Donald Trump, while Democratic members selected 14 candidates vying to unseat the president. The decision to list Trump as the only GOP candidate could keep Republican challengers Joe Walsh, a former Illinois congressman, and former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld off the April ballot. Andrew Hitt, state Republican Party chairman and a member of the state Presidential Preference Selection Committee, said his party had not seen the commitment from Welds and Walshs campaigns. The committee, which includes five Democratic and five Republican members, met Tuesday to pick candidates who will appear on the April 7 primary ballots. The committee is charged with selecting candidates whose candidacies are generally advocated or recognized in the national news media throughout the United States. Any candidate not selected by the committee still can secure a spot on the ballot if he or she collects at least 8,000 nominating signatures by Jan. 28. Democratic candidates selected by the committee are: Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet; former Vice President Joe Biden; former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker; former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg; former Maryland Rep. John Delaney; Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard; Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar; former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick; Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders; investor and activist Tom Steyer; Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren; spiritual leader and author Marianne Williamson; and entrepreneur Andrew Yang. Democratic members of the preference committee in 2012 selected only President Barack Obama, who was then seeking his second term, as a candidate that year, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Walsh on Tuesday tweeted his displeasure with the committees decision to leave him off the list. So yet another state in America wants to disenfranchise its voters, Walsh said in the tweet. That would make 10 states in which Republican Party bosses have cancelled primaries. All to protect their King. Weld called the decision shameful in a Tuesday tweet. (Trumps) party bosses in Wisconsin just told millions of voters they dont deserve a choice in the Republican primary, Weld tweeted. Thats not how a democracy works, and certainly not the way the party of competition and freedom should work. Any candidate not selected by the committee still can secure a spot on the ballot if he or she collects at least 8,000 nominating signatures by Jan. 28. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 When I first spoke to Patterson in October, I was hesitant to share his story with you, and I told him so. He was the defendant in a messy lawsuit involving a Foggy Bottom cooperative. I explained to him that cases involving landlords and tenants can be difficult to write about because they are often filled with hard-to-prove accusations. I also expected, on the basis of the circumstances detailed in court filings, that the case would be resolved quickly and reasonably. The League of Women Voters Connecticut is reminding all voters that between Jan. 7-14, Democratic and Republican parties throughout Connecticut will hold their biennial caucuses to choose the voting members of their respective town committees, according to a statement from the LWV. Democratic and Republican town committee members serve for a two-year term beginning in March of each even-numbered year. All registered Democratic and Republican voters are eligible to vote in their partys caucus. This matters, LWV members said, Because when election time rolls around, people ask, Who gets to choose these candidates? The answer (is) Voting members in Republican or Democratic town committees. They are the ones responsible for voting and endorsing candidates in their respective parties. A baby in 'obvious distress' has been rescued from inside a hot car and taken to hospital in Adelaide. Just before 11.30am on Wednesday, police were called to a car park at Gepps Cross, north of the CBD, where a child was locked in a car with temperatures outside rising to 35C. As one officer broke into the vehicle, the other located the parent and the baby was freed. Just before 11.30am on Wednesday, police were called to a car park at Gepps Cross (pictured), north of the CBD, where a child was locked in a car The baby was taken by ambulance to the Women's and Children's Hospital as a precaution. 'After only a few minutes in the car without the air-conditioner on the temperature can soar, putting kids and pets at risk of heat-related illness or even death,' SA Police said after the incident. 'Just cracking the window is not enough and don't think it'll be ok "just for a minute".' The measure, the government believes, will promote foreign direct investment and ease of doing business in the sector. In a bid to attract investments and boost coal production, the government on Wednesday approved promulgation of an ordinance to open up the coal mining sector further by allowing non-coal companies to take part in auctions without end-use restrictions. New Delhi: In a bid to attract investments and boost coal production, the government on Wednesday approved promulgation of an ordinance to open up the coal mining sector further by allowing non-coal companies to take part in auctions without end-use restrictions. The Centre also gave its nod for concluding auction of iron ore and other mineral mines before the expiry of their mining lease on March 31 to avert disruption in production. Besides, the Union Cabinet, which met under by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved Rs 5,559 crore-viability gap funding for the proposed North-East gas grid and divestment in Neelachal Ispat Ltd by six public sector undertakings (PSUs), among others. The Union Cabinet approved promulgation of Mineral Laws (Amend-ment) Ordinance 2020 to amend Mines and Minerals (Development and Regu-lation ) Act 1957 and Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act 2015 to open up coal mining to non-coal players while removing restrictions on end-use of the fuel. The measure, the government believes, will promote foreign direct investment and ease of doing business in the sector. Industry hailed the move and CII president Vikram Kirloskar said, The opening up of the sector without end-use restrictions will boost both production and mining efficiency, besides substituting import of coal worth about Rs 30,000 crore." Speaking to the media, oil and steel minister Dharmendra Pradhan and coal minister Pralhad Joshi said that the promulgation of the ordinance will aid the sectors growth. The ordinance will allow auction of 46 iron ore and other mines before March 31, 2020. Though the auction process of these mines have started, this amendment will strengthen the auction process and it will also facilitate the seamless transfer of all statutory clearances, Pradhan said. By the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act (CMSP Act), 204 blocks that were cancelled by the Supreme Court had end-use restrictions. The cabinet also approved a Rs 5,559 crore viability gap funding for the 1,656-km North-East natural gas pipeline grid that will connect Guwahati to major cities in the region, such as Itanagar, Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal, Aizwal, Agartala, Shillong, Silchar, Gangtok and Numaligarh. The pipeline will enable supply of piped cooking gas to households and CNG to automobiles and industry in the region. In the absence of anchor customers, the Rs 9,265-crore pipeline is not economically viable. The CCEA (cabinet committee on economic affairs) approved a viability gap funding of 60 per cent of the project cost, Pradhan said. The Cabinet also gave its a nod for six PSUs to divest their shares, in Neelachal Ispat Ltd. The six PSUs are MMTC, National Mineral Development Corporation, Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd, Odisha Mining Corporation, Odisha Investment Corpor-ation and Mecon," information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar said, adding that MMTC will sell 49 per cent in Neelachal Ispat, while OMC 20 per cent, OIC 12 per cent and NMDC 10 per cent. Iran launched ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases which house U.S. troops, in the early hours of Wednesday morning local time. According to CNN reports, more than a dozen missiles struck the al-Asad airbase and another base in Erbil. So far, it seems there were no casualties. U.S. military sources were quoted as saying troops were given enough warning to reach shelters before the missiles struck. The attacks were Irans response to the U.S. killing last week of top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. Iran has called that attack an act of war and state terrorism and vowed a response. After the attacks, Iranian foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, tweeted in the early hours of Wednesday morning that Iran did not seek escalation or war. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched, he tweeted. U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to the attack on Twitter. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Flights have been diverted from Iranian and Iraqi airspace, and other countries with troops based in Iraq for the fight against ISIS have been closely monitoring the situation. Over 50 people were killed on Tuesday in Iran at a stampede as hundreds of thousands gathered for Mr Soleimanis funeral in Iran. Many countries have called for the de-escalation of the violence and rhetoric between the U.S. and Iran following the assassination of Mr Soleimani. San Francisco, California, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- US Capital Global Securities LLC announced today that it has been retained by Koine Finance Ltd (Koine) as its lead financial advisor on a $50 million equity raise. Koine, which has already launched in the UK and other jurisdictions, will utilize the $50 million equity financing to diversify its service offerings and acquire additional regulatory permissions to support its strategic international growth. Founded in London in 2017, Koine has been awarded an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license, for the issuance of electronic money as part of its payment solutions, by the UKs Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Koine brings together the full suite of governance, compliance, risk management, and audit of real-time trading to the digital ecosystem. Its custody and settlement platform aims to provide clients with the tools to manage their assets in a low-latency, high-volume environment and benefit from notably increased security, agility, and efficiency. Headquartered in San Francisco, US Capital Global is a full-service private financial group with an established track record in debt and equity finance, investment management, and financial advisory. All strategic advisory, private placements, securities, and other related services are offered by the groups FINRA-licensed broker dealer affiliate, US Capital Global Securities LLC. Hugh Hughes, Chairman and CEO at Koine, said: Market reaction to Koines scalable, institutional-class solution for custody and settlement has been immensely favorable. As we enter 2020, we are focused on driving and supporting international participation in the digital assets marketplace with our applications for regulatory licenses in other trusted jurisdictions, in line with our aim to become the most highly-regulated solution for custody and settlement of digital assets globally. US Capital Globals proven experience and valuable insight into capital formation, especially in the FinTech arena, will be tremendously beneficial to us at this crucial time in Koines development. Charles Towle, CEO at US Capital Global Securities, said: Its an honor to serve Koine as its placement agent and lead financial advisor for this upcoming investment opportunity as we engage selected dealers to expand the distribution of this offering. Koine is driven by an expansive, forward-thinking vision of the digital assets market that we at US Capital Global find very exciting. About Koine Koine has created a custody and settlement platform for institutional market participants looking to invest in digital assets in a regulated environment. Established in 2017, the company aims to eliminate settlement and counterparty risks, delivering full governance, compliance, risk management, and audit of real-time asset trading. Koine combines a scalable business model with pioneering security and innovative engineering. Approximately two dozen institutions, funds, and family offices have chosen Koine to engage with their digital assets while fully adhering to regulated market practices. Koine is authorized as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for the issuance of electronic money with Firm Reference Number (FRN) 900934.www.koine.com About US Capital Global US Capital Global Securities LLC is the FINRA-licensed broker-dealer division of US Capital Global that acts as placement agent for growth-stage companies, projects, and investment funds. Since 1998, the US Capital Global team has been committed to providing small and lower middle market businesses and investors with sophisticated debt, equity, and investment opportunities usually available only to larger middle market companies and institutional investors, using the latest FinTech and RegTech innovation. US Capital Global manages direct investment funds and provides wealth management and capital raise services. To learn more about US Capital Global Securities, email Charles Towle, CEO, at charles@uscgs.com or call +1 415-889-1010. Attachment New Delhi: In the episode, Prithvi dresses as a robber and troubles Rishabh. Sherlyn jumps into his rescue and Prithvi helps her look like a hero. The real gang of robbers find out about the locked room and the leader of the group looks out for help. Prithvi tricks the gang of robbers. Preeta and Karan untie Rishabh making use of this distraction caused by Prithvi. Meanwhile, they find out that the real robber leader is locked inside the room. Karan is keen on beating them all. Watch the latest episode here: In tonights episode, Preeta asks the robbers to leave Sammy alone because he was the one who freed Rishabh when everyone was dancing. The robbers ask him about how he knows Sammys name. Prithvi says that he heard someone calling him Sammy, hence, he called him the same. He asks them to rob Rakhi and the others that are left. Preeta and Srishti decide to use the fake robber, to get rid of the real robbers. Preeta tries to seduce the fake robber in another room where Srishti is waiting to catch him. Prithvi sees Preeta calling him seductively and immediately goes towards her. Preeta is surprised but continues going to Srishtis room. Prithvi is happy knowing that Preeta is taking him to the bridegrooms room. The real boss of the robbers enters the wedding hall again. He snatches Rakhis mangalsutra, even though she already handed over all her other jewellery. Karan and Rishabh enter at that moment and begin beating up the robbers. One of the robbers holds Rakhi at gunpoint, which immediately stops Karan and Rishabh. He decides to find out who was the person pretending to be the leader of the group and wants to kill him. Prithvi follows Preeta and finds her waiting with Srishti. She holds a knife to Prithvis throat and demands him to remove the mask. Prithvi panics and he manages to run away from the sisters. He hides in the bathroom and locks the door. Preeta and Srishti are surprised at the fact that the robber got so scared and try to talk to him from the other side of the door. Janki Bua runs in with chilli powder and throws it on the robbers. The Luthras try to leave with the other guests. Rakhi says that she will not run away without her mangalsutra. The robbers recover it and catch Rishabh and Karan at gunpoint, trying to take the mangalsutra. They slap Janki for attacking them. Preeta and Srishti see this happening while hiding. How will they try to save the Luthras? Find out tomorrow. Watch the latest episodes of Kundali Bhagya, now streaming on ZEE5. Thirty Vietnamese enterprises have sold goods on Amazon, reported the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade). To help Vietnamese businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, boost exports via e-commerce, the agency works with Amazon Global Selling to implement the export promotion programme. The agency and Amazon selected 105 businesses to participate in the programme last year. These businesses have been guided on creating accounts, advertising products and developing brands on Amazon's platform. They were also given information on markets and export processes for the US. Currently, 83 Vietnamese businesses have accounts on Amazon, of which 30 have sold goods with trademarks of Vietnamese businesses. Vietrade launched a national programme on trade promotion last year to help enterprises expand export markets and develop domestic markets. The agency has used the allocated funds for the programme to support more than 10,000 businesses and attract 1.5 million to events under the programme and shop including nearly 100,000 commercial transactions. Businesses traded and signed contracts during trade promotion activities with a total value of nearly US$5 billion. Direct sales at regional fairs reached nearly VND200 billion (US$8.6 million). Last year, Vietrade also signed seven memorandums of understanding with foreign trade promotion organisations and helped Vietnamese business delegations participate in 14 big prestigious fairs and exhibitions at home and abroad. It also organised 11 Vietnamese trade delegations at markets of the US, Russia, Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Japan, China, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Czech Republic. The agency hopes to continue innovating and improving the quality and efficiency of the national programme on trade promotion along the value chain from product development to brand building and market penetration support within this year. The agency also said it would strengthen international trade promotion activities in Vietnam by inviting importers and international partners to come to the country to explore the market; organising international trade fairs, conferences of international commodities; and creating conditions for domestic enterprises to contact foreign importers. VNA Amazon Global Selling establishes specialised team in Vietnam Amazon Global Selling has officially established a specialised team in Vietnam, facilitating international sales for Vietnamese vendors. Trump: US Ready for Iran Retaliation, Wants to Obey Law When it Comes to Striking Cultural Sites Sputnik News 22:44 07.01.2020(updated 00:05 08.01.2020) The tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated after Iran's top military commander was killed in a targeted US drone attack at the Baghdadi International airport on 3 January. In response to Iranian threats of retaliation, Trump suggested striking 52 Iranian cultural sites if attacks against US assets were to take place. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US is prepared for any retaliation on the side of Iran and that Washington is ready to retaliate in return. He added that he wants to obey international law when it comes to striking cultural sites. "If that's what the law is, I like to obey the law. But think of it. They kill our people. They blow up our people and then we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions. But I'm OK with it. It's OK with me", Trump told reporters at the White House. President Trump also said that the US had long been following Gen. Soleimani, killed in the US drone strike on 3 January. According to Trump, the commander was travelling with Hezbollah and by eliminating him Washington saved a lot of lives. "I knew the past. His past was horrible ... we saved a lot of lives by terminating his life. A lot of lives saved ... they were planning something", Trump said. The US president's remarks came just days after he tweeted about the possible targeting of 52 cultural sites in Iran - a number that symbolises 52 Americans held hostage in the US Embassy in Tehran back in 1979. Speaking on the possible withdrawal of the US troops from Iraq, President Trump said the US would like to withdraw its forces from Iraq, but now is not the right time for a pullout, as it would be the "worst thing" that could happen to the host country. "At some point, we want to get out but this isn't the right point", Trump said during the White House meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. "I think it's the worst thing that can happen to Iraq. If we leave that would mean that Iran would have a much bigger foothold and the people of Iraq don't want to see Iran running the country". Earlier, Trump said that in case of withdrawal he would want Iraq to compensate the US for the "tremendous amount" of money it had spent on the country. "We want to be reimbursed for various costs that we have had and they are very significant. But we will work something out", the president said. On Sunday, the Iraqi parliament voted to bar the US military presence in the country. Following the motion, a letter from US Brig. Gen. William Seely, who commands Task Force Iraq, notifying Iraq's joint operations command that the coalition was preparing to reposition forces in the near future was released. Later, however, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley said that it was a mistake and the letter was just a "poorly worded" draft. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper also denied reports on the US withdrawal from Iraq. "There's been no decision whatsoever to leave Iraq", Esper told reporters at the Pentagon. Esper also said on Tuesday that Soleimani had been planning to attack American facilities hosting US diplomats and troops and that the plot was just days away from happening. He went on to say that the US should expect Iran to retaliate "in some way, shape or form", adding that the United States is not seeking war with Iran but is prepared to respond appropriately to any potential attack from Iran or its proxy forces. "We're prepared for any contingency. And then we will respond appropriately to whatever they do", Esper told reporters at the Pentagon. Earlier on Tuesday, US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said the United States had strong evidence showing Soleimani's plot to attack US facilities with Americans was imminent. The US believes that Soleimani was behind the rocket strike on an Iraqi base near Kirkuk on 27 December that killed an American contractor and left several military personnel injured. The killing of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Iran's top military commander and a "designer" of the Iranian security structure, prompted Tehran to threaten retaliation and completely abandon the already ailing 2015 nuclear deal. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned that "harsh vengeance awaits the criminals" that killed the commander. Soleimani had been the long-time Quds Force commander and was widely credited with combating the most dangerous terrorist groups in the region, including Daesh*. *Daesh (also known as ISIS/ISIL/IS) is a terrorist organization banned in Russia Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The European Union last year accounted for 35pc of Irish food and drink exports, surpassing the UK for the first time ever. The European Union last year accounted for 35pc of Irish food and drink exports, surpassing the UK for the first time ever. Overall, exports reached 13bn in 2019, up 7pc on the prior year. This is the highest level of exports in Bord Bias 25 year history. Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bord Bia, said it was a watershed year for the industry, not only in the total value of exports achieved but also in the make up of their destination. The UK accounted for 34pc of exports, down 1pc on 2018, while the rest of the world accounted for 31pc, up 2p. During the year beef exports to the UK fell by 7pc, with the UK beef market now worth 990m. China, when combined with Hong Kong, now represents Irelands largest international market for beef, with a combined value of 58m across the two territories. Meanwhile, Irelands dairy sector grew in value by 11pc to 4.4bn last year. Reaching a value of 1.2bn, butter remained the category leader in 2019. This 13pc uplift in export value was achieved in the context of a decrease in European prices, as well as some stock forwarding in the United States in anticipation of the sectoral tariffs that came into effect in the latter half of last year. Elsewhere, Irish alcohol exports increased by 8pc to 1.45bn in 2019. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Its not every day when major voices as disparate as Piers Morgan and Rush Limbaugh agree. But when it comes to Democratic (and, more widely, liberal) reaction to Trumps killing of Iranian General Soleimani, Morgan and Limbaugh are singing the same tune. In their view, liberal hatred for Trump is so extreme that the left would rather sympathize with terroristic Iran than celebrate the death of a mass terrorist. How telling. According to Morgan, Soleimani was the worlds most dangerous terrorist, no ifs, ands, or buts. As such, Morgan continues, he was no different ideologically from other terror leaders like al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden and ISIS commander Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. And U.S. forces took out all three of these mass murderers. (The ISIS leader, of course, killed himself when he was about to be captured.) Yet unlike, Morgan observes, Bin Laden and Baghdadi, Soleimanis death has been met with howls of protests from the worlds liberals. Why? Its because of liberal hatred of Trump. Indeed, when Obama ordered the execution of Bin Laden, liberals cheered him around the world. But Trump Derangement Syndrome dictates there must be a very different response when the current president kills a terror leader. Now, you might say that Morgan is wrong here. If Trump Derangement Syndrome was so blinding, why didnt these same liberals condemn Trump for taking out Baghdadi? The answer would appear to be that: 1) ISIS was too evil and could not possibly be defended, whereas there can be sympathy for the nation of Iran and one of their generals. 2) Baghdadi ultimately killed himself. 3) His death occurred before Trumps impeachment, with the impeachment causing the left to become even more radicalized. Morgan was also right to dispel the myth that Trump acted impulsively and on his own to take out Soleimani. (He details the order of events in his article.) This has been a concern of the left from day one, and it was a concern I had in the past as well. Trump will get us into another world war. He is irresponsible. He is a madman. He is unhinged and you never know what he will do. Now, looking back at the events of this week, it seems that: 1) Trump succeeded in taking out the worlds leading terrorist; 2) he faced down the worlds leading sponsor of terror; 3) and, in his speech to the nation (and world), he even offered the people of Iran an olive branch of peace and a promise of prosperity. What is so bad about this? So evil? So irresponsible? How does this hurt America? Endanger the world? Indeed, it is now being reported that, Iran DELIBERATELY failed to hit US military targets in Iraq missile attack for fear of escalating conflict with Donald Trump, intelligence sources reveal. Yes, Trump struck fear into the hearts of the Iranians after they publicly mocked him while attacking our embassy in Iraq. You dont mess with America, he said loudly and clearly. Hopefully, Iran, already crippled by economic sanctions, got the message. As for the well-being of our nation, could it be that Trump really does not want to put our troops in harms way? That he really does hate seeing Americans die overseas? That theres actually a human heart beating within his breast? That he would not irresponsibly lead us into another war? Interestingly, and right on cue, Trumps actions have revealed the true colors of his most ardent critics, which means that someone, like Colin Kaepernick, see the killing of a mass murderer as another terrorist attack by America on brown and black people. In his words, There is nothing new about American terrorist attacks against black and brown people for the expansion of American imperialism. Morgans response was classic: Kaepernick either doesnt know, or chose to ignore, that for many years Iran has been committing terror attacks on black and brown people for the expansion of its own imperialist agenda in the Middle East. And need I quote the responses from some of the Democratic presidential candidates or extreme liberals like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez? Rush Limbaugh has actually compared some of these responses to the rhetoric of Iran, illustrating the degree that Trumps staunchest opponents are blinded by their hatred of him. As reported (in sincerity) by the New Republic, Trumps Next Impeachable Offense is Nigh. Congress may have no other choice but to redeploy the ultimate check against a rogue president bent on committing atrocities. There you have it. Certainly, I understand the reason for concern when we take out another nations general. And I understand the skepticism about the reports that our intel said he was about to launch more attacks against Americans and others. Was there real intel or was this a pretense? Or did we even need a pretense? Ill let the intelligence experts and military pundits sort that out. I also agree that Trumps tweet about destroying cultural sites in Iran was unwise and unnecessary, adding to fears about his reliability. But the death of the worlds leading terrorist and the facing down of the worlds largest state-sponsor of terrorism means the potential saving of many lives. (That being said, we should remain prayerful and vigilant against other, potential terrorist acts from Iran.) For now, this much is clear: We have learned more about President Trump this week, and we have learned much about his staunchest critics. Mastuhisa Vail A Foodie's Guide To Vail When people talk about culinary trends in the United States, the foodie meccas of San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are destinations that typically make the roster. Recent years, however, have given rise to a number of exciting food destinations, one of which is the perennially tony ski town of Vail, Colorado. While the posh winter playground has long attracted ski buffs, Vail has recently begun to lure discerning foodies to its slopes by reinventing a few culinary classics and delivering a dose of international flair to the mountain hamlet. We topped our list with 3 sensational standouts that are sure to impress even the most progressive of palates this winter. Matsuhisa Vail MATSUHISA VAIL With locations in Beverly Hills, Aspen, Mykonos and Athens, Nobu Matsuhisas Vail outpost brings an unmistakable air of international flair to the all-American mountain ski village. Complete with soaring ceilings, expansive windows, a stone fireplace and outdoor fire pits, Matsuhisa Vail is a spectacular setting for taking in the panoramic views of Vail Mountain while feasting on world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisas signature style of Japanese and Peruvian fusion. Influenced by his traditional training in Tokyo and culinary work in South America, Chef Nobus creations are defined by a juxtaposition of flavors and ingredients from both continents. At Matsuhisa Vail the Nobu Style is best experienced through several menu favorites, including the Yellowtail with Jalapeno, grilled Colorado Lamb and Tiradito-Style Sashimi, and of course Matsuhisas famous miso-marinated broiled Black Cod. Sushi connoisseurs will appreciate the restaurants expansive white oak sushi bar where diners can choose from a wide-range of classic nigiri, sushi, and unique starters including, Tuna Tataki, Toro Tartar, and oysters with a selection of Nobu salsas. Loch Duart Salmon MOUNTAIN STANDARD Ask a savvy local to name their favorite restaurant and town, and there is a very good chance that you will be enthusiastically pointed in the direction of Mountain Standard. Located on the banks of Gore Creek, this centrally located bistro is a Vail social hub and a great place to experience some local flavor. Floor to ceiling windows and a glass-enclosed kitchen make Mountain Standard a casual yet elevated alternative to some of Vails more traditional apres-ski options. If a long day on-piste necessitates a bit of apres comfort, Mountain Standard has you covered. The signature dishes are inventive yet approachable, with locally sourced ingredients served up in innovative ways. With an ever-expanding menu that skews toward the heartier side, Mountain Standard boasts an impressive offering of protein-based dishes that include local lamb and fish and premium grass-fed steaks. Not to be dismissed, Mountain Standards side dishes and appetizers are particularly memorable, including a Southern Pimento Cheese with bacon cider jam that earns its place among the menus best options. The Corned Pork Shank with gruyere potato puree, served with cabbage, green apple and a caraway vinaigrette is not to be missed.. A close second is the Rocky Mountain Trout with cauliflower, honey poached cranberries, and spiced almonds with a brown butter vinaigrette. Sweet Basil SWEET BASIL Another one of Vails best restaurants is longtime local favorite, Sweet Basil. Located in the heart of Vail Village, Sweet Basils dining room overlooks Gore Creek and is the perfect place to take in the sunset or keep cozy on a snowy evening. Originally opened in 1977, this white-tablecloth eatery is a casual Vail institution that has earned its loyal following by always keeping things interesting with an experimental menu that changes monthly and is comprised of bold flavors that make the most of seasonal ingredients. Winter dishes such as Loch Duart Salmon with sweet & sour beets, red wine cabbage puree, pistachio gremolata and pomegranate are offered alongside Duck a la Plancha with sweet potato puree, roasted carrots, date agrodolce, chipotle rice cracker. Vegetarians will savor the Root Vegetable Bolognese with whipped parmesan, preserved tomato, sweet basil and Pappardelle, a particularly comforting cold-weather favorite. Wine lovers will immediately notice the expansive glass-walled cellar where hundreds of Sweet Basils best wines are prominently displayed. The restaurants expert pairings are a must and a fantastic way to experience the unexpected flavor combinations of Chefs Paul Anders and Martin Woods. Grand Hyatt Vail In order to plan your foodie tour of Vail, you will probably be interested in staying at a luxury property that is as sophisticated as your palate. Vail welcomed the first Grand Hyatt hotel in a U.S. mountain resort location this past July. Formerly know as Hotel Talisa, the rebranded Grand Hyatt Vail is perched at the base of Vail Mountain on the banks of Gore Creek and provides guests with their own ski lift, Chair 20, and 258 ski-in/ski-out chicly designed rooms. The acclaimed design firm LEO A DALY used Vails natural setting as inspiration for an extensive, multi-million dollar renovation that was completed in 2018. The elevated mountain retreat decor is displayed with minimalist lines, muted patterns with warm wood, stone and leather materials and artwork that pay homage to The Southern Ute Native American tribe. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to draw the eyes outdoors where nature takes center stage. After a tough day on the slopes, spa time is essential. Reward yourself with a spa treatment at The Spa at the Grand Hyatt Vail, offering 10 well-appointed therapy rooms featuring treatments inspired by nature. The Spa is adjacent to the resorts creek-side infinity pool, hot tubs and fire pits. The freestanding 58,000-square foot Aria Club is managed by the Grand Hyatt Vail team and offers a variety of cardio equipment, group fitness classes, and personal training in addition to an outdoor saline pool and sundeck. The Aria Club is the largest fitness facility in all of Vail. Grand Hyatt Vail works with Venture Sports, which operates the ski valet and provides equipment at the hotel for all types of outdoor adventures. The minister with responsibility for the controversial Public Services Card has said her Departments appeal of an enforcement notice will hopefully be completed by March. Regina Doherty, the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, said the appeal is necessary as the cost of not appealing would be absolutely enormous to the State, and not just in terms of finances. Speaking at the launch of research into the cost of bereavement in Ireland, Ms Doherty said the enforcement notice, delivered by the Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon in the wake of the States non-compliance with findings of illegality against certain uses of the PSC, would have an unacceptable impact on public services were it not to be challenged. The actual impact it would have on the delivery of public services to all of our citizens, the 3.5 million people are on the PSC who dont have a problem with it, would be absolutely enormous, she said. She said the Government had elected to take its appeal via the Circuit Court where the costs associated with an action are small beans, and will come out of our existing budget. A Circuit Court appeal is generally taken on a matter of law. Such an action could be expected to take several months, but if it were to be referred to a European court on a point of law, the length of the case could stretch to several years, with costs totalling more than a million euro. We lodged our papers on December 21, and hopefully well have a court case done and dusted by March, the minister said. The States appeal challenges the findings of a two-year investigation into the PSC by the Data Protection Commissioner, which delivered its findings last August. Those findings were that the card is unlawful when applied to State services other than that of welfare, and that the 3.2 million historic records held on citizens who signed up for the card must be destroyed with immediate effect. The Governments stance regarding the investigations conclusions subsequently hardened, with Ms Doherty and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe declaring their intention to defy the Commissioner in early September. However, enforcement regarding the findings was not forthcoming until December 7. Much controversy has surrounded the card since plans were first announced in May 2017 to extend its remit to State services such as applications for passports and driving licences. While the State has long vowed to appeal the DPCs findings, the card has since been removed as a mandatory requirement for numerous public services, most notably passport applications, with the new National Childcare Scheme the most noteworthy exception to that trend. Amid calls by some BJP leaders to boycott Deepika Padukone's films in the wake of her joining protesting JNU students, the Congress on Wednesday alleged that under Modi rule no artiste can protest, join a cause or has the right to express, but Union minister Prakash Javadekar asserted that everyone can express their opinion in a democracy. The Congress hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking him to "stop crushing" India's soul after BJP leaders gave a call for boycott of Padukone's film "Chhapaak" in the wake of her visit to JNU campus in support of protesting students. Nobody objected to such expression of opinions, Javadekar told reporters when asked at a Cabinet briefing about Padukone's visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University on Tuesday to express solidarity with the students who were attacked by a mob. About the call given by some party functionaries to boycott her upcoming movie, he said he has not read their remarks but sought to underscore the significance of his statement, by asserting he is stating so as a minister and a "permanent" BJP spokesperson. "This country is a democracy. Why only artistes, even a common can go anywhere and express his opinion," the information and broadcasting minister said. To questions about violence in JNU where masked people attacked students on Sunday night, Javadekar expressed confidence that the ongoing police probe will "unmask" the accused and asserted that violence has no place in a "mature democracy" like India. The Congress sharpened its attack on the government alleging that according to Modi and his 'bhakts', no artiste can protest or join a cause and has no right to express. "Modiji, Stop crushing India's soul! As per you and your Bhakts - 1. No artist can protest. 2. No artist shall join a cause. 3. No artist has a right to express. "Chappak is not about an artist but 1,000 women who suffer acid attacks on their body and soul every year. Isn't this the same," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also took a swipe at the BJP, asking whether Padukone should visit the RSS headquarters in Nagpur instead of JNU. "The ruling party has reduced (itself) to indulging in petty social media polls, faking videos. Should she (Padukone) go to Nagpur, the Sangh headquarters, to promote her movie? What do they want this country to be," he asked. Khera claimed the government is filing FIRs against students and youth instead of hearing them out. "If someone is showing concern to the protesting youth, you raise questions on him/her," he said, alleging the ruling BJP claims it is the world's largest party but it has a "small heart". "If there is unrest across universities, we expect the Prime Minister to go there, we expect the Home Minister, the senior leader of the BJP to go and listen to the youth of this country, whichever campus we are talking about," he said in reference to protests by youth and students on various campuses. On Padukone's visit to the JNU and the BJP's criticism of it, Khera alleged the ruling party sees "bad intent" everywhere. He alleged that the prime minister, home minister and other BJP leaders have never heard or answered the youth on their problems. Earlier in the day, South Delhi BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri asked people to boycott "Chhapaak" for Padukone's support to the "tukde-tukde gang". He said a Bollywood star is supposed to give a "positive message" to youth in the country through movies instead of being seen with those who are against the country. On Tuesday evening, Padukone made a surprise visit to the JNU to express solidarity with the students who had been attacked. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Newser) Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to Damascus on Tuesday for a meeting with President Bashar Assad, a rare visit that comes amid soaring tensions between Iran and United States following the US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, the AP reports. While the official statements made during the previously unannounced visit made no mention of the killing last week of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the timing was conspicuous. Soleimani led Iran-backed forces supporting Assad in Syria's civil war and played a key role in shoring up his army. With some 600 US troops deployed in Syria, the country is a potential site of conflict with Iran. Putin's visit is the second to the country during the war, where his troops are fighting alongside Syrian government forces. story continues below The visit also comes amid a crushing Russian-backed offensive by Syrian forces on the northwestern province of Idlib, the last rebel stronghold in Syria. Putin and Assad met at a Russian command post in Damascus, and were presented with military reports on the situation in different regions of Syria, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. In his conversation with Assad, Putin said a lot has been done toward restoring Syrias statehood and territorial integrity. At the same time, Putin noted that the situation in the Middle East is, unfortunately, escalating." During his time in Damascus, Putin visited the Syrian capital's landmark Umayyad Mosque in the walled Old City together, where he viewed the tomb of John the Baptist who is sacred to both Christians and Muslims. (Read more Vladimir Putin stories.) Key questions answered as over a dozen ballistic missiles launched by Tehran at two bases housing US troops in Iraq. Iran has launched missile attacks on US targets in Iraq in response to the US assassination of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani last week. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tehran had taken what it considered to be proportionate measures and did not seek an escalation of war. In Washington, US President Donald Trump tweeted all is well! shortly after the missile attacks in the early hours of Wednesday, adding that an assessment of casualties and damage from the attacks was under way. Here is what we know so far. What happened? At about 1:30am local time on Wednesday (22:30 GMT on Tuesday), Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from its territory against at least two Iraqi facilities hosting US-led coalition personnel, the US military said. The missiles hit two bases: Ain al-Asad in Anbar province and a facility in Erbil, the capital of Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The Iraqi military said in a statement that 22 missiles were launched between 1:45am and 2:15am on Wednesday (22:45 GMT and 23:15 GMT on Tuesday). It said two of the 17 missiles striking Ain al-Asad base did not go off. The five on Erbil all targeted coalition headquarters. Casualties and damage No casualties have been officially confirmed so far. The Iraqi military said there were no casualties among its forces. Germany, Poland, Norway and Denmark also said that none of its soldiers stationed in Iraq was wounded or killed, according to reports. 200108022159468 Iranian state television claimed that at least 80 American terrorists were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles, adding that none of the missiles was intercepted. The claim could not be independently verified and the state television did not provide evidence of how it obtained that information. Why did it happen? Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed they fired the missiles in retaliation for last weeks killing of Soleimani, according to a statement on state media. US officials have said Soleimani was killed because of intelligence indicating forces under his command planned attacks on US targets in the region. But they have not provided evidence. A war of words between US and Iran had been waging since Soleimanis assassination, and Tehran had pledged a harsh response to avenge his death. US President Donald Trump threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites very hard if Iran attacked US citizens or assets. What has the reaction been? In a speech in Tehran after the attack, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said: The corrupt presence of the US in the region should come to an end, calling the missile attack a slap in the face of the US. Trump said in his tweet that he would make a statement on Wednesday morning. Amid the rising tension, governments around the world have called for a return to diplomacy. Read more about what the international reaction has been here. The Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) union members block newly appointed IBK CEO Yoon Jong-won, left, from entering his office at the IBK headquarters in Seoul, Tuesday. / Yonhap By Park Jae-hyuk The Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) is facing growing concerns as the state-run lender's newly appointed CEO Yoon Jong-won is probably going to offer to introduce a "co-determination system" in a bid to appease the bank's union, according to industry officials, Tuesday. In a co-determination system, seats on a board of directors are given to employees or their representatives. This was one of pledges President Moon Jae-in made during his election campaign, but it has never been carried out in the nation's financial industry. Previously, the state-run Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) discussed with its union about offering one board seat to an expert recommended by its members. However, it eventually hired two experts recommended by management as new board members. The Eximbank union's failed attempt will likely prompt the IBK union to further pressure their new CEO to enforce worker representation on the board of directors. The union requested a shared governance structure in February 2019, but this ended in failure. At that time, then Financial Services Commission (FSC) Chairman Choi Jong-ku expressed his skepticism about offering board seats to bank employees, saying, "Considering wages and welfare offered to bank workers, their working conditions are not poor enough to enforce worker representation on boards of directors." According to the IBK's articles of association, the FSC chairman has the right to appoint and dismiss the state-run bank's nonexecutive directors. Yoon reportedly said he would consider introducing a co-determination system, during a phone call with local news outlet Hansbiz. "A co-determination system can be a bargaining chip for both the IBK's management and union, because it can calm controversy over bureaucratic control," a financial industry official said on condition of anonymity. The IBK union, which has blocked the CEO from entering his office since his appointment, has denied the expectation, saying, "The appointment of the CEO and a co-determination system for sound management are different topics." Economic experts said a codetermination system will hinder management efficiency. "Directors may not be able to make their voices heard when discussing sensitive issues, such as restructuring," said Yun Chang-hyun, an economist at the University of Seoul. "Co-determination in Germany is also regarded as a failure among experts." Private sector banks have also been concerned about the labor-friendly approach, because it may lead the government to pressure them to give management rights to their workers. TEHRAN, Iran U.S. President Donald Trump says All is well! after more than a dozen Iranian missiles were fired at two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq. Trump tweeted that casualty and damage assessments are ongoing but added, So far, so good! All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 He said he will be making a statement on the strikes Wednesday morning. Iranian state TV said the missile strikes were retaliation for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying. Trump said Tuesday that his decision saved American lives and that members of Congress will get a briefing on the reasons for the U.S. attack. They were planning something, he said of the Iranians. Hours later, Iran struck back, firing the missiles at bases housing U.S. troops and warning the United States and its allies in the region not to retaliate. The White House said the president was monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. So far, Trump and top national security officials have justified the airstrike with general statements about the threat posted by Soleimani, who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. But the details have been scarce. He's no longer a monster. He's dead, Trump said. And that's a good thing for a lot of countries. He was planning a very big attack and a very bad attack for us and other people and we stopped him and I don't think anybody can complain about it. Soleimani was targeted while he was at an airport in Baghdad with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a veteran Iraqi militant who also was killed. Trump said they weren't in Baghdad to discuss vacation plans or visit a 'nice resort," but were there to talk over 'bad business.' The lack of detail doesn't sit well with Democrats, who recall how President George W. Bush justified his invasion of Iraq by accusing Saddam Hussein of having non-existent weapons of mass destruction. Lawmakers in recent days have been pressing for more detail to explain why Trump ordered the killing a decision that previous administrations passed up because of fears it would unleash even more violence. Soleimani traveled frequently and relatively openly, with visits to Baghdad more frequent in recent months. He also often showed up in Syria, including along the border between Iraq and Syria. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have called on Trump to declassify the written notification he sent to Congress after the strike. The notification was required under the War Powers Resolution Act of 1973, which requires the president to report to Congress when American forces are sent into hostile situations. 'The president must come to Congress and present clear and compelling intelligence as to why the strike against Soleimani was absolutely necessary," Menendez said in a speech on the Senate floor. In the wake of all its misleading statements we must make clear to the administration that the president by himself does not have the authority to launch a war against Iran. Trump stressed that the strike was in retaliation for Iranian attacks and that the U.S. is prepared to attack again 'very strongly. He also said that while he eventually wants to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq, now is not the time because it would allow Iran to gain a bigger foothold there. Trump's top national security officials made several public appearances on Tuesday to further defend the strike. We had deep intelligence indicating there was active plotting to put American lives at risk, and Iraqi lives too, said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Asked if the threat was imminent in days or weeks, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said: I think its more fair to say days, for sure. Esper said the intelligence was precise razor thin. He said top Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate plus the chairmen and vice chairmen of the intelligence committees in both chambers were getting a classified briefing Tuesday afternoon on what led to the decision to kill Soleimani. He said other lawmakers will be provided general details about the attack. He said Soleimani was in Baghdad to coordinate additional attacks against the U.S. To somehow suggest that he wasnt a legitimate target, I think, is fanciful, Esper said. Democratic lawmakers are not yet convinced it was the right decision. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., called the U.S. strike on Soleimani a mistake and said I have yet to see how killing this man will prevent Iran from posing an even greater threat against the United States and our interests." In the wake of the killing, Iran has announced that it will no longer be bound by the 2015 nuclear agreement and vowed to retaliate against the U.S., its allies and American interests. Iraqs parliament also voted to expel U.S. troops from Iraq, which would undermine efforts to fight Islamic State militants in the region and strengthen Irans influence in the Mideast. -- The Associated Press Round Here RecordsCanaan Smiths planning on making some Pour Decisions in 2020. The Love You Like That hitmaker will launch his Pour Decisions headlining tour February 21 in Rootstown, Ohio. Newcomers Noah Schnacky, Kylie Morgan, and Redferrin will join him at different spots on the trek that takes its name from his latest release. This is gonna be a big year, and I cant think of a better way to kick it off than by hitting the road and heading to a few of my favorite cities, Canaan says. A new year means new music, and the Pour Decisions Tour is just a taste of whats coming up. I cant wait for people to hear what Ive been workin on. Canaans currently finishing up new music for Florida Georgia Lines Round Here Records. His biggest success so far came in 2015 when he topped the chart with Love You Like That from his debut album, Bronco. You can find the full Pour Decisions Tour itinerary at CanaanSmith.com. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Daniel Ricciardo has played down the chances that he will be the next top driver to quickly sign up beyond 2020. Ahead of F1's new era for 2021, the grid for next season is already starting to shape up, with Charles Leclerc and now Max Verstappen signing long-term deals with Ferrari and Red Bull respectively. But Ricciardo, who quit Red Bull in order to drive for Renault in 2019 and 2020, says he is yet to begin negotiations about 2021. "I haven't (got a contract for 2021) and that's not anything personal, it's just we haven't had any discussion about beyond 2020 yet," he told Australia's Sunday Times. "It's still early days. I would love for 2020 to work out and I stay, that's the easiest and happiest scenario, I wish for that." Ricciardo, 30, is regularly asked if he regrets his move to Renault, and almost as often is tentatively linked with a potential future at Ferrari. "I guess it's probably always going to be there. They always linked me to that, with my Italian roots," said the Australian. "But it's nice to be talked about and still relevant and kind of in the mix as far as names getting thrown around." (GMM) Drew Angerer/Getty A day after Iranian ballistic missiles hit Iraqi bases used by U.S. forces, the Trump administrations first briefings on Iran for legislators went so poorly that even its allies walked out saying that the White House was losing congressional support. At a moment when the Middle East is asking if the U.S. and Iran can avoid confrontation, senators and representatives said that briefings from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, CIA Director Gina Haspel, Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire were risible in their lack of detail concerning core concerns, including the intelligence behind the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and the future course of U.S. strategy against Tehran. Meanwhile, briefers also raised concerns that U.S. forces in Iraq could face heightened threats from Iran-allied Shiite militias in the wake of Soleimanis death. Sen. Mike Lee, a libertarian-leaning Utah Republican who rarely breaks with Trump, exited the Senates briefing calling it the worst briefing on a military issue hes seen in nine years in Congress. It was insulting, Lee saidso much so that he will now support a measure to curb Trumps authority to wage war in Iran after hinting a day before that hed vote. They had to leave after 75 minutes, while theyre in the process of telling us that we need to be good little boys and girls and run along and not debate this in public, Lee said. I find that absolutely insane. I think its unacceptable. One Senate Democratic source read in on the meeting said Pompeo acted like Benghazi Mike in the briefinga reference to Pompeos incendiary performance as a congressman during the 2015 Benghazi hearingsand was often defensive when faced with tough questions about the intelligence that led to the killing of Soleimani. At least one Republican came to the briefers defense and blamed Democrats for causing the chaos. Story continues Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said the briefers made a compelling case. In response to Democrats assertions that it was vague, he responded: They dont want specifics. I was really disappointed at their behavior in there. Iran Fires Missiles at Base Housing U.S. Troops as Vengeance for Soleimani Killing House Democrats, meanwhile, said they had anticipated some stonewalling in their briefing. In the caucus meeting Wednesday morning, members sought advice from former Undersecretary of State Wendy Sherman about how to press the Trump administration officials for details on what led to the Soleimani strike, according to a source in the room. Sherman warned that the House would likely get the runaround, that source said. It was disappointing, said Rep. Mike Quigley, an Illinois Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, adding that there was acrimony in the room. Still, Quigley cautioned that anyone expecting much out of the briefing probably had unreasonable expectations going in. Legislators bitterness over the briefing recalled the Obama administrations 2013 briefing on Syria that made it clear Congress would not let Obama bomb Iranian ally Bashar al-Assad. There were many times when many members tried to ask for more detail on any intelligence, any threat assessments, and really, there was nothing that we heard there that you dont know, said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA). Briefers wouldnt go into specifics, and members were visibly frustrated. People were basically yelling at them to give an answer, an attendee said. Other attendees said yelling overstated the reaction, though participants made audible noises indicating dissatisfaction. Rep. Mark Meadows, a North Carolina Republican, told reporters that the first question to briefers on the House side concerned the legal basis for the strike. As National Security Adviser Robert OBrien said on Friday, Justice Department officials told legislators the authority flowed from the 2002 congressional authorization to topple Saddam Husseins former regime, the legal wellspring of the 2003-2011 invasion and occupation. Sources also said the briefers invoked Trumps Article II authority as commander in chiefwhich will rely on the pre-strike threat being an imminent one, if Congress grows more assertive in insisting on its war powers. Over the past five days, the Trump administration has backed off its assertions that killing Soleimani was intended to foil an imminent attack. Jayapal said there was no raw evidence provided of any imminent pre-strike threat. I went into this briefing looking for something specific to back up the claim that there was an impending threat against Americans or American interests. Speaking for myself, Im nowhere close to convinced that this is a real thing, said Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA). Just as dissatisfying to legislators in attendance was a minimal indication of where U.S. strategy against Iran goes next. While both Iran and Trump have indicated they want to avoid wider conflict, Trump on Wednesday morning placed additional economic sanctions on Iran, intensifying a punitive strategy that has yet to change Irans behavior. One member who spoke with The Daily Beast also said Pompeo reiterated his assurances that he is willing to talk with the Iranians anytime and anywhere, and will travel for a potential meetingsomething the Iranians have neither sought nor accepted. There was also a back-and-forth with briefers about Iranian retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. What are our top priorities with Iran? That's a pretty fundamental piece of the puzzle, said a person in the room. You're gonna have a strategy. I mean, we can have a debate about whether [the administration] is on the same page with the details, but they can't even get on the same page with the top line priorities. I didn't learn anything new. And that's too bad because they had an opportunity to really educate us, said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), an intelligence committee member. U.S. intelligence officials have also expressed concerns that Soleimanis death could mean Iraqi Shiite militias pose a greater threat to American troopseven as Trump administration officials have said the killing left the world more secure. The officials highlighted their concerns in congressional briefings. In one of those briefings, according to a congressional source with knowledge of the comments, an official indicated that Soleimani was somewhat of a check on the Shiite militias, and that no one else carries the same weight to keep them from operating without a strategyand from potentially targeting American forces. Three additional sources familiar with classified briefings on tensions in the region confirmed that U.S. intelligence officials have highlighted concerns about heightened threats to U.S. troops in Iraq from Shiite militias in the wake of Soleimanis death. Rep. Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat, has also echoed those concerns. I am far more concerned about the danger of Shiite militias, especially because of the killing of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, which has gotten far less attention but may lead to additional reprisals against our people there, he told The Daily Beast. In contrast, Secretary of State Pompeo recently declared that the world is a safer place because Soleimani is dead. And Vice President Mike Pence told CBS News that U.S. intelligence shows Iran has asked militias not to target American troops. -- with reporting from Erin Banco Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. U.S. retailers are feeling the heat: E-commerce brands must contend with expectations set by Amazon's same-day delivery, meanwhile brick-and-mortar businesses face their own survival challenges--2019 will be the last year of operations for an estimated 12,000 stores, according to advisory firm Coresight Research. Staying relevant--let alone getting ahead--in this environment requires staying on top of what's trending in retail strategies. As such, read on for a short list of trends that'll carry over into the new year, according to a few innovative founders in the industry. 1. Prioritizing experiences over shelf space. While filling precious real estate with experiences--rather just than standard display shelves--isn't a new idea, it is still well worth the investment if you can swing it. Just ask Ben Kaufman, co-founder and CEO of experiential toy store Camp. (You might remember Kaufman as the founder of the now-defunct Quirky.) With its flagship located near New York City's Union Square and four other locations around the country, Camp has rotating themes each quarter and offers workshops and interactive play spaces, and even lets parents drop off their kids for supervised workshops. Inside the store, kids can play with a pretend vehicle, a slide, a dress-up shop, and more--and most of what they can touch is for sale. The company says it has raised $17 million in funding to date?. "The knock on experiential retail, generally, is that it can't be as productive on a per square foot basis as racks and pins and boards," Kaufman told Inc. when we visited Camp in September. The New York flagship store sees 30,000 to 50,000 visitors monthly, according to Camp, with 90 minutes on average spent in the store. About a third of transactions are from returning families, and 56 percent of visiting families purchase something in the store. Kaufman says he sees brands too often investing in expensive tech updates that, say, make customers interact with robots or artificial intelligence. "[Retailers put the focus on] all these things that make a store feel like a website, when really what people crave to leave their home is human connection," he said. 2. Taking online brands offline in creative ways. In keeping with the experiential retail trend, even digital-first e-commerce companies like Glossier, Casper, and countless others increasingly want to give shoppers a way to see products in person. Some have tried pop-ups or glamorous flagship stores. Santa Monica, California-based direct-to-consumer outdoor furniture company Outer says it's seeing traction experimenting with what it calls "neighborhood showrooms." Traditional showrooms are typically huge and expensive to maintain, so Outer asks customers to apply to volunteer their backyards as showrooms so shoppers can see the products in a real home setting. In exchange, Outer offers a discount on furniture and a flat fee per visitor that co-founder Jiake Liu says ranges from $200 to $2,000 a month, depending on the showroom's location and commitment level. Launched in May 2019, the company is slated to pull in over $1 million in 2019 revenue, makes six digits in monthly sales, and counts Patrick Schwarzenegger as an investor, says Liu. "In the beginning, we didn't know what it was going to take," Liu said in July about recruiting neighborhood showroom hosts. "But now we're looking at thousands of applications from all over the country, all over the world." 3. Giving customers more ways to pay. If you're not already integrating digital wallet technology into your sales operations, now's the time to do it. In the U.S., 17 percent of consumers use a digital wallet, according to 2019 research from U.K. payment researcher Merchant Machine. Market research firm Statista predicts that digital payment transactions will grow more than 8 percent annually between 2019 and 2023. U.S.-based retail brands would be wise to stay ahead of this trend, says Mona Bijoor, partner of New York City-based investment firm Kings Circle Capital. Previously, Bijoor founded wholesale fashion marketplace Joor after years of working in the buying departments for global retailers. She advises brands to take advantage of all the business benefits of adopting digital wallet technology, such as integrating loyalty programs, which is another way to stay connected to customers. "Your POS (point of sale) should integrate with ApplePay, GooglePay, and Samsung Pay," Bijoor advises. "Gift cards, alerts, tickets. Ensure that you offer the bells and whistles." 4. Recession-proofing prices. Bijoor predicts that with looming talk of a recession ahead, your customers are going to be increasingly more thoughtful about the purchases they make. And midsize retail businesses--those bigger than a mom-and-pop shop but smaller than a Walmart or Target--"will get squeezed and hurt the most," she says. "As a retailer, you need to analyze your opening, mid-, and high-price-point buckets," Bijoor suggests. 'If 60 to 80 percent of your items are priced at the mid-tier price point during a recession, then you might get squeezed. If retailers don't do this analysis in advance, it might be too late, especially if the items that you carry have a long lead-time from factory to store." 5. Adopting artificial intelligence in the right way. To Kaufman's point, more and more companies are going to embrace A.I. in their business, says Bijoor. The key to doing this well is to keep in mind the end goal--any A.I. integration must help you drive sales and customer loyalty. Bijoor says retailers might learn from how a retailer like Stitch Fix uses humans and sophisticated data analysis to match styles of clothing and accessories to customers' personal preferences. She suggests retailers explore A.I. for inventory forecasting, allocation, restocking--but warns against relying too heavily on technology for customer service purposes. Instead, think of it as a compliment to your employees, who understand the nuance of customer interactions better and respond accordingly. "It's not necessarily that A.I. will have faddish applications--it's the retailers that get suckered into thinking that they are 'adopting' A.I. applications to check the box or seem innovative," Bijoor says. "And what's worse is that the A.I. they've adopted doesn't really move the needle on their business or profitability." EXPLORE MORE Best in Business COMPANIES RogersGray has continued its expansion with the acquisition of the G. H. Dunn Agency of Buzzards Bay and Mattapoisett, Mass. Following the acquisition, the team at G.H. Dunn will remain, including David Dunn who will be joining RogersGray as partner and executive vice president, according to David Robinson, president and CEO of RogersGray in a company press release. Clients of G.H. Dunn will continue to be serviced from its Buzzards Bay and Mattapoisett locations with the offices being re-branded under the RogersGray umbrella. Headquartered in Massachusetts, RogersGray helps manage risk through a consultative approach designed to protect personal insurance, business insurance and employee benefits clientele. Source: RogersGray Topics Mergers Massachusetts A Delhi court on Wednesday directed the Tihar jail authorities to give immediate medical treatment to Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad on an application filed by his counsel. Metropolitan Magistrate Atul Verma adjourned the matter for hearing at 2 pm on Thursday after the investigating officer of the Daryaganj police station failed to produce the medical reports from AIIMS. Azad, through his counsel Mahmood Pracha, had moved to the court, seeking medical assistance for his client stating that he was suffering from a blood thickening disease. Azad is suffering with Polycythemia, that is a disease of blood thickness and requires to continue checkup from the concerned doctor of AIIMS, Delhi especially Dr Rishi Dhawan, Assistant Professor, Haematology Department, AIIMS, Delhi, where the treatment of the accused is going on for a long time under the supervision of the said concerned doctor and requires day to day checkup of the blood, so that as and when, within a week or maximum ten days when the blood becomes thick, if it is not done it may become a cause of cardiac attack for the accused, the plea stated. On Wednesday, the doctor appearing from the jail gave his report to the court. However, objecting to the same, Pracha said that his client is suffering from breathlessness and his hands are swollen. The Bhim Sena chief is currently in judicial custody till January 18 after he was arrested by police from Jama Masjid during the protest against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), last year. A case has been registered against Azad under Sections 147 (punishment for rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with a deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called Tuesday for three days of protests against President Nicolas Maduro, just hours after he was sworn in for another term as speaker of parliament. "It's time to stand up and to stand up with force," Guaido said during a press conference. "We will mobilize for street protests on Thursday and Friday, and on Saturday we will all be in the streets," he said, adding he planned to return to the National Assembly next Tuesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) I dont know about you guys, but once again I find myself in the icy grip of the dreaded post-holiday blues. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion I dont know about you guys, but once again I find myself in the icy grip of the dreaded post-holiday blues. Every year, in the wake of Christmas and New Years Eve, I tend to spend a few days wallowing in self-pity because theres nothing worth celebrating. Typically, youll find me staring longingly at a calendar, weeping quietly into my breakfast cereal and counting the days until Groundhog Day or Valentines Day or even National Flag of Canada Day. But if, like me, youre feeling blue, I have some excellent news I have just uncovered a special day that will fill you with joy and leave your pasty skin feeling as smooth as a babys hindquarters. What Im trying to say is that today, Jan. 8, 2020, just as another cruel Prairie winter is worming its way into our hearts, is (dramatic pause to build excitement) National Bubble Bath Day. It is also National English Toffee Day, National Man Watchers Day, National Argyle Day and Earths Rotation Day, but those days mean nothing to me, whereas I could not care more deeply about National Bubble Bath Day. "Whatever you squeeze into National Bubble Bath Day, make sure to make some time to take your own bubble bath," advised the website nationaltoday.com. "The foaming bubbles insulate the surface of your bath, giving you longer than usual to soak in the hot water. The steamy air makes breathing easier, and the scented soap rewards you for breathing deep." Chirps daysoftheyear.com: "If we have to tell you how to celebrate Bubble Bath Day, you may be in worse need of one than we could ever have imagined... The only thing better is having someone else give you a bubble bath, complete with scented candles, luxurious body oils and your favourite book or music to help you let the tension of the day just drain off your shoulders. Better yet! Bathe with a friend!" Anyone who has ever read my column and continues to take their prescription medication will know I am legendary for beginning each and every (bad word) day by spending at least an hour soaking in a bath hot enough to make soup. Every other day, depending on my mood, I will ratchet up the tub experience by dumping a bunch of bubble bath goop under the faucet when I run the water. Then, without fail, I will grab the newspaper, climb into the bath, lie down on my back, rest my feet on the tiles above the taps, open up the paper, plop the paper down on my soggy chest and fall asleep. Thats just the life of a crusading newspaper columnist. Theres no need to thank me. Its my job. Today, before engaging in some professional journalism, I will brace myself for the day by selecting one of the bubble bath products on the bathroom counter coconut, banana, wild argan oil, cactus blossom or vanilla marshmallow and whipping up a sudsy soak. OK, I know what you are thinking. You are thinking: "Gee, Doug, considering you are 6-4 and roughly 320 pounds, you do not look like the kind of guy who enjoys smelling like... um, what was that last one ... vanilla marshmallow?" Well, thank you for affirming my essential manliness, but the truth is there is no better way for rugged, crusty guys of my particular gender to mellow out than by flinging themselves into a tub brimming with bubbles. I have been known, on a day off or a weekend, to climb into a bubble bath, set a cold beer on the edge of the tub, lean back and then use my iPhone to play random rock tunes on a wireless speaker parked on the bathroom counter. Thats what I was doing the other day when, suddenly and without warning, my wife, who had been out shopping, poked her head into the bathroom, glared at me and rolled both her eyeballs in obvious disgust. Heres what she said: "Seriously? This is what you do when I go out? When the phone rings and its for you, I always tell them, Hes in the tub. Where else would he be. Im going to come home one day and youll be dead in the tub and I wont notice for a long time because you are always in the tub!" So, yes, my wife is very supportive of me doing whatever is necessary to cope with the stress of the modern world (and turn into a human prune). In my defence, I should point out that I have never taken a bubble bath while at work, unlike two guys I have just read about in online news reports. Ready, Pet, Go! Leesa Dahl looks at everything to do with our furry, fuzzy, feathered, fishy (and more!) pet friends. Arrives in your inbox each Monday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Both these guys worked at burger restaurants. According to The Associated Press, some poor guy at a Wendys in Florida was fired after posting an online video of him stripping down to his shorts and taking a bubble bath in an industrial-sized sink in the restaurant. In the video clip, which has been shared about 13,000 times, people cackle in the background as the worker plays in the tub, which is filled to the brim with soapy water. He later asked for a towel but was handed napkins instead. And you will be surprised to hear that a Burger King employee in Ohio who celebrated his birthday by taking a bubble bath in a utility sink at the restaurant is no longer employed by Burger King. What Im saying is that despite the obvious benefits stress reduction, easing sore muscles, improving sleep there are rules governing when and where and with whom you should enjoy a bubble bath. A surprisingly large number of websites recommend celebrating today by sharing a foamy bath with a bunch of friends. So thats exactly what I plan on doing today. Feel free to join me. Tell you what Ill get a bunch of towels, fire up the tunes, run the tub and fill it with fragrant bubbles to cover up our pasty skin. You can bring the burgers! doug.speirs@freepress.mb.ca BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.8 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: The UK, Germany, France, Russia and China to recognize must break away from the remnants of the nuclear deal, said the US President Donald Trump speaking at the White House after Iran attacked the US bases in Iraq, Trend reports. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism. The time has come for the UK, Germany, France, Russia and China to recognize this reality. They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal. We must all work together towards making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place. We must also make a deal that allows Iran to thrive and prosper and take advantage of its enormous untapped potential. Peace and stability cannot prevail in the Middle East as long as Iran continues violence, unrest, hatred and war, he said. In January 2016, JCPOA was launched between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France and Germany) in connection with Iran's nuclear program. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the deal and imposed sanctions against Iran in November of the same year. In order to preserve the agreements reached as part of the JCPOA, the European signatories of the deal stated in January 2019 that a financial mechanism for maintaining trade with Iran called INSTEX was formed. On May 8, 2019, Iran announced that it had ceased fulfilling its commitments regarding the sale of over 300 kilograms of uranium, as stated in the deal, basing its decision on the other signatories having not fulfilled their obligations. On July 7, Iran announced that it will not be fulfilling its commitments regarding the enrichment of uranium at 3.67 percent and the reconstruction of the Arak Heavy Water Reactor Facility as stated in the deal. On Sept. 5, Iran announced that it will enrich uranium using next-generation centrifuges and will not mix it with the enriched uranium residues as part of the third step of reducing commitments in JCPOA. On Nov. 5, 2019, Iran announced that it took the fourth step in connection with reducing its commitments to the nuclear agreement. So, uranium gas is being pumped to the centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. Iran took the last fifth step in reducing the number of its commitments within JCPOA. Iran no longer faces any restrictions on its nuclear program. PPG (NYSE: PPG) today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Industria Chimica Reggiana (ICR) S.p.A., a manufacturer of paints and coatings for the automotive refinish and light industrial coatings industries. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed. Founded in 1961, ICR is based in Italy and manufactures automotive refinish products, including putties, primers, basecoats and clear coats under the SPRINT brand. The company also makes a complete range of coatings, enamels and primers for light commercial vehicles and other light industrial coatings applications. ICR employs approximately 180 people and sells its products in more than 70 countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the United States and Latin America. "PPG's acquisition of ICR will complement our current product offering for the automotive refinish and light industrial coatings industries and add specialized, value-added products that address the needs of distributors and body shops," said Gary Danowski, PPG vice president, global automotive refinish. "We look forward to continuing to deliver the trusted products and services upon which ICR customers have come to rely, and we are very excited to welcome ICR employees to PPG." PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for 135 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers' biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.4 billion in 2018. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com. Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements contained herein include statements relating to the timing of and expected benefits of the ICR acquisition. Actual events may differ materially from current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the satisfaction of the conditions of the acquisition and other risks related to completion of the acquisition and actions related thereto; the parties' ability to complete the acquisition on the anticipated terms and schedule, including the ability to obtain regulatory approvals, if any; the ability of PPG to achieve the expected benefits of the acquisition; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in PPG's periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and its current reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We protect and beautify the world is a trademark and the PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. Sprint is a registered trademark of Industria Chimica Reggiana. CATEGORY Financial CATEGORY Automotive Refinish View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005079/en/ Contacts: PPG Media Contact: Mark Silvey Corporate Communications +1-412-434-3046 silvey@ppg.com PPG Investor Contact: John Bruno Investor Relations +1-412-434-3466 jbruno@ppg.com investor.ppg.com PARMA, Ohio -- More than four years after the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) placed Parma City Schools on fiscal caution, the state late last month terminated the districts status. Having the ODE release the Parma Schools from fiscal caution is certainly evidence that the district is moving in the right direction when it comes to fiscal responsibility, Parma City Schools Treasurer Sean Nuccio said. This update from the Ohio Department of Education should reinforce to the community that we continue to closely monitor our finances and make sound financial decisions. Superintendent Charles Smialek added, This happened because weve been so diligent in strengthening our processes and procedures, making sure were accurate and keeping in mind fiscal responsibility in terms of every decision we make. All of those factors have led to the state taking a look and saying Parma is in a new light at this point. The superintendent stressed that the community owes a debt of gratitude to the districts employees. He said this past summer, there were two very successful collaborative negotiating processes with certified and classified employees. Ultimately, they see the big picture, too, Smialek said. If you look at our salaries compared to some neighboring districts, were still below where we want to be, but leaders of our negotiating teams understood the fiscal parameters that we have to deal with and really look to the better of the district as opposed to sometimes the better of just themselves. Thats an important consideration in being fiscally solvent," he said. The ODE announcement noted that based on the Parma City Schools recent-five year forecast and its own three-year financial analysis, the districts expenditure reductions and revenue enhancements have eliminated potential deficits for the next two fiscal years. Releasing the Parma City Schools from ODE fiscal caution also does not mean the district is flush with money, Nuccio said. It signifies that the district has put itself in a more solid financial position through reductions over the past few years, along with increased monitoring of our finances. The treasurer noted that since August 2016, the district has endured millions of dollars in reductions to its general fund budget through fiscal recovery plans. Well continue to maintain that close oversight of our finances and make sound financial choices as we move forward, Nuccio said. To keep our district in a solid financial position, the importance of the upcoming renewal levy (in March) cannot be understated. That renewal levy, which is not a new tax for the district, represents 10.6 percent of our general fund budget -- or $15.6 million a year," he said. Smialek said the timing of the ODE decision was advantageous when factoring in the upcoming levy renewal, as well as the recent announcement of the districts proposed master plan for strategic consolidation, which will include the construction of two secondary school campuses followed by six new elementary schools -- requiring the public to pass two future bond issues. Part of the question has always been, how are we managing money? Smialek said. I think we clearly earned the confidence of the Ohio Department of Education after obviously years of close scrutiny. Heading into a renewal, we believe this helps to solidify to the community that we really have turned a corner. Read more news from the Parma Sun Post. An Islamic faith private school 'unlawfully' segregates its pupils according to their sex, an emergency Ofsted inspection has revealed. Markazul Uloom in Blackburn, Lancashire, charges parents 1,500 a year and is registered as 'mixed'. But an unannounced inspection by the education watchdog found male and female pupils are separated 'for the whole of their education and at social times'. Students at the school, which caters for 11 to 19-year-olds, are 'not well prepared for life in British society', the report said. Lead Ofsted inspector John Nixon found boys and girls being taught in separate buildings and following different timetables. Male pupils were banned from studying textiles, while girls were banned from taking history at GCSE level. Markazul Uloom in Blackburn, Lancashire, charges parents 1,500 a year and is registered as 'mixed'. But an Ofsted inspection found girls and boys are taught in separate buildings and follow separate timetables. Pictured: A sign to the 'girls' entrance' Mr Nixon revealed the school's single science lab is located in the 'girl's section', meaning male students are unable to access it. He wrote: 'Boys do not have access to this high-quality learning resource to undertake practical experiments. This is detrimental to their education.' According to the report, students have 'no opportunities' to socialise with members of the opposite sex during their time at school. 'This practice removes pupils' liberty to choose who they mix with,' Mr Nixon added. The inspector described Markazul Uloom's operation as, 'unlawful discrimination because of sex', amounting to 'direct discrimination'. Their practices are contrary to the Equality Act 2010, the report states. Mr Nixon wrote: 'The proprietor has not ensured the school promotes respect for civil law because their actions model unlawful behaviour.' His report notes that school officials wanted to begin the process of separating the establishment, which has been running since 2001, into two single-sex schools. A Markazul Uloom spokesman defended the school's position in a statement this morning. They said: 'We have been operating in such a manner since September 2006 and have passed no less than four Ofsted inspections since then. Students at the school (pictured), which caters for 11 to 19-year-olds, are 'not well prepared for life in British society', the report said 'Three of these inspections happened after the Equality Act 2010 came into force - two out of these three resulted in a 'good' rating. 'We have taken steps to bring ourselves in line with the current interpretation of the Equalities law, and are in the process of separating into two single-sex schools.' It comes after another Islamic faith school was revealed to be 'unlawfully segregating' boys and girls. An Ofsted report found male pupils at Redstone Academy in Birmingham are 'treated favourably and have more privileges' compared to females. Advantages given to boys include greater sporting opportunities and first choice for work experience places. The academy, which has 152 pupils ages 11-16 and charges up to 2,885 per year, was visited by Ofsted in November and rated as inadequate. Previous to this current Ofsted inspection Markazul Uloom was last examined in 2017, when it was found to be 'good with outstanding features'. The National Secular Society, a campaigning organisation that promotes the separation of church and state, has criticised the school in the wake of the inspection. Spokesperson Megan Manson said: 'Segregating children by sex harms children's education and undermines their ability to form relationships with children of the opposite sex. 'But alarmingly some schools are continuing to segregate within the same school long after the practice was ruled unlawful.' New York Citys transit authority has pulled nearly 300 newly delivered subway cars made by Bombardier Inc. due to safety concerns. Two recent incidents raised questions about the reliable operation of the car doors, prompting the authority to remove all 298 of them from service Tuesday night, president Andy Byford said in a statement. As documented, the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) has identified repeated issues with Bombardiers performance and finds this latest development unacceptable. We intend to hold the company fully accountable, Byford said Wednesday. The incidents caused no injuries and New York City Transit redeployed spare cars to service the morning rush hour, he said. Byford, who also dealt with delays to Bombardier streetcar deliveries during his time at the helm of the Toronto Transit Commission, briefly suspended deliveries of the new cars last January, citing software issues and previous problems with springs between the cars and doors that were weeping oil. Bombardier said two doors on cars in the New York City fleet failed to function as intended because they were not properly calibrated by the supplier. We are now inspecting all of the R179 cars and, where necessary, making adjustments to ensure the safe and reliable performance of the doors for the entire fleet, spokeswoman Maryanne Roberts said. She said the Montreal-based company is bringing in additional technicians to work around the clock. New York City comptroller Scott Stringer slammed the MTA, which oversees transit in the state, for beleaguered deliveries that he called unacceptable. The New York City subway riders who foot the bill for the MTAs $600-million contract with Bombardier were promised new, state-of-the-art train cars to help modernize our ailing transit system. Now, all the cars that were delivered so far have been pulled from service due to critical defects, Stringer said in a statement. Last month, the comptroller released an audit laying out how the contract became three years behind schedule, costing taxpayers millions more dollars. Stringer noted Wednesday that the probe found repeated failures to meet contract deadlines and requirements, poor project management and technical breakdowns, structural defects that delayed cars being put into service and several earlier structural problems that caused some of these trains to be pulled from service. Bombardier sold us lemons. Strap-hangers need the MTA to manage these contracts from the beginning before the trains go off the rails, he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2020. Companies in this story: (TSX:BBD.B) JEFFERSON CITY Nearly four years after first suggesting the idea, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has launched a valet parking service in the Capitol parking garage. As lawmakers streamed back to the capital city Wednesday for the start of the new legislative session, those with access to the basement garage were greeted by a taxpayer-paid parking attendant, who will help jockey vehicles into the limited space. Its a good part-time job to have when youre 70, said Roger Lehnhoff, who started Monday. Along with the prime parking spots, the valet is one more perk enjoyed by some members of the House and Senate, who are paid $35,900 annually for their work during the January to May session. Lehnhoff is a retired maintenance supervisor with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. He said a state official contacted him about the post, which pays $15.50 per hour. Lehnhoff said the job will last until lawmakers leave for the summer. Nurses have said they "feel bullied" by health service senior managers over calls to end industrial action as a second day of strikes began on Wednesday. Thousands of outpatient appointments have been cancelled as around 9,000 nurses took to picket lines across Northern Ireland for a second day of strike action. They are calling for pay parity with their colleagues in the rest of the UK and have expressed concern around safe staffing levels. Royal College of Nursing (RCN) director Pat Cullen said that "the finger was being pointed" at nurses over the current health service crisis. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Nurses this morning at Belfast City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Pictured is Brenda Creaney, Director of Nursing for the Belfast Trust, meeting staff on the picket line. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 8/1/2020 Nurses this morning at BelfastOs City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 8am on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/01/2020 Nurses strike at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday , as About 9,000 nurses across Northern Ireland have begun a 12-hour strike. The action began at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday in a second wave of protests over pay and staffing levels. More than 2,000 appointments and procedures have been cancelled, including a number of elective caesarean operations. Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nurses this morning at Belfast City Hospital as the RCN take strike action today. Photo Laura Davison/Pacemaker Press A total of 2,380 outpatient appointments have been cancelled across Northern Ireland's five health trusts, with over 200 procedures called off due to the strike. Interim Chief Executive of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust Seamus McGoran said nurses were taking the strike action during the "busiest week of the year" and "it is probably the straw that potentially could break the camel's back". Royal College of Nursing Director Pat Cullen said nurses "felt bullied by management". "Managers started to speak out last night which for nurses was extremely disappointing. Once again the finger is being pointed at the nurses for the state of our health service, for the crisis that they find themselves in," she told BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show. "I want to categorically say it's absolutely not the nurses fault. Nurses do feel bullied by people saying 'enough is enough' and that they should call off this strike action. "The voice of nursing is trying to be heard loud and clear on behalf of their patients and those in senior managerial positions came out last night and tried to silence them again. "That to them is tantamount to bullying and it's not acceptable. It's a very sad state of affairs that we find ourselves in this position." She said the onus was on the Department of Health to arrange a meeting for negotiations after being sent an email by the department saying they were willing to meet "at any time, in any place this week". Northern Ireland's politicians have vowed to introduce pay parity if the Stormont institutions are restored. Secretary of State Julian Smith has set a deadline of January 13 for the current set of negotiations to restore power sharing. Further strike action is planned by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and UNISON for Friday and throughout the month if an agreement cannot be reached with the Department of Health. The Department of Health has urged trade unions to return to talks. They broke down without agreement in December, when a fresh 3.1% pay offer was rejected by unions. Expand Close Pat Cullen is the director of the Royal College of Nursing NI / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pat Cullen is the director of the Royal College of Nursing NI Mrs Cullen said the strike was "not all about pay", and until safe staffing issues were resolved industrial action would continue. Mrs Cullen told the BBC that essential services were still being provided despite the strike. "Our nurses are back in today providing life-preserving services, those services have been exempted whilst nurses are on picket lines. "It's nurses coming off night duty, nurses coming in off their leave, and on their day off standing out in the cold and the rain speaking up for their patients, speaking up for our profession that they value and a health service that they value," she said. "But our nurses, it must be very clearly stated, are in providing those life preserving services for their patients today whilst they are still on strike." Expand Close Seamus McGoran, interim chief executive of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (David Young/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Seamus McGoran, interim chief executive of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (David Young/PA) Mr McGoran said the trusts "completely support the staff in their legitimate claim for pay parity". "We are not blaming staff for taking industrial action, we understand why they have taken the action they have taken," he told the BBC "It is very important for staff to keep calm in this situation." The Belfast Trust has cancelled 1,232 outpatient appointments and 113 inpatient and day case procedures, with the Northern Trust cancelling 138 outpatient appointments, 20 inpatient procedures and day cases and 28 endoscopy procedures. In the South Eastern Trust 712 out patient appointments and 155 procedures have been cancelled, the Southern Trust has cancelled 45 outpatient appointments. The Western Trust has cancelled 253 outpatient appointments. All those affected by cancellations have been contacted by the relevant authority. Those who have not been contacted should attend their appointments as normal. Emergency departments remain open, but are expected to be under greater pressure than normal. A number of special needs schools had to close due to the lack of adequate medical cover. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service is unaffected as ambulance staff are not taking part in the strike. The decision by nurses to take strike action is unprecedented. The strike in December was the first in the 103-year-history of the RCN. War is over (if we want it). Photo: Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images Five years ago, Benjamin Netanyahu informed the U.S. Congress that the Iranian government, and the terrorist group ISIS, were two different flavors of the same poison. Iran and ISIS are competing for the crown of militant Islam, the Israeli prime minister told the House of Representatives, in an address aimed at blocking the Obama administrations pending nuclear agreement. One calls itself the Islamic Republic. The other calls itself the Islamic State. Both want to impose a militant Islamic empire first on the region and then on the entire world. They just disagree among themselves who will be the ruler of that empire. The upshot of this analogy was simple: If you wouldnt trust ISIS to engage in good-faith diplomacy, you shouldnt trust the terrorist regime in Tehran to do so either. American hawks beat the same drum. The Islamic Republics terroristic irrationality was the keystone of their argument. After all, if Iran were a normal nation-state endowed with an instinct for self-preservation, and an accurate understanding of its own limited power then it would pose no dire threat to the U.S. or its allies. Objectively, Iran is a minor, regional power that has no rational use for a nuclear weapon except as a deterrent against foreign aggression. If Iran possesses reason, then its possession of an atom bomb would not risk genocide, but merely shift the balance of power in the Middle East. In which case, there would be every reason to give diplomacy a chance and little excuse for the saber-rattling Netanyahus American admirers so keenly desired. Five years later, it is now indisputable that this was, in fact, the case. The nuclear deal did not collapse beneath the weight of Irans bad faith, but beneath that of our own. And if Irans attempts to uphold that agreement did not put its rationality beyond dispute, its response to the killing of Qasem Soleimani surely must. The Quds Force commander may have been a war criminal in the eyes of many Iraqis and Syrians. But within the Islamic Republic, Soleimani was a celebrated war hero. An estimated 1 million Iranians turned out for his funeral; at least 56 of whom lost their lives to the perilous scale of their nations grief, their bodies crushed beneath a stampede. In the face of national mourning and humiliation this profound, even the most rational of nation-states would be liable to overreact. After violating its diplomatic promises, and imposing draconian sanctions on the Iranian economy, the United States had just assassinated a high-ranking Iranian official in brazen defiance of international law. How would an ISIS-like entity, whose thirst for the blood of infidels outstripped its concern for its own survival, respond to such an attack? Would it wait a couple of days for the United States to increase security at its bases in Iraq, fire 22 missiles at two of the hardest targets it could find, and then having killed zero Americans declare that its national heros death had been avenged, and seek a truce with his killer? If this hypothetical sounds ludicrous to you, then Donald Trumps characterization of the Iranian regime should too. In remarks to the nation Wednesday morning, the president wisely shrugged off Irans tepid retaliation. But even as he implicitly acknowledged Tehrans restraint, Trump reaffirmed the rights conception of Iran as a terrorist state. He did not deride Soleimani as a war criminal, but as the worlds top terrorist, described Iran as the worlds top sponsor of terrorism, and claimed that its pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens the civilized world. For the moment, Irans prudence, and Trumps willingness to take the win Tehran tacitly offered him (lightly damaged bases being a small price to pay for Soleimanis life), has brought us back from the precipice of war. But if Americans wish to maintain our distance from that ledge, we will need to recognize that our government brought us to this point by stoking fears of a phantom threat. The Iranian threat is an American fever dream. Iran does pose a serious threat to American influence in Iraq, and Saudi hegemony in the Middle East. Its Islamist regime also represents a modest (though not existential) threat to Israeli security and regional influence, as well as a fundamental obstacle to the personal freedom of Iranians in general, and Iranian women and LGBTQ individuals in particular. But Iran poses no serious threat to American national security. That last fact is inconvenient for U.S. foreign-policy elites who would like to sacrifice American lives and wealth to the causes of maximizing Washingtons influence in Iraq, Riyadhs hegemony in the Persian Gulf, Israeli security, or regime change in Tehran (most of the Trump administrations foreign-policy hands fall into at least one of those buckets). Persuading Americas infamously provincial public to embrace an expansive conception of their nations core interests let alone the specific conception favored by Americas anti-Iran hawks is hard. Persuading Americans that they have an interest in not dying in a terrorist attack is, by contrast, fairly easy. For this reason, a defining feature of American foreign-policy discourse is its willful elision of the distinction between threats to U.S. interests (as tendentiously defined by elite policy-makers) and threats to the physical security of the American people. Anti-Iran hawks arent the only ones who engage in this rhetorical sleight of hand. It is endemic to Washingtons foreign-policy community. House Democrats, and the State Department officials who testified at their impeachment hearings, routinely described Russias incursions into the Donbass as a threat to Americas national security as though the only thing standing between Vladimir Putins declining petro-state and geopolitical parity with the worlds preeminent economic and military power was control of an impoverished, environmentally degraded slice of Eastern Ukraine. More broadly, the equation of challenges to American regional interests with threats to the nations domestic security is baked into our governments basic vocabulary: The White Houses principal foreign-policy planning body is not called The Geopolitical Strategy Council but rather, the National Security Council, even though the bulk of its activities have little to do with securing the American nation-state. But the Trump administration, and its allied anti-Iran hawks, conjure phantom threats to American security with exceptional fervor and mendacity. And not without reason: If Americans had a clearer understanding of the nature of the Iranian threat, they would likely have less tolerance for Donald Trumps belligerent posture toward Tehran. When the president designates Iranian state institutions asterrorist organizations, he is inviting the public to associate the Islamic Republic with the kind of violence their nation experienced on September 11; which is to say, mass casualty attacks on the American homeland. In recent days, Vice President Mike Pence made this subtext explicit by ludicrously accusing Soleimani of involvement in 9/11. And yet, Iran has never perpetrated mass violence on U.S. soil. Further, as Jefferson Morley noted last year in The New Republic, the last fatal terrorist attack on Americans abroad that could plausibly be attributed to Iranian proxies was the Khobar Towers bombing in 1996. Soleimani and his government are doubtlessly complicit in reprehensible violence against civilians across the Middle East, and for the deaths of U.S. soldiers in Iraq. But targeting the uniformed military officers of an army that invaded and occupied a country on false pretenses, and in defiance of international law, is not terrorism by any reasonable definition (no matter how pointlessly destructive and morally odious such attacks may be). The significance of this point isnt merely semantic. The Trump administration would like us to see Irans willingness to target American troops in Iraq as indicative of the regimes interest in threatening the security of American civilians in the U.S. And there is little basis for that deduction. Unfortunately, equating the threat that Iran poses to Americas arguable interests abroad with a threat to Americans security at home is a bipartisan enterprise. Which is likely one reason that a new HuffPostYouGov poll finds that 71 percent of American voters consider Iran a serious threat to the United States. The road to war with Iran was paved (primarily) by U.S. policymakers. Irans theocratic regime is loathsome in many respects. But it is not an implacable foe of the United States, or an irrational terrorist state, and its current hostility toward the U.S. is largely the product of American policy choices. To appreciate this point, consider some pieces of context for the U.S.-Iran conflict that are routinely elided in the American press. When Donald Trump was 7 years old, the United States orchestrated a coup against Irans democratically elected government, leaving its people subject to the rule of an authoritarian, pro-American regime for decades afterward. Shortly after Irans Islamic Revolution overthrew that regime, the U.S. aided Saddam Husseins Iraq in its invasion of Iran, a war of aggression that claimed hundreds of thousands of Iranian lives. In addition to more conventional forms of assistance, our government knowingly abetted Saddams illegal chemical-weapons attacks, even as the Iraqi dictator was deploying sarin gas against his own people. Thousands of former Iranian soldiers still suffer from health problems caused by such attacks. In 1988, the U.S. military fired a surface-to-air missile at a passenger plane flying in Iranian airspace and incinerated 290 innocent people. Iran did not retaliate militarily. Despite these historical grievances, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Iran rounded up suspected Al Qaeda members who had crossed its border with Afghanistan, made copies of their passports, passed their information along to the U.S. government, and allowed American officials to interrogate many of the detainees. James F. Dobbins, the Bush administrations top negotiator on Afghanistan during the period, later said that Iran had been comprehensively helpful in working to overthrow the Taliban militias rule and collaborating with the United States to install the Karzai government in Kabul. Amid this collaboration, the Iranian government made diplomatic overtures to the George W. Bush administration, seeking comprehensive negotiations over the various areas of conflict between the two countries. Its offer was rebuffed. The U.S. president cast Iran as a member of an axis of evil along with Iraq and North Korea, and his administration proceeded to openly advocate for the overthrow of the Iranian regime. The United States then invaded and toppled the government of Saddam Hussein, which did not have nuclear weapons, while declining to militarily confront North Korea, which, by the end of Bushs tenure, did. In 2015, the United States reached an agreement with Iran, Britain, France, and Germany that it would suspend sanctions on companies and countries that did business with Iran, so long as Tehran suspended its nuclear weapons program. The Iranian regime proceeded to do just that, ditching its highly enriched uranium and tolerating an invasive inspection program. Three years later, the U.S. violated that agreement. Despite Tehrans undisputed compliance with the deal and over the objections of its core allies the U.S. imposed draconian new sanctions on Iran, along with any European companies that dared to invest in it. Those sanctions have plunged the Iranian economy into a devastating recession. Its currency has halved in value. For ordinary Iranians, the cost of living has skyrocketed. For many seriously ill Iranians, the cost of staying alive has proved prohibitive. Photo: Courtesy of BBC This list obviously represents a potted history of the U.S.-Iran conflict, one that highlights the latter nations grievances to the exclusion of the formers. My aim here is not to provide a comprehensive account of relations between the two countries, but merely to offer a corrective to U.S.-centric coverage of the conflict, so as to help Americans better understand the nature of the Iranian threat they supposedly face. The Trump administration portrays Iran as an irrational, revolutionary regime that has intervened in Iraq and Syria for purely offensive purposes, and seeks a nuclear weapon for potentially genocidal ones. But that narrative has much less credibility when Irans actions are viewed in historical context. Take Irans actions in Iraq. Is Tehrans interest in securing hegemony in a border state that once launched a devastating eight-year war against it difficult to understand? Is the regimes desire to minimize the influence of the United States in Iraq irrational, given Americas past support for Saddams invasion, and perennial calls for the overthrow of the Iranian regime? Imagine that Iran had spent the 1980s aiding a Mexican invasion of the United States that had resulted in hundreds of thousands of American deaths. If Iran then invaded Mexico decades later and toppled its government while loudly declaring its desire to affect regime change in the U.S. next might the U.S. government rationally conclude that countering Iranian influence in Mexico was among its vital national-security interests? Or take Irans alleged pursuit of a nuclear weapon. Would it be irrational for Iran to observe what happened to Iraq and Libya and what didnt happen to North Korea and conclude that a nuclear weapon would constitute a vital deterrent against foreign aggression? Finally, consider Irans most recent provocations. If a foreign power imposed sanctions on any entity that invested in the United States in direct violation of an agreement that that foreign power had signed with the U.S. and our country proceeded to suffer a devastating recession, might our government feel a need to impose costs on the foreign power in question for its diplomatic treachery? The point of these thought experiments is not to justify the Iranian regimes behavior, but merely to try to understand it. Just because Tehran has intelligible reasons for seeking dominance in Iraq does not mean that it has morally legitimate ones. What it does suggest, however, is that the Iranian regimes restraint Tuesday night was characteristic, not aberrational: The Iranian regime is not an irrational, inscrutable aggressor that cannot be dealt with like any other state. This point should never have been controversial; even Irans bitterest adversaries in the American and Israeli security Establishments have long described the regime as very rational. And history supports their assessment. Iran did not shrug off Americas accidental incineration of an Iranian passenger plane, or provide aid to the U.S. after 9/11, out of its exceptional benevolence. Rather, it did so in deference to the same rational assessment of the limits of its own power that tempered its retaliation Tuesday night. The Iranian regime is interested in making peace with the U.S. even on starkly inequitable terms because it is aware of its own relative weakness. Americas current regime, on the other hand, is only interested in making peace on entirely one-sided terms because it is aware of the very same thing. Put differently, the Trump administrations hardline stance toward Tehran is predicated on the very truth that its propaganda is designed to obscure: It is precisely because Iran does not pose a serious threat to the United States that we can afford to blithely violate our agreements with its government, or assassinate its generals, and receive only a little noise in return. Exactly why this White House decided to press Americas advantage over Iran to the point of risking another Middle Eastern war is unclear. What is clear, however, is that the administration does not trust the American people to endorse its true reasoning, and is therefore trying to make us fear an illusory threat. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 21:28:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KIEV, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko confirmed on Wednesday that most of the victims of the Tehran crash of a Ukrainian passenger jet were Iranian and Canadian citizens, and that 11 Ukrainian citizens were killed in the crash. Prystaiko tweeted that there were 82 Iranians and 63 Canadians on board. The 11 Ukrainian victims consisted of nine crew members and two passengers. He said that among the passengers were also 10 Swedish, four Afghan, three German and three British nationals. "We express our condolences. The Ukrainian authorities continue the investigation," said Prystaiko. The plane that crashed was a Boeing 737-800 en route to Kiev, and it went through scheduled maintenance on Jan. 6, said Yevhenii Dykhne, president of Ukraine International Airlines, adding that the aircraft was built in 2016 and delivered directly to the airline from its manufacturer. "The aircraft was in good condition. We guarantee the serviceability of our aircraft and the high qualification of our crews," he said. According to preliminary data published by Ukraine International Airlines, there were 167 passengers and nine crew members on board. The company's representatives are currently clarifying the exact number of passengers. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 15:58:35|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KIEV, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the Ukrainian Airlines plane crash which occured in southern Tehran, the Interfax Ukraine news agency reported on Wednesday. "Scary news from the Middle East. This morning, after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), the Ukrainian Airlines passenger plane crashed near the airport. According to preliminary reports, all passengers and crew were killed. My sincere condolences to the families and relatives of all passengers and crew," Zelensky said on Wednesday. The ill-fated Ukrainian UIA Airlines flight PS-752 was a Boeing 737 aircraft, with 176 on board bound for Kiev Wednesday morning, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported. Ali Khashani, a spokesman for IKA, told Iranian news agency Fars that the accident was likely caused by technical problems. The son of two police officers who killed two pedestrians while high on drugs has had his curfew lifted by a judge because it was interfering with his search for a job. Max Coopey was subject to an overnight curfew while on bail awaiting an appeal hearing against his conviction for driving while disqualified and without insurance. The 18-year-old killed father-of-three Jason Imi, 48, and his colleague John Shackley, 61, as they were walking back from dinner in Ascot in August 2018. Late last year he was given a 12-week custodial sentence and conviction for driving while disqualified. But the 18-year-old, who walked free from jail after serving only one week in November last year, has returned to court to argue his bail conditions are too strict. Max Coopey (pictured left, arriving at Reading Crown Court today, and right, at a court appearance last year) has had his curfew lifted by a judge Prosecuting, Jai Patel, told Reading Crown Court: 'The application is to lift the curfew and the electronic monitoring requirement in its entirety. 'Of course, bail was granted by the court, including the curfew requirement and this is a post-conviction appeal. It is entirely a matter for the court. 'The Crown's view, however, is that the conditions were imposed for good reason. If Mr Coopey has interviews, he should be able to attend those interviews and variations should be granted for that purpose and at such time as he has a job, the curfew may need to be varied.' Judge Edward Burgess heard Coopey's appeal date had been pushed back from November last year to April this year because of the availability of court time. For the appellant, Ruby Shrimpton said: 'The reality is Mr Coopey spent almost two weeks on remand, of the six weeks he would have spent in the three-month sentence. 'He has now spent I believe about almost a month further on a qualifying curfew. If this remains in place until April, he will have served a far more onerous sentence in one respect than the one imposed.' The lawyer said Coopey had a job interview coming up but told the judge she had been asked not to say the name of the company he was applying to in open court. Ms Shrimpton added: 'If he does not get the job then no doubt further interviews, hopefully will follow. Mr Shackley and Mr Imi (pictured with his wife Sarah) were hit with such force they were thrown over the top of Coopey's car and died on impact with the ground 'Sometimes interview dates are changed at the last minute through no fault of the applicant. It is going to be quite difficult going back and forth with the Crown. 'He is actively seeking employment at this time and that is to be encouraged.' Judge Burgess said he would lift the curfew requirement in its entirety, for which Coopey thanked him. Explaining the decision, the judge said: 'One of the factors that influenced me granting bail was the need to avoid him effectively serving the sentence before the appeal. 'If he remains subject to the qualifying curfew, there is a significant risk that he will in fact have served the sentencing against him. I am prepared to lift the curfew in its entirety.' Coopey was still subject to two other conditions which forbade him from getting in the front seat of any motor vehicle and required him to stay at his home address where he lived with his two parents who were both Metropolitan Police officers. Last year, his parents Russel and Catherine Coopey were investigated amid accusations that they 'turned a blind eye' to their son's drug use at their 1million home in Ascot, Berkshire, but the probe was dropped. Coopey, 18, killed father-of-three Jason Imi and his colleague John Shackley (pictured) as they were walking back from dinner in Ascot last August Judge Burgess added: 'He knows, in reality, what that means and what is likely to happen if he is in breach. Good luck to you in finding employment Mr Coopey.' The court will reconvene in April to hear again prosecutors allege that Coopey had driven driving while disqualified and without insurance just weeks after mowing down and killing John Shackley and Jason Imi while driving his father's high-powered Audi A5 car after smoking drugs with a friend on August 2 2018 in Sunninghill, Berks. He was never charged with causing their deaths but admitted driving while under the influence of cannabis. After the crash, he got back behind the wheel of his police officer mother's Renault Clio on October 19 in 2018. Coopey continued to deny the illegal driving even after being convicted by a district judge in Reading and appealed to Judge Burgess to hear the facts again. Wearing his usual blue and red hoodie with a white shirt, Coopey left court with his lawyer. His father is a police sergeant and his mother a former policewoman, both with the Metropolitan Police. The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption on Tuesday informed the Madras High Court that it has completed preliminary inquiry on the complaints made by DMK and an NGO levelling corruption charges against local administration minister S P Velumani in various contracts. The inquiry has been completed and the report has been submitted to the director of DVAC, public prosecutor A Natarajan informed the court. Recording the submissions, a division bench of Justices M Sathyanarayanan and R Hemalatha directed the DVAC to produce the preliminary inquiry report along with the case files by January 23. Earlier, counsel for DMK submitted that the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act does not mandate preliminary inquiry at all. However, the agency is claiming to be conducting the inquiry as per the DVAC manual. This apart, as per the amendment made to the PC Act, only governor can order sanction to commence inquiry against a public servant. But in the present case, DVAC has obtained the sanction from the chief secretary, he said. DMK has sought a probe against Velumani over alleged flouting of laws and corruption in awarding tenders for government projects and contracts Counsel for 'Arappor Iyakkam', the NGO, submitted that in view of involvement of a senior minister like Velumani, the petitioner has no trust that any of the wings of the state government would conduct a fair probe. The NGO has alleged that Velumani, the minister for municipal administration and rural development, indulged in brazen abuse of power, favouritism and gross breach of trust in the performance of his public and official duty. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The local arm of Korean automotive company, Hyundai has just handed over Universe to one of the largest provincial bus companies in the Philippines, Victory Liner (VLI). And take note, the have delivered multitudes of Universe. Now before you think of sci-fi thingamajigs, heres what it is. 50 brand new luxury Hyundai Universe buses were recently delivered by the Korean automotive brand. The delivery, which is part of the bus companys upgrading program, has strengthened the longtime partnership betweem Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) and Victory Liner. In a statement, both HARI and VLI firmly support the governments thrust to modernize the countrys public transport system. HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said expressed gratitude over the bolstering of the existing relationship of the two companies. It has been our great pleasure and privilege to be Victory Liners key transportation partner. We are grateful for their continued trust and support in Hyundai since we first forged our partnership. Our tried-and-tested buses such as the Hyundai Universe provide a safer, faster, and more comfortable mode of mass transport for Filipinos, she said. For their part, Victory Liner, Inc. President Johnny Hernandez said that they are for quality transportation. Victory Liners mission is to move people better, safer by providing timely, cost-efficient, and quality transport services. Working closely with Filipino-owned companies such as HARI brings us one step closer to our goal, added. The Hyundai Universe is a heavy-duty bus that combines dynamic performance and luxurious style. Manufactured in one of the biggest plants for commercial vehicles in the world, it is durable and has high quality thanks to Hyundais cutting-edge technology on automatic welding utilizing robot and cathodic electrodeposition system. Hyundai Universe is powered by a 12.3-liter Euro 4-compliant electronic diesel engine with 380ps max power for better fuel efficiency resulting to maximized business profits and cleaner emissions. The ride on a Hyundai Universe is comfortable with its 49 +1 seating capacity and secure, thanks to its highly rigid monocoque body. Story continues The Hyundai Universe Bus belongs to HARIs Commercial Vehicle line-up that provides various mobility solutions for people and goods to spur economic activity. Hyundai buses make-up almost a third of Victory Liners 1,100 bus fleet that move thousands of Filipinos daily underscoring reliability, ease of ownership including maintenance and after sales. Hyundai commercial vehicles are supported by a 3-Year, 200,000-kilometer Mileage Warranty (whichever comes first). Additionally, Hyundai supports its business partners with programs such as the Call for Service Inspection (CSI) that bring in highly-trained technicians to repair Hyundai Trucks & Buses fleet right at the customers doorstep. Recently, the Hyundai H-100 Modern Jeepney Class 1 and Hyundai HD50S Modern Jeepney Class 2 were awarded Certificate of Compliance (COC) from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), signaling that the models are ready to serve the public. Hyundais Commercial Vehicle segment continues to drive the companys business growth. In the first 11 months of the year, HARIs CV business grew by nearly 80%. This segment is expected to significantly gain with the introduction and deployment of Hyundai Modern Jeepneys. Through our continuous commitment to serve the Filipino riding public and also transportation businesses such as Victory Liner, we are poised to contribute not only to the economy but also to nation-building. Hyundai is revved up to move people, industries, and the entire nation forward, Agudo added. In 2017, Hyundai initially supplied 50 Hyundai Universe buses to Victory Liner during a special turnover ceremony which was attended by the representatives of HARI, HTB-Commonwealth Ave., and VLI. The post HARI Delivers Universe to Victory Liner appeared first on Carmudi Philippines. As a new decade kicks off, self-improvement is on the minds of many Houston residents including mental health-based goals and promises to be more philanthropic. Shield Bearer is offering the chance to give back or aid in others journey toward mental stability for the new year and beyond. Shield Bearer, a faith-based nonprofit counseling organization in northwest Houston, offers counseling services and a plethora of preventative services and support groups for couples, families and individuals struggling with depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. The 14-year-old nonprofit has a main office in the Cy-Fair area, but has eight locations total. In an effort to energize their volunteer base, Shield Bearer held their first monthly free community breakfast of the year, describing the services provided by the organization before giving a tour of the facilities. Thad Cardine, who joined Shield Bearer as the executive director August 2019, said counseling is impactful not only to struggling individuals, but the families and friends surrounding them. Our mission is that everybody deserves mental health services regardless and providing those services to anyone who needs them has an immeasurable consequence of good, he said. Our mental health is so fragile and precarious. It effects every decision that we make in our life. Every relationship that we have, every movement forward. Shield Bearer offers family therapy, couples therapy, self-harm support groups and a host of preventative events throughout the year for dating violence awareness and overall mental health. Cardine said Shield Bearer takes insurance and will soon accept Medicaid. Related: 5 stories to watch in Cy-Fair and Klein in 2020 Shield Bearer consists of licensed counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers and students, who gain experience while working with the nonprofit. Cardine said Shield Bearer is looking to open another location in 2020 while growing their current staff of 30 counselors. For January, Shield Bearer crafted a list of needs including computers to replace old models, furniture, welcome bags for young men, bookcases and tissues for clients. The organization is consistently looking for sponsorships for their monthly community breakfasts and color printing, as well as volunteers willing to work their events throughout the year, like their Mother Daughter Strong event on March 28. Allie Scott, clinical coordinator for Shield Bearer, said the main office uses supplies provided by donors, like secondhand couches and office chairs. Everything is very well-used and so were always in the market for updates and upgrades, Scott said. We need lamps, we need light bulbs. We need Kleenex, obviously. Were a counseling center, we have a lot of crying. Related: Foundation educates Cy-Fair community about suicide prevention Scott said she values the development of Shield Bearer from mainly focusing on marital counseling, based on the original concept for the organization by founders Matt and Amy White, to treatment for a wider range of issues like human trafficking, addiction and sexual assault. We do a lot of trauma work, she said. That has just sort of come to us over the years because we serve a population that is often unable to pay, maybe uninsured. We see a lot of the effects of poverty and unfortunately when theres a lot of poverty there are just other things that are complicated Shield Bearer also provides emergency marital counseling, which takes place over the course of an entire day with a couple and two therapists, and premarital counseling. Couples that do premarital counseling can receive a discount on their marriage certificate, Scott said. As Shield Bearer prepares to continue providing counseling services throughout 2020, Cardine stressed that help is needed from the community to keep operating and growing. Although the main office relocated to 12340 Jones Rd #290, Houston in 2016, Cardine said Shield Bearer is already outgrowing its home. We are a nonprofit and we have to provide that gap between providing these services for the community at reduced rates, we have to fill that need, he said. For more information on Shield Bearer, including other locations, visit https://shieldbearer.org/. chevall.pryce@chron.com Australia could potentially find itself embroiled in another conflict in the Middle East after Iran launched a revenge rocket attack on American air bases in Iraq. The assassination last week of Islamic Revolutionary Guard general Qasem Soleimani, by a US drone strike, possibly puts 300 Australian Defence Force personnel in harm's way. Iran has today launched more than a dozen ballistic missile attacks on the Ayn al Asad air base in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan, in retaliation at US President Donald Trump for ordering the January 3 killing. Should tensions escalate, Australian troops could find themselves involved in the third potential Persian Gulf War in less than three decades. Australia took part in two campaigns against Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 1990 and 2003 and were deployed in the Middle East again five years ago to fight Islamic State. Professor Greg Barton, an expert in global Islamic politics from Deakin University, said President Trump had made a strategic 'blunder' that could drag Australia into a US-led war with Iran as ISIS re-emerged in Iraq. 'We get embroiled in a horrible mess. The Australian Defence Force certainly gets dragged in,' he told Daily Mail Australia. Australian troops in Iraq How many Australian troops are in Iraq? The Australian Defence Force now has 300 troops stationed in Iraq and the Middle East, mainly at the Taji base north of Baghdad Why were they sent there? A contingent was sent there in 2014 as part of Operation Okra, Australia's contribution to the global fight against Islamic State When have they been sent there? Australian troops were deployed to the Persian Gulf in late 1990 after Iraq invaded Kuwait, before joining a US-led campaign in 1991. They were sent there again in early 2003 when the US led a campaign of regime change to topple Iraqi dicator Saddam Hussein Source: Department of Defence, Australian War Memorial Advertisement 'What's likely to happen is that we'll see growing Islamic State insurgency in Iraq which Iran might be prepared to let run to put pressure on the West.' Professor Barton described the American killing of Soleimani as a mistake on President Trump's part. 'There's a strategic blunder, maybe a minor tactical victory, and the people around him who stopped him in the past weren't there this time to stop him,' he said. 'The question is, "Will others be able to stop him doing something reckless?". 'It could lead to a situation in which we're embroiled in conflict with Iran that becomes regional - Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.' Domestic political pressures could also force Iraq to expel international forces there now, including Australia, as Iran ramped up its nuclear capacity. He said it was possible Iran could attack Saudi Arabia, an oil-rich ally of the US, which would draw American allies into a new Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed no Australians were injured in the attacks, following an update from the Chief of the Defence Force Angus Campbell. Australian troops are in potential danger after Iran launched a revenge rocket attack on American air bases in Iraq (pictured is a rocket being launched at the Al-Asad air base in Iraq that is home to American and Coalition forces) 'I have been advised by the CDF directly that all Australian personnel as well as our diplomatic personnel ... at this point are safe,' he told reporters at Kangaroo Island in South Australia on Wednesday. 'But it is obviously a very fluid situation. We're doing everything to ensure their continued safety.' General Campbell has been told to do whatever is necessary to keep Australians safe. 'I gave authority this morning, to do what was necessary and to take what actions and decisions were necessary to protect ADF personnel and diplomatic staff,' Mr Morrison said. The Prime Minister has not ruled out withdrawing Australians from Iraq, where they were deployed in 2014 to fight Islamic State. 'We will continue to assess the situation,' he said. 'At this stage, it is a matter of protecting and defending those Australians where they are and working closely with our partners in the region.' Mr Morrison earlier issued a statement confirming the Australian government was 'closely monitoring the unfolding events in Iraq'. Iran has today launched more than a dozen ballistic missile attacks on the Ayn al Asad airbase in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan, in retaliation at US President Donald Trump for ordering the January 3 killing Australia's National Security Committee of Cabinet has been meeting since Saturday and is convening again on Thursday or possibly sooner 'should further information be confirmed requiring such a response'. Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale blamed President Trump for the Iranian missile attack. 'Deeply concerned by reports of Iranian attack on American troops in Iraq,' he tweeted. 'We condemn the actions of the Iranian Government, just as we condemn the provocative, illegal assassination undertaken by the US Government. 'We urge all sides now to show calm and restraint.' Australia deployed troops to Iraq and Syria in 2014 as part of the global fight against Islamic State. The Defence Force contingent, known as Operation Okra, still has 450 personnel in that part of the Middle East, with most of them based at the Taji base north of Baghdad. Should tensions escalate, Australian troops could find themselves involved in the third potential Persian Gulf War in less than three decades (pictured are Australian Defence Force personnel in Iraq who were deployed there as part of Operation Okra against Islamic State) Should tensions escalate, Australian troops could find themselves involved in the third potential Persian Gulf War in less than three decades. But analysts fear it could be worse Prime Minister Scott Morrison has issued a statement confirming the Australian government was 'closely monitoring the unfolding events in Iraq' The Pentagon said it had taken 'all appropriate measures' to safeguard its personnel and partners. 'These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region,' a US Department of Defence spokesman said on Wednesday. 'As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners and allies in the region.' Mr Morrison said he had learnt about the attack while flying from Canberra to Adelaide en route to visit bushfire-ravaged Kangaroo Island. He has spoken to Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese on the unfolding situation. There are reports 'shelter in place' sirens have been heard at the Taji base, which houses Australian and allied troops. Australian troops were deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1990 after Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's troops invaded Kuwait and again in early 2003 when the US led an operation to remove him from power. Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale blamed US President Donald Trump for the Iranian missile attack, describing the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani as 'illegal' Assyrian Pastor's Son Summoned to Begin Jail Sentence in Iran Ramiel Bet-Tamraz (centre) with his parents, pastor Victor Bet-Tamraz and Shamiram Issavi. The son of an Assyrian-Iranian couple facing years in prison for their Christian activities has been summoned to serve his own four-month sentence for "actions against national security". Ramiel Bet-Tamraz, who is 35 years old, is the son of pastor Victor Bet-Tamraz and Shamiram Issavi, who are facing ten and five years in prison, respectively. He must submit himself to Tehran's Evin Prison by tomorrow. Ramiel's sister, Dabrina Bet-Tamraz, who now lives outside Iran, has been an outspoken advocate on behalf of her family and other Iranian Christians. She told Article18 her brother was "staying strong for everybody" but that his three months in prison -- Ramiel has already spent one month in detention, which will be deducted from his sentence -- will be hard for him and for the rest of the family, and particularly for his wife, Ninebra. "It's really tough on her," Dabrina said. "Really really hard. To see your husband go through imprisonment, pain, not to be able to be with her for three months, and for nothing, because he's done nothing... If he was a criminal and had done something wrong, we would understand it, but just for having a picnic with other Christians? It's unjust." Ramiel was initially arrested alongside four other Christians on 26 August 2016, as they picnicked together in the Alborz Mountains north of Tehran. Two of the other Christians, Hadi Asgari and Amin Afshar-Naderi, were later sentenced to ten and 15 years in prison, respectively, while Amir-Saman Dashti, like Ramiel, received a four-month sentence. Dabrina said that while her brother's sentence seems comparatively short compared to those given to other Christians, including her parents, "spending even one day in prison, for someone who has done nothing wrong and committed no crime, is a great injustice, and as a family of course we feel worried and anxious, and those three months are going to be very long for him and for us". Dabrina's parents are due to appear in court for their latest appeal hearing on 24 February, when Ramiel will have served about half of the remainder of his sentence. However, their case has been dragging on for years now, and several prospective hearings were postponed last year -- the last one, in November, supposedly because the court was "too crowded". "What can I say?" said Dabrina, when asked how she and her parents were doing. "It's not easy on them; it's not easy on any of us." SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP In its ongoing partnership with the Silver Spring Township Police Department, the Cumberland Valley School District recently welcomed new School Resource Officer Chad Shifflet. According to Mike Sokolas, director of student and public safety for the district, Shifflet will have an office at the high school but will serve all of the buildings that are located in the township. In an introduction to the school board Monday night, Sokolas described Shifflet as a career servant, retiring as a master sergeant after 24 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. For the last 10 years, Shifflet served with the Shiremanstown Borough Police Department, and over the past several months he has served as a school security officer at the districts Mountain View Middle School. As a district resident and parent, he has a vested interest in the success and safety of our district, Sokolas said. His expertise and insights are abundant, and I am elated that he is transitioning into this new role with us. Shifflet is also looking forward to taking on this new role. Im super excited to get going, and to make positive changes here, he said, adding, thank you for the opportunity. He lauded the districts security team. Shifflet will take over for former school resource officer (SRO) Wesley Schmidt, who served the district for five years in that position and recently resigned from the police department. During a presentation to the school board on Monday night, Sokolas recognized Schmidts service and expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with the Silver Spring Township Police Department, which began in 2009. Sokolas explained that an SRO is there as a liaison to the law enforcement community for the school, but also serves as a resource for school administration when it comes to handling criminal matters that occur in the school. An SRO serves as a deterrent to crime, he added, and helps to build a positive relationship between our students and police. I think anytime you inject uniformed law enforcement into schools, and they have that opportunity to build relationships, it makes a positive impact, he said. The Silver Spring Township Police Department website states that the SRO program utilizes a Triad concept," which means an SRO fills the role of law enforcement officer, counselor and teacher. In addition to its partnership with Silver Spring Township Police Department, Sokolas said their partnership with the Hampden Township Police Department for an SRO in their buildings in that municipality, as well as their relationships with the Middlesex Township police and the Pennsylvania State Police, lend themselves to positive school safety. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Tributes have been paid to May Steele, the honorary president of the Ulster Unionist Party, following her death at the age of 83. Mrs Steele, who passed away on Monday, was from Browns Bay, Islandmagee, Co Antrim, and had been in failing health for some time. Born May Beattie in Larne, she was synonymous with the UUP in Co Antrim since the 1950s, holding many positions within the party locally. She was a long-serving party officer and chair of the Ulster Women's Unionist Council. Mrs Steele was the dearly-loved wife of the late Sam, sister of John and the late Kate and stepmother of Helen. UUP leader Steve Aiken, who is MLA for South Antrim, said that Mrs Steele "embodied" the party, and despite her poor health still made every effort to attend meetings. "Although she had been in failing health over recent years, she still made a point of trying to get out to attend meetings and conferences, right up to the EGM of the Ulster Unionist Council in Templepatrick in early November, where I was elected leader," he said. "May's many friends within the Ulster Unionist family will miss her dearly and I send my deepest sympathy to her family circle. "Her contribution to the party and her sage advice to successive Ulster Unionist leaders will always be appreciated and remembered." Mrs Steele, who worked as a manager in Royal Mail, was the widow of Sam Steele, a councillor in Carrickfergus and later deputy mayor of Larne. She was a UUP representative on the Northern Ireland Forum between 1996 and 1998 after the body was established in the negotiations which led up to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. Mrs Steele narrowly missed out on election to the Assembly after the signing of the Agreement but was known as a loyal supporter of then leader David Trimble and his predecessors. She was present in Oslo when Mr Trimble was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with John Hume, and was given the honorary title of president by former party leader Mike Nesbitt in 2016 as recognition of her many years of voluntary service to the Ulster Unionist Party. UUP chairman Danny Kennedy praised Mrs Steele, describing her as a "very dedicated and loyal member" of the party. "The entire party will join me in offering our sympathies and condolences to her family at this sad time," he continued. UUP vice-chairman Roy McCune added: "May was a colleague and friend for many years. She was someone who I had enormous respect for. "May gave selfless service and was a leading and outstanding figure in the party. Her work, commitment and support for the party is legendary. "She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege and pleasure of knowing and working with her." A service of thanksgiving will be held on Friday in 2nd Islandmagee Presbyterian Church at 1.30pm followed by committal at Islandmagee Cemetery. Anthony Wright Sr. , center, walks out of Curran Fromhold Correctional Facility holding his hands up in triumph with his lawyers, left to right, Peter Neufeld, Nina Morrison, Rebecca Lacher and Sam Silver. A Philadelphia jury in August 2016 found Anthony Wright not guilty of the crimes. He was released from Curran Fromhold Prison on Tuesday August 23rd, 2016 where his lawyer and family welcomed him back to his freedom. 08/23/2016 MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer Read more Two years ago, Anthony Wright was acquitted by a jury of the 1991 rape and murder of an elderly woman in her North Philadelphia home due in large part to DNA evidence that did not exist when he was convicted in 1993 and sentenced to life in prison without parole. In June, Wright, 47, received a nearly $10 million settlement from Philadelphia, the largest wrongful-conviction payout in city history. Now, Bridget L. Kirn, the lead prosecutor in Wright's 2016 retrial, who told the jury he was guilty and should remain in prison despite the DNA evidence, stands formally accused of official misconduct in a scathing complaint that Wright's legal team filed with the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. In the complaint, the Innocence Project attorneys allege that Kirn did not correct the record when two retired city police detectives gave testimony that she knew to be false during the retrial of their client, who had spent nearly 25 years in prison by then. "What prosecutors could not do was violate the law and the rules of professional conduct in their zeal to secure his re-conviction. There is compelling evidence that Ms. Kirn crossed that line here, and egregiously so," Nina Morrison, one of Wright's attorneys from the Innocence Project Inc., wrote in the 29-page complaint, which was released Thursday morning. "Had she succeeded in her efforts to convict Mr. Wright of murder a second time, he would still be behind bars, spending the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole," Morrison wrote. "The fact that she did not ultimately achieve this objective should not minimize the severity of her misconduct. Nor should it prevent the board and the Supreme Court from holding her fully accountable for her actions." If the board conducts an investigation and finds merit in the charges it could impose sanctions on Kirn that range from reprimand to public censure to suspension of her law license to disbarment. Kirn was among 31 employees terminated in January by newly elected District Attorney Larry Krasner. Ben Waxman, Krasner's spokesperson, said the office would have no comment about Kirn's latest troubles. Kirn moved on to work for the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, writing briefs on a contractual basis, but is no longer working there, spokesperson Kate Delano said. Attempts to reach Kirn through her former employer and at her house were not successful. Kirn provided retired homicide detectives Manuel Santiago and Frank Jastrzembski with detailed information about the newly discovered DNA evidence during preparation sessions prior to the retrial, including that the DNA found in the body of victim Louise Talley, 77, came not from Wright but from a homeless crack cocaine addict named Ronnie Byrd who squatted in an abandoned house near the victim's, the complaint alleges. During those pretrial prep sessions Kirn also told the detectives that Wright's DNA was not found on clothing stained with Talley's blood that police said they recovered from Wright's bedroom. Only the victim's DNA was recovered from the clothing, Kirn told the detectives, according to the compliant. Despite Kirn's having shared that information with the detectives, the complaint states, Santiago and Jastrzembski testified that they had only general knowledge that DNA evidence had been developed since the 1993 trial and that they did not know DNA taken from the victim had been positively linked to Byrd, who died in a South Carolina prison years earlier. Santiago and Jastrzembski committed perjury, the complaint alleges, and Kirn failed to alert the judge or jury to what she knew was false testimony. This came to light when the former detectives gave sworn testimony in a deposition last year as defendants in Wright's civil rights lawsuit, according to the complaint. Santiago and Jastrzembski admitted during their deposition that Kirn had told them that DNA taken from Talley came from Byrd and that only Talley's DNA was on clothing police allegedly recovered from Wright's bedroom, according to the complaint, which contains excerpts of the retrial and deposition transcripts related to the perjured testimony. "It is difficult to conceive of a more textbook violation of this rule than when an attorney for the commonwealth fails to correct a pivotal law enforcement witness's false denial of knowledge about facts that she herself provided to the witness in their pretrial preparation session," the complaint states. "Here, Ms. Kirn stood mute while not one, but two, of the commonwealth's most critical witnesses perjured themselves in this fashion. And she did so as an experienced homicide prosecutor, serving as lead counsel for the commonwealth in a case where the defendant faced mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted." Reggie Shuford, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, called the allegations in the complaint "very serious" and said prosecutors "must be held accountable" for their misconduct. "Prosecutors enjoy broad immunity for committing misconduct in the performance of their duties," Shuford said. "There are very few mechanisms available for holding them accountable. The disciplinary board is one of those mechanisms, and our hope is that the board will investigate this complaint thoroughly, provide Ms. Kirn with due process, and reach a fair conclusion." Despite its allegations against Kirn, the Innocence Project is well aware that states are reluctant to discipline prosecutors. A survey the organization conducted with the Veritas Initiative that looked at five diverse states including Pennsylvania identified 660 cases between 2004 and 2008 in which courts found prosecutors committed misconduct. Of those cases, only one prosecutor, from Texas, was disciplined; that case involved a man who served time on death row who was later exonerated, the survey found. A 71-year-old Queensland man has been extradited to NSW accused of exposing himself to a teenage girl and committed a sexual act on a Sydney train. The man was arrested in the southeast Queensland town of Warwick on Monday, nearly two months after the alleged November 14 incident on a train near Westmead. The 15-year-old girl and a witness told train staff, who reported the incident to police. Investigators discovered the man was living interstate. A 71-year-old Queensland man has been extradited to NSW accused of exposing himself to a teenage girl and committed a sexual act on a Sydney train (file picture) He is due to face the Central Local Court on Thursday charged with intentionally doing a sexual act with a child, two counts of contravening a prohibition order, and wilful and obscene exposure in a public place. In a separate incident, a 59-year-old man is expected to face the Manly Local Court accused of indecently assaulting a 15-year-old girl on a bus at Manly. Police will allege that on December 17, the man sat behind the girl and indecently assaulted her while she moved to the back of the bus. He is due to face court on Thursday charged with intentionally sexually touching a child. By PTI KOLKATA: Politburo member Mohammed Salim on Wednesday claimed TMC cadres and police personnel had indulged in violence in West Bengal, especially in Malda district, during the nationwide strike called by 10 central trade unions after being instigated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The ruling TMC has denied the charge and said it was the CPI(M) and Congress which had indulged in violence and were resorting to falsehood to "hide their sins". Salim keeping up his attack against the state government, said it has taken a cue from the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh to frame protestors. He also denied that Left cadres and Congress workers were involved in arson in Malda district and alleged it was the police who indulged in violence. Earlier in the day, protesters blocked a major road in Sujapur area of Malda district, set tyres on fire, ransacked government buses and torched several vehicles, including a police van. When police tried to control the situation, they hurled stones and crude bombs. Pointing to a video footage, which has gone viral but could not be verified, Salim said it clearly showed policemen vandalizing vehicles. "None of the protesters or strike supporters were involved in violence. It is Mamata Banerjee who instigated violence. The TMC cadres and police personnel indulged in arson and violence in Malda district and other parts of the state to please the chief minister. Despite threats, the strike has been successful in Bengal," Salim told a press conference here. He referred to the violence in Uttar Pradesh during the anti-CAA protests and said "The TMC cadres and police got motivation from the yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh and have indulged in arson and violence. Now they are trying to frame peaceful protesters." The matter should be probed immediately, he added. Salim's view was echoed by Congess party leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who too blamed Banerjee for inciting violence during the strike. "Mamata Banerjee and her party are all of a sudden trying to project themselves as saints as if they have never called a strike. Her opposition to the strike is a farce. Actually she is hand in gloves with BJP and that is why she opposed the strike," Chowdhury said. The TMC government in West Bengal had announced that its employees would be barred from availing casual leave or half-day leave on Wednesday. WBPCC president Somen Mitra demanded a judicial enquiry into the incident. The TMC termed the CPI-M leader's claims as baseless and said those who do not have the people's support are now resorting to falsehood. TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee said the video footage cited by Salim if found to be true is condemnable. "But we are sure the police was not involved and the CPI(M) and Congress are indulging in falsehood to hide their sins. They don't have the people's support and are now resorting to violence. If at all the video is found to be true, then it is condemnable and proper action will be taken," he said. Malda police superintendent Alok Rajoria said the district police has received the video clip and investigation is on. "If at all any police personnel is found to be involved, then necessary action will be taken," he said. Incidents of violence and arson were reported from other parts of the state as well with buses, police vehicle and government properties being vandalised by alleged strikers who tried to enforce the 24-hour bandh on Wednesday. (CNN) -- The devastating Australian bushfires have been burning for months and there's no end in sight. They've taken the lives of citizens and firefighters, and they've destroyed hundreds of homes. They've forced entire towns to evacuate and live in shelters in one of the worst fire seasons in Australia's history. Volunteer firefighters are working relentlessly to combat the flames, leaving their own families behind. Here's what you can do to help You can donate to the Australian Red Cross, which has volunteers at evacuation and recovery centers. You can give to the Salvation Army Australia, which launched a disaster appeal. They're providing shelter and meals to evacuees and front-line responders. The St. Vincent de Paul Society Australia is requesting money to help evacuated families cover bills and rebuild. There's also the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, which set up specific funds for the families of two firefighters. Australian comedian Celeste Barber created a Facebook fundraiser for the Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donation Fund. The fund jointly supports the New South Wales fire brigade as well as the Victoria Country Fire Authority and South Australia's Country Service. Facebook also activated Safety Check so residents can update friends and family about their safety status. Save the Children is accepting donations to support their child-friendly evacuation centers in Wagga Wagga in New South Wales and in Bairnsdale in Victoria. The spaces are providing support and relief to children and families as they focus on recovery and rebuilding. Save wildlife The fires have killed and injured thousands of koalas and millions of other native species. You can help the devastated animal population by giving to WIRES, an Australian wildlife rescue nonprofit. You can also give to these verified GoFundMe accounts set up for Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. Impact Your World will keep looking for other ways to provide aid as the fires continue. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Here's how to help Australia bushfire victims" MANZINI Members of the public should keep their fingers crossed that government lives up to its promise; to issue the bus fare hikes gazette by Monday. This is because if government fails to do so, members of the public will either find themselves without transport or having to pay increased bus fares, which were initially proposed by the Eswatini Road Transport Council (ERTC). Initially, the council had proposed that the maximum bus fare for any passenger in a journey of up to eight kilometres should be E10. This means that the fare will increase by E4 as it is currently E6. This would be an increment of 33.3 per cent. On the other hand, the council had proposed that maximum bus fare for distances in excess of eight kilometres but not exceeding 50km should be increased by E0.66/km, while for commuters who would travel over 50km, it should hike by E0.63/km. The ERTC called representatives of transport associations to a meeting yesterday where it gave them feedback regarding the gazette permitting them to increase bus fares. The meeting was held at the Swazi Commercial Amadoda Hall at KaKhoza, Manzini yesterday afternoon. During the meeting, the Chairman of ERTC, Sihlangu Nhlabatsi, reported to the members that following the fact that government approved an increase in bus fares from E6 to E7.50 for short distances, the Prime Minister (PM) Ambrose Dlamini, through Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Themba Masuku, asked them to at least implement the new fares on January 1, 2020. He said this took place on November 26, 2019. However, he said despite the fact that they had been allegedly asking government to process the gazette with the new bus fares before January 1, 2020 so that they could implement it on New Years Day, the chairman said he had since gathered that the administration had not done anything. Initially, government had said from November 26, 2019, it needed 14 days to complete the process of issuing the gazette, but up to now (yesterday afternoon) it has done nothing, the chairman said. Thereafter, he asked for a way forward from the public transport operators representatives. They raised two suggestions, one of which was to immediately charge either E8 or E10 for short distances because according to them, the government they negotiated with was not faithful to them. Argument Their argument on this point was that there was nothing wrong with charging increased fares without the gazette because they followed all the necessary procedures and government was failing to let them implement what Parliament approved. The best is to charge passengers the bus fares we proposed in the beginning, they said. The other suggestion that they put on the table was that the national executive committee (NEC) of ERTC should go and bid government goodbye today and from Monday they would either park their vehicles or charge customers their initial proposed hiked bus fares. While they were discussing the two points, the chairman told them that he had just received a text message from the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe. He then asked to read the message to them as it was. It reads; Today (yesterday) Parliament has issued a clearance letter and the Attorney Generals (AG) Office is working on it (processing the gazette). By Monday the gazette will be out, the chairman said. The minister confirmed sending the message to the chairman of the council. He said this was what he got from the ministry as he was locked in Cabinet yesterday. He said he would verify with the AGs Office as to when exactly the gazette would be issued. After reading the message, the chairman interpreted it by saying it meant that by Monday, the gazette would be ready to be signed by the minister before being printed out. Representatives He then asked the operators representatives on how they felt about these developments. They agreed that the ERTC NEC should still go to government and notify it that when the minister sent the message, they were in a meeting discussing the matter and that they were about to bid the ministry goodbye. Thereafter, they said in the event the gazette would not be available by Monday, they would either park their vehicles or charge passengers the amount they had proposed initially. However, in the event the gazette will be ready, they said they would meet next Thursday so that it could be officially presented to the operators for discussions on when it would be implemented so that they could also alert members of the public. Senate Democrats calling on Pelosi to send over articles of impeachment originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A growing number of Senate Democrats say its time for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to send over the articles of impeachment, passed three weeks ago in the House, to the Senate, which would trigger a trial of President Donald Trump. We are reaching a point where the articles of impeachment should be sent, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., told reporters Wednesday. California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein also on Wednesday told reporters, If were going to do it, she should send them over, adding, I dont see what good delay does. PHOTO: Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is asked questions by reporters about President Trump's decision to fire FBI Director James Comey, on Capitol Hill, May 10, 2017, in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo) Patience is seemingly wearing thin among Senate Democrats after negotiations with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on the parameters and rules of a Senate trial collapsed earlier in the week. I think getting the trial started sooner rather than later is, you know, probably important, and my guess is that that is going to be what happens, will probably open up this process next week, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut told ABC News Powerhouse Politics podcast Wednesday. MORE: Impeachment standoff continues as McConnell says Senate impeachment trial will go forward without decision on witnesses Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., also added on Tuesday: I think it needs to start, I really do Let us do what we have to do over here. Sen. Angus King of Maine, an Independent who caucuses with Democrats, told the Washington Post on Tuesday: I do think we need to get this thing going. Democratic Sen. Jon Tester of Montana told POLITICO on Wednesday: I dont know what leverage we have. It looks like the cake is already baked. PHOTO: In this file photo taken on Dec. 18, 2019, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi holds a press conference after the House passed articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images, File) But Pelosi on Tuesday held her position in the impeachment standoff with the GOP-led Senate, telling colleagues she would not transmit the articles to the Senate to kick off the trial until McConnell shares more details about how proceedings would work. In a letter to colleagues Tuesday night, Pelosi called on McConnell publicly to outline the trial and release the resolution the Senate would approve to begin the process. Story continues MORE: Bolton emerges as impeachment trial wild-card, putting pressure on GOP to allow witnesses: ANALYSIS PHOTO: A reporter asks questions as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) leaves the Senate floor and walks to his office at the Capitol, Jan. 8, 2020, in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) The Kentucky Republican on Tuesday announced Trumps impeachment trial would begin without deciding on witnesses, as Democrats had demanded, claiming they lacked the four GOP senators needed to give them the 51-vote majority required to subpoena witnesses. McConnell doubled down on Wednesday and said he would not negotiate with the House on the parameters of the Senate trial. There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure. We will not cede our authority to try this impeachment. The House Democrats turn is over. The Senate has made its decision, McConnell said on the Senate floor Wednesday. I fully expect the parties will raise questions about witnesses at the appropriate time. I would remind my friends on the other side: I strongly suspect that not all the potential witnesses would be people the Democrats are eager to hear from, he added. So the Senate will address all these questions at the appropriate time. That is for the Senate, and the Senate only, to decide. Period, McConnell said. PHOTO: Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) (C) talks to reporters following the weekly Senate Democratic policy luncheon at the Capitol, Jan. 7, 2020, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) His Democratic counterpart, Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, slammed him on the Senate floor Wednesday. Ive asked Leader McConnell repeatedly, to sit down and negotiate a plan where we would have witnesses and documents and he has refused. Instead, Leader McConnell, by his own admission, took his cues from the White House when it came to setting the parameters of the trial, Schumer said on the Senate floor Wednesday. Rather than engaging in any serious negotiation with the Senate minority, he only spent time trying to convince his caucus that we should punt the questions of witnesses and documents to a later date, he added. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who led the House impeachment inquiry late last year, told reporters Wednesday that it was up to Pelosi on when she plans to send over the articles of impeachment. I'm going to let the speaker discuss the timing, but I think that the pause in transmitting the articles has already had a very salutory effect in flushing out what Mitch McConnell intends to do, which is that he intends to do everything he can to help the president participate in covering up his misconduct, Schiff said. He is giving lip service to the idea of witnesses and the idea of the Clinton precedent, which is really not applicable here, he added. Any senator who takes an oath of impartiality should want to hear the full record and that means the documentary record as well as the witnesses, he said. ABC News' Benjamin Siegel contributed to this report. Manitoba Nurses Union leadership and provincial health officials met face-to-face Tuesday, after allegations of inappropriate and unsafe working conditions at the provinces largest hospital were levelled by nurses last week. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (734 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitoba Nurses Union leadership and provincial health officials met face-to-face Tuesday, after allegations of inappropriate and unsafe working conditions at the provinces largest hospital were levelled by nurses last week. However, it was not immediately clear what results the meeting of MNU president Darlene Jackson, Health Minister Cameron Friesen and Shared Health representatives generated. Related Items Click to Expand Articles Jan 3, 2020: Spent, fearful nurses sound alarm at HSC Jessica Botelho-Urbanski Earlier Tuesday five days after the Free Press first reported the MNU was considering grey-listing Winnipegs Health Sciences Centre (advising against taking new jobs at the downtown facility) HSC officials stepped forward to say they hear, and are acting on, nurses concerns. Monika Warren, HSC acting chief nursing officer, said she talks weekly and meets bi-weekly with the president of MNUs HSC chapter to hear member concerns. She emphasized seeking to build more forums for nurses to provide feedback. "Im not going to undermine that it has been a challenging time for nurses. Thats certainly what Im hearing," Warren said. "But I am extremely committed to working with them on solutions and I will continue to work hard at that this year both to make sure that they feel heard, but more importantly that were getting at the suggestions that they suggest that we can work towards." Warren listed some initiatives undertaken in the past 12 months to drive engagement, which include an acuity measurement tool used by nurses to measure patient volumes and conditions in hopes of forecasting staffing needs. There were two more resuscitation beds and a low-acuity area added to the adult emergency department, as well. Ronan Segrave, HSC chief operating officer, said a security barrier will be going up in the emergency department to help protect triage nurses, though he couldnt provide many details. "We continue to look on a day-to-day, week-to-week basis around further changes we need to make, listening to staff, listening to nurses in relation to security," he said. Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press Ronan Segrave, chief operating officer at HSC. However, the MNU president said she hadnt heard a peep from HSC nor the province prior to Tuesday afternoon. Jackson reiterated nurses are becoming increasingly frustrated by lack of action on the parts of their employers and the government. "I have to honestly say that nurses in this province have been asking for engagement and to be at the table and to talk about the issue for months since consolidation started (in 2017). And that has not happened," she said in a phone interview early Tuesday. "I mean, weve got nurses out there who are begging for help. They are drowning and they are so afraid for their patients." Last weekend, the Free Press reported on five nurses concerns about HSC, which included excessive amounts of overtime, increased violent incidents, staff shortages, unsafe patient-to-nurse ratios and dwindling medical supplies. Despite repeated interview requests over the past week, neither HSC nor Shared Health made any of their leaders available until Tuesday to respond. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. By then, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority had provided new numbers on nursing staff vacancies at all Winnipeg hospitals and warned of flu season hitting emergency departments hard, exacerbating problems. One HSC emergency department nurse who spoke to the Free Press under condition of anonymity said wait times on Sunday night skyrocketed to the highest she'd seen in her career: 12 hours. The nurse said there were 40 patients in the waiting room around 7:30 a.m. Monday, with people still waiting to be seen after being triaged during Sunday's day shift. jessica.botelho@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @_jessbu French English This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities referred to in this press release have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state of the United States or other jurisdiction and the securities may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States or to any U.S. person as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act. Quadient launches a tender offer any and all to repurchase its existing bonds due June 2021 subject to the fulfillment of a new bond issue of an expected amount of EUR 300 million Paris, January 8, 2020 Quadient, formerly Neopost1, a leader in business solutions for meaningful customers connections through digital and physical channels, today announces the launch of a tender offer any and all to repurchase in cash its EUR 350,000,000 bond issued on June 23, 2014 and maturing in June 2021 (ISIN: FR0011993120), (the Tender Offer). The nominal currently outstanding amounts to EUR 327,000,000, listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris. This Tender Offer is subject to the fulfillment of a new public bond issue, Euro-denominated, for an expected amount of EUR 300,000,000 (the Bond Issue). The new bond is scheduled to be admitted to trading on Euronext Paris. A mechanism of priority allocation may also be applied to the Bond Issue, at the sole and absolute discretion of the Company, for the holders of the existing bond expressing their intention to tender securities during the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer is made under the terms and conditions set out in the Tender Offer Memorandum dated January 8, 2020. It is conditional upon the settlement of the Bond Issue, the net proceeds of which would be used to fund all or part of the Tender Offer and general corporate purposes. The Tender Offer will start on January 8, 2020 and will expire at 4:00 p.m (Paris time) on January 15, 2020. Settlement is expected to take place 6 business days following the Bond Issue pricing date. The results of the Tender Offer on the existing bond will be announced at the latest on the pricing date of the Bond Issue (subject to any extension, withdrawal, termination or amendment of the Tender Offer). Both operations will help Quadient benefit from current attractive market conditions and extend the maturity of its debt. This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities referred to in this press release have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state of the United States or other jurisdiction and the securities may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States or to any U.S. person as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act. About Quadient Quadient is the driving force behind the most meaningful customer experiences. By focusing on four key solution areas including Customer Experience Management, Business Process Automation, Mail-related Solutions, and Parcel Locker Solutions, Quadient helps simplify the connection between people and what matters. Quadient supports hundreds of thousands of customers worldwide in their quest to create relevant, personalized connections and achieve customer experience excellence. Quadient, listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris, belongs to the SBF 120 index. For more information about Quadient, visit quadient.com/connections. For more information, please contact: Gaele Le Men, Quadient OPRG Financial Financial Communications Director Isabelle Laurent / Fabrice Baron +33 (0)1 45 36 31 39 +33 (0)1 53 32 61 51 /+33 (0)1 53 32 61 27 g.le-men@quadient.com / financial-communication@quadient.com isabelle.laurent@oprgfinancial.fr / fabrice.baron@oprgfinancial.fr Certified with Wiztrust 1 The legal name Neopost S.A. will be changed into Quadient S.A. in 2020 during the next AGM. In the meantime, Neopost S.A. will operate under the commercial name Quadient Attachment Amid calls on social media for boycotting actor Deepika Padukone's upcoming movie 'Chhapaak' for her visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday said that any artist can go anywhere and put forth his or her view. "This is a democratic country, anyone, any artist can go anywhere and put forth his or her view," said Javadekar while speaking to the reporters here today. A social media campaign to boycott Deepika's movie 'Chhapaak' started trending on social media immediately after her visit to the JNU on Tuesday to join the students, who are protesting against the attacks on them by the goons on Sunday. The actor's visit to the JNU campus has received both criticism and appreciation on social media as well as by the political parties. Earlier today DMK lawmaker Kanimozhi slammed the calls on social media to boycott Deepika' movies. "I do not watch many Hindi movies. They're actually making people like me go and watch her movies and support her," said Kanimozhi on being asked about a social media campaign to boycott Padukone's movie. Earlier in the day, Kanimozhi met Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNSU) president Aishe Ghosh here on the varsity campus. BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said that the actor should have taken "proper cognisance of violence" on the JNU campus as her solidarity with the Leftist organisations reflects her "one-sided thinking," while Congress leader Ashok Chavan said that there was nothing wrong in her visit to the JNU. Deepika was seen standing with students as the demonstrators raised the slogan of "Jai Bhim, Jai Bhim" and former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar gave a speech. She did not issue any statement nor did she address the students. Deepika was in the capital to promote her upcoming film 'Chhapaak'. More than 30 students were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre after a masked mob entered the JNU and attacked the students and professors with sticks and rods late on Sunday night. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi bases that hold US troops in what appears to be retaliation for the American airstrike that killed a top Iranian general last week, the Pentagon said Tuesday, Trend reports citing CNN. The attack comes days after the US killed top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in an airstrike in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. The administration has sought to cast that strike as an attempt to de-escalate tensions with Iran, but Tehran has vowed revenge for the killing, which it says was an "act of war" and "state terrorism." There are casualties among the Iraqis at Ain al-Asad airbase following the attack, an Iraqi security source tells CNN. The number of casualties and whether the individuals were killed or wounded was not immediately clear. Jonathan Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesperson, said Tuesday evening that Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at the al-Asad airbase, which houses US troops, and American and coalition forces in the town of Erbil. Hoffman said the Pentagon is assessing the damage done by the attacks. "In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners," Hoffman said in a statement. "These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region." "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark Milley arrived at the White House following the attack. In the second such incident in the three days since January 5, the carcass of a tiger was found in the Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa on Tuesday, a senior Forest official said on Wednesday. Four persons from Golavali village in Sattari taluka were taken into custody on Tuesday, two days after a tiger carcass was found there. The Forest department prima facie suspects that the big cats were poisoned to death in a "revenge killing" for preying on cattle of villagers. A combing operation has been launched in the Mahadayi forests to find out if there are more carcasses of tigers, the official said. "Both the carcasses are of tigers whose age is below one year. Both the tiger cubs were caught roaming in the sanctuary along with their mother in a camera trap on December 23," said Santosh Kumar, Chief Wildlife Warden, Goa. Meanwhile, a Goa-based environmentalist blamed the Forest department for "failing" to protect the big cats in the area. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police stations, which once scared people with dark lock-up rooms and khaki-clad officers, are now all set to tickle the funny bones of visitors in Kerala, thanks to cartoons. Seeking to change the conventional perception of police stations and to make them more people-friendly, authorities have decided to put up cartoons showing the force in a positive light on the station walls. Besides those conveying a positive message about police, cartoons carrying the messages of anti-corruption and humanity would also adorn the walls of the police stations soon. According to the present plan, all the 481 police stations in the state would have at least one such positive cartoon each on their walls within the next two months, official sources here said. Kicking off the programme, State police chief DGP Loknath Behera on Tuesday distributed cartoons to six police stations in the state capital. The Station House Officer (SHO) of the Fort, Valiyathura, Kovalam, Vanchiyoor, Museum and Peroorkkada police stations received the cartoons to be put up on their respective stations from the DGP at a function police Headquarters officials here said. "Cartoons about the police will be put up in all the 481 police stations across the state. For that, anybody can submit us the cartoons," Behera, who conceived the idea, said. The sprawling police headquarters here houses a number of cartoons drawn by eminent cartoonists. Authorities have already collected cartoons from various artists, especially from noted state-based artist Ha Ku, to adorn the walls of the police stations. There have been various complaints against the alleged ill-treatment faced by people who come to the police stations to lodge a complaint or report a crime. The recent incidents of alleged third degree tortures faced by people in some places have also made police stations a synonym of fear in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police on Wednesday recorded the statement of the woman against whom a case has been registered for holding a 'Free Kashmir' placard during a protest against the JNU violence at the Gateway of India here, an official said. The woman, Mehak Mirza Prabhu, who is a poet and a script writer, was called to the Colaba Police Station, where her statement was recorded by a woman police officer in front of Sangramsinh Nishandar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I), the official said. Mirza, who was accompanied by her lawyer, was allowed to go after her statement was recorded in the evening, he said. The proceeding was also video recorded, the official said, adding the placards, banners and posters used during the protest, were also brought to the police station. Mirza, however, did not speak to the waiting media. She had displayed the 'Free Kashmir' placard during a demonstration held on Monday to denounce the violence at Delhi's JNU at the Gateway of India. Though she had later apologised for her act, the Colaba police had on Tuesday booked her under IPC section 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NORTH BRANFORD A Branford woman was killed in a motor vehicle crash on Forest Road Tuesday afternoon, according to North Branford police. Officers responded to 217 Forest Road for a one-vehicle crash at approximately 2:43 p.m., Deputy Chief James Lovelace said in a release. The driver, later identified as Laura Carolla, had suffered life-threatening injuries in the accident, Lovelace said. She was treated at the scene, but was later pronounced dead after being brought to Yale New Haven Hospital. Lovelace expressed the departments deep sadness in announcing Carollas passing as part of the release. Police are continuing to investigate the crash, Lovelace said. Officer Robert Stimpson is heading the inquiry. If anyone witnessed the accident or has information which could benefit the North Branford Police Department (p)lease call 203-484-2703, Lovelace said. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, attended the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the new Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Sakhir. HRH the Crown Prince highlighted that the kingdoms rapid development and modernisation across a wide range of fields confirms Bahrain is progressing towards achieving its development goals. He stressed the importance of continuing to promote Bahrain as a key tourism and investment destination, in order to support the kingdoms comprehensive development, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. HRH the Crown Prince noted the significant growth of the exhibition and convention sector, which has transformed Bahrain into the destination of choice for a number of high-level international and regional events, as well as a number of corporate activities throughout the year. Laying the foundation stone for the centre, he underlined its importance as a means to attract even more events to the kingdom. HRH the Crown Prince emphasised that the new convention centre reflects the kingdoms efforts to increase competitiveness, contribute to economic diversification and growth, and meet the aspirations of Bahraini citizens. Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, expressed his appreciation for the ongoing support HRH the Crown Prince has shown towards the project, remarking that it will significantly strengthen the kingdoms event infrastructure and enable Bahrain to host greater numbers of larger events in the future. Al Zayani concluded by noting that the convention centre will be a model site characterised by an imposing infrastructure, as well as the highest standards in technology and service. The Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Sakhir will be built on a 309,000 sq m of plot. The 149,000-sq-m main building will include 10 exhibition areas, totalling 95,000 sq m, along with dedicated areas for retail and events. The facility will also include a 4,500-sq-m conference hall divided into three separate hi-tech rooms, in addition to 27 small and medium-sized conference and meeting rooms. STORY LINK Pound New Zealand Dollar (GBP/NZD) Exchange Rate Steady, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Risk-Sensitive Kiwi GBP/NZD Exchange Rate Rangebound, Kiwi Fails to Benefit from Improving Global Dairy Prices GBP/NZD Exchange Rate Steady despite Boost in UK Labour Productivity GBP/NZD Outlook: Could a Brexit Breakthrough Boost the Pound? Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound New Zealand Dollar (GBP/NZD) exchange rate held steady today, with the pairing currently trading around NZ$1.978 as geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran continue to hold back the risk-sensitive Kiwi.The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) could, however, rebound as US-Iran tensions begin to show signs of fading after an Iranian airstrike on a US military base in Iraq failed to yield any casualties, providing Washington and Iran some room to avoid full-scale conflict in the Middle East.Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also commented on Twitter:We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.Meanwhile, yesterdays boost in New Zealands Global Dairy Trade price index, which rose unexpectedly to 2.8%, failed to provide much of a boost for the New Zealand Dollar.Robert Gibson, an Analyst at NZX, commented:This was underpinned by price increases for all dairy commodities, with smaller overall supply volumes available compared with the previous event, which is typical for this time of year but is likely to have contributed to the uptick in demand.The Pound (GBP) struggled to rise against the Kiwi following todays release of the UK labour productivity figure in the third quarter, which rose to 3.6% ending its decade-long stagnation.Katherine Kent, Head of Productivity at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), commented:Although productivity grew on the year, the underlying picture is of sustained weakness since 2008, with growth over the past year being only a third of the average over the past 10 years or so.Brexit developments continue to dominate UK market attention today, with Sterling traders feeling jittery after the President of the European Commission, Ursula van der Layen, said that it was impossible for the UK to secure a full Brexit deal with the EU due to Prime Minister Boris Johnsons insistence on a late December 2020 termination to the transition period.Mrs Layen commented:The more divergence there is the more distant the partnership has to be. Without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020, you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnership.New Zealand Dollar investors will be awaiting tomorrows release of Decembers ANZ commodity price figure, which is expected to rise by 3%.US-China trade developments will continue to drive the New Zealand Dollar this week, with Beijing and Washington due to sing off the Phase One trade deal on the 15th January. However, if talks are delayed, or relations continue to sour between the two superpowers, we could see the NZD/GBP exchange rate fall.Brexit will continue to remain in focus for Pound traders, with any signs of a frictionless January 31st UK withdrawal from the European Union providing a boost to Sterling as a clearer path ahead emerges for British businesses. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: New Zealand Dollar Forecasts Pound New Zealand Dollar Forecasts Reports have it that last Sunday, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) allegedly barged into the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus like a Blackshirt squad there were, in fact, some clad in black and all their faces were masked and proceeded to savagely beat students and staff, and vandalise property Reports have it that last Sunday, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) allegedly barged into the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus like a Blackshirt squad there were, in fact, some clad in black and all their faces were masked and proceeded to savagely beat students and staff, and vandalise property. But more on that later. In the aftermath of this attack, facts have come to light that will make many ordinary citizens wonder whether the rule of law has been temporarily kept in abeyance and whether the sword arms of the State have remit to do as they please, with impunity. These questions cannot be avoided given certain statements that have been made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders. On Monday, Bengal BJP chief and Lok Sabha member Dilip Ghosh suggested the Left was just getting back in the same coin what it had meted out to other students' organisations in the long years it governed Bengal. Later, the MP, in his inimitably urbane manner, suggested that the whole incident was staged and asked for tests to determine whether the red fluid on Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Aishe Ghosh's head was really blood. On the same day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah avoided direct comment about the attack. Instead, he made a roundabout reference to the Left: "Those students raising anti-India slogansFriends, should they not be thrown in jail? Say it aloud, should they or should they not be thrown in jail?" In the couple of days that have passed since the attack, Aishe, who had been spearheading a movement against a fee hike and who took some of the worst beatings at the hands of the thugs that resulted in five stitches to the head, had two first information reports filed against her. With 19 others, she was charged with vandalising the server room in the university and attacking university guards. This was prior to the attacks on her, for which, needless to say, no arrests have been made. Why have none of the attackers been identified, questioned or arrested and charged? We know that JNU students and teachers had been savagely beaten. Someone must have done it. The police's main alibi is that the places in which the attacks happened including, incidentally, two hostels were not covered by CCTV. They were scanning footage from the main gate but had found nothing. If two hostels didn't have CCTV coverage, shouldn't someone be sacked? However, a whole lot of video clips have been floating around in the digital world showing armed thugs assaulting people; joint secretary of Delhis ABVP unit Anima Sonkar has confirmed that two people shown in a video clip carrying sticks or rods on the JNU campus were ABVP members; and there is the testimony of the people assaulted, some of whom have named specific attackers. As in the case of Aishe Ghosh and 19 of her fellow students. The sequence of events is important here. The JNU administration complains four days before Sunday in respect of the two misdemeanours. And the police takes cognisance of them and engages itself in the serious business of converting them into FIRs which, of course, is its job normally while mayhem is ensuing less than a kilometre away. And then there is a stirring debate about when exactly the JNU authorities reported the matter to the police and asked for assistance. Hairs have been split for no purpose because when the police reached the JNU campus what it did amounted to little more than a row of beans. The cops may as well have been home on a cold January evening warming their feet and having a hot cup of tea. There's a word in the English language that sums up their efforts to protect people under attack: Complicity. The problem is that by sealing off the campus with the attackers still inside, the police prevented people from escaping the tender ministrations of the masked thugs. There's another word in the English language to describe this kind of action: Abetment. What of the JNU administration, headed by vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar? Firstly, there is the small matter of the time taken to call the police to protect people and apprehend assailants. The issue has been admirably fudged. In any case, it is fairly clear that the SOS was delayed and, as mentioned, ultimately pointless. On the day of the attack, the JNU authorities in effect blamed the students for getting themselves beaten up the Blackshirts. A statement said: "by the time police came, the students who are for the registration were beaten up by a group of agitating students opposing the registration." Masked and carrying lethal weapons with intent, one supposes. This statement can't be glorified by being called a version of the events of Sunday. It was a pack of lies meant only to protect those who had gone to the campus (or perhaps been invited there), with mayhem aforethought. The script is familiar: Blame the victims; if possible, call them anti-national. NEW YORK MILLS, N.Y. Feed Our Vets, the outreach organization providing food assistance to local veterans, has found a new home in New York Mills. The nonprofit is now located at 587 Main St., alongside the Fitness Mill. Feed Our Vets founder, Richard Synek, says the organization had to unexpectedly find a new location when they were notified of construction plans at their old building on Genesee Street in Utica. Synek received a letter from PathStone Development Corporation in October, stating the organization needed to vacate the building by Dec. 16. Since then, the organization has been looking for a new permanent location to continue and provide services to veterans. Synek says the New York Mills building suits their needs since it is equipped with a loading dock and located on a bus route. The official opening date of the new location has not yet been released. Iran has fired more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi military bases hosting US troops, the Pentagon confirmed. The rockets fired at the Ain al-Asad base in Anbar province and a base in Erbil early on Wednesday came amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following the US killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Iraq last week. Iran had pledged retaliatory attacks against the US for the killing of Soleimani, who the US President Donald Trump said that plotting an imminent attack on American forces. Here are all of the latest updates as of Thursday, January 9: US to UN: Well take more action as necessary to protect troops in Mideast The United States government told that UN that it is prepared to take additional action as necessary in the Middle East to protect American personnel and interests in the region. In a letter to the UN Security Council, US Ambassador Kelly Craft said the killing of Soleimani in Baghdad on Friday was justified under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Under Article 51, countries are required to immediately report to the 15-member Security Council any measures taken in exercising the right of self-defence. The United States used Article 51 to justify taking action in Syria against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) in 2014. US senators denounce lack of evidence to justify killing of Soleimani Utah Senator Mike Lee, who belongs to US President Donald Trumps Republican Party, has questioned the administrations classified briefing on the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, calling it the worst that he has ever attended. In a press conference in Washington DC, Lee told reporters that he found it really upsetting that Trumps intelligence officials refused to provide information that led to the presidents decision to order Soleimanis killing. Another Republican Senator Rand Paul said he did not learn anything from the hearing that he had not seen previously from news reports, adding that prospects for diplomacy has been diminished because of Trumps action. Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said there was no evidence of an imminent and specific threat from Soleimani to take the US action. That was fairly shocking to us, the lack of evidence. Without that, the president doesnt have the authority to take military action, without coming to Congress first. Majority of the Republicans, who contronl the Senate, however defended the decision of Trump. PM Morrison says Australia not withdrawing troops from Iraq Australian troops and personnel will stay in Iraq to continue their mission, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday, as tensions eased following an Iranian attack on US forces there. Speaking to reporters, Morrison added that an Australian naval vessel would travel as planned toward the Strait of Hormuz this week, to help protect shipping in the area. Wednesday, January 8: Iraqis denounce missile attacks as violation of sovereignty Irans missile attack on military bases in Iraq hosting US troops has raised questions over Iraqs sovereignty and reflected Tehrans deep-rooted influence over Baghdad. The strikes were definitely a violation of our sovereignty, 24-year-old Rayyan al-Jaaf told Al Jazeera. What Iran did was the same as the US when it launched a missile in Baghdad to kill Soleimani. Both were assaults on Iraq, yet the government has been mostly silent, he added. Read the full story here. Duelling narratives after US House briefings on Iran US Democrats and Republicans presented duelling narratives after a classified briefing with top administration officials on the killing of Soleimani. While Republicans praised Trump for ordering the killing, Democrats said they were not convinced the imminent threat the administration claimed in its justification existed. Not only did the president make the right call but this was a clear and present danger for American interests and American individuals, said Republican Representative Mark Meadows. However, Democratic Representative Gerry Connolly called the Trump teams briefing sophomoric and utterly unconvincing and called the US killing of Soleimani impulsive, reckless. Iraqs Sadr says crisis is over, tells militias to stand down Influential Iraqi Shia leader Moqtada al-Sadr said the crisis Iraq was experiencing is over following de-escalation rhetoric from Iran and the US and called on militia groups not to carry out attacks. A new strong Iraqi government able to protect the nations sovereignty and independence should be formed in the next 15 days and usher in an early election, al-Sadr said in a statement, adding that Iraqis should still seek to expel foreign troops. I call on the Iraqi factions to be deliberate, patient, and not to start military actions, and to shut down the extremist voices of some rogue elements until all political, parliamentary and international methods have been exhausted, he said. Western defence planners estimate Irans inventory of short and medium-range ballistic missiles to be slightly over 200, the bulk of which are under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). With ranges of up to 2,500km (1,554 miles), the latest missiles, like the Sejjil-2 are solid-fuelled. This means the time needed to launch a missile is much shorter, while its range allows it to hit most targets in the Middle East. Trump: Iran appears to be standing down US President Donald Trump has said Iran appears to be standing down, a sign that Washington will not seek a response. Trump was addressing the nation from the White House on Wednesday following the Iranian missile attacks on US forces in Iraq where he said no Americans were killed. As long as I am leader, Iran will never have nuclear weapons, he said. He said he will ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East. Read the full story here. Here's how countries from around the world are reacting to Irans decision to fire missiles at US targets in Iraq. Follow the latest here: https://t.co/7kUgGBsrCY pic.twitter.com/FfSIbKihlS Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 8, 2020 Iran believed to have deliberately evaded US forces in missile attack Iran is believed to have deliberately sought to avoid US military casualties, according to US and European government sources familiar with intelligence assessments. The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Iranians were thought to have targeted the attacks to miss US forces to prevent the crisis from escalating out of control while still sending a message of Iranian resolve. A source in Washington said overnight that early indications were of no US casualties, while other US officials declined comment. UN: Iraq should not pay price for external rivalries The UN mission in Iraq said the country should not be made to pay the price in the escalating conflict between Tehran and Washington. In a statement, the UN mission said that the latest strikes again violate Iraqi sovereignty. We call for urgent restraint and a resumption of dialogue. Iraq should not pay the price for external rivalries, the statement added. What happened in Iraq? A quick summary At about 1:30am local time on Wednesday (22:30 GMT on Tuesday), Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from its territory against at least two Iraqi facilities hosting US-led coalition personnel, the US military said. The missiles hit two bases: Ain al-Asad in Anbar province and a facility in Erbil, the capital of Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region. No casualties have been officially confirmed so far. In a speech in Tehran after the attack, Irans Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei said: The corrupt presence of the US in the region should come to an end, calling the missile attack a slap in the face of the US. Trump said all is good on Twitter hours after the attacks. He said would make a statement on Wednesday morning. Read more here. In case you missed it: Iran fires missiles at US targets in Iraq. Here's what you need to know. https://t.co/XPRHdfFvax Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 8, 2020 NATO chief condemns Iran rocket attacks NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg condemned the attacks and called on Iran to refrain from further violence. Allies continue to consult & remain committed to our training mission in Iraq, Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter. A NATO official said that there were no casualties among the troops on its training mission in Iraq, though on Tuesday the alliance said it was moving some personnel out because of the increased danger following Soleimanis killing. Report of US withdrawal incorrect, KUNA agency hacked: Kuwait Kuwaits government said a report posted on the state news agency KUNA saying all US military forces in Kuwait would be withdrawn imminently was incorrect and that KUNA had been hacked. The statement denying the report about US troops was issued on Twitter by Tareq al-Muzarem, head of Kuwaits government communication office. US-Iran escalation threatens aid to millions: charity The escalating cycle of reprisals between the US and Iran is threatening the delivery of aid to millions across the Middle East, the Norwegian Refugee Council warned. Tens of millions of people across the Middle East need humanitarian assistance. Most of them are already devastated or displaced by conflict, NRC chief Jan Egeland said in a statement. Another confrontation among international and regional powers would be deadly for aid lifelines on the brink of collapse, he warned. Twenty-four million war-affected Yemenis and 12 million Syrians displaced within the region are extremely vulnerable to any escalation in conflict, sanctions or restrictions on movement, Egeland said. Airlines avoiding flying through Iran and Iraq airspace A growing number of airlines including Air France, Dutch KLM and German Lufthansa said they were avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace for flights to the region. The region is an important corridor for flights travelling between Europe and Asia, although planes can be rerouted. Polish LOT, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines and Australian carrier Qantas have also altered their routes. Shortly after the missile attacks, the US Federal Aviation Administration said it was banning US-registered carriers from flying over Iraq, Iran and the Gulf. Its Russian counterpart, the Federal Air Transport Agency, said it was recommending airlines avoid the air space over Iran, Iraq and the Persian and Oman Gulfs. Read more here. France condemns the strikes France would like to highlight again the importance of continuing the fight against Islamic State (ISIL or ISIS), while respecting the sovereignty of Iraq, the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Iraqi PM warned about imminent attack from Iran: spokesman Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi received a verbal message from Iran informing him its retaliation to the US killing of Soleimani was either imminent or under way, his spokesman said in a statement. Tehran told Abdul Mahdi it would only target locations where US forces were present but did not specify the locations, his spokesman said. Abdul Mahdi simultaneously received a call from the US while missiles were falling on the two air bases, the spokesman said. He said he warned Iraqi forces as soon as he received word of the attack. Abdul Mahdi called on all sides to practise self-restraint and adhere to international agreements, adding that Iraq rejects any violation of its sovereignty and attacks on its soil. Iraqi Kurdish leaders call for region to be kept out of rivalries The leaders of Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region said that the support of a US-led military coalition in fighting ISIL (also known as ISIS) was vital and urged its member states not to allow the groups revival. The regional president, prime minister, and parliamentary speaker expressed concern at the escalation. In regards to the recent events, and in particular this mornings, the Kurdistan Region reiterates that military solution will in no way solve the problems, they said in a statement. The Kurdistan Region supports de-escalation of the situation and seeks dialogue and diplomatic solution to the problems. It also seeks stability and peace and urges all parties to refrain from dragging the Kurdistan Region into the rivalries. Iran-backed Iraqi militia leader vows Iraqi response: Tweet Iran-backed Iraqi militia commander Qais al-Khazali said that Iran had made its initial response for the US killing its top general, and it was now time for Iraq to do so as well. Iraqs response will not be lesser than that of Irans tweeted Khazaili, who leads the Asaib Ahl al-Haq group which the US has designated a terrorist organisation. The initial Iranian response to the assassination of the martyred commander Soleimani has happened. Now it is time for the initial response to the assassination of the martyred commander Muhandis. And because Iraqis are brave and zealous, their response will not be any less than that or Irans. That is a promise, he said. Turkish minister to visit Iraq to ease tensions Turkeys foreign minister will visit Iraq to try to ease tensions, the foreign ministry said. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will travel to Iraq as part of Ankaras intensified diplomatic efforts to alleviate the escalated tension in the aftermath of recent developments in the region, the ministry said in a statement. Cavusoglu also spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif by phone, it said in a separate statement. China urges restraint China urged restraint from all sides, saying Beijing would play a responsible role in helping to defuse tensions. It is not in the interest of any party that the situation in the Middle East worsens further, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing. Geng said China would play a responsible role in promoting a de-escalation of the situation as soon as possible. Lufthansa halts overflying Iran and Iraq German airline giant Lufthansa said it would not overfly Iran and Iraq until further notice. We are no longer overflying Iran and Iraq until further notice, a Lufthansa spokesman told AFP, adding that Wednesdays daily Frankfurt-Tehran flight was cancelled, while Saturdays twice-weekly service to northern Iraqi city Erbil would also not depart. Any country attacking Israel will be dealt strongest blow: Netanyahu Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhahu warned that his country would strike back hard against anyone who attacked it, as he reiterated his support for the US killing of Soleimani. Whoever tries to attack us will be dealt the strongest blow, Netanyahu said in Jerusalem. He said that Israel stands completely beside US President Donald Trumps decision, saying Trump should be congratulated for acting swiftly, boldly and resolutely. Spain says it has withdrawn some of its troops from Iraq Spain has pulled out some of its troops from Iraq due to security concerns, acting Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said. Those who were in riskier positions have left for Kuwait, Calvo told state broadcaster RTVE. There is only a reduced number left there. The decision comes as NATO announced it would move some of its military training personnel out of Iraq amid fears of a regional conflagration. Germany strongly condemns Iran missile attacks: Defence minister Germanys defence minister condemned Iranian missile attacks on Iraqi bases housing coalition military and called on Tehran to end a spiral of conflict. The German government strongly condemns this aggression, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer told broadcaster ARD. It is now crucial that we do not allow this spiral to continue, said the defence minister, adding that it is now primarily up to the Iranians to refrain from further escalation. She added that she would seek a meeting of the coalitions 13 framework nations to discuss the situation in the region. EU promises to try to save Iran nuclear deal despite setback The EU said it will spare no efforts in its attempts to keep alive an international deal preventing Iran from developing atomic weapons. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said her foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell will continue to work in the midterm to reach out to all participants in the global deal in the hopes that the 2015 nuclear agreement can still be saved despite a rollback on commitments from Tehran. Speaking alongside von der Leyen, Borrell urged all parties involved in the growing tensions to eschew more military action. The latest rocket attack on airbases in Iraq used by US and coalition forces, among them European, is yet another example of escalation and increased confrontation. It is in no ones interest to turn up the spiral of violence even further, he said. Borrell has invited Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to Brussels for talks. The EU foreign ministers have organised a special meeting on Friday to discuss the ongoing crisis. UAE says region must pull back from troubling tensions The United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said it is essential that the region pulls back from current troubling tensions. De-escalation is both wise and necessary. A political path towards stability must follow, he said on Twitter. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addresses the public in Tehran on January 8, 2020 [Iranian supreme leaders website/AFP] Attacks on US targets were legitimate self-defence: Iran Irans missile attacks on US targets in Iraq were legitimate self-defence, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told state TV, adding that Washingtons assessment to retaliate should not be based on illusions. Our action was a legitimate self-defence and the United States should avoid assessing it based on illusions, Zarif said. Iran responding to US by cutting off Americas leg in region: Rouhani Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told the US that Washington might have cut off the arm of Soleimani but Americas leg in the region would be cut off in response, Irans Fars news agency reported. Irans supreme leader tells US to leave the region Irans Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei said the US should withdraw from the region and said Tehrans missile attacks on US targets in Iraq were a slap on the face for America. Military action like this is not sufficient. What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region, Khamenei said in a televised speech, ruling out any resumption of talks with Washington about a 2015 nuclear deal. Khamenei also said the US was trying to remove Lebanons Hezbollah movement in its bid to help Israel. Read more here. No Polish troops hurt: minister No Polish troops stationed in Iraq were hurt, Polands defence minister said. None of the Polish soldiers in Iraq were hurt in rocket attacks on al-Asad and Erbil bases. We are in constant contact with the commander of the Polish Military Contingent in Iraq, Mariusz Blaszczak wrote on Twitter. Iraqi oil facilities secure: OPEC Iraqi oil facilities are secured and the countrys production is continuing, OPECs Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo. Its a big relief that the facilities continue to be secured in Iraq, the production is continuing and effective, Barkindo said on the sidelines of a conference in Abu Dhabi. He said he was optimistic Iraq would reach 100 percent compliance with OPEC cuts in time, despite current tensions. In a message to US President Donald Trump, Barkindo said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) alone could not shoulder the responsibility of maintaining a stable oil market. Britain condemns attack on military bases Britain condemned the attacks on military bases in Iraq that hosted US-led coalition forces including British personnel. We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting coalition including British forces, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said. We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation. Emirates Airline cancels Baghdad flight Dubai-based Emirates Airline cancelled a return flight to Baghdad. We are carefully monitoring the developments and are in close contact with the relevant government authorities with regards to our flight operations, and will make further operational changes if required, Emirates said in a statement. Its sister carrier, FlyDubai, also cancelled a flight to Baghdad. Irans president to deliver speech Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will deliver a speech on Wednesday, Iranian state television reported. No Iraqi casualties in 22-missile attack overnight: Military The Iraqi military said in a statement that 22 missiles were launched on the Ain al-Asad air base and a base in Erbil between 1:45am and 2:15am, but there were no casualties among Iraqi forces. It said two of the 17 missiles targeting Ain al-Asad base did not go off. The five on Erbil all targeted coalition headquarters. Norway says none of its troops injured or killed No Norwegian troops were injured or killed in the attack on the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq, a Norwegian military spokesman told Reuters news agency. The country has about 70 soldiers at the base, said Brynjar Stordal at Norways military headquarters. Denmark says none of its soldiers wounded or killed The Danish armed forces said in a Twitter post none of its soldiers were wounded or killed in the missile strike on the Ain al-Asad airbase. Denmark has about 130 soldiers at the base as part of the international coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) armed group. 80 US terrorists killed in attack: Iranian state TV Iranian state television claimed that at least 80 American terrorists were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on US targets in Iraq, adding that none of the missiles were intercepted. The claim could not be independently verified and the state television did not provide evidence of how it obtained that information. Citing a senior Revolutionary Guards Corps source, the state television also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said US helicopters and military equipment were severely damaged. India issues travel warning on Iraq India issued a travel warning asking its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq. In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification, Indias foreign ministry said in a statement. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq, it said, adding that the Indian embassy in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil remain operational. Pakistan warns citizens to exercise maximum caution Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Pakistan citizens planning to visit Iraq to exercise maximum caution. Those already in Iraq are advised to remain in close contact with Pakistans embassy in Baghdad. A handout screengrab grab taken from a video released by Iranian state TV (IRIB) shows rockets launched from Iran against the US military base in Ein-al Asad in Iraq [EPA] IRGC threatens attacks on Dubai and Haifa if Washington retaliates The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned on their Telegram channel that in the event that Iranian soil is bombed, they would launch a third wave of attacks to destroy Dubai and Haifa. J apan urges diplomacy after Iran missile attack Japan urged a return to diplomacy and called on governments to do their utmost to help ease tensions following the Iranian missile attack at bases in Iraq used by US forces. Japanese Chief Cabinet spokesman Yoshihide Suga said the government would coordinate with the related governments to collect intelligence while we ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in the region. Japan will also urge all related nations to do their utmost diplomatic effort to improve the relations, he added. US security posture in UAE unchanged after Iraq attacks: Official The United States has maintained its security posture in key ally the United Arab Emirates, a spokesperson from the US embassy said. The US security posture in the UAE has not changed, the spokesperson told Reuters. Oil surges, stocks fall after Iran attack Oil prices surged after the Iran attack on US forces in Iraq, raising the prospect of a regional conflagration that could disrupt oil supplies. Stocks fell sharply. Brent crude futures soared $1.83, or 2.7 percent, to $70.10 by about 01:48 GMT, after earlier rising to $71.75, the highest since mid-September 2019. The price of gold soared in the wake of the Iran attacks as investors worried about further escalations [File: Tamara Abdul Hadi/Reuters] The price of gold also shot higher, rising 1.91 percent on the spot market to $1,603.93 per ounce ($30,161.88 per gramme) as investors rushed for safe-haven investments. Weve moved on from how Iran will respond to now anticipating the US 52-pronged response as the US military forces in the region are in a heightened state of alert while likely preparing for war, said Stephen Innes, strategist at AxiTrader. Its not going to be pretty today. Read more here. Philippines to evacuate citizens from Iraq The Philippines has ordered a mandatory evacuation of Filipinos in Iraq, its foreign ministry said on Wednesday following the attack on US forces there. The Alert Level in the entire Iraq has been raised to Alert Level 4 calling for mandatory evacuation, said Eduardo Mendez, a spokesman at the Department of Foreign Affairs. Iranian official warns any US retaliation will lead to regional war Any US retaliation to Irans missile attacks on American targets in Iraq could lead to an all-out war in the Middle East, an adviser to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani tweeted on Wednesday. Any adverse military action by the US will be met with an all out war across the region. The Saudis, however, could take a different path they could have total peace! Hessameddin Ashena said in a statement on Twitter. Trump tweets all is well Following the attacks, Trump said all is well and he will be making a statement on Wednesday morning local time. All is well! Trump tweeted. Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 Zarif: Iran took proportionate measures in self-defence Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter that Iran took what it considered to be proportionate measures and does not seek an escalation of war. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression, Zarif tweeted. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 8, 2020 Soleimani buried Iran has buried the top Revolutionary Guard general killed by a US airstrike in Baghdad. The burial of Qassem Soleimani came after a stampede at his funeral killed 56 and Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing American troops in response to his assassination. Officials lowered the shroud-wrapped remains of Soleimani into the ground in the southeastern city of Kerman just before 6am Wednesday local time. Australian PM says all personnel in Iraq safe Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison said all of the countrys diplomatic and military personnel stationed in Iraq were safe, after Iran launched missile attacks on US bases there. Speaking to reporters from a bushfire-ravaged island in southern Australia, Morrison said the situation in Iraq was very fluid and he was receiving constant updates. Morrison said he would be returning to the capital, Canberra, later on Wednesday to meet with defence chiefs and the relevant ministers. Pompeo briefs Kurdistan PM Barzani on Iran missile attacks US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo briefed Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Irans missile attacks on two Iraqi military bases, including in Erbil, the State Department said in a statement. The Secretary and Prime Minister Barzani agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops, the statement said. IRGC commander says missile attacks first step: State TV Irans missile attacks on US targets in Iraq was the first step and Tehran will not spare American troops, Iranian state TV quoted a Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) commander as saying. The missile attacks today were just the first step (US President Donald) should think about withdrawing its troops from the region and not to leave them within our reach, Iranian state TV quoted the commander as saying, without naming him. US official: Very few if any casualties from Iranian attack on sites in Iraq There have been very few casualties, if any, from the Iranian attacks on sites hosting US forces in Iraq, a US official told the Associated Press news agency. Irans telecommunications minister: Get the hell out of our region Following Wednesdays attacks, Iranian telecommunication minister Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi tweeted: Get the hell out of our region! Get the hell out of our region!#HardRevenge MJ Azari Jahromi (@azarijahromi) January 8, 2020 Biden: Im holding off on making a comment Joe Biden, the former US vice president and a frontrunner in the 2020 Democratic presidential race, tweeted he was going to hold off on making a comment on Wednesdays strike. Im going to hold off on commenting on the news tonight until we know more, but there is one thing I will say: Jill and I are keeping our troops and Americans overseas in our prayers. We hope youll keep them in yours, Biden tweeted. Im going to hold off on commenting on the news tonight until we know more, but there is one thing I will say: Jill and I are keeping our troops and Americans overseas in our prayers. We hope youll keep them in yours. Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 8, 2020 US FAA bans airlines from flying over Iraq, Iran The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it would ban US carriers from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia after Iran launched a missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq. Trump unlikely to immediately make televised address: reports US President Donald Trump is unlikely to address the US on Tuesday night local time, US media said following reports he was preparing to give a televised speech. What war powers does Trump have? Under the US Constitution, authority to direct military action is divided between Congress and the president. Congress has the power to declare war while the president, as commander in chief, has power to use the military to defend the US. Trump delivers remarks following the US Military killing against Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad, Iraq [Tom Brenner/Reuters] From the beginning, presidents and Congress have disputed over whether presidents have constitutional authority to send forces into hostilities abroad without congressional authorisation, according to a history of the law prepared by the Congressional Research Service. Read more here. Iran used surface-to-surface missiles: Fars Iran used Fateh-313 surface-to-surface missiles to hit Ain al-Asad airbase, Irans semi-official Fars news agency reported. Trump to address US US President Donald Trump is expected to address the US Tuesday night local time. Iran starts second round of attacks against US bases in Iraq: Tasnim Iran has started its second round of attacks against bases holding US troops in Iraq, the Tehran-based Tasnim news agency said on Wednesday. The second round of attacks started an hour after the first phase took place, the agency reported. Pelosi: America and world cannot afford war US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted she was following the events in Iraq. Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq, Pelosi said. We must ensure the safety of our service members, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war. Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war. Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 8, 2020 Democrats were angered over US President Donald Trump decision to order the killing of Soleimani without consulting Congress. House Democrats are preparing to vote later this week on a War Powers Resolution aimed at limited Trumps actions in Iran. Trump may address US following attacks on US forces: reports US media reported the White House is making plans for a possible address by US President Donald Trump following the attacks against US forces in Iraq. Al Jazeera has not independently confirmed those reports. Iran threatens to attack Israel and US allies Irans Revolutionary Guard warned US regional allies, including Israel, that they will be attacked if their countries are used for attacks against Tehran, Iranian state media said. This still image from an Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting video allegedly shows rockets launched from Iran against the US military base in Ein-al Asad in Iraq [Handout/IRIB/AFP] White House: Trump briefed on attacks on US forces in Iraq White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said US President Donald Trump has been briefed and is monitoring the situation in Iraq. We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq, Grisham tweeted. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) January 7, 2020 Pompeo and Esper arrive the White House US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper have arrived at the White House following the attacks on US forces in Iraq. IRGC: Rockets in revenge of Soleimani killing Irans Revolutionary Guards confirmed it fired rockets at US forces in Iraq in revenge for the killing of Soleimani. Iran threatens more crushing responses if fresh US attack: State TV Tehran has threatened more crushing responses if the US retaliates for Wednesdays rocket attack, Iranian state TV said. Pentagon confirms rockets fired at two Iraqi bases hosting US troops Tehran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from Iranian territory against at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US-led coalition personnel, the Pentagon confirmed. We are working on initial battle damage assessments, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in statement, adding that the bases targeted were at Ain al-Asad air base and another in Erbil, Iraq. Attacks underway on multiple locations in Iraq: US official The US believes there have been potentially multiple attacks on locations in Iraq, including the Ain al-Asad airbase that hosts US forces, a US official told Reuters, without providing additional information. Another U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, had confirmed to Reuters earlier that a rocket attack had taken place against Ain al-Asad airbase, but did not confirm other sites. US official confirms airstrikes at Iraqs Ain al-Asad air base housing US troops US official confirms to the Associated Press news agency that airstrikes were carried out at Iraqs Ain Asad air base housing US troops. Iran fires rockets at Iraq base housing US troops Iran has fired more than a dozen rockets at Iraqs Ain al-Asad military base, which houses US troops, Iraqi sources told Al Jazeera. We have had not had any reports of casualties or damage, Al Jazeeras Osama bin Javaid said, reporting from Baghdad. The rockets come less than a week after the US killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Iraq. Iran had vowed severe retaliation. Read more here. NATO heeds Trumps call NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg spoke with Trump on Wednesday and agreed that the western allies should take a more prominent role in the Middle East. The President asked the secretary general for NATO to become more involved in the Middle East, a NATO statement said, after the call between Washington and Brussels. They agreed that NATO could contribute more to regional stability and the fight against international terrorism. Read more here. Democrats slam Trump, Republicans defend him Democratic senators slammed Trump administration officials for failing to answer questions in a classified briefing in the US Capitol and said the US president made a grave error in deciding to kill Soleimani. This appears to me to be a strike of choice by this administration, one that likely would have required congressional authorisation beforehand, Senator Chris Murphy told reporters. We did not get information in that briefing that there was a specific, imminent threat that we were halting by striking Soleimani, Murphy said. The consequences of this strike already in the first six days are cataclysmic. Our troops are being pushed out of Iraq. Iran has started its nuclear weapons program again. All counter-ISIL operations have been halted. There are serious political consequences to the decision that was made, he said. But Republicans defended Trumps move. There was a rise of tempo of attacks where it was clear the man was ready to accept crossing the red lines of killing Americans, said Senator Roy Blunt. We have sent a message to Iran and our allies of the presidents willingness to follow through on something like that, Blunt told reporters. Iraqis denounce Iran missiles Irans missile attack on Iraqi military bases hosting US troops has raised questions over Iraqs sovereignty and reflected Tehrans deep-rooted influence over Baghdad. Iraqi President Barham Salihs office issued a statement condemnING Irans missile attack for taking place on Iraqi soil. He also denounced Tehrans repeated violation of Iraqi sovereignty and its transformation of Iraq into a battlefield for confrontation between belligerent parties. Iraqs Speaker of Parliament Mohamed al-Halbousi issued a statement to condemn Irans violation of Iraqi sovereignty and express complete rejection of transforming Iraq into a spectre for settling scores. Read more here. US general: Iran intended to kill US personnel A top US military officer said Irans missile attack had been intended to kill US personnel as well as cause major damage at al-Asad airbase, and added it was still too early to tell if Iran would carry out additional attacks. I believe, based on what I saw and what I know, is that (the strikes) were intended to cause structural damage, destroy vehicles and equipment and aircraft and to kill personnel. Thats my own personal assessment, Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters. But the analytics is in the hands of professional intelligence analysts. So theyre looking at that. Indie graphic novel house Boom! Studios announced plans to publish a graphic version of Kurt Vonneguts classic sci-fi/antiwar novel, Slaughterhouse-Five, to be adapted into a graphic novel by the writer Ryan North, artist Albert Monteys, and colorist Ricard Zaplana. The book will be released in September 2020. Originally published in 1969 by Delacorte, Slaughterhouse-Five is the fictional story of the life of Billy Pilgrim, a WWII American soldier and, like Vonnegut, a German prisoner of war that survived the American carpet-bombing of Dresden in 1945. The novel was an immediate bestseller when it was first published and over the years has been cited for its bleak humor, moral clarity and antiwar convictions, and for its imaginative narrative structure and enduring popularity. This is the first time Vonnegut's work has been adapted into a graphic novel. North described Slaughter House-Five as a deeply funny and deeply moving book, and said: Kurt Vonnegut has been one of my favorite writers since I first read his books decades ago, and it's been such an honorand challengeto adapt his most famous work for a new medium. North has written for the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning Adventure Time comics series published by Boom! and for Squirrel Girl, an Eisner-winning comics series from Marvel Comics. He is also the author of How To Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler, a quirky pop culture science guide published by Riverhead Books in 2018. Spanish artist Monteys is best known for his comics work in El Jueves, a weekly satirical magazine that he directed from 2006 until 2011. Boom! Studios executive editor Sierra Hahn said, The trust and support shown by the Vonnegut family [in the production of this adaptation] is gratifying for everyone who poured their hearts into ensuring we could best represent Kurt Vonneguts seminal work while creating something new in the graphic novel space. We believe weve created a gateway book for new Vonnegut readers and a book any longtime fan will admire and want on their shelves. The panic was debilitating. Her heart was pounding, her legs shook, the capacity for clear thought deserted her. Izzy Judd knew because she was familiar with the symptoms that had plagued her intermittently since early childhood that she was suffering a severe anxiety attack. The cause was her son Kit, then just eight weeks old, who had just been diagnosed with bronchiolitis. The family doctor had sent them home, urging her to keep an eye on him, but his symptoms had swiftly worsened. Izzy, alone with Kit and her then two-year-old daughter Lola, who was fractious and hungry, was distraught and incapacitated by terror. It was the first time she had suffered such an attack alone with her children. Izzy, 35, is a best-selling author and professional musician living with anxiety. Neither would you guess that Harry, 34, drummer with the band McFly has the same mental health problem 'My head started spinning. Kit was struggling for breath and was sick everywhere. It was terrifying because my husband Harry [drummer with the band McFly] was in media interviews and out of contact. 'I phoned my mum who lives in Hertfordshire miles from our home in Chiswick, West London and she suggested I try to clear Kit's airways with steam, so I stripped him and put him in the shower. It didn't help and he'd also developed a rash on his tummy. 'I called an ambulance. Within minutes paramedics arrived. By then, I couldn't think or function. I couldn't string a sentence together.' In the ambulance, with Kit linked up to oxygen and Lola strapped into a seat beside her, Izzy's worries mounted. Kit was admitted to hospital, Harry arrived to take Lola back home and during the next few days Izzy stayed at their son's bedside. 'However anxious I felt during those days in hospital and I was very fearful my natural maternal instinct to protect Kit overrode it. I had no option but to cope,' she says. 'But then, as his condition improved and three days later we went home, the panic attacks returned. Izzy and Harry met in 2005 when she was playing violin on McFly's Wonderland tour. They married in 2012 and assumed children would swiftly follow but two years on there was still no pregnancy 'If the children woke at night I'd imagine the worst-case scenario. I couldn't cope with caring for them. I was terrified of being left alone with such a huge responsibility.' Izzy, 35, is outwardly calm, sweet-natured, accomplished; a best-selling author and professional musician who toured the world with the female electric violin quartet Escala, after reaching the final of Britain's Got Talent in 2008. Yet she is one of an estimated three million people in the UK who lives, at times, with anxiety so acute it can impede her ability to function. More than one in ten people are likely to have a disabling anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. Neither would you guess that Harry, 34 a pop star and dancer who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 has the same mental health problem. Blessed with affability and charm, he is chatty and palpably devoted to his wife. They seem like a golden couple. They tried again a few months later and their second attempt resulted in the birth of Lola in 2016 Harry, 34, won Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 and met met Izzy when she was playing violin on McFly's Wonderland tour in 2005 'Our anxieties are very different but we both understand how the symptoms feel,' Izzy says. 'Harry has acute episodes, which then ease, whereas mine are underlying and consistent. 'Both our families have experienced mental health issues and we're acutely aware of the potential for both of us to struggle. We understand and sympathise with each other; we're also aware of the strategies that help each of us cope. 'Harry knows if I can't get hold of him on the phone I catastrophise I assume something terrible has happened to him. So we always agree on a time to call each other during the day. 'Every parent has concerns about their children's well-being and I knew I wanted to give ours the tools for good mental health. I think having two so close together I felt double the sense of responsibility. That was when I started to feel overwhelmed.' Izzy and Harry met in 2005 when she was playing violin on McFly's Wonderland tour. They married in 2012 and assumed children would swiftly follow but two years on there was still no pregnancy. Their first attempt at IVF ended in a miscarriage. Izzy admits she was unprepared for the complex emotions parenthood would bring: the amalgam of elation and exhaustion, apprehension and fear Izzy says: 'I think I'd gone through so much to become pregnant and was so elated it felt magical that in my naivety I didn't even consider the possibility that I could miscarry. I felt huge loss and grief. IVF represented hope and it had been crushed. 'I wanted to start again straight away but Harry said I needed time for my body and mind to recover.' They tried again a few months later and their second attempt resulted in the birth of Lola in 2016. Izzy admits she was unprepared for the complex emotions parenthood would bring: the amalgam of elation and exhaustion, apprehension and fear; the momentous impact on her previously ordered life. She says: 'On the night Lola was born I was scared to let her sleep lying on me in case she rolled off, and frightened of putting her in a cot as I wanted her with me. 'I felt she'd been safe in my tummy and wanted her to be back there. I was overwhelmed, out of my depth. Breast- feeding was toe-curlingly painful and I began to dread feeds. 'Harry had serious fears about falling downstairs while he was carrying her. He was very protective, very nervous. 'I haven't slept well since I became a mum I can't switch off. I'd hear phantom cries when Lola was actually sleeping peacefully. 'Parenthood brought new and different fears about trying to hold on to control. And I think anyone who has suffered from anxiety will be on high alert for post-natal mental health problems.' Kit's arrival, just 19 months after Lola's birth, was both a surprise and near-miracle; a natural conception when they had assumed they would need another round of IVF Kit's arrival, just 19 months after Lola's birth, was both a surprise and near-miracle; a natural conception when they had assumed they would need another round of IVF. Again, the maelstrom of emotions was all-consuming. While Izzy felt an immediate flood of love for her newborn, Harry did not bond at once. 'Harry adored Lola from the second she was born but it took him longer to connect with Kit,' she says. 'He's besotted now but the first few months were challenging. Lola was very straightforward, easy, but Kit cried continually for the first year of his life. He had reflux and demanded so much attention. 'I remember Mum saying, "You've done nothing wrong. Every baby is different; they are who they are." But at the time I was working and I felt guilty. Lola had been with me 24/7 but now my attention was divided.' She feared, too, not only for her own mental health but for that of her young children. 'Like any parent I worried about passing on my anxiety to the children, yet I wanted to raise them to be strong, happy and self-sufficient. So I knew it was vital to find a tool to help both the children and me because they are so exposed to our anxiety. 'It is genetic and there are mental health problems including anxiety on both sides of our families.' Again, the maelstrom of emotions was all-consuming. While Izzy felt an immediate flood of love for her newborn, Harry did not bond at once 'I can sense Lola is worried at bedtime and I don't want her to go through what I did,' Izzy says For Izzy, salvation has come in the form of mindfulness, a mental state achieved by focusing on awareness of the present moment. She began it as a therapy during her pregnancies but abandoned it in the early days of motherhood, believing she did not have time. She revived it on Harry's insistence after Kit's illness precipitated her freefall into panic. Now, she has written a book, Mindfulness For Mums, in which she shows that it is possible to find moments of serenity even in the busiest lives. She also demonstrates how young children can be encouraged to take part in simple exercises that induce peacefulness during times of stress or fear, alongside their parents. Lola, now four, is already comforted by doing them. Izzy says: 'It was Harry who packed me off on a local mindfulness course aimed at mothers, and it was the thread of hope that saved me. 'I thought I wouldn't have enough time for it with two small children. Then I realised I could incorporate small pockets of time into my schedule and that Lola would join me and follow my example.' Harry, she says, has other strategies for stilling his anxious, racing mind. 'Exercise is his therapy,' she says. 'He goes to the gym. If I see the signs that his anxiety is coming on, I'll cook him a nutritious meal, get him to drink plenty of water, encourage him to go for a run.' I wonder how they deal with the prospect that both of them will panic simultaneously. 'Actually, it doesn't happen,' she says. 'When I had the miscarriage, we tag-teamed being upset. I think you make yourself strong if you have to cope.' Izzy's anxiety dates back to early childhood. 'I dreaded bedtime; not because I was afraid of the dark or monsters, I just didn't want to be alone in my bedroom,' she says. 'I'd wake up in what I now know was a panic. My heart would be racing, my legs would shake. The only place I felt safe was in my parents' bed.' Then, when she was 12, Rupert, the eldest of her three older brothers a talented French horn player and star student at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama suffered catastrophic brain injuries in a car crash. Izzy believes talking about anxiety helps diminish its potency and is determined to do all she can to raise her children to be confident, happy individuals Today, so severe is his cognitive impairment, he still needs round-the-clock care. 'The enormity of our family tragedy felt like confirmation that there was a reason to worry,' she says. 'Life as I'd known it had changed overnight and I felt completely out of control. 'That and fear of change have been the two biggest worries that have remained with me ever since. At the time I just thought my problems were minor compared with Rupert's. Today, I might have had counselling; then, I didn't want to add to my parents' concerns.' HOW TO HELP LITTLE ONES FIGHT THEIR FEARS Here, Izzy offers some great tips from her new book: Have a 'mindfulness corner' a place any family member can go for a peaceful moment. Get the whole family involved in choosing what you have in your corner: a blanket, a scent diffuser or books. You can also create a mindfulness corner in your childs bedroom so they have a calm place to go when theyre fractious. Practise mindfulness games such as 'teddy breathing'. Ask your child to place their favourite teddy on their tummy while lying down (you can do this too!). Then explain that you will both breathe in for four seconds, letting your stomachs swell like balloons so the teddy moves up, then breathe out for eight seconds, making a hissing noise like a snake. If you feel panic overwhelm you, get your family involved in the game Five, Four, Three, Two, One to help ground yourself in the present moment. Simply look for: Five things you can see; four things you can hear; three things you can touch; two things you can smell; and one thing you can taste. Its a reminder to stay present and not get lost in your worries. Use bubbles to help a child let go of their anxieties. If something is worrying your child, get them to imagine blowing their fears into a bubble, then watching it float away. When the bubble disappears, they can let go of their worry. Advertisement By her 20s she was so consumed with fear she could not even shower alone: 'Mum would stand in the shower with me,' she says, 'And on one Escala tour, I was so transfixed with panic I couldn't get out of the car.' I wonder if being on stage in front of huge global audiences exacerbated her anxiety but she says it was the opposite. 'I loved performing; even as a child. What I feared was being alone and not being in control. And I've always had a vivid imagination that would conjure up the worst eventualities.' She believes talking about anxiety helps diminish its potency and is determined to do all she can to raise her children to be confident, happy individuals. 'I can sense Lola is worried at bedtime and I don't want her to go through what I did,' she says. 'So I try to prepare her for sleep by doing little exercises that will soothe and settle her, things I know I'd have benefited from as a child if they'd been accessible. 'To ease her into a relaxing sleep we go in our imaginations to her favourite park. We visualise it and I tell her a calming story. 'She loves it when I say, "Mummy and Lola have a hot chocolate," and then, when we've walked through the park in our minds, I ask her to imagine a leaf or a feather falling on to her and it helps her relax into sleep. She knows everything passes. 'Even at the age of four she'll say, "It's a grey day today but the sun may shine tomorrow" and I explain that, like the weather, the way we are feeling also comes and goes.' Izzy is confident she will give the children the tools they need to be happy adults. On the day we meet, she seems happy, unflustered, quietly self-assured. Before we begin our chat we take a moment to close our eyes, breathe deeply, still our racing thoughts. I wonder if she is worrying about the children. Actually, she isn't. Harry is at home with them and her trust in him is absolute. Will they try for a third? 'We have one more frozen embryo left from our IVF cycle,' she says. 'I often think about it but I also feel my life is very full and busy. So we'll see. 'At one stage I thought we might not even have one child. To have a boy and a girl makes me feel very lucky indeed.' Mindfulness For Mums by Izzy Judd is published by Michael Joseph, 14.99. SHAHEDSHAHR, Iran (AP) A Ukrainian passenger jet carrying 176 people crashed on Wednesday, just minutes after taking off from the Iranian capitals main airport, turning farmland on the outskirts of Tehran into fields of flaming debris and killing all on board. The crash of Ukraine International Airlines came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. soldiers, but both Ukrainian and Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue brought down the 3-year-old Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The plane carried 167 passengers and nine crew members from different nations. Ukraine's foreign minister, Vadym Prystaiko, said that there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians on board the Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and the nine crew. There were also 10 Swedish, four Afghan, three German and three British nationals, he said. Airline officials said most of the passengers were en route to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, transiting through there to other destinations. Staff at the Boryspil airport in Kyiv, told The Associated Press that passengers on this flight are usually Iranian students coming back to Ukraine after winter holidays. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy extended his condolences to the families of the victims. His office said he had cut his visit to Oman short and was returning to Kyiv because of the crash. The country's Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk confirmed the casualty toll. "Our task is to establish the cause of the crash of the Boeing and provide all necessary help to the families of the victims," said parliament speaker, Dmytro Razumkov, in a Facebook statement. Ukraine International Airlines said it had indefinitely suspended flights to Tehran after the crash. "It was one of the best planes we had, with an amazing, reliable crew," Yevhen Dykhne, president of the Ukraine International Airlines, said at a briefing following the crash. Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian president, ordered a sweeping inspection of all civil airplanes in the country, "no matter the conclusions about the crash in Iran." The plane had been delayed from taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport by almost an hour. It took off to the west, but never made it above 8,000 feet in the air, according to data from the flight-tracking website FlightRadar24. It remains unclear what happened. Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Iran's Road and Transportation Ministry, said it appeared a fire struck one of its engines. The pilot of the aircraft then lost control of the plane, sending it crashing into the ground, Biniaz said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. Hassan Razaeifar, the head of air crash investigation committee, said it appeared the pilot couldn't communicate with air-traffic controllers in Tehran in the last moments of the flight. He did not elaborate. Authorities later said they found the plane's so-called "black boxes," which record cockpit conversations and instrument data. Ukrainian authorities have offered to help with the investigation of the plane crash. "We're preparing a group of specialists in order to help with the search operation and the investigation of the cause of the crash," Honcharuk said. The plane, fully loaded with fuel for its 2,300-kilometer (1,430-mile) flight, slammed into farmland near the town of Shahedshahr on the outskirts of Tehran. Videos taken immediately after the crash show blazes lighting up the darkened fields before dawn. By MOHAMMAD NASIRI, NASSER KARIMI and JON GAMBRELL, The Associated Press SCA has appointed Ali Thomson and Henry Quilter-Wood as Business Development Managers. Ali Thomson (right) joins SCA from Snows Timber where he gained valuable experience in all aspects of the business. He will be overing the North East area for SCA and brings with him his experience in selling Machined Softwood to both merchants and bulk timber processors. Thomson is well known in the industry having developed strong customer relationships in the areas he has covered. Henry Quilter-Wood (left) joins SCA from Falcon Panel Products where he held the position of Business Development Executive. He previously worked at T Brewers Merchants within their external sales team. Quilter-Wood will be responsible for the South East area and brings with him a track record of developing new products and markets working closely with both merchants and developers. Toby Lewis, Head of Sales for SCA Wood, comments: We are extremely pleased to have attracted two sales people of such a high calibre to join our existing knowledgeable team. This is a really exciting time for SCA and it is testament to our market leading credentials that we are attracting high achieving individuals from within the industry to drive forward our thriving business. The appointments will ensure SCA manage their ever expanding customer base within the UKs independent merchant market and continue to build on our successful and innovative Smart Timber range of products. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has called the Iran missile strikes on American forces an 'act of war'. Graham added that President Donald Trump had all the power he needed to act after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops on Tuesday. 'This is an act of war by any reasonable definition,' Graham told Fox News' Sean Hannity on Tuesday night. 'The President has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond and how he responds is yet to be determined... but he has that authority.' The South Carolina Senator said Trump didn't want regime change from the Iranian government, but rather behavioral changes. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said Tuesday night that the Iran missile strikes on American forces in Iraq was an 'act of war' He said Trump wanted Iran to change its ballistic missile program and to stop being the largest state sponsor of terrorism. Trump himself tweeted late Tuesday saying that 'all is well' following the targeted missile attacks. He said 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties from the strike continued to be assessed. 'All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far,' Trump tweeted. Trump said he would be making an official statement on Wednesday morning regarding the attacks. It comes as Democrats in the U.S. Congress and some of the party's presidential contenders warned on Tuesday about escalating conflict in the Middle East. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted that the U.S., as well as the rest of the world, 'cannot afford war'. Trump himself tweeted late Tuesday saying that 'all is well' following the targeted missile attacks House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted that the U.S., as well as the rest of the world, 'cannot afford war' Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif called the attacks 'self-defense' but said they did 'not seek escalation' but would defend itself against further aggression 'Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war,' she tweeted. Democratic presidential contender Elizabeth Warren said at an event in New York: 'At this moment, my heart and my prayers are with our military and their families in Iraq and around the world. 'But this is a reminder why we need to de-escalate tension in the Middle East. The American people do not want a war with Iran.' Former Vice President Joe Biden, another candidate for the Democratic nomination to take on Trump in November's presidential election, said at an event outside Philadelphia that the attack was predictable and faulted Trump's handling of the situation. 'I just pray to God as he goes through whats happening, as we speak, that hes listening to his military commanders for the first time because so far that has not been the case,' he said. Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio called for unity, saying in a Twitter post that Iran wanted Americans to turn against one another . 'The time will come to debate U.S. policy. Tonight American & allied troops have come under direct attack by a nation-state & Americans must come together to support & protect them & respond appropriately,' he said. Iran has fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq that Trump visited in December 2018 and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST). The Pentagon says the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. There was no immediate word on injuries but security sources told CNN that there were Iraqi casualties at the al-Asad airbase. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were spotted arriving at the White House soon after news of the strikes broke. Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which controls the country's missile program, confirmed that they fired the rockets in retaliation for last week's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, according to state TV. They reported the operation's name was 'Martyr Soleimani' and it took place just hours after the slain general's funeral. Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif called the attacks 'self-defense' but said they did 'not seek escalation' but would defend itself against further aggression. The rockets used in the attack, according to Iranian TV, were Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles, which have a range of 186 miles or 300km. The Iranian air force has since deployed multiple fighter jets to patrol it airspace, according to reports - as Iran warned the U.S. and its allies in the region not to retaliate. The Pentagon said it was still working to assess the damage. 'In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces,' a statement from the Pentagon read. 'It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. 'As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.' President Trump and First Lady Melania visited the al-Asad airbase in western Iraq in December 2018. The airbase was targeted by Iran on Tuesday in a missile attack The al-Asad base for American and coalition troops (pictured above in December) was struck by missiles 'clearly launched from Iran', U.S. officials say The Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan, which provides facilities and services to at least hundreds of coalition personnel and CIA operatives, was also hit in the missile attack The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, reportedly said Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was personally in the control center coordinating the attacks. They also warned U.S. allies in the Middle East that they would face retaliation if America strikes back against any Iranian targets from their bases. 'We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted,' they said. It also threatened Israel. After the strikes, Saeed Jalili - a former Iranian nuclear negotiator and foreign minister - posted a picture of the Islamic Republic's flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others in the drone strike in Baghdad. Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported, Brynjar Stordal, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces said. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Tuesday it would ban U.S. carriers from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia after the missile attack on U.S.-led forces. Earlier on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the United States should anticipate retaliation from Iran over the killing in Iraq of Soleimani. 'I think we should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form,' Esper told a news briefing at the Pentagon, adding that such retaliation could be through Iran-backed proxy groups outside of Iran or 'by their own hand.' 'We're prepared for any contingency. And then we will respond appropriately to whatever they do.' The strikes by Iran were a major escalation of tensions that have been rising steadily across the Mideast following months of threats and attacks after Trump's decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. Soleimani's killing and Iran's missile strikes also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two nations, which have been foes since the days immediately following Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The revenge attack came a mere few hours after crowds in Iran mourned Soleimani and as the U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the region's waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. The U.S. Air Force launched a drill with 52 fighter jets in Utah on Monday, just days after Trump threatened to hit 52 sites in Iran. SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Adagene, Inc., a clinical-stage, leading-edge oncology immunotherapy company driven by a powerful antibody discovery and engineering platform, today announced the completion of a $69 million Series D financing, including $50 million from lead investor General Atlantic. Adagene has raised more than $150 million from private financings since 2014. Strong support from our new and existing investors endorses Adagenes technology platform and strategy to develop differentiated immunotherapies in areas where others have failed, said Peter Luo, Ph.D., Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Adagene. This financial commitment enables us to continue developing our lead clinical programs, ADG106 and ADG116, while extending the frontiers of our novel technology. We look forward to advancing our clinical pipeline and exploring strategic and synergistic opportunities to facilitate long-term sustainable growth. We believe China is a rising, vibrant hub for global life sciences innovation. Adagene represents a new-generation biotechnology company that is driving global innovation. Its cutting-edge Dynamic Precision Library platform, combined with its dedicated founders and management team, allows Adagene to advance assets of true novelty to the value inflection point, said Lefei Sun, Managing Director and Head of Healthcare for China at General Atlantic. We are proud to partner with Adagene as we increase our commitment to the life sciences industry in China. Adagene demonstrates that some of the worlds most exciting life sciences developments are now happening in China. We look forward to working closely with Dr. Luo and the entire Adagene team to support the companys vision to bring innovative therapeutics to patients around the world, said David Hodgson, Vice Chairman of General Atlantic. About Adagenes Lead Clinical Programs ADG106 Adagenes lead agonist program, ADG106, is a fully human agonistic anti-CD137 monoclonal IgG4 antibody that targets a unique conserved epitope of CD137 and is cross-reactive across human, monkey and mouse. ADG106 has a novel mechanism of action for CD137 agonism (which activates CD137 in a native ligand-like fashion), CD137 ligand antagonism (which blocks reverse signaling of CD137 ligand), and potent cross-linking via Fc receptor. ADG106 is being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial in the U.S. and China in patients with advanced or metastatic solid and liquid tumors. ADG106 has demonstrated a superior safety profile and no dose-dependent liver toxicity has been observed to date. Early efficacy signals and significant biomarker response demonstrating T-cell proliferation have also been observed. ADG116 Adagenes lead antagonist program, ADG116, is a fully human and cross-reactive antagonistic anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal IgG1 antibody that binds to a unique conserved epitope on CTLA-4. ADG116 has a novel mechanism of action including dynamic modulation of CTLA-4 by soft ligand blocking and highly effective depletion of regulatory T cells. ADG116 has demonstrated a superior safety profile and efficacy in pre-clinical studies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Adagenes IND application for ADG116. About Adagene Adagene, Inc. is a private, clinical-stage, leading-edge oncology immunotherapy company driven by its powerful Dynamic Precision Library platform built to deliver treatments with increased efficacy and safety. Adagene combines computational biology and artificial intelligence to design novel antibodies that address unmet patient needs. Its wholly owned pipeline is comprised of novel immunotherapy programs with potential to be first or best in class. Adagene has forged strategic collaborations with reputable global partners that leverage its technology in multiple approaches at the vanguard of science. Founded and led by experienced leaders with a global track records in antibody discovery and engineering, Adagene has raised more than $150 million from high-profile investors including F-Prime, Eight Roads, WuXi AppTec, GP Healthcare Capital, New World TMT, Sequoia China and General Atlantic, among others. About General Atlantic General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm providing capital and strategic support for growth companies. Established in 1980, General Atlantic combines a collaborative global approach, sector specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great entrepreneurs and management teams to build exceptional businesses worldwide. General Atlantic has more than 150 investment professionals based in New York, Amsterdam, Beijing, Greenwich, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Munich, Palo Alto, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore. For more information on General Atlantic, please visit the website: www.generalatlantic.com . Investors Contact Raymond Tam Adagene 86-8777-3626 Raymond_tam@adagene.com business@adagene.com Everyone on the political left seems overly eager to adopt a system of universal healthcare. Its a make-or-break talking point, and for an understandable reason -- healthcare costs in this country, especially when compared with other countries, are exceptionally high. Sick and injured people often choose not to treat their problems simply because they cant afford to, and nobody wants this to be the case. However, a universal healthcare system would come with massive problems, likely greater in scale and impact than the system were currently dealing with -- and importantly, nobody on the left seems willing to acknowledge them. The Big Problems with Universal Healthcare Lets dig into some of the big problems that would come with a universal healthcare system: Universal healthcare doesnt automatically reduce the cost of healthcare. First and foremost, we need to acknowledge that simply making the government pay for healthcare wont reduce the total cost of healthcare in this country. Our healthcare costs are inflated for several reasons, and those reasons arent simply going to go away by changing who pays the bills. The burden of payment is merely going to shift to taxpayers (which well detail in a future section). Americans are notoriously bad at proactive care. We also need to acknowledge that Americans are bad at taking care of themselves. We also need to acknowledge that Americans are bad at taking care of themselves. We dont take sleep seriously , and suffer the effects of sleep deprivation. We eat fast food, drink sugary beverages, and rarely exercise, so we end up overweight and subject to significant health risks like heart disease. We dont even take doctors advice to heart half the time. If these trends continue, healthcare outcomes arent going to improve; a universal healthcare system isnt going to magically change Americans attitudes toward their own health. If anything, these attitudes will become worse, since there will now be a magic safety net to take care of whatever health problems we develop. Litigation will remain unabated. Medical malpractice litigation is ridiculously expensive in this country, necessitating that doctors spend hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, per insured, to protect themselves. Again, these costs arent going to go away with a universal healthcare system. At the very least, wed need federal laws preventing or limiting the reach of malpractice litigation. Medical malpractice litigation is ridiculously expensive in this country, necessitating that doctors spend hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, per insured, to protect themselves. Again, these costs arent going to go away with a universal healthcare system. At the very least, wed need federal laws preventing or limiting the reach of malpractice litigation. Theres already a doctor shortage, and its only going to grow. Were already struggling with a Were already struggling with a doctor shortage in the United States , thanks to the diminishing returns of becoming a physician and the increasing needs of an older population. If we adopt a system that increases the burden of physicians while making the career less fiscally viable, that shortage is only going to grow. Wait times will skyrocket. If everyone has practically unlimited options for healthcare, theyre going to abuse the system. People are going to visit hospitals and doctors offices constantly. Combined with the decreasing number of doctors and healthcare experts in this country, thats going to make wait times skyrocket. Our resources are going to be stretched thin, and people are going to suffer for it. We dont have a model to follow. Canada and multiple countries in the European Union have functioning universal healthcare systems (or something similar) that have as many bad points as good. Most people on the political left point to these as proof-of-concept. But the United States is a very different country. This is a massive nation, with a very diverse population, and a healthcare system with tendrils in too many areas to easily manage as one coherent unit. If were going to devise a universal healthcare system, its going to need to be built from scratch. Taxes are going to massively increase. The federal governments current total revenue is projected to be about The federal governments current total revenue is projected to be about $3.643 trillion as of 2020 , assuming current taxation rates. The current cost of healthcare in this country is roughly $3.2 trillion, meaning assuming costs remain the same, healthcare would take up nearly the entirety of the federal governments budget. The government isnt going to simply borrow this money, and it cant print it without massive economic repercussions, so the only option is to increase taxes. By these estimates, taxes would need to double. Toward a Better Healthcare Solution Theres no such thing as a perfect system, but we need politicians who are willing to acknowledge the weaknesses and drawbacks of the systems they propose. We can entertain a debate about the merits of universal healthcare, but not when its constantly positioned as a perfect system, or the only system thats going to work. If we cant be honest about the realities of new legislation, we cant have a productive dialogue, and ultimately, were going to get nowhere. Researchers recently conducted the largest study to date to evaluate the effectiveness of weight loss surgery in a Chinese population of individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. In the study, which is published in Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, surgery provided substantial and sustainable effects on weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol over five years. "The effectiveness of restrictive and bypass surgeries was similar at the end of follow-up, though restrictive surgeries were slightly more effective in type 2 diabetes remission," the authors wrote. (Restrictive surgeries reduce the size of the stomach.) ### KM School System Jobs 2020 For Teaching Staff Latest KM School System Teaching Posts Lahore 2022 KM School System requires the services of qualified and experienced individuals for the positions of Vice Principal, Accounts Officer and Office Assistant in Lahore Punjab Pakistan 2020. Skills Required Education & Tutoring Teaching/Lecturing How to Apply on KM School System Job Advertisement Apply as per details in job advertisement. In some cases, you may apply online at vacancies after registering at https://www.jobz.pk online. Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If an employer asks to pay money for any purpose, do not pay at all and report us at contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs may not be applied online here. Human typing error is possible. Error & omissions excepted. ISTANBUL - Iran said Sunday that it is suspending its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal it had struck with world powers and will abandon the accord's "final restrictions" on uranium enrichment and other activities unless U.S. sanctions are lifted. The government announced the move in a statement carried by state news agencies. "Iran's nuclear program will now be based solely on its technical needs," the statement said. The move includes breaching the deal's caps on uranium production and enrichment capacity, as well as nuclear research and development. "If the sanctions are lifted the Islamic Republic is ready to return to its obligations," the statement said. It added that Iran will continue to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. The announcement came as the region continued to grapple with the fallout of a U.S. drone strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, commander of Iran's elite Quds Force, as he traveled in a convoy near the Baghdad airport Friday. The strike also killed a key Iraq militia leader, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Iraq's caretaker prime minister urged parliament on Sunday to take "urgent measures" to force the withdrawal of foreign forces following the strike. In an address to the legislature, Adel Abdul Mahdi recommended that the government establish a timetable for the departure of foreign troops, including the members of the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State militant group, "for the sake of our national sovereignty.""What happened was a political assassination," Abdul Mahdi said. Lawmakers responded by passing a nonbinding resolution calling on the government to end the foreign troop presence in Iraq. But Abdul Mahdi, who resigned in November and has been serving in a caretaker role, is not legally authorized to sign the bill into law. As a result, the vote Sunday did not immediately imperil the U.S. presence in Iraq, but it highlights the head winds the Trump administration faces after the strike, which was seen in Iraq as a violation of sovereignty and as a dangerous escalation by governments across the Middle East. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, President Donald Trump said the United States would put "very big sanctions on Iraq" if the country forced out U.S. troops. "If they do ask us to leave, if we don't do it in a very friendly basis. We will charge them sanctions like they've never seen before ever," Trump said. "It'll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame." Trump also warned that he expected Iraq to compensate the United States for an air base there. "We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that's there," Trump said. "It cost billions of dollars to build. Long before my time. We're not leaving unless they pay us back for it." In a sign of the spiraling consequences, the U.S.-led coalition said it had paused its training mission in Iraq because of "repeated rocket attacks over the last two months" by the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia. It will now focus on protecting its bases from attack, the coalition said in a statement. "This has limited our capacity to conduct training with partners and to support their operations" against the Islamic State, it said. "We have therefore paused these activities." But in appearances on morning talk shows Sunday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dismissed calls for U.S. troops to leave Iraq, saying on "Fox News Sunday" that Abdul Mahdi is "under enormous threats from the very Iranian leadership that it is that we are pushing back against." "We are confident that the Iraqi people want the United States to continue to be there to fight the counterterror campaign," Pompeo said. "And we'll continue to do all the things we need to do to keep America safe." State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Washington was "disappointed" by the Iraqi lawmakers' move, and urged them to reconsider as the United States seeks "further clarification on the legal nature and impact of today's resolution." "We believe it is in the shared interests of the United States and Iraq to continue fighting ISIS together," she said, using an acronym for the Islamic State. Iran, meanwhile, said Sunday that it would limit its response to the drone attack to U.S. military targets. "The response for sure will be military and against military sites," Hossein Dehghan, the military adviser to Iran's supreme leader, said in an interview with CNN. "The only thing that can end this period of war is for the Americans to receive a blow that is equal to the blow they have inflicted." Deghan's remarks came as Trump threatened Saturday on Twitter to strike "52 Iranian sites some at a very high level & important to Iran and the Iranian culture" should Tehran retaliate against Americans or U.S. interests in the region. Iran has 24 locations on the U.N. list of cultural world heritage sites. If Trump were to carry out his threats, Dehghan said, "no American military staff, no American political center, no American military base, no American vessel will be safe." Trump later tweeted: "These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner." "Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless!" he wrote. The Iraqi military said late Sunday that six rockets had landed in Baghdad, including three inside the Green Zone, a fortified neighborhood housing many foreigners and the U.S. Embassy. A U.S. diplomat said rockets apparently hit a vehicle lot in the embassy compound. Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement, echoed Deghan's statement, declaring Sunday that as retribution for Soleimani's death, U.S. troops in the Middle East, and not U.S. civilians, should be targeted. "It is the U.S. military that killed Haj Qasem, and they must pay the price," Nasrallah said, referring to Soleimani. "Touching any civilian anywhere in the world will only serve Trump's policy." U.S. allies widely share concerns about the consequences of Soleimani's death. NATO will convene an emergency meeting of its ambassadors on Monday to discuss the situation in Iraq. NATO suspended its training programs in the country, and several member nations have scrambled to protect their troops and citizens here. In Saudi Arabia, the U.S. Embassy released a security alert Sunday advising Americans of "the heightened risk of missile and drone attacks" against both civilian and military targets. The United States blamed Iran for a drone and cruise missile attack on Saudi state oil facilities in September, a strike that knocked half of the nation's oil production offline. While Saudi officials have long urged the United States to take stronger action against what they say is Iran's unchecked expansionism in the region, they have also expressed discomfort at the rising tensions between Washington and Tehran. Abdul Mahdi suggested Sunday that Iran and the Saudis had been engaged in dialogue to tamp down their feud, with Iraq playing the role of mediator. Abdul Mahdi said he had been expecting to meet with Soleimani on the day he was killed. "He came to deliver me a message from Iran, responding to the message we delivered from Saudi Arabia to Iran," the prime minister said, without providing details. In Iran, Soleimani's body was flown in a flag-draped coffin to the southwestern city of Ahvaz, following a funeral procession in Baghdad and Iraq's twin Shiite shrine cities, Karbala and Najaf. It was later carried to the northeastern city of Mashhad, home to the shrine of Imam Reza, a revered figure in Shiite Islam. Iran is ruled by a Shiite theocracy. Footage broadcast on Iranian state television showed tens of thousands of black-clad mourners waving flags and chanting religious slogans. Iran's state-run Islamic Republic News Agency described the scene as "glorious." "All schools and businesses are closed today - he was popular here and even more popular now," said Farnaz, 33, a computer engineer and resident of Ahvaz, referring to Soleimani. Like other Iranians contacted Sunday, she spoke on the condition that her full name not be used so she could speak freely. "People here saw Soleimani as an important and charismatic commander who was protecting their security," she said. Still, Ahvaz and other cities in oil-rich Khuzestan province, home to a large ethnic Arab minority, have a history of anti-government unrest. On Sunday, an unverified video posted online showed masked youths setting fire to a billboard commemorating Soleimani. The slain commander's procession will continue Monday to the holy city of Qom and the capital, Tehran, where Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, will lead prayers at the ceremony. Soleimani will be buried in his hometown, Kerman, on Tuesday. - - - The Washington Post's Mustafa Salim in Baghdad, Kareem Fahim in Istanbul, Michael Birnbaum in Antwerp, Belgium, and Siobhan O'Grady, John Hudson and Marisa Iati in Washington contributed to this report. U.S. President Donald Trump has been briefed on reports of an attack on U.S. facilities in Iraq and is monitoring the situation, White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said on Tuesday, Trend reports citing Reuters. We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team, White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said in a statement. A U.S. official told Reuters that rockets have been fired at Iraqs al Asad airbase, which hosts U.S. forces. It was not immediately clear what the extent of damage or casualties were amid tensions between Washington and Tehran following the U.S. killing on Friday of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani. Slovenias defense ministry says its six soldiers stationed in northern Iraq with a German-led training mission will be evacuated after their base came under Irans missile attack in retaliation for the U.S. airstrike that killed Irans top general Qassem Soleimani. The Slovenian ministry said Wednesday the soldiers were unhurt in the attack near Irbil as they were in the bases shelter during the strike. The ministry said the evacuation will be conducted in cooperation with the German partners. It did not say where the soldiers will go. The Cyprus government also approved a U.S. request to temporarily deploy a rapid reaction team to help evacuate personnel from U.S. diplomatic missions in nearby countries if needed. Cyprus government spokesman Kyriakos Koushios said Wednesday the team also will be tasked with evacuating U.S. civilians from the region in the event of an emergency. Koushios said the east Mediterranean island nation granted permission as part of its long-standing policy to offer assistance to missions of a humanitarian nature following requests from non-European Union member countries. He said Cyprus has excellent relations with eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern nations. Iraq Condemned Iranian Missile Strikes Iraqs presidency has condemned Iranian missile strikes on two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. troops, reiterating its rejection of breaches of Iraqs sovereignty. Barham Salehs office also said in a statement that the fate of U.S. troops in Iraq is an internal matter based on legal agreements to combat the ISIS terrorist group. The statement adds that Iraq has previously declared its refusal to be a starting point for aggression against any country, and also refuses to be a source of threat to any of its neighbors. The Iraqi prime minister has publicly said U.S. troops must leave after a drone strike killed Irans top military commander in Baghdad, and parliament has passed a non-binding resolution pushing for withdrawal. Reckless and Dangerous British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has condemned what he called Irans reckless and dangerous missile attacks on bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops, and he called for urgent deescalation by Tehran and Washington. Johnson also said Soleimani had the blood of British troops on his hands. Britains main opposition Labour Party has suggested the United States may have broken international law by killing Soleimani. Johnson told British lawmakers on Wednesday that the strict issue of legality is not for the UK to determine since it was not our operation. But I think most reasonable people would accept that the United States has the right to protect its bases and its personnel. The Trump administration alleges that Soleimani had been plotting new attacks just before he was killed. All eight victims killed in a greenhouse fire in Moscow suburbs on Tuesday are believed to be Vietnamese, Russias emergencies ministry said. A flame engulfed an approximately-240-square-meter section of a greenhouse complex in Ramenskoye, an outskirt district located in southeast Moscow, at around 5:00 am on Tuesday (local time). "According to preliminary information, the fire was caused by an electrical fault," the ministry was quoted by AFP as saying. Firefighters quickly arrived at the location and the fire was put out after eight hours. Russian police confirmed so far that eight people were killed and another was badly injured in the fire. The wounded victim is still being treated at the burns center of a hospital in Padolskaya City. It was unclear how many workers were living in the complex. Russian news agencies had earlier identified the workers as from ex-Soviet Tajikistan. Acting Russian Emergencies Minister Suprunovsky was seen in a video posted to Mash Telegram saying he believed all victims were Vietnamese, adding that they were unregistered residents, the Moscow Times reported. A team of officials from the Vietnamese Embassy in Moscow have been sent to the scene of the accident and tasked with coordinating with local police officers to confirm the victims identity. Russian media previously stated that all of the victims were migrants working illegally at the Russian facility. Millions of migrant workers from Central Asia live in Russia, where they often perform menial jobs for low pay under lax safety conditions, according to AFP. Migrant workers also travel to Russia from other parts of Asia, including some 14,700 Vietnamese who received work permits in 2018, according to Russia's state statistics service. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Office Evolution plans to open its third coworking location in the Houston market with the signing of a long-term lease in the Energy Corridor. The Colorado-based coworking franchisor has enlisted Johnny and Faith Goff and Carey and Kerri Rigsby to own and operate the latest location. The husband-and-wife teams signed a development deal for two locations, starting in the Energy Corridor. They will target the Katy/West Houston areas for their next office. Oil prices rose above $70 per barrel on Monday, trading at near four-month highs as Washington and Tehran exchanged strike threats after the US killing of an Iranian general raised fears of war in the world's top hub for crude production NEW YORK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 06th January, 2020) Oil prices rose above $70 per barrel on Monday, trading at near four-month highs as Washington and Tehran exchanged strike threats after the US killing of an Iranian general raised fears of war in the world's top hub for crude production. Brent, the global benchmark for crude, was up 59 cents, or 0.9 percent, at $69.19 per barrel by 10:40 AM ET (15:40 GMT), as oil traders sent prices of the commodity higher in the aftermath of the drone attack near Baghdad airport on Friday that killed Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' Quds force. Since Soleimani's killing, Iran has said it was abandoning limits to uranium enrichment, a step required for making nuclear weapons. Iraq's parliament, meanwhile, wants to expel US forces from the country, prompting President Trump to threaten Baghdad with sanctions. Rockets also fell all over Iraq on Monday, with no human casualties reported. Separately, fighting has also broken out in Libya. Brent hit a session peak of $70.75 earlier on Monday, responding to all these. The last time it reached those levels was in the aftermath of the mid-September air raid on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities in Abqaiq, an attack the United States had accused Iran of masterminding. "The situation today is very different from the attack on Abqaiq," said Olivier Jakob at oil risk consultancy PetroMatrix in Zug, Switzerland. "After the attack on Saudi Arabia, both the United States and Saudi Arabia rapidly toned down instead of escalating. The opposite is true today, with both Iran claiming revenge and President Trump threatening to blow Iran apart." Iran, Iraq and Libya, along with Saudi Arab, are among the largest oil producers in the middle East, which accounts for 40 percent of the world's crude supply. Oil traders fear a breakout of war will seriously hamper movement of crude from the region to the rest of the world. Middle East crude supplies are already expected to be tighter this year than in 2018 due to sharper production cut pledges by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its top ally Russia under the so-called OPEC+ initiative. Aside from Brent, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude benchmark, was up 34 cents, or 0.5%, at $63.39 per barrel. Earlier on Monday, WTI reached a more than eight-month high at $64.72. Oil prices closed 2019 with their large gains in three years. Brent rose 24 percent on the year while the West Texas Intermediate gained 34 percent. Iran and the United States have exchanged strike threats in recent days, with the Ayatollah vowing "harsh revenge" and Trump saying he has identified 52 targets in Iran, including sites of cultural prominence, in a counter attack that may be "disproportionate." Students of Jadavpur University and Presidency University on Tuesday took out rallies for the second successive day in the metropolis against the violence at Delhi's Jawarharlal Nehru University. Activists of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) rallied from 8B Bus Stand to the JU campus, raising slogans against "fascist forces" and held placards that condemned the incident at JNU on Sunday. The SFI activists of Presidency University marched from Hazra Crossing to Nizam Palace, where a number of offices of the Union Home Ministry are located. The students, however, were stopped outside the Nizam Palace compound by police and asked to submit a memorandum to the home ministry officials present there. At another protest rally, students from different higher educational institutions marched from the Presidency main campus to Jorasanko. "The College Street-Jorasanko march has also been initiated by SFI, but we welcomed all students and there was no party flag," SFI state unit leader Subhajit Sarkar said. More than 35 students and faculty members were assaulted on Sunday evening, after masked men armed with sticks and iron rods went on a rampage inside the campus of the JNU. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sometime after the interminable introductions of the states political power players and before his parting message (Excelsior!), Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered his 2020 State of the State Address. Cuomo had already previewed some 34 policy proposals before the speech, but he saved some big news for the Wednesday afternoon address in Albany. Here are five of the highlights. Wheres the money? Cuomo separated his State of the State address and executive budget rollout for the first time in years, meaning Albany observers dont yet have the full picture of how Cuomos proposals would affect the states finances. Thats likely a calculated move, since the state is facing a $6.1 billion deficit. While Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a fellow Democrat, has expressed an openness to raising taxes, Cuomo used the speech to brag that he has never raised taxes and in fact he called to cut the tax rate on small businesses from 6.5% to 4%. The governor also mentioned lowering the tax rate for those making less than $300,000, but that seems to just be the continued phase-in of tax cuts passed in 2016. But Cuomo did propose one clear way to save money: redesigning how the state administers Medicaid and getting local governments to pay more towards the system. The state had been covering cost increases, even though municipalities, including New York City, administer Medicaid to their residents, Cuomo said on Wednesday. But that could change. You cant separate administration from accountability, Cuomo argued. It is too easy to write a check when you dont sign it. Marijuana, take 2 When Democrats took full control of the state government last year, the state Legislature legalizing recreational marijuana use seemed inevitable. But it never happened, in part due to a standoff over ensuring that minority communities benefit from the potential windfall. This year, Cuomo is endorsing legalization once again. But now, he plans to work in concert with New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Those three neighboring states havent legalized marijuana, and Cuomo met with their governors late last year for a weed summit. The governor also called for the creation of a new state center to study cannabis risks, saying that there is a dearth of independent research on the science, the safety risks, and the dangers/benefits associated with its potential use. Five days off or more New York City guarantees workers five days of paid sick leave, but employees outside the five boroughs arent so lucky. Cuomo proposed changing that, requiring businesses with less than 100 employees to give workers at least five sick days, and making larger companies guarantee at least seven sick days. The business community will be expected to push back, just as opponents of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasios paid personal time proposal have been able to hold it off for a year. Automatic voter registration, take 2 Election reforms have been among the most contentious topics among Cuomo and his critics on the left (just look at the hubbub around fusion voting). Automatic voter registration, which could greatly increase election day turnout, failed to pass in the waning days of the 2019 session due to a drafting error. Cuomo has given AVR his support once again, but lawmakers may have to move quickly if they want any changes to take effect in time for the elections this year. Restoring Mother Nature As if New York voters didnt already have enough excitement on the ballot in November 2020, Cuomo previewed a ballot proposal hed like to see. Dubbed the Restore Mother Nature Bond Act, it would raise $3 billion for habitat restoration and flood reduction projects. Cuomo, a proud fisherman, also wants some of that money to go towards fish hatcheries to help make New York the top state for recreational fishing. Stay off the subways Cuomo left unmentioned one of the hottest topics of the political moment whether last years law severely reducing the use of cash bail should be altered. But that doesnt mean he avoided talking about crime. Referencing a recent trend of anti-Semitic hate crimes, the governor proposed the New York Hate Crime Anti-Terrorism Act, which would create a new felony charge of domestic act of terrorism motivated by hate, punishable by life in prison without parole. Cuomo also endorsed a proposal thats been rumbling around the city for some months: banning serial sexual harassers from the subway. Subway cars should not be feeding grounds for predators, Cuomo said Wednesday. But critics have called such a plan both infeasible and misguided, no matter how well-intentioned. In a surprise announcement from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day in August 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared the governments intention to appoint a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). A committee headed by National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval who also heads the Defence Planning Committee (DPC) was appointed to work out the modalities and draw up a charter of responsibilities for the CDS. With former Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat having taken over as Indias first CDS, a long-pending gap in the management of higher defence has been fulfilled. The creation of the post of CDS was a major recommendation of the Group of Ministers (GoM), headed by former deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, that analysed the Kargil Review Committee report. Several analysts have termed this an incomprehensible omission for which three reasons were cited. First, political consensus on the establishment of the post of CDS was lacking. Second, the civilian bureaucracy was never in favour of the concept of CDS. And, third, there was some opposition even within certain sections of the armed forces to the idea. The first item on the agenda of the CDS should be the formulation of integrated operational plans. In fact, the CDS should be instrumental in obtaining the defence ministers approval for an integrated tri-service operational directive. It is well known that the operational plans of the armed forces are single-service plans, and they lack the synergy that comes from integrated planning. It is also well known that in 1962, the Indian Air Force (IAF) was not given any strike role to play during the war with China when it could have made a huge contribution. In 1965, the Indian Navy was not even informed about the plans to launch a three-pronged attack across the international boundary (IB) into Pakistan. It is repeated ad nauseum that the 1971 war was a well-coordinated tri-service effort that led to a grand victory. The rather limited coordination that was achieved during the war with Pakistan in 1971 was mainly due to the personalities of the army, navy and air force chiefs. During the 1971 war, Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw was able to carry his naval and air force colleagues along with him due to the personal rapport that he had established with them. Yet, there were several glitches in the planning and conduct of the land and air campaigns and it cannot be stated that India fought a coordinated air-land war. The Indian intervention in Sri Lanka was a disaster from the joint planning point of view. The Kargil conflict of 1999 is the only real example of a coordinated effort. Even here, there were initial hiccups and it took the IAF several weeks to begin bombing the Pakistani intruders sangars (ad hoc bunkers) on the Indian side of the LoC. Hence, it emerges that operational planning must be seamlessly integrated in modern conventional conflict. After gaining some experience with the CDS-led operational planning, it will be time to graduate to integrated theatre commands to further optimise the planning and execution of joint operations. Will the appointment of a CDS will have any impact of nuclear command and control? Indias prevailing security environment is marked by regional instability with a nuclear overhang. More than ever before, it is now necessary for the national security decision makers to be given single-point military advice that takes into account the operational strengths and weaknesses, and the interdependence of each of the armed forces on the other, to meet complex emerging challenges in a nuclear environment. Such advice can come only from a CDS who will be the principal military advisor to the prime minister who heads the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA). The CDS will streamline the operational readiness and employment of Indias nuclear forces. While Indias nuclear doctrine and policy are guided by the NCA, their execution is entrusted to the services and here a joint approach is mandatory. The Strategic Forces Command (SFC), constituted for the planning, coordination and control of Indias nuclear weapons, should function directly under the CDS, even while functional control over the nuclear warheads and the delivery systems comprising the triad remains with the civilian political leadership. The CDS will have several other important responsibilities. Policy planning for the optimum exploitation of aerospace, information warfare, cyber-security and issues such as the management of the electro-magnetic spectrum, including frequency management, electro-magnetic compatibility (EMC), electro-magnetic interference (EMI), electronic emission policy (EEP) and the offensive employment of non-communications devices such as radars for electronic warfare, will all be legitimately the domain of the CDS and HQ Integrated Defence Staff (IDS). As and when tri-service Aerospace Command, Cyber Command and Special Forces Command are raised to meet emerging challenges in these fields and to better manage all available resources, they will function directly under the CDS. On the non-operational side, training institutions such as the National Defence College, the College of Defence Management and the National Defence Academy and organisations such as the Armed Forces Medical Services, Canteen Stores Department and a host of others must be placed under the direct command of the CDS for better synergy in their functioning and optimum exploitation of their potential. While the CDS should be the planner-in-chief of integrated operations, the Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs should continue to oversee the development and acquisition of weapons and equipment for their respective services, plan recruitment, guide and coordinate training at specialised training establishments and control administrative matters such as management of the annual budget, pay and allowances, maintenance support and medical services etc. However, a Vice Chief of Defence Staff (VCDS) should have been appointed to head the newly-created Department of Military Affairs. The present Chief of Integrated Defence Staff should have been renamed VCDS. Gurmeet Kanwal is former director, Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), New Delhi The views expressed are personal Debris is seen from a plane crash on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran (Mohammad Nasiri/AP) A Ukrainian passenger jet carrying 176 people has crashed just minutes after taking off from the Iranian capitals main airport, killing all on board. The crash involving a Ukraine International Airlines plane came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing US soldiers, but both Ukrainian and Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue brought down the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The plane carried 167 passengers and nine crew members on its flight to the Ukrainian capital. Ukraines foreign minister said that Iranian, British, Canadian, Ukrainian, Swedish, Afghan and German nationals were killed in the crash. Vadim Prystaiko said there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians on board. The Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and nine crew members. He said there were also 10 Swedish nationals, four Afghans, three Germans and three British nationals. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy extended his condolences to the families of the victims. His office said he had cut short his visit to Oman and was returning because of the crash. The countrys Prime Minister, Oleksiy Honcharuk, confirmed the casualty toll. Our task is to establish the cause of the crash of the Boeing and provide all necessary help to the families of the victims, said parliament speaker Dmytro Razumkov in a Facebook statement. Ukraine International Airlines said it had indefinitely suspended flights to Tehran after the crash. It was one of the best planes we had, with an amazing, reliable crew, said Yevhen Dykhne, president of Ukraine International Airlines. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) The plane had been delayed from taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport by almost an hour. It took off to the west, but never made it above 8,000 feet in the air, according to data from the flight-tracking website FlightRadar24. It remains unclear what happened. Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Irans Road and Transportation Ministry, said it appeared a fire struck one of its engines. The pilot of the aircraft then lost control of the plane, sending it crashing into the ground, Mr Biniaz said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. Hassan Razaeifar, the head of Irans air crash investigation committee, said it appeared the pilot could not communicate with air-traffic controllers in Tehran in the last moments of the flight. Ukrainian authorities have offered to help with the investigation of the plane crash. The plane, fully loaded with fuel for its 1,430-mile flight, slammed into farmland near the town of Shahedshahr on the outskirts of Tehran. Resident Din Mohammad Qassemi said he had been watching the news about the Iranian ballistic missile attack on US forces in Iraq in revenge for the killing of General Qassem Soleimani when he heard the crash. I heard a massive explosion and all the houses started to shake. There was fire everywhere, he said. At first I thought (the Americans) have hit here with missiles and went in the basement as a shelter. After a while, I went out and saw a plane has crashed over there. The Boeing 737-800 is a very common single-aisle, twin-engine jetliner used for short to medium-range flights. Thousands of the planes are used by airlines around the world. Introduced in the late 1990s, it is an older model than the Boeing 737 MAX, which has been grounded for nearly 10 months following two deadly crashes. Boeing built the aircraft that crashed on Wednesday in 2016 and it last underwent routine maintenance on Monday, Ukraine International Airlines said. A number of 737-800 aircraft have been involved in deadly accidents over the years. In March 2016, a FlyDubai 737-800 from Dubai crashed while trying to land at Rostov-on-Don airport in Russia, killing 62. Another 737-800 flight from Dubai, operated by Air India Express, crashed in May 2010 while trying to land in Mangalore, India, killing more than 150 people. Chicago-based Boeing said it was aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information. Volunteers from across the country will take part in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 20 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Sherman Reservation on Missionary Ridge, 2300 Lightfoot Mill Road in Chattanooga, to sign in for the project. "Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park proudly joins the nation as we honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of service by conducting a cleanup and invasive plant removal at the 73rd Pennsylvania Reservation," officials said. "The MLK Day of Service encourages all Americans to improve their communities through volunteer service. 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the annual service event since Congress designated the MLK holiday the first ever National Day of Service." Volunteers are asked to wear clothing appropriate for the weather and outdoor work that they do not mind getting dirty. Also, volunteers should wear sturdy, close-toed shoes or boots, no flip-flops. All tools and supplies will be provided. Volunteers may want to bring a water bottle and snacks. For more information regarding this project, contact volunteer coordinator Will Wilson at 706-866-9241 x137 or will_wilson@nps.gov. The U.S. House of Representatives will vote this week on legislation aimed at preventing the engagement of U.S. forces with Iran unless Congress gives its approval. The vote comes after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered an airstrike last week that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, escalating regional tensions and leading many congressional Democrats to express concerns the move could lead to open war between the U.S. and Iran. How does the US declare war? According to Article I of the U.S. Constitution, Congress has the authority to declare war, while Article II gives the president the responsibility of being the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The framers of the Constitution deliberately split these powers among branches of the U.S. government to prevent an unconsidered, unilateral move toward war. Throughout American history, the legislative and executive branches have clashed over the interpretation of these powers as laid out in the Constitution. These questions increased as American conflicts abroad including U.S. involvements in Korea and Vietnam became increasingly difficult to define and occurred without an official declaration of war. The last time Congress passed an official declaration of war was almost 80 years ago, during World War II. What does the 1973 War Powers Act say about the ability to declare war? In 1973, Congress passed legislation further defining the presidents role in directing military actions abroad following the revelation that then-President Richard Nixon had conducted secret bombings of Cambodia. The law mandated that U.S. presidents had 48 hours to report to Congress after committing U.S. forces abroad as well as detailing the justifications for those actions. According to the law, these safeguards insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the president will apply to the deployment of U.S. troops overseas. It also requires presidents to end overseas involvements after 60 days if Congress has not passed an official declaration of war. Presidents of both parties have challenged or redefined interpretations of this law since it was called unconstitutional and dangerous by President Nixon. What is the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, or AUMF, and how does it relate to the debate now? In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush described those strikes against the United States as acts of war. Bush worked with Congress on the resolution broadly authorizing actions to combat the terrorist threat internationally. The AUMF has sparked continued debate as Presidents Bush, Obama and Trump have used the legislations broad definitions of a terrorist threat to justify military actions internationally. Unlike other authorizations for conflict that allow for hostilities against specific nations or unnamed nations in specific areas, the AUMF allows for actions against organizations or persons. Attempts in Congress to pass a new AUMF - addressing the changing nature of terrorist threats as well as more specifically defining individuals and entities that pose a threat - have failed. Lawmakers did pass a second AUMF in 2002, specifically authorizing the United States to invade Iraq. How does President Trump interpret these laws? Although the Trump administration has not cited the 2001 AUMF as justification for the airstrike on Soleimani, Vice President Mike Pence misleadingly tweeted a claim that the general had supported the travel of some of the 9/11 hijackers. The vice presidents office later clarified that he had been referring to Iran allowing some of the hijackers to pass through the country on the way to Afghanistan. Analysts say the president appears to be using his ability to strike under the War Powers Act. Authorized use of military force is currently linked to our counterterrorism authorities against ISIS and affiliates in the region. So it is a stretch to extend them to the Iran threat network and people like Qassem Soleimani," Kirsten Fontenrose, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, told VOA. "The administration undertook an effort to designate Qassem Soleimani as a foreign terrorist, and in doing so, that extends counterterrorism authorities to his person. So, the administration did have the authority to strike Qassem Soleimani. The authorities were in place because they don't have to rely on that AUMF-authorized use of military force counterterrorism authority; they can instead rely on the War Powers Act that gives the president this express authority in the immediate aftermath of a strike, she said. The Trump administration notified Congress of the airstrike that killed Soleimani Saturday, citing intelligence of imminent planned attacks on U.S. personnel as justification. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the classified notification raises more questions than it answers. In a tweet Sunday, Trump appeared to address the War Powers Act notification requirements, saying, These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner. Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless! Congressional leaders have not directly addressed the president claiming social media as an adequate form of notification. It is doubtful a tweet would be considered formal notification under the requirements of the War Powers Act. How is Congress responding? Congressional Democrats have expressed a number of concerns about the killing of Soleimani, starting with the administrations communications with the legislative branch regarding the airstrike. We are concerned that the administration took this action without the consultation of Congress and without respect for Congresss war powers granted to it by the Constitution, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a letter informing members of the upcoming vote Sunday. She said the resolution reasserts Congresss long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further congressional action is taken, the administrations military hostilities with regard to Iran cease within 30 days. On Friday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer noted the killing of Soleimani was consequential enough to lead to open conflict with Iran. It is my view that the president does not have the authority for a war with Iran, Schumer said on the Senate floor. If he plans a large increase in troops and potential hostility over a longer time, the administration will require congressional approval, and the approval of the American people. The president's decision may add to an already dangerous and difficult situation in the Middle East. The risk of a much longer military engagement in the Middle East is acute and immediate. This action may well have brought our nation closer to another endless war, exactly the kind of endless war the president promised he would not drag us into. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine has introduced a war powers resolution that will force a vote in the Senate on the issue. The text of that legislation notes the Trump administration has acknowledged neither the 2001 or 2002 AUMFs provides specific statutory authorization for military action against Iran. The question of whether United States forces should be engaged in armed conflict against Iran should only be made following a full briefing to Congress and the American public of the issues at stake, a public debate in Congress, and a congressional vote as contemplated by the Constitution, the legislation stipulates. The companion legislation that will receive a vote in the U.S. House this week has not yet been released but will be along similar lines, according to Speaker Pelosi. Erdogan and Putin meet for key talks on Syria and Libya Putin in Istanbul after Damascus for TurkStream gas pipeline (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, JANUARY 8 - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Wednesday in Istanbul for the inauguration of the strategic TurkStream gas pipeline, which will bring natural gas to Moscow through the Black Sea. This latest face-to-face meeting between the two leaders is coming at a critical moment for the region, and talks are expected to focus in particular on the crises in Syria, Libya, and Iraq. Putin arrived in Turkey on Tuesday evening from Syria, where he visited Damascus for the first time since the start of the civil war there and held a surprise meeting with Syrian President Bashar al Assad. The meeting with Assad was in preparation for talks with Erdogan on Idlib, which is the main unresolved issue in the conflict. Intensified airstrikes by Moscow and Damascus against the last rebel stronghold in Idlib in recent weeks have provoked a new migratory wave of about 250,000 people towards the Turkish border. The other key topic is that of Libya, where Erdogan announced a "gradual" sending of troops in support of the Government of National Accord (GNA) of Fayez al-Sarraj against the offensive by the forces of General Khalifa Haftar, backed by Putin. The two leaders will discuss a possible ceasefire, which would open the way to a de facto division of the country between the regions of Tripolitania and Cyrenaica. The leaders are also expected to talk about Iraq to try to stop the escalation between Iran and the US following the killing of General Qassem Soleimani and Tehran's response against the US bases in Iraq.(ANSAmed). HARTFORD The state of Connecticut has awarded $9.1 million in grants to help purchase and preserve parcels of land across Connecticut as open space, including in Hamden, Madison and Middletown, according to the office of Gov. Ned Lamont. According to a release, the grants are being administered through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protections Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program, which is intended to protect wildlife habitats, offer recreational opportunities, and serve as a buffer and adaptation to climate change by helping actors and organizations buy and preserve land. The state bequeathed $480,000 to the Madison Land Conservation Trust to help purchase the Dowd Hollow Preserve, a 144.47 acre piece of land that abuts property owned by the South Central Regional Water Authority. The parcel hosts numerous habitats including vernal pools, open fields, shrub meadows, forested wetlands, and a cranberry bog. A large portion of the property lies within a Natural Diversity Database Area. Acquisition of this property will protect one of the largest forested tracts in southern Connecticut, officials said. The MLCT will create a new public parking area and new hiking trails linking to RWAs Genesee Recreation Area and Ironwoods Preserve. For the Hamden area, the state awarded $44,600 to help the South Central Regional Water Authority purchase two properties, according to the release. The state awarded a $19,600 grant to help buy the Hendrickson property, a 7.53 acre piece of land that stretches into Bethany, according to the release. The property will connect to 164 acres of RWA land that abuts the property. Two streams on the property drain into Lake Watrous, a public water supply reservoir. The parcel is part of the West Rock Ridge and harbors species of special concern, officials said. Ninety percent of the property is made up of prime farmland soils. The RWA will allow for passive recreation, timber and cord wood harvesting, and environmental education and research. The 19-mile Quinnipiac Trail crosses the property. For the DePodesta property, a 14 acre piece of land behind Forest Street, the state awarded $25,000. There are 2 unnamed streams on site that flow into Lake Whitney, a public water supply reservoir. More than half of the property contains designated prime farmland soils or additional statewide important farmland soils, officials said. The Farmington Canal Trail abuts the property to the west. The RWA will evaluate the property to determine if additional recreational uses are permitted. The state awarded $63,450 to the Berlin Land Trust toward the purchase of the Tighe-Baldyga property, a 47 acre piece of land at the north end of Lamentation Mountain in Middletown currently surrounded by protected and undeveloped land, officials said. This parcel is part of the 330.15 acres watershed of the eastern-most, north-flowing tributary of Spruce Brook. Forestry resources include a swamp cottonwood grove and an abundance of sugar maple, hop hornbeam, red cedar, chestnut oak, hickory and slippery elm, officials said. High crests and ridgelines create suitable habitat for raptors, hawks and owls. The property can be accessed from Lamentation Drive in Berlin via the Mattabesset Trail or from Stantack Road, which can accommodate parking for ten vehicles. For purchases in the Northwest Corner, among other efforts, the state awarded $225,000 to the Cornwall Conservation Trust toward the purchase of 72.5 acres of core forest off Johnson Road; and $240,000 to buy 70 acres of land on West Woods Road in Sharon, according to the release. A complete list of the grants awarded Wednesday is available on the states website. With the grants awarded Wednesday, Lamonts office announced that the state had designated 500,000 acres of land as open space in Connecticut. The goal is to eventually preserve 673,210 acres in the state, according to the release. Open space is vital to environmental protection and a bright economic future for our state, Lamont said in the release. This program is an important component of preserving some of our states best and most beautiful land, and by partnering with our municipalities and nonprofits we can ensure that these valuable resources are preserved in perpetuity for generations to come. Governor Lamonts administration has prioritized initiatives that mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, while ensuring that DEEP implements policies that better preserve our air, water, and natural resources, DEEP Commissioner Katie S. Dykes said. This open space grant round represents an important investment and continued partnership with land trusts, our towns and cities, water companies, and conservation-minded citizens in preserving open space that makes progress toward climate response and provides greater opportunities for people to connect to our natural lands. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com Conrad Ankar and Jimmy Chin in Meru - photo by Courtesy of Music Box Films. Photo by Renan Ozturk. Some rock faces loom so large they dominate the landscape. Theyre simply massive unconquered. Yet to some, these monoliths present an irresistible climbing challenge, an opportunity to attempt the unimaginable. Yosemites Dawn Wall and the Sharks Fin on Mount Meru in the Himalayas are two such places. Audiences, climbers and non-climbers will be thrilled to experience special screenings of Meru and The Dawn Wall, a pair of adrenaline-pumping documentaries that capture high-stakes ascents of these legendary natural wonders. These 2D, giant-screen epics will fill the six-story screen at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater during 7 p.m. screenings on Jan. 24 and 25 (Meru) and Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 (The Dawn Wall). Meru recounts a climbing teams high-stakes attempt to summit the Sharks Fin on Mount Meru. Climbing a 21,000-foot mountain might seem challenging enough, but Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin and Renan Ozturk faced additional obstacles in their quest to tackle this dangerous ascent. Hair-raising ice climbs, sheer rock faces and the extreme altitude made conquering the mountain an almost impossible feat. Despite the abundance of deadly pitfalls, Anker, Chin and Ozturk journeyed to India to assail this seemingly insurmountable challenge. What was meant to be a seven-day trip to the summit with just enough food to make it to the top turned into a 20-day odyssey in sub-zero temperatures. Beaten back by a massive blizzard, the teams first attempt failed. Undaunted, they returned three years later, determined to attempt the gauntlet once more. Their Olympic efforts are documented in a gripping film that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. A week after hosting Meru, the theater will feature The Dawn Wall. For many climbers, Yosemite National Park holds a special significance as a place to push themselves harder and climb a little higher. That made the park an enticing venue for American rock climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson, who have continuously sought new challenges since they first began scaling rock faces in their early teens. The towering granite surface for which The Dawn Wall is named receives the first rays of sunlight in the park each day. Its an almost glass-like surface that towers almost 3,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. For Tommy Caldwell, The Dawn Wall was much more than just a climb, it was the culmination of a lifetime defined by overcoming obstacles, reads a description on the films website. Caldwell had been taken hostage by rebels in Kyrgystan, lost an index finger in an accident and also had personal challenges. Rather than being weighed down by these hardships, however, he instead focused his mind and body on a singular goal conquering The Dawn Wall. After six years of exploratory climbing, plotting and preparation, Caldwell and Jorgeson made a final attempt that drew worldwide attention. IMAX audiences will be awestruck by the majesty of Yosemite and the heart-pounding action as they watch this duo clinging to the mountain by their fingertips. Tickets to see either Meru or The Dawn Wall are $13.95 per person ($11.95 per person for Tennessee Aquarium Members). These special screenings are at 7 p.m. Jan. 24-25 (Meru), and 7 p.m. Jan. 31-Feb 1 (The Dawn Wall). A cash bar with beer and wine will be available for these special screenings. The woman booked for displaying a 'Free Kashmir' placard during a protest against the JNU violence here has told the police she had no ulterior motive and had picked up the controversial banner which was lying on the ground, an official said on Wednesday. Police on Wednesday recorded the statement of the woman, Mehak Mirza Prabhu, who held aloft the 'Free Kashmir' placard during the anti-JNU violence protest at the Gateway of India on Monday, he said. Though she had later apologised for her act, the Colaba police on Tuesday booked her under IPC section 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration). Prabhu, who is a poet and a script writer, was called to the Colaba Police Station, where her statement was recorded by a woman police officer in front of Sangramsinh Nishandar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I), the official said. Prabhu, who was accompanied by her lawyer, was allowed to go after her statement was recorded in the evening, he said. The proceeding was partly video recorded, the official said, adding the placards, banners and posters used during the protest, were also brought to the police station. Prabhu, however, did not speak to the waiting media. The 34-year-old woman's actual name is Tejal Prabhu, who has adopted 'Mirza' as her pen-name as she admires legendary Urdu and Persian poet Mirza Ghalib, he said. She also has good knowledge of Urdu, the official said. Prabhu had sympathy with the JNU students attacked by goons on Sunday night and this led her to join the protest at the Gateway of India that lasted for 34 hours, he said. During the questioning she told the police there was no other motive behind her action of picking up the placard of "Free Kashmir" lying on the ground and displaying it, he said. Prabhu told the police about the communication curbs in Kashmir since early August and said people in the erstwhile state were not able to express themselves, the official said. "Kashmiris should be treated like us, they should also get basic rights which we are getting. They should also have freedom to express themselves. Keeping these things in mind, she picked up the placard," she told the police, according to the official. After picking up the placard she spoke to some people about it. Sometime later a few people came towards her and asked to raise the placard higher, the official said. "During screening of her social media profiles, we did not find anything objectionable against her and also did not find her connection with any organisation," he said. The statement-recording process lasted for more than three hours, he said. The placards, banners and posters used during the Gateway of India protest were also brought to the police station, the official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress had appropriated $391 million in military assistance to Ukraine $250 million from the Pentagon and $141 million from the State Department meant to be spent by the end of September. Though the Pentagon announced its plans to provide the aid in June, White House officials blocked its release in July. It remained frozen until mid-September, when Mr. Trump relented after pressure from lawmakers and administration officials. With just two weeks left in the fiscal year, the Pentagon was unable to fully disburse the funds. According to testimony from Mark Sandy, an official in the Office of Management and Budget, about $35 million was left unspent. Congress then extended the deadline to the 2020 fiscal year to allow for the disbursement of the remaining aid. Had that provision not been included, then any unobligated funds as of Sept. 30 would have expired, Mr. Sandy said. What Mr. Trump Said We have thousands of ISIS prisoners that were keeping right now under lock and key. And we want Europe to take many of these prisoners because they came from Germany, France and other places probably a few from Greece, in all fairness. This is exaggerated. Estimates from Mr. Trumps own administration show that he is overstating the share of Islamic State fighters who hail from Europe. Scientists from the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin are coordinating an international project on the single-cell analysis of the human pancreas. The project is part of a global undertaking - known as the Human Cell Atlas - to molecularly describe and map the human body one cell at a time. The aim is to understand what constitutes a healthy body, to discover previously unknown details about healthy and diseased tissue, and thus to help develop new and more precise diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The European Union is supporting the Horizon 2020 project ESPACE to the tune of 5 million, with 1 million going to Berlin. The project kicks off on January 1, 2020. The pancreas performs important functions in the human body. It controls blood sugar levels through the production of hormones such as insulin and glucagon in its islet cells. It also aids digestion by producing enzymes in its gland cells and secreting these into the small intestine. The enzymes break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats into their basic components, making them ready for use by the body. So it is no surprise that pancreatic disturbances have severe and immediate consequences: If insulin production stops working, then diabetes develops. If gland cells become overactive, the result is an inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, or, in the worst case, pancreatic cancer. "For this reason, we have long been interested in studying in detail this important human organ," explains Professor Roland Eils, chair and founding director of the Digital Health Center at the BIH and Charite. "It is, however, tricky to isolate the molecular components of the gland, because the digestive enzymes work very fast and quickly break down, for example, ribonucleic acid, or RNA." In an international pilot project of the Human Cell Atlas, which was funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Eils and his colleagues have therefore figured out how to carefully handle and process the individual pancreatic cells. "This preliminary work has made it possible for the pancreas sub-project to be incorporated into the global Human Cell Atlas initiative," reports Eils. In the current project, the scientists plan to closely examine the around 20 different known cell types in the pancreas - and possibly discover unknown cell types. A total of ten project groups from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Israel and Italy will also study gene activity by analyzing the messenger RNA from the cell nucleus and the proteome, the set of all proteins in the individual cells. The material will come from organs removed from patients, brain-dead donors and deceased fetuses, thus enabling the scientists to compare diseased and healthy tissue and to track the development of the pancreas. Some 100,000 cell nuclei from different regions will be individually analyzed per organ - a total of three million cells overall. "Such a mammoth project can only succeed if there is a joint effort by numerous partners with different areas of expertise," says Eils. "Here experts from medicine, biology, mathematics, computer science, chemistry and physics will work together." The actual analysis of the RNA from the cell nuclei and the spatial mapping will take place in Berlin. With the help of special microscopes and molecular staining methods, the group led by Dr. Christian Conrad from the Digital Health Center can determine exactly where in the pancreas each cell type originates. Jurgen Eils, brother and colleague of Roland Eils, and his team at the Digital Health Center will bring together and evaluate the data from the international sub-projects. The pancreas project is a sub-project of the global Human Cell Atlas initiative, in which researchers around the world have joined forces to profile every single cell in the human body. The aim is to understand the processes in a healthy body in order to be able to better diagnose, treat and prevent diseases. "The Human Cell Atlas project is certainly one of the most promising projects in the life sciences field," says Eils. "It is comparable to the Human Genome Project, which saw scientists around the world work together for 30 years to sequence the complete human genome. Similar to when the Genome Project got underway, the Human Cell Atlas poses a herculean task that can't be accomplished with today's methods. But our vision here is to make a significant contribution to understanding how human life functions." The pancreas project is the only one of the six European Human Cell Atlas initiatives that is being coordinated in Germany. ### New Delhi, Jan 8 : Seeking a review of the Supreme Court verdict on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel have sought open court hearing on their pleas. Justice Arun Mishra said that he will speak to the Chief Justice S.A. Bobde on the matter. Telecom firms are supposed to pay Rs 92,000 crore in dues to the government by January 23 following the court order in October last year. The Supreme Court had ordered telecom carriers, including telecom majors Bharti Airtel Ltd. and Vodafone Idea Ltd., to pay the government as much as Rs 92,000 crore ($13 billion) in past dues, which includes penalties and interest. A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra said telcom companies will have to shell out the dues. Department of Telecom's (DoT) total demand is estimated around Rs 92,000 crore. "We allow the appeals of the DoT... The gross revenue will prevail as defined as gross revenue", said the court citing no further exercise should take place in connection with the re-calculations regarding the dues. The top court specified that there should not be any further litigation on the matter. The apex court also passed a separate order on the specific time frame for the telecom companies to pay their dues. Canadian Pacific has resumed rail traffic and all rail cars from Friday's derailment have been removed from the track. The news was shared by the Scott County Emergency Management Agency on its Facebook Saturday. At the LeClaire City Council meeting Monday, Mayor Ray Allen said he was looking to speak to Canadian Pacific about the speed of its trains. I am concerned about the speed issue, not so much to being the cause of the accident but it just seems like speed makes the result of the accident like that much worse than it otherwise might be, Allen said. Allen said the accident could have been much worse, noting that if the cars had fallen towards LeClaires business district rather than the levee, there may have been demolished buildings. It could have been a pretty terrible thing. By Lee Suh-yoon Seoul's dense concrete landscape is changing constantly. To preserve the city's historic layers from mass-scale redevelopment, the city government created the Seoul Future Heritage list. Since 2012, the list has designated over 400 buildings, sites and even non-physical cultural assets as "future heritage." Most are old shops and restaurants that still have a distinct local character. But there are also novels and food. On Dec. 30 last year, Seoul Metropolitan Government announced 16 new additions to its annually updated list. They include a host of old art galleries and novels set in an older Seoul. In this round of evaluations, two restaurants, a marinated beef dish and an iconic building that once housed the literary magazine Saemteo made the cut. "Seoul's future heritage sites may seem ordinary to us now, but these cultural assets are priceless treasures for the next generation," Yoo Yeon-sik, head of the city's culture division, said in a statement announcing the 2019 additions. "We hope citizens will partake in the efforts to consolidate Seoul's cultural identity through the preservation and utilization of future heritage." The city provides the owners of future heritage sites with a copper plate marking the honorary designation and a free slot in the city's tourism brochure. Some are also given a small amount of funding to cover repair costs. Despite the good intentions, however, the "future heritage" label has also been criticized in recent years for failing to provide real support to designated sites facing closure due to high rent or redevelopment. Here are the 2019 additions to the future heritage list. Art Galleries Tongin Hwarang / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government "Hwarang" (traditional art galleries) have served as a valuable platform for rising young artists in Korea. Four of them Tongin Hwarang, Chosun Hwarang, Ye Hwarang and Samtuh Hwarang are now Seoul's future heritage sites. The oldest among them, Chosun Hwarang, opened in 1971. It provided an international outlet for Korean artists by participating in global art fairs and exhibits. The youngest, Samteo, which opened in 1978, is well-known for showcasing modern and contemporary styles of art that developed with the 1980s democracy movement in Korea. Samtuh Hwarang, now known as the Wellside Gallery / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government Ye Hwarang, the first hwarang to open in the Gangnam area in southern Seoul in 1978, is well-known for hosting various exhibits by Baek Nam-soon, one of Korea's first female painters to be educated abroad. The fourth is Tongin Hwarang, popular among foreign tourists for its ceramic and art store. The gallery opened in 1975 and has hosted works by acclaimed artists such as Park Seo-bo, Yoon Kwang-cho and Heo Geon. Novels The city is adding three more historical fiction books based in Seoul to the list. "Mother," a novel by Na Do-hyang from 1925, tracks a concubine's search for happiness through the streets of Seoul during the 1919-45 Japanese occupation. "Jeon Asa" by Choi Seo-hae, also set in the 1920s, shows how a provincial man adapts slowly to the capital's way of life. Unlike the first two, "Electric Train Sightings" by Ha Geun-chan is based much later, in 1974. A man and his grandson take a day trip on the newly opened Seoul Metro Line 1, capturing vivid scenes of 1970s Seoul. A cookbook "Chosun Cooking Methods" / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government "Chosun Cooking Methods," published in 1939, shares how to easily prepare "royal dishes" that were reserved previously for nobles. According to the city's evaluation, it is the "original form" of the Korean food scene in the capital. Restaurants One of the two Michelin-type additions to the list is Nakwon Agu Jjim. The restaurant is located in an alley next to Nakwon Musical Instruments Arcade, where you can find the best agu jjim (spicy monkfish stew) in Seoul. Even if you can't handle the spice, Agu Jjim is a must for those who want to expand their horizons on food texture. There are a dozen agu jjim joints in the area but Nakwon Agu Jjim is the oldest, passing down two generations since 1977. The second is Won Codfish Soup. Opened in 1979, it is also the oldest restaurant in Samgakji's codfish soup alley. Food The people responsible for compiling the future heritage list seem to be running out of items, adding two general dishes to the list. One is neobiani, sliced grilled beef marinated in sweetened soy sauce. It's an earlier version of the well-known bulgogi which uses shredded beef that was formerly consumed only by noble families in Seoul. The other is gujeolpan, another noble family dish that is now served at fancy hansik (traditional Korean food) restaurants. It's served on a tray with nine divided sections each section holding a different filling to be put inside small wheat flour pancakes. Historic buildings Hwanil High School / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government Yongsan Jeil Church, a well-preserved stone building built just after the 1950-53 Korean War, and the former headquarters of the Unification Church in Cheongpa-dong have been added to the list. So has Hwanil High School, a 1957 steel and concrete structure in Mapo-gu that stands in contrast to the modern apartment buildings around it. It is also an all-boy Christian high school. Blg 001 / Courtesy of 00 Ground Ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn arriving to hold a press conference in Beirut on 8 January. Photo: AFP/Getty Former chief of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi [RNO.PA] alliance Carlos Ghosn launched a blistering attack on the Japanese criminal justice system and his former colleagues at Nissan (NSANY) in a live-streamed press conference in Beirut on Wednesday. I am here to clear my name, he said. In shocking words, likely to provoke disgust in Japan, he compared his sudden arrest to how the Japanese airforce took the US by surprise with their attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in 1941. Did you notice Pearl Harbor? he said Ghosn, one of the car industrys most powerful leaders, began by describing his arrest and custody conditions, saying today was one I have looked forward to for every single day for over 400 days, since I was brutally taken from my world as I know it. It is impossible to express the depths of my deprivation, and my profound appreciation to be able to be reunited with my friends and loved ones, he said. He said that today is a poignant reminder of the day one year ago when he appeared before a Japanese judge in Tokyo to plead his innocence, bound by a leash around my waist after being held alone in solitary confinement. He went on to say that he was not allowed any contact with his family, apart from seeing their letters through glass, and interrogated for up to eight hours a day without any lawyers present, without knowing what he was accused of. It will get worse for you if you dont just confess the prosecutor told me repeatedly, Ghosn said adding that he was pressured to confess, and told if you dont confess we will not just go after you but also after your family. He said that Japans courts have a 99.4% conviction rate, and described the countrys justice system as one that is indifferent to the truth, indifferent to fairness and process, indifferent to fundamental civil liberties and justice. He said the choice was to get out of Japan or die. Ghosn, who has been charged with four counts of financial and corporate fraud, had been imprisoned in Tokyo for over a year. He jumped bail on 28 December, boarding a private jet in Osaka bound for Istanbul and another from there to Beirut, where he has a home. He holds Lebanese, French and Brazilian passports, but Lebanon does not have an extradition treaty with Japan. Story continues Blaming Nissan Moving on from describing his experience in the prison system, Ghosn then launched into what he claimed were the real reasons behind him being arrested and ousted as chief of the car groupplacing the blame firmly at Nissans door. The collusion between Nissan and the prosecutor is everywhere, he said. He said the plot against him was based on Nissans declining performance in early 2017, and blamed former CEO Hiroto Saikawa for that. Some of our Japanese friends thought the only way to get rid of the influence of Renault on Nissan is to get rid of me, he said. Unfortunately, they were right. Ghosn, using tables and financial statements on a screen, carried on to deny there was anything untoward in the so-called CEO reserve fund, which form the basis of the fraud charges against him. Ghosn denied the accusation against him that he illicitly used Nissan funds to buy houses for himself, producing a letter signed by former CEO Hiroto Saikawa approving the payments. The great escape Ghosn also said that he was not going to talk about how he managed to leave Japan, adding, to laughter from the press, although I can imagine that you are interested. The emerging story of how automobile titan became, as Bloomberg put it, the worlds most famous fugitive is worthy of a film script. Details of his risky escape plan include: how he walked out of his guarded home in Roppongi, Tokyo, and boarded a bullet train to Osaka, the involvement of a US security consultant (and former Green Beret), who specialises in hostage extraction, and Ghosn being reportedly loaded onto the private jets in a large case. Ghosn also spoke today about former Nissan executive Greg Kelly, who is still in custody in Japan, calling him a victim of the system, and saying he was lured to Tokyo under false pretences to be arrested along with Ghosn. He is being punished precisely because he is honourable and refused to participate in this plea-bargaining agreement, Ghosn said. Japan has suffered a major loss of face by letting Ghosn get away. Japanese ambassador to Lebanon Takeshi Okubi said Ghosns escape can never be overlooked by the government of Japan. Ghosns legal team said earlier on Wednesday that the former executive will request to be tried in Beirut. While the press conference was taking place on Wednesday, Lebanons top state prosecutor announced he is summoning Ghosn for questions tomorrow over the Interpol Red Notice issued for his arrest after fleeing Japan. Twitter In response to a question from the Wall Street Journal on his plans to clear his name, or how he feels about living as a legal fugitive, Ghosn said: I am used to what you call mission impossible. I dont consider that I am in a situation where I cant do anything, I can clear my nameyou can expect me in the next weeks to tell you what kind of forum Im going to use to clear my name. I dont consider myself as a prisoner in Lebanon, he added. The Supreme Court recently declined to hear an appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Martin v. City of Boise. The plaintiffs in Martin were six homeless residents of the city of Boise, Idaho, each of whom was cited for violating municipal statutes banning camping and sleeping on public property. Five of the plaintiffs were sentenced to time-served for their violation of the city ordinances. In making its decision, the Ninth Circuit weighed, in the majoritys words, whether the Eighth Amendments prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment bars a city from prosecuting people criminally for sleeping outside on public property when those people have no home or other shelter to go to. The merits of the laws are certainly debatable. What seems clear is that no reasonable person alive at the Founding would have considered them to violate the Eighth Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment. For one thing, its unclear that the Framers meant for the Eighth Amendment to impose substantive limits on what states can criminalize, rather than restrictions on the types of punishments they can impose. For another, vagrancy laws were unremarkable features of most state legislatures at the time of the Founding. Maine and Massachusetts both enacted laws in the spring of 1788 that called for suppressing and punishing . . . Rogues, Vagabonds, common Beggars, and other idle, disorderly, and lewd Persons, and for the subsequent commitment of such persons to a convenient house or houses of correction . . . for the keeping, correcting, and setting to work of them. Even if one were to ignore the historical evidence, however, the Ninth Circuits ruling is just as puzzling in its interpretation of relevant case law and its application of precedent, making the Courts denial of certiorari all the more bizarre. Some background is in order. The Martin majority argues that Boise was unconstitutionally criminalizing the status of the homeless plaintiffs. Its analysis relies in part on the Supreme Courts 1962 ruling in Robinson v. California, which considered whether a California law that made it a criminal offense to be addicted to the use of narcotics constituted cruel and unusual punishment. Justice Potter Stewart, writing for the majority, ruled that it did. We deal with a statute which makes the status of narcotic addiction a criminal offense, he wrote, a law that criminalized an illness which may be contracted innocently or involuntarily. Stewart recognized that imprisonment for ninety days is not, in the abstract, a punishment which is either cruel or unusual, but wrote that even one day in prison would be a cruel and unusual punishment for the crime of having a common cold. Story continues That decision presented state legislatures with a broad and unwieldy standard for status crimes. Later on, the Court clarified that standard in a 1968 case, Powell v. Texas, that dealt with a Texas law prohibiting public drunkenness. The plaintiffs claimed that the law criminalized the status of alcoholism, but in a 54 decision, the Court rejected this argument. The plurality opinion, written by Justice Thurgood Marshall, argued that the plaintiff was convicted not for being a chronic alcoholic per se, but for being in public while drunk on a particular occasion. In a separate concurrence, Justice Byron White claimed that while it was unconstitutional to punish an alcoholic simply for drinking or for being drunk, the appellants conviction was for the different crime of being drunk in a public place. In the Ninth Circuits majority opinion in Martin, Judge Marsha Berzon claims that the binding rationale in Powell is found in a dissenting opinion. Because Justice White, she says, concurred in the result alone while broadly mirroring the ratiocination of the dissent that punishing a defendants irresistible urge to consume alcohol would be unconstitutional the binding precedent laid out by Powell is that which is found in both Whites opinion and the dissent: that criminal penalties may not be inflicted upon a person for being in a condition he is powerless to change. This reading of the Powell case appears to derive binding precedent from the holding of the Courts dissenting minority. And that, it turns out, is contentious. To see why, look to another case: Marks v. United States (1977), which governs whether and how precedent can be fashioned out of the opinions of a divided Court. Lower courts follow the narrowest grounds rule in these circumstances, taking a logical subset or least-common denominator approach. Put simply, this means that when a majority on the Court did not agree on the reasoning by which they arrived at their decision, the reasoning that binds lower courts in future cases is the thread that appears in each constitutive portion of the Courts majority. The Ninth Circuits approach to this rule in the Boise case combining Whites concurrence in Powell with the rationale of the dissenters is not unprecedented, as some circuit courts have taken a similar tack. But it is hotly disputed, as it arguably affords undue power to the dissenting justices who, in the words of DC Circuit Judge Stephen F. Williams, enjoy something of the liberty of a gadfly, as the outcome does not in fact depend on what they say. Eugene Volokh, a professor at the UCLA School of Law, tells National Review that while the question of whether five-Justice concurrence-plus-dissent positions are binding precedent remains an unsettled matter, the Marks Court that Berzon relies upon generally believed that the dissenters do not count. Berzon seems to think they do. But Judge Mark J. Bennett, the lone dissenter in the Martin case, chided the majoritys reasoning, quoting a scholar who observed that the inclusion of dissenting justices in a Court holding would paradoxically create a precedent that contradicted the judgment in that very case. In Bennetts view, his colleagues ruling flouts that common sense rule to extract from Powell a holding that does not exist. The Ninth Circuits ruling in the Martin case threatens to undermine a wide array of municipal quality-of-life laws. Sleeping, of course, is but one of many biological imperatives felt by the homeless population, and the logic employed in Martin may be used to undermine laws that uphold public order. But it also raises more questions than it answers on the thorny matter of how lower courts should treat divided Supreme Court opinions questions that can only be resolved by the Supreme Court. If only the Court had taken the case. More from National Review Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday slammed former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Chouhan for asserting that the Centre will implement the amended citizenship law at any cost and said the BJP will have to pay a "heavy price for its stubbornness". "An elected government which refuses to heed the voice of its people or respond to their anger is bound to lose their confidence and collapse," the CM said reacting to BJP leaders statement made in Ludhiana on Tuesday. He said the BJP's stance on the issue smacked of a "dangerously fascist approach" that would lead to their eventual downfall. "The BJP will have to pay a heavy price for stubbornness on the CAA," he said in a statement here. On his government's stance on the contentious law, the CM said they can't be forced to implement the "brazenly divisive Act" in Punjab. The Punjab CM reiterated that neither he nor the Congress was against the granting of citizenship to persecuted minorities but they were completely opposed to the discrimination in the CAA against Muslims. Amarinder Singh said despite a nationwide outrage against the legislation, the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre was refusing to acknowledge the unconstitutionality of the CAA. He lashed out at the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister, saying that Chouhan, like other BJP leaders, had no inkling of the implications or consequences of the CAA. He rejected Chouhan's claim that the protests against the legislation were the brainchild of the Congress. The protests against the legislation were the result of a spontaneous outrage among Indians cutting across religious and party lines, the CM stressed. "Does Chouhan really believe that lakhs of people, including students, who had come out on the streets to brave bullets and lathis, were Congress supporters," asked Amarinder Singh. "Can't he or the other BJP leaders hear the voice of these protesters, a majority of whom have no personal stake in the matter," he added. The Punjab CM said the people of India could see what Chouhan had failed to see - that the CAA was an out and out unconstitutional enactment, which was "aimed at destroying the secular ethos on which India's Constitution and ideology was based". It was obvious, he said, that the CAA had become an ego issue for the ruling BJP and its leadership, which had closed its eyes to the damage it would cause to the Indian democracy, especially in conjunction with the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The people of India were no fools and could see how the CAA was designed to destroy the nation's secular character, he said. Chouhan on Tuesday had charged Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi with "spreading lies and misinformation" about the CAA in the country. He had wondered why some chief ministers, particularly Amarinder Singh, who were bound by an oath to implement all laws of the country in their states, were opposing this law. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Article L. 238-8-II of the French commercial Code and article 223-16 of the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) general regulation Regulatory News: Corporate name of the issuer: Veolia Environnement (Paris:VIE) 21, rue La Boetie 75008 PARIS FRANCE (ISIN code: FR0000124141-VIE) Information closing date Total number of shares forming the share capital Total number of voting rights December 31, 2019 567,266,539 Total number of theoretical voting rights (1)602,167,823 Total number of voting rights that may be exercised(2): 589,717,358 Inclusion in the Veolia Environnement Articles of Association of a clause requiring a reporting obligation of the declaration of crossing a shareholding threshold, complementary to the one relating to the thresholds provided by the French law and the regulations in force (article 8). (1) Number of theoretical voting rights after taking into account the number of shares with double voting rights as of December 31, 2019 (34,901,284 shares) and the number of treasury shares held as of December 31, 2019 (12,450,465 shares). (2) Number of voting rights that may be exercised number of theoretical voting rights (or total number of voting rights attached to shares) shares without voting rights (number of treasury shares held as of December 31, 2019). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005741/en/ Contacts: Veolia Environnement tel.: +33 (0)1 85 57 70 00 Fax: +33 (0)1 71 75 10 45 Bottles of Corona and Pacifico beer are displayed in a cooler at Marin Beverage Outlet in San Rafael, California. Beer brewer Constellation Brands' big bet on cannabis company Canopy Growth has yet to pay off. The brewer of Corona and Modelo invested $4 billion in the Canada-based company in 2017. The company has yet to turn a profit and is investing heavily in expansion. Overall, Canopy shares are down 30% over the last year. But Constellation's chief executive said on the company's post-earnings conference call Wednesday that he was optimistic about Canopy's prospects as more marijuana users buy the drug legally instead of on the black market. "We remain bullish on the Canadian cannabis market as the conversion of the illicit market to the legal market continues to strengthen," CEO Bill Newlands told analysts on the conference call. Constellation reported fiscal third-quarter net income of $366.5 million, dragged down by $71.1 million loss on its investment in Canada-based Canopy Growth. The alcoholic beverage company has reported a loss on its stake in Canopy in all three quarters of its fiscal 2020. Shares of Constellation, which has a market value of $36.2 billion, were still trading up 4% in midday trading Wednesday after the company raised its full-year adjusted earnings forecast. In December, the brewer announced that Chief Financial Officer David Klein would be the marijuana grower's new chief executive, effective Jan. 14. On Wednesday, Newlands told analysts that Klein would bring "more focus and discipline" to the business. In October, a year after permitting recreational marijuana use, Canada legalized marijuana-based vapes, edibles and beverages products with higher profit margins, presenting an opportunity for Canopy. Canopy is rolling out its own vapes and edibles, as well as cannabis-infused beverages made with Constellation. "We couldn't be more excited to see these products in the marketplace," Newlands said. The Modelo brewer's bet on cannabis came as U.S. consumption of beer declined and legalized cannabis was seen as a threat to all alcohol categories. Some health conscious consumers are skipping alcohol altogether. Those who still drink are choosing spirits, higher value wine, premium beer or hard seltzer, the summer's biggest alcohol trend. To capitalize on that trend, Constellation is planning to launch a Corona-branded hard seltzer around the start of fiscal 2021. But it will be entering a crowded market. White Claw, the market leader, dominates the category. Other options include Anheuser-Busch InBev's Bon & Viv and Boston Beer Company's Truly. Constellation has also been selling off some of its portfolio to respond to changing consumer tastes. In December, the company announced a deal to sell its Ballast Point beer brand. Excluding the loss on the Canopy investment and other items, Constellation's adjusted quarterly earnings of $2.14 per share topped analysts' estimates of $1.85 per share. The company reported revenue of $1.99 billion, beating Wall Street's expectations of $1.95 billion. Tour Injury Lawsuit Tests Whether TripAdvisor Is Liability-Free A New Jersey woman has sued TripAdvisor and its Viator brand over injuries she allegedly sustained on a camel ride tour in Morocco that she booked through Viator. The suit, filed earlier this week and first reported by the Boston Globe, raises questions about whether TripAdvisor can be held liable for damages related to activities booked on its sites but run by third-party tour operators, and how camel rides fit in with its policies on tours involving animals. The plaintiff, Breanne Ayala of Medford, New Jersey, alleged that she got injured on a sunset camel tour in Marrakech, Morocco, on January 3, 2018, that she had booked on Viator. In the lawsuit, filed in a state court in Massachusetts, where TripAdvisor is based, Ayala alleged that the camel she rode broke away from a caravan of other camels, and that she fell to the ground, breaking her upper right arm and pinching a nerve. One of the guides, according to the lawsuit, claimed before the incident that the camel was pregnant and would give birth in about a month. The lawsuit alleges that the plaintiff didnt get a safety briefing before the tour nor a van ride back to the hotel, as described on the website, and there was an inordinate delay in calling an ambulance after Ayala was injured. The van had not shown up for the return trip, and the injury occurred on the resultant camel ride back to the tours starting point, according to the suit. The lawsuit does not name the tour operator that ran the sunset camel ride excursion in Marrakesh. A similar tour, operated by Marrakech Top Excursions, is currently available on Viator. Over the years, its been fairly tough to sue TripAdvisor and win. On the user review front, which is not at play in this lawsuit, U.S. courts have generally shielded TripAdvisor and other online review sites like Yelp from defamation lawsuits because of protections in the federal Communications Decency Act. On the question of tours booked through TripAdvisor, which is at the core of the lawsuit, its important to note that TripAdvisor does not operate the vast majority of tours sold through TripAdvisor and Viator. Most are run by third-party tour operators. Story continues When it comes to tours and activities booked on Viator but operated by third parties, Viators terms and conditions state: Your interactions with Suppliers are at your own risk. Viator will have no liability with respect to the acts, omissions, errors, representations, warranties, breaches, or negligence of any Supplier or for any personal injuries, death, property damage, or other damages or expenses resulting from your interactions with any Supplier. TripAdvisor declined to comment on the lawsuit. TripAdvisor Settled an Earlier Lawsuit But in a second lawsuit filed against TripAdvisor and Viator in federal court in Massachusetts in September 2018, TripAdvisor argued that U.S. federal law grants it absolute immunity from liability resulting from operations run by third-party providers. In that lawsuit, plaintiff Kari Mucciariello alleged that she was thrown from an ATV in rough terrain on a Mexico seashore tour in May 2017 and permanently lost functionality in a wrist. The plaintiff also claimed that defendants TripAdvisor and Viator were negligent because the tour operator conducted the tour in a large group, not a small one, as promised, offered no personal instruction, and the guides and the rest of the group sped away, causing the plaintiff to accelerate the ATV in an attempt to keep pace. TripAdvisor settled the ATV tour lawsuit on December 4, 2019. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Animal Protections The lawsuit related to the sunset camel tour could raise questions about animal protections on tours, which have become a hot topic. Skift Asia Editor Raini Hamdi recently wrote a deep dive, The Complicated Business of Saving Elephant Tourism, and a follow-up article, Stricter Guidelines on Elephant Tourism Put Thai Travel Agents in Quandary. These articles debate whether elephant tourism should be observation-only or whether it should allow elephant rides but entail more investment, care, and training for operators. In the Ayala lawsuit against TripAdvisor and Viator, the plaintiff alleged that she was told by one of the guides that the camel she rode was pregnant and would give birth in about a month. While all the other camels in the group kneeled to allow riders to mount them, Ayalas camel didnt, and she had to be lifted into the saddle twice during the tour. When Ms. Ayala and her family asked about why the camel would not kneel, they (were) told by the handlers that the company acquired the camel when it was older and was too old to be trained, the lawsuit alleged. Later one of the handlers told Ayala, according to the lawsuit, that the camel was pregnant. When the plaintiff and her family asked the handlers why they were using a pregnant camel in the tour, they just laughed, the lawsuit claimed. Intrepid Travel, which unlike TripAdvisor is a tour operator, offers some tours where camel rides are optional and has safeguards for camel welfare. Among them, Intrepid bars camel rides in extreme temperatures and handlers who use physical force, and it aims to ensure that the camels have clear eyes and coats, according to a spokeswoman for Intrepid. TripAdvisors new animal welfare policy bars traveler physical contact with animals in captivity, but considers camels domesticated animals, and thus camel tours are allowed to be booked on its sites. Airbnb, too, doesnt bar camel rides per se, but these tours must meet its guidelines, a spokeswoman said. Airbnb has prohibitions against camels being overworked, and the camels eyes must be alert and clear, according to the policy. Subscribe to Skift newsletters covering the business of travel, restaurants, and wellness. A senior employee of a for-profit immigrant detention center in Nevada has been placed on administrative leave after it was revealed that he was active on a neo-Nazi website and had ambitions of starting his own local white nationalist group. Travis Frey, 31, currently works at the Nevada Southern Detention Center, which is contracted by ICE and run by CoreCivic. CoreCivic is a private company that operates several ICE facilities. Frey was placed on leave after a report from Vice News detailed how he joined the neo-Nazi site Iron March in 2013 and posted at least a dozen times from 2016 to 2017 while working at a CoreCivic facility in Indianapolis. Travis Frey, 31, does currently work at the Nevada Southern Detention Center, which is contracted by ICE and run by CoreCivic 'The employee in question has been placed on administrative leave while we review the information that has come to light,' said Amanda Gilchrist, director of public affairs at CoreCivic. 'We recognize the inherent dignity of the human person and the need to treat every individual with respect.' When posting on the site, Frey used the screen name 'In Hoc Signo Vinces' - which is the title of the American Nazi Party's manifesto. In a late 206 post, Frey used homophobic slurs when talking about a specific person - who was unnamed. He was placed on administrative leave after it was discovered that he had been writing post on the Iron March website When posting on the site, Frey used the screen name 'In Hoc Signo Vinces' - which is the title of the American Nazi Party's manifesto 'Deep down no one really gives a shit about racism,' Frey stated. 'This is just empty signaling from this f****t.' Frey expressed interest in starting a chapter of the Traditionalist Worker Party in June 2017. The now-defunct white nationalist organization was instrumental in organizing the violent Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. According to a now deleted LinkedIn page, Frey was in the Marines from 2006 to 2009. He has spent the past decade working in corrections or immigrant detention in Georgia, California, Indiana and Nevada. The Nevada Southern Detention Center - where Frey has worked since 2018 - is located roughly 62 miles from Las Vegas in Pahrump, Nevada. The facility has an average daily population of 189. NEW YORK - Even before President Donald Trump, bathed in bright sunlight, emerged from a White House office to take his place at a podium backed by stern-faced military leaders, Wednesday had become a memorable day for an administration keenly aware of how it appears in the media. The entire world is watching this podium, said MSNBCs Craig Melvin, as news network cameras trained on the empty platform for roughly half an hour. The utter and complete silence in the room, observed CNNs Kate Bolduan. This shows the weight of the moment. It was a television cliffhanger: how would the president, who had tweeted tough talk throughout the past weekend, respond to Irans missile attack on U.S. forces stationed in Iraq? Ultimately, after the missiles caused no casualties, Trump decided not to retaliate militarily and the nation could exhale from a crisis that began with a U.S. drone strike that killed an Iranian general. Besides the news networks, big broadcasters ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox interrupted regular programming to carry his address live. The news about the lack of American deaths or injuries, whether by luck or design, led to a change in tone among some of the television advisers that Trump often plays close attention to. Fox News Channels Sean Hannity talked tough Tuesday night in the immediate aftermath of the missile attacks. There is a massive price to pay, Hannity said. You dont get to do what they did tonight. They have now been begging the president wanted to talk and wants peace and theyre going to get hit hard. Their hostility will now be met with the full force of the greatest, most advanced, most sophisticated military the world has ever seen. In a Sunday tweet, Trump said the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner if attacked by Iran. Suggesting bombs might be on the way, Hannity said that anyone who worked at an Iranian oil refinery might want to get a new job. Foxs Geraldo Rivera tweeted to his followers early in the evening that he would be appearing on Hannitys show counselling restraint. An hour later, Rivera wrote, Never mind Hannity just cancelled me. Yet after a nights sleep, things were calmer on the Fox & Friends morning show. Trump was a winner. The Iranian response was weak. Americans should be proud that he has taken out a monster, said Fox analyst Mike Huckabee, father of Trumps former White House press secretary, Sarah Sanders. I dont think (the Iranian retaliation) warrants a response, said another Fox analyst, Brett Velicovich. Fox news anchor Bill Hemmer said after Trumps speech that the Iranians now know that this is a president who means business. Attention also turned to a more familiar opponent the media. Fox news anchor Bret Baier, shortly after Trump spoke, said theres a sense that the president doesnt get credit when something good happens. You wonder whether Trump derangement syndrome doesnt figure in with some of the responses that you hear in Washington, Baier said. Trump spoke to the nation less than 18 hours after White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham tweeted a denial to a CNN report that preparations were being made for such an address. In a race to be first to break news, the public once again falls victim to irresponsible reporting by @CNN, Grisham wrote. CNN responded via Twitter that the most shocking thing about Grishams statement was that it showed how she was out of the loop. CNN said its report was confirmed with multiple White House officials, and noted that other news organizations also reported it. The network had no further comment Wednesday when the report was proven true. Kolkata is bracing for a weekend of protests when Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in the city to attend three government events on Saturday and Sunday. This will be Modis first visit to Kolkata after taking oath for the second time as Prime Minister. While Left parties have announced an agitation along Modis route and some are planning to block roads, a group named No NRC Movement has plans to gherao the Kolkata airport and also the spot in the Maidan area where Modis chopper will land after carrying him from the airport. The main event Modi will attend is the 150th year celebration of the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) at Netaji Indoor Stadium on January 12. Kolkata will be on the streets on Saturday. If the situation requires protesters to stay on the streets all night, they will do so. Modi go back is the only slogan on Saturday, unless the Prime Minister cancels his trip, said Communist Party of India (Marxist) politburo member Md Salim. Other Left parties that have planned agitations on Saturday include Communist Party of India, Forward Block, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation and Revolutionary Socialist Party. Student organisations will also hit the streets. There will be gherao of the airport in case he plans to come to the city from the airport by road. If he takes a helicopter ride to the Maidan agitators will be there as well, said Biplab Bhattacharya, one of the organisers of No NRC movement. Subhankar Sinha Sarkar, joint commissioner of Kolkata Police, did not respond to queries HT sent via text messages. He was asked if the police were aware of the protest plans and special security arrangements were being planned. No NRC Movement is an umbrella of various socio-political and rights organizations that have come to prominence over the past two months. It was this group that first started building pressure on the Mamata Banerjee government to stop the work of NPR (National Population Register) and eventually forced the government to suspend the exercise. According to Modis itinerary available with the state police and KoPT officials, after landing at Maidan in the heart of Kolkata, he will go to central and west Kolkata for two events and then go to Howrah district to visit Belur Math. He will stay at night at Raj Bhavan. The trips in the city and Howrah will involve 20-km travel. The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT)s 150th-year celebration is scheduled on Sunday. On Saturday evening, the PM will inaugurate a Centre-run art museum and the light and sound system at Howrah Bridge. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also an invitee at the KoPT event but Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders said on Wednesday that the chief minister is yet to decide whether she will attend the event. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit president Dilip Ghosh said that the party has not planned any programme. The Lefts strike on Wednesday has failed because the state administration opposed it. It needs to be seen whether the state administration on Saturday allows the Left to create chaos, Ghosh said. TMC leaders remained tight-lipped on the planned protests, saying the chief minister is monitoring the situation and will advise the police. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Snigdhendu Bhattacharya Snigdhendu Bhattacharya, principal correspondent, Hindustan Times, Kolkata, has been covering politics, socio-economic and cultural affairs for over 10 years. He takes special interest in monitoring developments related to Maoist insurgency and religious extremism. ...view detail Yusef Salaam of the exonerated Central Park Five to speak at W&M Commemoration speaker: Yusef Salaam has dedicated his life to advocacy and education, and he has spoken at universities and other institutions around the country. Courtesy photo Photo - of - Hide Caption Editor's note: Registration for the event has reached capacity. Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five, formerly known as the Central Park Five, will speak at William & Marys 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration on Jan. 30. Television personality Stephanie Walters, lifestyle correspondent on Hampton Roads Show and Virginia This Morning, will moderate the discussion. Free and open to the public, the commemoration is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the Sadler Centers Commonwealth Auditorium. People interested in attending must register for tickets online. Salaam was among five boys four African-American and one Latino who were convicted of the assault, rape and attempted murder of a white woman in New York Citys Central Park in 1989. When a serial rapist and murderer confessed to the crimes in 2002, the convictions of the five boys were overturned. Salaam, who was 15 at the time of the attack, had served nearly seven years. Since his release, Salaam has dedicated his life to advocacy and education, and he has spoken at universities and other institutions around the country. In 2014, Salaam received an honorary doctorate from Anointed by God Ministries Alliance & Seminary. Two years later, he received the Presidents Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama. He was appointed to the board of the Innocence Project in 2018. The story of the Exonerated Five was told in the 2013 Ken and Sarah Burns documentary The Central Park Five and again in the 2019 Netflix series When They See Us. I am excited to have Dr. Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five, formally known as the Central Park Five come to William & Mary, said Shene V. Owens, associate director of the Center for Student Diversity. After brainstorming with students on who we should bring to speak this year, it was a freshman, Alton Coston, who suggested that we bring one of the Exonerated Five. Growing up in New York and attending school in Manhattan, I remember hearing about the Central Park Five case. After watching the Netflix series When They See Us, I grew more intrigued to learn more about the life of the men involved. I cannot wait to meet Dr. Salaam and hear his story. Sponsored by the W&M Center for Student Diversity and Office of Community Values & Restoration Practices, the commemoration aims to celebrate the legacy of King, who devoted his life to advocating for equality, human rights and justice, said Owens. The Center for Student Diversity, Office of Community Engagement, Kappa Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the William & Mary chapter of NAACP, and the Black Student Organization will also honor King with a day of service and march on Jan. 25. TEHRAN, Iran, Jan.8 Trend: Military attack by Iran on the US air base in Iraq is not Iran`s sole revenge, said Iranian President's Chief of Staff Mahmoud Vaezi, Trends special correspondent reported. He made the remarks during the Cabinet meeting. We warned the US that the killing of Commander Soleimani will not go unanswered, noted Vaezi. This military attack is not the only revenge. As far as I know, this is the first time in the history that a US base came under attack. Soleimani`s killing is considered as crossing Iran's red line, he added. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) used Fateh-313 ballistic missiles in attack on Iraqs Ayn al-Asad Air Base. These missiles were fired from Irans Kermanshah province (430 kilometers) because of its proximity to the military base. The missiles have a range of 500 kilometers. Previous reports said that at least 80 US servicemen were killed in an attack on Iraqs Ayn al-Asad Air Base by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). About 200 people were injured. Ayn al-Asad Air Base was a strategic spot for the US and delivered support to drones from that base, the IRGC representative said. Fifteen missiles were fired at 20 sensitive locations, Numerous drones and helicopters were destroyed. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GSP Resource Corp. (TSX-V: GSPR) (the Company or GSP) is pleased to announce it has entered into a letter of intent (LOI) with Richard John Billingsley and S. Gaye Richards (the Vendors), whereby GSP and the Vendors will negotiate and settle the terms of a definitive option agreement (the Option Agreement) that will provide GSP with an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Vendors right, title and interest in and to the mineral claims compromising the mineral exploration and development project known as the Alwin Project, located in the Kamloops Mining Division, 18 km west of Logan Lake, British Columbia (the Transaction). The Alwin Project includes the past-producing Alwin Copper Mine and is located immediately west of Teck Resources Valley porphyry copper-molybdenum-silver ore body. The Alwin Project location is in the Guichon Batholith, within three kilometers of Teck Resources Highland Valley Copper open pit. Mineralization hosted on nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization that may be hosted on the Alwin Project. Historical resource estimates as detailed in this news release exist on the Alwin property and is located in a mineralized structure that has been the subject of historic mine production. The 575.72-hectare project has several targets that were identified in previous drilling, soil sampling & IP surveys in the 2005-2008 period. Commercial production at the Alwin mine ceased during a period of low copper prices in 1982 and the most recent major exploration program ceased during the 2008/2009 global financial crisis. Simon Dyakowski, President and CEO comments We are pleased to complement our Olivine Mountain project with the Alwin Copper-Gold-Silver project. With the addition of Alwin, GSP will have established a strong footprint of catalyst-rich projects in Southwestern British Columbia. We believe that the Alwin Project represents significant upside for further discovery. Alwin Project History: Exploration and mining programs were conducted on the property during the period of 1967 - 2008 by several mining companies and syndicates. Previous operators have mined ~230,000 tonnes of ore grading approximately 1.5% copper1. Approximately 2700 meters of underground tunneling have been established on the project, including 649 diamond drill holes, totaling 34,500 meters have been completed. In addition, trenching, geophysics and geological mapping on the property is well-documented. Historical Resource Estimates: A summary report prepared by John R. Kerr, P. Eng, dated November 15, 2006 on the Alwin Property, Kamloops Mining Division, British Columbia, is available on www.sedar.com under the profile of San Marco Resources (the Report). The Report disclosed a historical resource estimate was calculated in 1969/1970 by Bacon & Crowhurst Ltd. and Sandwell & Company Ltd. This historical resource estimate was not created using Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects as outlined in National Instrument 43-101. As noted below, the Company is not considering the estimate as current and further drilling is needed in order to upgrade the historical resource estimate. A summary of this historical resource estimate reported a total of 955,000 tonnes grading 2.51% copper and 11.7 g/t silver. The calculation was based on 1967 - 1969 drill programs (200 holes). The Report also disclosed that mining in 1972 and 1981 accounted for 240,000 tonnes grading 1.5% copper and after the last period of mining in 1981, a historical resource estimate was reported by Dekalb Mining Corp. to have been completed in 1982. The 1982 summary of this calculation reported a total of 390,000 tonnes grading 2.50% Copper that exists in the ground today after historical mining events. The calculation was based on drill results of 1967 to 1981 drill programs. As noted below, the Company is not considering the estimate as current and further drilling is needed in order to upgrade the historical resource estimate. The Company believes that the historical estimates are relevant to conduct exploration on the Alwin Project. The Company is not treating this historical resource estimates as current mineral resources and the Qualified Person responsible for review of the historical resource estimates on behalf of the Company has not performed significant work to classify the historical resource estimates as a current mineral resource. The Company has not undertaken any verification of the historical data upon which the historical estimates are based on. Terms of the Proposed Transaction Under the terms of the LOI, GSP may acquire a 100% interest in the Alwin Project by making certain staged cash payments and share payments of common shares in the capital of GSP to the Vendors. Cash payable: CAD$25,000 upon receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval of the Option Agreement (the Approval Date); CAD$25,000 on or before the 1st Anniversary of the Approval Date; CAD$25,000 on or before the 2nd Anniversary of the Approval Date; CAD$50,000 on or before the 3rd Anniversary of the Approval Date; CAD$50,000 on or before the 4th Anniversary of the Approval Date; and CAD$75,000 on or before the 5th Anniversary of the Approval Date. GSP common shares: 200,000 on the Approval Date; 200,000 on or before the 1st anniversary of the Approval Date; 300,000 on or before the 2nd Anniversary of the Approval Date; 400,000 on or before the 3rd Anniversary of the Approval Date; 500,000 on or before the 4th Anniversary of the Approval Date; 900,000 on or before the 5th Anniversary of the Approval Date; and 2,000,000 on or before the earlier of a bankable feasibility study and the 8th anniversary of the Approval Date. Gross Smelter Returns Royalty (GSR Royalty): 1.8% GSR Royalty to the Vendors with GSP option to repurchase 0.8% GSR Royalty on or before the 1st anniversary of commencement of commercial production for CAD$1.5 million, leaving the Vendors with a 1% GSR Royalty. Further details regarding the proposed Transaction with the Vendors will be provided in a comprehensive news release if, and when, the parties enter into the Option Agreement. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Alwin Project has been reviewed and approved by Christopher I Dyakowski, P.Geo, a director and Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About GSP Resource Corp.: GSP Resource Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource properties. The Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest and title to the Olivine Mountain Property. Contact Information - For more information, please contact: Simon Dyakowski, Chief Executive Officer & Director Tel: (604) 619-7469 Email: simon@gspresource.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Investors are cautioned that the historical estimates do not mean or imply that economic deposits exist on the properties. The Company has not undertaken any independent investigation of the historical estimates nor has it independently analyzed the results of the previous exploration work in order to verify the accuracy of the information. Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, execution of the Option Agreement, completing the proposed Transaction with the Vendors, exploration work on the Alwin Project, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects and other matters. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as expects or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, estimates or intends, or stating that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved), and variations of such words, and similar expressions are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statement are necessarily based upon a number of factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements express or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of metals, anticipated costs and the ability to achieve goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, and that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Companys planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events, level of activity, performance or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: (i) risks related to gold, copper and other commodity price fluctuations; (ii) risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results; (iii) risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; (iv) that resource exploration and development is a speculative business; (v) that the Company may lose or abandon its property interests or may fail to receive necessary licences and permits; (vi) that environmental laws and regulations may become more onerous; (vii) that the Company may not be able to raise additional funds when necessary; (viii) the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Companys expectations; (ix) exploration and development risks, including risks related to accidents, equipment breakdowns, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in exploration and development; (x) competition; (xi) the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of geologic reports or studies; (xii) the uncertainty of profitability based upon the Companys history of losses; (xiii) risks related to environmental regulation and liability; (xiv) risks associated with failure to maintain community acceptance, agreements and permissions (generally referred to as social licence); (xv) risks relating to obtaining and maintaining all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations relating to the continued exploration and development of the Companys projects; (xvi) risks related to the outcome of legal actions; (xvii) political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; (xix) risks related to current global financial conditions; and (xx) other risks and uncertainties related to the Companys prospects, properties and business strategy. These risks, as well as others, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants, adverse weather conditions, increase in costs, equipment failures, litigation, exchange rate fluctuations, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations and fees charged by service providers. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. 1 Summary Report prepared by John R. Kerr, P. Eng, dated November 15, 2006 on the Alwin Property, Kamloops Mining Division, British Columbia, for Max Investments Inc. on behalf of San Marco Resources Inc. is available on www.sedar.com under the profile of San Marco Resources. RICHMOND, Va. - A second group has announced interest in building a casino and resort in southwest Virginia. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and developer Steve Johnson have announced plans to build a casino, hotel, indoor water park and outdoor concert venue near Bristol. The Cherokee tribe runs two successful casinos in the far western region of North Carolina. Jim McGlothlin, a wealthy coal industrialist, has previously announced plans to develop a casino resort run by Hard Rock International in the Bristol area. State lawmakers are considering whether to legalize casinos and are unlikely to approve more than one in the Bristol area. Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 9:11AM Samsung first introduced the Family Hub smart fridge at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2016. Since then, the company has been releasing iterations that improve its capabilities. The latest update introduces some software enhancements to improve the artificial intelligence capabilities of the cameras inside the refrigerator. The cameras inside the Family Hub smart fridge can already show you what's inside. With the AI update, the Family Hub can supposedly offer recommendations as well as help you identify what ingredients you're low on. We aren't sure though how it'll do that with ingredients kept in Tupperware. On top of that, the new Family Hub will help with meal planning. With Whisk, the food technology startup Samsung bought last year, you can plan meals for up to a week, and your Family Hub fridge can generate a smart shopping list with the ingredients. These ingredients can be used for multiple recipes. With the Family Board feature, the built-in touchscreen on your Family Hub works like a virtual bulletin board, too. Now, the smart ref can show videos by mirroring content from your Samsung TVs and phones. Similar to the Samsung Sero TV, you can watch vertical videos on your fridge now. The new ref can also monitor and control over 1,000 SmartThings-compatible products in your home. A new SmartThings Video widget allows you to view multiple security cameras at-a-glance. Samsung said in a press release that the software enhancements would be available in the spring. Source: The Verge Pakistan Jet Crashes, Two Trainee Pilots Killed By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal January 07, 2020 A Pakistani jet crashed during training on January 7 in the eastern Punjab Province, killing the two pilots, the military said. The FT-7 jet trainer went down in an open area and caused no damage on the ground, the air force said in a statement. It said a probe had been opened to determine the cause of the crash, which occurred close to the district of Mianwali, 300 kilometers from Lahore. Pakistani authorities rarely release details of military training crashes, which are relatively common. In October, a trainer aircraft crash-landed in a field near Wazirabad in Gujranwala district. Both pilots aboard the plane survived. In July, 19 people died when a Pakistani military aircraft crashed into a residential area on the outskirts of the garrison city of Rawalpindi. Pakistan's air force has been on high alert since February, when Indian jets struck targets inside Pakistan. The strikes targeted Pakistan-based militants responsible for a suicide bombing that killed 40 Indian troops in the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir. At the time, Pakistan retaliated and shot down two Indian Air Force planes. One Indian pilot was captured and later released. But tensions have continued to remain high between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan and India have fought two of their three wars over the Kashmir region, claimed by both sides since gaining independence from Britain in 1947. With reporting by AP and dawn.com Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-jet-crashes-two-trainee -pilots-killed/30364469.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Students of IIT-Kanpur on Wednesday organised a 'Nukkad Sabha' on the campus to express solidarity with their JNU counterparts who were attacked by a masked mob early this week, Deputy Director Manindra Agarwal said. As part of the protest meeting, students condemned the violence and carried placards with various slogans expressing their views. The students have the right to protest peacefully, Agarwal said. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur welcomes such things and favours such peaceful protests as students should have an opinion, he said, adding that such debates should take place on campuses. By holding a protest on the campus, IIT-K students expressed their anger against the violence at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), a senior student said on condition of anonymity. The students condemned the incident, carried placards and presented their views at the meeting, he said. According to the students, the attack on the JNU students and teachers tarnishes the image of educational institutions. They also spoke about Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent ideology, he added. Videos of the protest went viral on social media. More than 35 students and faculty members were injured after a mob of masked young people stormed the JNU campus on Sunday and systematically targeted students in three hostels, unleashing mayhem with sticks, stones and iron rods, hitting inmates and breaking windows, furniture and personal belongings. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A clergyman has created a hilarious map showing how long it would take each bishop to walk from their cathedral to the nearest Nando's. Fergus Butler-Gallie, the assistant curate in the Diocese of Liverpool, shared the map on Twitter and expressed sympathy for those clergymen who found themselves over five hours walk away from a portion of spicy Peri-Peri chicken. The viral map revealed that the Bishops of Truro and Bath and Wells - as well as the remote Diocese of Sodor on the Isle of Man - face the longest pilgrimage to getting their hands on a cheeky Nando's. Reverend Butler-Gallie, 28, is known for his irreverent takes on life in the church, describing himself as 'a Bon Viveur first and foremost, with a soupcon of Roguishness and Prodigality'. Fergus Butler-Gallie, the assistant curate in the Diocese of Liverpool, shared the map on Twitter, and it has since gone viral Rev. Butler-Gallie, who studied Theology at Cambridge after reading History at Oxford said the idea of creating the map came to him while he had writer's block Writing on Twitter, he said: 'Have you, like me, ever wondered how long it would take the Diocesan Bishops of the Church of England to walk from their cathedrals to a Nando's if they were peckish? Wonder no more.' Discussing his map, which has already been 'liked' by nearly eleven thousand people on Twitter, he said the idea came to him in a moment of writer's block. Rev. Butler-Gallie, who studied Theology at Cambridge after reading History at Oxford, said: 'I was in the middle of writing a sermon, and I had reached a dead end. 'In the emptiness of my head stupid ideas float through, so I thought I would look it up. A Nando's restaurant. Mr Butler-Gallie said he came up with the idea for the map while he had writer's block 'I read History and Modern languages in my first degree - at Oxford - so I've always been interested in maps. 'One of my old professors was obsessed with linguistic maps which showed what languages where spoken where in vast places like Yugoslavia. 'Battle maps and changing borders always fascinated me, so really it was displacement and distraction to stop me writing the sermon. It took an hour or so. 'The Church of England map already exists, so it was just a case of going on Google Maps, working out the distance between Newcastle Cathedral and the nearest Nando's and colouring it in.' The clergyman, who has written two books on the eccentricities of the English clergy and the 'loose canons' who fought fascism in the twentieth century, was glad to offer a bit of light relief from the never-ending news cycle. A portion of chips covered in Peri Peri salt and a pot of Perinaise at the popular South African chicken chain He said: 'Anything that allows people to abandon, even for a moment, the slog of their day is going to be appreciated. 'I was surprised when people from the States, from Canada and Australia were engaging with it. I don't know how many of them have even been to a Nando's. 'The world can be a very dark place. I used to be the class clown - all I was ever really good at was making people laugh. 'If I can bring that to ministry then that's to be welcomed.' The map, however, was not good news for the Lord Bishop of Truro - as Revd. Butler-Gallie was quick to point out after sharing the map. He added: 'Apparently it's a long running issue for people in Truro that the only Nando's in Cornwall is on the border with Devon, not their favourite place. 'It's funny how all these old conflicts resurface through the medium of Peri-Peri chicken.' They began filming the first scenes for Sarah Platt's wedding on Tuesday. And Coronation Street star Jane Danson put on an animated display on Wednesday as she donned Hilda Ogden-esque curlers to resume filming for the dramatic storyline in Manchester. The soap star, 41, was joined by her co-stars Lucy Fallon, 24, and Andy Whyment, 38, as they headed into the venue to film the moment Sarah will marry Adam Barlow, which as ever will be fraught with drama. Wedding bells! Coronation Street star Jane Danson channelled Hilda Ogden with oversized curlers as she arrived with co-star Lucy Fallon (right) to film Sarah Platt's wedding Suave: They were joined by co-star Andy Whyment, who returned to filming following his I'm A Celebrity stint As she headed into the venue, Jane - who plays Leanne Battersby - flashed a glimpse of her cream wedding dress and matching heels under her thick red coat as she carried several boxes of chocolates in her arms. The former Dancing On Ice star appeared to be taking inspiration from soap legend Hilda with her oversized curlers as she flashed a playful expression on her way into filming. Lucy - who is set to leave her role as Bethany Platt in the coming weeks - looked equally dazzling in a sheer nude sequinned dress as she opted for casual trainers to head into the venue. Andy also returned to his role as Kirk Sutherland after his stint in the I'm A Celebrity jungle late last year, and as ever his character made a bold statement in a pink striped shirt. Fun: Jane - who plays Leanne Battersby - was in high spirits as she covered her fun wedding outfit with a thick padded coat to carry several boxes of chocolates into the venue Jovial: Andy - who plays Kirk Sutherland - sported a standout fuchsia pink striped shirt for the outing as he arrived to film Sarah's wedding Low-key: The blushing bride herself Tina O'Brien (who plays Sarah) donned a relaxed white tracksuit as she headed to film the scenes Elsewhere Jack P Shepherd (David Platt) opted to maintain a sense of comfort as he headed into filming by keeping a colourful neck pillow around his head. Sarah actress Tina opted for a low-key white velour tracksuit as she arrived to film the scenes, after fans got a glimpse of the moment her character and Adam (played by Sam Robertson) exchanged their vows a day earlier. Despite Corrie weddings usually being fraught with drama, the big day appeared to go off without a hitch, as the newlyweds were seen sharing a passionate kiss. Keeping comfy: Jack P Shepherd (David Platt) opted to keep his colourful neck pillow around his head as he headed into filming Suited and booted: Jack cut a dapper figure in his black suit as he arrived to film the nuptials of his on-screen sister Sharp: Sam Robertson - who plays the groom Adam Barlow - was also seen heading into filming for the scenes The on-screen couple have organised the wedding just weeks after Derek Milligan (Craige Els) stormed Weatherfield's winter wonderland with a gun. It marks the union of two of Weatherfield's most iconic families, the Platts and the Barlows. Speaking to Radio Times, Tina said: 'It feels a bit Romeo and Juliet and historic! It would be a bit strange not being a Platt any more though, but of all the other families on the street to marry into, the Barlows are the one Id choose.' 'Sarah was meant to marry Jason Grimshaw but he climbed out of the toilet window in the church and jilted her, then when they eventually did get married her brother David faked his suicide and drove into the canal just for the attention! 'If there is another wedding Id like it to be a peaceful happy one for Sarah this time. She wouldnt want a big fuss or any drama.' Drama: In soap fashion it is expected that the much-anticipated soap wedding will be fraught with drama It came after new father Robert Peston was shot dead during the mass shooting that saw two others injured on the cobbles on December 25. The bistro owner was killed by a bullet that pierced through the Rovers' glass front door after Derek fired his gun. Shona Ramsey (Julia Goulding) and Gary Windass (Mikey North) also ended up in hospital after being injured, with the gunman meeting his own end after falling from a helter skelter during a tussle. Wrapped up: Lisa George - who plays Kirk's wife Beth Tinker - took a break from her training for Dancing On Ice to film in a typically eclectic ensemble Energetic: Antony Cotton - who plays Sean Tully - was also wrapped up in a blue padded coat as he headed into filming Relaxed: Simon Gregson - who plays Steve McDonald - headed into the filming in his own sharp ensemble Wedding ready: Rob Mallard (Daniel Osbourne) [left] and Colson Smith (Craig Tinker) all headed into the venue to film the wedding scenes In emotional scenes Robert (Tristan Gemmill) was seen walking up to the pub with a teddy bear for his newborn son - who he never got to meet. He was shot through the glass door, unbeknownst to anyone inside, and staggered away from the entrance. As he leaned against a wall Robert grabbed at his chest and saw there was blood before collapsing to the floor struggling to breath. While on the ground Robert tried to use his phone but ended up dropping it as he passed out, and after being rushed to hospital died later in the episode. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / LOOP Insights Inc. (TSX.V: MTRX) (the "Company" or "Loop") announced that it has signed a partnership agreement with ID TECH, a leader in the contactless payments industry. Loop's cloud-based Fobi device - connected with ID TECH's latest NFC device, PiP - offers a new and advanced engagement solution. PiP allows Loop to seamlessly reach customers through their mobile devices using mobile wallets and passes. This channel is currently underutilized in AI retail strategies; retailers lack the ability to connect data and put it into action. With the emergence of contactless card issuance and mobile wallets, the payment world now places a significant emphasis on contactless acceptance. ID TECH has over a million of Near Field Communication (NFC) contactless devices deployed that are compatible with Apple and Google's mobile wallets. This market access will leverage Loop's first-to-market opportunity. Loop's and ID TECH's joint debut in November 2019 at the Rockwell Automation Fair successfully demonstrated fast and frictionless personalized mobile engagement. Link to the debut at Rockwell - https://vimeo.com/380048314 "ID TECH is very excited to be working with Loop Insights. Our PiP device, connected to Loop's innovative IoT hardware and managed by its cloud-based AI engine, delivers an exceptional shopper engagement solution for any retail vertical. The interest and attention received at the Rockwell Fair is a testament to Loop's ability to quickly deliver exciting customer experiences that are at the forefront of the market. 2020 will undoubtedly be an excellent year for the company!" comments Ginger Wu, Sr. Product Manager at ID TECH. Loop Insights' CSO David Salisbury explains: "People don't hesitate to use their phone to interact when they see value in it. More customers are now inclined to opt into retailers' loyalty programs - and the contactless device makes it easy. One simple tap unlocks personalized rewards for the consumer and highly detailed and actionable customer data for the merchant. The result is increased revenue." In January 2020, both companies will showcase their device at the National Retail Federation (NRF) Show in New York - the world's largest retail expo. This event operates as a global discussion on innovative, futuristic technologies that are anticipated to change the industry. Loop's CEO Rob Anson says: "We are excited to further share our latest innovation in the new year. Fast, frictionless, and scalable customer loyalty is necessary to stand out in the industry. ID TECH's PiP device expedites our ability to provide personalized experiences for each consumer - a feature that will keep Loop on the cutting edge in the retail market." About ID TECH ID TECH is a world-recognized leader in the design and manufacture of secure payment solutions, ranging from PCI-certified PIN-entry devices, state-of-the-art contactless/NFC payment devices to EMV and Magstripe readers. For more than 30 years, ID TECH has built a reputation based on technical excellence, innovation, and a commitment to superior customer service. Headquartered in Cypress, California, USA (with additional engineering centers in Rocklin, California, Shanghai, China and Taoyuan City, Taiwan), ID TECH is an industry leader in delivering payment solutions across the globe. For more information on ID TECH and its ViVOpay contactless product line, please visit http://www.idtechproducts.com. About Loop Insights Loop Insights (TSX.V: MTRX) is a technology company that has developed a unique automated AI marketing platform that is leveling the playing field for bricks and mortar retailers in their battle with online digital competition. Loop gives brands and retailers the capability to interconnect their physical and digital ecosystems by using the Loop device that can be plugged into any point of sale environment, independent of hardware or IT networks, thus enabling rapid deployment and global scalability. Retailers and brands benefit from making real-time, data-driven decisions that help them curate unique personalized customer experiences in stores, a capability that previously did not exist.? For more information, please contact: Loop Insights Inc. Soy Garipoglu, Manager, IR T: 778-990-8985 E: ir@loopinsights.ca CHF Capital Markets Cathy Hume, CEO T: 416-868-1079 x 231 E: cathy@chfir.com Website: https://www.loopinsights.ai/ Facebook: @LoopInsights Twitter: @LoopInsights LinkedIn: @LoopInsights Forward-Looking Statements/Information: This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward looking statements or information, including statements regarding Loop's business and technology; the ability of Loop to engage with industry participants to achieve its goals; the development of Loop's technology; and the viability of Loop's business model. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Loop's control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, competition from other industry participants, stock market volatility and the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Although Loop believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, Loop does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Trading in the securities of Loop should be considered highly speculative. There can be no assurance that Loop will be able to achieve all or any of its proposed objectives. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: LOOP Insights Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572412/Loop-Insights-Inc-Forges-New-Partnership-with-ID-TECH-Gains-First-Mover-Advantage Tehran, Jan 8 : A Kiev-bound Ukrainian plane crashed on Wednesday shortly after taking off from the Iranian capital city of Tehran, killing all the 176 people on board, authorities said. Ali Kashani, a senior public relations official at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, said the Boeing 737 operated by the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) went down early Wednesday in the vicinity of Parand, a city in Robat Karim County, reports Press TV. The plane caught fire after crashing likely due to technical problems. Kashani added that the crash had not affected traffic at the port and that all other flights were taking place according to schedule. The 176 people comprised 167 passengers and nine crew members, with Reza Jafarzadeh, a spokesman for Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, saying that most of the passengers were Iranians. The head of Iran's Emergency Medical Services, Pir-Hossein Koulivand, said the fire had been extinguished and emergency crews were now collecting bodies. Mansour Darajati, the director general of crisis management at the Tehran Governor's Office, said the Crisis Management Committee would shortly convene to investigate the cause of the crash. However, Qassem Biniaz, an official at the Iranian Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, told IRNA news agency that the plane crashed after its engine caught fire. The pilot made an unsuccessful attempt to control the plane when the fire erupted, he added. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that efforts were being made to establish the circumstances of the crash, reports the BBC. "My sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of all passengers and crew," he said in a statement. Zelensky cut short a visit to Oman and returned to Kiev, the statement said. Sentiment in South Africas manufacturing industry may worsen due to power cuts. A gauge tracking expected business conditions in six months time, as part of Absa Group Ltd.s Purchasing Managers Index, fell to 45.9 in December from 47.4 in previous month, the Johannesburg-based lender said in an emailed statement Wednesday. That compares with 67.2 points at the start of 2019, a year in which factory output contracted for five straight months. The overall PMI dropped to 47.1 from 47.7 in November. The return of rolling blackouts in December likely soured expectations, Absa said. There is also concern that export demand could continue to falter in the first half of the year, the bank said. Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd., which generates about 95% of the countrys electricity, implemented its deepest power cuts yet early in December and resumed outages at the weekend. The electricity-supply disruptions, persistent weak domestic demand and strife in the global economy already weighed on South African manufacturing last year. The sector accounts for 13% of gross domestic product. The subindex tracking business activity fell to the lowest level in almost three years last month, with survey respondents blaming electricity disruptions for lost production time, Absa said. Blackouts threaten to further drag on Africas most industrialized economy, which is stuck in the longest downward cycle since 1945. GDP hasnt expanded at more than 2% annually since 2013 and growth will only reach 1.2% this year, according to government forecasts. Now read: Get ready for regular stage 6 blackouts in South Africa MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine government has ordered the mandatory evacuation of Filipino workers from Iraq and Iran and is sending a coast guard vessel to the Middle East to ferry its citizens to safety in case hostilities between the United States and Iran worsen, officials said Wednesday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. In this Jan. 7, 2020, photo provided by the Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, center, talks during the Joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) Command Conference at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philippines. The Philippine government has ordered the mandatory evacuation of Filipino workers from Iraq and is sending a coast guard vessel to the Middle East to rapidly ferry its citizens to safety in case hostilities between the United States and Iran worsen, officials said Wednesday. (Alfred Frias/ Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division via AP) MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine government has ordered the mandatory evacuation of Filipino workers from Iraq and Iran and is sending a coast guard vessel to the Middle East to ferry its citizens to safety in case hostilities between the United States and Iran worsen, officials said Wednesday. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said the government has raised the alert level in Iraq to the highest level, requiring Filipinos to leave the country due to escalating security risks. Filipinos can leave on their own or be escorted out with the help of their employers or the Philippine government, officials said. Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Filipino workers should also move out of Iran and Lebanon, adding that the government was indefinitely banning Filipino workers from travelling to the three countries amid fears of more hostilities. The Philippines, one of the worlds leading labour providers, would face a gargantuan crisis if hostilities between the U.S. and Iran escalate and embroil other Middle Eastern countries that host large numbers of Filipino workers, such as Israel and Saudi Arabia. It will be a nightmare, but we are not helpless, Bello said at a news conference in Manila. In this Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, photo provided by the Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, center, presides during the Joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) Command Conference at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philippines. The Philippine government has ordered the mandatory evacuation of Filipino workers from Iraq and is sending a coast guard vessel to the Middle East to rapidly ferry its citizens to safety in case hostilities between the United States and Iran worsen, officials said Wednesday. (King Rodriguez/Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division via AP) Other Asian nations with large populations of expatriate labour may weigh similar decisions after Iran fired missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. forces in a major escalation of hostilities. The strikes were retaliation for last weeks killing of Iran's top general in a U.S. drone attack in Baghdad. India, which has a large number of workers in the Middle East, advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq. It also urged its nationals living in Iraq to remain alert and avoid travel within the country. There are an estimated 15,000-17,000 Indians now in Iraq, mostly in the Kurdistan region, Basra, Najaf and Karbala. About 30,000-40,000 Indians visit Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf and Samarrah each year for pilgrimages. Philippine officials have reported differing numbers of Filipinos in Iraq and Iran. The problem has been compounded by the huge numbers of Filipinos who have entered the countries illegally and avoided reporting their presence to Philippine Embassy officials. Department of Labor records show that 2,191 Filipinos work in Iraq, some in U.S. facilities, while more than 1,180 others are based in Iran, including Filipino women married to Iranians. There could be more than 2.1 million Filipinos across the Middle East, including many illegal workers, Bello said. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and top officials have been holding emergency meetings since the weekend to discuss evacuation plans. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the plans include the possible deployment of one battalion each from the army and marines to secure and evacuate Filipinos in case of a major flareup of violence anywhere. Navy ships and three air force cargo aircraft were also being readied for possible deployment, the military said. Duterte said late Tuesday that he has deployed a special envoy to get assurance from the leaders of Iraq and Iran that Filipinos would be spared in case of any major outbreak of violence. Just to get the assurance that my countrymen will have the egress just in case hell breaks loose, Duterte told reporters. While evacuation plans were being finalized, Manilas coast guard said a new patrol vessel en route to the Philippines from France has instead been ordered to head to the Middle East in case Filipino workers need to be immediately extricated from any danger. The vessel can ferry up to 500 people at a time. In case of conflict, overseas Filipino workers will be brought to safer ports where they may be airlifted, as the need arises, the coast guard said, adding that an initial plan was for the Philippine vessel to temporarily stand by in Oman or Dubai. About a tenth of the Philippines more than 100 million people have worked abroad for decades, mostly as household help, construction workers, sailors and professionals, to escape grinding poverty and unemployment at home. They are hailed as heroes for sending huge incomes that keep Manilas economy afloat. Many have risked staying in Middle Eastern nations, where they face abuse and even death and often get caught up in violent turmoil, to provide for impoverished families back home. December 27, 2019 - With packed flights during the holiday season, getting from jet bridge to plane seat seems to take forever. Some airlines have tried to speed up the process by boarding passengers from back-to-front or boarding those without overhead luggage first. However, these practices have been challenging to implement. Now, scientists from universities in Norway, Latvia, and Israel suggest letting slow passengers board first may actually decrease time before take off. Researcher Erland et al. wanted to know whether there was in fact an optimal boarding process, so used physics to they created a model to simulate passengers trying to reach their seats. They predicted the passengers' speed based on their line position, row designation, and aisle-clearing time. The model calculated the average boarding time for passenger groups by gauging how long it would take each group to clear the plane's aisles. Results showed that boarding slow passengers first is up to 28% faster. Boarding time remained faster regardless of the percentage of slow passengers and how fast they cleared the aisles. The findings could inform airline boarding policies. ### Lorentzian-geometry-based analysis of airplane boarding policies highlights "slow passengers first" as better Sveinung Erland, Jevgenijs Kaupuzs, Vidar Frette, Rami Pugatch, and Eitan Bachmat *sver@hvl.no The National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu says the time for the party to talk about zoning its presidential ticket in 2023 has not come. Tinubu, while speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after a closed-door meeting with President Buhari, said: That time is not now. We have just finished one election and Mr President is busy sorting out the Budget, working for the people of this country. Read Also: Buhari Has The Courage, Character To Refuse Third Term Temptation: Tinubu Of course, restlessness of politics is going to be there, but any lover of this country will not talk about the succession plan yet. Thats the truth. Concentrate on working for the country, help the President to help the country. Theres nothing more than that. We cannot use 365 days in a year and 360 to work on politics, its not possible. Anybody talking about that now is just completely restless and not focused on the agenda of nation building and development of our country. On the motive of his visit, he said: Its a new decade, a visit to the leader of my country is necessary to look at things and wish him well in the office for this new decade and make some points on the stability, security and a number of issues around the country. His New Year message resonated very well; he showed concern about the security and the understanding that the economy is still a challenge. But its a work in progress. Youll have to continue to work on it and make it better for the common man. Thats the meat of the message. Mike Brough, owner of Green Demolition, and Laura Brown-Hayes, the companys controller whose idea it was to offer the demolition services, said doing the work for free was just the right thing to do. They each said they wanted no publicity for it. They watched as the story unfolded on the news and have no personal connection to the family. Police are trying to quash a climate protest planned for Friday, when emergency services will be stretched to cope with a spike in fire danger. Thousands of people are expected to meet at the State Library on Friday night to call for more funding for firefighters and aid, and for Australia to increase renewable energy sources as severe drought and record temperatures exacerbate the bushfire crisis. Cann River on Wednesday. Credit:Getty But Victoria Police want to focus resources on fire-affected communities that day when dangerous fire conditions are tipped to return. "Our members are up in the fire grounds, they're coming back to Melbourne on a rotational basis, they're coming back fatigued. We're trying to build in some rest time for them," Acting Assistant Commissioner Tim Hansen, from the north-west metro region, told radio station 3AW on Wednesday. By Online Desk Transport and banking services at several places were affected due to the 'Bharat Bandh' called by all 10 Central trade unions along with different federations organised to protest against "anti-worker policies of BJP government" on Wednesday. The ten central trade unions including CITU, INTUC, among others had given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand. All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) which comprises about 250 farmers' organisations had also announced to observe 'Grameen Bharat Bandh', on Wednesday. The bank strike is part of the Bharat Bandh call given by trade unions to protest against the labour reforms and economic policies of the Central government, according to reports. Cyberconflict right now, at this very moment, is like this airplane. It was the first military airplane that was ever built back in 1909. But in just a few decades, planes would be capable of destroying entire cities. Right, so when we talk about cyberweapons, were still basically in 1909. Thats why you have to have some humility about whats going to happen in the world of cyberconflict. David, here, is a national security correspondent for The Times, and hes written a book about cyberconflict. It seems like were hearing more and more One of the worst cyberattacks ever. about state-sponsored cyberattacks. Occasionally, there are going to be breaches like this. And this weapon will not be put back into the box. We have more to lose than any other nation on earth. So, we really wanted to find out just how bad things are. And how bad they could get. Should we be afraid? Yes, you should be afraid, but not for the reason you think not because somebody is going to come in and turn off all the power between Boston and Washington. You should be worried about the far more subtle uses of cyber. For example, not an overt attack on U.S. troops, but instead, maybe hacking into military health records and switching around peoples blood types. It still causes havoc. Think terrorism About a third of the building has been blown away. instead of full-scale war. Why do you call it the perfect weapon? Because its deniable. If you cant figure out right away where the attacks coming from, you cant really retaliate. Plus, you can fine-tune the strength of cyberattacks. You can make them just strong enough to do real damage, but not so strong that they trigger a military response. Its cheap compared to, say, nuclear weapons. You just need some twenty-somethings who are good at programming, a little bit of stolen code and maybe some Red Bull just to keep them awake during the night. Thats why cyberweapons have only just begun to spread. And cyber is the perfect weapon for a country thats broke. And we can confirm that North Korea engaged in this attack. Take that time North Korea hacked into Sony Because of a satirical movie starring Seth Rogen and James Flacco. What if they didnt have cyberweapons? Maybe they would have landed some commandos at Long Beach, called an Uber, stuck some dynamite underneath the Sony computer center and run like hell. So really, North Koreas only option was to use cyberweapons. But it wouldnt be so easy for the U.S. to hit North Koreas cybernetworks. They have fewer IP addresses Internet Protocol addresses in North Korea, than you have on any given block of New York City. Still, we wanted to know whos the best at cyberconflict. Russia, China, Iran, they use it regularly to advance their political agendas. The Russians to disrupt, the Chinese frequently to steal information, the Iranians to show that they can reach the United States. How good or bad is the U.S. at this stuff? Among the very best at cyberoffense. The problem is that while were good at offense, were the most vulnerable in the defensive world because weve got so many networks that form such a big target. The United States has 6,200 cybersoldiers. Are these people sitting in military fatigues behind a computer? They are sitting in military fatigues behind a computer. But the Russian hackers, or the Chinese hackers, may not be in uniform. They may be in blue jeans. They are probably sitting at the beach somewhere someplace thats got a really good internet connection. All this cyberconflict really kicked off in 2008. Right, thats when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iranian nuclear facilities. It was the most sophisticated use of cyber by one state against another, and it opened up the Pandoras box. And remember its still only the beginning. We havent seen a full-blown war, and we dont know what one looks like. Whats the most challenging part about covering this beat? The hardest part about covering the state use of cyber, is the enormous secrecy that the U.S. government wraps around it. But weve hit the point where the secrecy has actually begun to impede our ability to deter attacks. Because others dont understand what we can do to them, and what were willing to do to them. In other words, were not setting any red lines out there. POWELL A regional food distributor has agreed to a settlement with a former state trooper, who was seriously injured in a 2015 collision with one of the companys trucks in the Wapiti area. Former Wyoming Highway Patrolman Rodney Miears contended in a federal lawsuit that the nearly head-on crash was the result of negligence on the part of Sysco Montana. The case had been slated for a trial in late January, but the parties notified U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Freudenthal on Dec. 23 that they had settled the matter. The terms of the settlement such as the amount of any payments that Sysco or its insurers agreed to make to Miears and his wife, Marian were made confidential. Stinson Law Group and Tom Keegan were honored to represent Rodney and Marian Miears who were willing to fight for better truck safety in our community and on our highways, said Cody attorney Laurence Stinson. With the case now done, Rodney and Marian can begin a new chapter and put the horror and the pain of this crash behind them. The crash occurred on June 15, 2015, in front of the Yellowstone Valley Inn, about 19 miles west of Cody on U.S. Highway 14/16/20. One of Sysco Montanas newly trained truck drivers, James Friede, attempted to make a left-hand turn into the inns parking lot, but failed to see Miears approaching from the west. Friede cut in front of Miears, whose patrol car slammed into the food truck at a speed of around 54 mph, according to a crash reconstruction. Miears suffered injuries to his back and spine that would ultimately force him to take a medical retirement from the agency. Miears and his wife sued Sysco Montana in December 2018 in U.S. District Court for Wyoming, seeking an unspecified amount of damages for permanent loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, debilitating pain and other impacts from the crash. Friede was not named as a defendant. Representatives for Sysco Montana admitted in court documents that the crash was the result of Friedes negligence and that they were vicariously liable for their employees actions. However, the Billings-based arm of the national food distribution company disputed that it had itself been negligent. Sysco denies that it was a cause of the accident or that it violated safe driving practices, the companys attorney, Jeff Meyer of Casper, wrote in one filing. The company had asked Judge Freudenthal to dismiss parts of the case. In contrast, Stinson and Keegan contended that Sysco Montanas failings were so egregious that punitive damages should be awarded. They contended in court filings that the business had elevated urgency above safety and created a corporate culture of urgency which was in reckless and conscious disregard of the safety of the public. Both Friede and a Sysco Montana representative confirmed in depositions that company drivers are expected to work with a sense of urgency. For example, an April 2015 evaluation of Friede positively noted that he was always in a hurry to take care of (customers). However, one of Sysco Montanas expert witnesses disputed the notion that the company had put haste over safety. It is clear to me, and to anyone who has actually worked in this industry, that the sense of urgency that Sysco is referring to has to do with how Mr. Friede manages his time while on a jobsite and does not suggest that Mr. Friede should be urgent in the way he drives his [commercial motor vehicle], trucking consultant Lew Grill of Billings wrote in a report. For his part, Friede testified at a September deposition that although no one at Sysco ever specifically told him so he felt like he needed to hustle faster if he fell behind schedule. And he fell behind schedule on the day of his collision with Trooper Miears. Friede said he arrived at work on June 15, 2015, to learn that his route in the Cody area had abruptly been expanded. To his frustration, that meant hed have to stay in the area overnight. He also wound up being slowed by a couple of mishaps as the day went on with the stack of his truck getting stuck on an awning at Codys AmericInn and two pallets falling over at Dairy Queen. When he later arrived at Yellowstone Valley Inn, Friede said he didnt know where to turn; dashcam video from Friedes Sysco truck showed him looking back and forth from the parking area. According to an experts report on the crash, he failed to check for oncoming traffic in the roughly 7.5 seconds leading up to the crash. Friede never saw Miears patrol car coming. ... I failed to defensive-drive, proper lookout, whatever you want to call it, Friede testified in September. I failed that because I was, you know, distracted for all the different reasons and trying to figure out where I was going, not paying attention to where I was. The Miears suit faulted Sysco for not giving Friede directions on how to access the stops on his route, among other issues. As Stinson and Keegan summarized the incident, Sysco retained and dispatched a new, inexperienced driver with incomplete training on a new, overly scheduled route and location ... without preparing or training the driver on where to deliver. An Alabama safety consultant retained by the Miearses, Whitney Morgan of Birmingham, Alabama, opined that Sysco was putting profits over safety by hiring and utilizing an entry-level driver. Sysco disputed those characterizations, with the companys expert witness finding no evidence that the company could have predicted the crash. Mr. Friede was properly licensed, qualified and trained, Grill wrote in his report, adding that Syscos hiring, qualifying, training and supervision methods exceed minimum requirements and standards. Friede was hired by Sysco in January 2015 as a driver trainee. He then underwent 12 weeks of training, obtained his commercial drivers license (CDL) in March 2015 and finished his Sysco training in midApril. At the time of the June 15 crash, Friede had been on his own for about two months. The Miears legal team argued that Sysco had been warned of potential problems, noting Friedes April 2015 evaluation said he should try to eliminate distractions to improve safety, get more experience and get used to manual transmissions. However, Syscos expert said none of those things suggested Friede would be involved in a crash or that he needed additional training or coaching. At the time, Sysco Montana operated about 100 trucks and employed 120 drivers, who drove roughly 5.5 million miles a year across northern Wyoming, Montana, eastern Idaho and western portions of North and South Dakota. Friede who received a $65 ticket for failure to yield was fired from the company a couple months after the crash. Miears returned to patrol duties in early 2016, but was medically retired from his job as a trooper in August of 2018. He now works for the Wyoming Highway Patrol as the agencys tow and recovery program coordinator. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 Two brothers enjoying their day off at a beach in Colombia were nearly killed when a speedboat crashed into the inflatable tube they were riding on. Julian Casasbuenas, 54, traveled from Bogota to the Caribbean coastal city of Cartagena to spend his vacation with Mauricio Casasbuenas. The pair were sitting on a small rubber raft as they were being tugged along the waters of Isla Baru on Tuesday when a speedboat suddenly struck them head-on, according to cellphone video footage. Julian y Mauricio Casasbuenas were both injured when a speedboat crushed them while they were sitting on an inflatable tube tugged by a boat in Cartagena, Colombia, on Tuesday Still image from a video captures the moment a speedboat is set to crash directly into an inflatable raft near Isla Baru Julian Casasbuenas suffered a fractured jaw and broke several teeth as well as injuries to his left leg and arm Speaking from his clinic bed, Julian told Colombian television network RCN that the speedboat was being operated by a teenager and immediately fled the scene following the near fatal accident. 'No one responds in this city. No one knows what happened. Nobody knows,' he said. 'There is no police. There is no port authority. There is absolutely nothing. No one answers.' Julian suffered a fractured jaw and broke several teeth. He also had injuries to his left arm and leg. Mauricio injured a leg and a hand. Both siblings were released later in the day. The incident comes on the heels of the death of 21-year-old Valentina Gonzalez, who was killed by a yacht in the waters of Isla de Cholon on November 30 while she was floating with the aid of a lifebuoy. STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ReneSola Ltd ("ReneSola" or the "Company") (www.renesolapower.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading fully integrated solar project developer, today announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell a portfolio of projects located in Hungary to Obton, a leading international solar investment company. This deal builds upon the earlier sale of 13.9 MW of projects in Hungary, thus firmly establishing the Company's business momentum in the region. The portfolio comprises 25 solar plants under development in three locations, with a combined capacity of 15MW. These 25 small-scale projects are qualified under the Hungarian 25-year CAT feed-in tariff scheme. Mr. Anders Marcus, CEO and Co-founder of the Obton Group, said, "This is our second collaboration with ReneSola, which is proving to be a strong partner. Hungary-based projects are part of our expansion strategy, and we are committed to becoming a major contributor to the renewable energy transition in Hungary for years to come." Mr. Josef Kastner, CEO of ReneSola European Region, commented, "Obton is an outstanding partner for us, and we are thrilled to complete our second sale to them. We look forward to future collaboration in Hungary and other regions of Europe." ReneSola CEO Yumin Liu added, "Over the past two years, ReneSola has demonstrated its skill in monetizing projects across Europe. Hungary is an important market for solar power in the EU, and this second sale cements our position as a key player in the country. We are proud of our ability to execute in Hungary, and believe Europe will contribute to our accelerating and profitable growth in the quarters ahead." About ReneSola Founded in 2005, and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2008, ReneSola (NYSE: SOL) is an international leading brand of solar project developer. Leveraging its global presence and solid experience in the industry, ReneSola is well positioned to develop green energy projects with attractive return around the world. For more information, please visit www.renesolapower.com. About OBTON Obton is an investment and management company specialized in renewable projects. Obton represents retail investors and manages a rapid growing PV-portfolio of more than 719 MWp with an enterprise value of EUR 1, 4 billion. The plants are primarily located in France, Italy, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: For ReneSola In China: ReneSola Ltd Ms. Ella Li +86 (21) 6280-8070 x102 [email protected] The Blueshirt Group Asia Mr. Gary Dvorchak, CFA +86 (138) 1079-1480 [email protected] In the United States: The Blueshirt Group Mr. Ralph Fong +1 (415) 489-2195 [email protected] For Obton: Chief Communications Officer Mr. Andreas Jakobsen +45 272 043 00 [email protected] SOURCE ReneSola Ltd. Related Links http://www.renesolapower.com ANN ARBOR, MI Another 10-story downtown high-rise is headed to City Council for approval. After nearly two hours of discussion and public input, the citys Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night, Jan. 7, to recommend council approve the $40-million development proposed at the southeast corner of Main and William streets. The Standard, as the mixed-use project at 425 S. Main St. is called, would include 218 apartments with 421 bedrooms and more than 6,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. The apartments are designed primarily for young professionals, University of Michigan students, faculty and visiting professors, according to the plans. Amenities include fitness/yoga rooms, study areas, a 1,234-square-foot outdoor deck/lounge on the east side of the second floor, and a 4,503-square-foot outdoor deck with a 325-square-foot hot tub/pool on the west side of the second floor overlooking Main Street. That has several different amenities, but mainly areas for the residents to have a place to kind of meet and greet thats outside, said architect John Myefski. It can be anything from hanging out in hammocks to playing ping pong. The second-floor layout plan for The Standard, a five- and 10-story development at the corner of Main and William streets in downtown Ann Arbor, shows plans for two outdoor decks, one with a pool and hammocks.Myefski Architects The developer plans to include one or more public art features, including a three-dimensional sculpture of some kind, and is working with the Ann Arbor Art Center to find a local artist. In addition to the signature public art piece the developer is discussing, commissioners expressed interest in seeing additional artistic touches, possibly including some along the east alley side. The proposed apartments include 89 studios, 22 one-bedroom units (including two dedicated affordable housing units), 60 two-bedroom units, 12 three-bedroom units and 35 four-bedroom units. The project was first proposed under the citys old zoning rules, so new rules incentivizing more affordable housing dont apply. Using the old incentives, the developer is still proposing two affordable housing units permanently available to people making up to 80% of the area median income to gain 6,000 square feet of floor area, as well as designing the building to meet LEED Silver standards for energy efficiency to gain another 25,286 square feet. Another bonus simply for building market-rate housing an incentive the city is eliminating in hopes of incentivizing more affordable housing in future developments gives the development another 75,859 square feet, bringing it up to 202,262 total. Georgia-based developer Landmark Properties has teamed up with Chicago-based Myefski Architects, the same firm that designed the new Hub Ann Arbor high-rise on Huron Street, as well as a 171-unit apartment building under construction on Hoover Avenue. Myefski also designed a 17-story high-rise for the city-owned Library Lot that was blocked by city voters in 2018. Adhering to height limits for the Main and William site, the building would step down from 10 stories to five stories as it approaches Packard Street. The site currently includes a DTE Energy office building built in the 1980s and a large parking lot. The developer is proposing 1,250 square feet of rooftop solar panels on the tower portion of the new building, which is estimated to meet about 1% of the buildings annual energy needs. Commissioners encouraged the developer to do more and consider solar panels atop other parts of the building, but Myefski said the panels would be counted as part of the building height and exceed the limit for other portions. Commissioner Zachary Ackerman suggested the city should look at being more flexible on that. Ackerman and other commissioners also suggested theyd like to see more affordable housing, which the developer indicated a willingness to consider after expressing concerns about the need to make sure the project remains economically viable. Each of the two one-bedroom affordable housing units must be at least 600 square feet per the citys rules, and Myefski suggested breaking that up into four smaller studios. Commissioners encouraged the development team to explore that possibility with city staff. Construction is proposed to start later this summer and be complete by June 2022. The buildings facade would include a combination of brick, steel panels and glass. The blueish-gray design received mixed responses Tuesday night, with some commissioners saying they like it, while at least one resident complained it wont fit in with Main Streets historic look. Christine Crockett, a local preservationist and near-downtown resident, described it as dismal and ugly, expressing hopes for something she thinks would be more in keeping with the spirit of Ann Arbor. Myefski defended the design, saying the team considered several color options, including a tan/earth tone that was too bland, as well as more vibrant colors that ranged from reds to oranges to greens, and that just seemed like too much, so they settled on a softer bluish-gray, which the developer has used in other cities. Commissioner Sarah Mills said she was OK with the color and its great that its not brown. The development team held several meetings to get input from neighbors and address concerns, Myefski said, noting a lot had to do with how the alley would function, including accommodating Amazon deliveries, and how traffic would come and go. Some residents said Tuesday night they still dont think enough has been done to address potential traffic problems, with one calling it a disaster in the making. Commissioners expressed hopes that Uber and Lyft drivers would use the alley and not block traffic on adjacent streets when picking up and dropping off residents. A total of 102 car parking spaces are proposed, including 90 interior spaces and 12 exterior spaces on the buildings east side. There would be one underground parking level and one parking level on the buildings first floor with two access points via the alley that separates the site from the Beer Depot and adjacent residences. Four of the spaces would be for electric vehicles and two would be for car sharing. There also would be 84 bicycle parking spaces. Read more stories: The assassination of Iranian Al-Quds Force leader Qassem Suleimani could make Tehran even more of a danger to the region In the patience game, no one is better than Iran, who kept the US waiting anxiously for the Iranian response to the killing of Qassem Suleimani, head of Irans elite Al-Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Iran usualy takes its time, however, and the decision-making process in Tehran did not see much deliberation about how to respond to the killing of the second-most powerful man in Iran. The response came on Wednesday, as Iran launched a missile attack on two bases in Iraq that host US troops. For Iran, the response will not be mainly about targeting US military interests here or there. The strategic objective that Suleimani worked for was to reduce the American presence in the region to the point of ending it. The Iranian leadership will make sure to finish the job, a former minister in the government of former Iranian president Mohamed Khatami told Al-Ahram Weekly. This process will take time, but time is not a problem. In any case, the legacy of killing Suleimani is already clear, as America is withdrawing its forces from Iraq and reducing numbers elsewhere in the Middle East. The killing of Suleimani would make the presence of US forces in Iraq and the region very risky and unsustainable, he added. The former minister was referring to a letter indicating that US troops were about to be moved out of Iraq. Although US officials said later that this was only a draft, there is still much confusion about US intentions. A top US general said the letter suggesting that the US would withdraw its troops from Iraq was released by mistake, telling reporters thats not whats happening. But for over an hour on Monday military officials in Washington and Baghdad were unable to offer a definitive answer about the letters veracity or whether it indicated that US troops were, in fact, about to be moved out of Iraq. The lack of clarity fuelled confusion about the letters meaning, and finally Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Miller told reporters that the letter was a draft and its release was an honest mistake. The timing of the incident was revealing, however, as it came when US military officials, along with other members of US President Donald Trumps national security team, continued to face questions about the killing of Suleimani and what America will do to protect its personnel and military bases in the region. The Suleimani killing has also put the Iraqi government in a sensitive position, and Irans allies in Baghdad will be pressing the Iraqi government to end the American military presence. There are tactical and strategic responses. For Iran, any tactical response will be to achieve the strategic goal of making the Middle East unbearable for American troops until they find no other option but to withdraw, said the former Iranian minster. The decision-making process in Iran takes place on several levels, the first one consisting of the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, security advisers such as Ali Shamkhani, a former Iranian defence minister, and Ali Akbar Velayati, a former foreign minister. There are also Revolutionary Guards generals and other influential ayatollahs. Then there is the Iranian National Security Council, the Iranian presidency and the Revolutionary Guards itself as an organisation. It is expected that the Revolutionary Guards will play a central role in the Iranian response to Suleimanis killing. The escalation is also bad news for the region. The assassination of Suleimani puts us on the pathway to military confrontation, and this was the great fear under Trump. He abandoned the nuclear deal with Iran, and that was devastating for any potential dialogue with Iran. Nonetheless, there was hope that in 2020 Trump would come back to the table and achieve a breakthrough. But now we are potentially stuck on this road to nowhere with Iran because of Trumps action, Jamal Abdi, president of the National Iranian-American Council, told the Weekly. The escalation is not inevitable, as some thought that 2020 could be the year of a diplomatic breakthrough between Tehran and Washington because of French mediation. What worsened the situation was the reckless decision by Trump to order the assassination of Suleimani. According to reports, it looks like there was little consultation with the appropriate experts within the US administration. Suleimanis killing was a gut decision by Trump. It was a situation where he felt that his ego had been bruised by his past restraint in responding to Iranian actions. He was given several options by his generals and decided to go ahead with the most severe. I do not think the timing really makes any sense other than for those who feared that with the failure of maximum pressure campaign against Iran, Washington would look weak, Abdi said. We are now at a crossroads because of Tumps ego and the split-second decision that he made. The suggestion by some analysts in Washington that a shocked and weakened Iran may now back down shows how little the US administration understands the country. In Abdis opinion, Suleimanis killing will not make Iran weaker, but more dangerous. The killing will be viewed by many inside Iran, and among its Shia regional allies, as an act of war, and Suleimani will be seen as a martyr whose violent death must be avenged in kind. Khamenei and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif have already indicated as much, and they will likely use the assassination to rally wavering support for the regime. The US has not merely killed an Iranian military commander, but also a highly popular figure, someone viewed as a guardian of Iran even among secular-minded Iranians. And with the assassination of Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, the deputy leader of the Iraqi Hashd Al-Shaab, the Trump administration has put itself in the position of having killed the operational commander of a large branch of the Iraqi armed forces, Mohamed Ali Shabani, a researcher at the School of Oriental and African Studies at London University, said. Some will characterise the deaths as a huge blow to Irans proxy capabilities and wider policy in the region. But such an approach ignores how the Iranian system is structured. Suleimanissuccessor as Al-Quds Force leader, his long-time deputy Ismail Qaani, was announced within 12 hours of his death. And while Suleimani was charismatic and played a personal role in cultivating many of Irans relationships in the region, those ties do not rely on him alone. Instead, they are the product of extensive and deep bonds that often go back decades and, in many instances, involve family ties. There appeared to be little evidence of an imminent threat to the US from Suleimani or his Iranian-backed militias, and Trump may have wanted to replace the media focus on his ongoing impeachment with the fallout from a lethal strike. But his actions have sparked outrage in Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq among the political elite and ordinary people. The debate over ending the US military presence in the Middle East has become public, and should the US Congress now want to investigate Trumps decision to assassinate Suleimani, this would increase the presidents internal problems. Moreover, at a time when Trumps unprecedented sanctions against Iran had stirred up unrest inside the country, its political elite has now been handed a rallying cry. The strike on Suleimani will harden popular sentiment against the US, while simultaneously shoring up the regime, according to Shabani. Iran has promised severe retaliation for Suleimanis killing, and there is no shortage of US targets in the region. But Suleimani may have already achieved the greatest revenge of all without firing a single bullet: his ultimate objective of ending the US military presence in Iraq. Trumps decision also appears to have driven a wedge between Washington and some of its allies, with French President Emmanuel Macron telephoning Iraqs acting prime minister this week to express his support for the countrys sovereignty in an implicit rebuke of the strike. The United States is no closer to the much-touted new deal with Iran, which Trump had boasted would eclipse that negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama. As Shabani put it, for all his crowing about a decisive blow dealt to an insolent enemy, Trump may be about to discover that the problem with martyrs is that they live forever. *This article is an updated version of the one that appears in print in the 9 January 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Since any payout under the contract would come from Cook County revenues that I would have to vote on, I am trying to determine if the new law and the limitation to 20 weeks apply to this contract, Suffredin said. Ive asked the Cook County Health and Hospitals System to give me their position on the applicability of the new law. Dear O Great Fount of Knowledge: I know you covered the REAL ID driver's license issue a while back, but here's a wrinkle I need your help with: My wife and I each paid extra ($40.25) to get the Minnesota enhanced driver's license, but it doesn't have the star on it like the REAL ID license does. Will the enhanced ID be accepted as a REAL ID by other states or by the TSA? And will Minnesota change our enhanced IDs into REAL IDs the next time we renew? Thanks in advance for your help. These questions can be somewhat arcane for people who don't travel. The Answer Man likes to stand pat. So we asked Megan Leonard, a public information officer for Minnesota's Department of Public Safety. To your first question, the answer is yes. The enhanced driver's license or enhanced ID is a federally approved identification document, so it can be used for domestic air travel and to access federal facilities. And it will continue to be acceptable starting on Oct. 1, 2020, when a standard driver's license will no longer be an acceptable form of identification for such purposes. For those who don't know, the difference between an enhanced driver's license and a standard driver's license is that the former can be used as a border-crossing travel document by land and sea from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean. Since 2018, Minnesota has issued 230,494 enhanced driver's licenses and ID cards, about 5% of all valid Minnesota driver's licenses and ID cards. ADVERTISEMENT "For Minnesotans, you live in northern Minnesota. You go to Canada frequently. We're on the border. That's why we have an enhanced driver's license and an enhanced ID card," Leonard said. As to your final question: Will Minnesota change your enhanced IDs into REAL IDs the next time you renew? That's up to you. It's a choice you have as a Minnesotan. You can apply for a standard driver's license, a REAL ID driver's license or an enhanced driver's license. GRAND RAPIDS, MI The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined Jasper Weller LLC, a Wyoming-based automotive business, $117,900 for failing to uphold a safe and healthy worksite, potentially leading to serious injury. In a news release, MIOSHA said Jasper Weller received a serious violation for using a powered industrial truck outside of its rated capacity. It also received two willful-serious violations. One of those violations was for transporting transmission cores and casts in modified baskets that do not prevent them from falling out during normal movements with a powered industrial truck. The other was for improperly securing transmissions to pallets when being stored on racks. Jasper Weller is located at 1500 Gezon Pkwy SW. The company provides automotive transmission repairs and warehouses salvaged transmissions, MIOSHA said. We determined that the employer was not taking the appropriate steps to protect employees and comply with applicable rules, MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said in a statement. Preventing exposures to hazards for hardworking Michiganders is our utmost priority. These citations are meant to ensure employers take the necessary precautions to establish and maintain work environments where everyone can return home safe. MIOSHA conducted its inspection at Jasper Weller from Sept. 12 through Oct. 14. Company officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Jasper Weller, LLC has 15 working days from the receipt of the MIOSHA citations to comply or contest the violations and penalties, the agency said. Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle e-commerce site, Goop, has announced its latest product for those itching to hang on to "good vibes": a 3.4-ounce bottle of psychic vampire repellent. For only $30, the elixir functions as a protective mist and "uses a combination of gem healing and deeply aromatic therapeutic oils." It's also not designed for the blood-sucking kind of vampires, more so "reported to banish bad vibes and shield you from the people who may be causing them." ALSO: 7 terrible health tips from Gwyneth Paltrow The bottle is manufactured by Paper Crane Apothecary, a Los Angeles-based company. The repellent's details may provide some answers or, at the very least, name ideas to kick-start your next EDM project. Ingredients include: black tourmaline, lapis lazuli, onyx, and garnet. The mist also contains rosemary, juniper and lavender oils, with a finishing touch of reiki charged crystals. Goop has been criticized by doctors and scientists for its unfounded and potentially dangerous "health tips," including its promotion of vaginal steaming and its claim that bras cause cancer. MORE: Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop product claims 'deceptive,' watchdog group says San Francisco-based obstetrician-gynecologist Jennifer Gunter, one of Goop's most vocal critics, had a message for Goop on her blog Monday. "The psychic vampire repellent may not be FDA evaluated, but who cares when it has sonically tuned water, moonlight, love, reiki and gem elixirs which is totally not leftover water from a rock polisher," Gunter wrote. "I'm not sure how they get all that reiki in the bottom because reiki isn't an object, but no conversation needed here because ancient gem elixirs physics, duh!" ICYMI: NASA dismisses Goop-promoted $120 healing stickers Yet in spite of all the controversy, Goop still seems to be riding on the wave of success. It's in plans to team up with Conde Nast to release a quarterly print magazine this month. It also had a reported 1.8 million unique American visitors to its e-commerce site in June. For information on how to align your chakras, here's Goop's website. US Issues Warning About 'Iranian Threat' in Persian Gulf Sputnik News 13:47 07.01.2020(updated 14:22 07.01.2020) Concerns emerged over the safety of Mideast waterways last year after a series of attacks on commercial vessels, coupled with a rise in tensions between the United States and its Arab allies, on one side, and Iran on the other. The US government has issued a new warning to ships sailing throu waterways in the Middle East following the slaying of a top Iranian commander in a drone strike. The Maritime Administration has put up a message warning of "the possibility of Iranian action against U.S. maritime interests in the region". The alert is effective from Monday, 6 January, to Monday, 13 January, and doesn't differ much from the original warning posted last Friday. It points to "multiple threats reported" in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean. It's not clear from the message what threats were identified and when. The safety of regional waterways, some of them strategic arteries for trade and oil supply, has been put into question following the recent spike in tensions between the United States and Iran. Responding to the deadly 27 Dec. rocket strike on an Iraqi base near Kirkuk, the US last week killed over two dozen fighters of Kataib Hezbollah, a Shia paramilitary group thought to have been behind the attack on the Kirkuk base. The US strikes led to mass protests at the American embassy in Baghdad but paled into insignificance as an American drone assassinated powerful Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on Friday. Outrage in Iran over the killing prompted fears of an armed conflict, with the US planning to send nearly 3,000 additional troops to the region as a precaution. So far, this has been the highest point of US-Iran confrontation, which began soon after Donald Trump took office. The most recent period of hostilities lasted for the better part of 2019 and saw multiple attacks on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. The US put the blame for several incidents on Iran, which denied any role. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mumbai, Jan 8 : With farmers suicides unabated in 2019, a farm-panel has mooted the setting of India's first-ever rights commission to address the ongoing crises in the farmlands and make the state "farmers suicide-free within five years", according to a top activist. "We have proposed to set up a 'Maharashtra Farmers' Rights Commission' - on the lines of National Human Rights Commission or other similar bodies - specifically to tackle the distress in the agriculture sector," Vasantrao Naik Sheti Swavalamban Mission (CNSSM) President Kishore Tiwari told IANS. He said it would be chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and will have full judicial powers like the NHRC and its state branches with independent experts from different fields on board. "Maharashtra is now under the grip of the unending agro-crises since the past over 25 years ... Aid packages and farm loan waivers are insufficient to arrest suicides. The available figures of suicides are misleading since many times they are passed off as deaths due to other causes. The MFRC will help understand the real extent of the ground situation and take remedial measures," Tiwari explained. In a draft on the proposal for MFRC submitted to the government, the VNSSM chief reiterated that the prime causes of India's agrarian crisis are due to what he termed as "strategic blunders committed in five key areas". "They are not limited to merely agriculture and rural economy, but encompass health, social imbalances, problems of employment, depleting water resources and lack of storage/processing facilities, on which the farmers' livelihood depend," he said. Accordingly, while loan-waivers, free food and health are at best only temporary solutions, the proposed MFRC can take a holistic approach to end the spectre of farmers suicides permanently in under five years, said Tiwari, who enjoys a Minister of State status. The five key areas that need to be focused are: Farm Credit Supply policy control, Fund Management for cost of cultivation and stabilizing agricultural prices, Equitable Distribution of the available water resources and control of rain/ground water sources, Crop Management planning with a competent agriculture disaster management system in place, and implementing Agricultural Conservation and Storage Processing System. Detailing, he said Farm Credit Policy reforms stressing on investment and development in the rural/agriculture sector have failed in 30 years owing to various reasons. A revolutionary new farm policy under the regulatory control of the proposed MFRC along with according 'industry status' to agriculture is a must to avoid regular or even annual farm loan waiver schemes which divert valuable resources from other critical areas. Tiwari said the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government has failed to regulate or reduce the cost of cultivation owing to climatic change impacts, degradation of soil health, environmental and other issues. Accordingly, the state must include Agriculture in the 'Concurrent List' to regulate the agriculture costs. In recent years, the demand for water for agriculture and related uses has shot up three-fold, and has resulted in huge and unequal exploitation of rainwater and ground-water resources. The proposed MFRC can ensure the rational and equitable distribution of all available water resources to maintain a balance between development and environment with its judicial powers, Tiwari pointed out. Another issue that needs attention is faulty import-export policies intended to protect 'agriculture lobbies' in textiles, oil, pulses, sugar, promoting unsuitable cash crops to the detriment to the perennial cash crops and massive imports of cheap foods, oilseeds and pulses which have sounded the death knell for the rural economy. The MFRC experts will suggest selection of crops, promote the right kind of crops in the crises-regions, suitable restrictions on imports/exports to protect Indian farmers, control of chemicals/fertilisers which will prevent soil damage, etc. In most advanced countries, there are well-set insurance and risk management systems to manage agriculture disasters due to natural or artificial calamities without the involvement of the government. "While the Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana has also failed on this count, the MFRC will suggest an independent agriculture disaster management system to ensure the rights of farmers are protected during any natural or man-made catastrophes, and prevent farmers from resorting to the last resort - suicide," Tiwari urged. The MFRC should also have the power to fix the Minimum Support Price through experts, and introduce agricultural storage and processing systems at village/taluka levels for the welfare of the farming community. "Since the government appears to be unsuccessful in most of these activities, it should be relegated to experts of the MFRC who can take independent decisions free from bureaucratic hurdles. I am confident farmers' suicides can be eliminated within five years," Tiwari said optimistically. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in) A woman developed severe dizziness after standing 30 feet (9.1m) away from a cannon which was fired at a Civil War re-enactment. The 37-year-old, who has not been identified, said her head spun so much she felt like she was 'on a carnival ride'. She had developed a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo after the gun blast knocked loose sensitive crystals inside her ear. This then sent jumbled signals to her brain about which way up she was and made her feel dizzy when she moved her head, and also gave her headaches and made her feel sick. Doctors in Ohio treated the woman using a simple manouevre which patients can do at home just by moving their head and lying down. The woman, who has not been named, was standing around 30 feet (9m) away from a Civil War-era cannon when it fired at a re-enactment (stock image) Before developing the dizzy spell, the woman, who was married and in full-time work, had been in good health. But she developed vertigo after visiting a Civil War re-enactment when the cannon she was standing near fired a blank. The explosion made her immediately dizzy, she said, but she assumed her sudden headache was a migraine. When her head kept spinning over the next four days, however, she feared something more serious was wrong and visited doctors at a medical centre in Bellefontaine. Positional vertigo may be caused when crystals in the ear are knocked into the semicircular ducts in the vestibular labyrinth (shown in the middle of the diagram to the side of the snail-like cochlea) WHAT IS POSITIONAL VERTIGO AND HOW CAN YOU TREAT IT AT HOME? Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is caused by problems with tiny organs in the inner ear losing the ability to accurately work out which way up the head is. If sensitive crystals inside the otolith organs become dislodged and move into a different place in the ear, the brain tries to correct the position of the eyes at times when it usually wouldn't, such as when people lie down or lean to the side. To treat vertigo at home, people can try the Epley manoeuvre a simple series of movements designed to get the ear crystals back into a place where they don't cause dizziness. For a problem with the left ear, people should: Start sitting up on a bed, with your legs flat on the bed in front of you. Turn your head 45 degrees to the left. Lie down, keeping your head turned to the left. Wait 30 seconds. Turn your head to the right 90 degrees, until its facing 45 degrees to your right side. Wait 30 seconds. Roll over onto your right side before sitting up. For a problem with right ear, do the same steps just switch sides. People suffering vertigo can try this themselves at home and doing it three times per day until they are free of dizziness for 24 hours may get rid of the problem. If the vertigo doesn't go away the patient should see a doctor. Sources: Mayo Clinic and Healthline Advertisement Dr Ryan Kauffman diagnosed her with vertigo, which he said in a medical report is often caused by blows to the head. There is evidence it could be caused by incidents like car crashes, gymnastic accidents, speedboat rides and even falling from camels, but Dr Kauffman could find no proof of it being caused by 'indirect trauma'. 'I thought that the cannon might cause a migraine but was surprised that the cannon caused vertigo,' the patient said as quoted in the medical journal BMJ Case Reports. 'The vertigo occurred instantly when the cannon fired. [It] felt like being on a carnival ride.' Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is caused by problems with tiny organs in the inner ear losing the ability to accurately work out which way up the head is. If sensitive crystals inside the otolith organs become dislodged and move into a different place in the ear, the brain tries to correct the position of the eyes at times when it usually wouldn't, such as when people lie down or lean to the side. This causes dizziness and can also lead to feeling sick, vomiting and headaches. To correct the problem, doctors used the Epley manoeuvre. The Epley manoeuvre is a simple series of movements designed to get the ear crystals back into a place where they don't cause dizziness. The manoeuvre involves the patient turning their head to one side, then lying down, then turning their head quickly to the other side, then rolling over and sitting up. People suffering vertigo can try it themselves at home and doing it three times per day until they are free of dizziness for 24 hours may get rid of the problem. Dr Kauffman added in his case report: 'In this case, the patients history makes it clear that the cause of her BPPV [vertigo] is the close exposure to cannon fire. 'While a review shows post-traumatic BPPV related to a variety of whiplash injuries and direct blows to the head, a search of the English literature does not reveal cases of BPPV from non-contact forces such as cannon fire. 'Post-traumatic BPPV is treated... with repositioning procedures such as the Epley manoeuvre for posterior canal BPPV. 'For clinicians and patients who are not familiar with canalith repositioning procedures, video-sharing sites such as YouTube contain videos that accurately demonstrate how to perform these manoeuvres.' The woman added: 'With the repositioning procedure, the symptoms immediately and completely went away. I have not had any more vertigo since.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 04:39:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ALGIERS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Wednesday announced the establishment of a panel tasked with preparing draft proposals for the revision of the constitution, official Algeria Press Service (APS) reported. The panel, headed by Ahmed Laraba, a member of the UN International Law Commission, is composed of 17 Algerian law experts, according to a statement of the President's Office. The panel has been given a three-month period to submit proposals to the president for the parliament's approval before heading to a referendum, according to a source. Tebboune has outlined seven main axes for the panel to prepare the proposals, including strengthening the rights and freedoms of citizens and consolidating the separation and balance of powers, according to the statement. Tebboune was elected as Algerian president on Dec. 12, 2019, after popular rallies forced former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in April 2019. Enditem China steps up meat imports to ensure holiday supply From:ChinaDaily | 2020-01-08 15:47 BEIJING -- As the Chinese Lunar New Year draws near, global meat producers are rushing to meet the surging demand for protein on Chinese dining tables. China's meat imports have seen a significant rise in the past year as the government lifted bans to fill a gap in domestic supply. The country began to import meat products from 16 more countries in 2019, with imported meat hitting 5.49 million metric tons in the first 11 months, climbing 42 percent year-on-year, customs data showed. In November alone, the country imported 644,000 tons of meat, surging 82 percent year-on-year, while pork imports increased 151.2 percent year-on-year to stand at 230,000 tons. Hit by outbreaks of African swine fever, China's pig herd shrank notably in the past year, pushing up prices of pork and its alternatives. As the staple meat is key to many traditional dishes for the Lunar New Year, the country has announced various measures including boosting imports to ensure holiday supply. The country's pork-related imports were expected to top 3 million tons in 2019, while meat imports were estimated to exceed 6 million tons, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The increase in imports, coupled with pork reserves to be released and a recovery in domestic hog production, will help meet demand in the coming Chinese New Year, said Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Yu Kangzhen Wednesday. Among the incentives to encourage meat imports, the country recently removed a ban on imports of Japan's deboned beef, while import tax on frozen pork was cut from 12 percent to 8 percent starting from this year. Global exporters are actively stepping up production to cash in on the opportunity. Tony Stock, marketing manager with Prime Ranger Meats Limited, a New Zealand-based meat processing firm, said that the company's beef and lamb exports to China doubled last year. "The Chinese market will continue to be our main export destination because of the very high demand for our natural meat products. The only concern we have at the moment is keeping up with demand," said Stock. Jacky Wang, procurement director with Huaqiang Shines Industrial Development (Dalian) Co Ltd, said that prices of beef and mutton imported into China soared some 30 percent in the past year while volume also increased some 20 percent. "As an increasing number of Chinese crave alternatives to pork, demand for other kinds of meat has seen a significant rise," he said. The company sources beef and mutton from various countries including Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina, to China. To meet the surging demand, the company has signed contracts with dozens of new factories overseas, while inking a deal at the import expo in Shanghai last year to import beef from Mexico for the first time. While meat imports could somewhat fill in the supply gap, China should nonetheless increase its own production capability and enhance its competitiveness in its domestic farming industry to ensure long-term stable supply, said Zhu Zengyong, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Sheldon ISD hosted a ribbon cutting event on Jan. 6 to welcome the community into the new C. E. King High School. Built to provide an experience similar to a business or college atmosphere, the 580,000 square foot high school is built with an open, three-story design divided into three primary sections all connecting to one spine through the building. I believe that the community is going to recognize and be able to see the programs that we offer, the great common culture that we have here, and theyre going to want to bring their students here, campus principal Keith Brooks said. The $146 million project is also helping Sheldon ISD ease into its rapid student population growth the campus is designed to hold up to 3,500 students. The school is expected to nearly reach its capacity of 3,500 by 2027 if growth continues on the same trajectory, according to the demographics study, which was carried out by Population and Survey Analysts. Career training The building was envisioned to prepare students for their next steps after high school, whether that be going to college or starting a career, Superintendent for Sheldon ISD King Davis said. RELATED: After $285 million bond Sheldon ISD nears debuts of new football stadium, high school The school was designed to allow for CTE programs to be accessible on campus rather than requiring students to travel to San Jacinto College, saving students time and allowing them to learn a skill during high school. These program rooms are an addition to the traditional high school classrooms for academics. Sheldon ISD has also implemented metal detectors throughout their campuses and each entry will have a form of security. It will leave a legacy for our community, Davis said. ... Part of our vision statement is for students to matriculate through our system and be college and or career ready, and thats been our major focus, and thats what this building is all about. Brooks said he believes students are going to be able to reach opportunities at this campus and take advantage of them to be prepared for a globalized world. [This is] just going to create more opportunity for Sheldon ISD, whether it be through the early college high school so they can compete in a global society, but then also for them to simply do agriculture, go to the military, and be able to be employed right outside of school, is going to provide so many opportunities for this community as well. Preparing for growth When the school was originally designed, it was only meant to hold 3,000 students until Van Franks, program manager with Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc., suggested that they make shell rooms to eventually accommodate more growth in the district. The project was started in May 2016 after a $285 million bond referendum was approved by voters, said JP Grom, LAN Vice President and Business Group Director. TEXAS-SIZED: The largest high schools in Houston in 2019 He said this project is the centerpiece for the entire bond program and is not like anything else in Texas. On top of it, the board set out a vision at the very beginning of this project to have a first-in-class, best-in-class facility, something that cannot and will not be rivaled, Grom said. And I think as I walked through the tours today and saw and heard people for the first time seeing this building, I think we hit that mark. 'Crown jewel' Dowen Sims, who works in business development for LAN, said this school will be the crown jewel of the community as the school district is the central entity that brings together the community. They had not had a new facility as far as the high school in 50 years so this is the crown jewel of the community, Sims said. ... The heart and soul of this community is the school district, and this is the crown jewel of the school district, and its a great source of civic pride here. savannah.mehrtens@chron.com Ultra-powerful quantum computers hold the potential to transform everything from manufacturing to medical research, but until now they have not found any commercial uses. This could be about to change, after transport giants Daimler and Delta partnered with IBM to develop real-world applications for the nascent technology. For the Mercedes manufacturer, it could result in electric vehicle batteries capable of travelling more than 1,000km without needing to recharge. For the worlds most valuable airline, it could mean vastly improved route scheduling, with Delta CIO Rahul Samant saying the partnership with IBM would allow the airline to draw the blueprints for quantum computers within the industry. Quantum computers promise to make such advancements possible by combining the peculiar properties of quantum physics with computer science to achieve processing power that is exponentially more powerful than traditional computers. But realising this promise is still a long way off. Quantum computers were first theorised in 1982 but it took until last year for one of these machines to perform a calculation that would be impossible with a classical computer. Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Show all 17 1 /17 Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google Scientists claim to have achieved "quantum supremacy" Google This milestone, known as quantum supremacy, was touted by the Google researchers who achieved it as heralding a much-anticipated computing paradigm that had finally demonstrated the technologies capabilities, albeit in an extremely narrow way. As a result of these developments, quantum computing is transitioning from a research topic to a technology that unlocks new computational capabilities, the researchers wrote in the Nature paper detailing their achievement. We are only one creative algorithm away from valuable near-term applications. The hype around quantum computers means it risks becoming another tech buzzword that companies arbitrarily include to promote products, similar to the way terms like AI and blockchain have in recent years. In 2016, IBM was the first company to make quantum computers accessible via another buzzword the cloud meaning that computer scientists could conduct experiments and carry out research using the machines from anywhere in the world. [Daimler and Delta] join more than 100 clients already experimenting with commercial quantum computing... to tackle problems like risk analytics and option pricing, advanced battery materials and structures, manufacturing optimisation, fraud detection, chemical research, logistics and more, said Jamie Thomas, general manager of strategy and development for IBM. (Google) One of the first challenges quantum computers will work on at Daimler is in improving the capacity and charge speed of batteries, referred to by IBM researchers as the "Achilles Heel of electric vehicles". Next-generation lithium-sulphur batteries offer a solution to the limitations of lithium-ion batteries, which are currently used in everything from smartphones to electric cars. Theoretically, lithium-sulphur batteries are capable of holding up to five-times more energy than lithium-ion batteries, but until now they have been hugely impractical for commercial use. Daimler and IBM will use a quantum computer to simulate molecules on a previously impossible scale in order to figure out a way to make this battery technology suitable for every-day use. "A quantum computing breakthrough could help tackle this challenge," said Jeanette Garcia, a senior manager in the quantum applications, algorithms and theory team at IBM Research. "As they improve, the machines will become exponentially more powerful. So while we haven't yet achieved quantum advantage, this type of research is the foundational work that will eventually get us there." Tokyo, Jan 8 : Officials from Tokyo's public prosecutors office on Wednesday visited the offices of a Japanese law firm representing ousted Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn to confiscate one of its computers, but the attorneys refused to hand it over. The agents sent by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office attempted to confiscate the computer at the offices of the firm headed by Junichiro Hironaka, carrying a court order to seize the equipment believed to have been used by Ghosn while he was on bail. Ghosn's lawyers refused to hand over the equipment as it would have violated the professional lawyer-client confidentiality, sources from the Ghosn's defence team told Efe news. Eventually, the prosecutors had to leave the office empty-handed. The computer in question is believed to have been frequently used by Ghosn while he was on bail, as he was not allowed to access the internet at his home or on the phone made available to him by his lawyers, on the judge's orders. According to these restrictions, the former Nissan boss could only access the internet at his lawyer's offices. Moreover, the lawyers were required to make the computer's navigation and communications history available to the court. Ghosn, accused in Japan of financial misconduct, fled the country last week and was later seen in Beirut, where he made statements criticizing the Japanese judicial system. He is slated to address the media from the Lebanese capital later Wednesday. Former Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Le Thanh Hai is waiting to be disciplined for his violations in the developmment of the Thu Thiem New Urban Area in District 2. An ex-chairman of the city is also facing disciplinary action for his role in the same development. The Central Inspection Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam convened its 42nd meeting in Hanoi from January 3 to 8. The Standing Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee of the 2010-15 term and the top Party cell at the municipal Peoples Committee of the 2011-16 tenure made many grave mistakes during the development of the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, leading to particularly serious consequences and causing great monetary and asset losses to the state budget, the Central Inspection Committee said in a statement published on its website on Wednesday. Their wrongdoings negatively affected local socio-economic growth and the lives of a certain portion of the citys population while giving rise to social grievances, according to the statement. Mr. Le Thanh Hai, former Politburo member and former secretary of the municipal Party Committee, is held chiefly accountable for such violations of the Standing Committee, the Central Inspection Committee said. Le Hoang Quan, former deputy secretary of the municipal Party Committee, is also responsible for the same violations of the Standing Committee, the Central Inspection Committee added. An ex-member of the Central Party Committee, Quan is former secretary of the top Party cell at the municipal Peoples Committee of the 2011-16 term and former chairman of the city so he is to mainly blame for the cells wrongdoings. Several other ex-officials are to be disciplined for the same offenses, including Nguyen Van Dua, former standing deputy secretary of the municipal Party Committee and former vice-chairman of the city; Nguyen Thi Hong, former vice-chairwoman of the city; Le Van Khoa, former vice-chairman of the city; and Vu Hung Viet, former vice-chairman of the city. The violations committed by the said organizations and individuals have tarnished the local Party organs and executive administration and caused social grievances, to the extent that punishments will have to be considered for them, the Central Inspection Committee concluded. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Years ago, as part of my parents unending attempts to clear the house of the junk I left when I moved out, my mother handed me a folder stuffed with remnants of my public school education. Tucked away with my elementary school report cards and other papers were some yellowed form letters from The College Board declaring my SAT scores. I took the college admissions test twice as a high school student in the late 1980s, prepped only with the practice tests that my school offered. My final scores landed me in the 99th percentile of college-bound high school seniors nationally at the time; my math score was in the 75th percentile. Good enough, I thought, and proceeded to forget about them for years. My SAT scores might have remained a bit of trivia had I not become an education reporter. But my career has given me a reason to think a lot about testing, and what seems to be an intractable test-score gap between black students (as well as Hispanic and American Indian and Alaska Native students) and white and Asian students. It sounds naive, but at the start of my career as an education reporter, I really wondered: Why is there such a big black-white test gap? I mean, Im no genius, but I did OK. Why does this gulf never seem to close? Its becoming easier to look at the SATs, specifically, and say those scores dont matter any more. Some of the nations most exclusive colleges and universitiesBowdoin, Wake Forest, the University of Chicago, and other well-respected liberal arts institutionshave become test-optional. Its an ironic dismissal of a test that was originally created to bring equity to the college admissions process. But the same ethnic and racial gaps exist across all kinds of tests, not just assessments for college admissions. One could argue that the SAT is too easily influenced by outside factors, such as test-prep classes. But students dont prep for the National Assessment for Educational Progress, and the so-called Nations Report Card shows similar gaps. Teachers have one of the closest views of student performance, and Education Week recently asked them what they believe are the factors that explain why white students, overall, perform better academically than black students. (The survey respondents were predominantly white, like the teaching population as a whole, with 20 to 30 years in the classroom.) The teachers were given a number of factors to choose from: genetics, discrimination, school quality, student motivation, parenting, income levels, home environments, and neighborhood environments. The explanation of student performance, those teachers said, rests primarily with the students and their parents. Three-quarters or more of respondents said that motivation, parenting, income, home environments, and neighborhood environments explained student academic gaps somewhat, quite a lot, or extremely. Seventy-two percent said school quality was a major factor. A little less than half said that discrimination played a major role. A notable minority, about 29 percent, said that genetics are somewhat to extremely significant in explaining academic gaps between black students and white students. (An even higher percentage of respondents, 38 percent, said genetics are a significant reason why Asian students in the aggregate have better academic outcomes than their white peers.) That disparity may not be the fault of individual teachersbut its someones fault." But black is as much a social construct as it is a matter of genetic heritage: I have two black parents and call myself black. So does Barack Obama, who has one white parent. So does Kamala Harris, a U.S. senator from California, who has one parent from India. The category of black is fluid, as are other racial and ethnic categoriesand geneticists agree that we are more different from each other as individuals, than we are as populations grouped by race. I was defensive and annoyed when I analyzed the results of this survey. Its not our fault! seemed to be the takeaway from teachers, but kids spend up to 13 years of their lives in school. Of course what happens there is relevant. But I have to acknowledge some truth in what these teachers are saying. Yes, it mattered that my parents were middle-class, college-educated folks who filled my childhood home with books. Yes, it mattered that they were able to show me, through their lives, the rewards that can come from a good education. But it also mattered that they were able to work the system well enough to steer me into well-resourced schools in a well-resourced school district. And that leads me to an element that overlies all of this: wealth. Poor students of all races perform worse on tests than more-affluent students. Its true of the SATs and every other standardized test. And black students (along with Hispanic and American Indian and Alaska Native students) are more likely than their white and Asian counterparts to be poor. And there are specific policy decisions that amplify the corrosive effects of poverty. Right now, majority-minority school districts get $23 billion less in funding nationally than majority-white school districts, according to EdBuild, a nonprofit organization working to overhaul school finance systems. That disparity may not be the fault of individual teachersbut its someones fault. We are concentrating students who may already have the least, into school districts that have less money to support them. And instead of trying to make the system fairer, its actually getting worse, as a growing number of affluent communities work to form their own school districts, effectively keeping their resources for themselves. I want to end on a hopeful note. So I talked to Ronald F. Ferguson, an economist and the director of Harvards Achievement Gap Initiative. Hes studied this issue as closely as anyone in the field, and, in 2016, released a report called Aiming Higher Together: Strategizing Better Educational Outcomes for Boys and Young Men of Color. This report resonated with me because it attempts to explain all the barriers that stand in the way of students by the time they reach adolescence. Unsurprisingly, Ferguson said that the academic gap begins before children start school, which points to the need for more supports at home. Those academic gaps and the behavioral problems that come along with them are often met with teacher hostility and low expectations, all curdling into what Ferguson in this paper called the predicament. Ferguson studied successful school-based interventions and outlined several common elements of success. None of them are surprisinga commitment to high expectations for all students, rigorous instruction, and well-managed classrooms, among thembut each takes hard work to implement at scale. Right now, Ferguson is particularly focused on supporting early-brain development as a key to success for all children. I like to emphasize the opportunity we have, as opposed to cataloging the differences among children of different races and ethnicities, Ferguson said. There are things that parents and communities could do differently to help children to achieve more early-brain development than they do. And that early-brain development can get all children off to a good startas long as there are strong schools and teachers to support them. Nobody by themselves can change the laws of motion in this system, he said. So why are achievement gaps so persistent? Im left with the realization that none of us are off the hook. Not parents, teachers, schools, or policymakers. I have a son who is just a few years into his public school education. Like my parents did for me, Id like to create a path so smooth that he is successful without even having to think too hard about how it happened. But I cant do it by myself, no matter what my SAT scores were. Why achievement gaps exist is an important question. But more to the point, I think, is that we agree that we are all responsible for trying to close them. A Delhi court on Tuesday issued death warrants against all four convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case with the convicts to be hanged on January 22. Patiala House Court Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora while issuing the death warrants directed the convicts to be hanged on January 22 at 7 a.m. at Delhi's Tihar Jail. The four convicts are Pawan Gupta, Mukesh Singh, Vinay Sharma and Akshay Thakur. The convicts' lawyers have said that they will move a curative petition in the Supreme Court. The convicts can also submit a mercy petition to the President. A 23-year-old woman was brutally gangraped and tortured on December 16, 2012, which led to her death. Six accused were arrested and charged with sexual assault and murder. One of the accused was a minor and appeared before a juvenile justice court, while another accused committed suicide in Tihar Jail. Four of the convicts were sentenced to death by a trial court in September 2013, and the verdict was confirmed by the Delhi High Court in March 2014 and upheld by the Supreme Court in May 2017 which also dismissed their review petitions. Mumbai: India imposed restrictions on imports of refined palm oil and palmolein on Wednesday, a move sources said was retaliation against top supplier Malaysia after its criticism of India`s actions in Kashmir and a new citizenship law. The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a notification declaring that the import of refined palm oil "is amended from `Free` to `Restricted.`" Four industry sources told Reuters that the memo was an effective ban on imports of refined palm oil, meaning India can now only import crude palm oil. It will hit Malaysia, the main supplier to India of refined palm oil and palmolein, but is likely to help Indonesia, the biggest exporter of crude palm oil. Indian government and industry sources told Reuters that Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s Hindu nationalist government was seeking to target Malaysia after recent criticism of India by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Live TV Mahathir said in October that India "invaded and occupied" Kashmir, a disputed Muslim-majority region also claimed by Pakistan. Last month he said India was stoking unrest with its new citizenship law, which critics say undermines the country`s secular foundations. Palmolein is a liquid form of palm oil used in cooking. New Delhi had earlier this week informally asked palm oil refiners and traders to avoid buying Malaysian palm oil. The decision to restrict all imports of refined palm oil is also likely to boost business for Indian refiners of the vegetable oil. Indian crude palm oil, soyoil soybean and rapeseed prices jumped after the announcement. "This move in a way will punish Malaysia and will help local refiners as well," a Mumbai-based refiner, who declined to be named, said. The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry did not respond to a request for further information. Malaysia`s Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok, who is responsible for the palm oil industry, declined to comment. "Malaysia is in a lose-lose situation with this ruling," said Sathia Varqa owner and co-founder of Singapore-based Palm Oil Analytics, adding "India will ramp up buying of CPO from Indonesia." Indonesia traditionally corned around two-third of India`s palm oil imports, but a lower duty on refined palm oil helped Malaysia to overtake Indonesia as India`s biggest supplier in 2019. Palm oil is crucial for the Malaysian economy as it accounts for 2.8% of gross domestic product and 4.5% of total exports. State-owned and private Malaysian refineries will likely have to scramble to find new buyers for their refined product. Indian refiners need the boost as refining activity in the country has been hit in the past year by imports of cheaper refined palm oil, said B.V. Mehta, executive director of the Solvent Extractors` Association (SEA), a Mumbai-based trade body. "Indian refiners were struggling for survival ... The ban on refined palm oil imports will help refiners, local farmers and help in creating new jobs," Mehta said. Palm oil accounts for nearly two-thirds of India`s total edible oil imports. The country buys more than 9 million tonnes of palm oil annually, mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia. Indonesia is the world`s biggest producer of palm oil, followed by Malaysia. OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- A 29-year-old man wanted on criminal warrants through three different agencies overpowered a Jackson County deputy and escaped from Ocean Springs Hospital early Wednesday morning. Sheriff Mike Ezell said about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, Marshall Ray Williams knocked down the deputy standing guard and fled on foot. He was last seen running toward the intersection of U.S. 90 and Ocean Springs Road. Williams is a white male, standing 5-9 and weighing 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The accompanying photo shows what Williams was wearing and his general appearance at the time of the escape. Williams is officially listed as being from Baton Rouge, La., but court records indicate he is homeless. His Facebook profile says he lives in Biloxi. JCSO spokesperson Marcia Hill said information on why Williams was in the hospital could not be released due to federal privacy laws. He was arrested on a Jackson County warrant for possession of stolen property, along with a Harrison County warrant for eluding police and burglary, and a warrant from the Mississippi Department of Corrections for parole violation. Williams has a litany of arrests in Harrison County, according to jail records. Among his prior arrests are: Resisting arrest Disorderly conduct Public drunk Failure to pay fines Simple assault Failure to pay restitution Giving false information to law enforcement DUI Driving with suspended license Auto burglary Possession of a controlled substance Possession of paraphernalia Contempt of court Burglary of an inhabited dwelling Anyone with information on Williams or his whereabouts is asked to contact investigator Shane Bozeman at 228-875-6823 or the JCSO at 228-769-3063. President Trump speaks about the situation with Iran in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington on Jan. 8, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Trump: No Americans Harmed by Iranian Missile Strikes No Americans or Iraqis died from the missiles fired by Iran on Jan. 7, President Donald Trump said in an address at the White House on Jan. 8. Im pleased to inform you: The American people should be extremely grateful and happy no Americans were harmed in last nights attack by the Iranian regime., Trump said. We suffered no casualties, all of our soldiers are safe, and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. While our great American forces are prepared for anything, Trump said, Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. Trump started off the address by stating: As long as Im president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. He later defended the recent airstrike against Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, who he described as the worlds top terrorist. Trump appeared with a number of high-ranking officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Ari Jalal/Reuters) Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Ari Jalal/Reuters) Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at two or more bases housing U.S. and coalition forces, the Pentagon said late Tuesday. Some lawmakers said in initial reactions that reports indicating no Americans died in the strikes meant Trump didnt need to respond with military action. Iran is already directly responsible for the death of more than 600 men and women of the United States military. I am grateful that number didnt increase tonight. Terrorism supporters Khamenei and Rouhani should be thankful as well, Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) said in a statement late Tuesday. The best way America responds to terrorism is not with war, but strength founded in national unity. For those who have spent the last three years screaming country over party, its time to put your country over Iran. Many Republicans praised Trumps statement Wednesday. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said: A homerun speech by President @realDonaldTrump about the challenges we face with Iran. It was measured and firm. To the Iranian people: President Trump laid out a pathway forward for peace and prosperity. I hope you take it. Leading Democrats condemned the strikes from Iran, but many members of the party said Trump didnt have the power to wage war with Iran amid a push to strip war power resolutions passed shortly after the 9/11 terror attacks. The American people do not want a war with Iran, and the president does not have the authority to wage one, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on the Senate floor earlier Wednesday. He said the United States should exit so-called forever wars. Military leaders briefed the full Congress on Wednesday about the strike against Soleimani and other recent developments, shortly after Trump spoke. House Foreign Affairs Committee member Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) told reporters that the briefing was utterly unconvincing, adding: I believe more than ever that Congress needs to act to protect the Constitutional provisions about war and peace. Iranian leaders have said the attacks were a proportionate response to the recent killing of Soleimani, who was taken out by a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad on Jan. 2. A man celebrates after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran on Jan. 8, 2020. (Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters) Iran took [and] concluded proportionate measures in self-defense, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said late Tuesday. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that military action like the strikes wouldnt be sufficient. What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region, he said. Irans leaders have repeatedly said Washington should withdraw troops from the region. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said during his weekly cabinet meeting, which was broadcast on state television: They cut the hand off our dear Soleimaniand you saw his dear hand next to his body in pictures and videos. As revenge, we will cut off the U.S.s feet from this region. Turkish foreign minister to visit Iraq Mevlut Cavusoglu was reported in the preparation of visit Iraq to alleviate escalated tension between US-Iran. Turkeys top diplomat is set to pay an official visit to Iraq on Thursday amid heightened tension between the US and Iran. "DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS TO ALLEVIATE THE ESCALATED TENSION" Mevlut Cavusoglu is due in Iraq on Jan. 9 within the context of our intensified diplomatic efforts to alleviate the escalated tension in the aftermath of recent developments in the region, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. Recent developments in the region, as well as bilateral issues, are expected to be discussed during the visit, it added. Early Friday, Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps' (IRGC) elite Quds Force, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad. Early Wednesday, Irans IRGC launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. Gunshots pepper Big Joke's car BANGKOK: A gunman fired at least seven shots at former tourist police chief Surachet Hakparn's parked car while he was in a nearby restaurant in Bangkok's Bang Rak district on last night (Jan 6). crimeviolencepolitics By Bangkok Post Tuesday 7 January 2020, 11:29AM Bullet holes are evident in the two left doors of a car owned by former Pol Lt Gen Surachet Hakparn, fired by a gunman while the PM's Office adviser was in a nearby restaurant in Bang Rak district last night (Jan 6). Police photo The shooting was reported to Bang Rak about 9:30pm. The white Lexus SUV belonging to the once popular police officer was parked outside in the Surawong Sarika Co parking lot. Seven bullet holes were found in the doors on the left side of the vehicle. Pol Lt Gen Surachet, known as Big Joke, was not in the car at the time. He was at a business meeting in a nearby restaurant. The adviser to the Prime Minister's Office said after seeing the bullet holes in his car that he was certain the shots had been intended to take his life. However, he had no conflict with anyone, he said. Pol Lt Gen Surachet rose rapidly through the police ranks during the five-year rule of the military after the 2014 coup, due to his close ties with Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon. He was chief of the Police Immigration Bureau until last year, when he was suddenly shunted out of law enforcement circles to the civilian position of adviser at the Prime Minister's Office. The reason for his sudden fall from grace was never explained and remains obscure. Gen Prawit said today he would not jump to conclusions about last night's attack, whether it was a set-up or a personal conflict. He was awaiting the police investigation report. Deputy national police chief Wirachai Songmetta said earlier today that forensic experts would examine the bullets extracted from the car doors, to determine what type of firearm was used. Witnesses said a person on a motorcycle had fired the shorts, he said. Pol Lt Gen Surachet would be called in to give information to police later today (Jan 7). Vietnams foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years as more foreign investors choose the country as their destination, leading to the heightened demand for human resources. How does this situation put employers under pressure? Nguyen Dinh Nam, founder and CEO of investment consultancy IPA Vietnam Investors in the manufacturing and processing sector will start to look for labourers, after they finish administrative procedures and start construction of their facilities. Previously, recruitment often took 25-30 per cent of time for setting the manufacturing and trading operations in Vietnam but in recent years, the rate has increased to 40-50 per cent. The main reason comes from the increase of foreign investment capital as well as development of local manufacturing and service enterprises, leading to the demand on labour to soar. Almost all unskilled labourers are lured towards large groups such as Samsung or LG. Besides that, the deficiency of labour is serious at the senior personnel level as the majority wants to work in large cities instead of coming back to their hometown or going to work in remote provinces. In addition, the difficulty in recruiting labourers is not only the problem of newly-established enterprises but also existing ones which have plans to expand operations. Samsung is an example, having arrived in mountainous provinces to look for unskilled workers. The problem is the uneven distribution of industrial zones across the country. Almost all enterprises, especially import-export ones, want to establish their manufacturing facilities in key economic centres of Vietnam Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, or in cities and provinces with convenient transport infrastructure. Vendors or satellite enterprises of global groups have tended to locate facilities near to those of their partners. At present, cities and provinces including Haiphong, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, and Bac Giang have started to show signs of labour deficiency. For example, Haiphong can just offer a volume of 200 labourers per hectare for projects with a scale of three to five hectares. Vietnam is considered to have an advantage of low-cost workforce. Will this sign of deficiency cause a drop in competition capacity, or impact investment decisions in cities and provinces? The supply of workforce in the country as a whole is quite abundant, thus it will not impact on the competition capacity of Vietnam. However, it will interrupt the investment progress of numerous enterprises. For example, if one investor wants to build facilities with a scale of 2,000-3,000 labourers in Haiphong or Bac Ninh, it will face the risk of failing to recruit enough labour volume compared to expectations. Thus it will have to move to other cities or provinces. In the case that it still wants to invest in these cities and provinces, it must accept to have latency in training or recruiting enough labourers at the same time, or divide the investment plan to more than one period. In general, enterprises have to keep two or three back-up plans with the particular advantages and disadvantages to consider and select the final investment destination. Cities and provinces are building and implementing investment promotion programmes. How do locals integrate into these programmes with activities to support enterprises in recruitment? Massive companies are paying attention to cities and provinces which are not known as key economic regions in order to avoid the risk of labour deficiency. Recruiting labour is the mission of enterprises. However cities and provinces also need to be proactive in preparing infrastructure and human resources to welcome investors. Accordingly, locals need to build training plans via linking with either training facilities or financiers in order to create available employees to meet demand. The workforce is an important factor in holding investors investment decision. During the process of advising, I saw that numerous partners of our company had to change plans in term of location because the province could not commit to meet demand in terms of the workplace. Massive cities and provinces can be aware of the importance of preparing labour resources to lure investment inflow Quang Ninh province in the north is such an example. Besides that, in the south, Tien Giang and Can Tho are spotlights in luring foreign investment thanks to their dynamism in organising related promotion programmes. What are some of the solutions that can be utilised to deal with labour deficiency? Human resources are a key factor in a countrys success. In its Socio-economic Development Strategy until 2030, Vietnam pays attention to human resources. However, localities have yet to finalise implementing assignments from the government. In addition, the supply of labourers and training facilities has yet to match with the demand. Thus the state, the universities, and enterprises need better co-operation policies. Universities and training facilities need to improve the quality of teachers, recognise new skills needed by enterprises, and improve training facilities Enterprises also are proactive in recruiting a workforce right after selecting the investment location or completing the administrative procedures, instead of the start of construction as normal. Enterprises should get involved in developing a training curriculum, participating in the training, receiving students for internships, and recruiting graduates. Last but not least, localities have to issue transparent information about the capacity to meet the demand on workforce for investors. Normally, cities and provinces commit to supplying enough human resources once they decide to implement their investment plan. However in reality, large-scale investors still face difficulties in recruiting enough employees. Lack of transparency in the capacity to supply a workforce will waste the time of the two parties and cause resentment of the investment environment of Vietnam as a whole. A Ukrainian passenger jet carrying 176 people crashed on Wednesday morning minutes after taking off from the Iranian capitals main airport, turning farmland on the outskirts of Tehran into fields of flaming debris and killing all on board. The plane had 167 passengers and nine crew members on board. Ukraines foreign minister, Vadym Prystaiko, said there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians on the plane. The Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and the nine crew. There were also 10 Swedish, four Afghan, three German and three British nationals, Prystaiko said. The planes departure from Imam Khomeini International Airport was delayed by almost an hour. It took off to the west but never made it above 8,000 feet, according to data from the flight-tracking website FlightRadar24. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extended his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a sweeping inspection of all civil airplanes in the country, no matter the conclusions about the crash in Iran. Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Irans Road and Transportation Ministry, said it appeared one of the engines caught fire. The pilot then lost control, sending the plane crashing, Biniaz was quoted as saying by the state-run IRNA news agency. Steel workers' body SWFI on Wednesday condemned the government's decision to divest equity shares of six PSUs, including MMTC, in Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd (NINL). The Cabinet on Wedesday approved divestment of some shares of MMTC, National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd (BHEL), Odisha Mining Corporation, Odisha Investment Corporation and MECON in Neelachal Ispat. "We strongly condemn the decision," Steel Workers Federation of India (SWFI) Working President P K Das said while reacting to the development. He said his organisation opposes sale of any public sector unit be it steel or any other sector. Referring to the stressed steel assets which had to undergo NCLT proceedings, he said it must to be noted that no private sector could run their steel plant well. "In private sector, Bhushan Steel plant was sold after becoming bankrupt. Adhunik Steel is closed. Today hundreds of steel plants are closed in private sector, but public sector PSUs including NMDC, RINL are doing well and government wants to sell which is doing well," he said and most of the "entities in private sector are sick, bankrupt or sold." He further said that SWFI workers will go on strike if the government considers a decision like today's with RINL and NMDC. The government must note one thing that there are no buyers in the market, no one wants to invest any amount due to the financial crunch in market. In his reaction, Jayanta Roy who is senior vice-president and group head (corporate sector ratings) at ICRA, said. " The proposed sale would have a number of attractions to the strategic investor in the form of a captive iron ore mine which is under development, and a locational advantage of being in Odisha and in proximity to ports. On the other hand, the company may benefit in terms of private sector efficiencies if an experienced player is brought in." NINL is a joint venture company, in which four central PSUs -- MMTC, National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and MECON -- and two Odisha government companies IPICOL and Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) are shareholders. MMTC holds 49.78 per cent share in NINL, followed by OMC (20.47 per cent), IPICOL (12 per cent), NMDC (10.10 per cent), while MECON and BHEL hold 0.68 per cent each. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iffath Fathima By Express News Service BENGALURU: Bengaluru, once known for its lakes, is set to lose yet another of its picturesque water bodies as the Doddanamangala lake in Phase 2 of Electronic City is on the verge of extinction. The citys lakes have been slowly disappearing due to encroachment, dumping of garbage and sewage being let into them. The Doddanagamangala lake belonged to the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), which was later handed over to the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) on lease. However, not much was done for its development. Residents allege that presently, even the lakes water is being pumped out and the authorities may look at commercialising the space. The lake was once known for its migratory birds and people would come to spend some time here, residents pointed out. Today, however, nobody wants to enter the lake as it has turned into a dumping yard for garbage, meat waste and construction debris. Besides, illegal slums have begun encroaching it. Anirudh Nayak, resident of E-city Phase 2, said, Everyday, we see garbage trucks and tractors with construction debris dumping waste into this lake on its northern side, while slums are coming up and encroaching it on its southern side. No effort has been made by the NICE authorities to construct a boundary fence to restrict this exploitation. Meanwhile, a NICE official said, Residents have informed us about the garbage-dumping and encroachments. We even did a check and deployed guards to prevent it, but even then it is continuing. We have informed the local panchayat as well, which needs to take measures now. We are also looking at the next action plan. NOVI, Mich. and KOTZ, Germany and LANGENARGEN, Germany, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- DexKo Global Inc. ("DexKo"), a global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear, chassis assemblies and related components, has completed the acquisition of Aguti Produktentwicklung & Design GmbH ("Aguti" or the "Company"), based in Langenargen (Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany). This strategic acquisition enables AL-KO Vehicle Technology ("AL-KO") to expand its portfolio to include seats and seating system solutions for commercial and leisure vehicles and to continue the group's strong growth trajectory. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Aguti is a leading provider of seat systems and seat-connections for motorhomes, electric vehicles and specialty vehicles. Since its foundation in 1992, Aguti has been designing seating systems specially tailored to its customers' requirements for style, flexibility, safety and ergonomics. The company is an innovation leader in the construction of patented special solutions, which are developed and tested in its own center of expertise. Customers value Aguti's expertise, excellent service and innovative know-how. The acquisition enables AL-KO to continue to execute its long-term growth strategy and further diversify its business. The experienced management team led by company founder and managing partner Andreas Grieger and managing director Sebastian Janssen will remain with the business, and the Aguti brand will also continue in its existing form as a product brand under the AL-KO umbrella brand. Fred Bentley, CEO of DexKo, commented: "We are very happy that Aguti will become part of the DexKo family. Aguti distinguishes itself through high-quality and innovative products and enjoys an excellent reputation with business partners and customers. It's a perfect match with DexKo. We will continue to intensively pursue such value-adding partnerships that improve our product offering and service level in the future." Harald Hiller, President and CEO of AL-KO, added: "By integrating Aguti, we are expanding our core business. Thanks to its center of expertise, the company is a leader in the field of flexible and customer-specific solutions. We value Aguti's significant technical know-how and creative expertise. It is of vital importance to me that the entire Aguti management team is retained in its existing form." Andreas Grieger commented: "Finding a strong and reliable partner in AL-KO was very important to us, as this will enable us to execute our long-term strategy. It opens up access to additional markets outside of our core business and in new geographies." The transaction closed on December 23rd, 2019 following the receipt of customary regulatory approvals. DexKo is a portfolio company of KPS Capital Partners, LP ("KPS"). KPS manages the KPS Special Situations Funds, a group of investment funds with approx. $11.5 billion in assets under management (as of October 15, 2019). KPS Capital Partners, LP KPS, through its affiliated management entities, is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with approximately $11.5 billion of assets under management (as of October 15, 2019). For over two decades, the Partners of KPS have worked exclusively to realize significant capital appreciation by making controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, including basic materials, branded consumer, healthcare and luxury products, automotive parts, capital equipment and general manufacturing. KPS creates value for its investors by working constructively with talented management teams to make businesses better, and generates investment returns by structurally improving the strategic position, competitiveness and profitability of its portfolio companies, rather than primarily relying on financial leverage. The KPS Funds' portfolio companies have aggregate annual revenues of approximately $8.4 billion, operate 142 manufacturing facilities in 26 countries, and have approximately 28,000 employees, directly and through joint ventures worldwide. The KPS investment strategy and portfolio companies are described in detail at www.kpsfund.com. DexKo Global Inc. DexKo Global Inc. is the world's leading supplier of advanced chassis technology, chassis assemblies and related components with more than 130 years of experience in trailer and caravan components. DexKo Global was founded at the end of 2015 through the combination of Dexter and AL-KO Vehicle Technology. With its headquarters in Novi, Michigan, the company employs more than 5,000 associates with 44 production facilities and 23 distribution centers. DexKo Global Inc. has a turnover of more than US$ 1.5 billion. AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group GmbH Founded in 1931, AL-KO Vehicle Technology is now a global technology company with sites in Europe, South America, Asia and Australia. With high-quality chassis components for trailers, leisure vehicles and light commercial vehicles, AL-KO represents the best in ergonomics and functionality, maximum comfort as well as innovations to ensure greater driving safety. The company specialises in sophisticated innovation processes and has received several awards in this regard. AGUTI Produktentwicklung & Design GmbH AGUTI has been developing and selling seating systems for the leisure and commercial vehicle industries and special seating ranges for customers all over the world since the early 1990s. The company, based in Langenargen, Germany, has a qualified team of seating experts who are constantly developing innovations for the product portfolio. Specific solutions, which have to fulfil Aguti's own standards as well as customer norms on the in-house test benches, have always been the basis of the company's success. CONTACT: Stacey Miller, 1-574-296-7228, [email protected] SOURCE DexKo Global Inc. The American Association of Insurance Services has expanded its admitted Cannabis Businessowners Policy program in Nevada. The Nevada Division of Insurance approved AAISs CannaBOP on Dec. 24, 2019. The cannabis industry continues to grow and mature as states legalize and expand medicinal and adult-use programs each year. Sales of cannabis in the U.S. are expected to top $15 billion in 2020. Nevada alone accounted for around $700 million in sales in 2019 and is expected to reach $1 billion by 2022. The need for admitted cannabis insurance is a natural by-product of this growth market, an AAIS announcement on the new development states. CannaBOP offers a comprehensive product for Nevada carriers looking to capitalize on a growing demand for insurance programs in the Silver State. The CannaBOP program includes a package policy containing both property and liability coverage for qualifying cannabis dispensaries, storage facilities, distributors, processors, and manufacturers. It comes supported by rules and loss costs developed with actuarial consulting group Merlinos & Associates, Inc. Since CannaBOPs inception in 2018, the program has been approved in California, Colorado, and now Nevada. AAIS intends to develop similar programs for Alaska, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and others. Program updates, including a multi-state base form for use in surplus lines markets, supplemental coverage and exclusion endorsements and alignment with AAISs commercial umbrella/excess program, are available. AAIS serves the property/casualty insurance industry as a national nonprofit advisory organization governed by its member insurance carriers. AAIS delivers tailored advisory options including policy forms, rating information and data management capabilities for commercial lines, inland marine, farm and agriculture and personal lines insurers. Related: Topics Cannabis Nevada Harry and Meghan last night aimed another blast at the British media and what they call its 'misreporting'. They announced they would be withdrawing from the 'royal rota' system, which allows British newspaper, television and radio organisations to cover their work in recognition of the monarchy being a publicly-funded organisation. UK media are currently entitled to cover their engagements in an impartial manner without control from royal officials. The couple say they now intend to offer access to specially-invited media and dispense news via their own official communications and social media channels. On their new website, sussexroyal.com, the duke and duchess said they believe this policy will reflect 'both their forthcoming independence as members of the Royal Family' and their wish to 'reshape and broaden access to their work'. They also attacked the British media's body of royal correspondents, claiming: 'Regrettably, stories that may have been filed accurately by royal correspondents are also often edited or rewritten by media editorial teams to present false impressions.' Harry and Meghan announced they would be withdrawing from the 'royal rota' system, which allows British newspaper, television and radio organisations to cover their work Harry and Meghan cited their work with publications such as Time Magazine, National Geographic and British Vogue as examples of how they still believe in a 'free, strong and open media industry'. They added: 'Their Royal Highnesses recognise that their roles as members of the Royal Family are subject to interest, and they welcome accurate and honest media reporting, as well as being held to account if appropriate. Equally, like every member of society, they also value privacy as individuals and as a family.' The couple also said they hoped their decision to release photographs and information on their own social media would prevent publications from 'profiting' from their family. It is not the first time that the duke and duchess have hit out at the British media. In October last year, while they were on a royal tour of southern Africa, Harry attacked newspaper stories about him and his wife In October last year, while they were on a royal tour of southern Africa, Harry attacked newspaper stories about him and his wife. The prince said: 'Unfortunately, my wife has become one of the latest victims of a British tabloid press that wages campaigns against individuals with no thought to the consequences a ruthless campaign that has escalated over the past year, throughout her pregnancy and while raising our newborn son.' Referring to Press coverage of his mother, Princess Diana, before her 1997 death in a Paris car crash while being pursued by paparazzi, the duke said his 'deepest fear is history repeating itself'. He wrote: 'I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.' Iranian regime will stop at nothing to ensure survival '80 American terrorists' killed in Iran missile attack, claims Iran state media International oi-Deepika S Tehran, Jan 08: At least 80 "American terrorists" were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on U.S. targets in Iraq, claimed Iranian state media. Iran retaliates against US strike, Plane crashes near Tehran airport | OneIndia News State TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said US helicopters and military equipment were 'severely damaged'. Tensions between Iran and the United States have been steadily escalating for months. Earlier in the day, Iran has launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. Shortly after the missile attacks, Trump tweeted, "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Officials said President Trump has been briefed and he is monitoring the situation. A juvenile would be barred from possessing a gun until age 26 if the adult criminal equivalent is a Level 3 through Level 6 felony, or age 28 if the crime is among the worst of the worst as a Level 1 or Level 2 felony. Bohacek said he believes his legislation will make Indiana schools and communities safer by ensuring dangerous juveniles aren't able to obtain guns as soon as they become adults. That thinking resonated with Brian Cross, of Noblesville Stands Together, a parent group formed in the wake of the May 25, 2018, shooting that injured a student and teacher at Noblesville West Middle School in suburban Indianapolis. Cross said if this proposed law is not enacted, the student perpetrator of the Noblesville school shooting could get his juvenile record expunged upon turning 18 and immediately go out and buy a gun. "This particular bill is important to us, in our community, also in the state of Indiana and as a parent," Cross said. "This closes a loophole that currently affects many different juvenile delinquents as they move forward in the juvenile court system into the adult court system if they are a habitual offender with a violent crime." ANN ARBOR, MI Tensions over weekly anti-Israel demonstrations outside an Ann Arbor synagogue reached a boiling point Monday night, as a City Council member publicly accused the protest groups leader of being an anti-Semitic racist. Council Member Zachary Ackerman, D-3rd Ward, offered a sharp rebuke after Henry Herskovitz spoke at the councils Jan. 6 meeting and defended his groups demonstrations outside the Beth Israel Congregation on Washtenaw Avenue. Anti-Semitism exists in our community. It looks like Mr. Herskovitz, Ackerman said. And any time that he comes up to speak while Im still in office, Ill make sure that everyone in the room knows exactly who he is and what he stands for. Ackermans remarks drew applause from several residents, as well as criticism from some anti-Israel demonstrators. Protests outside Beth Israel have taken place weekly during the synagogues Saturday services for more than 16 years, and theyre now the subject of a federal lawsuit. Marvin Gerber, a longtime Beth Israel congregant, argues the demonstrations amount to hateful, anti-Semitic speech that is causing extreme emotional distress and infringing on the rights of congregants to exercise their freedom of religion. His lawsuit names as defendants both the protesters and city officials for allowing the demonstrations to continue without restrictions. City officials have said over the years they wished the protests would stop, but noted its a matter of free speech. Protest signs carry messages such as Resist Jewish Power, Jewish Power Corrupts, No More Holocaust Movies, Boycott Israel, Stop U.S. Aid to Israel and End the Palestinian holocaust. Herskovitz, who says he is biologically Jewish but had a falling out with the Jewish faith years ago, denies being anti-Semitic. He maintains hes standing up for Palestinians who are enduring oppression and violence under the Israeli government. He explained during his remarks to council why he thinks Beth Israel is an appropriate venue for protests against the Jewish state, saying the synagogue is using its faith to promote a nationalist political agenda and supports Israels existence as a Jewish state. And we oppose that claim to a right to ethnically cleanse Palestine of its non-Jewish inhabitants, he said, noting the synagogue has an Israeli flag in its sanctuary and prays for Israel. The Jewish chauvinism formed there is reflected in Jewish holidays, where Jews are portrayed as victims of an alleged hostile world, he said. An unhealthy, toxic paradigm of us-versus-them is thus formed. It is a paradigm which is the opposite of the universalism expressed in Christianity. The Jewish community self-isolates from the others. Ackerman said he grew up in the congregation, attended Hebrew school there and had his bar mitzvah there. He said anti-Semitism in modern America doesnt usually reveal itself in the form of blatantly demeaning slurs or caricatures. "Anti-Semitism in modern America looks exactly like Mr. Herskovitz, he said, arguing its important to directly call out what anti-Semitism looks like today. It means using the word Jewish or Jew no less than 15 times in your comments to City Council while drawing comparisons of the Jewish faith to the Christian faith and superiority of the Christian faith. Anti-Semitism also means calling into question the number of people who died in the Holocaust, Ackerman said. Deir Yassin Remembered, one of Herskovitzs groups that argues the historical suffering of Palestinians has been minimized while the historical suffering of Jews has been unduly amplified, was labeled by the Southern Poverty Law Center in 2017 as a Holocaust-denying hate group. Herskovitz described his group as Holocaust revisionists. During a protest outside Beth Israel during Hanukkah last month, Herskovitz explained how he thinks signs like Resist Jewish Power and Jewish Power Corrupts arent anti-Semitic. It only talks about Jewish power, he said. It doesnt talk about Jews as a people, as a group, as an ethnicity. Sitting on a chair nearby was a book titled Jewish Power: Inside the American Jewish Establishment. If you read that book, youd find that Jews have considerable power in our Congress, Herskovitz said. There are some Jewish members of Congress that could be dual citizens of Israel and we as citizens arent allowed to know that information. Herskovitz argues the Israel lobby has a corrupting influence on U.S. foreign policy and hes complaining about Jewish power because theres no other ethnic group that dominates our foreign policy. While his protest group is identified in the federal lawsuit as Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends, a name it went by for many years, Herskovitz said they stopped using that name in October 2016. Organizing around the word Jewish assumed a haughty mantle that I felt was undeserving, Herskovitz said, explaining in an email that we started off with six biological Jews. Two quit and three died, leaving only me, who desires escape from the Tribe. Read more Ann Arbor City Council stories. WASHINGTON Sen. Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, flatly refused Wednesday to negotiate with Speaker Nancy Pelosi on the terms of the Senates impeachment trial of President Donald Trump and accused the speaker of playing politics with a solemn process at a time of possible war. A day after he announced that he had the votes to conduct a trial without agreeing to Democrats demands for witnesses, McConnell said that the House had no choice now but to end shameless game-playing and transmit the two articles of impeachment against Trump that it approved last month. There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure, McConnell, R-Ky., said on the Senate floor. We will not cede our authority to try this impeachment. The Houses turn is over. The Senate has made its decision. Pelosi has been withholding the charges in a bid to help Democrats press their case that any fair trial must include the guarantee of new witnesses and documents. On Tuesday evening, she demanded that McConnell make public his proposed rules for the proceeding before she delivered the articles so that Democrats could see the arena in which we will be participating. But McConnell appeared in no rush to do so. Citing the heightened tensions in the Middle East where Iran fired missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq early Wednesday the Senate leader charged that the speaker was playing a dangerous game on impeachment at the worst possible time. At the very same time a global crisis was unfolding in real time, she published another Dear colleague letter saying she intends to keep our commander in chief in this limbo indefinitely, McConnell said. The pointed remarks were the latest in an escalating confrontation between two of the most powerful leaders Congress has seen in a generation. McConnell, 78, and Pelosi, 79, each of whom has served for more than three decades, are considered master tacticians in their respective parties, and neither is known for backing down from a contentious fight. Both have a keen understanding of the political dynamics within their rank and file and excel at consolidating their colleagues around a single position and refusing to budge. McConnells objective in the current battle is to bring about a speedy acquittal of the president, belittling the Houses case in the process. Pelosi, having carefully orchestrated the impeachment vote in the House, does not want to allow the Senate to quickly bury the matter without delving into additional witness accounts or documents. And if she cannot force McConnell to agree to those terms, she is determined at least to convince the public that the Senate trial is illegitimate and, by extension, that Trumps acquittal was rigged from the start. The latest comments from McConnell came in response to a letter from Pelosi to House colleagues late Tuesday in which she accused the Senate leader of putting his loyalty to the president above the Constitution. In recent weeks, she has also referred to McConnell as rogue and complicit in a cover-up of the presidents misbehavior. This process is not only unfair but designed to deprive senators and the American people of crucial documents and testimony, she wrote. She said she needed details about what a trial would look like so she could choose the team that will prosecute the Houses case that Trump abused his power and then obstructed Congress. The charges stem from a House inquiry that concluded Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate his political rivals in a bid to boost his reelection campaign and then sought to conceal his actions from legislative oversight. On Wednesday, McConnell reiterated that he intends to follow the model of President Bill Clintons 1999 impeachment trial, delaying any consideration of additional witnesses or evidence not included in the House inquiry until opening arguments are complete and senators have a chance to question the prosecution and defense. Although at least three Senate Republicans have indicated they are open to potentially calling witnesses like John Bolton, the former national security adviser who said this week he would be willing to testify, Democrats would have to find a fourth Republican willing to join with them to muster the majority needed to do so. With Pelosi firmly backed by her own caucus, McConnell tried Wednesday to drive a wedge between Democrats in the House and the Senate to increase pressure on the speaker. He urged Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and the Democratic leader, to listen to his own members who have begun to voice impatience to start the trial. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., added her name to that list Wednesday, telling reporters, I dont see what good delay does. He is a senior member of an independent branch of our bicameral legislature, McConnell said of Schumer. The Democratic leader does not need to continue to be in thrall to the speaker. He does not need to keep colluding with outside efforts to supplant the judgment of his own colleagues. Schumer, increasingly resigned to McConnells decision to blow past Democrats demands, offered the majority leader and Republican senators a warning in his own speech on the Senate floor. Schumer said he would force votes on calling witnesses and documents during the trial and the nation could judge at the ballot box the actions of each lawmaker. If the Senate rushes through the presidents impeachment if we actually fail to try the case, as the Constitution demands then the true acquittal the president craves will be unobtainable, he said. The American people will see right through a partisan trial and understand that a rush to judgment rendered that moot. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. The new year brings with it many challenges for cities, including infrastructure updates, affordable housing and employee shortages. Many of the challenges are interconnected for instance, companies need employees, but employees need affordable homes to live in. Therefore, a housing shortage could contribute to an employee shortage. In the first six months of 2022, what would you like for city leadership to tackle as a top priority? You voted: See Full Image Gallery >> LAS VEGAS On Tuesday at the synergistic automotive/technology juggernaut that is CES, Hondas Silicon Valley-headquartered tech incubator, Honda Xcelerator, unveiled a quartet of new products that it is helping to hatch. Two in particular caught my eye: the Chairless Chair from German company Noonee, and the 360 from Dutch manufacturer Skelex. Both are strap-on exoskeleton devices, offering up external support to humans who have to perform repetitive tasks. The Skelex shores things up, and provides additional bionic strength around the shoulders and arms. The Nonee takes up the, ahem, rear, allowing seamless support in transitioning from standing to sitting. The theme for our startups this year is human augmentation, says Dennis Clark, who runs the Xcelerator. And we are focusing on manufacturing and industrial innovation, especially in terms of ergonomic hardware devices and wearables. These devices also seem to align well with the brands overall philosophy when it comes to the droidosphere, which is to offer gentle assistance to humans physical or emotional labor, to help people do the hard and dumb stuff, rather than attempt to replace or replicate the broad sphere of human intelligence. We are focusing on manufacturing and industrial innovation because our manufacturing prowess is one of the things that sets us apart, Clark says. From a trend standpoint, the next area we see is looking for tech that helps us to be more efficient, more energy efficient in our production processes, in all areas of our business. Being the enterprising type, and an aging member of society with a job that requires repetitive motions, I decided to take both of these products for a spin. They are both, not surprisingly, awkward and a bit uncomfortable at first, since they're worn over my clothes and body, like a prosthetic arm and ass in addition to my extant arm and ass. They also made me feel a bit like some terrifying SEAL Team humanoid, equipped with enhanced powers. But I quickly got used to them, delighting in my newfound ability to tirelessly bench-press anvils and perform a perfect seated-at-a-Parisian-cafe mime. Story continues But after ridding myself of their automaton embrace, I couldnt help but think that, in addition to their gracious and assistive application, they might have other, deeper, purposes. By inference, an exoskeleton with machine learning algorithms in it can be watching the workers, used to train their robot replacements, prognosticates Douglass Rushkoff, professor of media theory and digital economics at City University of New York/Queens, and author of 20 books including "Team Human" and "Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus." He continued: You just change out the flesh motor for a digital one, and youre done and you dont need a worker anymore. Rushkoff doesn't necessarily see this as a drawback, on the surface. In the long term, if you dont need human beings building cars, for example, thats not necessarily a bad thing, as long as we have an economy that supports the human beings who now arent doing that, he says. In the interim, he suggests, while the workers are training their robot replacements, they should also be compensated for the double duty theyre performing. Youve got workers doing two things: building the car inside the exoskeleton, which is somehow supporting their back and preventing them from getting injuries, which is good, but training their robot replacement. And I think thats all fine as long as youre paying them for that too. On a deeper level, Rushkoff believes that our difficult and suspicious relationship with technology is founded not in some nefarious SkyNet plan, but on the particularly insidious and demeaning form of capitalism practiced in the United States. Its just a shame that we live in such an extractive and manipulative society that we cant help especially those of us who think about these things we cant help but go down these negative, abusive trajectories around technology, rather than thinking, 'This is magic. This is Wonder Woman,' Rushkoff says. And its such a shame that we have not evolved our relationships to labor and economics as quickly as weve evolved the technology that can get us out of so many messes. Honda says this isnt in the plan for the immediate future. These devices are nor meant to replace humans. That wont happen for a long time, Clark says. But the devices are already being trial tested at the brands factories in Japan and the U.S., and making them AI equipped, monitoring, and smart is definitely in the cards. At this moment, they are physical innovations, but you can extrapolate out. We see artificial intelligence, augmentation, and wearables all coming together down the line to help us see how our associates are doing their work and helping them to be most efficient and helpful from a human welfare standpoint, Clark says. But, for now, we dont want to focus on the replacement portion, but how these devices can be used to give us superhuman strength. MIDDLETOWN - Urged on by the mayor, a number of prominent city institutions and individuals are stepping forward to help ensure that Middletown gets as complete and accurate census count as possible. To that end, Mayor Ben Florsheim met Tuesday with civic and political leaders and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, some 30-plus people in all. The effort is vitally important, Bysiewicz said following the meeting in the Common Council chambers. Federal aid and the number of members in the House of Representatives from each state are determined by the results of the census. The census, which was established in the Constitution, is held once every 10 years. This past year, the state received some $11 billion in federal aid that was dispersed through 55 different Federal programs, Bysiewicz said. Those expenditures are all based on our population, Bysiewicz said. Each person who is un-counted costs us $2,900 in lost revenue to the state and hence to the city, Bysiewicz said. So, it makes a difference. In order to ensure the count is as thorough as it can be, Bysiewicz last February established a non-partisan Complete Count Committee. To date, in excess of 110 cities and towns in the state have joined the effort, she said. Middletown is not among that number, however or, at least not yet. We got a late start, said Florsheim, who was elected as mayor in November. But the city is fortunate because it is blessed by having a lot of people you can just pick up the phone and ask them, and they are ready to step forward and act, Florsheim said. In short order, he called on representatives from Middlesex Health, Wesleyan University, the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce (the largest chamber of commerce in the state), the local chapter of the NAACP and the Community Health Center, Inc. Members of veteran organizations also stepped forward, and critically, so did Superintendent of Schools Michael T. Connor and Ramona Burkey, the director of the Russell Library. Florsheim said he has prepared a draft proposal to establish a local CCC; he has presented it to Common Council in the hope the council will approve the measure at its February meeting. Its essential that every single person is counted so that we will be eligible for our proper share of federal and state funding, the mayor said. And Bysiewicz said, the census counts every person in a household - including children from birth to age five. Its important to remember to count all the kids, including the infants, she said. The library in particular could become a vital element in the effort to ensure a fair and complete count, Bysiewicz said. This year, for the first since the census began in 1790, people will be able to enter their census data on-line. The library can offer time on a computer for residents who dont own their own computer. Residents will be able to fill out their data in a postcard as well, Bysiewicz said. And if they dont take advantage of the either the post card or the on-line options, an enumerator, a person, will come to their door. (There also will be an 800-number to enable people who are housebound to fill out their data via phone, she said.) Ensuring a compete count can be a problem in the city, Bysiewicz acknowledged. Middletown is a hard-to-count community, she said. We have a number of areas where people are moving in and out frequently, so we cant take anything for granted. Thats one reason I am so glad that the mayor is committed to this, Bysiewicz said. PARIS He was the leader on the world stage, visiting troops stationed in a far-flung war zone for the holidays, shoring up alliances and economic deals in the Mideast, requesting a meeting with the German chancellor in his capital, portraying himself and his country as reliable partners in an increasingly uncertain world. Russian President Vladimir Putin has had a busy week, stepping into the aftermath of the American drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Putins visit Tuesday to Syria was emblematic of a reality that has been playing out in recent months: The U.S. strategic position in the Middle East is a mystery to many of its allies, and Russia is more than ready to fill any vacuum. The shift has, in many ways, left U.S. allies in a bind or turning to Russia themselves in search of a partner. Putin was the first world leader French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with just after learning about the drone strike on Friday. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, meanwhile, is traveling to the Kremlin to discuss the crisis in the Mideast. Canada, Denmark and Germany moved their troops in Iraq to safety, as did NATO, which has forces stationed there as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group. There was no sign that any had been warned by the Trump administration of the drone strike. Coalition activities froze, and NATOs secretary-general described the killing as a U.S. decision. It is not a decision taken by either the global coalition nor NATO. But all allies are concerned about Irans destabilizing activities in the region. The base targeted in northern Iraq was filled with coalition troops. Putin offered an alternative to perceived chaos. Unfortunately, the situation in the region we are in tends to escalate. But Turkey and Russia are demonstrating different examples examples of cooperation for the sake of our nations and all of Europe, he said Wednesday in Turkey. Israel, which has criticized the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, has been quiet about the drone strike aside from a brief statement of praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seemingly disinclined to escalate an already volatile situation between its closest ally and its sworn enemy. Trumps first face to face meeting with an ally came Monday with the Saudi deputy defense minister, Khalid bin Salman. But he didnt confirm it until a day later, after the prince revealed it in a tweet. We discussed Trade, Military, Oil Prices, Security, and Stability in the Middle East! Trump tweeted. The American president spoke by phone with Macron on Sunday and with Merkel on Tuesday. Putins travel plans have continued apace. His visit to Russian troops for the Orthodox Christmas came unannounced, as was his meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who owes his continued rule to a combination of Russian and Iranian intervention. The message was unmistakable. Even NATOs Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, always ready to play along with the U.S., found it necessary to distance himself from the killing of the Iranian general by saying that the U.S. made this decision without NATOs involvement. So Washingtons attempts to ex post facto shore up their European allies failed, Alexei Pushkov, lawmaker in Russias upper house of parliament, wrote in a tweet Tuesday. He added, Its emblematic that right in the middle of a pre-war crisis around Iran Merkel is heading to talks with Putin and not Trump. There is no point in talks with Trump. Defense Secretary Mark Esper refused to say whether Trump had warned allies before the strike: Im not going to get into the details of our consultations. Stoltenberg said several U.S. briefers explained the rationale behind the Trump administrations decision to kill Soleimani, but he declined to provide details or timing. Trump campaigned on an America First policy and long has said he wants to reduce U.S. involvement in foreign wars in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. But his decision to bomb pro-Iranian militias and then to kill Irans best-known general in a missile strike outside Baghdads airport caught Middle Eastern and European allies unaware and confused. Since then, the U.S. also has given off conflicting signals on its intentions to exit Iraq even while it deploys more troops immediately for protection against a possible Iranian response. Amelie de Montchalin, a top French diplomat, told lawmakers Wednesday that Frances solidarity was based solely on the international coalition against the Islamic State group. This was a decision made by the United States without consulting France for national security reasons, and its therefore an American initiative and its their sole responsibility, Montchalin said. The administration has held up Soleimanis death as a master stroke that eliminated a region-wide troublemaker and saved American lives. Trump insisted that the United States would leave Iraq eventually, but that the Iraqi people wanted American soldiers to remain: At some point we want to get out but this isnt the right point. Putins trip to Turkey was planned a month ago, even if its timing this week was fortuitous. And his visit to Damascus was simply a continuation of the Kremlins growing reach in the Mideast and the diminishing sway of the United States, said Marc Pierini, a former EU ambassador to Turkey and a visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe. Merkels trip to the Kremlin was scheduled late last month, but Iran has always been the main topic on the agenda. Putin doesnt need to do much. Hes just watching. Everything youve seen for the past year or so, since December 2018 when Trump first announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, everything has gone the Kremlins way. Theres not much to do, theres nothing to activate. The Russian policy in that region has been to talk to everybody, to capitalize on an American vacuum, Pierini said. The December 2018 announcement was widely criticized as an American abandonment of its Kurdish allies, who fought alongside U.S. forces against the Islamic State group in northeast Syria. After U.S. forces withdrew, Turkey launched an offensive and the Kurds turned to Russia and the Syrian government for protection. It was a Russian deal with Turkey that ended the invasion. What little presence the U.S. military retains in Syria depends heavily upon logistical support from its bases in Iraq, and the outgoing Iraqi prime minister said Tuesday that American forces must leave. We have no exit but this, said Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, otherwise we are speeding toward confrontation. ___ Daria Litvinova contributed from Moscow, Sylvie Corbet in Paris, and Lolita Baldor and Kevin Freking from Washington. I met Akbar Padamsee within a few years of me moving to Bombay it may have been 1975 or 1976. Among the first people I met was the artist and poet Gieve Patel. The art community was small and I was eventually introduced to Akbar. He was, of course, an important artist in the post-Independence era, a man who laid the foundations of post-modern art in India. But I found him to be such a warm and generous person. At the time, the American collector Chester Herwitz would visit India as he and his wife, Davida, built one of the worlds largest collections of Indian modern art. Chester wasnt buying any of Akbars work; he had other favourites. But Akbar made it a point to reach out to him and asked him to start collecting the work of a young artist he knew: me. Hes had, over 50 years, a diverse practice, covering oils, photography and digital works. Along the way, hes influenced three generations of Indian artists. Gieve Patel, owes much to him and his advice; Atul Dodiya has learned from his example of bringing wide-ranging ideas into ones work. That intellect is what set him apart from those of his era. He was, like his contemporaries Tyeb Mehta and FN Souza, deeply sensitive to the human condition. But that existential intensity was tempered by a sharp mind it could mould a mathematical intellect into language. Its how he ended up, for a while, giving up colour to paint in shades of grey. Or how he worked shapes through grids. Or created mirror images and Metascapes. With Akbar gone, Indian art loses someone who could bring together, at a deep level, influences across the world. He was aware of Western traditions, history and philosophy. At the same time, he was so conscious of Indian aesthetics. He saw paint as a material substance that you could manipulate. He saw our senses as not mere receptors but active tools in how we engage with the world. Look at his panoramic landscapes. You cant take in the whole work at once you have to pan your eyes to scan them bit by bit. And yet at the end of it, you have a coherently structured work in your mind. Its something Ive thought of when Im creating larger works with multiple parts, and welding them into a unified field. Ill miss him. Hed drop in to visit me when hed come to Thane to meet Shankar Palsikar, the artist and one-time dean of the Sir JJ School of Art. Having him look at your work is such a rewarding experience. He wouldnt look at a painting at length, but hed say specific things about them. But Ill especially miss his lovely sense of happiness and life. Ill remember him smiling as he sits in front of the sea, his delight transforming everyone around him. Sudhir Patwardhan is an Indian contemporary painter. (As told to Rachel Lopez) Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rachel Lopez Rachel Lopez is a a writer and editor with the Hindustan Times. She has worked with the Times Group, Time Out and Vogue and has a special interest in city history, culture, etymology and internet and society. ...view detail Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 13:55:18|Editor: zyl Video Player Close NEW YORK, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said here Tuesday that President Donald Trump is bringing the United States "dangerously close" to starting a war with Iran. The Democratic presidential candidate said Trump's authorization of killing Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani last week, an abrupt move made without consultation with the Congress and U.S. allies, has exacerbated tensions in the Middle East. "If there was an imminent threat that required this extraordinary action, then we are owed an explanation, and the facts to back it up," he said. Instead of solving a crisis, the assassination has contributed to an "outcome of strategic setbacks, heightened threats, chants of 'Death to America' once more echoing across the Middle East, Iran and its allies vowing revenge," noted Biden. Stressing that he has "no illusions" about Iran, the 77-year-old veteran politician commented Trump's way of countering Tehran as "self-defeating." "A president who says he wants to end endless war in the Middle East is bringing us dangerously close to starting a brand-new one," he said. Biden blasted Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, which has made the United States an "international outlier" and sowed the seeds of today's crisis. The nuclear pact, accomplished in 2015 when Biden was the vice president, was commented by Trump as a "horrible, one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made." He also asserted that Trump is a "dangerously incompetent" leader in foreign policy whose "constant mistakes and poor decision-making" have left the United States with a "severely limited slate of options for how to move forward, and most of those options are now bad." Biden, who spent three decades on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, argued the only way out of the Iran crisis is through diplomacy. He urged Trump to protect American people and regional interests in face of retaliation threats, and "explain your decision and your strategy to the American people." "No one wants war. But it's going to take hard work to make sure we don't end up there accidentally," he added. Britain has been warned by the new European Commission president that it faces consequences if it does not align with Brussels rules after Brexit. In a speech in London, President Ursula von der Leyen said the tight negotiating timetable would force the European Union to prioritise unless there was an extension beyond 2020. The threat means Brussels could be entertaining only a skeleton free trade deal before the December 2020 deadline in order to avoid a no-deal situation. Boris Johnson has said the UK will not follow EU rules after Brexit but Ms von der Leyen, who will be meeting with the Prime Minister in Downing Street on Wednesday, said that would create a distant relationship. Expand Close Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to meet the European Commission President on Wednesday (Aaron Chown/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to meet the European Commission President on Wednesday (Aaron Chown/PA) Our partnership cannot and will not be the same as before, she said in her speech at the London School of Economics, where she formerly studied. It will not be as close as before because with every choice comes a consequence. With every decision, comes a trade-off. Without the free movement of people, you cannot have the free movement of capital, goods and services. Without a level playing field on environment, labour and state aid, you cannot have the highest quality access to the worlds largest single market. The more divergence there is, the more distant the partnership will be. Without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020, you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnershipUrsula von der Leyen Ms von der Leyen said the EU was willing to sign off on a deal that was unprecedented in scope and that would go well beyond trade. But she was blunt in her analysis that an 11-month negotiation period for such a deal was not possible. Without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020, you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnership, she warned. We will have to prioritise. The German politician, who took over from Jean Claude-Juncker last month, said Britains January 31 exit day would be tough and emotional. Looking to the future, she added: But when the sun rises again on February 1, the United Kingdom and the European Union will still be the best of friends and partners. The bonds between us will still be unbreakable. The mother of a teenager who has been battling cancer for 12 years is appealing to the public to donate platelets as the country's supply is running low. Robyn Smyth (15), of Whitehall, Dublin, has been fighting the aggressive cancer neuroblastoma since she was three. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) said that after the Christmas and New Year break, blood supplies are running low, while the cold and flu season is adding to the problem. Extreme Robyn's mother, Bernadette Dornan, has been by her daughter's side since her diagnosis in September 2007. The family continue to go through the highs and extreme lows that cancer treatment can bring. Over Christmas, Robyn had to attend Crumlin Children's Hospital several times for vital platelet transfusions. "I can't emphasise enough just how important platelets are and how the public need to urgently donate," Bernadette said. "Robyn needed several transfusions over Christmas and New Year, and without them life would be a lot different for her. "She has received these particular types of transfusions along with blood throughout her young life. Simply put, they keep people alive. "She spent a lot of time in and out of hospital over Christmas, which was tough on her, but blood and platelets are vital for her and so many others. "Robyn is the one who's bearing all this. It's Robyn going through this, not me. I'd do anything to swap places, anything. "It's been 12 years since this nightmare began and a lot of heartache." According to the IBTS, one in four people will need a blood transfusion, but only 3pc of the eligible population are active blood donors. Priceless Blood lasts only 35 days, and 3,000 donations are needed each week. "On any given day, 200 patients receive transfusions in Irish hospitals, and the demand for blood is constant," the IBTS said in a statement. "We rely on our donors and are urging them to give a priceless gift of life." Since becoming ill, Robyn has been treated in Dublin and at several hospitals in the US, thanks largely to her relatives and friends and public donations which raised hundreds of thousands of euro. For further information on making a donation of blood call 01 4322833, or to speak to IBTS staff call 021 4807429. PM explains why Ukrainian carrier operated in Iranian airspace despite mounting tensions in region 16:00, 08.01.20 17455 The sky over Iran remained open both before and after the Ukrainian Boeing crashed. Celebrities, philanthropists, generous individuals and businesses from Australia and overseas have together raised more than $140 million for bushfire victims across the country. Australian comedian Celeste Barber, whose social media campaign has generated more than $45 million in donations from around the world, has been the most successful fundraiser so far. Starting with a humble goal of $30,000 for the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), her campaign went viral. Having raised more than $7.5 million a day, Barber says she will consult with the NSW RFS to ensure donations are distributed to fire services in other states. Local and international celebrities alike are using their online platforms to plead with their audiences to support the plight of Australians. US talk show host Ellen Degeneres raised more than $300,000 of a $5 million goal within 10 hours, and Australian actor Dacre Montgomery's campaign has raised a similar amount. By selling nude photos, Instagram model Kaylen Ward estimates she has raised more than $1 million. Actress and Order of Australia recipient Magda Szubanski has teamed up with Will Egg Boy" Connolly to raise a further $100,000 for mental health organisation Beyond Blue. Elsewhere in Hollywood, famous names are piling onto the growing list of donors. Following US singer P!nk's donation of $US500,000 ($720,000), Chris Hemsworth and Elton John donated $1 million each. On Wednesday Metallica said they will give $750,000 to the NSW RFS and Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA), while Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have given $500,000, matched by Kylie and Dannii Minogue. Australian DJ Flume has given a further $100,000. By Sudip Kar-Gupta and Benoit Van Overstraeten PARIS (Reuters) - France and the United States have given themselves two weeks to try to resolve a row over a French digital tax, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Tuesday, emphasising that Paris has the European Union's backing on the issue. Washington has threatened to impose duties of up to 100% on imports of champagne, handbags and other French products worth $2.4 billion after a U.S. government investigation found the French tax would harm American technology companies. "I had a long talk with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. We have decided to step up efforts to try and find a compromise, within the OECD, on digital tax," Le Maire told reporters after a meeting in Paris with EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan. "We gave each other precisely 15 days, until our next meeting, which is planned on the sidelines of Davos at the end of January," the minister said, referring to the World Economic Forum that is held in the Swiss ski resort. France decided in July to apply a 3% levy on revenue from digital services earned in France by firms with revenues of more than 25 million euros ($28 million) in France and 750 million euros worldwide. "This is a more general issue between the United States and Europe," Le Maire said, stressing other EU nations were planning their own national digital taxes. He said any international agreement on digital taxation would immediately supersede the French tax. "Do we want a deal on the digital tax within the OECD or are we bracing ourselves for a confrontational mode which won't be a conflict between France and the United States but a trade conflict between the European Union, a lot of European states, and the United States?" Le Maire said he hoped there would be no U.S. sanctions during the two-week window convened with Mnuchin, adding that any decision by Washington to take action would in effect bring an end to the discussions. On his first official visit to Paris as new EU Trade Commissioner, Phil Hogan said the European Commission "will stand by France" in its digital tax dispute with Washington. Story continues He also said he had discussed trade with China and reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) with Le Maire, and that he plans to meet his U.S. counterpart in Washington to try to find common ground on these topics. "We want to see a reform of the WTO and we share the U.S. analysis on this," Hogan said. Last month, Washington reaffirmed its commitment to the WTO but called for longstanding concerns with the trade body's appellate court to be addressed. "A WTO reform is one of France's top priorities. Because it's better to solve trade issues within a multilateral body than in a bilateral way," Le Maire said. "France is ready to support all efforts allowing a jump-start of WTO reform negotiations and the solving of the problems affecting its dispute settlement body." ($1 = 0.8941 euros) (Reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten and Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Richard Lough and Catherine Evans) WASHINGTON The U.S. and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war on Wednesday as President Donald Trump signaled he would not retaliate militarily for Irans missile strikes on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. No one was harmed in the strikes, but U.S. forces in the region remained on high alert. Speaking from the White House, Trump seemed intent on deescalating the crisis, which spiraled after he authorized the targeted killing last week of Irans top general, Qassem Soleimani. Iran responded overnight with its most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, firing more than a dozen missiles at two installations in Iraq. The Pentagon said Wednesday that it believed Iran fired with the intent to kill. Even so, Trumps takeaway was that Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. Despite such conciliatory talk, the region remained on edge, and American troops including a quick-reaction force dispatched over the weekend, were on high alert. Last week Iranian-backed militia besieged the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and Tehrans proxies in the region remain able to carry out attacks such as the one on Dec. 27 that killed a U.S. contractor and set off the most recent round of hostilities. Hours after Trump spoke, an incoming siren went off in Baghdads Green Zone after what seemed to be small rockets impacted the diplomatic area, a Western official said. There were no reports of casualties. Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned that it was perhaps too early to tell if Iran will be satisfied that the missile strikes were sufficient to avenge the Soleimani killing. We should have some expectation, Defense Secretary Mark Esper added in a Wednesday briefing, that Shiite militia groups, either directed or not directed by Iran, will continue in some way, shape or form to try and undermine our presence there, either politically or militarily. There is no obvious path to diplomatic engagement, as Trump pledged to add to his maximum pressure campaign of economic sanctions. He said the new, unspecified sanctions would remain in place until Iran changes its behavior. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the overnight strike was not necessarily the totality of Irans response. Last night they received a slap, Khamenei said. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end. Trump, facing perhaps the biggest test of his presidency, credited the minimized damage to an early warning system that worked very well and said Americans should be extremely grateful and happy with the outcome. The strikes had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and left the world waiting to see whether the American president would respond with more military force. Trump, in his nine-minute, televised address, spoke of a robust U.S. military with missiles that are big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast. But then he added: We do not want to use it. Iran for days had been promising to respond forcefully to Soleimanis killing, but its limited strike on two bases one in the northern Iraqi city in Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq appeared to signal that it, too, was uninterested in a wider clash with the U.S. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the country had concluded proportionate measures in self-defense. Trump, who is facing reelection in November, campaigned for president on a promise to extract the United States from endless wars. On Wednesday, he said the United States was ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. That marked a sharp change in tone from his warning a day earlier that if Iran does anything that they shouldnt be doing, theyre going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly. Members of Congress were briefed on the Iran situation Wednesday afternoon in closed-door sessions on Capitol Hill, where Democrats and some Republicans expressed dissatisfaction with the administrations justifications for the drone strike on Soleimani. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah said it was probably the worst briefing Ive seen, at least on a military issue, in the nine years Ive served in the United States Senate. He said it was distressing that officials suggested it would only embolden Iran if lawmakers debated the merits of further military action. He and Sen. Rand Paul announced their support of a largely symbolic war powers resolution to limit Trumps military action regarding Iran. Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced after the briefing that the House would vote Thursday on a war powers resolution of its own. Trump opened his remarks at the White House by reiterating his promise that Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Iran had announced in the wake of Soleimanis killing that it would no longer comply with any of the limits on uranium enrichment in the 2015 nuclear deal crafted to keep it from building a nuclear device. The president, who had earlier pulled the U.S. out of the deal, seized on the moment of calm to call for negotiations toward a new agreement that would do more to limit Irans ballistic missile programs and constrain regional proxy campaigns like those led by Soleimani. Trump also announced he would ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process. While he has frequently criticized NATO as obsolete and has encouraged participants to increase their military spending, Trump has tried to push the military alliance to refocus its efforts on modern threats. Like the U.S. troops in the region, NATO forces have temporarily halted their training of Iraqi forces and their work to combat the Islamic State. Soleimanis death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets to mourn him. Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander. Milley and Esper told reporters that a total of 16 missiles were fired from three locations in Iran. Eleven hit the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The missiles were described as likely short-range with 1,000- to 2,000-pound warheads. Four failed to detonate, they said. Milley added that the Pentagon believes that Iran fired the missiles with the intent to kill personnel. He praised early warning systems, which detected the incoming ballistic missiles well in advance, providing U.S. and coalition forces adequate time to take shelter at both bases. He described the damage to tents, parking lots and a helicopter, among other things, as nothing major. Officials also said that the U.S. was aware of preparations for the attack. Its unclear if any intelligence identified specific targets or was more general. Ain al-Asad was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and it later was used by American troops in the fight against the Islamic State group. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. Trump visited it in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice President Mike Pence visited both Ain al-Asad and Irbil in November. Trump spoke of new sanctions on Iran, but it was not immediately clear what those would be. The primary agencies involved in implementing such penalties the departments of Commerce, State and Treasury do not preview those actions to prevent evasion. Since withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, the administration had already imposed harsh sanctions on nearly every significant portion of Irans economic, energy, shipping and military sectors. Wednesdays efort to deescalate the conflict came after world leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, appealed for restraint. The fallout for Trumps order to kill Soleimani had been swift. Iraqs Parliament voted to expel U.S. troops from Iraq, though Trump said they would not be leaving. Trump and top national security officials have justified the Soleimani drone strike with general statements about the threat posed by the general, who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. ___ Associated Press writers Deb Riechmann, Robert Burns, Kevin Freking, Lolita Baldor, Darlene Superville, Alan Fram and Padmananda Rama in Washington and Sarah El Deeb in Beirut contributed to this report. Well, I am sure you're well aware of how devastating the bushfires all across the Australian continent have been. People have lost their lives and property and more than 5 million animals have died, so far. The numbers are shocking and while help is building up from around the globe, the loss that people are experiencing is, currently, unimaginable. Twitter A lot of celebrities and people otherwise have started donating to restore some plausibility in Australia. Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman and Chris Hemsworth, the celebs who hail from Australia are already going out of their way to help in whichever way they can. Apart from celebrities, we have different communities who have come together to aid all the survivors', by feeding them free meals and providing them comfort in these trying times. Twitter Amongst people who're helping the calamity stricken continent, the family of the late Steve Irwin has helped save 90,000 animals in danger. I am sure you remember who Steve Irwin aka the 'Crocodile Hunter' was. Well, to jog your memory anyway, he was an Australian zookeeper and a television personality who loved helping animals in the wild. He died in 2006 after he was brutally injured by a Stingray. Taking his legacy forward and doing what he would have done, if he was alive, the Irwin family has helped rescue 90,000 animals in Australia, so far, including those who were victims of the rampant fires all across the country. The Irwin family includes Steve's wife, Terri Irwin, and their children, daughter Bindi and son Robert Irwin. Currently, the family owns and operates Australia Zoo's Wildlife Hospital. Bindi, in an interview confirmed that they're treating the injured animals and assured that their conservation property is not at the risk of catching fire. Instagram My parents dedicated our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to my beautiful grandmother. We will continue to honor her by being Wildlife Warriors and saving as many lives as we can, said Bindi, in an interview with CNN. The hospital they operate has been busier than usual saving as many animals as they can. Their 90,000th animal saved is a Platypus, rescued from the fire named 'Ollie'! While they rescued a lot of animals, some were beyond their immediate help. For instance, Blossom the Possum, who was caught in the bushfires couldn't survive. But Blossom the Possum isn't the only animal. The Koala population in Australia is depleting alarmingly because Koalas are slower animals and for them to escape hurriedly from the tumultuous fire is very difficult. Besides that, their only source of food and nutrition, the Eucalyptus trees are slowly dying out as well, due to the leaves being highly inflammable. While we pray for the safe rescue of more animals in Australia, we also urge you to make donations and/or help out in any way that you can. Over 30,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defectors were loyalists of Ibrahim-Shehu Bakauye, former PDP governorship aspirant, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after his meeting with the former governor of the state, Abdulaziz Yari. Mr Bakauye, a former legislator representing Gusau/Tsafe federal constituency from 2011 to 2015, was a PDP governorship aspirant in the 2019 general elections but lost to Governor Bello Matawalle in the primary. The defectors led by former PDP factional Chairman in the state, Nasiru Milo and members from 14 local government areas of the state announced their decision at the APC state party secretariat, Gusau on Wednesday. Mr Milo said, we resolved to join our leader to APC considering various developments the party brought at both state and national level. We are satisfied with Bakauyes decision to join the party with a large number of supporters in the state. We are happy today, we are leaving the party with minority supporters to the strongest political party in Zamfara and Nigeria in general. Over the years, we suffered from injustice and disunity in PDP, today we have joined a party with good leadership style that respects the rule of law, Mr Milo said. On behalf of the over 30,000 Bakauye supporters in the state, we are announcing our defection to APC today. We will be loyal to APC leadership in the state and cooperate with all stakeholders for the development of the party, he added. Responding, the state APC Chairman, Lawal Liman, described Mr Bakauyes defection and his supporters to APC as a great achievement for the party in the state. Mr Liman said we are happy with this development in spite of the fact that our party is not in control of the leadership of the state. This is a strong indication that the APC is the strongest political party in the state, he said. Mr Liman urged party members to be united and avoid differences and discrimination for the development of the party. He cautioned the party supporters against anti-party activities, saying the party has zero tolerance for such acts. The APC National Executive Council meeting, which was held in Abuja resolved that all its members must participate in party activities from ward up to national level. Therefore, I am calling on our members to abide by this directive, Mr Liman said. (NAN) (Alliance News) - A number of commercial airlines have rerouted flights to avoid possible danger amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The UK has urged Iran not to carry out further "reckless and dangerous" attacks after Tehran fired missiles at military bases in Iraq hosting British and US troops. British Airways, which is a part of International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, rerouted flight 134 from Mumbai, India, to Heathrow, London, mid-way through the flight, to avoid crossing Iraqi airspace. The plane flew in a circle and was then diverted to the Greek capital Athens for refuelling. The move has left a number of Indian passport holders stuck in the terminal as they do not possess the right visa to leave the airport. One passenger, who asked not to be named, told the PA news agency that Indian nationals had been stuck in the terminal for a number of hours. He said: "Since we don't have Schengen visa, BA couldn't put us in hotels which are outside the airport. Athens staff are doing their best to find alternate BA flights for us but looks like 20 odd passengers couldn't be accommodated. "So either we will be put on other flights or else have to spend the night at the terminal lounge." He said the flight, which took off more than 15 hours ago, had been rescheduled to Thursday morning. British Airways said it was looking into the situation in Athens. Virgin Atlantic also said it was "closely monitoring the situation" and were not flying over Iranian airspace. Due to changes in flight routing, their trips to and from Mumbai might now take longer than expected. Australian carrier Qantas said it was altering its London to Perth, Australia, routes to avoid Iran and Iraq airspace until further notice. Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines have also re-routed planes to avoid Iranian airspace. The US Federal Aviation Administration has barred American pilots and carriers from flying in areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace while the Russian aviation agency has recommended all Russian airlines avoid flying over Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has urged Iran to pursue "urgent de-escalation" as the crisis in the Gulf intensifies. US President Donald Trump tweeted "all is well" following the attack on the bases, which was carried out in response to the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani by America. US officials said 15 missiles were fired, with 10 striking the Ain al-Asad base 100 miles west of Baghdad, one striking a base in Irbil in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region, and another four missing their targets. source: PA Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. The burial of the Lagos State University (LASU) student, Favour Daley-Oladele, who was gruesomely killed by her boyfriend for money-making rituals, has been put on hold due to investigation by the state government. Uncle of the deceased, Toyeme Solomon, told friends and sympathisers who showed up at Atan Cemetery on University Road, Akoka, Lagos, that the funeral will not hold. Her remains were reportedly exhumed by the Osun State Police Command, led by Commissioner Babatunde Kokumo, so as to assist the police in their investigation. Read Also: My Son Betrayed My Trust Mother Who Ate LASU Female Student Speaks (Video) What really happened was when we want to collect the corpse of Favour we were told of a call that came in from the Lagos State Ministry of Health that we should hold on. They said we should not carry the body till they finish the investigation. So, thats why we couldnt go ahead with the burial today. The investigation is being carried out under the supervision of the Lagos State Ministry of Health and it is when the investigation is completed that we will know when to bury the corpse, Kokumo told TheNation. Daley-Oladele was allegedly killed for money rituals at a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ikoyi-Ile, Osun State, by her boyfriend, Owolabi Adeeko, his mother Mrs Bola Adeeko, and the pastor of the church, Segun Philips. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 08:23:24|Editor: ZX Video Player Close People view the light projections and art installations during the media preview of the Light to Night Festival held in Singapore on Jan. 7, 2020. The Light to Night Festival will be held from Jan. 10 to 19 in Singapore. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey) A ten-year-old boy has been found dead inside plane landing gear at a Paris airport. The youngster was a stowaway on an Air France plane from Abidjan in the Ivory Coast to France, it has been reported. The plane, a Boeing 777, landed in Paris-Charles de Gaulle shortly after 5pm on Tuesday and the grisly discovery was made by airport staff soon after. A ten-year-old child has been found dead inside a plane landing gear at a Paris airport. The tragic youngster was a stowaway on an Air France plane from Abidjan in the Ivory Coast to France (file image of Air France plane) One report has suggested that the deceased child was a boy. Air France expressed its 'deepest sympathy and compassion for this human tragedy'. A French police official said the victim was a young African who has not yet been identified and that an investigation is under way. French media reported that the victim was a child migrant, though the official said it was too early to determine the victim's age. A locator map shows the flight route from Abidjan in the Ivory Coast to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport yesterday Air France says an investigation into the death is ongoing. In a statement, Air France said: 'Air France confirms that the lifeless body of a stowaway was discovered in the well of the landing gear of the aircraft performing flight AF703 connecting Abidjan (ABJ) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle on January 7, 2020.' The journey between Abidjan - a major urban city in the French-speaking west African country - and Paris takes around six hours. Such stowaway attempts are extremely rare and nearly impossible to survive, an airline official said. Last year, the body of stowaway was found in the garden of a home in Clapham after falling from an aircraft flying from Kenya's capital Nairobi. The man is thought to have frozen to death in the wheel arch of the Kenyan Airways flight before plunging 3,500 feet. The man fell from the Kenyan Airlines plane into the back garden of a house in Clapham in July 2019. Pictured: The place where his frozen body landed His lifeless body landed just three feet away from Oxford graduate John Baldock, who was sunbathing in his garden in Clapham. Kenyan officials said that the escapee was likely to have been a worker at Nairobi airport. A stowaway who had desperately clung to a plane as it took off from a West Africa airport was found frozen to death when it landed in Morocco. Unable to identify the frozen man, police discovered a bag in the compartment of the plane where he had been hiding, containing trainers, bottles and a marker pen The Royal Air Maroc flight AT526 had taken off from Conakry, the capital of Guinea, and was bound for Morocco on September 30, with connecting passengers then travelling onto France. His limp, lifeless body was discovered a day later by ground staff at Casablanca's Mohammed V airport. The man's desperate attempt at illegal immigration proved immediately fatal as authorities believe he most likely did not survive the take off from Conakry. Temperatures at high altitude can plummet to as low as -63C (-81F). A stowaway who had desperately clung to a plane as it took off from a West Africa airport is believed to have died during the ascent in October last year . His limp, lifeless body was discovered early on Monday morning by on-the-ground staff at Casablanca airport in Mohammed V airport Of all routes taken by migrants to move around the globe, crossing the Mediterranean is still the most dangerous. Although deaths in the Mediterranean have fallen since the peak of the crisis in 2015 and 2016, it remains the most dangerous migrant route in the world. For the sixth year running, more than 1,000 people have died in the sea, many of their bodies washing up on the coast of North Africa or southern Europe. The vast majority are presumed to have drowned, although some were killed by hypothermia or dehydration. Early Monday morning, a series of earthquakes wreaked havoc on Puerto Rico. The natural wonder Punta Ventana, a rock formation, was destroyed, as were schools, churches and homes. The earthquakes caused the death of one person and injured several others. And the islands residents were widely left without power and water. A second 6.4-magnitude earthquake possibly the worst earthquake Puerto Rico has experienced in a century hit the island on Tuesday, which caused significant damage to the islands power plants and resulted in a power outage that affected 97% of the island. Power was restored to half a million of the islands 1.5 million power users on Wednesday morning, but the service is expected to be unreliable in the weeks to come. Reporters located on the island have been documenting the damage that has resulted from these earthquakes. Amid the earthquake devastation at Immaculate Conception church in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico look at the items which appear to be untouched. pic.twitter.com/Hi7voiGjO6 David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) January 8, 2020 Just arrived in Guanica, Puerto Rico pic.twitter.com/buldW7JlIe David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) January 7, 2020 At the shelter in Guanica, where 225 people are now sitting in the parking lot waiting for tents to arrive. They no longer feel safe in the coliseum. As I filmed this video, I could feel the ground shaking beneath me. pic.twitter.com/I8LGOWC0OD Leyla Santiago (@leylasantiago) January 7, 2020 Gov. Andrew Cuomo, quickly responded to the natural disaster on Monday, announcing that the New York Power Authority would be deployed to the island, as it had been after Hurricane Maria in 2017. During his State of the State address on Wednesday, the governor mentioned the earthquake at the beginning of his speech and said he plans to return to the island. Former New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito told City & State that the states response to the natural disaster makes sense, considering the states historically close bond with the island and its past and present efforts to help it rebuild after Hurricane Maria. Between the city and the state, they both have stepped up in different ways whenever there has been an emergency on the island, Mark-Viverito said over the phone. Its possible that the damage caused by the powerful tremors will cost Puerto Rico hundreds of millions of dollars in aid and an $3.1 billion in losses, CNN reports. Though the island has only received a third of the $43 billion in federal aid that was allocated to it by Congress for hurricane recovery after Hurricanes Maria and Irma. Over the course of the past few days, many New York politicians have expressed their sympathies over the islands devastation, while others have called upon President Donald Trump to dispense the federal aid promised to the island two years ago. President Trump: Its past time for @HUDgov to finally, finally disburse the $8.3 billion in disaster aid we allocated for Puerto Rico nearly two years ago. With the looming threats of more earthquakes and aftershocks, our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico need action NOW. pic.twitter.com/v6YhhuKPoB Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 8, 2020 Thinking of and praying for our friends and family in Puerto Ricoand sending strength to those across the country who may be worried about loved ones on the island. Watching this situation closely. https://t.co/xUwMhEJAPJ Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 7, 2020 .@realDonaldTrump's @HUDgov STILL has not released recovery funds that were appropriated by Congress for #PuertoRico following Hurricane Maria in 2017. Given today's earthquakes I led colleagues in writing @HUDgov demanding these overdue resources finally be made available! pic.twitter.com/gGnRlH86TW Rep. Nydia Velazquez (@NydiaVelazquez) January 7, 2020 Please keep your thoughts today w/ Puerto Rico. Earthquakes began to hit last night, tearing down schools & buildings. Island-wide blackouts reported. My abuela relies on oxygen, and the power outage means shes not breathing as she should - just one of many such stories. https://t.co/9Gf8WhOr7W Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 7, 2020 Even as we face serious threats abroad, we also can't neglect the health and safety of our fellow citizens here at home. My administration will build a team that meets the president's basic responsibility of keeping Americans secure wherever they are. https://t.co/EQ3yr8pBlc Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) January 8, 2020 Still more earthquakes hitting Puerto Rico. Praying that everyone on the island stays safe. This is devastating news. https://t.co/fGQIKlr0m2 NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) January 7, 2020 Our hearts go out to the residents of Puerto Rico, who are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Maria, as they contend with this recent spate of earthquakes. #TemblorPR #PuertoRico #prayershttps://t.co/mm4WlNRFt0 Eric Adams (@BPEricAdams) January 7, 2020 We still have billions of dollars that Congress assigned to Puerto Rico that are being held because of the whims of a president who is racist and who just refuses to release those funds, said Mark-Viverito. At this point that money's being held illegally. So now here we are facing another disaster. By Fransiska Nangoy and Wilda Asmarini JAKARTA, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Indonesia has approved environmental impact studies for factories to produce battery-grade nickel chemicals in Morowali, Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan said on Wednesday. The approval will allow investors, such as China's stainless steel giant Tsingshan Group, to continue the construction of their high-pressure acid leaching plants in Morowali, Central Sulawesi. There are at least five of these plants being built in Indonesia currently as the government seeks to use its nickel resources to create an integrated industry, including production of nickel chemicals used in car batteries and the building of electronic vehicles. The country, which is the world's top nickel ore exporter, has stopped export of unprocessed nickel ore to support this plan. Two of the plants, representing a combined investment of $2.3 billion, are expected to be built in Morowali by China's Zhejiang Huayou and partners and by Chinese battery firm GEM Co Ltd , Tsingshan Holding Group and partners. Morowali is already a bustling nickel processing area where Tsingshan produces nickel pig iron and stainless steel. Pandjaitan said he could not say whether the companies were given the approval to dispose waste into the ocean. Mining waste management is in the spotlight after red mud spilled into Papua New Guinea's Basamuk Bay from a nickel plant in Madang in August. That spill resulted from an operational failure, rather than an issue with tailings management. Fewer than 20 of the world's 2,500 mines use sea disposal method, and critics say the impact of such marine disposal is poorly understood. Pandjaitan also said he wants to create more hubs such as Morowali in other parts of the country for other minerals. "We are preparing to build nearly 11,000 megawatt hydropower plants in Kayan. We want to build an integrate industry somewhere around there," he said, referring to an area in North Kalimantan province on Borneo island. "We are preparing around 60,000 hectares of land," he said, adding that there are plans to include bauxite processing in the Kayan hub. Indonesia is set to ban all exports of unprocessed mineral in 2022. Asked whether there were plans to move forward an export ban for bauxite, he said: "Everything has its own schedule." (Additional reporting by Bernadette Christina Munthe. Editing by Jane Merriman) Reuters Messaging: fransiska.nangoy.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)) The Drive-In in Winter Dexter's A&W goes year-round. by Micheline Maynard From the January, 2020 issue On a mid-December Sunday, the temperature in Dexter read thirty degrees, and snowflakes mixed with intermittent sunshine. But cars filled the front spaces at the A&W drive-in at the corner of Dexter-Chelsea Rd. and Island Lake Dr. Car hops hustled to bring out metal trays of root beer, chicken tenders, and ice cream sundaes, just as they might on a warm summer day, although these staffers were dressed in parkas, ski hats, boots and fingerless gloves. And, they'll be out there through the winter, barring a storm that shuts down the town. "Now open all year!" declares green lettering on the A&W's door. A billboard on the outskirts of Dexter shouts it even more loudly from a mythical newspaper front page. "BREAKING NEWS," it reads, "Dexter A&W Open All Year!" Coley O'Brien, the A&W's owner, says the decision was more evolution than revolution for the restaurant, which once operated only from March 1 to the end of November. In recent years, the closing date stretched to mid-December, then to the end of December, he says. Then, they began opening for the year in mid-February, if the weather allowed, and eventually on February 1. So, it was really only shut for a month anyway. O'Brien says he decided to stay open in January in large part to requests from the core staff of about fifteen year-round employees. (That figure grows to about fifty during the summer, when A&W adds high school and college students.) "We were all okay with it," says Bailey Mayrand, an eight-year employee, who brought my food to my car. "I said, if you want to do it, I'll give it a try," O'Brien says. He says the restaurant's strong overall performance also played a role. The Dexter location is the second-busiest A&W in the state, behind one in Monroe, and the second-busiest drive-in A&W in the country, behind a location in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, he says. A&W also has restaurants with indoor seating, which Dexter does not offer. Moreover, it ranks among the top ...continued below... /DexterAW twenty A&Ws in terms of sales, he says. O'Brien estimates that the average check is just $8 or $10, but on a peak day in July, they serve 1,000 customers.Business is strongest from June through September, and slowest in the winter. O'Brien says his goal is just to post a profit during the coldest months.He doesn't expect he'll miss many days, even if snowstorms erupt, because city and county crews do a good job of clearing Dexter's main streets.Likewise, a sunny day can bring people out, like those who showed up in December.If you've never been to the A&W, the drive-in works like this: You pull into a spot, and a server comes out, providing a menu if you need one. When you're ready to order, you put on your emergency flashers, and your server comes back out.Customers can get their orders to go, or on metal trays that hang on the lowered car window. This time of year, it's a good idea to place your hot food inside the car, although cold temperatures are great for the frosty glass mugs of root beer that are A&W's specialty.Once you've finished dining, you use your emergency lights to summon your server.---The schedule change is the latest in a series of tweaks by O'Brien, a Dexter native who bought the A&W with a partner in 2004 and assumed sole ownership in 2010.He also owns the Fillmore Bar & Grill, the downtown Dexter restaurant previously known as Terry B's, which he purchased in 2017.He's updated the exterior and installed an outdoor patio with tables and chairs that has a view of downtown Dexter.That came because customers with new cars didn't like food smells permeating the upholstery, and wanted to sit outside, he says, with a laugh.O'Brien says the A&W has become a staple in Dexter. "I hesitate to use the word 'iconic' because that's become a cliche, but for lack of a better vocabulary, that's the word," he says.Back at the restaurant, the winter sun is starting to disappear as Mayrand comes to collect my tray.She patiently answers a few questions, then says, "I'm sorry, I've got to run," and scurries to a nearby car.[Originally published in January, 2020.] English French Japan-based Nagase & Co., Ltd., a licensed distributor for LeddarTech, will be exhibiting at CAR-ELE as part of Automotive World 2020 in Tokyo at Booth A7-61 at Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center QUEBEC CITY, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LeddarTech, an industry leader in LiDAR technology providing the most versatile and scalable auto and mobility LiDAR platform, announces today that it will join its Japanese distribution partner, Nagase & Co., Ltd, at CAR ELE as part of Automotive World 2020 in Tokyo, Japan from January 15-17, 2020. The Automotive World show brings together a variety of automotive electronic technologies, including components, materials, software, manufacturing equipment, and testing technologies. It attracts automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers from all around the world and has become a must-attend event for automotive industry professionals. We are excited to build upon our relationship with LeddarTech at Automotive World 2020, stated Koichi Kawahito, Division Manager of the Advanced Mobility division at Nagase. Mr. Kawahito added: Nagase is committed to the expansion of its automotive business by distributing components and systems as well as offering software and design services for advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), electric vehicle and human-machine interfaces. LeddarTechs LiDAR mobility platform brings to Tier-1 suppliers a differentiated, compelling automotive LiDAR offering that complements our vision and supports our creative and technological advancement. LeddarTech is dedicated to providing the best technology and support to our worldwide customers. We are proud to be associated with such a reputable distributor as Nagase & Co., Ltd. and pleased to participate for the second year at Automotive World in 2020 with Nagase, stated Adrian Pierce, Vice-President of Global Sales and Business Development at LeddarTech. He added: This year, we look forward to presenting the award-winning Leddar Pixell at the event. This 3D solid-state LiDAR cocoon solution is specially designed for autonomous vehicles such as autonomous shuttles, robotaxis, commercial and delivery vehicles enabling best-in-class safety through enhanced detection and robustness, concluded Mr. Pierce. Leddar Pixell Benefits: Dependable object and VRU detection Wide 180 horizontal field of view No dead zone in the illuminated field of view. Exceptional durability 3D Flash, solid-state design with no moving parts IP67 enclosure with impact-resistant windows and automotive-grade connectors Since its release in September 2019, the Leddar Pixell has been showcased at several trade events throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. About Nagase Nagase & Co., Ltd. is a chemical trading firm, founded in Kyoto, Japan in 1832. The Nagase Group began as a specialized sales agent securing exclusive contracts to sell industry-leading products from around the world in Japan. Over the years, the company has leveraged its technology and information gathering expertiseas well as its global networkto transform its business into a hybrid model offering superior manufacturing, processing, and R&D functions as well as trading company services. The Mobility Solutions department has been providing high functional material and parts into the automotive industry for a long time and is now focusing on delivering state-of-the-art technologies into the market to realize a safer and more comfortable mobility society. More information is accessible at www.nagase.co.jp/english About LeddarTech LeddarTech is an industry leader providing the most versatile and scalable Auto and Mobility LiDAR Platform based on the unique LeddarEngine, which consists of a suite of automotive-grade, functional safety certified SoCs working in tandem with LeddarSP signal processing software. The company is responsible for several innovations in cutting-edge mobility remote-sensing applications, its patented technologies enhancing ADAS and autonomous driving capabilities for automobiles, trucks, buses, delivery vehicles, robotaxis, shuttles, and more. Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.LeddarTech.com , and on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook , and YouTube . LeddarTech, Leddar, LeddarEngine, LeddarSP, and LeddarTech logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Inc. All other brands, product names, and marks, including BlackBerry, BlackBerry Secure, and QNX OS for Safety, are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners. (Natural News) As tensions ramp up (anew) between the United States and Iran following President Trumps decision to take out Tehrans terrorist mastermind, Al-Quds Force leader Gen. Qassem Soleimani, its worth remembering all of the things President Obama did to empower that regime at the expense of American security. Not only was the so-called nuclear deal a sham that temporarily postponed Irans atomic weapons development, but Obama and his chief deputy on the deal, Secretary of State John Kerry, enriched the Iranians and, likely, put Americans at risk. One of the concerns following the targeting of Soleimani by critics (and some allies) of the president is that the Iranians will retaliate for it at a time and place of their choosing. Writing for Natural News this week, founder and editor Mike Adams claimed that Tehran could soon activate sleeper cells its proxies have placed inside the U.S. long ago: Islamic terrorist networks have been in place for years. What most Americans dont yet fully realize is that Barack Obama helped fund these terror networks through a complex international money laundering scheme that delivered over $150 billion to Iran during the Obama administration. At least $1 billion went to fund Irans nuclear weapons program, with full knowledge from Obama. (Obama also helped Iran capture a U.S. drone and two Navy boats in order to give Iran U.S. military encryption technology.) As a result, radical Islamic terror cells have a pervasive presence in New York, Boston, Seattle, San Francisco, Orlando, Tucson and many other cities. Hes not alone in that concern. Writing in The Federalist, Todd Bensman noted that its more likely any Iranian revenge attacks wont come from overseas against American military bases and U.S. warships, but against American citizens right here at home. (Related: Trump has been warning Iran to back off since he took office (heres the timeline.) Citing court documents and other open source evidence, Bensman wrote: Iranian avengers, in the form of Quds Force-supported Hezbollah operatives of the clandestine Unit 910, are stationed in cities across America, set to activate pending distant command on target lists they have painstakingly developed over time. Hezbollah operatives also are positioned throughout Latin America, where American officials and economic interests are ubiquitous, at least as close as Nicaragua. 2,500 additional sleepers? He says that Shiite Muslims from Lebanon where Iranian proxy Hezbollah has a large presence were recruited long ago and trained to live in U.S. cities as sleepers of that groups clandestine External Security Organization (ESO), which is also known as Unit 910. But what about Obamas role in all of that? Flashback to July 2, 2018, to a report by Fox News: Obama, as part of securing the nuclear deal, granted citizenship to some 2,500 Iranians. At least, that was a claim made by Hojjat al-Islam Mojtaba Zolnour, chairman of Irans parliamentary nuclear committee and a member of the governing bodys national security and foreign affairs committee. Zolnour said the Obama administration agreed to make the 2,500 Iranians U.S. citizens as a means of currying favor with senior Iranian officials linked to President Hassan Rouhani. He said the mutual agreement sparked a competition among Iranian officials over whose children would benefit from the scheme, Fox News Chris Irvine reported. When Obama, during the negotiations about the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), decided to do a favor to these men, he granted citizenship to 2,500 Iranians and some officials started a competition over whose children could be part of these 2,500 Iranians, he claimed. If today these Iranians get deported from America, it will become clear who is complicit and sells the national interest like he is selling candies to America, he added. Sleeper cells were already in the country, according to Bensman and Adams. Did Obama put scores more inside the country on his own? It sure seems likely. Sources include: FoxNews.com TheFederalist.com NaturalNews.com TEHRAN,Iran, Jan.8 Trend: Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran will talk with groups of people of Qom, as every year on the occasion of the anniversary of the Qom uprising on January 8, 1978, Trend's special correspondent reports. The speech is very important against the background of the recent attack on US bases in Iraq by Iran last night. Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi bases that hold US troops. There are casualties among the Iraqis at Ain al-Asad airbase following the attack. The number of casualties and whether the individuals were killed or wounded was not immediately clear. Jonathan Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesperson, has said that Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at the al-Asad airbase, which houses US troops, and American and coalition forces in the town of Erbil. Hoffman said the Pentagon is assessing the damage done by the attacks. The Ukraine International Airlines flight stopped sending data about eight minutes after it took off from Tehran - AFP A Ukrainian plane carrying 170 passengers and crew has crashed near the airport in Tehran, Iranian state TV has said. All passengers and crew are feared to be dead. The Boeing 737 crashed after experiencing technical problems, Fars news agency said, shortly after it departed from Imam Khomeini International Airport in the Iranian capital. An investigation team was at the site of the crash in southwestern outskirts of Tehran, civil aviation spokesman Reza Jafarzadeh said. "The plane is on fire but we have sent crews ... and we may be able to save some passengers," Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran's emergency services, told the news agency, but state TV later said that all passengers and crew aboard the plane had been killed. Flight data from the airport showed a Ukrainian 737-800 flown by Ukraine International Airlines took off on Wednesday morning, then stopped sending data about eight minutes later, according to racking website FlightRadar24. #Breaking First footage of the Ukrainian airplane while on fire falling near #Tehranpic.twitter.com/kGxnBb7f1q Ali Hashem (@alihashem_tv) January 8, 2020 The airline did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ali Hashem, a BBC correspondent, tweeted a video which he claimed showed the plane falling through the air while aflame before crashing into the ground and exploding. It is not clear whether the incident is related to Iran's missile attacks on US bases in Iraq on Wednesday morning. But its the human capital that will propel this business into something that maybe now we can dream about it, Calhoun said. The investors have experience in financial investment, banking, transportation and business management. Calhoun credited La Tortillerias and Abasto Medias inclusion of faith in their business model as part of the attraction to the investors. I believe this is a great opportunity for Abasto Media, as it will create value for our readers, greater opportunities for our employees, and a stronger future for trade media publications, said Gustavo Calabro, the executive director of Abasto. The partnership with the new investors will allow us to expand our national coverage ... for the benefit of the Latin American entrepreneur, and accelerate our plans to increase our printed and dynamic multimedia operations, Calabro said. Teague served as a conduit for the investment after meeting Calhoun in 2018. One of the six pillars of the Chester County Historic Courthouse on North High Street will shine in blue light on January nights beginning Tuesday evening in recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 20:28:11|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close COLOMBO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has extended his sympathies to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison over the devastation caused due to bushfires, a statement issued by the President's Media Division said here Wednesday. Rajapaksa had extended his condolences to families of the bushfire victims and added that as a country which had suffered from many natural disasters including the 2004 tsunami, the Sri Lankan people could fully understand the pain and suffering the affected Australian people are going through. Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka would donate a stock of Sri Lankan tea to the Australian people. The current bushfires in Australia are considered the most devastating in its history. The RICs role in Ireland was one of eviction,brutality and murder, writes Padraig Og O Ruairc. There has been uproar at the Governments decision to hold, as part of its Decade of Centenaries programme, an event in Dublin later this month commemorating the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC). The ceremony will be the first time the State has held an official commemoration for the controversial police force whose membership included the infamous Black and Tans. So far the Lord Mayor of Cork, John Sheehan, Clare mayor Cathal Crowe, Galway mayor Mike Cubbard, and Kerry mayor Niall Kelleher and his deputy, Norma Moriarty, have said outright they will not attend. Sheehan said it would not be appropriate to attend wearing the same chain Tomas MacCurtain once wore, especially when he was killed by RIC officers. The Lord Mayor of Dublin has also said he will not attend as he is otherwise engaged, while a number of Dublin city councillors have voted to boycott the ceremony. However, the Government has been adamant it should go ahead. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar tweeted yesterday: The RIC/DMP commemoration is not a celebration. Its about remembering our history, not condoning what happened. We will also remember the terrible burning of Cork, Balbriggan, partition, and the atrocities of the Civil War. He also tweeted: We should respect all traditions on our island and be mature enough as a State to acknowledge all aspects of our past. Speaking at a recent private religious service honouring members of the RIC killed during the War of Independence, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said RIC constables were doing their job. They were murdered in the line of duty, he said. They were protecting communities from harm, maintaining the rule of law. These are fundamental to police services everywhere. However, the RIC was no ordinary police force. Its character and role in political policing were exceptional, even by contemporary standards. When it was founded, the Irish Constabulary was modelled not on existing British police forces but on British army rifle brigades. Unlike the unarmed British police, the RIC was an armed and aggressive paramilitary force. The structure of the RIC reflected the sectarian social order British rule imposed upon Irish society. While the majority of RIC constables were working-class Irish Catholics, senior ranks within the force were reserved almost exclusively for members of the local Protestant-Unionist ascendency and officers imported from England. Home of Tomas MacCurtain, taken shortly after his death, March 1920 (Image called MacCurtain House) The Mayor of Cork, Tomas MacCurtain, was shot dead in this house. Although MacCurtain's assassination is often attributed to English members of the Black and Tans, it was actually carried out by Irish members of the RIC. Mercier Archives. Consequently, the RIC played a key role in enforcing the evictions of local tenants at the whim of British absentee landlords. Aside from the detection of crime, the RICs main duties were political. As well as the suppression of Irish separatists, the RIC was also charged with impeding any movement which sought to challenge the status quo. Trade unionists seeking better working conditions, suffragettes campaigning for the vote, and Irish language activists all suffered harassment, intimidation,arrest, and violent assault at the hands of the RIC. Undoubtedly the most controversial period of the RICs history occurred during the War of Independence, when members of the force assassinated politicians, tortured republican prisoners, and murdered civilians. Those defending the RICs legacy often attribute such atrocities to Black and Tans and RIC auxiliaries recruited in Britain. The reality is that many of the RICs worst atrocities, including the assassination of MacCurtain, the murder of postmaster Thomas Hodgett in Navan, the sexual assault of Kate Kelly in Clare, and the massacre of innocent civilians such as the ODonovan brothers from Limerick, were the work of Irish members of the RIC and not English Tans. Flanagans suggestion that members of the RIC killed during the War of Independence were doing their job, protecting communities, and upholding the law is difficult to reconcile with the fate of Patrick and Harry Loughnane. The Loughnane brothers, who were both active IRA volunteers, were abducted from their home in November 1920 by members of the RICs auxiliary division. Their mutilated bodies were found dumped in a pond 10 days later. Harrys head had been blown away by a hand grenade and two of his fingers had been taken as grim souvenirs by his murderers. Patricks face had been beaten until his skull collapsed. His killers mutilated his body, marking it as a trophy kill by cutting diamond patterns from the skin on his chest, mimicking the unit insignia of the RIC auxiliary division. The same month that the Loughnane brothers were disappeared, the RIC in Galway murdered a priest, Fr Michael Griffin, and killed Eileen Quinn, a mother of three who was seven months pregnant. The RICs catalogue of murders throughout 1920 and 1921 belies any suggestion that those serving in the force during the War of Independence were merely policemen protecting their communities. In any democracy it is right that the public is free to honour any historical group they wish but it is an entirely different matter for the Irish State to spend taxpayers money commemorating those who fought to crush the democratic ideals upon which the state was founded. State commemoration is not a neutral process recent State commemorations have been entirely partisan in only honouring those who fought for the ideals Irish society still holds and which are consistent with our Constitution. For example, the Government organised State commemorations honouring the suffragettes who fought for womens rights no such commemorations were held for the Irish Womens Anti-Suffrage League who campaigned to prevent women voting. Cork mayor Tomas MacCurtain lies in state at Cork City Hall after he was murdered by RIC forces in March 1920. Likewise State commemorations were held honouring those who participated in the 1913 Lockout in support of the rights of workers to join a trade union no such state commemorations were held honouring William Martin Murphy and those who sought to deny Irish workers their rights. The current Government seems intent on honouring members of the RIC killed in Ireland fighting to deny the Irish people their rights regardless of the inherent contradictions this involves. This sycophantic attitude to our colonial history is not shared by the governments of other former British colonies. The US government does not mourn the colonists who joined the British army to suppress the American Revolution. Nor do the government and people of Kenya honour the Kenyans who fought for the British Askari-Home Guard in the 1950s to prevent Kenyan independence. Finally, and most significantly, Flanagans proposal that the Government should commemorate the members of the British forces killed during the War of Independence will not be reciprocated by the British government. In March last year, the British governments digital culture committee, which oversaw Britains First World War centenary celebrations, overruled the advice of the professional historians appointed to its advisory board who recommended that the commemorations be extended to commemorate the post-war period, including the role of the RIC and Black and Tans in Ireland. Since the British have already decided not to commemorate or acknowledge the members of the RIC and Black and Tans killed during the Irish War of Independence, the question remains: Why should the Irish Government expect the Irish people to commemorate them? Padraig Og O Ruairc has a PhD in history and has published several books on the Irish War of Independence. New Delhi: The government on Wednesday (January 8) issued an advisory asking Indian nationals to avoid travel to Iraq until further notification in view of the prevailing situation in the Middle East. Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affair, Raveesh Kumar, advised the Indian nationals to avoid travel to Iraq, and tweeted, "In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq." He further said, "Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq." Live TV Meanwhile, the government sources have informed ANI that all Indian carriers have been asked to avoid the airspace of Iran, Iraq and the Gulf following tension in the region. Directorate General of Civil Aviation tweeted, "We had held meetings with the concerned Airlines and have sensitized them to remain vigilant and take all precautions." Notably, Tehran has launched retaliatory short-range ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops. Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Wednesday said that his country took `proportionate measures in self-defence` and that it does not seek any escalation or war. "Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," Zarif said in a tweet. In another incident today, with 180 passengers and crew onboard a Ukranian airplane have been killed, an Iranian emergency official told state television, shortly after it crashed near the airport in Tehran. The plane, said to be a Boeing 737, is suspected to have crashed near Irans International Imam Khomeini airport from where it had taken off due to technical issues, media reports said. The crash came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack targeting two bases in Iraq housing US forces in retaliation for the killing of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps General Qassem Soleimani. (With Agency Inputs) When Master Chief Petty Officer (musician) Vincent Johnson marches down Rajpath during the Republic Day parade on January 26, he will have the rare distinction of taking part in the spectacular parade for the 16th time. The 48-year-old musician will lead an 80-man naval band as its drum major in front of almost 150,000 attendees, with millions watching Indias most loved ceremonial event on their televisions at home. Former navy chief Admiral Arun Prakash (retd) said Johnson is a distinguished musician and taking part in the parade for so many years was a significant achievement. Johnsons 16th milestone should be seen in the context that repeat appearances in the parade are generally easier for members of military bands. As Commander Vijay Dcruz, the navys director of music, points out, members of military bands get a chance to take part in the Republic Day parade on multiple occasions as bands are a constant feature at the parade. For some, participating in the parade even once is a very big thing. But the case of musicians is different as the bands return to the parade every year. While Johnsons achievement is laudable and he is the drum major, some of his other band members have also participated in the parade before, Dcruz said. Johnson said a few of his men had participated in the parade five or six times before. Still, 16 is a bit. The living recipients of Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra (the highest wartime and peacetime gallantry awards, respectively) participate in the parade every year, but apart from them, few have a chance of appearing in more than a few parades. From Sydney to Mauritius and St Petersburg to Edinburgh, Johnson has led the Indian Navy band at glitzy military events across the world, but if theres a celebration thats closest to his heart, its the Republic Day parade. I took part in the parade for the first time in 1990. Its hard to describe the adrenaline rush you get when the spectators erupt in applause, Johnson said on Wednesday. He led the naval band at last years parade too. Johnson said when he took part in the parade for the first time three decades ago, the band had to cover a distance of 16.5 km. Now we march 12 km. The parade has become shorter over the years but it retains its pageantry and sparkle, said Johnson, who joined the navy in 1989 and enjoys playing the cornet. In 2016, the National Democratic Alliance government decided to cut down the duration of the parade by 25 minutes from 115 minutes to 90 minutes to make it crisper. In 2005, the then United Progressive Alliance regime shortened the parade by 45 minutes. Johnson and his band members have been waking up at 3 am since January 2 to practice for the parade. Its a display of synchronisation. All of us have to be in step with each other while playing our instruments. It requires a lot of practice, discipline, stamina and teamwork, he said. Johnson has led the naval band at several prestigious events, such as the 2013 International Fleet Review in Sydney, the 2015 Mauritius National Day celebrations, the 2017 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the 2018 Russian Federation naval day parade. I never felt stress as a member of the naval band in my earlier years. But as drum major, there is an element of pressure as I have to prepare everyone, including myself, for big events, he said. The navy participates in the Republic Day parade with a band, a marching contingent and a tableau. It shows how much the navy cherishes and nurtures martial music. It invests a lot of money in equipment and training. We are proud of the vast repertoire of music the band plays: western classical, jazz and Indian classical, Prakash said. The navys tableau this year will display its firepower in all three dimensions: surface, sub-surface and air. The tableau will have mock-ups of a Kolkata-class stealth destroyer armed with BrahMos missiles, the Kalvari submarine with its Exocet missiles and the P-8I submarine hunter aircraft with its Harpoons. It will also showcase the indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant that is being constructed at Cochin Shipyard Limited and is expected to be inducted into the navy by 2022. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON With the battlelines drawn for the Delhi Assembly polls, the BJP on Wednesday said the process for providing property ownership rights in unauthorised colonies was going on but AAP leaders were trying to "mislead" people. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was raising question on the registration process of the house deeds, which was "ridiculous" as the document was being executed by a registrar under his own government, senior Delhi BJP leader Vijender Gupta told a press conference. AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia, were questioning the exercise in unauthorised colonies and alleging that "fake" registration certificates were being given to people. "Kejriwal and other AAP leaders should not commit the sin of misleading the people of unauthorised colonies. The campaign of the BJP government (at the Centre) to confer ownership rights is progressing fast. Kejriwal cannot stop the registration process of land and houses in unauthorised colonies at any cost," Gupta, the Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Delhi Assembly, said. About one lakh people had registered themselves on the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) website for ownership rights of their properties, he claimed, adding, "This is because they have full faith in the BJP government." BJP MP from North West Delhi Hans Raj Hans accused Kejriwal of being "anti-poor" and alleged that the chief minister did not want the benefits of the Centre's schemes to reach poor people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) COCONUT GROVE, Fla., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- One Park Financial, a Miami-based financial technology firm and small business funding facilitator, helped bring a little holiday happiness to children at the Nicklaus Children's Hospital. Hospitals nationwide often depend on holiday generosity to help supply their patients with gifts and a little joy. In an effort to help the patients and their families spending the holidays in the hospital, One Park Financial collected toys for Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Spread Joy Toy Drive. "The toy drive is an event we're proud to support," says One Park Financial's CEO John Lie-Nielsen. "It's great to be able to help Nicklaus Children's Hospital make their patients' lives a little brighter during this special time of year." One Park Financial partnered with other local businesses including Sony Latin Music, MCA Academy, Marca Miami, and Virgin Hotels to collect toys for kids ranging in age from infants to teenagers. Collectively, we were able to gather over 300 toys and happily delivered them to Nicklaus Children's Hospital just before Christmas. This holiday season marks the third time that One Park Financial participated in the Spread Joy Toy Drive, along with other events to benefit Nicklaus Children's Hospital, South Florida's only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children. Lie-Nielsen also sits on the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Board of Directors, chairs its marketing committee and sits on the finance subcommittee. "Partnerships like the one with One Park Financial allow members of the community an opportunity to give back to the patients at Nicklaus Children's Hospital," said Michelle Boggs, President of Nicklaus Children's Hospital Foundation. One Park Financial encourages employees to work with the local community in whatever ways they choose to contribute. As a company, we host community events and collect donations year-round for both the United Way and Nicklaus Children's Hospital. To learn more or donate to the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Foundation, visit https://www.mchf.org/gb-donate. To learn more about One Park Financial, visit www.oneparkfinancial.com. Media Contact [email protected] (888) 327-5971 Twitter: @1parkfinancial Facebook: www.facebook.com/oneparkfinancial About One Park Financial One Park Financial is a Miami fintech company for small business owners seeking funding and financial expertise. Founded by entrepreneurs, we understand the challenges associated with small business loans and the need for quick, hassle-free access to working capital. One Park Financial constantly strives to make the funding process easy for their clients by acting as their advocate during the entire funding process. We have helped thousands of small and mid-sized businesses to get funded via our streamlined approval process, and network of over 20 alternative small business-friendly funding sources. Photo(s): https://www.prlog.org/12805087 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE One Park Financial Related Links http://www.oneparkfinancial.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 01:00:46|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close GUANGZHOU, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, saw better air quality last year, the city's ecology and environment bureau said Wednesday. The average concentration of PM2.5 was 30 micrograms per cubic meter last year, meeting the country's air quality standard for three consecutive years, the bureau said. The PM2.5 reading is a gauge monitoring airborne particles of 2.5 microns or less in diameter, which can penetrate deep in people's lungs. The city had reported no heavily or severely polluted days for two consecutive years, according to the bureau. To tackle air pollution, the city has reduced the number of coal-fired boilers to 30 from 1,400 around 2011 and also slashed the coal consumption for major industrial companies. The city also eliminated polluting vehicles and replaced more gasoline-powered buses with electric buses. Guangzhou's average PM2.5 readings were 35 micrograms per cubic meter in both 2017 and 2018. Four Amish men pleaded guilty and were sentenced Wednesday for causing a disturbance, underage drinking, and giving authorities false names and/or ages in connection with a Dec. 29 incident in Beaverton Township. Gladwin County residents Levei J. Mast, 20; Andrew B. Zook, 19; Joseph S. Miller, 20; and Joseph J. Troyer, 19, each pleaded guilty to the charges before Gladwins 80th District Court Magistrate Elizabeth Post. Each were charged with underage possession of alcohol, punishable by 90 days in jail and/or $100 fine; disturbing the peace, punishable by 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine; and furnishing false information to a peace officer, punishable by 90 days in jail and/or a $100 fine. Each escaped jail and probation time, and they were ordered to pay $700 in fines and $150 in court costs. They were able to use $315 from their bonds to apply toward the fines and costs. Each applied $350 for 10 percent of their $3,500 bonds. Of that, the state keeps 10 percent of the 10 percent applied. All four faced Post individually and all four told her they were guilty. Mast went first. I want to plead guilty and settle this, Mast told Post. Post continued to hear guilty pleas from Zook, and then Miller. Im pleading guilty because I am guilty, Miller told Post when he was asked if he was threatened or coerced to plead guilty. Troyer, who also pleaded guilty, said he didnt remember what false information he gave the officer, but he remembered it was false. Post accepted all four mens pleas. While the Gladwin County Sheriffs deputies said a person called the department saying the men were tossing beer cans from a buggy into the roadway at Beaverton and Bard roads, none of the men admitted to that. They said they caused a disturbance with their loud music. There was no mention of tossed beer cans. Yet, the four admitted to having beer, whiskey and vodka in their possession. Gladwin County Sheriff Mike Shea said there has been a rise in issues with the Amish population, particularly on Sundays with alcohol and the younger generation. Resident Cyndi Tipton, who lives on the Gladwin and Clare County border, said such incidents are frequent and consistent. This kind of stuff happens all the time with them, said Tipton. It is unknown if the four culprits will have to face the bishop, the person who heads the church for the district and oversees the residents. Those familiar with the sect suspect there will be a meeting. Pet projects from Cameron and May years face axe Boris Johnson has warned his cabinet that it is time for the slaughtering of sacred cows as he vowed to cull the pet projects of his predecessors Theresa May and David Cameron. Ministers were ordered yesterday to go through their spending line by line and send the Treasury suggestions for projects that could be cut or abandoned entirely. The prime minister said that they should push ahead with the cuts even though some officials would squeal and others would behave like a tiger protecting its cubs. The time had come for tough decisions, he said. It is understood that hundreds of legacy projects, some dating back to the coalition government under Mr Cameron, could come under review. No specific projects were discussed at the cabinet meeting but defence spending and the HS2 high-speed rail project are likely to be studied carefully. The Times Savings must be found for new infrastructure projects Daily Telegraph >Today: ToryDiary: Trillion dollar bills lying on the street Brexit 1) PM to stress deadline for trade deal in EU meeting Boris Johnson will stress the importance of the UK and EU reaching a trade deal by the end of the year in his first meeting with the new president of the European Commission. The PM will hold talks with Ursula von der Leyen in Downing Street. Once the UK leaves the EU on 31 January, the two sides will begin talks on their future economic relationship. Mr Johnson has insisted a deal is possible by the end of 2020 and the process will not be extended. BBC Brexit Bill to sail through the Commons The Sun Johnson ready to leave EU without trade deal The Times Wilson warns against any extension Daily Express Farage ruled out as next UK Ambassador to the US Daily Mail There are already signs of trouble ahead Leader, Daily Telegraph Brexit 2) Carney optimistic and says its time to diverge In a wide-ranging interview with the Financial Times, the outgoing governor warned that central banks were running out of the ammunition needed to combat a downturnDespite concerns about a potential downturn, Mark Carney was optimistic about the Citys prospects after Brexit. He made clear there was no point in London, as a world financial centre, being a rule taker from Brussels. He urged the UK government to avoid aligning its financial regulations with those in the EU in the hope of better trade terms after Brexit. It is not desirable at all to align our approaches, to tie our hands and to outsource regulation and effectively supervision of the worlds leading complex financial system to another jurisdiction, he said. Interview with Mark Carney, Financial Times Brexit 3) EU gives warning shot of citizens rights The European Union has warned Boris Johnson not to water down protections for EU citizens living in the UK after Brexit, ahead of the first face-to-face meeting between the Prime Minister and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president. Michel Barnier, the EUs chief negotiator, raised issues of concern in a letter to the Brexit Secretary Steven Barclay before Christmas, The Telegraph can disclose. The concerns included the need for a fully independent watchdog to enable EU citizens to make complaints against the Government. The warnings, which have been echoed by the European Parliament, emerged on Tuesday evening as Ms von der Leyen and Mr Barnier prepared to travel to London. Daily Telegraph MEPs express grave concern The Guardian Wallace warns that a UK strike on Iran cant be ruled out The defence secretary refused yesterday to rule out a British military strike on Iran as he said that helicopters and warships had been placed on standby in the Middle East. Ben Wallace told the Commons that the UK had evacuated non-essential personnel from Baghdad amid growing tensions after a US drone strike killed the senior Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. He called for de-escalation but told MPs that he was not going to rule out anything when questioned on the prospect of offensive British military action. The UK will do what it has to do to defend its persons, its citizens and wherever it needs to do that. That is our duty, he said. We cannot say what is in the minds of Iran or anybody else in the future and thats why we will always reserve our right to take that decision. The Times Ukrainian passenger plane crashes in Iran BBC More than 60 die in funeral stampede Daily Telegraph US troops targeted with ballistic missiles BBC Steady at the helm Quentin Letts, The Times Militias draw up 13 plans for revenge on US bases The Times All is well Donald Trump, Twitter >Today: Columnist Daniel Hannan: Revolutionary Iran is a threat to our national security not just regional stability. It must be confronted and defeated. >Yesterday: Almond: Increased risk that Iran will go nuclear One nightmare scenario would be a blizzard of drones launched from western Iraq, now increasingly under Iranian control, over the Israeli border . . . with one carrying a plutonium bomb. Facing such a threat, Israel might feel it has no choice but to strike first, hitting all Irans military facilities in airstrikes. But unless accompanied by a ground invasion of the scale that only the U.S. could launch, any airstrikes will only serve to redouble Irans intention to build atomic weapons and take revenge a generation later. After all, say the hardliners, Trump would never have dared kill Soleimani if Tehran possessed the nuclear bomb. Kim Jong-un has carried on, protected by his nuclear arsenal. The Iranians will not be satisfied until they have it, too. Mark Almond, Daily Mail Raab could be given a second Ministry Dominic Raab could be put in charge of both the Foreign Office and the Department for International Development (DfID) under plans being considered as part of a post-Brexit reshuffle. Whitehall insiders said that Boris Johnson was considering preserving DfID but scrapping its secretary of state and handing ministerial responsibility to the foreign secretary..The move would be in line with the long-held ambition of Dominic Cummings, the prime ministers most senior adviser, to reduce the size of the cabinet but would avoid a big redistribution of personnel and resources. The Times Foreign Secretary condemns missile strikes BBC 200,000 children are trapped in dumping ground schools More than 200,000 children are trapped in dumping ground schools, a report says. Many have never had the chance to learn in one graded good by Ofsted. The watchdog said 415 stuck schools in England are in a cycle of poor performance and have not made the rating for 13 years or moreSome are held back by antagonistic union leaders resistant to change, the report saidDerby, Darlington and Southend-on-Sea, Essex, had the highest proportion of struggling schools while Surrey, Devon and Manchester had the lowest. The Sun Labour leadership 1) Long Bailey launches her campaign with defence of Corbyn Rebecca Long Bailey has said Jeremy Corbyn scored 10 out of 10 as leader of the Labour party as she kicked off her campaign to succeed him. The shadow business secretary defended Corbyns record and blamed the election defeat on the partys failure to issue strong enough rebuttals when he was savaged by the press. Asked by ITV News how should would rate Corbyn as a leader out of 10, Long Bailey said: I thought Corbyn was one of most honest kind principled politicians Ive ever met Id give him 10 out of 10, because I respect him and I supported him all the way through. The Guardian Labour needs another Corbynista leader like a hole in the head warns Straw The Sun Lewis call for Lords reform and Proportional Representation The Guardian A motley crew of sorry-looking losers Leader, The Sun Labour leadership 2) Nandy and Phillips tell Labour MPs: We must change to survive Labour leadership candidates Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips won applause from MPs at a hustings for warning that a serious change of course is needed for the party. The two hopefuls were praised by colleagues on Tuesday after the six candidates set out their pitches to the parliamentary Labour party, with MPs saying they had been the most honest about reasons for the partys defeat at the hands of Boris Johnson. Nandy told the hustings that if we do not change course we will die and we will deserve to and warned that never again can we let factions and friends of the leader determine where resources go. The Guardian Starmer is the bookies favourite Daily Express Allin-Khan proposes a Ministry of Fabulosity Daily Mail This contest will show if Labour is serious again Leader, The Times MPs have partys next five years in their hands The Times Labour leadership 3) Corbyn wont endorse anyone Jeremy Corbyn has said he will not be endorsing a candidate to replace him as Labour leader. When asked whether he had made up his mind, he said: I wont be saying who Ill be voting for. It comes as six leadership hopefuls set out their stall at a meeting of Labour MPs at WestminsterThe MPs need to get the backing of at least 20 of their colleagues to get on to the ballot paper. The winner will be announced on 4 April. Sheffield City region mayor and MP Dan Jarvis has, meanwhile, ruled out a leadership bid. BBC Call for moral stance on child refugees Labour is urging Conservative MPs to take a moral stance and support its proposal to amend the Brexit bill to give more protection to child refugees. The amendment calls on the government to guarantee the right of unaccompanied child refugees to be reunited with family living in the UK after Brexit. A previous version of the Brexit bill included such a pledge, but it was removed after the Tories election win. The government said it had a proud record of helping vulnerable children. MPs could vote on the Labour amendment on Wednesday when they return for a second day of scrutiny of the Brexit bill or EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill as it is officially known. BBC Crosbie: Im still in shock at winning in Ynys Mon Im still in shock. My first three weeks have been about listening. Listening to my constituents and how I can best serve them as their MP. Ive been meeting farmers, local businesses and community leaders. The warm welcome my family and I have received has been overwhelming. Im keen to set up my new MP office in Holyhead, so Im looking for an office, staff and caseworkers. Im also hunting for a family home and Ive started learning WelshMy priorities in parliament will be bringing jobs, skilled employment and investment to Ynys Mon. Virginia Crosbie, The Times Nationalisation threat to South Western Railway The strike-ridden South Western Railway franchise is at risk of being nationalised within the next 12 months after its accounts warned of significant doubt over whether Britains second-biggest commuter network could continue operating. The train operator has been in discussions with the Department for Transport for months over the terms of its contract, blaming its losses partly on delayed infrastructure upgrades, timetabling delays and industrial actionMeanwhile, on Tuesday the government said it had called TransPennine Express, also operated by FirstGroup, for urgent talks over recent service cancellations. Financial Times Finkelstein: Cummings may struggle but his ideas have great potential Smoking, learning in schools, law-abiding behaviour, productivity, community spirit, clean streets, charitable giving . . . there are so many ways that weapons of influence can help governments make progress. Its 15 years since I became the first person to write about the political possibilities of Robert Cialdini. The coalition government created the behavioural insights unit to promote such ideas, but I have never felt they were fully exploited, that weapons of influence had become standard tools. That could mean that Dominic Cummings may find it harder going than he imagines. But it may also just mean theres a lot of potential. Daniel Finkelstein, The Times Today: Columnist Ryan Bourne: The limits of weirdos and misfits Kirby: Centralising the police forces would be a great mistake The 2013 merger of police forces across Scotland into one single force should be enough to dispel illusions about the benefits of centralisation. Promised budget savings have failed to materialise, millions being spent on management consultants fees while front line staff are cut; crime-fighting policies applicable to tough inner cities were rolled out across Scotland regardless of local policing needs, damaging public confidence and causing resentment amongst officers; both the inaugural Chief Constable and his successor lasted less than three years in the job, resigning amid allegations of management failure. Jill Kirby, Daily Telegraph News in brief Two persons were killed and around 40 sustained injuries after a private bus hit an APSRTC Amaravati Volvo bus at Kasipentla village in Chandragiri Mandal in Chittoor district in the wee hours of Wednesday. The accident took place at around 4.30 am. Ramesh, the driver of the APSRTC bus, has lost his life in the accident. Speaking to ANI about the accident, Chittoor Police Sub-inspector said: "In this mishap, two persons died in APSRTC bus that was going from Vijayawada to Kuppam. One of the dead is bus driver Ramesh. Around 40 persons have sustained injuries." The injured have been shifted to Ruya Hospital in Tirupati. The driver of the private bus that hit the state bus also got injured. The inspector said that a case will be registered soon. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Greater Noida: Three miscreants riding a motorcycle allegedly snatched a bag containing 4.5 lakh from a scrap dealer in Greater Noida on Wednesday afternoon. The incident took place in the Sector Beta 2 area when the victim, Anil Kumar, was going to meet a client in his car, the police said. Kumar, a native of Noida Sector 44, runs a scrap business in Delhi. The incident occurred around 1pm when Kumar was on his way in his sedan towards Site IV industrial area in Kasna. I had 4.5 Lakh cash in a briefcase. It seems the suspects were following me for some time. As soon as I stopped the car near Grand Venice mall, three criminals reached there on a bike. One of them approached me from behind and tried to snatch the cash, while the other pointed a gun at me. They snatched the cash bag and fled on the bike, Kumar said. Kumar Ranvijay Singh, superintendent of police (rural), Gautam Budh Nagar, said prima facie the suspects had information about the victims movement. It appears the criminals had planned the robbery as they swiftly fled after committing the crime. We have registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter, he said. The victim then dialled 100 and a police team reached the spot and launched an investigation. However, the snatchers managed to escape towards Kasna village. Sujeet Kumar Upadhyaya, station house officer, Sector Beta II police station, said a case has been registered under Section 392 (robbery) of Indian Penal Code. We are scanning the CCTV footage of adjacent areas to identify and arrest the criminals, he said. German English Basel, Switzerland, January 08, 2020 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) announced today that company management, including CEO David Veitch, will be participating in the 38th Annual J. P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, USA, from January 13-16, 2020. The company made significant progress in the development of its clinical assets during 2019 and will continue to focus on delivering on its strategy for continued value creation in 2020. The key priorities for Basilea will remain on working with its partners to continuously grow in-market sales of its commercialized products, the antifungal Cresemba (isavuconazole) and the antibiotic Zevtera (ceftobiprole), in addition to advancing and expanding its oncology and infectious diseases R&D pipeline. David Veitch commented: In 2019, we have made significant progress with respect to both key pillars of our strategy; generating revenues from our commercialized products and building an R&D portfolio in oncology and infectious diseases to support sustained long-term growth. We are achieving increasing cash flows related to Cresemba and Zevtera. At the same time, we continue to place a major focus on prudently managing our operating expenses, which means that we are highly selective with regard to investments in our R&D portfolio. With respect to our clinical portfolio, we are focusing on clinical studies that have the potential for significant near- and mid-term value creation. The ongoing and planned studies for our key oncology compounds, derazantinib and lisavanbulin, are aiming to provide evidence for clinical differentiation and the ongoing phase 3 bacteremia study for ceftobiprole is the final study required to support a registration in the important US market. With respect to our earlier R&D portfolio, we continue to rely on both internal and external innovation, focusing on innovative small molecules that have the potential for a targeted development, for instance based on biomarker-driven patient selection. Product revenues Basileas commercial partners doubled the number of countries where Cresemba is launched to 40. Total global Cresemba in-market sales by Basileas partners reached approximately USD 190 million for the 12 months period ending September 30, 2019 (latest in-market data).1 Basilea participates in the commercial success of its products through royalties, transfer prices and milestone payments; such as the two commercial milestones triggered in 2019 totaling USD 12 million payments from Pfizer Inc. based on sales of Cresemba in Pfizers European license territory. By the end of 2021, Basilea expects that its partners will have launched Cresemba in about 60 countries. Oncology pipeline In 2019, Basilea reported positive interim results from the ongoing registrational phase 2 study with derazantinib in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), extended this study from FGFR2 gene fusions to gene mutations and amplifications and also started a new study in urothelial cancer as monotherapy and in combination with Roches immune-checkpoint inhibitor, atezolizumab (Tecentriq).2, 3 Based on derazantinibs unique kinase inhibition profile, convincing pre-clinical in vivo data and the high medical need in the indication, Basilea is also planning to start a phase 1/2 study in gastric cancer by Q3 2020. Basilea has concluded patient enrolment into two early-stage clinical studies with lisavanbulin (formerly BAL101553). The studies explored once-daily oral lisavanbulin in patients with recurrent glioblastoma or high grade glioma (phase 1 study), and weekly 48-hour infusion in patients with recurrent glioblastoma and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (phase 2a expansion study).4, 5 Across the two studies, profound objective responses, with more than 80% reduction of the tumor area, were observed in two patients with glioblastoma, who continue to remain on treatment with lisavanbulin. Basilea therefore decided to advance the clinical development to a targeted, biomarker-driven phase 2 study in recurrent glioblastoma and potentially additional tumor types. The study is anticipated to start mid-2020. Glioblastoma is the most common type of primary brain cancer and one of the most lethal types of cancer.6 Finally, a phase 1 study is ongoing in the U.S. in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients with first-line treatment of oral lisavanbulin in combination with radiotherapy.7 This study could complete patient enrolment by mid-2020 and is conducted in collaboration with the Adult Brain Tumor Consortium (ABTC), which is funded by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. The first-in-human phase 1 study with the panRAF/SRC kinase inhibitor BAL3833 in patients with advanced solid tumors did not result in the determination of a maximum tolerated dose.8 Therefore, Basilea entered into pre-clinical reformulation work with the goal to achieve appropriately high and consistent drug exposure in patients. BAL3833 originates from The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, where it was developed by scientists funded by Cancer Research UK and the Wellcome Trust. The companys oncology research portfolio includes several internal as well as externally sourced projects, all focused on the biomarker-driven development of potential first-in-class selective inhibitors of key processes in cancer development and progression. Anti-infectives pipeline Basilea has successfully completed the TARGET study, the first of the two cross-supportive phase 3 studies with ceftobiprole conducted with the goal to gain regulatory approval for the brand in the U.S.9 The study explored ceftobiprole in the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). The second study, ERADICATE, in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB), is ongoing and on track to report top-line results in the second half of 2021.10 The U.S. market is estimated to represent more than 70% of the global market for novel, branded hospital antibiotics based on value and therefore it plays a critical role in Basileas commercial strategy for ceftobiprole. Both studies are conducted under Special Protocol Assessments (SPAs) agreed with the FDA. The phase 3 program for ceftobiprole is funded in part (up to USD 128 million, which is approximately 70% of the total estimated program costs) with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under Contract No. HHSO100201600002C. The demand for innovative antibiotics and antifungals continues to be high. In order to address the needs of patients suffering from serious infections, Basilea focuses its research activities and external collaborations on new or unexploited clinically relevant targets and on compounds with the potential to demonstrate clinical superiority against established products. About Basilea Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company, focused on the development of products that address the medical challenges in the therapeutic areas of oncology and infectious diseases. With two commercialized drugs, the company is committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative pharmaceutical products to meet the medical needs of patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Additional information can be found at Basilea's website www.basilea.com. Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations +41 61 606 1102 media_relations@basilea.com investor_relations@basilea.com This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. References 1 IQVIA, September 2019. In-market sales reported as moving annual total (MAT) in U.S. Dollar corrected for currency fluctuations. 2 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03230318 3 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04045613. Tecentriq is a registered trademark of Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02490800 5 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02895360 6 B. M. Alexander, T. F. Cloughesy. Adult Glioblastoma. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2017 (35), 2402-2409 7 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03250299 8 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02437227 9 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03137173 10 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03138733 Attachment New York City will stop giving landlords a full years worth of rent up front to house homeless families amid mounting complaints that the controversial relocation program leaves people with little leverage to demand better living conditions. Starting next month, New York City officials will begin paying landlords on a month-to-month basis and give families the option to halt payments if units fall into disrepair. The special one-time assistance program has placed more than 2,200 homeless families in 62 municipalities in New Jersey. Newark sued NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio over the relocations, alleging families were forced to sign leases for illegal and uninhabitable apartments. Newark said NYC failed to disclose the addresses where families were living. Isaac McGinn, a spokesman for NYCs Department of Social Services, told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday that the switch to monthly payments is part of the citys effort to strengthen the program. In the limited situations where a property owner may not live up to their commitments and housing fails to deliver what our clients deserve, we intend to use every tool at our disposal to hold them accountable," he said in a statement. The program changes were first reported by CBS New York. Under the changes, tenants will be able to report housing issues through a hotline and request a stop to monthly rent payments. Once the city verifies concerns, payments will stop until the landlord makes needed fixes. NYC has counter-sued Newark in its federal lawsuit, alleging that Newark officials are walling themselves off from homeless families who live outside city limits. Newark made the homeless relocation program illegal, banning any entity from bringing a person to Newark for the purposes of relying on government assistance and outlawing programs that offer a years worth of rent up front. NYC called that ordinance unconstitutional. Lawyers for de Blasio agreed in December to temporarily halt the program in Newark, which has received 1,198 families since 2017, until a judge rules on the case. Jersey City, which has received 176 families, filed a motion to join the case last month. A lawyer for The Legal Aid Society in New York City said his clients who were selected for the program and found apartments in Newark were frustrated that Newark was limiting their right to travel and live there, according to declaration filed in court. One woman, whose name was redacted for her safety because she is a victim of domestic violence, said she had found an apartment in Newark where she could feel safe and away from her abuser. Like anybody else, I have a right to live where I choose, she said in her court declaration. I would like to move to Newark, build a safe and stable home there, and get on with my life. Newarks corporation counsel did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Beverage can labels seen during a tour at a Canopy Growth facility that produces cannabis derivatives in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada October 29, 2019. REUTERS/Blair Gable Constellation Brands (STZ) has not lost faith in the battered cannabis sector after a US$534 million decline in the value of its stake in Canopy Growth (WEED.TO)(CGC), the beer and wine giant said as it reported fiscal third quarter results on Wednesday. Shares of the Smith Falls, Ont.-based pot producer have fallen more than 60 per cent since late April amid a broader downturn in the legal cannabis sector. Speaking on a conference call with analysts, Constellation Brands CEO Bill Newlands said he is still bullish on legal cannabis in Canada. Constellation Brands owns roughly a 38 per cent stake in Canopy Growth, making it the largest shareholder of Canadas largest producer of legal cannabis. Newlands said he is encouraged by consumer conversion to the legal market, the prospect of more stores in Ontario, and significantly increasing retail sales across Canada over the past 12 months. He expects the release of new cannabis 2.0 products to further that trend. Canada allowed sales of products including vapes, topicals, edibles and drinks in mid-December. The new crop of items are slowly trickling into stores. We couldnt be more excited to see these products in the marketplace, as Canopy will now have the ability to showcase their best-in-class brands and intellectual property, Newlands said. The Victor, N.Y.-based companys $5 billion investment in Canopy Growth in August 2018 ignited a blistering rally for pot stocks. Investors saw the entrance of a major U.S. firm as a resoundingly positive signal for the sector. Constellation Brands said on Wednesday that it does not currently plan to make any more cash contributions to the cannabis firm. However, the company holds warrants to buy additional Canopy Growth shares, including some priced below Canopy's current share price. The beverage companys chief financial officer, David Klein, became CEO at Canopy Growth last month and will begin leading the company shortly. I believe he will bring more focus and discipline to that business in executing their priorities, Newlands said. Story continues The leadership change came after the booze company said it was "not pleased" with Canopy Growth's earnings after a wider-than-expected net loss last June. Constellation Brands accounts for its Canopy Growth investment on a two-month lag. Toronto-listed shares of Canopy Growth fell 2.84 per cent to $25.01 at 11:17 a.m. ET. [January 07, 2020] MYHSM Collaborates With Equinix In a development which reinforces its position as a world-wide service provider, MYHSM Ltd., the global provider of Payment Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) as a Service, announces a collaboration with Equinix (News - Alert), the global interconnection and data center company. Under the agreement, MYHSM equipment will be hosted on Platform Equinix and use Equinix connectivity services. Equinix operates over 200 high-performance data centres in five continents with access to all Tier 1 Network routes, with a 99.9999% uptime record. Importantly to the payments industry, Equinix data centres are certified to PCI (News - Alert) DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) meaning that payments organisations across the world can now secure their transactions by connecting to MYHSM's PCI PIN certified service with high levels of performance, security, and reliability, in a fully PCI-compliant environment. The world-class data centres and interconnection that Equinix provides means that MYHSM has the global reach and headroom for growth to address the security needs of companies operating within the world-wide payments ecosystem. The architecture of the solution perfectly supports the widespread move to put IT technology into the cloud. Payment HSMs are an integral and mandated component in securing pament processing and card issuing systems, but deploying them in the traditional own-and-operate way introduces a formidable array of difficulties and demands on capital and operational expenditure. The partnership between MYHSM and Equinix provides a more effective, flexible and current way of accessing the capabilities by making Payment HSMs available as a cloud service. John Cragg, CEO at MYHSM, commented: "MYHSM is delighted to be working with Equinix, which is a real enabler for the payments industry. We are now partners with the global leader in interconnection as well as with Thales (News - Alert), the global leader in Payment HSMs. These partnerships put us in pole position to meet not only the existing demand for Payment HSM as a Service but also the explosive growth being generated by the dash for the cloud which is happening all around us." Lance Homer, Director of Business Development at Equinix, added: "Our collaboration with MYHSM is a great addition to our comprehensive financial services ecosystem available on Platform Equinix. We are now the first company to host and provide connectivity for global Payment HSM as a Service using the Thales payShield. It is an exciting new opportunity for us, providing yet another reason why financial services companies should interconnect at Equinix." To find out more about MYHSM visit https://myhsm.com/. ***ENDS*** About MYHSM MYHSM, the global provider of Payment Hardware Security Modules (PHSM) as-a-Service, delivers secure, versatile, and scalable hosted solutions in the cloud. Utilising Thales payShield, the world's most widely deployed Payment HSM, MYHSM alleviates the need for investment in hardware, secure facilities, management, and ongoing PCI compliance, audit and support. The service provides host connection to industry standard payShield 9000 and 10k Payment HSMs. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200107005919/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Iran blacklists U.S. Pentagon as "terrorist organization" By Xinhua January 07, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - TEHRAN, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran's parliament on Tuesday announced U.S. Department of Defense, the Pentagon, as "terrorist organization," official IRNA news agency reported. "According to the vote by the Iranian lawmakers, all members of the Pentagon, the affiliated institutions and companies, and the U.S. commanders who planned and perpetrated assassination" of Qassem Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), are blacklisted, the report said. The vote of the parliament also obliged the Iranian government to allocate 200 million euros (223 million U.S. dollars) to the IRGC's Quds Force to strengthen its defense power. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The generalities and details of the "emergency motion" were unanimously passed during an open session of the parliament on Tuesday. On Friday, Soleimani was killed in a U.S. airstrike at Baghdad Airport. In April 2019, Iran's Supreme National Security Council also announced U.S. Central Command forces in West Asia as "terrorist group" in retaliation for designation of the IRGC as "a foreign terrorist organization" by the United States. This article was originally published by "Xinihua" - Brussels/Baghdad, Jan 8 : The departure of the foreign troops is the "only solution" to the current crisis, according to Iraqi Prime Minister, while NATO announced it would temporarily redeploy part of its personnel in Iraq to protect its troops amid escalating tensions in the wake of a US strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. "What we have proposed before the Parliament about the departure of the (foreign) forces is the only solution... We do not have another way out," Adel Abdel-Mahdi said in a televised speech during a cabinet meeting held Tuesday, reported Efe news. Iraq had survived between 2011-2014 without the presence of international troops, the prime minister said. The Islamic State terror organisation - which the international coalition had been set up to fight - is now much "weaker" according to Abdel-Mahdi. Abdel-Mahdi confirmed he received a message from the United States on Monday that included a "clear" reference to the "withdrawal" of troops, but it turned out to be a wrong message. The message, published by Iraqi media, was talking about redeployment of the international coalition's troops that was widely interpreted as a withdrawal announcement. US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper then denied any intention to withdraw troops from Iraq. Iraq tried to verify the authenticity of the letter, the Iraqi official said. He said the fact that "the Arabic translation of one of the paragraphs was contrary to the English text" drew his attention. Subsequently, the US administration sent a new letter that coincided with the original language, he continued. The Iraqi parliament passed a resolution on Sunday asking the government to end the presence of foreign troops on Iraqi soil. The resolution came a few hours after the international coalition announced it would suspend training of the support for Iraqi troops to focus on the protection of the US bases in Iraq. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) announced on Tuesday the partial temporary redeployment of its troops to other positions in and outside the Arab country. The move came after the alliance decided on Saturday to temporarily suspend its training of Iraqi army and security forces. "We are taking the necessary preventive measures to protect our personnel. This includes the temporary repositioning of part of our personnel to different locations in and outside Iraq," a source inside the alliance told Efe. NATO said it maintains its presence in the country. The organisation did not provide more details to "to protect the safety of personnel on the ground." Earlier in the day Abdel-Mahdi told NATO's secretary general Jens Stoltenberg that Baghdad seeks the withdrawal of international troops from Iraq. During a phone conversation with Stoltenberg, Abdel-Mahdi insisted on "the position of the Iraqi government and Parliament on the presence of foreign forces and their withdrawal from Iraq, and of maintaining their sovereignty," the office of the prime minister said in a statement. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between both parties. For his part, Stoltenberg said NATO will to resume the training of Iraqi security forces when possible. The Norwegian politician said allies remain committed to NATO's mission in Iraq, which is helping to strengthen Iraqi forces and prevent the return of the Islamic State to the territory. The North Atlantic Council, the highest decision-making body of NATO, held an extraordinary meeting on Monday at the ambassadorial level to address the escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington. During the meeting, the allies called for moderation and said a new conflict would not interest anyone. They also urged Iran not to commit further violence and provocations. Mat Kavanagh died in a car accident while he was doing fire prevention work on Friday The national death toll from the devastating bushfire crisis has risen to 26 after authorities confirmed a man was killed in a crash as a result of fires in Victoria. Forest Fire Management firefighter and married father-of-two Mat Kavanagh, 43 died in a collision involving two cars on the Goulburn Valley Highway while on duty in Victorias northeast last Friday. A police investigation concluded on Wednesday his death was a result of the fires in the region. Mr Kavanagh had helped to extinguish seven unattended campfires prior to the fatal crash. Forest Fire Management firefighter and father-of-two Mat Kavanagh takes Victoria's busfire death toll to three. Pictured are bushfires in the East Gippsland region last Saturday 'This news has come as a huge shock to the entire emergency management community in the midst of ongoing fire,' Victorian emergency services minister Lisa Neville told reporters. 'Mat was a dedicated and respected member of Forest Fire Management Victoria for around 10 years and was on duty as a part of our fire response on the day,' 'He's being remembered for his friendly and welcoming nature, his passion for the environment and nature and his love of fly fishing.' Forest Fires Management Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman added: 'It's a devastating loss for everybody in the sector but for those people who knew Matt it's going to take a long time, I can't imagine what they are going through.' 'It is such a very sad day.' He leaves behind his wife, Jude (pictured together) and two children aged four and six The body of Mick Roberts, 67, was found in his fire damaged home in Buchan a week ago Mr Kavanagh is survived by his wife Jude and two children Ruben and Kate, whom Ms Neville paid tribute to. Mr Kavanagh's colleague was taken to hospital in a stable condition after the collision and has since been released. He's the third death in Victoria this fire season and takes the national toll to 26. 'Goodbye my life long friend, goodbye my cousin you died doing something you did well sorry that you're gone,' one relative posted on Facebook following his death. Great-grandfather Mick Roberts, 67, from Buchan and Maramingo Creek resident Fred Becker were also killed in the bushfires that have devastated the East Gippsland region in the last week. As of Wednesday afternoon, 21 fires continued to burn across Victoria ahead of worsening conditions forecast for Friday. Barely 24 hours after a crash that killed an 11-year-old walking to school, suspect Garrett Bergquist appeared in court and pleaded not guilty. Bergquist, 26, is charged with first- and second-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving after he allegedly struck and killed Luis Medina while the boy was walking to Greshams Dexter McCarty Middle School on Monday morning. He is due back in court at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 15. The Gresham man appeared behind a glass window at the Multnomah County Justice Center wearing a blue-gray jail uniform. He appeared to be holding back tears when he entered the courtroom but remained stoic for the rest of the hearing. An attorney told him that he would remain in custody pending further evaluation. Court documents say a drug test shows Bergquist was taking central nervous system depressants and narcotic pain relievers, which impaired him to the point he couldnt safely operate a car. According to court documents, Bergquist was taking pain pills for an old leg injury, but not under a doctors care. Police say Bergquist hit Luis at the intersection of Southeast Hogan and 5th streets in Gresham. According to court documents, Luis had the right of way and was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. According to witnesses, Bergquist ran a red light while driving fast down Hogan Street. Court documents say that the impact of the crash tossed Luis 80 feet, and he died at the scene. As they investigated, officers saw video that another driver had from a dashboard-mounted camera, which captured the entire incident and showed Luis backpack and other items being thrown as a result of the collision. Further investigation revealed that Bergquist kept driving after the crash, then pulled over and started taking photos, police said. Court documents did not say how fast Bergquist was driving when he hit Luis, but the area is in a school zone, and Oregon law states that the speed limit in a school zone is 20 mph. A fundraiser set up to help Luis family with funeral services and expenses described Luis as a quiet sweet boy who loved playing with his sister and anything to do with playing in the water. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had topped its $18,000 goal. Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 11:36:06|Editor: ZX Video Player Close TIANJIN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese health product company Quanjian was fined 100 million yuan (around 14.4 million U.S. dollars) for organizing and leading a pyramid scheme, according to a court in north China's Tianjin Municipality on Wednesday. Shu Yuhui, the founder and chairman of Quanjian Nature Medicine Technology Development Co., Ltd., was sentenced to nine years in prison and fined 50 million yuan, said the People's Court of Wuqing District of Tianjian. The other 11 defendants were also sentenced to prison ranging from three to six years and fined. All defendants pleaded guilty, said the court. The Tianjin-based healthcare product maker and the 12 individuals had been accused of organizing and leading a scheme that used false advertising to cheat thousands out of their savings by selling health products. Chinese authorities launched a nationwide campaign to crack down on irregularities in the health product market after an investigation into the Quanjian case started in December 2018. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., conducts her weekly news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center on Thursday, December 19, 2019. In a statement, the speaker said the Trump administration's killing of Iran's top general, Qasem Soleimani, "endangered our servicemembers, diplomats and others by risking a serious escalation of tensions with Iran." Pelosi added that some members of Congress have "serious, urgent concerns" about the president's strategy, which the administration did not assuage with a Wednesday briefing or its "insufficient" notification of the strike to Congress under the War Powers Act. The announcement Wednesday came only a day after Tehran launched missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. forces. Earlier in the day, the president said that Iran "appears to be standing down," adding that he would ratchet up "punishing" sanctions rather than take military action to retaliate. The House will vote Thursday on a resolution to curb President Donald Trump's power to take military action against Iran, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. "The Administration must work with the Congress to advance an immediate, effective de-escalatory strategy that prevents further violence. America and the world cannot afford war," Pelosi said in announcing the vote on the war powers resolution, led by Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich. In a tweet Thursday morning, Trump said he hopes "all House Republicans will vote against" the war powers resolution. Donald Trump tweet The House could also consider two separate measures to repeal the 2002 authorization for the use of military force for the Iraq War and to bar funding for military action against Iran not approved by Congress, Pelosi said. Reps. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., respectively, introduced those bills. The resolution the House plans to vote on Thursday resembles one introduced in the Senate by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. It says that, without further congressional approval, the president would have to stop military action against Iran within 30 days. The measure could have a tough time passing the Republican-held Senate. The GOP has broadly supported the Trump administration's decision to kill Soleimani and warned limiting Trump's powers could hamstring the U.S. military response at a critical time. The resolution reflects an ongoing push by Democratic lawmakers to reassert Congress' power to declare war. Pelosi said Wednesday that the White House carried out the strike to kill Soleimani without consulting Congress. Congressional Democrats have also expressed skepticism about the Trump administration's assertion that Soleimani was planning an imminent attack on Americans, even after the Wednesday briefing. On Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said, "We are not looking to start a war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one." After the administration briefed the Senate on Iran on Wednesday, Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Rand Paul, R-Ky., said they would consider backing a war powers resolution. Lee called it "probably the worst briefing I've seen, at least on a military issue, in the nine years I've served in the United States Senate." He criticized the administration for cutting off the briefing after 75 minutes and for apparently giving vague answers about the justification for military force against Iran. "They had to leave after 75 minutes while they were in the process of telling us that we need to be good little boys and girls and run along and not debate this in public. I find that absolutely insane, I think it's unacceptable," Lee said. Both Lee and Paul have bucked their party on issues of executive power to take military action. The Defense Department did not immediately respond to a request to comment. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. The Ukrainian airlines jet which crashed was a Boeing 737-800 - a very common single-aisle, twin-engine jetliner used for short to medium-range flights. Thousands of the planes are used by airlines around the world. Introduced in the late 1990s, it's a slightly older model than the Boeing 737 MAX, which has been grounded for nearly 10 months following two deadly crashes. This particular plane underwent maintenance on January 6 and 'there was not a single issue with its technical state', according to a statement released Boeing today. They added the plane was built and delivered directly from the manufacturer in 2016. On the 29 October 2018, an Indonesian Lion Air flight operating a 737 MAX dived into the sea and killed all 189 passengers on board, making it the most deadly Boeing crash in history. A few months later, in March 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX smashed into the ground within minutes of a failed take-off, killing 157 passengers and crew in Addis Ababa. A number of the earlier 737 'Next Generation' aircraft have also been involved in deadly accidents over the years. Indonesian authorities inspect a turbine engine from the Lion Air Flight that crashed in the Java Sea in October 2018 28 September, 2018 - A 737-800 flying from Pohnpei, Micronesia to Papua New Guinea crashed into a lagoon when it undershot a runway. One person died. 17 April, 2018 - The left engine on a Southwest Airlines 737-700 failed and debris shot out smashed a cabin window, causing explosive decompression. A woman was partially ejected from the aircraft and later died from her injuries. March 2016 - A Flydubai 737-800 from Dubai crashed while trying to land at Rostov-on-Don airport in Russia, killing 62 onboard. 16 August, 2010 - AIRES Flight 8250 departed from Bogota in the dark and crashed on the Colombian island of San Andres, seriously injuring nine. Rescue workers help passengers after a Turkish Airlines passenger crashed while attempting to land at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport on February 25, 2009 22 May, 2010 - A 737-800 flight from Dubai, operated by Air India Express, crashed while trying to land in Mangalore, India, the third deadliest accident involving the series, killing more than 150 onboard. 25 January 2010 - An Ethiopian Airlines flight crashed into the Mediterranean shortly after taking off from Beirut, Lebanon en route to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, killing all 90 passengers. 25 February, 2009 - A Boeing 737-800 used on a Turkish Airlines Flight skidded along a field after it tried to land at Amsterdam Schipol Airport. Nine people died, including both pilots and a pilot-in-training, while 84 were injured. 5 May, 2007 - 105 passengers and nine crew perished when they plummeted into a swamp on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. No one survived the crash. September 29, 2006 - There were no survivors when a Gol Transportes Aereos Flight 1907, using a brand new 737-800, collided with another jet in mid-air and split apart, dropping in the Brazilian jungle. A newlywed husband celebrating marriage with his bride was among three British victims of the Ukrainian Airlines disaster in Iran, MailOnline can reveal. Saeed Tahmasebi had flown to Tehran with new wife Niloofar Ebrahim for the second leg of their wedding with friends and family after tying the knot at St John's Wood register office in London last month. Mr Tahmasebi, 35, from Chiswick, was an engineer for building firm Laing O'Rourke and was studying for a PHD as a postgraduate researcher at Imperial College London. They were among 176 passengers who died when their Ukrainian Airlines jet bound for Kiev crashed shortly after take off in Tehran. He and two more Britons - including a dry cleaning firm boss from Brighton, East Sussex and another engineer from London are known to have perished on board. Newlywed Tahmasebi, 35, from Chiswick, west London, was celebrating his marriage to bride Niloofar Ebrahim (pictured) in Iran when the pair perished in the Ukrainian Airlines tragedy Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh (pictured), 40, who ran a dry cleaning firm in Brighton, East Sussex, has been named as the second British victim of the plane disaster in Tehran Sam Zokaei, 42, pictured, from London, was an engineer at BP where colleagues mourned his 'tragic loss' today. He was on holiday in Iran visiting friends and family when he died Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh, 40, a father-of-one travelled to Iran to see family over the Christmas period and was returning to the UK via Ukraine. The businessman, who lived in a three-bedroom terraced house in Brighton, East Sussex runs Smarty's dry cleaner's, in nearby Hassocks. The third victim was Sam Zokaei, 42, an engineer at BP where colleagues mourned his 'tragic loss' today. A spokesman for the company said: 'With the deepest regret, we can confirm that one of our colleagues at BP, Sam Zokaei, was a passenger on the Ukrainian International Airlines plane that crashed in Iran this morning, reportedly with no survivors. 'We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss of our friend and colleague and all of our thoughts are with his family and friends.' Mr Tahmasebi, a British national, had lived in Britain for more than 15 years. His friends described him as a 'very bright, very clever and smart' man who had a promising future as a structural engineer. A friend speaking at the couple's home near Chiswick, said today: 'He was a lovely man. A wonderful human being. One of the nicest people you could meet. 'He was a top engineer and I would say he was a genius and he was so happy and getting married to his girlfriend who had been with for about three years. 'He has a sister who lives in London and she asked me to come to his flat today. We are in shock. We just can't believe it. Nobody knows what happened, but this is a very big tragedy. Mr Tahmasebi and wife Niloofar, pictured, were married at St John's Wood register office in London last month and had flown to Iran for the second part of their wedding celebrations Mr Tahmasebi, a PHD student who had been living in the UK for 15 years, and his wife were returning to Britain from Tehran this morning when their passenger jet crashed after take off Mr Zokaei, a reservoir engineer had worked for BP for four and a half years in London, was travelling home to the UK from a holiday in Iran when he was caught up in the plane disaster A spokesman for his company Laing O'Rourke said: 'Everyone here is shocked and saddened by this very tragic news.' 'Saeed was a popular and well respected engineer and will be missed by many of his colleagues. 'Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult time and we will do all we can to support them through it.' In Sussex at the three-bedroom home of Mr Kadkhoda-Zadeh's parents in Haywards Heath, his father, Mahmoud, 67, was too upset to speak. Mr Kadkhoda-Zadeh (pictured) is understood to have travelled to Iran to see family over the Christmas period and was returning to the UK via Ukraine Fighting back tears he said: 'I have no words sorry. I cannot speak.' But in a statement later, the family described him as: 'A loving father, son, brother, friend, who will eternally be missed. His absence has shattered many lives. A well humoured passionate soul has lost his life far too soon. Rest in peace Reza.' A family friend added: 'He was his parents' only son. It is so dreadful. We only heard about it in the morning. It is so, so bad at the moment.' Friends and neighbours described paid tribute to the 'quiet, polite and lovely' businessman after hearing of the tragedy. A student who rented a room in his house said: 'He's very lovely man. He is friendly and polite and we get on very well indeed. 'I am renting a room here and studying in Brighton to improve my English and we got along very well right from the start. 'He had gone to Iran to see friends and I think some family over Christmas and was due back today.' Mohammed, who was known to friends as 'Reza', is divorced and father to a nine-year-old girl. Another neighbour said: 'He was a really lovely man. This is just so shocking and sad. 'He was absolutely dedicated to his daughter, he loved her so much and they would do all sorts of things together.' Stephen Edgington, who runs Hassocks Pet Centre next to Smarty's dry cleaner, said: 'It is so shocking and it is very upsetting for everyone who knew him. 'He was a lovely man, very quiet and polite but a really nice guy - we got on very well indeed and it is a tragedy.' Mr Kadkhoda-Zadeh's daughter would often sit in the pet centre so she could stroke the cats there. 'She is a lovely girl and both his ex-wife and him were very nice people. You couldn't fault him. It is such a shock.' The Ukrainian foreign ministry says there were three British victims of the disaster near Tehran this morning (pictured: wreckage at the crash site) Mr Zokaei was believed to be on holiday in Iran and was on his way back to the UK when he was caught up in the disaster. The reservoir engineer had worked for BP for four and a half years, both in the Middle East and London, and was understood to be visiting family. According to his Linkedin profile, Mr Zokaei had studied petroleum engineering at Herriott Watt University in Edinburgh. 'With the deepest regret, we can confirm that one of our colleagues at BP, Sam Zokaei, was a passenger on the Ukrainian International Airlines plane that crashed in Iran this morning, reportedly with no survivors,' a statement said. 'We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss of our friend and colleague and all of our thoughts are with his family and friends.' A neighbour told MailOnline: 'He drove a brown coloured 2016 Range Rover that he sometimes parked in my mother's disabled bay outside my house. 'I asked him if he could move the car and he was always very polite and would often apologise. 'He was an Arabic gentleman, I don't know if he had much family here. 'He was in and out of the house quite a lot. You'd say hello and he'd be gone in the car somewhere. He went away quite a bit as well I think with work. 'The last time I saw him was last November. As far as I know he's been living there for at least a year.' All three men were on the Boeing 737 which came down just minutes after take-off, sparking fresh alarm in an already tense Middle East. Iran is blaming 'technical difficulties' and says the pilot lost control after a fire struck one of the plane's engines. However, Tehran is refusing to say what will happen to the black boxes which were recovered from the crash site. The Boeing plane was less than four years old and had been checked just two days earlier, with 'one of our best crews' manning the aircraft, a Ukrainian airline official said. The disaster deals a further blow to Boeing which was thrown into crisis by two plane crashes in October 2018 and March 2019 which killed a combined 346 people. Carlos Ghosn pulled off an audacious escape from Japan by private jet AFP/ERIC PIERMONT A millionaire many times over, used to hob-nobbing with the Davos set, Ghosn chaffed at what he felt were the tight restrictions imposed as a condition of his bail ahead of an expectedly lengthy trial for financial misconduct. As 2019 drew to a close, the former boss of Renault-Nissan made a break for it. Here's what we know about his dramatic flight: "BULLET TRAIN" Contrary to early reports of a Houdini-like escape from his house hidden in a musical instrument case, it seems the tycoon simply walked out of his luxury central Tokyo residence on Dec 29, security camera footage shows. According to Japanese media, he met two US citizens in a nearby hotel and the trio took a shinkansen bullet train from Shinagawa, a major Tokyo hub, to Osaka in western Japan, a trip of around three hours. All three headed to a hotel near Kansai International Airport, with security camera footage showing only the two Americans leaving, carrying "two big boxes" - with Ghosn apparently inside one of them. He departed in a private jet - Turkish investigators say a Bombardier labelled TC-TSR - that landed in Istanbul at 5.15am local time on Dec 30 and parked in a hangar. A Japanese transport ministry official has told AFP that security checks on luggage are not necessary for private jet operators and the boxes were apparently too big for the X-ray machines at the airport. Citing sources close to the investigation in Turkey, the Wall Street Journal said holes had been drilled in the box containing Ghosn so the executive could breathe. "CLANDESTINE GATEAWAY" Turkish news agency DHA said in Istanbul Ghosn boarded a second private jet to Beirut, a Bombardier Challenger 300 TC-RZA, which left 45 minutes later. Turkey's Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul said seven people had been detained in connection with the jets, including four pilots. Five were formally arrested. The Turkish private jet company MNG filed a complaint Friday alleging its aircraft were used illegally, and said one employee admitted to falsifying the flight manifest to keep Ghosn off the passenger list. The 65-year-old former car executive has insisted he acted alone, without help from his family. The Wall Street Journal said he was aided by a former US special forces operative, Michael Taylor, now working as a private security contractor and described as an "expert in the art of clandestine getaways". PASSPORT ROULETTE In his own words, Ghosn was a symbol of globalisation and he held three nationalities: French, Brazilian and Lebanese. As part of his bail conditions, three passports were kept locked up by his lawyers. However, a source close to the matter told AFP the Tokyo court had allowed Ghosn to keep his second French passport so long as it was kept "in a locked case" with the key held by his lawyers. This second French document was so he could prove his short-term visa status if needed when travelling in Japan - which was allowed in his bail conditions. He apparently used this to enter Lebanon - airport documents there seen by AFP show he entered on a French passport. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he had "no particular information" about that. Japanese authorities have confirmed there is no record of Ghosn departing the country - lending credence to the cargo box theory. WHAT NEXT? Interpol, the international police cooperation body, issued a "red notice" for Ghosn's arrest, but Beirut and Tokyo do not have an extradition agreement under which he could be sent back to Japan, and Lebanese officials say he entered the country legally. However, an official speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that Ghosn would receive a summons from the Lebanese judiciary which "is obliged to hear him" but "can still decide whether to arrest him or let him remain free". Nevertheless, he could still find himself in hot water in Lebanon. Three lawyers submitted a report to the public prosecutor demanding he be prosecuted over a 2008 trip he made to Israel - a country Lebanon bans its citizens from visiting. A source close to the case in Japan has told AFP that a trial over alleged financial misconduct involving Ghosn's right-hand man Greg Kelly and Nissan could still proceed. Ghosn denies all the charges against him and has told Fox Business that he is ready to name executives and officials he says conspired against him in a "plot" to prevent Nissan getting too close to French firm Renault. He will address the media at a Beirut press conference on Wednesday. Update: A line of severe storms brought thunder, rain and high winds through San Antonio Friday. Luckily giant hail and tornadoes never formed. A wind gust of 77 mph was recorded at the Stinson Airport, according to storm reports recorded by the National Weather Service. Another gust of 66 mph was recorded in Universal City. Elsewhere in the county, small hail up to a quarter in size was reported. Wind also damaged a home and trampoline near Von Ormy, according to NWS storm reports. Update: A tornado warning has been issued for the Seguin area until 8:30 p.m. Update: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for the San Antonio area through 8:15 p.m. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph and nickel size hail could strike the area, according to a weather statement from the National Weather Service. Strong storms began moving across San Antonio about 7:40 p.m. Nickel and dime-sized hail was reported 2.4 miles NW of Helotes about 7:20 p.m., according to tweets from the National Weather Service San Antonio. The storm was located over Hollywood Park near the San Antonio International Airport moving northeast at 45 miles per hour. A wind gust of 77 mph was recorded at the Stinson Airport at 7:48 p.m., NWS San Antonio tweeted. Update: The severe storm threat is increasing Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center. Along with damaging winds, "large to perhaps isolated giant hail" will be possible as the storm system moves through South Central Texas. Forecasters predict a tornado or two may also occur. The National Weather Service tweeted that the storms could reach the West Side of San Antonio by 6 p.m. Original story: The National Weather Service raised the risk level for the San Antonio metro area for the third time ahead of Friday's storm system. The NWS shifted its projected risk for the region from marginal to slight on Thursday. On the latest map released Friday morning, San Antonio falls within the even greater "enhanced risk" category, which means numerous severe storms are possible Friday afternoon into Friday night. "The threat for strong to severe thunderstorms will begin over the Hill Country 4-6pm today, with storms quickly growing into a line and moving eastward through the evening," the NWS said. While the primary threat is damaging winds, large hail and a tornado or two are possible. The greatest threat for severe storms will be east of a Llano to San Antonio to Hallettsville line, but the area of concern extends west to Eagle Pass. READ ALSO: Cedar fever has arrived. Here's what you need to know. The forecast allows for damaging thunderstorm winds up to 70 mph, hail up to two inches in diameter, and 1/4 of an inch to 3/4 of an inch of rain with higher amounts of 1 to 3 inches in isolated areas. An isolated tornado or two is also possible, especially if discrete supercells develop. CPS Energy will have an outage map, refreshing every five minutes, that highlights potential dangers and indicates when crews are in the area to restore power. On ExpressNews.com: April hailstorm still causing hassles for some Dominion homeowners The showers and thunderstorms will be sparked by a storm system and cold front moving across South Central Texas on Friday. The line will move east through the evening into the overnight hours. The forecast for downtown San Antonio calls for a high of 79 degrees on Friday. For the afternoon, there's a 60 percent chance of precipitation. That chance jumps to 90 percent on Friday night, before the skies clear for a sunny Saturday with a high near 62 degrees. Mark Dunphy is a breaking news reporter and general assignment writer. Read him on our breaking news site, MySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | mark.dunphy@express-news.net | @m_b_dunphy Central Public Works Department (CPWD) Director General Prabhakar Singh has written to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur asking that the agency be awarded the project of constructing hospital and medical college in Chamba district of state. In his letter to Thakur, the DG said the CPWD, a prime construction agency of the central government, understands that the progress of the medical college has to be on fast track. The CPWD, which has already a very deep presence in Himachal Pradesh, are executing many major projects of the Centre such as NIT Hamirpur, llM Sirmour and many others besides health projects of the state government. "It is understood that government of Himachal Pradesh is also contemplating setting up of hospital and medical college at Chamba. We in CPWD would be privileged to be associated with the construction of this health project also," Singh said. The agency, which operates under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, assures the state government of best services in completing this project on time, adhering to the best quality standards, he added. Apart from executing various projects of central, state and autonomous bodies across the country, CPWD also erects fences on the country's international borders and carries out projects in foreign countries under friendship programmes with India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gold prices on Wednesday climbed by Rs 485 to Rs 41,810 per 10 gram following the rise of geo-political uncertainty and a weaker rupee, according to HDFC Securities Gold prices hit fresh high on Wednesday and jumped Rs 485 to Rs 41,810 per 10 gram in the national capital following the rise of geo-political uncertainty in the West Asia due to the US-Iran tensions and a weaker rupee, according to HDFC Securities. On Monday, gold prices in the national capital had hit an all-time high of Rs 41,730 per 10 gram following a pick-up in safe-haven demand for the metal. Similarly, silver also jumped by Rs 855 to Rs 49,530 per kg from Rs 48,675 per kg on Tuesday, reported PTI. The yellow metal had closed at Rs 41,325 per 10 gram in the previous trade. Gold rose following the rise of geo-political uncertainty and a weaker rupee, HDFC Securities Head - Advisory (PCG) Devarsh Vakil said. "Higher international gold price and weaker rupee supported domestic gold prices to trade higher," he added. The Indian rupee tumbled 20 paise to 72.02 against the US dollar in opening trade on Wednesday as Middle East tensions flared up after Iran fired rockets at US military bases in Iraq. In the international market, both gold and silver witnessed bullish trend and were trading with gains at $1,584 per ounce and $18.43 per ounce, respectively. On Tuesday, gold prices declined by Rs 420 to Rs 41,210 per 10 gram in the national capital amid a stronger rupee and profit-booking in the international market for precious metal. On Monday, the prices of the yellow metal in the national capital had hit an all-time high level and zoomed Rs 720 to Rs 41,730 per 10 gram following a pick-up in safe-haven demand for the metal amid weak equities and bullish global trends. Meanwhile, gold prices surged more than 2 percent in the international market on Wednesday, crossing the key $1,600 mark, as investors sought cover in the safe-haven metal after Iran fired rockets at Iraqi airbase which hosts US forces, reported Reuters. Spot gold climbed 1.9 percent to $1,603.21 per ounce. Prices hit their highest since March 2013 at $1,610.90 earlier in the session. US gold futures rose 2 percent to $1,605.80. But the metal pared gains later as investors awaited reaction from the White House. Gold is paring some gains right now as the retaliation was not seen as aggressive as the markets thought it would be and investors are booking profit for that reason, Saxo Bank analyst Ole Hansen said. The jump in the price of whats viewed by investors as a safer asset in times of political and economic uncertainty came after Irans missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq early on Wednesday. The attack came hours after the funeral of an Iranian commander whose killing in a U.S. drone strike has raised fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. With inputs from agencies (CNN) Iran fired a number of missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops Wednesday local time in retaliation for the American strike that killed a top Iranian general last week presenting President Donald Trump with the biggest test of his presidency to date. Trump will deliver a statement on Iran from the White House at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday morning, the administration announced. Vice President Mike Pence will join Trump for his remarks. The US has "100% accountability" of all its forces in Iraq, with no US casualties, according to a US defense official familiar with the latest assessment on Wednesday morning. The official added that there has been "no major damage" at either base. There is a growing belief among administration officials that Iran deliberately missed areas populated by Americans, multiple administration officials told CNN on Wednesday. These officials floated the notion that Iran could have directed their missiles to hit areas that are populated by Americans, but intentionally did not. Iraq did receive advance warning that the strike was coming and were able to take "necessary precautions," according to a statement from Iraq's Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi. Iraq's joint military command said there were no casualties among Iraqi military forces either. Iran targeted the al-Asad airbase, which houses US troops, and American and coalition forces in Erbil, according to Jonathan Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesperson. White House aides had initially made plans for a possible address to the nation by Trump on Tuesday night, according to two officials. Trump tweeted later in the night that he would make a statement Wednesday morning. "All is well!" Trump tweeted. "Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." The administration officials who discussed Iran's targeting suggested that Tehran's leaders may have intended to send a message rather than take significant enough action to trigger a US military response, a possible indication that the White House is looking for a rationale to calm tensions. The attack comes days after the US killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in an airstrike in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. The administration had sought to cast that strike as an attempt to de-escalate tensions with Iran, but Tehran has described it as an "act of war" and "state terrorism." Soleimani had been the second most powerful official in the country. In a televised address to Iran Wednesday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the missile attacks and said Iran had given the US "a slap in the face last night." He added that America had cast Soleimani as a "terrorist," which was "unjust and unfair." The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, an elite wing of the Iranian military, said in a statement that the attacks on Iraqi bases were "hard revenge" for Soleimani's death. The IRGC said any country housing US troops could be subject to "hostile and aggressive acts" and called on American citizens to demand the administration remove US troops from the region. It warned the US: "If you repeat your wickedness or take any additional movements or make additional aggression, we will respond with more painful and crushing responses." Iran sent Iraq "an official verbal message" about the missile attack shortly before midnight on Wednesday, according to a statement from Mahdi. He said that Iraq was told that: "The strike would be limited to the whereabouts of the US military in Iraq, without giving the exact location." Once they received the warning, Iraqi military leaders were warned "to take the necessary precautions." "No casualties so far from the Iraqi side, and we have not officially received information on the losses from the coalition forces," the Prime Minister added. In recent days, US bases have "been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region," said Pentagon spokesperson Hoffman. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region," he added. Another US military official told CNN the military had enough warning of the launches that they had time to sound alarms. People in harm's way were able to get to safety, according to the official. In Erbil, at least two ballistic missiles hit separate areas, two Kurdish security officials tell CNN. One missile landed inside the perimeter of Erbil International Airport without exploding, the second hit an area roughly 20 miles west of Erbil without causing casualties. Trump had visited the base in December 2018 after Christmas. Vice President Mike Pence also visited the base in November 2019. Iran warns the US Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter that the response was meant to be proportionate to the American attack that killed Soleimani, framing Iran's attack within international law. The top diplomat also said Iran had "concluded" its widely anticipated response Soleimani's killing. "Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched," Zarif tweeted. "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." Amid renewed Iranian threats to hit Israeli cities as well, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued his own warning to Iran Wednesday. "Anyone who tries to attack us will suffer the most devastating blow," he told a press conference in Jerusalem. Attack are a direct challenge to Trump The rockets pose a direct challenge to Trump, who threatened Iran on Tuesday, just hours before the attacks began. "If Iran does anything that it shouldn't be doing, they will be suffering the consequences and very strongly," the President said. In the immediate aftermath of Soleimani's killing, Trump repeatedly stressed that the deadly drone strike was meant to reduce violence. "We took action last night to stop a war," he told reporters a day after the attack. "We did not take action to start a war." Trump warned later of a "disproportionate" response to any Iranian move that could include targeting Iran's cultural sites, a war crime. After the strikes Tuesday evening, Trump met in the Situation Room at the White House with members of his national security team including Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Joint Chiefs chairman Mark Milley, acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien, acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire, and press secretary Stephanie Grisham. CIA Director Gina Haspel attended the meeting remotely. Iran's decision to attack is a "huge gamble," said Thomas Juneau, an assistant professor and Iran expert at the University of Ottawa who said that leaders in Tehran have included Trump's domestic political concerns in their calculations. The President ran on a platform of ending US involvement in the messy Middle East entanglements. "Iran assesses Trump does not want to get bogged down in a large scale war in the Middle East, and that this gives it more margin to maneuver," Juneau wrote on Twitter. "Needless to say, this is a HUGE gamble given how unpredictable Trump is." Randa Slim, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, said Iran's attack was a foregone conclusion after the Ayatollah announced there would be retaliation. Further escalation will depend on Trump's ability to absorb the attack and whatever casualties result, she said. European Union leaders have urged calm. "The current crisis affects not only the region, but all of us," said European Commission President Ursula con der Leyen during a press conference Wednesday. "The use of weapons must stop now to give space to dialogue." In the US, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was discussing the situation in Iran when she was handed a note with news of the attack, lawmakers who attended the meeting said. Rep. Dan Kildee, a Michigan Democrat, said she paused the discussion to tell the members of the Steering Committee of the news. "Pray," Pelosi told members, according to Rep. Debbie Dingell. This story has been updated with additional breaking news developments. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Trump to address nation after Iran attacks Iraqi bases housing US troops in retaliation for Soleimani's death." At least one person is dead and three wounded from a shooting in Canadas capital, police have said. Officers were called to Gilmour Street in Ottawa on Wednesday morning after reports of multiple gunshots and found several people injured at the scene. This is not considered an active shooter situation, but the suspect remains at large and is not in custody, the Ottawa Police Service said in a statement. Three people have been taken to hospital with serious injuries and one person has been confirmed dead from the shooting. Local media has cited police inspector Francois DAoust saying the incident appeared to be a targeted attack. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The scene has been secured and sections of the street have been closed as an investigation is ongoing, police said. This morning at 7.30, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Gilmour Street in regards to shots fired, a police spokesperson said. Local reporters have suggested that the shooting took place at an Airbnb but the spokesperson said they could not confirm that detail at this time. Recommended Bear stops traffic in Canada after wandering into downtown Ottawa The ages and genders of most of the victims have not yet been made public. However, a 15-year-old boy has been taken to the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario with serious injuries from the shooting and is in a stable condition, according to Canadas CBC network. Jim Watson, the mayor of Ottawa, has encouraged anyone with relevant information about the shooting to contact the police. I have full confidence in our Police Service to ensure that the perpetrator will be apprehended and brought before justice, the mayor added in a statement. I also wish to thank our paramedics for their efforts this morning in helping those injured. The incident occurred about one kilometre (0.6 miles) from the Canadian parliament in downtown Ottawa. In 2014, a gunman attacked the government building and fatally shot a soldier at a nearby war memorial. The gunman was shot dead by parliament security personnel and the shooting was later classified as a terrorist attack. Additional reporting by Reuters Ukraine will demand maximum publicity for the investigation into the crash of a passenger plane of Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) in Tehran, Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Honcharuk has said at a press briefing on Wednesday. "Of course, we will demand that the investigation is held in the public spotlight as much as possible, so that all public international organizations are able to ensure confidence in this investigation and participate in it," he said. In turn, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Oleksiy Danilov said that the countries, whose citizens suffered in the accident, as well as Boeing experts should be involved in the investigation in line with the international law. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to move forward with a resolution to limit Donald Trump's military actions with Iran, urging the administration to "advance an immediate, effective de-escalatory strategy that prevents further violence". The House Rules Committee will discuss the resolution on Wednesday, and the full House is expected to take up a vote on the measure on Thursday. Congress's War Powers Resolution will be led by Michigan Democrat Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA and Pentagon analyst. Speaker Pelosi says the Trump administration's "provocative and disproportionate military air strike" killing Iranian General Qassem Soleimani "endangered our service members, diplomats and others by risking a serious escalation of tensions with Iran." She said that the president "does not have a coherent strategy to keep the American people safe, achieve de-escalation with Iran and ensure stability in the region." Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Show all 24 1 /24 Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions Iranian mourners gather around a vehicle carrying the coffin of top general Qasem Soleimani during the final stage of funeral processions, in his hometown Kerman. Soleimani was killed outside Baghdad airport in a drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump, ratcheting up tensions with Iran which has vowed "severe revenge" AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian people carry a coffin of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani during a funeral procession in Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions The assassination of the 62-year-old heightened international concern about a new war in the volatile, oil-rich Middle East and rattled financial markets AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners packed the streets of Tehran for ceremonies to pay homage to Soleimani, who spearheaded Iran's Middle East operations as commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force and was killed in a US drone strike on January 3 Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranians set a US and an Israeli flag on fire during the funeral procession AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, centre, with Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, second left, and President Hassan Rouhani, third left, standing next to him as he leads a prayer over the caskets of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Tehran University Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, left, openly weeps as he leads a prayer over the coffin of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners holding posters of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Coffins of Soleimani and others who were killed in Iraq by a US drone strike, are carried on a truck surrounded by mourners during a funeral procession, at the Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions An Iranian mourner holds a placard AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Downtown Tehran was brought to a standstill as mourners flooded the Iranian capital Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Former Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps chief Mohamad Ali Jafari prays on the coffins of Qasem Soleimani and of other victims during their funeral ceremony EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Satellite image Maxar Technologies/AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA At a White House address, the president claimed that Iran which hit two US bases in Iraq last night is "standing down". Mr Trump threatened the country with additional sanctions but appeared to signal his withdrawal from military escalation. The resolution is sure to ignite debate over the president's war powers, as members of Congress and the Senate finally heard from the administration about its decision to kill Iran's top military commander. Democrats and some Republicans left the hearings seething, with Utah Senator Mike Lee calling the debriefing "probably the worst briefing at least on a military issue I've seen". Kentucky Senator Rand Paul said the administrations' justification for military action was "insulting to logic and the Constitution". "The death of Soleimani is the death of diplomacy" he said. Mr Paul and Mr Lee plan to support a War Powers resolution to limit additional action in Iran. Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly called the hearings "sophomoric and utterly unconvincing". The House also may vote on two other measures to limit the president's war-making efforts, including an amendment from California Democrat Ro Khanna that would require Congressional approval before the administration uses funds earmarked for further Iran attacks. Barbara Lee of California also aims to repeal a 2002 measure that granted then-president George W Bush authorization to use military force in Iraq. The speaker said Congress has "serious, urgent concerns about the administration's decision to engage in hostilities against Iran and about its lack of strategy moving forward. Our concerns were not addressed by the President's insufficient War Powers Act notification and by the Administration's briefing today." Mr Trump must work with Congress to "advance an immediate, effective de-escalatory strategy that prevents further violence. America and the world cannot afford war." BEIRUT A decision by Japanese prosecutors to issue an arrest warrant for Carlos Ghosn's wife shortly before the fugitive car boss was due to speak publicly about his case was "pathetic," a spokeswoman for Ghosn told Reuters on Tuesday. The ousted Nissan Motor and Renault chairman fled to Lebanon, his childhood home, in late December from Japan, where he faced trial for alleged financial misconduct. Ghosn is expected to speak on Wednesday at a news conference in Beirut and detail some of the claims he has made against Nissan since his arrest in November 2018. He has alleged there was a Japanese government-backed coup to oust him. It's his first such appearance since his arrest in November 2018. "Last time Carlos Ghosn announced a press conference and got re-arrested. This time, the day before he is announced to speak out freely for the first time, they issued an arrest warrant for his wife Carole Ghosn," the spokeswoman said. Japanese prosecutors issued the warrant for Ghosn's wife Carole for perjury, Japanese media reported. The spokeswoman said Carole Ghosn voluntarily went back to Japan nine months ago to answer prosecutors' questions and was free to go without any charges. "The issuance of this warrant is pathetic," she said. Japan is looking for a way to extradite Ghosn, but Lebanon and Japan have no extradition agreement and Lebanon does not normally extradite its own citizens. The perjury arrest warrant accuses Carole Ghosn of falsely claiming not to know, or to have met, people connected to a company that received payments from Nissan Motor, part of which it subsequently transferred to a firm owned by Ghosn. Separately, a senior Ministry of Justice official said staff were poring over Lebanese laws to find a way to return Ghosn and that Japan "will do whatever it can" to have him face trial. Naming names at Nissan Ghosn is expected to detail some of the claims he has made against Nissan since his arrest. Story continues Citing an interview with Ghosn, Fox Business reported that he said he has "actual evidence" and documents to show there was a Japanese government-backed coup to "take him out." He plans to identify those he believes responsible, the broadcaster said. In earlier court filings seen by Reuters and statements released by his lawyers in Japan, Ghosn has claimed that he was unseated to destroy any possibility of a merger between Nissan and Renault, accusing Nissan executives of colluding with Japanese prosecutors and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry officials. Ghosn's legal team in Japan also said prosecutors withheld evidence, citing concerns voiced by Nissan that it included sensitive information about operations and employees. Nissan said Ghosn's flight from Japan would not affect its policy of holding him responsible for "serious misconduct." "The company will continue to take appropriate legal action to hold Ghosn accountable for the harm that his misconduct has caused to Nissan," the automaker said in a statement. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshihide Suga, on Tuesday, described Ghosn's escape to Beirut as "regrettable" and said Tokyo had asked Lebanon for help, although he declined to say what exactly Japan had asked of Lebanon. "It's necessary to carefully consider the legal systems of both countries," he told a news conference, You Might Also Like If you visited the Jones family household anytime in the late 80s or 90s, you might have found a Jamaican beef patty shoved in between the sofa cushions. Or under someones pillow. Or tucked into a bookshelf. These are the measures that must be taken when one lives in a house with eight siblings, two grandparents, any number of visiting aunts and uncles, and a mother who can only roll out 24 of her famously flaky, juicy, meat-stuffed, turmeric-tinged patties at a time. (Which may sound like a lot, but do the math.) Look, Im number seven of the siblings, says Shani Jones. When youre one of the youngest, you have to either stick up for yourselfor hide your patties. So I hid mine under the couch. These days, Shani no longer needs to squirrel away her patties. Instead, she makes them herself, using an industrial grade Hobart mixer and a dough sheeter that can roll out 250 at a time. The recipe is the backbone of her catering company, Peaches Patties, named in honor of Shanis mother, Victoria Jones, a.k.a Peaches. But shortages still happen. Shanis company is one of the only Jamaican food purveyors in San Francisco, and the beef patties are the most popular item on her menu. Photo by Eric Wolfinger The story of the Jones family patty recipe begins before Shani was even born. Her father, Martin, left his hometown of New Orleans at the end of the Great Migration, heading west to San Francisco. Her mother, Victoria, was a nursing student in Trenchtown, Jamaica. The two met through a penpal company. It was like eHarmony or Match.com back in the day, Shani says. My mom had penpals in Senegal, in Cuba, all over. But she and my dad really clicked, so one day, he decided to come out and visit her in Jamaica. One trip was all it took. Six months later, Victoria had relocated to San Francisco. She married Martin and never looked back. But she brought her patty recipe with her, handed down from her own mother, and raised her eight children in a house suffused with Jamaican culture and cooking. Story continues Jerk chicken, fried plantains, peas and rice, beef patties: These were the flavors of Shanis childhood, but home felt like an island of sorts, in the middle of a city largely devoid of Caribbean community. Even today, theres not much of a Jamaican diaspora out here, she says. Most of it is on the East Coast. Growing up, Shani did her best to assimilate with an outside world that differed largely from her interior one. She got good grades, made friends, followed the rules. But it wasnt easy; cultivating emotional barriers became a survival tactic. Black people here are marginalized, she says. We are looked at and treated differently. In order to keep on functioning, you need a certain degree of numbness. It wasnt until she moved across the country for college that Shani saw things could be different. Studying Mass Communications at the historically black Clark Atlanta University, she found a vastly different community, where black people held positions of powerprofessors, doctors, politiciansand Caribbean culture thrived. Even Atlantas grocery stores were better, with shelves upon shelves packed with jerk seasoning and Scotch bonnets and bottles of Pickapeppa sauce. After graduation, Shani visited her mothers home country for the first time. As soon as I got off the plane in Kingston and went outside, I dont know what it was, but it rushed over me, she recalls. I felt this calmness. Like, wow, okay, Im home. She ate patties at a local shop and visited her ancestral stomping groundsthe verdant Saint Elizabeth countryside where her grandmother grew up, her mothers high school and community theatre and nursing academy in Trenchtown. Jamaica was an awakening moment for me, she says. I wasnt numb anymore. I was grieving for the first time, that disconnection I grew up with. I never knew that I could actually feel that relaxed before. When she returned to San Francisco, Shani was determined to regain this sense of connection. I came back and realized there was still no Jamaican food outside my moms house, she recalls. So, while pursuing a PhD in Organizational Leadership and Management and driving for Lyft, she returned to her mothers kitchen to recreate some of her familys classic recipesjuicy jerk chicken thighs, veggies stewed in creamy coconut curry, and of course, the famous beef patties. But this time, they werent just for family. They were for friends, then strangers. Small events, then larger ones. As word spread, so did demand. I started having casual conversations while I was doing Lyft rides, Shani says. People would ask her if she did rideshares full time. No, shed tell them, opening up about her PhD, her fledgling business, her struggle to balance it all with a gig economy salary and San Franciscos rapidly rising cost of living. Within those conversations, three separate times, people asked me: Have you heard of La Cocina? She had not. But a bit of Googling led to a free orientation workshop, which led to an application, which led to an acceptance. And suddenly, Shani was a member of one of the countrys most successful nonprofit food incubators, an organization dedicated to helping Bay Area women, immigrants and people of color to open their own successful businesses. Photo by Laura Murray Through La Cocina, Shani learned how to brand her business. She moved production out of her mothers kitchena space shed outgrownand into La Cocinas shared industrial kitchen space. There, a pastry chef taught her how to scale up the patty recipe, from batches of 24 to 250. And it was La Cocina that helped Shani find a retail space: a kiosk at 331 Cortland Marketplace in Bernal Heights, sidled up against other food sellers from all over the world, many of them fellow graduates of La Cocina. With La Cocina, Ive been able to get more help than I wouldve on my own as far as navigating this industry, says Shani. Just having a space to start and grow my business, and people versed in the field who could meet me where I needed them the mostthats what helped me grow and flourish. On December 23, the Marketplace shut down due to rising rentsa problem thats become devastatingly familiar to restaurateurs all over San Francisco. But Shani is undaunted. Business still booms, and shell keep running her catering businessalongside her nine-person stafffrom La Cocinas shared kitchen. Meanwhile, her beef patty recipe, along with her familys origin story and her jerk chicken, is now featured along with 80-something other recipes from fellow La Cocina grads in the organizations beautiful new cookbook, We Are La Cocina. In this book, I was able to actually tell my story, to show who I am, to share my rich heritage of being American but raised the Jamaican way, says Shani. All of the recipes in this book are tacit knowledge, written down on paper to make them explicit knowledge for everyone else. Eventually, La Cocina will help Shani and her staff find a new, larger, standalone restaurant space, where platters of oxtail curry and tangy escovitch snapper will share a menu with her husbands misir wot, a spicy red lentil stew from his own home country of Ethiopia. It will be a nucleus of community, for anyone who needs it. And occasionally Peaches herself will pop byincognito, of course; shes a celebrity nowto stock up on a few dozen of those famous beef patties. All products featured on bonappetit.com are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Get the recipe: Jamaican Beef Patties Originally Appeared on Bon Appetit Iran will welcome any peace initiative by India to de-escalate tensions with the US following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian envoy here said on January 8 while asserting that his country wants peace not war. Iran's Ambassador to India Ali Chegeni also expressed the hope there would be no further escalation in hostilities between his country and the US. The ambassador's comments came hours after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq. Tehran said it was a "slap in the face" of America. "India usually plays a very good role in (maintaining) peace in the world. India belongs to this region. We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalation (of tensions)," Chegeni told reporters after a condolence meeting for Soleimani at the Iranian Embassy here. "We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region. We welcome any Indian initiative or any project that can help peace and prosperity in this world," he said. Maj Gen Soleimani, 62, the head of Iran''s elite al-Quds force and architect of its regional security apparatus, was killed when a US drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the Baghdad International Airport early on Friday. The strike also killed the deputy chief of Iraq''s powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. On the Iranian attack on US targets in Iraq, Chegeni said his country retaliated under its right to defend. Amid spiralling US-Iran tensions over the killing of Soleimani, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday had a conversation with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, voicing India's concerns over the escalation of tensions. Meanwhile, sources said Zarif is expected to visit India to attend the Raisina Dialogue next week. During his visit, Zarif will also hold talks with Jaishankar, the sources said. India has reached out to several stakeholders in the region over the security situation prevailing in the Middle East. Jaishankar has also separately spoken with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf Alawi, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well his Jordanian and Qatari counterparts Ayman Safadi and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani respectively, on the tense situation in the region. Noting that India is a "good friend", Chegeni said, "My minister (Javad Zarif) talked to Dr Jaishankar, they had a very good discussion. Recently we had the joint economic commission in Tehran...We see a very good future for the relationship. We have no problem with India." He said Iran and India can jointly work for peace in the world. Asked if Indian officials have reached out to the Embassy with a condolence message, the Iranian envoy said the embassy had opened a condolence book for two days and he expects Indian officials to come but it is "up to the Indian side". "Usually we have good relations and sympathy between the two countries," he said. The Iran Embassy here has been seeing a steady stream of envoys coming and expressing condolences on the death of Soliemani. Concerns have mounted across the globe over fast-deteriorating diplomatic ties between the US and Iran, and the spiralling tensions in the Gulf after Soleiman was killed. Soleimani's killing was the most dramatic escalation yet in spiralling tensions between Iran and the US. Talking about the US drone strike that killed Soleimani, Chegeni said, "He was in a third country. So this is very important for the world to not allow such an inhuman, illegal act which is against international rights." "He (Soleimani) was the one who removed the threat of ISIS from the world. Why you should kill him. That means you are supporting terrorists. If Gen Soleimani didn't act against ISIS, what would have happened to India, to Europe, and to all of the world because ISIS was really anti-human," he said. The world owes a debt to "anti-terrorist hero" Soleimani, he said. "That is why my country today officially retaliated based on the legitimate rights we have....We are not for war. We are not for escalation, but defending is our right," Chegeni said. "Everyone has the right to defence, even animals and trees...," he asserted. "This is not revenge, this was the right of our people. All the Iranian people asked for retaliation, early morning at the same time our national hero was attacked... we attacked the military bases," he said. RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- An Army scientist earned top honors for his signal processing research from IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Dr. Hamid Krim, a program manager in information processing and fusion at Army Research Office, and co-author Dr. Mats Viberg, vice-chancellor from the Bleking Institute of Technology in Karlskrona, Sweden, will receive the 2020 IEEE Signal Processing Society Sustained Impact Paper Award at the International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing this May in Barcelona, Spain. The paper, "Two Decades of Array Signal Processing Research: The Parametric Approach," (see Related Links below) was published in IEEE Signal Processing Magazine in July 1996. At the time, Krim worked at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the research was conducted through the Center of Imaging Sciences, a multi-university center funded by ARO. The center then included Washington University, Brown University, Harvard University and MIT. The research paper provides a critical review of the accomplishments of signal processing in high-dimensional statistical analysis of multi-channel data, and also looks to the future in the areas of multi-antenna and array data processing. "While the signal processing research area has always been important in radar, sonar and other defense applications, it has further increased with the advent and huge success of wireless communication, the dramatic rise of the social tetherless devices and the information world we live in," Krim said. "That has kept the topic current and of continued interest. I have also seen new applications in biomedical applications, and devices that now have antenna arrays on a chip." The Sustained Impact Paper Award honors authors of a journal article of broad interest that has had sustained impact over many years. In this case, the almost 23-year-old article has averaged nearly 190 citations per year. At ARO, an element of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Army Research Laboratory, Krim leads efforts to fund disruptive research focusing on bio-inspired and multi-task machine learning and artificial intelligence that are applicable to the Army's top priorities. His research interests lie in the broad area of data science with a focus on statistical signal analysis and machine learning. He is also pursuing applications in nuclear non-proliferation agreement enforcement, visual cortex modeling and image classification. Krim is on leave from North Carolina State University where he is professor in electrical and computer engineering. Krim earned a bachelor and master of science and a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering from University of Washington and Northeastern University. He is an IEEE fellow and recipient of the Japanese Fellowship for the Advancement of Science and Engineering at University of Tokyo. He has also received the National Science Foundation Career Award. ### The CCDC Army Research Laboratory is an element of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. As the Army's corporate research laboratory, the laboratory discovers, innovates and transitions science and technology to ensure dominant strategic land power. Through collaboration across the command's core technical competencies, CCDC leads in the discovery, development and delivery of the technology-based capabilities required to make Soldiers more effective to win our Nation's wars and come home safely. CCDC is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Futures Command. Irish Water has been fined 2,000 and ordered to pay 5,500 in legal costs for failing to address drinking water problems in Co. Cork. The national water utility, which is responsible for providing and developing water and wastewater services throughout Ireland, faced charges following a direction given on June 5, 2015 by the EPA. The prosecution brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was in respect of the supply of drinking water at Drimoleague and Kealkill. The court heard Irish Water failed to submit final reports to the EPA before the end of 2018, verifying that trihalomethanes (THMs) levels were not excessive. THMs, which can have a can have possible carcinogenic effects if consumed over long periods, are a bi-product of chlorination to disinfect ground water, which makes their way into the public water supply. The case was listed again before Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court yesterday/today (wed) for finalisation. A guilty plea had been marked in October. The court heard it was expected Irish Water will be compliant in the near future. Judge Halpin convicted it and imposed two fines each in the sum of 1,000 and he ordered a contribution to prosecution costs. A joint EPA-HSE statement had been posted online in 2011 about the health effects impact of excessive THMs. Meanwhile, two other EPA prosecutions against Irish Water were adjourned until March. They were in connection with alleged sewage problems in Co Kildare and in Co. Cork. It is alleged from March 14 to March 21, 2019, Irish Water failed to take corrective action or notify the agency as soon as practicable about three incidents of discharge of untreated sewage from Newhall Pumping Station into the River Liffey, with potential for environmental contamination of surface water. It is also accused of not informing Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the State agency responsible for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources. The water company is also accused of failing to maintain a programme for the maintenance and operation of all plant and equipment used at Newhall Pumping Station to ensure no unauthorised waste water discharges took place. It is alleged, in another charge, that there was a failure to tell another treatment plant which operates the downstream Leixlip drinking water abstraction point, about the three incidents of raw sewage discharge. It is also accused of failing to make a record of the extent or impact of the incidents. It is alleged the company breached its wastewater discharge licence by excessive ammonia emissions from its water water works in Boherbue, Co. Cork, on eight dates between August 2017 and February 2019. It faces eight similar counts in relation to exceeding emission limit values from orthophosphates from August 2017 until a date in January 2019. In an EPA prosecution last month, Judge Halpin fined Irish Water 1,500 and ordered it to pay 850 to the EPA for its expenses, and a further 5,000 toward legal costs. . The court had heard in that case that Malahide marina was polluted with enough raw sewage to fill two and a half Olympic-size swimming pools. It followed a water treatment plant malfunction which has since been rectified. During that hearing the court heard the company already had 14 prior convictions in relation to environmental protection cases. Uri Geller is famous for bending spoons with his alleged psychic powers. (AP) Uri Geller has applied for a job with Boris Johnsons government, claiming he has always had a secret career in espionage. The 72-year-old Israeli-born spoon bender has written to Downing Street offering his psychic powers in response to a blog post by the prime ministers senior adviser Dominic Cummings appealing for talented weirdos to apply to work for him. Gellers representative confirmed the reports and provided Yahoo UK with a copy of Gellers application and CV. Read more: Uri Geller: My mind powers won the election for Boris Johnson The illusionist and magician writes: You say you want someone on the frontiers of the science of prediction? Well look no further. I have genuine psychic powers just ask Mossad, the CIA and the Pentagon. My career as an entertainer has been the perfect mask for my work in espionage. While many have doubted my abilities, my achievements cannot be dismissed as trickery or illusions. Uri Geller says he helped Boris Johnson win the General Election by giving him 'a spoon energised with mind positivity'. (AP) Geller claims to have assisted with Operation Desert Storm, located secret tunnels in North Korea, and erased crucial diplomatic discs on their way to Moscow. He also takes credit for securing the Nuclear Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia by bombarding their chief negotiator with positive thought waves. Geller claims he could have been useful in Brexit negotiations, writing: Perhaps you could have used my abilities in your dealings with Michel Barnier. The self-proclaimed psychic has already claimed he is responsible for Johnson winning the general election, having used his powers of the mind on the UK public to sway their votes. Read more: Uri Geller claims he delayed Brexit by creating parliament leak with psychic powers Geller said: I helped to influence December 12s General Election result by giving Mr Johnson a spoon energised with mind positivity. Gellers spoon-bending powers have been endorsed by prime minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu. A 2013 BBC documentary claimed Geller had worked as a psychic spy for the CIA, was recruited by Mossad, and was an official secret agent in Mexico. Two more shops in Luxembourg City have closed their doors due to the ongoing construction site chaos. Carolyn Gobran opened Honey/Mustard, a Scandinavian designer shop, eight years ago but is now fully moving to selling her wares as part of a department store in City Concorde. Not the only business person to close their shop, other retailers are also struggling with the state of matters in the capital. A toy shop not far from her premises is also closing its doors. Whilst individual closure causes may differ, the central problem remains the construction sites blighting the capital. In 1860, Pierre Simonis' grandparents opened the Lassner store in Luxembourg, and the establishment has moved locations three times. In 2020, the traditional shop will close down permanently, in partly due to the age of the owner. Nevertheless, Simonis added that the construction site on Place Guillaume II has damaged sales, pointing out that construction has been endless and ongoing for years: "They have been building for years and we still don't know when it will end." Gobran, for her part, has been worried about the impact of construction sites on retail in the city centre for years. She explained that construction sites are a barrier against attracting customers, especially due to its knock-on effects on a lack of parking spots, the cost of parking, and smaller pavements. "All of these things have degraded the shopping culture in the capital." Calculating the losses made by retailers is easily done when you consider rents often laying around 10,000 a month and insufficient footfall. CSV Luxembourg City councillor Serge Wilmes confirmed that financial compensation due to construction sites is not enshrined in law. Wilmes did however admit the authorities are open to reflecting on the matter: "This wouldn't be easy, because you need to define different types of construction sites and examine which criteria need to be filled. This is not always as clearcut as one would think. We don't have this type of legislation at the moment, and only applied for compensation as a result of the tram. There, funding will be made available because those retailers need aid. But for the rest of it, when construction sites are launched and retail units remain accessible, we've fulfilled our task." Wilmes also pondered whether landlords of retail premises could show some flexibility, either by halving rent during construction site times or dismissing it altogether. An added issue for the city's retailers is the increasing competition brought on by shopping centres and online shopping. Retailers must adapt and show themselves as more innovative, something a number of shops in Luxembourg City are already doing, Wilmes added. Iran has threatened to bomb Israel and Dubai if the United States retaliates for its ballistic missile strike. (Photo Credit: File Photo) New Delhi: Iran has threatened to bomb Israel and Dubai if the United States retaliates for its ballistic missile strike that slammed into an Iraqi airbase where US and coalition forces are based. Iran's Revolutionary Guard in a statement carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency said, We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted. Guard also threatened to bomb Dubai and Haifa in Israel if US retaliates, Daily Mail reported. The attack on military bases came hours after leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened on Tuesday to "set ablaze" places supported by the United States. Hossein Salami made the pledge before a crowd of thousands gathered in a central square in Kerman, the hometown of the slain Gen Qassem Soleimani. Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. Iran while defending the attack said, all the measures were taken in self-defence. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said, Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. Zarif, however, said, We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said, 'all is well' while reacting to Irans ballistic missiles attack. Taking to Twitter hours after the attack, Trump said, All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning (sic). For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. FILE - This Aug. 28, 2017 file photo shows cigarettes displayed on a store shelf in New York. With a new law enacted in December 2019, anyone under 21 can no longer legally buy cigarettes, cigars or any other tobacco products in the U.S. It also applies to electronic cigarettes and vaping products that heat a liquid containing nicotine. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File) Read more Nearly 150 Philadelphia shops will be barred from renewing their tobacco sales permits this year because they repeatedly violated city regulations against selling tobacco products to children, city health officials announced Wednesday. The 149 businesses were caught selling to minors between three and seven times in two years, a violation of a law that went into effect in 2017. Similar action was taken last January against four stores found to be selling to teens under age 18. But Wednesdays announcement represents a larger-scale enforcement, said Health Commissioner Thomas Farley. This is a sign that the city is serious about protecting our kids from these killer, addictive products, Farley said. Stores that have been selling cigarettes to children over the years are going to be discovered in the future, and theyre going to lose their tobacco sales privileges if they continue to do this. READ MORE: Vaping is blamed for mounting deaths, lung injuries. Heres what its doing to kids brains. Many of the stores that will lose their selling permits are concentrated in poor, predominantly minority neighborhoods in North, West, and Southwest Philadelphia. They represent 6% of the approximately 2,600 businesses with tobacco sales permits, according to city officials. The health department conducts random compliance checks by sending adolescents into stores to ask to buy tobacco products. If they are sold the products, the department issues the business a ticket and provides education to the owner about the citys tobacco youth sales laws and the potential consequences of violations, said city officials. Three violations in two years result in merchants losing their tobacco sales permits. Critics of the policy have said the citys enforcement actions stand to especially hurt small business owners. Farley said he hopes the news of the citys crackdown will persuade other merchants to check young buyers identification before selling them tobacco products. We dont think stores should sell these products to teenagers, Farley said. We take seriously our role protecting our teens. Last month, Mayor Jim Kenney signed a bill banning the sale of flavored vaping pods at stores that teens and other children are allowed to enter, such as 7-Elevens and Wawas, as well as smaller retailers. The law will be phased in over three months, starting with an education period to alert retailers about the change. Violators will be fined and may have their sales permits revoked if they repeatedly disobey the law. The mayor also signed a law banning flavored mini-cigars, or cigarillos, that are popular with youths. The bill has a 60-day notification period. City officials encourage people to report illegal sales of tobacco products by texting Smoke to 474747 or calling 1-888-99-SMOKE (1-888-997-6653). Former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn said Wednesday he secretly fled to Lebanon from Japan and became an international fugitive because he felt compelled to clear his name rather than die in the Asian country. "It's not very difficult to come conclusion: You're going to die in Japan or you're going to have to get out," Ghosn said during an internationally broadcast press conference in Beirut marking his first public comments since his November 2018 arrest in Japan and escape last week to Lebanon. "This was not about justice. I felt I was a hostage of the country that I have served for 17 years." Ghosn described his captivity in Japan as a "nightmare" that included intense interrogations of up to eight hours a day, without access to a lawyer, and threats that if he didn't confess, his family would suffer. "The feeling of hopelessness was profound," he said. He later added, "I left Japan because I wanted justice. It is the only way to reestablish my reputation. If I don't get it in Japan, I will get it somewhere else." Ghosn said he escaped because he had "zero chance" of getting a fair trial in Japan. The final issue that broke him, he said, was when he realized prosecutors wouldn't allow him to see his wife, Carole, whom he married in 2016. "I wanted to see my wife ... They knew I loved Carole and she is a pillar for me. They knew this because they had all the correspondence," he said, adding that prosecutors took the couple's emails. When Ghosn realized he couldn't see his wife, he said to himself "'what's left? What's left I have nothing here.'" Ghosn declined to discuss the details of his escape, which reportedly included a former U.S. Army Green Beret and the ex-executive hiding in a music equipment case. He spent much of the press conference discussing his treatment in Japan and laying out why he believes his arrest was a result of a conspiracy by Nissan executives and others to take him down. SOUDERTON Plans for new playgrounds in Souderton Community Park have been completed, Borough Manager Mike Coll told Souderton Borough Council at its Jan. 3 meeting. "Where the former softball field was is where we are looking to install two playgrounds a playground for smaller toddlers in an age group up to five and a larger playground structure for... YouTube CPAC UPDATE 1:26 p.m. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: "On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to those who have lost family, friends, and loved ones in this tragedy. Our government will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated, and that Canadians' questions are answered. Today, I assure all Canadians that their safety and security is our top priority. We also join with the other countries who are mourning the loss of citizens." UPDATE: 12:05 p.m. A professor, graduate students, a dentist, and children were among the 63 Canadians who were killed in Tuesday's plane crash in Iran. Pedram Mousavi, an engineering professor at the University of Alberta, died along with his wife Mojgan Daneshmand and their daughters Daria Mousavi and Dorina Mousavi. The professor was described by a colleague as "a really fun person" who was always laughing. Zahra Naghibi was also killed in the crash. She was a part of the University of Windsor's Turbulence and Energy Lab, where she worked on issues related to solar energy. Two University of Guelph students also perished. Ghanimat Azdahri, a PhD student in the department of geography, environment and geomatics, and Milad Ghasemi Ariani, a PhD student in marketing and consumer studies, were on their way back to Canada after visiting Iran. Alina Tarbhai, an administrative clerk with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation was also among those killed. Parisa Eghbalian, a dentist in Aurora, Ont., and her daughter Reera Esmaeilion were also on the doomed flight. Eghbalian immigrated to Canada back in 2010. Shekoufeh Choupannejad, a gynecologist in Edmonton, died along with her two daughters Saba Saadat and Sara Saadat. Choupannejad was described by a past president of the Iranian Heritage Society of Edmonton as "the kindest person I had ever met." Amirhossien Ghasemi, a graduate student in biomedical engineering at the University of Manitoba, was also killed. Ardalan Ebnoddin Hamidi, Niloofar Razzaghi and Hamyar Ebnoddin Hamidi, a Vancouver family of three, were on their way home after vacationing in Iran when their plane crashed. UPDATE: 10:25 a.m. Students attending several Canadian universities were among the 176 people who died Wednesday morning when a Ukranian passenger plane crashed in a field shortly after taking off from the airport in Iran's capital Tehran. At least nine students from three Ontario universities were confirmed among the crash victims four from Western University, three from the University of Ottawa, and two from the University of Guelph. Western said three were current graduate students and one was an incoming graduate student. "We grieve their loss and the other passengers aboard this flight," the school said in a statement. "Out of respect for their families, we are not naming the students at this early stage until more information is available." The University of Ottawa said it trying to assess if any other students, faculty or staff members were also on the plane. The University of Guelph identified the victims as Ghanimat Azdahri, a PhD student in the department of geography, environment and geomatics, and Milad Ghasemi Ariani, a PhD student in the marketing and consumer studies. The Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 was en route to Kyiv Ukraine's capital when it went down. Several other Canadian schools were going through the heartbreaking task of determining whether any of their students were aboard the plane. According to the airline's passenger list, which includes birthdates, more than a third of passengers were 30 and under. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said the plane was carrying 63 Canadians, 82 Iranians, 11 Ukrainian passengers and crew, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans and three Britons. The crash comes in a region where tensions have been running high following the American assassination of a top Iranian general near Baghdad and retaliatory missile attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq. Ukrainian authorities initially said it appeared mechanical failure was to blame for the crash, but later walked that back, saying nothing had been ruled out. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "shocked and saddened" at the loss of life, and promised the crash would be thoroughly investigated. "Today, I assure all Canadians that their safety and security is our top priority," he said Wednesday in a statement. "We also join with the other countries who are mourning the loss of citizens." Transport Minister Marc Garneau said Canada would offer technical assistance in the crash investigation. Garneau expressed condolences to "all those affected by the heartbreaking tragedy." Payman Paseyan, a member of the Iranian-Canadian community in Edmonton, said multiple people from the city, including many international students, were on Flight PS752. He said he knew many of the victims. "They leave behind families and people they love and they come to Canada and often they're second guessing, 'Should I leave my family behind to do this'?" Paseyan said. "Then they move here and they do all this just to board a plane and have it all washed away. It's devastating." Global Affairs Canada warned against any non-essential travel to Iran "due to the volatile security situation, the regional threat of terrorism and the risk of arbitrary detention." The agency said Canadians, particularly those holding dual Canadian-Iranian citizenship, were at risk of being arbitrarily questioned, arrested and detained. Paseyan said members of the Iranian-Canadian community learned of the crash while being glued to the news after Tuesday's missile attacks in Iraq. UPDATE: 7:25 a.m. A Ukrainian airliner carrying 176 people crashed on the outskirts of Tehran during a takeoff attempt Wednesday hours after Iran launched its missile attack on U.S. forces, scattering flaming debris and passengers' belongings across farmland and killing everyone on board. Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical problem brought down the 3 1/2-year-old Boeing 737. Ukrainian officials initially agreed but later backed away and declined to offer a cause while the investigation is going on. The Ukraine International Airlines flight was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members from several countries. Ukraine Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians on board, along with 10 Swedish, four Afghan, three German and three British citizens. Airline officials said most of the passengers were en route to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Passengers on the flight are often Iranian students returning to Ukraine after the winter holidays or Iranian-Canadians on their way to Toronto. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy cut short a visit to Oman to return to Kyiv and said a team of Ukrainian experts would fly to Tehran to help investigate the crash. "Our priority is to find the truth and everyone responsible for the tragedy," Zelenskiy wrote in a Facebook statement. Major world airlines Wednesday rerouted flights crossing the Middle East to avoid danger amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration barred American airlines from certain Persian Gulf airspace, warning of the potential for miscalculation or misidentification" of civilian aircraft. The plane had been delayed from taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport by almost an hour. It never made it above 8,000 feet, crashing just minutes after takeoff, according to data from the flight-tracking website FlightRadar24. Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Iran's Road and Transportation Ministry, said it appeared a fire erupted in one of its engines and the pilot lost control of the plane, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. Hassan Razaeifar, the head of the air crash investigation committee, said it appeared the pilot couldn't communicate with air-traffic controllers in Tehran in the last moments of the flight. He did not elaborate. Ukraine International Airlines President Yevhen Dykhne, said the aircraft was one of the best planes we had, with an amazing, reliable crew." In a statement, the airline went further, saying: "Given the crews experience, error probability is minimal. We do not even consider such a chance. Authorities said they found the plane's black boxes, which record cockpit conversations and instrument data. The crash shocked Canada, with Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne saying the country's hearts are with the loved ones of the victims." The plane, fully loaded with fuel for its 2,300-kilometre (1,430-mile) flight, slammed into the ground near the town of Shahedshahr, causing fires that lit up the darkened fields before dawn. ORIGINAL: 6:50 a.m. A Ukrainian official says 63 Canadians are among those killed in a plane crash near the Iranian capital of Tehran. Foreign Affairs Minister Vadym Prystaiko says Iranian, Ukrainian, Swedish, Afghan, British and German nationals were also aboard the plane. More to come. Seven people have been arrested (Niall Carson/PA) Seven people have been arrested after drugs worth around 160,000 were seized during searches in Belfast and Dunmurry. As well 160k of suspected cannabis, suspected class A drugs worth around 1000 and cash was also seized. Five men aged 26, 31, 33, 36 and 38 and a 58-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of a range of drug offences. A 29-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences. All seven people have been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning. PSNI Detective Inspector Pete Mullan said: Many people who spend money on a casual transaction at the weekend think that it isnt harming anyone else; the reality couldnt be further from the truth. "Not only is it illegal to purchase these drugs but it fuels the local drug trade which causes irreparable damage and loss to many families and individuals whose lives it destroys. "When you hand over money for a small amount of drugs at the weekend, this contributes to the violence and intimidation inflicted by merciless crime gangs." Anyone with any information regarding drugs in their area has been urged to contact police on 101. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. ALBANY, N.Y. -- Heres a novel way to get people to try your products: An Albany hard cider maker is offering prizes and privileges to people who stop by its tasting room over the course of the year and try each of 26 different varieties. Nine Pin Ciderworks of Albany is calling it the 26er challenge, an obvious allusion to the 46er challenge, in which mountain climbers atempt to summit each of the 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks. Theres another Adirondack connection: A portion of the 26er sales this year will go to the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK)s Summit Stewardship Program. This will be third year Nine Pin has conducted the 26er program. In 2016, more than 385 customers earned 26er status, and 669 drinkers tasted each variety in 2018. Nine Pin worked with Samascott Orchards of Kinderhook to develop 26 new cider varieties and styles for this years challenge. It starts Jan. 14. On that day, the first of the 26 new ciders will be available in the tasting room, 929 Broadway in Albany. A new cider will be released two weeks later, and every two weeks for the remainder of the year. Those who earned 26er status in 2016 and 2018 are eligible to complete the program again to achieve 26er Silver or Gold status. Sign up. Participants must purchase a 6-ounce pour of each of the 26 ciders. Prizes have included happy hour discounts, T-shirts and glassware and more. New this year, participants are encouraged to keep a journal, so they can note the taste, sweetness level, alcohol percentage and other aspects of each cider. One of the goals of the challenge is to encourage drinkers to try different styles and varieties. The 2020 26er program will feature a whole new round of interesting and unique ciders, Alejandro del Peral, Nine Pins co-founder and cider maker said. "Theres nothing like it in the hard cider industry and we are confident that for first-timers and returning 26ers, itll be well worth the visits to the cidery throughout the year. Kayla White, ADKs Summit Steward Coordinator, said the 26er challenge helps "support summit stewards in educating approximately 40,000 hikers on the importance of protecting rare alpine plants." We cannot do our work without supporters and donors like Nine Pin, she said. Nine Pin CiderWorks opened in 2013 as New Yorks first farm cidery, sourcing all its apples from the Capital Region and the Hudson Valley. Its products are available throughout New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Related: -- Genesee Bock is back -- Booze at the movies: Cuomo plan could make it happen -- Syracuse Beer Fest on tap Don Cazentre writes about craft beer, wine, spirits and beverages for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook. Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. UN urges global powers to renew cross-border air delivery system into Syria Iran Press TV Tuesday, 07 January 2020 2:59 PM The United Nations (UN) has called on world powers to renew a system for a cross-border delivery of humanitarian aid to people in Syria that is due to expire later this week, stressing that there is no alternative to the current method. "There is no plan B. There is this operation, which helps hundreds of thousands of people and has done so for a very long time," said Jens Laerke, spokesman for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), on Tuesday. Back in July 2014, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2165, allowing humanitarian convoys, headed for war-torn Syria, to cross the four border-crossings of Bab al-Salam and Bab al-Hawa in Turkey, al-Ya'rubiyah in Iraq, and al-Ramtha in Jordan. It has been extended every year since, and its current mandate will expire on January 10. "It is the only viable, sustainable method that we have for reaching these people in need so it is critical that we get renewal of the provisions," Laerke further said at a press conference in the Swiss city of Geneva, adding that some 30,000 UN aid trucks had traveled into the Arab country through the crossings since the operation began. In December, the UN Security Council raised the issue of the renewal of the delivery system with Belgium, Kuwait, and Germany, drafting a resolution that dropped the Jordan crossing in a bid to compromise with Russia, which wanted to approve only two Turkish crossings for six months and had proposed its own draft text. Russia and China vetoed the rival resolution, arguing that the scheme, adopted five years ago without the Syrian government's consent, had become irrelevant by 2019. Vassily Nebenzia, the Russian ambassador to the UN, said at the time that delivering aid from Turkey and even Iraq had been justifiable, although legally questionable, back in 2014 because many Syrian civilians lived in hard-to-reach areas controlled by terrorists back then. However, Damascus in 2019 was strong enough to distribute humanitarian aid on its own, hence bypassing government checkpoints would be a sign of disrespect for the country's sovereignty. "We live in 2019, not in 2014." Rounds of talks since then have failed to end the deadlock. Elsewhere in his remarks on Tuesday, Laerke said some four million people in northern Syria were supported by UN cross-border humanitarian aid, including 2.7 million in the northwest parts of the Arab country who relied solely on it. The aid is particularly important for Idlib Province, large parts of which are still under the control of foreign-backed militants and which is the scene of clashes between militants and advancing Syrian government troops. According to the UN figures, at least 300,000 people have been internally-displaced by the fighting in the Idlib region since mid-December, raising the total number of displacements in the region to 700,000 over the last eight months. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on January 6 that minorities in India need not be afraid of the Citizenship Amendment Act. Speaking about the current tensed situation of the country, he said that the numerous protests were fuelled by fearmongering. The union minister stressed that the new citizenship law should not be linked to the National Register of Citizens. He reminded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has ruled out any plan to implement a nation-wide NRC, therefore there is nothing to worry about. Puri added: In fact, instead of stripping any Indian of citizenship, the CAA aims to help persecuted religious minorities from the neighbouring countries. A false narrative is being created on something like the Citizenship Amendment Act. According to an NDTV report, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader also junked allegations that the citizenship law will spell doom from Indian Muslims once the NRC is implemented. The most important thing to remember about the CAA is that it does not take away anyones rights. People have grown suspicious of the law by linking it with NRC. However, PM Modi is the boss and he has assured that there have been no talks on a nationwide NRC. Notably, ever since the Citizenship Amendment Bill was cleared by both Houses of Parliament last month, critics have argued that it is in violation of the secular tenets of the Constitution since it grants citizenship on the basis of religion. Talking about the attacks on students inside Jawaharlal Nehru University campus on January 5, he said there is ambiguity over what unfolded as he has seen the JNUSU president lead a mob. He also said it is wrong to criticise the Delhi Police, who was in the throes of a dilemma. Puri said: The police are caught in a very interesting situation. If they go inside a campus (Jamia Milia) and there is violence, you blame them. This time you are criticising them for not entering. "The law of unintended consequences is the only real law of history." So says my good friend, the distinguished historian Niall Ferguson. We are seeing the wisdom of that line playing out in the days since a U.S. drone strike killed Iran's most important military commander, Qassem Soleimani. Certainly Soleimani was a dangerous, smart, determined enemy of the U.S. Taking his skills away from the Iranian regime is a tactical plus in the effort against Iranian aggression and Middle East terrorism. Indeed, Iran's ability to respond to Soleimani's killing is now handicapped -- the best person to imagine, plan and oversee a revenge operation would have been Soleimani himself. But this tactical success is not matched by an articulated strategic approach from the administration of President Donald Trump. Think of chess, a game the Persians refined: Trump has taken one of the opponent's most powerful pieces off the board. Good. Yet there's no reason to think he has a plan to ultimately defeat a clever opponent who still has many capable moves available. And perhaps most concerningly, there are an increasing number of unintended consequences beginning to emerge -- several of which could have a disproportionate impact on global events. So often, big doors can swing on small hinges. The effects of Soleimani's death will ripple from Baghdad to Tel Aviv to Nairobi to South America. Commentary: The path forward with North Korea: 'Denuclearization lite' No serious observer of the Korean situation in general and Kim in particular would bet that the impetuous young leader would ever willingly surrender his nuclear weapons. Let's start with Venezuela. Over the past couple of days, there has been an apparent inflection point as the corrupt regime of Nicolas Maduro has attempted to unseat the legally elected leader of the National Assembly, Juan Guaido. Maduro has used the typical heavy-handed techniques, including physically blocking Guaido and other anti-regime elected officials from the assembly, while supporting a regime puppet to lead it. Why is Maduro suddenly emboldened? In part, no doubt, because he knows the U.S. administration is focused on Iran, not watching events in Latin America closely. Unintended consequence. How about East Africa? On Sunday morning, three Americans were killed in Kenya, the latest of a string of attacks against U.S. interests by the terrorist group al-Shabab. Members of the group, which is associated with al-Qaeda, stormed an air base shared by U.S. troops and Kenyan forces and damaged American aircraft in addition to killing one U.S. service member and two civilian contractors. Al-Shabab watches CNN like every other terrorist group, and is well aware that the "unblinking eye" of U.S. intelligence collection has of necessity shifted its gaze to Iran. Unintended consequence. Then there is Israel, which faces an enormous threat from Iran's Lebanese proxy force, Hezbollah, which has tens of thousands of surface-to-surface missiles directed against America's closest friend in the region. While most Israelis are happy to see Soleimani dead, there is understandable concern about whether Iran will energize the Hezbollah missile force against Israel. The Israelis have many tools at their disposal to degrade that threat, but a massive rocket attack on Israel would change the strategic calculus of the Middle East significantly. Unintended consequence. Commentary: National security risks are rising with sea levels One important but overlooked aspect of Climate Change is the increasing dangers of war on the seas as they rise. New drama unfolding in the Iraqi parliament will probably lead to the departure of the last 5,000 American troops from that very divided nation. At one time, of course, the U.S. had more than 180,000 troops in Iraq. The final tranche of military ground power is there primarily to destroy the Islamic State, but its secondary purpose is to be helpful in countering the strong Iranian influence in Iraq. One of the principal goals of Iran -- and of Soleimani himself -- was to ensure that the U.S. left the region generally, and especially that it depart Iraq. It will be ironic in the extreme if Soleimani's death ends up ensuring his key goal: the U.S. finally exiting Iraq after so many years and so much blood and treasure lost, squandering its ability to shape events across the Middle East. Unintended consequence. On Iraq's western border, important operations against the Islamic State have been "paused." Why? Because U.S. forces are taking defensive measures to keep people and assets safe against the inevitable Iranian response. This is prudent on the part of the Defense Department, of course, but it gives the terrorists a breather. And make no mistake, the embers of ISIS are still quite capable of flaring back up in both Iraq and Syria. Unintended consequence. Finally, at the geostrategic level, there is the way the Soleimani assassination will be received in NATO. During my time as the alliance's top military commander, it became clear to me that the center of gravity of the alliance is political cohesion. Now that consensus is weakening, as many of the member-states start questioning the legality of this action under international law. Germany has already suspended the rotation of its troops to Iraq, and the entire North Atlantic Treaty Organization mission there -- to train the Iraqi security forces -- is paused and at risk. Unintended consequence. Commentary: India and Pakistan are a brewing nuclear nightmare While India and Pakistan seem to have stopped bombing one another, the causes behind the cross-border tensions aren't going away any time soon. The lesson is simple: Before the U.S. makes a tactical decision to conduct an operation, administration officials and military planners need to think through the larger strategy of the chess match, which will continue long after a feel-good moment of killing one bad man. Based on what information has been made public and my own experience, I support the administration's decision to take out Soleimani. But the consequences, especially the unintended ones, are going to set back U.S. efforts in the Middle East and around the world. You can't escape the law of history. James Stavridis is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. He is a retired U.S. Navy admiral and former supreme allied commander of NATO, and dean emeritus of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He is also an operating executive consultant at the Carlyle Group and chairs the board of counselors at McLarty Associates. Carlos Ghosn held a press conference in Lebanon early Wednesday to clear his name in the year-long scandal that has stripped him of his leadership roles at Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi, and irrevocably tainted an otherwise well-regarded career as a captain of the automotive industry. Ghosn told reporters in Beirut he had been treated "brutally" by Tokyo prosecutors, whom he accused of helping Nissan to oust him as chairman. "I did not escape justice. I fled injustice and persecution," Ghosn said. Speaking defiantly, the former Nissan chief told a packed news conference on Wednesday that he would not have faced a fair trial had he remained in Japan. The one-time titan of the auto industry fled Japan last month, where he was awaiting trial on charges of under-reporting earnings, breach of trust and misappropriation of company funds, all of which he denies. Ghosn said he had fled to Lebanon to clear his name. "The charges against me are baseless," Ghosn said. He claimed Nissan employees and Japanese prosecutors colluded to keep him confined and cut off from both his family and the outside world while a case against him was manufactured following a downturn in Nissan's fortunes and in revenge for French government interference in the carmaker's alliance with Renault. The collusion between Nissan and the prosecutor is everywhere, he said. He said the case was trumped up to silence his advocacy of a full merger between Nissan and Renault. "This is political," Ghosn said. "I am innocent of all the charges, and I can prove it now." A potential FCA merger might have been a contributing factor to Nissan's unease, he indicated, but his arrest disrupted that. "In 2017, the alliance was the number one automotive group. Three companies growing, profitable. We were preparing to add Fiat Chrysler to the group because I was negotiating with John Elkann for Fiat Chrysler to join, he said. Story continues I had contact with FCA. We had a lot of understanding, we have very good dialogue. Unfortunately, I was arrested before we could come to a conclusion, Ghosn said. A meeting scheduled for January 2019 was intended to conclude a deal. FCA ultimately forged a merger with PSA, maker of Peugeot. The alliance missed the unmissable, which is Fiat Chrysler. That is unbelievable, they go with PSA. How can you miss that huge opportunity to become the dominant player in the industry? Ghosn said. Who is the winner of all this? Its a great opportunity for PSA, its a big waste for Renault." In making his accusations against Nissan, he showed projections of many documents, but they were too small for the assembled reporters to read. However, he said, "There are many more documents to come." He invoked a well-known act of Japanese aggression by comparing his surprise arrest to the country's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Ghosn described the conditions of his incarceration, including months-long stretches in prison, solitary confinement for as much as six days at a time, and a "tiny cell without a window." You are going to die in Japan, or you are going to have to get out, Ghosn said, describing his feelings. I felt like the hostage of a country I served for 17 years." "They knew that by not allowing me to have a normal life, they were breaking me," Ghosn said, explaining why he feels he wasn't allowed to see his wife during his time in custody. "Why have they extended the investigation timeline, why have they rearrested me? Why were they so intent on preventing me from talking and setting out my facts?" Ghosn said There is no democratic country I know where you go to jail for these kinds of accusations, even if they were right, he said. Japanese authorities told Ghosn's legal team that the isolation was intended to prevent evidence tampering. Tokyo prosecutors on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for Ghosn's wife, Carole, for alleged perjury. Ghosn insists that his family had no role in, or knowledge of, his plot to escape Japanese house arrest. Japan's Ministry of Justice has said it will try to find a way to bring Ghosn back from Lebanon, even though it has no extradition treaty with Japan. Turkish and Japanese authorities are investigating how Ghosn was smuggled out to Beirut. Interpol has issued a "red notice" seeking his arrest. Ghosn's news conference marks the latest twist in a 14-month saga that has shaken the global car industry, jeopardized the Renault-Nissan alliance of which Ghosn was the architect and increased scrutiny of Japan's judicial system. Ghosn pointed out that since he was deposed, Nissan has lost $10 billion in market capitalization, and Renault $5 billion. Nissan said an internal investigation found that Ghosn had engaged in personal use of company money and had under-reported his income in violation of Japanese law. The Puerto Rico National Guard has been activated after the strongest earthquake in nearly a century shook the U.S. territory Tuesday, an Army news release announced. Fort Buchanan had to rely on generators for a day, and at least one Department of Veterans Affairs clinic was closed Tuesday. While half a million Puerto Ricans are still without electricity, President Donald Trump approved federal emergency funding early Wednesday. In addition to sending out the Guard, Gov. Wanda Vazquez-Garced and several of the island's municipalities declared a state of emergency. The island has suffered a series of earthquakes since Dec. 31, leading up to a magnitude 6.4 quake Tuesday morning that killed an elderly man and injured at least eight people, The Associated Press reported. The wire service said most of the damage occurred in the town of Guanica, where a three-story school collapsed. Related: Military Launched Probe of Wisconsin Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Jose J. Reyes, adjutant general of the Puerto Rico National Guard, said his engineers will be inspecting bridges for damage and deploying emergency teams and tactical vehicles. Fort Buchanan resumed normal operations after electricity was restored Tuesday evening; the garrison commander worked with the Guard to survey Army Reserve facilities from the air for damage. The VA's Ponce Euripides Rubio Outpatient Clinic reopened Wednesday. It is contacting patients affected by Tuesday's closure to reschedule appointments and has fixed "minor damages," officials said. Meanwhile, Tricare has instituted emergency procedures in Puerto Rico until Jan. 17. This means military personnel, retirees and military family members can take their prescription bottles for a refill at any Tricare retail network pharmacy, which can be found online or by calling Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303. However, Tricare encourages beneficiaries to first visit the pharmacy where the prescription was originally filled, if possible. If not, prescriptions filled through a retail chain can be filled at another store in that chain or, if the prescribing doctor is available, he or she can send a new prescription to any network pharmacy. Tricare has set up emergency prescription refills for other natural disasters in the past, such as Hurricane Dorian and the California wildfires late last year. -- Dorothy Mills-Gregg can be reached at dorothy.mills-gregg@monster.com. Read more: Satellite Images Show Destruction at Al Asad After Iran Missile Attack "We are not looking for war. We are living in this region peacefully with our brothers and sisters including India. We don't want any tension or escalation in this region," Chegeni told media persons here.Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq last Friday.His death marked a dramatic escalation in tension between the US and Iran, that has often been at a fever pitch since Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact the world powers had struck with Tehran.Iran today fired a number of missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops in retaliation for the American strike.Responding to a question related to today's airstrike, the ambassador said: "Whatever we have done is a part of our response.""Millions of people who participated in the funeral of General Qasem Soleimani had demanded the government for it. We have done it. We are not looking for war," he said.The envoy further said that India is a part of the region and therefore Tehran will welcome any initiative to curb the escalation of tension by its "good friends.""India is a part of the region. It should be a part of de-escalation. We are welcoming any initiative from our good friends from India," Chegeni noted.Soleimani's killing has once again put a question on the completion and operationalisation of the strategic Chabahar port, located in the Sistan-Baluchistan province on Iran's southeastern coast.Clarifying further doubts on the issue, the envoy said the port is a symbol of very good friendship between India and Iran and the work will continue without any hindrance."Chabahar Port is a symbol of very good friendship among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Commonwealth of Independent States, Europe, and the whole of Persian Gulf. It does not belong only to Iran and India. Chabahar will go on. Don't worry about it," he said.Media reports say that just a fortnight ago, India had achieved a breakthrough by securing a written assurance from the US to exempt this Iranian port from sanctions.India is developing this port to secure connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.India is hosting Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif next week to explore options to safeguard Chabahar port as well as its energy and financial interests amid the escalating tensions.India and Iran had signed a deal in May 2016 to equip and operate the container and multi-purpose terminals at Shahid Beheshti -- Chabahar Port Phase-I -- by investing USD 85.21 million. It was decided that both the countries will share revenues.India's energy security is also directly linked to the Gulf. It has cut down the import of Iranian crude to a large extent over the past few years, but the Chabahar port remains a cornerstone of India's connectivity aspirations to play an active role in Afghanistan and Central Asia. (ANI) New Delhi [India], Jan 8 (ANI): BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Wednesday hit out at actor Deepika Padukone by stating that she should have taken proper cognisance of violence at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus as her solidarity with Leftist organisations reflects her "one-sided thinking". "Deepika Padukone is a film actress. She should have taken proper cognisance of different versions of JNU violence. For the last three days, Leftist organisations have beaten students. Not only JNUSU president but over 30 students of Vidhayarti Parishad also sustained injuries. They are also students then why to differentiate?" Hussain asked. "Padukone's participation in the protest of the Leftist organisations reflects her one-sided thinking," he said. While appealing that no violence shall take place in JNU, the BJP leader alleged that the varsity has become a "centre of politics for Leftists." The Bollywood actor on Tuesday had joined students protesting against the recent violence on the JNU campus. She was seen standing with students as the demonstrators raised the slogan of "Jai Bhim-Jai Bhim" and former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar gave a speech. She did not issue any statement nor did she address the students. Deepika was in the national capital to promote her upcoming film 'Chhapaak'. More than 30 students were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre after a masked mob entered the JNU and attacked the students and professors with sticks and rods late on Sunday night. (ANI) IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Integrated Network Cable, an Infinite Electronics brand, announces its rebranding to INC Installs to reflect its evolution into a full range installation provider specializing in IT, voice, video, and data networks. Reflecting on the new direction, Patrick Gifford, Vice President of Installation Services, remarks, "The name change honors our heritage and the core principles that made us successful dedication to the customer, communication and rapid response, while positioning us for the future. We have greatly expanded our capabilities since our founding in 1995, and want the brand to reflect our capabilities." The rebranding includes an updated website at https://www.inc-installs.com, logo, visual identity, and email addresses. For inquiries, INC Installs can be contacted at +1- 888-519-9525. About INC Installs: INC Installs (INC) is a customer-focused technology brand providing a full range of IT, voice, video and data network installation services. INC's most popular services include low voltage cabling, demarc extensions, fiber optic installation, network repair/clean-up, AV/IT installs and coordinated IT deployments. With a network expanding throughout the US and Canada, INC provides the expertise and bandwidth to handle projects at scale. About Infinite Electronics: Based in Irvine, Calif., Infinite Electronics offers a broad range of components, assemblies and wired/wireless connectivity solutions, serving the aerospace/defense, industrial, government, consumer electronics, instrumentation, medical and telecommunications markets. Infinite's brands include Pasternack, Fairview Microwave, L-com, MilesTek, Aiconics, KP Performance Antennas, PolyPhaser, Transtector, RadioWaves, ShowMe Cables and Integra Optics. Infinite Electronics serves a global engineering customer base with deep technical expertise and support, with one of the broadest inventories of products available for immediate shipment. Press Contact: Peter McNeil INC Installs 17792 Fitch Irvine, CA 978-682-6936 SOURCE INC Installs Related Links http://www.inc-installs.com Read next: Why the latest NFIP short-term extension is a head-scratcher In the past year, the property markets (in personal and commercial; primary and excess) have tightened up considerably as a result of increased loss frequency and severity. Since 2017, a number of hard-hitting hurricanes, wildfires, wind and hail events have impacted insurers bottom lines. As a result, many are starting to increase rates, deductibles, and coverage limitations on property accounts. These changes are being felt quite dramatically in the Midwestern states. The high deductibles that were once only applicable for coastal exposures are now showing up in convective wind and hail areas. Whereas in the past, insureds were subject to a single set dollar deductible, now theyre facing a percentage deductible which is much higher than what theyve typically paid in the past. In these high-risk wind and hail states, were seeing more carriers looking to write accounts with a percentage deductible, said Barry Whitton, managing director of Burns & Wilcox Brokerage Atlanta. Thats sometimes challenging for insureds. Because of lender issues, they often need to have a lower deductible. Read more: ICAT on lessons learned after hard CAT years Theres a solution to this problem in the shape of wind buy-back insurance. Essentially, this separate insurance policy enables insureds to buy down an increment or two from their current percentage deductible. Were providing a lot more wind buy-back solutions now than we have done in the past, said Whitton. Thats down to two key factors. The first, and most obvious one, is that clients need insurance. The second is that their lenders are requiring them to have lower deductibles. Brokers and agents dealing with these requests almost have to go into two separate areas of the marketplace one for the main insurance policy, and another for the buy-back. Theres a niche in the marketplace that applies more so to buy-backs. There are certain markets that only want to do that. They dont want to insure the whole risk. Rather, they only want to insure a small portion of the risk, which is the buy-down. This is something that, historically, agents didnt have to navigate because there werent these higher deductibles. Today, the White House proposed 10 principles for federal agencies to consider when regulating artificial intelligence, Reuters reports. The guidelines stress limiting regulatory "overreach" and encourage Europe and other allies to "avoid heavy handed innovation-killing models." The guidelines instruct federal agencies to "conduct risk assessment and cost-benefit analyses prior to any regulatory action on AI, with a focus on establishing flexible frameworks rather than one-size-fits-all regulation." Michael Kratsois, CTO of the United States, is expected to formally announce the principles at CES tomorrow. This isn't the first time the Trump administration has taken a hands-off approach to AI. Though, President Trump's "American AI Initiative" executive order, issued last year, pushed federal agencies to prioritize AI. As the technology finds its way into more applications, there are growing ethical concerns around privacy, cybersecurity and biases. It's unlikely that other countries will adopt the White House's stance, as international bodies like the EU have been advocating for more regulation around AI. Former Serbia striker Darko Kovacevic was shot at on Tuesday evening outside his home in the Athens suburb of Glyfada, the Athens Agency reported. According to the report the 46-year-old former Serbia and Montenegro national team player suffered a knee injury and was taken to a local hospital, but it was not clear whether he was struck by a bullet or hurt himself falling. Police are investigating the attack. They say unknown assailants shot from a car at Kovacevic as he was getting out of his car. Kovacevic made 59 appearances for Serbia from 1994 to 2004. He played nine seasons for Real Sociedad over two stints and also had spells at Red Star Belgrade, Juventus, Lazio and Sheffield Wednesday before ending his career with Olympiakos from 2007-09. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A man is dead in a shooting that happened early Wednesday morning in Cleveland Heights morning, police said. The man, who has not been identified, was shot about 2 a.m. on Monticello Boulevard near South Belvoir Boulevard, Cleveland Heights Police Chief Annette Mecklenberg confirmed to cleveland.com Wednesday. Mecklenberg declined to release any additional details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police also have not said if anyone is in custody. She said she expects to release more information late Wednesday. If youd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesdays crime and courts comments section. Some politicos just cant stop grandstanding, even if it means their court case goes down in flames. Consider what just happened in a federal court in Los Angeles. Not long ago, progressive state and local officials nationwide were vowing to take down the hated National Rifle Association by targeting its pocketbook. When city authorities in Los Angeles and San Francisco gave that idea a try, they were following the lead of Governor Andrew Cuomo, who had unleashed New York financial regulators to go after the gun-rights organizations access to insurance and banking services. Now all three are facing a reckoning in court, based not on the Second Amendment but on the First. Without needing to even consider the issue of gun rights, federal courts are recognizing that boycotts enforced by government power can menace free speech and free association. The amusing part is that the public officials themselves are helping to provide the basis for these rulings by tweeting and speechifying about how much damage they intend to do the NRA. In December, a federal court in California granted a preliminary injunction against a Los Angeles ordinance requiring city contractors to disclose any business links to, or memberships in, the gun group. It found the evidence overwhelming that the citys intent in passing the law was to suppress the message of the NRA. * * * Public officials have been on notice about this sort of thing for at least two decades, since the 1996 Supreme Court case Board of County Commissioners v. Umbehr. In that case, the Court held that a countys having terminated a government contract in retaliation for the contractors persistent and annoying political speech could violate the First Amendment. Controversial and unpopular speech is protected speech; officials cannot yank a contract from some business, or threaten to, just because it has donated to, or partnered in some venture with, the Sierra Club, the NAACP, or the NRA. Story continues Lawyers for Los Angeles tried to defend their ordinance by saying all it did was require disclosures from contractors, which wouldnt necessarily amount to punishing or chilling speech. But this sort of First Amendment claim comes down to a question of intent. And the court found that the citys lawmakers had made their intent to suppress speech and association utterly clear. They had done so in the text of the ordinance itself, in its legislative history, and in the statements made at the time by its chief sponsor, Councilmember Mitch OFarrell (Hollywood-Silver Lake). The ordinance starts off with a long preamble that, amid much demagogy, cites the NRAs $163 million (2015) in membership dues and asserts that those dues go toward foiling beneficent legislative ends. That helped establish nicely that part of the bills aim was to cut off revenue to the NRA because of its pro-firearm advocacy, as the court put it. Then there were OFarrells various pronouncements. Earlier in the year, he had motioned the city to rid itself of its relationships with any organization that supports the NRA and further moved that the citys chief legislative analyst report back with options for the City to immediately boycott those businesses and organizations that do business with the NRA until their formal relationship with the NRA ceases to exist. Were doubt left about his intentions, OFarrells Twitter outbursts through 2018 told of his efforts to jawbone businesses such as FedEx and Amazon into cutting off business relations with the NRA, often tagging friendly accounts such as @everytown, @momsdemand, @shannonrwatts, and @bradybuzz. It was unnecessary to show that the city had actually cut off any businesses, or that any such businesses had cut ties with the NRA for fear of city displeasure. So long as the ordinance was intended to chill speech and association, as it was, it would fall. * * * San Franciscos similar ordinance, although also the subject of a brief challenge in court, collapsed as a practical matter even more quickly. The measures tantrum-like preamble branded the NRA a domestic terrorist group, in a move calculated to draw wide national attention. The text of the ordinance proclaimed that the city should take every reasonable step to limit those entities who do business with the City and County of San Francisco from doing business with the gun-rights organization. Commentators promptly pointed out that any such step would fail in court as unconstitutional. Soon thereafter, San Francisco mayor London Breed issued a memo clarifying that the Citys contracting processes and policies have not changed and will not change as a result of the Resolution because only an actual ordinance can enact changes to city law. The NRA is suing anyway, but by the citys own account the measure at this point does nothing except beam out vain hostility. * * * Governor Cuomo was shrewder. He avoided the blatant statements of intent that tripped up his California counterparts. But did he retain enough deniability to survive a court challenge? In April 2018, he issued a statement saying he was directing the Department of Financial Services to urge insurance companies, New York State-chartered banks, and other financial services companies licensed in New York to review any relationships they may have with the National Rifle Association and other similar organizations. Review such relationships for what, exactly? Well, the companies are encouraged to consider whether such ties harm their corporate reputations and jeopardize public safety. In a press release, he made things a tad more explicit, saying that he was directing his financial regulators to urge insurers and bankers statewide to determine whether any relationship they may have with the NRA or similar organizations sends the wrong message (emphasis added). Those regulators, of course, have the discretion to make life very unpleasant for insurers and banks dense enough not to take the hint. Sure enough, the NRA in short order was cut off by some long-term business partners, notable among them one major insurer and one major insurance broker. The state declared that it had found regulatory infractions in NRA-branded insurance-affinity offerings, and in the ensuing settlements with the insurer and the broker it got them to promise never to do business with the NRA again, in New York or anywhere else. Yet at the same time, the NRA says, the state took no action against similarly marketed affinity products sold by others. Cuomos financial regulator made things a little more explicit still: DFS urges all insurance companies and banks doing business in New York to join the companies that have already discontinued their arrangements with the NRA. In November 2018, a federal court in New York found that all in all, there was enough plausible evidence of direct and implied threats to insurers and financial institutions because of these entities links with the NRA to allow the group to proceed with a First Amendment suit. While Cuomo was of course free to express his own views, the Constitution would have something to say about it if he or his appointees had made veiled threats against banks and insurers to encourage them to disassociate from the NRA. The court also asked for more evidence documenting a selective-enforcement claim, and this summer, against stiff legal resistance from the state, the NRA succeeded in getting discovery of some state files. In a filing on December 20, the NRA said it had found new documentation of both the pressure and the selective enforcement. * * * One reason the California disputes went so well for the NRA is that the officials just couldnt help grandstanding at every turn in search of followers applause. Thats how OFarrell, in Los Angeles, helped tweet his side of the case right out of court. But Cuomo, while hes been more circumspect, has not covered himself as thoroughly as he might have. If I could have put the NRA out of business, I would have done it 20 years ago, he declared in response to one legal development. Tell us more, Governor. More from National Review TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) A future with better mental health services in Tippecanoe County could be up to the General Assembly session this year. Local mental health leaders are asking state lawmakers for four things in 2020. - Increase mental health and addiction funding. - Support mental health and addiction workforce development. - Reduce administrative burdens in the community mental health and addiction service delivery. - Continued support of mental health services within our schools. Practice Manager Stafka Poweleit with the Meridian Addictions and Recovery Center said each issue directly affects another. When we look at the Medicaid products, the cost that it cost me to provide those services, Medicaid pays me under that so my ends will never meet so how do I be able to keep providing services to people that need it? Well I can't pay my staff as much as I would like to, said Poweleit. This affects the number of people choosing to pursue a career in the mental health field. Where we continue to struggle is workforce and that's with providers both MD's and licensed clinical social workers and nurses and so we are in a workforce shortage area, said Zoe Frantz, Valley Oaks Mental Health Chief Strategy Officer. Along with staff shortages, some mental health services are also finding it difficult to work around certain regulations. We have to get prior authorizations to treat mental health, whereas, if somebody's having a cardiac arrest, we don't have to get a prior authorization to revive somebody so why do we have to do that with a mental health crisis, said Sheri Moore, NAMI West Central Indiana Executive Director. Frantz said Tippecanoe County mental health services have come a long way since all the different organizations decided to partner. She said it has helped fill the gaps for those needing help. There were a number of access issues, where people could not get services and so a group of leaders within our community came together to figure out how we could address the need, said Frantz. There are nearly 10 different mental health organizations offered in Tippecanoe County. The organization leaders meet regularly to update each other on the status of their services. As these groups work to be on the same page, theyre hoping state lawmakers also take part. Our hands are tied without our legislators' support," said Moore. "If we get their support and help us move this forward, we're going to be able to help provide service to more people and help manage mental health." These mental health leaders say the problems they face affect everyone. They're encouraging the community to advocate with them. Here's who you can reach out to if you're interested in helping: List of legislators Brian Buchanan, Indiana State Senator, District 7 Phone 317-234-9426 Email Senator.Buchanan@iga.in.gov Ron Alting, Indiana State Senator, District 22 Phone 317-232-9541 Email Senator.Alting@iga.in.gov Phil Boots, Indiana State Senator, District 23 Phone 317-234-9054 Email Senator.Boots@iga.in.gov Sharon Negele, Indiana State Representative, District 13 Phone 317-232-9816 Email h13@iga.in.gov Don Lehe, Indiana State Representative, District 25 Phone 317-234-2993 Email h25@iga.in.gov Chris Campbell, Indiana State Representative, District 26 Phone 317-232-9794 Email h26@iga.in.gov Sheila Klinker, Indiana State Representative, District 27 Phone 317-232-9875 Email h27@iga.in.gov Tim Brown, Indiana State Representative, District 41 Phone 317-232-9651 Email h41@iga.in.gov Carlos Ghosn Fugitive ex-Renault-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's legal team opened fire on Nissan Motor Co Ltd , charging the automaker used a "flawed, biased" internal investigation to engineer Ghosn's arrest and stop him from more closely integrating Nissan and its French alliance partner Renault SA . Ghosn's legal team issued the statement hours ahead of his expected appearance at a press briefing in Lebanon, where he has taken refuge after a daring escape from Japan on December 31. The one-time auto industry star has said he will fight to restore his reputation, tarnished by accusations of criminal misconduct and by Nissan's struggles since his ouster. Ghosn was awaiting trial in Japan on charges of financial misconduct when he slipped away from his Tokyo residence, crossed Japan on a bullet train and was smuggled onto charter jets that delivered him from Osaka to Lebanon via Istanbul. Ghosn has said he fled a rigged Japanese justice system after authorities delayed his trial into 2021. In their statement, Ghosn's lawyers said Nissan "never once" tried to interview the executive, or share with him evidence it had accumulated against him. Turkish and Japanese authorities are investigating how Ghosn was smuggled out of Japan and through a Turkish airport on his way to Beirut. Interpol has issued a "red notice" seeking Ghosn's arrest. Japanese authorities on Monday issued an arrest warrant for Ghosn's wife, Carole, for alleged perjury in connection with her husband's financial dealings. Carole told French newspaper Le Parisien that Japanese prosecutors were "hoping to put pressure on my husband" ahead of his press conference in Lebanon. The statement from Ghosn's legal team seeks to focus attention on his charge that he was the victim of a coup by Nissan executives who opposed giving up more authority to Renault. 'PERVERSION OF THE TRUTH' Ghosn was arrested by Japanese police on Nov. 19, 2018. Nissan said an internal investigation found that Ghosn had engaged in personal use of company money and had under-reported his income in violation of Japanese law. In their statement, Ghosn's lawyers said Nissan's claim of "a robust, thorough internal investigation" is a "gross perversion of the truth." Instead, the lawyers wrote, the investigation "was initiated and carried out for the specific, predetermined purpose of taking down Carlos Ghosn to prevent him from further integrating Nissan and Renault, which threatened the independence of Nissan." The former Nissan and Renault SA chairman has denied all charges against him and said he was the victim of "backstabbing" and "conspiracy" by Nissan executives who wanted to derail his efforts to merge the two automakers. Ghosn's legal team also accused Nissan of allowing Hari Nada, an executive "whose own conduct was the subject of the investigation," to run the probe of Ghosn. The statement also charged that Latham & Watkins, the law firm that assisted Nissan's investigation, was not independent because it has long acted as outside counsel for the company. Ghosn's lawyers said Nissan's investigation failed to uncover evidence that then-CEO Hiroto Saikawa had also benefited from improper compensation. Saikawa resigned last year after admitting he had been overpaid in violation of internal procedures. Nissan was not immediately available for comment. Japan's ambassador to Lebanon, Takeshi Okubo, met Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Tuesday, calling Ghosn's flight to Lebanon "deeply regrettable" and requesting cooperation from Beirut, according to a Japanese foreign ministry statement. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, January 8, 2020 Data aggregator Infutor registered as a "data broker" with the state of California to launch an opt-out service supporting retailers and other types of companies that collect personal data from consumers on their website. The service aims to assist businesses in complying with the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) that went into effect Jan. 1, 2020. The enforcement data is July 1. There are no direct relationships with consumers. The relationships are with the brands that work directly with consumers. The data is sent from the retailer or company and Infutor monitors the data to adhere to the CCCP process, said Len Lombardo, chief information security officer at Infutor. It allows the consumer to come back to the Infutor site to review the data collected about them, he said. Its the responsibility of the company or retailer to allow their customers to opt out. Infutor has become the conduit to allow the consumer to do so. There are two ways to opt out -- either online or by phone -- and Infutor offers both. advertisement advertisement The state of California is aware there are other companies like us and we believe its their intent to publish a list, Lombardo said. When asked whether the state has any intention of requiring the companies to create a joint public service announcement via broadcast or online media to inform California residents of this option, Dave Dague, Infutor CMO, said he wasnt aware of any. From a page on the Walmart website, it appears that consumers must opt out from each device and browser used to access the companys website. Walmarts website, for example, now includes a link at the bottom of the home page that directs site visitors to the following: The information you provide here will only be used to process your opt out of sale request. To assure the implementation of your request across all devices associated with your account, you should login to your account with each of your devices. For consumers who are not logged into their account while making a request and later clear their cookies from the Walmart website, the opt-out sales request must be resubmitted. The request will apply to future sales of personal information and will not impact sales made prior to the request. The definition of "resident" seems a little sketchy, but the state has posted a document on the government website. It basically states that California residents pay tax on their California-sourced income. If someone is living in the state of California and earns money from anyone during the time of their stay in California, not including vacation stay, they are considered to be a part-time or full-time California resident. Vacation home owners who do not live in the state of California may want to know the definition of "resident." Residents are defined as receiving any financial compensation in the form of money, goods, property, and services that is not exempt from tax or adjusted gross income that consists of federal adjusted gross income from all sources, reduced or increased by all California income adjustments is more than the amounts shown on the chart on the website. During the first Republican candidates forum with all the competitors for Houstons 7th Congressional District, it didnt take long for Wesley Hunt to be put on the defensive over a vote he made almost a dozen years ago Barely halfway through the forum put on by the Greater Houston Pachyderm Club on Tuesday, Hunt and the other five Republicans were asked to tell the audience the last time they voted in a primary election, and for which party, but with no explanation allowed. 2008 Democrats, Hunt told the standing room only, sold-out crowd of over 100 people. Hunt said afterward it felt like a planted question aimed at him. He said back in 2008 he was doing what a lot of Republicans were doing then, participating in something called Operation Chaos. That was a strategy devised by conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who called on Republicans in Texas to vote in the Democratic primaries for Hillary Clinton over Barack Obama to keep the primary season going longer for Democrats as Republican John McCain had already locked up the GOP nomination. The goal, Limbaugh said at the time, was to bloody up Obama politically. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox I bet a lot of people in this room did the same thing, Hunt said, adding that he has no regrets over the vote. Hunt said he didnt vote in subsequent primary elections in Texas because he went on active duty in the Army and went to Cornell University in New York for his master's degree and was not in the Houston area. Hunt said hes always been a Republican, adding that growing up in a household with three West Point graduates, voters can be assured hes pretty conservative. Most of the other 5 candidates in the race for the Republican nomination said their last primary votes were in the 2018 GOP primary. Hunt has emerged as one of the frontrunners in the race for the 7th Congressional District, which is held by U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Houston, who won her first term in office by defeating longtime incumbent John Culberson in 2018. Fletchers win flipped the seat blue for the first time since the 1960s, prompting Republicans to take aim at the district almost as soon as Fletcher was sworn in. Hunt, with an endorsement in hand from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, has outraised all of his opponents in the GOP primary with just short of $1 million through September, when the most recent campaign finance reports were filed. The only other candidate in the race to raise over $100,000 is former Bellaire Mayor Cindy Siegel who had raised just over $300,000. The question on past primary votes was one of a few contentious moments in a forum that was otherwise mostly cordial among the candidates as they instead took turns attacking Fletcher for voting for Nancy Pelosi to be the House Speaker, supporting the impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump and not supporting the oil and gas industry as much as they think she should be. Im very upset with the direction she is taking us, said Laique Rehman, a Republican businessman making his first run for Congress. Siegel was more specific in listing her problems with Fletcher. She voted with the Democrats to try to force President Trump back into the Paris Climate Agreement and we know for a fact that she voted for impeachment, Siegel said. Hunt said he knows Fletcher has tried to make herself appear more friendly to the oil and gas economy of Texas, but said shes not doing enough on that front. He said the district needs a stronger voice for the oil and gas industry, something he said he could be. In her first year, Fletcher has mostly compiled a moderate voting record. Her supporters say she has been more focused on constituent services, committee work and passing legislation than on big partisan fights. Also running in the March 3 Republican primary are Jim Noteware, Maria Espinoza and Kyle Preston. Fletcher is running for re-election but has no Democratic primary opponents. The winner of the Republican primary will take on Fletcher in November in a race that has already been identified by both major political parties as a must-win in 2020. Our Divisions Copyright 2021-22 DB Corp ltd., All Rights Reserved This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics. Photograph: Rayner Pena/EPA Venezuelas increasingly byzantine political meltdown took its latest turn on Tuesday as opponents of authoritarian president Nicolas Maduro stormed the countrys parliament to reinstall Juan Guaido as their leader. Troops loyal to Maduro had surrounded the palm-dotted national assembly compound in Caracas in a bid to keep Guaido and his supporters out after the presidents attempt to seize control of the parliament on Sunday. But in frantic scenes that spread rapidly on social media, Guaido and his backers were filmed physically forcing their way into the 19th-century capitol to cheers of Viva Venezuela! En la union de los venezolanos esta la fuerza para salir de la dictadura. Entramos al hemiciclo a cumplir con nuestro deber, no con la violencia, sino con la fuerza de la razon y la mayoria. Unidos, organizados y con firmeza, es posible. #100diputados #ANLegitimaConVzla pic.twitter.com/6S1mjuE0LF Juan Guaido (@jguaido) January 7, 2020 Outside, pro-government thugs attacked and robbed Venezuelan and European journalists, including one correspondent from Spains El Pais. Inside, Guaido was sworn in for a second term as Venezuelas caretaker leader, even though the auditoriums electricity had been cut. In the name of those who have no voice, of the mothers who weep in the distance, of the teachers who are battling and the nurses and the students, of the political prisoners in the name of Venezuela, I vow to fulfill the duties of interim president, said Guaido, who is recognized by more than 50 governments including the United States and United Kingdom but boasts little concrete power. Story continues Guaidos wife, Fabiana Rosales, tweeted: Now the struggle goes on, together with all Venezuelans we will rescue our country from dictatorship. The new decade has started with a bang in Venezuela, with Guaidos stuttering year-long campaign to topple Maduro suddenly reinvigorated by this weeks events. Guaido takes the oath inside the parliament building. Photograph: Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images Even the leftwing governments of Argentina and Mexico were critical of Maduros attempt to take over Venezuelas parliament on Sunday, with Argentinas new foreign minister warning such actions would condemn Hugo Chavezs heir to international isolation. Vanessa Neumann, Guaidos envoy to London, said she was convinced Maduros maneuver had backfired by reuniting Venezuelas opposition behind her leader. Guaido emerges stronger from all of this, Neumann insisted. He has more legitimacy even than he did in 2019. Geoff Ramsey, a Venezuela specialist at the Washington Office on Latin America, said Tuesdays storming of the legislature represented a clear symbolic victory for Guaido. But I dont think this fundamentally alters the equation, he added. The main problem for the opposition for the last two years has been how to get their democratic legitimacy to translate into real power on the ground. Unless Guaido is able to get the masses into the streets in a way he hasnt been able to for almost a year I dont see much changing in the short term. The coming weeks could prove crucial for Guaido, who shot to prominence last January after using his position as national assembly president to declare himself Venezuelas rightful interim leader. Related: Latin America's tumultuous year turns expectations on their head This Friday is the first anniversary of Maduros swearing-in, an event many western governments boycotted because of suspicions he stole the 2018 presidential election. 23 January marks a year since Guaido publicly declared himself president. Ramsey said both sides would exploit those politically charged dates to pose as the clear victors in this conflict. But the truth is that this is increasingly looking like a stalemate, he said. The only way forward is for the mainstream opposition and the regime to hash out the details of some kind of electoral way forwards [towards presidential elections]. Later on Tuesday, Guaido summoned fresh protests for Friday, Saturday and next Tuesday when he urged all of Venezuela to demonstrate outside the national assembly. It is time to rise up and rise up with strength, he said. Oil prices would skyrocket if Iran moved to completely cut off the Strait of Hormuz, energy analysts told CNBC on Wednesday. Elevated geopolitical tensions have sparked fears of a widening conflict in the Middle East, with energy market participants increasingly concerned that the fallout could soon disrupt regional crude supplies. It has thrust the world's most important oil chokepoint back into the global spotlight. Speaking to CNBC's "Capital Connection" on Wednesday, James Eginton, investment analyst at Tribeca Investment Partners, said a move by Iran to completely shut off crude supplies in the Strait of Hormuz would send oil prices "through the roof." Situated between Iran and Oman, the Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but strategically important waterway that links crude producers in the Middle East with key markets across the world. In 2018, daily oil flow in the channel which is just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point averaged at 21 million barrels per day. That's the equivalent of about 21% of global petroleum liquids consumption. "If you block the Strait of Hormuz, you will send oil through $100," Eginton said. "Over the next few days, if we start seeing the Iranians start trying to block the Strait of Hormuz then we should be set for much higher oil prices." Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 04:51:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- China and Egypt have agreed to boost bilateral ties through enhancing cooperation in all fields, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday. Wang made the remarks at a joint press conference with Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo, Egypt. After holding a strategic dialogue, a set of consensus were achieved by the two ministers. The two sides agreed to boost bilateral ties with the aim to build a community with a shared future in the new era, Wang said, adding that China is the largest trade partner of Egypt with its investment to Egypt growing by over 60 percent in 2019. "The two sides will deepen political mutual trust and enhance mutually beneficiary cooperation in all fields," he said. The two sides also agreed to further promote the Belt and Road construction. "We will promote greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Egypt's Vision 2030," Wang said. The two ministers also agreed to establish a intragovernmental cooperation committee to coordinate and promote bilateral cooperations in different areas, he said. Wang said the two countries will also make joint efforts to fight terrorism and extremism, while carrying out cooperation in terms of intelligence sharing and capacity building. Additionally, the two sides agreed to promote the implementation of the fruits of the 2018 Beijing Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, according to Wang. Calling Egypt as China's "good friend, good partner and good brother," Wang pledged China's continued support to Egypt, led by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in its efforts to protect its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, achieve successful development, and seek national rejuvenation. Indias Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow at the lowest rate in 11 years this fiscal, said the first advance estimate by the government on Tuesday. What does it mean for you and me? The GDP cant be taken as just another routine economic data government puts out; it is a vital summary of the real economic activity on the ground. Slowing growth means more companies coming under stress. That is bad news for banks that are still fighting the ghost of bad loans that have originated in the past. Banks may see fresh bad loans emerging from small and medium-sized companies (the large ones are already accounted for through NCLT courts). The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) financial stability report estimates gross NPAs of banks to touch 9.9 percent by September 2020. The actual figure may end up even higher since the performance of bank loans to companies is closely linked to the economy. The persisting slowdown will also mean that unemployment will rise further, which will directly impact millions of youngsters entering the job market every year. According to Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), Indias unemployment rose to 7.7 percent in December. The grim economic situation would further weigh on consumer confidence that will further delay growth. This is because people will cut down spending on goods and services, translating to lower revenues for companies and lower tax collection to government. More pain likely? In all probability, the first advance estimate for FY20 GDP growth put out by the government on Tuesday will still prove to be an overestimate of the actual growth scenario. The actual growth for the full year is likely to end up below 5 percent considering the biggest driver of growth in recent quarters, government spending is unlikely to continue at the same pace due to the tight fiscal situation. The government is running with a huge revenue shortfall. The 5 percent advance estimate, which puts growth at the lowest in 11 years, is no surprise; even the RBIs revised GDP growth estimate pegged the growth for the fiscal to 5 percent from an earlier estimate of 6.1 percent. Similarly, a clutch of private forecasters and even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had indicated that the countrys growth may slip below 5 percent this fiscal. The numbers confirm the serious state of the economy, being pulled down by both global and domestic factors. The manufacturing sector, a key segment for employment, is among the worst performers. The manufacturing sector growth is expected to come down to 2 percent in 2019-20 from 6.2 percent in the year-ago fiscal. Similarly, the industry is estimated to grow at 2.5 percent in FY20 as compared to 6.9 percent in FY19 due to lacklustre performance in all the sub-sectors.This will be mainly on account of a likely poor show in manufacturing and construction (from 8.7 percent in FY19 to 3.2 percent in FY20). Ball in governments court The steep decline in GDP growth puts the government in a dilemma. The pressure will be even higher now to keep spending high to support the growth, which will then mean the government will have to deviate from the path of fiscal consolidation. A Reuters report , which quoted unnamed government officials, said on Tuesday that the government is likely to cut spending by as much as Rs 2 lakh crore this fiscal on account of revenue shortfall. The idea, the report said, is to keep the fiscal deficit within acceptable limits. But cutting back spending will further hamper growth. At a time when the economy is showing signs of a serious slowdown, merely focusing on fiscal deficit targets will not be a good idea. According to an SBI research report, in Q2, government spending alone accounted for 40 percent of the entire quarters growth. However, this momentum is unlikely to persist given that the government has already announced its intention of cutting expenditure. If it sticks to that stance, growth will suffer further. What the govt should focus on There are both global and domestic reasons why growth has slowed over the last six years. But it is time for the Narendra Modi government to take stock of how its ill-judged policy actions such as demonetisation and flawed implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) contributed to the sharp deterioration in the economy. The 2016 demonetisation broke the back of Indias informal economy and dealt a hard blow to the cash-dominated rural economy. Many small businesses shut shop. Since then, the government has attempted to boost sentiment through several small sector-specific steps, but none has shown desired results yet. Moreover, it has so far distanced itself from politically-sensitive land and labour reforms. At 5 percent, Indias growth is the lowest in 11 years. If one look at the nominal GDP growth, at 7.5 percent it is at a 42-year low. At this rate, it is impossible for the economy to achieve the $5 trillion economy size the government is hoping for. From a 7-8 percent growth a few years ago, the Indian economy has lost a lot of momentum. With private sector still on the sidelines and governments ability to spend impacted due to the tight fiscal situation, it is unlikely that growth will recover anytime soon. Is sub-5 percent growth turning the new normal for Asias third-largest economy? Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan, North Sumatra Wed, January 8, 2020 20:30 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3216dfe3 1 National ITE-Law,defamation Free A 29-year-old resident of North Sumatra, Febi Nur Amelia, has been charged with defamation for attempting to ask for her money back from Fitriani Manurung, her friend who happens to be the wife of a police officer, through Instagram. Fitriani subsequently reported her friend to the North Sumatra Police, accusing Febi of insulting her. Febi underwent her first hearing at the Medan District Court on Tuesday. Prosecutor Randy Tambunan said that the defendant had intentionally distributed electronic information defaming the plaintiff. Febi has been charged with violating articles 45 and 27 on defamation of the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law. They carry a maximum punishment of six years in prison and a fine of Rp 1 billion (US$71,884). The case dates back to December 2016 when Fitriani reportedly borrowed some Rp 70 million from Febi. In 2017, the latter tried to collect the debt but to no avail. Fitriani blocked Febis phone number. Febi sent a direct massage to Fitrianis Instagram account sometime in 2019 to ask for the money, but Fitriani said she did not recognize her. She blocked Febis account for a second time. Febi then posted on Instagram saying I suddenly remember the wife of a police officer who has yet to pay my money, amounting to Rp 70 million for years @Fitri_Bakhtiar. I would easily let the money go if the debtor was poor, but its different in this case because the debtor herself is rich. So, I have to claim the money back. Randy said the post, made in February 2019, had insulted the plaintiff, while the defendant claimed she posted it in an attempt to get the money back. Febi planned to read out an exception before the judges next week. Law expert at North Sumatra University Edi Yunara said the case seemed to be a bit odd since it had gone straight to court before the plaintiff was even subpoenaed. I am afraid it may have happened because the plaintiff is a police officers wife, Edi said. (vny) By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 07, 2020 | 06:42 PM | PADUCAH According to the Paducah Police Department, on Monday at approximately 5 PM, officers were called to the Paducah Board of Education building after an alarm was set off. Officers arrived and checked the building, when they allegedly found a man, identified as 60-year-old James Lee Chandler, asleep on the floor in the accounting office. Chandler reportedly told officers he broke into the building because he was drunk and needed a place to sleep. He was arrested and is facing third-degree burglary and alcohol intoxication charges. He was lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail. A Paducah man is facing burglary charges after he was reportedly found asleep in the Paducah Board of Education building. President Donald Trump's decision to kill Qasem Soleimani has left the international community reeling. As diplomatic crises go, this ticks a lot of boxes. The US killed an Iranian general in Iraq -- a country where it has kept a constant military presence since the 2003 invasion to overthrow Saddam Hussein. However bad relations between the US and Iran had become under Trump, the killing of a military official by drone strike caught everyone, including America's closest allies, off guard. Iran's decision to retaliate by firing missiles at US targets in Iraq has left those with an interest in the region holding their breath. Iran may claim it doesn't want war, but also says that any retaliation from Trump would be considered an escalation and responded to as such. Here's what you need to know to help understand this developing story. What's the background to this crisis? The weeks leading to Soleimani's death had been rocky in Iraq. 'Since the start of October, there'd been a tense standoff between Iraqi protestors [and the Iraqi government], opposing the Iran-backed Iraqi establishment,' says Chris Doyle, director of the Council for British-Arab Understanding, an independent think tank promoting conflict resolution, civil society and human rights in the Middle East. For months, thousands of Iraqi citizens have protested against government corruption and growing Iranian interference in Iraq's political establishment. Security forces have cracked down on protesters, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. Read more on how those protests unfolded Days before Trump ordered the drone strike which killed Soleimani, Hundreds of pro-Iranian protestors attempted to storm the US embassy in Baghdad, scaling the walls and forcing the gates of the compound. They were protesting US airstrikes on facilities in Iraq and Syria which the Pentagon claims were linked to pro-Iranian militias responsible for attacking US service personnel in Iraq. Doyle believes that the storming of the US embassy was part of a wider Iranian strategy to distract Iraqis from the months of protests, starting in October, against Iranian interference in Iraq. 'The protests had obviously worried the Iranians,' says Doyle. 'I think, many of activities including, the embassy assault was to distract from the protests.' Why wasn't Soleimani targeted before? Trump was not the first US president to consider what to do about Soleimani. Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri, director of the US and Americas program at Chatham House, explains that 'previous administrations had considered the possibility of killing Soleimani, and they made a very clear choice not to. While he's clearly threatening to America's interests and reprehensible, they didn't think that the cost would be worth it.' Soleimani was in charge of managing Iran's militias abroad, which in the case of Iraq, meant acting as a direct challenger to the US for being the most significant foreign power in the country. Doyle explains that 'the attraction of Iraq is that it is the only country in the Arab world with oil, water and human resources. But since the 2003 war, external powers have been feasting on the carcass of the Iraqi state.' For some time, Iran has handled its priorities in Iraq better than the Americans, whose influence is deemed to be on the decline. 'This assassination has merely accelerated the demise of US influence in this region and beyond to the benefit of Iran itself, Russia and China,' says Professor Arshin Adib-Moghaddam at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. One of the reasons Iran has so often wrong footed the US is that the two nations have had no diplomatic relations at all since 1979. And as Vinjamuri says, this has created 'an absolute absence of knowledge and understanding' of the Iranian view. Why are US-Iran relations so poor? Two key moments have shaped the entire US-Iran conflict. In 1953, the CIA helped orchestrate a military coup, which overthrew the then democratically-elected Iranian leader, Mohammad Mossadegh. At the height of Cold War tensions, Mossadegh pledged to nationalize Iran's oil fields, which was widely seen as both popular in Iran and a victory for the then USSR. The British, who controlled the oil fields, enlisted the help of the CIA to overthrow Mossadegh. After toppling Mossadegh, the US supported Iran's monarch Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to rule as Shah of Iran. Firmly in power, the Shah forced critics of his modernization reforms like Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini into exile in Iraq, and developed a reputation as an authoritarian playboy. In 1979, the party came to an end. The Iranian revolution ended the Shah's rule. Secular protestors opposed his authoritarianism, while Islamist protestors opposed his modernization agenda. Khomeini returned from exile and formed an Islamist government. Something that united many Iranians was a distrust of the US. This distrust wasn't helped when in October 1979, it was reported that the Shah had been allowed to enter the US for cancer treatment. This led to weeks of demonstrations outside the US embassy in Tehran. In November of that year, protestors stormed the embassy and took dozens of American hostages. They demanded the extradition of the Shah to Iran, and received Khomeini's support. The Iran hostage crisis lasted 444 days. This was the beginning of the end. Over a period of time, the US cut all diplomatic ties while imposing crippling financial sanctions. The crisis only stopped when Iran agreed to release the hostages in exchange for Iranian assets being unfrozen. The bad blood led to more conflict between the two -- including the US backing neighboring Iraq in its decision to go to war with Iran during the hostage crisis in 1980. How did Iraq get sucked into this? Iraq saw its own coup in 1958, which overthrew the monarchy and created the Iraqi Republic. This led to the eventual leadership of the Ba'ath party in 1968 and Saddam Hussein in 1979, which lasted until the US-led invasion removed him from power in 2003. While there was a lot for the US to dislike about the Ba'athists, the memory of the hostage crisis was fresh. This meant that for most of the 1980s, the US 'played Iraq and Iran off against one another, in an act of dual containment,' says Doyle. It did this by backing Iraq in the war while simultaneously selling arms to Iran, in what is now referred to as the Iran-Contra affair. That all changed in 1990, when Hussein invaded Kuwait. The US stood by its Gulf allies and led the response to Iraq, in what is now known as the First Gulf War. Over the following decade, the West grew suspicious of Hussein's ambitions and the fear that he was developing weapons of mass destruction. After the September 11 attacks in 2001, Hussein's Iraq was deemed too much of a security risk, and the US invaded. After Hussein was gone, Iraq was an ungovernable mess. The US strategy of treating Iraq in sectarian terms -- encouraging people from all groups to participate in government -- created division and failed to bring the country together. The Shias, who had been politically excluded under Hussein's Sunni rule, seized the opportunity and dominated the post-war Iraqi government. But the state was shattered, leaving it open to interference from Iran, China, Russia and making it a breeding ground for terrorist groups. It also left Iraq to become a perfect venue for a proxy war between Iran and America. Doyle says that the Iraqi population is not enamored with either, and incidents like the killing of Soleimani 'highlight the complete absence of sovereign control,' as two more powerful actors take charge. Why is the international community so worried? First, there is a real concern among America's allies about Trump's recklessness and unpredictability. 'This decision to kill Soleimani was ad-hoc, probably in order for Trump to position himself more firmly as a macho President who stands up against international challengers,' says Adib-Moghaddam. 'In the US, war still garners votes, being tough is cool.' Given that Trump will face election in November of this year, this is a serious concern. While Adib-Moghaddam doesn't believe there will a conventional war, he does fear 'a protracted tit for tat between Iran and its powerful regional allies and the United States and its camp.' Vinjamuri says that however deplorable Soleimani's actions against the US and its allies might have been, his killing could set a 'precedent for others who might eventually have the capability to execute similar types of attacks. Drone strikes as a mechanism to kill state officials is a very grave precedent.' For its part, Iran has several ways of responding. First, directly, as we have seen in the strikes it carried out against US targets in Iraq. Iranian-backed militias also operate in many countries where the US has strategic interests in the Middle East, including Syria. And it could cause the US an almighty headache by enriching uranium beyond the limits agreed in the nuclear deal. We know that the Iranians intend to stop complying with the deal agreed under the Obama administration and under the auspices of the European Union. Trump campaigned in 2016 on ending the US participation. The problem for those wanting the situation to diffuse is that the only party that seems to have the international credibility to get things back on track, the EU, can't do much about this conflict, other than creating a forum for Iran and the US to talk. And at the moment, there is very little chance of that happening. Further reading If this 101 has left you wanting more, here is some suggested further reading. If you can't find what you are looking for, feel free to tweet @lukemcgee any questions. CNN's potted history of Iran. Opinion: The US and Iran have been fighting for over 40 years Iran's strikes seem intended to avoid US deaths Trump's stark choice: to escalate or not Fugitive auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn on Wednesday accused Nissan and Japanese prosecutors of plotting against him as he staged an impassioned defence at his first public appearance since fleeing the country. In a combative news conference in Beirut, the former Renault-Nissan boss -- one of the world's most high-profile corporate executives -- slammed the financial misconduct charges he faced in Japan as "baseless". Late on Wednesday, a Lebanese prosecutor summoned Ghosn for questioning on Thursday, principally on the basis of an Interpol "red notice". Ghosn would also be asked to respond to a report submitted by Lebanese lawyers detailing his travel to neighbouring Israel as head of Renault-Nissan, the National News Agency said. Lebanon is still technically at war with Israel. "The collusion between Nissan and prosecutors is everywhere," Ghosn told a large crowd of journalists at an appearance that lasted more than two hours during which he fielded questions in English, French, Arabic and Portuguese. "There was no way I was going to be treated fairly ... this was not about justice. I felt I was a hostage of the country that I have served for 17 years," he said. Ghosn accused prosecutors and Nissan, one of Japan's biggest carmakers, of "systematic leaking of false information" and "intentional withholding" of important facts related to the case. That meant he was "presumed guilty before the eyes of the world and subject to a system whose only objective is to coerce confessions, secure guilty pleas," he added. - 'Totally unacceptable' - Japanese prosecutors quickly hit back, slamming Ghosn's claims as "categorically false". "Ghosn's allegations completely ignore his own conduct, and his one-sided criticism of the Japanese justice system is totally unacceptable," the Tokyo prosecutor's office said in a statement. The car magnate -- for years venerated in Japan for turning around once-ailing Nissan -- fled while awaiting trial on charges including allegedly under-reporting his compensation to the tune of $85 million. Ghosn said he had "no choice" but to jump bail, adding he was told by his lawyers he would have to wait five years for a verdict. He said he had been "ripped" from friends and family when detained. In a comment that risked causing further upset in Japan, he suggested his arrest had been as unexpected as the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour in 1941. "I didn't suspect anything ... Did you see Pearl Harbour happening?" - Japanese outrage - The 65-year-old businessman's shock arrival in his native Lebanon last month was the latest twist in a story worthy of a Hollywood plot. Ghosn's bail jump prompted outrage from the Japanese government, which has called his escape "unjustifiable", as well as from Nissan which labelled the getaway "extremely regrettable". Many were hoping Ghosn would disclose details of his audacious flight from Japan to Beirut via Istanbul. But Ghosn told reporters he was "not here to talk" about how he fled Japan. According to Japanese media, Ghosn slipped out of his house in Tokyo, boarded a bullet train to Osaka and then a private jet to Istanbul, evading customs by hiding in a box, before reaching Beirut on December 30. Giving credence to that dramatic account, police in Istanbul released a photograph on Wednesday of a box in which Ghosn allegedly concealed himself. Ghosn argues the charges against him stem from a "coup" inside Nissan by disgruntled executives and Japanese officials who feared his plans to more closely integrate the car giant with its alliance partner, French firm Renault. Asked how high the alleged conspiracy went, Ghosn said he did not believe Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was involved. Nissan has continued to insist it has "incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn". But the fallen tycoon sought to portray himself as an innocent victim of an ungrateful company that he helped to prosper. He said that Nissan's stock market value had fallen by $40 million a day since his arrest, while that of Renault had slumped by 20 million euros daily. In one declaration that raised eyebrows, he denied having quit as chief executive of Renault, contradicting an announcement that came from France's economy minister in January 2019. "They said that I resigned from Renault. It's wrong," Ghosn said. - 'Profound hopelessness' - Ghosn's high-profile arrest and his long detention -- 130 days in total -- under severe conditions were widely considered draconian compared with the West. He said he was held in solitary confinement in a "tiny cell" that was "light day and night". "The feeling of hopelessness was profound," he said, denouncing a Japanese justice system that he said "was designed to break my spirit". In contrast, "Lebanese authorities never lost their faith. For a small country they have a big soul," he said. Japanese prosecutors are also seeking to arrest Ghosn's wife Carole, alleging she "made false statements" during April testimony to the Tokyo district court. As Japan grapples with the fallout from the embarrassing security lapse, prosecutors on Wednesday attempted to raid the offices of one of Ghosn's lawyers, Junichiro Hironaka, to seize computers. However, the lawyers refused them access, citing "attorney-client confidentiality". Lebanon, which has no extradition agreement with Japan, has said Ghosn entered the country legally in possession of a French passport and a Lebanese identification card. The tycoon holds Brazilian, French and Lebanese nationalities. burs/tgg/jmm/ah/ho/dwo Ghosn spoke for more than two hours at a press conference in Beirut where he fielded questions in several languages and gesticulated wildly Factfile on the arrest and charges against Carlos Ghosn -- the former Nissan chief fled to Lebanon on December 30 to "escape injustice" in Japan, he contended Ghosn addressed a large crowd of journalists in Beirut at his first public appearance since fleeing Japan Istanbul police released a photograph of a box in which Ghosn allegedly hid Journalists gathered outside a house in Beirut that Ghosn is believed to own ahead of Wednesday's press conference Ghosn's wife Carole, who is wanted by Japan for allegedly making false statements in court, was also at the press conference NEW YORK, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Affiliates of certain funds (the Apollo Funds) managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, Apollo) (NYSE: APO), a leading global alternative investment manager, today announced the successful completion of their previously announced acquisition of Snapfish, LLC (Snapfish), a leading global photo retailer, and combination of Snapfish with Shutterfly, Inc. (Shutterfly), which was acquired by the Apollo Funds on September 25, 2019. Upon the closing of the Snapfish transaction, the Snapfish owners became significant minority owners in the combined Shutterfly and Snapfish business. As a business dedicated to connecting people, places and memories through photos, we look forward to continuing our mission as part of Shutterfly, said Jasbir Patel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Snapfish. Dwayne Black and Jim Hilt, interim co-Chief Executive Officers of Shutterfly, noted, Today marks a new era for Shutterfly and we look forward to working together with the talented team at Snapfish. Neil Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of District Photo, commented, The close of this transaction marks an important milestone in the history of Snapfish. We cannot think of better strategic partners than Shutterfly and Apollo to continue our long-standing mission of making memories easily accessible and affordable for everyone. We are thrilled to work alongside Neil to continue to advance the industry leading platforms at Shutterfly and Snapfish which deliver treasured products to customers. We believe the unique combination of Snapfish and Shutterfly, both global leaders in the photo personalization industry, will drive growth and foster innovation over the coming years, said Reed Rayman, Partner at Apollo. About Snapfish, LLC Snapfish, LLC, a leading global photo retailer, was founded in 1999 by a group of entrepreneurs who wanted to create a service to provide users the ability to store, share, and print their photos online. Today, Snapfish continues as a prominent photo platform to the worlds largest discount, pharmacy and hypermarket retailers as well as a leading direct to consumer, world-wide brand providing innovative and inspiring products and services to help customers bring their photos to life. For more information about Snapfish, LLC, visit www.snapfish.com . About Shutterfly, Inc. Shutterfly, Inc. is a leading retailer and manufacturing platform for personalized products and communications. Founded in 1999, Shutterfly, Inc. has three divisions: Shutterfly Consumer, Lifetouch, and Shutterfly Business Solutions. Shutterfly Consumer and Lifetouch help consumers capture, preserve, and share lifes important moments through professional and personal photography, and personalized products. The Shutterfly brand brings photos to life in photo books, gifts, home decor, and cards and stationery. Lifetouch is the national leader in school photography, built on the enduring tradition of Picture Day, and also serves families through portrait studios and other partnerships. Shutterfly Business Solutions delivers digital printing services that enable efficient and effective customer engagement through personalized communications. For more information about Shutterfly, Inc., visit www.shutterflyinc.com . About Apollo Apollo is a leading global alternative investment manager with offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, Houston, Bethesda, London, Frankfurt, Madrid, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Delhi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. Apollo had assets under management of approximately $323 billion as of September 30, 2019 in credit, private equity and real assets funds invested across a core group of nine industries where Apollo has considerable knowledge and resources. For more information about Apollo, please visit apollo.com . Contact Information: For Shutterfly: Investor Relations Shawn Tabak 650-610-6026 stabak@shutterfly.com Media Relations Sondra Harding 650-610-5129 sharding@shutterfly.com For investor inquiries regarding Apollo Global Management, please contact: Gary M. Stein Head of Investor Relations Apollo Global Management, Inc. 212-822-0467 gstein@apollo.com For media inquiries regarding Apollo Global Management, please contact: Joanna Rose Global Head of Corporate Communications Apollo Global Management, Inc. 212-822-0491 jrose@apollo.com The world's oldest preserved brain, belonging to an ancient Briton who lived 2,600 years ago, may hold the key in the fight against dementia, scientists believe. Known as the 'Heslington brain', the extraordinarily well-preserved organ was discovered in a muddy pit during excavations in the village of Heslington near York in 2008. The unprecedented level of preservation is thought to be down to clusters of tightly folded proteins known as aggregates. These folded structures may have protected the brain and prevented it from decomposing, according to scientists. Misfolding of rogue proteins is a known cause of Alzheimer's and similar diseases. Researchers now hope to understand the difference between disease-causing protein folding and the aggregates that helped preserve the brain for millennia. The scientists are hopeful their analysis could help create treatments for protein-folding conditions that cause cognitive decline, such as dementia. Scroll down for video The 'Heslington brain' was discovered in 2008 and careful analysis has revealed the brain produced hardy proteins which protected it against decomposition It is thought these folded structures protected the brain and prevented it from decomposing and researchers hope their analysis can be used to create treatments for conditions that cause cognitive decline The unprecedented level of preservation in the brain of the decapitated Briton is thought to be down to substances called aggregates which are created by tightly folded proteins WHAT IS THE HESLINGTON BRAIN? The Heslington brain is the name given to a 2,600-year-old preserved brain. It was dug up in the village just outside York in 2008. Researchers say the preservation of the organ is an enigma as the brainis normally one of the first thngs to decompose after death. Despite it having shrunk to only about a fifth of its original size, it showed few signs of decay. It was inside a decapitated skull at an Iron Age site and researchers studying the brain claim it had a 'resilient, tofu-like texture'. The brain's owner, believed to be a man in his 30s, had been hanged before being decapitated with a knife and his head appears to have been buried immediately. Some experts believe he it is possible the man was the victim of a human sacrifice. All other soft tissue on the skull had rotted away, including flesh and hair. Advertisement 'There are a number of well-known mutations to brain proteins which can promote aggregate formation and which are related to human disease,' said corresponding author Dr Axel Petzold, a neurologist at University College London. 'These findings have implications for diseases related to protein folding and aggregate formation.' The brain of the ancient British man, who died in his 30s between 673-482 BC, is the world's oldest surviving grey matter. It was found inside a decapitated skull at an Iron Age site, and researchers studying the brain claim it had a 'resilient, tofu-like texture'. The brain's owner, believed to be a man in his 30s, had been hanged before being decapitated with a knife and his head appears to have been buried immediately. Some experts believe it is possible the man was the victim of a human sacrifice. The rest of the body was missing and, unlike his brain, all other soft tissue had rotted away - a mystery as the brain is known to decompose quicker than the rest of the body. The brain's preservation has been called enigmatic by researchers, with no clear explanation. However, a few theories have been suggested beyond the protein folding. Inhibition of autolysis - the process where bodily tissues destroys itself after death via its own enzymes - may have helped preserve the brain. It likely started in the outer parts of the brain, potentially as an acidic fluid seeped into it and slowly spread inwards. Writing in the study, the researchers explain that 'preservation might have been possible by an acidic compound'. Dr Petzold also suggested the the manner of this individual's death, or subsequent burial, may have enabled the brain's long term preservation. 'Something cruel must have happened to this person,' he said, pointing to evidence that the person was hit hard on the head or neck before being decapitated. Researchers spent a year unpacking the densely folded proteins that had created a stable state for the brain tissue, and found it regained many of the features found in normal, living brain tissue. The brain was found by chance while the skull was being cleaned. It was extracted at York Hospital The yellowy brown organ is known as the 'Heslington brain' after the village near York where it was dug from a muddy pit in 2008. It was inside a decapitated skull at an Iron Age site and researchers studying the brain claim it had a 'resilient, tofu-like texture' The brain's owner, believed to be a man in his 30s, had been hanged before being decapitated with a knife and his head appears to have been buried immediately. Some experts believe he it is possible the man was the victim of a human sacrifice WHAT IS DEMENTIA? Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain. There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimers disease is the most common. Some people may have a combination of types of dementia. Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way. Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED? The Alzheimers Society reports there are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, of which more than 500,000 have Alzheimer's. It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over 1 million. In the US, it's estimated there are 5.5 million Alzheimer's sufferers. A similar percentage rise is expected in the coming years. As a persons age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia. Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed. IS THERE A CURE? Currently there is no cure for dementia. But new drugs can slow down its progression and the earlier it is spotted the more effective treatments are. Source: Dementia UK Advertisement A British-led team carried out the first detailed analysis of the brain's structure using powerful microscopes that scanned the tissue with a focused beam of electrons. The proteins regained many of the features typically encountered in a normal, living human brain, reports the Journal of the Royal Society Interface. If researchers can unpick this unique case of protein folding in a 2,600-year-old specimen, they may glean essential insights to help dementia sufferers. The discovery of aggregates could also help find treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's. The researchers write in the study: 'In contrast to the iceman and most other previously reported finds of preserved human brains, there were no sign of hair, skin or any other soft tissue associated with the ancient brain subject to the present study.' They continue: 'Collagen from the bone was radiocarbon dated (OxA-20677) to 673-482 BC. 'There was no evidence for tannins or artificial preservation techniques. 'The preservation of the ancient brain tissue remains enigmatic because of rapid decomposition and autolysis after death.' There is no evidence the man was suffering from any mental illness at the time of his death, say the international team. Dr Petzold said: 'In conclusion, the preservation of human brain proteins at ambient temperature should not be possible for millennia in free nature.' Unlike the brain proteins, DNA was of poor quality preventing reliable sequencing, Dr Petzold said. He added: 'Taken together the data presented in this study on protein stability from the unique find of a preserved prehistoric human brain is of mutual benefit to the fields of protein biomarker research, medicine, structural and functional proteomics, biomedical applications and archaeology.' A British led team carried out the first detailed analysis of the brain's structure using powerful microscopes that scanned the tissue with a focused beam of electrons Libya: Erdogan-Putin ask for ceasefire starting Sunday Turkish foreign minister Cavusoglu makes announcement (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, JANUARY 8 - The presidents of Turkey and Russia, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin, have launched an appeal to all sides involved in the conflict in Libya for a ceasefire starting Sunday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced on Wednesday. The announcement was made after a closed-door meeting on Wednesday between the two leaders in Istanbul. The truce should start at midnight on January 12. Cavusoglu explained that during the talks the crises in Idlib in Syria and US-Iran tensions were discussed with leaders pledging to work for a de-escalation of tension in the Persian Gulf. (ANSAmed). Philip George Ozard Philip Ozard was born in St Saviour in 1889. His parents were Philip John Ozard and Elizabeth Le Boutillier. Philip had spent seven years in the Jersey Home for Boys as a child, admitted in 1898 at the age of nine and then leaving in 1905. His admission record shows that he had one brother and four sisters and that his parents were both still alive when he was admitted to the home. While there Philip learnt his trade as a house boy and carpenter and on leaving he went to work at The Mount, Rouge Boullion. Philip's registration card shows that he lived at Bellozanne Valley during the Occupation period. He was married and reported his occupation as a Window Cleaner. We can see from his card that he doesn't have a photograph this is because, whilst the cards were produced in early 1941, the photographs weren't added until 1942 when Philip was already in prison. Philip was sent to the Public Prison on 9 May 1942, his offence was listed as political and he was sentenced to five years in prison, the longest sentence in the register. On 14 May he was transferred to the military prison and then on 1 June he was sent to France with four other prisoners. Philip's crime was unauthorised possession of weapons. Philip was initially sent to Caen Prison with two other islanders, Sidney Ashcroft and Harry Featherstone. He was then moved to Fort de Villeneauve-Saints Georges Prison and was then transferred on to Germany on 7 August 1942. Dr Gilly Carr, as part of her work into Channel Islander's sent to mainland Europe has used the International Tracing Service files to follow Philip's movements from this date. These records show that he was at Neuoffingen Forced Labour Camp until 9 May 1944, and then was transferred to Kaisheim Prison from 9 May 1944 until he was put on a forced march which ended at Landsberg Prison, where he was liberated by American forces on 30 April 1945. Philip survived his experiences and returned to Jersey where he died in 1969. Philip George Ozard was sent to the Public Prison on May 9 1942, his offence was listed as political and he was sentenced to five years in prison, the longest sentence in the register. On May 14 he was transferred to the military prison and then on June 1 he was sent to France with four other prisoners. Philip's crime was unauthorised possession of weapons Louisa Gould Louisa Gould is one of the last names to appear in the register. She was arrested on 26th May 1944 for political crimes and sentenced to two years in prison. The register shows that Louisa was sent to France on 30th June 1944. Louisa left on one of the last boats with prisoners to depart from the Island as the Channel Islands became cut off after D-Day and the allies advance through France. By the time of the occupation Louisa was a widow with two sons one of whom was killed in action early in the Second World War. After his death she was approached by a Russian, Feodor 'Bill' Burryi, who was on the run and seeking shelter, he had nowhere else to go and Louisa felt an obligation to prevent another mother from losing her son. Louisa's shelter of Bill was reported to the authorities by her neighbours in 1944. Fortunately for Bill the letter written by the neighbours was first received by the Victoria College Principle and he warned Louisa of the imminent search. Bill was hidden but the authorities found a radio and Louisa received a two-year sentence for her 'failure to surrender a wireless receiving apparatus'. Louisa was sent, first to France and then to Ravensbruck Concentration Camp where, on 13 February 1945 she was selected for execution and sent to the newly erected gas chamber. Louisa's brother Harold Le Druillenec was also implicated in the wireless case as were five other Jersey residents. Harold was sentenced to five months for listening to the wireless set. Harold was sent to France with Louisa and 18 other Jersey individuals sentenced for political crimes on 29 June 1944. Harold was sent to various camps and eventually was liberated from Bergen Belsen by the British in April 1945. On liberation Harold weighed just five stone having barely survived his horrific ordeal. This is Louisa Gould's registration card. Many political prisoners on Jersey were sent to France and Germany to serve their sentences, and while some returned safely after the Liberation, others - such as Louisa, now well known for helping to hide a Russian prisoner of war - did not Albert Alfred Chardine Albert Chardine was a Policeman during the Occupation. He was born on September 30 in St Martin and lived in Gorey Village. On June 11 1942 he was sentenced to two month's imprisonment for receiving stolen property. In May 1942 Chardine had obtained four gallons of petrol from an unknown member of the Organisation Todt (the German enforced labour organisation) and given the petrol to Peter Hassall. Peter Hassall and his two friends, Dennis Audrain and Maurice Gould had then used the petrol to try and escape from the Island by boat. Their attempt was unsuccessful and they were caught by the German authorities, Dennis drowned and Maurice and Peter were sent to prisons on the continent. Albert Chardine was suspended from the local police force for the duration of his sentence. Eventually his sentence was shortened, with support from the Constable of St Helier, on the understanding that 'he conducts himself in a manner calculated not to make himself the object of any further penalties.' Albert Chardine was a Policeman during the Occupation. He was born on September 30 in St Martin and lived in Gorey Village. On June 11 1942 he was sentenced to two month's imprisonment for receiving stolen property Paul Lozouet and Maria Lozouet Those people committing crimes who were not of Jersey birth could not only face a fine or prison, they could also be banished from the Island for a period of time. This happened to Paul Lozouet and Maria Lozouet, nee Giard, his wife. The couple, who were both in their 60s, were arrested on 22 October 1917 for stealing a large quantity of goods from a number of different individuals. The Police Register shows that they stole, among other things, towels, bed sheets, nightgowns, shirts, aprons and other linen from at least five different residences in Dicq Road. The couple appeared in the Royal Court and were sentenced to one month's hard labour and five years' banishment. The couple were clearly struggling financially as the 1917 Jersey General Hospital Registers shows Maria entering the Hospital on 21 November for reasons of poverty while her husband was in prison. Paul Lozouet (left) and his wife Marie, who were both in their 60s, were arrested on 22 October 1917 for stealing a large quantity of goods from a number of different individuals. Louisa Gould (right) was arrested on 26th May 1944 for political crimes and sentenced to two years in prison. The register shows that Louisa was sent to France on 30th June 1944. She was gassed to death in 1945 Source: Jersey Heritage Administrator report reveals financial impact of Tomlinsons Dairies collapse This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jan 8th, 2020 Documents filed by the administrator of Tomlinsons Dairies have revealed the financial impact to a wide range of farms, suppliers and employees; as well as detailing several failed attempts to sell the business in November, despite a range of interested parties. Yesterday saw a notice of deemed approval of proposals lodged with Companies House, following the formal administrators proposals submitted before Christmas. The statement of affairs documents recently made public include a statement of affairs PDF detailing a range of creditors from the company that is now in administration. They include 10m to HSBC Bank, with a further 2.4m for HSBC equipment finance, 2m to HSBC invoice finance and a further 1.8m to the Development Bank of Wales. A range of entities that appear to be farms due to the nature of the addresses stated are also each owed a range of four and five and even six figure sums. As is common in large administrations the list contains creditors large and small locally and across the UK. Wrexham Council are listed as being owed 58k. Claims from employees and former employees total 177k. At the time of entering administration the company had 331 employees with 247 made immediately redundant. Currently just eight remain employed who are assisting the administrators. In a later document administrators state: We anticipate that secured creditors will not be repaid in full, sufficient funds will be available to pay the preferential creditors in full and there will only be a prescribed part dividend to unsecured creditors. They go onto say: based on an initial estimate of unsecured creditors as per the directors Statement of Affairs circa 11.9m this would give a dividend to unsecured creditors of between Nil to 3 pence in the pound. The documents give a narrative of the company history and why it ended up in administration. It notes in 2017 the revenue was around 50m and by 2018 had reached 85m and the draft audited accounts show 100m for 2019. In 2017 the company tendered for a three year contract to October 2020 which required it to double in size, with added processing and storage capacity. This was funded a mix of debt, equipment finance, grants and equity. Having won the contract the company made very significant trading losses in the ensuing two years. In 2018 the companys secured creditors agreed to a capital repayment holiday from spring 2018 and HSBC agreed a significant increase in the level of the overdraft facility. It adds that key customers provided some price support but not at a level that the company needed to restore it to profitability. Given the extent of the ongoing trading losses the company approached a number of parties for an equity injection. These efforts were unsuccessful. However at that point the blow-moulding operation was sold that helped reduce debt, and gave a cash injection. The report notes that spring weather typically brings a flush of milk, which in 2019 meant a drop in demand. From May 2019 onwards the company started to experience negative variances against the revisited profitable forecasts with energy prices, commodity cream prices and plastic bottle costs given as examples. The report states by September the directors had arranged regular ongoing legal and financial advise on the challenging position the company faced. The report concludes noting ultimately sufficient support / funding was not forthcoming and although trading during a possible sale of the business was sought, the company ended up in administration. After administration 58 prospective buyers were contacted with non-disclosure agreements sent to 39 of them, with 29 returning them. Several visited the premises and had extensive discussions with offers excepted up to the end of November. Regrettably that exercise did not result in any acceptable offers. Due to that the administrators will be seeking to realise the value in the plant, machinery and property on a break up basis. Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymrus North Wales AM, commented on the newly public documents: The report by PwC, which has taken over the running of Tomlinsons dairy business, makes it clear that things look very bleak for unsecured creditors this includes dozens of dairy farmers across north Wales and Cheshire as well as many small businesses in the locality. The larger secured creditors, such as HSBC, are expected to get the majority of the money owed them back and are in a position to withstand any financial hit. Farmers who havent been compensated are now facing a return of just 3 pence in the pound. Thats scandalous. When you consider that some are owed more than 100,000, its a real body blow for any small business. We need a better system to ensure this kind of financial failure in one company doesnt end up taking down others further down the supply chain. Ill be raising questions with the minister about how the Welsh Government can ensure farmers and small businesses are not left high and dry like this. Id like to see better protection for the future, so that there was more security that payments for milk received would be made regardless of the companys financial situation. I hope the minister, who authorised substantial loans to Tomlinsons in the months leading up to their financial problems, doesnt try to duck his responsibility to those suppliers. We need a flourishing food and drink sector in Wales and losing a large processor like Tomlinsons has been a blow to our economy in terms of jobs in the Wrexham area but also the wider dairy industry. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they are to step back as senior members of the royal family and will now divide their time between the UK and North America. Harry and Meghans groundbreaking decision came in a statement, and the couple said they will work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support the Queen. The couples move follows weeks of speculation about their future after they took an extended break from royal duties over the festive period that followed an emotional appearance in a documentary. In the ITV programme they spoke about the pressures they have been facing and family rifts, and in a separate move Harry issued a damning statement against the media accusing sections of the press of bullying his wife. The couple said in their statement: After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as senior members of the royal family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty the Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. Harry and Meghan have only recently returned from their six-week break spent in the Canadian province of British Columbia with their eight-month-old son Archie. Their first royal engagement of the new decade was to visit Canadas High Commission in central London to thank Canadians in person for the warmth of the welcome they received. Expand Close The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent the festive period in North America (Andrew Milligan/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent the festive period in North America (Andrew Milligan/PA) It is likely they will be spending their time in the Commonwealth country when not in UK and may travel to America, Meghans homeland and where her mother lives. Any move to Canada, even for a period of the year, would throw up important questions about Meghan and Harrys long-term future within the royal family. Meghan, a former actress, lived and worked in Toronto during her time starring in the popular US drama Suits, and the couple were famously pictured together when Meghan joined her then-boyfriend Harry at the 2017 Invictus Games in the city. The cost of security for the couple would also be an issue, and as Canada is a realm, a country where the Queen is head of state, it may have to pay for keeping the couple and their son Archie safe. The couples aim to be financially independent may point towards them seeking a job, or a paid role with an organisation whose aims compliment their own beliefs. Other members of the monarchy who have salaried jobs include the Queens grandchildren Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and Peter Phillips, who all work for a living. The U.S. drone strike that killed the Iranian Quds Force commander, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, was a bold move with potentially far-reaching consequences. It unquestionably heightens the risk of war; it could also open the door to diplomacy. But the Trump administrations immediate challenge is to contain the actions impact on Iraq. Soleimanis killing by U.S. forces outside the Baghdad airport Friday was a nightmarish development for Iraq, which fears becoming the central battleground in the increasingly military confrontation between Iran and the United States. Iraq has struggled to balance its American patron and its Iranian neighbor while preserving its sovereignty. Iranian-backed militia units Popular Mobilization Forces, or PMFs played an important role in defeating the Islamic State in Iraq. But since then the Iraqi government has struggled, largely unsuccessfully, to bring the units under its control. Violent demonstrations in Iraq over the past several months presented an unexpected opportunity. While protesters challenged the corruption, sectarianism and ineffectiveness of the Iraqi government, they also railed against Iranian influence. That could have strengthened the Iraqi governments hand in dealing with the PMFs. Unfortunately, Soleimanis death has diverted attention instead to the presence of U.S. forces. The Iraqi parliament on Sunday passed a nonbinding resolution asking the Iraqi government to expel foreign troops from the country, targeting the approximately 5,000 U.S. forces in Iraq. Whether the caretaker government of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has the power or desire to eject U.S. and coalition forces is uncertain. What is clear is that one of the PMFs, Kataib Hezbollah, has been behind the escalating violence over the past several months as part of a campaign (assuredly with Iranian approval) to force out U.S. troops. The campaign culminated in the Dec. 31 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. (The head of Kataib Hezbollah, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was killed with Soleimani.) By expelling U.S. forces, the Iraqi government would be falling into Kataib Hezbollahs trap: rewarding the militias violent campaign, strengthening the Iranian-backed PMFs, weakening the Iraqi government and state sovereignty, and jeopardizing the fight against the Islamic State. Forcing out U.S. troops would not sit well with the Kurdish and Sunni populations in Iraq, nor with the Sunni Arab states. The United States can help. Too often it has viewed Iraq exclusively through the prism of U.S. policy toward Iran. The Trump administration should publicly state that it is committed to the sovereignty of Iraq, that the mission of U.S. and coalition troops is to train Iraqi security forces and help them protect the Iraqi people against a resurgent Islamic State, and that the United States will coordinate with the Iraqi government on matters involving U.S. troops. While doing whats necessary to protect U.S. military and civilian personnel in the region, the United States should pursue its fight with Iran outside of Iraqi territory. The administration should treat any fresh attacks by Iran or its militias on U.S. forces in Iraq as an opportunity to shift the focus back on Iran as the true threat to Iraqi sovereignty. One can only hope that President Donald Trump succeeds in deterring Iran from its threatened retaliation for Soleimanis death. But the threat of greater violence is likely to continue unless interrupted by a resumption of diplomacy. Russian President Vladimir Putin can be expected to mount a diplomatic initiative similar to the one he undertook in 2013 to remove chemical weapons from Syria. President Barack Obama welcomed that development, and Trump is likely to be similarly enthusiastic. The European countries that backed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action the nuclear deal between the United States and Iran may rekindle their interest in promoting peace between the two countries. Tehran should embrace a diplomatic solution when it surfaces. The country faces increasing economic hardship that risks reigniting the massive public demonstrations that the regime was able to put down last fall only by a brutal use of force. Trump, like Obama before him, has tried mightily to withdraw U.S. troops from the Middle East. Both failed. The United States remains engaged there because it continues to have vital interests in the region: forestalling terrorist threats; supporting and protecting friends and allies; checking Irans nuclear ambitions and malign influence. The killing of Soleimani may result in even deeper U.S. involvement, but it doesnt have to if the parties choose diplomacy. Hadley served as national security adviser during the George W. Bush administration and first published this op-ed in The Washington Post. He is also a board member of Raytheon, a defense contractor. Craig Snyder of Philadelphia's World Affairs Council with Prince Abdullah Al-Saud, former Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. Read more I returned in November from leading a World Affairs Council tour in Saudi Arabia. Once again, I found that the experience of the extremely unfamiliar teaches me not only about them, but very much about us. What I reflected on in Saudi Arabia is what repression feels like, how it hangs in the air of so many countries, and how much we have to be thankful for as Americans. Amid the impeachment drama and the pervasive belief that our country has become divided into hostile tribes, perhaps even not too far from violence against one another, I returned to the free air of the United States with a renewed clarity. I saw not only the advantages of our political and economic system but also that among the fundamental pillars of our national success is the implicit respect and enormous trust Americans put in one another. When a traffic light before us turns green, it does not occur to us that people on the perpendicular road wont stop for their red light because of their political views. We trust it is safe to go through the green light, whether our fellow drivers are red or blue. When we board an airplane, we dont ask who the pilot voted for in the last election. Nor do we think about that as we head to surgery, regarding the doctors and nurses who will be in the operating room. When we go to the supermarket and see a quality and quantity of foods beyond the imagination of kings of the past, we give no thought to the political persuasion of any of the people who have to do their jobs just right for all that food to await us in that store. It is just not the case that we live our lives in warring tribes. Indeed, day in and day out, we put our very lives, and certainly the quality of our lives, in the hands of multitudes of strangers we will never meet, from every ethnic, religious, racial, gender, and ideological background. Yet this everyday respect and trust is absent in our current politics. The red/blue, MAGA/progressive divides seem as deep as similar splits in the 1960s, and perhaps nearly as intense as the animal spirits that produced Civil War in the 1860s. Returning from a place like Saudi Arabia, where rights Americans take for granted dont exist, makes me all the more confused as to why. What the hell are we so mad at each other about? So, you think KFC is disgusting and I think the same about kale. Shall we take up arms? There is just no objective basis for the present level of animus among our leaders and, too often, our ordinary citizens. If lefty Democrats could get their policy dreams fulfilled, America wouldnt become like Venezuela or the old Soviet Union. It might be rather more like Denmark or France. Maybe you dont like that idea. But is it an apocalyptic vision? Likewise, if the Right won it all, abortion would only be available to a large majority of American women, rather than a constitutional right for all, and gay couples might have to shop around to find a respectful wedding cake baker. Perhaps you find both of those ideas repugnant, but is this also, or either, an apocalyptic vision? And, truth be told, the maximum goals of both sides are equally impossible to achieve anyway, blocked by the endless ways our policy-making processes force compromise and incrementalism. Regardless of how much candidates for president may promise, it would take totalitarian power to implement. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren arent going to live to see private health insurance abolished, and Donald Trump will never see a giant border wall or mass deportation of the many millions who reside here without legal status. Never. Neither. But America works still, despite all this madness. Heres just one example. While President Trump made us alone among major nations to reject the Paris Climate Accord, the invisible hand of American ingenuity has also made us the only major carbon emitter on track to meet the reduction goals promised in Paris. Its progress without regard to politics. And that may just well be a great way to summarize much of the best of American history and most of what our founders had in mind when they set out to create a nation pledged to moral equality and a government which empowers, not overpowers, its people. Ive visited 100 countries now, with Saudi Arabia just the most recent reminder that we Americans have far more for which to be grateful, and around which to unite, than any other people on earth. Craig Snyder is president and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia. If there are real crazy rich Asians, Chavit Singson might be one of them. He is a business tycoon and a politician and is considered as one of the richest men in the Philippines. Considering this, have you ever wondered how much is Chavit Singson net worth? Image: facebook.com, @chavitsingson Source: UGC There is no wonder that Chavit Singson would be part of the list of the richest man in the Philippines because he has successful businesses. In addition to that, he also is the Mayor of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, since June 2019. Here is everything you need to know about the wealth of the businessman. Luis Chavit Singson net worth The 78-year-old businessman owns numerous multi-million businesses, which is enough proof that he indeed is a rich man. According to Celeb Trend News, Chavit Singson net worth in 2019 was $17 Million. In one of his interviews, the entrepreneur revealed his net revenue. He said, My net revenues amount to about PHP 120 million a month. There are a lot (of companies). I have many businesses that earn millions. The construction (business) I make billions; the transportation (business), Im netting around PHP 100 million a month; Ive earned PHP 1 billion from that in previous years, just for transportation. With this immense number of money, he is surely a wealthy man. It is not surprising that he has properties that are worth millions. Chavit Singson wealth Get a glimpse of Singsons wealth and properties and be in awe of the fascinating properties he owns. Chavit Singson cars Singson was appointed as the exclusive distributor GAC motor (a Chinese automotive brand) under Legado Motors Inc. Because he is part of the local automobile industry, he also got a good taste in terms of his cars. Recently, the entrepreneur posted on Instagram a photo of what could be his new car with a caption, INKAS CIVILIAN SENTRY 2020.#LuisChavitSingson #toysforthebigboys #Inkas #InkasSentry #Dornier328100 #BombProof #TheBestIsYetToCom. Image: instagram.com, @luischavitsingson Source: Instagram Quick research would reveal that this car is a multipurpose vehicle designed to serve in extreme climate conditions. The armored vehicle provides a high level of protection and comfort to its passengers in almost any climate condition from extremely low temperatures to tropical heatwaves thanks to the extra layer of cabin insulation and smart ventilation system. This kind of vehicle could surely cost millions of dollars. READ ALSO: Manny Pacquiao net worth: How much does he earn? Chavit Singson yacht There were reports that the entrepreneur bought the hundred-million-dollar M/Y Happy Life luxury yacht. The ship was used when Miss Universe was conducted in the Philippines last 2016. It was used to ferry some of the Miss Universe 2016 candidates in one of their pre-pageants activity. The yacht has five floors, 16 rooms, karaoke rooms, and a Jacuzzi hot tub. Image: facebook.com, @chavitsingson Source: Facebook Other properties As it is stated earlier, the entrepreneur owns numbers of businesses. He is the owner of the renowned Baluarte in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is an 80-hectare interactive wildlife sanctuary that has become one of the famous tourist spots in the country. Aside from Baluarte, here are some of the companies under his name: Blemp Commercial of the Philippines, Inc. Partas Transportation Chavit Tree Project Corporation Clark Luis Retail Hallohallo Skylark Lending Corporation Platinum Skies Aviation Satrap Mining Corporation Satrap Power Corporation White Lion Media Production Inc. Chavit Singson net worth speaks loudly about how intelligent and skillful he is in handling money. He proves that he is not afraid to take a risk and try new ventures. READ ALSO: Chavit Singson bio: age, net worth, siblings, children, is he married? Source: KAMI.com.gh (TNS) A privacy group is suing the Manhattan Transit Authority over its apparent use of facial recognition technology at a busy Manhattan subway station though the agency claimed in April the tech was fake to scare people out of attempting fare evasion.The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (STOP) a New York-based privacy organization filed a lawsuit Monday in Manhattan Supreme Court, demanding the release of records about the alleged use of facial recognition at the Times Square42nd Street/Port Authority Bus Terminal station.STOP originally asked for the records from the MTA and New York City Transit through a Freedom of Information Law request in April, after a woman tweeted a photo of a video monitor at the subway station that said recording in progress. The screen seemed to be recording people as they entered and exited the station while showing yellow squares around their faces.The group sued, claiming the MTA did not respond quickly enough to their April 22, 2019 FOIL.New Yorkers deserve to know if the MTA is using invasive new spy tools, said Albert Fox Cahn, the executive director of STOP. More than eight months ago, we submitted a straightforward request, but since then weve received nothing but evasion and stonewalling. If the MTA was telling New Yorkers the truth about their facial recognition systems, then why has it taken nearly a year to get the documents that prove it?The tweeted photo shows the word Wisenet in the top left corner of the screen. The security company offers facial recognition technology cameras. Its website features a photo of a child entering a home with a similar square around his head as the one seen in the tweet.Wisenet did not immediately respond to requests for comment.When the tweet was first shared in April, the MTA denied it was using facial recognition technology, claiming the video monitor was only intended to scare people out of turnstyle jumping. On Tuesday, the MTA reiterated that position.There is absolutely no facial recognition component to these cameras, no facial recognition software, or anything else that could be used to automatically identify people in any way, and we have no plans to add facial recognition software to these cameras in the future. Beyond that, its our policy not to comment on pending litigation," MTA spokesman Shams Tarek said in a statement. Iran has threatened to bomb Israel and Dubai if the United States retaliates for its ballistic missile strike at two Iraqi bases housing US troops. Tehran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the US drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani on Friday. The Ayn al Asad airbase in western Iraq that was visited by Donald Trump in December 2018 and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm. Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned the US and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack. The Guard issued the warning via a statement carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency. 'We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted,' The Guard said. Another television channel of the Guard also threatened to bomb Dubai and Haifa in Israel. Iran has fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general Iran's Revolutionary Guard (pictured is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) threatened to bomb Dubai and Israel if the US retaliate over the strikes Iranian state TV said the attack was in revenge for the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose funeral procession Tuesday in his hometown of Kerman prompted angry calls to avenge his death. The Pentagon says the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. President Donald Trump has been briefed on the attacks and Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were spotted arriving at the White House soon after news of the strikes broke. The rockets used in the attack, according to Iranian TV, were Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles, which have a range of 186 miles or 300km. The Iranian air force has since deployed multiple fighter jets to patrol it airspace, according to reports - as Iran warned the U.S. and its allies in the region not to retaliate. Soleimani's killing and Iran's missile strikes also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. The Ayn al Asad airbase in western Iraq that was visited by Donald Trump in December 2018 and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two nations, which have been foes since the days immediately following Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. After the strikes, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator posted a picture of the Islamic Republic's flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others Friday in a drone strike in Baghdad. Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported, Brynjar Stordal, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces told The Associated Press. State TV said the operation's name was 'Martyr Soleimani'. It said the Guard's aerospace division that controls Iran's missile program launched the attack. Iran said it would release more information later. Wednesday's revenge attack came a mere few hours after crowds in Iran mourned Soleimani and as the U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the region's waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. The acquisition provides Esteve with greater pharmaceutical presence in Europe's main markets and a portfolio of proprietary specialty products for hospital use. Headquartered in Berlin ( Germany ), Riemser has subsidiaries in the United Kingdom , France , and Spain and is present in nearly 50 countries through alliances with third parties. BARCELONA, Spain and BERLIN, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ESTEVE announced today that they have come to an agreement to acquire all the shares of the German pharmaceutical company Riemser from Ardian, a world-leading private investment house. Headquartered in Berlin, Riemser has a diversified portfolio of products with the 3 main therapeutic areas being: oncology, neurology and niche therapies. Riemser operates a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Germany and has direct geographical presence in four of Europe's five major countries: Germany, United Kingdom, France, and Spain. Over 80% of sales come from the hospital channel, providing specialty treatments and a wide range of pharmaceuticals in therapeutic niche areas. ESTEVE's purchase of Riemser will accelerate its transformation into a specialty pharma company with more than 60% of its sales coming from proprietary products; it will also give ESTEVE access to a high-growth sector the hospital market. Staffan Schuberg, CEO of ESTEVE, said: "This acquisition is a meaningful contribution to our strategic path towards making Esteve much more of an international proprietary, specialty pharma company. Riemser contributes both knowledge and experience in the European hospital market, in addition to pharmaceutical activity in four of the major European markets - Germany, United Kingdom, France and Spain. Riemser's presence and facilities in these geographically important markets provide a significant growth potential for Esteve and we will, as a combined entity with Riemser, continue our quest for further expansion." Founded in 1992, Riemser was acquired in 2012 by Ardian with the goal to focus the company's activities on its core specialty pharma business and expand the company internationally. Under the ownership of Ardian, Riemser has enjoyed impressive international growth through acquisitions, first in France, then in the UK and more recently in Spain, and it has strengthened its portfolio of specialty products by purchasing several products from large multinational pharmaceutical firms. Konstantin von Alvensleben, CEO of Riemser, said: "We are very proud that with Esteve, a strong family-owned pharma company with a long tradition has chosen to acquire Riemser. Together we will build on our strengths and leverage our profile as a European specialty pharma company with proprietary products and hospital focus to further increase our international reach and expand our business. At the same time, we want to thank Ardian for their support over the past years." The acquisition is expected to be completed within Q1 2020. The parties have agreed not to disclose any details of the transaction. About RIEMSER Riemser Pharma GmbH (www.riemser.com) About ESTEVE ESTEVE ( https://www.esteve.com/global ) About ARDIAN Ardian (www.ardian.com) SOURCE ESTEVE PHARMACEUTICALS Related Links https://www.esteve.com/global The departure of the foreign troops is the "only solution" to the current crisis, according to Iraqi Prime Minister, while NATO announced it would temporarily redeploy part of its personnel in Iraq to protect its troops amid escalating tensions in the wake of a US strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. "What we have proposed before the Parliament about the departure of the (foreign) forces is the only solution... We do not have another way out," Adel Abdel-Mahdi said in a televised speech during a cabinet meeting held Tuesday, reported Efe news. Iraq had survived between 2011-2014 without the presence of international troops, the prime minister said. The Islamic State terror organisation - which the international coalition had been set up to fight - is now much "weaker" according to Abdel-Mahdi. Abdel-Mahdi confirmed he received a message from the United States on Monday that included a "clear" reference to the "withdrawal" of troops, but it turned out to be a wrong message. The message, published by Iraqi media, was talking about redeployment of the international coalition's troops that was widely interpreted as a withdrawal announcement. US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper then denied any intention to withdraw troops from Iraq. Iraq tried to verify the authenticity of the letter, the Iraqi official said. He said the fact that "the Arabic translation of one of the paragraphs was contrary to the English text" drew his attention. Subsequently, the US administration sent a new letter that coincided with the original language, he continued. The Iraqi parliament passed a resolution on Sunday asking the government to end the presence of foreign troops on Iraqi soil. The resolution came a few hours after the international coalition announced it would suspend training of the support for Iraqi troops to focus on the protection of the US bases in Iraq. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) announced on Tuesday the partial temporary redeployment of its troops to other positions in and outside the Arab country. The move came after the alliance decided on Saturday to temporarily suspend its training of Iraqi army and security forces. "We are taking the necessary preventive measures to protect our personnel. This includes the temporary repositioning of part of our personnel to different locations in and outside Iraq," a source inside the alliance told Efe. NATO said it maintains its presence in the country. The organisation did not provide more details to "to protect the safety of personnel on the ground." Earlier in the day Abdel-Mahdi told NATO's secretary general Jens Stoltenberg that Baghdad seeks the withdrawal of international troops from Iraq. During a phone conversation with Stoltenberg, Abdel-Mahdi insisted on "the position of the Iraqi government and Parliament on the presence of foreign forces and their withdrawal from Iraq, and of maintaining their sovereignty," the office of the prime minister said in a statement. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between both parties. For his part, Stoltenberg said NATO will to resume the training of Iraqi security forces when possible. The Norwegian politician said allies remain committed to NATO's mission in Iraq, which is helping to strengthen Iraqi forces and prevent the return of the Islamic State to the territory. The North Atlantic Council, the highest decision-making body of NATO, held an extraordinary meeting on Monday at the ambassadorial level to address the escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington. During the meeting, the allies called for moderation and said a new conflict would not interest anyone. They also urged Iran not to commit further violence and provocations. Between Iraq and a Hard Place: a crystal-clear depiction of a young couple who blazed a trail for the gospel among the Kurds of Iraq. Between Iraq and a Hard Place is the creation of published author Kirk Legacy, a retired pastor, overseas Christian volunteer, and teacher. He loves music and plays the trombone in a big band, a jazz band, and a worship band. Legacy writes, This is the true story of God doing the impossible. A young couple leaves Silicon Valley to learn Kurdish in Berlin. They have a passion to share the love of Jesus with the world, particularly those who are oppressed, unloved, and disenfranchised. As the First Gulf War ends, they are called to lead a team of relief workers in the mountains of eastern Turkey and Iraq to assist the hundreds of thousands of Kurds who have fled for their lives. Their faith is stretched further as they attempt to adopt two starving Kurdish sisters. Finally, God asks them if their faith is big enough to trust Himeven if they lose these precious children. It is a story of two fragile people, facing formidable challenges, with scant human resources, under extreme conditions. They are confronted by fear, learn to hope when all seems lost, and experience peace amid lifes greatest struggles. Between Iraq and a Hard Place tells the saga of a couple under intense pressure, of two children facing certain death, and a people facing genocide. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Kirk Legacys new book is an interesting account that talks about the future and the kind of world that could come into existence if everyone put their faith to God. This account is the story of a remarkable God and His unfolding call on the lives of an ordinary couple. View a synopsis of Between Iraq and a Hard Place on YouTube. Consumers can purchase Between Iraq and a Hard Place at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Between Iraq and a Hard Place, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Chinas annual quota system has been heavily criticized by the United States, which last year won a World Trade Organisation ruling that China violated its obligation to administer the quota on a fair basis China will not increase its annual low-tariff import quotas for corn, wheat and rice to accommodate stepped-up purchases of farm goods from the United States, senior agriculture official Han Jun said on January 7. Reuters reported this with reference to local media group Caixin. Hans comments underline Chinas desire to protect its farmers even as it is under pressure to dramatically boost purchases of U.S. agricultural goods. If theyre going to buy at least $40 billion worth of U.S. products, theyre going to have to maximize all of those quotas for major commodities and take it all from the United States. And there lies the problem, said Terry Reilly, senior commodities analyst with Futures International. Purchasing exclusively from the United States, instead of export rivals such as Brazil and lower-cost suppliers like Ukraine, would distort global grain markets and raise costs for Chinese grain importers, he said. Feed grain demand has also dropped as African swine fever has killed about half of Chinas hog herd, he said. Traders and analysts said the announcement appeared to be aimed at local concerns in China. Han was quoted by Caixin as saying the quota is offered to global markets and we wont adjust it for one country. In 2017, before the trade war started, purchases of the three grains from the United States amounted to around $534 million, leaving room for a significant rise in imports within the existing quotas. Although theres certainly types of high-quality wheat that China would look to import, maxing out the tariff rate quota would also weigh on domestic producers, said Darin Friedrichs, senior Asia analyst at INTL FCStone. China will be facing a tough balancing act of trying to satisfy the U.S. demands for large agriculture purchases, while also not hurting the rural population. Increasing sales of meat, ethanol, distillers grains and soybeans are likely to be more important for reaching the U.S. target for doubling farm exports to China, said Shengdas Meng. Soybeans, which are not covered by the grain quotas, made up more than half of Chinas agricultural purchases from the United States before the trade war. The nations need for soybeans used to feed livestock has decreased as a deadly pig disease known as African Swine Fever has decimated Chinas hog herd. The country has been increasing meat imports, however. Chinas annual quotas are 9.64 million tonnes for wheat, 7.2 million tonnes for corn and 5.32 million tonnes for rice. The quota system has been heavily criticized by the United States, which last year won a World Trade Organisation ruling that China violated its obligation to administer the quota on a fair basis. [January 08, 2020] BLAZE Announces Technology Alliance With MyJane To Facilitate Compliant Distribution Of Industry's First Cannabis Gift Boxes IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BLAZE, the enterprise resource planning platform for the legal cannabis industry with operations in U.S. and Canada, has announced a technology collaboration with women's-focused cannabis retailer MyJane to sell curated gift sets through California-based dispensaries. MyJane, an Irvine-based wellness platform curating personalized cannabis experiences for women, will use BLAZE's software and tools to become the first company to bundle cannabis products into one box set that is compliant under California Bureau of Cannabis Control regulations. It also will give dispensaries a broader range of product options, while expanding the reach to a growing women's cannabis market. "BLAZE's suite of tools has allowed us to expand our retail footprint tenfold in a matter of weeks," said Helene Blanchette, president of MyJane. "This kind of exponential growth allows us to focus on our mission of helping women make informed wellness decisions about cannabis while creating greater opportunities for the brands we carry in our boxes to reach broader audiences." BLAZE's technology also breaks new industry ground, allowing MyJane to supply the first and only compliant cannabis box set sold as a single SKU to cannabis retailers. These sets are typically difficult to distribute under Californian laws, as tracking is required for each individual cannabis product in the package. "We are proud tha our suite of technology tools solved a vexing go-to-market challenge for MyJane and look forward to seeing the company accomplish its mission of normalizing cannabis for women," said Chris Violas, BLAZE chief executive officer. "This leap forward in cannabis retailing also will be METRC compliant and is available to BLAZE customers." MyJane, a retail subsidiary of ManifestSeven, championed self-care during the 2019 holiday season with its unique Sleep Box and will be introducing the Passion Box in mid-January ahead of Valentine's Day. ABOUT BLAZE: BLAZE, a VC-backed California technology company offers a unified seed-to-sale software and apps to help the cannabis industry grow. Developed by tech entrepreneurs and former cannabis company operators, BLAZE makes tech easy with an easy-to-use front end powered by an enterprise backend for dispensaries, delivery services, distributors and cultivators. Customers can be more profitable and productive while creating a better user experience for end customers and employees. The company's software ensures compliance with state and local laws and integrates seamlessly with over 40 technology vendors that also service cannabis companies. For more information, go to https://www.BLAZE.me. ABOUT MYJANE: Created by women for women, MyJane is a cannabis wellness community designed to empower women to feel better. Its mission is to normalize the cannabis experience for women by offering the first premium, curated cannabis experience in a box, tailored to meet women's individual needs and address their most-cited wellness concerns. MyJane, a ManifestSeven retail subsidiary, is headquartered in Irvine, California. To learn more, visit myjane.com. Contact: BLAZE PR [email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blaze-announces-technology-alliance-with-myjane-to-facilitate-compliant-distribution-of-industrys-first-cannabis-gift-boxes-300983795.html SOURCE BLAZE [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] ST. LOUIS A total of 25 small dogs and one cat have been rescued from a home in Hickory County, Missouri, northwest of Lebanon. Officials with the Humane Society of Missouri on Wednesday reported that its Animal Cruelty Task Force had been summoned to rescue the animals from a long-term hoarding situation in which the owner had been deceased for more than a week. By PTI NEW DELHI: Hours after a Ukrainian plane with 176 people on-board crashed near Tehran in Iran, aviation regulator DGCA on Wednesday asked Indian airlines to take all precautions in the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of the Persian Gulf, and reroute their flights to ensure safety of passengers. The security situation in the Middle East region is also tense because of Iran's missile strikes against two US military bases in Iraq on Wednesday. The missile strikes were in retaliation to the killing of top Iranian commander General Qassem Soleimani by the United States on January 3. A senior official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Wednesday evening, "In view of the impending tension in the Middle East, all air operators are directed to take appropriate precautionary measures including rerouting of their flights in order to ensure complete safety of passengers." ALSO READ | India asks citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq Therefore, Air India announced on Wednesday that it is temporarily rerouting its flights and that of its subsidiary Air India Express which use Iranian airspace. US Federal Aviation Administration has also asked all American airlines to stop operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman due to "events in the Middle East". Qassem Biniaz, spokesperson for Iran's Road and Transportation Authority, said one of the engines of the Boeing 737 aircraft, which had 167 passengers and nine crew members, of the Ukranian International airlines was struck by fire immediately after takeoff, causing the plane to crash. IndiGo does not operate any flights over Iranian and Iraqi airspace, hence it does not expect its flights to the Middle-East or Turkey to be impacted. "The routes to Gulf operate through Oman, Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf, while the routes to Turkey fly over the northern routes over the Caspian sea and head directly from there to Istanbul. Currently, our flights are operating as per normal schedule," IndiGo said in a statement. ALSO READ | Indian Navy deploys warship in Gulf region following spiralling tension between US, Iran "We are monitoring the situation closely and in case of a contingency, there might be slight time changes in our operations, which will be proactively communicated to our passengers through our regular channels," it added Flight crew of the PS752 flight - which crashed on Wednesday morning near Tehran - of Ukranian International Airlines (UIA) comprised of three pilots: Captain Volodymyr Gaponenko (11600 hours on Boeing 737aircraft including 5500 hours as captain); Instructor pilot Oleksiy Naumkin (12000 hours on Boeing 737 aircraft including 6600 hours as captain); First officer Serhii Khomenko (7600 hours on Boeing 737 aircraft). "Tehran airport is anything but a simple one. Therefore, for several years UIA has been using this airport to conduct training on Boeing 737 aircraft aimed at evaluating pilots' proficiency and ability to act in emergency cases," noted Ihor Sosnovsky, Vice President, Operations, UIA. "According to our records, the aircraft ascended as high as 2400 meters. Given the crew's experience, error probability is minimal. We do not even consider such a chance," it added. The Indian government has issued a travel advisory, asking citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq in view of the prevailing situation in the Gulf country. "In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification," the advisory by the Ministry of External Affairs said. It said Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 15:55:34|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- San Francisco car rental company Getaround will cut a quarter of its workforce in the new year in an effort to reduce rising costs and seek profitability growth, its CEO Sam Zaid said Tuesday. Zaid called the layoffs an "unfortunate" decision that will mainly impact its "vehicle-related operations" in North America. He told a U.S. media outlet that his company will cut about a quarter of its total workforce, or 150 employees, who are handling day-to-day interactions between car owners and renters. Getaround, which was considered one of the top valued online or peer-to-peer car sharing companies in Silicon Valley, was one of the latest SoftBank-backed startups to announce job eliminations while struggling for profit growth. Zaid said his company is trying to strike an important balance between growth and efficiency, in addition to bringing down increasing costs. San Francisco-based Getaround is a startup financed by SoftBank's Vision Fund, the world's largest tech investor. It raised 300 million U.S. dollars from investors led by SoftBank in 2018. The nationwide strike called by trade unions on Wednesday evoked a lukewarm response in Lucknow as life was normal during morning hours. Usual traffic was seen on the main thoroughfares of the state capital and shops and business establishments opened at their usual time. Most of the schools, colleges and other educational institutions as well as offices reported normal attendance. Reports from districts were awaited. Members of 10 central trade unions went on a one-day nationwide strike on Wednesday against the "anti-labour" policies of the government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) We are thrilled to partner with SRP Contractors, said Kent Stemper, BluSky CEO. Dale, Dave and Chris have built an organization with a reputation as industry experts and specialists while honoring their core values including quality and integrity. On Wednesday, Denver, Colorado-based BluSky Restoration Contractors, LLC announced a merger with Bartlett, Tennessee-based Sharp, Robbins & Popwell, LLC, a general contracting firm doing business as SRP Contractors. SRPs principal partners are Dale Sharp, Dave Robbins, and Chris Popwell. We are thrilled to partner with SRP Contractors, said Kent Stemper, BluSky CEO. Dale, Dave and Chris have built an organization with a reputation as industry experts and specialists while honoring their core values including quality and integrity. Those values, and the way they live them, attracted us to them. Drew Bisping, BluSkys chief corporate development and strategy officer, added, the locations of SRPs operations are ideal and provide a very strategic connection with other BluSky markets. Their expertise in servicing the health care industry is also unique. Through continued leadership from Dale Sharp and Dave Robbins, we will look to expand that nationally. From all fronts, we believe this will be a tremendous partnership and growth driver for BluSkys business in the region and health care services in all markets. It was clear from our first introduction to Dale, Dave and Chris, that they are incredible individuals with uncompromising integrity, Bisping continued. We are excited to welcome them into the BluSky family. Stemper remains the firms chief executive officer. SRPs partners will assume leadership positions in the combined business, which continues as BluSky Restoration Contractors. Sharp and Robbins will take senior roles within BluSky and will lead the expansion of health care services for the firm nationally. We have very intentionally built a culture of family and team at SRP, said Dale Sharp, SRP president. We believe in doing right things in right ways, living by our core values of integrity, communication, professionalism and quality. From our earliest interactions with the BluSky team, we recognized the same traits and intentions in their leadership. Were very excited about the partnership with BluSky, added Dave Robbins, SRP vice president. The merger creates opportunities for accelerated growth and expansion into new markets. Popwell will take a regional vice president role with oversight of the current SRP locations in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, and Little Rock, Arkansas, as well as future growth locations and services in the region. Weve always taken great pride in the way we care for our SRP family and clients, and it became abundantly clear BluSky has a reputation for adhering to the same principles, said Popwell, also a SRP vice president. Stemper concluded, Both organizations have many similarities, and we believe the cultures are a great fit. A key strategy for both SRP and BluSky is having a great place to work and delivering great service to customers through employees who love what they do. Todays announcement is the third in a strategic plan of mergers and acquisitions to support further growth. The firm previously merged with North Carolina-based Disaster One in 2017 and Missouri-based United Services in 2019. BluSky has grown organically from a privately-owned Colorado startup in 2004 to one of the largest national restoration firms in the country. A Phillipsburg man faces drug charges following a four-month investigation into crack cocaine and heroin dealing in town, the Warren County Prosecutors Office said in a news release Wednesday. Shene T. Brown, 29, of the first block of Lewis Street, was arrested Jan. 2 in Phillipsburg on a narcotics arrest warrant served by Phillipsburg, Washington Township and New Jersey State police, along with the Warren County Sheriffs Office and prosecutors office narcotics investigators, according to the release. Brown allegedly distributed drugs on several days last August, though authorities did not specify exactly where in Phillipsburg. Brown is charged with distribution of heroin in a school zone and three counts each of heroin and crack cocaine possession with intent to deliver and distribution of heroin and crack. Brown was sent to the Warren County jail to await a detention hearing, and the investigation was continuing, Warren County Acting Prosecutor James Pfeiffer says in the release. The charges against Brown are all third-degree crimes carrying a maximum penalty of five years in New Jersey State Prison, upon conviction. Editors note: This article has been updated to correct a reference to the suspect. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. European stocks closed slightly higher on Wednesday, reversing earlier losses suffered after Iran fired missiles on Iraqi airbases housing U.S. troops. The pan-European Stoxx 600 was around 0.1% higher at the closing bell, with travel and leisure stocks adding 0.6% to lead gains while food and beverages slipped 0.6%. Markets in Europe got off to a rocky start after Tehran retaliated to Washington's killing of its top military commander, launching more than a dozen ballistic missiles targeted at U.S. military forces in Iraq. It was not immediately clear whether any U.S. service members were harmed in the attacks. However, market participants seemed to interpret the action as a contained response to the targeted killing of Qasem Soleimani, with fears of an escalation easing somewhat during Wednesday's trading session. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohamad Javad Zarif said via Twitter that "we do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." "All is well!" President Donald Trump tweeted, adding that an assessment of casualties was taking place. (Newser) Everybody on board a Ukrainian airliner was killed in a crash shortly after takeoff from Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport early Wednesday, according to Iranian state media. The Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing 737-800 had either 170 or 180 people on board, state media reported. It's not clear whether there was any connection between the crash and Iran's missile attacks on two bases housing US forces in Iraq hours earlier, the BBC reports. According to Iranian media, officials suspect mechanical issues are to blame. A Boeing spokesman tells the AP that the company is trying to get more information. (Read more Iran stories.) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Wednesday that Israel would strike a resounding blow if attacked by arch foe Iran, as regional tensions soar after the US killing of a top Iranian general. Anyone who attacks us will receive a resounding blow, the premier told a Jerusalem conference after Iran launched a salvo of retaliatory missile strikes on bases used by US troops in Iraq. Netanyahu has described the target of last weeks US drone strike -- Major General Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards foreign operations arm -- as a terrorist-in-chief. ALSO WATCH | Iran fires ballistic missiles on Iraqi air bases hosting US military forces Qasem Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of countless innocent people, he destabilised many countries for decades, he sowed fear and misery and anguish and he was planning much worse, Netanyahu said. He was the architect and driver of Irans campaign of terror throughout the Middle East and the world. The Israeli premier praised US President Donald Trump for acting swiftly, boldly, and resolutely in killing Soleimani in the Iraqi capital Baghdad. The drone strike has put the United States and key allies on alert for Tehrans response to the killing. A senior Iranian official on Monday warned the Israeli cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv would be turned to dust, if Washington carried out further military action in response to its retaliatory moves. A Los Angeles man who was arrested on suspicion of more than a dozen sex crimes in the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl in San Francisco was released from jail after the district attorneys office put a charging decision in the case on hold, officials said Wednesday. King John Baylon, 22, was freed from San Francisco Jail after the district attorneys office didnt file criminal charges within the 48 hours required to hold a suspect in custody. Alex Bastian, a spokesman for the district attorneys office, said the case is still under investigation. Attempts to reach Baylon for comment were not immediately successful. Baylon was arrested on Sunday at the Ferry Building and booked on suspicion of 18 felony counts of sex crimes against a minor, including kidnapping for child molestation, child pornography and sexual intercourse with a minor. The case began on Friday when the alleged victim, a 13-year-old Mendocino County girl, disappeared from UCSFs Mission Bay campus where her sibling was receiving medical treatment, authorities said. The girl was seen on surveillance video leaving the hospital with a man in his early 20s, officials said. Investigators believe the girl knew the man through the internet. The Chronicle is not naming the girl since she is a victim of a suspected sexual assault. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The girls family took to social media in their frantic search, posting pictures and reaching out to the public for help. The strategy apparently worked as the posts when viral and prompted calls from members of the public who spotted the girl and man around San Francisco. The calls led UCSF police to the Ferry Building on Sunday, where they found Baylon with the girl. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido called Tuesday for three days of protests against President Nicolas Maduro, hours after he was sworn in for another term as National Assembly speaker following a standoff with the armed forces. Guaido was barred from entering the assembly by the National Guard for around half an hour in dramatic and chaotic scenes, while a rival claimant to the speaker's post occupied the chair. "It's time to stand up and to stand up with force," Guaido said later during a press conference. "We will mobilize for street protests on Thursday and Friday, and on Saturday we will all be in the streets." Guaido, self-appointed acting president of Venezuela, leads the opposition to leftist Maduro, who remains in power despite Guaido's year-long effort to oust the man he calls a "usurper." The National Assembly legislature is the only branch of government in opposition hands, and Guaido's holding of the speaker's post is important for continuation of his struggle with Maduro. Guaido is backed by the United States and more than 50 other countries but, despite Venezuela's economic collapse, Maduro appears entrenched with crucial support from the armed forces. He is also backed by China, Russia and Cuba. "Here we are, showing our face," Guaido said, taking his seat in the assembly after rival claimant Luis Parra and pro-government lawmakers left. Lawmakers sang the national anthem but electricity to the chamber was cut off, leaving deputies to use flashlights on their mobile phones. Guaido then raised his right hand and took the oath of office for another term as leader of the assembly. Earlier, dozens of National Guard troops wearing helmets and carrying riot shields blocked Guaido from entering the building. "These are not barracks!" Guaido shouted. Some of his allies and members of the press were also blocked from getting inside. The opposition said on Twitter that four lawmakers were injured by "regime minions." Parra, an opposition legislator accused of corruption, had declared himself speaker on Sunday after the armed forces had prevented Guaido from entering the building. Guaido had declared Sunday that he was re-elected to his post after holding a legislative session alongside loyal deputies at the offices of a pro-opposition newspaper. Crisis-hit Venezuela has been in political turmoil since last January when Guaido used his position as speaker to declare himself acting president in a direct challenge to the authority of Maduro. The United States warned on Tuesday it could ramp up sanctions against Venezuela, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated Guaido on his re-election. "The Maduro regime's campaign of arrests, intimidation and bribery could not derail Venezuelan democracy, nor could its use of military forces to physically bar the National Assembly from accessing the parliament building," said Pompeo. Speaking Tuesday on state broadcaster VTV, Maduro called Pompeo a "failed clown" for supporting Guaido, whose swearing in as speaker was "a show." "The United States assumes it has the right to name the world's legislatures with (their) threats," he said. And Maduro's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeted that the US must "now assume that its strategy against Venezuela failed. They have not shown any skills as puppeteers and they lost their main puppet." Parra was kicked out of his opposition party last month after an online site accused him of corruption linked to the over-pricing of food imported for the Maduro government. He remains a deputy and Maduro recognized Parra's election in a television address on Sunday. But even Maduro's left-wing allies Argentina and Uruguay have denounced the move. Before Sunday's vote, Guaido said the Maduro government had bribed some opposition deputies to vote against him. The opposition holds 112 of the 167 seats in the assembly. As well as two claimants to the presidency and the position of assembly speaker, Venezuela has two legislatures. The National Assembly has been effectively sidelined since 2017, when the Supreme Court, made up of Maduro loyalists, declared it in contempt. The court has since annulled its every decision. Maduro then controversially set up a Constituent Assembly -- also made up exclusively of loyalists -- with power to legislate in its place. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Conjoined twin babies, Goodness and Mercy Martins, will now have a chance at living their individual lives after undergoing a successful operation that separated them. The National Hospital in Abuja conducted the separation of the twins joined at the chest, abdomen and liver on November 14. Hospital management said it did not collect a dime from the parents for the surgery, its procedure and the 16-month period the twins spent in the facility. The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Jaf Momoh, said the hospital took particular interest in the twins upon discovering that their parents were poor and cannot bear the financial burden. My attention was drawn to their inability to pay for such expensive medical procedure so we accessed their status and classified them as indigent. We funded their care and major surgeries that separated them, Mr Momoh, a professor said on Tuesday at a press briefing. We ensured that the lack of funds did not stop the beautiful twins from enjoying their lives independently. Health ministers, Osagie Ehanire and Olorunimbe Mamora, and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Pauline Tallen, were among dignitaries that attended the briefing. Separating the twins The identical twin girls were born via caesarean-section on August 13, 2018 to Mariah and Michael Martins at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Keffi, Nassarawa State. They were attached at the chest and abdomen with a large blood vessel connecting their hearts through their chest walls. The FMC Keffi referred them to the National Hospital Abuja the following day August 14. That was when the long journey that brought us to this day began, Emmanuel Ameh, the head of the surgical team, said while taking journalists through the 16-month journey of the separation. First, we had to assemble a team The first challenge we faced when we received the babies was that their intestines were popping out from their conjoined lower abdomen, the pediatric surgeon said. Conjoined twin babies, Goodness and Mercy Martins, with their parents after separation. Conjoined twin babies, Goodness and Mercy Martins, with their parents after separation. Mr Ameh, a professor, said the next task was to find out several other organs the twins share in common and the ones that need to be separated. They had two independent hearts inside one heart covering, preliminary investigations found. While the twins have one conjoined liver serving the both, they have unglued intestines, he said. Conjoined twins develop when an early embryo only partially separates to form two individuals, according to an article on Mayo Clinic. Although two fetuses will develop from this embryo, they will remain physically connected most often at the chest, abdomen or pelvis. Conjoined twins may also share one or more internal organs. Though many conjoined twins are not alive when born (stillborn) or die shortly after birth, advances in surgery and technology have improved survival rates. Some surviving conjoined twins can be surgically separated. The success of surgery depends on where the twins are joined and how many and which organs are shared, as well as the experience and skill of the surgical team. Sensitive period The head surgeon said the twins were allowed to receive enough nutrition for months before the surgery was conducted. The professor said about 78 medical staff consisting of pharmacists, perioperative, anaesthetics dermatologists, paediatricians, plastic surgeons, nurses among a host of other professional hands were directly involved in the surgery that lasted for almost 12 hours. We divided ourselves into teams Goodness and Mercy. We had open-ended support from the management of the hospital and the parents too trusted us. Thankful parents Mr Martins was full of gratitude to the hospital management and the health ministry on Tuesday. The 35-year-old father is a self-employed painter who earns below N40, 000 monthly. His wife, Mariah, is unemployed. Conjoined twin babies, Goodness and Mercy Martins, with their parents after separation. Conjoined twin babies, Goodness and Mercy Martins, with their parents after separation. The couple who already had a three-year-old daughter prior to the birth of the conjoined twins, described the separation as a miracle. Advertisements The Benue indigenes said the hospital treated their case with care and concern even without charging them throughout their stay. Towards the end of the event, Mrs Tallen, the Minister of Women affairs, announced that automatic employment will be given to the mother of the twins. Commendations Meanwhile, in his remark, the minister of state for health, Mr Mamora, said the attitude displayed by the surgical team throughout the process commendable. Mr Osagie, the senior health minister, expressed delight that the surgery was not conducted abroad. This separation was not conducted by whites but Nigerians. This will help restore the much-needed confidence in our health sector and reduce medical tourism. Mr Momoh, the CMD of National Hospital, thanked the Nigerian government for investing so much in the hospital for it to be able to carry out such a rare surgical procedure. The medical director said it would have cost the parents about N20 million if they had sort for medical treatment abroad. Mr Momoh, however, noted that the hospital would not be able to foot bills of such a medical procedure for many indigent Nigerians because of the exorbitant running costs of the facility. He said the case of the twins presented the hospital an opportunity to display the might of their surgical strength and expertise. Barney Coyle admitted one count of manslaughter and was jailed for seven-and-a-half years at Guildford Crown Court A bare knuckle fighter who killed a stranger with a punch to the back of the head after he tried to steal his uber has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years today. Barney Coyle, 23, tried to scam an Uber driver by claiming he was the man who had ordered it before 24-year-old Jamie Smith - the genuine customer - recognised the number plate and tried to explain the situation to the driver as he was pulling away. Coyle jumped out of the other side of the cab and pounced on Mr Smith as he spoke to the driver, punching him powerfully with a single blow in Park Street, Guildford at around 2.20am on October 12 last year. Mr Smith's father Paul revealed how he was devastated to hear about the terrible injury, adding: 'We could see his brain slowly sleeping out of his skull dressings.' Coyle admitted to one count of manslaughter and was jailed for seven-and-a-half years at Guildford Crown Court. The judge heard that Coyle cowardly ran from the young man who was left unconscious beside the taxi as his friends chased him. Prosecutor Martin Yale said: 'He jumped over a wire fence and ran into a wooded area headed towards the railways tracks. Jamie Smith was unconscious and his breathing made snorting noises. 'He was rushed to St George's Hospital, at Tooting in London and a CT scan showed his brain injuries were catastrophic. He was put in an induced coma and died on October 17 2019. A post mortem examination revealed he had fractured the back of his skull.' Moments before the attack Coyle was seen on CCTV footage putting his fists up in a boxer's stance attempting to fight the security staff outside the Charcoal Grill in Guildford, before taking his top off and shouting 'come on then.' A statement by Jamie's father, Paul Smith said: 'No parent should ever have to hear the words from a specialist that their precious son had suffered the worst head injury he had ever seen. 'You ran away from the scene realising how hard his head smacked the pavement, you were still a coward thinking of only yourself. 'He had so much to offer the world, he was talented at playing the drums to grade eight, a DJ and he had an Honours degree in music technology. He worked at a top IT place in Mayfair and loved animals, he sponsored a guide dog for the blind.' Coyle, of Guildford, Surrey, had his head in hands sat in the dock as Judge Durran gave her sentencing remarks. She said: 'Jamie Smith was aged 24 years on October 12 2019. His father Paul Smith described him as a young man who excelled in sports, was a talented musician, went to university and after that was working at a top IT firm in Mayfair. He touched the lives of all who knew him, no sentence will lesson that grief. Shocking CCTV footage showed Coyle jumping out of the other side of the cab and pouncing on Mr Smith as he spoke to the driver, punching him powerfully with a single blow in Park Street, Guildford (pictured) at around 2.20am on October 12 last year 'You were out with your cousin, by the time you made it to that part of town you were in an animated mood. I have seen the CCTV footage of you squaring up to another customer and you were involved in another physical altercation with ammeter if security staff, punches were thrown by you. 'You were removed but a few minutes later you had returned. You are seen on the CCTV adopting a boxers stance and removing your top shouting ''come on then.'' 'Just after 2.20am an Uber Jamie Smith had ordered pulled up and you and your cousin got in. The driver asked you if you were Jamie and you said that you were. Just as the taxi came to pull away Jamie Smith told the taxi driver the wrong people were in the car with forceful terminology. 'Jamie Smith would have been responsible for the fair and opened the door and explained that. You got out of the rear and purposefully attacked Jamie Smith. He did not see it coming and had no chance to defend himself in an unprovoked attack. 'He was trapped between the door and the side of the car, he was unconscious and had nothing to protect his fall. It must have been clear to you you had seriously injured him and you did not offer to help. 'You ran away in panic, a more mature person would have remained at the scene. It is clear his brain injuries were catastrophic and he died October 17 2019 having sustained a fracture to the back of his skull and a bruise to the left side of his cheek bone. 'It was just after 9am on October 12 you handed yourself in after police attended an address known to you. You were arrested for causing grievous bodily harm.' The judge recalled that Coyle had a total of three police interviews, one of which he gave a 'plainly untrue' account of the incident. She went on to go through his previous four convictions in five years. She said: 'You have an unfortunate habit of finding arguments in the vicinity of taxis.' Concluding her remarks, the judge said: 'This offence wasn't ultimately a single punch,' before giving a seven and a half year jail sentence. The two black boxes, which record cockpit conversations and flight data, have been recovered following the crash of a Ukrainian passenger aircraft shortly after taking off in Tehran. There has been speculation that the three-year-old plane, in which all 176 people on board were killed including three Britons , could have been downed by a missile, similar to what happened to Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in July 2014. Ukrainian envoys are working at the crash site outside Tehran to establish the cause of the crash - and Reuters news agency says a source has told them that intelligence agencies have seen no evidence the plane was shot down. Here, one expert shares some possibilities... Tony Cable is a former senior inspector at the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). He told Sky News: "I've seen a few photos of the crash site. The wreckage shows a high degree of break up which indicates that the plane crashed vertically at speed into the ground. There seems to be a lot of relatively small pieces of debris." Engine bay fire The Ukrainian embassy in the Iranian capital originally pointed to engine failure as the cause of the Boeing 737-800 disaster but dropped that reference in later comments. An Iranian transport official has been quoted as saying it appeared a fire struck one of its engines and then the pilot lost control. Mr Cable said if there was a fire in one engine then under the normal protocol the fuel supply would be turned off and the plane would be able to be flown with just the one good engine. It appears the plane crashed vertically and if it was simply an engine fire the pilot would be able to shut down the affected engine and remain in control of the aircraft. Mechanical issue The crash was the first fatal incident involving Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) and the plane was flown by experienced pilots, company officials said. Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue brought down the aircraft. Story continues Mr Cable said many mechanical issues are possible. However, the Boeing 737 record is relatively good, excluding the Boeing 737 MAX. Meanwhile, the head of Iran's civil aviation organisation has been quoted as saying it was not clear which country Iran would send the black boxes to for data analysis, but it would not give them to Boeing. Mr Cable said Tehran not giving the black boxes to the US plane maker was not surprising, given the current heightened tensions between the two countries. Flight control problem Mr Cable said: "Flight controls can go wrong but it is pretty unlikely. It happened with the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with two tragedies in Indonesia and Ethiopia in recent years." Although the Boeing aircraft involved in Wednesday's crash was from the same family as the MAX, it was different in that it operates with a different software system to the one implicated in the MAX crashes, he said. The plane was shot down The passenger jet came down in farmland outside Tehran hours after Iran launched rocket attacks against two bases in neighbouring Iraq housing US troops. Mr Cable said: "There would be some pretty obvious characteristics if this was the case. There would be shrapnel damage to parts of the wreckage. "Investigators would collect the wreckage on site and then lay it out in the form of the aircraft." He went on: "In the case of MH17 - it was pretty obvious for investigators that it had been hit by a missile once they saw the wreckage." Citing a Canadian security source, Reuters said the initial assessment of Western intelligence agencies was that the jet was not brought down by a missile. Non-contained engine failure Mr Cable said this is where high energy debris from an internal failure of the engine penetrates the engine casing. This debris can damage the airframe and systems, such as fuel lines, hydraulic lines, electrical cables in the wing. Massive electrical fire An uncontrolled electrical fire would be rare, he said. A bomb detonated on board Mr Cable said: "A bomb could cause loss of control and a high vertical speed crash. Investigators would be looking for wreckage that is separated from the main wreckage. "So in a bombing, small pieces from the initial blast would be found somewhere else from the main structure." Washington [US], Jan 08 (ANI): Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq, targeting at least two bases at Al-Asad and Abril, Pentagon confirmed on Wednesday. The defence department said that the US is working on initial battle damage assessments and the bases have been put on high alert to prevent further attacks. The attack comes days after Washington assassinated Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman in a statement said, "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil", the statement read. "We are working on initial battle damage assessments. In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region," it added. Hoffman said that the US will "take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region." On Friday, the United States had carried out a fatal strike against Soleimani in Baghdad. Iran has vowed to take the "harshest revenge" against Washington. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has threatened that his country will hit 52 Iranian sites if Tehran dares to take any action against the "preemptive" strike. Iran's semi-official news agency Fars News Agency tweeted a purported video of missiles firing and said "Start of Iran's vengeful US retaliation / Moment of Iranian missile firing at US base in Ain al-Assad." (ANI) So much for the notion that, after Tuesdays Iranian missile strikes, President Donald Trump would start winding this crisis down. To the contrary, he said in his Wednesday morning speech that the crisis is still on and that he is stepping up pressure on Tehran. We are continuing to evaluate options in response to Irans aggression, Trump said, with the entire Joint Chiefs of Staff standing behind him, suggesting that military escalation is still a possibility. Meanwhile, he added, he would impose new sanctions on Irans economy until the regime changes its behavior, scuttling rumors and reports from the night before that Trump would seek an off-ramp to the growing tensions between the two nations. Advertisement In particular, Trump continued to denounce the Iran nuclear deal as foolish and claimed that Tehrans terrorist spree was funded by the money that President Barack Obama gave the regime as part of the deal. This was a false charge in three ways. First, the money consisted of Iranian assets that had been frozen because of Irans illegal nuclear program and that were, therefore, freed when the program was dismantled. Second, during the three years that the nuclear deal was in place, Iran launched no attacks on oil tankers or U.S. military bases; those began only after Trump pulled out of the deal. Third, Irans attacks havent cost much to execute; they could have been done if sanctions had never been lifted (and they were lifted only partially before they were reimposed). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More to the point in this context, Trumps remarks indicate that he has no interest in reviving the deal or returning to the negotiating tablea step that many have seen as a prerequisite to ending the current standoff between the two nations. Trumps remarks indicate that he has no interest in reviving the deal or returning to the negotiating table. That was the main message of this speech: Trump is not escalating the military conflict in response to Irans missile strikesmainly because, as he noted in the speech, no American or Iraqi troops were killed or wounded in the attack. (According to some reports, Trump delayed giving a speech, originally scheduled for Tuesday night, until he found out whether there had been any casualties.) However, he is not taking steps to de-escalate the broader conflict either. Advertisement Ever since the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, many commentatorsincluding retired U.S. commanders who despise and distrust the Iranian regime and especially the Quds Force that Soleimani commandedhave urged Trump to use the occasion to de-escalate the conflict. Some reports quoted current officials saying on background that Trump was prepared to do just that. Anticipating a much more conciliatory speech, some analysts hailed Trumps moves as a successful diplomatic strategy and a positive step toward peace. Advertisement Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif suggested that his government would welcome such a move, tweeting shortly after Tuesday nights attack that his country took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN charter, targeting only the base from which Trump had launched his attacks on Iranian-backed militias and on Quds commander Soleimani. (Italics added.) This suggested that Irans retaliation was overthat it would launch no additional strikesas long as the United States also held its fire. Advertisement Advertisement Trump is holding fire for now, but he made it very clear that he is reserving the right to return moreand that, meanwhile, he is taking no steps toward a peaceful resolution of the broader conflict. All concessions will have to come from Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement He did make one curious comment, which Iran might take as some encouragement. He called on NATO to become more involved in the Middle East process, noting that the United States was energy-independent and thus no longer relied on the regions oil. The possible implication is that Trump will order further withdrawals of U.S. troops from the region, telling western European allieswho are more dependent on Mideast oilto take over. One of Irans strategic goals has been to push the United States out of the Middle East, and particularly out of Iraq. On that level, was Trump handing Iran a winand one consistent with his isolationist leanings? Its hard to say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, he touted Americas military strength (though wildly overstating that he had rebuilt the armed forces during his presidency), noting that even if U.S. troops were pulled out, he could launch massive airstrikes any time he chose. Yet the night before, the Iranians demonstrated that they too could launch missile strikes at U.S. sites. This was the first time Iranrather than some Iranian-backed proxy forcehas launched a strike against a U.S. military base and openly taken credit for it. In other words, we are right back where we were two weeks ago, before the round of escalating strikes began. The tensions that sparked the crisis remain unresolved. If anything, theyve been aggravated. This story is not yet over; were probably closer to its beginning than we are to its end. Nick Sandmann from Covington Catholic High School stands in front of Native American activist Nathan Phillips while the latter bangs a drum in his face in Washington on Jan. 18, 2019. (Kaya Taitano via Reuters) CNN Settles Defamation Suit Brought by Nick Sandmann CNN settled a defamation lawsuit brought against it by Nick Sandmann, a student at Covington Catholic High School, over the cable news channels coverage of an incident captured in a viral video. Yes, We settled with CNN, Sandmann said in a Jan. 7 tweet. The settlement amount wasnt made public during the Jan. 7 court hearing in Covington, Kentucky, Fox19 reported. The case settled. We have no comment, said Todd McMurtry, one of Sandmanns lawyers, in an email to The Epoch Times. CNN didnt respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. The defamation suit was filed March 12, 2019, by Sandmanns lawyers and demanded $275 million in damages, alleging that CNN brought down the full force of its corporate power, influence, and wealth on Nicholas by falsely attacking, vilifying, and bullying him, despite the fact that he was a minor child. Covington Incident The lawsuit stems from a Jan. 18, 2019, incident that took place after the March for Life anti-abortion event in Washington. Sandmann and other students from the religious private school in Kentucky were waiting for their bus near the Lincoln Memorial when they were approached by several Native American activists who were taking part in the Indigenous Peoples March at the Lincoln Memorial on the same day. The encounter was extensively covered by media, initially using short video clips that made it appear as though the students were chanting and cheering in mockery of one of the activists, 64-year-old Nathan Phillips. Some of the students were wearing hats with President Donald Trumps campaign slogan, Make America Great Againa fact that was emphasized by various media. CNN reported on the incident, allegedly using captions such as Teens Taunt Native American Elder and Teens Harass Native American War Veteran. Longer video footage of the incident showed the students began to cheer and shout their school chant in response to offensive remarks being made to and about them by a small group nearby of Black Hebrew Israelites, a group known to have members expressing anti-white and anti-Semitic views. While Phillips told media outlets that the students had surrounded and harassed him, the footage showed it was he who approached them, inserted himself into their crowd, and, for several minutes, banged his drum within inches of the face of Sandmann, who responded by standing silently with a smile. 43 Minutes The suit alleged that CNN defamed Sandmann in at least four television broadcasts, nine online articles, and four Twitter posts. Contrary to its Facts First public relations ploy, CNN ignored the facts and put its anti-Trump agenda first in waging a 7-day media campaign of false, vicious attacks against Nicholas, the suit stated. The network ran 43 minutes of coverage on the incident over the first two days, the Media Research Center (MRC), a right-leaning media watchdog, reported. It took CNN a week to initially tell its viewers about the lawsuit, according to MRC. Sandmann is also suing The Washington Post and NBC Universal for their coverage of the incident. In July 2019, a federal judge in Kentucky dismissed the suit against The Washington Post. However, part of that lawsuit was reinstated in October. Update: The article has been updated with Nick Sandmanns comment on Twitter and an email response from one of his lawyers, Todd McMurtry. The article has also been updated with information about Black Hebrew Israelites. Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone on Tuesday joined students protesting against the recent violence on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus. The Bollywood actor was seen standing with students as the demonstrators raised the slogan of "Jai Bhim-Jai Bhim". She did not issue any statement nor address the students. Deepika is currently in the national capital promoting her upcoming film 'Chhapaak'. Timeline of promotions and her presence at the JNU campus has triggered mixed reactions from fans and people. While many are lauding her courage for taking such risk even when her first movie as a producer is due, some people are tweeting using #BoycottChhapaak. Here's the verdict from the social world after Deepika's media-hyped visit to JNU. Pl observe the hypocrisy of Bollywood: Bollywood behind Deepika because she is a protege of SRK and FK. Married to a top star. Same people in Bollywood run a campaign to destroy #KanganaRanaut because she refused to be mentored by anyone. Puppets - 1 Self made people - 0 Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) January 8, 2020 Deepika visited Tirupati and offered Prayers and celebrated her first wedding Anniversary. Today, She stood with those who said, Free Kashmir Brahmin Terrorism Destroying Hindu Rashtra Fuk Hindu Rashtra Fuk Hindutva Saffron is the New Black#boycottchhapaak pic.twitter.com/wvflBwjqii Vinita Hindustani (@Being_Vinita) January 8, 2020 Deepika Padukone has been a Rahul Gandhi fan No wonder she is seen supporting JNU over much saner voices.#boycottchhapaak #TukdeTukdeGang pic.twitter.com/FekhcxelnU Kamal Mallik (@kamal_mallik11) January 8, 2020 Why #boycottdeepikapadukone? Why #boycottchhapaak? Just because Deepika went to JNU against Sundays violence? Really guys? Are you now defending violence #DeepikaPadukone @deepikapadukone Manak Gupta (@manakgupta) January 8, 2020 Dear all, Actress Deepika Padukone has supported to tukade tukade Gang at JNU need to show to power of commons so #boycottchhapaak Requested to all pic.twitter.com/0ACxF111qv ( ) (@BrandedBrahmanP) January 8, 2020 Deepika Padukone reached #JNU to support such protest where protesters mocking Hindu goddess Maa kaali Time has come to show real place to these filmy jokers #boycottchhapaak #boycottdeepikapadukone pic.twitter.com/LTlabZvGAF Riniti Chatterjee (@Chatterj1Asking) January 8, 2020 Deepika Padukone with Goons of JNU! If Bollywood can support Tukde Tukde gang so openly.. Is it not time to Boycott them to show our Patriotism? #shameonbollywood pic.twitter.com/iA1mZUBShh Vijay sanghvi (@Vijaysanghvi15) January 8, 2020 Given her influence, Deepikas presence in JNU is a big deal. Be it movie promotion or actual support, the opposition & its ecosystem has used it fully to their advantage & as always, the govt has been found reacting than setting a fact/information based narrative for the public. The-Lying-Lama 2.0 (@KyaUkhaadLega) January 8, 2020 Thank you @deepikapadukone ... thank you for being a true INDIAN .. pic.twitter.com/eHiYNCXA1R Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) January 7, 2020 Thank you @deepikapadukone for giving this movement a mainstream narrative. For using your position to choose the correct path. It always comes to the women and yes, they do deliver! Big love sister! #WeAreWithJNU #noplaceforfascism Sayani Gupta (@sayanigupta) January 7, 2020 People who carried acid into JNU are boycotting Chapaak Amit Tandon (@amitandon) January 7, 2020 As producer today @deepikapadukone wouldve been standing in the preview theatres in Mumbai waiting to hear praise being showered on her maiden production. She instead chose to stand in solidarity with #JNUstudents knowing fully well the ramifications of her actions. #RESPECT Nikkhil Advani (@nikkhiladvani) January 7, 2020 Your courage is inspiring @deepikapadukone! you truly are incredible! juhi chaturvedi (@writeonj) January 7, 2020 The female of the species is, and was, and will always be the strongest of the two #DeepikaPadukone . Chhapak first day all shows . Lets all those who stand against the violence go to @bookmyshow and show them. Make our silent statement which will be the loudest . Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) January 7, 2020 More than 30 students were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre after a masked mob entered the JNU and attacked the students and professors with sticks and rods. Several Bollywood celebrities have condemned the violence which took place in JNU on Sunday. bccl Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and lyricist Vishal Dadlani joined the protests organized by students at the Gateway of India, Mumbai against the violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on January 5. While Kashyap said that he was there at the protest site to show his solidarity with the students and blamed the government for the attacks in JNU campus, Dadlani said that he was there in support of a secular India. Carlos Ghosn. Photo: Takaaki Iwabu/Bloomberg via Getty Images A week after Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan chairman facing allegations of financial crimes in Japan, surprisingly appeared in Lebanon, details about his daring escape from a Tokyo apartment are coming into focus. Reporting from the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal in recent days describes the tense and cramped journey Ghosn took from the country where hes being prosecuted to the one where hes a national hero. Now in Lebanon, which has no extradition treaty in Japan, Ghosn spoke to the media Wednesday for the first time since his escape. I did not escape justice, I fled injustice and persecution, political persecution, he said. He didnt shed much light on his Hollywood-worthy escape though. Heres what we know: He wasnt being closely watched Ghosn wasnt in jail at the time of his escape, having posted bail of $13.8 million ahead of an expected trial later this year. But he was being watched at the Tokyo home where he was supposed to stay until his trial. The WSJ described the home as video-monitored and said Ghosn was allowed to leave for trips to his lawyers office, where he could get on the internet, and the gym. But since his lawyers were only required to submit footage of his comings and goings once a month, it wasnt hard for Ghosn to leave the home and travel to Grand Hyatt in Tokyos Roppongi district in late December. He and some hired help then took a train to Osaka where Ghosn was seen entering, but not leaving, a hotel near the airport. He traveled in a concert equipment box Authorities believe Ghosn climbed into a black box typically used to carry concert equipment at the hotel. Holes drilled in the bottom of the box allowed him to breathe. Soon, he was flying to Istanbul. The WSJ reports that Ghosn got out on the box mid-flight, but had to remain hidden from the flight crew. After arriving in Istanbul, he took another small jet to Beirut. The empty box, along with an identical one filled with speakers, were left behind. The FT has a picture of the box in which Carlos Ghosn was apparently wheeled onto a private jet and whisked out of Japan. Absolutely fantastic, need more wealthy men in boxes. https://t.co/YS08iWdofH pic.twitter.com/rRvT4wTNLu Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) January 6, 2020 He had a lot of help Ghosn reportedly relied on around a dozen people to help him get out of Japan, including a former Green Beret with experience extracting hostages. The cloak of secrecy around the operation was so intense that some of those involved did not know who they were helping escape. Among the jobs they performed were checking out more than ten airports and other ports to find the most porous ones. They eventually settled on the private-jet terminal at Osakas airport because its often left vacant and it didnt have the capability to X-ray the case in which Ghosn would travel. It was expensive The budget for the escape was in the millions, a source told the WSJ. The search for the best entry points after sneaking Ghosn out of Japan extended to Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, the Times reports. His escape was a surprise, to everyone Among those caught off guard by Ghosns escape were his lawyer in Japan, who told the press that he still has his clients passports, from Lebanon, Brazil, and France. Ghosn, however, had a second French passport that he used to enter Lebanon. Alain Nahas, Ghosns brother-in-law, who lives in New Jersey, told Bloomberg that he too was surprised. I found out when you found out, he said. If I were him I would have done the same and you would have done the same. Most surprised of all though may have been officials in Tokyo, where, as the Japan Times reports, Ghosns escape has confounded and embarrassed authorities. The presidents of Russia and Turkey, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, launched the Turkish Stream gas pipeline. The ceremony was held in Istanbul and was also attended by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, and Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov, Zvezda TV channel reported. This is a unique, unprecedented in its parameters deep-sea gas transmission system, Putin noted during the ceremony adding that the interaction between Moscow and Ankara is developing steadily, despite the fact that a number of international players are trying to prevent this process. Putin indicated that Russia and Turkey still have many different projects ahead. Gas from Russia will be reportedly supplied both to Turkey and to European countries. According to the gas pipeline project, there wil be two lines with a capacity of 15.75 billion cubic meters each. Fuel will go to Turkey from the first line, and from the second line - to Europe. Turkish Stream runs along the bottom of the Black Sea. Its length is about 1100 kilometers. Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday searched the Abuja residences and office of Shehu Sani, a former senator. Sulieman Sule, an aide to Mr Sani, disclosed this via a text message sent to PREMIUM TIMES, on Wednesday. Mr Sule said: we are with them (EFCC) in his two houses and office in Abuja. He also confirmed that the former lawmaker is still being detained by the EFCC. Mr Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the last Senate, was arrested by officials of the commission in December for allegedly collecting money in the name of the EFCC acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu. The commission on January 2 obtained a court order to detain the former senator for the alleged crimes. The former head of Nigerias human rights commission, Chidi Odinkalu, condemned the detention order secured by the EFCC. Mr Odinkalu via his verified Tweeter handle @ChidiOdinkalu, said the EFCC cannot arrest a person on allegations of extortion and afterward get a 14-day detention order to investigate. I want to make myself clear: whats happening to @ShehuSani is deplorable. That wld be my position irrespective of who it is. U dont arrest a person on allegations of extortion & thn get a 14-day detention order to investigate. Thats not criminal process; Its called #DecreeNo2. Efforts to reach the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, on Wednesdays search was unsuccessful. He did not respond to calls and text messages sent to his telephone number. Harrington Jack should have received a prison sentence, the judge said. A bank worker given community service for stealing nearly 80,000 from customer accounts received an unduly lenient sentence, the Court of Appeal ruled on Wednesday. Judges held that two years imprisonment should have been imposed on Harrington Jack for the fraud at Santander where he tried to frame an innocent colleague. But they decided against sending the 37-year-old to jail based on progress he has now made in completing half of his 240 hours community service. New sentencing guidelines were also delivered for dealing with defendants in a position of trust. In May last year Jack, with a previous address at Castle Lane in Comber, Co Down, pleaded guilty to eight counts of fraud by abuse of position. He committed the offences in June 2012 while employed as a customer service adviser at Santander's call centre in Belfast. Using the unique password details of a woman referred to as BS who trained and worked alongside him, he gained access to the accounts of two customers. A total of 78,500 was transferred into so-called "mule" accounts and then withdrawn by unidentified others. Both customers were fully refunded by Santander, with the bank itself able to recover 21,000 of the stolen money. Although Jack is not believed to have masterminded the scam, he played a central role though his position. On the day of the final transaction, he abruptly left work an hour after starting his shift. He sent his line manager an email saying he was resigning as he had been offered a job at Queen's University in Belfast - despite not even being shortlisted for interview. An investigation launched by the bank confirmed BS's unique login number had been used to carry out the frauds. The court heard she felt that she was treated badly during the internal probe, describing interviews as hostile and accusatory, and ultimately left her job. Police were called in by Santander in 2013, but it took a lengthy process of interviews before Jack was returned for trial at Belfast Crown Court. Following his admissions he was given the maximum 240 hours community service, and ordered to pay 14,000 compensation to Santander. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the sentences handed down, claiming they were too lenient. Ruling on the case, senior judges identified the impact on BS as one of a series of aggravating features. Lord Justice Stephens emphasised that Jack deliberately committed the offences in a way that would make her the prime suspect. Her treatment by Santander and the impact on her ability to retain her employment was said to have been caused by the defendant. "The impact on her amounts to a serious detrimental effect on an innocent employee," the judge said. Based on the seven-year period between the frauds being discovered and sentencing, the court publicly acknowledged a breach of the reasonable time requirements. Lord Justice Stepehens went on to factor in discount for Jack's guilty plea before declaring: "We are of the view that a sentence of imprisonment of two years should have been imposed on the offender, and that the sentences passed by the learned trial judge were unduly lenient." However, he confirmed that the original sentences would not be quashed due to the "wholly exceptional facts". With Jack now half-way through his community service, any substitute prison sentence would have to be cut because of double jeopardy. Lord Justice Stephens added: "The reduced custodial sentence which would then be imposed has to be balanced against the benefits to be obtained from continuing with the community service orders." Outside court Jack's solicitor, Michael Madden, claimed the new guidelines will help protect defendant's rights to a trial within a reasonable time. He said: "This is a landmark judgment which will go towards addressing the continuous problems of delay in this jurisdiction." Saudi Arabia-based Bahri, a global leader in logistics and transportation, has expanded its market footprint and enhanced connectivity with the companys MV Bahri Jeddah making its maiden call at two of Indias leading ports. The RoCon vessel arrived for the first time at the Kamarajar Port at Ennore and the Chennai International Terminal at Chennai Port recently. Owned and operated by Bahri Logistics, one of Bahris five business units, MV Bahri Jeddah will call regularly at Ennore and on an inducement basis at Chennai, offering direct call from South India to US East Coast. The business unit operates six multipurpose vessels on a regular liner schedule, all uniquely designed to carry project, breakbulk, container and IMO cargoes as well as heavy lifts, special purpose vehicles, and mining equipment in a single voyage. A ceremony was held on board the vessel to mark this achievement in the presence of officials from Kamarajar Port Trust, MV Bahri Jeddah, and Transmarine Cargo Services, which represents Bahri Logistics in South India in its capacity as a shipping agent. Abdullah Aldubaikhi, CEO of Bahri said: In line with its long-term growth strategy, Bahri has remained keen on deepening its market presence and boosting its capabilities and MV Bahri Jeddahs new milestone represents a major step forward in that direction. We aim to capitalize on Bahri Logistics reputation as a preferred carrier for heavy lift cargoes and other RoRo segments as well as our two decades experience in India to further strengthen our foothold in this promising market. With the new port calls, we are strategically positioned to offer our industry-leading logistics and transportation solutions to a wider customer base across the world. One of the top 10 breakbulk carriers in the world, Bahri Logistics has been present in India since 2000. Bahri has firmly established itself as a prominent player in the countrys maritime sector, linking it with key global markets along the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and the US via a fast and reliable liner service using its fleet of state-of-the-art RoCon vessels. The companys service also helps connect India to Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean via internationally recognized transshipment hubs. With a dedicated office in Mumbai, Bahri India works with major OEMs for moving cargo exports out of India and is also actively involved in the shipment of high and heavy equipment, serving a growing roster of clients. TradeArabia News Service The mother of a three-year-old Cork boy who drowned while on holiday in Spain last August has told of her anguish at the toddlers death, and is now campaigning for government-funded swimming lessons for preschool children. Avery James Greene was on the Costa Blanca in Spain when, unbeknownst to his family, he left their apartment on the morning of August 12, 2019, and went to the pool. A neighbour thought the toddler was a doll in the pool until Averys mother Amanda Cambridge came searching for him. Now Ms Cambridge has spoken about her sons death for the first time, and how she believes toddlers need swimming lessons. Tragically, Avery had been booked in for lessons after the tragic holiday. with Ms Cambridges friend Emer Barry. Avery loved water, but when he saw water he only saw the laughter, the fun, the ball-playing, the jumping in and out. No fear, even though you would try to teach him water is dangerous, Ms Cambridge told Neil Prendiville on Red FM. I think the armbands gave me a false sense of reassurance of protection. He never left the apartment without his armbands. He was never around the pool without his armbands. I thought that that was okay because I would have always been there, she said. She emotionally recalled the day of her sons death. We got up and we were tidying up because my husband was arriving that morning. There was myself, my two girls and my dad. We had been out the night before with family friends. We'd gone for a lovely dinner, we'd a great night and got up the next morning. We knew Daddy was coming on the plane. We were tidying up and Avery asked for his bottle and he wanted to watch Paw Patrol. So I lay him on the couch with his blankies and his bottles and tucked him in, kissed him and went off about tidying, went to the bathroom, made sure that was clean, went to the bedroom, and came back and all that was left on the couch was a bottle and two blankets. I didn't panic because it didn't even pop into my head that he had left. You know, I checked the bedroom and I checked the bathroom and I just asked "Avery, where are you?" I thought he was hiding until I went outside. Still no panic until the man next door said "did I hear right?" and I said, "Yeah, Avery is missing". He said, "Oh my god, there's a baby in the pool". And I knew straight away. I ran. I just ran and turned the corner, and I could see him. I could see him lying there. But I just couldn't get to him fast enough. He was so close, but he was so far away. That was the longest run I ever had in my life. He was out of the water at that stage. I could hear my feet pumping off the floor. I could hear myself screaming his name and got down there. Thankfully there was a lady staying there, she was from Sweden, I think she was a paramedic and she was performing CPR on him. By the time I got down there and just fell next to him and was shaking his leg and opening his hands and saying Avery it's time to wake up now, you're going to be fine, games are over, never thinking that the outcome that we did have 24 hours later, that he was gone. It turned into absolute mayhem. We lived in a gated community, there were no barriers around the pool. There was no lifeguard. And the man on the opposite side of the apartment had been out with his son, his son was only 17 and he pulled him out of the pool. There were 12 if not 15 paramedics rushed in and worked on him, there were helicopters, ambulance, there was just people everywhere. I remember one man came out of his apartment, had a cup of coffee in his hand and just stood at the end of the pool watching, drinking his cup of coffee. And I just got so cross that I actually made a run for him. I was screaming at him this isn't a spectator sport, that's my child. I think the police had arrived and they saw how upset I was and they moved, everybody went into their apartments. Robin and Lucia [Ms Cambridges other children] were asleep. I said to somebody go off to that apartment and do not let them come down here. Because it's not something that they need to see, they were eight and six at the time. Eric [Ms Cambridges husband] was in the air at the time, we couldn't contact him. So in the meantime, I was trying to get on to people to organise to pick him up from the airport. We have a good friend over there, Ann, who would drop us to the airport and bring us back. She met him at the airport and he actually got to the hospital before I did because Avery was airlifted from the pool, they had to land on the beach. I obviously couldn't go in the helicopter with him so my friend, Leanne and myself drove, and the airport was closer to the hospital. I didn't even know what had happened or how it had happened. I just kept saying, "He went into the pool, he went into the pool". We just walked the corridors for hours and hours and all they said was "We need time, he needs time. He is a very sick little boy. We need time." And then you had the language barrier. There was one nurse that could speak English. Everybody else spoke Spanish and they were lovely and were really helpful, but that's all they said, "We need time, we need time". On the drive up myself and Leanne are talking about it and she said, "It's good, they found a pulse". But I said, Leanne he has been without oxygen. I don't know if I do get him back what quality life he's going to have and I prayed to God, Jesus, I asked God take me, give him back, take me instead. I prayed to my mom, give him back. I just want him here. And they tried everything. He only spent a few hours there. We went in and we saw him and it looked like he was sleeping. His hair was perfect and he was already red and rosy, and there wasn't a mark on him. We played Paw Patrol. We put Paw Patrol on our phones and tried to encourage him to wake up. I and Eric played Paw Patrol and put it up to his ear and were rubbing his head and kissed every finger and every toe and every eyelash and I counted 48 freckles on his nose. So we just sat there and we just had to wait. He was perfect. He looked perfect. Myself and Eric were brought into a room, and the doctor had children herself, and she was just absolutely heartbroken. She was crying telling us she said, "There's nothing... he's gone. He's gone." Then they brought up organ donation and myself and Eric didn't have to bat an eyelid. Because in the corridor that Avery was on, he was in the last room, so we would have to pass other rooms with other little babies, other little children and they had been there longer than him. They looked sicker than him. We just thought if any part of Avery can save one of those children, let's do it, we didn't hesitate. We said, yeah take what you can. It took ten days to bring Averys body home, with the assistance of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. Ms Cambridge said he was hurt by comments suggesting she should have kept a closer eye on her son. I blame myself for what happened because I was cleaning, I did turn my back on him and I have so much regret I have so much "what if?" If I had done this, if I didn't care that the shower was squeaky clean if I didn't care that the beds were made. I do have a lot of regret and I carry enough blame for everybody. Because it was me that was there, it was my watch. He was my child. And I suppose any parent would carry some portion of blame. I'll carry that forever. Every day. Every morning, every night. I don't get to kiss my son goodnight anymore. I get to blow a kiss to a box of ashes that's in my bedroom. I don't get to hold his hand, I get to look at pictures. I have memories of that day, memories of looking at him in the hospital bed and him looking like he was just asleep. He was warm and he was fresh and then I have the memories of him not being fresh and him being cold and him lying on a slab. If I didn't have two other children I think I'd probably be next to him. That's how strongly I feel about this, children learning to swim. He might have had a chance if he had the skills, like the rollover and float. The day he was born, I put a post up; "I'm complete". He absolutely completed my family. And when he died I suppose a part of me died as well, she said. Ms Barry, a swimming instructor with the Turtle Tots and close friend of Ms Cambridges, has contacted the Department of Education to campaign for nationwide swimming lessons for toddlers. Myself and Amanda had had a lengthy conversation just prior to their departure on holidays, that as soon as they were home Avery had to start swimming. It was a good age to start and I was really looking forward to it. Basically the Turtle Tots are teaching life-saving skills. At the toddler pool, one of the first skills we teach is how to enter a pool first of all. That would be sitting poolside, putting your hands across your lap, over onto the wall and turning over, wiggling, wiggling, wiggling so that you're holding on to the pool. That's how you teach a toddler how to enter a pool safely rather than jumping straight in. We install confidence into children and toddlers that if they do make the jump into the pool, to kick, kick, kick, kick, kick and look for the wall, she said. Ms Barru was also on holiday when she learned of Averys death. I will never forget the pain and the hurt. I do not, ever, ever want to see a family go through this again, she said. If you look at the statistics, and if you look at Emmy [Sophia Eckert, who drowned last August], at Avery, and that beautiful little boy back in 2017 in the Quality Hotel in Youghal, Ronan Kennedy. These kids were between ages three and five. It's impossible to have all precautions at all times, to cover all measures. The measure that we can cover is to get our kids swimming as early as possible and to have intervention at preschool level, that we're teaching our preschool kids these life skills. If they fall to give them confidence in water to kick, kick, kick to the wall. I'm not saying that it's going to save their life, but it's giving them a chance. Had Avery had even a term with me prior to his death it could have given him a chance, she said. Ms Cambridge said her experience has prompted her to raise awareness of the importance of early swimming lessons for children. The meeting of top industrialists with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday laid down the roadmap for the state's economy, according to Gopichand Hinduja, co-chairman of Hinduja Group and group chairman Ashok Hinduja. During the interaction, Thackeray assured India Inc. leaders that the government would create such an industry- friendly environment in the state that the thought of investing outside the state would never cross their minds. "Thackeray's blueprint had a clear emphasis on building more industrial units, upgrading health and education facilities, and boosting tourism to create more jobs, coupled with policy-friendly governance to increase the ease of doing business," the Hindujas said in a statement on Wednesday. "It was really a memorable meeting with the CM for he clearly laid down the vision and roadmap for the state to be a one trillion dollar economy so that India achieves the 5 trillion dollar economy target," they said. Thackeray's blue print emphasised on building more industry, upgrade health and education facilities, giving boost to tourism in order to create more jobs coupled with policy friendly governance to increase ease of doing business, the Hindujas, who were present at the interaction, said. "The single most important business friendly message to all of us he gave withhumility was to consider hat this is our own government and the one that listens to us," they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The situation in the Middle East region is tense because of Iran's missile strikes against two US military bases in Iraq on Wednesday. (Photo Credit: File photo) New Delhi: Aviation regulator DGCA on Wednesday asked Indian airlines to reroute flights to ensure complete safety of passengers and take all precautions in airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf, hours after Iran claimed to have killed 80 American terrorists in multiple ballistic missiles. US Federal Aviation Administration has also asked all American airlines to stop operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman due to "events in Middle East". Qassem Biniaz, spokesperson for Iran's Road and Transportation Authority, said one of the engines of Boeing 737 aircraft, which had 167 passengers and nine crew members, of the Ukranian International airlines was struck by fire immediately after the take-off, causing the plane to crash. The situation in the Middle East region is tense because of Iran's missile strikes against two US military bases in Iraq on Wednesday. The missile strikes were in retaliation to killing of top Iranian commander General Qassem Soleimani by the United States on January 3. The Indian government has issued a travel advisory, asking citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq in view of prevailing situation in the Gulf country. "In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification," the advisory by the Ministry of External Affairs said. It said Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday he has no doubt the Iranian general who killed in a drone attack ordered by President Donald Trump had United States soldiers blood on his hands. But the governor added he hopes that cooler heads can prevail as tensions between the two countries escalated overnight after Iran launched a missile strike two Iraqi bases that house United States troops. These are treacherous times," Murphy said at an unrelated public event in Warren County. No soldiers were harmed in the airstrike. Iranian officials vowed to retaliate after the head of its Quds Force, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, was killed in a drone strike on Friday. Theres no doubt that this general in Iran had blood on his hands, of American servicemen and women. I know that from my time as ambassador to Germany, where I spent a lot of time on the so-called Iran beat, particularly enforcing sanctions. So thats not, thats never been in question," Murphy said. But the question is: What are the next one, two, three, four, five, ten moves on the chess board? the governor added. "I would hope that cooler heads can prevail here, and that we can get to a place, in particular for safety and security, of our men and women who are stationed around the world. Around the same time Murphy spoke, Trump indicated during a White House speech he wouldnt respond militarily to the Iranian missile attack. Murphy, a Democrat, served as ambassador from 2009 to 2013 under former President Barack Obamas administration. NJ Advance Media staff writer Blake Nelson contributed to this report. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. DUBAI/KIEV (Reuters) - A Ukrainian airliner crashed and burst into flames shortly after take-off from Tehran early on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. Debris and smouldering parts from the Boeing 737, which carrier Ukraine International Airlines said was last serviced two days ago, were strewn across a field southwest of the Iranian capital as rescue workers with face masks retrieved bodies. Among the victims were 82 from Iran, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, three Germans and three Britons, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said. Most passengers were in transit, the airline said. Ukraine's embassy in Iran said the causes of the crash had not been disclosed and any previous comments were not official. An embassy official said Iranian authorities had asked it to rescind an earlier statement from Iran based on preliminary information that had blamed the accident on engine failure. Iranian TV said the crash was due to unspecified technical problems, and Iranian media quoted a local aviation official as saying the pilot did not declare an emergency. It was Kiev-based Ukraine International Airlines' first fatal accident. The carrier said it was doing everything possible to confirm the cause, and the investigation would also involve Boeing and national authorities. Under international rules Iran has responsibility for investigating the crash. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB said one of the plane's two black boxes had been found. Semi-official news agency Mehr quoted the head of the country's civil aviation authority as saying Iran would not give the recorder to Boeing. Relations between Washington and Tehran are in crisis, with Iran having launched missiles at bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq several hours before the plane crash, in retaliation for a U.S. drone strike last week that killed an Iranian military commander. Several international airlines on Wednesday suspended flights over Iranian airspace due to security risks. Story continues Safety experts say airliner accidents are rarely triggered by a single cause and that it typically takes months of investigation to understand all the factors behind them. Offering "sincere condolences" to relatives of victims, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he had instructed his prosecutor general to open criminal proceedings following the crash, without specifying who they would involve. Ukraine would test the airworthiness of its entire civilian fleet of aircraft, he added. GOOD SAFETY RECORD The plane that crashed was a three-year-old Boeing 737-800NG en route to Kiev. Its last scheduled maintenance was on Jan. 6 and there was no sign that anything was wrong before it took off from Tehran, the airline said. A spokesman for the manufacturer, whose shares initially fell 2.3%, said it was gathering more information. The 737-800 is one of the worlds most-flown models with a good safety record and does not have the software feature implicated in crashes of the 737 MAX. Boeing grounded its 737 MAX fleet in March after two crashes that killed 346 people. The 737-800's twin engines are made by CFM International, a U.S.-French venture co-owned by General Electric and Frances Safran. Modern aircraft are designed and certified to cope with an engine failure shortly after take-off and to fly for extended periods on one engine. However, an uncontained engine failure releasing shrapnel can cause damage to other aircraft systems. Under international rules, Ukraine would be involved in the investigation into Wednesday's crash, and the United States would usually be accredited as the country where the jet was designed and built. France, where the engine maker CFM has half its activities, may also be involved. There was no immediate word on whether the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board would be involved. The NTSB usually invites Boeing to give technical advice in such investigations. (Reporting by Babak Dehghanpisheh and Dubai newsroom, Matthias Williams in Kiev, Tim Hepher in Paris; Writing by John Stonestreet; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Simon Cameron-Moore and Giles Elgood) EDWARDSVILLE Growth and development in the downtown area and in other parts of Edwardsville have propelled the city to extend one of its tax-increment financing (TIF) districts to fund a parking garage and other parking solutions. The city took another step toward that parking structure Tuesday after convening a short informational public meeting about amending its TIF #2 redevelopment plan. City Planner Emily Fultz opened the meeting with a brief presentation. In 2018, the city received authorization from the Illinois legislature, with the support of taxing bodies, to extend the life of TIF #2, she said. One of the purposes of doing this is to fund construction of a parking garage and to make other improvements, public and private. Per a map on the citys website, TIF #2 covers an area that includes the east side of North Main Street between East College Avenue and East Vandalia Street then it extends south-southeast to encompass areas of East Park; South Buchanan all the way to Longfellow Avenue and Park Place; South Main to East Schwarz; Lewis and Clark Community Colleges campus and a strip extends north-northeast from the college up Brown Avenue to East Vandalia. The TIF, which began in April 1997, was originally scheduled to sunset Dec. 31; with the extension, it will end no later than 2032. Fultz said the base equalized assessed valuation of the TIF area in 1997 was $5.8 million. As of 2019, it was $20.9 million. Weve seen an increase in EAV of approximately $15 million over the life of this TIF, she said. Fultz said the total area of the TIF was 105 acres. When it was created, it included 198 parcels; now it has 183 parcels with four more proposed to be added. She added that some parcels have been combined since 1997. One of our proposed solutions is a parking structure, she reiterated. Financing for a parking structure is supposed to take place over the 12 years of this extension. The plan amendment will also allow for city participation in private development and public infrastructure projects. Adam Stroud, a project manager with PGAV Planners, of St. Louis, talked about the budget and the plans next steps. The city retains PGAV to consult on this process. The original budget in fiscal year 1997 was $7.1 million, he said. That budget continued to fiscal year 2019, when the TIF District was extended. The new budget, not including that $7 million, is $15.5 million. That budget, started in fiscal year 2020 and continues until fiscal year 2034. In addition, the state allows a city to collect a calendar year after 23 years from when the ordinance was written. What that means effectively is that you get to collect the following year, Stroud said. And as we know, calendar years [are not how] fiscal years work, so you get some extra time. Thats why it extends until fiscal year 2034. That budget does not include around $1.5 million in declared surplus payments, or 10 percent of the increment currently being generated, which would go toward all taxing bodies, he added. Fultz said as part of the TIF extension process, the city was required to hold this informational meeting due to the number of residential addresses within the district. The next stop for the plan will be at the citys Joint Review Board meeting date, time and location are to be decided. Every taxing body that overlaps with the TIF district will decide whether they agree with the plan and eventually, an ordinance. There will be another public hearing on March 24. After that, the plan goes to the city council, probably in April, for a vote. County resident Karen Zimmerman maintained her opposition to the TIF extension due to it being wildly successful. She said there is an alleged letter from District 7 officials stating that they will not oppose the extension as long as the district is not financially injured by the TIF extension. She claims the TIF extension never went before the county board or other taxing districts for input or approval. Instead, she suggested the city and Madison County, as direct beneficiaries, create an intergovernmental agreement so both boards can determine if this is a prudent use of funds instead of extending the TIF, which she alleges will take money from Lewis and Clark Community College, roads and bridges and District 7. Reach reporter Charles Bolinger at (618) 659-5735. One of Bollywood's top stars sparked a social media storm on Wednesday, attracting admiration and vitriol after showing solidarity with students who were attacked at a Indian university this week. Indian film stars have traditionally shied away from politics, fearing their films could be boycotted or their safety threatened. The industry also relies heavily on government support. But Deepika Padukone, 34, the country's top-earning female celebrity according to Forbes India, broke the mould when she attended a demonstration in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. The protest came two days after masked attackers went on a rampage inside the campus of the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), leaving 34 students and faculty members injured. Police reportedly stood by and did nothing, while videos purportedly from the scene showed masked men swinging batons as students screamed in terror. No-one has been arrested in connection with the violence. The incident has been blamed on the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student body linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The group denied involvement. Padukone's appearance led to calls -- including from BJP spokesman Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga -- for her upcoming film "Chhapaak" to be boycotted, while others accused her of a publicity stunt ahead of its release on Friday. "It is said Bollywood doesn't take a stand," Advaita Kala, a screenwriter and commentator, said on Twitter. "@deepikapadukone has decided to take a stand with the Leftist students at JNU. She shd be informed that ABVP students have also been injured. Rather than a partisan approach, wish she'd used her celebrity to build a bridge between students," Kala added. But others jumped to her defence, calling for people to go and see her movie in solidarity, leading to a battle of hashtags including "#ISupportDeepika" and "#boycottChapaak". "The female of the species is, and was, and will always be the strongest of the two #DeepikaPadukone," tweeted Anurag Kashyap, a leading Bollywood director. "Let's all those who stand against the violence go to @bookmyshow and show them. Make our silent statement which will be the loudest," Kashyap added. "We are proud to see so many voices from the film industry take the lead. More power to you @deepikapadukone. Bravo!! #ISupportDeepika," the youth wing of the main opposition Congress party tweeted. The violence at JNU is the latest in a series of clashes that have killed at least two dozen people amid protests over a controversial new citizenship law Modi's government passed in December. It speeds up citizenship claims from persecuted non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, stoking fears that Modi wants to marginalise India's Islamic minority, which he denies. Deepika Padukone's recent visit to JNU visit to extend her her solidarity with the students, who were subjected to mob violence on Sunday evening (January 5, 2020), has evoked a divided opinion on social media. The actress arrived at Sabarmati T-Point in the university where a public meeting was being held and stood by as Kanhaiya Kumar raised slogans and left just as Aishe Ghosh, who too was injured in the attack, began to speak. As soon as visuals of Deepika from the protest meeting went viral on the internet, #BoycottChhapaak began to trend on Twitter. In fact, a leading news channel even ran a hashtag #JNUFilmPromotion. Read some of the tweets here. Now that Deepika Padukone is using JNU for publicity-please support a campaign to boycott her next movie#BOYCOTTCHHAPAAK Sugato Bose (@BoseSugato) January 7, 2020 There's a line in Tashkent files by @vivekagnihotri sir. "We are in a state of war, The war of ideologies" @deepikapadukone You supported the ideology of #TukdeTukdeGang Now Face the indophile nationalist ideology #BoycottChhapaak #Nameitlikebollywood Deepesh Singh (@_singhdeepesh) January 8, 2020 Ma'am I'm a big fan of your work, And I know my words are nothing for you, but really we want to know what thing pushed you to went into JNU matter?? Illusion....#DeepikaPadukone #boycottchhapaak #IStandwithDeepika @deepikapadukone Abhinav_scrpn (@AScrpn) January 8, 2020 BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga even tweeted, "I request my all friends to boycott Deepika's movies for her support to the Tukde-Tukde gang." At the same time, there was a section of netizens who supported and lauded Deepika Padukone's JNU visit and started trending hashtags like #ISupportDeepika, #IStandWithDeepika and #ChhapakDekhoTapaakSe. Check out some of the tweets here. I will watch #Chappak in theatre. Will take more friends with me as well. Cowards Bhakts threatening to boycott her films coz they can't counter her with thoughts. She stood with the voice against this fascist government and now it's our duty to stand with her. #ISupportDeepika pic.twitter.com/f3F57rC3OA Mr.V (@CrazyViku) January 8, 2020 Deepika Padukone, the hero that you are today! You have been a Queen all along in true worth! #ISupportDeepika pic.twitter.com/4x6EHQXAzp Isharat Ali Sheikh (@SheikhIsharat) January 8, 2020 Meanwhile, many Bollywood celebrities like Anurag Kashyap, Sonakshi Sinha, Lisa Ray and others tweeted in support of Deepika Padukone. Sonakshi Sinha posted on her Twitter handle, "No matter which political party you support,do u support violence?Don't visuals of bleeding students and teachers shake you up?We can't sit on the fence any longer.Kudos to @deepikapadukone for showing up,& all those who spoke for speaking up.This is not the time to stay quiet." "More power to you @deepikapadukone Can't wait to watch #Chappak tonight. United we stand ," tweeted Bhumi Pednekar. Filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane called Deepika a 'true hero' and wrote, "Deepika's stand is going to make a lot of young people question their parents, their peers and their government. Hopefully they'll go out and educate themselves. And not parrot everything authority tells them. She's a true hero." 'You're a ROCKSTAR @deepikapadukone," tweeted actress Shruti Seth. Shabana Azmi wrote, "@deepikapadukone When she was attacked over Padmavat very few came forward to support her. She knows what it feels to be targetted and she has shown exemplary courage by supporting the JNU students with quiet grace,More power to Deepika Padukone." Sayani Gupta tweeted, "Thank you @deepikapadukone for giving this movement a mainstream narrative. For using your position to choose the correct path. It always comes to the women and yes, they do deliver! Big love sister! #WeAreWithJNU #noplaceforfascism." Director-producer Nikkhil Advani wrote, 'As producer today @deepikapadukone would've been standing in the preview theatres in Mumbai waiting to hear praise being showered on her maiden production. She instead chose to stand in solidarity with #JNUstudents knowing fully well the ramifications of her actions. #RESPECT." "Let's not forget she is also the producer of the films .. stakes are even higher . Mad respect for @deepikapadukone," read Anurag Kashyap's tweet. (All social media tweets are unedited) Kartik Aaryan Reacts To Deepika Padukone's Visit At JNU! Rangoli Chandel Slams Deepika Padukone's JNU Visit; Calls It A Publicity Stunt! Australian actress Abbie Cornish has surprised fans by announcing she is quitting social media. The 37-year-old said she was finding the content on Instagram 'overwhelming' due to the ongoing bush fire crisis in Australia, as well as America's threat of war with Iran. Abbie shared the news with her 235,000 Instagram followers on Thursday and said she would be prioritising her time towards 'self care'. Quitting: Actress Abbie Cornish has announced she is quitting social media after finding it overwhelming due to the ongoing bushfire crisis in Australia and the threat of war with Iran The Jack Ryan star said she was finding it hard to follow the current news through the 'mish mash' of 'thoughts, images and ideas' shown on Instagram. 'Currently, with the fires raging in Australia, the political climate in America and the hardships that are being experienced all over the world everyday I am finding it hard to digest this through social media,' she said. 'I am finding that my days are better when I am not on social media so much'. She then listed the activities where she would be choosing to invest her time, including reading, praying, spending time with loved ones and 'enjoying the good'. Shock: Abbie shared the news with her 235,000 Instagram followers on Thursday and said she would be prioritising her time towards 'self care' She finished off by telling everyone to 'stay safe, calm, be kind and compassionate.' 'The more love and positivity in the world right now the better'. The announcement came four days after she put a call-out on Instagram for people to contact her with details of bushfire relief agencies within Australia. 'Overwhelming' The announcement came four days after Abbie Cornish put a call-out on Instagram for people to contact her with details of bushfire relief agencies within Australia Tragic: The catastrophic bushfire season in Australia has so far claimed 26 lives, destroyed 2,000 homes and killed close to a billion animals 'Please DM me with all the names of the organisations, handles, links and websites to help the Australian fires. I will share them all,' she wrote. Over the next several days she shared the details through her posts and Instagram. The catastrophic bushfire season in Australia has so far claimed 26 lives, destroyed 2,000 homes and killed close to a billion animals. Tensions: The LA based star is also worried about the on-going threat of war with Iran following political tensions after the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani and Iran retaliating by attacking two US bases in Iraq The LA-based star is also worried about the ongoing threat of war with Iran, following political tensions after General Qasem Soleimani was killed by an airstrike, ordered by US President Donald Trump on Friday. The general was seen as the second most powerful person in Iran and his funeral was attended by over a million mourners. Iran responded by attacking two US bases located in Iraq yesterday. ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A man sought by federal and state law enforcement officers was shot and killed at Delta Junction, Alaska State Troopers said. Daniel Duane Jensen. Jr, 59, of Delta Junction, died in a shooting with officers Tuesday. Members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, which included U.S. marshals, troopers and police officers from the Anchorage and North Pole police departments, were in Delta Junction to apprehend Jensen on a felony warrant for counts of sexual abuse of a minor. A state trooper investigation led to the warrant, troopers said. Troopers released minimal details on the shooting Tuesday but said it occurred as officers attempted to contact Jensen. Officers from the North Pole Police Department and the troopers fired weapons. They will be identified three days after the shooting, troopers said. Delta Junction is city of 1,177 at the crossroads of the Alaska and Richardson highways about 95 miles (153 kilometres) south of Fairbanks. President said on Wednesday that no Americans were harmed in the attack by Iran on US bases in Iraq as he offered to embrace peace along with the Iranian leadership, in a significant move to de-escalate the tensions in the Middle East. "We suffered no casualties. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases," Trump said in an address to the nation from the White House Grand Foyer. His remarks came hours after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, which Tehran said was a "slap in the face" of America. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by Trump. The Iranian state television claimed that "at least 80 terrorist US soldiers" were killed in the strikes. Some 5,000 US soldiers are in Iraq as part of the coalition against the IS terror group. "No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime," Trump said as he described Gen Soleimani as a "ruthless terrorist." Trump also vowed that he will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. "As long as I'm President of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon," Trump said. In a direct message to the Iranian leaders and the people, Trump said the United States is "ready to embrace peace with all who seek it". "To the people and leaders of Iran, we want you to have a future and a great future, one that you deserve," Trump said. The FAA said it issued the airspace ban, which also includes the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia Open source Several major airlines said on Wednesday they were re-routing flights to avoid airspace over Iraq and Iran after the Federal Aviation Administration banned U.S. carriers from the area following an Iranian missile attack on U.S.-led forces in Iraq, Reuters reports. Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from its territory at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel early on Wednesday, the U.S. military said. The FAA said it issued the airspace ban, which also includes the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia, due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations. As it was reported earlier, the United States began deploying B-52 bombers in Diego Garcia, on an island base in the Indian Ocean because of the growing threat from Iran after the assassination of General QassIem Suleimani. Besides, Iraq has limited the movement of ground and air forces of the international coalition in the country as part of the preparation of a mechanism for the withdrawal of foreign troops. "The Iraqi authorities have prepared a mechanism for the withdrawal of American troops from the country. The functions of the forces of the international coalition will be limited only to the advisory role, the supply of weapons and training (of Iraqi troops, - ed.), And its armed forces will leave," the report said. Contributed photo Tot Begg, founder of OMG Travel, has arranged for a percentage of each ticket sold, on a 7-night cruise package to the Caribbean she developed, to go to Milestones Behavioral Services, a special needs school, clinic and outreach not-for-profit. As the mother of five young adults, one of whom is severely impacted by autism, she realized that there were other families like hers that could use a vacation with support. So often families with a special need child do not travel they need unique help and dont realize it is available, said Begg. An advocate for the importance of seeing the world through different perspectives, Begg knows that many individuals with special needs can learn from and enjoy travel. She believes that by being out in the world these special people are teaching others that a disability might not be as limiting as it first appears. Nicki Minaj just had a new wax figure unveiled at Madame Tussauds Berlin. But her devoted fans, the Barbz, arent feeling it at all and they have unleashed their wrath on Twitter. Evelyn Burdecki unveils the new wax figure of Nicki Minaj at Madame Tussauds Berlin on January 7, 2020 in Berlin, Germany | Tristar Media/Getty Images Nicki Minajs new wax figure Madame Tussauds in Berlin revealed the new Minaj wax figure on Tuesday. It was presented by German actress and television personality, Evelyn Burdecki. The wax figure is a replica of one of Minajs looks from her 2014 music video for Anaconda. However, as many fans have gone on to point out, the wax figure bears little resemblance to Minaj herself. The wax figures features and skin tone are both different from the rappers. Madame Tussauds has come under fire over the past several years for unveiling wax figures that do not look like their subjects. Most infamously, they revealed a Beyonce wax figure that had so much backlash that it had to be redone. A recent Ariana Grande wax figure was also heavily critiqued. How fans actually feel about the unveiling Fans have been calling out the figures depiction of Minaj on social media ever since the first photos were released. Whoever did that wax figure of Nicki Minaj needs to be fired, said a fan. Another commented, Idk who that wax figure is in Germanys Madame Tussands [sic] but its not Nicki Minaj. One fan says this is indicative of a larger issue at hand. They said, They consistently fumble the imagery of some of the most iconic black figures. We not taking coincidences into 2020. Someone else had similar sentiments, adding, There is no way that is supposed to be Nicki Minaj!?! Its not even her shade of brown!!! Just like all brown people dont look alike, all kinda sorta almost random brown people wax figures dont pass for any fill in the blank celebrity of color. Minaj hasnt made a public comment about the figure yet. Thousands of additional US troops have been dispatched to the Middle East after the killing of Qasem Soleimani: Getty The US has been forced to deny it is planning to pull its military out of Iraq after a poorly-worded draft letter leaked online. The letter, which was not signed but was printed on the letterhead of Brig Gen William Seely, alerted Iraqi military colleagues of repositioning over the course of the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement. It said there would be an increase in helicopter travel around the Green Zone and added, in reference to the Iraqi parliaments vote to demand that US forces leave the country following Washingtons killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani: We respect your sovereign decision to order our departure. Coalition forces would take steps to ensure that the movement out of Iraq is conducted in a safe and efficient manner, the memo continued. Amid confusion that reverberated around the world, US defence secretary Mark Esper told reporters at the Pentagon he knew nothing about the letter. Theres been no decision whatsoever to leave Iraq, he said. He also told reporters the US remained committed to the fight against Isis, in Iraq and elsewhere. Minutes after that hastily-arranged briefing Gen Mark Milley, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, returned to tell reporters: Heres the bottom line, this was a mistake. Nobodys leaving. He called the missive poorly worded and said it wrongly implied a wider withdrawal. Brig Gen Seelys intent had been to advise his Iraqi colleagues of increased movement of US troops around Iraq, Gen Milley said. When reporters first began asking press office staff about the letters authenticity, it became apparent the presidents own employees were once again caught unawares about what appeared to be a major development in the events following Donald Trumps decision to order the targeted killing of Soleimani. White House spokespersons were unable to immediately confirm the documents provenance, but sources close to the administration suggested it had been leaked prematurely. Story continues The confusion appeared to underscore the fact that the presidents order had caught many in the administration by surprise, and were scrambling to handle the fall out and repercussions. Over the weekend, the Iraqi parliament voted for the removal of US forces from the country, something Mr Trump responded to by threatening massive sanctions on Baghdad. Meanwhile, Iran said it was no longer observing any of the undertaking it made in regards to limiting uranium enrichment as part of the 2015 nuclear deal, that Mr Trump pulled the US out of last year and reimposed sanctions. Alyssa Farah, a Pentagon spokesperson, later tweeted: There has been no change in US policy with regard to our force presence in Iraq. We continue to consult with the Iraqi government regarding the defeat-Isis mission and efforts to support the Iraqi Security Forces. In his briefing, Mr Esper also suggested to reporters the US would never target any of Irans cultural sites in any possible strikes, something that Mr Trump had raised over the weekend. We will follow the laws of armed conflict, he said. Read more Iran-backed forces in Iraq warn of sending US troops back in coffins US reacts after Iraq parliament vote to expel American troops US actions in Iraq could plunge the country into crisis once again Trump threatens to sanction Iraq if US troops expelled Tehran [Iran], Jan 8 (ANI): Iranian state television on Wednesday claimed that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed after Tehran launched 15 missiles on US targets in Iraq. The state media also added that none of the missiles were intercepted, reported Al Jazeera. Adding that US helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged", the media outlet, citing a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) source, said that Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sight if the United States took any retaliatory measures. This comes after Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq last Friday. His death marked a dramatic escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, that have often been at a fever pitch since Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact world powers struck with Tehran. Iran has threatened to strike inside America if the US responds to the missile attacks. (ANI) Beltrami County commissioners became the first and the state and second in the nation to vote against allowing the placement of refugees in its community. In a slate of other rural counties around the state, as well as Hennepin County, officials agreed to allow the placement of more refugees in their communities, bumping up the number of Minnesota counties willing to take in more people displaced by war, persecution or natural disasters. In Duluth, members of the public weighed in for nearly three hours before commissioners on a narrow vote opted to put off a decision until May. And Stearns County commissioners that represent the St. Cloud area also opted to wait to vote on whether they'd give consent. These were a few of the scenes around the state on Tuesday, Jan. 7, as county commissions started conversations about allowing refugees to resettle in their communities. The discussions drove hundreds to turn out to voice their opinions on the subject or to make a showing in meetings where members of the public weren't able to testify. The debates come after President Donald Trump in September signed Executive Order 13888 . The order requires states and counties to notify the State Department, in writing, whether they will consent to receive refugees from the department's Reception and Placement Program. ADVERTISEMENT Gov. Tim Walz last month sent a letter to the department saying the state would continue resettling refugees in counties that approve their placements. And counties even before the governor signed off began casting votes to allow additional refugees to join their communities. "Our state has always stepped forward to help those who are fleeing desperate situations and need a safe place to call home," Walz, the first-term DFL governor, wrote in his letter to the State Department. Several counties in the region quickly took up the issue days into the new year in an effort to submit to federal officials their applications to resettle refugees ahead of a key deadline. Local resettlement groups must have their placement plans to the U.S. State Department before the end of January. And state and county actions could determine where resettlements decide to resettle refugees in their initial placements. Refugees, including family members of those already living in Minnesota, will be placed under the president's executive order as of June 1 barring intervention from the courts. Trump has placed a cap on refugees to be accepted by the U.S. at 18,000 for 2020, a historic low and a 40% decrease from the year prior. The Minnesota Department of Human Services reports that 775 refugees have been placed in Minnesota in 2019, down from placement totals in years prior. And of those placed last year, the bulk of the refugees came from Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sixty-seven of those placed in Minnesota last year came from Somalia and 69 came from Ukraine. Refugee resettlement agencies around the country have challenged Trump's executive order, alleging it violates federal law. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison in December announced that he had joined a lawsuit with 12 other states challenging the order on the basis that it violates the Refugee Act of 1980. Some county residents and commissioners on Tuesday argued additional placements, even if there were few, could pull needed county resources from those already living in the area. And others worried refugee populations wouldn't assimilate to new surroundings in the state. "As a representative of my part of the county, and considering the current state of affairs in our county, I don't feel it's prudent to bring refugees to our county," Beltrami County Commissioner Jim Lucachick said . "When we need to take care of all the issues we have now." ADVERTISEMENT But proponents around the state, including in Beltrami County, said communities should welcome refugees. "I think most of the people here today are re-settlers," Commissioner Tim Sumner, a member of the Red Lake Nation, said. "It just seems un-American to me to say that 'You're not welcome.'" The move to block refugee placements after the county has taken zero refugees in the last five years sparked a call from a top legislative leader to block local government funding. "Tonight three Beltrami County board members voted to withdraw onto their own island by denying a home to refugees. If that is the countys position, it should be prepared to go without the state aid the rest of us provide them. They cannot have it both ways," Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, D-Golden Valley, said on social media . Local lawmakers and conservative groups said the threat was unfair and local leaders should have the freedom to make choices without the fear of retribution from the state. "President Trump empowered counties to have a voice in the decision making process for the federal refugee resettlement program," state Rep. Matt Grossell, R-Clearwater said Tuesday night. "Tonight, Beltrami County exercised that option and Majority Leader Winkler responded by threatening to cut off state funding because Beltrami County didnt vote the way he wanted. This is a disturbing and arrogant reaction from Metro Democrats who have no business telling our county commissioners how to vote." Here's a look at the counties that have taken up the debate, and those planning to do so this month. Beltrami County Beltrami County Commissioners on Tuesday, Jan. 7, voted to 3-2 against allowing the resettlement of refugees in the community, making it the first in the state to oppose the placement of . County officials said there are no current requests to relocate refugees there. The decision comes a day after a crowd of residents with strong opinions on the issue attended a Bemidji City Council meeting Monday and attempted to weigh on the issue there. ADVERTISEMENT Blue Earth County Blue Earth County commissioners in December voted to allow additional placements in their community. Brown County Brown County commissioners late last month voted unanimously to accept the placement of refugees in the county. Clay County The Clay County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Dec. 17, to allow refugee resettlement to continue in the area and members noted that refugees should feel welcome in the community. Dodge County Dodge County officials are expected to take up the issue at a meeting later this month . Goodhue County Goodhue County Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, Jan. 7, voted 3-2 to consent to allow the placement of additional refugees in the county. Hennepin County The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Jan. 7, voted 6-1 to allow for the placement of refugees in their community. Kandiyohi County Members of the Kandiyohi County Commission in December were the first in the state to vote in support of allowing the continued placement of refugees in the area on a 3-2 vote. Members of the Willmar City Council followed with a resolution issuing their support for continued refugee placements. Lyon County Constituents in Lyon County packed a commission meeting, causing members to delay a vote on whether to consent to allow additional refugee placements on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Mower County Mower County Commissioners this week voted unanimously to allow the placement of additional refugees in their community. Murray County Murray County commissioners on Tuesday, Jan. 7, approved a letter of consent, allowing more refugees to be placed within the county. Nicollet County Nicollet County commissioners last month granted consent to allowing additional refugee placements in the region. Nobles County Nobles County commissioners on Tuesday, Jan. 7, voted to approve a letter of consent, agreeing to additional refugees being placed within their community. Olmsted County The three members of Olmsted County's administrative committee in December said they support sending a letter of consent allowing for the continued to the placement of refugees in the area. The unanimous support of the panel is the only requirement to send the letter, county officials said. Otter Tail County Otter Tail County Commissioners on Dec. 16 voted to consent to additional placements of refugees in the area, allowing refugees, including refugees with family members in Minnesota to be placed there. Pipestone County Pipestone County officials voted to approve additional refugee placements during their commission meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Rice County Rice County commissioners earlier this month voted to certify that the county could take in additional refugees. Sherburne County Sherburne County administrators in December opted to allow additional resettlements under the executive order. Stearns County County commissioners in Stearns County on Tuesday, Jan. 7, opted to delay action on the resolution. The commission tabled the proposal. Members are set to take it up again at a meeting later this month. Steele County Steele County commissioners have agreed to send a letter to the State Department authorizing the placement of refugees in the area, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services. St. Louis County Members of the St. Louis County Commission on Tuesday, Jan. 7, voted 4-3 to delay action on a proposal to allow the continuation of refugee resettlement in the region until May. The narrow vote to hold over the conversation came after more than two hours of public testimony. Winona County Winona County officials are expected to take up the issue at a meeting later this month . Putin to Visit Istanbul Amid Increasing Differences Over Syria, Libya By Dorian Jones January 07, 2020 Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Istanbul Wednesday, where he will meet his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Bilateral relations have dramatically improved much to Ankara's western allies' concern, but escalating regional differences threaten to sour those bilateral ties. Putin is officially going to Istanbul to inaugurate a key new gas pipeline between Russia and Turkey. The Turk Stream pipeline will supply Istanbul with Russian gas. "This ceremony tomorrow will mark a new beginning of Russian gas supply increasing to Turkey and European markets," says Mehmet Ogutcu, head of the London Energy Club. Turkey, as a market and transit country for Russian energy, is widely seen as the bedrock of deepening bilateral ties. "Cooperation in the field of energy is high on the agenda of Turkish Russian agenda," said former Turkish ambassador Mithat Rende, who is now an energy expert. "It's important because we are not oil-rich or gas-rich, and we are quite dependent on gas and oil." While energy cooperation continues to deepen, there are rising bilateral tensions. Turkey is facing a new Syrian refugee crisis, because of a Russian-backed offensive by Damascus forces, against the rebels' last enclave in the Idlib province. "We are seeing signs of friction over Syria, the Idlib situation is quite worrisome, and Russia is bombing there, and there is a huge exodus of people fleeing toward the Turkish border," said Ogutcu. "If you have another 250,000 refugees crashing the border and coming, that will have serious domestic implications for Erdogan, as well." With Turkey already hosting more than 3.5 million Syrian refugees, there is growing Turkish public discontent. A series of recent local election setbacks suffered by Erdogan's ruling AKP Party is widely blamed on a toxic combination of a slowing economy and anger over the ongoing presence of refugees. More than 3 million people are trapped in Idlib, and analysts suggest it will top the agenda of Erdogan's talks with Putin. "Idlib is the biggest issue," concurs Huseyin Bagci of Ankara's Middle East Technical University "Idlib will remain an unresolved conflict between Russia and Turkey. Idlib is a big threat to Turkey; there is a real fear of a huge wave of refugees." The Libyan civil war is another potential flashpoint. Erdogan is sending soldiers in support of the Tripoli-based government, which is fighting forces of General Khalifa Haftar backed by Russian mercenaries linked to the Kremlin. "It looks like General Haftar gets a very strong push by forces supported by Putin. So it seems the regime supported by Turkey is losing," said Ogutcu. "So Erdogan will be looking for common ground so that Turkey, Russia, Algeria, Tunisia can work together. But I am not sure Putin is ready for that. It's going to be a hard bargain." The widely reported personal chemistry between Erdogan and Putin has overcome previous policy differences. Experts say that chemistry likely will be called upon again in the latest escalating rivalries. "The two leaders, they get together very often. They seem to get along very well," said Rende. "So it's important to try to maintain a dialogue aimed at narrowing the differences and trying to find a common denominator in the interests of the people of the region and the interests of Syria as a whole." The dynamics of the Putin-Erdogan relationship are increasingly surrounded in a veil of secrecy. "There is good personal chemistry between Erdogan and Putin. But we don't really know what they are discussing. It's not a normal state-to-state relationship. It's more a personal relationship at the highest level," said Rende. "When they meet, it's usually only with their closest aides present or just a translator," he added. "I don't think the establishment, at least on the Turkish side, is involved in what is discussed between the two leaders. But there is an imbalance in favor of Russia in relations. The relationship is not of equals. It's not balanced; it cannot be long-lived, and both sides have to understand that." Analysts point out, at least in the short term, there appear strong incentives for both Ankara and Moscow side to continue working together. However, escalating tensions over conflicting regional interests are likely to continue to challenge bilateral relations. Istanbul is in the grip of a winter storm that kept a visiting Russian cruiser at sea. For Erdogan and Putin, they will be hoping such weather is not a harbinger for their talks Wednesday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "We're at a crossroads, says Gallego, a 38-year-old Democrat. We get to decide what kind of city we want to become. I really want to push us to being a sustainable city." While many cities have storm-readiness plans, Phoenix continues to improve its heat-readiness plan. It includes planting trees to create cooling corridors where people could walk along shaded pathways to transit and shops, making the heat more manageable for older people and other vulnerable populations. Gallego had worked for a local public utility and sat on the city's environmental commission before pursuing public office. As a member of the city council, she chaired the council's sustainability committee when it passed a measure to reduce carbon pollution by 80 percent by 2050. "She was certainly known as a strong environmental advocate on the council, says Mark Hartman, the city's chief sustainability officer. But a big fight was brewing over light rail, an eco-friendly transit system. An opposition group, backed by Americans for Prosperity, an advocacy organization funded by the industrialists David and Charles Koch, had gotten a referendum on the ballot to defund its expansion. With such deep-pocketed opposition, Gallego enlisted the support of groups that had opposed her candidacy, such as the firefighters union. She tapped two council members who had supported her opponent to lead the campaign against the referendum. She really is all about being inclusive, making sure that we don't leave anyone behind, says city Councilwoman Debra Stark, who cochaired the campaign. After weeks spent knocking on residents doors, speaking with the press and holding community meetings, the referendum was defeated in every district. Now Gallego is looking to her next challenge: calling on communities along the Salt River to restore 58 miles of waterway that the region has struggled to revitalize for decades. In Phoenix, that could mean a restored riverfront with parks, walking and bike paths, and development. Gallego says a sustainable future is something we need to prioritize for the city." Learn more about AARP Livable Communities Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the bombshell announcement on Wednesday that they intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family but Queen Elizabeths grandson has pondered the move to common life before. In an interview with the Mail on Sunday published in June 2017, Prince Harry admitted that he considered giving up his royal title after his time in the army. I felt I wanted out but then decided to stay in and work out a role for myself, he said, adding that his loyalty to the Queen helped him in his decision. Still, Harry wanted to be more than just a famous figure waving to the crowds who gathered to catch a glimpse of him and his family. We dont want to be just a bunch of celebrities, but instead use our role for good, he said. Dominic Lipinski - Pool/Getty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry | Yui Mok/WPA Pool/Getty The Duke of Sussex, now 35, also called his time in service the best escape Ive ever had. I felt as though I was really achieving something, he said. I have a deep understanding of all sorts of people from different backgrounds and felt I was part of a team. He continued, I wasnt a Prince, I was just Harry. After 10 weeks in Afghanistan in 2007, however, the royal had to be pulled for security reasons due to a magazine leaking his location. I spent many years kicking my heels and I didnt want to grow up, he shared, pointing to his years of headline-making partying that followed. Prince Harry in the army, 2012 | John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images The royal also said in a 2017 interview with Newsweek magazine that he longed to be something other than Prince Harry. At the same time, he knew his role put him in a position of power and he wanted to make something of my life. I feel there is just a smallish window when people are interested in me before [Williams children] take over, and Ive got to make the most of it, he said. Cant get enough of PEOPLEs Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Story continues In addition to stepping back as senior members of the royal family, Meghan and Prince Harry shared that they are making plans to split their time between the U.K. and North America. After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wrote on Instagram. We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support. Signing their statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the couple also posted a photo from the announcement of their engagement in November 2017. Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Wednesday the country's troops and diplomatic staff in Iraq were safe after Iran fired missiles at two military bases there. Around 300 Australian defence personnel are stationed in Iraq. Speaking to reporters from Kangaroo Island, Morrison said in reference to the killing of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani: "The United States has taken the action that they have to address what has been intelligence that they say that they received, which was putting their interests at risks and under threat." Morrison said he spoke with President Donald Trump about the situation between the U.S. and Iran on Tuesday during a call about the wildfires raging in Australia. He toured the bushfire-devastated areas of the island and said its tourism sector, along with its primary producers, had been hit especially hard. A bricklayer has been arrested in Argentina after he allegedly fathered four children by his own daughter A bricklayer has been arrested in Argentina after he allegedly fathered four children by his own daughter in a 20-year rape ordeal. The four children, aged between 11 and 19, were found living in a rundown bungalow in Arequito, Santa Fe, after his daughter alerted authorities to the alleged abuse she said had lasted decades. The 32-year-old told officers her father had sexually abused her since she was nine and said she had given birth to four children as a result. Police seized two guns from the property, which has been branded the 'House of Horrors' after the home in which Josef Fritzl held his daughter captive for 24 years. The children - aged 11, 13, 17 and 19 - were said to have all been given biblical names. State prosecutor Juan Pablo Banos confirmed an investigation was ongoing and said the suspected father was being held in custody after his daughter reported him to police. He told a local radio station: 'On Monday a woman aged 32 went to police to say she had been sexually abused by her father from the age of nine and she had given birth to four children aged 11 to 19 as a result.' Revealing a 'triggering event' had led to her reporting him, he added: 'The threats she allegedly received probably led to her living trapped in a world she couldn't escape. The four children, aged between 11 and 19, were found living in a rundown bungalow in Arequito, Santa Fe (pictured) 'It's hard to comprehend these sorts of situations from the outside but it's common in these sorts of cases and it's what the psychologists tell us when we consult them.' Officials have confirmed the suspect was separated from his wife. DNA tests are taking place to confirm whether he is the father of the four children. Investigators are working on the theory he used the two guns seized from his home to intimidate his daughter and make her submit to his sexual desires. Local reports claim neighbours of the woman in Arequito knew what was going on and had tried to alert the authorities, but were told police could not do anything unless the alleged victim accused her father of wrongdoing. Investigators are working on the theory he used the two guns seized from his home to intimidate his daughter and make her submit to his sexual desires (Pictured: Arequito) In January 2016 police in the northern Argentinian province of Santiago del Estero arrested another man, Daniel Bulacio, and accused him of fathering eight children with his daughter during a 22-year reign of terror. The 59-year-old, better known by his nickname of Vernacho, was jailed for 12 years and eight months in December 2017. His daughter said at the time of his arrest: 'From the moment my mother left home I became my father's wife. He abused me from the age of nine. 'He would hit me and used to chase me round the house with a lump of wood when he saw me chatting to a neighbour or simply wanted to abuse me. 'He threatened me constantly and I always feared for my life. He told me he would kill me if I said anything. 'I'm scared for my life and the life of my children because today I'm receiving threats from my father's siblings to withdraw my complaint against him. 'They're not at all concerned about what's happened. I want him to rot in jail. I want justice to be done.' Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has commented on the January 8 missile strikes on US military bases in Iraq by Iran. He said that Turkey does not want the Middle East region to turn into an area for military operations, and further said that the tensions between the US and Iran have reached a dangerous level. He added that Ankara is involved in "active diplomatic efforts" to de-escalate the tensions in the region. Turkey said that it will try to de-escalate the soaring tensions between Iran and the United States and will do anything it can, to reduce the cycle of violence. READ: Turkey Working For De-escalation, Says 'in Touch With US, Iran' President @RTErdogan met with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who is in Turkey for the inauguration of TurkStream. pic.twitter.com/oxJSK5TeRE Turkish Presidency (@trpresidency) January 8, 2020 Turkey put efforts to de-escalate tensions Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu reportedly revealed that Ankara has been in touch with both parties after the top commander of Irans elite Quds Force was killed by US forces. Cavusoglu held phone calls with his Iranian and US counterparts to discuss the issue and said that current escalation would be on the agenda when Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Turkey on January 8. He informed that he has also discussed the issue with Russia, Britain, Qatar, Pakistan, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. READ: Turkish Military Units Moving To Libya To Support Fayez Al-Sarraj's GNA: Erdogan Iraq asks foreign military forces to leave Iraq has asked foreign military forces to leave the country but Cavusoglu opined that it would strengthen radical groups in the region. While leaders from around the world have avoided taking sides with calls of restraint, China has held the United States responsible for the escalation in the aftermath of the Iranian Generals killing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the decision of the Trump administration to unilaterally withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal is the primary cause of nuclear tension. READ: Erdogan Announces Plans Of Deploying Turkish Military In Libya READ: Turkey's President Erdogan Arrives In Tunisia For 'surprise Talks' READ: Boris Johnson On US-Iran Tensions: 'UK Will Continue To work For De-escalation' [The stream is slated to start at 11 a.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] President Donald Trump is expected to address the nation Wednesday morning, following Iranian missile strikes at Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. Last week, the U.S. killed Iran's top commander, Gen. Qasem Soleimani, in an airstrike in Baghdad. Soleimani led an elite branch of Iran's armed forces, the Quds Force, and has been blamed for the deaths of many Americans across the Middle East. Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman released the following statement after the Iranian attacks: "At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments." Trump responded to the military action in a tweet Tuesday night, saying, "All is well!" "Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq," Trump continued in the tweet. "Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far!" Trump tweet CNBC's Amanda Macias and Jacob Pramuk contributed to this report. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal A man looks at a shattered glass window of a shop, caused by a missile launched by Iran on the U.S.-led coalition forces, on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal A man celebrates after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal Pictures of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in an air strike at Baghdad airport, are seen on a motorcycle, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY A man holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY A man holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY A woman holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as they celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY Iran struck back at the United States for the killing of a top Iranian general last night, firing a series of surface-to-surface missiles at an Iraqi airbases housing US troops and warning the United States and its allies in the region not to retaliate. The Pentagon confirmed that Iran had launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two targets hosting against US military and coalition forces in Iraq. Defence department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said: It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran. He said the attacks targeted at least two Iraqi military bases at Ain Assad and Irbil. Mr Hoffman said the US was working on initial battle damage assessments. It was not immediately clear what the extent of damage or casualties was at the bases. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 President Donald Trump insisted "All is well!" after Iran fired surface-to-surface missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops. He promised to make a statement to the nation on Wednesday morning about the increasingly precarious situation with Iran. Mr Trump offered no immediate indication of whether he would retaliate, and stayed out of sight as news of the missile strikes emerged. But he tweeted that an assessment of casualties and damages was under way. The initial outlook, he said, was "So far, so good!" Iranian state TV said the attack was in revenge for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen Qassem Soleimani, whose funeral yesterday in his hometown of Kerman prompted angry calls to avenge his death, which drastically raised tensions in the Middle East. State television said 80 "American terrorists" had been killed and U.S. helicopters and military equipment damaged. It did not provide evidence of how it obtained that information. Germany, Denmark and Norway said none of their troops in Iraq were killed or injured. Read More Irans Revolutionary Guard warned the US and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack against the Ain Assad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province. The Guard issued the warning via a statement carried by Irans state-run IRNA news agency. We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted, The Guard said. It also threatened Israel. Ain Assad air base is in Iraqs western Anbar province. It was first used by American forces after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. It later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. Expand Close A man holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A man holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY State TV said the operations name was Martyr Soleimani. It said the Guards aerospace division that controls Irans missile programme launched the attack. The revenge attack came hours after crowds in Iran mourned Soleimani and as the US continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the regions waterways, crucial routes for global energy Expand Close A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal supplies. US embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. The US Air Force launched a drill with 52 fighter jets in Utah, just days after Mr Trump threatened to hit 52 sites in Iran. Meanwhile, a stampede broke out yesterday at Soleimanis funeral and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession, Iranian news reports said. The deadly stampede took place in Soleimanis hometown of Kerman as his coffin was being borne through the city in southeastern Iran, said Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Irans emergency medical services. There was no information about what set off the crush in the packed streets, and online videos showed only its aftermath: people lying apparently lifeless, their faces covered by clothing, emergency crews performing CPR on the fallen, and onlookers wailing and crying out to God. Unfortunately as a result of the stampede, some of our compatriots have been injured and some have been killed during the funeral processions, Mr Koulivand said, and state TV quoted him as saying that 56 had died and 213 had been injured. Expand Close Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal Soleimanis burial was delayed, with no new time given, because of concerns about the huge crowd at the cemetery, the semi-official ISNA news agency said. A procession in Tehran on Monday drew more than one million people in the Iranian capital, crowding both main avenues and side streets in Tehran. Hossein Salami, Soleimanis successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard, addressed a crowd of supporters gathered at the coffin in a central square in Kernan. He vowed to avenge Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike Friday near Baghdads airport. Expand Close Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, fourth from left, leads a prayer over the coffin (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, fourth from left, leads a prayer over the coffin (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/AP) We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about, Mr Salami said. Death to Israel! the crowd shouted in response, referring to one of Irans long-time regional foes. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson shrugged off suggestions on Wednesday that he would fall into line with the United States over its Middle East policy because he wanted a trade deal after Brexit. "This is absolute fiction," he told Labour's Jeremy Corbyn in parliament after the opposition leader accused him of failing to challenge U.S. President Donald Trump over the killing of an Iranian general because he wanted a deal. Johnson added: "The UK will continue to work for de-escalation in the region ... He should be in absolutely no doubt ... that we are determined to guarantee, with everything that we can, the safety and security of the people of Iraq." Flights Meanwhile, several major airlines said on Wednesday they were re-routing flights to avoid airspace over Iraq and Iran after the Federal Aviation Administration banned U.S. carriers from the area following an Iranian missile attack on U.S.-led forces in Iraq. Expand Close Men hold pictures of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, who was killed in an air strike at Baghdad airport, during a funeral procession and burial at his hometown in Kerman, Iran January 7, 2020. Mehdi Bolourian/Fars News Agency/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Men hold pictures of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, who was killed in an air strike at Baghdad airport, during a funeral procession and burial at his hometown in Kerman, Iran January 7, 2020. Mehdi Bolourian/Fars News Agency/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS The FAA said it issued the airspace ban, which also includes the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia, "due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations." Several non-U.S. airlines had flights over parts of Iraq and Iran at the time, according to FlightRadar24 data. They are not directly affected by the FAA ban, but foreign carriers and their national regulators typically consider U.S. advice carefully when deciding where to fly. Before the latest guidance, the FAA had already prohibited U.S. carriers from flying below 26,000 feet over Iraq and from flying over an area of Iranian airspace above the Gulf and Gulf of Oman since Iran shot down a high-altitude U.S. drone last June. France's airline Air France said on Wednesday the company has also suspended flights over Iraq and Iran airspace after Iranian missile strikes targeting U.S.-led forces. "Flight plans are adjusted in real time according to the decisions of the French and regional authorities, throughout the world, in order to ensure the highest level of flight safety", Air France said in a statement. Germany's flagship carrier Lufthansa is cancelling its daily flight between Frankfurt and Tehran due to the situation in Iran, a spokesman said on Wednesday. He added that Lufthansa was also cancelling its next planned flight - on Saturday - to Erbil in Iraq. Vietnam Airlines have also re-routed its flights away from Iran and the Iraq airspace, its Transport Ministry confirmed. Carriers are increasingly taking steps to limit threats to their planes after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down in 2014 by a missile over Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. Re-routing around conflict airspace adds to flight times and burns extra fuel. Transport Canada said it was in close contact with the FAA about the situation in the Middle East and that Air Canada was altering its routes. India's aviation regulator has not issued formal instructions to airlines yet but has held meetings with those concerned and advised them to remain vigilant and take precautions, an official said. Singapore Airlines Ltd said after the attacks that all of its flights would be diverted from Iranian airspace. Malaysia Airlines said it did not fly over Iraqi airspace and would re-route to avoid Iran as a result of the attack. Taiwan's China Airlines said it would not fly over Iran or Iraq because of the tension. Australia's Qantas Airways Ltd said it was adjusting flight paths to avoid airspace over Iraq and Iran until further notice, adding up to 50 minutes to Perth-London flights and requiring it to reduce passenger numbers to carry the necessary fuel. Dubai-based Emirates Airline and flydubai each canceled a return flight to Baghdad on Wednesday after Iran's missile attack and said it would make further operational changes if required. Qatar Airways said its flights to Iraq were operating normally. Korean Air Lines Co Ltd and Thai Airways said they had been avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace before the attack on U.S. troops. OPSGROUP, which advises airlines on security, said the new U.S. airspace bans were "significant", particularly given that the entire overwater airspace in the region is now unavailable. "Flights headed to/from the main airports in the region such as Dubai will now need to route through Saudi Arabia's airspace," it said on its website. An international aviation team has been activated to support "effective coordination and communication" between airlines and countries as tensions mount in the Middle East after a U.S. drone strike killed an Iranian military commander, global airlines body IATA said on Tuesday. Airlines and the U.N. aviation agency have started to monitor strategic airspace over Iran and Iraq. With some commercial carriers still serving those countries and others flying over their airspace, the International Air Transport Association also issued a statement reminding countries of their obligation to communicate potential risks to civil aviation. "It is critical that states live up to this obligation as tensions in the Middle East rise," the group said, days after the killing of Iran's General Qassem Soleimani on Friday plunged the region into a new crisis. The coordination team operated by IATA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was activated as a "standard precautionary measure," in the event that contingency measures are required by airlines, IATA said in a statement to Reuters. The team brings together airlines, regulators and air navigation service providers to ensure any potential risks to aviation are shared quickly, an industry source familiar with the group said. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (734 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. FILE - In this March 27, 2019, photo taken with a fish-eye lens, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplane sits on the assembly line during a brief media tour in Boeing's 737 assembly facility in Renton, Wash. The looming production shutdown of Boeing 737 Max jets is taking a toll on a key supplier. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. is asking employees if they will take voluntarily buyouts. Spirit suspended production of fuselages and other parts for the Max on Jan. 1, 2020, after Boeing told the Wichita, Kansas, company to suspend shipments. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) WICHITA, Kan. - The looming production shutdown of Boeing 737 Max jets is taking a toll on a key supplier. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. is asking employees if they will take voluntarily buyouts. Spirit suspended production of fuselages and other parts for the Max on Jan. 1, after Boeing told the Wichita, Kansas, company to suspend shipments. Spirit employees learned about the buyout offer with terms depending on union contracts for workers in Wichita, Tulsa and McAlester, Oklahoma in a Monday memo from CEO Tom Gentile, who said the company still has no clear idea of when Max production will resume. "We are discussing different scenarios with Boeing but nothing has been decided," Gentile wrote. He said the company will likely have to make decisions about cutting jobs "in the days and weeks ahead" because of expected lower production rates when the Boeing work returns. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Gentile did not say how many employees the company would like to see leave. Spirit has about 17,000 employees, including 15,000 in the U.S. The Boeing 737, including the Max, represents more than half of Spirits revenue. Spirit warned last month that suspending Max production would hurt the companys financial results and cash flow, and it was evaluating "all potential actions" to get costs in line with lower production expected in 2020. Shares of Spirit rose $1.17, or 1.6%, to close Tuesday at $74.98. Boeing expects to temporarily shut down production of the Max, which has been grounded for nearly 10 months, after two crashes killed 346 people. The assembly line near Seattle will shut down in mid-January. The company said Monday that it does not plan layoffs. In a memo to employees, Boeing said some of the 3,000 affected Max workers will be reassigned to the 777 and 787 jets, some will oversee storage of parked jets in Washington state and Southern California, and some will draw other assignments. Chicago-based Boeing Co. hasnt said how long production will be halted. The company still has work to complete before it can win approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for changes it is making to software and other systems on the plane. The FAA has said repeatedly it has no timetable for approving Boeings work. IIM Ahmedabad students recited Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poem 'Hum Dekhenge' as a mark of protest over JNU violence. They also raised slogans and held up banners in support of the JNU students. The poem 'Hum Dekhenge', penned by the iconic poet Faiz in 1979, came into limelight again recently during the protests against CAA and NRC in IIT Kanpur. Earlier on January 2, senior lyricist Javed Akhtar rejected the claims about the poem being 'anti-Hindu'. IIT Kanpur on Thursday had set up a committee to look into the issue. The move came after a complaint that the students who took out a peaceful march on the campus on December 17 against the Citizenship Amendment Act and in solidarity with Jamia Millia Islamia students, sang it as a mark of protest, which hurt the sentiments of other communities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 22:37:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi President Barham Salih on Wednesday condemned the Iranian missile strikes on military bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq. In a statement by his office, Salih said "the Presidency is following with deep concern the latest development and condemns the Iranian missile strikes on Iraqi soil." The Presidency "renews its rejection of repeated breach of national sovereignty, and turning Iraq into a battleground for the conflicting parties," according to the statement. Salih called on all parties to exercise restraint and resort to dialogue to avoid war that threatens the security and peace of the region and the world, the statement said. Salih said that the presence of the international coalition forces in Iraq was based on the agreements concluded between the Iraqi government and the coalition countries to combat terrorism, the statement added. Salih's statement came after Iran fired ballistic missiles earlier on the day on military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq's western province of Anbar and near the city of Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan. On Friday, a U.S. drone attacked a convoy near Baghdad International Airport, killing Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy chief of Iraq's paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces. More than 5,000 U.S. troops have been deployed in Iraq to support the Iraqi forces in the battles against Islamic State militants, mainly providing training and advising for the Iraqi forces. Photo: Gabriel Gurrola/Unsplash If you love taking advantage of the live music offerings near you, this week has several great reasons to leave the house. From a Sublime band tribute show to discounted ska concert tickets, read on for a local musical to-do list to fill your calendar this week. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime at House of Blues From the event description: Come see Badfish, a tribute to Sublime's Under the Sun tour, perform at the House of Blues in Dallas. When: Friday, Jan. 10, 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) Where: House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar St. Price: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets 52% off general admission tickets to concert by Enuff Z'Nuff at Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill From the Enuff Z'Nuff deal description: Power-pop group Enuff Z'Nuff, influenced by Cheap Trick, will be performing hits such as New Thing and Fly High Michelle. When: Thursday, Jan. 9, 8 p.m. Where: Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill, 10261 Technology Blvd. E. Price: $10 for one general admission standing ticket (52% discount off regular price) Click here for more details, and to score this deal 48% off general admission tickets to concert by The Untouchables at Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill From the The Untouchables deal description: One of Americas first ska bands, The Untouchables, brings their brassy, reggae-driven sound with a hint of soul to hits such as Free Yourself. When: Saturday, Jan. 11, 8 p.m. Where: Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill, 10261 Technology Blvd. E. Price: $12 for one general admission ticket (48% discount off regular price) Click here for more details, and to nab this deal This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Kim Kardashian gave fans both a glimpse inside her fridge and at the new Skims Cotton Collection on Tuesday. The 39 year old reality star took to both Instagram and her Instagram story to share snaps of her modeling pieces from the Skims Cotton Collection. The pieces she was wearing, and many more, are currently available now on the Skims Cotton Collection site. Kim's fridge: Kim Kardashian gave fans both a glimpse inside her fridge and at the new Skims Cotton Collection on Tuesday The Instagram story photo showed Kim posing next to her open fridge, which revealed numerous cartons of milk, which was also shared on the Skims Instagram. There are also milk bottles with straws for her kids and a pitcher of another beverage which appears to be lemonade. Her fridge is also situated next to yet another fridge with a glass door that shows bottles of Essential Water, Perrier and cans of Canada Dry. Skims: The Instagram story photo showed Kim posing next to her open fridge, which revealed numerous cartons of milk, which was also shared on the Skims Instagram She also shared another photo to Instagram from her kitchen while eating a bowl of cereal and revealing the items she was wearing from her Skims Cotton Collection. 'The Skims Cotton Collection restock is available now!! Here Im wearing the Cotton Plunge Bralette and Cotton Rib Briefs in Kyanite,' she said. 'I live in these comfortable pieces!! Shop the Cotton Collection now at SKIMS.COM,' Kim concluded. Breakfast: She also shared another photo to Instagram from her kitchen while eating a bowl of cereal and revealing the items she was wearing from her Skims Cotton Collection The Skims Cotton Collection completely sold out last year, and there are already a number of items sold out or in low stock after the re-launch. The KKW Beauty mogul also took to her Instagram story yesterday to thank supermodel Winnie Harlow for her Christmas present. Harlow gifted Kardashian matching necklaces with pendants that read KKWxWinnie, which they both showed off in the photos. Thanks: The KKW Beauty mogul also took to her Instagram story yesterday to thank supermodel Winnie Harlow for her Christmas present Kim also shared a photo of her and husband Kanye West wearing some slightly matching brown square sunglasses on Instagram. The reality star is currently studying to be a lawyer, and she recently clapped back at claims that she didn't donate to the Australian wildfires. 'Nothing gets me more heated than to see people think they know what we donated to and to think we have to publicize everything,' she tweeted. Normal life came to a standstill in Left-ruled Kerala where shops, malls and even small kiosks remained shut, roads wore a deserted look as public transport services kept away and even a houseboat carrying a Nobel laureate was blocked for sometime during the nationwide strike by 10 trade unions on Wednesday. In an embarassment to the state government, a houseboat carrying Nobel laureate Michael Levitt, who was here as a state guest, was blocked for some time while he was cruising in the Alappuzha backwaters by protesting trade union activists. Levitt, who received the 2013 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was in Alappuzha with his wife and was stopped by the protesters near Kainakary. State Tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran blamed anti-social elements for the incident and said strong action would be taken against those who created the blockade. A case has been registered on the complaint of the houseboat owners. The strike comes a day ahead of the global investors meet in Kochi tomorrow. The tourism sector had been exempted from the 24-hour strike, which began at midnight on Tuesday. Shops, malls, hotels and other commercial establishments were also shut across the state and private and Kerala State Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, autorickshaws and taxis stayed away from the roads. Railway sources said train services were unaffected by the strike and there were no protests at railway stations. However, passengers who reached the railway station here this morning had a tough time getting vehicles. Schools and colleges had declared a holiday on Wednesday and three major universities in the state postponed all its examinations. A Kochi report said functioning of various public sector units-- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), Cochin Shipyard Ltd and Kochi port were not affected. The shutdown also did not impact IT hubs of the state-- Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram and Infopark in Kochi but the Koratti Infopark at Thrissur saw around 200 employees being blocked by protesters from entering their workplace. An Italian cruise ship "Costa Victoria" with 2000 tourists was in Kochi for a day on Wednesday. The visitors managed to visit some scenic places in the port city as vehicles were arranged for them, Cochin port sources said. The All India State Bank of India Employees Association said around six lakh employees and officers of public sector, private, cooperative and regional rural banks participated in the strike called by the Central Trade Unions and Independent Industrial Federations. The strike did not affect the Sabariamala pilgrims and the hill temple witnessed a huge rush of devotees. While all trade unions in the country have joined hands in this protest, the BMS, the BJP backed labour organisation, has stayed away from the nationwide strike. Meanwhile, the state BJP said the strike which was called a day before the investors meet in Kochi tomorrow, will affect the state's development. With the trade unions of the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and opposition Congress-headed UDF participating in the strike, most of the government staff did not turn up at the Secretariat here. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other ministers also did not attend office. Ten trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, and CITU have called for the nationwide strike to protest against labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies and to press for a 12-point common demands of the working class relating to minimum wage among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ThaneThe video of policemen carrying 65-year-old Amnidevi Vishwakarma, who fainted while opposing the massive demolition drive in Diva on January 6, was one of the cases which showed the emotion of the homeless. A resident of Sabe village, Vishwakarma looks at the rubble that was once her home and breaks down. Her husband is bedridden and her son is out of job. Like Vishwakarma, hundreds of people in Diva who bought cheap homes are looking for shelter. Last years floods in Diva highlighted the rampant illegal constructions in the area. After the Bombay high court gave directives to demolish illegal constructions on mangrove land in Diva last year, the district authorities demolished 384 chawls and 39 commercial structures, rendering hundreds of people homeless. Two days after the demolition drive, residents are still searching for their belonging in the debris. Vishwakarma said, We were assured by the developers that our homes will not be razed. We were not given prior notice of the demolition drive. On Monday, the officials said they will only demolish the shops. So when we stopped protesting, they bulldozed our homes. I pleaded with them to leave my home as my husband is bedridden, but in vain. Another resident Sangeeta Gupta, 35, said this was the second time in a year that they lost their house. Our belongings and home were damaged in the floods. We spent money on repairing our home and replaced the damaged belongings. Most houses in the areas were submerged in the floods, with people losing their belongings, documents and valuables. Within six months, everything was gone. We were not even given an opportunity to remove our belongings, said Gupta. Gupta had bought her house nine years ago for Rs3.10 lakh like other residents. Later, they got light and water connections. The developer has given us temporary accommodation. Some of them have gone to their relatives place. However, this is only a temporary solution. The authorities should have demolished new constructions instead of targeting people who are living here for over a decade. Most residents spend the night of January 6 in the demolished houses as they had nowhere to go. Some pay tax The constructions which started on mangrove land in Sabe village Diva since 2007-08 targeted unsuspecting and uneducated people from the lower-middle class. Pramila Tupe, 50, a resident of the same area, said, Nine years ago, we had bought the house for Rs3.5 lakh. The property rates across Mumbai and Thane were skyrocketing and we could not afford a home anywhere. The developer showed us a 7 by 12 extract which had names of some private land owners. There was no mention of mangrove land. We did not realise that we are being duped. Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said, Around 30% of the total tax of the chawls is cleared. Tax is imposed on some of the homes while some of them are still not paying tax. The authorities should have left out people who were paying taxes from the area. Confusion over survey numbers, allege residents Residents of Shanti Suman chawl in the same area alleged that the areas which were surveyed were not demolished. Maya Thorat, 25, a resident, said, The collector department surveyed the constructions in survey number 273 and demolished our home which as per our agreement document is survey number 275. When they came, we were told that only a survey will be conducted. But, our homes were demolished. Residents said they were also not given a chance to show documents of their homes. Sacchidanand Gupta, 40, lived in Samarth Krupa chawl, with his wife and four children. We had documents to prove that we had bought the houses and also that our survey number is different. They put up a notice on Saturday and told us to submit the documents at the Mumbra ward office. However, next day was Sunday and on Monday they bulldozed our homes. The authorities should either give us an alternative accommodation or money for a new house, said Gupta. MUSHROOMING CHAWLS Till the early 2000, Diva was infamous for bootlegging as country liquor was made in the bylanes. Around 15 years ago with the increasing property rates, most middle-class population from Mumbai migrated to the newly built chawls in Diva. The bootleggers shifted from the prime locales towards the creek and were replaced by land mafias who sold illegal houses to the people. How constructions in Sabe village came up Constructions started coming up since 2007-08 in Sabe village which is near the dumping ground in Mumbra. The local land sharks had a major role in destroying mangrove land. The land owners got their names on property card, gave the land for development to developers. They kept the original ownership of the land with themselves. The people, who buy houses in the chawl are not given ownership, as the landowner is still the owner. A local activist said, After demolishing illegal constructions, the owner gets the land while residents who had paid the money become homeless. When things cool down after a couple of years, the land is again allotted to developer for building houses. This is the case everywhere in Diva. Official speak Adik Patil, tehsildar of Thane district, claimed that notices were served to residents. A survey of illegal constructions was done 12 days ago and we had demarcated all illegal structures. We had also conducted a meeting eight days ago with the residents, informing them which structures will be demolished as per the courts orders, he said. He said there was no confusion over survey numbers. We had taken officials from deputy city survey office with us for the demolition. They have pointed out the constructions in the survey number 273 which we demolished. The court has given directives to plant mangroves after the properties are demolished. We have given a letter to the forest department and the Thane Municipal Corporation to plant mangroves as we have finished demolition of the particular area, he added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A top Facebook official said the social media site was responsible for President Trump's 2016 election, but because his campaign was good at using it. 'So was Facebook responsible for Donald Trump getting elected? I think the answer is yes, but not for the reasons anyone thinks,' wrote Facebook's Andrew Bosworth in a Facebook post. 'He got elected because he ran the single best digital ad campaign I've ever seen from any advertiser. Period.' Bosworth serves as Facebook's augmented and virtual-reality vice president and meant for his meandering memo to be read internally and not leaked to the New York Times. Facebook's Andrew Bosworth released a lengthy post he wrote about 2020 to the public after it was leaked to the press. In it he says Facebook was responsible for President Trump's 2016 victory, but said it's because Trump and his team used the social network expertly Andrew Bosworth, Facebook's augmented and virtual-reality vice president, wrote a long-winded internal Facebook post about the 2016 election and looking to 2020, which was leaked to the media Andrew Bosworth argued that President Trump was helped by Facebook in the 2016 race, but not because of Russia, disinformation of Cambridge Analytica Instead the Facebook boss said that Brad Parscale (pictured), who now serves as President Trump's 2020 campaign manager, and Trump did a great job at using the platform reach the intended audiences to win votes Since then, he published the whole thing on a public-facing Facebook account, adding a few new notes at the top, explaining he feared 'context collapse.' 'Overall I hoped this post would encourage my coworkers to continue to accept criticism with grace as we accept the responsibility we have overseeing our platform,' he explained. The original post is entitled 'Thoughts for 2020' and talks a lot about how while the media may have gotten details wrong when reporting on Facebook, that doesn't mean the bigger picture criticisms weren't warrented. 'One trap I sometimes see people falling into is to dismiss all feedback when they can invalidate one part of it,' Bosworth wrote. 'The media has limited information to work with (by our own design!)' he pointed out. Bosworth then touched on Russian interference, 'fake news'-type information that was spread, and the data set harvested by Cambridge Analytica, three areas connected to Facebook and the 2016 presidential election, where the social media site has taken some heat. That naturally led to a discussion of the Trump campaign's use of the site. 'He didn't get elected because of Russia or misinformation or Cambridge Analytica,' Bosworth argued, listing three ways Facebook's platform is sometimes blamed for helping the GOP candidate. 'But Parscale and Trump just did unbelievable work,' the Facebook head continued, referencing the president's digital director turned 2020 campaign manager. 'They weren't running misinformation or hoaxes. They weren't micro-targeting or saying different things to different people. They just used tools we had to show the right creative to each person.' 'The use of custom audiences, video, e-commerce and fresh creative remains the high water mark of digital ad campaigns in my opinion,' Bosworth added. Andrew Bosworth, at a product launch in September 2018, used a 'Lord of the Rings' reference to explain why Facebook shouldn't tilt the scales against President Trump during the 2020 election cycle The Facebook boss then talked about his own politics, explaining he was 'no fan' of the current president and had maxed out his donations to Trump's 2016 rival, Democrat Hillary Clinton. 'After his election I wrote a post about Trump supporters that Im told caused colleagues who had supported him to feel unsafe around me (I regret that post and deleted shortly after),' he confessed. He added that as a 'committed liberal I find myself desperately wanting to pull any lever at my disposal to avoid the same result.' 'So what stays my hand?' Bosworth mused. 'I find myself thinking of the Lord of the Rings at this moment,' he said. 'Specifically when Frodo offers the ring to Galadrial and she imagines using the power righteously, at first, but knows it will eventually corrupt her.' 'As tempting as it is to use the tools available to us to change the outcome, I am confident we must never do that or we will become that which we fear,' Bosworth said. The Bharat Bandh call given by the 10 central unions have received a strong response in some parts of the city. West Bengal, Telangana and Kerala saw strong responses to the nationwide strike call. Banking services took a hit across the nation due to the strike call. Roadway services were also affected. Some Congress and CPI leaders were taken into custody for taking part in the Bharat Bandh 2020 strike in Andhra Pradesh. Central traders unions and bank unions have announced a nationwide strike in order to protest against the 'anti-national' and 'anti-people' policies of the government. Trade unions claim they have decided to go on a strike after a futile meeting with the Central Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar. Trade unions say none of their concerns were addressed in the meeting last week. Trade unions have raised multiple issues related to PSU mergers, disinvestment, which they claim will affect their livelihood. Also read: Bharat Bandh 2020 Live Updates: Trade unions to hold nationwide strike; banking, exams to be majorly hit Here's what's likely to be affected due to the Bharat Bandh 2020 tomorrow: Banks Strike According to a statement by the Indian Banks' Association (IBA), six bank unions have decided to partake in the January 8, 2020 Bharat Bandh. Banking services such as ATMs and branch services are expected to be affected by this strike. Online transactions such as NEFT, IIMPS won't be affected. The bank workers are protesting against the merger of public sector banks. Are schools going to be close tomorrow? No school holidays have been announced yet due to the bandh. Also read: Bank strike on January 8: ATMs, branch services likely to take a hit What about state and national level exams tomorrow? The UPTET 2019, JEE Mains and ICAR NET exams are slated to take place tomorrow. According to the official notification by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), the ICAR NET 2019 will be conducted between January 8 and January 10 across the country. The examination scheduled on January 8 will be postponed only in case of "unforeseen circumstances". If the examination on January 8 is not conducted in case of any untoward law and order situation, then it would be conducted on January 11. However, the examination venue, slot and timing of the examination would remain unchanged. In case of UPTET 2019 and JEE Mains 2020, there is no official notice regarding postponing the exams as of now. The exams are expected to be conducted as per the schedule. It is also suggested that students do check for traffic snarls due to the Bharat Bandh. The UPTET exam was originally scheduled to be held on December 22, but it was postponed due to the protests against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Will transportation facilities be affected due to the Bandh? The nation-wide bandh is likely to affect the daily life of citizens. With various trade unions taking part in the bandh, the regular services including transport, banking services, are likely to be disrupted. However, the emergency services, like supply of milk, public transport, availability of medicine, ambulance and hospital services will not be affected. As per media report, commercial taxis, barring Ola and Uber, auto-rickshaw associations will participate in the bandh. Also read: Bharat Bandh: Around 25 crore people to take part in nationwide strike on January 8, claim trade unions Human resource development ministry officials on Wednesday "advised" Jawaharlal Nehru University vice chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar to increase communication with students, take the faculty into confidence and facilitate the semester registration process, days after violence ran amok on the university campus. IMAGE: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar comes out after meeting HRD officials at Sashtri Bhavan in New Delhi, on Wednesday. Photograph: Subhav Shukla/PTI Photo The VC, who has been severely criticised by students and faculty members for not taking immediate measures when they were brutally attacked on campus by a masked mob, told the officials that efforts were being made to facilitate semester registration for "willing" students. "Higher Education Secretary Amit Khare and G C Hosur had a meeting with JNU VC at the ministry today about the efforts being made to restore normalcy on campus. He ( the VC) informed the officials about efforts being made for facilitating semester registration for willing students and a conducive environment for their academic pursuits," a senior ministry official said. The VC was advised to communicate more with students and take faculty members into confidence, the official added. "Communication gaps create unnecessary doubt. There should be less pressure to hurry up registration but facilitate smooth process for all. JNU is a premiere university with international repute and it should remain that way." After the nearly two-hour meeting, Kumar tweeted that he briefed HRD officials on the steps being taken to bring normalcy. JNU Rector Satish Chandra Garkoti also attended the meeting. The meeting came two days after Jawaharlal Nehru University Registrar Pramod Kumar and other officials visited the HRD Ministry and submitted a detailed report on the sequence of events that triggered the violence on the university campus on Sunday. Kumar did not attend that meeting. "The last date for registration for the winter semester without fine has been extended up to January 12. As part of this registration process about 3,300 students have since deposited fee for online registration. University administration has appealed to all the stakeholders to maintain peace in the campus and not to get provoked by any misinformation," the VC told the officials. Kumar also informed the HRD officials that the Communication and Information System, which was damaged last week allegedly by students opposing the registration process, has been repaired and is now functional. He was assured the funding for utility and service charges will be borne by the UGC as decided previously, officials said. On Tuesday, two days after masked people armed with sticks attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus, Kumar urged students to "put the past behind" and return to studies. "Our heart goes out to all the injured students. The incident (violence) is unfortunate. I would like to tell students that JNU campus is a secure place. I urge all students to come back to the campus. Let us put the past behind," the vice chancellor had said. At least 35 people, including JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh, were injured in the violence. They were admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre and discharged on Monday. The Left-controlled JNUSU and the ABVP blamed each other for the violence that continued for nearly two hours. That night, the HRD ministry sought a report immediately from the registrar. Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank,' who was in Bhubaneswar a day after the incident, said educational institutions cannot be allowed to become "political adda". He vowed "strong action" against the perpetrators of the violence at JNU. Aishe's mother seeks V-C's resignation Meanwhile, the mother of Aishe Ghosh on Tuesday joined the chorus of Left parties in demanding the resignation of the V-C for his alleged failure to protect students from the attack. Sharmistha Ghosh, who took part in a rally organised by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) in Durgapur, however, insisted that the 'brutal assault on the girl students at JNU and similar attacks on other educational institutions across the nation should not be politicised'. "I demand the resignation of the JNU V-C. He failed to protect our children during Sunday's attack by a masked gang. The Centre, too, did nothing to protect the students. Today it is my child; tomorrow it can be someone else's. Why is there no safety of students?" Ghosh said. She stressed that students should be allowed to voice opinions and dissent. "I am proud of my daughter... She was not scared of the assault. However, it's sad that no action has been taken yet to arrest those involved in the attack," Ghosh added. Violence not possible without varsity connivance, police inaction: JNUTA The mob violence on the JNU campus could not have been possible without the connivance of the varsity administration and deliberate inaction by police, the JNU Teachers' Association alleged on Wednesday. It also slammed Kumar for asking students to put the past behind and return to the varsity premises. "How can students go back to hostels or to classrooms when they do not feel safe? How can teachers go back to teach when they do not feel safe?" the JNUTA said in a statement. It said the command to students and faculty to forget and to accept administrative terror as normalcy 'is an insult to injury'. "The mob violence could not have been possible without the active connivance of the administration and deliberate inaction by Delhi Police," it said. Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was buried in the southern Iraqi city of Najaf earlier on Wednesday. Thousands of Iraqis packed the streets of Basra on Tuesday to mourn the death of mIlitary leader Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, known as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, killed last week by a U.S. airstrike alongside his Iranian mentor Qassem Soleimani. No, no America! On Tuesday, about 30,000 people thronged the streets of Basra waving Iraqi and militia flags and chanting No, no America! and No, no Israel!. Shiite cleric Muhsin al-Hakeem said that they will avenge the deaths of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Soleimani by forcing American troops to leave Iraq. Read: Soleimani, Al-Muhandis Coffins Reach Karbala Read: EU Promises To Try To Save Iran Nuclear Deal Despite Setback Muhandis fought for decades alongside Qassem Soleimani and other Iraqi prominent leaders such as Hadi al-Amiri who is the most likely candidate to succeed him. In a video that he left to be shared after his death, Muhandis called the supporters to perpetuate jihad. In the video he said, "I pray I spend the afterlife with ... those I fought with, from Kuwait to Iran, to Iraq. The Badr youth, and later the resistance against the occupation, and now the PMF youth. I command you to take care of the Shiites in the region and in the world, he told his followers." Thousands of mourners took part in a funeral procession in Karbala on Saturday for Iran's top general and Iraqi militant leaders who were killed in a US airstrike a day earlier. Footage showed the arrival of draped coffins holding the bodies of the victims, including Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of the Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces. Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds force and mastermind of its regional security strategy, was the main target of the attack, carried out near Baghdad's international airport. Meanwhile, speaking on his death, the United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at a recent news conference said that the Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was not in Baghdad on 'peace mission' when the US killed him in a drone attack. Read: Bodies Being Recovered At Site Of Iran Plane Crash Read: Iraq Military: No Iraqi Causalities After Iran Missiles Strike Airbases Housing US Troops The UK art market is about to become more transparent. Starting Friday, art businesses registered in the country, including galleries, auction houses, and free port operators storing high-value items, will have to verify client identities on transactions exceeding 10,000, according to the regulations approved by the UK parliament shortly before Christmas. The veracity of such deals also will have to be confirmed to ensure they arent part of money-laundering schemes. The UK has been a magnet for dirty money. Billions of dollars have illicitly moved through 86 financial institutions, 81 law firms, 62 accountants, and more than 2,200 companies in Britain and its overseas territories, according to a recent report by Transparency International UK, the London-based arm of the global anti-corruption group. Some galleries may be blissfully unaware that this happened, said Kenneth Mullen, a London-based partner on the intellectual property and technology team at law firm Withers worldwide. The regulations were passed the very last minute, he said. Its given organisations very little time to react. The UK is the worlds No 2 art market, accounting for more than a fifth of $67.4bn in global sales in 2018, according to a report last year from Art Basel and UBS. The new anti-money laundering regulations will also target cryptocurrencies and rental properties, said Mr Mullen. They stem from more stringent rules mandated by the EU, which requires its members to implement them as national laws by Fridays deadline. Germany has passed similar legislation, said Mr Mullen. Sothebys and Christies have had compliance processes for years. Now galleries will have to follow suit, which will be more of a burden for small and mid-size companies that need to train staff and set up AML operations, according to Mr Mullen. Regulated entities will have to register with HM Revenue & Customs and conduct compulsory client due diligence, he said. If acting for a company, trust or partnership or client, participants will need to establish the relevant ownership structure and then identify the ultimate beneficial owner. Individuals will have to be checked against lists of sanctioned individuals or politically exposed persons. Red flags, indicating a high-risk transaction, may include cash payments, gaps in provenance and refusal to identify the buyer or seller. - Bloomberg WARSAW (Reuters) - Polish mobile operator Play Communications is planning to roll out a 5G network in the northern city of Gdynia, its chief executive said, as the country's telcoms providers rush to be the first to offer commercial next generation services. Mobile internet on 5G networks is expected to offer data speeds up to 50 or 100 times faster than current 4G networks and help expand connectivity. "What we are announcing today is definitely the opening of the first 5G city in Poland and when I say 5G city it's because this is not a test," Jean-Marc Harion told reporters on Tuesday. Rival Cyfrowy Polsat said on Friday its Polkomtel unit was beginning construction of the first 5G network in Poland, and aimed to start serving seven cities in the first quarter. Although Play has already put equipment in place, Harion said the company was still waiting for authorisation from the Office of Electronic Communication (UKE) to proceed. "Technically, we're waiting for UKE to provide us with the authorization to operate spectrum commercially, but this a real life roll-out of 5G. The entire city is covered." The roll-out of 5G has proved controversial with the United States pressing its allies not to use equipment from Chinese telecoms firm Huawei, citing concerns Beijing could use the equipment for spying. Harion said Play's 5G network in Gdynia would be based on Huawei equipment, while Cyfrowy Polsat will use technology from Nokia and Ericsson. Huawei has repeatedly denied the allegations and industry players have warned that excluding Huawei could slow down the implementation of 5G and make it more expensive. Play also said on Tuesday that it planned to build another 800 base stations in 2020, bringing its total to 8700. Play also competes in Poland with Orange Polska and T-Mobile, a unit of Deutsche Telekom. (Reporting by Anna Koper, writing by Alan Charlish; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) KEY WEST, FLORIDA - Two Chinese national students studying at the University of Michigan have been arrested after entering a restricted naval base to take photos. The two students, Yuhao Wang and Jielun Zhang, each 24, appeared in U.S. District Court of Southern Florida Monday, Jan. 6, after they were arrested for entering Sigsbee Annex Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida to photograph defense installations. Wang and Zhang were together in a blue Hyundai as they drove up to the guard station at the entrance of Sigsbee Annex at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 4, FBI Special Agent J. Chris Klettheimes affidavit for an arrest warrant said. They spoke with a U.S. Navy Security Forces Master at Arms who requested military identification, which Wang and Zhang could not provide, he said. The Master at Arms told the two they were not authorized to enter the base, provided instructions for them to make a U-turn and asked for a drivers license, Klettheimes affidavit said. Zhang provided a license to the Master at Arms but continued driving onto Sigsbee Annex, prompting the Master at Arms to radio other Navy security forces to locate the vehicle, the affidavit said. After approximately 30 minutes on restricted property, U.S. Navy security forces located the vehicle and found Wang and Zhang were in possession of cell phones, while Zhang also had a Nikon camera, according to the affidavit. U.S. Navy Security Forces obtained consent to look at the devices and observed photographs taken on the Sigsbee Annex property, including U.S. military structures on Fleming Key, the affidavit said. When questioned, Wang and Zhang told agents they read and understand English, according to the complaint filed against them. Wang agreed to waive his rights and speak with agents, acknowledging they continued to drive onto the base despite not being able to provide military identification, officials said. According to the complaint, Wang acknowledged he eventually parked the vehicle and took photos with his cell phone, voluntarily showing agents photos he took. Zhang provided the same story, according to the complaint, voluntarily showing agents photographs and videos he took on a camera and cell phone. During their court appearance Monday, the Miami Herald reported both were 24-year-old students studying at UM. UM Spokesperson Kim Broekhuizen confirmed Zhang is enrolled at UM, but could not confirm the status of Wang. Wang was appointed a public defender, while a private attorney was granted for Zhang. Because both said they had about $9,000 each in a U.S. bank account, the judge required them to pay $7,500 toward the cost of their defense. They are being held in temporary pretrial detention based on being a flight risk, court records show. A detention hearing is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 10 in federal court. ORLAND, Calif. - The Orland City Council voted 5-0 on Monday to authorize its mayor to sign a letter requesting the governor and CPUC to transform PG&E from an investor-owned utility to a customer-owned utility. Several mayors in the state of California are joining San Jose in a campaign to buy out the investor-owned PG&E Corp. and change it into a giant customer-owned cooperative. The idea, first came across in October, by San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. He's winning support from mayors and county officials who represent nearly one-third of the population served by PG&E's utility subsidiary, PG&E, the Wall Street Journal stated. Orland now joins scores of cities in a statewide initiative spearheaded by the office of the Mayor of San Jose. In a customer-owned utility, a board of directors is elected by citizens in a geographical area. Those customers will then own the assets of the utility. READ: CPUC opens proceeding to consider PG&E reorganization "Our ratepayers, including businesses and residents, critically need a utility company focused on placing the provision of reliable, safe, and affordable power above the interest of its shareholders. In the North State, we have SMUD as a remarkable model of how well this format can work for the utility and the ratepayers. All PG&E customers would be best served by the CPUC directing this change to customer-ownership to occur," Orland Mayor James Paschall said in a press release. - On Tuesday, January 7, evening, lawyer Miguna told his supporters he had boarded a plane in France heading to Kenya - The combative politician was ejected from the plane by the airline staff shortly after boarding - The airline said it had been directed by the Kenyan government not to fly him The woes facing embattled lawyer Miguna Miguna are far from over after Air France disclosed it was directed by the Kenyan government to eject him from the Nairobi bound plane. The self-proclaimed general of the defunct National Resistance Movement (NRM) had given his supporters hope that he was going to land in the country in a photo he shared on social media showing he had boarded the plane to the country. READ ALSO: Iran launches more than 12 missiles on US troops Combative lawyer Miguna Miguna stranded at Charles De Gaulle Airport after he was ejected from plane. Photo: Miguna Miguna Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Afisa wa polisi na mwanafunzi wa chuo kikuu washtakiwa kwa wizi wa pombe However, he was ejected from the plane shortly before take off. "I had comfortably sat in seat number 22A and the plane was about to take off when Stephane Seguin, duty manager, and another Air France staff removed me from the plane on behalf of the Kenyan tyrants. You have not refunded my fare. Your staff were rude. Shame on Air France," said Miguna in a Twitter post. The airline responded to Miguna saying it had received information from Kenyan authorities that he was not allowed into the country. READ ALSO: MP Ngunjiri Wambugu claims Uhuru has stopped sending Ruto to present donations on his behalf "Dear Miguna, we confirm that at the request of the Kenyan authorities, we were obliged to deny boarding. Like all airlines, Air France is required to comply with the entry requirements for the countries it serves, and as such is not authorised to knowingly board passengers for a destination to which they are denied access, "By doing so, Air France is simply complying with the international rules governing air transport, which it is required to respect," said Air France in a Twitter response to Miguna. READ ALSO: Ugandan preacher leaves netizens in stitches after using football to kick out demons during service The airline further said it had to obey the request of Kenyan authorities just like Lufthansa Air did earlier on. The incident came barely after another one in Germany in which he was barred from boarding a plane at Frankfurt Airport. He was expected to touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport a few minutes past 9pm on Tuesday, January 7, but his journey back home has aborted for the umpteenth time. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly Source: TUKO.co.ke Since the United States killed Qasem Soleimani in Iraq last week, President Donald Trump has only ramped up his threats against Iran. But in his utter lack of understanding of the country, its revolutionary government or Iranians themselves, he keeps making the same error again and again. The president failed to grasp that many Iranians - even some of the same ones who were protesting against their government and its Islamic system only a few weeks ago, before a brutal crackdown - would take offense that a foreign power would kill one of their generals, someone viewed as an Iranian patriot and nationalist, and then openly boast about it. The key here is "patriot and nationalist." Much has been written about the fiercely nationalist and prideful character of Iranians - all true. While other peoples can be equally nationalistic, Iranians take pride - ghoroor, or ezat-e-nafs - to a degree and place rarely seen in other cultures. Perhaps it's the character of a people who feel that their great civilization (and once-great empire) has not been given its proper due, or at least not to the degree that Rome, Egypt or Greece has been in the Western canon. Perhaps it's the invasion that brought Islam to Iran - an Islam that Iranians worship differently from most of their once-conquering Arabs - that makes Iranians want to distinguish themselves from their neighbors, not only as the first nation-state in the region, but as racially and religiously separate from those who surround them. So Trump's recent threat to target "52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture" may have provoked even more anger in Tehran than the news of Soleimani's assassination. If there is anything that unifies all Iranians, whether they live in Iran or not, it is pride in their culture. Pride in their monuments that speak to a glorious past, all the more important today as they watch nations that were once empty desert surpass them in architecture, infrastructure and amenities. Pride in their history, manifested in their literature and in sites spread across the nation: from the Caspian north where one of the oldest churches in Christendom still stands, to the south, where Persepolis once stood as the world's greatest capital, and points in between, where ancient Zoroastrian temples and pilgrimage sites dot the desert landscape. In Isfahan, Safavid kings built magnificent palaces and mosques in the 16th century as they introduced Shiite Islam as Persia's state religion. Targeting cultural sites is, obviously, prohibited under international law, and any such attack would be a war crime (and as such an order that any officer could refuse to execute). This was seemingly an unimportant detail for Trump, who, aboard Air Force One on his way back from Palm Beach, told reporters: "They're allowed to kill our people. They're allowed to torture and maim our people. They're allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people. And we're not allowed to touch their cultural site? It doesn't work that way." Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday that the Pentagon "will follow the laws of armed conflict," which somehow sounds less reassuring when it needs to be stated aloud. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that "every effort that's being made will always be conducted inside the international laws of war." And Trump, asked in the Oval Office that afternoon, stated that he "likes to obey the law," which, depending on your point of view, is either calming or terrifying. But even if it wasn't illegal, Trump's threat would be a colossal mistake: It would turn what might be the Muslim Middle East's most pro-American population, albeit ruled by the most anti-U.S. government, into the most anti-American people for generations to come. Alexander the Great, who burned Persepolis to the ground more than two millennia ago, is to this day a hated figure in Iran. (Can any ordinary American name the British general who burned the White House and Capitol in the War of 1812?) Cultural protection wasn't always a priority for the Islamic Republic, at least not at its inception. Pompeo seemed to point to that Tuesday, conflating the past with the present in a tweet mocking Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif: "No one has damaged Persian culture more than the Islamic Republic - disrespecting Cyrus and holidays like Nowruz, prohibiting dancing, and putting an end to religious tolerance." It is true that in the early days of the revolution, some clerics believed anything pre-Islamic in Iran should be banned, destroyed or forbidden. That included cultural sites. Fortunately, saner clerical minds - perhaps better acquainted with the Persian psyche - prevailed, and nothing was destroyed. While some cultural acts such as dancing in public or solo female singing were indeed banned (bans generally ignored by many, if not most, today), Iranians not only managed to protect their cultural sites and museums from overzealous clerics and their fanatic followers, but even preserved the hated shah's palaces - with furniture and belongings - intact. And Nowruz is celebrated for a full 13 days by everyone in the country. In the aftermath of the revolution, the war with an invading Iraq, which lasted eight years beginning in 1980, required Iran to rebuild its decimated and demoralized armed forces with young conscripts and recruits. Yes, Shiite ideology, which venerates martyrdom, was essential to that end. Still, Iran's cultural sites remained protected despite the duress the country was under. Years later, despite the senior ayatollahs' and the theocracy's general discomfort with anything pre-Islamic, governments (and some clerics) seized upon the glory of Iran's past to gain favor with a nationalist public weary of revolutionary slogans and their governments' shortcomings. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was particularly adept at stirring up nationalistic sentiments, even more so while attempting a political comeback after his two terms in office. Most Iranian politicians today will show a fierce devotion to Iran's cultural heritage, some because it is politically expedient but most - remarkably - because they share a genuine spirit of nationalist fervor some 41 years after a revolution that, at first and largely in response to a secular monarchy, swept away any notion of any identity other than Shiite Muslim. How deep does that nationalist character and pride run? This deep: Ardeshir Zahedi, the former shah's son-in-law, foreign minister, ambassador to Great Britain and the United States (twice), was partly responsible with his father (and the CIA) for bringing the shah back to his throne in the aftermath of the 1953 coup. He's lived in exile in Montreux, Switzerland, since 1979, and he gave an interview to BBC Persian after the Soleimani assassination. Zahedi said he was proud of Soleimani, revered him as a patriot of Iran and respected the Islamic Republic's government and its foreign ministry, and he wouldn't budge when questioned why he would support those who drove him from his homeland. It needn't be said how he, and many others not inclined to support the Islamic system under any other circumstance, would react if a heritage site was destroyed. Trump claims he killed to prevent war. Pompeo took the Orwellian language further in declaring that the assassination was a de-escalation of tensions in the region. Black is white, up is down. (Someone might shoot a person in the middle of Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and not lose any supporters.) It's not clear what language Trump and Pompeo will resort to if the United States really does carry through the president's threat. It's not clear that any language will suffice. If the scenes from the funeral of Soleimani this week showed that Iranians have united in condemnation of the killing, the scenes the world will witness if the United States destroys a cultural heritage site - even accidentally, I should add - will make them look like an afternoon in the park. - - - Hooman Majd is a New York-based writer and the author, most recently, of "The Ministry of Guidance Invites You to Not Stay: An American Family in Iran." An air-hostess on Jeffrey Epstein's private plane who has accused him of raping her has spoken out for the first time about her flight to Africa with the pedophile, Bill Clinton, Chris Tucker and Kevin Spacey in September 2002. Chauntae Davies recounted the five-day humanitarian trip - part of a project for Clinton's foundation, which raised awareness about poverty and the AIDS crisis - in an interview with The Sun published Wednesday. The star-studded group flew to Africa on Epstein's private jet, dubbed the Lolita Express. Davies, then 22, said everyone quickly began bonding after the plane took off from a New York airfield. 'It was like I was at camp with the most unimaginable group of campers one could put together,' she said. 'Everybody cracked jokes at one another. Clinton was chiming in cracking jokes along with us, and we were all laughing and bonding over corny jokes. 'A movie was put on, everyone took either a seat in the giant armchairs or on the floor, and watched it all together. Eventually, everyone fell asleep to the movie.' Many of Epstein's alleged victims have claimed that he used the plane to shuttle underage girls between his properties and that he organized orgies onboard. There is no evidence to suggest that Clinton, Tucker or Spacey engaged in any sexual activities when they flew on the plane or that they knew of Epstein's crimes. Scroll down for video Chauntae Davies, who worked on Jeffrey Epstein's 'Lolita express' private jet and also performed massages on him, has revealed new details about her trip to Africa with Bill Clinton Davies, a massage therapist, has accused Epstein of raping her on multiple occasions. She spoke publicly about the allegations during a New York court hearing in August (left), weeks after the financier (right) died by apparent suicide in his prison cell while awaiting trial Davies, a massage therapist, revealed that she was invited to join the trip he was hosting just one week before they departed. 'That was all I was told, just a simple yes or no and can I leave in a week?' she said. 'Meaning, get all necessary shots, reschedule any existing appointments, pack a suitcase and meet us in New York to fly to Africa.' Davies said she was hesitant about traveling so far from home with Epstein, whom she accused of raping and sexually assaulting her on other trips, including at his private island in the Caribbean. 'It did weigh heavy on my mind the remoteness of being on the other side of the world with Jeffrey, not knowing what to expect from him,' she said. 'I was praying Jeffrey wouldn't make a move on me, desperately wanting everything about this trip to be kept professional.' She said Epstein's purported madam, Ghislaine Maxwell - the woman who recruited Davies into his inner circle in the first place - convinced her to go. Maxwell later became hesitant about Davies joining because she had recently broken her finger. 'Ghislaine, after first convincing me I didn't want to miss out on this opportunity when I initially hesitated, had doubts I could help carry things and prepare food,' Davies said. Davies said she was hesitant about traveling so far from home with Epstein, whom she accused of raping and sexually assaulting her on other trips, including at his private Caribbean island When Davies arrived to the airfield for the trip, she said a man handed her and three other assistants pilot uniforms to wear on board as they waited for Epstein and Maxwells arrival. 'I felt like a goober but I was a good sport and put it on,' she said. 'We were given a briefing on the food that was available on the plane and our flight schedule, but then we took a seat.' Davies described being shocked when she saw the A-listers that would be traveling with her. 'I jumped out of my seat and was immediately aware that my travel mates had arrived. And in walks Bill Clinton,' she told The Sun. 'He continued to walk onto the plane, introducing himself. I thought him to be charming and sweet. 'More of the guests arrived, and somehow, as the plane closed its doors, I stood looking around the room at all the new faces I just met. 'Chris Tucker, Kevin Spacey and Bill - accompanied also of course by the Secret Service. 'I was going to Africa with the most eclectic group of people imaginable.' Many of Epstein's alleged victims have claimed that he used his private jet (pictured) to shuttle underage girls between his properties and that he organized orgies onboard Davies said her previous experiences cast a shadow over the trip, which included stops in Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique and South Africa. 'I felt shamed by what had been happening with Jeffrey and I was doing my best acting performance to keep things looking as professional as I could,' she said. 'I had to cover it up for everyone. I still thought it was happening only to me and I couldnt talk about it with any of the other assistants.' Davies categorically denied that any misconduct occurred around Clinton and said he was a 'complete gentleman' the entire time. 'Clinton was a great guy on the trip. He'd sit around on the plane with a cigar in his mouth, playing cards between flights,' she said. 'I wrote in my journal at the time that I wished he could be president again. He was charismatic and funny and kind and personable. 'It was obvious he cared about not just our country but the world. He was a gracious host.' Davies had previously spoken about how she went on a shopping trip with Clinton in Ghana and helped him pick out a bracelet for his daughter Chelsea. 'He and I were bonding over the fact that my great uncle, Russel Cronkhite was the head chef for the Blair House, the guest house of the White House, during his Presidency,' she said. 'He was the chef that made Chelsea's infamous pizzas for her 13th birthday party.' Davies categorically denied that any misconduct occurred around Clinton and said he was a 'complete gentleman' the entire time. The former president is pictured in 2002, months before the trip Clinton previously issued a statement regarding his travel on Epstein's plane and insisted he knew nothing about the financier's crimes. 'President Clinton knows nothing about the terrible crimes Jeffrey Epstein plead guilty to in Florida some years ago, or those with which he has previously been charged in New York,' the statement said. 'In 2002 and 2003, President Clinton took a total of four trips on Jeffrey Epsteins airplane: one to Europe, one to Asia, and two to Africa, which included stops in connection with the Clinton Foundation. 'Staff, supporters of the Foundation, and his Secret Service detail traveled on every leg or every trip.' Never-before-seen photos, obtained exclusively by The Sun, show Clinton posing next to Epstein's alleged madam Ghislaine Maxwell as they boarded the private jet. Another photo showed Clinton with his arm around Davies. Other images from inside the Boeing 727 show Clinton sucking on a cigar and playing cards. Davies, now 40, said revisiting the photos made her question how such powerful people were pulled into Epstein's circle as he was committing heinous sex crimes. 'It's clear that Epstein was using this private jet and his wealth to get close to rich and powerful people,' Davies told The Sun. 'Looking back at these images now it raises a lot of questions about why Bill Clinton was using the plane and what perhaps Jeffrey may have been trying to accomplish by having him around.' Epstein was arrested on July 6 and pleaded not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of girls as young as 14 Epstein was arrested on July 6 and pleaded not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of girls as young as 14. He was found dead on August 10 in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan and an autopsy concluded that he hanged himself. Epstein's death has triggered investigations by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, which runs the detention facility. His arrest in New York this year came more than a decade after Epstein avoided being prosecuted on similar federal charges in Florida by striking a deal that allowed him to plead guilty to state prostitution charges. That deal, which has been widely criticized as too lenient, resulted in Epstein serving 13 months in a county jail, which he was allowed to leave during the day on work release. Davies spoke out about the abuse she endured at Epstein's hands for the first time at an August 27 court hearing, along with dozens of other accusers. The following day she appeared on CBS This Morning and revealed more details about how she came into Epstein's orbit. She said she was introduced to the financier by Maxwell, his reputed madam and long-term friend. Maxwell and Davies had met through a massage guru. Davies claimed that the first time she met Epstein to give him a massage, he masturbated in front of her. She was horrified but went back to continue working for him, she said, partly because of the support she received from Ghislaine. 'The first encounter I had with him, he masturbated in front of me,' she said. 'That alone should have been enough to never come back but the way that they were able to orchestrate and manipulate the situation, led me to believe that something like that wouldn't happen again so I went back.' Chauntae Davies appeared on CBS This Morning in August to tell how Epstein abused her after she was introduced to him by Ghislaine Maxwell She went on to say that she thought Maxwell genuinely 'cared' for her. 'With Ghislaine, it's very confusing because she's someone who I really believed cared for me,' she said. 'The way that she kind of approached the situation was that she felt for the situation I was in. I was young and struggling and had come from not such a privileged background. She seemed wanting to help better my life and even was personal about it. 'There were a couple appointments in between that first encounter and when it happened which led me to believe that it wouldn't happen again.' For several years, she continued working for Epstein. The third or fourth time they met, she says he raped her. She was too frightened to report him or leave because, she claims, both he and Maxwell made it 'clear' how powerful he was. 'Immediately, the power that this man had was very evident. He made it very clear, Ghislaine made it very clear, he had powerful figures photographed all over his residences,' she said. 'Even in one of the first couple of trips, they somehow got me a passport which I didn't have initially. They just had one for me.' Throughout her years working for him, she said he sent her to culinary school and used the guise of education to 'mask' the abuse. Ghislaine Maxwell (pictured) has been named by dozens of Epstein's accusers as a co-conspirator or procurer of victims 'He made it very confusing because he would disguise the abuse with education, trips to a bookstore and pick out whatever books you want - some girls have experiences with lavish shopping trips but with my experience it was education based,' she said. 'But, he sent me to culinary school, he sent my sister to school - she studied abroad to be a translator in Spain. So it was very masked by various things that he would kind of just throw out there.' Davies has not given details about when she stopped working for him. She gave an interview in 2015 to say that she had witnessed young girls being ferried around on his plane but said at the time she was not a victim herself. Like Epstein's lawyers, she says she has questions about how he died. Davies said that she believes he was too arrogant to kill himself and thought he that he was going to beat the human trafficking charges he was facing and 'disappear'. Two days before Epstein's suicide, he signed a last will and testament naming his brother Mark as his sole heir. Many have interpreted it as a sure sign he intended to kill himself. But Davies believes it was part of a plan to disappear once he got out of jail. 'I am absolutely suspicious of it. I go back and forth. Part of me thinks, "OK so he signed that will 2 days before", so that is obviously a red flag that he was planning to commit suicide, but I feel that his ego was so large and he was so manipulative and so intelligent and I really strongly believe that he still thought he was going to get out of it. 'And I think that he signed that will thinking he was going to get out of it and disappear. Like hide that money and disappear. It's hard to wrap my brain around him killing himself because I don't see that,' she said. Now that he is dead, she fears she may never know what justice 'feels like'. 'I don't know what justice looks like now. I was asking myself that as I was trying to fall asleep last night, I don't know what it is I just know we don't have it yet,' she said. Maxwell has been named by dozens of Epstein's accusers as a co-conspirator or procurer of victims. Before the financier's death, she was named in lawsuits as having facilitated alleged abuse. She has always denied wrongdoing and has never been arrested or charged. The British-born socialite has kept a low profile in recent years and is currently believed to be hiding out in Massachusetts. By Loretta Weinberg Once again, the League of Municipalities is pushing for a commission to study the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), a study that would delay reform and weaken the only statute in New Jersey that guarantees the press and the public access to public records. Speaking for the League, staffer Lori Buckelew complained in a recent NJ Advance Media/Star-Ledger article about the high costs and the burdensome work imposed by OPRA and calls for a study. She neglects to mention that over the past several years, I have met regularly with Ms. Buckelew and the League, as well as the Municipal Clerks Association, the Press Association of New Jersey, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, and a bevy of other organizations, records custodians, and local and county elected officials. That process has produced a bill, S107, which reforms the Open Public Records Act. In a public letter to the New Jersey Senate dated June 20, 2019, the League of Municipalities laid out its argument against S107. If I might paraphrase, there are three points of contention raised in the letter. First, S107 does not abolish attorney fee shifting in the law. Under current law, when a party wins an OPRA lawsuit against a government body, the government body is obligated to pay that partys attorneys fees. This is the only reasonable enforcement mechanism available for the law. There is no way a private citizen not to mention a great deal of news organizations! would be able to afford constant legal challenges, and there is no avenue for the Attorney General to pursue OPRA violations. Second, S107 expands the definition of public record to include records required to be made, maintained, or kept on file. This simply means that the responsibility of a public body to furnish a record is not diminished by the destruction of that record. Certainly, there is no penalty under the bill should a records custodian fail to produce a destroyed record, but I think the public has a right to know the difference between a record that does not exist because it never existed and a record that used to exist but does not now. Third, S107 does not put the same requirements on the Legislature as it does other public bodies. This is a feature of the current law, and it is unlikely that a majority of the Legislature would vote to put these obligations on their offices. Bodies of 40 and 80 need different rules from official bodies of five, seven, or nine. Also, in at least one respect, the Legislature already does more than local governments: unlike in many towns, our subcommittee meetings are open to the public and available for viewing online in real time. You may notice something missing from this letter -- the League of Municipalities does not mention the burden of commercial requests, which was the primary complaint laid out in the Star-Ledger article of January 5. Why? The answer is that S107, being the product of years of stakeholder meetings, addresses this concern! Per recommendations received from the League of Municipalities, S107 offers records custodians several avenues of relief when it comes to voluminous commercial requests. First, unlike current law, S107 allows records custodians to direct requesters to view records online if the records are so available. Once made available online, a records custodian might never again have to produce a physical copy of that record for a requester. The bill appropriates some state monies to set up a centralized open data website on which records custodians could post their records cost-free to the municipality. Second, S107 creates a new charge for commercial entities, a special administrative charge, which is meant to cover the ongoing operational expenses of producing a record. The high costs referenced in the January 5 article would thus be borne by the commercial entities making these requests, not the taxpayers. Finally, S107 would allow municipal governments to seek protective orders from the courts in the case of harassing records requests. There does need to be some recourse when the nature and volume of requests is more than a custodian could reasonably handle. Current law offers no such recourse, but S107 does. What would be accomplished by a new study commission, which has not already been accomplished by years of negotiations? The members of the proposed commission are essentially the same groups we have been meeting with for years. The only purpose of such a commission would be to kick the can down the road in the hopes of addressing the three points raised in the League of Municipalities letter. The removal of fee shifting under OPRA would be the death of government transparency in New Jersey, and the League of Municipalities knows it. All of us who have worked on OPRA reform the League of Municipalities included know how much progress has been made these past few years. Knowing how quickly technology changes, S107 even includes a study commission of its own to report on the successes and failures of the bill a few years after passage. It would be folly to throw away well-considered solutions and compromises, especially if the real aim of doing so is an absolute victory for government unaccountability and non-transparence. Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) is the sponsor of S107, the OPRA reform bill. The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- As the Chinese Lunar New Year draws near, global meat producers are rushing to meet the surging demand for protein on Chinese dining tables. China's meat imports have seen a significant rise in the past year as the government lifted bans to fill a gap in domestic supply. The country began to import meat products from 16 more countries in 2019, with imported meat hitting 5.49 million tonnes in the first 11 months, climbing 42 percent year on year, customs data showed. In November alone, the country imported 644,000 tonnes of meat, surging 82 percent year on year, while pork imports increased 151.2 percent year on year to stand at 230,000 tonnes. Hit by outbreaks of African swine fever, China's pig herd shrank notably in the past year, pushing up prices of pork and its alternatives. As the staple meat is key to many traditional dishes for the Lunar New Year, the country has announced various measures including boosting imports to ensure holiday supply. The country's pork-related imports were expected to top 3 million tonnes in 2019, while meat imports were estimated to exceed 6 million tonnes, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The increase in imports, coupled with pork reserves to be released and a recovery in domestic hog production, will help meet demand in the coming Chinese New Year, said Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Yu Kangzhen Wednesday. Among the incentives to encourage meat imports, the country recently removed a ban on imports of Japan's deboned beef, while import tax on frozen pork was cut from 12 percent to 8 percent starting from this year. Global exporters are actively stepping up production to cash in on the opportunity. Tony Stock, marketing manager with Prime Ranger Meats Limited, a New Zealand-based meat processing firm, said that the company's beef and lamb exports to China doubled last year. "The Chinese market will continue to be our main export destination because of the very high demand for our natural meat products. The only concern we have at the moment is keeping up with demand," said Stock. Jacky Wang, procurement director with the Huaqiang Shines Industrial development (Dalian) Co., Ltd, said that prices of beef and mutton imported into China soared some 30 percent in the past year while volume also increased some 20 percent. "As an increasing number of Chinese crave alternatives to pork, demand for other kinds of meat has seen a significant rise," he said. The company sources beef and mutton from various countries including Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina, to China. To meet the surging demand, the company has signed contracts with dozens of new factories overseas, while inking a deal at the import expo in Shanghai last year to import beef from Mexico for the first time. While meat imports could somewhat fill in the supply gap, China should nonetheless increase its own production capability and enhance its competitiveness in its domestic farming industry to ensure long-term stable supply, said Zhu Zengyong, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Shares of Apache Corporation APA rallied more than 26% in yesterdays trading, scoring its biggest intraday gain since 1973 after the energy explorer and partner TOTAL S.A. TOT announced a major oil discovery at the Maka Central-1 well in Block 58, offshore Suriname. About the Discovery Block 58 covers 1.4 million acres in water depths and is located near ExxonMobil XOM and Hess HES Stabroek block in Guyana, South Americas newest oil giant. The field seems a unique, large-scale oil resource opportunity. Maka Central-1 well, which was drilled using Noble Sam Croft drillship, encountered a geologic model bearing 73 metres (240 feet) of oil reservoirs and 50 metres (164 feet) of hydrocarbon-bearing light oil and gas condensate pay. The drilling results proved to be pleasing for both companies as the well confirmed ample traces of hydrocarbon within its bounds, mirroring high potential for productive oil wells. This, in turn, consolidates Apache and TOTALs confidence in discovering significant resources beyond the Maka Central finding since the two control 1.4 million acres in the region. Sam Croft will commence drilling the following well in Block 58 from the Sapakara West prospect onward. Sapakara West-1, located nearly 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of the Maka Central discovery, will examine oil-rich upper Cretaceous targets in the Campanian and Santonian intervals. Apache Corporation Price Apache Corporation Price Apache Corporation price | Apache Corporation Quote The TOTAL JV With a view to explore and develop Block 58 offshore Suriname, last month, Apacheentered into a joint venture (JV) with French company TOTAL. Notably, both companies own 50% of the working interest in Block 58. For Apache, this joint venture with TOTAL, which is one of the top five publicly traded global integrated oil and gas players, enormously enhanced its portfolio with the addition of the latters extensive offshore expertise and global footprint. In other words, the former sees the latter as an ideal partner for a block of such magnitude. Story continues Importance of the Discovery Apart from the obvious addition to its recoverable resources, the Maka Central-1 discovery adds greater value in light of the companys struggles with the Alpine High find in West Texas. Alpine High, touted as a game-changer for the company following its discovery in 2016, has seen natural gas production from the play lag expectations with extremely low prices of the commodity prevalent at the Waha hub in West Texas. In fact, Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) Apache was recently forced to reduce volumes from the play. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All Last year, it generated $24 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $77.6 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early. See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report TOTAL S.A. (TOT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Apache Corporation (APA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Hess Corporation (HES) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Actor Shah Rukh Khans daughter Suhana, who has been in Mumbai for the New Year celebrations for the last couple of days, was spotted with bestie Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of actor Sanjay Kapoor. According to a report in Times of India, the duo was out on a film date. In the many pictures doing the rounds, Suhana can be seen in a pair of loose baggy pants, with a crop top and a denim jacket. She is also wearing a pair of fancy shoes. Shanaya can be seen in a pair of ripped jeans paired with a black hoodie jacket. Suhana, who is studying in New York, was earlier spotted at her father Shah Rukhs Alibaug farmhouse, partying with her friends to ring in the New Year. In the pictures, alongwith her other friends, was actor Ananya Panday. As per various reports, Suhana is pursuing her higher studies in filmmaking. Pictures of Suhana posing with friends at various landmarks across the US city, often make their way to the internet. When Suhana had joined the US college last year, her mother had taken to Instagram to share the experience. A glimpse of a college freshman day. #NYU, Gauri had written. Suhana, who has studied at Mumbais Dhirubhai Ambani International School, went to Ardingly College in England. Her older brother Aryan is also pursuing his studies in filmmaking in University of California, USA. Also read | Bigg Boss 13: Shruti Seth, Gauahar Khan slam Sidharth Shukla for violent behaviour towards Shehnaaz Gill Reports suggest that both of SRKs children are interested in a career in films, with Aryan showing keenness in direction alone. In an interview to Hindustan Times, he had said earlier, If Aryan decides to be an actor, it will only be an honour for him to work with directors of that calibre. But I think he wants to be a filmmaker. Aryan is studying to be a filmmaker and a writer, while Suhana wants to be an actor. But even if he wants to be a filmmaker, he needs to study for another five to six years and not just the literal form of studying, but probably be an assistant to Karan after he finishes his film-making course. Aisa nahi hai ki tumhara baap actor hai toh set pe aake assistant director ban jaao. Similarly, Suhana should learn acting for another three to four years if she wants to be an actor. I know many of my industry friends feel my kids should start acting [in films] tomorrow. But its my belief that they shouldnt start acting [in movies] yet. Follow @htshowbiz for more An entrepreneurial mum who is celebrating 20 years of helping to save people's sex lives through her leading business selling pelvic floor toners has warned women that maintaining your pelvic floor is as important as 'brushing your teeth'. Stephanie Taylor, 58, of Newark, Nottinghamshire, quit her job as an air hostess after having her son, Luke, now 31, and launched a condom mail order company in 1988 targeted at women, followed by a 'non-salacious' sex toys start-up. In 2000 she decided to start Kegel8, a venture selling devices to strengthen the pelvic floor, which she runs from headquarters in Hull, East Yorkshire, and quickly took off. The business is such a resounding success that Stephanie now employs 40 people, including her son who heads up the IT department, and ships her devices across the world - hoping to crack Australia, New Zealand and the USA in 2020. Stephanie Taylor, 58, of Newark, Nottinghamshire, has warned women that maintaining your pelvic floor is as important as 'brushing your teeth'. Stephanie Taylor, 58, of Newark, Nottinghamshire, quit her job as an air hostess after having her son, Luke, now 31, (seen as a baby in 1988) and decided to start her own business The high flyer, of said: 'I'm on a mission to encourage women everywhere to take back control and proactively look after their pelvic floors. 'Pelvic floors need to be taken care of just like if you don't brush your teeth they'll fall out, and if you don't do your pelvic floor exercises your vagina might fall out. 'And by improving the strength of the pelvic floors it'll stop leakage and also increase sensation and give you a better orgasm.' According to Stephanie, the menopause can be a cause for concern too. 'When the skin starts to sag the boobs and bum start to go the pelvic floors start to go, too,' she said. 'Especially in later life, if you've not done your pelvic floor exercises you can become incontinent. 'After dementia, incontinence is a large reason why people end up in care homes earlier so basically, do your pelvic floor exercises or it could lead to a fast track into a care home', she claims. In 2000 she decided to start Kegel8, a venture selling devices to strengthen the pelvic floor, which quickly took off WHAT IS URINARY INCONTINENCE? Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. It affects up to six million people in the UK and 17 million in the US to some extent. Some sufferers occasionally leak urine when they sneeze or cough, whereas others get urges that are so sudden they do not get to the toilet in time. It is more common with age and can occur due to conditions such as arthritis if patients cannot undo their trouser buttons quickly enough. Other causes may include a urinary tract infection, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, a hysterectomy and prostate cancer. Alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks and spicy foods can stimulate the bladder, making symptoms worse. Sufferers should seek help from their GP as urinary incontinence can indicate a more serious underlying condition. It can also restrict people's everyday activities and increase their risk of falls if they rush to the bathroom. People can reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, eating lots of fibre, practicing pelvic floor exercises and not smoking. Source: Mayo Clinic Advertisement One in three women suffers with incontinence, usually as a result of weakening of the muscles that control urination, such as the urethral sphincter, or the pelvic floor (a hammock of muscles that runs from the pubic bone to the spine, supporting the bladder, bowel and womb). A report by Oxford academic found that urinary incontinence has also been associated with multiple hospital admissions and is believed to be an important cause of admission to long-term care facilities. Stephanie says her interest in helping women to strengthen their pelvic floors was a natural progression from her other businesses, as they brought to her attention how many women lost sensation in that area after childbirth. Once she had spotted the link between lack of sensation and weak pelvic floors, it seemed only natural to start selling medically certified devices to help strengthen them. But, 20 years after launching her venture, Stephanie is dismayed by how many women are still trying to see the 'funny side of laughter leaks' and do not understand the 'crushing' implications of not doing their pelvic floor exercises. 'To be honest, I think it's really sad that not many women have as much knowledge about their pelvic floors as they should have,' she said. 'Not maintaining the pelvic floor can have a horrific physical impact. It can cause a prolapse or incontinence and it can have mental repercussions too. 'It could be a real block on a person's love life, because you either won't feel the orgasm or you won't be able to control when you leak or, in some cases, you won't be able to control your wind. Stephanie says her interest in helping women to strengthen their pelvic floors was a natural progression from her other businesses, as they brought to her attention how many women lost sensation in that area after childbirth (seen after giving birth herself) An air hostess in her early 20s, which included a stint of living in the Middle East and took her all over the world, she had the time of her life, but falling pregnant made it impractical and in 1987 she quit to start her own business 'People don't realise how serious it is.' Meanwhile, Stephanie believes being a successful entrepreneur was always her destiny. She said: 'Being a business owner is always something that's appealed to me. I like my independence and I've always been a hard worker,' she said. ' I grew up on a farm and I worked on the farm from the age of eight, so I've had a strong work ethic since I was a child.' An air hostess in her early 20s, which included a stint of living in the Middle East and took her all over the world, she had the time of her life. The business is such a resounding success that Stephanie now employs 40 people, including her son (seen above now) who heads up the IT department, and ships her devices across the world - hoping to crack Australia, New Zealand and the USA in 2020 But falling pregnant made it impractical and in 1987 she quit. 'I loved being a new mum once Luke was born, but I still needed mental stimulation,' she said. 'Whenever he was asleep, I would research ideas for what business I could start.' Always 'passionate about intimate health' Stephanie soon had a lightbulb moment. 'It was around the time of the AIDS epidemic, so I thought about doing something with condoms,' she said. 'I'd always felt there was a bit of a taboo around women carrying them. To me it felt like women were judged for carry a condom around with them, when in reality, all they're doing is looking after themselves. 'The negative outlook always bothered me.' Stephanie is dismayed by how many women are still trying to see the 'funny side of laughter leaks' and do not understand the 'crushing' implications of not doing their pelvic floor exercises With that in mind, in 1988 Stephanie's first business Passion8 a condom mail order service was born. 'I started out selling condoms by mail order, then I branched out to supply condoms for the take-out adverts you used to get in the back of glossy magazines,' she said. 'I also secured a contract to supply condoms to the NHS.' With her safe-sex start-up proving an instant success, Stephanie continued to grow the venture with 'non-salacious' sex toys. 'I started selling sex toys to clinics and to private therapists,' she said. 'It was successful because I wasn't selling products with salacious packaging or any sort of lewd connotation it was matter of fact. 'It was more like, 'Here's a sex toy that will help improve a struggling couple's sex life,' and I sold them into clinics. Stephanie believes being a successful entrepreneur was always her destiny after a very different start in life growing up on a farm (seen with her mother centre and son right) 'We also sold sex toys for women who had suffered with a loss of sensation for whatever reason birth trauma, poor pelvic floors, or something different into psychosexual clinics. 'We supplied what we called 'the magic wand,' which was a sex toy with a stronger vibration, and it helped the women to feel some sort of sensation again.' Finding out what caused women to lose feeling, coupled with the changes Stephanie experienced in her own body after childbirth, gave her another business idea. 'Lots of women were complaining of a lack of feeling or sensation after child birth,' she said. 'And after I had Luke, I noticed huge changes in my own body especially as I suffered with nerve damage and had to have stitches. 'Especially if you've had a bit of a difficult birth, it's important to make sure your pelvic floor is strong.' Finding out what caused women to lose feeling, coupled with the changes Stephanie experienced in her own body after childbirth, gave her another business idea Kegel devices, cost anything from 30 to 169, and are used to exercise the pelvic floor by inserting it into the vagina where it sends electrical impulses directly to the pelvic floor These thought processes led to the birth of Stephanie's second business, Kegel8, in 2000, which she runs from headquarters in Hull, East Yorkshire. 'Now I sell Kegel devices, which cost anything from 30 to 169, which are used to exercise the pelvic floor,' she said. 'When I first launched the business, they were only available in clinics, so I decided to approach the manufacturer and see if they'd work with me directly. 'Talking about pelvic floors can still be deemed embarrassing, so sometimes people will put off going to the doctors about it. 'By selling the device directly to women they don't have to go through the embarrassment of speaking to a doctor about it they can just buy it online. How do the kegel devices work? The kegels work by using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) which involves using an electrical impulse or signal to elicit a muscle contraction (Knutson et al, 2015). A probe plugged into a port is inserted into the vagina, and you can select the programme strength you wish to use to start sending the electrical pulses which work to frim the muscles. The device claims to improve the tightness of the pelvic floor, which should improve sensation, incontinence, prevent pelvic organ prolapse and minimise pelvic pain. Advertisement 'The device is just a probe, a bit like a tampon. You insert it in the vagina, and it sends electrical impulses directly to the pelvic floor. 'Now we sell Kegel devices on Amazon and on our own website as well as selling them to NHS clinics and private practices.' Realising that men also need to maintain them, as they support the bladder and bowel, while strengthening them could vastly improve their sex lives, Stephanie launched a male pelvic floor toner in 2011. 'The male version of the device is designed to strengthen and invigorate the pelvic floor muscles,' she said. 'Having a weak pelvic floor can be a serious issue for men, too. But if they strengthen them, they'll get a better sensation as a result.' 'In the last year we've had record sales of the male devices and sold 350 per cent more than we did 2018. 'I don't know if women now taking control and looking after themselves has had a knock-on effect and they're now encouraging their husbands and boyfriends to do the same or, if the men are just doing it off their own back.' 'For men and woman the consequences of having weak pelvic floors can be life crushing. 'We need to do all we can to maintain them and keep control.' B oris Johnson is set for a showdown with the European Commissions new president as they hold talks for the first time since she replaced Jean-Claude Juncker. The Prime Minister is expected to tell Ursula von der Leyen the UK wants a free trade agreement with the EU by the end of December this year, when the transition period is set to end. Mr Johnson insisted he will not push back the deadline, but critics claim that the timescale is too tight to reach a new deal. Their face-to-face meeting in Downing Street on Wednesday, the first since she took office, will also be attended by Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier. Boris Johnson is set for a trade showdown with the European Commission chief / PA Wire/PA Images Mr Barclay has vowed the Government will stick to its Brexit timetable as a number of opposition clauses to the bill were voted down on Tuesday evening. He said the Withdrawal Agreement Bill would deliver on the "overwhelming mandate" his party had been given by voters to take the UK out of the EU on 31 January. The bill is being scrutinised in the Commons and covers citizens' rights, customs arrangements for Northern Ireland, "divorce" payments to the EU as well as the proposed 11-month transition period. It is expected to comfortably pass its remaining stages in the House of Commons by Thursday before moving to the Lords Stephen Barclay speaking as he opens the debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement Bill / AFP via Getty Images Number 10 said Mr Johnson will use Wednesdays meeting to underline that the forthcoming negotiations will be based on an ambitious free trade agreement, and not on alignment. Brussels insisted on Monday that trade talks would not be on the agenda at the meeting. European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said the meeting would "set the scene" for the Brexit process, but in order to launch trade talks the European Council, made up of the 27 remaining EU nations, would need to approve a mandate "and we are not at that stage yet". Brexit: 24 days until Britain is scheduled to leave the EU "This is not a meeting that will go into the details of the trade negotiation per se," he added. Downing Street hinted earlier in the week that the Government could conduct post-Brexit trade talks with the US in parallel with those with the EU. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the UK would be "free to hold trade discussions with countries across the world" after it has left the bloc at the end of the month. It followed reports in The Sunday Times that Mr Johnson's ministers are split over how best to negotiate a new trade deal with the EU, with some figures, including Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and International Trade Secretary Liz Truss, reportedly pushing for parallel talks with the US to put pressure on the EU. Republicans keep trying to pretend they believe that what Trump does is normal and that anyone who says otherwise is out of line. Their behavior in the impeachment controversy is of a piece with this. They act as if there is not overwhelming evidence that Trump pressured the Ukrainian government to dig up dirt on Biden. They criticize Democrats for not obtaining evidence that Trump kept from them and then say no more evidence is needed to acquit him. donald trump Associated Press/Evan Vucci President Donald Trump, flanked by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Vice President Mike Pence, confirmed on Wednesday that an Iranian missile attack on US forces did not result in a single American casualty, adding that Iran "appears to be standing down." In the immediate aftermath of the attack early Wednesday, Iran appeared, at least in its outward rhetoric, to signal a desire to de-escalate, with Iran's foreign minister tweeting that "we do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." Rather than retaliate with force, the US will impose tougher economic sanctions on Iran, Trump said, adding that the days of tolerating Iran's malign behavior "are over." Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. President Donald Trump, flanked by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Vice President Mike Pence, confirmed on Wednesday that an Iranian missile attack on US forces did not result in a single American casualty, adding that Iran "appears to be standing down." "I'm pleased to inform you, the American people should be extremely grateful and happy no Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime," he said. The president added that there were no casualties and that there was only minimal damage to the installations. Rather than retaliate with force, the US will impose tougher economic sanctions on Iran, Trump said, adding that the days of tolerating Iran's malign behavior "are over." Iran fired more than a dozen missiles on US and coalition forces in Iraq early Wednesday local time in retaliation for the US drone strike that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week. The Pentagon said the attack targeted "US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil." iraq airstrike us occupied bases map Ruobing Su/Business Insider The attack followed threats and warnings from Iranian leaders, who vowed to seek revenge for the killing of the general, a widely known figure in Iran who commanded the elite Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. Story continues There were no reported casualties from the barrage. A few hours after the attack, the president tweeted that "all is well." There were reports that US and coalition forces in the line of fire might have had a warning before the attack, which would give targeted personnel time to take shelter in hardened facilities. Iraq received "verbal notice" before Iran opened fire, Bloomberg News reported. US officials told CNN that the Iranian military may have been intentionally shooting to miss, meaning it may not have intended to cause casualties. A State Department official said that the message appeared to be: "We could have done it and we didn't do it." Some observers suspected that the attack was an attempt by Iran to save face at home without triggering a forceful retaliatory response from the US. After the attack, Iran appeared, at least in its outward rhetoric, to signal a desire to de-escalate. Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, characterized its actions on Wednesday morning as defensive, tweeting that "we do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, however, said it wasn't enough. The Americans "were slapped last night, but such military actions are not enough," he said, according to Politico. "The corruptive presence of the US in the West Asian region must be stopped," he added, suggesting that tensions between the US and Iran will persist as long as the US military is active in the region. Read the original article on Business Insider We are seeing elected officials turn back because of fear-mongering, said Akeem Browder, the brother of Kalief Browder, a Bronx teenager whose long incarceration on Rikers Island and subsequent suicide galvanized the push for reform. Thats cowardice. Its atrocious. Opponents of cash bail have long argued that it criminalizes poverty, tilting the justice system in favor of wealthy defendants, and can result in collateral damage as the accused lose jobs, apartments and relationships while incarcerated for minor offenses. New York is among several solidly Democratic states, like California and Illinois, that have limited the use of bail, though legislatures in more Republican states like Texas and Alaska have also embraced reforms. But unlike New Jersey, which passed reforms in 2014, New York did not give state judges the discretion to consider whether a person posed a threat to public safety in deciding whether to hold them. Mr. Cuomos original bail reform proposal had included a tool that would allow judges to assess the risk to public safety by granting someone bail, but legislators did not include it in the bill they passed last year. Some of the proposals being floated by lawmakers would grant judges that discretion, a change that has been supported by Mayor Bill de Blasio, a reform-minded Democrat who cautioned that any change should include a very precise definition of dangerousness that would not be overused. The New York City police commissioner, Dermot F. Shea, has also argued that judges should have greater power to hold potentially dangerous defendants. The state attorney general, Letitia James, a Democrat, has suggested that the new laws be revisited but declined to say which changes she supported. Mr. Cuomos aides declined to say on Tuesday whether the governor planned to address bail in his State of the State speech on Wednesday, but Democrats in suburban swing districts seemed eager to make changes to the bill. Puerto Rico's governor declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after a powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake killed at least one person in the south of the island and caused widespread damage. Governor Wanda Vazquez said the declaration would allow for the activation of National Guard troops in the US territory still recovering from a devastating 2017 hurricane. The US Geological Survey said the quake struck at 4:24 am (0824 GMT) with the epicenter off the coast of the southern city of Ponce, and was followed by more than a dozen aftershocks. Tuesday's quake was the most powerful in a series of tremors that have shaken the island since December 28. Scientists initially sent out an alert about a potential tsunami but it was later canceled. The island's electricity authority said the quake had forced an automatic shutdown of the power grid, already severely damaged by Hurricane Maria more than two years ago. The worst damage appeared to be in towns on the southwest coast, including Ponce, Guayanilla and Guanica. El Nuevo Dia newspaper said a 73-year-old man died after a wall fell in his home in Ponce. Eight others there were reported injured. Two power plants in Guayanilla sustained major damage, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority said. The city could be without power for two weeks, its mayor Nelson Torres Yordan said. Celebrity chef Jose Andres announced that a charity he runs, World Central Kitchen, had started serving meals and distributing solar-powered lamps in quake-hit areas. Vazquez announced that $130 million in emergency aid funding will be disbursed. On social media, people wrote of being shaken awake by the force of the quake. One woman on Twitter said she had been "wrenched from sleep." "Everybody is awake & scared all over," she posted. In Guayanilla, the Inmaculada Concepcion church, built in 1841, was heavily damaged. Volunteers salvaged statues and other valuable items from the ruins as a priest consoled distraught parishioners. - 'Be safe' - A 5.8 magnitude quake on Monday toppled some structures, caused power outages and small landslides, but did not result in any casualties. It also destroyed a popular tourist landmark, Punta Ventana, a natural stone arch that crumbled on the island's southern coast. Vazquez, the governor, said government employees were being given the day off on Tuesday to take care of their families. "We want everyone to be safe," she said. She said ports were undamaged and there are several weeks' supply of gasoline, diesel and natural gas stored so people need not worry about shortages. The White House said President Donald Trump had been briefed and Pete Gaynor, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), had been in touch with the governor. Trump's administration came under severe criticism for its response to Hurricane Maria. The Category 4 storm destroyed the island's already shaky power grid, overwhelmed public services, left many residents homeless and claimed several thousand lives, according to government estimates. Two firemen survey a collapsed building after an earthquake hit Guanica, one of the towns which appeared to suffer the worst damage on Puerto Rico's southwest coast Updated map locating the epicentre of a 6.4-magnitude quake that hit Puerto Rico Tuesday. Father Melvin Diaz from the Inmaculada Concepcion church comforts a woman outside the church which collapsed during the earthquake in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico The latest quake, which destroyed this school in Guanica, was the most powerful in a series of tremors that have shaken the US territory since December 28, 2019 Carbon lite? Go for a milk alternative - hemp wins on eco-credentials but oat, rice and almond all cut more carbon than dairy. Flat white. Latte. Americano. Cappuccino. Just 10 years ago, you could have been forgiven for thinking these were expensive shades of paint. Not any more. Once a nation of tea-drinkers, now one in three of us will buy a coffee today and 56pc of us will drink one or more cups a day. But whether you order a double espresso to go, or French press your own at home, how do you make your daily fix more sustainable? The answer, as always, is complicated. And that's without delving into the complex issue of how to dispose of the 22,000 cups we dump every hour in Ireland. That topic is for another day. Our thirst for coffee is growing at a rate of 5pc a year globally. It's one of the world's biggest commodities but it has been badly hit by climate change. In Brazil, in 2014, for example, intense drought destroyed one-third of the coffee crop, while, in Columbia, warmer, wetter weather is bringing the blight of coffee leaf rust to higher altitudes than ever and devastating crops. In eastern Ethiopia, temperatures have already risen by 1.3C over the past 30 years, and are predicted to hit 3.1C by 2060. "Climate change kicks in," says Peter Gaynor, executive director of Fairtrade Ireland, "because coffee grows at a particular height, about 1,300 metres, but with less predictable rainfall, and weather, there are lower yields happening with growers' coffee bushes. And they either have to move or plant more coffee just to stand still." Our thirst for caffeine has also affected the way the crop is produced. Traditional shade-grown coffee is cultivated under a forest canopy that provides shelter not just for the crop but for a rich wildlife that keeps pests down and helps prevent soil erosion. To boost yields, farmers have cleared trees for plantations of sun-cultivated coffee, effectively growing a mono crop that requires fertilisers and is more vulnerable to pests, diseases and an erratic climate. What's a coffee lover to do? Shop wisely is the answer. Luckily, a new wave of Irish micro-roasteries is making that easier. Places like Imbibe in Dublin 8, or Calendar Coffee in Galway, both available online. Andrew Willis runs Sligo-based Carrow Coffee Roasters. He buys single origin beans direct from growers in Columbia, Brazil, Guatemala and Ethiopia and supplies shops and cafes that include Mortons in Ranelagh and the Duck Cafe in Drumcondra. "All along the chain, there are moments where sustainability can be improved, but perhaps the most important stage, in my opinion, is how coffee is actually grown," says Willis. Willis knows what he's talking about. He spent four years in Columbia as a commodities journalist for Bloomberg News and would often visit farmers to learn about their growing methods - and the difficulties they faced from the climate crisis. An organic farmer himself, he is careful to source from sustainable or organic growers such as La Indonesia on the border of Equador where the owner runs reforestation projects, grows crops that promote insects, and uses composting techniques to regenerate the land. Not only is he growing coffee, says Willis, but he's looking after the quality of his soil and the environment around him. "We buy the coffee directly from the farmer and we know it's grown without artificial fertilisers and pesticides, and that's good enough for us. Then the consumer has to decide, is it good enough for them?" The big plus is that the grower receives a good price. Willis says he is paying roughly three times the value of commodity coffee. "I'm very happy to do it because I know it's grown in a certain way, it tastes great. He's getting paid a price that allows him to live with dignity, and a price that allows him to pay his pickers a fair rate." If online buying is not for you, then look out for the Fairtrade logo. It ensures that farmers receive a fair price. It guarantees a minimum price plus a premium of 20c on every pound of coffee, and so buffers the grower from the volatility of a boom and bust market. But while Fairtrade has good environmental criteria that cover deforestation, water use and how coffee is processed, there are other certifications such as the Rainforest Alliance that focus more on sustainability. It's found in Ireland on brands such as Grumpy Mule, Badger & Dodo, Lavazza. Perhaps the best advice to coffee drinkers is to use their pester power. "If you don't see any information on the packet about where the coffee is from, or how it's been grown, then you can start to ask questions," advises Willis. Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has the courage to resist third term in office temptation. Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos state said this while addressing state house correspondents after meeting the president. Tinubu said, Its a new decade, a visit to the leader of my country is necessary to look at things and wish him well in the office for this new decade and make some points on the stability, security and a number of issues around the country. Any reasonable politician, who has worked with President Muhammadu Buhari will know that he will not (tamper with the constitution). Some are always suspicious and will make accusations, but I was in the trench, in the struggle for democracy. Read Also: Buharis Third Term Agenda Rumour Started By PDP: Oshiomhole I was in the trench and in the opposition with Muhammadu Buhari, till the third term agenda of a former leader of this country failed. I know he (Buhari) will never. He has the courage and the character to refuse such temptation even if offered to him. I believe in him and I believe Nigerians should also believe in him. He doesnt need to say it to me, Ill argue it in the corner and everywhere they bring such a thing up. However, its very good to hear it from him. I say congratulations to a man of character and integrity. The challenge of turning the ship of this nation around is a continuum and a continuous effort and that is what we should get ourselves concerned with. Yes, politics is intoxicating, its flamboyant, its interesting, but we cannot continue in perpetuity one after the other, we have to relax, show concern for the people of the country and see to the efforts of the president that will manifest in the new, united and prosperous country. We are still not there. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is considering relaxing the March 31 deadline for listed companies to separate the positions of chairman and managing director (CMD). While the market regulator gave ample time to India Inc to adhere to the rule, not many corporate houses have complied with it. Many tycoons do not want to relinquish the position of chairman, who heads the board of directors. Instead, they want to give up the role of managing director, who manages the day-to-day affairs of the company. The government and the market regulator have started ... "Humans can have strong effects on the behaviour of wild animals and even influence their day and night rhythm," said conservation biologist PD Dr. Marco Heurich from the University of Freiburg. A team headed by Nadege C. Bonnot of the The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) has now investigated how the targeted reintroduction of lynx throughout Europe has affected the behavior of deer - the lynx's favorite food - and the role of human activities in the changes. Bonnot, Heurich and the other researchers involved have published their results in the "Journal of Animal Ecology". The lynx is a nocturnal predator. Prior to the study, the researchers assumed that human disturbances such as hunting would cause deer to be increasingly active in the hours of the night. The study was based on eleven million records of movements of nearly 430 deer individually monitored using GPS. The animals were in twelve populations distributed throughout Europe within the regions of the EURODEER network. Using this data, the researchers investigated how the behavior in the presence of the lynx in interaction with human influences affects the time of day when deer are active. The scientists found that pronounced changes in the activity patterns of deer occur in response to fluctuating risks over areas and times, mainly caused by disturbance from humans. In particular, deer reduced their movements in daylight by a factor of 1.37 when general disturbances by humans, such as those caused by settlements or road traffic, were consistently high. The hunting of roe deer exacerbates this effect -- during the hunting season they switched most of their activity to the night and, to a lesser extent, to dawn, to avoid daytime hunting by humans. In regions with lynx, the activity pattern changed -- in the presence of their nocturnal enemy, roe deer were more active in the daylight hours. The study thus shows that the influence of hunting humans is significantly stronger than that of lynx. ### Publication: Bonnot, N. C., Couriot, O., Berger, A., Cagnacci, F., Ciuti, S., De Groeve, J., Gehr, B., Heurich, M., Kjellander, P., Kroschel, M., Morellet, N., Sonnichsen, M., Hewison, A.J.M. (2019): Fear of the dark? Contrasting impacts of humans versus lynx on diel activity of roe deer across Europe. In: Journal of Animal Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13161 Contact: Wildlife Ecology and Wildlife Management University of Freiburg In September, Google agreed to pay a $170 million fine and make privacy changes as regulators said that YouTube had illegally harvested childrens personal information and used it to profit by serving up ads tailored to them. The penalty and changes were part of an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission and the attorney general of New York, which had accused YouTube of violating the federal Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. This week, YouTube said it has begun to introduce changes to address regulators concerns and better protect children. Limited collection of digital data: YouTube said it is limiting the collection and use of personal information from people who watched childrens videos, no matter the age of the viewer. Federal law prohibits online services aimed at children younger than 13 from collecting the personal information of those users without parental consent. YouTube said it has turned off or limited some features on childrens videos tied to personal information. These include comments and live-chat, as well as the ability to save videos to a playlist. Changes to ads and recommendations: YouTube will no longer show ads on childrens videos that are based on the viewers web-browsing or other online activity. Instead, the company said, it may now show ads based on the context of what people are viewing. YouTube said viewers who watch a video made for children would be more likely to see recommendations for other childrens videos. New requirement for YouTube producers: In September, YouTube said it would require all video producers to designate their videos as made for children or not made for children. In November, it introduced a setting to help producers flag childrens content, a designation that signals YouTube to limit data collection on those videos. The San Bruno company said that it is also using artificial intelligence to help identify childrens content and that it could override a video producers categorization if its system detected a mistake. Why the changes matter: YouTube is one of the most popular services for children. Some animated videos have been viewed more than 1 billion times. The new limits on data mining send a signal to other popular sites offering childrens content that they also may be subject to the federal childrens online privacy law. Musical.ly, the social network now known as TikTok, had to pay a fine last year to settle FTC charges that it had illegally collected childrens personal information. Natasha Singer is a New York Times writer. In what it described as a hard retaliation, Irans Islamist government fired a series of ballistic missiles at military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops days after President Donald Trump ordered an airstrike that killed a top Iranian general. The Iranian attack early Wednesday local time, confirmed by the Department of Defense, further plunged the U.S. into a dangerous conflict with an unpredictable geopolitical foe. It is perhaps the biggest international crisis to test Trump yet, and it comes as he also faces a likely impeachment trial in the Senate. But Iranian officials signaled that they did not want the crisis to spiral out of control, with Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, posting on Twitter: We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Trump, too, appeared inclined to calm things down. All is well! he tweeted late Tuesday. Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. In a speech Wednesday morning, however, Iran's supreme leader warned that the attack was insufficient punishment for the U.S. "They were slapped last night, but such military actions are not enough," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said. It did not immediately appear that any American troops were killed or seriously wounded in the Iranian strikes. The attacks came just days after Trump ordered a drone strike against Qassem Soleimani, a powerful Iranian paramilitary leader who was behind numerous past attacks on U.S. forces. In claiming responsibility, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned the U.S. and its allies not to strike back, vowing even more escalation in the future. In a statement on Iranian state media, the IRGC also threatened Israel and called on Americans to bring U.S. troops back home. Story continues We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted, it said. The IRGC promised more painful and crushing responses if America, the Great Satan, retaliated. All the lights are on in the windows of the West Wing of the White House after news of a missile attack on an Iraqi air base housing U.S. troops, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) But the IRGC statement also seemed to offer an opening: implying that if the U.S. does not respond to the strike, the escalation can end. That could prove a tough call for Trump, who has issued a range of threats against Iran in recent days and often acts unpredictably, but who has also defused tensions with Tehran before. In his tweet saying Iran wasnt seeking escalation or war, Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister, further described the Iranian strike as measured. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched, he wrote. The Pentagon said Iran launched more than a dozen missiles, and that it was clear the missiles were fired directly from Iran. That in itself is notable, as Iran often targets the U.S. through proxy militias beyond its borders. That it chose a direct response signals the depth of anger in Tehran over Soleimanis killing. According to the Pentagon, the missiles targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, both areas in Iraq. The Pentagon added that the bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi said in a statement Wednesday that Iran notified his government of the attack shortly after midnight, when officials in Tehran said they would only strike locations with a U.S. military presence, according to the Associated Press. Abdul-Mahdi said he was simultaneously informed of the assault on the military bases by the U.S. government. Iraq refuses any violation of its sovereignty and any attacks on its territory, the prime minister said, adding that Iraq was seeking to avoid a devastating all-out war. On Capitol Hill, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was handed a note about the attack while she was speaking at a House Democratic Caucus meeting in the basement of the Capitol, according to lawmakers inside the room. She then left the room and later took a call from Vice President Mike Pence, who briefed her on the attack, Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said. Democratic lawmakers emerging from the closed-door meeting were visibly shaken. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), a longtime antiwar advocate, said the situation was spiraling. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthys office said the president had called the California Republican to brief him on the Iranian attack. One leading Republican hawk, Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, said the U.S. should retaliate. The Iranians have been warned. They were warned, Cheney, who chairs the House Republican Conference, said in a brief interview. What looks to have been a direct attack on American facilities from Iranian territory is a significant escalation, and the president has been very clear that an attack on our bases will be taken seriously. And there ought to be a retaliation. On Fox News on Tuesday night, Iran hawks, including host Sean Hannity, appeared to speak directly to the president to nudge him to stay strong in the face of Irans escalation. Hannity opened up his show by saying that Iran was "going to get hit hard" and warned that the countrys three major oil refineries could soon go up in flames. His guests then echoed that doom-and-gloom message, with Sens. Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz speaking about potential retaliation and the threat Iran would pose if it ever obtained nuclear weapons. "This was an act of war, Sean, by any reasonable definition, Graham said. The missiles were launched from Iran at targets inside of Iraq housing military. The president has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond. How he responds is yet to be determined. He then added that he wanted to deliver a message to Iran directly: "Your fate is in your own hands in terms of the regime's economic viability. You continue this crap, you're going to wake up one day out of the oil business." Other lawmakers faulted Trump, blaming him for an impulsive decision last week to take out Soleimani. That decision was made after an Iranian-backed militia group in Iraq staged an attack that killed an American contractor, crossing a line that Trump had warned Iran not to. I fear were far from the end of it, Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.), a former senior State Department official, said. No one can defend Iran taking a single shot at an American military installation, Malinowski added. We have to be able to defend ourselves and to deter further attacks. But at the same time, its fair to ask, even more so today, whether an apparently impulsive decision that the president took made us more or less safe. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Mick Bednarek, the former chief of the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq, said he worried the situation would now spin out of control. The broader, strategic situation of all this is awful, he said. While many of our diplomats are urging restraint, that is simply not Trumps persona. I am very concerned about where all this is leading. That said, Trump has backed down against Iran before. This past summer, as the two countries feuded over what the U.S. alleged were Iranian attacks on international oil tankers, the president called off a U.S. military strike against Iran after Tehran downed an American drone, saying he'd decided it wasnt worth the potential cost in lives. All House members are expected to receive a top-secret briefing Wednesday afternoon on the escalating situation with Iran. The briefing was scheduled before the Iranian attacks. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and CIA Director Gina Haspel are among the officials expected to brief lawmakers. Pompeo and Esper went to the White House on Tuesday after the Iranian strike. On Tuesday, meanwhile, acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf and other officials with that agency were briefing House and Senate committees on the overall Iran threat landscape. Those briefings, too, were apparently scheduled before the Iranian strike. A DHS official who confirmed the briefings said there was no specific, credible threat to the homeland, but that the department was operating at an enhanced posture. The IRGC statement said it was calling its operation Martyr Soleimani. The missiles were launched amid ongoing mourning for the dead general in Iran. In recent days, Iranians across the country have marched in his memory. Coffins of Gen. Qassem Soleimani and others who were killed in Iraq by a U.S. drone strike, are carried on a truck surrounded by mourners during a funeral procession at the Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square in Tehran, Iran, Monday, Jan. 6, 2020. The processions mark the first time Iran honored a single man with a multi-city ceremony. Not even Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who founded the Islamic Republic, received such a processional with his death in 1989. Soleimani on Monday will lie in state at Tehran's famed Musalla mosque as the revolutionary leader did before him. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) According to various media reports, several dozen people died during a stampede that broke out in Soleimanis hometown of Kerman as his coffin was being taken for burial on Tuesday. Soleimani led Irans elite Quds Force, which handled operations outside of Irans borders, including supporting the government of Syrias leader, Bashar al-Assad. For many years, he was a feared and revered figure in the Middle East. He felt so confident that he often traveled openly, as if daring the United States to strike him. Pompeo frequently invoked Soleimanis name when discussing the dangers posed by the Iranian government. Trump has said he ordered the strike on Soleimani because there were indications he was planning more attacks on Americans. But while few of Trumps critics are mourning Soleimani, many of them, including Democrats running for president, have said killing him was a rash move that escalated the chances of war. The Trump administration views Iran as a special threat, and it has devoted extensive efforts to try to isolate Tehran. But many of its moves, including Trumps decision to walk away from the internationally negotiated nuclear deal with Iran and reimpose sanctions on the country have also alarmed and upset some of Americas allies. Trumps decision to take out Soleimani has also sparked major concerns in Congress, where Democrats are wondering whether hes overstepping his legal bounds. The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), said the Iranian attacks underscored the Trump administrations disregard for Congress role in the authority to go to war. The Congress, unfortunately, has not been respected by President Trump, Engel said in an interview on Tuesday night. We are a co-equal branch of government. Congress has the only power to declare war. Engel had not yet received a full briefing on the attacks, but said that its a whole new ballgame if Americans were killed in the strikes. I have no sympathies for the government in Tehran, but you have to think that if nothing more than to save face that they would lash back somehow, he added. And I dont think that should come as a surprise to anybody. The next move could depend on whether Trump believes its worth turning up the heat on Tehran, a decision that could also be affected by whether there are any Americans killed or wounded as a result of the Iranian missile strike. What will the administration's response be? How far are they willing to take this? Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) asked. And if we strike back and if Iran strikes back again, where does this end? That is not a question that this administration has answered yet for the American people. Bryan Bender, Melanie Zanona, Sarah Ferris, Connor OBrien, Tim Starks and Quint Forgey contributed to this report. Emily Paxhia, a co-founder of what is thought to be the longest-running cannabis investment fund, Poseidon Asset Management, had the courage to take a chance on a new industry when she decided to pursue a career in cannabis. In the six years since its inception, Poseidon Asset Management has more than $105 million in assets under management and an IRR of 70% net of fees. Its first fund outperformed its target return by more than double, and Posiedon is actively raising capital for its second fund. It wasn't easy in the beginning. "When we first launched the fund, it was definitely a contrarian point of view to invest into cannabis. And so we were out there very much alone in terms of putting this together, and it was very important to us to put it together in a very institutional manner," Paxhia told Benzinga. Poseidon's Early Cannabis Investing Challenges Finding banks, law firms and third-party administrators was challenging at the time, as institutions were worried about the legal nature of cannabis, Paxhia said. It was also "a heavy lift of educating and informing people about what it meant to invest in cannabis and why we believed that investing in cannabis was a positive thing, not a sin industry or something that could be potentially deleterious to society." Six years later, finding those service providers is much easier, Paxhia said. They now have about six years of an investable landscape to look back on and see what it looks like. And you can sometimes extrapolate what that might look like for the future. Give Us The Bad News Recognizing founders is one of the most important tasks for investors, and Paxhia spoke about the qualities Poseidon looks for in a founder and what the cannabis hedge fund wishes to avoid. One of the biggest drawbacks in a founder is arrogance, as it debilitates a persons ability to learn, grow and adapt, Paxhia said. What a good founder must have is confidence, she said. And there's a little bit of crazy in every founder to believe that they can do something so enormous as build a company, especially within the confines of a very constrained cannabis industry, the Poseidon co-founder said, stressing the importance of humility in creating a successful team. Story continues You want to see that they're hiring in their executive team in a diverse manner, such that they're not getting a bunch of yes people around them and that they are different in their points of view [so] they can challenge them and lift them up. Aside from humility, Paxhia said she's looking for honesty in cannabis company founders, adding that Poseidon always asks for the bad news. In investing, you need the bad news just as importantly as you need the good news, because the bad news is where you can make the changes that can save the company. Focusing On Tech Companies, Relying On Diversification Poseidon stands out from other cannabis investment funds because of its orientation toward tech companies in the industry versus plant-touching businesses. It was our realization that technology was going to be essential to keep these businesses compliant, to help them run transparently and efficiently, Paxhia said. Another advantage of tech businesses that they can scale regionally easily and quickly, she said. Poseidon relies on diversification as a part of its risk management process, and Paxhia said that's been important to the funds success. She gave the example of the recent vaping industry crisis, saying "it would be a disaster for our portfolio if the entire fund has been focused on vaporizers." Another benefit of diversification is that it helps create inspiring synergies across the funds portfolio companies, she said. Poseidon's 2020 Outlook Poseidons portfolio includes over 50 companies hailing from Canada, Mexico, Colombia and elsewhere, and Paxhia revealed to Benzinga which international markets the fund is focusing on for 2020. We love Mexico because of the size of it. We believe that legalizing cannabis and regulating it there will truly be beneficial to their society, where they've been kind of suffering through the hand of the cartels, and some of the I'll say it overt racism against Mexican citizens when it comes to cannabis. Paxhia sees a big opportunity in Mexico and praises it for being strictly regulated. We do like Latin America because of the size of some of those markets. Europe feels very early to us, but there are definitely interesting opportunities to participate in there. For those are considering cannabis, Paxhia advises them to enter the industry only if they are motivated to build a company and are not just in it for a quick return on capital. We're in a building phase of cannabis. She also advised investors to "watch out for overhyped pro forma financials and modeling and big bold statements about being the best in this industry we have a ways to go before we know who the true winners are going to be. In 2020, cannabis companies will be pushed to have a better focus on corporate governance and running a business with strong reporting and transparency, in Paxhia's view. We are very excited for what's coming in 2020. We think it will continue to be a challenging landscape, but we think that the best companies of this industry are being built right now. And so it's a great time to be an investor. Related Links: Quebec Issues Canada's Most Rigid Age Restriction For Cannabis Consumption NatGeo's Jason Silva On Cannabis, Psychology And 'The Psychedelic Renaissance' Photo courtesy of Poseidon Asset Management. 0 See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Nirbhayas parents flashes the victory sign It was a memorable day for the parents of Nirbhaya as there long fight for justice seemed to end with the Delhi Patiala Court's verdict to hang the all four convicts on January 22 at 7 am. Nirbhaya's mother flashed the victory sign along with lawyers after the court issued death warrants against the four convicts in the case, outside Patiala House Courts in Delhi. Nirbhayas parents shows victory sign after a hearing with the lawyers Welcoming the court's verdict Nirbahaya's mother said, "The order (on death warrant) will restore faith of women in law.'' Besides this, the court also said that the convicts can use their legal remedies within 14 days. Iran retaliates against US strike, Plane crashes near Tehran airport | OneIndia News Young girls distribute sweets as they celebrate the Delhi court's verdict Young girls distributed sweets in Patna as they celebrate the Delhi court's verdict to hang convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case. Nirbhayas parents outside the Patiala House Courts in Delhi On Tuesday after the court issued death warranty for the all four convicts, Nirbhaya's father said, "I am happy with the court's decision. The convicts will be hanged at 7 am on 22nd January; This decision will instill fear in people who commit such crimes." The verdict has been welcomed by all, from Bollywood to politicians everyone lauded the court's judgement that issued death warrant for the four convicts in Nirbhaya case. Two commercial real estate companies have joined forces to create one of the largest firms in Alabama. Brookmont Realty Group has joined Graham & Company. Its a union for two companies that have worked together on other projects, such as Brookmonts Lakeshore Crossings Business Park development. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Matthew Graham, Graham & Co. vice president, said the combination meets a goal to enhance the companys property management services and bolster its office development capabilities. Bringing Brookmont into the fold has been the most seamless way to accomplish those goals and strengthen our offerings to our clients," Graham said. "Brookmont has an excellent reputation for high-touch property management, and their principals have extensive office leasing and development experience in some of the largest markets in the South. Graham & Co. currently leases and manages more than 10 million square feet of office, warehouse, industrial and retail space throughout Alabama and Florida, with offices in Birmingham, Huntsville and on Floridas Gulf Coast. The company has brokered more than 150 sales transactions over the last two years, and completed nearly 500 lease transactions, valued at approximately $275 million. It has developed more than 7 million square feet of commercial real estate since 2000. Brookmonts four principals, Charles Simpson, David Walker, Bo Grisham and Eddie Nobinger, share 152 years of collective commercial real estate experience in markets including Dallas, Atlanta and Birmingham. Brookmont is a full service CRE firm, with a particular focus on Class-A Office management, development, leasing and brokerage. Charles Simpson, principal, Brookmont Realty, said the two companies share several core values. We have partnered on investments and brokered transactions together. We have complementary business processes and a great working relationship," he said. The two will oversee a portfolio that includes the First US Bank Headquarters and Veterans Affairs Medical Office Building and Parking Deck in Birmingham, the Mercedes Benz Global Service Parts Warehouse in Vance, property management and leasing of Synovus Center, and the development of the Concord Center on Third Avenue North. NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AdPushup, a leading ad revenue optimization platform for publishers, has released a new unified reporting system to help publishers gain a deeper understanding of their revenue sources and partner performance. Having access to transparent and extensive reporting is a top priority for many digital publishers. These insights can help optimize ad delivery settings, prioritize top-performing channels and demand partners, and ultimately grow their ad revenue. AdPushup Inc. The unified reporting system has been released as part of a larger platform overhaul, which introduces many new updates including smart ad refresh, header bidding as a service, Google Ad Manager support, new publisher dashboard, and simpler onboarding process. "On average a publisher uses at least 3-5 bidders and ad networks. Our reporting dashboard has been built on the principle of unifying data from different networks and giving publishers a single holistic view about their ad inventory and revenue. The dashboard takes inspiration from popular reporting dashboards like AdSense and Google Ad Manager to provide a quick learning curve for our users," said Dikshant Joshi, Director of Product at AdPushup. Using the AdPushup vs. Original report, publishers can measure their ad revenue growth with AdPushup by comparing it to their original ad setup. The Revenue Channels report helps publishers understand the split of incoming revenue across all activated channels, including header bidding, Google Open Bidding, Google AdX, and tag-based networks such as Google AdSense and Media.net. The Network report provides a breakdown of revenue by header bidding demand partners for easy analysis of individual partner performance and their contribution to publisher bottom line. Apart from these, publishers also have access to standard reports including page-level reporting, country-wise reporting, page group and variation reporting (for A/B tests), ad unit wise reporting, device-wise reportingall available in daily, monthly and cumulative views. The standard and special reports together offer endless ways for publishers to slice and dice their data, analyze partner performance, and fine-tune their ad revenue. Another key change is that while the older reporting system worked on UTC, this has now been changed to PST in the new reporting system, which brings it in sync with AdPushup's existing demand partners such as Google, Pubmatic, Index, Rubicon, and AppNexus. "Our engineering team rebuilt the complete data collection, processing, and storage pipeline to make this possible," says Ankit Oberoi. "To understand the quantum of this, we process more than 50 billion impressions a year and the throughput of this pipeline is much higher!" About AdPushup AdPushup is a revenue optimization platform that helps publishers increase their ad revenue using ad layout optimization, header bidding, innovative ad formats, ad mediation, adblock recovery, and accelerated mobile pages. AdPushup is a Microsoft-funded startup, a Google NPM partner, member of IAB and TAG, and the winner of NASSCOM EMERGE 50 award. Media Contact Vishveshwar Jatain [email protected] Related Images image1.png SOURCE AdPushup Inc. Related Links https://www.adpushup.com This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions On Tuesday night Julian Castro appeared at a rally in Brooklyn alongside Elizabeth Warren to express support for her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. Its no surprise that in a field of candidates thats grown increasingly male and white, he opted to throw his support behind the leading female candidate. When Mr. Castro ended his campaign last week, just a little under a year after he made a bilingual announcement in his hometown San Antonio with mariachis, accent-marked campaign signs and a Selena soundtrack, it confirmed that Latino voters have never been a unified voting bloc. He was the first candidate to release an immigration plan that offered a road map for decriminalizing immigration. His bold substantive plan was a departure for a party that has engendered mistrust and skepticism about whether traditional Democrats are serious advocates for the Latino community. And yet, he never really had a shot. Mr. Castro ran a small campaign that lagged behind in fund-raising and failed to get traction. The former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in President Barack Obamas administration consistently trailed Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden and other candidates, including Ms. Warren, in recent Latino voter polls. MojoHost and ProxyPass, which have a long-standing business relationship, have just announced the continuation of their business partnership and have strengthened it with the addition of a new anti-piracy offer for webmasters. ProxyPass is a Web solution that protects membership-based websites from content piracy and abuse related to password sharing. As webmasters know, implementing software that reduces password sharing saves money and means more membership sales. The ProxyPass solution from Proxigence also provides enhanced website security against brute-force attacks. A "brute-force attack" is where a hacker (or someone with a sophisticated script) attempts a large number of login and password combinations in hopes of getting a match. These attacks are prevalent due to people using the same credentials across multiple platforms. When one account is breached, that data is then used to breach additional accounts. ProxyPass helps to detect and prevent the brute-force attacks that lead to intrusion. "Everyone should desire a safer and more secure Internet," stated Terry from Proxigence. "MojoHost has always promoted ProxyPass above any other solutions because it is the best solution. Likewise, MojoHost is a best-of-breed hosting company and has a lot of momentum right now, winning a lot of business. ProxyPass is happy to be a part of it, and we are pleased to continue our partnership with the team." "Bundling with MojoHost saves everyone money. It saves our webmasters money, and that means their customers also save money. It is truly a win-win-win, and that's good mojo," stated Brad Mitchell, CEO, and founder of MojoHost. Through the new MojoHost exclusive offering, webmasters with a membership base smaller than 250 members may purchase protection for just $25/month. Larger membership-based websites can contact for larger packages. "Peace of mind for your website is more than affordable," assured Mitchell. "In addition to the ProxyPass solution, we are urging clients to take the security of their websites seriously with the MojoSheld web application firewall, which is just an additional $10 per month, per domain." Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, MojoHost holds 48 awards for outstanding hosting services and business practices. It is the leading choice for hosting in the adult industry. Established in 1999, MojoHost's growth and attention to powering the success of its clients has positioned it as a choice for mainstream hosting needs as well. It offers dedicated servers, virtual private servers, the MojoCDN global content delivery network, MojoCloud cloud computing services, MojoShield website security, and other web technology solutions. Visit www.mojohost.com for more information. ProxyPass is a high-performance software that defends websites against members-area attacks and account abuse. It stops abused proxies and botnets; intelligently monitors and restricts compromised accounts; limits bandwidth spikes from site-scraping; natively handles html form and captcha logins; and efficiently supports load-balanced clusters and CDN integrations. Proxigence clients rely on ProxyPass to reduce the theft of protected content and improve Apache performance and stability during resource-intensive attacks. More info is availableon its website at proxigence.com. Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo has expressed her devastation over the Australian bushfire crisis, which has so far claimed 26 lives and killed over one billion animals. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the 27-year-old actress shared a photo of herself hugging a koala during her recent trip to South Australia and urged fans to donate to help the wildlife. 'Last year I was lucky enough to visit Kangaroo Island in South Australia. It was one of the most unique experiences I had ever had and I will never forget the natural beauty of this area,' she wrote. 'Its so devastating': Olivia Culpo (pictured) has urged her fans to donate to Australian bushfire victims alongside a throwback photo of herself hugging a koala during her visit to Kangaroo Island on Wednesday 'Kangaroos roamed freely everywhere and you could walk up to countless trees and see dozens of koalas resting,' she continued. Olivia went on to explain the impact which the bushfires have had on the island and urged her fans to donate. She wrote: 'Its so devastating to see what the bushfires have done to the human and animal lives across this beautiful country.' 'Anything helps!' Olivia took to Instagram to explain the impact which the bushfires have had on the island and urged her fans to donate to wildlife charities 'The above picture is from @kiwildlifepark in South Australia that is now working to treat and shelter the suffering wildlife on kangaroo island,' she explained. 'If we all help, even a little bit, a HUGE impact can be made. Anything helps! Please donate at @kiwildlifepark or @redcrossau @wireswildliferescue @salvosau @nswrfs @cfavic.' The fires across Australia have so far claimed 26 lives as well as destroyed more than 1600 homes and left around one billion animals dead. Devastating: The fires across Australia have so far claimed 26 lives as well as destroyed more than 1600 homes and left around one billion animals dead. Pictured koala on Kangaroo Island According to South Australia's primary industry officials, the livestock losses from Kangaroo Island bushfire will run to tens of thousands of animals. There are 116 livestock producers that are registered within the 160,000-hectare fire zone with the state government. Assessment teams and veterinarians are on the island to help producers check their surviving stock, treat injured animals and euthanise those beyond help. Maharashtra is facing competition from other states to attract new investment and has seen a decline in manufacturing activity in the recent past. The Maharashtra government will create a conducive environment for investment and not let industries move out of the state, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray told leaders of India Inc on Tuesday. The meeting, Thackerays first with industry captains after taking charge as CM, comes against the backdrop of a weakening GDP growth. Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, Tata Group chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata, Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra among others participated in two-hour discussion organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). We will solve all problems of the industrial houses and will not let industries shift out of the state, Thackeray said. The industry leaders reiterated the demand for lower electricity charges and a reduction in stamp duty. Uday Kotak, president-designate, CII, said: CII is committed to working with the government of Maharashtra for the development of the state. "Business and industry will strongly support the vision of Mr Thackeray. "At around 15 per cent, Maharashtra contributes highest to Indias GDP. "Mumbai can play a significant role in being the financial capital of the world and the state should leverage significant opportunity in the fintech space. Maharashtra is facing competition from other states to attract new investment and has seen a decline in manufacturing activity in the recent past. Last April, the state government unveiled an industrial policy, promising sops and concessions, in a bid to attract Rs 10 trillion worth of investment over five years. The policy also aims to generate four million jobs. The countrys economy was projected to grow at 8 per cent or higher and the states industrial policy was framed against that backdrop. "But now various indicators are pointing to a slowdown and credit offtake too has reduced, an official said to a query on the states ambitious industrial targets. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Irans President Hassan Rouhani said the Islamic republics response on Wednesday to a US strike that killed one of its general shows we dont retreat in the face of America. If America has committed a crime... it should know that it will receive a decisive response, Rouhani said in a televised address. If they are wise, they wont take any other action at this juncture. The remarks came hours after Iran fired a wave of missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops in retaliation for the assassination of Qasem Soleimani. ALSO WATCH | Slapped them, force it out: Iran jabs US after revenge strikes in Iraq But Rouhani said it would not be enough if Irans armed forces hit back for any other action taken by the United States. In my view, America must receive the main response from the nations of the region, he said. The president was repeating a common refrain among Iranian officials since the assassination that Soleimanis death will see US forces leave the region. They cut off the hand of our dear Soleimani. The revenge for him is to cut off Americas feet from this region, Rouhani said. If Americas feet is cut off from this region, and its hand of aggression is cut off for good, this is the real and final response of the nations of the region to America, he added. Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guards foreign operations arm, the Quds Force, was killed last week in a US drone strike near Baghdad international airport. neg/dv/hkb Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia here on Tuesday welcomed the Nirbhaya verdict, saying it would act as a deterrent to such heinous crimes. Kejriwal said the verdict would be a lesson for all those who mistreat women. "People will be scared that, even though little late, the law will give them punishment and justice will be served," Kejriwal said while addressing a townhall meeting. Calling it a victory, he said it fulfilled a big wish of the people. "All were waiting eagerly for the verdict," he said. Later, in a tweet, Kejriwal demanded that death penalty to rapists should be given within six months. "The death warrants had been issued against the Nirbhaya case culprits. People are satisfied. It took seven years. This system has to change. There should be a system that the rapists should be hanged in six months," Kejriwal said in Hindi. Speaking to the media at the party office, Sisodia said people were looking at this case as a standard. "The incident had shaken the nation. People were saying if the convicts were not hanged in this case, what would happen in the rest (such cases)," he said. He also said the efforts of Nirbhaya's parents and their lawyers had paid off. A Delhi Court on Tuesday issued death warrants against all the four convicts. Issuing the death warrants, Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora directed that the convicts be hanged at 7 a.m on January 22. The 23-year-old woman was gang-raped and tortured on December 16, 2012, which led to her death. All the six accused were arrested and charged with sexual assault and murder. One of the accused, a minor, appeared before a juvenile justice court, while another committed suicide in Tihar Jail. Amid the controversy over Deepika Padukone's visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday sought to know whether the Bollywood actor supported those who attacked the students in the campus or those who protected them. It also termed as a "conspiracy" the manner in which violence was being used by "anti-national forces" in institutions like the Delhi's JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia. Padukone visited the JNU campus during a public meeting on Tuesday evening and stood in silence behind JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh, who had received head injuries during a mob attack on Sunday evening. Talking to PTI, VHP's central general secretary Milind Parande said, "What is important is that which group of JNU students that Deepika was showing her solidarity with? "There were two sections of students during the recent violence one was attacking the students, while the other was trying to protect them from the attackers." "Was she (Deepika) showing solidarity with those who are doing wrong in JNU?" he asked. He said violence has no place in the country's democratic set up and the actor should clarify which section of JNU students she supported. Asked about Bollywood producer-director Anurag Kashyap's attack on the Centre over the JNU violence, Parande said, "I think taking such a stand has become fashionable for some people. It is absolutely wrong and unacceptable if any person speaks against the national interest, no matter how big and famous the person may be." "I consider it very dangerous, the manner in which violence is being used by anti-national forces in higher institutions like the JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia is a conspiracy. People calling for the violent movements in these campuses should be punished," Parande said. Strongly supporting the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), he said during the Partition of India in 1947, "historic injustice" was done, especially to Hindus and Sikhs. "A good step has been taken by India through CAA. But some political parties and communist powers in India are trying to appease Muslims by inciting violence under the pretext of opposing CAA, although this law has nothing to do with the country's Muslims. "It is not going to take away any person's citizenship. It will give citizenship to persecuted religious minorities from the neighboring countries," Parande said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trump appeared to hold his fire Wednesday in Americas standoff with Iran, opting instead to promise fresh economic sanctions, prod NATO allies to do more and demand an end to a very defective international deal that aspired to slow Tehrans nuclear ambitions. After a nervous night that began with a barrage of Iranian missiles raining down on two Iraqi military bases where U.S. soldiers are stationed, Americans tuned in to hear just how their famously unpredictable president might respond. But Trump, flanked by senior members of his national security team, appeared willing to take advantage of an opening that some observers speculated might have been there by design: the fact that none of Irans missiles fired in retribution for last weeks killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani drew any American blood. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases, the president said in a statement from the White House. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all concerned, and a very good thing for the world. Instead, Trump aimed his trademark ire at two of his favourite rhetorical targets: the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a multilateral agreement reached in 2015 under Barack Obama that was supposed to discourage Irans nuclear program, and NATO, a military alliance the president believes has left the U.S. with an unfair share of its burden. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism, he said. The time has come for the U.K., Germany, France, Russia and China to recognize this reality; they must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal ... and we must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place. He said the very defective Obama-era agreement, which the Trump administration abandoned in 2018, is too short-term and too lax and gives Iran a clear and quick path towards developing a nuclear arsenal. Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, Trump said. Iran declared after Soleimanis death that it would no longer abide by the limits on enrichment of nuclear fuel imposed by the 2015 deal a deal the federal Liberal government has championed as an important international effort to keep the world safe from nuclear proliferation. Just last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Charles Michel, president of the European Council, reiterated their collective support for the agreement and its role in promoting regional stability in the Middle East. Trump, who regularly criticizes NATO allies for what he characterizes as their failure to shoulder a fair share of the burden, also said he would ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East. A NATO readout of Trumps call with Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg later Wednesday said the two agreed that NATO could contribute more to regional stability and the fight against international terrorism something the alliance already does through its training efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the coalition against the Islamic State group. Read more about: When will Bollywood take a stand -- everyone was asking. The nation has been burning and going through violence, and some the Bollywood biggies have astonishingly maintained their silence. After violence broke out in the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University on Sunday wherein some masked men attacked students and teachers injuring at least 30 of them, Bollywood stars including Swara Bhasker, Dia Mirza, Rahul Bose among others took to streets to protest. They sang songs and recited poems to show solidarity with the students of JNU. Yesterday, Deepika Padukone who was in Delhi to promote her forthcoming movie Chhapaak visited JNU to support the students protest against violence inside the campus. Everyone showered praises upon Deepika including celebs like Anurag Kashyap, Anubhav Sinha, Swara Bhasker, Lisa Ray and Vishal Dadlani among others. Lets not forget she is also the producer of the films .. stakes are even higher . Mad respect for @deepikapadukone https://t.co/y5CPzSEedU Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) January 7, 2020 Thank uuuuu for your support! Kudos to every single person who has spoken up. We welcome their solidarity and salute their resolve ! This is our fight for India! And the students are showing us the way! #LongLiveJNU https://t.co/8ybGeuWfXa Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) January 7, 2020 As producer today @deepikapadukone wouldve been standing in the preview theatres in Mumbai waiting to hear praise being showered on her maiden production. She instead chose to stand in solidarity with #JNUstudents knowing fully well the ramifications of her actions. #RESPECT Nikkhil Advani (@nikkhiladvani) January 7, 2020 Respect @deepikapadukone. Respect #StudentsofJNU As a protest sign said: They will divide We will multiply. https://t.co/Jsmt6thlaS Lisa Ray (@Lisaraniray) January 7, 2020 Full support and thanks to @deepikapadukone for showing courage that a LOT of people from Bollywood don't. Those downtrending #Chhapaak, you have already lost! Your petty hatred CANNOT stop brave women! #ChhapaakIsABLOCKBUSTER ! Mark my words, and trend THAT! VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) January 7, 2020 @deepikapadukone has displayed amazing grace and compassion . Respect ! Sudhir Mishra (@IAmSudhirMishra) January 7, 2020 Coupled with a conscience and a truly large heart.. https://t.co/lRLHUJuZeM Pooja Bhatt (@PoojaB1972) January 7, 2020 It is incredible to see people of the film fraternity give a damn and take a stand. Respect to every person who is making this choice. Sobhita Dhulipala (@sobhitaD) January 7, 2020 I have been saying so. Women are stronger beings. RESPECT @deepikapadukone Anubhav Sinha (@anubhavsinha) January 7, 2020 However, soon things turned around as #BoycottChhapaak became a trend on social media. 'Never ever watching a deepika film in theaters ever again, I swear," wrote a user. "Hey @deepikapadukone you just lost Lakhs fans today," wrote another. Hey @deepikapadukone you just lost Lakhs fans today, In video it is seen that this girl came along with masked goons. This girl is also the reason of the voilene happened in JNU. #boycottchhapaak #DeepikaPadukone pic.twitter.com/Iyb5KzvhaY Narendra Modi fan (@narendramodi177) January 7, 2020 #BoycottChhapaak Never ever watching a deepika film in theaters ever again, I swear. Naam badal dena mera if I do. PRASHANT PALIWAL (@sanjupaliamh) January 7, 2020 Deepika Padukone knows Chhapaak is NOT going to do good becoz it's releasing with Tanhaji & Rajnikant's Darbaar Show her sympathy with JNUSU >> Front page headline >> Criticize by RW >> And her film will perform comparatively good Now, do you want to #boycottchhapaak ?? pic.twitter.com/lRm0fFwCNy MDH Wale Kaka (JNU Fresher) (@trolling_daddy) January 7, 2020 When she joined the protest Deepika said that she was angry that no action has been taken at such brutal violence. "I am very angry at what is happening but it is worse that no action is being taken," she was quoted as saying by Aaj Tak. When asked to comment on the situation, she said that she already stated what she wanted to during the release of Padmaavat. "What I wanted to say I said it two years ago when Padmaavat was released. What I am seeing today, it pains me. I hope it doesnt become the new normal. That anyone can say anything and they can get away with it. I fear and I'm sad. This is not the foundation of our country," she added. Yesterday, Hindu Raksha Dal's Pinky Chaudhary claimed the responsibility for the attack on the students and teachers of JNU. Spain's Socialist leader, Pedro Sanchez, scraped through a confidence vote yesterday with hard-fought support from smaller parties, allowing him to form a new leftist coalition government and end almost a year of political limbo. Mr Sanchez's cliffhanger victory by just two votes in parliament was the slimmest for a prime minister candidate in decades. The left-wing Unidas Podemos party will be a junior partner in the coalition. Mr Sanchez needed the votes or abstention promise of an array of smaller parties to win the ballot. His supporters erupted into a standing ovation when the result was announced in the Chamber of Deputies. The hair-line margin of victory has raised doubts about how long the coalition government will last, as its policies require regular parliamentary approval. A government term is normally four years. Arrayed against Mr Sanchez's administration will be three main right-of-centre parties. It will be Spain's first coalition government since the country returned to democracy in 1978, three years after the death of dictator General Francisco Franco. "A progressive coalition is going to govern because that is what Spaniards decided," Mr Sanchez said before the vote. Mr Sanchez has been caretaker prime minister since early last year. He is expected to be sworn in today. His Socialists won two consecutive general elections in 2019, but both times they failed to capture a parliamentary majority. In weeks of negotiations since the last election in November, Mr Sanchez mustered enough support - or promises to abstain - from a handful of small regional parties to take power. He has been widely criticised for the deal he clinched with the regional Catalan ERC party for it to abstain in yesterday's vote. ERC, which holds 13 seats, is one of several groups that want Catalonia's independence from Spain. Andrew Dowling, an expert on Spanish contemporary politics at Cardiff University, said Mr Sanchez attained power through "a very fragile agreement" with other parties and will now be "subject to intense political pressure" by his right-of-centre political opponents. "They're not going to give any quarter to this new government [which has] a very, very fragile majority. They are going to use all means necessary to prevent this government passing legislation," Mr Dowling said. More children in child care with higher paid staff. Allow optometrists to incorporate their offices. Pump more money into senior centres. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (734 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. More children in child care with higher paid staff. Allow optometrists to incorporate their offices. Pump more money into senior centres. These are just some of the ideas put forward by more than two dozen citizens when given the chance to tell the provincial government what it should spend its money on. Finance Minister Scott Fielding hosted the provinces first budget consultation of the year at the Sturgeon Heights Community Centre on Tuesday night. Fielding said the province is budgeting on building 20 new schools over the next 10 years, spending $2 billion on health care, and boosting employment by 40,000 new workers. But Fielding said the consultation meetings are a chance for Manitobans to have their voices heard in the provinces budget process. Jodie Kehl, executive director of the Manitoba Child Care Association, said the government needs to put more money into child care so not only will more children get spots, but also so the staff who look after them can be paid more. "We want child care to be accessible and affordable for all families," Kehl said. Dr. Tanya Dillon, president of the Manitoba Association of Optometrists, asked the province to allow them to incorporate like other professions are able to do. Dillon said this would allow individual optometrists who are small business owners to invest the monies saved into new equipment plus staff wages and benefits. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Connie Newman, executive director of the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres, and Doug Mackie, director and founder of Mansheds, said more funding needs to be invested in seniors. "If you dont look after the senior population your health care costs are going to skyrocket," Newman said. "If we invest in recreation facilities, it allows me to age in a healthy environment and keeps me out of the health care system." Mackie, whose organization encourages men to socialize together to keep them active, said "there are more seniors in Canada than children 15 and under." Mackie noted that if men are kept healthy, they can help keep the provinces health costs lower by looking after family members at home longer. Future budget consultations will include Gimli on Jan. 9, Opaskwayak Cree Nation near The Pas on Jan. 13, Swan River on Jan. 14, and Steinbach on Jan. 27. kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca DENVER, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- HomeAdvisor's Chief Economist Mischa Fisher and HomeAdvisor's Home Expert Dan DiClerico will be leading talks as a part of the "Voices from the Industry Conference" at the upcoming 2020 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) held in Las Vegas. Fisher's panel, "Labor Force Shortages & The Skills Gap," will cover the latest research on labor market dynamics, how public policy is impacting the overall issue, and show hands on new strategies for recruiting the best new talent and maintaining a competitive edge. DiClerico's panel, "Top 10 Trends in Residential Housing," will be offering a unique perspective on remodeling and design, standing at the intersection of the homeowner and the home service professional. In this talk on housing trends, he'll share insights from these two groupspros and consumersdrawing on data from HomeAdvisor surveys and cost reports, along with other industry sources. HomeAdvisor's Chief Economist, Mischa Fisher "Labor Force Shortages & The Skills Gap" WHEN: Tuesday, January 21, 2020 from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM WHERE: Las Vegas Convention Center Room N229 HomeAdvisor's Home Expert, Dan DiClerico "Top 10 Trends in Residential Housing" WHEN: Wednesday, January 22, 2020 from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM WHERE: Las Vegas Convention Center Room N223 About Mischa Fisher Mischa Fisher is the Chief Economist for HomeAdvisor and ANGI Homeservices. Prior to assuming the role of Chief Economist with HomeAdvisor, Mr. Fisher was Chief Economist at the State of Illinois where he served as the economic policy advisor to the Governor while overseeing the state agencies responsible for workforce, housing, and professional licensing. In that role, Mr. Fisher designed many of the state's efforts to compassionately improve capital and labor market liquidity while working on issues surrounding marketplace platforms, job mobility, and residential investment. He is an instructor in quantitative analysis at Northwestern University SESP and was formerly a deputy director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and a legislative director in the United States Congress in Washington, D.C. About Dan DiClerico Dan DiClerico is an experienced speaker and thought leader in the real estate, remodeling and home product space. DiClerico joined HomeAdvisor in 2017 as the company's smart home strategist, overseeing all content related to smart homes and the internet of things. Prior to joining HomeAdvisor, DiClerico was the senior home editor of Consumer Reports, where he produced award-winning content on real estate, remodeling and other topics. He was also the senior associate editor of Martha Stewart Living and the associate editor of This Old House. DiClerico is a versatile spokesperson who has been featured on CBS This Morning, Fox News, The Today Show and Wall Street Journal Live. DiClerico has also written and contributed to numerous books, including "The Just Right Home" (Workman, 2013), which he co-authored with Marianne Cusato. Direct all speaking requests for Dan DiClerico and Mischa Fisher to the HomeAdvisor public relations team at [email protected]. SOURCE HomeAdvisor Related Links http://www.servicemagic.com A former Iowa police chief has admitted to collecting $3,000 in pay for hours she never worked. Dunkerton police chief Katherine Olivia Kreiger, 25, pleaded guilty to second degree theft and felonious misconduct on Monday in Black Hawk County District Court. Kreiger was arrested on June 27, 2019, the same day the city council held a special meeting approving her termination. Authorities say Kreiger took pay for hours in Dunkerton, while working another law enforcement job. She also took money for training and meetings in March and April that she never attended. Court records show she accepted a total of $3,000 in unearned pay. Dunkerton police chief Katherine Olivia Kreiger, 25, pleaded guilty to second degree theft and felonious misconduct on Monday in Black Hawk County District Court Kreiger was named chief of the Dunkerton police force in August 2018. In addition to Kreiger, there are two part-time officers in the department. Located around 100 miles (160 kilometers) northeast of Des Moines, Iowa, Dunkerton has about 830 residents. According to the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, prosecutors agreed to drop misdemeanor counts of records tampering as part of the plea agreement. While no sentencing date has been scheduled, both charges carry penalties of up to five years in prison. Arturo Vidal's agent 'has travelled around Europe talking to clubs who might be interested in the Barcelona midfielder' - with Manchester United and Inter Milan reportedly among those involved. Barcelona are open to selling the Chilean, 32, during the current transfer window with the best years of his career likely to already be behind him. And, according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Vidal's agent Fernando Felicevich has travelled over from Chile to Europe to hold talks with Inter over a potential 17million move. Arturo Vidal could be on his way out of Barcelona, with Man United and Inter Milan two of the clubs reportedly interested in the Chilean midfielder Vidal scored in Barcelona's second goal in their 2-2 derby draw with Espanyol at the weekend But they also report that Manchester United are keen to speak with Felicevich as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer attempts to strengthen his midfield. With Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay currently sidelined, United would like to add another player in that position and they have also been linked with Tottenham's Christian Eriksen and Newcastle's Sean Longstaff. It comes after Vidal launched a legal battle against Barcelona over an alleged unpaid bonus payment of 2m. His lawyers filed a complaint to Spain's player's union (AFE) last month, saying he hasn't received all of the 3.5m he believes he is entitled to for appearance bonuses. He was reportedly set to receive the bonuses if he featured in 60 per cent of games last season, and he appeared to cross that threshold by playing in 53 matches in all competitions. Vidal, who is valued by Barcelona at 17million, is interesting Man United and Inter Milan United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is searching for a central midfield with Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay currently on the sidelines through injury But the club believe he does not qualify because he did not play a minimum of 45 minutes per game, and say the lawyers have misinterpreted his contract. Vidal continued to play regularly for Barcelona, though mainly from the bench. He has scored six goals in 15 LaLiga appearances so far this season, though has started just four league matches. He has found the net from central midfield in their last two matches, the 4-1 win over Alaves and the 2-2 derby draw with Espanyol. Vidal also played some part in five of Barcelona's six Champions League group fixtures. However, the Nou Camp club are willing to listen to offers for a player with a fine pedigree, having won league titles in three European countries with Juventus, Bayern Munich and Barca. As investigators sift through the charred wreckage of a jetliner that crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran, contradictory reports have emerged about what might have caused the Boeing Co. 737-800 to abruptly plunge out of the sky. Iranian authorities initially blamed technical causes then said an engine fire most likely led to the loss of the Ukraine International Airlines plane on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. The Ukrainian embassy in Tehran at first ruled out terrorism, then amended its statement to offer no comment on possible causes. Given that the crash of Flight 752 came hours after a barrage of Iranian missiles were fired on U.S. bases in Iraq, speculation also turned to a possible accidental attack by Tehrans own air defense system. The recently serviced, three-year-old jet went down without a distress call and after its global-positioning transmissions were cut off mid-air unusual for a crash. A video purportedly shot by a bystander shows flames coming from the jet as it streaked across the night sky and burst into a fireball on impact. Meanwhile, the investigation is being hampered by the international tension between Iran and the U.S. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, which would normally be invited to participate in a crash of a U.S.-built jetliner, issued a cautious statement saying it is monitoring the situation. Long-existing U.S. sanctions against Iran require the NTSB to seek special permission to participate in any investigations in that country. Irans Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization said early assessments indicated the cause was a technical issue, while the transport ministry suggested an engine fire was involved. A veteran aviation accident investigator said the flight-tracking data and amateur video were unlike a typical engine failure or fire scenario. While the evidence is still sparse, its far more suggestive of a bomb or missile, said Jeffrey Guzzetti, former chief of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administrations accident investigation division. Airplanes dont just catch fire and have that fire spread like that in such a short period of time, unless there was an intentional act causing that fire and explosion, Guzzetti said in an interview. The tragedy recalled the 2014 downing of a Malaysia Airlines jet by a surface-to-air missile during the conflict over Crimea, eventually blamed by investigators on pro-Russia rebels. Complicating matters, Iranian officials havent been clear about how much access U.S. experts will be given to the probe, or to the 737s flight data recorders. A state-run news outlet cited an official at Irans Civil Aviation Organization as saying the pilots didnt declare an emergency. If the amateur video turns out to be genuine, it indicates the plane was essentially a fireball as it plunged, Guzzetti said. Bright lights emanating from the aircraft suggest explosions as well, he said. Ukraine International said 167 passengers and nine crew were on the 737, an older version of Boeings narrow-body workhorse that predates the Max model that was grounded last year following two fatal crashes. The model involved in the Iranian crash doesnt use the flight control system implicated in the Max tragedies. The Ukrainian jet lifted off and climbed to about 7,900 feet and was traveling at roughly 300 miles an hour when it stopped transmitting its position and disappeared, according to data supplied by FlightRadar24. Other aircraft operating out of Tehran were tracked normally, said FlightRadar24 spokesman Ian Petchenik. The plane came down at 6:18 a.m. Wednesday in Sabashahr, near the Iranian capital. Television footage showed recovery efforts at the crash site, with debris spread across a charred field. Ukraines foreign ministry said about half those on board held Iranian citizenship and that there were more than 60 Canadian citizens, as well as Swedes, Afghans, Britons and Ukrainians. Ukraine International Vice President Ihor Sosnovskyi said in Kyiv that the plane, delivered to the airline new in 2016, was in good condition and had its last shop visit on Jan. 6. He said the crew was also very experienced and that there were no indications of human error, while declining to comment on possible reasons for the crash, the companys first since it was set up in 1992. Under established protocols, Iran would lead any investigation because the crash occurred on its soil. Ukraine Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk said his government has informed Iran that its experts should take part. Few nations have the expertise and technical facilities to conduct a full accident probe, however, so the U.S., France, Britain or other countries have provided assistance in the past. The planes crash-proof recorders will have to be downloaded in a specialist lab. International rules for air-crash probes mean the countries that made the plane and its engines usually participate, providing technical expertise. But the current turmoil between Iran and the U.S. may complicate the involvement of the NTSB and Boeing. Black Boxes Hassan Rezaeifar, head of the Civil Aviation Organizations accident-investigation office, said its for Iran to decide how and where the planes so-called black boxes are decoded, as per the law, according to the semi-official ISNA news agency. However, Reza Jafarzadeh, a spokesman for the aviation organization, told Bloomberg that his nation observes international protocols, and that Ukraine, as well as the planemaker, can take part in the probe. Frances BEA hasnt been contacted for assistance but has helped Iran in the past, said a spokesman, Sebastien Barthe. The tragedy comes at a tense time for both Iran and Boeing. The Islamic republic fired more than a dozen missiles at U.S. bases in retaliation for the killing of Irans top general, Qassem Soleimani. Just prior to the crash, U.S. aviation regulators issued new restrictions barring civilian flights over Iraq and Iran. The U.S. State Department issued a statement offering assistance to Ukraine. The United States calls for complete cooperation with any investigation into the cause of the crash, according to the statement. Boeing Crisis Boeing is still gripped by one of the worst crises in its 103-year history after the two Max disasters led to the grounding of that fleet in March. The company said in a statement that its thoughts are with crew, passengers and their families after the tragedy, without commenting on the cause. The planemakers stock declined 1.3% to $332.94 at 11:57 a.m. in New York. The website flightradar24 showed the 737-800 jet left Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport for Ukraines Boryspil International Airport early Wednesday morning local time. 737 CRASH: Heres the flight path of the Ukraine International Airlines plane that crashed in #Iran The Boeing airliner took off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport pic.twitter.com/aiQlAJNVAe QuickTake by Bloomberg (@QuickTake) Jan. 8, 2020 Engines for the single-aisle plane are made by CFM International, a joint venture of General Electric Co. and Safran SA. A representative didnt comment on the details or possible cause of the crash but said by email that CFM extends heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those on board. We are deeply saddened by the news of the crash of the Ukraine International Airlines flight shortly after take off from Tehran International Airport. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families & friends of those 180 souls who have lost their lives. IATA (@IATA) Jan. 8, 2020 With assistance from Harry Suhartono, Kyunghee Park, Anurag Kotoky, Eduard Gismatullin, Angus Whitley, Layan Odeh, Paul Dobson, Will Davies, Rudy Ruitenberg, Volodymyr Verbyany, Julie Johnsson and Richard Clough. Photograph: Ukrainian passenger plane crashed just minutes after take-off from Imam Khomeini International Airport near Tehran, Iran. All the passengers and crew are dead. Photo credit: Bloomberg. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics USA Aviation Aerospace Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday that it launched a missile attack on the US airbase of Ain al-Asad in Iraq in retaliation against the death of Major General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in an American drone attack on January 3. "Tens of surface-to-surface missiles," were fired at the strategic airbase and the attack was also confirmed by the White House and Pentagon, reports the Tehran-based Press TV. The attack comes after the IRGC had called for a complete withdrawal of US troops from the Iran, asserting that it would not differentiate between the Washington and Israel while retaliating against Soleimani's killing. "We warn US allies providing bases for the (American) terrorist army that any country serving as the origin of bellicose and aggressive attacks in any form against the Islamic Republic of Iran will be targeted," the IRGC said in a statement on Wednesday. It urged the US to recall all their soldiers back home to prevent more damage. Meanwhile, the semi-official FARS News Agency in a report said that a second wave of surface-to-surface missiles on Wednesday hit the two US airbases of Ain al-Asad and Harir Camp. Fars News Agency reported that the missiles were probably of Fateh 313 type and they were launched from Iran's western Kermanshah Province. Fateh 313 missiles are road-mobile single-stage solid-fuelled surface-to-surface missile with a range of 500 km. The Pentagon in a statement confirmed the missile attack, saying " Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq". It further said that it would take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region. The White House said earlier that it was monitoring the attacks, adding that President Donald Trump was also following the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq," Efe news quoted White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham as saying on Tuesday night. "The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team." In response to the attack, Trump tweeted: "All is well. Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties and damages taking place now... "We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far. I will be making a statement tomorrow (Wednesday) morning." The strikes came hours after Trump's latest warning to Iran earlier on Tuesday. "If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly," Trump told reporters in the White House. Trump's remark came after the IRGC Commander Hossein Salami warned the US also on Tuesday that Tehran would take "severe revenge" over the death of Soleimani, who was the chief of the elite Quds Force. JD.com, Inc. (JD) recently announced an offering of senior unsecured notes aggregating $1 billion. The first tranch consists of $700.0 million notes that carry an interest rate of 3.375% and are scheduled to mature in 2030. Another tranch consists of $300.0 million notes, carrying an interest rate of 4.125% due 2050. The notes are expected to be listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited. The company expects to receive net proceeds of approximately $988.3 million from the offering after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and estimated offering expenses. It stated that the transaction proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes and refinancing. BofA Securities and UBS AG Hong Kong Branch are acting as joint book-running managers for this purpose. JD.com, Inc. Price and Consensus JD.com, Inc. Price and Consensus JD.com, Inc. price-consensus-chart | JD.com, Inc. Quote Cash Position At the end of third-quarter 2019, its cash and short-term investments totaled RMB59.2 billion (US$8.3 billion) compared with RMB39.5 billion as of Dec 31, 2018. JD.coms operating cash flow for the 12 months ended Sep 30, 2019 amounted to RMB30.8 billion (US$4.3 billion), up from RMB18.2 billion in the comparable prior-year period. Free cash flow was RMB15.6 billion (US$2.2 billion) versus outflow of RMB5.5 billion in the prior year. We believe that the company has a strong balance sheet, which will help it to capitalize on investment opportunities and pursue strategic acquisitions, further improving prospects. In our view, the senior notes offering will bring down the companys cost of capital, in turn strengthening the balance sheet and supporting growth. These notes should provide financial flexibility and propel long-term growth. Share Price Performance A glimpse of the companys price trend shows that the stock has had an impressive run on the bourses in the past year. JD.com has returned 67% compared with the industrys 21.8% rally in the said period. Story continues Bottom Line JD.coms e-commerce unit remains a key growth driver. Its deepening focus on bolstering e-commerce footprint in international markets is a major positive. In addition, increasing demand for the companys home appliances, food and beverage, cosmetics, home furnishing, as well as baby products should continue to drive growth for JD.com. Notably, growing number of flagship stores of international brands on JD.coms platform and new partnerships are likely to enhance product offerings. The company is expected to release fourth-quarter earnings on Feb 27. Zacks Rank and Other Stocks to Consider JD.com currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Other top-ranked stocks in the broader technology sector include MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. MTSI, Itron, Inc. ITRI and Fiverr International Ltd. FVRR, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Long-term earnings growth for MACOM Technology, Itron and Fiverr is currently projected at 15%, 25% and 44.2%, respectively. The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All Last year, it generated $24 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $77.6 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce ""the world's first trillionaires,"" but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early. See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report JD.com, Inc. (JD) : Free Stock Analysis Report MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. (MTSI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Itron, Inc. (ITRI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Fiverr International Lt. (FVRR) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Brian Michael Rini pleaded has been sentenced to two years in jail after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft in a deal with prosecutors The 24-year-old Illinois man who pretended to be missing boy Timmothy Pitzen has been sentenced to two years in jail after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft in a deal with prosecutors. Brian Michael Rini was found wandering the streets of Newport Kentucky last April and identified himself to police as Pitzen, a missing Aurora boy who vanished aged 6 after his mother committed suicide in 2011. According to authorities, Rini, who knew the boy's full name and date of birth, described to officers how he had just escaped from two captors at a nearby motel who had been sexually assaulting him and trafficking him for nearly eight years. Federal investigators became suspicious of Rini when he refused to be fingerprinted. Their apprehensions were later confirmed when a court-ordered DNA test proved that Rini was impersonating Pitzen. Now, more than nine-months on from the ordeal, Rini pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft on Tuesday, while prosecutors dropped charges of lying to FBI agents in return. Brian Michael Rini (left at the time of his arrest) was found wandering the streets of Newport Kentucky last April and identified himself to police as Timmothy Pitzen (right), a missing Aurora boy who vanished aged 6 after his mother committed suicide in 2011 According to authorities, Rini (pictured on April 3, 2019) described to officers how he had just escaped from his captors at a nearby motel, who had been sexually assaulting him and trafficking him ever since he was child Rini, now with a neatly trimmed beard, answered Judge Michael Barrett with a soft 'Yes, sir,' when asked whether he understood the consequences of his plea. Barrett ordered a pre sentencing investigation into Rini's background, but both sides agreed that the federal identity theft statute requires a two-year sentence and that Rini will remain jailed without bond during the official sentencing. The 24-year-old has been held without bond since last April. As part of the plea deal, Rini's current time served will be deducted from his eventual sentence. Rini previously pleaded not guilty to all charges and was facing eight years behind bars before striking a deal with prosecutors. In addition to his sentence now, Rini will also serve one year of probation at the end of prison term. Judge Barrett previously postponed Rini's trial, originally slated to take place in June, after questions were raised about the Pitzen impersonator's mental state. However on October 31 Barrett found Rini competent to stand trial. Transcripts from that hearing show that the defense and prosecution had previously entertained the idea of settling the case before trial, with public defender Richard Monahan telling the judge pursuing a plea deal would prove fruitful. Federal authorities have previously said Rini has twice before portrayed himself to be a juvenile sex trafficking victim, as he allegedly did in this case, also citing his lack of a permanent address, past mental health issues and 'a lengthy criminal history' that dates back to when he was just 13. In 2017, he was treated at an Ohio center for people with mental health or substance abuse problems, according to previous court papers. He was released on probation in March 2019 after serving more than a year on burglary and vandalism charges - just weeks before he claimed to be Pitzen. Rini confessed to investigators he'd recently watched an ABC 20/20 episode about the missing boy, before lying to police An age processed image released last year predicts what Timmothy Pitzen may have looked like at age 13 Timmothy Pitzen was just six years old when he vanished from Aurora, Illinois on May 11, 2011. He would now be 14-years-old. The boy was last seen with his mother, Amy Fry-Pitzen, who pulled him out of kindergarten nearly nine years ago and took him on a two-day road trip to the zoo and a water park, before killing herself at a motel. She left a note saying that her son was safe with people who would love and care for him and added: 'You will never find him.' No trace of Timmothy had been found since, but his surviving family members were cruelly given renewed hope on April 3, 2019, when an 'erratic' Rini approached a woman on a residential street in Kentucky and told her he was the missing boy. He told the woman he had just escaped from two kidnappers at a nearby red Roof Inn who had been holding him captive for nearly eight years. According to the affidavit, Rini was then taken to the Cincinnati Childrens Hospital, where he repeatedly reiterated to investigators he was Timmothy and 'just wanted to go home'. Timmothy Pitzen (pictured with his parents) disappeared at the age of 6 in 2011. His mother, Amy Fry-Pitzen (right), pulled him out of kindergarten in Aurora, Illinois, and took him on a two-day road trip to the zoo and a water park, and then killed herself at a motel. The boy has not been seen since. Timmothy vanished without a trace in 2011 following his mother Amy Fry-Pitzen's suicide (pictured together) After being taken to the medical center, he is said to have refused to be fingerprinted but eventually agreed to submit DNA. He was arrested 24 hours later after authorities conducted the DNA test and confirmed he was not the missing 14-year-old boy hed claimed, but a 23-year-old man with an extensive rap sheet. When confronted about the results, investigators say Rini immediately confessed and told them he'd recently watched an ABC 20/20 episode about the missing boy, before lying to police. He also said he wanted to get away from his family and 'wished he had a father like Timmothys,' the affidavit details. 'We confirmed that there was such a '20/20' episode, and in fact, a rerun had aired several weeks ago,' U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman said in a press conference at the time. 'My heart goes out to the family of Timmothy Pitzen. I can only imagine the pain they've been put through' he added. Authorities have asked anyone with genuine information about the case to call Aurora police at 630-256-5000 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yim Hyun-su (The Korea Herald/Asia News Network) Wed, January 8, 2020 22:09 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3216f2a8 2 Entertainment X1,K-pop,music,South-Korea Free Fans were shocked Monday night to learn that project boy band X1 was disbanding. "We negotiated with the agencies representing each member of X1 on terms of unanimous agreement but failed to reach an agreement and decided to disband (the group), the agencies said in a joint statement after the talks fell through. The decision came months after the vote-rigging scandal surrounding the Produce series forced the musicians from X1 and Iz*One to put their careers on hold, leaving their future up in the air. Soon after the announcement, CJ ENM, the company behind the cable channel Mnet, said though it had tried to help X1 resume its activities, it respects the agencies decision. The company also said the possibility of Iz*One, another group formed out of the Produce series, resuming its activities was being considered positively. Short but impactful, X1s story is one to remember. In late August last year, the group debuted with 11 members who had competed earlier that year on Mnets reality competition show Produce X 101. Its debut album, Emergency: Quantum Leap, sold 524,007 copies in its first week, according to Hanteo Chart, setting a record for the most first-week sales for a debut album in Korea. The video for the single Flash, which ended up being the groups one and only music video, went on to rack up over 64 million views. X1 was also the first act to appear on Billboards Social 50 charts prior to its debut, charting at No. 6. On the surface, everything seemed to be going well for the act. But in retrospect, it was the perfect calm before the storm as one of the biggest scandals in the K-pop world was brewing underneath. Since 2016, when Mnets flagship audition series Produce aired for the first time, it has faced criticism centering on fairness and transparency. But it was during the fourth season, in 2019, that the show was truly taken to task when angry viewers detected a pattern in the vote margins separating the top 20 contestants. People began speculating. Then a police investigation was launched and eventually Ahn Joon-young, a director of the Produce series, and the programs chief producer, Kim Yong-beom, were indicted on charges of business obstruction and fraud. Within less than six months, X1, the group with the biggest charting debut in Korea and a contract spanning five years, met its demise -- all because of a scandal surrounding the very show that gave birth to it. Following the disbandment news, former X1 member Nam Do-hyon, who is also part of another group called MBK Boys, took to Instagram to share his feelings. "I want to say sorry to those who were shocked by the news. Im happy to have learned so much and received so much love. I will never forget the precious memories from being part of X1. In a video, former X1 member Lee Han-gyul said sorry to fans and added that he had learned a lot while on the show. Topics : This article appeared on The Korea Herald newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post New Delhi: On Wednesday, Bollywood stars Juhi Chawla and Dalip Tahil attented an event organised by the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in Mumbai's Shivaji Park. The two spoke in favour of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill. The videos going viral on the internet show Juhi asking the crowds if anybody among them had never taken a holiday in five years. The crowd took her hint and began chanting, 'Modi, Modi', in refence to the PM's claims that he takes no holiday. During the interaction with press, Juhi was asked about the recent slew of protests against an alleged attack on JNU students. To this, she replied, ''Can we stop reacting and start responding. We should understand the thing first and then speak about it.'' #LIVE Juhi Chawla @iam_juhi : How many of us have not taken even a single day leave in last five years? Only one person & that person is now our PM. Don't you think we should respect him as he always worries for what's next should be done for India! @DDIndiaLive @DDNewsHindi pic.twitter.com/c39xjDBVqy YKSHEETAL YY (@YKSHEETAL) January 8, 2020 Tahil in a separate interview implied that the incident at JNU was scripted and wondered why the same university is at the centre of such controversies time and again. On Tuesday, Deepika Padukone also visited Jawahar Lal Nehru University to express solidarity with the students. While some praised her brave feat for being one among few Bollywood A-listers to take a 'political stand', some found it as a mere publicity stunt for her upcoming film Chhapaak that turned her to a producer. Other personalities such as Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and Anubhav Sinha have also been attending various protests around Mumbai. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The creation of a 988 number would likely mean it would increase its hours, Carroll said, given that thered be funding available. While the center offers other 24/7 crisis intervention, it does not answer lifeline calls daily as some other Illinois centers do because theres not as much of a need in Chicago, given the other suicide hotlines available through hospitals or other nonprofits, he said. Zac Efron Zac Efron fell ill while filming his series, 'Killing Zac Efron' while in Papua New Guinea. The illness literally did almost kill him but fortunately he received from life-saving treatment in the hospital and is going to be ok. It was said to be a form of typhoid or similar bacterial infection, the TV and film star is speaking out about the scary incident and his recovery. He opened up on Instagram saying: Very thankful to everyone who has reached out. I did get sick in Papua New Guinea but I bounced back quick and finished an amazing 3 weeks in P.N.G. Im home for the holidays with my friends and family. Thanks for all the love and concern, see you in 2020! Related: Zac Efron Offers An Instagram Update After His Typhoid Hospitalization Zac Efron Recovers Zac Efron Australias Sunday Telegraph explained how a medevac crew airlifted Zac to Brisbane to receive immediate treatment for the potentially fatal infection, noting he was in stable condition by the time first responders brought him to St. Andrews War Memorial Hospital. After several days of medical attention and observation, the Baywatch star was given clearance to return to the United States before Christmas. Considering how optimistic the post (above) sounds, he seems to be in good spirits. Typhoid is a life-threatening illness caused by bacteria that can be found in contaminated water and food. People who contract it can be treated with antibiotics and vaccines, if available. Zac is Back in 2020 Efron, an adventurous guy is ready to go all-in and rid himself of all luxuries, falling off the grid for 21 days with nothing but basic gear, a guide partner and a will to survive." Efron expressed his excitement for the project...one that would ultimately put him in the hospital temporarily. I tend to thrive under extreme circumstances and seek out opportunities that challenge me on every level, he said. I am excited to explore any uncharted territory and discover what unexpected adventure awaits! Story continues Zac Bounced Back From His Illness Zac Efron Zac said in a statement: "I tend to thrive under extreme circumstances and seek out opportunities that challenge me on every level, Efron said in a statement in November. I am excited to explore any uncharted territory and discover what unexpected adventure awaits. Typhoid fever can be caused by Salmonella type bacteria, but is rare in most industrialized countries. It can be spread through contaminated food and water, leading those infected to develop a high fever, headache, as well as abdominal pain. There are vaccines against typhoid, but it is most commonly treated with antibiotics and has a recovery period of a few days. The nationwide strike called by trade unions pressing for a charter of demands, besides protesting Centre's "anti-people" policies, remained total in Kerala while it was largely business as usual in other southern states. The central trade unions organised the protest against labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies of the government. The demands included minimum wage and social security for the working class. In left-ruled Kerala, the strike was total and normal life affected, with public transport services keeping off the roads and banking services hit. A houseboat carrying Nobel laureate Michael Levitt and his wife in the backwaters of Alappuzha was blocked for sometime by trade union activists. Reacting to the incident, State Tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran said: "We will take strong action against those anti-social elements who blocked the boat. Levitt was here as a state government guest. We will also look into whether there were any lapses in providing security to him." Trade union leaders had earlier clarified that the strike will not affect the tourism industry. Roads across the state wore a deserted look as Kerala State Transport Corporation (KSRTC), private buses, autorickshaws and taxis stayed away but a few private vehicles were seen plying. Schools and colleges had declared a holiday and three major universities had postponed all the examinations. Shops, hotels and other business establishments were also shut across but medical shops were seen open at major towns. Most government staff did not report for work at the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his colleagues also did not attend office with the weekly state cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday being held on Tuesday. Banking operations also took a hit as most PSU bank branches remained shut. According to a Kochi report, functioning of the public sector Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd refinery has not been affected although non-management staff are on strike. "Plant is running normal using available staff," a BPCL spokesperson said. In Tamil Nadu, the strike made little impact as bus and railway services were not affected. While shops and commercial establishments remained open, banking services were partially affected. Cheque clearing and ATM services bore the brunt. Traffic came to a halt at the arterial Anna Salai where demonstrations were held. In Karnataka too, the strike did not affect normal life. While government buses including the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) were plying as usual, train services remained unaffected. Schools, colleges and business establishments also functioned. Barring banking services being hit, it was business as usual in Telangana. In Andhra Pradesh, leaders of the Congress, CPI and CPI (M) were taken into custody as they staged a sit-in outside the RTC bus station in Vijayawada. Reports said employees stayed off duties in various public sector undertakings, mostly in Visakhapatnam. Most banks remained shut. Normal life was affected in the Congress-ruled Puducherry as fleet operators kept buses off the roads responding to the strike call. All shops and establishments except medical shops remained closed. Attendance in government offices however was reported to be normal while industrial units suspended operations in various industrial estates. Reports from Tirupati said police prevented youth organisations from carrying the effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a 'shava yatra' (funeral procession). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 'Beautifully Simple' Suburban Test Case Unregistered Voters (TNS) From the quiet hum of his office at Springdale General, a sprawling East Austin campus for the creative class, 30-year-old Jeremy Smith is spearheading a pioneering effort to streamline the way Democrats register voters.Even as billionaire Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg is pledging to spend $15 million to $20 million early this year to try to register a half million new Democratic voters in Texas, Arizona, North Carolina, Michigan and Wisconsin, Smith believes he can do a lot more for a lot less."I think we can register 5 million voters for $3 million," Smith said. "Everybody thinks that it costs more than it does, because they're used to the old way of thinking about it."Since March 2018, Smith, who grew up in Grapevine, graduated from West Point, studied epidemiology as a Marshall Scholar at Imperial College London and served as an Army combat engineer in Afghanistan, has been devising and refining methods to more simply and effectively register voters, and to find citizens who are either unregistered or whose registrations lapsed when they moved between counties or states, all with free web-based applications Register2Vote and MapTheVote that are available to anyone, regardless of party.But they are being used thus far by a cadre of Democrats seeking to win in congressional and state House seats long held by Republicans. Democrats say the new tools hold promise for making inroads in a rapidly changing Texas.Register2Vote, the nonprofit Smith launched in spring 2018, proved its mettle in a hectic eight weeks leading up to the October registration deadline for the 2018 general election, mailing 529,000 forms to folks in every congressional district in Texas, targeting young people, single women, people of color and those who recently moved and may not have re-registered or even known that they had to.It was a homemade effort executed by a volunteer army and mostly paid for by Smith's savings from his time in the Army.The result: "We registered 156,000 new people who had not been registered and 112,000 voted, which is a 72% turnout rate," Smith said. That is 25 points higher than the average turnout rate of registered voters."Our results were one of the most successful voter registration interventions that has ever been tried and we did it cheaper than it was ever done," Smith said.The cost per vote: 54 cents, he estimates. The cost per vote for those voters who would not otherwise have registered to vote: $2.70 per vote.As Texas and the nation heads into an epic 2020 election battle that appears almost certain to break turnout records, the first skirmishes will be over registration efforts. And the efficacy of innovations like what Smith has developed will be tested, nowhere more so than on his home turf.The next proving ground is here and now, with a Feb. 3 registration deadline for voting in the March 3 primaries in contests for president, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and the state Legislature that ultimately will determine if control of the Texas House.The Texas Democratic Party, which shares credit for Smith's brainchild, is sold on what he has created."I think it's going to be a game changer," said Glen Maxey, director of legislative affairs and voter registration guru for the Texas Democratic Party. "It's totally novel. Nobody's got it at that level."In Afghanistan, Smith was responsible for removing land mines and improvised explosive devices, clearing booby traps, rescuing hostages, counterterrorism and special operations.After five-and-a-half years of active duty, Smith managed Hillary Clinton's voter registration and voter protection operations in Florida and anticipated joining her national security transition team.Instead, Smith worked for Doug Jones' successful Democratic campaign for U.S. Senate in Alabama and then applied for a job with the Texas Democratic Party.Sizing up his talents at his March 11, 2018, interview, Smith was offered not a job but a challenge: create a nonprofit voter registration system that would come as close to online voter registration as Texas statute would allow.Texas is one of a dozen states without online voter registration. Instead, the state boasts an arcane system all its own."There's a law called the volunteer deputy registrar law," Smith said. "It's unique In Texas, the only state that you need to be deputized by a county official in order to help your neighbor register and you have to do it by the county of the person you're helping."It can get complicated and if you make a mistake, "you just committed a felony," Smith said.National voter registration groups avoided Texas. Local organizations were intimidated.Democrats say the lack of online voter registration contributed to the state's notoriously low rate of voter turnout, though, with a huge surge in turnout in 2018's midterm election, Texas, perennially at the bottom, performed better than 10 states. Not great, but much better.The Register2Vote site streamlines registration in easy steps: It allows you to check if you are registered at your current address. If not, you fill out an application, which will be sent to you mostly filled out at no charge. All you have to do is sign it, put it into the accompanying postage-paid envelope pre-addressed to your county registrar and drop it in the mail."They are certifying their information, they are signing it, but every hurdle has been knocked down," Smith said. Originally developed for Texas, it now works in every state.By following the postal bar code, Register2Vote knows if you returned the application, or if you need a follow-up text, call or knock on the door."Like any important innovation, it's beautifully simple," said Democrat Mike Siegel, an Austin attorney who ran against U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, in 2018, and is in a three-way primary to face McCaul again in 2020.Maxey connected Smith with Madeline Eden of Bastrop, the chief technology officer for a block chain company, who had finished fourth in the March 2018 Democratic primary against Siegel, and who joined forces with Smith as Register2Vote's technical director. She's now going to apply the new methods as a candidate in state House District 17 east of Austin."They're very well positioned," Siegel said. "You've got the growing Austin tech scene and then you've got the growing Democratic movement in Texas and they're at the intersection of those."Siegel benefited from Register2Vote's maiden voyage, which brought 6,833 newly registered voters to the polls in the 10th Congressional District in 2018."To me that explains, in part, how I outperformed Democrats in Texas who had three and four times as much money as me," said Seigel, who lost by 13,132 votes and hopes to register 37,000 new voters in 2020.Joseph Kopser, an Army veteran and tech entrepreneur who ran as a Democrat two years ago in the once-solidly Republican 21st Congressional District, gave Smith free reign in his campaign.The district, which includes fast growing suburbs south of Austin and north of San Antonio, gained 6,910 new voters through Register2Vote, more than any other district in the state."We earned more votes than any Democratic congressional candidate running in the state of Texas so there was definitely something going on that gave me a big boost," said Kopser, who lost to Republican Chip Roy by 9,233 votes, or 2.6 percentage points.By overlaying Postal Service change of address data over registration data, Smith and Eden were able to track movers, both within Texas and from outside Texas (and now anywhere in the U.S.), creating the ripest targets people who were already registered but may have failed to update their registrations, making them, perhaps to their surprise, ineligible to vote."About 30,000 Democrats a month are moving into Texas," Maxey said, and the places they are moving to are the places that are trending Democratic.As Texas becomes more competitive, "marginal stuff like that matters," said Texas Tech political scientist Seth McKee. "There's a bunch more contests, especially in Texas now, that are just marginal races and it really does come down to who turns out more.""It brings the gold standard of registration down to the every man level, to where it's a genuine grassroots affordable tool that almost any campaign can take advantage of," said George Shipley, a veteran Democratic operative from Austin. "Think about a state rep's race where you could add 2,000 votes to the pool."In March, Smith and Eden created Civitech, a for-profit public benefit corporation, operating separately but side-by-side with Register2Vote, that can do partisan work, providing progressive candidates and activists campaign operating systems.When state Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond, stepped down over the summer setting up a special election in November in a diverse suburban Houston district that has been trending blue, Cari Marshall turned to Civitech.Marshall, an Austin activist and veteran of Beto O'Rourke's Senate campaign, last year launched Flip the Texas House, an independent effort to help Democrats win 17 House seats in 2020 that they lost by fewer than 10 points in 2018.Her group targeted 5,000 unregistered voters in House District 28 who were seen as most likely to vote Democratic.Eliz Markowitz, the lone Democrat in the race, finished first by 3,081 votes. There will be a runoff Jan. 28.Helped by O'Rourke's candidacy, Democrats gained 12 House seats in 2018, and need to pick up nine more to win control of the House. O'Rourke, who won nine of the 17 seats Flip the Texas House is targeting, has embraced Marshall's effort and made turning the Texas House his top priority for 2020.Marshall's group has sent out 54,540 registration mailers in the 17 districts. Cumulatively, Democrats lost those districts by 59,004 votes."We truly believe that we far outnumber them," Marshall said. "There are a ton of Democrats moving into the state or who already live here but haven't registered. Republicans don't have nearly as much low-hanging fruit as we do. We're like, good luck, we don't think you'll find as many people as we will."For many years, Texas Republicans prided themselves on their attention to precisely this sort of detail and they are not sleeping on it."I'll just say we're using the latest technology to reach unregistered voters and follow up and it's been very successful so far," said Steve Munisteri, the former Texas Republican Party chairman, who is now advising the party as well as the reelection campaign of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.The party's efforts are being augmented by Engage Texas, a new super PAC that raised nearly $10 million during the first half of 2019 and, according to spokeswoman Lucy Nashed, "will use grassroots, direct mail and digital outreach to identify, register and educate eligible but unregistered Texas voters whose voices are currently unaccounted for."The last Friday in December, a coalition of progressive non-profit groups launched their own registration counter-offensive."We are seeing this huge investment in voter registration," said Charlie Bonner, the communications director of MOVE Texas. "We and our partners at Battleground Texas and the Texas Freedom Network and Jolt just announced the largest voter registration coordinated program in the history of Texas to register a half million people before the 2020 election."MOVE, which focuses on youth empowerment, has an old-school approach to registration."Face-to-face interaction is the No. 1 thing that gets people registered to vote and turns them out," Bonner said."We think there are 8 million people in Texas who are either not registered or who are registered at the wrong address and so can't vote," Smith said."And so we're diligently trying to find them all," Eden said."Ted Cruz won Texas with 18.2% of the vote of the eligible population, Beto got 17. So there's like 65% of people just still out there," Smith said. "We think there are 2.5 million for-sure Democrats out of that and another 2 to 4 million likely Democrats.""That defies logic. I don't buy that at all," Munisteri said."It doesn't look like the universe of unregistered is more than 4 million, and there's some question about that," he said. Munisteri said polling suggests that unregistered Texans, like registered Texans, tend to be more conservative than not. He estimates of that universe of 4 million, about 2 million would tend to be Republicans, a million Democrats, and a million up for grabs.There is reason, however, to temper expectations about registration efforts, said Tufts University political scientist Eitan Hersh, author of the 2015 book, "Hacking the Electorate: How Campaigns Perceive Voters.""One thing that political science research has shown pretty clearly is that the main reason people don't vote is not logistical barriers, it's lack of social pressure, feelings of efficacy, or caring," Hersh said. While he had no first-hand knowledge of Smith's efforts, Hersh said that it might help in Texas because of its particular logistical barriers, but it's unlikely a single tool could be decisive to electoral success.Still, Smith said that in the spring they will have the results of random control trials they conducted in 2019 in Texas and Virginia, and a handful of Democratic candidates who have used his technology say it works."It's revolutionary. It's a game changer, for Texas especially." said Julie Oliver an Austin Democrat who was the party nominee against U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, in 2018, and is in a primary to reprise that race in 2020.Smith met Oliver in April 2018 when she knocked on his door in Mueller while campaigning during the primary runoff.He introduced her to Register2Vote. She introduced Smith to her husband and campaign manager, Matt Oliver, who now works as part of Smith's team of 25.She also introduced him to Cody Schank, a campaign volunteer and data scientist who was getting his doctorate in the Department of Geography and Environment at the University of Texas, who helped refine MapTheVote, which Oliver was the first candidate to field test."What we did was combine the power of the Post Office, and county records, and Google maps," Smith said. "We just did it in a way that was grueling and hard to do that no one else had tried before."The map enables anyone anywhere in the United States to use their smart phone or laptop to view and manipulate a map of any local geography down to the precinct level populated with green bubbles for every residence inhabited by someone who is likely not registered.It provides a canvassing script for a door-knocking encounter and you can update the data set with the results of your visit, perhaps including signing them up to get a mailer from Register2Vote, so that your efforts are not being duplicated.It also allows a candidate like Oliver to raise money from supporters in her case it's $2 a head to have applications sent, via Civitech, along with a branded message from her campaign to however many of those residents in a particular geography they'd like.MapTheVote also offers Oliver a vivid way to identify potentially rich underdeveloped pockets of support in a farflung district like around Fort Hood and home in on them, even as she and her supporters can visually watch the map change hues as they make progress in reaching their targets."Her campaign was the first to use it in 2018 and she has been using these tools thoroughly to register and expand the electorate in really big ways," Smith said.Oliver did not come close in 2018. She lost by 8.7 points 26,638 votes. Register2Vote added 5,457 voters.Williams had won the three previous general elections by more than 20 points in a largely rural district drawn to easily elect a Republican."So you want to win District 25 you really have to add more voters," Smith said. By Trend Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 21 times, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on Jan. 8, Trend reports. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions. Trump says Iran appears to be 'standing down' after strike In wake of strikes, Trump announces new sanctions on Iran unless the nation 'changes its behavior'. President Donald Trump says Iran appears to be standing down and said no Americans or Iraqis were harmed in Iran's Tuesday ballistic missile strike on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. Watch President Trump's full statement from this morning in the headline link above. California governor targets homeless crisis in budget, order Happening today, Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign an executive order to tackle homelessness. He is seeking $750 million to create a fund to help pay rent for people facing homelessness. The governor has also directed the state to provide local governments with 100 travel trailers and tents for temporary housing and services. RPD: Carjacking suspect forced victim to drive from Yreka to Redding This morning police are searching for an armed carjacker they said forced a man to drive him from Yreka to Redding late Tuesday. The victim said a man with a gun forced his way into the car and demanded the victim to "drive." The carjacker took off on foot when the victim ran out of gas, he is described as a white man, about 30 years old, six feet tall wearing a black jacket, gloves, and dirty jeans. Chico fire contain vegetation fire at homeless encampment Chico police and fire worked to put out a fire at a homeless encampment in Chico. Fire crews responded to a report of a vegetation fire Tuesday on the bank of the Little Chico Creek near Olive Street and Humboldt Avenue. Police said thanks to citizen reporting, crews were able to clean up the fire before any major damage to the area or environment around the creek. Murder investigation leads to drug trafficking, child porn arrests A Butte County murder investigation leads to the arrests of six people and the bust of a major drug trafficking operation. It started Dec. 21, with the shooting death of Jacob MacArthur, at home just east of Oroville. Deputies searched 13 homes and turned up 33 hundred pounds of marijuana, $140 thousand dollars, and ten guns. Shasta County DA: Man found guilty of arson A Redding jury found Demetrius Henderson guilty of assaulting an officer and starting a fire. Prosecutors said Henderson started a vegetation fire last July, just off Highway 44. When police arrived on scene they said Henderson threw a half-gallon jug of urine at one officer, who then had to seek medical treatment. Henderson will be sentenced later this month. Downtown Chico parking meter now costs $1 per hour It will now cost you more to park in downtown Chico. You'll now pay one dollar for one hour if you park between 1st and 4th streets. Normal and Flume Streets, double the last meter rate. City parking lots, the parking garage, and meters outside of the downtown core will still cost 50 cents for an hour. European powers condemn Turkish plans to send troops to Libya Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab arrives for a meeting with foreign ministers of France, Germany and Italy to discuss Libya's crisis in Brussels By Robin Emmott BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union's top diplomat and the foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany and Italy condemned on Tuesday Turkey's plans to send military experts and trainers to Libya, saying foreign interference there was exacerbating instability. After postponing a trip to Tripoli over safety concerns, the ministers and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell held talks in Brussels to call for a ceasefire as Libya's internationally recognized government struggled to fend off a military offensive on its power base in the capital. "Continuing outside interference is fuelling the crisis," the ministers and Borrell said in their joint statement released after the meeting. In remarks to reporters, Borrell said: "It is obvious that this made a reference to the Turkish decision to intervene with their troops in Libya, which is something that we reject." Turkey will send military experts and technical teams to support Libya's internationally recognized government, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday, a day after President Tayyip Erdogan said Turkish military units were moving to Tripoli. Turkey is nominally a candidate to join the EU, though accession talks have long stalled due to disagreements over human rights, Cyprus and other issues. The EU talks were to have taken place in Libya but the Tripoli government asked for them to be postponed, according to two EU diplomats. Europe and the United States face being sidelined in Libya by Turkey and Russia, which are taking a bigger role in the conflict there. Libya has been in turmoil since veteran ruler Muammar Gaddafi's fall due to an uprising in 2011. "PROXY WAR" Turkey supports the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), while Russia backs eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar, whose forces hold much of the country's east and south including its second city Benghazi. They are making a renewed attempt to take Tripoli. Story continues "There is a proxy war under way. All interferences have to stop. There are countries that interfere with a civil war, turning it into a proxy war," Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told reporters in Brussels before traveling to Turkey to meet his Turkish counterpart Cavusoglu. The EU had hoped to send a diplomatic mission to Libya to train Libyan officials and build up institutions in support of the GNA, but that has been deemed too dangerous for now, diplomats said. Di Maio, along with the Egyptian, French, Greek and Cypriot foreign ministers, are due to discuss their next steps in Cairo on Wednesday, the same day that Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin are to inaugurate a natural gas pipeline running between their countries via the Black Sea. (Additional reporting by Aidan Lewis in Cairo and Marine Strauss and Francesco Guarascio in Brussels; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Gareth Jones) Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in the world, famous for its breathtaking sea-filled caldera and picturesque villages. Discover its fascinating natural and cultural history on a relaxed walking study tour with us. A woman shot to death at her Trenton home on New Years Eve 2017 was indeed killed by her former boyfriend, who was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his Union County home a few days later, Mercer County authorities confirmed Tuesday. Gladys Barrera, 45, was killed at her Brown Street home on Dec. 31, 2017 in a shooting that also wounded a 37-year-old man, who survived. On Jan. 3, 2018, police in Clark found her former boyfriend, Federico Terribile, 58, dead in his home after a relative discovered smoke while checking on him. Firefighters extinguished a small fire, believed to have been set by Terrible. Investigators at the time believed Terribile killed Barrera, but had to investigate all theories. Now, the Mercer County Prosecutors Office has exceptionally cleared the case - a term detectives use when they close a case without any arrest or charges, but believe they have discovered what likely occurred. All facts in this case indicate that Federico Terribile is responsible for the death of Gladys Barrera and the attempted murder of [the second victim shot at her home]. Our case has been closed pending any other investigative leads that develop, the prosecutors Homicide Task Force said in a statement. The prosecutors office did not elaborate beyond the statement. On Jan. 1, 2018, Terribile had posted a picture of himself with Barrera on his Facebook page, saying hed received the news of her death and was thankful for all their moments together. Rest in peace, I love you, it said. Barreras obituary, in which she was identified as Gladys Barrera Sandoval, said she would be laid to rest in Guatemala. Terribiles obituary said he was born in Italy, lived in Plainfield, and settled in Clark. He was a general contractor for many years, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a member of the NRA. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Consultants have demanded the hospital overcrowding crisis be declared a national emergency, as the numbers on trolleys hit 760 yesterday during the worst day on record. The stark admission echoes a similar declaration from then health minister Mary Harney in 2006, who promised that every resource would be put in place to ensure no-one would have to wait more than six hours after assessment. Despite an annual budget of 16bn, doctors compared conditions in emergency departments yesterday like those in the third world, with the numbers waiting for beds breaking records for a second day in a row. The vice president of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association said it was time we just put our hands up and declare a national emergency. Laura Durcan, a consultant rheumatologist at Beaumont Hospital, said that, with the billions spent on healthcare, the system should be far better. She said the same problems arise every year, despite Irelands healthcare needs being completely predictable. Its like trying to put out a fire with a teacup, said Dr Durcan. Were so far away from that being a success story that I think we should just put our hands up and declare a national emergency. The hospitals worst affected were again Cork University Hospital (CUH), University Hospital Limerick, and St Vincents University Hospital in Dublin. The problems in emergency departments have been exacerbated by the flu outbreak with visitor restrictions in place across the country. Conor Deasy, consultant in emergency medicine at CUH, said the appalling conditions in which staff were being forced to work was putting lives at risk. Right now, in terms of what I am seeing in the emergency department, I havent witnessed the likes of that when I have worked in the third world. They are third-world conditions, said Dr Deasy. We know that treating patients in these overcrowded conditions is associated with loss of life. There is no question about that. The literature is categorical about that and we witness it in our day-to-day activities. He said that the solution was simple more beds. The magic wand is beds, beds, beds, he saud. CUH does not have the capacity it needs to deliver the care it is mandated and it is required to deliver. General secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), Phil Ni Sheaghdha, said the crisis required immediate political intervention. The INMO urged Health Minister Simon Harris to grasp the nettle and declare a major incident, cancel elective surgery, and approve recruitment for the worst-hit hospitals. Mr Harris said he did not think the analysis of the situation by the INMO was fair and nurses knew that significant extra capacity was needed, both in terms of beds and staff. Were doing both, he said, pointing out that there were 500 more nurses working in the health service now than there was in 2018. We have significant overcrowding throughout the year as well so it is no longer just a situation that happens at a certain time of the year. We know what we need to do here more capacity in terms of beds and staff; reform in terms of work practices including paying our consultants more but asking that we look at things like 24-hour cover seven days a week. Mr Harris said it was a very difficult period but he was genuinely satisfied that the people working in the health service at all levels, including the most senior levels in the HSE, were doing all they could. While more nurses were working in the health service than there were 12 months ago, rules were required in relation to recruitment, he said. There does have to be an alignment between the budget that you have and recruitment, said Mr Harris. Otherwise the taxpayer ends up asking why has the minister for health run over budget again? Mr Harris said they would listen very carefully to the INMO and others on how they could streamline the recruitment process. Asked about the call by the INMO to cancel elective surgery, he said no politician and no trade union would decide on clinical matters. He apologised to patients and families affected by the extreme overcrowding. Nobody would ever want to see anybody in this situation, he said. I am focused on taking action. I think thats whats important. Even as government and independent commentators are groping in the dark for possible ways to turn around a decelerating economy, Business Today's Dipak Mondal and Joe C. Mathew caught up with P. Chidambaram, who has presented eight Budgets as finance minister. Excerpts from his analysis of the crisis: What is your diagnosis of the problems the Indian economy is facing? My overall assessment of the Indian economy is on the same lines as (former Chief Economic Adviser) Arvind Subramanian's paper jointly with (IMF's former India head) Josh Felman, which was published in December 2019. The economy faces serious problems, both structural as well as cyclical. The structural problems are deeper and more serious. This government believes that the problems are entirely cyclical and therefore they come up with what they consider solutions to the cyclical nature of the problems. As a result, the crisis has worsened. Let me just tick off a few heads where the crisis has deepened - non-food credit, exports, NPAs, stalled projects, fiscal deficit, revenue collection, and expenditure constraints. In each of these heads, the crisis is deeper today than what it was three-four months ago. There is simply no improvement. How many of these can be attributed to global factors and how many to domestic factors? Exports can be attributed to global factors. (But) even in this scenario, there are countries with export surpluses. We are not even touching the level of exports we had in 2013/14 or 2017/18. Of the other indicators that are pointing southwards, you can attribute FDI to global factors to some extent, though it has been reasonably good this year. But apart from exports and FDI, I can't think of any other indicators that are affected by global factors. These are all caused by domestic factors and developments, and domestic policy failures. What are these domestic policy failures? The first is that they have not addressed the question of investment. The private sector in India is not willing to invest. There are several companies that are sitting on piles of cash but not willing to invest. Even public sector companies are sitting on piles of cash but are loath to invest unless pushed by the government. They are not addressing the issues of demand; why is there such a demand constraint? Perhaps, closer studies will reveal the real reasons. Rural wages have fallen, rural incomes have fallen, prices of agricultural produce have fallen. So rural demand is principally lower than what it was. And that was revealed in the NSSO survey, which they suppressed. So, the only way you can reignite the economy is to address both investment by the Indian private sector and somehow push up demand in the economy, specially rural demand. They have done neither. Does this government have any leeway in this Budget to boost consumption? None. The new expenditure secretary has already limited the last quarter's expenditure to 25 per cent (of Budgeted Estimate) as against the traditional 33 per cent. They have no leeway now to spend anything more in the last quarter. Technically, April 1 is the new (financial) year. You can have an entirely different set of priorities for expenditure, and an entirely different set of instruments to raise revenue. What those will be, I do not know. But technically, you're starting with a clean slate. What according to you is the real growth rate of the economy? The real growth of economy comparable to the pre-methodology change and base change regime is perhaps about 3-3.5 per cent. This is not my view alone. Former CEA Arvind Subramanian feels the same. How can the government get us out of the situation given that three of the four engines of GDP growth - exports, private consumption and investment - have slowed down considerably? (Government consumption is relatively high.) The government has four years and five months remaining. So, we can't think beyond that. It'd be naive to think that the government will change; it will not change. If this government is going to be there for another four years and five months, it better hire talent. It simply does not have the bench strength - within the government or the party - to handle the economy. The government is saying that a lot of the problems are legacy issues, and that it is now in the correction mode, hence the slowdown? These are lame excuses. The UPA can turn around and say we had legacy issues of (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee; Vajpayee can say he had legacy problems of (I.K.) Gujral and Deve Gowda. Where do you take this argument, back to Jawaharlal Nehru? They are in office for five and a half years. It's their business to set things right. As far as lending (bank NPA crisis) is concerned, I asked a pointed question to (Arun) Jaitley (former finance minister) in Parliament. I said, please break up the NPAs into three categories. How many loans were given during Vajpayee's period, which were rolled over during the UPA period and have become NPA? How many were given initially in the UPA period, which have become NPA? And, how many were given in the Narendra Modi government, which have become NPA? There's been no answer so far. He didn't give an answer in Parliament, nor has the government ever given this answer. I've raised this question in several fora. Break it up and let us see what the numbers are. The government doesn't put out the numbers, yet you believe all this is legacy. Have we seen the worst of demonetisation, because even the government agrees that both demonetisation and GST had an impact on the economy? The government has reluctantly and partially conceded. But even in the last session of Parliament, the finance minister declared on the floor of the house that demonetisation is a great thing. So I don't believe the government has had a change of heart. I don't think we have seen the worst of demonetisation. The worst impact was unemployment. And that continues. Demonetisation, within just weeks and months cost jobs and then it shut down micro, small and medium enterprises. We have not recovered from that blow. And GST? GST was flawed. On the day they passed the Bill, I pointed out in Parliament that this is wrong. Have one rate, and they flatly refused. Now they're coming around to the merits of one or two rates. There is a proverb in Tamil that says, you do Surya Namaskar after you have lost your eyesight. Now they're trying to correct the flaws. But in the process of correction, they're committing more mistakes. What are your views on the rift between states and the Centre on the issue of compensation? States are bound to ask (questions). In the GST Council, the finance minister talks about consensus, but the Council is dominated by BJP chief ministers/finance ministers. So, whatever the central finance minister says is what it approves. The then central finance minister persuaded nearly all state finance ministers to agree on a particular GST structure. The central finance minister cannot shift the blame to the States; the blame is squarely and entirely on their shoulders. If revenues are not forthcoming, how can the states be blamed? This is not because the GST is inherently wrong, which it is, it is also because the economy is doing badly. What would be your suggestions to revive consumption cycle, and improve exports? It's a wrong question to put to an Opposition MP because if I must answer the question, I must have full information. I must have all the information which is available to the finance minister. I don't have that information. In fact, whatever information is available is suspect. Because they themselves have now conceded that their data is suspect. They have appointed the Pronab Sen committee (Standing Committee on Statistics to be headed by the former Chief Statistician) to revise data and statistics, but unless I have full information about revenues, expenditure, current account deficit, fiscal deficit and borrowing, it's difficult to answer the question. We can give the theoretical options. Which is the desirable and practical option will depend upon full information on full data, which we do not have. What according to you is the problem with India's economic data? We never had a situation where our data was suspect in the eyes of most people. The current government has changed both the base year, which is normal, and the methodology. And I'm told they have changed some of the deflators they use for calculating GDP. Unless we are told what the old deflators are, what the new deflators are, what the old methodology was and what the new methodology is, sitting outside the government, what can I say? All I can say is that a number of economists think our data is flawed. They have all the indicators, which are pointing southwards; how can GDP alone point northward? We understand that from time to time adjustments and corrections have to be made in how data is gathered and statistics are reported because the underlying economy is undergoing changes. We understand that. If what you are doing is right, go ahead and do it. What we are pointing out is for comparability purposes. Why didn't you publish the data under both methodologies, old and new? In a time series, you can see how the old data under the old methodology yields what results, and what results the data under the new methodology yields. We can then draw our own conclusions whether the changes and adjustments they have made are justified. Why don't you publish data under 'old methodology' as well as under 'new methodology'? Do it at least for some years until the new methodology stabilises, and gains credibility. Another number that people suspect now is the fiscal deficit. During your time, people said you try to hide some bit of it. Even now, people are saying that fiscal deficit number is much more than 3.3 or 3.4 per cent. Economists say the government should be more transparent about this. For many, many years, some off-Budget borrowings were there. Nobody is denying that. We corrected it and brought nearly all to the Budget. But I can see, there could have been one or two borrowings which were shown as off-Budget on the balance sheet of either the Food Corporation of India, or some oil company. I'm not denying that. We never denied that. We accepted it. Yes, there are borrowings that are outside the Budget, and economists and analysts factored that in when they decided the true fiscal deficit. But as far as the reported fiscal deficit is concerned - the Budget Estimate and Revised Estimate of the fiscal deficit - the question is did we adhere to the glide path more faithfully or have the NDA adhered to the glide part more faithfully? They missed the target every year. This year also they will miss the target. What is your realistic assessment of the likely fiscal deficit? Keeping aside the off-Budget, they'll end up probably at 4 per cent. Now with a new expenditure Secretary (T. V. Somanathan), who is a bit stringent, they will probably end up with 3.7-3.8 per cent. But they will certainly cross 3.3 per cent, which is their Budget target. What do you think of the current disinvestment policy? If you have genuine disinvestment, we welcome it. But what is the use of asking one public sector to buy the government's shareholding in another public sector (company)? Not that no other government has done that before, I'm not saying that; but don't call it disinvestment. It will drain the resources of public sector companies, and drain the cash holdings of cash-rich companies. ONGC's resources have been drained; Indian Oil's resources have been drained. What should be the industrial policy in India? Is manufacturing the way to go when it comes to exports? No country has become an economic power without a strong manufacturing base. You cannot build an economy on Uber and WeWork. You need three dimensional factors which produce goods and equivalent, and which produces services. We missed the first Industrial Revolution. We have tried to catch up in some areas like automobiles. We are a major manufacturer of automobiles today, especially two-wheelers, but we lost out of the electronics manufacturing. Now, I'm afraid, we are losing out on artificial intelligence, robotics... This government is completely clueless about how to make India a manufacturing hub. My best experience has been bringing the automobile majors to India - 1992 onwards. The government says that the spate of free trade agreements (FTAs), and the liberal reduction in tariffs even when not required, has resulted in India missing the bus in manufacturing of products, including electronics goods. Wrong. All the Asian tigers, Germany and Japan benefited and became major centres of manufacturing by reducing tariffs. When you reduce tariff, you don't do it only for the final product. You're doing it for inputs, parts, accessories and technology also. This government doesn't believe in reducing tariffs. In fact, it is increasing (tariffs). It is becoming protectionist. It doesn't believe in WTO either. It's more in the category of (Donald) Trump. So, what should be our industrial policy focusing on? First of all, in the past six years, both the DIPP (Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion) and the administrative ministries have become more like controllers. Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has gone back to the pre-1999 days. It's become a very stern control. The RBI has acquired more control. No industrial policy can succeed if controls have come back. You must first believe in the market and start with light regulation. Allow the market to decide what will be manufactured, who will manufacture, where will it be manufactured and sold. Yes, there will be some mistakes, but I think a freer market makes fewer mistakes than the joint secretaries sitting in the government. How will the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests impact the economy? CAA has created greater uncertainty. No economy will flourish if there is uncertainty in people's mind. Firstly, investments would not happen. Tourism has already taken a hit; footfalls at the Taj Mahal have come down. This means jobs will not be created, at least, new jobs will not be created. Social conflict will rise. You and I would start looking at each other with mutual suspicion. If social conflict and mutual suspicion rises, how will it benefit the economy? If these guys roll out the NPR (National Population Register), it will affect the economy quite badly. If these guys roll out the NPR across states - and states are resisting - there will be Constitutional crisis in some states. There will be law and order problem in many states, and there will be resistance from government servants. If they roll out the NPR on April 1, against the wishes of 10-15 states and of a large section of the people, it will bring down the (economic) growth rate further. Is there is a case for an income tax rate cut? No, this is a wrong tax to cut. If you have to cut taxes, you should cut indirect taxes. Whenever there is a demand constraint, you cut indirect taxes. If the government is thinking of increasing GST rates, they are wrong. In his presentation, former CEA Subramanian has said that if you want to cut taxes, cut the indirect taxes... and he is correct. @Dipak_Journo @joecmathew BAGHDAD Over an intense half-hour before dawn on Wednesday, Iran bombed targets in Iraq, striking in and around two large military bases that house thousands of Iraqi and American servicemen and women. But when the barrage of 22 missiles was over, the damage appeared to be to the bases infrastructure, not to people. In a short statement released on Wednesday morning, the Joint Command in Baghdad, which includes both Iraqi and international representatives, said that neither coalition nor Iraqi forces had recorded any losses. Oxytocin, the naturally-occurring hormone that causes uterine contractions during labour and helps new mothers lactate has often been in the news. This has largely been on account of its potential misuse, especially in the dairy industry where there is the risk of injecting livestock with this hormone to enhance milk production. Also, farmers may be tempted to use it to increase the size of select vegetables. That's why there are restrictions on its sale without prescription. This hormone also finds applications in treating certain brain disorders. At the 107th Indian Science Congress in Bengaluru, Dr. B. N. Gangadhar, the director of National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) pointed out that "yoga helps elevate the levels of oxytocin, a hormone that is used to treat schizophrenia, a mental disorder". Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the body but doctors treating schizophrenia patients suggest supplementing this hormone though an additional doze given by a nasal spray. Speaking to Business Today about his paper that looked at the biology and the science behind the power of yoga in healthcare and especially from the perspective of mental health, he said, the practice of yoga could help "because the yoga procedures facilitate increased production of oxytocin. It will help the brain activate the neural networks that can help in building social connection." Dr Gangadhar pointed to a paper titled "Yoga and schizophrenia-a comprehensive assessment of neuroplasticity," which Dr Gangadhar put out along with other experts, where it is said that "yoga-based intervention has been shown to significantly improve clinical symptoms and functioning in patients with schizophrenia." And, that they had "developed and validated a specific module of yoga for schizophrenia and demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms (particularly negative symptoms and emotion recognition deficits) as well as real-life functioning." The science congress was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 3. It concluded on January 7. Schizophrenia is very loosely a condition where a patient copes with challenges involving his or her thoughts, emotions, behaviour and also runs a risk of losing touch with reality. "In schizophrenia there is also a disconnection between the brain circuits. When you practice yoga, brain circuits get connected. We have been able to demonstrate it through 'functional magnetic resonance imaging' or FMRI," he says. Also read: PM Modi to address 107th Indian Science Congress in Bangalore today Also read: PM Modi meets business leaders; Ambani, Tata, Adani, Mittal, Mahindra, attend event Physician and space travel devotee Stephan Molls first wish when NASA reached out for a consultation was to examine the patient in person at the International Space Station. Given the impracticality of that desire, the coagulation expert and University of North Carolina professor settled for an approach that combined old-fashioned medicine with cutting-edge means. Moll hopes the resolution of the astronauts blood clot in the internal jugular vein not only leads to further research on travel in zero-gravity but also inspires wider use of telemedicine. NASA has not revealed the patients name or the time frame of the incident to protect the privacy of the astronaut, who was two months into a six-month mission at the ISS. The astronaut detected the blood clot known in medical terms as a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT while doing neck ultrasound examinations as part of a NASA study on the effects of weightlessness on blood flow. Though the astronaut did not show any symptoms or have a family history of blood clots, the discovery of the potentially perilous condition in such a remote locale called for a quick determination of which action to take, if any. On Earth we would feel comfortable just observing the person and not treating with blood thinners, because if things get worse, you can always do some intervention, Moll said. There are emergency rooms here, but in space you dont have that option. University of North Carolina professor Stephan Moll, an expert on coagulation who is a fan of space travel, was invited to visit NASA facilities in Houston after the agency asked for his help in treating an astronaut with a blood clot. Moll pointed out blood clots are not always dangerous and usually dissolve on their own. Occasionally they develop on the legs of passengers traveling long stretches in cramped conditions. Moll was concerned about the possibility that the DVT could have expanded from the neck area toward the brain, perhaps leading to stroke-like symptoms. There was also the chance the clot would take a different path toward the heart and result in a pulmonary embolism. The big question: Are we alone in the universe? NASA is building a $2.5B robotic astronaut to help us find out Story continues After assessing the risk of those outcomes against the likelihood the astronaut may bleed from an injury at the ISS, Moll and the NASA physicians decided to treat the patient with blood thinners, which were available in limited supply. New dosages arrived 43 days later via a supply aircraft not quite like the typical visit to the corner drugstore. All along, the astronaut kept doctors apprised of the conditions progress with regular ultrasound checkups. In this space case, the power of telemedicine from the International Space Station to the doctors office on Earth is remarkable, said Craig Greben, chief of interventional radiology at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, N.Y. The astronaut patient-performed, radiologist-guided ultrasound with real-time image transmission to Earth allowed for prompt image interpretation and diagnosis by the radiologists and blood thinner prescription by the clinicians. The case certainly presented unique challenges. For one, there wasnt any similar history for the doctors to lean on in devising a treatment plan. This was the first known instance of a U.S. astronaut developing a DVT while in outer space. Even on Earth, there has been little documentation of how isolated inter-jugular clots behave without treatment and how often they reoccur. In addition, it was difficult and time-consuming for the astronaut to receive the shots of medicine because the liquid clung to the vial in zero gravity. The second supply that arrived later was in pill form. But in many ways, finding a course of action called for the same process medical practitioners have been following forever: Communicate with the patient to ascertain the problem, research the available literature and come up with a treatment. In this instance, the interaction with the astronaut was conducted through e-mail and calls on a remarkably clear line. It was almost like a regular clinic visit, said Moll, who fulfilled a longtime dream when he was invited to visit NASA facilities in Houston. However, in my field of hematology and coagulation, telemedicine or electronic consultations (like this) will and should play a big role in the future, so people dont have to travel to the clinic. Playing it safe: 3 things I taught 60,000 NASA employees about cybersecurity Its still not clear whether the lack of gravity or other factors in outer space contribute to the development of blood clots, though Moll said the NASA study found that in half the astronauts the blood flood was abnormal, but the body adjusts to it. In a case study published on the New England Journal of Medicine written by four physicians, including Moll and NASA flight engineer Serena Aunon-Chancellor the authors call for further research into blood viscosity and the risk of clots in weightless conditions. That request is seconded by Maja Zaric, interventional cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. The study results open the door for much needed research dedicated to space medicine and subjects exposed to zero-gravity state, she said, and will surely have major implications on future space endeavors. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NASA astronaut treated for blood clot at International Space Station Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 The government is seeking to attract Rp 89.6 trillion (US$6.4 billion) in investment into three special economic zones (SEZ) in Java and Sulawesi as it aims to promote industrial and tourism development to stoke growth amid a cooling economy. The secretary to the coordinating economic minister, Susiwijono Moegiarso, said on Monday that Rp 70 trillion in investment was expected to go to a range of industries such as automotive and food and beverage within the Kendal SEZ in Central Java. Up to Rp 12.5 trillion is expected to be invested in Singhasari, East Java, in the digital and tourism sectors, among other sectors. The remaining Rp 7.1 trillion will go to tourism development in the Likupang SEZ in North Sulawesi, one of the governments five super priority tourism destinations. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has challenged Fianna Fail to agree a way to close a loophole that sees new-build homes exempt from Local Property Tax (LPT) before the general election. Mr Donohoe's remarks raise the stakes ahead of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's meeting with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin tomorrow. Mr Varadkar is insisting on reaching an agreement on property tax reforms before agreeing on the date for the general election. He also wants Fianna Fail to vote with the Fine Gael-led minority Government if Mr Martin can't guarantee all of his TDs will abstain amid tightening Dail numbers. Both parties want to end the LPT exemption that sees tens of thousands of households in homes built since 2013 escape the charge. Mr Donohoe last night said the exemption is a "key reason" to reform the LPT. "The Local Property base needs to be widened to include all homeowners within our country," he said. He pointed out Opposition parties like Sinn Fein want to abolish the LPT outright and added: "In order to see those kinds of changes made in this Dail it will need an enhanced form of co-operation with Fianna Fail." Mr Donohoe added: "We need to have clarity within the Dail regarding the ability of the Government to be able to do its business". "Given the changing majority that we have... it's vital that the Taoiseach and Deputy Martin meet and see can agreement be reached in this area." ISIOLO, Kenya (Reuters) - Four Kenyan school children were killed in a gunfight on Tuesday between police and al Shabaab militants from Somalia who attacked a telecommunications mast in the third such deadly incident in Kenya this week, police and an official said. Officers killed two attackers and recovered two assault rifles and bomb-making materials, police spokesman Charles Owino said. Owino told Reuters in a text message that the four killed were school children. He had said in a statement earlier on Tuesday that a teacher was among the dead. "I console the families of the four pupils that were killed by the heartless terrorist militia who are hell-bent on slaying innocent lives, instilling fear and disrupting education in the region," Garissa County Governor Ali Korane said in a statement. The attackers also wounded three other children, Mohamed Dubow Aden, Garissa County's Red Cross coordinator told Reuters. Aden said three of the dead children were from one family. The United States has sent more troops to Kenya to reinforce security after al Shabaab killed three Americans on Sunday in an attack on a military base in Kenya used by U.S. forces. In Tuesday's attack, police said militants fired at a mast belonging to Kenya's leading operator Safaricom and at police guarding the facility. "Officers manning the mast and the base together with special forces were able to repulse them," police said. The raid took place in a village in eastern Garissa county, which neighbors Somalia. The attackers did not damage the telecom network, police said. Al Shabaab frequently carries out attacks in Kenya in retaliation for Kenya sending troops into Somalia in 2011 after a series of cross-border attacks and kidnappings. The Kenyans were later absorbed into an African Union peacekeeping force, now 21,000-strong, which supports the shaky, Western-backed Somali government. Al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab has waged an insurgency in Somalia since 2008, aiming to topple the government and impose its own strict interpretation of Sharia law. On Sunday, al Shabaab destroyed six aircraft and killed three Americans during the attack on Camp Simba in coastal Lamu country. On Thursday, the insurgents killed three civilians on a bus in the same county. (Reporting by Duncan Miriri and Humphrey Malalo Nairobi and Noor Ali in Isiolo; writing by George Obulutsa; editing by Alexandra Hudson) Houston pipeline operator Enterprise Products Partners and British liquefied gas shipping company Navigator Holdings have exported their first cargo of ethylene from their newly completed dock at Morgan's Point. A Liberian-flagged tanker named the Navigator Europa left the Enteprise's docks on Jan. 2 with a 25 million pound shipment of ethylene for the Marubeni Corporation in Japan. The liquefied petroleum gas tanker is currently waiting to move through the Panama Canal before heading to Asia. The cargo marks the first ethylene export shipment for Enteprise and its Morgan's Point facility. Because of abundant natural gas liquids thanks to the shale revolution, the U.S. is now a global leader in ethylene production, with an unprecedented buildout of mostly ethane crackers along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast, providing hundreds of thousands of jobs to local economies, Enterprise Products Partners CEO Jim Teague said in a statement. Midstream Moves: Enterprise builds multibillion dollar empire "chasing demand" Capitalizing on that abundance of natural gas liquids from the Permian Basin of West Texas and other shale plays, Enterprise and Navigator entered into a 50-50 joint venture to build storage terminals and a dock for ethylene exports at Enterprise's terminal in the town of Morgan's Point. Located along the Houston Ship Channel, the Morgan's Point export terminal receives ethylene and other products via pipeline from Enterprise's salt dome storage terminal in Mont Belvieu, a town and natural gas liquids processing hub about 30 miles east of Houston. "The opening of the jointly owned ethylene export terminal represents the beginning of an expansion of the export of valuable intermediate petrochemical gas products including ethylene and propylene," Navigator Gas Executive Chairman David Butters said in a statement. "By domestically manufacturing these products, highly skilled American jobs are created while at the same time, the sale of the petrochemical gases to international customers generates favorable balance of trade and payments." Fuel Fix: Get daily energy news headlines in your inbox Founded in 1968 with a pair of propane delivery trucks, the Houston pipeline operator now has more than 7,000 employees across the United States. Touted as the largest exporter of crude oil and natural gas liquids in the United States, the company reported making a $4.2 billion profit on $36.5 billion of revenue in 2018. Read the latest oil and gas news from HoustonChronicle.com Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service CHANDIGARH: The BJP has roped in a youthful face -- 28-year-old Nauksham Chaudhary -- to go from village to village in the Muslim-dominated Mewat region of Haryana and allay the apprehensions of locals over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Talking to this correspondent, Nauksham, who lost the recent assembly elections from Punhana constituency on a BJP ticket, says, "I started the Jan Jagran Abhiyan campaign on January 5 from my ancestral village Pema Khera in Punhana as the party told me to spearhead the campaign in the Muslim dominated Mewat region of the state. I'm trying to clear the doubts of villagers on the CAA as they are being misled. When they ask me questions and all their doubts are cleared, they say they were told something else about the CAA." Clad in a salwar kameez with her head covered by a dupatta, Nauksham, a masters in fashion, business and brand management from Milan in Italy and a graduate of Delhi's Miranda House, addresses small gatherings of 50 to 60 people and travels to 5-6 villages a day. "The main question asked by everyone is why the Muslim community has not been included in the CAA and only Sikhs, Hindus and others from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh are included. I tell them that in those countries Muslims are not a minority. They are in the majority as they are Islamic states. On this they agree," she says. Nauksham says another question asked is whether they will be told to show proof that they are Indians and asked to leave the country if the CAA is implemented. "I tell them no one will be told to leave the country and one has to just show documentary proof they are residing in India or if there is no document, anyone they know can give a statement that they have been living here for long," she says. Addressing the gathering in the cold weather, Nauksham reassures locals, "I am a part of you. I shall be the first to leave Mewat if you are told to leave." She adds, "The other frequently asked question is would these people coming from other countries be a burden on them if they are given citizenship. I tell them they are a burden now as they are not citizens and have been living here for many years. Once they are given citizenship, they will have the right to education, vote and other facilities. Then they will not be a burden and they will pay taxes too. Nauksham is campaigning against Aftab Ahmed and Mohammad Illiyas Khan who are the local legislators and minority leaders leading the anti-CAA and NRC agitations in the region. Airlines around the world diverted flights from the airspace over Iran, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf after Tehran fired more than a dozen missiles at U.S. forces in the region. In the wake of the attack, carriers ranging from Singapore Airlines and Qantas Airways to Air France-KLM and Deutsche Lufthansa have said they are avoiding the area, a busy corridor for travel between Europe and Asia. The airlines were following the lead of the Federal Aviation Administration, which banned American carriers from flying over the region. International airlines often fall into line with the agency's recommendations. The carriers are seeking to avoid a repeat of the 2014 disaster when Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down by a missile over Ukraine amid the conflict with Russia, killing 298 people on board. Rerouting aircraft to avoid conflict zones can add to flight times and increase fuel consumption, raising costs and increasing emissions. Qantas said diverting its Perth-London flight will add about 40 to 50 minutes to the journey. A number of airlines shifted routes last year to avoid Iranian airspace after the country shot down a U.S. drone with a surface-to-air missile. In the latest attack, Iran fired 15 missiles in retaliation for the killing of general Qassem Soleimani. Ten of them hit the Ayn al-Asad base in western Iraq and another facility in Erbil, according to U.S. officials. Another struck the Taji air base near Baghdad. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Adding to concerns about the regional airspace, a Boeing 737 jet flown by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran Wednesday morning, killing all 176 passengers and crew on board. Local officials said initial assessments suggest the incident was caused by a technical issue. In addition to diverting flights, Lufthansa canceled a scheduled Wednesday trip from Frankfurt to Tehran, a spokesman said. Emirates and Flydubai said they had scratched flights to Baghdad. Britain on Wednesday condemned Iran's missile attacks on Iraqi bases housing coalition military, while confirming there were no British casualties from the strikes. "We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting Coalition -- including British -- forces," said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. "We are concerned by reports of casualties and use of ballistic missiles." It was unclear what casualties Raab was referring to. But a separate Ministry of Defence statement said: "We can confirm that there were no UK casualties." Officials were "urgently working to establish the facts on the ground", it added. The Pentagon meanwhile said it was still "working on initial battle damage assessments", with no immediate reports on casualties. The Iraqi military said it sustained no casualties in 22 missile strikes on bases housing US troops. Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles overnight Tuesday-Wednesday at Iraqi bases housing the US and British military, officials in Washington and Tehran said. It was the first act of the Islamic republic's promised revenge for the US killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani last week. Launched from Iranian territory and by Iranian forces, not a proxy, the attack marked a new turn in the intensifying confrontation between the United States and Iran. Raab urged Tehran to show restraint. "We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation," he said. "A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups," he added, referring to the Islamic State group. Britain has about 1,400 UK military and civilian personnel based in Iraq as part of the 67-nation coalition fighting IS, according to the MoD. The 400-strong troop contingent from two regiments are not involved in combat operations and instead provide training and equipment to Iraqi and Kurdish security forces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Eric Chakeen "The Lighthouse": Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson star as two men attempting to stay sane on an 1890s New England island, stuck after a storm, residing in a, well, you know. Disturbing imagery abounds as Winslow (Pattinson) begins experiencing disturbing visions, and the film may deeply affect your relationship with those beacons of the sea (this movie's got everything: a decapitated head, graphic violence against fake seagulls, mermaid sex, oh my!). It's weird, and it's dark, and we should expect nothing less from director Robert Eggers, whose debut was the 2015 feature "The Witch." And it works, wrote Chicago Tribune critic Michael Phillips in his review. "The story (doesn't) operate as any sort of conventional ghost story, or thriller, or anything," Phillips wrote. "But on its own terms, thanks to two fine, committed performances and a coastline made for this tall tale, 'The Lighthouse' works its own stubborn form of black magic, pulling ideas and dynamics from silent and early sound cinema, from early Harold Pinter plays such as 'The Dumb Waiter,' and from the recesses of the Eggers brothers' fertile imagination." S tars of Ugly Betty have paid tribute to the writer and creator of the show, Silvio Horta, after his death at the age of 45. Horta, 45, was reportedly found dead in Miami on Tuesday. A representative for the TV producer confirmed his death but did not provide further details. The comedic show chronicled the life of Betty Suarez, who was made a personal assistant of a young fashion magazine editor Daniel Meade, despite her disinterest in fashion trends. It ran from 2006 to 2010 and scooped Horta numerous awards and accolades. Paying tribute to Horta, Ugly Betty actress America Ferrera said: Im stunned and heartbroken to hear the devastating news of Ugly Betty creator, Silvio Hortas death. His talent and creativity brought me and so many others such joy & light. Im thinking of his family and loved ones who must be in so much pain right now- and of the whole Ugly Betty family who feel this loss so deeply. She accompanied the tribute with a group photograph of the Ugly Betty stars at the Golden Globes with Horta. Ugly Betty - In pictures 1 /48 Ugly Betty - In pictures Reuters ABC Splash News Vanessa Williams, who starred on the show as Wilhelmina Slater, wrote on Instagram: till in shock after hearing the tragic news of our #uglybetty creator #silviohorta. His creativity and passion will be missed by so many of us that worked with him. May he Rest In Peace. Michael Urie, who played Wilhelminas assistant Marc St James, wrote on Twitter: I will be forever indebted to this sweet, brilliant man. Christopher Gorham, who played Bettys boyfriend and accountant in the series Henry Grubstick, added: Silvio Horta gave me two of the greatest opportunities in my career with Jake 2.0 and Ugly Betty. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 21:34:21|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MOGADISHU, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least five civilians were killed and 11 others injured in a car bomb explosion at a busy checkpoint in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, on Wednesday, a government official confirmed. Government spokesman Ismael Mukhtar Omar said an al-Shabab suicide bomber drove a car laden with explosives into the Sayidka junction, a checkpoint where vehicles line up for security search, during rush hour. Al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-allied militant group, claimed responsibility for the latest attack, saying it targeted the heavily guarded checkpoint at the entrance of the presidential palace. Security officials said the suicide bomber was trying to pass through the checkpoint but detonated the explosive device when he was unable to do so. Witnesses said three members of a family were among those killed in the attack, the first one in 2020. Lawmakers also use the same checkpoint to enter the nearby parliament building and the presidential palace. The Belfast-born lawyer representing a British woman found guilty of lying about being gang-raped in Cyprus is to appeal his client's conviction. Lewis Power QC was speaking to the Belfast Telegraph after a sentencing hearing, where a judge suspended the 19-year-old's prison term, saying he was giving her a "second chance". The barrister said he hoped the case would be the "catalyst" for change on a global scale in relation to cases involving allegations of sexual assaults. The student, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was ruled to have "wilfully indulged in public mischief" by claiming she was raped by a group of Israeli tourists while on holiday in Ayia Napa last July. The tourists, aged between 15 and their early 20s, were allowed to return home after the woman signed a retraction statement 10 days later. But she maintains she was raped after having consensual sex with one of the Israelis, and forced to change her account under pressure from Cypriot police. The woman, from Derbyshire, was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for three years. She had spent over a month in prison ahead of her trial. Yesterday she hugged her family as she left the courtroom in tears after being told by Judge Michalis Papathanasiou that she deserved a "second chance". Mr Power works in London and here and has represented superstar boxer Tyson Fury, as well as leading legal teams in high-profile cases including the private prosecution against Prime Minister Boris Johnson in relation to claims made during the EU referendum. He paid tribute to his client's courage, adding: "It has been deeply distressing, and not just the fact that she had spent a period of incarceration for four-and-a-half weeks, she hasn't been allowed home for the guts of nearly half-a-year. "It has been really, really oppressive for her. We're just glad and relieved that she's finally going home." Mr Power said there was relief that the judge did not impose immediate custody. He added: "We went there in a state of trepidation because the judge behaved very harshly during the trial and it could have gone either way. "It was on a knife-edge whether he was going to impose immediate imprisonment or show some degree of clemency and mercy and impose a suspended sentence. "And thankfully, for the right reasons we say, he imposed a suspended sentence, because to have punished this girl any further would not have been in the interests of justice or in the public's interest." Mr Power said the first stage in overturning the conviction will be lodging an appeal with the supreme court in Cyprus. He is also prepared to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights. He added that the outpouring of public support - including supporters who gathered outside the court - means a great deal to his client. "She's a very courageous and forthright young woman who has been through the most horrific ordeal, but it's not just her plight, but the plight of all women around the world," Mr Power said. "And hopefully this case may be the catalyst, which demonstrates that jurisdictions cannot take lightly anymore allegations of sexual abuse and they have to deal with them properly, fairly and within the rule of law." Hours after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, US President Donald Trump on January 8 said that the US does not want to use its weapons and that it is ready to "embrace peace with all those who seek it". "Our strength is the best deterrent," Trump said, adding that no Americans were harmed in Iran's strike. "We suffered no casualties, only minimal damage were sustained at our military bases. No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of precaution taken and an early warning system. I salute the incredible courage of America's men and women in uniform," Trump said in a statement, adding that Iran "appears to be standing down". "To the people and leaders of Iran, we want you to have a future and a great future, one that you deserve," Trump said. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qassem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by Trump. Trump said that Soleimani had "fuelled bloody civil wars across the region" and had "viciously murdered thousands of US troops". "In recent days, he was planning new attacks on American targets but we stopped him. He should have been terminated long ago. US will immediately impose more economic sanctions on Iran," Trump said. Shortly after Iran's missile attacks, Trump had tweeted, "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties and damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." "Iran has been the leading sponsor of terrorism and their pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens the civilised world. As long as I am the President, Iran will never be allowed to have nuclear weapon," Trump said during his address. Earlier, after the strikes by Iran, the country's envoy to India had said that Iran will welcome any peace initiative by India for de-escalating its tensions with the US after the killing of Soleimani. "India usually plays very good role in (maintaining) peace in the world. At the same time India belongs to this region. We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalation (of tensions)," Iranian Ambassador to India Ali Chegeni had said after a condolence meeting for Solemani at the country's embassy. Reuters Senior Iraqi officials worriedly called their American counterparts on Monday after a letter from a top general in Iraq appeared to accept the Iraqi parliaments vote to remove the 5,000 U.S. troops stationed there, according to an Iraqi official and another individual familiar with the matter. The letter was quickly disavowed, minutes after it became public. In the latest indication of strategy confusion sprawling out from President Trumps assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, U.S. officials told the Iraqis to not worry about it, as both sides attempted to determine what their uneasy bilateral relationship will become. The letter, penned by Marine one-star general William H. Seely III on Monday and addressed to the Iraqi defense ministry, said that the U.S. military command would be repositioning forces in the near future as preparation for onward movement, seemingly out of Iraq. We respect your sovereign decision to order our departure. Seeley added. The day before, the Iraqi parliaments voted to expel the U.S. in the aftermath of the lethal drone strike in Baghdad that killed both Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. But while the parliamentary vote underscored the precarity of the U.S. position in Iraq, it is yet to be a binding decision, as the Iraqi Prime Minister, Adil Abdul-Mahdi, is operating in a caretaker capacity following his November resignation. Seeleys letter circulated widely on social media so much so that Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters that the letter was a mistake that should not have been either drafted or released. Esper said the Trump administration has made no decision to leave Iraq as yet. The letter was poorly worded, [it] implies withdrawal, that is not what's happening," Miley said. But in response to Iranian threats of vengeance for Soleimani, the U.S. military command has suspended all Iraq operations, both the training of the Iraqi military and the central rationale for their post-2014 presence, combatting the remnants of the so-called Islamic State. Story continues Seely and multiple defense officials in Iraq and the Pentagon did not respond to The Daily Beasts repeated requests for clarification. In the aftermath of the Soleimani strike, Iraqi officials told The Daily Beast that U.S. relations with Baghdad were in real jeopardy. (You are strengthening the guysthe Iraniansyou want to weaken, one said.) Those concerns became more concrete after Sundays vote in the Iraqi parliament, Trump threatened Iraq with its first economic sanctions since the Saddam Hussein era something that appears to have spooked Iraqi leaders who had already been dealing with large-scale popular protests against corruption, joblessness, lack of services and economic precarity. Prime Minister Adbul-Mahdi, who had championed the ejection of U.S. troops over the weekend, struck a more conciliatory tone in a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Matthew Tueller. Abdul-Mahdi indicated that Iraq would prefer to continue U.S. mentorship of its military while ejecting anti-ISIS combat forces. Iraqi sources said their officials fear the economic consequences of an acrimonious U.S. objection, fearing the decimation of their already precarious economy. That would come on top of a potential U.S.-Iran war that would likely see Iraq remain as a battlefield to say nothing of a resurgence of ISIS, as jihadis in Iraq have proven themselves resilient. Those fears are, for now, the only certainties about the future of the U.S. military in Iraq. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Beer sales have fallen in Canada after the introduction of legalised cannabis, new data has revealed. Beer consumption in Canada dropped by three per cent after the country became the second after Uruguay to legalise possession and use of recreational cannabis in October 2018, Bloomberg reported. The data, from Beer Canada, shows domestic beer volumes fell 3.9 per cent through to last November, while imported beer volumes grew 1.4 per cent. 'This is far worse than the trends seen between 2014-2018, where beer industry volumes fell an average 0.3 per cent', Cowen & Co analyst Vivien Azer said. Beer sales have fallen in Canada after the introduction of legalised cannabis, new data has revealed (stock image) She added that the fall in alcohol sales appears to be related to Canada's legalisation of marijuana in October 2018. Those who smoke marijuana also prefer mainstream beer 'as they pursue better "buzz for your buck"', she said. The analyst added that she expects the launch of cannabis products such as edibles and marijuana beverages to 'perpetuate this trend' of declining beer consumption. The impact of cannabis consumption on drinking has been debated in the past, with some users suggesting they drink less when they're high. Azer said last January that 2018 'looks to have been the worst year for beer sales in the near decade we have been covering the alcohol industry, and we continue to believe that growing cannabis use is a factor.' Analyst said fall in alcohol sales appears to be related to Canada's legalisation of marijuana in October 2018 (stock image) Chris Swonger, from the Distilled Spirits Council, said of alcohol sales in Washington, Oregon and Colorado: 'Theres been a lot of erroneous information. We havent seen any impact in the states we looked at'. Canada became the second and largest country with a legal, nationwide marijuana marketplace when sales began in October 2018. At least 111 legal pot shops had planned to open across the nation of 37 million people - making Canada the second country to have a federal marijuana market, after Uruguay. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government spent two years planning for legalisation, fueled by a desire to bring dealers out of the black market and into a regulated system. Canada's Cannabis Act allows people 18 and older to buy marijuana online or in retail stores. Most provinces have raised the minimum age to 19, however, to align with the drinking age. In the US, states with recreational legalization have an age limit of 21, which matches the drinking age. Canadian law sets a 30-gram limit on how much people can buy at once or possess in public. That's just over an ounce, which is the possession limit in all but one of the US states with legal pot - Maine's limit is 2.5 ounces (71 grams). However, there's no limit on how much Canadians can possess in their homes. By Trend Over the period of last nine years and 11 months, about 420 million tons of oil and 287.5 billion cubic meters of gas were produced in Azerbaijan, Ibrahim Ahmadov, Deputy Head of Public Relations and Events Department at Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR, said in an interview with Trend. Ahmadov noted that oil production in Azerbaijan reached its peak amounting to 50.8 million tons, in 2010. "This was due to the fact that production at the block of Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli fields reached the maximum level in history," the SOCAR representative said. Ahmadov noted that a relatively controlled decline has been observed in Azerbaijan in terms of oil production since the peak in the country's oil production. "We see a significant increase in gas production, Ahmadov said. An increase in gas production is also expected in the future, against the background of a relative natural decline in oil production. The decline in oil production is due to the fact that oil fields are aging, the SOCAR representative noted, adding that new fields that are currently being developed are mainly gas condensate fields, such as the Shahdeniz field. SOCAR activity results in 2019 Some 34 million tons of oil were extracted in Azerbaijan during 11 months of 2019, Ahmadov said. Seven million tons of oil out of this volume accounts for SOCARs share, the deputy head added. "About 32 billion cubic meters of gas were extracted in Azerbaijan during 11 months of 2018, of which about 6.2 billion cubic meters of gas accounted for SOCAR," Ahmadov added. The specified volume of gas includes indicators of consumer and producer gas, which is again pumped into the reservoirs, the deputy head said. "In general, gas production increased by 16 percent in Azerbaijan during 11 months of 2019, the deputy head said. As for the oil production, it is worth noting a controlled decline in production by three percent compared to last year. This indicator is associated with a decrease in natural production rates on the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) block of fields. Deals signed by SOCAR in 2019 SOCAR entered into about 400 spot agreements in 2019, Ahmadov noted, adding that the bulk of contracts for the supply of oil and gas were concluded on a short-term basis. "Last year, SOCAR signed an agreement with Vietnamese Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical JSC state oil refining and petrochemical company to purchase five million barrels of Azeri Light oil [about 700 million tons] in the first half of 2020," the deputy head of SOCAR's department said. Ahmadov added that in 2019, SOCAR signed a one-year agreement with India's Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum company for the supply of oil in the amount of one million barrels per month. In 2020, when the agreement expires, there is likelihood that it will be extended, Ahmadov added. Gas filling stations built by SOCAR in 2019 The number of SOCAR gas stations in Azerbaijan reached 30 in 2019, Ahmadov said. The deputy head noted that another gas station will soon appear in Georgia, and the total number of gas stations operating under the SOCAR brand in Georgia will reach 115. "In Romania, the number of SOCAR gas stations in 2019 amounted to 43, with two new stations added, while in Ukraine this figure reached 62, with one new gas station added," Ahmadov said. The deputy head added that there are a total of 266 gas stations in Austria and Switzerland (six new gas stations were added in 2019) operating under the SOCAR brand. "Most of them are our property, but some of them are franchised, not being the direct property of SOCAR," Ahmadov added. He also noted that SOCAR operates compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations in Azerbaijan. SOCAR activity results on Absheron field In 2019, completion of drilling of the main well at the Absheron field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, which will later be used for gas extraction at this field, became an important result as part of cooperation of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR with the French Total company, Ahmadov said. The deputy head noted that the well consisted of two shafts, the first of which was designed for assessment of the potential of the Absheron field. The depth of this shaft is 7,411 meters, Ahmadov reminded. Our semi-submersible drilling rig named after Heydar Aliyev was used for the drilling works. The deputy head added that this well became the deepest well in the Caspian Sea. The depth of the second shaft is 6,800 meters, said Ahmadov. The drilling was finally completed in October 2019. The deputy head noted that SOCAR is preparing for the start of gas and gas condensate extraction at the Absheron field. SOCAR activity results on Karabakh field After appraisal drilling at the Karabakh field, the Dede Gorgud semi-submersible floating drilling rig will be sent to the prospective Aypara structure, where it will be drilling an appraisal well for two months, Ahmadov said. Ahmadov reminded that recently, Dede Gorgud semi-submersible floating drilling rig has been delivered to the Karabakh field, where appraisal drilling will last about two months. The purpose is to identify the potential of the field, as well as the reserves of oil and gas, Ahmadov said. Ahmadov added that according to preliminary data, the Karabakh field may have more oil reserves than gas. A platform can be installed at the field for both oil and gas extraction, the deputy head said. By 2021, it is planned to extract the products from this platform. Regarding the development of other promising fields, Ahmadov noted that seismic surveys were carried out in the last months of 2019 in the territory of the Ashrafi-Dan Ulduzu-Aypara (ADUA) block of fields. Since the Ashrafi and Dan Ulduzu fields are closer to the Karabakh field and Aypara is located a little farther, a separate approach is required to this structure, the SOCAR representative added. Ahmadov said that 2D and 3D drilling was carried out, the work is nearing a wrap up, and data collection and interpretation will begin in the coming months. SOCAR reveals investments volume in Petkim petrochemical complex In 2019, about $120 million were invested in the Petkim petrochemical complex located in Turkey, Ahmadov noted. The deputy head added that in past years, the volume of investment was approximately similar. In order to modernize and improve production efficiency, Petkim launched a special program called 'Petkim Benim', Ahmadov noted. It provides for more intensive participation of the employees in management, encouraging them to submit proposals to increase the efficiency of operations by the complex. The deputy head noted that the proposals by the employees were analyzed and the most optimal in terms of the implementation of proposal were selected. As a result, out of the total amount of the investments, about $5 million were made based on these proposals, Ahmadov said. The investments positively affected the work of our complex and brought additional income. In conclusion, the deputy head added that this program still continues. Results of SOCAR modernization projects in 2019 SOCAR is simultaneously carrying out two modernization projects - the modernization of the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery and the Ethylene-Polyethylene plant of the Azerikimya Production Union in Sumgait city, Ahmadov said. The deputy head noted that the enterprises are connected, as the Heydar Aliyev Refinery supplies Azerikimya with production materials. "The scope of modernization work at the Heydar Aliyev Refinery includes building a new unit, as well as replacing almost all existing units with completely new ones. As a result, we will have a practically new facility, Ahmadov said. Ahmadov added that in 2021-2022, it will be possible to produce diesel fuel according to the EURO-5 standard. "Fuel quality will be significantly improved, atmospheric emissions will be reduced, and thereby the environmental situation in the country will improve," the head of the SOCAR department said. Higher production volumes at the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery can be achieved in 2025, when the modernization project of the refinery is completed, Ahmadov added. The deputy head said that the refinery will be able to process up to 7.5 million tons of oil instead of the current capacity six million tons. "A new bitumen plant and a terminal for the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) were commissioned in October 2018. This was the completion of the first phase of the refinery's modernization," Ahmadov said adding that the second and third phases envisage the production of diesel according to the EURO-5 standard. "In general, the modernization project of the Heydar Aliyev Refinery is divided into two packages. The first envisages the construction of new units, while the second is about the repair and modernization of existing ones," Ahmadov said. The deputy head of public relations and events department added that according to preliminary data for 2019, overall progress in the first work package of the refinery's modernization is over 60 percent. "By the end of November 2019, concrete structures totaling 45,000 cubic meters and metal structures weighing more than 7,000 tons were built, and about 3,302 meters of aboveground pipes were welded," Ahmadov noted. The deputy head said that the overall progress on the second work package of the refinery's modernization is completed by 12 percent to date. In the second quarter of 2020, there are plans to complete all work related to the modernization of the ethylene-polyethylene plant of the Azerikimya Production Union of SOCAR, Ahmadov noted. The deputy head said that the objective of the modernization project is to increase production volume from 60,000 to 175,000 tons - almost three times, to supply the SOCAR Polymer plants complex with raw materials on a permanent basis. The modernization project is being implemented by SOCAR-KBR LLC as a contractor, and Azfen and Ustal companies as subcontractors, Ahmadov noted. The deputy head added that a hydrogen purification unit was commissioned in 2019, new tanks for storing ethylene-propylene were installed, and a new office building was commissioned. A project is underway for construction of a new steam generation complex for electricity production, said Ahmadov. The project aims to increase the capacity of the steam generation complex to 65 megawatts per hour. In conclusion, the deputy head added that this project will be able to provide electricity not only to nearby facilities, but also to a part of Sumgait city. SOCAR reveals key plans for 2020 For 2020, there are plans to complete the design of a new urea plant in Azerbaijan, the work on which began in 2019, Ahmadov noted. The deputy head said that an engineering project will be prepared and presented to the companys management, and then a decision will be made on the construction of the new plant in the Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park. It is also planned to complete modernization of the Ethylene-Polyethylene plant of the Azerikimya Production Union closer to the middle of 2020, Ahmadov noted. The deputy head added that the companys plans also include making decision on investments related to the construction of an aromatic substances plant in Turkey, on the Aliaga Peninsula next to the Petkim petrochemical complex and the STAR oil refinery. The project will be implemented jointly with BP, Ahmadov said. In 2019, the primary engineering project was being prepared, and the investment decisions will be made in early 2020. The first product is planned to be received in 2021, when the construction of infrastructure, communications, a platform and a transshipment point at the Oil Rocks is completed, Ahmadov said. The product will be transported along a pipe using a pipe-in-pipe technology to the transshipment point at the Oil Rocks, and then on land to the terminal. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Deepika Padukone is one of the few actors working today who doesnt belong to a film family, yet received a lavish launch and validated the faith shown in her with a series of strong performances. This Friday, she returns after a gap of two years with Chhapaak. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film is inspired by the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal and dramatises the ordeal she went through after the attack. Its Deepikas first film as producer, in a move that represents another step forward for the star, who is one of the highest paid female actors in the country. But the road to success wasnt easy. Despite more than a few stumbles, especially in her early career, Deepika diversified with a string of impressive films that highlighted her talents. Here are a few of them. Om Shanti Om Farah Khans old-school Bollywood reincarnation drama Om Shanti Om gave the country a star - Deepika Padukone. She impressed one and all with her poised debut, as she essayed the dual roles of Shantipriya, a reigning 70s superstar, and Sandy, a wannabe leading lady smitten with Shah Rukh Khans Om Kapoor. Though it was just her first film, Deepika gave fans a glimpse into her range as actor. From begging Arjun Rampals Mukesh Mehra, with quivering lips and tearful eyes, to end the facade and acknowledge their relationship in public, to her giddy admiration of her favourite superstar, she transitioned from one emotion to another with aplomb. Bajirao Mastani Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali came together for the second time to deliver a visual marvel, Bajirao Mastani. Deepika is a fearless warrior who fights alongside Ranveer on the battlefield and is an epitome of beauty and grace off it. Their real-life chemistry translated on screen like magic and the grandeur that is a Bhansali film only helped. This epic saga of love and heartbreak gave goosebumps with its captivating screenplay. Piku It is hard to define Piku a romantic comedy? Maybe, if pared down to its bare bones. A road movie? But it is concerned more with the stuffy insides of the car than the wide outsides. Eschew the categories and brackets, much like Shoojit Sircars delightful film, and you get the essence of it. Deepika, its eponymous Piku, is also hard to categorise. A modern working woman who may seem like an ill-tempered scold, driven to distraction as she is by her fathers (played by Amitabh Bachchan) obsession with his bowel movements -- her dads potty talk finds its way to her office meetings, her dates are disrupted by correct remedy for constipation. Deepika plays the tightly-wounded Piku to perfection. And then she surprises you as she is vulnerable the next moment or effortlessly transforms into a giggly young girl almost proposing marriage. Piku is perhaps one of the most important films in Deepikas career showcasing her arc as a performer in this domestic and intimate entertainer. Chennai Express Deepika Padukone made a cracker of a debut in Om Shanti Om in 2007. However, soon after she signed up for a string of films which did little to enhance her brand value. Then in 2012 came Cocktail, where for the first time, people sat up and took note of her acting. The next year came two films - Yeh Jaawani Hai Deewani and Chennai Express. It was with Chennai Express that audience for the first time saw her in a comic avatar. The thing with this Rohit Shetty film was that much of the films plot actually rested on her slender shoulders. As Meenalochni Azhagusundaram, a Tamil girl on the run from home as her dad, a local don, wants to marry her off to a person she doesnt approve of, Deepika was in form. While her Tamil accent was criticised, Deepika won praise for her performance. Most would recall kahan se kharidi aisi bakwas dictionary? as one of the most popular dialogues from the film. Deepika was appreciated for her spirited, natural, charming yet funny performance. Chennai Express remains an important film that showcases Deepikas versatility as an actor. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewaani In life, for when things do not go your way, Dr Naina Talwar has a talisman to get you through anything. Jitna bhi try karo, life mein kuch na kuch chhutega hi. Toh jahaan hai, uska maza lete hai na (No matter how hard you try, you will end up missing out on some things in life. So why not live in the moment, cherish what we have), she tells Bunny, who has travelled the world but still does not realise the key to real happiness. With the saccharine sweetness of her voice, spoken to the man who broke her heart, no one could have made Naina more warm and more human than Deepika Padukone. Naina may be a less manic, less dreamy version of the manic pixie dream girl, but she was just the anchor Bunny needed to bring him out of the sky and back to the ground. She is not unfeeling and she isnt a preacherif anything, she may just be more human than the protagonist of the film. She is your eyes in the first half of the story and in the second, you witness her transformation from his. She gets her heart broken but that doesnt turn her against love. She is not hopelessly in love. She is hopeful in love. xXx: Return of Xander Cage For an actor who isnt necessarily synonymous with action films to hold her own opposite not one, but two of the most enduring stars of the genre is no mean feat, but Deepika performed it with impressive skill. Deepika not only held her own in scenes with Vin Diesel, but also Hong Kong star Donnie Yen. Her role required her to juggle moments of drama with action and humour. She was given an entry scene not unlike her first co-star, Shah Rukh Khan. It is the actors highest grossing film ever, and its no surprise that she has been welcomed back to star in the planned sequel. Padmaavat Deepika Padukones last release was Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Padmaavat, which also marked her fourth film with now husband Ranveer Singh. Deepika essayed the role of queen Padmavati while Shahid Kapoor played her husband Maharawal Ratan Singh. Ranveer played the main antagonist in the movie, Alauddin Khilji. While the narrative and subject of the film have been much-debated and even divided critics, Deepikas brilliant performance in the movie remains an undisputed fact. From the subtle romantic moments she shared with Shahid to the ones where she was supposed to be the kings real strength Deepika aced all emotions. Follow @htshowbiz for more Ukraines embassy in Iran has appeared to delete a statement suggesting technical problems were to blame for the crash of a passenger jet near Tehran on Wednesday morning. That statement appeared to back up earlier assertions by Iranian officials that a faulty engine had led to the accident. According to preliminary information, the statement had read, the plane crashed as a result of a technical failure of the engine. The possibility of a terrorist attack or missile strike are currently ruled out. But by 10am local time, that page was no longer accessible from the embassys site, with no additional information given about the details of the crash. Later, a new statement appeared at the same web address saying that it was for an official commission to determine the cause of the accident. Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Show all 18 1 /18 Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 passengers crashed near Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran ISNA/AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran People and rescue teams are pictured amid bodies and debris All 176 people on board a Ukrainian passenger plane were killed when it crashed shortly after taking off, Iranian state media reported ISNA/AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran One of the engines State news agency IRNA said 167 passengers and nine crew members were on board the aircraft operated by Ukraine International Airlines Iran Press via Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Rescue teams work at the scene AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Passengers' belongings West Asia News Agency via Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Members of the International Red Crescent collect bodies of victims EPA Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Rescue teams work amidst debris AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran A relative of a victim reacts at Boryspil International Airport, outside Kiev Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran ISNA/AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Part of the wreckage Iran Press via Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran West Asia News Agency via Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Officials inspect the wreckage EPA Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP There was no immediate explanation for the apparent retraction. Flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800, took off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport at 6:12 am, losing contact two minutes later. The crash happened a few hours after Iran launched missile strikes on US military bases in Iraq. According to aviation authorities, there were 167 passengers and 9 crew on board. The vast majority of those on board were Iranian (82) and Canadian (63) citizens. Tehran was quick to blame technical problems for the crash. Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Irans Road and Transportation Ministry, said the pilot lost control of the plane after a fire broke out in one of its engines. Modern aircraft engines are designed to withstand the failure of an engine, even if it catches fire. What seems to be unusual in this case is that after a normal climb, the plane stopped sending all data at around 8000 feet. That would seem to suggest a catastrophic incident of some sort. Clues will likely be contained in the planes flight recorders, which were recovered shortly after the crash. Irans civil aviation authorities said they would not follow normal practice of sending the boxes to US-plane manufacturer Boeing, but declined to say who would be responsible for analysing the data. At a hastily arranged press conference on Wednesday morning, Ukrainian International Airlines (UIA) discounted the possibility of technical problems. There was nothing wrong with the aircraft, UIAs president Yevgen Dykhne insisted. The plane was three years old and had only two days previously undergone a scheduled technical check. We guarantee the safety of our aircraft and the high qualification of our crews, he said. The airline announced it would be suspending all flights to Iran until further notice. In that case, Juarez was accused of trying to choke the sibling, then 2 months old, by wrapping a blanket around his neck, according to Murphy and court records. Juarez pleaded in Lake County, Indiana, court to a charge of domestic battery in front of a child less than 14 years of age and was sentenced to two years probation, which he was allowed to serve in Illinois, according to online Indiana court records. There is no evidence of murder of children in Bihar's Muzaffarpur shelter home, the CBI on Wednesday told the Supreme Court. The probe agency told the apex court that two skeletons were recovered from the home's premises which were later, in forensic investigation, found to be of a woman and a man. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde accepted the status report of the CBI and allowed two officers to be relieved from the investigation team. Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the probe agency, said investigation was done on allegations of rape and sexual assault of children and charge sheets have been filed before the courts concerned. Venugopal said the children, who were alleged to have been murdered, were later traced and found to be alive. He said the CBI has investigated cases of 17 shelter homes in Bihar and charge sheets have been filed in 13 of them, while in four cases the preliminary inquiry was conducted and later closed as no evidence of any wrongdoing was found. The probe agency, in its status report filed on Monday, said no incriminating evidence proving commission of any criminal offence could be gathered in four preliminary enquiries and as such no FIR has been registered. The CBI had also said the Bihar government has been requested to take departmental action and action of cancellation of registration and blacklisting of concerned NGOs by providing them the result of investigation, i.e., the CBI report. Several girls were allegedly sexually and physically assaulted at a shelter home run by an NGO in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. The issue had come to light following a report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). Following the report, a petition was filed in the apex court seeking lodging of an FIR and court-monitored probe by an independent agency into the allegations. The plea filed by journalist Nivedita Jha through advocate Fauzia Shakil has sought "registration of FIR and independent investigations or court monitored probe into the affairs of these 14 (other) shelter homes in Bihar mentioned in the TISS report". The apex court had directed the CBI to probe the offences under the Information Technology Act regarding the video recordings of the alleged assault on girls at the shelter home. It had also directed the agency to investigate the role of "outsiders who were involved and facilitated the sexual assaults on the inmates", after administering them intoxicants and also against those who allegedly indulged in trafficking of girls from the shelter home. The apex court had earlier directed the CBI to complete its probe into the alleged murder of 11 girls at the shelter home and asked it to file a status report. The SC had transferred the case from Bihar to a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court in Saket District Court complex in Delhi. Earlier, the top court had directed the CBI to conduct a probe into allegations of physical and sexual abuse of inmates in 16 other shelter homes in Bihar which were flagged in the TISS report. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend: Kazakhstans President Kassym Jomart Tokayev instructed to ensure the safety of Kazakhstan's foreign embassies and its personnel in the Middle East, Trend reports with reference to the press office of the president. Tokayev gave instructions during a meeting with the high-ranking officials of his administration on the current situation in the Middle East. Expressing concern about the sharp escalation of the situation in the Middle East, Tokayev noted that the utmost restraint of all parties involved and use of diplomatic methods and means, primarily through the UN, as well as through bilateral contacts and negotiations, would serve to improve the situation. Following the meeting, Tokayev instructed to ensure the safety of Kazakhstan's foreign embassies and its personnel in the Middle East, take measures insuring the security of foreign diplomatic missions, strengthen work to obtain and analyze information of practical importance for the national interests of the state. Special attention will be paid to socio-economic development and strengthening of the defense potential of Kazakhstan amid aggravation of the international situation. --- Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh The number of scientists working at research institutes is high, but the volume of research work is modest. There are 3,116 scientific researchers and technology developers in Thanh Hoa. In 2019, the province spent VND141 billion to fund scientific research, but only 19 research works were published in Vietnam and another was published internationally as a seminar article. Tran Duy Quy, director of the Institute for Asia-Pacific Scientific and Technological Research Cooperation, commented that Thanh Hoa has a high number of researchers, but a low number of research works. Thanh Hoa has to spend big money on scientific research, but the result is not appropriate, he commented, adding that the provincial authorities need to reconsider the efficiency of the research. The number of scientists working at research institutes is high, but the volume of research work is modest. According to Quy, his research team just needs VND300-500 million to carry out one research project and create a new plant variety which can bring high economic efficiency. There are several reasons behind the low ratio of scientific research works. First, the research topics are unsuitable to the local conditions and practice. This leads to unfocused investments which consume big resources but bring modest effects. Second, the capability of researchers is limited. In other words, there are still many problems in the training of master and doctoral candidates in Vietnam. Agreeing with Quy, Pham Pho, former rector of the Sai Gon Economics and Polytechnic Junior College, said scientific research requires high capability and patience. In general, research is mostly carried out at universities and research institutes which gather leading experts in different fields. This allows in-depth research projects to be implemented thoroughly and difficult questions to be solved. Meanwhile, in provinces, researchers dont have the necessary conditions to carry out in-depth research. Pho noted that the scientific research movement in localities is developing strongly, but this is not an easy job that everyone can do. Provinces have profuse research staff, but the researchers capability is limited. The scientific research in localities is ineffective. The spending is high, but the result is modest, Pho commented. He believes that localities should not follow the crowd by spending time and money on research projects. This job should be allocated to central institutes and universities where there are leading experts with experience and in-depth knowledge. Quy also thinks that research projects should be allocated to institutes in big cities. It would be better make concentrated investment, he commented. Some localities can also gain encouraging research results. But in general, in localities, scientific research just adds jobs, he said. Linh Ha Universities lead in scientific research capability in Vietnam The agencies with the highest numbers of scientific research works are universities operating under the mode of autonomy and private universities, data from the Web of Science/Publons shows. BAGHDAD/WASHINGTON/DUBAI (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday Iranian missile strikes on bases in Iraq had not harmed any U.S. troops stationed there and damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanted to prevent an escalation into conflict. Iranian forces fired missiles at military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq early on Wednesday, saying it was in retaliation for the killing in a U.S. drone strike of powerful Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani on Jan. 3. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases, Trump said. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it, the U.S. president said in an address, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and military officers. He urged world powers to quit a 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that Washington withdrew from in 2018 and work for a new deal, an issue that has been at the heart of rising tension between Washington and Tehran. Iran has rejected new talks. There was no immediate reaction from Iranian officials to Trumps comments. The semi-official Fars news agency described the U.S. presidents remarks as a big retreat from threats. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who earlier on Wednesday addressed a gathering of Iranians chanting Death to America, said Irans attacks were a slap on the face of the United States and said U.S. troops should leave the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had said the strikes concluded Tehrans response to the killing of Soleimani, who had been responsible for building up Irans network of proxy armies across the Middle East. He was buried in his hometown Kerman on Monday after days of national mourning. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression, he wrote on Twitter. ELECTION YEAR Trumps reaction in the immediate aftermath of Wednesdays attacks had been to say on Twitter that All is well! and that Washington was assessing damage. That early tweet and the comment by Irans foreign minister had acted to soothe some initial concerns about a wider war and calmed jittery financial markets. Oil prices slipped back after an early spike. [O/R] U.S. and European government sources said they believed Iran had deliberately sought to avoid U.S. military casualties in its missile strikes to prevent an escalation. But an Iranian army spokesman had denied foreign media reports suggesting there had been some kind of coordination between Iran and the United States before the attack to allow bases to be evacuated, Fars news agency said. The U.S. president, who was impeached last month and faces an election this year, had at the weekend threatened to target 52 Iranian sites if Iran retaliated for Soleimanis killing. Iranian state television said Iran had fired 15 ballistic missiles from its territory at U.S. targets in its neighbor Iraq early on Wednesday. The Pentagon said al-Asad air base and another facility in Erbil in Iraq were struck. Iranian television had said 80 American terrorists had been killed, without saying how it obtained this information. Germany, Denmark, Norway and Poland said none of their troops in Iraq were hurt. Britain, which also has personnel in Iraq, condemned the Iranian action. Iraq said its forces did not suffer casualties. Iranian television reported an official in the supreme leaders office as saying the missile attacks were the weakest of several retaliation scenarios. It quoted another source saying Iran had lined up 100 other potential targets. State media showed footage of what it said were Irans missiles being fired into the night sky. In the background, voices shouted God is greatest. AVOIDING CONFLICT But analysts said Iran wanted to avoid any conventional military conflict with superior U.S. forces. U.S. officials said Soleimani was killed because forces under his command planned attacks on U.S. targets, although they did not provide evidence. Before Soleimani was buried, his body was taken on a tour of cities in Iraq and Iran, drawing huge crowds. A stampede at his funeral on Tuesday killed at least 56 people. After the Iranian missile attack, state television showed footage of the burial, with hundreds of people chanting God is greatest when the strikes were announced over loudspeakers. His revenge was taken and now he can rest in peace, Iranian television said. Friction between Iran and the United States rose after Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, approved by his predecessor Barack Obama, and reimposed sanctions on Tehran slashing its vital oil exports. We must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place, he said. Khamenei, in his speech on Wednesday, ruled out any resumption of talks with Washington on the 2015 nuclear pact. Trumps U.S. political rivals have challenged his decision to order Soleimanis killing and questioned its timing in a U.S. election year. Kathi Rolls | Photo: A. C./Yelp Want to get to know the newest businesses to open in Orlando? From an Indian street food spot to a coffee shop, read on for a rundown of the newest businesses to open for business around town. Kathi Rolls Photo: melanie D./Yelp Now open at 4205 Curry Ford Road in Dover Shores West is Kathi Rolls, a fast-casual Indian spot. The eatery serves up unique eats like Mexican eggrolls, beatball hoagies and pepper potatoes. Foxtail Coffee Photo: foxtail coffee/Yelp New to 7004 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., Suite 116, in Lake Nona South is Foxtail Coffee, an Orlando-based coffee roastery chain that also offers tea, vegan treats and coffee accessories. The coffee shop also doubles as a creative space for the craft community, offering such events as roasting classes, community markets and wine-centric get-togethers. Check out Foxtail Coffee's calendar of events here. The Floridabilt Photo: alina a./Yelp The Floridabilt is tourist-centered bar that recently opened its doors at 78 W. Church St. in the Central Business District. According to Bungalower, the walking tour spot also hosts live music and products from Florida-based breweries. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Iran-US tensions: Aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Wednesday asked Indian airlines to steer clear of the Iranian airspace amid the country's escalating tensions with US. The DGCA asked Indian airlines to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions in airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf. The advisory came after a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 people crashed near Tehran. The DGCA called a meeting and said that the airlines were "sensitised", according to a senior official of the regulator. Air India has decided to reroute its flights that use the Iranian airspace. "In light of the tensions within the Iranian airspace a decision to temporarily reroute flights of Air India (AI) and Air India Express (AIX) overflying Iran has been taken. This may lead to increase in flying time by approximately 20 minutes for flights from Delhi and 30 to 40 minutes for flights from Mumbai," it said. Also read: Iran-US tension: Govt issues advisory to Indians; asks people to avoid non-essential travel to Gulf Additionally, the Indian government has issued a travel advisory asking Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq. "In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification," the advisory by the Ministry of External Affairs said. It said Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq. US Federal Aviation Administration has also asked all American airlines to stop operating in the Iranian airspace as well as over Iraq, water of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The situation in the Middle East region is tense because of Iran's missile strikes against two US military bases in Iraq on Wednesday. The strikes were in retaliation of US' airstrike at the Baghdad airport that killed top Iranian commander General Qassem Soleimani on January 3. An Ukrainian flight to Kiev crashed on Wednesday killing everyone onboard. Qassem Biniaz, spokesperson for Iran's Road and Transportation Authority, said one of the engines of Boeing 737 aircraft, which had 167 passengers and nine crew members, of the Ukranian International airlines was struck by fire immediately after the take off, causing the plane to crash. Also read: Gold price today: Yellow metal hits all-time high amid US-Iran tension Also read: 80 'American terrorists' killed in missile strikes in Iraq: Iran state media Banking M&A activity could surpass 2019 outcomes (illustration photo) Strategic co-operation between Vietnamese bank BIDV and South Korean KEB Hana Bank turned the former into the largest market capitalisation lender in Vietnam at VND40.2 trillion ($1.73 billion) in 2019. KEB Hana invested capital in exchange for a 15 per cent stake in BIDV lasting at least five years, while BIDV will receive long-term technical assistance from the South Korean lender and its parent company, Hana Financial Group. The tie-up also quenched the thirst for the banks raising capital, as BIDV announced it has now satisfied Basel II requirements. Before the deal, several South Korean investors had already ramped up their presence in the Vietnamese financial industry, such as Shinhan Banks purchase of Prudential Finance and Lotte Cards buyout of Techcombank Finance. South Korea is one of the largest foreign investors in Vietnams banking industry, with a slew of lenders having quickly clutched onto shares. This number is set to surpass itself in the coming time as financiers are increasingly gearing to penetrate the market. Michael Dc Choi, deputy director of the Korea M&A Centre under the Korea Trade and Investment Promotion Agency revealed that several commercial banks in South Korea are considering a leap overseas by increasing their footprint in local lenders, and are much intrigued by Vietnam. Meanwhile DGB Financial Group has recently applied for a licence in Vietnam, getting ready to extend into the country after already entering Cambodia and Laos. We are looking for opportunities in Vietnam just as Shinhan Bank has there, said a DGB representative, adding that there are a lot of cultural similarities between South Korea and Vietnam one of the main reasons why the group is seeking to launch services here. Michael Han, chief representative of SK Group in Vietnam, the third-largest conglomerate in South Korea, also noted that the giant is looking for further investment prospects from both small and large domestic businesses, and banks are not excluded from the list. According to researchers at the M&A Forum, an annual event held by VIR and the CMAC Institute, recent shifts in the marketplace have begun to bring larger acquisitions back in favour, driving an emphasis on consolidation and scale. The value of M&A deals is expected to reach $7.5 billion in 2020, equalling combined deals of two years earlier. Experts are optimistic about the dealmaking environment heading into 2020 and beyond for several reasons. First and foremost, seeing prospering potential by judging the success of predecessors in Vietnam seems to be a driving force for South Korean investment waves lapping onto Vietnamese shores. According to South Koreas Financial Supervisory Service, South Korean lenders business in Vietnam saw profits grow from $5.72 billion in 2017 to $6.43 billion in 2018. South Korean appetite also latches on Vietnams economy being on a solid footing with 7.02 per cent of GDP growth in 2019. Todays global political context are also a boon for M&A activities in Vietnam. Second, since Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue recently said 100-per-cent foreign-funded banks would not be allowed to be established in Vietnam, M&A is the quickest way to penetrate the Vietnamese market. He has also encouraged strategic tie-ups between South Korean investors and distressed local lenders such as OceanBank, GPBank, and Vietnam Construction Bank. Despite the political and economic unknowns around the world, South Korean clients seem to feel confident in their outlook, especially in Vietnamese banks, economist Nguyen Tri Hieu told VIR. In addition, South Korean businesses deep bench of experienced investors generally awards higher liquidity than domestic investors do, and offer more high technology which might boost banks performance. There is also a growing interest among local banks in looking at integration as a catalyst and enabler for large scale transformation. Considering the sweeping changes to risk-weightings that Basel II will usher in, banks will certainly look to re-allocate current capital committed to a variety of instruments, thus M&A is one of the best approaches, said Hieu. Traffic passes to and from the entrance of the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) Fox News At the top of his primetime Fox News program Monday night, Tucker Carlson seemingly took a dig at his network colleagues who have suddenly taken U.S. intelligence on Iran at face value after denigrating the intel community as the deep state for years. Once again devoting his opening monologue to criticizing the escalation of tensions with Iran sparked by the U.S. assassination of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, the Fox News host placed the lions share of the blame for the push for war on Republican lawmakers and hawks in the Trump administration. (But again, he largely let the president off the hook.) Its harder to get rich and powerful during peacetime, so our leaders have a built-in bias for war, Carlson declared. So they decided on television studios over the weekend to describe in detail the type of violence they are prepared to wreak on a country very few of them know about. After taking aim at Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for claiming on Sunday that the risk of terror is increased by appeasement, the Fox News star then wondered why theres been a sudden change of heart among Trump supporters toward the intelligence community. Its hard to remember now, but as recently as last week, people didnt consider Iran an imminent threat, he noted. Iranian saboteurs were not committing acts of terror in our cities. Oh, but our leaders tell us, They were about to any second! Thats why we struck first. Whats striking is how many people are willing to accept this uncritically, Carlson added. Just the other day, you remember, our intel agencies were considered politically tainted and suspect. Certainly on this show they are, were, and will be for quite some time. He went on to accuse the intel community of pretending that President Donald Trump was a Russian spy before pointing out that it was faulty intelligence on nonexistent weapons of mass destruction that led the United States into the Iraq War. Story continues People pushing conflict with Iran are the same people who did that, the conservative host declared. It seems like about 20 minutes ago we were denouncing these very people as the deep state and pledging to never trust them again without verification. But now, for some reason, we do seem to trust them implicitly and completely. In recent days, some of the networks biggest Trump boosterswho had spent the past three years accusing the intel community of waging am anti-Trump coup and disinformation campaignhave quickly dropped that criticism and defended the intelligence agencies' claims that Soleimanis assassination disrupted imminent attacks. Fox News host Ainsley Earhardt, for instance, said she found it so interesting that people are critical of the presidents decisions, of our intelligence communitys decisions, of our generals decisions. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Two jurors who carried out illegal research during an Old Bailey murder trial are facing possible jail sentences. Dharamjeet Digpal, 34, googled the difference between murder and manslaughter on 12 November 2018. Richard Wellings, 42, researched the word manslaughter on the same day. Dharamjeet Digpal, left, and Richard Wellings, right, were both jurors sitting on the trial of Lewis Simpson who was convicted of killing Osman Shidane in West London. Both Digpal and Wellings, admitted 'researching' the definitions of either murder or manslaughter while deliberating the case They were members of a jury who later convicted Lewis Simpson, 18, of manslaughter after he stabbed Somali salesman Osman Shidane, 20, to death in west London. Komal Varsani, prosecuting, said: These matters relate to the defendants sitting on a trial at the Central Criminal Court which was a murder trial. A member of court staff heard the defendants discussing research they had carried out in deliberation. A letter was sent to Judge Michael Grieve QC who referred the matter to the Attorney General. Digpal and Wellings appeared at Inner London Crown Court today and both admitted to carrying out research during a trial under the Juries Act 1974. The offence carries the maximum sentence of two years jail and or a fine. Osman Shidane, pictured, was killed during a violent attack in Ruislip, west London on May 15, 2018 by Simpson, who was aged 16 at the time The charge against Digpal states that being a member of a jury that tried an issue in a case before a court, namely R -v- Lewis Simpson at the Central Criminal Court, researched the case during the trial period, in that you used the internet to find out the difference between murder and manslaughter. Wellings charge describes him researching the case during the trial period, in that you used the internet to research the word manslaughter. Dominic Teagle, representing Wellings said: The allegation against him is he looked up the word manslaughter. He did not look into the background or anything like that. The Old Bailey trial had heard how Simpson chased down and stabbed Somali salesman Osman Shidane, 20, to death after they argued about a drug deal on 15 May 2018. Mr Shidane, 20, was knifed three times by the teenager, who was 16 at the time of the attack, opposite an Asda in Victoria Road, South Ruislip, west London. One injury which severed an artery left an eyewitness describing blood spurting from the 11cm deep wound before he collapsed in the street. Simpson, who has since turned 18 and can now be named, denied and was cleared of murder, but he was convicted of manslaughter and jailed for six and a half years last December. Digpal, of Ilford, and Wellings of Crickdale Avenue, Romford, both admitted one count of carrying out research during a trial under the Juries Act 1974. They were bailed ahead of sentence on January 30. SACRAMENTO, Calif. - When the nation's largest electric utility preemptively shut off power last fall to prevent wildfires in California, customers lost more than just their lights some lost their phones, too. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. FILE - In this Oct. 31, 2019, file photo, smoke from a wildfire known as the Maria Fire billows above Santa Paula, Calif. California's preemptive power shutoffs to prevent wildfires have affected more than just lights. Some lost their phones, too. (AP Photo/Noah Berger, File) SACRAMENTO, Calif. - When the nation's largest electric utility preemptively shut off power last fall to prevent wildfires in California, customers lost more than just their lights some lost their phones, too. Data from the Federal Communications Commission shows 874 cellphone towers were offline during an Oct. 27 power shutoff that affected millions of people. That included more than half of the cell towers in Marin County alone. On Wednesday, some Democratic lawmakers revealed legislation to force telecommunication companies to have at least 72 hours of back-up power for all cellphone towers in high-risk fire areas. Telecom companies would have to pay for it, but the bill would not stop companies from passing along those costs to their customers. The outages affected more than just cellphones. Data shows traditional landlines and cable phone customers also lost service during the blackout. That means some people couldn't call 911 or receive emergency notifications, compounding the dangers associated with an unprecedented power outage in an era dominated by the internet and wireless communications. This bill is not about checking your Facebook status, bill author Sen. Mike McGuire said. It's about life and death. The federal government tried to mandate backup power for cellphone towers in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The industry successfully fought it. It is unfair and unreasonable for the Legislature and the (state regulators) to allow the electric utilities to de-energize their networks and expect that the communications network is going to become a wholesale replacement for power, said Carolyn McIntyre, president of the California Cable and Telecommunications Association. Asked if he expects a fight from the industry, McGuire replied: Hell yes." McGuire announced his bill on the same day representatives from AT&T and Verizon testified before state lawmakers about the outages and ways to prevent them. It's the second time lawmakers have hauled in private companies to account for the effects surrounding the widespread blackouts in the fall, the largest planned power outages in state history. In November, lawmakers questioned executives from the state's largest investor-owned utilities, including the leadership of troubled Pacific Gas & Electric, whose equipment has been blamed for sparking the 2018 that killed 85 people in Paradise and destroyed roughly 19,000 buildings. The company filed for bankruptcy last year. Telecommunications outages have worsened as wildfires have become more common and more destructive. A report from the California Public Utilities Commission found 85,000 wireless customers and 160,000 wired customers lost service during the 2017 North Bay Fires. Most recently, the FCC says up to 27% of Sonoma County's wireless cell sites were offline during a fire in October. On Wednesday, AT&T and Verizon told lawmakers that while several areas had disproportionate outages, across the region only 3% of cell towers were offline during the power shutoffs. And just because cell towers were down does not mean service was out because of overlapping coverage areas and temporary towers, said Jesus Roman, chief legislative counsel for Verizon. Also, telecommunications companies had trouble getting enough generators in place for the power shutoffs last fall. Many had to come from out of state, but the trucks delivering them were stopped at the state border because they did not meet the state's emission standards, said Mark Ghilarducci, director of the Office of Emergency Services. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. In advance comments to the legislative committee, California's four largest wireless companies AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon say they generally make sure their major telecommunication hubs have at least between 48 hours and 72 hours of on-site backup power. They use mobile generators at other sites, but they said the generators don't work at every cell tower. Jeff Luong, AT&T's vice-president for radio access network construction, told lawmakers the company is buying hundreds of portable generators to prepare for the upcoming fire season. Plus, he said the company plans to purchase more than 1,000 new generators, although it will take between three and five years to get them in place because of various permitting processes. We are committed to providing communication services that the public and public safety agencies can rely on, Luong said. California Public Utilities Commission President Marybel Batjer criticized the telecommunications companies for not providing enough information to state officials about outages during the power shutoffs. Engagement and delivery of real time information during this critical period was simply not existent," she said. The companies themselves must improve. Last year, the Legislature passed a law requiring telecommunications companies to report large outages to the Office of Emergency Services within one hour of discovering them. Officials are still developing regulations for that law. President Trump tweeted Tuesday night "all is well" following the Iranian strikes on two Iraqi bases where U.S. troops are stationed. Why it matters: This is the closest the current U.S.-Iran standoff has come to war, with Iran retaliating directly against the U.S. for the killing of Gen. Qasem Soleimani. However, there were no immediate reports of casualties at the bases, and Trump has appeared to signal restraint. "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Trump on Twitter The message from Tehran in the wake of the strikes has been that more will follow but only if the U.S. retaliates. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a national televised address on Wednesday that Iranian forces had "slapped" the U.S. "on the face" by attacking the bases, according to a translation provided by Al Jazeera. "Military action like this is not sufficient," he said. "What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region." A tweet previously embedded here has been deleted or was tweeted from an account that has been suspended or deleted. What they're saying: Pentagon statement: "At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments." "At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments." The Pentagon added that it had taken "all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners" in recent days and placed the bases on high alert. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps: "The brave soldiers of IRGC's aerospace unit have launched a successful attack with tens of ballistic missiles on Al Assad military base in the name of martyr Gen. Qasem Soleimani. ... We warn all allied countries of the U.S. that if attacks are launched from bases in their countries on Iran, they will be a target of military retaliation." "The brave soldiers of IRGC's aerospace unit have launched a successful attack with tens of ballistic missiles on Al Assad military base in the name of martyr Gen. Qasem Soleimani. ... We warn all allied countries of the U.S. that if attacks are launched from bases in their countries on Iran, they will be a target of military retaliation." A photo released by the IRGC appeared to show Khamenei personally overseeing the attacks. Context: Khamenei said in the wake of Soleimani's killing that Iran should retaliate directly and not through its proxies. But it's an extremely dangerous step for Iran, particularly after Trump drew a bright red line around any attacks that harm Americans or U.S. interests. However, there's now a potential off-ramp for de-escalation given Iran can claim to have defended its honor and Trump can point to the limited damage. Even if the Iranian military stops here, though, further attacks are possible from Iranian proxies or in the cyber realm. Michael Singh, managing director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told Axios that even if there were no U.S. casualties, "this will be viewed in Washington as a serious escalation by Iran." "Had there been U.S. casualties, there likely would be serious consideration of strikes against Iran proper, for example against the missile launch sites," he said. "If in fact there are no U.S. casualties, that offers the president more flexibility in responding, though I'm skeptical he would choose not to respond at all given the seriousness of the Iranian attack," Singh added. Behind the scenes: Speaker Nancy Pelosi was meeting with members Tuesday evening when she was handed a note with news of the attack, Rep. Debbie Dingell told reporters. Pelosi told the room to pray. The reaction: The Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency restriction for airspace around the Persian Gulf. Flashback: Trump visited Al Asad airbase in December 2018 and said that the U.S. would keep a presence in Iraq in part to "watch over Iran." Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout. The subsidy provided by the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government in power and water tariffsfirst 200 units of electricity and 20,000 litres of water free has compelled the BJP and Congress to promise sops, especially in these two sectors, in the assembly elections. While Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said that the party will give up to 25,000 litres of free water and ensure it is of good quality, the Congress recently announced that the party, if voted to power, will provide free electricity up to 600 units and also setup a power plant to generate electricity in the national capital. It also said that small businesses will also be provided subsidies up to 200 units. While the BJP will cite the work done by the Centre in Delhi as part of its achievements in the Sankalp Patra or vision document, a senior BJP leader said the subsidy provided in these two sectors has to be countered. The benefit of the subsidy is not limited to just poor people. It is important to tell people that this government has worked only in the last three months. For 57 months, it did nothing, said a senior BJP leader. Speaking about the Sankalp Patra or vision document, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said, We will not stop the subsidy people are getting in water and power. We will not only give more subsidies but also ensure that people get clean drinking water in their homes. Currently, people are getting poisonous water. We will give 25,000 litres of free water. We will also ensure that the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) doesnt suffer any loss. Though the party is in the process of preparing its vision document, BJP leaders say that water, electricity, education, health and infrastructure development are going to be the key focus areas. The BJP is going to reiterate its commitment to provide better health facilities by implementing the Centres Ayushman Bharat scheme, which the ruling party in Delhi has refused to implement citing its ongoing scheme of free treatment at government hospitals and mohalla clinics. The Congress, which carried out reforms in water and power sectors to improve services, today is promising relief of 600 units in a hope to regain lost ground in the city which it ruled for 15 years. Unlike the Kejriwal government, which has been using public money to benefit the power discoms, we will give relief to consumers up to 600 units. If the Congress comes to power, we will transfer the subsidy directly into the bank accounts of consumers. This will be a major part of our manifesto in the upcoming elections, Delhi Congress spokesperson Mukesh Sharma said. Political analyst Tanvir Aeijaz, professor of political science at Ramjas College, Delhi University, said, The AAP government compelled the opposition parties in Delhi to focus four areaswater, electricity, education and healthby delivering on its poll promise in the last five years. While political parties will promise, it is a matter of trust for the people when they vote for a party based on its manifesto. For instance, people didnt buy Congress promises of minimum income of Rs 72,000 per year, which was a good scheme, during the Lok Sabha elections. During 2013 and 2015 assembly elections, the two parties had promised subsidy in electricity and water to counter AAPs promises. In its 2013 manifesto, BJP had promised to cut electricity tariff by 30% if it comes to power. In 2015, it promised a reduction in rates of electricity and rationalisation of water tariff, without specifying the percentage. Hoping the party will return to power in Delhi after a gap of 21 years, Delhi BJP chief said, We will give five times more benefits then what the Arvind Kejriwal government is promising. In fact, whatever we promise, will be for 60 months (five years) and not for just two-three months. Former Union minister Yashwant Sinha will lead a multi-state yatra (march) beginning on Thursday from here, seeking repeal of the amended citizenship act and a judicial probe by a sitting Supreme Court judge into "state-sponsored violence" like the one in Delhi's JNU. Speaking to reporters here, Sinha said the 'Gandhi Shanti Yatra' will also demand from the government to declare in Parliament that the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) will not be implemented. The yatra, which will culminate at Raj Ghat in Delhi on January 30 -- the day when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated - will pass through Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, covering a distance of over 3,000 km. NCP chief Sharad Pawar will flag off the yatra from the Gateway of India in south Mumbai, Sinha said, adding several organisations, including those representing farmers, will take part in the march. At the press meet, Sinha was accompanied by former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan, ex-MP Shatrughan Sinha and Congress leader from Vidarbha Ashish Deshmukh. Sinha, a former BJP member who held finance and external affairs portfolios in the Vajpayee cabinet, said the Rashtra Manch, the outfit he leads, named the yatra after Gandhi as peace has allegedly been disturbed across the country. "Everything is disturbed. Education (sector) is disturbed, the economy is disturbed. And hence, we are taking out the yatra so that peace is restored in the country," he told reporters. The 82-year-old bureaucrat-turned-politician said the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), passed by Parliament last month, and fear of NRC have disturbed peace. "Hence, we are demanding the government declare in Parliament that it will not implement NRC in the country, that it will repeal CAA. "Secondly, there be a judicial inquiry by a sitting Supreme Court judge into the state-sponsored violence, the latest being the JNU violence, and the perpetrators are punished at the earliest," the former Union minister said. Referring to the JNU episode, he said it has become a "new normal" in the criminal justice system of India to treat victims as accused. Sinha's comment came a day after the registration of a case in the JNU violence issue against the varsity's students union president Aishe Ghosh, who was injured in the brutal attack by a masked mob on Sunday night. Chavan said the aim of the yatra is to see that the "black law" - the CAA - is repealed immediately. He said the BJP-led government at the Centre is "threatening" to implement the CAA despite protests and allegedly people will be identified and sent to detention centres. "You will send people who you think are intruders to detention camps. Where are we heading? Are we creating detention centres on the line of concentration centres which were there in (Nazi) Germany?" Chavan asked. Without naming anyone, Congress leader and former BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha alleged several people believe that many of the MPs who got elected to the Lok Sabha "due to EVMs" were "pressurised" to vote for passage of the CAA in Parliament or else they will not ticket next time. "Some people think several of the members were elected to Parliament due to EVMs or malfunctioning of EVMs," Shatrughan Sinha said. "Several people think these people were pressurised saying if they will not get ticket (in next elections) if they did not vote in favour (of the CAA). "So, it seems that the passage (of the CAA) was the result of the pressure tactic and force. We will try to see it is repealed in the Parliament itself," the actor-politician added. The ex-Patna Sahib MP described NRC as the "mother of anarchy" and noted the CAA, NRC and NPR were not different from each other. Deshmukh alleged whatever happened inside the JNU of late was because the university administration has people who follow the ideology of the RSS. He said JNU Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar, too, is considered to be following RSS ideology. Deshmukh alleged the previous Devendra Fadnavis government, too, had appointed people linked to the RSS in universities in Maharashtra. "We sense something of that sort may happen in universities in Maharashtra too...Hence, I demand Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray ji to remove those linked to the RSS from universities in the state so that there is no condemnable act like JNU happening in universities here," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Its always interesting to see who does the cooking at home for celebrities, especially Food Network stars who make a living creating and tasting unique dishes. Do they enjoy showcasing their talents at home as much as they do for the cameras? In the case of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives host and Guy Fieri, its a little bit of both. The 51-year-old restauranteur surely does spend some time in his own kitchen. But he also enjoys his wifes cooking. During an interview, Fieri revealed theres one dish he especially loves for her to make for him. Guy Fieri | Jason Koerner/Getty Images Guy Fieri isnt the same as he seems on television Like so many other celebrity chefs and reality stars in general, Fieri is not exactly the same character in real life that he plays on television. The restaurateur and Barbecue Hall of Fame inductee has a reputation for being an overgrown frat boy with his frosted tips and strange vocabulary of made-up words, like funkalicious. But in the real world? Hes a devoted husband and father who happened to find his audience. Fieri has a unique appeal people typically love or despise him. But no matter your personal feelings on his brand, hes enjoyed a long, successful career and international name recognition. And now hes happy to live by his Namaste tattoo and live life more peacefully. Fieri loves when his wife cooks this old school recipe At home, Fieri spends time in the kitchen perfecting his craft just like so many other food enthusiasts. But there is one thing he loves for his wife of 20 years, Lori Fieri, to prepare instead. Theres an old school recipe she makes that she brought home from where she grew up in Rhode Island, Fieri told TODAY Food in an interview. Its one of the first things she ever cooked for me and its still a favorite of mine. The nostalgia factor plays heavily here certain foods can be associated with memories. Fieri called his wifes creation a far greater version of noodles and beef. She sautes top sirloin with onions, mushrooms and garlic, he said. And she makes this fantastic gravy and serves it over egg noodles. Its a very simple dish but its one of my favorites. He also cooks for his wife and kids Though Fieri enjoys his wifes simple and nostalgic recipe, he often takes the reins to prepare dinner for Lori and his two sons. My linguini and clams is probably one of her [Loris] all-time favorites, he said during the same interview. Especially when the clams are really small. And when we sit down together to have a really nice dinner. Guy and Lori met when she was a guest at a Long Beach, California restaurant he was managing. Their marriage has survived two decades in Hollywood because of their willingness to work together. My wife and I have gone from being married at a young age to being where we are now to get here, you have to be willing to adapt and understand, Fieri explained. Its all compromise and understanding. Compromise, understanding, and top sirloin with noodles. Finally, the three secrets to a happy, lasting marriage! Floral tributes have been left at the scene where a Co Antrim man was killed by the UDA. Glen Quinn (47) was beaten to death in his flat in Ashleigh Park in Carrickfergus at the weekend, shortly after clashing with a senior figure from the terror group's South East Antrim unit. On Monday detectives rearrested three people on suspicion of murder. They had already been detained in connection with the killing earlier that day. A 38-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and grievous bodily harm with intent, a 39-year-old man on suspicion of aggravated burglary, and a 47-year-old woman on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent. All were later released pending further investigation. Yesterday the family of Mr Quinn (right) said they did not wish to speak while the investigation went on. Flowers were left outside Mr Quinn's flat as Ashleigh Park was reopened to the public yesterday. One tribute read, "A gentle giant, so much loved by everyone." Another said: "To one true gentleman and loving friend. You will be missed forever." Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said police discovered Mr Quinn's body after receiving a report from his friend expressing concern over his safety. He confirmed that Mr Quinn was the victim of an attack, sustaining blunt force trauma that police believe resulted in his death. Mr Murphy added that the victim was assaulted on December 29, and while he wasn't badly injured, he was left "frightened" by the incident. Police are now trying to identify a link between that assault and his murder on Saturday. "Glen was well-known throughout Carrickfergus and had no known enemies and no reason that we are aware of for anyone to cause him harm," he added. The detective said that police were aware of the "rumours" circulating about the involvement of the South East Antrim UDA in the killing, and added that any such speculation was "unhelpful". Hundreds of tribal people under the banner of Joint Movement against CAA (JMACAA) on Tuesday protested here against implementation of amended Citizenship Act (CAA). JMACAA is a joint forum of three tribal political parties National Council of Tripura (NCT), Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT), Tipraland State Party (TSP) and several other social organizations like Borok People Human Rights Organisation (BPHRO) and Tribal Student Federation (TSF). The forum had earlier observed Tripura Bandh from December 9 last year against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. They had later met Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on the issue. JMACAA convener and human rights activist Anthony Debbarma said they are against implementation of CAA in Tripura since the state has already sheltered thousands of refugees from the then East Pakistan after the partition of the country in 1947. The princely Tripura joined Indian Union in 1949 after signing a merger agreement. "Union Home Minister Amit Shah ji had categorically stated that that we would be called for a second round of dialogue again after 10-15 days. A month has already passed and we did not receive any indication that he would call us again. "He said the ways to protect the interests of the tribals would be found. If the central government can't keep it's promises, how can we remain silent. Todays protest is just a token and we shall resume our movement with more intensity", Anthony told the gathering. Animesh Debbarma, leader of National Conference of Tripura (NCT), a tribal party and member of JMACAA, said, "We are not against Bengali community or any religious community, but we want to protect and safeguard the interests of our community". The Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), an ally of the ruling BJP in the state on Monday launched an indefinite sit-in against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) near the headquarters of Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, about 25 km from here. The party also pressed for a separate Tipraland by carving out of the tribal council from the state which constitutes two third of the state territory. IPFT spokesperson Mangal Debbarma said, "the demonstration will continue till the Centre takes positive step. We want either the scrapping of the act or exempting entire Tripura from its purview". IPFT general secretary Mevar Kumar Jamatia said "though our alliance partner, the BJP does not agree with our stand we will continue our agitation unless an amicable solution is achieved. "We feel achieving the separate Tipraland is the ultimate solution to end the tribal angst in the state", Jamatia, who is also the Tripura tribal affairs minister said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 04:38:05|Editor: ZX Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Wednesday asked for the re-authorization of a cross-border aid mechanism for Syrians, warning of severe consequences in its absence. The Security Council failed to renew the mechanism on Dec. 20, 2019. The cross-border humanitarian operations carried out by the United Nations will close by Jan. 10 if there is no re-authorization by the Security Council, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "We've been underscoring here repeatedly, almost on a daily basis, the alarming humanitarian situation in the northwest and the northeast of Syria. That situation would be markedly worse if we did not have cross-border operations." "We very, very much hope that Security Council members will find a way forward and a solution in the days ahead," he told a daily press briefing. The Security Council voted on two competing draft resolutions on the cross-border aid mechanism on Dec. 20, but failed to adopt either of them. The first draft prepared by Belgium, Germany and Kuwait, which sought the re-authorization of three of the four currently mandated border crossings for 12 months, was vetoed by Russia and China. The other draft, prepared by Russia, which would authorize only two crossings for a period of six months, failed to receive the required number of votes in favor to get adopted. Since 2014, the United Nations and aid groups have crossed into Syria from Turkey, Iraq and Jordan at four crossing points authorized by the Security Council. The victim was found about 11:45 a.m. on Nov. 28 in the Unit block of Danbury Street SW, police said. He died at a hospital, they said. Iran's Ambassador to India Ali Chegeni on Wednesday said that Tehran is "not looking for war," a statement which comes amid heightened tension between the US and Tehran following the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. "We are not looking for war. We are living in this region peacefully with our brothers and sisters including India. We don't want any tension or escalation in this region," Chegeni told media persons here. Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq last Friday. His death marked a dramatic escalation in tension between the US and Iran, that has often been at a fever pitch since Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact the powers had struck with Tehran. Iran today fired a number of missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops in retaliation for the American strike. Responding to a question related to today's airstrike, the ambassador said: "Whatever we have done is a part of our response." "Millions of people who participated in the funeral of General Qasem Soleimani had demanded the government for it. We have done it. We are not looking for war," he said. The envoy further said that India is a part of the region and therefore Tehran will welcome any initiative to curb the escalation of tension by its "good friends." "India is a part of the region. It should be a part of de-escalation. We are welcoming any initiative from our good friends from India," Chegeni noted. Soleimani's killing has once again put a question on the completion and operationalisation of the strategic Chabahar port, located in the Sistan-Baluchistan province on Iran's southeastern coast. Clarifying further doubts on the issue, the envoy said the port is a symbol of very good friendship between India and Iran and the work will continue without any hindrance. "Chabahar Port is a symbol of very good friendship among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Commonwealth of Independent States, Europe, and the whole of Persian Gulf. It does not belong only to Iran and India. Chabahar will go on. Don't worry about it," he said. Media reports say that just a fortnight ago, India had achieved a breakthrough by securing a written assurance from the US to exempt this Iranian port from sanctions. India is developing this port to secure connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. India is hosting Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif next week to explore options to safeguard Chabahar port as well as its energy and financial interests amid the escalating tensions. India and Iran had signed a deal in May 2016 to equip and operate the container and multi-purpose terminals at Shahid Beheshti -- Chabahar Port Phase-I -- by investing USD 85.21 million. It was decided that both the countries will share revenues. India's energy security is also directly linked to the Gulf. It has cut down the import of Iranian crude to a large extent over the past few years, but the Chabahar port remains a cornerstone of India's connectivity aspirations to play an active role in Afghanistan and Central Asia. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Relaxing this hard requires a lot of legwork. Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP via Getty Images Vacations are expensive, and your vacation time is a precious, limited resource. Therefore, there is only one correct way to vacation: with meticulous planning and detailed scheduling aimed at making every moment of your trip as good as it can be. Spontaneity on vacation is wildly overrated. I just want to go with the flow, you might say. In practice, spontaneity means wandering aimlessly, waiting in lines you could have avoided, and discovering that your desired restaurants and attractions are closed or booked solid. You came to Rome to visit the Vatican Museums, not to stand in line for hours at the Vatican Museums. Having a good plan that helps you enjoy all your time is far more relaxing than not having a plan and wasting your vacation. A good vacation starts with buying and reading a good guidebook. This assignment is not a chore, because planning and researching a trip is a major part of the fun! For Europe, Im partial to Rick Stevess guidebooks since he expresses strong opinions: Far from just giving you a list of attractions, Rick tells you which he thinks are most important and which you can skip. The best Hawaii guidebooks are Andrew Doughtys Hawaii Revealed series. For elsewhere, I like the Rough Guides. It is almost never truly necessary to wait in line. At a museum, the long line at the front is usually a line to buy tickets, not a line to enter. Can you buy tickets on the internet or on your phone? Is there a multi-museum pass that will save you both time and money? Guided tours may enrich your cultural experience while allowing you to skip the general-admission line. At the Palace of Versailles, for example, this is well worth the extra 10, but you have to book in advance. If you have disregarded my advice to plan ahead and have no choice but to stand in a ticket line, consider whether youre looking at the only entrance available; the Louvre has some less famous entrances with less daunting lines than those youll see in front of I.M. Peis pyramid. Plan your sightseeing around avoiding crowds. Your guidebook should tell you what days the most popular attractions are most crowded and unpleasant. If youre visiting an attraction thats popular with locals, go during the week while theyre at work. And of course, make sure the attraction is actually open on the day youre trying to visit. Have a plan to pay for transportation. I hate standing in line to buy subway tickets; standing in that line might cause me to miss a train and lose several minutes of my vacation. Investigate: Can you skip the machines and pay at the turnstile with a contactless credit card or Apple Pay? In Chicago, London, and Singapore, you can. Throughout Japan, you can use Apple Pay for transit its especially important because youll otherwise probably need to stuff cash into a ticket machine but if you want to use your phone to pay, youll need to set up a special card in your phone wallet ahead of time. Consider the pros and cons of the various modes: Is Uber widely available and reasonably priced in the city? Do taxis take credit cards? Is there a lovely walk to your next sight that counts as a vacation activity unto itself? I am personally a fan of bike shares even in unfamiliar cities, but consider whether you are the sort of person who finds biking in an unfamiliar city with possibly aggressive drivers to be invigorating or stressful. If you do want to use the shared bikes, set up the relevant application on your phone ahead of time so you dont waste time at a kiosk. A general rule of thumb is that you should use kiosks as infrequently as possible; if youre interfacing with a kiosk, you probably failed to plan something in advance. If you want to eat at restaurants that take reservations, make them well in advance. Lunch is often a better value than dinner at high-end restaurants; consider more casual places for dinner. Sometimes, I worry that I have prebooked too many of the meals on a trip; in the end, I usually wish I had reserved everything ahead of time. If you want to go to a hot spot that doesnt take reservations, consider the right time to try your luck. Often the answer is right when the establishment opens. I particularly find this is the case for cocktail bars, which tend to open at 5 or 6 p.m., just in time for a well-deserved drink after a busy day of sightseeing. If youre staying at a nice hotel, have a breakfast strategy. You will find the sumptuous hotel breakfast has two price extremes: exorbitantly expensive or free. Try to get breakfast for free. You will sometimes find deals on the internet that include breakfast at a regular room rate; you may also be able to get free breakfast by booking through a travel agent in a program like Virtuoso, American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, or Hyatt Prive. These programs come with additional benefits like late checkouts and room upgrades. If youre traveling in a group, someone should be in charge. One major group-travel time suck is when everyone stands around politely expressing to the others that theyre happy to do whatever you want to do next. Polite deference may leave you without plans at a time when you need them. If youre standing at the top of a well-chosen ski mountain discussing where to go next, all the runs down are probably pretty good; a group leader who simply picks one is helping everyone maximize their vacation. (You did buy your lift tickets or passes in advance to get discounted pricing and avoid waiting at a ticket window, right?) A plan to do nothing is still a plan that should be made in advance. Of course, you may just want to sit around and relax on your vacation. But have you chosen the right place to relax? If youre going to a resort, does it have the right amenities for your children or your lack of children? Read the TripAdvisor reviews. Know whether youre going to need to come down before 9 a.m. to snag a good pool chair. Wear sunscreen. Most of all, dont forget to have fun. I am not proposing that a vacation should be a death march. Downtime is an appropriate part of any vacation schedule, and your meticulous planning should be aimed at achieving the pace of travel you enjoy, not at spending every waking hour checking off every sight you can possibly see. If youre going someplace where aimless wandering is part of the fun Venice, for example you should put some aimless wandering on the schedule. Just make sure your stroll is designed to terminate where youve made a reservation for lunch. Youll probably be hungry. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign secretary, at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce on July 4, 2018 in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Michael Gruber/Getty Images) Iran Foreign Minister Says Iran Acted in Self-Defense by Firing Missiles at US Troops Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif wrote that Iran on Tuesday, Jan. 7, took appropriate measures when it fired missiles at two Iraqi bases overnight in response to the U.S. drone strike that killed top Iranian Gen. Qassam Soleimani. Iran took [and] concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter; targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched, he wrote on Twitter on Tuesday night. Tehran, he claimed, is not seeking any war or escalation of the conflict. According to the United Nations Article 51, a member state can defend itself following an armed attack until the Security Council steps in. However, such a claim is likely to be disputed by White House officials, who have said that Soleimani already was responsible for the deaths of dozens of Americans and was plotting attacks on American soldiers, diplomats, and facilities in the near future. On Tuesday evening, the Department of Defense confirmed that Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at the Al Asad base in Iraq, which houses American soldiers, and the base in Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. In recent days, and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region. Due to the dynamic nature of the situation, we will continue to provide updates as they become available, the Pentagon said in a statement. Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani attends a meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Revolutionary Guard commanders in Tehran, Iran, on Sept. 18, 2016. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) Before that, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which Soleimani headed, took responsibility for the missile attackand not an Iranian proxy in Iraq or a Tehran-backed group such as Hezbollah or the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Guard Corps said in a statement via state media: In Operation Martyr Suleimani in early hours of Wednesday, tens of ground-to-ground missiles were fired at the U.S. base and successfully pounded the al Asad base. Later, Iranian state news outlet Press TV carried a statement from the Guards that warned allies of the United States to cut ties or face the consequences. We warn U.S. allies providing bases for the [American] terrorist army that any country serving as the origin of bellicose and aggressive attacks in any form against the Islamic Republic of Iran will be targeted, the statement said. President Donald Trump was briefed about the attacks on the military bases, but he didnt say how Washington would respond. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning, he wrote on Twitter. The missile attack comes days after Irans top leadership, including Zarif, Ayatollah Khamenei, and a slew of high-ranking military officials, vowed for revenge after Soleimanis death. Funeral services were held for the commander on Monday and Tuesday. The West Bengal unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad on Tuesday demanded a high-level inquiry into Sunday evening's violence at the Jawaharlal Nehru University and said the probe could be held under the supervision of the Supreme Court. Terming the clash "unfortunate", ABVP state president Saptarshi Sarkar alleged that the violence was the handiwork of Leftitst forces who want to destabilise the situation in the More than 35 students and faculty members were assaulted on Sunday evening after masked men armed with sticks and iron rods went on a rampage inside the campus of the institute. The Left-controlled Students Union and the ABVP are blaming each other for the violence. The Delhi Police is now probing the incident. "Whatever happened in the is unfortunate but there is a lack of clarity in the chain of events. We demand a high-level inquiry into the incident," Sarkar told a press conference. Asked who will conduct the probe, the ABVP leader said, "Any competent authority at the highest level. It can also be held under the supervision of the Supreme Court." He claimed that 25 ABVP members including its university unit secretary Manish Jangid were injured in the January 5 incident at the JNU, but that has not been highlighted. The leader of the RSS' student wing said the organisation believed that Leftist forces were behind the violence in order to destabilise the situation in the JNU on the pretext of protesting against fee hike. "They want to vitiate the academic atmosphere in the JNU and other universities like the Jadavpur University where they have organisations," Sarkar said. He also flayed the SFI, the student's wing of the CPI (M), for allegedly steering its rallies from streets towards offices of political opponents and setting ablaze the flag of a political party. Sarkar was referring to a students' rally, the participants of which tried to march towards the BJP state headquarters on December 20. The procession was organised to protest against the amended Citizenship Act. ALSO READ: Mumbai protests against JNU violence called off after demonstrators evicted A flag of the saffron party was also allegedly set on fire by the Students Federation of India (SFI) activists during a rally at Jadavpur area here on Monday. "Do they call it a democratic protest? In what kind of agitation the flag of a political party is set ablaze?" Sarkar asked. ABVP state unit Assistant Secretary Shyamashree Karmakar said, while the Jadavpur University unit of the SFI was talking about democracy and liberal values, its leadership has been accused of practising gender discrimination. She quoted reports published in a section of media that over 30 members resigned from SFI's Jadavpur University unit citing lack of action against charges of sexual harassment, discrimination based on gender and caste and taunting for smoking cigarettes. Sarkar said while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was quick to issue a statement after the JNU incident and send a Trinamool Congress delegation there, she had not uttered a word condemning the death of two students "in police firing" at Daribhit in the state and the attack on 144 ABVP activists in recent times. Two students were killed in a clash over recruitment of Urdu and Sanskrit teachers in a school at Daribhit in North Dinajpur district in 2018. The ABVP will organise programmes in different colleges "to expose the SFI and Trinamool Chhatra Parishad and the real truth behind the JNU incident. Crime By Ls Cohen Published: January 08 2020 Movie will be based on the true crime book, Lost Girls. Update: Netflix movie about Gilgo beach murders gets mixed reviews. Click here to read all about it. Lost Girls, a true crime literary account of the Gilgo Beach murders written by journalist Robert Kolker in 2014 will be released as a Netflix feature film early this year. The movie version of the acclaimed book-also titled Lost Girls-will be directed by Liz Garbus (known for directing a variety of documentary films) and starring Amy Ryan (The Office, In Treatment) and Gabriel Byrne (The Usual Suspects, In Treatment). Read: Netflix trailer for Lost Girls released. The film focuses on Mari Gilbert, the mother of 24-year-old Shannan Gilbert, the woman who Suffolk County police were initially searching for when they stumbled upon the human remains of 10 others, victims of the so-called Long Island Serial Killer or Gilgo Beach Killer. The murders are as of yet unsolved. Read: New evidence unveiled by Suffolk Police. In 2016, Mari Gilbert was killed by another daughter, Sarra Gilbert. In an announcement about the film Netflix called it both a true crime story and a strong character piece. Filming for Lost Girls took place in Southold. The authors website has an interactive map that shows where each of the bodies were found in and around Gilgo Beach along Ocean Parkway as well as remains related to victims in another area near Manorville. The movie will have its world premier at the Sundance Film Festival on January 28, 2020. WASHINGTON - Republicans are moving to pass a package of rules governing the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump without votes from Democrats, punting a decision about whether to call witnesses until after the trial is underway and spurning - for now - an offer for testimony from former national security adviser John Bolton, according to GOP officials. Republican leaders are asking each GOP senator whether they would support such an outline and appear to be on the brink of surpassing the 51 votes they would need. The process Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is hoping to pursue mirrors the procedural outline the Senate used when it held an impeachment trial for President Bill Clinton in 1999. But importantly, the Clinton deal was the byproduct of tough, bipartisan negotiations, passing the Senate 100-0. McConnell, R-Ky., now is preparing to move forward without any Democratic votes. Under the plan, the Senate would hear opening statements and then determine whether it needs to hear from witnesses and gather more documents, or whether it should move to end the trial without them. ADVERTISEMENT "We're trying to see right now" if the Clinton rule will be the path forward, said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. "I think you might hear something after the lunch today." McConnell is expected to address the issue publicly Tuesday afternoon after Republican senators hold a lunch meeting. Democrats have blasted that idea, arguing that it sets up an opportunity for Republicans to deliver a "mock trial" to the public while still delivering a victory for Trump. Democrats are not expected to come anywhere close to the 67 votes they would need to remove the president from office during the trial. For now, movement toward the Senate trial has stalled because House Speaker Nancy Pelosi refuses to forward the articles of impeachment the House voted for in mid-December. Democrats hoped the delay would give them more leverage in shaping the Senate trial, but McConnell has rebuffed their efforts. It is unclear when Pelosi, D-Calif., may transit the articles. The Senate can't act before she does. --- (c)2020 Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com ADVERTISEMENT Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF) (the "Company" or "PLUS"), a leading cannabis branded products company in the California, today announced that Jake Heimark, CEO and Co-Founder, will present live at VirtualInvestorConferences.com on January 9th. DATE: Thursday, January 9th TIME: 1:30pm Eastern LINK: https://tinyurl.com/s6has5g This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.VirtualInvestorConferences.com. Recent Company Highlights Revenues grew 38% year-over-year to $3.5 million in Q3 2019, up from $2.6 million in Q3 2018 in Q3 2019, up from in Q3 2018 Launched nation-wide 100% hemp CBD edible line in Q3 2019, available at PlusProducts.com Launched edibles products into Nevada's adult-use cannabis market in Q4 2019 adult-use cannabis market in Q4 2019 Added E-commerce senior executive, Jill Braff , to Board of Directors, bolstering digital sales and marketing expertise About PLUS PLUS is a hemp and cannabis food company focused on using nature to bring balance to consumers' lives. PLUS's mission is to make cannabis safe and approachable that begins with high-quality products that deliver consistent consumer experiences. PLUS is headquartered in San Mateo, CA and has 80 employees. About Virtual Investor Conferences Virtual Investor Conferences is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly-traded companies to meet and present directly with investors. A real-time solution for investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences is part of OTC Market Group's suite of investor relations services specifically designed for more efficient Investor Access. Replicating the look and feel of on-site investor conferences, Virtual Investor Conferences combine leading-edge conferencing and investor communications capabilities with a comprehensive global investor audience network. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The financial information included in this press release is not required for any regulatory purpose and is, therefore, provided solely for additional investor guidance. Where possible the information has been constructed by management from available unaudited interim financial information. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release includes statements containing certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law (each, a "forward-looking statement"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These forward-looking statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this press release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, the success of the Company's investments, the ability to retain key personnel, the ability to continue investing in infrastructure to support growth, the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, the continued quality of the Company's products, customer experience and retention, the continued development of adult-use sales channels, managements estimation of consumer demand in in jurisdictions where the Company exports, expectations of future results and expenses, the availability of additional capital to complete capital projects and facilities improvements, the ability to expand and maintain distribution capabilities, the impact of competition, the ability of the Company to implement initiatives and the possibility for changes in laws, rules, and regulations in the industry. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. SOURCE VirtualInvestorConferences.com Related Links http://www.virtualinvestorconferences.com Two Iranian nationals have been arrested for allegedly using sleight of hand to dupe a man of Rs 10,000 after hypnotising him, police said on Wednesday. Azad Abdul Hamid Siraj Simiya (54) and Ejaz Hussain Norimal Hamdani (48), who are on a tourist visa, were arrested by the Andheri police on December 5, an official said. According to the complainant, the duo accosted him on a busy road in Andheri and asked him to show them what Indian currency looked like, they then hypnotised him and tried to flee with Rs 10,000. On investigation, the police found that the accused had duped several people in Nepal, Russia and Turkmenistan by adopting similar tactics, the official said. The accused were caught red-handed when they duped complainant by sleight of hand, they asked the complainant to show them Indian currency and duped him, deputy commissioner of police Zone X Ankit Goel said. The duo has been arrested under section 420 (cheating) and further investigation is underway, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Lawrence White and Simon Jessop LONDON (Reuters) - A group of Barclays shareholders coordinated by responsible investment lobby group ShareAction want the bank to phase out financing fossil fuels, stepping up pressure on one of Europe's biggest funders of the sector. Eleven institutional investors have filed a resolution to be voted on at Barclays' annual meeting in May, requiring the bank to set out plans to stop providing all financial services to firms not aligned with the Paris climate agreement. By Lawrence White and Simon Jessop LONDON (Reuters) - A group of Barclays shareholders coordinated by responsible investment lobby group ShareAction want the bank to phase out financing fossil fuels, stepping up pressure on one of Europe's biggest funders of the sector. Eleven institutional investors have filed a resolution to be voted on at Barclays' annual meeting in May, requiring the bank to set out plans to stop providing all financial services to firms not aligned with the Paris climate agreement. The pressure on Barclays comes at a time when shareholders, prompted by activists and mounting public concern, are increasingly urging the companies they invest in to do more to combat the climate crisis. Up to now, investors have largely focused their collective efforts on big oil and gas companies responsible for producing fossil fuels, with resolutions at companies including Royal Dutch Shell , BP and Equinor . The Barclays resolution will mark the first time a European bank has faced such shareholder action on fossil fuel financing. It calls on Barclays to go further than its previous public commitments to combat climate change by forcing it to set specific targets. The move comes just days after outgoing Bank of England governor Mark Carney said the financial services industry had been too slow to cut investment in fossil fuels. Carney is set to leave the BoE at the end of January to take up a position as the United Nations special envoy for climate action. He has previously warned that global warming could lead to a sharp reassessment of the value of every financial asset. The eleven investors publicly backing the Barclays resolution collectively manage some 130 billion pounds ($171.39 billion) and include Brunel Pension Partnership, LGPS Central, Sarasin & Partners and Folksam. "The lending practices of many banks pose a serious threat to the goals of the Paris agreement," said Laura Chappell, Chief Executive of Brunel Pension Partnership. "We hope the Barclays Board formally supports this resolution." One of the bank's 20 biggest shareholders told Reuters they could also back the proposals. "We've said to Barclays we would be minded to support this type of resolution, so you'd better take it seriously," the investor said. A formal vote on the measures at the May meeting might not be needed if the bank announces measures beforehand that satisfy the investors' demands. "We are working to help tackle climate change, and we meet with ShareAction and other shareholders regularly to update them on our progress," a spokesman for Barclays said. (Reporting by Lawrence White and Simon Jessop. Editing by Jane Merriman) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Slogans are chanted in an open session of parliament in Tehran (Vahid Salemi/AP) President Donald Trump insisted All is well! after Iran fired surface-to-surface missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops. He promised to make a statement to the nation on Wednesday morning about the increasingly precarious situation with Iran. Mr Trump offered no immediate indication of whether he would retaliate, and stayed out of sight as news of the missile strikes emerged. But he tweeted that an assessment of casualties and damages was under way. The initial outlook, he said, was So far, so good! Iran struck back at the US for the killing of a top Iranian general, firing a series of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops in Iraq. Iranian state TV said it was in revenge for the US killing of Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted calls for revenge. Gen Soleimanis killing and the strikes by Iran came as tensions have been rising steadily across the Middle East after President Trumps decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers. They also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two enemies, which have been at odds since Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran initially announced only one strike, but US officials confirmed both. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Later, a presenter on Iranian state television claimed, without offering evidence, that the strikes killed at least 80 terrorist US soldiers and also damaged helicopters, drones and other equipment at the Ain al-Asad air base. Adding to the chaos, a Ukrainian plane with at least 170 people crashed after take-off just outside Tehran on Wednesday morning, killing all on board, state TV reported. The plane had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport and mechanical issues were suspected, the report said. We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted US defence officials were at the White House, probably to discuss options with Mr Trump, who launched the strike on Gen Soleimani while facing an upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate, Irans Revolutionary Guard warned the US and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack against the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province. The Guard issued the warning via a statement carried by Irans state-run IRNA news agency. We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted, it said. It also threatened Israel. After the strikes, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator posted a picture of the Islamic Republics flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Mr Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Gen Soleimani and others on Friday in a drone strike in Baghdad. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners and allies in the region Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 US and coalition forces. Two Iraqi security officials said at least one of the missiles appeared to have struck a plane at the base, igniting a fire. It was not immediately clear whether it was an Iraqi or US jet. About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported, Brynjar Stordal, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces told the Associated Press. Mr Trump visited the sprawling Ain al-Asad air base, about 100 miles west of Baghdad, in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. He did not meet with any Iraqi officials at the time, and his visit inflamed sensitivities about the continued presence of US forces in Iraq. Vice President Mike Pence also has visited the base. Iranian state TV said the Guards aerospace division that controls Irans missile program launched the attack, which it said was part of an operation called Martyr Soleimani. Unfortunately as a result of the stampede, some of our compatriots have been injured and some have been killed during the funeral processions Pirhossein Koulivand The US also acknowledged another missile attack on a base in Irbil in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners and allies in the region, said Jonathan Hoffman, an assistant to the US defence secretary. Wednesdays revenge attack happened just hours after crowds in Iran mourned Gen Soleimani at his funeral. It also came as the US continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the regions waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. US embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. A stampede broke out Tuesday at Gen Soleimanis funeral, and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 injured as thousands thronged the procession, Iranian news reports said. The stampede took place in Gen Soleimanis hometown of Kerman as his coffin was being borne through the city in south-eastern Iran, said Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Irans emergency medical services. Unfortunately as a result of the stampede, some of our compatriots have been injured and some have been killed during the funeral processions, Mr Koulivand said, and state TV quoted him as saying that 56 had died and 213 had been injured. Gen Soleimanis burial was delayed, with no new time given, because of concerns about the huge crowd at the cemetery, the semi-official ISNA news agency said. Frederic Vecchioli became the CEO of Safestore Holdings plc (LON:SAFE) in 2013. This report will, first, examine the CEO compensation levels in comparison to CEO compensation at companies of similar size. After that, we will consider the growth in the business. Third, we'll reflect on the total return to shareholders over three years, as a second measure of business performance. This method should give us information to assess how appropriately the company pays the CEO. View our latest analysis for Safestore Holdings How Does Frederic Vecchioli's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies? Our data indicates that Safestore Holdings plc is worth UK1.7b, and total annual CEO compensation was reported as UK1.6m for the year to October 2018. While this analysis focuses on total compensation, it's worth noting the salary is lower, valued at UK404k. We further remind readers that the CEO may face performance requirements to receive the non-salary part of the total compensation. As part of our analysis we looked at companies in the same jurisdiction, with market capitalizations of UK762m to UK2.4b. The median total CEO compensation was UK1.4m. That means Frederic Vecchioli receives fairly typical remuneration for the CEO of a company that size. While this data point isn't particularly informative alone, it gains more meaning when considered with business performance. You can see, below, how CEO compensation at Safestore Holdings has changed over time. LSE:SAFE CEO Compensation, January 8th 2020 Is Safestore Holdings plc Growing? Over the last three years Safestore Holdings plc has grown its earnings per share (EPS) by an average of 20% per year (using a line of best fit). In the last year, its revenue is up 8.3%. Overall this is a positive result for shareholders, showing that the company has improved in recent years. It's nice to see a little revenue growth, as this is consistent with healthy business conditions. It could be important to check this free visual depiction of what analysts expect for the future. Story continues Has Safestore Holdings plc Been A Good Investment? Most shareholders would probably be pleased with Safestore Holdings plc for providing a total return of 146% over three years. This strong performance might mean some shareholders don't mind if the CEO were to be paid more than is normal for a company of its size. In Summary... Remuneration for Frederic Vecchioli is close enough to the median pay for a CEO of a similar sized company . Few would be critical of the leadership, since returns have been juicy and earnings per share are moving in the right direction. Although the pay is a normal amount, some shareholders probably consider it fair or modest, given the good performance of the stock. CEO compensation is one thing, but it is also interesting to check if the CEO is buying or selling Safestore Holdings (free visualization of insider trades). If you want to buy a stock that is better than Safestore Holdings, this free list of high return, low debt companies is a great place to look. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told townspeople in the fire-ravaged community of Kangaroo Island he was thankful nobody died in the devastating blaze - which killed two people. The prime minister - who has faced international criticism over his handling of the bushfire crisis - was filmed discussing the disaster with locals. He said: 'Thankfully we've had no loss of life.' One of the guests interrupted to inform him the two men did in fact die on the island. 'Two. We've lost two,' they said. Mr Morrison quickly backtracked in an attempt to rectify the blunder. 'Two. Yes two, that's quite right. I was thinking about firefighters firstly,' he said. Bush pilot Dick Lang, 78, and his 43-year-old surgeon son Clayton were killed defending a property when the fast-moving inferno tore through the South Australian island last Friday. Well-known outback pilot Dick Lang (left) and his son, Adelaide surgeon Clayton Lang (right), died in the Kangaroo Island bushfire after their car was trapped by flames Mr Morrison's team later said he was discussing firefighting efforts in the moments leading up to the conversation. A spokesman for the PM said: 'The Prime Minister was referring to no loss of life of firefighters as they were discussing the firefighter efforts'. 'He was aware of the two deaths and met with one the relatives of those who were killed while on the island.' The mishap comes just a week after Mr Morrison was heckled in the burnt out town of Cobargo. One woman refused to return the prime minister's offered handshake until he organised more money for volunteer firefighters. Prime Minister Scott Morrison appeared to forget two people died on Kangaroo Island last week Mr Morrison is seen visiting a fire damaged property on Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide, Wednesday A gathered group of men and women proceeded to tell him he wasn't welcome in their town until he finally left. On Wednesday, Mr Morrison drew on memories of visiting Kangaroo Island as a tourist years ago. He lamented the loss of much of its 'spectacular' west coast from the fire. While he saw just a snapshot of the devastated area, the PM said he had also seen photographs of what now resembled a lunar landscape, including much of Flinders Chase National Park. Picture taken on Kangaroo Island as the fire front approached last Friday Prime Minister Scott Morrison is seen chatting with locals whose homes were ravaged when a fire swept through last week Prime Minister Scott Morrison is seen visiting a fire damaged property on Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide, Wednesday, January 8 But he told locals he was confident in their spirit and willingness to fight back. 'I can tell you, you're going to rebuild, you're going to rebuild here in South Australia; they're going to rebuild in NSW and Victoria and in all the other places that are affected,' he said. 'And the platform we're going to build it on is you because you built it in the first place and you'll build it again.' A dead koala and her joey are seen after the blaze tore through Kangaroo Island In addition to the two lives lost, Friday's fire razed 56 homes and scorched 160,000 hectares of land. A further 236 outbuildings and 257 vehicles were also destroyed in the blaze. Experts fear more than 100,000 animals perished as well. There are unconfirmed reports more than 1,000 beehives were lost in the blaze. 'This is still a large fire, which is not controlled,' chief officer Mark Jones told reporters. 'The fire has caused extensive damage to the Flinders Chase conservation park and devastated a number of small communities and properties.' 2019/2020 FIRE SEASON DEATH TOLL The national death toll of Australia's 2019/2020 bushfire season was 33 as of Monday, March 2, with 25 confirmed deaths in New South Wales, three in South Australia and five in Victoria. OCTOBER New South Wales: Robert Lindsey, 77, and Gwen Hyde, 68, were found in their burned out Coongbar home near Casino on October 9th. NOVEMBER New South Wales: The body of 85-year-old George Nole was found in a burnt out car near his home in Wytaliba, near Glen Innes. Vivian Chaplain, a 69-year-old woman from Wytaliba, succumbed to her injuries in hospital after attempting in vain to save her home and animals from the blaze. The body of 63-year-old Julie Fletcher was pulled from a scorched building in Johns River, north of Taree. Barry Parsons, 58, was found in a shed at Willawarrin, near Kempsey. Chris Savva, 64, died after his 4WD overturned near burnt-out South Arm bridge, near Nambucca Heads. A 59-year-old man was founded sheltered in a Yarrowitch water tank on November 7. He died of injuries on December 29. Victoria: David Moresi, 69, died after being involved in a traffic incident while working at the at the Gelantipy fire in East Gippsland on November 30. DECEMBER New South Wales: Firefighters Andrew O'Dwyer, 36, and Geoffrey Keaton, 32, died on December 19 after a tree fell on their truck while they were travelling through Buxton, south of Sydney. Samuel McPaul, 28, was battling a blaze in Jingellic, in Green Valley, about 70km east of Albury on the border of NSW and Victoria, on December 30 when a 'fire tornado' caused his 10-tonne firetruck to roll. South Australia: The body of 69-year-old Ron Selth was found in his Charleston home, which was destroyed by the Cudlee Creek blaze on December 21. NEW YEAR'S EVE FIRES New South Wales: Dairy farmer Patrick Salway, 29, and his father Robert, 63, died trying to save their property in Cobargo, near Bega, on December 31. A 70-year-old man, named by local media as Laurie Andrew, was found dead outside a home at Yatte Yattah, west of Lake Conjola. The body of a 70-year-old man was found in a burnt vehicle on a road off the Princes Highway at Yatte Yattah on the morning of New Year's Day. The body of a 62-year-old man was found in a vehicle on Wandra Road at Sussex Inlet about 11.30am on New Year's Day. A body, believed to be a 56-year-old man, found outside a home at Coolagolite, east of Cobargo on New Year's Day. An off-duty RFS firefighter, believed to be 72-year-old Colin Burns, was found near a car in Belowra after the New Year's Eve fires swept through. Victoria: Beloved great-grandfather Mick Roberts, 67, from Buchan, in East Gippsland, was found dead at his home on the morning of New Year's Day. Fred Becker, 75, was the second person to die in Victoria. He suffered a heart attack while trying to defend his Maramingo Creek home. JANUARY New South Wales: David Harrison, a 47-year-old man from Canberra, suffered a heart attack defending his friend's home near Batlow on Saturday, January 4. A 71-year-old man was found on January 6. Police have been told the man was last sighted on December 31, 2019 and was moving equipment on his property in Nerrigundah. An 84-year-old man who stayed to defend his home in Cobargo, NSW, dies in hospital three weeks after fire hit. His pet dog Bella, who stayed by his side as fires raged, was also killed in the disaster. Three American firefighters are killed when Coulson Aviation C-130 Hercules water bomber Zeus crashed while fighting fires near Cooma on Thursday January 23. They have been named as Capt. Ian H. McBeth, 44, First Officer Paul Clyde Hudson and Flight Engineer Rick A. DeMorgan Jr, 43. On January 24, Michael Clark, 59, was found in a Bodalla home destroyed by bushfires near the NSW South Coast town of Moruya. Victoria: Forest Fire Management firefighter Mat Kavanagh, 43, was killed Friday January 3 when he was involved in a two-car crash on the Goulburn Valley Highway. Bill Slade, a 60-year-old father of two from Wonthaggi was fighting fires with Parks Victoria at Omeo when he died on January 11. He has been remembered as one of the longest serving, most experienced and fittest firefighters. South Australia: Well-known outback pilot Dick Lang, 78, and his 43-year-old son, Adelaide surgeon Clayton Lang, died in the Kangaroo Island bushfire after their car was trapped by flames. Advertisement The small island off the coast of South Australia state is home to about 4,500 people Ember attacks contributed to the deadly blaze on Kangaroo Island, with fires popping up well in front of the actual fire front The CFS has completed an aerial survey of the island to determine which areas are likely to be of most concern as temperatures push into the 30s later this week. New activity is expected on the eastern flank of the fire in areas including Snug Cove, Stokes Bay and in the Andamel, Mt Taylor and Lathami conservation parks. Mr Jones said the CFS would increase its capability on the island and expected to be well prepared. Consideration was also being given to bringing in extra water bombers. The Kangaroo Island town of Vivonne bay will be evacuated amid fears lives could be lost if a bushfire still burning escalates and breaches containment lines amid deteriorating weather. Mr Morrison (far left) is seen with South Australian Premier Steven Marshall (second from the left) and Senator Anne Ruston (far right) during a visit to a fire damaged property on Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide Residents will be asked to seek refuge in either Kingscote or Penneshaw, with accommodation camps being set up. 'This a pre-emptive relocation due to the increased fire risk in the next two days,' the Country Fire Service said. 'Currently, there is no immediate threat to life or property but with increasing wind, warmer weather and going fires on Kangaroo Island, this situation is likely to change.' About 75 people live in the south coast town and will not be allowed to return until Friday but then only if it is deemed safe. Subscriber content preview BELLEVUE The Exotic Motors Auto Rebuild building, at 12882 Northup Way in Bellevue, has sold for $4 million, according to King County records. The sellers were married investors who acquired the land in 1983 for about $250,000, then developed it. . . . File image Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused the United States on Tuesday of violating its agreement with the United Nations by denying him a visa to speak at a Security Council meeting amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters on Monday that Zarif would not be given a visa to attend Thursday's meeting. Zarif confirmed on Tuesday that he would not be given a U.S. visa. "What we know is that the U.S. State Secretary (Mike Pompeo), in a call to the Secretary General of the United Nations (Antonio Guterres), said: 'We did not have time to issue a visa for Mohammad Javad Zarif and we will not issue a visa'," said Zarif, according to Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency. "The Secretary General responded by saying that it is Iran's right to take part in this session," Zarif said. Zarif wanted to attend a meeting of the Security Council on the topic of upholding the U.N. Charter. The meeting and Zarif's travel had been planned before the latest flare-up in tensions between Washington and Tehran. The Security Council meeting would have given Zarif a global spotlight to publicly criticize the United States for killing Iran's most prominent military commander, Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad on Friday. "I don't think Secretary Pompeo thought this was the right time for Mr Zarif to come to the United States and whenever he comes to New York he spreads propaganda," White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien told Fox News on Tuesday. "I think he'll be fine missing that meeting," he said, suggesting Zarif could participate by phone or video conference. Zarif posted on Twitter earlier on Tuesday: "What are they really afraid of? Truth?" Pompeo and Guterres spoke by phone on Monday. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said he was unaware of the exact status of Zarif's visa and declined to comment on the details of the phone call between Pompeo and Guterres. Iranian diplomats spoke with a senior official in Guterres' office on Monday afternoon, Dujarric said. Pompeo told reporters on Tuesday that he would not comment on visa matters "so I can't add much more to this issue of Foreign Minister Zarif's travel to the United States." "I'll say only this - we will always comply with our obligations under the U.N. requirements and the headquarters agreement and we will do so in this particular instance and more broadly everyday," Pompeo said. Under the 1947 U.N. "headquarters agreement," the United States is generally required to allow access to the United Nations for foreign diplomats. But Washington says it can deny visas for "security, terrorism and foreign policy" reasons. A possible caveat in the agreement reads: "The United States retains full control and authority over the entry of persons or property into the territory of the United States and the conditions under which persons may remain or reside there." Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen has said the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) violates the basic provisions of the Indian constitution. He said that the CAA should be turned down by the Supreme Court on the grounds of unconstitutionality as certain types of fundamental rights that link citizenship with religious differences can't exist. "My reading of the (amended) law is that it violates the provision of the Constitution," he said. Sen highlighted that citizenship on the basis of religion had been a matter of discussion in the constituent assembly and it was finally decided that "using religion for this kind of discrimination" would not be acceptable. Sen was speaking at the Infosys Science Foundation's Infosys Prize 2019 in Bengaluru. Sen, however, said that a Hindu who is persecuted in any country outside India deserves sympathy and his or her case has to be taken into account. "It (consideration for citizenship) has to be independent of religion but take cognisance of the sufferings and other issues into account," Mr Sen said. On the violence that erupted in the Jawaharlal nehru University (JNU) campus, he said that the lacuna was on the part of the university administration who couldn't prevent outsiders from entering the campus. Edited with agency inputs Also read: JNU attack: JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh files attempt to murder, intimidate complaint Bay of Plenty Tired of lock down and want to get back too work? Are you looking to step up and become Supervisor? Well, my client might... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz Ukraine has introduced a temporary ban to fly to Iran, Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk said at a briefing on Wednesday. "Until finding out the reasons for the tragedy, we have decided to suspend the operation of Ukrainian airlines in Iranian airspace. As soon as the reasons are clarified, the decision will be reviewed," he said. NASHVILLE - Prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for a man accused of killing four people at a Tennessee Waffle House. Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funks office said in a court filing that it would seek life in prison without the possibility of parole for Travis Reinking, The Tennessean reported Wednesday. Authorities say Reinking was nearly naked, wearing only a green jacket, when he opened fire in April 2018 at the Waffle House with an assault-style rifle. Police credit a quick-thinking restaurant patron with wrestling the rifle away from the gunman and likely preventing more deaths. The case was put on hold for months after the attack while Reinking was treated for schizophrenia. A judge later deemed him fit for trial and he was indicted last year on 17 counts including murder. Funk did not comment on the decision, which was included in a December court filing. Reinkings attorney, Paul Bruno, did not return the newspapers request for comment. The judge in the case has issued a gag order that forbids lawyers from discussing it. A trial date has not been announced. Trump fundraiser Imaad Zuberi was charged Tuesday with obstructing a federal investigation into whether foreign nationals unlawfully donated to the president's inaugural ceremony, AP reports. Catch up quick: Prosecutors say Zuberi deleted emails and backdated a $50,000 check to obstruct the investigation. The California investor contributed $900,000 to the president's inaugural committee in the months after his 2016 election and has also made large donations to Democrats, AP notes, including former President Obama's inaugural committee. The criminal complaint stated that the donation was in fact funded using money obtained from other sources, including a possible inaugural donor the AP identified as a Turkish-American businessman linked to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's regime. "The new charge was filed in the Southern District of New York as a criminal information which probably indicates that Zuberi intends to plead guilty to it," the Washington Post reports. Flashback: Zuberi pleaded guilty in a separate case in October for "falsifying records to conceal his work as a foreign agent while lobbying high-level U.S. government officials," per a Justice Department memo from that time. Go deeper: Trump campaign, RNC say they raised record-breaking $125 million in Q3 Rev. Christian Kwabena Andrew, also known as Osofo Kyiri Abosom, Leader and Founder of the new political party, Ghana Union Movement (GUM) and also the Head Pastor and General Overseer of the Life Assembly Worship Centre in Accra, has assessed the Akufo-Addo-led ruling NPP government. According to him, he will score the NPP and President Akufo-Addo 0.0% because they have done nothing ever since assuming the reins of power. "I have scored the NPP 0.0% for their performance because Nana Akufo-Addo has done little to earn high score; Akufo-Addo has not proven himself enough in terms of governance for Ghanaians to vote him again in 2020," he noted. Osofo Kyiri Abosom was speaking to Kwesi Fokuo Kudom Kayaso (KK) the Host of PAE MU KA on Local Digital TV Adinkra TV. He said the NPP has disappointed, deceived and dumped Ghanaians after winning power hence there is no sense in keeping the NPP in power. Osofo Kyiri Abosom recently launched the GUM party and his 2020 campaign ahead of the December polls in Tarkwa, Western region, during the Christmas festivities. The event attracted a large number of his supporters. One of the key messages at the campaign rally was that he vowed never to engage the private sector in any government matters should he become the next president. He said illegal mining Galamsey would be brought back in full swing under his government. A massive bushfire that almost wiped out a country town while 4,000 residents and tourists huddled on the beach is finally extinguished. Mallacoota, in Victoria's hard-hit Far East Gippsland, became the focus of Australia's bushfire crisis with images of the sky turning blood red as the inferno closed in beamed around the world. Hundreds of Country Fire Authority volunteers finally put out the blaze on Tuesday afternoon after battling to save the town since New Year's Eve. 'Mallacoota fire officially out. Strike Team 0204 on HMAS Choules tonight, home tomorrow,' a firefighter wrote next to a photo of his crew shared online. Country Fire Authority volunteers finally put out the Mallacoota bushfire, in Victoria's hard-hit Far East Gippsland, on Tuesday afternoon after battling to save the town since New Year's Eve Allison Marion's photo of her son Finn fleeing the advancing bushfires in the seaside town of Mallacoota in Victoria's far east has become an symbol of this year's bushfire crisis Mallacoota became the focus of Australia's bushfire crisis as the sky turned blood red as the inferno closed in Locals responded with joy that the town they fled for their lives was saved and thanked the volunteer firefighters for their efforts. 'Words cannot express how grateful we are for all you have done for our special town,' one wrote on a community Facebook group. Another wrote: 'It is amazing that despite the sad loss of some homes, the vast majority of Mallacoota and everyone in it was saved by these amazing people.' Others urged the firefighters to return so they could be thanked in person: 'You will see it in all its glory, we would love to see you all here again.' 'You saved our house, our friends and our memories! We will be back to Coota once the roads reopen to personally thank you for your heroic efforts and total commitment to protecting the Mallacoota community.' However, fire authorities warned residents against rushing back to their homes as the roads remained dangerous with damaged trees that could fall. Bad fire conditions are also forecast for the area on Friday with temperatures up to 40C, high winds, and thunderstorms that could ignite a new fire. Days earlier, thousands encircled by the fire were evacuated by navy ships along with 130 dogs, three cats, a rabbit, and a bird They endured a 20-hour voyage to Port of Hastings, 550km away, on Friday after spending four days on the beach preparing to swim for their lives The ship's vehicle bay was set up for pets and their owners to relax on military-style cots to relieve the exhaustion of surviving the fires Pets also made use of the cots while their owners wiled away the time on newly charged devices 'We have reports of local residents cutting their way out of closed areas. Residents must stop this immediately,' the warning read. 'It is also not safe to drive on these roads until they have been treated for hazardous trees and other damage. There is also still active fire in some of these areas. 'Fire damaged trees kill. It is not always obvious that a tree has been impacted by fire. We remind people to obey road closures. This is for your own safety.' Days earlier, thousands encircled by the fire were evacuated by navy ships along with 130 dogs, three cats, a rabbit, and a bird. They endured a 20-hour voyage to Port of Hastings, 550km away, on Friday after spending four days on the beach preparing to swim for their lives. In one image, one man had his head in his hands at the 'off leash pen' - all while clutching his dog in his lap This adorable pooch was one of 130 rescued and allowed to roam free around the ship This dog made a home for itself beneath the huge wheels of a military vehicle Army and navy members were also photographed playing with the friendly pooches Those on board had nothing but thanks for the navy and army personnel who rescued them, along with oil tanker Far Saracen. 'Everyone on HMAS Choules are truly amazing people. They were so caring sitting and asking how we were. Always smiling, no matter how tired they may have been,' one wrote. Evacuees shared photos of each other on the voyage, along with their pets, and the military members looking after them, serving food, and working on the ship. The ship's vehicle bay was set up for pets and their owners to relax on military-style cots to relieve the exhaustion of surviving the fires. Many of the owners are seen hugging and laying with their pets, while others can be seen to be clearly drawing solace from their dogs in times of difficulty. People on Facebook were quick to respond to the images, saying they are 'extraordinary', 'fantastic' and 'truly amazing' A man is seen with his pit bull terriers on board the HMAS Choules Evacuees shared photos of each other on the voyage, along with their pets One man even had his head in his hands at the 'off leash pen' - all while clutching his dog in his lap. Others could be seen reading books with their dogs during the long 20-hour trip on board the vessel. Army and navy members were also photographed playing with the friendly pooches. Some of the men and women on board said the 'crew were amazing with their care and dedication towards the animals and keeping families together (which included their pets)'. 'What an amazing way to document an unprecedented situation. Thank you so much for sharing!' one person posted. Evacuees talk and eat in the mess hall of HMAS Choules during the 20 hour voyage to safety More than 3,500 meals were served to the 1,100 evacuees during the voyage A smoke haze covered the coastal town as hundreds of people boarded boats headed for military ships as part of the evacuation on Friday A mother and her child celebrate arriving in Port of Hastings on Saturday, having been plucked from the beach as the fire bared down on them The mass evacuation took place in Mallacoota on Friday, where more than 4,000 locals and holidaymakers were stranded following the devastating bushfires on New Year's Eve. The first evacuees boarded the Navy ship, the MV Sycamore, from the fire ravaged coastal town at 8.40am on Friday, before around 1,000 others boarded a second vessel, the HMAS Choules, at 4pm. The voyage to Western Port in southern Victoria took around 20 hours, with Army staff serving around 3,500 meals while people were on board. The evacuation came after thousands of people spent four days in limbo after being told it was too dangerous to leave the seaside town following the bushfires last Tuesday. Others left Mallacoota by helicopter on Sunday. One commenter posted beneath the images: 'Great pictures. In a stressful time dogs make unbelievable companions' Many of the owners stayed with their dogs during the 20-hour trip in the vehicle bay for pets and owners The first evacuees boarded the Navy ship, the MV Sycamore, from the fire ravaged coastal town at 8.40am on Friday, before around 1,000 others boarded the HMAS Choules at 4pm The sky in Mallacoota as fires approached on New Years Eve turned an apocalyptic red colour. People were forced to flee to the beach Evacuees from Mallacoota arrive aboard the HMAS Choules on January 4 at the port of Hastings All emergency bushfire warnings in Victoria have been downgraded after rainfall provided some respite, but conditions are expected to deteriorate again on Friday. There have been 25 deaths this bushfire season and more than 1,600 homes have been lost, with almost six million hectares across Australia having been burnt, which is about the size of the Republic of Ireland. Two people remain unaccounted for in New South Wales, where there have already been 20 fatalities, and Victoria and South Australia have reported two and three deaths respectively. There are still 15 'Watch and act warnings' in Victoria and emergency supplies are being flown into the state's 18 cut-off communities. Representative image The DGCA on Wednesday asked Indian airline companies to remain vigilant and take all precautions in airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf, hours after a Ukrainian International airlines carrying 180 passengers crashed near Tehran in Iran. "We had held meetings with the concerned Airlines and have sensitised them to remain vigilant and take all precautions," said a senior official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday morning. US aviation regulator FAA has also asked all US airlines to stop operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman due to "events in Middle East". 40+ physician speakers, 20 healthcare startups and 4 physician workshops A focus on Physician Innovation with an all-physician speaker panel The only physician oriented conference around JP Morgan conference An educational program with 8 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits The InnovatorMD Global Summit 2020 is designed to create an exciting learning experience in the physician innovation space. The physician community welcomed it with enthusiastic response evidenced by attendees buying up the tickets in a record time. "We are very encouraged by the overwhelming response of the physician innovation community. We want to make this the best physician innovation event there is," said Dr. Uli K. Chettipally, President of InnovatorMD, the main sponsor and creator of the event, referring to the number of speakers and participants who are coming to this event. "The physicians are stressed out due to heavy workload and burnout. There is a tremendous need for a community networking and learning experience that provides fresh perspectives," said Dr. Brajesh Agrawal, the Chair of InnovatorMD Global Summit 2020. The topics for this conference are as varied as the elite cadre of speakers. Covering topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Care Delivery Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Learning Health System, Physician Wellness and Social Media, it is bound to address multiple areas of interest among the physician community. The 20 healthcare startups were handpicked to showcase the breadth of innovation and entrepreneurship that is happening now in the industry. They cover medical device, biotech, digital health and technology-enabled care areas. For more information about the event, go to www.IGS2020.com About InnovatorMD InnovatorMD is a healthcare innovation company founded by Uli K. Chettipally, MD, MPH, a physician and a pioneer in technology-enabled care, to spread innovation from a physician's perspective. InnovatorMD recognizes that physicians play a crucial role in healthcare as the scientific leaders, clinical teachers, care providers and patient advocates, which puts them in the center of innovation that is happening in the healthcare industry. Physician innovators develop new science and technology, teach new methods, deliver innovative approaches to care and advance positive outcomes for patients. InnovatorMD supports physician innovators by promoting their work through written word, presentation videos, live events and one on one consultations. InnovatorMD Global Summit is a live annual event of InnovatorMD, a platform for physician innovators to share their ideas, projects, and ventures to spread awareness and build thought leadership. The attendees gain knowledge and skills by learning, teaching and networking with like-minded physicians. SOURCE InnovatorMD Related Links www.innovatormd.com Gary Joseph Gravelle, 52, also known as Roland Prejean, pleaded guilty Monday to seven charges related to his threatening to kill, injure and intimidate people and explode property in Connecticut and elsewhere. Gravelle, who last resided in New Haven, also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release that followed his earlier federal convictions for sending threatening communications. According to court documents and statements made in court, Gravelle used the U.S. mail, email and telephone to threaten to harm people and explode property in Connecticut, Vermont and Washington. In a statement from U.S. Attorney John Durhams office, Certain letters that Gravelle mailed contained a white powdery substance and statements that the substance was Anthrax, a biological agent and toxin. Gravelle made threats to various mental-health providers and facilities in New Haven, U.S. Probation Officers, a U.S. District Court Judge, an international airport in Vermont, a federal prison in Washington, occupants of a building in Old Saybrook, a credit union in Bristol, and organizations and religious centers in Connecticut. He also sent a letter threatening to kill the President of the United States. Gravelle pleaded guilty to five counts of maliciously conveying false information about an explosive, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count; one count related to the sending of hoax Anthrax letters, and offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of making threats against the president, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. On July 19, 2013, Gravelle was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for mailing numerous threatening letters in 2010. Gravelle was released from prison in 2015 and, in September 2018, was still under federal supervision. In pleading guilty, Gravelle also admitted that he failed to comply with conditions of his supervised release. U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport scheduled sentencing for March 26. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and many local police and fire departments, including departments from Bristol, Guilford, Groton, Hartford, Middletown, New Haven, Old Saybrook, Southington and Stamford, Yale University, and Burlington, Vermont. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed. SACRAMENTO State Sen. Scott Wieners latest attempt to pass a bill to boost housing around public transit and in wealthy suburbs met a hostile reception Tuesday from a powerful colleague who could soon decide its fate. The measure, SB50, has been in limbo since May, when state Sen. Anthony Portantino, a Los Angeles County Democrat who chairs the Appropriations Committee, held the bill through a secretive process for legislation with a significant fiscal impact. He has until Jan. 24 to decide whether to advance the measure to a vote before the full Senate. But in the months since his bill stalled, Wiener did not consult with Portantino about amendments that he introduced Monday and Portantino was not pleased. Given that the criteria in the latest amendments create a nearly impossible threshold for cities to meet, the amendments seem like more theater than an implementable plan to truly engender broad support, Portantino, whose largely suburban district stretches from the San Fernando to San Gabriel valleys, said in a statement. The changes were meant to defuse cities objections that Wieners bill would take away their ability to decide how development would be managed, particularly by requiring that they allow apartments and condominiums to be built in areas now dominated by single-family homes. The San Francisco Democrat now has about two weeks to convince Portantino that his amendments will give cities enough control over where such housing should be built. There is still a wide chasm between them. Portantino said he wished that Wiener had shared his proposed changes sooner and adopted suggestions from local government groups, including a coalition of Los Angeles County cities that put forward what Portantino called a very positive document with a blueprint for a successful bill. I feel there was a lost opportunity to use the legislative break and the desire from so many groups and people across California to draft a bill that actually solves Californias affordable housing crisis, Portantino said. At a rally for his bill Tuesday in Oakland, Wiener said he had a strategy to advance the legislation and was cautiously optimistic it would clear the Senate by the end of January, another looming deadline. He dismissed a question about why he didnt consult Portantino before unveiling the amendments. Weve been playing nice throughout, Wiener said. The amendments give cities more flexibility in how to implement the legislation, so I think that goes in the direction that he was talking about in terms of local control. But, you know, he and I have a respectful disagreement about this bill. The new version of SB50 gives local governments two years to come up with their own plans to build as many homes as the law would require. In some cases, that could mean larger projects would be kept out of single-family neighborhoods. Cities that do not come up with plans would be required to allow four- or five-story buildings around transit stops and denser development in high-income areas close to job centers. After blocking SB50 in his committee, Portantino said he would prefer an approach that provides financial incentives to cities to build more, rather than forcing them to allow denser development. He is the co-author of a measure introduced Monday to allow cities to divert up to $2 billion of property tax revenue annually from schools to affordable housing projects and to be reimbursed for it by the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar proposal last year, citing the cost. Despite his powerful position, Portantino faces pressure of his own. Wiener is banking on the broad coalition that has lined up behind his bill, which includes business and labor groups, as well as market-rate and affordable-housing developers. Last years version of SB50 passed two committees with nearly unanimous support, including from Republican senators. A Republican lawmaker, Assemblyman Kevin Kiley of Rocklin (Placer County), appeared at Wieners rally in Oakland on Tuesday. And Capitol leaders are lining up to move the bill forward. Newsom has expressed his commitment to passing SB50 in some form this year, though he has yet to endorse any version of it, including the one that Wiener released Monday. Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, compared the bill to a measure tightening the rules for when California police officers can open fire on suspects, which inspired a passionate and divided response. After it fell short in 2018, Atkins pulled together civil liberties advocates who supported the bill and law enforcement groups that opposed it to negotiate a compromise that was signed into law in August . She said in a statement Monday that the experience provided a good template for how a wide-ranging and potentially controversial bill has the ability to succeed through the legislative process. Atkins said that some discussions on SB50 have already taken place and that she expected more regarding the amended version. I urge all of my colleagues, affordable housing advocates, and local communities to come together, work harder and make a diligent effort to help solve one of Californias most challenging problems, she said. San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Sarah Ravani contributed to this report. Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff The relationship between Holyrood and Westminster is at a low ebb and has deteriorated since Boris Johnsons election victory, Scotlands Constitutional Relations Secretary has said. Mike Russell claimed the UK Government had shown devolved nations scant if any respect and predicted it will ignore the Scottish Parliaments views on the Prime Ministers Brexit deal. Under the devolution agreement, Westminster must seek legislative consent for issues affecting devolved policy areas but, in practice, the UK Government could still proceed against the will of the Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish administrations. Expand Close Mike Russell has urged MSPs to reject the Brexit deal (Jane Barlow/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mike Russell has urged MSPs to reject the Brexit deal (Jane Barlow/PA) With MSPs likely to withhold consent for Mr Johnsons Withdrawal Agreement in a vote, Mr Russell told the Scottish Parliaments Constitution Committee it was a thoroughly bad Bill that prefaces a thoroughly bad Brexit. The Bill is not one that the Scottish people should accept and it is therefore not one that the Scottish Parliament should accept, he said. Revealing the state of relations between the two Governments ahead of a Joint Ministerial Committee, Mr Russell said: There has been scant, if any, respect for the devolved administrations, very little, if any, for the devolved competencies and a view that when push comes to shove the UK Government can do precisely what it wishes to do. He ascribed some of the blame to the considerable nervousness within the UKs civil service about what is taking place and how its taking place and said: Its fair to say that normal relationships which Ive been used to as a minister these last 12 years are at a low ebb from officials as well as ministers. They say that they work with the devolved administrations as if everything was wonderful - it isnt wonderfulMike Russell The Prime Ministers Withdrawal Agreement would give Westminster powers over devolved areas but the Scottish Government said they only learned of the Bills details the day before its publication. Addressing comments from the UK Government thanking Holyrood for its input to the Bill, Mr Russell said: They say that they work with the devolved administrations as if everything was wonderful it isnt wonderful. Its an extraordinarily difficult set of relations that have got even worse since the Johnson Government got elected. Mr Russell was asked by the SNPs Angela Constance about problems for EU citizens in the UK who are having to apply for rights they already have. Arguing there are practical problems with the settled status scheme as well as ethical concerns, Mr Russell said: This isnt a particularly well-run scheme and its producing results that are unacceptable for some people. But theres the political and moral objection to people who have spent some of them their entire working lives in this country as citizens working alongside all of us and are now being told they will only have the right to stay if they go through this process which they find offensive. It is disappointing the Scottish Government has so far refused to recommend legislative consent and are instead undermining this process to signal their opposition to BrexitUK Government spokesman He also raised concerns about the Withdrawal Agreements apparent changes in Clause 26 that would mean courts are no longer bound by previous judgements by European Courts. Citing the Scottish Governments Fair Work agenda as being based upon the rights and protections that exist in the European Union, Mr Russell warned the UK Government wants to cut and remove workers rights. He said: The reality of the situation is this will undermine workers rights and protections, human rights will be undermined and environmental rights will be undermined. I dont think theres any doubt about it. Responding to the remarks, a UK Government spokesman said: We have worked with the Scottish Government throughout the Brexit process and we will continue to do so. It is disappointing the Scottish Government has so far refused to recommend legislative consent and are instead undermining this process to signal their opposition to Brexit. Trade unions in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra on Wednesday joined the nationwide strike called to protest against the Centre's "anti-labour" policies. The trade unions protested against the labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies and to press for a 12-point common demand of the working class relating to minimum wage and social security, among other things. As part of the protest, a march was taken out by the Workers Employees' Association Joint Action Committee from Kranti Chowk to divisional commissioner's office here. The committee members handed over the memorandum to the government agencies. Members of CITU, INTUC, Bhartiya Kamgar Sena, Marathwada Audyogik Kamgar Sanghatana, Insurance Workers' Union and employees' unions of BSNL, Bajaj Auto, zilla parishad and anganwadis took part in the strike. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delaware man charged with throwing Molotov cocktail at Planned Parenthood office, feds say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A Delaware man is facing federal charges for allegedly causing an explosion during a suspected anti-abortion protest at a Planned Parenthood office. Samuel James Gulick, 18, allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the Planned Parenthood facility in Newark last week, causing a brief fire, federal authorities said Monday. MORE: Tennessee man arrested for threatening to 'shoot up' a Planned Parenthood in Washington, DC Gulick, who has a history of anti-abortion social media posts, was also captured on surveillance on Jan. 3 video spray-painting the Latin phrase "Deus Vult," or "God wills it, in red letters on the outside of the facility, prosecutors said. PHOTO: A Delaware man is facing federal charges for allegedly causing an explosion at a Planned Parenthood office on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020. (Google Maps) He allegedly pulled the Molotov cocktail from a plastic bag, lit it, and threw it at the front door of the building, prosecutors said. The object exploded as Gulick fled the scene. The fire burned for about a minute before self-extinguishing, but it damaged a window and the building's porch. Police said they identified Gulick by tracking the vehicle he fled in. They also used social media posts attributed to him, including posts containing the phrase Deus Vult, and several anti-abortion posts, prosecutors said. (MORE: Supreme Court lets abortion ultrasound law stand) He was arrested by the FBI without incident the following day on charges of maliciously damaging a building used in interstate commerce, intentionally damaging a facility that provides reproductive health services, and possession of an unregistered destructive device under the National Firearms Act. If convicted as charged, he could face 5 to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. It's unclear if he has retained an attorney. I spent New Year's in Iceland. It's an intriguing place to visit for those with agricultural inclinations. At first sight it resembles a snowy Connemara. Iceland is 10 times the size of Galway and Mayo combined but has a population smaller than those two counties. So think of a windswept, barren emptiness that only gets a few pitiful hours of watery daylight during the winter months. You'd be forgiven for discounting the notion that any food could be eked out of such a forlorn lump of volcanic rock in the north Atlantic. But it's that same volcanic landscape that is also Icelandic farmers' trump card. The collision of the American and European tectonic plates that created Iceland are still moving the very foundations of this country up to 2cm annually. This unleashes the geothermal energy that powers major tourist attractions such as outdoor baths, geysers and rumbling volcanoes. It also conveniently provides free heat to any farmer interested in investing in a glasshouse. So you can pull into farm cafes that serve up the same fare you'll get anywhere else in Europe, except that this has come out of a glasshouse around the corner in the depths of a sub-zero Nordic winter. However, the abundant energy hasn't stopped the Icelandic farmers from charging eye-watering prices. A bowl of mushroom soup with a buffet of bread and mushroom-themed tapanades (this was a mushroom farm after all) cost 17.50. Yes, it was an all-you-can-eat buffet but there's only so much mushroom soup you'll down in a single sitting! Nobody likes to be sweating the price of food or drink when they're on holidays but I couldn't help ruefully noting that it was costing nearly the profit of one of my turkeys to get a bowl of soup in Iceland. Loss leader While I eventually got nearly all the turkeys sold, it was a bit of a struggle. The fact that a major supermarket decided to do a big push on bronze turkeys at loss-leader prices didn't help. Christmas trees was the other line that I started on the farm three years ago thinking they would be a good niche. But they also got caught in the supermarket price wars this year. It's disheartening as a farmer to see every aspect of farm produce getting hammered so some exec out there can boast about an improved market share. I often think of the real wealth that my grandad and dad's generations were able to create from pure farm output. I was caught up in these thoughts recently when I got a good reality check from a Christmas tree grower down in Kerry. He was showing me around the 10ac field where he had close to 20,000 trees growing away. Despite the fact that the land was on the side of a hill, and that he had off-farm work to tend to, this grower was producing top-class product and had developed a large loyal customer base that was providing him a hell of a return on his 10 acres. Was there any chance he could rent the land next door to increase his output I asked. "That land was sold in the last year or so," came the instant reply. "Were you out-bid on it?" I said. "No, I'd no interest in it." "Why not? Sure it hardly made more than 10,000 an acre?" I pressed. "I'd say it didn't make much more than 5,000 an acre." "That would've been perfect for you," I exploded thinking that this man had missed the opportunity that every farmer dreams of: buying land that can be paid off in less than 10 years from the mere farming of it. "Nope. I'm content with what I already have," was the response that silenced all possible come-backs. It's something that I've still to grasp, and I suspect many others along with me. Of knowing when enough is enough. Why can't I be content with what I've already got rather than chasing the next great hope in an effort to better some ancestral ghost? I'd like to claim that this is going to be my new goal for 2020. But that would be totally disingenuous because there's already plenty of other farming ideas bubbling away in my head. But while I might strive to push more personal boundaries over the coming months, the concept of contentment is one I know deserves more than a passing consideration as we chalk down another year. Infiniti Research, a leading market intelligence solutions provider, has recently announced the completion of its latest custom market intelligence engagement for a consumer electronics supplier. This success story pinpoints the key challenges faced by a Canadian consumer electronics company, the approach undertaken by experts at Infiniti to help achieve their key objectives and the business impact of the engagement. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005520/en/ A consumer electronics supplier in Canada faced predicaments in identifying the rapid market changes which consequently resulted in huge losses for the company. In an attempt to curtail losses in market share, they introduced a new product in the market. To achieve huge commercial success for its new product, they needed help in devising a sound commercialization strategy. As such, they approached experts at Infiniti to support them in their research and strategy planning requirements. Other key objectives that the client sought to accomplish through the engagement includes: Understand their target customers' pain points, interaction patterns, purchasing habits, and spending behavior Analyze the performance of different campaigns in real-time Strategize the allocation of their marketing budgets To succeed in today's competitive marketplace, companies will need to embrace new market opportunities and overcome challenges coming their way. Our custom market intelligence services will help you to gather comprehensive insights into market trends, opportunities, and challenges. Request a free proposal to know how you can benefit by partnering with us. As a part of the customer market intelligence solution, our experts followed an approach that involved: Customer needs assessment Market scanning and monitoring analysis Marketing strategy engagement Wondering how your business can benefit from our custom market intelligence solution? Request more information from our experts! The business impact of the custom market intelligence solution Gauged the market potential of the new product Identified critical customer pain points Personalized market strategies for various customer segments Analyzed the performance of marketing campaigns in real-time Allocated the marketing budget effectively Sold approximately 37,000 units of the new products within the first year of launch Want to gain more insights into our services portfolio? Request a free brochure About Infiniti Research Established in 2003, Infiniti Research is a leading market intelligence company providing smart solutions to address your business challenges. Infiniti Research studies markets in more than 100 countries to help analyze competitive activity, see beyond market disruptions, and develop intelligent business strategies. To know more, visit: https://www.infinitiresearch.com/about-us View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005520/en/ Contacts: Infiniti Research Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 844 778 0600 UK: +44 203 893 3400 https://www.infinitiresearch.com/contact-us Tension prevailed in Shajapur town in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday after some unidentified persons hurled stones at a rally organised in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) here on Wednesday. The incident occurred during the pro-CAA rally taken out by the Rashtriya Raksha Manch in the afternoon, following which shopkeepers downed the shutters of their outlets for some time. Shajapur Superintendent of Police (SP) Pankaj Shrivastava said some unidentified miscreants pelted stones when the rally reached Qureshi Mohalla area. "The police personnel walking along the rally immediately brought the situation under control. The rally later reached its destination under police protection," he said. Additional police force was deployed in the area, Shrivastava said, adding that the situation was now under control. "No case has been registered in this connection so far, but appropriate legal action would be initiated against the miscreants after the incident is investigated," he said. Meanwhile, Rashtriya Raksha Manch president Narayan Prasad Pandey sought action against the stone pelters. He said stones were hurled towards the rally although it was being taken out in a peaceful manner. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An atheist group is demanding an Illinois city remove a well-known cross from a mural, saying it is inappropriate and unconstitutional for such a symbol to be on government land. The mural in Effingham, Ill., was painted on an overpass near Effingham High School and shows a United States flag alongside a white cross an obvious reference to the Cross at the Crossroads, a 198-foot white cross that rests on private land in Effingham and is one of the citys top tourist attractions. It even has a visitor center. The tall cross was completed in 2001 and dedicated on Sept. 16 that year, five days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Although the cross itself resides on private land, the mural is on government property. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) sent a letter to Effinghams mayor in December demanding its removal. FFRF calls itself an organization of atheists, agnostics and skeptics of any pedigree that promotes the complete separation of church and state. It is inappropriate and unconstitutional for a government-owned mural to prominently feature a religious display, such as a Latin cross, the letter says. It is especially inappropriate where the display is placed in a location where it will predominantly be viewed by public school children and staff moving from one part of their campus to another. Effingham City Administrator Steve Miller told the Effingham Daily News that no decision has been made. We have been researching the legal aspect of the matter and want to consult with the City Council before we make any statements, Miller said. We are reviewing the matter internally. A Change.org petition urging the city to leave the mural alone has gained more than 23,000 signatures. The cross on the mural represents the people of Effingham and should be left up to show our pride of the city, the petition says. On Saturday, citizens gathered in front of Effingham City Hall to show their support for the mural. They carried American and Christian flags, the Daily News reported. The cross on the mural is not forcing religion on anyone, said Dale Spindler, 59, of Watson. Its part of our community. Meanwhile, First Liberty Institute sent a letter to the city asserting that the mural is protected by Supreme Court precedent, the Washington Examiner reported. First Liberty pointed to a 2019 decision in which the high court ruled a World War I memorial cross on government land does not violate the U.S. Constitution. The Cross at the Crossroads two decades of prominence as part of Effingham surely has established it as just such a symbol and part of the community, the letter from First Liberty reads. Related: VA Hospitals to Allow Bible Displays, Distribution under New Policy The Cross Does not Offend the Constitution -- Supreme Court Upholds WWI Memorial Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com Photo courtesy: Jarrett Jones/Change.org Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. A bricklayer has been arrested after being accused of fathering four children with his daughter during a r.a.p.e ordeal lasting 20 years. The youngsters were found living in a rundown bungalow in the small town of Arequito in Santa Fe, Argentina, by police who also found two guns during a search of the property. The 57-year-old suspect is said to have given the children fathered with his 32-year-old daughter biblical names. His daughter told cops she had been sexually abused since she was nine and he was the father of her children aged 11, 13, 17 and 19. State prosecutor Juan Pablo Banos confirmed an investigation was ongoing and the suspected father of the four youngsters was being held in custody after his daughter reported him to police. He told a local radio station: On Monday a woman aged 32 went to police to say she had been sexually abused by her father from the age of nine and she had given birth to four children aged 11 to 19 as a result. Revealing a triggering event had led to her reporting him to police, he added: The threats she allegedly received probably led to her living trapped in a world she couldnt escape. Its hard to comprehend these sorts of situations from the outside but its common in these sorts of cases and its what the psychologists tell us when we consult them. Officials have confirmed the suspect was separated from his wife. DNA tests are taking place to confirm he is the father of the four children. Investigators are working on the theory he used the guns seized from his home to intimidate his daughter and make her submit to his sexual desires. Local reports say neighbours of the woman in Arequito, a town of around 7,000 inhabitants, knew what was going on and had tried to alert authorities but were told police could not do anything unless the alleged victim accused her dad of wrongdoing. In January 2016 police in the northern Argentinian province of Santiago del Estero arrested Daniel Bulacio and accused him of fathering eight children with his daughter during a 22-year reign of terror. The 59-year-old, better known by his nickname of Vernacho, was jailed for 12 years and eight months in December 2017. His illiterate daughter said at the time of his arrest: From the moment my mum left home I became my fathers wife. He abused me from the age of nine. He would hit me and used to chase me round the house with a lump of wood when he saw me chatting to a neighbour or simply wanted to abuse me. He threatened me constantly and I always feared for my life. He told me he would kill me if I said anything. Im scared for my life and the life of my children because today Im receiving threats from my fathers siblings to withdraw my complaint against him. Theyre not at all concerned about whats happened. I want him to rot in jail. I want justice to be done. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates With a fresh Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture in the Drama category from this past Sunday and a slew of BAFTA nominations newly announced today, this awards season is already shaping up to be a busy one for actor Joaquin Phoenix. Suffice it to say, the Joker lead is set to become a familiar face in the upcoming onslaught of red carpet round-ups, but unlike a lot of his fellow nominees, Phoenix has already let us know what he'll be sporting all season long. Related | The Hypocrisy of Red Carpets Under Climate Change In a tweet posted by Stella McCartney yesterday, the designer announced that we'll be seeing Phoenix in the same custom black tux for the entire 2020 award show season in an effort to cut down on waste. "This man is a winner wearing custom Stella because he chooses to make choices for the future of the planet," McCartney wrote. "He has also chosen to wear this same Tux for the entire award season to reduce waste. I am proud to join forces with you." A noted vegan, animal rights and climate activist, the move doesn't come as a big surprise from Phoenix. In his acceptance speech, the actor lauded the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for curating an exclusively plant-based menu for the night as well as the many nods fellow winners had made to the climate crisis and specifically the ongoing Australian wildfires. But Phoenix also urged his fellow nominees to go a step further and put their money where their mouth is, saying "It's great to vote but sometimes we have to take that responsibility on ourselves and make changes and sacrifices in our own lives and hope that we can do that. We don't have to take private jets to Palm Springs for the award sometimes, or back." Related | How to Help Australian Fire Victims By electing to only wear one suit for the entire season, Phoenix is choosing to lead by example. In his new column for PAPER, Wear Me Out, writer Evan Ross Katz pointed out that despite the HFPA's very vocal commitment to environmentally conscious choices, there lies an inherent hypocrisy in the rotating carousel of starlets sporting new customized one-off gowns at each event. It's no secret that the fashion industry is a major contributor of global waste, and while many brands and designers, McCartney included, have made concerted efforts to minimize environmental impact, those measures can only go so far. As Phoenix (and to a lesser extent Gervais') pointed out, the onus lies on the celebrities to take responsibility for the ways their lives contribute to the current climate crisis and ultimately do better. Released at 4pm on the day of recording, the Leader podcast brings you the latest news, analysis and interviews from the Evening Standard. Our journalists, editors and columnists will take you through the days events, helping you understand whats happening during these extraordinary times. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 3.7k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard After Iran forcefully retaliated for the U.S. strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani last week, Donald Trump backed down from making an Oval Office address to the nation. It was first reported by CNN that the president was planning a speech from the Oval Office after U.S. troops were targeted by Iranian missiles, but he appears to have had second thoughts. White House aides were initially making urgent preparations for such a speech, but those plans quickly unraveled as events continued to deteriorate in the Middle East. According to Kaitlan Collins of CNN, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Miller arrived at the White House late Tuesday in what looked to be the beginning prep stages for an address to the nation. Defense Secretary Esper just arrived at the White House carrying a large bag. Secretary Pompeo, seen reading in his car before he got out, also arrived. Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 8, 2020 But not long after, Collins reported that those three officials and Vice President Mike Pence left the White House, and the administration said Trump would not be addressing the nation as U.S. troops come under attack by Iran. All three officials and Vice President Pence just left the White House. The White House now says Trump will NOT address the nation tonight. https://t.co/OEaGIpUzpc Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 8, 2020 Everything Trump touches gets worse No matter what area of politics or policy that Donald Trump touches, it gets immeasurably worse. The damage hes done to American institutions will take a generation to fix. So as U.S. troops come under fire by missiles in the Middle East, it may seem strange that the commander-in-chief isnt putting himself in front of a camera to explain to the country whats going on. But on a night when America appears to be in the beginning stages of a war with Iran, the last thing the world needed was a speech from the unhinged and incompetent man who started this mess. This fire that was created by Donald Trump doesnt need anymore gasoline. Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter (Adds Mozambique's attorney general's Office) JOHANNESBURG, Jan 6 (Reuters) - Russian state lender VTB has filed a lawsuit in Britain's High Court against a Mozambican government company it lent hefty sums to as part of a project now at the centre of a $2 billion debt scandal, an online court filing shows. The filing, dated Dec. 23, names as defendants the Mozambique state and Mozambique Asset Management, which took a $535 million loan from VTB as part of a costly project that U.S. authorities say was an elaborate front for a bribery and kickback scheme. It says the case relates to "general commercial contracts and arrangements" but does not elaborate. It provides no further information other than that VTB Capital, the investment banking arm of VTB, is being represented by law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. It does not state whether the case relates to the loan, which Mozambique and VTB had been trying to restructure. The deputy head of the legal department of VTB Capital said in October the loan represented a "significant exposure" it expected to be repaid. VTB did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment, and Mozambique's Attorney General's Office said it was waiting for formal notification of the lawsuit. The debt scandal has already sparked a series of court cases spanning London, New York and South Africa, ensnaring global investment bank Credit Suisse, three of its former bankers, Mozambique's former finance minister and a past president's son. However this is the first time any of the cases have involved VTB. Russia and Mozambique strengthened ties throughout 2019, with President Filipe Nyusi visiting the nation in August. Credit Suisse and VTB provided or arranged a total of around $2 billion for the project, encompassing tuna fishing, maritime security and shipyard development. Hundreds of millions of dollars went missing, while the benefits never materialised. Mozambique did not disclose some of the loans, which were guaranteed by the state. The International Monetary Fund and other donors cut off support when they came to light in 2016, triggering a currency collapse and sovereign debt default. It remains on the hook for the money, the largest chunk of which now sits in a restructured eurobond. The country is trying to challenge the guarantee related to a $622 million loan from Credit Suisse, also in a London court. (Reporting by Emma Rumney; editing by Lisa Shumaker) Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, which Teheran said was a "slap in the face" of America. IMAGE: Mourners attend a funeral procession of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards, and the Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were killed in an air strike at Baghdad airport, at Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf on January 4, 2019. Photograph: Reuters. According to Iranian State TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. While the Iranian State television claimed that "at least 80 terrorist US soldiers" were killed in the strikes, the Pentagon said it is working on initial battle damage assessments. Some 5,000 US soldiers are in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the IS terror group. The Iraqi military in a statement said a total of 22 missiles hit two bases housing US troops, but there were no victims among the Iraqi forces. Shortly after the missile attacks, Trump tweeted, "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the attacks were a "slap in the face" of the US. In a speech broadcast live on state television, Khamenei said, "Last night, a slap in the face was delivered." US officials said President Trump has been briefed and he is monitoring the situation. "We are working on initial battle damage assessments," Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said. Hoffman said around 5:30 pm on January 7, "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq". "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, he said. White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said the president has been briefed about the situation. We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The president has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team, Grisham said. Hoffman said in recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the department of defence has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard its personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region, he said. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region, Hoffman said. A recent report on the results of a 10-year gene therapy study in dogs, which was presented on December 9, 2019, at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting in Orlando, Florida, has stirred up old fears that by using a virus to insert therapeutic genes into the human genome, scientists may inadvertently be pushing cancer buttons in the treated cells. Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock.com Gene therapy has always been the Holy Grail of medicine when it comes to conditions that are caused by defective genes. Recently, the use of a harmless virus called adeno-associated virus (AAV), which is capable of infecting human cells without any apparent ill-effects, has made it easier to introduce targeted sequences of corrective DNA into a defective cell to repair a gene. The inserted DNA formed a loop called an episome that floated free within the nucleus rather than becoming a structural part of the host chromosome. Why AAV is required For gene therapy, the replacement gene needs to be injected into the target cell so it can become part of its genetic database. Early experiments on gene therapy used a viral vector; it infected the target cell and thus inserted the whole of its genome into the host cell chromosomes. However, when this was found to have induced tumors in some children, this approach was halted. This is why the AAV appealed to genetic researchers, and this vector has been behind many novel gene therapies introduced recently. For instance, in 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, a hereditary neurological condition that eventually kills the individual. Another such therapy is designed to treat hemophilia B in which the person has a gene defect that prevents the production of an essential clotting factor. This therapy aims to insert a therapeutic gene into the liver by means of doctored-AAV infection of liver cells, making the liver capable of producing the missing protein. It is slotted for approval in 2020. Currently, target genes are often injected into a modified version of the AAV, which is used as a ferry or a vector to get the gene into the cell in a way that will ensure it remains intact. The use of the AAV was justified by previous observations that it hardly ever incorporates its own genome into the host chromosomes, minimizing the risk that it could introduce cancer-causing mutations. The new study shows that this might indeed happen. The study The study involved nine dogs with hemophilia A, caused by the genetic deficiency of the crucial clotting factor called Factor VIII, which was treated by gene therapy. The AAV virus inserted the therapeutic gene successfully. The dogs were sacrificed once the experiment ended after a follow up of up to 10 years, and 6 of the livers were examined. The findings Seven of the nine dogs that had received the replacement gene showed a stable increase in the level of Factor VIII in 7 of the animals. In the other two dogs, the increase continued to occur after a period of about three years, and eventually, these dogs had a fourfold rise in Factor VIII by the end of 7-8 years. The scientists found that in all 6 of the livers examined after the experiment ended, the DNA introduced by the AAV vector had inserted itself into the dogs genome at multiple loci. In some cases, it was the Factor VIII gene, but in many more, it was a part of a regulatory sequence that was incorporated in spotty fashion across the dog chromosomes. With some of these, the regulatory fragments were perilously located near genes that control cell growth. In other words, the viral vector was indeed injecting the modified gene into the host cells chromosomes. Some insertions occurred at critical sites where the cells growth was regulated. As a result, it is possible that it could interfere with normal cell growth regulatory genes to tip the cell into a cancerous phenotype, where non-regulated cell growth and proliferation occurs to form a tumor. The researchers also found that there were clumps of cells derived from a single infected cell at certain places within the liver, all showing the same insertions of genetic material. This shows that cell division occurred in these cells at a higher rate than in other cells. They suspect that this could have been the result of growth activation by the inserted regulatory genes, though they will need to do more work to prove it. This would explain why the clones of modified cells occurred, and why Factor VIII levels rose so markedly in 2 dogs. Implications The current finding was predicted almost two decades ago, ever since it was found that newborn mice injected with high doses of AAV showed its genome becoming part of their own, and causing liver cancer. The fact that newborn mice are not physiologically comparable to adult humans lulled such fears for a while. However, the new study reports findings from older, larger adult dogs treated with AAV-delivered gene therapy. The scientific community is divided in its response. Some scientists who took part in the first successful gene therapy trial for hemophilia B say the findings werent unexpected: the level of integration of the introduced DNA was low, the livers seemed apparently healthy and functional, and factor VIII levels remained constant. Integration is, in fact, a good thing because it ensures that the inserted DNA will pass down through generations of cells, and the patient will, therefore, continue to show the beneficial effects for many years. On the other hand, an episome doesnt take part in the normal duplication of DNA that occurs when a cell divides, and will, therefore, pass down to only one of the daughter cells formed. As a result, it could be lost over time, and its effects could be no longer seen. But other scientists point to the known tendency of cells to acquire mutations. They ask, what if these clones of mutated cells get another mutation that drives growth? They would then give rise to tumors in the tissues treated with such AAV treatments. The take-home The current study thus points to the need to search for signs that this is happening in other dog studies carried out over the long term, and in the scheduled biopsies from the hemophilia B patients treated with gene therapy at the St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Scientists like Lillicrap are already investigating this possibility in their own experimental animals. The key recommendation they make is that the current FDA protocol mandating a five-year screening period for liver cancer for all people who have received AAV-vectored genes is insufficient in the light of this new evidence: instead, they need to be followed up much longer. Sources Kaiser, J. (2020). Virus used in gene therapies may pose cancer risk, dog study hints. https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/01/virus-used-gene-therapies-may-pose-cancer-risk-dog-study-hints Shamed former CBS host Charlie Rose has admitted he flirted with colleagues Gayle King and Norah O'Donnell and said they referred to him as 'Charlie F**kin Rose'. Newly-released pages from his November 14, 2019 deposition reveal the veteran newsman confessed to knowing about the rude nickname he had at the CBS studios. The details emerged after Kenneth Goldberg - who conducted the deposition - asked a judge to compel him to answer questions he dodged in the May 2018 sexual harassment case from former CBS employees Sydney McNeal, Katherine Harris and Chelsea Wei. Rose, 78, admitted he knew he had a questionable reputation when asked if he was aware about his alternative branding. 'I've heard that yes,' the CBS This Morning co-anchor from 2012 to 2017 said. But Rose denied he referred to himself that way, telling Goldberg in the deposition: 'No I just wouldn't do that.' Charlie Rose said that Gayle King and Norah O'Donnell were some of his colleagues who referred to him as 'Charlie F**kin Rose', newly-released details from his deposition reveal Probed whether King called him the nickname containing the profanity, Rose replied: 'Yes.' Questioned further on whether Norah O'Donnell 'used that term' he responded: 'I could imagine she did but I don't remember specifically' Later probed whether King called him the nickname containing the profanity, Rose replied: 'Yes.' Questioned further on whether Norah O'Donnell 'used that term' he responded: 'I could imagine she did but I don't remember specifically.' Rose bluntly said 'yes' when asked whether her flirted with Erica Golodryga, King and Rose. When it came to being asked whether he flirted with Erica Hill he responded: 'Erica Hill only worked there for a short time. I don't know her as well.' He admitted he flirted with his female colleagues in the middle of the CTM studio. Rose's attorney, Jonathan Bach, would not allow his client to answer when probed on whether he thought the behavior was 'acceptable'. But when rephrased and asked whether it was 'appropriate', Rose said: 'No one seemed to object'. Rose admitted he knew he had a questionable reputation in November, saying he heard about the nickname but didn't use to to refer to himself He admitted he flirted with his female colleagues in the middle of the CTM studio But when asked if flirting was 'appropriate' behavior he said 'no one seemed to object' Three women accused him of 'predatory behavior' and 'blatant and repeated sexual harassment' in May 2018. King said the claims made her feel sick to her stomach but denied any prior knowledge of the allegations. Rose was fired from the network in November 2017 after 27 women came forward to accuse him of sexual harassment, including groping, making lewd late night phone calls and being naked in their presence. The former host admitted flirting with Wei, replying, 'sure' when probed. He explained his definition of flirting was to 'show interest in her intelligence and curiosity'. Rose claimed his flirting included 'conversations about China' where he expressed interest in doing shows and she reciprocated the interest. He added that 'nothing comes to mind' regarding other language or physical behavior that may have constituted flirting with Wei. Harris, McNeal and Wei claim Rose would brag about his supposed sexual exploits, touch their legs and back, kiss them on the cheek and ask about their sex lives. Katherine Brooks Harris (left), Sydney McNeal (right) and Yuqing 'Chelsea' Wei accused Rose of 'predatory behavior' and 'blatant sexual harassment in their lawsuit filed May 2018. Rose admits he made a 'joking comment' to Harris and McNeal, saying along the lines of ''you're spending all this time together, you might as well be sleeping together'',' his lawyers wrote Rose claimed his flirting included 'conversations about China' where he expressed interest in doing shows and she reciprocated the interest Rose first replied to the three ex employees' lawsuit in September 2018, claiming the women were 'exploiting the #MeToo movement' and called their allegations of harassment meaningless, asking for the case to be dropped. In November he demanded the case be dismissed. Now Kenneth Goldberg is asking New York Supreme Court Justice Doris Ling-Cohan to make Rose address certain issued he refused to talk about the deposition. Goldberg wants to know whether Rose reviewed documents to prepare for the deposition. 'Plaintiffs' questions/lines of questioning are proper and routine in gender discrimination cases,' a memorandum filed Monday states. '[T]hey probe, among other items, Rose's motive to discriminate against women in the workplace, his habits towards women in the workplace, and his workplace behavior. 'Plaintiffs' questionings are also proper because Plaintiffs have obtained evidence of Rose's treatment of other women in the workplace through deposition/affidavits.' McNeal and Harris accuse Rose of 'placing his hands on [their] thigh and kissing [their] cheek' while dining out with the host Rose admits he made a 'joking comment' to Harris (pictured) and McNeal about them 'sleeping together' because they were spending so much time together in the workplace He admitted to having romantic relationships with employees but would not name them at the advice of his attorney. Rose avoided answering to claims in the Washington Post that he made an intern watch an S&M movie scene. 'Rose refused to answer questions about his conduct towards and interactions with many women in the workplace, including women that have directly accused him of sexual harassment through affidavits, depositions, prior lawsuits and statements to among other outlets the Washington Post,' the memorandum in support of compelling him continues. 'Plaintiffs' questionings are also proper because Rose has publicly alleged, as a defense, his treatment of women in the workplace during his entire 45-year career in journalism, and that his conduct toward Plaintiffs was not based upon gender and was just a 'joke'.' Rose admits he made a 'joking comment' to Harris and McNeal about them 'sleeping together' because they were spending so much time together in the workplace. McNeal and Harris accuse Rose of 'placing his hands on [their] thigh and kissing [their] cheek' while dining out with the host. Rose is seeking for the case to be tossed and for his attorney fees be paid for, as well as any costs he incurred during the legal process. Reps for CBS, Rose, King and O'Donnell did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal A company contracted for emergency board-up services at unsafe properties billed the city of Albuquerque $300 per month from December 2018 to August 2019 for rental fencing at one southeast area site. The problem? No fence ever was erected at the site beyond what the owner already had, according to a new report from the office of Albuquerque Inspector General Kenneth Bramlett. The same company also charged $21,600 for 96 hours worth of general trash, weeds and debris removal at another site, though the emergency services contract stipulates that work should be completed within 48 hours. (The company later offered a $4,725 discount.) In a separate instance, the contractor charged more than 10 times what a different vendor charged for similar work. And the OIG identified other concerns during an investigation into potential fraud involving an unnamed city code enforcement supervisor and contractor Native Sons Real Estate Services. The resulting report said the OIG lacked evidence to substantiate or unsubstantiate allegations of potential collusion between the company and the city worker, who called upon Native Sons far more often than his peers and was spotted with the companys T-shirts. But it did find the city employee and Native Sons were not fully compliant with code enforcement procedures or the terms of the companys contract. It also determined the city worker violated city rules related to factual and accurate record-keeping. Native Sons owner is disputing the reports findings, saying his company performed the work the city requested and charged what his contract allows. He said he has been a diligent city contractor and continues getting city work. We continue working with the city and look forward to continuing working with the city, owner Junior Baca said in an interview Tuesday. Its just something were good at. But Planning Department spokeswoman Maia Rodriguez said the department is exploring options to terminate its contract with Native Sons. It is also requiring monthly photographic evidence of work and making other internal changes so employees have clearer direction about what constitutes an emergency for board-up services. We are also finalizing a new policy that will require a higher-level department supervisor to review and approve all requests for emergency services, she said in a written statement. The city employee, meanwhile, faced appropriate discipline, Rodriguez said, though she could not provide additional details on the personnel matter. The OIG report raised questions about whether all the Native Sons jobs constituted emergencies, which the contract defines as a property condition that endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety or welfare for the public and/or occupants. It also found that most of Native Sons city assignments were tied to the aforementioned code enforcement supervisor. A total of $45,850 of Native Sons outstanding June 2019 invoices with the city were linked to him, when all the other code enforcement specialists and supervisors had between $200 and $4,560 worth of bills from the company. There was a similar disparity in July. OIG also noted a disparity in Native Sons fees. In May, Native Sons charged $4,200 to put up 14 fence panels at a Northeast Heights address. It then billed the city $4,200 in monthly fence rental fees until September. But the city canceled the job and dispatched another contractor for the same site, which charged a total of $287 for installation, removal and monthly rent for an 84-foot fence, the report found. Ostrowski said he is seeking a damage award from the county to compensate for the higher pension benefits he has been denied for the past 17 years he has been retired from the county police force. He said it isnt clear how much the suit would cost the county, although compensation for all disabled county police officers could be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ostrowski has been rebuffed over the years by the sheriff and the County Council, the fiscal body of county government. County officials said two years ago an actuarial study they commissioned had estimated a 3% cost-of-living increase for disabled officers would cost more than $247,000 for that year alone and require a larger tax contribution by the county council to the pension fund. Ostrowski said this week the actuarial study county officials have used is flawed because it includes all retired officers drawing a pension. He said a cost-of-living increase for only disabled officers would amount to less than $100,000 a year. Ostrowski, 57, a six-year county police veteran, said he became disabled in 2003 following back surgery for injuries he suffered in a traffic accident while in training at the state's police academy five years earlier. Love 0 Funny 4 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Believe it or not, last nights snowfall might have been the biggest of the slow-starting season. All it had to do was beat out the 0.1 inches that fell on Dec. 11 and the traces from Dec. 16 and 18. In other news, a Philadelphia exoneration highlights flaws in the legal system, Pennsylvanias new hemp rules could hurt industry-pioneering farmers, and President Donald Trump and Carrie Underwood are both planning trips to Wildwood. Josh Rosenblat (@joshrosenblat, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) In 1989, three drug dealers were lured to a housing project to buy guns, robbed, loaded into a van, and shot execution-style, their bodies left in different locations in North Philadelphia. Testimony from a man named James White helped convict two Germantown men Christopher Williams and Theophalis Wilson of the gruesome crimes. Williams maintained his innocence for close to 30 years and was exonerated in December. And, based on significant, material, exculpatory evidence, Phillys district attorney argued that Wilson should be cleared. The case highlights a number of issues with Philadelphias and Pennsylvanias legal systems, including, lawyers say, concealed evidence, corrupt relationships with informants, and an inadequate way of appointing and funding defense counsel that ultimately kept both men in prison for decades. After two days of contentious legal arguments, Maddie isnt going anywhere. A U.S. district judge has yet to rule whether the 6-year-old girl from Guatemala could leave the immigration detention center in Berks County with her father soon. She has been there for close to 200 days. Federal immigration authorities have offered to immediately release Maddie to her mother in New Jersey. But the familys lawyers said the failure to release her father makes the overture merely a different form of family separation. What you need to know today Through your eyes | #OurPhilly Last nights weather had me like but Im doing my best to today. Great find, @westofbroad. Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and well pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out! Thats interesting Opinions Despite some observations that the mayors second-term agenda isnt as ambitious as his first, he and other incoming leaders seemed to find the right notes and words prioritizing the safety of citizens, promoting equality and access for a city that once again has charged them to help make their lives better. Inquirer columnist Helen Ubinas writes about her impressions of Mayor Jim Kenneys plans for his second term. One of the big things to come out of Kenneys speech was his promise of street sweeping. Inquirer columnist Mike Newall writes that he supports the initiative but also that its hard not to be a little bit cynical. The Inquirer Editorial Board writes about what a potential war with Iran would mean by looking back at the last two decades of U.S. involvement in the Middle East. What were reading The Appeal covers potential reforms to Pennsylvanias sex offense registry and how Attorney General Josh Shapiro is fighting them. The New York Times looks at the modern American mall, including one in New Jersey that has an indoor ski hill. (We covered that mall specifically in a story last month.) Your Daily Dose of | a Revolutionary War traitor Around here, its pretty common for streets to be named after Revolutionary War heroes. But what about a traitor? One reader asked us about Sandy Flash Drives in Ridley Creek State Park and Kennett Square by using our Curious Philly forum. And my colleague looked back through history to learn more about James Fitzpatrick, to whom the moniker Sandy Flash was attached. On Jan. 14, Microsoft shut the door on support for Windows 7. The company will no longer issue fixes and security patches for the aging operating system, which was first released in 2009. If youre one of the many still using Windows 7, your computer will be increasingly vulnerable to malware and hacking. The time, as they say, is nigh. If you have not upgraded to Windows 10, you should. I asked veteran tech journalist Ed Bott author of Windows 10 Inside Out about options for Windows 7 users at this late hour. He graciously provided insight, along with a tip on how you may still be able to get a free upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft really wont just abandon Windows 7 users to malware and hacks, will it? Werent there some emergency patches issues for XP after it reached end-of-life? Yes, they really will. There was an emergency patch for the WannaCry malware outbreak in May 2017, but that was an extremely rare exception. If something similar happens in the months or years after support ends for Windows 7, it would likely mean there was a similarly widespread and damaging outbreak, which would not be good news. END OF LIFE: Rice University scrambles to update its Windows 7 computers Microsoft will sell security patches to businesses, yes? Can consumers buy them? These so-called Extended Security Updates (ESUs) are available to anyone running Windows 7 Pro, Ultimate or Enterprise. They cost $50 (or more, depending on what your reseller charges) for the calendar year 2020, $100 for 2021 and $200 for 2022. To enable these updates, you have to establish a commercial relationship with a Microsoft partner that is part of the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. That company sells you a product key, and then you have to go through some technical mumbo-jumbo to apply the key and enable the updates. I tried finding a CSP that would sell me an ESU license back in December. If you already have a relationship with a CSP, this might not be difficult, but otherwise, expect to jump through a lot of hoops. For someone who decides to upgrade now to Windows 10 on a home machine, whats involved? Its a simple process. Before getting started, I recommend checking for any essential driver updates, and especially for systems that were originally sold in 2015 or earlier, for BIOS updates. I also recommend temporarily uninstalling third-party antivirus and low-level system software. (You can reinstall it after the upgrade is complete.) Then disconnect any unnecessary external storage devices until the upgrade is complete. OLD RELIABLE: In praise of older computers With that out of the way, you go to Microsofts Windows 10 download site. There, you can download a utility called the Media Creation Tool, which runs under Windows 7 and lets you perform the upgrade. It takes an hour or more (sometimes a lot more, especially for an older system), but it doesnt require a product key, and when you finish, you have a digital license for Windows 10. Is it too late to get a free upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10? Its not too late! I wrote about this back in 2017 for the first time and have been updating my post regularly since then. I continue to get several mails a day from people sharing success stories and thanking me for posting the instructions. I dont anticipate that Microsoft will turn off this option. If a computer cant be upgraded to Windows 10 because its too old, what are the options? The obvious answer is to replace it with something more modern. Systems that wont upgrade to Windows 10 typically either are old and slow or are affected by some sort of compatibility block. If you like the hardware and want to keep it, youre better off replacing the unsupported OS with something like Linux, which can probably handle most common workloads such as web browsing. Thanks, Ed! Ed and I were panelists Sunday night on This Week in Tech, the long-running technology podcast hosted by Leo Laporte, where we discussed Windows 7, among many other topics. Watch it here. [This story first appeared in Dwight Silvermans Release Notes newsletter. Subscribe at houstonchronicle.com/releasenotes. Its free. The story has been updated to reflect that Windows 7 support is now ended.] dwight.silverman@chron.com twitter.com/dsilverman houstonchronicle.com/techburger Morgan Stanley says there is a 'tradeable rally' in oil stocks here Published Wed, Jan 8 2020 9:34 AM EST Updated Wed, Jan 8 2020 12:05 PM EST Serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga has been jailed for a minimum of 30 years after he was convicted of sex offences against 48 men (Greater Manchester Police/PA) Police are investigating further potential victims of Britains worst serial rapist as Reynhard Sinagas father said his sons punishment fits his crimes. The Indonesian student was jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years on Monday after being convicted of drugging 48 men and filming himself sexually violating them in his Manchester city centre apartment after picking them up outside nightclubs near his home. The 36-year-old was a perpetual student, studying for a PhD in Manchester, thanks to his rich family his father, reportedly a devout Catholic, is a wealthy banker in his home country of Indonesia. We accept the verdict. His punishment fits his crimesSaibun Sinaga, father of serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga Sinagas father, Saibun Sinaga, told BBC Indonesia: We accept the verdict. His punishment fits his crimes. I dont want to discuss the case any further. Manchester Crown Court heard that police had established during their investigations that 195 different males appear to have been unconscious while Sinaga assaulted them. After Sinaga was publicly identified on Monday following the conclusion of his fourth trial for sex crimes, Greater Manchester Police set up a dedicated incident room and said they have had a very positive response with multiple calls received. A spokesman said: For operational reasons we are unable to give out specific numbers of calls made to the incident room or information made online via the Major Incident Public Portal at this time. However, we can confirm that some of these reports relate to potential further victims of Sinaga. Officers previously revealed that they had not yet been able to identify 70 of the 195 men. Expand Close The bedroom in Reynhard Sinagas flat where dozens of rapes took place (Greater Manchester Police/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The bedroom in Reynhard Sinagas flat where dozens of rapes took place (Greater Manchester Police/PA) Sinaga went out in the early hours of the morning, hunting for lone, drunk young men around nightclubs near his flat. The slightly-built student posed as a Good Samaritan who offered them a floor to sleep on or promised them more drink. His victims who were mainly heterosexual had little or no memory of the hours that followed as Sinaga repeatedly raped many of them. It is thought he laced alcoholic drinks with a drug such as GHB, also known as liquid ecstasy. The rapist was caught when one of the men regained consciousness and fought him off before he went to the police and, crucially, handed in Sinagas phone. The student was found guilty of a total of 159 offences committed between January 2015 and May 2017 136 counts of rape, 13 counts of sexual assault, eight counts of attempted rape and two counts of assault by penetration. Anyone wishing to speak to police and make a report relating to Sinaga is urged to get in touch on 0800 092 0410 (from within the UK) or 020 7158 0124 (international calls). Alternatively, reports can be made online via the Major Incident Public Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP19V24-PO2 (Newser) Air France says "the lifeless body of a stowaway," believed to be a child, was discovered in the landing gear of a plane that arrived in Paris from the Ivory Coast early Wednesday. The bodysaid to be that of a boy of African origin around the age of 10was found in the well of the Boeing 777s landing gear around 6:40am local time, shortly after the plane arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport from Abidjan, reports the BBC. story continues below The flight takes about six hours, per Sky News. AFP reports the child was "not warmly dressed" and likely died from the cold or asphyxiation. "Aside from the human drama, this shows a major failing of security at Abidjan airport," an Ivorian security source tells the outlet. Amid an investigation, Air France "expresses their condolences and deplores this human tragedy," per a statement. (Read more Air France stories.) Dr. Richard Ira Mintz, 69, of Dresher, Montgomery County, was sentenced to one year and one day imprisonment, three years supervised release, and fined $100,000 by United States District Court Judge Michael Baylson for illegally distributing controlled substances. The defendant pleaded guilty in March 2019 to eight counts of distributing controlled substances (oxycodone) outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose, according to United States Attorney William M. McSwain and Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division. Mintz has surrendered his medical license and DEA Certificate of Registration. From approximately July 2016 through July 2018, Mintz worked at a medical practice in Philadelphia where he sold fraudulent and medically unnecessary oxycodone prescriptions. He wrote the prescriptions in the names of three individuals whom he had never met or examined. As our District is struggling under the weight of the opioid epidemic, this doctor used his prescription pad to harm rather than heal, McSwain said. He saw an opportunity to make money off of those struggling with addiction and took advantage of the situation out of sheer greed. Physicians who abuse their positions of trust within the community for financial gain will be held accountable by my Office. Dr. Mintz pleaded guilty to federal drug distribution charges for selling prescriptions for powerful and addictive prescription painkillers such as oxycodone without any legitimate medical purpose and for profit, said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administrations Philadelphia Field Division. Medical doctors, like all DEA registrants that are entrusted with handling controlled substances, need to do so in accordance with good faith medical practice and for legitimate medical purposes. This case originated as part of a regional Medicare Fraud Strike Force that operates in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the District of New Jersey. The Strike Force is a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 federal districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Marshals Service, the Office of Pennsylvania Attorney General and the Philadelphia Police Department. Trial Attorney Adam G. Yoffie of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Macko of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania handled the parallel civil case, in which defendant Mintz paid a $107,584 monetary penalty. During the short school week right before Thanksgiving, Laker Elementary conducted a coin drive to raise money for Fiddler's Green, LLC, an independent living facility for veterans. In just two and a half days, students raised $1,340.50. Ivanka Trump received a warm reception at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Tuesday, where she promised 'to build America's workforce' during a 'fireside chat' with the president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association. The daughter of US President Donald Trump laid out her vision for the future of work and technology's role in reshaping the American economy and workforce in the coming decades. Speaking at the Venetian's Pallazo Ballroom - which just a night prior had been used to launch a slew of new robots and artificial intelligence by Samsung - Trump chose to focus on the business implications of technology. Trump told the CTA's Gary Shapiro that she had 'no sympathy' for companies that complain about unskilled workforces, don't invest in 're-skilling them,' and still lay off employees. Her comments drew applause from attendees of the tech show - a contrast to the criticism she faced beforehand for her lack of tech experience. While the president's daughter's talking points centered mainly on business, she said she believes that innovations like 'robotic arms' would create jobs that aren't yet possible. Prior to her keynote, tech industry insiders hit out at the conference, questioning whether the White House advisor was a relevant speaker, but CES President and CEO, Gary Shapiro defended her presence and moderated her talk, entitled 'The Path to the Future of Work.' SCROLL FOR VIDEO Ivanka Trump stressed the need for companies in general - and ostensibly the tech companies represented at the CES 2020 - to train their workers for increasingly high tech jobs Dressed smartly in pinstripes (left), Trump said she has 'no sympathy' for employers who don't 're-skill' their workers as she laid out her 'vision' for the future workforce of the US and hit back at companies over layoffs Trump plugged the government panel she co-chairs, the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board - which includes members from Apple, and IBM - and took the private sector to task for their role in helping to train current members of the workforce. 'It's not just about training for jobs of the future people need to think about investing in their current workforce so they can carry out the job of tomorrow,' said Trump. 'When I hear employers, they come to me and say 'we need more skilled workers, we need more skilled workers' and then I read about them laying off segments of the workforce because they were investing in productivity and not having spent the timeto take those workers and re-skill them...I really don't have sympathy for that.' Trump said that government programs have also lagged behind in their role of preparing future and current workers and espoused broader apprenticeship programs that have traditionally only focused on trade workers. Smooth sailing into the future of business: Despite the criticism she faced, a nautically suited Trump received a warm round of applause at the conclusion of her keynote 'That's really my foremost passion and focus,' she said, 'removing obstacles for people who want and can work - to be able to provide for themselves and their families.' 'The construction industry has a really strong apprenticeship program but few other sectors do,' Trump claimed. 'We need to keep the pipeline open.' Despite most of the focus being on business, Trump did find time to talk with more granularity about the ways technology can and should impact people for the better. Specifically, Trump mentioned initiatives that would make personal data more accessible to the workforce - information like a high school diploma. 'Why can't you have your high school degree verified and in your phones so that an employer doesn't need to call and find out did you in fact graduate,' Trump said. CES President and CEO Gary Shapiro (left) moderated Trump's (right) keynote address and defended the Presidential adviser's controversial presence at the tech conference Turning her focus to data, Trump said that companies could leverage information on their employees to better match them with various positions, rather than hiring based on degrees Trump promised that in the future there would be jobs that don't exist today, thanks to 'innovations like robotic arms' that would enable some disabled people to do new tasks That digitized information could also translate to other skills like CPR certfications, Trump said. 'Maybe you learned CPR as a lifeguard, maybe you learned something [that] works on a factory floor,' Trump said. 'All of that should be catalogued and tracked and accessible and empowering the individual as opposed to locked up and siloed in the HR department of a company where if you leave it stays with them.' Turning back to the role of technology in job-creation, Trump said that employers could use data on their employees to more easily market jobs to people and help members of the workforce find jobs that match their skills. 'Oh by the way, wouldn't it be great if there was a job vacancy in your zip code that matched the skill you have and it got pushed to you?' Trump said. 'This is not hard to do it just hasn't been done.' Trump noted that a more data-focused approach to hiring would, in her view, be an improvement upon one based mainly around degrees. Toward the end of her keynote, Trump turned to women in tech, adding that she's working with the White House to promote STEM education for women and girls She pointed to IBM which was struggling to hire people for vacant cyber security jobs. Though the company had requested that candidates have a bachelor's degree in their listing, many candidates without a degree turned out to be equally as qualified as their college-educated competitors. 'There really has never been a better time to be working in America than today. And there's never been more Americans working than today.' She also went over her work in the White House trying to gather support for new apprenticeship programs and K-12 programs focused on improving STEM education for the next generation of American workers. Trump's presence at the trade show had drawn advance criticism for her presence at the world's biggest consumer technology trade show. 'There are a lot of women who are doing a lot of work to help women in tech and build products that help women and help children and families,' Sara Mauskopf, CEO of the childcare networking startup Winnie, told the Washington Post. 'Ivanka Trump is not one of them.' Rahat Rashid, an independent PR representative who frequently works with tech companies and startups was also critical. 'It's absolutely inappropriate,' Rashid told Gizmodo, pointing to Trump's lack of experience in the field. 'I mean, she's supposed to be representing women in tech and how is she actually a woman in tech? There should be someone else doing that.' But conference organizers defended Trump's participation, saying she leads White House efforts on job creation and economic growth through workforce development, skills training and entrepreneurship. Mr Shapiro praised her remarks following the fireside chat. 'On behalf of the industry, we want to work with you. We want to create jobs,' he said. In spite of the controversy leading up to Trump's keynote, the presidential advisor said that most of the policies and re-skilling initiatives should be common sense among workers, the private sector, and even across political aisles. 'If we can't come together on this, we can't come together on anything,' Trump said to a hearty round of applause. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it was closely monitoring events in the Middle East and coordinating with US airlines and foreign authorities about aviation safety after Iran launched a missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq. Tehran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from Iranian territory against at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US-led coalition personnel, the US military said on Tuesday. Several airlines had flights over parts of Iraq and Iran at the time according to FlightRadar24 data. US carriers are banned from flying at altitudes below 26,000 feet over Iraq under FAA guidance issued in 2018 because of ongoing concerns about threats to US civil aviation throughout Iraq. They have been banned from flying in an area of Iranian airspace above the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman since Iran shot down a high-altitude U.S. drone last June. No major U.S. airlines fly over Iran at present. Singapore Airlines Ltd said after the attack on U.S. bases in Iraq that all of its flights would be diverted away from Iranian airspace. Carriers are increasingly taking steps to uncover threats to their planes after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down in 2014 by a missile over Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. An international aviation team has been activated to support "effective coordination and communication" between airlines and countries as tensions mount in the Middle East after a U.S. drone strike killed an Iranian military commander, global airlines body IATA said on Tuesday. Airlines and the United Nations' aviation agency have started to monitor strategic airspace over Iran and Iraq. With some commercial carriers still serving those countries and others flying over their airspace, the International Air Transport Association also issued a statement reminding countries of their obligation to communicate potential risks to civil aviation. "It is critical that states live up to this obligation as tensions in the Middle East rise," the group said, days after the killing of General Qassem Soleimani on Friday plunged the region into a new crisis. On Monday, Germany published a new warning for Iraq, indicating areas of concern for overflying traffic, according to a report published by the site OPSGROUP. The coordination team operated by IATA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was activated as a "standard precautionary measure," in the event that contingency measures are required by airlines, IATA said in a statement to Reuters. The team brings together airlines, regulators and air navigation service providers to ensure any potential risks to aviation are shared quickly, an industry source familiar with the group said. "Everyone's urging restraint," said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Airspace controlled by Iran and Iraq are seen as strategic for commercial aviation in the Middle East. If there were the need to shut down the airspace, carriers would have to be rerouted which would lead to greater congestion and fuel costs, said the source. Two adorable pandas were caught on camera playfully wrestling in the snow before chasing each other up a tree. The footage was recorded by keepers at Foping Panda Valley Nature Reserve in Shaanxi Province, north-west China, on January 5. In the video, a female giant panda Xiao Xin and her playmate Lu Lu can be seen taking full advantage of the first snowfall of the year. Xiao Xin, who is the smaller of the two, is getting nudged by her counterpart across the snow-covered grass. She rolls over in a bid to get to her feet and regain control as Lu Lu continues to barrel head-first toward her. The pair continue to fumble about together before rolling even further down the hill. The two adorable pandas were caught on camera at Foping Panda Valley Nature Reserve in Shaanxi Province, north-west China, on January 5 In the video, a female giant panda Xiao Xin and her playmate Lu Lu can be seen taking full advantage of the first snowfall of the year as they frantically wrestle one another across the ground The clip then cuts to another angle of the scuffle as Lu Lu bares her teeth in an attempt to take a nibble of Xiao Xin's nose. Lu Lu appears to continue to dominate the play-fight and even puts Xiao Xin in a headlock a short time later as the pair stand on their hind legs using a tree trunk for support. Both drop to the floor under one another's weight as snow continues to fall around them. Xiao Xin, the smaller of the two, eventually seeks sanctuary up a sparsely-covered tree pursued by her playmate who is keen for the duel to continue Lu Lu desperately clings on to one of the branches and uses all her might to stretch out her paw in a final attempt to grab Xiao Xin's leg which is where the video ends Xiao Xin eventually seeks sanctuary up a sparsely-covered tree pursued by her playmate who is keen for the duel to continue. Lu Lu desperately clings on to one of the branches and uses all her might to stretch out her paw in an attempt to grab Xiao Xin's leg. Both take a few final swipes in each other's direction while still perched precariously a few feet above the ground and the video ends shortly after. Xiao Xin and Lu Lu are both two years old. The captive-bred bears have only been at Foping Panda Valley for around three weeks having been transferred for wildlife training on December 16 last year They are part of the wildlife training scheme aimed at teaching them how to forage and survive on their own in the hope of introducing them into the wild in the future Xiao Xin and Lu Lu are both two years old. The captive-bred bears have only been at Foping Panda Valley for around three weeks having been transferred for wildlife training on December 16 last year. The wildlife training is aimed at teaching them how to forage and survive on their own. Both are still classed as 'sub-adult'. This is the period that refers to giant pandas between the ages of two - when they leave their mother - and five, when they are considered mature adults Giant panda cubs can climb trees from just seven months old and will eventually grow to around five feet long and 45 kilograms in weight It is hoped that it may lead to one - or both - of them being introduced into the wild in the future. Both of the giant pandas, who can climb trees from the age of seven months old, are still classed as 'sub-adult'. This is the period that refers to giant pandas between the ages of two - when they leave their mother - and five, when they are considered mature adults. U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper / Reuters Iran has launched a major ballistic missile attack on U.S.-led forces in Iraq, the U.S. military said on Tuesday, potentially triggering a new round of escalation in the confrontation between the United States and Tehran. The U.S. military said an assessment was underway to determine damage and any casualties at al-Asad airbase in Iraq, which hosted President Donald Trump in December of 2018, as well as at another facility in Erbil. In a statement, the U.S. military said Iran launched the attack at about 1:30 am local time, firing more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S.-led forces in Iraq. "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran," Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in statement. Tens of millions of workers, youth, and rural toilers throughout India are participating in the one-day general strike called for today by ten central labour federations. They are doing so to voice their determined opposition to the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, its pro-investor policies (sweeping social spending cuts, privatization, the promotion of hire-and-fire contract jobs, and massive corporate tax cuts), and its systematic promotion of Hindu supremacist reaction. Big business and the corporate media hailed Modis re-election last May, asserting with the aim of intimidating all popular opposition that he had won an unprecedented mandate and irreversibly changed Indian politics. Yet just seven months later, his government has been staggered by the eruption of mass opposition. In the past month, millions have taken to the streets, often in defiance of vicious state repression, to oppose the BJPs anti-Muslim Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and its plans to use the National Register of Citizens to harass and intimidate the Muslim minority. The anti-CAA protests have spread to all regions of the country, cutting across the communal, caste, and ethno-linguistic divisions that the Indian elite has long cultivated so as to divide and split the working class. Indian workers on strike in Mumbai, on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) This mass upsurge is part of an explosion of class struggle that has swept the globe. 2019 saw strikes and sustained mass protests against capitalist austerity, rampant social inequality, and state repression around the world, from Ecuador, Chile, and Mexico, to the United States, France, Britain, Algeria, Sudan, Lebanon, Iran, and Hong Kong. But workers and youth must beware. The unions that have called todays strike are pro-capitalist organizations, entirely beholden to Indias ruling elite. Their principal function is to contain, defuse, and systematically suppress the class struggle. They have called todays strike not as part of the fight to mobilize the working class as an independent political force to bring down the Modi government and the malignant capitalist social order of which he is the product. Rather their aim is to channel the burgeoning mass opposition to Modi and his neoliberal and communalist policies behind the big-business Congress Party, an array of ethno-chauvinist and caste-ist parties like the DMK, and the Indian state. This is certainly true of the largest union organization participating in todays strike, the Indian National Trades Union Congress. The INTUC is the union adjunct of the Congress Partyuntil recently the Indian bourgeoisies preferred party of government, and the party that, till 2014, spearheaded the ruling elites drive to make India a cheap-labour haven for global capital and to forge a global strategic partnership with US imperialism. But it is equally true of the Stalinist parliamentary parties that are providing the strikes political leadershipthe Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM, and the Communist Party of India (CPI)and their respective union affiliates, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the All India Trades Union Congress (AITUC). Like the more overtly right-wing unions, the CITU, AITUC and the Stalinist parties have callously abandoned the 13 Maruti Suzuki workers jailed for life on frame-up charges for the crime of leading a militant struggle against precarious contract labour jobs and a brutal work regime. The role of the CPM and CPI as parties of the capitalist establishment is epitomized by their role in bringing to power and sustaining in office a succession of right-wing, pro-US governments, most of them Congress Party-led, between 1989 and 2008, and their support for the India ruling elites massive military build-up and its reactionary military-strategic conflict with nuclear-armed Pakistan. In the states where they have held office over the past three decades, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura, the Stalinists have implemented what they themselves term pro-investor policies. Today, under conditions where the bourgeoisie is demonstrably breaking with democratic-constitutional forms of rule, the Stalinists are redoubling their efforts to shackle the working class to the putrefying parties and institutions of the Indian state. Once again, the CPM and CPI are promoting the Congress Party as an ally of working people in defending democracy and secularism. No matter that Congress has a notorious and ever-lengthening record of aiding and abetting the Hindu right and trampling on democratic rights. Bowing to the consensus view of Indias business and military-security establishments, the Congress quickly abandoned its opposition to Modis August 5 constitutional coup against Kashmir. In November, in an action supported by the CPM, the Congress ensured the coming to power in Maharashtra, the countrys second most populous state, of a coalition government led by the Mahratta-chauvinist and Hindu supremacist Shiv Sena, long the BJPs closest ally. Modi and the BJP government have not fallen from the sky. In implementing socially incendiary pro-investor reforms and integrating India into Washingtons anti-China war plans they have only travelled further down the road blazed by previous Congress Party-led governments. Fearing its window of opportunity to transform India into a great power is rapidly closing, the Indian bourgeoisie has turned to Modi on the gamble that the BJP can provide it the strong government needed to dramatically intensify the exploitation of the working class, and boldly assert its predatory interests on the global stage. The Modi government is the Indian expression of a global phenomenon. World capitalism, mired in its most severe crisis since the 1930s, is vomiting up reaction. Led by the US, the imperialist powers are rapidly rearming. Everywhere the ruling elite is hurtling to the right, stoking national-ethnic and communal divisions, and turning to authoritarian forms of rule. Not just the fascist-minded Trump, but the AfD neo-Nazi official opposition in the German parliament, and Brazils ultra-right, pro-military president, Jair Bolsonaro, are repudiating bourgeois democratic norms. So too are the ostensible votaries of liberalism like Emmanuel Macron. The French President has moved to rehabilitate the Vichy Nazi collaborator Marshal Petain and has repeatedly ordered the violent repression of social opposition in order to impose massive social cuts and revive aggressive French militarism. Modi and the BJP are vile enemies of working people. But the claim that Indian workers can defeat reaction and defend democratic rights by clutching to the coattails of the parties of the bourgeoisie and by placing their trust in the putrefying democratic institutions of the Indian stateinstitutions that routinely violently repress workers struggles and have connived in the perpetration and cover-up of one communal atrocity after anotheris a monstrous lie. Indeed, if the Hindu supremacist right has been able to grow into such a menace, it is because the Stalinists fertilized the ground on which reaction could grow, by systematically suppressing the class struggle. Because the working class has been prevented from advancing its own socialist solution to the social crisis, the BJP has been able to demagogically exploit popular anger over the ruinous impact of the neo-liberal policies pursued by the various Stalinist-backed secular governments. The only viable strategy to defend democratic rights and defeat communalist and fascist reaction in India, and around the world, is one based on the international class struggle and the independent political mobilization of the working class against the decrepit capitalist order. The Indian working class must constitute itself as an independent political force in opposition to the bourgeoisie and all its political representatives. It must define itself as a detachment of the international working class and adopt a socialist internationalist program in opposition to global capitalthat is, in opposition to the transnational corporations that scour the globe for the best investor returns, and to the nationally based cliques of capitalists that vie for markets, profits, and resources, and pools of labour to exploit through trade war, intrigues, aggression and war. The fight to unite Indias workers and toilers across the sectarian and caste lines must go hand in hand with the fight to unite their struggles with workers around the world. A key element in such a struggle must be the building of a working class-led, global anti-war movement, in opposition to imperialism and to South Asias communally partitioned nation-state system and the reactionary Indo-Pakistani inter-state conflict to which it has given rise. This requires the building of new organizations of working-class struggle, through an organizational and political break with the pro-capitalist unions and the Stalinist partiesworkplace committees of action and, above all, a revolutionary workers party, to spearhead the fight to politically mobilize the working class and rally behind it all the toilers in the fight for a workers and peasants government committed to socialist policies. Such a party can only be built as a section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, (ICFI) the world party founded by Leon Trotsky in 1938 in opposition to the Stalinist betrayal of the October 1917 Russian Revolution and the internationalist program of world socialist revolution that had animated it. We urge all Indian workers and youth who want to take up the fight for socialism, in opposition to capitalist reaction, communalism and war to immediately contact the World Socialist Web Site and ICFI. Iran Attacks Iraqi Sites With U.S. Troops Hours After Funeral Of Slain Commander By RFE/RL's Radio Farda January 08, 2020 Iran on January 8 launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles targeting multiple locations in Iraq, including at least two military bases housing U.S. troops and coalition forces, the Pentagon said. Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said: "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran." Military bases at Ain Assad and Erbil were hit, he said, adding that "initial battle damage assessments" were being conducted. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attacks, Iranian state television and state news agencies reported. The attack on the Ain Assad base, which hosts U.S. troops, was "a total success by all accounts," the IRGC said. The IRGC stated the multiple attacks were in retaliation for the killing of a prominent Iranian military commander, Qasem Soleimani, who died in a U.S. airstrike last week. A communique from the Iranian military promised "more crushing responses" should the United States respond to the attacks. It further added that the operation is code-named "Martyr Soleimani" and advised the United States to withdraw its troops from the region to prevent the killing of soldiers. It was unclear what other sites may have been attacked. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq," the White House told reporters based on a media pool report. "The President [Donald Trump] has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national-security team." U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper arrived at the White House after the attacks while Vice President Mike Pence has been in contact with congressional leaders by phone. The multiple attacks came hours after Soleimani was buried in his hometown on January 7. Iran's military leaders and pro-Iranian factions in Iraq had vowed to avenge his death. A day earlier in Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters that he anticipated Iran would retaliate for the death of Soleimani "in some way, shape, or form." "We're prepared for any contingency. And then we will respond appropriately to whatever they do," he warned. With reporting by AP, TASS, Reuters, Al Jazeera, dpa, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-claims- responsibility-for-multiple-attacks-in-iraq-including- air-base-with-u-s-troops/30365437.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BEREA, Ohio - So crucial were Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in flipping from Democrat to Republican to Donald Trumps presidential victory four years ago, Baldwin Wallace University is expanding its polling efforts this year to regularly gauge the political leanings in those four states. Polling will begin soon in the first of the four Great Lakes Polls, with results anticipated just ahead of the Iowa caucuses Feb. 3, said Lauren Copeland, associate director of the Community Research Institute at Baldwin Wallace University. There will be a second poll in the spring, hopefully, Copeland said, after the Democratic nominee is clear, plus two more polls in September and October. BW, which has been doing polling in Ohio for several years, is expanding to the other states with financial help from Ohio Northern University in Ada, and Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan. The four states voted for Barack Obama in 2012 and Donald Trump in 2016, so we wanted to take a dive into the issues for this election," Copeland said Tuesday. Each poll will be on different issues. We really want to understand the voters in all four states. ... We want to know if Ohio, for example, is trending more conservatively. Copeland noted that Trump scored narrow victories of less than a percentage point each in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, but won Ohio by 8.1 percentage points. For many of the same reasons, cleveland.com has been focusing on the region with its free email newsletter, The Flyover. The daily roundup of political news written by cleveland.coms chief political reporter, Seth Richardson, covers the same four states, plus Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. Copeland said BWs poll will question potential voters on a wide variety of issues, including their thoughts on how the Trump Administration has handled different issues, and feelings in general about common issues such as immigration. BW plans to question 800 to 1,000 registered voters in each state for each poll, resulting in a margin of error of about plus or minus 3 percentage points for the states, and a smaller margin of error for the entire region. Faculty experts from all three collaborating institutions, including Copeland, Tom Sutton, director of BWs Community Research Institute, Robert Alexander from Ohio Northern and Terri Towner from Oakland University, will compare and contrast public opinion in the four states with an eye on clues that may explain why Ohio has become more Republican than the others in recent elections. New Delhi: Bollywood star Deepika Padukone in an extremely brave feat in itself visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to express solidarity with the students who were attacked by a mob. While other Bollywood celebs chose to stay silent or closely guarded in their words, Deepika's ac triggered netizens to trend her on Twitter, some in favour while some, in support of the ruling BJP government against her. The 'Chhapaak' actress ruled social media with millions of tweets on different hashtags. Both #ISupportDeepika and #BoycottChhapaak were top trends on Twitter in India, just hours after the actors visit to the campus. Among those who applauded her gesture were industralists, Bollywood celebs like Swara Bhaska. We live in a time when watching a film feels like an act of rebellion. #ISupportDeepika Ankur Pathak (@aktalkies) January 7, 2020 It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up against the fascist & authoritarian government. Bravo @deepikapadukone YY#ISupportDeepikaPadukone #ISupportDeepika pic.twitter.com/hafOTz79Bp Sajid Ansari (@nsksajid) January 7, 2020 It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up against the fascist & authoritarian government. Bravo @deepikapadukone YY#ISupportDeepikaPadukone #ISupportDeepika pic.twitter.com/hafOTz79Bp Sajid Ansari (@nsksajid) January 7, 2020 Many like Delhi Unit of the BJP Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga demanded boycott of her movie. Bagga tweeted: "RT if you will Boycott Movies of @deepikapadukone for her Support to #TukdeTukdeGang and Afzal Gang." RT if you will Boycott Movies of @deepikapadukone for her Support to #TukdeTukdeGang and Afzal Gang pic.twitter.com/LN5rpwjDmT Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (@TajinderBagga) January 7, 2020 Have you ever folded hands in front of a martyred soldiers wife or in front of a rape victims father @deepikapadukone ?#BoycottChhapaak #boycottDeepika pic.twitter.com/aYR0Li4U5g Rajat Rathee (@officialimrathi) January 7, 2020 I have stopped watching Bollywood long back but I was thinking to go for chhapaak because of story plot based on good cause. But.. Your stunt will be a case study in marketing disastrous strategies... wrong pick @deepikapadukone So I appeal to all don't watch#BoycottChhapaak pic.twitter.com/2vtZkQ49Ig aaaaaa aaAaaa (@Avinash4help) January 8, 2020 The actor reached the university campus at around 7.40 pm and attended a public meeting, called by JNU Teacher's Association and JNUSU in response to Sunday's attack on students and teachers by a masked mob armed with sticks and rods. Deepika stood as former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was raising azaadi slogans and left by the time current president Aishe Ghosh started speaking. The actor's decision to not address the crowd prompted Ghosh to comment, "when you are in a position, you should speak up". "There are many people in Bollywood who do not put forth their views when they are not be aired. They are considered role models. I appeal to them: Make inspiring films after something has happened but when you are in that position, also talk about the story that is currently happening," she said. Later, Ghosh told PTI that Deepika expressed solidarity with the JNU students. Deepika is in the capital to promote her upcoming release, Meghna Gulzar-directed "Chhapaak". On Monday, the 34-year-old actor told a news channel that she feels proud that people have come out and raised their voice without fear, in reference to the protests against the amended Citizenship Act, the National Register of Citizens and violence in JNU. "I feel proud to see that we aren't scared to express ourselves... I think the fact that we are thinking about the country and its future.... Whatever may be our point of view, it's nice to see," Deepika told NDTV India. "I feel proud about it that people are coming out -- be it on the streets or wherever they are -- they are raising their voice and expressing themselves as it is important. If we want to see change in life and society, it is important that a point of view be put forward," she added. Deepika Padukone's Chhapaak goes to the theaters on January 10. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani attends a meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Revolutionary Guard commanders in Tehran, Iran, on Sept. 18, 2016. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) Reactions to Classified Briefing on Soleimani Strike Divided Along Party Lines Republican members of Congress largely supported President Donald Trumps decision to take out Iranian General Qassem Soleimani after a classified briefing while Democrats werent impressed and said theyd still push for a war powers resolution to halt military efforts against Iran. It was probably the strongest and most decisive briefing that has ever been conducted in that classified setting, having attended a number of these. The information that was shared was both compelling and decisive, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), a strong Trump ally, told reporters after receiving the briefing in Washington. I think it leaves little doubt in my mind and certainly should leave little doubt in any members mind that not only did the president make the right call, but that this was a clear and present danger for American interests and American individuals. We had a good briefing that I think did address both the issues of imminence of threat and opportunity to take out a mastermind of terror, Sen. Roy Blunt, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and part of the Republican Senate leadership, told reporters later in the day. Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said some lawmakers felt when they went home for Christmas that something like this was inevitable as theyve accelerated and expanded their aggressive behavior there. The president has sent the sign to them very clearly since the nefarious activity last fall, if you kill Americans, that changes things for us, he said, adding that the intelligence on Soleimani was different than information previously known to lawmakers. Democrats dismissed the briefing as lacking substance. A photo released by the Iraqi Prime Ministers Press Office shows a burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike, in Baghdad, Iraq, early on Jan. 2, 2020. (Iraqi Prime Ministers Press Office, via AP) President Donald Trump speaks from the White House in Washington, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, called the briefing sophomoric and utterly unconvincing. I believe more than ever that Congress needs to act to protect the constitutional provisions about war and peace, he told reporters, promoting the war powers resolution. Connolly claimed that the rationale to take out Soleimani couldnt pass a graduate school thesis test. House Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) added: The basic theme of it was essentially the administration saying: Trust us.' Congress was briefed by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and other military leaders nearly a week after the Jan. 2 strike, which took place just outside Baghdad International Airport and also killed Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, a top Iraqi paramilitary commander. A U.S. contractor was killed in a strike by Iran-backed groups late last year, prompting strikes against one of the groups in Syria and Iraq. Iran-backed proxies then attacked the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad around Christmas, prompting Trump to order the strike against Soleimani as the United States learned Soleimani was planning an imminent attack on U.S. interests in the Middle East. If youre looking for imminence, you need look no further than the days that led up to the strike that was taken against Soleimani. And then you, in addition to that, have what we could clearly see were continuing efforts on behalf of this terrorist to build out a network of campaign activities that were going to lead, potentially, to the death of many more Americans, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during a briefing on Jan. 7. National security adviser Robert OBrien told reporters outside the White House on Jan. 7 that there was strong evidence and strong intelligence of the planned attack. He was planning to kill, to attack American facilities. And diplomats, soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines were located at those facilities, OBrien said. Trump said earlier Wednesday that missiles fired by Iran late Tuesday didnt harm Americans or Iraqis and said he hopes for peace. Prolonging compulsory education to include both preschool and senior high school will be economically and socially beneficial. [For China Daily/Li Min] Extending the period of schooling and quality of learning can prevent diminishing returns on capital in an era without an unlimited supply of labor It is widely believed that the rapid growth of the Chinese economy in its reform period has benefited from the country's demographic dividend. In 1980-2010, China's working-age population aged between 15 and 59 grew at an annual rate of 1.8 percent. That helped China form what ancient Confucians considered the ideal population pattern in which the producers are many and the consumers few. It guaranteed adequate labor, improved human capital, high returns on capital investment, and resources reallocation (productivity), and therefore, unprecedented high growth. In the same period, the annual growth rate of gross domestic product was 10.1 percent. Since 2010, the working-age population has declined, the population dependency ratio has increased, and as a result, economic growth has slowed. At this juncture, some scholars suggest that China can and should take advantage of its second demographic dividend. Before accepting the advice, however, we should first clarify what the second demographic dividend is and where we can find it. Conventional wisdom regards the second demographic dividend as the favorable condition for high savings resulting from the decline of the dependency ratio. According to this view, in an aging society, if people recognize the necessity of saving for the rainy day as motivation and if there exists a fully funded pension system as a mechanism, a high savings rate can still be achieved. This explains how a second demographic dividend is created. But it is not a low dependency ratio alone that will help China spur its economic growth after the window of working-age-population opportunity closes. By allowing capital investment to be coordinated with labor input, China was insulated from a diminishing return on capital during that high growth period. That is what the demographic dividend is all about. Therefore, finding ways to prevent a diminishing return on capital in an era without an unlimited supply of labor is the real challenge facing China in gaining another demographic dividend. The first demographic dividend was basically a transitory advantage and it did not last as the driving force for economic growth. In a later stage of economic development, economic growth can no longer rely on the total size of the population and its age structure. Instead, future economic growth has to rely on sources that can be cultured and thus sustained. Economic theories and development experiences show that total factor productivity (TFP) and human capital are the most important, sustainable drivers of growth, and they are mutually conditional and supportive of one another. By nature, TFP is an allocative efficiency, or gains from efficiently allocating production factors given their constant quantity. Since how well production factors are allocated depends on workers' skills and entrepreneurship, to increase TFP requires the improvement of human capital, which is a more demographic advantage. A large body of empirical studies shows that human capital, measured as years of schooling that workers attain on average, not only makes a direct and significant contribution to economic growth, but also makes an indirect contribution to economic growth by simultaneously improving TFP. In addition to improving human capital through learning-by-doing, education is the major contributor of the overall accumulation of human capital. In addition, the foundation laid by various levels and types of education determines the effectiveness of learning-by-doing. Educational development is first embodied in the quantitative expansion of education, which is often measured as years of schooling. Educational development also has its qualitative dimension, the improvement of quality, however that needs to be based on the expansion of quantity. When the quality of education is set, the increase of years of schooling implies an overall enhancement of human capital, whereas the reverse is not necessarily true. The externality that characterizes education is the reason why quality of education should be improved through expansion of quantity. Quality is a form of efficiency. In economic activities, efficiency improvement requires full competition and creative destruction that is, letting efficient enterprises enter the market and inefficient ones exit it. However, different from material production, education is not only a means to supply production factors, but also to meet the goal of people's all-round development. For this reason, there can only be creation but not destruction in the process of education development. Incontrovertibly, schools cannot be bankrupted, nor students' learning process be interrupted. Cultivating skills and talents requires expansion of education scale. That is, the efforts of increasing years of schooling for new entrants to the labor market are equivalent to the enhancement of both quantity and quality of education. The experience of China and other countries show that once the universality of nine-year compulsory education is completed, the window of opportunity for further increasing the years of schooling opens in pre-and post-compulsory education stages, which, in China's case, is preschool education and senior high school. Prolonging compulsory education to include both preschool and senior high school will be economically and socially beneficial. First, education that meets the demand of economic growth and social development in an era of rapid technological advancement has a high social rate of return. Studies show that the social rate of return for preschool education is the highest among all stages of education. Second, the compulsory education stages are essential to block the intergenerational transmission of poverty. Surveys show that the existing gap in preschool education results in unequal starting point between rural and urban children, and that the lower enrollment of rural juveniles for senior high school and thus university is the root cause of social immobility. Third, the government paying for those stages of education can relieve households' financial burden and reduce the costs of opportunity, therefore helping increase young parents' willingness to bear children, which is vital in a time of low fertility. (Source: China Daily) It is December, 2049. Australia is commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 2019-2020 bushfires. For many years now there has been a national day of remembrance, occurring each summer solstice to remember all citizens whove perished in the many fires, floods, cyclones, droughts and extreme weather events that have plagued the continent in the 21st century. On the cusp of 2050, casualties linked to natural disasters in Australia sadly number in the thousands. A fire burns through Mangrove Mountain in NSW in December. Credit:Wolter Peeters The politics of climate change are still present; but the national discourse is different, more accepting of the reality of lived experience. Small pockets of the population have still not directly experienced the worst of climate change, and some voices still make claims of exaggeration and special interest: but these have long been the exception, not the norm. In the midst of that gloomy summer 30 years ago, the situation felt hopeless. Had the countrys charmed run of economic growth run out? People feared for their homes, jobs and communities; while politicians and business wondered how prosperity could continue if extreme summers and volatile air quality were set to become the new Australian normal. JNU violence: Delhi Police collecting data of mobile phone location to nab culprits India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Jan 09: In wake of the recent violence on the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University in the national capital, the Delhi police have found vital leads into the identities of the masked assailants who brutally attacked students and professors of the varsity on January 5, government sources revealed on Wednesday. The police have collected dump data of mobile phones of people from campus to identify the culprits behind the Sunday''s assault on the JNU students, officials said. "Some masked persons have been identified, soon the police will crack the identity of the masked men seen in the videos who vandalised public and private property in Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University and attacked students," news agency ANI quoted government officials as saying. Police said that several students have come forward to share information regarding the incident on Sunday after police made a public appeal requesting people to share information, footage and video clips relating to the incident. Even some of the teachers with whom crime branch officials spoke to said it would be difficult for them to identify those involved in the violence, the officer said. Over 30 students and professors of JNU, including JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, were brutally assaulted and beaten with sticks and iron rods after masked goons, including women, stormed the campus on Sunday. Earlier today, the JNU Vice-Chancellor M Jagdeesh Kumar met Secretary Amit Khare and Joint Secretary GC Hosur of the Ministry of Human Resource Development and briefed them about bringing back normalcy in the JNU campus. The Delhi Police had earlier requested all eyewitnesses to come forward with any information they have on the incident after it stated that most of the CCTV footage had been damaged in the rampage. The Delhi Police had also filed an FIR against JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, and 19 others in connection with the violence, alleging that she attacked security guards and vandalised server room on January 4. It is common to name streets after Revolutionary War heroes, but what about a traitor and highwayman who met his end at the end of a rope? Such would seem to be the case of the Sandy Flash Drives in Ridley Creek State Park and Kennett Square, in an area rich in colonial history south of Philadelphia. A reader, Steve Lippe, inquired about the name through the Curious Philly portal, where you pose the questions and Inquirer reporters try to answer them. Sandy Flash is a moniker, much like a Mafia nickname, attached to James Fitzpatrick, son of Scots Irish immigrants. But that appellation, like so much in his story, was an embellishment that came as a legend grew around him long after he was in the grave, and fiction merged with fact. Fitzpatricks story, details of which remain suspect, sheds some light on an overlooked aspect of the Revolutionary War: how divided loyalties rived the fledgling nation. When Fitzpatrick was born is not clear, but Pennsylvania State University historian Rosemary Warden writes that the towering redhead he was more than 6 feet tall was likely in his late 20s when the Revolutionary War broke out. Before that, he lived with his mother his father had left when he was a boy on the Passmore farm in Doe Run, West Marlborough Township, where he was an indentured servant working in the fields and as a blacksmith. After joining a Pennsylvania militia, Fitzpatrick is said to have fought in the disastrous Battle of Long Island, was flogged for a violation of military discipline, and deserted, supposedly swimming the Hudson River before making his way home to a life of crime. At least two attempts to return to military service failed, once when he falsely promised to rejoin the militia to get out of Philadelphias Walnut Street Jail and the second in a daring escape at gunpoint. In September 1777, a year after the Battle of Long Island, the British invaded Chester County and Fitzpatrick joined them, fighting at the Battle of Brandywine and serving as a guide until Gen. William Howes army occupied Philadelphia. After that, the highwayman fashioned himself as Captain Fitz. READ MORE: ASK US: Submit your question to Curious Philly As Warden notes, the people of Chester County, which then included what is now Delaware County and was home to many pacifist Quakers, were in no way united over the Revolution. That lack of support ranged from passive neutrality to outright loyalism," Warden writes in her article, The Infamous Fitch: The Tory Bandit, James Fitzpatrick of Chester County." Only a small number actively supported the Revolution or the British cause; most were neutrals or passive loyalists, refusing to vote, to hold office, or to serve in the military, Warden said, noting that Revolutionary recruiters often faced open, sometimes violent, opposition from the populace. Against that backdrop, the fact that Fitzpatricks favorite targets were militia officers and tax collectors would not have been amiss among many in the county, where the government had collapsed because of divided loyalties. Fitzpatricks record of almost reckless hostility toward Whigs [the rebels] was matched by his reputation for refusing to rob the poor, and for his gallantry toward women, Warden writes. Still, she adds, Fitzpatrick was not the Robin Hood figure that some historians have described. After the British left Philadelphia in 1778, a warrant was issued for Fitzpatrick and a $1,000 reward put on his head. His downfall came when he tried to rob a home in Edgemont, where militia Capt. Robert McAfee (or McPhee) was having tea with his parents. Fitzpatrick got into a struggle with the captain, and McAfee, with the assistance of a servant identified as Rachel Walker, overpowered the intruder. The captain and the servant split the reward. Tried and convicted, Fitzpatrick was hanged in Chester on Sept. 26, 1778, after two failed escape attempts. Difficult to catch and difficult to hold, Fitzpatrick also proved difficult to hang, Warden writes. His executioner failed to allow for his unusual height. When the cart was pulled out from under him, his feet dangled so low that he was able to relieve the pressure of the rope by standing on his toes. Seeing this, the executioner jumped on Fitzpatricks shoulders and, in fact, strangled Fitzpatrick to death. The name Sandy Flash does not appear until 1866, when it shows up in a novel by Bayard Taylor, The Story of Kennett, for a character modeled on Fitzpatrick, said Douglas Humes of the Newtown Square Historical Society. The name makes another appearance in 1922 in a novel called Sandy Flash, the Highwayman of Castle Rock, by a Capt. Clifton Lisle, said Humes. In that book, set in the area of Ridley Creek State Park, Sandy Flash is identified as being one and the same as James Fitzpatrick and Capt. Fitz. The later novels gave him a Robin Hood-type character; and from this distance it is somewhat difficult to separate the man and the myth, Humes said. That conflation was evident in the naming of the main road through Ridley Creek State Park when it was created in 1972. Sandy Flash is an unusual name, and there is a story behind it, as it commemorates a colorful character in this areas past," according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources management plan for the park. William Potter, park manager during the construction phase of this park, was delighted with the legend of Sandy Flash and decided to name the road for this local character. Sandy Flash Drive in Kennett Square is attached to a relatively new development down Woodale Road from Lavender Drive, named after Betsy Lavender, another character in The Story of Kennett, notes Lynn Sinclair of the Kennett Heritage Center. When fiction merges with fact, which predominates? That question will indicate whether you believe the Sandy Flash Drives are named after a traitor or a Robin Hood figure in Chester County literature. NEW YORK (Reuters) - The American public is increasingly critical of President Donald Trumps handling of Iran after he ordered the U.S. military to kill a powerful Iranian military commander, and a majority of U.S. adults now expect the countries to be at war in the near future, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling released on Tuesday. The national opinion poll found that 53% of adults in the U.S. disapprove of Trump's handling of Iran, which is an increase of about 9 percentage points from a similar poll that ran in the middle of December. (tmsnrt.rs/2sYNzgi) The number of adults who strongly disapprove of Trumps actions in Iran - 39% - is up 10 points from the December poll. The response was largely split along party lines, with disapproval up over the past month among Democrats and independents, while it did not change among Republicans. About nine in 10 Democrats and five in 10 independents disapprove of Trumps actions in Iran. Among Republicans, one in 10 disapprove. One in 10 Democrats, four in 10 independents and eight in 10 Republicans approve of Trumps handling of Iran. The survey ran Jan. 6-7, shortly after Trump ordered the drone strike in Iraq that hit Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and escalated tensions in the region. Iraqs parliament called for American troops to withdraw from the country, and mourners in Iran crowded onto the streets, chanting Death to America! Trump, who said that Soleimani had been planning to attack Americans, argued that the strike was meant to stop a war with Iran. The president threatened to attack Iranian cultural sites if Iran retaliated. According to the poll, Trumps overall popularity remained stable following his strike on Soleimani, with 41% approving of his performance in office and 54% disapproving. Americans also appeared to be much more concerned now about the risk of war with Iran. A separate Reuters/Ipsos poll that ran Jan. 3-6 found that 41% consider Iran to be an "imminent threat" to the United States, up 17 points from a similar poll that ran in May 2019. (tmsnrt.rs/35xJUDA) It also found that 71% of Americans believe that the U.S. will be at war with Iran within the next few years, up 20 points from Mays poll. A growing minority of Americans say they are now in favor of a preemptive attack on Irans military. The poll found that 27% said the United States should strike first, up 15 points from May. Another 41% said the United States should not strike first and 33% said they do not know. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, in English, throughout the United States. It gathered responses from 1,108 adults in the Jan. 6-7 poll and 1,005 adults in the Jan. 3-6 poll. The results have a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of about 4 percentage points. In expressing the desire last week for a cracking New Year, among the many things I did not envisage was the United States assassinating reputedly the second-most influential person in the Iranian hierarchy of power. The risk of plunging the Middle East into a fresh maelstrom prevented Donald Trumps predecessors from targeting Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Mossad had long wanted to eliminate him, but was likewise constrained by similar considerations on the part of Israels political elite. In his more than 20 years at the helm of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) elite Quds Force, he was tasked with protecting Iran and its revolution in a region where it had been subjected to the longest conventional war in the 20th century, launched at Saddam Husseins whim with the backing of his Arab neighbours and Western powers including the US. Consequently, he was lionised as well as feared and detested across much of the Middle East. He has been scorned for Irans crucial role in propping up Bashar al-Assads horrendous regime in Syria, and possibly inviting the Russians to participate in the venture. At the same time, the forces he commanded were instrumental in thwarting the goals of jihadist militias such as al-Nusra, and in Iraq the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces provided the foot soldiers, in a tactical alignment with the US military, which provided air cover, to defeat the militant Islamic State group. Soleimani had also indirectly collaborated with the US in defeating the Taliban in Afghanistan after 9/11, and US vice-president Mike Pences absurd claim linking him to the 9/11 hijackers, most of whom were Saudi and Emirati citizens, has been ridiculed. There can be little doubt, though, that Iran, via Soleimani, has provided sustenance to Hezbollah, especially in its Syrian ventures, and that the Quds Force became involved in Yemen in the wake of Saudi-led transgressions. Ever the pragmatist, though, Soleimani is claimed to have lately been pursuing a modus vivendi with the Saudis. The general is routinely described in the Western media as a shadowy figure, but in recent decades he had operated fairly openly. Back in 2007 he sent a text to David Petraeus, then the top US military honcho in Iraq, declaring: I, Qassem Soleimani, control the policy for Iran with respect to Iraq, Lebanon, Gaza and Afghanistan. Recently, Petraeus, who went on to serve as CIA head, noted it is hard to overstate the significance of Soleimanis assassination, adding that there will be responses in Iraq and likely Syria and the region. The nature of the Iranian response is concentrating minds worldwide. Trump has warned that any retaliation will be greeted with the destruction of 52 Iranian sites of cultural importance, the figure relating to the number of US diplomats and embassy workers taken hostage in 1979 after the US initially welcomed the Shah following his departure from Tehran. He is predictably impervious to warnings that this would be a war crime, much as the assassination of foreign officials is forbidden under international law. He has also threatened Iraq with stringent sanctions after its Parliament voted albeit largely without Sunni and Kurdish participation to expel all foreign troops from the country. As always, for Trump its a matter of money: the US spent billions on its bases, so its forces wont leave without compensation. Iran will understandably be wary of undertaking any action that threatens all-out war. Doing nothing, on the other hand, would be perceived both domestically and internationally as a sign of weakness. It has suspended compliance with the nuclear treaty that Trump unilaterally withdrew from, but is prepared to permit international inspections, and remains committed to keeping its part of the bargain in the unlikely event of the US agreeing to lift its devastating economic sanctions. It would be wise of Tehran to exercise restraint in this trying moment. But American belligerence doesnt help. Another all-out war in the Middle East is not yet inevitable, but nor is it unavoidable. We live in a world, though, where worst-case scenarios routinely come true, and the sheer imbecility of the US leadership with the gobsmackingly ignorant Trump backed by his fundamentalist vice-president, Mike Pence, and bullyboy secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, theres no telling where this will lead. The massive funeral processions for Soleimani suggest hardliners in the clerical establishment will benefit from his perceived martyrdom. And the Western case against him on moral grounds could easily be extended to US and Israeli military leaders operating in the region. Whats more, the extent to which he was a bad actor is easily exceeded by the Saudi Crown Prince. Trumps impetuous crime may not go unpunished, but it would be best that his clarion call for another dance of death in the Middle East goes unrewarded. By arrangement with Dawn Former Sheffield Wednesday forward Darko Kovacevic has cheated death after being shot at outside his home in Athens. The retired Serbian international was attacked by two men who ambushed him as he went to park his car. One assailant fired a shot at the 46-year-old. He was taken to hospital for wrist and knee injuries after reportedly hurting himself as he fell to the ground to dodge the bullet. The getaway vehicle the criminals fled in, a Smart car, was found burnt out near the scene of the attack in the neighbourhood of Glyfada to the south of Athens city centre. Kovacevic, who managed only four goals in his half-season at Sheffield Wednesday in 1996 before going on to make a name for himself at Spanish side Real Sociedad, told local press after being released from hospital: I saw a man getting out of a car with a gun in his hand and coming towards me. I instinctively dived to the right and he fired at me. Then he ran, got into the car and disappeared. Local reports said the getaway car belonged to a man from Messinia in the southwestern part of Greeces Peloponnese region and had not been reported as stolen. No arrests are thought to have taken place. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 22:19:26|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LUSAKA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sweden has given the World Food Program (WFP) 2 million U.S. dollars to help meet the food and nutrition needs of people affected by drought in Zambia, a WFP official said on Wednesday. WFP Representative in Zambia Jennifer Bitonde said the funds will enable the organization to procure and deliver 1,435 tons of food to almost 400,000 vulnerable people to cover their food and nutrition needs for one month. She said in a statement that Sweden's support was critical as it will help sustain the increasing needs after drought and prolonged dry spells left about 2.3 million people severely food insecure and in need of assistance. According to her, the WFP will work closely with other partners to monitor food distributions to ensure that resources are channeled to those most in need. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 19:08:00|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Wednesday that his country will hit back "strongly" if attacked by Iran, amidst escalating tensions in the Gulf. "Whoever tries to attack us will be dealt a strong blow," Netanyahu told a conference in Jerusalem, hours after Iran launched a series of retaliatory missile strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq. The hawkish leader reiterated his praise to U.S. President Donald Trump for "acting swiftly, boldly, and resolutely" in killing Qassem Soleimani, the former commander of Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, in Baghdad a week ago. He stressed that Israel fully supports the U.S. in its recent military campaign in the Middle East. "Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of countless innocent people. He destabilized many countries for decades. He sowed fear and misery and anguish and he was planning much worse," Netanyahu said. "He was the architect and driver of Iran's campaign of terror throughout the Middle East and the world," he added. Iran has vowed to avenge the deadly drone strike, prompting alert in Israel, a close ally to the U.S.. On Monday, Mohsen Rezai, head of Iran's Expediency Council, warned that "if America takes any measure after our military response, we will turn Tel Aviv and Haifa to dust." By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Delhi Police came under criticism on Tuesday after reports said JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, who was injured in the Sunday attack, was named in two separate FIRs. The FIRs, based on complaints by the university authorities, name students union office bearers including Gosh for vandalising the server room of the varsity on January 1 and 4. They have also been charged with attacking security guards and disrupting registration of students for the winter semester. The incident is said to have occurred where the security guards were trying to clear the Communication and Information Services Centre that had been occupied by the students to hamper registration for the winter examinations. Meanwhile, Delhi Police Crime Branch, which is probing the Sunday violence, urged people to share photos, videos, or other information that could be help the probe. In a statement, JNU vice chancellor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar termed the incident unfortunate and vowed to restore normalcy.On Tuesday, hordes of activists, politicians and alumni descended on the JNU campus to express solidarity with the students. In an atmosphere grim with heavy security blanket, the presence of Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone became a talking point. Other visitors included JNU alumni Bezwada Wilson, Sitaram Yechury, D Raja, Kavita Krishnan, Kanhaiya Kumar, and Yogendra Yadav. On Tuesday, a team of forensic specialists visited JNU to collect evidence. Iranian state television claimed that Wednesday missile strikes on bases in Iraq killed 80 Americans, in a report citing what it called an informed Revolutionary Guards source. Iran launched 22 missiles overnight at the Iraqi bases used by US and other US-led coalition troops, the Iraqi army said. "At least 80 American military (personnel) were killed in this attack," the state television website reported. In addition, it said, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters and other military equipment had been severely damaged in the attack. The Revolutionary Guards source said at least 140 targets of the US and their allies had been identified in the region and would be attacked "if the Americans commit any kind of mistake again". The source said 15 missiles hit Ain Al-Assad base and none was intercepted by "radars of America's terrorist army". It was the first action of Iran's promised revenge for the US killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Iraq last week. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A plane flies towards the rising sun behind power lines in Los Angeles By David Shepardson and Allison Lampert WASHINGTON/MONTREAL (Reuters) - Major airlines cancelled Iran and Iraq flights on Wednesday and re-routed others away from both countries' airspace following an Iranian missile strike on U.S.-led forces in Iraq. Germany's Lufthansa , Dubai-based Emirates and low-cost flydubai were among airlines that cancelled flights, as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration barred American carriers from the area. But several other carriers continued operations over the affected airspace. Iran early on Wednesday fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from its territory targeting at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel, the U.S. military said. Within hours, the FAA barred U.S. carriers from airspace over Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia, citing "heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations". The flight ban came shortly before a Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 burst into flames shortly after take-off from Tehran, killing all 176 people aboard in a crash blamed by Ukrainian authorities on an engine failure. Non-U.S. operators are not bound by the FAA decision, but they and other regulators consider its advice carefully when determining where to fly. Later on Wednesday, the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recommended to national authorities that European carriers avoid Iraqi airspace. Airlines have taken more steps to avoid flying over conflict zones since 2014, when Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was downed by a missile launched from Ukraine, killing 298 people. But re-routing increases flight times and burns extra fuel. Australia's Qantas Airways said on Wednesday it would add 50 minutes to its Perth-London flight time and cut passenger numbers to carry more fuel as it re-routes around Iran and Iraq. Story continues The FAA had already prohibited U.S. carriers from Iranian airspace and from flying below 26,000 feet over Iraq, after Iran shot down a high-altitude U.S. drone last June. Graphic - Iran fires missiles at U.S bases in Iraq: https://graphics.reuters.com/IRQ-SECURITY/0100B4VF2PF/IRAQ-SECURITY.jpg Lufthansa dropped its next scheduled flights to Erbil in northern Iraq and to Tehran but said services to the Iranian capital would resume on Thursday, although overflights will continue to be re-routed to avoid both countries' airspace. Air France-KLM , which axed its Tehran service in 2018, said it was also suspending Air France flights through Iranian and Iraqi airspace "as a precautionary measure". British Airways said a small number of its flights would be affected by re-routing, without elaborating. Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines Ltd , Malaysia Airlines, Air Canada and Taiwan's China Airlines <2610.TW> were also among carriers that re-routed flights. "As a result, flight times to and from Mumbai may be slightly longer than expected," a Virgin spokeswoman said. Other major airlines maintained flights over Iraq and Iran but said they were actively monitoring the situation. As of 0830 GMT, airlines still flying over either country included Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, flydubai, Air Arabia and low-cost long-haul carrier Norwegian Air , according to FlightRadar24 data. Norwegian, whose Dubai flights routinely cross Iran, nonetheless said it was "looking at alternative routes" for flights departing Scandinavia later in the day. "The safety and security for our passengers and crew is always our number one priority," it added. While Emirates and flydubai each cancelled a return flight to Baghdad, Qatar Airways said its flights to Iraq were operating normally. The use of Iranian and Iraqi airspace is particularly critical for the Qatari carrier, banned from flying over Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain since mid-2017 as the result of a damaging political dispute with its neighbours. OPSGROUP, which advises airlines on security, said the new U.S. flight bans were "significant", particularly given that the entire over-water airspace in the region is now unavailable. "Flights headed to and from the main airports in the region such as Dubai will now need to route through Saudi Arabia's airspace," it said on its website. (Reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal and David Shepardson in Washington; Additional reporting by Tracy Rucinski in Chicago, Heekyong Yang in Seoul, Aradhana Aravindan in Singapore, Chayut Setboonsarng in Bangkok, Aditi Shah in New Delhi, Liz Lee in Kuala Lumpur, Yimou Lee in Taipei, Alexander Cornwell in Dubai and Ilona Wissenbach in Frankfurt, Sarah Young in London and Terje Solsvik in Oslo; Writing by Jamie Freed and Laurence Frost; Editing by David Gregorio, Gerry Doyle and Hugh Lawson/Mark Heinrich) Between 2017 and last year, Darul Aman Mosque employee Marlina Abdul Rahman siphoned donations, fees for its facilities and payments for religious classes. (PHOTO: Google Street View screengrab) SINGAPORE A corporate service officer who embezzled more than $37,000 from a mosque she worked at was jailed nine months on Wednesday (8 January). Between 2017 and last year, Darul Aman Mosque employee Marlina Abdul Rahman siphoned donations, fees for its facilities and payments for religious classes. The 36-year-old spent the money on herself and her family. She pleaded guilty to one out of three counts of committing criminal breach of trust as a servant with the remaining two taken into consideration for sentencing. According to court documents, Marlina was employed by the mosque from 31 January 2017 to August last year. She was entrusted to collect payments on behalf of the mosque, which included donations from the public, and fees for the facilities of the mosque. In August last year, the mosques corporate and estate manager discovered a $4,800 shortfall from the funds collected around the Hari Raya Haji period. After checking the receipts and the mosques accounting system, the estate manager realised that about 219 manual receipts had been issued by Marlina and that 155 of them were not registered in the system. Of the 64 manual receipts that were registered in the system, nine showed amounts lower than what was actually received. In total, Marlina misappropriated $37,877.50. She has since made $4,800 in restitution. Representing herself in court, Marlina asked for leniency and said she had only recently discovered she was pregnant. For committing criminal breach of trust as a servant, Marlina could have been jailed up to 15 years and fined. More Singapore stories: Singapore Airlines diverts flights from Iranian airspace Representative image The country's largest bicycle maker Hero Cycles aims to be a dominant player in the "predictable" European electric bicycle market which is currently pegged at around EUR 7 billion (over Rs 56,000 crore), a top company official said. The company has acquired a 48 per cent stake in Germany-based firm HNF Nicolai last month and expects the entity to accrue EUR 100 million per annum going ahead. "The Europe market is big and growing... the market there is very predictable... HNF is the entry point as we have gone from India to Germany. In the future we may also cater to other countries from there (Germany)," Hero Motors Company (HMC) Chairman Pankaj M Munjal told PTI. The company is set to dominate the market having finally established a base in Germany, he added. "We are in the process of making plans for the market. We are aiming for EUR 100 million business from HNF alone," Munjal said. Hero Cycles' current turnover stands at around Rs 3,500 crore. He said that the company is looking for further acquisitions, partnerships in the region as part of its expansion plans. "We are now looking to invest in Europe. We are looking and searching for more and more partnerships in the components space as well as on the supplier side," Munjal said. The company plans to manufacture electric bicycles in India and then utilise HNF plant in Germany for final assembly of units. "Hero Motors will make e-bicycles and then sell it to HNF. Initial assembly of parts would happen in India and the final assembly in Germany. We will benefit from low-cost manufacturing here and in seven days deliver goods there," Munjal said. HNF is making high-end e-bikes in Germany for the last five-seven years. "We will have their (HNF) design, their capabilities with benefits of Indian cost structure," Munjal said. Commenting on the domestic market, he added the company is focussing on e-cargo segment. When asked about challenges in the electric-vehicle segment, Munjal said the government should have included electric bicycles under the FAME II scheme as that would have helped the segment grow in the country. "Secondly, there should be safety on roads. Europe has become such a big market because it is safe to ride bicycles there," he added. Munjal said that e-bicycle segment in India is minisicule right now, but has the potential to grow to Rs 7,000-crore industry in the next few years. The company's e-bicycle sales in the domestic market were hovering around 2,500 units a month currently, he added. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is unveiling his 2020 legislative priorities at his State of the State address on Wednesday, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins will also signal this week what they want to work on in the second year after Democrats took full control of the state Legislature following the 2018 elections. That session began with a boom as Democrats passed one progressive measure after another. This time around, lawmakers will pick up where they left off at the end of a big year in Albany. Some issues, like legalizing recreational marijuana, may take time. Others like Cuomos proposal to designate domestic terrorism as a state crime could advance more quickly. At the same time, Cuomo, lawmakers and activists from across the political spectrum have their own ideas for what should get done as early as possible in the new legislative session. Here are six issues on which lawmakers, activists or Cuomo have called for quick action. Reforming bail reform Moderate Democratic lawmakers and their Republican colleagues have been criticizing criminal justice reforms ever since they passed in the state budget in April 1. Their efforts have gained traction in the court of public opinion as prosecutors began implementing the new changes to the state bail laws. Cuomo and Stewart-Cousins have signalled that they are willing to consider changes. While the chances are very low for any sweeping changes, especially in the first week, lawmakers could conceivably add to the list of criminal charges in which cash bail can be imposed. Otherwise, the media storm might only get worse as more criminal defendants get arrested shortly after being released pre-trial. Confronting anti-Semitism If state lawmakers dont give judges more discretion to require bail for people accused of hate crimes, they could still address the issue in another way. Cuomo proposed a policy change in response to the stabbing of five people at a Dec. 28 Hanukkah celebration in Rockland County. A suspect is currently facing five counts of attempted murder and one count of first degree burglary, but domestic terrorism is currently not a crime under state law an idea that Cuomo began pushing for in August. I'm proposing a new law that I want them to pass in January, Cuomo said on Jan. 1. When you attack people, and you're trying to hurt or murder a large number of people because of their race or their religion, that is terrorism. Limiting solitary confinement More than 135 progressive groups demanded in October that the state Legislature pass a bill on the first day of the session that would limit solitary confinement to 15 days in local jails and state prisons. The proposal has strong support among Democrats in both houses of the Legislature, but Cuomo ultimately got Heastie and Stewart Cousins to go along with his own alternative to institute new limits on solitary confinement through administrative means. The speed and seriousness with which Democrats pursue passage of the legislation will test early on how eager they are to pass additional criminal justice reforms despite recent controversies. Campaign finance redo Some lawmakers and plenty of activists did not like the system for publicly-financed elections that was created late last year by an appointed commission. These critics could not convince Heastie or Stewart Cousins to summon their members to Albany last month to block the commissions plans from becoming law. The start of the legislative session will give lawmakers their first chance to address the controversial changes made by the commission. Many progressives want lower thresholds for third-party ballot access, as do some conservatives. Some Democratic lawmakers are also pushing for lower limits on campaign contributions. Considering that Democrats used the budget process to punt the issue to a commission suggests that Democrats will take their time once again if they act all. If progressives make a push at the beginning of session for a public financing system that better meets their expectations then it would suggest they also have an appetite for intra-party strife over other policy issues this year. Passing a key voting reform (again) Democrats were on the verge of legalizing automatic voter registration last year until a drafting error doomed the bill. The idea had been to allow New Yorkers to register to vote while filing other paperwork with the state. The bill would have required language on state forms warning noncitizens that registering to vote was a crime, but a typo would have given them the wrong instructions. Republicans called attention to the error and Democrats pulled the bill in the final days of the session. Activists now want them to get it done, and it appears that lawmakers are listening. Limo safety Democrats in both chambers were unable to coordinate much of a legislative response to the deadliest transportation-related crash in the U.S. in nearly a decade, which occurred when a limo crash killed 20 people outside Schoharie in October 2018. Cuomo pushed some changes to limo safety through the budget process, but Democrats in the state Senate and Assembly said they had it from there, though they ultimately did not address the issue in time. As a result, victims families have had to wait for another legislative session to secure additional safety rules, like defining what a stretch limousine is and requiring passengers to wear seatbelts. SEATTLE, Washington, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Phase Genomics, Inc., the biotech leader providing proximity-ligation next-generation sequencing (NGS) solutions for metagenome assembly, today announced the award of a $1.5MM National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) grant to develop a low-cost platform for targeted detection of antimicrobial resistance mobile elements and their hosts in uncultured microbial communities. Phase Genomics will develop a rapid antimicrobial resistance (AMR) element capture kit and a user-friendly web portal to identify the hosts of AMR genes and analyze the transmission of antimicrobial resistant elements directly from complex microbial communities. The new AMR tracking kit will initially target a combination of markets valued at more than $400MM, including high-risk scenarios requiring quick turn-around such as human infectious disease in clinical settings, and AMR reservoirs like wastewater treatment plants and agricultural environments. The new tracking method fills a significant technological void as shotgun metagenomic methods fail to capture host-element information. Methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and long-read sequencing technologies cannot provide critical information about which species or strain host a given AMR mobile element. This new grant enables the development of a new class of tools and methods for identifying antimicrobial resistance hosts and providing critical information for understanding the ecology of the transmission of AMR genes, said Ivan Liachko, PhD, Founder and CEO of Phase Genomics. Our affordable and fast AMR tracking kit will build upon Phase Genomics extensive expertise with proximity ligation techniques, and will provide scientists with a new dimension of data to help solve the growing antibiotic resistance crisis. Utilizing its proprietary technology along with high-throughput kits and automation, Phase Genomics expects to reduce current sequencing costs by more than 90% relative to the current alternatives for mobile-element-host affiliation. Proximity-ligation tools like Hi-C offer a unique advantage in their ability to capture intra-cellular DNA junctions and I believe use of this approach will greatly benefit the AMR research community, and has significant potential in the clinical space as well, said Paul J. Plummer, DVM PhD, the Executive Director, National Institute of Antimicrobial Resistance Research and collaborator on the grant. Antibacterial resistance has emerged as a global health threat; a US Centers for Disease Control report estimates that 35,000 people in the US die each year due to infections from resistant bacteria. The funding will span over two years starting in January of 2020. Follow Phase Genomics on Twitter for the latest news and information. ABOUT PHASE GENOMICS Phase Genomics applies Hi-C and other proximity-ligation methods to enable chromosome-scale genome assembly, metagenomic deconvolution, as well as analysis of structural genomic variation and genome architecture. They offer a comprehensive portfolio of laboratory and computational services and products, including Hi-C kits for plants, animals, microbes, and human samples as well as industry-leading genome and metagenome assembly and analysis software. Based in Seattle, WA, the company was founded in 2015 by a team of genome scientists, software engineers, and entrepreneurs. The companys mission is to empower scientists with genomic tools that accelerate breakthrough discoveries. Advertisement The director of an Australian zoo which came dangerously close to burning down when a blaze tore through the New South Wales south coast claims he never considered abandoning his animals. More than 200 animals, including monkeys, red pandas, lions, giraffes and rhinos call Mogo Zoo, north of Bateman's Bay, home. On New Years Eve, an inferno crossed the Princes Highway after destroying much of the 170-year-old town of Mogo, and was fast approaching the 65-acre zoo. The sky turned red as the fire closed in on the property. Chad Staples, the zoo's director, described conditions as 'apocalyptic'. And yet, he never thought to flee. Director of Mogo Zoo Chad Staples, 40, looks at the zoo's giraffes in the village of Mogo, Australia, January 8, just a week after the zoo narrowly escaped a devastating fire An army of 15 zookeepers protected hundreds of animals at Mogo Zoo on the New South Wales Far South Coast which were at risk of destruction by bushfires (pictured) Chad Staples (pictured) said zookeepers at Mogo fought bravely to protect the animals they considered 'family' 'There's no way we would leave the animals behind. These are family - not things,' he said. At Mogo Zoo, staff spent New Year's Eve dousing the grounds with hundreds of thousands of litres of water as the fires approached. They were unpredictable at that stage, shifting quickly as winds changed. Flaming trees collapsed close to animal enclosures as the fire jumped over a stream on two sides of the grounds. The sky turned red and Mogo fell into complete darkness by noon, Mr Staples said. He said when they heard the fire was approaching, he and his team of 15 were resolved to stay and fight to protect the land and all the animals who called it home. Shortly after, a local fire service official stopped by to tell them no one would be able to come rescue them if things were to take a turn for the worst. Giraffes are seen stranded in an open field as bushfire moves in on Mogo Zoo as an army of 15 brave zookeepers stand guard with hoses and sprinklers to save the animals (pictured) Australia's famous Mogo Zoo was directly in the line of fire as a 31,000-hectare blaze threatened the renowned tourist attraction Mogo Zoo director Chad Staples (pictured with actress Rebel Wilson) said his team managed to save all 200 animals 'They were busting a gut to save everyone else,' Mr Staples said. 'I've never felt heat like that or seen fires that look like that and I never want to see that again.' The zoo's six zebras, two rhinos, six giraffes, four gorillas, three tigers and six lions, among others, were all given shelter, some in Mr Staples own home on the property and others in their night dens. 'Right now in my house there are animals of all descriptions in all the different rooms so they're safe and protected,' he said after the blaze swept through. The catastrophic bushfire season in Australia has so far claimed the lives of 26 people and an estimated one billion animals. Miraculously, there was not a single life lost at Mogo Zoo. Director of Mogo Zoo Chad Staples, 40, pauses during an interview with Reuters in the village of Mogo Deer are seen playing at the Mogo Zoo after the devastating bushfires tore through the town on the south coast of NSW Miraculously, all 200 animals escaped unscathed... largely due to the zoo's preparation and staff who chose to fight the blazes 'It was like Armageddon, it was black as midnight with tinges of red,' Mr Staples said. After the fires, the zoo arranged police escorts to get trucks through roadblocks to make urgent deliveries of hay, vegetables and water to keep the animals alive, he said. Mr Staples said the zoo was saved because of good preparation in the lead up to the forecast catastrophic fire season. He said their primary concern after the fire front swept through was potential power outages - which could cut power to the electric fences surrounding the enclosures of some of the more dangerous animals. 'The last thing you want if you're a firefighter is a lion on the loose,' he said. The 170-year-old town of Mogo was hit by some of the most ferocious fires seen yet this season. Homes, cars and buses reduced to shells, mangled metal and collapsed rubble. At least 2,000 homes have been destroyed so far this fire season and 10.3million hectares - an area the size of South Korea - has been scorched. The government on Wednesday in-principle approved strategic sale of Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd (NINL) by allowing six PSU shareholders to sell their stake in the steel company. A decision in this regard was taken in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters. NINL is a joint venture company, in which four central PSUs -- MMTC, National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and MECON -- and two Odisha government companies IPICOL and Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) are shareholders. MMTC holds 49.78 per cent share in NINL, followed by OMC (20.47 per cent), IPICOL (12 per cent), NMDC (10.10 per cent), while MECON and BHEL hold 0.68 per cent each. The strategic buyer for NINL will be identified through a two-stage auction procedure, said an official statement. "The proposed strategic disinvestment of NINL would unlock resources to be used to finance the social sector/ developmental programmes of the government benefiting the public," the statement added. It is also expected that the successful strategic buyer may bring in new management/technology/investment for the growth of the company and may use innovative methods for the development of the business operations of the company, which may generate more employment opportunities, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The American killing of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, a hero at home but a terrorist to the United States government, has scaled into one of the most dangerous confrontations between the two countries in the four decades of animosity that have followed the Islamic Revolution. Irans firing of ballistic missiles from inside its borders not relying on rockets from Iranian-backed proxies at two of the main military bases where many of the more than 5,000 American troops in Iraq are stationed was a significant escalation of force that threatened to ignite a widening conflict throughout the Middle East. It was also a stark message from Tehran that it has the will and the ability to strike at American targets in neighboring Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al Asad and Erbil, Jonathan Hoffman, the Pentagons chief spokesman, said in a statement. Iranian news media reported the attacks hours after the remains of General Suleimani were returned to his hometown in Iran for burial amid a huge outpouring of grief and rage at the United States. The funeral procession was so huge and unwieldy that more than 50 people died in a stampede, state news media reported, forcing a delay in the burial. Iranian officials said the attacks began at 1:20 a.m. the time General Suleimani was killed Friday by an American drone at the Baghdad International Airport. Former Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance boss Carlos Ghosn is expected to address the media Wednesday following his escape from house arrest in Japan. Ghosn, who was once among the most powerful and well-respected executives in the automotive industry, fled to Lebanon in what he and his legal team have described as an effort to get out from under a draconian Japanese justice system that has denied him due process. Ghosn has yet to make a detailed public statement about his plight, but he has said that the accusations against him amount to little more than a "boardroom coup," and that the real reason he was charged and removed from his post was to prevent further intertwining of Japanese automaker Nissan with Western corporations. Ghosn was a major proponent of formalizing Renault and Nissan's alliance into a permanent merger of the two companies a prospect which some in the industry believe was a non-starter for Nissan's board. The man Ghosn, 65, was born in Brazil to French-Lebanese parents. He lived in Brazil until he was 6, when his mother and aunt took him to Beirut, Lebanon, to live with family. He was educated in Lebanon and France, and upon graduation from the Ecole des Mines de Paris, he went to work for Michelin. He has since served at the executive level of multiple international powerhouses, rising to the posts of COO and CEO of Michelin North America, vice president and CEO of Renault, chairman and CEO of Nissan, and chairman and CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. He also briefly served as chairman of Mitsubishi after the struggling automaker was brought under Renault and Nissan's global umbrella. During this time, he remained chairman of Nissan's board of directors. Ghosn's career earned him a reputation as a man who could rebuild businesses in even the most dire financial straits. He worked his magic at both Renault and Nissan, dramatically cutting costs and transforming the near-bankrupt corporations into profitable juggernauts. His admirers and critics saddled him with nicknames such as "Le Cost Cutter" and "Mr. Fix It." Story continues The myth Ghosn's role in Nissan's turnaround earned him a heroic reputation in Japan, where he was featured in a manga comic in which he was depicted as having quasi-super powers that allowed him to identify the make and model of a car just from a faint, passing sound. He remained CEO of Nissan from his appointment in June 2001 until April 2017, when he stepped down to make way for Hiroto Saikawa. The fall Ghosn remained on the board of Mitsubishi until shortly after his arrest in November 2018, on charges of financial misconduct. According to Japanese authorities, Ghosn conspired with Nissan North America board member Greg Kelly to under-represent his annual compensation by as much as half over the course of five years, allegedly stashing away nearly $90 million in unreported income. He was also accused of misappropriating millions more from company coffers in order to purchase and renovate homes around the globe, which were then used as off-the-books retreats for Ghosn and other executives. Following the initial arrest, Ghosn was released and subsequently re-arrested in December 2018, released again and then re-arrested in January 2019 (along with Kelly) after he announced that he was going to address the media in an effort to clear his name. Japanese law allows suspects to be detained for up to three weeks without formal charges, granting authorities leeway to effectively detain suspects indefinitely so long as they are released and re-arrested after the window expires. After his January arrest, he was removed from the board of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and stripped of his CEO title. The wait Japanese authorities granted Ghosn bail in March 2019, allowing him to live under house arrest while prosecutors ostensibly put a case together for trial. The conditions of the $9 million bail deal included 24-hour surveillance and a blanket ban on internet access. Ghosn again said he intended to clear his name publicly, which was followed immediately by a fourth arrest on yet more charges of financial misconduct. Following this arrest, Nissan shareholders voted to remove Ghosn from the company's board. Ghosn was once again released in late April provided he complied with the conditions of his house arrest, which he did for another six months. A particularly stringent condition was that he could not have any contact with his wife. November 2019 marked one year since Ghosn's initial detention. Japanese prosecutors had still not finalized a date for his trial; Ghosn's legal team says it had been informed that Japanese officials sought yet another delay of potentially a year. During his detention and house arrest, Ghosn and his legal team have accused both Nissan and Japanese legal authorities of manipulating, destroying and denying the disgraced executive access to evidence that he claims would exonerate him. The escape Many details of Ghosn's flight from Japan to Lebanon remain unclear, but we know he left his home in Tokyo in the afternoon of Dec. 29, took a bullet train to Osaka, and snuck on board a private jet at Kansai International Airport in a large electronics case, which was not subjected to serious scrutiny. He was flown from Tokyo to Beirut by way of Istanbul. Turkish airline operator MNG claims that its planes were used illegally, and that at least one employee committed fraud by falsifying documents associated with Ghosn's escape from Japan. The executive was not named in any of the operator's travel documents, obscuring his presence from authorities in Japan, Turkey and his final destination of Lebanon. Lebanon does not routinely extradite fugitives. Recall that Ghosn spent part of his childhood there, and he is regarded as a national hero. Ghosn is said to have met with the Lebanese president upon his arrival. The aftermath Late on Jan. 6, 2020, Japanese authorities issued an arrest warrant for Ghosn's wife, Carole, in what the family's lawyers have called an attempt to silence Ghosn ahead of his next attempt to clear his name. Ghosn insists his family did not participate in or have knowledge of his escape plan. Related Video: Click here to See Video >> A Delhi court has denied the CBI the custodial interrogation of a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officer and two middlemen arrested in connection with a Rs 3-crore bribery case earlier this month. Special Judge Virender Bhat on Monday dismissed the agency's application for custodial interrogation and remanded the accused persons -- Chander Shekhar, Additional Director General, DRI, Ludhiana, and Anup Joshi, Clearing House Agent, and Rajesh Dhanda, a close friend of Shekhar -- to judicial custody till January 20. The judge said the application lacked "merit". He also said the arguments put forward by the public prosecutor on behalf of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were "totally identical" to the contents of an application and submissions made on behalf of the agency before another judge on January 2. On January 2, all the three accused were produced before a trial court, which sent them to judicial custody while denying the CBI's application for their custodial interrogation. "The application filed today does not contain any fresh averment or any fresh ground which may warrant considerations of the prayer of CBI afresh," the court said on Monday. It accepted the arguments advanced by advocate Arshdeep Singh, appearing for one of the accused, that the bribe money had already been recovered and the voice samples of Dhanda and Joshi had been obtained while Shekhar had refused to give his voice sample. "In these circumstances, the prosecutor was unable to satisfy this court as to why the police custody remand of the accused persons is required. He was unable to explain the contents and particulars of the documents stated to have (been) seized from the office of DRI at Ludhiana, regarding which the further questioning of the accused persons is needed. "From the submissions of the prosecutor itself, it appears that no further recovery is to be made in this case and the investigation is almost complete. Hence, no merit is found in the application and the same is hereby dismissed," the judge said. The CBI had sought seven-day remand of the accused for further interrogation and confrontation with documents. It is alleged that in June 2019, the DRI had conducted a search at a private clearing agency which provides services to various exporters, the CBI said, adding that some documents pertaining to an exporter were also seized. The complainant alleged that Joshi and Dhanda demanded Rs 3 crore on behalf of Shekhar to ensure that he is not implicated by the DRI over the documents recovered, the agency said. According to the CBI, Joshi and Dhanda were arrested while receiving Rs 25 lakh as the first installment of the bribe. During the questioning, the middlemen told the sleuths that the bribe was for the officer, the agency said. Searches are being conducted in New Delhi, Noida and Ludhiana, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Government is drawing up contingency plans to replace Northern Rail amid widespread traveller fury it its poor performance. The Prime Minister revealed his ministers are looking at reforming the nationwide franchise system amid ongoing anger at high ticket prices in return for poor services. And Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is expected to announce that Northern has officially breached its agreement with the Government and could now be brought under the control of ministers. It came as senior managers from Northern, TransPennine Express, Arriva and First Rail, which run services across the north of England, apologised for their recent performance. Mr Johnson (pictured with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at Downing Street today) revealed his ministers are looking at reforming the nationwide franchise system Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced last week that train operator Northern is to have its contract ripped up Mr Johnson responded to a call from Labour's Makerfield MP to 'commit to stripping them (Northern) of their franchise'. Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons, she also urged Mr Johnson to 'commit to devolving the power and the money to the regions so that local people have the power over their local transport'. Mr Johnson said he shared Ms Fovargue's 'outrage', adding that ministers were 'also looking at the whole way the franchising system operates'. 'I must say I share her outrage and I do understand what she is saying and we are developing contingency plans for a replacement for Northern Rail,' he said. 'But what we are also doing and she raises the point, we are also looking at the whole way the franchising system operates and she'll have seen (the) Keith Williams' very, very valuable report on that.' A Downing Street source said: The PM is pretty agitated about rail and the poor service people are getting in some parts of the country, whether its Northern rail, TransPennine or whoever. We are going to sort it out. Mr Shapps announced last week that train operator Northern is to have its contract ripped up. But Department for Transport officials later clarified that Northern could continue to operate services through a new, short-term contract. This morning Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called for a public deadline for train operator TransPennine Express to improve its services, saying: 'It's kind of last-chance saloon'. This morning Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called for a public deadline for train operator TransPennine Express to improve its services The operator announced this week it would issue refunds to season ticket holders as its recent performance was described as 'completely unacceptable' by the Department for Transport (DfT). It also announced it has cancelled dozens of services this month, and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he wanted an urgent meeting with the operator to discuss its services. Appearing at the Rail North Committee (RNC) in Leeds on Wednesday, Mr Burnham said: 'We are not prepared any longer to put up with, the people of our region are not prepared to put up with, the misery inflicted on their lives.' Senior Tories tell Boris: Back HS2 Two senior Tory figures yesterday called for Boris Johnson to press ahead with HS2. Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, told Radio 4s Today programme that scrapping the controversial high-speed rail link would set back the revival of the wider region around Birmingham by decades. Meanwhile, former chancellor George Osborne, a former Cheshire MP and the architect of the Northern Powerhouse, told Today that HS2 must go ahead. The PM has told ministers to root out spending waste, giving them licence to axe projects promoted by his predecessors. Advertisement Speaking with reporters after a number of RNC members agreed with his proposal, Mr Burnham added: 'The committee has addressed the idea of setting them a public deadline. We are now going to take a week or two to work out what form that takes. 'For TransPennine, it's kind of last-chance saloon.' Mr Shapps had been listed as attending on the agenda for Wednesday afternoon's Transport for the meeting, but rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris took his place, with the Transport Secretary instead set to visit Leeds on Thursday. Rail chiefs from TPE, Arriva, First Rail and Northern Rail attended the morning meeting and apologised for their recent performance as RNA members described services as 'shoddy' and a 'shambles'. Steve Montgomery, managing director at First Rail, said: 'We do apologise for the disruption caused to passengers.' And Leo Goodwin, managing director at TPE, added that he 'apologised unreservedly'. Chris Burchell, managing director at Arriva, said: 'I would also like to apologise for the service over the last couple of months.' Office of Rail and Road figures show just 56 per cent of Northern trains arrived at stations within one minute of the timetable in the 12 months to December 7, compared with the average across Britain of 65 per cent. TPE's 3 per cent rebate to season ticket holders comes after issues with the introduction of new trains. During the meeting in Leeds, both Northern and TPE blamed a mixture of factors on the poor performance over the last couple of months, including infrastructure, delays in the delivery of new trains leading to a delay in training drivers, extreme weather and recent unprecedented levels of sickness. Mr Burchell told the meeting they were involved in negotiations with drivers to implement a new contract regarding Sunday working in an effort to improve Sunday services. The U.S.-Iran proxy war may now into a direct one in the digital arena. U.S. cyber security firms working with the Trump administration are reporting multiple evidences of spear-phishing emails from Iranian hackers. This, however, provides ample growth opportunities for cybersecurity firms, which had slumped in 2019. U.S.-Irans Disputed Cyber Attack History The two oil-rich countries of the Middle East, Iraq and Iran, have been in a troubled relationship since 1980. Americas support to Ba'athist Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War had pulled the states into conflict. Moreover, Iran has had no formal diplomatic relationship with the United States since 1980. Now, the assassination of the head of Irans Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, has reignited suppressed tensions, with Iran vowing to retaliate. Tensions with Iran escalated last year as the United States had withdrawn from the 2015 nuclear deal followed by multiple rounds of sanctions. Iran, by the way, has a reputation of launching cyber-attacks on the U.S. government. In 2016, the United States had charged Iranian hackers for a series of cyber-attacks on American banks. In the past few weeks, representatives from CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. CRWD and FireEye, Inc. FEYE, who track hacking activities for the U.S. government, reported that hackers are working for the Iranian government. Iranian government-aided hackers are sending waves of spear-phishing emails that target U.S. government agencies and major sectors like oil and gas. Further, FireEye confirmed two such spear-phishing emails, one of which was seemingly sent by the Executive Office of the President, trying to recruit employees to an economic adviser post. The other mail contained details on updating Microsoft Outlooks global address book. However, it is not clear if hackers have been able to gain access to the targeted networks with the emails. Irans cyber-attack threats have increased in the past one month after the Trump administration imposed sanctions on the Iranian petrochemical sector. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Saturday that the agency tasked with cyber security reported a rise in malicious cyber activities directed at U.S. government agencies by Iranian regime actors and proxies. Story continues 2020 - An Opportunity for Cybersecurity Providers Data security was a major problem for cybersecurity companies in 2019, making it one of the worst years for them. Evidently, the Ponemon Institutes 2019 report on Cost of a Data Breach stated that the average cost of a data breach reached $3.92 million, which is the highest on record. In the first half of 2019, around 40000 publicly disclosed breaches were reported. This had a huge impact on customers as they stopped engaging with a brand digitally after a data breach was reported. An October 2019 survey states that 81% customers avoided going online on a brand reporting breach in data security, eventually leading to brand erosion and reputational damage for companies. However, 2020 seems to be more promising for companies dealing in cyber security. Firms need to focus on three major issues insider threats, phishing scamsandexposed databases. Monitoring employees and securing endpoint data through proper software can help defend against insider threats. Additionally, phishing scams can be avoided by training employees and making them aware of threats that may land in their inboxes. With the advancement in technologies, it is crucial to check and recheck that critical company data are password protected and has sufficient lock down mechanism. 3 Cyber Security Stocks to Invest In The rising threat of cyber-attack from Iran and the prevailing data security breach is a primary concern that U.S. cyber space faces at present. Cyber security firms are working hard to perfect technologies, giving enough room for stocks to rise as demand increase. Evidently, the ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF (HACK) closed 1.2% higher on Jan 6 and has gained 3.4% in the past five days. On the date, shares of CrowdStrike rose 8.6%, while Rapid7, Inc. RPD closed 3.2% higher after Iran threatened to retaliate. Thus, we have shortlisted three stocks that are posed to grow given the current scenario. Fortinet, Inc. FTNT provides broad, integrated and automated cybersecurity solutions, globally. The company offers security and networking functions that include firewall, intrusion prevention, anti-malware, virtual private network and much more. Its Fortinet Secure SD-Branch extends the benefits of SD-WAN, allowing network access, converging WAN and security, with increased visibility, reduced complexity and improve performance. And the new FortiCloud Services gives customers cloud security and management capabilities that are easy to implement and manage due to high flexibility. Fortinets expected earnings growth rate for the current quarter is 18.6% against the Zacks Security industrys projected earnings decline of 9.8%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the companys current-year earnings has been revised 2.6% upward over the past 60 days.Fortinet carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. CrowdStrike develops security solutions in the United States, its Falcon platform, a cloud-based security solution helps in protecting workloads across on-premise, virtualized and cloud-based environments running on various endpoints. CrowdStrike has teamed up with Dell and Secureworks to help mid-market customers, state and local governments, and educational institutions that do not have a personalized SIEM platform and SOC. The company has displayed a well-organized portfolio of vulnerability management tools, to facilitate metered billing on AWS, and simplify the management of Windows firewalls. CrowdStrikes expected earnings growth rate for the next quarter is 78.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the companys current-year earnings has been revised 17.5% upward over the past 60 days.CrowdStrike carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Mimecast Limited MIME is an email and data security company that provides cloud security and risk management services for corporate information and email. In 2019, the company expanded its technical portfolio by acquiring data migration technology provider Simply Migrate to help customers and prospects move to cloud more quickly, reliably and inexpensively. This Zacks Rank #2 companys expected earnings growth rate for the current quarter is 44.4% against the Zacks Internet - Software industrys projected earnings decline of 54.9%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the companys current-year earnings has been revised 4.4% upward over the past 60 days. Just Released: Zacks 7 Best Stocks for Today Experts extracted 7 stocks from the list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys that has beaten the market more than 2X over with a stunning average gain of +24.6% per year. These 7 were selected because of their superior potential for immediate breakout. See these time-sensitive tickers now >> Click to get this free report Fortinet, Inc. (FTNT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Rapid7, Inc. (RPD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Mimecast Limited (MIME) : Free Stock Analysis Report FireEye, Inc. (FEYE) : Free Stock Analysis Report CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. (CRWD) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Friends in their 70s and 80s, who would not want to be called old men, have been out for days or nights for three months with the tankers. I have seen a man, dying in great pain, still struggle towards the flames to give his wisdom on where the fire might go; I have seen wombats share their holes with snakes, quolls, possums and a nervous swamp wallaby; a fridge on the highway kept constantly stocked with cold drinks for those defending us; six firies leaning against the hospital wall, too exhausted to stagger inside for first aid. The next day they went out again. In better times ... Jackie French has lived in the Araluen Valley for 46 years. Credit:Marina Neil Last term, a local school was asked how many of their students were suffering bushfire trauma. Their answer? All of them. Every child had either watched fire rage and flicker round their house or has a best friend who is still white-faced and silent. The teachers spent the final weeks of the school year creating joy: a school rain dance, a book give-away, an Academy Awards ceremony far more hilarious than any real one. When kids look back in 20 years, I hope they will remember community fun and kindness, not the terror. Bryan and I have been offered rooms, clothes, help with tending the wildlife, cups of tea, smiles. And the smiles meant a lot. Im part of a daily network asking by text and email: are you OK? Do you need help? How is Carol? Have you heard from Harry? Jackie French has established a conservation area to feed and protect wildlife in drought, storm and fire. Credit:Jackie French Peter Marshall, who lent us the evacuation room where I began this article, has faced the flames every night for the past week, as well as for months before that. He described how the "fire came screaming at us out of Monga Forest like 10,000 B29s on full throttle". Eucalypts exploded in the heat. And then the fire reached his farm, and stopped. For 30 years he slowly created a landscape that stops fire. Yes, it can be done, just as we can and must now build homes that are fire, flood and windproof. This is just the beginning. What do we need? National disaster management, with mobile teams that can be sent into disaster regions with portable hospitals, medics, evacuation centres, rescue gear. The expertise exists. But I bet you that non-experts will look at the reports, then shove them in a bottom drawer. A bushfire and emergency response system that does not depend on volunteers. Yes, there will always be magnificent volunteers, but the job of fighting for our nations fires, floods and cyclones should not be on their shoulders. Volunteers must be supported, not just financially, but physically and emotionally, and their families too. The Rural Fire Services should not have to ask for donations. They are a government body and should be funded by government. We need more independence for local fire brigades. That old farmer or the wrinkled woman with her walking stick are the ones who know that the wind will change at 4.50pm exactly and the fire will leap across the ridges. We need containment lines across the country from which fire can be safely fought. We once built a rabbit-proof fence across Australia. We need nationwide fire-resistant planted landscapes, a mosaic of thousands of kilometres of fireproof walls, and burning regimes suited to each ecosystem, not one size fits all. We need building codes that dictate that all houses, roads, rail, bridges, power supplies, communications and essential services must be flood and fireproof, in cities as well as rural areas. We need redundancy. If one phone, water, bridge, road or energy system goes down, there must be others to rely on. As I write my computer is powered by our solar system. Our local grid is down, our phone is out, but because of our solar system I can connect to the world and know where the fires are. We have our own water storage and sewerage too. There must be nowhere in Australia that does not have back-ups like these. Most importantly? DO NOT FORGET. This is most Australians first taste of climate change. But we are the descendants of those who have faced Ice Ages, plagues, wars, famine. Most humans died. Our ancestors did not. When times are hardest, humans are capable of the greatest kindness and innovation. The best way to survive the decades to come is by forging strong community links, because when disaster strikes, those links will stand strong. DO NOT FORGET. Because those who make vast sums of money from businesses that, as a side effect, destroy our planet, put vast sums into PR or political campaigns so that laws are never made to hinder their actions. The politicians who denied climate change, the need for disaster planning and firefighting equipment, and who cut fire budgets by 30-40 per cent this year alone despite warnings from their own experts that we faced catastrophes this year will use political spin ... lets just call it lying to try to make you forget before the next election. DO NOT FORGET. Because the federal fire aid has only been offered now because of the rage of "quiet Australians". You and I and every Australian who expressed contempt has achieved this. We must keep demanding what is needed. Unless we keep up the rage, the passion and compassion, our children and our childrens children will die in more climatic disasters, from winds to cyclones, floods, tornadoes, bushfires and storm surges: the "new normal' of the Anthropocene. DO NOT FORGET. Because long after these flames are doused, there will be traumatised kids, fireys who collapse when the adrenalin seeps away, businesses destroyed, half a billion wildlife killed, with just as many injured, starving, needing food and water stations if their species is to survive. DO NOT FORGET. How we have worked together, fighting disaster without political leadership, leaders emerging in their own communities, from those who fought the flames to those who offered rooms, diverted traffic amidst red smoke, raised funds or simply offered all the smiles they could find. Do not forget that when we acted together we achieved miracles. This is the comfort we must give our children: in the past weeks, Australia has been a truly great nation. We must remain one. We must not forget. Kernersville police are asking the public to help identify three men who robbed a sweepstakes business in the city Tuesday morning. Police say three men, at least one of whom was armed, entered Duck Stop Sweepstakes on North Main Street on Tuesday morning and demanded money. The men made off with an undisclosed amount of money from the business and patrons inside the business, police said. Police describe the three men as follows: One is about 6 feet tall, of medium build, has a full beard and rough-sounding voice. He was wearing a black North Face hooded jacket, a white hat and white sneakers. A second man is taller than 6 feet and of stocky build. He was wearing a ski mask, all black clothes and had on brown work boots. The third man was shorter than the other two, police said, and of slender build. He had on a black Nike hooded jacket, black pants and white sneakers. Photographs of the three were captured by surveillance cameras Authorities ask anyone with information about the robbery to contact the Kernersville Police Department at 336-996-3177. On Twitter @LeeOSanderlin lsanderlin@wsjournal.com 336-727-7339 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. London [UK], Jan 8 (ANI): The United Kingdom (UK) on Wednesday condemned Iran's missile attacks on two US-led coalition military bases in Iraq and called on Tehran to not repeat such "reckless and dangerous" attacks and ensure there is de-escalation of tensions in the region soon. "We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting Coalition including British forces. We are concerned by reports of casualties and use of ballistic missiles. We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement. "A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh (IS) and other terrorist groups," Raab added while referring to Islamic State's Arabic name. Early on Wednesday, Iran launched more than a dozen missiles on US targets in Iraq -- first at the Ain Al-Asad airbase in Anbar province and another one at Erbil, which falls in the Kurdistan region. The strikes came hours after the funeral of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, whose killing in a US air raid has intensified tensions in the region. Meanwhile, Iraq has said that a total of 22 missiles targetted coalition bases, with 17 of them striking the Al-Asad airbase, including two that did not detonate. Five missiles hit the base in Erbil, the military said in a statement citing CNN. No casualties among the Iraqi security forces were reported from the strikes. Iranian state television has claimed that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed. The state media also said that none of the missiles were intercepted, reported Al Jazeera. Iran has threatened to strike inside America if the US responds to the missile attacks. (ANI) Former Olympic swimmer Lisa Curry was rushed to hospital on New Year's Day after waking up with an extremely swollen throat. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the 57-year-old described the terrifying ordeal in detail while sharing a photo of herself hooked up to a drip in the hospital ward. 'My goal for the year was to slow the heck down... before I even got a chance to slow down, I ended up here in a Melbourne hospital,' Lisa began. Health scare: Lisa Curry took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal she had been rushed to hospital on New Year's Day after waking up with an extremely swollen throat 'New Years Day lovely lunch with friends, go home for a nana nap, woke up unable to breathe... my throat and tongue swollen and so scary not to be able to get a proper breath,' she added. The mother-of-three said the health scare had reminded her to take better care of herself and 'slow down'. 'We only tend to slow down when we are FORCED to. When we feel ok, we keep pushing and pushing,' she wrote. Ordeal: The mother-of-three said the health scare had reminded her to take better care of herself and 'slow down' Lisa still has no idea what caused the swelling. 'I'm quite allergic to things in the air and plants but really have no idea why it happened?? Immune system down plus too much stress,' she told her followers. Thankfully, Lisa said she is finally starting to feel 'a little human' again. Health woes: Lisa, who has won 15 gold medals for swimming, has suffered from several health issues in recent years Lisa, who has won 15 gold medals for swimming, has suffered from several health issues in recent years. In 2008, she underwent heart surgery for a condition known as myocarditis which, if left unchecked, can result in cardiac arrest. Seven years later, the sporting legend underwent heart surgery again to fix her cardioverter-defibrillator. She has also suffered from extreme hormonal imbalances over the years. Congratulations, iphone5release.me got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site: Iphone5release.me scored 78 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 4/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 21 Dec 2012, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. iphone5release.me is very popular in Twitter and Facebook. It has 27495 twitter followers. Furthermore its facebook page has 12 likes. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the iphone5release homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if iphone5release has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the iphone5release homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. The total number of people who shared the iphone5release homepage on Delicious. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the iphone5release homepage on Twitter + the total number of iphone5release followers (if iphone5release has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the iphone5release homepage on StumbleUpon. Basic Information PAGE TITLE iPhone 5 Blog | iPhone 5 Release Updates, Rumors & Leaked Pictures DESCRIPTION Apple Devices, iPhones and tablets, App Recommendations and Reviews for new iPhone devices. This site is in not affiliated with Apple or any of its partners and just serves as a Fan blog to display content for interested readers. KEYWORDS Apple iPhone, Apple iPhone 4, Apple iPhone 4S, Apple iPhone 5, iPhone 5, iPhone 5 Pictures, iPhone 5 Release Date, iPhone 5 Official Pictures, iPhone 5 Updates, iPhone 5 News, iPhone 5 Unofficial Blog, iPhone 5 Fan Pictures, iPhone 5 Leaked Images, iPhone OTHER KEYWORDS The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The title found in the head section of the homepage. Domain and Server DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE English (United States) UTF-8English (United States) DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Apache/2.2.16 (Unix) mod_ssl/2.2.16 OpenSSL/0.9.8e-fips-rhel5 mod_bwlimited/1.4 (PHP/5.2.14) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) The language of iphone5release.me as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Type of server and offered services. Operative System running on the server. Character set and language of the site. Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world. Referring domains for iphone5release.me by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines. Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK FOUND FACEBOOK PAGE www.facebook.com/pages/iPhone-5/217068591718479 DESCRIPTION Upcoming iPhone 5 Latest News LIKES 12 PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT 0 PAGE TYPE Electronics TIMELINE PAGE TIMELINE A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. The type of Facebook page. The URL of the found Facebook page. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK FOUND TWITTER PAGE twitter.com/#!/topentblog DESCRIPTION Follow Us ACCOUNT CREATED ON 14 Nov 2009 LOCATION USA TWEETS 9141 FOLLOWERS 27495 LISTED 67 For a very long time people have been bothered by the poor food served by the Indian railways. In more recent times, the cases of stale or bad food items seemed to have reduced, but may be not. Recently, a shocking incident was reported by the passengers on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express train. They were reportedly served expired bread and butter for breakfast and because of eating that bread, many passengers complained of uneasiness and some even vomited. Twitter Doctors attended to the passengers when the train reached Surat station. A passenger took to Twitter to talk about the incident. Atul Rane posted the images of bread with fungus, served on the train. Disgusting breakfast being served by the catering team of Shatabdi Express - 12009. The staff deliberately served expired food products during the meals. It can't get more pathetic than this. The authorities are absolutely not bothered about health issues, he wrote. Disgusting breakfast being served by the catering team of Shatabdi Express - 12009. The staff deliberately served expired food products during the meals. It can't get more pathetic than this. The authorities are absolutely not bothered about health issues.#irctc#PiyushGoyal pic.twitter.com/YRiIfIcjxo Atul Rane (@Aturane88) January 7, 2020 The post claims that the train staff served the food even after knowing it was expired, and if that is the case, it makes the offence all the more grave. Railway officials have confirmed the incident and according to Mumbai Mirror have said that, "IRCTC officials have been suspended and the contractor has been served notice for termination of the contract." Twitter But will suspending staff of one train ensure impeccable service on others? There have been numerous cases of unhygienic food served on railway stations and on board trains and it clearly exposes the absence of a quality-check system. The trains that serve food actually charge extra for it - apart from the fare - and more often than not, you have to pay that amount, even if you choose not to eat the meal allocated for you. Despite that, the quality of the food served is way below average, and in cases like this one, it's deplorable. Washington, Jan 8 (IANS) The Pentagon has confirmed that Iran has launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against the US military and coalition forces in Iraq, in what appeared to be the first retaliatory strike by Tehran in the wake of the January 3 American drone attack that killed Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. "At approximately 5.30 p.m. (US time) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq," Xinhua news agency quoted the Pentagon as saying in a statement. "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Ayn al Asad and Irbil," the statement added. These bases were already put on high alert due to indications that Iran planned to attack the US forces and interests in the region, the statement noted. The Pentagon further said that it would take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region. The White House said earlier that it was monitoring the attacks, adding that President Donald Trump was also following the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq," Efe news quoted White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham as saying on Tuesday night. "The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team." Meanwhile, Iran on Wednesday claimed responsibility of launching the missile strikes. "This morning, courageous fighters of the Air Force launched a successful operation called Operation Martyr Soleimani, with the code 'Oh Zahra' by firing tens of ground-to-ground missiles at the base of the terrorist and invasive US forces named Ain Al Asad," Iran's ISNA news agency said in a report. The strikes came hours after Trump's latest warning to Iran earlier on Tuesday. "If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly," Trump told reporters in the White House. Trump's remark came after the Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Hossein Salami warned the US also on Tuesday that Tehran would take "severe revenge" over the death of Soleimani, who was the chief of the elite Quds Force. ksk/ I t was the 8am breakfast club at Kensington Aldridge Academy, the school under Grenfell Tower, and a dozen 13-year-olds with a history of challenging behaviour were clamouring around one table comparing their behaviour points. I had 90, said Jouad. I had 160 in year 7, said Ramy. Me too, said Yasir, his 160 points derived from the equivalent of 80 one-hour detentions and cumulatively punishable by four temporary exclusions. What appeared to be collective boasting about relative badness was actually a display of appreciation for Louis Levin sitting at the head of the table to show how far they have come since he helped them fix up. I havent had any detentions so far this year, Sir, said Yasir. I have only 13 points, said Ramy. Levin, 52, beamed and warmly greeted each child, scanning them for who looked stressed and might need a word to ensure they didnt kick off later that day. Louis Levin, head of the inclusions unit at KAA / Jeremy Selwyn Hired six months after the June 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, Levin heads up the schools inclusion unit, School Within a School (SWS), which helps pupils at risk of permanent exclusion address the root cause of their behaviour before supporting them back into mainstream class. Every half-term, Levin takes on a new cohort of eight troubled Key Stage 3 pupils, aged 11 to 14, and works his magic over six weeks. KAAs headteacher David Benson, 39, who recruited Levin, said: The Grenfell Tower fire forced us to grapple with the impact of trauma, and that led us to think about how we can support broader disruptive issues faced by our pupils such as domestic violence, neglect, poor housing and poverty. "With 66 per cent of our students on pupil premium, many have disadvantaged backgrounds. "We believe good discipline is integral to good learning and that bad behaviour should have consequences, but we also believe that every permanently excluded child is a failure on the part of us and the system. Headteacher of Kensington Aldridge Academy David Benson / Jeremy Selwyn KAA had five permanent exclusions and more than 130 fixed term exclusions last year, but Benson is convinced it would have been far higher if not for SWS. KAA is ranked outstanding by Ofsted and has won Evening Standard and TES awards for achieving outstanding success against the odds, but Benson said every permanent exclusion weighs heavily because of what it means for that childs future. Now he is seeking for KAA to be one of the first schools to benefit from the Evening Standards 1 million fund to tackle exclusions, announced today. We will apply for a grant to augment our innovative SWS inclusions unit, he said, inviting the Standard in to see how SWS works. Levin, who runs SWS from a regular classroom on an upper floor, explained that the children keep up with the core curriculum in English, maths and science, with regular teachers coming in to SWS to teach, and that the rest of the time is devoted to developing insight into their behaviour and building self-esteem. In the first week, we sit around a big table and I say to the children: Why is it all going wrong? Tell me everything. Kevin said his secret weapon is that nothing the children say can shock him, because he has seen worse in his own family. I come from a huge, chaotic, notorious family. My dad had seven siblings and each had five children and we all lived on the same Essex estate. We were dysfunctional. "I lived among mental illness, domestic violence, drug dealing and alcoholism and I knew what it was to go to bed hungry. Levin is open about his past. I tell the children I used to be called Barry and changed my name by deed poll when I was 21 to give myself a fresh start. I share my personal journey, my failures and successes, because it helps them open up and gives them hope. One pupil to benefit from SWS is Yasir, whose schooling was interrupted when his mother took the family to Somalia for a year to avoid Yasirs older brother being permanently excluded and sent to a Pupil Referral Unit. The Kensington Aldridge Academy / Jeremy Selwyn It was hard coming back after being home schooled in Somalia and then going straight into a new high school, said Yasir. He was referred to SWS for being disruptive, but Levin spotted his potential. Yasir could argue with an empty room, but I saw that he is a hilarious raconteur, said Levin. I told him the things that get you into trouble are also your best qualities, that he is a natural storyteller who needs to harness that energy for good instead of for trouble. But Levin is the first to admit that six weeks is often not enough to finish the job and so he operates as mentor for past SWS cohorts. Loading.... Yesterday Yasir began one of his meltdowns which a year ago would have led to a fixed term exclusion, he said. In the past, he would swear, smash things. But this time his teacher WhatsApped me and I took him to a quiet area and got him to breathe and reminded him of strategies hed come up with in SWS. "I got him smiling and he went to his next lesson calm and he managed himself. Yasir said: I am learning to handle my anger because otherwise I will still have it when I am older and that wont be good. Another pupil at risk of permanent exclusion was Travis, now 15. Hes a big character, bubbly, bright and hyperactive, but he responded amazingly to SWS, said Levin. On the last day of SWS, he started sobbing and said: I can do school again, I found my way back. Loading.... Loading.... Drama teacher Amy Gurnell said Traviss transformation has been amazing. Dont get me wrong, I still sometimes say, Im seeing year 8 Travis, not year 10 Travis, but overall he is conscientious and on course to get grade 8 or 9 for drama GCSE. Recently Benson and Levin joined the Standard on a visit to the inclusion unit of Dunraven High in Lambeth, where permanent exclusions are now zero and fixed term exclusions have been slashed from 500 to just 14 a year. What they have achieved at Dunraven is inspirational, said Benson. Like the inclusion unit at Dunraven, SWS is a positive intervention, not a punishment, but our unit is for Key Stage 3 pupils only whereas theirs has an extra member of staff and goes wider. How would a grant help? Levin said: I would like SWS to have the capacity to offer temporary respite for our Key Stage 4 children because sometimes they hit a crisis and could do with nurture support, but that needs more staff and more training. NEW YORK, NY, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: TAUG) (Tauriga or theCompany), a revenue generating Company that operates through the development, distribution, and licensing of proprietary products as well as the evaluation of potential acquisition opportunities and equity investments, today announced plans to commence development of a pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum. The Companys vision is to develop a pharmaceutical product, based off of the Tauri-Gum platform, that focuses on the potential anti-nausea properties of Cannabinoids. While this process is preliminary at this stage, the Company believes that a potentially viable roadmap exists, to achieve this corporate initiative. The Company will continually update its shareholders, via future press releases, should material progress be realized. There can be no guarantee that the Company will ultimately be successful, in developing any type of Pharmaceutical product(s). ABOUT TAURIGA SCIENCES INC. Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (TAUG) is a revenue generating Company that operates through the development, distribution, and licensing of proprietary products as well as the evaluation of potential acquisition opportunities. One such opportunity on which the Company has acted, involves the Company having entered into the cannabidiol (or CBD) infused chewing gum product business, as more fully described above and in prior press releases. This CBD infused chewing gum product has been branded under the following name: Tauri-Gum. The Company is currently in production of three distinct flavors of Tauri-Gum: MINT, BLOOD ORANGE, and POMEGRANATE. On December 6, 2019 the Company announced that it completed the initial production run (thereby expanding its existing product lines) with the introduction of a 25mg Vegan CBD Isolate Infused vegan gummy (gum drop), branded under the name: Tauri-Gummies. Further, the Company continues to identify and evaluate additional potential opportunities to generate revenue, as well as shareholder value, and leverage its resources and expertise to build a diversified and sustainable business model. Please visit our corporate website at www.tauriga.com . The Company has also announced the development of a Cannabigerol (CBG) Isolate infused version of Tauri-Gum. The flavor that has been selected is Starfruit/Peach and each piece of gum will contain 10mg of CBG Isolate / Each blister pack will contain 80mg of CBG Isolate. The Company expects to commence production during its 4thFiscal Quarter of 2020 (January 1, 2020 March 31, 2020). In addition, on March 11, 2019, the Company announced the official launch of its E-Commerce site - as part of its Tauri-Gum commercialization strategy. This site can be accessed by visiting the following URL address: www.taurigum.com The Company has established corporate offices in both New York City (USA) and Barcelona (Spain). DISCLAIMER -- Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which represent managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are often indicated by using words such as may, will, expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, believes, or plans, and may include statements regarding corporate objectives as well as the attainment of certain corporate goals and milestones. Forward-looking statements are based on present circumstances and on managements present beliefs with respect to events that have not occurred, that may not occur, or that may occur with different consequences or timing than those now assumed or anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as are not guarantees of general economic and business conditions, the ability to successfully develop and market products, consumer and business consumption habits, the ability to consummate successful acquisition and licensing transactions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and other factors over which Tauriga has little or no control. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the Risk Factors section of Taurigas Form 10-K and other filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and Tauriga assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Contact: CONTACT INFORMATION Tauriga Sciences, Inc. 555 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor New York, NY 10022 Chief Executive Officer Mr. Seth M. Shaw Email: sshaw@tauriga.com cell # (917) 796 9926 Corp. Website: www.tauriga.com E-Commerce Website: www.taurigum.com by Austin Bay January 7, 2020 Understand these facts first and foremost: Qassem Soleimani was a career state-sponsored terrorist whose financial, ideological and strategic sponsor was the Iranian theocratic dictatorship the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini founded in 1979. Another fact: In 1984, the U.S. State Department placed Iran on its list of state sponsors of terrorism. If 1984 sounds like an Orwellian omen, 1983 was arguably more apt. The 1979 assault on and occupation of the U.S. embassy in Tehran by Khomeini's zealots constituted an attack on sovereign U.S. territory and ought to rate as terrorism. Holding 52 American diplomats hostage for 444 days while screaming, "Death to America," in my view crossed the criminal terrorist line. However, the Iran-sponsored 1983 bombing of Beirut's U.S. Marine barrack was definitely terror. Lebanese Shiite Iran proxies -- Lebanese Hezbollah being their nom de guerre -- were identified as the culprits. Soleimani's status as a career terrorist and the ayatollah regime's career commitment to financing, training and using terrorists are absolutely essential contexts for understanding the latest clashes in the long war on America that Khomeini proclaimed in 1979. The most sensational recent violence was Soleimani's Jan. 3 assassination by American missiles as he arrived in Iraq, likely fired by unmanned aerial vehicles circling above Baghdad International Airport but perhaps fired by an American attack helicopter. Ignore the propagandists claiming otherwise. The U.S. had every right to kill the evil man. Soleimani was a terrorist, and the Quds Force of the Iranian Republican Guard Corps he commanded is a terrorist organization. Soleimani's life and livelihood depended on cruel threat enforced by sensational murder, usually mass murder. His goal was intimidating any opponent of Iran's dictatorship (real or imagined, domestic or foreign, Muslim or of any other faith). Soleimani was the chief architect of Iran's proxy terror and militia organizations throughout the world. There is evidence he had provided operational direction to proxies operating in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and perhaps Africa as well. The Pentagon believes Soleimani was responsible for killing over 600 U.S. military personnel in Iraq. Given his crimes in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq, I'll wager his overall homicide toll exceeds 100,000. In Syria, Soleimani employed Lebanese Hezbollah as a gang of thugs to keep Bashar Assad's dictatorship in power. Soleimani was killed in Iraq. So? He was waging a war in Iraq and on Iraq using Iran's "Shia popular militia force" proxies. Getting killed in Iraq is a known risk if you wage war in Iraq. Which is why Soleimani's decision to brazenly arrive at Baghdad International Airport and slide into an SUV strikes me as stupidity bred by fatal arrogance. It indicates a fool's contempt for his enemies. Soleimani ignored the old saw that every truly smart warrior knows to be bitter truth: Your enemy always gets a vote. If your enemy decides to shoot back (his vote), you have to respond. Attack, retreat, freeze -- these are sample visceral responses. So think ahead. Soleimani's action indicates he believed himself exempt from this bitter truth. America is an enemy that can vote by diplomatic and economic means. On the battlefield American votes range from Delta Force knives (and dogs) to drone-fired missiles to B-52 bomb raids to nuclear weapons and -- within the next three or so years -- battlefield lasers. Perhaps the Iranian mastermind misread President Donald Trump. In June 2019, Trump ordered strikes on Iranian missile sites after the IRGC downed an American drone. When told U.S. reprisals might kill 150 people, Trump scrubbed the missions. He said 150 humans dead was not a proportionate response to a downed unmanned plane. His decision had biblical resonance. Blood for blood when Iran kills Americans. Otherwise, drone for drone. In January 2020, the U.S. took blood for blood. Note the Iranian drone raid yesterday on Iraq avoided striking Americans. Kim Jong Un, pay attention. India on Wednesday issued a travel warning asking its citizens to avoid "non-essential" travel to Iraq, hours after Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq. Iran's attack came in retaliation for a US drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing has raised fears of a war in the Middle East. "In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification," India's foreign ministry said in a statement. "Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised ... Three weeks before Britain is due to leave the European Union, the president of the European Commission warned Wednesday that the UK won't get the "highest quality access" to the European Union's market after Brexit unless it makes major concessions. In a friendly but frank message to the UK, Ursula von der Leyen said negotiating a new UK-EU trade deal will be tough. She also said the end-of-2020 deadline that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has imposed on negotiations makes it "basically impossible" to strike a comprehensive new agreement in time. Von der Leyen, who took over as head of the EU's executive branch on December 1, met Johnson at 10 Downing Street in London on Wednesday for the first time since the British leader's election victory last month. Johnson's Conservatives won a substantial parliamentary majority in Britain's Dec. 12 election, giving him the power to end more than three years of wrangling over Brexit and take the UK out of the EU on January 31. It will be the first nation to ever leave the bloc, which currently has 28 members. Britain's departure will be followed by a transition period in which the U.K.-EU relationship will remain largely unchanged while the two sides negotiate a new trade arrangement. Johnson says the UK is seeking a wide-ranging free trade deal, but doesn't want to agree to keep all EU rules and standards. Johnson's office said after the meeting that the UK wanted "a broad free trade agreement covering goods and services, and cooperation in other areas." But it said "any future partnership must not involve any kind of alignment" in which Britain would automatically follow EU rules. That could cause problems. Speaking at the London School of Economics before her meeting with Johnson, von der Leyen warned that "without a level playing field on environment, labor, taxation and state aid, you cannot have the highest quality access to the world's largest single market." "With every choice comes a consequence. With every decision comes a trade-off," she warned. The EU worries that Britain plans to cut environmental and employment standards in order to position itself as a low-regulation, low-tax competitor to the bloc. Johnson sought to allay those fears, telling von der Leyen the UK would continue to maintain high standards "in areas like workers' rights, animal welfare, agriculture and the environment," Downing St said. International trade agreements typically take years to complete, but Johnson has ruled out extending the post-Brexit transition period beyond the end of 2020, although the EU has offered to prolong it until 2022. Downing Street said Wednesday that "both British and EU citizens rightly expect negotiations on an ambitious free trade agreement to conclude on time." Von der Leyen said the time frame was "very, very tight" and made it "basically impossible" to negotiate anything but a skeleton deal. "The more divergence there is, the more distant the partnership has to be," she said. "And without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020, you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnership. We will have to prioritize." The German EU chief who studied in Britain in the 1970s and has proclaimed herself a friend and fan of Britain did have some encouraging words for Johnson. She said the bloc was ready to strike a tariff-free and quota-free trade deal with Britain, and "a partnership that goes well beyond trade and is unprecedented in scope." She said the new relationship could encompass "everything "rom climate action to data protection, fisheries to energy, transport to space, financial services to security. And we are ready to work day and night to get as much of this done within the time frame we have. At the start of the meeting, Johnson noted that he and von der Leyen had attended the same Belgian school the European School in Brussels, where both lived for a time as children. Johnson, 55, is six years younger than the EU chief. Johnson's election victory broke Britain's political stalemate over Brexit. His 80-seat House of Commons majority means he has the votes to get his Brexit deal approved by lawmakers, something his predecessor Theresa May never achieved. Johnson's key Brexit bill was approved in principle last month and is expected to pass its final House of Commons hurdle on Thursday after three days of debate. It also must be approved by the European Parliament. Von der Leyen said she did not anticipate a delay and expected the U.K. to leave the EU on January 31. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri is set to receive his counterparts from Cyprus, France, Greece and Italy on Wednesday for talks on how to best manage the situation in Libya and in the east of the Mediterranean. The purpose of the meeting, according to informed sources, is to consider safe exits out of an increasingly tense situation. Egypt is not picking a fight with Turkey. We are not warmongers. What we want is for Turkey to stop its mischievous schemes to use Libya as a cats paw to disturb Egypt politically and economically, said a Cairo government official. If Turkey were to refrain from antagonising Egypt then we would not wish to have a confrontation but if it insists on provoking us then we will act accordingly, he added. Another Egyptian government official said the objective of the 8 January meeting is to launch a collective position for the management of the crisis. No, we are not thinking of creating a coalition but hope to establish a mechanism of coordination for five countries which share an interest in stablising the east of the Mediterranean, not just to allow for the purposeful use of natural resources but also to establish a secure environment that will not allow for any major crises, terrorist attacks and illegal migration included, he said. According to the same official, a top issue scheduled for the Wednesday meeting was the commitment of the five countries to work together to avoid any unilateral measures by any of the countries around the Mediterranean that could cause instability for any neighbouring states. For the past month Cairo has been vocal in its opposition to two agreements signed between the government of Fayez Al-Sarraj which still has international recognition and Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a political adversary of the Egyptian regime. Egypt, both government officials say, has already been very patient with the influence that Turkey has been exercising over Al-Sarraj in order to give greater room for Islamist groups in Libya, part of a wider scheme by Ankara to promote political Islam. The same officials say it is impossible for Cairo to accept a situation that would allow for any concentrated Turkish military presence along Egypts borders or any threat to the planned pipeline that will allow Egypt to export gas to Europe via Greece and Cyprus. In recent weeks Egyptian officials had been in contact with world capitals to underline the Egyptian position and to consider possible exits from the current escalation which peaked earlier this week when Erdogan announced the beginning of the deployment of forces in Libya. The message we carried to Cairo is that the Turkish troops will not have any combat orders and will stay far away from the Egyptian border, said a Cairo-based European diplomat. We are convinced that Egypt, despite the increased support it has been offering [Libyan National Army head] Khalifa Haftar recently, is not seeking a military confrontation with Turkey on Libyan soil. We are also sure that despite strong animosity towards the Egyptian regime Erdogan is not looking for a war with Egypt. We hope we can help contain the tension. On Monday, Haftar, who has been engaged in an open-ended military offensive to win Tripoli since April, managed to secure control of Sirte just as Turkish forces were arriving in Tripoli. What is of concern is not the positioning of this or that side but that things could get out of hand, the same European diplomat said. He added that Wednesdays meeting in Cairo could help avoid an unwanted confrontation. On Monday, Jossep Borrell, the EU high representative for foreign affairs, called for de-escalation of the volatile situation in Libya. On the same day the UN Security Council held a closed meeting on Libya. Speaking in the early hours of Tuesday an informed source said that the one thing that is clear is that everybody wants to avoid further escalation. The source added that the issue is not just about regional powers but also international players vying for control over Libya and its oil and gas resources. Everybody knows that Libya is a problem. But while we all fear that it is becoming a chronic problem the last thing we are prepared for is for Libya to become an explosive one, especially at this very tense moment in the region, the European diplomat said. Since the US air strike on Friday in Baghdad which killed Qassem Suleimani, head of Irans elite Quds military force and one of the most powerful figures in the Islamic Republic, the region has been on edge. Iranian officials have repeatedly vowed revenge, with some talking about targeting US military installations across the Middle East, US ships in the Gulf and Washingtons allies in the region. On Monday, as the remains of Suleimani were buried in Iran at the end of three days of funeral rites, new vows of revenge were made. In a rare appearance at the meeting of the Iranian national security council the countrys Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed retaliation for the killing of Suleimani. Khamenei tweeted, the loss of our dear General Suleimani is bitter. The continuing fight and ultimate victory will be bitter for the murders and criminals. In Washington, US President Donald Trump had already anticipated that Iran would hit back and warned of new attacks against 52 Iranian targets, including cultural sites, should Iran attack US interests. Trump, who is in the midst of an impeachment process, is likely to face a new move from the US Congress to limit his ability to order military attacks. Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the US House of Representatives, who has been openly critical of the Suleimani operation for its possible impact on US interests, said that a war power resolution will be introduced to limit the presidents military actions regarding Iran. The US has already ordered over 3,000 troops to move to the Middle East and has been pulling its citizens from Iraq, the likely scene of any possible US-Iran confrontation. On Sunday the Iraqi parliament passed a resolution calling on the government to end the presence of American troops in Iraq. Trump has vowed that if forced to pull out, the US would impose sanctions on Iraq like they have never seen before. Meanwhile, Iran announced on Monday that it would no longer adhere to the caps on its nuclear programme embodied in the 2015 nuclear deal. Informed sources in Cairo spoke of intense diplomatic moves to end the escalation. Saudi Arabia, a close US ally, has spoken openly of high-level mediation between Iraq and the US. The foreign minister of Qatar, a close ally of Iran, was in Tehran earlier this week to discuss developments. The EU is due to hold a foreign ministers meeting to discuss the situation in Iran on Friday. Government officials in Cairo said on Monday that while Egypt hopes that the situation does not get out of hand there are as yet no guarantees this latest round of US-Iran tensions will be contained. Cairo is particularly worried about the scope of confrontation which could include Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. While Iranian officials warned of possible attacks against US military installations in Iraq and Syria, Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in Lebanon, said his group would join any planned revenge against the US and its allies in the Middle East. *A version of this article appears in print in the 9 January 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the title: New year, old foes Search Keywords: Short link: The Academy of Art University will pay $37.6 million to San Francisco to build affordable housing replacing units the city said the school illegally removed from the market as part of an updated legal settlement approved Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors. The school will also convert nine of its 43 properties back to lawful use, restore 12 historic buildings and pay $20.4 million in fines and fees including $8.2 million for the city's small sites fund to help keep low-income tenants in their homes. The amended agreement between the city and the vast for-profit school brings a very tortured chapter to an end in San Francisco, where an institution behaved unlawfully in a way that impacted low-income tenants, Supervisor Aaron Peskin said Tuesday. One of the biggest art schools in the country, with about 13,000 students online and in person, the Academy of Art is also one of San Franciscos largest landlords, with 43 properties. In 2016, the city sued the Stephens Institute, which does business as the Academy of Art University, saying the school ignored zoning codes, signage laws and historic preservation rules, and illegally converted affordable units into student housing. The sides settled the same year for $58 million, agreeing that the Academy of Art would use part of the money to build or restore 160 units of low-income housing. It never happened. The Academy of Art declined to comment Tuesday on the updated plan, which now has the school paying $38 million in cash so that the city can build the affordable housing. The updated agreement is a good deal that holds Academy of Art University responsible for its actions and provides the city with an enforcement tool with real teeth to ensure the Academy of Art University follows the law, said John Cote, spokesman for the City Attorneys Office, which filed the 2016 lawsuit. Neighborhoods where the Academy of Art converted residential buildings for its own use will get first priority for affordable housing, Cote said. Also under the deal, the school must: Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Bring its remaining properties into compliance with city codes. Restore nine of its buildings to the housing and office space they were legally intended for: 1055 Pine St.; 1069 Pine St.; 2340 Stockton St.; 2295 Taylor St.; 700 Montgomery St.; 168 Bluxome St.; 150 Hayes St.; 460 Townsend St.; and 121 Wisconsin St. Restore 12 historic buildings. Take specific steps to work with the city on any proposed building alterations, to house a reasonable number of its students and to prevent future illegal conversions. Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov Russian Emergency Situations employees work at the side of the metal construction of a greenhouse farm in a Moscow suburb after the fire. (Photo: AP) In a meeting with the embassy, Ramensky districts police confirmed that a fire broke out at a greenhouse farm in Ramensky district on the outskirts of Moscow on January 8, killing eight people and injuring one woman. The female victim was severely burned and immediately taken to hospital. The deceased includes three men and three women while the two others have yet to be identified. The bodies have been carried to a mortuary and will be examined for identification on January 9. A Vietnamese passport was found by the local police at the scene, according to the embassy. Representatives from the embassy told the Vietnam News Agencys correspondent in Moscow that they are ready to take citizen protection measures if necessary. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo plans to propose at least three projects of significance to Central New York at his 2020 State of the State address today in Albany. The projects are among 34 proposals that Cuomo has previewed over the past month in advance of his speech at 1:30 p.m. today at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. The governors top local initiative is a plan to make Syracuse the home of the states first regional STEAM high school that focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The governor will commit state funding for a $75 million project to renovate the abandoned Central High School near downtown Syracuse for the new STEAM high school and to open an adjacent state-funded worker training center. The training center would offer high school equivalency degrees, advanced technical certification and college degrees to help workers of any age learn new skills for advanced technology jobs. Cuomo also will propose a $300 million plan to transform remnants of the Erie Canal as part of an initiative to increase tourism, improve the environment and boost economic development. A portion of the canal would be turned into a whitewater rafting area for recreation near the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Separately, a canalside pocket neighborhood would be developed by Madison County in Canastota along the Old Erie Canal, providing what the governors office called a new model for 21st century canalside living. In his speech today, Cuomo is expected to outline an aggressive agenda that he will try to push through the Democratic-controlled Legislature during its 2020 session. Cuomo and Democrats said this week they would consider revising some of the criminal justice reforms passed by the New York lawmakers last year. The law eliminated cash bail and pretrial detention for most low-level offenses and nonviolent felonies. The governor also will propose new gun laws, a ban on all flavored nicotine vaping product, new initiatives to deal with the states opioid crisis, and a plan to ban robocalls to New York residents. Read more Albanys 2020 NY agenda: marijuana, guns, vaping, healthcare, voting reforms Cuomo to OK $75M Syracuse STEAM high school, training center NY promises $9M for nations largest indoor drone testing site in Oneida County Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. A debate over how to describe the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani reached the 2020 Democratic primary over the weekend as candidates argued whether or not the drone strike that killed him constituted an assassination. Soleimani, the charismatic face of Irans expansionist Middle East policy and head of the Quds Force the special operations and intelligence branch of Irans Revolutionary Guard was killed by an American drone outside the Baghdad airport on Friday. The White House said Iran was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. But when pressed Sunday about whether intelligence showed that attacks were imminent, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dodged the question. Sen. Bernie Sanders immediately called it an assassination in a statement distributed by his campaign. Sen. Elizabeth Warren did the same in a series of tweets on Saturday, saying Donald Trump ... assassinated a senior foreign military official. Hes been marching toward war with Iran since his first days in office but the American people wont stand for it. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, currently lagging behind both candidates in the polls, took exception to that description. This is a guy who had an awful amount of American blood on his hands, Bloomberg said Saturday. I think thats an outrageous thing to say. Nobody that I know of would think that we did something wrong in getting the general. Appearing on CNNs State of the Union Sunday, South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg said, I am not interested in the terminology. But the terminology used to describe Soleimanis killing is important when it comes to both U.S. and international law. Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, pictured in 2016. (Photo: Pool/Press Office of Iranian Supreme Leader/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) In 1976, President Gerald Ford issued an executive order to make political assassinations illegal after revelations that the CIA had organized or sanctioned assassination attempts against foreign leaders, including Fidel Castro. Story continues No person employed by or acting on behalf of the United States Government shall engage in, or conspire to engage in, assassination, the executive order states. But Fords order does not define what constitutes an assassination. In common usage it has been interpreted to mean the killing of a political leader in peacetime. International law also forbids peacetime assassinations. The Hague and the Geneva Conventions prohibit the premeditated killing of a specific individual commander for what they have done on the battlefield or what they may do. While the United States has never declared formal war on Iran, it has long engaged in a shadow war in the Middle East, and since 9/11 has engaged in targeted killings of terror leaders including Osama bin Laden and, just a few months ago, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. In justifying the attack on Soleimani, administration officials have cited the Authorization for Use of Military Force passed in September 2001 or the 2002 AUMF, which allows force against the vague continuing threat posed by Iraq. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., was the only legislator to vote against the 2001 AUMF and has been fighting for years to repeal them. Legal experts are divided on the issue. Mary Ellen OConnell, an expert in international law and the laws of war at the University of Notre Dame School of Law, told the Associated Press that Soleimanis killing was clearly an assassination. Duke Law Professor Madeleine Morris said the law is not terribly clear, especially since the Trump administration has yet to publicly disclose intelligence about imminence of any planned attack. The problem is that governments have good reason to make very little public in this situation, which makes it very difficult to evaluate the situation politically or legally, she said. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: COLUMBIA, Md., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announced its recent round of funding for select projects through the Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII). This round of funding includes project grants for technology assessment and investments in the spin-out companies, from its five partner universities for a total of $2.63M. Established in 2012, the MII program was created as a partnership between the State of Maryland and five Maryland academic research institutions: University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; University of Maryland, Baltimore; Johns Hopkins University; and Morgan State University. The program's mission is to accelerate promising technologies with significant commercial potential to market while leveraging each partner University's strengths. "MII is an ideal representation of the support TEDCO gives to companies from idea and development phases to successful commercialization," said Arti Santhanam, executive director of MII. "We are especially proud that the MII portfolio is a reflection of the diversity of technology space and applicants that these partner universities bring to the table. Our companies have leveraged these strengths to jumpstart their innovative products and bolster the innovation ecosystem in Maryland." Thus far for FY20, the program has awarded grants to 19 Technology Assessment Phase projects to de-risk commercially promising technologies, including: From University of Maryland, College Park , an integrated onboard charger and smart control system for electric vehicles. , an integrated onboard charger and smart control system for electric vehicles. From University of Maryland, Baltimore County , "Windmaster," an improved hybrid vertical axis wind turbine. , "Windmaster," an improved hybrid vertical axis wind turbine. From University of Maryland, Baltimore , a development of the DART therapeutic nanoparticle platform for Fn14-Positive cancers. , a development of the DART therapeutic nanoparticle platform for Fn14-Positive cancers. From Johns Hopkins University , OcuGel, a disruptive technology for improved drug delivery to the eye. , OcuGel, a disruptive technology for improved drug delivery to the eye. From Johns Hopkins University , engineered bispecific antibodies for targeted inhibition of cancer metastasis. A full list of the grant awardees can be viewed on the MII website. The fund also created and invested in the following three companies through the Company Formation Phase of the program: Neurologic Solutions, Inc., located in Baltimore City , is a Johns Hopkins University spinout developing a novel tool for seizure localization in medically refractory epilepsy. , is a spinout developing a novel tool for seizure localization in medically refractory epilepsy. Halocytech, LLC, located in Baltimore City , is a Morgan State University spinout developing large-scale production of natural bio-products from cyanobacteria. , is a spinout developing large-scale production of natural bio-products from cyanobacteria. Prebeo, LLC, located in Baltimore City , is a University of Maryland, College Park spinout developing an organ viability assessment system to improve kidney transplant outcomes. As start-up companies join TEDCO's MII portfolio, they are often provided a range of resourcesfrom mentors and CEO roundtables to loaned executives. They receive the assistance and support they need as they move through team building, balancing the funding elements, and negotiating deals. "Our latest round of funding through MII showcases a handful of exciting new projects, and we're looking forward to helping these companies through the next stages of development," said Robert Hallenbeck, MII Board Chairman. "MII's funding over the past seven years is representative of the entrepreneurial ecosystem we are committed to growing throughout Maryland." In the seven years since its launch, MII has disbursed $36M, de-risked 238 unique technologies and created 91 start-ups. MII portfolio of start-ups have gone on to raise over $443M in follow-on funding and resulted in seven exits thus far. In addition to being a vital part of the MD start-up ecosystem, these companies have created economic value by creating full-time employment for highly skilled tech employees with an average salary of $103,000. For more details on eligibility and application requirements and to view MII's 2019 Annual Report please visit www.tedcomd.com/MII. About TEDCO TEDCO provides resources and connections that early stage technology and life sciences companies need to thrive in Maryland. TEDCO's mission is to discover, invest in, and help build great Maryland-based companies. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com. SOURCE TEDCO Related Links http://www.tedcomd.com Footage has emerged of Iranians chanting death to England after hearing about the Revolutionary Guard attacks on Iraqi bases housing British and US troops. Iran launched ballistic missiles at the bases in response to the US killing of General Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance. Video shows an Iranian official telling a crowd of mourners at Soleimanis funeral that the Ain al-Asad and Erbil air bases had been hit by several missiles. The crowd are then seeing chanting "Allahu Akbar, "Death to England" and "Death to Israel. Iranians chanted 'Death to England' following the missile attacks. (Grab) Pieces of missiles at the rural area of Al-Baghdadi town after Iran targeted Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq. (Getty) The overnight attack was another escalation between the US and Iran but officials said there were no immediate reports of deaths. The Iraqi government later confirmed there had been no casualties among Iraqi forces. Separately, a Ukrainian passenger plane crashed shortly after taking off from Irans capital of Tehran in the early hours of the morning, killing 176 people including three Brits. There was no indication that the crash was connected to the missile strikes, with Iran saying it was due to an engine fire. Read more from Yahoo News UK: Jeremy Corbyn refuses to call Qassem Soleimani a 'terrorist' Boris Johnson warns Donald Trump against 'disproportionate' strikes on Iran Stampede at Soleimani funeral procession leaves 56 dead and over 200 injured A presenter on Iranian state television later claimed, without offering evidence, that the strikes killed "at least 80 terrorist US soldiers" and also damaged helicopters, drones and other equipment at the Ain al-Asad air base. The strikes, which came as Iran buried Soleimani, raised fears that the two foes were closer to war. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 However, there were some indications that there may not be further retaliation on either side, at least in the short term. Story continues Donald Trump tweeted "All is well!" shortly after the missile attacks, adding "So far, so good" regarding casualties. Moments earlier, Iran's foreign minister tweeted that Tehran had taken and "concluded proportionate measures in self-defence", adding that Tehran did "not seek escalation" but would defend itself against further aggression. Pieces of missiles in Erbil after Iran's attack. (Getty) In Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the missile strike on the US bases in Iraq a "slap in the face" of the Americans, adding that military retaliation was not sufficient. "The corrupt presence of the US in the region should come to end," he said. The Ain al-Asad air base, which was first used by American forces after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, houses about 1,500 US and coalition forces. The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles, two US officials said. Ten hit Ain al-Asad and one hit the base in Erbil. Four failed, said the officials. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK The Trump administration is proposing new rules to guide future federal regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) used in medicine, transportation and other industries. But the vagueness of the principles announced by the White House is unlikely to satisfy AI watchdogs who have warned of a lack of accountability as computer systems are deployed to take on human roles in high-risk social settings, such as mortgage lending or job recruitment. The White House said that in deciding regulatory action, U.S. agencies "must consider fairness, non-discrimination, openness, transparency, safety, and security." But federal agencies must also avoid setting up restrictions that "needlessly hamper AI innovation and growth," reads a memo being sent to U.S. agency chiefs from Russell Vought, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget. "Agencies must avoid a precautionary approach that holds AI systems to such an impossibly high standard that society cannot enjoy their benefits," the memo says. The rules won't affect how federal agencies such as law enforcement use facial recognition and other forms of AI. They are specifically limited to how federal agencies devise new AI regulations for the private sector. There's a 60-day public comment period before the rules take effect. "These principles are intentionally high-level," said Lynne Parker, U.S. deputy chief technology officer at the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy. "We purposely wanted to avoid top-down, one-size-fits-all, blanket regulations." The White House said the proposals unveiled Tuesday are meant to promote private sector applications of AI that are safe and fair, while also pushing back against stricter regulations favored by some lawmakers and activists. Federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration will be bound to follow the new AI principles. That makes the rules "the first of their kind from any government," Michael Kratsios, the U.S. chief technology officer, said in a call with reporters Monday. Rapid advancements in AI technology have raised fresh concern as computers increasingly take on jobs such as diagnosing medical conditions, driving cars, recommending stock investments, judging credit risk and recognizing individual faces in video footage. It's often not clear how AI systems make their decisions, leading to questions of how far to trust them and when to keep humans in the loop. Terah Lyons of the nonprofit Partnership on AI, which advocates for responsible AI and has backing from major tech firms and philanthropies, said the White House principles won't likely have sweeping or immediate effects. But she said she was encouraged that they detailed a U.S. approach centered on values such as trustworthiness and fairness. "The AI developer community may see that as a positive step in the right direction," said Lyons, who previously worked for the White House science and technology office during the Obama administration. "It's a little bit hard to see what the actual impact will be." What's missing, she added, are clear mechanisms for holding AI systems accountable. Another tech watchdog, New York University's AI Now Institute, said it welcomed new boundaries on AI applications but it "will take time to assess how effective these principles are in practice." Kratsios said he hopes the new principles can serve as a template for other democratic institutions such as the European Commission, which has put forward its own AI ethical guidelines, to preserve shared values without impeding the tech industry. That, he said, is "the best way to counter authoritarian uses of AI" by governments that aim to "track, surveil and imprison their own people." The Trump administration has sought to penalize China over the past year over AI uses the U.S. considers abusive. The U.S. Commerce Department last year blacklisted several Chinese AI firms after the Trump administration said they were implicated in the repression of Muslims in the countrys Xinjiang region. On Monday, citing national security concerns, the agency set limits on exporting AI software used to analyze satellite imagery. Matt OBrien of The Associated Press wrote this story. Citing an unpaid 2016 tax bill, the county of Napa is suing the owner of the Napa Crossing South shopping center. According to a complaint filed on Dec. 20, the owners and partners of Napa Crossing South, including manager Kent Hallen, failed to pay a transfer tax of $38,280 when the mall changed ownership in November 2016. Napa Crossing South, home to anchor tenants Marshalls, HomeGoods and Michaels, is located at 300 to 312 Soscol Ave. in Napa. In 2016, six different entities were involved in a sale of the center. Hallen was the manager of each entity. Hallen is also the president and CEO of Pacific Properties Group of Chico, the company that developed the center. Hallen could not be immediately reached for a comment. However, on the deed of sale, Hallen indicated that no transfer tax was due. After a review of the sale, the county recorders office disagreed, the complaint stated. According to John Tuteur, assessor-recorder-county clerk, transfer tax of $38,280 was due. That indicates an estimated sale price for the center of $42 million. Starting in December 2016, the County began trying to collect the tax due. When there was no response, the matter was turned over to Central Collections in the Treasurer-Tax Collector Department, said Tuteur. Collection attempts continued in 2018. No payments were received, the complaint stated. A final demand for payment was made in July 2019. That letter also received no response, wrote Tuteur. The next step is to file this complaint in Superior Court to collect the debt, wrote Tuteur. Napa County Counsel Jeffrey Brax filed the complaint. The Napa Crossing South center has faced other recent challenges. This past September, the mall entered into foreclosure when it defaulted on a $37.3 million loan. That default was resolved in December. The mall tenants were not part of the foreclosure. Pacific Properties Group also developed Napa Crossing North on Trancas Street. That mall includes tenants such as Chipotle, Ulta Beauty and Panera Bread. You can reach Jennifer Huffman at 256-2218 or jhuffman@napanews.com Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The Harbord Beach Hotel in Freshwater on Sydney's Northern Beaches has changed hands for the first time in 42 years. It was bought by Northern Beaches local Glenn Piper, who said it is undoubtedly one of Sydney's greatest pubs. "Im so proud to be part of the Northern Beaches community and honoured to help usher this incredible venue into the next phase of its rich and colourful history," Piper said. Harbord Beach Hotel has always been a haven that encapsulates Freshwaters soul and spirit. It is so much more than a pub; it is an extension of the community, informed by the surf culture that has long been embedded within the name, and we are committed to taking our time and doing it justice. Piper (pictured right), who spent his career in the property industry, has teamed up with a local syndicate of local investors and fellow Northern Beaches resident Lachlan Cottee (pictured left) to buy the hotel, which is set to be refurbished once plans are in place. They're set to refurbish the kitchen and courtyard area. The building and its facade is heritage-listed. The venue was built in 1928 and sits just 100 metres from Freshwater Beach. Leading hotelier John Thorpe and Trish King bought the property in 1978. Sean King, son of John and Trish, who has been the general manager of the hotel for the past two decades, he is looking forward to enjoying the pub as a regular. "My brothers, sister and I were raised in this pub and I have lived opposite for the past 25 years; it is a very special property that means so much to my family and the local community", King said. "After meeting Glenn, we recognised that he not only has the energy and enthusiasm to bring new life to the venue, but importantly a genuine love for the area that will ensure this local pub remains a local. "I am very much looking forward to enjoying it as a regular and watch it evolve under Glenn's care and ownership". Main article image picture source: Harbord Beach Hotel. A Cambridge man who admitted stabbing two people in June 2018 was sentenced Monday to more than two years in state prison. Aaron Thomas Swedberg, 31, pleaded guilty in November in Olmsted County District Court to two felony counts of second-degree assault. Court records state that Swedberg lived in Cambridge. On Monday, he was sentenced by Judge Lisa Hayne to concurrent 27- and 39-month state prison sentences. He will receive credit for 77 days already served. A third charge of third-degree assault was dismissed as part of the plea deal. Rochester police were dispatched shortly after 10 p.m. on June 1, 2018, to the intersection of Fourth Street and Sixth Avenue Southeast for a report of an assault, according to the criminal complaint. ADVERTISEMENT When officers arrived, they found a man sitting on the northwest corner with a laceration to his right arm who said he had been assaulted by Swedberg at Swedberg's apartment in the 300 block of Sixth Avenue Southeast. Swedberg was arrested without incident at his apartment. Police found a knife that was partially covered in a "red substance that appeared to be blood" in his back left pocket, according to the complaint. In addition to the man found by police on the corner, Swedberg stabbed a second man who was taken to the hospital in his friend's vehicle. That man was admitted to the hospital and had to be incubated, according to court records. Prosecutors allege that Zuberi deleted emails to and from people who gave him money around the time he made the donation, including messages with a foreign national who transferred about $5.8 million to the account Zuberi used to pay out the $900,000. When investigators confronted Zuberi about the deletions, he contacted his email service provider to ask how he could ensure that copies of his messages were not stored on a server, prosecutors allege. Ann Arbor, MI -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/08/2020 -- Online VA Team is a Michigan-based company that's focused on providing virtual assistants and remote staffing solutions for clients in a whole range of industries. The firm's primary objective is centered on helping small businesses around the globe reduce their overheads, which in turn, provides clients with the freedom they need to work on other activities that will see them grow their business. Featuring a team of experienced virtual assistants and general staff members, Online VA Team handles a variety of activities for their clients including taking phone calls, setting appointments, responding to emails, tracking schedules and much more. They offer transparency in everything they do and can be relied on to render professional services at all times. Giving insights about their social media assistants, the company's spokesperson commented, "When it comes to social media, we provide you with our expert social media assistants who will see to it that your brand's social presence is well presented and above that of your industry peers. Our social media assistants undertake a whole range of activities including Twitter monitoring, Facebook management, comment management, social media profiles set up, SPAM removal, creating Facebook fan pages, and answering inquiries & messages among others. All these services are conducted as per the client's requirements, and we're always on the lookout for any concerns that you may have as we seek to give you nothing short of excellence." Online VA Team has over its time in the industry proved to be one of the top virtual assistant companies that's making a difference for clients in need of virtual assistant services. The company's virtual assistant solutions cut through a variety of industries where they cover different areas such as sales virtual assistants, support virtual assistants, finance virtual assistants, marketing virtual assistants, etc. These virtual assistant solutions are aimed at streamlining one's business processes, with the ultimate goal being the reduction of overhead costs while maximizing on the growth and success of the business. More details on these services can be found on Online VA Team's website. Talking further about the virtual assistants one has access to when they choose Online VA Team, the company's spokesperson said, "Given the diversity of client needs in the modern world, we go the extra mile to make sure that we cover any virtual assistant needs that comes our way. To this effect, we feature a whole range of other virtual assistants including virtual accountants, virtual real estate assistants, live chat agents, marketing assistants, virtual receptionists, telemarketers, virtual personal assistants, research assistants, bookkeepers and much more. All our virtual assistants are hand-picked to satisfy varying client demands, and they can always be trusted to deliver excellence." With the provision of professional virtual assistant services in Michigan and around the world, Online VA Team continues to win the hearts of many. Through their innovative virtual assistant services, they're capable of delivering accurate, timely, and affordable solutions that are a plus for any business. No project is beyond their grasp, and they guarantee virtual assistant solutions that will elevate one's business to greater heights. About Online VA Team Online VA Team is made up of a group of virtual assistant professionals that aim at redefining the way businesses operate as it pertains to their day-to-day activities. The company is good at what it does and is a sure bet for success. Contact Details Online VA Team 2370 E Stadium Blvd., Suite 480, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 Phone: (800) 989-0360 Website: https://www.onlinevateam.com/ With the Iranian missile attacks on two Iraqi bases housing US troops, the region is on the brink of yet another full-blown conflict. Tehran says this is a proportionate response to the US killing of the Iranian General Qassem Soleimani less than a week ago. That action was unprecedented. To kill a serving member of the armed forces of another sovereign state is seen in Iran as a declaration of war. Analysts speculating on the Iranian response have tended to suggest that Iran would not directly retaliate, given the disparity of fire power between the United States and Iran. But the barrage of Iranian missiles targeting US troops in Iraq suggests that the Iranian leadership could not settle for anything less than explicit retaliation. President Donald Trump speaks during a December 2018 visit to the Ain Asad air base, one of the two facilities hit with Iranian missiles on Wednesday. Credit:AP Now President Donald Trump has the next move. He has earlier tweeted that he was ready to order strikes on 52 Iranian targets, including cultural sites (which of course would be in violation of international law and was duly rejected by the Pentagon). Iranians gather in the northeastern city of Mashhad in response to the death of Qasem Soleimani on Jan. 5, 2020. (MEHDI JAHANGHIRI/IRAN'S FARS NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images) FAA Places Emergency Restriction Over Persian Gulf After Iran Fires Missiles The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency restriction over the Persian Gulf airspace following a missile attack on Iraqi bases. The emergency restriction prohibit[s] U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the agency said on Tuesday night. The FAA, the statement added, will continue closely monitoring events in the Middle East. We continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with U.S. air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities. #FAA Statement: #NOTAMs issued outlining flight restrictions that prohibit U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. pic.twitter.com/kJEbpPddp3 The FAA (@FAANews) January 8, 2020 The U.S. Department of Defense released a statement to confirm that Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at two bases that hold American troops. Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments, the Pentagon said. In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region. Its not clear if there were any casualties. The statement came after Irans Revolutionary Guards said via Iranian state-run media that missiles were fired in response to the U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was the chief of the Guards before his death. In Operation Martyr Suleimani in early hours of Wednesday, tens of ground-to-ground missiles were fired at the U.S. base and successfully pounded the al Asad base, the statement read, according to a translation. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grishams office said in a statement on Twitter that the Trump administration is aware of the reports of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. Aside from the White House, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she was informed. Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war, she wrote on Twitter. New Delhi: Actor Karan Wahi has finally made his relationship with London-based Uditi Singh Insta-official. The two recently took off on a vacation with couple of friends and posted several lovey-dovey pictures with each other. The two look really good together and are giving some major couple goals. Karans pictures received a lot of comments from his industry friends giving us more hints about the brewing relationship between the two. The Dill Mill Gaye actor first posted the picture with Uditi on November 30, 2019, while Uditi had posted a picture with Wahi in June last year. Reportedly, the two have been dating for several months now. Uditi lives in London and buzz is that the actor often flies to London to meet her. She is originally from Chandigarh. Karan was earlier in a relationship with model Jinal Seth. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Karan Wahi had made his relationship official and had also talked about Jinitas previous relationship with Ali Merchant. He had seemed to be quite upset with all that was being written about Jinita and Ali and had said, ''I am dating someone and everyone is aware of who she is. All I want to say is that the girl, who I am dating, her identity is beyond her ex [boyfriend] or my ex [girlfriend]. I feel that its important to put an end to this.'' On the work front, Karan will be next seen in an untitled web show on Hotstar. Lara Dutta is also part of the project. Speaking about his character, Karan said, "I am sporting a very casual, yet quirky look in this one. I have done highlights for my hair and also slashed my eyebrow a little, which has given a very intriguing edge to my character. There is no specific reference point. We just brainstormed, thought of some ideas on how we could make the character look striking, yes, we even tried some test look, this one turned out to be the best. So, we went ahead with this." NetDocuments ISV Technology Partners like VerQu afford NetDocuments customers more options when it comes to maximizing their cloud platform experience, Reza Parsia, Vice President, Strategic Partner Management, NetDocuments. VerQu, a privately held software solutions and services provider and NetDocuments ISV Technology Partner, announced the release of its exclusive Hive platform (Hive) for the NetDocuments native cloud solution. Hive extends the NetDocuments platform and provides unique data visualization, reporting and compliance tools. Designed for administrators to delegate tasks to service and support teams, while respecting the secure NetDocuments platform, Hive data visualization and reporting empowers compliance teams to respond to complex regulatory mandates and audits. Hive integration leverages NetDocuments latest APIs and detailed audit logs while introducing new features and improved performance not seen in past point solutions, including visualizations, streamlined workflows and granular security for users and groups. No matter organization size, Hive adds value to the existing NetDocuments platform. Were delighted to offer our first release for NetDocuments customers since joining the partner program back in July, said Ian Tighe, Director Product and Strategy at VerQu. Working closely with law firms globally over the past several years, weve developed the Hive platform to be a powerful solution to enhance NetDocuments integration, security and adoption. Judi Flournoy, CIO at Kelley Drye, said: Our firm spent a considerable amount of time evaluating vendors and their software products to complement our NetDocuments Platform. We felt very comfortable about our decision to use VerQus solutions based on their past work performed and overall reputation in the market. VerQu continues to make strides toward new solutions to solve issues in the ever-changing legal landscape. ISV Technology Partners like VerQu afford NetDocuments customers more options when it comes to maximizing their cloud platform experience, stated Reza Parsia, Vice President, Strategic Partner Management, NetDocuments. Verqus Hive administrative platform integration with NetDocuments appeals to a broad spectrum of our customer and prospect base. While announcing the release today, Hive will be ready for deployment by the end of Q1, 2020. Register for the Hive for NetDocuments webinar on January 15th @ 12pm ET to dive into how Hive can help users get the most out of their NetDocuments instance and accelerate user adoption. If you are unable to attend the webinar, schedule a demo by contacting VerQu at 908-739-0516 or info@VerQu.com or visit the Hive for NetDocuments pages to learn more. About VerQu, LLC VerQu migrates, manages, and innovates the data you want, where you need it. We offer software solutions and services and other cutting-edge technologies that help IT organizations increase profits, mitigate risk, and reduce operating costs. Were a team of top-level engineers, developers and project managers with a deep knowledge and understanding of the ever-changing information technology landscape. Our wide range of migration and data management products including Hive, Hydra and Phoenix ensures we have a solution for every data demand. VerQu has successfully served domestic and global organizations ranging from SMBs to Fortune 500 companies. For more information, visit http://www.VerQu.com. About NetDocuments Founded in 1999, with more than 2,700 enterprise customers worldwide, NetDocuments is the legal industrys most trusted cloud-based content services and workflow platform. Complete with state-of-the-art built-in security, compliance and governance solutions, NetDocuments offers document management, email management and collaboration technology complete with disaster recovery, enterprise search, and matter centricity features. For more information about NetDocuments, please visit http://www.netdocuments.com. Contacts: For VerQu: Ian Tighe, Director Product and Strategy C 201-819-3169 Ian.Tighe@VerQu.com For NetDocuments: Jobst Elster, Envision Agency C 850-459-4947 elster@envisionagency.com To the Editor: In the wake of the presidents impeachment, the country is in limbo as to when the Senate will begin its deliberations to decide his fate. At this point in time, the House Speaker has declined to forward the articles of impeachment to Senate chambers in light of Mitch McConnells efforts to thwart key witness testimony, or to allow any new or compelling evidence to be introduced. This denial by the Senate Majority Leader makes sense for someone who has openly aligned himself with the president and his legal team regardless of his obligations to remain an impartial participant prior to and during the Senate trial. Mitchell McConnell much like we witnessed from Devin Nunes, the ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee is not a proponent of any Constitutional remedy that would provide a truthful accounting of what this president did and why he should be required to vacate his presidency. He is more interested in vindicating the president than addressing the hundreds of House-passed bills that lie dormant at his behest in the Senate, yet has no second thoughts about passing $1 billion in federal funds for his home state of Kentucky. Like the president, he wields his power for personal and political gain. McConnell is nothing more than an unctuous, deceitful politician who is a willing co-conspirator in yet another Republican hoax that will take place in Senate Chambers since the Brett Kavanaugh hearings. It was Tennessee Williams correlation between fabrication and hypocrisy that is so befitting of Mitch McConnell when he said.."The only thing worse than a liar is a liar thats also a hypocrite!" Here is an individual who once urged the impeachment of a Democratic president because he concealed a sexual indiscretion, but now argues against the impeachment of a Republican president who openly admitted to coercing a foreign entity to provide political dirt on a potential presidential contender. While there is no other plausible explanation to understand why he harbors such blatant disregard for the truth and his constitutional obligations we must defer to our local congressional members and ask of them to openly challenge the Senate Majority Leader and demand a fair and impartial trial that presents all the facts, witnesses and testimony. Locally, Congressman Anthony Brindisi favors transparency of the facts and voted to hold the president accountable for his actions, while Congressman John Katko floods the airwaves, newspapers and social media with his partisan sponsored talking points that argue the voters should determine this presidents political karma. As a former prosecutor, he should certainly understand the principles of jurisprudence, but more importantly understand that the intent of the ballot box and jury box represent two different sets of dynamics that are distinctly defined by either their civil or lawful application. While the ballot box is intended to be the voice of the electorate, it is the jury box that determines otherwise, should that voice be compromised through unlawful intentions or actions. Tom Martin Syracuse Related: McConnell says he has votes to start Trump impeachment trial, delay witnesses Pelosi is right: A foolish urgency is the hobgoblin of little minds (Commentary) BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: If the European countries involved in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) fulfil their commitments, Iran will continue to implement the nuclear deal without the US, spokesman for the Iranian government Ali Rabiei said at the press-conference in Iran. Iran's commitments decreased as part of the nuclear deal, the spokesman added, Trend reports referring to IRNA. Rabiei noted that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will continue to monitor Iran's nuclear activity. Iran has no secret affairs in this sphere, the spokesman said. Iran will enrich uranium and use centrifuges as much as it wants." The spokesman added that Iran will store the necessary amount of enriched uranium. In January 2016, JCPOA was launched between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France and Germany) in connection with Iran's nuclear program. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the deal and imposed sanctions against Iran in November of the same year. In order to preserve the agreements reached as part of the JCPOA, the European signatories of the deal stated in January 2019 that a financial mechanism for maintaining trade with Iran called INSTEX was formed. On May 8, 2019, Iran announced that it had ceased fulfilling its commitments regarding the sale of over 300 kilograms of uranium, as stated in the deal, basing its decision on the other signatories having not fulfilled their obligations. On July 7, Iran announced that it will not be fulfilling its commitments regarding the enrichment of uranium at 3.67 percent and the reconstruction of the Arak Heavy Water Reactor Facility as stated in the deal. On Sept. 5, Iran announced that it will enrich uranium using next-generation centrifuges and will not mix it with the enriched uranium residues as part of the third step of reducing commitments in JCPOA. On Nov. 5, 2019, Iran announced that it took the fourth step in connection with reducing its commitments to the nuclear agreement. So, uranium gas is being pumped to the centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. Iran took the last fifth step in reducing the number of its commitments within JCPOA. Iran no longer faces any restrictions on its nuclear program. To the Editor: With the introduction of something new, its always a good idea to give it a catchy name. Politicians in Albany are pretty good at this. Thats why they came up with the name Green Light Law. It has nothing to do with saving the planet. The intention of this new law, passed by our state Legislature and blessed by our governor, is to extend the privilege of legally driving on public roads to people who are in this country illegally. Here in New York, where lawmakers seem oddly more concerned with protecting lawbreakers, people without proper documentation are given sanctuary from federal officials who are responsible for enforcing the laws of the United States. Their disregard for immigration law is not only tolerated by New York politicians; it is practically encouraged. Ironically, when it comes to laws that these politicians come up with, they arent so tolerant of such disrespect. Under the Green Light Law, migrants without documentation will have to produce, of all things, documents if they choose to comply with state law. The state will require them to prove their age, their foreign citizenship, exactly where they live in New York, and verified identity before the Empire State will issue a valid state drivers license. Apparently, there will be no sanctuary from enforcement of state law. In New York, you can hide from the feds but you cant run from the state. If the governor and other state politicians want to advocate for immigrants where are here illegally, and help them evade federal law enforcement, they can go all in. They just shouldnt be collecting a state salary that is reserved as pay for those whose job is to serve the citizens of this state. William Schmutz Oneida How to submit letters and commentary to Syracuse.com New York [US], Jan 09 (ANI): Human rights activist Gulalai Ismail has condemned the raids by Pakistan authorities at the homes of Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) activists days ahead of a march organised by the party. Ismail, who is herself a PTM activist, said that the administration has issued a No Objection Certificate for the event so the harassment does not make sense. "Strongly condemn raid of police on the home of PTM activists. The administration has issued a NOC for the event so the harassment doesn't make any sense," tweeted Ismail on Wednesday. PTM -- a political party -- which sheds light on the shortcomings of the military offences and brings to the front issues which continue to plague the locals, including enforced disappearances and fake encounters by the state. The movement headed by Manzoor Pashteen has now become another challenge for the Pakistani Army, whose heavy-handed techniques to crush the movement has failed miserably. In blatant attempt to muzzle voice, its activists are regularly targeted by the authorities and subjected to arrests and false cases. Gulalai, who was forced to flee Pakistan after being accused of treason, is currently living in the United States and has sought asylum in the country. Ismail managed to escape Pakistan to seek political asylum in the United States in September after being accused of treason. She reached the US months after she was arrested and released for holding a protest demonstration outside the National Press Club in Islamabad. (ANI) An Israeli tech firm focused on autonomous driving systems shared an impressive new video of one of its vehicles navigating the cramped and crowded streets of Jerusalem. The Ford sedan called Autonomous Driving Test Vehicle is shown navigating an amazing array of obstacles, including roundabouts, unprotected turns, narrow streets, close maneuvers, lots of pedestrians, and pretty much anything you can think of. The car was developed by Mobileye, a recent Intel acquisition that develops a wide range of mobility devices and software for motor vehicles. Scroll down for video Mobileye's impressive new Autonomous Driving Test Vehicle (pictured above), was able to navigate a wide variety of traffic complications in Jerusalem Unlike many other self-driving cars, the Mobileye vehicle doesnt use any LIDAR or RADAR sensors and instead creates a detailed three-dimensional map of its surroundings using 12 different video cameras mounted on the car body. The camera feeds are analyzed by software running on two of the companys proprietary EyeQ 5 chips, according to a report by The Verge. The chips render a live 3D simulation of the environment on a dashboard screen that lets passengers see what the computer sees, or thinks its seeing. The journey shows the car easily navigating through a number of unexpected obstacles and traffic events. Some highlights include avoiding a parked car that unexpectedly pulled out into traffic and a construction zone where two way traffic is forced to take turns passing through a narrowed road. The car is also shown navigating through a multi-vehicle backup on a residential block where someone had double parked, blocking one of the lanes. Even with all the obstacles, Mobileyes autonomous car finished the trip in just under 21 minutes, quite a bit faster than the original 25-minute estimate. Previously, the companys self-driving cars have traveled from Jerusalem to Tel-Aviv and back again, though that circuit, a roughly 80-mile roundtrip, was comparatively less complicated highway driving. Mobileye's current self-driving vehicle uses nothing but cameras, 12 of them, to create a live digital model of its environment The Mobileye car was able accurately analyze traffic coming from multiple directions and traveling at different speeds. The car also safely traverse areas where the streets widened into multiple lanes with traffic merging into new lanes The car also safely navigated long and crowded traffic signals and was able to manage completing a left turn in several stages to compensate for multiple lanes of cross traffic The car's navigation system was able to manage both narrow residential streets with parked cars, and busy urban intersections Mobileye had expected the circuit around Jerusalem to take 25 minutes but in spite of all the complications and traffic, the car returned to the home office in around 21 minutes The company says its working on a future driving system that will incorporate both RADAR and LIDAR systems, which will be used independently to generate their own isolated environmental models. The cars navigation systems will compare those separate models against the model generated by the video cameras to get an even more accurate sense of space. Ryan Bourne holds the R Evan Scharf Chair in Public Understanding of Economics at the Cato Institute. It is fast becoming one of the most discussed employment advertisements ever. Dominic Cummings call for No. 10 job applications from data scientists and software developers, quirky economists and policy experts, and other assorted weirdos and misfits has drawn reaction from global public intellectuals, former civil servants, and experience-weary ex-government digital experts. Now, civil service employment practices, SpAds competences, and government project management, are outside my circle of competence, as Cummings might say. Without in-house experience, Ill avoid passing judgment on whether better physics and maths skills or expertise in the economics of auctions might improve Downing Streets performance. Others who I respect seem positive about his proposals, particularly as it pertains to quantitative skills and institutionalising analysis of uncertainty. Likewise, some of Cummings broad proposals for Civil Service reform seem sensible as an outsider: red teams to push back on conventional wisdom; rewards for officials actually seeing through on delivering government projects; redundancy for poorly performing officials; more specialism, less generalism. All have clear rationales, though are easier said than delivered. And some tensions clearly exist between them. Greater longevity for brilliantly specialist civil servants, for example, surely creates an institutional impediment to radically adaptive change. Given all the ink spilt debating these ideas, however, an obvious point has been missed. Cummings ideas here are for personnel and structural changes to a technocracy. For better management and people to deliver systems for a large enterprise (the state). They do not tell us anything, per se, about what he perceives to be the correct role of government of when it should act, what it should do, and why. Yet without knowing what recruits and the civil service will be working on, its impossible to assess claims of the supposed trillions of dollars lying on the sidewalk from the low-hanging fruit of improved government performance. Yes, yes, we have breadcrumbs signalling towards certain ends. This sites editor thinks Cummings seeks a world of politics as enterprise association, harnessing AI, science, big data, cutting-edge communications in pursuit of regional rebalancing, science-led industrial strategies, and value-for-money procurement. Brexit, as Cummings acknowledges, brings necessary major policy change in other areas too, not least the promised immigration system. But reading Cummings blog suggests a more romantic and expansive view of what an effective technocracy can achieve. He places central importance on people, reading as if tons of government failures would dissipate, and other projects become viable, if only more brilliant physicists, data scientists, or mathematicians, armed with cutting-edges models of uncertainty and understanding of non-linearities, were in government. Policy failure and other challenges, in other words, are downstream. Bad management or the wrong skills or incompetent people are held up as the root cause of bad government; better rational planners could be transformative. My central gripe is that I doubt this is true. Government action ultimately reflects a decision to deliver collective action through the political process. And politics causes a range of structural problems that explain government failure, particularly on economics, irrespective of the brilliance of officials and project managers: Political incentives and short-termism : civil servants ultimately work for politicians, and politicians can be myopic and ignorant, while wanting results conducive to re-election or pleasing interest groups. How else to explain prestige projects such as HS2 when other transport projects clearly could deliver better bang for the buck? Or moving from hugging huskies to denouncing green crap to meeting Greta within a decade? Or police spending levels with inflexion points at elections? If civil servants come and go, so do Ministers. There have been five transport secretaries alone since 2010. Its all very well lamenting a lack of error correction in the civil service, but what about politicians continually demanding things with little record of success in their role as local champions (see current debates about high streets and activist government regeneration). : civil servants ultimately work for politicians, and politicians can be myopic and ignorant, while wanting results conducive to re-election or pleasing interest groups. How else to explain prestige projects such as HS2 when other transport projects clearly could deliver better bang for the buck? Or moving from hugging huskies to denouncing green crap to meeting Greta within a decade? Or police spending levels with inflexion points at elections? If civil servants come and go, so do Ministers. There have been five transport secretaries alone since 2010. Its all very well lamenting a lack of error correction in the civil service, but what about politicians continually demanding things with little record of success in their role as local champions (see current debates about high streets and activist government regeneration). Knowledge problem : Data can help inform better policy, of course. But some significant economic problems are complex and intractable, even to the smartest brains or the newest methods. Politicians and planners seek a solution, often creating huge unintended consequences. Markets, by being open forums to fulfil individual wants and needs, instead find tailored solutions for different people. Economies are not predictable systems if they were, then machine learning could make socialism a reality. Even the best people or the best models cant forecast the macroeconomy with decent accuracy because the British economy is really 66.4 million people and 6 million businesses, each acting relatively freely. : Data can help inform better policy, of course. But some significant economic problems are complex and intractable, even to the smartest brains or the newest methods. Politicians and planners seek a solution, often creating huge unintended consequences. Markets, by being open forums to fulfil individual wants and needs, instead find tailored solutions for different people. Economies are not predictable systems if they were, then machine learning could make socialism a reality. Even the best people or the best models cant forecast the macroeconomy with decent accuracy because the British economy is really 66.4 million people and 6 million businesses, each acting relatively freely. Centralisation : Cummings might want to replicate successful private sector innovation. But market-based activity tends to start small and expand when signals like profits or consumer surveys suggest success. The public sector usually doesnt have these signals. They could be mimicked by experimentation at local level, or hospital level, or school, with best practice spreading organically. That though, means decentralising power and accepting post-code lotteries, which governments are reluctant to do. Instead, project failure is met with new money and large-scale solutions. Without profit and loss, and the threat of financial failure, finding the correct efficient scale for much government activity is difficult, no matter what modeling or expertise you have. : Cummings might want to replicate successful private sector innovation. But market-based activity tends to start small and expand when signals like profits or consumer surveys suggest success. The public sector usually doesnt have these signals. They could be mimicked by experimentation at local level, or hospital level, or school, with best practice spreading organically. That though, means decentralising power and accepting post-code lotteries, which governments are reluctant to do. Instead, project failure is met with new money and large-scale solutions. Without profit and loss, and the threat of financial failure, finding the correct efficient scale for much government activity is difficult, no matter what modeling or expertise you have. Scope : Government engages in an extraordinarily diverse range of activities. Yes, individual-focused projects, such as the Apollo programme Cummings highlights, can be successful; but healthcare is more complex. Different policy areas often have conflicting objectives too (see the lower VAT rate on domestic fuel vs. policies to make fossil fuels less attractive). Reformers constantly run into Chesterton Fences not least because no man can account for all of what the state does. Having a framework of what constitutes core activities and why (whether its delivering public goods, solving other market failures, redistributing or more) is, therefore, an important prerequisite for the type of management, resources and approach required. : Government engages in an extraordinarily diverse range of activities. Yes, individual-focused projects, such as the Apollo programme Cummings highlights, can be successful; but healthcare is more complex. Different policy areas often have conflicting objectives too (see the lower VAT rate on domestic fuel vs. policies to make fossil fuels less attractive). Reformers constantly run into Chesterton Fences not least because no man can account for all of what the state does. Having a framework of what constitutes core activities and why (whether its delivering public goods, solving other market failures, redistributing or more) is, therefore, an important prerequisite for the type of management, resources and approach required. Crowd out : government projects or the hiring of more brilliant people would suck individuals and resources out of the private sector, where they could benefit society more. It also disincentives individuals and businesses from finding their own solutions to problems, often creating de-facto monopolies less responsive to users/consumers and technological change. Now, if Cummings is just laser-focused on improving delivery of core functions or projects, necessary Brexit-related change, or solving market failures, then this critique is neutered somewhat. His ideas could well generate improvements to delivery of activities government would be undertaking anyway. But my fear, reading between the lines, is that these hires reflect an ambition for projects encompassing greater government economic activism. In that case, its worth revisiting why governments fail where markets succeed. There are limits to what talented weirdos and misfits can achieve. President Donald Trump has credited precautionary measures put in place by American soldiers for the lack of casualties from an Iranian missile attack. Iran launched about a dozen missiles at two military bases in Iraq where American soldiers were staying. The rockets launched between late Tuesday and early Wednesday morning did not kill any American or Iraqi soldiers, Mr Trump said at a televised media appearance on Wednesday afternoon. He said the missile attack only caused minimal damage to facilities. Mr Trump said American service members had put in place sophisticated precautionary measures as part of their preparation for Irans response to the killing of its military chief, Qassem Soleimani, last week. Mr Soleimani was killed near Baghdad International Airport on January 2 by a missile authorised by Mr Trump. Iran has vowed a revenge for the attack. Mr Trumps announcement that no American lives were lost would serve as a relief for world leaders who had sued for a de-escalation of hostilities following Mr Soleimanis killing. The American president made no mention of any further military attack on Iran or its officials but threatened to impose more economic sanctions. Mr Trump assured the world in his briefing that Iran would never acquire nuclear capabilities as long as he remained the president. Iran announced earlier this week that it was pulling out of a 2015 agreement that prohibited it from producing an atomic bomb. The agreement was spearheaded by former President Barack Obama, but Mr Trump pulled out from it shortly after assuming office in 2017 in defiance of widespread protests from world leaders. Televangelist Jim Bakker, who resurrected his career after serving nearly five years in prison for fraud, ignited Twitter Monday by declaring on his show that support for President Donald Trump is a test [for] whether youre even saved. Only saved people can love Trump, Bakker added during the taped episode of The Jim Bakker Show. The comment brought laughs from at least one guest and several members of the audience. No, Bakker responded to the reaction. You gotta really be saved. You gotta forgive. You forgive when youre saved ... Bakker made the statement during a segment in which guests were promoting their books and viewers were asked to make monthly donations to the PTL Voice of the Prophets Gold Member Network, the Charlotte Observer reported. One of the guests was Robert Henderson, who talked about his book, Praying for the Prophetic Destiny of the United States and the Presidency of Donald J. Trump from the Courts of Heaven. During the show, Bakker also touted Trumps commitment to Israel. He keeps signing things to protect the church, and hes helped Israel, and recognized Israel, the evangelist said. Hes fulfilling (the) Bible, whether you like it or not. Bakkers comments were met with a fair amount of backlash after an 18-second clip from the show was shared to Twitter. Amee Vanderpool, a contributing writer for Playboy and an opinion writer for the BBC, tweeted the clip of Bakkers comment which has been viewed by more than 1.37 million people. She captioned the clip, Here is Jim Bakker saying that Trump is a test to determine whether or not people are saved. The comments section below is here for you, twitter-have at it." Here is Jim Bakker saying that Trump is a test to determine whether or not people are "saved." The comments section below is here for you, twitter-have at it. pic.twitter.com/LTlYmA5ZlV January 6, 2020 Twitter user T Taylor responded, I am Christian. I oppose Trump. I am not worried. P.S. - Is this the same Jim Bakker, who along with his wife Tammy, fleeced America using the name of Jesus to cheat people? And to personally profit monetarily via the PTL club? THAT Jim Bakker??? Author of Reclaiming Hope and former Obama White House staffer Michael Wear, also commented on Bakkers statement, calling it oppressive and manipulative. He wrote, I know some think that Jim Bakker comment was bad because it was about Trump, but I want to tell you that it's always bad, morally oppressive & manipulative to suggest anyone's faith is vindicated based on their vote aloneregardless of who is the subject of the sentiment. I know some think that Jim Bakker comment was bad because it was about Trump, but I want to tell you that it's always bad, morally oppressive & manipulative to suggest anyone's faith is vindicated based on their vote alone--regardless of who is the subject of the sentiment. Michael Wear (@MichaelRWear) January 7, 2020 Many of the other Twitter comments harkened back to the early days of Bakkers ministry. During the 70s and 80s, Bakker and his first wife, Tammy Faye, built a mega empire through The PTL Club and Heritage USA, a Christian-themed park in South Carolina. In the late 80s, the empire began to crumble when revelations surfaced about Bakkers affair with a church secretary and subsequent payoffs to the woman, forcing the televangelist to resign. Bakker was later found guilty of 24 counts of conspiracy, mail and wire fraud relating to luxury hotel memberships he sold related to Heritage USA. An investigation found that the ministry sold far more memberships than the facility could accommodate and that Bakker kept more than $3 million from the proceeds. He served nearly five years. Bakker was paroled in 1994, two years after his divorce from Tammy Faye. In 2003, Bakker returned to televangelism with Lori, whom he married in 1998. Prophecy and the end times are common themes to Bakkers current show. Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla/Staff Lori Arnold is a national award-winning journalist whose experience includes 16 years at a daily community newspaper in San Diego and 16 years as writer-editor for the Christian Examiner. She owns StoryLori Media and is a member of the Evangelical Press Association. Words by Nick Whigham The scale of the bushfire disaster and the horrifying images emanating from Australia right now need no exaggeration and yet, deliberately or not, images and claims have been circulating online that arent what they appear to be. There have been numerous pictures, videos and claims spread online during this ongoing crisis that dont stack up. Some appear to have been deliberately intended to spread falsehoods while others accidentally took on a life of their own on social media, with the underlying truth becoming lost along the way. One of the latest is a widely shared composition image of satellite data purporting to show fire-affected areas for the past four weeks, with the 3D render of the image giving an exaggerated effect (and also includes routine dry season burn offs in the north). However many have shared it believing it shows the scale of fires from space. After it went viral, creator Anthony Hearsey, sought to clarify the true nature of the image. Didnt realise this would go viral ... This is a 3D visualisation of the fires in Australia. NOT A PHOTO. Think of this as a prettier looking graph, he explained. This is made from data from NASAs FIRMS (Satellite data regarding fires) between 05/12/19 - 05/01/20. These are all the areas which have been affected by bushfires. Scale is a little exaggerated due to the renders glow, but generally true to the info from the NASA website. Also note that NOT all the areas are still burning, and this is a compilation. Despite the clarification, it continued to be shared Tuesday morning including by celebrity Jason Momoa who posted it to his 14.4 million Instagram followers. Another pair of images doing the rounds shows continental Australia being overlaid with the United States with an exaggerated number of fires burning. One has even been posted by Americas ABC News. Another one of these. This is ridiculous, @ABC. The fires are huge but this is a reckless misrepresentation. Take it down. https://t.co/MLaOez9U2G Paul Colgan (@Colgo) January 7, 2020 It follows a string of misinformation and misrepresentation online surrounding the bushfires. Story continues An online petition this week which claimed a volunteer fire fighter who delivered an expletive-laden reproach to the Prime Minister could be stood down was completely untrue. Earlier, a particularly harrowing photo of a mother and her children hiding in the water to escape 2013 fires in Tasmania was circulated as if it was from the current disaster. (1/3) This has 30k+ likes & retweets yet the second photo is from 2013 during the Dunalley fires in Tasmania. Not Australia currently. Its inaccurate. Please be mindful when you see tweets like this. https://t.co/R6lXuuP5gL Faley Goyette (@faley_goyette) January 6, 2020 At the more extreme end, some accounts, including online bots, have shared the more ludicrous conspiracy theory that environmentalists are lighting fires to further the agenda of climate action. While The Australian reported on Tuesday there has been 183 arrests made this fire season for arson, there has been no suggestion or evidence that any of them have been politically or ideologically motivated. According to Dr Timothy Graham from Queenslands University of Technology, there is a lot of bot and troll activity surrounding the #ArsonEmergency hashtag, with a disproportionate amount of tweets coming from a small group of accounts that show telltale signs of automation. Based on my analysis it appears that the bushfires have catapulted Australia into the global disinformation space, and the #ArsonEmergency hashtag is a prime example right now, he told Yahoo News Australia. The corrosive affect of false information While misinformation is not a new problem, it can be a problem that goes global very quickly with the opaque and ubiquitous world of social media. Aside from muddying the waters during the time of a crisis, the big problem is that it erodes the overall trust in information being disseminated under the catch-all term of media. Dr Andrea Carson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy at Melbournes La Trobe University and has researched the weaponisation of fake news and the changing nature of online misinformation. She says there is a direct correlation between declining trust in media and the explosion of social media as a news source. A lot of the platforms have information that is not of high quality, she told Yahoo News Australia. It With many Australians relying on the ABC to get the vital information during this bushfire crisis sometimes exclusively via radio when the power has been down the importance of good reporting is rarely more clear. But despite the immensely important role it plays, trust is media institutions, including the ABC, has declined in recent years. When it comes to polling, the ABC is still on top, but its come down quite a bit and part of that is the politicisation of the ABC and accusations it has a left-wing agenda, she said. This petition including false information has since been pulled down. Some users who rely on aggregators like Facebook might not differentiate between credible sources like the ABC and far less reputable websites, Dr Carson said. And ultimately, Facebook can be used to target certain demographics online where disinformation feeds into their confirmation bias. There is a distinction to be made between the more accidental and subtle forms of misinformation and disinformation that is deliberately and maliciously spread propaganda for different motivations, she points out. But in terms of tackling the problem, debate continues about the medias responsibility to proactively combat accusations of fake news and the responsibility for tech companies to do more to mitigate the spread of false information online. These are not easy problems to solve, Dr Carson said. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK BBC News, 7 Jan 2020 A Case of Exploding Mangoes: Urdu edition novel seized in Pakistan raids Award-winning Pakistani journalist and novelist Mohammed Hanif says copies of his best-selling satirical novel A Case of Exploding Mangoes have been seized. The book, which was recently translated into Urdu, pokes fun at the countrys former military dictator, General Zia ul-Haq, and others in the armed forces. It was first published in English over a decade ago to critical acclaim. Hanif said security agents seized stock from his Karachi publishers and bookshops in Islamabad and Lahore. Last month, the former BBC journalist received a defamation notice from Gen Zias son. Who seized the books? Men who identified themselves as agents from Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) turned up at the offices of the Maktab-e-Danyalpublishing house on Monday, Hanif said. "They claimed to be from the ISI but did not produce any official ID to prove that. They just took away all copies of the book," he told BBC Urdu. "They hurled threats at the manager of Maktab-e-Danyal, sought information about me and said theyll come back to get lists of outlets to which the book has been supplied. It looks like they want to scare the few people who still want to read old books." A Case of Exploding Mangoes has been in publication for 11 years now. Nobody has ever bothered me. Why now? I am sitting here, wondering when will they come for us. ISI is Worldas No 1 spy agency. I am sure they have better things to do. I have my school run tomorrow. 3/3 mohammedhanif (@mohammedhanif) January 6, 2020 Men had also raided a major Islamabad book store, Saeed Book Bank, as well as Fiction House in Lahore, he said. The BBC contacted the Pakistani military but has so far received no response to allegations that members of its intelligence service were involved. An unnamed official at the ISI told the Associated Press the claim was a "cheap attempt to gain popularity by hurling false accusations on a national institution". Why now? Hanif, who was an air force pilot before turning to journalism, became famous when his novel was first published in English in 2008. It charts the last days of Gen Zia, who was killed in a mysterious plane crash in 1988. The results of an investigation into the crash, which also killed the US ambassador, were never released and conspiracy theories have proliferated ever since. Exploding Mangoes centres on a rumour that a crate of mangoes gifted to Gen Zia contained a bomb which blew the plane up. There were glowing reviews internationally and the novel made the Booker Prize long list. Since then, Hanif has established himself as a leading columnist on matters in Pakistan, including criticism of the army. But despite praise for his first book, it did not go on sale in Urdu until November last year. By then it had been translated into major languages around the world, and many thought an Urdu edition was overdue. However, the Urdu edition, which has been promoted at book fairs around Pakistan and is likely to have been read by a wider circle of people, is seen as more of a challenge to the military. The last decade has seen a shrinking space for critics of the army in Pakistan, which has a history of coups. Efforts by the military to control the public narrative have increased in recent years at the expense of elected politicians, analysts say. Staff at foreign exchange firm Travelex are using pen and paper to serve thousands of customers after the company said cyber hackers were holding its systems to ransom, leading to a global blackout on its online currency exchange services. The currency trader, which also provides forex services for customers of HSBC, Barclays, Virgin Money and the banking arms of British retailers Tesco and Sainsbury, said on Tuesday a software virus identified on Jan. 2 was a ransomware attack. The spread of the ransomware, which Travelex said it had successfully contained, forced the company to take all its systems offline, causing chaos for New Year holidaymakers and business travelers seeking online currency services. The company, which has a presence in more than 70 countries, is currently only able to serve customers face-to-face at its 1,200 on-airport and off-airport locations worldwide. A criminal investigation led by Londons Metropolitan Police is now also underway. The Financial Conduct Authority, Britains markets regulator, said it was also in contact with the firm to ensure affected customers were being treated fairly. The National Cyber Security Centre said it was providing technical support. Scores of people turned to Twitter to vent their frustration at being left without cash they had ordered for their travels. Travelexs parent company Finablr Plc said the hackers used a type of ransomware called Sodinokibi also commonly referred to as REvil in an attempt to encrypt customer data. Travelex said there was no evidence yet that any data had been stolen. . Finablr processes more than 150 million transactions per year all of which rely on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of computer and communication systems. According to its listing prospectus, published last year, the company has computer-crime insurance to cover cyber risks. But the incident sent the companys shares slumping almost 20% to a record low on Wednesday, a drop exacerbated by two major investors selling shares worth about $72 million in the payments firm. A Virgin Money spokesman said customers were unable to place orders via the Virgin Money Travel Money website or any Travelex website or the contact center but that customers could process orders at a Travelex Bureau directly. Sainsburys Chief Executive Mike Coupe described the incident as disruptive but said customers could still buy currency over-the-counter, while a spokesman for Tesco said its 360 in-store Travel Money outlets were operating as normal. A spokeswoman for HSBC said its UK bank branches held some euro and dollar stock for immediate purchase but it was unable to take travel money orders. Barclays apologized to its affected customers and said it would restore service as soon as it was able to do so. Travelex, which had computer specialists and external cyber-security experts work on isolating the virus, is gradually restoring a number of internal systems and is working to resume normal operations as quickly as possible. Global companies are increasingly facing ransom-demanding hackers who cripple businesses technology systems and only stop after receiving substantial payments. These hackers use malicious programs such as ransomware to take down systems controlling everything from supply chains to payments to manufacturing. Neither Finablr nor Travelex provided any detail on the costs of handling the incident so far but Finablr said it did not currently expect to suffer any material financial impact from the incident. Another European company aluminum maker Norsk Hydro faced costs of between 300 million and 350 million Norwegian crowns ($39.52 million) in its first quarter last year following a similar cyber attack in March. The ongoing attack against Travelex is arguably the worst case scenario for how crippling ransomware can be, Stuart Reed, vice president for cyber-security at British web services firm Nominet said. If there was ever any doubt that a cyber attack could have a significant effect on financial markets, this proves otherwise. Hackers have grown more sophisticated during the past year, cyber-security experts say, shifting from individuals to larger companies that can afford bigger ransoms. In August, hundreds of dental offices around the United States found they could no longer access their patient records because of a Sodinokibi attack, according to Malwarebytes, which sells cyber-security software. Finablrs other six brands UAE Exchange, Xpress Money, Unimoni, Remit2India, Ditto and Swych are not affected and are operating normally, it said. ($1 = 8.8580 Norwegian crowns) ($1 = 8.8562 Norwegian crowns) (Additional reporting by Carolyn Cohn and Lawrence White; writing by Sinead Cruise, editing by Shailesh Kuber/Louise Heavens/Jane Merriman) Topics Cyber Uk The founders of Sprintlaw believe software will one day take care of the majority of everyday tasks handled by lawyers, and many in the legal fraternity are backing them. "Our vision is that 80 to 90 per cent of what lawyers are doing could be done with software code. What the humans in our business are doing are the most human things: customer service and showing empathy," said co-founder Alex Solo. Sprintlaw founders Alex Solo and Tomoyuki Hachigo are looking to expand their reach. Mr Solo and co-founder Tomoyuki Hachigo closed out the year at their digital law firm with a $1.2 million raise from seed investors betting on the long-term potential of the business. Struggling businesses outside the bushfire zones have reported a 90 per cent loss in trade after holidaymakers cancelled their plans due to the catastrophic conditions. Cheryl Parker, co-owner of the Leongatha Caravan Park in South Gippsland, says people have blamed the fires when phoning up to cancel their bookings. But the caravan park, east of Melbourne, remains practically smoke free and is about a two-hour drive south of the blazes ripping through the East Gippsland region. 'We had a little bit of smoke probably about five days ago. We haven't been affected really at all,' Ms Parker told Daily Mail Australia. Struggling businesses outside the bushfire zones have reported a 90 per cent loss in trade after holidaymakers cancelled their plans due to the catastrophic conditions. Cheryl Parker, co-owner of the Leongatha Caravan Park (pictured) in South Gippsland, says people have blamed the fires when phoning up to cancel their bookings 'We've got rolling green hills and yet we're being impacted by bushfires. It's taking its toll.' Ms Parker described Leongatha as a 'safe haven', where residents across the state and around the country could escape the relentless fires. 'Anyone who wants to get away in their caravan, come to Leongatha, we have plenty of vacancies and we're smoke free,' she said. Ms Parker said they started to notice the downturn around October and linked the poor business to the blazes. 'We normally have people phoning up [to book] and walk ins... but a couple of months back we started noticing that wasn't happening,' she explained. Ms Parker recalled locals telling her it would 'pick up at Christmas' and around the holiday season but 'it didn't'. The caravan park, east of Melbourne, remains practically smoke free about a two-hour drive south of the blazes ripping through the East Gippsland region 'We've suffered such a substantial downturn,' she said. 'Caravaners are staying at home... we normally get them from all around Australia. 'I don't know, maybe they assume we're close to the fires.' Ms Parker said she thinks caravan users are also opting to stay off the roads amid the bushfire crisis. 'We would normally have lots of people turning up with their caravans but we just haven't had them,' she said. 'We could have had 20 caravaners in here and we've got one or two.' Ms Parker encouraged 'people to come on over' to the caravan park to enjoy a 'green' and 'quiet' break away from the bushfires. Pictured: Bushfire near Bairnsdale in East Gippsland Leongatha Caravan Park have lost an estimated 90 per cent due to the poor turnout over their peak season. 'Probably 90 per cent of what we would have made. That's how significant the downturn is,' she said. 'Bills keep on coming in even if the customers don't.' More than 400 homes have been destroyed and 1.2 million hectares have been scorched as the fires rage across East Gippsland and the state's northeast. Ms Parker encouraged 'people to come on over' to the caravan park to enjoy a 'green' and 'quiet' break away from the bushfires. Leongatha Caravan Park (03) 5662 2753 The latter half of 2019 brought about a handful of closures of both longtime and short-lived Athens restaurants: Ike & Jane, the downtown President Donald Trump arrives to address the nation from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in Washington, accompanied by Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, center, and U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Associated Press Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah was furious on Wednesday after a Senate briefing on President Donald Trump's decision to order an airstrike that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Lee called it "probably the worst briefing, at least on a military issue, I've seen in nine years I've been here." He said he "walked into that briefing undecided" on whether to support a war-powers resolution being pushed by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. The resolution would limit the Trump administration's ability to take further military action against Iran without congressional authorization. "That briefing is what changed my mind," Lee said. "I'm now going to support it." Other lawmakers both Republican and Democratic also ripped the Trump administration after being briefed on the strike, saying they saw little evidence to support such drastic measures against Iran. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah was furious on Wednesday after a Senate briefing on President Donald Trump's decision to order an airstrike that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, which brought tensions with Iran to a boiling point. Lee told reporters that he "walked into that briefing undecided" on whether to support a war-powers resolution being pushed by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. The resolution would limit the Trump administration's ability to take further military action against Iran without congressional authorization. "That briefing is what changed my mind," Lee said. "I'm now going to support it." He went on to call the briefing "probably the worst briefing, at least on a military issue, I've seen in nine years I've been here." "Drive-by notification or after-the-fact lame briefings like the one we just received aren't adequate," he said. Story continues "I find it insulting; I find it demeaning" to the Senate and the Constitution, the senator added. "It's un-American, it's unconstitutional, and it's wrong," he said after adding that the people who briefed senators on Trump's strike said the lawmakers could not debate the merits of the measure. Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who stood alongside Lee as they addressed reporters, said he would also support a war-powers resolution to block further action against Iran. "Today, this is Sen. Lee and I saying we are not abdicating our duty," Rand said. Several other congressional lawmakers have voiced their dissatisfaction with the administration's briefings on the strike against Soleimani, who was Iran's most powerful military official and a widely revered figure within the nation. Asked if she was convinced that there was evidence that Soleimani was planning an "imminent" attack on US personnel, as the administration has said, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts replied, "No" but said she could not elaborate further. Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal echoed that, saying, "There was no raw evidence presented that this was an imminent threat." On Tuesday, as questions swirled about how robust the intelligence supporting the Soleimani strike was, Defense Secretary Mark Esper was asked whether the Iranian attacks against US personnel were days or weeks away before Soleimani's death. "I think it's more fair to say days, for sure," Esper said. But reporting from The New York Times' Rukmini Callimachi indicated that the underlying intelligence for the strike was "razor thin." Callimachi reported that one source told her there wasn't evidence of an "imminent" attack on US interests that could kill hundreds, as the White House has said. "The official describes the reading of the intelligence as an illogical leap," she reported. In the days since the Soleimani strike, both Iran and the US ratcheted up their actions and rhetoric amid historically high tensions. Iran on Sunday withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and the US sent another 3,500 troops into Iraq after ordering Americans to evacuate the region in the wake of Soleimani's assassination. Trump also ignited a firestorm when he tweeted on Saturday that he would target 52 Iranian cultural sites which would constitute a war crime if carried out if Iran retaliated for Soleimani's death. The president later walked back his comments and said he would "obey the law" with respect to military action. On Tuesday, Iran retaliated against the US for the Soleimani strike by launching a missile attack on US and coalition forces in Iraq. However, Trump announced on Wednesday that the attack didn't result in any American casualties and said Iran "appears to be standing down." Rather than retaliate with force, the US will impose tougher economic sanctions on Iran, Trump said, adding that the days of tolerating Iran's malign behavior "are over." Read the original article on Business Insider The rapid rise of tensions in the Middle East within days of the new year signals that matters unresolved in the last decade will come to a head in this one Hardly had the new year begun when the clouds of war began gathering over the East Mediterranean and Gulf waters. On 2 January, the Turkish parliament approved the deployment of Turkish forces in Libya in the context of the highly controversial memorandum of understanding on security and military cooperation signed on 27 November in Istanbul between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and head of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), based in Tripoli, Fayez Al-Sarraj. Late in the evening of 2 January, an American drone targeted Iranian General Qassem Suleimani, commanding officer of the Quds Force, an elite military formation that has carried out foreign military operations in Arab countries, to provide advice, training and assistance to pro-Iranian armed militias like Lebanons Hizbullah, Iraqs Popular Mobilisation Forces, and the Houthis in Yemen. This elite force has been engaged in proxy wars against Sunni regimes, particularly Saudi Arabia, throughout the last three decades. Until his assassination, Suleimani seemed untouchable, He had been everywhere across the Middle East, especially in Syria and Iraq, ascertaining and deepening the Iranian presence and role in leading Arab powers. His role had been amplified many-fold by Arab paralysis that provided Iran with enough space to expand regionally. The assassination was a very serious blow to the Iranian regime, not because its regional strategy will change, but because Suleimani demonstrated Irans political reach in the Middle East. Taking him out means the United States has raised the stakes in its confrontation with Iran, a confrontation that had gotten worse with US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the nuclear accord between the P5+1 group and Tehran), a withdrawal that US President Donald Trump announced in May 2018. Ever since, the present US administration has imposed severe economic and financial sanctions on Iran in the framework of its strategy of maximum pressure so that Iran would accept to renegotiate the nuclear accord of 2015, and stop its malign activities quoting American terminology across the Middle East and the Gulf. The Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, said last week that his country lost $200 billion because of this strategy. On 3 January, Irans Supreme National Security Council convened in an emergency meeting presided over by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He vowed forceful revenge. The whole Middle East is on heightened alert for Iranian retaliation, and the American response, if any. On the other hand, the United States has deployed 3,000 additional troops in the region on top of 750 Special Forces that were dispatched to secure the US Embassy in Baghdad, after its outer perimeter was stormed by pro-Iranian militias last week. Last Saturday, the US president warned Iran against retaliation. He said: Let this serve as a warning that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have targeted 52 Iranian sites and Iran itself, will be hit fast and very hard. However, this stern warning will not prevent Iran from some sort of retaliation to save face before its Middle Eastern proxies, within Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard, and before Iranian public opinion. Farther west, the decision by the Turkish parliament to deploy Turkish forces in Libya has inflamed not only North Africa but also the East Mediterranean, pitting Turkey against a host of Arab and regional powers, Egypt foremost. The presence of those forces a few hundred kilometres to the west of Egypts borders with Libya, and the establishment of a permanent military base to house the Turkish troops, amount to a casus belli from the standpoint of Egyptian national security interests. The same day parliamentary approval was given to the Turkish government to send forces to Libya, Egypts National Security Council met, presided over by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi. According to a statement released by the Egyptian Presidency, the meeting agreed on a set of measures, not elaborated, to defend the nation against any attempt to attack Egyptian security interests. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry released a statement in which Cairo called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and work for the preservation of peace and security in the Mediterranean area. The statement reiterated Egypts right to defend its national security interests. International reactions to the Turkish move were both ambiguous and ambivalent. The common denominator was that there is no military solution to the ongoing armed conflict in Libya, and to call on the Libyan warring parties to resume negotiations to carry out the United Nations peace plan. The two superpowers are reluctant to antagonise the new Turkish Sultan, Erdogan, who has successfully at least so far blackmailed both Washington and Moscow. He is supposed to receive Russian President Vladimir Putin on 8 January to talk about the situation in Libya. Ten days ago, and in an attempt to justify beforehand the sending of forces to Libya, he had said that his country cannot stand by while foreign mercenaries are fighting in Libya in support of the Libyan National Army. He had also talked about what he termed old geography, in reference to the Ottoman occupation of Libya for three centuries which, apparently, gives him the right to intervene militarily in the old Libyan colony of his predecessors centuries ago. He even claimed, ludicrously and stupidly, that there are one million Libyans today who have Turkish ancestry a claim answered with disdain by Libyans on Twitter. Whether the Turkish army would be effectively deployed in Libya remains to be seen. If it happens, Egypt will not stand idly by. It is its national security interests that will be directly challenged by a wayward Turkish government that has destabilised the Middle East for the last 10 years. It is a government, like the Iranian regime, that has Arab and Muslim blood on its hands. To show its military preparedness to deal with future threats from Libya, the Egyptian navy held manoeuvres on 4 January, to demonstrate its amphibious capabilities. The message is one of deterrence. The year 2020 seems, from the very beginning, challenging and interesting to watch. It is probably the denouement of the last decade that ended with the demise of 2019. *The writer is former assistant foreign minister. **A version of this article appears in print in the 9 January 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: The report said that some shipowners are avoiding having their vessels dock at ports in the Persian Gulf, while others are eyeing the situation closely. The Wall Street Journal reported that major oil firm Saudi Aramco is thinking of diverting its tankers and avoiding passing the critical Strait of Hormuz, where around 20% of the worlds oil supply passes. If the supply of petroleum passing through the strait is disrupted, then it could have major effects on the global economy. Following Irans threat to attack the United Arab Emirates if the US continues to escalate the situation, shipping companies have instead docked in neighboring Oman. Both tanker operators and cruise ship companies have also increased security presence on their vessels, as well as at ports. Gary officers responded about 1:45 a.m. Monday to the 600 block of West 19th Avenue to find Tobar had been shot and killed. Authorities say an investigation is ongoing. Police have not disclosed what prompted the shooting. "T.J. was like a son to me," said mourner Lori Wingard, a Gary native who now lives in DeMotte."I loved him like he was my own." She said Tobar is the father of her grandchild, Avori, 14, of Portage. He also has four other children, all of whom will miss him dearly. "I just don't understand," a tearful Wingard said. "He was a good guy. He wouldn't hurt nobody." Known affectionately as "Dallas Prime" or "TJ" by loved ones, Tobar was described Wednesday as a family man and a talented DJ with a positive outlook on life. Nick Smith, of Lake Station, passed out a dozen red roses for everyone to place beneath the stop sign to honor Tobar and other gun violence victims. "He's touched so many of us," Smith said as he shared an embrace with Wingard. He said Tobar would DJ often at L.F. Norton's in Lake Station and at music venues in Portage and Valparaiso. Press release Brussels, January 7, 2020 Orange Belgium's Board of Directors has validated the nomination of Christophe Dujardin as Chief Consumer Officer, starting February 1st, 2020. Christophe Dujardin, age 48, has over 18 years of experience in telecom sales, customer relations, transformation and finance. Christophe is a recognized leader in the industry, with a successful track record in the Belgian market. He was until September 2019 responsible for Consumer Sales at the Consumer Business Unit of Proximus. Christophe Dujardin succeeds Cristina Zanchi, who decided to seek for new opportunities after 9 years of passionate contribution within Mobistar/Orange Belgium. Michael Trabbia, CEO of Orange Belgium, reacts: "I am thrilled to welcome Christophe in Orange Belgiums management team. Thanks to his extensive experience and his leadership capabilities, he will be of great value for the further development of our activities on the residential market. I would also like to thank Cristina Zanchi for her strong commitment and impact on our results for the past 9 years. Regarding his nomination, Christophe Dujardin declares: "I look forward to joining Orange Belgiums team and I would like to thank the CEO and the Board for their confidence. I am delighted to further build on Oranges bold challenger position on the Belgian market." About Orange Belgium Orange Belgium is one of the leading telecommunication operators on the Belgian market, with over 4 million customers, and in Luxembourg through its subsidiary Orange Communications Luxembourg. As a convergent actor, we provide mobile telecommunication services, internet and TV to private clients, as well as innovative mobile and fixed line services to businesses. Our high-performance mobile network supports 2G, 3G, 4G and 4G+ technology and is the subject of ongoing investments. Orange Belgium is a subsidiary of the Orange Group, one of the leading European and African operators for mobile telephony and internet access, as well as one of the world leaders for telecommunication services to enterprises. Story continues Orange Belgium is listed on the Brussels Stock Exchange (OBEL). More information on: corporate.orange.be, www.orange.be or follow us on Twitter : @pressOrangeBe. Press contact Annelore Marynissen annelore.marynissen@orange.com - +32 (0) 479 01 60 58 Younes Al Bouchouari younes.albouchouari@orange.com +32 (0) 477 69 87 73 press@orange.be Contact investors ir@orange.be Attachment Diplomats & Peacekeepers visit 80 schools around the country as part of Global Ireland programme Press release Today, Thursday 9 January, Irish diplomats and Defence Forces peacekeepers will visit eighty secondary schools around the country as part of the Global Ireland Schools programme. This will bring to 122 the total number of schools visited since the programme was launched by the Taoiseach in December 2018. The visits will give students around the country the chance to learn about Irelands role in a changing world from diplomats and peacekeepers who have served and continue to serve Ireland abroad. Of the eighty schools visited today, many of the Heads of Mission and Defence Forces peacekeepers will be returning to their former schools to share their experiences and to talk about the work they do overseas, about Irelands place in the world, our role in the European Union and at the United Nations and to hear what students have to say about the global challenges we face. Global Ireland Schools forms part of the Global Ireland programme the Governments strategy for doubling Irelands international impact by 2025. In partnership with the Departments of Education and Skills, and Defence, the programme will continue throughout 2020, with school visits intended to further counties and island schools around the country. Staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Forces UN peacekeepers who have served abroad will also engage students in the scope and ambition of Global Ireland. The Global Ireland Schools programme will bring a deeper understanding of how UN membership has been central to our foreign policy, and has played a significant role in Irelands history. Each school will be presented with a UN flag and a copy of the preamble of the UN Charter, in recognition of Irelands contribution to addressing the biggest challenges facing our world today through peacekeeping, international development, human rights and disarmament. Speaking about the Global Ireland Schools programme, Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D., said: Through our peacekeeping operations around the world, the work of our diplomats, state agencies, and international development programme, Ireland has always proven that a small country can have a strong and decisive impact on the international stage. My hope is that this programme can inspire second-level students to realise the potential they have to make a real impact; be it in their schools, their local communities, or in the wider world. Welcoming the expansion of the programme to a further eighty schools, Joe McHugh T.D., Minister for Education and Skills, said: The Global Ireland Schools programme allows students to hear firsthand from our diplomats and peacekeepers who represent us so well abroad. It helps our young people to better understand global challenges and how our country plays a significant role in contributing to addressing these. This initiative will help students to understand what knowledge and skills are needed to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr Paul Kehoe, T.D. added: Irelands Defence Forces have a long and proud history of service to UN peacekeeping. I am delighted that we are working with our colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Education and Skills to increase young peoples understanding of this important role. ENDS Press Office 9 January 2020 Notes to Editor Taking an All-of-Government approach, the Global Ireland programme will double Irelands global footprint in three key areas by 2025; how we trade, the bilateral and multilateral partnerships we build, and our wider contribution to the world. Since January 2018, this programme has seen the opening of ten new missions: five embassies in Liberia, New Zealand, Chile, Jordan, Colombia and five Consulates in Vancouver, Mumbai, Cardiff, Los Angeles, and Frankfurt. In 2020, we will open three new Embassies: in Morocco, the Philippines, and Ukraine. In line with this ambition, a core theme of Global Ireland is ensuring that Ireland maintains a strong presence across multilateral organisations, and continues a proud record of active participation and achievement in the United Nations and the European Union. The Global Ireland Schools programme is a means of engaging second-level students across the country in the central elements of Global Ireland. Previous Item | Next Item By Moon Of Alabama January 07, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - The media continue to tell fairytales about Qassem Soleimani and about Trump's decision to assassinate him and PMU leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Meanwhile the Resistance Axis announced how it will avenge their deaths. In their descriptions of Qassem Soleimani U.S. media fail to mention that Soleimani and the U.S. fought on the same side. In 2001 Iran supported the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. It used its good relations with the Hazara Militia and the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance, which both the CIA and Iran had supplied for years, to support the U.S. operation. The Wikipedia entry for the 2001 uprising in Herat lists U.S. General Tommy Franks and General Qassem Soleimani as allied commanders. The collaboration ended in 2002 after George W. Bush named Iran as a member of his "Axis of Evil". In 2015 the U.S. and Iran again collaborated. This time to defeat ISIS in Iraq. During the battle to liberate Tikrit the U.S. air force flew in support of General Soleimani's ground forces. Newsweek reported at that time: While western nations, including the U.S., were slow to react to ISIS's march across northern Iraq, Soleimani was quick to play a more public role in Tehran's efforts to tackle the terror group. For example, the commander was seen in pictures with militiamen in the northern Iraqi town of Amerli when it was recaptured from ISIS last September. ... Top U.S. general Martin Dempsey has said that the involvement of Iran in the fight against ISIS in Iraq could be a positive step, as long as the situation does not descend into sectarianism, because of fears surrounding how Shia militias may treat the remaining Sunni population of Tikrit if it is recaptured. The military chief also claimed that almost two thirds of the 30,000 offensive were Iranian-backed militiamen, meaning that without Iranian assistance and Soleimani's guidance, the offensive on Tikrit may not have been possible. It is deplorable that U.S. media and politicians blame Soleimani for U.S. casualties during the invasion of Iraq. Shia groups caused only 17% of all U.S. casualties and fought, like the Sadr Brigades, without support from Iran. There are also revived claims that Iran provided the Iraqi resistance with Explosive Formed Penetrators used in roadside bombs. But that claim had been proven to be was false more than 12 years ago. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The "EFP from Iran" story was part of a U.S. PSYOPS campaign to explain away the real reason why it was losing the war. There were dozens of reports which proved that the EFPs were manufactured in Iraq and there never was any evidence that Iran delivered weapons or anything else to the Iraqi resistance: Britain, whose forces have had responsibility for security in southeastern Iraq since the war began, has found nothing to support the Americans' contention that Iran is providing weapons and training in Iraq, several senior military officials said. "I have not myself seen any evidence -- and I don't think any evidence exists -- of government-supported or instigated" armed support on Iran's part in Iraq, British Defense Secretary Des Browne said in an interview in Baghdad in late August. Iran is not responsible for the U.S. casualties in Iraq. George W. Bush is. What made Soleimani "bad" in the eyes of the U.S. was his support for the resistance against the Zionist occupation of Palestine. It was Israel that wanted him 'removed'. The media explanations for Trump's decision fail to explain that point. The New York Times reported yesterday that Trump picked the 'wrong' item from a list of possible courses of action that the military had presented him. That sounded like bullshit invented to take blame away from Trump and to put it onto the military. The Washington Post reports today that the idea to kill Soleimani came from Secretary of State Pompeo: Pompeo first spoke with Trump about killing Soleimani months ago, said a senior U.S. official, but neither the president nor Pentagon officials were willing to countenance such an operation. ... [This time o]ne significant factor was the lockstep coordination for the operation between Pompeo and Esper, both graduates in the same class at the U.S. Military Academy, who deliberated ahead of the briefing with Trump, senior U.S. officials said. Pence also endorsed the decision, but he did not attend the meeting in Florida. It is possible that the report is correct but it sounds more like an arranged story to blame Pompeo for the bad consequences Trump's decision will have. During his election campaign Trump did not even know (vid) who Soleimani was. Trump didn't even know who Suleimani is/was pic.twitter.com/8f1ChRLY2M Hear Me Roar (@Stop_Trump20) January 4, 2020 Someone indoctrinated him. The idea to assassinate Soleimani came most likely from Netanyahoo and must have been planted into Trump's head quite a while ago. Israel could have killed Soleimani several times while he was openly traveling in Syria. It shied away from doing that as it (rightly) feared the consequences. Now the U.S. will have to endure them. The consequences continue to pile up. The decision by the Iraqi government and parliament to kick all foreign troops out of the country leaves some flexibility in the timeline. The U.S. and other military are in Iraq under simple agreements that were exchanged between the Iraqi Foreign Ministry and the other sides. The ministry can fulfill the parliament decision by simply writing letters that declare that the agreements end next week. It could also choose to wait until the end of the year. But Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has publicly declared that he can no longer guarantee the security of foreign troops on Iraqi ground. That makes the issue urgent and it is likely that the troops will leave rather soon. Trump did not like the idea and threatened Iraq with sanctions: Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, the U.S. president said: If they do ask us to leave, if we dont do it in a very friendly basis, we will charge them sanctions like theyve never seen before ever. Itll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame. We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base thats there. It cost billions of dollars to build. Long before my time. Were not leaving unless they pay us back for it, Trump said. The president added that If theres any hostility, that they do anything we think is inappropriate, we are going to put sanctions on Iraq, very big sanctions on Iraq. There are also some 2,900 Twitter bots who try to let the parliament decision look illegitimate by tweeting "I am Iraqi and parliament doesn't represent me". It is not known if these are Saudi or U.S. bots but their behavior is inauthentic. There is nothing Trump can do to keep the troops in Iraq. If the Iraqi government does not tell them to leave the Popular Militia Forces will attack the U.S. bases and evict the U.S. military by force. When the U.S. assassinated Soleimani and PMU leader al-Muhandis it made that step inevitable. Yesterday Iran took a decision to exceed the number of centrifuges that are allowed to run under the JCPOA nuclear agreement which the U.S. has left. The decision had been expected and the Soleimani assassination only accelerated it. Iran took the step under 36 of the agreement which allows Iran to exceed the limits if the other sides of the JCPOA do not stick to their commitments. That means that Iran is still within the JCPOA and that the step is reversible. The IAEA will continue to have access to Iran's sites and will continue to report regularly about Iran's civil nuclear program. The JCPOA co-signers France, the UK and Germany issued a very unhelpful statement today that puts all blame on Iran and does not even mention the U.S. assassinations of Soleimani. Iran has not announced what kind of operation it will use to avenge the death of its national hero Qassem Soleimani. It will likely be some asymmetrical operation against the U.S. military somewhere around the globe. It will certainly be a big one. Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah, a dear friend of Soleimani, announced yesterday that the Resistance Axis will take its own, separate revenge. Here are edited excerpts from Nasrallah's rather long speech (which is worth reading in full): Today we commemorate Soleimani and al-Muhandis, two great commanders, and their Iraqi and Iranian companions who were martyred in this recent crime. The date of Soleimani's assassination is an inflection point in the history of the region, not just for Iran or Iraq. It is a new beginning. ... Soleimani's assassination isn't an isolated incident. It's the beginning of new American approach to the region. The U.S. carefully weighed what move they could take to reverse all their previous failures. But this wasn't war with Iran. Trump knows war with Iran would be difficult and dangerous. So, what could they do that wouldn't lead to war with Iran? They settled on killing Qassem Soleimani, a central figure in the Resistance Axis. ... Qassem Soleimani was the glue that held the Resistance Axis together, and so they decided to kill him, and to kill him openly, which would also have its psychological impact. ... Our responsibility in the Resistance Axis is divided into three points. Trump's goal was to terrify us all, and subjugate us. The leadership of Resistance will not waver or back down at all. To the contrary, the martyrdom of Soleimani and Muhandis will only drive us forward. Resistance must coordinate and become closer, to strengthen itself and its capabilities, because the region is heading toward a new phase. In terms of response, we have to consider just punishment. In terms of this crime, the one who committed it is known, and must be punished. Soleimani isn't just an Iranian matter, he is all of the Resistance Axis - Palestine, Lebanon Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, and every country which has supporter and lover of Resistance. The umma. This isn't an Iranian issue alone. Iran can also respond as it pleases, but that response doesn't exempt the Resistance Axis from also responding. Iran won't ask you to do anything - to act or not to act. But Resistance Axis forces must decide how to deal with Soleimani's death. So, if any Resistance Axis faction avenges his death, that their decision, and Iran isn't behind that. Iran won't ask anything. It's up to us how to respond. Do we content ourselves with mourning and eulogizing? We must all head towards just punishment. What do we mean by just punishment? Some are saying this must be someone of the same level as Qassem Soleimani - like Chairman of Joint Chiefs, head of @CENTCOM, but there is no one on Soleimani or Muhandis' level. Soleimani's shoe is worth more than Trump's head, so there's no one I can point to to say this is the person we can target. Just punishment therefore means American military presence in the region, U.S. military bases, U.S. military ships, every American officer and soldier in our countries and regions. The U.S. military is the one who killed Soleimani and Muhandis, and they will pay the price. This is the equation. I want to be very clear, we do not mean American citizens or nationals. There are many Americans in our region. We don't mean to attack them, and it is wrong to harm them. Attacking US civilians anywhere serves Trump's interests. The American military institution put itself in the midst of battle by carrying out the assassination. There are those who will say I'm blowing things out of proportion. I'm not. I'm seeing it as it is. We won't accept our region, its holy places, and natural resources to be handed over to the Zionists. If the resistance axis heads in this direction, the Americans will leave our region, humiliated, defeated, and terrified. The suicide martyrs who forced the US out of the region before remain. If our region's peoples head in this direction - when the coffins of of U.S. soldiers and officers - they arrived vertically, and will return horizontally - Trump and his admin will know they lost the region, and will lose the elections. The response to the blood of Soleimani and Al-Muhandis must be expulsion of all U.S, forces from the region. When we accomplish this goal, the liberation of Palestine will become imminent. When US forces leave the region, these Zionists will pack their bags and leave, and might not need a battle with Israel. General Esmail Qaani, Soleimani's replacement as commander of the Quds Brigade, endorsed Nasrallah's proposal: Going Underground on RT @Underground_RT - 00:14 UTC Jan 6, 2020 Esmail Qaani, the new leader of Iran's IRGC Quds Force: "Our promise is to continue the path of martyr Soleimani. Due to the martyrdom of #Soleimani, our promise will be the expulsion of the US from the region in different steps." These are not empty threats but a military project that will play out over the next years. I would not bet on the U.S. as the winner of that war. There were millions of Iranians in the streets of Tehran today to mourn Qassem Soleimani. The Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei shed tears while reciting the funeral prayer (vid). As Ayatollah Khomeini once said: They call us a nation of tears, but with these tears we overthrew an empire. Fereshteh Sadeghi @fresh_sadegh - 5:15 UTC Jan 6, 2020 I was given this poster tonight by 2 young men next to a stand that offered tea and dates to motorists (dates as a sign of mourning in Iran), I want to stick it on my cars rear window. It reads: A world will avenge you, with hashtag #crushing_response There will be hundreds of thousands of volunteers should Iran need them to avenge Soleimani. That is why we predicted that the U.S. will come to regret its evil deed. And while the situation can be reasonably compared to the build up to the war on Iraq I do not see a war happening. Wars are very risky as the enemy gets a vote. Any war with Iran would likely cost ten thousands of U.S. casualties. Trump is probably not stupid enough to launch such a war and certainly not during an election year. During his campaign Trump said he wanted the U.S. military out of the Middle East. Iran and its allies will help him to keep that promise. This article was originally published by "Moon Of Alabama" - Education and children have really been a focus of their lives, Ayoub said. Ayoub said writing the book was a personal journey for him, as he not only learned about Gottschalks legacy, but, like any good biographer, learned about himself through the example of others. I teased him at the end as I told him that I knew more about him than he knew about himself, he said. At the beginning, he told me that he was not very introspective, but he was just being modest. Ayoub said he learned Gottschalk was a leader who trusted his own experiences. What I was so struck with was with the consistency he had in his life, he said. Even when things didnt work, his values remained the same. Ayoub said one of things he hopes readers get from his book is that there are still people in the world who are like this, who dont just go the way the wind is blowing. When he saw things changing, he was able to embrace that and move forward, but he kept his values, he said. What I have learned from John is that you can have all this incredible success in life and be a nationally known leader but still be human and humble. To learn more about Confluence John Gottschalks Life of Duty, Service and the Business of News, visit www.conciergemarketing.com. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 14:40:22|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi military said Wednesday that no casualty was reported in the missile attacks earlier in the day against Iraqi military housing U.S. troops. The on Wednesday asked Indian airline companies to remain vigilant and take all precautions in airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf, hours after a Ukrainian International airlines carrying 180 passengers crashed near Tehran in "We had held meetings with the concerned Airlines and have sensitised them to remain vigilant and take all precautions," said a senior official of the (DGCA) on Wednesday morning. US aviation regulator FAA has also asked all US airlines to stop operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the and the Gulf of Oman due to "events in Middle East". Former General Motors executive Bob Lutz, a longtime critic of Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, said Wednesday that he's now encouraged by the direction of the electric-vehicle manufacturer. "Tesla is finally being run like a normal business," the former GM vice chairman said on "Squawk on the Street." "[Musk] finally reined in his costs," Lutz said. "He's reduced personnel and reduced unnecessary expenditures and has basically done what any other businessman would do in a situation where you're selling a bunch of stuff but you're not profitable" on a sustained basis. In October, Tesla reported a surprise third-quarter profit as part of a strong stretch of months for the carmaker. Along with the completion of its Shanghai factory and better-than-expected fourth-quarter deliveries, shares of Tesla more than doubled since late September, trading as high as $498 in Wednesday's session. Lutz, who retired in 2010 after 47 years in the auto industry, had previously said he thought Tesla was "headed for the graveyard." "They will never make money on the Model 3 because the cost is way too high," Lutz said in September 2018. "He's got 9,000 people in that assembly plant producing less than 150,000 cars a year. The whole thing just doesn't compute." But the situation, particularly regarding the Model 3, has dramatically changed, Lutz said Wednesday. Tesla has "achieved a volume break through, with the plant in China opening and selling a lot of Model 3s," he added. First debuted in the summer of 2017, the Model 3 had a "relatively slow start," Lutz contended. But it became the bestselling electric vehicle in the world in the first 11 months of 2019. Lutz said that accelerating Model 3 sales, especially ones with bells and whistles, have been aided by its perception as a high-end alternative to cars from BMW or Mercedes-Benz. He said he believed, when factoring in additional features, a lot of Model 3s were actually selling around $55,000 to $60,000. "As long as they can keep that premium pricing, which is as I say about $33,000 over where they had originally talked about, obviously that car is going to be profitable," Lutz said. Tesla had previously advertised plans for a $35,000 version of the Model 3, but the approach was significantly altered in the spring. In October, Tesla raised the price of its most affordable version of the Model 3 about $500 to $39,490. Even so, Tesla's Model 3 has actually contributed to an overall decline in the average price of electric vehicles, according to data from Cox Automotive that publication Inside EVs reported on. The average cost to buy an EV in the U.S. in September was around $56,000. One year earlier it was around $64,000, according to the Inside EVs report. Lutz said he also thought Musk, who is known for his sometimes eccentric personality and bold predictions, has moderated. "He has been quite adept," Lutz said. "The encouraging thing to me about Tesla is from Elon there is less talk, less bluster ... he is focusing on the business, focusing on the product and focusing on cost control." Carlos Ghosn Carlos Ghosn is set to hold a highly anticipated press conference in Lebanon on Wednesday, the first by the fugitive car magnate since his Houdini-like escape from trial in Japan. The globe-trotting mogul, once a giant of the car industry, has given few media statements since he jumped bail and landed in his native Lebanon almost two weeks ago, in the latest shock twist to a gripping saga. But he plans to use his press conference in Beirut to name those he believes were behind a plot to oust him, including Japanese government officials, a US broadcaster said Tuesday. The encounter with the media is scheduled for 3:00 pm (1300 GMT) at Lebanon's press syndicate headquarters. A day in advance, journalists were already gathering outside the building. Ghosn's bail jump has prompted outrage from the Japanese government, which has called his escape "unjustifiable", as well as from Japanese automaker Nissan which labelled the getaway "extremely regrettable". Many are expecting Ghosn to disclose details of his audacious flight from Japan to Beirut via Istanbul -- a dramatic twist in a story worthy of a Hollywood plot. According to Japanese media, he slipped out of his house in Tokyo, boarded a bullet train to Osaka and then a private jet to Istanbul, evading customs by hiding in a box, before reaching Beirut on December 30. His current whereabouts in Lebanon remain unknown but reporters have camped outside his luxurious pink villa in central Beirut, where he is believed to be residing. Before fleeing Japan, Ghosn was awaiting trial over multiple counts of financial misconduct. He denies any wrongdoing. Ghosn says the charges stem from a "coup" inside Nissan by disgruntled executives and local Japanese officials who feared his plans to more closely integrate the car giant with its alliance partner, French firm Renault. Nissan has continued to insist it has "incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn." But his legal team in France lashed out at those remarks just hours before Ghosn was due to speak. The carmaker's claims that it has conducted a thorough investigation into its former boss is a "gross perversion of the truth," they said in a statement. The probe was "initiated for the specific, pre-determined purpose of taking down Carlos Ghosn," said the lawyers. Maria Bartiromo of Fox Business said Ghosn had told her over the weekend that he has "actual evidence" and documents proving there was a plot to "take him out" in response to his plan to merge Nissan and Renault. He had also told her he would name those behind his November 2018 arrest for alleged financial misconduct, including some officials in the Japanese government. Ghosn's high-profile arrest and his long detention -- 130 days in total -- under severe conditions were widely considered draconian compared to the West. He twice won bail by persuading the court he was not a flight risk -- decisions seen as controversial at the time. His latest release came with conditions that included a ban on overseas travel and limited contact with his wife, Carole, who insisted this week she had no advance knowledge of the escape plan. Japanese prosecutors are also seeking to arrest her, alleging she "made false statements" during April testimony to the Tokyo district court. As Japan grapples with the fall-out from the embarrassing security lapse, prosecutors on Wednesday attempted to raid the offices of one of his lawyers, Junichiro Hironaka, to seize computers. However, the lawyers refused them access, citing "attorney-client confidentiality." Ghosn himself has said he left Japan because he was no longer willing to be "held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system". "I have not fled justice -- I have escaped injustice and political persecution," Ghosn said on December 31 in a statement issued in Beirut. Lebanon, which has no extradition agreement with Japan, has said Ghosn entered the country legally in possession of a French passport and a Lebanese identification card. The tycoon holds Brazilian, French and Lebanese nationalities. In the past 15 months, more than 600 people have been killed flying variations of Boeing Co.s 737 family of narrow-body, twin-engine passenger planes. To put that sobering number in perspective, the total number of deaths from flying major passenger airliners of all types worldwide last year was 257. Boeing is already coping with a world of worries after two crashes of its latest-generation 737, the Max, within six months of each other, not long after that aircraft went into service. The Max has been grounded worldwide since the second of those crashes, last March. The catastrophic loss of a Boeing 737-800 in Iran on Wednesday with all lives lost, including 63 Canadians, is a major blow to Boeings turnaround hopes, already so slight that the Chicago firm sacked its CEO last month. Boeing stock dropped as much as 2.3 per cent on Wednesday, erasing $4.3 billion (U.S.) in shareholder value. Boeing investors can expect a bumpy ride until Boeings role in the latest disaster is determined. At press time, the cause of the latest crash, in which all 176 passengers and crew perished, was unknown. It may turn out to be pilot error, an external factor or possibly mechanical failure. It is clear, however, that the investigation to determine the cause will drag on longer than is usual in such cases, due to the heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S. Which means Boeing and its 737-800 will remain under a cloud, complicating Boeings efforts to get its reformulated 737 Max recertified by world aviation regulators. In the 10 months that the 737 Max has been grounded, there has been no sign from regulators in the U.S., Canada or Europe that they are prepared to recertify the Max, which accounts for about half of Boeings total revenue. Max operators WestJet Airlines Ltd. and Air Canada have repeatedly pushed back their planned dates for restoring Max service, cancelling thousands of flights as a result. Boeing has already lost $8 billion in revenues from unshipped Max aircraft, and in December suspended production to preserve cash flow. Now comes the Iranian crisis, the fourth deadly Boeing 737 crash since October 2018. On Wednesday, a 737-800 operated by Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) exploded into flames in mid-air less than six minutes after takeoff from Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport. Iranian authorities have cited an engine fire caused by mechanical issues as the likely cause. But that conclusion borders on sheer speculation, based in part on amateur videos of the doomed aircrafts last moments. UIA Flight 752s flight recorders, or black boxes, were quickly retrieved. But it will be a long time before they are examined. Iran refuses to hand them over to either Boeing or U.S. regulators, notably the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the worlds most respected air-crash investigator. Another awkward fact for Boeing is that Ukraine Airlines International, the 26-year-old flagship carrier of Ukraine, had a superb safety record until Wednesday, having never lost a passenger or crew member in a crash. By contrast, Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines, operators of the ill-fated Max planes that crashed with total loss of life, had poor safety records. The 634 people who died in Boeing 737 crashes in the past 15 months, crashes in which the death toll exceeded 100 passengers and crew, lost their lives in Indonesia, Ethiopia, Cuba and Iran. Those are low-income economies, of course. Boeing and its rival Airbus SE rely on emerging markets, where air travel is growing fastest, for more than a third of their commercial-aircraft revenues. But if Wednesdays crash was caused by a mechanical failure, there will be more reason than ever to question the use of 737s, whose basic design hasnt changed since the first 737 went into service 55 years ago, in markets characterized by substandard training and aircraft maintenance and penny-pinching carriers. UAI is confident in the plane it lost Wednesday and in its crew. It was one of the best planes we had, with an amazing, reliable crew, Yevheniy Dykhne, president of UIA, told a briefing after the crash. But while the 737-800 predecessor to the 737 Max has a respectable safety record, its not spotless. There are about 7,000 Next Generation (NG) 737s in service. The 737-800 that crashed Wednesday is the most common variant. The Canadian carriers with 737-800s in their fleets are Air Transat, Flair Airlines, Sunwing and WestJet. The 737-800 is the most popular aircraft in use today. But Wednesday also marks the seventh fatal crash of a Boeing 737-800 since 2006. During that time, crashes in Brazil, Cameroon and India each took the lives of more than 100 passengers and crew. Ironically, Boeings reputational damage coincides with a near-peak in air-transport safety. The number of fatalities from crashes of large commercial airplanes dropped by more than 50 per cent in 2019. Indeed, the skies have been getting steadily safer even as the number of passengers flown has significantly increased. The aviation industry doesnt have a safety problem. It doesnt have a Boeing problem, as Boeings state-of-the-art Dreamliner attests. It does, however, have a 737 problem. Read more about: An amendment tabled by Northern Ireland parties seeking guarantees businesses would have "unfettered access" to the UK market post-Brexit has been defeated. The DUP, SDLP and Alliance sought legal guarantees on the issue, in a move that was also supported by Sinn Fein, the Ulster Unionists and Northern Ireland business leaders. On Wednesday afternoon, however, the amendment was defeated in the Commons by 337 votes to 262. Read More Addressing the DUP's amendments, which included the business amendment, Northern Ireland minister Robin Walker said: "Many of these amendments, I recognise, are focused on securing Northern Ireland's interests in the next phase of the Brexit process and we absolutely recognise the support they have received from across Northern Ireland business and political community. "If and when the executive is restored, the UK Government will be ready to consider commitments concerning their role in future discussions with the EU and engage with them as we safeguard Northern Ireland's integral place in the UK. "Now the Government cannot accept any of the amendments to the clauses implementing the protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland for a number of reasons." Under the PM's Brexit deal, Northern Ireland businesses and politicians fear a trade barrier down the Irish Sea could result in increased costs and checks on goods. DUP MP Gavin Robinson said Mr Walker should go a step further and say he "can't make commitments on behalf of the EU either", which is the "fundamental problem" his party has the Government's Withdrawal Agreement. "There is no point asserting sovereignty and indicating that Northern Ireland is fully in compliance with the customs territory of the UK, only having asserted such, to hand that power into a joint committee with the EU," he said. Mr Walker replied: "I think it is very clear from the protocol itself that Northern Ireland is part of the customs territory of the UK, that we do actually want to make sure that we maintain unfettered access between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. There are powers in the protocol for the Government to do that." Last month, MPs voted overwhelming in favour of Boris Johnson's Brexit deal, however it has been strongly opposed by the DUP, who feel it will result in Northern Ireland being treated differently than the rest of the UK. The DUP's Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson called for the Government to maintain unfettered access after Brexit for Northern Ireland to the British market by putting it on the face of the Bill. Reading a section of the Conservative Party's manifesto relating to the party's commitment to Northern Ireland, Mr Wilson told MPs: "The amendments which we have put forward are designed to be positive, they're designed to ensure that promises which the Government has made are honoured and also the manifesto commitment which the Government has made in relation to Northern Ireland, in which it states it will guarantee the full economic benefits of Brexit. Expand Close DUP MP Sammy Wilson / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp DUP MP Sammy Wilson "All of the amendments that we intend to move forward intend to ensure that that promise is delivered on." Mr Wilson added that his amendments will ensure the "minister must bring forward regulations", that these regulations "ensure that there is unfettered access to the GB market" and "that unfettered access is defined in the Bill". Criticising the fact that Mr Wilson is the only member of Northern Ireland allowed to speak in this section of the debate, new SDLP MP Claire Hanna said: "This will contribute to the very real feeling that this Brexit, and this form of Brexit, is being enforced on Northern Ireland, who have never given their consent." She added: "If the Government mean anything they say about protecting Northern Ireland and about unfettered access and about non-tariff barriers, then at a minimum they should accept new clause 55." Snipers took to helicopters in Australia on Wednesday to begin a mass cull of up to 10,000 camels as drought drives big herds of the feral animals to search for water closer to remote towns, endangering indigenous communities. Local officials in South Australia state said "extremely large" herds have been encroaching on rural communities -- threatening scarce food and drinking water, damaging infrastructure, and creating a dangerous hazard for drivers. It comes after Australia experienced its hottest and driest year on record in 2019, with the severe drought causing some towns to run out of water and fuelling deadly bushfires that have devastated the country's southeast. The five-day cull in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands -- home to about 2,300 indigenous people in the north-west of South Australia -- is the first in the state, local media reported. "These (camel) groups are putting pressure on the remote Aboriginal communities in the APY Lands and the pastoral operations as the camels search for water," the APY Lands executive committee said in a statement. South Australia's environment department, which is supporting the aerial cull, said the drought had also created "critical animal welfare issues" as some camels have died of thirst or trampled each other as they rush to find water. "In some cases dead animals have contaminated important water sources and cultural sites," a spokesperson added. Camels were first introduced to Australia in the 1840s to aid in the exploration of the continent's vast interior, with up to 20,000 imported from India in the six decades that followed. Australia is now thought to have the largest wild camel population in the world, with official estimates suggesting more than one million are roaming the country's inland deserts. The animals are considered a pest, as they foul water sources and trample native flora while foraging for food over vast distances each day. Traditional owners in the APY Lands have for years mustered and sold off feral camels but more recently they have "been unable to manage the scale and number of camels that congregate in dry conditions", according to the environment department. As a result, "up to 10,000 camels will be destroyed in accordance with the highest standards of animal welfare", it added. Public broadcaster ABC reported the animals would be killed away from communities and the carcasses burned. V R Narasimhan and Meraj Inamdar Its now mandatory that role of chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) or managing director (MD) should be separated to avoid excessive concentration of power in the hands of a single individual. This rule is to be implemented in phases -- From April 1, 2020, for top 500 companies and from April 1, 2021, for top 1,000 firms. The SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has given ample time to the industry to realign their board structures to comply with this requirement and the industry is surely adjusting -- though grudgingly. As of July 2018, a good 291 NSE listed companies out of the top 500 got dual positions in one and had to separate them whereas as on June 30, 2019, the number came down to 115. Thats a good progress. While making the recommendation to separate the positions, the Uday Kotak Committee relied on observations of Cadburys UK committee which said given the importance and the particular nature of the chairmens role, it should in principle be separate from that of the chief executive. If the two roles are combined in one person, it represents a considerable concentration of power. The perception that chairman is very powerful is a legacy the corporate world is carrying from colonial days. The family value system only adds to that perception. In family dominated entities, as youngsters take charge of executive functions, elders are moved to the chairpersons position as a mark of respect. The same value system plays out in any discomfort for separation of chairman and CEO posts. Legally, at best, the chairman is first among the equals. All executive powers reside in the CEO of the company and therefore, he or she is in a position to command all corporate resources. The law does not chalk out any role or bestow any responsibility on the chairman except that The chairman shall exercise absolute discretion with regard to the inclusion or non-inclusion of any matter in the minutes on the grounds specified in sub-section and can preside over the meetings in an orderly fashion. The chairman may have a casting vote to resolve a tie in voting, if any. However, considering the responsibility vested with independent directors, they are becoming an important pressure group within the board, thus constraining powers of executive directors. With shareholder and regulatory activism on the rise, independent directors are more and more recording dissent when required. This is turning out to be an effective check on chairmans discretion in determining minutes. The question to ask: Is the chairman legally so powerful? It is interesting to note that the Companies Act and Listing Regulations recognise two types of chairman -- Executive Chairman and Non-Executive Chairman. The law also recognises the scenario where a company may not have a chairman. The model Articles of Association (Table A, Companies Act) lays down a few more guidelines. The board may elect a chairperson of its meetings and determine the period for which he is to hold office. (ii) If no such chairperson is elected, or if at any meeting, the chairperson is not present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the directors present may choose one of their number to be chairperson of the meeting, it states. A random study of top few companies suggests that the rule of law and model articles are adapted by most of them -- They have the flexibility of electing a chairman for every meeting instead of electing a him or her for a specific tenure. According to the amended Listing Regulations, with effect from April 1, 2020, the top 500 listed entities shall ensure that the chairman of the board of such listed entity shall (a) be a non-executive director and (b) not be related to the MD or the CEO. It appears that this regulation is applicable only in cases where the company has elected a chairman for a given tenure. If this presumption is true, a very simple way of separating the two positions is not to elect a person to hold the office of chairman for a certain tenure. Instead, each meeting can elect its own chairman. This move will be compliant with the regulatory requirements and addresses concerns of both the corporate world and regulators. Under this arrangement, there is no designated chairman. But in practical terms, at every meeting, the same person is elected as chairman of the board. This way, continuity in the office of chairman is ensured. Even corporates need not face the embarrassment of asking the incumbent chairman to relinquish the position. Most listed PSUs have combined the positions of chairman and MD it takes effect with a government notification or order. Therefore, the government has to take a call on how to go about the whole process. There are no serious studies in India that have subscribed to or contradicted the views of the Kotak committee. It is necessary not just to commission a study on this topic, but also to examine the relationship between board structure and corporate performance. Innovation Depot has chosen seven startups for its 2020 Velocity Accelerator cohort. The seven were chosen from more than 130 companies around the world, with three based in Alabama and others from Nashville, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and Montreal. The program, now in its fourth year, recruits tech companies to Alabama and gives them access to $50,000 in capital, along with resources and mentoring in order to grow their operations quickly. The companies undergo 13 weeks of business and leadership training at Innovation Depot, with Velocity Accelerator kicking off Jan. 27. The program culminates in Velocity Demo Day April 21, where the companies pitch to their supporters as well as potential customers and investors. That gives them the opportunity to pitch for additional grants which would require them to move or maintain their headquarters in the Birmingham area. The companies chosen are: Chip of Indianapolis, Ind. Founder: Graham Watson Chip is a web & app based platform to help individuals pay off their debt. Chip rounds up the spare change made on debit and credit card purchases and applies them as a principal payment to student debt, auto loans or mortgages. This reduces loan term lengths and could save thousands of dollars in interest payments. DownTime of Montreal, Canada Founders: Aristo Mohit-Coker and Angela Di Paola DownTime is a digital behavioral health agent connecting people to mental health providers. Gainvest of Pittsburgh, PA Founders: Nashid Ali Gainvest provides resources for opportunity zone investing, allowing investors to defer taxes immediately, invest into qualified deals, and receive updates and returns. Leadhr of Birmingham Founders: Ross Blankenship and Howard Glenn Leadhr is an HR tech platform that helps businesses and organizations identify and accelerate employee leadership potential. Leveld of Mobile Founder: Matthew Gray LEVELD is an app-based marketplace that enables location specific tool and equipment rentals with peer-to-peer transactions. LEVELD provides individuals access to tools and equipment and enables consumers to generate passive income from their personal stock of tools not in use. Stroll of Nashville, Tenn. Founders: John Mark Eberhardt and Charleson Bell Stroll is a patented, end-to-end location-based marketing platform specifically designed for tourism. Stroll connects cities to citizens and encourages economic development for local businesses. Vendrix of Birmingham Founders: David Stewart and Joe Turner Vendrix is a purchasing platform for card-based business-to-business transactions. The Vendrix platform gives business owners a higher level of accountability while affording employees the convenience of purchasing with a credit card. Customer-specific spend controls are enforced at the point of purchase. That way, decision makers can see employee spending in real time, and ensure cumulative spending among users will not exceed a group or project budget. NanoValent will Deliver a Corporate Presentation at the IvyFON Family Office 2020 Outlook Conference, January 14th in San Francisco during the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference Week SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / NanoValent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a development stage cancer focused pharmaceutical company progressing a new class of targeted nanospheres (TNS) based therapies today announced the publication of United States Patent No. 10,369,104 from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office relating to its application of targeted polymerized nanoparticles in cancer and the invitation to present at the IvyFON Family Office 2020 Outlook Conference on January 14th in San Francisco, California. View Full Release, including press-ready images, quotes, bios, and more. Key Takeaways Nanovalent issued US patent relating to its application of targeted polymerized nanoparticles in cancer. This patent will support our goal of an additional financing effort this year to accelerate the already ongoing pre-IND work for our lead therapeutic in Ewing sarcoma. Company to present at the IvyFON Family Office 2020 Outlook Conference, January 14th in San Francisco. About NanoValent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. NanoValent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., founded in 2006, is a privately-held company focused on the development and commercialization of a new generation of Targeted Nanospheres (TNS). Working in close collaboration with Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), NanoValent aims to develop superior therapeutics for patients restricted by current treatment options and working with other pharmaceutical companies optimize or expand the utility of additional therapeutics. The company's proprietary platform technology is an important, new, tool that can potentially improve the efficacy and safety of a wide range therapeutic molecules and biologics. The targeting options and flexibility of the platform make potential applications almost limitless. NanoValent's leading drug candidate, NV103 (anti-CD99, irinotecan), is approaching phase I clinical trials with initial validating programs including Ewing Sarcoma, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine tumors, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Other cancer therapeutic candidates include NV101 (anti-CD99, doxorubicin) and NV102 (anti-CD19, doxorubicin). Funding has come from direct management investment, angel investors and significant grants from the National Science Foundation, the National Cancer Institute and the Montana Chamber of Commerce. Please visit http://www.nanovalent.com for more information. About IVY Family Office Network Ivy Family Office Network (IVYFON) has been a leading peer to peer family office network since 2005. More than 40,000 investors, family offices and asset allocators have attended their events. IVYFON have run Family Office forums in more than 25 cities around the world and operate on a continual basis in 20 of them. The event types and initiative formats allow IVYFON to provide local family offices forums that restrict attendance by vendors, preserve family office privacy and provide up-to-the minute information on investment themes for attendees. Please visit https://ivyfon.com for more information. CONTACT: Timothy Enns time@nanovalent.com (925) 719-2143 President and CEO SOURCE: Nanovalent View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572361/NanoValent-Pharmaceuticals-Announces-the-Publication-of-US-Patent-Targeted-Polymerized-Nanoparticles-for-Cancer-Treatment Now turning part of its focus towards Canadian market. MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2020 / Kisses from Italy Inc. (KITL) announces plans for continued expansion and site exploration for additional store fronts across Canada, through its wholly-owned Canadian corporation, Kisses from Italy Canada Inc. Canada presents many interesting avenues for potential Kisses from Italy locations and distribution partnerships for authentic Kisses from Italy products. "With our initial foothold in the U.S. and following the opening of our first European location in Bari Italy, in October of 2019, it has given our company the opportunity to structure and strengthen our global distribution network" said Michele Di Turi the company's President and CEO. "We continue to move forward with our aggressive expansion plans by carefully considering the best available opportunities through the different facets of our company." KISSES FROM ITALY is a U.S. based restaurant chain focused on fast-casual dining with traditional Italian Panini, homemade lasagna, salads, panzerotti di Bari, coffee, dessert and breakfast offerings. The Company currently operates four corporate owned stores. It successfully commenced operations in May 2015 with the opening of its flagship location in Ft. Lauderdale at 3146 NE 9th St. This was followed by three additional sites across the greater Ft. Lauderdale/Pompano Beach area. The Company recently opened its inaugural European location in Ceglie del Campo, Bari, Italy in October of 2019. In September of 2019 Kisses from Italy Inc. was given the approval by FINRA to trade its Common Stock and was approved for up-listing by the OTC Markets Group in mid-October 2019. Kisses from Italy Inc. Common Stock began trading on the OTCQB, OTC Markets platform; under the ticker symbol KITL, in October of 2019. Safe Harbor Statement This press release may contain forward looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected, including statements related to the amount and timing of expected revenues and any payment of dividends on our common and preferred stock, statements related to our financial performance, expected income, distributions, and future growth for upcoming quarterly and annual periods. These risks and uncertainties are further defined in filings and reports by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among other matters, Kisses from Italy Inc. may not be able to sustain growth or achieve profitability based upon many factors including, but not limited to, general stock market conditions. Reference is hereby made to cautionary statements set forth in the company's most recent SEC filings. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant expenses in our expansion of our existing and new service lines, noting there is no assurance that we will generate enough revenues to offset those costs in both the near and long term. Additional service offerings may expose us to additional legal and regulatory costs and unknown exposure(s) based upon the various geopolitical locations where we will be providing services, the impact of which cannot be predicted at this time. Story continues Contact Information: Kisses from Italy Inc. 305-423-7129 info@kissesfromitaly.com SOURCE: Kisses from Italy Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/572297/Kisses-from-Italy-Continues-to-Expand-its-Network Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 10:31:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by William M. Reilly UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- One day after the east-based Libyan National Army (LNA) said it had taken Sirte, a UN spokesman said on Tuesday there has been no exodus of civilians from the coastal city of the North African country. "In terms of the situation in Sirte our humanitarian colleagues tell us that as of this (Tuesday) morning no major civilian displacement has been recorded following the announcement by the LNA of its territorial advancement in Sirte," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "We are continuing to monitor developments in the area and continue to remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure," Dujarric said. "Aid workers continue to provide assistance to people impacted by the conflict in and around Tripoli as well as other parts of the country." The LNA on Tuesday announced in the eastern city of Benghazi that it had taken the coastal city of Sirte, some 450 km east of the capital Tripoli, while the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) said it had withdrawn its forces from the city to save civilians. Ghassan Salame, the special representative of the secretary-general and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), was at UN headquarters in New York on Monday briefing the Security Council on the latest conflict in Libya. After the closed door Monday meeting with members of the Security Council, Salame spoke with reporters, saying the situation in Libya is "particularly difficult at this time." He said some fighting in some parts of Sirte held by the LNA was still on, but he was mainly concerned about for the people of Libya. The envoy complained of foreign countries' troops and mercenaries entering Libya to either support the LNA or the GNA. Salame described the situation as "bleak" and said he asked the Security Council to act to keep out foreign interference, because too many weapons, mercenaries and countries are already involved in Libya. He reiterated there is "no military solution" to the conflict affecting so many civilians, many who have had to flee their homes. "I care about the Libyans and they are asking, where is the international community," Salame said, clenching his fists and raising his voice. The council's inability to reach consensus on a stance on the Libya conflict has led him to say that "enough is enough... The Libyans have suffered enough." "I am really angry to see that everybody wants to talk about Libya and very few people want to talk about the Libyans," Salame said. "What happens to the Libyans? What happens to the million migrant workers in Libya? What happens to these guys? Why don't you ask them?" "Libya is not only an oil story; Libya is not only a gas story; Libya is not only a geopolitical story; it is also a human story and people are suffering and for no other reason but for the fact there is no international clear message," he said. That victory was partly due to Chinas deluging Taiwan with fake news favorable to the mainland and aggressively promoting that content, said Puma Shen, a professor who runs DoubleThink Labs, which monitors the flow of disinformation. They have content farms that post articles to fan pages to make sure its disseminated on Facebook and lots of people see it, Shen said, adding that many Taiwanese who share the stories did not know they were created by China. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 22:24:28|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MANILA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines on Wednesday expressed "deep concern over the events in Iraq" and the impacts they will have on peace and the stability of the Middle East region. "The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed deep concern over the events in Iraq and its implications on peace and security in the region," Philippine Foreign Assistant Secretary Eduardo Menez said in a statement. In view of the escalating events in Iraq, Menez said the DFA has raised the alert level in the whole of Iraq. "The Philippine Embassy in Baghdad has been tasked to effect the mandatory evacuation of Filipinos estimated to be around 1,640 in that country," Menez added. In accordance with the instructions of President Rodrigo Duterte, Menez said Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, the Philippines' special envoy to the Middle East, will go to the Middle East to oversee the repatriation. In an news conference, Cimatu stressed the need to start the "preemptive evacuation" as soon as possible. "We should be prepared for any eventualities. We need to get them out of Iraq at once," he said, adding the government plans to use commercial planes to move Filipinos out of Iraq. Cimatu, a former military general, said he will leave for Baghdad on Thursday to oversee the mass evacuation. Already, he said efforts were underway to bring Filipinos to the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad in preparation for the evacuation. President Duterte has ordered the deployment of two battalions of soldiers to the Middle East to help repatriate thousands of Filipino migrant workers in that region amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Wednesday. A battalion is composed of up to 500 soldiers. Lorenzana said the rules of engagement for the mission were still being worked out, citing the sensitivity of the mission. He stressed that the mission was not combat in nature but to protect the evacuating Filipinos. "We will be very careful because we don't want to get involved in case a shooting war breaks out," he told reporters. Lorenzana clarified that the idea was "still in the planning stage." "We are still preparing the troops while Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin is coordinating with the governments of Iran and Iraq on the documents needed to allow the entry of the troops," Lorenzana said. He said the Philippines plans to dispatch cargo planes and ships to transport its citizens out of the danger zone. "We need to know where our planes can land and our ships can dock, the refuelling, the refurbishment and the like. Those things are needed to be arranged," he added. Philippine authorities said Filipinos in Iraq, Iran, Libya and Lebanon are first to be forcibly evacuated. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said there are an estimated 1,184 Filipinos in Iran, 2,191 in Iraq, 3,286 in Libya and 33,424 in Lebanon that need to be evacuated to safer grounds. He said at another news conference that there are an estimated 2.2 million Filipinos in the Middle East, but he said the number of Filipinos "could double because of the presence of undocumented Filipinos" who sneaked into that region illegally. Bello said all Filipinos living in Iraq, Iran, Libya and Lebanon will be ordered to return to the Philippines after the highest threat alert was raised to 4 in those Middle Eastern countries. The government said it is also considering tapping the services of cruise ships. The Philippine Coast Guard said its brand new ship, which is now in Malta after leaving France in December, is headed to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to carry out repatriation missions. Philippine authorities are still checking if there are any Filipino casualties in the Iran attack on a U.S. base in Iraq where about 600 Filipinos are working. Conflict between the U.S. and Iraq heightened after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered an airstrike that killed an Iranian general in Baghdad on Jan. 3. WASHINGTON The U.S. and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war Wednesday as President Trump signaled he would not retaliate militarily for Irans missile strikes on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. No one was harmed in the strikes, but U.S. forces in the region remained on high alert. Speaking from the White House, Trump seemed intent on de-escalating the crisis, which spiraled after he authorized the targeted killing last week of Irans top general, Qassem Soleimani. Iran responded early Wednesday with its most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, firing more than a dozen missiles at two installations in Iraq. The Pentagon said Wednesday that it believed Iran fired with the intent to kill. Even so, Trumps takeaway was that Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. Despite such conciliatory talk, the region remained on edge, and American troops including a quick-reaction force dispatched over the weekend, were on high alert. Last week Iranian-backed militia besieged the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and Tehrans proxies in the region remain able to carry out attacks such as the one on Dec. 27 that killed a U.S. contractor and set off the most recent round of hostilities. Hours after Trump spoke, an incoming siren went off in Baghdads Green Zone after what seemed to be small rockets impacted the diplomatic area, a Western official said. There were no reports of casualties. There is no obvious path to diplomatic engagement, as Trump pledged to add to his maximum pressure campaign of economic sanctions. He said the new, unspecified sanctions would remain in place until Iran changes its behavior. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the overnight strike was not necessarily the totality of Irans response. Last night they received a slap, Khamenei said. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end. Trump, facing perhaps the biggest test of his presidency, credited the minimized damage to an early warning system that worked very well and said Americans should be extremely grateful and happy with the outcome. The strikes had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and left the world waiting to see whether the American president would respond with more military force. Trump, in his nine-minute, televised address, spoke of a robust U.S. military with missiles that are big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast. But then he added: We do not want to use it. Iran for days had been promising to respond forcefully to Soleimanis killing, but its limited strike on two bases one in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq appeared to signal that it, too, was uninterested in a wider clash with the U.S. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the country had concluded proportionate measures in self-defense. Trump, who is facing re-election in November, campaigned for president on a promise to extract the United States from endless wars. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. On Wednesday, he said the United States was ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. That marked a sharp change in tone from his warning a day earlier that if Iran does anything that they shouldnt be doing, theyre going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly. Members of Congress were briefed on the Iran situation Wednesday afternoon in closed-door sessions on Capitol Hill, where Democrats and some Republicans expressed dissatisfaction with the administrations justifications for the drone strike on Soleimani. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah said it was probably the worst briefing Ive seen, at least on a military issue, in the nine years Ive served in the United States Senate. He said it was distressing that officials suggested it would embolden Iran if lawmakers debated the merits of further military action. Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced after the briefing that the House would vote Thursday on a war powers resolution to limit Trumps ability to take military action against Iran. The Democratic measure seems certain to pass over solid Republican opposition. Zeke Miller is an Associated Press writer. Rescue workers carry the body of a victim of an Ukrainian plane crash among debris of the plane in Shahedshahr, southwest of the capital Tehran, Iran on Jan. 8, 2020. (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP Photo) Iran Plane Crash Casualties Include Canadians, Brits, Swedes Dozens of Canadians and Iranians were among those who lost their lives when a Ukrainian plane crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran International Airport on Wednesday. All 176 people on board died. According to Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraines minister for foreign affairs, the dead included 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghanis, three Germans, and three British nationals. We express our condolences. Ukrainian authorities continue to investigative, he said in a statement. Prystaiko said he spoke to a number of world leaders about the crash, including Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics, and Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu. Spoke to Foreign Minister of #Iran Javad Zarif @JZarif. Both expressed our condolences. Agreed to coordinate further actions of our investigation groups closely to determine the cause of the terrible plane crash #PS752 in #Tehran. Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) January 8, 2020 Tragic news regarding Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims, including many Canadians. I have been in touch with the government of Ukraine. We will continue to keep Canadians informed as the situation evolves. #PS752 Francois-Philippe Champagne (FPC) (@FP_Champagne) January 8, 2020 He also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. [We] both expressed our condolences. Agreed to coordinate further actions of our investigation groups closely to determine the cause of the terrible plane crash #PS752 in #Tehran, he said in a Twitter post. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his condolences for the families of the victims, and parliament speaker Dmytro Razumkov said in a Facebook statement, Our task is to establish the cause of the crash of the Boeing and provide all necessary help to the families of the victims. Canadas Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said he spoke with the government of Ukraine after learning that dozens of Canadian nationals died in the crash. Rescue teams work at the scene where a Ukrainian plane crashed in Shahedshahr, southwest of the capital Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP Photo) Tragic news regarding Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims, including many Canadians. I have been in touch with the government of Ukraine, he said in a statement. We will continue to keep Canadians informed as the situation evolves. Linde, the Swedish foreign minister, said she expressed our deepest condolences to Prystaiko on the tragic plane accident. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones, she said in a statement. The amended Citizenship Act providing Indian nationality to persecuted minorities from Pakistan among others was an "unfinished business" of the country's independence and partition, BJP leader Baijayant Jay Panda said on Tuesday. The CAA was the "only scheme" that lived up to Mahatma Gandhi's assurance to minorities in Pakistan in 1947 that they will always have shelter in their "original homeland," if given no proper security there, he said. Panda also sought to allay any fears over the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying it was only an "idea" welcomed by many people and that no formal proposal has been made. Speaking to reporters here after attending a pro-CAA rally organised by the BJP's state unit, Panda accused the opposition of lying on the Citizenship Act. "This is one specific scheme which is an unfinished business of our independence and partition. I keep saying that this particular scheme does not prevent others (religions) from applying for (Indian) citizenship." "This is the only one scheme which lives up to Gandhiji's assurance to the minorities of Pakistan in 1947 that if they are not given shelter, security properly in that country they will always be having shelter in their original homeland," Panda, BJP National Vice-President, said. Hitting out at the opposition criticism of CAA, Panda claimed they were lying on the issue. Recalling his visit to Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh earlier on Tuesday, he said he met many from the minority community who had told him the opposition was going about saying their citizenship "will be taken away by the CAA." "This is just plain lie. This has to be pointed out. This is the frustration of the opposition of not being able to take on the BJP, not able to match Modi ji and Amit shah's leadership," he said. This was the opposition's "frustrated reaction after seven or eight months of lot of big decisions in which they have played no part," Panda added. On the exclusion of Sri Lankan Tamils from the ambit of the CAA, he said in the past many people from Sri Lanka have got refuge in India, as did many from Uganda and other countries. However, CAA was aimed at fast tracking (citizenship) for religiously persecuted minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, he said. On the NRC, and fears of 'exclusion,' he said there was no formal announcement on it as of now. "NRC, if and when the formal proposal is made, all the concerns people have will be addressed. Right now NRC is not a formal proposal, it is an idea lot of people support," he said. There were millions of illegal immigrants around the country and there was a demand for NRC, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "clarified" that NRC was not being discussed nor was there a formal proposal, he said. If and when NRC is taken up for discussion, concerns of people will be addressed, he asserted. On the violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, and allegations that ABVP and RSS were involved in it, he urged "the media to report fully and not just bits and parts." Condemning the violence on January 5 in the campus, he however pointed out there was violence prior to that also. "Before January 5 also, there was violence by one section of students preventing other students from registration.They were vandalising university property, beating up staff and students." "This was not getting coverage. It escalated on January 5. There is CCTV footage and people can be identified," he said. Action will be taken against whoever had indulged in violence, he said, adding Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered an inquiry into it. Earlier, the BJP's state unit organised a well-attended pro-CAA rally here, attended by senior state leaders including former union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A group of Supreme Court advocates will sing the Song, Vande Mataram, in the court's lawn at 1.45 pm on Wednesday to lend support to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. This comes a day after a group of lawyers, including senior lawyers Prashant Bhushan and Kamini Jaiswal, read out the preamble to remind people of the constitutional values. The move comes in the backdrop of protests against the newly amended citizenship law happening across the country. The Act grants Indian citizenship to Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, and Parsi refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Puerto Rico, causing island-wide power outages, damage, and leading to a state of emergency. With more earthquakes anticipated, travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, explains travel insurance coverage for travelers with upcoming trips to Puerto Rico. Travelers Heading to Puerto Rico within the Month Travelers with looming trips to Puerto Rico may be covered to cancel if they purchased their policy before the earthquake struck, specifically if the damage or power outages impacted their accommodations. While an earthquake alone isn't enough to trigger standard trip cancellation coverage, travelers whose accommodations are uninhabitable due to power outages or damage from the earthquake may be covered to cancel their upcoming trip. Likewise, travelers unable to reach their accommodation safely due to road damage or closures may also be covered to cancel. With a state of emergency declared and earthquakes expected to continue, travelers with upcoming trips to Puerto Rico may now be looking for travel insurance coverage. Unfortunately, if they are traveling within the next few weeks, coverage for the previous earthquake, as well as any aftershocks or otherwise related-events, is no longer available. In order to be covered for these earthquakes, a policy must have been purchased before the earthquake occurred on January 7, 2020. Collapsed Tourist Attraction Not Enough to Trigger Coverage While the collapse of popular tourist attraction, Punta Ventana, may be disappointing, cancelling this excursion is not enough to trigger the trip cancellation benefit overall. More-so, travelers may be concerned about their future trips to Puerto Rico, however not wanting to go, even because of safety concerns, is not a covered reason to cancel. Later Trips to Puerto Rico May Be Covered For travelers heading to Puerto Rico later this year, coverage may still be available for future quakes, as long as they are not related to those which have already occurred. Depending on the timing and magnitude of future earthquakes, insurance providers may consider them as aftershocks connected to the current earthquake or as separate events. Squaremouth launched the Puerto Rico Earthquake Travel Insurance Information Center with up-to-date information for travelers whose trips are affected by the earthquake, including answers to FAQs. While coverage may be limited today, it can change as the situation evolves. ABOUT SQUAREMOUTH SQUAREMOUTH compares travel insurance policies from every major travel insurance provider in the United States. Using Squaremouth's comparison engine and third-party customer reviews, travelers can research and compare travel insurance policies side-by-side . More information can be found at www.squaremouth.com . Available Topic Expert: Kasara Morison [email protected] SOURCE Squaremouth Related Links http://www.squaremouth.com The Iraqi military has said 22 ballistic missiles were fired at two bases used by US and coalition forces in Iraq, as Iran claimed responsibility and dozens of casualties, in a dramatic development of the crisis sparked by the killing of Qassem Soleimani. The Pentagon confirmed Wednesdays early morning attacks on the al-Asad and Erbil facilities saying they were still evaluating the damage and their response. President Donald Trump downplayed the reports of wounded and dead saying assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! Iranian state television, however, claimed 80 American terrorists had been killed and US helicopters and military equipment damaged, but offered no evidence of how it obtained that information. Iraqs military said there were no Iraqis injured in the assault, adding that 17 missiles landed on al-Asad base in the western province of Anbar and five on Erbil city, the capital of the Iraqi Kurdistan region. The Iraqi prime ministry condemned "any attacks on its territory" adding that Iran notified Baghdad shortly after midnight that its response to the killing of its top military commander had begun, and that retaliation would be limited to locations where the US military is present. Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Show all 24 1 /24 Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions Iranian mourners gather around a vehicle carrying the coffin of top general Qasem Soleimani during the final stage of funeral processions, in his hometown Kerman. Soleimani was killed outside Baghdad airport in a drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump, ratcheting up tensions with Iran which has vowed "severe revenge" AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian people carry a coffin of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani during a funeral procession in Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions The assassination of the 62-year-old heightened international concern about a new war in the volatile, oil-rich Middle East and rattled financial markets AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners packed the streets of Tehran for ceremonies to pay homage to Soleimani, who spearheaded Iran's Middle East operations as commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force and was killed in a US drone strike on January 3 Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranians set a US and an Israeli flag on fire during the funeral procession AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, centre, with Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, second left, and President Hassan Rouhani, third left, standing next to him as he leads a prayer over the caskets of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Tehran University Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, left, openly weeps as he leads a prayer over the coffin of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners holding posters of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Coffins of Soleimani and others who were killed in Iraq by a US drone strike, are carried on a truck surrounded by mourners during a funeral procession, at the Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions An Iranian mourner holds a placard AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Downtown Tehran was brought to a standstill as mourners flooded the Iranian capital Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Former Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps chief Mohamad Ali Jafari prays on the coffins of Qasem Soleimani and of other victims during their funeral ceremony EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Satellite image Maxar Technologies/AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA The missile barrages came hours after tens of thousands of Iranians turned out to mourn the slain Iranian military commander Soleimani and more than 50 died in a stampede. Responsibility for the attacks was swiftly claimed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), whose nonconventional Quds Force Soleimani commanded. This morning, courageous fighters of the IRGCs air force launched a successful operation called Operation Martyr Soleimani, the IRGC said in a statement. The fierce revenge by the Revolutionary Guards has begun. On Twitter, Irans foreign minister, Javad Zarif, added: Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the missile barrage saying it was a "slap in the face" for the Americans. He did not appear to call for further strikes but repeated demands that Washington pull its troops from the region. "When it comes to confrontation, military actions of these kinds are not enough...the corrupt presence of the US should come to an end," he said to crowds chanting "death to America". In Washington DC, Mr Trump tweeted: All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. In a statement, foreign secretary Dominic Raab said the UK condemn[s] this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting Coalition including British forces. We are concerned by reports of casualties and use of ballistic missiles, he said. We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation. A war in the Middle East would only benefit [Isis] and other terrorist groups. Huge crowds surround funeral procession of Soleimani as it moves through Kerman, Iran A spokesman for the Pentagon confirmed it also believed the missiles had been fired by Iran, rather than one of its proxy forces. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al Asad and Erbil, Jonathan Hoffman, assistant to the secretary of defence for public affairs, said in a statement. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. He said the base had already been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region. He added: As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region. Donald Trump had previously made a personal visit to the Al Asad base, in December 2018. The Iraqi prime ministry said it refused "any violation of its sovereignty and any attacks on its territory." It added that Iraq is doing everything in its power to contain the situation to avoid a "devastating all-out war." The development marked a rapid escalation in the crisis between Tehran and Washington, and a major challenge for Mr Trump, who had campaigned on keeping the US out of further wars in the Middle East. Tehrans missile strike came as senior members of congress were finally briefed on the purported threat presented by Soleimani, which led to the decision to kill him. Mere hours before the attacks, Mr Trump had told reporters in the Oval Office: If Iran does anything they shouldnt be doing, they are going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly. Irans Revolutionary Guard warned Washington against retaliating, and told its regional neighbours that if any military action were launched from their territory, they could expect to be attacked in turn. Mr Esper had warned the US was anticipating a reaction from Iran to the killing of Soleimani, a major regional power broker. I think we should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form, he told a news briefing at the Pentagon on Tuesday afternoon. He added: Were prepared for any contingency. And then we will respond appropriately to whatever they do. In turn, a senior Iranian official said Tehran was considering several scenarios to avenge Soleimanis death. Other senior figures have said the Islamic Republic would match the scale of the killing when it responds, but that it would choose the time and place. We will take revenge, a hard and definitive revenge, the head of the IRCG, General Hossein Salami, told throngs who crowded the streets for Soleimanis funeral in Kerman, his hometown in southeastern Iran. Soleimanis burial went ahead after several hours of delay following a stampede that killed at least 56 people and injured more than 210, according an emergency official quoted by Irans semi-official Fars news agency. The next steps on both sides remained unclear. Some experts suggested the actions by Iran, which had been promised by its supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, may have been calculated to satisfy domestic demands for revenge, without provoking a major response from Washington. Much of the uncertainty lies in the fact that the decision on how the US responds will be made by Mr Trump. Additional reporting by Reuters President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the United States did not necessarily have to use its military power against Iran, in an apparent attempt to defuse a crisis over the American killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani. Speaking from the White House, Trump said no Americans were harmed in Iranian missile attacks on military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq overnight and suggested Washington might not carry out immediate retaliation. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it. American strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent, he said. Our great American forces are prepared for anything. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world, he said. Trump stopped short of making any direct threat of military action against Iran but said the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime in response to what he called Iranian aggression. He offered no specific measures. Iranian forces fired missiles at military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq on Wednesday in retaliation for the killing last week in Iraq of Iranian general Soleimani, raising the stakes in its conflict with Washington amid concern about a wider war in the Middle East. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, addressing a gathering of Iranians chanting Death to America, said the missile attacks were a slap on the face of the United States and said U.S. troops should leave the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had said the strikes concluded Tehrans response to the killing of Soleimani, who had been responsible for building up Irans network of proxy armies across the Middle East. He was buried in his hometown Kerman on Monday after days of national mourning. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression, he wrote on Twitter. Nuclear Deal Trump again vowed that he would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon and urged world powers to quit a 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that Washington abandoned in 2018 and work for a new deal, an issue that has been at the heart of rising tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran has rejected new talks. There was no immediate reaction from Iranian officials to Trumps comments. The semi-official Fars news agency described the U.S. presidents remarks as a big retreat from threats. Trumps reaction in the immediate aftermath of Wednesdays attacks had been to say on Twitter that All is well! and that Washington was assessing damage. That tweet and the comment by Irans foreign minister had acted to soothe some initial concerns about a wider war and calmed jittery financial markets. Oil prices slipped back after an early spike. U.S. and European government sources said they believed Iran had deliberately sought to avoid U.S. military casualties in its missile strikes to prevent an escalation. But an Iranian army spokesman had denied foreign media reports suggesting there had been some kind of coordination between Iran and the United States before the attack to allow bases to be evacuated, Fars news agency said. The U.S. president, who was impeached last month and faces an election in November this year, had at the weekend threatened to target 52 Iranian sites if Iran retaliated for Soleimanis killing. Iranian state television said Iran had fired 15 ballistic missiles from its territory at U.S. targets in its neighbor Iraq early on Wednesday. The Pentagon said al-Asad air base and another facility in Erbil in Iraq were struck. Iranian television reported an official in the supreme leaders office as saying the missile attacks were the weakest of several retaliation scenarios. It quoted another source saying Iran had lined up 100 other potential targets. Avoiding Conflict But analysts said Iran wanted to avoid any conventional military conflict with superior U.S. forces. U.S. officials said Soleimani was killed because forces under his command planned attacks on U.S. targets, although they did not provide evidence. After the Iranian missile attack, state television showed footage of the burial, with hundreds of people chanting God is greatest when the strikes were announced over loudspeakers. His revenge was taken and now he can rest in peace, Iranian television said. Friction between Iran and the United States rose after Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, approved by his predecessor Barack Obama, and reimposed sanctions on Tehran slashing its vital oil exports. In his speech on Wednesday, Khamenei ruled out any resumption of talks with Washington on the 2015 nuclear pact. Before Soleimani was buried, his body was taken on a tour of cities in Iraq and Iran, drawing huge crowds. A stampede at his funeral on Tuesday killed at least 56 people. Hours after Iran fired the missiles at the bases in Iraq, a Ukrainian airliner crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran on Wednesday, bursting into flames and killing all 176 people on board. Officials said speculation about what happened was premature. Carrier Ukraine International Airlines said the plane was last serviced two days ago. Search Keywords: Short link: Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 17:02:57|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close A tourist poses for photos at the Karuola Glacier scenic area in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Aug. 31, 2019. More than 40 million tourists from home and abroad visited southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region in 2019, up 19 percent year on year, according to local authorities. In 2019, tourism revenue rose to 56 billion yuan (7.9 billion U.S. dollars), Qizhala, chairman of the regional government, said in his government work report delivered on Jan. 7, 2020 at the third session of the 11th People's Congress of Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Li Xin) CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / Content Carnivores, LLC, a creative marketing firm deploying proprietary technology, category and creative expertise in regulated industries is supporting 10 clients who are participating at the Biotech Showcase 2020, investor conference and/or other events in San Francisco being held simultaneously as the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, January 12 -16, 2020. To view the full release with downloadable visuals and more, click here. Key Takeaways Intelligent tech and elbow grease for companies in regulated industries with complicated stories and impatient investors Helping 1,000+ Companies strategize, create and share their stories with the audiences they need to reach in the most relevant channels in which to reach them. Financial, Investment and Biotech expert. Content Carnivores is dedicated to delivering the highest standards of ideas and writing so that greatness finds its widest audience to deliver on business objectives. We operate from a technology platform that dramatically speeds up the discovery, creation and publication of high quality content to help brands and businesses establish thought leadership. The product is used by trained Content Carnivores who are also subject matter experts in a customer's category. This is a turnkey engagement with almost zero customer IT and as much or as little involvement per engagement as a customer wants. The company was founded and built on the universal need for all businesses to provide useful, engaging, shareable content in order to establish themselves and benefit from organic search and social channels. Beyond thought leadership and search, benefits include reputation management, ongoing competitive analysis, business model testing, and customer engagement. Founders built the technology and ran content marketing programs for Monster, Coca-Cola and other content marketing pioneers. Current customers include thought leaders in marketing services, medical devices, financial services and technology products. Contact: Chelli Miller chelli@contentcarnivores.com 219-921-6823 VP Client Services | Partner SOURCE: Content Carnivores, LLC View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572374/AML-Ewing-Sarcoma-ARDS-HIV-IO-Phages-Infections-Diagnostics-and-Alzheimers-All-ready-to-move-to-the-next-clinical-level-All-at-the-JP-Morgan-Healthcare-Conference-Week On This Is Us, star Sterling K. Brown plays a character who once struggled to discover where he came from. However, on PBS's Finding Your Roots Tuesday night, Brown actually received some huge revelations about his real-life ancestors and their ties to slavery. Host Henry Louis Gates Jr. explained that a common dilemma African Americans face is that they are unable to trace their ancestors' history because their stories were obliterated first by slavery and then by Jim Crow. On top of that challenge, Brown, who also opened up about the day his father died when he was only 10 years old, shared that he doesn't know much about his father's side of the family because when he lost his father, he also lost the chance to learn more about his paternal roots. That all changed when Brown was shown his grandmother's death certificate, which revealed that his father also lost his mother at a young age, and also traced her ancestry back almost a century to Brown's third great-grandparents, Henry Woodley and Sarah Nelson, who married in the year 1870. "It's like the mystery of it all, like, that people actually existed," said Brown. "You know in theory that, like, you have to come from somewhere, but now you have real people with real names and real birthplaces. It's surreal in its realness, you know, to actually see it. And even if it doesn't go further back than that, the fact that, like, next time I go to Mississippi it's going to be, like, a different sort of thing for me." The 1900 census was where Gates discovered Brown's third great-grandparents were living with Sarah's mother, Nancy, and that all three of them were born before the Civil War. "So you know what that means," Gates stated to Brown, who replied, "It just hit me, like, they were slaves." Brown admitted that he had thought about his ancestors being enslaved, but he "never thought" he "would be able to trace it, to actually know it." However, while his father's ancestry may have been a mystery prior to Finding Your Roots, Brown's mother's roots were even more surprising to the actor, when he learned where his fifth great-grandparents were born. Story continues "Birthplace of father, Africa. Birthplace of mother, Africa," said an emotional Brown. The actor added, as a tear fell down his face, "Wow, man. Wow. That's cool." Since transatlantic slave shipments became illegal in the United States in 1808, Brown's ancestors "likely arrived during the very last few years of the slave trade. Whereas most African Americans descend from people who arrived here earlier, too early to be recorded in the censuses following the Civil War," explained Gates. "So you're a recent African," Gates told Brown. "Isn't that interesting? Because lots of other people would've, by 1820, would've been descended from generations of Americanized Africans. But you weren't." "This is, like, I can say, you know, well, you know, my fifth great-grandfather and grandmother, they were from Africa or whatnot," said Brown. Gates confirmed, saying, "You can say, unlike 99 percent of our fellow African-Americans, you could say I know about when my ancestors came because they were my fifth great-grandparents." This made Brown incredibly happy as he thoughtfully repeated again, "That's cool." Finding Your Roots airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on PBS. Check out Hannah brown crashing the Bachelor season premiere: Read more from Yahoo! Entertainment: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Lifestyle's newsletter. Uber has unveiled its futuristic new flying taxi, which the company plans to launch for airport commuters in Melbourne by 2023. The ride-share giant revealed an prototype of the new aircraft made by partner Hyundai at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week. A full scale model from the Korean car maker is on display at CES and Daily Mail Australia was given a first look at the future of transport with Uber. Scroll down for video The ride-share giant revealed an prototype of the new aircraft made by partner Hyundai at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week Uber has unveiled its futuristic new flying taxi, which the company plans to launch for airport commuters in Melbourne by 2023 Uber and Hyundai aim to give customers an end-to-end experience using the ride-share app to order an Air Taxi and be driven to the launch pad, flown to the airport, and dropped at check-in. Head of Uber Elevate Australia Natalie Malligan told Daily Mail Australia: 'This Hyundai partnership presents another significant advancement in our Uber Air journey. 'Our approach has always been to be thorough, and to collaborate closely with our local stakeholders and communities.' Uber understands that this is not a small feat to achieve, even with a 2023 timeframe as they aren't taking existing vehicles and harnessing them for transport, they're also creating a whole new mode of transport. Known as the S-A1, this Personal Air Vehicle uses electric motors to provide vertical take-off and landing like a helicopter which can rotate to provide propulsion like a plane. The S-A1 will fly between 300 and 600m above the ground away from commercial airspace and hit speeds of up to 290km/h, with a range of 100km. Uber and Hyundai have announced a new partnership to develop air taxis for a future aerial ride-share network Like all electric modes of transport recharging is required and this is done within seven minutes, providing enough time for passengers to hop off and on. The cabin is designed for four passengers and has another seat for a pilot. This will change overtime as the S-A1 becomes autonomous and another seat is made available. But luggage space is limited, with only enough for passengers to bring effective carry-on, meaning no large suitcases. Internally, the cabin is designed with four passenger seats, allowing riders to board and disembark easily On Tuesday Uber also announced a venture into mass transit whereby the Uber app could be used for booking bus, ferry, tram or train tickets. Launching in Las Vegas to begin with and arriving in Australia over time, this enables customers to discover the options to travel to your destination along with costs and time required. An Uber to the train station, boarding the train and back into another Uber could be the new norm, all completed within the one app, ideal for tourists. Geoff Quattromani travelled to Las Vegas as a guest of Jabra, HERE Technologies, LG and Uber. KABUL -- Two Afghan Air Force pilots have been killed after their helicopter crashed in the western province of Farah, the Defense Ministry says. The helicopter and its crew were delivering supplies to Afghan security forces when it crashed early on January 8 due to a technical fault, the ministry said in a statement. In a separate incident, the Defense Ministry said a helicopter made an emergency landing in the eastern province of Paktia, also as a result of a technical fault. The ministry said nobody was hurt in the incident, but Reuters news agency quoted a local police spokesman as saying that 10 people, including himself, were injured. With reporting by Reuters Commercial airlines are swerving Iraqi and Iranian airspace today after heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington raised concerns that passenger planes could be shot out of the sky by mistake. Airlines are rerouting flights throughout the region to avoid potential danger during heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. Jumbled schedules could effect as many as 15,000 passengers per day, lengthen flight times by an average of 30 to 90 minutes, and severely bruise the bottom line for airlines, industry analysts said. Aviation buffs shared images of the BA134 jet, bound for London from Mumbai, approaching Iraqi airspace from the south. All of a sudden, the plane redirects and circles back round before jetting across the Gulf. A map shows a selection of routes that usually fly through Iranian airspace Pictured: Last night's records show the BA flight reconsidering its route and swooping over Kuwait and Saudi Arabia instead Pictured: 2017 file photo shows a British Airways plane landing at Heathrow airport The diversion was recorded around two hours after Iran launched a shower of missiles on US bases at Erbil airport and Ain al-Asad in western Iraq. The aircraft, which has capacity for 200 passengers, flew over Saudi Arabia, Egypt and landed in Athens, rather than breaching Iraqi and Iranian airspace. A passenger on board the diverted BA134, which landed in Athens rather than its destination of London, tweeted: 'BA134 landed in Athens due to airspace closure over Middle East. There is anxiety that the conflict between the longtime foes could intensify following Iranian ballistic missile strikes Tuesday on two Iraqi bases that house U.S. troops. The attacks were retaliation for the US killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike near Baghdad last week. 'In a war situation, the first casualty is always air transport, said Dubai-based aviation consult Mark Martin, pointing to airline bankruptcies during the Persian Gulf and Yugoslav wars. At least 500 commercial flights travel through Iranian and Iraqi airspace daily, Martin said. In this 2015 file photo, two Qantas planes taxi on the runway at Sydney airport. Australian carrier Qantas said it was altering its London to Perth, Australia, routes to avoid Iran and Iraq airspace until further notice A billboard shows two cancelled Eurowings flights on December 30, 2019. Some operators, including German Lufthansa, cancelled its Frankfurt to Tehran flights A Ukrainian passenger jet crashed shortly after taking off from Iran's capital Wednesday killing 167 passengers and nine crew members just hours after Iran's ballistic missile attack, but Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue brought down the three-year-old Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Ukrainian officials initially agreed, but later backed away and declined to offer a cause while the investigation is ongoing. Still, at least two Kazakh airlines - Air Astana and SCAT - were considering rerouting or canceling their flights over Iran following the crash, which killed all 176 passengers. Poland's national carrier, PLL LOT, said Saturday that it was changing routes to bypass Iran's airspace. A suite of other European carriers followed on Wednesday, and the restrictions were expected to 'further depress' air travel between Iran and Western Europe, which saw strong growth after the Iran nuclear deal but a sharp dive when President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement and reimposed sanctions, according to the Sydney-based Center for Aviation consultancy. Air France and Dutch carrier KLM both said Wednesday that they had suspended all flights over Iranian and Iraqi airspace indefinitely. German airline Lufthansa and two of its subsidiaries also canceled flights to Iraq. The Russian aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, issued an official recommendation for all Russian airlines to avoid flying over Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman 'due to existing risks for the safety of international civil flights.' Russia's biggest private airline, S7, said it would reroute its twice-a-week flight from the Siberian city of Novosibirsk to Dubai. Asia-Pacific carriers, which operate many of the world's long-haul flights, were also expected to be hit hard by the ad hoc no-fly zone over Iran, Martin said. Soleimani's burial came hours after missiles launched from inside Iran hit US bases in Iraq Australian carrier Qantas said it was altering its London to Perth, Australia, route to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice. The longer route meant that Qantas would have to carry fewer passengers and more fuel to remain in the air for an extra 40 to 50 minutes. Malaysia Airlines said that 'due to recent events,' its planes would avoid Iranian airspace. Singapore Airlines also said that its flights to Europe would be re-routed to avoid Iran. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation advised Indian commercial carriers to avoid Iranian, Iraqi and Persian Gulf airspace. Buta Airways, an Azerbaijani low-cost carrier, said Wednesday that it was not planning to suspend or reroute daily flights between Baku, the country's capital, and Tehran. In North America, Air Canada rerouted its flight from Toronto to Dubai through Egypt and Saudi Arabia to avoid traveling over Iraq. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said it was barring American pilots and carriers from flying in areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace. The agency warned of the 'potential for miscalculation or mis-identification' for civilian aircraft amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamene claimed to have given US a 'slap in the face' Such restrictions are often precautionary in nature to prevent civilian aircraft from being confused for ones engaged in armed conflict. The FAA said the restrictions were being issued due to 'heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to US civil aviation operations.' In the Middle East, United Arab Emirates-owned budget airline flydubai said it had canceled a scheduled flight Wednesday from Dubai to Baghdad but was continuing flights to Basra and Najaf. Etihad Airways, the second-largest airline in the UAE, continued to operate on a regular schedule, but asked travelers who want to change flights to contact the carrier. Emirates airline flights between Dubai and Baghdad were canceled. 'The safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority and will not be compromised,' Emirates said in a statement. Qatar Airways, however, said its flights to Iraq were operating normally. 'The safety of our passengers and employees is of the highest importance, and we continue to closely monitor developments in Iraq,' the airline said in a statement. The New York Times Since the 2016 election, when Russian trolls and a tsunami of misinformation turned social media into a partisan battlefield, Facebook has wrestled with the role it played in President Donald Trumps victory. Now, according to a memo obtained by The New York Times, a longtime Facebook executive told employees that the company had a moral duty not to tilt the scales against Trump as he seeks reelection. On 30 Dec, Andrew Bosworth, head of Facebooks virtual and augmented reality division, wrote on his internal Facebook page that, as a liberal, he found himself wanting to use the social networks powerful platform against Trump. But citing the Lord of the Rings franchise and philosopher John Rawls, Bosworth said that doing so would eventually backfire. I find myself desperately wanting to pull any lever at my disposal to avoid the same result, he wrote. So what stays my hand? I find myself thinking of the Lord of the Rings at this moment. Specifically when Frodo offers the ring to Galadrial and she imagines using the power righteously, at first, but knows it will eventually corrupt her, he said, misspelling the name of the character Galadriel. As tempting as it is to use the tools available to us to change the outcome, I am confident we must never do that or we will become that which we fear. In a meandering 2,500-word post, titled Thoughts for 2020, Bosworth weighed in on issues including political polarisation, Russian interference and the news medias treatment of Facebook. He gave a frank assessment of Facebooks shortcomings in recent years, saying that the company had been late to address the issues of data security, misinformation and foreign interference. And he accused the left of overreach, saying that when it came to calling people Nazis, I think my fellow liberals are a bit too, well, liberal. Bosworth also waded into the debate over the health effects of social media, rejecting what he called wildly offensive comparisons of Facebook to addictive substances like nicotine. He instead compared Facebook to sugar and said that users were responsible for moderating their own intake. If I want to eat sugar and die an early death that is a valid position, Bosworth wrote. My grandfather took such a stance towards bacon and I admired him for it. And social media is likely much less fatal than bacon. The post by Bosworth, a former head of Facebooks advertising team, provides an unusually candid glimpse of the debates raging within Facebook about the platforms responsibilities as it heads into the 2020 election. The biggest of those debates is whether Facebook should change its rules governing political speech. Posts by politicians are exempt from many of Facebooks current rules, and their ads are not submitted for fact-checking, giving them license to mislead voters with partisan misinformation. Last year, platforms like Twitter and Google announced restrictions to their political advertising tools ahead of the 2020 election. Facebook and its chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, have faced heavy pressure from Democrats and Republicans, including Trumps campaign, not to restrict its own powerful ad platform, which allows political campaigns to reach targeted audiences and raise money from supporters. But other politicians, and some Facebook employees, including a group that petitioned Zuckerberg in October, have argued that the social network has a responsibility to stamp out misinformation on its platform, including in posts by politicians. Bosworth said that even though keeping the current policies in place very well may lead to Trumps reelection, it was the right decision. Dozens of Facebook employees pushed back on Bosworths conclusions, arguing in the comments section below his post that politicians should be held to the same standard as other Facebook users. They debated whether Facebook should ban or remove posts by politicians, including Trump, that included hate speech or forms of misinformation. One Facebook employee warned that if the company continued to take its current approach, it risked promoting populist leaders around the world, including in the United States. A Facebook spokeswoman provided a statement from Bosworth in which he said that the post wasnt written for public consumption but that he hoped this post would encourage my coworkers to continue to accept criticism with grace as we accept the responsibility we have overseeing our platform. Ultimately, the decision on whether to allow politicians to spread misinformation on Facebook rests with Zuckerberg. In recent months, he has appeared to stand firm on the decision to keep the existing ad policies in place, saying that he believes Facebook should not become an arbiter of truth. But he has also left himself room to change his mind. In November, a Facebook spokesman said that the company was looking at different ways we might refine our approach to political ads. Among those lobbying Zuckerberg is Trump himself, who claimed on a radio show Monday that Zuckerberg had congratulated him on being No 1 on Facebook during a private dinner. Bosworth said he believed Facebook was responsible for Trumps 2016 election victory, but not because of Russian interference or the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which saw millions of Facebook users data leaked to a political strategy firm that worked with the Trump campaign. Bosworth said the fallout from the Cambridge Analytica revelations uncovered by The New York Times, working with The Observer of London and The Guardian rightly changed the conversation around how Facebook should handle user data and which companies should be allowed to access that data. But, he said, Trump simply used Facebooks advertising tools effectively. He didnt get elected because of Russia or misinformation or Cambridge Analytica, Bosworth wrote. He got elected because he ran the single best digital ad campaign Ive ever seen from any advertiser. Period. Bosworth, a longtime confidant of Zuckerbergs who is viewed by some inside Facebook as a proxy for the chief executive, has been an outspoken defender of the companys positions in the past. In 2018, BuzzFeed News published a memo Bosworth wrote in 2016 justifying the companys growth-at-all-costs ethos, in which he said that the companys mission of connecting people was de facto good, even if it resulted in deaths. After the memos publication, a Facebook executive said the company wished it could go back and hit delete on Bosworths 2016 post. Kevin Roose, Sheera Frenkel and Mike Isaac c.2020 The New York Times Company Myanmar women gather to prepare fresh food in Minbya township, western Myanmar's Rakhine state, in an undated photo. Amid fighting between national forces and the Arakan Army (AA) in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state, the global humanitarian organization International Rescue Committee (IRC) said it has decided to end its food program in the state because of government restrictions on staff movements. On Jan. 6, the IRC ended its Tat Lan program that provided sustainable food security and improved nutrition and livelihoods to villages in Rakhines Myebon, Pauktaw, Kyaukphyu, and Minbya townships. An announcement by the organization said the program ran for more than five years and had provided livelihoods and food security for more than 56,000 people, but that the Rakhine state government instructed IRC to cease operations in 2018, though it continued its activites. IRC staffers were denied travel permission because they were recruiting journalists, said Win Myint, Rakhine minister of municipal affairs. They were recruiting the journalists, [and] we didnt know what their intention was, he said. This was something inappropriate. These activities were not included in a memorandum of understanding. Thats why, we stopped the operations. An IRC official told RFA via email that the organization invited Myanmar citizen journalists and trainees from Yangon to report on Tat Lan's activities, and it had mistakenly included employee lists when seeking travel permission in the region. The United Nations Livelihood and Food Security Fund had provided U.S. $19.6 million to the Tat Lan project. The IRC said to had to let go 60 program employees from Myebon and Minbya townships. Court frees 12 civilians The IRC pullout came as a Myanmar court released 12 ethnic Rakhine civilians accused by the government military of having ties to AA in Rakhine, after ruling Wednesday that they had been arrested by mistake. Myanmar soldiers led by Colonel Khun Thar from the 81st Light Infantry Brigade arrested the civilians in March 2019 near Chaungthit village in Mrauk-U township while they were transporting a malaria patient from the Thapotsar village tract of Kyaung Taung village where they lived. The troops also detained the malaria patient, Hla Maung Win, also known as Nyi Pu Chey, who died in custody. The remaining 12 were charged by deputy police commander Aung Thura of the Mrauk-U police station under two sections of Myanmars Counter-Terrorism Law and spent 10 months in prison while awaiting trial. AA commander-in-chief major General Tun Myat Naing, deputy commander Nyo Tun Aung, Brigadier General Kyaw Han, spokesperson Khine Thukha, and San Shwe Maung were also charged under the same law as part of the case that the military filed against the Kyaung Taung villagers. Authorities charged the men in absentia in July 2019 for allegedly inciting the Kyaung Taung villagers to assist the AA in its clashes with Myanmar troops. The AA leaders were also accused of involvement in a deadly January assault on police outposts and subsequent roadside bomb attacks. The AA leaders, who were declared fugitives, face three to seven years in jail with or without a fine if convicted. Aye Nu Sein, an attorney representing the dozen villagers, said the ruling makes sense because of a lack of evidence. There is no evidence supporting the charges made against the accused, so it was ruled that there was no reason to charge these people who have been detained for over 10 months, he said. The judge ruled that their arrest was a mistake, so they decided to release the detainees. A Kyaung Taung villager (C) smiles after he is released by a court in Mrauk-U township, western Myanmar's Rakhine state, Jan. 8, 2019. Credit: RFA video screenshot Torture allegations Eight of the plaintiffs 17 witnesses failed to testify at the hearing, attorneys said. The judiciary system has worked in line with the law, said lawyer Kyaw Nyunt Maung. We didnt see any pressure from the top to render a verdict in a certain way. The witnesses who were present during the incident didnt show up to testify in court, so there wasnt any evidence to support the plaintiffs claim, he added. Thats why the court released the accused. The 12 Kyaung Taung villagers maintained their innocence during the court hearing. We were taking a sick patient to the hospital, and the military arrested us along the way, said Sithu Aung, one of the released men, adding that soldiers beat them and police tortured them with electric shocks. Because of the torture I was subjected to in prison, I was admitted to the hospital five times, he said. A Myanmar military spokesperson said the detainees had been interrogated lawfully and that authorities did not beat or torture them. Kyaw Win Tin, father of villager Zaw Min Tun who was released, said the incarceration of his son resulted in financial losses for the family. There were many losses after he was arrested, he said. His income-generating activities were interrupted. It also caused losses for his parents. We could not perform farm work because we had relied on my son. Reported by Min Thein Aung and Waiyan Moe Myint for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. GLENS FALLS Theyre throwing a patriotic shindig of country music and surprise guests in February at the Charles R. Wood Theater to celebrate former Marine Sgt. Eddie Ryans Alive Date. It was on Ryans third combat tour in Iraq in 2005 that he was seriously wounded by two bullets shot into his head, one right over his eye and into his brain, from friendly fire. The Marine Corps flew us to Germany to say goodbye to Eddie, said his dad, Chris Ryan in an earlier interview. But they stabilized him and flew him back to Bethesda (Maryland). After 16 months of hospitals, hes been getting better and better. They called him the Miracle Marine. And every year since, Ryan and his family, who have a home in Lake George, and the community have celebrated another year of living. Slated for Feb. 15, the Tribute to a Hero celebration concert features country band Tink Bennett and the Tailor Made Band, paying tribute to Ryan, his military service and his family. Tink Bennett and the Tailor Made Band have been performing for over 30 years, opening for national acts like Lady Antebellum, Charlie Daniels, Josh Thompson, Sammy Kershaw and Molly Hatchett. In the 15 years since being wounded, Ryan has made dramatic physical progress, but the traumatic brain injury from his wounds affected his cerebral cortex, leaving him unable to walk. Still, with the help of physical therapists, he has regained his speech and the use of one arm. But Ryan still needs care all day, every day. And the proceeds from the concert will be donated to the family to help with some of these costs. Two years ago, Ryan, with the help of fellow Marine infantryman Neal Cass, hand-pedaled a recumbent bike around Lake George on a freezing early spring day. And the year before that, to celebrate, Cass reached out to his buddy, running 145 miles from his Connecticut home to Lake George. The run, called the Tougher Than a Tank Tour a phrase that came from Ryan when he said he was tougher than a tank in the hospital raised $14,000 to help with Eddies care. This years Alive Date celebration is supported by AIP Associates and the Froggy 100.3 (WFFG-FM) radio station. Tickets for the event went on sale through the Wood Theater this week. They are $55 per person. For wheelchair or handicapped-accessible seating, call the box office at 518-480-4878. Kathleen Phalen-Tomaselli is a reporter and photographer covering Washington County, arts and life, features and breaking news. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. President Donald Trump speaks on the phone with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in the Oval Office of the White House, January 28, 2017 in Washington, DC. Also pictured at right, National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon. WASHINGTONFederal prosecutors recommended Tuesday that former national security adviser Michael Flynn serve up to six months in prison for lying to the FBI about his contacts with a Russian ambassador. The government's position is a reversal from more than a year ago, when prosecutors urged no prison time for the retired Army lieutenant general. Flynn is one of a half-dozen former aides to President Donald Trump who were convicted or pleaded guilty due to special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election. Citing Flynn's attempts to "thwart" prosecutors and his "apparent failure to accept responsibility," the government recommended a sentence of up to six months "to promote respect for the law and adequately deter such criminal conduct." He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 28. Last month, a federal judge rejected Flynn's claims that prosecutors forced him to plead guilty and hid evidence that would've exonerated him. Forced to plead guilty? Judge rejects Michael Flynn's claims of a government conspiracy to frame him Flynn reverses course: Michael Flynn's attorney alleges government cover up, while prosecutors leave open possibility of prison Flynn and his attorney, conservative lawyer and frequent Fox News commentator Sidney Powell, have accused the Justice Department and the FBI of conspiring to frame the former Army general. Powell did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the government's new sentencing recommendation. Flynn pleaded guilty two years ago to lying to the FBI about his communication with Sergey Kislyak, then the Russian ambassador to the U.S., in the weeks before Trump took office. Prosecutors charged that Flynn lied to FBI agents when he told them he did not discuss sanctions against Russia with Kislyak, and when he said he did not ask Kislyak to delay a vote on a United Nations Security Council resolution critical of Israeli settlements. Story continues Before Flynn's scheduled sentencing in December 2018, prosecutors lauded his cooperation with Mueller's inquirynoting he had met with investigators 19 timesand his record of exemplary public service. "The defendant's record of military and public service distinguish him from every other person who has been charged as part of the (special counsel's) investigation," prosecutors wrote in their initial sentencing filing. The sentencing was postponed after a contentious hearing in which U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan questioned why Flynn's case would be wrapped up when the government still needed his cooperation in a separate case involving a former business partner. Sullivan then went on to savage Flynn's criminal conduct, at one point questioning the retired general's patriotism. Arguably, you sold your country out, Sullivan said. "I cannot assure you that, if you proceed today, you will not be sentenced to a period of incarceration." The judge suggested Flynn seek a sentencing delay until his cooperation was complete so it could count in his favor. After that hearing, Flynn hired Powell and went from cooperating with the government to challenging its tactics. Days before the trial of Flynn's former business associate, prosecutors said they wouldn't call him to testify and designated him a co-conspirator. In new court filings, Flynn then asserted that FBI agents ambushed him during an initial interview about his contacts with the Russian ambassador, and he claimed he was pressured into pleading guilty. Sullivan rejected those arguments last month. Vice President Mike Pence and former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, at the White House on Feb. 10, 2017. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Feds recommend up to six months in prison for Michael Flynn "To me, Michigan is one of the biggest markets next to California," said Berner. "Not only is it a big market, Michigan is a very educated market when it comes to herb and hash. They have been seeing California weed on the black market for years and been producers of high quality flower in their own respective market. With that being said, Michigan smokers are spoiled just like us in Cali. With all the new genetics in our Library and all the love from the Michigan Cups, we are ready to give Detroit all the new-new! And the fact we are kicking it off on 8 Mile makes all of this even more legendary." The Cookies store will carry the entire family of Cookies products including, but not limited to the Cookies, Lemonnade, Runtz, PowerzzzUp, Minntz and Grandiflora lines. The store will be operated by Gage in an exclusive partnership with Cookies. "Gage is excited for this next step in our flourishing partnership with Cookies," said Gage's Fabian Monaco. "We are eager to provide Michigan with yet another unique and engaging retail platform. Launching the first Cookies store on the East Coast will bring an unparalleled experience to our cannabis patients, while offering direct access to one of the leading brands in the cannabis industry." The 3,500 square-foot Cookies store will employ 40 Detroiters with good paying jobs and benefits. Gage also has in place a social equity program through which it will share $950,000 with social equity participants in cities disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition. The company plans to give up to $50,000 to a prospective cannabis business owner in each of the 19 social equity cities initially designated by the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency. The Detroit award recipient has yet to be selected, and Gage looks forward to meeting potential candidates at the January 31 grand opening. In addition to the new Cookies provisioning center, Gage will dedicate significant shelf space to the display and sale of Cookies products in their current locations in Ferndale and Adrian, as well as its soon-to-open locations in Lansing, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Bay City, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Centerline, among others. More information can be found at www.cookiesmich.com or on Instagram @Cookies.Michigan. ABOUT COOKIES Cookies is a culture and lifestyle brand, not simply a premier cannabis company. Founded in 2012 by Berner and his partner Jigga, a Bay Area cultivator and breeder, the company built its identity by seamlessly combining new, top-tier genetics, the internet, and music. Backed by the music industry, social media, and the countless YouTube vlogs documenting the brand's growth and breeding projects, Cookies quickly built a grassroots cult following while remaining loyal to its brand promise - authenticity and innovative genetics. Today, Cookies is one of the most well-respected and top-selling cannabis brands in the United States. The company and its products are recognized globally and offer a stable of over 50 cannabis varieties and product lines including indoor, outdoor and sun grown flower, pre-rolls, gel caps and vapes. Cookies operates two flagship stores in Los Angeles, and two new locations in the Bay Area. In addition to its selection of curated cannabis products, the company also sells apparel and accessories for both men and women. To learn more, please visit www.cookiescalifornia.com. For Berner's full bio, interview requests, and more information please contact [email protected]. ABOUT GAGE Gage Cannabis Co. operates over 150,000 square feet of cultivation space and a state-of-the-art processing facility to supply its 13 provisioning centers. To supplement a wide range of proprietary products, Gage partners with a deep roster of internationally and local renowned brands to bring cannabis culture to life. Throughout 2020 and beyond, Michiganders will enjoy the economic benefits provided by Gage's operations and its commitment to local charities and neighborhood programs in its host communities. For more information about Gage Cannabis Co., visit www.gageusa.com. Instagram: @gagecannabis Facebook: @gageusa Twitter: @gagecannabisco MEDIA CONTACT: Colleen Robar, 313-207-5960, [email protected] SOURCE Gage Cannabis Related Links https://gageusa.com But weve learned since that the strike on Suleimani was almost certainly another impulsive action from an impatient president. Pentagon officials have said they were stunned by the decision. According to reporting in The Times, they gave Trump the option of an attack with the expectation that he would reject it for being too extreme. Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have been pushing for an attack on Iran for some time, but the past few days of confusion of mixed-messages and shifting rationales are evidence that this strike was made with little thought to the consequences, justified after the fact with claims of imminent danger. This is reckless but it isnt shocking. Trump is not a steady hand. Hes never been one. Three years in office have neither changed his character nor enhanced his capabilities. He is as ignorant and incurious as a president as he was as a candidate (and as a would-be mogul before that). His main goal is self-preservation, and hell sacrifice anything to achieve it. His current assault on the authority of Congress his refusal to have the White House or members of his administration release documents or obey subpoenas is an attempt to escape responsibility for his own unethical (and potentially illegal) actions. He is self-involved, unethical and unstable a dangerous combination to have for the commander-in-chief of the worlds most powerful military forces, under pressure from impeachment and a re-election campaign. I think most observers know this. But the implications are terrifying. They suggest a much more dangerous world than the one we already believe we live in, where in a fit of pique, a single action taken by a single man could have catastrophic consequences for millions of people. This isnt a new observation. When he was still a rival and not one of Trumps most reliable allies Senator Marco Rubio of Florida warned Republicans that they shouldnt give the nuclear codes of the United States to an erratic individual. Hillary Clinton said Trump was temperamentally unfit to hold an office that requires knowledge, stability and immense responsibility and that a man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons. Yes, its beginning to look a lot like Christmaswhich, for many of us, feels like a rush into chaos. Celebrating Advent during this season slows us down and helps our hearts and minds be reoriented around the coming of Christ.Yes, its beginning to look a lot like Christmaswhich, for many of us, feels like a rush into chaos. Celebrating Advent during this season slows us down and helps our hearts and minds be reoriented around the coming of Christ. The CBI on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that there was no evidence of murder of children in the Muzaffarpur shelter home New Delhi: The CBI on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that there was no evidence of murder of children in the Muzaffarpur shelter home. The probe agency told the top court that two skeletons were recovered but later in forensic investigation it was found to be that of a woman and a man. A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde accepted the status report of the CBI and allowed two officers to be relieved from the investigation team. Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the probe agency, said, investigation was done on rape and sexual assault allegation of children and charge sheets have been filed before courts concerned. Venugopal said the children, who were alleged to be murdered, were later traced and found to be alive. He said the CBI has investigated cases of 17 shelter homes in Bihar and charge sheets have been filed in 13 of them, while in four cases the preliminary inquiry was conducted and later closed as no evidence of any wrongdoing was found. The probe agency, in its status report filed on Monday, said no incriminating evidence proving commission of any criminal offence could be gathered in four preliminary enquiries and as such no FIR has been registered. The CBI had also said the Bihar government has been requested to take departmental action and action of cancellation of registration and blacklisting of concerned NGOs by providing them the result of investigation, i.e., the CBI report. Several girls were allegedly sexually and physically assaulted at a shelter home run by an NGO in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. The issue had come to light following a report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). Following the report, a petition was filed in the apex court seeking lodging of an FIR and court-monitored probe by an independent agency into the allegations. The plea filed by journalist Nivedita Jha through advocate Fauzia Shakil has sought "registration of FIR and independent investigations or court monitored probe into the affairs of these 14 (other) shelter homes in Bihar mentioned in the TISS report". The apex court had directed the CBI to probe the offences under the Information Technology Act regarding the video recordings of the alleged assault on girls at the shelter home. It had also directed the agency to investigate the role of "outsiders who were involved and facilitated the sexual assaults on the inmates", after administering them intoxicants and also against those who allegedly indulged in trafficking of girls from the shelter home. The apex court had earlier directed the CBI to complete its probe into the alleged murder of 11 girls at the shelter home and asked it to file a status report. The SC had transferred the case from Bihar to a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court in Saket District Court complex in Delhi. Earlier, the top court had directed the CBI to conduct a probe into allegations of physical and sexual abuse of inmates in 16 other shelter homes in Bihar which were flagged in the TISS report. MADRID Spains Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez scraped through a confidence vote Tuesday with hard-fought support from smaller parties, allowing him to form a new leftist coalition government and end almost a year of political limbo in the eurozones fourth-largest economy. Sanchezs cliffhanger victory by just two votes in parliament the final tally was 167-165, with 18 abstentions was the slimmest for a prime minister candidate in decades. The left-wing United We Can party will be a junior partner in the coalition. Sanchez needed the votes or abstention promise of an array of smaller parties. His supporters in parliament erupted into a standing ovation when the result of the vote was announced in the Chamber of Deputies. The hairline margin of victory has raised doubts about how long the coalition government will last, as its policies require regular parliamentary approval. A government term is normally four years. Arrayed against Sanchezs administration will be three main right-of-center parties. Coalition governments are common in Europe, but it is Spains first since the country returned to democracy in 1978, three years after the death of longtime dictator Gen. Francisco Franco. A progressive coalition is going to govern because that is what Spaniards decided, Sanchez told the house before the vote. Sanchez, 47, has been caretaker prime minister since early last year. He is expected to be sworn in Wednesday and hold his first Cabinet meeting of ministers Friday. Sanchezs Socialists won two consecutive general elections in 2019, but both times they failed to capture a parliamentary majority. That meant they couldnt win the parliamentary confidence vote that is required before taking office. In weeks of negotiations since the last election in November, Sanchez mustered enough support or promises to abstain from a handful of small regional parties to take power. Andrew Dowling, an expert on Spanish contemporary politics at Cardiff University in Wales, said Sanchez attained power through a very fragile agreement with other parties and will now be subject to intense political pressure by his right-of-center political opponents. Theyre not going to give any quarter to this new government (which has) a very, very fragile majority. They are going to use all means necessary to prevent this government passing legislation, Dowling said. Ciaran Giles and Barry Hatton are Associated Press writers. Neighborhoods near downtown have gentrified faster in Houston than in any other major Texas metropolitan area, according to a recent analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Between 2000 and 2015, the median income of the neighborhoods less than three miles to downtown Houston increased by 67 percent, a faster pace of income growth than equivalent neighborhoods in Dallas, which increased by 49 percent; San Antonio, which increased by 39 percent; or Austin, which increased by 65 percent. Much of the increase in median incomes near the citys core can be explained not by a rising tide in income for those living near downtown, but by the movement of people. As areas near the citys core have become more attractive to wealthier residents seeking shorter commutes and urban amenities, the population considered low-income (making less than $30,000 annually) has not only declined in these areas, but at a far greater rate than in outer neighborhoods or the suburbs, the analysis found. High skilled or college-educated workers like certain amenities in the city, so when they go into a nice downtown neighborhood, they transform the amenities there, said Yichen Su, a research economist at the Dallas Fed, who completed the analysis. Things like Whole Foods and Starbucks come in, and those things become attractive to other gentrifiers, and that increases the demand for housing. On HoustonChronicle.com: Noxious smoke v. colonizers and gentrifiers. How the Turkey Leg Hut lawsuit fits into Third Ward socioeconomic clash As the demand for housing increases, rent increases. That makes living in the area more expensive, and so low-income families both leave the area and stop choosing to move there. People who are more willing to pay for housing are going to go to these neighborhoods, and if not, they have to move away, Su said. As this plays out, you will see segregation (of incomes). Houston is one of the most economically segregated cities in the United States, according to a Pew Research study in 2012. Thirty-seven percent of low-income households were in low-income neighborhoods, while 24 percent of high-income households were in high-income neighborhoods. Only New York and Philadelphia were more economically segregated cities. Listen On HoustonChronicle.com: Gentrification targets historic Independence Heights Gentrification has long been a difficult, complex issue, viewed as both a blessing and a curse. New development and rising incomes can provide economic opportunity, but the same phenomenon can uproot families from longtime homes. In some Houston neighborhoods, residents are concerned that the rapid transformation of their communities will force them out. In one gentrifying neighborhood, the Third Ward, a survey of residents by Rice Universitys Baker Institute for Public Policy published in October found that most residents in the area have lived in the Third Ward for more than 15 years, but a third of respondents reported that they may have to move in the next year. Of the residents who worried about having to move, 69 percent listed rising rental costs as the primary reason. Jason Hyman, president of the super neighborhood council in the Third Ward, said he has seen the neighborhood, which was predominantly black, become more diverse in recent years. Residential property is changing hands a lot more frequently, and commercial development doesnt seem far behind. It feels like its coming, he said. The quickening pace of change has made many established residents fearful of getting pushed out, he said. Developers need to be sensitive to that, he added, working with and listening to local residents and businesses. Ultimately, he said, the developers and the community need to find a balance that will bring in new investment while preserving the culture and character of the old neighborhood. We dont want a sea of affordable housing or a sea of market housing, he said. We need options. Well to do It is difficult to know for sure if rising incomes near the citys core are displacing long-time residents, because very little data on the migration history of individuals exists, said Su, the economist. Higher costs might also discourage lower-income families looking to relocate to the Houston region from areas near downtown and lead them to move to suburban locations. Ben Temcharoen, a resident of the Fourth Ward, a neighborhood just west of downtown, has lived on Andrews Street since he bought a home there in 2006. He said has seen his neighborhood transform from what he said was a harbor for crime and drug dealing, to, babies and puppies walking down the street. He feels the transformation has, overall, been positive. The opportunity was here 20 years ago, and if you took a chance, and you worked hard, now the property value is triple, Temcharoen said. I think its great. In recent years, Temcharoen, 36, who has a 2-year-old son, said developers are gobbling up land in the area. But he said he hasnt so much seen his neighbors leave as younger, wealthier neighbors move in. Many of his new neighbors are dual-income households of young professionals in their early 30s to 40s. Theyre people with money, Temcharoen said of the people moving to the area in recent years. Theyre very well-to-do. erin.douglas@chron.com twitter.com/erinmdouglas23 TEHRAN, Iran, Jan.8 Trend: Iran has no plans to negotiate, said Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif during the cabinet meeting, Trends special correspondent reported. Irans only retaliation is to oust the US from the region, said Zarif, adding that Iran attacked namely the US military base, wherefrom the drone, which killed Qassem Soleimani, took off. Zarif pointed out that Iranian people have once again shown their unity in recent days in the farewell ceremony for Qassem Soleimani. He noted that the unity of the Iranian people must show the US that it is mistaken. If the US commits any attack, it will get a response from the Iranian people, noted the foreign minister. He added that the countries in the region are concerned by the dangerous actions of the US. Earlier, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) used Fateh-313 ballistic missiles to attack Iraqs Ayn al-Asad Air Base. At least 80 US servicemen were killed in the attack, according to Iranian sources. American President Donald Trump on Tuesday, January 7, has replied to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying 'We Love Australia'. Earlier, Morrison had tweeted a 'Thank You' message to Donald Trump for calling and offering "strong messages of sympathy, support, and friendship" over the Australian bushfire crisis. Morrison had also stated that both the countries are "great mates." Thanks for the call @realDonaldTrump and for your strong messages of sympathy, support and friendship for Australia during our terrible bushfire season. Thanks also to the American people for their many messages of support. Australia and the US are great mates. Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 7, 2020 Morrison on January 5 warned that the crisis due to catastrophic bushfires were not over and may go on for months. He said that Tasmania and Victoria witness more difficult seasons in January and February so there was still a long way to go. Morrison announces recovery fund The Australian Prime Minister announced the establishment of a national bushfire recovery fund with an initial $2 billion. The fund will be used to coordinate a national response to rebuild communities and livelihoods in the aftermath of a catastrophic bushfire. Morrison said that the initial fund is to ensure support to families, farmers and business owners hit by bushfires. Read: Kylie Jenner slammed for wearing mink fur after posting plea for wildlife in Aus bushfire Read: Film, sports celebrities extend support for communities hit by bushfires in Australia Australia's Bushfire Crisis The raging bushfires in Australia had turned so intense that even the firefighters had warned on December 17 that they would not be able to contain it. Firefighters have attempted to put out and contain more than 120 fires across New South Wales (NSW), including a 60 kilometres firefront northwest of Sydney. This fire is one many of which might be burning since November. The flames have destroyed hundreds of homes and burned millions of acres of bushland. Most of the blazes are concentrated across Australia's east coast yet the hot weather has ignited firefronts in other parts. In Sydney, the doctors had issued a warning after a sudden rise in the number of people getting admitted to the casualty section. Further, the administration had declared a Public Health Emergency due to the smoke that is choking the metropolitan city. Read: Steve Irwin's family rescues over 90,000 animals from Australia's bushfire crisis Read: Donald Trump justifies Qassem Soleimanis killing, calls him a 'monster' Ji Seong-ho, right, a North Korean defector-turned-human rights activist, is welcomed by Liberty Korea Party Chairman Hwang Kyo-ahn at the National Assembly, Wednesday, after joining the party. Korea Times photo by Oh Dae-geun By Kim Rahn A former North Korean defector has become a new recruit of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) ahead of the April 15 general election. The LKP said, Wednesday, that Ji Seong-ho, 38, a defector who was acknowledged in U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in early 2018, has joined the party. He may run for a constituency seat or a proportional representative slot in the upcoming election. The party said they invited Ji to the party as he is expected to not only work for the improvement of human rights in North Korea but also to promote South Korea as a country advocating human rights to the world. "Since I defected from the North, I promised that I would live for people from my hometown, as if I had been dispatched from a company there," Ji said at the welcoming ceremony at the National Assembly. "South Korean people are born with a gift called 'freedom.' I accepted the LKP's invitation to help protect precious things," he said. "On the issue of human rights, there is no tomorrow. Only today matters." Ji said he has visited the White House, the Congress and the Department State of the U.S.; the United Nations; and many European nations, to urge them to help save the 25 million people in North Korea. The North Korean native was involved in a serious accident while collecting coal from trains in 1996. He lost consciousness from extreme hunger and was run over by a train resulting in the loss of his left hand and foot. On crutches, the amputee escaped from the North in 2006 through China and Southeast Asia finally arriving in South Korea. Here in the South, he runs Now Action & Unity for Human Rights (NAUH), a group calling for human rights in the North. Ji made headlines in January 2018 when Trump introduced him during his address saying that Ji was the witness of the "ominous nature" of the North Korean regime. Ji then raised his crutches over his head, gaining a standing ovation from the participants. At the ceremony, LKP Chairman Hwang Kyo-ahn gave Ji a red heart-shaped cushion bearing the word "freedom." The theatre play Cinema Masr (Cinema Egypt) premiered in July 2019 and saw its 100th performance this week Renowned late Egyptian director Saad Arafa was honoured during the celebration of the 100th run of the play Cinema Masr, which premiered at the Artistic Creativity Centre in July 2019. During the celebration, which took place on Sunday, Amr Arafa, the son of the late director, was offered a certificate carrying the name of his father. Cinema Masr is one of the plays created and directed by Khaled Galal, head of the Actor's Studio, operating under the Artistic Creativity Centre, which he also manages. Galal also heads the Cultural Production Affairs Sector. The cast includes 65 students presenting on stage more than 40 scenes from memorable Egyptian films in a united dramatic context created by the director. The ceremony was attended by renowned figures from Egypt's cultural scene, including actress Nadia Mustafa, artist Tarek Abdel-Aziz, director Amr Abdin, artist Ahmed Keshk, as well as media professionals and journalists. Saad Arafa (1923-1998) was a well-known Egyptian director. His sons, Amr and Sherif, are both renowned filmmakers. Among Saad Arafa's best known films are Lekaa fil ghurub (1960), Maa El-Zekrayat (With Memories, 1961), Agazet El-Saif (Summer Vacation, 1967), and Dumoa Fi Laylat Alzafaf (Tears on the Wedding Night, 1981). Each year, scores of young actors enrolled at the Studio graduate and enter the theatre and film scene. The first and most successful play created by the graduates and directed by Galal was Qahwa Sada (Black Coffee), which premiered in 2008. Many of Qahwa Sada's actors have become popular in Egyptian theatre and cinema, including Mohamed Farrag, Amir Salah Eldin, and Hisham Ismael. The play had its special rerun with the original cast on its 10-year anniversary during the 25th Cairo International Festival for Experimental and Contemporary Theatre (2018). For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture Search Keywords: Short link: By AFP TEHRAN: Iran's aviation authority said it would not hand over to Americans the recovered black boxes of a Boeing 737 that crashed Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew. "We will not give the black boxes to the manufacturer (Boeing) and the Americans," Iran Civil Aviation Organisation head Ali Abedzadeh said, quoted by Mehr news agency. "It's not yet clear which country the black box will go to for the investigation," he added. Following the crash of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 shortly after takeoff from Tehran on Wednesday, Iran said it had recovered the Boeing 737's two black boxes. Abedzadeh said that based on global aviation rules, it was the right of the country where air crashes occur to carry out the investigation. ALSO READ | Iran finds black boxes from crashed plane: Aviation authority "This accident will be investigated by Iran's aviation organisation but the Ukrainians can also be present during the incident's investigation," he added. Under the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organization, of which Iran, Ukraine and the United States are all members, air crash investigations are led by the country where the accident occurred. However, according to aviation experts, the countries that are capable of analysing black boxes are few -- notably Britain, France, Germany and the United States. ALSO READ | Commercial airlines reroute flights amid US-Iran tensions France's Accident Investigation Bureau (BEA), which handles air crash investigations, said it had not received any request for help from the Iranian authorities after Wednesday's crash. PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-08 15:32:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 532 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Newswire's Earned Media Advantage Guided Tour Has Helped Another Industry Leader Optimize Their Media and Marketing Communications StrategiesNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / Newswire's attention to detail has paid off for a leading content marketing platform, as the brand was recognized by major industry outlets thanks to their participation in the Earned Media Advantage Guided Tour. With a comprehensive media marketing and communications plan in place, the platform was able to increase their brand awareness, which in turn has driven them to compete with larger competitors in the space.Leading Content Marketing Platform Recognized by Key Industry Outlets as a Result of Newswire's Earned Media Advantage Guided TourNewswire's Earned Media Advantage Strategists worked closely with the brand's team members to pinpoint journalists and media outlets that had the best potential to offer great coverage of the platform. During this process, Newswire's team referenced past articles written by said journalists and researched the audiences of the selected outlets to ensure that any earned media mention would result in the brand delivering the right message, to the right people, at the right time through the right mediums.Through effective outreach campaigns and proper distribution, the brand was eventually put in contact with representatives at both of the aforementioned outlets, which ultimately lead to media recognition.Newswire's team has worked with companies across a wide range of fields to help improve their media marketing and communications plans. By leveraging owned media, Newswire helps customers increase overall brand awareness, drive traffic and generate greater return on media spend."We cannot express the importance of a well-thought-out plan enough when it comes to media marketing and communications strategies," said Charlie Terenzio, Director of Earned Media Strategy."Outreach, distribution, and media engagement are all important parts of this process. But, without a plan or a strategic campaign that has been prepared in the correct fashion, a company's opportunities for exposure can diminish greatly. That's why we take great pride in the plans we develop for our EMAGT customers." As a part of the Earned Media Advantage Guided Tour, Newswire customers can learn how to leverage the power of the Media Database to achieve the Earned Media Advantage. Using the right strategies, customers can lower their costs of press releases, increase the value of each release and lower paid-media costs while shortening the journey to achieve earned media mentions.Download How the Earned Media Advantage is Transforming Business and discover how to empower your go-to market strategies with the Earned Media Advantage: greater brand awareness, increased traffic, generate greater return on media and marketing communications spend and increased sales.About NewswireNewswire delivers press release and multimedia distribution software and services (SaaS) that empower the Earned Media Advantage: greater brand awareness, increased traffic, greater return on media and marketing communications spend and a competitive edge. With over a decade of experience, Newswire continues to provide its customers with the ability to deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time through the right medium.To learn and experience Newswire, visit http://www.newswire.com Contact InformationAnthony SantiagoVice President of MarketingNewswireOffice: 917-398-2622anthony@ newswire.com SOURCE: Newswire BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Anastasia Savchenko - Trend: Over the period of last nine years and 11 months, about 420 million tons of oil and 287.5 billion cubic meters of gas were produced in Azerbaijan, the country's state oil company SOCAR told Trend. The company said that oil production in Azerbaijan reached its peak amounting to 50.8 million tons, in 2010. "This was due to the fact that production at the block of Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli fields reached the maximum level in history," SOCAR said. The company said that a relatively controlled decline has been observed in Azerbaijan in terms of oil production since the peak in the country's oil production. "We see a significant increase in gas production. An increase in gas production is also expected in the future, against the background of a relative natural decline in oil production. The decline in oil production is due to the fact that oil fields are aging, SOCAR said. "New fields that are currently being developed are mainly gas condensate fields, such as the Shahdeniz field." SOCAR activity results in 2019 Some 34 million tons of oil were extracted in Azerbaijan during 11 months of 2019, SOCAR said. Seven million tons of oil out of this volume accounts for SOCARs share. About 32 billion cubic meters of gas were extracted in Azerbaijan during 11 months of 2018, of which about 6.2 billion cubic meters of gas accounted for SOCAR." As the company said, the specified volume of gas includes indicators of consumer and producer gas, which is again pumped into the reservoirs. "In general, gas production increased by 16 percent in Azerbaijan during 11 months of 2019. As for the oil production, it is worth noting a controlled decline in production by three percent compared to last year. This indicator is associated with a decrease in natural production rates on the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) block of fields. Deals signed by SOCAR in 2019 SOCAR entered into about 400 spot agreements in 2019 and bulk of contracts for the supply of oil and gas were concluded on a short-term basis, said the company. "Last year, SOCAR signed an agreement with Vietnamese Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical JSC state oil refining and petrochemical company to purchase five million barrels of Azeri Light oil [about 700 million tons] in the first half of 2020." In 2019, SOCAR signed a one-year agreement with India's Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum company for the supply of oil in the amount of one million barrels per month. In 2020, when the agreement expires, there is likelihood that it will be extended, the company said. Gas filling stations built by SOCAR in 2019 The number of SOCAR gas stations in Azerbaijan reached 30 in 2019, SOCAR said. The company said that another gas station will soon appear in Georgia, and the total number of gas stations operating under the SOCAR brand in Georgia will reach 115. "In Romania, the number of SOCAR gas stations in 2019 amounted to 43, with two new stations added, while in Ukraine this figure reached 62, with one new gas station added." There are a total of 266 gas stations in Austria and Switzerland (six new gas stations were added in 2019) operating under the SOCAR brand. "Most of them are our property, but some of them are franchised, not being the direct property of SOCAR," said SOCAR. SOCAR operates compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations in Azerbaijan. SOCAR activity results on Absheron field In 2019, completion of drilling of the main well at the Absheron field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, which will later be used for gas extraction at this field, became an important result as part of cooperation of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR with the French Total company, the company said. The well consisted of two shafts, the first of which was designed for assessment of the potential of the Absheron field. The depth of this shaft is 7,411 meters. Our semi-submersible drilling rig named after Heydar Aliyev was used for the drilling works. This well became the deepest well in the Caspian Sea. The depth of the second shaft is 6,800 meters. The drilling was finally completed in October 2019. SOCAR said it is preparing for the start of gas and gas condensate extraction at the Absheron field. The first product is planned to be received in 2021, when the construction of infrastructure, communications, a platform and a transshipment point at the Oil Rocks is completed. The product will be transported along a pipe using a pipe-in-pipe technology to the transshipment point at the Oil Rocks, and then on land to the terminal. SOCAR activity results on Karabakh field After appraisal drilling at the Karabakh field, the Dede Gorgud semi-submersible floating drilling rig will be sent to the prospective Aypara structure, where it will be drilling an appraisal well for two months, SOCAR said. Recently, Dede Gorgud semi-submersible floating drilling rig has been delivered to the Karabakh field, where appraisal drilling will last about two months. The purpose is to identify the potential of the field, as well as the reserves of oil and gas, SOCAR said. According to preliminary data, the Karabakh field may have more oil reserves than gas. A platform can be installed at the field for both oil and gas extraction. By 2021, it is planned to extract the products from this platform. Regarding the development of other promising fields, SOCAR said that seismic surveys were carried out in the last months of 2019 in the territory of the Ashrafi-Dan Ulduzu-Aypara (ADUA) block of fields. Since the Ashrafi and Dan Ulduzu fields are closer to the Karabakh field and Aypara is located a little farther, a separate approach is required to this structure." 2D and 3D drilling was carried out, the work is nearing a wrap up, and data collection and interpretation will begin in the coming months, according to the state oil company. SOCAR reveals investments volume in Petkim petrochemical complex In 2019, about $120 million were invested in the Petkim petrochemical complex located in Turkey, the company said. In past years, the volume of investment was approximately similar. In order to modernize and improve production efficiency, Petkim launched a special program called 'Petkim Benim'. It provides for more intensive participation of the employees in management, encouraging them to submit proposals to increase the efficiency of operations by the complex. The proposals by the employees were analyzed and the most optimal in terms of the implementation of proposal were selected. As a result, out of the total amount of the investments, about $5 million were made based on these proposals. The investments positively affected the work of our complex and brought additional income. SOCAR said this program still continues. Results of SOCAR modernization projects in 2019 SOCAR is simultaneously carrying out two modernization projects - the modernization of the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery and the Ethylene-Polyethylene plant of the Azerikimya Production Union in Sumgait city. The enterprises are connected, as the Heydar Aliyev Refinery supplies Azerikimya with production materials. "In the process of modernization of the Heydar Aliyev Refinery, it is planned to replace almost all units with absolutely new ones, except for one unit." In 2021-2022, it will be possible to produce diesel fuel according to the EURO-5 standard. "Fuel quality will be significantly improved, atmospheric emissions will be reduced, and thereby the environmental situation in the country will improve." Higher production volumes at the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery can be achieved in 2025, when the modernization project of the refinery is completed, SOCAR said. The refinery will be able to process up to 7.5 million tons of oil instead of the current capacity six million tons. "A new bitumen plant and a terminal for the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) were commissioned in October 2018. This was the completion of the first phase of the refinery's modernization. The second and third phases envisage the production of diesel according to the EURO-5 standard. In general, the modernization project of the Heydar Aliyev Refinery is divided into two packages. The first envisages the construction of new units, while the second is about the repair and modernization of existing ones." SOCAR said that according to preliminary data for 2019, overall progress in the first work package of the refinery's modernization is over 60 percent. "By the end of November 2019, concrete structures totaling 45,000 cubic meters and metal structures weighing more than 7,000 tons were built, and about 3,302 meters of aboveground pipes were welded." The overall progress on the second work package of the refinery's modernization is completed by 12 percent to date, according to the state oil company. In the second quarter of 2020, there are plans to complete all work related to the modernization of the ethylene-polyethylene plant of the Azerikimya Production Union of SOCAR. The objective of the modernization project is to increase production volume from 60,000 to 175,000 tons - almost three times, to supply the SOCAR Polymer plants complex with raw materials on a permanent basis. The modernization project is being implemented by Wood Group as a contractor, and Azfen and Ustal companies as subcontractors." A hydrogen purification unit was commissioned in 2019, new tanks for storing ethylene-propylene were installed, and a new office building was commissioned. "A project is underway for construction of a new steam generation complex for electricity production. The project aims to increase the capacity of the steam generation complex to 65 megawatts per hour. In conclusion, SOCAR said this project will be able to provide electricity not only to nearby facilities, but also to a part of Sumgait city. SOCAR reveals key plans for 2020 For 2020, there are plans to complete the design of a new urea plant in Azerbaijan, the work on which began in 2019, said the company. An engineering project will be prepared and presented to the companys management, and then a decision will be made on the construction of the new plant in the Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park. It is also planned to complete modernization of the Ethylene-Polyethylene plant of the Azerikimya Production Union closer to the middle of 2020." The companys plans also include making decision on investments related to the construction of an aromatic substances plant in Turkey, on the Aliaga Peninsula next to the Petkim petrochemical complex and the STAR oil refinery. The project will be implemented jointly with BP. In 2019, the primary engineering project was being prepared, and the investment decisions will be made in early 2020. Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal Iran's missile attack on two American bases in Iraq in response to the US strike that killed its top general is the culmination of nearly two years of steadily rising tensions since President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The two countries are now engaged in their most serious confrontation since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and takeover of the US embassy. Both sides have signalled restraint following the missile attack, but the threat of an all-out war remains. Here is a timeline of the main events leading up to this week's hostilities: - May 8 2018: President Donald Trump announces that the US is withdrawing from the nuclear deal signed by his predecessor Barack Obama, which had provided sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme and stepped-up UN monitoring. Over the next several months, the US ratchets up sanctions, exacerbating an economic crisis in Iran. - November 5 2018: The US imposes tough sanctions on Iran's oil industry, the lifeline of its economy, as secretary of state Mike Pompeo announces a list of 12 demands it must meet for sanctions relief. Iran rejects the wide-ranging demands, which include ending its support for armed groups in the region, withdrawing from the Syrian civil war and halting its ballistic missile programme. - May 5 2019: The US announces the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and a bomber task force in response to "a number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings", without providing details. It threatens "unrelenting force" in response to any attack. - May 8 2019: Iran vows to enrich its uranium stockpile closer to weapons-grade levels if world powers fail to negotiate new terms for its nuclear deal. The European Union urges Iran to respect the nuclear deal and says it plans to continue trading with the country. Mr Trump says he would like Iran's leaders to "call me". - May 12 2019: The United Arab Emirates says four commercial ships off its eastern coast "were subjected to sabotage operations". Mr Trump warns that if Tehran does "anything" in the form of an attack, "they will suffer greatly". - June 13 2019: Two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz are hit in an alleged assault that leaves one ablaze and adrift as 44 sailors are evacuated from both vessels and the US navy rushes to assist. America later blames Iran for the attack, something Tehran denies. Expand Close Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal - June 20 2019: Iran's Revolutionary Guard shoots down a US military surveillance drone. Mr Trump says he called off a planned retaliatory strike on Iran over concerns about casualties. - July 1 2019: Iran follows through on a threat to exceed the limit set by the nuclear deal on its stockpile of low-enriched uranium, which is used for civilian applications and not for nuclear weapons. - September 14 2019: A drone attack on Saudi oil facilities temporarily cuts off half the oil supplies of the world's largest producer, causing a spike in prices. The US says Iran carried out the attack directly, calling it an "act of war" against Saudi Arabia. Iran denies involvement, while the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claim responsibility. - October 2019: Massive anti-government protests erupt in Lebanon and Iraq. While the protests are primarily driven by economic grievances, they target governments that are closely allied to Iran. In Iraq, protesters openly decry Tehran's influence and attack Iranian diplomatic facilities. Expand Close A woman holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as they celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A woman holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as they celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY - November 2019: Protests break out in some 100 cities and towns in Iran after authorities raise the price of petrol. The scale of the protests and the resulting crackdown are hard to determine as authorities shut down the internet for several days. Amnesty International later estimates that more than 300 people were killed. - December 27 2019: A US contractor is killed and several American and Iraqi troops are wounded in a rocket attack on a base in northern Iraq. The US blames the attack on Kataeb Hezbollah, one of several Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq. - December 29 2019: US air strikes hit Kataeb Hezbollah positions in Iraq and Syria, killing at least 25 fighters and bringing vows of revenge. Iraq calls the strikes a "flagrant violation" of its sovereignty. - December 31 2019: Hundreds of Iran-backed militiamen and their supporters barge through an outer barrier of the US embassy in Baghdad and hold two days of violent protests in which they smash windows, set fires and throw rocks over the inner walls. US Marines guarding the facility respond with tear gas. There are no casualties on either side. Expand Close A man holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A man holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY - January 3: A US air strike near Baghdad's international airport kills General Qassem Soleimani, the leader of Iran's elite Quds Force and the mastermind of its regional military interventions. A senior commander of Iran-backed militias in Iraq is also killed in the strike. Iran vows "harsh retaliation". Mr Trump says he ordered the targeted killing to prevent a major attack. Congressional leaders and close US allies say they were not consulted on the strike, which many fear could ignite a war. - January 5: iRan announces it will no longer abide by the nuclear deal and Iraq's parliament holds a non-binding vote calling for the expulsion of all US forces. Some 5,200 American troops are based in Iraq to help prevent a resurgence of so-called Islamic State. Mr Trump vows to impose sanctions on Iraq if it expels US troops. - January 8: Iran launches several ballistic missiles on two bases in Iraq housing American troops in what it says is retaliation for the killing of Gen Soleimani. There are no immediate reports of US or Iraqi casualties. Mr Trump tweets that "All is well!". Iran's supreme leader says "we slapped them on the face" but that "military action is not enough". Elizabeth Wurtzel, whose blunt and painful confessions of her struggles with addiction and depression in the best-selling Prozac Nation made her a voice and a target for an anxious generation, died on Tuesday aged 52. Ms Wurtzels husband, Jim Freed, said she died in hospital after suffering from cancer. Prozac Nation was published in 1994 when Ms Wurtzel was in her mid-20s, and set off a debate that lasted for much of her life. Critics praised her for her candour and accused her of self-pity and self-indulgence, vices she fully acknowledged. I know that into every sunny life a little rain must fall and all that, but in my case the crisis-level hysteria is an all-too-recurring themeElizabeth Wurtzel She wrote of growing up in a home torn by divorce, of cutting herself when she was in her early teens, and of spending her adolescence in a storm of tears, drugs, bad love affairs and family fights. I dont mean to sound like a spoiled brat, she wrote. I know that into every sunny life a little rain must fall and all that, but in my case the crisis-level hysteria is an all-too-recurring theme. Ms Wurtzel became a celebrity, a symbol and, for some, a punchline. Newsweek called her the famously depressed Elizabeth Wurtzel. She was widely ridiculed after a 2002 interview with the The Toronto Globe and Mail in which she spoke dismissively of the September 11 terrorist attacks from the year before. I just felt, like, everyone was overreacting. People were going on about it. That part really annoyed me, she said, remarks that she later said were misrepresented. But many readers embraced her story and would credit her with helping them face their own troubles. News of her death was met with expressions of grief and gratitude. The writer Anne Theriault tweeted: Its hard for me to even articulate how important Prozac Nation was to me at a certain point in my life. Author Sady Doyle lamented that Ms Wurtzel was regarded as a Sad Example Of Something female memoir-writers, women who got famous for being themselves, young women generally. And to see her gone so young is a harsh reminder of how cruel that was, Ms Doyle tweeted. Ms Wurtzels other books included Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women, and More, Now, Again: A Memoir Of Addiction. Her essays were published in The New York Times, New York magazine and other publications. In a 2015 piece for the Times, she described her initial success in fighting her cancer diagnosis. I live in an age of miracles and wonders, when they cure cancer with viruses. If I ever meet cancer again, I will figure it out. You see, I am very Jewish, which is to say I am undefeated by the worst, she wrote. But I would have preferred to skip this. That would have been much better. Emergency Situations employees work at the side of the metal construction of a greenhouse farm in Nesterovo, Russia, on Jan. 7, 2020. (Ministry of Emergency Situations press service via AP) Fire at Greenhouse Farm Kills Eight Migrants in Moscow A fire at a greenhouse farm in southeast of Moscow killed at least eight migrants on Tuesday morning. The victims included seven men and one woman who were all illegal migrants working at the greenhouse farm. One person was reported to have been injured, according to The Associated Press. Initially, the victims were mistakenly thought to be Tajiks by Russias Emergency Ministry, but later they were identified as Vietnamese. Deputy emergency minister Anatoly Suprunovsky said the victims were Vietnamese nationals, according to a video published by the Mash Telegram channel, the Moscow Times reported. The fire started early morning in the district of Ramenskoye, southeast of Moscow, and soon escalated to an area of 240 square meters, officials said, according to the Moscow Times. The migrant workers lived in one of the metal construction trailers where the fire initially broke out. The Moscow Times reported that it took more than eight hours for firefighters to fully extinguish the fire, based on a statement on the Emergency Situations Ministry website. Moscow Times said that officials believed faulty wiring caused the blaze. The deadly fires often break out during the New Year holiday in Russia when people often drink more alcohol and celebrate using fireworks. Deadly Blaze at German Zoo on New Years Eve In a similar blaze during the New Year holidays in Germany, a zoo in the city of Krefeld in West Germany was destroyed after three women launched paper sky lanterns to mark the New Year, igniting a deadly fire that killed more than 30 animals. The blaze on New Years Eve night destroyed an ape house, killing five orangutans, several monkeys, two gorillas, and a chimpanzee. Birds and fruit bats could not escape the fire and perished as well, according to The Associated Press. A woman lights a candle at the main entrance of the zoo in Krefeld, Germany, on Jan. 2, 2020. (Marcel Kusch/dpa via AP) The three family members are being investigated for negligent arson, prosecutor Jens Frobel said. If found guilty, they could be sentenced to jail for up to five years. The women, who voluntarily reported themselves to the police, said that they bought the sky lanterns online and did not know that they were banned, Deutsche Welle reported. A man walks by a huge screen showing U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tokyo, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. Iran struck back at the United States early Wednesday for killing a top Revolutionary Guards commander, firing a series of ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq housing American troops in a major escalation between the two longtime foes. Read more TEHRAN, Iran Iran struck back at the United States early Wednesday for killing its most powerful military commander, firing a barrage of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house American troops in what the Iranian supreme leader said was a slap against the U.S. military presence in the region. The retaliation risks a dangerous escalation in the Middle East. Still, behind the dramatic barrage of more than a dozen missiles, Iran averted casualties by giving some advance warning before hitting heavily fortified bases. This could open a path to step away from an immediate spiral of more direct strikes between U.S. and Iran. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made clear that Irans actions were in response to the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in a drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets in mourning. Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander. Last night they received a slap, Khamenei said in a speech after the missile strikes. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end." Despite the rhetoric, there were signs there might not be more immediate retaliation by either side. All is well! President Donald Trump tweeted shortly after the missile attacks, adding, So far, so good. regarding the assessment of casualties and damage. Moments earlier, Irans foreign minister tweeted that Tehran had taken and concluded proportionate measures in self-defense, adding that Tehran did not seek escalation but would defend itself against further aggression. It appeared Iran gave advance warning of the strikes. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi said he received notification from Iran just after midnight that its retaliation was starting or would start soon and would focus only on U.S. positions. The militaries of Finland and Lithuania, which had personnel at one of the targeted bases, said they received information about an imminent attack and had time to move to shelters or leave the base. Irans attacks appeared designed for maximum domestic effect with minimum escalatory risk, said Henry Rome, analyst with Eurasia Group. "For a president who wants to avoid a war in the Middle East during an election year, the Iranians have provided an off-ramp he will likely take," Rome said. Tensions have risen steadily in the Middle East since Trump unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. The Iranian attacks on the bases marked the first time in recent years that Iran has directly attacked U.S. positions rather than through proxies in the region. Tehran and Washington have been at odds since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent U.S. Embassy takeover and hostage crisis. Adding to the chaos, a Ukrainian airplane with 176 people crashed after takeoff just outside Tehran on Wednesday morning, killing all on board, Iranian and Ukrainian officials said. Iran said mechanical issues were suspected, although Ukraine declined to offer a cause while an investigation continues. The Boeing 737-800 had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport, bound for the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. The plane carried 167 passengers and nine crew members. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians on board the Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and the nine crew. The rest were Swedish, Afghan, German and British nationals. The U.S. Federation Aviation Administration earlier warned of a "potential for miscalculation or mis-identification" for civilian aircraft in the Persian Gulf. The agency barred U.S. carriers from flying over areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf countries. The U.S. has been deploying more troops in the region. U.S. Gulf allies that host thousands of American troops are concerned about a direct conflict. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have called for de-escalation. The situation is not currently a war situation, UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al-Mazrouei said, stressing that Iran is a neighbor and the last thing the country wants is more regional tension. Irans Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and its allies against retaliating over the missile attack. We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted, the Guard said in a statement carried by Irans state-run IRNA news agency. It also threatened Israel. The Iranians fired 15 missiles Wednesday, two U.S. officials said. Ten hit the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Four failed, said the officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly about a military operation. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners and allies in the region, said Jonathan Hoffman, an assistant to the U.S. defense secretary. Two Iraqi security officials said a missile appeared to have hit a plane at Ain al-Asad, igniting a fire. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they did not have permission to talk to journalists. Ain al-Asad was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and it later was used by American troops in the fight against the Islamic State group. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. Trump went there in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice President Mike Pence also has visited. As Iran reels from the loss of life in the plane crash, it is also contending with the aftermath of a deadly stampede Tuesday at Soleimani's funeral in his hometown of Kerman, killing 56 people and injuring more than 200. Shortly after Wednesday's missile attack, Soleimani's shroud-wrapped remains were lowered into the ground as mourners wailed at the grave site. We tell our enemies that we will retaliate, but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about," Hossein Salami, who commands the Revolutionary Guard, told a crowd in Kerman. We tell our enemies that we will retaliate, but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about," Hossein Salami, who commands the Revolutionary Guard, told a crowd in Kerman. The general's funeral procession in major cities spanning three days was an unprecedented honor for Soleimani, seen by Iranians as a national hero for his work leading the Guards expeditionary Quds Force in the face of U.S. pressure. The U.S. blames him for killing U.S. troops in Iraq. The Trump administration alleges he'd been plotting new attacks just before he was killed. Many Sunni Muslims in the region, however, view him as a destabilizing figure who commanded dangerous and deadly Shiite proxy militias. Soleimani led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that country's civil war. Since his killing Jan. 3, Tehran has abandoned the remaining limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. In Iraq, lawmakers and pro-Iranian factions in parliament have voted to oust American troops from Iraqi territory. Kuwait said Wednesday that its state-run KUNA news agencys Twitter account was hacked and posted a false story on U.S. troops withdrawing from the nation. The fake alert went out on its account, Kuwait said. More than 13,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Kuwait, with more now on the way. Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Aya Batrawy in Dubai, Matthew Lee, Lolita C. Baldor and Zeke Miller in Washington, Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad; Hussain al-Qatari in Kuwait City and Zeina Karam in Beirut contributed to this report. Having published two well-received picture books, Daniel Bernstrom turns his attention to his familys own history in his new book, Big Papa and the Time Machine, a tale about a boy and his grandfather traveling through time, celebrating the moments of bravery that shape our lives. Bernstrom spoke with PW about his unexpected entry into writing for children, how his training in music influences his work, and how he draws inspiration from deeply personal experiences. Had you always intended to write for children? I had not planned to write for children. I applied to about 11 graduate schools for an MFA in writing and was rejected at every single one. The one that picked me up was the Hamline MFA-C, writing for children and young adults. I didnt realize that what I was applying with was childrens literature and young adult. I thought I was going to be a young adult writer, but then my second-year advisor was Caldecott Award winner Jacqueline Briggs Martin, who wrote Snowflake Bentley. You dont really have a choice [of advisor], they just pair you, so there I was, a young adult author, writing picture books. I went from Jacqueline Briggs Martin to Phyllis Root, who wrote Rattletrap Car, and, from then on, it was like, this is what youre doing. It was a huge surprise to me. Im still pinching myself going, how did I end up writing picture books? Do you still write for young adults and a middle grade audience, or are you focused completely on picture books now? I still attempt to write middle grade, but Im not very good. Im trying to figure out that monster. One of my writing friends has pinned me down rather accurately saying I write poetry. I hated poetry in high school, middle school, and college, but I was a former music major and that natural awareness of poetry happened through osmosis, I think. Kids respond well to poetry and I dont think theres enough of it. Theres rhyming, which is poetry, but the bigger ideas within poetry and clever, difficult patterns are less common. What inspired the story of Big Papa and the Time Machine? As an adopted child, I grew up missing a piece of my heritage. I think many adopted children have that sense of loss. When I was 18, I was able to meet my biological family and these things can go either way, but my experience was more on the happy side. I connected with my birth father and he explained why he put me up for adoption and shared that his mother didnt find out until the papers were signed. She was furious with him. So, as a writer, I wondered, what if we could go back in time? What if that choice could be changed? What would that look like? At first, I felt grief about what might have been, but then there was an awareness that, no, you are where you are now because of how things happened. I was also thinking about how books about African Americans are often about big moments; we lose some of the everyday stories that you might find in majority culture. I wanted to highlight that. There are wonderful stories about Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, the titans in our history, but there are equally wonderful stories about regular people that go untold. Bravery is at the center of this story, especially everyday courage. Why did this message resonate so strongly with you? Its something I learned from my Papa, my grandfather. He never complained about anything, he just did [what needed to be done]. I found that interesting in light of the racism he experienced in Chicago. I didnt know how bad it was in Chicago! Martin Luther King said thats where he experienced some of the worst racism, and Papa came to Chicago around that time, too, but he didnt back down or run away. We all experience difficulties and even today, when you step out into the world, people will treat you differently based on the color of your skin. You may be put in difficult situations, but I wanted to remind children to still be brave and believe in themselves. You can rise above this. I drew a lot of strength from my Papa because, while I never dealt with what he did, he was a success through hard work and perseverance. Did you find that the personal nature of this story affected your writing process, especially in contrast to your first two books? Oh, yes, very much so. Im terrified for this book to release because its so personal. I dont want to beat readers over the head with things, but there are moments that are so real. Like the moment when the grandson doesnt want to go to school and says, Im afraid Ill miss you. Any adopted child will tell you that what were afraid of is being left and no one ever coming back. Being vulnerable and open about the real things I worried about growing up was difficult, but I wanted [those things] to be present in the story. How did you decide which of your grandfathers stories to include in the book? My editor, Jill Davis, helped with that because I wanted to shove them all in. It was all so personal and I really wanted to include everything. It really was, in so many ways, a book for me and, if people criticize me for that, its a valid criticism. What was it like working with an illustrator on something so personal? Did you have any input regarding who would illustrate? The great thing about working with Jill is that she pretty much always allows me to select my illustrator. She did that from day one; she includes the writer on everything. She will also let you connect with the illustrator if you need to work through something. I was so happy that Shane [W. Evans] said yes to the project. He called before he started working and we talked several times on the phone about what he was doing. What he pulled off is rather special. He created vivid bookends, leaving the middle kind of unfinished, like memory. The first couple of spreads are clear and sharp, then when you turn the page, it becomes dreamy and watered down. Memory is fuzzy; it isnt all there. Then the end is vivid again. I couldnt have asked for a better illustrator; there is so much subtlety in his work. How do you find the words and rhythm that characterize your stories? Sometimes rhythms will just pop into my head. I dont have a formal background in poetry besides music theory and music, so Im familiar with stresses and unstresses and thats how I feel my way through. There are all kinds of rules to poetry that you can play around with. So, I have the initial rhythm and I write it out and its messy and terrible. Im in that stage right now with a book. Then I look at the rules of poetry and go back and fix things. For something like Big Papa, there is no rhyme or meter, but it does follow a pattern and structure, with the opposing line, thats called being brave repeating over and over again. There were longer sections with more poetic lines, but my editor kept telling me to pull back and we were left with more dialogue. I cant say its something that I do on purpose. One of the early pieces of writing advice I received was write what you know. Being visually impaired, I listen to a lot of things, so the books I enjoy the most are books I can hear. I enjoy the sound of the book, so I write books I enjoy listening to. What do you most hope readers take from your books? Hope. My first book, One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, is a fun story, but a child gets eaten by a snake. Theres fun, but theres darkness, too. As someone who is visually impaired, who has wrestled with adoption, who was always searching for something, like in Gator, Gator, Gator, and never quite being able to see what it is or finding it, having hope is important. Do you feel that youre a different storyteller now, as your career has progressed, and youve settled into being a childrens book author? If I can be very honest, I went to college and was an electronic media and communications major. I did film, video, audio, and web design. Then my vision decreased drastically, and I couldnt visually do what Id gone to college for. I had written and enjoyed writing, so I went to college to get a graduate degree to be able to teach English. The publishing was an accident. A happy accident, but an accident. Ive been to places for readings and people have wanted to hug me or are excited to see me and Im surprised because Im just me. I enjoy writing, but its strange to me that my books are published, and I dont think Ive woken up to the fact that its happening. But I do want to share these stories of love and bravery and hope because I needed these stories as a child. Are there authors or creators who have had a strong impact on your work? Kate DiCamillo has inspired me the most because shes honest about herself and her abilities. Shes a good and humble person who writes such heartfelt stories. Shes my writing inspiration. For picture books, definitely Jerry Pinkney. Whats next on your to-do list for 2020? I think its safe to say that Im working on a couple new books. Ill be doing some small events in Minnesota in the early part of the year. I still feel like Im really new to all this and Im finding my way. Im just glad Im here and that HarperCollins is willing to work with me. Big Papa and the Time Machine by Daniel Bernstrom. HarperCollins, $17.99 Jan. 14 ISBN 978-0-06-246331-9 Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal Owners of the Mount Taylor Uranium Mine near Grants have informed the state they will cease operations and begin cleanup. The underground mine is in the Grants Mineral Belt, which has some of the nations richest natural uranium deposits and a history of contamination. Closure of the Mount Taylor mine is heartening news for this very sacred and unique landscape, said Laura Watchempino, an Acoma Pueblo member of the Laguna-Acoma Coalition for a Safe Environment. We hope that the healing of this site can now take place with effective cleanup measures designed to restore the underground aquifers, and remove all contaminated waste piles and infrastructure. There are currently no producing uranium mines in New Mexico, according to Bill Brancard, general counsel for the states Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The 148-acre Mount Taylor mine operated under Chevron and Rio Grande Resources since 1978. The mine had been idle since the late 1990s, until 2017, when Rio Grande Resources petitioned the state Mining and Minerals Division for a permit to resume mining. When the state approved a Return to Active permit for Mount Taylor mine, several Navajo and Pueblo groups represented by the New Mexico Environmental Law Center appealed the decision in district court. The Navajo Nation Historic Preservation Department said the mines resurrection would harm sacred sites. The court upheld the states decision to grant the permit and the groups appealed that ruling. Eric Jantz, staff attorney at the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, said the companys decision to close is a victory for communities that have been fighting for action on mine contamination. This mine has been inactive and festering on the landscape for more than two decades, Jantz told the Journal. When mines are left idle instead of reclaimed, they pose a greater risk to the environment and to public health. Now, theyre finally going to clean up Mount Taylor, which is culturally significant to the Navajo Nation, and Acoma and Laguna Pueblos. The Environmental Protection Agency counts more than 500 abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation. Brancard said the company must restore the mine site to post-mining land use. Around here, that usually means grazing, he said. The disturbed areas are regraded, covered with clean material and revegetated. The Mount Taylor (reclamation) schedule isnt very long because there isnt a lot of surface cleanup to do compared to a big open pit mine. Rio Grande Resources will also plug or demolish underground mine shafts and backfill waste disposal ponds. Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal. Visit reportforamerica.org to learn about the effort to place journalists in local newsrooms around the country. The sole death toll from the skies on the night Iran launched its missiles in retaliation for the killing of terror master Soleimani came as an airliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran, killing a reported 176 souls. Do you believe in coincidences? Do most Iranians? Surely, the combination of this air disaster with an earthquake near the Bushehr nuclear facility has some Iranians contemplating Allah's will. The mullahs' government initially blamed the U.S.-built Boeing 737-800 (not the 800 MAX that has been grounded) experiencing technical faults, as Bloomberg reported: A Boeing Co. 737-800 jetliner bound for Ukraine that crashed after takeoff in Iran, killing everyone on board, was most likely brought down by an engine fire, according to Tehran authorities. Ukraine International Airlines said 167 passengers and nine crew were on the plane (snip) Iran's Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization said early assessments indicate the cause was a technical issue and the transport ministry suggested a fire was to blame, dismissing speculation that the jet was downed by a stray missile following Iranian strikes against U.S. bases in Iraq. The same model that crashed, taking off from Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. Photo credit: Oyoyoy. The reported timing of the missile attack was more than three hours before the plane crashed. But Iran has just changed its story on the cause of the crash: A later statement from the embassy said a commission is investigating the crash and that "any statements about the causes of the accident before the decision of the commission are not official." One striking fact is that the airplane reportedly was on fire as it crashed, as this video, allegedly of the crash, reveals: Iran plane crash: Video captures Boeing 737 plane on fire before crashing near Shahriar.pic.twitter.com/RzGknxnIRB Global Times (@globaltimesnews) January 8, 2020 A second striking fact is that plane crashed shortly after takeoff. 737 CRASH: Here's the flight path of the Ukraine International Airlines plane that crashed in #Iran The Boeing airliner took off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport pic.twitter.com/aiQlAJNVAe QuickTake by Bloomberg (@QuickTake) January 8, 2020 A Boeing 737 can fly on one engine, so a flame-out in one engine would not cause a crash. An initial report indicated it had attained an altitude of 7,900+ feet when it crashed, which rules out a takeoff engine failure crippling it at its most vulnerable moments. Boeing 737s have suffered catastrophic engine failures without crashing in the past. So it seems likely that some other cause is in play. Here are some possibilities: 1. Iranian anti-aircraft fire as an airliner was mistaken for an enemy airplane. Given the proximity to Tehran, there could well have been an anti-aircraft battery. Recall that Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014,was downed over the Donbass region of Ukraine during the between Ukraine and Russia. The danger of such misidentification accidents is a major reason why the FAA has banned U.S. airlines from flying over Iraqi and Iranian airspace and many airlines from other countries have suspended flights. 2. A collision with another aircraft, possibly a drone. Ilya Kusa, a Ukrainian international affairs expert, said amid the US-Iranian tensions "there were lots of them in the sky" immediately after the rocket attacks. Russian military pilot Vladimir Popov said: "It could have been an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, which are small in size and poorly visible on radars. "A plane in a collision could get significant damage and even catch fire in the air." 3. Sabotage, including the possibility that ground personnel at the airport did something to cripple the airplane after takeoff. Recall that an American Airlines mechanic in Miami named Abdul-Majeed Marouf Ahmed Alani "admitted to federal agents that he tampered with the Boeing 737-800 [the same model that crashed in Tehran] at Miami International Airport on July 17, forcing the plane to be grounded before takeoff, according to court records." 4. A bomb. In the spirit of "round up the usual suspects," it would not be surprising to see Iranian authorities eventually blaming Israeli agents for the crash. The investigation of the crash may well be hampered, as the UK Daily Mail reports: Iran says it has found the plane's black boxes but will not give them to planemaker Boeing or the United States. Ali Abedzadeh, the head of Tehran's civil aviation organisation, said it was not clear which country Iran would send the box to so that its data could be analysed. There were a large number of Canadian citizens onboard the plane. Breaking down the numbers, officials said there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and three Britons on flight PS752, along with 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans and four Germans. Canada is home to a large Iranian diaspora community and UIA offers discount flights between Tehran and Toronto, with a transit in Kiev. Iran may be pondering how best to exploit this tragedy. I would not trust anything the Iranians say about the causes. Bamako, Mali (PANA) - Several thousand children aged 15 to 23 months in Kayes town, capital of Kayes region in western Mali, will receive the second jab of the anti-measles vaccine in week-long campaign starting Wednesday, according to public health officials Washington DC [USA], Jan 8 (ANI): The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday said that it was restricting all civilian US aircraft from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. "The FAA issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) tonight outlining flight restrictions that prohibit US civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The FAA will continue closely monitoring events in the Middle East. We will continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with US air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities," the agency said in a statement citing CNN. This comes after Iran launched a series of attacks on US targets in Iraq including the targetting of two bases at Al-Asad and Abril with over a dozen ballistic missiles. The attacks came in retaliation to the killing of senior Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Iran has threatened to attack inside America if the US responds to missile attacks. Meanwhile, a White House official said that President Donald Trump will not deliver an address tonight following the missile attacks. White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham also said that a separate written statement will not be issued. A statement was issued earlier where Trump was briefed on the missile attack. Security has been beefed up around the White House amid heightened tensions with Iran, CNN reported citing a law enforcement official. (ANI) Motorists who accidentally enter the wrong number plate when paying for parking will now find it easier to appeal penalties. New rules issued by the British Parking Association (BPA) mean that private operators will have to cancel charges if a driver has typed in one letter or number incorrectly. It follows complaints about aggressive tactics by parking firms, who pursued motorists for huge fees over honest registration errors. New rules issued by the British Parking Association mean that private operators will have to cancel charges if a driver has typed in one letter or number incorrectly Some operators require drivers to enter their number plate into a pay-and-display machine, while others use mobile phone apps. The BPA says errors, such as a driver accidentally entering the registration of their partners car, should be treated more leniently. It also recommends a ten-minute buffer at the end of a parking session before a fine is issued. The new rules came into effect on Monday. BPA operations head Steve Clark said: 'We recognise genuine mistakes can occur, which may result in a charge even when a motorist can demonstrate they paid for parking.' m.dilworth@dailymail.co.uk Uttar Pradesh government has conceded to the request of Tihar Jail authorities for availing the services of hangman from Meerut jail to execute the death sentence of Nirbhaya rape convicts. Jai Kumar Singh, Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Prisons, said that Tihar Jail authorities had written to avail the service of hangman from Meerut and permission for the same has been approved. This comes a day after a Delhi court issued a death warrant against all four convicts in the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case. "Tihar jail had written to avail the service of hangman from Meerut for the execution of Nirbhaya Rape case convicts. We have approved permission for the same," Singh said. A Delhi court had on Tuesday issued a death warrant against all four convicts in the case. They are scheduled to be hanged at 7 am on January 22. The case pertains to the gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman by six persons on a moving bus in the capital on the night of December 16, 2012. The victim had later died while undergoing treatment. While the main accused, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail during the trial, another accused was a minor at the time of the crime and was sent to a reform facility and released after three years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ieces of missiles are seen at the rural area of Al-Baghdadi town after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq - Anadolu Iran has vowed to expel US forces from the region after it launched a wave of missile strikes on two bases in Iraq hosting American forces. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Iran fired 22 missiles into neighbouring Iraq, targeting a US base near Erbil as well as the Ain al-Assad base in Anbar province. US and Iraqi officials both say the barrage of missiles did not cause any casualties, though terrified Iraqis posted footage online of the rockets exploding nearby. At least one missile missed altogether, landing harmlessly near its target. US media reports suggest that its troops were hiding in bunkers before the missiles landed, following a warning from a missile detection system. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made clear that Iran's ballistic missile strikes were in revenge for the US killing of Revolutionary Guard General Qassim Soleimani. The lying, rambling US govt whose words are worthless tried to introduce this great Mujahid & Commander in the fight against terrorism as a terrorist. The Iranian nation slapped them in the face with their turn out in the millions for the funeral of General Soleimani. Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) January 8, 2020 Iranian propaganda outlets claim that "80 soldiers" from US forces have been killed, but there is no evidence to support this. Iranian's social media channels also tweeted dramatic pictures of explosions that turned out to be old photographs of an unrelated missile strike. Soleimani's death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying and drew crowds of Iranians, said to number in the millions, to the streets to mourn him. Iraqi security forces find and collect the pieces of missiles as they gather to inspect the site after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq Credit: Andalou "Last night they received a slap," Khamenei said in a speech after the missile strikes. "These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end." Story continues Despite the heightened rhetoric, there were some indications that there would not be more immediate retaliation on either side. 'All is well!' President Donald Trump tweeted shortly after the missile attacks, adding, 'So far, so good' regarding casualties. General Soleimani fought heroically against ISIS, Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda et al. If it werent for his war on terror, European capitals would be in great danger now. Our final answer to his assassination will be to kick all US forces out of the region. Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 8, 2020 Moments earlier, Iran's foreign minister tweeted that Tehran had taken "& concluded proportionate measures in self-defense," adding that Tehran did "not seek escalation" but would defend itself against further aggression. Tensions have been rising steadily in the Middle East after Trump's decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. The killing of Soleimani and the strikes on the Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two rivals, who have been at odds since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent U.S. Embassy takeover and hostage crisis. Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandhills Global will host an auctioneer forum on January 16th in Greensboro, North Carolina, focusing on a range of proven best practices for successful auction management. Sandhills is the tech company behind Auction Flex, AuctionTime.com, HiBid.com, and many other brands, all of which serve to help connect buyers and sellers across multiple industries. The forum will give attendees the opportunity to network with fellow auctioneers and learn about the latest capabilities of continually evolving auction technologies. Notably, the Auction Flex session will cover cataloging, clerking, accounting, and how to get the best results for you and your consignors. Attendees can also learn more about AuctionTime.com, the weekly online-only auction platform designed especially for construction equipment, farm machinery, trucks, and trailers; and HiBid.com, an internet bidding solution that is integrated with Auction Flex and supports webcast, internet-only, and absentee bidding. The one-day forum will wrap up with a meet-and-greet reception. Attendees will also receive hours that can be applied towards continuing education hours for the National Auctioneers Association. Interested in attending the upcoming auctioneer forum? Contact [email protected] or call 352-414-1947 or your AuctionTime.com sales representative to register. About AuctionTime.com Powered by Machinery Trader, CraneTrader, Truck Paper, TractorHouse, and MarketBook, AuctionTime.com is a product of Sandhills Globalan information processing company headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. AuctionTime equipment listings appear both online and in print across Sandhills' trade publications and corresponding websites to reach buyers around the world in the trucking, agriculture, construction, and heavy equipment industries. About Auction Flex & HiBid Auction Flex is the market-leader in auction software for live auctions, with capabilities that include cataloging, clerking, cashiering, accounting, mailing list management, inventory management, multi-parcel, and more. Auction Flex also provides a seamless solution that enables auction houses to upload auction catalogs online and accept internet absentee bids, conduct internet-only auctions, or offer webcast live internet bidding through its integrated web service and internet bidding solutionHiBid (both a private-label solution and a portal). Auction Flex and HiBid were built from the ground up to function together seamlessly. Contact Auction Flex 352-414-1947 [email protected] SOURCE AuctionTime.com Related Links https://www.sandhills.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 15:47:31|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A recent report on China's cultural industry has included "Blockchain," "5G plus Culture" and "Nighttime Economy" in its keywords for 2019, China Culture Daily reported Wednesday. The report, released by the Institute for Cultural Industries at Peking University, summarized 10 keywords and 10 characteristics of the country's cultural industry in 2019 and 10 tendencies in 2020. Digital technologies had a huge impact on the industry in the past year, with "Digital Cultural Industry," "5G plus Culture," "Empowerment by AI" and "Blockchain" among the 10 keywords, according to the report. Buoyed by digital technologies and favorable policies, the cultural industry in China has helped empower other industries and is becoming a pillar of the national economy, said Xiang Yong, deputy director of the institute. The other keywords were "Integration of Culture and Tourism," "Cultural Creativity," "City Branding," "Cultural Relic Protection" and "Creative Industrial Park." In 2019, China's cultural industry was also characterized by rapid growth, improving structure, growing consumption and a booming short video sector, among others, according to the report. The report predicted that 2020 would see more legal support for the industry and more contributions of the industry to China's rural vitalization efforts. My partner and I booked a short break in New York from December 15 to 20 to celebrate my 50th birthday. At the beginning of August, my son, who was 15 at the time, was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma blood cancer. He had been misdiagnosed by our surgery for almost five years. We had to cancel our summer holiday to Malaga. Ryanair was brilliant and refunded our money without quibble. Our New York holiday was booked via lastminute.com on Virgin and Delta flights. At the time I cancelled, I had paid a 395 deposit, but a further 1,185 was taken from my account four days afterwards. A reader was forced to cancel a holiday after his 15-year-old son was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma blood cancer I have provided all the evidence requested, including a letter from my son's specialist, but I've heard nothing from lastminute.com. We were planning to take out travel insurance before the trip but had not done so at the time of the diagnosis. I need this money back to help care for my son. C. L., by email. I first contacted lastminute.com, which confirmed the hotel booking would be refunded but said: 'Virgin's position is that the refund is not possible as ultimately this is an insurance claim.' It added: 'Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in terms of cancellations based on medical conditions or emergencies. 'We always make every effort to help our customers in these cases. However, we are bound by the rules of our suppliers.' It said that only the taxes from the flights would be refunded. Overall, I did not find the firm particularly helpful. Its press office would communicate only by email and my requests for a phone conversation to discuss the issue further were ignored. So I went directly to Virgin. There was an initial delay which transpired to be a result of its email system blocking the information I was sending through, which included scans of your supporting documents. However, once Virgin was aware of the severity of the case, it acted swiftly and agreed to a full refund of the outstanding 572. It has also sent its sincere apologies that this was not sorted out sooner. A spokesman says: 'Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines are extremely sorry to hear about your son's illness and we send our thoughts and best wishes to him and the family. 'Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we regret the delay in refunding the family's booking.' Why your refund was initially turned down remains a mystery, but this does suggest that it can be far better to book directly with an airline than via a third party. You and your partner can now concentrate on supporting your son. My very best wishes to all of you for the coming year. As a final note to all those reading this, please buy your travel insurance on the same day or very soon after booking your holiday. It's not enough to wait until a week or so before travelling you need cover in case you are forced to cancel by cruel circumstances such as these. You have YOUR say Every week, Money Mail receives hundreds of your letters and emails about our stories. Here are some responding to our tips on how to make the most of your money in 2020: I've already started saving money this year. My home insurance quote arrived and just one phone call cut 25 per cent off my premium. I do the same thing every time I get a renewal quote. Always pick up the phone. S. W., Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. Never, ever make any financial decisions on the basis of what you've been told by a cold-caller. More often than not, these people are after one thing and one thing only: your money. S. T., Suffolk. Always remember to keep your receipts. I work in retail and there was once a time when we would exchange anything at this time of year. Not any more. No receipt usually means no exchange and certainly no refund. L. A., Plymouth. Taking pictures of your valuables is a great idea. I've photographed bikes, jewellery, tools and even make-up. Their values can add up to a significant sum if you ever need to make a claim on your contents policy. S. R., Sussex. I never pick up incoming calls from people I don't know. If someone needs to speak to you, they will leave a voicemail message. So many people use your phone as a route to your bank account nowadays. I. M., Cambridgeshire. Whenever I see something I want to buy, I always walk away and think about it first. Do your research and you may find the same thing for a lower price. P. T., Croydon. Spend only 50 per cent of what you earn and save the rest. If you have a mortgage, overpay as much as you can. If you don't have a mortgage, save for a deposit. Don't follow fashions and do be cynical when shopping in the sales. T. B., Newcastle. My son was given a Disney share for his Christening in 2010. Since then, we have received small cheques for dividend payments of various amounts, most recently $0.62 in July. We have never banked these as they are for such small amounts and because my child's bank, Nationwide, said it could not accept cheques in dollars. We were contacted by Broadridge last year to check whether the account was still active. We confirmed that it was and explained the reason for not depositing the cheques. It said it could only issue cheques in dollars and cannot transfer money electronically outside the U.S. We feel stuck. Would it be easier to sell the share? S. B., by email. Your son's share is currently worth around $145 (110) so I don't think you should just write it off. It seems the gift was purchased as a direct holding via Broadridge, a US based financial company which runs an investment plan for Walt Disney shares, so it is probably your best port of call if you decide you do wish to sell it. Andy Parsons, head of investments and product proposition at The Share Centre, says that, usually, US listed shares can be bought via a traditional investment account with any dividend received being paid in sterling after the reduction of the appropriate tax. 'Purchasing a share through this route means the holding is normally acquired in a format known as Crest Depository Interest (CDI), which allows a straightforward and cost-effective way to trade overseas.' Mr Parsons says that, unfortunately, it is not possible to request a change from a direct holding to that of CDI. 'The investment would need to be sold, thereby incurring costs, and then repurchased as a CDI, incurring further costs. 'Any US holding acquired through an account with a UK stockbroker will require the customer/holder to complete a W-8BEN form as an official record for the US Internal Revenue Service,' he says. Hargreaves Lansdown's Danny Cox concurs: 'UK stockbrokers don't have easy ways to help. You'll need a specialist broker to deal with the certificate, and even then the stamping process could be a considerable proportion of the value of the share. 'One option would be to donate the share to ShareGift (sharegift.org), which should be able to cash it in for you and donate the value to charity.' This wouldn't solve the problem of how to have your son benefit from the gift, but hopefully will help a charity and reduce the headache for you, he adds. By PTI KOLKATA: JU student Deborshi Chanda, one of the ten candidates to have scored 100 percentile in the Common Admission Test (CAT), said on Wednesday that he will not shy away from taking part in any rally to protest against the attack on women students and teachers of JNU and similar attacks in other higher educational institutions. Chanda is a student of electrical engineering of Jadavpur University and has presently taken admission in its School of Energy Studies in the 2019-20 session. "I had participated in the rallies taken out by my fellow students in the varsity campus and outside. I had also joined in shouting slogans denouncing the move to silence free thinking. I have made known my stand on the issue and will do so in future too. I am not afraid," the young man told PTI. Chanda had scored a perfect 100 percentile in CAT, the results of which were announced few days back and is the only candidate from West Bengal to have achieved the feat. To a question about JU students taking the lead in the series of protests against the attack on JNU, Jamia Milia students and against Citizenship (Amendment) Act in the past one month, he said "I am with them. I am proud of my friends in JU and my institution. "However, it would be wrong to assume that only we (JU students) are in the forefront of protests. Students of other higher educational institutions have also taken out protest rallies and at times we have taken out joint rallies," he said. Chanda criticised the alleged police lathicharge on agitating JU sudents on Monday evening when SFI activists and members of other Left outfits of JU took out a rally near the university against the attack on students in JNU and came face to face with a march taken out by the BJP. "How can police beat up students who are holding a democratic protest ?" he wondered. Baghdad/Washington: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has told his people "we slapped them (Americans) on the face last night" by launching 15 missiles at US forces in Iraq. Khamenei made the comments in an address to the nation hours after a strike on two military bases used by US troops in Iraq. It followed a US drone strike at Baghdad airport on Friday that killed Iran's top military commander. "Military action like this is not sufficient," Khamenei said. "What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region," Khamenei said in the televised speech in which he also ruled out any resumption of talks with Washington restrictions on Iran's nuclear program. Iranian officials earlier said their country did not want war and the attack on US targets on Wednesday has "concluded" its retaliation. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 20:41:13|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TASHKENT, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan will supply Japan with uranium worth more than 1 billion U.S. dollars between 2023 and 2030, according to a presidential decree posted online on Tuesday. The document approved a roadmap to fulfill the agreements inked during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's visit to Japan in December last year. The contracts on the supply of uranium by Uzbekistan's Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine were signed with Japanese trading houses Itochu for 636.4 million dollars and Marubeni for 510.1 million dollars to cover a time span between 2023 and 2030. Uzbekistan, the world's seventh largest uranium producer, signed a seven-year uranium supply contract with the United States for 300 million dollars in 2017, and later in 2019 a similar long-term contract was signed with India. Nero fiddled while Rome burned is an often-used phrase to convey the Roman emperors supreme indifference to the sufferings of his people as a great fire swept through the city. At the Conference of Parties (CoP25) on climate change in Madrid last month, world leaders did much the same as Nero did in 64 AD. By any standard, CoP25 was a monumental failure, as many NGOs have described it. All that the assembled world leaders accomplished was to push a decision on mechanisms for carbon trading to the next meeting, CoP26, in Glasgow this year. They will also determine the quantum of Green House Gas (GHG) reductions to be made by countries to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial level. The world has already started to experience the impact of climate change. But world leaders fail to show any urgency to tackle it. According to the Emissions Gap Report 2019 by a UN agency, even if all the countries agreed to do what they agreed to in the Paris Accord in 2015, global temperature will still rise by 3.2 degrees C by 2100 a really scary scenario. Only about 80 countries (mostly developing and island-nations) are seriously concerned about the climate crisis. The US, historys biggest GHG emitter, is the posterchild of this indifference. Trump has withdrawn America from the Paris Accord. On the other hand, the EU parliament felt that their house is on fire and declared a climate and environmental emergency in November. The EU wants to reach zero net GHG emission by 2050. If we look at Indias energy mix during the last decade, the share of coal has gone up while the share of transition fuel, gas, has gone down -- not an encouraging development -- while the share of hydroelectricity and modern renewables has remained the same. Indias transition to decarbonization has not yet started while the worlds transition has taken some baby steps the share of coal is decreasing while that of renewables is going up. A developing country like India can defend its need to consume more coal since our per capita energy consumption and per capita GHG emission is one of the lowest. Also, developed countries like the US, EU and Japan have overused the carbon budget for their industrialization. Thus, we can argue that the developed world has no moral right to demand sacrifice from us though India is the third-largest emitter of GHG in absolute terms. As their costs have fallen, wind and solar are now competing with fossil fuel-generated electricity. Electric vehicles are becoming popular and so also shared mobility. This should result in decreasing fossil fuel-driven vehicles. While peak oil has been replaced by peak demand, no one can predict with any certainty when it will occur -- as early as 2025 or latest by 2040. Some progressive institutions -- banks, universities, trusts, etc -- have decided not to invest in fossil fuel companies. Still, achieving a zero-carbon economy by 2050 will remain a pipedream unless we come up with out-of-the-box thinking. It is time we start questioning why every country is trying to maximize GDP growth. Bhutan is an exception which tries to maximize gross happiness product. Currently, every decision of every country is influenced by a relentless effort to increase GDP year after year. There are some efforts to promote greater use of Human Development Index (HDI) as a measure of development, instead. HDI is a composite of health, education and income. Thus, even HDI stresses income directly or indirectly, and thus GDP. The GDP concept came into vogue only in the middle of the 20th century. Mankind can live without worrying about it. Is there a limit at which the wants of people living in the developed world (developing countries are also adapting similar goals) will be satiated? We want bigger houses, and multiple houses. We want bigger cars. We want every possible gadget, which consumes directly or indirectly more carbon-emitting energy. In short, there is no end to our consumption needs. Though we know that wealth does not give happiness, with very few exceptions, everyone is trying to maximize wealth and consumption. In 1972, the Club of Rome predicted that lack of natural resources will limit economic growth. Economists ridiculed the study and said that supply and demand will always work and the world need not worry. Indeed, world GDP continued to increase. However, climate change science is not influenced by supply and demand, nor by Adam Smiths invisible hand. Now, we are at a stage when nature will limit GDP growth in a cruel way. Should we now think of totally revising our concept of development and start minimizing carbon emission and stabilizing it in the shortest period? We, in India, also have to adapt a slightly tweaked approach since our per capita income is not anywhere close to the desired level to wipe out poverty. Developed countries can manage with income inequality, we cannot. We need to grow to meet the minimum needs of poor people. But we need to adapt the sustainable development path, in word and deed. The Modi governments stated goal is a $5 trillion GDP by 2024 and to thence become the third-largest economy in the world. Have we asked why? When we reach that ambitious goal, what will happen to our environment? How much more carbon will we emit into the environment? Will it help the poor? Let us drop out of the race of climbing the income table and adapt Indias civilizational message of simple living and high thinking. Indian civilization has always admired people who led a simple life -- Mahatma Gandhi, for instance. Now we need another person like him to put fighting climate change on the national agenda to protect our environment. India needs our own Greta Thunberg. (The writer is former governing council member of Manipal Institute of Technology, and an international oil expert) Iran's missile attack on bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq sent a new jolt of anxiety through the U.S. transportation infrastructure as concerns about security spiked. Around the United States, airports from New York to Chicago to Seattle already had been on heightened alert in anticipation of possible violence in retaliation for the Jan. 3 killing of Gen. Qasem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad. At the nation's borders, land ports of entry had increased security, too. Iran on Tuesday fired at least a dozen missiles at two U.S. military bases in Iraq, the Pentagon confirmed. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif subsequently signaled on Twitter that Iran did not seek to escalate the conflict. Iran's missile strikes are unlikely to change security levels, said Gil Kerlikowske, who served as commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection from 2014 to 2017 in President Barack Obamas administration. CBP will continue to be on this heightened sense of awareness, so I dont see a significant change in posture, said Kerlikowske, now a professor of practice at Northeastern University. I think that CBP will just remain in that heightened alert. The Federal Aviation Administration said late Tuesday that it had notified U.S.-based air carriers to suspend their operations in airspace over Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The FAA will continue closely monitoring events in the Middle East, the agency said. We continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with U.S. air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities. #FAA Statement: #NOTAMs issued outlining flight restrictions that prohibit U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. pic.twitter.com/kJEbpPddp3 The FAA (@FAANews) January 8, 2020 Singapore Airlines said in a statement that it has diverted its flights from Europe away from Iranian airspace. Story continues We are monitoring the situation closely and will make the appropriate adjustments to our routes if necessary, the airline said. Qantas Airways, which flies between the United Kingdom and Australia, said it was adjusting its flight paths over Iran and Iraq, "until further notice." The longer route meant that Qantas would have to carry fewer passengers and more fuel to remain in the air for an extra 40 to 50 minutes. American Airlines said it did not have any flights in the region that would be affected by the FAA directive. Delta Air Lines said none of its operations was affected by the FAA order. Paris-based Air France said it had suspended all flights over Iran and Iraq airspace indefinitely. Malaysia Airlines said that due to recent events, its planes would avoid Iranian airspace. Qatar Airways, however, said its flights to Iraq were operating normally. The safety of our passengers and employees is of the highest importance, and we continue to closely monitor developments in Iraq, the airline said in a statement. Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways said none of its flights had been routed over Iran or Iraq for a year. Lufthansa Group said it would fly around Iran and Iraq airspace, though it said it expects to resume normal operation of its flights to and from Tehran on Thursday. "We remain in constant contact with the national and international authorities and will decide on a daily basis on the operation of the flights and their organization," the company said. Though foreign-based airlines are not bound by FAA regulations or directives, they often follow its guidance. In Arizona, Julie Rodriguez, deputy aviation director for the Phoenix Aviation Department, said this week that the security level at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is always high. "Passengers are always subject to random screening anywhere on airport grounds," she said in an email. "We employ multiple layers of security throughout our airport system and work closely with the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and our law enforcement partners." Homeland Security issues warning The Department of Homeland Security on Saturday issued a National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin, still in effect, that said there was no indication of "a specific, credible threat" inside the United States but warned that "an attack in the homeland may come with little or no warning." U.S. Department of Homeland Security seal The bulletin notes that the United States has designated Iran a state sponsor of terrorism and raises the specter of possible Iranian cyberattacks or terror from "homegrown violent extremists." "Iran maintains a robust cyber program and can execute cyber attacks against the United States," the bulletin said. "Iran is capable, at a minimum, of carrying out attacks with temporary disruptive effects against critical infrastructure in the United States." Passengers arriving to the U.S. who are traveling from Iran or have passed through Iran will probably continue to face additional scrutiny, Kerlikowske said. The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a civil rights advocacy group, said more than 60 Iranians and Iranian Americans were detained and questioned at the Peace Arch Border Crossing in Blaine on the border with Canada over the weekend. Others were refused entry to the U.S because of CBPs lack of capacity to detain them. Those who were detained said that their passports were confiscated, and they were questioned about their political views and allegiances, the council said in a written statement. Social media posts that CBP is detaining Iranian-Americans and refusing their entry into the U.S. because of their country of origin are false. Reports that DHS/CBP has issued a related directive are also false. CBP (@CBP) January 5, 2020 CBP officials have refuted the allegation. Social media posts that CBP is detaining Iranian-Americans and refusing their entry into the U.S. because of their country or origin are false, the agency said in a tweet. Reports that DHS/CBP has issued a related directive are also false. On Tuesday, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., sent a letter to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf and Acting CBP Commissioner Mark Morgan demanding information on reports that as many as 200 Iranian Americans were targeted for secondary screening and held for up to 12 hours at the Peace Arch Border Crossing in Blaine. The letter, also sent to Blaine Sector Port Director Kenneth Williams, asks the Trump administration to produce any directives, orders, guidance, instructions regarding the screening of individuals of Iranian heritage, or any changes in screening procedures in response to Soleimani's death. Utilities taking precautions Utilities also are being vigilant about the security of major infrastructure here. Cyberattacks on the power grid have been of particular concern in recent years. Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy consider such attacks a serious threat. In Arizona, officials with utilities Arizona Public Service Co. and Salt River Project said they are taking the usual precautions. Due to the critical nature of our business, APS maintains a constant, heightened state of awareness of emerging security threats, including physical and cyber security threats, APS spokeswoman Jenna Rowell said Monday. In this case, APSs cyber security team is monitoring the situation with a focus on staying informed of any relevant threat intelligence that may be shared by federal agencies or industry and technology partners. SRP also is keeping in touch with government agencies to monitor for security threats, spokesman Scott Harelson said. While we cannot discuss specific steps, we can tell you that we have asked all of our security and personnel at sensitive locations be vigilant and report any suspicious activity they might observe, he said. APS runs the largest nuclear plant in the U.S., the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, 50 miles west of downtown Phoenix. Rowell said operations at the plant are normal, with all three units operating. None is undergoing refueling, which brings hundreds of contractors onto the plant site daily for a month or more at a time. We are in a standard level of security, as the security teams and employees there are always vigilant about monitoring for and reporting any suspicious activity at or in the vicinity of the plant, Rowell said. Republic reporters Melissa Yeager, Ronald J. Hansen, Ryan Randazzo and The Associated Press contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Iran missile strike: Airports, Homeland Security on high alert Photo: Tasty Pot/Yelp Interested in finding out about the newest restaurant and retail additions to Mesa? From a hot pot spot to a local brewery, read on for the newest businesses to open for business recently. Tasty Pot PHOTO: tasty pot/YELP Looking for a new Taiwanese spot to score hot pots and more? Tasty Pot has added a new location at 66 S. Dobson Road, Suite 148. Aside from authentic Taiwanese hot pot soups, the menu features dumplings, rice cakes and fish balls. Eos Fitness Photo: priscilla t./Yelp Stroll past 1954 E. McKellips Road and you'll find the latest gym and personal training spot to arrive in the neighborhood. EoS Fitness, a chain with outposts in Arizona, Nevada and California, offers a wide assortment of exercise equipment and group training sessions, such as yoga and Zumba classes. Check out the full class schedule here. 12 West Brewing Co. Photo: 12 west brewing co./Yelp 12 West Brewing Co. is a new brewery, pub and traditional American spot that's located at 12 W. Main St. In addition to the handful of local craft beers offered on tap, the brewery offers a full kitchen, as well as wine and hand-crafted cocktails. You can even order food, wine and beer to go. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Japanese legal officials are poring over Lebanese laws in a bid to find a way to return ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn to Japan, a Ministry of Justice senior official said on Tuesday, adding that Tokyo will do its utmost to have him face trial on financial misconduct charges. "We are screening in detail Lebanon's domestic laws and ...we will do whatever we can to win his return," the official said. The former Nissan Motor and Renault chairman, who was free on bail awaiting trial on charges of financial misconduct, fled to his childhood home of Lebanon last month. The possibility of persuading Lebanon to hand over Ghosn is low, however, the Japanese official said, because Lebanon like many other countries does not extradite its own citizens. Ghosn, he added, may face additional charges for violating Japan's immigration laws by fleeing Japan, while police and prosecutors may pursue anyone who aided his escape. On Tuesday, Tokyo prosecutors issued a warrant for the arrest of Carol Ghosn, his wife, Japanese broadcaster TBS reported. The former auto executive is due to speak to the media in Lebanon on Wednesday. He is expected to detail some of the claims he has made against Nissan since his arrest in November 2018 in which he has alleged that there was a Japanese government-backed coup to oust him. On Wednesday, Mayor London Breed will be sworn into her first full term in office in what is being billed as a low-key ceremony at City Hall, but at least one musical surprise is in the works. The big inauguration was in July 2018 when Breed narrowly won the special election to fill out the term of former Mayor Ed Lee, who died in office. This time there will be a ceremony, followed by a meet and greet with the public in her office, then its back to work, said Breed campaign co-chairman P.J. Johnston.. The original hope was to have U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris administer the oath of office. But given the Trump impeachment proceedings and the situation in Iran and Iraq Harris couldnt commit to the date. So Superior Court Judge Teri Jackson, a longtime friend of Breeds, was tapped. The ceremony will be in the City Hall rotunda, the vast echo chamber where during his 2016 inauguration Lee was shouted down by protesters calling for the resignation of then-Police Chief Greg Suhr, who was in the spotlight following a string of fatal police shootings in the city. Breed staffers expect that security this time will be tighter, and the mood of the public less contentious, this time around. And there are also whispers of a special performance by a very, very well known local guitarist. The event at 11 a.m. and is open to the public. Later in the day, Breed will head across the street to the Herbst Theater to administer the oath of office to incoming District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Breed is an interesting pick for Boudins swearing in, considering that she supported one of his opponents, Suzy Loftus, in the November election. He called her, Johnston said. For the good of the city, this is a time for fresh starts. Boudin said he asked Breed to do the honors, because the mayor and I share the same basic goals for San Francisco and are looking forward to working together to achieve them. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Phil Matier appears Sundays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KGO-TV morning and evening news and can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call 415-777-8815, or email pmatier@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @philmatier A senior Facebook executive has claimed that the Cambridge Analytica scandal was a 'non-event', admits the Russians did manipulate the U.S. election and essentially branded criticism of the company as fake news. Andrew Bosworth, who is a longtime Facebook employee and confidant of Mark Zuckerberg, made the comments in a lengthy memo shared internally within the company. In the post, which was published on December 30, Bosworth also warned Facebook employees to not use the social network to try and prevent Donald Trump from being re-elected. Bosworth's 2,500 word memo was initially leaked to the New York Times on Tuesday before the top executive published it in full on his public Facebook account. It provides a glimpse into the exec's mindset on the issues Facebook has or continues to face, including the social network's influence on U.S. politics and the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Andrew Bosworth, who is a longtime senior Facebook executive and confidant of Mark Zuckerberg, made the comments in a lengthy memo shared internally within the company on December 30 The Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal erupted back in March 2018 when it emerged the company had misused data from millions of Facebook accounts. 'In practical terms, Cambridge Analytica is a total non-event. They were snake oil salespeople. The tools they used didn't work, and the scale they used them at wasn't meaningful,' Bosworth said. 'Every claim they have made about themselves is garbage. Data of the kind they had isn't that valuable to being with and worse it degrades quickly, so much so as to be effectively useless in 12-18 months. 'The platform was such a poor move that the risks associated were bound to come to light. That we shut it down in 2014 and never paid the piper on how bad it was makes this scrutiny justified in my opinion, even if it is narrowly misguided.' Bosworth said Cambridge Analytica started by running surveys on Facebook to get information out of people. 'It later pivoted to be an advertising company, part of our Facebook Marketing Partner program, who other companies could hire to run their ads. Their claim to fame was psychographic targeting. This was pure snake oil and we knew it; their ads performed no better than any other marketing partner (and in many cases performed worse). 'I personally regret letting them stay on the FMP program for that reason alone. However at the time we thought they were just another company trying to find an angle to promote themselves and assumed poor performance would eventually lose them their clients. 'We had no idea they were shopping an old Facebook dataset that they were supposed to have deleted (and certified to us in writing that they had).' Bosworth's 2,500 word memo was initially leaked to the New York Times on Tuesday before the top executive published it in full on his public Facebook account In his memo, Bosworth described the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal as a 'non-event'. The scandal erupted back in March 2018 when it emerged the company had misused data from millions of Facebook accounts Bosworth said that when Trump won the 2016 election, Cambridge Analytica tried to take credit and it launched the company back onto Facebook's radar. 'Later on, we found out from journalists that they had never deleted the database and had instead made elaborate promises about its power for advertising. 'Our comms team decided it would be best to get ahead of the journalists and pull them from the platform. This was a huge mistake. It was not only bad form (justifiably angering the journalists) but we were also fighting the wrong battle. 'We wanted to be clear this had not been a data breach (which, to be fair to us, it absolutely was not) but the real concern was the existence of the dataset no matter how it happened.' Bosworth, in his memo, went on to say that Facebook was partly responsible for getting Trump elected. 'Was Facebook responsible for Donald Trump getting elected? I think the answer is yes, but not for the reasons anyone thinks,' he said. 'He didn't get elected because of Russia or misinformation or Cambridge Analytica. He got elected because he ran the single best digital ad campaign I've ever seen from any advertiser. Period.' Bosworth said he wasn't a Trump supporter but described his campaigning efforts as 'unbelievable'. 'They weren't running misinformation or hoaxes. They weren't microtargeting or saying different things to different people. They just used the tools we had to show the right creative to each person. The use of custom audiences, video, ecommerce, and fresh creative remains the high water mark of digital ad campaigns in my opinion,' he said. Bosworth, in his memo, went on to say that Facebook was partly responsible for getting Trump elected. In terms of Russia, Bosworth admitted that interference in the 2016 election was real In terms of Russia, Bosworth admitted that interference in the 2016 election was real. He said it wasn't done through advertising but rather that the Russians worked to exploit existing divisions in the American public. 'For example by hosting Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter protest events in the same city on the same day,' he said. 'The people who shows up to those events were real even if the event coordinator was not. Likewise the groups of Americans being fed partisan content was real even if those feeding them were not.' 'The organic reach they managed sounds very big in absolute terms and unfortunately humans are bad at contextualizing big numbers. Whatever reach they managed represents an infinitesimal fraction of the overall content people saw in the same period of time and certainly over the course of an election across all media.' Elsewhere in his memo, Bosworth spoke of the widespread criticism Facebook has faced in relation to some of these issues and how Trump's election put them in the spotlight. 'While the intensity and focus of that spotlight may be unfair I believe it isn't unjust. Scrutiny is warranted given our position in society as the most prominent of a new medium. I think most of the criticisms that have come to light have been valid and represent real areas for us to serve our community better. I don't enjoy having our flaws exposed, but I consider it far better than the alternative where we remain ignorant of our shortcomings,' he said. 'One trap I sometimes see people falling into is to dismiss all feedback when they can invalidate one part of it. I see that with personal feedback and I see it happening with media coverage. 'The press often gets so many details wrong it can be hard to trust the veracity of their conclusions. Dismissing the whole because of flaws in parts is a mistake. The media has limited information to work with (by our own design!) and they sometimes get it entirely wrong but there is almost always some critical issue that motivated them to write which we need to understand.' JetBlue announced this week that it plans to go carbon neutral on all domestic flights starting in July, a first for a major U.S. airline. The company's plan involves both taking steps to reduce its flights' overall carbon emissions and increasing its investment in carbon offsets, environmental projects that reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. "Air travel connects people and cultures, and supports a global economy, yet we must act to limit this critical industry's contributions to climate change," CEO Robin Hayes said in a statement. "We reduce where we can and offset where we can't. By offsetting all of our domestic flying, we're preparing our business for the lower-carbon economy that aviation - and all sectors - must plan for." With the climate crisis worsening and with millions of flights pumping out carbon dioxide every year, air travel has become a target of global criticism. The "flight-shaming" movement has particularly gained momentum across Europe, and most recently, arose at Sunday's Golden Globes, when Joaquin Phoenix called out fellow actors for taking "private jets to Palm Springs" for award ceremonies. In recent years, more than 190 countries have signed on to measures aimed at nudging airlines toward reducing their environmental impacts, by improving fuel economy and increasing efficiency in newer planes. Sophia Mendelsohn, head of sustainability and environmental social governance at JetBlue, said the company's new push was driven in part by a perceived tipping point in climate awareness - and a desire to attract concerned customers. "I think many people, whether they're in Houston, California, Jakarta, Australia, are beginning to feel and see the climate crisis roll out in real time," Mendelsohn said. She said customers want to know how they can be sustainable but still "go to our family reunions, to the business meetings we need to be at, to see the rest of the world." JetBlue has purchased a suite of AirBus planes with the highest efficiency standards, but, at the moment, tailpipe emissions from planes can only be limited so much, Mendelsohn said. To compensate, JetBlue will now calculate each flight's carbon emissions and then offset the amount via forest conservation projects, solar and wind farms, and other efforts through Carbonfund.org, EcoAct, Neste and South Pole. The initiative is projected to increase JetBlue's annual total of offset emissions from an already industry-leading 2 billion pounds of carbon to between 15 and 17 billion pounds. "Offsetting is not the end all and be all; it is not a silver bullet," Mendelsohn said. "Our first goal is to safely avoid any emissions we can. What we can't avoid, we offset." Delta Airlines has taken its own sustainability steps, introducing carbon-neutral flights and more sustainable fuel options last year. Its partners Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic have also worked to expand carbon offsets through sustainability programs, with plans to expand their reach in the future. "These offsets are symbolic of our continued commitment to sustainability and our long-term target of reducing our carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2050," Bob Somers, Delta's senior vice president of global sales, said last summer. United and Alaska Airlines, meanwhile, have adopted programs that allow travelers to purchase their own carbon offsets. "It would be amazing if aviation could get to net positive rather than neutral," Mendelsohn said. Morocco will scrap the LMD system used mostly in French speaking countries in favor of the bachelor system adopted in English speaking countries as it seeks to improve the efficiency of its education system and help graduates integrate the job market. Bachelors will start as of 2020 and are meant to facilitate the enrolment of Moroccan students in international universities, Moroccos education minister said. Under the new system, university students will be initiated to a set of soft skills to fit them with job market requirements. Morocco has given utmost importance to the overhaul of the education system starting with early education to higher education. The country has adopted a framework law in that regard offering guidelines for an education for all that is geared towards fighting drop out in hard-to-reach-areas promoting innovation and boosting skills needed in the job market. The country has also taken the bold move of reintroducing French as a language of teaching of scientific and technical subjects while encouraging openness to English and other global languages. Meanwhile, the Moroccan education minister announced the setting up of 34 new higher education institutions in different Moroccan regions offering training in technology, business, management, humanities and sciences. Beyonce's father Mathew wished his granddaughter Blue Ivy happy birthday in a sweet post on Tuesday. Blue, who is the daughter of the pop singer and Jay Z, turned eight on Tuesday and looked adorable in a cute snap. Mathew shared a picture of the youngster beaming for the camera as he penned: 'Happy Birthday to my beautiful and oldest granddaughter Blue Ivy. Love, Papa G.' B'Day girl: Beyonce and Jay-Zs eldest daughter Blue Ivy turned eight years old on Tuesday, and the little one celebrated with several fun snaps posted online In the snap, Blue could be seen standing against a bright orange backdrop, whilst wearing a bright jumper and cherry print skirt. Blue was the spitting image of her famous mother Beyonce as she styled her curly locks straight for the shot. A Blue Ivy fan account shared more shots, with one showing her waving for the camera whilst enjoying a boat trip. Smiley little girl: Blue Ivy already has her own Instagram account 'QUEENS': Another image posted to Blue's account showed mom and daughter in their glorious bedazzled looks worn to The Lion King premiere this past summer Another throwback showed Blue and Beyonce in their bedazzled outfits worn to The Lion King premiere this past summer. Blue appeared on social media in a few other images last week, when she attended a swanky New Year's party with her mom and Megan Thee Stallion. In black-and-white photobooth shots, Beyonce dons a shiny tiny top hat, flanked by her grinning daughter on the left, and Megan with sleek dark locks on the right. Celebrate: Blue Ivy also appeared on social media in a few other new images last week, when she attended a New Year's party with her mom and Megan Thee Stallion It was a banner year for Beyonce's little girl, having co-written the track Brown Skin Girl off of her mom's latest album. Blue Ivy even won her first Soul Train Award in November for taking part in the writing of the song. Additionally, Blue starred with her mother in the music video for Spirit in July, which Beyonce cowrote in support of last summer's Lion King remake. Blue Ivy is older sister to Beyonce and Jay Z's 2-year-old twins, son Sir and daughter Rumi. She's always been vocal about the 'ruthless' trolling she's received, ever since being thrust into the spotlight on Geordie Shore in 2011. On Wednesday's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, Charlotte Crosby appeared emotional as she revealed she was referred to as 'Michael Jackson' by critics, during a candid discussion with Tanya Hennessy. The blonde beauty said 'grown men' had verbally attacked her online after she appeared on the red carpet for the National Television Awards in the UK last year. Heartbreaking: On Wednesday's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Charlotte Crosby (pictured) appeared emotional as she revealed she had been called 'Michael Jackson' by critics in recent months Recalling the dark moment, the newly single starlet said: 'I went on the red carpet, and I honestly felt like I looked a million dollars. 'I wore this lovely dress, my hair and makeup was all done and I looked in the mirror and thought I felt like I fitted in. 'I uploaded a photo the next day and just men were going in on it. Saying "Err, Pete Burns! Disgusting, Michael Jackson." I get called Michael Jackson all the time. People are just ruthless.' Since finding fame on Geordie Shore - which is how most Australians remember Charlotte - she has admitted to changing her appearance on multiple occasions. Shocked: Tanya Hennessy (pictured) appeared shocked as Charlotte recalled the horrific trolling that went on last year Sheer beauty: Charlotte revealed she had been trolled after her appearance at the National Television Awards in January, 2019 In the past, she has undergone a nose job, two breast enhancements and had filler in her cheeks and lips. She continued: 'People always say to me, "Oh, god, she is much better than before all the surgery." But I'm the same person inside, so why does that matter what I look like?' Following her appearance at the NTAs in 2019, Charlotte - who looked incredible in a stunning lilac gown - had taken to Instagram to lash out at nasty replies from 'three men' in an emotional statement. She said at the time: 'So I can understand that girls can have little b****y comments and stuff, but men with daughters and children should know better. Not impressed: Following her appearance on the NTAs red carpet in 2019, Charlotte - who looked incredible in a stunning lilac gown - had taken to Instagram to lash out at nasty replies from 'three grown men' 'Grown men typing on the computer about a young girl. That is probably the least gentlemanly thing I have ever witnessed. Like, you wanna be ashamed of yourselves.' Rounding off her rant, the MTV star added: 'So, what I have got to say is I am disgusted in you weirdos that you call yourselves men. 'You deserve your d**ks chopping off and you deserve to have little p****ies, you bunch of little b**ches.' Queen Maxima of the Netherlands sported a chic checked coat as she returned to royal duty in the city of Ugchelen today. The monarch, 48, showed off her sartorial prowess in her first public event of the decade after taking a break from appearances over the festive period as she visited De Wending, an institution for addiction treatment and recovery assistance. Proving how she reigns high in the style stakes, Maxima donned a monochrome trench with clashing patterns and a chunky belt over a matching dress. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands sported a chic chequered coat as she returned to royal duty in the Dutch city of Ugchelen today The monarch, 48, showed off her sartorial prowess in her first public event of the decade after taking a break from appearances over the festive period as she visited an institution for addiction treatment and recovery assistance. Proving how she reigns high in the style stakes, Maxima donned a monochrome coat with clashing patterns and a chunky belt over a matching dress Adding a further touch of glam to the look, Maxima, who is married to King Willem-Alexander, paired the statement coat with a brown leather satchel with a bamboo-style handle and a pair of complementing dark brown boots featuring a thick heel. The mother-of-three kept accessories to the minimum wearing just a pair of statement gold hoop earrings under her naturally flowing blonde hair. A natural beauty, Maxima wore a just a touch of black mascara and highlighted her lips in a deep rose colour. The Queen put on an animated display as she was gifted a pair of mugs hand-painted with Holland's iconic tall houses. She is also met and shook hands with people working an living in the institute, including those in a woodwork shop The Queen put on an animated display as she was gifted a pair of mugs handpainted with Holland's iconic tall houses She was today without her husband, who she married in 2002 in Amsterdam, she is pictured here meeting a worker in De Wending She is also met and shook hands with people working an living in the institute, including those in a woodwork shop. Maxima was last seen on December 19 at the country's Christmas Music gala. She was today without her husband, who she married in 2002 in Amsterdam. An international financier by training, Maxima was born in Argentina before she married into the Dutch royal family, three years after meeting her husband-to-be in Seville, Spain. Adding a further touch of glam to the look, Maxima, who is married to King Willem-Alexander, paired the statement coat with a brown leather satchel with a bamboo-style handle and a pair of complementing dark brown boots featuring a chunky heel An international financier by training, Maxima was born in Argentina before she married into the Dutch royal family, three years after meeting her husband-to-be in Seville, Spain. She is pictured here meeting workers in the woodshop Maxima was today without her husband, who she married in 2002 in Amsterdam as she took a tour of the recovery unit She has since had three daughters, Catharina-Amalia, 14, Alexia, 12, and Ariane, 10,. Her husband Willem-Alexander, 52, became king after his mother, Beatrix, abdicated in April 2013 after 33 years as reigning monarch. Queen Maxima has reportedly said that she had no inkling that Willem-Alexander was heir to the throne when they first met. Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal Several major airlines said on Wednesday they were re-routing flights to avoid airspace over Iraq and Iran after the Federal Aviation Administration banned U.S. carriers from the area following an Iranian missile attack on U.S.-led forces in Iraq. Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from its territory at at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel early on Wednesday, the U.S. military said. Expand Close A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal The FAA said it issued the airspace ban, which also includes the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia, "due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations." Several non-U.S. airlines had flights over parts of Iraq and Iran at the time, according to FlightRadar24 data. They are not directly affected by the FAA ban, but foreign carriers and their national regulators typically consider U.S. advice carefully when deciding where to fly. Before the latest guidance, the FAA had already prohibited U.S. carriers from flying below 26,000 feet over Iraq and from flying over an area of Iranian airspace above the Gulf and Gulf of Oman since Iran shot down a high-altitude U.S. drone last June. France's airline Air France said on Wednesday the company has also suspended flights over Iraq and Iran airspace after Iranian missile strikes targeting U.S.-led forces. Expand Close Pictures of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in an air strike at Baghdad airport, are seen on a motorcycle, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pictures of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in an air strike at Baghdad airport, are seen on a motorcycle, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY "Flight plans are adjusted in real time according to the decisions of the French and regional authorities, throughout the world, in order to ensure the highest level of flight safety", Air France said in a statement. Germany's flagship carrier Lufthansa is cancelling its daily flight between Frankfurt and Tehran due to the situation in Iran, a spokesman said on Wednesday. Expand Close A man holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A man holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY He added that Lufthansa was also cancelling its next planned flight - on Saturday - to Erbil in Iraq. Vietnam Airlines have also re-routed its flights away from Iran and the Iraq airspace, its Transport Ministry confirmed. Carriers are increasingly taking steps to limit threats to their planes after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down in 2014 by a missile over Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. Re-routing around conflict airspace adds to flight times and burns extra fuel. Transport Canada said it was in close contact with the FAA about the situation in the Middle East and that Air Canada was altering its routes. Expand Close A man holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A man holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as people celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY India's aviation regulator has not issued formal instructions to airlines yet but has held meetings with those concerned and advised them to remain vigilant and take precautions, an official said. Singapore Airlines Ltd said after the attacks that all of its flights would be diverted from Iranian airspace. Malaysia Airlines said it did not fly over Iraqi airspace and would re-route to avoid Iran as a result of the attack. Taiwan's China Airlines said it would not fly over Iran or Iraq because of the tension. Expand Close A woman holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as they celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A woman holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, as they celebrate in the street after Iran launched missiles at U.S.-led forces in Iraq, in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY Australia's Qantas Airways Ltd said it was adjusting flight paths to avoid airspace over Iraq and Iran until further notice, adding up to 50 minutes to Perth-London flights and requiring it to reduce passenger numbers to carry the necessary fuel. Dubai-based Emirates Airline and flydubai each canceled a return flight to Baghdad on Wednesday after Iran's missile attack and said it would make further operational changes if required. Qatar Airways said its flights to Iraq were operating normally. Korean Air Lines Co Ltd and Thai Airways said they had been avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace before the attack on U.S. troops. OPSGROUP, which advises airlines on security, said the new U.S. airspace bans were "significant", particularly given that the entire overwater airspace in the region is now unavailable. Expand Close Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ari Jalal "Flights headed to/from the main airports in the region such as Dubai will now need to route through Saudi Arabia's airspace," it said on its website. An international aviation team has been activated to support "effective coordination and communication" between airlines and countries as tensions mount in the Middle East after a U.S. drone strike killed an Iranian military commander, global airlines body IATA said on Tuesday. Airlines and the U.N. aviation agency have started to monitor strategic airspace over Iran and Iraq. With some commercial carriers still serving those countries and others flying over their airspace, the International Air Transport Association also issued a statement reminding countries of their obligation to communicate potential risks to civil aviation. "It is critical that states live up to this obligation as tensions in the Middle East rise," the group said, days after the killing of Iran's General Qassem Soleimani on Friday plunged the region into a new crisis. The coordination team operated by IATA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was activated as a "standard precautionary measure," in the event that contingency measures are required by airlines, IATA said in a statement to Reuters. The team brings together airlines, regulators and air navigation service providers to ensure any potential risks to aviation are shared quickly, an industry source familiar with the group said. Three boats capsized and sank Saturday during a catfishing tournament on a north Alabama lake, but no injuries were reported, authorities said. The boats were participating in the annual Winter Blues on Wheeler tournament on Lake Wheeler. They capsized shortly after setting out from Ingalls Harbor in Decatur. High winds caused swells of up to 7 or 8 feet, authorities told news outlets. It was just not a good time to be out in the water this morning, Michael Overall with the Morgan County Rescue Squad told WAAY-TV. When you look at the water and it looks like the back side of the ocean, you might just want to stay in the house for a little while. Six boats were missing when the rescue squad was called around 5 a.m. Saturday. All the boats were located but three had sunk. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Alabama STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Officials arrested the husband of Staten Island Mob Wives star Drita DAvanzo in connection to a major drug bust that took place in New Jersey, the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office announced on Tuesday. Lee DAvanzo, 52, was arrested and charged in connection to Operation on the Ropes, a year-long investigation that busted a total of 24 people in a ring that allegedly distributed marijuana and infused THC into popular candies, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said. DAvanzo, of Pleasant Plains, was charged with fourth degree conspiracy to possess marijuana and fourth degree possession of marijuana in excess of 50 grams, Gramiccioni said in a press release. It is not clear what role exactly DAvanzo played in the scheme. During the operation, prosecutors discovered a distribution network of THC-infused candies like Nerds Rope and Sour Patch, Gramiccioni said. The network operators used regular candy to further their scheme, buying hundreds of boxes of product from wholesalers before transporting it to a processing facility where they would unwrap the individual pieces of candy, lay it out on trays and then spray the candy with a concentrated formula of THC distillate,'' Gramiccioni said. "Once the THC dried on the candy it was repackaged as an illegal marijuana edibles product for distribution across New Jersey. The operation took place in a warehouse on Park Avenue in Manalapan Township, N.J. The packaging on this THC laced candy is almost indistinguishable from regular drug store candy," Monmouth County Chief of Detectives John G. McCabe said. Your kids may be getting high right before your eyes if you are not paying close attention. The Monmouth County Prosecutors office gave credit to multiple law enforcement offices on Tuesday including the Richmond County District Attorneys Office and the NYPDs 123rd Precinct. PREVIOUS RAID DAvanzo was arrested on Dec. 20 after the NYPD raided his home at 226 Woodvale Ave. When police entered the home then, detectives found two loaded firearms, one inside a bedroom and one in the kitchen, according to the criminal complaint. NYPD detectives found hydrocodone, a pain killer, and alprazolam, an anti-anxiety medication, in the couples bedroom, the complaint states. Detectives also found two scales, ziplock bags used for the purpose of unlawfully packaging a narcotic drug, a sum of United States currency and multiple cellular phones inside the home, the complaint alleges. Police recovered a large quantity of marijuana in the basement and in a kitchen cabinet that was accessible to their 12-year-old daughter, according to the complaint. After the December arrest, DAvanzo faced charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a firearm and endangering the welfare of a child. It is not yet clear if the raid and the New Jersey arrest are connected. PRIOR ARRESTS DAvanzo has served prison stints on numerous federal and state convictions. He was arrested in Operation Turkeyshoot," when four suspects were allegedly caught trying to break into the vault of a bank in New Springville in 2008. The evidence indicated that Lee and other suspects attempted to gain access by drilling through the walls of a neighboring building, according to Advance archives and documents previously filed in court by federal prosecutors. Lee was on federal probation at the time for similar crimes and he pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to 36 months to five years in state prison. In 2003, Lee was sentenced to 62 months in federal prison on a conviction of racketeering for multiple robberies, marijuana distribution, loansharking and money laundering. In that case, he was identified by prosecutors in court documents as a member of the New Springville Boys, a racketeering enterprise with connections to the Bonanno organized crime family. (Natural News) Theres still no formidable wall protecting Americas southern border from continued invasion, which means that migrants and refugees lets call these people what they really are: illegals continue to flood into our country like a broken fire hydrant. And some of them, disturbing new reports indicate, are bringing with them deadly Ebola infections that could create a national health nightmare. A case-in-point was a 41-year-old woman from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who died recently after entering the country via Texas. Border Patrol reportedly took the woman into custody after it was revealed that she had a pre-existing medical condition, after which she vomited before dying from acute kidney failure. Upon analysis, it was determined that the woman was infected with Ebola, a deadly illness that has the potential to snowball into a national or even global pandemic if it isnt quickly identified and quarantined. In this case, initial screening determined that this woman was sick, but for some reason she was cleared by on-site contracted medical personnel, and transferred to the Lincoln Juarez Bridge for additional immigration processing and overnight holding. The very next day, which just so happened to be Christmas morning, the woman began to suffer abdominal pain that eventually caused her to throw-up. Border Patrol immediately contacted emergency medical services (EMS), which came and transported the woman to the Laredo Medical Center for a medical evaluation, where she quickly died. The power of the elements: Discover Colloidal Silver Mouthwash with quality, natural ingredients like Sangre de Drago sap, black walnut hulls, menthol crystals and more. Zero artificial sweeteners, colors or alcohol. Learn more at the Health Ranger Store and help support this news site. The subjects health declined rapidly and she passed away at the hospital, according to reports, though the Webb County Medical Examiners Office (WCMEO) ruled the death as not suspicious since she had a pre-existing medical condition. But what this office and others involved failed to reveal was that this pre-existing medical condition was deadly Ebola, possibly out of fear that it might create mass panic. The Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a serious illness characterized by fever, severe vomiting and diarrhea, and, in severe cases, multi-organ failure requiring mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, warns the National Center for Biotechnology Information on its website. People who survive Ebola virus infection face a dramatically higher risk of dying probably from severe kidney damage within a year of leaving hospital, Reuters has also reported. It almost seems like the authorities WANT to trigger an Ebola pandemic Ebola is a pretty serious health condition, in other words, and one thats far riskier than, say, measles, which our government is constantly fear-mongering about in order to scare the American public into getting vaccinated or, in the case of California, using as an excuse to force people to get vaccinated. But somehow when it comes to illegal invaders, all bets are off as anyone is welcome by these same leftists into our country, regardless of their pre-existing medical conditions. Furthermore, nobody on the vaccine-loving left is calling for refugees and migrants to be forcibly vaccinated in the same way as California children are by vaccine liars like Richard Pan, who singlehandedly led the crusade to eliminate the Golden States religious and philosophical vaccine exemption provisions. Meanwhile, Ebola is spilling over in the United States and youd be hard-pressed to even learn about it from the mainstream media, let alone be informed about how to try to protect yourself from its deadly scourge. Somehow, its no big deal for illegals to bring deadly diseases into America, but if youre an American citizen who objects to mandatory vaccination, then the left wants to throw you in prison. CDC holds a patent on Ebola and new vaccine is big money maker, notes one Infowars commenter about the sinister nature of these latest developments. Let in a few infected people to scare everyone. Maybe they can legally force it on everyone if enough cases emerge. Cant trust them. For more related news, be sure to check out Deception.news. Sources for this article include: Infowars.com NaturalNews.com JAKARTA, Indonesia - Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Wednesday reaffirmed his countrys sovereignty during a visit to a group of islands at the edge of the South China Sea that China claims as its traditional fishing area. Widodo, accompanied by top military officials, toured Natuna Islands on a naval ship in a move designed to send a message to Beijing. Natuna is part of Indonesias territory, there is no question, no doubt, Widodo said in a speech after the trip. There is no bargaining for our sovereignty. He then presided over a meeting with local administration officials and fishermen, discussing issues including development of the remote islands, about 1,100 kilometres (680 miles) north of the capital, Jakarta. His visit came a week after Chinas foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang in a news briefing in Beijing insisted that Chinese fishermen are free to conduct activities in their traditional fishing ground, which partly overlaps with Indonesias exclusive economic zone. Whether the Indonesian side accepts it or not, nothing will change the objective fact that China has rights and interests over the relevant waters, Shuang said. Shuangs statement drew a nationwide indignation in Indonesia and prompted the military to beef up its forces at the islands. Although China has been making such claims for years, recently dozens of Chinese fishing boats, escorted by its coast guard vessels, were reportedly making more aggressive moves in the area and ignoring Indonesias warnings to leave. Indonesias military spokesman Maj. Gen. Sisriadi said scores of warships and fighter jets had been deployed to the area and the government would also to activate a maritime information centre as part of the countrys efforts to monitor foreign incursions. We are on full alert, said Sisriadi, who goes by a single name. Today, none of the foreign vessels has been detected violating Indonesias sea borders for fishing. Chinas nine dash line, which it uses to roughly demarcate its ambitions for maritime boundaries that cover most of the South China Sea, overlaps with a section of Indonesias exclusive economic zone extending from Natuna Islands. Indonesia, the worlds largest archipelago nation with more than 17,000 islands, has taken a tough stance against illegal fishing since Widodo took office in 2014. It has sunk more than 500 illegal fishing vessels since October 2014, many with explosives. China has been embroiled in territorial disputes with smaller neighbours including Vietnam and the Philippines over islands, reefs and lagoons in the South China Sea. Beijing has constructed seven man-made islands and equipped them with military airstrips and missile batteries in a move criticized by Washington as the militarization of one of the worlds busiest waterways. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his allies boasted Tuesday that they had rebuffed House Speaker Nancy Pelosis attempt to shape the Senate impeachment trial and mocked the Democrats tactics as a pointless waste of time. McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, announced that he had enough Republican support to begin an impeachment trial without deciding the matter of whether witnesses will be called. Democrats had pressured McConnell to reach an agreement on witnesses before a trial. McConnells campaign cast the Republican leader as the lead character in The Godfather Part II, tweeting out an image of McConnells face superimposed on Al Pacinos body, with a quote from the movie: My offer is this: nothing. The message from team McConnell to team Pelosi: You lost. Pelosi delayed sending the articles over to the Senate after the House impeached President Trump on Dec. 19, and still hasnt done so. She will huddle with House Democrats Wednesday morning to discuss next steps. McConnell himself referred to Pelosis tactic as an attempt to use what he described as mythical leverage. However, even though McConnell may have staved off the House push to accept witnesses before a trial begins, Democrats told Yahoo News that Pelosi's strategy has yielded a few benefits and was worthwhile. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. (Getty Images) First, top Democrats said, the chances of getting 51 votes in favor of witnesses during the Senate trial is greater after the break than it would have been if Pelosi had not delayed. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters Tuesday afternoon that he was cautiously optimistic that at least four Republicans would vote in favor of witnesses, saying there is a pretty decent chance of such an outcome. John Lawrence, a former chief of staff to Pelosi, told Yahoo News that Pelosi was never under the impression she had all the leverage over Mitch McConnell. Rather, Lawrence said, Pelosis goal was to play a more modest tactical game. It started a discussion in the country that focused on the fact that the president had failed to provide both witnesses and information, Lawrence said, Story continues Three weeks of debate over what a fair trial should look like was better, Democrats believe, than giving Trump a pass to simply blast away over the holidays on Twitter about how he believes he is innocent of any wrongdoing. And as the question of how the trial would be conducted stayed in focus during the break, a number of new developments took place: Additional e-mails came to light highlighting the Pentagons discomfort with Trumps actions, as did the news that the White House refuses to turn over 20 specific e-mails between White House aides about the withholding of military assistance to Ukraine. And then there was the announcement Monday by John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser, that he would be willing to testify in a Senate trial if subpoenaed. Bolton is one of four witnesses Schumer has said Democrats want to hear from in a trial. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks to reporters after a policy luncheon at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 7, 2020. (Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) The second benefit of Pelosis gambit, Democrats said, is that it has paid political dividends for their candidates who are running in competitive Senate races across the country. The national public focus on the question of a fair trial in the Senate has put vulnerable Republican incumbents running for reelection under a microscope and on defense. For example, Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo. one of the Republicans most in danger of losing his seat this fall to a Democrat has come under increasing scrutiny in his home state for avoiding questions about the impeachment trial. The Denver Post on Monday put a picture of Gardner on its front page under the headline, Gardner stays silent as Senate trial looms. In Arizona, Sen. Martha McSally is another Republican incumbent who is locked in a tight reelection campaign and has been running away from questions about whether she supports having witnesses in a Senate trial. Other Republican incumbents, such as Sen. Joni Ernst in Iowa and Sen. Thom Tillis in North Carolina, are also under pressure to answer to voters on this question. The consistent Democratic talking point is that a Senate trial will not be fair if Republicans refuse to allow witnesses and dont force the White House to provide documents relevant to the House investigation. Republicans up for reelection in swing states find it difficult to say they are against more information in a trial. However, McConnells inclination seems to be to hold a trial without witnesses. The question is whether he can do so while also protecting his vulnerable incumbents from tough votes on witnesses. Schumer vowed to force votes on witnesses in a floor speech on Tuesday morning. There will be votes at the beginning [of a trial] on whether to call the four witnesses weve proposed and subpoena the documents weve identified, Schumer said. Schumer pointed out that with Senate Republicans holding a 53-to-47 majority, it takes only four Republicans to approve witnesses. Four Republican senators at any point can compel the Senate to call the fact witnesses and subpoena the relevant documents that we know will shed additional light on the truth, Schumer said in his floor speech. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton. (Photo: Sergei Gapon/AFP via Getty Images) This tightening of the screws on a handful of Republican senators is helpful to Democrats hopes of retaking control of the Senate. The issue is how much, and on that question, not all Democrats agree. One Democratic chief of staff told Yahoo News that the votes over whether to have witnesses in the Senate trial will be the equivalent of a vote on whether to go to war. But one veteran Democratic consultant close to Democratic leadership said that overestimating the importance to voters of partisan wrangling over impeachment was the result of being in a D.C. bubble. Nonetheless, Joe Trippi, a Democratic campaign operative, pointed out that Bolton is writing a book that is supposed to be published at some point before the election this fall. One thing Republicans will have to weigh, Trippi told Yahoo News, is the possibility that Bolton has explosive details to share that will be in his book. Aides to Bolton who worked for him in the White House have already told the House impeachment investigators that Bolton called Trumps scheme to pressure Ukraine into investigating Joe Biden a drug deal. If the book comes out and Bolton says he would have shared these details in a Senate trial, but Republicans voted to block him from testifying, that may hurt the GOP in the days leading up to the election, Trippi said. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Are you lost in the wild? Sorry, but the page you're looking for has not been found Try checking the URL for errors, goto home or try to search below. If Meghan Markles debut ensemble for 2020 is anything to by, there is an exciting fashion year ahead. After a six-week break to enjoy some private family time, Britains Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their return to public life, with a brief appearance at Canada House; a savvy PR move in order to thank the Canadians for their recent hospitality. They requested to meet with Janice Charette, Canada's High Commissioner to the UK, as well as staff to "thank them for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay". The Sussexes managed to keep much of the details of their trip secret and it was only after speculation in a Sunday newspaper that Buckingham Palace confirmed they were enjoying respite in the country. Expand Close Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex depart Canada House on January 07, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex depart Canada House on January 07, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) And it was only when music producer David Foster, a former reality TV star whose fourth wife Katherine McPhee knows Meghan since their high school days, let the cat out of the bag about the private Vancouver Island mansion they rented that any real information about their trip became available. But it was, for better or worse, Meghans outfit choice that attracted the most attention. Her style choices are dissected by journalists, bloggers and commentators around the world and Fashionista.com summarises her appearance in their aptly titled series Meghan Markle wore a thing. It was a welcome change to the familiar, a nod to the days of her engagement tour with Harry in 2017: her bust-length hair, with its trademark middle part, worn in boho waves in contrast to the overly coiffed styles she was shoehorned into after her wedding. We began to see this return to form in late last year during her South Africa tour, during which she made it clear she would be listening to herself and raging against the royal machine. Tonal browns are famously difficult to pull off, as any stylist will tell you, but she did so effortlessly in a Massimo Dutti polo neck knit and brown satin midi skirt. Contrary to her usual coat-over-the-shoulders style, she embraced a more down-to-earth approach by simply wearing her camel Reiss wrap coat, before eventually carrying it in her arms on exit. Video of the Day Usually, royals forego coats altogether if its a case of moving from car to venue, even in the depths of winter. In this case, a coat is more than just a coat. Its an opportunity to dispel pregnancy rumours. Its an upscale British high street label not already owned by Kate Middleton. Its the display of a relaxed woman on a mission with some New Year joie de vivre. Expand Close Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Catalyst Inc science park in Belfast, Northern Ireland March 23, 2018. Niall Carson/Pool via REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Catalyst Inc science park in Belfast, Northern Ireland March 23, 2018. Niall Carson/Pool via REUTERS Some eagle-eyed fans noticed she was also perspiring, adding that extra dose of humanity to arguably the most famous woman in the world. Her decision to recycle a pair of velvet Jimmy Choo pumps, first worn on a surprise trip to Belfast during her engagement tour, and a pair of Catherine Zoraiada earrings from the early days of her relationship are a conscious choice. The only hint of royal traditionalism was a pair of flesh-coloured tights, reportedly a non-negotiable fashion requirement Queen Elizabeth imposes on all senior female royals. 2020 is a difficult one for the Sussexes - already, Buckingham Palace has refused to comment on speculation theyre moving to Canada after their recent time there. They are bolstering their respective lawsuits against various media organisations: Harry is suing The Mirror and The Sun for alleged phone hacking and Meghan is suing the Mail on Sunday, accusing the newspaper of breach of copyright for publishing a private letter she sent to her father Thomas Markle. They are trying to carve out a suitable path for themselves in public life, capitalising on their global fame and satiating their ambitions, while focusing on being new parents to their baby son Archie. At least it wont be boring. Iranian state television on Wednesday claimed that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed after Tehran launched 15 missiles on US targets in Iraq. The state media also added that none of the missiles were intercepted, reported Al Jazeera. Adding that US helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged", the media outlet, citing a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) source, said that Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sight if the United States took any retaliatory measures. This comes after Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq last Friday. His death marked a dramatic escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, that have often been at a fever pitch since Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact powers struck with Tehran. Iran has threatened to strike inside America if the US responds to the missile attacks. . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (ANSA) - Vatican City, January 8 - Pope Francis made a fresh appeal for people to welcome asylum seekers that arrive via sea in his first weekly general audience in the Vatican on Wednesday. The head of the Catholic Church also expressed support for Australia, which has been ravaged by unprecedented bush fires, and faithful from the conflict-hit Middle East. "May the Lord sustain us in our own trials and open our hearts to those who today experience shipwreck and arrive on our shores," the pope said during a lesson on Saint Paul' shipwreck in Malta. "May they find in us that fraternal love born of our saving encounter with Jesus Christ". He also asked the faithful to pray to God to help the Australian people "in this difficult time" and greeted Arabic-speaking pilgrims, especially those from Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and other parts of the Middle East. "In the saddest moments of our lives, in the most distressing, testing times, we must not be afraid to be bold like Paul was, because God watches over us and is always close to us," he said. Independent MP Zali Steggall said the bushfire crisis is an opportunity to shift the debate over climate change to set goals for action across the nation before threats become overwhelming. Ms Steggall, who snatched the seat of Sydney seat of Warringah from former prime minister Tony Abbott at last May's election, is planning to draw up a private climate change bill to put before Parliament. Independent federal MP Zali Steggall says the "dysfunction" within the federal Coalition over climate change means "we're not preparing for that problem". Credit:Rhett Wyman "What we're hearing from the community is a high level of anxiety" over the bushfires scorching much of Australia, she told the Herald on Wednesday. "If this wasn't a national emergency, what would it take to become a national emergency?" While much of the country had endured extreme weather conditions during 2019 - Australia's hottest and driest year - worse was to come even if global greenhouse emissions growth slowed. "We have certain impacts locked in for at least 10 years," Ms Steggall said. Washington lawyer and legal scholar Allan Gerson helped to pioneer the practice of suing foreign governments in US courts for complicity in terrorism, representing victims families in the aftermath of the Lockerbie bombing and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Gerson, who has died aged 74, was an author, private-practice lawyer, former professor at George Mason University and deputy assistant attorney general under president Ronald Reagan, known for representing victims of human rights abuses and terrorist attacks. He also distinguished himself as a photographer, with work collected at the International Photography Hall of Fame Museum in St Louis, and as a jewellery designer who turned some of his images into brooches. The son of Jewish refugees from Poland, he came to the United States under a false name in 1950 and later identified as a former dreamer, likening himself to the roughly 700,000 undocumented immigrants who arrived in the country as children and may soon be subject to deportation under the Trump administration. As a young Justice Department trial lawyer, he pursued Nazi war criminals who had immigrated to the US, later rising to become senior counsel to two US ambassadors to the United Nations (UN), Jeane Kirkpatrick and General Vernon Walters. Throughout, he maintained that the law had a decisive role in public policy and international affairs a belief that drove his decade-long fight for justice for the victims of Pan Am Flight 103, which exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, on 21 December 1988, en route to New York from London. The bombing killed all 259 passengers and crew, along with 11 people on the ground, and remains the deadliest terrorist attack in British history. Among the victims were 189 Americans, including many study-abroad students from Syracuse University. Gerson launched what began as a seemingly quixotic legal effort, seeking to obtain compensation for victims families from the government of Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi, which was accused of carrying out the bombing. His work spurred new legislation that paved the way for lawsuits against countries including Syria, Cuba, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Libya, where a legal team negotiated a $2.7bn settlement in 2003 for the Lockerbie bombing. Gersons work on the case emerged out of a 1992 opinion article he wrote in The New York Times, calling for the UN to create a claims commission to compensate survivors families using Libyan assets. His article caught the attention of Bruce Smith, a former Pan Am pilot whose wife was killed in Lockerbie and who retained Gerson in an effort to bring the UN proposal to fruition. That idea never took off, leading Gerson to launch his campaign to sue Libya for damages a gambit that tested the centuries-old doctrine of sovereign immunity, in which governments are effectively considered above the law, not subject to civil suits or criminal prosecution without their consent. It was also unusual in that Gerson was representing just one of the victims relatives, Smith, with other families taking part in a suit charging Pan Am with negligence for failing to detect the bomb. Gerson partnered with a recent law school graduate, Mark Zaid, and filed suit in a federal court in New York in 1993. By then, he had been forced out of the Washington office of Hughes Hubbard and Reed, where a colleague was hired to take on Gaddafi as a client, resulting in a conflict of interest. Their case proved unsuccessful amid sovereign immunity concerns. But as it proceeded, Gerson and Zaid embarked on a new tack, drafting and championing what became the 1996 Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act, which enabled lawsuits against countries designated by the State Department as state sponsors of terrorism. The legislation was signed into law after another terrorist attack, the 1995 bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After Libyan intelligence officer Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi was convicted of the Lockerbie bombing in 2001, a civil suit against Libya moved ahead, resulting in $10m compensation for each victim, paid out over several years from an escrow account in a Swiss bank. In 2016 congress overrode president Barack Obamas veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, which carved out further exemptions to sovereign immunity and enabled 9/11 victims families to sue Saudi Arabia for its alleged support for the 2001 attacks. Recommended On the 30th anniversary of Lockerbie justice has yet to be done Allan Gerson was born in Samarkand, then part of Soviet Uzbekistan, in 1945. His parents had spent part of Second World War in Siberian labour camps and moved south to get closer to the British mandate of Palestine. His father had previously worked as a book-keeper at his familys candy store in Zamosc, Poland, and his mother was a dressmaker. They moved to a displaced-persons camp in Germany, where they adopted a false identity, Blumstein, to receive immigration visas belonging to another family that had decided to move elsewhere. Gerson studied economics at the University at Buffalo in New York, graduating in 1966. He received a law degree from New York University in 1969, a master of laws degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1972 and a doctor of juridical science from Yale University in 1976. He joined the Justice Department as a trial lawyer the next year and eventually moved to the Office of Special Investigations, where he pursued former Nazi criminals. Many were deported through civil proceedings. Gerson was named Kirkpatricks senior counsel in 1981 and later chronicled those years in a book, The Kirkpatrick Mission: Diplomacy Without Apology (1991). He was later a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the Council on Foreign Relations, and wrote books including Israel, the West Bank and International Law (1978) and Privatizing Peace: From Conflict to Security (2002) with Nat Colletta. Gerson developed close relationships with some of the families of the Lockerbie bombing victims and discussed their plight in The Price of Terror (2001), written with the journalist Jerry Adler. The book also covered the legal drama surrounding the terrorist attack, looking somewhat optimistically towards the future. Terrorists who might be undeterred by the threat of American military force, the authors wrote, must now weigh the possibility of retaliation by the worlds largest contingent of lawyers. He is survived by his wife and three children. Allan Gerson, lawyer, born 19 June 1945, died 1 December 2019 Washington Post In the days since the US military killed Qassem Suleimani, Irans feted top security official, Irans leaders have repeatedly threatened retaliation. Yesterday, they volleyed ballistic missiles at two bases that house US troops in Iraq. No casualties were reported. On Twitter, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Irans foreign minister, said his country had concluded proportionate measures in self-defense, and insisted Iran does not want further escalation. President Trump, for his part, tweeted that all is well! Sources close to the president told Maggie Haberman, of the New York Times, that hes looking for an off-ramp from the escalating tensions. But who knows what to believe anymore? In recent days, even senior US officials have seemed unsure as to what their plan actually is. On Monday, things came to a head after an American general informed Iraqs military of a planned US withdrawal from the country in a letter that leaked to the press. Mark Esper, the US defense secretary, and Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hurriedly assembled reporters, denied knowledge of the letter, and denounced its contents. They walked off, but Milley quickly returned with an update: the letter was a draft, he said, and should never have been sent. (Heres the bottom line, he told reporters. This was a mistake.) Members of the press were scathing of the confusion. The military news site Task & Purpose called it a monumental screw-up; on MSNBC Monday night, Rachel Maddow said it was absolutely mind-bending. The letter was authentic, Maddow said, and yet Pentagon officials tried to basically play it off like this was a goof, a fat-finger errorOops, I meant to hit delete, and I hit forward! Despite Milleys clarification, the mess deepened yesterday. The government of Iraqwhich has been clear that it wants foreign forces gone from its soilsaid the US couldnt just take the letter back. Its not like a paper that fell out of the photocopier, Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraqs acting prime minister, said on state TV. ICYMI: Does the media capital of the world have news deserts? At least Esper and Milley tried to keep reporters in the loop, to the extent that there was one. In the Trump era, the Pentagon has made a habit of keeping reporters in the darka worrying trend thats often been overshadowed by worse behavior at the White House. Last May, CJRs Andrew McCormick reported that the Department of Defense hadnt given a formal on-camera briefing in a year, and that off-camera gaggles with reporters had decreased in frequency, too. (Former Pentagon officials told McCormick that its current press strategy is a dereliction of duty.) True to form, on Friday, as questions swirled in the aftermath of the Suleimani strike, there was no on-camera briefing. Paul Rieckhoff, who founded an organization for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, called that fact a terrible, outrageous and unprecedented way of freezing out the press & keeping information from the American people. And from the families of our troops. Things have gotten a little better since then. Esper held an on-camera briefing yesterday. Over at the State Department, Mike Pompeo, the secretary of State, did likewise. While State briefings have also thinned during the Trump presidency, the department has a slightly better transparency record than the Pentagon and the White Houseand unlike some other officials, Pompeo, since his appointment, has appeared often on news shows that arent on Fox. (He toured all of the Sunday shows this past weekend.) Providing information, however, is a baseline requirement, and is not worthy of praise when much of the information is of questionable accuracy. As Aaron Blake, of the Washington Post, wrote yesterday, Pompeo has a history replete with bending the facts to suit his boss, President Trump, dating back to his previous job as CIA director. At his press conference yesterday, Pompeo chided reporters for obsessing over the claimwhich he himself made, without publicly providing any evidence for itthat Suleimani was plotting an imminent attack on US interests. Theres still no evidence. Stephanie Grisham, the White House press secretary, also tried to deflect the imminence question yesterday: I know a lot of people are questioning the intel, she said. Thats really unfortunate. Grisham was talking on Fox News, which you may have guessed for yourself; she doesnt do much talking anywhere else. Today is the 303rd day since the last on-camera White House press briefing; Grisham, who replaced Sarah Huckabee Sanders somewhere in the middle of that period, hasnt held one at all. On Monday night, Anderson Cooper wrapped up his CNN show with a scathing monologue about Grisham: Yes, he said, your taxpayer dollars are indeed paying Ms. Grisham to avoid you, ironically like its her job. Cooper asked his viewers if they could pick Grisham out of a lineup. (It pictured Grisham next to the Republican politician Ronna McDaniel and Stefanie Powers, the actress from Hart to Hart.) Sign up for CJR 's daily email Its important to remember that the damage Grisham is doing is not merely passive; she often bashes the reporters shes supposed to be providing with reliable information. Last night, after Irans strikes, she attacked CNNs Jeff Zeleny and Kaitlan Collins for reporting (scare quotes hers) that preparations were afoot for Trump to address the nation. This, Grisham said, was never true; Trump then announced he would make a statement to the nation this morning. CNNs PR team said Grisham was completely out of the loop in her own shop. Grisham is not the only informational problem at the White House, of course. Yesterday, Britains Channel 4 News asked Kellyanne Conway about Trumps stated threats to hit cultural sites in Iran, which would be a war crime. Are you speaking in hypotheticals? she snapped back. I gotta deal in reality today. (Yes, really.) Also yesterday, Trump met at the White House with a Saudi defense minister. The Saudis told us that, not the USa fact that Jonathan Karl, president of the White House Correspondents Association, called disturbing. Incompetence, deceit, stonewalling, and malice are all very bad things in isolation. Mix them together and throw them into a fast-moving military crisis, and the consequences can be deadly. Irans strikes last night cost no lives, and both sides might back down, for now. But the potential for future escalation remains. This administrations terrible record with the truth only heightens it. Below, more on Trump and Iran: Other notable stories: ICYMI: Sleepwalking into 2020 Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. Press Release January 8, 2020 Statement of Sen. Sonny Angara on the bushfire crisis in Australia We offer our prayers for Australia as it copes with one of the worst bushfires in the country's history. Our heart breaks as we witness the scope of the devastation. The impact of the fires on the Australian wildlife, the images of which have been seen by the entire world, has left us all with mental and emotional scars that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. We laud the wildlife welfare organizations for its efforts to help the injured animals and join in the appeal for donations to support the work they are doing. What is taking place in our regional ally is a harsh reminder of the stark reality of climate change and its effects on all of humanity. Temperatures are rising in many parts of the world and this poses a threat on the environment as we have seen in the case of Australia. We need to treat this phenomenon seriously and take the necessary steps to address the situation, no matter how big or small these may be. The survival of nations depends on this. Over 2,000 homes have been destroyed and lives have been lost due to the wildfires. We pray that the evacuees will be able to return to their normal lives soon. For over 7 decades since diplomatic relations were established between our two countries, Australia has always been there for the Philippines whenever calamities strike. Now at its time of need, the entire Philippine nation stands behind its ally Australia. WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sixty-four percent (64%) of voice search users have accidentally accessed their voice assistant in the last month, according to The Manifest, a small business news and how to website. Nearly half of these false positives (49%) were triggered by users pressing the wrong button on their smart speaker or mobile device, resulting in embarrassing and awkward social situations. 64% of voice search users have accidentally accessed a voice assistant in the last month Top Ways People Accidentally Accessed Their Voice Assistant For example, Minnesota State University senior Joshua Liljenquist faced embarrassment after Siri accidentally turned on during a class. "A wrinkle in my jeans must have set off Siri My face turned bright red and I wanted to grab my things and sprint out of the classroom," said Liljenquist. Voice assistants can also be unintentionally turned on in other ways. The Manifest found that users also experience unwanted interactions with voice assistants when: Their device "thinks" it hears its name (29%) They talk about the voice assistant without requesting it (26%) They say a similar name (e.g., Alex for Alexa) (20%) Most People Experience Frustration With Voice Technology Frustrations with voice technology are common. Only 5% of people say they never get frustrated with their voice assistant whether it's on a mobile device or smart speaker. These frustrations may happen when users unintentionally turn on their voice assistant. Frustrations may also arise when people receive unhelpful voice search results. Despite recent advancements, voice search can only answer certain types of questions accurately. "Voice search is not perfect, just as any search is not perfect," said Andrew Selepak, director of MAMC Social Media . "The thing to remember is that voice search can handle who, what, when, and where questions but is still limited and unable to really handle why and how questions." Industry Leaders Aim to Alleviate Users' Voice Search Frustrations Industry leaders such as Google and Amazon are working to address common frustrations with voice search. In 2019, Google released an update to BERT, its algorithm that improves the search engine's ability to process the user intent behind search queries. In 2018, Amazon revealed that it does alter its advertisements for the Amazon Echo to prevent accidentally triggering viewers' "Alexas." Frustrations persist with voice technology, but experts are hopeful it will improve in 2020 and become more popular. "I think by the end of 2020, we will have seen that tipping point where more searches are done with voice than with [typed queries]," said John Foster, CEO of Aiqudo . "Once it happens, people won't go back. It's not like people will do half their searches with voice and half with text." The Manifest's survey included 501 voice search users in the U.S. Read the full report: https://themanifest.com/digital-marketing/resources/siri-alexa-fails-frustrations-with-voice-search For questions about the survey or a comment on the findings, contact Toby Cox at [email protected]. About The Manifest The Manifest is a business news and how-to site that compiles and analyzes practical business wisdom for innovators, entrepreneurs, and small and mid-market businesses. Use The Manifest as an approachable tour guide through every stage of the buyer journey. With three main offerings data-driven benchmarks, step-by-step guides, and agency shortlists The Manifest strives to make your business goals a reality. Contact Toby Cox [email protected] 202-905-0610 SOURCE The Manifest Related Links https://themanifest.com The story-within-a-story element to Drew and Jot enables Baltazar to play with his art style. To illustrate the pages drawn by the kids, he scanned ruled notebook paper to use as the background of the boys sketchbooks, then he drew some elements in crayon and scanned that too. Its an idea thats been in the works for about 15 years, since his son was a baby. I wanted to see if I could whip up a comic while my son was still napping, so I got notebooks and markers and crayons and challenged myself. I drew it real fast, in like an hour and a half. Bharat Bandh 2020: The nationwide strike call given by a total of 10 central trade unions have evoked a mixed response in most states of the country, except parts of West Bengal, Kerala and Telangana. Banking and roadways services were partially affected as members of trade unions joined the strike but most services have not been affected. Earlier, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi supported the Bharat Bandh 2020 call given by the trade unions. Rahul slammed the Modi-Shah government for "anti-people, anti-labour policies", which he says, have created "catastrophic unemployment and are weakening our PSUs to justify their sale to Modi's crony capitalist friends". Overall, around 25 crore people were expected to take part in the strike -- as per the union bodies' claims -- but the effect on the ground does not seem to resonate the same. Follow BusinessToday.In for all the latest updates on Bharat Bandh on our live blog 1.18 PM: Protesters block a railway track in Amritsar during Bharat Bandh call by ten trade unions. Punjab: Protesters block a railway track in Amritsar during #BharatBandh call by ten trade unions https://t.co/DhtkLCjiFC pic.twitter.com/lZfdAWygXd ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 1.15 PM: Roadways employees affiliated with CITU participated in the 'Bharat bandh' in Rajasthan. "Of the total employees, there are nearly 3,000 employees affiliated with CITU in roadways who are participating in the Bharat bandh. The strike's impact is on buses' operations in Churu, Ganganagar, Sikar," says Kishan Singh Rathore, General Secretary of Rajasthan Roadways Workers' Union (CITU). 12.51 PM: Mining activities in Jharkhand affected due to the general strike on Wednesday, claimed trade union leaders, even as officials asserted that situation was normal in the sector. The strike, however, did not impact normal life in the state with public transport plying as usual and markets and other commercial establishments operating normally. -- PTI 12.40PM: Congress, left leaders taken into custody for participating in general strike in Andhra Pradesh: Leaders of the Congress, CPI and CPM were taken into custody as they staged a sit-in protest on the highway outside the RTC bus station in Vijayawada. CPI state secretary K Ramakrishna condemned his arrest and that of CPM and Congress leaders in Vijayawada. "We have called for the bandh only to protest the anti- people policies of the BJP-led Central government but police are displaying overzealousness," he said. 12.35PM: Bharat Bandh impact on BJP-ruled Tripura: Banks and offices of financial institutions remained shut in most places on Wednesday. However, train services and vehicles operated as usual. Also, shops and markets remained open in most parts of the state. Police said no untoward incident was reported from any part of the state. Several BJP-backed organisations were, however, out on the streets against the strike. 12.32PM: Protesters block railway blocks in Amritsar Punjab: Protesters block a railway track in Amritsar during #BharatBandh call by ten trade unions https://t.co/DhtkLCjiFC pic.twitter.com/lZfdAWygXd ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 12.29PM: Images of Bharat Bandh protests in Delhi. A protest march underway in Delhi. Ten trade unions have called for #BharatBandh today against 'anti-worker policies of Central Govt' pic.twitter.com/9izGlmbAvp ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 12.26PM: Clash erupted allegedly between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Students' Federation of India (SFI) workers in Burdwan. #WATCH West Bengal: A clash erupted allegedly between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Students' Federation of India (SFI) workers in Burdwan during the Bharat Bandh called by ten trade Unions against 'anti-worker policies of Central Government' pic.twitter.com/G9WFzmVUYQ ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 12.24PM: Trade union stike near total in Kerala: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) did not operate city and long distance services. Very few private vehicles and autorickshaws were seen plying on roads. Shops and business establishments were also shut across the state despite the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, an organisation of traders, stating that they would remain open. The Mahatma Gandhi, Kerala and Kannur universities have postponed various examinations scheduled for Wednesday. 12.00PM: Tepid impact of Bharat bandh in Karnataka: In Karnataka, there were seen no severe impact of the trade union strike. State's government buses, including Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) were plying as usual, train services remained unaffected.Schools, colleges and business establishments also functioned. However, In Mangaluru, inter-state services of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation were suspended. Some miscreants pelted a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus with stones in Madikeri town in Kodagu district this morning. 11.55AM: Punjab and haryana severly impacted due to 'Bharat bandh' Representatives of trade unions and roadways unions held protests at several places, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Bathinda in Punjab and raised slogans against the government in support of their demands. There were reports that some factory workers were stopped from going to work by representatives of trade unions in Jalandhar. Public transport services at a few places, including Ludhiana in Punjab, were affected. In Haryana, though a faction of Haryana Roadways had announced to join the strike, public transport services were not affected much, barring a few places including Sirsa. Heavy police force was deployed at several bus depots in Haryana and Punjab to ensure smooth movement of buses, officials said. In Patiala, a student body held protest outside the Punjabi University against the Centre. 11.52AM: A bus vandalised in Cooch Behar during the Bharat Bandh. #WATCH West Bengal: A bus vandalised in Cooch Behar during the Bharat Bandh called by ten trade Unions against 'anti-worker policies of Central Govt' pic.twitter.com/Cc3ksWndL2 ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 11.45AM: Bharat bandh gets mixed response in Rajasthan: The nationwide strike call given by 10 central trade unions evoked a mixed response in Rajasthan. Banking and roadways services were partially affected as members of trade unions joined the strike. A demonstration was held in front of the LIC Building in Jaipur. Rajasthan roadways employees affiliated with CITU also participated in the 'Bharat bandh' 11.18AM: Banking services impacted due to Bharat Bandh: Bank employees have extended support to the nationwide strike call given by 10 central trade unions, according to news agency PTI. "We have been opposing government policies on bank merger, privatisation, fee hike and other wage-related issues," AIBEA general Secretary C H Venkatachalam said. All India Reserve Bank Employees Association (AIRBEA) and All India Reserve Bank Workers Federation (AIRBWF) and some insurance unions have also extended support to the strike. 11.11AM: Images of protest march against central government's 'anti-people' policies in Kerala Kerala: A protest march underway in Thiruvananthapuram. Ten trade unions have called for #BharatBandh today against 'anti-worker policies of Central Govt' pic.twitter.com/Mviv6LqE9q ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 11.08 AM: Many private as well as government schools have been shut and universities have also postponed exams that were slated for today due to the nationwide January 8 strike called by trade unions and bank unions. The reason behind these strikes according to the trade unions is the 'anti-people' policies brought in by the Central government. Apart from the JEE Main 2020 exam, the university level exams have been postponed. 10.43 AM: Several Left leaders have been arrested in Andhra Pradesh. Protestors stopped state-owned buses and blocked roads across Vijayawada, Guntur, Ongole, Visakhapatnam, Kadapa and among other towns. 10.20 AM: Images of protest at Mount road in Chennai. Ten trade unions have called for Bharat Bandh today against 'anti-worker policies of central government'. Tamil Nadu: Protest underway on Mount road in Chennai. Ten trade unions have called for #BharatBandh today against 'anti-worker policies of Central Govt' pic.twitter.com/ifheq1x66Q ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 10.05 AM: Puducherry is seeing a complete shutdown in wake of Bharat Bandh; transport services have been majorly hit. Inter-state buses are not plying. Markets to also remain closed. 10.01 AM: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited employees protest against Govt decision of strategic disinvestment of Bharat Petroleum. The government has been planning to divest its 53 per cent stake in Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) at the earliest to bridge the fiscal deficit and meet the disinvestment target. Mumbai: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited employees protest against Govt decision of strategic disinvestment of Bharat Petroleum pic.twitter.com/njOzme48KC ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 9.40 AM: Salute the protestors, says Rahul Gandhi The Modi-Shah Govts anti people, anti labour policies have created catastrophic unemployment & are weakening our PSUs to justify their sale to Modis crony capitalist friends. Today, over 25 crore workers have called for #BharatBandh2020 in protest. I salute them. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 8, 2020 9.34 AM: As part of the protest, the Congress workers have blocked a railway track at Bhubaneswar in Odisha. 9.20 AM: Protests have erupted in many parts of West Bengal. CITU members blocked a goods train near the Durgapur railway station. 9.10 AM: A North Bengal State Transport Corporation(NBSTC) bus driver wears a helmet in wake of protests during Bharat Bandh called by 10 trade unions against 'anti-worker policies of central government'. Siliguri: A North Bengal State Transport Corporation(NBSTC) bus driver wears a helmet in wake of protests during #BharatBandh called by ten trade unions against 'anti-worker policies of Central Govt' #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/ZCbe7uRq4m ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 9.03 AM: Railway track blocked in Kanchrapara Protesters also block railway track in Kanchrapara, North 24 Parganas. The CPI on Monday urged people to support the January 8 all-India strike. "We appeal to people to see through diversionary and divisive tactics of the government and make the proposed strike and bandh a success," CPI General Secretary D Raja said. West Bengal: Protesters also block railway track in Kanchrapara,North 24 Parganas. Ten trade unions have called for #BharatBandh today against 'anti-worker policies of Central Govt' https://t.co/NkSTHTirXv pic.twitter.com/bbTf9Xydhh ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 9.00 AM: Protesters block railway track in Howrah: Ten trade unions have called for Bharat Bandh today against "anti-worker policies" of the central government. West Bengal: Protesters block railway track in Howrah. Ten trade unions have called for #BharatBandh today against 'anti-worker policies of Central Govt' pic.twitter.com/4mp64db6ik ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 8.52 AM: What about UPTET and JEE Mains exams? In case of UPTET 2019 and JEE Mains 2020, there is no official notice regarding postponing the exams as of now. The exams are expected to be conducted as per the schedule. It is also suggested that students do check for traffic snarls due to the Bharat Bandh. The UPTET exam was originally scheduled to be held on December 22, but it was postponed due to the protests against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). 8.47 AM: Are schools going to be close tomorrow? No school holidays have been announced yet due to the bandh. However several exams could be affected due to the protest call given by the trade unions. The UPTET 2019, JEE Mains and ICAR NET exams are slated to take place today. According to the official notification by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), the ICAR NET 2019 will be conducted between January 8 and January 10 across the country. The examination scheduled today will be postponed only in case of "unforeseen circumstances". If the examination on January 8 is not conducted in case of any untoward law and order situation, then it would be conducted on January 11. However, the examination venue, slot and timing of the examination would remain unchanged. 8.42 AM: Are banks also participating in strike? According to a statement by the Indian Banks' Association (IBA), six bank unions have decided to partake in the January 8, 2020 Bharat Bandh. Banking services such as ATMs and branch services are expected to be affected by this strike. Online transactions such as NEFT, IIMPS won't be affected. The bank workers are protesting against the merger of public sector banks. Also read: Bank strike on January 8: ATMs, branch services likely to take a hit 8.37 AM: Govt warns employees over strike call In an official notification, the DoPT also stated that any central government employee going on strike in any form will have to face the consequences that can not only include deduction of wages but also disciplinary action as per the guidelines. Also read: Bharat Bandh 2020: Here's all need to know about date, timing, workers' demands and more 8.35 AM: Will Central govt employees take part in Bharat Bandh? The Central government employees will not be a part of this strike as the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has expressly prohibited the Central government employees from partaking in "any form of strike including mass casual leave, go slow, etc". 8.33 AM: Trade Unions partaking in Bharat Bandh 2020 The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), United Trade Union Congress (UTUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC). 8.29 AM: What CITU says on Modi govt's policies The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) says the government is failing to handle economic issues and is busy in privatising and selling PSUs (Public Sector Units). This pace of privatisation and selling of PSUs is detrimental to the national interest and national development. 8.15 AM: Why trade, bank unions have called for Bharat Bandh According to the trade unions protesting against the government, these 'anti people' policies include the massive disinvestment of PSUs, privatisation of state-owned entities, the 100 per cent sale of Air India and some reform policies. According to the claims of the trade unions, approximately 25 crore people are set to participate in the January 8 nationwide strike. SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq In retaliation for the killing of Iran's Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired dozens of ballistic missiles at two US military bases in Iraq. No causalities have been reported. In the early morning of Jan. 8 local time, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq, Jonathan Hoffman, assistant to the secretary of US Department of Defense for Public Affairs, said in a statement. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Erbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. The Iraqi military tweeted that 22 missiles hit the country, 17 of which targeted the Ain al-Assad air base in western Iraq's Anbar province. Another two fell near the Hitan area west of Hit city and didn't explode. Five missiles hit Ebil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq. The military statement did not identify the location from which the missiles were launched. The missiles targeted a US military base near Erbil International Airport, but one of the rockets fell short of the airport and did not explode. Another fell near the town of Bardarash, 70 kilometers (43 miles) north of Erbil and 32 kilometers (20 miles) northeast of Mosul. Spokesperson of the Kurdistan Regional Government Jotyar Adil told Al-Monitor that no casualties were recorded. However, the Iranian Fars News Agency, citing IRGC intelligence, reported, Some 80 US army personnel have been killed and nearly 200 more wounded in Iran's Wednesday missile attacks," and "Some 20 sensitive sites in this base were struck by 15 missiles, resulting in the destruction of a considerable number of drones and helicopters." KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani tweeted shortly after the attacks that he had a telephone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, saying that he suggested ways to de-escalate and contain the situation. We remain committed to talking to all sides, to de-escalation, and to the restoration of peace and security, Barzani tweeted later on Wednesday. My government has a duty to defend the Kurdistan Region and its peoples and to ensure we do not become part of the current instability. We will do everything we can to keep our region secure. On Wednesday Barzani, President Nechirvan Barzani and parliament speaker Rewaz Faiaq convened in Erbil and discussed the situation. The KRG Department of Foreign Relations tweeted that the Kurdish leaders emphasized deep concern over rising tensions and [the] KRG's position on the need to de-escalate. Need coalition support to continue fighting [the Islamic State]. The Iranian missiles seem to have been fired just to soothe the angry Iranian people and restore Tehran's pride. Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi said in statement that prior to the attacks, Iranian officials had verbally informed him of their intention to respond to the killing of Soleimani and that he had warned Iraqi troops of coming attacks. Irans Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif tweeted that Iran is not seeking war with the United States. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression, he wrote. The Kurdistan Region has not taken any side in the conflict between the US and Iran. By targeting a US base in the Kurdistan Region, Tehran wants to drag the Kurdistan Region into an unwanted war, and [could] attack the region if the situation further escalates into a war on the ground, Kamaran Mantik, a political science professor at Salahadin University, told Al-Monitor. Iran would target US bases throughout Iraq and Syria. The Iranians would not stop at launching some missiles against US targets but seek to enlarge the conflict into a total proxy war by Iranian-backed militia forces in order to limit the US military presence in the Middle East. Mustafa Gurbuz, a non-resident fellow at the Arab Center Washington, told Al-Monitor, Tehran fears that with the current mayhem, Kurdish independence from Iraq may be approved by Washington and Kurdish leaders may get popular support as the Iraqi state has failed them. So Irans message to Kurds is clear: Do not use this as an opportunity to declare independence. This is also a warning to Iranian Kurds. Irans Kurds and their relations with the state has always depended heavily on Tehrans perception of the threat of ethnic separatism. So an independent Iraqi Kurdistan would be a major catalyst for a push for the same in Iranian Kurdistan, right next to the border, he added. Soleimani payed a major role in maintaining the power balance between the main Kurdish ruling parties and securing Irans interests in the region. By targeting the US bases in the region, Iran wants to remind the Kurds that aligning with the United States would open the gates of hell for them. An overwhelming majority of voters want Boris Johnson to take urgent action to fix the social care crisis. A poll found almost three- quarters believe that the issue should be a high priority for his new government. It was ranked top of a list of problems needing action and has also been the focus of a Daily Mail campaign to end the neglect of families living with the burden of dementia. A poll found almost three- quarters believe that the issue should be a high priority for his new government Mr Johnson has pledged to tackle the crisis but is yet to set out details. When asked about key policy issues, social care was ranked the most important as 73 per cent of voters said it should be a high priority. In the poll for think-tank Bright Blue, it topped climate change (64 per cent), air pollution (64 per cent) and pension reform (58 per cent) while childcare and universal credit were each picked by 55 per cent. The topics of race and gender bias, and the integration of migrants were both chosen by 52 per cent. Most voters 57 per cent expected the Tories to fulfil their manifesto pledges to raise the national insurance threshold to 12,500, while 52 per cent believed the national minimum wage will rise to 10.50. Meanwhile, 54 per cent think the vow to cut the number of low-skilled immigrants will be achieved. But there was more scepticism about other election pledges as 68 per cent said they did not expect the Tories to end rough sleeping and 51 per cent were unconvinced there will be 50,000 more nurses. Meanwhile 54 per cent doubted the entire roll-out of fibre broadband will be carried out. Some 57 per cent believed employment levels will be steady or rise in the next five years, with 70 per cent expecting wages to be maintained or grow. It was ranked top of a list of problems needing action and has also been the focus of a Daily Mail campaign to end the neglect of families living with the burden of dementia However, 71 per cent warned that they did not believe crime levels would improve and 72 per cent did not think the national debt would be reduced. Those who voted Tory at the election saw it as a Brexit party (34 per cent). But backers of other parties suggested it was elitist and far-Right in the poll of 2,003 adults carried out by Opinium in late December. During the election campaign, Mr Johnson gave voters a cast-iron guarantee that he will have a long-term plan for social care in place within five years. The Tory manifesto set out a three-point blueprint to tackle the problem, but was criticised for lacking detail. Bright Blue director Ryan Shorthouse said Mr Johnson now needs to earn the trust of first-time Conservative voters by achieving more than just Brexit. James Crouch, of Opinium, said: Mr Johnson will need to work hard to maintain the trust of the Northern working-class voters who elected him. More than 364,000 readers have signed the Mails petition to end the dementia care costs scandal, in which many sufferers have had to sell their homes. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday reaffirmed the American government's support for Hong Kong's autonomy and called on the international community to condemn China over its "brutal treatment" of Uygur Muslims. At a Washington press conference, the top US diplomat attacked Beijing's policies against the Uygurs, who largely live in the Xinjiang autonomous region in China's northwest, as "part of the [Communist] Party's broader war on faith". "We are asking all countries, particularly those belonging to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League, to denounce the Chinese Communist Party's brutal treatment of Uygurs," Pompeo said. More than a million of the group have reportedly been sent to mass detention centres in Xinjiang. Luo Huining, head of the Chinese Hong Kong liaison office, with Chief Executive Carrie Lam on December 3. Pompeo derided Luo's expressed hope that China would return to the "right track". Photo: Handout alt=Luo Huining, head of the Chinese Hong Kong liaison office, with Chief Executive Carrie Lam on December 3. Pompeo derided Luo's expressed hope that China would return to the "right track". Photo: Handout Pompeo applauded a January 2 statement by Bahrain's Council of Representatives expressing "deep concerns over the inhumane and painful conditions to which Uygur Muslims in China are subjected". Bahrain appealed to the international community to "play its role and responsibilities, and save the lives of innocent Uygur Muslims". "The Chinese Communist Party is committing mass human rights violations and abuses against Uygurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and other Muslims held in detention in Xinjiang," Pompeo said at the conference. Commenting on China's recent appointment of Luo Huining as the head of the Chinese Hong Kong liaison office, Pompeo noted that Luo has "expressed hopes that Hong Kong will return to the right path". Story continues But "the right path, as I said before, is for the Chinese Communist Party to honour its commitment made to Hong Kong in the Sino-British Joint Declaration filed at the United Nations", the secretary said. He urged China to honour "the commitment that guarantees the territory's independent rule of law and freedoms that the Chinese living on the mainland unfortunately do not enjoy". "We will continue to work with Hong Kong and Chinese Communist Party officials to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong and Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy," Pompeo said. In November, US President Donald Trump signed into law the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, brushing off multiple warnings by China against the potential repercussions of such a move. Among other mandates, the law will allow Washington to suspend Hong Kong's special trading status if the city fails to retain a sufficient degree of autonomy under the "one country, two systems" framework in the eyes of the US State Department. The bill also empowers the State Department to sanction people deemed responsible for acts that undermine Hong Kong's autonomy from mainland China, and directs US officers not to deny visas to individuals who have been subjected to "politically motivated" arrests or detention in the city. In December, The Global Times, a state-run mainland newspaper, dismissed the US moves as a response to "China's rise as a threat and challenge". The US government's concerns led to it "launching a trade war against China and piling pressure on the country under the pretext of so-called human rights issues in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, so as to contain China's development", the newspaper said. Sign up now for our 50% early bird offer from SCMP Research: China AI Report. The all new SCMP China AI Report gives you exclusive first-hand insights and analysis into the latest industry developments, and actionable and objective intelligence about China AI that you should be equipped with. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2020 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2020. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. New Delhi: Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday said that Tehran has delivered a "slap in the face" of the United States. The statement from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei comes hours after a total of 22 missiles struck two bases housing US troops. "Iran is a peaceful country that does not seek escalation with any other nation. We are prepared to deal with the bullies of the world," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a speech broadcast live on state television. "Last night, a slap in the face was delivered," he added. Earlier in the day, the Iraqi military command said, Between 1:45 am and 2:15 am (2245 GMT and 2315 GMT) Iraq was hit by 22 missiles, 17 on the Ain al-Asad airbase and...five on the city of Arbil. It further added that the attack sites are being used by the US-led international coalition. There were no victims among the Iraqi forces, the military said. In the meantime, the Iranian state television said, 80 "American terrorists" were killed in ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq. On Tuesday, Iran's parliament passed a bill designating all US forces "terrorists" over the killing of a top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US strike last week. Also Read: 80 American Terrorists Killed In Missile Attacks On Military Bases In Iraq, Claims Iran State Media Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 04:54:07|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Forces of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government said on Wednesday that armed confrontations erupted with the Houthi rebels in the country's southwestern province of Taiz. "Clashes erupted with Houthi elements who were attempting to infiltrate into the (government) army sites located near the 40th Street, northeast of Taiz," the government forces said in a brief statement. "The clashes resulted in the killing of two Houthis and the injury of three others before their escape from the area," the statement added. No information, however, was given about casualties among the soldiers of the government during the exchange of fire. Earlier in the day, the government forces in Taiz announced downing of a Houthi drone flying over some military sites in the western part of Taiz. The city center of Taiz is currently under the control of the Yemeni government, while the outskirts of the city and areas in the countryside of the province are still witnessing armed confrontations between pro-government forces and the Houthi rebels. Yemen has been locked into a civil war since late 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels overran much of the country and seized all northern provinces, including the capital Sanaa. Analysts said oil markets remained focused for now on the precise nature of the targets in the attack. Tokyo: Oil markets calmed after on Wednesday after prices had jumped to their highest in months in the wake of a rocket attack by Iran on American forces in Iraq that raised the specter of a spiraling conflict and disrupted crude supplies. Prices gave up a large part of their gains after the early surges as analysts said market tension could ease as long as oil production facilities remain unaffected by attacks. Tweets by US President Donald Trump and Irans foreign minister also appeared to signal a period of calm - for now. Brent crude futures were up 97 cents, or 1.4 percent, to $69.24, after earlier rising to $71.75, the highest since mid-September 2019. West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed 82 cents, or 1.3 percent, to $63.52 a barrel. It earlier reached a high of $65.85, the most since late April last year. Irans missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq came early on Wednesday, hours after the funeral of Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the countrys elite Quds Force killed in a US drone strike on 3 January. Tehran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from Iranian territory against at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US-led coalition personnel, the US military said on Tuesday. Stock, currency and gold markets were also roiled by the attacks. Trump said in a tweet that an assessment of casualties and damage from the strikes was underway and that he would make a statement on Wednesday morning US time. All is well! Trump said in the Twitter post. Analysts said oil markets remained focused for now on the precise nature of the targets in the attack. The reality remains that there have been no reports of oil supply disruptions and these attacks were aimed at military installations in Iraq, said Victor Shum, vice president of energy consulting at IHS Markit in Singapore. So no immediate impact on oil supply but risks have certainly increased and the oil market is in a wait-and-see (mode) to see if this escalates further and if there is any collateral damage affecting oil supply, Shum said, adding the world is well supplied with oil at the moment. Iranian news agency Mehr said Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had targeted the base. Tehran had vowed retaliation for the killing of military commander Soleimani. The missiles hit their intended US targets in Iraq on Wednesday, Irans English-language Press TV quoted an unnamed source as saying. Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defense, Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif said on Twitter. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression, he added. Meanwhile, news of a jet crash in Tehran didnt disturb the return to calmer trading. Irans official news agency IRNA reported a Ukrainian airliner with at least 170 people on board crashed on Wednesday due to technical problems soon after taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini airport. Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is one of the most popular leaders in the world. Expectedly, content related to him never fail to create a stir online. Case in point, a recent picture of Trudeau has created a lot of buzz on social media. In the photo, he is seen with a salt-and-pepper beard and his new look has sparked a debate among people too. In the image, the 48-year-old can be seen in a deep thought. It was shared on Instagram by the Canadian PMs official photographer Adam Scotti on Monday. Trudeaus new look is also visible in a photograph shared by the prime minister himself on Twitter. This morning, @HarjitSajjan and I met with @CDS_Canada_CEMD & @DMDND_SMMDN to discuss the latest developments in Iraq. The safety & well-being of Canadians in the region is our top priority, and well keep monitoring the situation closely and encouraging de-escalation. pic.twitter.com/C3PUpUMFvR Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 6, 2020 There has been a flurry of comments after the pictures were shared on social media. While some users loved his new beard, others found a deeper meaning behind it. Love the beard. Hope you had a great vacation with the family. You deserved it, wrote an Instagram user. I think we can all agree that this is shocking, commented another. Leah Morrigan, a Toronto-based image consultant for men, told Global News that the beard gives Trudeau an air of maturity and experience. Canadian news portal CBC reported that the beard is also making Trudeau look like his father. Justin Trudeaus father late Pierre Trudeau was the 15th prime minister of Canada and a leader of the Liberal Party between 1968 and 1984. Justin Trudeau was first elected in 2015 and then re-elected as the prime minister of Canada in October 2019. Trudeaus Liberal Party of Canada won the parliamentary elections after a strong fight with the Conservatives. A Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 airplane with 180 passengers and crew on board crashed on Wednesday shortly after takeoff from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport. The plane which was Ukraine bound crashed due to technical difficulties, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency tweeted. However, there was no confirmation regarding the casualties. The report added that the Ukraine plane crash happened due to mechanical issues, however, it did not elaborate on the same. Meanwhile, an investigation team has been sent to the site of the crash in southwestern outskirts of Tehran, civil aviation spokesman Reza Jafarzadeh said. The Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 left Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport to reach Kyiv's Boryspil International Airport early Wednesday morning local time, website Flightradar24 showed. We are following reports that a Ukrainian 737-800 has crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran. #PS752 departed Tehran at 02:42UTC. Last ADS-B data received at 02:44UTC. https://t.co/qXWHUPGDTupic.twitter.com/vuAi6TOqTp - Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 8, 2020 Meanwhile, state television also reported that the plane crashed at 6:22 local time. It added that four helicopters and 22 ambulances had been dispatched to the crash site, however, the severe fire was hindered rescue efforts. Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iranian Emergency Organisation told state-run IRINN that the first responders are trying to rescue crash survivors. Airport's flight data showed a Ukrainian 737-800 flown by Ukraine International Airlines took off on Wednesday morning but stopped transmitting data to the air traffic controller (ATC) immediately afterwards, according to website FlightRadar24. "We are aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information," Boeing spokesman Gordon Johndroe told news agency Bloomberg. The Ukraine plane crash has come hours after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. These attacks came after the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike, which was ordered by President Donald Trump, on Friday. Boeing is already beleaguered by a spate of crashes that happened in October 2018 and last March. The disasters involving US manufacturer's 737 Max jet have claimed nearly 350 lives so far leading to the grounding of the said planes globally for 10 months. Meanwhile, ANI also reported that the Indian government has told all Indian airlines to avoid the airspace of Iran, Iraq and the Gulf due to the ongoing tension in the region. Photograph: Shawn Baldwin/AP A Republican president facing a tough re-election campaign and widely viewed as hopelessly out of his depth. Bureaucrats itching to turn US military firepower on a Middle Eastern regime they claim without evidence is plotting an imminent attack. Compliant sections of the media that put flag-waving jingoism ahead of skeptical scrutiny. So it was in late 2002, when President George W Bushs administration built unstoppable momentum towards invading Iraq, promising to destroy weapons of mass destruction (WMD) that never existed. Nearly two decades later the potential target is not Iraq but Iran, with many of the same concerns over false pretexts and official lies. The same people cheering on Trumps reckless, illogical escalation to war with Iran were the ones telling us that democracy would boom across the Middle East as soon as our cake walk invasion of Iraq was done, tweeted Chris Murphy, a Democrat on the Senate foreign relations committee. They were wrong then. They are wrong now. According to the journalist Bob Woodwards book Plan of Attack, Bush turned his attention to regime change in Iraq just two months after the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, telling the defense secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, Lets get started on this. Despite huge public protests, the war started in March. Saddam Hussein was toppled and captured but the WMD intelligence proved to be wrong. Years of violent insurgency and the rise of Islamic State left nearly 5,000 US service members and more than 100,000 civilians dead. It is now regarded by many as the greatest foreign policy blunder since the Vietnam war. Many senior figures in Washington are now worried the same dynamic is repeating itself. Leon Panetta, a defense secretary under Bushs successor Barack Obama, said: I think the one lesson weve learned from the wars of the 21st century is that theyre easy to get into but difficult to get out of. The wars weve seen have largely resulted from failed leadership and miscalculations, mixed messages and bad understanding of intelligence and, I think, the false hope that somehow wars could be won quickly. A lot of those elements are now playing out in the relationship between the United States and Iran. Story continues Trump stunned the world last week with his abrupt decision to order a drone strike that killed Irans top general, Qassem Suleimani, at Baghdad airport, plunging the US and Iran closer to war than at any point in the past four decades. The president claimed: Suleimani was plotting imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel, but we caught him in the act and terminated him. Related: Trump and Iran exchange new threats as US allies withdraw troops from Iraq Evidence for this imminent attack remains shaky and has been cast into doubt by US media reports. The official narrative was further undermined when Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraqs caretaker prime minister, said Suleimani was in the country to negotiate a de-escalation in tensions with Saudi Arabia. One of Powells successors as secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has repeatedly failed to give specific details. One of Cheneys successors as vice-president, Mike Pence, tweeted that Suleimani assisted in the clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. The claim has been debunked by fact checkers. Panetta added: They often say that truth is the first casualty of war but you could also say that truth may be the first casualty when youre leading up to war. I think theres a great deal of concern that the American people, and the world for that matter, is not getting the straight story about exactly whats happening. Historians hear echoes of the Bush administrations march to war. Jackson Lears, a history professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey, said: There certainly are echoes and continuities from the whole global war on terror ethos. The arguments employed 17 or 18 years ago are being dragged out and invoked again. Bush was egged on by Cheney, Rumsfeld, the CIA director George Tenet and neoconservatives intent on democracy promotion in the Middle East. Similarly, Trump appears to be under the influence of Pompeo and the defense secretary, Mark Esper. Supporters in Congress include Cheneys daughter Liz. George W Bush declares the end of major combat in Iraq in 2003, off the coast of California. Photograph: J Scott Applewhite/AP Before the Iraq invasion, parts of the US media were condemned for getting swept up in cheerleading the troops into battle. Judith Miller, an investigative reporter at the New York Times, wrote a series of articles since criticised for too unquestioningly promoting the administrations line about chemical and biological weapons and possible nuclear material in Iraq. This week, Miller, now an adjunct fellow at the Manhattan Institute thinktank, turned up to be interviewed on Fox News. Predictably, some of the conservative networks hosts have been fiercely defending Trumps decision. Some media outlets and some Democratic presidential candidates have been reluctant to describe the killing of Suleimani as an assassination. Glenn Greenwald, a journalist at the Intercept, tweeted in response: Nobody loves US militarism and violence more than US journalists. Its what gets their blood pumping. They demand people be killed. Theyre bloodthirsty. Even so, there are crucial differences this time. The Iraq war was launched against the backdrop of the 9/11 trauma, while the Iran confrontation is unfolding against the backdrop of Trumps impeachment. This presidents reputation for mendacity has ensured an extra level of skepticism in many media outlets. Panetta said: Theres a lot more cynicism about whats happening today and a lot more questions being raised, so there isnt as much flag-waving going on as there was at that time. I think the presidents going to have a much more difficult time trying to somehow unify the country behind this kind of war than what weve seen in the past. Questions over Sri Lankas law enforcement and judiciary have repeatedly cropped up during the conflict and after it on issues of accountability, but with mixed results. Editorial: Daily Financial Times, Colombo An independent and impartial judiciary is one of the cornerstones of a democracy. It is therefore deeply disturbing that the law enforcement and Judiciary are in danger of being discredited and side-lined due to political expediency, as seen over the past few days. It is vitally important in a democracy that law enforcement authorities, individual judges, and the Judiciary as a whole, are impartial and independent of all external pressures and of each other, so that those who appear before them and the wider public can have confidence that their cases will be decided fairly and in accordance with the law. When carrying out their judicial function, they must be free of any improper influence. Such influence could come from any number of sources. It could arise from improper pressure by the Executive or the Legislature, by individual litigants, particular pressure groups, self-interest or other judges, in particular more senior judges. Sri Lankas record on independent law enforcement and judiciary has been a lacklustre one for decades. Even when the 17th Amendment to the Constitution was introduced to assist the Judiciary to become independent, it was not fully utilised by the highest members of Government. In addition there have been instances when even a former Chief Justice has acknowledged he did not carry out his duties impartially. Questions over Sri Lankas law enforcement and judiciary have repeatedly cropped up during the conflict and after it on issues of accountability, but with mixed results. One important step forward was the 19th Amendment, which under the Constitutional Council provides a balance to appointments that could be made solely by the Executive, and the Judicial Services Commission that can intervene in some instances to support due process. In 2016 UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers Monica Pinto visited Sri Lanka, and in her report delivered subsequently to the UN Human Rights Council outlined a set of recommendations that the Government would do well to consider, if it is serious about improving the independence of law enforcement and the Judiciary. In the recommendations, Pinto said the Constitution should clearly and expressly recognise the fundamental principle of the separation of powers, establish checks and balances, and guarantee the independence of the Judiciary and the Courts, as well as of the legal profession. The report also said the Constitutional Council should set out and publish its rules of procedures, including the criteria used to evaluate candidates suitability for a given position, which should be scrupulously and consistently applied. The selection and appointment of judges of both superior and first instance courts should be transparent at all stages, and follow clear recruitment criteria, including technical requirements. Proper evaluation systems should also be established and published. The legality of investigations should be closely monitored through effective judicial oversight. This means the Attorney-General should issue clear and proper guidelines for the investigation of crimes and the prosecution of perpetrators, including victim-oriented protocols that respect womens and childrens rights. Specific guidelines should be developed for the effective investigation of gross violations of international human rights law and serious violations of international humanitarian law, and for the prosecution of perpetrators of such crimes. Without these and many other safeguards, judges and law enforcement will not be seen as independent and impartial. The fate of the Sri Lankan State will only continue to decline unless reforms are implemented. Justice must not only be done it must be seen to be done. Sparks flew in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday over the CAA with the opposition demanding a resolution against it and the AIADMK government putting up a strong defence of the law and hitting out at arch-rival DMK for 'backing' a 2003 amendment that envisaged NRC. The AIADMK, which supported the controversial citizenship bill in Parliament, asserted it would be the first to raise the voice in case even a single person from the minority community was affected if and when the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is implemented. While Leader of the Opposition M K Stalin (DMK) said the Citizenship Amendment Act has evoked nation wide protests, Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar blamed 'misinformation' campaign for the protests by minorities against CAA-NRC. "Nothing will happen that may impact the minorities. Amma's (Jayalalithaa) government is the guardian protecting the interests of minorities," he asserted. Earlier, Stalin raised the issue during zero hour and said the CAA has evoked nation wide opposition since it was not in tune with the "unity and integrity" of the country. He urged that a resolution he had proposed on the issue be taken up as had been done by the Kerala assembly last week. When the Speaker P Dhanapal said DMK plea was under his scrutiny and an appropriate decision will be taken, Stalin led his party members on a walk out. DMK's allies including Congress and IUML besides ruling party's ally M Tamimun Ansari followed suit. Later resuming participation, the DMK continued to raise the matter during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor's Address to the assembly. While Stalin and DMK deputy leader Duraimurugan insisted on a resolution, the government said no one's rights were infringed by CAA and pointed to the assurances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah that none in the country would be affected by it. Stalin said even those who had supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Parliament such as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy later turned against the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Responding, Udhayakumar said DMK had supported an amendment in Parliament in 2003 to the Citizenship Act. This tweaking envisaged the maintenance of a National Register of Indian Citizens by the Centre and setting up of a National Registration Authority. "You initiated it and now you blame the AIADMK," he said, seeking to turn the tables on the principal opposition party which has organised protests over the CAA-NRC in the state. Joining issue, Stalin said during those times, there was no issue of Muslims and Sri Lankan Tamil refugees getting excluded. In 2003, DMK was part of the BJP-led government at the Centre, Udhayakumar said and wondered why it did not oppose the move then. On the NRC, he said no order had been received mandating its implementation. "Even if such a directive is to come and when it is implemented, even if a single person from... the minority community is affected, the first voice against it will be raised by the AIADMK. Their rights will be protected. This is the truth," he said. When Stalin said he was talking about CAA, Udayakumar asked, "can you say that someone's citizenship rights was affected due to the Citizenship Amendment Act." Only new provisions have been added to the Citizenship Act through that amendment and no one's rights were taken away, he asserted. Blaming the Opposition, the Minister said they were trying to drive a wedge between people on the CAA and said the accusations against the amendment were "imaginary," sans any proof. A misinformation campaign was on in the social media vis-a-vis the CAA and the priority it bestows on some categories, the Minister said. In view of such factors, the minorities were protesting out of apprehension that their future may be affected. "The minorities will teach you a fitting lesson when they come to know about the true position," he told the DMK. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday there were no American casualties in the Iranian strikes on military bases housing U.S. tr... US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday there were no American casualties in the Iranian strikes on military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and that Tehran appeared to be standing down. This debunked Iranian claims that 80 US soldiers were killed in the missile strikes on the US bases in Al Asad and Erbil. No Americans were harmed in last nights attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties, Trump said in a White House address just after noon, Washington D.C. time. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases, Trump said. Our great American forces are prepared for anything. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces and an early warning system that worked very well, Trump said. Trump opened his speech by saying that as long as he remains US President, Iran will not be allowed to have a nuke. He then went to blame his predecessors, especially Barack Obama for providing the resources Iran used to build weapons and sponsor terrorism in the Middle East. Trumps full speech: Preamble: As long as Im president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Good morning. Im pleased to inform you, the American people, should be extremely grateful and happy. No Americans were harmed in last nights attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. Our great American forces are prepared for anything. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces and an early warning system that worked very well. I salute the incredible skill and courage of Americas men and women in uniform. For far too long, all the way back to 1979, to be exact, nations have tolerated Irans destructive and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East and beyond. Those days are over. Iran has been the leading sponsor of terrorism, and their pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens the civilized world. We will never let that happen. Last week, we took decisive action to stop a ruthless terrorist from threatening American lives. At my direction, the United States military eliminated the worlds top terrorist, Qassem Soleimani. As the head of the Quds Force, Soleimani was personally responsible for some of the absolutely worst atrocities. He trained terrorist armies, including Hezbollah, launching terrorist strikes against civilian targets. He fuelled bloody civil wars all across the region. He viciously wounded and murdered thousands of U.S. troops, including the planting of roadside bombs that maim and dismember their victims. Soleimani directed the recent attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq that badly wounded four service members and killed one American. And he orchestrated the violent assault on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. In recent days, he was planning new attacks on American targets. But we stopped him. Soleimanis hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood. He should have been terminated long ago. By removing Soleimani, we have sent a powerful message to terrorists: If you value your own life, you will not threaten the lives of our people. Irans hostilities substantially increased after the foolish Iran nuclear deal was signed in 2013, and they were given 150 billion dollars, not to mention 1.8 billion in cash. Instead of saying thank you to the United States, they chanted Death to America. In fact, they chanted Death to America the day the agreement was signed. Then Iran went on a terror spree funded by the money from the deal, and created hell in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Iraq. The missiles fired last night at us and our allies were paid for with the funds made available by the last administration As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behaviour. In recent months alone, Iran has seized ships in international waters, fired an unprovoked strike on Saudi Arabia and shot down two U.S. drones. Irans hostilities substantially increased after the foolish Iran nuclear deal was signed in 2013, and they were given 150 billion dollars, not to mention 1.8 billion in cash. Instead of saying thank you to the United States, they chanted Death to America. In fact, they chanted Death to America the day the agreement was signed. Then Iran went on a terror spree funded by the money from the deal, and created hell in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Iraq. The missiles fired last night at us and our allies were paid for with the funds made available by the last administration. The regime also greatly tightened the reins on their own country. Even recently, killing 1,500 people at the many protests that are taking place all throughout Iran. The very defective JCPOA expires shortly anyway and gives Iran a clear and quick path to nuclear breakout. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism. The time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China to recognize this reality. They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal or JCPOA The very defective JCPOA expires shortly anyway and gives Iran a clear and quick path to nuclear breakout. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism. The time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China to recognize this reality. They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal or JCPOA. And we must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place. We must also make a deal that allows Iran to thrive and prosper and take advantage of its enormous untapped potential. Iran can be a great country. Peace and stability cannot prevail in the Middle East as long as Iran continues to foment violence, unrest, hatred and war. The civilized world must send a clear and unified message to the Iranian regime: Your campaign of terror, murder, mayhem will not be tolerated any longer. It will not be allowed to go forward. Today, I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process. Over the last three years under my leadership, our economy is stronger than ever before, and Americas achieved energy independence. These historic accomplishments shades our strategic priorities these are accomplishments that nobody thought were possible and options in the Middle East became available. We are now the number one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere in the world. We are independent and we do not need Middle East oil. The American military has been completely rebuilt under my administration, at a cost of 2.5 trillion dollars. U.S. armed forces are stronger than ever before. Our missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast. Under construction are many, many hypersonic missiles. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it. American strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent. Three months ago, after destroying 100 percent of ISIS and its territorial caliphate, we killed the savage leader of ISIS, al-Baghdadi, who was responsible for so much death, including the mass beheadings of Christians, Muslims and all who stood in his way. He was a monster. Al-Baghdadi was trying again to rebuild the ISIS caliphate and failed. Tens of thousands of ISIS fighters have been killed or captured during my administration. ISIS is a natural enemy of Iran. The destruction of ISIS is good for Iran. And we should work together on this and other shared priorities. Eversource today (Dec.18, 2019) announced that current President of New Hampshire Operations Bill Quinlan will be promoted to President of Transmission and that Joe Purington will succeed Quinlan as the leader of New Hampshire operations. In his new role, Quinlan will oversee all operations and development of the energy company's transmission system in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, with a focus on facilitating the integration of new clean energy resources. Purington, currently Eversource New Hampshire's Vice President of Electric Operations, will become President of New Hampshire Operations on January 1, 2020. "I'm honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead Eversource's New Hampshire operations, continuing our important work to ensure that the people and businesses of the Granite State have the power they need for their everyday lives," Purington said. "At Eversource, we're focused on innovative solutions that lower costs for our customer, enhance reliability, and advance clean energy, and I look forward to working with our dedicated employees and stakeholders across the state to achieve those goals." Since joining Eversource in 2014 as Vice President of New Hampshire Operations, Purington has been responsible for overseeing Eversource's field and system operations, and for ensuring consistent approaches to engineering, construction, and maintenance of Eversource's electric distribution and transmission system. Under his leadership, the energy company developed a state-of-the-art control center, launched its troubleshooter program to strengthen rapid response during emergencies and outages, installed distribution automation and smart switch technology across the electric system to reduce the number and duration of outages, and created its successful Electrical Lineworker Certificate Program in partnership with Manchester Community College and IBEW. Purington previously served as Director of Electric Distribution at Central Maine Power (CMP), a business unit of Iberdola USA, as well as Director of System Operations for CMP, New York State Electric & Gas, and Rochester Gas & Electric. He earned a bachelor's degree from Southern New Hampshire University and an associate degree in applied science from Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute. Purington also serves on the board of Granite United Way. "I'm proud of all that we have accomplished since 2013 to better meet the needs of our customers in the Granite State, and I look forward to this new opportunity to help ensure that all of our customers benefit from a robust, reliable and resilient transmission system," Quinlan said. "From completing the restructuring of the electric utility industry and the sale of our generation facilities, to the installation of innovative technologies that enhance the reliability of our electric system and help support a clean energy future, we've made great progress over the last several years in New Hampshire." "Joe Purington's expertise and commitment to serving the people of New Hampshire has been integral to our efforts over the last five years, and I'm confident that the state will continue to benefit from his leadership for years to come," Quinlan added. Quinlan first joined Eversource previously Northeast Utilities in 1984, and gained extensive experience spanning across his career in the company's operations, policy, legal, regulatory, technology, and business development. Since becoming President of New Hampshire Operations in 2013, Quinlan led Eversource's efforts with the State of New Hampshire and other key stakeholders to reach a settlement agreement on the deregulation of the state's electric utility industry and establish an enhanced reliability program, then successfully oversaw the sale of the company's generation facilities; championed energy efficiency, battery storage, electric vehicles, and other clean energy innovations; and continued to demonstrate Eversource New Hampshire's leadership in employee volunteerism, economic development, and community engagement, including leading Eversource's partnership with Easterseals New Hampshire on their highly successful Walk+5K Run. Eversource (NYSE: ES) is New Hampshire's largest electric utility, serving more than 500,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns, and also supplies water to approximately 9,300 homes and businesses in Hampton, North Hampton and Rye. Eversource is proud to be recognized as the top contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. Recognized as the top U.S. utility for its energy efficiency programs by the sustainability advocacy organization Ceres, Eversource harnesses the commitment of about 8,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. For more information, please visit our website (www.eversource.com) and follow us on Twitter (@eversourceNH) and Facebook (facebook.com/EversourceNH). For more information on our water services, visit www.aquarionwater.com. CONTACT: William Hinkle 603-634-2228 william.hinkle@eversource.com Kaitlyn Woods 603-634-2418 kaitlyn.woods@eversource.com Since the couple announced their engagement in 2017, there have been questions about whether they would help to modernize the monarchy. Many Britons welcomed the idea that the royal family would have a senior member who called herself a feminist and spoke proudly of her biracial identity. They wondered whether she would continue to advocate for womens rights and other causes, or whether becoming a royal would compel her to rein in her activism. President Donald Trump and his top advisers are under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led to an American airstrike that killed t op Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Trump said Tuesday that his decision saved American lives and that members of Congress will get a briefing on the reasons for the U.S. attack. We saved a lot of lives, Trump said. They were planning something. So far, Trump and top national security officials have justified the airstrike with general statements about the threat posted by Soleimani, who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. But the details have been scarce. Hes no longer a monster. Hes dead, Trump said. And thats a good thing for a lot of countries. He was planning a very big attack and a very bad attack for us and other people and we stopped him and I dont think anybody can complain about it. Soleimani was targeted while he was at an airport in Baghdad with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a veteran Iraqi militant who also was killed. Trump said they werent in Baghdad to discuss vacation plans or visit a nice resort, but were there to talk over bad business. The lack of detail doesnt sit well with Democrats, who recall how President George W. Bush justified his invasion of Iraq by accusing Saddam Hussein of having non-existent weapons of mass destruction. Lawmakers in recent days have been pressing for more detail to explain why Trump ordered the killing a decision that previous administrations passed up because of fears it would unleash even more violence. Soleimani traveled frequently and relatively openly, with visits to Baghdad more frequent in recent months. He also often showed up in Syria, including along the border between Iraq and Syria. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have called on Trump to declassify the written notification he sent to Congress after the strike. The notification was required under the War Powers Resolution Act of 1973, which requires the president to report to Congress when American forces are sent into hostile situations. The president must come to Congress and present clear and compelling intelligence as to why the strike against Soleimani was absolutely necessary, Menendez said in a speech on the Senate floor. In the wake of all its misleading statements we must make clear to the administration that the president by himself does not have the authority to launch a war against Iran. Trump stressed that the strike was in retaliation for Iranian attacks and that the U.S. is prepared to attack again very strongly. He also said that while he eventually wants to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq, now is not the time because it would allow Iran to gain a bigger foothold there. Trumps top national security officials made several public appearances on Tuesday to further defend the strike. We had deep intelligence indicating there was active plotting to put American lives at risk, and Iraqi lives too, said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Asked if the threat was imminent in days or weeks, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said: I think its more fair to say days, for sure. Esper said the intelligence was precise razor thin. He said top Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate plus the chairmen and vice chairmen of the intelligence committees in both chambers were getting a classified briefing Tuesday afternoon on what led to the decision to kill Soleimani. He said other lawmakers will be provided general details about the attack. He said Soleimani was in Baghdad to coordinate additional attacks against the U.S. To somehow suggest that he wasnt a legitimate target, I think, is fanciful, Esper said. Democratic lawmakers are not yet convinced it was the right decision. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., called the U.S. strike on Soleimani a mistake and said I have yet to see how killing this man will prevent Iran from posing an even greater threat against the United States and our interests. In the wake of the killing, Iran has announced that it will no longer be bound by the 2015 nuclear agreement and vowed to retaliate against the U.S., its allies and American interests. Iraqs parliament also voted to expel U.S. troops from Iraq, which would undermine efforts to fight Islamic State militants in the region and strengthen Irans influence in the Mideast. Mumbai: Top Indian actress Deepika Padukone, who joined JNU students protesting against the government, drew calls on social media on Wednesday for a boycott of her upcoming film, as well as praise for being a rare Bollywood A-lister to stand up against a crackdown on dissent. Deepika Padukone stood silently behind students chanting anti-government slogans at New Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Tuesday evening, surprising many in a country where top film stars typically avoid politics. Her act of solidarity came after masked men wielding sticks and rods stormed the JNU campus on Sunday, injuring some 30 people. Students at JNU, regarded as a left-wing bastion, have protested for months against an announced fee hike as well as a new citizenship law, which critics say discriminates against Muslims and erodes Indias secular constitution. Students and some faculty blamed Sundays assault on the ABVP, which has denied these allegations, blaming left-wing groups for the violence. Pictures circulating online showing a solemn-faced Padukone standing behind an injured student leader, whose head was covered in a bandage, set off social media storm, raising calls for a boycott of her film Chhapaak (Splash), which is set to be released on Friday. #BoycottChhapaak was Twitters top trending topic in India on Wednesday, with more than 350,000 tweets on the subject. The film is based on the true story of a woman who survived an acid attack and re-built her life. What a brazen & cheap tactic to promote a film! wrote one Twitter user about Padukone. She chooses JNU where leftists who want to break India dominate! tweeted another. Some outspoken Bollywood figures lauded Padukone though, and vowed to support Chhapaak. Lets all those who stand against the violence go to @bookmyshow and show them, tweeted director Anurag Kashyap. Padukone, who starred in the 2017 action film xXx: Return of Xander Cage with Vin Diesel, does not appear to have made any statement on Tuesday. She was not available for comment on Wednesday, her spokeswoman said. The protests sweeping India in the last weeks have posed a dilemma for Bollywood, which has some big-name Muslim actors but is sensitive to the sentiments of the countrys Hindu majority. The reason why a whole lot of stars back away from making statements is because they are afraid of the consequences it will have on their films, said brand consultant and columnist Santosh Desai. To do this so close to a film is certainly risky. WILMINGTON, N.C., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and ahead of Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11, N2 Publishing has announced details of the company's 2020 philanthropic giving: $3 million in total, gifted to 19 nonprofits. This donation marks the fourth consecutive year N2 has contributed millions to the fight against what company leaders say is the greatest injustice of their lifetime modern-day slavery. From the streets of Bangladesh and Bangkok to those of small-town USA, labor and sex trafficking occur every day. Modern-day slavery is a reality that an estimated 40 million people are facing globally, and no state or country is left untouched. Through its corporate giving program N2GIVES , N2 Publishing plays the role of major donor for organizations that fight trafficking, with some focusing efforts overseas and others cracking down on modern-day slavery in U.S. communities. N2 seeks to support organizations led by those with "business minds and servant hearts," according to company leaders. The main factor in deciding which nonprofits to partner with is the overall impact on the lives of victims and those most vulnerable to being trafficked. This year's N2GIVES partners are: Agape International Missions, All God's Children International, A Safe Place, Asia's Hope, End Slavery Tennessee, Engedi Refuge, International Justice Mission, It's A Penalty, Love Justice International, One More Child, Real Escape from the Sex Trade (REST), Remember Nhu, Rescue:Freedom International, Restore NYC, Seattle Against Slavery, Selah Freedom, Shared Hope International, The Exodus Road, and Truckers Against Trafficking. "N2GIVES has played a significant role in freedom and rescue with our work here at The Exodus Road," said Laura Parker, co-founder and president of The Exodus Road. "Their generous annual donation has been significant for our field teams. It has helped to fund investigations and technology to support police in rescue missions all around the world. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and their commitment to leverage their influence and business on behalf of the most vulnerable." N2's singular philanthropic focus on funding human trafficking-related efforts can be linked to the personal passion of the national franchisor's co-founders, Duane Hixon and Earl Seals, and their families. Rebecca Hixon, Duane's wife, helped bring N2GIVES to life in 2016 and, as co-creator of the initiative, plays a leading role in the impact N2 has through its charitable giving. "With the creation of N2 Publishing's giving program, human trafficking has quickly become a cause that touches the heart of every N2 team member," Rebecca Hixon said. "As a for-profit company, we know the strongest role N2 can play is financially supporting the best nonprofits fighting for justice for victims and survivors of human trafficking. We believe we can see an end to modern-day slavery in our lifetime. That's why N2GIVES exists." 2017 marked N2's first year of formal corporate philanthropy through the N2GIVES initiative, donating $2.2 million to dozens of anti-trafficking nonprofits. In 2018, annual giving totaled $2.9 million, including the donation of a home now used as the first emergency shelter for victims of trafficking on the East Coast. Last year, giving increased to $3 million. With the 2020 donations, N2's total lifetime giving amount has exceeded $10 million all to support nonprofit partners that N2 leaders say are the best at what they do: rescuing and restoring the lives of countless victims worldwide. SOURCE N2 Publishing This past holiday season, not only did the best gifts come in small packages, but the real estate markets that were hottest with home buyers were modest in size and budget, realtor.com data for December shows. For the sixth month in a row, the Fort Wayne, IN, metropolitan area (population 419,453) held on to the top spot in realtor.com's ranking of the hottest markets for U.S. real estate. The ranking is based on the metros that get the most listing views, and where homes sell the fastest. "I'm not shocked," says Beth Walker, a real estate broker at Fairfield Group Realtors in Fort Wayne. "We continue to lead the pack as one of the most affordable places to live in the country." Plus, there are new amenities, including a riverfront park that just opened. There's plenty of development going on downtown, including millennial-friendly condo and apartment buildings that leave room for restaurants and breweries on the ground floor. But while homes are affordable in Fort Wayne, they're not so easy to get. Walker notes that homes listed around $150,000 get snapped up within a day or two, after a spate of biddingeven if they need some work. The suburbs offer more opportunities to get into new construction, but inventory is still low. Fort Wayne is not the only small real estate powerhouse; half of December's top 20 markets don't make it into the country's top 100 largest metros. That's the largest share of small markets in a December ranking, based on available data going back to 2013. And of those 10 top-ranked smaller markets, seven are in the Midwest, a region that's been getting more interest from budget-minded buyers. Among the larger markets, Phoenix, AZ, and Austin, TX, made a particularly strong showing. They leaped up 45 and 34 spots, respectively, from their ranking 12 months earlier. This illustrates the appeal of the Southwest, another budget-friendly region with good weather. "We're affordable, we're easy, we're sunshiney," says Kristy Ryan, a real estate agent at Re/Max Fine Properties in Phoenix. She describes the local real estate market as being "on fire." If its a single-family home in a good location, not on a busy street, in the suburbs or the city, its gone in one day," she says. "And a lot of the homes are selling off 'Coming Soon' signs" in the front yard. The most sought-after properties are $400,000 and under, often not even updated. Buyers are then making all-cash offers and bidding $10,000 to $20,000 over asking, then waiving contingencies and appraisals, she says. The demand is driven by a variety of buyersretirees, investors, and Californians fleeing high prices in their own state. Where once California dominated the hotness list with its biggest and priciest cities, the luster of those markets has dimmed. While the Golden State still has more markets in the top 20 than any other state, they're primarily midsize metros such as Modesto, Vallejo, Fresno, Stockton, Yuba City, and Bakersfield. But low mortgage rates are also allowing California buyers more options where they might have been priced out. The median listing price of the hottest California metros, which also include San Francisco and Sacramento, is $450,000, compared with the national median of $300,000. The hot list The post Bigger Isn't Better for the Hottest Markets in U.S. Real Estate appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Fakhri Vakilov-Trend: The first meeting of the Joint Uzbek-Tajik Demarcation Commission was held in the capital of Uzbekistan Tashkent, Trend reports citing the press service of Uzbekistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting approved regulatory and technical documents that are expected to provide the foundation for the demarcation of the Uzbek-Tajik border. The schedule for the commission meetings for 2020 was also agreed. Following the meeting, a corresponding protocol was signed. Trend recently reported that an interstate protocol on the final demarcation and delimitation of the border was expected to be signed in Tashkent, which will confirm the parties' full agreement on the clear passage of the border line. According to the State Committee for Land Management and Geodesy of Tajikistan, the length of the Tajik-Uzbek border is 1,332 kilometers. Of the total length, the river border is 105 kilometers, and land - 1,227 km. --- Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxri - The US launched two missile attackson Iran, which came shortly after the funeral service of Iran's fallen military commander Qassem Soleimani - The US has not confirmed any casualties, stating that it is still monitoring the situation to assess the damage - Iran has also threatened to attack states perceived to be on the side of the US, among them the UAE and Israel - Washington has sent more than 3,500 troops to Iraq as reinforcement as tensions continue to escalate Iran has fired more than a dozen missiles on two military bases hosting US troops in Iraq. The missiles were launched on Tuesday evening, according to the Department of Defence (DoD) in Washington. The missile attack came shortly after funeral service of Iran's military commander Qassem Soleimani (r). Photo: UGC. Source: UGC They have been interpreted as retaliation against President Donald Trump's administration after US forces killed Iran's military commander Qassem Soleimani. The Pentagon confirmed the attack but did not reveal whether or not there were any casualties on the US side. "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that the missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments," read a statement from Assistant to the Secretary of Defence for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman. In a tweet, early on Wednesday President Trump said he was closely monitoring the situation adding that the US had one of most impenetrable military bases in the world. "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties and damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement," Trump said in a tweet. Iran has threatened to unleash what it has termed as "hard revenge" and "a crushing responses" on the US for the death of Qassem Soleimani. Tehran has warned that it will attack Dubai, Haifa and Israel if Iranian soil is bombed. The US-Iran conflict has sucked in Kenya which has experienced a spike in al-Shabaab attacks targeting Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and US installations. Experts also project fuel prices may rise sharply due to the uncertainty facing the region. Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page Source: YEN.com.gh By Jon Healey After a U.S. drone blew up a top Iranian general last week, my 13-year-old son asked me if it was true that President Donald Trump was reinstituting the draft. Hed heard that online, as had many of his friends; in fact, so many internet users sought to check out what was happening with the draft that they brought down the website for the Selective Service System. Theres no indication that Trump is, in fact, planning to ask Congress to end the all-volunteer military and conscript young Americans again. The rumor that reached my son and his classmates was just a rumor or rather, fake news. That sort of thing might happen with any president in office, given the internets ability to spread outrageous news rapidly, regardless of whether its true. But one of the worst aspects of the situation were in right now is that the current president doesnt have the power to dispel the reckless speculation and fearmongering that arises during tense times. He just doesnt have the credibility. Trump is, after all, the guy who claimed he was preventing a war by engaging in an act of war. He followed that up over the weekend with over-the-top threats against Iran and Iraq, saying that the U.S. would exponentially expand its response (and commit war crimes) if Iran retaliated against the U.S. for the drone strike and that the U.S. would not comply with an order to remove its troops from Iraq unless Iraq repaid us for the multibillion-dollar airbase we built there. As weve seen repeatedly since January 2017, Trump is the anti-Teddy Roosevelt. He speaks loudly and doesnt use the stick he brandishes. Sometimes, the simple act of making a threat works for example, he bullied a handful of U.S. allies into agreeing to alter their trade deals with the United States. But the bigger the stakes, the less effective the tactic appears to be. Witness the lack of progress in the talks with North Korea. Just to be exceptionally clear, Im not arguing that Trump needs to carry out the threats he makes in order to restore his credibility. His threats are the problem, not the lack of follow-through. But Trumps history of empty threats is just part of the issue. The bulk of his credibility problem is the relentless spouting of half-truths, untruths and who-knows-whether-its-trues. The Washington Posts tally of Trumps misleading and false statements hit 15,413 in mid-December, which translates to 15 per day hes been in office. So when the administration refuses to divulge the imminent threat that prompted the drone attack on Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Trump doesnt get the benefit of the doubt. We dont reflexively assume hes protecting intelligence sources; we wonder if Trump simply took the most headline-grabbing option in front of him. Its well documented that Soleimani was responsible for multiple attacks on U.S. forces and interests; the former commander of U.S. forces in Iraq once called him a truly evil figure. But we dont assure ourselves that he was killed at this particular moment because he was on the verge of committing another attack; we wonder if Trump was trying to shift attention away from his impeachment. Regardless of whether you think killing Soleimani was a good thing, its undeniable that the president has steered us to the brink of war with Iran. At a time like this, Americans crave an administration thats as forthcoming as it can be about its thinking and the risks we face, and that has a track record of believability. Instead, were left in a fog of tweeted threats from a president who started squandering his credibility the day after his inauguration. The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Ralph Chapa helps solidify what a Michigan insurance agent's duties should entail, referencing landmark cases. FARMINGTON HILLS, MI / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / The year was 2006, and certain aspects of insurance law in Michigan were under scrutiny. Ralph Chapa poised the question: "What happens when a policyholder suffers a loss that is not covered on their limited policy?" Ralph Chapa goes on to explain that in many cases, people that are insured will attempt to place the blame on the insurance company, or the insurance agent who sold them their current policy. He goes on to explain that despite this, Michigan law at the time did not require insurance agents to advise insureds in this capacity, regarding the adequacy of the policy they were purchasing. Ralph Chapa then brings up two important cases that helped solidify the courts' decisions in this matter: Bamal Corp. v. Chassis Powder Coating, Inc. (the more recent court case), and Harts v. Farmers Insurance Exchange (which initially set forth the test that was later applied by the Bamal Corp. v. Chassis Powder Coating, Inc. case). Ralph Chapa goes on to reference a third case, which took place earlier than the afore-mentioned cases: Bruner v. League Gen. Ins. Co., which had set the previous precedent for how the courts viewed insurance agents' duties regarding advising insureds on their policies. According to Ralph Chapa, this case established the precedent that "an agent owed no duty to recommend coverages until a "special relationship' existed". The nature of a "special relationship" was described thusly: "a special relationship existed either by an express agreement or when a long-established relationship of entrustment from which it clearly appears the agent appreciated the duty of giving advice, and compensation for consultation and advice was received apart from the premiums paid by the insured". Ralph Chapa points out that this was the norm until the Harts v. Farmers Insurance Exchange case in 1997, which fundamentally changed the way a relationship between the insured and an insurance agent is viewed. According to Ralph Chapa, The Court, in this case, established the ruling that "an insurance agent owes no such duty to an insured", and further clarified that "the agent functions as simply an order taker for the insurance company". Ralph Chapa wraps up by pointing out that these cases did not answer one important issue: "does the same standard of care imposed upon insurance agents govern insurance counselors?", and concludes that until the courts make a solid ruling on this subject, an insurance counselors duties would still be up for debate. Ralph C. Chapa, partner, Kaufman, Payton & Chapa, is an aggressive, experienced litigator. His practice concentrates on insurance coverage and commercial litigation, as well as professional, premises, products and general liability. CONTACT: Caroline Hunter Web Presence, LLC +1 7865519491 SOURCE: Web Presence, LLC View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572459/Ralph-Chapa-Informs-of-Reinforced-Insurance-Agent-Duties By PTI NEW DELHI: The NIA filed a charge sheet on Wednesday against 11 accused in connection with its probe in the "Ansarullah" terror module case of Tamil Nadu, the federal probe agency said. The prosecution complaint was filed before a special court in Chennai and the agency had pressed charges under the IPC (for criminal conspiracy) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against the accused, an NIA spokesperson said. The case pertained to an instance where the accused and their associates while being in the UAE, "conspired and conducted religious classes with the objective of establishing Islamic rule in India through violent jihad and by promoting unlawful activities", he added. Those named in the charge sheet are -- Hassan Ali, Harish Mohammed, Mohammed Ibrahim, Mohammed Sheik Maitheen, Meeran Ghani, Gulam Nabi Asath, Ahmed Azarudeen, Toufiq Ahmed, Mohamed Ibrahim, Mohammed Afzar and Farook. Hassan Ali and Harish Mohammed were arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from Tamil Nadu in July last year, while the rest were apprehended here after being deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A probe in the UAE and within the country "established that the accused had formed a pro-jihadi group or jamaat under the leadership of Mohammed Ibrahim in the UAE and organised meetings and classes at various places in the UAE and India on topics such as jihad and khilafat, besides against democracy in India," the NIA spokesperson said. The accused had an "intention of establishing Islamic rule in India through violent jihad and by promoting unlawful activities", he added. Hassan Ali, Harish Mohammed, Mohammed Ibrahim, Meeran Ghani and Ahmed Azarudeen "were associated with the proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS", the agency alleged. The NIA had also carried out raids in Tamil Nadu last year in connection with the "Ansarullah" terror module case. As the "criminal conspiracy" was hatched and a considerable part of these acts was committed in the UAE, the probe was continuing against the other accused -- Rafi Ahmed, Munthasir, Umar Barook, Moideen Seeni Shahul Hameed and Faizul Sharief (all deported from the UAE), besides Seyyed Mohammed Buhari and Divan Mujipeer, who were residing in Tamil Nadu -- the agency said. Who believes Trump? Trump orders the killing of an Iranian general. Theres no doubt this general was guilty of many murders against Americans. Yet one wonders about the sudden timing and reason for this assassination. Some administration officials say it was because of imminent threats, though no proof is offered. Others say it was because of future threats, though again no proof is offered. Vice President Pence says the killing was carried out because Iran was behind the 9/11 attacks, which U.S. intelligence experts brand a complete lie. Fifteen of the 9/11 terrorists were from Saudi Arabia, a key enemy of Iran. Trump did not inform Congress but did tell Sen. Lindsey Graham. He still has offered no information about the imminent threats he insists are credible. Trump State TV, which always screams about the deep state, has suddenly found that the intelligence communitys findings are truthful. Does Trump think this killing will alter Iranian threats? Why should we believe President Liar-in-Chief (15,000-plus lies) who has previously said the FBI and State Department are part of the deep state and cannot be trusted because theyre out to get him? Now, suddenly, these same people are credible? Jeff Sipes assumes newly created role leading corporate Strategy and Business Development RESTON, Virginia, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bechtel, a global leader in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), has established the corporate Strategy and Business Development group to bring an enterprise-wide focus to the customer experience, grow business development talent and accelerate the pursuit of new market opportunities. Jeff Sipes, a business development executive at Bechtel, has been appointed to lead the new organization. The Strategy and Business Development (S&BD) group will be responsible for developing a global approach to customer engagement, marketing, and growing new businesses, as well as the training of business development professionals. The group will direct strategic planning and analysis of global markets, trends, and emerging opportunities, and lead a renewed effort to nurture long-term relationships with customers. "We are excited to welcome Jeff into this new role leading the corporate Strategy and Business Development function, which we created to ensure that we maintain the highest standards in serving our customers, winning new work, and building high-quality businesses in new markets," said company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brendan Bechtel. "This new corporate function will help represent the company with a single voice externally. This team will provide a lot of value where opportunities exist between or across the seams of our existing business lines. We have high confidence that this group will have a positive impact on the customer experience, the growth of high-quality EPC backlog, and overall company performance." As global manager of Strategy and Business Development, Sipes has joined the executive leadership and serves on Bechtel's operating committee. He reports to Bechtel President and Chief Operating Officer Jack Futcher. "At Bechtel, we value delivering on our commitments and we value our customers even more," said Sipes. "I am thankful for the opportunity to work with Bechtel's global business development team to expand our relationships with stakeholders and deepen our commitments to the communities we serve." Most recently, Sipes was the global manager of marketing and business development for Bechtel's Oil, Gas & Chemicals (OG&C) business unit. He joined Bechtel in 2014 in OG&C's Tanks business line and became its general manager in 2015. He was elected a Principal Vice President in 2015. Prior to joining Bechtel, Sipes worked as an executive at Chart Industries and at CB&I, where he spent 20 years in various roles in the U.S., South America and Asia. Sipes holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Texas Tech University. He was elected to the Texas Tech Civil Engineering Academy in 2010 and serves as an ambassador for the school's International Experience Program. About Bechtel: Bechtel is a trusted engineering, construction and project management partner to industry and government. Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries, on every continent, that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world safer and cleaner. Bechtel serves the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Oil, Gas & Chemicals; and Mining & Metals markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. www.bechtel.com Media contact: Corey Dade cadade@bechtel.com Office: +1 (571) 262-7067 Mobile: +1 (571) 283-9363 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/326556/bechtel_logo.jpg Indigenous rock art has been destroyed after a recycled plastic walkway melted, causing an explosion during a bushfire in 2018. The destruction at Baloon Cave at Carnarvon National Park was not spoken about publicly until now, at the request of elders to allow the community to grieve the loss. Hafted stone axe and hand stencils before the bushfire that destroyed the Baloon Cave in Queensland in 2018. Credit:Dale Harding The walkway was placed in an effort to prevent further vandalism but the cave's viewing platform and walkway were burnt to the ground. Rock art ancient paintings and engravings are irreplaceable visual records of global human history. IRGC Official Says Iran in 'High State of Alert' After Soleimani Killing Sputnik News 01:24 08.01.2020 TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran is in a "high state of alert" in the wake of the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by the US and is ready to strike US and European bases in the Middle East if need be, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps official Maj. Gen. Mortada Qurbani said on Tuesday. "Mr. [US President Donald] Trump, Europe and the US, we are in a high state of alert to destroy your bases in the region and humiliate you," he said. He noted that "Trump was too young" to undermine Iran and the IRGC using US weapons and equipment. "This is also within the highest authorities' decision-making, and we are only in the Revolutionary Guard Corps, but the response will be until the end," he said, asked about the degree to which Iran would respond to any more aggression. He added that the US and Israel "were in the forefront" to be hit by Iran, when asked if Iran would strike US allies in the Middle East region. "When they are struck [the US and Israel], other countries, God willing, will return to common sense," he concluded. He also said that the strike at Qasem Soleimani came from a US helicopter. "It was a helicopter, but not a drone," Mortada Qurbani said. The general said he did not know the location that the helicopter came from on Friday to launch the attack on Soleimani at the Baghdad airport in Iraq. The killing was followed by a series of rocket strikes that targeted Iraqi bases housing US troops in central Baghdad and in Balad, about 50 miles north of the capital. On Friday, Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump at the Baghdad International Airport, with his assassination dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has identified some of the masked goons that attacked the Jawaharlal Nehru University students inside the campus on Sunday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sources said on Wednesday. ''Some masked persons have been identified and police will soon crack the identity of the masked men seen in the videos who vandalised public and private property in Delhi`s JNU and attacked students,'' the government sources saidWednesday. Violence broke out at the university on Sunday night as a group of masked people armed with sticks and stones attacked students and teachers. They also damaged property on the campus, including hostel rooms. The violence is said to have continued for nearly two hours. The police was later called in but no one has been arrested so far. At least two dozen students, including JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh, sustained injuries. Two teachers also suffered injuries. Left students groups and RSS-linked ABVP blamed each other for the violence. Delhi Police have received a total of 11 complaints from JNU; one from a professor, three from ABVP students and seven from JNUSU and other students in the JNU violence case. Live TV Local police have forwarded the complaints to Delhi Police Crime Branch SIT. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West) Delhi, Devendra Arya on Wednesday said that the situation in JNU is under control of the police and that police deployment will continue inside the University campus on the request of the varsity administration. "The current situation in JNU is well within the control of the police. Police deployment is continuing in the JNU campus, on the request of JNU administration. There have been no untoward incidents, post the clashes that happened on January 5 in the JNU premises," Arya told reporters here. "The cases have been transferred to the crime branch for further investigation. Some complaints have been received from the North Vasant Kunj police station which are being examined. The forensics team has also visited the university campus. An SIT has been formed," he added. (With Agency Inputs) Mumbai, Jan 8 : National Award-winning actor Akshay Kumar has landed in a legal soup because of his latest washing powder commercial in which he portrays a Maratha warrior. The "PadMan" actor has been blamed for huting the Maratha sentiments. In the ad, the actor returned to his kingdom after defeating the enemies. When one of his soldier's wife taunts the army for his dirty clothes. The actor says if his army can win battles, it can also wash clothes. It then shows the actor dancing while washing clothes. However, the commercial has not gone down well with a section of people. According to timesofindia.indiatimes.com, a police complaint has been filed at Worli police station in Mumbai against him for mocking the Marathi culture and hurting the sentiments. Akshay is yet to respond. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, January 7, 2020 The Committee to Protect Journalists today welcomed the release of Venezuelan freelance photojournalist Jesus Medina after more than 16 months of arbitrary detention, and called for Venezuelan authorities to drop all charges against him. Medina was released from the Ramo Verde military prison around 10 p.m. last night, according to Stefania Migliorini, a lawyer with Foro Penal, a legal aid group that represented Medina, who spoke to CPJ via messaging app and who posted a photo of Medina on Twitter following his release. Intelligence agents detained Medina in Caracas on August 29, 2018, and in October 2018 authorities charged him with crimes including criminal association and inciting hate, and transferred him to pretrial detention, according to CPJ research. Jesus Medina should not have spent one night in prison. It is inexcusable that Venezuelan authorities held him for sixteen months without a trial, said CPJ Central and South America Program Coordinator Natalie Southwick. Authorities must immediately drop all charges against Medina and stop detaining critical journalists. Under a court order issued today, Medina is barred from leaving the country following his release, and is required to present himself to authorities once a week, according to news reports. At a preliminary hearing in May 2019, which had been postponed eight times, a judge ordered Medina to remain in custody until he could be tried for incitement and criminal association, according to CPJ research. He suffered from dental and vision problems while in detention, Migliorini told CPJ in September 2019. Medina posted a video on Twitter this morning thanking his supporters. An air-traffic controller at Bahrain International Airport. The FAA issues emergency restriction for Persian Gulf airspace on Jan. 7th, 2020. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it was closely monitoring events in the Middle East and coordinating with U.S. airlines and foreign authorities about aviation safety after Iran launched a missile attack on U.S.-led forces in Iraq. Tehran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from Iranian territory against at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel, the U.S. military said on Tuesday. Several airlines had flights over parts of Iraq and Iran at the time according to FlightRadar24 data. U.S. carriers are banned from flying at altitudes below 26,000 feet over Iraq under FAA guidance issued in 2018 because of ongoing concerns about threats to U.S. civil aviation throughout Iraq. They have been banned from flying in an area of Iranian airspace above the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman since Iran shot down a high-altitude U.S. drone last June. No major U.S. airlines fly over Iran at present. Singapore Airlines said after the attack on U.S. bases in Iraq that all of its flights would be diverted away from Iranian airspace. Carriers are increasingly taking steps to uncover threats to their planes after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down in 2014 by a missile over Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. An international aviation team has been activated to support "effective coordination and communication" between airlines and countries as tensions mount in the Middle East after a U.S. drone strike killed an Iranian military commander, global airlines body IATA said on Tuesday. Airlines and the United Nations' aviation agency have started to monitor strategic airspace over Iran and Iraq. With some commercial carriers still serving those countries and others flying over their airspace, the International Air Transport Association also issued a statement reminding countries of their obligation to communicate potential risks to civil aviation. "It is critical that states live up to this obligation as tensions in the Middle East rise," the group said, days after the killing of General Qassem Soleimani on Friday plunged the region into a new crisis. On Monday, Germany published a new warning for Iraq, indicating areas of concern for overflying traffic, according to a report published by the site OPSGROUP. The coordination team operated by IATA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was activated as a "standard precautionary measure," in the event that contingency measures are required by airlines, IATA said in a statement to Reuters. The team brings together airlines, regulators and air navigation service providers to ensure any potential risks to aviation are shared quickly, an industry source familiar with the group said. "Everyone's urging restraint," said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Airspace controlled by Iran and Iraq are seen as strategic for commercial aviation in the Middle East. If there were the need to shut down the airspace, carriers would have to be rerouted which would lead to greater congestion and fuel costs, said the source. Australian officials issued fresh evacuation warnings Wednesday ahead of a forecast spike in the intensity of out-of-control bushfires that have devastated vast swathes of countryside and sent smoke clouds as far away as Brazil. Residents of Victoria state's fire-ravaged east were urged to leave before another heatwave raises the bushfire danger Friday, while in South Australia state authorities began relocating people from a small community on Kangaroo Island. "Leave, and leave early," Victoria police minister Lisa Neville urged those in the danger zone. "Everything we've done in terms of... issuing warnings has been about saving lives, and today I'm asking people to continue to heed the messages that we are giving." The catastrophic bushfires have been fuelled by a crippling drought that has turned forests to tinder and exacerbated by climate change, which scientists say is increasing the length and intensity of Australia's fire season. Authorities on Wednesday confirmed that a fourth firefighter had died while battling the blazes, bringing the overall death toll to 26 people. More than 2,000 homes have been destroyed since the crisis began in September and some eight million hectares (80,000 square kilometres) has been burned, an area the size of Ireland or South Carolina. University of Sydney scientists estimate one billion animals have been killed in the fires. The figure includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not frogs, insects or invertebrates. Smoke from the fires has been spotted more than 12,000 kilometres (7,400 miles) away in Brazil and Argentina, weather authorities in the South American countries said. - 'Leave early' - Despite days of cooler weather and rainfall in parts of the country's east, dozens of areas continue to burn out of control, and Australians are bracing for yet another heatwave that could spark fresh fires. The country experienced its driest and hottest year on record in 2019, with its highest average maximum temperature of 41.9 degrees Celsius (107.4 degrees Fahrenheit) recorded in mid-December. Each time the mercury has risen in recent months, the risk of deadly blazes has also soared. Unprecedented in scale even in bushfire-prone Australia, the fires have shocked the world and prompted an outpouring of support from celebrities, athletes and leaders around the globe. Authorities warn the disaster still has weeks or months to run. Residents have begun returning to fire-raved towns to assess damage, but the cost of the disaster was still unclear. The Insurance Council of Australia says claims worth Aus$700 million ($485 million) had already been filed and the figure was expected to climb significantly. The government has earmarked an initial Aus$2 billion ($1.4 billion) for a national recovery fund to help devastated communities. Houses in Mogo Village in Australia's New South Wales were gutted by bushfire Members of the Royal South Australia Regiment rescued this koala from fires at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park in Kingscote TEHRAN, Iran (AP) The latest on U.S.-Iran tensions in the wake of the U.S. airstrike that killed Iran's top general (all times local): 6:45 a.m. President Donald Trump says All is well! after more than a dozen Iranian missiles were fired at two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq. Trump tweets that casualty and damage assessments are ongoing but adds, So far, so good! He says he will be making a statement on the strikes Wednesday morning. Iranian state TV says the missile strikes were retaliation for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying. __ 6:05 a.m. Irans foreign minister is calling Tuesday night's ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops proportionate measures in self-defense. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has also tweeted, We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. His tweet follows the missile attack in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike last week in Baghdad. __ 6 a.m. Iran has buried a top Revolutionary Guard general slain by U.S. airstrike in Baghdad after a stampede at his funeral killed 56 and Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing American troops in response. Officials lowered the shroud-wrapped remains of Qassem Soleimani into the ground in the southeastern city of Kerman just before 6 a.m. Wednesday. Mourners at the grave site wailed. Soleimanis death in the airstrikes has drastically raised tensions between Tehran and Washington. Iran launched a ballistic missile attack just hours earlier on two Iraqi bases housing American troops. __ 5:55 a.m. A U.S. official says there were very few, if any, casualties from Tuesday night's Iranian missile attack on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in advance of a Pentagon briefing. The official says 15 missiles were fired. Ten struck the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province. One struck a base in Irbil in Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region. Four missiles failed to hit their targets. The official says the bases are still being searched for casualties. Iranian state TV says the missile strikes were retaliation for the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying. Lolita C. Baldor __ 5:10 a.m. The Federal Aviation Administration is barring U.S. pilots and carriers from flying in areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace. The agency is warning of the potential for miscalculation or mis-identification" for civilian aircraft amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The emergency flight restrictions follow ballistic missile strikes Tuesday on two Iraqi bases that house U.S. troops. Such restrictions are often precautionary in nature to prevent civilian aircraft from being confused for ones engaged in armed conflict. The FAA says the restrictions are being issued due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations. __ 4:30 a.m. Vice President Mike Pence has briefed top Democrats in Congress on the Iranian strikes on installations in Iraq holding U.S. forces. Aides to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer both confirmed the lawmakers spoke with the vice president by telephone Tuesday. Justin Goodman, a spokesman for Schumer, says the New York Democrat is closely monitoring the situation and is praying for the safety of service members and other personnel. Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill tweeted that the speaker returned a call from the vice president moments after presiding over the House. Katie Waldman, a spokeswoman for the vice president, says Pence has been in continuous contact with national security officials and made calls to congressional leadership at President Donald Trump's direction. __ 3:45 a.m. The Pentagon is confirming that Iran has launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles" at two targets hosting against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman says It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran." He says the attacks targeted at least two Iraqi military bases" at Ain Assad and Irbil. Hoffman says the U.S. is working on initial battle damage assessments." Iranian state TV says the attack was in revenge for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose funeral Tuesday prompted angry calls to avenge his death. __ 12:15 a.m. Iran is protesting inflammatory and threatening statement from Israeli officials and calling on the U.N. Security Council to hold Israel accountable. Irans U.N. Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi pointed to Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz saying in a Dec. 6 interview that bombing Iran is an option. He also mentioned remarks by several Israeli defense officials who referenced a possible confrontation with Iran. Ravanchis letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was circulated Tuesday but was written Dec. 27, before the U.S. airstrike that killed Irans top general, Qassam Soleimani, sparking fears of retaliation against U.S. ally Israel and other American targets. 11:00 p.m. Chevron says it has moved all its non-Iraqi employees and contractors out of Iraq amid heightened tensions there between the United States and Iran. Chevron said in a statement Tuesday that its workers' safety is a top priority." Chevron has only been operating in the self-governing Kurdish region of northern Iraq. The statement says Chevron has local staff who are overseeing our ongoing operations in the Kurdish area. Mideast tensions have soared after a recent U.S. airstrike killed a top Iranian general, shortly after he arrived at Baghdad's international airport. Iran has vowed to retaliate. 10:30 p.m. French President Emmanuel Macron has telephoned his Iranian counterpart to voice concern over events in Iraq, asking Tehran to "avoid any measures that would aggravate the escalation in progress." Tensions have soared in after a recent U.S. airstrike killed a top Iranian general, shortly after he arrived at Baghdad's international airport. Iran has vowed to retaliate. A statement from Macron's office Tuesday said he told Hassan Rouhani that Iraqi sovereignty and security would be strengthened by the presence of the international coalition in Iraq. He said the U.S.-led military coalition's "only objective is the fight against Daech," using an alternative acronym for the Islamic State group. Macron also called on Iran to "quickly return" to its commitments to the 2015 nuclear deal. The Iranian general's slaying has already pushed Tehran to abandon the remaining limits of the agreement. 8:50 p.m. Canada's top general says his country's military is temporarily relocating some soldiers from Iraq to Kuwait. Gen. Jonathan Vance made the announcement Tuesday. Western troops in Iraq have been on high alert since the killing of Iran's top general by a U.S. drone strike last week in Baghdad. Canada has about 500 soldiers in Iraq to help fight the Islamic State group. Canada currently leads the NATO training mission in Iraq. 8:40 p.m. Britain's defense secretary says urgent measures are being taken to protect British interests in the Middle East, as tensions rise between the U.S. and Iran. Ben Wallace said Tuesday that the British government is looking at the implications of the vote in the Iraqi parliament that called for foreign troops. That came after a U.S. airstrike killed a top Iranian general shortly after he arrived at Baghdad's international airport. Iran has vowed to retaliate. Wallace told lawmakers: Our commitment to Iraq's stability and sovereignty is unwavering and we urge the Iraqi government to ensure the coalition is able to continue our work countering this shared threat, in a reference to the Islamic State group. He said British forces in the region are on standby, while non-essential personnel have been relocated from Baghdad to the city of Taji, around 30 kilometers (18 miles) to the north. Wallace said: A small team has been sent to the region to provide additional situational awareness and contingency planning assistance." 8:15 p.m. Britain's defense secretary is urging Iranian leaders not to retaliating for the recent killing of their top general by the United States. Ben Wallace appealed for calm Tuesday even as he told the House of Commons that Iran's aggressive behavior" such as seizing civilian ships "was never going to go unchallenged." Nonetheless, he says further conflict is in no one's interest. He added that Her Majesty's Government urges Iran to return to the normal behavior of the country it aspires to be." The main opposition Labour Party leader has questioned the legality of the U.S. actions. Jeremy Corbyn is calling the Iranian general's killing an assassination that has placed British troops and civilians "in danger." He also warns against plunging the country into another war. Wallace says it's up to the U.S. to explain its decision. He adds that from the intelligence he's seen "it is clear there was a case for self-defense to be made about an individual who had come to Iraq to coordinate murder and attacks on U.S. citizens. 7:40 p.m. U.S. embassies in a growing number of countries outside the Middle East are issuing security alerts to U.S. citizens. Embassies in France, Algeria and Morocco issued alerts Tuesday warning of heightened tension in the Middle East that may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad. The warnings also have been issued at some embassies in sub-Saharan Africa. The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania issued one Monday. Governments and companies around the world are weighing how to respond after a U.S. airstrike killed a top Iranian general near Baghdad's airport last week and Tehran vowed harsh retaliation." 6:30 p.m. Sweden has joined a number of other countries in telling its citizens not to travel to Iraq, except to the self-governing Kurdish region. Tuesday's statement cited "changes in the security situation. Neighboring Denmark two days ago noted a very high security risk and said those who decide to travel to Iraq should seek professional counselling. Governments and companies around the world are weighing how to respond to the rising tensions in the Middle East, after a U.S. airstrike killed a top Iranian general near Baghdad's airport last week. Tehran has vowed harsh retaliation." 5:25 p.m. National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien says the U.S. will not tolerate" the latest threats by Iran as tensions rise over the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general last week in Baghdad. O'Brien told Fox News Channel's Fox and Friends on Tuesday that Iranian threats to Americans, U.S. shipping interests and more have been around for 40 years" since the Iranian revolution. He says the U.S. is watching the situation carefully. In comments to reporters afterward, O'Brien also defended the drone strike that killed Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani and the intelligence on which the Trump administration says the operation was based. He called the information very strong." The U.S. has asserted that Soleimani was plotting to kill American diplomats and soldiers in significant numbers. 4:35 p.m. Egypts national airline EgyptAir has temporarily suspended flights to Baghdad. A statement by the countrys civil aviation authority says it is due to the turmoil that's taking place there. A spokesman for the authority, Bassem Abdel Karim, says the airline will halt flights on Wednesday through Friday this week. He says authorities will then assess the situation and resume flights when they deem the situation safe again. Governments and companies around the world are weighing how to respond to the rising tensions in the Middle East after a U.S. airstrike killed Iran's top military commander near Baghdad's airport last week and Tehran vowed harsh retaliation." 4 p.m. Lebanon's president says the country is working to prevent rising tensions in the region from affecting stability at home. Michel Aoun made the remarks on Tuesday during separate meetings with the U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon and the commander of the U.N. peacekeeping force deployed along the border with Israel. A statement by Aoun's office quoted him as saying it is important that calm continues along the Lebanon-Israel border and to "prevent negative developments from happening there." The leader of Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group has said the U.S. military will pay a price for killing Iran's top general and Iraqi militia leaders in Baghdad last week. 3:45 p.m. Finlands President Sauli Niinisto says relations between the United States and Iran are in a critical state and that the impacts of this crisis threaten to extend also beyond the region." His statement on Tuesday said the international community must use all means" to create dialogue. The Finnish head of state also reached out to neighboring Swedens Prime Minister Stefan Lofven. Both Nordic nations have troops in Iraq that are part of the international coalition. He did not say whether troops would be moved out of Iraq, as some other European nations are doing. 3:20 p.m. Croatia's defense ministry says the country's 14 troops in Iraq have been moved to Kuwait amid soaring tensions after a U.S. airstrike killed Iran's top commander in Baghdad last week. The statement says any future steps also will be made in consultation with NATO allies. A growing number of European countries are shifting troops out of Iraq. Germany says it has moved 35 soldiers serving in Iraq to neighboring Jordan and Kuwait. Slovakia says it has moved its seven service members from Iraq to an unspecified location. Slovenia, however, says its six soldiers in Iraq are staying there. They are posted at the Erbil base in northern Iraq. The defense ministry says it is constantly monitoring the situation and will make further decisions based on future developments. 3:10 p.m. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is traveling to Brussels for talks Tuesday with European counterparts about the situation in the Middle East as tensions soar after a U.S. airstrike killed a top Iranian general. The talks are expected to assess the state of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers after Tehran announced Sunday it is withdrawing from further commitments in the agreement. Raab will have a bilateral meeting with the French foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, before meeting with German and Italian counterparts. 3 p.m. The Japanese Foreign Ministry has issued a warning to its citizens in the Middle East citing security concerns after Iran said it would retaliate against the U.S. following the killing of Tehran's top military commander. The Japanese warning dated Sunday tells citizens to stay in a safe area, maintain communications channels and keep family and friends updated on whereabouts. Japanese auto giant Toyota says it has not made any policy changes on travel for its employees to the Middle East. 1:20 p.m. China is criticizing the U.S. for reportedly denying a visa to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to attend United Nations meetings in New York. Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing on Tuesday that the U.S. has an international obligation to issue visas for such meetings as the host country of the U.N. Zarif said the U.S. declined to issue him a visa, adding that this is because they fear someone will go there and tell the truth to the American people. Tensions have soared over the killing of a top Iranian general in a U.S. airstrike last week. Geng also said China is highly concerned about the situation in the Middle East and urged the U.S. not to abuse the use of force. He called on all parties to exercise restraint to prevent a spiral of escalation. 1 p.m. The remains of a senior Iraqi militia commander killed in a U.S. drone strike last week have been brought to Iraq from Iran for burial. Thousands of mourners clad in black chanted America is the Great Satan" during the procession from the border. Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a veteran Iraqi militant who was closely allied with Iran, was killed in the strike that also killed Irans top general, Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad. Al-Muhandis' remains had been taken to Iran for DNA testing. They were sent back through the Shalamsheh border crossing to his hometown of Basra in southern Iraq before being transferred to the holy city of Najaf for burial. Thousands of mourners in Basra's city center gathered to receive the body. Many waved banners of the Kataeb Hezbollah, or Hezbollah Brigades, that al-Muhandis founded. The U.S. has blamed the group, which is separate from the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, for a rocket attack in northern Iraq in late December that killed a U.S. contractor. That prompted the airstrike last week. 12:30 p.m. Slovakia says it has moved its seven service members from Iraq to an unspecified location. It is the latest European country to move troops in response to the soaring tensions after a U.S. airstrike killed Iran's top commander in Baghdad last week. The office of Slovakia's Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said Tuesday it will consult with NATO allies on further steps. Its seven service members have been in Iraq as part of a NATO training mission. Germany plans to move some of its roughly 120 soldiers in Iraq to neighboring Jordan and Kuwait. Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas wrote to lawmakers that the troops at the bases in Baghdad and Taji will be temporarily thinned out, news agency dpa reported. The two officials stressed that talks would continue with the Iraqi government on a continuation of the mission to train Iraqi troops. The majority of Germany's troops are not stationed in Taji and Baghdad but elsewhere in Iraq. 8:30 a.m. The leader of Irans Revolutionary Guard has threatened to set ablaze places supported by the United States over the killing of a top Iranian general in a U.S. airstrike last week, sparking cries from the crowd of supporters of Death to Israel! Hossein Salami made the pledge Tuesday before a crowd of thousands in a central square in Kerman, the hometown of the slain Gen. Qassem Soleimani. His vow mirrored the demands of top Iranian officials for retaliation against America for a slaying thats drastically raised tensions across the Middle East. Mourners carried posters bearing the image of Soleimani, a man whose slaying prompted Iran's supreme leader to weep over his casket on Monday as a crowd said by police to be in the millions filled Tehran streets. Mlais.com scored 40 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 16 Mar 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. The total number of people who shared the mlais homepage on StumbleUpon. The total number of people who shared the mlais homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. The total number of people who shared the mlais homepage on Delicious. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the mlais homepage on Twitter + the total number of mlais followers (if mlais has a Twitter account). 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Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND The past year ended with a bit of good news. Iowa land prices stabilized in 2019, according to the annual Land Value Survey conducted by Iowa State University and the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development. It appears that fears that land values would collapse akin to what happened in the lamented 1980s have not materialized thus far in the economic downturn. The reality is farmers have their economic necks stuck out farther than before as uncertainty builds greater risk for farmers. A bevy of public and private outlook meetings and webinars that will be held throughout winter can introduce farmers to different practices that may help them financially. An uptick in the farm economy will help most of all. These 2020 hoped-for developments might change things around: ADVERTISEMENT 1. Be it resolved that the United States and China quickly finalize an end to their nasty trade fight. When its over, the Chinese respond to domestic consumer pressure and dramatically increase purchases of U.S.-produced hogs and soybeans. 2. That Midwest weather returns to something that resembles normalcy after a 2019 that produced rainfall records in both Iowa and Minnesota. The year hopefully will be considered a fluke and not a trend and the meteorologists and scientists are wrong when they predict that we should expect more of the same as climate change plays a greater role in shaping the weather. 3. That the work done by Extension researchers and farmers yields breakthroughs involving the establishment of a viable third crop to make farmers less dependent on mono-crop production. Small grains and alfalfa are well-established, but the potential for industrial hemp and other alternatives remains mostly untapped. 4. That milk producers take the market bull by the horns and use the power of their production to demand and receive a fair price for raw milk. Working together, dairy producers could spend 2020 establishing a collective supply management program that would lift raw milk prices to a profitable level. 5. That comparisons between the current economic downturn and the 1980s farm crisis become less frequent. Its a different era with different and far better outcomes. 6. That lenders optimistic about farmings future and recognizing the need to help beginning and transitional farmers get a foothold in the industry liberally grant operating loans. The alternative is a continued loss of farmers and erosion in the viability of rural communities. 7. That any farmer who feels besieged and isolated by financial problems reach out for help. Assistance can come from friends willing to lend an ear to professionals available locally and statewide. 8.That farming lose its place among the nations most dangerous professions. The number of farmers and workers maimed or killed in accidents remains alarmingly high. ADVERTISEMENT 9. That all politicians running for state and national offices pay more than lip service to farming issues in their campaigns. Agriculture will receive attention in the runup to the Iowa presidential caucuses, but little after that. 10. That the Environmental Protection Agency stop fighting President Donald Trumps tepid support for biofuels. The EPA is cutting the Renewable Fuels Standard off at its knees despite the presidents apparent wishes. Russian and Turkish leaders inaugurate TurkStream pipeline; Erdogan warns US of nightmare of conflict in Middle East. Ankara, Turkey The leaders of Turkey and Russia on Wednesday formally launched a Black Sea gas pipeline that will funnel Russian natural gas via Turkey to Europe, further cementing ties between the two nations against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. President Vladimir Putin joined Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul for the inauguration of Turkish Stream or TurkStream an undersea pipeline stretching 930km (578 miles) from Anapa on the Russian Black Sea coast to Kiyikoy west of Istanbul. The pipeline will carry Russian gas for Turkish domestic consumption, while a second leg slated for construction will carry Russian gas to southeast Europe through Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary. TurkStream enables Russia to bypass Ukraine to sell gas to Europe, while bolstering Turkey as a major energy transport hub. The project also marks another area of mutual cooperation between Moscow and Ankara, which have also deepened military cooperation after Turkey took delivery of a Russian-made S-400 missile defence system last year. A nightmare of conflict Putin arrived in Istanbul from Syria, a country that was high on the list of topics for discussion between the two leaders before the ceremony. Hours after the Russian presidents plane touched down, Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes against Iraqi bases housing US troops, a reprisal for last weeks assassination of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in a US air strike near Baghdad. As well as the crisis sparked by Soleimanis killing, Putin and Erdogan were due to discuss an offensive by President Bashar al-Assads forces in Syrias Idlib. Turkey backs some of the opposition groups targeted in the assault and is concerned it could send a flood of refugees towards its border. Russian and Iranian support for Assad have seen him regain control of most of Syria. Also on the agenda was Turkeys deployment of troops to Libya, where they are supporting the internationally recognised government in Tripoli. Moscow backs the eastern-based forces that have besieged the capital since April. Speaking after a two-hour, one-on-one meeting, Erdogan and Putin praised their countries cooperation while acknowledging escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. The tensions that have been continuing between our ally the United States and our neighbour Iran have finally reached an undesirable level that none of us wish to see, Erdogan said. As Turkey, we dont want to see the Gulf region turning into a stage for proxy wars. We dont want to see Iraq, Syria or Lebanon turning into a landscape of conflict and tensions. Erdogan warned that Iraqs very fragile stability was at risk, adding: Nobody has the right to abuse their own interests and rights by turning Iraq into a pit of fire and leading this entire region into a nightmare of conflict. Despite regional disagreements between Moscow and Ankara, the two have moved closer in recent years, joining with Iran in 2017 to launch the Astana peace process in Syria. Following Turkeys October military action in northern Syria, Russian and Turkish troops also established joint patrols along the Turkey-Syria border. And Ankaras purchase of S-400 missile defences has been a source of friction between Washington and Turkey, which is an ally of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). TurkStream is an undersea pipeline that stretches 930km (578 miles) from Anapa on the Russian Black Sea coast to Kiyikoy west of Istanbul [Al Jazeera] Pipeline politics The TurkStream project between Russian energy giant Gazprom and Turkeys Botas will see one pipeline deliver 15.75 billion cubic metres of gas annually to Turkey and the second leg, when completed, deliver that much again to southern Europe. The pipeline is yet another conduit for Russia to lessen its need to transit gas destined for the European market through a pipeline network in Ukraine that has been subject to interruptions amid disputes between Moscow and Kiev. Construction is also nearly completed on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which will send Russian gas across the Baltic Sea to Germany. Last month, US President Donald Trump signed into law a defence bill that includes sanctions imposed by the US Senate on both TurkStream and Nord Stream 2 as part of measures aimed at deterring Russian aggression. Although TurkStream as well as the recently opened Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline from Azerbaijan improves Turkeys energy supply and, according to Vice President Fuat Oktay, has secured the countrys place as a major energy corridor, it has raised concerns that Turkey is becoming too reliant on Russian gas. Necdet Pamir, head of energy policy at the Turkish Chamber of Petroleum Engineers, said that while TurkStream would ensure a steady supply of gas for Turkey it had left the country tied by our necks to Russia. The more you lean towards Russia and against the United States, the more you become vulnerable to Russia, he told the Cumhuriyet newspaper. You have difficulty using your bargaining power for natural gas. Turkeys ability to negotiate the price of gas from Russia was hampered by foreign policy issues between the two countries, he added. The launch of TurkStream came after months of tension in the eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Cyprus, Greece and others over energy exploration. In November, Erdogan and Fayez al-Sarraj, prime minister of the Government of National Accord of Libya, signed an agreement on maritime boundaries in the east Mediterranean that threatens to block a proposed Cypriot-Greek-Israeli pipeline to Europe. Although repeating his warning that Turkey could not be legitimately excluded from hydrocarbon exploration in the eastern Mediterranean, Erdogan offered Turkeys neighbours the chance for cooperation. Lets not convert the cradle of civilisation throughout the ages, thats to say the Mediterranean basin, into a land of tension, he said. Instead, lets turn it into an area of cooperation and solidarity. The inauguration ceremony, which was also attended by Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, saw tight security around Istanbuls Halic Congress Centre, with 7,200 police on duty for the event. Haiti - Chile : Chilean deputies vote for the creation of a Commission of Inquiry into the rapes in Haiti Following the intervention of the Vice-President of the Chilean Senate, Senator Alfonso de Urresti of the Socialist Party (Main Opposition Party) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29695-haiti-chile-the-chilean-opposition-wants-to-know-what-happened-to-the-rapes-in-haiti.html the Socialist opposition Deputy Jaime Naranjo submitted Monday to the Chamber of Deputies a proposal to create a commission of inquiry, supported by 84 members of different parties on the alleged involvement of the Chilean military in cases of rape of women, girls and minors during the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (MINUSTAH) in Haiti, between 2004 and 2017. Proposal rejected for lack of quorum (62). Tuesday, following the failure of the previous day, the project was again presented and the Chamber of Deputies finally approved at 54% (38 votes for, 3 against and 30 abstentions) the creation of this Commission of inquiry on the alleged sexual abuse of Chilean peacekeepers in Haiti. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29695-haiti-chile-the-chilean-opposition-wants-to-know-what-happened-to-the-rapes-in-haiti.html SL/ HaitiLibre PHC in UK organised Kashmir Self-Determination Day LONDON: The Pakistani High Commission (PHC) in the UK organised an event to observe the Right to Self-Determination Day for the People of Jammu and Kashmir. A large number of Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora as well as members of civil society organisations and media attended the event. The people expressed solidarity with the Kashmiris and supported their just cause of self-determination as promised in the relevant UN resolutions. On 5 th January every year, Kashmiris around the world observe Right to Self-Determination Day. On this day in 1949, the United Nations gave commitment to the people of Kashmir that the dispute would be decided through a free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices. Through this resolution, the United Nations affirmed its support for the realization of the inalienable right to self-determination of the Kashmiris. The occasion was used to display photos depicting Indian atrocities against defenceless Kashmiris. The photos reminded the visitors of an unending trail of torture and atrocities, which have been duly documented by the international organisations and INGOs such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, IPHRC, IPTK, JKCHR, international media, etc. Pakistan High Commissioner (HC) Mohammad Nafees Zakaria addressed the attendees and gave interviews to the media. He briefed on the background of Kashmir dispute, and the human tragedy that has resulted from the non-implementation of the UNSC Resolutions. Zakaria gave a detailed account of the sufferings of the Kashmiris. He urged the international communitys immediate intervention to end bloodshed of the Kashmiris and delivery of justice to the victims. The HC said it has been over 05 months that the Kashmiris are under Indian siege, with reports of their killings, illegal detentions of tens of thousands, enforced disappearances and harrowing tales of torture by 900,000 Indian occupation forces as well as shortage of food and medicines adding to their sufferings. HC expressed that the grave human rights situation warranted punitive action against India. He regretted the inaction of the champions of the human rights protection in the face of persistent violations of the rights of the Kashmiris. The mother of a British teenager who has avoided jail after being found guilty of lying about being gang-raped in Cyprus has said her daughter is coming home. The 19-year-old woman, who has not been named, was handed a four-month prison sentence suspended for three years. She is expected to return to the UK following the outcome at Famagusta District Court in Paralimni on Tuesday. One of the accused Israelis was semi-professional footballer Shimon Yusufov, 19, who the woman had been in a consensual relationship with at the time of the alleged incident. His lawyer Nir Yaslovitzh told MailOnline after the sentencing: He takes the opinion that justice has been done. She was found guilty by the court of lying and I hope with this sentence she has learned her lesson. We respect the decision of the court and of course she was found guilty. A British teenager covers her face as she arrives at the Famagusta District Court in Paralimni in Cyprus for sentencing (AFP/Getty) She hugged her family and her legal team and left court weeping, with her head in her hands. The teenager's mother shouted "she's coming home" to supporters outside court, adding she feels "relieved". There was criticism of prime minister Boris Johnson following the sentencing. The teenager had earlier appealed to Mr Johnson to please bring me home. Labour leadership candidate Lisa Nandy tweeted: "The message this case sends to victims is that they will become the accused if they report rape. Boris Johnson should have intervened without hesitation." Her family had raised fears she would suffer permanent damage to her mental health if she was sent to prison, having been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Activists show their support for the British teenager outside the court (Reuters) But she is free to return home after Judge Michalis Papathanasiou told her he was giving her a "second chance". The teenager's mother said: "On behalf of the family, I would like to say we are very relieved at the sentence that has been passed down today. "I would also like to say thank you for all the support we have received throughout the globe." Addressing applauding supporters, she added: "I just want to thank each and every one of you for turning up today, having belief, having faith and making sure we get justice." Story continues The teenager, who is appealing her conviction, claimed she was raped by up to 12 Israeli tourists in a hotel room in the party town of Ayia Napa on July 17. Her lawyers asked the judge to consider a suspended prison sentence after she was convicted of public mischief last week. Read more Woman, 31, is arrested after dog found dumped in river attached to large rock 'Worst rapist' in UK history jailed for life for offences against 48 men Boris Johnson warns Donald Trump against 'disproportionate' strikes on Iran Local media had reported she would have been pardoned by Cypriot president Nicos Anastasiades if the judge had imposed an immediate jail term. Dozens of protesters gathered outside the court before the sentencing. They included a group of women who have travelled from Israel. They chanted "Cyprus justice, shame on you", "stop blaming the victim" and "you are not alone". Some held placards reading "we believe you" and "don't be afraid". The teenager was charged, while the young men, aged between 15 and 20, who were arrested over the incident, were freed after she signed a retraction statement 10 days later. Activists protest outside the Famagusta District Court in support of the British teenager (AFP/Getty) She claimed police made her sign a confession. The woman spent around a month in prison before being granted bail in August. She maintains she was raped after having consensual sex with one of the Israelis but forced to change her account under pressure from Cypriot police. The case hinged on a retraction statement signed by the teenager following hours of questioning alone and without legal representation. One of the Israeli tourists has vowed to sue her, it was reported. Foreign secretary Dominic Raab said he has raised concerns over the treatment of the teenager with the Cypriot authorities after her conviction provoked outrage in Cyprus and the UK. Sentencing the teenager, the judge said: "I admit, I have been troubled over this. All the evidence shows that she had lied and prevented the police from doing other serious jobs. "Twelve people were arrested and seven of them were there for at least 10 days. That was also a serious offence. The British teenager pictured at a previous hearing (Getty) "Her psychological state, her youth, that she has been away from her family, her friends and academic studies this year. "This has led me to decide to give her a second chance and suspend the sentence for three years." The teenagers English lawyer, Lewis Power QC, said she will be returning home on Tuesday. He said: "Whilst we welcome the fact that the sentence imposed today allows her to go home, we strongly contest the conviction and the fight for her innocence will go on regardless. Im writing to @DominicRaab to ask Govt to investigate failings in this case as rape allegations must be taken seriously & shell need to fight injustice if shes to have chance of recovery. Also tackle urgent need for therapy & compensation, as neither will be readily available. https://t.co/yUapFx6hvL Victims Commissioner for London (@LDNVictimsComm) January 7, 2020 "We will be appealing the conviction and will take this case to the Supreme Court of Human Rights. "We say and will maintain that this young girl was stripped both of her dignity and her basic human rights. "She has been diagnosed with severe PTSD and this case has resulted in the deterioration of her mental health." Mr Power added: "She is adamant of her innocence and that she has told the truth." Londons victims commissioner Claire Waxman tweeted that she is writing to the foreign secretary to ask the British government to investigate failings in this case as rape allegations must be taken seriously. AS the death toll staggers at over 3,000, it is worrying for all citizens that those in auth Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn is now ready to defend himself to the public. Ghosn, who made a dramatic escape from Japan to Lebanon last week, is planning to speak to reporters in Beirut. And while dozens of local and international journalists are expected to attend the press conference, Lebanese authorities remain silent about his planned appearanceand his supposed stay in their country. Ghosns escape has perplexed and embarrassed many Japanese authoritiesand angered the country where he achieved most of his academic and career success: France. Lebanon, on the other hand, has strongly regarded Ghosn as a national hero. The fallen tycoon, who speaks fluent Arabic, has a Nigerian mother who comes from Lebanon. When he was six years old, he move to Beirut, Lebanon with his mother and sister, which prompted him to reunite with his grandmother and other sisters. It seems the feeling is mutual for Ghosn, as well. He has never lost touch with his Lebanese roots, and once revealed in interviews that he had various real estate projects in the country. He has also been an active board member on some universities, charities, and hospitals in Lebanon. How did he escape? The media has been swarming with speculations on how Ghosn was able to escape Japan. Some reported that he left his residence alone, met two people at a Tokyo hotel, and went to Osaka via a bullet train. Reports also said that he boarded a private jet, and flew to Istanbul. He was transferred to another plane bound for Beirut later. Ghosn was first taken into Japanese custody a year ago, and since then, has been awaiting trial. He was charged with financial misconduct, which included allegations of understating his income and silently transferring $5 million of Nissans funds to a car dealership that was under his control. He repeatedly denied all the accusations, and has been complaining of Japans framed-up criminal justice system. During his escape to Lebanon, Ghosn even went so far in saying: Story continues I am now in Lebanon and will no longer be held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system where guilt is presumed, discrimination is rampant, and basic human rights are denied. Also Read: The post Finally, Former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn Will Tell His Side of the Story appeared first on Carmudi Philippines. The Union Cabinet was on Wednesday apprised of the agreement on cooperation in polar science between the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the Ministry of Education and Research, Sweden. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on December 2 during the visit of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen of Sweden to the country.An official release said that India and Sweden are both signatories to the Antarctic Treaty and to the Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty on Environmental Protection. Sweden as one of eight Arctic States is one of the member states in the Arctic Council whereas India has observer status in council. Sweden has a vigorous scientific programme in the polar regions, both in the Arctic and Antarctic. India also has sustained scientific research programmes in both the polar regions as well as in the oceanic realm. The release said that collaboration between India and Sweden in polar science will enable the sharing of the expertise available with both countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON - The Iranian missile strike on American locations in Iraq on Tuesday was a calibrated event intended to cause minimal casualties, give the Iranians a face-saving measure and provide an opportunity for both sides to step back from the brink of war, according to senior U.S. officials in Washington and the Middle East. White House officials were bracing as early as Tuesday morning for Iran to respond to the U.S. killing last week of Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. U.S. officials said they knew by Tuesday afternoon that Iran intended to strike at American targets in Iraq, although it was not immediately clear exactly which they would choose. The early warning came from intelligence sources as well as from communications from Iraq that conveyed Iran's intentions to launch the strike, officials said. "We knew, and the Iraqis told us, that this was coming many hours in advance," said a senior administration official, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence and diplomatic communications. Washington Post photo by Jabin Botsford "We had intelligence reports several hours in advance that the Iranians were seeking to strike the bases," the official said. At the Pentagon, the most senior levels of U.S. military leadership gathered in a room and waited for the Iranian missiles to head toward their targets. "It was literally like right before" the Iranians launched their missiles, one senior defense official said. Defense Secretary Mark Esper had convened the meeting with Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with senior civilian leaders of the Defense Department. Esper was pulled out of the meeting when military officials received notification that strikes were underway. "There was a lot of concern," the senior defense official said. "It was anxious, wanting to get updates." Early reports did not mention any U.S. casualties, "so there was some optimism after the initial rounds." The advance warning gave military commanders time to get U.S. troops into safe, fortified positions at the bases. According to military officials, troops at bases in Iraq were ordered into bunkers, donned protective gear and were told to "shelter in place." The troops remained in their protected positions for hours, including after the strike. One official said at least some left al-Asad air base in western Iraq before the attack. That base was targeted, along with a facility in Irbil, in northern Iraq. "It's not luck that no one got killed," a second senior defense official said. "Luck always plays a role. But military commanders on the ground made good judgment and had good response." In an address from the White House on Wednesday morning, President Donald Trump credited an "early warning system" for helping prevent loss of life. A defense official later said the president was referring to the radar network the military has searching for potential enemy missiles. At least two sources of intelligence gave the U.S. time to prepare. First, there were indications before the launch that Iran was preparing to strike at targets in Iraq, officials said. It was not clear whether that information came from a person or some technical means, such as intercepted communications. A defense official said the U.S. military had "clear indications" of a strike prior to launch from information "internal to [the] U.S. government." Military officials had assessed that Iran would attempt some kind of retaliation at the end of the official mourning period for Soleimani. The Pentagon "fully expected a retaliation from Iran," the senior defense official said. "What that was was the issue," the official said. "But we fully expected some sort of reaction." A second source of warning came from what one official described as technical means. The U.S. military has satellites that can detect a missile shortly after it is launched. U.S. officials alerted allies to the launches shortly after they occurred, according to one Western official. Iran launched 16 ballistic missiles, including 11 that landed at al-Asad air base and one in Irbil, Esper told reporters at the Pentagon. The missile in Irbil landed in an empty area between the facility and the U.S. Consulate, according to residents who live nearby. It was not clear what happened to the other four missiles. As a precaution after the strike that killed Soleimani, U.S. military officials deployed a brigade of about 4,500 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., to the Middle East and also shuffled some forces within the region. Commanders on the ground, overseen by Marine Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, head of the U.S. Central Command, also moved some service members off small bases in the region and scattered equipment and people on installations to make them harder to hit. "Let's get people out of less defensible areas and put them in more easily defended or better-defended areas," the senior defense official said, describing the thinking after the Soleimani strike. "But at the same time, let's not overly mass our personnel as a single target." U.S. officials began alerting reporters to the possibility of Iranian strikes beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday, an hour before they occurred. Vice President Mike Pence was scheduled to conduct a television interview that evening but canceled earlier in the day. In Iran, the regime had positioned itself for a public messaging campaign. Late Tuesday afternoon, Iran transmitted a letter to the U.N. Security Council with a legal basis for military retaliation, but it was not made public, said a diplomat familiar with the document. Military officials were not sure, once the missiles were launched, which locations Iran had targeted. It was hard to tell at the Pentagon which bases were under attack "until actual impact on two specific bases," a senior U.S. military official said. "The attack spread out for more than an hour. . . . It was more than an hour from the first attack to the last attack." "This was not a 'boom' and all of this hit at once," the senior defense official said. "This was launch, launch, launch." Once the bases were taking incoming fire, there was constant communication among the White House, Central Command and two other combatant commands: Northern Command and Strategic Command, the second senior defense official said. They were called in because of their expertise in monitoring and tracking ballistic missile threats. After the missiles hit, U.S. military officials began to assess the damage. Pentagon officials called several partner nations and allies right after the Iranian attack, part of a concerted effort to communicate with them in the wake of the Soleimani strike. While some of them questioned what the U.S. strategy is with Iran after Soleimani was killed, they were supportive and grateful for information Tuesday night, the senior defense official said. By 7:30 p.m. Washington time Tuesday, officials at the White House had briefed Trump and were "able to pretty clearly say we don't think any Americans are going to be killed," the senior administration official said. "We knew that no Americans were hurt, either." But U.S. officials were not certain there were no fatalities until Wednesday, after service members assessed the wreckage and roll calls were taken. Esper said the missiles hit tents and a helicopter but did not cause major damage. The lack of casualties gave administration officials more confidence that the Iranians had intended to make a public show of force largely to save face at home, the senior administration official said. The official added that a consensus is building that Iran could have done more damage. But not all military officials were certain of Iran's intentions. Milley, the Joint Chiefs chairman, told reporters that he assessed Iran had intended to cause material destruction and kill Americans but that an intelligence estimate had not been completed. "I believe based on what I saw and what I know is that they were intended to cause structural damage, destroy vehicles and equipment and aircraft and to kill personnel," Milley said. "That's my own personal assessment." Asked what he made of Iran's intentions, the second senior military official said, "You'd have to ask Iran." Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived at the White House around 7 p.m. Tuesday to be with the president. About an hour later, Trump began calling lawmakers, including allies such as Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and James Inhofe, R-Okla. Trump told them that no Americans had been killed in the missile attacks and that a path to negotiations with Iran had now opened, the senior administration official said. "The president doesn't want a war, but he doesn't want to tolerate provocation against American interests," Graham said in an interview with The Washington Post. Graham said he hoped that Iran's attack was "a show of force for domestic purposes." "They want a show of force," he said, "but they want this to end, because they are scared of the president. I hope that is true." Matt Pottinger, the deputy national security adviser, told aides in a Roosevelt Room meeting Tuesday afternoon that it would take at least two months to understand whether the U.S. strategy was working. "Our initial reaction has been, this was a domestic effort from the Iranians to save face, not to go to war, so we have proceeded in that vein," said another senior administration official with knowledge of the analysis. Esper and Milley returned to the Pentagon about 9 p.m. Trump had told senior military officials Tuesday evening that he did not want to start a war with Iran and wanted a path to ease tensions, which had been escalating at a frantic pace since the strike on Soleimani, the senior administration official said. When Trump's military advisers told him there was reason to believe the missile strikes were not designed to kill Americans, a way out appeared, the official said. Even with the advance notice, U.S. military officials were still scrambling after the attack to assess the damage and determine Iran's intentions. U.S. forces in the region remained on high alert after the strikes, but no significant troop movements have been made in Syria or elsewhere, according to military officials. The second senior defense official acknowledged that officials on Tuesday night intended to limit information released to the public until the extent of the damage and how Trump might respond became clearer. "We all understood that if the Iranians were to respond next, we owned the shot clock after," the official said. "So, you need to be very thoughtful, very deliberate." The Pentagon and State Department sent staffers to the White House early Wednesday to write Trump's speech. He made some last-minute additions, including the decision to start his remarks by declaring, "As long as I am president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon." "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," Trump said. A third senior administration official said there was a sigh of relief when Trump agreed to read from prepared remarks and not take questions. Some aides were concerned that Trump might deviate from the precise remarks and misspeak if he made extemporaneous remarks to reporters, the official said. Some officials acknowledged that Iran was likely to continue attacks via proxies and other means. But there was a growing sense among administration officials that killing Soleimani had sobered Iran up to Trump's willingness to act. "We actually believe this will be de-escalation," the senior administration official said. "We're obviously going to be on alert for proxies with one-off attacks. But we think this worked." - - - The Washington Post's John Hudson and Karen DeYoung in Washington and Liz Sly in Beirut contributed to this report. Azerbaijan has hope that it could realize its plans amid the US-Iran confrontation, which are linked to claims to northern Iran, where, according to some reports, about 30 million Azerbaijanis live, President of the Assembly of Azerbaijani Armenians Grigori Ayvazyan told reporters on Wednesday. According to him, it is possible that the US, Israel and Azerbaijan may play the card of the so-called southern Azerbaijan. This may be the beginning of the fact that Azerbaijan will become a bridgehead against Iran. Naturally, this will not pass without a trace, and Baku will agree to any deal, including with the US, if it receives support in the matter of Northern Iran and Karabakh. It is the unresolved Karabakh issue that prevents Aliyev from concentrating on Iranian Azerbaijan issue, Ayvazyan said. The NGO head noted that in the long run, Iran has little chance of holding out against the US, since even the powerful USSR did not succeed. Such processes can become a threat to statehood for us, and the opinion that we are a small country and can avoid the consequences of serious actions against Iran cannot withstand any criticism, he said adding that the Armenian side needs to work to prevent the provocations of Azerbaijan, which were the other day, and to which the Armenian side had to respond. Ross Kemp revealed today how he lost the ability to speak after inhaling Spice while filming a new ITV prison documentary at HMP Belmarsh. The 55-year-old presenter breathed in a tiny amount of residue left in a vape by a comatose inmate at the high-security jail in Thamesmead, South East London. The form of the drug Kemp inhaled during six months of filming at the prison is called Man Down, which is a mixture of aluminium cleaner and insect killer. It comes amid a Spice epidemic in UK jails with an ambulance called to one every 42 minutes, and the drug becoming more potent since possession was outlawed. Kemp also met far-Right activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who spent nine weeks at Belmarsh after being jailed for contempt of court. Ross Kemp lost the ability to speak after inhaling a tiny amount of Spice at HMP Belmarsh Residue was left in a vape by a comatose inmate at the jail in Thamesmead, South East London Prison officers and medical staff at HMP Belmarsh responded to a Code Blue, where a prisoner has difficulty breathing or is unconscious, following the incident involving Spice His reaction is part of the new series Welcome To HMP Belmarsh which starts on ITV tomorrow at 9pm, giving cameras full access to the jail for the first time. Kemp, who looked into how 120 officers oversee 900 inmates, told the Sun: 'I am rarely lost for words but as I turn to camera, I have lost the ability to speak. How smoking a Spice joint is akin to smoking up to 100 with cannabis As addictive as heroin and crack, the drug costs just 5 per bag. Smoking a single Spice joint is akin to smoking up to 100 containing normal cannabis and addiction can take hold in just three days. It has left addicts suffering severe psychotic episodes, hallucinations, vomiting and even seizures. Ministers outlawed possession of the Class B drug, but there is confusion amongst police over whether those caught with it can be arrested. Officers also say the drug has become more potent since supply shifted from shops to streets. A global drugs survey found that hospital admissions as a result of taking the herbal substance Spice have increased by over one-third since 2014. The drug's relative cheapness has also made spice popular among the homeless and in prisons. In Manchester, police and ambulance chiefs admitted they were struggling to cope with the number of call outs to spice users who were collapsing in the city centre daily. It is estimated that 96 per cent of the city's young homeless are hooked on the drug. It is also estimated that an ambulance is called to British jails every 42 minutes as a consequence of a spice epidemic in prisons. In 2018, ambulances were called 12,576 times, an increase from 6,677 in 2014, figures from England's ten ambulance services revealed. Such psychoactive substances have also been linked to a rise in violence against staff and inmates, prisoner blackouts, seizures and heart attacks. Each call-out costs about 300 so the bill for all incidents per year is over 4million. Advertisement 'My brain has gone blank, my hands are clammy and my mouth is dry. I have just inhaled a tiny amount of Spice residue left in a vape by a comatose prisoner. 'This particular version of the drug is known as Man Down - and it does exactly what it says on the tin. It is a potentially lethal combination of aluminium cleaner and insect killer, and the man who smoked it has collapsed. 'Prison officers and medical staff have responded to a Code Blue, where a prisoner has difficulty breathing or is unconscious.' He said the prisoner was brought round by staff using citrus, which can take away some of Spice's effects, and shouted at Kemp: 'Get out of my f***ing cell.' The presenter said the inmate could not remember meeting him when they spoke the next day, and told him of the drug: 'It takes me out of here for four days.' In the documentary, Kemp said: 'So, it's a regular vape. Smells of burnt paper. I can actually feel that, and I can feel it.' A prison guard told him to avoid taking too much, adding: 'You barely touched it though, did you, you barely even took...?' Kemp continued: 'No, I went like that, and literally I can feel that.. yeah, just like a bit... there you go, couldn't actually speak then. 'It's shocking to think that a tiny piece of paper can have such a disruptive effect both on people's health and prison life.' Kemp went inside for six months to learn about life inside Britain's most notorious jail which has housed the country's most dangerous and infamous convicts. Cameras followed him as he explored how prisoners and staff cope with high-profile inmates, extremists and common criminals living side-by-side. He went inside the High Security Unit the only 'prison within a prison' in England and Wales - and learned how Belmarsh tries to rehabilitate inmates. Kemp also saw how the prison coped with a violent protest outside, gaining a close insight into life for staff and prisoners while it goes into lockdown. Kemp also meets far-Right campaigner Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who served nine weeks at HMP Belmarsh after being jailed for contempt of court ITV cameras go inside HMP Belmarsh, which is the most high-security prison in Britain The first episode looks at the UK's only Contingency Suite, a unit designed to hold high-profile prisoners deemed at risk of suicide or attack by other inmates. The unit has been home to the likes of Soham killer Ian Huntley, black cab rapist John Worboys and hate preacher Anjem Choudary. Head of prisoner safety Adrian Knight said: 'The windows are sealed so you can't get around the bars. [He has] his own shower facilities. 'It's about what we need to do to keep prisoners and obviously the person down here safe. Or to keep them from having access to people they might be able to influence in some way. Kemp (right) meets Muhammad Asif Hafeez (left), known as Sultan, the alleged mastermind of a drug-smuggling empire, during a visit to HMP Belmarsh's High Security Unit Kemp's visit to HMP Belmarsh gives cameras full access to the jail in London for the first time 'And then obviously you've got the exercise yard, which is self-contained. Not very nice, but yeah.' Prison staff told how a sharp rise in gang crime outside the walls has led to a major increase in violence and serious containment issues for the prison. Custodial manager Jamie Scammel said: 'It's all either possibly gang related before they came into prison, or someone that they've got conflict with on another house block. 'For example the historical conflict from outside: assaults, assaults, fighting, fighting, historical conflict. The level of violence is increasing, it's just causing concern. Staff safety is obviously at risk. Prisoner safety is at risk as well.' HMP Belmarsh was the first male prison to be built in London for more than a century when it opened in 1991. The high-security jail in Thamesmead houses some of the most dangerous prisoners in Britain There has been a major increase in violence and serious containment issues for the prison It has its own guard dog unit, a bomb-proof tunnel linking it to Woolwich Crown Court and the High Security Unit, with its own 20ft-high concrete wall and doors opened remotely by central control. Kemp said: 'It houses some of the most dangerous prisoners in Britain. No film crew has ever been granted access to it before, but I'm on my way in there now.' Previous occupants have included KGB agents, train robber Ronnie Biggs and Charles Bronson and Ross interviews one prisoner, Muhammad Asif Hafeez. Known as the Sultan, he is the alleged mastermind of a drug-smuggling empire and is facing extradition to the US, where he could face up 30 years in prison if convicted. Kemp meets a number of inmates while going inside Britain's most notorious prison Kemp's new documentary Welcome To HMP Belmarsh starts on ITV tomorrow night at 9pm Deep within the HSU lies its own segregation unit known as 'The Box', which has no beds, no sinks, no toilets and no access to water. When HSU governor Helen Bicker briefly shuts Kemp in, he said: 'HSU feels oppressive to begin with but this has magnified it a hundred times. 'There's definitely that feeling that you are completely alone. I don't think I could spend an hour in here without going round the twist.' Kemp also learns a unique course is trying to change the lives of some of Belmarsh's most dangerous offenders - gang members - by putting them together in the same room. One prisoner said: 'I don't wanna be broke, I don't wanna come home and have no TV. I never had that push, that extra push. I feel like if I had someone there behind me, backing me I wouldn't be here right now.' There are 120 officers overseeing 900 inmates at HMP Belmarsh in South East London Kemp at the entrance to the 'prison within a prison' at the HMP Belmarsh High Security Unit Deputy governor Jenny Louis said: 'These are individuals who are dangerous, we're talking about gun crime, knife crime, offences that have taken peoples' lives. 'A number of people wouldn't want to even be in their company. I'm not saying that this is a miracle because it's not, but break down those barriers and you get to know who they are. They want to change.' Mr Knight added: 'We will take anyone. We've had war criminals in here for genocide. There's not one prisoner in the country that we won't take. 'We've got 17 convicted terrorists, 187 murderers, prisoners that have killed three or four people.' Welcome to HMP Belmarsh with Ross Kemp starts on ITV tomorrow at 9pm EDL founder Tommy Robinson moans to Ross Kemp about life in solitary confinement in his cell stuffed with biscuits, sweets and boasts of seeing Julian Assange through window Tommy Robinson complained to Ross Kemp about life in solitary confinement while serving nine weeks at HMP Belmarsh for breaking court rules. The far-Right activist from Luton, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also cried as he told the presenter how he was looking forward to returning home to his children. Robinson also revealed he had seen Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, a fellow inmate, through a window at the prison in Thamesmead, South East London. He spoke to Kemp for a new ITV documentary while being held in the Contingency Suite, which is designed to keep prisoners separate for their own safety. Cameras showed how he had a stash of food to keep him going, including Jaffa cakes, apple juice, chocolate eclairs, tuna chunks, Coco Pops and Ready Brek. Kemp said he was 'reluctant' to speak to Robinson, but wanted to ask him why he had put out a call on social media for people to demonstrate outside the prison. Robinson replied: 'Essentially, I wanted to make sure that I have my rights. I know what ten weeks of solitary confinement does - it's not good for you.' Ross Kemp met Tommy Robinson at HMP Belmarsh while he sat in solitary confinement But Kemp said: 'It's not solitary confinement as in terms of the 'cooler' - it's not a box with nothing in it. 'You've got a TV, you've got a kettle, but also do you not think by calling a demonstration that could possibly end in violence, that's helping your cause?' Robinson insisted: 'It sends a message to the establishment that this doesn't work.' However, Kemp replied: 'What do you think the other inmates are going to feel about you if they can hear people screaming for you to be let out or freed? Kemp said he was 'reluctant' to speak to Robinson, but wanted to ask him why he had put out a call on social media for people to demonstrate outside the prison 'Do you not think that's going to provoke some of the inmates? That's the concern the prison has. Staff that would have been off on the weekend are now working.' But Robinson hit back, saying: 'What they usually hear is Muslims shouting about Islam.' Kemp then visited Robinson again at the end of his time at the prison, asking him: 'So how have you enjoyed Belmarsh?' Robinson by this time sporting a beard told him: 'This has been as best as could possibly be being locked on my own for months. Cameras showed how Robinson had a stash of food to keep him going, including Jaffa cakes, apple juice, chocolate eclairs, tuna chunks, Coco Pops and Ready Brek 'I haven't been in Belmarsh, I haven't looked around, I haven't seen another prisoner. I've seen Julian Assange through the window. 'I just walked round there and Julian Assange's window is at the top. Jesus man, I'm trying to get my head round through what he's going through. You can't, can you?' Kemp then asked him: 'How are you feeling right now? You seem very emotional.' Robinson, who started crying, replied: 'I'd say that my thing is because I know I'm going home to my kids and you just want to be normal.' Robinson said he knows 'what ten weeks of solitary confinement does - it's not good for you' Looking lost for words, he moved towards the corner of his cell and said: 'Yeah, that's embarrassing.' Last July, after he was jailed, a mob of Robinson's supporters marched on Parliament, setting off smoke bombs and attacking police. The shocking scenes of violence erupted after Robinson was handed nine months in prison for breaking court rules. The English Defence League founder winked at supporters at the Old Bailey as he was sentenced. Kemp then visited Robinson again at the end of his time at the prison, asking him: 'So how have you enjoyed Belmarsh?' Robinson, 36, jeopardised a child sex grooming trial in May 2018 by flouting a reporting ban to broadcast footage of defendants entering Leeds Crown Court. On July 11 last year, he was locked up for 'reckless disobedience of an important court order' and encouraging 'vigilante action'. But he only had to be behind bars for nine-and-a-half weeks because of the time he has already served. A large crowd reacted angrily to the sentence, pelting police with drinks bottles and cans as they chanted: 'We want Tommy out.' Robinson, who started crying, said: 'I'd say that my thing is because I know I'm going home to my kids and you just want to be normal' Protesters then marched to Parliament, setting off smoke bombs and burning European Union flags. Robinson further stoked the violence, using instant messaging service Telegram shortly before his sentencing, to call for a demonstration outside the prison where he was being taken. He said: 'Hopefully by this Saturday, I'm laying there in my cell and I can just hear all your voices outside whichever s******* HMP I'm in.' To the fury of judges, Robinson spent so long addressing his supporters outside court that he was ten minutes late for the sentencing. Looking lost for words, Robinson told Kemp of his emotion: 'Yeah, that's embarrassing' High Court judge Dame Victoria Sharp, sitting with Mr Justice Warby, branded Robinson a liar and said he should be sent to prison for 'punishment and deterrence'. During the offending 90-minute video live streamed on Facebook, Robinson approached defendants accused of the sexual exploitation of young girls in Huddersfield and encouraged followers to harass them - in defiance of a court reporting ban to protect future linked trials. Robinson appeared nonplussed as he was sentenced. After the hearing, supporters shouted 'We love you, Tommy!' as his prison van left the building. He was found in contempt after an extraordinary two-day hearing the previous week when supporters were given permission to turn the Old Bailey into a stage, erecting a video screen the length of a double decker bus in the street outside the court. Robinson supporters outside the Old Bailey last July after he was jailed for contempt of court To the outrage of lawyers, courtgoers and local businesses, the City of London Corporation granted permission for the giant platform, complete with a podium for Robinson to spout his views in front of a 150-strong crowd on the hearing's first day. During the case, violence frequently erupted outside court and police arrested eight protestors aged 28 to 61 for affray and public order offences. Attorney General Geoffrey Cox QC who brought fresh proceedings after Robinson successfully appealed against an earlier contempt ruling, said: 'The sentencing of Yaxley-Lennon serves to illustrate how seriously the courts will take matters of contempt. 'Posting material online that breaches reporting restrictions or risks prejudicing legal proceedings has consequences.' Robinson supporters outside the Houses of Parliament in London after he was jailed last July Nick Lowles, of campaign group Hope Not Hate, said Robinson 'put at risk the trial of men accused of horrendous crimes. He doesn't care about the victims of grooming.' Ian Murray of the Society of Editors said it was a 'farce' that Robinson wore a T-shirt saying 'convicted of journalism' as he entered court. He said: 'I am not aware that Robinson has any formal training as a journalist. 'Sadly there are people who wish to see the UK media emasculated and these sorts of claims are so obviously unfounded they provide ammunition to attack us with.' Welcome to HMP Belmarsh with Ross Kemp starts on ITV tomorrow at 9pm Since the death sentence was awarded to the convicts named Pawan, Akshay, Vinay and Mukesh years ago, the issuance of black warrant or death warrant by the court merely confirmed the date and time of their hanging.The case pertains to the gang-rape of a woman by six persons on a moving bus in the national capital on the night of December 16, 2012. The victim, who was later given the name Nirbhaya, died at a hospital in Singapore where she had been airlifted for medical treatment.More than seven years after the horrendous act was committed, the rapists are now scheduled to be executed on January 22 at 7 am in New Delhi's Tihar jail. What procedure will the prison authorities follow to hang the rapists?Firstly, they will be kept in isolation cells until the date of their execution. According to the manual, if desired by the prisoner, jail authorities have to inform their relatives and facilitate their last meeting.The convict facing the gallows is also allowed to prepare his will.Days before the execution is slated to be carried out, the Superintendent of the prison will inspect the gallows and the rope which is to be put around their neck for execution.The official is also entrusted to see if the rope, made of either cotton yarn or manila, is carefully tested."As a rule, a dummy or a bag of sand weighing 1 and 1/2 times the weight of the prisoner to be hanged and dropped between 1,830 and 2.440 meters will afford a safe test of the rope," the rules states.The rules also go into great detail about the weight of the prisoner and the corresponding height from which he should be hanged.For example, if a prisoner weighs less than 45.360 kilograms, he should be given a drop of 2,440 meters so that the rope does not break during the execution. "If he weighs more than 90.720 kilograms, a drop should be of 1,830 meters."The extreme limits of 1,830 meters and 2,440 meters are adhered to as per the physical peculiarity of the prisoner. Wax or butter is also applied to soften the ropes.The rope for the execution of Parliament attack case convict Afzal Guru in February 2013 was brought from Bihar's Buxar jail.The prison rules also categorically mention that the execution should take place early in the morning before it gets bright.The prison rules state that Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, medical officer-in-charge and a resident medical officer should be present at all executions. If so desired by the person to be hanged, a priest of his faith is allowed to be present at the place of hanging.No other person, especially relatives of the prisoner, should be allowed to witness the execution. The jail authorities may, however, permit social scientists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, etc. to conduct the research there.On the morning of the execution, the Superintendent has to make sure if any communication is awaiting him regarding the execution. He should then visit the prisoner in his cell and get any document requiring his attestation, such as a will, signed by him.Next, the hands of the prisoner are pinioned behind the backs after which he is escorted to the scaffold guarded by the head warder and six warders, two walking in front, two behind and two holding arms.On arrival of the prisoner near the scaffold, the Superintendent confirms his identity to the Magistrate. He then reads the warrant to the prisoner in a language he understands.A cotton cap, with a flap, is then put on the face just before he is taken to the gallows-enclosures.The prisoner should not be allowed to see the gallows. According to the manual, after entering the gallows, "the prisoner shall mount the scaffold and be placed directly under the beam to which the rope is attached, the warder still holding him by the arms".The executioner then straps the prisoner's legs tightly together and adjusts the noose around his neck. The Hangman is paid by the government of Delhi for the execution of each prisoner. The person to execute the four convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case is being brought from Uttar Pradesh's Meerut district.Subsequently, the Superintendent should make sure that the rope around the neck of the prisoner is adjusted properly and the knot is placed in a proper position."The warders holding the prisoner's arms shall now withdraw and at a signal from the Superintendent, the executioner shall draw the bolt"The operations should be done simultaneously and as quick as possible. "On completion of all these operations, the Superintendent shall give a signal, on which the executioner in-charge shall push the lever to release the trap-door," the manual stated.When the trap-door is opened, the prisoner falls through and dies. After the execution, the body remains suspended for half an hour before being taken down or until the Resident Medical Officer has certified that "the life is extinct".The Supreme Court in Shatrughan Chauhan judgment in January 2014 made it mandatory to conduct a post-mortem after the hanging.It is then disposed of according to the requirement of the religion the deceased belong to.The body can also be handed over to the relatives if they give an undertaking that they will not make a public demonstration of the cremation of the executed prisoner."The body of the executed prisoner shall be taken out of the prisoner with solemnity. A municipal hearse or ambulance shall be used for the transportation of the body to the cremation or burial ground," the rules state. (ANI) DALLAS, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today officially opened a new maintenance facility at William P. Hobby International Airport, highlighting the importance Houston holds for the nation's largest domestic airline* and underscoring its commitment to Safety while investing in the Bayou City. The 240,000 square foot maintenance complex, now the largest in the airline's network, includes offices, training facilities, warehouse space, and a 140,000 square foot hangar. This allows for the nearly 400 Houston based Technical Operations Employees to work simultaneously on up to six 737 aircraft indoors and has space for an additional eight aircraft outside the hangar bays. It replaces Southwest's smaller Technical Operations facility at Hobby Airport, which opened in 1988. "This state-of-the-art hangar will support our Technical Operations Team's unwavering commitment to Safety and maintaining our fleet to the highest standards," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman and CEO. "I'm very proud of our hundreds of Technical Operations Employees in Houston for the work they do every day to support our growing operation from Houston's Hobby Airport, which includes almost 200 departures per day during peak seasons to nearly 70 destinations across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean." "We thank Southwest Airlines for its nearly 50-year partnership and commitment to the Houston community," Mayor Sylvester Turner said. "Between the direct employment of 5,000 local residents, continued growth in flight activity, and this investment in infrastructure, the airline represents $3 billion in economic impact for Houston each year, and that's something that makes us proud and thankful." "Having similar values allowed McCarthy Building Companies and Southwest Airlines to form an integrated team to address the many entities and hurdles involved with constructing such a high profile project at a major airport. This was instrumental in the success of this project and the teams' ability to deliver it on time," said Jim Stevenson, McCarthy's Houston Division President. "We are proud of our partnership with Southwest and pleased to be part of this important maintenance hangar project that will have such a high impact on its operations." The airline is currently investing in aircraft maintenance build-outs at Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Denver International Airport, as well as an expansion of its maintenance facility at Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport. Including the projects in Denver and Baltimore, the airline expects to have eight maintenance hangars throughout the United States. Broadcast-quality photos and videos are available for download at the carrier's online newsroom, swamedia.com/houstonhangar. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. In its 49th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 60,000 Employees to a Customer base topping 130 million passengers annually. *Southwest became the nation's largest domestic air carrier in 2003 and maintains that ranking based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded. In peak travel seasons, Southwest operates more than 4,000 weekday departures among a network of 101 destinations in the United States and 10 additional countries. Southwest coined Transfarency to describe its purposed philosophy of treating Customers honestly and fairly, and low fares actually staying low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some carriers offer free checked bags on select routes or in qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. Learn more about how the carrier gives back to communities across the world by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA. SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. Related Links http://www.southwest.com - Ex-MP Kabando wa Kabando said time was running out for the president to realise his development agenda - The Jubilee politician said Uhurus Central Kenya backyard was restless because of interference from the countrys second in command - He agreed with Kandara MP Alice Wahomes remarks that the head of state was partly responsible for the slump in the economy by failing to act faster President Uhuru Kenyatta risks ruining his legacy if he does not get rid of Deputy President William Ruto, former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has claimed. The politician who served as MP from 2007 to 2017 said time was running out for the head of state to realise his development agenda was achieved because of sabotage by the DP and his allies. READ ALSO: Miguna free to travel to Kenya with assurance from Uhuru - Government spokesperson Ex-Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has told President Uhuru Kenyatta to get rid of his deputy William Ruto or risk ruining his legacy. Photo: Kabando wa Kabando. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Emotional photos of young US soldier killed during al-Shabaab attack on Manda Island In a series of tweets on Tuesday, January 7, the former legislator said Uhurus Central Kenya backyard was restless because of interference from the countrys second in command. It is time Uhuru boldly called the bluff on Ruto. Time is fast running out on him. Its not only country thats impatient. His so-called backyards restlessness is escalating dangerously. His men are lying to him. Things are elephant. But he can reverse lame-duck status by acting, he tweeted. President Uhuru Kenyatta is under pressure to achieve his Big Four Agenda with two and half years left before he retires. Photo: State House. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Kalameni alala nyumba bila paa alipokosana na landilodi wake The ex-MP said the president must stick with former prime minister Raila Odinga as one of the ways of securing his legacy. I dont support Uhuru because hes the best or hasnt failed. Nay. I support my President because I know if hes freed from merchants of impunity, and Ruto, he means well. Thats why he must stick with Raila. But we must enroll other nationalists. Urgently. Or the worst comes, he said. The ex-MP however, agreed with Kandara MP Alice Wahomes remarks that Uhuru was partly responsible for the slump in the economy by failing to act faster. Is Uhuru singularly culpable for economic slump? Though not exactly, I, too, blame him for failing to act when hed. The buck stops at him. But excusing DP as mere makanga is being both dishonest and escapist. Fact: Ruto symbolises corruption. Hes the Highest Priest, he added. The Jubilee administration has been under pressure from Kenyans over the high level of unemployment and massive job cuts coupled with high taxes. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. I have no vagina, uterus and cervix - Julian Peter | Tuko TV | Tuko Talks Source: TUKO.co.ke Joseph Horowitz at the LARB: STEPHEN JOHNSONS BOOK How Shostakovich Changed My Mind (2019) begins with an unforgettable story. In 2006, Johnson traveled to St. Petersburg to meet an aged clarinetist named Viktor Kozlov. Kozlov was a member of the Leningrad orchestra that somehow performed Dmitri Shostakovichs Symphony No. 7 on August 9, 1942. The city was under Nazi siege. Hundreds of thousands had died. The survivors were starving. Only 15 members of the Leningrad Radio Orchestra remained alive. They were joined by dozens of additional instrumentalists, mainly from military bands, brought in under armed convoy. Special rations were procured. The players were so weak that the initial rehearsals lasted only 15 to 20 minutes. The 75-minute symphony, composed in wartime, mirrored the fraught moment. Kozlov remembered: There was a lot of applause, people standing. One woman even gave the conductor flowers imagine, there was nothing in the city! And yet this one woman found flowers somewhere. It was wonderful! The music touched people because it reflected the Siege. [] People were thrilled and astounded that such music was played, even during the Siege of Leningrad! more here. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. By AFP BAGHDAD: A total of 22 missiles struck two bases housing US troops, but there were no Iraqi casualties, the Iraqi military said Wednesday after the overnight attack. "Between 1:45 am and 2:15 am (2245 GMT and 2315 GMT) Iraq was hit by 22 missiles, 17 on the Ain al-Asad airbase and ... five on the city of Arbil," the Iraqi military command said in a statement, adding they hit sites being used by the US-led international coalition. "There were no victims among the Iraqi forces," the military said, referring to the attack carried out by Iran in retaliation for the US killing of a top Iranian general. The year 2020 began in Germany with a massive campaign against alleged leftist terrorism. The police, leading politicians and the media have declared that clashes between police officers and young people celebrating the New Year in the suburb of Connewitzer Kreuz in Leipzig amounted to politically motivated attempts to commit murder and are pushing false reports to launch a massive political campaign aimed at raising the spectre of left-wing extremism. There were organised attacks resulting in the severest injuries to people, Leipzig police chief Torsten Schultze declared. The German interior minister Horst Seehofer (Christian Social Union, CSU) agreed: This deed demonstrates that inhuman violence also emanates from left-wing extremists. The Saxony state criminal office (LKA) indicated it was undertaking investigations into attempted murder. The mayor of Leipzig, Burkhard Jung (SPD), ranted about a tough, small criminal and violent network and told the police to quickly arrest these brutal violent offenders. The former German interior minister, Hans-Peter Friedrich (CSU), spoke of the ugly face of leftist terrorism. Anyone who watched the New Years news programs or visited the websites of the major newspapers would be forced to conclude that dangerous terrorist attacks had taken place in Leipzig on New Years Eve. Subsequently dozens of newspapers sought to outdo one another with headlines such as Brutal street battle in Leipzig: Chaotic anarchists seek to kill police officers (Tag 24), Rituals of Violence, An orgy of violence (Kolnische Rundschau), Leipzig police officer nearly has his ear blown off (Focus), Attempted murder linked to Connewitz riots (Leipziger Volkszeitung) and Police warn against new Red Army Terror faction (Bild). The very next day it became clear that these reports had no factual basis and were based exclusively on police reports that turned out to be both false and contradictory. They were evidently circulated by right-wing elements inside the police force and then uncritically promoted by the media. Injuries to a few police officers have been blown out of proportion to create a climate of intimidation and boost the powers of the police and state authorities. The military-style police operation in Connewitz and the aggressive response indicate that the police were intent on escalation from the start. Eyewitnesses reported that a police helicopter commenced circling the neighbourhood at noon on December 31. According to local residents, the police massively increased their presence in the area and carried out random body checks in the evening. After about one thousand people gathered at Connewitzer Kreuz to celebrate New Years Eve, groups of police reportedly stormed into the celebrating crowd, harassing and injuring a number of innocent people. The assembled crowd responded by throwing fireworks and bottles at the police. The Leipzig police immediately put out a press release claiming that its officers had been attacked massively with stones, bottles and fireworks at around 12:15 a.m. A group of violent criminals allegedly tried to push a burning shopping cart into the middle of a riot police unit. One policeman struck by a firework was so badly injured that he lost consciousness and had to be operated on in hospital. The Saxon State Criminal Police Office (LKA) threw further fuel onto the fire the following day, declaring that investigations into attempted manslaughter had now been turned into an investigation into attempted murder. LKA spokesman Tom Bernhardt said last Wednesday that the specific circumstances and injuries sustained by one police officer had prompted the public prosecutor to turn the investigation into a more serious offence, meaning that it was no longer considered a question of injuries from projectiles, but of a deliberate attack. The LKA later said that three police officers were attacked by 20 to 30 people while trying to arrest a suspect. Their helmets were torn off and a 38-year-old police officer sustained serious injuries. Most of the statements by the police and the LKA have now been exposed as misrepresentations or crass exaggerations. The taz newspaper reported on Thursday that, according to the relevant hospital, there was never an emergency operation, as the Leipzig police had claimed. Instead treatment was carried out to the police officers ear under local anesthetic. There was never any danger to life or impending loss of hearing. On Friday police also had to admit that there was never any danger to life and that no emergency surgery had taken place. According to the taz, the burning shopping cart never posed a danger to the police. Based on eyewitness reports and numerous video and photo recordings, the newspaper concluded that the cart had come to a halt about 30 meters in front of the police. A violent conflict only then resulted when the police aggressively stormed the crowd. Eyewitnesses report that one police officer was carried away by his colleagues following the police offensive. He still had his helmet on his head and there is no reliable evidence to back up the version of events given by the LKA. It is also unclear whether assaults on police officers during the night were carried out by politically disorientated anarchists, drunken party goers, or police provocateurs. It is significant that even after the exposure of the police lies, leading politicians continued to attack those who dared to criticise the police and their account of events. Leading the pack was the former Social Democratic Party (SPD) chairman and foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel who expressed his displeasure with smart-alecks from afar who criticise the polices strategy, tweeting: Why should the police have to justify themselves instead of the thugs? The leader of the neoliberal Free Democratic Party, Christian Lindner, took offence at the limited criticism of police tactics by SPD chairperson Saskia Esken. Lindner explained: Those who risk their necks for us deserve our backing. That is the type of reasoning associated with a police state. First, the lies of the police are adopted by a majority of the media without questions being asked, and then anyone who exposes these lies and seeks clarification is vilified. To enforce its policies of glaring social inequality and militarism the ruling elite is increasingly turning towards authoritarian and fascist methods to suppress mass opposition. This is behind the attack on basic constitutional principles observed on New Years Eve. The aim of the latest campaign surrounding the events in Leipzig is to intimidate anyone who stands in the way of the far right. Following two major terrorist attacks last year carried out by far right-wing networksthe murder of the Christian Democratic Union politician Walter Lubcke and an anti-Semitic attack in the city of Hallethe networks involved remain intact. A similar offensive by the police and media took place in 2017 following protests against the G20 summit in Hamburg. Since then, a systematic campaign has been carried out to defame as left-wing extremist anyone who opposes the advance of the extreme right and criticises capitalism. In 2018, the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (SGP) was included in the German domestic intelligence agencys report for the first time and designated as left-wing extremist, although even the agency itself acknowledged that the party had always used legal and non-violent means to pursue its aims. The SGP was defamed and is being persecuted solely due to its socialist politics. A madrassa managing committee of West Bengal on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court challenging it's verdict upholding a law on the appointment of teachers by a commission for minority institutions. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde and also comprising Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant said it will hear the plea next week. Senior advocate Salman Khurshid, appearing for the managing committee -- Contai Rahamania High Madrasah, told the court the case needs to be heard by a larger bench as the challenged verdict is in conflict with a similar judgment on minority rights given earlier by a three-judge bench of the top court. He told the apex court that the petitioner was the same organisation on whose plea the judgement of January 6 was pronounced. A two-judge bench of the top court had on January 6 upheld a law framed by the West Bengal government in 2008 to constitute the Madrasah Service Commission for appointment of teachers in madrassas, saying the selection of teachers and their nomination by the panel was not violative of the rights of minority educational institutions. The apex court had held that the West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission Act, 2008 ensured that the panel, comprising experts in the field, screened talent across the state, adopted a fair selection procedure and selected the best available candidates purely on the basis of merit. It had said the commission also ensured that even while nominating the teachers, the interests of the minority institutions were taken care of. The top court had said the state legislature took care to see that the composition of the commission would ensure compatibility of the teachers, who would be selected to impart education in the madrassa education system, which was also emphasised in the statement of objects and reasons. "The statutory provisions thus seek to achieve excellence in education and also promote the interest of minority institutions," the top court had said. Holding that the provisions of the Act were not violative of the rights of minority educational institutions, the apex court said that the selection of teachers and their nomination by the commission would satisfy national interests as well as the interests of such institutions. "However, the additional feature in the present matter shows that the composition of the commission, with a special emphasis on persons having a profound knowledge in Islamic culture and theology, would ensure that the special needs and requirements of the minority educational institutions will always be taken care of and thus, the present case stands on a different footing. "We hold that the provisions of the Commission Act are not violative of the rights of minority educational institutions on any count," it had said. The top court said selection of meritorious students was accepted to be in national interest and a minority institution could not, in the name of right under Article 30(1) of the Constitution, disregard merit or merit-based selection of students. It had set aside the Calcutta High Court verdict, which had held the legislation as unconstitutional. Several petitions were filed in the Calcutta High Court challenging the validity of the law, contending that the government, which funds or provides aid to minority institutions, can formulate guidelines for appointments of teachers but cannot itself appoint them. The high court had declared the Act unconstitutional, saying it was violative of Article 30, which stated that all minorities shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. The high court verdict was challenged in the top court by teachers who were appointed under the new law. The apex court, while agreeing to hear the batch of pleas challenging the high court verdict, had granted the petitioners interim relief and directed the state government not to remove the appointed teachers from their jobs till the final order. In 2018, the top court had allowed the West Bengal government to fill the vacant posts subject to the final outcome of the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Qassem Soleimani, Irans top military commander who was assassinated by the United States, had the blood of British troops on his hands, United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. Taking questions in a weekly House of Commons session on Wednesday, Johnson threw his support behind Washington as US-Iran tensions soar. Early on Wednesday, Iran attacked military bases in Iraq housing US troops in retaliation for the recent killing of Soleimani near Baghdad International Airport, which had been ordered by US President Donald Trump. Johnson said no British personnel were injured in the Iranian attacks, and that the UK was doing everything we can to protect its interests in the region. Irans missile attacks on military bases in Iraq were reckless and dangerous, Johnson said, as he called for urgent de-escalation. Iran should not repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks but should instead pursue urgent de-escalation, he told Parliament. Johnson, who had been criticised for not cutting short his holiday in the Caribbean to address the escalating crisis, said the UK was working hard to dial this thing down. 200104231308260 Johnson alleged Soleimani was involved in arming Yemens Iran-aligned Houthi movement and Hezbollah. He also said Soleimani supported the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and was behind attacks on British troops. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn asked Johnson about the legality of killing somebody in a foreign territory, and said the USs assassination of Soleimani should be condemned as such by the British government. Johnson replied: [The] strict issue of legality is not for the UK to determine, as it wasnt our operation. Most reasonable people would accept the US has a right to protect its bases and personnel. Early on Wednesday, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two Iraqi military bases where US military and coalition personnel were stationed. The UK has about 1,400 UK military and civilian personnel in Iraq as part of the 67-nation coalition fighting the ISIL (ISIS) group, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. The 400-strong troop contingent from two regiments are not involved in combat operations and instead provide training and equipment to Iraqi and Kurdish security forces. Non-essential staff have been relocated out of Baghdad, while two Royal Navy warships are in the area on an enhanced state of readiness to protect UK ships in the Strait of Hormuz, said Johnson. LONDON, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Business Research Company's Global Market Model is the ideal tool for business universities and libraries. 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Contact Information G.Nitin Email: [email protected] Europe: +44-207-1930-708 Asia: +91-8897263534 Americas: +1-315-623-0293 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/company/the-business-research-company Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tbrc_Info SOURCE The Business Research Company [January 08, 2020] Sprint Announces International Expansion Of Curiosity IoT LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced that its ground-breaking Curiosity IoT platform will soon be available for customers in Australia thanks to a new relationship with Australia's largest mobile network operator, Telstra. The announcement is the first in a series of efforts by the company to enable international IoT solutions. Going beyond roaming, the relationship with Telstra will allow for local breakout in Australia, helping to improve roundtrip time and enabling better performance of customer's IoT applications. Curiosity IoT service is expected to be available in Australia in the first half of 2020. "Curiosity IoT will add a new layer of capability to customer's IoT needs in Australia," said Ivo Rook, senior vice president of IoT and product development for Sprint. "We are thrilled to be working together with Telstra to extend our access with full visibility across deployments, helping our customers benefit from the Curiosity IoT platform when their business takes them to Australia." "Our agreement with Sprint makes it effortless for IoT customers with international needs to implement solutions in Australia, with access to local in-country profiles," said Gerhard Loots, head of Global IoT solutions for Telstra. "Our local profiles will provide Curiosity IoT customers with a local point-of-presence in Australia which will be very helpful as a service differentiator, especially for latency sensitive applications." To cement the Telstra and Sprint relationship, oe of the first customer deals has been inked with Wagz, an animal-loving connected pet company that offers smart tracking and feeding solutions. Wagz now has access to the Telstra network in Australia to extend its global reach through the Curiosity IoT platform. "We are excited to continue with our mission to bring the connected pet lifestyle to families across the globe thanks to connectivity that enables our innovative technologies with Sprint Curiosity IoT," said Wagz CEO, Terry Anderton. From device and connectivity management to international expansion, Curiosity IoT continues to demonstrate true partnership with existing capabilities and plans." Certainty ? Capability Curiosity Sprint Business is changing the way SMBs, enterprises and government entities connect, manage and secure its people, places and things orchestrating an array of next generation technologies and insights, artificial intelligence and the power of Sprint's converged wireless, wireline and Curiosity IoT capabilities to create unparalleled products and solutions. Curiosity IoT will be on display at CES 2020 in Las Vegas. Come see it for yourself in the Sprint meeting area at the ARIA Resort and Hotel. To set up a briefing with a Sprint executive or to schedule a demo in person, contact [email protected]. About Sprint: Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served 53.9 million connections as of September 30, 2019 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Today, Sprint's legacy of innovation and service continues with an increased investment to dramatically improve coverage, reliability, and speed across its nationwide network and commitment to launching a 5G mobile network in the U.S. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sprint-announces-international-expansion-of-curiosity-iot-300983288.html SOURCE Sprint [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The acquisition follows multiple global expansions over the past 18 months for the executive search firm, which specializes in filling board, CEO, and senior-level positions. Today, executive search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) announced that Stanton Chase International (Switzerland) Ltd. has become part of HIEC. As part of the acquisition, Lucas Schellenberg and Philippe Tschannen, Managing Partners of the Stanton Chase International's Swiss entity, became Global Managing Partners of HIEC, joining its 4 initial co-founders Mathias Hiebeler, Philip Boyd, Tim Robson, and Richard Brennan. Schellenberg spent 20 years with Stanton Chase, most recently as Head of the Global Private Equity Practice and Chairman of the Switzerland business entity. Tschannen joined Stanton Chase from Heidrick Struggles where he served as the Global Practice Leader for Financial Services and co-Managing Director of the Swiss business alongside Schellenberg. While at Heidrick Struggles, he was Partner in charge of the Switzerland office and member of the Global Financial Services Executive team. Prior to entering Executive Search, Tschannen built and led Executive Recruiting for UBS and Strategic Recruiting for Credit Suisse. The acquisition of Stanton Chase Switzerland further strengthens HIEC's footprint in Continental Europe, allowing it to provide stronger local access to clients in their local markets or those looking to internationalize. Furthermore, HIEC's global reach through the 13 international offices paired with its one global P&L and highly collaborative one-team approach, ensures that the newly integrated team and their clients will receive access to top talent irrespective of their location. "Thanks to this transition we will be able to better serve our clients as we will be able to expand our focus and talent reach from Switzerland and Europe into the global markets," commented Schellenberg. "Senior digital technology leaders are highly mobile and to access the best talent it is important that as search partners we have a global reach and ability to influence in local markets, all of which HIEC's global platform enables us to accomplish for our clients," added Tschannen. This acquisition is one of the few recent additions that HIEC has announced in the past 18 months. 2018 closed with a new office opening in Shanghai, further expanding HIEC's footprint from Hong Kong and Tokyo into mainland China. In early 2019, HIEC announced a new office opening in Vienna, Austria. [HIEC offices] About H.I. Executive Consulting: H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) is a leading global executive search firm focused on hiring board, CEO and senior-level executives globally. HIEC was established to disrupt the traditional approach to executive search by placing a premium focus on hiring transformational leaders across the sectors. Operating across 13 offices in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, HIEC's agile, borderless team structure enables it to deliver bespoke services from an integrated group of consultants. For more information, please visit: www.hiec.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005239/en/ Contacts: Media: Nina Chelidze (nchelidze@hiec.com) +1 (212) 882 1801 A media organization in Somalia reported last week that Somali government forces beat and detained a record number of journalists last year. That information left some people wondering if the government is restricting investigation of its security record before elections later this year. For years, the militant group al Shabaab was accused of targeting Somali journalists. The number of killings has decreased, although two journalists were among those killed in a bombing last year. Now media say they face a new danger: government forces. State security forces detained 38 journalists in Somalia in 2019. That information comes from Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, secretary general of the Somali Journalists Syndicate. He says most were detained while reporting on bombings or militant attacks. Some media workers were reporting on corruption. The government is not allowing journalists to report, Mumin said. Officials rarely report the number of victims from incidents like a recent truck bombing, which killed around 90 people. Mumins report says that in most cases, detained journalists are not charged and are released after hours or days. Last year, 37 journalists were beaten, shot at or threatened at gunpoint in Somalia, mostly by state security forces, the report said. Somalias police spokeswoman, the interior minister and information ministry spokesman did not answer requests for comment. Suppression of information There is no public database of attacks and bombings in Somalia. The countrys citizens usually hear about attacks through the media. However, while the size of bombings is increasing, journalists say news coverage is decreasing. Farhan Mohamed Hussein is a reporter for Radio Kulmiye, a privately owned station. Hussein said he was arrested three times last year and twice the year before. Once police blindfolded him and beat him with their guns, he said. Another time, they destroyed his camera. Hussein added, Many people see you as an enemy when they see you have a camera. Reporters are victims of the government which was supposed to work with them... He also said that journalists have been banned from parliament and ignored by spokesmen who only release official statements on social media. Abdalle Ahmed Mumin confirmed the ban. He added that the upper legislature is considering a bill to further restrict media freedom. Nimco Mohamed Bashir is director of the privately owned Rajo Television Network. She said the government restricts reporting in a way that political killings never had. Bashir said that government officials openly tell you no covering stories of blasts. After she reported news of one bombing on Facebook, she said, police came to her home to arrest her and threatened her family. Aamin Ambulance is often the only source about deaths or injuries from militant attacks. Doctor Abdikadir Aden is the head of the privately run service. He told the Reuters news agency that in April, government officials asked the service to stop releasing numbers of dead and wounded. Aden noted that the government also tried to restrict emergency medical vehicles from explosion sites. Government officials did not answer Reuters requests for comment. Im Jonathan Evans. Katharine Houreld reported this story for the Reuters news agency. Jonathan Evans adapted it for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story journalist -n. a member of the press; a reporter allow v. to permit something blindfolded adv. with the eyes covered by a piece of cloth coverage n. the activity of reporting about an event or subject in newspapers, on television news programs, etc. database n. a collection of pieces of information that is organized and used on a computer (at) gunpoint n. under a threat of death by being shot [January 08, 2020] With Global Alliance, an International Network of Tech Public Relations Agencies, Launches Affect, a public relations agency specializing in technology, healthcare and professional services, and European tech PR and marketing agency With, announced today the creation of a global network of technology public relations agencies, the With Global Alliance. The With Global Alliance is launching with founding members Affect (North America), Ideosphere (India), Bold (Southeast Asia), With (UK) and WEdge (China), spanning 4 continents and serving 18 countries. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005165/en/ Founding members of the With Global Alliance include (from left to right), Oliver Budgen, Bold, Minal D'Rozario, Ideosphere, Sarah Li, WEdge, Debbie Zaman, With, Sandra Fathi, Affect and Joanna Derain, With (Photo: Business Wire) The With Global Alliance is designed specifically to support technology businesses and the founding members all have deep exprtise in the field. Experience across the Alliance includes AI, blockchain, cloud, cybersecurity, and spans sectors including martech, fintech, cleantech and edtech, among others. Founding members are already working together on global accounts, providing strategic counsel as well as expert in-country execution. Experts from across the With Global Alliance members are working together as unified, global account teams to offer clients consistent delivery and streamlined reporting as they scale their communications across markets. Members are active in the U.S., Canada, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, India, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand. Members were identified after a detailed due diligence process and face-to-face meetings with shortlisted agencies in their markets. In addition to the tech focus and media expertise, key criteria were an integrated approach to marketing and communications, impeccable client references, long-term growth and profitability and leading-edge client servicing standards. All members are owner-managed agencies with hands-on senior teams and previous international agency experience. "Being a European agency, we have always had a multi-market offer at our heart," comments Debbie Zaman, CEO and founder of With. "But as an Alliance, we are now uniquely well placed to support technology businesses as they scale, whether they are looking to enter new markets or grow existing ones. Global business is changing exponentially, whether it is trade deals, M&A or Brexit related, and our aim is to redefine how agile global PR and marketing delivers on that." Sandra Fathi, president of Affect, added, "As a trusted partner and advisor for our clients, we have always sought out like-minded agencies across the globe that have both the domain expertise and the skills to consistently deliver stellar tech PR programs. The formation of the With Global Alliance provides us with proven, vetted partners to service client needs in 18 countries and counting, that share the same commitment to client service and results. The Alliance has already benefited our individual team members, our agency and our clients." The With Global Alliance has already soft-launched with integrated global work for three different tech clients on projects including investor relations, events and traditional media relations. Joanna Derain, VP International at With, is working alongside With agency Founder and CEO Debbie Zaman on the delivery of global client work under the Alliance. Zaman becomes the Global President of the Alliance with an executive committee formed of the founders of Affect and Ideosphere as well as Derain as Global Company Secretary. Rebecca Rosborough, CMO for MiQ, a Sunday Times Tech Track rising star, said "The Alliance has delivered exactly what we needed: agile but expert comms in the UK, US, India and APAC. The combined team knows the media we need to know, creates killer content that suits local markets and is helping get us in front of both customers and partners. They bring us proactive ideas that work both globally and locally. We are very excited for what we can achieve in 2020." Due diligence is already underway with potential partner agencies in Eastern Europe, South America and the Middle East. Any tech agencies interested in joining the With Global Alliance should contact [email protected]. About Affect Affect is a public relations firm based in New York. Established in 2002, the company specializes in technology, healthcare and professional services. Affect employs a results-driven approach to communications, crafting one-of-a-kind programs to help clients achieve their business goals. As year-round strategic counsel, or a single project resource, Affect leverages its creative talent, unique experience and forward-thinking insights to achieve the precise results that clients seek. For more information, web: www.affect.com; blog: www.techaffect.com; Twitter (News - Alert): @teamaffect. About With With is a multi award-winning European tech PR and marketing agency. The business is fuelled by a belief in the power of partnership. With partners with clients to truly understand their business goals and then use marketing and communications to forge their path to the future. Based in London and experts in technology comms and marketing in the UK, the multi-lingual, culturally-connected team also offers a frictionless experience across European markets. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005165/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] NAPLES - A concert with the Qatar philharmonic orchestra and the launch of the 30th edition of the International book fair in Doha with France as guest of honor are the events scheduled to open the Qatar-France 2020 year of culture. Cultural events have been planned throughout the year, starting on Friday, with a concert of French music classics with Marc Piollet directing the orchestra. ''Qatar - Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Qatar's minister of sport and culture was reported as saying by Qatari daily The Peninsula - welcomes each year people from all over the world and we are extremely gratified to have the support of foreign countries chosen for the year of culture. We are grateful to cultural operators of our country and to French colleagues for the program of events planned for this 2020 and we also expect to raise interest in France, inviting people from both countries to share their ideas and experiences and to deepen their connections''. The tradition of twinning with another country to promote cultural events has been ongoing since 2012 and this year it is France's turn. ''The year of culture Qatar-France'', stressed France's ambassador to Qatar, Franck Gellet, will continue to promote ''reciprocal understanding, friendship and support between the two countries''. ''Over the last year alone there have been reciprocal visits at a very high level and seven agreements have been forged on defense, security, high training and culture. Bilateral trade between the two countries is flourishing, with an annual increase of 33%. Moreover, the French institute in Qatar has just celebrated its 30 years''. The program of the cultural year includes visual art events, music, cinema, sport, literature and scientific exchanges. Exhibits will showcase, among others, a collection of masterworks by Pablo Picasso on loan from the Musee National Picasso in Paris. Events have also been scheduled in France, including screenings from the Doha Film Institute at the next Cannes film festival and at the short-film festival of Clermont-Ferrand. / Iran: Our Missile Strikes 'a Slap in the Face' to the US But no reports of US or coalition casualties so far, though Tehran claims dozens A prisoner charged with making threats to kill in the Midlands Prison will be sent to Dublin for trial. Before the recent sitting of Portlaoise Circuit Court was Michael Murray, with previous addresses in Cork and Dublin. He is charged with two counts of harassment, and two counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm. He is also charged with having a telecommunications device in prison. The alleged offences occurred at the Midlands Prison, on February 9, 2015. The matter has come before Portlaoise Circuit Court on a number of occasions, and when it returned before the court in December last defence for the accused said that a trial date was being sought. Defence said it was expected that the trial would take three weeks. He said there were a number of alleged victims and alleged threats to kill. Judge Keenan Johnson suggested that the matter be transferred to Dublin. State barrister, Mr Will Fennelly said that the next sitting of the Circuit Court in Portlaoise is already full with a lot of cases listed. He said the only hope of expedition in the matter was to put it into Dublin. Defence said this would present logistical difficulties for the accused having to be brought each day to Dublin, but he accepted the matter had to go on. The matter was sent to court 5 of the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin on January 13 next. The accused is currently serving a 15-year-sentence for offences including rape. VENICE, Italy Every stone is a treasure, says the technical director of St. Marks Basilicas vestry board, indicating the prized gold-leaf mosaics overhead, the inlaid stone pavement and the marble clad walls of the 923-year-old masterpiece. And many are vulnerable to the infiltration of sea water during the lagoon citys ever-higher tides. Constructed atop two previous churches on a site that early Venetians believed was among the most secure in the Canal City, St. Marks Basilica suffered at least $5.5 million in damage during last months devastating great tides. The first, on Nov. 12, was the highest in 53 years, followed by two above 4.9 feet, a series of severe inundations never before recorded. Unlike other natural disasters, like, say, an earthquake that leaves images of collapsed bell towers and fallen walls, fresh damage from the Venice floods is so far not visible to the naked eye. Someone who comes to Venice to see the high water, and who goes to St. Marks Square the next day, sees tables in the square, says, Hey, look, the orchestra is playing. Nothing is wrong here. While, in reality, what is hidden, is everything we have verified in these days, said Carlos Alberto Tesserin, St. Marks chief caretaker who submitted the damage estimate earlier this month to city and national officials. Peaking at 6.14 feet above sea level, last months great tide was accompanied by wind gusts of up to 75 mph that pushed the waters even higher, flooding through the windows in St. Marks crypt of patriarchs. The gale-force gusts buffeted the Basilicas domes, tearing away lead tiles, Tesserin said. Both floodwaters entering from the windows and the ripping away of lead tiles were firsts in the Basilicas history. Witnesses reported waves in St. Marks Square never before seen. The Venice Patriarch told a news conference that they were like waves at the seashore, a first in his experience despite having witnessed the piazza full of water many times. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. It was the first time that I was truly afraid, said Giuseppe Maneschi, the vestry board technical director. The assault was three-pronged: Water was entering from the piazza, through the narthex; from the crypt windows, while also pushing up from below the Basilica. Maneschi worked with others to move precious objects, like a standing crucifix, higher. The Venice landmark includes 130 different kinds of marble some which no longer exist that tell the story of ancient conquests. Colleen Barry is an Associated Press writer. A handout picture provided by the office of Iran's supreme leader on Jan. 6, 2020 shows the newly appointed commander of Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), lieutenant general and commander of the Quds Force, Esmail Qaani, center, weeping over the coffin of his predecessor Qasem Soleimani during their funeral ceremony in Tehran. AFP-Yonhap South Korea will consider releasing oil from its strategic oil reserves if there is a crisis on securing oil supplies amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following last week's killing of a top Iranian general by a U.S. drone strike, a senior government official said Tuesday. Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom told a meeting with economy-related vice ministers that the country is fully prepared to deal with any fallout from the heightened tensions in the Middle East. The government will closely monitor financial markets and swiftly take actions if volatility rises in the wake of the Middle East tensions, Kim said. As of end-November, the amount of the government's oil reserves came to 96.5 million barrels. When considering the savings from the private sector, the amount is estimated at 200 million barrels. Kim said there is no short-term impact on South Korea's imports of oil, but the country still needs to closely monitor the situations, considering its heavy dependency on the Middle East for energy. The Middle East accounted for 70 percent of South Korea's imports of crude over the January-November period of 2019. That of liquefied natural gas (LNG) was estimated at 38 percent. Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom talks during the meeting focused on economy and finance at the Seoul Government Complex in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap Japan has long taken pride in having a nearly universal supply of safe and inexpensive tap water, but this is starting to deteriorate into a myth as a declining population and aging infrastructure take their toll. Universal Access to Piped Water Japans first modern high-pressure piped water system was completed in 1887 in Yokohama. At that time, many cities, particularly port cities, were plagued by water-borne infectious diseases. The congestion of wooden buildings in urban areas also meant that fires were quick to spread one they broke out, with devastating consequences. In an effort to secure public hygiene and prevent fires, the Japanese government set about building water supply systems throughout the country that would be operated and maintained by the municipal authorities. There was a surge in the spread of piped water systems from the late 1950s into the 1980s during Japans era of rapid economic growth. As shown in Figure 1, the tap water supply rate of 26.9% in 1950 had gone up to more than 90% by 1980, and in 2016 was 97.6%. Japans Tap Water: Tasty and Cheap As Japans economic development progressed, industrial effluents and pollutants increased, causing numerous environmental problems. Water quality at the source deteriorated to such an extent that tap water took on a foul odor. The problem became so prevalent that the Ministry of Health and Welfare (now the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare) was compelled to act. Under a slogan calling for delicious water supply, the ministry implemented advanced water treatment technology which eventually solved the problem. Today, Japans tap water is not only of the highest quality, it is also provided for very low fees compared to other countries. Figure 2 shows the average water rates charged to households in a number of the worlds major cities. As you can see, Japanese water rates are significantly low. A Crisis Situation Japans water utility companies were able to supply the needs of a burgeoning economy and growing population with clean water meeting the most stringent standards in the world, but upon entering the twenty-first century, their job has become increasingly difficult. Figure 3 shows the fiscal 2016 cost recovery rates of Japanese water utilities providing tap water. As you can see, the rate is less than 100% for around a third (414) of the companies. According to a March 2018 report predicting future water rates, compiled by Ernst and Young Shinnihon LLC and the Secretariat of the Water Security Council of Japan, roughly 90% of Japans water utility companies well be forced to raise their fees by an average of 36% by the year 2040. In addition to this, a Ministry of Health survey indicates that as of the end of fiscal 2016, the annual replacement rate of old, corroded pipes was only 0.75%, far less than the essential rate, deemed to be 1.14%. Likewise, the spate of large-scale earthquakes with shaking reaching level 7 on the Japanese intensity scale in recent years has caused water stoppage in more than 1 million households, extending over several months in some cases. There are three major reasons for this situation: population decline, aging facilities and infrastructure, and the increasing frequency of major natural disasters. Japans population peaked at 128 million in 2008 and has been declining ever since. According to 2017 statistics compiled by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, Japans total population is expected to drop to 90 million by 2063, and 60 million by the year 2100. Water demand in Japan is already decreasing as compared to before 2000, due in part to the widespread use of water-saving appliances, and this trend is expected to accelerate as Japans population continues to decline. The resulting decline in revenue from water fees is already straining the resources of many water utility companies. This situation is being further aggravated by loss of technical knowhow as fewer and fewer young workers enter the field. Japans declining population is making it increasingly difficult for the utilities to secure the human resources they need. The greatest asset of most water utility companies is their underground infrastructure of water pipes. Japanese law sets a 40-year service life for these pipes, though, and their value depreciates over this time. While depreciation costs remain on their books, water utility companies are expected to cover those costs with income from water fees. Once the depreciation period is passed, however, there is no longer a need to list it as a cost, and hence it should be possible to keep water fees down. Water supply is an essential service for daily life and there is strong social pressure to keep the fees low. What has happened is that badly needed pipe replacement has been put off in many cases to meet this demand. The expansive piping systems installed during the years of Japans rapid economic growth have long since exceeded their legally mandated durability and are deteriorating further. Of course, just because they have outlasted their service life does not mean these pipes are no longer usable, but their age makes them frail and vulnerable to major damage caused by natural disasters. Scheduled replacement, however, requires massive investment of funds and technically capable human resources. Japan is constantly buffeted by earthquakes, typhoons, and heavy rainfall. Durable and sturdy infrastructure and facilities that can withstand these natural disasters are required, but again, this means there must a major infusion of funds. Consolidated Services and Public-Private Partnerships The only way to overcome this difficult situation is to consolidate services over wider areas and promote partnerships between public- and private-sector actors. As of March 2017, Japan had 1,263 water utility companies, with 818 or 64.8% of these companies serving populations of less than 50,000. There are also an additional 707 companies providing small-scale systems that supply water to populations of less than 5,000. As this indicates, Japans water utilities industry comprises a lot of small-business enterprises. Waterworks are, in fact, an intensive industry in which costs go down and efficiency goes up when facilities are consolidated. With Japans dwindling population, the only option for survival is for neighboring water utilities to consolidate and optimize their resources. The need for consolidation to provide wide-area services is not restricted to neighboring companies. Figure 4 shows the flow and range of water and sewage services. As the chart shows, in addition to consolidation there is a need for vertical integration of water supply and tap water provision operations, multi-utility operations combining waterworks and other public utilities, and the consolidation of tap water and sewage system operations. There are already a number of cases of vertical integration of water supply and tap water operations, not a few of which have found this to be an effective way of cutting costs. Public-private partnerships are not only helping to supplement the dwindling number of workers in the field but are also introducing better management skills. Japans water systems are managed by local municipalities, and the utility companies have little say in personnel matters. The common practice of rotating municipal workers among different divisions makes it difficult to develop waterworks management knowhow and expertise. Private-sector management skills and R&D capacity to develop new technologies are critical resources for future waterworks businesses. Building equal partnerships between public and private entities looks to be the best way to ride out the current waterworks crisis. (Originally published in Japanese. Banner photo: Replacing a corroded waterpipe, December 24, 2016. Yomiuri Shimbun/Aflo) The judge at Harvey Weinstein's sexual assault trial has ordered jury selection to begin as scheduled, rejecting a defence request for a "cooling-off period" after prosecutors in Los Angeles brought new charges against the fallen movie mogul. Judge James Burke, sitting in New York, denied a request for the delay after Weinstein's lawyers questioned the timing of the new charges, which were filed on Monday. "For a prosecutor, this is Christmas morning - the morning of jury selection to have him smeared everywhere," said one of his lawyers, Arthur Aidala, who asked for the delay in jury selection. The judge also denied a request from prosecutors to revoke Weinstein's bail and jail him until the trial is over, saying the new case against him in Los Angeles increased his incentive to flee. "There is a grave risk that this defendant will realise at some point that the evidence is overwhelming," said assistant district attorney Joan Illuzzi. But while turning prosecutors down, the judge did threaten to jail Weinstein for using his mobile phone in the courtroom in violation of court rules. Expand Close Timing: Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Timing: Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey "Mr Weinstein, is this really the way you want to end up in jail... by texting and violating a court order?" Judge Burke said, cutting off Weinstein before he could answer. Weinstein, who recently underwent back surgery and hobbled into court using a walking frame, is charged in New York with raping a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and forcibly performing a sex act on another woman in the city in 2006. The 67-year-old has said any sexual activity was consensual. Scores of potential jurors were summoned for a selection process which could take weeks, given the heavy publicity surrounding the case and the way Weinstein has been cast as the chief villain of the #MeToo movement. Once one of Hollywood's most powerful producers, Weinstein has now been accused of sexual assault, harassment and misconduct by dozens of women, from famous actresses to assistants at his former company. The allegations began surfacing publicly in October 2017 and sparked the #MeToo movement, as well as investigations in multiple places. Los Angeles prosecutors charged Weinstein on Monday with sexually assaulting two women there on successive nights during Oscars week in 2013. Lawyers for Weinstein had no immediate comment on the new charges, though he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Los Angeles district attorney Jackie Lacey said the timing of the charges was unrelated to the New York trial. She said the case took more than two years to build because the women were reluctant to provide all the information necessary, and the filing happened on the first business day when all the necessary people could gather. There is some connection between the cases. One of the Los Angeles accusers is expected to give evidence in the New York case to help prosecutors establish what they say was Weinstein's pattern of forcing himself on young actresses and women trying to break into Hollywood. Weinstein is expected to appear in court in California after his New York trial, Ms Lacey said. The US department of defence confirmed that Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against its military and coalition forces at two bases in Iraq Tuesday evening US eastern time (early Wednesday morning in India). There were no reports of casualties yet. The United States has close to 6,000 troops in Iraq, to combat the Islamic State, or what remains of it, and train Iraqi forces. All is well, US President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter late on Tuesday. Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 The President had gone into a huddle with his top national security officials shortly after the attacks were confirmed, amidst talk of the United States responding to these strikes. Defence secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were seen driving into the White House. There was speculation that President Trump could address the nation, which, it was expected, could include the next steps, the massive retribution that he has been threatening in remarks and tweets in recent days. Late in the evening the White House said there wont be any address by Trump or any other US official. Watch: Iran fires ballistic missiles on Iraqi air bases hosting US military forces If Iran does anything that they shouldnt be doing, theyre going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly, President Trump had told reporters earlier in the day when asked if the United States was prepared for retaliatory military action from Iran to the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC), He had earlier warned of a very fast and very hard response from the United States, hitting 52 targets, which would include cultural sites, something that he has had to drop under pressure from critics. Confirming the attacks, the US department of defence spokesman Jonathan Hoffman had said it is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil. These bases, he added, had been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region. Tasnim News, an Iranian news outlet closely linked to the IRGC, reported the IRGC had fired tens of rockets in an operation dubbed Operation Martyr Soleimani (CNN reported from Tehran the strikes were called Operation Harsh Revenge), to avenge the assassination of General Soleimani. The IRGC also put US allies on notice. We warn all allied countries of the US that if attacks are launched from bases in their countries on Iran, they will be a target of military retaliation. Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter, Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. But chances of de-escalation of tensions between the two sides looked bleak. Efforts to de-escalate crisis off to a bad start with US denying Iranian FM a visa and Iran launching missiles at US base, Richard Haas, the head of Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank, wrote on Twitter. If each side thinks it is better placed to dominate as matters escalate and that the other will back down first we are in for a dangerous confrontation. The US has refused visa to Foreign Minister Zarif to travel to New York to attend a UN Security Council meeting. UW Alumni Association Scholarship Applications Available Now University of Wyoming Alumni Association (UWAA) scholarship applications for the 2020-21 academic year are now available. The application deadline is Sunday, March 15. The UWAA provides scholarships to in-state students, out-of-state students, community college transfers, current college students and graduate students. Both apply-to scholarships -- those requiring a separate application process -- and auto-match scholarships -- those that automatically match to a student profile -- are available this year. All UWAA scholarships will assist in fulfilling students university commitments, which are separate from the Hathaway Scholarship. Students receiving the Trustees Scholars Award do not qualify for UWAA scholarships. Endowed scholarships for which the UWAA coordinates selection include the Fred Gray Memorial Scholarship; John and Helen Ilsey Family Foundation/Sheridan County Alumni Network Scholarship; Hershler/Skinner Family Memorial Scholarship; Jeanine and Warren Hodges UWAA Scholarship; John and Patricia Eastman UWAA Scholarship; John P. Ellbogen Foundation Scholarship; John Evezich Memorial Scholarship; Kembel Family Alumni Scholarship; Mary Lou Rechard Memorial Scholarship; Platte Valley Bank Alumni Scholarship; Reed Family UW Alumni Association Scholarship; Roberta M. Darnall Scholarship; Robert W. McBride Alumni Scholarship; Shaw Family Scholarship; and the Tuff Samuelson Memorial Scholarship. Not all named scholarships are awarded every year. In addition to endowed scholarships, the UWAA manages scholarships that are funded directly from scholarship donations and proceeds from the annual alumni scholarship auction each spring. These include multicultural, Native American, honors, U.S. veterans, UW juniors and seniors, and graduate student scholarships; network scholarships; and scholarships for students of UWAA members. Every year, an additional 24 scholarships are awarded through the UW license plate program. All apply-to applications must be completed and submitted online. Available scholarships may be viewed online without having login information. Applicants will only be able to apply for scholarships once they have been admitted to UW, and they will need their WyoWeb usernames and passwords to apply. For scholarship requirements, go to www.uwyo.edu/alumni/scholarships/scholarship-opportunities-and-applications.html. For more information, call Amy Morgan at the UWAA at (307) 766-4166 or email amorga19@uwyo.edu. As firefighters in southeast Australia continue to battle hundreds of unrelenting bushfires, the death has risen to 25. Despite much-needed logistic aid announced at the weekend in the form of army reservists, volunteers are digging their heels in for the long haul with the knowledge that this scenario is likely to become the new norm. Firefighters took advantage of a brief drop in temperatures and some much-needed rainfall on Tuesday before the arrival of the next heatwave, forecast for later this week. Exhausted volunteers cleared ground vegetation and carried out controlled burns before temperatures and winds were expected to pick up again by Friday. "It really is about shoring up protection to limit the damage potential and the outbreak of the fires over the coming days," said New South Wales Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday announced the country's largest military call-up in years, mobilising up to 3,000 reservists to assist volunteer firefighters. This is in addition to help coming from teams from the US, Canada and New Zealand. Even France has offered immediate operational assistance if necessary. But on the ground, many citizens are wondering how the situation could have got so out of hand, when the warning signs were looming back in September, when the first fires broke out. Morrison, whose government has been criticised for its slow response to the emergency, on Saturday pledged AU$2 billion ($1.4 billion) of taxpayer money for a national recovery fund. "It's a long road ahead and we will be with these communities every step of the way as they rebuild," he told local media. Thousands of properties have been destroyed and the total amount of land burnt is close to eight million hectares to date. The new normal Victoria's, Premier Daniel Andrews who established a bushfire recovery agency to help devastated towns concurred that intense fires will become commonplace. "We should just be honest about the fact that we're going to see more and more fires, more and more damage as each fire season comes... This is the new normal," Andrews told reporters. Stephen McDonald has been a volunteer firefighter in the south-east metropolitan area of Melbourne, Victoria for the last ten years. He is also a senior volunteer with the NGO Save the Children, an organisation working with the Red Cross and other groups to bring relief to families on the ground. Never seen on this scale before "I've seen some very big campaign fires and obviously smaller local fires, but the kind of fire behaviour that we're seeing is really quite a marked difference from what we were seeing in the 1990s, early 2000s.The speed, the rate of spread, is taking place in a way that is really quite unusual," he tells RFI. "Some of these fires have been running for months," he says, referring to some of the fires raging in the state of NSW and Victoria. "I think that the issue we have here is that the scale and scope of these fires have caught everyone by surprise...and things are going to be spreading and getting worse and some of these fires are starting to join up." When asked whether the government's decision to call up reserve troops to help was too little too late, he responds by focusing on the bigger picture, and that more strategic thinking around fire handling will be needed for the future. "It's so unprecedented that I think the assistance is welcomed, but what we need to do is to be starting to think now around the medium-term planning on this," he says. Gruelling months ahead He explains that average temperatures throughout 2019 were 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than average and the prolonged drought has seen grasslands and forest fuel much drier than usual. "I think the real challenge is that these fires are at a stage now where it's very difficult to attack them head on." "In many respects it's going to be around defending townships and villages across the country to try and minimise the number of homes and businesses that are lost." "But we've got another three to four months of this season to get through and as I said earlier, the hottest part of the summer is yet to come," he concludes. Smoke reaching South America Meanwhile, weather authorities in South America reported that smoke from the fires has been spotted more than 12,000 kilometres (7,400 miles) away in Chile and Argentina. The captial Canberra has been described as the world's most polluted city temporarily bathed in a dense haze. Rallies are planned on Friday to call on the Australian government to step up efforts to tackle climate change, which experts say have helped fuel the fires. On his childhood dreams to be a radio star: "I always had a wee bit of a notion about doing radio when I was young but I had no idea how to get in the door. Growing up in a housing estate in Carrickfergus it seemed like a million miles away." On writing his successful book Back In Our Day about his childhood: "Before the book, my childhood was blurry. Writing it, I realised I was happy, especially when I saw the pictures and remembered the laughs. I wouldn't change anything. Some terrible things happened my family but if things didn't happen the way they did, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you now." On his Dad Roy, who suffered a heart attack in 2014, which left him in a care home: "Dad can't speak very well but we can understand him. The brain damage affected his personality, too, and his short-term memory is awful. But he's still Dad. My brother and I give him terrible abuse and there'll be tears of laughter falling down his face. He always had a good, dark sense of humour." On his children Robbie and Poppy: "I try to give them a sense of worth, rather than over-praising, and encourage them to be all-round well-educated individuals who can make their own life choices, who don't feel like the world owes them a living." On his wife Natasha: "Natasha and I met when we worked in Wetherspoons together - I finally wore her down and she gave up and went out with me. We have been together ever since." On his brother Gavin: "Gavin is the most positive person I know. He never lets anything get him down and he finds the good in every situation. No matter what the problem is, I would take it to him, he would just find a way of dealing with it. He has been a tremendous support to me over recent years. He is a really good guy and a true friend to me." On leaving his beer salesman job to become a radio DJ: "Natasha said: 'I'd rather you went and did a job you loved than coming home from work with the face tripping you'. It was a bit of a gamble but nobody on the radio in Northern Ireland at the time sounded like me and my friends. The first year was a bit of a blur. The great thing was, and is, having the time to spend with my kids. I'm far more involved with their lives than most working men my age." On the Northern Ireland sense of humour that made him a household favourite "It's a reflection of the Northern Irish outlook on life; we don't take ourselves too seriously, don't take life too seriously. People of my generation who grew up during the worst of times have probably the darkest sense of humour because it was the only way of dealing with the stuff that went on back then. On Arlene Foster being one of his biggest fans: "I picked up the phone on air and said hello and this lady came on and introduced herself as Arlene from Fermanagh. I asked what her surname was and she said Foster and then I asked what she worked at and she said she was a politician. She had just been appointed First Minister and you could have knocked me over with a feather. She was brilliant and I have met her since and she said she loves the show and that it gives her a great laugh." On admiring his BBC colleague Stephen Nolan: "One of the reasons I looked up to Stephen was that I found him to be one of the very few on radio locally who talked the way I talked, and spoke about the things my friends and I talked about. He relates to people because he's the same as us. He talked like us. He didn't talk about going to the opening of restaurants... in a way, he was almost thumbing his nose at the Establishment." On leaving Q Radio after seven years at the mic: "The owner was almost like a father to me. I'd told him previously that the only way I was leaving was if the BBC came for me - or if he sacked me. Luckily, it was the former." On getting his 'dream job' at the BBC: "I'm absolutely thrilled and excited to be given this opportunity with the BBC. It has always been my dream to broadcast on the most respected, most creative media platform on the planet. I am looking forward to sharing some fun and lots of laughs with the amazing people of Northern Ireland." On his colleague Sean Coyle, whose morning show he replaced "Sean's a legend. His style was just so easy to listen to, so affable and amiable and friendly. He had a huge audience, and I can see why a lot of people love him." On his pride over his job: "I'm so privileged and proud that I'm working for the BBC and I hope that I do the BBC proud, I hope that I do the legends that have been in this show before me proud, and most of all I hope that I do myself proud." On the secret to his radio success: "The kind of stuff I do is basically relaying life stories and observations and getting people on to let me know what their version of that is. I've always essentially been the same person with the same type of show and I've done weekend mornings and night times and afternoons and breakfasts and now I'm doing mid-mornings but I don't think the time of day really matters." On making a difference to people's lives: "People have told me I was the only thing that made them laugh when they were going through chemotherapy or a death in the family. For me, to have done that, that's what really matters most. Success is to have made someone laugh at a time when nothing was funny." If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, contact the Samaritans on 084 5790 9090, or Lifeline 080 8808 800 Some of Australia's biggest radio stations have banned songs mentioning 'fire' because the tunes are considered 'insensitive' while Australia continues to burn. The Hit Network, which broadcasts Sydney's 2DayFM and Melbourne's Fox FM radio stations, announced it will censor the material starting on Wednesday. The decision was made as songs such as Sia's Fire Meet Gasoline are believed to contain lyrics that are seen to be insensitive while fires ravage the country. The Hit Network, including Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little's drive show (pictured above) will be banning all content involving fire and burning A Rural Fire Service (RFS) firefighter conducts mopping up near the town of Sussex Inlet on the NSW South Coast on December 31 Parent company Southern Cross Austereo confirmed to Daily Mail Australia the move was being made country-wide. 'Out of respect for the devastation impacting so much of our community, we have removed any songs that could be considered insensitive or in poor taste across both the Hit and Triple M networks nationally,' the spokeswoman said. A number of songs have been pulled from the network's playlist, though it didn't confirm the titles of any others. They could include hits such as Cold Chisel's Flame Trees, Billy Joel's We Didn't Start The Fire, Midnight Oil's Beds are Burning, King's of Leon's Sex on Fire and Fire Flies by Owl City. Any songs that mention fires, burning and finding it difficult to breathe would be blacklisted. It is not known how songs were going to be banned, but the networks focus on a mixture of contemporary hits and popular songs, The Age reported. Australian Radio Network, the broadcaster of Kiis FM, said its playlists were reviewed regularly and it was mindful of how some songs would affect the audience. The Hit Network, responsible for Triple M, have chosen to censor the material for the time being (pictured: Triple M's national drive show hosts Mick Molloy and Jane Kennedy) The decision was made as songs such as Sia's Fire Meet Gasoline are believed to contain lyrics that are seen to be insensitive while fires ravage the country (NSW South Coast pictured) Head of programming at NOVA, Paul Jackson, said the station was also conscious of the affects music can have during the bushfire crisis. 'We also have a call-to-action every hour advising listeners on how they can support or donate to organisations like the RFS, CFA, RSPCA and Red Cross,' he said. Radio listeners took to social media to slam the decision, with many saying the decision was unwarranted. 'Dead set this country has gone soft. Once upon a time Aussies were the toughest and most resilient people on the planet now we are a laughing stock,' one Facebook user wrote. 'Stupidity. A totally pointless gesture so that they look like they have meaning and credibility. Wankers,' another said. Daily Mail Australia contacted Southern Cross Austereo for contact. The tussle between the executive members of MKO-Abiola Estate residents association and the Agape Area Headquarters of the Redeemed Church escalated on Wednesday morning as the roof of the estates hall which the church was occupying was removed on orders of the president of the estate residents association, Adetokunbo Shittu. Residents of the Estate and the Redeemed Church have been at loggerheads over the churchs refusal to vacate the estate hall. The church has been using the hall since 1999 when the estate was built. The estate executives have, however, issued the church three notices to quit since 2017, which was not complied with. In 2018, the estate executives took the church to an Ebute Metta magistrate court but later withdrew the case due to defective filing. On January 5, members of the estates residents association locked the out members of the church thus denying them access to the hall. But some members of the church broke the locks and reported the incident to the police. But on Wednesday the conflict between the parties worsen after the roof of the estate hall was taken off on the orders of Mrs Shittu. The estates executives also ordered for loads of sand and gravel to be deposited at the entrance of the hall. Mrs Shittu told PREMIUM TIMES that the decision was taken in the best interest of the community and its residents. The church has refused to vacate the hall and the estate is in need of the hall, so, we decided to start work on the hall. READ ALSO: Given the brazen manner with which the church broke into the hall when it was locked up by the executives without reporting to them, an executive member of the estates residents association who declined to give her name said. A fracas broke out between the labourers and some of the estate residents who are members of the church, which led to the intervention of police officers from the Alausa Police Division. The labourers reportedly attacked two members of the church who were filming the removal of the roof with their mobile phones. When PREMIUM TIMES got the scene around 10:45 a.m., some agitated youth and residents of the estate were gathered at the front of the estate hall. Several officers from the Alausa Police Division were also on ground to prevent further confrontations between the angry crowd and the labourers. When I got here, I saw that they were removing the roofing sheet. In surprise, I attempted to record so that I can send to the church group before they started throwing pebbles and some of them attacked us, one of the victims said. The middle-aged woman who is also a minister at the Redeemed Church told PREMIUM TIMES that a young man, who was also beaten, came around to help her with the recording because she was not tall enough to film the demolition properly. The executives were on their seats watching what was happening, she added. Sesan Oyebode, the pastor of the Redeemed church, said the removal of the roof was ordered by Mrs Shittu. If you must leave a property by force, it must follow due process. The court must give an injunction, they would get a bailiff and police officers to eject you from the place. Before then, they would inform you to remove your things, it is when you refuse that the police can put your things outside, that is the legal way, Mr Oyebode said, in a telephone conversation. Mr Oyebode said it is improper for the president of such a high-profile estate to order the removal of the roof without following due process. You are here: Business China's air cargo market is seeing a new round of industrial layout competition by giant companies, who have taken intensive major moves to strengthen their positions. Corporate giants at home and abroad are injecting capital and confidence into the Chinese air cargo field with larger fleets, more complete route networks and stronger infrastructure and service support. New moves On Dec. 24, 2019, China Southern Air Holding (CSAH) launched an air cargo company as a new business entity to further tap the market. With registered capital of one billion yuan ($143.87 million), the new company is registered in Guangzhou, southern China's Guangdong province. CSAH is the parent company of China Southern Airlines, China's largest air carrier with a fleet of more than 860 aircraft. The move is aimed at consolidating its position in the air cargo market with services throughout the air cargo industry chain. On Dec. 31, 2019, SF Airlines announced its all-cargo freighter fleet had reached 58 on its 10th anniversary. The Shenzhen-based airline has become China's largest air cargo airline and created a global air cargo service network with 65 destinations. In 2020, the all-cargo freighter fleet of SF Airlines is expected to exceed 60 with over 70 global destinations. "Chinese enterprises are constantly optimizing their global industrial distribution and strengthening their global performance. Meanwhile, Chinese customers have shown their great cross-border consumption capacity," said Liddel Li, president of SF Airlines. "All these factors foster our sustainable growth and confidence in the Chinese air cargo market," Li said. SF Airlines has evolved into a medium-size cargo airline over the past 10 years, a golden decade of China's booming express delivery industry and civil aviation industry. Taking-off market China's express delivery industry has become the world's fastest-growing and most dynamic emerging post and delivery market. The volume of China's express packages has exceeded the sum of the United States, Japan and Europe. The civil aviation industry is also a highly sensitive barometer of the economy. China's civil aviation market generally maintained growth momentum, and the air cargo sector is particularly impressive. Airports are the most important infrastructure which sustains the developments of both the air cargo and air passenger transport sectors. Thanks to the country's sustainable economic growth and persistent support, China's civil airport sector has gained high-speed and high-quality development in the past decade, according to Zhang Rui, deputy director of the airport department of the CCAC. Over the 2009 to 2019 period, the amount of China's certified civil airports extended from 158 to 238. Eight airports advanced into the world's top 50 airports. In the same period, the cargo throughput of China's civil airports expanded from 8.83 million tonnes to 16.74 million tonnes. "The enhanced air cargo capacity is a highlight in the new round of airport renovation and construction," said Zhu Qianhong, general manager of Guangdong Airport Authority. In newly-approved airport construction plans by the CAAC, the designed annual cargo capacity of Kunming, Chongqing and Xiamen airports will all exceed a million tonnes. The newly-opened Beijing Daxing International Airport is expected to handle more than two million tonnes of air cargo in 2025. And major air hubs in Shanghai and Guangzhou will also gain enhanced air cargo throughput capacity. SF Express has also invested heavily in constructing an international logistic hub in Ezhou, central China's Hubei province. With a cargo-focused airport in the hub, the Chinese express delivery giant will strengthen its worldwide air express delivery system. New chances "Intensive moves of corporate giants in the Chinese air cargo market are driven by market potentials. China's huge consumption market and unleashed spending power will drive the air cargo industry into a new round of development," Zhu said. In October 2019, Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO) and Boeing announced a plan to launch a 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter production line at GAMECO's Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport hangar. China's rapidly growing e-commerce and express delivery market will make air cargo a key growth driver. Over the next 20 years, the Chinese market is expected to have demand for 230 new freighters and 500 converted freighters, said Boeing's latest market forecast. "Air France KLM Cargo greatly values the potential of China's air cargo market. We will continue to consolidate a foothold in the market through a prudent and judicious approach," said Rahul Pathak, head of Air France KLM Cargo China. "There is no better place in the world than China where digital content and usage are embraced and welcomed. We have provided Chinese customers with a suite of 365-day, round-the-clock services on the digital platforms," he said. Moreover, the airline has recently introduced a data platform specially designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, enabling them to stay responsive to market changes, swiftly and flexibly. "China's air cargo market is embracing greater opportunities and challenges alongside the advance of the Belt and Road Initiative and higher demands in the global logistics system from all sectors," Li said. "It is a major opportunity for our domestic enterprises and also new business chances for global peers," he added. Five people may be prosecuted over antisemitism linked to the Labour Party, Britains most senior police officer has revealed. Dame Cressida Dick, the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said the force had arrested six people last year as part of its inquiry and that five files have been passed on to prosecutors. It is for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to decide, she told LBC radio. It is a very complex crime type, to be honest there is a lot for them to look at and a lot for them to consider as to whether there is either sufficient evidence to charge and whether it is in the public interest so to do. The investigation was prompted by an internal Labour dossier detailing antisemitic messages on social media allegedly posted by members, which was obtained by the radio station last year. Protests against Labour antisemitism Show all 14 1 /14 Protests against Labour antisemitism Protests against Labour antisemitism Protesters clashed during the demonstration Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism Members of the Jewish community hold a protest against Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn and antisemitism in the Labour Party AFP/Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism Protesters hold placards and flags during a demonstration, organised by the British Board of Jewish Deputies for those who oppose antisemitism, in Parliament Square Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism Hundreds of people gathered in Parliament Square to protest against antisemitism in the Labour Party EPA Protests against Labour antisemitism Labour MP Luciana Berger speaks during the protest PA Protests against Labour antisemitism A protester blows through a shofar during the demonstration Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism Members of London's Jewish community protest in support of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn outside parliament EPA Protests against Labour antisemitism Labour MP John Mann speaks during a protest against antisemitism PA Protests against Labour antisemitism People protest against antisemitism in the Labour Party as Jewish community leaders have launched a scathing attack on Jeremy Corbyn, claiming he has sided with antisemites again and again PA Protests against Labour antisemitism Labour politicians Stella Creasy and Chuka Umunna leave after attending the demonstration Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism A pro-Jeremy Corbyn protester holds a placard during a counter-protest Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism A support of the Labour Party hold up a placard during the demonstration Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism Jeremy Corbyn supporters during the demo Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism A protester holds up a sign reading For the many, not the Jew AFP Reports at the time suggested the documents included details of 45 cases, including one which allegedly read: We shall rid the Jews who are a cancer on us all. The Labour Party has previously welcomed the police investigation and said: Antisemitism has no place in our society and we are committed to challenging and campaigning against it in all its forms. A senior Labour spokesperson said it was believed that all of those referred to by Dame Cressida had either been expelled from the party or left while under suspension. The spokesperson added: Obviously, all cases of hate crime should be investigated and if necessary prosecuted. Reported antisemitic incidents have been rising in the UK amid an overall rise in hate crimes motivated by all factors including race, religion, disability and sexual orientation. Dame Cressidas announcement came after The Independent revealed that the proportion of reported hate crimes being prosecuted has plummeted from a quarter to less than one in 10 in the past six years. Despite attacks reported to police more than doubling to a record of 103,400 in the same period, the number of suspects charged has been steadily falling to just 9,500 in 2018-19, according to an analysis of Home Office and CPS figures. Prosecutors blame the drop on police, who have been referring fewer cases to be considered for charges. But the CPS also introduced an 85 per cent target for hate crime convictions in 2013-14. Like other levels of ambition, it was not publicised by the CPS and critics argue the targets may have influenced behaviour by both police and prosecutors. Reports of hate crime have surged in recent years, hitting peaks during the 2016 EU referendum, the 2017 London and Manchester terrorist attacks and debates about Brexit in parliament. Additional reporting by PA Portraits of Qasem Soleimani have been carried aloft in rallies from Gaza to Yemen, raising the prospect that his violent death will elevate him as an icon of anti-American resistance. The powerful Iranian commander, who was buried on Wednesday, was hailed as a "living martyr" in the Islamic republic for his military and strategic exploits that included halting the Islamic State group as it rampaged across Iraq and Syria. Soleimani spearheaded Iran's Middle East operations as head of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, masterminding Shiite proxy militias, and some Sunni allies, in a career that saw President Donald Trump brand him a "monster". After his assassination at the age of 62, in a US drone strike in Baghdad, some observers say his martyr status will grow, rendering him a figurehead for the disparate pro-Iranian groups that he guided and fostered. "The shock factor isn't so much that Soleimani has died -- he was after all in many battles -- but the way the US president has taken ownership of this will create that type of zeal and drive and commitment across the Middle East," said Ellie Geranmayeh from the European Council on Foreign Relations. Soleimani was a polarising figure, even within his own country, and pro-Iranian forces have their own agendas and strategies, but the dramatic nature of his death could serve as a unifying force. The so-called Iranian "axis of resistance" stretching from Iran to the Mediterranean Sea will be "galvanised to focus more on their ultimate goal which is the US withdrawal from as much of the Middle East as possible," Geranmayeh told AFP. - 'We are all Qasem Soleimani' - The outpouring of emotion over Soleimani's death saw mourners pack the streets of Tehran on Monday. The following day tragedy struck in his hometown, with more than 50 people killed in a stampede during a massive funeral procession. On social media, supporters have posted illustrations of the slain commander being greeted in heaven. And elsewhere among Muslim Shiite communities, where Soleimani was seen as a champion in the face of Sunni aggression, there were expressions of grief, anger and resolve. "The blood of the martyrs... is not just Iranian or Iraqi but belongs to the Muslim community and to free men around the world," said a Huthi official in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital held by the Iran-backed militia. At a mourning ceremony in the Gaza Strip Soleimani was eulogised by the militant Palestinian movement Islamic Jihad. In Lebanon his image was raised along a highway leading to the airport and in several Hezbollah strongholds. Inside the Beirut airport, black-clad women arriving from the Iraqi shrine city of Najaf carried his portraits as they walked through the arrivals hall, chanting "death to America" in scenes that went viral. "Soleimani was the most important and influential military commander in the 'axis of resistance.' He has invested his whole life, since his youth in deterring the region's neo-imperialists," said Lokman, a 22-year-old Lebanese graduate. "I believe his assassination has revived the collective consciousness of tens of millions of people in the region, prompting them to stand up against the oppression and exploitation of the United States and its proxies." - Mideast's Che Guevara? - In Iran, Soleimani was widely regarded as a hero for his staunch defence of the country, his defeat of the IS jihadist group, and his role in the grinding 1980s conflict between Iran and Iraq. In recent years he stepped out of the shadows and became an unlikely celebrity in Iran -- replete with a huge following on Instagram. As his influence rose and calls for him to enter politics grew louder, he was admired for his insistence on remaining on the battlefield. Since his death, Soleimani has been hailed as the "Che Guevara of the Middle East" in some quarters, but the region's schisms and fractures present a much more complex picture. "They're packaging Soleimani as this foreign policy guru, martyr, strategist... away from the narrative that he was a terrorist and responsible for loss of life," said Sanam Vakil from the London-based Chatham House. "It looks useful (for Iran) right now but we don't know how durable it is," she said. "Depending on where you live and your world view you'll see Soleimani in one way or another." In the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, hundreds took to the streets Tuesday to condemn the killing, holding aloft pictures of the general and those slain alongside him, and burning American and Israeli flags. "We are all Qasem Soleimani," one demonstrator told AFP. The Syrian opposition and Aleppo's displaced residents however accuse Soleimani of masterminding a brutal siege and ensuing military campaign that killed hundreds and displaced thousands of the city's residents. In the jihadist-held province of Idlib, they distributed sweets to celebrate his assassination. burs-sls/hkb A Yemeni supporter of the Iran-backed Huthi movement holds aloft a picture of slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani who many across the Middle East have hailed as a "living martyr" Iranian mourners filled the streets of Tehran on Monday to pay tribute to Soleimani who headed the foreign operations of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards While many across the Middle East mourned Soleimani, in rebel and jihadist-held areas of Syria people handed out sweets to celebrate his death in a US drone strike in Iraq "We have expanded our offerings to address the needs of a larger portion of the education market including the career and trade education sector, as well as broadening our early learning and assessment offerings." Kevin J. Gray, President and Chief Content Officer Westchester K-12 Publishing Services has become Westchester Education Services. This change better reflects the full array of industry-leading development services that the company delivers to ed-tech providers and educational publishers. Initially established to provide literacy, math, science, and social studies product support in the US market, Westchester Education Services now develops materials for the US and global education markets in core subjects as well as ELT, bilingual education, and career and trade curriculum for students and teachers in early learning through post-secondary classrooms. Westchester Education Services, a division of US employee-owned editorial and pre-press services provider Westchester Publishing Services, has experienced strong growth since its inception nearly three years ago. This growth was propelled by educational publishers and ed-tech providers need for a reliable, US-based resource upon which they can rely for superior product development services. Starting with large supplemental publishers like Teacher Created Materials and Benchmark Education, Westchesters client list has expanded to encompass international publishers like Gill Education and Legend Press, ed-tech firms like LearnZillion and 3P Learning, and CTE providers like CareerPath Mobile. Through partnerships developed with FableVision Studios and Learnosity, Westchesters clients have also benefited from a single access point for high-quality end-to-end product development options of their print and digital components. Paul J. Crecca, Westchester Publishing Services President & CEO commented, We are extremely pleased with all that Westchester K-12 Publishing Services accomplished over the last 2+ years. We launched this business with the commitment to be a hands-on consultative content development and production services partner to US educational publishers, and the market confirmed that was a welcomed and valued mission. But we also heard from many publishers in markets outside our initial product lines of Literacy, Math, Science and Social Studies, and from publishers outside the US asking if we could assist with their content development and product plans. Crecca added, Kevin J. Gray, who has headed the division from its inception in May 2017, has established Westchester Education Services as a world-class team of product development resources who are responsive to the changing needs of educational publishers and ed-tech providers both in the United States and overseas. The expertise of this team has advanced Westchesters expansion beyond the core subject areas, allowing us to service a much broader spectrum of the US and international education market. In recognition of his significant accomplishments, and the role he will play in the future growth of this business, Kevin J. Gray has been promoted to President and Chief Content Officer of Westchester Education Services. His primary directives will include leveraging the strengths of the division in assessing, developing, and maintaining business opportunities and partnerships. It is a privilege to be associated with a company with a history as impressive as Westchesters and to have been provided the resources to staff and develop this division to allow it to reach its fullest potential, affirmed Gray. I am excited about continuing our mission of being the pre-eminent product development provider for ed-tech and educational publishers in the United States, United Kingdom, and beyond. We are known for our literacy, math, science, and social studies content, as well as our high-quality art, design, and production services. In 2019, Walter Henderson, Jr. joined our team to provide ELT, translation, and bilingual education services, and we will continue to grow our services in these areas. We have expanded our offerings to address the needs of a larger portion of the education market including the career and trade education sector, as well as broadening our early learning and assessment offerings. To support the growing client base, David Bailis, previously Westchesters STEM Content Director since November 2017, has been appointed Senior Director of Operations, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the development team. In addition, Tim Yetzina has joined Westchester as Senior Supervising Editor, STEM, where he will draw upon his extensive experience with educational publishers including Pearson, National Geographic Learning, and McGraw-Hill to fully support the needs of our clients. Westchester Education Services is an exhibitor at the BETT Show in London, January 22-24 and will meet with publishers, ed-tech companies, and educational organizations to detail how our services can help address needs with their educational content. The company will also be exhibiting at the ASU/GSV Summit, March 31-April 1 in San Diego. Further information about the Westchester Education Services team and our service offerings can be found at westchestereducationservices.com and westchestereducationservices.co.uk. You can also follow Westchester Education Services on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/20558195/ About Westchester Education Services: A division of Westchester Publishing Services, our team offers educational publishers and ed-tech providers the complete spectrum of services for literacy, math, science, social studies, ELT, bilingual education, and CTE products, including content creation for student books, teacher guides and ancillaries; original illustrations, photo research, page design and layout; and post-development editorial and pre-press production, including e-Pub conversion. Our management team includes veteran resources from all aspects of educational development, as well as high-quality design, image management, and page layout professionals. The management team relies on their deep network of resources to staff projects appropriately, ensuring the best fit for our clients project needs. About Westchester Publishing Services: Founded in 1969, Westchester Publishing Services is the only US employee-owned company concentrating in editorial, composition, design, and digital conversion services. Westchester Publishing Services has been a trusted partner to the US publishing industry for decades with clients including Macmillan, Harvard University Press, W.W. Norton, The MIT Press, Bloomsbury, and UCL Press. In 2014, Westchester Publishing Services became a 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). In 2017, Westchester Publishing Services launched a new division, Westchester K-12 Publishing Services, based in Dayton, Ohio, to serve the needs of educational publishers. In 2018, Westchester Publishing Services launched Westchester Publishing Services UK, based in Stratford upon Avon, to provide added services for publishers in the UK, and Europe. For information about our expanded offerings, please contact: Nicole Tomassi, Marketing and Conference Manager, Westchester Publishing Services, at: 203-658-7135 or Nicole.Tomassi@westchesterpubsvcs.com. Further information is also available at: http://www.westchesterpublishingservices.com. A civil court judge Wednesday ordered that sitting criminal district Judge George Powell be included on the March primary ballot after the Harris County Democratic Party denied his application for candidacy last month. Party officials had to accept Powells application within 24 hours, and he needs to appear as a choice for voters during the election, Judge Lauren Reeder ordered. But the ruling is technically temporary and could be subject to appeal by the party or Powells primary opponent, who was a third-party intervener in Powells suit against the party. Im very happy that the judge granted our request for an injunction and that he gets the chance to run again, said Kent Schaffer, Powells attorney. Ultimately, its the voters who should decide who the candidates going to be, and not a select few people who feel like its their right. During a Tuesday court hearing, the local chapter of the Democratic Party sought to justify its decision in leaving Powell off the ballot, urging him to take responsibility for his applications failure. A statement party officials issued after Wednesdays ruling made little mention of the outcome, however, and pointed to issues with the election code. Party leaders werent able to approve Powells candidacy because state rules prevented it, they said. The judge paid an insufficient filing fee too close to the filing deadline, meaning his application was denied and the problem couldnt be fixed without breaking state rules, party chair Lillie Schechter testified Tuesday. The Harris County Democratic Party regrets the situation Judge Powell found himself in, party officials said in a statement. Without question, we believe all eligible candidates should have access to the ballot. At the heart of Tuesdays injunction hearing was Powells application to run for re-election, which was rejected because he paid a $1,500 filing fee instead of the required $2,500 - something he did at the instruction of a party election worker, according to testimony. The civil court judge ultimately ruled in line with Powells attorneys, saying it was reasonable for him to rely on the election workers instructions. The Court finds that Powells application, petition, and filing fee were timely received and accepted by the Harris County Democratic Party, the order reads. Nevertheless, the Harris County Democratic Party subsequently, and improperly, rejected Powells application based solely on the amount of the filing fee paid by Powell. And Reeder noted that Powell technically paid the correct fee, regardless of the party staff members mistake. Powell gave enough money to the party in a stroke of good fortune he wrote a second check to the Democratic Party on the Dec. 9 filing deadline, meant as a $2,500 loan for another potential candidates application. That womans application wasnt even received because of insufficiencies on her form, but the party cashed both Powells $2,500 and $1,500 checks, meaning the organization accepted $4,000 from him, according to testimony. Party officials said Tuesday that Powell should have known the rules and proper amounts to pay, as theyre available online and made known through open meetings about the filing process. Attorneys for Natalia Cornelio, who is vying for Powells seat on the court, agreed with the Democratic Party. But Reeder ruled out of her favor as well, saying that Powells right to be on the ballot was most important. Further, the court finds that any harm to Cornelio resulting from Powells inclusion on the primary ballot will be her inability to run unopposed in the primary election, which is outweighed by Powells right to be included on the primary ballot and by the voters interest in electing the candidate of their choice, the ruling reads. The Democratic Party doesnt plan to appeal, according to party spokeswoman Nisha Randle. Cornelio, currently the director of legal affairs for Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, has not decided whether to challenge the order, her attorney said. I remain focused on why I am running and on pushing for the issues that matter in criminal courts, like promoting community centered justice, bail reform, and a commitment to reducing racial disparities in our justice system, Cornelio said. Powells lawyers hinted in Tuesdays injunction hearing that the party might have an interest in keeping the judge from running for re-election, even though paying the incorrect amount might have been no more than a convenient mistake. Schaffer clarified afterward that he believes Ellis is pulling strings in the local Democratic Party, and wants his employee to run unopposed in the primary for the 351st state judicial district. Ellis and Cornelio both helped draft a landmark settlement over Harris Countys misdemeanor bail system, which a federal judge said was unconstitutional and discriminated against poor defendants. Powell was one of 11 current and former judges in the area who were admonished by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct in 2019 related to complaints that they instructed hearing officers to deny no-cost bail to indigent defendants. That admonishment has since been retracted for unknown reasons. Randle called the claims ludicrous, and Cornelios attorney, Mynor E. Rodriguez, said he hadnt heard those accusations. Ellis flatly denied them. There is a whole lot of distance between that baseless claim and reality, he said. There is no truth to those claims; I've been focused on working on issues that matter to Harris County families. samantha.ketterer@chron.com Maharashtra Legislature on Wednesday unanimously ratified the Constitution (126th) Amendment Bill, which proposes to extend quota to SC/STs in Lok Sabha and state assemblies by another 10 years. A special one-day session of the legislature was held to ratify the Constitution Amendment bill, passed by Parliament on December 11. The resolution to ratify the bill was moved in the legislature by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. In the Assembly, Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis supported the resolution. Thackeray and Fadnavis saidthe scheduled castes and scheduled tribes have made considerable progress in the last 70 years and there is a need toretain theinclusive character as envisioned by the founding fathers of the Constitution. In the Council, Suresh Dhas of BJP, Bhai Jagtap of Congress and Jayant Patil of PWP said they wanted to speak on the issue, but Chairman Ramraje Nimbalkar did not allow them to do so. "Parliament has already cleared the bill and the state also needs to do. There is no need to discuss it any further," Nimbalkar told the Upper House and asked members not to insist on speaking on the bill. The joint sitting of the Legislature began with an address by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The draft of his speech was approved by the state Cabinet on Tuesday. In Maharashtra, there are five SC and four ST Lok Sabha constituencies. The state also has 29 SC and 25 ST Assembly seats. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hunter Biden will not fight his Arkansas baby mama for custody of their 17-month-old child, but will continue to clash with her over his financial records, according to new court filings obtained by DailyMail.com. Lunden Roberts, 28, was given primary legal and physical custody of their child, whose initials were revealed on Tuesday as NJR, and Biden was named as the non-custodial parent of the toddler, whose gender is being kept secret. Biden's legal team didn't object to the Independence County judge's paternity order in papers filed on Wednesday morning, but disputed Roberts' demand for him to be held in contempt of court for allegedly not handing over his financial records. He denies that he failed to provide Roberts with any paystubs or tax returns with his affidavit of financial means, and asked the court to throw out her motion. The 49-year-old also accused Roberts of 'intentionally' including his address in court papers so the 'media and his political adversaries' would know where he lives, which has brought 'an onslaught of harassment' to him and his pregnant wife Melissa Cohen. Hunter Biden will not fight his Arkansas baby mama for custody of their 17-month-old child, but will continue to clash with her over his financial records, according to new court filings obtained by DailyMail.com Lunden Roberts, 28, was given primary legal and physical custody of their child, whose initials were revealed on Tuesday as NJR, and Biden was named as the non-custodial parent of the toddler, whose gender is being kept secret The issue of Biden's visitation rights to the child will be determined later. Circuit Court Judge Holly Meyer said on Tuesday that DNA testing determined that Biden is the father of Roberts' child with 'near scientific certainty.' Judge Meyer, who took over the case after Judge Don McSpadden recused himself on New Years Eve, asked Biden's lawyers on Friday to send over papers that redacted the name of the child, whose gender is being kept secret. In November, DNA testing proved Biden, 49, as the father of Roberts' child, after she filed a paternity suit in May 2019 in Independence County, Arkansas. The two had met while Roberts, 28, worked as a stripper in Washington D.C. and she wants full custody, and Biden to pay child support and foot her legal bill. Biden had tried to postpone his Tuesday's court appearance, claiming he didn't receive 'proper notice' and wouldn't be able to make it because he lives in California. The judge granted his motion and delayed the in court hearing until later this month. Biden seems mostly unbothered amid the heightened focus on his paternity case, as he was seen over the holidays shopping with his new South African wife Melissa Cohen, 32, who is pregnant and in her second trimester. Circuit Court Judge Holly Meyer said on Tuesday that DNA testing determined that Biden is the father of Roberts' child with 'near scientific certainty' Judge McSpadden's recusal last week came two hours after 'defrauded investor' Joel Caplan, who wants to be made a party in the case, filed a witness statement from ex-Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin. Shokin claimed he was fired in 2016 because he was leading an investigation into Burisma, the company Biden was a board member of, and refused to shut it down, despite pressure from Hunter's father, then-VP Joe Biden. Hunter's finances are currently in the spotlight over his former position at the Ukrainian energy company, which has been at the center of Hunter's entanglement in President Trump's impeachment. Trump's impeachment was sparked by his phone call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 25, where he asked Zelensky to meet with Rudy Giuliani and US AG William Barr over claims Joe lobbied for Shokin's dismissal because of his investigation into Burisma, in an alleged attempt to protect Hunter from any possible prosecution. This led to a whistleblower complaint from an officer within the CIA, and eventually led to Trump's impeachment in December. Dominic Casey also wants in on Biden's Arkansas case, filing papers in late December, claiming he had provided Roberts with 'electronic access' to Biden's bank account records, which are 'subject of known felonies including fraud and counterfeiting.' Judge McSpadden's recusal came two hours after 'defrauded investor' Joel Caplan (left), who wants to be made a party in the case, filed a witness statement from ex-Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin. Dominic Casey (right) also wants in on Biden's Arkansas case, filing papers, claiming he had provided Roberts with 'electronic access' to Biden's bank account records Casey heads up D&A Investigations, which is based near Orlando, Florida, and he is known for pursuing right-wing conspiracy theories. During the Casey Anthony trial he claimed a psychic told him where to find Caylee's body. Hunter, who has been in and out of rehab six times for alcoholism and addiction, was accused in November of smoking crack and spending 'thousands of dollars' at the strip club during multiple visits. According to the club's security worker Ranko Petrovic, Biden was a big-paying customer who often sat in the VIP room where he spent 'thousands and thousands' and drank during his visits. He often paid his bills with 'credit cards that didn't have his name on it'. Biden's frequent stops and generous spending at the club have come under scrutiny as he was on the board of Ukrainian natural-gas company Burisma at the time. Biden first joined that board in 2014 and was reportedly paid him as much as $50,000 a month. He served until his term expired in April 2019. He was on the board during the time his father Joe Biden was in the White House as Vice President. MANISTEE -- All types and sizes of businesses from across Northwest Lower Michigan are invited to attend an apprenticeship information session. The session will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Jan.30 at the Manistee ISD Building, 772 East Parkdale Avenue. At least 80 "American" were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on US targets in Iraq, Iranian state television said on Wednesday, adding that none of the missiles were intercepted. State TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said U.S. helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged". Iran launched missile attacks on U.S.-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Following President Trumps Wednesday speech on deescalating tensions with Iran, Senator Rand Paul (R., Ky.) said the president had personally expressed his desire to avoid another protracted Middle East war. The President shares my thoughts that the last thing we need is another ground war, Paul wrote on Twitter. He doesnt want endless wars. I continue to hope for de-escalation and diplomacy. I spoke with @realDonaldTrump today. The president shares my thoughts that the last thing we need is another ground war. He doesnt want endless wars. I continue to hope for de-escalation and diplomacy. Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 8, 2020 In his Wednesday speech, Trump declared that Iran appears to be standing down, and that barring further Iranian aggression, a deescalation could occur. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it, Trump said. Ever since news of the U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani last week, Paul a longtime critic of Middle East intervention had voiced his concerns. Paul suggested in a long thread on Twitter Friday that the move could further destabilize the region, and pointed to the Iraq War as evidence. President Trump viscerally understands that the toppling of Saddam Hussein made Iran stronger, Paul wrote. Soleimani, like Hussein, was an evil man who ordered the killing of Americans. Yet, the question remains, whether his death will lead to more instability in the Middle East or less. On Tuesday, Paul ramped up his rhetoric, telling CNNs Wolf Blitzer that Soleimanis death was the death of diplomacy with Iran. I dont see an off-ramp. I dont see a way out of this, Paul stated. . . . Youd have to be brain-dead to believe that we tear up the agreement, we put an embargo on you and we kill your major general, and theyre just going to crawl back to the table and say, What do you want, America? More from National Review The government intends to take groups of foreign envoys and senior diplomats to Kashmir in the coming weeks, thereby meeting the world communitys key request to be allowed into the region to assess the situation there, people familiar with developments said on Tuesday. The governments plan is to take groups of senior diplomats representing different regions, including West Asia, and groupings such as the European Union (EU) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to Kashmir. These will be the first such visits organised by the government for diplomats since Jammu and Kashmirs special status was revoked last August, the people cited above said. The first batch of some 20 envoys and senior diplomats was expected to travel to Srinagar as early as this week but the leak of the dates for the trip in the media has triggered a rethink within government circles because of concerns that a shutdown or protests could be organised to coincide with the visit, said two people on condition of anonymity. The governments plan was to organise the visits quietly, without any fanfare, and to allow the diplomats to interact with grassroots politicians, local businessmen, academics and journalists. The ministries of external affairs, home affairs and defence, and the army were involved in planning the visits and organising the logistics and security, the people said. The first batch of diplomats was to be briefed on the security situation and Pakistans role in fomenting unrest and backing cross-border terrorism by the army and security agencies in Srinagar, the people said. The batch was also expected to travel to Jammu to meet Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu and senior officials, they added. Officials in Srinagar, requesting anonymity, said the delegations will be hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir administration during their stay. Yes, a delegation will be coming to Kashmir this month and will be hosted by the government, said a senior officer. The officials said the delegation will stay at one of the high-end hotels close to the Dal Lake, which will also be the venue for most of the meetings. The EU mission in New Delhi is discussing with the external affairs ministry a planned visit for envoys of EU member states, such as France and Germany, the dates for which are yet to be fixed, said two diplomats of European countries who declined to be identified. Diplomats from the EU states were not part of the first batch. It is believed the EU diplomats are keen on greater access to Kashmiri political leaders, civil society organisations and the public and to be allowed to visit more locations and these issues are part of the ongoing discussions. This is being done to ensure that their visit does not face the sort of criticism that was directed towards a controversial trip to Kashmir in October by a group of some 20 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). That trip was organised by the International Institute for Nonaligned Studies, a Delhi-based think tank, and it later emerged that many of the MEPs were from far-right parties. The EU had distanced itself from the visit by the MEPs and minister of state for home G Kishan Reddy too told Parliament they were on a private visit. Several key members of the EU, including Germany, have described the communications blackout and security lockdown in Kashmir as not sustainable and made several requests for their diplomats to be allowed into the region. On August 5 last, the government scrapped Jammu and Kashmirs special status and decided to split it into the Union territories of Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Top political leaders, including three former chief ministers, continue to be detained. The diplomats are set to visit at a time when business activities have resumed after four months and the government has restored internet facilities at hospitals and some offices. The Kashmir Valley had observed a shutdown during the visit of the MEPs, who had met only people close to the administration and security forces. THE NEW SESSION: Legislators return to Albany with a big deficit and some major issues to tackle. THE PRIORITIES: A better-funded criminal justice system, fair elections, safer limousines and a more ethical government should be high on the list. The state Legislature returns to Albany today under growing pressure to revisit the criminal justice reforms it passed last year. And revisit them it should but not retreat. The reforms have been the target of scare tactics and calls for repeal, largely by Republicans looking to make this an election year issue, and district attorneys who don't like losing the coercive advantages they've long enjoyed. What critics ignore is that in most cases, the people they now rail about being released are the same people who could have been released before the reforms but only if they could post bail. The old rules created a system of unequal justice that gave lip service to the ideal that people are presumed innocent until proven guilty, but too often jailed less-affluent people indefinitely before trial, or forced them to agree to a plea bargain, regardless of their guilt or innocence. That's not to say the reforms were perfect. The law may need tweaks to give judges reasonable discretion to hold dangerous people but without creating another system rife with the socioeconomic bias that has long been pervasive. Lawmakers should look at the process of pre-trial discovery, in which prosecutors must share evidence with the defense including information that could be favorable to the defendant. The reforms require prosecutors to turn that material over within 15 days from an arraignment. Prosecutors say they don't have enough staff or funding to so quickly process and share all that information which could be voluminous in complex cases. There's also concern that crime labs could get even more backed up than they already are, leading to dismissals of cases on timely-trial grounds, especially in rural New York counties that rely on state-run labs. This comes amid a bigger-than-usual projected deficit in the next state budget $6.3 billion, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. That could leave the Legislature in the awkward position of acknowledging the reforms won't work as they should unless lawmakers better fund the criminal justice system, which they lack the funds to do. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The solution, though, is not to repeal the reforms or put them on hold. New York can't simply say, sorry, we can't afford a fair criminal justice system, so back to jail, you folks who can't afford bail. The answer is to find the money to pay for it for the sake of both presumptively innocent people who shouldn't lose their freedom, and guilty ones who belong behind bars. There are some other obvious priorities that ought to be low-hanging fruit for the Legislature to get done sooner than later: fixing the new system of public financing of campaigns that unnecessarily puts new hurdles in front of third-party candidates; passing safety regulations on limousines that lawmakers failed to enact last year; and overhauling the Joint Commission on Public Ethics, if not scrapping it and creating a more independent and transparent entity. Justice. A level political playing field. Public safety. Government ethics. All fine starting points for lawmakers seeking re-election this year. YEREVAN. The terrorist act of the American regime in Iraq was an act contrary to international law. Iran's deputy chief of mission to Armenia Ali Mohammad Mottaghi noted this during a meeting with journalists at the Iranian embassy today. He informed that a book of mourning was opened at the embassy on the occasion of the death of General Qasem Soleimani, which will also be open tomorrow. According to him, General Soleimani was subjected to terrorism by the US in Iraq. "General Soleimani and his allies played a very important role in the fight against terrorists in Iraq and Syria, including against Daesh," the deputy chief of mission said. "Their role is very important in the struggle of the governments of Iraq and Syria. General Soleimani and his allies have saved thousands of lives in Iraq and Syria by their self-sacrifice. It should be noted that the terrorist act of the American regime in Iraq was an act contrary to international law, as General Soleimani was Iran's official representative who had traveled to Iraq at the invitation of Iraq. One state, contrary to international law, killed the general in Iraq. This is also considered a violation of Iraq's territory by terrorist America. Iran's response to that action would be quite lawful, and the American side would be responsible for its action. The American operation contradicts its statements on the fight against terrorists." At the end of his speech, Mottaghi thanked the friendly Armenian people for their condolences. Two albino sisters have caused a stir in their home country of Kazakhstan and raised questions about who their real father was. Asel and Kamila Kalaganova were born 12 years apart and are now in high demand as models in their homeland. Kamila is two today and her elder sister is 14 but their brother Aldiyar, eight, has a more conventional Kazakh appearance. Asel and Kamila Kalaganova were born 12 years apart and are now in high demand as models in their homeland of Kazakhstan Kamila is two today and her elder sister is 14. The girls appear very different to their mother, Aiman Sarkitova, 38, and father 'People are surprised that we are albino,' said Asel. 'Many people do not know what albinos are.' Her mother, Aiman Sarkitova, 38, was also shocked when she was born, and doctors at first almost caused a scandal by suspecting the girl had an ethnically Russian father. Asel was ten when she started modelling but Kamila's arrival prompted more interest and the teenager now has 23,800 followers. Asel was ten when she started modelling but Kamila's arrival prompted more interested and the teenager now has 23,800 followers 'When I gave birth to my eldest, genetics were not so developed with us,' said her mother. 'It is developing only now. 'The doctors were shocked, and thought that she was Russian,' recalls Aiman Sarkitova, their mother. 'Then I started reading about this matter, I have learned that my children are albinos. 'The doctors were shocked, and thought that she was Russian,' recalls Aiman Sarkitova, their mother The girls have to take care to stay out of the sunlight. 'If I go outside in the afternoon, then I definitely apply sunscreen, put on clothes to protect my skin, headgear or use an umbrella,' said Asel 'At the very beginning everyone was shocked, surprised. I did not know what to do myself, how to live.' It turns out that there were albinos among her ancestors although she was unaware of this. The girls have to take care to stay out of the sunlight. 'If I go outside in the afternoon, then I definitely apply sunscreen, put on clothes to protect my skin, headgear or use an umbrella,' said Asel. 'In the evening, when there is almost no sun, it's much easier for me.' When she was younger, Asel went to a special school for handicapped children but later transferred to a regular one The girls also have eye problems and Asel wears glasses. When she was younger, Asel went to a special school for handicapped children but later transferred to a regular one. 'She studies perfectly well,' said her mother. 'Albinos do not differ much from other children, only their hair, eyelashes, eyes, and skin colour. 'At first it was difficult, of course, the children stared at her. 'Now she feels good, we do not limit her to anything.' Wherever they go, they get a lot of attention and Asel has recently finished modelling school. Ms Sarkitova said that her son's skin looks just like his father's But wherever they go, they get a lot of attention and Asel has recently finished modelling school. Ms Sarkitova said that her son's skin looks just like his father's. 'He is dark-skinned, a real Kazakh,' she said. 'Until the younger one was born, he did not ask any questions. 'But when Kamila was born, he began to say: ''Mum, why are they like that? Why am I not like them, not like my sisters?'' Ms Sarkitova said the girls' brother questioned why he looked so different from his siblings when he was younger but now boasts about them 'He realises that people are looking at the girls, and even begins to boast, proudly telling people about his unique sisters.' Ms Sarkitova has encouraged Asel to meet and talk to other Albino teenagers to discuss their common problems. 'Aktau is very hot and humid,' she said. 'Asel goes to school in sunglasses and with an umbrella.' The family may move to a more temperate city like capital Nursultan, formerly called Astana, she said. As Scott noted in a post below, Iran retaliated yesterday for the killing of Gen. Soleimani by firing 15 ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. forces. It appears that there were no American casualties. However, there were plenty of Soleimani-related casualties in Iran. The Washington Post reports that 56 people died, and more than two hundred were injured, due to a stampede at a funeral procession for the departed general. How many virgins does one get for dying in a funeral procession for a terrorist mastermind? Why was it that no Americans died as a result of Irans ballistic missile attack? Perhaps it was just luck. However, according to CNN, there is a growing belief among some Trump administration officials that Irans missiles intentionally missed areas populated by Americans. These officials are suggesting that Iran chose to send a message rather than take action significant enough to provoke a substantial U.S. response. They also note that Iranian missiles also landed close to the US consulate in Erbil, but didnt target the consulate itself. We could have done it and we didnt do it, is the message Iranians appeared to be sending, a State Department official said. This strikes me as a very plausible interpretation of yesterdays attacks. Even if correct, it doesnt guarantee that Iran is finished retaliating. But so far the news is good. Unless you were trampled in that funeral procession. Clear Labs, the only automated and intelligent NGS platform purpose-built for food safety testing, today announced that the company has relocated its headquarters to 1559 Industrial Road, San Carlos, California 94070 in order to support its growth plans. Clear Labs, the only automated and intelligent NGS platform purpose-built for food safety testing, today announced that the company has relocated its headquarters to 1559 Industrial Road, San Carlos, California 94070 in order to support its growth plans. The new space represents about a 2.5x increase in square footage over its previous office in Menlo Park and features an expanded R&D lab. Clear Labs is raising the standard for the way food is tested, said Sasan Amini, CEO of Clear Labs. With this space, were redoubling our commitment to designing new products for the food industry and accelerating the transformation of the diagnostics market. Over the past year, Clear Labs has grown its team by 45%, including new members on the product development and commercialization team. In 2018, the company launched Clear Safety, its flagship platform, with Salmonella detection and serotyping capabilities. A year later, the company also announced its three-in-one product for Listeria testing and received AOAC Performance Tested Methods certification for genus Listeria and Listeria monocytogenes testing, license number #09190. It combines Listeria detection, persistence monitoring, and Environmental Mapping in one unified platform. Several of the worlds leading food brands are leveraging Clear Labs platform to strengthen their food safety programs. Clear Labs is hiring in customer success and in R&D. Please visit the companys Careers page to find open positions. About Clear Labs Driven by a mission to safen the global food supply, Clear Labs is the only automated and intelligent NGS platform purpose-built for food safety testing. Clear Labs enables major brands to capitalize on a new era of food safety technologies by advancing DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and robotics to create preventative food safety management systems. We enable multi-target analysis of pathogens through all desired forms of molecular characterization at lower cost and with greater accuracy. The worlds largest food brands are already realizing the advantages of Clear Labs platform. Our goal is to raise the standard for the way food is tested and analyzed before it is consumed by billions of people each day. To learn more, please visit: http://www.clearlabs.com/. Andrew Westrope is managing editor of the Center for Digital Education. Before that, he was a staff writer for Government Technology, and previously was a reporter and editor at community newspapers. He has a bachelors degree in physiology from Michigan State University and lives in Northern California. Scott Morrison has returned to the front line to meet with bushfire victims after he was snubbed by locals in one of Australia's worst hit areas last week. The Australian prime minister was on Kangaroo Island on Wednesday where he pledged to provide more support after an inferno ripped through the island, off the coast of South Australia, on Friday night. The fire killed almost half of the island's koala population and also claimed the lives of outback pilot Dick Lang, 78, and his 43-year-old son Clayton Lang, who were killed when their car became trapped by flames near Parndana. During his visit Mr Morrison was told stories of the devastation the locals now face following the fatal blaze. Mr Morrison's warm welcome was a far cry from his visit to Cobargo, on the New South Wales south coast, last Thursday. The Australian Prime Minister (pictured speaking with locals) was on Kanagroo Island on Wednesday where he pledged to provide more support after an inferno ripped through the island off the coast of South Australia on Friday night Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison looks on as he visits a fire-damaged property at Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide, Australia Mr Morrison is seen visiting a fire damaged property on Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide, Wednesday Mr Morrison (far left) is seen with South Australian Premier Steven Marshall (second from the left) and Senator Anne Ruston (far right) during a visit to a fire damaged property on Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide Mr Morrison, who was criticised for taking a Hawaiian holiday in December as the fires raged rather than attending affected areas, was heckled by residents when he arrived in Cobargo. One woman refused to return the Prime Minister's offered handshake until he organised more money for volunteer firefighters. As others around him continued their heckling, Mr Morrison made a beeline back to his car and was driven away by his security team shortly after arriving. A despondent fireman who lost his home while battling bushfires also refused to shake the leaders hand during the visit. One local refused to shake Prime Minister Scott Morrison's hand until he offered more support to volunteer firefighters in Cobargo, on the New South Wales south coast last week Mr Morrison can be seen trying to shake the fireman's hand, however, the man only looks at Mr Morrison's hand before shaking his head during a visit to Cobargo, on the New South Wales south coast However, many people were open to speaking with the Prime Minister about their their struggles on Kangaroo island. Garlic farmer Shane Leahy told the leader they were not looking for a handout but needed help to get back on their feet. 'At the end of the day I have got to live, I have got no home,' Mr Leahy said. During the visit to Kangaroo Island Mr Morrison announced the Federal and South Australian Government have offered primary producers and small businesses on Kangaroo Island and in the Adelaide Hills grants, up to $15,000, to help get them back on their feet. A member of the South Australian Army Reserves helps clear land and build koala enclosures at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park in Parndana on Wednesday Members of the South Australian Army Reserves help clear land and build koala enclosures at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park in Parndana A South Australian water valve sign is seen amongst burnt forestry in the Parndana region on January 08, 2020 on Kangaroo Island 'South Australia, particularly the Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills communities, have faced devastating losses,' Mr Morrison said. 'The bushfire threat is not over yet, but we will be there, backing the communities every step of the way as they rebuild and recover. 'This will give businesses and families the immediate assistance they need to begin rebuilding.' He also went on to ask those whose holidays were cut-short by the bushfires to 'give tourism operators a break' when seeking a refund. Slide me Before and after pictures of the winding road through Flinders Chase National Park reveal exactly how brutal the ferocious fires were The Flinders Chase National Park is now unrecognisable after an inferno tore through bushland More than half the koala population on Kangaroo Island were killed in the ferocious fires 'If you booked accommodation and youre now seeking a refund, can you cut them a break? 'These businesses have been hit very hard and their cash flow positions are not going to be in a position where theyre going to be able to meet every request.' Mr Morrison said despite the tragic circumstances, the people he has met on the ground were determined to recover and rebuild. A koala lies dead on the ground after it was killed in a horrific bushfire A dead koala and her joey are seen after the blaze tore through Kangaroo Island OTTAWA - Nearly 100 Canadian fire experts have been sent to Australia to help battle one of the worst wildfire seasons the country has ever seen, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told his Australian counterpart Wednesday the country is ready to do more. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A firefighter manages a controlled burn to help contain a larger fire near Falls Creek, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Rick Rycroft OTTAWA - Nearly 100 Canadian fire experts have been sent to Australia to help battle one of the worst wildfire seasons the country has ever seen, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told his Australian counterpart Wednesday the country is ready to do more. In a phone conversation with Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Trudeau "expressed his condolences and sorrow on behalf of all Canadians for the deaths and destruction caused by the wildfires," a statement from Trudeau's office said afterward, and for "the major loss of wildlife and natural devastation." "He recalled Australia's past generous assistance to Canadian firefighters when wildfires spread through Canadian communities," the statement went on. A spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said all Australia has requested so far is more people. Canada has offered money and equipment to aid other countries in the past, including a $15-million offer of cash and temporary use of some water-bombers when the Amazon rain forest was on fire in Brazil and Bolivia last summer. Global Affairs Canada has not yet said whether any of that money flowed or if the water-bombers were deployed. University of British Columbia biology professor Karen Hodges said it is common for the international firefighting community to share resources and expertise in times of need. "Whenever there are catastrophic wildfires other countries are willing to help," she said. Australian firefighters, alongside Americans, Mexicans, and New Zealanders, came to Canada in 2018 to help British Columbia beat back the worst fire season that province has ever seen. The Australian national council for fire and emergencies said Wednesday 97 Canadians have deployed to Australia to help this season along with 159 Americans and others from New Zealand. One group of Canadians arrived to cheers and applause as they pushed through the doors into the airport arrivals area in Sydney on Jan. 6. Angela Bogdan, the Canadian consul general in Australia, greeted the group and told them the Australians are extremely grateful for their help. "I cannot underscore enough that in making this long journey you've brought hope and reassurance to these people," said Bogdan. The first group of 21 experts who arrived in early December headed home Wednesday, as another group of eight arrived. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian tweeted a thank-you to them Wednesday, saying "NSW won't forget what you have done." Most of the Canadians are there to help with aviation, logistics and fire behaviour, while Australia relies heavily on local volunteer firefighters to battle the blazes. Widespread drought and multiple heatwaves are creating perfect conditions for fires, which have scorched millions of hectares of bushland since October. Australian sources seem to differ on how much land has burnt. Fire agencies in New South Wales and Victoria, the two most populated states in Australia, reported on their websites that there were 3.9 million hectares and 1.2 million hectares of fires, respectively, burning on their territories right now. In New South Wales, 136 fires are being tracked, 36 of them out of control. Officials in Australia say 25 people have been killed in the fires. Last year was a bad year for fires in many parts of the world including in Russia, Angola, Indonesia and California. Environment experts say climate change is largely to blame for an increase in fire risk. Hodges said in Australia, there are often many small, cooler-burning fires that take out dead scrub brush and grasses but don't destroy the tree canopy. She said the difference this year is that because of drought and heat, the fires are burning hotter and far more trees are succumbing to the flames. More than half a billion animals are believed to have perished in the fires. Hodges said it will take Australia "decades" to recover the trees that have been lost. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2020. President Donald Trump said Wednesday Iran appeared to be "standing down" after missile strikes on US troop bases in Iraq that resulted in no American or Iraqi deaths. "All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. Our great American forces are prepared for anything," he said in an address to the nation from the White House. "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. No American or Iraqi lives were lost." Trump said the United States would immediately be imposing "additional punishing sanctions" on Iran but made no mention of military retaliation to the missile attacks -- seen by experts as a measured first response by Iran to the killing of General Qasem Soleimani in an American drone strike in Baghdad. Launched for the first time by forces inside Iran instead of a proxy, the missile attack marked a new turn in the intensifying confrontation between Washington and Tehran and sent world oil prices soaring. Trump touted economic achievements that he said had made the US less dependent on Middle Eastern oil, changing Washington's "strategic priorities" in the region. "Today I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process," he said. He also called for world powers to follow his lead in withdrawing in May 2018 from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. The agreement is already unraveling, with Tehran announcing on Sunday that it would roll back the limit on the number of centrifuges used in uranium enrichment, one of its commitments under the agreement. "The time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, and China to recognize this reality. They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal, or JCPOA," Trump said. "We must all work together towards making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place." He addressed Iranians directly, saying the US wanted them to enjoy the "great future" of prosperity and harmony with other nations that they deserve. "The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it," he said. World leaders have condemned the Iranian missile strikes, which targeted the sprawling Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and a base in Arbil, both housing American and other foreign troops deployed as part of a US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group. Iran's supreme leader called the attacks a "slap in the face" for the United States but said revenge was yet to come for the killing of Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm. US President Donald Trump said the United States would impose "additional punishing sanctions" on Iran but made no mention of military retaliation to Tuesday's missile attacks Initiating bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) clinical trial in very preterm infants in 2020 with orphan drug designation Advancing preclinical research in influenza, RSV, cystic fibrosis Bolsters executive leadership with key finance and regulatory hires CINCINNATI, OH (January 8, 2020) - Airway Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of biologics to break the injury cycle of inflammation for patients with respiratory and inflammatory diseases, announced today the closing of a $15.5 million oversubscribed Series C financing round. This funding will enable clinical development of AT-100 (rhSP-D), an investigational preventive treatment for the serious respiratory disease bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very preterm infants, while also supporting preclinical research in influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and cystic fibrosis. "We are pleased to have the strong support of our existing investor base and the new investors for the round," said John M. Rice, Ph.D., Airway Therapeutics' Chairman of the Board and Managing Director, CincyTech. AT-100 is a novel recombinant human protein rhSP-D, an engineered version of an endogenous protein that reduces inflammation and infection in the body while modulating the immune response to break the injury cycle of inflammation. Preclinical research in BPD demonstrated that Airway's AT-100 prevented the onset of lung tissue damage, and reduced inflammation and infection triggered by mechanical ventilation and oxygen support. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency have granted AT-100 Orphan Drug Designation. "We are pleased to announce the latest round of funding for Airway Therapeutics, which will enable the company to initiate the first clinical trial with AT-100, our novel recombinant human protein for prevention of BPD in very preterm neonates," said Marc Salzberg, M.D., president and CEO of Airway. "In preclinical studies, AT-100 reduced inflammation and infection, while also modulating the immune system. We expect to initiate our BPD Phase 1b/2 clinical trial in the second half of 2020, where we will begin evaluating AT-100's potential in patients with limited preventive and treatment options." Very preterm neonates whose lungs are not fully developed are intubated and ventilated to allow breathing, but the mechanical ventilation and oxygenation can cause lung inflammation and infection, resulting in the arrest of lung development and ultimately BPD. "Consequently, these premature babies suffer from short- and long-term respiratory and neurodevelopmental issues," said Dr. Salzberg. "There are currently no approved treatments for BPD, and AT-100 has the potential to reduce the incidence and severity of BPD, reduce the amount of time of intubation and intensive care, and ultimately improve the survival and life of these vulnerable patients." As many as 160,000 preterm babies are at high risk to develop BPD each year in the U.S. and Europe. Babies with BPD have higher mortality and those that survive suffer from lifelong chronic consequences. Management of the disease costs an estimated $2 billion annually in the U.S. alone. AT-100's anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties also make it a potential treatment for other respiratory diseases such as influenza, RSV, cystic fibrosis, asthma and COPD. Funding from the Series C financing will enable Airway to further develop its preclinical package for influenza, RSV and cystic fibrosis in preparation for additional clinical trials in 2021. In addition to the financing, Airway announced recent hires of Mr. Alan S. Wolk as Chief Financial and Operating Officer and Mr. Uday Patel as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Quality. Mr. Wolk has more than 30 years of finance and general management experience with DuPont and Invista, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, while also serving as a finance instructor at the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business. Mr. Patel has more than 25 years of experience covering all aspects of biopharmaceutical clinical development, including program management, clinical operations, regulatory affairs, analytical development and quality. He holds a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Suffolk University and a Master's degree in Biology from Harvard University. ### About AT-100 AT-100 is a novel recombinant human protein rhSP-D, an engineered version of an endogenous protein that reduces inflammation and infection in the body while modulating the immune response to break the injury cycle of inflammation. AT-100's anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties also make it a potential treatment for other respiratory diseases such as influenza, RSV, cystic fibrosis, asthma, COPD and inflammatory diseases outside the lung. About bronchopulmonary dysplasia Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a ventilation-induced respiratory illness affecting 160,000 very preterm infants in the U.S. and the EU each year. BPD creates long-term lung damage that can lead to prolonged NICU stays, a range of co-morbidities and even death. About Airway Therapeutics Airway Therapeutics, based in Cincinnati, OH, is a biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of biologics to break the injury cycle of inflammation for patients with respiratory and inflammatory diseases, beginning with the most vulnerable populations. The company is advancing the novel recombinant human protein rhSP-D, an engineered version of an endogenous protein that reduces inflammation and infection in the body while modulating the immune response. Airway's first candidate AT-100 is in development for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very preterm infants. To learn more, visit https://www.airwaytherapeutics.com. Media contact: Sandra Roberts roberts@airwaytherapeutics.com P: 513-770-9630 The global ophthalmic knives market is poised to grow by USD 144.45 million during 2019-2023, progressing at a CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period. Request free sample pages This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005453/en/ Technavio announced its latest market research report titled global ophthalmic knives market 2019-2023. (Graphic: Business Wire) Read the 118-page report with TOC on "Ophthalmic Knives Market Analysis Report by Product (Reusable ophthalmic knives and Single-use ophthalmic knives), Geography (Asia, Europe, North America, and ROW), and the Segment Forecasts, 2019-2023". https://www.technavio.com/report/global-ophthalmic-knives-market-industry-analysis The market is driven by the expansion of product portfolio through launches of single-use ophthalmic knives. In addition, the growing adoption of minimally invasive ophthalmic surgical procedures and robotic platforms is anticipated to boost the growth of the ophthalmic knives market. The growing incidences of ophthalmic diseases such as keratosis, cataract, and glaucoma have significantly increased the number of surgeries across the world. This has also started encouraging companies to launch single-use ophthalmic knives made of different materials with varied sharpness. This helps companies enhance their product portfolio and strengthen their market position, which is expected to be a key driver for the growth of the ophthalmic knives market during the forecast period. Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. View market snapshot before purchasing Major Five Ophthalmic Knives Companies: Bausch Health Bausch Health is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of pharmaceutical, OTC, medical devices, and Solta products, mainly in the field of vision care, surgical, consumer, and ophthalmology. The company offers guarded crescent knife and guarded slit knives under its ophthalmic knives category to hospitals, ASCs, and clinics. Diamatrix Ltd. Diamatrix Ltd. manufactures and sells various ophthalmic knives, including ProTekt sharps safety knives and ExactEtch brand knives. ProTekt sharps safety knives come with sharps injury protections built into the handle to avoid sharp injuries. ExactEtch brand knives are crafted using the company's proprietary non-grinding process, which ensures the structure of the knife edge is consistently sharp and dimensionally precise. HAI Laboratories, Inc. HAI Laboratories, Inc. is one of the leading ophthalmic knives manufacturers with product offerings such as cataract knife and cystotome knife. Cataract knife is a sharp tip angled 30-degree ophthalmic knife and cystotome knife is a lens chopper, left angled 40-degree knife. The company sells these products to hospitals, clinics, and ASCs. MANI, INC. MANI, INC. owns and operates businesses in four major segments, including surgical instruments, ophthalmic instruments, suture needles, and dental instruments. Under the ophthalmic instruments category, the company sells ophthalmic sutures, ophthalmic knives, and trocar kits. The company's product offerings include an arched knife and a short-head slit knife. Novartis AG Headquartered in Switzerland, Novartis AG is one most established manufacturers of innovative medicines, Sandoz, and Alcon. The company's clearcut safety knife offers consistent sharpness and ergonomic design along with new safety elements to prevent injuries. The company also offers single-use ophthalmic devices under its LaserEdge Plus category. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Ophthalmic Knives Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2019 2023) Reusable ophthalmic knives Single-use ophthalmic knives Ophthalmic Knives Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2019 2023) Asia Europe North America ROW Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005453/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 www.technavio.com Follow Us: LinkedIn Twitter No casualties were reported in the past day. Russia's hybrid military forces on Tuesday mounted two attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine. "The armed forces of the Russian Federation and its mercenaries violated the ceasefire twice on January 7," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 8, 2019. Read alsoMinister Prystaiko: Expedient to hold elections in Donbas simultaneously with rest of Ukraine The enemy opened fire from grenade launchers of various types and small arms near the village of Vasylivka. No casualties were reported in the past day. Since Wednesday midnight, Russia-led forces have been observing the ceasefire. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 08:11:47|Editor: ZD Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United States is monitoring reported rocket attack on the country's airbase in Iraq, the White House announced Tuesday. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The president ... is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," the White House said in a statement. TAIPEI, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan's total exports in 2019 fell 1.4 percent year on year to 329.34 billion U.S. dollars, while its imports increased by 0.4 percent to 285.86 billion dollars, according to the island's finance department Tuesday. Taiwan's exports to the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong fell by 4.1 percent from 2018 to 132.23 billion dollars in 2019, but still accounted for over 40 percent of its total exports, the authority said in a press release. Meanwhile, the island's imports from the mainland and Hong Kong increased 5.9 percent to 58.44 billion dollars, taking up over 20 percent of the total imports. The island's exports to ASEAN and Europe dropped 7.2 percent and 4.8 percent, while its exports to the United States and Japan increased by 17.2 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively. In December, Taiwan's total exports climbed 4 percent year on year while its imports increased 13.9 percent year on year. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Iraq calls on the US and Iran to exercise restraint and respect the Iraqi state. A crisis in the region could turn into a devastating war, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi tweeted a statement. We have called, and we call on all, to exercise restraint adhere to international covenants, respect the Iraqi state and the decisions of its government, and help it to contain and overcome this serious crisis threatening it, the region, and the world with a devastating, comprehensive war," The Guardian reported quoting the statement. Iraq was warned of impending attacks, precautions were taken. Now the Iraqi government does not have accurate data on losses on their part or on the part of the US-led coalition. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) of Iran has this morning announced the start of operations to exact revenge for the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani. Surface-to-surface missiles have been fired from Iran toward the Ayn al-Assad and the Erbil bases in western Iraq, where the US military is stationed. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9) President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a new lawlaw granting annual salary increases to government employees this year up to 2023. We would like to confirm the enactment and the signing of the Salary Standardization Law for 2019 this was certified as urgent by the President, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Thursday. The Salary Standardization Law of 2019 would grant a new round of pay hikes for state workers, which would translate to an average 5% increase this year. This is the fifth law ensuring pay hikes to state employees. The President fast-tracked the approval of the measure on Wednesday when he certified the bill as urgent, allowing both the House and Senate to pass the bill on second and third reading in one day before Congress adjourned for the holidays. In fact, during his State of the Nation Address, [the President] mentioned about this, Panelo said. Panelo noted that under Dutertes initiative, the law will benefit the hardworking men and women in the government, including the most neglected sector in the bureaucracy. This measure will rationalize the compensation of all civilian personnel including those in the legislative and judicial branches as well as of local government units under certain conditions, the purpose of which is to create an atmosphere which would promote excellence in service providing for a performance-based incentive scheme to reward outstanding public servants, he added. Under the measure, the implementation of the four tranches will begin annually every first of January starting 2020 until 2023. The government allotted a budget of 34 billion to fund the pay hike under the proposed 4.1-trillion 2020 budget. However, under the four-year period, Salary Grade 1 employees will only get an increase of 500 per year in their monthly salary. The lowest monthly salary in government would stand at 11,551 this year, and will rise to 13,000 per month by 2023. The adjustments will kick in every January 1. Meanwhile, salaries of senators and House members will now be at least 262,965 monthly, while the President will get 395,858 on a monthly basis. By the fourth year of implementation, lawmakers' monthly pay will rise to at least 278,434 while the President's will increase to 419,144. In 2019, Department of Budget and Management issued a circular stating that members of Congress, who are under Salary Grade 31, received between 257,809 and 295,191. The Presidents salary, which falls under Salary Grade 33, was at a minimum of 388,096. The Teachers Dignity Coalition said in a statement that while they are thankful, the amount given to them was far from what they expected, which is supposedly a 10,000-hike for public school teachers and personnel of the Department of Education. A Teacher I under Salary Grade 11 had a basic monthly salary of 20,754 in 2019. Panelo said that the promise of the President will still be complied with, maybe not this year, but his term has not yet ended. Separately, nurses in public hospitals and health institutions would get a big lift in their monthly paychecks as government implements a Supreme Court decision that would put them under Salary Grade 15 from 11 previously. This would mean that entry-level nurses can earn 32,053 in a month by 2020. The higher base pay also means that state workers will get bigger mid-year, 13th month, and year-end bonuses, which are indexed from their salary grade. Under the measure, those working for national government agencies will source the salary hikes from the 2020 General Appropriations Act, local government units from their respective local government funds, and government owned and controlled corporations from their respective funds in the corporate operating budgets approved by the Department of Budget and Management. A federal judge is likely to approve a $215 million class-action settlement with thousands of former patients of a campus gynecologist at the University of Southern California who has been accused of sexual abuse and misconduct, The Los Angeles Times reported Monday. Dr. George Tyndall is separately facing criminal charges from the Los Angeles District Attorneys Office regarding 16 patients. He has pleaded not guilty and is out on bond as the case proceeds. In federal court in Los Angeles, U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson said he was inclined to accept the settlement, The Times reported. The universitys payouts to about 18,000 women who saw Tyndall at USC will range from a guaranteed minimum of $2,500 to $250,000. The payouts will be given regardless of whether the women formally accused Tyndall of harassment or assault. A panel of experts will decide how much each patient is paid. In a statement, USC said it was pleased with the decision, calling it a settlement that provides respectful and confidential relief to Tyndall patients at the student health center and formalizes a broad array of campus reforms. Tyndall will not contribute to the settlement, under its terms, nor will he admit liability or wrongdoing. His attorney said Monday that her client continues to deny wrongdoing. About 800 people opted out of the federal settlement, The Times reported. About 600 of them are part of separate civil lawsuits filed against USC in state court. Lawyers said an additional 30 to 50 women were expected to sue the university soon. It is not clear when Wilson would formally approve the settlement. Separately, USC has also agreed to pay up to $25 million in legal fees and other costs to the attorneys representing former patients, the newspaper reported. Wilson would also have to approve those payments. Related: Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation By PTI TEHRAN: Iran's supreme leader said a "slap in the face" was delivered to the United States when the Islamic republic fired missiles at US troop bases in Iraq on Wednesday. "Last night, a slap in the face was delivered," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a speech broadcast live on state television. His remarks came after he had vowed "severe revenge" for a US drone strike that killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad international airport last week. Shortly after midnight, Iran fired a series of missiles at bases in Iraq housing US troops, officials in Washington and Tehran said. "One important issue is what is our duty now?" following Soleimani's assassination, said the supreme leader. "An important incident has happened. The question of revenge is another issue," said Khamenei. "Military actions in this form are not sufficient for that issue," he said, referring to the assassination. "What is important is that America's corrupt presence must come to an end in this region. "Soleimani was one of Iran's most popular public figures. He was laid to rest in his hometown early on Wednesday morning after massive funeral processions in several major cities of Iran. As a retired active duty Air Force Commander, I upheld the Air Force Core Values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. You quickly learn the value of teamwork and how no one is above these core values. Those airmen who neglect these principles are held accountable. The West Point's Cadet Honor Code states, "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do." This code and the Air Force Core Values are why I feel compelled to write my first-ever letter to the editor. I can no longer tolerate the inexcusable, unethical behavior of Corey Stapleton. This is not a partisan letter, as I have voted Republican for most of my adult life. No one has asked me to write this letter. This is simply a letter to ask Montanans to say enough is enough and hold him accountable. If Stapleton commits these egregious acts as the secretary of state, what will he do if elected to Congress or any other position of leadership? The Navy Core Values are honor, courage and commitment. These values are held in the highest regard by all members of the Navy and have been since the Navy's inception in 1775. Honor implies integrity and honesty. An honorable person would never steal, lie or do less than their best. When Stapleton went to the Naval Academy, he accepted these values. When he announced his candidacy and lists his time in the Navy, the natural assumption is this is a military officer who epitomizes these core values. Stapleton was fined $4,000 for using state resources to announce he was running for governor. He said he wasnt aware of the requirements and it would never happen again. Later, we find out he misused a state vehicle and there are 406 days where the reasons for using the vehicle could not be determined. It is now over two months that these allegations were made and I have not seen where Stapleton has addressed this issue. Does he expect this to just go away? If Stapleton had misused a vehicle while serving in the Navy, or used Navy letterhead to advance a personal agenda, he would be held accountable. This is a man who uses the taxes of hard-working Montanans for his own personal gain. He now aspires to pursue a leadership position within Congress that has oversight of the military. Stapleton appears to have forgotten that he is accountable to the people of Montana and appears to have forsaken the core values of the organization that paid for his college. This appears to be a man who is willing to cut corners. We need to know our politicians represent the values we hold dear. We need to respect them and we need to know they put their constituents ahead of their personal agendas. Pete Gardzina of Helena is a retired Air Force colonel who served as the Deputy Mission Support Group Commander at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and twice deployed into combat. Love 11 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2 Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 15:33:29|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close URUMQI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A total of 645,000 people were estimated to cast off poverty in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in 2019. About 976 poverty-stricken villages and 12 impoverished counties in Xinjiang shook off poverty last year, according to the regional government work report delivered at the regional annual legislative session. In 2019, nearly 37.6 billion yuan (about 5.41 billion U.S. dollars) was allocated to improve the drinking water and housing security in the region, benefitting 346,000 poor people without access to safe drinking water and 9,355 impoverished households living in dilapidated houses. During the 13th Five-year Plan period (2016-2020), Xinjiang identified the relocation of the poor from inhospitable areas as a key battle against poverty. One year ahead of schedule, the region completed the relocation program and moved a total of 169,400 residents to places with better living conditions. In 2020, Xinjiang aims to eradicate absolute poverty by lifting the remaining 165,000 people out of poverty and taking 10 counties off the poverty list. New Delhi: Launched in November last year in India, Jawa Perak carries a price tag of Rs 1.94 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The company has started accepting bookings from January 1, 2020. Well, heres a piece of good news for the buyers of Jawa Perak as the company has introduced 100 per cent finance. This means that the buyers will not have to pay a down payment. Also, the buyers can purchase the motorcycle by paying monthly EMIs of just Rs 6,666. You can now choose the #Perak with a zero down payment scheme, or an EMI of only Rs 6,666/-*; couple that with the best exchange program in the industry, upto Rs.5,000/- more than any other. Visit the booking link now: http://bit.ly/2QFb0TV *T&C Apply. #jawaperak #booknow, Jawa tweeted on January 5. You can now choose the #Perak with a zero down payment scheme, or an EMI of only Rs 6,666/-*; couple that with the best exchange program in the industry, upto Rs.5,000/- more than any other. Visit the booking link now: https://t.co/KwYK6pg6Sa *T&C Apply. #jawaperak #booknow pic.twitter.com/Plho487dmR Jawa Motorcycles (@jawamotorcycles) January 5, 2020 The deliveries of Jawa Perak will begin on April 2, 2020. It is to be noted that the Perak is the third from Jawa Motorcycles, a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra, in India after Jawa and Jawa Forty Two. It is worth mentioning here that on November 15, 2018, Jawa Perak was first unveiled in India. At that time, its price was quoted at Rs 1.89 lakh. A jump of Rs 5,000 in the price of Perak might be attributed to its compliance with the upcoming BS6 (BS-VI) emission norms. Jawa Perak: Specifications & Features As far as the looks of the Jawa Perak is concerned, the motorcycle keeps the bobber design intact with the low-slung and floating single seat with an integrated taillight, teardrop fuel tank, and a low-set and wide handlebar. The pillion seat is optional on the motorcycle. The distinctive design of the motorcycle also comes with the bullet shell-shaped headlamp long forks and a wheelbase of 1485 mm. The motorcycles engine and spoked wheels get a blacked-out paint job. Under the hood, Jawa Perak is powered by a BS6-compliant, 334 cc single-cylinder, DOHC liquid-cooled motor that produces 30 bhp and 31 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission. Also Read: Over 6,000 Units Of Kia Seltos Exported From India In December 2019 Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks upfront and a monoshock unit at the rear, as opposed to twin shocks on other Jawa bikes. Whereas, braking power comes from a disc each at the front and rear. The motorcycle also gets dual-channel ABS. It boasts of features like a single floating seat, bobbed fenders and chopped exhaust. Hollywood Studio Lionsgate finally entered India last year with its OTT platform, Lionsgate Play. The studio had been shying away from the Indian market as most of global studios, be it Disney or Fox, have had their share of bitter experiences. Even its OTT foray has been rather delayed, with global biggies such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video already having made deep inroads into the Indian market. However, Rohit Jain, MD, Lionsgate India doesn't quite agree that Lionsgate Play is a late entrant. "The OTT business in India is just two-year-old. Big players such as Peacock, Apple TV and Disney Plus are yet to come in. In fact, 2019 was the first year when the industry reached a level of maturity in terms of subscriber numbers. I believe the market has reached the right kind of maturity for us to come in," says Jain. A curated Hollywood-only content platform Lionsgate Play is benefiting from the collapse of English linear channels in the new tariff regime, Jain says. "Ever since the NTO (new tariff order) has been announced, English audiences have declined on television and that's an opportunity for us." The reach of English TV channels in the post NTO regime is known to have declined by over 50 per cent. Lionsgate hopes to reach out to 100 million-odd consumers on the back of offering high quality English content. Although Lionsgate's Hollywood content is available to Indian consumers in vernacular languages, Jain says there are no plans of creating Indian original content as of now. He says he is happy doing premium content. "We understand the premium content space well," he says. Will Hollywood-only content not have limitations in terms of reach? Regional content is gradually becoming a key focus area for the likes of Amazon Prime Video and Netflix too. Jain says that premium audience seeking out for Hollywood content is already 25-30 million. He expects this audience to go up to 50 million over the next couple of years. "Now consumers have started watching OTT content on larger screens; you have smart TVs embedded with OTT services. This will lead to the emergence of the top 40-50 million consumers demanding high quality content like ours." The digital platform which has a presence in 45 countries under the brand name, STARZ, launched its India operations (Lionsgate Play) by partnering with the telcos in order to reach out to more and more Indian viewers. Vodafone consumers as of now get to watch Lionsgate Play content free. The company plans to launch its B2C pricing in July this year. Jain says that it will be priced in the range of Netflix (Rs 599 per month) and Amazon Prime Video (Rs 129 per month). Apart from launching its own platform pricing, Jain doesn't rule out the possibility of tie-ups with other platforms or even smart TV manufacturers in order to ensure better reach of its content. "We will work with multiple distributors," he says. Does Lionsgate plan to launch its studio business in India too? Jain says that the Hollywood studio is already in the process of producing Hindi content for various OTT platforms. Producing Bollywood content still seems a while away for Lionsgate India. Also read: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar face price war in India as data tariffs go up Also read: Netflix may offer up to 50% discount on mobile-only subscription It could be an absent paycheck or a surprise medical bill that sends your budget spiraling, causing you to miss a rent payment. With 51 percent of Americans likely to face economic hardship for missing just one paycheck, the risk of coming up short to pay for necessities like food and rent is very high if anything goes wrong, according to a University of Chicago study, Heres what to do if youre evicted in Houston and what programs are in place to help prevent you from being forced from your home. When it happens The most common reason for eviction, according Harris County Justice of the Peace Jeremy Brown, is when renters dont pay their rent. Money is an issue but the root cause may be that you qualify for other benefits and you need someone to walk through the processes, said Brown, who presides over Harris County Precinct 7. MORE HOW TO: How do I file a small claims case in Harris County? Eviction is a fairly short process: when a tenant misses a payment, they should consult their lease to see if their landlord offers a grace period for late payment. Changes in Texas law restrict landlords from charging late fees if the tenant pays rent within two full days after the due date if the lease began or was renewed on or after Sept. 1, 2019. After that, its fair game for a landlord to issue a notice to pay rent or leave the property, although most wont on a first missed payment. The misconception is they think owners want to evict, said Alpa Patel, a public affairs specialist with the Houston Apartment Association. They dont want to. Its a process of a couple of months, and you have to end up going to court. When a landlord does issue a notice to vacate, a tenant has three days to leave. In some cases, a lease may shorten or lengthen the amount of time the tenant has to vacate. If the tenant doesnt leave, the landlord can then file the eviction in court and then its only a matter of weeks for the eviction to blow through court. Grounds for eviction Non-payment of rent may be the most common reason for eviction, but Texas landlords can legally evict residents for other reasons including, but not limited to: Violation of a lease (e.g. owning a dog when no pets are allowed) Breaking HOA by-laws Illegal activity Staying longer than the lease allows without the landlords consent Landlords cant evict tenants on the grounds of: What is this? I'm Gwendolyn Wu, and I'm writing "Houston How To," a series on how to navigate the city and its complexities. Humans have an innate drive to improve themselves, and we're always striving to live better, smarter and more efficiently by throwing countless dollars and hours at our problems. The Houston Chronicle wants to simplify that for you. As a reporter, I usually ask the questions, but I can't be the only one wondering how something works. What are things you need to know how to do, Houston? You can find me on Twitter at @gwendolynawu or by email at gwendolyn.wu@chron.com. See More Collapse Protected classes such as race or gender under the Fair Housing Act Being a victim of crime, including domestic violence or sexual assault Retaliation for making complaints in good faith about necessary repairs If a landlord evicts a tenant within six months of requesting repairs or making a complaint to a government agency about living conditions, that's likely to be seen as illegal eviction for retaliation, according to the Texas Low Income Housing Information Service. According to the State Bar of Texas, a tenant could be at risk of eviction and financial penalties for wittholding rent. Unlike other states, there are no protections for Texas renters who want to withhold payments because of a lack of necessary repairs. So if your AC breaks in August and you want to withhold rent until the landlord sends someone to fix it, you will likely be in violation of your lease and wont have any protections if a landlord tries to evict you for not non-payment. Under Texas law, if you havent made a proper request, if you are behind in rent when you make that request, they have no obligation to make the repair if youre delinquent, said Ryan Marquez, a professor at the University of Houston Law Center. Requests to landlords, changes in leases and any additional provisions should be made in writing to ensure that its legally enforceable. Who to call for help The Houston Apartment Association runs a renters hotline three days a week: Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. During those times, renters can call 713-595-0300 to file a complaint or learn about their rights as renters. HAAs online complaint portal also allows the association to investigate and mediate between renters and landlords in those cases. The City of Houston also offers a renters hotline for tenants who feel they have experienced discrimination or have other landlord-tenant issues. Tenants can call 832.394.6200 ext. 5 to file a complaint or seek help with other rental issues. Both the city and HAA can help renters find free or low-cost legal aid. Tenants can also call the State Bar of Texas at 800-252-9890 during business hours Monday through Friday for a referral to an attorney who can provide a low-cost consultation. Keeping the peace A patchwork of rental assistance programs might pay for housing if its a one-time blip. Down south in Harris County Precinct 7, a coalition of housing and law enforcement groups have piloted an eviction prevention program. Under Justice of the Peace Jeremy Brown, Harris County Community Services and several other organizations, the program is supposed to connect low-to-moderate income residents to financial help for homelessness prevention and short-term housing case management. Landlords have to refer tenants to the program if its a one-time hiccup and they need help navigating a myriad of benefits and other assistance programs. Referral processes at rental assistance programs can be tricky to navigate and time consuming. The eviction prevention pilot is designed to streamline the process and help landlords and assistance organizations understand why a tenant might find it difficult to cobble enough money together in time, while offering aid to the tenant. When you try to get someone to help you pay your rent, you call your friends, family or church, Brown said. One of the main pieces of this project is really engaging all stakeholders to see what are the barriers they face. If you need to consult a third party about if your property owner is doing something wrong, there is an avenue for mediation resolution in Harris County. On HoustonChronicle.com: New to Houston, or just moving? Heres how to set up your utilities The Harris County Dispute Resolution Center offers free mediation services to county residents, and landlords and tenants should use those services to avoid costly small claims cases. After the notice Chances are that if youve received an eviction notice and you havent paid your rent, you wont have much luck staying where you are. Tenants often have just a day to consult legal help and get their belongings out of their homes before a constable comes to enforce the order, experts said. Tenants should pack important documents like birth certificates and tax returns in one safe place to make it easy to grab if they have to leave, Marquez said. It can be very difficult to get property back once its been seized and turned over, especially if you dont have the correct identification. After being evicted, youll have to seek housing that will allow renters with prior evictions to rent which may require renting a home from a landlord who wont run a background check. It may be a long shot, but you can also reach out to the landlord to see if they will sign a written agreement to remove the eviction from your record as long as you pay any outstanding debt. Its hard to tell people, but when it comes down to it, if youre going to be evicted, its almost like a triage, Marquez said. Because you dont want to be in a circumstance where you leave something important behind. gwendolyn.wu@chron.com Register with JOC.com and receive 5 free pieces of content for the first thirty days. After thirty days, you will receive 3 pieces of content and after sixty days you will receive 1 piece of content. To receive full access, Subscribe Today . You can also subscribe to our daily newsletter. Register Egypt said on Wednesday that there is a "real opportunity" to make progress during the current talks in Addis Ababa to overcome the dispute over a giant dam project Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile. "I think there is a real opportunity to make progress in our meeting today and tomorrow to overcome differences," Egypt's Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdel-Ati told a meeting between officials from Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia on Wednesday. "We hope to come up with a draft agreement on filling and operating the [Grand Ethiopian] Renaissance Dam (GERD)." Abdel-Ati's remarks came during the last of the four technical meetings between the water ministers of the three countries to resolve the dispute over the $4 billion hydroelectric project. During his speech to the gathering, Abdel-Ati said that the key components of a final agreement between the three countries involve: the filling of the dam, drought alleviation measures, "fair and balanced" operation rules that sustainably enable Ethiopia to generate hydroelectric power while maintaining the operation of Egypt's High Dam, as well as establishing an effective mechanism for the implementation of the agreement. "We agreed on these basic components, and our differences lie in the approach to implementing these elements and in some numerical values, such as drought limits, and some differences with regard to the operation of the Renaissance Dam under different hydrological conditions," the Egyptian minister said, according to a statement by his ministry. "I sincerely believe that we can bridge the gap between us on these issues," the minister said. The two-day meeting was attended by the irrigation ministers of Ethiopia and Sudan and technical delegations from the three countries, with the participation of the World Bank. It is part of a roadmap agreed upon during a US-brokered meeting in Washington last November to break the deadlock inthe negotiations. Abdel-Ati expressed hope that the GERD, as a new water structure in the eastern Nile system, would be integrated in a joint management process with Aswan's High Dam to "preserve the resilience of the water system to meet the harsh conditions" that may arise from filling and operating the dam. Egypt fears that the Ethiopian dam, which is 70 percent complete and set to be fully operational by 2022, will diminish its share of Nile water, which provides the bulk of the countrys water resources. Egypt's water supply is already scarce. The country is suffering from a significant water shortage of 21 billion cubic meters a year, a crisis that the country is tackling through the treatment of agricultural and sewage water, according to Abdel-Ati. Ethiopia started constructing the dam in 2011 on the Blue Nile in the northern Ethiopia highlands, from where most of the Nile's waters flow. Ethiopia aims to become the continent's biggest power exporter by generating more than 6,000 megawatts through the dam. The Egyptian Water and Irrigation Ministry spokesperson told Ahram Online last December that Egypt is holding to its demands regarding the regulations for filling and operating the GERD, dismissing news reports that Egypt had agreed to the release of 35 billion cubic meters of water. According to the Declaration of Principles signed by Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia in 2015, if the three countries failed in resolving the dispute through negotiations, they can ask for mediation or refer the matter to their heads of states or prime ministers. The first meeting of the US-sponsored talks was held in Addis Ababa in mid-November 2019, the second was in Cairo in early December 2019, and the third was in Khartoum in late December 2019. The foreign ministers of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan should meet on 13 January in Washington in the presence officials from the US Treasury and the World Bank to try to finalise an agreement to resolve the dispute. Search Keywords: Short link: President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States would impose harsh new economic sanctions on Iran and stood prepared to use Americas military prowess to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, but the president also called on nations to work together to embrace peace. As long as Im president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, said Trump, whose withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated between Iran and the Obama administration has sparked almost two years of heightened tensions. Irans pursuit of nuclear weapons, he said, threatens the civilized world. We will never let that happen. The president delivered the remarks from the White House grand foyer, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence and several military leaders, following Tuesday nights missile attacks on Iraqi airbases that house American troops. Irans strikes, which Trump said caused no casualties, came after Iranian leaders vowed to avenge last weeks U.S. drone strike that killed Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Irans longtime top military and intelligence commander. The American people should be extremely grateful and happy, Trump said. No Americans were harmed in last nights attack by the Iranian regime. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. Our military forces are prepared for everything. Trump said Iran appeared to be standing down, which he called a very good thing for the world. We want you to have a future and a great future one that you deserve, Trump said in a message to the Iranian people. One of prosperity at home in harmony with nations in the world. We are ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. Trump called on members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to take a greater role in the Middle East and said the time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China to recognize" that Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism. We must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place and that allows Iran to thrive and prosper, he said. Iran can be a great country. Peace and stability cannot prevail as long as Iran continues to foment violence hatred and war. But he said the U.S. would not tolerate Irans continued state sponsorship of terror, and he argued Soleimanis death came at a time when the general was planning more bloodshed after Iran had recently led attacks against U.S. drones, an American contractor and the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. Soleimani was drenched in the blood of Americans and innocents, Trump said. Since 1979, nations have tolerated Irans destructive and destabilizing behavior in Middle East and beyond. Those days are over, he said. We do not want to use military force, the president added, though he noted that American forces had killed leaders of ISIS and Soleimani, the worlds top terrorist. The new sanctions, adding to those imposed after the U.S. left the nuclear agreement, will remain until Iran changes its behaviors, Trump said, citing Irans seizure of ships in international waters, unprovoked attacks on Saudi Arabia and the shooting down of American drones. Iran this week said it would no longer abide by the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal. But leaders said they wanted no further escalation. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Irans foreign minister, who on Tuesday called Trump lawless, said on Twitter that the attacks were proportionate measures in self-defense according to United Nations guidelines in response to the cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials. Spectators enjoy a camel ride prior to the day's Birdsville Races in the Queensland town of Birdsville on Sept. 1, 2018. The annual Birdsville races in Outback Queensland attracts thousands of people to the remote town and is a major source of tourist revenue. (Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images) Up to 10,000 Camels May Be Shot and Killed as Australian Wildfires Rage: Official As wildfires rage across Australia, as many as 10,000 camels may be shot and killed after complaints they are drinking too much water in Australia amid a drought. Aboriginal officials in the southwestern region of South Australia Province said the camels are endangering locals who are trying to obtain water during drought conditions. Officials in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands said they will now shoot and kill the animals, according to a bulletin posted on social media. The officials said that extremely large groups of camels and other feral animals are putting pressure on the remote Aboriginal communities in the APY Lands. As a result, the camels are threatening their communities, consuming food and water. The camels are destroying the country and eating all the Anangu food supplies, endangering travelers on the Stuart Highway and on the Aboriginal lands, officials said. With the current ongoing dry conditions the large camel congregations threatening the APY communities and infrastructure, camel control is needed, the statement said. It added that the feral animals and camels have been identified. APY Lands manager Richard King told CBS News that between 5,000 and 10,000 camels will be targeted in the cull. This number is only 1 percent of what is currently destroying the fragile Australian [fauna] and flora, he told the broadcaster Tuesday. Australias National Feral Camel Management Plan estimated that more than 1 million wild camels populate Australia. The number could double in the next decade if the population isnt managed. While the wildfires rage on across Australia, experts have said that more than 1 billion animals may have died in Australian wildfires since September as authorities worked to crack down on the perpetrators. University of Sydney professor Chris Dickman told the Huffington Post the figure in an update of his prior estimate of 480 million a week ago. The original figurethe 480 millionwas based on mammals, birds, and reptiles for which we do have densities, and that figure now is a little bit out of date. Its over 800 million given the extent of the fires nowin New South Wales alone, he said. If 800 million sounds a lot, its not all the animals in the firing line, he added. Dickman included bats, frogs, and invertebrates in the latest figure. Over a billion would be a very conservative figure, he told the website. And according to Australian Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie, the wildfires are devastating the countrys livestock. Ive got 100 vets across the country Ive offered to state [agriculture] ministers, she told the Australia Broadcasting Corporation. I know South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales will be taking up that offer to get that assistance as soon as possibleto not just assess the health, but these teams will also be euthanizing stock. Valid, one of the leading providers of technology solutions for mobile, identity, data and payments, implemented its fully compliant REAL ID drivers license (DL) and identification (ID) card solutions for the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). By implementing the Valid REAL ID solution and improving physical card security, CNMI is taking steps to secure the overall process of verifying the identities of its residents and issuing secure documents. Valid and the CNMI Department of Public Safety (DPS) worked with the U.S. Federal Government Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) throughout the process to ensure its certification package meets approval guidelines. Amid the rollout of the new REAL ID card, CNMI will also offer a non-compliant card for those residents unable to meet the REAL ID requirements. Without a REAL ID compliant document, citizens cannot access U.S. Federal Government facilities or board a commercial flight after October 1, 2020. Valid trained CNMIs DPS licensing team to use its streamlined software which collects applicants information to issue secure credentials. The criteria required to meet REAL ID compliance include: Ensuring images are retrievable by the DMV if requested by law enforcement Implementing document security features on REAL ID cards to protect against reproduction and document fraud Verifying applicants various proofs of identity before issuing a REAL ID card The implementation process went incredibly smooth with very few problems, said Mike Fox, vice president and CCO of Valid. This is a reflection on the thorough planning, testing and training that went into the project by the Valid and CNMI teams before the implementation occurred. The REAL ID regulations and policies are very intricate and nuanced and Valid has been a great partner and successfully led CNMI through this project, said John Deleon Guerrero, the Department of Public Safety systems administrator. The implementation timeline with Valid was a swift 12 months which is years shorter than the industry average. CNMI now has a secure system that can be easily updated with CNMI legislation changes moving into the future. Valid hosts the CNMI REAL ID solution in a secure virtual private cloud within an Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) GovCloud Region. The Valid implementation of its software within AWS includes cybersecurity monitoring using machine learning which pinpoints potential malicious activity and unauthorized behavior. The Valid software automatically initiates necessary measures to deal with suspicious activity. About REAL ID Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, which establishes minimum security standards for state-issued DL and ID cards. The act prohibits federal agencies from accepting DL and ID cards for any official purpose from states that do not meet these standards. The final enforcement phase covers acceptance of state-issued DL and ID cards for purposes of boarding a federally-regulated commercial aircraft and began in Jan. 2018. The regulatory card-based enforcement date is Oct. 1, 2020. For more information on the REAL ID Act, please visit the DHS website at: http://www.dhs.gov/real-id. About Valid Valid (B: VLID3 - ON) makes your digital life more secure with solutions that ensure security-based technologies for document identification, mobile security, SIM cards, digital certifications, banking applications, transportation services and anywhere else client data is located. With 6,000 employees in 16 countries, we take into account the particularities of each culture and region to create customized and integrated solutions, making Valid a relevant global player when it comes to online lifestyle. Our ability to safely identify objects, transactions and people makes the Company the largest issuer of identification documents in Brazil, the fifth largest producer of SIM Cards in the world and one of the top 10 global manufacturers of banking cards. When you are online, Valid protects you. For more information, go to http://www.valid.com. On Wednesday, the Centre reacted to the ongoing Iran-US tensions in West Asia. MoS External Affairs V Muraleedharan stated that the Narendra Modi government was closely monitoring the developments in the Gulf region. He highlighted that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken to his counterparts in Jordan, Oman, Qatar, France, UAE, Iran and the US. On the other hand, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan revealed that India was preparing to deal with any eventuality. Read: In Phone Call With Mike Pompeo Amid Gulf Crisis, S Jaishankar Highlights India's Stakes Crisis in West Asia While Iran and the US have been at loggerheads for quite sometime, their relationship took a worse turn after a US air raid killed General Soleimani, considered by many as the second most powerful figure in Iran. General Soleimani had acquired a larger than life image due to his role in spreading Iranian influence in West Asia. The US accused General Soleimani and the Quds Force of killing hundreds of Americans. Read: Majeed Memon Says PMO & MEA Need To Ensure Safety Of Indians In Gulf Amid US-Iran Conflict Earlier in the day, Iran retaliated by launching more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi military bases housing thousands of US troops. While the US has not confirmed any casualties, Iranian state television claimed that at least 80 Americans were killed in the airstrike. The Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif defended the missile attack and clarified that his country did not seek war. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 8, 2020 Read: Here's How Rising Crude Oil Prices Due To Iran-US Escalation Could Benefit Saudi Arabia Punjab CM requests Centre to prepare a safety plan The Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory to Indians urging them to avoid travelling to Iraq unless it was absolutely necessary. The Indian nationals currently living in Iran have also been asked to remain alert. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Captain Amarinder Singh called upon the Centre to prepare a safety plan for the millions of Indians living in the Gulf countries. I will again urge @NarendraModi and @DrSJaishankar to be ready with a plan of safety and security of around 10 million Indians living in Gulf countries. With the latest news of Iran's missiles hitting American base things can easily go south from now on. #IranAttacks Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) January 8, 2020 Read: Iran Repeats S.O.S For 'friendly' India's Intervention After Targeting US With Rockets Think, Write, Speak: Uncollected Essays, Reviews, Interviews, and Letters to the Editor By Vladimir Nabokov. Edited by Brian Boyd and Anastasia Tolstoy Knopf. 527 pp. $30 --- Vladimir Nabokov wrecked what might have been my youthful debut on the literary scene. Many years ago, I was an undergraduate at Oberlin College when I met the freelance writer, Colette expert and all-around Francophile Robert Phelps. A man of immense charm, Phelps had persuaded an editor at McGraw-Hill to bring out a new collection of the best short stories of Prosper Merimee. The project's hook lay in its contributors: Each story - "Carmen," "The Venus of Ille" and a dozen others - would be translated by a different, and notable, literary figure of the time, all friends of Phelps'. If I recall correctly, these included Susan Sontag, Ned Rorem, Richard Howard, Louise Bogan and James Salter. With typical generosity, Phelps then asked me to join this distinguished company. I was assigned the folkloristic "Federigo," about a gambler who tricks his way into heaven, worked hard on my English version - and then saw all my hopes dashed. It turned out that our McGraw-Hill editor had paid a vast sum for Nabokov's "Ada," believing that this overlong, overwrought novel would repeat the success of "Lolita." Instead, it bombed and all the editor's other contracts - including the Merimee - were canceled. Oddly enough, my publishing misfortune spurred a fascination with Nabokov that continues to this day. While reading "Think, Write, Speak: Uncollected Essays, Reviews, Interviews, and Letters to the Editor," edited by Nabokov scholars Brian Boyd and Anastasia Tolstoy, I mentally totted up the occasions I'd written about this Russian American master since his 1977 death at age 78. I'd reviewed Nabokov's selected letters, all three volumes of his lectures on literature, his correspondence with critic Edmund Wilson, his last incomplete novel, "The Original of Laura" and both volumes of Brian Boyd's magisterial biography, as well as "Nabokov in America" by Robert Roper. What's more, I'd been invited to introduce a New Directions reprint of "The Real Life of Sebastian Knight" and, more recently, the Folio Society's "Lolita." You'd think this would be enough Nabokoviana for one lifetime, given that I'd even reviewed the dreadful "Lo's Diary," by Pia Pera. Surely, I told myself, "Think, Write, Speak" would consist mainly of archival leftovers - and yet I couldn't resist devouring its 500 pages. Like Oscar Wilde or W.H. Auden, Nabokov fearlessly professes such "strong opinions" - the title of the previous collection of his nonfiction - that he's always immense fun to read. Here, for instance, are just a few characteristic observations from this new book: -- "All my novels are inventions pure and simple. I am never interested in my characters. It is just a game and the playthings are put back into the box when I have finished." -- "It ['Lolita'] has a very moral moral: don't harm children. Now, Humbert does. We might defend his feelings for Lolita, but not his perversity." -- "To be a real reader, you have to reread a book. The first time, a book is new. It may be strange. Actually, it is only the second reading that matters." -- "When I teach I always advise my students never to identify with characters. I tell them to stand aloof, so that they may feel the intrinsic merit of the artist. If they must identify, let them do so not with characters but with art." -- "I have never been interested in commercial success; in other words, I've never sought to push my books. I've never written except for a single reader, Mr. Nabokov, for him alone." In "Think, Write, Speak" Nabokov regularly dismisses Dostoevsky, Zola, Dreiser, Faulkner, almost all Soviet writers (including Pasternak), Camus and Roth as artless and mediocre journalists, even as he praises the mastery of Shakespeare, Pushkin, Flaubert, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Joyce, Proust and Updike. Interviewers are told, over and over, that he hates clubs, unions, causes, demonstrations, processions and recreational drugs, but most of all cruelty or brutality of any sort. "Lolita," he repeatedly declares, is his favorite book and "Laughter in the Dark" his weakest. Overall, there's no doubt that "Think, Write, Speak" will chiefly appeal to the Nabokov completist. Still, any sensitive reader will linger over the beautiful sentences with which Nabokov enriches even his most casual prose. Consider this passage translated from a 1928 obituary for the critic Yuli Aykhenvald: "I can see him as he modestly and shortsightedly makes his way through a crowded room, his head slightly tucked into his shoulders, his elbows pressed on his sides, and, having reached the person he has been looking for, suddenly stretches out his narrow hand and touches him by the sleeve with the most fleeting and lightest of gestures." Might Aykhenvald have partly inspired the hapless and lovable emigre professor of "Pnin"? Rejecting all attempts to find messages or social commentary in his work, Nabokov insists that his carefully constructed fiction simply aims to elicit aesthetic bliss. Still, it can also be very funny, notably in his two finest novels, "Lolita" and the tricky, trapdoor laden "Pale Fire." Not surprisingly, then, Nabokov periodically teases his interviewers. When an Italian journalist asks him to account for the extraordinary success of "Lolita," the straight-faced author replies: "I don't know if you have noticed, but there are in 'Lolita' several passages that suggest - how shall I put it?- a love affair between an adult and a child. Well, sometimes I wonder if those passages do not lure a certain type of reader, who is morbidly attracted by what he thinks are erotic images, into reading at least half of the novel. I realize the idea is rather extravagant; yet maybe something of the kind happened to my poor innocent little book." As Nabokov elsewhere declares in "Think, Write, Speak": "All writers that are worth anything are humorists." With fuel prices going up over and over again, you might want to invest in cars that run on alternative fuels. Of course, electric is the newest way to go, but charging infrastructure is still in its infancy. CNG, on the other hand, is widely available. Here is a list of cars available in CNG variants. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) roll-out in April will not just result in cleaner air but also enable carmakers to record real driving emissions (RDE), thus allowing for more stringent violation norms which will bring India at par with the developed markets. Car manufacturers will be made to randomly pick three customer vehicles every year and test them for emissions. The exercise will be conducted in cooperation with government-backed vehicle test agencies that also issue certification for a vehicles street-worthiness. Indias top car producer Maruti Suzuki, which is busy making the transition from BS-IV to BS-VI, has sold more than 300,000 BS-VI compliant vehicles so far and is already preparing for the upcoming changes. A top Maruti Suzuki executive said, "BS-VI is not just about emission it is also about in-service conformity. This is a new norm for BS-VI where vehicles which are run for more than six months or 15,000 km or maximum 100,000 km for five years, the testing agency will ask the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to pick out three such customer vehicles every year and test it again on the chassis and prove that the emissions are not violating the norms." While the government is believed to have contemplated enforcing the RDE norms much before April 1, the auto industry requested the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to implement the norms only after BS-VI fuel is available throughout India. "This is very much part of the BS-VI notification. Everybody thinks that BS-VI is about tailpipe emission but it is also about RDE to capture data. The test agency record RDE which is called as the data acquisition phase. Once that happens after one year they will come out with a conformity factor and the RDE regulation will come into 2023," the Maruti Suzuki executive added. RDE is the most preferred emission regulation method since it is aimed at reducing the gap between type-approval emission that occur during the certification (homologation) testing phase and those in the real world. Vehicular emission methods took big goodwill knock when German auto giant Volkswagen was accused of fudging data for years in the US. Since then several countries have put stricter norms to check on any intentional and unintentional violations. A top executive from Hyundai India said, "This is the next generation regulations which will truly bring India to the global level as far vehicle emissions are concerned." "Presently once a vehicle is sold there is no data regarding its emissions during its entire lifecycle. The upcoming real-world testing will significantly change the way vehicle emissions are looked at. There is a caveat though that the vehicles should be serviced regularly and properly," the executive added. Sir Patrick Stewart joked his return to the character of retired Admiral Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: Picard 'felt very awkward like I was wearing the wrong underwear or something.' 'I had to make myself remember that the Jean-Luc of 17 years ago was still Patrick Stewart, and the benefit was that Jean-Luc wasn't the only one to have aged - I had. So I could go hand-in-hand with that, and it very quickly became fun.' the 79-year-old Yorkshireman told Variety on Wednesday. 'There are things I can't do anymore. Jean-Luc could do everything, and instead now, Sometimes just bending over is challenging. So maybe he's become more human than he was before.' 'It very quickly became fun!' Sir Patrick Stewart joked his return to the character of retired Admiral Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: Picard 'felt very awkward like I was wearing the wrong underwear or something' Set 20 years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis (2002), the Royal Shakespeare Company alum produces and stars in the 10-episode spin-off premiering January 23 on CBS All Access. The poster for the new show depicts Picard standing in French wine country with a devoted, 80lb K-9 companion at his side. 'The dog is actually named Dinero,' Patrick clarified. 'I had asked for a pet...I said I want a dog who's with me all the time, but it must be a Pit Bull.' The 79-year-old Yorkshireman told Variety: 'There are things I can't do anymore. Jean-Luc could do everything, and instead now, Sometimes just bending over is challenging. So maybe he's become more human than he was before' Premiering January 23 on CBS All Access! Set 20 years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis (2002), the Royal Shakespeare Company alum produces and stars in the 10-episode spin-off In the last few years, Stewart and his third wife Sunny Ozell - who's 38 years his junior - 'have become obsessed with dogs, particularly Pit Bulls.' '[Pit Bulls] are very much a maligned breed - quite unfairly,' the Grammy winner noted. 'All those jaws do is make their smile even bigger when they smile, which they do all the time.' 'The dog is actually named Dinero': The poster for the new show depicts Picard standing in French wine country with a devoted, 80lb K-9 companion at his side 'It must be a Pit Bull': In the last few years, Patrick and his third wife Sunny Ozell (R) - who's 38 years his junior - 'have become obsessed with dogs, particularly Pit Bulls' (pictured August 15) Stewart noted: '[Pit Bulls] are very much a maligned breed - quite unfairly. All those jaws do is make their smile even bigger when they smile, which they do all the time' It's been 33 years since the twice-divorced father-of-two originated Picard on CBS series Star Trek: The Next Generation, but he says that 'world doesn't exist anymore.' 'Nothing is really safe. Nothing is really secure,' Patrick said. 'Maybe they're not as reliable and trustworthy as we all thought.' 'They're not as reliable and trustworthy as we all thought': It's been 33 years since the Grammy winner originated Picard on CBS series Star Trek: The Next Generation, but he says that 'world doesn't exist anymore' Inspiration: Patrick hinted that the UK's Brexit movement and the States' Trump administration have inspired how the Federation echos this same isolationism The Labour Party supporter said of his two home countries: 'I'm not sure which one of us is in the most trouble. I think it's actually the UK. I think we're f***ed, completely f***ed' Stewart hinted that the UK's Brexit movement and the States' Trump administration have inspired how the Federation echos this same isolationism. 'I'm not sure which one of us is in the most trouble,' the Labour Party supporter said of his two home countries. 'I think it's actually the UK. I think we're f***ed, completely f***ed.' Iran launches missile strikes at US facilities in Iraq, less than a week after US killed top general. Iran has fired more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi military bases hosting United States troops, the Pentagon confirmed. The missiles targeted the Ain al-Assad air base in Anbar Province and a facility near Erbils airport in northern Iraq early on Wednesday morning; they were fired in retaliation for the killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani by the United States, Iran said. US President Donald Trump said the attacks did not harm any US or Iraqi troops and that the damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanted to de-escalate the standoff. Following the attacks, governments around the world called for a return to diplomacy and considered plans to withdraw their citizens. Below are reactions from around the world. Latvia Latvia said it will move six soldiers deployed in Iraq as part of a Danish contingent which is also leaving to Kuwait. First of all, it (the decision) is connected with the security issues and the second reason is that all the training in Iraq is halted at the moment, Latvian Defence Ministry spokesman Kaspars Galkins said. The contingent had been training Iraqi troops and assisting in the fight against ISIL. Russia Russias Foreign Ministry Sergey Lavrov said the evolving situation in the Middle East was the result of wrongful and very risky actions by the US. Lavrov was speaking at a press briefing in Istanbul alongside his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu. Denmark The Danish armed forces said in a post on Twitter that no Danish soldiers were injured or killed in Wednesdays missile strike on the Ain al-Assad air base in Iraq. Denmark has about 130 soldiers at the base as part of the international coalition fighting ISIL (the ISIS group) in Iraq and Syria. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said some Danish troops at the Ain al-Assad base would be moved to Kuwait. Cyprus Cyprus has agreed to host a US rapid-response team on the island in case US diplomatic personnel or civilians need to be evacuated amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Cyprus gave its consent for the temporary stationing in Cyprus of a rapid-response unit whose task will be to evacuate US diplomatic missions to the region, as well as US citizens, if necessary, government spokesman Kyriacos Koushos said. He stressed that the request by the US was accepted for exclusively humanitarian operations. Turkey Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned against escalating tension between Turkeys neighbour Iran and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally the US, adding that Ankara uses every means available to avoid a new conflict. At this critical period of war drums being played, we are trying to ease tensions, using all diplomacy channels, Erdogan said. Erdogan has called for calm in the Middle East region [File: Presidential Press Service via AP Photo] Nobody has the right to throw the whole region, particularly Iraq, into a new ring of fire. Turkey does not want the region to be a stage for proxy wars, he added. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will travel to Iraq on Thursday. United Nations The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his passionate appeal for peace, stressing that the world cannot afford a war in the Persian Gulf. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric reiterated Guterress appeal to world leaders to stop escalation and re-start dialogue. The United Nations mission in Iraq said Irans attacks escalate tensions and called for urgent restraint. Recent missile attacks in Erbil and Anbar governorates only escalate conflict, and again violate Iraqi sovereignty, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said in an online statement. Senseless violence has predictable effects. We call for urgent restraint and a resumption of dialogue. Slovenia Slovenias defence ministry said its six soldiers stationed in northern Iraq with a German-led training mission will be evacuated after their base came under attack from Irans missiles. The Slovenian ministry said the soldiers were unhurt in the attack near Erbil as they were in the bases shelter at the time. It added that the evacuation will be conducted in cooperation with the German partners. It did not say where the soldiers will go. Syria The Syrian government has expressed full solidarity with Iran, saying Tehran has the right to defend itself in the face of American threats and attacks. The foreign ministry said in a statement that Syria holds the American regime responsible for all the repercussions due to its reckless policy and arrogant mentality. Italy Italy has condemned Irans missile attacks against the US-led coalition and repeated its call for de-escalation of tensions. Italys Foreign Ministry again urged its European allies to work for dialogue, according to a statement. Italy has some 900 troops in Iraq, based in Baghdad and Erbil and involved in training Iraqi troops and fighting ISIS. NATO NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a tweet on Wednesday condemned the missile attacks on Iraqi bases housing US troops and called on Iran to refrain from further violence. I condemn the Iranian missile attacks on US & @coalition forces in Iraq. #NATO calls on Iran to refrain from further violence. Allies continue to consult & remain committed to our training mission in Iraq. pic.twitter.com/6PdXMZxSNB Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) January 8, 2020 A NATO official said there were no casualties among the troops on its training mission in Iraq. The alliance nevertheless announced on Tuesday that it was moving some of its trainers out of Iraq. We are taking all precautions necessary to protect our people. This includes the temporary repositioning of some personnel to different locations both inside and outside of Iraq, a NATO official told Reuters News Agency. The NATO Iraq mission, made up of several hundred trainers, advisers and support staff from both countries of the 29-member alliance and non-NATO partner countries, includes military and civilian personnel. France The French foreign ministry expressed its condemnation of the Iranian strikes targeting military bases that house US troops in Iraq. France would like to highlight again the importance of continuing the fight against the Islamic State , while respecting the sovereignty of Iraq, said a statement from the ministry. Kurdish region of northern Iraq Leaders of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq said US-led military support in fighting the ISIL (ISIS) group was vital and urged its member states not to allow the groups revival. In regards to the recent events, and in particular this mornings, the Kurdistan Region reiterates that military solution will in no way solve the problems, the regional president, prime minister and parliamentary speaker said in a statement. The Kurdistan Region supports de-escalation of the situation and seeks dialogue and diplomatic solution to the problems. It also seeks stability and peace and urges all parties to refrain from dragging the Kurdistan Region into the rivalries. Norway Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg labelled the Iranian missile attacks an escalation. This is an escalation and a retaliation. Our main message is that it is important to find means to de-escalate this conflict. We are not served if this erupts into war, Solberg told the Norwegian news agency NTB. Solberg said Oslo was in touch with other countries in the international coalition against ISIL. Norwegian Defence Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen is deeply concerned over the dramatic escalation we have seen in recent days. I would urge all sides to calm the situation down and prevent it from escalating out of control, he added in a statement. Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that his country would strike back hard against anyone who attacked it, reiterating his support for the Trump administration following the killing of Soleimani. Whoever tries to attack us will be dealt the strongest blow, Netanyahu said in Jerusalem. He said Israel stands completely beside Donald Trumps decision, saying the US president should be congratulated for acting swiftly, boldly and resolutely. Spain Spains acting Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said the government has pulled out some of its troops from Iraq due to security concerns. Those who were in riskier positions have left for Kuwait, Calvo told state broadcaster RTVE. There is only a reduced number left there. The decision comes as NATO announced it would move some of its military training personnel out of Iraq amid fears of a regional conflagration. European Union The European Commission called for an immediate end to the use of weapons in the Middle East conflict amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, urging efforts to restart dialogue. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told a news briefing before departing to London that she would discuss the situation with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The use of weapons must stop now to give space for dialogue, she told reporters after a meeting of her commissioners. We are called upon to do everything possible to rekindle talks. There cannot be enough of that. We have established and time-tested relations with many actors in the region and beyond to de-escalate the situation, she said. Germany German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said her country rejects this aggression in the sharpest possible terms. She told German public broadcaster ARD that its now particularly up to the Iranians not to engage in further escalation. None of the German troops stationed in Iraq were injured. United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said it is essential for the region to pull back from current troubling tensions. De-escalation is both wise and necessary. A political path towards stability must follow, Gargash said on Twitter. The Gulf countrys foreign ministry said tensions in the region will not affect citizens, residents or visitors. It stressed that sectors across the UAE were operating normally. Poland Polands defence minister said Polish troops stationed in Iraq were not hurt during Wednesdays missile attacks. None of the Polish soldiers in Iraq were hurt in rocket attacks on Al-Asad and Erbil bases. We are in constant contact with the commander of the Polish Military Contingent in Iraq, Mariusz Blaszczak wrote on Twitter. United Kingdom The United Kingdom condemned the Iranian missile attacks on military bases in Iraq that hosted US-led coalition forces including British personnel. We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting coalition including British forces, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said. We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation. During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on Iran to not repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks but instead pursue urgent de-escalation. Johnson added that Soleimani had the blood of British troops on his hands. Iraq Iraq said it refuses any violation of its sovereignty and any attacks on its territory, in a statement from the prime ministers office. It added that Iraq is doing everything in its power to contain the situation and avoid a devastating all-out war. Iraq has summoned the Iranian ambassador over the incident. The Iraqi prime ministry said Iran notified Iraq shortly after midnight that its response to Soleimanis killing had begun and that retaliation would be limited to locations where the US military is present. Adel Abdul-Mahdis office said it was simultaneously informed by the US that two of its military bases were under attack. Iraqs military said there were no Iraqi casualties among its forces in Wednesdays 22-missile attack on the two military installations. Iraq was subjected between 1:45 and 2:45 this morning of 8 January 2020 to bombardment by 22 missiles; 17 missiles fell on Ain al-Asad air base including two that did not explode and five on the city of Erbil that all fell on coalition headquarters. No casualties among Iraqi forces were recorded, the statement said. Japan Japan urged governments to do their utmost to help ease tensions following the missile strikes. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to call off a visit this weekend to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman. Japanese Chief Cabinet Spokesman Yoshihide Suga said on Wednesday that his government will coordinate with the related governments to collect intelligence while we ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in the region. Japan will also urge all related nations to do their utmost diplomatic effort to improve the relations, he added. Japan is sending a warship to the Gulf to help safeguard Japanese vessels and oil tankers travelling through the area. Canada Some of Canadas 500 military personnel based in Iraq will be temporarily moved to Kuwait for safety reasons, the countrys top military official said on Tuesday. Over the coming days, and as a result of Coalition and NATO planning, some of our people will be moved temporarily from Iraq to Kuwait, said the defence staff chief, General Jonathan Vance, in a letter to military families posted on Twitter. Simply put, we are doing this to ensure their safety and security, he wrote. Citing the continuing volatile security situation, the regional threat of terrorism and the risk of arbitrary detention, Ottawa on Wednesday issued a travel warning asking its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran. It asked its citizens to avoid all travel to the area within 10 kilometres of Irans border with Iraq. Australia Following the attacks, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said all his countrys troops and diplomatic staff in Iraq were safe. Approximately 300 Australian defence personnel are stationed in Iraq. Morrison said he had discussed the situation between the US and Iran with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday during a call about the bushfires raging in Australia. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Morrison said in reference to Soleimanis killing: The United States have taken the action that they have to address what has been intelligence that they say they received, which was putting their interests at risk and under threat. The Philippines The Philippines has ordered its citizens to leave Iraq in the wake of the strikes by Iran, the Philippine foreign ministry said on Wednesday. The alert level in the entire Iraq has been raised to alert level 4 calling for mandatory evacuation, said Eduardo Mendez, spokesman at the Department of Foreign Affairs. The department said there were 1,600 Philippine citizens working in Iraq, more than half in the Kurdish Region of northern Iraq and the rest at US and other foreign facilities in Baghdad. A Philippine coastguard patrol vessel, newly acquired from France and en route to the Philippines, was ordered to sail to Oman and Dubai to assist citizens who may need to leave. Overseas Filipino workers will be brought to safer ports where there may be airlifted as the need arises, the coastguard said in a statement. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who heads a newly created committee to prepare the evacuations, said on Tuesday the government was preparing aircraft for Filipinos in Iraq and Iran who wished to come home or move to safer areas. About 2.3 million people from the Philippines are working in the Middle East as domestic helpers, construction workers, engineers and nurses. Pakistan Pakistans Prime Minister Imran Khan said he had asked his foreign minister to visit Iran, Saudi Arabia and the US to convey the message that Pakistan is ready to play its [sic] role for peace but it can never again be part of any war. I have asked FM Qureshi to visit Iran, KSA & USA to meet with respective foreign ministers, Secretary of State; & COAS Gen Bajwa to contact relevant military leaders to convey a clear message: Pakistan is ready to play it's role for peace but it can never again be part of any war Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 8, 2020 Pakistan also issued a statement advising citizens planning to visit Iraq to exercise maximum caution. In view of recent developments and the prevailing security situation in the region, Pakistani nationals are advised to exercise maximum caution while planning visit to Iraq at this point, the statement read. Those already in Iraq are advised to remain in close contact with the Embassy of Pakistan in Baghdad. India India has advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notice. Those already in the country have been told to be alert and avoid travelling around the country. New Zealand New Zealands acting prime minister, Winston Peters, expressed concern over the escalation in hostilities between Iran and the US. Now is the time for restraint and de-escalation, and for diplomacy to take over the government has been informed that all New Zealand personnel are as safe as they can be in these developing circumstances, Peters said. New Zealand has 50 military personnel in Iraq, where Iran attacked two bases on Wednesday. Camp Taji, where most of those personnel are stationed, was not attacked, Peters said. WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Managed Funds Association (MFA), the trade association for the global hedge fund industry, today named Washington and alternative investments professional Bryan N. Corbett as its new President and CEO. Mr. Corbett succeeds Richard H. Baker, who has served in the position since 2008. Mr. Corbett begins his new role on January 21, 2020 and will be based in Washington, DC. Mr. Corbett comes to MFA from The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm, where he was a Partner and Managing Director. Mr. Corbett led Carlyle's efforts to create value for portfolio companies by deploying the firm's network of global resources and relationships. For the first five years of his Carlyle tenure, Mr. Corbett managed U.S. government and regulatory issues affecting Carlyle, its investments and the industry. Prior to Carlyle, Mr. Corbett served in the George W. Bush Administration as a Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and as the Senior Advisor to Deputy Secretary Robert Kimmitt at the Treasury Department; before that he served as Majority Counsel on the Senate Banking Committee under Chairman Richard Shelby. "Bryan's combination of extensive commercial experience and deep policy expertise will strengthen MFA's ability to meet the evolving needs of our growing and diverse membership for years to come. He is a natural and able successor to Richard Baker, who has served our industry well this past decade," said Jon Hitchon, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Two Sigma Investments, LP and Chair of MFA's Board of Directors. Natalie Birrell, Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Anchorage Capital Group, L.L.C. and Vice Chair of MFA's Board of Directors, said, "MFA members are facing consequential changes due to technological innovation, an evolving regulatory framework, and shifting investor focus. Bryan will play a critical role in advocating for our industry." Bryan Corbett said, "Hedge funds are a critical component of the global financial services industry, creating value for investors, including charitable endowments, educational institutions, hospitals, and pension funds. These investors understand our ability to help manage risks and deliver returns over time. I am proud to join and lead the MFA, the respected and authoritative voice of the industry. I am also honored to succeed Richard Baker." Mr. Corbett takes over MFA at a time when hedge fund industry global assets under management are near an all-time high at nearly $3.5 trillion. The industry serves hundreds of public and private pension funds, charitable endowments, foundations, sovereign governments and other global institutional investors by providing portfolio diversification and risk-adjusted returns to help meet their funding obligations and return targets. The MFA is proud to serve its members by advocating for managers in these important discussions that shape our industry. About Bryan Corbett Bryan Corbett is a 20-year veteran of Washington and the alternative investment management industry. From 2008 to the present, he was a senior executive at The Carlyle Group, most recently as Managing Director in the Corporate Private Equity segment and Head of the firm's OneCarlyle Global Investment Resources Group. In this role, Mr. Corbett and his team provided strategic and operational support to investment teams and portfolio companies across segments. For the first half of his Carlyle tenure, Mr. Corbett managed U.S. government and regulatory issues affecting Carlyle, its investments and the industry. In this role, he developed legislative and regulatory strategies relating to all of Carlyle's business segments, including private equity, credit and real estate. In addition to serving on the boards of several Carlyle portfolio companies, Mr. Corbett led the firm's global corporate citizenship program focused on responsible investing, published Carlyle's inaugural corporate citizenship report, and coordinated the firm's initiative to recruit and place diverse individuals on portfolio company boards in the U.S. Prior to joining Carlyle, Mr. Corbett served in the George W. Bush Administration as a Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and as the Senior Advisor to Deputy Secretary Robert Kimmitt at the Treasury Department. He also served as Majority Counsel on the Senate Banking Committee. Mr. Corbett earned his JD from George Washington University Law School, where he was editor-in-chief of the George Washington Law Review, and earned his BA from University of Notre Dame. About the Managed Funds Association Managed Funds Association (MFA) represents the global alternative investment industry and its investors by advocating for sound industry practices and public policies that foster efficient, transparent, and fair capital markets. MFA, based in Washington, D.C., is an advocacy, education, and communications organization established to enable hedge fund and managed futures firms in the alternative investment industry to participate in public policy discourse, share best practices and learn from peers, and communicate the industry's contributions to the global economy. MFA members help pension plans, university endowments, charitable organizations, qualified individuals and other institutional investors to diversify their investments, manage risk, and generate attractive returns over time. MFA has cultivated a global membership and actively engages with regulators and policymakers in Asia, Europe, North and South America, and many other regions where MFA members are market participants. For more information, please visit: www.managedfunds.org . SOURCE Managed Funds Association Related Links www.managedfunds.org The Chinese Year of the Rat begins on January 25 and the decorations were already up in Ka Shing on Wicklow Street, a little oasis of Chinese bustle just steps away from Brown Thomas. The Rat is a symbol of wealth and surplus (think how many babies they have), and so it seemed appropriate to honour the coming new year by ordering far too many Dim Sum dishes in what I believe is currently the best Dim Sum restaurant in Dublin. Dim Sum translates as Close to the Heart but can also mean to lightly fill your stomach, which is after all just under your heart. Originating in Cantonese Cuisine (eg, Hong Kong), dim sum comes from the roadside tea houses in Guangdong Provence. Note that you have to order tea, its not dim sum if theres no tea, and remember that Dim Sum is a daytime meal in much the same way that an Italian would think it bizarre to have a cappuccino after midday, you dont go for dim sum after 6pm. Dublin has a few options with Good World on Georges Street perhaps the longest established but mention should also be given to the Ming Court in Blanchardstown which has been open since the mid-1990s. More recent additions include Mr Dinh on Capel Street and of course Lucky Tortoise which expands on the idea to bring in a mix of Asian cuisines but is best described as an Asian influenced small plates restaurant this is not a criticism, I adore Lucky Tortoise and it is the place to go if you want dim sum style food after 6pm. Ka Shing on Wicklow Street opened in around 2013 in the space that was for many years occupied by the Imperial. The Imperial was good for Dim Sum but felt safer with only a few outre dishes if you wanted swim bladders, intestines or tripe you had to go to the Universal on South King St (now sadly closed). Over half the tables in Ka Shing were occupied by Chinese families which was reassuring and the atmosphere was lively with a pleasing noisy hubbub about the space. Service is brisk but friendly they are always busy so cant linger around too long so we quickly ordered around seven dishes including steamed, braised, fried, and deep-fried options, all costing between 5 and 6.50 we ordered a further five as the fancy took us later in the meal. The menu has pictures which proved rather useful and the 48 menu descriptions were helpfully simplified a little eg,Char Siu Cheung Fun is described as BBQ Pork in a Rice Noodle Roll. These soft succulent rice noodle sheets can also be stuffed with prawns or vegetables but I think char-siu (bbq pork) shows them off best Ka Shings are excellent with rich pork and perfectly slippery noodle paste. Vietnam spring rolls were roughly textured and supremely crispy while BBQ Pork Buns (a gluten free soft flour bun) had that perfect contrast between pillowy dough and sweet meat. Crispy won ton were shaped to look like a rose and were the crispiest I think Ive ever tasted, pork sui-mai (cabbage and pork dumplings) were also outstanding with fruity rich pork flavours, sweet cabbage and a pleasing lightness of touch (bad siu-mai taste pungent and bitter) Glutinous rice steamed in lotus leaves with ginger and minced chicken and pork added sweet softer textures as did the light fruity Shrimp Dumplings and the Chiu Chow Fan Gor dumplings with a minced meat and shrimp filling in a translucent starchy wrapper. The Chinese love of unusual textures can be challenging, but you should try sucking on silky fatty chicken feet in black bean at least once. We also loved the sweet vinegar and ginger pork feet which involved sucking the bones free of their meat with sweet pork fat and soft flesh in a sweet-sour sauce, but I admit this may not be to everyones taste. As we were approaching satiety the chef arrived at our table with a new dish that hasnt made it to the menu yet, a delicious fried dough drizzled with sugar syrup. Ka-Shing is warmly recommended for the elegance of their cooking and the mix of approachable and challenging traditional dishes packed with flavour, go with a group and order it all. At a glance... Dim Sum lunch for three including 12 small dishes plus tea and two beers cost 78.50 How to: Monday - Sunday: 12pm - 10pm The verdict Food: 8.5/10 Drink: 8/10 Service: 9/10 Ambiance: 8/10 Value: 9/10 In a sentence A charming modern Chinese restaurant with probably the best Dim Sum menu in the city. Tokyo prosecutors obtained an arrest warrant Tuesday for former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn's wife on suspicion of perjury, adding to the couple's legal woes in the country where he once was revered as a star executive. The move against Carole Ghosn, who is not in Japan, followed her husband's flight to Lebanon last week while he was out on bail awaiting trial for alleged financial misconduct. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Doteasy, a leading Canadian web hosting and services provider, enhances security and SEO for all hosting customers by including a free cPanel SSL certificate with all hosting plans . With SSL, Doteasy users can set up a secure site with encrypted HTTPS connections, as well as meet most web browser standards - for free. We wanted to give our customers every advantage to grow and gain trust from both visitors and browsers. Web browsers, such as Google Chrome, have placed much emphasis on the need for SSL encryption, says William Wah, marketing manager at Doteasy. Sites without SSL security are marked as Not Secure in the browser, which can cause distrust from site visitors. HTTPS is now also a well-known factor for Google search rankings. By including cPanel SSL in all of our hosting plans, our clients can easily secure their websites and see the benefits, completely for free. HTTPS offers a multitude of advantages for both visitors and site owners. Sites with SSL encryption offers a secure connection, ensuring that data collected from a site visitor remains private and protected. Website owners can see incredible growth through the implementation of SSL. Websites that are encrypted with SSL are marked Secure in web browsers, which attracts visitors and increases trust and engagement on a website. Having SSL encryption can also lead to better search rankings on search engines, such as Google. SSL is available for free for all Doteasy hosting customers. To set up SSL, members can simply look for cPanel Secure SSL option in the Member Zone. To learn more about SSL and hosting with Doteasy, visit: https://www.doteasy.com/ssl-hosting/ About Doteasy Even as debates over Faiz Ahmed Faizs Hum Dekhenge continue, it has been turned into the poem of protest of sorts for college students across the country. The latest to join in this are students from Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad who recited Hum Dekhenge as a mark of protest over JNU violence, reports ANI. Hum Dekhenge became a topic of discussion after the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur formed a panel to decide whether the poem is offensive to Hindu sentiments. Students of IIT-Kanpur sang the poem during a peaceful protest march against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA on December 17. A faculty member subsequently filed complaints claiming the poem is anti-Hindu. The poem has since struck a chord with people and students across the country have been seen singing the poem during protest. During a recent protest against the violence in JNU, IIM-A students recited Faizs poetry. Earlier, a video of students, reportedly from Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), singing a rendition of the poem on a mountain top made it way on Twitter. The clip shows a bunch of people singing verses from the poem while sitting atop a mountain. Few students of IIMC sang this version of 'Hum Dekhenge' at 14000ft. Absolutely stunning!!! pic.twitter.com/ZjYUvI56ln Stuti (@StuteeMishra) January 4, 2020 Another video, this one reportedly showing students of Indian Institute of Science reciting the poem, has also been shared YouTube. A clip on Twitter shows students at Savitribai Phule Pune University singing Hum Delhenge during a protest. Hum dekhenge Protest at Savitribai Phule Pune University against state sponsored violence and in solidarity with JNU 06-01-2020 pic.twitter.com/qRJIfZh0ix (@timeysunflower) January 6, 2020 Not only this, several videos show the song being sung during protests across the country. Hum dekhenge at goodluck chowk Pune standing in solidarity with the students and faculty of JNU. Protesting in non bjp ruled states is so much safer. Salute to the relentless protestors who reached JNU gates at night. #puneprotest #puneagainstcaa #SOSJNU #EmergencyinJNU pic.twitter.com/o9FllU77qr sociokidtryingtogetit (@sociokid) January 6, 2020 In fact, during a protest in New York, people also sang the poem to show solidarity to students at JNU. #HumDekhenge was played. Some of us sang along. All of us felt it in our hearts. We will defeat you fascists eventually. And we will play Iqbal Bano singing Faizs poem on a goddamned loudspeaker for the whole country coz everyone should feel it and hold it in their hearts! pic.twitter.com/w1FIn9XSce Sinjini (@sinjini_m) January 7, 2020 The poem was written by Faiz Ahmad Faiz in 1979 in reference to military dictator Zia-ul-Haq rule in Pakistan. DEER PARK, N.Y., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- American Racing Headers (ARH) is proudly visiting the troops at Camp Arifjan, a massive United States Army base located in Kuwait that houses more than 16,000 service members from four branches of our mighty military. ARH will bring a full day of fun with the PriuSRT8 at the "A Hemi for Heroes" event on Sunday, Jan. 12. There will be tire-smoking burnouts and a big ARH sponsored cookout to add to the festivities. "With our military-themed livery, combined with comedy on display everywhere you look, not to mention 1,100 glorious Hellcat-powered horsepower under the hood, the PriuSRT8 is sure to generate some great laughs and lasting memories for our troops," says Nick Filippides, CEO of American Racing Headers. "We are extremely proud to have this rare opportunity to give a little something back to those that will sacrifice all to preserve our American way of life. For the American Racing Headers team, nothing we've done in the past can measure up to this, and we can't be more humble or grateful. We also salute those who helped clear the way for the 'A Hemi For Heroes' event." The PriuSRT8 was featured on Jay Leno's Garage, displayed at SEMA in Las Vegas, raced on Detroit's Woodward Ave during Roadkill Nights, and put on display at the New York Auto Show. The team at ARH is now excited to bring their well-known and hilariously non-PC PriuSRT8 to the crazy car country of Kuwait. ARH will be live streaming the event on their Facebook page. For fans of the PriuSRT8 and to share in the fun with military service members, follow us on Facebook. For more information about the company, visit AmericanRacingHeaders.com. About American Racing Headers American Racing Headers launched in September 2005. With a customer base that includes hundreds of dealers worldwide, the company has had direct involvement with GM, Ford and Chrysler on a variety of factory manufactured drag and road race applications. ARH's entire product line is made of 100% U.S.-sourced 304 stainless steel, providing excellent resistance to corrosion, heat and the elements in any environment. For more information, visit AmericanRacingHeaders.com. Related Images image1.png image2.png image3.png image4.png image5.png image6.png Related Links A Hemi For Heroes Info about the Prius SOURCE American Racing Headers Related Links https://americanracingheaders.com OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Rush Consulting, a premier national cannabis consulting firm, is offering a fully automated Application Accelerator package for Illinois Craft Grower licenses. [CORRECTION: A previous version of this press release incorrectly listed the licensing agency as the IDFPR. Craft grower licenses will be issued by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The information has been corrected below.] With the application set to be released on January 7, 2020, cannabis entrepreneurs seeking a craft grow license in Illinois must submit their applications as soon as possiblea process that can be timely and costly. Green Rush Consulting is offering customizable Application Accelerator templates to speed up the process for developing a comprehensive license application fully compliant with Illinois marijuana laws. All sections of the Illinois application, known as "Exhibits," are fully compliant and vetted by Subject Matter Experts with decades of industry experience and more than 100 competitive state license wins. The Illinois Department of Agriculture has released the Craft Grower Organization License Application on Jan. 7, 2020 through its adult-use cannabis program page. The full Illinois Craft Grower Application Accelerator Bundle is available for a special pre-sale 50% discount. Individual templates for Exhibits such as the Security Plan, Environmental Plan, and Diversity Plan can still be purchased a la carte. The Application Accelerator was featured at a Dec. 15, 2019 Hackathon in Chicago hosted by Good Tree Capital. The event was developed to help social equity applicants learn how to open a dispensary in Illinois. "We recently hosted a hackathon for Illinois social equity applicants seeking to complete their dispensary license applications due in just a couple weeks," said Seke Ballard, Founder and CEO of Good Tree Capital. "We couldn't have done it without the help of our partner, Green Rush Consulting. Their dispensary application accelerator was incredibly valuable and essential to getting our dispensary applicants over the finish line!" Media contact: Sarah Ceti [email protected] 510-479-7372 SOURCE Green Rush Consulting Related Links https://www.greenrushconsulting.com Jammu; Recently, after the abolition of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, foreign diplomats will take Kashmir to show the present situation. Pakistan is making every effort to spread lies around Jammu and Kashmir. Wherever it is known that the Government of India has taken this decision to make the world aware of the ground situation of the Union Territory and expose the lies of Pakistan. Where before in October, a group of European Union MPs went to Jammu and Kashmir. At the same time, he had met members of different groups and organizations and also enjoyed hunting in Dal Lake. America targets Iraq again, fired more than dozen missiles According to information received from sources, it should be known that after the removal of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir and the reorganization of the state, the Indian government is preparing to take foreign diplomats to Kashmir for the first time. Wherever, apart from two or three countries, no one has paid attention to his talk. Now the government wants to take the message to foreign diplomats that the situation in Kashmir is completely normal. Afghanistan's plan fails, may affect India On August 5, the government had neutralized Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Significantly, earlier in October, a team of European Union MPs went to Jammu and Kashmir. Where he met members of different groups and organizations and also enjoyed hunting in Dal Lake. However, the tour was private. But before going there, the 23-member party of MPs met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NSA Ajit Doval. Raj Thackeray and former CM meet, discussions on equations in Maharashtra Eight cases of the Borna virus, transmitted by shrews, have been identified in encephalitis patients who died between 1999 and 2019, researchers said Wednesday. All eight cases occurred in southern Germany, mostly among people living in rural or semi-rural areas and in regular contact with animals, they reported in The Lancet, a medical journal. Carried by the bicoloured white-toothed shrew, the virus triggers an inflammation of the brain, and is known to affect horses and sheep. The researchers speculated that it could be transmitted by house cats that had come into contact with infected shrews. Symptoms start with fever, headaches and confusion, and progress to memory loss, convulsions and loss of consciousness. There is no known treatment for the disease, which gets its name from a town in Germany and was first described in the late 18th century. In the eight newly identified cases, patients fell into a coma and died 16 to 57 days after hospital admission. "Our findings indicate that Borna disease virus infection has to be considered a severe and potentially lethal human disease transmitted from a wildlife reservoir," said co-author Barbara Schmidt from Regensburg University Hospital. "It appears to have occurred unnoticed in humans for at least decades, and may have caused other unexplained cases of encephalitis in regions where the virus is endemic in the host shrew population." The scientists recommended testing for Borna virus in patients who suffer rapid deterioration of their nervous systems in order to establish the scale of infection among humans. "It is still relatively rare in absolute numbers, but it might be behind a larger proportion of unexplained severe-to-fatal encephalitis cases," said co-author Martin Beer from the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute. "Only more tests on patients with severe or even deadly encephalitis will find this out." The study, led by Hans Helmut Niller of the Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene in Regensburg, examined the brain tissue of 56 patients who developed encephalitis-like symptoms at some point over the last two decades. The new findings bring the total number of confirmed Borna cases in southern Germany -- all fatal -- to 14. The researchers were not able to definitively establish how the Borna virus was transmitted to humans, but victims for which such information was available lived in rural settings around animals. "In at least seven cases, close contact with cats was reported," they said in a statements. "When cats hunt, they might bring shrews into their homes, exposing humans to them." The genetic profiles of all eight of the new cases were all distinct and matched the profile of locally infected shrews or horses, suggesting the infections occurred independently. Researchers speculated the disease could be transmitted by house cats that come into contact with infected shrews Despite this positive news, the Facts & Figures report also reveals that more people than ever before will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In 2020, an estimated 57,600 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. According to the report, while pancreatic cancer is currently the 11th most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., it remains the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Approximately 47,050 Americans are expected to die from the disease this year. Since its founding in 1999, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) has taken a comprehensive approach to attack the world's toughest cancer on all fronts including research, clinical initiatives, patient services and advocacy in order to improve patient outcomes and increase overall survival. "We are so grateful to the entire community of pancreatic cancer researchers, healthcare professionals, volunteers and advocates who have worked together alongside PanCAN to accelerate progress, but our fight is not over," said Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, PanCAN's president and CEO. "While we are thrilled to see the five-year survival rate reach double digits, 10% is still the lowest survival rate of all major cancers, which is unacceptable. This underscores the continued urgency for funding, research and awareness to move the needle even further." To support all pancreatic cancer patients and accelerate progress, PanCAN provides world-class patient resources including a Clinical Trial Finder offering access to the most up-to-date and comprehensive pancreatic cancer clinical trial database in the United States; listings of pancreatic cancer specialists; as well as the Patient Registry, a global database of patient information to help advance research and improve patient care. Another key example is PanCAN's Know Your Tumor precision medicine service, launched in 2014 to determine whether patients' tumor biology and genetics can impact their treatment decisions and outcomes. Today, thousands of patients have received personalized reports through Know Your Tumor, and approximately one in four of them include "actionable" findings results that can influence that patient's treatment options. In addition, since 2003, PanCAN has awarded 173 grants to 170 scientists at 64 institutions, with a cumulative research investment projected to more than $104 million. For more information on the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its urgent mission to save lives, visit pancan.org or follow PanCAN on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is dedicated to fighting the world's toughest cancer. In our urgent mission to save lives, we attack pancreatic cancer on all fronts: research, clinical initiatives, patient services and advocacy. Our effort is amplified by a nationwide network of grassroots support. We are determined to improve patient outcomes today and to double pancreatic cancer survival. Media Contact: Jillian Scholten Senior Manager, Public Relations Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Direct: 310-706-3360 Cell: 949-244-2561 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Related Links http://www.pancan.org Some of the estimated 500 Canadian troops in Iraq will be moved temporarily to neighbouring Kuwait in the coming days to ensure their safety amid rising tensions in the region, a top Canadian military official said. General Jonathan Vance, chief of defense staff, announced the "operational pause" in a letter posted on Twitter to families of deployed military personnel. "Over the coming days, and as a result of Coalition and NATO planning, some of our people will be moved temporarily from Iraq to Kuwait," he said. "Simply put, we are doing this to ensure their safety and security." The move comes amid heightened concerns over possible Iranian retaliation for the killing of the country's top commander, Qasem Soleimani, on Friday on the orders of US President Donald Trump. NATO, which suspended its training mission in Iraq after the killing, said earlier Tuesday it also was temporarily "repositioning" some personnel to locations inside and outside Iraq. Several other countries, including Germany and Romania, announced plans to move their forces. France, for its part, said it had no intention to withdraw its troops from Iraq. Vance did not specify how many Canadian troops would be moved out. "The situation in Iraq is complex and it is best to pause our work there in order to fully concentrate our attention and efforts toward the safety and security of our personnel while the situation develops," Vance said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed the situation in talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and with Jordan's King Abdullah, his office said, and they agreed to press for a "de-escalation" of the tensions. Trudeau and the Jordanian king also agreed "on the need to remain focused on fighting Daesh," the statement said, referring the Islamic State group. S Korea Relocates Patriot Missile System From Country's Southeast to Seoul - Reports Sputnik News 11:01 07.01.2020 SEOUL (Sputnik) - South Korea has relocated a Patriot missile unit from a southeastern region in the country to central Seoul in order to protect key facilities from potential threats from Pyongyang, the Yonhap news outlet reported on Tuesday. According to sources, as cited by the Yonhap news outlet, the missile system, which was previously stationed in the North Gyeongsang province, was transferred earlier in January to a former military installation at Mount Bukak near the presidential office. The US-built system is believed to be equipped with PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles that are designed to intercept aircraft and missiles, the outlet said. The South Korean military has been pushing for the relocation of the missile system since 2017. In late December, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said North Korea would continue developing nuclear weapons and would introduce a new strategic weapon in the near future since it did not see that its efforts for denuclearization were being met by Washington, which continued to supply strategic weapons to Seoul. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A man wounded in a shooting that killed two at a New Jersey motel last week has been released from the hospital, authorities said Wednesday. The 25-year-old Salem resident was shot at Salem Motor Lodge on Jan. 2. Isa Hallman and Kapri Taylor, both 28-year-old Salem residents, died of their injuries. Investigators believe this shooting is connected to a shootout the night before at the motor lodge involving two feuding groups, but have not revealed a motive. No one has been arrested in either incident. Funeral services for Hallman are planned for Friday and Taylors family has launched a burial and memorial fund via GoFundMe. Authorities say 15 shots were exchanged through the door of a motel room around 5:45 p.m. on New Years Day, leaving one person with a hand wound and another with a graze injury. Trouble continued the next night when gunshots were reported just after 8 p.m. The victims were fired on as they ran to room 23, according to investigators, who said shots were fired from behind a fence line adjacent to the motor lodge. Hallman was found in room 23 and declared dead at the scene. Taylor and the other victim were taken by personal vehicle to Salem Medical Center, where Taylor was declared dead. The other man was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in critical condition. Shots were also fired from room 23 and two guns were recovered from that room, authorities reported, but they have not said the victims were actively involved in the shooting. The case remains under investigation and officials are hoping witnesses will step forward. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Detective Walt Christy at 856-935-0033 or Sgt. Ryan Donelson at 609-839-7615. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Ukraine ranks 43rd among 199 countries featured in the latest edition of the yearly Henley Passport Index. The travel freedom of Ukrainian passport holders has doubled since 2010, making Ukraine the world's sixth-biggest climber in the category over the past decade. Ukrainians currently enjoy visa-free travel to 128 countries, placing their country 43rd among 199 countries featured in the latest edition of the yearly Henley Passport Index that was published on January 7, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) said. Read alsoUkraine ranks 39th among world's most powerful countries Driving the rise in improved international access was a far-reaching political and economic pact with the European Union following the pro-democracy Maidan uprising of 2014. Protests in Kyiv started in November 2013 when former President Viktor Yanukovych rejected an Association Agreement with the EU in favor of warmer relations with Moscow. Aside from the three EU member Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, Ukraine leads the other former Soviet republics in terms of visa-free travel privileges. Eight spots behind in 51st place is Russia, while Georgia occupies the 53rd spot. The index of so-called passport power is published in cooperation with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and was first released in 2006. Normal life remained unaffected so far in Goa on Wednesday on the day of a nationwide strike called by 10 central trade unions to protest against the government's "anti-people" policies. Various labour unions held a public meeting under the banner of the 'Goa Convention of Workers' at the Azad Maidan in Panaji. Most of the banks, including nationalised ones, are functioning normally, while only a few private industries recorded low attendance. Addressing a gathering of around 2,000 people at the Azad Maidan, AITUC general secretary Christopher Fonseca appealed to workers to protest against the "anti-labour policies of the Central government." He said "pro-capitalist" policies of the Centre have "broken the backbone of the working class." "Several nationalised banks are closing down due to wrong policies of the Union government, which needs immediate correction," he said. The opposition Congress is also supporting the strike. Trade unions INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along with various sectoral independent federations and associations had adopted a declaration in September last year to go on the nationwide strike on January 8. The trade unions have claimed around 25 crore people are participating in the strike to protest against the government's "anti-people" policies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Photo: William Bayreuther/Unsplash If you're a fan of the arts, mark your calendars: There's plenty to do when it comes to artsy events in San Francisco this week, from a magic show to a team-building pottery class. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. James Chan: Prodigy Magician & Juggler From the event description: Witness the next generation of magicians and be prepared to be amazed by this young prodigy magician. At a young age, James Chan has already fooled the most brilliant minds in the Bay Area at top tech companies. When: Tuesday, Jan. 7, 6:15 p.m. Where: K-Elements BBQ, 2140 Clement St. Price: $10 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets 'The Best Friends Tour': A Magical Evening of Comedy From the event description: Magician Ben Seidman and Juggler Marcus Monroe combine magic, juggling and stand up comedy into a show that will have you laughing hysterically (while your mind is being blown). Seidman is a guest star on the new Netflix Original "Brainchild." He appeared on Penn & Tellers "Fool Us" and has starred in two specials on the Travel Channel. When: Wednesday, Jan. 8, 8 p.m. Where: PianoFight, 144 Taylor St. Price: $10 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Magician Jay Alexander From the event description: There's a reason Jay Alexander has been called the Human Lie Detector. With his combination of magic, psychology and mentalism, he can do everything from reading your mind to making objects vanish inches from your nose (and making you laugh the whole time, of course). When: Thursday, Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m. Where: Marrakech Magic Theater, 419 O'Farrell St. Price: $27.50 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Team Building Pottery Adventure - 'Claycation' From the event description: Our instructors will guide the group through the throwing and/or hand-building clay process. Each team member gets up to four pounds of clay to try their hand at this fun creative activity. Anything they want to keep will be cleaned-up, signed and dated, left to dry, fired, glazed to their color choice and then re-fired. Once cool, we will send you a note they are ready for pick-up. Story continues When: Monday, Jan. 6, 2 p.m. Where: Smaart Gallery & Studio, 1045 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94109 Price: $69 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Photography Classes at Isla Studio From the Isla Studio deal description: Professional photographers wean students off automatic settings, demystifying exposure, aperture, and ISO for more breathtaking shots with a variety of photography classes. Students are welcome to bring their own cameras, and snacks and drinks brought from home refresh creative juices. Sunset Photo walks in the Butler Park extend classroom skills into the real world. Where: 530 Hampshire St., Suite 306, Southeast San Francisco Price: $77 (48% discount off regular price); additional deals available. Click here for more details, and to nab this deal This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Lome, Togo (PANA) - At least 915 newborns were registered in Togo on New Year's Day a week ago, PANA learned from informed sources in Lome on Wednesday A detective has told the Claremont serial killings trial he will never forget the smell of Ciara Glennon's dumped body, which he initially thought was that of a kangaroo. Former Telstra technician and confessed rapist Bradley Robert Edwards, 51, is fighting allegations he murdered secretary Sarah Spiers, 18, childcare worker Jane Rimmer, 23, and solicitor Ms Glennon, 27, in 1996 and 1997. Detectives Charles Carver and Edward Besson were called to bushland in Eglinton, north of Perth, in April 1997 after Jason Atkinson, who had been searching for cannabis plants, discovered Ms Glennon's body. Mr Benson said he initially thought it was a dead kangaroo in the bush. Jane Rimmer, 23, Ciara Glennon, 27, and Sarah Spiers, 18, were killed in 1996 and 1997. Source: AAP "But the smell didn't smell like a dead kangaroo," he told the West Australian Supreme Court on Wednesday. "We had to keep the scene pristine. "We didn't get too close but I could see that the person had what appeared to be long, blondish hair. "I noticed ... the smell. I'll never forget it, I can still visualise it now. "It affected me in a way that I saw it and was shocked by it and haven't forgotten it in 20 odd years." Alleged Claremont serial killer Bradley Robert Edwards. Source: AAP Mr Besson added that he and Mr Carver were given a commissioner's commendation for preserving the site but Justice Stephen Hall interrupted him, saying he only needed to answer questions from the lawyers. Mr Carver testified on Tuesday that a television journalist was arrested for breaching the cordon that police later set up at the scene. "We had many issues with the media at the time ... in relation to trying to get into the scene and people sneaking over sand dunes," he said. "There was a whole lot of things happening. It was just mayhem." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. Blast Kills Four Rohingya Children, Injures Six Others in Myanmar's Rakhine State 2020-01-07 -- Four Rohingya children were killed and six other people injured in an explosion Tuesday in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state, villagers said, though it is unclear whether the blast was caused by a landmine or shelling by the government military or the rebel Arakan Army, which have been engaged in hostilities since late 2018. The explosion occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time while a 25-year-old teacher named Ali Kuharl and some children climbed atop a hill near their school in Htikehtoopauk Rohingya Muslim village in Buthidaung township to look for firewood, residents told RFA's Myanmar Service. "I heard the blast around 10:30 a.m. while I was in the village," said one resident who declined to be named for fear of his safety. "The blast came from the hill west of the village. It was very close to the village." Villagers said those who died in the blast include Hussein Allah, 10; Abdul Raman, 10; Mahmad Armein, eight; and Arraf Ullah, eight. The six other persons who were injured, including Ali Kuharl, were taken to Buthidaung Hospital for emergency treatment. Two of the six were badly wounded and are in critical condition, they said. "Four children died. The injured ones were taken to Buthidaung hospital. The children were killed on the spot," said a local village elder who requested anonymity for fear of his safety. The man also said it is unclear which army was responsible for the explosion. "We don't know if the military or the AA is responsible," he said. "Some people assume it was a blast from a falling mortar shell, and others think it was landmine explosion." Residents told RFA that Myanmar military troops were stationed a month ago on the hill where the explosion occurred, and they now have moved to another hill near the village. One of them said officials from the military outfit came to inspect the explosion site. AA spokesman Khine Thukha said the Arakan force had nothing to do with the deadly blast. "We've got no connection to this incident," he told RFA. "What we've learned from our past experiences is that the Myanmar military has always planted landmines in areas where they are stationed," he said. "After they go, they sometimes leave these landmines behind. One of them must have killed these villagers." Military blames AA RFA tried several times to reach Colonel Win Zaw Oo, spokesman for the Myanmar's military's Western Command which is responsible for Rakhine state, but could not get through to him for comment. Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun confirmed that troops had inspected the site of the blast. "We have inspected the site and assume it was a mine explosion," he said. "It was a pretty big mine. It was a big one like the one they [AA] used to plant." "We have released information on this issue very often. We assume these are the kind of mines they planted along the Yangon-Sittwe highway," he said, referring to deadly explosions caused by the AA on the main roadway between the commercial hub and Rakhine's capital. Two police officers were killed and two others were injured when vehicles in a police convoy hit a mine last Feb. 27 along the highway in Rakhine's Ponnagyun township. "That landmine was created by putting explosives and iron pieces into a plastic bucket that was designed to explode when it was stepped on or hit," Zaw Min Tun said. "The military was never stationed in that area." Since 2016, there have been several instances of homemade bombs exploding along the Yangon-Sittwe highway which runs through Ann, Myebon, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, and Ponnagyun townships in Rakhine state. Most of the incidents have occurred when military vehicles passed through the areas. Northern Rakhine state has been rocked by an escalation in hostilities between the Myanmar military and the AA, an ethnic insurgent group fighting for greater autonomy in the state, since late November 2018. The government instructed the military to "crush" the AA after its fighters carried out deadly coordinated attacks on four police outposts in Buthidaung township a year ago. Dozens of civilians have been killed, and a local relief group estimates that more than 100,000 people have been displaced by the hostilities following the escalation in fighting in late 2018. Northern Rakhine was also the site of a brutal military-led crackdown on Rohingya communities that began in 2017, which left thousands dead and drove more than 740,000 across the border and into Bangladesh. About 600,000 Rohingya still live in the region, with more than 120,000 Rohingya and other Muslims housed in crowded displacement camps in the state since 2012 after their homes were destroyed during a spate of communal violence with ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. Reported by Min Thein Aung for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Copyright 1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Ministry of Power has yet again reacted to the reactions of many Nigerians on the different controversies rocking the ministry in the past week. The ministry in a Wednesday press statement signed by Aaron Artimas, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister of power, said the minister did not condemn his predecessor in office, Babatunde Fashola. Mr Fashola served as Minister of Power, Works and Housing between 2015 and 2019. He was succeeded by Sale Mamman, the current minister. PREMIUM TIMES reported the various controversies rocking different agenciesNBET and REAin the ministry in recent weeks. This newspaper also reported how Nigerians on Monday attacked the ministry over its reactions to controversial appointments made in different agencies under the supervision of the ministry. Twitter users launched attacks on the minister after a press statement reacting to reports of the controversial appointments made by the minister described many Nigerians as wailers. Controversial Statement The press statement, signed by Mr Artimas, also accused officials affected by the ministers decision as people who are not susceptible to relinquishing public office even after exhausting their welcome or in the face of apparent failure to perform. Mr Artimas also argued that the decisions were taken by the minister because, despite the huge resources President Muhammadu Buhari poured into the power ministry for over four years, there has been no tangible result. He attributed the failure to the poor performance of the officials affected by the ministers new decision, calling on Nigerians to ask question on why there has been no improvement in the sector. The ministry also accused a cabal using some faceless groups in Lagos of attempts to undermine the efforts of the new minister. As early as November last year, this cabal began to sponsor insidious reports using some faceless groups in Lagos, claiming that the ministry of power was failing under the new minister, the statement said. It is the same untouchables who want to perpetuate themselves in power that are now resisting any form of re-organisation meant to reposition the ministry for optimum performance. The ministry should not be tied down by individuals whose only concern is the retention of power at the expense of service delivery. The ministry said the same cabal which accused the minister of poor co-ordination of the ministry now condemns it for re-organising the different agencies, adding that it would not focus on removal or appointment of officials but the mandate to deliver power to Nigerians. The minister should not be distracted by the detestable and nauseating appeal to sentiment at the expense of the need for genuine change in the power sector in line with the next level agenda of president Muhammadu Buhari, the statement added. Many Nigerians viewed the ministrys reaction and its reference to Lagos groups as an indirect attack on the legacy of Mr Fashola and other officials who worked under him in the power ministry during the first four years of the Buhari Presidency. Others condemned the ministry for its use of harsh and vulgar languages against critics. Mr Fashola hails from Lagos and governed the state for eight years between 2007 and 2015. Ministry Backtracks But in the press statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry of power debunked insinuations that the invectives were directed at Mr Fashola. Our attention has been drawn to a news report alleging the Hon. Minister of Power, Eng. Sale Mamman had condemned His Excellency, Babatunde Raji Fasholas previous tenure as minister of power, the statement said. Nothing could be further from the truth. The ministry claimed that, on the contrary, the power minister holds Mr Fashola in high esteem as one of the most celebrated public servants in the country. We hereby appeal to Nigerians to discountenance such mischievous insinuations, clearly meant to create unnecessary friction between two serving ministers of the government, the statement concluded. http//twitter.com/PowerMinNigeria/status/1214657275434061825 Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) speaks on the Senate floor at the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 3, 2020. (Senate TV via AP) McConnell: Strikes Show Growing Threat of Irans Missile Program Iranian missile strikes against bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq highlight the growing threat of Irans missile program, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on Jan. 8. More than a dozen missiles were launched at two or more bases late Tuesday, the Pentagon said. Officials havent said if any Americans were killed or injured. We must remain vigilant in the threat of serious threats posed by Tehran, McConnell said on the Senate floor on Wednesday. Apparently, these strikes did not kill or wound Americans, but they demonstrate the significant progress Iran has made over the last decade in building a large, long-range, and accurate ballistic missile force. McConnell said he spoke to President Donald Trump on Tuesday night. Im grateful for his patience and prudence as he and his cabinet deliberate [on] how to respond appropriately to the latest Iranian provocation. As a superpower, we have the capacity to exercise restraint and to respond at a time and place of our choosing, if need be. I believe the president wants to avoid conflict or needless loss of life, but hes rightly prepared to protect American lives and interests, he said. And I hope Irans leaders do not miscalculate by questioning our collective will in launching further attacks. The president was scheduled to give an address on the strikes at 11 a.m. McConnell was speaking just after 10 a.m. The Senate majority leader called the idea that the Trump administration is to blame for Iranian aggression utter nonsense, adding, For 40 years since the founding of the Islamic republic, Iran has pursued aggression against the United States, against Israel, against its Arab neighbors. Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Ari Jalal/Reuters) Members of the military wait outside facilities where President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are visiting at Ain al-Asad air base, Iraq, on Dec. 26, 2018. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo) The question before us is not who is to blame for the aggression. It is how best to deter and defend against it, he added. Speaking to reporters after their weekly conference meeting, House Republican leadership said that Trump made the right call in killing Iranian General Qassem Soleimani with an airstrike last week, noting Soleimani was responsible for killing hundreds of U.S. troops and a number of Iraqis. It was very clear that the president had to take action, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said, citing Iran or Iran-backed proxies killing an American in Iraq, shooting down a U.S. drone, and attacking the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. I think Congress should speak with one voice in moments like this to send a very clear message around the world: that we defend Americans, at home and abroad, McCarthy said. McCarthy recalled when the drone was shot down last year. Many of us thought action should be taken at that moment. I thought the president was correct when he pulled back. He wanted to give pause. He wanted to deescalate the situation. It was Iran who chose to do differently, McCarthy said. What has Iran done since? They killed a U.S. citizen. And they attacked our embassy. The president has all the authority to defend us. LAPD officers suspended for wrongly classifying people as gang members originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Three Los Angeles Police Department officers have been suspended for falsely classifying people as gang members in an effort to boost the department's statistics, authorities said. The officers, who had been assigned to the department's prestigious Metropolitan Division, were removed from the field after an internal affairs investigation found that they wrongly portrayed people as gang members or associates, the department said in a statement Tuesday. The officers are accused of falsifying field-interview cards and recording false information about those they questioned during stops, according to the statement. "Over the course of several months, Internal Affairs investigators have continued their investigation resulting in identifying additional inaccuracies in documentation on field interview cards completed by those officers as well as others," the statement said. "To date, all of the involved officers were assigned to Metropolitan Division crime suppression duties at the time the inaccurate documentation was completed." "Given the serious nature of the alleged misconduct, all involved officers have been assigned to inactive duty or removed from the field," the statement continued. PHOTO: Los Angeles Police Department Headquarters in Los Angeles, Sept. 10, 2017. (Raymond Boyd/Getty Images, FILE) The allegations first came to light in early 2019 when a San Fernando Valley mother received a letter from the department informing her that her son had been identified as a gang member. She believed her son had been misidentified and reported the mistake to a supervisor at a nearby police station. Investigators took a look at officer body camera footage from her son's stop and found that it didn't match the notes in the field-interview cards. MORE: Record number of US police officers died by suicide in 2019, advocacy group says The department cleared her son's status and immediately launched an investigation, which led to the officers' recent suspension. Story continues Officials said the investigation is ongoing and the department's Office of Constitutional Policing and Policies has been ordered to to inspect the work of all Metropolitan Division crime suppression activities to "ensure the accuracy of all documentation." MORE: Officer tied to ousted Chicago police chief scandal probed for possible evidence tampering More than a dozen Metro Division officers are currently being investigated on suspicion of falsifying information, and some of the officers have been removed from active duty, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday, citing multiple sources with knowledge of the investigation. The department said it is working with the L.A. County District Attorney's office to discuss potential criminal charges that may arise from any misconduct. LAPD Chief Michel Moore said the department has zero tolerance for any employee who violates the public's trust. "An officer's integrity must be absolute," Moore said in a statement. "There is no place in the Department for any individual who would purposely falsify information on a Department report." WASHINGTONWhen a Senate investigation revealed the CIAs plans to execute Cuban dictator Fidel Castro and other leaders, President Gerald Ford moved to ban political assassinations. Nearly a half-century later, Republican and Democratic administrations have taken advantage of controversial exceptions to Ford's 1976 executive order. Those exceptions give presidents extraordinary authority to exercise lethal force abroad, testing the limits of international law. Yet the preemptive strategy now known as targeted killing has never found more currency than in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and now Donald Trump have killed leaders of terrorist groups in order to guard against assaults on the homeland and to protect U.S. interests abroad. But not even the 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden, the head of al-Qaeda and the architect of the 9/11 attacks, unleashed the barrage of legal questions and global angst that has followed the deadly drone strike against Qasem Soleimani, the once-feared leader of Irans elite Quds Force. As Iran launched more than a dozen missiles against two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. forces Tuesday night, the act that ignited this confrontation remains the subject of fierce legal debate: Was Soleimanis killing an illegal assassination or a legitimate act in America's long war on terrorism? 'An act of war': Lawmakers react to Iran's missile strike on US military bases How we got here: What you need to know about the conflict between the U.S. and Iran after Soleimani killing The Trump administration has defended the strike as an act of self-defense, claiming Soleimani was engaged in a continuing campaign of terror that placed U.S. interests at "imminent" risk at the moment he was killed in Baghdad. Nearly a week after the operation, however, national security analysts are at odds, with some asserting Soleimani's death represented a break with international law that threatens a broad conflagration in the Middle East. Story continues "The United States had no justification to carry out this strike," said University of Notre Dame law professor Mary Ellen O'Connell, who specializes in international law and the use of force. The strike was especially problematic, O'Connell said, because it was launched without the consent of the Iraqi government. "We don't have any right to attack on Iraqi soil," she said. Indiana University professor David Bosco said international law does provide for countries to act in self-defense from a future attack, provided the threat is imminent. "If an attack is about to happen, you have authority to hit back, but it's got to be really urgent," Bosco said. "We don't yet know what evidence of imminence had been gathered, but whatever it is, I don't think it's going to persuade Iran." Soleimani dead: Trump defends Soleimani killing in formal notice to Congress, warns Iran against retaliation Iran in uproar: Stampede at Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani's funeral kills at least 56 Pompeo points to attacks leading up to Soleimani killing On Tuesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo appeared to downplay earlier assertions that urgent threats justified the strike on Soleimani. Instead he focused on the Iranian general's history of attacks on Americans. "There's been much made about this question of intelligence and imminence," Pompeo told reporters. "You need to look no further than the days that led up to the strike that was taken against us," he said, referring to a rocket attack by Iranian-backed militias on an Iraqi base in Kirkuk on Dec. 27 that killed an American contractor. That attack led to the assault on the American embassy in Baghdad. How imminent? Pompeo sidesteps questions about threat posed by Irans Soleimani U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets the media in Rome, Oct. 2, 2019. Pompeo confirmed that he was on the telephone call between President Donald Trump and the Ukrainian president that is the subject of an impeachment inquiry. "I was on the phone call," Pompeo told reporters in Rome. But Pompeo has also maintained that the Soleimani operation was properly vetted by legal authorities, saying such a review was standard for "activity of this nature." Trump's national security adviser, Robert O'Brien, defended the decision to kill Soleimani at a White House briefing on Tuesday, though he declined to specify the intelligence that gave officials reason to believe Soleimani was plotting an attack against American forces. "It was strong evidence and strong intelligence, and unfortunately we're not going to be able to get into sources and methods at this time, but I can tell you it ... was very strong," O'Brien said. Trump, too, made no apologies for taking the action. "We had tremendous information," the president said Tuesday, declining to elaborate. "Right now, that's classified. ... We saved a lot of lives." President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) ORG XMIT: DCAB1113 U.S. law gives broad authority for such strikes John Bellinger, a former adviser to the State Department and the National Security Council, said Trump had ample authority under domestic law. He cited the president's broad constitutional authority as commander-in-chief to take action in defense of American interests. Trump's national security adviser has said Congress' 2002 authorization for war in Iraq provided justification for the strike, but Bellinger said that's an "exceptional legal stretch." Relying on an 18-year-old authorization for military force, he said, could be "very politically provocative." Bellinger said international law may pose the biggest concern. That became more murky Tuesday, he said, when Pompeo appeared to walk back the urgency previously ascribed to Soleimani's threat. "There was clear authority under domestic law," Bellinger said. "The debate is about international law, and the questions about that based on the administration's own statements seem to mount day by day." While international law does allow countries to act in self-defense to counter an anticipated attack, Bellinger said the threat must be imminent. In other words, it's about to happen, not something that could occur soon. "Secretary Pompeo seems to walk that back," Bellinger said. "If the threat posed is not imminent, it is not lawful under international law. ... One thing we don't know yet, is what information (the administration) is relying on." On Wednesday, administration officials are scheduled to brief lawmakers behind closed doors on their justification for taking an action that has the Middle East boiling over. "Now, it is up to Congress to press the president to disclose his legal basis for this action and the plan for how our nation manages the fallout," said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. "I doubt there is congressional authority for this strike, and I doubt the president has a plan for what comes next. But these are questions Congress must now ask." Contributing: Deidre Shesgreen, David Jackson and Nicholas Wu This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Soleimani killing: Assassination or legitimate act in war on terror? And now, after the Justice Department's own inspector general has found that the FBI had plenty of evidence to start its Russia probe -- more than 100 contacts between members of the Trump campaign and Russian agents during the 2016 campaign -- Barr refuses to be bound by the findings and has appointed a prosecutor to launch yet another inquiry into the origins of the Russia investigation. The deeper systemic corrosion: From now on, attorneys general won't be presumed to be administering impartial justice, and the findings of special counsels and inspectors general will have less finality and legitimacy. Barr is part of Trump's private goon squad, along with Rudy Giuliani, chief enabler Mick Mulvaney and Trump's resident white supremacist, Stephen Miller. Giuliani is using the authority of the presidency to mount a rogue foreign policy designed to keep Trump in power. It's double lawlessness: Giuliani is bending the law and is accountable to no one. Miller, meanwhile, is waging Trump's ongoing war against people legally seeking asylum in the United States -- featuring family separations, caged children and inhumane detention. Textured breast implants have been linked to a "rare" form of cancer. [Photo: Getty] At least 61 women in the UK have been diagnosed with cancer linked to breast implants, it has emerged. Augmentation with textured implants may cause breast implant associated-anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), with smooth alternatives not thought to have the same effect. Textured implants are thought to trigger BIA-ALCL due to the way their ridged surface disturbs living cells or as a result of the chemicals they are coated in. More than 40 of the women are fighting for justice, bringing legal action against the implants manufacturers, as well as the doctors and clinics behind their surgery, The Guardian reported. READ MORE: Breast implant recalled after link to more rare cancer cases The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware of 573 unique and pathologically confirmed BIA-ALCL cases worldwide related to breast implants, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It also knows of 33 related-deaths. Leading manufacturer Allergan garnered media attention when it withdrew its textured implants from the global market last year. This occurred after its European CE marking expired. US authorities asked the pharma firm to recall its textured implants in July last year. France and Australia have since banned all textured implants, while non-Allergan brands are still available in the UK. Some prefer these over smooth versions due to their lower risk of slippage and scar tissue. Nonetheless, textured implants reportedly make up just 5% of the US market. UK statistics are unknown. FDA figures suggest more than 80% of BIA-ALCL cases worldwide can be linked to Allergan implants, Associated Press reported. READ MORE: 33 People Have Died From Textured Breast Implants Linked to Cancer The issue came to light in 2011 when Professor Fabio di Pompeo Santanelli - chair of plastic surgery at the University Sapienza of Rome - revealed 287 breast-implant patients had been diagnosed with ALCL in Europe at the time, as well as there being 11 deaths. Story continues One who knows the dangers all too well is Carla Wilson, 37, who had her chest enhanced in 2012 using a Nagor textured implant. This prothesis is still on the market. After reportedly receiving no cancer warning, she noticed swelling in her right breast in December 2016. Feeling dismissed by her GP and staff at Nagor, she went back to the clinic where she originally went under the knife. The severe swelling prompted doctors to drain the fluid and replace the implants, costing Ms Wilson thousands of pounds. Blood tests later revealed she had ALCL, forcing her to have her implants and scar tissue removed, with no hope of reconstruction. After entering a deep depression, the disease came back a year later, with Ms Wilson going under the knife for a fourth time. Now in remission, she still endures the effects of the ordeal. This is something Im going to have to live with for the rest of my life, Ms Wilson said. Textured implants' ridged surface may disturb living cells. [Photo: Getty] What is BIA-ALCL? BIA-ALCL is a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is therefore a cancer of the immune system, not the breast. Most tumours arise near the scar tissue and fluid of the implant. In rare cases, they can spread. The disease can appear up to 14 years after a woman goes under the knife. BIA-ALCL is typically treated by removing the implant and capsule of scar tissue that surrounds it. The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which regulates medical devices in the UK, believes one in every 24,000 implants sold - textured or otherwise - causes BIA-ALCL. People with breast implants do not need to have them removed in the absence of any symptoms from this rare form of cancer, it states. READ MORE: Losing Weight May Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer Removing implants unnecessarily also puts women at risk of surgical complications, the BBC reported. The MHRA spokesperson added ALCL is rare, however, Sarah Moore - a solicitor at Leigh Day law firm - believes cases are likely under-diagnosed. She expects to see a spike in incidences as more women become aware of the disease and push for answers. Ms Moore describes the MHRAs keep calm and carry on position as deeply concerning. She claims none of her clients were warned about the cancer risk ahead of surgery, even those who went under the knife after the World Health Organization recognised the issue in 2016. The solicitor wants to see all textured implants banned in the UK, as well as better regulations around cosmetic procedures to target cowboy surgeons. We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of examples of share prices declining precipitously after insiders have sold shares. So before you buy or sell Franchise Brands plc (LON:FRAN), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling. Do Insider Transactions Matter? It's quite normal to see company insiders, such as board members, trading in company stock, from time to time. However, rules govern insider transactions, and certain disclosures are required. We would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. But logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. As Peter Lynch said, 'insiders might sell their shares for any number of reasons, but they buy them for only one: they think the price will rise. Check out our latest analysis for Franchise Brands Franchise Brands Insider Transactions Over The Last Year Non-Executive Director David Poutney made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for UK73k worth of shares at a price of UK0.72 each. Although we like to see insider buying, we note that this large purchase was at significantly below the recent price of UK1.21. Because the shares were purchased at a lower price, this particular buy doesn't tell us much about how insiders feel about the current share price. You can see the insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! AIM:FRAN Recent Insider Trading, January 8th 2020 Franchise Brands is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Insider Ownership of Franchise Brands Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. Franchise Brands insiders own about UK59m worth of shares (which is 62% of the company). I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders. Story continues What Might The Insider Transactions At Franchise Brands Tell Us? The fact that there have been no Franchise Brands insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. It would be great to see more insider buying, but overall it seems like Franchise Brands insiders are reasonably well aligned (owning significant chunk of the company's shares) and optimistic for the future. Of course, the future is what matters most. So if you are interested in Franchise Brands, you should check out this free report on analyst forecasts for the company. But note: Franchise Brands may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. By Trend Iran has attacked American targets in Iraq. It was noted that the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps) launched at least 35 missiles on Ayn al-Asad air base in Iraq's west and the base in Erbil. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called the Iranian strike a self-defense measure against a base in Iraq that launched an attack against Iranian citizens and officials, while he emphasized that Tehran was not seeking an "escalation or war." The attacks rocketed days after Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani's assassination by the US. US President Donald Trump spokesperson Stephanie Grisham said the president is informed of the attacks and is consulting with his team of advisers. CNN, citing the White House, reported that Trump had a meeting at the White House on the situation. In turn, the US banned flights of its civilian aircraft over a significant part of the Middle East, in particular over Iran, Iraq, the Persian and Omani gulfs. Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said the strike was from Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attacks that were retaliated for the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei should deliver a speech to a group of people in Qom today on the occasion of the anniversary of the events in this Iranian city on Jan. 8, 1978. This is important against the backdrop of Irans recent attacks on the US base in Iraq. In turn, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, said that it is time for the US leaders to withdraw their forces from the region as soon as possible, stressing that any new US actions would lead to a tougher response from Iran. Bagheri, warning US officials, said the operation last night expressed only part of the ability of the Islamic Republic Armed Forces to respond to the assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani. According to CNN, missiles fired by the Iranian side hit the part of Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq where there were no US troops. CNN notes that this is evidenced by the first data obtained in the course of assessing the damage caused to the US facilities as a result of the missile strike. At the same time, CNN indicates that to fully conduct an appropriate inspection of the air base will only happen during daytime. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Kigali, Rwanda (PANA) - Rwanda's minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Vincent Biruta, on Wednesday welcomed a decision by authorities in Kampala to release nine Rwandan citizens who were "arbitrarily arrested and illegally detained" in Uganda, stressing that this was indeed a step in the right direction to defuse the current crisis After the Iranian authorities found two black boxes of the crashed Ukraine International Airlines aircraft on Wednesday, it was revealed that the black boxes would not be handed over to the manufacturer Boeing. Ali Abedzadeh, the head of the countrys Civil Aviation Organization made this announcement. He noted that it was unclear as to which country would Iran send the black boxes so that the data could be analysed. A detailed examination of the black box data can help reveal the cause of the plane crash. Read: Ukraine President Calls For An End To Speculation Over Tehran Plane Crash Plane crash in Iran According to Ukraine International Airlines' statement, the flight took off from the Tehran International airport at 6.10 am local time and crashed soon after on Wednesday. None of the 167 passengers and 9 crew members on board could survive the crash. The statement revealed that the maintenance of the crashed Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft was carried out just two days ago, i.e January 6, 2020. It mentioned that the aircraft was built in 2016 and was directly supplied to the airline by Boeing. Furthermore, it stated that the incident will be investigated by aviation authorities of Iran and Ukraine, representatives of manufacturer Boeing, the airline and the National Bureau of Air Accidents Investigation of Ukraine. Read: Death Toll Stands At 50, Multiple Injured In Stampede During Soleimani's Funeral Procession Issues crop up pertaining to Boeing aircraft Boeing has faced a lot of criticism due to its aircraft being involved in numerous crashes in the last few years. The 737-800 aircraft has been involved in deadly accidents such as the crash of the Air India Express flight in Mangalore in 2010 and the crash of the FlyDubai flight in Russia in March 2016. Meanwhile, the 737 Max 8 aircraft which belongs to the same family as 737-800 has been grounded since two horrific accidents took place in Indonesia and Ethiopia within 6 months. Read: Airlines Skirt Iran & Iraq Airspace After Missile Strike On US Forces; Advisories Issued Iran-US tensions The UIA plane crash is being linked to the Iran-US impasse especially in the light of Iran launching more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi military bases housing thousands of US troops. Iran's aggression was in retaliation of the US airstrike which killed General Qassem Soleimani, the head of Quds Force. While the US has not confirmed any casualties, Iranian state television claimed that at least 80 Americans were killed in the airstrike. Read: WATCH: Footage Allegedly Shows Moment That Iran's Qaim-1 Missiles Struck US Base In Iran Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the worlds largest aluminium smelter ex-China, set a new production record by exceeding the 1.36 million metric tonnes (mt) mark in 2019. Albas production stood at 1,365,005 metric tonnes, versus 1,011,101 metric tonnes in 2018, up by 35% year-over-year, the company said. In addition, 2019 was an exceptional year in terms of safety as the company achieved zero fatality and zero lost time injuries (LTIs). Commenting on the new production record, Albas chairman Shaikh Daij bin Salman bin Daij Al Khalifa said: I am proud to say that Alba has finished 2019 strong by setting benchmarks in the aluminium industry -- from exceeding the 1.36-million mt mark to successfully inaugurating and delivering Line 6 into commercial operations as well as achieving an outstanding Safety record. We look forward to a successful 2020 with the transformation that Line 6 will bring to the Kingdoms economy as well as to Albas bottom-line. Albas acting chief executive officer Ali Al Baqali said: 2019, no doubt, has been a difficult year for the aluminium market; however, Alba has had an unparalleled performance with a never-before production and safety records. This is a testimony to our unwavering commitment to excellence and going above and beyond on Safety. I thank the Management, our employees and contractors for their contribution and efforts for all our successes in 2019. Alba marked the production milestone with a small gathering held at Alba Oasis yesterday (January 7), which was attended by Alba executive management, directors, managers and employees from various departments. TradeArabia News Service He first met Robert Downey Jr. when he was just a baby, alongside his dad, the late 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin. On Wednesday, Robert Irwin got to meet the Hollywood legend once again, when he spoke to the Iron Man actor about his brand new animal-loving movie, Dolittle. Robert, 16, took to Instagram and shared a sweet snap with his arm around the now 54-year-old star, describing him as 'one of the kindest people you'll meet'. Reunited! On Wednesday, Robert Irwin (right) met Hollywood legend Robert Downey Jr (left) to talk to him about about his brand new animal-loving movie, Dolittle Next to the photo, he shared a throwback snap of the duo's first meeting in July 2004 - with Robert as a baby, being carried by his doting dad at Australia Zoo. Robert captioned the shots: 'The first time I met @robertdowneyjr was when I was just a few months old when he and his family visited @australiazoo - it was awesome getting to catch up again to chat all things #Dolittle! 'One of the kindest people youll meet, and an incredible advocate for our environment!' Wildlife warrior Robert met The Avengers star to interview him for a segment on the Today show. So sweet! Robert Irwin met the actor when he was a baby, while his dad Robert Downey Jr (second left) was shown around the zoo by the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin (second right) Speaking about their first-ever meeting, the teenager said: 'The last time I caught up with you, I was teething!' 'I remember it fondly,' the actor responded. The animal lover replied: ''My dad absolutely loved touring you around the zoo, that was one of the highlights of his life. It's great to get to meet you again.' Robert recently spoke out about the devastating bushfires, which continue to ravage across the country. Anguished: Robert looked upset as he spoke about animals dying from smoke inhalation and burns, during a TV interview with his mum Appearing on Sunrise alongside his mother, Terri, the teenager fought back tears as he described the injuries sustained by animals due to the fires. 'It's definitely an ongoing issue and we're just trying to do our best to help in any way we can,' said the award-winning wildlife photographer. 'But it's a pretty tough situation. We're absolutely heartbroken,' he added, his eyes welling up with tears. German energy group Wintershall Dea found no gas in the second wildcat exploration well that it has drilled in one license in Norways Norwegian Sea, after it found gas at the first well nearly two years ago. Wintershall Dea, operator of license 894, drilled the second wildcat well some 105 kilometers (65 miles) southwest of the new gas field Aasta Hansteen, operated by Equinor. Equinor started gas production from Aasta Hansteen at the end of 2018. Aasta Hansteen gas is transported through the Polarled pipeline to the Nyhamna terminal for further export to the UK, while condensate produced at the field is loaded into tankers and transported to the market. Aasta Hansteen is bringing gas from a new Norwegian gas province to the markets, operator Equinor says. The sandstones Wintershall Dea encountered in the second exploration well contain traces of gas, but nothing more, so the well is classified as dry, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) said in a statement on Wednesday. In the same license, Wintershall struck gas in the first exploration well drilled in early 2018. Wintershall Dea is one of the largest operators on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) and considers Norway as a core region, unlike many other major oil corporations which have been divesting assets offshore Europes largest oil and gas producer. In one of the latest transactions, ExxonMobil signed a deal in September 2019 to sell its non-operated upstream assets in Norway to Var Energi AS for US$4.5 billion. The operators that stay offshore Norway are exploring for oil and gas in both mature areas and in frontier regions in the Barents Sea in the hopes of finding the next giant Johan Sverdrup which started pumping oil in early October 2019. With expected resources of 2.7 billion barrels of oil equivalent, Johan Sverdrup is one of the largest discoveries on the shelf ever made and one of the largest industrial projects in Norway for the next fifty years, according to Equinor. According to NPD, producers are barely halfway through producing Norways vast oil and gas resources, with 47 percent of resources produced so far. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Latheefa Koya, chief of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, speaks to reporters in Putrajaya about nine recordings linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal, Jan. 8, 2020. Malaysian anti-corruption authorities on Wednesday released audio recordings of alleged conversations between former Prime Minister Najib Razak and officials, saying these show the ex-leader was trying to cover up abuse of power and graft tied to the 1MDB financial scandal. The nine recordings that last 45 minutes, including one believed to be a July 2016 conversation between Najib and the crown prince of the United Arab Emirates, prove elements of a cover-up involving the 1Malaysia Development Berhad state fund, the chief of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said. There are various serious issues that arise including abuse of power, criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice compromising national security, fabrication of false evidence through foreign aid and connivance, Latheefa Koya told a news conference in Putrajaya, Malaysias administrative capital. All these things are pretty scary because all this happened in the midst of serious investigations of a mega scandal and corruption over the last few years, she said. Here we are listening to conversations completely undermining the institution that is supposed to seek justice. On Wednesday, Najib did not confirm nor deny the authenticity of the recordings, which include two involving his wife, Rosmah Mansor. As he spoke to reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex, where he is standing trials on two separate sets of corruption charges linked to 1MDB, he said the public release of the recordings hurt Malaysias diplomatic ties. I was a sitting prime minister at that time. Whether anyone had the right to wiretap conversations of a prime minister, especially with another head of state, this can impact the diplomatic relations and Malaysias interests with other countries, he said. Latheefa said the recordings were made from January to July 2016, and obtained by her agency in 2020. We have been given the recordings but I wont tell you from where at this point. Pursuant to our investigation, we can confirm their absolute authenticity, she said, adding, the contents are shocking. Its a cover-up and a subversion of justice. I have this personal request Among the recordings played for reporters at the news conference was a July 22, 2016, conversation between men whom MACC identified as Najib and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zyed al-Nahyan, the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates. They allegedly discussed a plan to clear Najibs stepson, Riza Aziz, from a lawsuit filed two days earlier by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over alleged money laundering linked to Rizas Red Granite Pictures production of The Wolf of Wall Street, a Hollywood movie. I have this personal request, your Highness, which relates to Riza, my son, his movie. The problem can be relatively small if there can be an agreement with Sheikh Mansour (Zayed al- Nahyan) to have a loan agreement signed and he will pay back according to the schedule. That will show that its a legitimate financing package and not money laundering, you see. At the moment, he is under a bit of pressure in America. We are worried about him, in case they make him the scapegoat, Najib allegedly said as he asked the crown prince to have his son sign the loan agreement. Najib established 1MDB in 2009 ostensibly to spur economic development, but the fund amassed billions in debts. At the time it filed the lawsuits, the U.S. DOJ accused Malaysian Official 1 later identified as Najib and associates of embezzling and laundering more than U.S. $4.5 billion (18.45 billion ringgit) in 1MDB-linked money between 2009 and 2014. The lawsuits did name Riza as owner of Red Granite, which allegedly received $238 million from 1MDB-linked transactions used to finance movie productions and to purchase luxury real estate in the U.S. and Britain. Rizas Red Granite Pictures agreed to a $60 million (246 million ringgit) settlement with the U.S. government in March 2018. Earlier conversation A recording from Jan. 5, 2016, allegedly captured a conversation between Najib and a man believed to be an officer with the attorney generals office, Dzulkifli Ahmad, who discussed the status of MACCs investigation at the time into 1MDB. Dzulkifli, who later became MACC chief, allegedly told Najib that his name was mentioned as among those who should be charged over the scandal. Three weeks later, on Jan. 26, 2016, then-Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali announced that no criminal offense had been committed related to a $681 million (2.8 billion ringgit) transfer into Najibs accounts, calling it a personal donation from Saudi Arabias royal family. Apandi also announced that his office was closing probes into cases tied to 1MDB. Najib has claimed the funds were given to him to finance 2013 political campaigns for ruling-party candidates. The government led by Najibs successor as prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, reopened investigations into 1MDB following the May 2018 election upset that removed the United Malays National Organization party from power for the first time in Malaysias history. Latheefa told reporters that she did not believe the recordings would affect Najibs trials on 42 charges linked to 1MDB and its subsidiary, SRC International, but MACC would turn them over to police. Police Commissioner Zamri Yahya, who directs the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department at the Royal Malaysia Police, attended the conference where he heard the recordings for the first time. After receiving the audio we will send them for forensics analysis before we initiate an investigation. The IGP will talk to the media later, Zamri told BenarNews, referring to Inspector General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador. Response Najibs defense lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, said he was considering action against MACC and Latheefa for contempt of court, adding it could affect the ongoing trials. You can see there are two or three cases where these recordings seem to pertain. Clearly SRC is involved, 1MDB is involved. And the other case is Rizas matter which is also in court, Shafee said. Latheefa challenged Shafee. I dont see how it affects the current case. As far as we are concerned this is of public interest involving serious national security, so I dont see how it cannot be shared, she said. Meanwhile, criminal attorney Akberdin Abdul Kader said MACC likely had committed two offenses by releasing the audio recordings to the public. It is sub judice [under judicial consideration and prohibited from public discussion elsewhere] because cases are ongoing. Secondly, revealing communication between husband and wife is an offense under Section 122 of the Evidence Act, as husband and wife communication is privileged and cannot be disclosed in public, he said. In court, if something involves criminal elements, it can be exposed only after receiving a judges approval, he told BenarNews. Another lawyer, R. Sivahnanthan, supported the opinion that conversations from wiretaps could be presented to the court but not shared in public. To begin with, our constitution promises us a right to privacy, he told BenarNews. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 17:43:50|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close KABUL, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- An Afghan army helicopter crashed in the western Farah province on Wednesday, killing two of its pilots, the Afghan Defense Ministry said. "An MI-35 helicopter crashed just before noon today in Porchaman district of Farah province, due to technical problems and sadly two of our brave pilots were martyred," the ministry said in a statement. Without providing more details, the statement said the Defense Ministry expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the martyred pilots. Iran's launching of more than a dozen missiles at American-led forces in Iraq on Wednesday came after years of preparing for a confrontation with its superpower foe, whose forces are vastly larger and more advanced. The Gulf country has more than 500,000 active-duty personnel, including 125,000 members of its elite Revolutionary Guards, according to a report last year by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. But international sanctions and restrictions on arms imports have made it hard for Iran to develop or buy more sophisticated weaponry. To compensate for the imbalance, Iran has developed "asymmetrical" responses - ballistic missiles, deadly drones and a web of militia allies in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, among other things - with the aim of being able to inflict pain while avoiding the traditional battlefield. "From a conventional military perspective they would get absolutely hammered," said a British former military commander who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. "Their conventional military is very, very sparse and quite old and quite out of date. They've spent all their money on asymmetric attack capabilities. In that regard they're very well prepared." Until Wednesday, the strategy had deterred a direct conflict with the U.S. as tensions spiked since Washington quit a multi-lateral nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. Gulf rival Saudi Arabia recently witnessed the damage that missile and drone assaults can cause, after a strike on its oil facilities last year briefly halved production and knocked out 5% of global crude supply. Riyadh and Washington blamed Iran for the attack, a charge Tehran denied. Iran has built the largest stockpile of ballistic missiles in the Middle East. Some are based on the older, widely used "Scud" designs, with a range of at least 750km (466 miles). Others, based on the North Korean No Dong, can reach up to 2,000km, within reach of Israel or southeast Europe, according to a U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report last year. The Revolutionary Guards fields a fleet of missile-armed speedboats and midget submarines it can deploy against U.S. military ships or commercial tankers to disrupt the flow of oil in Gulf waters, where Washington says Tehran attacked six tankers last year. "If you look at ships, tanks, jet fighters, Iran looks very weak. But if you're looking at anti-ship missiles, ballistic missiles, UAVs and things like that then it looks a lot more capable," said Jeremy Binnie, Middle East and Africa editor for Jane's Defence Weekly. Iran's fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be used for surveillance or armed with explosives, according to military experts. "Iran in the Persian Gulf doesn't really need to have big ships, not necessarily frigates and destroyers. Speedboats, gun boats, missile boats can do the job," said Hossein Aryan, a military analyst who served 18 years in Iran's navy before and after the 1979 Islamic revolution. Major-General Qassem Soleimani, whose killing in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad last week sparked the Iranian retaliation on Wednesday, was the head of the Revolutionary Guards Quds Force. The group handled clandestine operations outside Iran, working closely with allied military forces and militias in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. Iran's leaders have promised harsh reprisals over the death of Soleimani, who was a national hero to many Iranians but considered a dangerous villain by Western governments. He was buried in Iran on Tuesday after tens of thousands mourned him in a ceremony led by Iran's supreme leader. U.S. officials have said Soleimani was killed because intelligence indicated forces under his command planned attacks on U.S. targets in the region, although they have provided no evidence. Democrats in the U.S. Congress and some of the party's presidential contenders warned that the escalating conflict could spark a wider war in the Middle East. Lebanon's Hezbollah, along with a handful of the Iraqi militias closely allied with Iran, have already pledged to take revenge against American forces for Soleimani's death. More than 5,000 U.S. troops are in Iraq along with other foreign forces as part of a coalition that has trained and supported Iraqi security forces against the threat of Islamic State militants. American troops are also stationed at bases in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, which hosts Al-Udeid air base, the largest U.S. military facility in the region. Bahrain is headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. Shikha Duggal By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Eshaan Girri, a celebrity and a fashion photographer who has shot with some of the notable personalities in both Tollywood and Bollywood, is all set to begin 2020 with a bang. He has recently shot for Reverie India magazine featuring actress Lavanya Tripathi, the Sabyasachi model Varshita Thatavarthi, Katrina Kaif for Bharat movie promotions, Shraddha Kapoor for Saaho movie promotions and the list goes on. Eshaan has already conquered the country with his mesmerising shots and he now desires to make his mark globally. His recent voyage to Paris was an addition to it in which he captured people in situations and monuments in an artistic manner with few of the influential people. Born and brought up in Hyderabad, this B.Com dropout has been taking photographs since 2013. "When I was 28, I lacked the vision to find my true calling. I was stuck in the monotony of a job that was not fulfilling. So, I decided to pack my bags and travel. I discovered my passion for photography on a trip to Kathmandu, Nepal which served as an ideal backdrop to test my skill. I experimented with environments, subjects, and lights. It didnt matter what I was shooting then, all I knew is that I had found a way to showcase how I saw the world and converted them into beautiful memories. I had found my true calling and since then to now photography for me has turned into a full-fledged career," says this resident of Banjara Hills. Adds Eshaan who specialises in portraiture, candids, fashion and landscapes, In fact I was active in my fathers trading business but it was making me feel disassociated from my creative personality." Thats how his journey into the world of photography began with an iPhone. He learnt about the photography techniques, lighting, composition, camera settings and all. Today he has levelled up himself with a Sony A7R Mark3 accompanied by his go to lens of 24-70mm. Eshaan gives a fair share of credit to Instagram as a powerful tool in promoting his art as well. Photographs of the couple before the wedding for portraits led his way to fashion photography and thats where his authentic journey began. Further he shares some of the essential standards he has to have while working with celebrities which is punctuality, to be kind, pleasant, trivial and focussed. He continues to say, I need music throughout the shoot to create the perfect mood. When asked about his professional relationship with the famous Tollywood actress Samantha Akkineni he openly acknowledges her contribution in his occupation. He goes onto say, I owe a lot to Samantha and shes not for nothing that she is called the queen of hearts. She is somebody I admire a lot and she has now become a friend although I have always maintained my boundaries in professionalism. She has turned out to be a great factor in my career because of which I have received a lot of point of contacts and the privilege to shoot with them. The 35-year-old as a photographer loves breaking stereotypes and thats how his photographs interests the audience so much. Whenever we ask a photographer regarding his/her interest in this profession, its known that the answer will be directed to passion, yet Eshaan concludes by saying that its a choice he has made and hes fond of it. Absence of photography from his life makes him very restless and exasperated. Finally, he shares a piece of advice he would like to give the upcoming photographers who wants to pursue fashion photography: "Dont do it for money or fame however do it for passion and the right opportunities will knock your door." A group of fifth graders in South San Francisco pushed to get the city to designate a day as Ruby Bridges Day, then succeeded in getting San Mateo County to do the same. Now, theyre setting their sights on California. It all started with a 10-year-old students question during a lesson about Ruby Bridges in 2017 that was part the her Black History Month curriculum in in teacher Deborah Carlinos class. Carlino was teaching her class at Martin Elementary School about Ruby, who at 6 years old was the first black child to cross the threshold of the previously segregated William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960. Four federal marshals escorted her past a crowd that screamed racist slurs and threats at Ruby on her first day. Student Madeline Popielak posed the question that Carlino had never heard before: Is there a Ruby Bridges Day? We looked it up and there was not (a Ruby Bridges Day), and for this particular group, that really bothered them, Carlino said. They just started saying, There should be a day for her and We should go to the president to make this happen, and I said, Thats not how this works. There is a process. First, the students needed to collect signatures for a petition. Many students sacrificed playing with friends at recess and chatting over meals during lunchtime to educate their peers and gather signatures in support of honoring Ruby. Some students even petitioned outside of school hours, including Madeline, who set up a picnic table on the sidewalk outside of her mothers job at a South San Francisco day spa on Grand Avenue where passersby signed the petition and purchased orange, polka-dot ribbons for $1 each. Students collected 1,183 signatures. The class presented their work to their principal and the district school board, resulting in Nov. 14 being permanently designated Ruby Bridges Day by the South San Francisco Unified School District in May 2018, followed then by the South San Francisco City Council in 2019. Carlinos class also successfully petitioned the San Mateo County Office of Education to permanently designate the day at the county level. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle The students now have their eyes set on getting the state of California to designate Nov. 14 in honor of the civil rights icon. The process was challenging at times for students, who said they encountered people who questioned the relevance of the petition. Sometimes, Carlino said, the students walked into her classroom in tears after adults asked offensive questions during the petition process. Some of the responses I heard was, Why do we need this day? Why should we care? But some people said we already have a Black Day, Madeline, now 12, said, referring to Black History Month. It kind of hurt me because it proves how ignorant people are. Carlino said their tears turned to strength after she and her students discussed how to counter those questions with education. The main point to get across to people was that, Ruby Bridges is about all people, said Jayden Samuels, 10. Jayden who was part of Carlinos class that petitioned the city of South San Francisco and the San Mateo County Office of Education said he felt compelled to get involved because people are still judging people by the color of their skin. Bob DAmico / ABC (American Broadcasting Company) As Ruby Bridges said, racism is a grown-up disease. If we want to stop having racism in the world, we need to tell our grown-ups that they shouldnt use their kids to spread it, Samuels said. Ruby Bridges Day is about all people, including the people who didnt want it. To mark the day, the students held an inaugural Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in 2018. In November, Martin Elementary students hit the streets again for the walk, but this time, students from nearby Spruce Elementary School and Parkway Heights Middle School joined. They carried homemade signs declaring, Go Ruby! and chanted the same message. Orange polka-dot ribbons and buttons with a smiling, 6-year-old Ruby, were pinned to their shirts and jackets. Avneet Benipal, 11, who helped petition when she was in the fifth grade in 2018, said that she had never marched with hundreds of students before. She called the effort crucial for reminding students not to take their education for granted. It felt that we were actually making a difference, Avneet said. It wasnt just a little idea. It was actually going to get somewhere. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Dr. Shawnterra Moore, the school district superintendent, said the effort is representative of the districts focus on providing students experiences to embrace different ideas and perspectives as they learn about and explore the world in which they live. The way Mrs. Carlinos class is continuing to widen discussion of this issue is a great lesson in civic responsibility and political activism, Moore said. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle On a recent afternoon, students filed into Carlinos classroom to talk about navigating their civics lesson in the real world. Outside the classroom, handwritten messages to Ruby pepper a purple bulletin board: Dear Ruby, thank you for ending segregation in the southern states. I am so grateful for you. Dear Ruby, when you walked to school and so many people were yelling at you and your had dignity even when they called you bad names. The class has tried reaching out to Ruby Bridges, but they said its OK if they never get a response. If she does respond, the students said they just want to tell her, Thank you. In the meantime, some of the students and Carlino will have an opportunity to meet Bridges on Jan. 25 in Sacramento at a gathering commemorating Martin Luther King. Jr. Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LaurenPorFavor The Senate Finance Committee approved sending the U.S.MexicoCanada trade agreement to the full Senate in a 253 vote on Jan. 7. Sens. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) voted against advancing the bill. Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), during the hearing on the trade deal, called it one of the most important pieces of legislation we can do this year. USMCA will bring much-needed certainty and real benefits to Americas farmers, workers, and businesses. Farmers are getting better and more reliable market access, which farmers badly need. Workers will see thousands of new jobs, particularly in high-wage manufacturing industries. Businesses will have an agreement that reflects the realities of modern commerce, including for the $1.3 trillion U.S. digital economy, Grassley said. There are some aspects of this bill that I dont particularly like, but as I reflect on how we got here, Im proud of the hard work of many individuals that made it possible to achieve a strong agreement and a bill that could garner broad support. Senate Finance Committee ranking member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said the Trump administrations initial USMCA bill looked like more of the status quo regarding enforcement. Still, he and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) pushed the House to include putting regulators on the ground to help identify when factories in Mexico violate labor rules. The enforcement process will take a fraction of the time it has in the past. No more forcing American businesses and workers to wait around for what seems like eons, while trade cheats rip them off, Wyden said. Toomey said the North American Free Trade Agreement was only renegotiated because the Trump administration wanted to fix a trade deficit with Mexico. While he supported modernizing trade with Canada and Mexico, Toomey said that some of the changes are meant to diminish trade and investment. And this, my colleagues, is what I think is wrong with this agreement. Its the first time we are ever going to go backwards on a trade agreement. The countrys specific rules of origins are completely antithetical to a continental free trade agreement and designed to raise the cost to American consumers of buying Mexican cars, he said. The Democratic-controlled House passed USMCA on Dec. 19, 2019, in a 38541 bipartisan vote, one day after impeaching President Donald Trump in a sharply partisan vote. Democrats said they made substantial changes to the deal, including strengthening enforcement. While Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said, he expected to put USMCA on the back burner as the Senate impeachment trial takes place. The trial hasnt started because House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) hasnt yet sent the impeachment articles to the Senate. Grassley, on Jan. 7, thanked his colleagues, stating: This is a big bipartisan vote. A reminder that when Congress works together in a bipartisan way, the American people greatly benefit. I want to thank my colleagues again for working with the Trump administration and me and Senator Wyden. I want to thank members of my finance committee trade staff for their very, very hard work. I look forward to a vote on the Senate floor, hopefully soon, for final passage, he said. Trump is expected to sign the bill if the Senate passes it. From The Epoch Times Walton Global Holdings Ltd. and its affiliates (collectively Walton), a real estate investment and land asset company with US$3.8 billion under management and administration, has acquired the 245-acre Lee Farms property located at 4300 Wilson Ave. in Loveland, Colo. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200107005268/en/ The 245-acre Lee Farms property in Loveland, Colo. is slated for a single-family residential master planned community of approximately 900 units. (Graphic: Business Wire) The pre-developed land is slated for a single-family residential master planned community of approximately 900 units, offering a variety of sizes and types of homesites. The parcel is located within close proximity to existing and actively selling new-home communities of Meadowbrook Ridge, Mariana Butte and The Lakes at Centerra. The property was acquired from The True Life Companies and the Lee Family. Located 14 minutes from Fort Collins, Colo., home to Colorado State University, the Loveland region boasts a strong economy featuring dozens of innovative businesses from tech start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, low unemployment, and a steady population growth that is driving demand for residential construction. Brett Limbaugh, Director of Development Services for the City of Loveland believes this is a good time to take advantage of the current market conditions stating, We are excited to work with Walton on moving the Lee Farms development forward and seeing additional growth in the market area. Concurrent to the purchase of the Lee Farms property, Walton has secured interest from a top publicly-traded homebuilder with plans to begin development of the land in 2020. Negotiations are underway with an Exit Focused Letter of Intent that affords the builder a first right of refusal for a phased procurement of the property. It is anticipated the land will be developed in multiple phases, providing distributions to investors as the builder sells homes. The Loveland, Colo. land acquisition adds to Waltons 85,000-acre portfolio located across the United States, providing a scalable land acquisition platform to support homebuilders with just-in-time inventory management. Waltons approach is an innovative response to secular shifts in the land development industry, which is increasingly challenged to finance acquisition with debt. Walton recently announced its first Builder Option Land Development fund (the BOLD Fund), that provides homebuilders with a land acquisition opportunity to work alongside an international real estate investment and asset management company for securing a land pipeline with minor upfront capital contribution. The benefits of working with national builders through these Exit Focused Agreements by holding land for future development, is opening up tremendous opportunities for Walton in all markets where we research and acquire land, said Barry Dluzen, Senior Vice President - Land of Walton Global Holdings. For over 40 years, Walton has researched, planned, and structured pre-development land investments located in the major growth corridors throughout the U.S. and Canada. The evolution of Walton has opened the door to offering new products, like the BOLD Fund, creating new opportunities for investors and homebuilders. About Walton Global Holdings Walton Global Holdings is a privately owned, leading global real estate investment, land asset management and administration company that has focused on strategically located land in major growth corridors for over 40 years. The company manages and administers US$3.8 billion of real estate assets in North America, on behalf of its investors and business partners. Walton has more than 106,000 acres of land under ownership, management and administration in the United States and Canada. For more information visit Walton.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200107005268/en/ US President Donald Trump is closely monitoring the attack on US facilities in Iraq and is consulting with the national security team regarding the situation, said White House on Wednesday. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," tweeted White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham. Multiple reports said that Iran has launched multiple rockets at US' Al Asad airbase, which houses the US forces. Iran semi-official news agency, Fars News Agency, said that the attack is the start of "Iran's vengeful US retaliation" over the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani last week. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iraqi media recently reported that the United States, ignoring the Iraqi authorities' demands to withdraw foreign troops from the country, intended to build an airfield for B-52 Stratofortress bombers west of Baghdad. The facility is planned to be built on the site of the existing air base, where U.S. troops are deployed. Mamikon Babayan, a columnist of Vestnik Kavkaza, analyzes possible scenarios. Two days ago, the Iraqi parliament adopted a resolution at the emergency session which obliges the government to put an end to the presence of foreign troops in the country. The plan with a timetable for the withdrawal of troops was proposed by Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi. The decision was caused by a missile strike near Baghdad Airport, which killed commander of the elite Iranian military unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Qasem Soleimani. According to Iraqi parliamentarians, due to the actions of U.S. authorities in the Middle East, a hotbed of instability could flare up there again, since the deceased General Soleimani made a significant contribution to the elimination of terrorist cells in Iraq, and was respected by citizens of the republic. Moreover, holding any military operations, including the launching of missile and bomb strikes, without coordination with the leadership of Iraq violates the sovereignty of the state and threatens to break the fragile balance between the political forces of the republic. Washington immediately responded to the Iraqi parliament's decision by threatening to impose sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump considered it necessary to recall that if U.S. troops are withdrawn, Baghdad must pay all the expenses of the U.S. military presence, including the construction of an expensive air base, although Washington decide to invade Iraq and stay there alone. The U.S. regional policy meets its goals in the Middle East - strengthening its own influence and reducing Iran's one. The war in Syria and Iraq against terrorism has noticeably weakened American positions. In this confrontation, considerable success was achieved by Russia, Turkey and Iran, which simultaneously strengthened its influence in Iraq. The closest U.S. regional allies remain Israel and the Gulf monarchies, but Washington is not satisfied with Baghdad's political vector of development. Trump has repeatedly called on Iraqis to oppose the presence of Iran in their country. The White House is outraged by the possibility of open intervention by pro-Iranian political associations in suppressing protest movements in Iraq. The leadership of Iraq rightly fears the risk of transferring U.S. enmity with Iran on Iraqi soil. Iran-supported groups have already warned of possible acts of aggression against the U.S. troops in Iraq. However, Baghdad cannot allow a confrontation between supporters of the Iranian presence in Iraq (Al-Sadr bloc, the Fatah bloc, as well as Al-Maliki's party) and part of the Iraqi public loyal to American politics. The escalation of the situation in the republic is disadvantageous to the leadership of Iraq, which expects to become a member of the promising North-South Transport Corridor project, which is being implemented and will connect Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran. Now the United States is faced with a choice: the complete withdrawal of its troops or the transition to an indefinite occupation of part of Iraq. It is likely that Washington will choose the second scenario, since the withdrawal of an impressive contingent is an expensive and unjustified operation in terms of geopolitics, and supporting troops deployed in the republic is much easier if one does not take into account the vulnerability of the supply routes for U.S. forces in Iraq. American bases are able to withstand direct attacks, and the Americans are ale to support the U.S. presence in Iraq with minimal financial and human costs. It would be enough to redeploy air forces, which has already been done by Washington, when it sent to Iraq 100 Marines and 750 commandos the Army's 82nd Airborne Division stationed in Kuwait under the pretext of guarding the Baghdad embassy. Perhaps there will be also political pressure on the new cabinet when Abdul-Mahdi resigns. If U.S. confrontation with Iran is nevertheless transferred to Iraqi land, then the position of the occupying forces will become extremely unstable. Washington will be forced to significantly intensify aerial reconnaissance of Iraq's western and southwestern provinces, as well as significantly increase the number of armed drones, keeping them constantly on alert. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the Great Britain and some other countries will be at risk, since it will be physically impossible to carry out a full-scale emergency evacuation. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei accused the United States of causing wars and destruction in West Asia saying its corrupt presence must be stopped. The 80-year-old religious leader said that elected governments wont accept the presence of the US which has been involved in the destruction and the demolition of infrastructures in the region. "They were slapped last night, but such military actions are not enough. The corruptive presence of the US in the West Asian region must be stopped," said the Supreme Leader during a televised address after Iran attacked US bases in Iraq with dozens of ballistic missiles. Khamenei met people of Qom on the anniversary of 1978 uprising which led to the popular Iranian revolution toppling the dictatorship of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Read: Russia Breaks Silence On Iran's Missile Attack On US In Iraq With 'nuclear War' Warning Khamenei targets Israel The Supreme Leader said that the US cut off Soleimanis hand so Iran, in response, will cut their legs off in the region. Khamenei targeted Israel, a key ally of the US in the region, saying Irans main enemies include Washington and the Zionist regime. The Supreme Leader said the military action is enough to end the corrupt presence of the US in the region. The 80-year-old religious leader was furious after the killing of top military leader Qassem Soleimani and had vowed to exact revenge for the criminals who bloodied their foul hands with his blood. Before Soleimani was buried in Kerman, his hometown, Iran struck back at the United States, hitting its bases in Iraq. The US has not revealed the number of casualties yet but Irans local media reports claim that around 80 people have been killed in the attacks. Referring to the retaliation, Khamenei said the country has delivered 'slap in face' to the United States. Read: Serious Escalation With Iran Shows Trump 'dangerously Incompetent', Says Joe Biden Reactions from Iran started pouring in just after Tehran launched an offensive on US bases. Chief of Staff of Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri warned the US that Tehran will react with stronger, more crushing, and broader response if it tries any new evil act. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that Tehran took proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. Read: Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei Says Tehran Delivered 'slap In Face' To US Read: Iran: Ayatollah Khamenei 's Inner Circle Imposed With US Sanctions Eight workers died in a greenhouse fire in Russia on January 7, 2020. Illustration photo by Shutterstock. At least eight Vietnamese nationals are feared dead in a fire that broke out in Moscow Tuesday. The deceased were working in a greenhouse facility in Nesterovo village, Ramensky district. 18 Vietnamese workers work at the facility, Vietnam News Agency cited the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia as saying. The number of workers at the facility at the point of the fire has not been confirmed. The embassy said it is taking steps to verify the victims' identities. Apart from the eight deceased, another worker was severely burned and has been hospitalized. The injured is a Vietnamese woman from the northern Phu Tho Province, who suffered burns all over her body as well as respiratory burns, said Vietnamese Embassy in Russia. "Eight bodies were found in the fire. They might be Vietnamese," said Anatoly Suprunovsky, acting deputy minister of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, as cited by AFP. The ministry said the fire was possibly caused by an electrical fault. A tiny village in Austria, said to have inspired the fictional town of Arendelle in Disneys Frozen, has been overwhelmed by thousands of tourists desperate to take a selfie. Hallstatts mayor, Alexander Scheutz, has said he wants to slash tourist numbers after the town has seen a dramatic increase over the past decade. We want to reduce numbers by at least a third but we have no way of actually stopping them, he told The Times. Hallstatt is an important piece of cultural history, not a museum. Back in 2011 Hallstatt was attracting a mere 100 tourists a day, but jumped to 2,000 and then 10,000 a day last year thanks to the blockbuster 2013 film and its 2019 sequel. As a result, residents are complaining that the village is overrun by tourists. Locals have described feeling as if they are living in a theme park and claim there is a litter problem and an issue with drones in the Alpine village. Verona Lobisser, who owns a local hotel, told the Washington Post: Its a catastrophe. Many visitors seriously think this is a theme park. The village was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1997 and is a one hour drive from the popular tourist town of Salzburg. Visitors have been travelling from as far as China, Hong Kong and Japan, all of them wanting to live out their Let It Go fantasies. BEIJING - A U.S. government commission led by bipartisan lawmakers urged the Trump administration to enact sanctions against Chinese officials and companies for human rights abuses and develop stronger policies to counteract what it called China's intensified political influence operations abroad. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China argued for tougher and more cohesive U.S. action against Beijing in a new annual report that detailed the Chinese government's crackdown against religious minorities and labor activists, its expansion of digital surveillance and censorship, and its political influence activities around the world. "Rising authoritarianism in China is one of the most important challenges of the 21st century," said the commission, which is led by Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. The agency is mandated to monitor human rights in China under a U.S. law passed in 2000 as China prepared to enter the World Trade Organization. At the time, proponents of China's WTO entry said it would gradually usher greater political and trade liberalization into China. Two decades later, Beijing has instead "expanded a costly and elaborate authoritarian system designed to intimidate, censor, and even imprison Chinese citizens for exercising their fundamental human rights," said the report released Wednesday. The commission's recommendations reflected growing wariness toward America's largest trading partner and the rapidly shifting discourse in Washington over the past 18 months as President Donald Trump waged a bruising trade war. While the commission's previous reports focused on China's domestic situation, Wednesday's document contained stark new warnings about the threat of what it called China's "intensified use of disinformation, propaganda, economic intimidation and political influence operations." Congress should require U.S. universities, think tanks and nongovernmental organizations to disclose major gifts from foreign sources and expand scrutiny of Chinese government influence in American classrooms via student groups and on-campus organizations such as China's state-funded Confucius Institutes, the commission said. It warned, however, that the U.S. government's statements and policies should "clearly differentiate between the Chinese people and culture and the Chinese government and Communist Party" to prevent the targeting of Chinese Americans or the Chinese diaspora. China consistently dismisses U.S. criticism of its human rights record as meddling in its domestic affairs. Beijing also views U.S. efforts to exhort countries to condemn Chinese behavior as Cold War-era thinking and has rallied its own partners, including many Muslim-majority countries, to defend its Xinjiang policies. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. "For a long time, the so-called 'commission' has been wearing 'tinted glasses' and slandering China with groundless accusations, which has no objectivity or credibility," China's Foreign Ministry said in a faxed statement. "We urge the United States to reflect more on its own human rights issues, stop purposely distorting and smearing China, and to stop the words and deeds which harm the two countries' mutual trust and cooperation." The commission recommended that the Trump administration take several steps that would likely deeply anger Beijing, including enforcing Global Magnitsky Act sanctions against Chinese officials involved in the repression of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, the northwestern region of China where Beijing has detained an estimated 1 million Uighurs for political reeducation. The body also called on the administration to build "global alliances" to resist China's export of surveillance technology and ideology and tighten access by Chinese companies to American capital markets and sensitive technology. Among the more than 30 proposals Gov. Andrew Cuomo has released ahead of his 2020 State of the State address Wednesday, its clear that a few, like expanding Penn Station and passing a state equal rights amendment, stand out as bigger blockbusters than, say, rebuilding the Mid-Station Lodge at Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort. But as these proposals trickled out over the past two months, we noticed that nearly a third of them focused on technology, the internet and the future of work. Numerous other tech issues like e-bikes, facial recognition in schools and gig worker rights are sure to be grappled with in Albany, but Cuomos State of the State proposals show what he is thinking about proactively when it comes to technology. For a quick reference guide to see what the governor is thinking about tech at the start of a new decade, City & State rounded up his 2020 proposals that directly impact New York tech companies and how everyone across the state uses technology. Protecting net neutrality Proponents of a free and open internet one in which internet service providers dont discriminate or charge different prices based on user, content or other variables have railed against the end of net neutrality protections since the rules were repealed by the Federal Communications Commission in 2017. Despite outcry from open internet advocates and a lawsuit against that repeal, the FCCs move was upheld a few months ago in a federal appeals court ruling. That ruling also, however, opened the possibility that states and localities may work on their own to enact net neutrality protections, and it looks like Gov. Andrew Cuomo has taken notice. Since 2017, Cuomo has taken several steps to ensure that net neutrality doesnt disappear in New York, including issuing an executive order in 2018 mandating that state government entities dont do business with internet service providers unless they follow net neutrality principles. Cuomos 7th State of the State proposal this year would codify that executive order, as well as go a step further. The governor promised to introduce legislation to prevent blocking, paid prioritization of content and throttling intentionally slowing internet service and not just with respect to state contracts. California passed a similar law in 2018, though it held off on enforcing it prior to the federal appeals ruling this year. While nothings a sure thing in Albany, Cuomos proposal may end up being one that both Democrats and Republicans can agree on, as net neutrality has in general been popular on both sides of the aisle. Keeping sex offenders off social media Cuomos 11th State of the State proposal for 2020 may not be a big ticket item, but its still a relatively lofty one. The governor said last month that he will propose legislation to prevent convicted sex offenders from using social media accounts, dating apps and video games to exploit children. State law currently requires convicted sex offenders to disclose current email accounts and screen names and other internet identifiers to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services. Cuomos proposal would also require disclosure of their usernames for any social media, dating app or video games they use. The proposal comes on the heels of reporting by The New York Times and other outlets finding that these digital spaces especially chat functions through video games have become prime hunting grounds for sexual predators. While Cuomos new proposal would not necessarily nab any new offenders, it does also make it a crime for sex offenders to misrepresent themselves online. The Governor's proposed legislation will create digital accountability on many frontswith social networks and offenders, Emil Skandul, technologist and founder of Capitol Foundry, wrote over email. What it may not do is track user activity on the deep or dark webs, where most criminal internet activity takes place. Prevent Child Abuse New York, an advocacy group for tougher child-abuse laws, has also praised the proposal. Getting serious about high-speed rail Theres no time like a new year or a new decade to revive age-old ideas. Cuomo did just that with his 13th idea for 2020, a proposal to study building high-speed rail along the Empire Corridor from New York City to Buffalo. But like hoverboards, high-speed rail is one of those futuristic goals from the 20th century that still has yet to really pan out in the 21st century. This time around, Cuomo would call on a panel of experts to reimagine how high-speed rail might work in New York much like he did to avert the L train shutdown by relying on advice from outside academics and tech experts. The high-speed rail proposal has drawn scrutiny, but at its core its just a study bill to look into the possibility of building that kind of rail. Thus, New Yorkers may not want to hold their breath for this ultra-fast transportation mode coming to the state anytime soon. Real, 125mph+ high-speed rail between New York City and Buffalo is a highly improbable dream, with so many more urgent needs crying out for attention, Columbia University doctoral candidate Jon English wrote in City & State this week. Still, there are plenty of opportunities to improve rail service in meaningful and affordable ways, and consulting with experienced rail operators around the world is a good way to figure out how to do them. Creating a state health care website New Yorks health care marketplace is a confusing tangle of information and Cuomo wants to change that with a new, consumer-friendly website where residents can compare prices of procedures at hospitals around the state. The governors 14th State of the State proposal calls on the Department of Health, the Department of Financial Services and the state Digital and Media Services Center to create such a website dubbed NYHealthcareCompare. The goal of increasing transparency in health care costs is an admirable one that few are likely to oppose. Still, we remember one health care website that had a bit of trouble getting off the ground from which New York may want to take lessons. Combatting robocalls Cuomo may not relish comparisons to President Donald Trump, but as it happens, both he and the president had the scourge of robocalls in mind last week, as Trump signed into law a bill raising fines on robocallers and Cuomo proposed a three-pronged plan to fight the ceaseless, annoying calls. Cuomos plan is detailed but includes three main components: requiring telephone service providers to use authentication technology to flag questionable calls, requiring providers to deploy robocall blocking technology, and doubling penalties against robocallers who violate existing state law. Still, the technology isnt perfect, and enforcement continues to be a problem across the country. Most iPhones do have prompts for scams. The issue is that these work imperfectly and calls are flagged when they shouldn't be, Skandul told City & State. This legislation will only work if the penalties are enforced. Federal penalties do exist, but the lack of enforcement have made them symbolic. Investing in drone research New York state is turning into a veritable hub for drone research and testing despite restrictions in New York City which ground almost all of the flying devices. In his 23rd State of the State item, Cuomo proposed burnishing upstate New Yorks drone credentials with an added $9 million investment to build a small unmanned aerial system test facility at the Griffiss International Airport in Rome. "New York's forward-thinking investment in drone technology is placing the Mohawk Valley on the global stage for a growing industry," Cuomo said in a statement when he unveiled the proposal on Sunday. "This groundbreaking project will help solidify the region's status as a national hub for innovation, support our emergency response capabilities and bolster our ongoing efforts to rebuild the upstate economy region by region." Still, some New York City elected officials will likely note the discrepancy between the states drone priorities and the citys. Opponents of loosening restrictions to allow more drone flights cite safety concerns, but real estate developers as well as New York City Council members like Paul Vallone are advocating for their use in building inspections, which they say can actually increase safety. Expanding Rochesters tech sector Much ado has been made about the growth of tech companies in New York City and in Manhattan specifically but one of Cuomos 2020 proposals turns the focus on tech sector development upstate. One proposal from the governor would expand three Rochester companies: cloud management company CloudCheckr, communication hardware manufacturer Mastodon Design and Calero Software. Together, the three companies have committed to creating up to 732 new jobs in the area. There is, however, an incentive for that job growth. Empire State Development would provide up to $8 million in Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program to CloudCheckr, $3 million to Mastodon Design and $1 million to Calero software. These companies may not have the flash of Amazon, Google or even Tesla, but they are hoping to continue the gradual growth of upstates tech sector. Creating a new Syracuse STEAM center Syracuse looks ready to continue surging right along with Cuomos 31st State of the State proposal. The proposal builds on the original plans to jumpstart tech growth in Syracuse dubbed the Syracuse Surge with the introduction of the states first regional high school focusing on 21st century careers. The facility that houses the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) school will also accommodate a workforce training center and apprenticeship program administered by SUNY Empire State College. Add this education center to Syracuses 5G deal with Verizon and the upstate regions drone research credentials, and Syracuse may soon be a burgeoning tech hub. Expanding the states Workforce Development Initiative Finally, Cuomos last tech-related proposal as of Tuesday afternoon tackles an enduring problem in New York: preparing workers for the future of work. The governors 32nd proposal would expand the states existing $175 milion Workforce Development Initiative that aims to retrain and prepare people for jobs with new skills in emerging industries. Among the actions included in the proposal is investing an addition $40 million to train 40,000 clean energy workers, creating new training for electric vehicles in the next year and expanding early college high school training programs. The Naga Peoples Front (NPF) is yet to take a final decision against its two Member of Parliament K G Kenye and Dr Lorho S Pfoze for voting in favour of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in defiance of the party resolution not to support the contentious legislation. Kenye, who is also the secretary general of the party represents Nagaland in Rajya Sabha while Pfoze is Lok Sabha member from Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency. The NPF central office through its Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) had served show cause notice to both the MPs on December 19 last for voting in favour of CAB, asking them to reply within seven days. Following the expiry of the show cause notice, to which both the MPs had responded while Kenye even resigned from the post on December 20, the NPF held a closed door consultative meeting to decide on their fate at the party central office here on Tuesday. Party sources said that the meeting was attended by its central office bearers, Legislators, president of frontal organisations and cells and presidents of the NPF divisions. Kenye also attended the meeting but was asked to leave after giving his explanation. However, despite threadbare deliberations, the consultative meeting failed to arrive at any conclusion but had directed the Disciplinary Action Committee to recommend further. Meanwhile, NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu told newsmen here that cases of two MPs will be dealt separately as NPF is a partner of the ruling BJP government in Manipur. "We are fully aware this Act was brought in purely on religious line, a single track minded action to promote the interest of one particular religion, base on the theory of one nation, one religion", Liezietsu said. Expressing that India is known as the largest democracy in the world while the greatness of India lies in 'Unity in Diversity', he said "to destroy this unity in diversity is to destroy the greatness of India". "It is most unfortunate that those people who are in power in Delhi today are destroying this very foundation of democracy and the greatness of India," he said. Pointing that Indians who stand for democracy and secularism are very much agitated today, he asserted that in the same measure, Naga people are ashamed of what was done by some of her leaders in supporting this process of destroying democracy of the country. CAA also indulges in " of divide", he said while challenging the Nagas who supported this Act to come out and declare their stand openly. As for NPF, he reaffirmed "we do not want to act from behind the screen and, therefore, we take this stand that for the sake of our future generations, we will go against this CAA however small we may be". "We do not want our children to become strangers in their own state. We want them to continue to be masters of their own Gods given land. We do not want our children to sit by the rivers of Babylon and weep, unable to sing songs of Zion. We stand to support the Secularism of the country," the NPF president asserted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Teens around New Jersey are going back to school and being warned against the dangers of vaping with a new campaign sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and the office of the state Attorney General. The campaign comes amid national reports of a high number of teens using vaping devices or e-cigarettes, which the United States Surgeon General declared has reached epidemic levels. As of December 27, 2,561 people throughout the United States had been hospitalized with severe lung injuries caused by vaping, according to the CDC. The outbreak also was responsible for 55 deaths. In New Jersey, there have been 53 confirmed and 46 probable cases of vaping-related illness and one death, according to the Department of Health. Vaping can inflict significant damage to ones health, especially for youth, Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente said. We want teens throughout the state to know the risks they are taking if they choose to use e-cigarettes and to encourage them to avoid using these potentially dangerous products. The PDFNJ campaign compares the risk of vaping to skydiving without a parachute. Posters for the campaign have been distributed to every school in the state, according to Matt Birchenough, the groups director of special events. The campaign images will also appear on billboards, trains, and buses throughout New Jersey. I think the campaign is important because it is a phenom and we basically have a new generation of people who didnt smoke now using tobacco products, said Liz Knodel-Gordon, the Student Assistance Coordinator for the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school district. Knodel-Gordon said she often encounters students that just dont know how much tobacco, nicotine or THC are in certain vaping products. She said her district has been including anti-vaping language in its student handbook since 2012. This year she coordinated an anti-vaping symposium for the districts high school students where they listened to a variety of speakers on the damage vaping can cause. Ive received feedback and the students were really interested and receptive to the talk, Knodel-Gordon said. The popularity of e-cigs and vapes among youth threatens to reverse hard-fought declines in adolescent smoking and create a new generation of nicotine addicts, said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal in a statement. We must raise public awareness about the dangers of vaping to prevent another deadly addiction epidemic from taking root in our communities. In 2019, more than one in four high school students reported using an e-cigarette in the previous 30 days, according to preliminary results from the CDCs annual National Youth Tobacco Survey. The results indicated an increase in teen vaping, up from 20.8% of high schoolers in 2018 to 27.5% in 2019. The use of e-cigarettes has increased in the past decade, especially among teens. In 2011, just 1.5% of high school students said they used an e-cigarette. Olivia Rizzo may be reached at orizzo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LivRizz. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Even for some of the hard-bitten veterans in the BBC newsroom in Belfast, it was the breaking story that brought tears and a numbing sense of disbelief yesterday. For the announcement that Radio Ulster's 'new boy' Stephen Clements who always seemed to have a smile on his face, had died at the cruelly early age of 47 was greeted with incredulity and stunned sadness. The devastating news at lunchtime was confirmed in a statement relayed to Broadcasting House staff by BBC Northern Ireland Director Peter Johnston. He said: "We are sorry to bring you the sad news of the passing of our colleague Stephen Clements. "Our thoughts are with Stephen's family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time." One journalist said: "The silence and sorrow that descended on the building was quite remarkable. We've all lost friends and colleagues before but there's usually some sort of warning or expectation about their passing. No-one was prepared to hear that Stephen had died suddenly." On Radio Ulster presenter Stephen Rainey stood in for his namesake on his morning show and there was no inkling for listeners that anything was amiss. Stephen Rainey made no mention of his colleague's passing and continued to play requests for people who rang into the programme. The 11am and noon news bulletins passed without any reference to Stephen's death. "The last thing anyone would have wanted to feature in the Stephen Clements show was Stephen Clements' death," said one source. But at 1pm the bombshell dropped on the lunchtime news bulletins in the middle of the Talkback programme. It fell to newsreader Anne-Marie Foster to tell listeners that Stephen had passed away. Arts correspondent Robbie Meredith read a report giving the few details that were available about the sudden death. At the end of the bulletin a subdued Talkback presenter Mark Carruthers said: "We have had some very sad breaking news in the last few moments. The BBC Radio Ulster presenter Stephen Clements has died." Robbie Meredith was enlisted again to take part in a more in-depth interview about what had just happened and he went on to pay tribute to Stephen who he said joined the BBC in September last year to take over the mid-morning Radio Ulster show from Sean Coyle. He talked of how Stephen had been an enormously popular and distinctive presenter who was "part of many people's days" on his breakfast show with Q Radio before switching to the BBC. After the interview, producers played the reflective Sting song Fields of Gold before returning to cover the cut and thrust of the day's news agenda. Hugo Duncan was the next presenter on air and the normally upbeat and jocular host was clearly in a state of shock over the loss of his "very good friend" and colleague. He told listeners: "It's a very sad day." He said that Stephen had only been at Radio Ulster for four or five months but had already made many friends and knitted into everything at the station. "We are going to miss him big time," he added. "So we are going to take the tone of the music down for a while and think about him and his wife and his children." Hugo encouraged listeners to phone in with messages of condolence and it's understood switchboards at Radio Ulster were inundated with calls from distraught fans. Throughout the afternoon radio and television producers met to discuss how to cover a story which had broken on their own doorstep about a colleague who was so close to so many of them. "Obviously Stephen was relatively new to the BBC in Ormeau Avenue but he was a very friendly guy. His death came like a bolt from the blue, " said one employee. For the main radio news programme of the day Evening Extra, Stephen Clements' death had become the lead story. Presenter Conor Bradford interviewed the DUP leader Arlene Foster who said she was a huge fan of Stephen's from his earliest days on Q Radio. She said: "He had the capacity to reach out of the radio into everybody's hearts. We all loved the way in which he communicated with people." On BBC Newsline at teatime presenter Donna Traynor appeared visibly moved as she read her link to the main news story about Stephen's death. Included in the programme were interviews with BBC staffers and former colleagues of Stephen's from Q Radio along with a statement from the presenter's brother Gavin who said his family were devastated but appealed for privacy in the wake of the death of his very public sibling. If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, contact the Samaritans on 084 5790 9090, or Lifeline 080 8808 800 10.6k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard As Iran begins its coordinated response to Donald Trumps decision to kill one of its top generals, Republican Sen. Rand Paul went on live TV and called the commander-in-chiefs strategy in the region a complete failure that led directly to the crisis unfolding in the region. During an interview with MSNBCs Chris Matthews, Sen. Paul said, This maximum pressure campaign where we give no off ramp and theres no ability or attempt to engage, I think its been a failure. The Kentucky Republican pointed to Trumps decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal as the initial trigger that led to what looks to be the beginning of a another war in the Middle East. Video: After Iran targeted U.S. troops in Iraq with missiles, Republican Sen. Rand Paul calls Trumps policy in the region a complete failure. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/a6xMjlW003 PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) January 8, 2020 Sen. Paul said: I think this maximum pressure campaign where we give no off ramp and theres no ability or attempt to engage, I think its been a failure. Secretary Pompeo has been saying we will force them into accepting our will, but we got out of the Iran agreement which broke the trust that we had developed with them. We then put an embargo on them and now weve killed one of their leading generals. So I think this is predictable. I hate it and I hate the fact that were involved with a military escalation now. There is no easy answer now. I think that they will not have a full on war with us so I think this goes on intermittently. This is the opening salvo, but I think it will go on for some time now. I think they will try to avoid a direct war because we can defeat any other nation and we would defeat them in the matter of weeks but it would be another catastrophe and another mess times ten of what happened during the Iraq war and I hope we dont go that route. And I hope saner minds will pull back and say, enoughs enough. Lets try to have some means of conversation or some means of engagement but its difficult right now because the Iranians are very, very upset with the killing of their general and I dont see them being open to any type of engagement at this point. None of this happens without a Trump presidency For anybody who still believes that elections dont matter, the unfolding crisis in the Middle East should disabuse them of that notion. After all, the real pivot point in the Iran-U.S. relationship came after Donald Trump pulled out of the nuclear agreement that was crafted by the Obama-Biden administration and imposed sanctions on the Iranians. As Sen. Paul noted on Tuesday, the move by Trump to undo the Obama policy in the region broke the trust the U.S. built with Iran, and it set off a chain of events that has put America on the doorstep of another war. Without a Donald Trump presidency, none of this would be happening. Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter An investor looks at electronic boards at a securities firm in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa. The combined market cap for Vietnams top 10 listed companies surged 16 percent year-on-year to almost $88 billion in 2019, according to financial data provider FiinGroup. Conglomerate Vingroup maintained top spot with a market cap of $16.7 billion, up 27 percent year-on-year. The rise came with its stock value rising 21 percent to VND115,000 ($4.98) apiece throughout the year. The company announced it would withdraw from retail to focus on manufacturing and technology in the form of its VinFast auto brand and VinSmart electronics. Second place was occupied by Vietcombank, Vietnam's fourth largest bank by asset, with a market cap of $14.4 billion, surging 74 percent year-on-year. Its share price rose 69.8 percent year-on-year to VND90,000 ($3.9) at the end of last year. The bank, among the four biggest state-owned lenders in the country, last year saw its charter capital increase by 3 percent to VND37.1 trillion ($1.6 billion) after selling a 3 percent stake to Japanese and Singaporean investors. Vingroups property unit Vinhomes fell one place from 2018 to third on a market cap of $12 billion, up 13 percent. It was followed by dairy giant Vinamilk, whose market cap fell 3 percent to $8.73 billion. Vietnam's biggest lender by asset BIDV, claimed fifth place with a market cap of $7.99 billion, up 58 percent. BIDV managed to up its charter capital to the countrys largest in 2019 at VND40.2 trillion ($1.74 billion) after selling a 15 percent stake to South Koreas KEB Hana Bank. The remaining five companies include state-owned gas producer Petrovietnam Gas (PV Gas), airport operator Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the country's largest brewer Saigon Beer-Alcohol Beverage Corp (Sabeco) and private lender Techcombank, all having made the top 10 in 2018. However, ACV, Sabeco and Techcombank saw their market caps falling 9-15 percent year-on-year. Third largest bank by asset Vietinbank, the only new name on the chart this year, saw its market cap increase by 8 percent, but managed to make 10th place as food conglomerate Masan dropped out due to its market cap dropping 27 percent. The Lok Sabha had passed the CAA on December 2 and the Rajya Sabha had passed it on December 11. New Delhi: The Supreme Court will hear on Friday the Centres plea seeking the transfer of all cases across the country challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 that are pending in different high courts. A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde agreed to hear the matter on Friday after solicitor-general Tushar Mehta urged the court to transfer all cases challenging the CAA that are pending before different high courts. We are of the prima facie view that high courts should hear petitions challenging CAA and in case there is a conflict then we may look into it, the CJI said at first. Mr Mehta sought to justify the transfer of cases pending before different high courts, including Karnataka and Kerala, contending that the Supreme Court was already seized of the matter as 60 petitioners have challenged the law that has sparked protests across the country. As the court initially did not appear inclined to transfer the cases to itself, Mr Mehta said the high courts may pronounce conflicting order, leading to confusion. The Supreme Court had on December 18, 2019 sought a response from the Centre on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the CAA which provides for the granting of Indian citizenship to illegal migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan from the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Christian and Parsi faiths, that is all barring Muslims. The Supreme Court will hold a further hearing on January 22, when it will also consider a plea for the stay of the CAA, which has been described by the petitioner as contrary to the provisions of the Constitution. The Centre has opposed any stay of the controversial law contending that the statute could not be stalled as there is an assumption of constitutionality in favour of the statute passed by Parliament. Broadly, the petitioners opposed to the CAA have said it was contrary to secularism, as mandated in the Preamble of the Constitution, violative of the fundamental rights guaranteeing equality before the law (Article 14), prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of religion, caste, language, colour (Article 15) and the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. It has also been contended that the law under challenge is violative of the basic structure of the Constitution. as secularism, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth and the protection of life and personal liberty are part of the basic structure of the Constitution. The Lok Sabha had passed the CAA on December 2 and the Rajya Sabha had passed it on December 11. The gazette notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was issued on December 12, which said it would come into force from the date notified by the Centre at a later date. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 19:17:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close GARDEZ, Afghanistan, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A total of 314 army soldiers graduated from an Afghan army's training center and joined the country's security forces, authorities said Wednesday. "A total of 314 soldiers graduated from the Afghan National Army's 203 Tandar Corps Military Training Center and received professional certificates on Tuesday. Subsequent to their military training they joined Forces of Regional Army in provinces of Southeast zone," the army corps said in a statement. The fresh graduates would serve their people and "would fight to defend lives and property of their compatriots against terrorist attacks," the statement added. The government established the Regional Army last year, to protect villages and districts around the country where national army has limited presence. The latest graduation came as fighting rages amid growing insurgency across the country. About 20 Afghan army personnel lost their lives during separate attacks since beginning this month. The Afghan security forces remain in control of most of Afghanistan's population centers and all of 34 provincial capitals, but Taliban insurgents hold large portions of rural areas, staging coordinated large-scale attacks against Afghan cities and districts occasionally. Suspected al-Shabab fighters attacked a primary school in Garissa county near the border with Somalia. At least four students have been killed by suspected fighters from the armed group al-Shabab at a school in northern Kenya. It comes as the United States boosts its military presence in the country, deploying additional soldiers to the Manda Bay airbase after al-Shabab staged an attack there on Sunday. Al Jazeeras Malcolm Webb reports from Nairobi. ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Righttime Medical Care, an urgent care company with 20 locations in Maryland, has earned the Antibiotic Stewardship Commendation from the Urgent Care Association (UCA) and College of Urgent Care Medicine (CUCM). In order to achieve the Commendation, the UCA and CUCM required Righttime to provide evidence demonstrating a commitment to responsible antibiotic prescribing practices. Maryland-based urgent care Righttime Medical Care has earned the Antibiotic Stewardship Commendation from the Urgent Care Association (UCA) and College of Urgent Care Medicine (CUCM). Complying with several core elements of the UCA's program, Righttime's medical providers educate patients about differences between viral and bacterial infections, the importance of completing all prescribed antibiotics, and ways to relieve symptoms of viral infections other than with medications. Righttime Medical Care, an urgent care company with 20 locations in Maryland, has received the Antibiotic Stewardship Commendation from the Urgent Care Association (UCA) and College of Urgent Care Medicine (CUCM) for its commitment to prevent the over-use of antibiotics, which can lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year in the U.S. at least 2 million people acquire an antibiotic-resistant infection. Medical science has demonstrated that the over-use of antibiotics for viral infections, in the absence of a bacterial source, is resulting in a growing impact on community health. The over-use of an antibiotic can lead to the development of resistant bacteria, which occurs when bacteria no longer respond to the drugs designed to successfully treat them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year in the U.S. at least 2 million people acquire an antibiotic-resistant infection, and at least 23,000 people die as a result of antimicrobial resistance. "Overprescribing antibiotics and using them incorrectly is a public health threat because they put everyone at increased risk for antibiotic resistance, meaning even simple bacterial infections eventually may not respond to treatment with conventional antibiotics," says Robert G. Graw, Jr., M.D., Righttime Medical Care CEO and Chief Pediatrician. "Righttime has taken a number of steps to educate our patients and medical providers about proper usage of antibiotics. We are proud to be recognized by the Urgent Care Association for maintaining the highest standards in prescribing and use of antibiotics. By being good stewards of these valuable medicines, we are playing an important role in maintaining their effectiveness for people across the globe." The Antibiotic Stewardship Commendation program helps urgent care centers combat these numbers by training medical providers about appropriate prescribing procedures. Righttime also offers its patients printed and online materials that describe the differences between viral and bacterial infections, the importance of completing all prescribed antibiotics, and ways to relieve symptoms of viral infections other than with medications. Righttime's medical leadership is committed to complying with core elements of the UCA's antibiotic stewardship program, which were developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): dedication to and accountability for improving antibiotic prescribing practices and patient safety; implementing policies to improve responsible prescribing and assessing their efficacy; tracking and reporting antibiotic prescribing rates and offering feedback to medical providers; and providing educational resources to medical providers and patients about antibiotics. RIGHTTIME MEDICAL CARE simplifies access to trustworthy medical care for patients of all ages at its 20 urgent care locations in Maryland. Celebrating its 30th year, Righttime holds the Certified Urgent Care designation, which distinguishes it as among the top urgent care centers nationwide. Righttime is open 365 days a year and welcomes walk-in patients, while also offering same-day appointments online or via its Call Center as well as its RighttimeNOW telehealth service. Convenient services include x-rays, laboratory testing, a patient portal, and electronic health records which are shared with patients' physicians, specialists and collaborating medical institutions. For more information, visit myRighttime.com/antibiotics. For further information about the Antibiotic Stewardship Commendation program, visit ucaoa.org/ABSCommendation. Contact: Ann-Marie Sedor, [email protected], 443-332-4260 x8130 SOURCE Righttime Medical Care Related Links https://www.myrighttime.com " " Helen Keller (L) in 1888 at age 8 with her tutor Anne Sullivan on vacation in Brewster, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Wikimedia Commons By the time Helen Keller arrived at the Perkins Institution in 1888, she already had begun a friendship with her teacher and tutor, "miracle worker" Anne Sullivan, that would last for almost 50 years. Together, they shattered society's expectations for what deaf, blind people can achieve. But when the young Helen first met Sullivan Helen was only 6 at the time, and Sullivan just 20 nothing came easily. The student was a handful, often physically attacking others, including her teacher. She had been deaf and blind (what's now known as deaf-blind, or deafblind) since an illness struck her at 19 months old. Her world was a dark and scary place. "We know that, when things did not go Helen's way, she would throw things, she would hit people," says Martha Majors, the education director of the deafblind program at the Perkins School for the Blind. "She didn't have a way to say, 'I want hot chocolate instead of tea,' or 'I don't want to do this activity.' So her first response was to be assertive in a negative way. We would call that low aggression." Soon, though, Helen and her teacher bonded. They remain, today, the preeminent example for deafblind learning and teaching. Advertisement How Helen Keller Learned to Communicate Sullivan, a valedictorian at Perkins, was dispatched to Helen's Alabama home by the school's director, Michael Anagnos. After patiently gaining Helen's trust, Sullivan began Helen's education using techniques practiced decades earlier by Samuel Gridley Howe, the first director of the Boston-area school. Howe had famously taught English to a young deafblind girl, Laura Bridgman, by labeling objects with raised letters, finally jumbling these letters and having Bridgman rearrange them to spell the object's name. " " Helen Keller with actress Patty Duke, who portrayed Keller in both the play and film "The Miracle Worker," in 1962. Wikimedia Commons Similarly, Sullivan "fingerspelled" into Helen's hand the name of separate objects. It wasn't until, famously, the teacher spelled "w-a-t-e-r" into Helen's hand, while running water over her hand that the connection between letters and words and objects was made, and the idea of language was revealed. It was just weeks after Sullivan had arrived in Alabama. From "The Story of My Life," by Keller and Sullivan: I did nothing but explore with my hands and learn the name of every object that I touched; and the more I handled things and learned their names and uses, the more joyous and confident grew my sense of kinship with the rest of the world. The two left Alabama for Perkins that winter and spent many subsequent winters at the school, where Helen, for the first time, communicated (through fingerspelling) with other children her age. As she got older, and with Sullivan constantly by her side, Keller learned other methods of communication, including Braille and a method known as Tadoma, in which hands on a person's face touching lips, throat, jaw and nose are used to feel vibrations and movements associated with speech. Keller, too, learned to speak, though it was one of the great sadnesses of her life that she was never able to speak as clearly as she would have liked. Advertisement How the Deafblind Communicate Today The Perkins School for the Blind is one of a handful of schools throughout the United States that offers a program for deafblind students. Perkins' deafblind program teaches students from ages 3-22, incorporating a philosophy of total communication basically, whatever is necessary to facilitate learning. The deafblind, it should be noted, are not necessarily totally deaf or totally blind. As the National Center on Deaf-Blindness explains, a child is considered deafblind when a combination of hearing loss and loss of sight causes "such severe communication and other developmental and educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for children with deafness or children with blindness." Educators who specialize in teaching the deafblind now might include sign language or visual aids for those students with some vision. Several different types of hearing aids, not available in Keller's time, can facilitate learning for students with some hearing. Fingerspelling on hands (often called tactile fingerspelling), tactile sign language, and Braille are still often used. (Tadoma is not utilized nearly as much today, Majors says, partially because it is such an invasive way of communication.) "The toolbox has changed quite dramatically," Majors says. "The population of children who are deafblind is dramatically different. Our job is to always change what we know to meet the communication needs of our children. "Because our children are very, very individualized, our children come with different levels of vision and hearing loss, and most of it is directly related to what happened to them at birth. If you are, sadly, an adult that has speech and hearing, and then you become incapacitated ... you learn very differently. You already know what things look like and you already know what things sound like. That's a very different model." Not every deafblind child learns the same, which makes the individualized attention highlighted by the student-teacher relationship so important. Not every student can be as successful at learning as Helen Keller, either. Still, as Keller showed and as educators around the world continue to prove, every willing student, with the help of a good educator, can learn. "Every single person who's deafblind can learn," Majors says. "It's our responsibility to figure out how to help them learn. And we must start with relationships and communication." Now That's Interesting A collaborative effort headed by the National Center on Deaf-Blindness found that about 10,000 children and youth are considered deafblind in the United States. According to the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Children and Adults, people aged 55 and over with combined hearing and vision loss make up the largest group of people who are deafblind in the U.S. At least 14 million people worldwide are deafblind, according to the World Federation of the Deafblind. Advertisement Originally Published: Jan 8, 2020 By PTI MUMBAI: NCP chief Sharad Pawar will flag off and participate in the yatra being organised by the Rashtra Manch of former Union minister Yashwant Sinha against the new citizenship law, proposed NRC and NPR. The "Gandhi Shanti Yatra" will commence from the Gateway of India in south Mumbai on January 9 morning and will culminate at the 'Raj Ghat' in Delhi on January 30--the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The NCP made the announcement after Sinha, a former NDA minister, met Pawar in Mumbai on Wednesday. The yatra will pass through Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Harayana and Delhi and cover the distance of over 3,000 kms. "Sharad Pawar will flag off the yatra and also partake in it. NCP workers and office-bearers should take part in the yatra," Maharashtra minister and NCP's Mumbai unit chief Nawab Malik said in a statement. Pawar's NCP is a part of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, which also comprises the Shiv Sena and the Congress. Passing of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which proposes to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, had triggered protests in many states. The proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) is also being opposed by many parties. Some states like Kerala and West Bengal are also against the National Population Register (NPR). Measures that quickly boost demand and increase employment are needed to push up growth. Moreover, without announcing new planss, the government should strengthen schemes such as PM KISAN, MNREGA and programmes to build rural roads. Economists believe the upcoming Union Budget will play a critical role in reviving economic growth, which might anyway not go beyond six per cent even in the best case scenario in financial year 2020-21 (or FY21). Advance estimates, released Tuesday, pegged economic growth at 5 per cent for FY20. Former chief statistician Pronab Sen said economic revival depends on what the government does in the Budget. When asked whether the measures already taken by the government such as cut in corporation tax rate would perk up growth, Sen said lower tax rates would not have an impact on economic growth. Any cut in personal income tax rates would also not have much impact on perking up growth, Sen said. According to him, measures that quickly boost demand and increase employment are needed to push up growth. Sen said without announcing new schemes, the government should strengthen schemes such as PM KISAN, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and programmes to build rural roads. Even in the best case scenario, economic growth will not increase beyond six per cent. "If these measures are not taken, growth will hang around five per cent even in FY21," Sen said. Eminent economist Sudipto Mundle, who was part of various panels of the statistics office, said economic growth would depend much on what government does to boost growth, but real recovery might have to wait for two years. The Budget is quite critical in that sense, Mundle said. When asked whether the government should stick to its fiscal deficit target or boost the economy, Mundle said this was a false choice. There are ways to boost expenditure without compromising on the deficit target. For this, the government would have to augment revenues by curbing exemptions, toning up administration including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) network, he said. Revenues foregone constituted five per cent of the country's gross domestic product, Mundle said. If that is reduced, GDP could be perked up without impacting fiscal deficit. If these measures are taken, growth could be revived from FY22 to six per cent or more. For the next financial year, the economic growth would be quite low. Though advance estimates pegged economic growth at five per cent for FY20, Mundle believes that it will be less than that. It is likely to be five per cent, give or take 0.5 percentage point, depending on the global situation and domestic uncertainties, including social unrest. N R Bhanumurthy, professor at National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), however, said growth could have recovered next financial year, but escalating tensions between US-Iran has dimmed that hope. Now, he pegged growth at 5-5.5 per cent for FY21. He said measures taken by the government, including corporation tax rate cuts and liberalisation of foreign investments coupled with monetary easing by the RBI, would have a positive impact on economic growth next fiscal year. A Jewish family targeted by vile racist bullies are under attack again, after their 12-year-old daughter became the victim of foul social media taunts. The family, who live in Melbourne, have endured the year from hell after their son, now 13, was forced to kiss the feet of a Muslim classmate. In photographs which evoked horror across the world, the little boy was seen being taunted in a park near his school, being forced to kneel on the floor to kiss a classmate's feet. A campaign of relentless bullying followed, with the family inundated with abusive phone calls and messages, threatening to kill them and calling them 'Jewish dogs'. This shocking picture showing a Jewish boy, 12, being forced to kiss the feet of his Muslim classmate provoked horror across his Australia. Now his sister, 11, is also being targeted The 12-year-old girl received the message on Instagram (pictured) which left her frightened and upset The anti-Semitic bullies, understood to also be children, are now attacking their daughter. In a message on Instagram, one boy told the girl: 'Go kiss some shoes like your brother'. 'My children were initially reluctant to show me this latest, vicious attack, since they are aware of the toll the last 10 months have taken on me,' their mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous, said. 'This abusive message directed at my daughter is heartbreaking, horrifying and toxic. 'I really had to muster up my inner strength once I got my shock in check not to go to pieces. I keep asking myself: "when will this nightmare just stop?"' In October, a 16-year-old boy was charged with threatening to kill the Jewish schoolboy and his mother. The boy has since been pulled out of Cheltenham Secondary College in Melbourne's south-east and now attends a Jewish day school. His sister, who had also been due to start at the school, is now joining her brother at the Jewish school, as the family have 'no faith' in Victoria's education system to protect their children. The 12-year-old girl received the vile message on Instagram from a young boy from another school in Melbourne (stock image) Speaking previously to Daily Mail Australia, their mother recalled their vile treatment at the hands of the antisemitic bullies. 'Whilst I sat in synagogue during Yom Kippur on October 8, I missed three calls by a private number,' she said. 'We got home, started settling for the night. A private number came up and I answered the phone.' What followed was three-hour-long tirade of abuse, threatening to break into their home and 'silence them for good'. 'There was no holding back his identity either. He admitted who he was,' she went on. The family have moved their children to a Jewish day school in Melbourne after suffering horrific antisemitic abuse (stock image) 'His retaliation towards me because of the articles made it quite clear that we are under attack for defending our right as Jews to do so.' 'He tried to instill fear by telling us he was at various entrances of our home and the level of violence that would be afflicted on us.' The mother said she contacted the boy on Instagram and begged him to stop - but he allegedly refused so she silenced her phone and called the police. She said the abuse continued the next day. 'No sooner did I leave synagogue for an afternoon break, I answered a private number to have three male voices start harassing and threatening me,' she said. 'The worst part was being called a Jewish dog and Jewish c***.' The young girl was unsure on whether to tell her mother about the vile Instagram message, as the antisemitic bullying campaign had already 'taken its toll' on her (stock image) Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, said the family have been 'tortured and harassed'. He also said it was proof that antisemitism in Victoria is 'out of control'. 'Shame on this merciless bully!' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'Its clear that there are hateful individual in our schools who are hell-bent on continuing the emotional torture and harassment of this family. 'My heart goes to the victims and to the parents who have suffered terribly over the last year, and who are still carrying the wounds from the vicious abuse they were subjected to. 'This latest episode reinforces the reality that antisemitism in Victorian schools is an "out of control" problem and that being a Jew makes you a target. 'The ADC will be contacting the school of the student who sent this despicable message, and will demand that substantive disciplinary measures are taken. Enough is enough.' The school denied any responsibility for the foot-kissing incident because it did not take place on school grounds, the mother said. Britt Ekland doesn't think a woman should play James Bond. (Photo: John Wolfsohn/Getty Images) Former Bond girl Britt Ekland has said that a female James Bond is not going to happen. Thats not going to happen, we might as well not talk about it, she said while appearing on Good Morning Britain. I dont have any information. I know Barbara [Broccoli, the film franchises producer] and if I had any influence, I would whisper and say, No, not a female Bond! Ekland starred in 1974 Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun, playing personal secretary Mary Goodnight opposite Roger Moore's 007. It was Moores second appearance as the British secret serviceman, in which he tussled with Christopher Lee's feted assassin Francisco Scaramanga. The Swedish actress also called the notion of no longer referring to women in James Bond films as Bond girls foolish. Bond girls is a very nice title and its what people want. It doesnt have the same ring, 'Bond woman, she said, adding that her dog is gender-fluid. Roger Moore with Maud Adams and Britt Ekland on the set of The Man with the Golden Gun. (Photo: Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images) Ekland also said that the late Roger Moore was her favorite Bond, though not before the segment got off to a rough start. Good Morning Britain hosts Piers Morgan and Susannah Reid were left red-faced after a huge picture of another Swedish actress was shown on screens on the show's set. Asked, awkwardly, whether the unnamed actress was someone she often got confused with, Ekland said: She went to a Bond premiere and they said, 'This is Britt Ekland,' but of course it wasnt me because I wasnt there. Everyone knows what I look like. Not all former Bond stars agree with Ekland, however, on the notion of a female 007. Pierce Brosnan, who played the secret agent from 1995 to 2002, told reporters at the Deauville Film Festival last year: Yes! I think we've watched the guys do it for the last 40 years, get out of the way, guys, and put a woman up there. I think it would be exhilarating, it would be exciting. The latest Bond movie, No Time to Die, premieres April 8. Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Lifestyles newsletter. FELTON, California, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With reference to the report published by the authorities the scope of the global Cellular Health Screening Market was priced at US$ 1.9 billion in 2018. It is expected to observe a CAGR of 9.3% for the duration of the forecast to reach US$ 3.8 billion by 2026. Cellular health screening benefits the general practitioner to get familiar with in what manner the body is working and running on a cellular level. This comprises perfect information of in what way dissimilar physical structures are working and in what way the procedure of aging have affected them. For the most part, the perfect information of the body's process and working delivers the physicians a strong image to come about with additionally effectual directed organization and plans of treatment for a number of complaints. The checking and monitoring of continuing treatments is too made simpler by way of the backing of cellular health screening. Cellular health screening helps in the determination of excellence of muscle figure, cellular fitness and working, cellular poisonousness, extra and intra cellular levels of fluids, and fat mass. Drivers: Speedily increasing acceptance of direct to customer methodology, growth in the necessity for cellular health screening, development in research actions, and increase in inventiveness by the government authorities for precautionary healthcare. These are some of the factors expected to motivate the development of the global cellular health screening industry. Restraints: On the other hand, variances in the prices of kits presented by the companies and difficulties linked with the transportation of samples may possibly restrain the development of the global cellular health screening market. Get Sample PDF and read more details about the "Cellular Health Screening Market" Report 2026. Classification: The global cellular health screening industry can be classified by Collection Site, Type of Sample, Type of Test and Region. By Collection Site, it can be classified as Hospital, Office, Diagnostic Laboratories, and Home. By Type of Sample, it can be classified as Urine, Saliva, Serum, and Blood. By Type of Test, it can be classified as Multi Test Panels, Single Test Panels. Regional Lookout: By Region the global cellular health screening market can be classified as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Owing to the growth in alertness concerning Healthy Adjusted Life Expectancy (HALE), North America had detained the biggest share of income in 2018.This was plunged during the latest years. This reduction in HALE in the U.S.A is mainly because of the acceptance of unnatural way of life and poor cellular health within the nation-state. Therefore, by way of increasing alertness and subsequent growth in general public choosing to go through cellular health screening tests, the market in North America will carry on to obtain a the most important boost. Additional reasons heading to the development of the provincial market are increasing emphasis of the government on precautionary healthcare, upsurge in R&D actions, growth in long-lasting illnesses, and existence of native companies, functioning within the province. As stated by the European Commission, due to the acceptance of unnatural way of life, the employed residents of Europe will decline from 333 million in 2016 to 292 million in 2070 owing to low-slung HALE. The old age dependence percentage of Europe has augmented. It was 29.6% in 2016 and has gone up by 21.6% and is projected to touch 51.20% in 2070. Therefore, low life expectancy, growth in elderly inhabitants, and growing number of persons choosing for precautionary fitness procedures are likely to help intake of the test kits of cellular health screening. Asia Pacific is likewise projected to observe stable development owing to growth in inventiveness by the government for precautionary healthcare. In India, the state government of Andhra Pradesh keeps a folder known as Happiness Index. It registers information relating to the fitness of persons staying in the state. The government has applied this methodology to inspire those to take on precautionary actions contrary to a number of fitness problems. The Middle East & Africa is too likely to develop by a rewarding percentage because of growth in occurrence of long-lasting sicknesses. As stated by National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), in 2018 the percentage of cancer patients in UAE were projected to be 70.1 in males and 74.2 in females for every 100,000 personalities. Growth in the occurrence of long-lasting sicknesses is therefore expected to generate a demand for the tests of cellular health screening. Companies: Some of the important companies for cellular health screening industry are: DNA Labs India, Cleveland Heart lab, Inc., Immundiagnostik AG, Quest Diagnostics, Repeat Diagnostics Inc., Genova Diagnostics, Cell Science Systems, Ivanovo, Zimetry LLC, Bio reference Laboratories, LabCorp Holdings, Segterra, Inc., Spectra cell Laboratories, Life Length, and Telomere Diagnostics Inc. Browse 103 page research report with TOC on "Global Cellular Health Screening Market" at: https://www.millioninsights.com/industry-reports/cellular-health-screening-market Market Segment: Cellular Health Screening Test Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2026) Single Test Panels Telomere Oxidative stress Inflammation Heavy Multi Test Panels Cellular Health Screening Sample Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2026) Blood Saliva Serum Urine Cellular Health Screening Collection Site Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2026) Home Offices Hospitals Diagnostic Labs Cellular Health Screening Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2026) North America U.S. Canada Europe U.K. Germany France Italy Spain Russia Asia Pacific China India Japan South Korea Australia Latin America Mexico Brazil Argentina MEA South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Browse reports of similar category available with Million Insights: Blood Screening Market Newborn Screening Market Weight Loss Services Market Clinical Laboratory Services Market About Million Insights: Million Insights, is a distributor of market research reports, published by premium publishers only. We have a comprehensive market place that will enable you to compare data points, before you make a purchase. Enabling informed buying, is our motto and we strive hard to ensure that our clients get to browse through multiple samples, prior to an investment. Service flexibility & the fastest response time are two pillars, on which our business model is founded. Our market research report store, includes in-depth reports, from across various industry verticals, such as healthcare, technology, chemicals, food & beverages, consumer goods, material science & automotive. Contact: Ryan Manuel Research Support Specialist, USA Million Insights Phone: +1-408-610-2300 Toll Free: 1-866-831-4085 Email: sales@millioninsights.com Web: https://www.millioninsights.com/ Blog: https://millioninsights.blogspot.com/ Bank strike today: Services at several banks across the country has been impacted on Wednesday as unions have gone on a day-long strike. Thousands of bank employees went on a strike called by 10 central trade unions. They have stated government's "anti-people" policies as the reason for the bank strike today. Activities such as cash withdrawal and deposit in several banks have been impacted due to the strike, as mentioned in news agencies. The news of the strike in banks had already started making the rounds last month. Most of the lenders had informed their customers in advance about the strike given by All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers' Association (AIBOA), BEFI, INBEF, INBOC and Bank Karmachari Sena Mahasangh (BKSM), and its impact on banking services. AIBEA general secretary C H Venkatachalam said that bank employees had extended support to the nationwide strike call. "We have been opposing government policies on bank merger, privatisation, fee hike and other wage-related issues," he said, as mentioned in a report in PTI. State Bank of India had informed the stock exchanges and said that only a few of their employees have participated in the bank strike 2020. "The membership of our bank employees in unions participating in the strike is very few, so the impact of the strike on banks operation will be minimal," it said. The Bank of Baroda had, however, acknowledged earlier that its services could be hit during the bank strike on January 8. "The bank is taking necessary steps for the smooth functioning of bank's branches/offices on the day of the strike, in the event the strike materializes, the functioning of the branches/offices may be affected/paralysed," it had said in a regulatory filing. Syndicate Bank also asked its customers to bear with them during the January 8 bank strike 2020. All India Reserve Bank Employees Association (AIRBEA) and All India Reserve Bank Workers Federation (AIRBWF) have also joined the strike. Trade unions INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along with various sectoral independent federations and associations had adopted a declaration in September last year to go on the nationwide strike on January 8. The trade unions have claimed around 25 crore people are participating in the strike to protest against the government's "anti-people" policies. Also read: Bank strike on January 8: ATMs, branch services likely to take a hit Also read: Bank strike on Jan 8: SBI predicts minimal impact; Syndicate Bank assures steps for smooth operation All is well, US President says "All is well!" Trump, who visited one of the targeted sites by Iran, Ain al-Asad airbase, in December 2018, said on Twitter. US President Donald Trump said in a tweet that an assessment of casualties and damage from the strikes was under way and that he would make a statement on Wednesday morning. "WE HAVE THE MOST POWERFUL MILITARY IN THE WORLD" In his first tweet since Iran launched the attacks, President Trump assured the public that "All is well!" "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq," Mr. Trump wrote. "Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." The Global technology major, IBM appoints Sandip Patel as its managing director of India and South Asia (ISA) operations. He succeeds Karan Bajwa, who recently stepped down from IBM India's managing director role. Karan was responsible for IBM's mid-market business and enabled the client's digital transformation and journey to the cloud. He was associated with IBM for five years and led the company based in Singapore. In his new role, Sandip would be responsible for all strategic and operational matters that are related to IBM's sales, marketing, services and delivery operations in the regions that include Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Besides, he would also work on enabling India's capabilities across IBM's global missions, global centre of excellence, research and innovation labs. Prior to this, Sandip was based in Boston, Massachusetts and held the position of IBM's Global General Manager for the Insurance Industry and held the responsibility for the company's business across all brands in this market segment. Sandip's expertise in key industries that include financial services, insurance and healthcare, along with his global leadership experience would add great value to IBM's clients and business in the region. Previously, Sandip was associated with Aetna International and served as its President. There he held complete P&L responsibility for the company's international business. Alongside, he served as a partner in various leadership roles at IBM, PriceWaterhouse Coopers and Coopers & Lybrand. In the initial days of his career, Sandip has also practised as Chartered Accountant in India. WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday appeared to downplay Iran's missile attack against U.S. forces in Iraq, while highlighting U.S. military strength at the same time. "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!" Trump tweeted hours after Iran's military launched missiles targeting U.S. forces in Iraq. "We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning," he added. The Pentagon confirmed earlier that Iran had launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad & Irbil," the Pentagon said in a statement. The Pentagon also pointed out that it would take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region. U.S. media reported late Tuesday that there were no initial reports of any U.S. casualties caused by Iran's attack. The missile attack came hours after Trump's latest warning to Iran earlier Tuesday. "If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly," Trump told reporters in the White House. Qassem Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad airport on Friday, raising fears of an uncontrolled escalation in the region. Commander of the IRGC Hossein Salami warned the United States on Tuesday that Iran would take "severe revenge" over its assassination of Soleimani. A war monitor reports on Wednesday said U.S. forces, positioned along with their Syrian Kurdish allies in eastern Syria, are on alert following the overnight Iranian missile attacks in neighbouring Iraq. Iran fired over a dozen ballistic missiles at two bases hosting U.S. forces in Iraq, the Pentagon said, in what Tehran said was revenge for the killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani. Mr Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad airport last week. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said U.S. forces were conducting heavy patrols near the Koniko oil field north-east of Deir al-Zour in eastern Syria. Militiamen from the U.S. backed Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were also seen atop armoured vehicles with missile launchers also patrolling the area, the Britain-based monitor added. READ ALSO: The watchdog, which has been covering violence in Syria since the pro-democracy uprising started there in 2011, said U.S. drones were constantly hovering over the area of the Euphrates River and monitoring the situation. The number of U.S. soldiers in war-torn Syria is not clear. But, the observatory head, Rami Abdel-Rahman said only hundreds are left in Syria. (dpa/NAN) Commuters across the North are facing weeks of misery after one of the countrys biggest rail firms cancelled up to half of its trains. TransPennine Express (TPE) has axed hundreds of services until the end of January, plunging the travel plans of millions into chaos. The firms bosses have blamed the disruption on the late delivery of new trains and ongoing problems with rail infrastructure. Up to 40 per cent of trains serving Manchester Victoria, Leeds, York, Durham, Newcastle and Edinburgh have been axed until January 24. TransPennine Express (TPE) has axed hundreds of services until the end of January, plunging the travel plans of millions into chaos Leeds alone has lost 67 services, while Newcastle has seen 27 weekday services cut 42 per cent of the total which would normally run. The fiasco is causing major disruption to millions of passengers across a vast swathe of the country. TPE carries almost 30million people every year between major cities in the North of England and Scotland. Its trains are a lifeline for dozens of regional towns. Travellers have long complained of being treated like second class citizens by northern rail operators, which have some of the worst punctuality records in the UK. Official figures show almost 60 per cent of TPE trains were late in the year to the end of September. Many were cancelled because of driver shortages and a lack of trains. Yesterday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the disruption as totally unacceptable. His spokesman said passengers should not have to put up with these levels of poor performance, adding: We will not tolerate continued, significant reductions to services and wont hesitate to take action if [firms] fail to meet their contractual obligations. TPE had promised to introduce more services at the beginning of December, but they failed to materialise. In compensation, they have offered customers a 3 per cent refund on the price of season tickets. But critics say they just want a service they can rely on. Labours transport spokesman Andy McDonald said: The wholesale cancellation of TransPennine Express services today with the dire excuse of non-delivery of rolling stock and driver shortages is as shameful as it is pathetic. Apologising, Leo Goodwin, TPEs managing director, said: We have experienced a number of issues following the introduction of our new trains, resulting in disruption to a number of our customers journeys with us. Tory backbench MP Philip Davies has urged the Chancellor to pull the plug on the HS2 rail project. He called on ministers to spend the money on infrastructure projects across the North instead. By PTI NEW DELHI: Days after masked men went on a rampage in JNU, senior DMK leader Kanimozhi visited the varsity on Wednesday and said her party will fight for the students. Kanimozhi visited the Sabarmati Hostel where students told her that it was a targeted attack as the entry of masked mob was facilitated by university's security guards. The DMK leader inspected hostel rooms and expressed shock after seeing items strewn around and glasses as well as furniture broken. A masked mob armed with sticks and rods on Sunday attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus, injuring at least 35 people, including JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh. While talking to Kanimozhi, a group of students alleged that the attackers knew everything, and they demanded the removal of university vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar. "The entire country is with you. Don't lose heart. There are many people who have condemned it. We will raise the issue. We will fight for you," she told students. She also met JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh. Earlier in the day, HRD Ministry officials met the vice-chancellor and took stock of efforts being made to restore normalcy on the campus. Kumar, who has been under fire from students and faculty members for not doing enough when they were brutally attacked by a masked mob on campus, told senior officials of the ministry that efforts are being made to facilitate registration of "willing" students and for a conducive environment for their academic pursuits. Meanwhile, the JNU Teachers' Association alleged that the mob violence could not have been possible without the connivance of the varsity administration and deliberate inaction by police. It also slammed Kumar for asking students to put the past behind and return to the varsity premises. People across the US are receiving a text scam that tells them they are being drafted into the military. The messages are fake. The US no longer has a draft and if it did would be unlikely to inform those selected over text message. But they are likely to be upsetting to young people across the country who are worried they may be forced to join the military amid escalating tensions with Iran. Some of the message make specific reference to the ongoing tensions, telling people they are needed for "immediate departure to Iran". They ask the people receiving them to get in touch and threaten them with prison if they don't. They have become enough of a problem that US Army Recruiting Command has looked to reassure the public that the messages are fraudulent and should be ignored and deleted. Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty It is not clear why they are being sent, though such scams have been used to steal people's personal data in the past. This week, the official Twitter account of the Selective Service System, which allows US citizens to sign up to serve in the Selective Service, sent a tweet advising users to avoid fake websites claiming to be run by them. "Please be advised that there are websites claiming to be the Selective Service that charge for registration," it wrote. "You will not be registered and your personal information may be at risk. Days ago, the official SSS account responded to worries about a draft making clear that it was conducting business as usual and that any change would require action from the president and Congress. "The Selective Service System is conducting business as usual," it posted. "In the event that a national emergency necessitates a draft, Congress and the President would need to pass official legislation to authorize a draft." The genuine website has also been taken offline in recent days, apparently as a result of the increased interest in signing up to fight as tensions between the US and Iran continue. Clergy and Human Rights Delegation Call for American Based, Nonlethal Technologies, to Stop Selling Teargas to Hong Kong Police NEWS PROVIDED BY Christian Defense Coalition Jan. 8, 2020 WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2020 /Standard Newswire/ -- The group will hold a protest and news conference outside of Nonlethal Technologies on Thursday, January 9, at 12:00 PM. The location is 9419 Rt 286 Hwy West, Homer City, PA 15748. Here is a national news story on Nonlethal Technologies. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/rosalindadams/tear-gas-hong-kong-made-in-usa Three members of the delegation were in Hong Kong for 5 days and were subjected to constant tear gas attacks and police assaults while they were involved in peaceful and prayerful events for freedom and democracy. Below is a picture of Rev. Patrick Mahoney after he was blinded for several minutes from a tear gas attack in Hong Kong. The group is currently working with members of Congress to prevent the sale of tear gas to the Hong Kong police. See article below: https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398401 After the news conference, the group will attempt to meet with the owners of Nonlethal Technologies and demand they stop the sale of tear gas to Hong Kong. Dr. William Devlin, President of REDEEM and a member of the delegation, states; "We are here today at Nonlethal Technologies to lovingly approach them and encourage them to stop selling tear gas to the Hong Kong police. Nonlethal Technologies products are being used on peaceful people who only want freedom, democracy, human rights and liberty for Hong Kong. We gently appeal to the leadership of this company to stop the sale of their products to the draconian and brutal Hong Kong riot police regime." Rev. Kris Keating President of Bright Mercy, who was also in Hong Kong, comments: "Endorsing and enabling the current abusive use of tear gas by the Hong Kong police is not in the best interest of the American people. Having witnessed and experienced violent and over-zealous police tactics to suppress peaceful demonstration in Hong Kong, I feel compelled to speak out against practices that allow for American companies to profit from the export and sale of tear gas to that nation. "As a United States citizen, I am proud of our country's legacy of inspiring and encouraging freedom. Nonlethal Technologies has a moral and patriotic obligation to cease any practices that facilitate the Chinese government's attempts to inhibit liberty and free expression in Hong Kong." Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, adds; "We join with member of Congress and all people of good will in demanding Nonlethal Technologies stop selling tear gas to Hong Kong which is being used indiscriminately on citizens involved in peaceful protests. "With over 18,000 rounds of tear gas fired, Nonlethal Technologies is creating a massive humanitarian and environmental crisis in Hong Kong. We will work passionately with Congress to ensure 'The PROTECT Hong Kong Act' passes and American companies will no longer be allowed to export technology to Hong Kong that will harm innocent lives." For more information or interviews Call Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741 Rev. Patrick Mahoney at: 540.538.4741 SOURCE Christian Defense Coalition CONTACT: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741 8 out-of-the-ordinary watches 8 out-of-the-ordinary watches The editorial team has picked eight off-the-beaten-track watches, any one of which would make a perfect end to the year The editorial team has picked eight... One of the largest public school systems in the United States is about to launch a new policy. Later this month, students attending Fairfax County Public Schools, FCPS, can take time off from school for civic activities. Fairfax County is in northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. Beginning January 21, FCPS will give students one excused absence each school year for what it calls civic engagement activities. Students must be in grades seven to 12, meaning most are 12 to 18 years old. FCPS School Board Chair Karen Corbett Sanders told VOA the idea for the policy comes from a rise in student activism. After 17 people died in a shooting at a Florida high school in 2018, students around the country protested gun violence. Some of the demonstrations were in Fairfax County. Corbett Sanders notes that at the time, school officials wanted to give students a chance to express their concerns. We gave flexibility to students to have their voices heard and to express their concerns about safety and security in their schools. There is no defined list of approved activities; the choice is up to the students. However, they might be participating in marches, sit-in protests or taking time to talk with local or national lawmakers. Corbett Sanders says living just outside Washington means that many FCPS students are knowledgeable about national politics. But she says students are not limited to going into the city to become involved in the civic process. We have students who go down to Richmond, which is where our state legislature is. We have students who have been engaged in climate change rallies here in Fairfax County. And so I think what we're seeing is that young people in general want to be engaged in this civic process, the policy process. Corbett Sanders says she has already heard from parents who say their children plan to attend the yearly March for Life in Washington. The event is held to protest the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling on a womans right to end her pregnancy. In years past, if students attended the March for Life, they would have been given an unexcused absence. The school systems new policy ties together action and what students learn in their classrooms. Civic engagement is something that is emphasized in government classes, notes Corbett Sanders. The FCPS policy may find a supporter in U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. In a year-end report on the federal court system, Roberts called for an increase in civic awareness in the country. We have come to take democracy for granted, and civic education has fallen by the wayside, he said. Meira Levinson is a professor of education at Harvard University. The policy is a good idea, she told VOA, because when students grow up, they will have civic rights and responsibilities. And so this policy is good at recognizing that and the importance of preparing young people for that and of honoring their civic participation. But she adds giving students just one day off to engage in civic action is only a start. It cannot be the only thing that they do to support civic learning. They also need to provide coursework, they need to support student activism in schools and they need to provide examples of people who are civically engaged in all sorts of ways. Levinson thinks other school systems around the country will likely approve similar policies. However, there is no sign yet that American students will demonstrate as often as Swedens Greta Thunberg, who just turned 17 years old. In 2018, she started calling attention to climate change by protesting outside the Swedish parliament instead of going to school. She has called on world leaders to take action on climate change and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. Greta Thunbergs action led other students to protest climate change around the world. Im Anne Ball. Anne Ball wrote this story. George Grow was the editor. What do you think of this story? Write to us in the comments section below. Quiz - US School System to Give Students a Day Off For Civic Activities Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story civic adj. of or relating to a city or town or the people who live there excused absence n. officially allowed to be absent, or away from school. engagement n. the act or state of being involved with something flexibility adj. easily changed participate v. to be involved with others in doing something : to take part in an activity or event with others rallies n. plural a public meeting to support or oppose someone or something fallen by the wayside phrase. failure to continue, drop out As investigators sift through the smouldering wreckage of a jetliner that crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran, contradictory reports have emerged about what might have caused the Boeing 737-800 to abruptly plunge out of the sky. Iranian authorities initially blamed technical causes then said an engine fire most likely led to the loss of Ukraine International Airlines plane on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. The Ukrainian embassy in Tehran at first ruled out terrorism, then amended its statement to offer no comment on possible causes. Given that the crash of Flight 752 came hours after a barrage of Iranian missiles were fired on U.S. bases in Iraq, speculation also turned to a possible accidental attack by Tehrans own air defence system. The recently serviced, three-year-old jet went down without a distress call and after its global-positioning transmissions were cut off mid-air unusual for a crash. A video purportedly shot by a bystander shows flames coming from the jet as it streaked across the night sky and burst into a fireball on impact. A veteran aviation accident investigator said the flight-tracking data and amateur video were unlike a typical engine failure or fire scenario. While the evidence is still sparse, its far more suggestive of a bomb or missile, said Jeffrey Guzzetti, former chief of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administrations accident investigation division. Airplanes dont just catch fire and have that fire spread like that in such a short period of time, unless there was an intentional act causing that fire and explosion, Guzzetti said in an interview. The tragedy recalled the 2014 downing of a Malaysia Airlines jet by a surface-to-air missile during the conflict over Crimea, eventually blamed by investigators on pro-Russia rebels. Complicating matters, Iranian officials havent been clear about how much access U.S. experts will be given to the probe, or to the 737s flight data recorders. A state-run news outlet cited an official at Irans Civil Aviation Organization as saying the pilots didnt declare an emergency. If the amateur video turns out to be genuine, it indicates the plane was essentially a fireball as it plunged, Guzzetti said. Bright lights emanating from the aircraft suggest explosions as well, he said. Meanwhile, the investigation is being hampered by the international tension between Iran and the U.S. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, which would normally be invited to participate in a crash of a U.S.-built jetliner, issued a cautious statement saying it is monitoring the situation. Long-existing U.S. sanctions against Iran require the NTSB to seek special permission to participate in any investigations in that country. Irans Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization said early assessments indicated the cause was a technical issue, while the transport ministry suggested an engine fire was involved. Ukraine International said 167 passengers and nine crew were on the 737, an older version of Boeings narrow-body workhorse that predates the Max model that was grounded last year following two fatal crashes. The model involved in the Iranian crash doesnt use the flight control system implicated in the Max tragedies. The Ukrainian jet lifted off and climbed to about 7,900 feet and was travelling at roughly 300 miles an hour when it stopped transmitting its position and disappeared, according to data supplied by FlightRadar24. Other aircraft operating out of Tehran were tracked normally, said FlightRadar24 spokesman Ian Petchenik. The plane came down at 6:18 a.m. Wednesday in Sabashahr, near the Iranian capital. Television footage showed recovery efforts at the crash site, with debris spread across a charred field. Ukraines foreign ministry said about half those on board held Iranian citizenship and that there were more than 60 Canadian citizens, as well as Swedes, Afghans, Britons and Ukrainians. Ukraine International Vice President Ihor Sosnovskyi said in Kyiv that the plane, delivered to the airline new in 2016, was in good condition and had its last shop visit on Jan. 6. He said the crew was also very experienced and that there were no indications of human error, while declining to comment on possible reasons for the crash, the companys first since it was set up in 1992. Under established protocols, Iran would lead any investigation because the crash occurred on its soil. Ukraine Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk said his government has informed Iran that its experts should take part. Few nations have the expertise and technical facilities to conduct a full accident probe, however, so the U.S., France, Britain or other countries have provided assistance in the past. The planes crashproof recorders will have to be downloaded in a specialist lab. International rules for air-crash probes mean the countries that made the plane and its engines usually participate, providing technical expertise. But the current turmoil between Iran and the U.S. may complicate the involvement of the NTSB and Boeing. Hassan Rezaeifar, head of the Civil Aviation Organizationsaccident-investigation office, said it is for Iran to decide how and where the planes so-called black boxes are decoded, as per the law, according to the semi-official ISNA news agency. However, Reza Jafarzadeh, a spokesman for the aviation organization, told Bloomberg that his nation observes international protocols, and that Ukraine, as well as the plane maker, can take part in the probe. Frances BEA hasnt been contacted for assistance but has helped Iran in the past, said a spokesman, Sebastien Barthe. The tragedy comes at a tense time for both Iran and Boeing. The Islamic republic fired more than a dozen missiles at U.S. bases in retaliation for the killing of Irans top general, Qassem Soleimani. Just prior to the crash, U.S. aviation regulators issued new restrictions barring civilian flights over Iraq and Iran. The U.S. State Department issued a statement offering assistance to Ukraine. The United States calls for complete co-operation with any investigation into the cause of the crash, according to the statement. Boeing is still gripped by one of the worst crises in its 103-year history after the two Max disasters led to the grounding of that fleet in March. The company said in a statement that its thoughts are with crew, passengers and their families after the tragedy, without commenting on the cause. The planemakers stock declined 1.3 per cent to $332.94 (U.S.) at 11:57 a.m. in New York. The website flightradar24 showed the 737-800 jet left Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport for Ukraines Boryspil International Airport early Wednesday morning local time. Safran confirmed that the twin-engine plane was powered by turbines from its CFM venture with General Electric, while declining to comment further. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 05:07:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Egypt is following up with great concern the ongoing developments in Iraq and the Gulf region, as well as the escalation in the use of military force, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. "In this regard, Egypt appeals to all parties to refrain from spiralling into a cycle of mutual violence," said the statement. It also warned that such an escalation might undermine the region's security and stability and add to the sufferings and casualties of its peoples. The Egyptian remarks came hours after Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for a series of missile attacks on two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops. Last week, a U.S. drone attack near Baghdad airport killed IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani, Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and six others. Enditem Denmark will temporarily move some of its military personnel from the Al-Asad air base in Iraq that was targeted in an Iranian missile strike on Wednesday, Prime Minister Mettle Frederiksen said, Trend reports citing Reuters. She told reporters that 30 to 40 of Denmarks than 130 personnel at the base would remain and the rest would go to Kuwait. They have been at the base as part of the international coalition fighting Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. A contingent of Danish soldiers based in the Iraqi capital Baghdad will also go temporarily to Kuwait, Frederiksen said. Latvia later said it would move out six soldiers deployed in Iraq as part of the Danish contingent, and that they would also go to Kuwait. First of all, it (the decision) is connected with the security issues and the second reason is [] that all the [military] training in Iraq is halted at the moment, Latvian Defence Ministry spokesman Kaspars Galkins said by telephone. Iranian forces fired missiles at military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq early on Wednesday, saying it was in retaliation for the killing in a U.S. drone strike of powerful Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani on Jan. 3. The brutal death of Frankie Dunne, whose dismembered body was found dumped behind a derelict house in Cork just over a week ago, is incomprehensible, wrong, pointless and without justification, mourners at his funeral Mass were told. Fr Gregory Howard, the parish priest of Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill parish, told the congregation at St Marys on the Hill Church in Knocknaheeny that the devastation, havoc and pain that has been thrust on those who loved Mr Dunne is truly unbearable and indescribable. And he urged people to learn from the tragedy and show more sympathy and kindness to the next homeless person they meet. His homily was applauded. Mr Dunne, 64, originally from Churchfield Avenue but who had been living in a Cork Simon-run supported housing unit on Boreenmanna Road since last July, was found dead behind the disused Castlegreina House on Boreenmanna Road on December 28 last. He had been beaten before his head and arms were cut off. He is mourned by his adult children, John, Catherine and Chloe, his siblings, Michael, Susie, Theresa, Monica and Catherine, his four grandchildren, nephews, nieces, his close friend, Joan, and his extended family. There was a strong family involvement in the Mass, with readings, prayers and hymns read or sung by nieces and nephews. Fr Howard said Mr Dunne was a relation of the famous Dunne brothers, who busked regularly outside the former Roches Stores on St Patricks St in Cork in the 1980s, and a recording of his son, John, singing a moving version of the classic ballad, Grace, was played over the church speakers. Among the gifts brought to the altar were a bookie's slip, a blanket to symbolise the warmth Mr Dunne received from Cork Simon, a Scrabble board game and a music CD. In a tribute from the altar, his niece Yvonne said the family will always cherish the time they spent with their uncle on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. She said he loved traditional music, a joke and the craic, spending time with family, and cooking dishes like tripe and drisheen, coddle, and black bean sauce. She said he had lived with about 10 different family members over the years, in Cork, Limerick and England, and was also part of the Simon community. And she recalled how one night when she was a child, he stayed with her family and sent her to bed early while allowing her brothers to watch a horror movie on TV. I crept in and hid behind the chair to watch the film hoping he wouldnt catch me, she said. He waited until the scariest part of the movie and put his eyelids above his eyes and frightened the life out of the lot of us - he got a great kick out of that one. She also recited a poem by her friend, Deirdre OKeeffe, which described how Mr Dunne had lived his life his own way. Life wasnt easy for him, there were times he found it tough, but always found the strength to pick himself up, she said. Another niece, Breda, described her godfather as a witty and warm character who liked a few simple pleasures "like fags, a bet, listening to traditional Irish music and having a drink or two". Fr Howard said the family is grateful for the many messages of sympathy and the support they have received, and he thanked those who had helped or were kind to Frankie over the years. Mr Dunne was buried in St Michaels Cemetery in Blackrock later. Meanwhile, the garda investigation into the murder is continuing. No arrests have been made yet. The familys GoFundMe campaign for homeless charities has raised just over 4,500. An artist who painted a mural of a firefighter who told Scott Morrison to 'get f**ked' has been arrested in front of his children. Street artist Van Thanh Rudd, who is the nephew of former prime minister Kevin Rudd, painted a recreation of the viral video on a wall on Lygon Street in Melbourne on Monday. The 47-year-old claims he had permission to paint the mural of the firefighter, but was arrested shortly after. 'It's true, I was arrested, handcuffed and charged in hazy daylight for criminal damage by three Victoria Police officers in front of my young children just after completing the mural,' he said. Scroll down for video Street artist Van Thanh Rudd painted a mural of the firefighter who told Scott Morrison to 'get f**ked' on a wall on Lygon St, Melbourne on Monday Van Thanh Rudd (pictured), who is the nephew of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, claims he had permission to paint the mural, but was arrested by police in front of his kids 'And the cops also threatened to call DHS [Department of Human Services] to remove my kids so I could be transported separately to the police station,' he claimed. Mr Rudd claimed the police officers took his belongings, searched his car and then spoke to his children as if they were 'angelic saviours'. 'I was eventually able to clarify the permission I'd had to paint the artwork of the legendary firefighter,' he added. Mr Rudd, who regularly paints political-themed street art, said police 'quite reluctantly' withdrew his arrest charge. However, police are still sending a court summons to the artist. 'As many climate protesters, graffiti and street artists know, the state government of Victoria and its police force are not friends of political art in public places, especially when done on private and state owned property without permission,' he said. 'But even in this case, when permission was given, and the willingness of people to see a mural like this in full public view given the fire emergency, the state will still find it a threat to business as usual, and seek to forcefully limit its exposure.' Mr Rudd's mural was based on volunteer firefighter Paul Parker, who pulled his fire truck over on the weekend on the NSW south coast to tell the prime minister to 'get f**ked'. 'Are you from the media?' Tell the prime minister to go and get f**ked from Nelligen,' he shouted, before collapsing on the ground from exhaustion and explaining he'd failed to save seven homes. Victoria Police confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that the incident will be investigated, and Mr Rudd may receive a summons for mark graffiti without consent. Paul Parker pulled his fire truck over to the side of the road in Nelligen, on the NSW South Coast, to deliver the blunt message to the prime minister THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISSEMINATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR UNITED STATES PERSONS CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questerre Energy Corporation (Questerre or the Company) (TSX,OSE:QEC) reported today that its investee company, Red Leaf Resources Inc. (Red Leaf), has improved its capitalization by redeeming substantially all of its outstanding preferred shares at a material discount to the face value. Michael Binnion, President and Chief Executive Officer of Questerre, commented, We are very pleased the Management of Red Leaf was able to negotiate an agreement to provide the preferred shareholders with early liquidity. He added, With a cleaner balance sheet, we are looking forward to Red Leaf advancing the EcoShale process that we plan to use for our oil shale project in Jordan. Red Leaf recently concluded an agreement to redeem approximately 96% of its outstanding preferred shares at a discount of over 50% of the face value for total consideration of US$43 million. The agreement includes the resignation of all the Board nominees for the preferred shareholders. Furthermore, Red Leaf will also cancel approximately 4% of its issued common share capital. Upon completion of this transaction, Red Leaf will have approximately US$30 million in cash, no debt and 398,972.10 common shares and 1,795 preferred shares outstanding. Red Leafs principal assets are its proprietary process to produce oil from shale and its oil shale leases in the state of Utah. Post-closing, Questerre will hold 132,292.43 common shares, representing approximately 33% of the common shares and 288 preferred shares, representing 16% of the preferred shares outstanding. Questerre Energy Corporation is an energy technology and innovation company. It is leveraging its expertise gained through early exposure to low permeability reservoirs to acquire significant high-quality resources. We believe we can successfully transition our energy portfolio. With new clean technologies and innovation to responsibly produce and use energy, we can sustain both human progress and our natural environment. Story continues Questerre is a believer that the future success of the oil and gas industry depends on a balance of economics, environment and society. We are committed to being transparent and are respectful that the public must be part of making the important choices for our energy future. Advisory Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information (forward-looking statements) including the Companys plans to use the EcoShale process for its oil shale project in Jordan. Although Questerre believes that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, our forward-looking statements have been based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information available to Questerre. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. The risks, uncertainties, material assumptions and other factors that could affect actual results are discussed in our Annual Information Form and other documents available at www.sedar.com. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date of this document and, except as required by applicable law, Questerre does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. For further information, please contact: Questerre Energy Corporation Jason DSilva, Chief Financial Officer (403) 777-1185 | (403) 777-1578 (FAX) |Email: info@questerre.com As the Taliban and the United States appear to be on the cusp of a peace deal, Afghanistan needs a lasting cease-fire to create conditions for ending more than four decades of war in the country. Talks between the two sides appear to have recovered after U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly stepped back from a deal with the Taliban insurgents in September. After months of diplomatic efforts, discussions between Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. peace envoy for Afghanistan, and the Taliban now appear to have paused on the modalities of a cease-fire or other forms of substantially reducing violence. This will be crucial. The two sides need to immediately agree on a cease-fire. It will help in jumpstarting long-awaited peace talks between the Taliban, the Afghan government, and a broad array of political and social groups that form the mosaic of contemporary Afghan society. Trump cited the need for the Taliban to renounce violence when he canceled an imminent deal with the insurgents four months ago. He said a Taliban attack in Kabul that killed one U.S. soldier along with killing and injuring many Afghans forced him to pull the plug on an agreed deal. Unfortunately, similar violent attacks continue across Afghanistan as large numbers of Afghan civilians continue to suffer. Continued attacks after a possible deal between the United States and the Taliban will substantially reduce the chances of peace negotiations between the Taliban and other Afghans resulting in lasting reconciliation. This is why a comprehensive nationwide cease-fire or other solid mechanisms needs to be in place before a deal between Washington and the Taliban is signed. It will give long-suffering civilians hope, support, and a stake in their countrys peace. The Afghan government has clearly taken onboard the message that violence needs to be reduced substantially for any peace talks to succeed. As a result, Kabul has demanded a cease-fire as a precondition for the resumption of peace talks. But the Taliban outlook remains a stumbling block. Many observers agree that the Taliban do not want to lose their only leverage in peace negotiations and abandon using violence to achieve their military and political objectives. However, it is also unmistakably clear that without a meaningful reduction in violence from all sides and a complete cease-fire, the chance of peace returning to Afghanistan is as distant as Doha is from Kabul. An immediate reduction in violence by all sides, which will culminate in a countrywide cease-fire between all the warring factions, would provide an immense boost to the chances of peace finally coming to Afghanistan. Furthermore, building bridges and improving trust between the Afghan government and the Taliban cannot be achieved while war and violence rage between them. Thus, reaching a peaceful end to the conflict in Afghanistan will require building massive bridges, which will bring more trust between the two sides and improve the environment for serious talks on resolving the substantive issues between the warring factions. At the moment, the United States is leading the talks with Taliban representatives in Doha who themselves are immune to violence and war. They are living far from the battlefield, and there is a widening gap in life experiences between Taliban leadership living outside Afghanistan and the Taliban rank and file grappling with war and violence inside the country. The three-day cease-fire during the Muslim holy festival of Eid al Fitr in June 2018 provided overwhelming examples of Taliban foot soldiers tired of war and violence. Many of the young combatants talked about their dreams of peace as they visited major Afghan cities that have transformed into modern urban centers over the past two decades. The visuals from the three days of the cease-fire inspired hope and excitement that one day Afghans from all sides will abandon violence and live together in peace. It is upon the United States as the principal decision-maker on matters of war and peace and as a party currently leading the peace talks with the Taliban to press the Taliban to agree to an immediate reduction in violence, followed immediately by a countrywide cease-fire. The Afghan government and international forces in Afghanistan also need to reciprocate and reduce operations against the Taliban as a gesture of goodwill. A reduction in violence, start of talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, and a countrywide cease-fire should be synchronized in a manner that will lead to success in the ongoing peace talks. The Talibans foreign backers need to be convinced of this approach as well, as peace in Afghanistan is in the long-term interest of the immediate neighbors and the wider region. Washington, Kabul, and the Taliban also need to coordinate immediately to prevent Afghanistan from turning into a battlefield between the United States and Iran. The Taliban need to resist becoming proxies for the hard-liners among the clerical regime in Tehran. The United States needs to heed Afghan leaders recent public pledges that its soil should not be used against neighbors as is stipulated in their Bilateral Security Agreement with Washington. It is worth noting that senior U.S. diplomats appear keen on preserving their gains in Afghanistan. Diplomatic efforts synchronized with measures for a reduction in violence will bring equilibrium and balance to the actual life experiences of ordinary Afghans, members of Afghan security forces, and Taliban foot soldiers on the ground. With reduced violence, there will be a real chance of starting negotiations on substantive issues between the warring factions and reaching a political settlement that will put an end to the 40 years of constant war in Afghanistan. The world needs to rally around this cause in order to end one of the longest and most destructive wars of modern times. It is unacceptable that the Afghan people continue to suffer from violence and all the ills associated with it. The Afghan people deserve to have a dignified peace that will last and which will deliver the end of violence in the country. Khushal Wakily is a public sector governance researcher and consultant. He tweets at @kwakily. These views are the author's alone and do not represent those of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. RFE/RL Gandhara is committed to publishing a diversity of views about critical issues in Afghanistan and Pakistan. If you would like to pitch an op-ed or analysis, please write to us: gandhara@rferl.org WICHITA FALLS, Texas - A Texas man accused of choking and headbutting his girlfriend because she complained about the smell of his flatulence has been jailed on an assault charge, police said. Officers in Wichita Falls, Texas, responded to a home on Sunday afternoon following a report that Christopher Ragsdale had assaulted his girlfriend, police said in a probable cause affidavit. She told Christopher that his fart smelled horrible and he got mad and grabbed her by the hair and pulled her to the ground, the affidavit said, adding that the woman told police that Ragsdale choked and headbutted her. The incident occurred at a friends house, and that friend called police, the affidavit said. Ragsdale remained jailed Wednesday on a complaint of assault family violence. Jail records do not list an attorney who might speak on his behalf. Premature ejaculation affects about 30 per cent of the male population but a medical company called Morari is leveraging to help couples improve their sexual relationship. At the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020, Morari introduced a one-use smart band-aid for the taint. The interesting bit here is that it can be controlled by the sexual partner via an app that could be installed on a wearable or device for prolonged satisfaction, Cnet reports. The taint band-aid consists of a battery connected to electrodes that send mild electrical impulses to the area it is attached to. It stimulates and confuses the nervous system to delay ejaculation during sexual intercourse. It is expected to be available in the market by mid-2021 at a price of around USD 25. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 58-year-old man is charged with attempted homicide after stabbing his 40-year-old wife in the abdomen early Wednesday morning following an argument in an SUV that she pulled into a Lower Macungie Township shopping center, Pennsylvania State Police said. Jonathan Rompilla, of the Emmaus area, was arraigned at 10:50 a.m. before District Judge Jacob E. Hammond and held without bail due to the severity of the charge, records show. Rompillas wife dialed 911 at 1:23 a.m. to report shed been stabbed at Hamilton Crossings, 780 N. Krocks Road, police said in a news release. Troopers arrived within three minutes and provided first aid until Macungie EMS got there and took her to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, police said. She told troopers that she was driving with her husband in a Chevrolet Traverse when they began to argue, police said. WFMZ-TV 69, reporting from court papers, said the couple is going through a divorce. Upper Milford man allegedly threatens to kill wife, stabs her during argument https://t.co/qwUUvn7kok WFMZ-TV 69News (@69News) January 8, 2020 She pulled over at the shopping center and her husband stabbed her with a knife, police said. WMFZ reported she fled from the vehicle after being wounded. Rompilla drove off in the SUV toward Catasauqua where troopers saw the vehicle, police said. They followed it into Allentown where Rompilla was arrested. Rompilla is also charged with aggravated assault and terroristic threats. He faces a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for 10:15 a.m. Jan. 15 before District Judge Michael J. Faulkner. WFMZ reported he allegedly threatened to kill the woman before stabbing her. The television station also said a folding knife was recovered from the vehicle. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. (ANSA) - Brussels, January 8 - Libyan Premier Fayez al-Serraj said after talks with EU officials in Brussels Wednesday that the Tripoli-based UN-recognised government was entitled to defend itself and could draft "treaties and conventions with whom we like", referring to a military deal with Ankara. "We have not taken in mercenaries, nor fighters from Sudan and Chad," he said. "We are determined to defend ourselves and no one will take this right from us". He described the Brussels talks as "very productive". Serraj was speaking before flying to Rome where he will have talks Wednesday evening, a few hours after his adversary, eastern Libyan strongman General Khalifa Haftar. "We don't want Libya to become a terrain of conflict, of proxy wars," said Serraj. "We want the aggressor to stop his attacks against the legitimate Libyan government, recognised at a global level. "This government is legitimate and can appeal to allies and other parties to defend itself". China Orders Churches to Promote the Chinese Communist Partyor Else Commentary On Feb. 1, new and onerous restrictions on churches, temples, shrines, and all forms of organized religious activity will come into force in China. The new rules were issued by the Chinese regimes Bureau of Religious Affairs on Nov. 20, 2019, but only made public by the state-run Xinhua News Agency, or New China News Agency, on Dec. 31. They outline in practical terms how the earlier Regulations on Religious Affairsput in place on Feb. 1, 2018will be monitored and enforced. The Control Measures for Religious Groups, as the new rules are called, consist of 41 articles that deal with every facet of religious life. Each and every such activityfrom weekly services and daily projects, to annual meetings and fundraisingmust be reported in advance to the regimes Religious Affairs office for its approval. But there is an even more severe restriction as well: Each and every such religious group, as a condition of being allowed to exist at all, must first register with the Civil Affairs office of the communist regime. This comes through clearly in Article 3, which states, Without the approval of the Religious Affairs office of the peoples government, or registration with the Civil Affairs office of the peoples government, a religious group cannot carry out any activities. The spiritual discipline Falun Gong and groups such as the Early Rain Covenant Church, which the regime has wrongly declared to be xiejiao (heretical teachings), will obviously not be allowed to register at all. They will, therefore, continue to be banned under the communist regime. In Imperial China, Confucianism was the established state religion, while the term xiejiao was reserved for its non-Confucian counterparts. Since the establishment of the PRC, the established state religion has been communism or, more recently, socialism with Chinese characteristics. During this period, the meaning of xiejiao shifted strongly to the pejorative, used to refer to religious organizations that refuse to submit to the authority of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Neither Confucianism, nor communism, nor socialism with Chinese Characteristics is a transcendent religion, of course, and Chinas communist leaders dont conceive of themselves as religious leaders. But any total ideology, such as communism or socialism with Chinese Characteristics, in fact constitutes a kind of quasi-religion. Both are being used by Chinas political rulers today as a means to impose and maintain social and ideological control. With the publication of the Control Measures, however, the communist party leadership now obviously has decided to go beyond merely demanding submission. It has decided that it will only allow Christian, Buddhist, and other groups to exist at all if they become active collaborators, helping the Party to maintain its grip on power. This is the reason why the CCP in 2019 announced it was transferring responsibility for religious groups from the regimes Bureau of Religious Affairs to the Partys United Front Works Department. The same United Front tactics that were used to compromise, co-opt, and coerce Chinas Socialist Party and other minor parties at the time of the Chinese Civil War into an alliance with the communist party are to be used againthis time to coerce religious groups into becoming the Partys willing puppets. Its no longer enough that recognized religious groups merely submit to the authority of the Party. Such groups must support its continued rule, uphold the leadership of the CCP, propagate its principles and policies, and educate its staff and followers to do the same. Article 5 of the new measures, for example, states that religious organizations must uphold the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, obey the Constitution, laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies; uphold the principle of independence and self-government [from all foreign groups]; uphold the overall policy of the sinicization of religion; practice the core values of socialism; safeguard national unity, ethnic unity, religious harmony, and social stability. Sinicization, it should be noted, means replacing the worship of God with the worship of the Party-State. This is precisely what the Nazis attempted to do in the 1930s to German Catholic and Protestant churchesturn them into supporters of National Socialism and promoters of its ideology. And its precisely what the CCP is trying to do today in China. Consider Article 17 in this regard: Religious groups must propagandize the principles and policies of the Chinese Communist Party, along with national laws, regulations and ordinances to all of their religious staff and followers; [they must] educate and guide all religious staff and followers to embrace the Chinese Communist Partys leadership, to embrace the socialist system, to upholding the path of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, to obey national laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies; [they must] correctly resolve the relationship between national laws and religious commandments, strengthen awareness of the nation, the rule of law, and the people. Reading the new Control Measures, its patently obvious what the CCP is about. It wants to co-opt all transcendent religions in China, that is to say, to transform them into instruments of Party-State control over the religious elements of society. Such religions will be allowed to maintain certain ritual trappings, but their theology will be emptied out of its transcendent elements and refocused on such things as embracing the Partys leadership and upholding the path of Socialism. Article 2 explains the new role of religious groups in no uncertain terms. They are to be the bridge and bond that unites the Chinese Communist Party and the Peoples Government with religious leaders and their followers. Reading the new regulations, a Chinese Catholic priest commented: In practice, your religion no longer matters, if you are Buddhist, or Taoist, or Muslim or Christian: the only religion allowed is faith in the Chinese Communist Party. Or, as another believer put it to me even more succinctly, The walls are closing in. Steven W. Mosher is the president of the Population Research Institute and the author of Bully of Asia: Why Chinas Dream is the New Threat to World Order. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. CALGARY, Jan. 8, 2020 /CNW/ - Canadian Pacific (CP) is joining the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in support of a critical wildlife corridor through the Crowsnest Pass. The Jim Prentice Wildlife Corridor is located between Crowsnest Lake and the town of Coleman. It will connect Crown forest reserve lands in the north to the Castle parks network (consisting of Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park), as well as to Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park to the south. CP is providing $500,000 to help conserve and steward lands within the targeted corridor and will be the presenting sponsor of several key community events being held to raise awareness for the corridor. Announced in October 2018, the Jim Prentice Wildlife Corridor will create a network of conservation lands across Highway 3 in an area that naturally funnels wildlife movement north and south through the Rocky Mountains. This corridor is named after the former Alberta Premier Jim Prentice, who was an active supporter of conservation, including NCC's work, both during his time as Premier of Alberta and as Minister of the Environment with the Government of Canada. Since the launch of the campaign to conserve the wildlife corridor, NCC has seen a very positive response from the community and from caring supporters of the project. To date, NCC has successfully conserved more than 80 per cent of the target lands within the corridor area. NCC is in discussion with the remaining landowners and hopes to conserve the final properties in 2020. CP's funding will also will be used to conduct research, which will begin in 2020, on wildlife movement across the Jim Prentice Wildlife Corridor. This research will use cameras to capture photos of wildlife using the corridor so we are able to better understand which species are moving through the area, and gather important information on the timing of their crossings. This is a project of international significance, as conserving a wildlife corridor through the Crowsnest Pass will benefit wildlife travelling through the Rocky Mountains in Canada and the United States. This natural link between protected spaces has been a priority for conservation organizations for decades. Quotes The Jim Prentice Wildlife Corridor is the accumulation of many years of work in the Crowsnest Pass and is a major conservation achievement. This natural link between protected spaces has been a priority for conservation organizations for decades. The Nature Conservancy of Canada is very proud to have Canadian Pacific as a supporter of this important project. Bob Demulder, Regional Vice-President of the Nature Conservancy of Canada CP is proud to be a contributor to this important initiative in memory of Jim Prentice, an active supporter of conservation and a former member of our Board of Directors. CP has a long history operating through the Crowsnest Pass and recognizes the potential impacts our operations can have on wildlife and ecosystems along our right of way. We are committed to helping grow the North American economy in a sustainable manner, while supporting meaningful programs and research such as this. Glen Wilson, Managing Director Environmental Risk, CP Facts Development in the pass has created challenges for wildlife movement. This has affected animal populations by limiting genetic diversity, increasing mortality rates and impacting the ability to migrate. The Jim Prentice Wildlife Corridor initiative will ensure that open, undeveloped areas will remain to facilitate wildlife movement. Almost all of the wildlife species that live in the foothills and mountain regions of Alberta will use this corridor. This includes ungulates (elk, deer, moose and bighorn sheep) and carnivores, (bear, wolverine and cougar). About The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation's leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain. Since 1962, NCC and its partners have helped to protect 14 million hectares (35 million acres), coast to coast to coast. In Alberta, NCC has helped to protect more than 450,000 hectares (1.1 million acres). Learn More High-quality photos and video of the property are available here. (Photo and video credit Brent Calver) Visit: natureconservancy.ca/ab Twitter: @NCC_CNC & @NCC_CNCMedia Find us on Facebook SOURCE Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) For further information: Media Contacts: Carys Richards, Communications Manager, Alberta Region, Nature Conservancy of Canada, C. 403 669-2894, [email protected] Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 13:19:15|Editor: zyl Video Player Close MONTEVIDEO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Smoke from Australia's bushfires has reached Uruguay, darkening the sky of the South American country with a "grayish veil," the Uruguayan Meteorological Institute (Inumet) said Tuesday. "Since Monday afternoon, Jan. 6, we can see a greyish veil over Uruguay's skies and redder sunrises/sunsets," the Inumet said in a statement. The presence of "small suspended particles" at an altitude of more than 6,000 meters is a result of the "smoke generated by the large fires in Australia," the agency said. Inumet's technical manager Lucia Chiponelli told Uruguayan media that the suspended particles make the atmosphere "dirtier." However, there is no risk to human health or air traffic due to the high altitude of the particles, which wafted some 13,000 km over Pacific Ocean before reaching South America, she said. Australia is currently enduring one of the worst bushfire crises in its history, with at least 25 people having been killed since September. Dim sum is an indispensable part of the Chinese community's culinary culture in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by Shutterstock/Ha My. A food festival to promote the culinary traditions of the ethnic Chinese community will be organized in HCMC on January 11-12. The Cho Lon-Food Story, to be held at Van Lang Park on Hong Bang Street in District 5, will be a joint effort by authorities in District 5, home to the largest Chinese community in the city, ride-hailing firm Grab and tourism consultancy Outbox Consulting. Gourmets can enjoy typical dishes that define the Cho Lon area such as chicken rice, satay noodle soup, salted steamed chicken, Peking duck, stewed duck noodle soup, shark fin soup, and black sesame sweet soup. Cho Lon, the largest Chinatown in Vietnam and spread over Districts 5, 6, 10, and 11, has earned a reputation as the home of a 300-year-old food culture that combines staples and specialties from Chinese provinces like Guangdong, Hainan and Chaozhou with Vietnamese influences. There will be cooking demonstrations, music performances and folk games at the festival, which will offer locals and foreign tourists a rare chance to see how the Chinese community preserves its traditions, especially food-related. The festival will highlight many Chinatown attractions including the 250-year-old Thien Hau Lady Pagoda the iconic Binh Tay Market and the 100-year-old Hao Si Phuong Alley. Food fest to promote Saigons Chinese culture Exploring 100-year-old alley in Saigon's Chinatown HCMC received more than 8.6 million foreign visitors in the first nine months of this year, up 13 percent from a year ago, according to its tourism department. It hopes to get 10 million visitors this year, 10 percent more than last year. It was among the 100 most visited global destinations in the annual Top City Destinations Ranking released by global business intelligence firm Euromonitor International last month. Food fest to promote Saigons Chinese culture Travel back in time at this 250-year-old pagoda in Saigon's Chinatown For many years the Chinatown area has been favored by foreign tourists due to its rich culture and unique architectural features hidden inside ancient pagodas and temples. Fine Gael general election candidates are to be given new instructions on how to target Fianna Fails housing policy as polling day approaches. An internal Fine Gael briefing document shows how the party plans to attack a series of commitments and comments made by Fianna Fail on housing. The report, which was prepared by Fine Gael TD Colm Brophy, will be given to general election candidates ahead of a parliamentary party meeting in Dublin on Friday. Mr Brophys review targets nine key Fianna Fail policies on housing which he says are either "illegal, counterproductive, already in place or paper thin". However, Fianna Fail housing spokesperson Darragh OBrien hit back last night, insisting Fine Gael was trying to "deflect from its own failings in housing". "Fine Gaels record in housing is the lowest homeownership, highest rents and highest homelessness in the modern era so they should look at that rather than engage in nonsense political attacks," he said. "We have also done a full analysis of their Rebuilding Ireland targets and they failed on every metric you use." Fine Gael is briefing TDs on how to attack Fianna Fail as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin prepare to hold talks on an election date tomorrow. Ahead of the talks, Mr Martin said there was "no question" of Fianna Fail supporting the Government on confidence motions after Mr Varadkar suggested he would need its support in certain votes. Both leaders have also set out their policy priorities ahead of the meeting. In the Fine Gael briefing document, Mr Brophy says Fianna Fail "endlessly criticise" the Government but only "produce sound bites" when it is asked to set out its own polices. "They will not produce any meaningful policies until the last possible moment if even then so that they avoid all scrutiny of their policies," he said. "They will hope that this approach hoodwinks the Irish people, and that they get into office." The report raises concerns about Fianna Fails plans for a special savers scheme for first-time buyers, which Fine Gael says is uncosted. It says Mr Martins proposal to reduce VAT for first-time buyers is illegal as European Union laws will not permit such a tax measure. The document labelled Fianna Fail Housing Proposals Review states the partys 2m affordable housing scheme is "already in place". Fianna Fail and Fine Gael agreed to a 200m affordable housing scheme during budget negotiations two years ago but it has never transpired. Mr Brophys document states the Government has made money available for affordable housing through other State-funded schemes. Fianna Fails support of rent freeze legislation is also criticised as Fine Gael says it will "potentially impact on housing supply". The party is also accused of "speaking out of both sides of its mouth" as Mr OBrien previously said Fianna Fail was "not wedded" to rent freezes while his colleague Stephen Donnelly has said they "dont work" in the long term. Hyderabad: After a long time, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao of Telangana and Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of Andhra Pradesh are meeting on January 13 in Hyderabad. The meeting will be held at Pragathi Bhavan, the official residence of Mr Rao. This is the third meeting between the two CMs. On the agenda are pending issues between the two states related to the state bifurcation act. They will also discuss the latest political developments in both states as well as at national level, and Mr Reddy will explain the rationale behind three capitals for his state. The sharing of employees between the two states as a consequence of bifurcation is the most urgent item on the agenda. Two days ago, TSTransco relieved more than 200 employees who are natives of AP working in Telangana state in various power utilities. But the AP government has rejected them and told the TS government to continue employing them in its power utilities. The sharing of assets and liabilities of several institutions listed in the 9th and 10th Schedule of the AP Reorganisation Act 2014, is hanging fire for the last six years. Particularly, sharing the assets of the Road Transport Corporation (RTC), which has become more complicated. The RTC has valuable assets in and around Hyderabad city. The AP government wants a share in these assets but the Telangana government says AP has no right to these assets. Both states are also in financial difficulties but about `6,000 crore has been locked in the banks belonging to both states. In earlier meetings the Chief Ministers had decided to take up the linking of river waters, of the Godavari and Krishna, together. But later, both states decided to take up this project on their own within the limits of their states. So this issue may not get importance in the discussions. Tax devolutions to the states by the central government will be up for discussion. In the current financial year both states have not received funds from the centre under tax devolutions as expected by both. They may decide to bring pressure to bear on the centre to release more funds. They will also discuss the 15th Finance Commission recommendations in terms of getting more funds from the Centre. Sen. Elizabeth Warren plans to open a campaign office in Philadelphia on Thursday. Shes also asking supporters to show up on Thursday evening to make phone calls to voters in Iowa, which in less than a month will begin the process of picking the Democratic nominee to run against President Donald Trump. An announcement on her campaign website says, Join us on Thursday January 9th to meet staff, engaged volunteers, and fellow supporters of Elizabeth Warren! Learn about how this office is used to reach out to voters in the early states and talk about the big structural change Elizabeth plans to bring as our 46th president. Warren is the second Democratic candidate to establish an office in Pennsylvania. Her office is located at 533 S. 52nd St. in Philadelphia. Warren had previously hired a Pennsylvania campaign strategist and field staff to work out of the office. Former Vice President Joe Biden, who was born in Pennsylvania and lived her until his family moved to Delaware, located his national campaign headquarters in Philadelphia. The presence of the two offices reflects the importance of Pennsylvania in deciding which Democrat will face Trump. Pennsylvanias Democratic primary will be held late in the selection process on April 28. Because of the late date, Pennsylvania often plays little role in selecting the nominee. But because of the crowded Democratic field and cluster of current frontrunners including Warren and Biden, its expected to take longer to select the nominee, with Pennsylvania likely playing a critical role. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Peace, prosperity and global domination are part of the same package, and as the ancient Romans and the British imperials would tell you, it is very fragile. The crisis in the Mideast, created by a president who trades on unpredictability and unilateralism, threatens not only energy prices and the global economy, but the global dominance previous U.S. leaders spent a century building. Unless cooler heads prevail, we could see the kind of once-in-a-generation geopolitical transformation that may seem unimaginable but will seem logical in retrospect. Economic, political and military power have always gone hand-in-hand, nudged by diplomacy or enforced with violence. In modern history, the strongest nation has always practiced the best diplomacy and possessed the biggest purse. When the world is dominated by a single superpower, or maybe two in a standoff, the prevailing peace allows people to grow crops, build structures and expand businesses. They create wealth and improve their lives through a strong economy. More Tomlinson: Trump scores on USMCA, strikes out on China deal Rome dominated Europe, North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean between 27 BC and 180 AD in a period called Pax Romana. There were small wars and rebellions, but Roman rule over a third of the worlds population lead to widespread trade, peace and development. A Chinese empire dominated Asia at the time, creating Pax Sinica. The peace during this period allowed the Silk Road to flourish, creating a global trading system. But the Roman and Han empires collapsed when abusive and corrupt rulers took over, and less powerful nations banded together against them. The economic Crisis of the Third Century followed. Pax Britannica emerged in 1815, after Great Britain defeated Napoleon. Britain ruled the seas and established colonies around the world, until an anarchist assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir presumptive to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian empire, in 1914. World War I ended Pax Britannica and the Great Depression followed. Pax Americana arose from World War II, leading to the greatest period of peace and economic development in world history. The U.S. helped create the current systems for currencies and trade because we were the wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world with many allies. President Donald Trump is putting Pax Americana at risk. Every time he threatens an ally with economic or military punishment, every time he throws out a trade deal, every time he makes a threat he cannot carry out, he makes other nations question the wisdom of allying with us. The Romans would warn us that the barbarians are at the gate. By re-imposing sanctions on Iran, Trump angered our allies and gave Iranian leaders no reason to trust the United States to respect any agreement. By killing Qassem Soleimani an enormously popular general in Iran Trump has unified the Shia Muslim world against the United States. The Iraqi parliaments Shia majority has voted to kick U.S troops out. Our enemies are lining up to take our place. Iranian officials are more than happy to send more troops to protect Iraq from ISIS. They just wrapped up four days of naval drills in the Gulf of Oman with China and Russia, two repressive regimes committed to ending Pax Americana. Minutes after reading the riot act to the U.S. ambassador, Iraqs prime minister welcomed into his office the Chinese ambassador, who condemned the U.S. airstrike. The Washington Post reports that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke with the Iranian armed forces chief of staff, Mohammad Bagheri, about next steps. Russian President Vladimir Putin invited German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Moscow to discuss how to convince Trump to back down, then he flew to Syria. The European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged both Iran and the United States to return to the nuclear deal. Meanwhile, the Taliban are gaining ground in Afghanistan, North Korea is threatening renewed weapons tests, and a Somali militia has killed three Americans and wounded two more in Kenya. Our enemies see opportunity in the chaos. More Tomlinson: Immigration, health care and energy are THE issues Trumps reckless actions on international trade, global institutions and the Middle East are alienating the nations that allowed Pax Americana to prevail. He is permiting Russia and China to expand their influence and undermine a system they consider a check on their ambitions. Under Trump, the economy has grown thanks to irresponsible tax cuts, generous central bankers, and massive stock buybacks. But those tricks wont override geopolitical instability that breeds uncertainty and discourages business people from investing, hiring or expanding. To spur economic growth, Trump must lead the world, not fight it. We need open markets, predictable policies and a preponderance of peace, which can only come from strong alliances. The current confrontation has implications far beyond Iran. Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and policy. twitter.com/cltomlinson chris.tomlinson@chron.com Singapore, Jan 8 : The flag carriers of Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan said on Wednesday that they would divert flights over Irans airspace due to the escalating Tehran-Washington tensions in the region. The carriers' announcement came on the same day Tehran attacked the Ain-al-Asad military base in Iraq housing US troops and a Washington-operated airbase in Erbil in retaliation for the January 3 drone attack that killed Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. "In view of the latest developments in the region, all (Singapore Airlines) flights in and out of Europe will not be flying over the Iranian airspace. We will continue to monitor the situation closely," the Singaporean carrier said in a Wednesday statement to Efe news. It was confirmed that the airline's low-cost subsidiary Scoot would also avoid Iran. Malaysia Airlines released a statement announcing its intentions to avoid Iran's airspace. "Malaysia Airlines does not fly over the airspace of Iraq on its flights to/from London, Jeddah and Medina. Due to recent events involving Iran, Malaysia Airlines will be avoiding the conflict airspace of Iran," the airline said. "Safety is of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines." The airline is among the more cautious carriers following high-profile incidents that marred its operations last decade, including a March 2014 flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur which was struck by a missile while cruising over eastern Ukraine during the ongoing War in Donbass. Meanwhile, Taiwan's national carrier, China Airlines, said it would avoid both Iraqi and Iranian airspace. "In light of the events in the region, all China Airlines flights bound to Europe will not overfly neither the Iranian nor Iraqi airspace. We will continue to attentively monitor the situation and will adjust the flights in consequence," a spokesperson for the carrier said in a statement. Developments came shortly after the US Federal Aviation Authority banned US airlines from flying over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia, following days of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 11:38:06|Editor: ZX Video Player Close MANILA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines said on Wednesday that it is imposing a mandatory evacuation of Filipinos in Iraq amid increasing tensions in the Middle East. "As a result of the government's coordination meetings on the situation in the Middle East in the past few days, the alert level in entire Iraq has been raised to 4 calling for mandatory evacuation," Philippine Foreign Assistant Secretary Eduardo Menez said in a brief statement. Menez, however, did not say how the Philippines will go about the mandatory evacuation of its citizens. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) convened on Tuesday night an inter-agency command conference on the situation in the Middle East after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered government agencies to draw up emergency plans for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in that region. The DFA earlier said that Iraq is home to 450 undocumented and 1,190 documented Filipinos. More than half are found in the relatively safer Kurdistan region and around 847 in the Baghdad area. In the Baghdad area, the DFA said many Filipinos are working with the United States and other foreign facilities. In other areas, particularly in Erbil, the DFA said Filipinos work in regular commercial establishments. However, Arsenio Andolong, the spokesperson for the Philippine Department of National Defense, said there are approximately 6,000 Filipino workers in Iraq. The Philippines has yet to issue a statement if there are any Filipinos harmed when Iran launched missile attack at Al-Assad airbase in Anbar province and a base in Irbil in Iraq where U.S. forces are based. TEHRAN, Iran Iran struck back at the United States early Wednesday for killing its most powerful military commander, firing a barrage of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house American troops in what the Iranian supreme leader said was a slap against the U.S. military presence in the region. The dramatic blast of more than a dozen missiles caused no casualties, however, and U.S. President Donald Trump said hours later that Iran appears to be standing down. It was a signal that both sides were stepping away from an immediate spiral of more direct exchanges that could throw the Middle East into great turmoil. Speaking at the White House, Trump said the U.S. would impose new punishing economic sanctions on Iran to force it to stop its nuclear program and what he called its hostilities in the region. But he also said Washington was open to a deal with Tehran. Iran, in turn, appeared to have calibrated its attack to avoid stoking further U.S. retaliation, giving some early warning to its Iraqi allies to avoid casualties. Last night they received a slap, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said of the Americans in a speech after the missile strikes. He made clear that Irans actions were in response to the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in a drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets in mourning. Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end. Satellite imagery showed at least five impact sites on the Ain al-Asad base in Iraqs western Anbar province, each leaving charred blast marks that damaged or destroyed buildings. One obliterated a structure in a row of buildings next to a line of helicopters, though none of the aircraft appeared damaged, according to the imagery provided by Planet Labs, Inc. Irans foreign minister tweeted that Tehran had taken and concluded proportionate measures in self-defense, adding that Tehran did not seek escalation but would defend itself against further aggression. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi said he received notification from Iran just after midnight that its retaliation was starting or would start soon and would focus only on U.S. positions. The militaries of Finland and Lithuania, which had personnel at one of the targeted bases, said they received information about an imminent attack and had time to move to shelters or leave the base. Irans attacks appeared designed for maximum domestic effect with minimum escalatory risk, said Henry Rome, analyst with Eurasia Group. For a president who wants to avoid a war in the Middle East during an election year, the Iranians have provided an off-ramp he will likely take, Rome said. Tensions have risen steadily in the Middle East since Trump unilaterally withdrew America from Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers. The Iranian attacks on the bases marked the first time in recent years that Iran has directly attacked U.S. positions rather than through proxies in the region. Tehran and Washington have been at odds since Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent U.S. Embassy takeover and hostage crisis. Adding to the chaos, a Ukrainian airplane with 176 people crashed after takeoff just outside Tehran on Wednesday morning, killing all on board, Iranian and Ukrainian officials said. Iran said mechanical issues were suspected, although Ukraine declined to offer a cause while an investigation continues. The Boeing 737-800 had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport, bound for the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. The plane carried 167 passengers and nine crew members. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians on board the Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and the nine crew. The rest were Swedish, Afghan, German and British nationals. The U.S. Federation Aviation Administration earlier warned of a potential for miscalculation or mis-identification for civilian aircraft in the Persian Gulf. The agency barred U.S. carriers from flying over areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf countries. The U.S. has been deploying more troops in the region. U.S. Gulf allies that host thousands of American troops are concerned about a direct conflict. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have called for de-escalation. The situation is not currently a war situation, UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al-Mazrouei said, stressing that Iran is a neighbor and the last thing the country wants is more regional tension. Irans Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and its allies against retaliating over the missile attack. We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted, the Guard said in a statement carried by Irans state-run IRNA news agency. It also threatened Israel. The Iranians fired 15 missiles Wednesday, two U.S. officials said. Ten hit Ain al-Asad and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Four failed, said the officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly about a military operation. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners and allies in the region, said Jonathan Hoffman, an assistant to the U.S. defense secretary. Two Iraqi security officials said a missile appeared to have hit a plane at Ain al-Asad, igniting a fire. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they did not have permission to talk to journalists. Ain al-Asad was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and it later was used by American troops in the fight against the Islamic State group. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. Trump went there in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice President Mike Pence also has visited. As Iran reels from the loss of life in the plane crash, it is also contending with the aftermath of a deadly stampede Tuesday at Soleimanis funeral in his hometown of Kerman, killing 56 people and injuring more than 200. Shortly after Wednesdays missile attack, Soleimanis shroud-wrapped remains were lowered into the ground as mourners wailed at the grave site. We tell our enemies that we will retaliate, but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about, Hossein Salami, who commands the Revolutionary Guard, told a crowd in Kerman. The generals funeral procession in major cities spanning three days was an unprecedented honor for Soleimani, seen by Iranians as a national hero for his work leading the Guards expeditionary Quds Force in the face of U.S. pressure. The U.S. blames him for killing U.S. troops in Iraq. The Trump administration alleges hed been plotting new attacks just before he was killed. Many Sunni Muslims in the region, however, view him as a destabilizing figure who commanded dangerous and deadly Shiite proxy militias. Soleimani led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that countrys civil war. Since his killing Jan. 3, Tehran has abandoned the remaining limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. In Iraq, lawmakers and pro-Iranian factions in parliament have voted to oust American troops from Iraqi territory. Kuwait said Wednesday that its state-run KUNA news agencys Twitter account was hacked and posted a false story on U.S. troops withdrawing from the nation. The fake alert went out on its account, Kuwait said. More than 13,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Kuwait, with more now on the way. ___ Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Aya Batrawy in Dubai, Matthew Lee, Lolita C. Baldor and Zeke Miller in Washington, Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad; Hussain al-Qatari in Kuwait City and Zeina Karam in Beirut contributed. On Wednesday, the lead attorneys for the municipalities suing the drug industry said in a statement that many groups have some responsibility for the drug epidemic. But, they said, the origins of the opioid crisis and the fuel that spread the epidemic can be traced back to the behavior and practices of corporations in the drug supply chain. Without widespread wrongdoing by the opioid industryincluding pharmacieswe would not be in the place we are today. The Australian prime minister has urged tourists to continue visiting the country despite the deadly wild fires that have so far killed 26 people. Australia is open, Australia is still a wonderful place to come and bring your family and enjoy your holidays, Scott Morrison told local reporters on Kangaroo Island in the state of South Australia, which has been particularly badly hit by the blazes. The fires crisis has plagued Australia during the past few months, with the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia particularly badly hit. Its estimated that around one billion animals have been killed or injured, while thousands of people have been left homeless. The fires have created a plume of smoke wider than Europe, which has reached as far as Argentina. Even here on Kangaroo Island, where a third of the island has obviously been decimated, two thirds of it is open and ready for business, Morrison said today. Its important to keep the local economies vibrant at these times. Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A firefighter hosing down trees and flying embers in an effort to secure nearby houses from bushfires near the town of Nowra in the state of New South Wales on 31 December 2019 AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Smoke billows from a huge bushfire that has torched over 200,000 acres of land in East Gipplsand, Victoria on 2 January EPA Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Residents look on as flames tear through bushland in Lake Tabouriee, Australia on 4 January on 4 January Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Boats are pulled ashore as smoke and wildfires rage behind Lake Conjola on 2 January Robert Oerlemans via AP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A firefighting helicopter tackles a bushfire in East Gippsland, Victoria on 31 December EPA Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A firefighter gives water to a parched koala in Cudlee Creek, South Australia AP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Firefighters tackle a blaze as it tears through a farm in New South Wales on 21 December AP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures The sky is turned red over East Gippsland as fires continue to rage through Australian bushland on 4 January Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A kangaroo near bushfires in Nowra AFP/Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures An aerial view of a bushfire near Bairnsdale State Government of Victoria/EPA Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Firefighters work to tackle a blaze on the outskirts of Sydney on 31 December 2019 Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A firefighting helicopter dumps water on a bushfire on the outskirts of the town of Bargo near Sydney Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Children play at the showgrounds in the southern New South Wales town of Bega where they are camping after being evacuated from nearby sites affected by bushfires AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A satellite image of the Batemans Bay showing smoke and fire from wild bushfires European Union, Copernicus Sentinel Data via REUTERS Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures The afternoon sky glows red from bushfires in Nowra AFP/Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Burning embers cover the ground as firefighters battle against bushfires around the town of Nowra AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures The sky glows red as bushfires continue to rage in Mallacoota, Victoria Jonty Smith via Reuters Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures The remains of burnt out buildings along a main street in the New South Wales town of Cobargo AFP/Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Firefighters try to protect homes around Charmhaven, New South Wales NSW Rural Fire Service/AP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Wildfires rage under plumes of smoke in Bairnsdale Glen Morey via AP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Business owners stand in front of their shop which was destroyed by a bushfire in Cobargo EPA Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A helicopter dumping water on a fire in Victoria's East Gippsland region Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning/AFP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Nowra AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Think smoke from bushfires fills the air in eastern Gippsland Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures "Carmelised" snow caused by dust from Australian bushfires is seen near Franz Josef glacier in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, New Zealand Reuters Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Firefighters hose down trees as they battle against bushfires around the town of Nowra AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Smoke billowing from a fire burning at East Gippsland, Victoria. More than 800,000 hectares have been burnt in East Gippsland EPA/DELWP Gippsland Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Smoke billowing from a fire burning at East Gippsland EPA/DELWP Gippsland Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures LIFES.A.BREEZE via Reuters Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Smoke and wildfire rage behind Lake Conjola Robert Oerlemans via AP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A house and van are seen destroyed after bushfires ravaged the town of Bilpin, west of Sydney AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A helicopter fighting a bushfire near Bairnsdale in Victoria's East Gippsland region State Government of Victoria/AFP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Fire and Rescue personal run to move their truck as a bushfire burns next to a major road and homes on the outskirts of the town of Bilpin Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Amy, left, and Ben Spencer sit at the showgrounds in the southern New South Wales town of Bega where they are camping after being evacuated from nearby sites affected by bushfires AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A firefighter sprays foam retardant on a back burn ahead of a fire front in the New South Wales town of Jerrawangala AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Two bushfires approach a home located on the outskirts of the town of Bargo Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Property damaged by the East Gippsland fires in Sarsfield, Victoria EPA Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Nowra AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Property under threat from the East Gippsland fires in Sarsfield EPA Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures The main street of the New South Wales town of Bombala is pictured shrouded in smoke from nearby bushfires AFP via Getty More than nine million people visit Australia every year, of whom more than 700,000 are British holidaymakers. The UK Foreign Office warns: Australia continues to battle serious bushfires across multiple regions. Authorities in some regions have declared a State of Emergency and ordered road closures and evacuations. Most destinations in Australia are safe and continue to welcome visitors and all international airports in Australia continue to operate as normal, said Tourism Australia. The tourism board has updated information for tourists either currently in Australia or planning to visit on its website. Shares in NMC Health plunged in trading on Wednesday after some of the companys biggest shareholders sold a major stake in the under-fire hospital builder. The companys value on the London stock exchange dropped by 15% on the news that Saeed Mohamed Butti Mohamed Khalfan Al Qebaisi, and Khaleefa Butti Omair Yousif Ahmed Al Muhairi have sold 15% of the companys shares. After the sale Mr Al Qebaisi will still own 4.7% in NMC Health directly, and Mr Al Muhairi will keep a 12.5% shareholding. The two investors also jointly own a 7% stake in the business through an investment company. The sale was run by Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank. It comes after a turbulent time for the company which builds and operates hospitals in the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere in the Middle East. Late last year Muddy Waters, a short seller, issued a stinging report into the company. NMC denies the allegations thrown at it by Muddy Waters, but has not been able to avoid a reaction from shareholders, who have sent the companys value down by more than half since the report came out less than a month ago. Muddy Waters accused NMC of understating its debt by around 320 million dollars (244 million), and questioned the independence of independent board members. We are unsure how deep the rot at NMC goes, but we do not believe that its insiders or financials can be trusted, the short seller said in December. The company has started an independent review into its finances. Between them Mr Al Qebaisi and Mr Al Muhairi have also sold a 6% stake in Finablr. The payments and foreign exchange company, which was set up by NMC founder and billionaire Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty, has also faced serious trouble at its subsidiary Travelex. The company is being held to ransom by hackers who got into its systems on New Years Eve. The hackers are demanding six million dollars (4.6 million). WASHINGTON (AP) Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday there will be no haggling over the process for President Donald Trumps impeachment trial in a deepening standoff with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over Democratic demands for details and more witnesses. McConnell has indicated Republicans have the leverage they need to launch Trump's trial on his terms, but Pelosi's reluctance to transmit the articles of impeachment leaves the Senate proceedings at a standstill. A resolution is expected this week in the showdown that is testing the negotiating skills of the two seasoned leaders as they face off over the rare impeachment trial, only the third in the nation's history. The House impeached Trump last month on charges that he abused the power of his office by pressuring Ukraine's new leader to investigate Democrats, using as leverage $400 million in military assistance for U.S. ally as it counters Russia at its border. The funding for Ukraine was eventually released but only after Congress intervened. Trump insists he did nothing wrong. His trial will be conducted in the Senate, where Republicans have a thin majority. "There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure," said McConnell, R-Ky. "We will not cede our authority to try this impeachment. The House Democrats' turn is over." But even as McConnell spoke from the Senate floor, Pelosi, D-Calif., was giving no indication of her plans. In a closed-door meeting with the House Democratic caucus, she spoke instead about the crisis in the Middle East, with Iran's retaliatory ballistic missile attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, according to several Democrats in the room. Pelosi wants McConnell to "immediately" make public the details of his trial proposal, according to a letter to colleagues. She wants to see how much time will be devoted to the trial, and other details before she announces her choice of House managers to try the case in the Senate, according to Democrats familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss it. "Sadly, Leader McConnell has made clear that his loyalty is to the President and not the Constitution," Pelosi wrote to colleagues late Tuesday. She said the process he is outlining "is not only unfair but designed to deprive Senators and the American people of crucial documents and testimony.'' The contours of a Senate trial have been in dispute for weeks. But McConnell gained ground when he announced Tuesday that he has support from the majority of senators to start a trial structured like the last one, against President Bill Clinton in 1999. Those proceedings also began without an agreement on witnesses. "We have the votes," McConnell told reporters. It takes 51 votes for agreement on the trial proceedings, and with Republicans holding a 53-47 Senate majority, Democrats are trying to peel off support from a few GOP senators for their demands. McConnell, who has resisted calling new witnesses, expects a speedy trial that will end with Trump acquitted of the charges. He complained about Pelosi's "'endless appetite for these cynical games'' and said it will be up to senators to decide if they want more testimony. On the Senate floor Wednesday, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer promised he would force votes on witnesses, requiring senators to choose whether they want to hear from Trump former national security adviser John Bolton and others. "When the Senate has votes on witnesses and documents, my Republican colleagues will have to answer to not just the president," Schumer said. "The American people do not want a cover up." Pelosi, who is delaying transmission of the articles as Democrats press for testimony and documents, told House leaders in a private meeting Tuesday that she believed the strategy was working, according to those in that meeting. "People are united," said Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson of California about the mood in the House caucus. Republicans countered that Democrats rushed to impeach and then delayed the process. Pelosi has yet to choose House impeachment managers for the trial, a politically sensitive next step, with many lawmakers vying to be candidates. Associated Press writers Darlene Superville, Matthew Daly and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report. San Francisco fire officials said a structure fire is under control Tuesday night in the Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood. The fire was under control at 8:48 p.m. in a building under construction. So far there have been no reported injuries, according to fire officials. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. India and Pakistan have warned their citizens to avoid traveling to Iraq after Iran bombarded US military bases in Iraq. Taking into consideration the situation created in Iraq, citizens of India are advised to avoid making any trip to Iraq until further notice, the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India reads. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India also states that citizens of India residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and avoid moving in the country and that the Embassy of India in Baghdad and the Consulate in Erbil are still operating. On Wednesday, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan tweeted that Pakistanis must be especially careful when planning trips to Iraq. With rise in Omicron cases, SC to conduct hearings virtually for next two weeks Can't allow every person who thinks of some solution to COVID-19 to file petition: SC No girl murdered in Bihar shelter home, bones found were of some other adults: CBI tells SC India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Jan 08: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday said no minor was killed at the infamous Muzaffarpur shelter home in Bihar. Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court that there is no evidence of murder and that the bones found "were of some other adults". All 35 girls suspects of having been murdered have been found alive, he said. Several girls were sexually and physically assaulted at an NGO-run shelter home in Bihar''s Muzaffarpur and the issue had come to light following a report by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). A petition was filed in the apex court seeking lodging of an FIR and court-monitored probe by an independent agency into the alleged physical and sexual abuse of inmates in shelter homes in Bihar as highlighted in the report. The plea filed by journalist Nivedita Jha through advocate Fauzia Shakil has sought "registration of FIR and independent investigations or court monitored probe into the affairs of these 14 (other) shelter homes in Bihar mentioned in the TISS report". NEWS AT 3 PM, 8th JANUARY, 2020 The apex court had directed CBI to probe the allegations of unnatural sexual assault under section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. Besides, it had also asked the agency to probe the offences under the Information Technology Act regarding the video recordings of the alleged assault on girls at the shelter home. The apex court had earlier directed CBI to complete its probe into the alleged murder of 11 girls at the shelter home and asked it to file a status report. Three people were displaced Tuesday evening when a fire struck their Northeast Roanoke home, according to Roanoke Fire-EMS. No injuries were reported in the blaze that broke out just before 6 p.m. on the 100 block of Noble Avenue NE, officials said. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Red Cross is assisting the residents. The houseboat of Nobel Laureate Michael Levitt was blocked in the backwaters here for some time by trade union activists, who were on a nationwide strike against the Centre's "anti-labour" policies on Wednesday. Levitt, an American-British-Israeli biophysicist and a professor of structural biology at the Stanford University in the United States, said the incident sent a bad message to tourists. Levitt, who was in Kerala as a state guest, also said he felt as if a bandit had stopped his wife and him at gunpoint. Police said Levitt, who received the 2013 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was in Alappuzha with his wife and they were stopped by the protesters near Kainakary. "Being stopped by criminals on the backwaters sends a very bad message to tourists. It is as if a bandit stopped us at gunpoint and delayed us under the threat of force for one hour," Levitt wrote in an email to his tour agent at Kottayam. In the email, which was later released to the media, he also said the person who blocked them "ignored all arguments that tourists were exempted" from the strike. "This person, who did this, ignored all arguments that tourists were exempted and that I am a VIP guest of the Kerala government. He was obviously acting, knowing that he was safe from prosecution. Sadly, this makes me fear that India is sinking into lawlessness," Levitt wrote in the email. The police registered a case after the houseboat owners filed a complaint in this regard. Reacting to the incident, state Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said the government would take strong action. "Strong action will be taken against those anti-social elements who stopped the boat. Levitt was here as a guest of the state government. The government had made it clear that the tourism industry was exempted from the strike," he said. Trade union leaders had also announced that the strike would not affect the tourism industry. Ten trade unions, including the INTUC, the AITUC and the CITU, had called for the nationwide strike to protest against the labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies of the Centre and press for a 12-point demands of the working class, relating to minimum wage, among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rob Kardashian is seeking primary custody of daughter Dream after filing documents in an LA court which make shocking claims about her as a mother. The reality star, 32, claims Blac Chyna, 31, has taught her her little girl, three, to mimic sexual positions, snorts cocaine with strangers and has a $600-a-day-alcohol habit. He also asserts that Chyna is making for 'an unsafe environment due to her unpredictable behaviour' and even makes violent threats to people in her home'. The latest: Rob Kardashian is seeking primary custody of daughter Dream, 3, as he made shock claims that Blac Chyna teaches her to mimic sexual positions, snorts cocaine and has $600 alcohol binges Kardashian said that Chyna - who's also mom to son King Cairo, seven, with rapper Tyga - uses foul language in front of Dream, who has subsequently repeated phrases such as 'What the f***?' and 'b***h.' In another instance Rob told the court his child started 'naked twerking, and acting out sexual positions that she said her mom taught her.' The sock designer wants Blac Chyna's time with Dream to be reduced to weekends with a nanny on hand, TMZ reports. Proud pa: Rob shared a shot of Dream as they celebrated her third birthday in November In the explosive new documents, Rob claims his ex brings strangers home to party with her, and gets violent at times - even throwing knives at people when she loses her temper. Kardashian said in court docs that a person who used to work with Chyna said that the Lashed entrepreneur spends about $600 on booze a day, He adds that she is usually drunk, and has finished a full bottle of Hennessy in one sitting. Sharp allegations: Rob claims Chyna has neglected to care for Dream's hygiene, as her teeth, hair and nails are unkempt when she drops her off in his care (pictured in August) Kardashian said Chyna has neglected to care for Dream's hygiene, as her teeth, hair and nails are unkempt when she drops her off in his care. Rob's sister Khloe Kardashian was prominently mentioned in the court docs, as Khloe claimed she heard Dream says she doesn't want to go with Chyna. Khloe noted to Rob that Dream that is 'decidedly more aggressive' and 'more in defense mode' as she arrives from her mother to go on outings with her cousins. Dream was involved in a physical fight with another kid last month, which Rob said is indicative of her mother's influence. Ron is asking the court to mandate Chyna take drug and alcohol tests a half-hour before visits; and that the nanny is granted legal power to terminate the visits in cases of violent or aggressive behavior when the child is present. Chyna told RuPaul in June that 'co-parenting is good' with both Tyga and Rob, as they're 'all in a good place.' 'With both of my baby fathers, we have a mutual agreement and everything runs smoothly,' she said. Rob and Chyna welcomed Dream in November 10, 2016, but they split in February 2017 Wrexham Council to offer free-after-2pm parking incentive later this year to get you shopping in town This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jan 8th, 2020 Wrexham Council look likely to start offering free parking after 2pm in their car parks every day from April to help the town centre. Announcing the move a delighted Council Leader Mark Pritchard said, It is important to support and help local shops and independent shops, and the town. It has taken time but we have got there and I would like to thank councillors for their political support for this. We are running this for 12 months as it is important to give it time to bed in. Lots has been said about parking, but we are actually doing it. In other councils they have moved away from this, but we are doing it. The incentive will start during April this year and run for twelve months as a trial, with footfall, car park use and sales data being used to measure success and impact. Cllr Pritchard noted he had spoken with some UK national chains who could be considering their futures in towns and cities across the UK, and hoped that such action by the council would be seen favourably and that they were doing our bit. Business rates are controlled from Westminster and Cardiff and we have no control on those, but we can control parking. Our hope now is that private car parking companies in Wrexham follow suit. Why cant Eagles Meadow or Island Green offer or do it? Cllr David A Bithell added, The council play a small part but businesses themselves need to play their part. People will shop in Wrexham regardless of parking prices, and the prices are low compared to Chester and Shrewsbury. Businesses have to do their bit. We asked what the budgetary impact would be to cover the cost of such a scheme, and were told there is an estimate known however it will be after the trial period the true cost will be known. Cllr Prichard added, We know it will cause a loss of income but it is worth it for the benefit of the town. Council Chief Executive Ian Bancroft pointed to the narrower aims of Wrexham Council, with a tight list of stated priorities that includes the town centre and that such priorities become the key drivers of budget decisions. The report before councillors covers this issue by stating: The significant reduction in income will need to be considered as part of the 2020/21 corporate budget process. A corresponding pressure will be included in the Revenue Budget 2020/21 report to the Executive Board later this month. Cllr Pritchard asked the people of Wrexham to get behind the scheme and the town noting that the from 2pm timing meant there was no rush to shop so hoped people would pop to town of an afternoon and perhaps shop, eat and drink. The incentive will run from April 6th and include all council run car parks, aside from Ty Pawb, as we have documented before the carpark there plays a key part of its business plan. Car parks that will be covered are: Waterworld Wrexham Library St Georges Crescent Crescent Road St Giles Market Street The Council Executive Board will likely nod through the proposals on Tuesday. The royal family has grown bigger through the years, with Queen Elizabeth II's grandchildren giving her wonderful great-grand-children. But among her eight grandchildren, does the Queen have a favorite? Queen Elizabeth II just had a marvelous time with the members of the royal family in their Norfolk Estate in Sandringham. Christmas has always been a busy time for the royals, but it is also the best time to gather together and just spend time with each other. However, this year's Christmas celebration came without Prince Harry, Meghan and Baby Archie. With the Queen's blessing, they spent their holidays away from the royal family. The Grandchildren Queen Elizabeth II has eight grandchildren. William and Harry from Prince Charles, Eugenie, and Beatrice from Prince Andrew, Peter and Sarah from Princess Anne, and Lady Louise and James from Prince Edward. Experts previously revealed that Prince Harry was obviously the Queen's favorite grandchild. However, according to sources of Express UK, it seems as if the younger royals have already taken the spot. Though Harry often speaks delightfully about his grandmother showing how much he adores her, Lady Louise, 16, and Viscount Severn, 12, have bonded more often with the Queen in her Scotland home than any of the other grandchildren A Royal source told The Sun that Louise and James have spent a lot of time in Scotland during the summer. The Queen loved that these children relish their time in Balmoral. The insider added that Queen Elizabeth II has grown particularly close with Louise that she has become the favorite grandchild, closely followed by her brother James. Louise became particularly endearing to almost everyone, as she looked after Prince William and Kate's children while they were in Balmoral. Louise is known for her drawings and sketches, too, and she used this artistic talent to encourage Princess Charlotte to do pictures of rabbits and deers. Because of her love for the arts, the Queen has allowed Louise to look through some of the sketches of Queen Victoria, which are rarely taken out these days. A Growing Favorite During the summer holidays, both James and Louise spent as much time with the Queen as they could. In fact, James impressed the Queen with his fishing skills. Unlike his father Edward who did not have a lot of patience for fishing, James showed much enthusiasm for fishing, which truly delighted the monarch as it is the favorite sport of Queen Elizabeth's mother. The young James had also taken part in several other royal traditions in the Balmoral home, including barbecue. "He is good at flipping burgers and took part in the process every chance he got," the source added. Every summer, the Queen with Prince Philip travels to Balmoral. The castle has been the royal residence since 1852. Each time, the other members of the royal family like William and Kate would go to Balmoral for the summer just to see the Queen. Prince William and Prince Harry may have gotten all the media attention, but the younger royals definitely got the Queen's attention. Who's grandma's favorite? Nobody else can tell but Queen Elizabeth II herself. President Donald Trump speaks from the White House in Washington, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Trump Asking NATO to Become More Involved With Middle East in Wake of Iran Missile Strikes President Donald Trump said hed be asking the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, to get more involved with the Middle East after Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops on Jan. 7. Today, I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process, Trump said during an address to the nation at the White House on Wednesday. The White House said a few hours after the address that Trump spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The two leaders discussed the current situation in the Middle East. The President emphasized the value of NATO increasing its role in preventing conflict and preserving peace in the Middle East, White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement. NATO said in a statement about the call: The President asked the Secretary General for NATO to become more involved in the Middle East. They agreed that NATO could contribute more to regional stability and the fight against international terrorism. NATO consists of 29 countries, many of which are situated in Europe. Al Asad air base in the western Anbar desert, Iraq, on Dec. 29, 2019. (Nasser Nasser/AP Photo) The reaction came a day after Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at the bases in Iraq. No Americans or Iraqis were injured and the strikes caused minimal damage, Trump said. He said he will seek peace with Iran. He noted that America has achieved energy independence by ramping up domestic production, adding: We do not need Middle East oil. He also touted big and powerful U.S. missiles but said that America does not want to use its military and equipment. American strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent, he said. Stoltenberg in a statement condemned the Iranian missile attacks. I condemn the Iranian missile attacks on US & @coalition forces in Iraq. #NATO calls on Iran to refrain from further violence. Allies continue to consult & remain committed to our training mission in Iraq. pic.twitter.com/6PdXMZxSNB Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) January 8, 2020 NATO calls on Iran to refrain from further violence. Allies continue to consult & remain committed to our training mission in Iraq, he said. Germany and NATO both announced the movement of troops out of Iraq on Tuesday before the strikes. German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told lawmakers in writing that the troops in the Iraqi bases in Baghdad and Taji would be temporarily thinned out, according to news agency dpa. Germany has about 120 troops in Iraq. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a media conference after a meeting of The North Atlantic Council at Ambassadorial level at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Jan. 6, 2020. (Virginia Mayo/AP Photo) Germanys Defense Ministry also said its 32 soldiers stationed at Taji were flown overnight to the Azraq air base in Jordan, where German planes helping in the fight against ISIS are based. These forces can be moved back at any time if training in Iraq resumes, the ministry said in a statement. NATO said it would shift some of its 500 troops out of Iraq, but the military alliance expressed optimism that troops could keep training the Iraqi military when the situation was diffused. We have temporarily suspended our training on the ground, and we are taking all precautions necessary to protect our people, NATO said. This includes the temporary repositioning of some personnel to different locations both inside and outside of Iraq. The Associated Press contributed to this report. In the first act of Iran's promised revenge for the US killing of their Revolutionary Guard commander Qassem Soleimani, the Islamic republic fired missiles on Wednesday at Iraqi bases which houses the US military. Here is how the world reacted. In the first act of Iran's promised revenge for the US killing of its Revolutionary Guard commander Qassem Soleimani, the Islamic republic fired missiles on Wednesday at Iraqi bases which house the US military. The Pentagon said it was still "working on initial battle damage assessments" after "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq." Iran's supreme leader said a "slap in the face" was delivered to the United States. "Last night, a slap in the face was delivered," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a speech broadcast live on state television. His remarks came after he had vowed "severe revenge" for Soleimani's killing near Baghdad international airport last week. "One important issue is what is our duty now?" following Soleimani's assassination, said the supreme leader. "An important incident has happened. The question of revenge is another issue. Military actions in this form are not sufficient for that issue," he said, referring to the assassination. What is important is that America's corrupt presence must come to an end in this region," said Khamenei. Iranian state television reported an attack on one base housing US personnel, saying it was in response to Friday's killing of Soleimani, a powerful general whose burial after days of mourning was completed around the time of the missile launches. Iranian television showed mourners celebrating the attack. Also killed was a top Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was with Soleimani just outside Baghdad international airport when the US drone overhead opened fire. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced that the Ain al-Asad base was hit with dozens of missiles, warning a US counter-attack would be met with an even "more crushing response" and threatening to strike Israel and America's "allied governments." "We advise the American people to recall US troops (deployed in the) region in order to avoid further losses and not to allow the lives of its soldiers to be further threatened by the ever-growing hatred of the regime," the IGRC said in a statement. The brazenness of the strike was highly unusual for Iran, which has tended to disguise attacks on US interests or troops through the use of proxy Shiite forces, reported AFP. This time, conventional, rather than guerrilla-style weapons were used and responsibility was quickly claimed. "It is a major escalation. Ballistic missiles openly launched from Iran onto American targets is a new phase," said Phillip Smyth, an expert on Shiite militias was quoted as saying by the AFP. "This is probably not the only response that is going to come.... This is just a big, public one in terms of sending a signal." World reacts to escalation in US-Iran tensions World leaders from India, China, Japan, Russia, Germany, Finland, United Arab Emirates, Australia and the United Nations have reacted with shock and concern to the ongoing escalation of tension between the two nations. US president Donald Trump's "All is Well" tweet did not help matters much. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 Trump did not go on an evening television to address the nation something of an informal presidential tradition in times of foreign policy crises in the immediate hours following Iran's missile strikes. However, he said to expect a statement early Wednesday in Washington. Here's how the rest of the world reacted. India While the Centre has not officially remarked yet on the ongoing escalation, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued a travel advisory for all Indian citizens living in the West Asia and Gulf region. The ministry has also asked Indians to avoid all "non-essential" travel to Iraq until "further notification". Indians living in Iraq are advised to be alert and avoid travelling within Iraq, the MEA further added. The central government has also instructed all Indian airlines to avoid airspace of Iran, Iraq and the Gulf. "Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq," it said. China China's foreign ministry is expressing concern about the spike in tensions in the region and said it hoped matters can swiftly "cool off." Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters that Beijing has called for restraint by all sides and is in close consultation with the governments involved, including at the United Nations and through China's embassy in Baghdad. He spoke after the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by US forces but did not address it directly. Geng also accused the US of abusing the rights of people in the region through its military actions. Russia A Russian lawmaker warned that a conflict between the US and Iran might lead to a nuclear war. The comments by Vladimir Dzhabarov, lawmaker with Russias upper house of Parliament, on Wednesday followed an Iranian missile strike at military bases in Iraq used by US forces. "Reciprocal strikes by the US and Iran may lead to an all-out war in the region," Dzhabarov said. "If Washington sees that it cant achieve its goals, theres a danger of a nuclear war." The Russian lawmaker said the UN Security Council should get involved to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. Pakistan "In view of recent developments and the prevailing security situation in the region, Pakistani nationals are advised to exercise maximum caution while planning visit to Iraq at this point," a statement issued by the Imran Khan government read. The government instructed those "already in Iraq" to remain in "close contact" with the Embassy of Pakistan in Baghdad. Germany Germany has condemned the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by US forces. Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said Wednesday the government "rejects this aggression in the sharpest possible terms." She told German public broadcaster ARD that "it's now particularly up to the Iranians not to engage in further escalation." None of the German troops stationed in Iraq were injured. It joined several European countries in saying their troops in Iraq were not harmed, including France, Poland, Denmark and Finland. Britain British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has condemned what he called Irans "reckless and dangerous" missile attacks on bases in Iraq, and he called for "urgent de-escalation" by Tehran and Washington. Johnson also said Soleimani "had the blood of British troops on his hands." Britains main opposition Labour Party has suggested the US may have broken international law by killing Soleimani. Johnson told British lawmakers on Wednesday that "the strict issue of legality is not for the UK to determine since it was not our operation. But I think most reasonable people would accept that the United States has the right to protect its bases and its personnel." British foreign secretary Dominic Raab has condemned the Iranian strike against bases hosting coalition forces in Iraq and urged Iran to refrain from further military action. The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday said there were no British casualties in the attack. "We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation," Raab said. "A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh (the Islamic State group) and other terrorist groups." Coalition forces are in Iraq to train local forces to fight the extremists. Tom Tugendhat, the chairman of the defense committee during the previous Parliament, told the BBC it would be "extremely welcome" if Iran's action marked the end of tensions and both sides could "get back to talking." Japan Japan says it will urge governments to do their utmost to help ease tensions following an Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by US forces. Japanese Chief Cabinet spokesman Yoshihide Suga said Wednesday that his government will coordinate with the related governments to collect intelligence while we ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in the region." He added: "Japan will also urge all related nations to do their utmost diplomatic effort to improve the relations." He said Japan remained on track to soon deploy a warship to the Gulf to help safeguard Japanese vessels and oil tankers transiting the area. Finland Finland's defence forces say they received advance warning of the Iranian missile strike against bases in Iraq used by US troops. The defence forces gave no details on Wednesday, Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat reported. They added that Finnish troops at the base in Irbil that was targeted were were protected in a bomb shelter and were not hurt. Irbil is the capital of Iraq's self-governing Kurdish region. Poland Poland's Foreign Ministry says its ambassador to Iraq, Beata Peksa, has been evacuated to Poland for security reasons amid the rising tensions between the US and Iran. The evacuation was at Britain's request because Poland's diplomatic mission is located in the British Embassy. According to Poland's Foreign Ministry only the ambassador was evacuated while its embassy in Baghdad continues its work. Poland is one of several European countries that has said their troops in Iraq were not harmed in the Iranian missile strike overnight that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing US troops. Iraq Iraq's presidency has condemned Iranian missile strikes on two Iraqi military bases hosting US troops. Barham Saleh's office also said in a statement that the fate of US troops in Iraq is an internal matter based on legal agreements to combat the Islamic State group. The statement adds that Iraq "has previously declared its refusal to be a starting point for aggression against any country, and also refuses to be a source of threat to any of its neighbours." The Iraqi prime minister has publicly said US troops must leave after a drone strike killed Iran's top military commander in Baghdad, and parliament has passed a non-binding resolution pushing for withdrawal. UAE The United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Wednesday it is essential that the region pulls back from current "troubling" tensions. "De-escalation is both wise and necessary. A political path towards stability must follow," he said on Twitter. NATO NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg has condemned Iran's missile strike against US forces in Iraq, while a NATO official said there were no casualties among the military alliances personnel in the country. The Iraqi mission consists of several hundred staff from allied nations and non-NATO countries. In a message to The Associated Press, the NATO official who was not authorised to speak publicly said they were "keeping the situation under close review." Meanwhile, in a message posted on Twitter, Stoltenberg urged Iran to refrain from further violence. Italy Italy has condemned Iran's missile strikes against the US-led coalition in Iraq and repeated its call for de-escalation of tensions. Italy has some 900 troops in Iraq, based in Baghdad and Irbil, that are involved in training Iraqi troops and in fighting the Islamic State group. There has been no report from any member of the US-led coalition in Iraq about casualties among their forces. After the US drone strike that killed Soleimani last week, Italian news reports said Italy had transferred some troops from a Baghdad base to a more secure location. Italy's foreign ministry again urged European allies to work for dialogue, according to a statement. Syria The Syrian government is expressing full solidarity with Iran, saying Tehran has the right to defend itself "in the face of American threats and attacks." The foreign ministry said in a statement Wednesday that Syria holds the "American regime responsible for all the repercussions due to its reckless policy and arrogant mentality." Syria is Iran's strongest ally in the Arab world, and Tehran sent thousands of Iran-backed fighters to join President Bashar Assad's forces in the country's civil war. Slovenia Slovenia's defence ministry says its six soldiers stationed in northern Iraq with a German-led training mission will be evacuated after their base came under Iran's missile attack. The Slovenian ministry said Wednesday the soldiers were unhurt in the attack near Irbil as they were in the base's shelter during the strike. The ministry said the evacuation will be conducted "in cooperation with the German partners." It did not say where the soldiers will go. Turkey Turkey's foreign minister will visit Iraq on Thursday as part of diplomatic efforts to "alleviate the escalated tension" in the region, a ministry statement said. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also spoke with his Iranian counterpart Wednesday after Iran fired more than 20 missiles. Turkey has called for calm and expressed concern about regional security after the US drone strike. Turkey shares a border with Iran and Iraq and is engaged militarily in northern Iraq against Kurdish militants. Australia Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says all of his country's troops and diplomatic staff in Iraq are safe after Iran's firing of missiles at two military bases. Around 300 Australian defense personnel are stationed in Iraq. Morrison said he spoke with President Donald Trump about the situation between the US and Iran on Tuesday during a call about the wildfires raging in Australia. Sepaking to reporters, Morrison said in reference to the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani: The United States have taken the action that they have to address what has been intelligence that they say that they received, which was putting their interests at risks and under threat." New Zealand New Zealand's acting prime minister Winston Peters expressed concern over the escalation in hostilities between Iran and the US. Quoting Peter, Al Jazeera reported, "Now is the time for restraint and de-escalation, and for diplomacy to take over....the government has been informed that all New Zealand personnel are as safe as they can be in these developing circumstances." The NIA filed a chargesheet on Wednesday against 11 accused in connection with its probe in the "Ansarullah" terror module case of Tamil Nadu, the federal probe agency said. The prosecution complaint was filed before a special court in Chennai and the agency had pressed charges under the IPC (for criminal conspiracy) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against the accused, an NIA spokesperson said. The case pertained to an instance where the accused and their associates, while being in the UAE, "conspired and conducted religious classes with the objective of establishing Islamic rule in India through a violent jihad and by promoting unlawful activities", he added. Those named in the chargesheet are -- Hassan Ali, Harish Mohammed, Mohammed Ibrahim, Mohammed Sheik Maitheen, Meeran Ghani, Gulam Nabi Asath, Ahmed Azarudeen, Toufiq Ahmed, Mohamed Ibrahim, Mohammed Afzar and Farook. Hassan Ali and Harish Mohammed were arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from Tamil Nadu in July last year, while the rest were apprehended here after being deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A probe in the UAE and within the country "established that the accused had formed a pro-jihadi group or jamaat under the leadership of Mohammed Ibrahim in the UAE and organised meetings and classes at various places in the UAE and India on topics such as jihad and khilafat, besides against democracy in India," the NIA spokesperson said. The accused had an "intention of establishing Islamic rule in India through violent jihad and by promoting unlawful activities", he added. Hassan Ali, Harish Mohammed, Mohammed Ibrahim, Meeran Ghani and Ahmed Azarudeen "were associated with the proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS", the agency alleged. The NIA had also carried out raids in Tamil Nadu last year in connection with the "Ansarullah" terror module case. As the "criminal conspiracy" was hatched and a considerable part of these acts was committed in the UAE, the probe was continuing against the other accused -- Rafi Ahmed, Munthasir, Umar Barook, Moideen Seeni Shahul Hameed and Faizul Sharief (all deported from the UAE), besides Seyyed Mohammed Buhari and Divan Mujipeer, who were residing in Tamil Nadu -- the agency said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NCP chief Sharad Pawar will flag off and participate in the yatra being organised by the Rashtra Manch of former Union minister Yashwant Sinha against the new citizenship law, proposed NRC and NPR. The "Gandhi Shanti Yatra" will commence from the Gateway of India in south Mumbai on January 9 morning and will culminate at the 'Raj Ghat' in Delhi on January 30--the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The NCP made the announcement after Sinha, a former NDA minister, met Pawar in Mumbai on January 8. The yatra will pass through Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Harayana and Delhi and cover the distance of over 3,000 kms. "Sharad Pawar will flag off the yatra and also partake in it. NCP workers and office-bearers should take part in the yatra," Maharashtra minister and NCP's Mumbai unit chief Nawab Malik said in a statement. Pawar's NCP is a part of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, which also comprises the Shiv Sena and the Congress. Passing of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which proposes to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, had triggerred protests in many states. The proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) is also being opposed by many parties. Some states like Kerala and West Bengal are also against the National Population Register (NPR). NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemns Iran's missile attacks on US bases in Iraq. "I condemn the Iranian missile attacks on US & coalition forces in Iraq. NATO calls on Iran to refrain from further violence. Allies continue to consult & remain committed to our training mission in Iraq," he tweeted. As reported earlier, Iran has launched rocket attacks on US bases in Iraq in response to the assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad on January 3. WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Thycotic , provider of privileged access management (PAM) solutions for more than 10,000 organizations worldwide including 25 of the Fortune 100, today announced the release of its new book "Service Account Security For Dummies," available free electronically as well as in print. The new book provides IT professionals and business users with advice on how to plan and implement service account governance and day-to-day best practices, along with key criteria for managing these accounts with automated cybersecurity tools. "While service accounts exist everywhere in IT environments, they are typically managed manually with little oversight and no accountability," according to the book's author, Joseph Carson, chief security scientist at Thycotic. "That makes them a favorite target for cyber criminals and malicious insiders who can exploit them. Once compromised, they give cyber criminals the ability to move across IT systems and networks undetected, exposing a company's most sensitive data." Organizations with large Active Directory environments, large server farms, virtual environments and DevOps teams should be especially concerned about their service accounts, according to Carson. That's because service accounts become too numerous to be managed manually, he explained, which often leads to misconfigurations, inconsistent security, and default passwords that leave them vulnerable to easy compromise and exploitation. Written in the straightforward style that the Dummies book franchise is known for, the book helps guide IT professionals in: Understanding the role of service accounts and why they pose major risks Implementing critical best practices to control and secure service accounts Assuring success through automated governance Thycotic President and CEO James Legg noted that Service Account Security for Dummies is the latest in a wide range of free eBooks, white papers and tools Thycotic provides to IT professionals and business users at https://thycotic.com/solutions/free-it-tools/ . "Companies are spending billions of dollars on cybersecurity," Legg said, "but hackers, cyber criminals, and disgruntled employees continue breaching computer systems, stealing sensitive information, or disrupting services. By gaining better control of service account sprawl," he concluded, "organizations can significantly reduce their exposure and prevent breaches from happening in the first place." To download a copy of the Service Account Security for Dummies book, visit https://thycotic.com/resources/wiley-service-account-security-for-dummies/ . To learn more about Thycotic, please visit https://thycotic.com/ and follow Thycotic on Twitter at @Thycotic . About Thycotic Thycotic is the leading provider of cloud-ready privilege management solutions. Thycotic's security tools empower over 10,000 organizations, from small businesses to the Fortune 100, to limit privileged account risk, implement least privilege policies, control applications, and demonstrate compliance. Thycotic makes enterprise-level privilege management accessible for everyone by eliminating dependency on overly complex security tools and prioritizing productivity, flexibility and control. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Thycotic operates worldwide with offices in the UK and Australia. For more information, please visit www.thycotic.com . For further information, please contact: Steve Kahan Jacqueline Velasco Thycotic Lumina Communications T: 202-802-9399 T: 408-680-0564 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] SOURCE Thycotic Related Links http://www.thycotic.com The architects of the partys catastrophic failure in 2019 cannot be allowed to be the architects of the response. The next leadership team must turn us into an election-winning machine that uses the skills and talents of all our members and supporters to succeed. To win again we will need to beat the odds and I know how to win by building broad coalitions of support. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Columbia Grain International for exposing workers to grain-handling hazards after a worker was buried by corn and died in a North Dakota grain bin last summer. The agency is proposing $190,000 in penalties against the Portland, Oregon-based company after a worker died while cleaning a bin last July in Arvilla, in eastern North Dakota. OSHA inspectors determined that Columbia Grain failed to follow the agencys standards during grain bin entry and cleaning operations. The agency issued a citation for allowing employees to walk the grain and for not preventing contact with operating machine parts by locking out the bins conveyor system. Kevin John Anderson, 58, was cleaning a bin when he became buried under 15 feet (4.6 meters) of corn and died. The company has 15 business days to contest the findings. Columbia Grain did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics North Dakota The Portland school district is one step closer to placing a multimillion-dollar construction bond on the November ballot. The school board on Tuesday voted unanimously to have district staff develop a bond of at least $238 million to cover cost overruns from projects voters greenlit in 2017. The question now is which other schools the board will propose to extensively renovate with the 2020 bond. I think this is a really essential step forward for Portland Public Schools, said school board member Andrew Scott, who chairs the committee tasked with developing the bond. The $790 million in construction projects voters approved in 2017 have been plagued with questions over the districts cost estimates since the early goings. The bond called for extensive renovations of two high schools Madison and Benson and construction of a brand new Lincoln High and Kellogg Middle School. Less than a year after the measure passed but before work began on any of those buildings, the district found those projects would cost at least $100 million more than the district told voters. A California firm hired by the school board in 2018 to further audit those plans found total costs will top $1 billion. School board Vice Chair Julia Brim-Edwards told The Oregonian/OregonLive that she and her colleagues faced two choices: stick to the budget or deliver on the building plans that appeared on the ballot. We chose to build the schools that were promised to voters, she said. But at least some critics, including former school board member Steve Buel, have expressed reservations about the districts plans to push forward with a new bond when questions linger over the 2017 effort. This decades-long plan is important to the health of our children and educational system, Buel told the board, urging members to further explain how low-ball estimates ballooned into a nearly quarter-billion-dollar deficit. Scott, who was elected to the board in 2019 and spent nearly a decade as the City of Portlands chief budget officer, said a bond accountability committee is monitoring spending and that hes seen estimate validations improve. I think there are definitely issues that came out of the 2017 bond. One of the reasons I ran for the school board is because of those issues, he said. An overwhelming majority of voters in the district favor the concept of a school construction bond in 2020, given that it would not raise the property tax rate, according to a survey conducted by polling firm Anzalone Liszt Grove Research. Nearly three out of four respondents told the agency theyd support the effort, with 49% saying they strongly approve, according to a copy of the document obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Tuesdays vote marked the school board putting a stake in the ground, Brim-Edwards said. From here, district staff will develop the final price tag for a bond that will likely include major renovations for at least one more high school. Only Cleveland, Jefferson and Wilson have yet to be included in a large-scale rebuild. In 2012, district voters approved a $482 million construction bond to overhaul Roosevelt, Franklin and Grant high schools and Faubion K-8. A newly renovated Grant High opened its doors in August, marking the end of that spate of work. Kellogg was demolished in August of 2018 and construction crews erected the first walls of its new building last month. Much of the former Madison campus in Northeast Portland has also been demolished as that schools students attend classes at a spillover campus behind Eastport Plaza on Southeast 91st Avenue. And district officials broke ground at Lincoln in December. The November bond will share the ballot with a slew of other measures and several high-profile races including a presidential election and the Portland mayoral contest. Its going to be a crowded ballot, but I think its incumbent on us to pay it forward for the next generation of students who will benefit from much better facilities, Brim-Edwards said. Air India is rerouting its flights and that of its subsidiary, Air India Express that use the Iranian airspace. The decision was taken in light of escalating tension between Iran and the United States. According to an Air India spokesperson, this temporary arrangement will see flight times extend by up to 40 minutes. "In light of the tensions within the Iranian airspace a decision to temporarily reroute flights of Air India (AI) and Air India Express (AIX) overflying Iran has been taken. This may lead to increase in flying time by approximately 20 minutes for flights from Delhi and 30 to 40 minutes for flights from Mumbai," said Air India spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar. ALSO READ: Oil-linked stocks fall up to 4% amid Iran-US tensions ALSO READ: Iran-US tension: Govt issues advisory to Indians; asks people to avoid non-essential travel to Gulf On Wednesday morning, Iran launched missile strike on US military bases in Iraq on Wednesday in retaliation of the assassination of its top general Qasem Soleimani last week. Additionally, an Ukranian plane carrying 176 people crashed near Tehran shortly after take-off. Following these developments, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has cautioned Indian carriers to remain vigilant and take all precautions in airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf. The Ministry of External Affairs has also issued a travel advisory for India citizens following the prevalent tension in the Middle East. The ministry has asked Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Also, Indian nationals who are residing in Iraq have been advised to be alert and avoid travelling. "Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq," the MEA said. ALSO READ: 80 'American terrorists' killed in missile strikes in Iraq: Iran state media ALSO READ: Missile strikes in Iraq 'Slap in face' of US, says Iran's supreme leader Jimmy Kimmel started out last night's monologue by complaining how difficult it is to cancel a subscription to an app on the iPhone. He's right. There should be a menu option accessible from every subscription app that lets you cancel on the spot. He moves on to talking about Arizona GOP Rep. Paul Gosar, a singularly unsavory Trump Chump who recently tweeted a realistic photo of Obama and the president of Iran together, even though the two never met. When he got called out for posting the fraudulent photo without disclosing it was fake, he had a peevish hissy fit about his right to artistic expression. Here's Kimmel's take on Gosar (transcript courtesy The Daily Beast): In response to the many reporters and others on Twitter who pointed out the error, Gosar tweeted, "No one said this wasn't Photoshopped. No one said the president of Iran was dead. No one said Obama met with Rouhani in person." "Well, OK then!" Kimmel shot back "'No one said this wasn't Photoshopped?' Is that the standard now? You can post whatever you want and leave it to us to figure out if it's Photoshopped? Because if that's the case I have a photo of Paul Gosar being spanked by Jared from Subway that I would like a lot of people to see." Then Kimmel shared another "real photo" of President Donald Trump "happily shaking tiny hands with the guy who ordered the murder of a reporter for the Washington Post." He helpfully added, "That is not Photoshopped." Image: Tonight Show Just as the Albuquerque Public Schools, Central New Mexico Community College and the University of New Mexico all have their own foundations to support those entities, the city of Albuquerque now has its own foundation with the formal launching of the One Albuquerque Fund. At a Tuesday news conference at the Wine.Dive. restaurant Downtown, attended by city officials and representatives of the business community, Mayor Tim Keller said this is the best way for the city to partner with businesses, individuals, nonprofits and foundations, because were all in this together as One Albuquerque. The fund, he said, allows the city to better facilitate public-private partnerships to deal with some of our biggest issues. The foundations board of directors has identified four areas that it initially wants to provide additional funding, Keller said. These are police recruitment, job training, and homeless and youth initiatives. He noted that since word got out that the city had created the One Albuquerque Fund, private donations immediately began coming in. The fund already has $200,000, he said, and on Tuesday the foundation presented checks of $5,000 in support of police recruitment, and $20,000 to provide additional housing vouchers for the homeless. Foundation president Charles Ashley III, said that none of the money currently in the fund came from diverting money from existing city programs. In addition, the foundation will be fully transparent and the names of donors will be listed on the One Albuquerque Fund website at http://oneabq.extravertedexplorer.com/oneabqhome.php. That list had not been posted as of Tuesday. Gilbert Ramirez, deputy director of the citys health and behavioral health programs, noted that the community is still trying to rebuild services that were lost in 2013 when the state Human Services Department shut down 15 behavioral health providers because of alleged Medicaid fraud allegations that proved to be false. As a result, we lost some vital services in our community for that continuum of care and we have been trying to rebuild the services we need in that area, Ramirez said. The city has been a huge stakeholder in investing in that. He also said that those services are important to the homeless, because many of them have mental health issues. David Romo, head of recruiting for the Albuquerque Police Department, said the department is struggling to get qualified candidates. It has sought applicants from around New Mexico and is now recruiting in Michigan, Texas, Colorado, Miami and California. The One Albuquerque Fund will help in that effort to let potential recruits know that APD offers competitive salaries in a city that has a very affordable cost of living. Cristin Chavez-Smith, who heads up childrens programs for the citys Family and Community Services Department, said the new funds will help make current programs bigger and better and aid in creating new, innovative programs with community partners. The new funds will also allow the city to respond to the small business community, which has been saying for years that it needs resources to support training for small businesses and workforce development, said Synthia Jaramillo, director of the citys Economic Development Department. To fill that gap, she said, the new Job Training Albuquerque program will officially launch on Thursday, and will be available to companies that probably would not qualify for job training incentives offered at the state level. We welcome suggestions for the daily Bright Spot. Send to newsroom@abqjournal.com. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 13:46:17|Editor: zyl Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's vehicle production increased by 2 percent in 2019, reaching 2.94 million units, the country's Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea) announced on Tuesday. However, the figure, marking the third consecutive annual rise, is still below the 2013 record of 3.7 million units. Meanwhile, vehicle exports fell 31.9 percent as Argentina, the main importer of Brazilian vehicles, is struggling in an economic crisis. "The impact of the Argentinian crisis is significant," said Anfavea President Luiz Carlos Moraes. Last week, car dealership association Fenabrave announced that sales of new vehicles in Brazil rose 8.7 percent last year from 2018. Employment in the automotive sector fell 3.7 percent to 125,600 in 2019, Anfavea said. The decrease was attributed to both the fall in exports, which led manufacturers to adjust the production, and to the closure of a large Ford plant in Sao Paulo state. For 2020, Anfavea forecasted a rise of 7.3 percent in production and 9.4 percent in vehicle sales. However, the country's vehicle exports are expected to decrease by 11 percent as there is still no end in sight for the Argentinian crisis. Now that the 2019-20 school year is well underway, I wanted to take an opportunity to update the Norwalk community on the positive changes that are taking place in the way our schools are funded. Two years ago, as part of a bipartisan effort, I led a redesign of the Education Cost Sharing Formula, or ECS as it is known, in the State Legislature. The goal was to make a more transparent and fair system to distribute over $2 billion in municipal education aid each year. The way we had funded public education in Connecticut over the last 30 years had become outdated, dysfunctional and unfair. The funding was not being distributed based on how many students were enrolled in a district or an accurate measure of a communitys ability to cover costs. These outdated calculations over time had become obsolete and supported conditions that had favored one community over another. After years of public studies and lawsuits, Connecticut could no longer allow communities that required more resources struggle to meet the needs of their students. The new ECS funding formula does several things to address the changing community landscapes and economic realities of our state, while serving students, in places like Norwalk, more fairly. The first common sense thing we did when creating this system was to count every child enrolled in district public schools, and allot a base amount to each community to cover these costs. The second thing we prioritized was providing more funding for students who live in poverty and communities with concentrated low income populations. We measured this using public assistance data like free and reduced price lunch eligibility and a communities income tax levels. We also added additional resources specifically for English Language Learners (ELL) students, to account for the extra costs of supporting their needs as they acclimate to our communities. And finally, we made the formula more equitable by adjusting the balance between property values and income levels in the way we measure a towns wealth and municipal aid needs. When the state budget that included the new ECS funding formula was approved in the fall of 2017, we recognized that changes this big could not take place overnight. In 2019, we have started to implement this plan, and expect it to be fully executed by 2028. So, what does this mean for Norwalk? This school year, Norwalk schools will receive $11.4 million in state aid. Each year, based on the estimated enrollment increases and additional ELL and low income students, Norwalk will receive significantly more resources year over year, and this number could go up based on any additional increases in student population. By the 2024 school year, based on current enrollment, Norwalk will take in $14.1 million in education funding from the state and by 2028, that number will climb to $16.3 million, for a total of an additional nearly $5 million each year in education funding after 10 years, or an increase of 43 percent. Creating a new ECS formula was half the work, and now making sure it is implemented with sincerity and diligence will be key to making the plan a success. For my part, I will continue to speak out on the importance of transparency and fairness, as well as monitor the resources that we expect as a community here for Norwalk schools. Additionally, we hope to add on to our 2017 efforts by ensuring all public schools in our state and in Norwalk, such as magnet, technical, vocational agriculture and public non-profit charter, will be included in the current ECS formula in the very near future, so they too get the resources their students need. Norwalk public schools are some of our states most excellent and diverse. We are proud of our students and staff, and we know that in order to meet their needs, we must invest in them. As a leader in the General Assembly, I take pride in what we have done to improve the way we fund public education, and I am looking forward to returning to Hartford this winter to continue this work. State Sen. Bob Duff is the Senate Majority Leader. His district encompasses Norwalk and Darien. NEW DELHI Commercial airlines are rerouting flights throughout the Middle East to avoid potential danger during heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. Jumbled schedules could affect as many as 15,000 passengers per day, lengthen flight times by an average of 30 to 90 minutes, and severely bruise the bottom line for airlines, industry analysts said. There is anxiety that the conflict between the longtime foes could intensify following Iranian ballistic missile strikes Wednesday on two Iraqi bases that house U.S. troops. The attacks were retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike near Baghdad last week. In a war situation, the first casualty is always air transport, said Dubai-based aviation consult Mark Martin, pointing to airline bankruptcies during the Persian Gulf and Yugoslav wars. At least 500 commercial flights travel through Iranian and Iraqi airspace daily, Martin said. A Ukrainian passenger jet crashed shortly after taking off from Irans capital Wednesday killing 167 passengers and nine crew members just hours after Irans ballistic missile attack, but Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue brought down the 3-year-old Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Ukrainian officials initially agreed, but later backed away and declined to offer a cause while the investigation is ongoing. Still, at least two Kazakh airlines Air Astana and SCAT were considering rerouting or canceling their flights over Iran following the crash, which killed all 176 passengers. Polands national carrier, PLL LOT, said Saturday that it was changing routes to bypass Irans airspace. A suite of other European carriers followed on Wednesday, and the restrictions were expected to further depress air travel between Iran and Western Europe, which saw strong growth after the Iran nuclear deal but a sharp dive when President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement and reimposed sanctions, according to the Sydney-based Center for Aviation consultancy. Air France and Dutch carrier KLM both said Wednesday that they had suspended all flights over Iranian and Iraqi airspace indefinitely. German airline Lufthansa and two of its subsidiaries also canceled flights to Iraq. The Russian aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, issued an official recommendation for all Russian airlines to avoid flying over Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman due to existing risks for the safety of international civil flights. Russias biggest private airline, S7, said it would reroute its twice-a-week flight from the Siberian city of Novosibirsk to Dubai. Asia-Pacific carriers, which operate many of the worlds long-haul flights, were also expected to be hit hard by the ad hoc no-fly zone over Iran, Martin said. Australian carrier Qantas said it was altering its London to Perth, Australia, route to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice. The longer route meant that Qantas would have to carry fewer passengers and more fuel to remain in the air for an extra 40 to 50 minutes. Malaysia Airlines said that due to recent events, its planes would avoid Iranian airspace. Singapore Airlines also said that its flights to Europe would be re-routed to avoid Iran. Indias Directorate General of Civil Aviation advised Indian commercial carriers to avoid Iranian, Iraqi and Persian Gulf airspace. In light of the tensions within the Iranian airspace a decision to temporarily reroute flights of Air India and Air India Express overflying Iran has been taken, said Air India spokesman Dhananjay Kumar. Travel times will increase by as much as 40 minutes for flights in the region, the airline said. Buta Airways, an Azerbaijani low-cost carrier, said Wednesday that it was not planning to suspend or reroute daily flights between Baku, the countrys capital, and Tehran. In North America, Air Canada rerouted its flight from Toronto to Dubai through Egypt and Saudi Arabia to avoid traveling over Iraq. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said it was barring American pilots and carriers from flying in areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace. The agency warned of the potential for miscalculation or mis-identification for civilian aircraft amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Such restrictions are often precautionary in nature to prevent civilian aircraft from being confused for ones engaged in armed conflict. The FAA said the restrictions were being issued due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations. In the Middle East, United Arab Emirates-owned budget airline flydubai said it had canceled a scheduled flight Wednesday from Dubai to Baghdad but was continuing flights to Basra and Najaf. Etihad Airways, the second-largest airline in the UAE, continued to operate on a regular schedule, but asked travelers who want to change flights to contact the carrier. Emirates airline flights between Dubai and Baghdad were canceled. The safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority and will not be compromised, Emirates said in a statement. Qatar Airways, however, said its flights to Iraq were operating normally. The safety of our passengers and employees is of the highest importance, and we continue to closely monitor developments in Iraq, the airline said in a statement. ___ Associated Press writers Daria Litvinova in Moscow; Angela Charlton in Paris; Monika Scislowska in Warsaw, Poland; Rod McGuirk in Canberra, Australia; Frank Jordans in Berlin and Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, contributed to this report. A man is detained by riot police during a demonstration in a shopping mall in Hong Kong on Dec. 28, 2019.(Photo by Anthony Kwan/Getty Images) US Commission Urges Sanctions for Chinese Regimes Rights Abuses A U.S. congressional commission led by bipartisan lawmakers has called on the Trump administration to sanction Chinese officials involved in human rights atrocities. It also urged the United States to incorporate rights concerns in all interactions with the Chinese regime, including in trade discussions. The recommendations formed part of an annual human rights report by the Congressional-Executive Commission (CECC) on China, released on Jan. 8. It found that human rights and the rule of law in China continued to worsen in 2019. Rising authoritarianism in China is one of the most important challenges of the 21st century, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), CECC chair, said at a press briefing on the report in Washington on Wednesday. The 323-page report called for strong action and a whole-of-government response to counter the regimes abuses, which includes its sustained suppression of faith groupssuch as Falun Gong practitioners, Christians, and Uyghur Muslimsand labor activists; its expansion of high-tech surveillance for social control; and its political influence and censorship campaigns overseas. For the past few decades, the Chinese regime has expanded a costly and elaborate authoritarian system designed to intimidate, censor, and even imprison Chinese citizens for exercising their fundamental human rights, the report said. People want freedom in China, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), CECC commissioner, told NTD, an affiliate of The Epoch Times, on Wednesday. They deserve freedom. They deserve privacy. And they deserve to be able to practicewhether it be Falun Gong or Christianity or Tibetan Buddhism or Muslimstheir faith. The commission recommended that the administration develop talking points for U.S. officials who engage with China, including trade representatives, that consistently link freedoms of press, speech, and association to U.S. and Chinese interests. Every delegation that comes here, every interface with anybody in the Chinese government human rights has to be on the tip of the tongue, Smith said. The report called for sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses under the Global Magnitsky Act. The federal legislation authorizes the U.S. government to punish foreign violators of human rights by freezing their U.S.-based assets and barring their entry into the country. Last year, the United States enacted, with overwhelming support from both houses of Congress, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which included provisions paving the way for sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials responsible for rights abuses in the city. Versions of a human rights bill targeting officials for atrocities committed against Muslim minorities in the northwest region of Xinjiang also passed the House and the Senate last year. McGovern said he expected a compromise bill will progress hopefully soon in both houses, and that he expected President Donald Trump to sign it. The commission also recommended restricting access to U.S. capital markets for Chinese companies that provide support or technical capabilities that facilitate the Chinese regimes human rights abuses. To counter the Chinese regimes influence in the United States, the USCC said the administration should heighten scrutiny of its influence operations and expand information-gathering on agents of Beijing. At the same time, such a strategy needs to avoid fostering an atmosphere of unfair suspicion of Chinese-Americans who are often targets of coercive political influence operations, the report noted. Congress should also require U.S. universities, think tanks, and other non-governmental organizations to report gifts or contributions that exceed $10,000 from foreign sources, the report said. In response to the regimes growing digital authoritarianism, the report said the United States should lead a global effort to develop a set of principles to ensure artificial intelligence development does not infringe on human rights, including the right to privacy. The administration should also expand global alliances to advance human rights with like-minded countries and organizations, the CECC said. For example, it could coordinate responses when the Chinese government uses international bodies to undermine human rights norms and closes off discussion of its failures to uphold its international obligations. Australian officials issued fresh evacuation warnings Wednesday ahead of a forecast spike in the intensity of out-of-control bushfires that have devastated vast swathes of countryside and sent smoke clouds as far away as Brazil. Residents of Victoria state's fire-ravaged east were urged to leave before another heatwave raises the bushfire danger Friday, while in South Australia state authorities began relocating people from a small community on Kangaroo Island. "Leave, and leave early," Victoria police minister Lisa Neville urged those in the danger zone. "Everything we've done in terms of... issuing warnings has been about saving lives, and today I'm asking people to continue to heed the messages that we are giving." The catastrophic bushfires have been fuelled by a crippling drought that has turned forests to tinder and exacerbated by climate change, which scientists say is increasing the length and intensity of Australia's fire season. Authorities on Wednesday confirmed that a fourth firefighter had died while battling the blazes, bringing the overall death toll to 26 people. More than 2,000 homes have been destroyed since the crisis began in September and some eight million hectares (80,000 square kilometres) has been burned, an area the size of Ireland or South Carolina. University of Sydney scientists estimate one billion animals have been killed in the fires. The figure includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not frogs, insects or invertebrates. Smoke from the fires has been spotted more than 12,000 kilometres (7,400 miles) away in Brazil and Argentina, weather authorities in the South American countries said. Despite days of cooler weather and rainfall in parts of the country's east, dozens of areas continue to burn out of control, and Australians are bracing for yet another heatwave that could spark fresh fires. The country experienced its driest and hottest year on record in 2019, with its highest average maximum temperature of 41.9 degrees Celsius (107.4 degrees Fahrenheit) recorded in mid-December. Each time the mercury has risen in recent months, the risk of deadly blazes has also soared. Unprecedented in scale even in bushfire-prone Australia, the fires have shocked the world and prompted an outpouring of support from celebrities, athletes and leaders around the globe. Authorities warn the disaster still has weeks or months to run. Residents have begun returning to fire-raved towns to assess damage, but the cost of the disaster was still unclear. The Insurance Council of Australia says claims worth Australian dollar 700 million (USD 485 million) had already been filed and the figure was expected to climb significantly. The government has earmarked an initial Australian dollar 2 billion (USD 1.4 billion) for a national recovery fund to help devastated communities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) LANSING, MI -- Lottery players in Michigan turned up in record numbers in 2019 and in turn may feel a little better about their losing sessions as the Michigan State Lottery reported Wednesday a record $1.07 billion was generated for Michigan schools last year. That money will now be given to the state school aid fund. This vital funding for our schools would not be possible without the support of our players and retailers, which we greatly appreciate, said Commissioner Brian O. Neill. Every Lottery purchase helps raise revenue for schools in our state. Not only was the total a record, but the Lottery generated nearly $129 million more in 2019 than it did in 2018, marking the largest increase in the 47-year history of the state lottery. 2019 marked the fifth consecutive year lottery revenues have increased and completes a 44 percent jump overall from fiscal year 2014. Lottery officials said more than $3.9 billion is sales were registered in 2019 and $2.3 billion in prizes were awarded to players. Another $287 million in commissions were awarded to retailers in the state who sold large prizes. Our 2019 performance reflects the incredible work done by the retailers, vendors, and the exceptionally dedicated teams that make this organization a success, Neill said. For every dollar spent on lottery by players in the state, 67 cents goes to prizes, 27 cents go to the state school aid fund, 9 cents goes to vendors and 3 cents help pay for administrative costs and operations. By AFP JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Wednesday that Israel would strike a "resounding blow" if attacked by arch foe Iran, as regional tensions soar after the US killing of a top Iranian general. "Anyone who attacks us will receive a resounding blow," the premier told a Jerusalem conference after Iran launched a salvo of retaliatory missile strikes on bases used by US troops in Iraq. Netanyahu has described the target of last week's US drone strike -- Major General Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards foreign operations arm -- as a "terrorist-in-chief". "Qasem Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of countless innocent people, he destabilised many countries for decades, he sowed fear and misery and anguish and he was planning much worse," Netanyahu said. "He was the architect and driver of Iran's campaign of terror throughout the Middle East and the world." The Israeli premier praised US President Donald Trump for "acting swiftly, boldly, and resolutely" in killing Soleimani in the Iraqi capital Baghdad. The drone strike has put the United States and key allies on alert for Tehran's response to the killing. A senior Iranian official on Monday warned the Israeli cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv would be turned "to dust", if Washington carried out further military action in response to its retaliatory moves. Mumbai: Kiara Advani has shared moments from `Laxmmi Bomb` shoot with fans and followers. The actor took to Instagram to share glimpses from different activities like song shoot to quick shopping between shoots. The film also stars Akshay Kumar in a leading role where the actor will be seen playing the role of Laxmmi where Kiara plays his love interest Amisha. Kiara has shared three stories on Instagram since Monday night-- one of which is a short clip of the preparation phase for a shoot in what looks like a desert. In another post, Kiara can be seen stealing time in between shoots to shop with her girlfriends. The actor`s latest release `Good Newwz` has done well and entered the 100 crore club recently. After completing `Indoo Ki Jawani`, the actor is now busy with filming two other 2020 releases -- `Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2` and `Shershaah` apart from `Laxmmi Bomb` which is scheduled to release in May this year. The United States is far from the only foreign nation that will ultimately have a decision to make about its military forces stationed in Iraq. Several other countries with troops in the country are weighing their options in the wake of President Trump's decision to kill Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani in an airstrike in Iraq last week, ratcheting up tensions between Washington and Tehran. Canada, for one, is temporarily packing things and will wait nearby while things either boil over or cool down. In a letter, Gen. Jonathan Vance, chief of Canada's Defence Staff, said troops will for now move from Iraq to Kuwait "to ensure their safety and security." Canadian Forces: "In response to the events of late" we've "temporarily paused our efforts in Iraq" and "some of our people will be moved temporarily from Iraq to Kuwait...to ensure their safety and security." https://t.co/YfZXhj9jWG Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) January 7, 2020 The United Kingdom, meanwhile, apparently wants to remain in Iraq, but will respect Baghdad's sovereignty if asked to leave. They've sent a team to help prepare for a possible evacuation. Other European countries have already begun to withdraw at least a small number of forces. European reactions to Iraqi calls to leave the country - Romania, Croatia withdrew soldiers - Slovenia relocated its soldiers to Erbil - Germany, Italy and Britain have already removed some of their troops - About 400 British troops are stationed in Iraq, while the US has 5,200 Mehmet Solmaz (@MhmtSlmz) January 7, 2020 As for the U.S.'s closest ally in the Middle East? Israel is reportedly staying out of it for now, but some Israeli military experts worry that a possible American withdrawal from Iraq could eventually lead to a war along Israel's northern border. More stories from theweek.com Joe Biden's free ride is over Iran has offered Trump an 'off-ramp' from war, and there's growing speculation he might take it Iranian presidential adviser warns Trump about listening 'to that clown, Pompeo' The oil price rally got a big boost last week with the assassination of the Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Will that be enough for prices to continue increasing or will they flatten and decline in coming weeks? Markets are presently engaged in fear premium price discovery. So far, the fear premium is modest. At this writing, WTI is $63.56, $0.51 higher than its close of $63.71 on Friday; Brent is $0.71 higher at $69.31. WTI prices have increased 21% since early October (Figure 1) exceeding the $62 level of the September Saudi refinery attacks. Figure 1. WTI price exceeded level of September 2018 Saudi refinery attack on January 3, 2019. Source: Quandl and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. Previous 2019 rallies reached similar levels before failing. That is because they were based mostly on expectations of supply constraints and not on actual market tightness. When the reason for that expectation disappeared, prices fell. The latest rally probably represents more of the same. It has required more substance to continue than previous surges. Markets are wary and needed something more tangible than possibility. In late November, a new OPEC+ production cut and a U.S. China trade pact provided the jab and the cross within days of each other. Just as the rally was losing momentum again, it got another boost when a U.S. drone killed Qassem Soleimani on January 3. The specter of war pushed WTI prices to a 9-month high. There are two reasons why Soleimanis death will probably not be enough to sustain the price rally for long unless open conflict with Iran occurs. Related: OPEC Oil Production Falls As Laggards Begin To Comply The first reason is implied volatility. Volatility is the degree of daily price variation, not the level of prices themselves. Implied volatility and oil price ordinarily correlate negatively: high volatility signals lower oil prices and conversely, low volatility characterizes periods of price increase. There are exceptions to this empirical observation. Figure 2 shows implied oil-price volatility since 2000. The greatest volatility responses were from the 2008-2009 Financial Collapse, the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011, the oil-price collapse of 2014-2015 and the attack on Saudi oil refineries in September of last year. Last weeks volatility was much less significant than those. It was also less significant than most smaller spikes over the last decade. Figure 2. Oil-price volatility accompanying the Soleimani assassination was subdued compared to other volatility events since 2000. Source: EIA, Quandl and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. Brent front-month price increased +$2.35 to $68.60 on January 3 when the assassination was announced but it had fallen -$1.91 to $66.25 the week before (Figure 3). The 3-month price rally may have been losing momentum. Soleimanis death merely adjusted the rally back to its earlier trajectory. Figure 3. Brent front-month price increased +$2.35 to $68.60 on January 3 but it had fallen -$1.91 to $66.25 before Soleimanis assassination. This suggests that the 3-month price rally may have been losing momentum. Source: EIA and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. The second reason why this event may not have lasting effect on oil prices is that the resulting fear premium has been relatively small so far. The latest price increase indicates only about a $2.50 WTI and $3.50 Brent fear premium based on comparative inventory data. Comparative inventory (C.I.) vs WTI spot price for December plots on the blue yield curve for 2015 through 2019 (Figure 4). This indicates that WTI should be approximately $61/barrel at that inventory level. The January 3 futures closing price of $63.04 was, therefore, only about $2.00-$2.50 over-valued. Figure 4. WTI $63 front-month price includes about $2.00 fear premium based on the blue 2015-2019 comparative inventory yield curve. Source: EIA and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. The relatively flat slope to the yield curve reflects a low sense of supply urgency by oil markets. This is consistent with the limited price response a few months ago to attacks on Saudi oil refineries. That had an immediate effect on physical oil supply. There is no reason to expect that the more abstract potential for future supply loss from this event should have more effect on oil prices. Related: The Hottest Permian Takeover Targets For 2020 Low fear premium and price volatility suggest that markets probably do not consider Soleimanis assassination a substantive cause for more than a temporary spike in oil prices. And then theres the Trump factor. The American presidents quarrel with Iran has been a key component in the three major oil-price rallies of 2019 and 2020. His threat to block Iranian oil exports was the main reason for the April to October 2018 price increase (Figure 5). When he reneged and granted waivers, oil prices collapsed. The catastrophic investor losses because of this head-fake cannot be understated. Trumps mood swings add uncertainty to an already risky market and are one of the main reasons that investment money has been on the side lines for oil. Figure 5. U.S. Iran tensions have been a factor in the price rallies of 2019 and 2020. Source: Quandl and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. Last weeks assassination of Soleimani marks the third time in less than two years that the Trump administrations policy toward Iran has been a key factor in oil price rallies and failures. Markets have learned painfully that the American presidents bluster has faded in the fact of conflict. Conflict might break out and, if it does, prices will surge. It is more likely that markets will revert to the proverb: Fool me once, shame on thee; fool me twice, shame on me. Were beyond twice. By Art Berman for Oilprice.com More Top Reads from Oilprice.com: The Mall at Whitney Field in Leominster was sold in December to a retail real estate company based in Georgia for $16 million, according to the Worcester Northern District Registry of Deeds. Property records show that Hull Property Group, based out of Augusta, Georgia, completed the purchase of 100 Commercial Street in Leominster on Dec. 24. Hull Property Group paid $14.4 million for the 744,000-square-foot mall, and $1.6 million for personal property, according to deed records. Hull Property Group owns dozens of malls across the south, mid-Atlantic and Midwest. The purchase of the Mall at Whitney Field is the companys first in New England, according to the groups website. The Mall at Whitney Field in Leominster opened in 1967 as the Searstown Mall and has faced the loss of a detached Toys "R" Us and the announcement that the malls Sears would close as well. On Tuesday, Macys announced it will close its store within the mall within three months. Macys is one of nearly 70 stores listed on the malls directory. In a statement to the Telegram and Gazette, Hull Property Groups Justin Smith said: This offering represented an exceptional opportunity to own all of The Mall at Whitney Fields anchor tenants, including a high-volume Market Basket. As Australia is grappling with bushfires that have resulted in death of millions of animals while families are forced to flee homes. To help the distressed victims, a Sikh woman cancelled her first trip to India in 10 years too cook meals for them. Sukhwinder Kaur, 35, from Melbourne, had scheduled a trip back to her home town to visit her sister who is in a coma after she suffered a stroke. However, she changed her mind and decided to stay in Australia to cook more than 1,000 meals per day for families forced to flee homes after fires ravaged East Gippsland. According to a report in Daily Mail, Kaur has been camping at Bairnsdale Oval since New Year's Eve to help the community who she now regards as her 'family'. She starts her day at dawn and ends at 11pm. I realised my first duty is towards the community here where I have lived for so long. If I had left the people here during such a difficult time, I don't think I could call myself a good human being, she told SBS Punjabi. This is my family too and I have a responsibility towards it. I just can't go while my family is suffering. Initially, we had up to a hundred people coming to our food van but in the last three-four days, there are many more people who have been evacuated from their homes are coming to have a meal. So, these days, we are preparing up to a thousand meals every day, she said. The kitchen team comprises four people. Her room is located right next to the kitchen where she sleeps. Kaur has taken leave from job at Australia Post and has been camping at Bairnsdale Oval since the night of 30th December where the authorities have created temporary relief shelters for the evacuees. The deadly bushfires in Australia have burnt more than five million hectares, devouring 1,400 homes and killing nearly half a billion animals. I wanted to go to India to see my elder sister who is in a coma after she had a stroke. But then this happened and I realised my first duty is towards the community here where I have lived for so long. If I had left the people here during such a difficult time, I dont think I could call myself a good human being, she said. She feels she is incredibly lucky to be able to do what she does. ADFEST is now inviting post-secondary students in the Asia Pacific and Middle East to crack the brief for its first-ever Lotus Seeds program, powered by McCann Worldgroup in partnership with Coca-Cola. A jury consisting of McCanns top regional creatives, plus key Coca-Cola clients, will select 10 finalists who will travel to ADFEST 2020 to take part in a full-day mentoring program, hosted by McCann Worldgroup, followed by an exclusive Q&A session with the Coca-Cola client. McCann will cover travel and accommodation expenses for the 10 Lotus Seeds finalists attending ADFEST 2020, which runs from 18th to 21st March at PEACH (Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall) in Thailand. The brief is: to inspire Asian youth to drink coke and bring to life the power of Coca-Colas promise positively uplifting people, bringing them together. Were challenging students to express the power of Coca-Colas promise in a new, relevant way that makes the next generation of drinkers the younger, more cynical consumers understand and connect with Coca-Colas promise and ultimately give Coca-Cola a try, explains Steve Llewellyn, Creative Excellence Head of Design, Coca-Cola Greater China. From today until 31st January, students can submit their entries online. ADFESTs vision for the Lotus Seeds program is to unearth and nurture the next generation of creative leaders by giving students the opportunity to work with iconic brands and agencies. To be selected as a finalist, we encourage you to think big and iconic and research, research, research. You need to really understand your audience if youre going to nail your insight. The medium is up to you, but your idea needs to get the next generation of drinkers excited and talking about the power of Coca-Colas uplifting positive energy. If your idea feels like the kind-of-thing youd hear about on Reddit, then you are on the right track, says Alex Lubar, President, McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific. On Day 4 of ADFEST 2020 (21st March), all Lotus Seeds finalists will present their ideas on stage individually. The top three winners, as judged by McCann and Coca-Cola, will win a Lotus Seeds awards certificate at the ADFEST Lotus Awards. TARGET MARKET McCann and Coca-Cola are looking for ideas that will appeal to 18-24 year-olds who dont watch much TV, are skeptical about marketing claims, dont currently buy Coca-Cola, and didnt grow up with the values and promise of Coca-Cola. They seek experiences and brands that are real and authentic, and favor brands that add value and make a positive a positive impact on them and their world. ELIGIBILITY To take part in the Lotus Seeds program, you must be a post-secondary level student (design school, college, university or equivalent) currently enrolled in academic institutions in Asia Pacific or Middle East region only. There is no restriction on age limit or academic faculty, and the fee is THB1,000 (approx. USD$33) per entry. Students must enter as individuals, not as part of a team. The deadline for submissions is 31st January, and finalists will be announced in mid-February. To enter, download the brief here or contact LotusSeeds@ADFEST.com for more information. URBANA, Ill. - Affirmative action policies (AAP) such as quota systems based on racial or socio-economic criteria are often recommended as a way to increase enrollment of underrepresented students in higher education. But those policies can be controversial and their results are sometimes questioned. A new study from the University of Illinois looks at comprehensive data from Brazilian universities to understand the effect of AAPs on minority enrollments. In the United States, universities are not required to disclose their affirmative action criteria, which makes it difficult to evaluate their effectiveness. However, in Brazil, such data are publicly available. "We are looking at whether those programs were effective in their goals, which was to increase the enrollment of underrepresented students," says Mary Arends-Kuenning, associate professor of agricultural and consumer economics at the U of I, and co-author of the study, published in the Economics of Education Review. The researchers found that the policies do work as intended. "We show that these quotas worked towards their goals. They did increase enrollment of students from the groups that they were supposed to. There were more students from poor backgrounds and from public high schools; there were more black students and more under-represented students." Arends-Kuenning and co-author Renato Schwambach Vieira, a recent graduate of the U of I Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, also looked at whether quotas based on socio-economic criteria can be used as a substitute for race-based criteria. The study was part of Vieira's doctoral dissertation. "Racial quotas can be very controversial. Sometimes people argue you could get similar effects by having a quota based on socio-economic status," Vieira says. However, the study found that was not the case. "If you want to achieve racial equality, you can't have quotas that are based on socio-economic background; that did not work to increase the number of black or brown students in Brazil," he notes. Arends-Kuenning explains that Brazil historically has been one of the most unequal societies in the world. Large socio-economic and racial inequalities remain, in part due to gaps in educational opportunities. To counteract those gaps, Brazil implemented a National Law of Quotas in 2012, requiring half of undergraduate positions to be reserved for students from underrepresented groups. However, many Brazilian universities already started implementing either race-based or socio-economic AAPs in the early 2000. This made it possible to compare schools with different types of AAPs in the study, while schools with no such policy could serve as a control group. "Between 2004 and 2010, 34 out of 49 federal universities adopted some type of AAP. Twenty universities adopted race-neutral policies and 14 adopted race-targeted AAPs," the researchers explain in their paper. The study examined AAPs and enrollment from 2004 to 2012, analyzing data from a national entrance exam that all freshmen are required to take. That exam also contains a section on socioeconomic characteristics and racial affiliation, based on students' self-identification. The study included data from 163,889 freshmen enrolled in more than 1,000 academic programs at 48 different federal universities. The researchers analyzed the effect of AAPs in relation to four student demographics: race, gender, socio-economic background, and whether the student attended public or private secondary school. The result showed significant increases in enrollment of students from disadvantaged groups; specifically, increases of 9.8% for black and mixed-race students, 10.7% for public high school students, and 14.9% for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. There was no difference for gender, which was not a target criterion for any of the policies. The researchers found that both types of AAPs increased enrollment of lower socioeconomic groups, but only the race-targeted criteria increased enrollment of blacks and mixed-race students. They also looked at whether the results were associated with certain types of programs. Arends-Kuenning says one might suspect that schools that were reluctant about quotas would implement them only for less competitive programs, but the results debunked that assumption. "We find strongly that the quotas are more effective in the most competitive programs," she says. "You might think that schools would focus on certain programs and channel the underrepresented students to easier programs, but we found that wasn't happening. In the most competitive programs, we find bigger effects." Arends-Kuenning says future research might look beyond student enrollment effects. "That could include looking closely issues of performance and drop-out rates; how well these students did while they were in school. It will also be interesting to look at how they do after they graduate. The quotas have been in place long enough to do that," she says. ### The article, "Affirmative action in Brazilian universities: Effects on the enrollment of targeted groups" is published in Economics of Education Review. Authors include Renato Schwambach Vieira and Mary Arends-Kuenning, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois. A top commander in Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network said Wednesday it was time for an "Iraqi response" to a US drone strike that killed the network's deputy chief. "That response will be no less than the size of the Iranian response. That is a promise," Qais al-Khazali, a hardline Hashed commander, threatened in a tweet. Iran launched missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops early Wednesday in retaliation for last week's US drone strike that killed senior Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) For generations, Houston has been known as a one-theater town, a reference to the Alley Theatre, founded by Nina Vance in 1949. No other company, save the musical-producing Theatre Under the Stars, has come close to reaching the Alleys size and reputation. Stages is trying to change that paradigm. On Jan.18, it will open The Gordy, a $35 million, 66,825-square-foot theater across the street from its old home near Allen Parkway. The opening of the sleek, industrial building symbolizes a new achievement for the local arts scene Stages has become the first theater to break through Houstons seemingly impenetrable mid-tier ceiling. Ultimately, it will create a different arts community for Houston, managing director Mark Folkes said of the new building. We now have fully resourced companies at all economic levels in a way that we didnt before. Five years ago, Stages then known as Stages Repertory Theatre had a budget of just over $2 million compared with the Alley Theatres 2017 budget of $20.6 million. Today, Stages budget has more than doubled, sitting at $5.5 million while the staff has grown from 22 to 34 full-time employees in the last five years. Budgets for Houstons non-downtown professional theater companies, such as A.D. Players, the Ensemble Theatre and Main Street Theater, range from $1 million to $3 million. The Opening of The Gordy What: Open house with performances When: 2:30-5:30 p.m. Jan. 18 Where: 800 Rosine Details: stagestheatre.com; free and open to the public. See More Collapse Shayna Schlosberg, managing director of the Catastrophic Theatre, says the growth of Stages is an exciting step forward for Houstons cultural scene. Whats so exciting about Stages is theyre right theres been the Alley, theyre known as the place for regional theater, for a certain caliber of work and then theres everyone else. Thats been the perception of the city. Thats symptomatic of a city that doesnt see itself as a theater city, she said. Now were going to have a second state-of-the-art facility where high production values can exist and great design can happen in a way thats visual to the rest of the city. Were able to support a second theater that can support flashier productions this might be what it takes for people to see this as a city of theater. Sitting in a first-floor boardroom on Monday, Folkes gestured toward the industrial-chic design of the building. The Gordy designed by architectural firm Gensler is a nod to its former life as a warehouse storing artworks owned by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Sporting garage doors, exposed ceilings, a gray stone floor and a steam-punk-style curtain made from metal chains, the Gordy has elements of both a historical Brooklyn warehouse and a Silicon Valley start-up. The building feels deliberately modern, eschewing traditional markers of luxury one might find at Jones Hall or the Wortham Theater Center columns, marble, carpet for more contemporary, minimalist elements. Located in the rapidly developing Waugh neighborhood, near Montrose at 800 Rosine, the property was likely to be turned into condominiums before Stages purchased it. The familiar family names of its three auditoriums the 251-seat Sterling Stage, the 223-seat Lester and Sue Smith Stage and the 134-seat Rochelle and Max Levit Stage are painted sideways in all caps on the walls, and color-coded. A mission-statement-of-sorts greets visitors on the two-story wall at the entrance: We sit together in the dark to know how to love each other in the light. The phrase matches the taste of the companys artistic director, Kenn McLaughlin, who often brings plays that tackle serious matters, such as homeless LGBT youth, heroin addiction and suicide, but which contain hopeful, humanitarian messages. The lobby is designed to be more than a waiting area, but rather a collaborative community space, McLaughlin said. We didnt have a mid-sized company that had the resources of what this building has now provided Stages, he said. Stages has been part of a growth across the sector, including MATCH and A.D. Players. Theres new investment in Houstons arts and culture scene thats not just about the legacy organizations downtown. The building is part of the companys rebranding, which started with the name change. The company has a new logo, which is the word Stages inside a funky, purple rectangle with a curtain tassel at the end. The user experience feels utilitarian. There is only one main public entrance and exit meaning stars and talent dont have a secret back door to avoid the crowds. All the seats in the theaters are around the same distance from the stage; there is no clear distinction between an expensive and cheap seat. And the display of beers on tap at the bar the company is Houstons first theater to have an installed tap line gives the lobby the ambiance of a watering hole in the Heights. The theaters themselves are unique in the Houston market. The designer, Charcoal Blue (responsible for St. Anns Warehouse in Brooklyn and the National Theatre of London), emphasized seats located in close proximity to actors by building mid-size stages three sides surrounding the stage with balconies. Compared to Stages former theaters, the Gordys two main theaters still feel like intimate experiences, but feature a significant increase in square footage in the room, particularly with higher ceilings and less obstructed views. A third black-box space will be a home for a new experiment in Houston theater: a market-based show that runs as long as people continue to buy tickets. Most regional theaters set specific run dates months in advance of a show, forcing popular sold-out shows to close to make room for the next play or musical. McLaughlin wants to try a model similar to that of Broadway, so that Houston can finally have a long-running musical with a rotating cast of actors. The end result, McLaughlin hopes, is a major increase in the amount of work available for local artists. McLaughlin said he cant overstate the number of new tools artists are now offered a recording studio, a laundry room, a digitized prop inventory and storage area, upgraded dressing rooms, a bigger and better shop to build sets and costumes. For the first time in a long time I feel like anything is possible, he said. wchen@chron.com Twitter.com/weihuanchen (Editors Note: Dr. Wayne Shearer, 95, is a retired optometrist and retired colonel from the U.S. Air Force Reserve now living in Hixson. In his early 90s, he decided to sit down and write from memory and a few records he still possesses his recollections of going through Army Air Corps pilot training at several bases in the United States during World War II. A lifelong writer, he wanted to pen them as he remembered them happening at the time. He also recreates now-lost letters as best as he recalls writing them and references newspaper articles he collected at the time and still possesses. This is the 31st in a series of regular excerpts from his as yet unpublished book, Under This Arch.) * * * * * June 7, 1944 Today (Wednesday) Ive got another late spring sore throat. I keep a large container of Morton salt in my barracks bag to gargle with hot water. Im not about to go on sick call with this problem. I recall the drill sergeants words in basic training at Keesler were to stay off of sick call or youre giving the authorities an additional reason to be washed-out. I cant lose my flying status because then the washing machine cranks up! The only time Ive ever been on sick call was when I had the mumps at Keesler A.A.F. My instructor had me in the back seat under the hood for about an hour with him in the front seat. The Link trainer hours helped me to feel more confident flying without visual references. Ill soon be practicing take-offs and landings under the hood. I must carefully watch these instruments such as airspeed, directional gyro, artificial horizon, needle and ball, rate of climb and altimeter -- while adjusting the throttle and controlling the stick and rudder. There will be more time spent under the hood. At the mess hall and in the barracks, rather than the usual flying conversations, were all excited about the Normandy, France, landings. Were grabbing newspapers from everywhere and listening to all the radio news stations. The Eagle Pass News Guide in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Wednesday, June 7, 1944, announced: 50-MILE GLIDER TRAIN LANDING FRESH TROOPS. Three waves of U.S. Ninth Air Force gliders strung out in a 50-mile-long train across the channel brought a steady stream of men, equipment and supplies to troops already smashing inland from initial landing points in France, Supreme Headquarters announced. These fresh troops from a huge glider train seized key positions on Cherbourg peninsula early today. Another headline from that days paper: BUST GENERAL WHO BLABBED. General Eisenhower immediately ordered an unnamed Army Air Force major general reduced to his permanent Army rank of lieutenant colonel because at a London cocktail party, he said the invasion would take place before June 15. The New Orleans Item on Thursday, June 8, 1944, stated: ALLIES MOVE TO CHOKE OFF BIG PORT IN FRANCE. Allied invasion troops constantly reinforced by air and sea struck south of fallen Bayeux in fierce fighting today, striving to chop off the Cherbourg peninsula, and Berlin reported a pincers threat to seize the tip of the jutting coast and the strategic port of Cherbourg. House to house fighting rages in Ste. Merle-Eglise, 20 miles southeast of the port. Other news headlines from that days paper: FIFTH ARMY ROLLS INTO BIG PORT. An official spokesman says the Fifth Army has captured Civitavecchia, Romes principal port. DOUGHBOYS PRAY FOR VICTORY. The Army announced from England that American members of the first assault troops before loading onto their assault craft received benediction from an Army chaplain. WAR CORRESPONDENT JUMPS INTO FRANCE, SEES SOLDIERS DIE. June 9, 1944: Today (Friday) I got another under-the-hood checkout by my instructor. Were allowed to have a fellow cadet fly with us for more under-the-hood practice. One of our six cadets yesterday had a final elimination flight and is gone. I hurt for him. I went up solo to practice chandelles, snap rolls, slow rolls, spins, etc., for two hours. Had a good practice. My flight marched to the Cactus Skeet Field range to shoot at clay pigeons to practice aerial marksmanship. Most of us have shot at rabbits or squirrels many times. We practice from different stations that will help us as future fighter pilots to hit moving targets from different deflection angles. The New Orleans Item on Saturday, June 10, 1944, said: ALLIES DRIVE TO WITHIN 15 MILES OF CHERBOURG. Lt. Gen. Omar Bradleys American parachutists and infantrymen alone have captured more than 3,000 prisoners as they are battering their way toward Cherbourg. Other headlines from that days paper: BLAST EIGHT JAP WARSHIPS. Allied headquarters today trumped latest Nipponese naval loss in mast-height attacks by 10 Mitchell medium bombers Thursday. 10,000 VOLUNTEERS WAIT BOND DRIVE OPENING GUN. Letter to relatives: June 10, 1944 Dear Mama, Papa, Aunt Totsy, Uncle Bill, Billy, and Jimmy, Im now back in the great state of Texas for the final stage of my training on the Rio Grande Rivers Mexican border. The training is continuous. Part of the training is skeet, and, Papa, my experience shooting rabbits with the Savage .22-caliber rifle you gave me has been helpful. The invasion of France news gets better each day. Those of us in training are anxious to graduate, so we can do our part to finish off the Germans and Japs. Tonight at the cadet mess hall, the usual loud talk and joking was present. The topic of conversation centered around our never-ending training, when one of the fellows from Georgia, who talks with humor, said: Why heck, all the months in pilot training its taken me to learn stuff that I still dont know. Laughter followed his remark. Hes fun to be around! Tell Billy and Jimmy that in this dry Southwest Texas sagebrush country that horned cross-eyed toads and frogs are jumping around! Write soon. Your loving grandson, nephew and cousin, Wayne June 11, 1944: Several of us went to the chapel service this morning. This afternoon I clocked several hours solo in the robins-egg-colored blue sky. I felt like I was touching the face of God. I flew a short dead reckoning navigation triangle course making the checkpoints. Shortly, well be doing longer cross countries. As the flying time for us increases, so do the accidents. Every day something bad or even fatal happens to someone. In the Ready Room today, while catching up on studies, napping and talking, Jack said he was being checked out in acrobatics by his instructor. He had just completed an Immelman, when suddenly neither could see anything. Oil completely covered the canopy. The instructor told him that he was in control and do not open your canopy. Jack complained that he was getting very hot. The instructor asked him did he want to bail out? He said no, and his instructor said he didnt desire to, either, so he shut the engine off. They were at 5,500 feet with an auxiliary field in sight, which the instructor turned the nose of the aircraft towards. Jack said about this time as they were gliding in for a landing the oil fire on the engine blew out. As soon as the AT-6s landing roll stopped, they didnt waste any time in climbing out and jumping to the ground. Jack laughed and said, Filling out that Form 1 was the last thing on my mind. A mechanic discovered that the seal on the propeller hub had worn out. He said, Its ready to fly again! The Eagle Pass News Guide on Thursday, June 15, 1944, announced: SUPER-FORTRESSES BOMB JAPAN. The Army announced today from Washington that B-29 Super-Fortresses of the United States Army Air Forces 20th Bomber Command bombed Japan. No further information was divulged. Other headlines from that days paper: NEAR CLIMAX IN FRANCE. The Allies were fighting their fiercest battles since the landings in France, and the German high command declared the battle is approaching its climax. Letter home: June 16, 1944 Dear Mother and Dad, Im moving along in my training. Most of us have quickly soloed the AT-6, which is a sweet flying machine. Most of the gang, myself included, are almost acting like prima donnas now that weve soloed and are only 6 or 7 weeks from graduating. Our tach officers are clamping down on us, with more inspections, gigs, etc., so that we know were still cadets. With the successful invasion of France, the war news is getting better to bring a conclusion to the conflict. Maybe my group of pilots will get to see combat over Japan. Let Norma know how Im doing and write soon. Your loving son, Wayne The Times Picayune on Friday, June 16, 1944, said: TOKYO ADMITS AIR BLOW. The Tokyo radio in a broadcast heard tonight by CBS claimed to have downed 6 American planes during todays raid from China bases on Japan. Other headlines from that days paper: TROOPS INVADE SAIPAN ISLAND. Central Pacific amphibious troops were invading Saipan Island in the Southern Marianas Thursday in the face of heavy Nipponese opposition. ALLIES THREATEN LIFELINE SERVING GERMANS IN CHERBOURG PENINSULA. American troops slashing westward from Carentan on a 10-mile front have reached firm ground within six miles of La Haye du Puits junction of the last German-held rail-highway lifeline to the port of Cherbourg. The Eagle Pass News Guide on Friday, June 16, 1944, announced: U.S. STRIKES NEW BLOW 600 MILES FROM JAPAN. Bold Allied forces carrying the Pacific war to Japans front doorstep supported their Saipan invasion today with an unprecedented task force assault against the Bonin Island 600 miles from Tokyo. Another headline from that days paper: FOE HURLS SECRET PLANE. Germans hurled a boasted secret weapon against Britain last night and today, sending swarms of pilotless bombers over Southern England. * * * * * To see the previous entry in this series, read here. https://www.chattanoogan.com/ 2019/12/11/400719/Wayne- Shearers-World-War-II-Memoir. aspx * * * * * Dr. Shearer can be contacted at docshearer@epbfi.com. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China argued for tougher and more cohesive U.S. action against Beijing in a new annual report that detailed the Chinese government's crackdown against religious minorities and labor activists, its expansion of digital surveillance and censorship, and its political influence activities around the world. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo has one thing to say to the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency dismissing her findings as former drug czar: you supplied the same data that you are questioning. "'Pag sinabi nilang mali 'yung data ko, eh galing 'yun sa kanila," Robredo said Wednesday in a forum in Manila. [Translation: When they say that my data is wrong, well that was sourced from them.] "Yung PDEA saka PNP, hindi lang sila myembro ng ICAD (Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs) pero kabahagi sila pareho ng enforcement cluster. So 'pag may binigay na data ang PNP, dapat tanggapin yun ng PDEA," she said. [Translation: PDEA and PNP are not only members of ICAD, but they are also both part of the enforcement cluster. So if PNP has provided data, the PDEA should have accepted it.] Robredo noted that since PNP has given its estimate on the drug war figures, PDEA should have corrected it in the first place. "Kung mali yung estimate na 'yun [ng PNP] dapat kinorrect ng PDEA. Wala naman silang ginawa. Wala silang ginawang correction. Kung hindi nila 'yun kinorrect, gusto kong sabihin, yun yung data ng ICAD," she added. [Translation: If PNP's estimates were wrong, PDEA should have corrected it. They did not do anything. They did not do any correction. But since they did not correct, I want to say that that is the data of ICAD.] Robredo was responding to recent statements of Lieutenant General Archie Gamboa, officer-in-charge of the PNP, and PDEA chief Director General Aaron Aquino, who was her co-chair in the ICAD for 18 days. The Vice President gave on Monday her findings and recommendations on the narcotics campaign, but Gamboa said that the figures derived were "totally wrong." READ: Robredo flunks Duterte admin in drug war, says less than 1 percent shabu seized by authorities in the last three years Meanwhile, Aquino dismissed Robredo's findings as a "mere political attack" against President Rodrigo Duterte. Records from the PNP that Robredo cited show that of 3,000 kilograms of shabu consumed per week worth 25 billion, the PDEA only seized 1,344 kilos in 2019 alone. There were other inconsistencies in the reports by government agencies, according to Robredo. She said that while ICAD reported a total of 4 million drug users in the country, the Dangerous Drugs Board only pegged the figure at 1.8 million. President Rodrigo Duterte, on the other hand, said that there were 7 to 8 million users a claim which the Presidential Communications Operation Office (PCOO) said had lacked basis at all. Robredo previously claimed the Duterte administration's narcotics campaign was a "massive failure" with a measly score of 1 over 100 not only for lack of coordination among government agencies in eradicating drugs and handling surrenderees, but primarily for only capturing less than one percent of shabu and drug money in the past three years. "Nasa kanya (Duterte) naman kung may susundin siyang rekomendasyon o wala. 'Yung report ko naman...hindi siya basta criticism, pero sinasabi kung ano ang nakita nating mali, ano 'yung nakikita nating needs improvement at ito 'yung ating rekomendasyon," she said. [Translation: It is up to the President whether he will follow any of the recommendations or not. My report is not just pure criticism, but whatever we see wrong, whatever we think needs improvement, this is our recommendation.] READ: Robredo's drug war recommendations CNN Philippines Correspondent AC Nicholls contributed to this report. A new top Eurocrat will be warned by Boris Johnson today at No 10 that EU citizens will lose out if Brussels drags its feet on a post-Brexit trade deal. He will use his first official meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, now president of the European Commission, to insist he will not countenance any extension of the transition beyond the end of this year. Last night, the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, which also rules out any extension, was continuing its passage through the Commons. During the transition period, most EU rules will stay in place. Boris Johnson will use his first official meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, now president of the European Commission, to insist he will not countenance any extension of the transition beyond the end of this year The tough stance revealed by a No 10 source means there are just 11 months to hammer out a trade deal after the UK leaves the EU at the end of this month. The PM will also tell Mrs von der Leyen he wants a Canada-style free trade agreement without the close political alignment once planned by Theresa May. The leaders will hold talks this afternoon and be joined by Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay and EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier. But the EU will not start detailed trade talks until the UK has left and it has agreed a negotiating mandate with other members, which is not likely until late March. Mr Johnson could begin immediate trade talks with Washington to spur on the EU. Meanwhile, Labour last night dropped an attempt to extend the transition period by another two years. By Express News Service CHENNAI: The release of the seven convicts in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case will have international ramifications and set a bad precedent, the Central government has told the Madras High Court. When a petition from Nalini, one of the seven convicts, came up for hearing on Tuesday, the Additional Solicitor General R Rajagopalan, who was representing the Centre, stated that a plea in this regard filed by the Tamil Nadu government way back in March 2016 had already been rejected by the Centre in April 2018. Any leniency towards the seven, who had involvement in death of 15 persons including former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, would set a bad precedent, and embolden other accused in similar heinous crimes to plead for early release, the ASG said. The court has adjourned the matter to January 28. Court adjourns Nalinis hearing to January 28 Any leniency towards the seven, who had involvement in death of 15 persons including the former prime minister, would set a bad precedent, and embolden other accused to plead for early release, the ASG said. The court has adjourned the matter to January 28. Nalini, in her habeas corpus petition, claimed that she was under illegal detention since September 2018, as the State Cabinet had recommended the Governor to release all accused in the case. Though the Governor is bound to act on it, he has not passed any order till date. Thus, she termed her detention illegal and demanded to be produced in court and set at liberty. 10:02 p.m. EST President Trump posted to twitter following the missile strikes, saying "all is well" in regards to whether any American causalities had been discovered at the bases. The president added he would be making a statement tomorrow, but did not specify a time. 9:50 p.m. EST Irans foreign minister is calling Tuesday night's ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops proportionate measures in self-defense, The Associated Press reports. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has also tweeted, We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. His tweet follows the missile attack in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike last week in Baghdad. - 9:00 p.m. EST The Federal Aviation Administration is barring U.S. pilots and carriers from flying over areas in Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace. The FAA is warning of the potential for miscalculation or mis-identification" for civilian aircraft amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The emergency flight restrictions follow more than a dozen ballistic missile strikes Tuesday on two Iraqi bases that house U.S. troops. Such restrictions are often precautionary in nature to prevent civilian aircraft from being confused for ones engaged in armed conflict. The FAA says the restrictions are being issued due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations. - 8:30 p.m. EST Vice President Mike Pence has briefed top Democrats in Congress on the Iranian strikes on installations in Iraq holding U.S. forces. Aides to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer both confirmed the lawmakers spoke with the vice president by telephone Tuesday. - 8:00 p.m. EST A US official told CNN that the attacks did not inflict any US casualties, but an assessment is underway. There are casualties among the Iraqis at Ain al-Asad airbase following the attack, an Iraqi security source tells CNN. The number of casualties and whether the individuals were killed or wounded was not immediately clear. White House aides are making plans for a possible address to the nation by President Donald Trump, according to two officials. - 7:32 p.m. EST Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were seen arriving at the White House, Esper seen carrying a large bag according to CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins. Mark Miller, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reportedly followed soon after. - Projectiles were fired at two Iraqi military bases that house U.S. forces, according to reports. The Pentagon confirmed more than a dozen rockets were fired. Iranian state TV reported that the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, "has hit U.S. Ain Assad airbase in Iraq with tens of missiles." The IRGC warned the U.S. of more "crushing responses in case of new aggression," according to state TV. The IRGC said it will target any regional state that becomes a platform for U.S. aggression, a second banner on state TV read. Irans Revolutionary Guard then warned the U.S. and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack in Iraq.We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted, The Guard said. It also threatened Israel. State TV described it early Wednesday as Tehrans revenge operation over the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Video and photos appeared to show weapons being deployed. Jonathan Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesperson, said Tuesday evening that Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at the Ain Assad airbase, which houses US troops, and American and coalition forces in the town of Erbil. Hoffman said the Pentagon is assessing the damage done by the attacks." In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners," Hoffman said in a statement. "These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region." "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region." U.S. forces could not be immediately reached for comment, The Associated Press reported. Reporters cited a U.S. defense official confirming rockets hit the base. President Donald Trump was briefed on the reports of rocket attacks, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said. "The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," Grisham said. Ain Assad air base is located in Iraqs western Anbar province. It was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. It later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. State TV said the operation was named after Soleimani. It said the Guards aerospace division, which controls Irans missile program, launched the attack. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had been discussing the situation in Iran when she was given a note with news of the attack, lawmakers who attended the meeting said. "Pray," Pelosi told members, according to Rep. Debbie Dingell. This is a developing story. Update the page for the latest. CNN and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Kyocera International, Inc. and FLEx Lighting today announced a new line of high-performance, extremely low power, reflective liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) illuminated using FLExs front light panels. These LCDs incorporate Kyoceras Memory-In-Pixel and reflective display technologies combined with FLExs front lighting technology to significantly reduce power consumption compared to traditional LCD and OLED displays. The initial product lineup includes 1.03, 1.81 and 2.16 displays, and offer excellent options for battery powered applications including low powered industrial devices, wearable medical devices, Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications, and wearable consumer devices. Reflective LCDs with MIP act similar to an e-reader (e.g., Kindle) offering an extended battery life, clear visibility in bright sunlight, and high contrast while consuming a minimal amount of power to hold the content on the display. This new LCD technology achieves low power consumption by incorporating a randomly accessed stored bit in each pixel cell structure, enabling the product designer to address and refresh pixels individually. In addition, FLExs low power front light panel only uses one LED and delivers light off the highly reflective display when needed, maintaining low power consumption in dim ambient environments. Kyocera and FLEx are teaming up to promote this solution to the market. These new reflective MIP displays continue Kyoceras tradition of offering high quality displays meant for robust industrial, medical and consumer applications, said Jim Little, General Manager, Kyocera Display Division. We are excited to partner with FLEx to incorporate their industry leading lighting technology for customers that require visibility in all lighting conditions. This relationship will enable Kyocera and FLEx to promote lit versions of Kyoceras display which can be seen both in the dark and in bright sunlight. We are thrilled to partner with Kyocera for these applications. The combination of their highly reflective LCD with FLExs low power front light offers an excellent energy efficient option for the display industry, said Mike Casper, CEO of FLEx Lighting. We look forward to expanding these low power display options for tomorrows electronic devices." Kyocera and FLEx will be showcasing these new displays at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA from January 7-10, 2020. Contact Yulia Trevor (ytrevor@flexlighting.com) or Jim Little (Jim.Little@kyocera.com) to schedule an appointment. About Kyocera Kyocera International, Inc. is a U.S. subsidiary of Kyoto, Japan-based Kyocera Corporation, a diversified technology enterprise that started manufacturing LCD products (under the Optrex brand) in 1976. The companys U.S. LCD assembly, warehousing and distribution are based in Plymouth, Michigan, with LCD sales offices in Michigan, California, Georgia and Washington State. Kyocera Corporation (http://www.kyocera.com), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as advanced ceramics). By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of LCDs, industrial ceramics, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools, solar power generating systems, printers, copiers and mobile phones. About FLEx Lighting FLExs frontlit technology is changing the way we look at our devices. Founded in 2004, FLExs technologies have created the worlds thinnest lighting system, which are powering next generation reflective displays and other lighting applications. These products provide critical lighting solutions for the rapidly expanding category of Reflective LCDs to enhance and augment the rising tide of mobile, wearable, and flexible devices of the future. With 19 sales offices across North America and Asia, manufacturing capabilities in the US and Asia, and over 37 granted patents worldwide, FLEx can help device manufacturers extend battery life and deliver their products in the best light. For more information, visit http://www.flexlighting.com. Contact: Mike Casper Phone: 773-295-0305 Email: mcasper@flexlighting.com Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said he considered his mission accomplished Wednesday when he heard Gov. Andrew Cuomo declare his support for locating the states first regional STEAM high school in Syracuse. Walsh sat in the audience at Cuomos 2020 State of the State address in Albany as the governor pledged support for a project that the mayor views as vital to transforming Syracuses economy. Cuomo told the crowd he will support a $75 million project to open the high school and a state-funded worker training center that focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, or STEAM. The school would open in the renovated Central High School building on the edge of downtown Syracuse, which has been abandoned since 1975. Its a win for us, Walsh told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard after Cuomos address. Were excited. My priority was to make sure it was referenced in the speech. The governor reinforced his support of the project. Walsh said the biggest key was making sure the governor was on board with a centerpiece of the Syracuse Surge, the mayors technology-focused plan to drive the citys economic development. It accomplishes a few things, Walsh said of the new school and training center. We know that probably the most significant challenge affecting our economic development success is being able to fill the open jobs in our community. We need people with the skills to fill the jobs in the new economy. The high school, operated by the Syracuse City School District, would turn out about 1,000 graduates a year who are on a career path to fill new technology-related jobs in Central New York, Walsh said. The mayor said some people overlook the importance of the new high schools focus on the arts. The A in STEAM is significant, Walsh said. People need to think creatively in these new jobs. And were the only big five city in the state without a performing arts program in our schools. The STEAM school also will help accomplish a third priority for Walsh breaking down barriers between city and suburban schools. The new school would be open to students from any school district in Onondaga County. It makes a strong statement that the neighborhood you live in doesnt affect the quality of education you get, Walsh said. It enables us to use limited education dollars in more effective, efficient way in the community. Cuomo said he would like to see renovations of the abandoned Central High School building begin this year. That would allow the first classes in the STEAM school to start in September 2021. The head of a Syracuse-based economic development association praised Cuomo for supporting the project. Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, said the organization heard from almost 100 business leaders who believe this STEAM school will support their need to attract and retain highly-skilled talent. Read more Cuomo proposes paid sick leave for most; expansion of low-income child-tax credit Cuomo calls for $3 billion bond act for NYs environment Governor wants 40% tax cut for small businesses Cuomos State of the State address: What it means for Central New York Albanys 2020 NY agenda: marijuana, guns, vaping, healthcare, voting reforms NY promises $9M for nations largest indoor drone testing site in Oneida County Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda. Putin arrived late on Tuesday after paying a surprise visit to Syria -- his first to Damascus since the war began -- at a moment of acute uncertainty in the Middle East following the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by the United States. Russia's leader will seek to boost his credentials as a regional powerbroker at the symbolic opening of the TurkStream pipeline, which brings Russian gas to Turkey and southern Europe via the Black Sea. TurkStream and the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic allow Russia to increase gas supplies to Europe without having to rely on Ukraine. But Moscow's increasing domination of European energy markets has worried the US, which last month sanctioned firms working on TurkStream and the almost completed Nord Stream 2. The ceremony in Istanbul, due to start at 1200 GMT, reflects a dramatic improvement in ties between Russia and Turkey -- two countries seemingly on the verge of war less than five years ago after Turkey shot down a Russian jet. They remain on opposing sides in the Syria conflict and could be on a collision course in Libya. Last week, Turkey sent its first troops to help defend the UN-backed Tripoli government, which is under siege from strongman Khalifa Haftar. Erdogan says 2,500 Russian mercenaries are among those supporting Haftar -- claims denied by Moscow. But Russia so far seems unfazed by the Turkish deployment in Libya, said Mariana Belenkaia, of the Carnegie Centre in Moscow. "The two countries will likely be tempted to share the Libyan burden," she said. Syria remains a potential powder-keg for Erdogan and Putin's relationship. Syrian government forces -- backed by Russia -- have ramped up bombardment of the last rebel strongholds in Idlib province in recent weeks, sending hundreds of thousands fleeing towards the Turkish border. Erdogan has called for a truce in Idlib, following previous temporary halts to the fighting brokered with Russia in late 2018 and updated in August last year. "Russia's demands are very simple," said Yury Barmin, of the Moscow Policy Group think tank, "Turkey must do more to eliminate terrorist cells in Idlib. The discussions will be around this idea." Improved ties between the two countries have been facilitated by a number of major energy and defence deals -- Russia is building Turkey's first nuclear plant and provided a missile defence system. Putin also earned goodwill in Turkey after his quick support for Erdogan following an attempted coup in July 2016. The two men have developed a "strong personal relationship", according to Jana Jabbour of Sciences Po university in Paris, who adds that "their economic and energy plans are interdependent". The TurkStream project, which was temporarily halted during a frosty patch in Russia-Turkey relations, includes two parallel pipelines of more than 900 kilometres (550 miles). The pipeline links Anapa in Russia to Kiyikoy in northwestern Turkey and has already begun deliveries to Bulgaria. It is being extended towards Serbia, Hungary and Austria. Minister for Health Simon Harris at the launch of a new Patient Advocacy Service at Dublin Castle. The Health Minister is to appear before an emergency meeting of the Joint Committee on Health next week as the number of people on trolleys reached 621 on Wednesday. Simon Harris and HSE Officials will attend an emergency meeting of the Committee next Wednesday to discuss the hospital trolley crisis. Sinn Fein Health spokesperson Louise OReilly said: The scale of the ongoing overcrowding crisis is of huge concern to patients, healthcare workers, and the public. The public health system is currently crippled by a lack of capacity and staff, and hundreds of patients are struggling to access our hospitals daily. It has been clear that the planning of the Minister for Health and HSE officials has failed, and the consequences are drastic with hundreds of patients stuck on trolleys for days and surgeries being cancelled at a number of hospitals across the State. The situation is putting the health and well being of patients and staff at risk. The response to the crisis by the Minister and the HSE has just not been good enough. Expand Close Ambulances outside Beaumont Hospital in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ambulances outside Beaumont Hospital in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) There were 621 people on trolleys across hospitals in the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday. This is down from a total of 760 people waiting for a bed at the start of the week, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (Inmo). The hospitals with the highest levels of overcrowding on Wednesday include the University Hospital Limerick (63), University Hospital Galway (46), Cork University Hospital (43) and South Tipperary General Hospital (39). Inmo general secretary, Phil Ni Sheaghdha, said: The intolerable pressure placed on frontline staff and patients continues. The trolley crisis is not a fact of life. There are simple, accepted solutions to fix it. Weve made real progress in Beaumont and Drogheda hospitals, which were often the most overcrowded until recent years. This is down to planned additional recruitment and planned extra capacity. This model has to be adopted nationally. Farm activist and Shiv Sena leader Kishore Tiwari on Wednesday demanded setting up of a body on the lines of human rights commissions to exclusively deal with agrarian issues and suicide by farmers. Tiwari said he had submitted a proposal to Chief Minister and Sena president Uddhav Thackeray to establish 'Maharashtra Farmers' Rights Commission' (MFRC) vested with judicial power. Speaking to PTI, Tiwari suggested that independent experts be roped in to address various core issues concerning agriculture which he identified as credit supply policy control; fund management for cost of cultivation or stabilisation of agricultural prices; equal distribution of water resources and control of rain and underground water resources. "I requested Uddhavji that 'Maharashtra Farmers' Rights Commission' (MFRC) be set up and be vested with full judicial power on the lines of human rights commissions. "This move will help in tackling thethree-decade-old issue of farmers suicides and restoring the rural economy by implementing an integrated programme," said Tiwari, who also heads the state government's Vasantrao Naik Sheti Swavalamban Mission. Tiwari said debt relief, grant of subsidies, providing free food and healthcare are not permanent solutions to deal with the agricultural crisis. Notably, after becoming chief minister of Maharashtra in November, Uddhav Thackeray had announced an unconditional farm loan waiver up to Rs 2 lakh for farmers. Vidarbha region in east Maharashtra is commonly known as the "suicide belt" given that thousands of farmers from the region have killed themselves over the last many decades, either due to indebtedness or crop failure. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (CNN) Al Qaeda affiliate al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for an attack on a US base in Kenya on Sunday morning local time. The base known as Camp Simba is located in Lamu county, near Kenya's border with Somalia. Al-Shabaab said the base was used by both American and Kenyan military personnel, and that US military equipment was "destroyed," according to a statement released by the terror group Sunday. Al-Shabaab provided no evidence to support the claims. It wasn't immediately clear if there were any casualties. CNN has reached out to the State Department and the Pentagon for comment. The Somali government, in coordination with US Africa Command, has conducted several retaliatory airstrikes on al-Shabaab targets in recent weeks. What is Camp Simba? US troops began operations at the base in 2017, performing counter-terrorism and border security operations to aid Kenya, according to a US Air Force press release. It essentially became a permanent US military installation on August 26, 2019, when the American flag was raised over the facility in what the Air Force said signified its "change from tactical to enduring operations." "The flag flying here today over Camp Simba symbolizes the permanency of our mission and our dedication to our partners," Lt. Col. Cody Smith, commander of the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, said in August. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Al Qaeda affiliate al-Shabaab claims attack on US base in Kenya." A British man was sentenced to indefinite detention, according to the BBC, after having been caught on camera attempting to burn down a synagogue and instead burning down himself. [Via Charles Stross] When police arrested him at his Alexander Terrace home he had burns to his hands, forehead and hair and was carrying two lock knives and two lighters. As he was put in a police van, Morgan said: "Please tell me that synagogue is burning to the ground. If not, it's poor preparation." The court heard the attack on the building coincided with a Jewish feast[sic] day commemorating disasters, including the Holocaust. The repairs totalled more than 23,000. Judge Anthony Leonard QC handed Morgan a hospital order without limit of time, saying most people would feel "anger and revulsion" for what he did. President of the synagogue, Mr Richard Halsey, thanked the police for their "brilliant response" and "support". The Nigerian military overpowered Boko Haram fighters who attacked Monguno sector 3 base in Borno state on Tuesday evening. Some o... The Nigerian military overpowered Boko Haram fighters who attacked Monguno sector 3 base in Borno state on Tuesday evening. Some of the 1200 Chadian troops who pulled out of Nigeria during the weekend made use of the base while in the country. The insurgents were said to have stormed the base around 7pm after which a gun battle ensued. The air force was said to have joined their army counterpart, forcing the Boko Haram fighters to beat a retreat. At least two military sources had earlier confirmed to TheCable that the base was under attack The terrorist stormed the town around 7pm; they came with many gun trucks and the battle is ongoing, one of the sources said. It is true that the base is under attack, another source said while responding to inquiries via WhatsApp. Boko Haram fighters attacked the facility less than 48 hours after Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said there was no need for panic over the withdrawal of the Chadian soldiers who were part of the multi national joint task force against insurgency. The presidential spokesman had said the Nigerian military could secure the nation. Nobody should panic, Nigerians need not to worry at all about the Chadian withdrawal Nigerians should equally not have any doubts about the ability of our armed forces to hold their own. They are capable and have proven to be so, he had said. There has been a resurgence in Boko Haram attacks in recent times. On Christmas eve, the sect killed 10 Christian captives. The insurgents had described the act as a retaliation for the killing of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State. During the weekend, the insurgents raided many communities along Damaturu-Maiduguri road in Borno. The sect also attacked troops of 29 task force brigade of the Nigerian Army at Jakana in Konduga local government area of Borno on Monday, losing six men while four soldiers reportedly paid the supreme price. (Bloomberg) -- Oil sank the most in three months, erasing a rally that followed the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general, after President Donald Trump downplayed the impact of Irans attacks on American military bases in Iraq. Futures in New York reversed an advance that saw prices rise almost 5% earlier when the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the missile strikes in Iraq. The U.S. benchmark gave up all its gains for the year on news that no staff had been killed and as Trump said Iran appeared to be standing down. Futures declined further as total U.S. petroleum inventories jumped by almost 15 million barrels last week. The conflict has remained limited to the military dimension and the stage is set for de-escalation, according to Pavel Molchanov, a Houston-based analyst at Raymond James & Associates Inc. As such, there is no imminent prospect of impact on oil supply, he said in a note. Global benchmark Brent crude in London hit a three-month high of almost $72 a barrel immediately after the attack, in which 10 missiles struck the Ayn al-Asad base in western Iraq and another facility in Erbil. The attack followed the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani last week on Trumps orders. Tensions have flared between the two nations since the U.S. re-imposed sanctions on Iran last year over its nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter that the country had concluded proportionate measures in self-defense and is not seeking escalation or war. Not a single drop of oil supply has been lost due to the recent incidents and that is why the oil price so quickly has fallen back down again, said Bjarne Schieldrop, Oslo-based chief commodities analyst at SEB AB. See also: Oil Shippers Raise Offers for Key Middle East Route on Gulf Risk Prices also abated as officials from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries promised to keep supplies flowing to customers. We are not forecasting a shortage of supply unless we have a catastrophic escalation, which we dont see, United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said in Abu Dhabi. OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo said he was confident that our leaders are doing everything possible to restore normalcy. Brent crude for March settlement fell $2.83 to close at $65.44 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe exchange, as of 2:37 p.m. New York time, after earlier reaching $71.75. West Texas Intermediate for February fell $3.09 to settle at $59.61 on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Saudi VLCC Sails Away From Persian Gulf Without Entering Hormuz While oil flows from the Middle East continue unimpeded for now, fears persist about the risk to exports from the region, which accounts for almost a third of global supplies. Half of Saudi Arabias production was briefly knocked out by a missile strike in September, and most crude exports from the Persian Gulf transit the Strait of Hormuz waterway, which Iran has in the past threatened to close. If Iran seeks further targets for retaliation to the killing of Soleimani, but without crossing declared U.S. red lines that would prompt a military response, energy infrastructure may be appealing, said Jason Bordoff, a former Obama administration official who now works at Columbia University. The markets relatively muted response is another sign that global supplies are in an era of abundance, largely powered by the American shale-oil revolution. Furthermore, OPEC is sitting on huge amounts of spare capacity after reducing supplies for most of the past three years, while big oil consumers including the U.S. and China also hold millions of barrels in strategic reserves that can be deployed to offset any shortage. --With assistance from Alexander Kwiatkowski and Sharon Cho. To contact the reporters on this story: Sheela Tobben in New York at vtobben@bloomberg.net;Grant Smith in London at gsmith52@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: James Herron at jherron9@bloomberg.net, Catherine Traywick, Carlos Caminada 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Editors Note: Hearst Connecticut Media reporter Paul Schott is vacationing in Puerto Rico this week. This piece recounts his experience of the earthquake that hit the island Tuesday. SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO My journey through this islands splendidly hued landscapes began last Friday in the city of Ponce, which looks out on crystalline Caribbean waters. Two days later, I wound my way by car through lush mountains that poked their heads into the clouds, before arriving in the territorial capital San Juans old city, a 500-year-old urban masterpiece made resplendent by buildings imbued with enough tints to fill a crayon box. But I saw only black when my room at Decanter Hotel in Old San Juan began shaking at about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. I thought it was a bad dream, but the solid minute of rocking and rattling as I clenched the side of the bed dispelled that notion. The 6.4-magnitude sequel to the 5.8-level earthquake that shook the island Monday reportedly caused at least one death, a number of injuries and significant property damage across the southern part of the island. San Juan was more fortunate. The tremor knocked out power across this city on the islands Atlantic coast, but it did not appear to seriously injure anyone or badly damage any buildings. At least, there were no signs of such a toll in its oldest section. After the tremor subsided, I tiptoed onto my rooms balcony. Reporting instinct took over and I posted to Twitter and Instagram some videos of the building silhouettes to document the intact landscape. But I felt confused at that moment about why I had come here. As a glinting sky coalesced over San Juan a couple of hours later, I felt more clear-headed. For me, visiting Puerto Rico was not just an exercise in Instagram curation more than 1,600 miles from home. There was a journalistic purpose, even if I did not officially come here on assignment. I wanted to see the islands physical beauty and discover its rich culture. But I also wanted to better understand the hardship and struggles against colonialism, against epidemics and against natural disasters. I learned by talking and most of all, listening to all the exceptional people I met on this four-day trip. I learned from historians Mayte and David, respectively, on walking tours in Ponce and San Juan; from Tommy on the taxi drive from the Ponce airport to the downtown; from Aurora at Pirilo Pizza in Old San Juan; and from Eddie at Decanter Hotel, who explained the challenges many lower-income residents face in fortifying their homes to make them earthquake-ready. They shared so many insights. But there is still so much more for me to learn. I think the same is true for all of us who do not have family links to Puerto Rico or have not lived or worked on the island. We learned a lot after Hurricane Maria devastated the territory in 2017, leading to the deaths of nearly 3,000 Puerto Ricans. Now, we will learn from this earthquake, which will not permit an instantaneous recovery. As I walked Old San Juan one more time Tuesday afternoon, I saw the tremors blow to the neighborhood economy. Block after block, merchants assessed the impact within blacked-out storefronts and restaurants. The old citys many cats also seemed to sense the change, as they peered out from the undersides of cars and park benches. But the learning should not end when the lights come back on. Those of us who have the means to do so should go to Puerto Rico and not just once. At the same time, we should ask what we can do to help the island tackle its daunting challenges, including widespread poverty, a lack of educational and professional opportunities for so many of its residents and the governments chronic fiscal troubles. We should also ask whether the status quo is fulfilling the mantra of Luis Munoz Rivera, a pivotal figure in the islands late 19th-century struggle for political autonomy, whose words are inscribed on the front of the Capitol in San Juan: Law, liberty and dignity above all. In addition, we should ask whether remaining a territory is in constituents best interests and ask again whether becoming a state would better serve the citizens. And we should ask and appreciate how Ponce, San Juan, and communities across this land have endured and carried on in the face of every kind of adversity. Without its great people, Puerto Rico would not have seen its colors break through the darkness for the past five centuries. pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott A n advert urging viewers to do the girl boss thing" has been banned for encouraging harmful gender stereotypes. The poster for PeoplePerHour, an online platform connecting businesses and freelancers, raised eyebrows last year when it was plastered across Londons Underground. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said it had received 19 complaints from people who believed the message perpetuated harmful gender stereotypes by offering a patronising depiction of a woman running a business. They added that a follow-up phrase on the poster saying: "We'll do the SEO thing" referring to internet search engine optimisation also suggested women are not technologically skilled. PeoplePerHour responded to the complaints by removing the word "girl" from the advert and issuing a public apology on their website. They said the term girl boss was a reference to a book, popular culture movement and professional network, according to the ASA. American businesswoman Sophia Amoruso is widely credited with popularising the term "girl boss", after using it as the title for her best-selling autobiographical book. Sophia Amoruso attends the 2019 Girlboss Rally in California last June / Getty Images for Girlboss PeoplePerHour said they had not considered that pairing the term girl boss with the word thing could come across as patronising and reductive. However, they later accepted that the wording might unintentionally come across as sexist and demeaning to women. The advertising campaign was launched in November last year with a number of onlookers sharing their disapproval on Twitter. One user wrote: The girl boss? Is there a separate guy boss? So glad youve got the seo covered tho cos you know, girls find that stuff really hard. Another commented: Thank god for @PeoplePerHour letting me know I can stop playing at doing the "girl boss thing". My little female brain was getting all tired and confused PeoplePerHour have since carried out training with their advertising team to help them become more mindful of language which could be misinterpreted, the ASA confirmed. Sean Eland, 27, has been caught for a second time in an undercover police sting A pervert who kept his freedom after being snared by paedophile hunters armed with a video camera is now in prison after being caught for a second time in an undercover police sting. Sean Eland, 27, was given a suspended jail sentence in May 2018 after he turned up to meet a 13-year-old girl at Newcastle Central train station but was instead confronted by Dark Justice. The group is an undercover organisation of members who pose as children online to expose adults wanting illegal contact. While the subject of an order and undergoing a treatment programme, registered sex offender Eland was duped by undercover Metropolitan Police officers, who had also set up a fake profile of a 13-year-old schoolgirl. Newcastle Crown Court heard Eland had initiated conversation with the teen profile last June by saying: 'Hey, you look hot on your pics, how old are you, sexy?' When told the profile belonged to a 13-year-old girl from London, Eland asked if she 'liked older guys' and said he made regular trips to the capital through his work, which would enable them to meet up. During further sexual conversations Eland, who was banned from having any contact with children under a sexual harm prevention order, sent the girl an explicit photograph of his genitals, tried to incite her to engage in sexual activity with a schoolmate in class and asked her for indecent photographs. The undercover officers behind the profile alerted Northumbria Police, who arrested Eland and found seven indecent photographs of children on his phone. Eland, of Longbention, Newcastle, admitted attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, attempting to breach a sexual harm prevention order, attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and three charges of making indecent photographs of children. Judge Tim Gittins, who passed the original suspended sentence, has now jailed Eland for two years. Eland must sign the sex offenders register and abide by a new sexual harm prevention order for ten years. Sean Eland, 27, avoided jail in May 2018 (pictured outside Newcastle Crown Court) after he turned up to meet a girl aged 13 at a train station but was instead confronted by Dark Justice The judge told him: 'During the period of the suspended sentence, which many would say was a golden opportunity for you to stay out of trouble, you completed the Horizon treatment programme and attended a significant number of appointments with probation, over 60. 'That course is specially designed for sex offenders like you, to reduce the risk of committing further offences, give you assistance and methods to turn away from the unnatural feelings you have towards children and urges to engage in sexual activity with children under the age of consent. 'Within little over a year of that suspended sentence being passed, you breached it in a spectacular fashion by returning to seek contact with children via the internet, social media in particular.' Judge Gittins said Eland had clearly paid just 'lip service' to the authorities who were trying to help him reform. Geoff Knowles, defending, said Eland had engaged and complied with organisations to try to address his underlying issues. Mr Knowles added: 'Clearly, a lot more work needs to be done.' Mr Knowles said Eland is 'terrified' of prison and added: 'He, through me, asks to persuade you he can change and if he was given one last chance of a suspended sentence order he would demonstrate that on this occasion he really is capable of change.' WASHINGTONLast week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was the loudest voice in the administration pushing President Donald Trump to kill Irans most important general. This week, he is back in his role as the nations top diplomat, trying to contain the international crisis the generals death created. True to form, Pompeo is not backing down. You saw, more tactically, just these last few days the presidents response when the Iranians made a bad decision to kill an American, he told reporters at the State Department on Tuesday, referring to a deadly rocket attack in Iraq on Dec. 27 by an Iran-backed militia. We hope they wont make another bad decision just like that one. The strike against the Iranian general has affirmed Pompeos position as the second-most powerful official in the Trump administration, behind only the president himself. A hawk brimming with bravado and ambition, Pompeo is ostensibly the Cabinet member who smooths Americas relations with the rest of the world. But as the man at the centre of the argument to launch the drone strike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani and who pushed Trump to withdraw from the landmark Iran nuclear deal in 2018 he is in the unusual role of shaping national security policy that makes his diplomatic job harder. Pompeos end run got the decision he may have wanted, but the messy day after sloppy explanations of the threat, disorganized public statements, and hasty diplomatic and military efforts limited the effectiveness of the policy and made it far riskier for the country and president, said John Gans, a former chief speech writer at the Pentagon and author of a new book on the National Security Council, which includes Pompeo. Congress is demanding that Pompeo and other senior administration officials testify about the intelligence that led to the decision to blow up Soleimanis convoy Friday as it was leaving Baghdad International Airport. And as Iran begins retaliating aggressively, Pompeo, 56, could become known as the man who helped lead the United States into another conflict in the Middle East breaking one of Trumps key campaign promises just as the president faces reelection. Early Wednesday, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq that house U.S. troops, the Pentagon said. I think Secretary Pompeo is playing a rather naive and destructive role in all this, said Wendy R. Sherman, who was the third-ranking State Department official in the Obama administration and helped negotiate the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and other countries from which the United States withdrew just days after Pompeo arrived at the State Department. Pompeo said he and other U.S. officials evaluated the relevant risks that the strike against Soleimani might bring. He cited continuing efforts on behalf of this terrorist to build out a network of campaign activities that were going to lead potentially to the death of many more Americans. In the fall, during the impeachment inquiry, Pompeos standing plummeted among career employees at the State Department, Democrats in Congress and much of the public, when it became obvious he had enabled Trumps shadow Ukraine policy. He also lost some of Trumps confidence after failing to prevent veteran diplomats from testifying on Capitol Hill. The Iran crisis presents similar risks for Pompeo, who considered running this year for an open Senate seat in Kansas. His associates say he now has an eye on a presidential campaign in 2024. The upheaval is unfolding at a pace that Trump and top aides never expected, officials said. Millions of Iranians have taken to the streets to protest Soleimanis killing a drastic change from only weeks ago, when demonstrators were denouncing the rulers in Tehran. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, told officials that any retaliation should be direct, proportional and carried out by Iran itself. European allies have expressed anger to Pompeo over the strike, which they were not told about in advance. And Pompeo has been unable to convince Iraqs government that the United States remains a reliable partner. Its parliament, furious at what Iraqi officials call a violation of their sovereignty, voted Sunday to expel more than 5,000 U.S. troops from the country. Diplomats and other American employees at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad remain on high alert, with some heading by airplane to the safety of the U.S. Consulate in Irbil, in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq. The Pentagon has added 4,500 troops to some 50,000 who were already in the region, and the British navy deployed two warships to the Persian Gulf. U.S. embassies around the world are warning American citizens to stay alert to potential dangers an action that undermines the administration line that the killing of Soleimani made Americans safer. The security of State Department personnel abroad is a big potential political liability both for Pompeo, who played a leading role in the House Benghazi inquiry as a Republican congressman from Kansas, and for Trump. Both men excoriated Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state who ran for president against Trump, for the 2012 deaths of four Americans, including an ambassador, in an attack against a diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. As director of the CIA and then secretary of state, Pompeo has warned his subordinates that he does not want to see any Benghazis. Trump and Pompeo were outraged by images of pro-Iran protesters in Baghdad on Dec. 31 attacking buildings at the U.S. Embassy, though no Americans were injured. A senior administration official said a severe but unspecified threat against the embassy was the reason that Trump made the decision to kill Soleimani. Yet no major attack against the sprawling and heavily fortified diplomatic compound in Baghdads Green Zone is imminent, even though Pompeo has asserted that repeatedly, said the official, who discussed administration deliberations only on the condition of anonymity. Some Pentagon officials had said earlier that there was no intelligence revealing any unusual threats. On Tuesday, Pompeo did not repeat his assertions that the United States had intelligence about an imminent attack and instead pointed to recent violent episodes. If youre looking for imminence, you need look no further than the days that led up to the strike that was taken against Soleimani, Pompeo said, apparently referring to the rocket attack by an Iranian-backed militia that killed an American interpreter, Nawres Hamid, in Iraq on Dec. 27. The Americans then carried out airstrikes that killed 25 militiamen, which led to protests by mostly Iranian-backed militiamen inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad. U.S. officials say that over the last two months, there have been 11 attacks by Iran-backed militias on bases in Iraq where American service members, diplomats and contractors work. Critics say Pompeo, the only surviving member of the presidents original foreign policy team, is a chief architect of the rising tensions between the United States and Iran. As Trumps first CIA director, he created a special centre to deal with Iran, appointing as its head Michael DAndrea, a veteran officer and convert to Islam known as the Dark Prince, who oversaw the hunt for Osama bin Laden and the drone strike campaign in the Middle East and Central Asia. In December 2017, Pompeo said he had sent a letter to Soleimani warning him against attacking U.S. forces in Iraq. The general had helped plan deadly attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq during the mid-2000s. When he received the letter, Soleimani was in Syria guiding a campaign against the Islamic State which meant he was nominally on the same side in that fight as the Americans. Days after becoming secretary of state in 2018, Pompeo pushed Trump to withdraw from the nuclear agreement and reimpose strict sanctions on Iran. He has nurtured closer partnerships with Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, enemies of Iran that sometimes have agendas that run counter to U.S. interests. In April, he advised Trump to designate as a foreign terrorist organization Irans Revolutionary Guard, an arm of the Iranian military that includes Soleimanis elite Quds Force. It was the first time the United States had applied that label to a part of another government. And after the Dec. 31 breach of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Pompeo pushed for the strike against Soleimani, which Defense Department officials had presented to Trump as an extreme and not particularly palatable option only days earlier. Yet Pompeos hawkish role on Iran could increase his support in a Republican establishment that has long wanted the United States to adopt more aggressive policies toward Tehran, with some advocating leadership change against the ayatollahs. A notable voter base conservative supporters of Israel, including white evangelical Christians like Pompeo promotes hard-line actions against Iran. They denounced the 2015 nuclear deal as appeasement. Last year, on a trip to Israel, Pompeo invoked the Bible in saying Trump was a modern-day Queen Esther sent by God to save the Jews from Iran. Since Friday, Pompeo has spoken on the phone with senior officials and leaders in Europe, the Middle East and Asia to explain the United States need for defensive actions and, in some cases, stress that Washington wanted de-escalation. The United States also sent a message to Tehran on Friday through a Swiss diplomat, a senior administration official said. In a joint statement issued Sunday, the leaders of Britain, France and Germany condemned Iran for its negative role in the Middle East but also described an urgent need for de-escalation. Read more about: A panel appointed by the Chhattisgarh government to probe alleged snooping of WhatsApp messages of the four activists in the state has so far not found any evidence linking any government official to the snooping, officials said on Monday. According to Citizens Lab report in October 2019, a Canada-based organisation that conducts research on cyber security, Pegasus and WhatsApp hacks were used in India by a group calling itself Ganges to target journalists and activists. The targeting by Ganges had political themes, according to Citizens Lab. As names of four Chhattisgarh based activists was on the list, state chief minister Bhupesh Baghel set up a panel headed by principal secretary, home, Subrat Sahu, to find out whether the previous Bharatiya Janata Party government had bought the software Pegasus, from Israeli cyber intelligence company NSO for snooping. The panel was formed on November 11, 2019, and was to submit a report in 30 days. More than 45 days after the panel was constituted, an official privy to the investigation by the panel, said they have taken statements of the officials to whom NSO had allegedly made a presentation and had also conducted an internal inquiry. No concrete evidence was found regarding a presentation done by NSO in Chhattisgarh. There was no proof of any police officer having brought the software from NSO, the official quoted above said. A member of the panel said, We have scanned all documents and conducted internal probe but nothing as such was found hence probe hit a wall. The issue was reported by a section of media after which the CM has ordered an inquiry. Both of them said that the probe will be completed soon and a report will be submitted to the government. Taran Prakash Sinha, a member of the panel and director of public relation said the probe was on. I will not comment on the findings. A report will be submitted to the government soon, Sinha said. Several rights activists, lawyers, and journalists on October last year said that they had been identified as targets of phone hack aimed at snooping on them. It came a day after messaging Services Company WhatsApp went public with allegations against the NSO Group, which is known mostly as Pegasus, for having misused its platform to aid spying on around 1,400 people globally. Four Chhattisgarh-based rights activists, Alok Shukla, Shalini Gera, Bela Bhatia, and Degree Prasad Chauhan, have alleged that their mobile phones were targeted. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Scores of Muslims in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi, have assembled and prayed fervently to Allah to help the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to win this year's elections to retain power. Alhaji Ali Suraj, the ex-NPP USA Organizer, who is the main architect of the spiritual exercise, stated that the NPP administration had delivered and deserved another term. According to him, every sector of the state has experienced massive transformation so far, which is a clear indication that the NPP government deserves a second term. He, therefore, told DAILY GUIDE that he personally organized the Muslim prayers to help the NPP administration win the upcoming polls. He said virtually all the top Muslim clerics, imams, sheikhs and other staunch Muslims in Kumasi attended the maiden prayer exercise. He disclosed that the programme, which took place at the Central Mosque in Kumasi, saw Muslims who used close to five hours to pray for victory for the NPP in 2020. We prayed fervently for Allah's guidance, blessings and protection for President Akufo-Addo, Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and other government officials, he said. Alhaji Ali Suraj noted that the spiritual exercise would be done annually, adding that his main objective is to ensure Allah's blessings for the NPP government. The Council of Zongo Chiefs led by Sultan Umar Farouk, Imam Abdul Wadud Ciessey, Council of Ulama and Imams, led by Imam Abdul Mumin and others turned up. Daily Guide Adam is a critical component of our plan to bring new technology and capabilities to a wider audience, said DFO Global CEO Bruce Cran. His experience providing solutions and driving growth for clients is unmatched. DFO Global Performance Commerce, an industry-leading performance marketing agency, announced today that Adam Pivko has joined the team as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. Adam is a senior executive with a 10+ year track record of strategic relationship management and oversight in the ecommerce, payments, fraud and Software as a Service (SaaS) spaces. Most recently, he was the Director of Strategic Accounts, Partnerships & Anti-Fraud at LimeLight, an ecommerce SaaS solution. During his time at LimeLight, Adam oversaw top-level strategy, drove revenue, profits, savings and protection for high revenue clients, as well as executed special projects of new offerings and partnerships. Adam is a critical component of our plan to bring new technology and capabilities to a wider audience, said DFO Global CEO Bruce Cran. His experience providing solutions and driving growth for clients is unmatched. DFO is propelling the industry and its clients to higher levels of success and innovation, said Pivko. As a member of the ecommerce community, I value and respect their accomplishments and look forward to playing a part in their momentum. Adam has spent much of his career navigating and connecting others in the performance marketing and affiliate industries. Hes a frequent attendee, speaker, and writer at several industry forums, conferences, masterminds, and publications. Adam has been an amazing partner of ours for a long time, said DFO Global Co-Founder and President Jordan Rolband. Im excited for the future of eCommerce that he will help us usher in. Adams record of results has been evident throughout his career. Prior to his time at LimeLight, he was Director of Gateway and Anti-Fraud Services at SALT Payments, Inc., where he managed all post ecommerce sales support and inquiries related to account maintenance, billing, chargebacks and anti-fraud in an ever-advancing online payments industry. He holds a Hons. BA from the University of Toronto and MBA from Walden University. You could say it comes naturally to Zhang Chenliang. Indeed, his moniker is "the man of natural history", or Bowu Jun in Chinese. This is no idle boast as the popular science blogger has 11 million followers on Sina Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter. His latest worka two-minute video about the "myth" of crabswas on the "hot search" list of the micro-blogging site on Dec 17. According to legend, male crustaceans are romantic and reliable "husbands". When danger comes, it is said, the male box crab will carry its "wife" with its claws and flee to a safe place where the female will shed its shell. Yet, Zhang's video unveils the truth about these marine creatures. Calappa crabs, as they are called, live alone most of their life and only get together for mating, which is the same for all kinds of crabs. Also, the male Calappa stays with the female Calappa while she's shedding its shellwhich marks sexual maturitynot to protect her but to make sure he's close by at this time. Netizens were quick to comment that they were disappointed that crabs did not have such a romantic life. The video is just an example of how Zhang shares his knowledge with netizens. The 31-year-old Beijing native, with a master's degree in agricultural entomology and pest control from the China Agricultural University, is a project director at Chinese magazine Natural History. He's in charge of the operation of the magazine's account on Sina Weibo. Most of his daily schedule involves answering questions raised by readers online. These can encompass entomology, zoology, botany and geography. Zhang likes to use humor to get his message across. Journey of discovery Over the past five years, besides answering thousands of questions on Sina Weibo, Zhang has been devoted to researching marine animals in China and writing a series of books titled Hai Cuo Tu Biji (Notes on Illustrated Handbook of Marine Animals). The third book of the series was published recently by China Citic Press Group and Chinese National Geography Books. Zhang says the series is inspired by an old illustrated book, titled Hai Cuo Tu, by Nie Huang. Nie lived in the early years of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). As a passionate traveler, his journeys took him from North China's Hebei province to the eastern coastal areas. Nie painted more than 300 marine creatures he had seen or heard about during his trips over the decades and finally finished the book in 1698. The book was then introduced to the imperial court in 1726 and was admired by the emperors. Nie's book includes four volumesthe first three are now in the Palace Museum in Beijing and the fourth one in the Taipei Palace Museum. Zhang got his first glimpse of the fascinating book during a visit to the Beijing museum when he was in middle school. Hai Cuo Tu, featuring the first three volumes of Nie's book, was published by the Palace Museum in 2014, and Zhang read it avidly. A year later, Zhang decided to write a book to verify some of the creatures in Nie's book. "Nie not only wrote down what he knew or heard, but also left some questions which he hoped descendants could answer for him." Zhang tried to answer most of the questions with his knowledge and research. He traveled to China's coastal areas and also to Japan and Thailand, visiting local markets and scholars, and read old books or theses to find the answers. "I think Nie would be happy to read my books," he says. Zhang published his first book in 2016, verifying 38 creatures featured in Nie's Hai Cuo Tu, and a year later, a second book was published, verifying 40 more. Both books won praise from readers, selling 260,000 and 160,000 copies respectively. In 2017, the Taipei Palace Museum made the images of the fourth volume of Nie's Hai Cuo Tu open to the public for free, and Zhang got to verify some species from it for his third book. "I'm trying to let the marine creatures across the Taiwan Straits unite." The third book, including 20 articles and featuring 63 marine animals, took Zhang two years to finish. "It took longer because for the first two books, I selected the easier creatures to verify, which I already had some knowledge of and are more common," Zhang explains. "For the third book, I had to look into the creatures that were not easy to verify. Some of the creatures are only based on other people's descriptions, and may look quite different in reality." Low on money and out of wine? I suggest heading to the nearest Grocery Outlet, where modestly priced wine treasures await those who are willing to dig. I used to think of Grocery Outlet stores as discount warehouses where pallets of soups I didn't even know Campbell made went to die. The California-based chain has 53 locations in Oregon, and I never once thought to stop at any of them for wine. A single social media post changed that. A few years ago, local winemaker Vincent Fritzsche alerted his Facebook friends that an expensive bottle of French wine was selling for $17 at the Milwaukie Grocery Outlet. I drove straight to Milwaukie and bought everything Fritzsche left behind. I was hooked. You won't find a hundred dollar bottle of wine selling for $17 every time you visit a Grocery Outlet. Still, it is possible to find bottles from well-known producers discounted by as much as 70%. During a recent sweep of local Grocery Outlet stores, I paid $53.94 for six bottles of wine from California, Washington and France. The regular retail value of these wines adds up to $220. Wineries have a myriad of reasons for slashing prices to sell to Grocery Outlet. "Overproduction, under-marketing, damaged labels, printing issues, divorces, bankruptcies, cash flow. All these reasons and more factor in," says Paul Manchester, one of Grocery Outlet's wine buyers. Grocery Outlet can sell large quantities of wine quickly and quietly, which wineries in a bind appreciate. "We don't do anything to promote our pricing visibly on the internet, Manchester says. Many of the people we see are in a challenging position, and we work hard to protect them. We hope they don't put themselves in that position again. Still, if they do, we want them to feel comfortable with coming back." If you haven't shopped for wine at Grocery Outlet lately, you may be in for a surprise. Manchester and two other wine buyers bring 110-years combined of distribution, import and retail experience to Grocery Outlet. According to Manchester, Grocery Outlet is much more "qualitatively- driven" than it was 10 years ago. "It's what happens when you involve wine professionals in a situation where none existed before, he says. It really has been a cultural change." So what can you expect to find in the wine section of your local Grocery Outlet? Let's start with wine specialists. Yes, some Grocery Outlets now have specialists to answer your wine questions. Manchester says the number of stores with wine specialists has "easily quintupled" during his seven years with the company. If the store does not have a wine specialist, the owner is your next best bet. Grocery Outlets are independently owned, and many owners spend hours each week researching the wines they pull from Grocery Outlet warehouses. Next, you will notice a sea of unfamiliar labels on bottles of wine that sell for $4-$9. Some of the names represent brick and mortar wineries. Others might be labels created by Grocery Outlet to protect a big-name winery's identity, so don't reject them outright. You can either seek guidance from the wine specialist or attend one of the store's regularly scheduled tastings to decide for yourself about these curious labels. If you decide to take a chance on a mystery wine and it doesn't pan out, you can return the bottle with a receipt within 30 days and get a full refund. You will have to be quick, however, to capture the best buys. There are blogs and wine tasting groups devoted to combing Grocery Outlet stores for the big bargains. This means discoveries like my $100 French wine disappear quickly. "It all fits into the 'treasure hunt' concept of the company," Manchester said. According to Manchester, some of the greatest treasures to be found at the moment are pink. "We are seeing crazy deals in rose right now due to the complete oversupply in the market." I recently found one of my favorite roses from Seven Hills Winery in Walla Walla for $4.99 instead of the $17.99 release price. I also discovered a lithe and lean $60 bottle of 2018 Tandem Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir for $9.99. Perhaps my favorite find was a half-bottle of 2004 York Creek Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. Back in the day, a full-sized bottle of this epic Spring Mountain cab sold for $40-$50. My half-bottle cost $8 at Grocery Outlet. Check out the Newberg Grocery Outlet for even more York Creek offerings. Other treasures are out there if you are willing to explore. -- Michael Alberty writes about wine for The Oregonian/OregonLive. He can be reached at malberty0@gmail.com. To read more of his coverage, go to oregonlive.com/wine. Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. T he Soho bar was buzzing when I bumped into an old friend this week, not long ago one of the loudest voices in the stop Brexit campaign. So what now? I asked, expecting an earful. He looked surprised Id asked. Oh, Im not talking about that any more, he said, grinning and ordering a drink Dean Street is more Dry Martini than Dry January country. No more speeches. Ive moved on. It feels great. The surrender couldnt have been more complete if hed wrapped himself in a white flag and licked Jacob Rees-Moggs shiny brogues while singing Rule Britannia in Latin, but then hell, whats the alternative? Get moaned at like Labours Jess Phillips when she was honest enough to say she still thinks being in the EU is quite a good idea? Which of us isnt secretly a little bit relieved at not having to care about what MPs might do with Standing Order 14 or whether the Norway option means deep alignment with the Customs Union? We havent had to think about the Irish backstop since the Christmas party season began, and the Lib Dem idea of revoke and remain feels as relevant to 2020 as life in a medieval monastery. Brexit is almost done. It turns out Boris Johnson was right about that. Were in that state of temporary anaesthesia you get after the dentist has filled your gums with lidocaine, where your lips feel like rubber and if you touch them its as if they arent actually there. But after a bit it fades and the pain starts. Julian Glover / Daniel Hambury There are 23 days until the United Kingdom leaves the EU. Yesterday the House of Commons returned to press on with the Withdrawal Bill. Its continuing today, as Johnson meets the new EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to warn that we might, still, leave without a deal by the end of the year. But its old news. Boring. Except this just cant be true. As Remainers used to say, Brexit isnt one single thing, and the Bill put before Parliament isnt a plan its only a route to something else. What that something turns out to be matters more than, say, as yet very fluffy government plans to do something nice for the North. You can chuck a lot of motorways and tram stops at Sunderland, but no whizzy infrastructure plan will make a difference there in the next five years if Nissan pulls its factory out because of car tariffs. A pro-remain protester holds up an EU flag with one of the stars symbolically cut out in front of the Houses of Parliament / AFP via Getty Images And its not just the North. You can thrill to a new age of accelerated economic growth based on data science, AI and cognitive technologies, but it would still be useful to know right now whats going to happen to Londons financial services industry if we dont reach a data-sharing agreement with the EU. This isnt moany stuff from bad losers. It is interesting and live, and should be the stuff of politics now. Its not as if the Government has it all sorted. Regardless of whether the claim that we can settle a real trade deal with the EU by the end of the year is true (answer: surely not, but there must be ways to wiggle around that), we dont even know if we are supposed to be attempting to reach a deal with the US at the same time (answer: lets hope not). If you want some sense of what might be about to happen, there is a helpful official guide telling us, in clear English, called Brexit: where do we stand? The only problem is that its provided online by the Dutch government, for Dutch citizens and businesses. If you want to get the official view from this side of the North Sea, you might decide to look at the website of the department thats meant to be in charge: DExEU. No joy there. Theres a dull link to a speech given by a dull minister at a breakfast in Madrid three months before the general election. But thats about it. Try the Number 10 page instead, and way down at the bottom below the bit about the history of the building thats been there for 20 years theres the single word Brexit on a grey background. But the link just leads to a lot of unanswered questions. On travel we are told: There may be changes after Brexit. Well, yes, wasnt that meant to be the point? As Brexiteers used to say, its time for the debate to move on. That shouldnt mean silence. It really should mean a debate. Of course, we know why thats not happening. The Tories have been gutted of the sort of open Remainers who used to ask difficult questions. Labour is too self-obsessed to make a fuss. The SNP just wants independence and to get Alex Salmonds sexual assault trial over with. The Lib Dems have been vaporised. Even if any of these forces had the strength or interest to stir things up, last years battles about no deal, or no Brexit, were high-stakes games. Its much less riveting to talk about trade access once Brexit has happened. Anyway, what used to be the mainstream lacks the will to be on the losing side twice. One defeat was embarrassing. Another would be a humiliation. Over the Christmas holiday, an Atlanta megachurch donated nearly $500,000 to five charities benefitting women and children. I pray that you also dont miss the lesson that the real meaning of Christmas is that it is more blessed to give than to receive, said Bishop Van Moody of the Worship Center Christian Church to his congregation, according to the Christian Post. The five organizations joined Moody on the stage with $95,000 checks during the Christmas Eve service. The organizations that benefitted are The Childrens Village, a group home for siblings; the Lovelady Center, a prison reentry and drug rehabilitation program; Maranatha Academy, a private school for at-risk kids; Einsteins Playground, an early childhood summer program; and the United Negro College Fund. It brings me great joy to know that The Worship Center Christian Church is blessing them with a combined financial gift of almost $500,000 to help them start or complete projects that will enhance the lives of those they serve, Moody continued. The church planned on giving the gifts at the end of the year and started to set aside 10 percent of tithes, donations, and offerings made to the church in March. Moody and his staff have worked with each of these organizations for years, and he considered it an honor to partner with them in the new year. Moody has long advocated for prison reform, meeting with President Trump in 2018 to discuss the issue. He thanked Trump for being compassionate and caring about all people, which drew criticism from some. [The comment] referred to the people who have been marginalized in the prison systems who can finally be ministered to and have the opportunities they need to succeed outside of prison Moody said in defense. But the influential pastor is not the only one who spearheaded giving campaigns at Christmas. Following a trend of many churches recently, the Christian Assembly Church in LA paid off $5.3 million in medical debt for over 5,500 families. And, Relentless Church in Greenville, South Carolina, gave over $30,000 to its community members, including a family in which both parents recently lost their jobs and are expecting another child. Photo courtesy: JP Valery/Unsplash Mikaela Mathews is a freelance writer and editor based in Dallas, TX. She was the editor of a local magazine and a contributing writer for the Galveston Daily News and Spirit Magazine. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2020) - MAX RESOURCE CORP. (TSXV: MXR) (OTC Pink: MXROF) (FSE: M1D2) ("Max" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update to the Phase 1 exploration program for the Company's 100% owned Cesar copper-silver project, located 420 km north of Bogota, Colombia. This part of the exploration program consisted of rock chip sampling across stratigraphy with the purpose of identifying potentially economic copper-silver mineralization of which assay results are pending. Max field geologists selected eight samples from different lithological units for petrographic analysis at Vancouver Petrographics. All eight samples show vivid green chrysocolla and malachite, along with azurite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, and also native copper (refer to Figure 1). Phase II of the Cesar exploration program is scheduled to commence in mid-January 2020 to follow-up reported assay results, conduct additional chip and/or channel sampling, and identify drill targets, along with geological modelling and field visits of other stratabound copper-silver targets in the Cesar regional area. "Initial Cesar phase of exploration reported grab sample assays ranging from 0.3% to 4.2% copper and from 1g/t to 116g/t silver, the first batch of chip sampling assay results are expected very soon. We are very encouraged with the visible copper oxide mineralization throughout a concentrated area of our Cesar copper-silver project and will continue to focus our exploration strategy toward a significant discovery in the Jurassic rocks of northeast Colombia," Max CEO, Brett Matich, stated. "The widespread copper occurrences throughout this area of Colombia support the Company's belief these rocks could host a significant copper-silver deposit similar to the European Kupferschiefer," he continued. Figure 1. Mineralized samples from the Cesar copper-silver project with visible copper oxide mineralization. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/51237_380a9b181404c840_002full.jpg Cesar Copper-Silver Project Cesar is located in north east Colombia within Jurassic sediments and volcaniclastics that run through the length of northern South America and host significant stratabound copper-silver mineralization in Ecuador and Peru. Worldwide deposit examples include the Copperbelt of Central Africa and the Kupferschiefer of Germany and Poland. Max cautions investors that the presence of stratabound copper-silver mineralization at Copperbelt and Kupferschiefer is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization at Cesar. Historically, the Cesar copper belt has only been explored from a local context, but never in a broader larger-scale perspective. The initial exploration program identified 19 distinct mineralized copper occurrences over an area of 9 sq. km, which is open in all directions. The first part of the Phase 1 exploration program previously reported grab sample assays ranging from 0.3% to 4.2% copper with: 34 of the 43 assaying in excess of 1% copper, 15 of the 43 assaying in excess of 2% copper, and 4 of the 43 samples assaying in excess of 3% copper. Silver values ranged from 1 to 116g/t. The Company cautions investors that grab samples are selected samples and are not necessarily representative of mineralization hosted on the property. North Choco Gold-Copper Project North Choco consists of wholly owned mineral applications (250 sq. km), located approximately 80 km SW of Medellin, Colombia. The recent NW Gold-Copper Discovery (refer to 29 October 2019 news release) outcrop reported 1 metre of 49.8 g/t gold and 4.3% copper, which continues under cover in both directions. The target area is also coincident with a Long Wave InfraRed (LWIR) anomaly and with elevated gold-copper soil values. Future work would focus on mapping and sampling along strike to extend the zone and on locating additional parallel zones. Choco Gold Project Choco Gold project consists of wholly owned mineral applications (250 sq. km), located approximately 120 km SW of Medellin Colombia and cover or are adjacent to historic production of 605,110 ounces of gold by Choco Pacific Mining (1906 to 1990). Source: R.J. Fletcher and Associates (2011) Review of Gold and Platinum Exploration and Production in Choco Province Colombia Part 3. Private Report for Condoto The Company has commenced discussions with a potential partner with the prerequisite expertise to assist with the gold bearing conglomerates. About Max Resource Corp. Max is a mineral exploration company with an experienced and successful management team focused on advancing the development of its landholdings in the rich mineral belts of Colombia, with significant potential for the discovery of important-scale mineral deposits that can attract major partners. Tim Henneberry, P Geo (British Columbia), a member of the Max Resource Advisory Board, is the Qualified Person who has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release on behalf of the Company. For more information visit: https://www.maxresource.com/ For additional information contact: Max Resource Corp. Tim McNulty E: info@maxresource.com T: (604) 290-8100 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward- looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for Max Resources Corp. described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward- looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51237 LONGMEADOW Dr. Daniel Skiest, an infectious disease specialist at Baystate Medical Center, will talk on Polio: History, Vaccine and Near Eradication, Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Storrs Library, 693 Longmeadow St. Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a very contagious disease caused by the poliovirus that once infected thousands, particularly children, in the United States, resulting in the deaths of many while leaving others paralyzed. Its first known outbreak in this country is said to have been in Vermont in 1894. In 1952, a record 57,628 cases were reported in the United States, according to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The entertainer Eddie Cantor is credited with coining the phrase March of Dimes in encouraging the country to send dimes to President Franklin D. Roosevelts White House in support of his National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis that would eventually become the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation. Early March of Dimes annual campaigns helped fund vaccines developed by Doctors Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin that would help put an end to the countrys polio epidemics. In 1954 some 1.3 million children took part in a trial of Salks vaccine. Inactivated polio vaccine is the only polio vaccine that has been given in the United States since 2000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children get four doses of polio vaccine, and says they should get one dose at each of the following ages: 2 months old, 4 months old, 6 through 18 months old, and 4 through 6 years old. Skiests presentation is said to focus on polios history in the United States, which has been considered polio-free since 1979 though the disease remains a threat in a number of countries. It is presented by the library as well as the Longmeadow Historical Society. Registration for the Jan. 15 free talk can be done online. The tension that the US incited in the Middle East is gaining momentum. This is what official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova told Ekho Moskvi. We are watching and following the event that we had warned about. This is escalation of situation and another coil of the tension that the US incited with its very strange and non-prospective policy, she said. Lucknow, Jan 8 : Lawyers carried the body of their slain colleague to the courtroom of the District Collectorate here on Wednesday to protest against the killing and shouted slogans against the police and government. Tempers ran high as hundreds of lawyers outnumbered the policemen and the issue took political overtones as Shivpal Yadav, president of Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party Lohia (PSPL) reached the District Collectorate to extend his support to the agitating lawyers. As soon as the news of the lawyer's murder spread, lawyers in Lucknow took out a protest march under police security. They demanded immediate arrest of the accused and compensation for the family. They also blamed the police for delayed action. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lucknow Kalanidhi Naithani suspended Krishna Nagar inspector Pradeep Singh for dereliction of duty while the District Magistrate, Abhishek Prakash, announced a compensation of Rs two lakh for the family of the lawyer. A 32-year-old lawyer had been beaten to death by five persons, late on Tuesday night in Damodar Nagar area under Krishna Nagar police circle. The lawyer, Shishir Tripathi, was beaten with bricks, rods and stones. One of the accused Vinayak Thakur, also a lawyer, has been arrested while four other accused persons were absconding. After preliminary investigations, the police have said that personal enmity was the motive behind the crime. "Vinayak Thakur, and the other accused Monu Tiwari, were involved in property dealing with the deceased. A dispute between them led to the murder. Vinayak and his accomplices accosted Shishir on Tuesday night and after heated arguments, attacked him till he died," said a police official. The family of the lawyer, however, said that he was killed because he was trying to stop the sale of drugs in the area. The escalating cycle of reprisals between the United States and Iran is threatening the delivery of aid to millions across the Middle East, the Norwegian Refugee Council warned Wednesday. "Tens of millions of people across the Middle East need humanitarian assistance. Most of them are already devastated or displaced by conflict," NRC chief Jan Egeland said in a statement. "Another confrontation among and regional powers would be deadly for aid lifelines on the brink of collapse," he warned. The killing last week in a US strike in Baghdad of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani has touched off a bloody cycle of tit-for-tat violence between the two foes. Iran responded by firing missiles on a US air base in western Iraq overnight. Each side has warned the other that any new attack would trigger a fierce response. The escalation has raised fears of a major conflict engulfing the entire region, across much of which the arch-foes and their proxies have a military presence. "24 million war-affected Yemenis and 12 million Syrians displaced within the region are extremely vulnerable to any escalation in conflict, sanctions or restrictions on movement," Egeland said. Egeland, whose organisation is one of the world's leading aid groups, also mentioned the plight of six million people in Iraq, two million people in the occupied Palestinian territories, and three million Afghan refugees in Iran who are in need of humanitarian assistance. "On behalf of the millions in need that have nothing to do with the political conflict, we urge de-escalation of this confrontation and direct talks among diplomats to find solutions," Egeland said. "Do not make a difficult situation impossible," he said. OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Oaksterdam University ("OU"), America's first cannabis college, is proud to announce an entirely new cannabis business course that students can complete from anywhere in the world. Launched on January 8, OU's Business of Cannabis online course provides the most comprehensive education available for entering or competing in the cannabis industry. This certificate program is the first of its kind, designed to prepare students as well as help professionals who are transitioning to a cannabis career. The curriculum covers what you need to know as an employee, advocate, or employer starting a new business in any of the 33 states, plus the District of Columbia, that have legalized cannabis use in some form. The Business of Cannabis online course features seven learning modules developed by cannabis industry leaders. Each module contains resources, presentations, and mastery exercises that reinforce the learning material, requiring around 35 hours to complete the course learning objectives. Subject areas covered by the course include but are not exclusive to: The historical use of cannabis Politics and law Scientific research Cannabis safety and efficacy The endocannabinoid system The therapeutic value of cannabis Extraction processes Cannabis products and methods of ingestion Commercial cultivation requirements and regulations Economic principles in cannabis markets Business startup and management The importance of ongoing advocacy "The Business of Cannabis course is unlike any curriculum today, curated and revised over thirteen years of person-to-person classroom experience at Oaksterdam," says Chancellor Dale Sky Jones. "The cannabis industry is becoming more crowded and competitive with each year, and so it is vital to set yourself and your team up for success with the best knowledge and information within your reach. We are making this exciting curriculum available online for the very first time, so that anyone, no matter where they live, can be a student." To learn more about The Business of Cannabis online course, please visit the course homepage , which also can be found via the Oaksterdam University website . OU is accepting student enrollment for the course as of today. About Oaksterdam University Founded in 2007, Oaksterdam University is America's first and most trusted cannabis college, with educational roots beginning in 1995. With over 40,000 alumni worldwide, Oaksterdam has established itself as the world's leading academic institution and policy brain-trust for cannabis. The university's Oakland campus offers hands-on plant experience, and the school is recognized for its expertise, leadership, and trailblazing in the cannabis industry. Oaksterdam provides regulatory training for government and public affairs, exceptional academic learning, and networking opportunities. CONTACT: Erik Lomo Oaksterdam University 510-251-1544 [email protected] SOURCE Oaksterdam University Related Links https://oaksterdamuniversity.com/ Manufacturing is forecast to grow 2.0 percent in 2019-20, compared to 6.9 percent growth in 2018-19, the Ministry of Statistics said. The economy is estimated to grow at 5 percent growth for the current financial year, the slowest pace in 11 years, as against 6.8 percent in the previous fiscal which will likely prompt the finance minister to opt for extra fiscal stimulus when she presents the annual Budget next month, according to a Reuters report. The decline has been mainly on account of deceleration in manufacturing sector growth, which is expected to come down to 2 percent in 2019-20 from 6.2 percent in the year-ago fiscal, as per the first advanced estimates of the national income released by National Statistical Office (NSO) on Tuesday, according to a PTI report. The deceleration was also witnessed in sectors like agriculture, construction and electricity, gas and water supply. Whereas, some sectors, including mining, public administration, and defence, showed minor improvement. The government is expected to announce tax concessions for individuals and increase spending on infrastructure after cutting corporate tax rates last year, officials and economists said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last week unveiled a plan to invest 102 trillion rupees ($1.4 trillion) in infrastructure over the next five years in a bid to make India a $5 trillion economy by 2025. Annual economic growth slowed to 4.5 percent in the July-September quarter, the weakest pace since 2013, blamed on weakening demand and private investment, putting pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speed up reforms as five rate cuts have failed to help. The financial year ends in March. Gross domestic product is estimated to grow 5.0 percent in 2019/20, slower than the 6.8 percent growth of 2018-19, the Ministry of Statistics said in a statement. Indian growth had slowed to 3.1 percent in 2008-09 after the global financial crisis. The slowdown in economic growth implies the government will have to come up with a fiscal stimulus in the budget, said NR Bhanumurthy, an economist at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, a Delhi-based think-tank. He said the latest growth numbers would impact revenue estimates and government spending for the next financial year. Growth was likely to be around 6-6.5 percent in 2020/21, he said, following a steady recovery. Manufacturing is forecast to grow 2.0 percent in 2019-20, compared to 6.9 percent growth in 2018-19, the Ministry of Statistics said. Construction is likely to grow 3.2 percent in 2019-20, compared to 8.7 percent the previous year, while the farm sector is forecast to grow 2.8 percent, compared to 2.9 percent a year earlier, the statement said. Private economists expect growth to steadily pick up in the next fiscal year. Data so far this year points to a weaker-than-expected activity, with global trade tensions and rising crude oil prices posing risks. The unemployment rate rose to 7.7 percent in December from 7 percent a year earlier, data released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, a Mumbai-based think tank, showed. The statistics ministry will release growth data for the October-December quarter on 28 February, along with revised full-year growth estimates. The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) will meet Minister for Health Simon Harris TD on Friday to discuss the Governments proposals on a new consultant contract. It comes as the consultant and non-consultant hospital doctor committees of the IMO continue their preparations for industrial action, which is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. The former President of the IMO said the strike will go ahead if the Minister fails to "come up with a serious attempt to urgently address the consultant crisis". "It is unfortunate that it takes a ballot for industrial action by doctors to get the Government to react but we now need to see they are serious about entering talks to resolve the Consultant recruitment crisis," said Dr Matthew Sadlier, who is also a member of the IMO's consultant committee. "We need real action not just electioneering talk, and the IMO will continue with our strike plans unless the Minister comes up with a serious attempt to urgently address the consultant crisis while also ensuring patients are properly cared for and all doctors are fairly treated with adequate supports and proper resources. We cannot afford to wait while patients are put at risk. Dr Sadlier welcomed the meeting with Minister Harris, stating 540 consultant posts lie empty while record-breaking numbers of patients wait for hospital beds. 621 patients are waiting on trolleys in Irelands hospitals today while Monday and Tuesday saw the highest number since records began. "The roots of the consultant crisis stem from a unilateral decision by a Fine Gael-led Government in 2012 to slash pay for new Consultants based solely on when they were appointed. That decision led directly to the current waiting list crisis because it has caused a major shortage of desperately needed Consultants, our senior doctors, to see and treat patients. "It is imperative that we resolve this consultant crisis and quickly agree a meaningful deal so that patients can get the care they deserve and the pressure on our hospitals is eased. We hope that the Minister is ready to negotiate in a serious way in order to resolve this crisis because otherwise we are ready to proceed with industrial action." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam and Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 12:09 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32152b08 1 National Natuna,Riau,Jokowi Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo departed on Wednesday morning for Natuna regency, Riau Islands amid the countrys ongoing spat with China over the latters controversial naval maneuvers in Indonesias exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the North Natuna Sea. With his entourage from Jakarta, Jokowi arrived at Raden Sadjad Air Force Base at 9:10 a.m. and was welcomed by, among others, Riau Islands acting governor Isdianto and Joint Defense Area Command (Kogabwilhan) I commander Rear Adm. Yudo Margono. According to a statement, Jokowis itinerary includes a visit to the Natuna regents office to handover land certificates for locals. In addition, Jokowi is also scheduled to meet with hundreds of local fisherfolk. Yudo previously said Jokowis visit would not include an extra layer of security in the contested maritime region. Our military forces will remain unchanged, Yudo told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday. Natuna administration spokesperson Defrizal said after arriving at the air base, Jokowi and his entourage were scheduled to leave for Ranai Naval Base, from where they were expected to head to an area in the Natuna Sea for inspection. Jokowi was only scheduled to visit the region for a few hours as he was expected to return to Jakarta in the afternoon. Hes supposed to fly back to Jakarta in the afternoon. He wont spend the night in Natuna, Defrizal said. The Indonesian Military (TNI) has claimed that Chinese fishing vessels remain in the North Natuna Sea located at the southern tip of the South China Sea, which China claims as its traditional fishing grounds despite Indonesias protests and attempts to increase its presence in the area. The Navy has deployed at least six warships to secure and patrol Natuna waters. We will deploy four additional warships two of them arrived on Monday, while two others are still being transported. So in total, we will have deployed six warships, Yudo said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang insisted last Tuesday that the Chinese vessels were performing "routine" activities to assert its sovereignty over the nearby Spratly Islands as well as its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters nearby, adding that China would like to work with Indonesia to continue managing disputes properly through bilateral dialogue. Indonesia responded on Wednesday by firmly rejecting the asserted historical claims over its EEZ in the North Natuna Sea. The ministry said it was "unilateral, had no legal basis and had never been recognized by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea". (rfa) Topics : Natuna Riau Jokowi Production at Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India's (HMSI) Manesar plant in Haryana and factories of various auto component manufacturers in Manesar-Bawal industrial belt was hit on Wednesday by the day-long strike called by 10 major trade unions against the Centre's "anti-people" policies. The strike, however, had no impact on production of auto majors Maruti Suzuki India, Hero MotoCorp and Honda Cars India at their plants in various parts of the country. "Workers in all three shifts at the Manesar plant are not working today in support of the trade union strike," HMSI Employee Union President Suresh Gaur told PTI. He said HMSI Manesar plant workers alongwith counterparts from factories of auto component makers Shivam Autotech, Emkay Automobile Industries, Munjal Showa, Napino Auto & Electronics and Talbros, among others have joined in for a day-long protest. "Workers at factories in the Manesar-Bawal industrial are supporting the strike and productions have been affected," Gaur claimed. When contacted, HMSI officials declined to comment. Workers and officials at Maruti Suzuki, Hero MotoCorp, Honda Cars India confirmed that production was on normally at their respective plants and the strike has had no impact. 10 central trade unions have claimed around 25 crore people will participate in the nationwide strike called to protest against the union government's labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies. They are pressing for a 12-point charter of demands of the working class relating to minimum wage and social security, among others. The demands also include a minimum pension of Rs 6,000 for everyone, minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, adequate supply of ration to people, AITUC General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur said, adding that the demands concern common man's issues besides worker-centric areas. U.S. Senator Tom Cotton on Wednesday introduced a bill that would prevent the United States from sharing intelligence with countries that allow Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies to operate 5G network technology within their borders, Trend reports citing Reuters. The United States has led a global campaign against the company, saying it could spy on customers for Beijing, and last year placed it on a trade blacklist, citing national security concerns. Huawei denies the allegations. The bills unveiling comes just days before the United Kingdom is slated to decide whether to upgrade its telecoms network with Huawei equipment. Cotton, a vocal critic of Huawei, proposed a little-noticed provision in a defense bill signed into law last month that directs intelligence agencies to consider the use of telecoms and cybersecurity infrastructure provided by adversaries of the United States, particularly China and Russia, when entering intelligence-sharing agreements with foreign countries. KPMG in the region is finalising preparations for the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) Family Business Conference, set to take place on February 10 at the Ritz Carlton hotel in Dubai. The event will be held this year under the theme driving growth through innovation and excellence to offer insight on the latest trends and challenges facing family business groups in the region. Attendees will also gain insight from subject matter experts who own, work for or work with family businesses. Family enterprises account for a major share of businesses across the region in most industries. Having worked with family owned enterprises across the region, business families have the challenge of planning a handover from one generation to the next. This conference will be beneficial for owners of family owned businesses, younger generation family members stepping into leadership positions and directors or senior management of family-owned companies. Harish Gopinath, Head of Family Business & Enterprise for KPMG Middle East and South Asia, commented on the upcoming event: We are excited to host this successful event for the fourth consecutive year. Each year, at least 100 members of prominent Family businesses in the region come together to gain further insights on the market challenges and on how to grow their operations in current economic conditions. Prioritising governance and succession planning are also critical to shaping the future of their business, which will also be showcased during the conference. The one-day conference will feature a keynote presentation and interactive workshops moderated by Tom McGinness, Global Co-Chair for Family Business for KPMG, and Randel Carlock, Professor in Entrepreneurial Leadership and Founding Director of the Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise at INSEAD. The workshops and News panel discussions will cover the following areas: leadership development, strategy and business governance, KPMG Family Business Survey, innovative organisations, succession planning, new technologies and how they impact growth. Family business owners and leaders from the Gulf region and the wider Middle East and South Asia regions are expected to attend the event, which provides the ideal opportunity for networking and knowledge-sharing. -- Tradearabia News Service Progressive government by definition must be functional, the governor said, returning to a common theme and citing his father, the former governor, Mario M. Cuomo. The governors address kicks off the start of the years legislative session, and comes on the heels of a historic year in Albany, where lawmakers passed major new laws on rent, climate change and congestion pricing, among other issues. Last year was also a period of transition for Mr. Cuomo: For the first eight years in office, Mr. Cuomo worked with a Republican State Senate, which often backed his pleas for fiscal austerity and batted back progressive reforms. That changed in the 2018 midterm elections, when Democrats took control of the Senate with the help of a number of young, liberal candidates who repeatedly challenged Mr. Cuomo, sometimes leading to heated conflicts. That rift has already surfaced this year, as the governor and other Democrats grapple with the political fallout from a new law that sharply reduced the use of cash bail. The law went into effect on New Years Day, and since then, concerns over a spate of anti-Semitic incidents and other recent alleged crimes committed by those released have led to calls for changes in the law, including by Mr. Cuomo himself. Mr. Cuomo made no mention of the bail reform on Wednesday during his speech, which included quotations from George Washington, Henry David Thoreau and the singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, and an extended nautical theme, with mentions of rocky shores, rough seas, and a political and social superstorm of anger and divisive rhetoric. Considering the states financial straits, Mr. Cuomo leaned heavily on proposals that would need little or no state funding, like banning gun ownership for people who have committed certain misdemeanor crimes in other states, banning foam food containers and outlawing synthetic opioids similar to fentanyl. If Indias response to the killing of Irans top general Qassem Soleimani made no criticism of the US' role, it is evident that the Narendra Modi government has weighed its options and has opted to tilt in favour of the US West Asia is a cesspool of clashing global interests, not to speak of the fact that it is the prime source of the worlds energy. The 10 oil-rich countries in West Asia have about 3.4 percent of the worlds land surface but possess 48 percent of worlds known oil reserves and 38 percent of natural gas reserves, according to BPs 2012 Statistical Review of World Energy. Quite naturally, when an incident of note takes place in West Asia that upsets the delicate balance of interests, the disturbance has a domino effect on global geopolitics and economics. India is no exception to the rule, only in New Delhis case the stakes are greater because of its entrenched and sustained interests. When US president Donald Trump decided to take out Irans top general Qassem Soleimani, Indias blood pressure shot up. It wasnt just the fact that the Gulf is vital to Indias energy security. That is an obvious factor since New Delhi imports 80 percent of its oil and gas needs. It isnt the fact alone that Iran is central to Indias connectivity plans to Afghanistan and Eurasia; it isnt the fact alone that the region hosts nearly 8-9 million of Indian expatriates who contribute to Indias economy; the biggest issue for New Delhi in the fight between the US and Iran is that it has been pushed to take a side, and make a strategic choice on the blind. Making a choice is antithetical to Indias foreign policy paradigm that has traditionally centred around engaging with everyone and allying with none. This is not just realpolitik, but the consistent stance of a civilisational nation-state that has stayed true to its legacy from Chanakya through the medieval past, colonial-era down to post-Independence as Hudson Institute fellow and author Aparna Pande has elaborated. In her second book, From Chanakya to Modi: Evolution of Indias Foreign Policy, Pande identifies the fulcrum of Indias foreign policy that not only has a strong moral dimension, but also continuity. In her words: Every Indian prime minister from Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi has left his imprint on Indias foreign policy... While they tried to carve their own paths what is interesting is there has been a remarkable degree of continuity in the policies followed over the decades. This continuity is identifiable in the way India under Nehru pushed for non-alignment a term that has gone out of favour but its tenets can be found in Indias current policy of strategic autonomy. Under Modi and his foreign minister Subramanyam Jaishankar, Indias strategic autonomy has evolved from non-alignment to multi-alignment so that India, given the state of its economy and its developmental curve, manages to punch above its weight. In a speech in September 2019 delivered in Washington at the Council on Foreign Relations, Jaishankar had elaborated on this concept. Trumps strike on Soleimani and Irans "revenge" of attacking US bases on Iraq was still far away, but while mentioning the "volatility" of Gulf region, the foreign minister had said, There are issues about, you know, the future of Africa and the volatility of the Gulf, as well, and not least to the return of history in the positions and policies that Russia has taken, particularly in West Asia. So this sort of world scenario, to me the strategic framework would be more multipolarity; unfortunately, less multilateralism; leading, suddenly from the perspective of a country like India, to a sort of a I would say a multi-alignment, which is you keep your relationships well-oiled with all the major power centres, and the country which does that best actually has political positioning in the world which may be superior to its actual structural strengths, he added. This remarkable statement, of India keeping its relationships well-oiled with all the major power centres to have a greater say in global commons than its geopolitical and geoeconomic strength would allow, catches the fulcrum and the direction of Indias foreign policy. Americas drone attack on a vehicle on Iraqi soil ferrying Soleimani, Irans commander of the al-Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the escalatory spiral it has and still may trigger, threatens Indias foreign policy paradigm, upsets its calibration and forces it to take a position. There have been many commentaries on the need for India to take a stand instead of waiting in the sidelines and hoping that both sides would see reason and walk back from the brink and allow it to continue with its delicate balancing act with regard to its bilateral relations with the US and Iran. Commentators have stressed on the fact that India can ill-afford to be a fence-sitter and must act on multiple fronts. India has already started acting on "multiple fronts", as Jaishankars telephonic conversations with Irans foreign minister Javad Zarif, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Omans foreign minister Yusuf Alawi and UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan have demonstrated, but its measured and careful response post the assassination of Soleimani, whose steady hand has helped guide Iranian foreign policy for decades and whose shrewd pragmatism has transformed (Quds Force) into a major influencer in intelligence, financial, and political spheres beyond Irans borders shows New Delhi has already taken a side and has done so at the risk of throwing more wrinkles in its ties with Iran guided by hard-nosed strategic calculus. To understand Indias evolving position, we need to look at the chronology of events and Indias response. The first statement that India released when the news about Soleimanis death was confirmed, was this: Killing of a senior Iranian leader by the US January 03, 2020 We have noted that a senior Iranian leader has been killed by the US. The increase in tension has alarmed the world. Peace, stability and security in this region is of utmost importance to India. It is vital that the situation does not escalate further. India has consistently advocated restraint and continues to do so. The title of the short release and the subtext tells us more than is apparent. India refers to Soleimanis death as a killing, instead of assassination that would have imposed greater significance on the act. India is obviously aware of Soleimanis importance in the region and his position in the Islamic nations power hierarchy (said to be next only to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei), so the playing down of the term is a deliberate act, designed to deescalate tension. And de-escalation of tension is the primary motif that rings through the brief statement, highlighting Indias concerns on renewed volatility in a sensitive region and the costs that may be imposed on India in terms of the security of its people stationed there, the threat to its energy security, derailing of its connectivity plans and the adverse effect on its economy. As Brookings Institution fellow Tanvi Madan has noted, India ...noted an increase in tension, but without identifying an instigator. And it advocated restraint, but, unlike China, did not especially mention the United States in this context. This deliberate reading down of the significance of the incident, Indias tepid response and unwillingness to name the US, was not lost on Iran. On January 5, the Iranian embassy in India released a statement on Soleimanis death. The statement, among other things, quotes Iran expressing gratitude to all individuals, groups, elites, media outlets, organisations and foreign missions in India who have expressed their solidarity with the government and people of Iran and have condemned this terrorist act in different ways and means including sending condolence messages, publications of reports and articles, as well as organisation of functions and rallies in various parts of India. Just in: Iran embassy in India issues a statement on killing of top Iran general by US;express gratitude to everyone in India who have expressed their sympathy and solidarity with the Iran. pic.twitter.com/4wijjJKHRr Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 5, 2020 Notably, the statement makes no mention of the Indian government. This is a clear sign of the fact that Iran has noted Indias response, and its statement bears testimony to the growing distance between the two capitals without putting ties at threat. Accordingly, Jaishankars statement post telephonic conversation with Zarif made no mention of the condolences offered. Just concluded a conversation with FM @JZarif of Iran. Noted that developments have taken a very serious turn. India remains deeply concerned about the levels of tension. We agreed to remain in touch. Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 5, 2020 And the Iranian readout of the same telephonic call was stark, matter-of-fact and generic. The Iranian readout of the @JZarif-@DrSJaishankar phone call. Interesting to contrast it w/ readouts of other calls (Pakistani & Russian foreign ministers, for example, offered condolences - Lavrov also expressed sympathy): https://t.co/KSXo0mWffX pic.twitter.com/lEjikVRvQR Tanvi Madan (@tanvi_madan) January 6, 2020 If Indias response made no mention or criticism of the US' role, it is evident that the Modi government has weighed its options and has opted to tilt in favour of the US in walking the tightrope. During Trumps phone call with Modi, the readout of which was subsequently made public, there was no mention of Iran. GOI readout of Modi-Trump phone call (Spoiler alert: Iran is not mentioned) pic.twitter.com/lz4Xet8BRi Tanvi Madan (@tanvi_madan) January 7, 2020 It stands to reason that India is in Madans words circumspect about criticising Washington despite knowing that Americas drone attack has thrown the region into volatility and the underlying realities of its ties with Iran. This circumspection stems from two impulses its growing distance with Iran and the calculus that compels India to have the US in a greater strategic embrace arising out of its needs to balance China. Add to this dynamic the fact that India has steadily become less dependent on Iran for its energy needs (its imports of Iranian crude is now zero due to secondary US sanctions while its energy imports from the US have gone up 72 percent in the five months to September 2019), and the Trump administration has been more understanding of Indias domestic political decisions than Iran. While the Islamic nation, for instance, had criticised New Delhi over the abrogation of Article 370, the Trump White House not only came to Indias aid on this issue but has also been quite circumspect about criticising India on the citizenship imbroglio. Notably, US Secretary of State Pompeo described the agitations in India over this issue (that came under sharp attack from progressive Democrats and US media) as robust domestic debate. One should also not lose sight of the fact that much of Indias troubles over Chabahar port, that was expected to solve Indias connectivity issues, bypassing Pakistan, boost its Eurasian connectivity and stabilise its efforts in Afghanistan has under-delivered and remains hampered due to Iran fundamentally changing the terms of the agreement multiple times about three times in three years. In contrast, the Modi government recently got the Trump administration to allow India a rare exemption on Chabahar. These realities are shaping Indias strategic choices and forcing it to act to contain the potential geopolitical spillover. However, Iran still retains civilisational and cultural ties with India. Given the strategic realities and the difficulties imposed by the Soleimani development, the trajectory of its will be interesting to note. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 18:23:55|Editor: ZX Video Player Close NAIROBI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The sun was scorching hot on Monday as the about 30 cows and a shepherd strolled into an open field in Kitengela, a suburb south of Kenya's capital, Nairobi. The field, from afar, appeared lush green following the recent heavy rains across the east African nation. The greenness had attracted the animals and the herder from the Maasai community, the natives of Kitengela which is in the larger Kajiado County, a semi-arid region bordering the capital. But the animals and the herder soon walked out of the field in frustrated as there was no grass in the field but a green obnoxious weed that has colonized the space and most of the other open lands in the vast dry region, killing pasture grass for the animals. Over the years, the herders had no problem finding grass in the fields that still remain unoccupied amid rapid real estate development in the suburb. But the recent heavy rains that hit Kenya due to climate change causing deaths and destruction have turned out to be a curse for the herders as they emboldened the weed that is turning out a curse. The weed is causing a "green drought" in the pastoralist region, with the herders struggling to get grass for their cattle despite every space appearing lush green. "We never used to struggle to get grass after it rains but this time around it seems the rains were of no benefit," said Bernard Sosoika, a herder. Sosoika said he had to walk for long hours with his animals in search of little grass available yet the rain stopped barely three weeks ago. "This weed is killing all the grass. The heavy rains seem to have broadcasted its seeds and made it pervasive," he said. In the past, what would sprout out in the dryland mostly were shrubs and grass would grow beneath them. Joseph ole Serea, a cattle-keeper in Isinya in the county said the weed has sprouted in most parts of the region. "If you leave it on the farm it colonizes the entire field. It grows faster, produces white flowers and seeds which are dispersed by the winds and rains," he said, blaming the rains for the "green drought". However, this is not the only invasive weed affecting the pastoralist region suffocating pasture. In 2018, herders grappled with a plant known as Ipomoea purpurea, which is poisonous to livestock. The weed invaded over a million hectares of land in the vast country, according to the Kajiado County government. The intensity of the weed declined with the weather changes, seemingly giving way to the current invasive species. Parts of neighboring drylands like Machakos have also been invaded by the weed, with farmers noting that the invasive plant also kills food crops if not controlled. Beatrice Macharia, an agronomist with Growth Point, an agro-consultancy, acknowledged that the effects of climate change are making some invasive plants more pervasive thanks to changing in temperatures and the rain pattern. "Kajiado is among Kenyan drylands where temperatures have increased in the last few years. The warmer temperatures certainly affect some natural plant species and embolden others including such weeds," she said. According to her, the plant has not only affected the pastoralists in the county but also crop farmers who now have to increase the frequency of their weeding to save their food crops. "This weed has deeper roots unlike most horticultural crops which means that if it is left on the farm, it saps all the nutrients and moisture in the soil leaving the beneficial plant with nothing," she said. Kenya's livestock sector contributes to about 42 percent of the agricultural gross domestic product, with production mainly done in arid and semi-arid lands. A Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) supervisor, his wife and his brother were charred to death at their apartment in Ghaziabad's Pratap Vihar, fire department officials said on Wednesday. It seems a room heater wire came in contact with the metal bed, triggering the fire, they said. The deceased has been identified as Bachchoo Singh (48), a native of Banda district in Uttar Pradesh, his wife Rani (45) and his differently abled brother Narayan (40). Singh had two sons -- Gulshan (22) and Pratham (16) -- and a daughter Rakhi (17), who were out of station when the fire took place. "All three members present (in the flat) were charred to death. The entire room had turned to ashes," Chief Fire Officer Sunil Kumar said. City magistrate Shiv Prakash Shukla has been appointed to probe the cause of fire which took place in the ten-storey building of GDA in sector 11 of Pratap Vihar. "The report of the magisterial inquiry would be submitted to the chief minister's office within four days after which further action would be initiated," District Magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey told PTI. "It has come to my knowledge that flats had not been allotted to anybody by GDA. Despite this, the supervisor was staying in the flat along with his family for a long time. "Action would be initiated after the inquiry. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognizance of the case and has instructed me to give an ex-gratia amount to his three children, who were out of station due to some reason," Pandey added. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post mortem, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian equity market kicked off the January 8 session on a weak note as Nifty slipped below 12,000 levels on the back of mounting geopolitical concerns as well as the slowing economy. Despite the fall below the psychological levels, certain stocks (priced between Rs 100-1,000 and market cap of Rs 10,000 crore and above) managed to outperform Nifty on a weekly and 3-month basis. (Data source: StockEdge) Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has outperformed the Nifty50 by 4.2 percent and 9.2 percent on 1 week and 3 months basis, respectively. In the last month, the company received Form 483, with eight observations from USFDA. HCL Technologies has outperformed the benchmark index by 3.8 percent on 1 week and 0.4 percent on 3 months basis. In December 2019, the company announced an expansion in Canada with a global delivery centre in Moncton, New Brunswick. Vedanta board meeting proposed to be held on January 8, 2020, to consider the offering of NCDs aggregating upto Rs 2,000 crore in one or more tranches. The stock has outperformed the Nifty by 3.3 percent and 1 percent on 1 week and 3 months basis, respectively. Tech Mahindra gained 10 percent versus Nifty gains of 8.3 percent in the last 3 months. The stock has outperformed the Nifty by 2.9 percent on a 1-week basis. A meeting of board of directors of the company is scheduled to be held on January 31 to consider audited financial results of the company for the third quarter ended December 2019. If you were at Paul McCartneys 1969 marriage to Linda Eastman, youd have noticed someone conspicuously missing John Lennon. Actually, considering none of Pauls Beatles bandmates attended, maybe Johns absence wasnt so surprising. About a week later, it was Johns turn to tie the knot with Yoko Ono. (They did so in Gibraltar.) Because of the runaway nature of John and Yokos nuptials, you didnt find Paul (or anyone else) in attendance there, either. After John and Yoko had their marriage certificate, they headed to the Amsterdam Hilton to stage their first bed-in for peace. If youve heard The Ballad of John and Yoko, you know most of this story. With that wedding song recorded (thanks to a big assist from Paul), the newlyweds headed to Montreal for a second bed-in. During that stay, John and Yoko recorded their anthem, Give Peace a Chance. And, curiously enough, John gave Paul his usual half of the Lennon-McCartney credit. John said he put Pauls name on it because he kind of felt guilty John Lennon and Yoko Ono debut their short hair at Vust Peace Center, January 22, 1970 in Denmark. | Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images On the first day of June 69, John and Yoko led the dozens of people in their room in a recording of Give Peace a Chance. One of the Smothers Brothers played guitar along with John while Yoko, Timmy Leary, Allen Ginsberg, and others in attendance chanted the chorus. The recording was about as informal as they come basically the diametric opposite of the painstaking Beatles sessions of the previous years. A month later, the track went out as a single by the Plastic Ono Band. In effect, it was Johns first true break from the Fab Four. But you wouldnt have known that from looking at the song credits. On the label, buyers found the eternal Lennon-McCartney stamp in its usual place. Looking back, John said he could hardly remember why hed given Paul credit for something that had nothing to do with him. Its there because I kind of felt guilty because Id made the separate single the first and I was really breaking away from the Beatles, he told Playboy in 1980. We always had that thing that our names would go on songs even if we didnt write them, he added. It was a silly thing to do, actually. It should have been Lennon-Ono. Some believe the credit was Johns thank-you for Pauls Ballad work Beatles John Lennon and Paul McCartney at London Airport after a trip to America to promote their new company Apple Corps, 16th May 1968.| Stroud/Express/Getty Images While Johns explanation (it was a habit) makes enough sense, some point to Pauls work on The Ballad of John and Yoko as the prime motivator. In Revolution in the Head, Ian MacDonald wrote that John credited Paul on Give Peace a Chance as payback for his partners help on Ballad. That reasoning also follows a clear logic. In April 69, just after the Amsterdam bed-in, John had returned to London yearning to record his new song idea. However, with George Harrison and Ringo out of town, John needed more help than usual to get the track on record. After helping John put the finishing touches on The Ballad of John and Yoko, Paul dutifully headed to the studio with him and played bass, drums, and piano on the record. (He of course sang backing vocals as well.) At a point in time when the two were no longer best friends, it was a grand gesture. Paul knew that people were being nasty to John, and he just wanted to make it well for him, Yoko told Rolling Stone later. Paul has a very brotherly side to him. Also see: Who Paul McCartney Was Paying Tribute To on the Beatles Classic Im Down ALTON Two area nursing homes are included among facilities a federal housing agency is close to selling after the biggest default ever of a government mortgage insurance program supporting the nursing home industry. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has reached an agreement with Greystone, a New York real estate finance firm, for Rosewood Care Centers a chain of elder care facilities according to documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by the New York Times. The Rosewood group consists of 11 facilities in Illinois including one at 3490 Humber Road, Alton, and one at 6277 Center Grove Road, Edwardsville as well as a facility in St. Louis. Greystone, a major lender to the nursing home industry, was servicing Rosewoods mortgages when the former owners defaulted. The company did not respond to requests for comment on the sale, which could close as early as February, according to filings in federal court in Illinois. Since the previous owners defaulted on $146 million in government-guaranteed mortgages, HUD has managed the group with the help of a court-appointed receiver. The default raised questions about HUDs oversight of the decades-old mortgage insurance program that backs 15% of the nations nursing homes. HUD solicited bids for the Rosewood facilities until the end of May 2019. Since then it has repeatedly declined to disclose the name of the prospective buyer or the purchase price. According to court filings, there were four bids for the properties which the department had valued at $95 million. A HUD spokeswoman said the department could not comment until the sale is complete. Since August 2018, the department has spent nearly $30 million to make up for shortfalls in funding at the Rosewood facilities and to pay for repairs. In December, Greystone was identified as the incoming owner of the Rosewood chain in a licensing application filed with the Illinois Department of Public Health. The application documents, released in response to a public records request, indicate Greystone will own and operate the facilities through a series of limited liability companies. The firm also intends to rename each of the facilities, according to the application. It was not clear how Greystone is paying for the facilities, or if the firm is getting any credit from HUD for the losses it may have incurred in the default. The sale of the facilities will not immediately end the work the Long Hill Co., the court-appointed receiver. In a court filing last month, Long Hill President David Lawlor said his firm may remain on the job for another year to help with the transition to the new owner and operator. Court records show that federal securities regulators are close to reaching a financial settlement with a former owner of the Rosewood facilities. The Securities and Exchange Commission in September charged a Chicago-area rabbi, Zvi Feiner, with defrauding a group of Orthodox Jewish investors who had put money into the Rosewood properties and other elder care facilities. Financial troubles at Rosewood began years ago when the government went to court to oust the former ownership group led by Feiner. In court documents, HUD said the owners had improperly diverted millions of dollars in federally insured funds to another nursing home that was not part of the program. Feiner this summer paid a $1 million penalty to HUD for failing to file several years of audited financial reports required by the mortgage insurance program. The New York Times contributed to this story. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 19:20:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Wednesday called on the United States and Iran to exercise self-restraint and respect the Iraqi state after the Iranian missile attack on military bases housing U.S. forces in western and northern the country. Abdul Mahdi said that Iraq "rejects any violation of its sovereignty and aggression on its lands, and the government continues its efforts to prevent escalation and that all parties should respect the sovereignty of Iraq and not endanger its people," a statement by his office said. Abdul Mahdi said that Iran informed him about the attack shortly before the missile barrage and he was told that the attacks would target the U.S. forces without giving details about the locations of the bases, according to the statement. Abdul Mahdi statement came after Iran fired ballistic missiles earlier in the day on military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq's western province of Anbar and near the city of Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan. On Friday, a U.S. drone attacked a convoy at Baghdad International Airport, killing Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy chief of Iraq's paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces. More than 5,000 U.S. troops have been deployed in Iraq to support the Iraqi forces in the battles against Islamic State militants, mainly providing training and advising for the Iraqi forces. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A judge in Cuyahoga County sentenced former Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority board president George Dixon III to probation on Wednesday, allowing him to avoid prison for failing to pay six-figures in insurance premiums. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Shirley Strickland Saffold sentenced the 66-year-old Dixon to one year of probation. She suspended a nine-month prison sentence that she can impose if Dixon violates terms of his probation. Dixon also agreed to repay $132,000 to the RTA to cover the health insurance premiums he failed to pay for more than eight years and to cooperate with ongoing investigations into the RTA. Dixon initially reached the plea agreement with prosecutors in July when prosecutors charged him. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalleys office spokesman Tyler Sinclair did not comment on the sentence Wednesday when reached by email. Dixon, who spent 24 years as the head of RTAs board of trustees, resigned at the boards request in March 2018 amid an internal investigation into his collection of RTA benefits. That investigation, completed in May, found that Dixon accessed RTA health insurance for years without paying the required premiums. The RTA board sent the results of its investigation of Dixon to the county prosecutor, Ohio auditor and Ohio Ethics Commission. The same internal investigation led to the suspension of the RTAs head of human resources, Bruce Hampton, for what RTA officials said was his role in enabling Dixon to access the health-care insurance without paying his premiums. Hampton later retired, and told cleveland.com that several top officials at the RTA including then-General Manager Joe Calabrese had been aware of Dixons theft since at least 2016. Calabrese, who left his post last year to take a job in New Jersey, denied the allegation. Read recent stories Former Cleveland RTA board president pleads guilty to felony theft in office Ex-RTA official hit with felony theft-in-office charge RTA considers bylaw changes in response to scandals involving former board president Former RTA manager says his boss, Joe Calabrese, knew three years ago about then-board presidents unpaid health-care premiums Greater Cleveland RTAs board president pleads guilty in 2019, agency faces potential death spiral The most problematic area is the standard of living. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Corruption, a bad political culture and non-functional health care raise the most concerns among people in Slovakia. They are less bothered by unemployment or the economic situation, a poll carried out by the Focus agency for the ethics watchdog Transparency International Slovakia (TIS) shows. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Respondents of the poll, conducted between December 2 and 9 on 1,009 respondents, were asked to choose the three biggest problems of people in Slovakia. The standard of living is considered the most problematic, as the results suggest. It is followed by the situation in health care, and unemployment. While at the beginning of the decade, most Slovaks saw unemployment as the biggest problem in the country, it is currently in fifth place, TIS wrote, as quoted by the SITA newswire. Trump, Other Officials Say US Prepared to Respond Should Iran Attack By Steve Herman January 07, 2020 President Donald Trump and top officials of his administration are saying they hope to avoid war with Iran, but the United States is fully poised to respond to any military provocations by Tehran. "We're totally prepared" for an Iranian attack and to carry out retribution in response to any such action by Iran, Trump told reporters Tuesday afternoon in the Oval Office during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. "They're going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly" if there is an attack, Trump added. Minutes earlier, at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Mark Esper had told reporters: "The United States is not seeking a war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one." Esper said the U.S. military had increased its force protection posture in the Middle East and is repositioning and bolstering forces in the region. Esper and other administration officials justified the targeted killing by drone at Baghdad airport of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani to prevent further attacks against Americans. Such an operation, planned by Soleimani, was poised to occur within days, Esper told reporters. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters that "multiple pieces of information" from intelligence sources were given to Trump before the president decided to target Soleimani. Trump stated that Soleimani was in Iraq on "bad business." National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said Soleimani was plotting to attack American facilities where he would have killed American "diplomats, soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines." O'Brien said the case against Soleimani was based on "strong evidence and strong intelligence," but said he could not reveal the "sorts of methods at this time, but I can tell you it was very strong." 'A monster' U.S. officials are emphasizing Soleimani's years of orchestrating terrorist attacks in the Middle East they contend were not abating. "If you're looking for imminence, you need look no further than the days that led up to the strike that was taken against Soleimani," Pompeo said, including the late December attack that killed an American contractor working in Iraq. Trump described the Iranian military leader as "a monster. He's no longer a monster. He's dead." Iran has vowed to exact revenge for Soleimani's killing. "We should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form," noted Esper. O'Brien said Iran's threats are being taken seriously. "We hope that they're deterred, and that they think twice about attacking America and its interests." Trump, in his Oval Office remarks, appeared to back away from his threats to include Iranian cultural sites in any retaliation. "We are, according to various laws, supposed to be very careful with their cultural heritage. And you know what, if that's what the law is, I like to obey the law," said Trump. "But think of it: They kill our people. They blow up our people and then we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions. But I'm OK with it. It's OK with me." Stampede of mourners In Iran, officials delayed Soleimani's burial after more than 50 people were killed in a stampede of mourners and more than 200 others injured, according to state media. Tens of thousands of people had gathered to honor Soleimani in his hometown of Kerman before his planned burial, following similar ceremonies this week in Tehran, Qom and Ahvaz. Many of the mourners screamed for retaliation against the United States for the killing of Soleimani. "No compromise, no submission, revenge!" they shouted. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif contended in a CNN interview that the killing of Soleimani, commander of the Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, constituted "state terrorism." "This is an act of aggression against Iran, and it amounts to an armed attack against Iran, and we will respond," Zarif said. "But we will respond proportionately not disproportionately ... we are not lawless like President Trump." With heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, the State Department has denied Zarif a visa to travel to New York for upcoming United Nations meetings. Pompeo on Tuesday declined to specify the reasons behind the denial of the visa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 23:08:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the evolving situation in the Middle East in view of the U.S.-Iran tensions, underlining the imperative of avoiding any further escalation, said a statement from the Prime Minister Office. The prime minister made the remarks while talking to Minister for Endowment and Religious Affairs of Oman Sheikh Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Abdullah Assalami in Islamabad after the tensions between the United States and Iran heightened over a U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani on Friday near Baghdad airport. The prime minister's office said that during the meeting with the Omani minister the two discussed the recent developments in the Middle East and the Gulf region, with Khan saying that war is in nobody's interest. "Recalling that Pakistan had suffered greatly due to earlier regional conflicts, the prime minister made clear that Pakistan would not be part of any conflict in the region," the statement added. Khan also recalled his earlier efforts for the facilitation of contacts between the United States and Iran as well as Iran and Saudi Arabia for peaceful resolution of differences and disputes. "Pakistan would always be a partner for peace. Pakistan would continue to play its role in seeking to defuse tensions, prevent conflict, and preserve the peace," the statement quoted the prime minister as saying. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available Subscriber content preview SEATTLE A small residential building at 1517 Boylston Ave. sold for $4.1 million, according to King County records. The seller was Boylston WPIG LLC, associate with the Neiders Co., which acquired the property in 1997 for $870,000. . . . BEMIDJI, Minn. - A northern Minnesota county on Tuesday night banned the resettlement of refugees within its boundaries, becoming the first in the state and the second in the nation to do so. By a 3-2 vote, the Beltrami County board of commissioners voted to deny consent to refugee resettlement. The move is allowed by local governments under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. I think we will be making history today, Commissioner Reed Olson said before the vote. Olson was one of two commissioners who voted for refugee resettlement. However, the move will have little practical effect as no refugees have been resettled in Beltrami County in the past five years. The vote drew applause from many of the crowd of more than 150 people crowding the board chambers in Bemidji, Minnesota, which is about 140 miles (225 kilometres) northwest of Duluth. The meeting was marked by jeers, shouts and accusations from the crowd, most of the members of which opposed refugee resettlement. The nations first county to ban refugee resettlement was Appomattox County, Virginia, where commissioners voted 4-1 on Dec. 17 to deny consent to resettlement. The Beltrami County vote came a night after commissioners in Burleigh County in neighbouring North Dakota voted 3-2 to limit refugee resettlement to 25 people in 2020. The U.S. Army is about to attack military spouse unemployment in a new way. Milspouse unemployment is a huge problem. According to the Defense Department, active-duty spouse unemployment was 24% in 2019, more than six times higher than the national unemployment rate. There are many reasons for this. Active-duty families often have children to take care of in the home, and rising child care costs can be restrictive for young troops. Military families also move around a lot and, since a third of all employed spouses work in health care, education and skilled trades, those moves can require new qualifications and new certifications in each state. In short, there are a lot more variables to being a working military spouse than there are in many traditional American families. Military families are just different, okay? (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher) From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2020, the Army's Soldier for Life Program will host the inaugural Military Spouse Virtual Career Expo, a four-hour online jobs expo that will provide any of America's 600,000 unemployed military spouses with career opportunities and a forum for networking with like-minded people in their fields. "Our spouses are talented, dependable and dedicated workers and can bring so much to the workforce," says Lt. Col. Olivia Nunn, director of communications for the Soldier for Life Program. "Even if you're not in the market for a job at the moment, it's still a great practice round to check out." Related: How to Network at a Job Fair The program is an Army effort to gather resources and agencies to support soldiers, veterans, retirees and families with every aspect of adapting and thriving in their post-military lives. The Military Spouse Virtual Career Expo is an effort to provide employment resources to spouses in the military-veteran community. Well-known companies will be part of the expo, including Allstate Insurance and Leidos, as well as federal agencies such as the Secret Service, Postal Service and Social Security Administration. Many will be coming to the expo with available positions ready to be filled nationwide, so attendees should register in advance. Right now, the DoD operates Military OneSource, a 24/7 online portal to news, information and resources for military members and their families. The DoD-funded site includes everything from tax prep to skills training, and includes the Military Spouse Employment Partnership portal, an online jobs site for military spouses. "The Chief of Staff of the Army wants to focus on people this year," Nunn said. "Military spouses are important to the Army, and Soldier For Life will be focused [on them] on this year. A happy soldier has happy family members, so we need to take care of them." Preparing for a virtual job fair is much like preparing to attend a regular job fair. Find an objective, learn about the employers, choose the right ones, and try to stand out. Be sure to prep all the necessary job fair equipment; preparing a resume, an elevator pitch, and answers to how you would fit in an organization will help in navigating even a virtual experience. If you want to network, you can do that at the Military Spouse Virtual Career Expo. Be sure to prepare for that too. The expo is completely free for all military spouses, no matter whether their spouse is active, Guard, Reserve, separated or retired. For more information, to register or join the job fair, visit the Military Spouse Virtual Career Expo website. -- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. Want to Learn More About Military Life? Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for fitness and basic training tips, or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox. Iran has said it will not give black boxes to the US, which international rules say should be involved in the probe. Fears have emerged that heightened tensions between Iran and the United States could hamper investigations into a Ukrainian airliner that crashed in the outskirts of the Iranian capital. Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 crashed less than three minutes after taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. The rules on probes into air crashes are set down in the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, and the responsibility for the investigations is assigned to the countries where they occur. This puts Iran in charge of the investigation, but the country that manufactures the aircraft and the one that operates the airline are also supposed to have representatives involved in such a probe. However, Tehran has already indicated it will not hand over the recovered flight recorders commonly known as black boxes to the US for any probe. Flowers and candles begin to pile up at a memorial to the flight crew at Boryspil International Airport near Kyiv, Ukraine [Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters] In theory, this means that the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is the body charged with investigating air accidents, would be involved. The aeroplanes manufacturer, Boeing, is based in the US, and investigators would likely rely on experts from the manufacturer. That could be a little complicated, said Jean-Paul Troadec, former head of Frances BEA airline safety agency. The crash came on the same day that US-Iran tensions hit new heights as Iran fired a volley of missiles at Iraqi bases housing troops from the US and other foreign countries. It was the Islamic Republics first physical response since the US killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani on Friday. Boeing said that it was in contact with Ukraine International Airlines and that it was ready to assist in any way needed. This is a tragic event and our heartfelt thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families. We are in contact with our airline customer and stand by them in this difficult time. We are ready to assist in any way needed. pic.twitter.com/TsTlyY34Vd The Boeing Company (@Boeing) January 8, 2020 However, the head of Irans Civil Aviation Organisation, Ali Abedzadeh, said while the Ukrainians were free to participate in the investigation into the crash, we will not give the black boxes to the manufacturer [Boeing] and the Americans, according to Irans Mehr news agency. An NTSB spokesman told the AFP news agency that the group was tracking developments and would follow normal procedures regarding international accidents. The NTSB was also in contact with the US Department of State to determine the best way to proceed with respect to Iran, the spokesman said. 200108175322733 In Washington, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement: The United States calls for complete cooperation with any investigation into the cause of the crash. Reading information from the cockpit voice recorder and flight data is not in itself difficult, according to Troadec. The difficulty is if the recorders are in a very poor condition, then you need labs which have the experience and equipment [in recovering data], he said. Besides the NTSB, Troadec said the BAE and its counterparts in the United Kingdom and Germany have the knowledge to handle data recovery in such situations, as may Russia. The BEA said it had yet to receive any request for assistance from the Ukrainian authorities. The Chicago Convention also allows a country to let another country take charge of an investigation. Dutch authorities carried out the investigations into the 2014 crash of a Malaysia Airlines plane in Ukraine. The flight was returning from Amsterdam when it crashed, killing 298 people including 193 Dutch nationals. Brendan Rodgers warned Leicester will have to suffer to reach the League Cup final after Kelechi Iheanacho's late goal earned a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Wednesday. Rodgers' side fell behind to Frederic Guilbert's first half goal in the semi-final first leg at the King Power Stadium. But Iheanacho came off the bench to equalise with his sixth goal in eight appearances this season. Leicester will feel they should have won after dominating for long periods, but the team in second place in the Premier League will have to finish the job at Villa Park in the second leg on January 28. "Overall I thought we dominated the game. Villa made some blocks and the keeper made some good saves," Rodgers said. "Over two ties it was always going to be tough and to get to a final you have to suffer, but the boys are confident." Rodgers has a remarkable record of advancing from his last 30 domestic cup ties with Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester. But the last team to beat Rodgers in a domestic knockout competition were Villa in the FA Cup semi-finals in 2014-15 when he was Liverpool manager. And Villa, whose last major trophy was the 1996 League Cup, will feel they are in pole position to reach the final after surviving a stern examination. "I thought Leicester were the better team. We have given away a farcical goal. Ezri Konsa has got brain dazzled," Villa manager Dean Smith said. "But we defended brilliantly at times and it will be a raucous crowd at Villa Park. I'm looking forward to it. It's all to play for." The second leg winner will play Manchester City or Manchester United in the final at Wembley, with City leading 3-1 after their first leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Leicester last won the competition in 2000, beating Villa in the semi-finals that year, and they were well on top at the start. Jamie Vardy was back after missing three games due to the birth of his daughter and a calf injury and took the fight to Villa. He seized Marvelous Nakamba's wayward header before testing Orjan Nyland, then saw his low drive blocked by Villa's keeper moments later. But, having soaked up Leicester's early blitz on a rain-drenched evening in the east midlands, it was Villa who snatched the lead against the run of play in the 28th minute. - Infused with confidence - Anwar El Ghazi was playing in an unfamiliar role up front due to Wesley's injury and Jonathan Kodjia's illness. The winger drifted back out to the left flank to deliver a cross that landed perfectly for Guilbert, who got in front of Ben Chilwell and stabbed his volley in from close-range. The French defender's first goal since August was Villa's first shot on target in the match. Infused with confidence after that bolt from the blue, Smith's team were inches away from doubling their lead before half-time. Jack Grealish's inswinging free-kick found Ezri Konsa and the Villa defender headed against the bar from inside the six-yard box. Leicester wrestled back the initiative after the interval and Nyland alertly smothered the danger when Vardy tried to latch onto a through ball. Tyrone Mings won header after header as Villa tried to weather the storm and when James Maddison did get past the defender with a bold burst, Nyland was on hand to make another good save. Maddison tried again with a run onto Ricardo Pereira's pass, but the Norwegian saved at the near post. Leicester's pressure finally told in the 74th minute. Luiz, put in trouble by Konsa's sloppy free-kick, lost possession to Hamza Choudhury and Vardy found Iheanacho, who shot high past Nyland from 15 yards. Vardy nearly won it in the closing minutes, but his shot rippled into the side-netting just as Leicester fans were anticipating a dramatic finale. Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates his equaliser against Aston Villa The US has increased its force "protection postures" in the Middle East in view of Iran's aggressive stance, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said, amid tensions over top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani's killing last week. The commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards was killed on Friday in a US drone strike, which was authorised by President Donald Trump. Esper said he has spoken to commanders on the ground to ensure they have the resources needed to protect their people and prepare for any contingencies. He said that "as a result we have increased our force protection postures across the region and then we will continue to reposition and bolster our forces as necessary to protect our people, our interest and our facilities". During a Pentagon conference, Esper asserted that the US has received widespread support for its actions from allies and partners in the region. "We will continue to work with them to protect American gains against the ISIS," he said. The US remains committed to its strategic priorities in the Middle East such as deterring Iranian bad behaviour and sustaining the enduring defeat of the ISIS, the defense secretary said. The architects of terror should know that we will not tolerate attacks against America's people and interest and will exercise our right to self-defense should that become necessary once again, Esper said. Responding to a question, he said the US is not seeking war with Iran. I think what happens next depends on them. We should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form either through their proxies as they have been doing now for--but for how many years or by--and war with by their own hand and so we take this one step at a time, Esper said. The US is prepared for any contingency and then it will respond appropriately to whatever they do, he asserted. When asked about Trump's remarks on targeting cultural sites in Iran, Esper said: I am fully confident that the president is not going to give us in the legal order and as I said the United States military had always has obey the laws of armed conflict. On Iran, he said,It has been around through its proxies and it has consistently escalated this in terms of the size, scale, scope of their attacks so we reach the point where we had to act in self-defense." We had to take appropriate action so at this point as I have said a few times now the ball is in their court. What they do next will determine what happens in the subsequent moves, said the defense secretary. Responding to questions, Esper said the US is not leaving Iraq for now. Our policy has not changed. We are not leaving her rock and a draft unsigned letter does not constitute a policy change and there is no signed letter to the best of my knowledge, he said. I have asked the question so there may be people trying to create confusion but we should focus on this much, what I said a few times now. Our policy has not changed. We are in a rock and we are there to support Iraqi Forces and Iraqi government to become a strong independent and prosperous country," Esper said. It is fair to say that many Iraqis recognise the strategic importance of US's partnership with them whether it is training and advising their military to become more effective on the battlefield or it is working together with him to defeat ISIS coalition, he said. I think the vote the other day shows the support of most Iraqis for our presence in the country, Esper said. On if the US is legally obliged to withdraw from Iraq if told by the Iraqi government to go, he was said not going to speculate. "We are not there yet. There has been, none of that has happened to the best of my knowledge and as those events unfold we will address them and we will have all of the right legal experts to advise us on that, Esper said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Anavex (AVXL) is a bio-pharmaceutical company that amazingly few know about, but those who do are passionate about, asserts Tom Bishop, an industry-leading small cap stock expert and editor of BI Research. Its lead drug is Anavex 2-73 (A2-73), an orally available drug with a clean safety profile that gives every indication so far of being highly effective against Alzheimers disease. Ill explain. Though there are 4 drugs approved, none of them really works beyond 6 months. It is currently in a 1-year, 450-patient Phase 2b/3 Alzheimers trial that is halfway through enrollment. If successful, the company will file for provisional approval. See also: Top Picks 2020: BG Staffing (BGSF) In an earlier, smaller Phase 2 study, comparable patients in the ADNI data base not taking Anavex 2-73 saw 4 times the deterioration in their Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores as those protected by the higher dosage of Anavex 2-73 after two years. In Anavexs Phase 2a trial the high dosage of A2-73 cohort saw only a 3-point decline in ADL score (a normal score is about 70 or better) as compared to a 25 point decline (8 times the decline) in the low dosage group (that basically did not work so was effectively a placebo) at 148 weeks. Same story with the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) score (perfect is 30, in this realm scores run below 26) where those taking the higher dose of Anavex 2-73 saw a drop of 1.1 in the MMSE score over two years vs. a drop of 4.4 in untreated patients. This is phenomenal. Nothing on the market today can come even close to this and if the company can prove this in the Australian trial it will be on track to become the lead Alzheimers drug in a market that is at least $10 billion worldwide. See also: Top Picks 2020: Cisco Systems (CSCO) Proof of the pudding, 94% of those who have completed the current 1-year trial period are voluntarily continuing to take A2-73, and some (from the earlier Phase 2a trial) have continued for as much as 3 to 4 more years now. Sometimes that speaks louder than the hard data. Story continues In addition, Anavex is currently wrapping up a Phase 2, 120-patient study with A2-73 for Parkinsons dementia and is working on three Phase 2 trials for Rett Syndrome, a devastating disease that strikes girls in infancy handicapping them severely in almost every function. Data from these trials are expected in 2020. I could go on for pages. There are no guarantees on Wall Street, but I hope you will agree that the above at least stacks the odds in our favor. More From MoneyShow.com: Dublin, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Stem Cell Research Products 2020 - Opportunities, Tools, & Technologies" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The possibilities arising from stem cells have resulted in great commercial interest. The purpose of this report is to reveal market dynamics affecting basic and translational research, clinical and commercial applications, and the rising demand for stem cell research products on a global basis. Importantly, it unveils the identities of leading market competitors and presents a market size breakdown, including detailed segmentation with 5-year projections. Use it to identify emerging market opportunities, spot new product development opportunities before your competition, and make smarter decisions, faster. Key Report Findings Stem cell research applications, including priorities by segment The relative demand for stem cell products, by stem cell type Analysis of stem cell manufacturing technologies, including costs, risks, and the rise of contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) Analysis of market trends, including opportunities and threats Competitive analysis for 128 market participants composing the global market Market size determination, including detailed segmentation and 5-year projections (2019-2024) With market competition growing increasingly fierce, ten of the largest companies selling stem cell research products are: Thermo Fisher Scientific BD Biosciences, a Division of Becton Dickinson (BD) Merck KGaA Miltenyi Biotec STEMCELL Technologies Lonza Group Takara Bio GE Healthcare Life Sciences FUJIFILM CDI Sigma Aldrich Furthermore, there are many speciality vendors of stem cell research products, such as FUJIFILM CDI, ReproCELL and Ncardia (who specialize in iPSC-related products), RoosterBio (who specializes in human MSC-specific products), and Corning (who specializes in Matrigel products to support pluripotent stem cell culture and cultureware), for example. Market Summary The possibilities arising from stem cell characteristics have resulted in great commercial interest, with potential applications ranging from the use of stem cells in reversal and treatment of disease, to cell therapy, tissue regeneration, bioprinting, drug discovery, toxicology testing, and more. Of interest to clinical researchers is the potential to use stem cells within regenerative medicine, and the pharmaceutical industry is integrating stem cells to conduct pharmacological testing on cell-specific tissues. There is also demand for extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from stem cells, because they can act as intercellular messengers and may be able to exert some types of therapeutic effects. Traditionally, scientists have worked with both embryonic and adult stem cells as research tools. While the appeal of embryonic cells has been their ability to differentiate into any type of cell, there has been significant ethical, moral, and spiritual controversy surrounding their use for research purposes. Although some adult stem cells do have differentiation capacity, it is often limited in nature, which results in fewer options for use. Thus, when induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were discovered in 2006 by Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University in Japan, they represented a promising combination of adult and embryonic stem cell characteristics. iPSCs are adult cells which are isolated and then transformed into embryonic-like stem cells through the manipulation of gene expression and other methods. The first successful generation of iPSCs was via research and experimentation using mouse cells at Kyoto University in Japan. In 2007, a series of follow-up experiments were done at Kyoto University in which human adult cells were transformed into iPSC cells. Nearly simultaneously, a research group led by James Thomson at the University of Wisconsin-Madison accomplished the same feat of deriving iPSC lines from human somatic cells. To facilitate research resulting from interest in these far-ranging applications, a large and rapidly growing market for stem cells research products has emerged. Today, well over one-hundred companies produce products to support the activities of stem cell scientists worldwide. The tools commercialized by these companies include ones to isolate, expand, culture, differentiate, and characterize stem cells, as well as technologies to enable their production at any scale. Broad categories of stem cell research products include, but are not limited to: Stem cell lines (such as iPSCs, MSCs, HSCs, NSCs, and ESCs) Stem cell culture media with supplements Consumables (such as antibodies, consumables in assays, cryoprotective agents and microcarriers) Instruments (such as freezers, bioreactors, cytometry devices, and assay systems) Stem cell services Specifically, the following compose the majority of stem cell product sales: Primary antibodies to stem cell antigens Bead-based stem cell separation systems Fluorescent-based labeling and detection Stem cell protein purification and analysis tools Tools for DNA and RNA-based characterization of stem cells Isolation/characterization services Stem cell culture media and reagents Stem cell-specific growth factors and cytokines Tools for stem cell gene regulation Mechanisms for in vivo and in vitro stem cell tracking Expansion/differentiation services for stem cell media and RNAi Stem cell lines Done-for-you or done-with-you services Key Topics Covered 1. REPORT OVERVIEW 1.1 Statement of the Report 1.2 Executive Summary 2. STEM CELL RESEARCH: AN INTRODUCTION 2.1 Identification of Stem Cells 2.2 Species Sources of Stem Cells for Research 2.3 Culturing Stem Cell Lines 2.4 Differentiation of Stem Cells 2.5 Benefits of Stem Cell Research 2.5.1 Basic Research 2.5.2 Stem Cells in Drug Discovery 2.5.3 Disease Modeling 2.5.4 Stem Cells in Toxicity Screening 3. STEM CELLS MARKERS 3.1 Embryonic Stem Cell (ESC) Markers 3.2 Hematopoietic Stem Cell Markers 3.3 Cancer Stem Cell Markers 3.4 Osteoprogenitor Cell Markers 3.5 Neural Stem Cell Markers 3.6 Mesenchymal Stem Cell Markers 3.7 Skin Stem Cell Markers 4. STEM CELL ISOLATION PRODUCTS 4.1 Flow Cytometry in Stem Cell Isolation 4.2 Flow Cyometry Systems 5. ANTIBODIES 5.1 Primary Antibodies 5.2 Secondary Antibodies 5.3 Recombinant Antibodies 5.4 Trial Size Antibodies 5.5 Apoptosis Antibodies 5.6 Epitope Tag and Fusion Protein Antibodies 5.7 Isotype CONTrol Antibodies 5.8 Stem Cell Marker Antibodies 5.9 Pluripotent Stem Cell Markers Antibody Products 5.10 Mesenchymal Stem Cell Markers Antibody Products 5.11 Hematopoietic Stem Cell Markers Antibody Products 5.12 Neural Stem Cell Marker Antibodies 5.13 Cancer Stem Cell Marker Antibodies 5.14 Antibody Production 5.14.1 Antibody Production and Development Services 5.14.2 Monoclonal Antibody Production Services 5.14.3 Polyclonal Antibody Production Services 5.14.4 Antibody Purification Services 5.14.5 Antibody Conjugation and Labeling Services 5.14.6 Hybridoma Services 5.14.7 Recombinant Antibody Production Services 5.15 Stem Cell Factor ELISA Kits 6. STEM CELL CULTURE MEDIA 6.1 Types of Culture Media 6.2 Choice of Cell Culture Media 6.2.1 Recommended Media for Primary Cell Culture 6.3 Stem Cell Culture Media 6.3.1 Methylcellulose Media 6.3.2 Differentiation Media 6.3.3 Expansion Media 6.4 Embryonic Stem Cell Media 6.5 Hematopoietic Stem Cell Media 6.6 Mesenchymal Stem Cell Media 6.7 Neural Stem Cell Media 6.8 Media Supplements for Stem Cell Culture 6.9 Cell Storage Media 7. BIOREACTORS 7.1 Stainless Steel Fixed Bioreactors 7.2 Single-Use Bioreactors 7.2.1 Single-Use System Types 7.2.2 Main Features of Commercial Bioreactors 7.2.3 Main Differences between Single-Use and Multi-Use Bioreactors 7.2.4 Microcarriers used in Bioreactors 8. STEM CELL LINES 8.1 Use of Stem Cell Lines 8.2 Types of Stem Cell Lines 8.2.1 Embryonic Stem Cell Lines (ESC Line) 8.2.2 Adult Stem Cell Lines 8.2.3 Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines (iPSC Lines) 8.3 Commercially Available Stem Cell Lines 9. STEM CELL MANUFACTURING 9.1 Institutional Manufacturing of Stem Cells 9.2 Transition to Commercial Manufacturing of Stem Cells 9.3 CMOs Involved with Stem Cell Manufacturing 9.4 Stem Cell Manufacturing Process 9.4.1 Scale-Up Methods 9.4.2 Closed Automated Systems 10. COST OF STEM CELL MANUFACTURING 10.1 Labor Cost in Manufacturing Stem Cells 10.2 Cost of Stem Cell Manufacture in a Partially-Automated Facility 10.3 Cost of Stem Cell Manufacture in a Fully-Automatic Facility 11. STEM CELL RESEARCH PRODUCTS: MARKET ANALYSIS 11.1 Global Market for Flow Cytometry Systems used in Cell Culture Studies 11.1.1 Flow Cytometry Market Share by Company 11.2 Global Market for Stem Cell Research Antibodies 11.2.1 Stem Cell Research Antibodies Market Share by Company 11.3 Market for Stem Cell Assay Products 11.3.1 Global Market for Stem Cell Assays by Product Segments 11.4 Global Market for Stem Cell Culture Media 11.4.1 Stem Cell Culture Media Market Share by Company 11.5 Global Market for Recombinant Cell Culture Supplements 11.6 Global Market for Stem Cell Cryopreservation Products 11.6.1 Market Share of Cryopreservation Products by Type 11.7 Market for Single-Use Bioreactors in Stem Cell Culture 11.7.1 Market for Single-Use Bioreactors in Stem Cell Culture by Product Segment 11.7.2 Single-Use Bioreactor Market Share by Company 11.7.3 Massive Investments in Single-Use Bioreactors 11.8 Global Market for Microcarriers used in Cell Culture 11.9 Market for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells 11.9.1 Toxicology Assays using iPSCs 11.10 Market for Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) 11.11 Global Market for Embryonic Stem Cells 11.12 Global Market for Stem Cells 11.13 Global Market for Stem Cell Research Products 11.13.1 Leaders in Consumables and Instruments used in Stem Cell Research 12. COMPANY PROFILES 12.1 3D Biotek LLC 12.2 Abbexa Ltd. 12.3 ABclonal 12.4 Abeomics Inc. 12.5 Abnova 12.6 Absolute Antibody Ltd. 12.7 Agilent Technologies Inc. 12.8 Alomone Labs Ltd. 12.9 AmProtein - China Inc. 12.10 Antigenix America Inc. 12.11 Apceth Biopharma GmbH 12.13 Applikon Biotechnology BV 12.14 AS ONE INTERNATIONAL, INC. 12.15 Assaypro 12.16 ATCC 12.17 Athersys, Inc. 12.18 Atlas Antibodies AB 12.19 ATVIO Biotech, Ltd. 12.20 Aviva Systems Biology Corp. 12.21 Becton, Dickinson and Company 12.22 Bio Basic 12.23 BioIVT 12.24 BioLegend 12.25 BioLife Solutions Inc. 12.26 Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 12.27 Biorbyt Ltd. 12.28 BioSperix Ltd. 12.29 Bioss Antibodies Inc 12.30 BioVendor - Laboratorni Medicina A.S 12.31 BioVision Inc. 12.32 Bio X Cell 12.33 Bon Opus Biosciences 12.34 BosterBio 12.35 CEDARLANE 12.36 Cell Culture Technologies LLC 12.37 Cellexus Ltd. 12.38 Cell Microsystems Inc. 12.39 Cell Signaling Technology Inc. 12.40 Celltainer Biotech 12.41 ChromoTek GmbH 12.42 Cognate BioServices Inc. 12.43 Corning Life Sciences 12.44 CUSABIO Technology LLC 12.45 Cygnus Technologies 12.46 Diagenode SA 12.47 DWK Life Sciences 12.48 EMD Millipore Corp. 12.49 enQuire BioReagents 12.50 Enzo Lifesciences Inc. 12.51 EpiGentek Group Inc. 12.52 Eppendorf AG 12.53 Eurogentec, S.A. 12.54 EXBIO Praha a.s 12.55 FabGennix International Inc. 12.56 Fitzgerald Industries International 12.57 GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences 12.58 GeneTex Inc. 12.59 GenScript 12.60 Greiner Bio-One International GmbH 12.61 HemaCare Corporation 12.62 HiMedia Laboratories 12.63 HuaBio 12.64 Hycult Biotech 12.65 HyTest Ltd. 12.66 ImmuQuest Ltd. 12.67 InSphero AG 12.68 Invent Biotechnologies Inc. 12.69 InvivoGen 12.70 Irvine Scientific, Inc. (FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific, Inc.) 12.71 iXCells Biotechnologies 12.72 Kerafast, Inc. 12.73 LifeSpan BioSciences Inc. 12.74 Lonza AG 12.75 Maine Biotechnology Services (BBI Group) 12.76 MaSTherCell S.A. 12.77 MBL International 12.78 MD Biosciences (Bioproducts Division) 12.79 Miltenyi Biotec GmbH 12.80 Minerva Biotechnologies Corporation 12.81 Monash Antibody Technologies Facility (MATF) 12.82 MP Biomedicals LLC 12.83 MyBioSource Inc. 12.84 Ncardia AG 12.85 New England Biolabs 12.86 Novasep Holding SAS 12.87 NovaTeinBio 12.88 Novus Biologicals 12.89 NSJ Bioreagents 12.90 Octane 12.91 PBS Biotech Inc. 12.92 PROGEN 12.93 PromoCell GmbH 12.94 ProSci Inc. 12.95 Proteintech Group Inc. 12.96 ProteoGenix 12.97 QED Bioscience Inc. 12.98 Ray Biotech 12.99 Rev MAb Biosciences 12.100 Reddot Biotech Inc 12.101 R & D Systems 12.102 REPROCELL Inc. 12.103 RoosterBio, Inc. 12.104 RoslinCT 12.105 SAFC Biosciences Inc. 12.106 Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc. 12.107 Sartorius AG 12.108 ScienCell Research Laboratories 12.109 Sigma-Aldrich Corp. 12.110 Signalway Antibody LLC 12.111 Sino Biological Inc. 12.112 Shanghai Korain Biotech Co., Ltd. 12.113 SouthernBiotech 12.114 StemBioSys, Inc. 12.115 STEMCELL Technologies. 12.116 Synaptic Systems GmbH 12.117 Synthecon Inc. 12.118 Takara Bio Inc. 12.119 Terumo BCT Inc. 12.120 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc 12.121 United States Biological 12.122 Vitrolife AB 12.123 VWR International LLC 12.124 Wuxi Donglin Sci & Tech Development Co. Ltd. 12.125 Xcellerex (GE Healthcare) 12.126 YposKesi, SAS (Genethon) 12.127 Zen-Bio, Inc. 12.128 Zellwerk GmbH For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/33s6ic Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. SPRINGFIELD She was a celebrated student athlete at her high school and was voted Most Likely to Succeed by her college classmates. But on Tuesday, Beth Zastawny, 53, of Ludlow, faced the prospect of serving nearly five years in prison in connection with submitting bogus financials to get a $4.2 million business loan to keep her struggling manufacturing shop afloat amid the Great Recession. U.S. District Judge Mark Mastroianni instead sentenced her to three years of probation, with the first to be served under home confinement. Mastroianni said he was swayed upon hearing of Zastawnys 2017 multiple sclerosis diagnosis and the intense treatments she receives to keep the degenerative disease at bay. According to court records and remarks by defense lawyer Raipher Pellegrino and Zastawny herself in court Tuesday afternoon, her legal troubles were a snapshot of the financial ruin many small business owners faced a decade ago and from which many never recovered. Zastawny was trained as a certified public accountant, but eventually bought a manufacturing business, merging two sites and naming the company Diecast Connections Inc. The business began to grow until the markets crashed in 2008. Lenders tightened up. Banks began calling in their notes. Zawstany felt the squeeze and poured in nearly a half-million dollars of her own money to avoid going under, plus borrowing from family and friends. The financial noose continued to tighten, and Zawstany became desperate to ensure her companys survival, she told Mastroianni. Then the American Saw Manufacturing Co. in East Longmeadow offered what appeared a lifeline, according to Zastawny: a multimillion-dollar contract. She went casting about for financing to buy new equipment and got into cahoots with a banker to secure a loan to purchase new equipment. I felt so out of options, Zastawny told Mastroianni tearfully. My guilt was overshadowed by the fear and desperation I was facing if Diecast failed. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant said Zastawny inflated her accounts receivable and trumped up assets she didnt own to get a loan from Blue Hills Bank in 2015. Former banker Anthony Riccitelli, 60, of Somerset, also pleaded guilty in the case and is scheduled for sentencing this week. Grant asked the judge to sentence Zastawny to 46 months in prison the low end of her federal sentencing guidelines, which consider criminal history, financial loss and other factors. Diecast ultimately shut its doors after Black & Decker purchased American Saw and the silver lining deal went south. Her business was not the only casualty, however. Among the people from whom she borrowed was Zastawnys brother. Their relationship soured and they became estranged. Her brother died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound a year after the business closed. Zastawny discovered his body as she had encountered that of their father, who died in the same fashion in the family home in Grafton nearly 40 years earlier, she told the judge. I will always have a marked sense of guilt over my brothers death. My mother will forever grieve her son. My nephew will always miss his father, she said. Mastroianni said he was initially poised to sentence Zastawny to a term behind bars. You can do a lot of damage trying to save a failing business, Mastroianni said, adding that he did not think the U.S. Bureau of Prisons could provide the level of medical care she requires. Zawstany also will be ordered to pay restitution and forfeit money. That figure will be determined at a later court hearing. Photo: Wikimedia UPDATE: 9:35 p.m. A Ukrainian airplane carrying at least 170 people crashed on Wednesday shortly after takeoff from Tehran's main airport, killing all onboard, state TV reported. The plane had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in the Iranian capital. The crash is suspected to have been caused by mechanical issues, the TV reported, without elaborating. An investigation team was at the site of the crash in southwestern outskirts of Tehran, civil aviation spokesman Reza Jafarzadeh said. After taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport, it crashed between Parand and Shahriar," Jafarzadeh said. An investigation team from the national aviation department was dispatched to the location after the news was announced. Pir Hossein Kulivand, an Iranian emergency official, later told state TV all those on board were killed in the crash. He said rescuers were trying to collect the dead. State TV earlier said there were 180 passengers and crew aboard. The discrepancy could not be immediately reconciled. Flight data from the airport showed a Ukrainian 737-800 flown by Ukraine International Airlines took off Wednesday morning, then stopped sending data almost immediately afterward, according to website FlightRadar24. The airline did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Associated Press journalists who reached the crash site saw a wide field of field of debris scattered across farmland. The dead lay among shattered pieces of the aircraft. Rescuers in masks shouted over the noise of hovering helicopters as they worked. The crash came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack targeting two bases in Iraq housing U.S. forces in retaliation for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The Boeing 737-800 is a very common single-aisle, twin-engine jetliner used for short to medium-range flights. Thousands of the planes are used by airlines around the world. Introduced in the late 1990s, it is an older model than the Boeing 737 MAX, which has been grounded for nearly 10 months following two deadly crashes. ORIGINAL: 8:10 p.m. A Ukrainian airplane carrying 180 passengers and crew crashed Wednesday near an airport in the capital, Tehran, state TV reported. There was no immediate word on casualties. The plane had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport, the report said. The crash is suspected to have been caused by mechanical issues, it added, without elaborating. An investigation team was at the site of the crash in southwestern outskirts of Tehran, civil aviation spokesman Reza Jafarzadeh said. Flight data from the airport showed a Ukrainian 737-800 flown by Ukraine International Airlines took off Wednesday morning, then stopped sending data almost immediately afterward, according to website FlightRadar24. The airline did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The crash came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack targeting two bases in Iraq housing U.S. forces in retaliation for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The crisis rocking the management of Radio Communication Nigeria Limited, RCN, one of the companies owned by late M.K.O Abiola has snowballed into legal hostilities. Two administrators and personal representatives to the Estate of the deceased business mogul, Boma Alabi,Timothy Hugh Daniel, alongside two children of M. k. O. Abiola-Olamilekan Abiola, Aliu Abiola and Radio Communication Nigeria Limited Company have dragged three other children, Kolalwole Olatokunbo Abiola, Agboola Si-nurudeen Abiola, Adedeji Shamusedeen Abiola and corporate Affairs Commission before a Federal high court sitting in Lagos. Olamilekan Abiola and Aliu Abiola are suing along side other plaintiffs for themselves and on behalf of other children and beneficiaries to the Estate of late MKO Abiola, while Agboola Si-Nurudeen Abiola, Adedeji Shamusedeen Abiola are sued jointly and as individual as purported Directors of Radio communications Nigeria Limited. In an affidavit sworn to by a legal practitioner, Boma Alabi and filed before the court by a Lagos lawyer, Ifedayo Adedipe SAN, Boma averred that pursuant to the High Court of Chancery order of 7 July, 2010, herself and the second Plaintiff, Timothy Hugh Daniel were appointed professional administrators and personal representatives to the estate of Chief M.K.O Abiola He said M.K.O Abiola was the founder and largest shareholder of Radio Communication Nigeria Limited, in his lifetime and that the radio RC(.10354) was duly registered as a company under Part A of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004 in 1972 with Registered Office address at No. 38, Concord Way Muritala Muhammed Way, International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State. He said the company was incorporated with two Directors; Chief MKO Abiola (deceased) and his wife, Late Simbiat Abiola with 99% of the shares allocated to himself and 1% to his said late wife. Boma said the Share Capital value of the company at incorporation was five million shares (5,000,000), with a total of 4,999,999 ordinary shares at N1 per unit allotted to the late Chief M.K.O Abiola and one share was allotted to late Alhaja Simbiat Atinuke Abiola. Chief M.K.O Abiola and Alhaja Simbiat Atinuke Abiola continued to act as Directors of the company until their demise. The first director, Chief M.K.O Abiola died on 7th July, 1998, however the second director and subscriber predeceased the first director following her death earlier in time. The company Radio Communications Limited RCN thereafter became inactive and moribund following the demise of its two principal officers as subsequent directors have not been appointed by the authorized representatives of the company by virtue of her three decades of legal practice experience, she is aware that deceased directors of a company can only act through its personal representatives upon order of a court to substitute or amend the register of directors at the corporate affairs commission. The shareholding interest of a deceased director reverts to the estate administrators as long as it is not specifically assigned to a beneficiary as they have exclusive authority to deal with the shares on behalf of the beneficiaries. Following the demise of all the directors, the directorship of the company reverted to the estate of its personal representatives and Administrators. By his last will and Testament of 25th day of October, 1989, he appointed National Westminister Bank Plc of England as his Executor and Trustee of his Will. The majority shares of RCN were not specifically assigned to any of the beneficiaries under the last will and testament of Chief M.K.O Abiola. Late Chief M.K.O Abiola also by the said Will desired, and so appointed Rodney Timore Timpson of the Round House 34a, High Street. Petersfield Hampshire, GU32 3JL as his Solicitor. Late Chief M.K.O Abiola in the Will empowered the Trustees/ Executor to appoint such other administrators to the Estate to administer the estate where properties or companies. are outside the United Kingdom, upon such terms and generally in such manner as his trustees shall from time to time in their absolute discretion think fit and to delegate to any such Attorney Administrator all or any powers conferred upon his trustees by Law of his Will. The National Westminster. Bank Plc of England in the exercise of its power under the Will of 25th day of October, 1989 appointed Administrators to the Estate of Late Chief M.K.O Abiola. On the 6th day of October, 2004 the Probate Registrar of the High Court of Justice, Winchester granted and issued probate letters to (1) Timothy Hugh Daniel of 43. Fetter Lane. London, EC4a IJU, (2) Adam Broke International Press Centre, 76 Shoe Lane. London, EC4A 3JB and: (3) Kolawole Olatokunbo Abiola of No.5. Farombi Ajike Street, Maryland, Lagos. However, by the Order of the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division of the Master Moncaster, England dated 7th July 2010. F. Boma A. Alabi OON, (Formerly known as Boma Ozobia) was appointed as a personal Representative of the late Chief M.K.O Abiola Estate to take over the Estate Administration from Adam Broke who could no longer continue to act by reason of his retirement. She then applied on behalf of the Administrators to the High Court of Lagos State in Suit No: ID/1046M12010 for re-sealing of the Probate grant to enable the administration of the deceased estate in Nigeria, he explained Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates "For more than 100 years, TOTO has improved people's bathroom experience with revolutionary products and technologies that provide a consistently clean, comfortable experience," said Shinya Tamura, CEO of TOTO USA. "As we confidently embark on our next 100-year cycle, we will continue our pioneering work by expanding our core competencies through collaborations with leading-edge companies, like GP PRO, whose inventive technologies and innovative business models redefine the commercial restroom experience." Public Restroom of the Future Takes Flight To help ensure its passengers enjoy a clean, comfortable restroom experience every time, Hartsfield-Jackson has installed TOTO and GP PRO's smart, fully-connected restroom solution. Leveraging the Internet of Things, the award-winning KOLO Smart Monitoring System uses wireless communication technologies, cloud-based processing and data storage, and cutting-edge sensors and sensing technology to provide timely, customized and secure communication between connected restroom fixtures and facility managers and their custodial staff through smartphone, tablet, and desktop apps. Installed on TOTO's EcoPower flush valves and faucets and GP PRO's enMotion and Compact paper towel, toilet tissue and sanitizer dispensers in the busiest restrooms (B Concourse) at Hartsfield-Jackson, the technology monitors product usage, jams, outages, and leaks, alerting the airport's custodial staff in real time so that problems are addressed immediately long before weary passengers encounter them. For Hartsfield-Jackson, a bad restroom experience can affect its bottom line. A JD Powers' study (2015) found that for large airports (at least 30 million passengers per year), "delighted" passengers spend up to 190% more in the airport than disappointed ones. Since the Atlanta Airlines Terminal Company (AATC) installed the KOLO Smart Monitoring System and connected products by TOTO and GP PRO in Concourse B, its busiest restrooms, the AATC has enjoyed improved sustainability, increased labor efficiency, and increased costs savings in restroom operation. Further, the AATC has seen an increase in custodians' job satisfaction and has reduced waste. "At Hartsfield-Jackson, we strive to provide our passengers with a world-class experience -- one that truly delights them. Not simply because it improves our bottom line, but also because it has a positive impact on their perception of our airport and our city as whole," said Dr. Kofi Smith, President and CEO of the AATC. "In the past, our public restrooms were a major source of passenger frustration and complaint. However, since we installed the KOLO Smart Monitoring System in B Concourse our busiest restrooms we have elevated our passengers' experience and seen a significant positive impact on our custodial staff and bottom line. It's truly transformative technology." In the future, TOTO believes that consumers will be able to experience clean, comfortable public restrooms wherever they travel for work and playairports, restaurants, office buildings, train stations, hospitals, retail spaces, and stadiums. The smart, fully-connected restroom solution comprised of the KOLO Smart Monitoring System and connected products by TOTO and GP PRO is customizable and a smart investment for small, medium or large facilities. "Our KOLO Smart Monitoring System provides consistent tracking and monitoring across a site's entire restroom environment, be it a single building or a multi-building campus," said Mike Slawson, Vice President of Connected Devices for GP PRO. "It offers benefits that help meet the facilities' critical needs, including improved sustainability, improved labor efficiency, and increased cost savings in restroom operation." By remotely monitoring and analyzing restroom conditions and responding in real time to potential problems, the KOLO Smart Monitoring System helps maintenance and custodial teams ensure that the right staff are performing the right tasks at the right time, and consumers enjoy a clean, comfortable experience every time. To learn more about TOTO's commitment to providing consumers with a consistently clean, comfortable experience through IoT enabled restrooms public, retailer and mobile visit TOTO's Booth #43125, Smart Home Section, Sands Expo, throughout the 2020 International Consumer Electronics Show. About TOTO TOTO USA is headquarters for the Americas Division of the TOTO Global Group, which was established in 1917 with the founding of TOTO, Ltd., in Kitakyushu, Japan. TOTO is the world's largest manufacturer of bathroom fixtures and fittings with $5.19 billion dollars in annual sales (as of March 2018 and its exchange rate). For the past 100 years, TOTO has been the recognized leader in innovation, technology, performance, and design with products that enhance the luxury bathroom experience. Today, the company maintains 33,431 employees in 20 countries and owns manufacturing facilities around the world in countries as diverse as Japan, Mexico, Germany, the USA, India and China. Guided by its corporate philosophy , the TOTO Global Group strives to create a great company, trusted by people all around the world, which contributes to the betterment of society. Dedicated to engineering products that respect the environment while meeting people's needs for comfort, beauty and performance, TOTO is the sole plumbing manufacturer to maintain a research and development center devoted to universal design, advanced science, and technology. Consumers enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing they purchased a brand that innovates to improve people's quality of life. Winner of numerous domestic and international awards and recognitions, TOTO is the only plumbing manufacturer honored as Water Efficiency Leader by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The company continues to raise industry standards and consumer expectations as to what is possible in the bath space, as TOTO believes a high-quality bathroom is an experience and an everyday luxury people value and appreciate. For more information, consumers may visit www.totousa.com or call 1.888.295.8134, Option 5. Follow TOTO on Twitter ( @TOTOUSA ) and Instagram (@TOTOUSA) and become a TOTO fan on Facebook . About GP PRO GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific, manufactures and sells well-known brands like ActiveAire, Angel Soft Professional Series, Brawny, Compact, Dixie, Dixie Ultra, enMotion, and Pacific Blue. GP PRO products meet restroom, foodservice, and break room needs for office buildings, healthcare, foodservice, high traffic, lodging, retail, and education facilities, plus a wide range of industrial and manufacturing facilities in North America. For more information, visit gppro.com. SOURCE TOTO Related Links http://www.totousa.com A stakeholder information event, to help inform the content of the new cross-border EU PEACE PLUS Programme (2021-2027), will take place in the Lough Rynn Castle Estate, Mohill today, Wednesday, 8 January from 6pm-8pm. The purpose of the event is to let people know about the possible funding sectors for the new programme and give them an opportunity to help shape its future content. Currently Leitrim County Council is in receipt of approximately 1.8 million worth of funding under the PEACE IV Programme. PEACE PLUS will replace the previous PEACE and INTERREG Programmes which (for over 20 years) have provided approximately 3.4 billion in EU funding to tens of thousands of projects, on both sides of the border. It is anticipated that the value of the PEACE PLUS Programme will be similar to the total of the current two programmes, PEACE IV (270m) and INTERREG VA (283m) and is likely to be in excess of 600m. The new programme has been written into the post-2020 EU regulations for the next programming period and is supported by both the UK and Irish Governments. As with the previous programmes, PEACE PLUS will also have a strong results focus with successful applicants expected to deliver upon its overall outputs and objectives. The programmes area will include all of Northern Ireland and the six Border Counties of Ireland - Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo - but has flexibility to also include organisations based outside this area; as long as they are making a contribution to the objectives of the programme and benefit the citizens living within the eligible region. Interested parties are encouraged to attend. A full listing of all the events, as well as information on how to respond to the new PEACE PLUS Programme, is available at www.seupb.eu/ peaceplus The last year ended in rising protests and anger across the country. This year has begun on the same troubling note. The organised mob attack on protesting students in Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University with what appears to be active connivance of the university administration and the police has torn away the last remaining vestiges of normalcy from our democratic functioning. Joining the Dots is a weekly column by author and journalist Samrat in which he connects events to ideas, often through analysis, but occasionally through satire *** The last year ended in rising protests and anger across the country. This year has begun on the same troubling note. The organised mob attack on protesting students in Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University with what appears to be active connivance of the university administration and the police has torn away the last remaining vestiges of normalcy from our democratic functioning. The fact that the attackers got away despite gates being locked and police present, and that it is the victims who have had cases slapped on them, speaks volumes. It is common, and indeed necessary, to have differences of political opinion in a democracy, but when one of the opinions is clearly thuggish and totalitarian in character, it becomes difficult to pretend it is just the usual political debate between two points of view. I spent years trying to understand the views of, among others, the Hindu right-wing. I used to edit a newspaper, The Asian Age, in Mumbai. Sometime in 2014 or 2015, we began to get visitors coming into the office to have interviews with our team. There were various kinds of personalities, ranging from political leaders to movie actors and directors. Among the political people we hosted were Sudhir Mungantiwar of the Bharatiya Janata Party, who was then finance minister of Maharashtra, Narayan Rane who was then with the Congress, Prakash Ambedkar of the Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh, and a team from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh led by Manmohan Vaidya, who was then the all-India communications head of the organisation. We had frank and open discussions with all these people, and more. Anyone in our quite diverse editorial staff was welcome to attend and everyone had equal opportunity to ask any questions they wanted during the interviews, which were subsequently published. My own openness to all questions, answers and points of view came from a position of journalistic neutrality. I considered it important for journalists to not be activists. The job of the journalist, I believed, was to hear all sides of every story and report them fairly. It was necessary, I thought, to treat all political parties alike, with a measure of scepticism, and to wait and see what a political party or government did before coming to any firm conclusions. What I have seen in the intervening years is, in my own profession journalism a well-organised control of the media by the ruling party. Large sections of it have been turned into pure screeching propaganda, and much of the remainder have been left to do puff jobs and bury inconvenient stories. I have seen the capture of all institutions in which the government has any role, and the placing in key positions of loyalists of questionable merit, a process that began with the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as the chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India. I have seen many and repeated attacks on reason and science ranging from the laughable comments about Mahabharata Internet, Darwin, peacocks, etc to the murders of rationalists. I have seen communal hatred of the worst kind being mainstreamed and normalised. I have seen the countrys economy sent into a tailspin by a move that at least initially, I did not oppose, because the goal seemed laudable and I could not imagine that such a massive thing as demonetisation had been done without sufficient study and thought for consequences. I have seen three former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir and the entire Kashmiri political class disappear overnight from public view before the eyes of the world. I have seen the fragile peace that had returned to Northeast India being ruined, and many ordinary lives destroyed by the National Register of Citizens in Assam, where the process began in earnest in 2015. The subsequent passing of the Citizenship Amendment Act in December 2019, with its explanations of chronology, was at least in part a reaction to the politics of NRC that began in Assam. The countrywide protests we are now seeing have come about as a result of that complicated communal politics. It is abundantly clear, at least to me, that for all my openness to hearing and seeing the Hindu right-wings point of view, I am unable to discern any remote signs of the promised acche din for any section of the population. I cannot for the life of me understand how the worst unemployment rate in 45 years, and increasing workloads coupled with decreasing increments, is acche din. Prices are rising while incomes are stagnant or falling. The GDP forecast of 5 percent released yesterday is the lowest in a decade. There is zero sign of vikas in any field except hooliganism. The market for hired goons is probably one of few that has seen steady growth. It started early on with the lynchings by cow-protection vigilantes. What was then stray incidents has since spread far and wide, and now we have police itself quite openly aiding and abetting rioters and vigilantes of a particular party, not only in Uttar Pradesh but even in JNU in Delhi. How is any of this good for the country, or anyone who lives in it? What is the meaning of destroying a healthy economy and a peaceful society? We were doing fine as a country until we were pushed into ever-increasing chaos by a succession of terrible decisions which all had one common thread: they were all driven by hatred of one group or another. It was resentments against the corrupt rich in case of demonetisation. It was hatred against Bangladeshis and more broadly against Muslims in the case of NRC and Citizenship Act. The poison has now spread throughout the society and country. It is always there, sloshing about in the form of fake news posts in social media, popping up on TV and newspapers, emerging awkwardly in arguments in social and family gatherings. The only way that I can think of, at least for myself, to retain a measure of sanity in this growing madness is to cut myself off from what I now know beyond reasonable doubt to be lies, hate speech and propaganda. I have unfollowed right-wing handles on Twitter, exited and evicted people from groups on WhatsApp, and unfriended fellow-travellers and apologists of fascism on Facebook. I dont see the point in hearing more lies, either from those who spread it knowingly for personal gain or those who spread it unquestioningly because they have been brainwashed. I have heard enough. I will believe the evidence of my own eyes only. If I see around me a peacefully progressing country and a healthy economy, if I see a country in which the Constitution is upheld in spirit and in letter, if I see a country where all castes, tribes and communities religious and linguistic are treated with equal dignity and respect by the government of the day, I will not need any bigoted, sold-out uncle on WhatsApp trying to sell me some unbelievable spiel to convince me of the greatness and glory of this government. I will sing it the praises it will deserve. Samrat is an author, journalist and former newspaper editor. He tweets as @mrsamratx One could conceivably hold House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responsible for the death-by-drone of Qassem Soleimani for she rushed impeachment of President Trump on the grounds we could not let him occupy the White House for even one more day lest our erratic commander-in-chief do something irrational. Then she unconstitutionally withheld the two cotton-candy Articles of Impeachment from delivery to the Senate for trial. Guess you waited too long, Nancy. The killing of Soleimani was of course quite rational and quite ironic, as the Iranian general supposedly banned from international travel traveled the road from Baghdad International Airport on a road that has seen the deaths some of the 600 Americans killed by the explosively-formed-penetrators his forces supplied to Iraqi militias, not to mention the thousands maimed by them. Perhaps President Trump should invite some of the families of the soldiers Soleimani murdered and some of the wounded warriors he maimed so Pelosi could look up at them and see why the killing of enemy combatant Soleimani in a war zone as he plotted to turn our embassy in Baghdad into another hostage crisis or worse, another Benghazi, was justified. Of course, one could also speculate that Speaker Pelosi and a few of those Democrats calling the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' elite Quds Force, a war crime might not be alive today if Irans most revered general had carried out his plot to bomb a Washington D.C. restaurant full of Americans in a plot to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to the United States. As NBC News reported on October 10, 2011: Two men, including a member of Iran's special foreign actions unit known as the Quds Force, were charged in New York federal court with conspiring to kill the Saudi diplomat, Adel Al-Jubeir. Justice Department officials say the men tried to hire a purported member of a Mexican drug cartel to carry out the assassination with a bomb attack while Al-Jubeir dined at his favorite restaurant Manssor Arbabsiar, a 56-year-old U.S. citizen who also holds an Iranian passport, was charged along with Gholam Shakuri, who authorities said was a Quds Force member and remains at large in Iran. The Treasury Department listed addresses for Arbabsiar in two Texas cities -- the Austin suburb of Round Rock and the Gulf city of Corpus Christi -- and prosecutors say he frequently traveled to Mexico for business. The complaint filed in federal court says Arbabsiar confessed that his cousin Abdul Reza Shahlai was a high-ranking member of the Quds Force who told him to hire someone in the narcotics business to target Al-Jubeir. U.S. authorities described Shakuri as Shahlai's deputy who helped provide funding for the plot. Shahlai was identified by the Treasury Department in 2008, during George W. Bush's administration, as a Quds deputy commander who planned the Jan. 20, 2007, attack in Karbala, Iraq, that killed five American soldiers and wounded three others. Arbabsiar, Shakuri, Shahlai and two others -- Qasem Soleimani, a Quds commander who allegedly oversaw the plot, and Hamed Abdollahi, a senior Quds officer who helped coordinate -- were sanctioned Tuesday by the Treasury Department for their alleged involvement. The department described all except Arbabsiar as Quds officers. A senior U.S. official told NBC News that U.S. intelligence has a "high degree" of confidence that the "Quds Force at the highest levels" was involved in the alleged plot and that this was not some "rogue operation." Think about this for a moment. Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State, Eric Holder was attorney general, and Robert Mueller was FBI director when Iranian general and Quds Force commander Soleimani oversaw the planning of a terrorist attack on American soil that could have killed hundreds of Americans including some of the Washington elites. Yet they plowed ahead on the Iranian nuclear deal sellout, were part of an administration that financed Irans terrorist ambitions with $150 billion, including a billion and a half in cash dropped on an Iranian tarmac in the middle of the night, then participated in a coup for regime change, not in Tehran, but in Washington, D.C. As Bill Roggio, writing in the Long War Journal of October 13, 2011, reported: The commanding general of Irans Qods Force, the special operations branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, has been accused by the US government of being involved in the recently disclosed plot to kill the Saudi ambassador on US soil. Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani oversees the IRGC-QF [Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force] officers who were involved in this plot, the US Treasury Department stated in yesterdays terrorism designation that identified four other Qods Force officers involved in the plot. The other men named in the designation include Hamed Abdullahi, a senior IRGC-QF officer who coordinated aspects of this operation; Abdul Reza Shahlai, Abdullahis deputy, who coordinated the plot and undertook to carry out follow-on attacks against other countries interests inside the United States and in another country; and Ali Gholam Shakuri, Shahlais deputy, who met with and provided money to Manssor Arbabsiar, the man assigned to direct the attacks. Arbabsiar himself, who is Shahlais cousin, was also named in the designation and identified by Treasury as being a Qods Force officer. Only Arbabsiar and Shakuri were indicted by the US Justice Dept., however, for their roles in the plot to carry out attacks in the US. Arbabsiar is currently in US custody. While exact details of Soleimanis role in the terror plot have not been disclosed, the Justice Dept. indictment said Shakuri had informed Arbabsiar that Soleimani was aware of the plot and supported it. Shakuri had also told Arbabsiar that Soleimani was willing to meet with him. While some Iran analysts have speculated that the plot to kill the Saudi ambassador and conduct other attacks may be a rogue operation launched by zealots within the group, as reported by The New York Times, Soleimanis involvement makes this theory highly unlikely. Soleimani is one of the most powerful IRGC generals in the country; he reports directly to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader. Khamenei, in turn, has ordered Soleimani to direct Irans operations against the US in Afghanistan and Iraq. And he was not reluctant to kill Americans on American soil. Soleimani was the war criminal here and he died the way he killed hundreds of Ameicas young warriors -- without mercy. Daniel John Sobieski is a former editorial writer for Investors Business Daily and freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Human Events, Reason Magazine, and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications. STAMFORD The financial turmoil outlined in his arrest warrant and the subject of civil lawsuits filed by his mother-in-law does not appear that it will prevent Fotis Dulos from being freed on Thursday. Fotis Dulos, 52, is expected to post $6 million bond putting up more than $400,000 in cash and will be released on house arrest following charges this week of felony murder, murder and kidnapping in his estranged wifes homicide. Fotis Dulos spent a second night in jail Wednesday when his bond paperwork could not be filed in time after his arraignment at state Superior Court in Stamford. His ex-girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, 45, is also expected to be released Thursday on $1.5 million bond, which was lowered from $2 million at her arraignment. Troconis and Kent Mawhinney, a longtime friend and former civil attorney for Fotis Dulos, have each been charged with conspiracy to commit murder in connection with Jennifer Dulos death. Mawhinney is not expected to post his $2 million bond. Judge John Blawie refused to lower the bond for Mawhinney, who was arrested Tuesday at gunpoint, according to sources, and was considered by the prosecution as a flight risk. Mawhinney, knowing about this warrant, did evade state police for a period of time (Tuesday) and was found near the Massachusetts border, States Attorney Richard Colangelo told the judge. Blawie also rejected a bid to lower Fotis Dulos bond. If released, Fotis Dulos will be held on house arrest with GPS monitoring. He will only be allowed to leave his Jefferson Crossing home in Farmington to attend medical appointments, church services and court-approved work appointments. The judge also issued a protective order, banning Fotis Dulos from having any contact with his mother-in-law, Gloria Farber, his five children and their nanny. In a press conference held outside the courthouse following the arraignments, defense attorney Norm Pattis said he expected a bond in the range of $5 million, considering his clients extensive overseas connections. I can count on one hand the number of bonds Ive seen that are higher than the $6 million bond placed on my client, Pattis said. Pattis argued the case built in this warrant was entirely circumstantial. Weve waited for months in anticipation for this warrant, Pattis said. What we got was vanishingly little. After more than seven months since Jennifer Dulos vanished, police said Tuesday they gathered enough evidence to declare the missing New Canaan mother dead and charge three people in connection with her homicide. The 50-year-old mother of five likely suffered a non-survivable injury, according to Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner James R. Gill, as detailed in arrest warrants released Tuesday. According to the latest arrest warrants, Jennifer Dulos suffered non-survivable injuries during an attack inside the garage of her New Canaan home around 8:05 a.m. May 24. While her body has not been found, the states chief medical examiner determined Jennifer Dulos likely died from some combination of traumatic, blunt-force injuries such as a bludgeoning/beating, and/or sharp-force injuries such as a stabbing/slashing, according to the arrest warrant. State police said they were alerted to what was described as a human grave in East Granby, where Jennifer Dulos may have been temporarily placed, according to Mawhinneys arrest warrant. Mawhinney, who represented Fotis Dulos in the $2.5 million civil lawsuits filed by his mother-in-law, was one of the founders of the Windsor Rod & Gun Club in East Granby, where two members discovered on May 18 a hole on the property near the woods, measuring 2 1/2 feet wide, 6 feet long and 3 1/2 feet deep, according to the warrant. The men found a blue tarp and two bags of lime, which could be used to decompose a body, the warrant said. According to the warrant, Mawhinneys cellphone pinged off a tower near the club around 11 p.m. May 31 hours after police visited Fotis Dulos Farmington home and conducted an intense search in Hartford where they say Jennifer Dulos bloody clothing was found in the trash. The next day, Fotis Dulos and Troconis were arrested on tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution charges. According to the new arrest warrants, police described Fotis Dulos years of financial trouble that could have been a motive for his estranged wifes disappearance. If he was granted custody of the children, Fotis Dulos would have had access to a trust Farber established for them, according to the warrant. The latest arrest warrants reiterated law enforcements theory that Fotis Dulos used his employees pickup truck to drive to New Canaan the morning of the disappearance. Police believe Fotis Dulos was lying in wait when his estranged wife returned to her Welles Lane home after dropping off their five children at a nearby school, the warrant said. According to the warrants, Jennifer Dulos was attacked in the garage, causing blood to splatter on the walls and on a Land Rover parked inside. Fotis Dulos used supplies from her home to clean up after the crime and used zip-ties to restrain his estranged wife, the warrant said. Jennifer Dulos body was placed in her Chevrolet Suburban, which was found that night abandoned near Waveny Park, the warrant said. Police said Fotis Dulos then returned to Farmington where he cleaned up his employees pickup truck at the Mountain Spring Road home his company was developing, the warrant said. While Fotis Dulos was in New Canaan, police said Troconis and Mawhinney were at his Jefferson Crossing home in Farmington attempting to create an alibi for him, the warrant said. Fotis Dulos left his cellphone behind and Troconis answered a call from his childhood friend from Greece while he was in New Canaan, the warrant said. However, Troconis and Mawhinney contradicted their statements several times during their interviews with police, the warrants said. Troconis confirmed in one of the interviews that the couple seen in Hartford surveillance videos was her and Fotis Dulos the night of the disappearance, the warrant said. Troconis said she did not know what Fotis Dulos was doing when police said he was seen dumping bags that contained his wifes bloody clothing, the warrants said. The warrants also describe the efforts Fotis Dulos and Troconis made to clean up the Toyota Tacoma that was seen on traffic cameras driving to and from New Canaan the morning of the disappearance. Fotis Dulos and Troconis took the pickup truck to be detailed at an Avon car wash several days later, the warrants said. Fotis Dulos also urged his employee to remove and discard the seats, which were later found to contain his wifes blood, the warrants said. What Is a Clearance Certificate? A clearance certificate is a certificate that verifies an entity has paid all its tax liabilities at the time the entity ceased to exist or transferred to a new owner. It also applies to the tax liabilities of a deceased individual when managing their estate upon death. A clearance certificate is not required in all jurisdictions and is most common in Canada, the U.K., and Ireland. In the United States, clearance certificates are more commonly issued by state revenue agencies. Key Takeaways A clearance certificate confirms that all tax liabilities of an individual or entity have been paid. The certificate is applicable upon the sale of a business, transfer of ownership, or upon the death of an individual. Different countries and different jurisdictions call for a clearance certificate depending upon the situation. Understanding a Clearance Certificate There are many different situations in which a clearance certificate may apply. A business may be required to obtain an income tax clearance certificate when it decides to dissolve. An estate whose assets have a high value may be required to obtain an estate tax clearance certificate when the estate owner dies and the estate's assets are distributed to heirs. A sales tax clearance certificate allows someone purchasing an existing business to ensure that they will not be responsible for any unpaid sales taxes upon becoming the business's new owner. The validity of a clearance certificate may only last for a certain period of time. For example, clearance certificates in Australia are valid for 12 months from the date they are issued. Clearance Certificates in Different Jurisdictions Countries such as Canada, Australia, and Ireland use clearance certificates for such transactions as the purchase of real property or resolving estate assets after the death of the owner. Ireland requires tax clearance certificates when businesses apply for or seek to renew a number of different licenses. Gaming licenses, liquor licenses, and moneylender licenses all require such certification in Ireland. Individuals who wish to hold certain public offices in Ireland must also obtain tax clearance certificates. This includes senior public officials and candidates for appointment to the judiciary. In the United States, local governments can require clearance certificates for other reasons. For example, New Jersey requires businesses to obtain a tax clearance certificate in order to receive state grants, rebates, and other incentives. The certificate may be requested when business assistance or tax incentives are sought from such state agencies as the Economic Development Authority, the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, and the Department of Community Affairs. The Internal Revenue Service may issue tax clearance certificates for entities that need to prove that they are current on their tax payments and not subject to any liens. Tax clearance certificates may be required by certain state or municipal government agencies when businesses want to compete for government contracts. Potential buyers of a business can require a clearance certificate before moving forward with the transaction. In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service issues clearance certificates for federal income and other tax purposes, and clearance certificates can be requested by any individual or corporation looking for confirmation that their taxes are in order. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 16:11:37|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TEHRAN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces on Wednesday warned that any new offensive by the United States will draw Iran's "stronger, more crushing, and broader" response, Tasnim news agency reported. The remarks by major general Hossein Baqeri come hours after the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) targeted two U.S. military bases in Iraq in retaliation for the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani. In a statement on Wednesday, Baqeri said the missile attacks by the IRGC in the early hours of Wednesday against the U.S. military bases in Iraq gave a warning to the U.S.' authorities. He said the attacks on the American forces in Iraq revealed only a small part of the capabilities of the Iranian Armed Forces. "From now on, any new evil act by the U.S. will face a stronger and more crushing response with a broader range," he added. "The time has come for the evil authorities of the United States to realize the Islamic Republic's capabilities and pull the forces of their terrorist army out of the region as soon as possible," Baqeri was quoted as saying. IRGC on Wednesday targeted U.S. bases in Iraq including Al-Asad and Harir Camp to the north of Erbil by surface-to - surface missiles. The freight volume of south China's Pearl River exceeded 1 billion tonnes in 2019, setting a new record, second only to that of Yangtze River in China, official statistics showed Tuesday. According to the Pearl River Administration of Navigational Affairs under the Ministry of Transport, the river's freight volume, which ranks second in the world, increased by 5.5% year on year in 2019. The container throughput on the river hit 14 million TEU in the period, up 13.4% year on year. In 2019, 53 water transport projects were under construction on the river, including ports, shipping channels and facilities, with a total investment of 62 billion yuan (about $8.92 billion). Wu Caiying, the administration's planning official, said the development of the Pearl River waterway provides strong support for the economic development along the river. The Pan-Pearl River Delta region is one of China's economic powerhouses. It includes Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan, as well as Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. The regional cooperation mechanism was launched in 2004. On Demand We have a new story every day on the front page of thephuketnews.com. Also like us on our Facebook page (facebook.com/thephuketnews) and be the first to watch all the new stories. Finally you can watch any segment, any time by going to thephuketnews.com/tv where all the stories are listed for you to enjoy. All our programs can be enjoyed in High Definition when watching on the internet. In-Room VDO MOSCOW - A Ukrainian passenger jet carrying 176 people from Tehran suddenly plummeted into a field early Wednesday without a mayday from the cockpit, killing all aboard and leaving investigators hoping that recovered flight data can offer clues on the cause. In the aftermath of the crash - whose passengers and crew included Iranians, Europeans and more than 60 Canadians - Ukraine banned all flights from Iranian airspace. A similar move had already been made by several other countries amid rising tensions between Iran and U.S. forces in the region. Meanwhile, the probe into the crash was underway with Iran pointing to a possible aircraft malfunction and Ukraine apparently leaving open other paths of inquiry. At least one U.S.-based aviation expert said it appeared the plane was "not intact" before it hit the ground. And a former Federal Aviation Administration accident investigation chief, Jeff Guzzetti, said the crash carried "all the earmarks of an intentional act." "I just know airplanes don't come apart like that," Guzzetti said. The Ukraine International Airlines flight, bound for the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, went down just before dawn after departing from Imam Khomeini International Airport, south of Tehran. The plane was approaching 8,000 feet when it abruptly lost contact with ground control, officials said. About four hours earlier, Iranian forces launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles into Iraq, targeting an Iraqi air base with U.S. personnel and a facility in the northern city of Irbil in response to an American airstrike last week that killed the commander of Iran's elite Quds Force, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani. American passenger airliners and others have avoided flying over Iran because of the risk that they could be mistaken for military aircraft. Iranian authorities said "technical" problems were likely behind the crash of the Ukrainian Boeing 737-800. Ukraine's embassy in Tehran initially concurred, issuing a statement ruling out terrorism and suggesting likely engine failure. It later took down the statement without explanation, raising questions about whether different scenarios - including an external cause such as a missile - were being explored as potential reasons for the crash. But Iranian officials pushed back against that theory. Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, an Iranian armed forces spokesman, said "rumors" that a missile brought down the plane were "completely false." He was quoted by Iran's Fars News Agency as calling the missile speculation "psychological warfare" by the government's opponents. The Ukrainian Embassy said that a commission was investigating the crash and that "any statements about the causes of the accident before the decision of the commission are not official." A video circulated on Twitter that purported to be of the crash and showed the plane as a bright light, possibly on fire, descending against a dark sky, followed by a burst of flames. Guzzetti, the retired head of the FAA's accident investigation division, said the publicly available details of the crash suggested the plane was brought down deliberately. "To me, it has all the earmarks of an intentional act. I don't know whether it was a bomb or a missile or an incendiary device," he said. If the video of the flaming plane is accurate, "I can't conceive of a failure that could cause that much of a conflagration," he said. An engine fire, for example, would take a substantial period "to consume the airplane," said Guzzetti, who was an air safety investigator and engineering specialist at the National Transportation Safety Board for 18 years before joining the FAA. The abrupt cutoff of flight-tracking data emitting from the plane also indicated that it was "a sudden catastrophic event that created a power loss throughout the whole airplane," he said. Todd Curtis, an aviation safety analyst for the website AirSafe.com and a former Boeing safety engineer who assisted in accident investigations, said it appeared - based only on video and photos from the crash site - that the plane was coming apart before it hit the ground. "The wreckage pattern was very consistent with a plane that was not intact when it hit the ground," he said. "I didn't see a large central crater." This means the crash could have been caused by an in-flight breakup, in-flight explosion, midair collision, structural failure, external strike or major system malfunction with the aircraft, Curtis said. The head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, Ali Abedzadeh, said that Iran would not send the recorders to the United States and that the investigation would be led by Iran, Mehr News Agency reported. "It has not yet been decided where the [recorders] will go" for data extraction, Abedzadeh said. He said the pilots "did not contact the control tower" before the crash. "We were not informed of any technical problem from the flight crew." Ukraine International Airlines purchased the plane as new and its first commercial flight was June 2016, the carrier said. It had its last routine technical maintenance Monday. The possibility of "a mistake made by the crew is minimal; we just don't assume that," Ihor Sosnovsky, the airline's vice president for flight operations, told a briefing, according to Interfax news agency. "Given their experience, it is very difficult to say that the crew may have done something wrong." Many of the passengers were Iranian. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry listed 176 victims, including 82 Iranians; 63 Canadians; 11 Ukrainians, including nine crew members; 10 Swedes; four Afghans; three Germans and three Britons. Iranian officials said more than 140 passengers were Iranians, suggesting that some may have had dual citizenship. The Sharif University of Technology in Tehran said 13 of its students and alumni perished in the crash, most of them mechanical engineers or science students. Some of the others on board included a newlywed couple, several young children and students attending universities in Canada and making their way back via Kyiv after visiting relatives in Iran during the winter break. In Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at least 138 people on board were booked to travel on from Kyiv to Canada. Canadian officials would not publicly speculate on the cause of the crash, but Trudeau called for a full international investigation. "There is a clear need for answers," he told reporters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on his Facebook page that he was "personally involved in supervision over all measures to be taken." A Ukrainian team planned to head to Iran to investigate the crash and identify the bodies of Ukrainians killed. In a briefing Wednesday, Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk called for avoiding speculation about the cause of the crash and said Ukraine will insist on maximum transparency in the investigation. He said the government suspended all Ukrainian flights over Iranian airspace until "the reasons of the tragedy are determined." U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo offered "all possible assistance" to Ukraine. In an apparent message to Iran, he said the United States "calls for complete cooperation with any investigation into the cause of the crash." Iran's Civil Aviation Organization said that both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder were recovered but that the latter was severely damaged. "Although it is damaged, there is still a chance to retrieve the pilots' conversations from it," a spokesman for the organization, Hassan Rezaeifar, told state media. The Boeing 737-800 is a single-aisle aircraft designed for short- and medium-range flights. Airlines around the world have flown them for more than two decades, with thousands of them in service. But the plane has been involved in other incidents. The 2016 crash of a flight from Dubai killed 62, and a 2010 Ethiopian Airlines crash near Beirut claimed 90 lives. Regulators have more recently scrutinized possible safety risks on the 737-800. In early October, the FAA told airlines to inspect more than 1,900 Boeing jets after cracks were found in some of the aircraft's wings. Dozens of them were later grounded after cracks were found in a part of the plane that connects the wings to the fuselage. The newer 737 Max was grounded worldwide last year after the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines flight on March 10, the second fatal crash of a 737 Max in less than five months. In October 2018, a Lion Air flight crashed off the coast of Indonesia, killing all aboard. The grounding resulted in a crisis for Boeing that led to its firing of CEO Dennis Muilenburg two weeks ago. "This is a tragic event and our heartfelt thoughts are with the crew, passengers and their families," a statement from Boeing said. "We are in contact with our airline customer and stand by them in this difficult time. We are ready to assist in any way needed." Major international airlines - including the flagship carriers of France, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands - also either halted flights to Iraq and Iran or restricted aircraft from flying through both countries' airspace. Germany's Lufthansa said it would resume Tehran flights Thursday. Other commercial airlines also rerouted flights, including Australian carrier Qantas, Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines. On Wednesday, Canada updated its travel advisory for Iran, warning against any nonessential travel to the country "due to the volatile security situation, the regional threat of terrorism and the risk of arbitrary detention." Ukraine International Airlines lists its Tehran-to-Toronto service as one of its most popular routes. - - - Cunningham reported from Istanbul. Dadouch reported from Beirut. The Washington Post's Paul Schemm in Dubai, Amanda Coletta in Toronto and Aaron Gregg, Michael Laris, Douglas MacMillan and Brian Murphy in Washington contributed to this report. Parlor. | Photo: Christa S./Yelp Looking to try the top cocktail bars around? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top cocktail bars in Kansas City, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fill the bill. Kansas City-area shoppers tend to spend more in January at bars and lounges than any other month of the year, according to data on local business transactions from Womply, a provider of CRM and direct response marketing for small businesses. The average amount spent per customer transaction at Kansas City-area bars and lounges surged to $29 for the metro area in January of last year, 12% higher than the average for the rest of the year. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 1. Parlor PHOTO: Lauren A./YELP First on the list is Parlor, located at 1707 Locust St. in Hospital Hill. The food court and cocktail bar is the highest-rated cocktail bar in Kansas City, boasting 4.5 stars out of 236 reviews on Yelp. 2. The Rockhill Grille PHOTO: Michael W./YELP Next up is Crown Center's The Rockhill Grille, situated at 2000 Grand Blvd. With 4.5 stars out of 256 reviews on Yelp, the cocktail bar and New American spot has proven to be a local favorite. 3. The Ship PHOTO: Cheryl M./YELP West Bottoms's The Ship, located at 1217 Union Ave., is another top choice. Yelpers give the cocktail bar, jazz and blues spot, which offers sandwiches and more, 4.5 stars out of 95 reviews. 4. Julep PHOTO: Becca D./YELP Julep, a cocktail bar, whiskey bar and New American spot in Old Westport, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 227 Yelp reviews. Head over to 4141 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 104 to see for yourself. 5. TikiCat Photo: Marc J./Yelp Last but not least, over in Old Westport, check out TikiCat, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 135 reviews on Yelp. You can find the tiki bar and cocktail bar at 401 Westport Road. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. O il prices have surged after Iran carried out a missile attack on two US military bases in Iraq, ramping up fears of a war between the two nations. Iran claimed responsibility for the rockets in the country's first retaliation since President Donald Trump sanctioned a drone strike killing its top general Qasem Soleimani. Ballistic missiles hit Ain al Assad base and were also fired at a military base in Erbil, in the Kurdish region of Iraq. It is unclear what casualties or damage has been caused by the coordinated strikes executed under the name Operation Martyr Soleimani. The oil market responded immediately with European and US benchmark prices increasing by as much as four per cent. The price of Brent crude burst above $70 mark. Oil prices rose and Asian stock markets fell Wednesday after Iran fired missiles at US bases / AP Both Brent and another blend West Texas Intermediate drew back slightly in the hours after the attack, but stayed more than one per cent higher than Tuesday's price. Gold and Japanese yen, often referred to as safe haven assets because they maintain for the most part their value, also rose on the news. Stock market prices in comparison dipped across Asia with the Austral because of growing fears about a conflict in the Middle East. However, they mostly recovered as Iranian officials played down the possibility of further attacks. The increase added to oil prices already elevated by a market made nervous by the US assassination of general Soleimani on Friday. All the lights are on in the windows of the West Wing of the White House after news of the missile attack / AP Missiles were deployed just hours after Soleimani's funeral with international communities on edge over the prospect of an all-out war between Iran and the United States. Iran's president told the US on Wednesday that Washington might have "cut off the arm" of General Qassem Soleimani but America's "leg" in the region would be cut off in response, Iran's state Fars news agency reported. President Hassan Rouhani made his comments after Iran launched missile strikes on US targets in Iraq, an action that Tehran said was in retaliation to a U.S. drone strike that killed Soleimani last week. Loading.... If there is a conflict, it could disrupt the shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, the world's busiest oil route and an essential passage for oil exporters in the Gulf including, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, and Kuwait. Iran also relied on the route for its oil exports and Qatar exports nearly all its gas through the strait. Qatar is the world's biggest producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab sent British naval ships to the Gulf shortly after Soleimani's death to escort merchant ships sailing under the UK flag. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: The parliamentary candidates must submit signatory lists to the district election commissions on time to participate in the early parliamentary elections scheduled for February 9 in Azerbaijan, head of the Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panahov said at the CEC meeting on Jan. 8, Trend reports. The deadline for submitting documents to the district election commissions for registration of candidates is expiring, Panahov said. We want all candidates to return their signatory lists to the district election commissions on time, the CEC chairman added. Two days are left before the deadline. The process will be completed at 18:00 (GMT+4) on January 10. The documents will be further considered and appropriate decisions on the registration of candidates will be made. As many as 2,381 people have applied for participation in the early parliamentary election, and 2,149 of them have received the signatory lists, 1,041 returned those lists and 617 have been registered. One of the best investments we can make is in our own knowledge and skill set. With that in mind, this article will work through how we can use Return On Equity (ROE) to better understand a business. By way of learning-by-doing, we'll look at ROE to gain a better understanding of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (LON:RB.). Our data shows Reckitt Benckiser Group has a return on equity of 16% for the last year. One way to conceptualize this, is that for each 1 of shareholders' equity it has, the company made 0.16 in profit. View our latest analysis for Reckitt Benckiser Group How Do I Calculate ROE? The formula for return on equity is: Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) Shareholders' Equity Or for Reckitt Benckiser Group: 16% = UK2.3b UK14b (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2019.) Most know that net profit is the total earnings after all expenses, but the concept of shareholders' equity is a little more complicated. It is the capital paid in by shareholders, plus any retained earnings. The easiest way to calculate shareholders' equity is to subtract the company's total liabilities from the total assets. What Does ROE Mean? Return on Equity measures a company's profitability against the profit it has kept for the business (plus any capital injections). The 'return' is the profit over the last twelve months. That means that the higher the ROE, the more profitable the company is. So, all else equal, investors should like a high ROE. That means ROE can be used to compare two businesses. Does Reckitt Benckiser Group Have A Good ROE? Arguably the easiest way to assess company's ROE is to compare it with the average in its industry. Importantly, this is far from a perfect measure, because companies differ significantly within the same industry classification. The image below shows that Reckitt Benckiser Group has an ROE that is roughly in line with the Household Products industry average (16%). Story continues LSE:RB. Past Revenue and Net Income, January 8th 2020 That's not overly surprising. ROE doesn't tell us if the share price is low, but it can inform us to the nature of the business. For those looking for a bargain, other factors may be more important. I will like Reckitt Benckiser Group better if I see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying. How Does Debt Impact ROE? Companies usually need to invest money to grow their profits. The cash for investment can come from prior year profits (retained earnings), issuing new shares, or borrowing. In the first two cases, the ROE will capture this use of capital to grow. In the latter case, the use of debt will improve the returns, but will not change the equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used. Reckitt Benckiser Group's Debt And Its 16% ROE Reckitt Benckiser Group has a debt to equity ratio of 0.85, which is far from excessive. The fact that it achieved a fairly good ROE with only modest debt suggests the business might be worth putting on your watchlist. Careful use of debt to boost returns is often very good for shareholders. However, it could reduce the company's ability to take advantage of future opportunities. The Bottom Line On ROE Return on equity is useful for comparing the quality of different businesses. In my book the highest quality companies have high return on equity, despite low debt. All else being equal, a higher ROE is better. But ROE is just one piece of a bigger puzzle, since high quality businesses often trade on high multiples of earnings. Profit growth rates, versus the expectations reflected in the price of the stock, are a particularly important to consider. So you might want to take a peek at this data-rich interactive graph of forecasts for the company. If you would prefer check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss thisfree list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Its amazing. You cross the big hurdles, and when you get to the small ones, you get tripped up. That was Albert Reynolds wistful observation on his own demise. There is a crossroads between great strategy and cunning tactics. The RIC commemoration row was a non-issue, but it could have had serious consequences. Firstly, there are intense talks this week about reviving power-sharing in Stormont. If the DUP wants cheap rhetoric, it was gifted it, Ballymagash Urban District Council-style, by the mayor of Clare and others. It is astonishing that the difference between abstention and a boycott was missed by a country mile. But breaking glass and setting off the alarm does get attention. Secondly, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is in the most important week of his life politically. Because Brexit is effectively done and because Novembers by-elections robbed him of sufficient strength in the Dail, for the first time he can credibly call an election. He has that choice before the Dail resumes next Wednesday, or shortly thereafter. It was essential to ensure his freedom to manoeuvre that the RIC was removed from the political pitch. Thirdly, and this is the only issue that ultimately counts: In being badly mishandled by the Government and opportunistically seized upon by the opposition, bad tactics undermined good strategy. Bertie Ahern set out that strategy in his speech to the Houses of Parliament at Westminster in 2007 when he said: Irelands hour has come. It came not as victory or defeat but as a shared future for all. When I heard Cathal Crowe, the mayor of Clare, lead on this, I instantly recalled Ian Paisley throwing snowballs at Jack Lynchs car as he and TK Whitaker were driven into Stormont to visit with Terence ONeill. To Paisleys shouts of no pope here, Lynch asked Whitaker: Which of us does he think is the pope? There have been a lot of ex cathedral statements over the last few days few of them intended to be helpful. Following the long arc from Sean Lemass historic first visit to ONeill at Stormont (the 55th anniversary of which is next Tuesday) to today, there are fundamental questions to be asked. Why, in a State that accommodated for good reason the IRA and its political machine, are we quibbling about the misdemeanors of the RIC? Is it the body count that matters? Is it the insignia on the uniform? Is it that, unlike the dead of the Troubles, who still have fresh flowers on their graves, these are far removed enough to be fetishised as either monsters or martyrs? Is it that, after only a short passage of time, we already have a new generation of politicians with no involvement and less sense of what was required to secure peace and push it back up the hill every time it rolled back down? There should have been care in Government and reticence in opposition. Instead, we have wilful waste of what those memory warriors contributed nothing to. Perhaps the very best statement on commemoration was then taoiseach Brian Cowens at the Institute for British-Irish Studies in 2010. Reflecting on growing up knowing and hearing only one set of stories, he said that, for too long, we concentrated on our differences. Acknowledging that commemoration is a selective act, Cowen said he wanted to see full acknowledgement of the totality of the islands history. Warning that there will be those who oppose any such reflection and would hijack history for themselves, he said: Count me out. I attribute no view whatsoever on this controversy to Ahern or Cowen, but their experience then informs my view now. If the mayor of Clare vying for a second Fianna Fail seat there and seeking to position himself as a barrow for displaced Sinn Fein votes set the tone of the response, the impetus came from the Government, and Cork specifically. The Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations, bandied about as cover until yesterday, wasnt consulted on the RIC plan. Historian Diarmaid Ferriter, Professor of Modern Irish History at University College Dublin, made that crystal clear yesterday. Of more concern is that it hasnt received the political time and attention required in government. Unlike former Culture Minister Heather Humphreys, who was acutely sensitive to nuance and liaised closely with the group, the incumbent Josepha Madigan has less to learn it seems. The 2020 programme, announced on January 2, is Cork-centric, with a 1m budget, because Tanaiste Simon Coveney pushed for it. To a significant degree, the mainframe for 2020 commemorations is political. In a less than duly deliberated upon programme prepared at relatively short notice, specific events were required as garnish. Notably on January 2, launch day for the programme, there was no mention of the RIC event in Dublin Castle on January 17. Invitations to that only issued on January 6 from Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan. That required instant clarification from Flanagan, that the event was in no sense a commemoration of the Black & Tans or the auxiliaries. Flanagan should have consulted first. The hurried nature of preparing the programme, and the standalone and uncontextualised nature of the RIC event, was careless. Of course, as the Expert Advisory Group suggested on page 17 of its report, consideration should also be given to the organisation of specific initiatives to commemorate the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Dublin Metropolitan Police and to acknowledge their place in history. That commemoration would properly be in 2022, the centenary of its disbandment. A context and understanding could be built though a series of seminars and academic papers dealing with all aspects of the force, and its complex history in between. Instead now there is entitled talk about a flattening of history to accommodate commemoration here. But this history is only flattened from the hindsight of a nationalist perspective in a specifically partitionist setting. The RIC, and subsequently the RUC, was involved in an at-times brutal rearguard action to preserve the union. Each had substantial popular support on the island as a whole. We can build round towers at Messines in Flanders and commemorate the Somme. But that some of our own were implacably opposed to independence is a reckoning still to be allowed for. As Cowen said, commemoration is a selective act. Tomorrow evening, the Taoiseach meets Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin. By Monday, it will be clear whether there will be an assembly or fresh elections in the North. Next Wednesday the Dail may meet. The ultimate irony is the spectacle of the long shadow of the Royal Irish Constabulary 98 years after their disbandment. History is never over. Haiti - Security : Me Antoine Luccius riddled with bullets and robbed by thugs Tuesday around 10:00 am in Tabarre 52, Me Antoine Lucius Deputy Justice of the Peace of Ganthier was shot dead by unidentified individuals while he was returning home on a motorbike. According to Samuel Baucicaut Head of Communication of the Superior Council of the Judicial Power (CSPJ), the Magistrate Lucius was fatally hit by several bullets and the attackers after this cowardly and odious crime, seized his weapon, his cell phone, a certain amount of money and his motorbike before fleeing, letting part of the stolen money escape in their haste, which passers-by hastened to collect... The forensic police went on the spot to find clues, for the moment, the motive for the crime remains unknown. Me Jean Wilner Morin, judge at the Prosecutor's Office of Port-au-Prince and President of the National Association of Haitian Magistrates (ANAMAH) said that the police authorities are working on several tracks, deploring by the same ocassion that the Ministry of Justice does not allow judges to obtain loans to buy a car and be less exposed to insecurity, stressing that judge Antoine Lucius only had a motorcycle to move. PI/ HaitiLibre Beirut, Lebanon Former Nissan boss-turned-international fugitive Carlos Ghosn ripped into Japans judicial system and his former company of 17 years on Wednesday. The former corporate titan said he was subjected to inhumane prison conditions in Japan, which he accuses of fabricating charges against him to destroy his reputation. I can tell you, its not very difficult to come to a conclusion youre going to die in Japan or you have to get out, Ghosn told reporters during a news conference in Beirut his first public appearance since he fled Japan last month where he faces trial for alleged financial misconduct. This was not justice; I felt I was [a] hostage of a country that I have served for 17 years, he said. Ghosns shock escape reportedly involved former special forces operatives, a bullet train, and two private jets, one of which he was smuggled onto inside a box designed for musical equipment. Ghosn told reporters he would not comment on his exit from Japan because it may put people at risk, but said he was left with no choice other than to jump bail. It was a difficult decision, and a risk one only takes if resigned to the impossibility of a fair trial lets not forget I was facing a system where the conviction rate is 99.4 percent, he said. Over approximately two hours, Ghosn tackled the accusations levelled against him by Tokyo prosecutors and Nissan, dismissing allegations he had understated his pay over many years. He characterised allegations that he misappropriated Nissan company funds and property as an attempt at character assassination, and revealed a document which he said proved Nissan executives had known about his use of residences in Beirut and Rio de Janeiro. The two residences have been at the centre of reports of misappropriation. Nissan said in a statement earlier this week that it had discovered numerous acts of misconduct by Ghosn through a robust, thorough internal investigation, including misstatement of his compensation and misappropriation of the companys assets for his personal benefit. In a particularly explosive part of the news conference, Ghosn named specific members of the Tokyo prosecutors office and Nissan, whom he said had collaborated to fabricate the charges against him. He also claimed that Japanese officials were involved but said he would refrain from naming them to avoid fomenting conflict between Japan and Lebanon. Japanese Justice Minister Masako Mori fired back at Ghosns comments, repeating that his escape from his trial in itself could constitute a crime. Such action would not be condoned under any nations system, Mori said. Furthermore, he has been propagating both within Japan and internationally false information on Japans legal system and its practice. That is absolutely intolerable. Japans ambassador to Lebanon met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Tuesday, seeking greater cooperation on the Ghosn affair in order to avoid negative repercussions on our friendly relations. The former Nissan boss also detailed his prison conditions: A tiny cell with no window, a light left on day and night, a limit of two showers per week, and only 30 minutes of time outside the cell every day excluding weekends and holidays. Particularly poignant were his descriptions of isolation including: Six days with no human contact during the new years break, and being prevented from seeing his wife a ban he said had left him feeling not human anymore. Ghosn said the conditions of detention, coupled with the slow pace of legal proceedings against him, denied him the basic human right to a quick and fair trial. Proud to be Lebanese The fallen business magnate, who has Lebanese, Brazilian and French citizenship, began his news conference by saying he was proud to be Lebanese, a statement that drew applause from some of those gathered. Ghosn is viewed by many in Lebanon as an embodiment of the success of the countrys large diaspora. In response to a question from a Lebanese reporter, Ghosn said he was ready to put his expertise at the disposal of Lebanon as it deals with its worst economic and financial crisis in a generation. Ghosn also thanked Lebanese authorities for assisting him during his detention in Japan, which included frequent visits by Lebanons ambassador there. They show me that, for a small country, they have a big soul, a big heart, and a true sense of rightfulness, said Ghosn. But the former Nissan bosss high-flying arrival in Lebanon at a time of continuing protests against a ruling elite seen as corrupt has been met with mixed reactions on the streets. Protester Sleiman Haroun, a 25-year-old mechanic, told Al Jazeera earlier this week that the manner of Ghosns arrival in Lebanon necessitated cooperation with high-ranking officials evidence he said politicians will go out of their way to assist people within their own privileged class while leaving middle and low-income classes to sort themselves out. Ghosn is one of them, Haroun said from the main protest encampment in downtown Beirut, referencing a popular protest slogan. Ghosn is not done with judicial investigations yet. As he gave his news conference, the state-run National News Agency reported that Lebanons State Prosecutor Ghassan Oueidat had summoned Ghosn for questioning on Thursday over a Red Notice for his arrest issued by Interpol, and over past meetings Ghosn has held with Israeli officials. Lebanon remains officially at war with Israel, and it is illegal for any Lebanese citizens to meet with Israelis. Ghosn has travelled to Israel at least once, in 2008, when he met with then-Israeli President Shimon Perez. I didnt go as a Lebanese citizen, I went as CEO and by the demand of Renault, Ghosn said Wednesday. I went to sign a contract and came back, and I wont hide it. I spoke with Lebanese officials, and Ive been coming to Lebanon since then, and nothing happened. Throughout the news conference, Ghosn appeared confident and relaxed, if at times somewhat animated over the injustices he claims to have suffered. He had arrived on stage a few minutes before the hotly-anticipated news conference was set to begin, and was seen speaking with a burly bodyguard who stood beside the podium. Then he greeted several people, kissing them on both cheeks and taking pictures with them. Ghosns last attempt at a news conference in April 2019 had not gone as planned. After being released on bail in March 2019, he had set a date for the highly-anticipated event but was rearrested before it could take place. In a pre-recorded video posted online at the time by his legal team, Ghosn made similar claims: His arrest was the result of a conspiracy led by Nissan executives who were looking out for their own personal interests rather than those of the company. He had ended the video on a prescient note, a slight smile briefly crossing his face as he said: Im sorry I was not able to share more with you and respond to many questions you have on your mind. But hopefully, we will do it at a certain point in time. To understand U.S. fears about Iran, it is important to recognize the ideological threat that Iran poses to Saudi Arabia. by Vijay Prashad Major General Hossein Salami, the chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran, said on January 4 that his country would take strategic revenge against the United States for the assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani. The assassination of Soleimani, Salami said, will be later seen as a turning point in U.S. interference in West Asia. Irans Foreign Minister Javad Zarif reacted strongly to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeos suggestion that Iraqis were dancing in the street to celebrate the assassination. On Twitter, Zarif posted pictures of the funeral procession for Soleimani and wrote, End of U.S. malign presence in West Asia has begun. Both the military and the diplomatic wings of Irans government are in agreement that it is not Iran that will be weakened by the assassination of Soleimani, but that the United States will suffer the consequences of this action. Why the U.S. Fears Iran Why does the United States of Americathe country with the largest military force in the worldfear Iran? What can Iran do to threaten U.S. interests? To understand U.S. fears about Iran, it is important to recognize the ideological threat that Iran poses to Saudi Arabia. Until the Iranian revolution of 1979, relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran were on an even keel. Both were monarchies, and both were subordinate allies of the United States. Whatever historical animosity remained between the Shia and Sunnitwo branches of the Islamic traditionwere on mute. The Iranian revolution of 1979 shook up the region. The crown of the monarch was set aside, as a specifically religious republic was created. The Saudis have long said that Islam and democracy are incompatible; this is precisely what the Islamic Republic rejected, when it created its own democratic form of Islam. It was this Islamic republicanism that swept the region, from Pakistan to Morocco. Fears of Islamic republicanism brought shudders into the palaces of the Saudi royal family, and into the U.S. higher establishment. It was at this point that the U.S. President Jimmy Carter said that the military defense of Saudi Arabias monarchy was a paramount interest of the U.S. government. In other words, the U.S. military would be used to protect not the people of the Arabian Peninsula but the Saudi monarchy. Since the main threat was Iran, the U.S. turned its entire arsenal of military and information war against the new Islamic Republic. The Saudis and the West egged on Saddam Hussein to send in the Iraqi army against Iran in 1980; that bloody war went on till 1988, with both Iran and Iraq bled for the sake of Riyadh and Washington. Soleimani and his successor Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani both fought in the Iraq-Iran War. Both Saddam Hussein and later the Afghan Taliban held Iran tight inside its borders. American Wars, Iranian Victories U.S. President George W. Bush broke the wall around Iran. The United States prosecuted two wars, which were essentially won by Iran. First, the U.S. in 2001 knocked out the Taliban and delivered an advantage to pro-Iranian factions, who joined the post-Taliban government in Kabul. Then, in 2003, the U.S. took out Saddam Hussein and his Baath Party; the pro-Iranian Dawa Party succeeded Saddam. It was Bushs wars that allowed Iran to extend its influence from the Hindu Kush to the Mediterranean Sea. The United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel used several mechanisms to push Iran back into its borders. They first went after Irans regional allies: first sanctions against Syria (with the 2003 Syria Accountability Act in the U.S. Congress), and then a war against Lebanon (prosecuted by Israel in 2006 to weaken Hezbollah). Neither worked. In 2006, the U.S. fabricated a crisis over Irans nuclear energy program and pushed for UN, European Union, and U.S. sanctions. This did not work. The sanctions regime ended in 2015. Attempts to intimidate Iran failed. Trumps Incoherence Trump left the 2015 nuclear deal, and then said that he would get the U.S. a better deal from Iran. The Iranians scoffed. Trump ratcheted up the economic war against Iran. This hurt the Iranian people, but with Chinese help, Iran has managed to survive the contraction of its economy. Trumps policy toward Iran is known as maximum pressure. It was this that led to the recent fracas, including the assassinations of Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a leader of Iraqs Popular Mobilization Units (Hashd al-Shaabi). After the assassination, the U.S. sent an envoy to Tehran. The brief from Trump was simple: if Iran does not retaliate, the U.S. will remove part of the regime of sanctions. Soleimanis life was the price to pay to reduce sanctions. Trump wants to make a deal. He does not understand Iran. His is a policy that is both naive and dangerous. But it is rooted in the Carter Doctrine, and therefore in the U.S. establishments policy framework. What Will Iran Do? Iran will not accept Trumps tawdry deal. It has already set aside its policy of strategic patience for a much more forthright calibrated response policy. If the U.S. wants to leave the nuclear deal, then Iran will start to process uranium. If the West threatens Iranian shipping, then Iran will threaten Western shipping. If the U.S. attacks Iranian interests, then Iran will attack U.S. interests. Now, the U.S. has assassinated a senior Iranian military leaderwho was traveling from Beirut to Baghdad on a diplomatic passport; will Iran offer a proportionate response? Where will this U.S. policy of maximum pressure lead? Iran has said that it would not bow down to the U.S. pressure. It has become commonplace to compare the assassination of Soleimani to the 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which led to World War I. This is chilling. If the U.S. starts a full-scale war against Iran, what will be the reaction of the other major powers in Eurasia, namely China and Russia? Both China and Russia have condemned the assassination, and both have called for calm. However, Iran responds, the Iranian officialssuch as Zarif and Salamiare correct that U.S. influence in the region has deteriorated and will deteriorate further. The U.S. can continue to thrash about with its superior military force, and it will continue to have bases that ring Iran. But what it can do with that power is unclear. This power was not able to subdue Iraq, nor was it able to overthrow the government in Syria, and nor could it create anything near stability in Libya. The attitude toward the U.S. is dismissive on the streets of West Asia, even as the Saudi monarchy continues to flatter U.S. presidents into its worldview. Vijay Prashad is an Indian historian, editor and journalist. He is a writing fellow and chief correspondent at Globetrotter, a project of the Independent Media Institute. He is the chief editor of LeftWord Books and the director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. He has written more than twenty books Houston police are searching for four members of a suspected organized crime family who apparently scammed unwitting motorists by convincing the drivers that they had a wobbly wheel. Police charged the six suspects, all of whom are related in various ways, with engaging in organized crime and other charges. According to a news release, the suspects operated in southwest Houston and would follow a victim, honking or yelling that the front wheel of the victim's vehicle was loose. Police said if the victim pulled over, the suspects convinced the driver that they could fix the wheel with a part they happened to have with them. After "repairing" the wheel, the suspects would reportedly ask to be reimbursed for the part, and drive the victim to a bank, or ask for payment in gift cards. AERIAL SURVEILLANCE: Houston-area constable uses drone to catch suspected car thieves Investigators said the suspects acted friendly and helpful. However, if victims said that they had no money or the price was too high, the suspects reportedly became forceful and even threatening. Police said the crew is linked to more than 24 cases and has swindled more than $8,000 from victims. Paul Yonko, 36, is charged with engaging in organized crime. He is currently in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on a previous robbery charge. Suellen Stanley, 57, is also charged with engaging in organized crime. She was recently arrested in Michigan and is awaiting extradition to Houston. Her daughter, Sue-Ellen Stanley, 38, along with Monica Mito, 31, are charged with engaging in organized crime as well. Sam Yonko, 31, also know as "Angel," and Nick Stanley, 29, also known as "Michael," both face charges of theft, engaging in organized crime, and robbery. Investigators said they will seek high bonds on all of the suspects. Danny Hermosillo is the Digital News Editor for Chron.com | Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @Dannyherm1| Email him at Danny.Hermosillo@chron.com Following the not-so-surprising stepping down of beleaguered education minister Dr. Maszlee Malik (a.k.a. the guy who spent a lot of public time debating why kids should be allowed to wear black shoes to school) rumors about his potential replacement began circulating online and, wouldnt you know, hes a popular face at the Mahathir family holiday table. Mukhriz Mahathir, son of Prime Minister Mahathir and chief minister of the northern state of Kedah, was aware that his name was being dropped as a potential successor to the outgoing Maszlee; however, he told media outlets today that no such decision had been made. There is a lot more work to be done in Kedah, he said, without speculating as to why his name came up. Many things go viral but I dont know maybe some people have a lot of time to make posters, put in old pictures and make assumptions, he said at a press conference. Despite having met with his father just a day before Maszlees resignation was announced, Mukhriz maintained that he had no idea the post would soon be vacated. He stopped short of removing his name outright from the list of potential candidates, maintaining that it was of course up to the PM (a.k.a. his dad) to choose whomever he saw fit to take over the post. No list of candidates has been suggested, but PM Mahathir has already stated that it will be his prerogative to decide on a replacement for the controversial Maszlee. Watch this space, yall! This article, Rumor Has It: PM Mahathirs son Mukhriz shrugs off education minister suggestions, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia's leading alternative media company. Want more Coconuts? Sign up for our newsletters! Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan chair who dramatically fled charges of financial misconduct in Japan, said he is not above the law as he made his first public appearance since his escape. At a highly anticipated press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, to which he escaped from his Tokyo home, Mr Ghosn said he was the victim of an unimaginable ordeal by unscrupulous individuals and protested his innocence. I am not above the law and I welcome the opportunity for the truth to come out and have my name cleared, he told a packed room of reporters. I did not escape justice. I fled injustice and persecution, he said, adding that he would fight to clear his name. Mr Ghosn, born in Brazil to parents of Lebanese descent, arrived in Lebanon after fleeing Japan, where he was being kept under surveillance ahead of a trial expected to take place in April, on 29 December. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Nissan said an internal investigation found that Mr Ghosn had engaged in personal use of company money and had under-reported his income in violation of Japanese law charges he denies. The 65-year-olds departure prompted urgent questions about how one of the worlds most recognised executives had been able to leave Japan months before a high-profile court case. The former Nissan chiefs extraordinary escape reportedly involved him being smuggled through an airport in a musical equipment case to a private jet. The daring operation is thought to have cost millions of dollars, and Mr Ghosn is believed to have hired a private security firm to assist him. Mr Ghosn told reporters he would not answer any questions about how he made his escape, but in a combative appearance that involved projector slides, he portrayed the charges against him as a plot by Nissan and Japanese prosecutors linked to his support for plans to merge the company with industry ally Renault, of which he was also chairman. "Unfortunately there was no trust. And some of our Japanese friends thought that the only way to get rid of Renault in Nissan is to get rid of me," he said. Recommended Japan issues arrest warrant for wife of ousted Nissan boss He described the conditions of his detention in Japan as a "travesty", and said his lack of faith in the Japanese justice system led him to plot his escape "I was brutally taken from my work as I knew it, ripped from my work, my family and my friends," he said. "This [escape] was the most difficult decision of my life, but I was facing a system where the conviction rate is 99.4 percent and I believe this number is far higher for foreigners." Mr Ghosn's escape has caused an awkward diplomatic situation between Lebanon and Japan. The two countries do not have an extradition treaty, and although Interpol has issued a wanted notice for the former motor industry titan, it does not require Lebanese authorities to arrest him. Mr Ghosn said he would be ready to stand trial "anywhere where I think I can have a fair trial," but declined to say what country that might be. Meanwhile, Japanese authorities are investigating who in Japan might have helped Mr Ghosn in his audacious escape. Earlier on Wednesday, Tokyo prosecutors raided a Japanese lawyer's office where Mr Ghosn had visited regularly before he fled. Japanese media reports said prosecutors had likely seized the computer to track down how he escaped and who might have helped him. Following the press conference, Tokyo prosecutors struck back Mr Ghosn's defence, saying his allegations of a conspiracy between prosecutors and the automaker were false and that he had failed to justify his acts. "Carlos Ghosn fled from Japan by acting in a way that could constitute a crime in itself. His statements during his press conference today failed to justify his acts," the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office said in a statement. It said that his allegation of a conspiracy was "categorically false", adding that prosecutors were seeking to bring him to justice in Japan. With agencies Patients and their families say concessions on hospital car parking fees are not doing enough to ease the financial burden of the sick and their loved ones. Justine Christerson, who helps rural families who need to travel to Brisbane for medical reasons, said she knows of people who sleep in their cars to secure cheaper street parking close to hospitals. A full day's parking at The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital costs $39. Credit:Michelle Smith "If the concessions were working we wouldn't still be talking about the problem," she said. One of Brisbane's biggest hospital car parks is raking in $41,000 a week from its patients and their families but the hospital says many visitors are making some of their money back. Television and radio star Matthew Wright has defended his decision to miss his baby daughter's first Christmas, saying that his wife advised him to take a two-week holiday alone for the sake of his own mental health. The TalkRadio star spent the yuletide period fishing and walking in the Caribbean, while wife Amelia and 11-month-old Cassady celebrated at the family home. Appearing on This Morning on Tuesday, Wright, 54, said a stressful year and a new baby had contributed to his need to escape, and that Amelia fully supported his decision. Today, he thanked people on Twitter for supportive messages, saying: 'Thanks again for all the lovely comments - lot of wise and caring thoughts out there.' Scroll down for video Struggles: TalkRadio presenter Matthew Wright was pressed by This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield on Tuesday on why he chose to spend Christmas and New Year in the Caribbean, missing his 11-month-old daughter Cassady's first Christmas The presenter defended his decision to be away from wife Amelia and daughter Cassady during the festive period, saying mental health problems had 'knocked me sideways' (Matthew Wright and Amelia Wright with baby Cassady during an appearance on the Lorraine show in February 2019) This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield pressed the presenter on missing his daughter's first Christmas. Wright responded, saying: 'I've had a lot of mental health issues really over the last year and a half. 'A friend's suicide, problems at Channel 5, other personal problems, and there was a story written about me, a fake story about me losing my job just before Christmas and it knocked me sideways.' He revealed that his wife Amelia said to him: 'What's the point of you being here and not sleeping? Do something that's good for you' and gave him her full support for the two-week break. He admitted that 'he'd cried his eyes out' at the thought of missing Cassady's first Christmas but said the holiday had done him the 'power of good' and says he has now seen a therapist to address his 'struggles'. He added that he feels like he's 'a better dad' for the respite. Matthew's wife Amelia posted this photo of herself and Cassady celebrating Christmas on Instagram The radio and television star was candid about his reasons for taking a two-week break away from his family, with many applauding his honesty on Twitter Many watching at home said they'd be exactly the same if there partner was in a similar situation. @dilemma1979 wrote: 'I offered the same support for my husband recently, it was really tough but you have to do what's best. Not many wives like your wife & me keep looking after each others minds.' @Stanggal wrote: 'It takes a man to say I am not OK and go get help I salute you and I hope you telling us your story inspires others.' In 2018, Wright, who suffers with insomnia and quit his long-running Channel 5 morning show the same year, was diagnosed with PTSD saying: 'I think if I hadnt got out, or left when I did, I dont know what kind of state Id be in today.' Elsewhere, Wright and Trisha Goddard, right, also discussed whether or not the Duke and Duchess had broken royal protocol by thanking Canada after their Christmas getaway During the same interview, Wright claimed that he's been branded 'racist' for criticising the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's public spending. The Talk Radio host believes that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a 'bizarre disconnect' with the British public and says that he has been dubbed a racist on Twitter for airing criticisms of the couple. The presenter said he took issue with the couple spending '20 million of public money' for their wedding security, while being hesitant to show pictures of their six-month-old son Archie, who was born in May last year. Appearing on This Morning today, alongside Trisha Goddard, he claimed that the royal couple have a 'different set of rules for themselves', and believes they shouldn't be preaching on the environment while frequently traveling abroad themselves. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that Pakistan would not become a part of the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran that has soared recently following Tehran's top commander Gen Qasem Soleimani's killing in a Pentagon-ordered airstrike in Baghdad. Expressing deep concern over the evolving situation in the Middle East, Khan urged the two sides to take all steps to avoid any further escalation in tensions, Express Tribune reported after citing a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office. Khan, earlier today, also spoke to Religious Affairs Minister of Oman, Abdullah Bin Muhammad Bin Abdullah Al-Salmi, over the increasing tension in the region. He further pointed out during the talks that Pakistan had already suffered greatly due to regional conflicts in the past, and therefore would not become a part of any conflict in the region. The statement comes hours after US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper reached out to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa to seek advice on the situation. "I always appreciate speaking with our partners and allies in the region," Esper wrote on Twitter. "We all seek the de-escalation of tensions with Iran," he added. This is not the first communication between the army chief and top US officials. In a diplomatic outreach following Soleimani's assassination, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo telephoned COAS General Bajwa and apprised him on the situation. According to DG ISPR Maj-Gen Ghafoor, the army chief had emphasised that the regional tensions need to be reduced and urged relevant countries to move forward with practices and dialogue that aid the peace process. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Deepika Padukones Bollywood colleagues tweeted in support of the actor after she visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University on Tuesday evening, two days after a masked mob attacked students and teachers on the campus. Her visit led to polarising social media trends, including people demanding ban on her upcoming film Chhapaak. Deepika did not speak at the university, but stood with a group of students who were attacked including president of the students union Aishe Ghosh. Sources close to Deepika said she had gone to express solidarity with the students. Filmmakers Anurag Kashyap, Nikkhil Advani, Hansal Mehta, Anubhav Sinha, actors Richa Chadha, Swara Bhaskar and former JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar, among several others, hailed Deepika for meeting the students at the university. Praising her, Anurag Kashyap wrote on Twitter, The female of the species is, and was, and will always be the strongest of the two #DeepikaPadukone . Chhapak first day all shows . Lets all those who stand against the violence go to @bookmyshow and show them. Make our silent statement which will be the loudest. The female of the species is, and was, and will always be the strongest of the two #DeepikaPadukone . Chhapak first day all shows . Lets all those who stand against the violence go to @bookmyshow and show them. Make our silent statement which will be the loudest . Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) January 7, 2020 Anurag, who also posted Deepikas picture at JNU as his own profile pic on Twitter, spent the night replying to several trolls who criticised her with the hashtags #boycottchhapaak and #shameonbollywood. He replied to one of his followers, Lets not forget she is also the producer of the films .. stakes are even higher . Mad respect for @deepikapadukone. Made In Heaven actor Sobhita Dhulipala also came out in Deepikas support. It is incredible to see people of the film fraternity give a damn and take a stand. Respect to every person who is making this choice, she tweeted. It is incredible to see people of the film fraternity give a damn and take a stand. Respect to every person who is making this choice. Sobhita Dhulipala (@sobhitaD) January 7, 2020 Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani tweeted in her support, As producer today @deepikapadukone wouldve been standing in the preview theatres in Mumbai waiting to hear praise being showered on her maiden production. She instead chose to stand in solidarity with #JNUstudents knowing fully well the ramifications of her actions. #RESPECT. As producer today @deepikapadukone wouldve been standing in the preview theatres in Mumbai waiting to hear praise being showered on her maiden production. She instead chose to stand in solidarity with #JNUstudents knowing fully well the ramifications of her actions. #RESPECT Nikkhil Advani (@nikkhiladvani) January 7, 2020 Deepikas Chhapaak co-star Vikrant Massey cheered for with a heart emoji and tweeted, swells with pride. #JNUViolence @deepikapadukone. Richa Chadha wrote, Brava @deepikapadukone! Filmmaker Hansal Mehta called Deepika, Richa, Sonam Kapoor Heroes on Twitter. Sayani Gupta wrote, Thank you @deepikapadukone for giving this movement a mainstream narrative. For using your position to choose the correct path. It always comes to the women and yes, they do deliver! Big love sister! #WeAreWithJNU #noplaceforfascism. Thank you @deepikapadukone for giving this movement a mainstream narrative. For using your position to choose the correct path. It always comes to the women and yes, they do deliver! Big love sister! #WeAreWithJNU #noplaceforfascism Sayani Gupta (@sayanigupta) January 7, 2020 Deepika also met former JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar, who later thanked her for her visit on Facebook. He wrote, More power to you Deepika Padukone and thank you for your solidarity and support. You might be abused or trolled today, but history will remember you for your courage and standing by the idea of India. Also read: Deepika Padukone walked the crowded Mumbai streets as Chhapaaks Malti to see peoples reactions. Watch Deepikas decision to not address the crowd prompted Ghosh to comment, when you are in a position, you should speak up. There are many people in Bollywood who do not put forth their views. They are considered role models. I appeal to them: Make inspiring films after something has happened but when you are in that position, also talk about the story that is currently happening, she said. Later, Ghosh told PTI that Deepika expressed solidarity with the JNU students. Follow @htshowbiz for more Shanghai (Gasgoo)- SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile will concentrate on four sectors, namely Wuling brand, New Baojun brand, Baojun brand and new energy segment this year, according to Zhou Xing, marketing director of its sales company. (Photo source: SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile) Wuling, with a priority on commercial vehicles, is seen as the foundation of the joint venture. Zhou also said the brand had shares of 80%, 60% and 60% in mini-truck segment, minibus segment and the segment that was represented by Wuling Hongguang respectively in 2019. This year, these market shares are expected to be 80%, 70% and 70%. (Photo source: SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile) New Baojun rolled out four new models, the RS-5, RC-6, RM-5 and the RS-3, in the six months after its birth on the eve of the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. The new brand aims to lead a new mobile lifestyle with new genes of youth, technology, connectivity and intelligence. It plans to launch 6 all-new models this year, including the E300, the RS-7, the RM-C, the RC-5 and a new energy model. The automaker still expects Baojun brand to be its biggest sales contributor whose competitiveness lies in cost effectiveness and spacious room. To differ New Baojun from Baojun, their channels will be separated. Baojun will introduce facelift versions of its all-series models with major changes in exterior and interior in July and August 2020, while the redesigned or new-generation models will hit the market in 2021. In addition, Baojun also commits itself to exploring overseas market share and the Baojun 530 is SAIC-GM-Wulings strategic model abroad. (Photo source: Baojun's WeChat account) The joint venture also said two-seater new energy models for short trips, with the Baojun E300 being the current representative, are solution to urban commuting. Teams have until noon Friday to exchange salary numbers with players eligible for arbitration. This includes New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge, who could become the fifth player to earn at least $10 million in his first year of eligibility. According to MLB.com, Judge would join Kris Bryant ($10.85 million in 2018), Francisco Lindor ($10.55 million, 19), Mookie Betts ($10.5 million, 17) and Ryan Howard ($10 million, 08). Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Cody Bellinger also is expected to crack the $10 million plateau this winter. However Judge reaching an arbitration is no sure thing. Per MLB.com: Given his importance to the Yankees, it would be strange to see the club take Judge to a hearing. The last time the Yankees took a player to a hearing was 2017, when the club beat Dellin Betances, who received $3 million rather than the $5 million he sought. The aftermath of that hearing turned ugly when team president Randy Levine made public comments that called out the reliever for what he felt was an unreasonable ask. Buy Yankees tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, PrimeSport Here are the projected numbers for notable Yankees eligible for arbitration, as well as their 2019 salaries, per Spotrac: Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Martin Patrick Toohey, 63, faced Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday morning following an altercation with a 40-year-old woman in The Rocks A Sydney man accused of kicking out the teeth of a Chinese crested powderpuff dog and smashing a woman's phone has appeared in court. Martin Patrick Toohey, 63, faced Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday morning following an altercation with a 40-year-old woman in The Rocks. The 40-year-old woman was walking her two dogs - Sootie the powderpuff and Timmy - in early December when she sat down on a park bench. Police say Toohey, who lives in Millers Point near The Rocks, allegedly kicked one of the dogs after they got involved in a fight with his dog. 'During that conflict, both parties tried to separate the dogs and at some stage one of the dogs of the female lost two front teeth,' police said in December. It's alleged the woman then took a photo of Toohey, before he grabbed her phone and stomped on it. Police alleged Toohey walked away but returned when bystanders tried to help the woman. A scuffle then allegedly broke out between Toohey and two bystanders. Toohey has been charged with damaging the woman's iPhone as well as behaving in an offensive manner in public. He is yet to plead to the charges and has been bailed to appear in court on January 28. Advertisement Sixty-three Canadians, including two recently married couples, were among the 176 passengers who were killed when a Ukrainian jet crashed in Iran on Wednesday. Canadian newlyweds Arash Pourzarabi, 26, and Pouneh Gourji, 25, from Edmonton, had gone to Iran to be married. The couple were computer science students from the University of Alberta. Four members of their wedding party were also on board. Of the 63 Canadians who died yesterday when the jet plunged to the ground in a burst of flames near Tehran, 24 were from Edmonton and at least 13 were residents of British Columbia. Siavash Ghafouri-Azar and Sara Mamani, of Montreal, were also recently married. According to LinkedIn, Mamani was an engineer at Bombardier and Ghafouri worked as a performance specialist at Pratt and Whitney Canada. Many of the dead were Canadian-Iranian's flying back from the winter break. The University of Guelph in Canada said two PhD students, as well as the partner of one of the students died. Ghanimat Azhdari was a student in the department of geography and Milad Ghasemi was a student in marketing. Azhdari's partner, Hamed Alibeiki, also died. Scroll down for video Sixty-three Canadians, including two recently married couples, were among the 176 passengers who were killed when a Ukrainian jet crashed in Iran on Wednesday. Canadian newlyweds Arash Pourzarabi, 26, and Pouneh Gourji, 25, (both pictured) from Edmonton, had gone to Iran to be married The couple were computer science students from the University of Alberta. Four members of their wedding party were also on board. Dentist, Parisa Eghbalian (top right), and her nine-year-old daughter, Reera Esmaeilion (center), also died in the crash. Eghbalian co-owned Aurora Dentistry in Ontario with her husband (left), who was not on the plane The University of Guelph in Canada said two PhD students, as well as the partner of one of the students died. Ghanimat Azhdari (pictured) was a student in the department of geography and Milad Ghasemi was a student in marketing. Azhdari's partner, Hamed Alibeiki, also died Husband and wife, Ardalan Ebnoddin Hamidi and Niloufar Razzaghi, were killed along with their teen son, Kamyar Ebnoddin Hamidi (all pictured), while heading home to Vancouver after a holidays Another family, from Edmonton, Canada, was also wiped out. Pedram Mousavi (left), 47, and his wife Mojan Deneshmand (right), 43, who both work at the University of Alberta, Canada, also died along with their two young daughters Daria, 14, and Darina 10 Western University said four of their students died. Three were current graduate students and one was an incoming graduate student. They did not name the students. Doctoral candidate, Mari Foroutan, 37, who attended the University of Waterloo in Ontario, died in the crash. Payman Paseyan, a member of the Iranian-Canadian community in Edmonton, Alberta, said about 27 people from Edmonton, including international students and a family of four that he knew, were on the flight. A family from Edmonton, Canada, was also wiped out. Pedram Mousavi, 47, and his wife Mojan Deneshmand, 43, who both work at the University of Alberta, Canada, also died along with their two young daughters Daria, 14, and Darina 10. Paseyan said he often would go to the gym with Mousavi and described him as a nice guy who often visited his former restaurant with his family. 'I am not aware of any extended family members that they have here. It's just terrible,' Paseyan said. He said most of victims were visiting family in Iran over the holidays. He said many were dual citizens and many were international students. 'One of the reasons why you take that flight is you wouldn't want to take a flight that has a connection in the United States because international students can't do that,' he said. Bahareh Haj Esfandiari (right), 41, Mehdi Sadeghi (center), 43, and Anisa Sadeghi (being held by her father), 10, were among the dead Masoumeh Ghavi (pictured), of Nova Scotia, was studying engineering at Dalhousie University. She and her sister, Mandieh Ghavi, were killed in the crash as they were traveling back to Canada. They were in Iran visiting family for the holidays Forough Khadem (pictured), who worked in immunology and with CancerCare Manitoba, was also confirmed as one of the victims Evin Arsalani, 30, her husband, Hiva Molani (both left), 38, and their one-year-old daughter Kurdia (right, with Arsalani) were killed in the crash Arvin Morattab and Aida Farzaneh (both pictured), of Montreal, were identified by friends as victims from the crash According to Global News, Masoumeh Ghavi, of Nova Scotia, was studying engineering at Dalhousie University. She and her sister, Mandieh Ghavi, were killed in the crash as they were traveling back to Canada. They were in Iran visiting family for the holidays. Husband and wife, Ardalan Ebnoddin Hamidi and Niloufar Razzaghi, were killed along with their teen son, Kamyar Ebnoddin Hamidi, while heading home to Vancouver after a holidays. A dentistry in Aurora, Ontario confirmed that Parisa Eghbalian, a dentist, and her nine-year-old daughter Reera Esmaeilion died. Eghbalian's husband, Hamed Esmaeilion, is also a dentist at E&E Dentistry, but was not traveling with his wife and child. According to Global News, Bahareh Haj Esfandiari, 41, Mehdi Sadeghi, 43, and Anisa Sadeghi, 10, were among the dead. The Winnipeg family's deaths were confirmed by Welcome Place, where Esfandiari worked. 'We are deeply saddened to have learned a recent former employee was on the flight with her husband and daughter travelling back home to Canada after the holidays,' the company shared in a Facebook post. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends a news conference about flight PS752 from Tehran to Kiev that crashed shortly after takeoff, in Ottawa yesterday During a press conference in Ottawa yesterday, Trudeau (centre), said that Canada expects to play a big part into the Iranian investigation into the flight crash due to the sheer number of Canadian victims Trudeau, pictured arriving for a news conference in Ottawa yesterday,said that he would ask Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne to call his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif later in the day to underline the need for a proper probe of the crash. Canada broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in 2012 Forough Khadem, who worked in immunology and with CancerCare Manitoba, was also confirmed as one of the victims. Evin Arsalani, 30, her husband, Hiva Molani, 38, and their one-year-old daughter Kurdia were killed in the crash. They were on their way home to Ontario from Iran where they had attended a wedding in December. The University of Ontario Institute of Technology announced on Wednesday that Dr Razgar Rahimi, an engineering instructor, at the college, was among the victims killed in the crash. A man weeps during a service at Western University in London, Ontario yesterday, which was held for the four graduate students who were killed in the Iranian plane crash In a letter to parents, the principal of Northern Secondary School says the school is grieving the loss of Maya Zibaie, a tenth grade student. Arvin Morattab and Aida Farzaneh, of Montreal, were identified by friends as victims from the crash. Pedram Jadidi was a civil engineering student at the University of Windsor. He was traveling back to Canada after visiting family for the holidays. Hamidreza Setare and Samira Bashiri were living in Windsor. Setare was also an engineer student at the University of Windsor. A woman weeps during a ceremony to commemorate the four graduate students who were killed when a Ukrainian airliner crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran yesterday Mourners attend a vigil at University of Toronto student housing for the victims, in a still image from video in Toronto, Ontario, Canada yesterday Mourners light candles and place flowers outside the Amir Bakery in North Vancouver yesterday University of Windsor student, Zahra Naghibi, was a PhD candidate at the college's Turbulence and Energy Lab. Fifteen children, including a baby born in 2018, were named among the dead which comprised of 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans and three Britons. Flight PS752 came down just minutes after leaving the runway at Imam Khomeini International Airport early this morning, sparking fresh alarm in the Middle East just hours after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard launched missile strikes on US bases in Iraq. These strikes were a direct response to President Donald Trump's assassination of Iranian general Qassam Soleimani with a drone strike in Baghdad on Friday. Mourners can be seen gathering during a service at Western University in London, Ontario yesterday Two women embrace each other during a vigil for the plane crash victims outside Amir Bakery in North Vancouver yesterday A woman mourns outside the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton, Alberta, yesterday. 24 of the Canadian victims hailed from Edmonton The Iranian regime has insisted the plane's engine caught fire causing a loss of control, but has fueled suspicion of foul-play by refusing to hand over the craft's black boxes. Video footage appeared to show the plane already burning before it fell out of the night sky, while pictures at the crash site showed the mangled wreckage peppered with mysterious holes. The Boeing plane was less than four years old and had been checked just two days earlier, with 'one of our best crews' manning the aircraft, the Ukrainian airline said. The disaster puts Boeing back under the spotlight after its reputation was bruised following two plane crashes in October 2018 and March 2019 which killed a combined 346 people - especially if Iran's claims are proved true. A map showing the route of the brief flight and some of the clues to the cause of the crash which soon started to emerge People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 passengers crashed near Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran, sparking fresh alarm in the Middle East on Wednesday Rescue workers in protective suits gather up the bodies of passengers who were killed in the Boeing 737 crash in Iran French jet engine manufacturer CFM said any speculation about a technical failure was 'premature', while the Ukrainian embassy in Iran initially ruled out a missile strike but later backtracked. Aviation experts were at odds today as they struggled to explain the disaster, with some saying a shoot-down was unlikely while others said an MH17-style event should be the starting assumption. The crash sparked fresh fears in the Middle East, which is on high alert after Qassem Soleimani was killed last Friday, and a series of airlines have today announced they will stop flying over Iranian airspace. The three British victims were later named as businessman Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh, 40, and engineers Saeed Tahmasebi Khademsadi, 35, and Sam Zokaei, 42. Today Boeing declared the air disaster a 'tragic event' and offered its 'heartfelt thoughts' to the 176 passengers and crew on board the plane. 'We are ready to assist in any way needed,' the airline said in a statement. The jet which crashed was a Boeing 737-800 - a very common single-aisle, twin-engine jetliner used for short to medium-range flights. Thousands of the planes are used by airlines around the world. The black boxes (pictured) from the Ukrainian airliner were found today but Iran says it will not hand them over to Boeing Pieces of debris are seen lying at the crash site in a picture released by an Iranian news agency today, showing what appeared to be holes in the fuselage of the Boeing aircraft Introduced in the late 1990s, it is an older model than the Boeing 737 MAX, which has been grounded for nearly 10 months following the two deadly crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. According to flight tracking data from FlightRadar24, the jet which crashed today reached an altitude of 7,925ft before tracking suddenly ended after three minutes. The plane had been delayed from taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran by almost an hour. The jet was new and had been checked two days ago, the Ukrainian airline said. 'The plane was in working order,' UIA company president Yevgeniy Dykhne told a briefing in Kyiv where he choked back tears. 'It was one of our best planes with a wonderful crew.' It was the Kyiv-based carrier's first fatal accident, and it said it was doing everything possible to establish what had happened. Just hours before the crash, the US Federal Aviation Administration had banned US airlines from flying over Iran, Iraq and the waters of the Persian Gulf due to the Middle East crisis. Correction: An earlier version of this story mischaracterized the war powers resolution that the House will vote on Thursday. It is nonbinding. WASHINGTON The House will vote Thursday on a measure that would limit President Donald Trump's ability to wage war with Iran, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced. The Democratic House speaker said Trump's action last week authorizing a drone strike that killed top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was "provocative and disproportionate" and done without consulting Congress. Thursday's debate will shine a spotlight on the Soleimani killing and the possibility of further escalation between the U.S. and Iran. It will also air constitutional questions about the president's ability to order military action without congressional authorization. Members of Congress have serious, urgent concerns about the administrations decision to engage in hostilities against Iran and about its lack of strategy moving forward," Pelosi said. To honor our duty to keep the American people safe, the House will move forward with a War Powers Resolution to limit the Presidents military actions regarding Iran." But even if the measure passes the House, which is controlled by Democrats, it will face hurdles in the GOP-controlled Senate. And Trump could ignore it; as its drafted, the resolution doesn't go to the president for his signature and doesn't carry the force of law, according to an analysis by Lawfare, a legal blog. More: Trump, Tehran step back from war footing after Iran's attack on military bases in Iraq Pelosi's decision to move forward with the war powers measure came after Iran retaliated on Tuesday for Soleimani's killing by launching ballistic missiles at two Iraqi airbases that house U.S. and coalition forces. Trump said that incident did not cause any American casualties and resulted in only minimal damage, as he sought to lower tensions with Iran in an address to the nation Wednesday. But Pelosi and other Democrats said they remained alarmed at the possibility of further military confrontation. Story continues More: 5 highlights from Donald Trump's televised address on the Iranian missile attacks "The consequences of this strike already ... have been cataclysmic," said Sen. Christopher Murphy, D-Conn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He and others said the situation could still easily spiral out of control. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said the U.S.-Iran tensions require a debate and vote in Congress. "When we ask our troops to risk everything, we in Congress cannot hide under our desks, outsource our constitutional duty to the president, and pretend that we can avoid accountability for war and its consequences, Kaine wrote in an op-ed published by Fox News on Wednesday. Kaine has introduced a resolution in the Senate that, like the House bill, would require a declaration of war or congressional authorization for any further military hostilities with Iran. Republicans said such a step is unnecessary, arguing that Trump has the authority he needs under the Constitution and previous use-of-force authorizations. "The United States is not pursuing an invasion of Iran," said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as he came out of a classified briefing on Iran by Trump administration officials. "It's acting defensively, in the defense of troops deployed to Iraq under an authorization by Congress," he said, referring to the authorization of military force passed in 2002 against Iraq. Trump administration officials have cited the 2002 authorization as part of the legal justification for the killing of Soleimani. Last April, Trump vetoed a war powers resolution that would have required him to end the U.S. military role in Yemen. The U.S. has provided intelligence, weapons, and other assistance to a Saudi-led coalition that is at war with Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen. In her statement announcing the war powers vote, Pelosi said the House might also consider legislation from Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., that would repeal the 2002 military force authorization, as well as a bill from Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., that would bar funds from being used for military action against Iran not authorized by Congress. More: Bernie Sanders, Ro Khanna introduce legislation to block funding for military action in Iran More: Pompeo, Esper brief lawmakers on Iran after President Trump addresses the nation This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Iran: Pelosi says House to vote on limiting Trump's war powers Additional reporting by Greg Murphy Veteran Labour TD Brendan Ryan has decided to stand down from the party's General Election ticket in Dublin Fingal, to allow his parliamentary assistant Duncan Smith to stand in his place. Mr Smith recently contested the by-election and finished in third place taking 16% of the vote. Mr Ryan said: "The recent by-election presented an opportunity for the next generation to come through, and our candidate Cllr. Duncan Smith showed the strength of the Labour Party in Dublin Fingal. "I am confident that we can hold our Labour seat in a General Election with a new candidate and because of that I believe the time is now right for the transition to the next generation." Mr Ryan was one of just seven Labour TDs to hold his seat in the 2016 General Election but told his local organisation in Fingal on Wednesday evening of his decision to stand down. In a statement issued by Mr Ryan thanked his constituents, colleagues, friends and family for their support. He said: "It has been a great privilege and honour for me to represent the people of Dublin Fingal in Dail Eireann for nearly nine years now, and in Seanad Eireann from 2007 to 2011. It was a momentous period of time that saw great change and upheaval across the political spectrum and I am proud to have played my part in that as a Labour Party representative." I want to take this opportunity to thank my parliamentary colleagues for their friendship over the years, and as our Whip it was an honour to work with them. Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank my family for their dedication and support throughout my political career. They are the unseen and often unacknowledged supporters who shoulder the burden of a political career. Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin TD thanked Brendan Ryan for his years of service to the people of Dublin Fingal. He said: While Brendan will continue to serve the people of Fingal up until a general election is called, I fully appreciate this was a difficult decision for him to reach. For over a decade, Brendan Ryan has been a stalwart of the Labour Parliamentary Party and I want to acknowledge his years of service in his constituency, work he will continue to carry out up until this Dail is dissolved. In his position as Whip he has played a pivotal role in the ongoing work of rebuilding our Party, and locally he has set a fine example by bringing forward new candidates and electing a new generation of Councillors for our Party. I know he will be determined to ensure whoever our candidate is for Dublin Fingal will be elected to Dail Eireann, and you couldnt ask for a more determined advocate campaigning for you. B ritish forces were in the coalition military bases in Iraq that were hit by Iranian missiles overnight, UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab has confirmed. Both bases host coalition forces, including forces from the UK, although the Ministry of Defence in London subsequently said there have been no British casualties. Mr Raab urged Iran to pursue "urgent de-escalation" as the crisis in the Gulf intensified rather than carry out what he labelled as "reckless and dangerous attacks". Pieces of missiles are seen at the rural area of Al-Baghdadi town after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Ayn al-Asad airbase / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images US President Donald Trump tweeted "all is well" following the attack on the bases, which was carried out in response to the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by America. US officials said 15 missiles were fired, with 10 striking the Ayn al Asad base 100 miles west of Baghdad, one striking a base in Erbil in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region, and another four missing their targets. American authorities said casualties were "few, if any". Loading.... A Ukrainian passenger plane also crashed shortly after take-off from the Iranian capital of Tehran, killing all 176 people onboard, in the early hours of Wednesday. There was nothing initially to indicate that the crash was linked to the current Iran-US tensions. The attacks came following the funeral procession of Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US airstrike in Iraq on January 3. Members of the Iraqi military collect pieces of a missle / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Mr Raab said: "We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting Coalition - including British - forces. "We are concerned by reports of casualties and use of ballistic missiles. "We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation. "A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups." Defence Secretary Ben Wallace yesterday said that the Royal Navy and military helicopters had been put on standby due to the rising tensions in the area. Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has said the current crisis risks a "devastating all-out war" in Iraq, the region, and the world. Iranian officials said Tehran did not want a war and its strikes "concluded" its response to Friday's killing of General Soleimani, a powerful general whose burial in Iran after days of mourning was completed around the same time as Iran's missile launches. Iranian state television showed mourners celebrating the attack. Mr Trump, who visited the Ayn al Asad base (which is also known as Ain Assad), said in his tweet he would make a statement on Wednesday morning US time. Ayatollah Khamenei has made an address on state TV that Iran had "slapped them [America] on the face last night" with the missile strike. He added that "military action is not enough" as he praised General Soleimani. Iraqi security forces and soldiers at one of the bomb sites / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the real revenge for the killing of a top Iranian general by the US would be "to force America out of this region." A Foreign Office spokesman said: We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in the plane crash in Iran overnight. (Natural News) Earlier this winter, Joe Bidens 2020 presidential campaign was rocked by scandal, and not all of it was tied to him. As NewsTarget reported, while Joe Biden was serving as Obamas vice president, he was given the assignment of being point man for Ukraine at a time when Russian aggression was overtaking the country and Kiev was turning to Washington for help. It wasnt an unreasonable request. Under the terms of the Budapest Memorandum, signed in December 1994, the U.S. and Great Britain agreed to provide security assurances to Ukraine in exchange for that country surrendering nuclear weapons left on its territory after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The weapons were returned to Russia. But in 2014, Russian forces annexed the Crimea and began providing military assistance to rebels and separatists in eastern Ukraine. In response, the Obama administration sent Joe Biden and a loan guarantee of $1 billion so the country could arm itself. Only, the VP brought along the money with one condition: Kievs government was required to fire a prosecutor looking into corruption involving a company in which his son, Hunter, served as a board member (at tens of thousands of dollars per month). It was a quid pro quo in the classic sense. The prosecutor was fired, Kiev got the money, and the Bidens managed to exploit a country that was under attack for their own personal gain. This is the prototypical deal that the offspring of high-ranking American government officials usually get, as former first daughter Chelsea Clinton knows. As reported by The Hill: Chelsea Clinton has reaped $9 million in compensation since 2011 for serving on the board of an internet investment company, according to Barrons, the financial publication. Barrons reported Sunday that Clinton has profited handsomely as a board member for IAC/InterActiveCorp, a media and internet investment company that has an ownership stake in 150 well-known brands, such as Vimeo, Tinder, Angies List and Home Advisor. Clinton daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, has served on IACs board since 2011. She receives an annual retainer fee of $50,000 and $250,000 worth of restricted IAC stock. This kind of stuff is why Trump won At the end of December, she reported owning $8.95 million worth of the companys stock to the Securities and Exchange Commission. This isnt the only sweet deal Chelsea Clinton has managed to land. According to the UK Daily Mail, Clinton made $300,000 for attending just a half-dozen meetings as an IAC board member in 2018 a company that is run by Barry Diller, who is a family friend of the Clintons. The board position follows her brief career as a special correspondent for NBC, from November 2011 through August 2014. For that, she was paid well $600,000 per year, though she had no prior media experience and no journalism training or education. In truth, its these kinds of deals that not only enrich the children of powerful American politicians, but their parents as well. The Clintons themselves benefited from their positions to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars, much of it laundered through a foundation that, after Hillary lost to President Trump, suddenly started downsizing and laying off people. And according to presidential lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who has been probing Biden corruption now for months, the former VP and his son. The constants here are: Joe becomes point man. Joe fails in his mission to the U.S. In Iraq, he cant get a status of forces agreement, Giuliani told talk host Dan Bongino this week. In Ukraine, he cant do a damn thing about corruption except contribute to itBut in each case, the Biden crime family made millions and millions of dollars. To me, its a racketeering case, a RICO case. Sources include: TheNationalSentinel.com NewsTarget.com TheHill.com DailyMail.co.uk A Princeton-led team of astrophysicists has shown that this exoplanet is spiraling in toward its host star, heading toward certain destruction in about 3 million years Earth is doomed -- but not for 5 billion years. Our planet will be roasted as our sun expands and becomes a red giant, but the exoplanet WASP-12b, located 600 light-years away in the constellation Auriga, has less than a thousandth of that time left: a comparatively paltry 3 million years. A Princeton-led team of astrophysicists has shown that WASP-12b is spiraling in toward its host star, heading toward certain destruction. Their paper appears in the Dec. 27, 2019, issue of the Astrophysical Journal Letters. WASP-12b is known as a "hot Jupiter," a giant gaseous planet like our neighbor planet Jupiter, but which is very close to its own star, orbiting its sun in just 26 hours. (By contrast, we take 365 days to orbit, and even Mercury, the innermost planet of our solar system, takes 88 days.) "Ever since the discovery of the first 'hot Jupiter' in 1995 -- a discovery that was recognized with this year's Nobel Prize in Physics -- we have wondered how long such planets can survive," said Joshua Winn, a professor of astrophysical sciences at Princeton and one of the authors of the paper. "We were pretty sure they could not last forever. The strong gravitational interactions between the planet and the star should cause the planet to spiral inward and be destroyed, but nobody could predict how long this takes. It might be millions of years, it might be billions or trillions. Now that we have measured the rate, for at least one system -- it's millions of years -- we have a new clue about the behavior of stars as fluid bodies." The problem is that as WASP-12b orbits its star, the two bodies exert gravitational pulls on each other, raising "tides" like the ocean tides raised by the moon on Earth. Within the star, these tidal waves cause the star to become slightly distorted and to oscillate. Because of friction, these waves crash and the oscillations die down, a process that gradually converts the planet's orbital energy into heat within the star. The friction associated with the tides also exerts a gravitational torque on the planet, causing the planet to spiral inward. Measuring how quickly the planet's orbit is shrinking reveals how quickly the star is dissipating the orbital energy, which provides astrophysicists clues about the interior of stars. "If we can find more planets like WASP-12b whose orbits are decaying, we'll be able to learn about the evolution and eventual fate of exoplanetary systems," said first author Samuel Yee, a graduate student in astrophysical sciences. "Although this phenomenon has been predicted for close-in giant planets like WASP-12b in the past, this is the first time we have caught this process in action." One of the first people to make that prediction that was Frederic Rasio, the Joseph Cummings Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Northwestern University, who was not involved in Yee and Winn's work. "We've all been waiting nearly 25 years for this effect to be detected observationally," Rasio said. "The implications of the short timescale measured for orbital decay are also very important. In particular it means that there must be many more hot Jupiters that have already gone all the way. When they get to the Roche limit -- the tidal disruption limit for an object on a circular orbit -- their envelopes might get stripped, revealing a rocky core that looks just like a super-Earth (or maybe a mini-Neptune if they can retain a bit of their envelope)." Rasio also edits Astrophysical Journal Letters, the journal in which the new paper appears. The researchers had originally submitted their paper to a less-prestigious sister journal also published by the American Astronomical Society, but Rasio redirected it to ApJ Letters because of the "especially great significance" of the research. "Part of my job is to ensure that all major new discoveries presented in manuscripts submitted to the AAS Journals are considered for publication in ApJ Letters," he said. "In this case it was a no-brainer." WASP-12b was discovered in 2008 through the transit method, in which astronomers observe a small dip in a star's brightness as the planet passes in front of it, each time it completes an orbit. Since its discovery, the interval between successive dips has shortened by 29 milliseconds per year -- an observation that was first noted in 2017 by co-author Kishore Patra, then an undergraduate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. That slight shortening could suggest that the planet's orbit is shrinking, but there are other possible explanations: If WASP-12b's orbit is more oval-shaped than circular, for example, the apparent changes in the orbital period could be caused by the changing orientation of the orbit. The way to be sure if the orbit is actually shortening is to watch the planet disappear behind its star, known as occultation. If the orbit is just changing its direction, the actual orbital period doesn't change, so if transits occur more quickly than expected, occultations should occur more slowly. But if the orbit is truly decaying, the timing of both transits and occultations should shift in the same direction. Over the last two years, the researchers have collected more data, including new occultation observations made with the Spitzer Space Telescope. "These new data strongly support the orbital decay scenario, allowing us to firmly say that the planet is indeed spiraling toward its star," said Yee. "This confirms the long-standing theoretical predictions and indirect data suggesting that hot Jupiters should eventually be destroyed through this process." This discovery will help theorists understand the internal workings of stars and interpret other data relating to tidal interactions, said Winn. "It also tells us about the lifetimes of hot Jupiters, a clue that might help shed light on the formation of these strange and unexpected planets." "The orbit of WASP-12b is decaying," by Samuel W. Yee, Joshua N. Winn, Heather A. Knutson, Kishore C. Patra, Shreyas Vissapragada, Michael M. Zhang, Matthew J. Holman, Avi Shporer and Jason T. Wright, appears in the Dec. 27, 2019, issue of the Astrophysical Journal. The research was supported by Princeton University, the Heising-Simons Foundation, NASA Solar Systems grant NNX14AD22G, the Pennsylvania State University, the Eberly College of Science and the Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium. The authors wish to recognize and acknowledge the very significant cultural role and reverence that the summit of Maunakea has always had within the indigenous Hawaiian community: "We are most fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct observations from this mountain." ### The Sedan nuclear crater is located at the Nevada Test Site, about 90 miles north of Las Vegas. It is the result of the Sedan nuclear test, an underground nuclear test carried out on 6 July 1962 as part of the Plowshare Program, established in June 1957 to explore peaceful applications for controlled nuclear detonations. The idea was that a nuclear explosion could easily excavate a large area, facilitating the building of canals and roads, improving mining techniques, or simply moving a large amount of rock and soil. The intensity and distribution of radiation, however, proved too great, and the program was abandoned. Operation Plowshare resulted in 27 thermonuclear detonations. Only four events were intended to produce craters, among which Sedan was by far the largest. Photo credit The device that produced the crater was buried 194 meters below the desert floor and had a yield equivalent to 104 kilotons of TNT or around eight Hiroshima bombs. The blast first lifted a dome of earth 90 meters above the desert floor before it vented at three seconds after detonation, exploding upward and outward displacing 12 million tons of earth. The resulting crater is 100 meters deep and 390 meters wide. The explosion created fallout that affected more US residents than any other nuclear test, exposing more than 13 million people to radiation, although within 7 months of the detonation, the radiation had decayed to the point that the bottom of the crater could be safely walked upon with no protective clothing. Today, more than 10,000 visitors visit the crater every year through free monthly tours offered by the U.S. Department of Energy. An observation platform built on the rim of the crater allows tourists to peek into the crater below. Negative impacts from Operation Plowshares 27 nuclear projects ultimately led to the program's termination in 1977, largely due to public opposition. The Soviet Union continued to pursue the concept through their program Nuclear Explosions for the National Economy and carried out more than 150 nuclear test. The best known was Chagan a test identical to Sedan - which created the artificial lake reservoir Lake Chagan. The Sedan nuclear test on 6 July 1962. Photo credit Satellite image of the Sedan crater. The Nevada Test Site is pockmarked by numerous nuclear tests. The Sedan crater is the largest among them. Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Observation deck at Sedan Crater. Photo credit Sources: Wikipedia / Online Nevada Iran launched a missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday in retaliation for the US drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Tehran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from Iranian territory against at least two Iraqi facilities hosting US-led coalition personnel at about 1:30 a.m. local time, the US military said on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump said in a tweet late on Tuesday that an assessment of casualties and damage from the strikes was under way and that he would ... No Hong Kong case contracts Wuhan pneumonia so far Global Times By Leng Shumei Source:Global Times Published: 2020/1/7 22:53:41 No HK case contracts Wuhan pneumonia so far The Hong Kong government has stepped up precautions against an unidentified pneumonia found in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province, which has hospitalized 59 people in the mainland city. At least nine more cases of fever, respiratory tract infection or pneumonia symptoms were reported in Hong Kong on Tuesday, according to local media. On the same day, the city announced the disease as a notifiable infectious disease. But no patient in Hong Kong so far has been found to contract the viral pneumonia of unknown cause originating in Wuhan that has hospitalized 59 in Wuhan, an official from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. Rumors have spread on Hong Kong social media saying the unidentified Wuhan pneumonia has hit the city. At a press conference Tuesday morning, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said "the spread of fake news hinders anti-epidemic work." She urged residents to distinguish between genuine and fake information concerning public health on social media. The city has been nervous about the incident since it was revealed on December 31. Mu Hua, a student from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the campus had sterilized the dormitories and provided masks to students. "Many students on the campus are wearing masks," Mu said. The disease, bursting out at a seafood market in Wuhan, has left seven out of 59 patients in critical condition. Eight suspicious cases have also been reported in Macao and one in Singapore. But all have proved to be unrelated to the Wuhan pneumonia, according to local media platforms. These Chinese communities suffered during the outbreak of the SARS epidemic in 2003, so it is understandable they are nervous this time, Zeng Guang, a medical expert at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, told the Global Times on Tuesday. "But it is actually unnecessary to be nervous," Zeng said, noting that he believed the Wuhan authority had dealt with the disease in a proper and timely fashion. After the deadly SARS epidemic, the Chinese mainland gained rich experience and established a complete mechanism to deal with serious and urgent public health incidents and so there was no need to worry, Zeng noted. As no casualty or human-to-human infection has been reported in Wuhan so far, Zeng said it was reasonable to believe that the disease was not that fatal and infectious, and most likely could be contained in Wuhan. Li Gang, chief of Wuhan disease control and prevention center, told a press conference Monday that they had strictly isolated infected patients and kept close attention on people who had come into contact with them. As the cause of the disease is still unknown, strict measures and a responsible attitude are necessary, Li noted. Zeng said it would take some time to identify the virus. "It's not an easy thing." It took about two months to identify SARS. People in Wuhan, the source of the disease, reached by the Global Times said they felt little impact from the incident. "I barely see people wearing masks. We were only nervous for one day when the disease was revealed, but relaxed soon after the government took action," said a Wuhan University student surnamed Yang. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address It's hard to imagine that Raymond Lara has never spoken to his family. The 15-year-old high school student has never been able to form his tho Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on January 7 that the Delhi Police will become a star performer if they come under the purview of the Aam Admi Party government. As of now, the Delhi Police comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Indian government. Kejriwal was addressing his last town hall meet before the upcoming Assembly elections when he made the statement, reported Hindustan Times. Speaking about the incidents of campus violence reported from Jamia Milia University and Jawaharlal Nehru University in the past two months, he told the audience gathered at Connaught Place: Give us Delhi Police for two days, well do wonders. Ahead of the elections set to take place on February 8, Kejriwal made a fresh and final appeal for full statehood for Delhi, a status he has been seeking for years to ensure better governance in the National Capital. Explaining how it affects governance, he said: We have been working for all five years. We worked with great speed initially but then files started getting stuck at the Lieutenant Governors office. Then the Supreme Court gave a verdict in our favour and once again the work picked up the pace. He added: I understand that L-G Anil Baijal faces pressure from higher authorities. The AAP national convener also took oblique jibes at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre and the Delhi Police for their inaction at a time masked mob attacks were being reported from JNU campus. Commenting on how the Delhi Police would perform differently under his aegis, Kejriwal said: They (Delhi Police) are given orders from above. Just keep standing, dont take action. You give a free hand to the Delhi Police, theyll start performing well. The incumbent CM reiterated that violence inside educational institutes is a serious concern. The way students in Jamia were beaten up, then JNU saw so much violence What would the parents think? With what confidence will students go to these universities. For my part I am sure that it is far the finest Eastern carpet which I have seen the design is of singular perfection, logically and consistently beautiful and therefore most especially valuable for a museum, the special aim of which is the education of the public in Art. So wrote William Morris in 1893 when trying to convince the director of the V&A Museum to purchase the famous Ardabil Carpet. Some 10 metres long and five metres wide, knotted by hand in the late 1530s, its sumptuous Safavid design makes it one of the worlds greatest Persian carpets. And it now sits, at South Kensington, in a gallery of treasures from the Islamic Middle East, so many of which have played a signal role in the development of British design. In the face of President Trumps threats to bomb centres of cultural importance in Iran, it is more important than ever that museums fulfil their civic duty as places of understanding, cultural exchange and deliberation. Those of us with collections drawn from Iran have a responsibility to ensure that in coming months no single, defining lens dictates public sentiment. If there is one upside to the White Houses proposed assault, it is that the world knows more of Irans architectural heritage as thousands uploaded pictures of their favourite sites to social media. From the tomb of Hafez in Shiraz to the ruins of Persepolis, the beautiful past of Iran has found new audiences. Having visited some of the locations, what is also apparent is how they testify to the pluralism, diversity, richness and nuance of that country beyond the familiar spectre of the Revolutionary Guard and calls for martyrdom. V&A Museum / Shutterstock / Ron Ellis President Trumps disavowal of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the Geneva Protocols needs to be called out. Just as the US government rightly condemned the barbarism of ISIS when it blew up the Assyrian statues at Nimrud and the Roman wonders of Palmyra, so any bombardment of Iranian cultural treasures falls into the same moral bracket. As Max Hollein, director of New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art, rightly puts it: The targeting of sites of global cultural heritage is abhorrent to the collective values of our society. As we face some potentially difficult months (not least with still-imprisoned citizens), how cultural institutions respond will matter. At the V&A this October we plan to continue with our Iran exhibition, which traces 5,000 years of art, culture and design showcasing ancient Islamic and contemporary Iran. Borrowing artefacts from Tehran or attracting sponsorship might be more difficult, but that will not divert us from this remarkable cultural story. William Morris put it best: To us pattern designers Persia has become a holy land, for there in the process of time our art was perfected, and thence above all places it spread to cover for a while the world, east and west. Joined by Bollywood actors, BJP workers on Wednesday staged a protest over the "Free Kashmir" placard displayed at a sit-in here against the JNU violence and shouted slogans against the Shiv Sena-led government in Maharashtra. A row had erupted when a woman, Mehak Mirza Prabhu, displayed a "Free Kashmir" placard at a demonstration held to denounce the violence at Delhi's JNU at the Gateway of India on Monday. Hundreds of people, including students, common citizens and activists, took part in the 34-hour-long demonstration. Though Prabhu, a city-based script writer, later apologised for her act, the police on Tuesday booked her under IPC section 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration). The opposition BJP had taken a strong objection to the display of the "Free Kashmir" banner in the city. Carrying forward their protest over the controversial banner, a group of BJP workers assembled at the Veer Savarkar Smarak in Dadar, central Mumbai, and shouted slogans against the Sena-Congress-NCP government. Bollywood actors Juhi Chawla and Dalip Tahil besides BJP leaders Sudhir Mungantiwar and Gopal Shetty, among others, were present during the protest. Talking to PTI, Mumbai BJP vice-president Anil Thakur said, "Kashmir is the crown of our country and how can they demand a 'Free Kashmir'? A few people are just misguiding innocent people in the name of CAA, NRC and NPR. Today we are here to counter the "Free Kashmir" banner." District president of South Central Mumbai BJP Rajesh Shirwadekar said displaying the objectionable banner was a "pre-planned" act. "We condemn the 'Free Kashmir' banner...from where this banner came at a protest by students? This shows it was pre-planned," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) [Update, Jan. 9: U.S. intelligence officials now believe that Iran accidentally shot down the plane.] Early on Wednesday, a Ukraine International Airlines jet traveling to Kyiv crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran, Iran. The incident comes at a particularly tense moment in international affairs, just hours after Iran fired missiles at military bases housing U.S. troops in retaliation for the killing of Qassem Soleimani, a high-ranking official in the Iranian government who led the countrys elite Quds Force. Heres a rundown of what we do and dont know about the crash: How did the crash unfold? The plane, a Boeing 737-800, took off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran just before dawn and fell into an open field mere minutes later. Ukraine International Airlines indicated that the plane had ascended normally and reached an altitude of approximately 7,800 feet at a speed of more than 300 miles per hour in 2 minutes before abruptly ceasing to transmit flight data. The pilot did not contact air traffic control to report any problems, and the plane also lost connection to the local control tower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A video from the state-run Iranian Students News Agency purporting to document the crash shows that the plane was on fire while falling out of the sky and then caused a massive explosion upon impact. An Iranian newscast surveyed the site of the crash and found wreckage strewn about the field in small pieces. Who were the casualties? All 167 passengers82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, two Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans, and three Britonsalong with the nine Ukrainian crew members died in the crash. There were reportedly at least 25 children, 16 of whom were under the age of 10, and two newlyweds on board. The large number of victims from Canada makes this the countrys worst transportation disaster since 1985, when an Air India jumbo jet was bombed. What was the cause of the crash? Unclear. There have been a variety of conflicting reports and theories, but no one seems to have a definitive answer. Iranian state news and its Ministry of Roads and Urban Development have blamed the crash on an engine fire. The New York Times reported, however, that a plane can usually remain in the air even if one engine fails, and that its rare for engine damage to cause problems for other parts of the plane. The Ukrainian Embassy in Iran also initially cited technical failures as the cause, but soon retracted the statement and said that it was too early to come to any conclusions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some have speculated that the crash could be related to an Iranian missile strike that occurred a few hours beforehand. Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles early Wednesday morning at two military bases in Iraq that housed U.S. troops. The attack was an attempt to retaliate for the killing of Soleimani, though there were no casualties or injuries. Commercial planes have been damaged in conflict zones in the past: In 2014, a Russian-made missile hit a Malaysia Airlines flight that was passing over Ukraine, killing 298 passengers. Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian government has insisted that its missiles did not down the Ukraine International Airlines plane. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also urged the public not to speculate about the cause until more evidence becomes public. While the timing may be suspicious, there is currently no substantial evidence linking the strike to the crash. Advertisement Ukraine International Airlines has further claimed that there were three pilots on board and that the crew had considerable experience with Boeing 737s, so the chance of human error was unlikely, especially since the plane had ascended normally. What does this mean for Boeing? This is a tragic event and our heartfelt thoughts are with the crew, passengers and their families, said a statement by the company, which manufactured the 737-800 in 2016. The incident is potentially yet another black mark on the companys safety record, as it is still dealing with the fallout of a software malfunction in the 737 Max that led to the deaths of 346 people over the course of two crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia last year. The 737-800, however, does not have the same faulty software system. Boeing and General Electric, which helps to manufacture the 737-800s engine, could eventually become involved in the investigation of the crash in Iran. What will the crash investigation look like? The escalating conflict between Iran and the U.S. is already complicating efforts to probe what happened in the crash. Under normal circumstances, the manufacturers of the plane and officials from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and possibly Ukraine would visit the impact site to assist with the investigation. Yet, in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Iran has signaled that it has little interest in cooperating and announced that it would not hand over the black box flight recorders to Boeing or the U.S. The Iran Civil Aviation Organization will instead be in charge of analyzing the contents. The Ukrainian government plans to send a search and rescue team to identify the bodies of those killed, and the U.S. has offered to help Ukraine and called for international cooperation in the matter. An environmental enclosure is put into position over the Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft shortly after it landed in White Sands, New Mexico, on Dec. 22, 2019. The capsule was named "Calypso" by NASA astronaut Suni Williams, who will command its first re-flight. It'll be a little while before we know if the next flight of Boeing's new CST-100 Starliner capsule will carry astronauts. On Dec. 20, 2019, Starliner launched on an uncrewed mission called Orbital Flight Test (OFT), which was designed to demonstrate the capsule's ability to fly NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). Boeing has been contracted by NASA's Commercial Crew Program to do just that, as has SpaceX. OFT was supposed to last eight days and feature an autonomous docking with the station. But Starliner suffered a glitch with its onboard timing system shortly after liftoff and got stranded in an orbit too low to allow a rendezvous with the ISS. The reusable capsule ended up zooming around Earth by itself for 48 hours, then coming down for a picture-perfect landing in New Mexico's White Sands Missile Range on Dec. 22. Related: Boeing's 1st Starliner Flight Test in Photos The original plan called for OFT to be followed by a crewed demonstration mission to the ISS. And that option is still on the table, despite the issues with December's flight, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine wrote in an update Tuesday (Jan. 7). "NASA is evaluating the data received during the mission to determine if another uncrewed demonstration is required. This decision is not expected for several weeks as teams take the necessary time for this review," Bridenstine wrote. "NASA's approach will be to determine if NASA and Boeing received enough data to validate the system's overall performance, including launch, on-orbit operations, guidance, navigation and control, docking/undocking to the space station, reentry, and landing," he added. "Although data from the uncrewed test is important for certification, it may not be the only way that Boeing is able to demonstrate its system's full capabilities." Bridenstine also announced that NASA and Boeing are forming a joint team to investigate Starliner's timing anomaly and figure out how to make sure it doesn't happen again. "Once underway, the investigation is targeted to last about two months before the team delivers its final assessment," the NASA head wrote. He added that Starliner is currently being transported from White Sands to Boeing's facilities on Florida's Space Coast, where the capsule will be examined in even greater detail. The latest big Commercial Crew contracts were awarded in 2014. Boeing got $4.2 billion to finish development work on Starliner and fly six operational, crewed ISS missions. SpaceX got $2.6 billion to do the same with its Crew Dragon capsule. Crew Dragon aced its version of OFT, the uncrewed Demo-1 , in March of last year. SpaceX is now gearing up for a crucial in-flight test of the capsule's emergency-escape system, which is targeted for Jan. 18 . If that test goes well, Crew Dragon would be pretty much cleared for Demo-2, a test mission that will fly NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to and from the ISS. Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, " Out There " (Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate ), is out now. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook . The state Supreme Court has approved a trial in San Francisco of a consumer suit accusing Ford Motor Co.s Canadian affiliate of conspiring with its competitors to keep lower-priced vehicles from being exported to the United States more specifically to California from 2001 to 2003. The case, a class action on behalf of millions of California buyers or leasers of new vehicles during those years, is the last of a number of suits in various states in 2003 accusing major automakers and industry associations of plotting to keep cheaper Canadian models out of the United States. Although Ford Canada is the only defendant, plaintiffs lawyers want the company held responsible for any overpayments the alleged conspiracy caused for buyers of other makes of new cars and trucks in California a total of 4 to 5 million vehicles between 2001 and April 2003, the lawyers said. Some of the suits were dismissed in federal court after General Motors and Chrysler filed for bankruptcy in 2009. Others were settled for about $55 million, according to a lawyer for the plaintiffs. Most of the remaining cases were dismissed by a federal judge in Maine who said the car buyers had no evidence that the alleged conspiracy had caused them to pay higher prices. In California, however, once consumers present evidence of a price-fixing conspiracy, the law presumes that individual customers have had to pay more and requires the company to prove otherwise. In California courts, Ford Canada argued that there had been no conspiracy an issue not yet resolved but also contended the statewide suit must be dismissed because the plaintiffs lawyers took part in the federal case. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Curtis Karnow agreed but was overruled by the First District Court of Appeal, which said the California car buyers were not directly involved in the federal case and could try to prove their claims under state law. Ford Canada sought review in the states high court but was unanimously rejected last week. Californians were deprived of the lower market prices that would have been offered if the automakers had not colluded, said Todd Seaver, a lawyer for the plaintiffs. He said the overcharge averaged $94 though it was much higher in some cases and the total for all buyers could exceed $300 million. Those damages can be tripled under state antitrust law. At the trial, Seaver said, the plaintiffs will seek to prove a conspiracy from the automakers business records, expert testimony by economists and evidence of high-level, in-person meetings where they discussed working together to stop exports. He said they would also have to prove that the vast majority of new-car buyers in those years were overcharged. Ford Canadas lawyer did not respond to requests for comment. In seeking state Supreme Court review, attorney Sarah Ray argued that sending the case to trial would allow the California plaintiffs lawyers to try to prove the exact thing they failed to prove in federal court, using the exact same evidence. Plaintiffs in the federal case could not establish that the alleged conspiracy actually affected the price of any cars sold in the United States, Ray said. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. But the appeals court said none of the plaintiffs in the federal case represented California car-buyers or argued claims under California law. That was because the federal judge who heard the case dismissed California-related claims and decided it would be preferable for California state courts to resolve unique and unsettled questions of California law, Justice Jon Streeter said in the 3-0 ruling. The case is Automobile Antitrust Cases I and II, S258963. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko At the risk of being branded a heretic, I have a confession. I did not love Greta Gerwigs Little Women. That puts me at odds with 95 percent of film critics, according to Rotten Tomatoes, and many of my friends who fill my social media feeds with rapturous odes to the latest adaptation of Louisa May Alcotts classic novel. My reaction? Meh. It is good well-acted, visually stunning, expertly crafted. But it left me cold. The back-and-forth time jumps undercut my emotional connection to the four March sisters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy whose relationship is the heart of the story. Gerwigs altered ending, hailed by so many as a radical and subversive feminist retelling, struck me as unnecessary. And not so radical or subversive certainly not compared to Alcotts life. She came from a family of Transcendentalists, whose social circle included Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Her father, who once started a vegetarian Utopian commune known as Fruitlands, drove the family into abject poverty. Alcott worked to support her family taking jobs as a maid, selling short stories and grudgingly agreeing to write a girls story because they needed the money. She was a nurse in a military hospital during the Civil War, an abolitionist whose childhood home served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, the first woman registered to vote in Concord, Massachusetts and she never married, instead choosing to remain a literary spinster. And Alcotts most famous work, originally published as two volumes in 1868 and 1869, is already subversive on its own. Little Women was one of the first bildungsroman or coming-of-age sagas with a girl as the main character. And not just any girl Jo March, a strong-willed, independent-minded aspiring writer who chafed at the restrictions of her time. Throughout the book, Jo bridles at the idea that women must marry. She declares she will never become a wife. She dreams of becoming a famous writer and spends hours scribbling away in the attic. In the end, she does marry not to Laurie, the rich and charming boy next door, who at one point declares his love for her but to a decidedly unromantic perpetually rumpled and stout German professor, Friedrich Bhaer. The world of the March family, set in Civil War-era New England, existed in a universe vastly different from mine as an immigrant kid growing up in urban New Jersey. Yet, from the moment I picked it up, Little Women became one of my favorite books. I read and reread Alcotts words, over and over until I could recite many of the passages by memory. More than any, I connected with the scenes depicting Jo the writer. That was inevitable. I was one of three sisters, not four, but I yearned from an early age to be a writer, just like her. I came from a family where money was often tight and luxuries scarce, just like hers. My fingers were often ink-stained (they still are) from dashing thoughts onto paper, just like Jos. And yes, I was strong-willed (my parents would call it stubborn) and ready to ram through societal expectations of what a girl could, or should, do. Little Women, dated as some passages may seem now, taught me that there is strength in sisterhood, that joy can co-exist with even the deepest grief, that marriage and career were not incompatible. Jo sells her stories, publishes a novel and, after she marries Bhaer, runs a school for boys and still looks forward to writing a good book. (Which she does in a sequel.) Those seem like pretty subversive messages for the 1860s. In some ways, they still are. For all the gains of the womens movement, girls are still too often bombarded with conflicting messages about what they can achieve and how they are judged. Women earn less than men for comparable work and still shoulder most of the household chores. We are encouraged to reach for the stars, only to collide with a glass ceiling. Thats one reason I was so eager to take my two daughters to see Gerwigs film. I try as much as possible to fill their reading and viewing time with portrayals of independent, ground-breaking women biographies of Serena Williams, Malala Yousafzai and Misty Copeland, movies including Hidden Figures, Harriet and Wonder Woman. We had read Alcotts book together, and we regularly watch the 1994 version directed by Gillian Armstrong (which includes overt feminist statements). I had hoped Gerwig would push the envelope even more. Part of what I wanted to do was 150 years later give her an ending [Alcott] might have liked, Gerwig has said. I thought if we cant do this now then weve really made no progress and we should all hang our heads. That was the story I wanted to see, the one that Alcott might have told freed from the restrictions of her era. Perhaps one that directly addresses issues of race and slavery. Gerwigs screenplay does not venture far from the novel, in which the Civil War hovers like a ghost with a few passing references to freedmen and a mixed-race child Jo accepts at her school. Even better, instead of yet another remake of Little Women, why not a biopic of Louisa May Alcott herself one that folds the creation of the novel within the contours of the authors own remarkable life? Instead, I found a compromise an ending that slyly alludes to Alcotts actual experience without going full-throttle. In a way, thats exactly what Alcott herself was forced to do. She wanted Jo to remain unmarried, but gave into the demands of her publisher and the public that the character wed. So Alcott married Jo off to rumpled Professor Bhaer out of perversity. Girls write to ask who the little women marry, as if that was the only end and aim of a womans life, she wrote in her journal. I wont marry Jo to Laurie to please any one. In 1868, that was radical. In 2020, I wanted more. We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. On the other hand, we'd be remiss not to mention that insider sales have been known to precede tough periods for a business. So we'll take a look at whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Integral Diagnostics Limited (ASX:IDX). What Is Insider Buying? It is perfectly legal for company insiders, including board members, to buy and sell stock in a company. However, rules govern insider transactions, and certain disclosures are required. We don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions. But logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. As Peter Lynch said, 'insiders might sell their shares for any number of reasons, but they buy them for only one: they think the price will rise. See our latest analysis for Integral Diagnostics Integral Diagnostics Insider Transactions Over The Last Year In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Independent Non-Executive Chairman Helen Kurincic bought AU$193k worth of shares at a price of AU$2.71 per share. We do like to see buying, but this purchase was made at well below the current price of AU$3.68. Because it occurred at a lower valuation, it doesn't tell us much about whether insiders might find today's price attractive. In the last twelve months insiders purchased 232.82k shares for AU$631k. On the other hand they divested 117491 shares, for AU$387k. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by Integral Diagnostics insiders. You can see the insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! ASX:IDX Recent Insider Trading, January 8th 2020 There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Story continues Insiders at Integral Diagnostics Have Sold Stock Recently The last three months saw significant insider selling at Integral Diagnostics. Specifically, Executive Director Chien Ho ditched AU$169k worth of shares in that time, and we didn't record any purchases whatsoever. In light of this it's hard to argue that all the insiders think that the shares are a bargain. Does Integral Diagnostics Boast High Insider Ownership? For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Insiders own 6.0% of Integral Diagnostics shares, worth about AU$43m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment. So What Does This Data Suggest About Integral Diagnostics Insiders? An insider hasn't bought Integral Diagnostics stock in the last three months, but there was some selling. But we take heart from prior transactions. And insiders do own shares. So we're not overly bothered by recent selling. Therefore, you should should definitely take a look at this FREE report showing analyst forecasts for Integral Diagnostics. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. US President Donald Trump, in his first reaction after Iran's missile attack on two American bases in Iraq, insisted that "all is well" and promised to make a statement to the nation on Wednesday morning (local time). On Tuesday night, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, the Pentagon said. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. Shortly after the missile attacks, Trump tweeted, "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Trump's tweet came after his reported meeting with his national security team, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper. Though there was no official confirmation of the meeting, Pompeo and Esper were seen entering the White House on late Tuesday night. According to the White House, President Trump spoke with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and thanked him for his country's strong partnership with the US. The two leaders discussed the situation in Iraq and Iran, as well as other critical bilateral and regional issues. Trump also telephoned Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel and the two leaders discussed the security situation in the Middle East and Libya and agreed to continue close coordination moving forward, the White House said. State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said Pompeo telephoned Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and updated him on the Iranian missile attacks on Iraqi air bases, including in Erbil. Meanwhile the Democratic party leadership continued to blame Trump for the escalating tensions in the Middle East. "What's happening in Iraq and Iran today was predictable. Not exactly what's happening but the chaos that's ensuing," former US vice president Joe Biden said, blaming the situation on Trump's decisions of withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and ordering the missile strike in which Iranian general Soleimani was killed. "Some of the things he's (Trump) done and said in the meantime have been close to ludicrous, including threatening to bomb holy sites...I just pray to God as he goes through what's happening, as we speak, that he's listening to his military commanders for the first time because so far that has not been the case," the Democratic presidential contender said. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she is closely monitoring the situation following the bombings targeting US troops in Iraq. "We must ensure the safety of our service members, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war," she tweeted. On Tuesday, Trump threatened Iran of dangerous consequences in the event of an attack from them. "If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they are going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly," he told reporters at the White House. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two men have been arrested after a minibus was stolen at Dublin Airport in the early hours of this morning. They have also been arrested for suspected false imprisonment of the three passengers who were on board at the time the bus was taken. Shortly before 1am, the alarm was raised when a minibus was taken during an incident at Dublin Airport. It is understood that three passengers were in the minibus when two men boarded the bus and drove in the direction of the M1. The passengers alighted from the bus a short time later on the M1 near Julianstown, unharmed. It is understood the minibus continued north on the M1 until it was located near Drogheda and followed by Garda units before crossing the border north of Dundalk. The PSNI were alerted and the minibus was found again a short time later having returned across the border in Co Monaghan and was followed by gardai before it was crashed and abandoned. The two occupants of the minibus fled on foot before taking possession of a parked car. This car was intercepted by Garda RSU members with assistance from Garda Air Support near Castleblayney a short time later. The occupants of the car, two men in their 30s, were arrested and are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Carrickmacross Garda Station. Investigations are ongoing and further updates will follow. Mumbai, Jan 8 : Recognised as the oldest street festival in the country that brings art, music, theatre, and cinema together, the 21st edition of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival has invited people to raise funds for it through a crowdfunding platform. Festival organiser Kala Ghoda Association, has, for the first time, invited people across the country who have been a part of the festival over its 20-year heritage to help them bring it alive. Extending an invitation to all Mumbaikars, the initiative is a call for support to carry forward the festival's legacy in preserving Mumbai's cultural heritage. After being sponsored for the past 20 years, the association now seeks to bring in the public who have enjoyed editions of the Festival as stakeholders in this annual magnum opus. "This year, with the business climate in the country being bleak, we, as all other art initiatives in the country, are facing tough times. And that's when the idea of looking at crowdfunding came in. Through this association with Ketto, we invite art lovers across the country to become a part of something bigger and very impactful. The festival was started for the people and it has grown with them, and, now, we wish to keep this legacy alive with their support," Maneck Davar - Honorary Chairman of the Association said. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival will be held in the Kala Ghoda precinct in Mumbai between February 1 and 9. WASHINGTON - The standoff over President Donald Trumps impeachment trial deepened Wednesday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said there will be no haggling with Democrats as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi demands for more details and witnesses. McConnells Senate majority has the leverage Republicans need to launch Trumps trial toward swift acquittal of the charges, but Pelosis reluctance to transmit the articles of impeachment leaves the proceedings at a standstill. What started as a seemingly minor delay over process and procedures is now a high-stakes showdown between two skilled leaders facing off over the rare impeachment trial, only the third in the nations history. There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure, said McConnell, R-Ky., who met later Wednesday with Trump at the White House. We will not cede our authority to try this impeachment. The House Democrats turn is over. Three weeks have passed since the House impeached Trump on the charge that he abused the power of his office by pressuring Ukraines new leader to investigate Democrats, using as leverage $400 million in military assistance for the U.S. ally as it counters Russia at its border. Trump insists he did nothing wrong, but his defiance of the House Democrats investigation led to an additional charge of obstruction of Congress. Senators from both sides are eager to serve as jurors for Trumps day in court. The trial will be conducted in the Senate, where Republicans have a thin majority. But even as McConnell spoke from the Senate floor, Pelosi, D-Calif., was giving no indication of her willingness to agree to his terms. In a closed-door meeting with the House Democratic caucus, she spoke instead about the crisis in the Middle East, with Irans retaliatory ballistic missile attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, according to several Democrats in the room. The impeachment timeline is complicating the political calendar, with the weekslong trial now expected to bump into presidential primaries. Several Democratic senators are running for the party nomination. Returning to Washington from the campaign trail, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., told reporters she was confident in Pelosis plan. I have no doubt that she will get this right, Warren said. Some things are more important than politics, and the impeachment of a president is certainly one of those. No one is above the law, not even the president. Another 2020 hopeful, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., said: Those articles will come over here for a vote in due time. The showdown is expected to be resolved this week, lawmakers said. Pelosi wants McConnell to immediately make public the details of his trial proposal, according to a letter to colleagues. She wants to know how much time will be devoted to the trial and other details about the arena before announcing her choice of House managers to try the case in the Senate, according to Democrats familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss it. Sadly, Leader McConnell has made clear that his loyalty is to the President and not the Constitution, Pelosi wrote to colleagues late Tuesday. She said the process he is outlining is unfair. The confrontation over a Senate trial had been building for weeks. But McConnell gained ground when he announced Tuesday that he has support from the majority of senators to start a trial structured like the last one, against President Bill Clinton in 1999. Those proceedings also began without an agreement on witnesses. We have the votes, McConnell told reporters. It takes 51 votes for agreement on the trial proceedings, and with Republicans holding a 53-47 Senate majority McConnell has a slight advantage if he can hold GOP senators together. Democrats are trying to peel off support from a few Republicans to support their demands. McConnell, who has resisted calling new witnesses, expects a speedy trial that will end with Trump acquitted of the charges. He complained about Pelosis endless appetite for these cynical games and said it will be up to senators to decide if they want more testimony. On the Senate floor Wednesday, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer promised he would force votes on witnesses, requiring senators to choose whether they want to hear from Trump former national security adviser John Bolton and others. When the Senate has votes on witnesses and documents, my Republican colleagues will have to answer to not just the president, Schumer said. The American people do not want a coverup. Some Senate Democrats have said the time has come for Pelosi to send the articles so the trial can begin. Pelosi has yet to choose House impeachment managers for the trial, a politically sensitive next step with many lawmakers vying to be candidates. But aides downplayed any riff between the leaders, saying senators are simply eager to have their say on Trumps impeachment. Schumer, who talks daily with Pelosi, said the speaker is doing a very good job and she is seeking to maximize our ability to get facts and evidence. Pelosi told House leaders in a private meeting Tuesday that she believed the decision to delay the articles was working as a strategy to apply pressure on the Senate for a more fulsome trial, according to those in that meeting. People are united, said Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson of California about the mood in the House caucus. Republicans countered that Democrats rushed to impeach and then delayed the process. At their own lunch Wednesday, Republican senators were privately split on next steps, with some seeking ways to compel Pelosi to act while others were content to let impeachment slip. __ Associated Press writers Darlene Superville, Matthew Daly and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report. Britains markets watchdog has told the bosses of commercial insurance companies to stamp out bad behavior in the industry and improve diversity, or risk losing their jobs. The warning follows last years admission by Lloyds of London of sexual harassment and daytime drinking in the market, which employs nearly 50,000 people. Lloyds has introduced a plan to raise standards. A senior managers failure to take reasonable steps to address non-financial misconduct could lead us to determine that they are not fit and proper, Jonathan Davidson, the Financial Conduct Authoritys Executive Director of Supervision, Retail and Authorisations said in a letter on Monday. Senior manager approval is based on a number of factors including integrity and reputation, the FCA said in the letter to chief executives, which was also posted on its website. Although work has been undertaken in the market to tackle the issue of non-financial misconduct, it continues to be prevalent and will be a key focus for our supervision of firms and of senior managers, Davidson said. Firms should share the letter with senior executives and boards, and act promptly to address shortcomings, he added. The FCA did not name the companies it had written to. Other insurers are also taking steps to improve conduct after the Lloyds case. AXA UK this week said it has started management training for brokers, working with the Brokerbility Academy, including advice on preventing and tackling bullying and sexual harassment. (Reporting by Carolyn Cohn; editing by Alexander Smith) Related: Topics Market Police have charged a man who was shot by an off-duty cop trying to break up an armed robbery Monday in Houstons Midtown. Houston police say Kenneth Jefferson, 30, was one of two men pistol-whipping and robbing a third man in the 1100 block of Hadley Street, near Fannin Street, around 1 p.m. Houston Police Sgt. W. Dunn, who was off-duty working an extra job in full uniform nearby, spotted the struggle and attempted to intervene, police said. Dunn identified himself as a police officer, police said. Thats when Jefferson allegedly raised the gun to Dunn, who opened fire, police said. All three men in the struggle the two suspects and robbery victim ran-off after Dunn pulled the trigger, police said. Jefferson was shot once and tossed the gun into a storm drain before getting into a waiting car, according to police. He was later found in a Galveston hospital undergoing treatment for the gunshot wound, police said. Investigators quickly linked him to the scene. Jefferson is facing a charge of aggravated assault against a public servant, a first-degree felony that could land him in prison for life. Because he was working an extra job, Dunn was not wearing a body-worn camera, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said the day of the shooting. HPD officers working extra jobs do not wear body cams unless they are working security at places where alcohol is served, like bars, Acevedo said. Dunn will be placed on administrative duty until an internal investigation is finished. Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com Preliminary data show at least two Ukrainian passengers and up to 13 crew members from Ukraine had been on board. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine is preparing the lists of passengers of an airplane crashed outside Tehran airport in Iran. "We are figuring out, who exactly got on the plane to make sure there are no conflicting reports," according to a statement on the Ukrainian president's website. "Ukraine's ambassador and consul to Iran are now at the scene, at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport. On my instructions, the NSDC [National Security and Defense Council] Office has created an operational headquarters. Special aircraft have been prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense for deployment to Tehran to bring the bodies. We are waiting for the Iranian side to approve," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Read alsoUkrainian passenger jet crashes near Tehran airport (Photo, video) The president also said he was flying to Kyiv. "I keep all developments under personal control. I urge everyone to refrain from speculating and putting forward unverified versions of the crash," he said. Meanwhile, it became known two Ukrainian passengers, as well as up to 13 crew members from Ukraine, had been on board the plane. The remaining passengers aboard the Boeing 737 were foreign nationals, including 71 Iranian citizens, 73 Canadian citizens, four German citizens, three UK citizens, eight Swedish citizens, and six Afghan citizens. The Foreign Ministry noted that according to preliminary information from a representative of Ukraine International Airlines, on January 8, 2020, after taking off from the Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran), the airline's passenger plane crashed near the airport. According to information that is being verified, all passengers and crew died in the crash. Updated information about citizens of Ukraine who were on board is yet to be made public. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 23:39:37|Editor: ZX Video Player Close British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (L) meets with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in London, Britain, Jan. 8, 2020. The European Union is ready to develop a new partnership unprecedented in scope with Britain, but it can never be the same as before after Brexit, visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said here Wednesday. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua) LONDON, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is ready to develop a new partnership unprecedented in scope with Britain, but it can never be the same as before after Brexit, visiting European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen said here Wednesday. In a keynote speech at the London School of Economics (LSE), Von der Leyen, who spent a year studying here, said Jan. 31 will be a tough and emotional day when Britain finally ends its membership of the union. "The European Union is ready to negotiate a truly ambitious and comprehensive new partnership with the United Kingdom ... But the truth is that our partnership cannot and will not be the same as before. And it cannot and will not be as close as before," said the president. "With every choice comes a consequence," she warned. "Without free movement of people, you cannot have free movement of capital and services. And without a level playing field, the UK cannot have full access to the single market," she said. The president pledged to design a new partnership with Britain featuring zero tarrifs, zero quotas and zero dumping, but she emphasized that "the EU will work for solutions that uphold the integrity of the EU, its single market and its Customs Union." "There can be no compromise on this," she said, calling for more negotiating time. "Without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020, you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnership," she warned. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly insisted that he will not extend the transition period. Last month, the House of Commons gave his re-worked Brexit Bill a wide support, where he added a clause to rule out any extension beyond Dec.31, 2020. Showing her optimism towards the future of EU-Britain relationship, the president said "there will be plenty of need for common responses to address foreign, security and development challenges near and far." "The fact is that Brexit will not resolve any of the existing challenges for the EU nor the UK ... it will require intensive cooperation on our foreign and security policies," said the president. "If there is one area where the world needs our leadership, it is on protecting our climate," she said. "No country can hope to handle climate change alone. But if it is the right thing to do -- and if we do it together, we can lead that change," she added. The speech came hours before she was scheduled to meet Johnson at 10 Downing Street. British lawmakers started a three-day Brexit debate Tuesday on their first House of Commons sitting of the new year. Opposition MPs tabled a long list of amendments to the bill, with a series of votes scheduled at Westminster over the coming days. Johnson's commanding 80-strong majority in the 650-seat chamber meant the government is expected to comfortably defeat all amendments, ahead of the bill being handed over to the House of Lords. An MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the Dragon Whales of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, places cargo on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD5), during a vertical replenishment between Bataan and the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), Dec. 31, 2019. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kathryn E. Macdonald) USS Bataan Heads Towards Middle East Amid Tensions With Iran The USS Bataan was heading closer to the Middle East amid tensions with Iran, the U.S. Naval Institutes news service said. The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship is based in Norfolk, Virginia. It was scheduled to take part in military exercises with Morocco but those were scrapped, prompting the redirection to the Middle East. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, consisting of about 2,200 Marines and which was also slated to train with Morocco, was also moving closer to the Middle East, a defense official told the institutes news agency. USS Bataan and embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are underway conducting routine operations, demonstrating the inherent flexibility of our naval forces, Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Comer, a U.S. 6th Fleet spokesman, told the agency. For operational security reasons, we do not discuss future operations. ARGMEUs operate continuously across the globe to provide commanders with a forward-deployed, flexible, and responsive sea-based Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The Marines would be joining soldiers from 82nd Airborne who deployed to Iraq shortly after a U.S. airstrike took out Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. According to a tracker published by the Naval Institutes news service on Jan. 6, the USS Bataan was in the Mediterranean Sea. According to the Navy, the Bataan completed its first Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training in August 2019, helping transition from single ship operations to multi-ship operations. In November 2019, the ship completed a live-fire exercise. Iran-backed militias killed a U.S. contractor last month, prompting U.S. airstrikes on one of the militias. The proxies then attacked the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, prompting the strike that took out Soleimani and others. President Donald Trump speaks from the White House in Washington, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Shrapnel from an Iranian missile initially fired at Iraqi bases housing U.S. and other U.S.-led coalition troops is seen on the ground in the Iraqi Kurdish town of Bardarash in the Dohuk governorate on Jan. 8, 2020. (AFP via Getty Images) A photo released by the Iraqi Prime Ministers Press Office shows a burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike, in Baghdad, Iraq, early on Jan. 2, 2020. (Iraqi Prime Ministers Press Office, via AP) Iran launched more than a dozen missiles late Tuesday against Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops but no Americans or Iraqis were harmed, President Donald Trump said Wednesday. Trump and Iranian leaders both said after the missiles were launched that they prefer to seek a non-violent resolution to the situation. Trump said he hopes to get support from U.S. allies in negotiating a fresh nuclear deal with Iran and told Iranian leaders he hopes to see the country prosper and tap its untapped potential. Still, Trump said that the punishment for the attack would be powerful sanctions. These sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior, he said. Iran appears to be standing down, Trump said. He stressed that the United States would not allow Tehran to procure a nuclear weapon. According to Military.com, the United States had about 60,000 military personnel in the Middle East at the start of 2019, a force that was bolstered by thousands of troops recently deployed to the region. The Defense Intelligence Agency said in a report late last year that Irans military has about 420,000 forces, not including about 190,000 in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Soleimani was the head of the Corps Quds Forces. Pomio MP Elias Kapavore has called on the people of East New Britain province in Papua New Guinea to give what they can, from their heart to the East New Britain for Australia Bushfire AppealMr. Kapavore joined hands with ENB Governor Nakikus Konga yesterday to launch the appeal.In a statement, Kapavore said though there are other appeals being launched in the country, East New Britain must show its heartfelt sympathy to Australia, which gave independence to PNG and continues to support it.He said East New Britain and the Pomio District continue to benefit from Australia through support in various sectors like education and health.During the launch, the Pomio MP pledged K5000 on behalf of himself and his family towards the appeal with a similar amount also committed by Governor Konga, also on behalf of himself and his family.The East New Britain for Australian Bush fire Appeal was launched yesterday in Kokopo by ENB Governor Nakikus Konga.A number of activities will be held to raise funds for this worthy humanitarian cause.Deputy ENB Provincial Administrator District and LLG Services Nicholas Larme said the four District Administrators will help coordinate from the districts.NBC News / ONE PNGNext : VoxMicro will be out in force at this years Embedded World, Europes largest embedded electronics event and a leading international fair for systems and applications of the field that is held in Nuremberg, Germany, with almost 1000 exhibitors and more than 32,000 attendees. The team will showcase the latest Qualcomms ICs as packaged modules, including the new FEM supported QCA6174A and the ultimate discrete USB channeled QCA9379, which offers By Associated Press WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump faces one of the greatest tests of his presidency after Iran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops and planned to address the nation on Wednesday. Iran's attack was its most brazen direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The strikes pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to war and put the world's attention on Trump as he weighs whether to respond with more military force. The Republican president huddled with his national security advisers on Wednesday morning but offered no immediate indication of whether he would retaliate. All is well! he said in a Tuesday night tweet. The Iranian strikes came days after Trump authorized the targeted killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. Iran had pledged to retaliate, though its actions did not appear to result in any American casualties, according to a U.S. official. Its missiles targeted two bases one in the northern Iraqi city in Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq. The lack of U.S. casualties could signal that Iran is not interested in escalating the tension with Washington at least not now and could give Trump an opening to calm relations with Iran and pull the U.S. back from the brink of war. Trump, who is facing reelection in November, campaigned for president on a promise to keep the United States from engaging in endless war." Sen. James Inhofe, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee told reporters Wednesday that he spoke with Trump Tuesday evening after the Iranian strike and said the president indicated his desire to reopen negotiations with Iran. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a joint statement after a closed-door meeting on Mideast security warned that further use of force would lead to a new cycle of instability and would eventually damage everyones interests. In the hours before the missile strikes, U.S. officials said they expected some sort of response from Iran, and Trump warned the longtime U.S. foe against a disproportionate response. If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the country had concluded proportionate measures in self-defence." But speaking on Wednesday, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the strike was not necessarily the totality of Iran's response. Last night they received a slap, Khamenei said in a speech. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end. Soleimani's death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets to mourn him. Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander. The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles in Wednesdays strike, two U.S. officials said. Ten hit the Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraqs western Anbar province and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Four failed, said the officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly about a military operation. According to a U.S. official, early warning systems detected the missile launches and alarms sounded, giving personnel at the bases time to get to shelter. Officials also said the U.S. was closely watching the region and communicating with allies and was aware of preparations for the attack. It's unclear if any intelligence identified specific targets or was more general in the potential strike locations. Two Iraqi security officials said a missile appeared to have struck a plane at Ain al-Asad, igniting a fire. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they had no permission to talk to journalists. Ain al-Asad was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and it later was used by American troops in the fight against the Islamic State group. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. Trump visited it in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice President Mike Pence visited both Ain al-Asad and Irbil in November. In Washington, Democrats called on Trump avoid military escalation with Iran. Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the administration needs to quickly extricate us from what could lead into a full-fledged war with terrible casualties. Engel said he feared the situation spirals out of control." The fallout for Trump's order to kill Soleimani has been swift. Iran announced that it would no longer be bound by the 2015 nuclear agreement and vowed to retaliate against the U.S., its allies and American interests. Iraq's parliament also voted to expel U.S. troops from Iraq, which would undermine efforts to fight Islamic State militants in the region and strengthen Iran's influence in the Mideast. The counterattack by Iran came as Trump and his top advisers were under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led to the American strike that killed Soleimani. Top Senate Democrats, citing deep concern about the lack of information coming from the Trump administration about the Iran operation, called on Defense Department officials to provide regular briefings and documents to Congress. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the senators said in a letter Wednesday that the White Houses classified War Powers notification to Congress was generic, vague, and entirely inconsistent in its level of detail compared with the norm. They also registered their grave concern with Trumps comments on targeting Iranian cultural sites and asked for clarification. They said they expected a response by Friday. Trump said Tuesday that his decision saved American lives. Members of Congress were to be briefed on the strike Wednesday afternoon in closed-door sessions on Capitol Hill. Trump and top national security officials have justified the airstrike with general statements about the threat posed by Soleimani, who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. But the details have been scarce. Soleimani was targeted while he was at an airport in Baghdad with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a veteran Iraqi militant, who also was killed. Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, which Tehran said was a "slap in the face" of America. (Representational Image) Washington: Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, which Tehran said was a "slap in the face" of America. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. While the Iranian state television claimed that "at least 80 terrorist US soldiers" were killed in the strikes, the Pentagon said it is working on initial battle damage assessments. Some 5,000 US soldiers are in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the IS terror group. The Iraqi military in a statement said a total of 22 missiles hit two bases housing US troops, but there were no victims among the Iraqi forces. Shortly after the missile attacks, Trump tweeted, "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the attacks were a "slap in the face" of the US. In a speech broadcast live on state television, Khamenei said, "Last night, a slap in the face was delivered." US officials said President Trump has been briefed and he is monitoring the situation. "We are working on initial battle damage assessments," Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said. Hoffman said around 5:30 pm on January 7, "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq." "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, he said. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said the President has been briefed about the situation. We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team, Grisham said. Hoffman said in recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defence has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard its personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region, he said. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region, Hoffman said. President Trump spoke with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and thanked him for his country's strong partnership with the US. The two leaders discussed the situation in Iraq and Iran, as well as other critical bilateral and regional issues, the White House said. Trump also telephoned Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel and the two leaders discussed the security situation in the Middle East and Libya and agreed to continue close coordination moving forward, it said. State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said Secretary of State Michael Pompeo telephoned Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and updated him on the Iranian missile attacks on Iraqi air bases, including in Erbil. The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops. General Soleimani, who was considered a terrorist by the US, was killed when a drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the Baghdad International Airport on Friday last week. In an interview with Fox and Friends news show, Pompeo said, "He's a military commander who was actively engaged in plotting to kill Americans in the region. We had an important set of underlying reasons to take this strike. It was wholly lawful. We're confident that we not only got it right legally but we got it right strategically." The strike also killed the deputy chief of Iraq's powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and some local Iran-backed militias. Khamenei has vowed a revenge against the killing of his general, saying "severe revenge awaits the criminals" behind the attack. Soleimani was widely seen as the second most powerful figure in Iran after the Supreme Leader Khamenei. His Quds Force, an elite unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, reported directly to the Khamenei and he was hailed as a heroic national figure. Indian police fired live rounds Wednesday to break up a protest by strikers taking part in nationwide action against government economic policies, officials said. The strike, called by unions which claim 250 million members, disrupted public transport, public-owned banks and some auto-industry factories across several states. West Bengal was the worst hit, with police firing live rounds in the air to break up protesters who set fire to police vehicles and threw rocks at security forces in Malda district, north of the capital Kolkata, a senior police officer told AFP. They also fired tear gas and baton-charged other protests in the eastern state, where many roads and railway lines were blocked. Police said more than 150 arrests were made. Ten unions called the one-day strike to oppose what they called the "anti-worker and anti-people policies" of right-wing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They were demanding increased minimum wages and pensions, and a halt to the privatisation of state firms and natural resources. Farmers and students joined some of the protests called by the unions -- who said "millions" joined the strike -- piling pressure on an administration already confronting nationwide opposition to a new nationality law that opponents say is anti-Muslim. The government had warned of "consequences" for anyone who stopped work, but could not head off the disruptions. - 'Contempt towards labour' - Apart from West Bengal, the eastern states of Bihar and Odisha, Maharashtra in the west, Haryana in the north and Kerala and Karnataka in the south were worst hit by the action. Some workers at state oil and coal firms, as well as motorbike makers Honda and Bajaj Auto, also joined the strike. The government has been hit for weeks by the widespread protests since the nationality law passed on December 11 that have left more than 25 people dead. Growing unrest in universities has added to social tensions. "The attitude of the government is that of contempt towards labour," said the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, one of the groups organising Wednesday's strike. Opposition parties backed the strikers, seizing on the government's struggle to get out of a severe economic slowdown that has weakened its standing less than a year after it won a landslide second term in power. The government statistics office forecast Tuesday that annual growth would slow to 5.0 percent in 2020, the slowest pace in 11 years. Last month the International Monetary Fund said the government needed to act quickly to boost the economy. Bus and train services and state-owned banks bore the brunt of the national strike action The government had warned strikers that they would face "consequences" including having wages deducted Train passengers were forced to walk after protesters blocked railway lines Even though the threat of further conflict with Iran appeared to recede for now, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that the House would vote on Thursday on a measure curtailing Mr. Trumps war-making power by requiring him to halt military action against Iran within 30 days unless Congress votes to approve it. Such a measure has little chance of becoming law given Republican control of the Senate and Mr. Trumps veto pen, although Mr. Lee said he had been persuaded to vote for a similar resolution being offered by Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, because of the administration briefers effort to silence him. Mr. Trumps 10-minute televised statement on Wednesday morning was his most extended effort to explain last weeks drone strike on General Suleimani. He surrounded himself with his national security team, including Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper, General Milley and Robert C. OBrien, the national security adviser. They stood stoically around the president without commenting. The administrations messages have been conflicting and confusing. In recent days, the president was forced to walk back threats to target Iranian cultural sites after the defense secretary made clear that doing so would be a war crime. The American headquarters in Baghdad had written a letter indicating it was withdrawing from Iraq, only to have the Defense Department say it was a draft document with no authority. In his statement on Wednesday, Mr. Trump sought to pin the current crisis on a predecessor, blaming former President Barack Obama for striking a foolish nuclear agreement with Iran in 2015 that unfroze billions of dollars of money for Tehran that could be used to finance ballistic missiles and terrorist activity. The missiles fired last night at us and our allies were paid for with the funds made available by the last administration, Mr. Trump said. There was no way to know if that was literally true, because money is fungible, but some of the presidents claims about the nuclear agreement were false, exaggerated or unsubstantiated claims. He asserted, among other things, that Irans hostile acts against America and its allies increased after the deal, rather than after the Trump administration withdrew from it in 2018, as statistics indicate. Either way, he urged Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China to recognize that it was effectively dead and called on those countries to join him in negotiating a replacement for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as the agreement is officially known, that would go further to constrain Irans nuclear ambitions. A sprawling air base in western Iraq that hosted President Trump during his first visit to a combat zone as commander in chief was one of two military installations where American troops are stationed that came under ballistic missile attack by Iran early Wednesday. Al Asad Air Base, along with an air base near Erbil in northern Iraq, were targeted in retaliation for a drone strike by the United States on Friday that killed Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, a top Iranian commander who Mr. Trump had maintained was planning a very big attack and a very bad attack for us. The fusillade also came one day after Mr. Trump threatened to attack cultural sites in Iran in response to any reprisals for General Suleimanis killing. Mr. Trump backed away from the threat earlier Tuesday after being told it would be illegal. Heres what we know about the bases and the scale of the attack on Wednesday: Were there any casualties? The Pentagon announced that more than a dozen ballistic missiles had been fired at the two bases but said it was still assessing the damage. The editor in chief of Mashregh, the main news website for Irans Revolutionary Guards, said more than 30 ballistic missiles had been fired at the American base at Asad. Flash A bomb went off near a vehicle of security forces in provincial capital Quetta of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, leaving two people killed and 18 others injured, hospital sources and police said. The target of the explosion was a vehicle of paramilitary troops Frontier Corps and several of them got injured in the attack, Deputy Inspector General of Quetta police Abdul Razzaq Cheema told Xinhua. Those injured were shifted to Civil Hospital Quetta, whose spokesperson Waseem Baig said that they received 18 people who received multiple kinds of injuries, at the hospital. A state of emergency was declared at the hospital to tackle the emergency situation, Baig said, adding that several of the injured are in critical condition while others will be discharged after treatment. Rescue sources from a non-governmental organization Edhi Foundation told Xinhua that the explosion was caused by the detonation of an improvised explosive device planted at a motorbike parked by unknown militants near the blast site. The Frontier Corps' vehicle was on its routine patrolling in the area when the device exploded near it. The explosion has not been claimed by any group or individual yet, but in the past the attacks on security forces in Quetta had either been claimed by or attributed to separatist groups of the province. Taking notice of the incident, Chief Minister of Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan ordered an immediate inquiry, and sought report from the relevant authorities. He also condemned the attack and directed hospital administration to provide best possible medical treatment to the injured people. Shortly before the end of the year, the new state government in Saxony was sworn in marking the first time a coalition of Christian Democrats (CDU), Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens is to hold government in the East German state. It is the third state government coalition after those formed in Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg and the first three-party coalition in Saxony. The previously ruling CDU-SPD coalition had been massively punished in state elections in September. Together, the CDU and SPD lost 12 percent. This was followed by the longest coalition negotiations in the history of the Free State, lasting more than three months. The reasons for the long negotiations, however, were not political differences between the parties, rather, the time was needed to stage the allegedly new nature of the coalition as effectively as possible in the media. After several weeks of exploratory talks, the coalition negotiations did not begin until the end of October, following approval by the relevant party committees. Summaries of the preliminary talks constantly emphasized the good, constructive and trusting atmosphere. The coalition negotiations proceeded in a similar manner. The result was then sold as providing a stable basis, as a step towards more justice, more movement and as a new start. The outgoing and incoming state premier, Michael Kretschmer (CDU), even called it the Saxony Coalition. In reality, the new government will further strengthen the right-wing policies of the CDU and SPD, which in the elections in September mainly strengthened the extreme right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD). The first sentence of the preamble of the coalition agreement is a mockery of the reality of workers lives. It claims, Saxony is a strong and successful state because the people who live here, with courage, willingness to change and diligence, are constantly facing new challenges and thus contribute to the fact that the Free State is doing well in many respects today. Numerous studies prove the opposite. For example, according to the latest German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) study Good Work, 30 percent of all workers in Saxony describe their working conditions as bad. Saxony not only exceeds the national average (19 percent), but also the East German average (25 percent). A major aspect of this dissatisfaction is likely to be frequent weekend, night and shift work. At 36.8 percent, the latter is almost twice as frequent as the national average. Despite higher average working hours, wages are significantly lower. Only 39 percent of employees are paid according to collective bargaining agreements, putting Saxony at the bottom of the league nationwide. The fact that this will remain so in the future is symbolised by the role played by IG Metall union district leader for Berlin-Brandenburg-Saxony, Olivier Hobel, as part of the SPDs coalition negotiation team. Previously, Hobel had been in charge of negotiations on adjusting East German wages and conditions to West German ones, including the adoption of the 35-hour week. The negotiations, which had been dragged out for more than a year and a half, were broken off without results in September; IG Metall had never organized a serious fight over the issue. In an interview, Hobel himself made clear that IG Metall would continue its efforts to block or sabotage any industrial action in the future. Where jobs are lost due to technological or climate change reasons, social solutions and perspectives for the people must be found, he told his unions district publication. Only then will a socially acceptable, democratic and ecological change that takes everyone with it succeed. This is what we stand for as the IG Metall and this is what I stand for as a trade unionist. Every worker whose company has ever been confronted with such a socially acceptable change or even a plant closure knows what this means: downsizing and concessions without end. A catastrophe also threatens the education and training system. The government had only recently boasted its first place in the nationwide Education Monitor of the New Social Market Economy Initiative. What the study only mentions in passing, however, is the growing number of school dropouts, which has risen to 8.2 percent in Saxony and to 18.2 percent among migrants. The study also makes it clear that Saxony still benefits from broad coverage with kindergartens and after-school care centres, a legacy of the social provisions in the former East Germany. However, the fact that the majority of nursery and schoolteachers were hired during this period is not taken into account. A glance at the figures shows that there is an urgent need for action. About 60 percent of teachers in general education schools in Saxony are over 50 years old. This corresponds to about 18,000 teachers who will retire in the next ten years. In addition, there are about 12,000 pre-school teachers of a similar age. The impending bottleneck in the age structure is a direct consequence of the social counterrevolution that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the reintroduction of capitalism by the SED/PDS, the Stalinist predecessor organization of the Left Party. The exodus from the East and the simultaneous halving of the birth rate, which only returned to its pre-reunification level a few years ago, have had dramatic consequences for the whole of society. The imminent departure of tens of thousands of workers in critical sectors such as health, care, education and infrastructure calls for a comprehensive, planned approach. The coalition agreement, however, contains little more than cosmetic changes, all of which are subject to funding. The central part of the coalition agreement is a massive increase in powers of the state repressive apparatus. In the preamble it says about security, Freedom requires security. That is why we are strengthening the presence of the state in all regions through police and justice [...]. We will strengthen our democracy and defend it against attacks from enemies of the constitution. Specifically, 1,000 new police stations are to be built during the legislative period. At least 700 candidates are to be recruited each year. Apart from that, there are more than six pages on how to improve, modernise, promote and strengthen the police and the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, as the secret service is called. The Saxony police law, against which the Greens had at least tried to file a complaint with the Constitutional Court, is only mentioned in one sentence, where it says they will wait for the courts decision and then implement it. Beyond that, no changes are being sought. Should the court therefore approve the police law in whole or in part, the Greens would not leave the coalition. In addition to the police and the judiciary, which have attracted attention in recent years through exposure of connections to right-wing extremists, police violence and arbitrary sentences, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution is also to be expanded. The coalition paper draws the conclusion from the reappraisal of the NSU [neo-Nazi National Socialist Underground] complex that cooperation between the secret service and other security authorities should be improved, collaboration between the state and national branches of the secret service should be strengthened and the establishment of police and intelligence information and analysis centres should be supportedin other words, the separation of police and intelligence service required under the post-war German constitution should be abolished. The new state government will not change anything about the character of the Saxony Office for the Protection of the Constitution, which defames left-wing bands and mass events such as the rock-against-right concert in Chemnitz in 2018 as left-wing extremist, while describing the xenophobic Pegida movement as not extremist. Gordian Meyer-Plath, the president of Saxonys secret service, is an old master in the Marchia fraternity, which until 2011 was organised in the extreme right-wing umbrella organisation Deutsche Burschenschaft. As the former controller of the Confidential Informant and NSU supporter Carsten Szczepanski, alias Piatto, whom he recruited after being sentenced to eight years in prison for the attempted murder of an African man, Meyer-Plath has to this day prevented the NSU murder series from being fully investigated. Regional newspapers speculate that Meyer-Plath will be replaced by the new coalition. But Dirk Muller, who is named as a possible successor, is no less right-wing. In an interview with RT Deutsch, Muller criticized the fact that the media perception of Saxony places a strong emphasis on right-wing extremism. In fact, there is a slight excess of politically motivated violence from the left [...] and has been for many years. This has nothing to do with reality. In 2018, even according to the official statistics of the Saxon Interior Ministry, 701 left-wing crimes were matched by 2,278 right-wing crimes. Muller also complained that left-wing perpetrators of violence acted with more planning, organisation and thought and that this made investigations in this area more difficult. Such a statement following the ten NSU murders, after the killing of leading CDU politician Walter Lubcke and the Halle synagogue shooting simply reveals a contempt for reality. Those who believed asylum policy would change with the entry of the Greens into government in Saxony are confronted with a different reality in the coalition agreement. So-called improvements are described using vague phrases such as examine, support or if necessary. Even the placement of minors in pre-deportation custody, family separation or deportation directly from school or work are only to be avoided if possible. As in many other federal states, priority is given cynically to voluntary return and to this end, counselling is being strengthened. In individual cases, travel and resettlement allowances are provided. Finally, it should be mentioned that the term poverty does not appear at all in the coalition agreement and poor only in the context of reducing bureaucracy. The character of this new government could not be clearer. It is in keeping with its mendacious, right-wing character that the members of the Greens have most clearly affirmed the coalition with 93 percent, compared to 80 and 74 percent in the CDU and SPD. Whether at the federal or state level, the Greens see their hour has come and are eagerly grasping for the levers of power. Greek Prime Minister Says Country Wants to Join F-35 Jet Programme Sputnik News 01:32 08.01.2020 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Greece is very interested in joining the US-led program to produce and procure the F-35 fifth-generation fighter jet, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told US President Donald Trump. "Greece is interested, Mr. President, in participating in the F-35 programme", Mitsotakis said during a meeting with Trump at the White House on Tuesday. "As you know, we are already upgrading our F-16s and that program will be completed in 2023-2024. So we are very much interested in participating in the F-35 after that". Mitsotakis expressed hope that in reviewing Greece's request the United States will take into consideration the fact that Greece was "coming out of the economic crisis". Greece has suffered years of severe economic crisis and imposed a policy of fiscal austerity to offset widespread mismanagement, waste, and corruption, including in the defence sector. Lockheed Martin's F-35 aircraft is a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter. It is considered the most expensive weapons program in history, with a projected life cycle cost of between $1 trillion and $1.5 trillion. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OTTAWA - A senator from Alberta is inviting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold a cabinet meeting in the province. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Senator Douglas Black speaks after Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, right and Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, provide details about Bill 13, the Alberta Senate Election Act., in Edmonton on Wednesday June 26, 2019. A senator from Alberta is inviting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold a cabinet meeting in the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson OTTAWA - A senator from Alberta is inviting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold a cabinet meeting in the province. Doug Black says he has written a letter to Trudeau urging him to bring his cabinet to see first-hand what the senator calls the devastation caused by federal government policies. Black does not say in his news release which policies he has in mind. He says in the letter that Ottawa is missing important input and context from the province, because no Liberals were elected in Alberta in last fall's election. He says a cabinet meeting would be "a big statement" to Albertans that the federal government will address their concerns. Black suggests either Fort McMurray or Grande Prairie would be good locations, because Ottawa hasn't heard about the economic suffering there. The oil and gas industry plays a large role economically in both cities. "If this government is going to work for all Canadians, it should come to see the negative effects of their policies on those very same citizens and, if they come to Alberta, they will see not all Canadians have been treated fairly," he said in his release Wednesday. Black was appointed to the Senate by former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper in 2013 after winning a nominee election in Alberta the previous year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2020 Jeremy Corbyn has refused to describe assassinated Iranian General Qassem Soleimani as a terrorist. The Labour leader was asked whether he believed that Soleimani had engaged in acts of terrorism before he was killed in a US air strike last week. Speaking to Sky News, Mr Corbyn was given four opportunities to label Soleimani a terrorist but refused to do so on each occasion. When asked why Soleimani was in Iraq, Mr Corbyn said: He was in Iraq, for reasons of contact, I assume, with the Iraqi government I've no idea what his actual meetings were. Jeremy Corbyn asked by Sky News if he considered General Qassem Soleimani a terrorist. (Getty) Mourners pay homage to General Soleimani. (PA) All I'm saying is that to assassinate an official of a foreign government in a third country, in this case Iraq, is illegal under any law and the US if it wants the world to stand by international law must stand by international law itself. Asked again if he accepted that Soleimani was a terrorist, Mr Corbyn responded: I'm not here to defend the special forces of Iran, I'm not here to defend any of those actions that have happened or been planned for the future. Mr Corbyn was then asked if he agreed with Boris Johnsons assessment that Soleimani was a terrorist, and responded by criticising the prime minister for not appearing in Parliament on Tuesday to answer questions about the incident. Read more from Yahoo News UK: Boris Johnson warns Donald Trump against 'disproportionate' strikes on Iran Stampede at funeral procession for Soleimani leaves 56 dead and over 200 injured What the Iran crisis could mean for UK petrol prices On the fourth question, which directly asked if Soleimani was a terrorist, Mr Corbyn said: Soleimani is the head of special forces of Iran. They obviously operate in all kinds of places that you or I would not agree with or want. That is not the point. Mr Corbyn has described the US assassination of Soleimani as illegal and wrote to Mr Johnson to demand answers. The outgoing Labour leader has previously been criticised for being paid to appear on Irans state television broadcaster Press TV. Story continues Jeremy Corbyn described the killing of General Soleimani as 'illegal'. (Getty) The Labour leader was asked whether he believed General Soleimani had engaged in acts of terrorism. (AP) He was met with laughter as he told MPs on Tuesday that he had long spoken out against the Iranian government's human rights record. Mr Corbyn said the killing of Soleimani that has resulted in Iran firing rockets at bases in Iraq housing US troops was an extremely dangerous and aggressive act that risks starting yet another deadly war in the Middle East. The US has insisted the strike was justified on the grounds of self-defence. The business community across the North West are being advised to put the 2-6 March next in their diaries to ensure they dont miss out in an exciting five-day programme of events and activities scheduled for Derry City and Strabane District Councils 2020s Enterprise Week. The 2020 Enterprise Week will focus on innovation and growth and will build on the excellent work done to date in assisting business start-ups and encouraging existing businesses to look at new ways to develop and enhance their business. A host of experts will be on hand during Enterprise Week to offer young entrepreneurs and seasoned businesses alike advice on business planning, marketing their business and procurement. The five-day programme of mentoring, advice and networking will also highlight the services and support available to local SMEs and start-ups throughout the Council area as well as provide a selection of FREE events and workshops tailored to inspire and inform. Speaking ahead of Enterprise Week, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Michaela Boyle, said the event was getting bigger and better each year and encouraged all businesses and those with an interest in starting their own business to put the dates in their diaries to ensure they can take part. She said: Enterprise Week 2020 is a unique opportunity for Derry City and Strabane District Council and our partners to engage with local businesses and assist them in up skilling, networking and engaging with one another. Its a key event in our business calendar and an important objective of Council to empower businesses to prosper through a strong, competitive and innovative economy and realise their economic potential for the benefit of all our residents. Louise Breslin, business support manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, said the final touches to the programme for Enterprise Week 2020 were currently being put together ahead of a formal launch in this month but assured the public that it would include a varied and interesting schedule of events and workshops. She said: When compiling the programme for Enterprise Week we are always very conscious of including a wide range of events to suit both young entrepreneurs and seasoned businesses alike with the practical advice and assistance that will help them produce effective strategies for achieving growth and development. Ms Breslin added: Enterprise Week is also an opportunity for participants to meet, network and to share their experiences and learn from each other about the dos and donts of forging a successful enterprise. Full details of Enterprise Week 2020 will be unveiled later this month and in the interim 2-6 March are dates for the diary. To view the full programme for Enterprise Week 2020 and to register visit www.derrystrabane.com/enterpriseweek For further updates on this years events and activities in the run-up to Enterprise Week 2020 you can visit the Facebook page Business Support Derry Strabane. Job Title: Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant Organization: Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Duty Station: Kyangwali, Uganda About NRC: The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. We work in crises across more than 30 countries, providing emergencies and long-term assistance to millions of people every year. We stand up for people forced to flee, advocating their rights. NORCAP is a global provider of expertise that contributes to solving challenges in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors. Our ultimate goal is to strengthen the resilience, and protect the lives, rights and livelihoods of vulnerable people and communities. NRC also runs the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre in Geneva, a global leader in reporting on and advocating for people displaced within their own country. Key Duties and Responsibilities: General responsibilities Assist in designing data collection methods and tools to be used in monitoring of field activities Support the program teams in needs assessment, baseline, outputs and outcome monitoring and evaluation of on-going activities Prepare and submit periodic M&E reports as per the agreed reporting schedules per project Conduct routine monitoring and follow up of project activities Adhere to NRC policies, tools, handbooks and guidelines Assist with the implementation of the support function portfolio according to plan of action Prepare and develop status reports as required by management Ensure proper filing of all project documents as required Promote and share ideas for improvement of the support function Specific responsibilities Responsible for Managing, recording, sharing, following up and consolidating community feedback of NRC activities and ensure those feedbacks are shared with the team Work closely with the program teams and M&E Responsible for collections, entry, cleaning and analysis of data Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The applicant for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant job must hold a university degree in social sciences, statistics, information systems management or related qualifications Additional Qualifications in Monitoring and Evaluation, and / or Project Planning and Management will be an advantage At least one year of experiences in M&E department; exposure in an NGO environment is an advantage Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders Ability to receive, handle and store confidential project information Fluency in both oral and written English and Knowledge of Kiswahili or Runyakitara Personal Qualities Ability to work with a field team of different professional background Communicate clearly and respectfully Flexible, creative and open minded Able to work under pressure, with minimum supervision NB: Shortlisting will be done on a rolling basis, candidates are advised to apply ASAP. Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply. How to Apply: All suitably qualified candidates who wish to join NRC in the aforementioned capacity should apply online at the link below. Click Here Deadline: 10thJanuary 2020 For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline A bus was vandalised in Cooch Behar on Wednesday during the 'Bharat Bandh' call by the trade unions. The 'Bharat Bandh' is organised by all 10 Central trade unions along with different federations to protest against "anti-worker policies of BJP government" on Wednesday. The ten central trade unions including AIUTUC, CITU, INTUC, among others have given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is not be taking part in the strike. The protestors' are demanding that the Centre should drop the proposed labour reforms. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 Trend: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed condolences to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rouhani. "I was deeply saddened by the news of heavy casualties as a result of a passenger plane crash near the city of Tehran," Ilham Aliyev said. "On the occasion of this tragedy, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my deepest condolences to you, families and loved ones of those who were killed," the Azerbaijani president added. "May Allah rest the souls of the dead in peace!" Irans President Hassan Rouhani sent a chilling note to US President Donald Trump today that Washington might have cut off the arm of... Irans President Hassan Rouhani sent a chilling note to US President Donald Trump today that Washington might have cut off the arm of General Qassem Soleimani but Americas leg in the region would be cut off in response. Rouhani made the comments after Iran launched missile strikes on U.S. targets in Iraq, an action that Tehran said was in retaliation to a U.S. drone strike that killed Soleimani last week. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei also said today that his country gave US a slap in the face on Wednesday morning and called for an end to the presence of American forces in the region, which he said only causes corruption. In an address to a gathering of people in Tehran, Ayatollah Khamenei said the US received a slap in the face last night after the IRGC launched missile attacks on American military bases in Iraq in retaliation for the assassination of Lt. General Qassem Soleimani. Apart from the revenge for the assassination of General Soleimani, what matters now in the confrontation with the US is that military action would not suffice, the Leader underlined, in a report by Tasnim news agency. What is important is that the corruptive presence of the US in this region must end. They (Americans) have brought war, discord, sedition and destruction to this region; they brought about destruction of infrastructures, the Leader deplored. Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that regional nations would not approve of the US presence in the region. The Leader also paid tribute to General Soleimani for his assistance to regional nations in foiling the US illegitimate plots against West Asia, saying the revered commander helped thwart the American plots in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. The Leaders comments came a few hours after the IRGC fired a volley of missiles at US bases in Iraq, making good on its promise of harsh revenge for the martyrdom of General Soleimani. The IRGC targeted two US airbases in Iraq, including the US airbase of Ain al-Assad in teh western province of Anbar. New laws in key offshore jurisdictions came into force at the beginning of 2019 which require entities engaging in specific types of business to demonstrate adequate economic substance in that jurisdiction. Failure to comply with substance requirements could lead to grave consequences, such as incurring significant fines or being struck off by local registries. Economic substance is a broad term that encompasses numerous areas of a business, such as management, control, operations, physical presence and decision-making procedures. It is thus crucial for entities incorporated in relevant jurisdictions to assess whether they are carrying out relevant activities as prescribed, and whether there is a requirement to demonstrate substance. Equally vital is for administrators of such entities to demonstrate that they have shown regard towards the legislation by resolving that their company is either in or out of scope and, if in scope, that they have or are taking steps to comply with the new legislation. In 1997, the EU adopted a resolution on a Code of Conduct for business taxation to counteract the effects of zero tax and preferential tax regimes around the world, and to introduce economic substance requirements. Years later, in 2015, the OECD's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project centered on income attributed to intangibles with an objective of curtailing perceived artificial profit-shifting by multinational entities. A key part of this project is a renewed emphasis on the concept of economic substance. In 2017 the EU Code of Conduct Group investigated the tax policies of both EU member states and third countries, assessing tax transparency; fair taxation; and implementation of antiBEPS measures. Following assessment by the Code Group, each non-EU relevant jurisdiction (which includes Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Jersey) was required to address the Code Group's concerns about economic substance. As a result of these efforts, several international finance centres have introduced economic substance requirements legislation. This includes all the traditional offshore jurisdictions, including the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey and Guernsey, as well as other important locations around the world. The scope of the economic substance regulations varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. As a primary step, businesses should take an inventory of all their entities in the affected jurisdictions and make note of the type of company LLC or partnership and how they are taxed. The following are considered relevant activities in each jurisdiction: Banking business Insurance business Fund management business Finance and leasing business Headquarters business Shipping business Holding business Intellectual property business Distribution and service centre business In general terms, an entity (other than a holding entity, and entities that conduct intellectual property business, for which there are different criteria) conducting a relevant activity will satisfy the economic substance requirements if: it is managed and directed within the jurisdiction; core income-generating activities (CIGA) are undertaken in the jurisdiction in relation to the relevant activity; it maintains adequate physical premises within the jurisdiction; there are adequate employees in the jurisdiction with suitable qualifications; there is adequate expenses incurred in the jurisdiction in relation to the relevant activity; and it files an annual confidential economic substance report with the applicable authority in its jurisdiction which will assist the authority in assessing compliance. In addition, various substance regulations set out the circumstances where the above activities may be outsourced from third parties. Most of the jurisdictions that had made commitments to the EU to introduce substance requirements successfully passed legislation before the 2018 year-end deadline, in addition to providing guidance around the application of the legislation. In March 2019 and with a subsequent review in May, the EU published an updated list, moving those jurisdictions who had reached the requisite standard off the list, or onto a grey or black list depending on their respective progress. As a result, a majority of jurisdictions have since been adapting their local substance legislations and providing additional guidance on economic substance requirements. Carlos Ucar 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs. Share this article OAKLAND (BCN) A transient man charged with murder for the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Nia Wilson at the MacArthur BART station in Oakland in 2018 said Wednesday that "I was insane at the time" of the stabbing. John Lee Cowell, 29, made that comment at a brief hearing at which he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for a second time for technical legal reasons. Responding to Cowell's remark, Alameda County Superior Court Judge James Cramer said, "You just said you were insane." The exchange between Cowell and Cramer came when the judge was making sure that Cowell understands the process that occurs after he pleads not guilty by reason of insanity and his case goes to trial. Cramer explained that first there's a criminal phase and if Cowell is found guilty, there will be a sanity phase at which the defense must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that he was insane at the time of the killing. Cowell, who was shackled and wore a red jail uniform, said he understands the process. Cowell is charged with murder and attempted murder for allegedly stabbing Wilson and her sister, 26-year-old Letifah Wilson, on the platform at the MacArthur station at 9:36 p.m. on July 22, 2018. Cowell also is charged with a special circumstance allegation that he killed Wilson while lying in wait, a charge that would result in life in prison without parole or the death penalty if he's convicted. Cowell's attorney Christina Moore entered a not guilty by reason of insanity plea on Cowell's behalf at a hearing on Nov. 22. But Moore said Wednesday that she wanted Cowell to personally enter that plea so the record is clear that it's Cowell's decision to enter the plea. When Cramer asked Moore if she concurs with Cowell's decision to enter the plea, Moore paused and said, "I have doubts" but didn't explain what they were. On Monday, Cowell's trial was assigned to Alameda County Superior Court Judge Allan Hymer, a veteran judge who's an expert on mental health legal issues. A panel of potential jurors will be brought to Hymer's courtroom on Jan. 15, but two days before that Hymer will hold a hearing on a motion Moore filed asking that Cowell's trial be moved out of Alameda County. Moore says she doesn't think Cowell can get a fair trial locally due to the pervasive publicity his case has received. On the afternoon of Jan. 15, Cramer will hold a hearing to receive a new report on Cowell's mental competency that's being done by psychiatrist Jason Roof of University of California at Davis. Cramer told Cowell at Wednesday's hearing to cooperate with Roof when the psychiatrist meets with him at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. Cowell's trial could be suspended if Roof indicates in his report that he thinks Cowell is mentally incompetent. Cramer previously suspended the criminal proceedings against Cowell on Dec. 27, 2018, saying there was "substantial evidence" that he was mentally incompetent to stand trial. But at a hearing last July 17, Cramer reinstated the criminal proceedings against Cowell, based in part on a new doctor's report that found that Cowell was competent to stand trial. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. "We are honored that Lilly Rocha has accepted our offer to lead the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce as we launch a new era of growth and expansion of our membership, programs and services," said Gilbert Vasquez, Chair of the Chamber board. "Her years of experience in organizational leadership, marketing experience and social media was a strong determining factor in selecting Lilly to lead our organization." Ms. Rocha founded Sabor Latino, a successful industry trade show in 2013. With her expertise in sales, marketing and project management, Sabor Latino has become a recognized brand in the Latin Food industry and serves as the premier business platform for Latin food professionals. "I am honored that the Latino Chamber Board asked me to assume the leadership of this dynamic and influential organization," said Ms. Rocha. "The Latino Chamber's focus on advancing the growth and influence of successful Latino owned businesses in one of the nation's most dynamic and lucrative markets is an admirable goal and I'm proud to lend my experience and expertise toward that effort." Ms. Rocha is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley and attended St. Mary's University in London, England. She graduated from UC Berkeley during the height of the dot.com bubble in Silicon Valley. Active in the community, Ms. Rocha volunteers her time with the following organizations: American Heart Association, Long Beach Memorial Women's Heart Institute, HONOR PAC, The Heart & Vascular Institute at LBMMC, NLBWA-National, LGELP-USC & ATC School Culinary Program in Montebello, CA. When not working or volunteering, she is also an avid rock climber. About the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce Since 2009, the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce (LALCC) has advocated for and promoted the economic development of Greater Los Angeles' Latino-owned businesses, which now number more than 300,000. The chamber's economic development services include procurement, access to capital, certification, technical and other business assistance. Among other issues, its policy and advocacy efforts are focused on public and private minority procurement, community reinvestment and development, Latino public policy, international trade and small business funding. LALCC is a 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. For additional information about the chamber, visit lalcc.org. Contact: Robert Alaniz Milagro strategy Group (626) 437-3354 SOURCE Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce Related Links http://www.lalcc.org (ANSA) - Lecce, January 8 - The top executives of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) company, and the company itself, have been sent to trial for alleged environmental crimes committed in the construction of its Italian terminal in the Lecce area. The trial will start May 8. Lecce prosecutors have called to trial 18 people and TAP. Puglia Governor Michele Emiliano, of the ruling centre-left Democratic Party (PD) said his administration would stand as civil plaintiffs. He said they would ask for a "billion euro compensation". Emiliano has backed anti-TAP protests over the years, some of which have turned violent. TAP's Italian landfall is being constructed in the Melendugno area of the Salento promontory in Puglia. Among the other injured parties, as well as the Puglia government, are eight towns represented by their mayors; the environment ministry; the head of the No TAP Salento group, Alfredo Fasiello; and the consumer and heritage associations Vas Onlus, Codacons and Italia Nostra. The TAP is a pipeline project to transport Azeri natural gas, starting from Greece via Albania and the Adriatic Sea to Italy and further to Western Europe. The pipeline would be supplied by natural gas from the second stage of the Shah Deniz (Azerbaijan) gas field development in the Azerbaijani section of Caspian Sea through the South Caucasus Pipeline and the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP). Since it will enhance energy security and diversify gas supplies for several European markets, the TAP project is supported by the European institutions and seen as a "Project of Common Interest" and a part of the Southern Gas Corridor. Protests at Melendugno have focused on the uprooting of olive trees, which are set to be replaced where they originally stood after the project is completed. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro on Wednesday joined a coalition of nearly two dozen other states in appealing to a federal court to protect womens reproductive rights. In filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, the multi-state coalition of attorneys general lent their support to a lawsuit challenging a trio of Arkansas state laws that would ban legal abortion after 18 weeks and severely restrict womens access to reproductive care. An assault on reproductive rights anywhere undermines reproductive rights everywhere, Shapiro said in a written statement. Weve seen these partisan, baseless attempts to subvert well established law time and time again in Pennsylvania and other states and were not standing for it. Women must have control over their own bodies. They deserve the right to access quality, safe reproductive health care free from any interference. And so long as I hold this position, thats exactly what Ill fight to preserve. The legal battle in Arkansas pits the state and two clinics over the fate of three new abortion laws, which have been barred from taking effect. Planned Parenthood and several clinics have urged the appellate judges to keep the preliminary injunction in place pending constitutional review. Arkansas is one of several states testing the bounds of abortion rights entrenched in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The multi-state appeal comes just days after nine Pennsylvania Republicans asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the two landmark cases. The cadre of nine Republican lawmakers include: Sen. Pat Toomey and Representatives Dan Meuser, R-9th District; Scott Perry, R-10th District; Lloyd Smucker, R-11th District; John Joyce, R-13th District; Guy Reschenthaler, R-14th District; Glenn GT Thompson, R-15th District, and Mike Kelly, R-16th District. If Pennsylvania and other states do not join together to defend the U.S. Constitution in Arkansas and every state where it is threatened, it will represent a generational setback for all women, Shapiro said. The multi-state coalition argues that the Arkansas laws violate the rights guaranteed in Roe v. Wade. The attorneys general argue that limiting or eliminating womens access to safe and legal abortion leads to worse health and socioeconomic outcomes for women. The Arkansas laws would criminalize abortions performed after 18 weeks and impose other undue burdens on womens constitutional right to abortion. Plaintiffs argue that Arkansas laws would make abortion care either unavailable or less safe for women. A U.S. District Court temporarily blocked the Arkansas laws in July. Arkansas then appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The coalition, led by California Attorney General Becerra, includes Attorneys General of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Pennsylvania in 2019 saw an unprecedented legislative wave in to enact restrictions on abortion. Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, has vowed to veto any laws that restrict reproductive rights in Pennsylvania. The latest statewide abortion count shows a slight increase in abortions from the previous numbers, but in general lower rates than peak rates. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Australia is bleeding. Twitter International aid and donations have poured in for the ongoing bushfire crisis in Australia, which has so far killed 25 people and millions of animals while also destroying nearly 2,000 houses. instagram/stoll_photography Reuters This week additional defence and firefighting personnel arrived from the US and neighbouring New Zealand to help the local emergency services. Other countries including neighbouring Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji and Singapore have also offered practical assistance in the form of firefighters, aircraft, soldiers and financial aid, while a string of world leaders from France to the United Arab Emirates sent heartfelt words of support. reddit/davetawil "Australia is the closest friend of PNG and is always the first in PNG in our times of adversities and we offer our hearts and our hands to you in this time of fire-induced tragedies," PNG Prime Minister James Marape posted online. Celebrities and sporting heroes have also been quick to do what they can for the cause. Twitter/@greeeeengrl As a show of support for those affected by the fires, a special Rally for Relief event was announced for the lead up to the Australian Open with many of the world's top players committing to charity matches. Millions of dollars have already been raised by donations from ordinary people around the world. New South Wales Rural Fire Service chief Shane Fitzsimmons on Wednesday described the overwhelming influx of donations as extremely generous, reflecting "the best we've got in humanity". He said that all efforts would be made to ensure that the donations go to the right place. 1. On Tuesday evening, British pop legend, Elton John ended his concert in Sydney with a pledge of $1 million, prompting a standing ovation. Grammy.com The Golden Globes award ceremony on Sunday night also saw the bushfires recognised with a message from Australian actor Russell Crowe, who instead of being at the awards was in his home country defending his home and property from fires. Crowe described the tragedy as unmistakably "climate-based". 2. Kylie Jenner too donated $1 million towards fighting the Australian fires. Her donation comes a day after she received backlash for saying she was heartbroken over the animals that died in the fires but the very next day, she was seen wearing mink slippers. 3. Chris Hemsworth Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth on Wednesday pledged one million dollars towards relief efforts for the bushfire ravaged regions in Australia. In a short Instagram video, the 36-year-old Aussie native updated followers that with the weather continuing to remain dry, the fires continue to burn and inflict massive damage. He then pledged a million dollars towards disaster relief and urged people to donate money to the several charity links he posted on his profile bio. Hemsworth captioned the post: "Hi everyone. Like you, I want to support the fight against the bushfires here in Australia. My family and I are contributing a million dollars. Hopefully, you guys can chip in too. Every penny counts so whatever you can muster up is greatly appreciated. 4. Hugh Jackman Hugh Jackman also took to social media, sharing information on how to help out with his 28.7 million followers. "How can you help? Tap on the image for just a few of the organizations who are working tirelessly to fight the bushfires to save lives, wildlife and property," he captioned a post. Reports claim that he too have donated for the cause. 5. Singer Kylie Minogue Minogue shared a photo of a recent trip back to her home country, and said, "Last year I had the incredible opportunity of visiting some of the many beautiful places in my homeland for the first time. Returning home to such devastation throughout much of the country is heartbreaking. As a family, we've donated $500,000 towards the immediate firefighting efforts and the ongoing support which will be required. Big or small, from near or far, any support will help those affected by the devastating bushfires. With love, The Minogue Family." 6. Leonardo DiCaprio parade.com Actor Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental organisation has announced a donation of USD 3 million towards the devastating bush fires that are ravaging Australia. The 45-year-old actor is the co-chairman of Earth Alliance, an organisation that works to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. The organisation has created the Australia Wildfire Fund in a concerted effort to help relieve the people suffering from the catastrophic bushfires, reported Fox News. 7. Phoebe Waller-Bridge English actor Phoebe Waller-Bridge said she would auction off her Golden Globes outfit and have the proceeds go to firefighter relief. Britain on Wednesday condemned Iran's missile attacks on Iraqi bases housing coalition military, and voiced concern over "reports of casualties" from the strikes. "We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting Coalition - including British - forces," said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. "We are concerned by reports of casualties and use of ballistic missiles. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The city police stepped up security and heightened vigil to maintain law and order and prevent untoward incidents during the day-long all-India shutdown on Wednesday, a top police official said. The trade unions and others will not be allowed to take processions or disrupt normal life, including taxis, bus and metro rail services, suburban trains, opening up of shops, markets, malls, theatres, hotels and eateries, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao told reporters here. The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Indian National Trade Union Congress and Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) have given an all-India shutdown (Bharat Bandh) call on Wednesday to protest against the Central governments anti-labour policies and attempts to privatise state-run undertakings. The trade unions, however, will be allowed to stage protests, demonstration and public meetings at the Freedom Park in the city peacefully. Many social and civic organisations, including a pro-Kannada front are supporting the shutdown in protest against the CAA, NRC and NPA and extending their solidarity to the trade unions. The unions will not be allowed to disrupt normal life, stop buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws from plying, prevent opening up of shops, commercial establishments, offices, hotels, restaurants, eateries, cinema theatres and petrol bunks, asserted Rao. State Education Minister Suresh Kumar said all government and private schools and colleges will function and exams due on Wednesday would be held as scheduled. Police has been directed to provide security and deploy their personnel outside colleges and universities to ensure students are not stopped from attending classes, Kumar told reporters here. Thousands of workers from across the sectors, including women in the garment industry will join the shutdown and stage demo against the state and central government in support of their demands and against anti-labour laws. We want the state and central governments to raise the minimum wage to Rs 24,000 per month as cost of living and expenses on basic needs such education, health and housing have become prohibitive, AITCU leader Ananth Subbarao told IANS. Several state-run bank employees, excluding those of State Bank of India (SBI) are set to participate in the shutdown to protest against the merger of banks and closure of their branches across the country. Pro-farmers organisations will also join us in the shutdown to highlight the agrarian crisis gripping the farm sector. Similarly, hundreds of workers in the unorganised sector will participate in the protest rally, said Subbarao. Agricultural markets, wholesale market yards, Peenya industrial area and hundreds of small and medium enterprises will remain shut, affecting daily wage workers and employees. Essential supplies, including milk, vegetables, commodities, hospitals, medical shops and provision stores are exempted from the shutdown to avoid affecting normal life. The state government has, however, invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent disruption of public transport and emergency services. --IANS fb/vd New Delhi: Actress Deepika Padukone's visit to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Tuesday evening has divided Twitter into two sections. While Bollywood is hailing Deepika for her move to visit the violence-hit campus, netizens are criticizing her for standing with protesting students. Hashtags like #ISupportDeepika, #BoycottChhapaak, #ShameOnBollywood, #DeepikaAtJNU are some of the many top trends related to the actress on Twitter. On Tuesday, Deepika, after wrapping her upcoming film's 'Chhapaak' promotions in Delhi, arrived at JNU and attended a public meeting. She has been pictured quietly standing with students. She also met JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, who was injured in an attack by a masked mob. Deepika's JNU visit has garnered the attention of many of her colleagues, including filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, Shabana Azmi, Nikkhil Advani and her 'Chhapaak' co-star Vikrant Massey. Replying to a tweet, Kashyap said, "Let's not forget she is also the producer of the films.. stakes are even higher. Mad respect for Deepika." He also changed his Twitter profile photo to the viral picture of Deepika meeting Aishe Ghosh with folded hands. Lets not forget she is also the producer of the films .. stakes are even higher . Mad respect for @deepikapadukone https://t.co/y5CPzSEedU Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) January 7, 2020 "When she was attacked over Padmaavat very few came forward to support her. She knows what it feels to be targetted and she has shown exemplary courage by supporting the JNU students with quiet grace. More power to Deepika Padukone," said Shabana Azmi. @deepikapadukone When she was attacked over Padmavat very few came forward to support her. She knows what it feels to be targetted and she has shown exemplary courage by supporting the JNU students with quiet grace,More power to Deepika Padukone Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) January 8, 2020 Vikrant couldn't be more proud of Deepika and said that his heart has swelled with pride. Nikkhil Advani's tweet read, "As producer today, Deepika, would've been standing in the preview theatres in Mumbai waiting to hear praise being showered on her maiden production. She instead chose to stand in solidarity with #JNUstudents knowing fully well the ramifications of her actions. #RESPECT." As producer today @deepikapadukone wouldve been standing in the preview theatres in Mumbai waiting to hear praise being showered on her maiden production. She instead chose to stand in solidarity with #JNUstudents knowing fully well the ramifications of her actions. #RESPECT Nikkhil Advani (@nikkhiladvani) January 7, 2020 Meanwhile, a string of tweets condemning her visit to the campus have demanded to boycott her film 'Chhapaak'. "Deepika Padukone made a film based on a social issue! Now to gain publicity and to please Bollywood bigwigs she is supporting anti-nationals! Out of 789 universities and hundreds of issue to be addressed in India, she chose JNU! Hypocrisy at its best. #BoycottChhapaak," a tweet read. Deepika Padukone made a film based on a social issue! Now to gain publicity and to please Bollywood bigwigs she is supporting anti nationals! Out of 789 universities and hundreds of issue to be addressed in India, she chose JNU! Hypocrisy at its best#boycottchhapaak Mahesh Vikram Hegde (@mvmeet) January 8, 2020 Another Twitter user said, "RSS workers are killed/beaten in numbers in WB and Kerala. ABVP guys in JNU are thrashed. Why didn't Bollywood come to their support? Deepika ji like most of the Bollywood celebrities trying to make money out of the misery of this country. #BoycottChhapaak." RSS workers are killed/beaten in numbers in WB and Kerala. ABVP guys in JNU are thrashed. Why didn't Bollywood come to their support? Deepika ji like most of the Bollywood celebrities trying to make money out of the misery of this country.#boycottchhapaak #TanhajiChallenge pic.twitter.com/aHV1rmPDMc Vinita Hindustani (@Being_Vinita) January 8, 2020 On Sunday (December 5) evening, the JNU campus was rocked by violence when the masked mob entered the varsity and attacked the students and professors with sticks and rods and also vandalised the property. More than a dozen students of the university were injured. People across India have been condemning the act and several protests showing posters in solidarity with the JNU are being held. The violence also drew strong reactions from students and opposition party leaders and social media was flooded with hashtags in support of JNU. Strict action against those who resorted to violence on the campus is being demanded by the students and other protestors. Along with students, Bollywood personalities like Sushant Singh, Swara Bhasker, Dia Mirza, Zoya Akhtar, Shabana Azmi and Taapsee Pannu also protested over the JNU incident. Actor Deepika Padukone, who visited Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University to express solidarity with students, on Wednesday came in for praise from noted filmmaker Aparna Sen for her "act of courage". The Bollywood star on Tuesday evening attended a public meeting, called by JNU Teacher's Association and JNUSU in response to Sunday's attack on students and teachers by a masked mob armed with sticks and rods. "There comes a tipping point in everyone's life. I guess the violence in JNU was Deepika's. Salutations Deepika. The country will remember this act of courage," Sen said in a tweet. The National Award-winning director had joined a host of eminent personalities on Monday in condemning the violence at JNU. Bengali actor Swastika Mukherjee also lauded Padukone on Twitter. "SHE took a stand. SHE stood by the youth seeking justice. It is the only thing that matters???? #DeepikaPadukone," Mukherjee said. Padukone, 34, had on Monday told a channel she feels proud that people have come out and raised their voice without fear, in reference to the protests against the amended Citizenship Act, the National Register of Citizens and the violence in JNU. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 08:06 734 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32148484 1 Editorial #Editorial,Donald-Trump,US-Iran-sanctions,Iran-US,Iran-US-nuclear-deal,united-states,US-president,politics,international-law Free Being a superpower comes with its own perks; one of those advantages is that rules dont apply to you. When some international laws and conventions are not to your liking, you can opt out and go your own way. For a superpower like the United States, it has always been my way or the highway. In 2001, fearing that the Kyoto Protocol, if implemented, could hurt the US economy, then president George W. Bush decided to withdraw from the agreement. Also, in an effort to protect US leaders and citizens from being subjected to war crime investigations, the US decided not to join the International Criminal Court with little or no consequences. This American exceptionalism has gone on for years and the administration of Republican President Donald Trump only took it to a brazenly new level. As if to match Trumps bluster, US military might has been used to bring forth brute force to hit US enemies. The assassination of Irans leader of the elite military Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani, is just the latest example. American military forces and/or intelligence services have previously been involved in attempting to eliminate leaders of enemy nations, from Cuban leader Fidel Castro to Libyas Muammar Gaddafi, but these were mostly covert operations in the dark underbelly of intelligence and counterintelligence operations. The reason for such a nondisclosure policy was that the targets represented sovereign actors. US presidents from Bush to Barack Obama have passed on the opportunity to eliminate Soleimani and although moral and legal considerations did not play a part in the decision-making by the Bush and Obama administrations, the two apparently realized that murdering a general of Soleimanis caliber could spark wider conflagration in the region. However, realism and pragmatism is in short supply in the Trump administration. If anything, Trump upped the ante by pledging that he would blow up 52 targets, including some Iranian cultural sites, if the Shiite nation retaliates against the US, a clear violation of international law. In the past three years, Trump has wreaked havoc in Americas domestic political and legal system. He has shattered norms and conventions including by refusing to release his tax returns, or divesting himself of his family business and by refusing to cooperate with the House impeachment proceedings. Now the time has come for him to thumb his nose at international conventions. We can deal with some of Trumps previous infractions, such as when he used tariffs as leverage in a trade war or when he decided to abandon the Paris Climate Agreement. But his decision to assassinate a sovereign actor like Soleimani could set off a major war that could inflict pain on millions of people in the Middle East and destabilize different parts of the world. Every sensible world leader must try to stop this madness and start ramping up diplomacy to solve the US-Iranian standoff. There should also be a mass movement to dissuade Trump and his foreign policy cabal from kicking off a new stage of endless war in the Middle East. Ghosn says that after his arrest in November 2018, he was kept in solitary confinement in a tiny cell for 130 days, while being allowed outside for only half an hour a day and only on weekdays. He says he was "interrogated day and night," sometimes for up to eight hours at a time, without a lawyer present, while lights were left on round-the-clock. WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) 2020 Global Market Outlook,Research,Trends and Forecast to 2026. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market 2020 Description: The global Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market is anticipated to reach USD 8,241.4 Million by 2025. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), known as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) the surgical procedure for heart disease wherein transcatheter heart valve is used to replace the damaged as well as old heart valve. Transcatheter heart valve implantation is a minimally invasive process that helps in substituting the damaged heart valve with a prosthetic valve for treatment of mitral regurgitation and unembellished aortic stenosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure that helps to diminish severe degenerative aortic stenosis and increases the survival rate of patients. Get a Sample Report @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3695649-transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement-tavr-market-by-surgical For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.com Major Key Players Some of the major key players operating in global Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market are Boston Scientific Corporation, Direct Flow medical, Inc., Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, HLT, Inc., JenaValve Technology, Inc., Medtronic plc, Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., St. Jude Medical, Inc., SYMETIS SA, and Transcatheter Technologies GmbH among others. The research conducted by expert analysts has been combined here under one banner to provide an accurate report on the recent trends prevailing in the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) market. There is a brief analysis offers the reader with genuine insight into the workings of the market as a whole. There is discussion regarding the numerous processes that make amalgamate to create the product/service. The study provides a look into how the competition prevailing in the market has impacted the growth of the product/service in the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) market. The forecast period for this report is 2020 to 2026 with 2019 as the base year. Market dynamics have a visible effect on the performance of the product/service. The risks inherent also play a role in how the pricing for a product/service can be decided in the volatile market situation. Drivers and Risks The impact of the drivers and risks of the market on the pricing of the product/service in the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) industry can be seen by analysing the historical data available. The data is studied to map the progress of the industry in the forecast period. Of all the historical information available, sales volume and pricing have been considered with great focus to understand the influence of existing risks and opportunities on the market performance. Regional Description The regional study of the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) market focuses on the global arena of the industry. The production for the product/service by various manufacturers is spread over the entire globe. The main areas included in the report consist of manufacturers established in North America, Europe, Latin America, China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Africa. The demographic split of each region shows how the market performs, and its impact on market trends. Method of Research The model used in this report is Porters Five Force Model. The model provides a considerably accurate analysis of the numerous aspects of the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) industry. Assessment includes both qualitative and quantitative factors influencing the performance of the product/service. SWOT analysis the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) industry to provide accurate information in the report. Market drivers, challenges, restraints give additional information to the readers. Enquiry About Report @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3695649-transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement-tavr-market-by-surgical Table of Contents Major Key Points Overview and Scope Executive Summary Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market Insights Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market Size and Forecast, 2018-2026 by Type Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market Size and Forecast, 2018-2026 by Material Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market Size and Forecast, 2018-2026 by End-User Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market Size and Forecast, 2018-2026 by Region Company Profiles Continued. CONTACT US: NORAH TRENT Partner Relations & Marketing Manager sales@wiseguyreports.com www.wiseguyreports.com Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (US) Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK) ABOUT US: Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 16:49:42|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close VIENTIANE, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance team MAG Laos on Monday found two large unexploded bombs in Langkhang village, Bualapha district, southern Laos' Khammuan province. The large air-dropped bombs weighing 500 lbs were found 30 meters away from each other and about 3 km from a residential area in Khammuan province, some 250 km southeast of Lao capital Vientiane, according to the MAG clearance team. The bombs were defused before being carefully excavated and moved to a demolition site to be safely destroyed. Authorities and the UXO clearance teams including MAG are carrying out survey and clearance in many areas of the district, local daily Vientiane Times on Wednesday quoted Bualapha district Governer Bounkuang Keobounyong as saying. "Bualapha district was heavily contaminated with UXO and local residents are still risk," he said. "In 2017, UXO-related accidents killed two children in Bualapha district but last year there were no reports of any accidents. We advise people to be careful and have explained the danger of UXO," he added. To combat the problem, local authorities and their UXO clearance teams are circulating information about UXO and warning people who live in at-risk areas to be especially careful and not to enter areas that officials have advised are unsafe. UXO is an obstacle to economic and social development, contaminating land that could otherwise be used for the development of agriculture, industry, tourism and the construction of infrastructure. Laos is the most heavily bombed country in the world. It is estimated that at least 2,000 square kilometers of land still need to be cleared as UXO continues to contaminate vast areas of the country, lying in forests, farmland, villages, school grounds, roads and other populated areas. A Romanian national was sentenced Tuesday to five years in prison for an ATM skimming scheme that used hidden card-reading devices and pinhole cameras at New Jersey and New York banks to steal at least $390,141 from customer accounts. Bogdan Rusu, who previously pleaded to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, was part of a widespread skimming operation that reached Massachusetts and drained more than $868,000 from accounts, according to federal authorities. Rusu worked with others in the scam to capture payment card information - including account numbers and PINs - from unsuspecting bank customers as they used ATMs, according to officials. The 39-year-old scammer copied the stolen information to counterfeit payment cards and used those cards to pilfer money from the accounts. Eleven others charged in the fraud have already pleaded guilty, officials said. For his part, Rusu must also serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution of $390,141. A federal judge in Massachusetts previously sentenced Rusu, who lived in Queens, New York, to more than five years in prison as part of the skimming scheme. The probe involved several Massachusetts police departments, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service and prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys Office in Newark. Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. World Iran Launches Missile Attacks on US Forces in Iraq A funeral procession for Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani is held in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 7. / REUTERS BAGHDAD/WASHINGTONIran launched a missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday in retaliation for the US drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from its territory against at least two Iraqi facilities hosting US-led coalition personnel at about 1:30 a.m., the US military said. US President Donald Trump said in a tweet late on Tuesday that an assessment of casualties and damage from the strikes was under way and that he would make a statement on Wednesday morning. All is well! Trump, who visited the al-Asad air base in December 2018, said in the Twitter post. One source said early indications were of no US casualties. Other US officials declined to comment. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps confirmed they fired the missiles in retaliation for last weeks killing of Qassem Soleimani, according to a statement on state TV. The force advised the United States to withdraw its troops from the region to prevent more deaths and warned US allies including Israel not to allow attacks from their territories. Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement that the bases targeted were al-Asad air base and another facility in Erbil, Iraq. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region. Hours earlier on Tuesday, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the United States should anticipate retaliation from Iran over Fridays killing in Iraq of Soleimani, commander of the elite Quds Force. I think we should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form, he told a news briefing at the Pentagon, adding that such retaliation could be through Iran-backed proxy groups outside of Iran or by their own hand. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, targeting the bases where the attack against its citizens and senior officials was launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression, he wrote in a post on Twitter. If the US military was indeed spared casualties, and Iran has completed its threatened retaliation for the US drone strike on Soleimani, as Zarif suggested, there might be an opportunity for Washington and Tehran to seek an off-ramp to their increasingly violent confrontation. Asian stock markets, which had been roiled by the attack, pared some of their losses after the tweets from Trump and Zarif. US crude prices also retreated after surging almost 5 percent on worries any conflict could cut oil supplies. We will take revenge The US Federal Aviation Administration said it would ban US carriers from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Singapore Airlines had already diverted all flight routes from Iranian airspace. Democrats in the US Congress and some of the partys presidential contenders warned about the escalating conflict. Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting US troops in Iraq, US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Twitter. We must ensure the safety of our service members, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war. Soleimani, a pivotal figure in orchestrating Irans long-standing campaign to drive US forces out of Iraq, was also responsible for building up Tehrans network of proxy armies across the Middle East. He was a national hero to many Iranians but viewed as a dangerous villain by Western governments opposed to Irans arc of influence running across the Levant and into the Gulf region. A senior Iranian official said on Tuesday that Tehran was considering several scenarios to avenge Soleimanis death. Other senior figures have said the Islamic Republic would match the scale of the killing when it responds, but that it would choose the time and place. We will take revenge, a hard and definitive revenge, the head of Irans Revolutionary Guards, General Hossein Salami, told throngs who crowded the streets for Soleimanis funeral on Tuesday in Kerman, his hometown in southeastern Iran. Soleimanis burial went ahead after several hours of delay following a stampede that killed at least 56 people and injured more than 210, according to Irans semi-official Fars news agency. Iran TV reported Soleimani was buried after the missile attacks. His revenge was taken and now he can rest in peace, it said. The missiles were launched on Wednesday at the same time that he was killed last Friday. Soleimanis body had been taken to holy Shiite Muslim cities in Iraq and Iran, as well as the Iranian capital, Tehran, before arriving to be buried in the city cemeterys martyrs section, according to the semi-official news agency ISNA. In each place, huge numbers of people filled thoroughfares, chanting: Death to America and weeping with emotion. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wept as he led prayers in Tehran. Prompted by the strong public backlash over Soleimanis killing on Iraqi soil, lawmakers in Iraq voted on Sunday to demand a removal of all foreign forces from the country. More than 5,000 US troops remain in Iraq along with other foreign forces as part of a coalition that has trained and backed up Iraqi security forces against the threat of Islamic State militants. Some 115 German soldiers are stationed in Erbil and all are fine, a spokesman for Bundeswehr operations said. A NATO official told Reuters it would move some of its several hundred trainers out of Iraq. Canada said on Tuesday some of its 500 Iraq-based forces would be temporarily moved to Kuwait for safety reasons. US officials have said Soleimani was killed because of solid intelligence indicating forces under his command planned attacks on US targets in the region, although they have provided no evidence. Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, said 13 revenge scenarios were being considered, Fars news agency reported. Even the weakest option would prove a historic nightmare for the Americans, he said. You may also like these stories: UN Says Global Tensions Worst in Years After US Kills Iranian Commander Diplomats Race to Defuse Tensions Ahead of N. Koreas Deadline After Baghdadi Death, Southeast Asia Braces for Retaliatory Attacks by ISIS Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 00:02:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close Former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn speaks at a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, Jan. 8, 2020. Carlos Ghosn denied on Wednesday all accusations brought against him by Nissan, adding that he will fight until the end to prove his innocence, local TV channel MTV reported. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua) BEIRUT, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn denied on Wednesday all accusations brought against him by Nissan, adding that he will fight until the end to prove his innocence, local TV channel MTV reported. During a press conference held in Beirut, Ghosn slammed the Japanese judicial system saying that it is "unfair" and does not respect the "minimal levels of human rights." "I was imprisoned in a small cell without being able to contact my wife or use my phone. I was informed that the accusations against me will succeed at a rate of over 99 percent and it will take five years to specify a date for my trial, so I decided to leave," he said. Ghosn said he trusts the Lebanese judicial systems and he is ready to stand before Lebanese courts or any other courts on condition that he receives a fair trial. "I was not guaranteed a fair trial by my lawyers in Japan. This is why I decided to leave," he said, adding that he is ready to stay in Lebanon for a long time. Ghosn also accused Japanese prosecutors of leaking false information and hiding evidence. "I am ready to offer all the documents I have to the press and I promise that I will be receiving more documents that prove my innocence in the coming days. I will present them all to the press," he said. Meanwhile, the Lebanese judiciary on Wednesday summoned Ghosn for questioning after receiving a Red Notice alert from the Interpol. Caretaker Justice Minister Albert Serhan announced on Tuesday that Ghosn's presence on Lebanese territories is legal. "Ghosn is a Lebanese citizen and has the right to be treated according to Lebanese applicable laws," the minister explained. Amid accusations of financial misconduct, Ghosn escaped from Japan and arrived in Beirut at the end of last month. The Japanese ambassador to Lebanon met with many Lebanese officials to urge them for cooperation with regard to Ghosn's case. However, Lebanese authorities announced on several occasions that there exists no extradition treaty between Lebanon and Japan while Lebanon is keen to keep good ties with Japan. Both of New Mexicos U.S. senators are sponsoring resolutions that seek to prevent war with Iran or require authorization from Congress before any military action takes place. One piece of legislation was introduced by U.S. Sen. Tom Udall and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., months ago that would prevent funding for unauthorized military action against Iran. U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich is a co-sponsor of legislation introduced Tuesday by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., that would force a debate and vote in Congress to prevent further escalation of hostilities with Iran. Udall and Paul sent a letter to their Senate colleagues Tuesday asking them to support their bill The Prevention of Unconstitutional War with Iran Act which they introduced in September 2018 and again in April 2019. The bill affirms the constitutional role of Congress as the sole branch of government with the power to declare war. With tensions in the region continuing to escalate, we urge all Senators to join as cosponsors of S. 1039, The Prevention of Unconstitutional War with Iran Act, the senators wrote. This important bipartisan bill would work to restore the Constitutional balance between the Congress and the executive, and curtail this administrations reckless actions in the Middle East against Iran. The resolution sponsored by Heinrich requires that any hostilities with Iran be explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force, but does not prevent the United States from defending itself from imminent attack. Everything President Trump and Secretary (of State Mike) Pompeo have done in the Middle East has made Irans repressive government stronger and America less safe, Heinrich said in a news release. Just weeks ago, Iranians were in the streets protesting against their government. President Trumps actions gave that terrible regime a united country and turned a terrorist thug into a martyr. This is what a complete and utter lack of strategy in the region looks like. Congress must step in to hold a debate and vote on whether or not we continue to allow this dangerous escalation to continue. Tylee Ryan reportedly texted a friend one month after she vanished from Rexburg, Idaho, with her seven-year-old brother An Idaho teen who went missing with her seven-year-old brother in September reportedly texted a friend a month after she vanished. A friend of Tylee Ryan said she reached out to the 17-year-old on October 19 to say that she missed her and was thinking about her, according to the Rexburg Standard Journal. Six days later on October 25, the friend received a message from Tylee's phone which read: 'hi. miss you guys too ...luv ya.' The text is considered to be Tylee's last known communication. A multi-state search for the teen and her brother, Joshua 'JJ' Vallow, began in November when police in Rexburg, Idaho, tried to do a welfare check ordered by concerned relatives. The children were last seen in Rexburg on September 23. Investigators say the children's mother, Lori Vallow, and the man she married in early November, Chad Daybell, never reported them missing, repeatedly lied about where they are and have not cooperated with the investigation. The couple are considered persons of interest in the children's disappearance after they fled their Idaho home the day after the welfare check. Police have said there is reason to believe Tylee and JJ, who has autism, are in danger. Tylee, 17, (left) and Joshua 'JJ' Vallow, seven, (right) have not been seen since September 23. Police in Rexburg, Idaho, only realized they were missing two days before Thanksgiving when they were asked to conduct a welfare check by relatives JJ's grandparents, Larry and Kay Woodcock, held a press conference Tuesday and announced that they are offering a $20,000 reward for information on the children's whereabouts The children's mother, Lori Vallow (left), is currently on the run from police with her new husband Chad Daybell (right), both of whom are persons of interest in their disappearance. The pair are believed to be members of a dangerous religious cult obsessed with doomsday JJ's grandparents, Kay and Larry Woodcock, are now offering a $20,000 reward for information about the children's whereabouts. 'They are two extremely intelligent young children and we want them back,' Larry said at a press conference. 'If there is anything that Lori can come forth with and help us, please do it. She knows how much we love these kids. We want only the best for them. Please give them back to us.' Investigators have previously asserted that Lori either knows where the children are or knows what happened to them. 'It is astonishing that rather than work with law enforcement to help us locate her own children, Lori Vallow has chosen instead to leave the state with her new husband,' Rexburg police said in a statement late last month. Kay told reporters she does not understand why Lori is refusing to cooperate with police. 'I just plead for her ... just let us know where the kids are,' she said. 'It's not difficult. It would end all of this, as far as the kids are concerned.' Larry said he is praying that JJ and Tylee, who is not their granddaughter, are still alive, adding: 'They're good kids. They don't deserve this. And we as a family don't deserve this.' Police have said there is reason to believe Tylee and JJ, who has autism, are in danger Timeline of Joshua and Tylee's disappearance July 11: Lori Vallow's husband, Charles Vallow, killed in self-defense by her brother, Alex Cox, in Arizona following an argument between the three people August: The last time Joshua's grandparents, Kay and Larry Woodcock, said they saw the boy via FaceTime August: September: Lori moved children Joshua and Tylee to Rexburg, Idaho September 23: The last time Joshua was seen at his school in Idaho October: Activity found on a Venmo account that may belong to Tylee October 19: Chad Daybell's wife, Tammy Daybell, dies at their home in Rexburg. Officials rule her death to be of natural causes October 22: Tammy is buried in Springville, Utah Late October: Lori and Chad get married November 26: Out-of-state relatives ask Idaho police to perform a welfare check on Joshua. Lori and Chad claim he is in Arizona with a family friend. Police also learn Tylee has not been seen since September, either November 27: Police execute a search warrant at Lori and Chad's home, discovering the couple have fled the city December 11: Tammy Daybell's body is exhumed from the Utah cemetery December 12: Lori's brother, Alex Cox, believed to have died in Arizona Advertisement Kay and another family member have previously claimed that Lori had changed drastically in the past two years after she joined an alleged doomsday cult with Chad. Police have not confirmed the cult allegations. Lori and Chad have also been linked to three suspicious deaths of relatives in the last year. Lori's previous husband, Charles Vallow, Larry and Kay's son, was shot dead in Arizona in July. Charles and Lori were in the middle of a divorce at the time, and had gotten into an argument when the father came to pick up JJ at the mother's home in Chandler. Lori's brother, Alex Cox, intervened and fatally shot Charles. Cox was questioned by police, who initially determined he acted in self-defense. Lori and her children moved to Salem, Idaho, where Chad lived, in August. On October 19, Chad's previous wife Tammy died at their home. The 49-year-old's death was initially ruled as natural but is now being treated as suspicious, and her remains were exhumed on December 11 so an autopsy could be performed. Just two weeks after Tammy died, Chad and Lori tied the knot. Police now believe Tammy's death could be linked to the children's disappearance. The day after Tammy's body was exhumed, Cox died under undisclosed circumstances. His death, and that of Lori's estranged husband Charles, are both now under investigation. Lori's estranged husband Charles Vallow (pictured together) was shot dead by her brother, Alex Cox, after they got in an argument in July. Authorities initially determined that Cox acted in self-defense but reopened the investigation last month amid the search for Tylee and JJ Chad's then-wife Tammy (pictured together) died on October 19 at the couple's home in Salem. The cause of death was initially ruled as natural but is now in dispute after authorities exhumed her body on December 10 The Democratic majority of the state House and Senate is lining up behind a plan to charge the largest tractor-trailers to use Connecticuts bridges. Its taken a long time years to get to this compromised point. Thats because toll is a four-letter word that most legislators have been reluctant to tout and theres been a vocal and visible grassroots effort to keep tolls from returning to Connecticut. You might remember then-Gov. Dannel Malloys effort to slip into the Bond Commission a $10 million study of tolls before leaving office; it went nowhere. But Gov. Ned Lamont has been trying to make his CT2030 plan to spend $19 billion on transportation infrastructure over the next 10 years, first proposed in November, more palatable to legislators. Most recently, he scaled back tolling to only the 18-wheelers. Closed-door caucus meetings of both chambers Tuesday brought the sides closer to agreement. Theres no question that Connecticuts highways and bridges need repair and mass transit needs improvement. How to pay for the required work is the sticking point. Before any compromised plan comes to a vote in Hartford, however, two elements are imperative: More details must be provided and a public hearing must be conducted. Details include exactly how much revenue realistically could be projected by charging tolls on a dozen bridges to class 8 and higher tractor-trailers, and how could Connecticuts plan save it from a similar court challenge faced by Rhode Island over its trucks-only tolls? Other details include the responsibilities of a Transportation Oversight Board, namely whether that group could set tolls, which should remain the purview of the General Assembly. Exempting smaller trucks those that deliver oil, for example removes a central argument that truck tolling could cripple the local economy. The compromise is fairer as its the 18-wheelers that cause the most wear and tear on the highways. By limiting the size of trucks, however, less money will be collected about $170 million net annually vs $186 million and the public needs to know how that will affect the infrastructure repair plan. Citizens are highly engaged with the tolling issue, from demonstrators who are against any form of tolling to supporters who argue that out-of-state drivers using Connecticuts roads should help pay for them. Their concerns deserve to be aired in a public hearing before the General Assembly votes. They need to hear what safeguards would be in place to ensure that 18-wheeler tolls couldnt morph into car tolls, a safeguard that any politician considering reelection would also want. With details satisfied and a public hearing conducted, we support dealing with this controversial issue in a special session of the General Assembly this month. One might question why not wait until the new session opens on Feb. 5. But it is better to clear the air now and deal with this issue thats been hanging over the states head too long. At the turn of the 20th century, a rogue tiger terrorized the villages of Nepal and northern India. By the time British hunter Jim Corbett was called in, it had killed 434 people. In this week's episode of the Futility Closet podcast we'll describe Corbett's pursuit of the elusive cat, and his enlightened efforts to address the source of the problem. We'll also revisit a Confederate spy and puzzle over a bloody ship. Show notes Please support us on Patreon! Victorias Alpine regions will bear the brunt of Fridays expected spike in fire danger, with high country residents being told to leave early ahead of the extreme conditions that will begin building early on Thursday. Fire crews carrying out controlled burning near Corryong ahead of the expected return of fires later this week. Credit:Jason Edwards Residents of the Mallee, the north-east and East Gippsland are also being urged to consider seeking shelter in built-up areas, with those regions to experience either severe or very high fire danger conditions on Thursday and Friday. Emergency Service Minister Lisa Neville warned on Wednesday that dry lightning strikes were expected around the state in the coming days, with a strong chance that fresh fires would break out, adding to the 21 still burning. Controversy: Members of the Royal Irish Constabulary on parade in 1913 Plans for a controversial commemoration of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) are in tatters after the Government was humiliated into cancelling next week's gathering. Despite denying it amounted to a celebration of the infamous Black and Tans, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan capitulated to calls for the commemoration to be called off. His decision came within hours of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and other senior ministers stridently defending the plans. A blame game erupted within Government even before the decision was taken to postpone, with Mr Flanagan taking flak for pushing the plans to remember those who served with the RIC and Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP). Earlier, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin joined a boycott claiming the commemoration had been an "error in judgment". He accused the Government of causing "unnecessary controversy" by abandoning an approach of public consultation. His comments came as Independent ministers and Fine Gael TDs said they would also snub the event. Expand Close Charlie Flanagan Photo: Arthur Carron / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Charlie Flanagan Photo: Arthur Carron Mr Flanagan last night said he was determined the commemoration would take place at a later date, insisting: "It's the right thing to do." But he said that given the "disappointing response of some" he did not believe the event should go ahead next week and promised further consultation. There was scathing criticism of the plan to commemorate the RIC and DMP, which the British government reinforced with the notorious Black and Tans during the War of Independence. Ministers had insisted the event was recommended by an Expert Advisory Group in an apparent tempt to shift the blame. However, historian Diarmaid Ferriter, a member of the group, disputed this, maintaining it had not recommended such a ceremony. He said the group should not be used as a "mudguard" to provide cover for the Government "when it receives negative reaction to its solo runs in relation to commemoration". Mr Flanagan later rejected Mr Ferriter's suggestion that he misrepresented the group's position. Expand Close Members of the Black and Tans, an armed auxiliary force of the Royal Irish Constabulary. Photo: Topical Press Agency/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Members of the Black and Tans, an armed auxiliary force of the Royal Irish Constabulary. Photo: Topical Press Agency/Getty Images Meanwhile, there has been rumblings within Government over Mr Flanagan's role in the highly contentious commemoration. While Culture Minister Josepha Madigan is tasked with overseeing the Decade of Centenaries, it has been claimed Mr Flanagan is behind the proposal to hold the event. A source said it was "something that came from justice primarily" and claimed Mr Flanagan's department has been "managing this themselves to a large extent". However, the Irish Independent has learned that Ms Madigan chaired an all-party group, including Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail representatives, which discussed "appropriately acknowledging" the role of the RIC and the DMP at a meeting last April. Minutes from a meeting of the all-party consultation group on commemoration show that Sinn Fein TD Aengus O Snodaigh, who claimed on Monday the group had not been consulted about the commemoration, was in attendance. The minutes record that a number of specific themes were considered, including "appropriately acknowledging the role of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police". No dissent by attendees is recorded in the minutes of the meeting. But Mr O Snodaigh insisted last night that he and Fianna Fail members of the committee raised objections. Former culture minister Heather Humphreys - who oversaw a successful memorial for British troops who died in the 1916 Rising - denied her colleagues "dropped the ball" in the preparations for next week's ceremony. She was among ministers who defended plans just hours before they were abandoned. She said there were many Irishmen among the ranks of the RIC and DMP who "made the ultimate sacrifice". Ms Humphreys added: "They gave up their lives and it's important that we remember them." She insisted "we should not be conflating this with the Black and Tans and the Auxiliaries. That's wrong". As the controversy grew yesterday, the Taoiseach also mounted a defence of the commemoration, insisting "it's about remembering our history, not condoning what happened". He added: "We should be mature enough as a State to acknowledge all aspects of our past." However, Independent ministers Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Finian McGrath and Sean Canney all later came out and said they would not attend, as did Fine Gael TDs Noel Rock and Fergus O'Dowd. Mr McGrath said the event should be postponed and described the RIC and DMC as "an important part of the colonial power". New Delhi, Jan 8 : Amid protests against the CAA, the NRC and the NPR and violence in JNU, Congress Working Committee is meeting on Jan 11 at 3.30 p.m. to assess the political situation in the country. The party has already supported the protests and showed solidarity with student bodies who are spearheading the protests. Sources say that congress will come up with detailed plan on this issue and a statement regarding ongoing unrest in the country and high handedness of the government will also be released. The party chief ministers are likely to oppose officials with present format of NPR but final resolution will depend on the CWC. The Congress president has already condemned the violence and has sent a fact finding team to JNU. Sonia Gandhi in her statement had demanded judicial inquiry into the JNU violence. "The entire Congress Party stands in solidarity with India's youth and students. We strongly deprecate the sponsored violence in JNU and demand an independent judicial inquiry." "The voice of India's youth and students is being muzzled everyday. The horrifying and unprecedented violence unleashed on India's young by goons with active abetment of the ruling Modi government is deplorable and unacceptable", the statement said. Sonia Gandhi accessed the government that everyday campuses and colleges are raided across India, either by the police or lumpen elements with support of the BJP government. New Delhi: Barring West Bengal, the 24-hour Bharat Bandh called by 10 trade unions and some student organisations on Wednesday was peaceful in most parts of the country. Daily life was affected in Left ruled Kerala, West Bengal and parts of Punjab, were union workers stopped road and rail traffic. The bandh call coupled with protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, or CAA, and the National Register for Citizens (NRC) that are ongoing in various parts of the country. Protests were held by students at various campuses, including Delhi University, Jadhavpur University, Mumbai University, IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Mumbai, IIT-Ahmedabad, Panjab University, Patiala and Banaras Hindu University. EAST Incidents of violence and arson were reported from various parts of West Bengal with buses, a police vehicle and government properties being vandalised by strikers who tried to enforce the 24-hour bandh. A major protest was reported from Malda district, where tyres were burnt, government buses were ransacked and stones and crude bombs were hurled on police, who tried to control the mob. The police then lathi charged the mob, lobbed teargas shells and fired rubber bullets, officials said. In various parts of the state, railway tracks and roads were blocked, affecting normal life. Violence and rail blockade was reported from East Burdwan, East Midnapore, Cooch Behar districts and from Dum Dum, Jadavpur, Lake Town and parts of central Kolkata. In East Midnapore and Jadavpur, the police used batons to disperse the mob as crude bombs were found in the Barasat area of the North 24 Parganas district, police said. The strike also paralysed daily life as public transport was not available in most places in the state. However, flight services were normal at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Train services were partially affected in some sectors of the Sealdah, Howrah and Kharagpur sections because of obstruction by protesters. In Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, the impact of the strike was visible in the mining areas and the banking sector. North In northern India, the impact of the strike was felt mostly in Punjab, with mixed response in neighbouring Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The activists of several farmer associations asked traders at several places in Congress-ruled Punjab to keep their shops and business establishments closed. There were reports of a partial shutdown of shops and other establishments in Patiala, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Jalandhar and several other places. With the state-run roadways unions joining the strike, most buses were off the roads in Punjab and road and rail traffic was blocked in several places, such as Amritsar, Sangrur and Longowal. Most of the public sector banks were also closed. Students and teachers of Panjab University in Patiala joined the protest and did not allow others to enter the campus. They were protesting against violence at Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi. There was mixed response to the strike in Uttar Pradesh with no violence reported from anywhere. The impact could be seen in industrial towns such as Kanpur, Moradabad and Agra. South Nobel laureate and renowned biophysicist, Michael Levitt, was left stranded in a houseboat in Alappuzha on Wednesday after protestors stopped his boat for more than three hours even as the bandh crippled normal life in Kerala. Levitt, who won the 2013 Nobel Prize in chemistry, was on a three-day visit to the state. His boat was anchored near Alappuzha after a trip to Kumarakom. When it was about to leave the jetty, protestors gathered and threatened the crew. It was allowed to leave only after boat operators alerted officials. CITU leader, PP Chitaranjan, said since the tourism sector was exempted from the strike it should not have happened. He said the party will look into it. Similarly many tourists complained that their vehicles were blocked by strike supporters. Many pilgrims for the ongoing Sabarimala pilgrimage season were seen stranded. Vehicular traffic came to a standstill and shops and business establishments remained closed in many part of the state. In some places it was a forced shutdown, shop owners said. Earlier many trade bodies had announced their plan to open their shops but later they succumbed to the pressure of strikers. No violent incident was reported from the state. The strike had very little impact on daily life in the Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Except in nationalised banks and public sector undertakings, which remained closed as the employees stayed away from work, there was no major breakdown of any services. Work was halted at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), according to a trade union leader as over 30,000 employees stayed away from work. Activists of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) were prevented by police from stopping state-owned RTC bus services at Vijayawada, Guntur, Ongole, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam. The MPs of the Left parties were among 800 workers of trade unions arrested in Coimbatore even as the bandh had little impact in the rest of Tamil Nadu. Its effect was visible in Kanyakumari and Theni districts. Like other states, banking services were affected in Karnataka. WEST The impact of the bandh was only visible in industrial areas of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, where the presence of trade unions is strong, and in the banking sector. In Maharashtra, the impact was minimal except for nationalized banks, insurance companies, manufacturing units and some Public Sector Units. Thousands of workers gathered at Azad Maidan to show their solidarity to the strike. Localized demonstrations also took place in places like Lalbaug, Mahul, Andheri and Vile Parle. According to Vishwas Utagi, Co-convenor, Trade Unions Joint Action Committee (Maharashtra), which organised the strike, the whole aim was to dissuade any activity which will affect the common man. We were very clear that we will not organize Rasta Roko or use force to shut shops. We wanted people to voluntarily participate in this agitation and they did, said Utagi. In Gujarat, the impact could be seen in the industrial towns of Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara and Mehsana. Senior trade union leader, Amrish Patel, claimed that industrial production was hit in the state due to the strike. I have not come across a single incident of strike today. All factories and services are running without any interruption, said Bhavesh Lakhani, executive committee member of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In Rajasthan, the impact of the strike was seen in Sikar, Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts, where public transport was affected as roadways employees associated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) went on strike. CITU Rajasthan president, Ravindra Shukla, claimed the strike had been successful and received a good response. Workers of textile units in Reengus (Sikar), Bhawanimandi (Jhalawar) and of other units located in Jaipur participated in the strike. The strike impact was also visible in the krishi mandis of Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar, he said. Sectoral impact Workers from the mining sector, power and banking sector participated in large numbers. About 1.5 million power sector employees and engineers, including 25,000 in Uttar Pradesh, are on the strike, which is a success, Chairman of All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF), Shailendra Dubey said. Power sector employees are protesting against the Centres proposed amendments to the Electricity Act as well as other privatisation policies of the government, which they say are against the interest of consumers and employees. Mining activities in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh were affected because of the strike, claimed trade union leaders, even as officials said that the situation was normal in the sector. The strike called by four national trade unions in the coal belt on Wednesday evoked mixed response at the collieries of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and Eastern Coalfield Limited (ECL) in Jharkhand. The joint front of the trade unions convener, AK Jha, said production and dispatch of coal was badly affected and coal production fell by 60% to 70%. After marking their attendance, the miners came out from mines and railway siding (coal loading point). So management may claim miners presence but production and dispatch was hampered badly as miners supported the strike, said Jha. Director (personnel), Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), RS Mahapatra, said that there was no impact of trade unions strike as company registered normal attendance of miners in mines and posted normal production of coal in all shifts on Wednesday. The strike in the coal mines of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) located in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh was seen to have mixed effects but the strike in Manikpur under SECLs Korba area had a widespread impact. The strike was mixed in Gevra and Deepka mining areas of Korba district. Other trade unions are protesting the governments proposed changes to the labour laws. (With inputs from regional bureaus) Last summer, a Florida middle school science teacher brought his laptop into Best Buy for repairs. According to the Pasco County Sheriffs Office, William Crawford would never get to use it again. Thats because while the computer was being worked on, a Geek Squad member observed images consistent with child pornography, according to a police report. The images on the Toshiba Satellite included a prepubescent female showing her private parts. On Aug. 19, a Pasco deputy obtained a search warrant for the computer seized by the sheriffs department and investigators found more disturbing images, including an adult male engaging in sex acts with a prepubescent female, the complaint said. During the review of Crawfords computer, it was discovered he was a teacher when detectives noticed there was a personal photo of the suspect in a polo from John Long Middle School, a Pasco County sheriffs spokesman told the Miami Herald. The 69-year-old Wesley Chapel resident was arrested Tuesday on multiple charges of possession of child pornography. After he was read his rights, Crawford admitted to having the images on his computer, according to the sheriffs office. He resigned from the school immediately and remains in custody. Puerto Ricans were all too aware that the islands aging buildings, particularly its schools, were vulnerable to hurricane winds and flooding. But few had seriously thought they could also be destroyed by powerful earthquakes, which had been relatively rare in recent years. Some homes that were elevated to avoid storm surge a risk made apparent with the thousands of homes damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Maria in 2017 collapsed when the ground moved. On Tuesday, the education secretary, Eligio Hernandez, was quoted saying that up to 95 percent of the islands public schools were not built up to current earthquake building codes, despite Puerto Ricos location on the border of two tectonic plates. Classes have been suspended indefinitely so the buildings can be inspected. We are going to evaluate the totality of the agencys infrastructure, Mr. Hernandez said at a news conference. All of the schools were inspected after Maria by the Army Corps of Engineers, all of them, so they could operate. But he noted that schools built in the 1950s or 60s were designed to comply with older building codes that did not include modern seismic safety standards. Emilio Colon Zavala, an engineer who is the immediate past president of the Puerto Rico Builders Association, said the building code that required quake resilience was enacted in 1987. About 70 percent of the islands infrastructure, including more than 500 schools, was built before 1980, Mr. Colon said. A plan a decade ago to retrofit public schools ended after only about 100 schools were renovated, he said. Felix Rivera Arroyo, president of the Earthquake Commission of the Puerto Rico Engineers Association, said there was no law that required the more than 850 schools on the island to keep up-to-date with new code revisions. The key thing that the government can announce in the Union Budget would be to spur demand because there is a problem of consumption, said Rashesh Shah, chairman and CEO of Edelweiss Financial Services, adding that consumption has been the key engine for growth, and the Budget could be the time government could relax the fiscal deficit target, spend a little bit more, maybe cut taxes for the common man and spur consumption and demand. "The government has done quite a bit in the last few months including corporate tax, announcing a lot of schemes for liquidity, for non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), for the real estate sector. The last thing that is required is for the consumption to be spurred, said Shah from the sidelines of the Edelweiss Credit Conclave. Now consumption is at the center-stage and if we can get that going, investment will pick up after a few quarters, he added. My expectation would be that government does expand on the disinvestment programme and raise a lot of revenue through asset sales. Government, on one side should relax taxes and spur consumption and on the other side, try and sell assets to raise revenues for fresh investments into infrastructure. This should be the two-pronged approach for the annual budget. I hope they follow-through on this, said Shah in an interview with CNBC-TV18. When asked about his expectations from the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) in terms of rates cuts, he said, We were all hoping that central bank will cut rates in February again to bring down the cost of capital, but given the oil price uncertainty, it may not cut, and that could be a little bit of dampener from a liquidity and cost of credit point of view. On NBFCs, he said The last year was a crunch year for them. Especially, the July-September quarter, which was the hardest one because there was a lot of liquidity freezing that happened. However, in the last quarter that is October-December, things have significantly improved. We have seen a lot of NBFCs raise liquidity via bond issues. Even the bank credit has started flowing again." In the last week of the year, the government cleared the final clarifications on the partial credit enhancement schemes (PCGS), he said, adding that this quarter they expect about Rs 30,000-35,000 crore to flow from banks to NBFCS via the PCGS. So, hopefully by end of March, we will see a lot of liquidity coming into the system and also into NBFCs. Last year was a very difficult year but the last quarter, the greenshoots have started coming through and NBFC liquidity clearly has improved in the last three-four months," he said. According to him, liquidity is still not enough for growth to come back in a significant way for NBFCs, and so FY21 would still be a year of consolidation for NBFCs. "NBFCs will still be very calibrated in growth and maybe after that growth will come back. One more year of stabilisation but not distress anymore is what I expect going forward, he said. Source: CNBC-TV18 A 21-year-old woman allegedly committed suicide at her house in a village in Barabanki district. The family of the woman alleged that she took this extreme step under pressure from two influential persons, against whom they had lodged a rape case four months ago, police said. On Tuesday morning, the deceaseds mother spotted her body hanging from the ceiling of her room and informed the police. The police said woman was married and living separately due to some family issue. According to police, the deceaseds mother had filed a rape case four months ago against two person of neighbouring Semrava village. She had alleged Shivpaltan and Shivkumar of Semrava village raped her daughter. But, police did not lodge a case again the duo as they were influential people. Police said, later the woman and her daughter reached the court and it ordered to lodge a case under section 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC against both. However, the police said that the case was closed as the rape charges against them could not be proved by the complainant. Meanwhile, a written statement of the deceaseds father submitted to the police after her death, also stated that he did not have suspicion on anyone and it was a suicide case, said superintendent of police (SP) Akash Tomar. Earlier, the Shivpaltan and Shivkumar had lodged a case of fraud against the deceased woman and her mother. There are no evidences so far to prove the mothers allegations. Still, the investigation in the case is on, and if we come across anything as alleged, action will be taken, said the SP. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Police has got vital clues about the identities of masked men who attacked students at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) here and is on the verge of cracking the case, government sources said. Police personnel are on "extra alert" on Wednesday following the mobilisationof students and teachers on the university campus, they said. Violence broke out at JNU on Sunday night as a group of masked people armed with sticks and rods attacked students and teachers and damaged property on campus, prompting the administration to call in the police. At least 35 people, including JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh, were injured in the violence in the university. They were admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre here and discharged on Monday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Explorers Alaska 2009 - $6.95 per copy A special publication about oil and gas companies investing in Alaska's future; published November 2009. Check out to view PDF (free) Non-subscribers fill out contact form. The Explorers, an annual full-color magazine published in November of each year by Petroleum News, features both oil and gas companies exploring in Alaska, and the exploration history and geology of the state's hydrocarbon provinces. The oil and gas regions include both producing areas and non-producing provinces that are oil and/or gas-prone. The producing regions covered in two separate chapters in The Explorers are the Cook Inlet basin and Northern Alaska, which includes onshore and the Beaufort Sea. The non-producing regions are in three chapters' Interior Alaska basins; Alaska Peninsula and the North Aleutian basin; and the Arctic offshore. Maps for each province are included in The Explorers. Oil and gas explorers featured in the magazine include big producers such as BP, which is largely looking for new oil in existing fields; aggressive explorers such as ConocoPhillips and Anadarko, which also have Alaska production; small independent explorers such as Brooks Range, which is targeting smaller accumulations left behind by the bigger companies; and new North Slope producers such as Pioneer and Eni. Harris County Commissioners Court members on Tuesday unanimously supported the creation of a commission to advise the county on how to preserve African-American culture and heritage. As we tackle issues of justice and reform, we have to also look at our history, said County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who proposed the idea. Celebrating our history is a way in which we move forward. A half dozen county residents commended the court for pitching the plan, expressing a desire to protect sites important to local African-American history, such as cemeteries and churches, and preserve the character of historically black neighborhoods at risk of gentrification. Melody Fontenot of Barrett Station, an unincorporated community founded by freed slaves east of the San Jacinto River, said residents are wary as the countys explosive population growth makes the area more attractive for development. Property taxes already are rising, she said. Basically, what we have is eyes on our sleepy little town, said Fontenot, a descendant of the communitys founder, Harrison Barrett. Growth is a really good thing, but its critical now that we (ramp) up our efforts in preserving our heritage. Without formal protections, neighborhoods attractive to developers can transform quickly. The Chronicle in September portrayed the plight of Independence Heights, which in 1915 became first black community in Texas to incorporate. Located in northwest Houston just north of the Heights, many longtime residents have been forced out by rising property values. Expensive townhomes have replaced century-old bungalows. The neighborhoods metamorphosis mirrors that of Houstons Fourth Ward a generation earlier. Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, who as a Houston city councilman represented Independence Heights, said an advisory board could help identify neighborhoods to protect before it is too late. If you dont do these type of things, and provide the leadership then developers will build over history, and well lose it forever, he said. Commissioner Jack Cagle recalled the puzzlement of county workers who discovered a cross in one of Precinct 4s parks. With the help of archivists, they learned the site was a burial ground for slaves that had been forgotten about for decades. The county erected a sign explaining the site. Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, the only black member of the court, said the county already is working to preserve African-American history. He spearheaded the effort to erect a memorial to four men lynched in the county between 1890 and 1928. A formal advisory board, he contended, could help with similar commemorations in the future. South Union resident SisterMama Sonya said the commission also could ensure the county commemorates other African-American historical events and figures. She suggested members should include teachers, clergy and young people. We have Jack Yates. We have Emancipation Park. We have the Black Panther shootout on top of St. John Church, she said, referring to the community leader, oldest park in Texas and a 1970 gun battle between Third Ward residents and Houston police. There is so much heritage going on in this area, in Houston and Harris County, that people didnt even know about. Court members voted 5-0 to send the idea to the county attorney for review before the next meeting on Jan. 28. zach.despart@chron.com Jonty Bravery, pictured, who has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a six-year-old boy at the Tate Modern gallery was already on bail accused of assaulting his carer, a court has heard The man who threw a six-year-old boy off a tenth floor viewing gantry at the Tate Modern was already on bail after assaulting his carer on a day out in Brighton, a court heard. Jonty Bravery who admitted attempted murder at the Old Bailey went berserk in a fast food restaurant in the south coast city. Bravery was only 17 when he attacked and racially abused his carer, Brighton magistrates heard. Appearing by video link from Broadmoor where he is being held after pushing the six-year-old boy over a balcony at the London museum, Bravery wore a pink polo shirt and checked Bermuda shorts. He did not enter a plea. The court heard he was on unconditional bail following the attack on his carer in April last year. The boy was seriously injured after Bravery threw him from the 10th floor four months later. Asked if he understood the court proceedings, Bravery said: 'Yes, I would have been in the community if this case hadn't have happened. The court heard he was on a day trip to Brighton from his supported living accommodation in London escorted by his carer Tawfiq Ibrahim. He became agitated in a fast food restaurant and attacked Mr Ibrahim, the court heard, punching him several times, head butting and kicking. He suffered minor injuries. Security staff managed to get Bravery outside where he was arrested by Sussex Police. After refusing to respond to his name, he assaulted a custody officer and urinated on the floor of his cell, the court heard. Prosecutor Paul Lamb told the court: 'He became agitated at the fast food restaurant, suddenly hitting the tray of food onto the floor then attacked his carer. 'He suffered a small cut below eye, lump to forehead and broken glasses. Bravery was on bail at the time when he threw a six-year-old boy from a balcony at London's Tate Modern. He later admitted the boy's attempted murder Brighton Magistrates' Court refused to accept jurisdiction for Bravery's latest trial, where he stands accused of five counts of assault by beating, racially aggravated assault, assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage. He will appear at Lewes Crown Court next month 'The minor injury is by luck rather than design. 'The shift manager heard the words used and saw the attack. 'He attempted to intervene and was hit in the face.' Bravery continued to shout racial abuse in the street, Mr Lamb said. After failing to respond to his name he was the subject of regular welfare checks at the police custody suite in Brighton. 'The custody officer tried to wake him believing he was asleep. 'He resisted her and she feared for her safety,' Mr Lamb said. 'He swung his arm with closed fist, hitting her elbow. 'He swung his leg, hitting her back.' Bravery faces five counts of assault by beating, racially aggravated assault, assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage. Chair Shirley Vening said the magistrates would decline jurisdiction given the complex nature of the case and sent Bravery to appear again at Lewes Crown Court next month. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 20:54:15|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday declared the Syrian government's full solidarity with Iran and its right of self-defense, according to the state news agency SANA. The Syrian ministry said it supports Iran's right of self-defense facing the U.S. threats and the United States is held responsible for the escalation of the situation in the region, following the U.S. assassination of Iranian top commander Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. strike on Friday. It said the United States is responsible for all the repercussions of the escalated situation in the region, due to its reckless policy and arrogant mindset that make such actions. The United States should learn to give up the approach of subjugating others and trying to impose hegemony, it said. The remarks came after Iran launched missile strikes against two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. forces in retaliation for the airstrike that killed Soleimani. More than a dozen ballistic missiles targeted the al-Asad and Erbil military bases, the Pentagon said, and the U.S. officials were assessing the damage. Anglers have long complained that the boat ramp at Lewis Smith Dam -- located just north of Alabama 69 between Jasper and Cullman -- is lacking in facilities for tournaments, though its a favorite because of easy access and vast parking areas. The complaint will now go away thanks to volunteers from the Union Sportsmens Alliance and a partnership between B.A.S.S. and Alabama Power. Crews broke ground on a new public use weigh-in pavilion at the dam in late December. The pavilion will feature water access and the capacity to hold fish tanks to help reduce stress on fish and increase release survival rates at the weigh-in site. The covered facility also will provide shade for tournament weigh-in ceremonies, a welcome addition during the simmering summer months. This pavilion will provide a much-needed place for organizations to hold their weigh-ins, from local bass clubs to the largest Bassmaster Open tournaments, said B.A.S.S. Conservation Director Gene Gilliland. Alabama Power's support of this project, combined with the engineering expertise donated by the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources as part of their larger boat ramp renovation project and the incredible construction skills of the Union Sportsmens Alliance volunteers, are very much appreciated. The facility at the Lewis Smith Lake Dam Boat Ramp will be used by local recreational anglers as well as high school, college, amateur and professional tournaments. Construction on the project is being done by skilled volunteers from the Union Sportsmens Alliance, who see the project as an opportunity for their members to unite with the local community through conservation of outdoor heritage. Were proud to partner with B.A.S.S. and Alabama Power on this project, which will benefit Smith Lake anglers for years to come, said Union Sportsmens Alliance Conservation Manager Robert Stroede. Our union volunteers are passionate about the outdoors and conservation, and they enjoy sharing their time and trade skills giving back to their communities. The Smith Lake pavilion is the second tournament B.A.S.S. pavilion. In 2014, B.A.S.S., Alabama Power, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Shelby County and volunteers from the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation teamed up to open a weigh-in pavilion at Beeswax Landing on Lay Lake. The Smith Lake project is expected to be completed in early spring. This is a great example of a diverse group of entities coming together to achieve one goal. We are proud to be a part of this project and continue our mission of accessibility to the natural resources of our great state, said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Learn boating basics at Orange Beach Budding boaters might want to combine a spring visit to Orange Beach with a taste of the boating life at the Wharf Boat & Yacht Show March 20-22, where several on-the-water training courses will be available. The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water together with Freedom Boat Club Gulf Coast and the Wharf Boat & Yacht Show, offers two at-the-helm on-water training courses for beginners and women. Taught aboard single-engine powerboats and offered in morning and afternoon, Intro to Boating and Women Making Waves are three-hours each, priced at $129 including show admission. Class size is limited to four students per vessel ensuring each student gets sufficient time at the helm under the watchful eye of a U.S. Coast Guard-certified instructor. Intro to Boating covers shifting and steering, basic docking, open-water handling and basic navigation. The ladies-only course Women Making Waves offers the same curriculum and is an opportunity to spend a half day learning boat-handling techniques, according to BoatUS. Both courses will be offered Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 22, at 10:30 a.m. Location is 4851 Wharf Parkway in Orange Beach. Students must be 21 years or older. All of the course details and signup can be found at BoatUS.org/OrangeBeach. For details on the Wharf Boat Show visit http://www.wharfboatshow.com/. BoatUS Foundation also offers on-water courses in other venuesfor a complete list, go to BoatUS.org/On-Water. Alice Neel, Alice Childress (detail; 1950). Photo: Estate of Alice Neel, David Zwirner, New York/London; Collection of Art Berliner Fame, at least lasting fame the your-work-goes-down-in-history kind, often accompanied by fat royalty payments is a club that thinks of itself as an unbiased meritocracy, blind to everything but aesthetic innovation and popular success. Its never quite worked out that way. When we look at the past, we still see generations of great talents who never quite got their due critically or commercially, many of them left relatively unsung. In this ongoing series, our critics pick artists they feel remain underappreciated and tell their stories and sing their praises. When she was living in Harlem, the portraitist Alice Neel painted Alice Childress. In the 1950 picture, the playwrights strapless dress deep electric blue and rustling with taffeta is rendered in thick, almost crayoned strokes. The medallion around her neck looks cloudy and distorted; the flowers behind her are Impressionist smudges. But her head, topped with a sweet little red hat, is outlined as finely as a Pre-Raphaelite profile. Childress is serene and queenly, gazing inward while looking out a window. Any list of great American playwrights is incomplete without Alice Childress her cool eye saw deep into history, into the theater, into blackness, into whiteness. She has been credited with many firsts: the first black woman playwright to have a professional Equity cast (in 1952 for Gold Through the Trees), one of the first to direct her own work Off Broadway, the first to win an Obie (in 1956 for Trouble in Mind, though the early Obie records are shoddy and its not clear if she in fact actually won). She talked about her historic position in 1972. I just hate to see the first Negro, the first black, the first one, she said. Its almost like its an honor rather than a disgrace. We should be the 50th and the 1,000th by this point. And yet, writes her anthologist, Kathy A. Perkins, she was conscious of having prepared the way for others. Everyone should be reviving Childresss work. The dramas are powerful body blows full of beautifully observed human detail, hard swings in several genres. In a career of mostly realistic plays, she also wrote epic pageantry like the history-making Gold Through the Trees. (The title is from Harriet Tubmans recollection of escaping into Pennsylvania: When I found I had crossed that line, I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. There was such a glory over everything; the sun came like gold through the trees, and over the fields, and I felt like I was in Heaven.) Tubman appears in one scene, as do a woman from Ur, a slavers assault on a kingdom in West Africa, and a village in apartheid South Africa. Though theyre rarely revived, such music-filled, episodic revues of black life were a notable form in that era: Shirley Graham Du Bois wrote one (1932s Tom Tom: An Epic of Music and the Negro), and so did Zora Neale Hurston. But Gold Through the Trees slides from realism into poetry and back in a way that feels very modern. It will remind some of Ntozake Shanges for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf. Childress was writing a choreopoem before that was a term. Alice Childress Playwright (191694) After running for 91 performances at the Greenwich Mews Theatre in 1956 (the New York Times raved it was an original play, full of vitality and well worth the trip downtown), her play Trouble in Mind was to move to Broadway, but it never made it. According to a 1957 Times article, it was to be renamed So Early Monday Morning. Her two masterpieces, though, are realistic: Trouble in Mind and Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White (1966). The latter is wry, bracing, romantic and then bitter as gall. In Wedding Band, the barrier to marriage between Julia, a seamstress, and Herman, her longtime white lover, in 1918 seems primarily external: Miscegenation was still illegal in the World War Iera South. But when Herman falls ill and his vicious mother comes to pry him loose, we see how deeply racist tyranny corrodes. Herman adores Julia, and he means well. But lessons he learned as a child come out, and she finally rouses to fury. Out! Out!, Julia shouts. Name and protection he cant gimme either one. Im gon get down on my knees and scrub where they walked what they touched with brown soap hot lye-water clean the whiteness outta my house! Wedding Band feels very much like a precursor to Jeremy O. Harriss Slave Play in the way it razors away sentiment and probes illegal interracial love. But it has none of Slave Plays insouciance; instead, it is completely earnest and heartbroken. If people have seen a contemporary Childress production, its probably Trouble in Mind, which has a sturdy recent history Two River Theater, the Yale School of Drama, PlayMakers Rep, the Intiman though, absurdly, it has never come to Broadway. (Producers showed interest when she wrote it, but only if she changed the ending.) Having been an actress with the American Negro Theater, Childress drew on her life for this knife-sharp backstage comic drama that touches on labor issues, New York segregation, white liberal derailing, intergenerational conflict, and the artists soul. Her strategy was to construct a sort of new commedia by filling the plays rehearsal room with archetypes we recognize: the up-and-coming Sidney Poitier wannabe, the white director who is sure his play will solve racism, the naive I-dont-see-color ingenue, the seething stage manager. Amid all their hilarious (and pointed) predictability is Wiletta, a beautiful, tragic character a middle-aged black actress struggling in a changing world that still keeps her down. Ive always wanted to do somethin real grand, she says. To stand forth at my best. Its a sublime part that requires a woman of experience, and Wiletta ought to be the plum at the peak of a great career, the way Willy Loman is for men. Why didnt Childress stay a theatrical household name? Like Hurston, she became a novelist, successful with books like A Hero Aint Nothin But a Sandwich, later made into a film. She wrote a screenplay about Fannie Lou Hamer (unproduced), a musical about the Sea Islands called Gullah, a bioplay about Moms Mabley. But despite working well into the 1980s, Childress never got the mainstream cultural penetration of, say, her contemporary Lorraine Hansberry. Perhaps its because Childress wrote plays that centered on black women or because Poitier never starred in a movie of her play (as he did with A Raisin in the Sun) or because Broadway producers kept optioning her work and then killing the productions because she refused to make them less risky. Its enough, probably, to simply say that her omission from the Broadway stage and the American syllabus is unjust and ought to be remedied. *This article appears in the January 6, 2020, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now! Ocean shipping begins the year with unusually high optimism in the crude-tanker sector and very strong sentiment in the product-tanker and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) segments. But fundamentals in markets outside of petroleum transport are not nearly as firm, and in general, ocean shipping boasts a long history of surprises to the downside. As Robert Bugbee, president of Scorpio Tankers(NYSE: STNG) and Scorpio Bulkers (NYSE: SALT), once said in an interview: "There have always been events in shipping you can't foresee ... wonderful and terrifying things. World events smash us to the floor and inflict amazing pain, then we have great things happen and we're back to making money again." In a high-stakes business that's this unpredictable, it's vital to keep a sharp watch on the top variables and wild cards you can foresee, and mentally prepare yourself to be surprised by those you can't. Following are some of the most important "devil's advocate" questions for ocean shipping to consider in 2020: What Will Happen With Demand? Shipping has an unusually visible supply side because it takes 18-24 months from the signing of a newbuilding contract to the vessel hitting the water. This leads many market watchers to focus more on the measurable supply side than on the unpredictable demand side despite the fact that big rate moves often derive from unexpected demand changes. Consider dry bulk shipping. At this time last year, dry bulk was widely expected to do very well in 2019. It didn't because vessel demand collapsed. A catastrophic mining accident choked off Brazilian iron-ore exports to China; weather battered the U.S. corn harvest; the African swine flu wiped out millions of pigs in China, and with them, a good chunk of the country's soybean demand; both the swine flu and the trade war slashed U.S. soybean exports; and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices plunged, accelerating coal-to-gas switching in Europe and curbing U.S. coal exports. No one could have predicted such a confluence of negative demand drivers when writing a dry bulk outlook in early January 2019. Story continues The top vessel-demand-related questions for 2020: Will there be a global recession and/or a sharp downturn in China? Every passing year without a financial crisis makes it easier to forget, but shipping rates and equities are particularly vulnerable to this risk. Why is it "different this time" for product tankers?A demand rebound has been predicted virtually every year of the past decade but has failed to materialize. After a spike in October-November, rates remain strong but are now back below year-ago levels. How much downside demand risk does the crude-tanker sector face? The Middle East-to-China trade has been a major driver of recent demand strength, but China's economy is slowing and January-November 2019 Chinese automobile sales were down 10% year-on-year. Will Gopolitics Be A Positive Or Negative? Ocean shipping rates are acutely affected by geopolitical events. The crude-tanker sector was the poster child of geopolitical upside in 2019. Crude tankers were sabotaged in the Gulf of Oman; Iran arrested a British-flagged tanker; an airstrike heavily damaged Saudi oil facilities; the U.S. sanctioned China's COSCO, a key owner in the crude-tanker sector; and an Iranian tanker was attacked in the Red Sea. No one writing a tanker outlook a year ago today could have predicted this confluence of events, which propelled crude-tanker spot rates to 0,000 per day in early October. And of course, geopolitical issues are not always good for rates trade wars are a case in point. The most pressing geopolitical questions for 2020: Will America's killing of a top Iranian general precipitate a military conflict between Iran and the U.S.? Despite near-term upside for tanker rates, could the worst-case scenario emerge, in which a large volume of crude, products, LNG and LPG is blocked from transiting the Strait of Hormuz? Is the phase-one trade agreement between the U.S. and China for real, and even if it is, is it a game-changer? If not, container markets in particular could suffer more demand destruction, and the chances of a global economic slowdown could increase. Will IMO 2020 Play Out As Predicted? The IMO 2020 rule, which is now in effect, requires all ships without exhaust-gas scrubbers to burn fuel with low sulfur content, either new fuels with 0.5% sulfur known as very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) or 0.1% sulfur marine gas oil (MGO). The questions raised: Will the new VLSFO blends actually work? Reports are already surfacing of excessive sediment in new VLSFOs. On one hand, VLSFO-related breakdowns remove vessel supply to the benefit of rates. On the other hand, the owners of the ships suffering VLSFO-related snafus would be negatively affected. Will shipowners really be able to pass along the cost of VLSFO/MGO to cargo shippers? In markets where the supply/demand balance favors cargo shippers, this may not necessarily be possible. Thanks to IMO 2020, the cost of marine fuel has now doubled year-on-year, based on bunker prices in Singapore. On Jan. 3, 2019, the price of 3.5% heavy fuel oil (HFO) was $363 per ton; the price of VLSFO on Jan. 3, 2020 was $724 per ton. Will scrubber upside take longer to play out than expected? Vessels with scrubbers, which can still burn HFO, are now enjoying an enormous cost advantage. As of Jan. 3, Clarksons Platou Securities estimated that VLCCs (very large crude carriers; tankers that can carry 2 million barrels of crude oil) with scrubbers could save $24,300 per day in fuel costs and Capesizes (bulkers with capacity of around 180,000 deadweight tons) could save $10,000 per day. But scrubbers are being installed on less than a fifth of the global fleet, and there have been extensive installation delays at the shipyards, pushing completion timelines well into 2020. Vessels tied up in the shipyards for installations are not earning revenue. To the extent installations are completed, true profit upside won't come for at least a year, as installation cost must be recouped. Furthermore, scrubber ships are not yet showing year-on-year fuel cost savings. The price of HFO in Singapore on Jan. 3, 2020 was $367 per ton virtually unchanged from one year prior. Will Newbuilding Orders Remain Muted? Much of today's bullishness toward shipping stems from the slow pace of new vessel ordering. Executives including Bugbee and Lois Zabrocky, CEO of International Seaways (NYSE: INSW), believe concerns over premature obsolescence are constraining orders. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) plans to implement new rules to meet greenhouse-gas (GHG) emission-reduction targets for the year 2050. The concern is that a new ship ordered today would be rendered obsolete by IMO 2050 rules before the end of the vessel's 25-year lifespan. The questions to consider: Will orders ensue anyway? As panelists noted at the recent Marine Money forum in New York, some owners will order newbuildings despite the obsolescence risk, on the premise that they will earn enough before the ship becomes noncompliant. Other owners will order because they don't believe the IMO 2050 GHG rules will be implemented. Will new orders for transitional designs spur future overcapacity? Whatever the IMO 2050 rule turns out to be, it's widely accepted that LNG and LPG will be allowed as transitional fuels. If LNG- and LPG-fueled newbuild designs become more economical, will orders featuring these transitional designs create overcapacity (similar to how orders for fuel-efficient "eco" ships did earlier in the past decade)? Will shipbuilding nations support their yards? The vast majority of commercial ships are built in China, South Korea and Japan. If the forward orderbook sinks too low, shipbuilding nations can support their yards through contracts by state-linked shipowners using state-backed financing. Such orders offer another strategic advantage to these nations, as well: Flooding the market with new capacity lowers a country's cost to transport commodities and containerized goods. These newbuilding-related questions won't affect capacity in 2020, but the answers should become clearer this year and that clarity should either positively or negatively affect sentiment and equity prices in the near term. More FreightWaves/American Shipper articles by Greg Miller Image by Pexels from Pixabay 0 See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 19:59:06|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close Wang Chuanfeng (L) and Kengo Kuma pose for photos in front of Wang Chuanfeng Museum in Tokyo, Japan, Jan. 8, 2020. Designed by globally acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma, a private art museum named after Chinese artist Wang Chuanfeng opened Wednesday in Ginza district in downtown Tokyo. The Wang Chuanfeng Museum aims to promote Chinese art and contributes to the cultural exchange between China and the world. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi) TOKYO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Designed by globally acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma, a private art museum named after Chinese artist Wang Chuanfeng opened Wednesday in Ginza district in downtown Tokyo. The Wang Chuanfeng Museum aims to promote Chinese art and contributes to the cultural exchange between China and the world. Situated in Ginza, the five-story building has an exterior wall covered by aluminum alloy bars to display the sensitiveness of Wang's artwork and blend the museum with the surrounding context of Ginza, according to Kengo Kuma, Wang's long-time friend. Data shows that one square meter of land in the district's center is worth over 10 million yen (92,020 U.S. dollars), making it one of the most expensive real estate in Japan. Wang is a Chinese artist born in east China's Shandong Province. He lived in Japan for almost 30 years. Fish, the focus of his artwork, has won him world popularity, and a series of his work on fishes has been chosen to be the commemorative stamp of the 30th anniversary of Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan in 2008. In 2011, he was named as the "Envoy of friendship between Japan and China" by the Chinese government. The inaugural exhibition displays over 20 pieces of Wang's artwork dating back to 1990s. Wang said in the future he will rotate the theme every two or three months to attract more outstanding artists worldwide and to connect China to the bigger world. "Wang Chuanfeng is a kind of bridge between Japan and China, and the museum will activate the cultural exchange because this year many foreigners will come to Ginza, and if they find time to visit this museum, they will find the common philosophy between Japan and China," said Kuma. An introductory editorial and an article of a unique publication type are already made available in the next-generation journal The open-access Food Modelling Journal (FMJ) was launched by the AGINFRA+ community and Pensoft with the aim to encourage food science specialists, agronomists and computer scientists to come together and work on assuring and improving food supply, quality and safety in our globalised and rapidly changing world. The Food Modelling Journal will be focusing on the publication of information objects and digital resources in the food science field, related (but not limited) to: food safety, food quality, food control, food defence and food design, documenting experimental or observational data and mathematical models. By providing a platform and tools for describing scientific records and crediting for dedicated models, data, data analytics workflows and software, FMJ fosters the overall reproducibility and reusability of research. FMJ also aims to shed light on what we refer to as research objects - data, software scripts, visualisation routines or models. Usually, they would stay undervalued, underused and uncredited, despite their importance for the scientific progress. The focus and scope of the journal are supported by a number of specific key features: Quality but not quantity Cross-disciplinary approach Open data and software code policy Rapid turnaround time Advanced open access and machine-readability. It should be noted that the Open Science movement and the barrier-free access to research, is at the heart of the FMJ project. To support its authors, the AGINFRA+ community, Pensoft and Food Modelling Journal have provided them access to the ARPHA Writing Tool, where researchers are able to work together with their co-authors, colleagues and peers on manuscripts from the drafting stage to publication. A particularly appealing feature, meant to promote reproducibility, collaboration and openness in science, is the executable papers, where users can reproduce research findings using the published model and running it either with default or new parameters. By clicking an "Execute" button within the body of the article, users are taken to an external virtual environment where they will be able to execute the computation. By 'encapsulating' all the details needed to perform the action within the paper, this feature ensures that the published findings will remain testifiable in the future. "While the long-lasting tradition in science used to focus on crediting researchers' work through conventional research articles and especially by counting their citations, many exciting, useful and often invaluable products of the research cycle, such as data, software scripts, visualisation routines or models (usually called "research objects") normally stay undervalued, underused and uncredited, despite their importance for scientific progress," note the editorial board in the introductory editorial. "The consequences of this neglect of the initial and intermediate steps of the research cycle in favour of the research articles or research books are obvious: scientists often repeat efforts done by others instead of using these as a stepping stone for further analyses and generating new knowledge, let alone the impossible or restricted reproducibility and reusability of research results," they add. The first paper of a unique publication type: FSKX (Food Safety Knowledge), is already publicly accessible in the journal. Classified as an early research outcome, the article presents a new generic model for assessing the risk of salmonellosis associated with the consumption of table eggs. To ensure the reusability of the model, the research team of Virginie Desvignes (ANSES - French Food Safety Agency) have made it available in the Food Safety Knowledge Markup Language (FSK-ML) format alongside the executable model script, visualisation script and simulation settings. FSK-ML is an open information exchange format that is based on harmonised terms, metadata and controlled vocabulary to harmonise annotations of risk assessment models and that was significantly improved and extended during the AGINFRA+ project. ### Food Modelling Journal is indexed by BASE, CNKI, CrossRef, Dimensions, Google Scholar, J-Gate, Mendeley, Microsoft Academic, Naviga (Softweco), OCLC WorldCat, OpenAIRE, OpenCitations, ReadCube, Transpose, Ulrichsweb and Unpaywall; and archived at CLOCKSS, Zenodo and Portico. Follow Food Modelling Journal on Twitter and Facebook. Additional information: About AGINFRA+ AGINFRA+ aims to exploit core e-infrastructures such as EGI.eu, OpenAIRE, EUDAT and D4Science, towards the evolution of theAGINFRA data infrastructure, so as to provide a sustainable channel addressing adjacent but not fully connected user communities around Agriculture and Food. To this end, the project will develop and provide the necessary specifications and components for allowing the rapid and intuitive development of variegating data analysis workflows, where the functionalities for data storage and indexing, algorithm execution, results visualization and deployment are provided by specialized services utilizing cloud based infrastructure(s). Furthermore, AGINFRA+ aspires to establish a framework facilitating the transparent documentation and exploitation and publication of research assets (datasets, mathematical models, software components results and publications) within AGINFRA, in order to enable their reuse and repurposing from the wider research community. About ARPHA: ARPHA is the first end-to-end, narrative- and data-integrated publishing solution that supports the full life cycle of a manuscript, from authoring to reviewing, publishing and dissemination. ARPHA provides accomplished and streamlined production workflows that can be customized according to the journal's needs. The platform enables a variety of publishing models through a number of options for branding, production and revenue models to choose from. About Pensoft: Pensoft is an independent academic publishing company, well-known worldwide for its innovations in the field of semantic publishing, as well as for its cutting-edge publishing tools and workflows. In 2013, Pensoft launched the first ever end to end XML-based authoring, reviewing and publishing workflow, as demonstrated by the Pensoft Writing Tool (PWT) and the Biodiversity Data Journal (BDJ), now upgraded to the ARPHA Publishing Platform. Flagship titles include: Research Ideas and Outcomes (RIO), One Ecosystem, ZooKeys, Biodiversity Data Journal, PhytoKeys, MycoKeys and many more. The presidents of Turkey and Russia inaugurated the dual natural gas line connecting their countries Wednesday, opening up a new export path for Russian gas into Turkey and Europe and promising cooperation in trade and diplomacy. The meeting in Istanbul between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russia's Vladimir Putin came amid deteriorating security in the Mideast, with US-Iranian tensions high since the American killing of a top Iranian commander last week. In a joint statement, they vowed to work for de-escalation. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Putin hailed the TurkStream gas pipeline as a symbol of fruitful cooperation between Russia and Turkey and a "unique, unprecedented system for transporting gas" that would benefit all of Europe. With TurkStream, Russian gas passes through the Black Sea to Turkey. Together, the two 930-kilometer (578-mile) lines under the Black Sea, along with the Russian and Turkish onshore pipes, have the capacity to carry 31.5 billion cubic meters (1.1 trillion cubic feet) of natural gas annually. Russia is the top gas supplier to Turkey, which relies on imports for its energy needs. TurkStream allows Russia to bypass Ukraine by opening up a new direct transport line to Turkey, in addition to the Blue Stream line also under the Black Sea further east. The simmering conflict between Moscow and Kyiv has prompted Russia to seek alternative gas routes to Europe. From Turkey, Russian gas will reach southern and southeastern Europe through new and existing lines. Turkstream has already begun transporting gas but the two leaders turned a symbolic valve in the ceremony. Erdogan said the historic project was a key example of Turkey and Russia's win-win cooperation and a basis for future projects. The opening of the TurkStream pipeline comes amid tensions over another ambitious Russian project, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is supposed to allow Russia to transport natural gas directly to Europe, again bypassing Ukraine. Late last year, construction of Nord Stream from Russia to Germany was halted after US President Donald Trump signed off on sanctions against individuals and companies involved with it. Immediately after that, a Swiss company laying the pipeline suspended work on it. Turkey is also part of a race to explore oil and gas in the eastern Mediterranean, where it fears being excluded from resources around the ethnically split island of Cyprus. A maritime deal it signed with the Tripoli-government in Libya heightened tensions in the region over exploratory and drilling rights. In the ceremony Wednesday, Erdogan also vowed to work diplomatically to calm soaring tensions between Washington and Tehran. "No one has the right to throw the region, especially Iraq, into a new ring of fire for their personal gains," he said. Iran targeted with missiles Iraqi bases where American troops are stationed in retaliation for Friday's American drone strike that killed Iranian Gen Qassem Soleimani. The escalation risks open conflict between the two rivals. "We will be in constant dialogue and consultation with the Russian Federation and my dear friend Mr Putin. God willing, with help of our Russian friends support and contributions, I believe we will overcome this troubled phase," Erdogan said. Erdogan and Putin talk and meet often, cooperating on trade, energy and defense industries. Their close partnership is a dramatic reversal from 2015, when diplomatic relations hit rock bottom with Turkey's downing of a Russian fighter jet along the border with Syria. Their increased cooperation has worried Turkey's NATO allies, especially with Moscow's delivery of a Russian-made missile defense system to a base near Ankara over the summer. In a closed-door meeting before the ceremony, the two leaders also discussed Syria and Libya. Putin is in Turkey following a visit to Damascus where he met Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has re-established control in much of Syria with Russian and Iranian backing. Turkey, in contrast, has supported the rebels opposing Assad and has carved out zones of control in Syria's north. The Syrian government's all-out offensive to retake rebel-held Idlib has pushed hundreds of thousands of civilians towards the closed Turkish border, risking a major new refugee flow into Turkey. "We underscore the necessity to establish calm in the Idlib de-escalation area by fully implementing all agreements on Idlib," the two leaders said in a joint written statement. The two leaders also called for a January 12 cease-fire in war-torn Libya even though they backed different sides in the North African nation. Turkey is supporting the embattled UN-recognised government in Tripoli and has begun sending Turkish soldiers into Libya for training and coordination, while Russia has backed the rival eastern-based forces of Gen Khalifa Hifter. Their statement also expressed support for dialogue in Libya. "Unfortunately, the situation in the region we are at tends to escalate. But Turkey and Russia are demonstrating different examples examples of cooperation for the sake of our nations and all of Europe, Putin said at the ceremony. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A DMK MLA on Tuesday tore a copy of Governor Barwarilal Purohit's address to the Assembly and put it on the table of Speaker P Dhanapal following which he was suspended till Thursday. The incident occurred when the principal opposition party legislator, J Anbazhagan, speaking on the motion of thanks to the Govenor for his address, raised a point on government's performance parameters. Intervening, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said Tamil Nadu has been given the prime position for its performance by the Central government and a magazine in its survey. Governor Purohit's address on Monday said: "It is a matter of great pride to all of us that Tamil Nadu has secured the first position among 18 big States in the composite ranking in the good governance index by the Government of India..." Also, the address had referred to a magazine's survey which adjudged the State as the Overall best performing State for the second consecutive year. After he ended his speech, the DMK MLA walked up to Speaker's podium, tore up the address and placed it on his table and walked away. Initially, Dhanapal, suspended him for the rest of the session for obstructing the House proceedings. However, subsequently, the suspension was cut to the current sitting of Assembly till January 9. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A group of 5,000 reps from a Chinese health food company arrived in Korea on Tuesday for a six-day reward trip. They are the biggest single group of Chinese tourists to arrive here since Beijing imposed an unofficial ban on group tours to Korea in March 2017. The Korea Tourism Organization said Tuesday that the employees of Yi Yong Tang, based in Shenyang, are visiting Seoul and Incheon as an incentive from their employer. The visit is the latest in a string of such trips that are returning to Korea since the ban was partially lifted. Last month, 3,300 reps of a cosmetics company in Shanghai came here. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Korea peaked at 8.07 million in 2016, but declined by half to 4.17 million during the boycott in 2017. It recovered to 4.79 million in 2018 and reached 5.51 million last year. But this does not signal a full-fledged lifting of the ban on so-called zero-dollar package tours, where groups visit practically for free but are then herded from one shopping opportunity to another. With the exception of Shanghai and few other regions, most other areas still prohibit group tours to Korea. Major Chinese tourism agencies have yet to re-list package tours to Korea on their websites. By Shadia Nasralla LONDON (Reuters) - Premier Oil is set to buy North Sea assets from BP and increase its stake in the Tolmount gas project, funded by a $500 million (379.97 million pounds) rights issue, but faces opposition from hedge fund ARCM, which vowed to fight the plans. Shares in UK-based Premier surged as much as 19% after it said on Tuesday that it plans to buy stakes in the Andrew and Shearwater oilfields from BP for $625 million and increase its stake in the Tolmount project in a deal with South Korea's Dana worth $191 million. The acquisitions are the latest in a string of deals moving North Sea assets from oil majors to smaller groups, and Premier said the deals would generate more than $1 billion in free cash flow by the end of 2023, boost its output to more than 100,000 boed and add 82 million barrels of reserves and resources to its portfolio. Its shares were up by around 17% at 118.5 pence by 1207 GMT, after hitting 120.70, their highest in over a year. The deals would be backdated to January 2019, shaving off Premier's access to cash flow for the period until the deal closes, but also depressing the actual price it expects to pay to around $500 million. The equity raise "has been fully underwritten on a standby basis", existing cash and, if needed, a loan of $300 million, Premier said. The raise could also allow for new shareholders to buy into Premier. Premier had also announced an extension of its debt maturity timeline by over two years to the end of November 2023. Premier, which had a market capitalisation of around $1.1 billion before the announcements, has a debt pile of around $2 billion. Premier's shares gained 47% in 2019, boosted by Mexican oil discoveries and the performance of its Catcher oilfield in the North Sea. Chief Executive Tony Durrant said that the response from major shareholders for the plans announced on Tuesday was "extremely positive". Story continues Premier said it was confident it had enough support from 75% of its creditors to get permission for the transactions at a so-called Scheme of Arrangement Court meeting, for which no date has been set yet. But ARCM, which has had a growing short position in Premier shares since 2017, reaching around 17% of the oil group's stock - around four times higher than the average for London-listed firms - rejected the plans. ARCM, describing itself as Premier's largest creditor at 15% of its debt instruments, said it would "take all steps" to oppose the deals, objecting to Premier's focus on North Sea gas assets, when Europe is importing more gas from Russia and the United States, and warning of increasing decommissioning liabilities for indebted Premier. Premier said it expected to confirm details of the issue in the first quarter. In a string of announcements on Tuesday, Premier's partner in the Sea Lion project off the Falklands Islands, Rockhopper , said they had signed a preliminary deal for Navitas Petroleum LP to buy a 30% stake. The new partnership will reduce Premier's obligations to build Sea Lion to around $285 million from $500 million, Durrant said. "Today's announcements have the potential to transform it into one of the more investible names in the space," said BMO analyst David Round. "Not only will these deals add scale and growth, but importantly Premier's deleveraging will accelerate towards much more manageable levels." (Reporting by Shadia Nasralla; Editing by Jason Neely/Louise Heavens/Susan Fenton) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) New York, United States Wed, January 8, 2020 15:07 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3215da0f 2 People Prozac-Nation,united-states,author,books,Elizabeth-Wurtzel,Literature Free Elizabeth Wurtzel -- author of the highly acclaimed 1994 memoir Prozac Nation: Young and Depressed in America -- died in New York on Tuesday, US media reported. She was 52. The cause of death was metastatic breast cancer, The New York Times said, quoting writer David Samuels, a long-time friend of Wurtzel's. Wurtzel had undergone a double mastectomy, but the breast cancer metastasized to her brain, The Washington Post said, citing her husband, Jim Freed. Wurtzel announced in 2015 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, writing in an article for Vice that she carried the BRCA gene mutation. But she said it was "nothing" compared to her recovery from drug addiction, which she described as "the most difficult thing I have ever put myself through". Wurtzel's candid memoir, released when she was 27, was lauded for drawing attention to and starting conversations about clinical depression. She was praised for her explicit, no holds barred writing in Prozac Nation, which takes its name from an antidepressant. Wurtzel's detailing of her mental health struggles and battle with drugs also paved the way for a whole genre of confessional memoirs. In a September 1994 review, New York Times book critic Michiko Kakutani described the book as "wrenching and comical, self-indulgent and self-aware". "Prozac Nation possesses the raw candor of Joan Didion's essays, the irritating emotional exhibitionism of Sylvia Plath's Bell Jar and the wry, dark humor of a Bob Dylan song," wrote the reviewer. The book was adapted into a feature film, released in 2001 and starring Christina Ricci. As tensions between the U.S. and Iran heighten, President Donald Trump defended last weeks airstrike killing top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, telling reporters in the Oval Office that his order saved a lot of lives. In an interview with Yahoo Finance before Iran fired missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq early Wednesday, president of Geopolitical Futures George Friedman says right now that Iran is scrutinizing its intelligence infrastructure. Right now what the Iranians are doing is trying to examine their entire intelligence infrastructure to find out how [Soleimanis location] leaked, Friedman told Yahoo Finances The Ticker. Because that really is the mystery of this. Not that there was the attack, but that the Iranians seem to be penetrated. The Department of Homeland Security has warned that Iran has a history of cybercrime, causing defense and intelligence officials to brace for the possibility of a counter attack. Last week, a group claiming to be Iranian hackers broke into a federal government library website, but the FBI has not confirmed the hack to be legitimate. I don't really see [cyber hacks] as a response, Friedman says. A normal response for Iranian intelligence is two things: One, they wait quite a while before carrying out their response, and two, they attack on a populated area, trying to cause as many casualties as possible. The Trump administration says it is clear that Soleimani was building a network to potentially attack Americans. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo doubled down on the decision on Tuesday, saying the Department of Defense got it right. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attends a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, U.S., January 7, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst The problem [Iran has] right now and it's not a trivial problem is they don't know the U.S. knows everything they're doing, Friedman explains. They may hope it's not true, but the evidence is that we have some pretty good intelligence on them. Separately, Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters at the Pentagon Tuesday that the U.S. is prepared to finish a war with Iran. But Friedman says Iran is not equipped for such an attack. [The] Iranians do not have the ability to wage war against the United States, Friedman says. If they were to get into an air war, the United States would very quickly eliminate them. Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, SmartNews, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit. A body has been recovered from the River Clyde in the search for a woman who has been missing for a month. Formal identification is yet to take place, however it is believed to be 21-year-old Lexi Carmichael, who was last seen on Wednesday, 11 December, 2019. Authorities had been scouring the river after her disappearance in December. A body has been recovered from the River Clyde in the search for Lexi Carmichael (pictured), who has been missing for a month Miss Carmichael (pictured) was last seen at around 11.05pm on Wednesday December 11 on St Vincent Place in Glasgow's city centre, walking in the direction of Queen Street Miss Carmichael's family have been informed. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. A police spokesman said: 'Police Scotland can confirm that a body was recovered from the River Clyde in Glasgow on Monday January 6. 'Inquiries are ongoing to establish the identity of the person. 'Officers are liaising with the family of Lexi Carmicahel and will keep them informed of any further developments.' Miss Carmichael was last seen at around 11.05pm on Wednesday December 11 on St Vincent Place in Glasgow's city centre, walking in the direction of Queen Street. Distraught mother Petula had previously written of her sorrow after her daughter's disappearance in a post on Facebook: 'Our world has fell apart ... our gorgeous girl has gone and we are devastated. No words can describe the pain we are in.' To keep asking questions about imminence I mean the guys a designated terrorist, has been killing Americans for decades, hes on the ground in Iraq, our embassys being attacked, weve got real-time intelligence of forthcoming attacks without specific places, hes supposed to be going back to Iran to talk about it. . . . Makes sense to me given the intel they had to hit him, Graham said. I would only imagine what people would be saying if we didnt hit him, given what we knew. When Posten met with staffers at his five locations, it was of paramount importance to be open and honest with everyone, he said. No question was out of bounds. As he described those meetings, a huge grin spread across his face. "Again, I have an area of expertise, but it is not in salons,'' he said. "I believe because I shared my lack of knowledge and told them I would listen to all suggestions, problems and concerns, there was a level of trust. I trust them. They know my strengths and weaknesses and trust me.'' That trust, he said, has paid dividends in the early stages of his salon ownership. "We have skilled, intelligent people,'' Posten said of his full-service salons. "Hard-working, want-to-be successful people who have a way with those they serve. You cannot make this a career and not be a people person. The one-on-one is how this business works. There is a trust. "You can get anyone in the door the first time, but the secret is to make it work, establish a relationship, and they return. I know we have that; I've seen it.'' The chance for growth remains a plus for Posten. The man accused of the 2016 murder of 19 disabled people at a Japanese care home admitted the attack as his trial opened Wednesday but pleaded not guilty on grounds of diminished capacity. Satoshi Uematsu, a former employee of the care centre outside Tokyo, did not dispute his involvement in the horrifying stabbing rampage during his first court appearance on charges including murder. After prosecutors read out the details of the charges, the judge asked Uematsu "is there anything in the charges that differs from the facts?" "No there isn't," Uematsu replied, dressed in a navy suit with a white shirt and tie, his long black hair tied back in a ponytail. But despite admitting the attack, Uematsu's lawyers entered a plea of not guilty, saying their client was suffering a "mental disorder" at the time. "He was in a condition in which either he had no capacity to take responsibility or such a capacity was significantly weakened," his lawyer said. Traces of marijuana were found in Uematsu's system after the attack, and his legal team has claimed drug use may have affected him. The session was disrupted shortly after it began when court security restrained Uematsu after he reportedly attempted to put something in his mouth. The disturbance prompted the judge to call an unscheduled recess, though the session was due to resume in the afternoon. Uematsu has reportedly said he wanted to eradicate all disabled people in the horrifying attack at the Tsukui Yamayuri-en centre in the town of Sagamihara outside Tokyo. The 29-year-old is accused of breaking into the facility and moving room-to-room, killing 19 people and injuring 26 -- half of them seriously. He turned himself in at a police station, carrying bloodied knives and admitting the attack to officers. It emerged later that Uematsu had left his job at the home just months before the attack, and had been forcibly hospitalised after telling colleagues he intended to kill disabled people at the centre. But he was discharged after 12 days when a doctor deemed him not a threat. He had also written a letter outlining plans to attack the home, claiming "disabled people only create unhappiness." He faces the death penalty if convicted on some of the six charges, including murder, with a verdict expected on March 16. Since his arrest, Uematsu has shown no remorse, telling Japan's Mainichi Shimbun daily in an interview that people with mental disabilities "have no heart", and "there's no point in living" for them. "I had to do it for the sake of society," he said of the attack. Uematsu's self-styled mission to rid the country of people with disabilities shocked Japan, with experts and activists raising questions about whether others might hold similar views. Japan has been making efforts to increase accessibility -- particularly in Tokyo ahead of this year's Paralympic Games -- and activists hailed last year's election of two disabled lawmakers. But some critics feel the country still falls short of fully integrating people with disabilities, and the government last year was forced to admit data on hiring people with disabilities had been padded to meet quotas. Hundreds of people lined up outside the courtroom in the rain for a chance to attend the first session. "I want to know why he came to have such ideas about disabled people," Yuki Kuriyama, 41, who uses a wheelchair, told AFP. "I am worried not only about a man who thinks that way but also about this entire society where there are some people who apparently agree with his ideas." Many of the names of those killed in the rampage have been withheld by family members fearful of similar attacks or discrimination. The relative of a 55-year-old man killed at the home told NHK that a long-time neighbour had remarked afterwards: "It's sad that it happened, but wasn't it good for you?" Among the few victims to be identified publicly was a 19-year-old woman, Miho, whose mother told Japanese media she hoped the trial would start a conversation on "how we can build a society to prevent a recurrence of this sad incident". "I want Miho to be remembered," she added. "She was a daughter we were very proud of. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BOCA RATON, Fla., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jushi Holdings Inc. ("Jushi" or the "Company") (CSE: JUSH) (OTCQX: JUSHF), a globally-focused, multi-state cannabis and hemp operator, today announced that Max Cohen has resigned as the Company's Chief Operating Officer in order to focus on other business obligations. Mr. Cohen will continue to serve Jushi as a member of the Company's Board of Directors. Jim Cacioppo, Chairman and CEO of Jushi, commented, "On behalf of Jushi, I want to thank Max for his invaluable contributions to Jushi during our evolution as a Company. Leveraging his experience in building and operating The Clinic, Max has led significant changes to improve operations driving future growth. We look forward to his continued guidance as a Board Member." About Jushi Holdings Inc. We are a globally focused cannabis and hemp company led by an industry leading management team. In the United States Jushi is focused on building a multi-state portfolio of branded cannabis and hemp-derived assets through opportunistic acquisitions, distressed workouts and competitive applications. Jushi strives to maximize shareholder value while delivering high quality products across all levels of the cannabis and hemp ecosystem. For more information please visit www.jushico.com or our social media channels, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Information and Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans," "expects" or "does not expect," "is expected," "budget," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates" or "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will be taken," "will continue," "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein may include, but are not limited to, information concerning the expectations regarding Jushi, or the ability of Jushi to successfully achieve business objectives, and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. By identifying such information and statements in this manner, the Company is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: the ability of Jushi to successfully achieve business objectives, including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; and compliance with extensive government regulation, as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in the Company's Filing Statement dated May 31, 2019 and other filings with securities and regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. SOURCE Jushi Holdings Inc. Related Links http://www.jushico.com Mozilla this week updated Firefox to version 93, which now blocks downloads over insecure connections, improves the browser's anti-tracking prowess and introduces Firefox Suggest, the newest way the company will try to earn revenue. The organization's security engineers also patched seven vulnerabilities, four marked "High," Firefox's second-most-serious label. The majority of those vulnerabilities were in the "memory safety bugs" bucket, a category that covers a wide swath of memory corruption and memory leak flaws. Firefox 93 can be downloaded for Windows, macOS, and Linux from Mozilla's site. Because Firefox updates in the background, most users need only launch (or relaunch) the browser to install the latest version. To manually update on Windows, pull up the menu under the three horizontal bars at the upper right, then click the help icon (the question mark within a circle). Choose "About Firefox." (On macOS, "About Firefox" can be found under the "Firefox" menu.) The resulting page or pop-up shows that the browser is already up to date or displays the upgrade process. Mozilla last upgraded Firefox four weeks ago, on Sept. 7. Iffy downloads blocked Starting with Firefox 93, the browser will block, at least temporarily, any download attempts over an insecure connection one using the now-outdated HTTP protocol even if those downloads are requested from a page secured with HTTPS. (Downloads are often transmitted from different servers or Internet locations than the page where they're listed.) When Firefox recognizes an insecure download starting, it will pause the data transmission and put a message on the screen to alert the user, who can continue the download or delete the file, partial though it might be. Firefox is playing catch-up here, as Google's Chrome has had similar protections in place since early 2020, when the browser began automatically blocking the most dangerous file types attempting to download over insecure connections. That blocking was staged over several Chrome versions, but was finalized this year. And unlike Firefox's new feature, Chrome's does not allow a user the option to continue such downloads, a safer, if less convenient, approach. Crippled pages restored by SmartBlock Firefox 93 also features an enhanced SmartBlock, the tracker-blocking-page-fixing technology that debuted in March (with Firefox 87). Pegged as SmartBlock 3.0, the revision improved support for replacing Google Analytics scripts, Mozilla said, and added support for other bits, including Amazon TAM (Transparent Ad Marketplace). Because SmartBlock replaces page components that have been identified as trackers with "local, privacy-preserving alternatives" so that the page continues to function page breakage is the most common side effect of blocking trackers the more potential or actual blockers it supports, the less likelihood that the page won't load or operate correctly. SmartBlock 3.0, like its predecessor, is enabled when the user opens a Private Browsing window or has set Enhanced Tracking Protection to the Strict level. Mozilla also closed a loophole that some sites exploited to conspire with trackers to avoid privacy protections Firefox established in version 87 that trimmed referring URLs so revealing information couldn't be sent to the destination site. According to Mozilla, the loophole "remains a major privacy issue." Mozilla's on another money-making expedition Firefox 93 also debuted a feature Mozilla labeled as "Firefox Suggest," which was enabled "for a limited number of users in the U.S. only," according to the company. Firefox Suggest adds additional links to the suggestions provided by search engines when the user starts typing in the browser's address bar. Although many of the suggestion categories are standard stuff gleaned from bookmarks and open tabs, for instance others will raise eyebrows, including contextual suggestions provided, at least in part, by Mozilla partners. (The partners, so far, include Wikipedia and an outfit called adMarketplace.) Some of those suggestions Mozilla didn't say what percentage exactly, or even generally will be "sponsored," in that clicking on them will generate money for Mozilla. (Mozilla's revenue is derived almost entirely from contracts it makes with search engine makers, notably Google, which pay Mozilla for putting their engine as the Firefox default. For years the company has struggled to diversify how it generates revenue, typically unsuccessfully.) It's unclear how much revenue Mozilla will make from these suggestions or what criteria Mozilla and/or the adMarketplace partner will use to select a sponsored suggestion. (Some additional information on Firefox Suggest is available here.) Users can, however, disable the sponsored suggestions, as well as the entire contextual suggestion category, from the Settings pane. The next version, Firefox 94, will be released Nov 2. BRIDGEPORT The family of a young Bethel woman found shot to death at the citys boat ramp a year ago left state Superior Court in Bridgeport on Wednesday upset and angry after learning the alleged killer will be allowed to plead guilty. A defendant is allowed to plead guilty and I cant prevent that and order him to go to trial, Superior Court Judge Joan Alexander told the large group of family, many of whom sat shaking their heads in disapproval. They later left the courthouse without comment. Brandon Roberts, who is also charged with the earlier shooting of another woman in the city, will be presented with a formal plea offer at his next court date on Jan. 28. The 27-year-old Roberts is charged with murder, felony murder, first-degree robbery and carrying a pistol without a permit for the Dec. 8, 2018 killing of 25-year-old Emily Todd. Todd, a therapist at a Danbury senior center, was found lying face down in the sand along the shore in the morning of Dec. 9. Police said Todd was fully dressed and appeared to be wearing a long, blond wig. She had been shot in the back of the head and a single spent bullet shell casing was found near her feet. Police said Todds mother later told detectives that her daughter had met Roberts, who was staying with relatives at a Stratford hotel, on an online dating app. More for you Roberts given ultimatum in Bethel woman's murder After several dates, police said Todd called off the relationship. But, they said, Roberts convinced Todd to meet him one more time, luring her to the area of the boat ramp. On Dec. 14, police arrested Roberts at his fathers home in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and charged him with Todds murder. While being questioned in the Shaker Heights police station, police said Roberts confessed to Bridgeport Police Lt. Chris LaMaine that he had killed Todd and shot another woman near Washington Park a year earlier. I dont know why I did it. I had a lot of hate in me, man, Roberts told police. Of the earlier crime, police said officers on June 9, 2017, were dispatched to the intersection of Kossuth and Maple streets for a woman lying in the street screaming. The 43-year-old woman was taken to Bridgeport Hospital with a bullet wound in her right shoulder. Roberts is charged in that case with attempted murder, first-degree assault and gun charges. Dublin, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Africa Pay TV Forecasts" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This 282-page PDF, PowerPoint and excel report comes in three parts: Outlook: Forecasts for 35 countries in a 76-page PowerPoint document full of charts, graphs and bullet points; Excel workbook covering each year from 2010 to 2025 for 35 countries by household penetration, by pay TV subscribers, by pay TV revenues and by major operator. As well as summary tables by country and by platform; Insight: Detailed country-by-country analysis in an 88-page PDF document. Africa will have 47.26 million pay TV subscribers by 2025, up from 30.7 million at end-2019. Nigeria will contribute 10 million subscribers by 2025 - having overtaken South Africa in 2020. African subscriber numbers will climb by 54% between 2019 and 2025, but pay TV revenues will rise by only 31% - indicating that subscribers will pay less. Pay TV revenues will reach $7.20 billion by 2025, up by $1.72 billion on 2019. Three groups accounted for 93% of Sub-Saharan Africa's pay TV subscribers in 2019 - although this proportion will fall to 88% by 2025. Each of the three main groups provides a satellite TV platform and a pay DTT platform. Multichoice had 14.56 million subs across satellite TV platform DStv and DTT platform GOtv by end-2019. This total will grow to 18.05 million by 2025, with a marked slowdown in satellite TV growth. France's Vivendi had 4.73 million subs to its Canal Plus satellite TV platform and Easy TV DTT platforms by end-2019. Its total will climb to 7.35 million by 2025. StarTimes/StarSat will enjoy the most impressive growth: from 9.1 million subs at end-2019 to 16.39 million by 2025. Key Topics Covered Households (000) TV households (000) Digital cable subs (000) Analog cable subs (000) Pay IPTV subscribers (000) Pay digital sat TV subs (000) Free-to-air sat TV homes (000) Analog terrestrial holds (000) Primary FTA DTT hholds (000) Primary Pay DTT hholds (000) Digital homes (000) Analog homes (000) Pay TV subscribers (000) Digital cable subs/TV HH Analog cable subs/TV HH Pay IPTV subs/TV HH Pay satellite TV/TV HH Free-to-air satellite TV/TV HH Analog terrestrial/TVHH Primary FTA DTT/TV HH Primary pay DTT/TV HH TVHH/HH Digital/TV HH Analog/TV HH Pay TV Subs/TV HH Stand-alone dig cab subs (000) Dual-play dig cable subs (000) Triple-play dig cab subs (000) Stand-alone IPTV subs (000) Dual-play IPTV subs (000) Triple-play IPTV subs (000) Revenues (US$ million) Stand-alone digital cable revs Dual-play digital cable TV revs Triple-play digl cable TV revs Digital cable TV subs revs Dig cab TV on-demand revs Digital cable TV revenues Analog cable TV subs revs Cable TV revenues Stand-alone IPTV revenues Dual-play IPTV revenues Triple-play IPTV revenues IPTV subscription revenues IPTV on-demand revenues IPTV revenues Satellite TV subscription revs Satellite TV on-demand revs Satellite TV revenues DTT subscription revs DTT on-demand revenues DTT revenues Subscription revenues On-demand revenues Total revenues Average Revenue Per User (ARPU - US$) Stand-alone digital cable subs Dual-play dig cable TV subs Triple-play dig cable TV subs Average dig cab (subs & VOD) Analog cable TV subs Stand-alone IPTV subs Dual-play IPTV subs Triple-play IPTV subs Average IPTV (subs and VOD) Pay satellite TV (subs) Pay sat TV (subs and PPV) Pay DTT (subs) Pay DTT (subs and PPV) Average monthly ARPU Pay TV subscribers by operator (000) Canal Plus (satellite) DStv (satellite) Gotv (DTT) StarSat (satellite) Others Share of pay TV subs by operator % Canal Plus (satellite) DStv (satellite) Gotv (DTT) StarSat (satellite) Others Subscription & VOD revenues (US$ million) Canal Plus (satellite) DStv (satellite) Gotv (DTT) StarSat (satellite) Others Share of pay TV revenues by operator % Canal Plus (satellite) DStv (satellite) Gotv (DTT) StarSat (satellite) Others Average Revenue Per User (ARPU - US$) Canal Plus (satellite) DStv (satellite) Gotv (DTT) StarSat (satellite) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8qliu7 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Major new campaign launched to tackle hidden homelessness in Wales This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jan 8th, 2020 A major new campaign to tackle hidden homelessness by raising awareness that homelessness doesnt always live on the streets has been launched. The Welsh Government campaign aims to bring to light the problem of hidden homelessness, and is targeted at young people who may be at risk of or already experiencing homelessness. The campaign also advises the public on what to do if theyre concerned about someone they know. Research suggests people overwhelmingly connect homelessness with rough sleeping only which is not the case for most young people experiencing homelessness. Even if someone has a roof over their head, they can still be homeless. They could be sofa surfing at a friends place, or staying somewhere temporarily like a hostel, night shelter or bed & breakfast. It might be they are living in very poor conditions or somewhere thats not suitable for them or their family. Those experiencing hidden homelessness are more likely to be at risk of exploitation, particularly young people. For example, they might be targeted by people who want to pressurise them into sex or unwaged labour in exchange for a roof over their head. The campaign is designed to ensure that young people get the help and support they need as soon as possible, preventing homelessness from happening in the first place. Housing Minister Julie James said: Many people think homelessness is only about rough sleeping it is not. Many young people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness dont recognise themselves as homeless. If you dont have a place to call home it is likely that you are experiencing hidden homelessness. We know young people often dont know where to seek advice and support so thats why were launching this new campaign. So if you think youre experiencing hidden homelessness or youre at risk of it then get help now. Its never too late or too early to get help. The Welsh Government funds Shelter Cymru to provide independent housing advice and support. The service also links people to partner organisations who can provide support services based on the needs of individuals. Shelter Cymru Director Jon Puzey said: We know the earlier and more often someone experiences homelessness, the more likely they are to develop complex issues that might mean they become homeless repeatedly throughout their adult life. Thats why its so important that we make it a priority to prevent youth homelessness. Its fantastic that the Welsh Government is taking this so seriously and helping us to reach more young people. With this joint campaign we are making sure that young people know that Shelter Cymru is here to help them. To help identify people who could be homeless, there are a number of signs that people can look out for: They may be having difficulties with their relationships with their parents and close family members; They may be reluctant to go home spending lots of their time outside; in public places that offer shelter and connection to wifi for example train stations and cafes; staying late at their education setting or jobs; They may be keeping belongings with them and have problems with keeping clothes clean; They might be asking for help with money and using food banks; They may have lost their job; They may be experiencing physical or mental health problems. For advice and support people can call Shelter Cymru on 08000 495 495 or visit the Shelter Cymru website by going to www.sheltercymru.org.uk/hiddenhomelessness. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. The number of people charged with federal crimes in the Northern District of Alabama, as well as those sentenced to prison, in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 was the highest ever recorded, according to U.S. Attorney Jay Town. Town cited data from the United States Attorneys Case Management System kept by the Department of Justice in Washington. There were 706 defendants prosecuted in the Northern District of Alabama in 2019, up 22.8 percent over 2018. Town said that is the single largest number of people ever prosecuted by the office in a year. The 1,281 defendants prosecuted by the offices Criminal Division in the past two fiscal years, and the 1,821 defendants prosecuted by the Criminal Division in the past three fiscal years, account for the largest collective number of defendants prosecuted in consecutive years ever recorded in the Northern District of Alabama. The priorities of the Department of Justice to reduce violent crime, aggressively address the opioid crisis, and protect the public were all successfully executed by our office in 2019, Town said. I believe that our numbers are a reflection of effort by not only my office, but by all of the federal law enforcement agencies and our local and state partners who continue to investigate and refer more cases than ever before. The number of defendants sentenced to prison increased 13 percent last year, from 387 in 2018 to 440 in 2019. Town said DOJ data showed that the Northern District received more cases from investigative agencies in 2019 than ever before. Here are other findings from the data: - Criminal Division trials increased 150 percent in 2019. More than 41 percent of all defendants sentenced received a prison term of more than five years. Nearly 36% of all defendants sentenced to prison received a term of 26-60 months. - Illegal immigration cases increased by 34% to 63 defendants, the largest number ever recorded in the district. The defendants charged also represented a 394% increase over those illegal immigration defendants filed just three years in 2016. - Defendants prosecuted for drugs increased by 44.4% to 244 defendants. The 413 defendants prosecuted for all drugs in 2019 and 2018 represent the largest two-year accumulation of drug prosecutions ever recorded. The percentage of drug defendants sentenced to more than five years in federal prison has risen in each of the past three fiscal years by an average of 62.5%. Approximately 71% of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) defendants were sentenced to more than five years in federal prison. This supports our belief that we are prosecuting the most serious drug traffickers, Town said. - The Northern District of Alabama has prosecuted five defendants for terrorism or national security offenses in the past two fiscal years. - There were 281 defendants prosecuted for violent crimes in 2019, which is the largest number recorded. The previous record was 259 in 2018 which broke the previous record of 239 in 2017 which broke the previous record of 224 in 2006. - There were 82 cases filed against white-collar defendants, which is the highest number since 2014 and an increase of 34.4% over the previous fiscal year. - The Civil Division filed 815 matters in 2019, which is a nearly 7 percent increase. - There were no appeals decided against the United States for the first time since 2015, which Town said is credit to the work of the Appellate Division. More of our worst offenders are going to federal prison, and for longer, Town said. The Criminal, Civil, and Appellate Divisions are coordinating with the others in a true phalanx and, as a result, the office was more productive than ever before. This continues to build on the improvements made in 2018. Not only are prosecutions up, he said, but we have increased our crime prevention efforts dramatically as well and the citizens of the Northern District of Alabama are safer as a result of these efforts. Marjorie Bernandine Barretto is an actress and a politician from the Philippines. Between the years 2007 and 2013, the politician and actress was elected to represent the second district of Caloocan City to the city councilor. With her fame spreading far and wide, much about her arouses curiosity among her fans. Some remain skeptical about Marjorie Barretto husband, children, and much more. Image: instagram.com, @marjbarretto Source: Instagram Is she married? What is the name of Marjorie's husband? These could be some of the questions which come running into our minds whenever we think of the famous actress. Unfortunately, some might find it heartbreaking that despite her charming character and positive attitude, she is a single parent of five. Marjorie Barretto husband Former Marjorie Barretto husband, Dennis Padilla, is an actor and writer. He is popularly known for his magnificent appearances in Kalabog en Bosyo and The Break Up Playlist of 1994 and 2015, respectively. Padilla has also played some notable roles in other movies and television shows. Image: instagram.com, @dennisastig Source: Instagram The actress married Dennis Padilla in 1995. However, in 2006, the couple separated, putting an end to their eleven years of marriage. Despite the breakup, they still enjoy a cordial relationship as parents to their children. But what was the reason of their separation? According to an article published in ABS-CBN news bacn in 2008, the actress was put to task to explain about her annulled marriage with actor Dennis Padilla. She said that they broke up because of an irreversible reason caused by the actor. Despite not being clear on the wrongdoing, she emphasized that it was enough for their break up. READ ALSO: Song Joong Ki wife: name, age, profile What is the real name of Dennis Padilla? The actor was born as Dennis Esteban Dominguez Baldivia. Other than acting, he has also served as a municipal commissioner of Caloocan between the years 2001 and 2007. He is currently married to Linda Marie Gorton. He is a father of Julia, Claudia, Rizzi, Madie and Gavin and Leon. Image: instagram.com, @dennisastig Source: Instagram How old is Dennis? Dennis Padilla is 57 years at the moment. He was born on February 9th, 1962 in the Philippines. Who are the fathers of Marjorie Barretto children? The actress has five children in total. Some of these children have different fathers. In her marriage to her former husband, the family got blessed with three children Julia, Claudia, and Leon. She also has two other children, namely Danielle and Erich. Dani is from her past relationship with Kier Legaspi, whereas Erich is from Enrico Recom Echiverri, a former congressman. Image: instagram.com, @marjbarretto Source: Instagram In an article published ABS-CBN news, the former actress put to an end all the speculations surrounding her and the former congressman Enrico Echiverri. She revealed that her last born daughter Erich was his daughter. When asked to clarify her relationship with him, she said, Recom Echiverri is the father of my youngest daughter. Thats all I have to say Throughout her showbiz career, the former actress had been open about her relationships expect for this particular one. READ ALSO: Han Hyo Joo husband, movies, age, and Lee Jong Suk Who is Marjorie Barretto husband? After the breakup from her former husband, has the politician found another husband? And who is Marjorie Barretto husband 2019? Unfortunately, the actor is yet to get married. Even though she has been involved in a controversial relationship with Enrico Echiverri, she remains a single parent. Marjorie Barretto is, no doubt, one of the most celebrated actresses and politicians. She was married to Dannis Padilla in 1995, but unfortunately, their marriage did not last for a lifetime as they divorced in 2006. He is so far the only Marjorie Barretto husband known. READ ALSO: Mika Reyes boyfriend: What is known? (Photos) Source: KAMI.com.gh In the past week, American Airlines AAL, with 24 Boeing 737 MAX jets in its fleet, inked a deal with the manufacturer of the planes The Boeing Company BA pertaining to compensation for losses due to the grounding of the planes since March 2019. American Airlines aims to share part of the compensation with its workers under the companys profit-sharing scheme. Alaska Air Group ALK the parent company of Alaska Airlines also featured in the headlines when its long-serving chief financial officer (CFO) Brandon Pedersen announced his intention to retire on Mar 2, 2020. Pedersen was the companys outside auditor for 11 years prior to joining it in 2003 as the vice president of finance and controller. He was promoted to his current position in May 2010. Meanwhile, Latin American carrier, Azul AZUL and European carrier Ryanair Holdings RYAAY reported year-over-year increase in their respective traffic numbers for December mainly backed by strong demand for air travel. Furthermore, United Airlines UAL announced that it will not operate flights connecting the Dayton International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, TX. (Read the last Airline Stock Roundup here) Recap of the Past Weeks Most Important Stories 1. American Airlines, which expects the Boeing 737 MAX jets in its fleet to be grounded through Apr 7, 2020, will reportedly share $30 million of the compensation it would receive from Boeing, with employees. The payment is likely to be made this March, under its profit-sharing scheme. Notably, American Airlines is not the only U.S.-based carrier which will receive compensation from Boeing due to losses related to the Max grounding. Southwest Airlines LUV, which enjoys the largest exposure to Boeing 737 MAX jets among U.S. carriers with 34 such jets in its fleet, also inked a deal with the plane manufacturer last month for partial compensation for losses due to the groundings. However, details of the deal remain undisclosed. Some other 737 MAX customers, including Turkish Airlines, too have signed deals with Boeing seeking compensation for losses. Story continues 2. During Pedersens tenure as CFO, Alaska Air Group acquired Virgin America, thereby expanding its presence significantly, particularly on the West Coast. Pederson will be replaced by Shane Tackett, who currently serves as the companys executive vice president of planning and strategy. Tackett has served Alaska Air Group in multiple capacities ever since joining it in 2000. (Read more: Alaska Air Group Picks New CFO, Incumbent to Retire). 3. At Ryanair, December traffic (including 0.5 million from its LaudaMotion unit in Austria) was up 9% year over year to 11.2 million. However, load factor (% of seats filled with passengers) remained unaltered at 95%. Moreover, the companys CEO Michael O'Leary reportedly stated that the carrier is unlikely to receive its first 737 MAX delivery from Boeing before October 2020. (Read more: Ryanair's December Traffic Rises 9% Amid 737 MAX Uncertainty). 4. At Azul, consolidated traffic (measured in revenue passenger kilometers) increased 27.2% year over year to 2.96 billion, owing to 25.7% growth on the domestic front and 31.1% rise, internationally. On a year-over-year basis, consolidated capacity (measured in available seat kilometers/ASKs) expanded 26.5% to 3.54 billion, driven by a 24.3% expansion in domestic capacity and a 32.8% increase in international capacity. (Read more: Azul's Traffic & Load Factor Increase in December). 5. Due to lacklusterdemand on the Dayton-Houston route, United Airlines has decided to discontinue operations on the same from Mar 29, 2020. Notably, the carrier has been operating non-stop flights on the route from June 2018. Nevertheless, United Airlines will continue to serve Dayton from its hubs in Chicago, Denver and Washington, DC. (Read more: United Airlines to Cease Dayton-George Bush Airport Service). 6.According to a report released by the U.K.-based aviation data firm OAG Delta Air Lines DAL has emerged as the most punctual among leading U.S. carriers in 2019. Per OAGs annual Punctuality League report, the on-time performance rating of this Atlanta, GA-based Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) carrier was 83.56% over the past 12 months. (Read more: Delta Most Punctual in 2019 Among Leading U.S. Carriers). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Price Performance The following table shows the price movement of the major airline players over the past week and during the past six months. The table above shows that majority of the airline stocks traded in the red over the past week, due to the flaring up of oil prices following the U.S. drone strike near the Baghdad international airport that killed Irans top commander General Qassim Soleimani. Consequently, the NYSE ARCA Airline Index declined 3.2% over the past week. Over the course of six months, the sector tracker has decreased 2.1%. What's Next in the Airline Space? Delta is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter 2019 earnings report on Jan 14, thereby kickstarting the airlines earnings season. The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All Last year, it generated $24 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $77.6 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early. See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >> Click to get this free report United Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) : Free Stock Analysis Report Ryanair Holdings PLC (RYAAY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Alaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK) : Free Stock Analysis Report American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Boeing Company (BA) : Free Stock Analysis Report AZUL SA (AZUL) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research At least 61 women in Britain have been diagnosed with cancer linked to a type of breast implants but the health products regulator has refused to ban them. Textured breast implants are used by UK clinics even though they are outlawed in France and Australia over their link to anaplastic large cell lymphoma. More than 40 women are taking legal action against the products manufacturers and their lawyers have called for the implants to be pulled from the market. Smooth implants are also available and have no proven link to lymphoma, a cancer of white blood cells. Textured breast implants are used by UK clinics even though they are outlawed in France and Australia over their link to anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Pictured is a file photo of a breast implant Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) leads to a build-up of fluid around the implant and can cause swelling, pain and lumps. Early treatment is vital. Allergan, a major manufacturer of textured breast implants, has taken them off the market. Despite this, the UKs Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has not ordered others to follow suit, claiming the cancer is very rare. Sarah Moore, a solicitor at Leigh Day, which is representing some of the women, told The Guardian: I think there has been misdiagnosis and under-diagnosis in the last 18 months there have been 17 more reported cases of ALCL. I think were going to see a significant increase in diagnosis. Although France and Australia have banned all new textured implants, they have not suggested that women who have them already should remove them. But talcum powder gets the all clear Fears that using talcum powder can increase womens risk of ovarian cancer are groundless, says a major study. The verdict comes despite a US legal case in which 22 cancer victims were awarded 3.6billion in damages after a jury found using talc had caused their illnesses. But a study of 252,745 women by a team in North Carolina says there is not a statistically significant association between using talcum powder on the genital area and the 2,168 (less than 1 per cent), who went on to develop ovarian cancer. Justin Stebbing of Britains National Institute for Health Research said: It doesnt look like talc is a carcinogen, which is an important and reassuring finding. Thousands more US women are still suing talc firms and Johnson & Johnson recalled 33,000 bottles in a 2019 asbestos scare. Advertisement NHS England, the MHRA and the NHS Business Service Authority do not know how many women who had a mastectomy following breast cancer were given the potentially dangerous implants. The MHRA said: We understand the concern that some individuals may have about this very rare disease. Research is ongoing in the UK and worldwide to better understand how BIA-ALCL develops. Our advice remains unchanged: There is no new evidence of an increased risk. Some of Miss Moores clients were not warned of the potential cancer risk despite undergoing surgery in 2016, when the link had been highlighted. They feel incredibly angry, she said. Miss Moore told the Daily Mail that there are hundreds of women she cannot represent who are worried about their implants but cannot afford to pay for private surgery to get them out. The current MHRA advice is that it is not clinically necessary to get them removed. The lawyer also expressed her shock that the regulator had not been monitoring it [the risk] more closely and that it could not provide numbers for the amount of women at risk. She called for all textured breast implants to be banned and for tougher rules on plastic surgery. n A breast cancer test to determine any womans likelihood of being diagnosed may be just five years away, experts claim. Currently only women with a family history of breast cancer or relatives carrying faulty genes are risk-tested on the NHS. Forest Whitaker kicked off his new year with the sale of not one, but two Hollywood Hills homes. The Academy Award winner originally listed his Los Angeles compound back in 2017 for $6 million, but lowered the asking price down to $4.3 million, and then to $3.995 million, over the last two years. Now, it has finally sold for $3.85 million, according to the Wall Street Journal. Situated on more than 1.6 acres, the two homes share a security gate, a swimming pool, and spa, but each has its own entrance, driveway, and mailing address. The larger of the pair is a 4,705-square-foot Mediterranean villastyle house featuring five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a loft gallery. Originally built in the 1990s, the style of the home remains largely indicative of the decade, with lots of white walls, polished hardwood floors, and terraces throughout. The living and dining areas are open plan, and the kitchen features a center island and a walk-in pantry. Upstairs, the master suite has its own corner fireplace and sitting area, a walk-in closet, and a master bathroom with a deep-soaking tub and separate glass-enclosed shower. Other amenities include a game room with a Ping-Pong table and a home office. Photo: Aaron Hoffman See the video. The second of the two homes is slightly smaller, spanning 1,999 square feet spread across three floors. The interiors are slightly more modern, with white walls and carpet for a brighter aesthetic. It features five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms, two living rooms, a dining area, and a bonus room. A balcony on the third floor overlooks the propertys grounds, while a set of French doors off the main living space opens out onto an enclosed patio. In addition to the pool and spa, the smaller home also features a built-in barbecue grill and various outdoor dining and seating areas. The Black Panther star and his wife, Keisha Whitaker (from whom he filed for divorce last year), bought both properties for just under $2 million back in 2003, according to records. Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest Roger Garcia, like so many 19-year-olds, made constant use of cellphone shorthand. Typing "idk" meant "I don't know." "Wya" was "where you at?" And "bet" was short for "you bet" or "I agree." But it was a uniquely shortened phrase - Garcia's "all right" - that became central evidence in his double-murder trial in suburban Maryland. As prosecutors stressed to jurors, the term showed how it was Garcia who wrote the social media messages that lured two teens into a Montgomery County neighborhood for what became a deadly ambush. " 'Ight,' " they told jurors, "says so much." One day of deliberations later, the Montgomery jury convicted Garcia of murder and handgun counts in a case Circuit Judge David Boynton has labeled the "massacre" of two teenagers on the eve of their high school graduation in 2017. Garcia, now 22, is set to be sentenced on Friday and faces up to 100 years in prison. The victims, Shadi Najjar, 17, and Artem Ziberov, 18, were enticed to a darkened cul-de-sac under the impression they'd be meeting Garcia to sell him an extra ticket to their graduation ceremony, according to trial testimony. Instead, as the boys sat in a Honda Civic, several gunman exited a different car and pumped at least 30 rounds at them. Najjar and Ziberov were killed in the front seat, still in their seat belts, and found with their heads leaned against each other next to a bloody ticket they had hoped to sell for $20. Prosecutors argued there were four shooters, including Garcia. The defense said there were only three shooters and Garcia was not one of them. In earlier trials in the case, shooters Jose Canales-Yanez, Rony Galicia, and Edgar Garcia-Gaona were convicted on all charges, including two counts each of first-degree murder. Each of the three - now 28, 27 and 26, respectively - was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison. Garcia was convicted of two counts of a lesser, non-premeditated form of homicide - second-degree murder - as well as two gun counts. He was acquitted of conspiracy- and robbery-related charges. "Justice was served," Adi Najjar, the father of Shadi Najjar, said after the verdict was announced in December. "But what parents go through after losing their child will never change." In June 2017, even with his graduation ceremony pending, Najjar had already taken classes at Montgomery College. Ziberov, an Eagle Scout, had been accepted to the University of Maryland. His mother, the first witness called at Garcia's trial, told jurors about the last time she'd seen her son alive - several hours before he was killed. "We had a nice dinner, full of talk about future plans," Julia Tewelow said. "We were all full of emotions. . . . I said, 'Don't be too late because tomorrow is an important day.' He said, 'OK.' " According to evidence at the trials, a critical event occurred six months earlier involving Najjar that motivated the shooting. Najjar had arranged to purchase marijuana from Canales-Yanez's wife, according to prosecutors. When he arrived in his car, prosecutors said, he snatched the marijuana without paying and drove over the woman's foot as he fled. She was not seriously injured, but the incident enraged Canales-Yanez. He wanted to retaliate, according to court proceedings, and took his time doing so. Canales-Yanez decided to have Garcia make contact with Najjar over the social media platform Snapchat, according to John Sharifi, Garcia's attorney. "Jose decided that he would get his revenge. So what does he do? He turns to Roger. He uses Roger," the attorney told jurors in opening statements. "Jose wants to keep his eye on Shadi and see if he has any opportunity to get even." Garcia connected with Najjar over Snapchat on May 31, 2017. It seemed natural. The two didn't know each other but had gone to the same high school. The night of June 5, Garcia, Garcia-Gaona and Galicia were hanging out in a trailer where Garcia lived. Garcia saw Najjar was on Snapchat, announcing that he was looking to sell an extra graduation ticket. According to Sharifi, Garcia was the youngest and most malleable of the four. It was the others - all older - who seized the moment to exact revenge, Sharifi said. One of them, Galicia, grabbed Garcia's phone, pretended to be him, and began communicating with Najjar, according to Sharifi. "Still got it?" came the first message to Najjar that night from Garcia's Snapchat at 8:16 p.m. "Yeah," Najjar wrote three minutes later. Canales-Yanez was summoned to the trailer. Prosecutors presented evidence they said tied Garcia directly to what happened next. It was him, according to text messages, who contacted Canales-Yanez. And it was his style of shorthand, prosecutors said, that proved he was the person who communicated with Najjar on Snapchat to set the trap for the purported ticket purchase. Prosecutors showed jurors printouts comparing Garcia's shorthand for "got you" with Galicia's shorthand. Garcia always wrote "gotcha," while Galicia always wrote "gotchu." Prosecutors then highlighted one of the Snapchat messages sent to Najjar the night of the murders. "I gotcha with gas money," it read. Another Snapchat message sent to Najjar, at 10:02 p.m., made it seem like the purported ticket buyer was at a cash machine: "Ight bet im at atm by the way." "Roger authored those Snapchats," Assistant State's Attorney Marybeth Ayres argued to jurors, "because of all the different ways you spell 'ite' and all the phones that we have that show how all four of these guys spell 'ite.' " Najjar was with his friend, Ziberov, who also had at least one extra ticket to sell. There was no evidence linking Ziberov to the earlier botched marijuana sale. The teen, prosecutors said, was killed by the gunmen who - surprised to see him - decided they had to get rid of any witnesses. By 10:25 p.m., Najjar and Ziberov had been idling in Najjar's Honda for more than 20 minutes outside a random house along Gallery Court, having followed instructions for where to meet. Five minutes later, the killers pulled up. In the first trial in the case, Canales-Yanez and his attorney chose to have Boynton render a verdict. Boynton found Canales-Yanez guilty and said evidence showed all four defendants had fired into the car. That ruling, as a matter of fairness, was not allowed to be introduced at the jury trials for the others. At Garcia's trial, his attorney stressed that Garcia didn't orchestrate the attack and that he stayed at the trailer. "The verdict is consistent," he added in a recent interview, "with a finding that Roger was not in on any plan to murder, that he never left the trailer, and that he was not a shooter." Prosecutors stressed that even if Garcia never left the trailer, he wrote enough luring social media exchanges to be guilty of the murders that followed. Ayres went further, arguing that cellphone data put Garcia at the scene and that ballistics evidence showed there were four shooters. "It was an ambush murder," Ayres said. "It was almost militaristic." Raise the Wage Virginia has launched its campaign to raise the Commonwealths minimum wage. The group is demanding state legislators raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour. Members say while Virginia ranks as the nations best state for business, it comes dead last for workers. We are committed to ensuring that all of us have the opportunity to work hard and thrive in our communities, Lenace Edwards of the Raise the Wage Virginia campaign said. But thats impossible when the minimum wage is only $7.25 and people who work hard cannot afford to put food on the table. We support Delegate Wards HB395 that will raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour so everyone can raise their families with dignity. Raise the Wage Virginia will hold a press conference Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 10:45 a.m. at the State Capitol in Richmond. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- MOUNTAIN HIGH ACQUISITIONS CORP. (OTCQB: MYHI), announces it has signed a binding letter of intent to acquire GPS Associates, LLC a California based company engaged in the formulation, manufacture and sale of CBD products under the retail brand name "Zen Drops" and to its white label customers. Closing of the acquisition is subject to due diligence, MYHI Board approval, and completion of definitive agreementsall of which are expected to occur within the next 45 days. "Now is the time to be focused on the Hemp space," said MYHI CEO Alan Smith. "In the past 12 months we have seen several key indicators that have compelled us to pivot from our previous focus on providing resources to licensed operators in the cannabis space to operating directly in the hemp industry." "With the 2018 Farm Bill hemp became a legal agricultural commodity in the U.S. In the last quarter of 2019, the Department of Agriculture released its guidelines for regulating this new crop and shortly thereafter banking restrictions on hemp companies were eased by federal and state banking regulators. All of this momentum, combined with the tremendous market interest in hemp-derived CBD globally, makes us confident that this is the right decision for MYHI. We're now positioning the company to pursue current opportunities in the hemp industry while remaining poised for coming opportunities in a future federally-legal cannabis industry." About GPS Associates, LLC GPS is a privately owned California company engaged in the formulation, manufacture and sale of CBD products primarily under their own retail brand "Zen Drops" and for its white label customers. The company operates from a cGMP facility located in Santa Ana, Calif. The company's team of professionals includes physiologists, chemists, herbalists and botanists with a commitment to using organic, raw herbs in combination with organic CBD to produce the purest, most effective end products. For more information visit www.zen-drops.com. About MYHI Mountain High Acquisitions Corp. (OTCQB: MYHI) is a holding company focused on the acquisition and development of businesses and other assets within the hemp industry. www.mountainhighac.com Press Releases may include forward-looking statements. In particular, the words "believe," "may," "could," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "propose," "plan," "intend," and similar conditional words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any statements made in this news release about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the company. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof. The company takes no obligation to update or correct its own forward-looking statements, except as required by law or those prepared by third parties that are not paid by the company. SOURCE Mountain High Acquisitions Corp. Representative Duncan Hunter (R., Calif.) submitted his letter of resignation to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday and will officially leave office on January 13, several weeks after he pled guilty to conspiracy to misuse campaign funds. I learned from an early age the importance of liberty, the value of patriotism, and what a strong and secure border can bring to a community, the California Republican said in his letter, which made no mention of the charges against him. During my time in Congress, I had the privilege of helping thousands of individuals in my district. Perhaps the contribution I am most proud of is giving a voice to our men and women in uniform, the Marine Corps veteran wrote. It has been an honor to serve the people of Californias 50th district, and I greatly appreciate the trust they have put in me over these last 11 years. Hunter, 43, was indicted in August and pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to misuse at least $150,000 in campaign funds for his own personal expenses, including expensive family vacations, his three childrens school tuition, other social outings, and allegedly, extramarital affairs with lobbyists and congressional aides. The Department of Justice has recommended that Hunter and his wife Margaret, who was indicted along with him, serve 8 to 14 months in prison, as part of a deal reached with their lawyers. The court is not bound by that recommendation, however. Hunter is scheduled for sentencing on March 17. California Governor Gavin Newsom has not announced whether he will hold a special election to fill Hunters seat in Californias 50th District, which leans reliably Republican. More from National Review For the Intelligencer EDWARDSVILLE - On Jan. 1, 2020, the implementation of the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act became effective. This new law impacts students, including but not limited to, qualifying undocumented and transgender students, making them eligible to apply for Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) administered aid programs. These Illinois students will now be able to apply for any student aid or benefit funded or administered by the state of Illinois, any state agency, or any public institution of higher learning. These funds include, but are not limited to, scholarships, grants, awards, stipends, room and board assistance, tuition waivers, or other financial or in-kind assistance. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.8 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: Statements by the NATO Secretary General regarding the death of the Iranian general are contrary to international law, said official representative of Iranian Foreign Ministry Abbas Mousavi, Trend reports. Mousavi said that in recent years, the function of this alliance, of which the United States is an active member, is to create instability. Iranian diplomat said he regrets that NATO is using the generals assassination as a tool. Musavi said he believes that with the withdrawal of some forces, stability will be ensured in the region. Earlier, referring to assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this is a US decision. It is not a decision taken by either the Global Coalition nor NATO. But all Allies are concerned about Irans destabilising activities in the region, Irans support to different terrorist groups. And of course, we are extremely concerned about the recent attacks we have seen against civilian energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, or against Coalition bases in Iraq bases which are important for our efforts to fight international terrorism in Iraq and in Syria, he said. The US provided the rationale behind the action against General Soleimani. And we had several briefers from the United States, from the State and from Pentagon and they briefed and explained to other Allies why they took this action against General Soleimani. I will not go into the details of that briefing. I will leave that to the United States. But we value and appreciate the briefings provided by the United States. I think this provides, or once again shows that NATO is a platform where European Allies, North American Allies, are able to come together and address security concerns for all of us, noted Stoltenberg. Since the oil price downturn in 2014, the energy sector has mostly been in a bear market. There are some fundamental reasons for energys decline, and some psychological ones, observes Robert Rapier, editor of Investing Daily's Utility Forecaster. From a fundamental perspective, oil and gas prices today are much lower than they were a decade ago. Thus, investor sentiment for the energy industry is decidedly negative. But one company has risen above its peers since the energy bear market began. That company is also poised to outperform once the bear market ends. See also: Top Picks 2020: BG Staffing (BGSF) I am speaking of ConocoPhillips (COP). Today ConocoPhillips is the worlds largest publicly traded, pure oil and gas producer. Because the roots of Conoco and Phillips date back over 100 years, the company has experienced numerous oil booms and busts. As a result, ConocoPhillips has adopted a far more fiscally responsible approach to driller than many of its competitors. When oil prices declined, the company took defensive measures. It sold assets, paid down debt, cut its dividend, and put itself in a position to profit in an era in which oil prices might be $50 a barrel. The result has been a steady increase in the companys cash flow. Since 2015, cash flow has increased each year. In fact, today ConocoPhillips is generating more cash flow with oil prices in the $50s than it was in 2013 when oil prices were over $100. In November, the company release third quarter earnings that were outstanding. While many peers struggled, ConocoPhillips reported: See also: Top Picks 2020: Cisco Systems (CSCO) Free cash flow generation of $1 billion. Repurchased $750 million of shares and paid $340 million in dividends representing a return of 41% of cash from operations to shareholders. Q3 production (excluding Libya) of 1.3 million barrels of oil equivalent/day, which represented an increase of 7% year-over-year Story continues Announced a 38% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.42/share, and $3.0 billion in planned 2020 share repurchases (~5% of the current market cap). Ended the quarter with $8.4 billion of ending cash and short-term investments. ConocoPhillips has been a shareholder friendly, cash generation machine despite oil prices that remain below $60. Also, in November the company held an Analysts and Investors Meeting at which they unveiled a 10-year strategic plan. Net debt is a quarter of what it was just three years ago, but the company has increased by 50% its oil and gas resource that breaks even at a $40 WTI price. No other independent oil and gas producer can come close to these financial measures. Over the next decade, the company projects that it will generate about $50 billion in free cash flow if oil prices remain at $50/bbl. The companys top stated priority is to maintain production and pay its dividend. Just behind that is annual dividend growth, while returning 30% of cash from operations to investors. The company projects a total return to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks over the next decade of $50 billion. This is substantial, given the current market cap of $65 billion. This bear market in oil wont last forever. But ConocoPhillips is built to survive it and thrive once it ends. More From MoneyShow.com: By Swati Pandey SYDNEY, Jan 8 (Reuters) - The Australian and New Zealand dollars took a beating on Wednesday as risk sentiment was rocked by reports of attack at Iraq's Ain Al-Asad airbase, which hosts U.S. forces, in yet another sign of mounting tensions in the Middle East. The Australian dollar was set for a sixth straight session of losses as it hit a three-week trough of $0.6850. The New Zealand dollar was off 0.11% at $0.6633, hovering near its lowest since Christmas. Against the safe haven Japanese yen, the antipodean currencies fell about 0.8% to near one-month lows after Reuters reported citing a U.S. official that rockets were fired at the airbase. The U.S. military said Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles against at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel - Ain Al-Asad and another in Erbil. Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement the United States was working on initial battle damage assessments. In response to news of the attacks, U.S. crude jumped more than $2, gold surged and S&P 500 E-Mini futures extended falls. "The threat of retaliation the market was worried about last week looks to have become real, so there is no other way for markets to go really other than to go to safe havens," said Ray Attrill, head of forex strategy at National Australia Bank. "The presumption was that U.S. President Donald Trump wouldn't want to start a war this side of election, but that presumption would potentially be tested." Australian government bond futures rallied, with the three-year bond contract up 5 ticks at 99.27. The 10-year contract jumped 7.5 ticks to 98.84. New Zealand government bonds gained too, with yields down 6-7 basis points at the long end of the curve. Messaging: twitter.com/swatisays)) Koh Dong-jin, left, president of Samsung Electronics' mobile business, talks with SK Telecom CEO Park Jung-ho while sitting in Samsung's 2020 Digital Cockpit automotive electronics platform at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Wednesday (KST). / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics By Baek Byung-yeul LAS VEGAS BMW will use fifth-generation (5G) network-enabled telecommunications equipment, co-developed by Samsung Electronics and its affiliate Harman, for the German carmaker's fully electric SUV iNEXT, Samsung said Wednesday (KST). Samsung and Harman have developed the 5G-enabled telematics control unit (TCU), a core component that offers super-fast mobile network connectivity for connected cars, enabling drivers and passengers to use high-resolution video content and maps in real-time, seamless video conferencing and a streaming game service. Samsung said its product will be the first 5G-ready TCU to be applied to a real vehicle. The 5G-based TCU will have low-latency communications capabilities and enables advanced vehicle-to-vehicle (V2X) safety systems. BMW is scheduled to roll out the electric vehicle (EV) in 2021. "Samsung and Harman have collaborated with BMW to apply our 5G-ready TCU to the German automaker's EV for the first time in the industry," Park Jong-hwan, vice president and chief of Samsung's auto part division, said at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). With the emergence of connected cars and self-driving technology, Samsung has been stepping into the automotive component industry as it can utilize its cutting-edge telecommunication, semiconductor and display technologies. The company also fully acquired the U.S. auto parts maker Harman in 2017. "After four or five years, Harman will become the world's leading 5G-based TCU provider because the company keeps winning contracts with other automakers. It already signed the second and the third contract to provide the TCU components," Park added. Samsung is also testing 5G TCU-powered buses and taxis in Seoul in conjunction with SK Telecom, Korea's largest mobile carrier. Models sit in a concept model of Samsung Electronics' Digital Cockpit at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Wednesday (KST). / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics "We have the votes," McConnell told reporters on Tuesday after a lunch meeting with colleagues in a show of Republican unity. Washington, Jan 8 (IANS) The US Senate has enough votes to set the rules for President Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the Republican-controlled Upper Chamber, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said. The impeachment trial is still in limbo as Republicans and Democrats remain locked in an impasse over its rules, reports Xinhua news agency. Trump was impeached by the Democrat-led House of Representatives on December 18, 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. But the articles of impeachment haven't been delivered to the 100-member Senate, where Republicans have a narrow majority. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who initiated an inquiry in September 2019 that led to Trump's impeachment, has tried to give the Democrats more leverage in negotiations with Republicans for setting the trial rules by holding up the articles of impeachment. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has proposed calling on several witnesses during the Senate trial, while McConnell has so far rejected the demand, reiterating his stance on Tuesday. "Fifty-one senators determine what we do and there will be, I'm sure, intense discussion, once we get past phase one, about the whole witness issue," McConnell said. Schumer also said on Tuesday that Democrats would "force votes to put Republicans on the record". "If Senate Republicans vote to prevent witnesses and documents, Americans will see it as a large and awful cover-up," the New York Democrat told reporters. McConnell has said that the Senate should model Trump's impeachment trial after that of former President Bill Clinton, by dealing with potential witnesses once it begins. In an anonymous complaint last year, a whistleblower raised concerns about the White House's interactions with Ukraine, resulting in the impeachment inquiry against Trump. The President was alleged to have pressed his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, into launching investigations that could politically benefit him. Furthermore, the White House has allegedly tried to cover it up. Having repeatedly denied any wrongdoings, Trump slammed the Democrats for his impeachment at the White House on Tuesday. "Whatever it is, it's a hoax. The impeachment is a big hoax," he told reporters. "It's become a laughing stock all over the world. There was nothing done wrong." ccording to the nation's Constitution, the House has the sole power of impeachment, while the Senate can try all impeachments. Conviction can only happen in the Senate and requires at least two-thirds of its members, or 67 Senators, to vote in favor after a trial. Currently, the Senate has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two Independents. ksk/ All is well, tweeted US president Donald Trump shortly after Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two military bases used by the US forces in Iraq. Trump underlined that the US has the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world. The president had gone into a huddle with his top national security officials shortly after the attacks were confirmed, amidst talk of the United States responding to these strikes. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning, said the President in his tweet. Iranian state television said the attack on US bases was in response to Fridays killing in a US drone strike of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, one of the most important figures in the countrys government. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement, It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil. These bases, he added, had been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region. Earlier, the US had refused visa to Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to travel to New York to attend a UN Security Council meeting. GAITHERSBURG, Md. and SUZHOU, China, Jan. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirnaomics Inc. ("Sirnaomics"), a leading biopharmaceutical company in discovery and development of RNAi therapeutics against cancer and fibrotic diseases, and Innovent Biologics, Inc. ("Innovent") (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes high quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, autoimmune, metabolic and other major diseases, jointly announced today that the two companies have entered a strategic collaboration to conduct clinical studies, using Sirnaomics' RNAi drug candidate STP705 (cotsiranib) and Innovent's antibody drug Tyvyt (sintilimab injection), for combination treatment in advanced cancers, such as Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCC) and Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), with high unmet need in the US. Patrick Lu, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sirnaomics, stated, "This collaborative effort between Sirnaomics and Innovent will be the first example of a combination strategy using an RNAi drug candidate together with an approved immune checkpoint antibody drug for the treatment of liver cancers. This represents an important clinical approach for combating these deadly diseases where the silencing of gene targets that reduce T-cell access and activity may augment the activity of checkpoint inhibitors in liver cancer." Michael Molyneaux, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Sirnaomics, stated, "Sirnaomics is very excited to enter into this collaboration agreement with Innovent to potentially bring lifesaving therapies to patients with Hepatocellular Cancers. It is well known that, despite recent advances in cancer therapies, HCC is still a deadly form of liver cancer with high unmet need. Our pre-clinical Proof of Concept oncology data has consistently demonstrated single agent efficacy with STP705 in HCC and our most recent work on mechanism of action strongly suggest that the use of our lead asset (STP705) in combination with antibody therapies could greatly benefit patients with HCC. Innovent has a very strong track record for innovation and execution in the clinical space and a shared vision of bringing lifesaving therapies to their patients. We believe that combining Sirnaomics novel siRNA technology with Innovent's cutting edge antibody therapies has the potential to significantly improve the current treatment landscape for patients with Hepatocellular Cancer." Dr. Hui Zhou, Vice President and Head of Oncology Strategy and Medical Sciences of Innovent, stated, "Sintilimab has been granted marketing approval by the NMPA and is the only PD-1 inhibitor included in the NRDL. Sintilimab has gained broad recognition by the market, due to its profiles in safety and efficacy. Through partnership with other companies, we are exploring more sintilimab-based combination therapies and have seen some promising results. Developing a combination therapy, comprised of an antibody drug and a RNAi drug, may provide more comprehensive and effective treatments for patients. The potential clinical value of the combination therapy of sintilimab and cotsiranib will be evaluated and we hope more patients will benefit from this potential therapy globally." About STP705 (Cotsiranib) Sirnaomics' leading product candidate, STP705, is an siRNA (small interfering RNA) therapeutic which takes advantage of a dual-targeted inhibitory property and polypeptide nanoparticle (PNP)-enhanced delivery to directly knock down both TGF-1 and COX-2 gene expression. The product candidate has received multiple IND approvals from both the US FDA and Chinese NMPA, including treatments of Cholangiocarcinoma, Non-Melanoma skin cancer and Hypertrophic Scar. STP705 has also received Orphan Drug Designation for treatment of Cholangiocarcinoma and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. STP705 has demonstrated a dramatic improvement in T-cell penetration into tumors in the liver with single agent action as well as improvement in the efficacy of an anti-PD-L1 antibody checkpoint inhibitor in an HCC model. This effect may improve other immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacies in addition to those targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. About Tyvyt (Sintilimab Injection) Tyvyt (sintilimab injection), an innovative drug jointly developed in China by Innovent and Lilly, was granted marketing approval by the NMPA for r/r cHL in 2018, and included in the 2019 Guidelines of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology ("CSCO") for Lymphoid Malignancies. Tyvyt (sintilimab injection) has been the only anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody included in the NRDL since 2019. Tyvyt (sintilimab injection) is a type of immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody, which binds to PD-1 molecules on the surface of T-cells, blocks the PD-1/ PD-1 Ligand-1 (PD-L1) pathway and reactivates T-cells to kill cancer cells. Innovent is currently conducting more than 20 clinical studies for sintilimab injection to evaluate its safety and efficacy in a wide variety of cancer indications, including eight registration or pivotal clinical trials. Innovent is also conducting clinical studies of sintilimab injection in the United States. About Sirnaomics, Inc. Sirnaomics, Inc., a leading privately held biopharmaceutical company for discovery and development of RNAi therapeutics, is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, with subsidiaries in Suzhou and Guangzhou, China. The company's mission is to develop novel therapeutics to alleviate human suffering and advance patient care in areas of high unmet medical need. The guiding principles of the company are: Innovation, Global Vision with a Patient Centered focus. Members of the senior management team have a great deal of combined experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, financial, clinical and business management in both the USA and China. The company is supported by funding from institutional investors and corporate partnerships. Sirnaomics has developed a strong portfolio of intellectual property with an enriched product pipeline. The therapeutic areas of focus include oncology and anti-fibrotic therapeutics. Learn more at www.sirnaomics.com. About Innovent Inspired by the spirit of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent's mission is to develop and commercialize high quality biopharmaceutical products that are affordable to ordinary people. Established in 2011, Innovent is committed to developing, manufacturing and commercializing high quality innovative medicines for the treatment of oncology, autoimmune, metabolic and other major diseases. On October 31, 2018, Innovent was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code: 01801.HK. Since it was founded, Innovent has developed a fully-integrated platform which includes R&D, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), clinical development and commercialization capabilities. Leveraging the platform, the company has built a robust pipeline of 21 innovative assets in the fields of oncology, autoimmune, metabolic diseases and other major therapeutic areas , with seventeen in clinical development, five in Phase III clinical trials, three NDAs under review by NMPA with priority review status, while Tyvyt, officially approved for marketing in China in 2018, has been the only anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody included in the NRDL since 2019. Innovent has built an international team of advanced talents in high-end biological drug development and commercialization, including many overseas experts. The company has also entered into strategic collaborations with Eli Lilly and Company, Adimab, Incyte, Hanmi and other international pharmaceutical companies. Innovent strives to work with all relevant parties to help advance China's biopharmaceutical industry, improve drug availability to ordinary people and enhance the quality of the patients' lives. For more information, please visit: www.innoventbio.com. Contact: Sirnaomics, Inc. Michael Molyneaux, MD, MBA Chief Medical Officer [email protected] Westwicke, an ICR Company Investors: Stephanie Carrington [email protected] +1 646 277 1282 Media: Mark Corbae [email protected] 203-682-8288 Innovent Biologics, Inc. Media: [email protected] +86 512-6956 6088 Investors: [email protected] +86 512-6956 6088 SOURCE Sirnaomics, Inc. Related Links http://www.sirnaomics.com Von der Leyen says UK will not have highest quality access to single market if it does not compromise. Britain will not get the highest quality access to European markets after it leaves the EU, unless it makes significant compromises, the European Commissions president warned on Wednesday. The United Kingdoms future trade deal with the European Union will require tough negotiation, said Ursula von der Leyen on a visit to London, adding: With every choice comes a consequence. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to agree on a new economic relationship with the worlds largest trading bloc by the end of 2020 but has signalled that he does not wish to follow EU rules and standards. This could become an obstacle. For Brexit supporters, one of the main reasons to leave the EU is to avoid regulation and red tape, which they say stifle business and enterprise. Hardliners in Johnsons own party and other eurosceptics will not accept leaving the EU on paper while still being bound by its bureaucracy. Without a level playing field on environment, labour, taxation and state aid, you cannot have the highest quality access to the worlds largest single market, warned Von der Leyen. Trade negotiations can only formally begin once Britain leaves the EU on January 31, but the European Commission president also cautioned that you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnership by the end of 2020. Johnson insists he will not extend the transition period beyond December 31 and has removed text from his proposed Brexit legislation that would allow MPs to delay the deadline if no deal is reached. Johnsons Conservative Party won a substantial parliamentary majority in December, giving him the power to end more than three years of wrangling over the UKs withdrawal from the EU. His office on Wednesday said: Both British and EU citizens rightly expect negotiations on an ambitious free trade agreement to conclude on time. Von der Leyen also said that ties between the UK and the EU will continue to be unbreakable. She told an audience at the London School of Economics, where she formerly studied, that many of the principles of the EU and the single market had been guided by British figures. Von der Leyen said January 31 Britains exit day would be a tough and emotional day. But she added: When the sun rises again on February 1, the United Kingdom and the European Union will still be the best of friends and partners. The bonds between us will still be unbreakable. WASHINGTON Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, said Tuesday that he planned to move forward with President Donald Trumps impeachment trial without committing to calling witnesses or hearing new evidence, foreshadowing a partisan vote to kick off a divisive proceeding. His decision deepened a standoff over the shape of a Senate trial that has gripped the Capitol in the weeks since the House voted to impeach Trump. But hours later, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated it may not persist much longer, saying that she would soon transmit the two articles of impeachment, though not before McConnell made public the rules for the process. McConnell shared his intentions with senators over lunch in the Capitol, declaring that he had the votes he needed including among moderate Republicans to steamroll over Democratic objections and proceed with the trial that puts off final decisions on whether to consider evidence. That would mean the Senate would tackle those questions only after representatives of the House and the president make opening arguments and senators question both sides. We have the votes, McConnell, R-Ky., told reporters afterward. He said he modelled his plan on the procedures used during the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton in 1999, the Senates only modern precedent. But this time, both the facts of the case and the politics are far different. Trump directed a campaign to stonewall the House impeachment inquiry, barring testimony from some of his closest advisers and refusing to provide any documents. McConnell has promised a speedy acquittal, and Democrats charge that his refusal to hear from witnesses who could bolster the case against the president is tantamount to a coverup. They are expected to oppose McConnells resolution almost unanimously. Pelosi, returning to the Capitol for the first time in the new year, said she still wanted more detail from McConnell about what precise procedures he would follow before naming the lawmakers who will prosecute the case. A decision to transmit the articles could come as soon as this week, though a series of Iranian attacks on U.S. forces early Wednesday in Iraq left the exact timing in doubt. Back in 2017, you may have heard that Toyota was officially removing the FJ Cruiser from their model lineup all over the globe. Considering it was first launched in 2006, it was about time that the aging FJ Cruiser was replaced. The Japanese automaker even made a special version in Japan called the Final Edition to properly send off the boxy off-roader. However, it seems that wasnt the case. Toyota is still producing brand new FJ Cruisers to this day. In fact, you can still order a brand new unit from Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) dealerships all over the country this 2020. It is also still listed on the TMP website. However, its sticker price has gone up (along with most models sold by TMP this year) and now costs Php 2,083,000. Its not only the Philippines where the FJ Cruiser is still being sold today. Those residing in the Middle East can also buy a brand model right off the dealership. They can even choose to customize and spec the FJ they plan to buy to their liking at the Toyota UAE website. Congress Lok Sabha MP Karti Chidambaram and his wife Srinidhi will move the Madras High Court in a tax evasion case, a day after their discharge petition was rejected by a special court, their counsel said on Wednesday. The matter relates to the alleged non-disclosure of Rs 1.35 crore received by Karti, son of former union minister P Chidambaram, and his wife Srinidhi in cash for sale of land at Muttukadu near here. The couple's advocate N R R Arun Natarajan, in a "statement on behalf of Mrs and Mr Karti P Chidambaram," said no cash was received in the sale transaction. "The IT Department's complaint was based on a notice of re-assessment.The IT Department's re-assessment proceedings abated on December 31, 2019. No order of assessment or demand was passed. The complaint is therefore non-existent in law," he said. "We will bring this fact to the notice of the trial court and move the Madras High Court against the order of the trial court," Natarajan added. No cash was received in the sale transaction and the entire proceeds have been accounted for and reflected in the books of account and returns filed, the counsel said. On Tuesday, Special Court for MLAs and MPs judge D Lingeshwaran dismissed the discharge petition filed by Karti and his wife in connection with the case. The judge had found merit in the evidence submitted by the prosecution and dismissed the plea. The judge ordered the prosecution to go ahead with the framing of charges and sought both the accused to be present in the court on January 21. The petitioners submitted that the transaction was completed and returns of income were filed in 2015 when Karti was not a member of Parliament. The deputy director of income tax Investigation, Chennai, had filed a complaint on September 12, 2018 against the petitioners before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court-II (Economic Offences) for offences under sections 276c(1) and 277 of the I-T Act. The case was later transferred to the special court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. imposes sanctions on South Sudanese vice president FILE PHOTO: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley greets South Sudan's First Vice President Taban Deng Gai next to South Sudan President Salva Kiir, in Juba By Daphne Psaledakis WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on South Sudanese First Vice President Taban Deng Gai, the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement, in Washington's latest move to pressure the country's politicians to form a unity government. The Treasury Department said Gai arranged and directed the alleged killings of opposition politician Aggrey Idri Ezibon and human rights lawyer Dong Samuel Luak in a move to solidify his position in the government and intimidate members of the opposition. South Sudan's presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny, told Reuters after the sanctions were announced that Washington's move will worsen the situation in the country. Gai "is very helpful in the implementation of the peace and...he should be encouraged," the spokesman said, adding that there was no evidence that any government officials were involved in the killings cited by Treasury. Gai, former governor of an oil-rich region in South Sudan, has long been a powerful government figure in the country with close ties to President Salva Kiir. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement calling on the government and opposition leaders to create distance from those who spoil the peace process. He said Gai, on behalf of Kiir, acted to "divide and sow distrust, extend the conflict in South Sudan, and impede the reconciliation and peace process." Gai could not immediately be reached for comment. He is the latest South Sudanese official to be sanctioned by Washington. Last month, the United States blacklisted two South Sudanese cabinet ministers, days after slapping sanctions on five lower level officials it says are responsible for the likely murder of the two human rights activists in 2017. The sanctions, implemented under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act that targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuses and corruption, freeze any of Gai's U.S. assets and generally prohibit Americans from doing business with him. Story continues "Taban Deng Gai's attempt to silence the opposition party is derailing the country's ability to implement a peace agreement," said Treasury Deputy Secretary Justin Muzinich in the statement. Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar signed a peace deal in 2018 to form the unity government by Nov. 12. But days before the deadline, the two leaders gave themselves an extension of 100 days to implement the agreement, a move criticized by Washington. In November, the United States recalled its ambassador from South Sudan and said it was re-evaluating its relationship with the African country's government. Civil war broke out in oil-producing South Sudan in 2013, less than two years after the country gained independence from Sudan following decades of war. The conflict has killed an estimated 400,000 people and forced millions from their homes. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis; Additional reporting by Maggie Fick in Nairobi; Editing by Mary Milliken, David Gregorio and Lisa Shumaker) Accused: Harvey Weinstein arrives at court in New York, again using a walking frame. Photo: Stephanie Keith/Getty Potential jurors are expected to appear in a Manhattan court on Wednesday for former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's rape trial as lawyers try to find impartial New Yorkers to decide his fate. Jury selection got off to a dramatic start on Tuesday when a visibly angry Judge James Burke caught Weinstein texting in court and threatened him with jail if he did it again. Weinstein is out on bail, but is required to wear a tracking device on his ankle, which has been visible as he hobbled into court using a walker. He is recovering from back surgery. Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women in New York. He faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. Since 2017, more than 80 women, including many famous actresses, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct dating back decades. The Weinstein allegations helped fuel the #MeToo movement which encouraged women to go public with misconduct allegations against powerful men. Weinstein has denied the allegations, saying any sexual encounters he had were consensual. The former film producer made his mark with films such as "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love." Burke has denied requests by Weinstein's legal team to move the trial out of the media glare of Manhattan or to delay the start given the challenges of finding impartial jurors. On Monday, Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced charges against Weinstein of sexual assault of two unidentified women in 2013. Burke said the jury would be instructed that the charges in California are not evidence of guilt. Burke kicked off jury selection on Tuesday by speaking to 120 potential jurors in the courtroom about the importance of jury service and telling them the identity of the defendant. "Having heard of him, or even having heard the allegations made against him in the press, does not disqualify you," he told them. Those who said they could not be impartial or could not serve for other reasons were dismissed on Tuesday, while the remainder were told to report back on Jan. 16 for further vetting. Prosecutors need 12 jurors to back a conviction, while Weinstein needs just one holdout for a hung jury. The trial is expected to last six weeks. Mumbai: It is important to keep the sanctity and purity of historical characters intact while presenting them on the screen, says "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior" director Om Raut. Raut says he researched the story for about three years to get a clear picture. "We met a lot of historians, researchers, read a lot of books and studied paintings. It is important to keep the sanctity, persona and the purity of the character intact when you are dealing with historical figures. "There shouldn't be anything that will possibly create any type of harm to their image. There has to be self-censorship that every maker has to maintain. I would like to put such restrains on myself and keep the sanctity, purity intact and do it with the right heart so it gets translated on-screen," Raut told PTI in an interview here. Raut says his grandparents introduced him to the Maratha warrior. "I grew up in a Marathi household, I was told this story about Tanhaji Malusare by my grandparents. It was my family, who introduced me to this character, to this great warrior. The word surgical strike has been taught to us recently but the Maratha's were known for guerilla activity that they always did." When Raut, was studying in the US in 2006, one of his friends showed him a film about a greek warrior, that motivated him to make a film on Maratha warriors. That's how, Raut says, began the journey of making a movie. "Cinema is a powerful tool. People do not read newspapers or books or history books but cinema is seen by a lot of people, so it is a brilliant tool to tell stories that you want to tell." Ajay Devgn will be seen as Tanhaji Malusare, Kajol as his wife - Savitribai Malusare, Saif Ali Khan as Udaybhan Rathod, the antagonist and Sharad Kelkar as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The director, best known for directing the critically and commercially successful 2015 film "Lokmanya: Ek Yug Purush", says he gives a lot of importance to casting because when the cast is apt, half the battle is won. "If your spy looks like a spy then he doesn't have to act too much. I believe in performance and the ability of an actor. The reason to cast Mr Devgn, Saif and Kajol and others, the core reason for it is the excellence that they have in their performances. They all had narrations after that they came on board for the project." The biographical period action film, produced by Ajay and T-series, is scheduled to arrive in theatres on January 10. Democratic presidential candidates expressed support for American troops Tuesday following Iranian strikes on two bases in Iraq shared with the U.S., as several called for a de-escalation in tensions. What they're saying: Former Vice President Joe Biden offered prayers to troops before saying at a Philadelphia campaign event the "chaos that's ensuing" in Iraq and Iran was "predictable," per a pool report. "I just pray to God as [President Trump] goes through whats happening ... that he's listening to his military commanders for the first time because so far that has not been the case," he said. Sen. Elizabeth Warren tweeted, "Tonight, my prayers are with our service members, our diplomats and personnel serving in Iraq, and their families and all the people in the region. This is a reminder why we need to de-escalate tension in the Middle East. The American people do not want a war with Iran." Former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, an Afghanistan war veteran, tweeted, "Tonight, Americans in Iraq are under fire. My prayers are with them, their loved ones, and their families." Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran, said on Twitter Iran's attacks brought back memories of her 2005 deployment, as she offered prayers to U.S. troops and their families. "Unimaginable suffering awaits if this escalation continues. ... Politicians & pundits talk tough on TV pushing for Iran War. But most have no idea what it means to serve in harm's way, nor do they understand what military moms, dads, husbands, wives, & children go thru as their loved one is sent overseas #NoWarWithIran #IranAttacks #IranvsUSA" Tulsi Gabbard, Twitter Sen. Amy Klobuchar tweeted, "As we await the casualty assessment from tonights attacks, it is vital that we take this moment to consider any response. A full-blown war with Iran is not in the national security interest of the U.S. or allies in the region. We must work with our allies to de-escalate the situation while ensuring the safety of Americans in the region." Sen. Cory Booker tweeted, "Praying for the safety of our troops and personnel in Iraq right now. ... We are quickly heading to a point of no return in the region. We must use diplomacy to deescalate and keep Americans safe at home and abroad." Businessman Andrew Yang tweeted, "Our thoughts and prayers are with our brave men and women serving in Iraq and keeping our country safe may they be safe and secure and see their families again." Sen. Michael Bennet tweeted, "American servicemembers are under attack. I'm ... thinking of the brave men and women serving in our military tonight." Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick tweeted, "Americans and our allies are under fire tonight. Let us keep them and their families in our prayers." Go deeper: Trump says "all is well" after Iranian strikes on bases hosting U.S. troops Iran will welcome any peace initiative by India to de-escalate tensions with the US following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian envoy here said on Wednesday while asserting that his country wants peace not war. Iran's Ambassador to India Ali Chegeni also expressed the hope there would be no further escalation in hostilities between his country and the US. The ambassador's comments came hours after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq. Tehran said it was a "slap in the face" of America. "India usually plays a very good role in (maintaining) peace in the world. India belongs to this region. We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalation (of tensions)," Chegeni told reporters after a condolence meeting for Soleimani at the Iranian Embassy here. "We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region. We welcome any Indian initiative or any project that can help peace and prosperity in this world," he said. Maj Gen Soleimani, 62, the head of Iran''s elite al-Quds force and architect of its regional security apparatus, was killed when a US drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the Baghdad International Airport early on Friday. The strike also killed the deputy chief of Iraq''s powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. On the Iranian attack on US targets in Iraq, Chegeni said his country retaliated under its right to defend. Amid spiralling US-Iran tensions over the killing of Soleimani, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday had a conversation with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, voicing India's concerns over the escalation of tensions. India has reached out to several stakeholders in the region over the security situation prevailing in the Middle East. Jaishankar has also separately spoken with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf Alawi, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well his Jordanian and Qatari counterparts Ayman Safadi and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani respectively, on the tense situation in the region. Noting that India is a "good friend", Chegeni said, "My minister (Javad Zarif) talked to Dr Jaishankar, they had a very good discussion. Recently we had the joint economic commission in Tehran...We see a very good future for the relationship. We have no problem with India." He said Iran and India can jointly work for peace in the world. Asked if Indian officials have reached out to the Embassy with a condolence message, the Iranian envoy said the embassy had opened a condolence book for two days and he expects Indian officials to come but it is "up to the Indian side". "Usually we have good relations and sympathy between the two countries," he said. The Iran Embassy here has been seeing a steady stream of envoys coming and expressing condolences on the death of Soliemani. Concerns have mounted across the globe over fast-deteriorating diplomatic ties between the US and Iran, and the spiralling tensions in the Gulf after Soleiman was killed. Soleimani's killing was the most dramatic escalation yet in spiralling tensions between Iran and the US. Talking about the US drone strike that killed Soleimani, Chegeni said, "He was in a third country. So this is very important for the world to not allow such an inhuman, illegal act which is against international rights." "He (Soleimani) was the one who removed the threat of ISIS from the world. Why you should kill him. That means you are supporting terrorists. If Gen Soleimani didn't act against ISIS, what would have happened to India, to Europe, and to all of the world because ISIS was really anti-human," he said. The world owes a debt to "anti-terrorist hero" Soleimani, he said. "That is why my country today officially retaliated based on the legitimate rights we have....We are not for war. We are not for escalation, but defending is our right," Chegeni said. "Everyone has the right to defence, even animals and trees...," he asserted. "This is not revenge, this was the right of our people. All the Iranian people asked for retaliation, early morning at the same time our national hero was attacked... we attacked the military bases," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on January 8, 2020 2020/01/08 Q: Question on China and Indonesia. Indonesia has deployed fighter jets and warships next to Natuna Islands in the South China Sea, which is what the Indonesian military said today. Do you have any reaction to that and can you clarify if China has any claim on Natuna Islands? A: It has been several times recently that we responded to recent maritime developments in the South China Sea. We repeatedly and clearly stated that China has sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the relevant waters. Our position is in accordance with international law. I'd like to stress that China and Indonesia don't have disputes over territorial sovereignty. We have overlapping claims of maritime rights and interests in some areas in the South China Sea. China hopes Indonesia will remain calm. We would like to handle our differences with Indonesia in a proper way and uphold our bilateral relations as well as peace and stability in the region. In fact, we have been in contact with each other on this issue through diplomatic channels. Q: Iranian foreign minister tweeted today, "Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." What's your opinion about this? A: Situation in the Middle East is complex and sensitive at the moment. China has been closely following the latest developments. We call on relevant sides to exercise restraint and believe that they should resolve disputes properly and peacefully through dialogue and negotiation on the basis of mutual respect, and jointly uphold regional peace and stability. Like we said repeatedly, worsening of tensions in the Middle East doesn't serve the interest of anyone. Ensuring peace and stability in the region is of vital importance to the whole world. China will continue to follow closely the situation, stay in close contact with the relevant sides, and play a responsible role in cooling off tensions and properly managing the situation. Q: The Iranian side said their attacks on US military base were self-defense. What's China's opinion on that? A: China is concerned about the current situation. We believe the relevant sides should resolve differences properly and peacefully through dialogue and negotiations on the basis of mutual respect, and jointly uphold peace and stability of the Gulf region in the Middle East. Q: You said the other day that China will play a constructive role in maintaining peace and security in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Does that include financial support? A: If you follow closely China's diplomacy and the latest situation, you should've noticed that after the sharp changes took place in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Director Yang Jiechi and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had phone calls with foreign ministers of some relevant countries at the earliest time possible to exchange views, calling for calmness and restraint for early de-escalation. In the meantime, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China keeps close contact with relevant sides within the Security Council and calls on the Council to take up its primary responsibility of safeguarding international peace and security. As I said, China is concerned about the latest developments. We call on relevant sides to exercise restraint and properly resolve disputes through dialogue, negotiation and other peaceful means. I'm not sure what you meant by "financial support", but I can tell you that China has close cooperation with countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region in trade, investment, infrastructure and other areas. Our cooperation under the BRI framework has been effective and beneficial to people in China and the Middle East region. Q: Considering there have been more military activities in the Middle East, will China ban civil airplanes from flying over Iran and Iraq? A: As I know, the Chinese authority in charge of civil aviation is closely following the situation of aviation security in that region. I'd refer you to them for more specifics. China is concerned about the current situation in the Middle East. We hope for early de-escalation, which will serve the common interests of the international community. Q: Some lawmakers in Iraq have suggested that China could help Iraq economically if the US withdraws from Iraq. On Tuesday the deputy speaker of Iraq's parliament met with the Chinese ambassador and called for implementation of preliminary deals that were signed between the two countries early this year. I was wondering if China has any plans to implement the deals as soon as possible or to sign new deals in Iraq to ease the situation there? A: As I said, China has been in close communication with relevant sides over current tensions in the Middle East. Indeed, the Chinese ambassador to Iraq recently met with high-level officials in the Iraqi government and parliament. I'd refer you to the statement issued by our embassy for more details. As for some specific agreement or assistance, I'm not aware of that yet. China and Iraq share a traditional friendship with cooperation across the board. China has been actively helping Iraq in its reconstruction, and we will continue working for stability and development in Iraq. Q: The recent Lowy Institute Global Diplomacy Index shows that in 2019 China has overtaken the United States as the country with the largest number of embassies and consulates across the world as more countries established diplomatic ties with it. Media analysis sees the rapid increase in China's diplomatic missions as a manifestation of its growing ambition on the international stage. What's your comment? A: I noted that report. In 2019, we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Over the past seven decades, China's diplomacy has achieved leapfrog progress. We now have diplomatic relations with 180 countries and partnerships with 112 countries and international organizations. We have joined more than 100 inter-governmental organizations and signed over 500 multilateral treaties. An all-round, multi-tiered and all-dimensional foreign affairs architecture has been put in place. Based on statistics at hand, in the past 40 years or so since reform and opening-up started, citizens in China's mainland have made more than 1.38 billion trips overseas. Nearly 40,000 Chinese businesses have set up presence in other countries. At present, the number of Chinese students studying abroad stands around 1.5 million and there are more than 170 million outbound trips throughout a year. Therefore, a growing diplomatic infrastructure in keeping with China's development is a necessity and a must. It is only natural to have things in proportion. The mission of Chinese diplomatic posts is to safeguard the interests of China and the Chinese people, and to nurture friendship and cooperation with other countries. We do not intend to compete with anyone in this regard. I would like to stress that the purpose of China's diplomacy is to uphold world peace and promote common development. Our major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in a new era aims to promote the building of a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind. Greater influence of China's diplomacy and more Chinese diplomatic missions will contribute to the global cause of peace, development, equity and justice. Q: I've got a follow-up question on Indonesia. You said there is no dispute between China and Indonesia over territorial sovereignty. Does that mean China has no territorial claim on Natuna Islands? A: China has sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the relevant waters. Our position is in accordance with international law. In the meantime, I'd like to stress that China and Indonesia don't have disputes over territorial sovereignty, though we have overlapping claims of maritime rights and interests in some areas in the South China Sea. China would like to handle our differences with Indonesia in a proper way and uphold our bilateral relations as well as peace and stability in the region. Q: Secretary Pompeo said on January 7 that the Chinese Communist Party is committing mass human rights violations and abuses ethnic Muslim minorities held in detention in Xinjiang. The US asks all countries, particularly those in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League, to denounce the Chinese Communist Party's brutal treatment of Uighurs. He also noted the appointment of the new head of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR and hopes the Chinese Communist Party will honor its commitments in the Sino-British Joint Declaration to guarantee Hong Kong's independent rule of law and freedoms. I wonder if you have a response to that? A: Certain individual on the US side, with his expertise in fabricating lies, once again slandered and attacked China. Practices like this have severely undermined America's credibility and have been questioned and rejected by more and more countries. I would like to stress the following points. There is no issue with ethnicity, religion or human rights in China's Xinjiang. The counter-terrorism and de-radicalization measures taken by local governments in Xinjiang were lawful and effective as they contained terrorist activities and ensured the region's peace and prosperity. The endeavors have been endorsed by all 25 million residents of various ethnic groups there and commended by the international community including Muslim countries. In March 2019, the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) adopted a resolution which commended China's efforts in providing care to Muslim citizens. During a UN Human Rights Council meeting in July and a Third Committee session of the 74th UNGA, dozens of countries, of which many are OIC members, applauded China's respect for and protection of human rights in its counter-terrorism and de-radicalization efforts. It must be pointed out that the wars staged by the US in the Middle East over the past years have caused countless Muslim casualties and displacement as well as turmoils in the region. As has been proven, it is precisely the US that has infringed upon Muslim human rights. Its attempts to sow discord between China and Islamic states are futile in the end. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs. No country, organization or individual has any right to interfere. Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong has been governed in accordance with China's Constitution and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR. The principles of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy has been faithfully implemented. The rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents have been fully guaranteed according to law. Those are facts already recognized by the international community. The US and other foreign forces have no legal basis and are in no position to invoke the Sino-British Joint Declaration to make unwarranted remarks on Hong Kong affairs. Certain individual in the US cannot accommodate himself to the huge success of socialism with Chinese characteristics or acknowledge the fact that the Communist Party of China has won the full support of the Chinese people. He has been obsessed with ideology confrontation that runs counter to the trend of the times. We advise him to discard anti-China prejudice and obsession, foster a correct perception on China as soon as possible and stop his anti-China rattling. Political attempts are doomed to fail if they aim to drive a wedge between the CPC and the Chinese people or negate our socialism with Chinese characteristics. Q: Severe bushfires have ravaged the Australian states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. The blazes have scorched over 6 million hectares of land, killed more than 20 lives, burned down over 2,000 houses and displaced thousands of local residents. I wonder if you could comment on that? A: We noted media reports on that, and we express our sincere sympathies to Australia for the heavy casualties and property losses caused by severe bushfires in many areas. Q: Is China planning to ground Boeing planes? A: Why? Is there anything that comes up? Follow-up: Just a question. A: According to the information I have, the Civil Aviation Administration of China responded to questions on the software update of and when to lift ban on Boeing 737 MAX in a press conference it held on December 12, 2019. You may read the press release online. I have nothing to update you at the moment. Q: We noted that Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith visited Liangjiahe Village yesterday. Is Prime Minister Sisoulith the first foreign leader that visited Liangjiahe Village? What is the significance of his visit? A: Indeed, Prime Minister Sisoulith visited Shaanxi Province yesterday, during which he made a stop at Liangjiahe Village, a place where President Xi Jinping used to work and live. During his meeting with President Xi Jinping on Monday in Beijing, Prime Minister Sisoulith said that Laos has something to learn from China's adherence to and improvement of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which also encourages Laos to stay committed to the path of socialism. We believe that through his visit to Shaanxi Province and Liangjiahe Village, Prime Minister Sisoulith will better understand how Chinese leaders have gone through struggles amid difficulties, feel the energy of the Chinese people in pushing forward reform and innovation, and have a better idea of the solid foundation on which the socialist system with Chinese characteristics is based. In fact, Prime Minister Sisoulith is not the first leader that visited Liangjiahe Village. In recent years, President Touadera of Central Africa, former Prime Minister Prachanda of Nepal and former Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean of Singapore have all been to Liangjiahe and spoken highly of the local achievements in poverty alleviation, economic development and ecological conservation. President Xi Jinping cited the development of Liangjiahe as an example to illustrate China's reform and opening-up endeavor during his visit to the US in 2015. For the Chinese people, Liangjiahe is the epitome of China's efforts to eliminate poverty, to advance reform and opening-up and to pursue the Chinese dream. We welcome more foreign friends visiting China, especially such grassroots localities as Liangjiahe, to hear the voices of our people, to feel the strong pulse of China's growth, and to understand how China has achieved sustained development. We would like to discuss development with all countries, enhance our exchange on state governance, and jointly advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Q: We saw that the stock prices of Chinese defense enterprises have gone up today. I wonder if by "a constructive role" you meant a role in defense in the Middle East? A: I'm afraid this is not a question for me as a foreign ministry spokesperson. I'll leave that to the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission since I'm no expert in the stock market. Q: According to Iranian media, on the morning of January 8, a Ukraine International Airlines passenger jet, which is a Boeing 737, crashed shortly after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport at Tehran, Iran, killing all 180 people on board. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Do you have any comment on it? A: We noted media reports on that. We express deep condolences for the victims and extend sincere sympathy to the bereaved families. We hope relevant authorities will identify the cause as soon as possible. After the accident, Chinese diplomatic missions in Ukraine contacted relevant authorities for verification. So far we haven't received notification of any Chinese passengers on board. If there's more information, we will let you know in due course. Q: Given increased tensions between Iran and the US, has China pulled any citizens out from the Middle East and the Gulf region? And do you plan to do so? A: Perhaps you've noticed that the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Iran just issued a security alert, reminding Chinese citizens and institutions in Iran to pay close attention to the regional security situation, remain vigilant and take precautionary measures. Our citizens are advised to call the police and contact the Chinese embassy in Iran when there's danger or emergency. I would like to reiterate that the Chinese government highly values the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens overseas. Our Foreign Ministry and diplomatic missions will continue to closely follow the situation on the ground and decide whether to issue security alerts of corresponding severity levels in light of needs and realities. Q: My question is about Libya. Yesterday EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and foreign ministers of Germany and Italy condemned Turkey's plan to send troops to Libya after their meeting in Brussels. Do you have any comment on this? A: China closely follows the developments in Libya. The ongoing conflicts in Libya have not only incurred sufferings of the Libyan people, but also undermined the peace and tranquility of the entire region. China respects Libya's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We believe the Libyan issue should be resolved through political means. At this moment, it is all the more important for all relevant parties to bear in mind the fundamental interests of the Libyan people as well as peace and stability in the region. They need to work for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of violence between the conflicting parties, return to the right track of dialogue and negotiation, and avoid taking actions that may further complicate the situation. **************************** Today it has been exactly two years since we opened the MFA Spokesperson's WeChat account. Taking this occasion, I'd like to express heartfelt thanks to all the friends who have been following and supporting us on WeChat, Weibo and Douyin. Starting from today to January 14th, an interactive activity called "Q&A about the MFA" will be there for you on both WeChat and Weibo. Look forward to your participation. MONTREAL - Grocery chain Loblaw Companies Ltd. has announced the closure of distribution centres in Laval, Que., and Ottawa which will result in the elimination of nearly 800 jobs. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (734 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Loblaws flagship location on Carlton Street in Toronto is shown on Thursday May 2, 2013. More than 500 Loblaw employees will be losing their jobs as the company closes a distribution centre in Laval, Que. The grocery chain is also shutting a warehouse in Ottawa.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Vincent Elkaim MONTREAL - Grocery chain Loblaw Companies Ltd. has announced the closure of distribution centres in Laval, Que., and Ottawa which will result in the elimination of nearly 800 jobs. About 545 employees north of Montreal will be affected by the end of 2021 as the distribution centre is relocated to the automated complex of an Ontario subcontractor. The grocery chain is also shutting a warehouse in Ottawa that will impact 230 workers. Loblaw spokeswoman Catherine Thomas said the company is committed to fairness for employees and will work with the unions to minimize the impact of the closures. "We will begin negotiations shortly, setting transition plans and finding solutions for those colleagues including a long, two-year wind down, and support for those who want new opportunities within Loblaw or beyond," she wrote in an email. The decision to relocate the distribution centre comes as a labour contract expires at the end of the month, according to a spokeswoman for the United Food and Commercial Workers' Union. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "There is never a good time to learn such news, but at least we don't have just a few weeks' notice," Roxanne Larouche said in an interview. "That leaves us time." Thomas said volumes from Ottawa and Laval are moving to a facility in Cornwall, Ont., that's been open for more than a decade. The automated distribution centre will expand to be among Canada's most modern distribution centres and an undisclosed number of workers will be added to handle the greater volumes. "Our customers expect us to be a modern retailer, and we continue to invest in our stores and our people to do just that. In 2020, we will invest more than $1 billion to improve our business, creating new jobs and modernizing our workforce and stores," said Thomas. The owner of Loblaw, Provigo, Maxi and Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Quebec), will continue to distribute fresh and frozen food from Boucherville, a suburb south of Montreal, where some 550 people work. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2020. Companies in this story: (TSX:L) Health News Yuma, Arizona - Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest, just behind your breastbone. Technically called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn occurs when stomach contents back up into your esophagus. Sour taste and the sensation of food coming back into your mouth may accompany the sensation. Heartburn usually happens after you've eaten a meal, and it may occur at night. The pain usually worsens when you're lying down or bending over. Why does food back up into your esophagus? Normally, a strong band of muscle (lower esophageal sphincter) closes off the bottom of the esophagus and opens to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. Then it closes again. If the muscle relaxes abnormally or becomes weakened, stomach contents can wash back up (reflux), irritating the esophagus. Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm. Most people manage the discomfort on their own. More frequent heartburn that interferes with your daily routine may be a symptom of something more serious that requires assistance from your health care provider. To avoid or minimize the effects of heartburn, you should: Maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus. If your weight is healthy, maintain it. If you are overweight or obese, work to lose weight slowly no more than 1 or 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kilogram) a week. Ask your health care provider for help in devising a weight-loss strategy that will work for you. Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus. If your weight is healthy, maintain it. If you are overweight or obese, work to lose weight slowly no more than 1 or 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kilogram) a week. Ask your health care provider for help in devising a weight-loss strategy that will work for you. Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Clothes that fit tightly around your waist put pressure on your abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter. Clothes that fit tightly around your waist put pressure on your abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn. Everyone has specific triggers. Common triggers, such as fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion and caffeine, can make heartburn worse. Avoid foods you know will trigger your heartburn. Everyone has specific triggers. Common triggers, such as fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion and caffeine, can make heartburn worse. Avoid foods you know will trigger your heartburn. Eat smaller meals. Avoid overeating by eating smaller meals. Avoid overeating by eating smaller meals. Don't lie down after a meal. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed. Elevate the head of your bed. If you regularly experience heartburn at night or while trying to sleep, put gravity to work for you. Place wood or cement blocks under the feet of your bed so that the head end is raised by 6 to 9 inches. If it's not possible to elevate your bed, you can insert a wedge between your mattress and box spring to elevate your body from the waist up. Wedges are available at drugstores and medical supply stores. Raising your head with additional pillows is not effective. If you regularly experience heartburn at night or while trying to sleep, put gravity to work for you. Place wood or cement blocks under the feet of your bed so that the head end is raised by 6 to 9 inches. If it's not possible to elevate your bed, you can insert a wedge between your mattress and box spring to elevate your body from the waist up. Wedges are available at drugstores and medical supply stores. Raising your head with additional pillows is not effective. Try over-the-counter antacids occasionally. These products can neutralize stomach acid temporarily and relieve mild heartburn. However, prolonged or excessive use of antacids containing magnesium can cause diarrhea. Calcium- or aluminum - based products can lead to constipation. These products can neutralize stomach acid temporarily and relieve mild heartburn. However, prolonged or excessive use of antacids containing magnesium can cause diarrhea. Calcium- or aluminum - based products can lead to constipation. Don't smoke. Smoking decreases the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to function properly. Know when to see a health care provider Seek immediate help if you experience severe chest pain or pressure, especially when combined with other signs and symptoms such as pain in the arm or jaw, or difficulty breathing. Chest pain may be a symptom of a heart attack. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider: Kerala: Suchitwa Sagaram runs out of steam January 08,2020 | Source: The Hindu Fishers say enthusiasm has fizzled out due to lack of funds, govt. apathy. Suchitwa Sagaram, Keralas celebrated clean sea mission that garnered much global attention, has run out of steam due to the lack of funds. The fishers, who brought back truckloads of plastic waste from the sea after the project's ambitious take off in 2017, say their enthusiasm has fizzled out due to many factors, including government apathy. Moreover, the women employed at the collection point and the shredding unit complain of delayed wages, an issue they have been facing for sometime now. It takes some effort to detangle the plastic waste from our nets, wash it and then collect it in the bags. Though the Minister promised an incentive based on the volume of waste we bring back, there has been no follow-up. We are getting very poor catch these days and we are not very keen on saving environment when our own survival is at stake, says Wilson, fishermen. Visible dip Peter Mathias, president, All Kerala Fishing Boat Operators Association, says there is a visible dip in the quantity of plastic each trawler brings back nowadays and it will be difficult to keep the project afloat without government intervention. Only trawlers can efficiently sweep the sea floor and scoop up huge amounts of waste while fishing. But with the government introducing an exorbitant raise in the registration, deposit and annual licence fee in the mechanised sector, it has created a lot of resentment among the fishers. We were the ones who conceived the project, named it and volunteered to bring back the waste. In the initial days we used to bring double the quantity and I feel we can still make it a success with government support, he says. No collection points Another challenge faced by the authorities is the management of plastic accumulation at harbours that do not have Suchiwa Sagaram collection points. Proper collection and transport, especially from harbours such as Azheekkal, is a major challenge and usually its done only after repeated appeals, he adds. The project had made headlines again when it provided 500 kg plastic granules for the construction of Keralapuram-Kovilmukku road. But the employees attached to the project say they have been struggling due to the erratic pattern in the disbursal of wages. The women employed at the Neendakara shredding unit received their wages for five months only a day before Christmas and their salary is still pending. Though we have employed women from fisher families for Suchitwa Sagaram, there is no specific fund allocated for the project, says an official from Harbour Engineering Department. No support Last year, a London-based NGO had visited Neendakara to study the project and extended their support for the initiative. We were told that the people from the NGO had offered to take care of our salaries and we should wait for that. But there has been no change in our condition even after several months, says an employee. WhatsApp was the most-blocked platform due to deliberate internet shutdowns last year, new research has revealed. The world's most popular messaging app suffered 6,236 hours of disruption in 2019, according to the study by Top10VPN, with countries like Sri Lanka and Sudan among the worst affected. Samuel Woodhams, digital rights expert and co-author of the report, said WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption and vast user base makes it an ideal platform for evading authorities during periods of civil unrest. "Shutting it down makes it near-impossible for people to communicate in these situations, making it easier for authorities to maintain their grip on power," he told The Independent. "It's frighteningly easy for authoritarian governments to shutdown platforms like WhatsApp, or even internet access as a whole... They rely on government licenses and so are forced to comply with governement demands in order to continue operating in that country." 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed Show all 12 1 /12 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed Unsend messages You can unsend a message by tapping and holding it, hitting the Delete symbol and selecting Delete for Everyone. The feature works for all types of messages, but only if they were sent less than seven minutes ago. 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed Dodge the blue ticks WhatsApps blue ticks show when sent messages have been read, but you can disable them buy going to Settings > Account > Privacy > Read Receipts. However, bear in mind that, by doing so, youll lose the ability to see when your own sent messages have been read. Another, more fiddly way of reading your messages without triggering the blue ticks, is enabling Aeroplane Mode before opening your messages - just remember to close the app before switching Aeroplane Mode off again. 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed Hide your 'last seen' time Prevent your friends from finding out when you were last online by hiding your last seen time. Go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen. As is the case with disabling read receipts, hiding your last seen time will also stop you from seeing anybody elses. 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed Limit data usage You can control how much data you munch through on WhatsApp by limiting the types of media you automatically download on a mobile connection. Go to Settings > Data Usage and choose the best option for you. 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed Customise notifications If youre expecting an important WhatsApp message from someone, set a custom notification for them by opening the chat, tapping their name at the top and hitting Custom Notifications. 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed Format your messages To jazz up any of your messages, simply highlight it by tapping and holding it, hit the More Options key on the pop-up menu and tap the formatting option you want - bold, italic, strikethrough or monospace. 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed Type hands-free You can get Siri or Google Assistant to type your WhatsApp messages out for you by saying either Hey Siri or Okay Google, followed by the name of the person you want to message and the actual contents of the message. 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed Mark chats as unread When youve read a message but cant reply to it straight away, you can set a visual reminder by marking it as unread. On Android, long-press the conversation, and on iOS, swipe from left to right on a chat. 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed Email entire conversations You almost certainly wont do this on a regular basis, but its a handy option to have. You can export entire conversations - complete with emoji and media attachments - by hitting More inside a chat a selecting Email Chat. 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed Mass-message contacts You can send the same message to lots of your contacts without lumping them all into one group, much like the BCC option on email, by hitting the New Broadcast option on the apps main menu. 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed Pin conversations You pin up to three contacts and groups to the top of your WhatsApp conversation list by tapping and holding a chat, then hitting the pin icon. 12 useful WhatsApp features you didnt know existed Make things easier to find You can easily mark key messages with a star, allowing you to find them easily when you need to. Just tap and hold a message and hit the star icon to save it, and return to it later by selecting Starred Messages in WhatsApps main menu. Other platforms to face significant disruption last year include Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The study estimated that the economic cost of internet shutdowns globally was more than $8 billion (6bn), caused by 122 major shutdowns across 21 countries. The most heavily-impacted nation was Iraq, followed by Sudan, India, Venezuela and Iran. Shutdowns generally came in response to protests or civil unrest, especially in the build-up to elections. Recommended WhatsApp is about to stop working on these phones "We found that there were more internet shutdowns in 2019 than ever before," the report stated. "We calculated over 18,000 hours of internet shutdowns around the world in 2019, [representing] a 235 per cent increase compared to 2015/16." Beyond the economic impact, the researchers said the shutdowns were especially worrying for human rights and democracy. However, not all shutdowns were an attempt to stifle free speech. In India last August, internet connections were blocked in an attempt to "prevent rumour-mongering" and the spread of misinformation that led to violent protests in some areas of the country. A spokesperson for WhatsApp said at the time: "The challenge of mob violence requires government, civil society, and technology companies to work together. The police also use WhatsApp to discuss investigations and report crimes." WhatsApp did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest research. L isa Smith, who has been charged with a terrorism offence linked in Islamic State, is a former member of Irelands Defence Forces who travelled to Syria in 2015 after converting to Islam. The 38-year-old was arrested in December at Dublin airport after being deported from Turkey. She had been living in a refugee camp on the Syria-Iraqi border with her young daughter. Now she faces a terrorism charge with her latest hearing taking place in Dublin on Wednesday, January 8. Who is Lisa Smith? Lisa Smith, born in Dundalk in 1981, joined the Irish Defence Forces in 2000 where she served as a private. She later transferred to the Irish Air Corps, where she served as a flight attendant on the official Irish government jet. On journeys, she accompanied former president Mary Robinson and then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. The arrival of Lisa Smith to Dublin Airport (PA/RTE News) / PA/RT News Then in 2011, she left the forces after converting to Islam. In 2015, Ms Smith left Ireland and travelling to Syria to allegedly join Islamic State. Significant numbers of Europeans left for Syria in the 2010s to fight for and against IS during a bloody war which destroyed the Middle Eastern country and produced millions of refugees. Her time in Syria In Syria, Ms Smith married and had a child, but her husband has since died. Her now two-year-old daughter was born in the war-torn country but is an Irish citizen. Ms Smith has denied being involved in violence during her time in Syria. In April 2019, the mother-of-one spoke to the media from the Al-Hawl refugee camp, describing the process of her conversion and her desire to be repatriated to Ireland. Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said she should have the right of return to Ireland and that removing her citizenship would not be right or compassionate. Her arrest on returning to Ireland Ms Smith was arrested on December 1 at Dublin airport as she arrived back in her home country with her daughter. The arrival of the plane carrying Lisa Smith to Dublin Airport (PA/RTE News) / PA/RT News She had been deported from Turkey and put on the first scheduled Turkish Airlines flight to Ireland. The mother-of-one was not in custody for the four-and-a-half-hour flight but Irish police were waiting at the airport for the planes arrival. Images of her arrival showed her covered in a pink blanket as she was taken from the plane in heavy rain. Her daughter was taken into care by her family after her arrest. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said: This is a sensitive case and I want to reassure people that all relevant State agencies are closely involved. A multi-agency network is in place here comprising agency personnel who engage on an ongoing basis with international colleagues regarding emerging practice in relation to the complex issue of radicalisation. This network will coordinate engagement on a case by case basis as and when appropriate. Charged with terror offences Irish police were granted an extra 24 hours to question the suspect during a court hearing on December 3. Ms Smith was then charged with a terror offence by police in Dublin the next day. She has denied the charge, namely that she had been a member of unlawful terrorist group Islamic State between 2015 to 2019. The arrival to a police station in Dublin of Lisa Smith / PA Later that day, she appeared at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin where she was refused bail. The judge, Justice Colin Daly, says evidence brought by prosecution informed his decision, as her history indicates she may be a flight risk. She was remanded to Cloverhill women's prison. Release from prison on bail On December 19, she was granted bail after she brought her renewed application to the High Court in Dublin. She pleaded for bail to be with her child and said she would comply with any order made by the court. In his ruling, a judge said Ms Smith was accused of membership of a terrorist organisation. It was a serious offence that could result in an eight-year sentence, he said. However, he said she was entitled to the presumption of innocence and the presumption of bail, which precedent states must be granted in most cases. Ms Smith's bail conditions include she must sign on at a police station twice daily and must answer her phone if called by gardai. She cannot leave the jurisdiction or apply for new travel documentation, having already lost her passport. She has also been banned from accessing the internet or using any social media. If she fails to comply with the conditions, it would be a breach of bail and would result in her going back into custody. PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-07 22:30:43 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 800 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC and BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE /January 7, 2020 / Imagin Medical (CSE:IME) (OTCQB:IMEXF) (Frankfurt & Stuttgart Symbol:DPD2) ("Imagin" or the "Company") today announced that it completed design verification of its i/Blue Imaging System functional unit on December 31, 2019, as scheduled, and that the Company intends to undertake a non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") to raise up to $1,000,000 through the issuance of up to 20,000,000 units ("Units").Design Verification Successfully Completed; Pilot Manufacturing Run ScheduledImagin's design partner, Optel, Inc., confirmed that the key device performance characteristics have met technical design specifications using various testing techniques including, but not limited to, analytic design calculations, measurements of physical prototype characteristics and testing of prototypes by independent laboratories.Jay Eastman, President of Optel, commented, "The verification process is about confirming that design outputs, or device performance, meet design inputs, the technical specifications. With the assistance of TUV Rheinland testing laboratory in Rochester, NY, we evaluated critical design characteristics related to radio frequency emissions and mechanical and electrical safety. Verification reports and related documents will be included in the i/Blue System's Design History File. Based on this success, Imagin is now poised to begin pilot manufacturing runs of the i/Blue Imaging Systems and refinement of the device validation protocols." A subset of units from the pilot manufacturing runs will undergo appropriate additional testing, reprocessing, reliability and packaging integrity. The data from this will be submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") to evaluate the i/Blue Imaging System for market approval.Jim Hutchens, President and CEO of Imagin, commented, "I couldn't be more pleased about where the company is right now. We're starting off the new year having achieved our 2019 goal of i/Blue units built and verified. These units integrated our innovative design with invaluable feedback from leading urologists at the American Urology Association Meeting last May in Chicago. Now in 2020, we're at a critical point to begin our pilot manufacturing runs and will continue to work with the FDA to determine the final requirements for the i/Blue's market approval." Details of the Private PlacementEach Unit will consist of one common share ("Share") at a price of $0.05 per share and one share purchase warrant ("Warrant"), each Warrant entitling the holder to acquire one additional common share at $0.15 for a period of 24 months, provided that in the event the closing price of the Company's Shares is equal to or greater than $0.25 per Share for 10 consecutive trading days, the Company may, by notice to the Warrant holders (which notice may be by way of general news release), reduce the remaining exercise period of the Warrants to not less than 30 days following the date of such notice.The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for the continued development of the i/Blue Imaging System, management of the FDA approval process for i/Blue, and general working capital.Certain persons may assist the Company by introducing potential subscribers for the Offering and, subject to compliance with applicable legislation, may be entitled to receive a finder's fee in such amount as may be determined by the Company.Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about January 16, 2020.About Imagin MedicalImagin Medical is a surgical imaging company focused on establishing a new standard of care in visualizing cancer during minimally invasive surgeries (MIS). The Company's first product, the i/Blue Imaging System, is based on advanced optics and light sensors and employs patented ultrasensitive imaging technology. The Company believes the i/Blue System, with easy-to-use imaging options, will significantly improve surgeons' ability to visualize cancerous cells for more accurate resection. The Company's initial focus is bladder cancer. Learn more at www.imaginmedical.com Forward-Looking StatementsInformation set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Specifically, there is no assurance the Company's imaging system will work in the manner expected. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.Contacts:Stephen Kilmer, Investor RelationsTelephone: 647-872-4849Email: stephen@ kilmerlucas.com Jim Hutchens, President & CEOTelephone: 833-246-2446SOURCE: Imagin Medical Maharashtra Legislative Council deputy Chairman Neelam Gorhe has asked the police force to ensure that public faith in them is strengthened through their conduct. Addressing Police Raising Day function in Nerulin Navi Mumbai on Tuesday night, Gorhe said people trust the police for their service to the society. "Police should make efforts to strengthen this trust among public," she said. Gorhe said that police personnel need to be more sensitive while dealing with crimes concerning women. Senior police officers and personnel attended the function. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) While protests against the recent violence at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) were held at different locations in the city, a delegation of students met state home minister Anil Deshmukh on Wednesday to request the criminal cases lodged against student protesters be withdrawn. On Tuesday, Mumbai Police had registered four first information reports (FIRs) against various protesters, including those who had participated in the #Occupy Gateway protest. One of the FIRs booked 350 unnamed protesters. We conveyed to the home minister that students feel wronged by the FIRs filed against them for fighting for our fellow students. Despite passions running high, students were committed to peaceful, lawful and democratic protests and most helped the police control crowds and traffic, said one of the students from the delegation. Deshmukh has assured students that the state government is committed to defending constitutional rights and the matter will be looked into. We are very glad the home minister agreed to discuss our issue with chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and revert soon, said another student. On Wednesday, a student group known as the Student Action Force (SAF) staged a sparsely-attended protest outside Kalina campus of University of Mumbai. The protested was aimed at showing solidarity towards the trade unions as well as keep our fight for the rights of students and public in general alive, said Siddharth Ingle, founder president of Maharashtra Students Union (MaSU). Other organisations who participated in the protest on Wednesday included Progressive Students Union (PSU), All India Students Federation (AISF), Ambedkar Students Association (ASA) among others. A large crowd also gathered for a protest meeting at Carter Road bandstand, at around 8pm in Bandra, and was dispersed within 45 minutes by Mumbai Police. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As each year draws to a close, emotions you have tried to control finally take grip. I feel torn from the joy at returning to my loved ones and the heartache for those I had to leave behind. I am staring at my canvas camera bags, which sat beside me in the dust of countries around the world. Now they sit on the polished floor of my room, zipped up. I need them closer, to feel their weight on my shoulders again, I need to be away Here I have compiled a collection of photographs and memories, comprising the stories of some of the most marginalised children in the world. Winter: Abdul, a Syrian refugee aged 10, is seated in a makeshift shelter, perched high among the rugged snowy mountain caps of Arsal, Lebanon. He holds his fathers hand as they both huddle by the stove for warmth. He has the haunting stare of a boy who knows he is going to die, an expression that cuts through the paraffin haze of the dark room as temperatures fall below zero. Mohammed, his father, gaunt from grief, explains his son is two years overdue for an operation that could save his life. With no means to finance it, he raises his hands to the sky in hope that his prayers would be answered. I remember waiting to see my doctor as a child. I knew my turn would come; Abdul knew his would not. Spring: Venezuelan refugees who once ate together as families around their own tables now eat from rubbish bins on their hands and knees to survive the crisis in their country. All the while, their president publicly feasts in lavish establishments. Roughly 3.5 million Venezuelans, among them doctors, lawyers and teachers, have left their country, out of starvation and fear. Joender, aged six, from Maracaibo in Venezuela, arrived in Ipiales, Colombia, exhausted and hungry. He was offloaded with his family from a galvanised lorry like cattle, after a 33-day journey, mostly on foot, where they were forced to beg for food to survive. His cupped hands are rewarded with a packet of biscuits donated by a local in the town. He clutches the packet like a prize. Having never begged for food myself as a child, I could not begin to understand the internal dialogue in doing so. I knew I could simply open a fridge door; Joender cant. Summer: Esperence, aged 10, is a Haitian restavek or child slave. He was given away by his biological parents to a more affluent household and forced into a life of domestic servitude. The feeling of being abandoned proves to be too much for him. Standing in the kitchen and washing dishes, he simply shrugs his small shoulders, and one by one the tears roll down his face. Hours each day are spent cleaning, sweeping and washing. I can never go out and play with my friends as my house family always call me back inside to do more jobs, he says. The importance of a solid work ethic was engrained into me at a young age. However, I remember the luxury of choice: I knew I could say no. Esperence knows he cannot. Autumn: Mamoke, aged 10, has never set foot in a classroom. Abandoned by her parents along with her siblings, she now lives with her grandmother at the mercy of abject poverty. In a dark room in remote north western Tanzania, she explains how not going to school saddens her. But she nonetheless still dreams that somehow she could become a teacher to help others like her with no access to education. I didn't have a choice. I had to go to school. Mamoke didnt have a choice, but that was because the right of education was unavailable to her. I realise I have taken so much for granted in my life. Children around the world live with no access to healthcare, displaced from their home, going to sleep hungry, growing up in conflict and with no education. I did not choose my career any more than I chose my life. It chose me, and it is the greatest privilege, a blessing and a burden in the same breath. I will continue to hold the world to account, hoping it will eventually force the changes that will create better choices for those who deserve them. (Alliance News) - Credit Suisse on Wednesday confirmed two major shareholders have sold a combined 6% stake in financial services firm Finablr PLC. After the London market close on Tuesday, the investment bank said Saeed Mohamed Butti Mohamed Khalfan Al Qebaisi and Khaleefa Butti Omair Yousif Ahmed Al Muhairi were to sell shares worth around USD75 million in Finablr. Credit Suisse confirmed on Wednesday the two sold 40.5 million Finablr shares in total at 135 pence each, for USD72 million. The Swiss bank did not specifically say how many shares they now hold, but did state that "residual" holdings are subject to a 90-day lock-up period. The FTSE 250 stock was down 19% at the London open on Wednesday at 125.70 pence each. It is down 27% so far in 2020. Earlier Wednesday, Finablr said it has contained a ransomware attack on its Travelex business, and it is confident no customer data has been stolen. Finablr owns London-headquartered foreign exchange firm Travelex, which has a presence in more than 70 countries and more than 1,200 branches and 1,000 ATMs worldwide. Last Thursday, Finablr said all Travelex sites had been taken offline after a software virus attack on New Year's Eve. It has since been forced to provide foreign exchange services manually in branches. Finablr has since confirmed the software virus used in the attack is a ransomware called Sodinokibi, also known as REvil. "Travelex been successful in containing the spread of the ransomware. Travelex has also confirmed whilst there has been some data encryption, there is no evidence structured personal customer data has been encrypted, and there is still no evidence any data has been exfiltrated," said Finablr on Wednesday. "Travelex is gradually restoring a number of internal systems and is working to resume normal operations as quickly as possible." "Finablr's other six brands are not affected and are operating normally. Finablr does not currently anticipate any material financial impact for the group, continues to monitor the situation closely and will update the market as required," the company continued. Finablr's other brands are forex business UAE Exchange, global money transfer companies Xpress Money and unimoni, India-based money transfer firm Remit2India, multi-currency bank Ditto, and mobile gifting app GoSwych. By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com Copyright 2019 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. T he leader of a flagship Conservative London council is facing a mutiny due to fears the party could lose control to Labour. Ravi Govindia, who has been at the helm of Wandsworth council for nearly a decade, faces a motion of no confidence tomorrow evening when the Conservatives meet for their regular group meeting, the Standard has learned. He became leader in May 2011 when he replaced Sir Edward Lister, who is now Prime Minister Boris Johnsons chief strategic adviser. Labour is said to be nipping at the heels of the Conservatives following the 2018 local elections, when they increased their councillors by seven and won the popular vote. They now have 26 councillors, just seven behind the Tories on 33. The Conservatives have controlled the council since 1978. Putney, the former seat of ex-Tory cabinet minister Justine Greening, was lost to Labour in last months General Election, in the partys only gain from the Conservatives. All three of Wandsworths parliamentary seats are now held by Labour MPs. A Tory source said there was no personal hostility towards Mr Govindia, who they described as doing a good job, but added: There is a good chance he will lose... there is a feeling that they need a more effective salesperson. Nobody wants to be the Conservative team that loses Wandsworth. It is understood a number of councillors are worried that unless there is a change, the party will not be running the town hall at the next local elections in 2022. The borough which was famously Margaret Thatchers favourite council is still described as a success with one of the lowest council tax rates in the country. But it is said that members were spooked by their losses in the last local elections. If Mr Govindia survives tomorrows motion he could still face a challenge at the Tory councillors annual meeting in May. It was a bottle of sparkling wine produced in the occupied Crimea, which the president's office sent back. Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid, who has repeatedly stated support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, has refused to accept a birthday gift from the Russian embassy. It was a bottle of sparkling wine produced in the occupied Crimea, which the president's office sent back, the Ukrainian-registered media outlet European Pravda reported with reference to the Estonian media. The Estonian president's office has not yet officially commented on the report. Read alsoKremlin's hybrid scripts for Belarus - media According to the Eesti Ekspress newspaper, the Russian embassy congratulated the Estonian leader on her 50th Birthday, having sent flowers, chocolate, and a bottle of Crimean sparkling wine, which the presidential office sent back. Kaljulaid celebrated her 50th birthday on December 30, 2019. As UNIAN reported earlier, the ruling coalition in Estonia does not intend to ratify the state border treaty with Russia, which was signed in 2014. Earlier, the speaker of the Estonian parliament said Russia had annexed about 5% of the country's territory. Station F is home to over 1,000 startups. Photo: Patrick Tourneboeuf Berlin is often lauded as the most attractive city in northern Europe for young tech founders, but wealthy Paris has been steadily gaining on its grungy neighbour in the startup wars. Station F in Paris is the engine of the countrys tech push. Housed in the 34,000 square meter Halle Freyssinet in Paris, the hub was the brainchild of French entrepreneur and telecoms billionaire Xavier Niel, who is still its sole owner and investor. Launched in 2017, it is home to over 1,000 startups a third of them from abroad and is now the biggest startup hub in the world. Station F director Roxanne Varza describes it as a university for startups, and, like a university, it also offers startup founders the chance to rent its shared apartments and dodge punishing Parisian rent prices. French president Emmanuel Macrons great pro-business vibe has been a boon for the the countrys tech sector, Varza said, but notes that essentially, Macron, Brexit, Trump, the launch of Station F, new French tech initiatives, all of this has come together at the same time. She told Yahoo Finance UK that Brexit is having an impact on startups applying to Station F but not because founders are actually leaving the UK, rather because some who would have moved to the UK are now trying to come to France instead. Macrons tech mania Inside Station F. Photo: Pascal Otlinghaus While the embattled Macron is deeply unpopular over his attempted labour market and pension reforms, Frances tech sector has welcomed his all-out push to turn the country into a unicorn nation. He has said he wants the country to hit 25 tech startups with $1bn (759m) valuations by 2025. To achieve this, he launched his Choose France tech-business initiative in 2018, and last year introduced a new, more flexible tech visa to make it less complicated for non-EU citizens to set up shop in France, and empower employers to find more global talent. The governments French Tech Mission, based inside Station F, has launched a swathe of programs, including a 400m (339m, $446m) fund to co-invest in Deeptech startups. Story continues A lot of people feel like Macron came and then the next day everything changed, but actually, it was happening prior to that, Varza told Yahoo Finance UK. The former head of Microsoft Ventures and TechCrunch France has lived in the country since 2009. Station F director Roxanne Varza. Photo: Pascal Otlinghaus Varza says that Frances reputation as a slow-moving country with draconian labour laws, strict 35-hour weeks, endless strikes, and administrative headaches is no longer really accurate. A lot of this stuff either isn't necessarily applied to startups, or actually it's not as big of a barrier as you read about in the press, Varza said. People are staying with this idea of France of five years ago, and they come and see what's happening now and go actually, this is not what we expected. France overtakes Germany International investors keep telling Varza that they believe momentum in the French tech scene is still building. A lot of them actually compare some of the stuff happening in France to what they've seen in Silicon Valley in the past, including sometimes overvalued companies, very expensive, and very competitive. France overtook Germany in terms of startup investment in the first half of 2019. EY data showed that French startups raised 2.79bn in the first six months, a more than 40% increase from the year before, beating Germanys 2.47bn. While there is no shortage of investor money sloshing around, Series B and late-stage funding is more of an issue, and one that affects startups Europe-wide and forces them to seek US or Asian investors to keep growing their companies. That is also something Macron is planning to try and remedy, with a new 5bn later-stage investment fund backed by institutional investors and private companies. Smashing elitism Station F, Paris. Photo: Patrick Tourneboeuf When he established Station F, owner Xavier Niel wanted to break down Frances elitist barriers that ensured students from the top schools were always the ones who get access to the best networks, job opportunities, and funding to set up their companies. To that end, Station F launched a program called Fighters, for founders from underprivileged backgrounds. Fighters is their smallest program, admitting just 10 to 15 startups a year. We do that on purpose because they really need a lot more in terms of resources and attention, Varza said. We meet with them much more frequently, we look at reinforcing the number of connections that we can help them make, because they're often people who don't come with all of the same networks as others. She said one of the founders in the Fighters program is a former prisoner, who was previously a car thief and now does anti-theft devices for cars. There is also someone who was formerly homeless, who was accepted with his startup idea for an app to have people to wait in line for you. To get visas, passports, and legal documents renewed in Paris, people can wait for days, they can start queuing at like five in the morning, Varza said. Station F, managed by a core team of 35 people, is not government-funded or non-profit, but neither has it been set up to make tons of money: We are meant to just be break-even, and I think that's probably what we're going to stay at, Varza said. A British teenager at the centre of a Cyprus gang rape case has said the fight will go on to clear her name as she returned to the UK following a five-month ordeal. The 19-year-old landed at Heathrow Airport alongside her mother on Tuesday night just hours after she was given a suspended sentence for public mischief. She was told she was getting a second chance by the judge following the sentencing, which came after she was found guilty of lying about being gang-raped in Ayia Napa. The Derbyshire woman, who has not been named, insisted she is innocent and said that while the fight to clear her name would continue she could not wait to go home after what had been "a nightmare for me". Her mother shouted 'She's coming home!' / Getty Images "I really thought it would be a custodial sentence when I arrived at court. When the translator said four months, I thought I was going to jail," she told The Sun as she headed home. "It was only when she said suspended that I realised I was actually finally going home. I looked at my mum and we both had tears in our eyes. "What kept me going was my family and the amazing support of my friends and all other people who got in contact to say they believed me. Now, at last, I can go home to my own bed. I'm even looking forward to the cold weather back in England!" The British teen is on her way home after being given a suspended sentence / AP Lewis Power QC, the teenager's lawyer, said her legal team would be challenging her conviction and were prepared to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights. The young woman, from Derbyshire, was stuck on the island for almost five months after claiming she was raped by up to 12 Israeli tourists in a hotel room in the town of Ayia Napa on July 17. She was charged and spent about a month in prison before being granted bail in August. The dozen young men and boys, aged between 15 and 20, arrested over the incident were freed after she signed a retraction statement 10 days later. Protesters gathered outside court / REUTERS But she maintains she had consensual sex with one of the Israelis before he pinned her down and raped her with others - a claim all of them deny. The woman says she was forced to change her account under pressure from Cypriot police following hours of questioning alone and without legal representation. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he has raised concerns over her treatment with the Cypriot authorities, after the teenager's conviction provoked outrage in Cyprus and the UK. Protesters gathered outside court to support the teen / AFP via Getty Images After the sentence, he said: "We will be following up on some of the issues in relation to the case. I spoke to the Cypriot foreign minister about that. "There is a broader issue for Brits travelling abroad - not just in Cyprus, or indeed in Europe - whether it is holiday, whether it is backpacking, to make sure they can do so as safely and securely as possible. "What we will want to do is have a conversation with our Cypriot friends and partners about that case once I have downloaded the full facts." The teenager's family had raised fears she would suffer permanent damage to her mental health if she was sent to prison, having been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The British teen leaves the Famagusta District Court / AFP via Getty Images But Judge Michalis Papathanasiou told the court he would not be jailing her, despite insisting that all the evidence suggested she was guilty. Sentencing her to four months in prison, suspended for three years, he told the packed courtroom: "I admit, I have been troubled over this. "All the evidence shows that she had lied and prevented the police from doing other serious jobs. "Twelve people were arrested and seven of them were there for at least 10 days. That was also a serious offence. "Her psychological state, her youth, that she has been away from her family, her friends and academic studies this year... this has led me to decide to give her a second chance and suspend the sentence for three years." Around 100 protesters gathered outside the court, including a group of about 60 from Israel. Holding placards reading "we believe you" and "don't be afraid", they chanted: "Cyprus justice, shame on you"; "Stop blaming the victim", and: "You are not alone". Their voices could be heard inside court as the judge passed sentence, even after security guards had asked for the windows and blinds to be closed. Addressing applauding supporters after the hearing, the teenager's mother said: "I just want to thank each and every one of you for turning up today, having belief, having faith and making sure we get justice. "On behalf of the family, I would like to say we are very relieved at the sentence that has been passed down today. "I would also like to say thank you for all the support we have received throughout the globe. British teenager spared jail in Cyprus The teenager's lawyer Mr Power said: "Whilst we welcome the fact that the sentence imposed today allows her to go home, we strongly contest the conviction and the fight for her innocence will go on regardless. "We will be appealing the conviction and will take this case to the Supreme Court of Cyprus and are prepared to fight this case all the way to the European Court of Human Rights. "We say and will maintain that this young girl was stripped both of her dignity and her basic human rights." Nir Yaslovitzh, a lawyer who represents four of the Israelis arrested over the alleged rape, had previously called for a harsh sentence. But he said on Tuesday: "What's important isn't the decision that the judge gave today. By Kim Jae-kyoung With the start of New Year 2020, politicians and policymakers have rushed to unveil a lot of lofty pledges to attract voters' minds ahead of the upcoming general election slated for April. They, regardless of their parties and places of origins, are claiming that they are the only qualified candidates to make South Korea a better country by resorting to the rhetoric of political slogans, such as peace, fairness, justice and innovation. In his New Year's address Tuesday, President Moon Jae-in reiterated that his administration will ramp up efforts to make South Korea a fairer country by continuing to push for reform drives aimed at offering better lives for those in lower income brackets. Ironically, despite all of these slogans and pledges, South Korea has become one of the most divided countries in the world, with polarization deepening in all dimensions of our society politics, economy, wealth, gender, etc. First, the politics of division has been taking hold. Since the Moon administration took office, the country has been experiencing ever-deepening ideological confrontation between the left and the right. When there is a debate over a certain value or policy, people do not respect various voices in society and instead join forces to attack those in different camps. Simply speaking, there exist no efforts to seek compromise and find middle ground. Also, the gap between the rich and the poor has been widening despite the government's series of policies to reduce income inequality. Official statistics showed that irregular workers made an average 1.72 million won ($1,477) per month between June and August, only 54 percent of the 3.16 million won for regular workers. The income disparity widened to 1.43 million won, the largest ever, up 71,000 won from the same period in 2018. As a result, unconditional hatred toward the wealthy has become prevalent in our society. Hatred toward the opposite sex is emerging as another serious issue. Both misandry and misogyny are widespread among the public and there has been an increase in gender hate crimes. For the Moon administration, it might be crucial to maintain policy consistency and pursue the core promises they made in a bid to win supporters in the April election. However, keeping their pledges should not end up dividing the country. It is no more than penny wise and pound foolish. The values of peace, justice and fairness that Moon and the ruling party are pursuing are important but there is a higher and more significant value to lead the country in the right direction "unity in diversity." For this, the Moon administration needs to take a cue from ASEAN, a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten Southeast Asian countries Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. The ASEAN member countries are all different in terms of economics, politics and culture but they have managed to find a middle ground to create an integrated community in the region. "They are different countries and have heterogeneous political systems, cultures and religions but they are getting along well to become prosperous together," a former Korean Ambassador to one of the ASEAN countries said asking not to be named. "This offers great implications for Korea and Korean people who are deeply divided," he added. "It is not worth pursuing political values at the cost of unity of people. We need to learn from them (ASEAN nations)." Not only ASEAN but also many other countries are taking "unity in diversity" as a national slogan. They know that they can create a better future only when there is trust and co-operation between different groups of people in a single society. For example, during his address at the BJP rally at Ramlila Maidan Dec. 22, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Unity in diversity is India's specialty." During his New Year's address, President Moon re-emphasized dialogue with North Korea this year, urging concerted efforts by the two Koreas to create the conditions for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's visit to Seoul. However, Moon should realize that a top priority should be placed on ensuring "unity in diversity" in South Korea rather than seeking a dialogue with North Korea. Without harmony in our society, any lofty goals and policies will end in a failure. The writer is finance editor of The Korea Times. He previously served as Asia bureau chief and Singapore correspondent covering the entire ASEAN region. Read more about the 109th Avenue improvement project: The construction will coincide with work on 109th and Broadway the west side of I-65 during the summer. "There's gonna be some definite traffic interruptions. There'll be detours in that area," Uran said. "We're going to be going into what's the next 18 months of just have patience and understanding." Residents also voiced concerns about a traffic signal at Summit and Main streets. For drivers turning east onto Summit Street, the turn lane has a delayed right of way. The left turn lane signal flashes yellow while traffic travels north and south on Main Street. When the light turns red, those looking to turn left onto Summit are given the green arrow. However, residents said getting the green arrow doesn't always happen. Uran said he will ask the Indiana Department of Transportation to take a look at the signal to ensure the signal is working properly. Assistant Police Chief Jim Janda said if drivers end up stuck in the intersection, they should never back up. Against the backdrop of the opposition closing ranks on the CAA issue and the BJP faring poorly in several state elections recently, the 2022 electoral battle is unlikely to be a cakewalk for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, reports Virendra Singh Rawat. On December 17, when Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was canvassing for Bharatiya Janata Party candidates in Jharkhand, more than 100 party legislators in his own state were protesting on the Vidhan Sabha precincts against the alleged high-handedness of police and district officials. While attempts by senior UP ministers failed to assuage frayed tempers, what added insult to injury was the display of solidarity by opposition Samajwadi Party benches with their protesting brethren and the camaraderie that the contentious issue generated beyond party affiliations. Upon his return, Adityanath resorted to quick damage control by meeting BJP MLAs. But, the widespread violence and arson during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest in the state capital two days later (on December 19) put a big question mark on the efficiency of law enforcement and intelligence under his stewardship. The Adityanath dispensation, which had been soaking in self-acclaimed glory of maintaining peace in the aftermath of the Supreme Court verdict in the vexed Ayodhya case on November 9, was suddenly dealing with a spiral of violent protests across the state, including in major cities of Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Ghaziabad, and Rampur. Several people were killed in these incidents and scores of others, including policemen, were injured. The violence made big headlines in the national media, putting the party leadership on the back foot. Nonetheless, the twin incidents of BJP legislators protesting against police and the much-publicised deterioration in the law and order situation took the wind out of the smooth sails of Adityanath towards the end of 2019. These developments not only prompted critics to raise pertinent questions about the leadership style of Adityanath but augured the ushering in of 2020 with a platter of challenges for him as the BJP prepares for the 2022 Assembly election. Yogi Adityanath is reckoned for his iron fist rule with regard to maintaining law and order. However, the incidents of violence in Lucknow and other cities have dented that image. These also indicate the CM needs to rein in the state executive, which is perceptibly not functioning according to the wishes of the ruling dispensation, political commentator Pramod Goswami said. He further noted that the rather rebellious stance taken by BJP MLAs in the state legislature was unprecedented in UP and was understandably the outburst of the legislators at the state leadership and the government failing to strike a balance between governance and party organisation. Since officials have been told to go strictly by the rule book, it sometimes leads to friction at the local level with peoples representatives finding themselves helpless to air their valid grievances. At the same time, it also breaks the conventional system of maintaining checks and balances between the government and the ruling party organisation, he opined. Besides, the talk of rivalry between Adityanath and some of his senior Cabinet colleagues, including deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, keeps doing the rounds in the corridors of power. This is reckoned as a major contributing factor to the CM failing to get the required cooperation from all wings of government and party structure. Although Adityanath got the CMs post on a platter post the stupendous victory of the BJP in the 2017 UP polls, he led the party in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls to trump anti-incumbency and the formidable SP-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in UP, helping the national party scoop 62 of the 80 parliamentary seats in the state. However, against the backdrop of the opposition closing ranks on the CAA issue and the BJP faring poorly in several state elections recently, the 2022 battle is unlikely to be a cakewalk for the party. In his address after unveiling a 25-foot bronze statue of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Lucknow on December 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lauded Adityanath and his team for their good work in the fields of sanitation and health care. While it was seen as an endorsement of Adityanath and to dispel any notion of his replacement, political pundits regarded the PMs statement as an implicit underscoring of the imperative of keeping law and order intact in the state. With the Congress adopting an aggressive strategy against the Adityanath government under the partys general secretary in charge of UP, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who stages sit-ins or meets the victims of various crimes, the BJP has the task cut out for 2020. A senior BJP leader said Adityanath was not only among the most popular party leaders but also ranked one of the most influential politicians in India, which bore testimony to his leadership quality. Disconcerted at good governance and the rising popularity of the CM, vested political interests are trying to create disturbances in UP. However, the state government will deal with such elements strictly and expose their nefarious designs, he added. "Hunt is proud to be a partner on the redevelopment of this significant site in the heart of West Atlanta," said Sinclair Cooper, President, Public Infrastructure Development at Hunt. "This groundbreaking was the result of a collaborative effort that has required hard work and coordination by many who are committed to delivering a community that improves connections, offers more jobs for the local area, and provides quality homes for all. Hunt's partners on this project are some of the best in the industry and will ensure that Herndon Square is an asset to the City of Atlanta and its residents." The estimated $166 million development consists of five phases, with the first, Herndon Square Seniors Phase 1, to include 97 affordable units for seniors 62 and older who earn up to 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). This phase will offer five ADA-compliant accessible units and two units for households with hearing or visual impairments. Phase 1 will also provide free services to tenants, including organized social gatherings, senior-focused enrichment classes, and health/nutrition focused educational courses. The financial closing for Herndon Square Seniors Phase 1 occurred on December 18, 2019. Hunt Capital Parnters, the syndication division of Hunt Companies, facilitated the investment of $12.66 million in federal and state low-income housing tax credits through its multi-investor fund, Hunt Capital Partners Tax Credit Fund 31. The $24 million development budget for Phase 1 was also financed by tax-exempt bonds issued by Invest Atlanta and a ground lease first and second priority mortgage from Atlanta Housing. During operations, AH will also provide project-based rental assistance for 100 percent of the senior units under its HomeFlex subsidy program. "Atlanta Housing is in a unique position because we own the land and have funds available to provide construction and permanent financing at competitive rates," said Tiffany Wills, Vice President of Real Estate Development at Atlanta Housing. "Those factors allowed us to design a financial structure to support the construction and operation of 100 percent of the units in Phase 1. It's a true example of how public-private partnerships can secure long-term affordability in the city." The innovative site plan includes a variety of building types and bedroom sizes for single professionals, families, and seniors. Phases 1 through 4 will include Land Use Restrictive Covenants securing affordability on the site for a minimum of 30 to 40 years. The development program also includes plans for approximately 681 rental units and 32 for-sale townhomes in Phase 5, with 45 percent of the units projected to be affordable for households earning up to 80 percent of AMI. Qualifying homebuyers earning less than 80 percent AMI will receive AH's down payment assistance up to $25,000. The development, expected to be completed in 2027, also includes green space, approximately 36,500 square feet of retail and a 10,000-square-foot health and wellness space. Hunt affiliates involved in the development include Hunt Development Group as master developer, Hunt Capital Partners who secured the low-income housing tax credit financing for Phase 1, Pennrose who will manage the development of the senior and affordable units, and Envolve (formerly LEDIC) who will act as the property manager. Hunt Companies, Inc. Hunt is a diversified, family-owned holding company that invests in operating businesses, real estate assets, and infrastructure assets. Since its founding in 1947, Hunt's size and scope have grown substantially while gaining considerable expertise across multiple real asset sectors. Hunt's reputation is built on integrity and performance. Hunt is committed to a culture of transparency for employees, clients, investors, and the communities it serves. Hunt and its affiliates employ more than 7,500 employees across the United States and Europe. Learn more at www.huntcompanies.com. About Hunt Capital Partners Hunt Capital Partners (HCP) is the syndication division of Hunt Companies, Inc. (Hunt). HCP specializes in the syndication of Federal and State Low-Income Housing, Historic and Solar Tax Credits. Since the successful launch of its first fund in the fall of 2011, HCP has raised over $2.0 billion in tax credit equity. For more information on Hunt Capital Partners, please visit www.huntcapitalpartners.com. About Pennrose With nearly 50 years of experience, Pennrose combines quality development and proven management to deliver exceptional lifestyle-centered communities for its residents. With the superior knowledge and unparalleled dedication to get the job done right, Pennrose develops and operates both conventional, affordable, and mixed-use communities throughout the Eastern and Midwestern portion of the United States. For more information visit www.pennrose.com. About Envolve Envolve LLC (formerly known as LEDIC Realty Company) is a vertically integrated multifamily real estate company engaged in third-party management, ownership, and redevelopment (specializing in affordable and workforce housing). Envolve is committed to its tagline of "Making Communities Better Together" which represents the positive impact of community involvement by our residents and nearly 1,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.envolvellc.com. SOURCE Hunt Companies, Inc. Related Links http://www.huntcompanies.com Maharashtra Minister Ashok Chavan on Wednesday backed actor Deepika Padukone for her visit to Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University stating that there was nothing wrong in supporting students who were protesting against the violence at the campus. "Whatever happened in JNU, anyone will speak against it. I do not see anything wrong in Deepika Padukone supporting the JNU protest," said Congress leader Chavan while speaking to ANI here. The Bollywood actor's visit to the JNU campus has received both criticism and appreciation on social media as well as by the political parties. Hitting out at Padukone, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said that the actor should have taken "proper cognisance of violence" at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus as her solidarity with Leftist organisations reflects her "one-sided thinking". The actor on Tuesday had joined students protesting against the recent violence on the JNU campus. She was seen standing with students as the demonstrators raised the slogan of "Jai Bhim-Jai Bhim" and former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar gave a speech. She did not issue any statement nor did she address the students. Deepika was in the capital to promote her upcoming film 'Chhapaak'. More than 30 students were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre after a masked mob entered JNU and attacked the students and teaching staff with sticks and rods late on Sunday night. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) MANILA, Philippines The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday said it is all set in providing maritime security in line with the observance of the annual Traslacion in Manila on January 9. In a statement, the PCG said 36 floating assets and more than 270 of its personnel have been deployed along the waters off the Traslacion route, particularly in major operational areas in Quiapo Church, Ayala Bridge, and Quirino Grandstand. The agency said that assets deployed in strategic areas include the multi-role response vessels, fast patrol boats, and small crafts such as high-speed boats and rigid hull inflatable boats. Rubber boats were also positioned to make sure that the critical areas are highly monitored against any untoward incident during the procession, the PCG added. K9 units, quick response teams, medical groups, and force multipliers from the PCG Auxiliary were also deployed to ensure the safety of thousands of people expected to participate in the yearly event in Manila. The agency said it is also conducting coastal security operations along the vicinity waters off Quirino Grandstand and Pasig River, particularly in Ayala Bridge, McArthur Bridge, Quezon Bridge and Jones Bridge from January 7 to January 10. The PCG called on the event participants to observe security measures and heed policies being implemented to help achieve government target of zero-casualty during the Traslacion 2020. It also urged the public to report to authorities any suspicious individual, things or incident for immediate and appropriate action. The post PCG deploys assets to secure waters off Trasclacion 2020 routes appeared first on UNTV News. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD has asked for the publics help to locate two teen girls from Port Richmond who have been reported missing in separate incidents. Melanie Vazquez, 13, was last seen at her Innis Street home on Saturday at about 2 p.m., according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Police described Melanie as a female Hispanic who stands about 55 tall and weighs about 110 pounds. She has brown eyes and long brown hair. Aniyah Harrison, 17, was last seen on Saturday in her home community of Port Richmond. (Courtesy of NYPD) Aniyah Harrison, 17, left her Simonson Place residence on Saturday at about 3:30 p.m., according to a separate police statement. Police described Aniyah as standing about 55 inches tall and weighing about 175 pounds, with a dark complexion, brown hair and brown eyes. She was seen wearing a black jacket, black sweatpants, and sneakers that were red, white and black. People with information are encouraged to contact the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477 (TIPS) or for Spanish, 1-888-577-4782 (PISTA). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential. The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) has hired Tara Mitchell as a director. Mitchell will lead IIATs technology initiatives to innovate and streamline business practices and bring greater value to IIAT members and the independent agent community. IIAT is strategically investing in ways to help agents with their data and benchmarking, while building a modern, interactive experience for its members that cultivates agency growth and profitability. For the past four years, Mitchell has worked as director of Information Technology Services, vice president of Technology, and chief information officer at the Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas (SLTX). She has managed several projects to improve the organizations platforms, systems and business processes while overseeing operations and technology. She participated in state and national policy research affecting the industry, helping to ensure compliance during the most active surplus lines legislative cycles in the past 20 years. Mitchell helped shape the organizations brand identity and led the website relaunch, technology and data strategy. Prior to joining SLTX, Mitchell worked in financial regulation for seven years at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). She served as the registrations officer for Company Licensing & Registration where she was responsible for the non-admitted market unit, including surplus lines, accredited/trusteed reinsurers, risk retention groups, purchasing groups, and life settlement providers and brokers. Mitchell has also served as subject matter expert for the information technology enhancements groups with goals of automation and streamlining business practices. Prior to joining TDI, she was a personal banker with JPMorgan Chase. Mitchells professional designations include Accredited Financial Examiner (AFE), Project Management Professional (PMP) and Associates in Insurance (AINS). Source: IIAT Topics Texas Tech US President Donald Trump claimed John Bolton would "know nothing" about the Senate impeachment trial, a day after the former national security advisor said he was ready to testify. Trump has become the third president in US history to be impeached as the House of Representatives formally charged him with abuse of power and obstructing the Congress, setting up a Senate trial that will decide whether he remains in office after three tumultuous years. "It'll be up to the Senate. He (Bolton) would know nothing about what we're talking about because the Ukraine president has said no pressure whatsoever," Trump told reporters in response to a question. He addressing reporters at the Oval Office during a joint media appearance with visiting Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Will you be OK if John Bolton testifies? Trump was asked. On Monday, Bolton had said that he had concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for his testimony, he was prepared to testify. Trump said, That's going to be up to the lawyers. It'll be up to the Senate, and we'll see how they feel. He (Bolton) would know nothing about what we're talking about, because as you know the Ukrainian government came out with a very strong statement no pressure no anything and this from the boss," he said. "That's from the president of Ukraine. The foreign minister came out with a statement that was equally as strong," Trump said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, on Wednesday said those criticisng actor Deepika Padukone over her visit to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi during a protest, are "anti-democratic in nature". Speaking to reporters here, Singh said, "It is such that no one should speak against them...even if he/she hints so...becomes their enemy. Their nature is against democracy." Singh's response comes after being asked about Padukone's visit to JNU on Tuesday evening to join the students, who were protesting against the masked mob attack on them. The actor's visit to the JNU campus has received both criticism and appreciation on social media as well as by the political parties. Commenting on the issue of administrative workers going to RSS Shakhas, the Congress leader said, "RSS is a political organisation and no administrative workers are allowed to be a member of any political organisation. Even today, no employee of the Central government can go to RSS Shakha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) has pulled out about 20 employees from the West Qurna-1 oilfield in Iraq as tensions in the region have escalated, a Beijing-based source from the company familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. CNPC declined to comment on the matter. The West Qurna-1 oilfield is jointly developed by CNPC and Exxon Mobil, with the US major as the operator. "CNPC pulled out its staff from West Qurna on Jan. 5, following Exxon's direction as they are the operator, right after the U.S. killing of Soleimani," the source said. Qassem ... Details have emerged of the gradual realisation that something was very wrong at the campsite of a West Australian couple who went to the Mid West in 2015 searching for gold, but instead met their deaths. The WA Coroners Court on Monday began examining the mystery of a couple described as inseparable since marrying in 2007, but who vanished only eight years later outside the tiny town of Sandstone, during their second prospecting trip. Ray and Jennie Kehlet had five children between them from previous relationships. Credit:9 News Perth Brendyn Nelson, counsel assisting Coroner Ros Fogliani, described in his opening how a local found the couples beloved great Dane, Ella, wandering and thirsty after her owners disappeared in late March. And how successive manhunts reached enormous scale across the area of Tabletop, riddled with disused mineshafts. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 22:35:29|Editor: ZX Video Player Close TOKYO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo prosecutors who tried to seize a computer used by former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn at his lawyer's office in Tokyo before he jumped bail and fled Japan, were denied access, Ghosn's defense team said Wednesday. Junichiro Hironaka, a member of Ghosn's defense counsel, denied access to investigators from the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office who intended to seize the computer from Hironaka's office, believing Ghosn may have used it in connection with his dramatic escape from Japan while on bail. Hironaka had opted not to hand over the computer of his own volition and did not allow the investigators to enter his office, Ghosn's defense team said. "In terms of lawyers' confidentiality, we used the right to refuse seizure based on criminal procedure law, and asked the investigators to leave," Ghosn's defense team said in a statement on the matter. Ghosn, first arrested on Nov. 19, 2018 for alleged financial misconduct, fled Japan for Lebanon via Turkey, to escape what he called the "rigged Japanese judicial system." Ghosn, fled Japan to Lebanon on Dec. 29 in breach of his bail conditions and under dramatic circumstances, leading to Japan setting about tightening restrictions on luggage checks for private jets departing the country. Ghosn, who holds Brazilian, French and Lebanese nationality, is believed to have left from Kansai International Airport in Osaka on a private jet. Sources close to the matter have said that immigration here have no record of Ghosn leaving Japan. The former auto bigwig may have hid in box that was designed to carry musical equipment and departed from Japan undetected from the airport in Osaka. It has been reported that he managed to flee Japan with the assistance of a security company and was in possession of a French passport. Prosecutors and police here remain flummoxed and have been scrambling to try and determine exactly how Ghosn managed to fund and carry out the escape while under strict bail conditions limiting his access to phones, computers and mandating he stay in a surveilled residence. The Tokyo District Court, meanwhile, has since decided it will forfeit the 1.5-billion-yen (14 million U.S. dollar) bail money posted by Ghosn. Japan has been seeking cooperation from Lebanon in trying to better understand Ghosn's escape from Japan. Japan and Lebanon have no extradition treaty, meaning Ghosn cannot be handed over to Japan to face trail without Lebanon agreeing. Advertisement Harry and Meghan have today been blasted by aides who claim the royal family 'bent over backwards for them' since they got together in 2016 only for the rebel couple to quit anyway without consulting the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William. Their dramatic decision was taken without the knowledge of their family, who learnt about the announcement as it broke on television news channels last night. The couple, who plan to split their time between Britain and North America, 'pressed the nuclear button' and made the bombshell announcement just days after returning from a six-week break in Canada. One exasperated aide said: 'People had bent over backwards for them. They were given the wedding they wanted, the house they wanted, the office they wanted, the money they wanted, the staff they wanted, the tours they wanted and had the backing of their family. What more did they want?' Another royal source said: 'It's deeply unfair to the Queen who doesn't deserve to be treated this way. It is a shoddy way to treat her. The family understands that they want to do something different and is perfectly willing to help them. People are just devastated.' A senior royal source said the Queen and her family were 'deeply disappointed'. Another said the royals were 'shocked, saddened and downright furious' at the couple. The Queen (right at King's Lynn railway station on December 20) is said to be furious at Harry and Meghan (left, at Canada House on January 7) as they step down as senior Royals Pictured: The statement from Buckingham Palace following Harry and Meghan's social media announcement that they would be stepping down from senior Royal duties The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released this statement this evening announcing that they will be quitting as senior Royals In a terse statement, Buckingham Palace said: 'Discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage. We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work though.' Well-placed sources made clear that the shock announcement was a personal statement and 'members of the family were not consulted on the contents'. The Mail has been told the couple 'secretly plotted' their decision during their stay in Canada, even conspiring to create a new website independent of the Royal Family and ready to launch it when they returned. This was without the knowledge of their own loyal UK-based press team. 'The level of deceit has been staggering and everyone from the top of the royal household to the bottom feels like they have been stabbed in the back,' one source said. It also emerged last night that: Harry and Meghan set to make MILLIONS: Couple complain that their Royal roles mean they can't make their own money - despite being worth 34m (and they will still get a huge cash injection from Charles' estate) By Sam Greenhill, Chief Reporter for the Daily Mail The Duke and Duchess of Sussex last night revealed they plan to relaunch their careers potentially earning millions of pounds a year. They will give up their income from the Sovereign Grant the money taxpayers give to the Queen every year and launch themselves onto the international celebrity circuit. The Duke and Duchess (pictured, yesterday at Canada House in London) were said to be looking at making the move across the Atlantic where they would be based for a significant part of the year. Rumours abounded before they confirmed this evening that they would be splitting their time between the UK and North America Until now Harry and Meghan have been 'prohibited from earning any income in any form' as they pointed out last night in a lengthy statement on their official website. The couple issued a declaration that they were looking forward to 'becoming financially independent'. They said they had 'made the choice' to 'no longer receive funding' from the Sovereign Grant, adding: 'Their Royal Highnesses prefer to release this financial tie.' No one knows how much the grant is worth to Harry and Meghan but in forfeiting it they have effectively liberated themselves from most accountability to taxpayers over their spending. Former film and television actress and a keen lover of the arts, the Duchess of Sussex is pictured leaving the Dorfman Theatre - which is part of the National Theatre - in London surrounded by her entourage shortly before she and Harry announced they were stepping down While the statement on the couple's website makes great play of the fact they are giving up the money from the Sovereign Grant, it does not say whether they will be making do without the cash they get from Prince Charles via his private 1.2billion Duchy of Cornwall estate which some argue should be regarded as a public asset. Charles paid 4.9million to his sons from his duchy income last year, of which slightly less than half is believed to have gone to Harry. Yesterday the Sussexes said the money from Charles amounted to 95 per cent of their office expenditure. Harry's other wealth comes from his estimated 20million inheritance from his mother Princess Diana. He also banked around 7million from his great-grandmother the Queen Mother, who paid it into a trust fund in 1994. Meghan's net worth of around 4million came from having earned around 37,000 per episode as an actress in the US drama Suits. Playing paralegal Rachel Zane, she starred in over 100 episodes, which put her annual pay at an estimated 333,000. She also appeared in several films, including romantic comedies and Horrible Bosses, where she had a 30-second cameo as a delivery girl. Her role in the 2010 film Remember Me reportedly earned her 140,000, while she was paid 130,0000 for The Candidate in the same year. By keeping their royal titles and given their high profiles on both sides of the Atlantic Harry and Meghan are likely to be offered many lucrative engagements. The world's top speakers can command up to half a million dollars (380,000) for a single after-dinner speech. They may also be able to make money from merchandise. In the past few weeks, the couple have trademarked their Sussex royal brand on more than 100 items, from T-shirts, books and magazines to teaching materials and emotional support groups. They submitted trademark applications for textbooks, footwear, headgear, coats, jackets and even pyjamas. The couple have already managed to amass fortunes, estimated at 30million for Harry, and 4million for Meghan. But the road ahead is fraught with danger if past royal commercial ventures are anything to go by. Images of the Duchess of York infamously counting bundles of cash in a News of the World sting were hard to shake off. Prince Edward once tried to combine royal duties with running a television production company, before it flopped. And his wife Sophie Wessex was also caught by the News of the World uttering indiscretions when touting herself as a PR consultant. The costs of Harry and Meghan's lifestyle are high and likely to rise. They employ a private secretary, who can earn up to 146,000, and a nanny for their son Archie who would also command a six-figure salary. London 'supernannies' who work for the capital's richest and most powerful families earn an average of 104,000, according to industry sources. At Frogmore Cottage in Windsor they have a housekeeper but no chef because Meghan loves cooking two personal assistants and two palace orderlies probably earning between 20,000 and 30,000 each. The couple came under scrutiny in 2019 for their use of private jets when they travelled together. The trips were privately funded by the couple. Advertisement Harry and Meghan want to be 'financially independent' and plan to earn their own income, which they say they are currently prevented from doing; They will give up their right to money from the sovereign grant, but could still take money from Prince Charles; They will also keep their police protection funded by the taxpayer and have offered to carry out a vastly reduced number of royal duties in Britain and elsewhere in the Commonwealth. They will retain their home at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor as a UK base; In their extraordinary statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they wanted to 'carve out a progressive new role' and 'step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family'. They said they wanted to balance their time between the UK and North America, 'continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages'. The Mail understands that the couple raised their desire to seek out a new life a week ago and family members agreed to work with them in making it possible. But hours after they had visited the Canadian High Commission in London to thank them for their recent hospitality, the pair decided to go public with their decision pressing the nuclear button, as one source described it. Negotiations are at such an early stage that the couple still have no idea where they are going to live in North America, although Canada is clearly the favoured option. Harry and Meghan have, in the words of one aide, 'no clue' as to how they will become financially independent although for the moment are insisting they will continue to take money from the Prince of Wales to fund their official work. Royals who have tried to go down this route include the Earl and Countess of Wessex, who were forced to give up their television production and PR careers after a series of scandals. Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, who famously said they would go anywhere for a hot meal, and the Duchess of York, who made a string of disastrous business deals that led her to bankruptcy, have learned to their cost that it can be perilous balancing their privileged royal status with business matters. Harry and Meghan have made no mention of giving up their royal titles or status and insist they will keep Frogmore Cottage, the home that was done up for them with 2.4million of public money. They will also keep their state-funded Metropolitan Police protection officers. 'It's a masterclass in wanting to have your cake and eat it,' one royal insider raged. 'Even their own staff cautioned against them making this public until they actually sat down and discussed it with the family properly. 'But they are in this weird bubble and have this strange siege mentality. 'They feel like it's them against the world and are painting a very unfair picture of how this is a family that supposedly doesn't understand or support them, which is complete and utter rubbish.' Another source said: 'The family is perfectly willing to help them but this was a discussion better had discreetly and quietly. 'Why on earth they have put it out in the public domain is a decision only they can justify. 'They have no idea where they are going to live, have no idea how they are going to make their money. 'The feeling is one of deep disappointment that they have chosen to do this unilaterally and without prior warning or consultation. 'And no one believes it will actually help them to have these kind of conversations and discussions in public. 'People understand they want to get things moving and there remains a desire to help them get this right but you do not turn 1,000 years of British royal history on its head in eight days. 'They have got to start working with people. It's hugely unfair to paint out that this is a fusty old institution that doesn't want to help them. 'People have been bending over backwards looking at different ways of doing things. 'But they have made clear they still want to be paid by the public purse for their work and they have to accept that things need to be thought through carefully.' After their seismic falling out with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, followed by the decision to split their joint royal household, Harry and Meghan have battled to find their natural home within the Royal Family. Sources say Harry told his grandmother more than a year ago that he and Meghan wanted to set up their own 'court' independent of Buckingham Palace and Clarence House, while retaining funding from them. The prince was firmly told that this outcome would not be possible and that no one was 'bigger' or more important than the Queen. The couple sullenly agreed to set up their new 'Sussex Royal' household under the Buckingham Palace umbrella, but have long been branded by insiders as 'awkward and childish' for refusing to work harmoniously alongside other members of the Royal Family. 'The writing was on the wall a long time ago,' said one source with knowledge of the situation last night. The couple's move follows weeks of speculation about their future after they took an extended break from royal duties over the festive period that followed an emotional appearance in a documentary. In the ITV programme they spoke about the pressures they have been facing and family rifts, and in a separate move Harry issued a damning statement against the media accusing sections of the press of bullying his wife. Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex visit to Canada House on Tuesday before their announcement that they would be 'stepping back' What is the Sovereign Grant - and will Harry and Meghan REALLY be financially independent? Harry and Meghan say they will become financially independent from the taxpayer - but critics have claimed that if they remain serving royals this cannot be true. The royal family's work is partly funded from the Queen's personal wealth and the rest from the taxpayer. The total Sovereign Grant for the last financial year was 82.2million. This was made up of a core grant of 49.3million - plus extra 32.9million to help pay for the 10-year 369million refurbishment of Buckingham Palace. No one knows how much exactly the 49.3million is worth to Harry and Meghan but it is likely to run into millions. In forfeiting it they claim they will have liberated themselves from most accountability to taxpayers over their spending. But this is not clear cut. The Sovereign Grant is also used to pay for Harry and Meghan's official royal travel, and their website said they 'proudly' carry out official overseas visits in support of the Queen, suggesting they will still continue to do so - and claim those costs. In the last financial year they claimed 130,000 for travel costs, including 80,000 for their trip to Australia, New Zealand and Pacific islands such as Tonga and Fiji. This public money, known as the Sovereign Grant, was valued at 82.2million this year, and is comprised of profits from the Queen's property portfolio - the Crown Estate - which are paid to the Government. Twenty-five per cent of these profits are paid to the monarchy to fund the upkeep of its property, travel, security and staff. While the Sovereign Grant isn't taxpayer money, it is considered to be public funds, belonging to the state. Advertisement Harry and Meghan have only recently returned from their six-week break spent in the Canadian province of British Columbia with their eight-month-old son Archie. Their first royal engagement of the new decade was to visit Canada's High Commission in central London to thank Canadians in person for the warmth of the welcome they received. It is likely they will be spending their time in the Commonwealth country when not in UK and may travel to America, Meghan's homeland and where her mother lives. Any move to Canada, even for a period of the year, would throw up important questions about Meghan and Harry's long-term future within the royal family. Meghan, a former actress, lived and worked in Toronto during her time starring in the popular US drama Suits, and the couple were famously pictured together when Meghan joined her then-boyfriend Harry at the 2017 Invictus Games in the city. The cost of security for the couple would also be an issue, and as Canada is a realm, a country where the Queen is head of state, it may have to pay for keeping the couple and their son Archie safe. The couple's aim to be 'financially independent' may point towards them seeking a job, or a paid role with an organisation whose aims compliment their own beliefs. Other members of the monarchy who have salaried jobs include the Queen's grandchildren Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and Peter Phillips, who all work for a living. But the lows included rows over privacy, rifts with relatives, the launch of legal action and an attack on the press which overshadowed an official royal tour. Even the Queen in her Christmas Day address spoke of the 'bumpy' path her family and the nation had experienced. Harry and Meghan's statement announcing their decision soon after their return from a six-week break in Canada refers to their 'many months of reflection and internal discussions'. Couple complain that royal roles mean they CAN'T earn their own money... but now they'll need to strike lucrative deals to keep up a lavish transatlantic lifestyle, so how WILL they make a living? By Sam Greenhill, Chief Reporter for the Daily Mail The Duke and Duchess of Sussex last night revealed they plan to relaunch their careers potentially earning millions of pounds a year. In an astonishing statement on their new website, they complained they had been unable to earn their own money as senior royals. They will give up their income from the Sovereign Grant the money taxpayers give to the Queen every year and launch themselves onto the international celebrity circuit. The couple will keep Frogmore Cottage (above) that was gifted to them by the Queen The couple renovated the property and put their own touches in each and every room (bath above) 'The remaining 5 per cent of funding for the Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (pictured), covering costs associated with employing members of their official office, is received through the Sovereign Grant' The graphic above which they posted to their website details how The Crown Estate works Playing paralegal Rachel Zane, she starred in over 100 episodes, which put her annual pay at an estimated 333,000 The Duke and and Duchess of Sussex with their baby son (Name later announced as Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor), who was born on May 6 2019 during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle in Berkshire They will need to strike lucrative commercial deals to maintain the lavish lifestyle to which they are comfortably accustomed. Piers Morgan says Meghan Markle has 'ditched her family, ditched her Dad, ditched most of her old friends, split Harry from William and has now split him from the Royals' By Jack Elsom for MailOnline Piers Morgan has pointed the finger at Meghan Markle for driving a wedge between Prince Harry and the Royal Family after the couple sensational resigned from their official duties tonight. In a stinging attack following this evening's announcement, the Good Morning Britain presenter said the Duchess had a history of destroying relationships and reeled off a list of those with whom she has cut ties. He tweeted: 'People say I'm too critical of Meghan Markle - but she ditched her family, ditched her Dad, ditched most of her old friends, split Harry from William & has now split him from the Royal Family. I rest my case.' Piers Morgan has pointed the finger at Meghan Markle for driving a wedge between Prince Harry and the Royal Family after the couple sensational resigned from their official duties tonight Piers' epic multi-tweet slap-down said the couple had committed 'spiteful treachery' and 'breaking up the Royal Family after fleecing the public purse' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed their intention on Instagram 'to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family' to spend more time in Canada, where they have recently returned from holiday. But Piers' epic multi-tweet slap-down said the couple had committed 'spiteful treachery' and 'breaking up the Royal Family after fleecing the public purse'. Piers, who has had a long-running feud with Meghan since he accused the former Suits actress of 'ghosting' him, also referenced a quote attributed to Harry after the Duke reportedly told Kensington Palace staff 'what Meghan wants, Meghan gets' as they prepared to move out in 2018. The broadcaster has often blasted the couple for hypocrisy, especially after they banged the drum for environmentalism while taking gas-guzzling private planes. And he doubled down on these accusations after Meghan refused to be photographed at Wimbledon despite using millions of public money to renovate Frogmore Cottage. The Royals have also waged war on the British press, which Canadian journalist Meghan Murphy said had 'bullied' Meghan in a campaign which was 'painful to watch'. But Piers hit back on Twitter: 'Oh pur-lease. What's been 'painful to watch' has been their absurd woke hypocrisy & constant whining. All on our dime.' Piers has also expressed sympathies with Thomas Markle, with whom Meghan has severed ties following a row over him speaking to the press about his daughter. And the commentator said the Duchess had sowed division between Harry and Prince William, amid rumours of a rift between the brothers. The couple's move follows weeks of speculation about their future after they took an extended break from royal duties over the festive period that followed an emotional appearance in a documentary. In the ITV programme they spoke about the pressures they have been facing and family rifts, and in a separate move Harry issued a damning statement against the media accusing sections of the press of bullying his wife. This evening's announcement came after Harry and Meghan's rumoured relocation to Canada this afternoon sparked speculation that they could be about to withdraw from public life. Advertisement Until now Harry and Meghan have been 'prohibited from earning any income in any form' as they pointed out last night in a lengthy statement on their official website. The couple issued a declaration that they were looking forward to 'becoming financially independent'. They said they had 'made the choice' to 'no longer receive funding' from the Sovereign Grant, adding: 'Their Royal Highnesses prefer to release this financial tie.' No one knows how much the grant is worth to Harry and Meghan but in forfeiting it they have effectively liberated themselves from most accountability to taxpayers over their spending. Defending their new status, they stressed: 'There is precedent for this structure and it applies to other current members of the Royal Family who support the monarch and also have full-time jobs external to their commitment to the monarchy.' While the statement on the couple's website makes great play of the fact they are giving up the money from the Sovereign Grant, it does not say whether they will be making do without the cash they get from Prince Charles via his private 1.2billion Duchy of Cornwall estate which some argue should be regarded as a public asset. Charles paid 4.9million to his sons from his duchy income last year, of which slightly less than half is believed to have gone to Harry. Yesterday the Sussexes said the money from Charles amounted to 95 per cent of their office expenditure. They added: 'The remaining 5 per cent of funding for the Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, covering costs associated with employing members of their official office, is received through the Sovereign Grant.' The couple stressed that 'wherever possible and unless advised otherwise on security grounds', they travel using 'commercial carriers, local trains and fuel-efficient vehicles'. Harry's other wealth comes from his estimated 20million inheritance from his mother Princess Diana. He also banked around 7million from his great-grandmother the Queen Mother, who paid it into a trust fund in 1994. Meghan's net worth of around 4million came from having earned around 37,000 per episode as an actress in the US drama Suits. Playing paralegal Rachel Zane, she starred in over 100 episodes, which put her annual pay at an estimated 333,000. She also appeared in several films, including romantic comedies and Horrible Bosses, where she had a 30-second cameo as a delivery girl. Her role in the 2010 film Remember Me reportedly earned her 140,000, while she was paid 130,000 for The Candidate in the same year. By keeping their royal titles and given their high profiles on both sides of the Atlantic Harry and Meghan are likely to be offered many lucrative engagements. The world's top speakers can command up to half a million dollars (380,000) for a single after-dinner speech. They may also be able to make money from merchandise. In the past few weeks, the couple have trademarked their Sussex royal brand on more than 100 items, from T-shirts, books and magazines to teaching materials and emotional support groups. They submitted trademark applications for textbooks, footwear, headgear, coats, jackets and even pyjamas. The couple are already hugely wealthy. Before marrying Harry, Meghan earned 61,000 a year running her lifestyle blog The Tig, which focused on food, travel, fashion and health and made the most of her celebrity endorsement deals. She had to shut it down when she announced she was Harry's girlfriend. If it is now reactivated, it could make her far more money. But the road ahead is fraught with danger if past royal commercial ventures are anything to go by. Images of the Duchess of York infamously counting bundles of cash in a News of the World sting were hard to shake off. Prince Edward once tried to combine royal duties with running a television production company, before it flopped. And his wife Sophie Wessex was also caught by the News of the World uttering indiscretions when touting herself as a PR consultant. The costs of Harry and Meghan's lifestyle are high and likely to rise. They employ a private secretary, who can earn up to 146,000, and a nanny for their son Archie who would also command a six-figure salary. London 'supernannies' who work for the capital's richest and most powerful families earn an average of 104,000, according to industry sources. At Frogmore Cottage in Windsor they have a housekeeper but no chef because Meghan loves cooking two personal assistants and two palace orderlies probably earning between 20,000 and 30,000 each. The couple came under scrutiny in 2019 for their use of private jets when they travelled together. The trips were privately funded by the couple. They also visited family friend Sir Elton John's holiday home, but the musician revealed he had paid for the cost of the flight himself and donated to a carbon- offsetting charity. Harry and Meghan unveil slick new website outlining how their 'transition' to a 'progressive new role' will unfold moments after making bombshell 'we quit' announcement Prince Harry and Meghan unveiled a slick new website just moments after announcing they were stepping back from royal duties. Posts on the website, sussexroyal.com, detail the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's 'new working model', explaining how they intend to go forward in a 'progressive new role' following the announcement that they are quitting the royal family. They listed their new media relations policy, the future of their charities and also explained how they will be funded after claiming that they want to be financially independent. In one astonishing statement, they complained they had been unable to earn their own money as senior royals. The website, sussexroyal.com, details the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's 'new working model' Until now Harry and Meghan have been 'prohibited from earning any income in any form' as they pointed out last night in the lengthy post on their official website. They will give up their income from the Sovereign Grant the money taxpayers give to the Queen every year and launch themselves onto the international celebrity circuit. They will need to strike lucrative commercial deals to maintain the lavish lifestyle to which they are comfortably accustomed. Sussexroyal.com also said the couple 'value the ability to earn a professional income, which in the current structure they are prohibited from doing. The website added that the Duke and Duchess will also continue to base themselves at Frogmore Cottage, with the Queen's permission. Taxpayers will also still be expected to pay for their security. Referring to armed security by the Metropolitan Police mandated by the Home Office, the site said: 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are classified as internationally protected people which mandates this level of security.' Harry and Meghan also aimed another blast at the British media and what they call its 'misreporting'. They announced they would be withdrawing from the 'royal rota' system, which allows British newspaper, television and radio organisations to cover their work in recognition of the monarchy being a publicly-funded organisation. UK media are currently entitled to cover their engagements in an impartial manner without control from royal officials. The couple say they now intend to offer access to specially-invited media and dispense news via their own official communications and social media channels. On their new website, the duke and duchess said they believe this policy will reflect 'both their forthcoming independence as members of the Royal Family' and their wish to 'reshape and broaden access to their work'. They also attacked the British media's body of royal correspondents, claiming: 'Regrettably, stories that may have been filed accurately by royal correspondents are also often edited or rewritten by media editorial teams to present false impressions.' A statement added: 'Their Royal Highnesses recognise that their roles as members of the Royal Family are subject to interest, and they welcome accurate and honest media reporting, as well as being held to account if appropriate. 'Equally, like every member of society, they also value privacy as individuals and as a family.' The site also listed the various charities that the Duke and Duchess are patron of and explained how they intend to continue representing the Queen and strengthening the Commonwealth. A statement said: 'As they move to become members of the Royal Family, with financial independence, their commitment to The Monarch is resolute, and they aim to continue to fly the flag for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as called upon.' Advertisement Prince Harry and Meghan Markle want to KEEP their 650,000-a-year security and STAY living in Queen's Frogmore Cottage that taxpayers paid 2.4m to renovate just months ago - but could now have to pay RENT to the monarch By Sam Greenhill, Chief Reporter for the Daily Mail Despite stepping back as frontline royals, Harry and Meghan have decided to keep Frogmore Cottage. The public paid 2.4million to fund a renovation of the Grade II-listed property near Windsor Castle. And the couple announced last night they wanted to keep it so they would have 'a place to call home in the United Kingdom'. The phrasing raised the prospect that their main home will come to be regarded as being elsewhere, perhaps Canada. It was decided taxpayers would help Harry and Meghan pay for Frogmore after the newlyweds eschewed their home in the grounds of Kensington Palace, wanting a place of their own. The couple will keep Frogmore Cottage (above) that was gifted to them by the Queen Royal accounts show 2.4million of taxpayer money has been ploughed into renovating five-bedroomed Frogmore Cottage. The major work included replacing defective ceiling beams and floor joists, and updating outmoded heating systems. Harry and Meghan's MEGA millions: Experts reveal the couple could earn a fortune with TV shows, books, brand deals, and more By Erica Tempesta for DailyMail.com Experts say that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have the potential to rake in tens of millions of dollars annually, particularly if they choose to follow in Barack and Michelle's very lucrative footsteps with public speaking opportunities, books, and TV deals. 'Whether appearances, brand partnerships or more, they could make eight or nine figures annually with endorsement deals.' Ronn said it 'wouldn't be surprising' if the couple started looking at options to make money in North America, where they will be staying when they're not in the United Kingdom. 'With the level of name recognition both of them have, brands will no doubt be tripping over themselves to offer Meghan and Harry partnerships, endorsement deals, positions as brand ambassadors, and more,' he explained. 'The sky is the limit for the two of them in terms of earning potential in North America.' Advertisement But the couple are also thought to have installed a luxury kitchen and bathroom in the building. Officials have been keen to downplay suggestions that this was an example of royal profligacy. Last night, a statement on the official royal Sussex website said: 'Frogmore Cottage will continue to be the property of Her Majesty the Queen. 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to use Frogmore Cottage with the permission of Her Majesty The Queen as their official residence as they continue to support the monarchy, and so that their family will always have a place to call home in the United Kingdom.' When the enormous public cost of fixing up Frogmore was first revealed, the couple faced criticism from some quarters. Even fans of the royals were scathing about the costs, especially as Harry and Meghan 'could have moved next door' to a grand apartment within Kensington Palace if they had needed more space. But amid reports of a rift with Prince William and Kate, the 'substantial overhaul' of Frogmore Cottage a gift to the couple from the Queen was approved by Her Majesty. The final bill is expected to top 3million. One critic, Graham Smith, from the campaign group Republic, compared the renovation bill to a charity's funding of a centre for military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), saying: 'A charity spent 2.4million on a support centre for marines suffering PTSD. 'The taxpayers then spent the same amount on a luxury private home for Harry and Meghan.' WHERE IT ALL WENT WRONG: That glorious wedding captivated the world - but from the festering debacle over Meghan's father to the fracturing of the Fab Four, the facade soon began to crumble, as revealed by the Mail's peerless RICHARD KAY Not even 20 months have passed since that magical day when they stood on the steps of St George's Chapel at Windsor and, with a kiss, enchanted a global audience of millions. The wedding of Harry and Meghan was a love letter from Britain to the world, from the blue skies over a fairytale castle to the gospel choir and a carriage drive through streets thronged with cheering admirers. This was a moment to savour, the grandson of the Queen marrying a mixed heritage young woman descended from slaves. But it was also about the fulfilment of a nation's dreams for a prince, who was fixed in the collective national memory as a 12-year-old following his mother's coffin. Pictured: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to view a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force (RAF) on July 10, 2018 Family fortunes: Smiles at Sandringham for the Fab Four, but the group soon began to crumble after Meghan and Harry wed Tragically, the shared happiness was misplaced. Harry and Meghan were not just a couple who wanted to embrace both modernity and tradition; they were bent on re-writing the rule book of what being a member of the Royal Family actually means. We should perhaps have realised; after all, the manner in which the duchess's father was ruthlessly excluded from the ceremony went beyond mere discourtesy. At the time, the failure of Thomas Markle to give his daughter away was blamed squarely on his own foolishness. Nor was much made of the absence of many of Harry's oldest friends, the mates who had stuck by him through thick and thin. In their place came a new set of chums, megawatt celebrities who had not been around when he was at his lowest ebb, but who would add a glamorous touch of stardust to proceedings. The tragedy of Harry and Meghan is that they could have been life-long royal heroes. The Prince himself was already much loved, second only to the Queen in popularity. From seeing action on the front line in Afghanistan not once but twice, and from which he had emerged unscathed, Harry had won over those sceptical about his party prince reputation. After the Army, affection for him soared following his triumphant visit to the Caribbean, where he posed with another superstar, the Olympic athlete Usain Bolt. If elder brother William represented the dutiful if dull side of royalty, Harry was the fun side. He was open and amusing, taking everything in his stride. All he needed was to find the love of a good woman and his happiness and ours would be complete. His romantic path had been strewn if not with broken hearts then certainly with trepidation. Before Meghan, he had wooed and lost two other beauties Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas who valued a life out of the limelight, rather than marriage and the goldfish bowl of royal attention. Pictured: Meghan and Harry in South Africa last year In Meghan he found a soulmate who had at least experienced life in the spotlight. This, they both hoped, would provide an understanding for their future together. But if anything this understanding has served to drive them apart from the very institution they say they want to support. It has led to William and Harry, once the closest of brothers, being alienated from one another, and to a series of ill-judged interventions that have provoked bafflement and, yes, even resentment. Their preaching to ordinary people about how they should lead their lives particularly about climate change and what has come to be seen as a drip, drip, drip of complaints about how they are treated, has led to a real disconnect. Who would have thought that in recent times the mere mention of Harry and Meghan's names at Buckingham Palace would lead some of the Queen's most loyal courtiers to wrinkle their noses and pull a face. The rot set in even before the glow of that May wedding day had passed. Shortly after returning from honeymoon, Meghan was asked by a younger member of the family how it had gone and, more to the point, where they had gone. 'We're not telling anyone,' the new Duchess of Sussex smiled. Was this merely a symptom of someone still adjusting to royal life, or someone who was not about to make any compromises about their privacy? It was not long before the Markle debacle over Meghan's father was again rearing its head. A sweet but naive figure, Thomas Markle did not help himself with his sudden fascination for giving interviews about his famous daughter. But here was a man of limited resources suddenly thrust onto a global stage, unsure of protocol and stumbling from one misadventure to another. Harry and Meghan's bitter parting blast at British media By Rebecca English, Royal Correspondent for the Daily Mail Harry and Meghan last night aimed another blast at the British media and what they call its 'misreporting'. They announced they would be withdrawing from the 'royal rota' system, which allows British newspaper, television and radio organisations to cover their work in recognition of the monarchy being a publicly-funded organisation. UK media are currently entitled to cover their engagements in an impartial manner without control from royal officials. The couple say they now intend to offer access to specially-invited media and dispense news via their own official communications and social media channels. On their new website, sussexroyal.com, the duke and duchess said they believe this policy will reflect 'both their forthcoming independence as members of the Royal Family' and their wish to 'reshape and broaden access to their work'. They also attacked the British media's body of royal correspondents, claiming: 'Regrettably, stories that may have been filed accurately by royal correspondents are also often edited or rewritten by media editorial teams to present false impressions.' Harry and Meghan cited their work with publications such as Time Magazine, National Geographic and British Vogue as examples of how they still believe in a 'free, strong and open media industry'. They added: 'Their Royal Highnesses recognise that their roles as members of the Royal Family are subject to interest, and they welcome accurate and honest media reporting, as well as being held to account if appropriate. Equally, like every member of society, they also value privacy as individuals and as a family.' The couple also said they hoped their decision to release photographs and information on their own social media would prevent publications from 'profiting' from their family. It is not the first time that the duke and duchess have hit out at the British media. In October last year, while they were on a royal tour of southern Africa, Harry attacked newspaper stories about him and his wife. The prince said: 'Unfortunately, my wife has become one of the latest victims of a British tabloid press that wages campaigns against individuals with no thought to the consequences a ruthless campaign that has escalated over the past year, throughout her pregnancy and while raising our newborn son.' Referring to Press coverage of his mother, Princess Diana, before her 1997 death in a Paris car crash while being pursued by paparazzi, the duke said his 'deepest fear is history repeating itself'. He wrote: 'I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.' Advertisement Sympathy, at first, was with his daughter, but questions were soon asked about her and Harry's duty of care towards him. In fact, the seeds of this family fall-out which, I believe, has shaped the way Harry and Meghan are now, were sown through their own casual ineptness. They should never have allowed Markle to fall into the clutches of the paparazzi with his admittedly crass stunted pictures before the wedding. Why did no one from Harry's office or indeed Prince Charles's fly to Mexico, where the retired lighting director lived in genteel if reduced circumstances? He should have been flown to Britain, housed in any number of royal residences, dressed and presented to the world on his daughter's wedding day. This lack of care inevitably led to another unseemly domestic outcome the behaviour of Meghan's extended family. As unattractive as they undoubtedly were, there was no doubt they had a point when they railed about the duchess's treatment of her divorced father. Certainly it compared unfavourably with the kidgloves handling of Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, who played a prominent part in her daughter's wedding. Even so, many were prepared to cut Meghan some slack, pointing out how hard many young women particularly Harry's mother, Diana, had found royal life. But revelations about the duchess's apparently high-handed manner were causing unease. It emerged that there had been a row between Harry and one of the Queen's closest aides over the tiara the duchess wanted to wear at her wedding. Several tiaras had been considered, but the Queen did not want to lend the one Meghan preferred. Words were exchanged and Harry backed down. Meanwhile, it emerged that Meghan had complained about the mustiness of St George's chapel and wanted it sprayed with air freshener before the ceremony. This was a young woman who was clearly not going to accept her position quietly. There was further trouble over the bridesmaids' dresses, which was an early sign of the great tensions to come. It was reported that Meghan had reduced Kate, her soon-to-be sister-in-law, to tears, because of her manner. Weddings, of course, often lead to domestic tensions but are usually forgotten afterwards. With Harry and Meghan, they just increased. Meghan's decision to hold an extravagant baby shower in New York didn't just shock people, it offended them, too. What possible justification could there be for the private jets no matter who picked up the bill as well as luxury hotels, lavish parties and expensive baby gifts? It was the kind of look associated with the Kardashians, not the Windsors. Then came the biggest shock of all the secrecy over the birth of baby Archie. Here, not just tradition but common sense was upended. They announced there would be no bulletins on when or where the baby would be born, no traditional photograph and they even declined to say who was in charge of delivery. This didn't just upset royal fans but the Royal Family, too. For generations, the births of those close to the throne have been proclaimed on a notice placed just inside the railings of Buckingham Palace. It always includes the names of the doctors in attendance. Harry and Meghan simply ignored protocol and did it their way. While touching it undoubtedly was as Harry spoke of his pride and joy, the moment was riven with controversy. As for the birth, they cackhandedly arranged for a statement saying Meghan had gone into labour to be issued after the baby had actually been born. But the real insult came when baby Archie's christening was shrouded in secrecy. The couple refused to say who the godparents were, and when photographs did appear the infant's face was largely obscured. Some may see this as unnecessary carping about a couple who want to ensure their son is not brought up in the royal way, but has the privacy that was denied Harry and William as they grew up. Others suggest that all they were really doing was weaponising their family in their battles for privacy. Meanwhile, the 'fab four', as the royal brothers and their wives had been dubbed, was no more. Harry and Meghan moved to Windsor, separated his office from William's and split from their highly successful charity, the Royal Foundation . This was not just a change in direction but a unilateral declaration of independence. Nothing illustrated this more than their decision to give an interview to ITV while on a royal tour of southern Africa last autumn. It was a mistake of historic proportions. Standing against a backdrop of some of the most deprived regions on earth, they complained to the camera about their lot. At the same time Harry's comments triggered another wave of disbelief. Questioned about his relationship with William he confirmed what until then had been mere tittle tattle: that the once whisper-close brothers had fallen out. How much this domestic heartache is at the centre of the Sussexes's bombshell is not yet clear. But the repercussion are going to echo for a long time to come. Immune to their privilege. Wrapped up in themselves. And, sadly, throwing in the towel so soon... SARAH VINE asks: 'Whatever happened to the enchanting happy couple we all fell in love with?' 'For months now, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have had the look of two people who would rather suck lemons than continue to be an active part of the Royal Family', writes Sarah Vine Well, that was about as much of a surprise as a drunk uncle at a wedding. For months now, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have had the look of two people who would rather suck lemons than continue to be an active part of the Royal Family. Frankly, it's a surprise they've lasted this long. That said, I'm very sad to see them go. And so soon. It feels like they've barely got stuck in, hardly had a chance to understand what the job really entails before handing in their resignation. It's almost as though they never really had any intention of trying to stick it out at all, as though right from the start the notion was always there in the back of their minds that if life as Duke and Duchess didn't live up to expectation, they would simply leave. Being a part of the Royal Family is not easy. It may carry all the trappings of privilege, but there is a hefty price to pay. It takes determination and a deep-rooted sense of duty to withstand both the scrutiny and expectations of the British public and press. A strong backbone and a thick skin are just as vital as an elegant wave. Successive generations of royals have had to learn these lessons in their own way. None not even the Queen have been immune to the pressures that come with such a rarefied existence. The personal sacrifices that have to be made can be hard to bear, all the more so because they have to be borne in private. And yet, for those who endure, the rewards are great. Not just the undying love and respect of the British people, but also a chance to pursue one's passions and really make a difference where it matters. Both Prince Charles and Prince William have battled their own demons, and risen finally to the challenge. Which is why it's all the more unsettling to see Harry once the rumbustious soldier, never afraid of getting stuck in among the lads flying the white flag so early on in the struggle. I suppose there is a kind of courage in knowing when you've had enough, and in that respect Harry has been clear. But, in truth, it's not entirely obvious what has driven him to such a conclusion: was the 2.4million taxpayer-funded refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage not lavish enough? The outpouring of affection at their multi-million-pound wedding insufficiently fawning? The Queen's repeated invitations to stay rebuffed more than once not hospitable enough? It's almost as though nothing matters to this couple apart from their own immediate happiness and gratification, as though they are incapable of seeing beyond their own little bubble of privilege. Canadians say they'll welcome Harry and Meghan with open arms as long as they don't have to pay for their security By Emily Crane for DailyMail.com Canadians say they will welcome Prince Harry and wife Meghan with open arms should they choose to relocate to Canada after quitting the Royal Family - as long as they don't have to pay their security costs. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has remained unusually silent following Harry and Meghan's announcement. Every day Canadians were overwhelmingly supportive about the country potentially becoming Harry and Meghan's new home - as long as they didn't have to fork out the costs for their tight security. 'As long as we Canadians do not have to pay for Meghan and Harry's security costs, I don't really care about the rest,' one person tweeted. Another tweeted: 'My hope is that Meghan and Harry decided to go the 'no drama' route of raising their child in a more peaceful, less-public environment. Canada welcomes them and we will very much respect their privacy.' 'Dear Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Canada loves you. We don't have the Orange Cheeto. You were happy at Christmas. Canada is waiting with open arms to welcome you back,' another tweet said, referring to President Trump. 'Certainly we here in Canada will welcome them as we always have.' Advertisement It has often been speculated as to whether they might end up walking away from Britain, but the timing of this announcement could hardly be more insensitive, or more indicative of how little either seems to understand the true nature of their roles as Royals. Prince Philip has only just come out of hospital. The Yorks are still weathering a storm of scandal. In the wider world, Britain's forces stand in peril in the Middle East. Yet this is the moment they choose to walk away and without telling the Queen. Yet for all that, my reaction to this story is more sadness than anger. Especially when you think back to how happy we all were when Harry finally found his bride, how excited we were to share in his delight. That little lost boy deprived of his mother had had it rough, not helped by the pain that a bitter parental divorce can bring. All those years of drunken escapades, Nazi uniforms, strip billiards in Vegas, fleeting Sloaney girlfriends they all melted away when it became clear that Harry had found a woman he felt could be his own rock to cling on to in a turbulent life. For all those reasons, the nation invested such hope in their union one which also provided an incredible opportunity to breathe fresh life into the institution of royalty. Here was a beautiful, successful, independent young woman from a mixed-race background who had made her own way in life against considerable odds, and whose ambition and ability were an inspiration to so many. But there is a big difference between being a famous soap actress and a member of the Royal Family, and grasping that distinction is something Meghan has clearly struggled with. For a minor Hollywood celebrity, she has always seemed curiously ill-at-ease with the public nature of her role as royal consort, uncomfortable with the proprietorial nature of the deal. Now, for whatever reason, Harry seems to have been distanced from his own family in the same way Meghan extracted herself from much of her own, and also walked away from her first husband. That said, let's be clear: while the temptation is to blame Meghan for the couple's decision to walk away, in truth the ultimate responsibility lies with Harry. Meghan at least has the excuse that she was not born to this role, that she had no previous experience, that she could not have ever truly known how it would turn out. He, by contrast, knew exactly what he was letting her in for. Harry's own struggles before he met Meghan may have played some part in his choice of bride. Had he married a more conventional woman, a member of the British upper classes, he would never have had the chance to escape the institution that, in his heart of hearts, he still blames for the loss of his mother. In some ways, Meghan is for Harry the ultimate excuse for an opt-out. She may be the catalyst, but she's not the cause. It also, perhaps, explains why he has, time and again, ridden to her defence so passionately. Through her, he has seized the chance to hit back at all the injustices he perceives as having persecuted his late mother, to do for Meghan what as a young boy he could never do for Diana. On a more straightforward level, to see someone you love judged because of who and what you stand for is so very hard, especially when you have no say in the matter. Harry was raised to this life, he did not choose it; he has, for all his faults, endured great personal suffering because of it. And to have to stand by and watch it make the woman he loves so clearly unhappy must be agonising. It is this, I think, that explains his decision. And also, looking back over the past 18 months, his gradual detachment from his family his brother William, to whom he has always been so close, his father Charles and some of his oldest friends. And at the very least he could have warned them of his sudden departure plans. Fired up with a determination to make a success of his marriage at all costs, to succeed where his father failed, he has turned his back on so much of what made him. It is also why, since he married Meghan, we have witnessed the birth of a new Harry, one shaped less in the image of his own family and more in the mould of Meghan and her fashionable and wealthy international circle. The woke, somewhat humourless and very entitled Harry we see before us now is almost unrecognisable as the fellow we knew and loved. Of course, people grow up, they change. We can't forever expect him to be happy-go-lucky Harry. But still, it's quite a transformation. And so it's goodbye Windsor, hello Winnipeg, or whatever corner of North America where they feel most at home. What else is there to say, save to offer our best hopes for happiness with their son. And perhaps to add: be careful what you wish for. Their very starry new social circle: From the Clooneys to Oprah, ALISON BOSHOFF reveals the not-so regal A-list celebrity set who'll welcome them with open arms Best friends: Meghan Markle with Jessica Mulroney Starting at their wedding in May 2018 which featured a startling number of celebrity pals of the bride it was abundantly clear that the Sussexes were forging a starry new social circle, away from stuffier royal circles and Harry's old school and Army pals. The friends with whom they will be spending more time and, quite possibly, striking high-profile media deals, are the image of what Harry and Meghan want to become. They are super-successful career-minded sophisticates, based internationally, who have both giant incomes and impressive portfolios of charity work. Oprah Winfrey who it appears had barely met Meghan in 2018 (although she had done yoga on her lawn with Meghan's mum Doria) has already snagged Harry to contribute to an Apple TV documentary about mental health. Maybe she will be a conduit for further lucrative media work for the couple as they strive to gain that 'financial independence' of the statement. Certainly, she remains the 'Queen' in America, where she has a $340million fortune and her own TV network and is generally rated as the most influential woman in media. Meghan is also very close to Oprah's best friend and confidante Gayle King, a TV news anchor with CBS. Gayle spent time with the couple at Frogmore as they awaited the birth of Archie. She was among the invited few who came to that baby shower in New York an event which, curiously, Meghan's mother did not attend. She will be well placed to smooth their path into any media outlet you could name and there will be no shortage of others to advise them. So who are the starry bunch who will be sustaining them on this journey out of the Royal Family and into the sparkling if shallow waters of Hollywood, Toronto and all points West? Meghan and Harry have made it their business to befriend only those with impeccable political and social credentials. No dodgy oligarchs for them. Barack and Michelle Obama are friends. The former president and his wife hold them in dear esteem and Michelle met up with Meghan while she was in the UK to promote her autobiography, Becoming, last year. Mrs Obama was reportedly 'instrumental' in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's romance although it's not clear quite what part she played. The Obamas and the Prince were first brought together by the Invictus Games, created by Harry for injured, sick or disabled military personnel and veterans. Wedding guests: The Clooneys, and Serena Williams and her husband Alexis Ohanian will be among the star-studded set who welcome the Sussexes At the second Games in Florida in 2016, Michelle took part in numerous events and said of Harry: 'He truly is Prince Charming'. In return, the Prince lent support to her 'Full Effect' education programme for under-privileged teenagers. GEORGE AND AMAL Clooney attended the royal wedding in May 2018. It seems that it is barrister Amal, who grew up in Buckinghamshire, who fostered the friendship after being introduced to Meghan by mutual friends at the exclusive London private members club, Soho House. She has since opened her contacts book to Meghan, recommending everyone from hair stylists to interior designers and key staff members. In August 2018, the pair spent a long weekend with actor George and Amal at the Clooneys holiday home on Lake Como, Italy. Perhaps more surprising is the inclusion of David and Victoria Beckham, actor, comedian and chat show host James Corden and his wife Julia, and fashion designer Misha Nonoo and her billionaire oil heir husband Mike Hess. This new social landscape took shape in 2018 when Prince Harry and Meghan based themselves in a rented house in Oxfordshire. Meghan's close friends, the tennis star Serena Williams, and the Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, were entertained at Soho Farmhouse by the couple. They also saw Jessica Mulroney, Meghan's best friend for years and sometime stylist. She is based in Toronto and it is here that the Royal couple are expected to buy a temporary base. Pre-Harry, Meghan spent many weekends in Toronto enjoying family time with her and her husband Ben, a TV anchor, and son of the former Canadian PM. Their children John, Brian, and Ivy were among the page boys and flower girls at the Royal wedding and regard Meghan as an honorary aunt. Meghan's best friend, Markus Anderson, who works for the Soho House group, remains a key member of the Duchess's 'support team' and regularly socialises with the Royal couple. It was Anderson who invited her to join Soho House in Toronto four years ago when she was a little known TV actress based there and he facilitated all of Harry and Meghan's early dates at Soho Houses in London and in Oxfordshire. He also arranged her low-key hen weekend celebrations at Soho Farmhouse of course and persuaded the pair to attend the boozy launch of the new Soho House in Amsterdam. Markus is also very good friends with New York-based fashion designer Misha Nonoo, who is said to have introduced the couple to each other. She and Harry went to Misha's wedding. The royal couple are also close to James Corden and his wife Julia. James made a speech at the eoyal wedding dressed as King Henry VIII, at the reception. Julia now has a new job running the interior design company Charles & Co with Vicky Charles, who used to oversee all Soho House interior design. She is said to have lent her touch to the Sussexes' house at Frogmore. Advice on bicontinental living and its complexities can be offered by the Beckhams, who spend time in LA where they used to live, and Miami where David has a football team, as well as having a barn conversion just around the corner from Soho Farmhouse. Harry is particularly close to the former footballer whom he has known for years through charitable causes, while fashion designer Victoria has become a huge fan of Meghan's. The entire Beckham clan went to Australia to support Harry at the Invictus Games for which David is an ambassador in Sydney. Other friends include Stella McCartney, another Soho Farmhouse regular, often with her young family in tow. Meghan has passed through her professional life forging and, if necessary, dropping various friends. The broadcaster Piers Morgan was once a contact and recipient of her charm when she was a relative nobody on Suits. After she met Harry, he was dropped. Socialite Lizzy Cundy was introduced to her at a charity event pre-Harry: Lizzy says that they were friends but that she too was sent into social Siberia once starrier prospects hove into view. And the story has been repeated. Others who have proved not quite Meghan's cup of chai soy latte are Harry's old crowd of drinking buddies like Guy Pelly, Tom and Lara Inskip and Astrid Harbord. Friends in this set were grumbling last summer that they 'never saw Harry any more. 'He's even thought to have given up shooting under the influence of Meghan, which put him firmly out of those circles in any case. They will surely see even less of him now. As another royal departs with an American divorcee... History is repeating but AN WILSON believes it may be for the best This can only be described as an abdication. Meghan and Harry have in effect withdrawn from their royal duties and will spend a large part of their future lives in North America. It is hard not to feel history repeating itself. Even the wedding car that drove the future Duchess of Sussex to be married to Prince Harry in St George's Chapel, Windsor, was the very car that drove Wallis Simpson to attend the funeral of her husband, the former Edward VIII. In 1936, the immensely popular, lovable new king had renounced the throne because he wanted to marry Mrs Simpson, an American divorcee. That event is seared into the consciousness of the Royal Family: it has obsessed them ever since. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their engagement announcement at Kensington Palace in November 2017 Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex visit to Cape Town, South Africa, last September (right) and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor standing on stone steps in an undated photo (left) The explanation given at the time was that Edward was to be the head of the Church of England, which forbade divorce. But behind this convenient excuse, the Establishment wanted rid of Edward VIII. They found his fascist-sympathising politics dodgy and they feared his outspoken, witty wife. They felt much safer with the shy, stammering Duke of York and his homely, aristocratic Scottish wife, who became our beloved Queen Mum. Harry and Meghan's 'abdication' is of course nowhere near as dramatic as Edward VIII's was 84 years ago. Yet there seems little doubt that their decision has shocked Buckingham Palace and the wider Royal Family as it has shocked the country. It has been suggested that Meghan and Harry made their bombshell announcement without consulting the Queen. If true, that is, in my view, an atrocious lapse of judgment. The wording from the Palace last night, that 'these are complicated issues that will take time to work through', hints that the decision to abandon their royal duties is perhaps not as final as Meghan and Harry might wish it to be. Yet, for all that, I believe that this may prove to be for the best. Meghan Markle and mother Doria Ragland leaving Cliveden House Hotel en route to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for her wedding in 2018 Unlike the Abdication of 1936, which really was an existential crisis for the Royal Family and which led to the entirely unexpected ascension of George VI to the throne, this 'abdication' will strengthen the institution of the monarchy. When Harry and Meghan had their very public wedding Meghan, like Wallis, was 34 when she met her future royal husband many of us felt that a new chapter had been opened in the history of the Windsors. Here was a breath of fresh air: a feminist, mixed-race American who had established a career for herself as an actress, joining a slightly stuffy English family. Yet the love affair between Meghan and the British press was doomed to be short-lived. The truth is that this charming, intelligent, beautiful woman hadn't a clue what the monarchy really is, or what role minor members of the Royal Family have to play in public life. For his part, Harry perhaps didn't fully understand his own role as a younger son. Both seemed oblivious to the fact that the British monarchy is a delicate constitutional miracle, not a vehicle for its members to press home their views on the subjects that interest them, however noble. A minor royal such as Harry or Meghan (Harry is now sixth in line to the throne) essentially exists to be on standby for public engagements that senior royals are too busy to fulfil. They must also keep their views private. Yet Meghan, as befitting her role as a socially conscious and ambitious career woman, wanted her views on everything from climate change to women's rights to be centre stage. Sooner or later, this lovable pair the playboy prince with heroic war service behind him and the glamorous Californian were perhaps always going to come a cropper. The wedding car that drove the future Duchess of Sussex to be married to Prince Harry in St George's Chapel, Windsor, was the very car (above) that drove Wallis Simpson to attend the funeral of her husband, the former Edward VIII This sort-of abdication, this sort-of exile, allows Harry and Meghan to continue supporting their favourite charities and promoting the causes in which they so passionately believe. Their millions of fans around the world will go on adoring them wherever they appear. Meanwhile, on this side of the Atlantic, the Windsor show goes on. As the Queen's prodigiously long reign comes slowly to an end, it has become ever clearer that the monarchy is a central part of our constitution and our life as a nation. But, as Prince Andrew's disgrace last year made plain, we do not want that treasured institution to be confused by the low or indeed high view we might have, as readers of newspapers and followers of the media, of individual minor royals. There are now very many minor royals, living sensible lives away from the glare of the media. That is how it should be. All that matters for the monarchy to flourish is for the succession to work. One day the Queen will be succeeded. King Charles III will presumably have a short reign, but few people now doubt his suitability for the role; objections to the marital status of the Duchess of Cornwall are nowadays few. Next come Prince William and Kate Middleton, who have been exemplary, behaving with good humour, loyalty and dignity on all occasions, and providing us with an heir to this wonderful institution. That's enough. We do not need 'the Royal Family', that rather bogus concept invented by Prince Albert, with all its extended members compelled to feel as if they are on parade. We in turn especially we of the Press have felt it was our right to pry into their personal affairs, for the very good reason that, until recently, so many of them were living on the Civil List, paid for by you and me. Only a pared-down royal family will allow this institution to survive long into this century. Only Princes Charles, William and George are preparing for and being groomed to wear the crown. All the other figures are walk-on parts in the royal soap opera. So, farewell, Harry and Meghan. And good luck. Your departure will give you the chance to live your lives without the awkward sense that you have no clear role to play in British public life. And as you would surely wish it will strengthen the institution from which you have so dramatically stepped down. This was a shoddy way to treat the Queen, writes ROBERT HARDMAN... Yes, the monarchy will survive but what will the true cost be of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle turning their backs on the Firm? The New Year has barely begun and the royal commentators are already dusting off the 'annus horribilis' moniker again. For it is hard to see last night's decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to step back from the Royal Family as anything other than the start of a process with which the whole country is all too wearily familiar. Brexit will not be the only seismic departure for which January 2020 is long remembered. Turning their backs: The Duke and Duchess's departure from their senior roles and subsequent Fab Four is how the start of 2020 will be remembered. A joint approach will be needed to handle this predicament similarly to Prince Andrew's disastrous interview to Newsnight However, let us be clear: though this is the prelude to much anguish for the Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge, the monarchy is not in crisis. The direct line reinforced just last week with another enchanting portrait of the Queen and heirs one to three is as sturdy as it was yesterday morning. This is not an Edward and Wallis moment. This is not 'Rexit'. The sixth-in-line to the throne and his wife have decided to declare unilateral independence from a thousand-year-old institution on their own terms. Coming just a month after another second son Prince Andrew inflicted a very different sort of damage on the institution, it is going to require some hard talking and painful home truths. Just as the Queen and the Prince of Wales had to join forces to deal with the crisis created by the Duke of York following his disastrous interview to Newsnight, so there will need to be a joint approach in their handling of this predicament. The Sussexes will be mortified even to be compared to the Duke of York, of course. But there can no longer be any question of letting 'Harry be Harry' and hoping it all just goes away. There are also political implications here which have clearly been given zero consideration by the Duke and Duchess, as we shall see. The Queen (pictured watching a flypast of Royal Air Force aircraft pass over Buckingham Palace in London on July 10, 2018) could end up being dragged in to politics as the Royal family tries to organise Harry and Meghan's overseas semi-royal business Last night's statement followed the most preliminary of internal discussions between officials about how the Sussexes might forge a new modus vivendi. With little more than a few outline thoughts on the table, the couple then took it upon themselves to lay out their future as some sort of done deal with just a few loose ends to be sorted out. Inside the Palace, the calmest courtiers sigh through gritted teeth that things are 'complicated'. In understated Palacespeak, that boils down to an expasperated: 'We haven't a clue what the hell is going on.' The Royal couple hold their baby boy Archie during a photocall in St Georges Hall at Windsor Castle The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released this statement this evening announcing that they will be quitting as senior Royals 'It's just not fair on the Queen. It is disrespectful of her,' says one insider. Another goes so far as to call it 'a shoddy way to treat the Sovereign'. The anger inside royal HQ is palpable. These are wounds that will not heal easily. However honourable and well-intentioned Harry and Meghan's intentions to continue 'to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth and our patronages', the very idea is fraught with contradictions. And that is before we even get to the all-important subject of money. Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Meghan Duchess of Sussex reacts as they leave after her visit to Canada House in thanks for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada Royal duty is all or nothing. It is not something one 'honours' when one happens to be in a particular time zone. In referring to their future trans-Atlantic existence, the Sussexes have pointedly referred to 'North America' rather than Canada. While Canada is in the Commonwealth, the U.S. is not. So what happens when duty calls in the UK or elsewhere in the Commonwealth and you are already committed to a red-carpet do in Hollywood? Even more nebulous is the Sussexes' claim that 'we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution'. The whole point of a monarchy is that it does not do 'progressive new roles'. It is not the regal wing of the Liberal Democrats. It stands for stability and continuity. It has to move with the times, of course, and it must never be a barrier to progress. It should always seek to assist it; witness the work of organisations such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Prince's Trust. Rumours abounded before they confirmed this evening that they would be splitting their time between the UK and North America. Here they are pictured in Sydney, Australia, on October 19 last year But it is not for members of the family to rewrite the compact between royalty and state which has evolved over centuries purely because they feel put-upon by the media. And it is even more damaging to do it in public without having the courtesy to tell the family first. Though the Sussexes were clearly aggrieved that talk of their plans had leaked to a newspaper yesterday, it has dismayed the rest of the family that their solution has been to chuck the whole thing into the open. That is not the royal way. Harry and Meghan (pictured on December 21, 2019) 'have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution'. The whole point of a monarchy is that it does not do 'progressive new roles'. It is not the regal wing of the Liberal Democrats As always in such matters, it is money which goes to the heart of the problem. It is very admirable of the couple to 'work to become financially independent' but that is a notoriously difficult path to tread. The Earl and Countess of Wessex found that some years ago when they did their best to pursue commercial careers but were accused of exploiting royal connections. They felt they had no option but to revert to the tried and tested template of the 'working royal' and they have been a great asset to the institution ever since. It may be a life of privilege, funded largely by the Queen from the Privy Purse and not from public funds, but it is a life governed by codes and expectations and strict limits on the use of royal status. The Prince of Wales (pictured, alongside William, George and The Queen is already moving closer to adopting a modern 'Prince Regent' role, which would see him control day-to-day royal affairs while his mother remains monarch The Sussexes' position is not sustainable. If a member of the family seeks true financial independence, making a living from non-royal activities, accusations of exploiting the royal brand are inevitable. That, in turn, can tarnish the rest of The Firm. One royal insider warns that this could lead to something the Queen has spent her whole life trying to avoid being dragged in to politics. For when it comes to semi-royalty, who pays for what? When the Home Secretary is pressed to find cuts in the police budget, it will be hard to fall back on the old standard reply that 'we never comment on royal security'. What about semi-royal security? And how are British or 'North American' - embassies and high commissions supposed to respond when the Sussexes decide to travel overseas on semi-royal business? It has been a question which diplomats have sometimes raised with the Foreign Office in connection with the Duke of York's travel overseas but the global profile of Sussexes is of an entirely different order of magnitude. Friends of the Sussexes have heard the Duke angrily pointing out in private that very little of his costs fall on the taxpayer anyway. However, though most of the costs of his growing household currently fall on the Duchy of Cornwall and will fall on the King in a future reign there are still demands on the public purse for security, royal residences, royal transport and staff. All these things could have been addressed and, in large part, resolved if negotiations within the Palace had been continued in private. However, as the Sussexes are about to find out, negotiating in public is much harder. Meghan signing a guestbook at Canada House. The couple both appeared to be refreshed and in high spirits following their break There is, however, a precedent for all this. Some, no doubt, will point to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor as a royal couple who ended up in semi-detached self-imposed exile through their love for one another but, in truth, their predicament bears no comparison. It was imposed on them by constitutional necessity. No one is telling Harry and Meghan to go. They are a not an embarrassment to the Monarchy but an adornment. What makes this whole business so sad is the luminous sense of promise less than two years ago on that magical day at Windsor Castle as more than a billion people looked on around the world. Meghan will be closer to her celebrity friends Beyonce and Jay-Z (pictured at the European premiere of The Lion King in July, 2019). In referring to their future trans-Atlantic existence, the Sussexes have pointedly referred to 'North America' rather than Canada Almost exactly 100 years before another member of the Royal Family was getting married. But HRH Princess Patricia of Connaught had elected to make a choice in 1919. Harry and Meghan's statement in full: 'After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. 'We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. 'We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. 'This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. 'We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.' Advertisement Back then, the daughter of Queen Victoria's third son was expected to marry royalty and had once been tipped as a future Tsarina of Russia. Instead, she chose to marry a (very posh) commoner, Alexander Ramsay, at Westminster Abbey. In doing so, she readily agreed to surrender her royal styles and titles on her wedding day, though not her place in the line of succession. She was given the title of 'Lady Patricia' for the rest of her life. As such, she is the only member of the family who has entered a church as a Princess and left as 'Lady'. I doubt it is a template which will appeal to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. But that is the clearest example of someone offloading the 'senior' royal status which Harry and Meghan wish to shelve. How pointless all that talk of a 'slimmed-down Royal Family' looks now. With three 'senior' members of the family now out of the frame the Duke of York very much against his wishes and the Sussexes by their own design that crucial but unsung day-to-day work of regional visits and generally representing the Monarch will now land on fewer shoulders. The Queen will now be more grateful than ever for the oft-neglected input of the Princess Royal, the Wessexes and the cousins, royalty who seldom flourish in the spotlight but who now, more than ever, will be needed to help to keep the show on the road. That show will go on, of course, because it always has and because this is an institution that has always been far stronger than any individual. The 10million property where Meghan and Harry spent six weeks over Christmas and New Year Harry, Meghan and Archie are understood to have up to six permanent Metropolitan Police bodyguards, funded by the taxpayer. The officers (pictured) are estimated to earn more than 100,000 a year including overtime Her Majesty pays Harry and William jointly 5million from the 82million annual Sovereign Grant, which is funded by the taxpayer When Edward VIII (pictured with his wife Wallis Simpson in 1936) he still received millions a year from the Duchy of Cornwall estate and it would be unlikely that Charles would cut off his youngest son from this seven-figure income The Prince of Wales (pictured, alongside William, George and The Queen is already moving closer to adopting a modern 'Prince Regent' role, which would see him control day-to-day royal affairs while his mother remains monarch The Queen (pictured with Prince William, Prince George and Prince Charles in a photograph released this month) expects her family to do their 'duty' and would probably be asked for her blessing by Harry, Harry and Meghan's Royal romance: From a star-studded wedding and the birth of Archie to a 'rift' with Prince William and controversy over their bid to 'modernise' the monarchy By Chloe Morgan and Bridie Pearson-Jones for MailOnline Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced they will be stepping back as senior royals - after a whirlwind two years in the public eye. The Duke, 35, and Duchess of Sussex, 38, who made their first ever appearance together at the Invictus Games in Toronto on 25 September 2017, have squeezed in endless memorable moments in the time that has followed. Among their jam-packed schedule includes their official engagement announcement in November 2017, and the multi-cultural and US-influenced wedding that followed at Windsor Castle, on May 2018. The star-studded day was filled with VIP guests and dominated by Hollywood stars including the Clooneys, the Beckhams, Idris Elba, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hardy and James Corden. Other highlights since their big day include Meghan's lavish baby shower trip to New York, which is thought to have cost more than $500,000 (380,000), Archie's birth on 6 May 2019, and their 10-day tour of Africa as a family late last year. Here, FEMAIL looks back at the Duke and Duchess' engagements since the first moment they stepped into the public eye together. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle watched Wheelchair Tennis at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada on 25 September 2017 - in what marked their first public appearance together FIRST PUBLIC EVENT, 25 September 2017 Hand in hand, Prince Harry proudly brought his girlfriend Meghan Markle to a highly public tennis match on 25 September 2017 at the Invictus Games in Toronto - marking their first official appearance together as a couple. The Suits star made an intriguing outfit choice, sporting a a 221 (retailing for $185 in the States) white shirt named The Husband, designed by her friend Misha Nonoo whose former spouse went to Eton with William and Harry, along with sunglasses and ripped blue jeans. Their appearance was seen as a sign that an engagement was on the cards for the couple, and within hours of them stepping out together bookies Ladbrokes suspended betting on an engagement announcement. The love birds arrived, fingers entwined, to the Invictus Games semi-final, in full view of members of the public and photographers. The couple put on a show of togetherness with Harry leaning close to chat to his then-girlfriend during proceedings on 25 September 2017 What a loved-up pair! Prince Harry eschewed royal formality as he affectionately kissed Meghan on the head while holding hands as they made their way to their seat at the wheelchair tennis during today's Invictus Games in Toronto ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT, 27 November 2017 Prince Harry told how he was 'thrilled' to be marrying Meghan Markle and admitted he knew the Suits star was 'the one' from 'the first day we met'. Meghan also showed the world her engagement ring designed by Harry himself containing two diamonds from Princess Diana's own personal collection set in a gold band. Harry looked nervous but happy as they made their first public appearance since the announcement in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, much loved by his late mother Princess Diana. A timeline of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's relationship: October 30 2016 - News breaks that Prince Harry is dating star of US legal drama Suits, Meghan Markle. November 8 2016 - Protective Harry attacks the media over its 'abuse and harassment' of his girlfriend. December 13 2016 - Harry and Meghan are spotted buying a Christmas tree together in Battersea Park. January 6 2017 - Harry whisks Meghan off on a romantic break to see the Northern Lights in Norway. February 2 2017 - The pair are spotted holding hands on a date night in London amid claims Meghan has 'virtually moved in' with Harry at Kensington Palace. March 4 2017 - They attend the wedding of one of Harry's best friends Tom Inskip in Jamaica, sparking more predictions Harry is about to propose. April 7 2017 - Meghan announces she is ending her lifestyle blog thetig.com which is taken as a sign she is preparing for life as a royal. May 7 2017 - They are photographed kissing in public for the first time at Cowarth Park polo club in Ascot, Berkshire. May 20 2017 - Meghan joins Harry at Pippa Middleton's wedding reception but stays away from the church service. September 5 2017 - The actress graces the cover of US magazine Vanity Fair and speaks openly about Harry for the first time, revealing: 'We're two people who are really happy and in love.' September 24 2017 - Meghan makes her first appearance at an official engagement attended by Harry when she attends the Invictus Games opening ceremony in Toronto, Canada - although the pair sit about 18 seats apart. September 25 2017 - Hand in hand and beaming with delight, Harry and Meghan make their first official public appearance together at Invictus's wheelchair tennis. September 30 2017 - The prince is seen kissing his girlfriend on the lips inside a darkened VIP box at the Invictus closing ceremony. The pair were joined by Meghan's mother Doria Ragland. October 19 2017 - It emerges that Harry has taken the Suits star to meet his grandmother the Queen, whose permission they need to marry. November 21 2017 - Meghan is spotted in London, getting a facial - prompting speculation she is preparing for an engagement announcement. November 27 2017 - Clarence House announces the engagement. Harry and Meghan pose for pictures at Kensington Palace, and record a television interview. They reveal how Harry proposed over a roast chicken during a cosy night in. November 28 2017 - The wedding venue - St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle - is confirmed. Aides reveal Meghan intends to become a British citizen and will be baptised and confirmed ahead of the ceremony. December 1 2017 - Harry and Meghan carry out their first joint engagement in Nottingham as the actress takes to the royal role with ease. December 15 2017 - The wedding date is announced as May 19 2018. December 20 2017 - Meghan joins Harry at the Queen's traditional pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace. December 21 2017 - The couple's romantic engagement photos by celebrity photographer Alexi Lubomirski are released. December 25 2017 - Meghan celebrates Christmas with the royals, joining them at church in Sandringham on Christmas Day - a first for a royal fiancee. December 27 2017 - Harry guest-edits BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, and says Meghan had a fantastic Christmas with the royals, adding: 'It's the family I suppose that she's never had.' December 31 2017 - The couple fly to France to spend New Year together in the French Riviera. January 9 2018 - The couple visit youth-orientated radio station Reprezent FM in Brixton, south London. Meghan shuts down her dormant social media accounts. January 18 - On an away day to Cardiff, Harry and Meghan wow the crowds, visit Cardiff Castle, are given love spoons, and play Jenga in a community centre. January 25 - Harry heads to Botswana on a solo private fact-finding mission to learn about the latest developments in wildlife conservation. February 1 - Meghan attends her first official evening engagement with Harry at the Endeavour Fund awards. February 13 - Meghan wears tartan for her first official visit to Scotland on a series of engagements with Harry in Edinburgh. February 22 - Police investigate white powder and racist material sent to St James's Palace. February 28 - The couple take part in their first joint engagement with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at a Royal Foundation forum. Meghan shows her support for the MeToo and Time's Up Campaigns during an on-stage Q&A. March 6 - Meghan is baptised and confirmed into the Anglican faith during a secret ceremony led by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Chapel Royal. March 8 - Harry and Meghan carry out engagements in Birmingham on International Women's Day. March 12 - Meghan attends her first official engagement with the Queen when she joins senior royals at the Commonwealth Day service in Westminster Abbey. She sings the national anthem and tells schoolchildren she is 'very very excited' about her wedding. March 23 - On a trip to Belfast, Meghan jokes when shown baby products 'I'm sure at some point we'll need the whole (lot)'. March 29 - Meghan reportedly heads back to the US to see her mother Doria for Easter and to talk wedding plans. April 6 - Harry and Meghan meet Invictus hopefuls trying out for the UK team at Bath University. April 11 - US ambassador Robert Wood Johnson describes the wedding as a symbol of the special relationship between Britain and America, and Harry launches the Walk of America expedition. April 16 - Harry is made a Commonwealth Youth ambassador by the Queen and says Meghan is hugely excited to be working with him on his Commonwealth duties. April 19 - Meghan supports LGBT issues saying it is about 'human rights' as she attends a Youth Forum reception with Harry as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting April 20 - The pair join Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson at a Women's Empowerment reception, in support of a pledge to offer the world's poorest girls schooling. April 23 - William and Kate's baby son Prince Louis is born. Harry and Meghan attend a memorial service celebrating the life and legacy of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, 25 years after his death. April 25 - Harry and Meghan attend a dawn service, and a ceremony in Westminster Abbey to mark Anzac Day. May 14 - Meghan's father Thomas Markle looks set to miss the wedding amid reports he staged photos for the paparazzi and suffered a heart attack. Meghan appeals for 'understanding and respect' for her father. May 17 - Meghan confirms her father will not be attending her wedding, saying he needs to focus on his health. May 18 - Bride-to-be Meghan says she is feeling 'wonderful' as she arrives with her mother Doria at Cliveden House Hotel the night before the wedding. May 19 - Harry and Meghan marry at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, and become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. May 22 - The newlyweds carry out their first official engagement as a married couple, attending a Buckingham Palace garden party in honour of the Prince of Wales's patronages in his 70th birthday year. June 9 - The Duchess of Sussex takes her place on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the first time during the Trooping the Colour celebrations. June 11 - Kensington Palace announce that the duke and duchess will make an official visit to Australia, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga and New Zealand in the autumn. June 14 - Meghan undertakes her first joint engagement with the Queen on a day trip to Cheshire, and body language experts say the pair got on famously. June 16 - The couple are guests at the wedding of Harry's cousin Celia McCorquodale. June 18 - Thomas Markle says he expects his daughter and Harry will try for children soon, and that Meghan has wanted a child for a long time. June 19 - Harry and Meghan join the carriage procession and present a trophy at Royal Ascot, where winning jockey Frankie Dettori takes the chance to kiss the duchess on the hand. June 26 - Harry and Meghan join the Queen at the Young Leaders awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace. June 30 & July 1 - Meghan watches Harry play polo at Coworth Park, Ascot. July 5 - The couple attend the Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception at Marlborough House in London with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland QC. July 9 - Meghan and Harry join the Cambridges for Prince Louis's christening at the Chapel Royal. July 10 - The royals mark the centenary of the RAF, attending a service at Westminster Abbey, a presentation of a new Queen's Colour on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, and a flypast. July 10-11 - The pair pay an official visit to Dublin, and carry out engagements at Croke Park and the Famine Memorial. July 17 - The couple visit the Nelson Mandela centenary exhibition at the Southbank Centre in London. July 26 - The duchess watches the duke play polo in the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club in Windsor, and the couple share a kiss at the trophy presentation. August 4 - Meghan spends her 37th birthday at the wedding of Harry's friend Charlie van Straubenzee. August 16 - The pair holiday with George and Amal Clooney in Lake Como in Italy. August 29 - Harry and Meghan watch a gala performance of the musical Hamilton, in support of Sentebale. September 4 - The couple attend the annual WellChild Awards - a cause close to Harry's heart. Meghan gives a rose to one of the winners Matilda Booth, and the seven-year-old makes Harry a 'pinky promise' that she will never stop smiling. September 6 - The duke and duchess attend the 100 Days to Peace gala marking the centenary of the end of the First World War. October 12 - Harry and Meghan return to St George's Chapel for Princess Eugenie's wedding to Jack Brooksbank just five months after they pledged their love for one another in the same Windsor Castle venue. October 15 - The duke and duchess touch down in Australia ahead of their first royal tour as a married couple. October 15 - The duke and duchess are 'very pleased' that Meghan is expecting a baby in the spring of 2019, Kensington Palace announces. February 2019 - Meghan makes a surprise trip to New York where she enjoys a two-day baby shower with close friends including Serena Williams and Amal Clooney. March 14 - Rumours of a rift between Harry and William emerge after the Sussex's split from Kensington Palace to form their own royal household. April 4 - The couple move into Frogmore Cottage following taxpayer-funded renovations that reportedly cost around 2.4 million. May 6 - Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor is born at the Portland Hospital in London after Meghan goes into labour in the early hours of the morning. It is a break from tradition with previous royals, including the Duchess of Cambridge, who have previously visited the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in London to give birth. May 8 - The duke and duchess present baby Archie to the world at a press briefing at St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. The couple later reveal they chose not to use the courtesy title Earl Dumbarton, which Archie was allowed to use, nor to style him Lord Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, opting for plain 'Master' instead. June 20 - Harry and Meghan confirm they are splitting from the Royal Foundation charity with William and Kate to start their own initiative, Sussex Royal. It is later revealed it will officially launch in 2020. July 7 - Archie is christened at an intimate ceremony attended by close family. Royal baptisms are traditionally private but Harry and Meghan went one step further by going against convention and deciding not to announce Archie's godparents, with the couple facing criticism from some quarters. July 28 - It is announced Meghan is guest editing the September issue of British Vogue and she chooses to put the faces of 15 'changemakers' - including activists, politicians and artists - on the cover rather than herself. Prince Harry also interviewed anthropologist Dr Jane Goodall and tells her he will only have two children for the sake of the planet. August 2019 - The couple are heavily criticised in the press for using private jets to go on holiday with Archie to the south of France. In September, Harry defends the use of the transport and claims it was to 'ensure their safety'. September 23 - Harry and Meghan take Archie on a two-week Royal Tour of South Africa, while the duke also visits Botswana, Malawi and Angola alone. In Angola, Harry visits a minefield where his mother was pictured walking through 22 years previously while on charity work to call for an end to landmines. October 1 - Prince Harry issues a statement criticising the press for its coverage of his wife. At the same time the Sussex's release a statement confirming they will take legal action against the Mail on Sunday and parent company Associated Newspapers for the 'intrusive and unlawful' publication of one of her private letters. October 21 - Meghan reveals her struggles with royal life in an ITV documentary filmed during the duke and duchess's trip to Africa an Somrita Ghosh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Two women lawyers living in Lajpat Nagar as tenants have been asked to vacate their rented accommodation by their landlord after they held a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens during Home Minister Amit Shahs door-to-door campaign in the colony on Sunday in support of the new law. The lawyers claimed they held placards rejecting the CAA and the NRC and shouted slogans against Shah, prompting a crowd of 150 persons to immediately gherao their home the moment Shah left. The mob allegedly tore the placard, abused the lawyers and threatened them with dire consequences, forcing them to file a police complaint. They even allegedly forced the landlord to ask the duo to leave the colony in the dead of the night on Sunday. We haven't questioned our landlord as to why they asked us to leave at night. We dont want to make this an issue for him (landlord). But I don't think we will be staying there anymore. The only reason we brought it up is that nobody should be evicted for their political views, Surya Rajappan, a lawyer and one of the tenants, told this newspaper. She, however, refused to name the landlord or share his number with this newspaper. To register our peaceful protest, my flatmate and I displayed a home-made hand-crafted banner from our apartment balcony, just as the rally, led by Shah, was passing through our lane. I also raised certain slogans such as We reject CAA, We reject NRC, said Surya, who is currently living at her friends place.She recalled that soon after noticing the banner, the members of the rally started getting agitated. They hurled threats and made derogatory and misogynistic remarks. A mob of around 150 people collected on the street below our apartment. Tenants face mob ire over CAA banner The banner was then torn down and taken away. A group broke apart from the mob and gathered downstairs. The mob then went upstairs to the residence and threatened to break the door if Surya and her flatmate did not let the group in. We knew it was coming but did not anticipate such a strong and violent reaction. Fearing for our safety we locked ourselves but they kept banging on the door and shouting. We had no option but to call the police, Surya added. But that was not the end to their suffering. Surya and her flatmate were randomly thrown into another difficult situation this time by their landlord. While the mob refused to leave the residence, friends and family members were also pushed back by them. After a long time and multiple interventions by the police and their friends, Suryas father was allowed to enter the premises along with a police officer. The police recorded a complaint against the mob. After seven hours, the door of the stairway was finally unlocked and we were allowed to leave the premises under police protection. We packed our essentials and left. The police helped us a lot, Surya said. They said we have azaadi and thats why we had the opportunity to speak up. DCP (South East) Chinmay Biswal, however, said that he is not aware of the incident. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they are to step down as 'senior' members of the Royal Family In a statement issued on Wednesday, they said: "After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. "We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. "It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. "We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. "This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. "We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support." More to follow... Home Search ICH By Finian Cunningham January 07, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - If the United States and Iran do go to war, it will be in no small part due to the cowardly appeasement of European powers in the face of American criminality. Europe Cravenly Appeases Trump Many commentators, including legal experts, have condemned the assassination of the Iranian military commander General Qasem Soleimani at Baghdad airport last week. It was brutal, cold-blooded murder carried out on the orders of US President Donald Trump. To kill a senior official of a foreign state in such a dastardly way is an act of war and a war crime. More especially because it has since emerged that Soleimani was on a diplomatic peace mission when he arrived at the airport, according to Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi. The Iraqi leader says Soleimani was engaged in efforts to tamp down regional tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Whats more, the Americans knew of this peace overture and apparently encouraged it. Then they turned around and murdered Soleimani. The subsequent character assassination of Soleimani by US officials that he had blood on his hands of millions of civilians, that he was a terror chief, that his killing was a pre-emptive defensive action is a disgusting effort to justify an unjustifiable act of murder carried out by the Americans. It is pathetic the way the US and European corporate news media have dutifully propagated the official American campaign to demonize Soleimani as some kind of terror mastermind. This ludicrous distortion of a brave military strategist who thwarted American and NATO regime-change operations in the Middle East completely whitewashes the gargantuan war crimes committed by Washington and its allies from their invasion and illegal occupation of countries, plunging those countries into bloody chaos, causing millions of deaths and unleashing tidal waves of terrorism. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter For President Trump to claim that he ordered the murder of Soleimani in order to stop a war is an insult to common intelligence and morality. It is depraved. Anyone with any sense of decency and a rudimentary knowledge of the wars and conflicts besetting the Middle East should be standing up and condemning the reckless American warmongering through this latest heinous state-sponsored murder. What have the European leaders done? Instead of censuring Washington and upholding international law, they have indulged its barbarous behaviour. Britains Boris Johnson, Germanys Angela Merkel and Frances Emmanuel Macron issued a belated joint statement in which they lent justification for the killing of General Soleimani. The Europeans essentially give a moralistic, legalistic cover for the drone assassination by repeating the vile American claims that the General was a malign actor. We have condemned the recent attacks on coalition forces in Iraq and are gravely concerned by the negative role Iran has played in the region, including through the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] and the al Quds Force under the command of General Soleimani, stated the European leaders. This is a disgraceful lie. The Iranian commander was crucial in bringing about the defeat of terrorism that was plaguing Syria and Iraq, terrorism that was covertly supported by Washington and its allies, as the Russian ministry of defence acknowledged. Separately, Britains Johnson made the following crass statement: General Qassem Soleimani posed a threat to all our interests and was responsible for a pattern of disruptive, destabilizing behaviour in the region. Given the leading role he has played in actions that have led to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and western personnel, we will not lament his death. At no point have the European leaders found any spine to tell the Americans that they have gravely transgressed international law by their extrajudicial killing of the Iranian commander. Nor have they condemned Trump for criminal aggression leading to war. No, what the spineless European heads have done is to amplify the American lies and defamation against Soleimani, and essentially have emboldened Trump to commit more war crimes. His insane threats about destroying Irans cultural centres have hardly caused a murmur of protest from Europeans governments. Moreover, and risibly, what the Europeans see fit to do is lecture Iran to de-escalate tensions and to refrain from taking any retaliatory action. Under international law, Iran has a right to retaliate. This European appeasement of Trumps maniacal tyranny is an echo of the 1930s when European leaders pandered and appeased Nazi Germany in the face of mounting aggression by the Third Reich. If all-out war breaks out between the US and Iran it will very possibly spiral into a catastrophic world war. Cowardly European leaders are again playing their abject role of facilitating war, not stopping it. Finian Cunningham has written extensively on international affairs, with articles published in several languages. He is a Masters graduate in Agricultural Chemistry and worked as a scientific editor for the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, England, before pursuing a career in newspaper journalism. He is also a musician and songwriter. For nearly 20 years, he worked as an editor and writer in major news media organisations, including The Mirror, Irish Times and Independent. This article was originally published by " Sputnik " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy Search Information Clearing House === Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Information Clearing House has no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of this article nor is Information ClearingHouse endorsed or sponsored by the originator.) Privacy Statement The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Amid spiralling US-Iran tensions, security has been increased at Consulate General of the United States in Hyderabad as a precautionary measure police said on Wednesday. Apart from this an observing party has been set up and patrolling at the consulate has also been increased. "As of now, around 15 police personnel have been deployed at the consulate and if we receive any specific intelligence input, we will increase more security at the office," a senior police official said. Early on Wednesday, Iran launched more than a dozen missiles on US targets in Iraq -- first at the Ain Al-Asad airbase in Anbar province and another one at Erbil, which falls in the Kurdistan region. The strikes came hours after the funeral of Qaseem Soleimani, commander of Iran's elite Quds Force whose killing in a US air raid last week intensified tensions in the Gulf region. Countries including the UK have condemned Iran's strikes and have urged Tehran to pursue urgent de-escalation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bolstered by cooler weather and desperately needed rain, exhausted firefighters in Australia raced to shore up defences against deadly wildfires before the blazes flare again within days when scorching temperatures are expected to return. The first hints of the financial toll from the disaster began to emerge yesterday, when the Insurance Council of Australia said the estimated damage bill had doubled in two days, with insurance claims reaching A$700m (431m). That estimate comes a day after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the government was committing an extra A$2bn (1.23bn) toward the recovery effort in addition to the tens of millions of dollars already promised. The funding announcement came amid fierce criticism from many Australians who say Mr Morrison has been too slow to respond to the crisis. He has also faced a backlash for downplaying the need for his government to address climate change, which experts say helps supercharge the fires. Expand Close The home of Justin Kam and Helena Wong barely stands after a fire destroyed the house at Balmoral, Australia, (Rick Rycroft/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The home of Justin Kam and Helena Wong barely stands after a fire destroyed the house at Balmoral, Australia, (Rick Rycroft/AP) The blazes, fuelled by drought and the country's hottest and driest year on record, have been raging since September, months earlier than is typical for Australia's annual wildfire season. So far, the blazes have killed 25 people and destroyed 2,000 homes. Three people in New South Wales who were reported missing early yesterday were later found, police said. Across New South Wales, 130 fires were still burning yesterday, around 50 of which were uncontrolled. The cooler, rainier weather was providing thousands of weary firefighters a "psychological and emotional" reprieve as they scrambled to strengthen containment lines around fires before temperatures rise again, said the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. Expand Close Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison tours one of the areas devastated by the wildfires (James Ross/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison tours one of the areas devastated by the wildfires (James Ross/AP) Please register or log in with Independent.ie for free access to this article Register Already have an account? Log In Iran fifth step of reducing commitments not mean exit from JCPOA IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Jan 7, IRNA -- Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Iran's fifth step of remedial reduced commitments to the July 2015 nuclear deal does not mean that the deal has ended or Iran wants to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. It just means that "we've reached a reasonable balance" in the JCPOA, Araghchi said after attending the Tehran Dialogue Forum this morning. On Sunday (Jan 5), the Iranian government announced that it has taken fifth step of reducing commitments to the JCPOA. First step was taken on the first anniversary of the US withdrawal from the deal on May 8, 2019, when Tehran decided to reduce its commitments to the JCPOA, based on Article 26 and 36, and set a deadline for Europeans to remedy breaches. As Araghchi stated, the fifth step was the last and there is no more after. That Iran sees no limitation to its enrichment activities is in word, but how much the country will enrich depends on Atomic Energy Organization of Iran's plan, the official said. He added that US withdrawal from the JCPOA disrupted the balance of the deal, and now Iran's steps of reduced commitments created a reasonable balance in the deal. Despite reduction of commitments to the international nuclear deal, Iran continues cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Araghchi said expressing that Iran will be ready to come back to the previous process whenever the other sides of the deal meet the country's demands and stand by their commitments. It would be possible to keep the JCPOA alive only if the other sides want to, he noted. About the Europeans' threat that they will use snap-back mechanism, Araghchi said the end of the JCPOA will begin if they state such issues or set such conditions. It is expected that all sides would act wisely and avoid increasing tension as Iran did so, the diplomat stressed. Talking about the US Jan 3 assassination of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) senior commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani, Araghchi said such terrorist act did change all regional equations. All have faced a new equation that is the end of the US presence in the region, he added. Lieutenant General Soleimani and the acting commander of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) - known as the Hash al-Shaabi - Abu Mahdi Al-Mohandes, separately leaving Baghdad airport in two cars were targeted and assassinated by the US forces. 1483**1416 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 01:01:46|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said it will summon the Iranian ambassador over the Iranian missile strikes on military bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq. A statement by the ministry said it rejects the Iranian missile attacks and considers them a violation of Iraqi sovereignty, while calling on all concerned parties to exercise self-restraint and work to reduce the tension. The ministry statement came after Iran fired ballistic missiles earlier in the day on military bases housing US troops in Iraq's western province of Anbar and near the city of Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan. Last week, a US drone attacked a convoy at Baghdad International Airport, killing Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy chief of Iraq's paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces. More than 5,000 US troops have been deployed in Iraq to support the Iraqi forces in the battles against Islamic State militants. The satellite images are at once mesmerising and horrifying . A vast arc of fire blazes across the rim of the land; a cone of heat encases a whole continent; a veil of smoke shrouds the ocean and will soon circle the globe. This season's catastrophic bush fires in Australia have scorched roughly 20 million acres of the country, killed at least 25 people and, according to some staggering estimates, led to the death of a billion animals. Videos of singed kangaroos and parched koalas prompted an outpouring of grief on social media. Where the fires have been quelled, a blackened desolation remains, with thousands of homes lost and communities uprooted. Survivors and eyewitnesses spoke of an apocalyptic orange sky and fierce winds that meant the roaring of the blaze was often heard before it was seen. So extreme were the conditions the country experienced a record heat wave, on top of three years of devastating drought - that banks of clouds created by the flames have generated their own fire-driven thunderstorms. Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A firefighter hosing down trees and flying embers in an effort to secure nearby houses from bushfires near the town of Nowra in the state of New South Wales on 31 December 2019 AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Smoke billows from a huge bushfire that has torched over 200,000 acres of land in East Gipplsand, Victoria on 2 January EPA Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Residents look on as flames tear through bushland in Lake Tabouriee, Australia on 4 January on 4 January Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Boats are pulled ashore as smoke and wildfires rage behind Lake Conjola on 2 January Robert Oerlemans via AP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A firefighting helicopter tackles a bushfire in East Gippsland, Victoria on 31 December EPA Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A firefighter gives water to a parched koala in Cudlee Creek, South Australia AP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Firefighters tackle a blaze as it tears through a farm in New South Wales on 21 December AP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures The sky is turned red over East Gippsland as fires continue to rage through Australian bushland on 4 January Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A kangaroo near bushfires in Nowra AFP/Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures An aerial view of a bushfire near Bairnsdale State Government of Victoria/EPA Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Firefighters work to tackle a blaze on the outskirts of Sydney on 31 December 2019 Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A firefighting helicopter dumps water on a bushfire on the outskirts of the town of Bargo near Sydney Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Children play at the showgrounds in the southern New South Wales town of Bega where they are camping after being evacuated from nearby sites affected by bushfires AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A satellite image of the Batemans Bay showing smoke and fire from wild bushfires European Union, Copernicus Sentinel Data via REUTERS Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures The afternoon sky glows red from bushfires in Nowra AFP/Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Burning embers cover the ground as firefighters battle against bushfires around the town of Nowra AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures The sky glows red as bushfires continue to rage in Mallacoota, Victoria Jonty Smith via Reuters Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures The remains of burnt out buildings along a main street in the New South Wales town of Cobargo AFP/Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Firefighters try to protect homes around Charmhaven, New South Wales NSW Rural Fire Service/AP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Wildfires rage under plumes of smoke in Bairnsdale Glen Morey via AP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Business owners stand in front of their shop which was destroyed by a bushfire in Cobargo EPA Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A helicopter dumping water on a fire in Victoria's East Gippsland region Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning/AFP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Nowra AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Think smoke from bushfires fills the air in eastern Gippsland Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures "Carmelised" snow caused by dust from Australian bushfires is seen near Franz Josef glacier in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, New Zealand Reuters Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Firefighters hose down trees as they battle against bushfires around the town of Nowra AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Smoke billowing from a fire burning at East Gippsland, Victoria. More than 800,000 hectares have been burnt in East Gippsland EPA/DELWP Gippsland Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Smoke billowing from a fire burning at East Gippsland EPA/DELWP Gippsland Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures LIFES.A.BREEZE via Reuters Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Smoke and wildfire rage behind Lake Conjola Robert Oerlemans via AP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A house and van are seen destroyed after bushfires ravaged the town of Bilpin, west of Sydney AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A helicopter fighting a bushfire near Bairnsdale in Victoria's East Gippsland region State Government of Victoria/AFP Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Fire and Rescue personal run to move their truck as a bushfire burns next to a major road and homes on the outskirts of the town of Bilpin Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Amy, left, and Ben Spencer sit at the showgrounds in the southern New South Wales town of Bega where they are camping after being evacuated from nearby sites affected by bushfires AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures A firefighter sprays foam retardant on a back burn ahead of a fire front in the New South Wales town of Jerrawangala AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Two bushfires approach a home located on the outskirts of the town of Bargo Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Property damaged by the East Gippsland fires in Sarsfield, Victoria EPA Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Nowra AFP via Getty Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures Property under threat from the East Gippsland fires in Sarsfield EPA Devastating wildfires rage across Australia: In pictures The main street of the New South Wales town of Bombala is pictured shrouded in smoke from nearby bushfires AFP via Getty There's a political storm brewing in Australia, as well. In its epicentre is conservative prime minister Scott Morrison, who has been criticised not just for his initial lax handling of the crisis he was on holiday in Hawaii as his nation burned but, more importantly, for his broader resistance to political measures aimed at mitigating climate change. Recommended Entire species may have been wiped out by Australia wildfires Mr Morrison remains infamous for a stunt he pulled in 2017, when, as Australia's treasurer, he showed up to a session of Parliament brandishing a lump of coal and a message to his colleagues not to be scared by fossil fuels. He came to power in 2018 in an internal party coup that unseated then-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, whose attempts to set targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions were resisted by rivals within the rightwing Liberal Party. Under his watch, Australia stopped payments to the Green Climate Fund, the UN-backed mechanism that assists developing countries hit by climate disaster. Firefighters battle a spot fire in Hillville, Australia (Getty Images) When the United Nations chaired a climate meeting in September in New York, Mr Morrison skipped the session. And in last month's major climate conference in Madrid, Morrison's government came under particular criticism for thwarting collective efforts to set meaningful emissions targets. The international community has taken note. A report published last month by a group of think tanks that ranked 57 countries on their national climate action policies placed Australia sixth from bottom. A separate study in November ranked Australia as third-worst among the Group of 20 nations. Though Australia just produces a bit more than 1 per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, it's the world's biggest exporter of coal, whose use is a major factor in the warming of the planet. Morrison: '[Fires] wreak this sort of havoc when they affect our country, and they have for a very long time' (AFP) The bush fires alone have emitted some 350 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere since last September. In the midst of the crisis, Mr Morrison has offered mostly a tepid brand of climate denial, pointing to a long history of seasonal fires. They are natural disasters, he told reporters last week. They wreak this sort of havoc when they affect our country, and they have for a very long time. A CFA Member works on controlled back burns along Putty Road (Getty Images) In comments to Reuters on Tuesday, Angus Taylor, Mr Morrison's emissions reduction minister, waved away criticism over policy and said the bush fires are a time when communities must unite, not divide. Allies elsewhere cautioned against policies that could negatively impact Australian business. Right-wing media have also pointed to reports of dozens of arsonists contributing to the blaze as supposed evidence that the current catastrophe is not entirely linked to climate change. Right-wing media have attempted to say that fires have been made worse by arsonists (AFP) (AFP via Getty Images) The scientific consensus is pretty clear, though. In an interview for PBS with Christiane Amanpour, leading Australian climate scientist Tim Flannery said the current situation was part of the long-term trajectory of climate change, and it's conspired together with a windy season to produce these horrific fire conditions. He pointed to 12 reports his own organisation produced warning the Australian government of the mounting effects of climate change on the country. Even without human help, Earth can be at times inhospitable, noted an editorial in The Washington Post. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events All the more reason to avoid priming the planet for worse extreme weather, intense heat waves, more drought, more flooding, rising seas, species die-offs, disease proliferation, and more foreseeable and unforeseeable consequences. Australia, which has profited off fossil fuel extraction and use, has a responsibility to help lead the world. But Mr Morrison and his ilk have long resisted meaningful climate action or schemes that would raise the cost of energy. This current round of fires may force a new reckoning. Debate over climate whether it is changing, and if so what to do about it has become a culture wars issue over the years to the point where it has proved to be a useful political device for parties of the right, wrote columnist Tony Walker in the Sydney Morning Herald. But, he noted, the ground is shifting politically, with more and more Australians recognising the urgency of the environmental threat they face. The Washington Post TO THE NEW, a digital technology firm, has announced the opening of its delivery centre in Dubai. The new office will allow the company to invest in local talent, bring in a region-centric context, and foster collaboration with its clients. The company has been catering to a wide spectrum of clients in the Middle East for over three years now. Its impressive clientele includes Axiom Telecom, the largest retailer and distributor in the Middle East for mobile phones, tablets & operator services, Seera Group, the largest travel and tourism group in the Mena region, and Network International, a leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa region. TO THE NEW is widely acknowledged for providing digital transformation solutions, implementing complex Data & Analytics platforms, and building Cloud-native & Microservices-based architectures. The company has extensive experience in Cloud implementations on Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud & Alibaba Cloud Platforms. In addition to this, TO THE NEW is also an AWS Premier Consulting Partner, which is the highest tier of partnership in AWS. With offices in India, Dubai, and the US, TO THE NEW currently serves over 100 customers, including Fortune 500 and Silicon Valley start-ups. Betting big on the Middle East, Mr. Deepak Mittal, Co-founder & CEO, TO THE NEW, said: "The Dubai office is a part of our commitment to expand in the region. Dubai has emerged as a hub for technology innovation and thus makes for the perfect location for our expansion. We already have a 30-plus member team, consisting of experts in Cloud, Data, AI/ML and Microservices." The company continues to hire more people and plans to expand to a 100-people strong team within 12 months. In addition to this, the company is backed by its 1200+ team based out of Delhi-NCR, India. Gopesh Verma, Business Unit Head - Middle East, adds, "In the Middle East, our clientele ranges from enterprises to product startups. Local office in Dubai will enable us to provide better account management, delivery and experience to our customers across the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." -- Tradearabia News Service India has advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq in the wake of missile strike by Iran on American bases. Raveesh Kumar, the spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, said on Twitter, In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq. Travel Advisory for Iraq In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq.1/2 Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2020 Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq, he added in his second tweet. In a pre-dawn attack on Wednesday, the US department of defence aid that Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against its military and coalition forces at two bases in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Erbil, US department of defence spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said. These bases, he added, had been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region. These attacks were carried out by Iran in retaliation to killing of head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC) Qassem Soleimani last week. Tasnim News, an Iranian news outlet closely linked to the IRGC, reported the IRGC had fired tens of rockets in an operation dubbed Operation Martyr Soleimani, to avenge the assassination of General Soleimani. A few hours after the strike, government spokesman Ali Rabiei said Iran is not seeking war but it will deliver a crushing response to any aggression. We thank the Revolutionary Guards successful operation ... We have never wanted war but any aggression will receive a crushing response, Rabiei said on Twitter. A senior official in Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis office said Irans response to the killing of its top commander Qassem Soleimani so far had been the weakest of the Iranian revenge scenarios, state TV reported. This article is part of David Leonhardts newsletter. You can sign up here to receive it each weekday. Last spring, a former Pentagon official named Ilan Goldenberg wrote an article for Foreign Affairs called What a War with Iran Would Look Like. It included: Between the United States and Iran there is a distinct potential for misunderstanding, not least when both actors are making decisions under time pressure, on the basis of uncertain information, and in a climate of deep mutual distrust. Iran may mistake a one-off strike by the United States as the beginning of a significant military campaign that requires an immediate and harsh response. The danger that the United States will send confusing signals to the Iranians is especially high given Trumps tendency to go off on Twitter So far in the hours after Irans retaliatory attack on two bases in Iraq that house American troops this kind of vicious cycle does not look immediately likely. The attacks may not have killed any Americans, and Irans foreign minister signaled that the attacks concluded Irans response to the killing of its top general, Qassim Suleimani. That would be very good news. As The Dispatchs David French writes: If this is Irans retaliation, and there are no U.S. casualties, then this is a good time to stop and wait. We shouldnt feel like we have to have the last word. If we take out Suleimani, and they respond with an ineffective missile attack, then thats a positive result. But its also not the end of this story. This is the first round of what is going to be long, ugly & unpredictable, Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institution wrote. Irans president, Hassan Rouhani, said today that his country would ultimately avenge Suleimanis death by driving all United States forces out of the Middle East. Add CoolSocial badge. Show it by adding this HTML code on your site: Ebrandworld.com scored 40 Social Media Impact. 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A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The URL of the found Facebook page. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The type of Facebook page. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND WASHINGTON - The U.S. and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war on Wednesday as President Donald Trump signalled he would not retaliate militarily for Iran's missile strikes on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. No one was harmed in the strikes, but U.S. forces in the region remained on high alert. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. WASHINGTON - The U.S. and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war on Wednesday as President Donald Trump signalled he would not retaliate militarily for Iran's missile strikes on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. No one was harmed in the strikes, but U.S. forces in the region remained on high alert. Speaking from the White House, Trump seemed intent on deescalating the crisis, which spiraled after he authorized the targeted killing last week of Iran's top general, Qassem Soleimani. Iran responded overnight with its most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, firing more than a dozen missiles at two installations in Iraq. The Pentagon said Wednesday that it believed Iran fired with the intent to kill. Even so, Trump's takeaway was that "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world." Despite such conciliatory talk, the region remained on edge, and American troops including a quick-reaction force dispatched over the weekend, were on high alert. Last week Iranian-backed militia besieged the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and Tehrans proxies in the region remain able to carry out attacks such as the one on Dec. 27 that killed a U.S. contractor and set off the most recent round of hostilities. This satellite image provided on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, by Middlebury Institute of International Studies and Planet Labs Inc. shows the damage caused from an Iranian missile strike at the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq. Iran's actions were in response to the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani. (Planet Labs Inc./Middlebury Institute of International Studies via AP) Hours after Trump spoke, an incoming siren went off in Baghdad's Green Zone after what seemed to be small rockets "impacted" the diplomatic area, a Western official said. There were no reports of casualties. Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned that it was "perhaps too early to tell" if Iran will be satisfied that the missile strikes were sufficient to avenge the Soleimani killing. "We should have some expectation," Defence Secretary Mark Esper added in a Wednesday briefing, "that Shiite militia groups, either directed or not directed by Iran, will continue in some way, shape or form to try and undermine our presence there," either politically or militarily. There is no obvious path to diplomatic engagement, as Trump pledged to add to his "maximum pressure" campaign of economic sanctions. He said the new, unspecified sanctions would remain in place "until Iran changes its behaviour." Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the overnight strike was not necessarily the totality of Iran's response. An armed guard stands over mourners and family members as they prepare to bury the body of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of Iran-backed militias who was killed in a US airstrike in Iraq on Friday, in Wadi al-Salam, or "Valley of Peace" cemetery, during his funeral procession in Najaf, Iraq, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil) "Last night they received a slap," Khamenei said. "These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end." Trump, facing perhaps the biggest test of his presidency, credited the minimized damage to an early warning system "that worked very well" and said Americans should be "extremely grateful and happy" with the outcome. The strikes had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and left the world waiting to see whether the American president would respond with more military force. Trump, in his nine-minute, televised address, spoke of a robust U.S. military with missiles that are "big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast." But then he added: "We do not want to use it." Iran for days had been promising to respond forcefully to Soleimani's killing, but its limited strike on two bases one in the northern Iraqi city in Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq appeared to signal that it, too, was uninterested in a wider clash with the U.S. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the country had "concluded proportionate measures in self-defence." Trump, who is facing reelection in November, campaigned for president on a promise to extract the United States from "endless wars." Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks about Iran, Tuesday Jan. 7, 2020, at the State Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) On Wednesday, he said the United States was "ready to embrace peace with all who seek it." That marked a sharp change in tone from his warning a day earlier that "if Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly." Members of Congress were briefed on the Iran situation Wednesday afternoon in closed-door sessions on Capitol Hill, where Democrats and some Republicans expressed dissatisfaction with the administration's justifications for the drone strike on Soleimani. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah said it was "probably the worst briefing I've seen, at least on a military issue, in the nine years I've served in the United States Senate." He said it was "distressing" that officials suggested it would only embolden Iran if lawmakers debated the merits of further military action. He and Sen. Rand Paul announced their support of a largely symbolic war powers resolution to limit Trump's military action regarding Iran. Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced after the briefing that the House would vote Thursday on a war powers resolution of its own. Trump opened his remarks at the White House by reiterating his promise that "Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon." Iran had announced in the wake of Soleimani's killing that it would no longer comply with any of the limits on uranium enrichment in the 2015 nuclear deal crafted to keep it from building a nuclear device. President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in Washington, accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence, and others. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) The president, who had earlier pulled the U.S. out of the deal, seized on the moment of calm to call for negotiations toward a new agreement that would do more to limit Iran's ballistic missile programs and constrain regional proxy campaigns like those led by Soleimani. Trump also announced he would ask NATO to become "much more involved in the Middle East process." While he has frequently criticized NATO as obsolete and has encouraged participants to increase their military spending, Trump has tried to push the military alliance to refocus its efforts on modern threats. Like the U.S. troops in the region, NATO forces have temporarily halted their training of Iraqi forces and their work to combat the Islamic State. Soleimani's death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets to mourn him. Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander. Milley and Esper told reporters that a total of 16 missiles were fired from three locations in Iran. Eleven hit the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The missiles were described as likely short-range with 1,000- to 2,000-pound warheads. Four failed to detonate, they said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, center, walks with Defense Secretary Mark Esper, right, as they leave the Capitol after briefing Senators on the details of the threat that prompted the U.S. targeted killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleiman in Iraq, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/ Jacquelyn Martin) Milley added that the Pentagon believes that Iran fired the missiles with the intent "to kill personnel." He praised early warning systems, which detected the incoming ballistic missiles well in advance, providing U.S. and coalition forces adequate time to take shelter at both bases. He described the damage to tents, parking lots and a helicopter, among other things, as "nothing major." Officials also said that the U.S. was aware of preparations for the attack. It's unclear if any intelligence identified specific targets or was more general. Ain al-Asad was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and it later was used by American troops in the fight against the Islamic State group. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. Trump visited it in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice-President Mike Pence visited both Ain al-Asad and Irbil in November. Trump spoke of new sanctions on Iran, but it was not immediately clear what those would be. The primary agencies involved in implementing such penalties the departments of Commerce, State and Treasury do not preview those actions to prevent evasion. Since withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, the administration had already imposed harsh sanctions on nearly every significant portion of Irans economic, energy, shipping and military sectors. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee, joined at right by Sen.Tom Carper, D-Del., responds to reporters following a briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and other national security officials on the details of the threat that prompted the U.S. to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Iraq, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Wednesday's efort to deescalate the conflict came after world leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, appealed for restraint. The fallout for Trump's order to kill Soleimani had been swift. Iraq's Parliament voted to expel U.S. troops from Iraq, though Trump said they would not be leaving. Trump and top national security officials have justified the Soleimani drone strike with general statements about the threat posed by the general, who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. ___ Associated Press writers Deb Riechmann, Robert Burns, Kevin Freking, Lolita Baldor, Darlene Superville, Alan Fram and Padmananda Rama in Washington and Sarah El Deeb in Beirut contributed to this report. All living organisms respond and adapt to changes in their environment. These responses are sometimes so significant that they cause alterations in the internal metabolic cycles of the organism--a process called "metabolic switching." For example, rice blast fungus--a pathogenic fungal species that causes the "rice blast" infection in rice crops--switches to the "glyoxylate cycle" when the nutrient source starts to deplete. Another response to environmental change is called "cell differentiation", where cells switch to another type altogether. In rice blast fungus, for example, the fungal cells differentiate and generate a large amount of pressure on the cell wall, causing the fungus to develop a specialized structure called "appressorium," which ultimately facilitates the infection. Such methods of adaptation have been seen across various organisms, but exactly how they occur is not very clear yet. In a recent study published in iScience, a team of researchers at Tokyo University of Science, led by Prof Takashi Kamakura, found for the first time that extremely low concentrations of acetic acid alter cellular processes in rice blast fungus. Their research was based on the fact that Cbp1--a protein that can remove acetyl groups from chitin (the main component of the cell wall of fungi)--plays a huge role in appressorium formation by converting chitin into chitosan and releasing acetic acid. Explaining the objective of the study, Prof Kamakura says, "Metabolic switching in nutrient-deficient environments depends on changes in the nutrient source, but its mechanism has remained poorly understood until now. Since chitin was known to induce a subsequent resistance response (immune response), we speculated that Cbp1 functions to escape recognition from plants. Also, because the enzymatic activity of Cbp1 affects cell differentiation, we hypothesized that the reaction product of chitin deacetylation by Cbp1 may be a signal for cell differentiation." For their study, the scientists used a mutant form of the fungus that did not produce Cbp1 and thus could not form appressorium as it was unable to produce acetic acid from chitin. The scientists observed that when minuscule concentrations of acetic acid, even as low as a hundred molecules per fungal spore, were added, appressorium formation was restored in the mutants. This implied that acetic acid could act as a chemical signal to trigger cell differentiation. Then, to better understand the role of acetic acid in the glyoxylate cycle, the researchers focused on an enzyme unique to this metabolic pathway: isocitrate lyase. They found that the mutant forms of the fungus had much lower levels of this enzyme, meaning that they could not switch to the glyoxylate cycle. But, as seen before, the addition of acetic acid at an extremely low concentration was enough to restore normal levels of the enzyme and thus induce appressorium formation. "Our study is the first to reveal the novel role of acetic acid in metabolic switching and cell differentiation in eukaryotic cells," remarks Prof Kamakura. Interestingly, these findings indicate that using chitin molecules from their own cell wall could be a survival strategy used by several types of bacteria and fungi. This would allow them to thrive in environments deprived of nutrients--such as on the surface of a host leaf--and avoid host defense/immune mechanisms. Acetic acid could then be used both as a carbon source and as a signal to trigger metabolic switching and cell differentiation. Prof Kamakura explains, "The use of acetic acid obtained from a pathogen's own cell wall for the activation of the glyoxylate cycle is perhaps a general mechanism in various infection processes." The finding that extremely low concentrations of a small, simple molecule like acetic acid could induce significant changes in cellular processes is unprecedented and was only known before for certain hormones in animals. Understanding this type of inter-species chemical interactions could prove to be immensely valuable in agriculture, bioengineering, and medicine, to name a few areas. Prof Kamakura concludes, "It is yet to be found whether this phenomenon is common to other organisms. But, since metabolites such as butyric acid derived from human intestinal bacteria are involved in immune cell activation and cancer progression, our findings have implications in a wide variety of fields, including medicine and agriculture." ### About The Tokyo University of Science Tokyo University of Science (TUS) is a well-known and respected university, and the largest science-specialized private research university in Japan, with four campuses in central Tokyo and its suburbs and in Hokkaido. Established in 1881, the university has continually contributed to Japan's development in science through inculcating the love for science in researchers, technicians, and educators. With a mission of "Creating science and technology for the harmonious development of nature, human beings, and society", TUS has undertaken a wide range of research from basic to applied science. TUS has embraced a multidisciplinary approach to research and undertaken intensive study in some of today's most vital fields. TUS is a meritocracy where the best in science is recognized and nurtured. It is the only private university in Japan that has produced a Nobel Prize winner and the only private university in Asia to produce Nobel Prize winners within the natural sciences field. Website: https://www.tus.ac.jp/en/mediarelations/ About Professor Takashi Kamakura from Tokyo University of Science Prof Kamakura graduated from the University of Tokyo, where he obtained a PhD in Agriculture. He worked for RIKEN institute from 1985 to 2003, mainly studying microbial toxicology. Since 1993, his main research involves studying the infection mechanisms of pathogenic fungi. He joined the Department of Applied Biological science at Tokyo University of Science as an Associate Professor in 2003 and became a Professor there in 2009. The corresponding author of this paper, his main research interest is applied microbiology, more specifically, the molecular biology of fungi and bacteria. Funding information This study was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Grant-in-aid for Scientific Research (B) (grant number 19H02958). This 2,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility offers a full range of comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for women and men, including consultations, ultrasounds, bloodwork, as well as semen analysis, saline infusion sonohysterograms and OB checks. This expansion marks the seventh location for RBA, which also has offices in metro Atlanta, Cumming, Fayetteville, Lawrenceville, Marietta and Piedmont. The new location will be spearheaded by RBA's renowned physicians, who boast more than 200 years of cumulative experience in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility and have achieved in excess of 30,000 babies. Joining the award-winning team of reproductive endocrinologists is Dr. Monica Best, who has spent her career caring for patients in the Atlanta market. "RBA has a solid reputation as being the area's leader in reproductive healthcare, giving each patient an individualized treatment plan that offers the latest in reproductive technologies," says Andrew A. Toledo, M.D., CEO of RBA. "Our expansion into the Cartersville area allows us to reach more patients who are looking to build their families through compassionate, best-in-class fertility service and care." In addition to its geographical expansion, RBA also recently launched its R-Baby-Assurance program, a financial guarantee program that gives eligible patients who are seeking in vitro fertilization (IVF) services the opportunity to pay a flat fee with the guarantee that they will take a baby home, or they are provided a full refund. Since its inception in 1983, RBA has remained steadfast in its commitment to the development of revolutionary technologies and techniques to enhance pregnancy outcomes. RBA's specialized treatment plans combine compassionate patient care with state-of-the-art technology, much of which its physicians pioneered. The new RBA facility is located at 962 Joe Frank Harris Parkway, Suite 206 in Cartersville, Georgia. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for February 2020. For more information about RBA, visit https://rbaivf.com/. About Reproductive Biology Associates Founded in 1983 and based in Atlanta, RBA is the oldest continuously operating full-service private fertility treatment center in the United States and is led by reproductive endocrinologists Daniel B. Shapiro, MD ; Andrew A. Toledo, MD ; and Zsolt Peter Nagy, PhD, who specializes in embryology . Since its establishment, the center's mission has focused on the development, improvement, and application of clinical and applied sciences to improve fertility care, with its RBA team being responsible for several notable firsts in reproductive medicine. In 2016, RBA joined forces with Lee Equity Partners, serial entrepreneur Martin Varsavsky, and MyEggBank North America to establish Prelude, a comprehensive fertility company that is now the fastest growing network of fertility centers in the United States (Prelude Network). Prelude helps patients achieve their best possible pregnancy outcomes through access to top-tier centers, including RBA, and more than 30 internationally recognized reproductive endocrinologists, placing emphasis on the best clinical protocols and scientific advancements and sharing these best practices across its network. About Inception Inception was founded in 2015 with an ambitious goal to create a family of organizations intent on improving the way patients experience their fertility journey. The company's mission is to shift the paradigm of the fertility market by raising the standard of care, streamlining fragmented components into an integrated system, and enhancing the overall patient experience. Inception's network of full service fertility centers, The Prelude Network, is now the largest of its kind including some of the country's top-tier fertility practices in 17 markets across the US. www.inceptionllc.com / www.aspirefertility.com MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Schlussel Krupp Kommunications [email protected] SOURCE The Prelude Network (Prelude) Related Links https://www.inceptionllc.com/ Projects entered in the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition have reached a level of sophistication that co-founder and judge Dr Tony Scott could not have imagined more than 50 years ago. It is my 56th year to be involved in the exhibition and what I have noticed over the years is how students have embraced the changes in science, said Dr Scott. The physicist and science communicator, together with Fr Tom Burke, a former teacher, established the exhibition in 1965, after coming up with the idea two years earlier. The projects have reached a level of sophistication that we could not have imagined 56 years ago, said Dr Scott. The level of presentation, understanding and communication have all improved and this must be good for the future of the country. Judging of the 550 projects by over 1,100 students on display at the RDS began after the official opening on Wednesday. Dr Scott said they were looking for projects where students had undertaken research, carried out experiments and obtained meaningful results. But, most importantly, the students must be able to communicate their results to the judges, he said. This year's projects cover a wide variety of topics from climate change to the effects of social media, and everything in-between. During the last 55 years over three-quarters of a million people have visited the exhibition and over 50,000 people young and old are expected to visit the event this week. Renowned physicist, Prof Brian Cox, who spoke at the opening of the exhibition, described the projects as stunning. He referred to the projects relating to climate change that make up two-thirds of entries qualifying for the final stage of the exhibition. If the planet was the only one in a galaxy of two billion stars, then that one thought that improved it was all the more valuable, he said. We are collections of atoms that can contemplate atoms and that's a remarkable thing," said Prof Cox. Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, who spoke at the opening, said he was really blown away by the work of the students. This event is always one that gives me hope; it gives me the confidence that our future as a country is bright and that whatever the challenge is, you, the leaders of the future, will come up with a response," he said. Mr Varadkar stopped to speak to two Cork students about their project that examined whether climate change was affecting young people's health. The 4th year students, Una Rainsford and Rachel Murtagh, from Colaiste Choilm in Ballincollig, Co Cork, said the Taoiseach asked them about their results. Una and Rachel who are both aged 16, conducted a statistical analysis that established a link between climate change and young people's mental health. Rachel said the Taoiseach asked them if they thought they could make a difference in the fight against climate change or if they felt helpless. I told him that younger people used to feel irrelevant but now realised that small changes can make a difference in the big picture, said Una. They are learning to be more vocal by joining climate strikes. They now have a bigger voice than they had before. Another Cork student, Andrea Marshall, from St Aloysius School, devised a formula to define how close a ballet dancer was to the ideal angle. Andrea, 16, a member of Studio Wolfe in Cork, found that better angles achieved by ballet dancers led to better roles. The 4th year student explained that an ideal angle in ballet is the perfect or best possible space (between two legs) while recreating a set position. In my ballet classes, a lot of emphasis is put on elongating your lines making you look longer than you actually are. This is achieved by creating ideal angles. I found out that there is a significant relationship between angle accuracy and the number of roles awarded to professional dancers. Andrea also devised a mathematical formula to use as a teaching aid for ballet dancers and tested it. During two trials I found that dancers who were dancing for between 12 and 15 years were able to improve their angles by 11.64% and 25.9% in just six weeks." BT Ireland, the official sponsors of the exhibition for the past 20 years, has announced that it is to continue to sponsor the event until 2023. Laura Ingraham on Tuesday used Irans missile strike on U.S. forces to launch an incendiary attack one of her longtime targets: the American media. (See the clip above.) The headline for the Fox News hosts segment was Irans American Propagandists, accompanied by logos of CNN, MSNBC and major broadcast networks. Ingraham accused them of portraying Donald Trump as a tyrant while cutting Iran slack. Tensions between Iran and the United States are dangerously high. The Trump administration violated the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018, and last week assassinated one of the countrys most powerful officials, Gen. Qassem Soleimani. On Tuesday, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq, saying it does not seek escalation of war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Ingraham said she believes that U.S. coverage of the conflict has been sympathetic to the Iranians because the mainstream media consider an enemy of Trump to be a friend of theirs. If theyre loathe to give President Trump the benefit of the doubt, why are they so willing to afford Iran that luxury? she asked after showing clips of Trump ranting about fake news. Ingraham began her remarks with generic anti-media broadsides. She said reporters pose as the gatekeepers of democracy, but Trump exposes them as left-wing pundits masquerading as reporters. You know whats really increased hostility toward journalists, she continued, is that Americans are sick and tired of only getting their news from people who hate the president and cant set aside their own biases. H/T Media Matters Continue reading on HuffPost Russian and Turkish leaders, who back opposing sides in Libyan conflict, call for ceasefire to begin on January 12. The Turkish and Russian presidents, who back opposing sides in the Libyan conflict, have called for a ceasefire in the war-torn country to begin at midnight on Sunday, January 12. Recep Tayyip Erdogan was joined by Vladimir Putin in Istanbul on Wednesday to inaugurate a new pipeline carrying gas to Europe, but the pair commented on the Libyan situation and rising US-Iran tensions. In a joint statement, Turkey and Russia called on all parties in Libya to declare a sustainable ceasefire, supported by the necessary measures to be taken for stabilising the situation on the ground and normalising daily life in Tripoli and other cities. They also said Washington and Tehran should prioritise diplomacy, warning that the recent exchange of attacks could lead to a new cycle of instability in the region. In Libya, Turkey backs Fayez al-Sarrajs Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), which is recognised by the United Nations, while Russia has sent support to renegade military commander Khalifa Haftars opposing forces to the east. Ankara has said it will send troops to Libya upon the GNAs request. Early on Wednesday, Iran fired missiles at military bases housing US troops in Iraq in retaliation for the US assassination of Qassem Soleimani, Irans leading military commander, raising the stakes in Tehrans conflict with Washington amid concern of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Putin and Erdogan were speaking at the launch of the TurkStream pipeline, which will carry Russian natural gas to southern Europe through Turkey part of Moscows efforts to reduce shipments via Ukraine. The pipeline project, stretching 930 kilometres (580 miles) across the Black Sea, reinforces strong energy ties between Moscow and Ankara, which were boosted after Turkey bought advanced S-400 Russian missile defence system last year. Russia and Turkey also coordinate in northeast Syria, although they back opposing sides in the conflict in the northwest Idlib region. Iran`s President Hassan Rouhani said at the Cabinet meeting that the Islamic Republic will cut the United States off the region. Among the goals of the United States are to create fear and discord both within Iran and at the regional level, to distance Iran and Iraq from each other and to prevent the regions liberation from invaders and terrorists. Fortunately, all these goals have failed, Trend cited him as saying. Today, Iran has delivered missile strikes against at least two military facilities in western Iraq, where U.S. troops are deployed. According to assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman, Al-Assad and Irbil military bases were targeted. GPR Ventures has completed several large capital improvements on a 45,800 square foot office building in North Natomas. Our team and partners worked quickly and efficiently to transform this property into a fresh, upgraded space which has led to new business, long-term leases and tenant renewals. GPR Ventures, a privately held real estate investment firm based in Sacramento and the Silicon Valley, has successfully completed several large capital improvements on a 45,800 square foot office building in Natomas. GPR Ventures acquired the property in March 2019 and has since executed a new 7.5-year lease for 8,026 square feet of office space. In November 2019, an existing tenant renewed their lease for an additional five years while also expanding their previous footprint with an additional 1,465 square feet. Our team and partners worked quickly and efficiently to transform this property into a fresh, upgraded space which has led to new business, long-term leases and tenant renewals, said GPR Ventures co-founder and Managing Principal Phillip Rolla. GPR Ventures is excited to continue investing in this rapidly growing region and help further the areas growth through these projects. TWEET THIS: Real estate investment firm #GPRVentures has completed a full renovation on a 45,800 square foot office building in #Sacramento, including exterior upgrades and a remodeled lobby. The property was purchased in March 2019. https://www.gprventures.com/ #business #realestate On the building exterior, GPR Ventures created a new front entry walkway, pouring new concrete and adding planters and upgraded lighting as well as new monument signage. Tenants enter the lobby through a set of new front doors highlighted by wood siding detail and large modern address numbers. The parking lot also received several updates, including asphalt and curb repairs and new LED lighting. The completely remodeled lobby features refreshed paint and an updated tile floor as well as new furniture, artwork and tenant directory. Just off the lobby, updated double doors lead down a newly carpeted corridor to the first-floor tenant suites and remodeled bathrooms. On the second floor, accessed via new elevator doors, perimeter offices have been demolished to achieve better visibility at the window line, and portions of the ceiling have been removed to expose wood beams and ducting for a modern and open design aesthetic. The two-story property located at 3900 Lennane Drive in Natomas is less than 15 minutes from Sacramento International Airport and downtown Sacramento with easy access to Highway 80 and Interstate 5. The building is surrounded by amenities including restaurants, shopping and other professional services. For more information on GPR Ventures and its complete portfolio, visit https://www.gprventures.com/. About GPR Ventures Founded in 2011, GPR Ventures is a privately held real estate investment firm with offices in Silicon Valley and Sacramento that specializes in providing real estate opportunities for a select group of sophisticated investors. GPR Ventures uses a dynamic, fully developed process and the acquisition-to-disposition expertise of founders Glen Yonekura and Phillip Rolla to yield consistent results. GPRs portfolio includes 59 buildings totaling over 1.8 million square feet and an additional 26 acres of land. For additional information, please visit GPRVentures.com or call (916) 921-5005. CHICAGO, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Liquidware, the leader in adaptive workspace management, today announced the general availability of its leading User Environment Management and Application Layering solution; ProfileUnity with FlexApp. Liquidware will showcase it, along with the rest of their adaptive workspace management solutions, at Citrix Summit being held 13-15 January at The Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort Orlando Florida. Liquidware will be in booth #400. The annual Citrix partner event is one that Liquidware has attended ever since its founding in 2009. With many Liquidware partners also being Citrix partners, the event offers Liquidware a prime opportunity to update key partners on the latest functionality within its award winning solutions. "The functionality within ProfileUnity with FlexApp enables us to deliver our customers a robust Windows management and platform delivery solution; whether our customers choose physical, virtual or cloud-based desktops," said Carl Gersh, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Forthright Technology Partners, a Citrix and Liquidware channel partner. "We're delighted to partner with both Liquidware and Citrix to provide customers the best of breed choices that suit their business requirements." The latest version of ProfileUnity with FlexApp provides the following functionality and features: Windows 10 Multi-Session OS support Streamlined FSLogix support for FlexApp Security Hardened Client "We continue to innovate and stay many steps ahead of the competition with our adaptive workspace management solutions," stated Jason E. Smith, VP product marketing at Liquidware. "As customers choose Citrix as their app delivery platform, we ensure an ultimate end-user experience through our monitoring and diagnostics, user environment management and application layering products on top of the Citrix platform." As well as exhibiting at Citrix Summit, Liquidware is also co-hosting a community cocktail reception with partner IGEL, details can be found here. About Liquidware Liquidware is a leader in adaptive workspace management solutions for Windows desktops. The company's products encompass all facets of management to ensure the ultimate user experience across all workspaces physical, virtual, DaaS or in the cloud. Enterprises across the globe utilize Liquidware solutions to dramatically decrease time spent managing desktops, while delivering increased security, flexibility and scalability. Supported platforms include Microsoft physical, WVD (Windows Virtual Desktop), and RDS desktops, Citrix Desktops, VMware Horizon View, Amazon WorkSpaces (AWS), and Nutanix Xi Frame. Liquidware products are available through a global network of partners. For more information, visit www.liquidware.com or follow on Twitter @liquidware. Media Contact: Jane Rimmer | [email protected] | +44-7710-633488 SOURCE Liquidware Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 11:34 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321504f9 1 City child-molestation,crime,child-protection Free The Pademangan Police in North Jakarta announced they arrested a 19-year-old man on Friday for allegedly molesting at least six boys. Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Yusri Yunus said the families of six victims, boys ranging from 10 to 13 years old, had reported similar cases against the accused, identified only as HS. Yusri claimed that HS admitted he had molested six boys, in line with the cases reported to the police. The crimes had occurred over the past 10 years, apparently starting when HS was 9 years old, Yusri said. Despite HS confession, the police said they would further investigate the case. Within 10 years, there could be more victims, Yusri said on Tuesday, as quoted by tribunnews.com. The alleged molestations were revealed at the end of December last year when a victim, an 11-year-old boy, was able to escape. The boy reported the molestation to his parents. The police also claim that HS' had been accused of a similar crime in the past, but at that time the victim's family decided to settle the case out of court. Speaking on the same occasion, North Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Budhi Herdi Susianto said HS claimed to have himself been a victim of molestation when he was in third grade at elementary school. HS has been charged under the 2002 Children Protection Law, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment upon conviction. (sau) Tokyo prosecutors on Wednesday raided a Japanese lawyer's office where former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn had visited regularly before skipping bail last week and fleeing to Lebanon. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (734 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. FILE - This March, 2019, file photo shows former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn, right, and his wife Carole in Tokyo. Tokyo prosecutors issued an arrest warrant Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 for the wife of Nissan's former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, on suspicion of perjury. (Kyodo News via AP, File) Tokyo prosecutors on Wednesday raided a Japanese lawyer's office where former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn had visited regularly before skipping bail last week and fleeing to Lebanon. Japanese news footage showed prosecutors marching into Junichiro Hironaka's office in Tokyo, where a woman answering the phone said the lawyers weren't there to comment and hung up. Prosecutors declined immediate comment. Ghosn was under strict bail conditions while preparing for his trial on financial misconduct allegations. But he had been allowed to use a computer at his lawyer's office under those conditions. Japanese media reports said prosecutors had likely seized the computer to track down how Ghosn escaped and who might have helped him. FILE - This March, 2019, file photo shows former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn, right, and his wife Carole in Tokyo. Tokyo prosecutors issued an arrest warrant Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 for the wife of Nissan's former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, on suspicion of perjury. (Kyodo News via AP, File) Hironaka has previously said he was stunned by Ghosn's departure. He has also said he will not disclose information related to Ghosn's case because of attorney-client privilege. Ghosn said from Lebanon he fled to escape injustice. He has insisted he is innocent. A statement released in Ghosn's defence earlier Wednesday slammed the automaker's internal investigation as flawed and aimed only at taking him down. Nissans claim that it conducted a robust, thorough internal investigation is a gross perversion of the truth, said a statement from French consultancy company Image Sept for the defence team. It was initiated and carried out for the specific, predetermined purpose of taking down Carlos Ghosn to prevent him from further integrating Nissan and Renault, which threatened the independence of Nissan, one of Japans iconic, flagship companies. A private security guard speaks on a radio as a man pauses outside of the house of ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. Tokyo prosecutors obtained an arrest warrant Tuesday for the wife of Nissan's former chairman, Ghosn, on suspicion of perjury, adding to the couple's legal troubles in the country where he once was revered as a star executive. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo) Ghosn, who led the Japanese automaker for two decades, has repeatedly characterized the Japanese criminal case against him as meant to block a fuller merger with Nissan's French alliance partner Renault. Nissan Motor Co. on Tuesday said it would continue to pursue legal action against Ghosn and reiterated its allegations that Ghosn engaged in serious misconduct while leading the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance. The statement from the French consultants said Nissan never questioned Ghosn directly about the allegations and asserted Nissan has not targeted others at the company, such as Hiroto Saikawa, Ghosns successor. Saikawa resigned last year after allegations related to dubious income surfaced against him. He has not been charged. It also said a Nissan employee who admitted to wrongdoing was involved in the investigation. Tokyo prosecutors enter a building where the office of Junichiro Hironaka, a Japanese lawyer of former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn, is located, in Tokyo Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. Prosecutors raided Hironaka's office where Ghosn had visited regularly before skipping bail last week and fleeing to Lebanon. Ghosn was under strict bail conditions while preparing for his trial on financial misconduct allegations. But he had been allowed to use a computer at his lawyer's office under those conditions. (Kyodo News via AP) Nissan faces trial as a company in Japan, and it has indicated it will comply and pay required fines. Ghosn was charged with under-reporting his future compensation and with breach of trust in diverting Nissan money for his personal benefit. He has repeatedly said the compensation was never decided and the payments were for legitimate business. He was expected to hold a news conference later Wednesday in Beirut. Also Tuesday, Japan sought the arrest of Carole Ghosn, Ghosn's wife, who is with him in Lebanon, on suspicion of perjury in statements she made at a Tokyo court last year related to her husband's case. Prosecutors have accused her of falsely testifying she didn't know certain parties involved in monetary transactions that are part of the allegations against Ghosn. Carole Ghosn has in the past brushed off the questioning as inconsequential. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. How Ghosn managed to leave Japan while under surveillance as part of his bail conditions has riveted the public. He is seen on security footage walking alone out of his Tokyo home. He reportedly took a bullet train to Kansai Airport. He flew first to Turkey and then to Lebanon on private jets, according to Turkish airline company MNG Jeta, which said the planes were used illegally. Japan's Justice Minister Masako Mori said this week that luggage and cargo checks were being strengthened for private jets at all airports. She did not confirm reports Ghosn hid in a box for musical equipment to escape. Japan has seized the 1.5 billion yen ($14 million) bail Ghosn posted. But government officials also have acknowledged that seeking an individual's return from Lebanon to stand trial is difficult and sensitive. Lebanon and Japan do not have an extradition treaty, and Lebanon generally does not extradite its citizens. ___ Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter https://twitter.com/yurikageyama Speaking to the Tehran-based private Tasnim News Agency, the source said the ballistic missiles launched by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) killed at least 80 "American terrorist forces". Tehran, Jan 8 (IANS) Some 80 US personnel were killed and nearly 200 others injured during Iran's missile attack on the American Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq on Wednesday, which was launched in retaliation to the killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani, an IRGC source has claimed. "At least 104 targets from the positions of the Americans and their allies in the region have been identified, and if the Americans make any mistake again, those positions will be targeted," the source warned. He added that a number of American drones and helicopters and a large amount of military equipment have been seriously damaged in the attack. Fifteen missiles struck the Ain al-Asad airbase, none of which were intercepted by the US army's radar system, the source said. The US is yet to officially comment on the number of casualties. In the early hours of Wednesday, the IRGC Aerospace Force launched the heavy ballistic missile attacks on the Ain al-Asad base near the border with Syria and a US operated airbase in Erbil in retaliation for the January 3 American drone attack that killed Soleimani in Baghdad, reports the semi-official FARS News Agency. Ain al-Asad has a 4 km runway at 188m altitude from sea levels, which is the main and the largest US airbase in Iraq. All flights have been cancelled at Erbil airport. Iraq said the attacks have not taken any toll from its army men stationed at these two bases. Following the attack, the US army had blocked entrance into Ain al-Asad to everyone, including the Iraqi army. ksk/ Prince Harry and Meghan Markle enjoyed their break in Canada over the holidays. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent Christmas and the New Year with their son, Archie Harrison, and her mom, Doria Ragland, on Vancouver Island. The family of three recently returned to the U.K., but they may have dropped a huge hint about moving to Canada for good. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry | DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS WPA Pool/Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle take a break This past fall, Prince Harry and Markle announced that they were not joining the rest of the royals at Sandringham for Christmas. The couple did not release any details about their holiday plans, but they did reveal that they were spending the break with her mother. The announcement came a few months after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle opened up about their struggles in a documentary. The pair admitted that life has not been easy, especially dealing with negative press from British tabloids. Their trip outside of the U.K. was largely viewed as a welcome break for the couple, though it was unclear where they were staying. A couple of weeks ago, residents on Vancouver Island spotted the couple out and about. We still do not know how long Harry and Meghan were in Canada, but one eye witness claims that they appeared happier than ever away from the spotlight. Meghan Markle lends a helping hand According to Express, a local resident in the area named Asymina Kantorowicz revealed that she briefly interacted with Meghan on New Years Day. Kantorowicz was out on a walk with her boyfriend, Iliya Pavlovic, when they ran into the Duchess of Sussex. The two were trying to take some selfies together when a young woman approached and offered to help. The passerby was with a group of people and had two dogs with her. Being a Suits fan, Kantorowicz recognized one of the women in the group as Abigail Spencer, who starred with Meghan in the hit legal drama. Im a Suits fan and I first noticed Abigail and then I looked up and realized it was Meghan taking the photo. Then I looked back at the group and realized #PrinceHarry was there too! #SuitorsUnite I love it very time. https://t.co/4rnU9t68YD Royal Suitor (@royal_suitor) January 3, 2020 At that point, Kantorowicz realized that the woman who had just taken her picture was Meghan Markle and she had nothing but nice things to say about the former actress. Talk about a great start to a new year. Im a Suits fan and I first noticed Abigail and then I looked up and realized it was Meghan taking the photo, she shared. Then I looked back at the group and realized Prince Harry was there too! I couldnt believe who it was. There was Meghan smiling at me, waiting to take the photo and it was just shock at that moment and disbelief. Kantorowicz added that Meghan was very friendly in person and that they would have never noticed it was them if she hadnt offered to help take the photo. Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle relocate to Canada? There has been a lot of talk about Meghan and Harry relocating outside of the U.K. Most of the moving rumors stem from the couples struggles in the spotlight, but their holiday break might offer a clue to their future plans. During their brief interaction, Kantorowicz revealed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry looked super relaxed walking around Vancouver Island. This is a pretty far cry from how the Sussexes were acting before they left the U.K. She seemed happy and down to earth she was just enjoying her New Years hike with her husband and friend, Kantorowicz stated. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visited the Canada House today to thank the country for hosting them during most of their two-month break! pic.twitter.com/MfnkGw6mhs InStyle (@InStyle) January 7, 2020 The idea that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry loved their time in Canada has sparked rumors that they are considering moving to the region in the near future. The two have not commented on the reports, but they both have a connection to the country. Meghan worked in Toronto when she was filming Suits, while Harry held the 2017 Invictus Games in Canada. There is no telling if they will ever move to Canada permanently, but it clearly holds a special place in their hearts. Whats next for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex? While we wait to learn more on the moving front, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially returned to their royal duties. The couples first engagement in 2020 will be a meeting with the High Commissioner of Canada named Janice Charette. They are also expected to continue working with their new charity, Sussex Royal, which they launched last year after splitting from Prince William and Kate Middletons organization, The Royal Foundation. We do not know what Harry and Meghan have planned for their organization, but royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes they might open a new branch of the company in the United States. Meghans mother lives in the Los Angeles area, so it makes sense that the couple would set up shop near her hometown. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not said anything about moving to Canada. The Nifty50 recovered from its day's low in afternoon trade and closed with a marginal loss amid volatility on January 8. The fear of possible escalation in geopolitical tension between the US and Iran, after Iran fired missiles on US troops at Iraqi facilities, triggered a 123 -points fall in the index in morning. The index managed to defend the 12,000-mark and formed a large bullish candle on the daily charts as closing was much higher than the opening tick. Experts feel volatility is expected to continue in the coming days and 50-DEMA (11,982) which was defended consistently this week would be crucial level for further direction on either side. The Nifty50 opened sharply lower at 11,939.10 and hit an intraday low of 11,929.60 in the morning, but it gradually started recovery in afternoon and went closer to previous closing level, at 12,044.95. The index finally settled at 12,025.40, down 27.60 points. "In the near term, markets may continue to remain volatile owing to Middle East related tensions. Technically speaking, even in the next trading session if Nifty sustains above its 50-day EMA (11982) then the possibility of short term trend turning sideways with positive bias will remain higher," Mazhar Mohammad, Chief Strategist Technical Research & Trading Advisory, Chartviewindia.in told Moneycontrol. In such a scenario Nifty may remain in a range of 12,19011,920 for couple of trading sessions before witnessing a breakout in either of the directions, he said. While strength shall not be expected unless it closes above 12,190 levels whereas weakness shall resume on a close below 11,929 with initial targets of 11,800, he added. For the time being, considering the volatile news flows, Mazhar Mohammad advised traders to remain neutral for the day. On options front, maximum Put open interest was at 12,000 followed by 11,500 strike, while maximum Call open interest was at 12,500 followed by 12,300 strike. Marginal Call writing was seen at 12,000 followed by 12,200 strike while Put Unwinding was seen at all the immediate strikes with minor Put writing at 11,800 strike. Above mentioned Option data indicated that the Nifty could be in a trading range of 11,800-12,300 levels. India VIX moved up sharply by 7.05 percent to 15.64 levels. "India VIX bottomed out at 10-11 levels and sustaining around 14-15 levels. Thus, we may see continuation in a volatile move in coming days too," Chandan Taparia, Vice President | Analyst-Derivatives at Motilal Oswal Financial Services said. Bank Nifty opened gap down and breached its previous swing low of 30,996 levels. However it managed to recover from lower levels and started moving higher from its crucial support of 30,800-30,900 levels. The index formed a green body candle on daily scale as it recovered its losses from lower zones and ended on a flattish note, down 0.08 percent at 31,373.70. "It continued to make lower highs for fourth consecutive session, however till the time it holds above 30,800-30,900 levels it could witness a bounce towards 31,600 then 31,900 levels," Chandan Taparia said. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), India's leading PSU under the Department of Atomic Energy, Govt. of India, has invited applications in a prescribed format from eligible Indian citizens for filling 90 Apprentice vacancies in various trades comprising Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Electronics Mechanic, PASS/COPA and Welder through direct selection to be posted at NPCL's Kakrapar Gujarat Site in Gujarat. The offline applications in a specified format must be submitted before February 10, 2020. CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Apprentice Organisation Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) Educational Qualification Class 10/SSLC or equivalent with ITI in relevant discipline/trade Experience Freshers can apply Skills Required Desirable Job Location Kakrapar, Gujarat Salary Scale Rs. 7,700 to Rs. 8,050 (Stipend) Industry Nuclear Power Application End Date February 10, 2020 Age Criteria And Fees Candidates interested in applying for Apprentice posts through NPCIL Recruitment must have attained 14 years of age and not be more than 24 years, with a relaxation in the upper age limit for SC/ST and OBC candidates as per the Govt. of India guidelines. For details about payment of fees, if any, refer to the official notification provided at the end of the article. BEL Recruitment: Apply Offline For 25 Trainee Engineer Post Before January 22, Earn Up To Rs. 25,000 Vacancy Details Educational Criteria And Eligibility Desirous candidates applying for Apprentice posts through NPCIL Recruitment must has passed Class 10/SSC or equivalent with ITI in relevant discipline/trade from a recognised Board/Institute. Selection And Pay Scale The selection of candidates to Apprentice posts through NPCIL Recruitment will be done based on the candidates' academic score and ITI marks obtained in the concerned trade. Candidates selected to Apprentice posts through NPCIL Recruitment will be paid a monthly stipend in scale of Rs. 7,700 to Rs. 8,050. Oil India Limited Recruitment For 200 Apprentices Post, Register Online Before January 11 How To Apply Candidates applying for Apprentice posts through NPCIL Recruitment must first register themselves online on the RDAT website at https://www.apprenticeship.gov.in/pages/Apprenticeship/home.aspx Post registration, candidates must fill the application from in a prescribed format attached with the advertisement with necessary details, and send the same with self-attested copies of relevant supporting documents to the, "Manager(HRM), Nuclear Power Corporation Of India Limited, Kakrapar Gujarat Site, Anumaia-394651, Ta. Vyara, Dist. Tapi, Gujarat," on or before February 10, 2020. For downloading the application and read the detailed advertisement about NPCIL Recruitment for Apprentice posts click here Church is a social institution, present on all sides of the conflict. Advisor to Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine, Serhiy Sivokho, has said the Church could become a "mediator" in the process of conflict settlement in eastern Ukraine. "Naturally, the Church, as a social institution, which is present on all sides of the conflict, has its own 'voice' and has always been an assistant, manifesting charity and peacekeeping. For example, the Sviatohirsk [Cave] Monastery, in the most difficult times, hosted thousands of refugees. The Church could act as a mediator," he told 112 Ukraine TV Channel on January 7. Sivokho added that the process needs "silence on the part of those who fomented the war", while all parties must fulfill the agreements reached to achieve peace. Read alsoEpifaniy: About 600 parishes of Moscow-aligned church convert to new Ukrainian Orthodox church RFE/RL As UNIAN reported earlier, speaking at a press conference after the Normandy summit in Paris on December 9, German Chancellor Angela Merkel advocated the adaptation of the Minsk agreements to realities. According to the German leader, the Minsk agreements' implementation requires "flexibility." "The Minsk memorandum was signed on September 19, 2014. And, of course, given the presidential elections in Ukraine, there is the question: Is this deal carved in a rock or could it be brought back to life?" Merkel said. Jeremy Corbyn was greeted by a loud gurgle of throaty groans yesterday. The Leader of the Opposition had come to the chamber to respond to a statement on America's assassination of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani. Since Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was tasked with updating the House, in the normal course of events Corbyn's pained-looking defence spokesman Nia Griffith would have spoken on Labour's behalf. But Corbyn clings to iffy foreign regimes such as Tehran's the way eggs attach themselves to bacon. The opportunity for a good old rant against Western imperialism was too good to pass up. Jezza's rheumy eyes flicked irritably as he kicked off with some customary manufactured indignation, demanding to know why the Prime Minister hadn't bothered to turn up. Corbyn (pictured) clings to iffy foreign regimes such as Tehran's the way eggs attach themselves to bacon What could be more important than addressing Parliament when the possibility of another war loomed, he demanded to know. His bony fingers gripped the dispatch box firmly, the way a jockey's knees cling to a wayward steeplechaser. He seemed relieved not to be discussing domestic matters, for once. General Soleimani's death, Corbyn informed the House, was a classic example of American aggression. Once again, the United States was making the wrong calls in the Middle East. He accused the Prime Minister of being scared of standing up to President Donald Trump, suggesting he was afraid of losing out on a post-Brexit trade deal. The Government benches scoffed indignantly. Ben Wallace (pictured) explained that the Prime Minister had been unable to attend as he was busy running the country Greg Hands (Con, Chelsea & Fulham) began heckling Corbyn for taking money from the Iranian state broadcaster, Press TV, which he appeared on as a guest on several occasions. Beside him, a newly slimline-looking Alec Shelbrooke (Con, Elmet & Rothwell) chuckled along merrily. Labour's front bench, meanwhile, was about as cheery as the annual conference of the National Association of Funeral Directors. Glum faces everywhere. Transport spokesman Andy McDonald scowled menacingly like a nightclub bouncer. Further along, leadership hopefuls Sir Keir Starmer and Emily Thornberry tapped away on their mobile telephones. Checking on their supporters, perhaps. Wallace, an egg-shaped fellow who once served in the Scots Guards, explained that the Prime Minister had been unable to attend as he was busy running the country 'something the Leader of the Opposition will fail to ever do'. He accused Corbyn of spouting 'anti-American tripe' and 'anti-imperialist guff'. Corbyn by now appeared to have lost interest, joining Thornberry in fidgeting with his telephone. Acting Lib Dem leader Ed Davey joined in barracking the PM, accusing Boris Johnson of trying to 'dodge' Parliament. Davey appeared to be surrounded by no more than a handful of his ten MPs. A pathetic sight. There were a couple of blasts from the recent past among the contributions from the Government benches. Penny Mordaunt, who was replaced in the MoD by Wallace when Boris entered No 10, urged the Government to keep taking the fight to ISIS. General Soleimani's (centre) death, Corbyn informed the House, was a classic example of American aggression Ex-Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt made a slightly obsequious observation that, unlike the rest of the EU, the US could count on the UK taking defence responsibilities seriously. Are both hankering for a Cabinet return? In a welcome move, new Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle had ensured the session started bang on time. So often his predecessor, John Bercow, allowed sessions to over-run. Ex-Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt (pictured) made a slightly obsequious observation that, unlike the rest of the EU, the US could count on the UK taking defence responsibilities seriously Earlier, Sajid Javid had taken Treasury Questions, which was surprisingly well attended, not least as the Test match in Cape Town was reaching its exciting conclusion. Not since Gordon Brown and George Osborne used to go at it toe-to-toe has the Chamber been so full. The Saj has been quiet since he became Chancellor. I've often wondered if he's too polite for politics but there are signs he's developing a snarky side commending his opposite number, John McDonnell 'for his efforts' during the election. McDonnell sat motionless, that lower jaw jutting out sulkily. Rather than acknowledge Javid, he asked a question about the fallen stock picker 'Ian' Woodford, who was revealed to have paid himself a 9million dividend prior to his financial empire's collapse. 'I think the honourable gentleman might be referring to Neil Woodford, not Ian,' The Saj remarked coolly. I might be wrong, but I'm sure I detected a wry smirk briefly creep across the Chancellor's face. Judy Terry is a marketing professional and a former local councillor in Suffolk. The suffocating public sector bureaucracy we all face every day leaves many of us in despair at the waste of public money. Endless commissions appointed to review but without any outcome, or anyone ever held to account for not implementing policies and recommendations. Nobody taking responsibility for failed IT projects. Poor procurement, and over-regulation stifles ingenuity and the ability to welcome change, instead of blocking it. A case in point is the NHS which has taken bureaucracy to a new level: whats the difference between NHS England and NHS Providers? How can anyone make sense of the attached Structure Chart? What is the point of Healthwatch, with its regional office network, conducting surveys and writing endless reports? Talking of reports, at the beginning of December I attended another meeting of the Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). It is one of two CCGs covering 40 GP practices in the county; together with West Suffolk, they share 271 staff. Having belatedly given up its expensive leased offices at Great Blakenham, since 2017 Ipswich & East Suffolk is based at Suffolk County Councils HQ in Ipswich, whilst West Suffolk CCG is based at West Suffolk Councils offices. Established in 2012 to replace Primary Care Trusts, 191 CCGs across England have responsibility for planning and commissioning healthcare services in their local areas. Despite complaints of a lack of funding for the NHS, they cost billions, yet mergers are opposed. Is there any evidence that they add value? Ipswich & East Suffolk has eight GPs on the board, including the Chairman (who is paid 65,000 on top of his GP income; the others receive a more modest 30,000). West Suffolk has six GPs on its main board, all in receipt of the same annual payments, including the Chairman. More GPs are involved in a range of other committees across both CCGs, tying them up for days; is this really the best use of their time, when patients cant get GP appointments? Glossy Annual Reports for 2018/19 (here and here) were published last May. Why not a joint report? These are reviews of activities over more than 100 pages to what purpose, when it is doubtful that anyone, including in Government, will read them? And what was the cost? The two websites are another expense, kept updated for the few who bother to access them when almost no-one has ever heard of CCGs. Because of that lack of awareness, the bi-monthly public meetings are poorly attended, and most people will be at work when they are held. As usual, the Ipswich and East Suffolk agenda comprised a dozen or so reports (not available at the meeting in hard copy, to save paper, and difficult to follow, even downloaded to a laptop as board members discussed without inviting comment from the public), together with details of staff consultation and further recruitment, including director posts. Because of election purdah, public questions were restricted. Being responsible for commissioning the East Anglian Ambulance Service, the board was asked to hold a minutes silence for the three paramedics who died within 10 days of each other in November, one allegedly confirmed as suicide. An independent investigation is under way by an officer from the Metropolitan police, amid accusations of bullying and a toxic culture. However, the CQC (Care Quality Commission) had already identified that the Service suffered from poor leadership and requires improvement. At the last count, the Service had 300 vacancies and its difficulties were widely known, not least through extensive media coverage over several years. The obvious question is why the CCGs are responsible for ambulance services, and how did they hold its leadership to account, when they were aware of deficiencies, as noted in their annual reports? Just what is the purpose of the Health & Wellbeing Board? It is attended by representatives from both CCGs but it doesnt address obvious failings. What are they doing to reduce pharmaceuticals waste, dumped whilst still within date, costing millions of pounds annually? Or to improve management of temporary aids like crutches and walking sticks, and even wheelchairs, by encouraging their return and re-use to hospitals, instead of being scrapped, at considerable expense? Are they reviewing annual flu jabs, which seem to make people ill, instead of protecting their health? Suffolks Health & Wellbeing Board has recently refreshed its strategy but appears to avoid detailed scrutiny or engagement with services in crisis. Adding to bureaucracy, Suffolk also has a joint Health Scrutiny Committee with Essex, scrutinising issues relating to the implementation of the NHS Suffolk and NE Essex Sustainability and Transformation Plan. Introduced by NHS England in 2016 to implement its Five Year Forward Plan. We are constantly reminded that the NHS is free. But it is not free. It is funded by taxpayers, and only free at the point of delivery, but increasingly top-down, lacking genuine engagement with highly skilled professionals on the front line who do a remarkable job. Instead of spending their time completing paperwork, struggling with outdated computer systems, they know they could do an even better job if someone listened to them. For example, GPs in France have ultra sound equipment in their surgeries why not here? It would aid early diagnosis, saving time, when patients can spend weeks or even months going backwards and forwards to GPs and hospital seeing different consultants for tests and (usually as a last resort) scans. Co-ordinating appointments to do all this within days would save stress and money. On January 3rd, BBC Look East investigated a tragic case of a young man, in extreme pain and paralysed for the last four years, following car accidents, taken to hospital in Chelmsford by ambulance more than 100 times in the last two years. Stoke Mandeville Hospital will help with specialist treatment, but the Mid Essex CCG will not commit to funding it. Meanwhile, why should older people, who worked hard all their lives and paid their National Insurance, have to wait years for a hip or knee replacement, as worsening pain affects both independence and quality of life? Allowing older people to go blind because they cant get treatment for cataracts is unacceptable and, in the longer term potentially a huge cost for personal care when a simple operation would sustain their independence. Some CCGs reportedly ration cataract treatment to one eye, not both. Consequently, those with savings are forced to spend thousands of pounds on private treatment from their NHS consultants, whose operating theatres are unused. Having watched a number of programmes about the Air Ambulance and how lives are saved in the most difficult circumstances, its evident that the Service should not have to rely on charity for its funding Government should contribute. When one consultant explained how his experience as an army surgeon was invaluable dealing with emergencies, and some of the helicopters fly from military bases, could there be mutual benefits in closer working with the Armed Services, each learning from the other, boosting expertise? This could include the provision of state of the art prosthetics and rehabilitation for amputees. The NHS is, rightly, a sacred institution to be proud of. As an emergency medicine consultant, who led responses to the 7/7 bombings, and other major incidents, said in a recent interview: When you watch the NHS kick in, the effort that goes into saving people is unbelievable. Its an amazing statement of how society does care. We can all agree that such commitment deserves to be acknowledged, cherished and respected but that doesnt mean that it cant be helped to adapt to fresh challenges and enabled to broaden access to amazing developments in new treatments. The Prime Minister promised a revolution in Government; he should start with the Health Service. Reducing waste in the system, something we are all guilty of in our own lives, could redirect funds and improve procurement. A review, not via a lengthy commission, or one of the five main accountancy groups, but led by someone beyond Westminster and its somewhat incestuous appointments system. Someone outside politics and unconnected with the healthcare sector, who understands delivering best value for the wider community, listening and learning from those on the front line, who see problems first hand and have the solutions. Ideal candidates would be either of the two founder Chairmen of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, credited with creating one of the top-performing LEPs in the country. Their strong leadership, insight, aspiration, business acumen and lack of ego, could be just whats needed to inspire the transformation of our treasured NHS, by reducing interfering management, allowing the focus to return to the patient and staff. US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that a fresh set of sanctions will be imposed on Iran after Tehran fired ballistic missiles at US military bases in Iraq and said the US had the best military on the planet armed with the most powerful weapons but it didnt intend to use it, effectively ruling out any immediate military escalation or threat of war, while offering fresh negotiations to replace the failed 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. Speaking from the foyer of the White House, Trump told Iranians that the US was ready to embrace peace and the US wanted Iran to have a great future as long as it stopped its pursuit of Nuclear weapons and support to terrorism. We must all work together towards making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place, Trump said. Trump also reiterated his position that Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Trumps assertion comes a day after Iran said it would do away with all restrictions incorporated in the 2015 nuclear deal on nuclear enrichment after Washington ordered a drone strike on the commander of its special forces, General Soleimani. The United States will impose additional economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. These sanctions will remain till Iran changes its course, Trump said, virtually ending the fears of a military response to Iraqs retaliatory strike on its bases in Iraq. The American President said there was insignificant damage done to American military assets in the attack by Iran. No Americans were harmed in last nights attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties. All our soldiers are safe, only minimal damages were sustained at our military bases. He also defended his targeted killing last week of General Qassem Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Quds Force. Worlds top terrorist Soleimani was personally responsible for some of the worst crimes, he trained Hezbollah. Soleimani was planning new attacks on the United States assets, said Trump. Solemeini hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood, Trump said while giving a detailed explanation for ordering the killing of the Iranian commander of the special Quds Force. He even asked NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East region. Irans missile attack on US bases in Iraq was a retaliation to the killing of its top general in a drone strike last week by the US, in a move that was seen as destabilizing the Middle East. Firing of more than a dozen missiles from its territory at the U.S. installations was Irans most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. What we did to Iran by killing their General Qasem Soleimani in a illegal set up situation, in Iraq, was never going to be left alone in Irans eyes. They waited, had their funeral as per customs in Iran and when done, they attacked. Military installations in Iraq that belong to the USA TEHRAN, January 8. /TASS/. The Iranian military delivered another round of missile attacks targeting US military facilities, Tasnim news agency reported. The agency did not specify the exact locations of the new wave of attacks reporting only that they were carried out with the use of missiles. Source: Iran delivers second round of attacks on US military facilities Tasnim news agency World TASS Israel has been named as an accessory and Israel is the target against which the retaliation of starting a war with Iran will be ended. We do know that Israel is behind the instigation of said attack against Iran in the first place TEHRAN, January 8. /TASS/. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) call Israel an accomplice of the United States in the assassination of ex-commander of IRGC Quds Force General Qasem Soleimani, Fars News Agency reported on Wednesday. Within the frames of this crime [Soleimanis assassination] we in no way view Israel separately from the United States, Fars reported citing a statement from IRGC. Source: IRGC calls Israel a US accomplice in assassination on General Soleimani Fars news World TASS The US and Israel have been severely compromised in their Intel and or just did not care to check the facts. But assassinating General Qasem Soleimani, a man who is loved by Iranians deeply and a man who is the biggest factor in removing ISIS from Syria. Again ISIS is a US construct.We have congealed the Iranians as one If we want 100,000 + missiles to rain on Israel then I guess we will attack Iran back for hitting our illegal military bases in Iraq? We are in Iraq illegally as we are sitting in Syria illegally. In both countries we have built military bases against the countries wishes. Hell in Iraq we built the Mother of all Embassies! The USA has lost no matter what, its just a question how much good money and moral standing we want to flush away after all the illegal actions we have been doing. Just because you are big enough to beat the little guy up does not make you right! Iran will launch everything they have at Israel if we try to attack them. There is no missile defense that will come anywhere near being able to stop the onslaught. Israel will be gone. Iran maybe gone also, but in this case they will take Israel with them. I promise you Iran holds all the cards, they responded the only way they could, launch a few older missiles, then say dont retaliate or we expand this to Dubai, Israel as far as their missiles carry. They know we (US) can level the Iran country flat, they understand that and they also know that America is alone in this. We have all heard the bellyaching by the US about how the EU and even NATO are not giving it the, Rah Rah go America attitude Not to mention Russia and China is in their corner, especially after how Trump has treated China and Russia. Russia and China know that they are next. Plus Europe who much of the US illegal under the table type activity has also been directed at, will work to get the USA out of Middle East forever This situation has stared at all of us as we look in the mirror, for our whole lives actually, but my vote and comments never mattered to anyone and I could not stop the chaotic situation that the US seems hell bent on traveling. Just like a drunk who will not let anyone take his keys away I wish I had a magic wand, but I dont and I will say as I have in one form and or another, a thousand thousand times on this blog America please just stop the shenanigans and allow the world to heal and get on with life. Please pull our men and women back to families and take care of America first at home It is all I can do. I have to say it on this blog. I have to say something or else not be able to live with myself. It does not matter who is right and who is wrong, for all are wrong when it comes to war. Just go home and hug the family people WtR America did ask for this war against Iran, whether we want it our not Oops: A Ukrainian Boeing 737 with 176 passengers and crew on board has crashed after taking off from Irans Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran due to technical issues, Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday morning. The airport has confirmed the crash to Sputnik. Source: Live Updates: Boeing 737 with 176 People Aboard Crashes After Take-Off from Tehran Airport Sputnik International Things are getting interesting real quick! And oops: The initial Iranian response to the assassination of the martyred commander Soleimani has happened. Now it is time for the initial response to the assassination of the martyred commander Muhandis. And because Iraqis are brave and zealous, their response will not be any less than that of Irans. That is a promise, al-Khazali was quoted as saying. Another letter: (Remember Iraq received one.) Kuwaiti Defence Minister Ahmad Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has stated that he received a letter from the commander of the US Arifjan military camp situated in the country announcing the imminent withdrawal of all US military forces in three days, state news agency KUNA reported. Getting interesting Shiv Sena on Wednesday extended its support to trade unions' 'Bharat Bandh' call and slammed the central government for its policies and decisions. In its mouthpiece Saamana, Shiv Sena stated that during the "first regime of BJP government, the industry and labour class was badly affected due to its decisions like demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax (GST)." Transport and banking services at several places are likely to be affected due to the 'Bharat Bandh' called by all 10 Central trade unions along with different federations being organised to protest against "anti-worker policies of BJP government". The ten central trade unions including CITU, INTUC, among others have given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) will not be taking part in the strike. The editorial stated that people expected that things will improve, but "six months have passed since the present government was formed and neither industries nor the condition of the labourers improved. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Al Jazeera examines the legal cases against some of the most memorable faces from the attack on the US Capitol. A Boeing 737 aircraft, carrying at least 170 passengers and crew, crashed reportedly due to technical problems shortly after take-off from Iran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, killing all on board the flight, as per Iranian state TV. We are following reports that a Ukrainian 737-800 has crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran. #PS752 departed Tehran at 02:42UTC. Last ADS-B data received at 02:44UTC. https://t.co/qXWHUPGDTu pic.twitter.com/vuAi6TOqTp Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 8, 2020 The airplane belonged to Ukraine International Airlines, it said. An investigation team was at the site of the crash in southwestern outskirts of Tehran, civil aviation spokesman Reza Jafarzadeh was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. State TV earlier said there were 180 passengers and crew aboard. The discrepancy could not be immediately reconciled, said the report. Flight data from the airport showed a Ukrainian 737-800 flown by Ukraine International Airlines took off in the morning on January 8, then stopped sending data almost immediately afterward, according to website FlightRadar24. The airline did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The crash came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack targeting two bases in Iraq housing US forces in retaliation for the killing of Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani. The Boeing 737-800 is a very common single-aisle, twin-engine jetliner used for short to medium-range flights. Thousands of the planes are used by airlines around the world. Introduced in the late 1990s, it is an older model than the Boeing 737 MAX, which has been grounded for nearly 10 months following two deadly crashes. A number of 737-800 aircraft have been involved in deadly accidents over the years. During a campaign stop in Iowa on Saturday, presidential candidate Joe Biden said that he had disagreed with President George W. Bush on the Iraq War from the very beginning a claim that is demonstrably false. The president then went ahead with shock and awe, and right after that and from the very moment he did that, right after that I opposed what he was doing, and spoke to him, he said, answering a question from a voter in Iowa. The truth is, Biden actually has a history of speaking out in favor of the war. In 2002, he voted to allow Bush to use military force in Iraq and, during a debate on the issue, he even outright admitted that he realized that this resolution could lead to a war involving multiple countries. There is also a chance Saddam will once again miscalculate, that he will misjudge our resolve, and in that event we must be prepared to use force with others if we can, and alone if we must, Biden said at the time. The American people must be prepared. They must be prepared for the possible consequences of military action. During a speech in February 2003, he said: I supported the resolution to go to war. I am not opposed to war to remove weapons of mass destruction from Iraq. I am not opposed to war to remove Saddam from those weapons if it comes to that. Then, on March 17 three days before the war began Biden put out a press release encouraging people who might be concerned about the war to unite behind our men and women in uniform: Theres a lot of us who voted for giving the president the authority to take down Saddam Hussein if he didnt disarm, and there are those who believe, at the end of the day, even though it wasnt handled all that well, we still have to take him down. (Note: This shouldnt have actually shocked anyone. After all, back in 1998, Biden is on record saying that Saddam Hussein had to be taken down.) Despite all of this history, as CNN also notes, Bidens comments on Saturday are not the first time that he has attempted to give voters the impression that he was consistently, vehemently opposed to the Iraq War effort. For example: In September, Biden told NPR: Story continues Immediately, the moment it started, I came out against the war, at that moment. Now, back in September, a campaign adviser reportedly acknowledged that Bidens comments on NPR hadnt been true explaining that the former vice president simply misspoke. Biden made a similar acknowledgment in New Hampshire, telling voters there that what he had said then amounted to a misrepresentation: The misrepresentation was how quickly I said I was immediately against the war. I was against the war internally and trying to put together coalitions to try to change the way in which the war was conducted. As for the most recent comments? Well, this time Bidens team is standing behind them arguing that, by using more-vague language (saying only what [Bush] was doing, rather than referring to the war explicitly), Biden had actually been totally honest. The Vice President was referring to how he immediately opposed the specific way we went to war without giving diplomacy and the weapons inspectors a chance to succeed, based on hyped intelligence, without sufficient allies and without a plan for the day after and the manner in which the war was being carried out, Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates said in an email to CNN. He has taken responsibility for his vote for 15 years, calling it out as a mistake in 2005, the email continued. And that mistake, together with the entirety of his long and distinguished record in national security and foreign policy, has informed his views ever since. Personally, I find this response to be not only a cop-out but a sign that Biden has been consistently and repeatedly aiming to dupe voters about his foreign-policy past. Sure its absolutely true that Biden has, in the past, also made comments criticizing Bush for his approach to diplomacy, conduct, and intelligence operations related to the Iraq War. The thing is, though, if Biden were truly being as transparent on Saturday as his campaign has been insisting that he was, then he would have been sure to clarify what he meant. If he werent intending to mislead them, he would have at least acknowledged that he had a history of comments supporting the war. But he didnt do that and to me, the only plausible explanation is that he was intentionally aiming to misinform. People often give Biden a pass for inaccurate and misleading statements writing them off as nothing more than Crazy Uncle Joe being Crazy Uncle Joe. This clear attempt to brand himself as some kind of anti-war hero, however, is anything but that. To me, it represents a carefully calculated political strategy, one thats aimed at convincing voters that Biden has been a different kind of politician than his record actually shows. Think about it: In the revised version on Saturday, Biden hardly painted a more factual picture than he did in September. Anyone listening to those comments in a vacuum certainly would assume that Biden was saying hed opposed the war from the very start. He changed his comments, sure, but he didnt change them to more accurately reflect his past position. Rather, he changed them only to give himself a possible technical defense against accusations of lying, while still painting the same deceptive one. Put more plainly? Crazy Joe may be quite craftier than we give him credit for, as he seems to be deliberately, insidiously attempting to delude voters. If youre someone whos been paying constant attention to the news for the past few decades, you might wonder how he thinks he could possibly get away with such a thing. It becomes easier to imagine, though, when you consider that not everyone pays all that much attention and that the youngest batch of voters who will be heading to the polls in November were still in their mothers wombs (where news sources are limited) while Biden voted in favor of allowing military action. We mustnt allow Biden to do this. We have to hold him accountable and demand that he speaks about his foreign-policy past in ways and only in ways that paint a truly authentic, complete picture of his record. He can say that he now believes that the war was a mistake, sure. Hell, he can even say that he didnt approve of every single way that Bush handled every single aspect of it. When he says these things, though, he must also acknowledge some of the facts about his Iraq War legacy that hes been neglecting to mention. An omission of those, after all, only serves to paint a misleading picture. In other words? Its lying. More from National Review The fire chief in charge of the effort to tackle bushfires in NSW has slammed Barnaby Joyce's theory that 'green caveats' are helping the blazes to spread. Shane Fitzsimmons, the NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner, denied firefighters were restricted by environmental laws. He explained that the biggest obstacle to controlled burning was the small window of opportunity they have in which to do it. Scroll down for video NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons (pictured) said the service has a 'streamlined' process for controlled burning A Country Fire Authority worker manages controlled back burns (pictured) along Putty Road in NSW on November 14, as crews worked hard to gain the upper hand Mr Fitzsimmons admitted climate change was making this window even smaller, as it quickly became too hot and dangerous. 'This is a really complex argument,' he told Sunrise. 'We are environmentally conscious and law-abiding, we have streamlined processes. 'But I've got to say, the environmental clearances are invariably not our problem with hazard reduction burning.' Former Nationals leader Mr Joyce has spoken extensively about so-called 'green caveats' hampering Australian's ability to fight the fires. He said red tape - campaigned for by environmental groups - had made it difficult for firefighters to do burn-offs, leaving too much fuel building up in bushland. 'I believe, and this is my opinion, there are too many caveats that have been placed on people, let's call them 'green caveats', that impede people's capacities to fight fires,' he told Sunrise. Shane Fitzsimmons (pictured) is seen pinning a medal on little Harvey after his father, volunteer firefighter Geoffrey Keaton, was awarded a posthumous medal at his funeral on January 2 Controlled burning, also known as prescribed burning, is planned so the fire burns slowly, allowing animals time to escape, stripping out the bottom level of a forest. It means that when fires do start, there is less likely to be 'laddering' - which is when a blaze burns from the forest floor all the way to the crown. What is controlled burning? Controlled burning is a type of hazard reduction used to prepare for bushfires The low-intensity fires aim to reduce the fuel load (vegetation) on the forest floor This minimises the potential impacts of bushfire on life, property and the environment Advertisement 'Our biggest challenge with hazard reduction is the weather and the windows available to do it safely and effectively,' Mr Fitzsimmons went on. 'And then more complicated ways, is the resourcing to deliver on it. 'Sure, there are environmental and other checks to go through, but we streamline those. 'There is special legislation to give us clearance and cut through what would otherwise be a very complex environment. 'But there's no doubt in my mind we'll gave another more meaningful and comprehensive review into the whole subject of hazard reduction - how effective it is, how much we need to do - as we go through.' Barnaby Joyce (pictured on Christmas Eve) has been vocal about what he claims are 'green caveats' leaving too much fuel in bushland Asked about the impact of climate change, Mr Fitzsimmons explained Australia was experiencing hotter conditions. 'There's no doubt that we see longer, hotter fire seasons, which correlate with shorter periods where you would typically get your safest period for burning,' he said. 'With burning, you either get too cold and too wet and you can't get it done, or you skip into too hot and too dangerous.' 'As a society we've gotta to have a meaningful argument about what it mean to hazard reduce and manage risk.' RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons (pictured) with Charlotte O'Dwyer, the daughter of NSW RFS volunteer Andrew O'Dwyer during her father's funeral on Tuesday This bushfire season has been the most devastating on record, and the worst is yet to come. Massive bushfires burning along the NSW-Victoria border could merge to form a terrifying 'mega-blaze' this week if weather conditions deteriorate. The Corryong fire in Victoria's northeast is less than 2km away from connecting with a 297,000-hectare blaze in NSW's Snowy Mountains region, officials have warned. Meanwhile in Cobungra, in East Gippsland, fires are threatening to combine with those burning along the Tambo River region, north of Bairnsdale. This week's rainfall provided a brief respite from bushfires but will start giving way to sunny weather across Victoria on Wednesday, prompting warnings for people to remain vigilant. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Tamilla Mammadova Trend: There were no Georgian citizens among those killed in the crash of a Ukrainian plane in Iran, Trend reports with reference to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. According to preliminary reports, a Boeing 737-800 plane of the Ukraine International Airlines with 167 passengers and nine crew members on board crashed after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran at 6:22 (GMT +3:30) on Jan. 8, 2020. The plane was heading for Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. Reportedly, the plane crashed due to a technical malfunction a few minutes after the takeoff. According to official information voiced by the Ukrainian Embassy in Iran, the cause of the accident was a fire in the engine. According to the report, the Boeing 737-800 plane was new and was released from the factory about four years ago. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356 BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta, Visva- Bharati Vice-Chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty and several others on Wednesday had to remain confined to a building of the central university outside which hundreds of Left leaning students staged a sit-in, accusing the politician of promoting hatred among communities, officials said. West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya expressed concern over the situation and asked the state government to arrange for the safety of Dasgupta who was invited by the varsity to deliver a lecture on the contentious Citizenship (Amended) Act (CAA). "There are nearly 70 people locked inside a room in Vishwa Bharati, Santiniketan, for the crime of attending an official, university-convened lecture by me on CAA. This includes the VC. There is a howling mob outside itching for confrontation," Dasgupta said in a tweet. BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya threatened the TMC government in the state that if anything happens to Dasgupta, the consequences would be serious. "Swapan Dasgupta has been gheraoed by the goons of the SFI and TMC. He is inside. The police is nowhere to be seen. The life and honour of Swapan Dasgupta are very important," Vijayvargiya said in a video message. "I urge (Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee and the state administration to arrange for his safety and security. Otherwise the consequences will be grave," the senior BJP leader said in the video which has been retweeted by Dasgupta. Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said the incident is reflective of the worsening situation of law and order in the State. "Talked to DG Police Virendra Kumar about serious situation of confinement of Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Swapan Dasgupta along with VC Viswa Bharati and many others for several hours, and urged him to take swiftly necessary steps. Such anarchy and failure of law and order is worrisome," Dhankhar said. "It is of serious concern that Governance is taking a back seat. Time to take a serious look at this," he said in a tweet. The journalist-turned lawmaker was innvited to speak on "The CAA-2019: Understanding and Interpretation" as a part of the Visva-Bharati Lecture Series at the Lipika Auditorium of Santiniketan. Following protests by the Students Federation of India (SFI) workers, the venue was shifted to another auditorium of Social Work department at Sriniketan, the second but contiguous campus of the Visva-Bharati. However, around 45 minutes after the lecture started, agitating students reached the department, shouted slogans and the programme was disrupted, the officials said. "Dasgupta could not complete the lecture due to protests by students. He is currently inside the Social Work department at Sriniketan along with the VC. The students were shouting slogans outside. We are trying to persuade them to allow them to leave," Prof Sudipta Bhattacharyya, President of the Visva-Bharati University Faculty Association, said. Dasgupta, Visva-Bharati VC or its spokesperson Anirban Sarkar could not be contacted for their comments. Earlier, after the journalist-turned politician reached the Santiniketan campus, students started protesting against him. The varsity's SFI unit leader Somnath Sau said the students were opposed to allow anyone who "promotes hatred among communities" to spread propaganda on the soil of Visva Bharati, which stands for the ideals of Rabindranath Tagore. Visva Bharati, founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1921, is now a central university. "We will continue our protests against the BJP and forces of the Hindutva," he added. At that time, Dasgupta said in a tweet, "How does it feel to have a mob attack a peaceful meeting on CAA and intimidation students? This is what is happening to a meeting I am addressing at Vishwa Bharati now. Locked into room now with mob outside (sic)." Vice-Chancellor Chakraborty then informed the agitating students that the lecture series was part of the academic exercise and there should not be any controversy, a senior professor said. However, the students did not pay heed to it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Press Release January 8, 2020 Bong Go urges public to utilize Pasig Ferry Service; tells gov't agencies to ensure convenience and comfort of passengers Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go urged concerned government agencies to make sure that the newly re-opened Pasig River Ferry Service remains convenient and comfortable for commuters during a meeting on Tuesday, January 7. The senator also asked the agencies to improve the cleanliness of the river to guarantee safe and smooth journey for passengers. "I implore agency heads to make sure that the ferry services will be convenient and comfortable for the people," Go said. "Please make sure na malinis ang ferry service at smooth ang experience ng mga sasakay. Magtulungan rin tayo na linisin ang ating mga ilog para mas maayos ang experience ng bawat pasahero," he added. After experiencing decline in the previous decades due to the pollution of the river, the Pasig River Ferry Service was revived in 2014 to alleviate traffic congestion in Metro Manila. In April 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte approved a proposal to institutionalize the Pasig River Ferry Convergence Program which includes plans to build seventeen more stations for the Pasig River ferry system in the next four years, from the current twelve stations. The transport service is presently operated by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is responsible for the dredging operations in Pasig River. In past interviews, Go has expressed his willingness to push for the provision of additional boats. "Kung kailangan pa pong madagdagan pa ang mga ferry, very much willing akong tumulong sa inyo," Go said. Currently, the ferry service has a fleet of seven boats. Several local government units and private companies have also committed to donate additional ferries. Meanwhile, Go also suggested during the meeting that the ferry services be subsidized by the government for one year to provide more affordable fares for the commuters. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) agreed, saying that they will pool funds for said subsidy. "Pinakiusapan din po natin na gawing until January 31 ang libreng pamasahe nito o hangga't kaya ng budget ng MMDA. I urge the MMDA and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) na maging libre ito o maging minimal ang bayad dahil nakakatulong talaga ito sa ating mga mamamayan," Go said in past interviews. "Para iwas sa trapik, dagdagan natin 'ung ferry. Meron na tayong binuksan, mayroon na tayong ferry boats, libre hanggang katapusan (ng January) pero pagkatapos niyan, sisiguraduhin namin ni Pangulo na as much as possible, 'yung at cost lang ang babayaran para kayo makatipid sa gastos at makatipid rin sa panahon. "Asahan ninyo na full support ako rito at kung papaano magiging mas maayos at komportable ang transportation service na ito para mapakinabangan ng mga Pilipino," he added. To ensure cleanliness of the river, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) was tasked to monitor discharges from nearby factories and issue violation receipts to rule breakers. For a more holistic approach, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will also be tapped to enjoin barangays in maintaining the cleanliness of the environment surrounding the river. Go reminded residents of Metro Manila, however, that keeping Pasig River clean is a shared responsibility of everyone. "Lilinisan din natin 'ung Pasig River pero importante na magtulungan tayo at maging disiplinado, 'wag tayong magtapon," the senator said. And the TV news media largely is up to its old tricks of amplifying the voices of military officials and those with a history of supporting war. (Astonishingly, a Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting study of coverage from early 2003 found that of the 267 on-camera American guests in a two-week period on three networks, only one Ted Kennedy expressed skepticism or opposition to the war.) EnWave Signs Commercial Royalty-Bearing License with KL Ballantyne Pty Ltd and Receives Purchase Order for REV? Machinery Posted by Publisher Internet EnWave Corporation (TSX-V:ENW | FSE:E4U) (?EnWave,? or the \Company? -? https://www.commodity-tv.com/play/enwave-moon-cheese-highly-profitable-selling-more-rev-machines-in-2019/ ) today announced signing a royalty-bearing commercial license (the ?License?) with KL Ballantyne Pty Ltd (?Ballantyne?), a leading Australian dairy company.? The License grants Ballantyne the exclusive right to produce dairy products in Australia using the Company?s patented Radiant Energy Vacuum (?REV??) technology, excluding direct-to-consumer cheese snack products. This License is the third royalty-bearing license signed with an Australian company, the fifteenth such license signed for dairy product processing worldwide and further proves the value proposition of REV? technology as a tool to create innovative, premium food applications in the dairy industry. In addition to the License, Ballantyne signed an equipment purchase agreement to acquire a 10kW REV? machine to initiate commercial production. Ballantyne has agreed to pay an undisclosed royalty tied to the commercial success of REV?-dried products that they commercialize. Pursuant to the License, Ballantyne has additional, undisclosed REV? machine purchase order requirements that must be met in order to maintain their exclusivity in the future. About KL Ballantyne Pty Ltd Ballantyne is a family-owned company with a tradition of unstinting customer service and rigorous quality control. This is backed by a willingness to invest in innovative manufacturing and packaging technology. Ballantyne brings a special quality to its relationship with its customers a quality which inspires confidence and transcends the boundaries of language, nationality, and culture. For more information about Ballantyne, please visit www.ballantyne.com.au. About EnWave EnWave Corporation, a Vancouver-based advanced technology company, has developed Radiant Energy Vacuum (?REV??) ? an innovative, proprietary method for the precise dehydration of organic materials. EnWave has further developed patent-pending methods for uniformly drying and decontaminating cannabis through the use of REV? technology, shortening the time from harvest to marketable cannabis products.? REV? technology?s commercial viability has been demonstrated and is growing rapidly across several market verticals in the food, and pharmaceutical sectors, including legal cannabis. EnWave?s strategy is to sign royalty-bearing commercial licenses with innovative, disruptive companies in multiple verticals for the use of REV? technology. The company has signed over thirty royalty-bearing licenses to date. In addition to these licenses, EnWave established a Limited Liability Corporation, NutraDried Food Company, LLC, to manufacture, market and sell all-natural dairy snack products in the United States, including the Moon Cheese? brand.? EnWave has introduced REV? as a disruptive dehydration platform in the food and cannabis sectors: faster and cheaper than freeze drying, with better end product quality than air drying or spray drying. EnWave currently offers two distinct commercial REV? platforms: nutraREV? which is a drum-based system that dehydrates organic materials quickly and at low-cost, while maintaining high levels of nutrition, taste, texture and colour; and, quantaREV? which is a tray-based system used for continuous, high-volume low-temperature drying. More information about EnWave is available at www.enwave.net. EnWave Corporation Mr. Brent Charleton, CFA President and CEO For further information: Brent Charleton, CFA , President and CEO at +1 (778) 378-9616 E-mail: bcharleton@enwave.net ????? Dan Henriques, CFO at +1 (604) 835-5212 E-mail: dhenriques@enwave.net ? Deborah Honig, Corporate Development at + 1 (647) 203-8793 E-mail: dhonig@enwave.net Swiss Resource Capital AG Jochen Staiger info@resource-capital.ch www.resource-capital.ch Safe Harbour for Forward-Looking Information Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking information based on management\-\-s expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the Company\-\-s strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures, and the expected synergies following the closing are forward-looking statements. All third party claims referred to in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate. All third party references to market information in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate as the Company did not conduct the original primary research. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. HSBC Holdings, which traces its origin in Hong Kong to March 1865, is the latest institution to be embroiled in the city's worst political crisis. What appears to be a routine regulatory decision to close a client's corporate banking account has triggered an ugly backlash as its outlets became the latest target of vandalism after seven months of anti-government protests. The client Prime Management Service Limited, though, is no ordinary customer. The account is said to be linked to Spark Alliance HK, which raises money from crowdfunding to help grease the wheel of protests since 2016. It also posted bail for protesters arrested during the opposition to the ill-fated extradition bill for much of last year, according to its Facebook page. On the eve of Christmas, HSBC's branch in Mong Kok was smashed while facilities on Hennessy Road outlet were damaged as the city ushered in the new year. Even a pair of iconic pre-war lion sculptures were not spared. All told, almost a dozen branches belonging to HSBC and its majority-owned Hang Seng Bank were put out of action for several days. The banking group has distanced itself from any linkages that its decision to close the account was tied to a crackdown by the Hong Kong police and the force's move to freeze about HK$70 million (US$9 million) of its funds. One of the bronze lions outside the HSBC headquarters in Central was vandalised during an anti-government rally on January 1. Photo: Nora Tam alt=One of the bronze lions outside the HSBC headquarters in Central was vandalised during an anti-government rally on January 1. Photo: Nora Tam The closure preceded a notification in December from the enforcement agency regarding handling of the account balance, the bank said. What did Spark Alliance say about this The platform would use other methods to raise fresh funds and urged the public to visit its online shop to support the arrested protesters. In a December 19 posting, it condemned the police for the arrests of some of its alleged members. Story continues What is the anti-money laundering law in Hong Kong The anti-money-laundering and counterterrorist Financing Ordinance came into effect on April 1, 2012 and later amended to include additional requirements in April 2018. The law follows international standards set out by the Financial Action Task Force, an inter-governmental body comprising 37 member countries and two regional organisations to chiefly combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The ordinance requires banks, stockbrokers, real property agents, insurance companies, trust companies, accountants and lawyers to conduct customer due diligence and record-keeping to identify any suspicious transactions regarding money laundering or terrorist financing. Local regulatory and professional bodies including the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority and the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, have issued guidelines for their sectors to keep up with the laws. A breach may entail a reprimand and a fine of up to HK$10 million. What banks, brokers, accountants or other relevant bodies need to do under this law Customers due diligence is an important part of what these financial and transaction agents need to do under the ordinance, according to Kenneth Leung Kai-cheong, a lawmaker for accountancy sector. "When a customer opens a bank account, the bank needs to check his/her background and the sources of funding," he said. "Likewise, when an accountant or a lawyer sets up a trust account, they need to conduct the same check to ensure the funds are not related to any illegal activities." Once the accounts are established, banks, brokers or accountants need to do follow-up checks to ensure that the accounts and their purposes have not changed in nature, as well as to screen for any potential suspicious transactions. What banks or other institutions do when they see suspicious transactions Banks are required to submit a suspicious transaction report to the Joint Financial Intelligence Unit, which is jointly run by the police and the Customs & Excise Department, if they have any reason to suspect money laundering or fraud. "We do not take the decision to close any account lightly," HSBC said in an email reply on December 29. "As an international bank, the decision to close the account is in accordance with global regulatory standards." How do banks conduct due diligence process on customers? HSBC Hong Kong's chief executive Diana Cesar in a media briefing in 2017 explained how the bank conducted the regular due diligence under the anti-money laundering regulation. For the retail customers, the bank conducts regular checks every few years, and requires retail customers to disclose how their accounts are used, she said then. These are in addition to requiring them to furnish their addresses, contact details, employment and income history. Corporate clients must provide information with supporting documents on the nature of their business, ownership data, the jurisdiction of their operations, source of funding and the purpose of the account. What stockbrokers need to do under the Ordinance "Stockbrokers also need to check the background of their customers to make sure their sources of funding do not come from any illegal activities," said Gordon Tsui, chairman of Hong Kong Securities Association. "If we find any suspicious transaction, we need to make a report to the police." All of the city's 600-odd brokerages are also not allowed to accept cash as payment for stock purchases or for investment products, he added. These transactions must be settled via bank transfers or cheques. Can a company account be used to pay for personal insurance policies? "In general, if it is a company bank account, then the account should be used for corporate transactions," said Leung, the lawmaker for the accountancy sector. "The company can buy policies for business use such as credit insurance or property insurance. If anyone uses a corporate account to buy personal insurance products, that would be considered as suspicious and not advisable," he said. HSBC, in an education booklet, also advises small and medium-sized enterprises to not use their corporate accounts for personal transactions. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2020 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2020. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Woman survives suicide attempt by knife to chest PHUKET: A woman known to have long suffered ongoing mental issues and previously known to regularly take drugs is in hospital after attempting suicide by forcing a knife into her chest at her house in Phuket Villa 1 housing estate in Phuket Town late yesterday afternoon (Jan 7). suicidepolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Wednesday 8 January 2020, 12:12PM A medical team from Bangkok Hospital Phuket attend to the woman at the house yesterday as a Phuket City Police officer looks on. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Capt Udom Petcharat of the Phuket City Police confirmed that police were called to the scene at 5:30pm. At the house, police and a medical team from Bangkok Hospital Phuket arrived to find the 33-year-old woman laying on the floor with a knife embedded in her chest. The medical team administered emergency first aid to stabilise her, then rushed her to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town. Already at the house was the woman's brother-in-law, Kritsaran Boonyathanaset. Mr Kritsaran told police that he learned of the womans situation after his son checked security CCTV footage of inside the home on his phone. He saw [the woman] home alone. She was walking around in the house while holding a knife. He thought she may commit suicide, so he informed me. I rushed from my shop in Kathu and my son rushed from Phuket Town, but it was rush hour and when we arrived at the house we were too late she had the knife in her chest and she had difficulty breathing, Mr Kritsaran said. I called the police and Bangkok Hospital Phuket for help, he added. Cpl Thanayuth Plodkham of the Phuket City Police, who arrived at the house, confirmed that he was given a copy of the CCTV footage, which showed the woman attempting to force the knife into her chest by lunging forward onto it while holding the knife on the sofa. Her attempt failed. She succeeded on her second attempt using pillows on the floor. Mr Kritsaran told police that the woman had long suffered mental health issues and had previously taken drugs for a long time, Cpl Thanayuth explained. She had also tried to commit suicide many times, but her attempts were prevented by relatives, Mr Kritsaran said. Cpl Thanayuth said he had yet to confirm whether the woman was still known to be regularly taking any form of drugs. He also confirmed that as of this morning the woman was still alive, in care at Vachira Hospital. She is under close watch by doctors at the hospital, he said, declining to speculate further on her condition. If you know of someone in need of help... There is a "One Stop Crisis Centre" at each government hospital on the island that can help people cope with emotional distress, or Thai speakers can call the 1300 help hotline. Just off Beachwood Canyon Drivethe precipitous L.A. road that aligns with perfect uphill views of the Hollywood signformer science teacher Jennifer Chbeir and artist Aaron Curry reside in an odd historical relic. Up front is a 1909 log cabin, framed by palms and bamboo, while just behind it stands a two-story 1930s Mediterranean-style extension. The couple bought the 10,000-square-foot property in 2010 from the family of Salvatore Cartaino Scarpitta, the Italian sculptor who had moved in and built his own double-height studio there sometime in the early 20th century. (The late American sculptor Salvatore Scarpitta was his son.) For Curry, whose neon-hued painting and sculpture headlined a solo exhibition at Miamis Bass museum last year, Scarpittas former workspace was a real selling point. As a kid I'd daydream about having a studio with a mezzanine looking down, and in my house, Curry says. The rest of the property, however, wasnt living up to anyones fantasy. Early in the previous century, the Scarpittas had tacked on and rented out a series of freestanding apartments that would require some heavy lifting. The apartments were weird, says L.A. architect Jeff Guga, who oversaw the project. They were on the garish siderustic fake woods; a green kitchen, a yellow kitchen, and a red kitchen; and they had not been maintained in a long time. Guga had worked in the homes and studios of a few of the couple's friends, fellow L.A. artists Jonas Wood, Mark Grotjahn, and Thomas Houseago. Chbeir and Curry tasked him with streamlining these dated, disjointed interiors into a contemporary live-work space. The recurring theme had been the spareness and efficiency of Gugas airy California aesthetic, a palette of white walls and blond woods inspired by the rigorous minimalism of Rudolf Schindler and Donald Judd. For Guga, simplicity amounts to a sense of calm. I don't want to weigh people down with too much detail, he says, and besides, generally, the artists I work with prefer a neutral shellthey already have their own visual personality. (In this case, that included the couples various collections of books, artworks, and guitars.) Story continues The work began almost a decade ago, starting with the essentials: the living room, the kitchen, and Currys studio. The multicolored interiors gave way to a cohesive language of white walls, a subtle gray ceiling, and ultrasimple custom plywood furniture that appears throughout the house: the long table and benches of the narrow dining room, the grid of shelves in Currys library, and the rectangular trash bins. Chbeir and Curry kept many of the main cabins original quirks, including its narrowly configured rooms, low ceilings, and pentagon-shaped doors, but had to correct structural remnants from the unregulated days of Old Hollywood: missing subfloors; incorrectly joined beams in the studio ceiling; doors that had been sealed off behind wallsnot to mention, according to Guga, funny smells. As Aarons career grew, we literally went room by room, says Guga, and slowly every surface became brand-new again. They traded the kitchens pale avocado green tiles and white appliances for warm Douglas fir and sleek stainless steel, and brightened the studio by adding skylights and sandblasting the dark-lacquered ceiling beams to a raw, lighter finish. They also installed special fixtures to emulate the light of day for the mornings when Curry gets up to work before the sun comes up. This Historic L.A. Mini Compound Is Truly Inimitable See the video. The last decade of working together has been a slow, laborious process, Guga saysmaybe six years in, there was a bit of client fatigue. The last leg of the renovation finally came to a close last year when he converted the propertys fourth former apartment building into skylit office space for Currys publishing company. But their work together is still ongoing. Guga will occasionally build the framework for Currys exhibitions and book fair stands, and now theyre planning another studio and guesthouse for the front yard. It's like a family thing when you hire an architect, Guga adds. Its one of the few professional relationships that feels like home. Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest GARY Jerome Prince returned Tuesday night to the Common Council as mayor. It is definitely an honor to be here, Prince said, recalling his previous service on the municipal legislative body. Prince, born in Gary and graduated from Gary's Lew Wallace High, first won election to the Gary Common Council in 2000 after a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps. He left the city council in 2008 to become one of Garys representatives on the Lake County Council. Then, in 2014, he successfully ran for county assessor, overseeing the taxation of real estate across the county. He left that office last year to score an upset victory over former Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson in the Democratic primary and win election as Gary mayor last fall. His homecoming began Friday with a call for the demolition of nine vacant Gary schools, which have become symbols of the citys blight. Pennsylvanias two U.S. senators on Wednesday reflected the sentiments of their parties regarding the Trump Administrations brinkmanship policy with Iran. Following a classified briefing with senior Trump Administration officials, U.S. Sens. Bob Casey Jr., a Democrat, and his Republican counterpart, Pat Toomey expressed criticism and support respectively for President Trumps handling of the recent events in the Middle East, which this week led to a dangerous escalation of tension between the U.S. and Iran. Echoing other Democrats, Casey said senior administration officials who led the briefing failed to provide answers to key questions from lawmakers regarding the nature of imminent attacks, which intelligence sources said Iran was poised to carry out against U.S. interests. The Trump Administration used that argument to justify its order to assassinate top Iranian military commander Major General Qassem Soleimani. What I didnt hear in that briefing was an answer to the basic questions that I think not just Senators have and House members and others who study this for a living but that a lot of Americans are asking...What was the imminent threat? What was the nature of it and what considerations were weighed in terms of the upside of the strike that killed Mr. Soleimani? I certainly did not hear nearly enough, Casey said. By contrast, Toomey expressed the overwhelming support engendered among GOP lawmakers for the White Houses handling of this weeks near-standoff. Toomey said he left the briefing convinced that the Iranians had very serious, large scale attacks that were very far along in the planning. Toomey framed his support of the presidents actions within the context of his belief that Iran is a dangerous, radical, pariah state by virtue of its leadership. He said it was hard to overstate the centrality of Soleimanis role in Irans malicious behavior, which, he said, included directing, developing and training Iranian proxies across the Middle East region against U.S. assets and allies. A big purpose for him was to kill Americans, Toomey said. There is no doubt that was a big part of his intent. President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)AP Toomey and Casey laid out their case to a cadre of media outlets from Pennsylvania via phone conferences on Wednesday. They spoke with reporter shortlyafter emerging from the 75-minute congressional briefing with senior Trump Administration officials that included Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper. Earlier in the day, Trump addressed the nation, noting that no Americans had been killed or wounded in ballistic missiles attacks by Iran against two military bases in Iraq early Wednesday. The president also called on world powers to abandon a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, and for tougher economic sanctions. Casey is supporting a proposal among congressional Democrats calling for the enactment of a war powers resolution that would restrain Trumps ability to order U.S. military action against Iran. The Scranton Democrat co-sponsored a War Powers Resolution in the Senate introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. Democrats also favor a proposal that would order the president to withdraw U.S. forces engaged against Iran. Casey said the resolution underscores the idea that Congress has the sole power to declare war, and would require that any military action with Iran must be authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force. Casey argued that for far too many years, Congress has neglected its responsibility to address and debate the issue of war authorization. In the near term among one of the most important things we can do as members of Congress is to act as expeditiously as possible to get this resolution passed and that will give the country a sense that when there is even the consideration of war that it will be done according to the Constitution, Case said. He said a potential conflict with Iran further underscores that necessity. Its clear in this case that the Trump Administration acted without congressionally approved authorization for use of military force, Casey said. Toomey said reports from the intelligence community left him with no doubt that Soleimani was imminently close to launching more attacks on U.S. interests and assets. It would have been irresponsible not to have responded to that very, very grave threat, he said. Toomey said he opposed the War Powers Resolution, particularly the possibility that it could lead to an evacuation of the U.S. military from Iraq. We saw what happened the last time we evacuated Iraq, Toomey said. I dont want to see ISIS reconstituted. Toomey said he had phoned Trump on Wednesday to commend him for his handling of the escalation. I think the presidents message today was constructive, the Republican senator said. We dont want war with Iran but Iran cant kill Americans with impunity. Casey noted the military personnel from Pennsylvania who had been killed or wounded in recent conflicts in the Middle East. Weve paid a substantial price, he said. I want to make sure that if this or any Congress is in any way contemplating war with Iran, that its done pursuant to constitutional directives. Toomey lauded the campaign of inflicting maximum economic pressure on Iran as the right strategy. The crushing weight of sanctions on the worsening Iranian economy and the recent protests in Tehran were signs that economic sanctions were having a real effect on Iran, he said. Casey said Democrats are intent on pressing for more answers to the claims that the U.S. faced imminent threats from Iran, as well as assessing the downside to any potential military action. We live in a country where people were lied to in many instances from Vietnam and Iraq, Casey said. The American people need and deserve answers to basic questions. Theres been lot of lying to people about war. In my view a war with Iran would be of greater consequence and more difficult and more bloody than other recent conflicts." Under an order from Trump, U.S. military forces killed Suleimani last week in a drone attack near Baghdad International Airport. Suleimani led Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the clandestine Quds Force, which the U.S. has designated as a terrorist organization. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Appointment 8 January 2020 A passionate and seasoned spa director, Huntley brings a wealth of knowledge to the Oxford Club team. She is an expert in the creation and implementation of strategic operating procedures, staff recruitment, budgeting and spa menu creation. Huntley most recently served as the Director of Operations at the Five Wellbeing Studio + Spa in Littleton. Other previous spa experience includes leadership positions at The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera in Vail, Marriott Ross Bridge Resort in Alabama and Wintergreen Resort in Virginia. She spent more than six years with the Kohler Company, where she opened the first five-star Kohler Waters Spa Day Spa in Chicago. With a Master's Degree in Recreation Management from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, Huntley is active in the spa industry as a member of the International Spa Association, Live Love Spa, Green Spa Network and the Day Spa Association. YREKA, Calif. Sheriff Jon Lopey spoke at the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday morning, advocating for a renewed declaration of emergency as law enforcement continues to struggle with proliferating illegal marijuana grows. Though the state of California legalized the use, sale, and growth of cannabis, Siskiyou County has maintained local ordinances that make the commercial cultivation of cannabis medical or recreational illegal throughout the county. Residents are allowed to grow indoors only the 6 or 12 plants allotted for individuals for recreational or medical purposes, respectively. Nonetheless, Siskiyou County remains an incredibly popular spot for large marijuana grow sites all of them illegal under the county ordinance, with product inevitably bound for black market sale. "Intelligence is telling us that most of this marijuana is being transported out of state to be sold in other states and other communities. So we're taking it very seriously," Lopey told NewsWatch 12 during a marijuana bust last July. According to Sheriff Lopey, law enforcement seized and destroyed almost 62,000 marijuana plants in 2019 alone more than double the amount seized in 2018 in addition to almost 18,000 pounds of processed marijuana. The value of those plants, based on "East Coast retail" prices, would have been worth hundreds of millions in dollars. These black market grow busts have resulted in more than 70 arrests, citations, or pending cases over the past year. Lopey has long argued that the black market grow sites go hand-in-hand with other dangerous and illegal activities, including use or sale of harder drugs and a harmful level of squalor. READ: Sheriff's Office identifies two women murdered near Siskiyou County town of Dorris "A lot of the sites not only do they have illegal marijuana, but there are a lot of quality of life issues," Lopey told NewsWatch 12 in July. "I haven't seen the illicit drug use and addiction this bad since I first got into law enforcement in the '70s." Siskiyou County has been under a local state of emergency for illegal marijuana every year since 2017, but pleas to have the Governor's Office make a similar declaration have fallen on deaf ears for just as long. With Tuesday's meeting, the County is once again asking Governor Newsom to follow its lead. With an official state of emergency declaration from the Governor, Siskiyou County would become eligible for additional public safety resources and funding helping them recover from what they call an "ongoing disaster." "It's no different than a raging forest fire," Lopey said on Tuesday. "The marijuana is creating overwhelming and catastrophic health-related issues, social issues . . . certainly it's straining the justice system, because crime is associated with it, and it's a big danger to our environment." The Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors, at least, signalled its total agreement with Sheriff Lopey's assessment, extending the local state of emergency through 2020. According to the Sheriff's Office, there are still an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 illegal marijuana cultivation sites operating within the county. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 22:06:25|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of U.S. industry representatives from the wine, apparel and other sectors on Tuesday voiced their concerns over the administration's proposed Section 301 tariffs on French imports in response to France's digital services tax (DST), calling for a multilateral solution. TARIFFS THAT "MAKE LITTLE SENSE" While the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) is "deeply concerned" about France's DST, "we do not believe that this issue is such a long-standing trade irritant to warrant Section 301 tariffs levied on a bilateral basis," AAEI President and CEO Marianne Rowden said in a testimony at a public hearing held at the U.S. International Trade Commission. David Bowler, owner of Bowler Wine, said the proposed tariffs would force the price of these wines so high that they would become "unsellable," which would particularly hit smaller importers and distributors, who are already struggling with the financial impact from the 25-percent tariffs imposed in October due to the Airbus-Boeing subsidy dispute. "I'm extremely concerned that the poison tip of the tariff arrow will overshoot its mark and hit thousands of American small businesses in the heart, killing them," Bowler said in his testimony. Joanna Rosenberg, chief marketing officer of Staub and Zwilling J.A. Henckels, said imposing increased duties by as much as 100 percent on French enameled cast iron cookware "would not be effective" to bring about the elimination of France's DST, but it would "disproportionately harm" American consumers, retailers and restaurants. "The tariff increase will force us to consider lay-offs and reduced compensation for tax-paying U.S. employees," said Rosenberg, who noted that the German-owned cookware producer employs more people in the United States than it does in France. Nate Herman, senior vice president for policy at the American Apparel and Footwear Association, asked "what do handbags and digital services have to do with each other?" He immediately answered the rhetoric question: "Nothing." "This is the second time in just the last few months that I am here testifying on a subject that makes little sense to our members," said Herman, who noted that he also testified when the industry was targeted by the U.S. government with retaliatory tariffs in the Airbus-Boeing dispute with the European Union (EU). "If a punitive tariff is imposed by the U.S. government, our members will be forced to source fewer handbags, which will obviously lead to lower sales, which impacts our workers -- American workers," Herman said, adding that France will likely retaliate. The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), which represents tech giants such as Amazon, Google and Facebook, however, backed the administration's tough stance. The association "welcomes" the U.S. Trade Representative's conclusions in the Section 301 report that the French DST "discriminates against U.S. Internet firms," said CCIA President Matt Schruers. "France's action warrants a substantial, proportionate response from the United States," Schruers said. "We need to make clear that undermining multilateral efforts at global tax reform with unilateral, discriminatory taxes will have consequences." MULTILATERAL SOLUTION THE WAY OUT The one-day public hearing, hosted by the Section 301 committee, came as the administration is considering imposing additional tariffs of up to 100 percent on some 2.4 billion U.S. dollars' worth of French products, including champagne, cheese and handbags. In early December, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said he proposed the additional tariffs on French products after an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 concluded that France's digital services tax discriminated against U.S. companies, such as Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon. Despite U.S. opposition, the French Parliament passed the new law in July 2019 to impose a tax on digital giants. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said the tax is necessary to make big Internet companies pay their fair share of taxes. The French digital services tax imposes a 3-percent tax on annual revenues generated by companies with total annual revenues from covered services of at least 750 million euros (830.36 million U.S. dollars) globally and 25 million euros (27.68 million dollars) in France. Calling France's "unilateral" digital services tax a "troubling" precedent, Sam Rizzo, director of policy at the Washington-based Information Technology Industry Council, said in his testimony that the tech sector's ultimate goal is one in which all parties reach a multilateral solution on appropriate international income tax reforms. Rizzo noted that a number of countries worldwide are advancing similar measures like France, such as Britain, Canada, the Czech Republic, Spain, Poland, and Turkey, while Italy's and Austria's DST went into effect at the beginning of the year. "The simplest way to avoid further escalation would be for France and other countries considering unilateral actions to withdraw individual measures and all parties to continue engaging through the OECD process," Rizzo said, referring to the multilateral negotiation at the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Similarly, Bowler urged the United States and France to negotiate a resolution that removes the digital services tax, while working towards a "timely" multilateral net income tax-based consensus at the OECD. Le Maire, who has recently warned of retaliation, told reporters in Paris on Tuesday that he and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had agreed to double their efforts in the coming days and strive to reach a compromise on digital taxation within the OECD framework. "We are in a critical period at the OECD, and the outcomes of the current negotiations are likely to define key global trading relationships for years to come," Rizzo said. The House is set to vote on legislation this week to constrain President Donald Trumps ability to strike Iran, setting up a largely partisan dispute between Capitol Hill and the White House. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., argued in a letter to the Democratic caucus this week that Trumps assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani in Iraq violated Congress war powers granted to it by the Constitution as lawmakers never authorized a strike against Iran. Meanwhile, the White House maintains that the Soleimani strike was legal under the 2002 military authorization that allowed President George W. Bush to invade Iraq and Trump has threatened to respond to any Iranian retaliation with disproportionate force. Pelosi has designated Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., a former CIA and Defense Department analyst specializing in Shiite militias, to introduce a resolution limiting Trumps ability to strike Iran under the 1973 War Powers Resolution. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., has introduced similar legislation in the Senate. 1973 War Powers Resolution: Congress passed the War Powers Resolution during the end of the Vietnam War in a bid to wrest constitutional war-making authorities back from the White House. The 1973 bill stipulates that the president cannot introduce US forces into hostilities absent a congressional authorization or national emergency created by an attack on the United States or its armed forces. It also lays out expedited procedures that allow any lawmaker to force a vote to remove US forces from any unauthorized hostilities that the president initiates. If Congress has been clear it opposes a military operation, that really hamstrings the presidents ability as a legal matter to move forward with a military operation, said Oona Hathaway, a former legal adviser to the State Department and Pentagon under the Barack Obama administration. It makes his legal position a lot more tenuous. But lawmakers have historically shown little interest in actually using the War Powers Resolution to end myriad unauthorized US military interventions abroad at least not until the Trump administration. Yemen war powers: Presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., made history last year after Congress passed his war powers resolution directing Trump to remove US forces from hostilities against Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Sanders Yemen resolution secured support from six Republicans to pass 54-46 but did not have the votes required to override Trumps veto. Syria war powers: Another presidential hopeful, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, has also introduced multiple resolutions in a bid to force Trump to withdraw US troops from his secure the oil mission in Syria, but she has yet to force a floor vote amid division within the anti-war coalition that supports the war powers legislation on Iran and Yemen. 2002 Iraq war authorization: The anti-war activists are also lobbying Democratic leaders to vote on a repeal of the 2002 Iraq war authorization, which national security adviser Robert OBrien cited as the legal justification for the Soleimani strike last week. The State Department first laid the legal groundwork last year in a letter to Congress that argued the 2002 Iraq authorization could be used to strike Iran in order to defend US or partner forces engaged in counterterrorism operations to establish a stable, democratic Iraq. Subsequently, House Democrats adopted an amendment from Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., to repeal the 2002 Iraq war authorization as part of last years defense authorization bill. However, House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., agreed to drop the provision from the final bill last year during negotiations with the White House and Senate Republicans. 2001 counterterrorism authorization: The State Department legal justification also argued that the 2001 military authorization could be used to justify an attack against Iran as an act of self-defense. Congress overwhelmingly passed the brief authorization in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, and every president since George W. Bush has used it to justify counterterror operations against myriad groups in more than 40 countries across the globe. Lee the only lawmaker to vote against that authorization in 2001 has unsuccessfully sought to repeal that authorization as well. Hathaway told Al-Monitor that if Congress passes its Iran war powers legislation, it would reaffirm that Congress does not view either the 2002 or 2001 authorizations as providing any legal authority for military operations against Iran. And it puts on the table that this would, if the president continues to proceed, be an unconstitutional act. Classified: The Trump administration continues to face questions as to whether Soleimani was planning an imminent attack on US or allied forces and has refused to publicize the evidence, raising questions about the self-defense legal justification. The War Powers Resolution also requires the White House to report to Congress within two days after the president introduces US forces into hostilities, including an assessment of the scope and duration of such hostilities or situation. The White House has submitted the required notification to Congress but classified the entire document. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Foreign Relations Committee top Democrat Bob Menendez, D-N.J., have called on Trump to declassify the notification for the public. (The War Powers Resolution does not specify whether the notification should remain unclassified.) Whats next: Assuming the Iran war powers bill passes the House, it faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where even Republicans who voted for Sanders Yemen resolution as a rebuke of Saudi Arabia have shown little appetite for using the same mechanism to limit Trumps military activity against Iran. And even then, Congress probably would not have the votes to override a likely veto from Trump. Further down the line, anti-war advocates and some legal scholars are already talking about updating the 1973 War Powers Resolution to make it more relevant to 21st century conflict. Youre ultimately talking about legislation written after Vietnam in response to the abuses of that error, said Stephen Miles, the director of Win Without War, the anti-war coalition pushing the Iran war powers bill. Its quite possible that Congress is going to reevaluate going forward whether or not they need to change the law again and address the kind of modern realties and the abuses were seeing by this administration, but also abuses were seeing by the last several administrations as well. Still, thats a tall order for lawmakers who have struggled to update military authorizations that are nearly two decades old. Down the road, there should be comprehensive war powers reform, but this is not the time for that, said Hathaway. Both because this president would never sign anything and because were really in the middle of a crisis. Joe Snell contributed to this report After its fifth major round of funding, ClassPass can finally call itself a unicorn. On Wednesday, the New York City-based fitness subscription startup announced a $285 million Series E investment, at a valuation of more than $1 billion. The company, which previously had raised $225 million, touted both its expansion from four to 28 countries in less than two years and the fact that it employs more than 650 people across five cities. But perhaps ClassPass should be boasting that it has been through as many pricing models as rounds of funding--and after taking risks that alienated swaths of customers at multiple junctures, remarkably, it has survived. Over the past 18 months, in addition to expanding internationally, the company has added non-fitness offerings such as acupuncture, massage, meditation, and cryotherapy. It has also moved into corporate wellness, and now has more than 1,000 employers that offer its subscription to fitness classes and wellness treatments as a benefit, including Facebook, Google, Morgan Stanley, and Southwest Airlines. In each of the past two years, it has doubled its corporate headcount. Launched in 2013, ClassPass made a name for itself by helping boutique fitness studios fill empty slots in classes--and giving exercise buffs affordable opportunities to try new studios. But the company has struggled with loyalty, and with how much to charge members. In 2017, the company ditched an unlimited plan in favor of a tiered membership structure, which essentially doubled the price for the company's most loyal members and caused the company to lose some 5 percent of its membership base. Still, the new model had constraints of its own, founder Payal Kadakia told Inc. in 2019. ClassPass raised a funding round at a lesser valuation than it had had previously--known as a "down round." Since then, it has introduced yet another pricing model: It's still a subscription in tiers, but the company now offers classes on a credit system, allowing pricier studios and classes to take up more of a user's monthly allotment. The company's CEO, Fritz Lanman, calls the two-year-old credit model "elegant," and says it is here to stay. He attributes ClassPass's resilience to a history of tumult that has helped his team anticipate and weather difficult choices and changes to the business. "We had a lot of trials and tribulations early on in the journey," he says. "You have to be someone who can withstand serious pressures--and come out the other side." But would it all have been simpler if Kadakia had simply begun back in 2010 with a tiered subscription model and a two-sided marketplace pairing studios with customers when she had her original idea for helping people find fitness classes and try new ones? "Each business model was derived from insights from the previous business mode," Lanman says. Without that experience, "it's not clear we would have gotten here." Persecution of Hindus in Pakistan. Counting dogs in Coimbatore. Who the hell are you? Through three succinct phrases, Jaggi Vasudev explained why the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) -National Register of Citizens (NRC) controversy which has taken the nation by storm is a non-issue. His remarks were startling in their simplicity, and delivered with the sophistication of an urbane monk. They were also largely devoid of logic and flawed in their reading of the law. Vasudev recounts a recent conversation with a Pakistani Hindu man. The man informed him that his Hindu wife was taken away and forcibly made to marry a man from another religion. This man, according to Vasudev, was persecuted on account of his religion, as Hindu marriages are not recognised by law in Pakistan. It is for such persons that the CAA is a demonstration of compassion allowing them to get citizenship in India, he suggested. Except that the CAA will not give any protection to this unfortunate Pakistani Hindu. Since he met Vasudev recently, at a time when he was still a Pakistani national, he does not satisfy a key precondition to be a beneficiary of the CAA that he should have entered India before December 31, 2014. This cut-off date definitively demonstrates that the CAA is not a legislation that is sincerely aimed at the protection of religiously persecuted minorities. If there were a pogrom against Hindus in Pakistan today, the CAA would do nothing to protect them. It is clear that the Act wants to protect a certain kind of religious minority from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan those who have entered India before December 31, 2014. To understand why this is so, one needs to understand the NRC. Vasudev compared the NRC with the counting of dogs in Coimbatore in the aftermath of feral strays killing children in the city. The analogy, provocations aside, achieves the opposite result from what Vasudev intends. Dogs needed to be counted so that the Coimbatore administration knew how many dogs lived in the city, with a view to prevent future killings. It is immaterial to the exercise whether the dogs were born in Coimbatore or migrated to the city from elsewhere. An exercise of this nature for human beings is the census. The census, which counts the population of every country, is needed for governments to approximately identify the number of persons who reside in the country. This is the only information the government needs in order to go about its task of ensuring law and order and making policies. Citizenship, on the contrary, is an artificial construct. It is neither embedded in ones DNA nor is it a simple consequence of residence. In Vasudevs example, if there were a rule that only a dog which has both its parents born in Coimbatore will be counted as a dog legitimately living in Coimbatore, that would be akin to a citizenship registration exercise. Make an artificial rule, assess who qualifies, discount (cull?) the rest. To this already onerous exercise, imagine a secondary rule that all Labradors, German Shepherds, Mongrels, Pugs, Pomeranians and Cocker Spaniels would still be counted even though both their parents were not born in Coimbatore, if they could demonstrate that they came to Coimbatore escaping persecution in Ooty. That is exactly what the CAA is all dogs are equal, some more equal than others. And if one cant demonstrate, whether with the benefit of CAA or otherwise, that one ought to be counted as a citizen, Vasudev says to such a person: Who the hell are you? In his example, such a person is one who lives in India but cannot produce a birth certificate, school leaving certificate, ration card, Aadhaar, voter ID card and not even three witnesses who can attest to his Indianness. If producing any one of these documents qualifies one to be on the NRC, it is likely that many foreigners who reside in India will easily make the cut. This will make the whole exercise superfluous. On the other hand, if the process is too onerous requiring much more documentation and stricter scrutiny, many Indian citizens, born in India and who have lived their entire lives here, will have their Indianness subject to the scrutiny of government officials. The Assam NRC exercise is demonstrable proof of the massive exclusion of citizens that ensues when this happens. The CAA-NRC will either end up superfluous or exclusionary, no matter how the government chooses to finesse it. There is no third way. Irrespective of how the government tries to work it, at its core, the CAA-NRC is foolishly ambitious, unnecessary, deceptive, unconscionable and a scab on the soul of India. Arghya Sengupta is research director, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy The views expressed are personal What started out as a way to help one visually impaired student turned into two major projects from Dr. Katayoun Mobasher, professor of geology in the Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis (IESA) at the University of North Georgia (UNG). The first idea arose in 2011 when Mobasher realized a visually impaired student enrolled in her geology class could not see the different lines and distinctions on a general 2D map. "Geology is a field-based science and we also look at a great deal of maps," Mobasher said, pointing to different attributes on a map. "With a visually impaired students, you can't teach these concepts in a traditional way." The professor tackled the problem in January 2017 thanks to a Presidential Incentive Award. With the funds, Mobasher invited Efren Chavez and Carol Kraemer as consultants to the project and together, they created a two-layer 3D tactile map. The first layer of the map allowed a visually impaired student to learn the coordinates which were broken down it into boxes or zones. The second layer had Braille and textured lines to indicate different elevations, geographic features, and even small buildings. With the map, a visually impaired student can use his or her fingers to feel the differences on the map. To Mobasher's surprise, it helped others as well. "Some students who are multisensory learners were struggling with understanding the information shown on a map," she said. "So when I pull out a tactile map, since the information on the map breaks into different layers, it makes it easier for students to grasp the concepts. I often hear them say 'Oh! Now, I understand how everything makes sense.'" Mobasher did not stop with the map, though. She recreated fossils as tactile illustrations where visually impaired students could examine them. These models were printed out at UNG's 3D printing lab in Gainesville, under Dr. JB Sharma's supervision. For example, Ammonoid Cephalopod fossils show increase in their structural complexity, the evolutionary trend is shown though suture lines on the surface of fossils," she said. "These lines are very subtle and often difficult to see for students. We recreated the evolutionary pattern of these suture lines by exaggerating the lines, allowing students to feel it." Mobasher completed her map projects in December 2017. In 2018, she presented it at conferences such as Geological Society of America's national meeting and received positive feedback. "No one has created anything similar to this," Mobasher said. "It's very unique." This project is not the only one for which she has received positive feedback. With a 2014 Presidential Award, Mobasher developed an interactive web-based geological field guide and database for the state called "Geology of Georgia." The field guide is an interactive story map designed to teach the geology of the region by taking the reader to locations of rock outcrops and mineral deposits in Georgia. The pages act as a virtual workbook for students and others interested in Georgia's geology. As further reference, page numbers throughout the story map reference the book Roadside Geology of Georgia. Her idea, though, stemmed from a desire to help a student see the geological sites in Georgia without having to leave the classroom. "I added a GoPro camera where students who can't attend because of accessibility could still participate in the activity," she said. Mobasher also designed the interactive database to allow amateur and professional geologists to contribute with their own information. Contributors may download the Collector for ArcGIS app and/or Survey123 to their smartphones or tablets and then go out into the field to collect geological data. Mobasher checks the accuracy of the database. Now many groups from the Atlanta Geological Society and Georgia Geological Society to geologists outside of the United States wish to collaborate with her on the project or want help creating their own. Mobasher attributes this interest to a 2018 article about her work published in ArcNews, which is a free publication printed quarterly that provides news on GIS, geospatial technology and Esri software to the Esri user community as well as others interested in mapping and GIS technology. At least four people were killed, including a senior government official, when a car bomb exploded close to a checkpoint near Somalia's parliament in the capital Mogadishu on Wednesday, police said. A plume of thick black smoke was seen over the city and witnesses said a number of vehicles were on fire. Islamist group Al-Shabaab claimed the attack, after a rise in activity in recent days by the Al-Qaeda linked group which has seen it inflict mass casualties in Somalia and attack a US military base in Kenya. "Explosives were packed in a vehicle which the security forces think was trying to pass through the checkpoint, but because he could not do that, the suicide bomber detonated it," said police officer Adan Abdullahi. "Initial reports we have received indicate four people were killed and more than 10 others were wounded in the blast." Bile Ismail, the manager of finances at the ministry for women and human rights, was among those killed, relatives and colleagues told AFP. "We have indeed lost a brother and good friend in the blast this morning," Abdiqani Omar, the ministry's former director general, told AFP. "He was sitting in the car waiting in line at the checkpoint when the blast occurred and his body (was) badly burned inside the car," he added. - 'There was chaos' - Abdirahman Mohamed, who was at a nearby grocery store when the blast occurred, said he saw several corpses. "I saw the dead bodies of several people, some of them killed by shrapnel inside their vehicles. There was chaos... and ambulances reached the scene soon after the blast," he said. Shamso Ali, another witness, described "smoke and chaos along the road, the blast was very heavy". "Thanks to God I was a distance away but I saw the smoke and several vehicles caught on fire," he said. Mogadishu is regularly hit by attacks by the Shabaab, which has fought for more than a decade to topple the Somali government. The powerful blast comes after the Shabaab claimed a car bombing in Mogadishu on December 28 that killed 81 people. That attack, which hit a busy checkpoint in the southwest of the city, was Somalia's deadliest assault in two years. Scores were wounded. The Shabaab has also managed to expand its network in the region, especially in Kenya which has suffered several devastating attacks in retaliation for sending troops into Somalia in 2011. On Sunday, three US citizens died and several aircraft and military vehicles were destroyed when the Shabaab stormed a military base in Kenya's coastal Lamu region. Also Sunday, just hours after the attack, police arrested three men who tried to force their way into a British military training camp in the central Kenyan town of Nanyuki. The Al-Qaeda-linked group has in the past carried out bloody sieges against civilians in Kenya, such as the upmarket Westgate Mall in 2013 and Garissa University in 2015. The uptick in attacks comes almost a year since the January 15 siege on an upscale Nairobi hotel which left 21 people dead. In recent statements, the Shabaab has referred to an increase in US military air strikes under President Donald Trump, accusing Washington of killing innocent civilians. AFRICOM said in April it had killed more than 800 people in 110 strikes in Somalia since April 2017. Mogadishu is regularly hit by attacks by the Shabaab, which has fought for more than a decade to topple the Somali government Map of Somalia's capital Mogadishu locating the parliament, near where a large explosion occurred Wednesday. Over 10 people were injured in the blast according to police Canada, which had 63 nationals on board, calls for thorough investigation as Ukraine officials prepare to go to Iran. Authorities in Ukraine are not ruling out that one of the countrys planes, which crashed early on Wednesday in Iran killing all 176 passengers and crew, was brought down by a missile or an attack amid a sharp escalation of tension between Tehran and Washington. The Ukrainian International airliner bound for the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, plunged from the sky minutes after takeoff from the Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran. The Boeing 737-800 was last seen on radar at 2,400 metres, according to the FlightRadar 24 monitoring website, hours after Tehran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at US facilities in neighbouring Iraq. We must investigate all possible causes, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Facebook, shortly after Iranian officials said the crash was caused by a fire that struck one of the planes engines, causing the pilots to lose control. Zelenskyy has ordered Ukrainian prosecutors to open an investigation into the crash. Shortly before Zelenskyys announcement, Ukraines embassy in Iran removed a statement that ruled out the attacks from its website, Ukrainian media reported. Relatives, colleagues, and friends pay their respects to the UIA crew who died when their plane crashed shortly after take off from Tehran on its way to Kyiv [Sergey Dolzhenko/EPA] The Ukrainian UNIAN news agency quoted the Jordanian Al Hadath news outlet as claiming that the plane had been shot down by Iranian air force by mistake. Until the official investigation is over, naming any version would be manipulation, Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk told a news conference in response to a question about the possibility of a missile or attack on the plane. Canada offers expertise He said a group of experts were heading to Iran to investigate the crash, collect victims remains and return them to Ukraine. Were getting the group ready for departure, he said. According to international agreements, Ukraine can participate in the investigation as the state of registry and operator. Most of the passengers on board the plane were from Iran, but there were also 63 Canadian nationals, and 138 of those on board had onward connections to Canada. The Tehran-Toronto route via Kyiv route was popular with Canadians of Iranian descent The countrys Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada, which broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in 2012, should play a significant role in any investigation into the crash. Canada is one of a handful of countries with a high degree of expertise when it comes to these sorts of accidents and therefore we have much to contribute, Trudeau said. I am confident that in our engagement both through our allies and directly, we are going to make sure that we are a substantive contributor to this investigation, he told a news conference in Ottawa, adding that the foreign minister of Canada would talk to his Iranian counterpart to underline the need for a thorough investigation. It was dangerous to speculate on the possible causes so early in the investigation, he added. Iranian officials said the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, known as black boxes, which will be crucial to establishing the cause of the crash, had been found. The rumours about the plane are completely false and no military or political expert has confirmed it, General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for the Iranian armed forces, was quoted by the semi-official Fars news agency as saying. He said the speculation was psychological warfare by the governments opponents. Under international rules, responsibility for investigating the crash lies with Iran. Ali Abedzadeh, head of the Iran Civil Aviation Organization, earlier said that Tehran would not hand over to the US or Boeing the recovered black boxes. Ukraine International airline said the three-year-old plane underwent a maintenance check on Monday and no technical problems has been identified. It was one of our best airplanes with a great, reliable crew, the companys CEO Yevhen Dykhne told a news conference in Kyiv through tears. Challenging airport conditions His colleague said that flight conditions at Tehrans airport were complicated. Knowing that the Tehran airport is not an easy one, our flight training for all crews on [Boeing] 737s were held exclusively at the Tehran airport, Ihor Sosnovsky, the airlines vice president, told reporters. Considering that the plane was 2,400 metres above ground before it disappeared off radar, crew error was unlikely, Dykhne said. One of the engines from the crashed plane lies among the wreckage outside Tehran. [Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA] He refused to comment on whether the plane was shot down by a missile. In Washington, a Democrat who attended a classified briefing from Trump administration officials on Capitol Hill including Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and CIA Director Gina Haspel said the briefers had no intelligence indicating the plane was shot down. The lawmaker spoke on condition of anonymity. Five security sources three Americans, one European and one Canadian who asked not to be named, told Reuters the initial assessment of Western intelligence agencies was that the plane had suffered a technical malfunction and had not been brought down by a missile. There was evidence one of the jets engines had overheated, the Canadian source said US aircraft surveillance firm Aireon said it would be sharing position data from the jet with appropriate authorities. The companys satellite-based global tracking system provides more detailed information than is available on commercial websites like FlightRadar24 Chief pilot Volodymir Haponenko had flown more than 10,000 hours during hundreds of flights, UIA said. Aviation was his life, he was a great pilot, his widow Yekaterina Haponenko, a mother of two, said in televised remarks. Eleven Ukrainian nationals, including nine crew, were among the victims, Ukraines Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said. As well as the 82 Iranians and 63 Canadians, there were 10 passengers from Sweden, four from Afghanistan, three Germans and three Britons. Officials in Tehran said 147 of the victims were Iranian, which suggests many had dual citizenship. Boeings 737-800 planes will face renewed international scrutiny after the crash. In December, Boeings CEO Dennis Muilenburg was removed after one of the companys most disastrous years. Two 737 Max planes crashed in 2018, and all Max planes worldwide have been grounded. Mansur Mirovalev contributed to this report from Kyiv Dr Moore-Gilbert (pictured) is in solitary confinement in one of Iran's notorious prisons An Australian academic who has spent 16 months in solitary confinement in Iran accused of being a spy has ended a hunger strike but remains 'at breaking point'. Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert is living in 'her own kind of hell' in Iran's notorious Evin prison after she was arrested at the airport trying to board a flight back to Australia in October 2018. The Islamic studies lecturer from the University of Melbourne was handed a 10-year sentence accused of spying on the nation during her trip, but the Australian government has rejected the charges. 'Australia does not accept the charges upon which Dr Moore-Gilbert was convicted and continues all efforts to have her returned to Australia as soon as possible,' a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman previously said. Despite Australia's best efforts, Dr Moore-Gilbert remains in her three-metre by two metre cell - about to become the longest female prisoner to be kept in solitary confinement. A friend told News Corp 'Kylie is defiant', but that her spirit is breaking. 'It's really been brutal,' the source said. Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert has written to the Prime Minister as her fight for freedom continues On Christmas Eve, Dr Moore-Gilbert and her co-accused, French academic Fariba Adelkhah vowed to go on a hunger strike, protesting their treatment. The French Government have successfully negotiated Ms Adelkhah's reintergration into the prison's general population. Australia's foreign minister has reportedly had repeated meetings with her Iranian counterpart regarding Dr Moore-Gilbert. In December, an official statement from Tehran read it would not give into 'political smear campaigns' involving the Australian professor's case. The university lecturer has been detained in Evin prison (pictured in 2006) since last October Pictured: Inside a corridor of the notorious Evin prison in Tehran as a guard monitors the halls The nation last month denied her appeal of her 10-year sentence. After the failed appeal, she smuggled an impassioned letter out of her cell bound for Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a devout Christian, appealing to his religious beliefs. 'Please I beg of you to do whatever it takes to get me out,' the letter read. 'I know that you're a religious man and I ask that until that much-longed for freedom arrives, you remember me and my family in your prayers.' Dr Moore-Gilbert had been in Iran as a guest speaker at a university conference when she was arrested at the airport after checking in for her flight home to Australia. She was reportedly researching Iran's relationship with the Shia community of Bahrain after a sectarian uprising in 2011. There are now concerns tensions between the US and Iran after America's attack on the nation's top commander, Qassem Soleimani, could have adverse repercussions on foreign prisoners, according to the publication. The accused allegedly would hypnotise the victims and flee with their money. Mumbai: The Andheri police arrested two Iranians for cheating a person worth Rs 10,000 under the pretext of wanting to see how Indian currency looked like. The accused allegedly hypnotised the victim and fled with his money. Police said that the arrested accused, identified as Ejaz Norimal Hamdani (48) and Hamid Simiya (54) have duped several others in Russia, Turkmenistan and Nepal using the similar modus. The duo would strike a chord with the locals and would seek to see the currency citing confusion. As per the statement of the victims, the accused would hypnotise them and hence there seems to be loose ends in the sequence of events. The duo had come to India on a tourist visa, said an officer of Andheri police. The officials said that the accused bumped into the complainant on a busy street and later talked out with him and duped him subsequently. The police scanned the Closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage of the spot and subsequently tracked down the duo and apprehended them. A case has been filed against the duo under sections 420 (cheating) and 34 (Acts of common intention) as per the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and further investigation is underway. A mother-of-two was forced to drive for her life after raging bushfires began to close in on her home. Belinda Attree, a farmer from just outside of Corryong, in Victoria's northeast, has captured the terrifying moment she drove through fire ravaged streets on New Year's Eve - fearing she would never make it through. The blaze tore through most of her paddocks and some of her livestock were killed. While the home Ms Attree shares with her husband, Travis, and two children survived, their shed and a year's worth of hay was lost. 'I was absolutely petrified. There were flames everywhere and I knew the one thing I had to do was not stop,' the mother-of-two told 7 News. Ms Attree said she had no idea how long she would have to drive through the flames before she would make it out alive. Terrifying footage shows the mother driving out of the blaze, breaking down in tears as she watches the fire tear through her town. 'This is the scariest thing I have ever done. Just keep going,' she is heard saying. Ms Attree said her husband is now faced with the devastating task of shooting some of their cattle. Some of the calves on the property had their hooves so badly burned that the farmers were left with no choice but to euthanise them. 'My husband has really struggled, it's so hard to shoot your own cattle,' Ms Attree said. Belinda Attree was forced to drive through fire ravaged streets south of Corryong, Victoria as the blaze started to close in on her home Ms Attree (pictured) said that despite her home surviving, most of her paddocks and livestock had been destroyed On Wednesday there were fears massive bushfires burning along the NSW-Victoria border could merge to form a terrifying 'mega-blaze' this week if weather conditions deteriorate. The Corryong fire was less than 2km away from connecting with a 297,000-hectare blaze in NSW's Snowy Mountains region, officials warned. On Tuesday, crews from the Country Fire Authority carried out controlled burns in Corryong as conditions are expected to worsen on Friday. So far the devastating bushfire season has taken the lives of 26 people and destroyed almost 2,000 homes. The cost of the disaster is still not clear, but the Insurance Council of Australia said claims worth$700m had already been filed and the figure was expected to climb significantly. The government has earmarked an initial $2billion for a national recovery fund to help devastated communities. The farmers lost their shed in the bushfire as well as a year's worth of hay Within hours of the U.S. air strike that killed Qasem Soleimani on January 3, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei announced the appointment of a successor to head the Revolutionary Guards' secretive Quds Force. The speed of the announcement appeared to be aimed at sending a message of continuity. "The force's mission is exactly the same as it was under the command of the martyr Soleimani," Khamenei said. If the Quds Force's mission doesn't change, as the supreme leader suggests, its work will likely be based on the histories and influences that have acted on its commanders -- including its new one, Ismail Qaani. Here is a look at some of those complex influences within the Quds Force. Quds Within Iran's Armed Forces The Quds Force is one of eight branches of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The others are the Ground Resistance Force, commanded by Mohammad Pakpour; the Air Force, commanded by Amir Ali Hajizadeh; the Navy, commanded by Alireza Tangsiri; the volunteer Basij militia, commanded by Gholamreza Soleimani; Intelligence, commanded by Hossein Taeb; Counterintelligence, commanded by Mohammad Kazemi; and Security, commanded by Fathollah Jomeiri. All eight units operate under the leadership of IRGC commander in chief Major General Hossein Salami and his deputy, Ali Fadavi. But the Quds Force's commander effectively operates within a parallel structure and is solely accountable to Iran's supreme leader. Overseas Activities The Quds Force is essentially an offshore unit of the IRGC officially begun in the late 1980s. The existence of such a military unit was never officially acknowledged prior to the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011. But the Quds Force's extensive involvement in the effort to prop up besieged Syrian President Bashar al-Assad brought the name of the force and its commander, Soleimani, out of the shadows. Some of the Quds Force's most notable areas of operation have reportedly been Lebanon, where it supports Hizballah and has reportedly sought greater influence in that country's government and security structures; Syria, where its support has included the formation of pro-government militias; Iraq, including the establishment of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as Hashid Shaabi, which has sought to encourage closer relations with Iran and manage relations with Iraq's Kurdistan region; Yemen, where it has supported the Huthi government in Sanaa against Saudi pressure; Afghanistan, where it has supported political and armed groups close to Iran and sought government influence; and the Gaza Strip, where it has backed Hamas. Many of those groups -- like the IRGC itself since April -- are among U.S.-designated terrorist organizations. Beyond those countries, the Quds Force has reportedly been active throughout the Middle East -- including during the simmering Iran-Bahrain dispute -- and suspected members have been detained in Arab Gulf states. Division Of Labor The activities that fall within the Quds Force's current mission were pursued within the framework of multiple organizations prior to Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that ousted the shah and brought a clerical regime to power. One of the Islamic regime's first moves was to organize many of those activities under the command of revolutionary Mohammad Montazeri, who had led armed groups from exile and had close ties to Palestinian and other militants. After Montazeri's death in 1981, the overseas activities of the IRGC were led by future Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was president at the time. Khamenei was said to have supported allies including Mahmud Hashemi Shahrudi, who would later head the hard-line Judiciary, in nurturing Iraqi opposition groups in Iran. Shahrudi would purportedly help form and become a spokesman for the Supreme Assembly of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SAIRI), which was aimed at providing internal opposition in Iraq during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War. Already during that war, IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaee was disguising official ties to Iranian-backed groups abroad. They were the first serious attempts by the IRGC to consolidate the regime's activities abroad in the face of a potential rival within the system, the newly established Intelligence Ministry. Rezaee also formed what became known as the Badr Brigade in Iraq, comprising opposition to Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and officered by Iranians. From its inception, Razaee reportedly sought to escape oversight of the Badr Brigade by the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) and its leader, Mohammad Baqir al-Hakim. Hakim reportedly complained about this to influential former revolutionary Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and to Khamenei himself. The ranks of the Badr Brigade in those days included Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of the Iranian-backed PMF who was killed along with Soleimani in the January 3 U.S. bombing in Baghdad. Muhandis had fled to Kuwait from Iraq in the early 1980s and went to Iran after allegedly collaborating with Imad Mughniyeh, a founding member of the Lebanese Islamic Jihad Organization and number 2 person within Hizballah, to target U.S. and European targets in Kuwait. Muhandis eventually became commander of the Badr Brigade, which had ties to the IRGC. Another person active in the Badr Brigade at the time was Hadi al-Ameri, the current head of the Badr Organization, one of the most important groups in the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (also known as the PMF and Hashid Shaabi) militia in Iraq. During an operation in Karala, both Abu Mahdi Mohandes and Ameri served under commander Hassan Danaeifar, who became Iran's ambassador to Iraq after the U.S.-led toppling of Saddam Hussein. Another part of the IRGC's offshore activities was carried out within the framework of Operation Ramadan in Iraq. One of the senior commanders of Operation Ramadan and its chief of staff during those years was reportedly Iraj Masjedi, who is now a brigadier general and Iran's ambassador to Iraq. Another commander in Operation Ramadan was Mohammad Reza Naqdi, who later commanded the IRGC's influential Basij militia in Iran. In the 1980s, many of the IRGC's activities were carried out in Lebanon, near the Israeli border, and involved Hussein Dehghan, a future Iranian defense minister. Two of those who were trained under Dehghan to command Lebanese Hizballah during those years were Hassan Nasrallah, who now leads that group, and Hizballah second in command Mughniyeh. Two other Iranians who directed and maintained ties to Hizballah after Dehghan were Ahmad Vahidi, the IRGC's then-commander and the first commander of the Quds Force after its establishment, and Fereydun Verdi Nejad (then known as Mehdi Nejad). Vahidi and Nejad were also reportedly in charge of negotiating with Americans during the events that led to the Iran-Contra affair in the late 1980s. Vahidi later became defense minister and now heads Iran's National Defense University. Nejad subsequently directed the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) and is now a media adviser. After the Iran-Iraq War and the death of Islamic Republic founder Ayatollah Ruollah Khomeini, Ali Khamenei and Hashemi Rafsanjani reportedly tried to create a rivalry between the IRGC and the Intelligence Ministry. Activities against Iran's political opponents abroad, including reported assassinations of their leaders, were essentially entrusted to the Intelligence Ministry. Control and management of non-Iranian allied groups was said to have been handed to the IRGC. All of the various subgroups, including what would become the Nasr Command headed by Reza Seifullah, who was in charge of dealing with Iraqi Kurds and Shi'a, reportedly were merged and the Quds Force was formed, although for years it was not publicly discussed. The Rise Of Soleimani Qasem Soleimani replaced Vahidi atop the Quds Force in 1997. The organization soon began to flourish and extend its influence inside and outside the country. As one of Khamenei's favorite IRGC commanders, Soleimani had established himself as a decisive figure. He divided the Quds Force into separate departments based on the countries where it operated. Each department had a commander accountable only to Soleimani. Soleimani also created five new branches of the Quds Force with distinct commanders, including Intelligence, Finance, Politics, Sabotage, and Special Operations. They interacted with each other under a so-called Council of Commanders with Soleimani at its head. But the Quds Force and its commander mostly avoided the spotlight until civil war broke out in Syria in 2011. Describing Syria as providing Iran with "strategic depth," Soleimani reportedly convinced Khamenei to intervene in favor of President Assad.\ Reports suggested that soon thousands of members of the Quds Force and their trained Iraqi Shi'ite militiamen poured into Syria to fight anti-Assad forces. In the meantime, under Soleimani's direct supervision, Quds Force specialists reportedly began to train minority Shi'a from Afghanistan and Pakistan to fight in Syria, too. Soleimani's Successor Upon the 62-year-old Qaani's promotion to Quds Force commander on January 3, Khamenei praised him as "one of the most distinguished Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps commanders." Born in Iran's second-largest city, Mashhad, the capital of Khorasan Province, he is an Iran-Iraq War veteran who commanded the Nasr-5 and Imam Reza-21 brigades, the latter of which was eventually expanded into a division. Qaani has been a member of the Quds Force since its establishment and, during the past two decades, has served as an intelligence official and deputy chief commander under Soleimani. The U.S. Treasury Department listed Qaani in 2012 as a "specially designated national" for his alleged role in supervising financial disbursements and weapons shipments to the Lebanese Hizballah and Quds Force elements in both the Middle East and Africa, particularly The Gambia. Farmers and small businesses hit by the Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills bushfires will be able to apply for grants of up to $15,000 through an $11 million funding package to help them rebuild. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the assistance was being provided under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 'South Australia, particularly the Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills communities, have faced devastating losses,' Mr Morrison said. Farmers and small businesses hit by the Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills bushfires will be able to apply for grants of up to $15,000 through an $11 million funding package to help them rebuild. Devastation on Kangaroo Island is pictured 'The bushfire threat is not over yet, but we will be there, backing the communities every step of the way as they rebuild and recover. 'This will give businesses and families the immediate assistance they need to begin rebuilding.' Premier Steven Marshall said the state government was committed to rebuilding the communities affected by these devastating bushfires. 'We are acting swiftly, focusing initially on the engine room of these communities, primary production and small business, and this investment will help jump-start the recovery of both Kangaroo Island and Cudlee Creek,' Mr Marshall said. 'We want these communities back on their feet and flourishing as soon as possible.' Both Mr Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese will be in SA on Wednesday in the aftermath of the island blaze, which has claimed two lives, destroyed 56 homes, and burnt more than 160,000 hectares. Premier Steven Marshall said the state government was committed to rebuilding the communities affected by these devastating bushfires. Devastation on Kangaroo Island is pictured The Adelaide Hills fire destroyed more than 80 homes and more than 500 other buildings with significant losses of vineyards and other produce. Small businesses directly affected by fires can seek grants of up to $10,000 to help them recover, while primary producers who suffered in the blaze will get up to $15,000. Meanwhile, deteriorating weather conditions on Kangaroo Island have authorities fearful of further flare-up from the devastating bushfire. Temperatures will increase across the fire ground over the next two days with Thursday a day of particular concern as winds increase ahead of a cool change. As well as the 56 homes the fire has also destroyed 236 'outbuildings' and 257 vehicles while stock losses will run into tens of thousands of animals. 'This is still a large fire, which is not controlled,' chief officer Mark Jones told reporters on Tuesday. 'The fire has caused extensive damage to the Flinders Chase conservation park and devastated a number of small communities and properties.' The CFS has completed an aerial survey of the island to determine which areas are likely to be of most concern as temperatures push into the 30s. New activity is expected on the eastern flank of the fire in areas including Snug Cove, Stokes Bay and in the Andamel, Mt Taylor and Lathami conservation parks. The CFS plans to have more than 130 firefighters on the ground on Wednesday which will be a day of severe fire danger. 'We are also increasing capability on the island, in the event of an outbreak on Thursday, we'll be well prepared and are considering sending extra aerial resources and extra firefighting resources in anticipation,' Mr Jones said. The 56th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) kicks off this week and Longford is very well represented, with a number of projects ready to knock the socks of the judges and anyone else who attends the renowned educational event. There are six worthy Longford projects from four of the countys nine secondary schools featuring in this years exhibition, proving that young people in the midlands are as bright and innovative as ever. Three groups from Ballymahon will showcase their hard work at this years exhibition with one group in Mercy Secondary School looking at ways to Improve Accident and Emergency Experience for Patients and Hospital Staff with a simple Queuing system, while a second group asks the pertinent question: What factors influence the educational aspirations of girls from the Midlands? Meanwhile, in Ballymahon Vocational School, a third group is carrying out A Statistical Analysis of the Transition Year Programme on Student Academic Attainment in Ballymahon VS. Students in Lanesboro Community College have submitted both a group project - Shape Language and Character Design - and an individual project - Still Driven By Gender? A statistical analysis of the impact TY has on students subject choice for Senior Cycle and beyond. The sixth Longford project is a very fascinating investigation entitled Does technology affect learning and research? and carried out by the students of Ardscoil Phadraig Granard. All six Longford projects fall under the Social and Behavioural Sciences category and all are guaranteed to be of interest to the judges when they showcase at the exhibition in January. The 56th annual BTYSTE kicks off BT Arena, RDS, Main Hall, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 from January 8 to 11. An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will be on hand to officially open the event at an opening ceremony today (Wednesday) at 2pm. A business leaders symposium hosted by Liz Bonnin will also be taking place at the event today, featuring a fantastic line up of speakers including Professor Brian Cox, who will be sharing their inspiring stories and insights into the challenges and opportunities that technology innovation offers, with a specific lens on sustainability and Irelands 2050 carbon neutral objective. Tickets for the 2020 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition are now available for purchase. For more information on this fantastic family event, visit btyoungscientist.com, or follow @BTYSTE on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube or Snapchat (username: BTYSTE). Read also: Six Longford projects in finals of BTYSE Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez celebrates the successful investiture bid on Tuesday in Congress. ULY MARTIN Spains first coalition government since the democratic transition of the late 1970s is already a reality. On Tuesday, Pedro Sanchez of the Socialist Party (PSOE) was confirmed as the prime minister after a slim majority of lawmakers endorsed the winner of the November 10 election. Unidas Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias With a lead of just two votes (167 to 165), it was the tightest investiture victory in four decades, reflecting the new political fragmentation in a country once dominated by the PSOE and the conservative Popular Party (PP). The aggressive rhetoric heard in Congress during the three-day debate suggests that the new government, which only holds 155 seats in the 350-strong house, will face an uphill battle to implement its planned reforms. Pedro Sanchez (l) and Pablo Iglesias will lead a coalition government after securing parliamentary endorsement on Tuesday. Juan Carlos Hidalgo (EFE) Sanchezs confirmation in office ends eight months of a caretaker administration marked by two general elections. He is scheduled to be sworn in on Wednesday, when he will pledge allegiance to the Spanish Constitution in front of King Felipe VI. The PSOE leader has given himself a week to announce the makeup of his new Cabinet, which will include members of the leftist alliance Unidas Podemos. This latter group has already revealed that its leader, Pablo Iglesias, will be one of three deputy prime ministers, and in charge of two main departments: social affairs and implementing the UNs 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, which includes poverty and climate issues. Congressman under police protection Sin titulo E. G. de B., J. J. G. A lawmaker from a small regional party who voted in favor of Pedro Sanchezs investiture bid on Tuesday has been placed under police protection after receiving numerous threats from detractors of a Socialist Party-led coalition government. Tomas Guitarte is the sole representative of Teruel Existe, a grassroots group aiming to focus attention on the problems faced by rural, depopulated parts of Spain such as the province of Teruel, in the region of Aragon. After Guitarte announced that he would support Sanchezs bid, he began receiving thousands of messages through email and Facebook, some of which included menacing content. Just like with other lawmakers, there has been an evaluation of the threats and the risk level, and measures have been adopted to guarantee his safety, said sources at the Interior Ministry. Guitarte has already filed a formal complaint over graffiti in his home province calling him a traitor. Speaking in Congress on Tuesday, Iglesias promised improved conditions for women and workers, and suggested that he expects to face fierce opposition from right-wing political groups. Pedro, they are not going to attack us for what we do, but for what we are, he told the prime minister. The new coalition government, which lacks the majority to push legislation through parliament and will require case-by-case support from other groups, is facing a particularly difficult term on several fronts. Chief among the upcoming challenges is the situation in Catalonia. Sanchezs victory was made possible in part through an abstention by the Catalan Republican Left (ERC), a separatist party that has negotiated the opening of talks between the central and Catalan governments over the political conflict. Without talks, there will be no political term, warned ERC congressional spokesman Gabriel Rufian during the investiture debate. Territorial coordination will be under the purview of Carmen Calvo, who is expected to return to her deputy PM position. A second deputy PM, Nadia Calvino, will be in charge of economic policy, while Pablo Iglesias is to be Sanchezs third deputy PM. Other returning ministers include Jose Luis Abalos, who will helm Public Works, Fernando Grande-Marlaska at the Interior Ministry, and Teresa Ribera in charge of Ecological Transition. As for the remaining members of the Cabinet, PSOE sources have admitted that some decisions still need to be made. Officials are poring over candidate resumes and backgrounds, in a bid to avoid situations such as those that led to the early resignation of two newly appointed ministers in 2018, one over tax fraud and the other over university degree irregularities. Row over ETA Entrevista a Pablo Casado en la Cope N. J. The tensest moments inside Congress during the three-day investiture debate took place when two lawmakers for EH Bildu, a Basque party with roots in groups that supported the now-defunct terrorist organization ETA, said that they wanted truth, justice and reparation for all victims: those of ETA, those of GAL [1980s anti-ETA death squads], those of the Basque Spanish Battalion [late 1970s neofascist paramilitary group], those of the parapolice violence and the thousands who lie buried in mass graves. Popular Party (PP) president Pablo Casado said on Tuesday that ETAs more than 800 victims had been deeply offended by the radical leftist lawmakers remarks. I feel infinite nausea hearing ETAs administrators speak about authoritarianism inside a chamber where there is only room for half as many people as they murdered, he said. The multiple references to ETA during the debate triggered different reactions among victims of the groups six-decade campaign of terror. Jose Maria Mugica, the son of a murdered Socialist politician, sent Sanchez a letter expressing contempt for the latters decision to accept an EH Bildu abstention to further his investiture bid. But Consuelo Ordonez, sister of a PP councilor killed in 1995, asked Pablo Casado to stop using the victims of terrorism and presuming to represent them. With reporting by Anabel Diez, Jose Marcos, Ines Santaeulalia and Lucia Abellan. English version by Susana Urra. China on Wednesday urged both the United States and Iran to exercise restraint and resolve their dispute through dialogue hours after Tehran launched missile strikes against US-led forces in Iran in retaliation against a US drone attack that killed a top Iranian commander last week. The worsening of the situation in the Middle East region is not in any sides interests, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said during the daily ministerial briefing on Wednesday, reiterating a call for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Earlier in the day, news agencies quoted the Iranian state television as saying that Tehran had fired a barrage of missiles at US targets in Iraq, a hard response to Fridays killing of Qassem Soleimani. ALSO WATCH | Iran fires ballistic missiles on Iraqi air bases hosting US military forces Washington said at least two Iraqi facilities hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel were targeted. Geng said China was in close contact with relevant parties in the UN Security Council when asked at the briefing what Beijing was doing to resolve the conflict that threatens to escalate. Earlier in the week, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had said that the US should stop abusing the power of force, adding that Washingtons risky behaviour violated the basic norms of international relations. Speaking to his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif over the phone, Wang had said Beijing will continue to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and security in the Middle East. Chinese state media, meanwhile, said on Wednesday that the Beijing-based Iranian embassys updates about the latest developments in the region were trending across Chinas social media. The Iranian embassy in China has become an online celebrity, reported the nationalistic tabloid Global Times. Irans embassy in China has won overwhelming attention from Chinese netizens, for its posts on the countrys retaliatory attacks on US military bases in Iraq, making it an online celebrity on social media, the tabloid reported. End of malign US presence in West Asia has begun, said the Iranian embassy on Chinas Twitter-like platform Sina Weibo on Wednesday, which had been liked, commented on and forwarded by netizens more than 412,694 times until Wednesday afternoon. The topics US airbases in Iraq have been attacked and, Iran says the attack was to revenge for Soleimani were the first, second and third most trending topics on Weibo and have been viewed nearly 630 million times, the report said. The US Embassy in China also posted on Weibo the remarks by the US President Donald Trump on the killing of Soleimani but those posts received far fewer likes and comments, many of which mocked the US president, it said. Social media in China is closely monitored by authorities and opinions against the Communist Party of Chinas (CPC) narrative are heavily censored. Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe How should we judge whether a public school is succeeding or struggling academically? We could look at its standardized test results -- but those scores arguably track poverty levels in a school just as well as they reflect the amount of learning happening. But the Los Angeles Unified School District just unveiled a new metric that claims to offer a new perspective on school performance with the effects of poverty and other societal stressors filtered out. It's called an "Academic Growth" score. Advocates hope LAUSD's new growth scores will challenge our assumptions about school performance. Maybe they'll reveal unexpected bright spots: schools with low test scores that are actually helping students make huge strides. Maybe they'll show schools with dynamic reputations are actually stagnant. Then again, the growth measures may not tell us much at all. Critics say it's not clear LAUSD's model -- identical to the formula behind recently released scores for Fresno, Long Beach and Oakland schools -- is capable of truly measuring what they claim to measure. So what do these new "Academic Growth" scores mean? And how should we interpret the results? This video and our explainer below break it down. FIRST, A BASIC DEFINITION: WHAT IS A GROWTH SCORE? A growth score aims to show two important things simultaneously: A growth score is a measure of a school's impact on its students, showing how well a school does at helping its students improve their standardized test scores from one year to the next. A growth score is also a comparison, showing how one school's level of impact ranks against other schools serving kids with 'similar past scores and... demographics.' (For example, poverty levels.) Growth scores range from 0-100 and are expressed as percentiles. That means: A school with a growth score of 50 does an average job of helping students improve their test scores, when compared to other schools working with kids from similar backgrounds and circumstances. does an average job of helping students improve their test scores, when compared to other schools working with kids from similar backgrounds and circumstances. A score of 70 or better represents "above-average growth," according to a breakdown of the scores on the results website. represents "above-average growth," according to a breakdown of the scores on the results website. A score of 30 or lower represents "below-average growth." These growth scores are calculated for both reading and math. The model also calculates growth scores for different racial groups and other demographic groups -- like "economically advantaged" kids, within a school. WHAT GROWTH SCORE DID MY SCHOOL GET? You can look up the results for L.A. Unified School District campuses by clicking here. Independent charter schools aren't included in the analysis; only "affiliated" charter schools have growth scores. (Similar growth measures for other districts, including Long Beach Unified and Oakland Unified, have also been published.) WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT THESE SCORES? Right now, when Californians talk about "test scores," they're mostly discussing the rates at which students are "meeting or exceeding" state standards -- and that's an important bottom-line metric about how our students and our taxpayer-funded schools are doing. But there's another bottom-line question that test scores can't answer: over the course of a school year, are schools helping students make an appropriate amount of progress? For example, students with really low test scores last year can make really big strides, but still fall short of the state standards on this year's test. Conversely, high-scoring students who meet standards easily might make very little progress over the course of the year. "The growth measure is about saying, 'Knowing everything we know, which schools are moving students further, fastest?'" said Noah Bookman, executive director of the CORE Data Collaborative, which created the growth model and calculated the scores on LAUSD's behalf. (CORE is a non-profit organization created by eight California urban school systems, including LAUSD, that wanted to find ways to work together.) HOW ARE THESE SCORES CALCULATED? Here, read this 21-page technical report! Or you could just read this summary: Find a student's test scores from last year. Compare that student to others who got similar test scores last year. The model uses test score data from a pool of around 2 million students across California to make these comparisons. Create a "customized prediction" for how much that student's score should improve. Using last year's scores as a baseline, the model draws on the statewide data to come up with a realistic target. (High schoolers only take the benchmark standardized tests once, so the model uses their eighth grade results as a baseline.) Adjust this prediction based on a student's demographic characteristics. The model adjusts the prediction for each student depending on whether they're "economically disadvantaged," an English learner, a foster child, homeless or whether they have a disability. Each prediction is also adjusted to consider the student's learning environment, factoring in the school-wide test scores and other demographic measures. The idea behind these adjustments? A students' growth will only be measured against that of other students who share similar characteristics and are learning in similar circumstances. Compare the student's predicted improvement with their actual improvement on this year's standardized test. The difference between the two is supposed to reflect the difference a school made on the student's learning -- a difference that (theoretically) can't be attributed to their test results last year or their poverty level. Repeat this prediction process for almost every student in a school -- "almost every" student because some kids who switched schools or who didn't take the test the year before are excluded. Within the school, find the average difference between students' actual versus predicted growth. Some students will have exceeded their predicted growth. Some students won't hit their predicted growth target. The average of those differences is supposed to reflect the school's overall impact on all of its students' learning. Rank this school's average impact against other schools' results. Stacked into percentiles, this is where a school's growth score comes from. Clear as mud? We illustrate the process in the video at the top of this story. It's worth a watch. ARE THESE MEASURES ACCURATE? At bare minimum, we know that growth measures don't have the same main problem that test scores do: growth scores do not closely track poverty among students. In fact, there appears to be almost no correlation between growth scores and poverty levels. Sharing FWIW Chart 1: every #LAUSD school's test score (in English) vs. low-income enrollment Chart 2: every LAUSD school's new Academic Growth score vs. low-income enrollment pic.twitter.com/Zv9xYQhbSr Kyle Stokes (@kystokes) December 12, 2019 For what it's worth, dozens of states use growth models to measure school performance. In particular, 23 states use a "student growth percentile" model that's highly similar to this new measure LAUSD and the CORE districts are using. But even though their use is widespread, UC Berkeley economics professor Jesse Rothstein isn't convinced growth models are able to filter out all of the factors that affect student's test scores. The model may know a student's socioeconomic or disability status, but the model doesn't know whether the student was sick or hungry on test day, hampering their score. The model doesn't know whether a student has involved caretakers -- like a parent who reads to the child often -- or access to after-school tutoring. Without knowing these things, Rothstein wonders how the model can isolate the impact the school is having on its students' growth. This can lead to confusing results, Rothstein said. He believes different schools could get different growth scores "even if their actual effectiveness is the same." "The more you do to separate out the piece that's plausibly due to the school rather than due to [the student] ... the less stable the measure is," Rothstein expounded in a follow-up interview. "So you can have a very stable measure that's capturing socioeconomic status, or you can have a measure that's freer of that, but that's less stable. There's not really a way to square that." But the CORE Data Collaborative says that the results aren't random; most schools' growth scores are consistent year-to-year. About half of the schools ranking as either "below average," "average," or "above average" in 2016 received the same ranking in the next year's results. Roughly 40 percent shifted one category lower or higher. The remaining 10 percent went from "below-" to "above-average," or vice-versa. LET'S SAY MY SCHOOL GOT A LOW GROWTH SCORE. HOW CAN THE SCHOOL IMPROVE IT? LAUSD officials say they are still figuring out how to advise schools who got below-average growth scores how they might improve. Rothstein worries the answer may be too easy: double-down on test preparation, crowd out non-tested subjects like social studies, art and music. But CORE's Noah Bookman says growth scores are actually a clearer diagnostic tool for schools trying to improve. "Simpler is always better unless it's wrong," said Bookman. "If somebody is looking at year-over-year change -- which is an easy thing to explain -- [you might say] 'Last year, 50 percent of your kids were on grade level, this year 60 percent are on grade level, wasn't that a good result?' Well, it could be. It could also just be that the kids changed. "If you were to misinterpret that as the impact the school is having," Bookman added, "you might come to the wrong conclusion." IS THIS A 'VALUE-ADDED MODEL'? Yes and no. Technically, LAUSD's system is called a "student growth percentile" model. Bookman said the model could also rightfully be called a "value-added model." Rothstein said these are two names for effectively the same thing. While all of this is just jargon to most of us, the term "value-added model" or its acronym "VAM" evokes a bitter debate in education. Some advocates have pushed to include "value-added" measures in teachers' job performance evaluations. Like the growth model attempts to isolate a school's impact, VAM measures in teacher evaluations attempt to isolate an individual educator's effects on his classroom's learning. In L.A., distrust of these scores runs especially high. In 2010, the L.A. Times calculated VAM scores for more than 11,000 LAUSD teachers and published the full database, prompting backlash. For this reason, the term "value-added" remains loaded. A teacher at an LAUSD elementary school takes notes as he observes his colleague's lesson on Dec. 6, 2017. (Photo by Kyle Stokes/KPCC) WHEN MY CHILD GETS HIS 'CUSTOMIZED PREDICTION,' DOES THE GROWTH MODEL KNOW HOW RICH OR HOW POOR MY CHILD IS? OR WHAT KIND OF DISABILITY HE HAS? The growth model only knows whether your child is labeled "economically disadvantaged" -- which usually means that a child is receiving either free or reduced-price school meals. Though there are different qualifying thresholds for receiving either free meals and reduced-price meals, the growth model doesn't get more specific than this binary. Same for homelessness or foster youth status -- a child either has the label or he does not. But on other demographic markers, the growth model does consider a little more detail. For students in special education, the model differentiates between kids with "mild-to-moderate" and "moderate-to-severe" disabilities. For English learners, the model adjusts differently for students based on how they scored on the state's language proficiency assessment, the "ELPAC." IF EVERY KID GETS A 'CUSTOMIZED PREDICTION' BASED, IN PART, ON THEIR PEERS... IS IT POSSIBLE THAT DISADVANTAGED KIDS MIGHT HAVE AN EASIER TIME SHOWING HIGH GROWTH? If the growth model didn't account for peer effects on a student's test score, schools that are higher income will have slightly higher growth scores, Bookman said in an interview. But Bookman said that isn't the same as saying the growth model is "advantaging" lower-income schools or "penalizing" higher-income schools. Both higher-income and lower-income schools have equal chances of being high or low growth. Video produced by Chava Sanchez Fundsmith founder Terry Smith. Photo: Fundsmith A star money manager once dubbed the British Warren Buffett pocketed 16.1m ($21.16m) last year, as his flagship fund enjoyed its second best year ever. Terry Smith, the founder and majority owner of Fundsmith, was handed 16.1m in the 12 months to 31 March 2019, according to accounts filed this week. The payout compared with 12m in the prior year. Turnover at Fundsmith rose 35% to 165m in year to March 2019 and profit rose 25% to 26.3m. All the profit was handed to Fundsmiths eight partners, with Smith taking the largest share. The distributions came early on in what turned out to be a bumper year for Fundsmiths flagship Equity Fund. The Fundsmith Equity Fund returned 25.6% to investors across 2019, the second best annual performance since the fund was set up in 2010. The Fundsmith Equity Fund is the largest fund in the UK, with 18.8bn of investor money under management. Fundsmith declined to comment. Fundsmith was set up in 2010 by 66-year-old Smith to challenge what he called the fat and complacent fund management industry. Smith doesnt charge performance fees and takes a buy and hold approach to equity investment, eschewing short term trading strategies. Smith invests in high quality businesses that can sustain a high return on operating capital employed and are resilient to change, particularly technological innovation, according to the companys website. Current major holdings include Microsoft (MSFT), Facebook (FB), tobacco giant Philip Morris (PM), and Danish drugs company Novo Nordisk (NVO). Smiths slow-and-steady approach to investment has won him a legion of fans and led some to compare him to famed US investor Warren Buffett. Investors who backed his fund from day one would have seen their money balloon by over 360% to date. Accounts for Fundsmiths UK partnership, which paid Smith 16.1m, give only a partial picture of the overall investment businesss profitability. Fundsmith paid 115.8m to Fundsmith Investment Services Limited (FISL) during the accounting period. Mauritius-based FISL is a group company that provides services such as fund administration, stock selection, investment research, and trading for the Fundsmith Equity Fund. The FISL accounts are not available. Fundsmith set up an office in Mauritius in 2014 and Smith, the son of an east London bus driver, officially changed his residency to the island in the Indian Ocean at the start of 2017. Mauritius charges corporation tax of 15% but certain companies can qualify for exemptions to bring this rate down. The Island nation does not charge capital gains tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax. Burma Myanmar Freedom of Expression Advocates Call on Military to Stop Suing Critics Portraits of those who were sued for criticizing the military in 2019. YANGON Over almost four years, the military has sued 96 critics, according to Athan, a group advocating freedom of expression. Since the National League for Democracy (NLD) government took office in April 2016, the military has opened 47 lawsuits against 96 people, including 51 activists, 19 individual citizens, 14 journalists, five religious representatives, four artists and three members of political parties. The military used the Telecommunications Law, penal code, laws protecting privacy and security and the Unlawful Association Act. Of the 47 lawsuits, 18 cases had received rulings by the courts and 13 lawsuits were ongoing. The military dismissed seven lawsuits and three cases were thrown out by the courts. Six lawsuits were stuck at various legal stages, said Athan. Ko Ye Wai Phyo Aung of the group told The Irrawaddy that most military lawsuits were in response to criticism about human rights violations by the armed forces and demands for amendments to the military-drafted 2008 Constitution. By mid-2019, the military opened eight lawsuits using the notorious Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Laws and the penal code against Thangyat troupe leaders and members from the Daungdohmyoset (Peacock Generation) Thangyat for criticizing the military through satirical performances. The military sued lawyer U Kyee Myint, poet U Saw Wai and former military captain Nay Myo Zin for calling for constitutional amendments under Article 505 of the penal code. In April 2019, the military sued The Irrawaddy under Article 66(d) for its coverage of clashes with the Arakan Army in the historic town of Mrauk-U in Rakhine State. The military also sued an Irrawaddy reporter and two Democratic Voice of Burma employees under Article 17 of the Unlawful Association Act while they were reporting in northern Shan State. We urge the military to drop all charges and release all detainees concerning criticism cases, said Ko Ye Wai Phyo Aung. The group said the military should reduce its political involvement and respect freedom of expression and allow the media to report on news stories. The NLD has also sued 37 civilians for criticizing parliamentarians. The militarys True News service was unavailable for comment. The nation-wide 24-hour shutdown by the trade unions crippled normal life in Kerala on Wednesday as shops and business establishment were shut and several private vehicles kept off the roads. Nobel laureate and renowned biophysicist Michael Levitt and his wife were also stranded in a houseboat in Alappuzha when protestors prevented their boat from leaving for more than three hours. It was allowed to go after the boat operator called the police for help. Levitt, who won the Nobel in 2013 in chemistry, was on a three-day visit to the state. His boat, anchored near Alappuzha after a trip to Kumarakom, was not allowed to leave by jetty protestors, who threatened the crew. It was allowed to leave around three hours later after the boat operators alerted officials. Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) leader P P Chitaranjan said the tourism sector was exempted from the strike and Levitts boat shouldnt have been stopped. He added the union will look into the incident. Similarly, many tourists complained that their vehicles were blocked by those enforcing the strike. The shutdown was forced in some places, shop owners said. Many trade bodies had earlier said they will open for business but later they succumbed to the pressure of the strikers. Pilgrims visiting Ayyappas shrine in Sabarimala were exempted from the strike in the peak season but were still seen stranded at several places due to the absence of transport. Similarly, tourism was hit despite being exempted from the bandh. The Joint Action Committee of Trade Unions had also exempted other essential services like hospital, milk and newspaper distribution from the shutdown. Rail and air traffic functioned as usual. Three major IT parks of the state also functioned without any hitch. No violent incident was reported from the state. The Bharat Bandh was called by all 10 Central trade unions apart from the RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) against the Centres alleged anti-labour policies. The agitating unions have a 12-point charter of demand. Fugitive auto tycoon vowed Wednesday to clear his name as he made his first public appearance at a conference in Beirut since skipping bail in Japan. The former Renault- boss addressed a large crowd of journalists on his reasons for dodging trial in Japan. Ghosn, who denies any wrongdoing, fled charges of financial misconduct including allegedly under-reporting his compensation to the tune of $85 million. Ghosn said he was "presumed guilty" and had "no choice" but to jump bail. He said he had been "ripped" from friends and family when arrested. The 65-year-old businessman, once a giant of the car industry, arrived in his native Lebanon almost two weeks ago, in the latest shock twist to a gripping saga. Ghosn's bail jump has prompted outrage from the Japanese government, which has called his escape "unjustifiable", as well as from Japanese automaker which labelled the getaway "extremely regrettable". Many were hoping Ghosn would disclose details of his audacious flight from Japan to Beirut via Istanbul -- a dramatic twist in a story worthy of a Hollywood plot. But Ghosn told reporters he was "not here to talk" about how he fled Japan. According to Japanese media, Ghosn slipped out of his house in Tokyo, boarded a bullet train to Osaka and then a private jet to Istanbul, evading customs by hiding in a box, before reaching Beirut on December 30. Ghosn says the charges against him stem from a "coup" inside by disgruntled executives and Japanese officials who feared his plans to more closely integrate the car giant with its alliance partner, French firm Renault. Nissan has continued to insist it has "incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn". But his legal team in France hit back at those remarks just hours before Ghosn was due to speak. The carmaker's claims that it has conducted a thorough investigation into its former boss is a "gross perversion of the truth", they said in a statement. The probe was "initiated for the specific, pre-determined purpose of taking down Carlos Ghosn," said the lawyers. Earlier Wednesday, private security personnel guarded the pink coloured villa in central Beirut where Ghosn is believed to be residing, an AFP photographer said, as reporters camped outside. Journalists, including several from Japan, watched with bated breath as vehicles -- some with tinted windows -- came and went from the premises. Ghosn's high-profile arrest and his long detention - 130 days in total - under severe conditions were widely considered draconian compared with the West. He twice won bail by persuading the court he was not a flight risk -- decisions seen as controversial at the time. His latest release came with conditions that included a ban on overseas travel and limited contact with his wife, Carole, who insisted this week she had no advance knowledge of the escape plan. Japanese prosecutors are also seeking to arrest her, alleging she "made false statements" during April testimony to the Tokyo district court. As Japan grapples with the fallout from the embarrassing security lapse, prosecutors on Wednesday attempted to raid the offices of one of his lawyers, Junichiro Hironaka, to seize computers. However, the lawyers refused them access, citing "attorney-client confidentiality". Ghosn himself has said he left Japan because he was no longer willing to be "held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system". "I have not fled justice -- I have escaped injustice and political persecution," Ghosn said in a statement on December 31. Lebanon, which has no extradition agreement with Japan, has said Ghosn entered the country legally in possession of a French passport and a Lebanese identification card. The tycoon holds Brazilian, French and Lebanese nationalities. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 00:45:45|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ISTANBUL, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said tensions between the United States and Iran reached a point that Turkey never desired. "No one has the right to throw the region into fire," Erdogan said at the inauguration ceremony of the TurkStream natural gas pipeline project in Istanbul. The Turkish leader also said Turkey would do its best not to allow the region "to be drowned in blood and tears." The tensions between the United States and Iran have deteriorated after Iran fired missiles targeting U.S. military bases in Iraq on early Wednesday morning. "Our neighbor Iraq is also in danger of losing its already troubled stability," Erdogan warned. Last week, a U.S. airstrike killed Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, near Baghdad airport in Iraq, further straining the already tense relations between the two countries. Earlier in the day, Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had a meeting over the latest developments in the region. KYODO NEWS - Jan 8, 2020 - 15:12 | Japan, All Tokyo prosecutors' attempts to seize a computer used by former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn at his lawyer's Tokyo office, apparently in connection with his escape from Japan, were blocked Wednesday, Ghosn's defense team said. Investigators of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office visited the office of Junichiro Hironaka, a member of Ghosn's defense team, following his refusal to voluntarily submit the personal computer that Ghosn used there. But the lawyer did not allow them to enter the office. "In terms of lawyers' confidentiality, we used the right to refuse seizure based on criminal procedure law, and asked (the investigators) to leave," the defense team said in a statement. (Ghosn, left, and his lawyer Hironaka in Tokyo in May) Meanwhile, sources familiar with the matter said public prosecutors had asked the Tokyo District Court to require Ghosn to post bail of at least several billion yen given his vast financial resources, a figure substantially higher than the amount eventually set by the court in March last year. Prosecutors had demanded the hefty bail based on a calculation that Ghosn's assets exceeded 10 billion yen ($92 million). But the former tycoon's defense team disputed that calculation, and the Tokyo court decided to set Ghosn's bail at 1 billion yen, the sources said. After his release on March 6 last year, Ghosn was returned to detention on April 4 over a fresh charge before being released again on April 25 after paying a further 500 million yen in bail. Since Ghosn's escape to Lebanon in late December required various maneuvers to evade security and the use of a private jet to leave Japan, prosecutors and police are investigating how he secured the funds to successfully carry out the operation, the sources added. According to the sources, prosecutors, whose tally of Ghosn's assets included cash, stock holdings and other financial products, argued that Ghosn's escape could not be prevented unless bail were set at several billion yen or more. But the defense side countered with a lower estimate of Ghosn's total assets, saying they should be valued at several hundred million yen. Eventually, the Tokyo court set the initial bail at a much lower figure than that sought by prosecutors. After Ghosn violated the terms of his release, the court forfeited his 1.5 billion yen in bail. Ghosn, who was initially arrested on Nov. 19, 2018 for alleged financial misconduct, fled Japan, criticizing what he called the "rigged Japanese judicial system." Related coverage: Ghosn's defense team criticizes Nissan's probe as "flawed, biased" Tokyo prosecutors obtain arrest warrant for Ghosn's wife Japan moves to close loopholes after Carlos Ghosn jumps bail Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Wednesday that Tuesday's missile attacks on American targets in Iraq were the opening stage of a campaign to drive the U.S. from the region. "For the time being, the Americans have been given a slap," but "military moves like this are not enough," Khameini said in an address in Tehran on Wednesday morning, according to official Iranian media accounts. "The Americans' corruption-stirring presence should come to an end" in Iraq and the entire Mideast, he added. By midmorning, the Pentagon had yet to give an official bomb damage assessment of the attacks, which a defense official said consisted of a total of 15 ballistic missiles fired from Iran at Al Asad and Erbil. Four of the missiles failed in flight, 10 hit Al Asad and one hit Erbil, according to the official. Related: A Dozen Missiles Target US Troops at Al Asad, Erbil in Iran Retaliatory Strike However, President Donald Trump's cryptic tweet that "All is well" and "so far, so good," along with guarded comments by defense officials late Tuesday night, indicated that there may have been no casualties to U.S. personnel. By contrast, the initial Iranian accounts of the missile attacks portrayed them as the exacting and lethal retribution for the killing last Thursday of Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani that had been expected by the Iranian people. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps described scenes of widespread destruction at Al Asad and Erbil, scores of U.S. troops killed and helicopters scrambling to carry off the wounded. "Early estimates indicate heavy U.S. casualties in Iran's missile attack," a source in the IRGC Intelligence Department said, according to Iran's Fars news agency. The source said at least 80 U.S. Army personnel had been killed and another 200 wounded. In a statement, the IRGC also warned that the U.S. "will face a more painful and crushing response" for any retaliation to the missile attacks. However, Iraq's state media said that Iraq's military, which shares the Al Asad base with the U.S., reported no casualties to its personnel. Last week, following the strike at Baghdad's International Airport that killed Soleimani, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve suspended the campaign of U.S. troops in Iraq against the remnants of the Islamic State and ordered them to focus on force protection against an expected Iranian retaliatory attack. Defense officials Tuesday night also cited the force protection measures while declining to comment on the possibility of U.S. casualties. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Read more: A Lance Corporal's Phone Selfie Got His Marine Unit 'Killed' at 29 Palms Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are making a move away from their duties as senior members of the royal family. They made the announcement on Wednesday, sharing the news across their social media accounts, saying they would split their time between the United Kingdom and North America. After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution," they said in a statement. We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment, they continued. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. Markle, 38, a Los Angeles native, and Harry, 35, were married in 2018 and they welcomed their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in May. The Queens office at Buckingham Palace issued a statement addressing the announcement. Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage," it says. "We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through. The seemingly contradictory statements set royal-watching tongues awagging even more. Public reaction to the couples decision focused on the treatment of Markle in the British tabloids. This past fall, Markle sued Associated Newspapers, which publishes the Daily Mail, for misuse of private information, infringement of copyright and breach of the U.K.s Data Protection Act 2018. New statement from Queens office. Clearly early days with much to work out @7NewsAustralia #HarryandMeghan pic.twitter.com/5ZudrW17kG Sarah Greenhalgh (@GreenhalghSarah) January 8, 2020 Unfortunately, my wife has become one of the latest victims of a British tabloid press that wages campaigns against individuals with no thought to the consequences a ruthless campaign that has escalated over the past year, throughout her pregnancy and while raising our newborn son, Harry wrote in an open letter shared on the Sussex Royal website in October. There is a human cost to this relentless propaganda, specifically when it is knowingly false and malicious, and though we have continued to put on a brave face as so many of you can relate to I cannot begin to describe how painful it has been, he said. Because in todays digital age, press fabrications are repurposed as truth across the globe. One days coverage is no longer tomorrows chip-paper. BREAKING. BBC Understands that no other member of the Royal Family was consulted before Harry and Meghan issued their personal statement tonight, the Palace is understood to be disappointed. Jonny Dymond (@JonnyDymond) January 8, 2020 Prince Harry said Markle had privately suffered from tabloid harassment, including the publication of a private letter to her father which he said was edited to convey a particular point of view. Harry alluded to his mother, Princess Diana of Wales, when he said his deepest fear is history repeating itself. Ive seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person, he said. I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces. Weeks later, a clip of Markle from an ITV interview went viral (see video above). In the interview, Markle was asked about the impact of the pressures of the spotlight and media on her physical and mental health. Thank you for asking, because not many people have asked if Im OK, but its a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes, Markle said, adding that it had been a struggle to become a newlywed and new mother under such a glare. The Chicago Tribune tweeted the royal news thusly: Northwestern graduate moving closer to home after spending time abroad. Northwestern graduate moving closer to home after spending time abroad https://t.co/TZ18eIOXdQ Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) January 8, 2020 In a tweet about their decision to step back, AJ+ called the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle and her husband. Meghan Markle and her husband say they're stepping back as senior members of the Royal Family and will "work to become financially independent." They'll split their time 50/50 between the UK and North America. pic.twitter.com/h3csuwSs3n AJ+ (@ajplus) January 8, 2020 Here are some more takes on the royal development from social media. royal reporters now wondering how theyre going to pay their bills without Harry & Meghan in that family pic.twitter.com/r01tBNYZgz the duchess (@MarkleDuchess) January 8, 2020 My Harry. My Family. My Rules. Rachel Meghan Markle pic.twitter.com/llZGo0AL19 kyle a.b. (@kyalbr) January 8, 2020 They thought Harry was going to let them brake his wife into pieces until either she was dead or the marriage was officially broken. They thought he was going to choose the institution above his wife & son. They underestimate his love for Meghan. What a MAN pic.twitter.com/pKo3iNAgc0 Julieth (@troubleshade) January 8, 2020 Good for Meghan and Harry opting out of the UK tabloids staggering racism and the lack of support from the royal family. They will be fine. roxane gay (@rgay) January 8, 2020 NEW NEIGHBOR: Meghan who? MEGHAN [after a long look into the distance]: Meghan Skywalker Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) January 8, 2020 UK tabloids: You have to deal with our racist nonsense. Meghan Markle: Actually, I really dont. Charlotte Clymer (@cmclymer) January 8, 2020 May we all tackle our New Year resolutions as swiftly as Harry and Meghan. pic.twitter.com/4Q4vDgM0p1 Sylvia Obell (@SylviaObell) January 8, 2020 Meghan Thee Duchess Jonquilyn Hill (@jonquilynhill) January 8, 2020 This is called setting boundaries. This is called considering others while also--and foremost--honoring your right to determine the path of your own life. Well done, Harry and Meghan! https://t.co/8D66ggqIP1 Cheryl Strayed (@CherylStrayed) January 8, 2020 Have a tip? Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. . The government plans to amend proposed rules for policing digital content so the toughest measures apply only to big social media firms, two government sources told Reuters, in a move that could give relief to other tech players fearful of the new regulations. . The original proposal would have forced all tech players, in addition to Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp, to deploy automated tools to check for unlawful content and to appoint an officer for 24x7 coordination with law enforcement. . The rules are part of Indias broader efforts to tackle ... Credit: Jeremy SafferLater this month, Megadeth will return to the road for a European tour with Five Finger Death Punch and Bad Wolves. The outing marks the metal band's first since frontman Dave Mustaine revealed that he'd been diagnosed with throat cancer last summer. But if you were concerned about Mustaine's health issues affecting the tour, don't worry: Megadeth is apparently raring to go. "Megadeth is back!" the metal legends write in an Instagram post. "We can't wait to see and play for you all on the Killing Road in 2020!" Mustaine, 58, announced his diagnosis in June. In September, he shared that he was "almost through the last round of treatment," and added that his doctors were "feeling very positive regarding my progress." In a November interview with Rolling Stone, Mustaine said that while he wasn't explicitly "cleared" to tour, his doctors were "freaking out over how well I've healed." Megadeth's tour with Death Punch and Bad Wolves launches January 20 in Helsinki, Finland. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. The hashtag Megxit trended on Twitter on Wednesday evening after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they are to step back as senior members of the royal family. Harry and Meghan said in a statement they intend to step back as senior members of the royal family and work to become financially independent. They also announced that they would share their time between the UK and North America. Twitter users quickly picked up on how easily Meghans name fitted in with the portmanteau Brexit, which led to the announcements hashtag. Fans of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex took to social media to discuss the news, with one Twitter user saying first Brexit, now Megxit. The hashtag took off so quickly that one user joked that all of the good #Megxit puns had been taken already. Harry and Meghans groundbreaking decision came in a statement, and the couple said they will work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support the Queen. They also said that they would use the opportunity to launch a new charitable entity. In their statement, they said: After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. Larry Hogan is governor of a state with a rich tradition of corruption. Photo: Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Im The advent of a billionaire real-estate mogul with fingers in many pies as president of the United States has helped educate us about the many forms of public corruption more subtle than direct cash-and-carry transactional deals. Sure, we all understand the latter kind of gross corruption, including, perhaps most famously, the bribes thenVice-President Spiro Agnew received from Maryland road contractors. His corruption was accidentally detected by prosecutors, which led to Agnews forced resignation, and eventually to Gerald Fords ascension to the White House when the other half of the Nixon-Agnew ticket resigned as well. But there are more baroque forms of corruption that can arise when people with government-adjacent business holdings assume public office and then ignore conflicts of interest in making decisions that just happen to benefit the family enterprise. You know, like quietly encouraging those with important business with the federal government to stay in one of your hotels or resorts, or cutting deals with foreign governments that compromise your independence. Now allegations of a similar nature have arisen involving one of Spiro Agnews successors in that legendary wonderland of casual corruption, Maryland. According to a very extensive investigative report by the Washington Monthlys Eric Cortellessa (disclosure: I am a former writer for the Monthly), current Governor Larry Hogan Jr. has made a habit of directing state transportation resources toward areas where his family real-estate business is heavily invested: As governor, one of Hogans signature policies has been to expand state spending on roads, highways, and bridges at the expense of mass transit. His most controversial policy to date was to cancel the Red Line a planned $2.9 billion metro rail line through Baltimore, for which the state had already acquired land. In the process, Hogan gave up $900 million in federal aid from the Obama administration. As The Baltimore Sun put it, Hogan freed up hundred [sic] of millions of dollars he plans to use to undertake a significant shift in the states transportation priorities from public transit to road projects. Hogan has advanced a number of major state transportation projects that are near properties his company owns, a development that can boost the value of those properties. Before canceling the Red Line, he approved construction of an interchange down the road from a parcel of land his company controlled. Later, he approved millions of dollars in road and sidewalk improvements near property he had bought approximately two years earlier and was turning into a housing development. Cortellessa focuses particularly on a big highway project in Prince Georges County near a land parcel held by the governors company (the Hogan Companies) that has gotten a big push during his road-building initiative: [I]n February 2018, Maryland Matters, a state-based politics and policy website, reported that Hogan held ownership in a company called Brandywine Crossing Realty Partners LLC. The company was chartered on March 9, 2015, and it became a controlling partner for a parcel of land behind the Brandywine Crossing Shopping Center in Prince Georges County. The land was just down the road from a major state transportation project: a new highway interchange Several months before the governors company took control of the Brandywine land parcel, Hogans administration earmarked $58 million to build this interchange. In April 2015, the general assembly approved the project. Hogan did not notify legislators that he had property interests nearby before the vote. In this and other occasions where state transportation decisions appear to have benefited the Hogan Companies, the governors spokespersons when theyve deigned to address the appearance of impropriety have tried to minimize the governors personal role in project-specific decisions and have touted a trust agreement that limits Hogans involvement in company business. The former assertion doesnt pass the laugh test, according to one anonymous but well-placed source in the Maryland Department of Transportation, who says the governor signed off on every major decision made in his appointed secretarys name. And the trust agreement Hogan signed falls far short of a blind trust in insulating the governors company from his personal involvement; indeed, he retains almost complete access to the companys books and personnel. And it certainly is far from the divestiture of government-adjacent business interests that anyone wishing to be squeaky clean would strongly consider. It seems entirely possible that Hogan has complied with the letter of state law while thoroughly violating its spirit, in a state where cutting corners and self-dealing often seems endemic. The Baltimore Sun noted that pattern recently after a Democratic state legislators forced resignation for misuse of campaign funds: Oguzhan Dincer, associate professor and director of the Institute for Corruption Studies at Illinois State University, told Capital News Service that when it comes to legal corruption unethical acts without actual criminality Maryland is very corrupt and it is quite alarming. So far Hogan has blown off the fresh scrutiny of this ethics, referring to the Monthlys piece as the blog thing that rehearsed politically motivated allegations against him. But they wont go away, as the Sun reports: Del. Vaughn Stewart, a Montgomery County Democrat, said he plans to push Hogan to disclose more information about his business. Stewart said lawmakers could consider legislation limiting a governors ability to do outside business related to governing decisions. I hope that hes going to put his money where is mouth is, Stewart said. That was an allusion to Hogans announced plans to push anti-corruption legislation in Annapolis. He may have reason to protect his flanks, not to mention his legacy as a moderate Republican hero to Never Trumpers and even a potential national party leader. As Cortellessa notes, Hogan may have more in common with Trump than his reputation suggests. Pinnacle Actuarial Resources Inc. (Pinnacle) in Bloomington, Illinois, has named Tim Mosler a principal and consulting actuary. Mosler joined Pinnacle in 2014 and has been in the property/casualty insurance industry since 1996. He has been a consultant since 2001, specializing in the areas of medical professional liability, workers compensation, general liability and commercial automobile insurance. His clients include insurance companies, captives, health systems, self-insurance funds and government risk pools. Mosler previously served as director and consulting actuary and a member of Pinnacles executive team. He currently leads Pinnacles research function. Mosler has been active in the actuarial profession, serving on numerous Casualty Actuarial Society and American Academy of Actuaries committees, including the CAS Exam and E-Forum committees and the CAS Member Advisory Panel since 2007. He has presented at numerous industry forums and panels and shared his thought leadership in various publications. He will continue to be based in the firms Atlanta, Georgia, office. Pinnacle is an independent, full-service actuarial firm focused on the property/casualty insurance industry. With a home office in Bloomington, the firm also has offices in Atlanta, Chicago and San Francisco. Source: Pinnacle Actuarial Resources Topics Illinois Apple made a rare appearance at CES 2020 this year. The company did not announce any new product or services as its appearance was focused on privacy. The companys senior director for global privacy Jane Horvath was a part of the panel at CES 2020 which featured executives from Facebook and the FTC as well. During a Q&A session, Horvath was asked about Apples use of encryption in its products and services and how it ends up creating difficulties for law enforcement agencies. She notes that Apple designs its products to protect consumer data so as to win their trust. She notes that for Apple to retrieve data from a locked iPhone that is yet to be uploaded to the cloud, the company would need to create a special software (read: backdoor) for such circumstances. #CES2020 Facebook, Apple, Procter & Gamble and FTC to discuss about Privacy and the consumers desires! pic.twitter.com/nGF6GzezgS July (@djulydjil) January 7, 2020 Our phones are relatively small and they get lost and stolen, Horvath said. If were going to be able to rely on our health data and finance data on our devices, we need to make sure that if you misplace that device, youre not losing your sensitive data. Apples global privacy director further notes that the company has a team working round the clock to meet the demand of law enforcement agencies. While the company intends to help them as much as possible, it cannot end up creating back doors into encryption for them. Apples take on privacy and encryption has led the company to quite a few standoffs with law enforcement agencies. In 2016, the FBI asked Apple to unlock the phone of the San Bernardino shooter which the latter refused to do citing lack of tools. Apples resistance ultimately led to the FBI getting the shooters iPhone unlocked from an Israeli firm Cellebrite. More recently, the FBI has once again asked Apple for help to unlock two iPhones owned by Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, the man accused of killing three people at a Naval Air Station in Florida. [Via CNBC The Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to consider deploying ambulances on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. A division bench of Justices S C Dharmadhikari and R I Chagla said several persons brazenly flout speed limits on the Sea Link, which may lead to accidents and hence presence of ambulances was a must. The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by NGO Association for Aiding Justice regarding the lack of emergency medical services for accident victims on highways. The petition highlighted the high number of deaths on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and other state and national highways, pointing out the urgent need for well-equipped ambulances and trauma centres there. The MSRDC on Wednesday told the court that it has now deployed ambulances at various points of Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The bench then sought to know from MSRDC lawyer Vijay Patil if ambulances are also deployed in roads maintained by the corporation within the city limits including the Sea Link. "The Sea Link witnesses several cars violating the speed limit. The cameras placed will impose a fine, but what if there was any accident? We do not have any empathy or mercy for such persons (who flout speed limits) but these persons kill others in accidents," Justice Dharmadhikari said. "It would be better if facilities like ambulances are made available. This may act as a deterrent too," the court said. The bench disposed of the petition after directing the MSRDC to consider its suggestion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The terrifying bushfires of Australia have destroyed natural forests, acres of farmland and brought about severe harm to the ecosystem. Australian citizens are trying their best to help out injured animals who are among the worst affected by the raging fires. Videos of firefighters and policemen rescuing helpless injured animals have surfaced on the Internet. However, among those videos is this one of a sheep dog that has become social medias favourite after she bravely rescued animals at her farm. Patsy, a six-year-old border collie mix from Corryong, Australia bravely saved her flock of sheep from a wall of fire that was about to engulf her humans farm. According to a post on an Instagram account dedicated to Patsy, she successfully saved the sheep by bringing them to a safe space. She even waited with her human while he put out the fire when it came too close to the farm on New Years Eve. Posted on January 5, Patsys heroic rescue story quickly became a hit among netizens. Her story has been widely shared and her owners have even appealed for donations to save their farmland through Patsys Instagram account. Patsys story was also shared on Facebook by her owners sister, Cath Hill, who kept netizens informed with updates. The post has garnered over four lakh views and more than 10,000 reactions. Double schmackos (dog treats) for Patsy and tummy rubs, comments a Facebook user. Great job Patsy. The blessings keep on coming, writes a second. What a good and brave doggo, says a third. What do you think of this four-legged hero? After nearly eight years of proceedings, personal anguish and public outrage, the horrific Nirbhaya rape case has finally come close to an end, as a Delhi court has issued death sentences against the four convicts, who are scheduled to hang on the 22nd of January. Soon after the announcement made national headlines, Pawan Jallad, a third-generation hangman, shared that he may be the one to end the lives of the four men, now on death row. India Today/Yasir Iqbal I am ready for it. A few days ago, I was asked by Tihar to remain on standby for the executions in the Nirbhaya case. Being a father, I will be satisfied if I get to hang those rapists, Jallad explained to news agency PTI. I have to check the strength of the rope and the platform needed for hanging besides attending to the lever used for it. He added that the actual preparation is undertaken two to three hours before an execution early in the morning - revealing a bit of what to expect as the hanging date draws close. Back in December, UP's Additional Director General (Prisons) Anand Kumar had confirmed Tihar jail's correspondence for a hangman. The Tihar Jail had asked Uttar Pradesh to provide two hangmen at short notice but since one of them in Lucknow is unwell, the other one in Meerut (Jallad) has been asked to remain prepared, he said. Reuters/Police stand guard at Tihar Jail, where the convicts are currently imprisoned. Jallad's profession runs in the family, it seems. My grandfather Kallu Jallad and father Babbu Jallad had done this job. I personally helped my grandfather in five executions, Pawan claimed. He also asserted that his grandfather played the role of hangman in the case of PM Indira Gandhi's assassination, back in the eighties. Despite this apparent legacy, Jallad himself has yet to take a life since he was hired in 2013. He came close to four years ago when the High Court commuted Surinder Koli's death sentence to life imprisonment in the Nithari case. For seven days, I strenuously prepared for the execution. But he got away, Pawan said. This time however, Pawan seems confident that the criminals will be at the end of his rope. DURANGO, Colo. Investigation agencies in Colorado have not determined what ignited a well site explosion last year that killed a worker. Randy Yellowman, 47, was working as a contracted truck driver when his body was found by ranchers after a storage tank exploded at the natural gas well pad near Durango in January 2019, The Durango Herald reported Tuesday. The U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined his employer, Overright Trucking Inc., more than $10,000 this summer for safety violations and procedural failings that the agency said likely led to his death. Oil and gas regulators issued a notice of violation to the Denver-based company that owned the well pad, which could result in thousands of dollars in violations for Catamount Energy Partners LLC, officials said. Yellowmans family also filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensatory and punitive damages against the Farmington-based company that built the tank, American Manufacturing Equipment, officials said. The companies involved either did not return calls or declined to comment. Yellowman lived in a small community between Farmington and Shiprock and had been working at his job for 17 years, officials said. He was assigned a routine procedure to transfer water from the storage tank to his truck, but the tank exploded when he was was almost finished, officials said. A lot of things dont add up to me, said Brad Smith, Yellowmans supervisor with Overright. Police from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe were the first at the location of the explosion because the well site is on land within the tribes jurisdiction, but tribal police handed the investigation over, authorities said. The federal labor safety administration and the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission did not determine what ignited to cause the explosion, investigators said. At this point, all the agencies can do is make sure rules are in place to help prevent future occurrences, commission spokeswoman Megan Castle said. Yellowmans family declined to comment. Mohammad Zadeh Iran is facing mounting pressure to explain the destruction of a civilian airliner near Tehran hours after Iranian forces launched missile strikes against US forces. Three Britons were among 176 people killed when an Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing 737 plunged into a nosedive and exploded shortly after take-off from Tehrans Imam Ayatollah Khomeini International Airport on Wednesday morning. Iran dismissed speculation that the aircraft had been downed by a missile but said it would not hand over the black boxes from the aircraft to Boeing, in an unusual move likely prompted by high tensions with the United States. Earlier Ukraine withdrew an initial statement attributing the crash to engine failure and ruling out a terror attack, sparking an international scramble to investigate the crash. The crash came three and a half hours after Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq in what it said was revenge for the assassination of general Qassim Soleimani. Irans military said it had fired 22 missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops in Erbil and Ain al-Asad. No US or Iraqi troops were killed in the half-hour bombardment. Leaders in both Tehran and Washington played down the prospect of further armed conflict between the adversaries. In a televised address Donald Trump claimed that Iran "appeared to be standing down" and said he would impose further economic sanctions, but did not mention further military action. Although Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, termed the strikes a slap in the face for America and vowed to continue a campaign to oust US forces from the region, the Iranian foreign minister, said the strikes "concluded" Iran's military response to the assassination of Soleimani. Story continues The Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing 737-800 bound for Kyiv took off shortly after 6 AM Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport early on Wednesday morning. Footage filmed by a local man showed the aircraft trailing fire before it dived into the ground and exploded in a large fireball shortly after 6am local time. Din Mohammad Qassemi, a local villager watching the TV said he heard an almighty explosion. Assuming he was under attack from the Americans, he dived below ground into his basement. All the houses started to shake. There was fire everywhere, said Mr Qassemi. At first I thought (the Americans) have hit here with missiles and went in the basement as a shelter. Dead bodies, fragments of aircraft, and the victims personal belongings were discovered at the crash site near the village of Fedosiye, about 10 miles from the airport. The victims included 83 Iranians and 63 Canadians, according to a flight manifest released by UIA. Ten Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans, and eleven Ukrainians including the nine crew members were also killed. Flags were lowered to half mast in Ottawa and Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister, issued a statement promising to work with allies to ensure a full investigation. Canada does not have an embassy in Tehran. The three British passport holders on board the flight included Saeed Tahmasebi, a chartered Engineer with Laing ORourke who was completing a PhD at Imperial College. He was returning with his wife Niloofar Ebrahim, a fellow Iranian studying Psychology in London, from their wedding in Tehran. Sam Zokaei, 42, an engineer who worked for the BP Exploration Operating Company and lived in Richmond, had been on holiday and had been visiting relatives. Mohammed Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh, a forty year old father of one from Brighton, had been in Iran to visit family over the Christmas break. Iranian media said both flight recorders had been found, but the investigation into the crash is likely to be complicated by the stand off between the United State and Iran. Ali Abedzadeh, the head of the Iranian civil aviation authority, said the government would not hand over the black boxes to Boeing, a US company, and that it was unclear which country would be asked to analyse them. Iran may have the ability to extract data from black boxes but would have to call on the expertise of one of a handful of countries, including the US, France, and Britain, if they are badly damaged. Western intelligence agencies quoted by Reuters said they shared Iran's initial assessment that the aircraft had not been hit by a missile. Iranian officials said the pilot lost control of the aircraft after a fire struck fire one of its engines. "The rumors about the plane are completely false and no military or political expert has confirmed it," said Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, a spokesman for the Iranian armed forces, But aviation experts last night queried whether the plane could have been destroyed by simple engine failure and friends and family of the three British victims demanded an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. David Learmount, Consulting Editor at FlightGlobal, told the Telegraph that the failure of the crew to send out a Mayday signal suggested they faced a sudden and violent event that forced them to fight for control of the aircraft. Even a catastrophic engine failure would be highly unlikely to have such a dramatic effect on control of the aircraft. A 737 is capable of flying safely on just one of its two engines, he said. Ukraines embassy in Tehran initially posted but then deleted a statement attributing the crash to engine failure. Later Oleksiy Honcharuk, the Ukrainian prime minister, refused to rule out the possibility that it had been shot down at a briefing in Kyiv. Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, said he had dispatched a team of experts including ministry of defence and civil aviation personnel to Iran to investigate the crash and repatriate the remains of the Ukrainians killed. "Our priority is to establish the truth and those responsible for this terrible catastrophe," he said. Boeing said: "We are in contact with our airline customer and stand by them in this difficult time. We are ready to assist in any way needed," the manufacturer said in a statement. UIA said that the 737-800 that was destroyed was one of its best and had undergone maintenance just two days earlier. It said that it could not believe that an error by the experienced crew could have caused the crash. Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister, said his government would continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated and Canadians questions are answered. Mr Pompeo said the United States would offer Ukraine full support to complete the investigation. Boris Johnson last night called Mr Trudeau to express his condolences for the loss of Canadian lives. A Downing Street spokesman said the UK was "working closely with the Ukrainian authorities and the Iranian authorities" over the crash but that there was no indication that it had been hit by a missile. The loss of an airliner during a period of international conflict raises bitter memories for both Ukraine and Iran. In 2014 a Russian missile shot down a Malaysian airlines flight over eastern Ukraine, killing 298 people. In 1988 an American warship shot down an Iranian passenger jet, killing 290 people. The shootdown of Iran Air 655 is still bitterly felt in Iran. Earlier this week Hassan Rouhani, the president of Iran, said Donald Trump should remember the number 290. 6:04PM Crash one of worst losses of life for Canadians in an aviation disaster At least 63 Canadians were killed in the crash, but Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said the number of deceased Canadians could change as more information becomes available, including details on dual citizens. The crash is one of the worst losses of life for Canadians in an aviation disaster. Many passengers on board were international students as the Tehran to Toronto route via Kyiv is considered affordable. Payman Paseyan, a member of the Iranian-Canadian community in Edmonton, Alberta, said about 27 people from Edmonton, including international students and a family of four that he knew, were on the flight. Two professors from the University of Alberta, Pedram Mousavibafrooei and Mojgan Daneshmand, and their daughters died. Mr Paseyan said most of victims were visiting family in Iran over the holidays. He said many were dual citizens and international students. "One of the reasons why you take that flight is you wouldn't want to take a flight that has a connection in the United States because international students can't do that," he said. The University of Guelph in Canada said two PhD students, as well as the partner of one of the students, were among the 176 who died. Ghanimat Azhdari was a student in the department of geography and Milad Ghasemi was a student in marketing. Azhdari's partner, Hamed Alibeiki, also died. Western University said four of their students died. Three were current graduate students and one was an incoming graduate student. They did not name the students. Canada is urging Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation. 5:24PM Dominic Raab offers condolences after 'tragic loss of life' Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab offered his condolences to those affected by the crash. He said on Twitter: "I would like to express the UK's deepest condolences to all the families of the victims of the UIA crash in Iran today. "This is a tragic loss of life for all countries affected. Foreign Office staff are assisting the families of British victims at this difficult time." I would like to express the UK's deepest condolences to all the families of the victims of the UIA crash in Iran today. This is a tragic loss of life for all countries affected. @foreignoffice staff are assisting the families of British victims at this difficult time Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) January 8, 2020 Meanwhile, a Downing Street spokesman said the UK was "working closely with the Ukrainian authorities and the Iranian authorities" over the crash. The spokesman said there was "no indication" the plane was brought down by a missile, after the Ukrainian authorities refused to rule out the prospect. 5:10PM Crew's inability to transmit emergency call before crash confuses aviation experts Aviation expert David Learmount has said the crew's failure or inability - to communicate has confused aviation experts, "because the implication is that whatever happened was sudden and violent, forcing the crew immediately to fight for control". The crew of the Boeing 737-800 did not have the capacity to transmit an emergency call before it descended out of control to impact on the edge of the city. Mr Learmount said: "Even a catastrophic engine failure a possibility originally mooted by the Ukrainian authorities but then withdrawn would be highly unlikely to have such a dramatic effect on control of the aircraft. A 737 is capable of flying safely on just one of its two engines. "Video released online soon after the accident shows what looks like an aircraft engulfed in flames descending unsteady, parts separating from it as it plunged. "This video has not yet been authenticated, but if it does indeed show the Ukrainian 737 in its fatal descent, it explains why the Ukrainian authorities, asked whether the aircraft might have been brought down by a missile, have refused to rule it out." 4:50PM Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calls for 'complete cooperation' in investigations into crash Mike Pompeo, the US Secretary of State, has called for "complete cooperation" in any investigation into the cause of the crash. He said in a statement: "The U.S. Department of State extends our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the 176 passengers and crew killed in the tragic crash of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS 752. "The United States will continue to follow this incident closely and stands prepared to offer Ukraine all possible assistance. The United States calls for complete cooperation with any investigation into the cause of the crash." 4:43PM Trump: Britain and others must withdraw from Iran deal President Trump did not comment directly on the Tehran plane crash, focusing instead on the 22 missiles fired at US forces in Iraq on Wednesday night. Flanked by senior administration officials, Mr Trump doubled down on his decision to assassinate Iranian general Qassim Soleimani, saying the attack sent "a powerful message to potential terrorists". Mr Trump called on Britain and other European countries to withdraw from the Iran deal, as the US has already done. He added that more sanctions are set to hit Iran, but that he does not want to use military force against Iran unless necessary. Trump said he would ask Nato to get "much more involved" in the Middle East peace process. You can read more on our missile attack live blog here. 4:28PM President Trump speaks publicly for first time following crash The President has begun his press conference and is joined by Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. 4:22PM Ukraine to send team of experts to Iran to 'establish the truth' President Trump is currently 20 minutes behind schedule to make his televised address. Meanwhile, Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the country will send a team of experts to Iran in order to "establish the truth" surrounding the catastrophe. Ukraine will send security officials, experts and rescuers to assist in the investigation and recovery of the bodies of Ukrainian nationals from the wreckage of flight PS752. In a statement on the presidential website, Mr Zelenskyy said: "Our priority is to establish the truth and those responsible for this terrible catastrophe." 3:56PM President Trump to make imminent statement on Iran crisis President Donald Trump will address escalating tension with Iran in a press conference at 11am EST (4pm GMT). It it thought that Mr Trump will comment on the Tehran plane crash. Watch the President's address at the top of this article. 3:42PM Canada's questions will be answered, says Justin Trudeau Justin Trudeau, Canada's Prime Minister, has said that his nation's questions will be answered after it was confirmed 63 citizens had been killed in the plane crash. BREAKING: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issues statement on the plane crash that killed 63 Canadians. #cdnpolipic.twitter.com/RpqpXEztlb Michel Boyer (@BoyerMichel) January 8, 2020 His Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne also paid tribute. Tragic news regarding Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims, including many Canadians. I have been in touch with the government of Ukraine. We will continue to keep Canadians informed as the situation evolves. #PS752 Francois-Philippe Champagne (FPC) (@FP_Champagne) January 8, 2020 3:35PM 'Not a chance of crew error,' airline says In an updated statement, Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) said: "According to our records, the aircraft ascended as high as 2,400 metres. "Given the crew's experience, error probability is minimal. We do not even consider such a chance." 3:17PM Tributes to 'lovely man with lovely smile' Staff at a pet store have paid tribute to Mohammed Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh, who ran a neighbouring dry cleaners and was one of the three Britons killed in a plane crash in Iran. Staff at Hassocks Pet Centre, West Sussex, paid tribute to "a lovely man [with] a lovely smile". Mohammad Zadeh Store owner Stephen Edgington, 68, said: "Reza was a lovely guy. He was good looking, sociable. "Before he left we were chatting and he said 'do you realise I have been here so many years?'." Mr Edgington, who works at the store with his wife Nola, said they were told what had happened on Wednesday morning by Mr Kadkhoda-Zadeh's staff. 3:00PM Reservoir engineer one of three Britons killed BP has confirmed one of those killed in the Tehran plane crash as reservoir engineer Sam Zokaei, who has worked at the oil company for more than 14 years. Mr Zokaei, from Twickenham, London, was on holiday from working at BP's site at Sunbury-on-Thames in Middlesex. Sam Zokaei The company said in a statement: "With the deepest regret, we can confirm that one of our colleagues at BP, Sam Zokaei, was a passenger on the Ukrainian International Airlines plane that crashed in Iran this morning, reportedly with no survivors. "We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss of our friend and colleague, and all of our thoughts are with his family and friends." 2:57PM Briton killed was 'brilliant engineer with bright future' Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi was one of the three Britons killed. A spokesman for Imperial College London, where Engineer he was a post-graduate researcher, said: "We are deeply saddened at this tragic news. "Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi was a brilliant engineer with a bright future. Saeed Tahmasebi "His contributions to systems engineering earned respect from everyone who dealt with him and will benefit society for years to come. "He was a warm, humble and generous colleague, and close friend to many in our community. "Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Saeed's family, friends and colleagues, as well as all those affected by this tragedy." 1:29PM British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Qantas among slew of airlines avoiding Middle East airspace British Airways rerouted flight 134 from Mumbai to Heathrow mid-way through the flight, to avoid crossing Iraqi airspace. The plane flew in a circle and was then diverted to the Greek capital Athens for refuelling. The move has left a number of Indian passport holders stuck in the terminal as they do not possess the right visa to leave the airport. A number of commercial airlines have rerouted flights to avoid possible danger amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Airspace above Iran and Iraq at 11:00 UTC time Live map: https://t.co/PbnsBqTxDUpic.twitter.com/TxjqYKZ69r Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 8, 2020 Virgin Atlantic said they were "closely monitoring the situation" and were not flying over Iranian airspace. Due to changes in flight routing, their trips to and from Mumbai might now take longer than expected. Australian carrier Qantas said it was altering its London to Perth, Australia routes to avoid Iran and Iraq airspace until further notice. Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines have also rerouted planes to avoid Iranian airspace. The US Federal Aviation Administration has barred American pilots and carriers from flying in areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace. 1:23PM Iran plane crash analysis: What happened mid-air and who has the black box? Our Industry Editor Alan Tovey has this piece of analysis on the doomed flight. In it, he looks at what happened during the last seconds of the Ukrainian International Airlines flight from Tehran to Kyiv, the reaction and what happens now. Read it in full here. 1:06PM Three Britons killed in Tehran plane crash named The three Britons killed in a plane crash in Tehran have been unofficially identified as Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda Zadeh, 40, Saeed Tahmasebi Khademsadi, 35, and Sam Zokaei, also 35. Read Chief Reporter Robert Mendick's piece on the victims here. 12:41PM At a glance: The Boeing 737-800 The first thing to note about the crash of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 is that the aircraft was a Boeing 737-800, a different model to the 737 Max, the type which was grounded last year after two crashes in five months, reports Industry Editor Alan Tovey. The 737-800 - part of Boeings 737 Next Generation (NG) family - does not have the MCAS control system fitted to the Max, and which is blamed for the two crashes. A modernised version of the 737 classic model dating from the 1960s, 737 NGs are one of the most popular airliners ever. More than 7,000 737 NGs, of which about 5,000 are the 800 model, are in service and the aircraft has a very good safety record. Prior to PS752, there had been nine accidents involving the aircraft type which have resulted in fatalities. A Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 airplane taxis in front of the tower Credit: REX One was the result of a mid-air collision, and all but one of the rest have been attributed to either weather problems, pilot error, maintenance issues or a combination of these factors. The final incident saw an engine failure which sent debris into the cabin, causing the aircraft to decompress. A passenger was partially sucked from the aircraft and later died from her injuries. Overall, the 737 NG has a fatal crash rate of 0.06 fatalities per million flights according to data from Airsafe, making it one of the safest aircraft in service. However, the 737 NG has not been without problems. In September Boeing ordered all 737 NGs with more than 30,000 flights to be checked after cracks were discovered in the pickle fork of a jet undergoing maintenance. This component is one of the main attachment points for the wing and fuselage and should have a life of about 90,000 flights. Boeing said that about 5pc of the affected aircraft needed repairs. 12:23PM Boris Johnson calls for de-escalation of Middle East crisis Boris Johnson said he opposed any further escalation of violence and told MPs: "As far as we can tell there were no casualties last night sustained by the US and no British personnel were injured in the attacks. "We are doing everything we can to protect UK interests in the region, with HMS Defender and HMS Montrose operating in an enhanced state of readiness to protect shipping in the Gulf." Mr Johnson said General Soleimani had the "blood of British troops on his hands". Answering a question from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn about the legality of the drone strike that killed the Iranian general, the PM said the US had the right to defend its bases. "Clearly the strict issue of legality is not for the UK to determine since it was not our operation," said the PM. "But I think most reasonable people would accept that the United States has the right to protect its bases and its personnel." The PM said Gen Soleimani had supplied "improvised explosive devices to terrorists, which I'm afraid killed and maimed British troops". He added: "That man had the blood of British troops on his hands." Follow the first Prime Minister's Questions of the decade here. 11:18AM Ukrainian Prime Minister refuses to rule out plane was hit by missile Asked at a briefing in Kyiv if the plane could have been downed by a missile, Ukraine's Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk cautioned against speculation until the results of an investigation were known. The timing of the crash has led to speculation it could have been linked to the offensive that saw rockets from Iran striking US targets overnight, hitting two Iraqi airbases where American and coalition forces are based. The Iraqi military said it recorded a half hour bombardment between 1.45am and 2.15am local time (10.45am - 11.15am GMT). The Ukraine Airlines 737 crashed at 6.15am local time in Tehran (2.45am GMT), at more than three hours after the last Iranian ballistic missile barrage ended. 11:16AM Recap: What happened in the air seconds before crash? Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Iran's Road and Transportation Ministry, said it appeared a fire struck one of its engines. The pilot of the aircraft then lost control of the plane, sending it crashing into the ground, Biniaz said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. Hassan Razaeifar, the head of air crash investigation committee, said it appeared the pilot couldn't communicate with air-traffic controllers in Tehran in the last moments of the flight. He did not elaborate. Authorities later said they found the plane's so-called "black boxes," which record cockpit conversations and instrument data. "The only thing that the pilot managed to do was steer the plane towards a soccer field near here instead of a residential area back there," witness Aref Geravand said. "It crashed near the field and in a water canal." 10:54AM Iran refuses to hand over black box from Ukrainian plane Iran's aviation authority said it would not hand over to Americans the recovered black boxes of a Boeing 737 that crashed Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew. "We will not give the black boxes to the manufacturer (Boeing) and the Americans," Iran Civil Aviation Organisation head Ali Abedzadeh said, quoted by Mehr news agency. 10:39AM Met Police 'extremely alert' to impact of wider Middle East crisis Police in the UK are monitoring the wider crisis in Iran and are "extremely alert" to any effect it may have on home soil, the country's most senior officer has said. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick told LBC that head of UK counter-terror policing Neil Basu has been in discussions with the security agencies and government bodies about the crisis. She told host Nick Ferrari: "It's a very worrying time clearly and we have lots of people of Iranian and Iraqi heritage and the surrounding areas in London, so there's lots for us to think about, lots for us to be alert to. "What I can say is so far in London we have had no issues directly associated with this, there was one quite small protest. "But of course we're extremely alert to what this could possibly lead to, but it's a very complex situation. At the moment there's absolutely no impact on London." Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick is live in the LBC studio, answering questions from listeners. Watch it live. https://t.co/wnxGmCvjCs LBC (@LBC) January 8, 2020 Dame Cressida, herself a former chief of counter-terrorism policing, said the force is "very adept" at measuring possible domestic threats linked to international events. "Being the international city that we are, with the multiplicity of communities and also the threats that we have had to face over the years which change and morph all the time, we are very, very adept at seeing what's happening around the world, reaching out into communities and looking at the possible threats and risks that might come," she said. "That's what we're doing on a day by day basis, and in response to this." The UK's terror threat level remains at substantial, meaning an attack is likely. 10:04AM Foreign Office 'deeply saddened' by loss of life in Iran plane crash The Foreign Office has issued a statement on the Iran plane crash. BREAKING | Foreign Office "deeply saddened" by Iran plane crash and "urgently seeking confirmation about how many British nationals were on board". Full statement here: pic.twitter.com/Q4Curn1yGg Gareth Davies (@GD10) January 8, 2020 10:01AM Chinese airline becomes latest to avoid Iran China Southern - a Chinese airline - has cancelled an Urumqi to Tehran flight which was scheduled to depart on Wednesday. 9:35AM Map of where the plane came down Flight data from the airport showed a Ukrainian 737-800 flown by Ukraine International Airlines took off on Wednesday morning, then stopped sending data about eight minutes later, according to tracking website FlightRadar24. Here is a look at where the plane came down in relation to the the airport and its scheduled destination - Kyiv. AFP map and details of the path of Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS-752 which crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran @AFPgraphicspic.twitter.com/D72x9iVhpk AFP news agency (@AFP) January 8, 2020 It also tracks the plane's altitude up to the moment it disappeared from the radar. 9:20AM Ukraine withdraws statement ruling out terror or rocket attack Having initially said the plane crash was due to engine failure and not foul play, there is now a new statement on the Ukrainian embassy website. It reads: "A commission is working to clarify the causes of the plane crash. Any statements regarding the causes of the accident prior to the findings of the commission are not official." The earlier line ruling out terrorism or a rocket attack as possible causes have been removed. 9:17AM Russia warns against 'rushed theories' on crash Russia has offered its condolences and warned against "rushed theories" about the cause of the crash, Theo Merz reports. Senator Konstantin Kosachev, the head of the Russian Federation Council Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote on Facebook: "A terrible crash of a Ukrainian airliner in Tehran. It looks like no one survived. Was it a technical malfunction? A mistake of the crew? A terror attack? Only an investigation will show and one must refrain from any rushed theories." He said the Russian embassy was working to clarify if there were any of its citizens on board. "I would like to offer sincere condolences to all the families and loved ones of the deceased, whatever their nationality. We share the Ukrainian people's grief." MP Leonid Slutskiy said on his Telegram messaging channel: "The reasons of the crash are yet to be assessed. The tragedy must not be used for political purposes - sinking to the level of groundless accusations against Tehran or anti-Iranian rhetoric." 9:00AM Ukrainian President instructs prosecutors to open criminal proceedings Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president, said his government was working to understand the causes of the crash. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Credit: Sergei Chuzavkov/AFP He has cut short a trip to Oman and returning to Kyiv and instructed Ukraine's prosecutors to open criminal proceedings over the crash. Mr Zelenskyy, in a statement on the president's website, said he had ordered the Prosecutor General of Ukraine to open criminal proceedings over the UIA plane crash in Tehran. He said: "An investigation commission should be set up of representatives of the civil and aviation agencies responsible for civil aviation. We have to work out all the possible versions. "Regardless of the conclusions regarding the causes of the Iranian catastrophe, the airworthiness of the entire civilian fleet will be tested. "I keep all measures on personal control. I very much ask everyone to refrain from speculation and putting forward untested versions of the disaster before the official announcements." 8:40AM Russia suspends flights over Iran and Iraq As the tension in the Middle East heightens, Moscow has called off any flights that use the airspace over Iran and Iraq. A telegram from the Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency said: "In connection with the information on the existing risks to the security of international flights of civil aircraft before the subsequent notification, the Federal Air Transport Agency recommends not using the airspace over the territories of Iran, Iraq, the Persian and Oman gulfs for flights of civil aircraft of the Russian Federation, including transit flights." Air France has also suspended flights over the region. 8:38AM 'Nothing wrong with plane', says Ukrainian airline Ukrainian International Airlines(UIA) has appeared to bite back at claims its plane came down because of engine failure. The airline said there was "nothing wrong" with its plane. A Boeing 737-3E7 from Ukraine International Airlines lands in 2017 Credit: Jack Guez/AFP It is understood the plane that crashed just outside the Iranian capital last passed a planned technical service just two days ago on Jan 6. President of UIA Yevgeny Dykhne told a press briefing: "The aircraft was in good condition... We guarantee the serviceability of our aircraft and the high qualification of our crews" 8:23AM Kyiv confirms British citizens were on board flight The Ukrainian Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko has revealed the nationalities of those on board. He said Kyiv is aware of the "following information on the countries of origin of those killed in the crash". #PS752: - 82; - 63; - 2 + 9(); - 10; - 4; - 3; - 3. . . Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) January 8, 2020 Iran - 82 Canada - 63 Ukraine - 2 + 9 (crew) Sweden - 10 Afghanistan - 4 Germany - 3 United Kingdom - 3 8:13AM Flights to Tehran 'suspended indefinitely' by Ukrainian airline Ukraine International Airlines has suspended flights to Tehran indefinitely, according to Reuters. 7:59AM Boeing 'aware of media reports' Boeing spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the company was aware of media reports of a plane crash in Iran and was gathering more information. 7:48AM Three British citizens on board, says local media A local media outlet in the Ukraine claims there were British citizens on board. Obozrevatel, a popular news website in the country, said there were also 71 Canadians on board, quoting sources. Ukrainian citizens - 15 Iranian citizens - 71 Canadian citizens - 73 German citizens - 4 UK citizens - 3 Swedish citizens - 8 Afghan citizens - 6 The Foreign Office was not immediately available for comment and the figures from Obozrevatel have not been confirmed. But the Ukraine Security Council said there were 11 Ukrainians on board, including nine crew, according to Reuters. 7:41AM Iran plane crash, in pictures Debris is seen from the plane crash on the outskirts of Tehran Credit: Mohammad Nasiri/AP An aerial view of the crash site Credit: Rohhollah Vadati/AFP A side panel from the aircraft in a ditch Credit: AFP 7:31AM Special flights on standby to take bodies back to Ukraine The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has special flights are on standby to take bodies back to Kyiv. The planes will need permission from Iran. 7:28AM What we know so far Boeing 737 crashed eight minutes after taking off All 176 aboard killed, 167 passengers and nine crew Plane appeared to be on fire before it hit the ground Engine failure to blame, says Ukraine 7:27AM Video: 'Plane falls from the sky' Ali Hashem, a BBC correspondent, tweeted a video which he claimed showed the plane falling through the air while aflame before crashing into the ground and exploding. #Breaking First footage of the Ukrainian airplane while on fire falling near #Tehranpic.twitter.com/kGxnBb7f1q Ali Hashem (@alihashem_tv) January 8, 2020 6:54AM What type of plane was it? The plane that came down this morning was a Boeing 737-800. This is similar to but not the same as the 737 Max 8 aircraft, which has been grounded since two fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia that have brought huge scrutiny to Boeing. The 737-800 uses a different software system to that of the Max 8. The Ukraine International Airlines jet that crashed this morning was believed to be less than four years old. Boeing's 737 Max 8 is grounded following fatal crashes Credit: Lindsey Wasson/Reuters The airline has not yet made a statement. 6:27AM Rescuers sift through wreckage Iranian officials and emergency crews are at the crash site in Tehran, investigating the cause of the crash earlier this morning. The plane crashed about eight minutes after taking off Credit: Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA 6:18AM 'Impossible that anyone survived' The head of Iran's Red Crescent has said they do not expect survivors at the crash site. "Obviously it is impossible that passengers" on flight PS-752 are alive, he told Iranian state news. 6:06AM '176 people' on board Iranian state TV news are claiming that the flight had 176 people on board - 167 passengers and nine crew. 5:50AM All passengers dead - Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president, has confirmed that all 170 passengers aboard the Boeing 737 in Tehran have been killed. He offered condolences to the families of the victims and said his government was working to understand the causes of the crash. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Centre on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of petitions challenging constitutional validity of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) pending before different high courts to the top court. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said it will hear the transfer petition of the Centre on January 10. The bench also comprising justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant said, "We are of the prima facie view that high courts should hear petitions challenging CAA and in case there is a conflict then we may look into it". Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre said, there will be a problem as different high courts may take conflicting views and lawyers will be moving to different states to attend proceedings. The top court said lawyers moving to different states for attending a hearing in CAA matters is not its priority. Mehta informed the top court that a petition will be coming before the Karnataka High Court on Thursday. The top court said it will hear the transfer petition on Friday. On December 18, the apex court had agreed to examine the constitutional validity of the CAA, but refused to stay its operation. The newly amended law seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian, Jain and Parsi communities who came to the country from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan on or before December 31, 2014. President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on December 12, turning it into an Act. The top court had then issued notice to the Centre and sought its response by the second week of January on a batch of pleas challenging the CAA. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde had fixed a batch of 59 petitions, including those filed by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, for hearing on January 22. Several petitions have been filed challenging the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, including by RJD leader Manoj Jha, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi. Several other petitioners include Muslim body Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, All Assam Students Union (AASU), Peace Party, CPI, NGOs 'Rihai Manch' and Citizens Against Hate, advocate M L Sharma, and law students have also approached the apex court challenging the Act. Opposition parties blamed the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for staging violence in West Bengals Malda during a nationwide strike on Wednesday to implicate them after a video purportedly showing a man vandalising private vehicles at the spot where eight vehicles were later set afire went viral. Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI (M) and Congress leaders alleged that the vandal caught on camera is a policeman and that the arson was staged to blame the Opposition. Congress legislator Isha Khan Chowdhury cited the video and insisted that no activist of his party damaged the vehicles. Police personnel committed the crime and blamed us, said Chowdhury. CPI (M) leader Md Salim blamed chief minister Mamata Banerjees overenthusiastic police for damaging cars and attacked people in Madlas Sujapur. TMC workers instigated the violence, said Salim. He called Banerjee a stooge of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). All trade unions in the country, except the one affiliated to the Rashtriya Shyamsevak Sangh supported the strike. And in Bengal, all parties except the TMC supported the bandh. The people can see who stands where, he added. Salim said as Opposition leader, Banerjee would call bandhs even based on rumours. Arson was common. How many bandhs have the Marxists called since we were defeated in 2011? asked Salim. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also blamed Banerjee for the violence. By saying that she is opposed to the bandh, she sent a message to the police. The BJPs West Bengal unit general secretary, Sayantan Basu, too, accused the TMC of staging the violence in Sujapur. Malda police superintendent Alok Rajoria said that they were studying the video. Action will be taken if any police personnel is found to be involved. Banerjee said that the government will not tolerate any violence. Police will take action over the destruction of public property. The Left did nothing for Bengal during its 34-year rule...They want to get cheap publicity by calling bandhs and hurling bombs at buses, she said accusing Left of the violence. Earlier, Banerjee said that she supported the cause but was opposed to the general strike. Basu said that the chief minister makes a statement in the morning and says something entirely different in the evening. She spared those who burnt railway property [during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests last month]... [Benerjee is] talking about penalising vandals because whatever destruction was done on Wednesday was perpetrated by dissidents in her own party. She wants to teach them a lesson. (Newser) In his first press conference given since his clandestine exit from Japan, Carlos Ghosn cleared one thing up on Wednesday: No, there's no Netflix show in the works about his dramatic exit. But Ghosn certainly brought the drama in the lengthy press conference given in Beirut, likening his November 2018 arrest in Japan to the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. "It was a colleague in the US who said, 'Did you see Pearl Harbor?'" he said, per NBC News. "I didn't notice it because it was planned and confidential and secret." Per the Guardian, the ex-Nissan boss says he went from being a "role model" during his 17 years in Japan to being interrogated eight hours a day, kept in solitary confinement for more than four months, and permitted to shower only twice a week, reports the BBC. story continues below And with Japan's 99.4% conviction rate, "it's not hard to come to the conclusion that you're going to die in Japan, or you're going to have to get out." Still, he says the decision to flee was the "most difficult" of his life; he said he wouldn't be providing details of his escape. But the AP reports he did stand in front of a five-part slide presentation and made the case that his arrest over alleged financial misconduct was really a plot rooted in Nissan executives' desire to wipe out the carmaker's alliance with Renault. "Some of our Japanese friends thought that the only way to get rid of Renault in Nissan is to get rid of me," he said, vowing to clear his name. Meanwhile on Wednesday, a Lebanese prosecutor says he'll question Ghosn Thursday about the Red Notice issued by Interpol, as well as on a more than decade-old visit to Israel. (Read more Carlos Ghosn stories.) TEHRAN, Iran, Jan.8 Trend: Foreign trade ships that transport goods to Iran can be confident that there will be no problem for their movement and there is no obstacle for their arrival in the country, said Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development. "Currently, all the ports in our country continue to serve various types of ships and are discharging or loading cargo. The movement in Iran's waters are normal," said Mohammad Rastad, Trend reported citing ILNA. "So far no incident or emergency situation has occurred in country's trade ports and all the activities are carried out in normal way," he said. The official indicated there is no concern over movement for Iranian fleet in foreign ports or for foreign ships importing goods to Iranian ports. "There is no need for escorting ships, and we have always insisted that Iran's waters are the safest waters in the world," he said referring to British Navy escorting ships in the Persian Gulf. "Due to availability of Iran's fleet in our waters, there is no need for foreign fleet to escort ships. It has been repeated constantly that we have provided security in the Persian Gulf waters and the Sea of Oman," he added. With reports rapidly emerging from Iran and Iraq, there are a few concrete facts: The Pentagon confirmed Tuesday night that Iran launched "more than a dozen ballistic missiles" into Iraq. Iran targeted Iraqi military bases in Al-Assad and Erbil that are known to host U.S. and coalition troops. The Pentagon further said there are no U.S. casualties. This last is an interesting point because Iran has proven in the past that it can direct its ballistic missiles accurately. This may indicate, as is discussed at greater length below, that these missiles are a feint to hide Iran's ultimate revenge for Soleimani's death. White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said President Trump has been briefed and is monitoring the situation but has not yet formally announced a plan of action. Trump himself tweeted out late Tuesday night that he would issue a statement Wednesday morning, as well as saying that all is well: All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 In an official statement, the Pentagon offered assurance that it would safeguard American personnel and their partners: These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in addition to taking responsibility for the twelve missiles (which it referred to as "tens of ballistic missiles"), promised repercussions against any countries that hosted American attacks against Iran. There are also unverified reports that the United States Air Force was immediately in the air and awaiting orders: More than six US Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter jets left Al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates at around 2 am Wednesday, according to multiple local Middle Eastern sources, possibly heading to respond to Tuesday night's Iranian attack on American targets in Iraq. The warplanes left the UAE just about two minutes after the Ain Al-Asad Air Base came under rocket and missile fire from Iran, and from a local Iranian proxy militia in Iraq. Amusingly, in an example of "monkey see, monkey do," Saeed Jalili, an adviser to Ayatollah Khamenei and a member of Iran's Expediency Council, mimicked Trump's American flag tweet after the Soleimani takedown by tweeting out the Iranian flag following Iran's happily unsuccessful missile strikes: In a string of tweets, HuffPost contributor Yashar Ali, who is of Iranian descent and is a reliable and temperate news source, cautioned against viewing Iran's actions on Tuesday as its final say: 2. What makes me nervous is illustrated in the WSJ story. The Iranian government has always operated on its own timeline. If you think Iran lobbing missiles over the border is the kind of revenge they ultimately have in mind, you're wrong. https://t.co/qeL7jkzQhd Yashar Ali (@yashar) January 8, 2020 4. Example: In 1992, IDF killed the Sec General of Hezbollah Where did Iran retaliate? In Buenos Aires with a truck bomb driven into the Israeli embassy. That attack killed 29 people Another attack two years later took place at the Jewish Community Center killing 85 people pic.twitter.com/DOZYWd26Tz Yashar Ali (@yashar) January 8, 2020 6. So what I'm saying is all these people with their chest thumping, I would be cautious about what you see as Iranian revenge and unfortunately prepare yourselves for the kind of attacks that are unexpected, that don't follow a tight timeline, and show up where you least expect Yashar Ali (@yashar) January 8, 2020 Ali's insight, while important, is predicated upon the fact that, since 1979, America has tried to avoid direct or escalating conflicts with Iran. As the Democrats' response to Soleimani's death shows, any action America takes is immediately labeled "disproportionate," a label that has had enough domestic repercussions to force all presidents but for Reagan (who destroyed a large part of Iran's navy in 1988) to back down. America has looked at proportionality through the wrong end of the lens. A disproportionate attack is dropping an atomic bomb for a failed attempt to storm the Baghdad embassy. However, contrary to the Democrat expectation since Vietnam, a war fought properly is a war fought to victory and that means using more force than the enemy. That's not proportionate at all; it's better than proportionate. President Trump is different from past presidents, for he does not believe in proportionality. He believes in winning. Sen. Lindsey Graham, who spoke to Sean Hannity immediately after a telephone call with the president, said Trump made it clear that if "[y]ou continue this crap, you are going to wake up one day out of the oil business." UPDATE: Iran actually fired 15, not 12, ballistic missiles, but 25% of them missed their intended targets: Ten missiles hit Al-Assad Air Base, one missile hit a military base in Erbil and four missiles failed to hit their targets, according to a U.S. military spokesman for Central Command, responsible for American forces in the Middle East. That failure level again suggests that Iran did not intend its response to Soleimani's death to be an overwhelmingly lethal strike -- although the 11 missiles that did land, which risked killing more Americans on Trump's watch. Iran's foreign minister Javid Zarif identified the missile strikes as "proportionate measures in self defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched." Given Iran's propensity for seeking cold revenges, rather than hot ones, it remains to be seen whether it will conduct a delayed massive bombing strike somewhere in the world. Given President Trump's habit of hitting back twice as hard, it's to be hoped that time quells the Iranian's lust for revenge. One morning 20 years from now, a doctor at MD Anderson will wake up, get her 6-year-old son ready for school and drive them both to her work. Shell drop him off downstairs, where theres a K-12 school funded by area corporations that has a curriculum designed by the likes of Exxon Mobil Corp., Occidental Petroleum, the Texas Medical Center... and teachers. Thats how Tom Luce, founder of Texas 2036, an economic policy nonprofit, sees the future integration of education and business. Luce, a lawyer and former assistant secretary of education under President George W. Bush, founded Texas 2036 in 2016, and named it for the upcoming bicentennial of the Republic of Texas. The goal is to provide a road map of policy initiatives that will propel Texas ahead of the blaring red economic warning signs he sees in the next 16 years a failing education system that will lead to a lack of qualified workers, huge infrastructure projects that need to be completed and rising health care costs, to name a few. Texas Inc.: Get the best of business news sent directly to your inbox Tom Luce, founder Texas 2036 Undergraduate and law degrees from Southern Methodist University Founding partner and managing partner of Hughes and Luce law firm Appointed to major posts by Texas governors, including chairman of the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission, chief justice pro tempore of the Texas Supreme Court and delegate to the Education Commission of the States Chief of Staff to Texas Select Committee of Public Education in 1984 Assistant secretary for the Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development at the U.S. Department of Education, 2005 See More Collapse His signature issue is education reform, where hes not starting with the usual suspects. Hes starting with a C-suite audience, arguing that the economic well-being of their companies are at stake if Texas doesnt fix its failing K-12 education system that has the worst high school attainment rate in the country. He admits its a tall order. Everybody is an expert in education because everybody went to school, he said. So, they have their own opinion, most of which is based on anecdotal experience. Luce recently spoke with the Houston Chronicle about bringing corporate leaders to the table to advocate for education reform. Q: You often say Texas took its eye off the ball with regard to its education system. Why is education a problem for the business community? A: Our economic growth is predicated upon having a large, employable workforce where we can produce productivity gains. We have prospered over the last 15 years due to enormous amounts of domestic and international migration, which has brought better educated (workers) than the students currently in our K-12. pipeline. Its an economic growth issue, an inequality issue and a poverty issue. Q: Texas still has pretty strong migration. A: We do, but its declining from record highs. We may have already gotten everybody out of California who wants to work. As (migration) slows down, were in a race to see how rapidly we can increase our own internal pipeline. Q: How are you getting buy-in from the business community to tackle some of these issues? A: The business community understands their economic self-interest is at stake when it comes to the education system, because were, in essence, at full employment. They cant expand their business if theyre not getting a more available workforce that is skilled to hold the jobs that will exist. Q: I often hear the business community talk about trade skills and workforce programs. Is that the right direction to go? A: Most of the issues that we believe the state needs to deal with are systemic: workforce training, education, health care, infrastructure. Those are large systemic issues, which require time. The business community has to get better at internally figuring out what skills they need and demanding those skills as opposed to certificates. They have too often been complicit. They need to articulate better what skills they need, and they need to demand that the education system respond to the needs of the new economy. Breaking News: Get email alerts from Chron.com sent directly to your inbox Q: It seems like one of the challenges is that youre talking about something many years into the future, starting with early childhood education before they even get into Pre-K. Employers are just trying to train their 30-year-old workers. A: Weve got to balance the tyranny of the urgent with looking around the corner. Im a glass half-full guy. Texas has a better opportunity (than other states) to fix this. Our economy is growing, we balance our budget and weve got a rainy day fund. We have time to do this in a way that preserves a business-friendly environment. We have to be proactive as opposed to reactive. Q: Businesses understand theres a skills gap, and they understand they need a workforce. So whats the disconnect in actually getting their dollar in action? A: Weve tried to convince the CEOs that they have to have an agenda that is more than their self interest. Theres nothing wrong with lobbying. Everybody has a right to lobby for their business. Were saying, You need to band together on the issues that are larger than your self interest. There is a broader agenda that you have to be for. You have to communicate to state leadership that there are five or six big things we need to get done in this state, and were all behind those. On HoustonChronicle.com: Planning for Texas future cant wait Q: Is the public education side of this opposed to letting business have a little more say in early education? A: Theres always tension. But weve got to have closer collaboration between the end user of the product and the public education system. Q: Education is often seen as a local issue. What youre talking about is structural change for the whole state. A: I feel the same way from a federal standpoint. We say we want the president to ensure our national security and ensure that our economy is growing, and the federal government is not supposed to have any voice in education? That doesnt calculate from an economic point of view. The right balance is the state says, Here is what standards you need to achieve in the local district. How you get there is a function of local control. You can you can push the rock up a hill with local effort. But if state policy is not halfway in sync with what youre trying to do, you cant get there quick enough. Q: How should the state be serving Hispanic students? What are some key challenges of rectifying inequalities? A: How we educate Latino students is absolutely essential to our economy. One of the issues we have to grapple with is that, to a large extent, bilingual education is predicated on the premise that a child is completely lingual or illiterate in Spanish, when they may or may not be. Weve got to use best practices to figure out how to best educate Latino students, some of whom are in households that only speak Spanish, and some in households that speak English. Regardless, we have to tackle where the child is. Weve just got to adapt to the fact that we have a very diverse population, and I dont think our system has adapted. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Q: What happens if we dont adapt? A: Our economy will slow down. Its math. Population plus productivity growth equals GDP growth. If we dont increase productivity growth, then our economy will slow down and opportunities will decrease. Q: It seems overwhelming, do some people just get discouraged? A: If we did continuous improvement 5 percent a year for 20 years wed stay ahead of the problem. But, what most states do, and what a lot of enterprises do, is they cover their eyes until the problem is huge, and then youre really behind. We want to develop the long-term vision, and then take some bite-size pieces we can do each legislative session to make sure were transforming the system to where we want to be. Q: What made you so interested in this issue? A: I was raised by a single parent mother, who didnt have a college degree. My father was alcoholic. My mother was later determined to be paranoid schizophrenic. But we happened to be in the Highland Park Independent School District, which is in a wealthy suburb in Dallas. So, I got a superb public education. I got scholarships to go to college. I had mentors. I had advocates. I was law school. I was given lots and lots of opportunity. I naively thought all of those opportunities were available to everybody in Texas. In 1983 or 84, my client was asked by the governor to lead an effort to make recommendations on the Texas public education system. I traveled all over the state and got my eyes open. Q: How much should we be spending on recruiting and retaining teachers? A: Teacher compensation is an issue. Every great teacher deserves a great salary. Our system today is primarily based on seniority and badges. Often we have young people come into teaching with a sense of mission, and the starting salary is more or less competitive. And then they look up and they say, Well, only way I can really get to where I want to be is 30 years teaching or go back to school. Q: You talk about health and mental care in conjunction with education. Texas and Houston are not well ranked. We are leading the nation in the number of uninsured. Why is that issue important to our economic security? A: Our health care system is, to a larger degree than it should be, a health sick system. Our health care costs are increasing at an unsustainable rate. At the same time, were on the bottom 40s (of state rankings) when it comes to most measurements of health outcomes. So, we have unsustainable costs and not adequate results. Thats not sustainable. Mental health is a huge issue of what I call stage five or emergency care as opposed to prevention and early treatment diagnosis. The social outcome of (early intervention) is so much higher, and the cost is so much lower than if you were to treat somebody in a state hospital, jail or prison. It just makes no economic sense. Q: These are big systemic issues. How can you attack them? A: My motto is go big or stay home. I believe the issues we face are large, theyre systemic, and theyre not susceptible to one little quick fix. This is going to take time. erin.douglas@chron.com Twitter.com/erinmdouglas23 The Member of Parliament for the Bantama constituency in the Ashanti Region, Daniel Okyem Aboagye has publicly knelt down to plead with the NPPs chairman in the region to also declare his constituency as one of those that parliamentary primaries should not be held. Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in According to a report by Peacefmonline.com, the incident happened at the meeting with constituency and polling station executives of the party, as well as electoral area coordinators. The meeting was chaired by the NPPs national second vice chairman, Mr. F.F Antoh. READ ALSO: Journalists who misrepresent me will suffer together with their generations - Duncan-Wlliams I beg you, Chairman [Wontumi], in the name of God, let me go unopposed like the others. Add me to the MPs who are not being contested in the upcoming primaries, Okyem begged, almost in tears. The Bantama MPs action comes on the back of rumor that he may loose his seat in the parliamentary primaries to Francis Asenso Boakye, the deputy Chief of Staff if nominations are opened. It is believed that Mr. Okyem Aboagyes plea is to prevent the deputy Chief of Staff from contesting him in the primaries slated for the end of April, 2020. ATTENTION: Read the best news on Ghana #1 news app. Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Ghana This week, it has been reported in the media that the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Mr. Wontumi has named some constituencies in the region where there would be no parliamentary primaries held. READ ALSO: Angry Menzgold customers storm NAM1s Trassaco residence But the NPPs Ashanti Regional secretary, Sam Payne denied the party had taken any such decision in a radio interview. YEN.com.gh earlier report that the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has wished Ghanaians a happy New Year and urged them to keep hope alive in 2020. The former president in his New Year message also urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to ensure peace and violence-free elections 2020. Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: YEN.com.gh The EU's diplomatic chief on Wednesday condemned Iran's rocket attacks on Iraqi bases housing US troops, urging an end to the "spiral of violence" as Europe tries to defuse the growing crisis. Tehran fired ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq housing coalition forces in the first act of the Islamic republic's promised revenge for the killing of one of its top generals in a US drone strike. The assassination of Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad on Friday sparked an outpouring of rage and grief in Iran, and the country's supreme leader hailed the latest rocket attacks as a "slap in the face" for Washington. "The latest rocket attacks on air bases in Iraq used by US and coalition forces, among them European forces, are yet another example of escalation and increased confrontation," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters. "It is in no-one's interest to turn up the spiral of violence even further," he said, warning that the latest crisis was hampering the fight against the Islamic State. EU foreign ministers are holding emergency talks on the Iran crisis on Friday to discuss what the bloc can do to reduce tensions, but its options for action are limited. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who will raise the situation when she meets British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in London later Wednesday, said "the use of weapons must stop" to allow space for dialogue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pound to Australian Dollar exchange rates (GBPAUD) were stuck in a narrow range against the Australian Dollar (AUD) on Wednesday morning as markets braced for Boris Johnsons meeting with European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. Johnson and von der Leyen are set to meet in Downing Street later this afternoon and are expected to discuss the next steps for Brexit negotiations. Johnson is expected to use the meeting to reaffirm his commitment to not extending the Brexit transition period past December 2020, whilst also outlining that any post-Brexit trade deal will not be based on alignment with the EU. a statement released by Downing Street overnight read: At the leaders first face to face meeting since Von der Leyen took office in December, the prime minister is expected to stress the importance of agreeing a confident and positive future relationship by the end of December 2020. He is expected to tell President Von der Leyen that, having waited for over three years to get Brexit done, both British and EU citizens rightly expect negotiations on an ambitious free trade agreement (FTA) to conclude on time. There will be no extension to the implementation period, which will end in December 2020 as set out in the political declaration. The prime minister will likely underline that the upcoming negotiations will be based on an ambitious FTA, not on alignment. The PMs desire to pursue a free trade agreement is likely to weaken Sterling sentiment as it threatens to cause more disruption to the UK economy that a deal based on close alignment. Furthermore GBP investors will be highly sceptical that such an ambitious deal could be reached with the EU in just eleven months and prevent the UK facing a no-deal Brexit at the end of 2020. Australian Dollar Exchange Rates Steady as Trumps Response to Iranian Missile Strikes Calms Nerves The Australian Dollar (AUD) stabilised on Wednesday, as markets were calmed by Donald Trumps restrained response to Irans attacks on US airbases in Iraq. The news that Iran has carried out a ballistic missile strike against two US bases in Iraq initially weighed on the Australian Dollar overnight as markets shunned risk-sensitive currencies in favour of safe-haven assets. However markets quickly calmed, with no US casualties reported and the Aussie recouping its ground following a tweet from US President Donald Trump, in which he said all was well. Analysts suggest the measured response may help to diffuse some of the tensions in the region, by allowing Iran to hail the attack as a win. Jim Reid of Deutsche Bank said: In the past President Trump has shown restraint in previous attacks in the region blamed on Iran which didnt kill any US citizens. This gives a glimmer of hope that this might not lead to an all-out escalation in the conflict. There are already some commentators saying that if the US doesnt ratchet up tensions further this could be good news for risk as it might be spun by Iran as a big response and the world can move on for now. Forecast: Narrowing Trade Surplus to Dent the Aussie Dollar? Looking ahead to the second half of the week, the Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate could be buoyed on Thursday with the publication of Australias latest trade figures. Economists forecast Australias trade surplus will have narrowed again in November, with AUD investors likely to be wary of another sharp drop in exports. However the Aussie could still find support at the end of the weak with the release of Australias retail sales figures on the expectations they will reveal retail sales growth rebounded in November. In the absence of any notable UK economic data, the focus for GBP investors will remain firmly on Brexit through the latter half of the week. UK parliament is expected to pass Boris Johnsons EU withdrawal bill by the end of the week, paving the way for the UK to leave the EU at the end of January. The passing of the bill will offer some short-term clarity to GBP investors, but given the fears of a possible no-deal Brexit at the end of 2020, the Pounds response it likely to be largely muted. There are a lot of impressive animals brought to the Farm Show every year, and the Sale of Champions is where some of the most impressive fetch quite a price when they are put up for auction. Over 400 market animals from across Pennsylvania were sold at the Sale of Champions and junior livestock sale on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Below are some of the details about each including the price they went for at the auction - each of them demanding hundreds or even thousands of dollars. And just for comparisons sake, we thought it would be fun to put the amount of money in other, non-livestock terms. Reserve Champion Rabbit Meat Pen Presented by: Grant Molnar of Grantville, Lebanon County Sold for: $1,000 Buyer: Bell & Evans, Congressman Glenn Thompson and Fulton Bank For that price: you could get 1,219 pounds of carrots from Walmart Grand Champion Rabbit Meat Pen Presented by: Chloe Plesic of York Springs, York County Sold for: $900 Buyer: John Rock Inc. For that price: you could buy 90 lucky rabbits feet from Amazon.com Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb Presented by: Renee Svonavec of Rockwood, Somerset County Sold for: $4,700 Buyer: Fulton Bank and Bell & Evans Poultry For that price: you could get 235 copies of The Shari Show featuring Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop on DVD from Amazon.com Grand Champion Market Lamb Presented by: Hunter McMillen of New Florence, Indiana County Sold for: $6,000 Buyer: Hosss Steak and Sea House For that price: you could pick up 60 Hi-Pile Fleece jackets from L.L. Bean Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat Presented by: Sean Davis from Carolltown, Cambria County Sold for: $2,500 Buyer: John Rock Inc. For that price: 219 copies of the fitness book Goat Yoga by Shenanigoat Yoga and Ashley Hylbert Grand Champion Market Goat Presented by: Olivia Arnold of Milton, Northumberland County Sold for: $3,900 Buyer: New Holland Sales Stables For that price: you could pick up 354 Greatest Of All Time goat trophies from TrophyPartner.com Reserve Grand Champion Junior Market Hog Presented by: Aaron Zundel of New Alexandria, Westmoreland County Sold for: $3,900 Buyer: Giant Food Stores For that price: you could buy 39 Harley Davidson Lego Creator Expert Fat Boy building sets from Harley Davidson Grand Champion Market Hog Presented by: Alaina Webster of Venago, Crawford County Sold for: $6,000 Buyer: Hatfield Quality Meats For that price: you could get 400 Pearhead Piggy Banks from Target Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer Presented by: Hunter Jay of Artemas, Bedford County Sold for: $7,200 Buyer: Hosss Steak and Sea House For that price: you could get 2063 15 oz. bottles of A1 Steak Sauce from Amazon.com Grand Champion Market Steer Presented by: Karli Berkheimer of Dillsburg, York County Sold for: $20,000 Buyer: Giant Foods and Bell & Evans. Berkheimer hails from Dillsburg, York County. For that price: you could buy 5,263 Quarter Pounders (with cheese) from McDonalds Second Annual Supreme Champion Showman Market Swine Presented by: Bailey Kasbee of Stoneboro, Mercer County Sold for: $3,000 Buyer: Saubels Market For that price: 928 pounds of Hormel Natural Hardwood Smoke Original Bacon from Instacart Scholarships Part of the proceeds from the Sale of Champions go towards scholarships for the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation, with the remaining scholarship funds coming from donations. This year, the foundation gave out $84,000 in scholarships to 24 college students, with an additional $2,000 from Penn States College of Agricultural Sciences and Delaware Valley Universitys participating students. (If youre curious, $84,000 in scholarships could buy you about 4 years worth of in-state tuition to Penn State University.) By Trend Kazakhstan introduced 72-hour visa-free regimen for citizens of China and India travelling through territory of Kazakhstan via international airports of Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktau, Karaganda and Taraz, Trend reports with reference to the press office of Kazakhstans Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The regimen was introduced starting from Jan. 1, 2020. Now, transit visitors from China and India will be receiving stamps in passport at the checkpoints indicating the time of crossing the state border of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has improved its position in The Henley Passport Index published by Henley & Partners company for the third year in a row in 2020. According to the ranking, Kazakhstans passport ranked 67th due to its ability to allow visa free entrance to 76 countries worldwide. Measles has killed nearly three times as many people as Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, figures show. Around 6,000 patients have died from measles since the start of 2019, with cases reported in every corner of the African country. More than a quarter of a million people have been infected in that time, with the World Health Organisation describing it as the 'world's worst outbreak'. Despite the growing death-toll, the DRC's simultaneous Ebola outbreak has gained far more international attention. The outbreak of the virus has killed at least 2,231 people since the first case was reported in August 2018. The WHO said a crippling lack of funding was allowing both epidemics to rage on, as the DRC's already-limited health resources strain while trying to tackle them both. Around 6,000 patients have died from measles since the start of 2019, with cases reported in every corner of the African country. More than a quarter of a million people have been infected in that time While 20million ($26.2m) has already been sent to the Congo in measles aid, the WHO said far more was needed. It claims at least 30million ($39.3m) will go towards a special six-month plan to immunise older children between the ages of six and 14. A vaccine against measles has existed for decades but some 310,000 cases have been reported in Congo since the beginning of 2019. Health workers in the DRC struggle to access remote parts of the vast country, and jab rates remain low in areas where armed groups operate. Many resources in DRC have been devoted to the simultaneous outbreak of Ebola, the second worst in history after the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic. In September, the government launched an emergency vaccination programme with the aim of immunising more than 800,000 children. But roughly four million children around half of the total in the country remain unvaccinated and not enough jabs are available. The majority of measles deaths in the country have been infants whose immune systems are too weak to fend off the illness. Poor infrastructure and lack of access to routine healthcare have also stalled efforts to curb the crisis. Britain was declared measles free by the World Health Organisation in 2016 after a 36-month period with no endemic transmission. But last year it lost its measles-free status three years after the virus was eliminated across the home nations. Uptake of the MMR jab has declined. Measles death in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the start of 2019 have been mostly children (file image) The number of Britons vaccinating themselves or their children against the virus has steadily declined in recent years, while cases of measles have quadrupled in the last 12 months. In the first quarter of this year, there were 231 confirmed cases. Politicians are alarmed about creeping cynicism over the safety of jabs, partly being driven by the antivaxx movement, which spreads scare stories, conspiracy theories and false information about the jabs online. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily from an infected person by coughing, sneezing or even just breathing. Symptoms develop between six and 19 days after infection, and include a runny nose, cough, sore eyes, a fever and a rash. The rash appears as red and blotchy marks on the hairline that travel down over several days, turning brown and eventually fading. Some children complain of disliking bright lights or develop white spots with red backgrounds on their tongue. In one in 15 cases, measles can cause life-threatening complications including pneumonia, convulsions and encephalitis. Major security issues have been discovered within the hugely popular app TikTok, threatening the safety of users. Researchers at Check Point found multiple vulnerabilities that would allow attackers to manipulate videos and steal confidential personal information. "The research found that an attacker could send a spoofed SMS message to a user containing a malicious link," Check Point noted. "If the user clicked on the malicious link, the attacker was able to access the users TikTok account and manipulate its content by deleting videos, uploading unauthorized videos, and making private or 'hidden' videos public." Security concerns with the app, which has over a billion users across 150 countries, recently resulted in the US Army banning soldiers from using it. Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty TikTok said it had fixed the security flaws found by Check Point after being alerted about them in November. A fix was rolled out within a month, though users had already been exposed to the issue for almost a year. "Like many organisations, we encourage responsible security researchers to privately disclose zero-day vulnerabilities to us," TikTok said in a statement. "Before public disclosure, Check Point agreed that all reported issues were patched in the latest version of our app. We hope that this successful resolution will encourage further collaboration with security researchers." It is not clear whether any hackers exploited the vulnerability, though the rapid growth of the app means it has become a major target for cyber criminals. "Malicious actors are always looking for vulnerabilities, so TikTok should not be shamed for being targeted," said Jake Moore, a researcher at cyber security firm ESET. "The fact that they are taking ownership and offering quick support updates to mitigate the risk to their users is a positive step that should be commended." EU leaders met the head of Libya's UN-recognised government Wednesday as they scramble to contain the escalating crisis there, with Germany warning the country could deteriorate into a "second Syria". Fayez al-Sarraj, whose beleaguered Government of National Accord is facing an offensive by rival forces who control the country's east, met EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, who cautioned that Libya was facing a "watershed point". He also met EU Council President Charles Michel and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who told reporters that "we want to prevent Libya from becoming the scene of a proxy war or Libya becoming a second Syria." Borrell's and Maas' warnings came after military strongman Khalifa Haftar's forces -- who have support from the UAE, Egypt and Russia -- seized control of the coastal city of Sirte as part of his drive to take Tripoli and oust the GNA. The EU pledged to "step up efforts towards a peaceful and political solution" in a statement released afterwards, hoping the so-called Berlin process -- UN-sponsored talks planned for the German capital -- can offer a way out. Maas, who a day earlier took part in emergency talks on Libya with his French, British and Italian counterparts, said Sarraj had given his full support to the Berlin process and pledged to "push ahead with what is to be agreed there -- both a ceasefire and an arms embargo with the neighbouring states, but also above all the political process under the aegis of the United Nations." As part of Europe's accelerating diplomatic efforts, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held talks with Haftar in Rome. - Foreign interference - No date has been fixed for the Berlin conference, but Maas suggested it could happen in the coming weeks. Borrell, who on Tuesday condemned Turkey for "interference" in the Libya conflict, earlier in the day warned that the situation in Libya was becoming increasingly perilous. Michel is due in Turkey this weekend for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while Borrell plans to meet other Libyan leaders including Haftar in search of a breakthrough. Ankara says it has sent 35 Turkish troops who are carrying out training and coordination tasks to support the GNA, insisting they will not take part in any fighting. Libya has been plunged into chaos since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising that killed longstanding dictator Moamer Kadhafi, and is now divided between the GNA and Haftar's rival authorities based in the country's east. Tensions escalated last year when Haftar launched an offensive to capture Tripoli and the conflict is complicated by the involvement of outside forces including the UAE and by Russian mercenaries backing the strongman -- though Moscow denies playing a role. The EU is keen to stop the conflict spiralling out of control, fearing that terror groups such as the Islamic State could exploit the instability to launch attacks and concerned the turmoil could lead to more migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean. Elsewhere, Libya was on the agenda as Russian President Vladimir Putin joined his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in calling for a ceasefire in Libya from midnight on Sunday as they met in Istanbul. burs-pdw/dc/har Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Al-Sarraj met with European Council President Charles Michel (R) and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell (C) with Borrell warning Libya is facing a "watershed point" Australia is currently being ravaged by an outbreak of wildfires, which so far have claimed 25 human lives, destroyed 6.3 million hectares of bush, forest, and parks, and killed millions of animals. People all over the world are rolling up their sleeves to help as much as they can, from ordinary folk to sex workers to celebrities. But when it comes to saving the poor animals affected by the fires, the Irwin family is at the forefront of the cause. Bindi Irwin just announced via Instagram that her family has saved a whopping 90,000 animals over the past few days, having taken them to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which is owned by the Irwin family. In her post, she shared that the fight is not over and they will continue their job as Wildlife Warriors to save as many animals as possible. undefined She added that their wildlife hospital is busier than ever and the team has already treated over 90,000 patients. Meanwhile, on a January 6th episode of CNNs Anderson Cooper Full Circle, Bindis mother Terri and brother Robert Irwin talked about the impact the bushfires have on the countrys helpless animals. undefined Terri added that this tragedy is enough of a wakeup call to urge everyone to be more proactive in saving the environment and combatting climate change. undefined If youd like to take part in helping Australia recover from the fires, you can donate organizations including the Australian Red Cross, WIRES wildlife rescue, the Salvation Army Australia. You can also donate to the Irwins Wildlife Warriors to help them secure funds for medical equipment and supplies for the distressed animals. New Delhi, Jan 8 : Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for government's 'anti-people', 'anti-labour' policies that he said have created "catastrophic unemployment". Rahul Gandhi said he salutes the 25 crore workers for calling Bharat Bandh. "The Modi-Shah Government's anti people, anti labour policies have created catastrophic unemployment & are weakening our PSUs to justify their sale to Modi's crony capitalist friends. Today, over 25 crore workers have called for Bharat Bandh 2020 in protest. I salute them," he tweeted. Rahul Gandhi's remark came in the wake of nation-wide strike called by the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Indian National Trade Union Congress and Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) to protest against the Central government's policies to privatise state-run undertakings. New Delhi, Jan 8 : Stating that Delhi Police had responded promptly after receiving a written request from JNU administration on January 5, Deputy Commissioner of Police Devender Arya claimed on Wednesday that investigation into the Sunday's violence, was on track. Arya, who visited JNU campus on Wednesday, said that the cases have been transferred to the Crime Branch and situation on campus is well within control of the police administration. He said that apart from video footage and phone call data, the help of social media platforms is also being sought to investigate the violent incidents that rocked the campus on January 5. He said that police in uniform are deployed outside JNU campus while police in civil dress were stationed on campus as per request made by JNU administration. JNU and its vicinity have been the scene of protests and counter protests following the assault on Sabarmati hostel inmates on campus by groups of masked people. The pro-left student unions and ABVP have been accusing each other over the attacks. (ANSA) - Turin, January 8 - Carabinieri police sources said Wednesday that they have detained Aleksejs Rustanovs, a 29-year-old Latvian wanted in relation to the 2016 murder of Dutch journalist Martin Kok in Amsterdam. Rustanovs, who was the subject of a European arrest warrant issued by the Scottish authorities, was hiding in a hotel in the town of San Mauro Torinese, near Turin. He is also suspected of being the head of an international drugs and arms-trafficking ring. The CEO of China Lesso Group Holdings Limited (HKG:2128) is Manlun Zuo. First, this article will compare CEO compensation with compensation at similar sized companies. Next, we'll consider growth that the business demonstrates. Third, we'll reflect on the total return to shareholders over three years, as a second measure of business performance. This process should give us an idea about how appropriately the CEO is paid. See our latest analysis for China Lesso Group Holdings How Does Manlun Zuo's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies? At the time of writing, our data says that China Lesso Group Holdings Limited has a market cap of HK$32b, and reported total annual CEO compensation of CN1.2m for the year to December 2018. While we always look at total compensation first, we note that the salary component is less, at CN601k. We looked at a group of companies with market capitalizations from CN14b to CN45b, and the median CEO total compensation was CN3.9m. A first glance this seems like a real positive for shareholders, since Manlun Zuo is paid less than the average total compensation paid by similar sized companies. However, before we heap on the praise, we should delve deeper to understand business performance. You can see a visual representation of the CEO compensation at China Lesso Group Holdings, below. SEHK:2128 CEO Compensation, January 8th 2020 Is China Lesso Group Holdings Limited Growing? China Lesso Group Holdings Limited has increased its earnings per share (EPS) by an average of 14% a year, over the last three years (using a line of best fit). In the last year, its revenue is up 12%. Overall this is a positive result for shareholders, showing that the company has improved in recent years. It's also good to see decent revenue growth in the last year, suggesting the business is healthy and growing. It could be important to check this free visual depiction of what analysts expect for the future. Has China Lesso Group Holdings Limited Been A Good Investment? Story continues I think that the total shareholder return of 131%, over three years, would leave most China Lesso Group Holdings Limited shareholders smiling. So they may not be at all concerned if the CEO were to be paid more than is normal for companies around the same size. In Summary... It appears that China Lesso Group Holdings Limited remunerates its CEO below most similar sized companies. Considering the underlying business is growing earnings, this would suggest the pay is modest. The pleasing shareholder returns are the cherry on top; you might even consider that Manlun Zuo deserves a raise! Most shareholders like to see a modestly paid CEO combined with strong performance by the company. But it is even better if company insiders are also buying shares with their own money. If you think CEO compensation levels are interesting you will probably really like this free visualization of insider trading at China Lesso Group Holdings. If you want to buy a stock that is better than China Lesso Group Holdings, this free list of high return, low debt companies is a great place to look. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Bush Runner: The Adventures of Pierre-Esprit Radisson, by Mark Bourrie (Biblioasis) Readers of Mark Bourrie's Bush Runner might well wonder if Jonathan Swift at his edgiest has been at work. This over-the-top narrative connects Canadian fur traders with three European royal courts, mixes in Indigenous political intrigues and family alliances among the Five Nations and French settlers, and adds Jesuits, cannibalism, and the Great Fire of London. To top it off, there's the impact of the beaver hat and the buffalo on the entire Western world! In Bourrie's telling, the picaresque Pierre Radisson, a humane con artist of heroic stamina and fluid loyalties, was the fulcrum of four centuries of Canadian centrality in the forging of modern Western civilizations. Who knew? Had It Coming: What's Fair in the Age of #MeToo? by Robyn Doolittle (Allen Lane) Had It Coming tackles the urgent issues around sexual politics at the heart of contemporary Canadian culture. Robyn Doolittle, well known for her Unfounded series on police handling of sexual assault cases, offers an astute diagnosis of the origin and legacy of #MeToo. With professionalism, balance, and empathy, she seeks to move forward towards a new era of positive change in attitudes towards sexual harassment and assault. Doolittle, while underlining the importance of both due diligence and due process, offers persuasive evidence of a gradual shift in social attitudes, engaging us in a spirited conversation about the complexities of this ongoing social transformation. Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, by Jessica McDiarmid (Doubleday Canada) This riveting expose of the national scandal of Indigenous women and girls murdered on Highway 16 in north-western British Columbia reads like crime fiction. But this is true crime, and many of the killers have not been brought to justice. McDiarmid's scrupulously documented account tells some of these women's stories and recounts the anguish of their damaged communities. Highway of Tears is a wake-up call for Canada. It challenges not only the police and the government, but all citizens to find a way forward from this legacy of racism, sexism and violence. The Reality Bubble: Blind Spots, Hidden Truths and the Dangerous Illusions that Shape Our World, by Ziya Tong (Allen Lane) In The Reality Bubble, science broadcaster Zia Tong embarks on a vivid expedition through the science of time, space, dinosaurs, the modern surveillance state, the obscure secrets of supermarket aisles, and almost literal infinity of everyday illusions. We learn that the most shocking revelations are of what our blind spots teach us to miss, and that none of these complex phenomena are a match for her storytelling prowess. Prepare to have most of your bubbles burst! The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator, by Timothy C. Winegard (Allen Lane) A fascinating, fact-packed, and timely overview of human history as seen through the lens of the mosquito: carrier of fatal diseases, terminator of communities, arbiter of wars. Through millennia, Winegard argues, the mosquito has been the single most powerful force in determining the fate of humanity, steering the fates of empires, crippling economies, and killing nearly half of humanity along the way. With our former pesticides already useless, we're locked in an escalating battle with these tiny vampires. What are our chances? Noreen Taylor, founder of the Prize and chair of the Charles Taylor Foundation, spoke at the event and made these comments: "Bravo to our jurors! I am so proud of this, our final shortlist. Charles would be thrilled at the range covered by these books the hard-hitting, research-heavy investigations of fascinating subjects and the humane treatments of topics that are and will be of keen interest to all Canadians. This is the sort of writing he admired." Also in attendance was Vijay Parmar, president of RBC PH&N Investment Counsel, who added: "Congratulations to the shortlisted authors of the final RBC Taylor Prize. RBC Wealth Management is proud to have supported Canadian non-fiction literature through the Prize for over a decade. We believe in the power of a good story and the strong group of writers on this year's final shortlist reaffirm that our country's stories continue to be worthy of notice." Public events already confirmed for the finalists include a free 90-minute Round Table Discussion with the shortlisted authors in the Lakeside Terrace at Harbourfront, hosted by Toronto Star Books Editor, Deborah Dundas, on Thursday February 27, 2020 at 7pm presented by the Toronto International Festival of Authors. There is also the Ben McNally Authors Brunch on Sunday March 1st, at the Omni King Edward Hotel in downtown Toronto (for tickets, please contact Ben McNally Books at 416 361-0032 or visit benmcnallybooks.com). The RBC Taylor Prize winner will be revealed at a gala luncheon on Monday March 2nd, 2020. The Prize luncheon will once again be held at the Omni King Edward Hotel in downtown Toronto. About The RBC Taylor Prize Established in 1998 by the trustees of the Charles Taylor Foundation and first awarded in 2000, 2020 marks the 20th anniversary, and final, awarding of the RBC Taylor Prize, which commemorates Charles Taylor's pursuit of excellence in the field of literary non-fiction. Awarded to the author whose book best combines a superb command of the English language, an elegance of style, and a subtlety of thought and perception, the Prize consists of $5,000 for each of the finalists, and a further $25,000 for the winner. All authors are presented with a custom leather-bound version of their shortlisted book at the awards ceremony. All finalists receive promotional support for their nominated titles. Sharing a commitment to emerging Canadian talent, The Charles Taylor Foundation and RBC will also grant the sixth annual RBC Taylor Prize Emerging Writers Award. Shortly after the announcement of the 2020 Prize, its winner will name their choice of emerging author to receive this $10,000 award. Continuing that commitment to emerging Canadian talent, we will again present the RBC Taylor Prize Emergent Author Mentorship Program, of nationally selected non-fiction writers from several of the many prestigious writing programs in Canada. The five selected Emergent writers will be paired with a shortlisted author and will travel to Toronto for professional development and mentorship. The trustees of the Charles Taylor Foundation are: Vijay Parmar, David Staines, Edward Taylor, Nadina Taylor, and Noreen Taylor. The Prize Manager is Sheila Kay. The presenting sponsor of the RBC Taylor Prize is RBC Wealth Management. Its media sponsors are The Globe and Mail, Cision, Quill & Quire magazine; its in-kind sponsors are Ben McNally Books, Event Source, TIFA, and the Omni King Edward Hotel. Open Book is a Friend of the Prize. To download high-resolution images of the shortlisted authors and their book covers please go to: www.rbctaylorprize.ca/2020/rbctp_2020_finalist_covers_and_authors.zip To download high-resolution images of the trustees and the jury please go to: www.rbctaylorprize.ca/2020/2020_trustees_and_jury.zip For general information about the Prize please go to: www.rbctaylorprize.ca. Follow the RBC Taylor Prize on Twitter at www.twitter.com/taylorprize and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RBCTaylorPrize SOURCE RBC Taylor Prize For further information: Media contact: Stephen Weir & Associates: Stephen Weir: 416-489-5868 | cell: 416-801-3101 | [email protected] According to preliminary data, no one survived the crash near the Tehran airport as the plane burst into flames. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his condolences to the families and friends of passengers and crew of the Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 flight PS752 bound for Kyiv that crashed in the early hours of Wednesday shortly after takeoff from Tehran airport. The president published the corresponding post on his Telegram channel. Read alsoUkrainian passenger jet crashes near Tehran airport (Photo, video) "Terrible news from the Middle East. This morning, after taking off from the Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran), the passenger plane of Ukraine International Airlines crashed near the airport. According to preliminary data, all passengers and crew died. Our embassy is verifying data about the circumstances of the tragedy and the lists of the victims. My sincere condolences to families and friends of all passengers and crew," wrote Zelensky. As UNIAN reported earlier, a Ukrainian plane with 167 people on board crashed outside Tehran airport. According to local emergency services, no one survived in the crash. Books Have Fun in Burma: A Fictional Exploration of Intercultural Misunderstanding Have Fun in Burma by Rosalie Metro (2018). / Tony Waters Have Fun in Burma by Rosalie Metro (2018) is about the hazards of relating across the barriers between American and Burmese cultures. Though international scrutiny of Myanmar has mounted in recent months, cross-cultural misunderstandings are a constant and Metros book is worth a read for any Western expatriate working in the country. Some such misunderstandingsin retrospectare amusing. Some are tragic. And others have policy and personal implications. If the 18-year-old American protagonist in Have Fun in Burma takes these values for granted, the same is more than true among seasoned Western aid bearers. Metro incisively points out how misunderstandings will be frequent between wealthy and often naive Westerners immersed in ideas about individualism and equality. Wary Burmese nationalists are also interested in equality, but they are also concerned with foreign intervention, neocolonialism and the preservation of culture. Misunderstanding happens because of power discrepancies and cultural divides inherent to relationships between traveling Westerners and resident Burmese. Metros point is ultimately that there is not always a middle ground, nor should there be: sometimes the Westerner needs to just watch, wait and listen in order to gain deeper understanding. The protagonist in Fun in Burma is Adela Frost, an 18-year-old American student. She is an idealistic voluntourist, assigned to teach English at the fictional Yadana monastery outside Yangon in 2012, shortly after the expulsion of the Rohingya (but before the expulsions in 2017). Adela picked Burma because, while in high school, she befriended a Burmese exile, Ka Oo, who worked in her schools cafeteria. Ka Oo related to her the story of the 8.8.88 demonstrations, his own flight to join the students fighting in the forest and his eventual emigration to America. He tells her about the brutality of the Burmese military government, but also his longing for family and country. Adela begins following issues in Burma in the Western press and learns about the exclusion of the Muslim Rohingya, which the Western press describes as religious discrimination by Buddhists against Muslims. In this respect, her sources of knowledge on Myanmar are perhaps typical of idealistic Americans: a combination of personal interaction with exiles and a press focused on Buddhist-Muslim tensions. As a voluntourist, Adela Frost in fact does better than most. She quickly learns phrases in Burmese, survives a strong bout of dysentery and undergoes a 10-day-long meditation retreat in which the non-religious Adela wrestles with the relationship between suffering and karma. She even starts applying these Buddhist concepts to her previous beliefs about individualism and ethno-religious equality, and asks good questions: Why should a woman dying in the hospital be ignored because she is Muslim and dark skinned? Why should women be pushed into arranged marriages, and from there into nunneries? Why was Cyclone Nargis so unjust in who it killed? Why are peaceful monks in her English class so nationalistic, asserting that Rohingya have no citizenship rights in Myanmar and should leave? These questions are quickly sharpened by Adelas experience in Myanmar. As a result, they make it into the blog she keeps, which is aimed at her friends and teachers in the United States. Her posts express empathy and confusion from an American viewpoint. Inevitably she questions Burmese views that focus on accepting the status quo with respect to gender and religious inequality. In this context, Adela begins a relationship with the Buddhist nun Daw Pancavati, who selflessly nurses the 18 year-old through a bout of dysentery and adopts her as her daughter. The tender care she receives from the nun and their mother-daughter relationship touches her emotionally. She has not experienced such selflessness before. In the context of this close relationship, Daw Pancavati becomes an important source for Adelas understanding of the status of women, arranged marriage and the tragedy of Cyclone Nargis, which took Daw Pancavatis own young son. In this context, she also learns of the beauty of Buddhism. Adelas second source however is Thiha, a handsome kitchen worker who has been awarded a scholarship to study in Singapore. He too becomes Adelas sounding board as she applies her American ideas about discrimination and inequality to what she sees around the temple compound. It is in this context that Adela wrestles with the epithet kala, a derogatory word for Muslims. Some monks seem to hate the kala, even while the monasterys abbot seems quietly sympathetic. Adela learns that there are, after all, three Muslim children in her English class and that a Muslim man was hired by the abbot to clean the monastery compound. From her American perspective, Adela finds such tolerance admirable and she decides to tell the world about the complexity of Burmese Buddhist kindness, which coexistsinexplicably, to her mindwith overt hostility toward Muslim kala. She does this by doing the blogger thing: taking photos of the compound, the children and the sweeper, and posting them to her blog. Adelas downfall is her relationship with Thiha the kitchen worker, who she also sees in American terms. She encourages him to sneak into her room at night, and they begin a sexual relationship imbued with her American romanticism and an assumption that no one will know. She does this knowing that sexual activity is strictly forbidden on the temple grounds. In this context, Adela coerces Thiha into translating her English-language blog into Burmese. She hopes that Burmese people will see how tolerant the monastery is, in the same way her American audience would. Idealistically, she hopes that Yadana Monastery will become a model for Myanmar. But Thihas translation proves to be Adelas undoing. The blog goes viral not in America, but in Myanmar. The monasterys Muslim children and the cleaner are quickly identified and the abbot becomes the focus of online criticism for harboring both Muslims and an American meddler. Adelas blog itself becomes the target for vitriolic hate. The three Muslim children disappear from school, one girl apparently returning to trash picking, the sweeper is fired and Adelas lover loses his kitchen job and scholarship to Singapore. Adela herself is summarily deported two days before her three-month contract expires. Metros straightforward message is that even the best-intentioned Westerners can have things go wrong in places they do not yet understand, particularly since their wealth often protects them from critique. The message of the novel is that engagement with Burma requires foreigners to have patience and awareness of the consequences of their actions: what is written on your blog matters. If this is true for Adela, how much more true is it for UKAID, USAID, the World Bank and the Yangon Embassies that dispense aid in some of the most sensitive areas of Myanmar? Or for that matter, how true was it for the British colonialists that George Orwell and others wrote about? American volunteers should of course read Have Fun in Burma. But more prominent dispensers of foreign aid should have Have Fun in Burma on their bookshelves too. Adelas views about humanitarianism, equality and human rights are Western in origin and these values, perhaps necessarily, permeate foreign aid program design in Myanmar. This is why there are clauses in foreign aid contracts regarding discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, religion and genderreflecting values favored by Adela as well. This is fine, but implicitly, Burmese concerns about neocolonialism and cultural preservation are left out. Perhaps there should also be clauses written into such contracts about appreciation of Burmese hospitality of the sort Daw Pancavati offers, including a request that not every person with a different view on religious and ethnic issues should be lectured atand certainly a note about no sex in monasteries. In the same way Adela Frost saw her American concerns first, contracts and foreign-backed programs highlight the same Western human rights discourse. There is more to Myanmar than the drive for equality or ethno-religious discrimination, as Have Fun in Burma describes well. Tony Waters is Director of the Institute of Religion, Culture and Peace at Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He works with Burmese, Karen and other students in the universitys PhD program in Peacebuilding. He is also a professor of Sociology at California State University, Chico, and author of academic books and articles. He can be reached at [email protected]. You may also like these stories: Book Examines Moral Basis of Daw Aung San Suu Kyis Concept of Democracy Author Champions Ex-Presidents Legacy, Glosses over Challenges Leftists around the world are at it again, blaming "anthropogenic" (i.e., man-caused) climate change for the Australian fires. While it's true that the fires are "man-caused," they're not anthropogenic in the way the Left thinks they are. At the Golden Globes, the glitterati focused on the fires raging in Australia. Russell Crowe, the famous climatologist...er, the actor who left school at 16, confirmed that the fire was all about climate change, so reparative action is urgently needed: "Make no mistake, the tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate change-based," said Crowe in the statement, which was read by Aniston. "We need to act based on science, move our global workforce to renewable energy and respect our planet for the unique and amazing place it is. That way, we all have a future." Another famous Australian, Cate Blanchett (who "explored her passion for performing arts" at college), agreed: "When one country faces a climate disaster, we all face a climate disaster." Meanwhile, ABC made a laughingstock out of itself with a map superimposing Australia across the United States, implying that an area equal to 25% of America was on fire, even as ABC acknowledged that the fire was, in fact, only as big as Maryland. Unsurprisingly, Hollywood and the media are wrong. Nothing unusual is happening with Australia's climate. The only unusual thing is that environmentalists have prevented remediation and arsonists have had fun. Australia has long had hot, dry summers. What's exceptional about Australian summer heat lately is that, on average, the trend is down from the highs more than 100 years ago: Average rainfall is also up over the same time period: When you have increased rain in a generally dry climate, plant life grows like crazy. Then, during the dry season, that plant life turns to tinder. There's only one way to deal with that tinder, which is to remove it. Rod Keenan, University of Melbourne forestry professor, explains: Done well, controlled burning limits a bushfire's spread and makes suppression easier, by reducing the amount of flammable material. Clearing or thinning vegetation on roadsides and other areas also helps maintain fuel breaks, allowing firefighters access to forests in an emergency. As former fire chiefs recently pointed out, of all factors driving a fire's severity temperature, wind speed, topography, fuel moisture and fuel load fuel load is the only one humans can influence. The environmentalists' influence in Australia, however, prevents sensible approaches. Their impact ranges from the personally foolish: Jo Nova has a damning story about locals in East Gippsland in the state of Victoria who successfully stopped a planned controlled burn at Nowa Nowa. Two of them were pictured holding signs saying, "Spring burns kill baby birds alive" and "Stop burning nesting birds". ...to the politically stupid: "The problems we have got have been created by the Greens," Mr Joyce told The Australian. "We haven't had the capacity to easily access (hazard) reduction burns because of all of the paperwork that is part of green policy. "We don't have access to dams because they have been decommissioned on national parks because of green policy. We have trees that have fallen over vehicles and block roads, so people cannot either get access to fight a fire or to get away from fires. And we can't knock over the trees because of Greens policy. The Green policies led inexorably to the primary cause behind all the fires: arson. Since November, Australia has arrested 183 people for starting the raging fires. Of those, 127 arrests were for arson, with the rest being the result of carelessness. Moreover, 67 of the arsonists identified have been juveniles. The news reports don't specify motives, but experience says they range from children intentionally starting fires for fun to psychopaths intent on revenge. Some are also "weird Pete down the road." In this crazy day and age, we wouldn't be surprised to learn that some of the arsonists were environmentalists proving a point, much like the many activists who commit race hoaxes when they run out of real evidence showing societal racism. With the S&P 500 trading with an average price-earnings ratio of more than 24, it can be difficult to find stocks trading at an attractive valuation. At the same time, the 1.8% average yield on the index doesn't offer much in the way of income. There are some stocks that offer solid growth prospects, a higher yield and a long history of dividend growth all while trading with a reasonable valuation. One company that I feel checks all of these boxes is General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE:GD). I feel so strongly about the future of this company (and its ability to grow dividends) that I opened a position in General Dynamics on Dec. 26. Here's why. Recent earnings results and growth prospects General Dynamics reported third-quarter earnings results on Oct. 23. General Dynamics' had earnings of $3.14 per share for the quarter, 8 cents higher than estimates and an 8.7% improvement from last year's results. Revenue grew 7.3% to $9.8 billion, slightly ahead of analysts' expectations. Aerospace revenues grew nearly 23%, primarily due to an increase in the number of aircraft delivered. The company made its first G600 Gulfstream delivery during the quarter. General Dynamics launched its G700 jet line as well and expects first delivery in 2022. Revenue for Combat Systems was higher by 14.2% on increased demand for products such as the Abrams tank and Stryker vehicle. Marine Systems grew 11.6% as the Virginia-class Columbia Ballistic-Missile Submarine program continues to see high volumes. Information Technology sales were 10% lower due in large part to divestitures made in previous quarters and program timing. Mission Systems was essentially flat, though margins were higher year over year. Overall, operating margins of 12.5% matched the previous year as gains in Mission Systems and Marine Systems were offset by declines in Aerospace and Combat Systems. Story continues General Dynamics expects earnings of $11.91 per share in 2019, which would be a 6% increase from the previous year. The aerospace and defense sector continues to be one of my favorite areas due to increased government spending. Except for Social Security, the U.S. spends more on defense than any other item in the budget. Defense spending will reach $738 billion for fiscal 2020, which is an increase of nearly 8% from fiscal 2019. General Dynamics also recieved a variety of contract awards during the quarter. A sampling of awards is listed below: $22.2 billion contract from the U.S. Navy for nine Virginia-class submarines. $731.8 million contract for Next-Gen Satellite Communications Systems. $1.3 billion from Canada for armored combat support vehicles. $2 billion contract with Spain to provide wheeled vehicles. A portion of a $2.5 billion contract from the U.S. Navy to replace and modernize intelligence systems at facilities worldwide. The company finished the third quarter with a backlog of more than $67 billion. The funded backlog at this point consists of more than two full years of revenue. This backlog is likely to grow as defense spending continues to increase. General Dynamics also offers a diversified lineup of products, from information technology services to armored vehicles to nuclear powered submarines to business jets. This helps the company insulate itself if one segment of the business experiences a decline in sales. This occurred in the last quarter, where two divisions had declining sales yet the overall company grew at a high single-digit rate. And the businesses are very entrenched. For example, General Dynamics is one of just two companies that produces submarines. As shown above, it just received a massive deal to produce a new block of submarines. The company's ground and marine programs also play a crucial role in the U.S. military. These deals also have long life cycles, making it highly unlikely that customers will change contractor mid-cycle. Another factor working in General Dynamics favor is that politicians on both sides of the aisle are very reluctant to cut defense spending as closure of bases, reduction in the civilian workforce, lower combat pay and military health benefits would be hard to explain to constituents come election time. Congress is so serious about defense spending that it passed a bill in 2013, with massive support from both political parties, that blocked military bases from being closed in the future. Lastly, the potential for global conflicts, as horrible as they may be for the people involved, will only lead to higher sales for defense contractors. No one can predict for certain when such a conflict will arise or if it will escalate into war. For example, a few weeks ago, no one would have thought that the U.S. and Iran would conduct missile strikes against targets in Iraq. Where this situation will go is unknown. Taking all of this into account, General Dynamics clearly has the recent business results and future growth prospects that I am looking for in an investment. This Dividend Aristocrat offers consistent dividend growth After increasing its dividend 9.7% for the May 10, 2019 payment, General Dynamics has now raised its dividend for 28 consecutive years. This gives the company the longest dividend growth streak among all stocks in the aerospace and defense sector, as well as qualifies the stock as a Dividend Aristocrat. General Dynamics is just one of 57 companies in the S&P 500 that has at least 25 consecutive years of dividend growth. What has always impressed me about General Dynamics is the consistency of its dividend increases. The company has raised its dividend by an average of: 10.5% per year for the past three years. 10.6% per year for the past five years. 10.5% per year for the past 10 years. The annual increase has generally been about the same for multiple periods of time. Business results can fluctuate from year to year and so too can the dividend increase. Many companies base their dividend increases on how the business is performing at the moment. The annual increase can vary over the years even among companies with multiple decades of dividend growth. The fact General Dynamics' average increases haven't varied almost at all should illustrate just how consistent the business has performed over the years. Shares of the company yield 2.3% at the time of purchase, above the average yield of 1.8% for the S&P 500. The most recent increase is slightly below the company's historical average, but I believe that future growth is likely to occur when looking at its track record and the low payout ratios. General Dynamics paid out $3.99 in dividends per share in 2019. Based off of the company's earnings per share guidance for the year, the EPS payout ratio is just 34%. This compares rather favorably to the five- and 10-year average payout ratios of 33% and 30%. Free cash flow also shows that the company's dividend is not in danger of being cut. General Dynamics paid out $295 million in dividends in the most recent quarter, while producing $847 million in free cash flow for a payout ratio of 35%. Over the last four quarters, the company has distributed $1.1 billion in dividends and produced $1.8 billion in free cash flow for a payout ratio of 61%. This payout ratio is nearly double the five- and 10-year averages, but this appears to be an outlier. Looking out over a time horizon, General Dynamics paid $3.8 billion to shareholders from 2015 through 2018 and produced $9.6 billion in free cash flow during this time. The average payout ratio over this period was 40%. The payout ratios look very healthy. Even a prolonged recession likely wouldn't impact the company's ability to grow its dividend. General Dynamics' dividend has increased through the past two recessions and the company actually improved its profitability before, during and after both of the last two recessions. General Dynamics' nearly three decades of dividend growth, low payout ratios and ability to grow distributions during multiple recessions made it a fairly easy choice to add to the portfolio. The valuation is very reasonable in an unreasonable market The S&P 500 currently has a price-earnings ratio of 24.3. General Dynamics, on the other hand, has a much cheaper valuation. Using our purchase price of $178 and expected earnings for the year of $11.99, the stock trades with a price-earnings ratio of 14.9. For context, the stock has a 10-year average multiple of 13.4. Because of the company's prospects for growth, dividend history and recession performance, the stock deserves a premium multiple to its historical average. I find that a target price-earnings ratio of 16 seems reasonable given the company's business performance and growth prospects. Even at this premium to its own historical average, shares of the company trade at a steep discount to the valuation of the S&P 500. Using my target multiple and the company's expected earnings per share for the year, I have a fair value of $191 for General Dynamics' stock. This gives us more than 7% upside from our purchase price. Add in a 2.3% yield and this is a decent potential return for a company with strong growth prospects and decades of dividend growth. Risks to my thesis on General Dynamics With any investment, there are always risks that could impact the company and stock's performance. This is also true for General Dynamics. General Dynamics receives approximately 65% of annual revenues from the U.S. government. Companies that rely on a single source for nearly two-thirds of its business is always at risk that the customer could find a different supplier or that purchases could dry up. The U.S. government, however, isn't just an ordinary customer when it comes to defense spending. Source: U.S. Defense Spending. The U.S. spent more on defense last year than the next seven largest spenders combined. Breaking it down even further, more was spent on defense by the U.S. than the other 144 countries of the world put together. As stated above, defense spending is only set to increase. Given these factors, I find it highly unlikely that the U.S. government will decrease spending in the near future. General Dynamics, thanks to its commercial aerospace business, is also less exposed to possible defense spending reductions in the future. For comparison purposes, U.S. spending accounts for 82% of Northrop Grumman's (NYSE:NOC) revenue, 70% of Lockheed Martin's (NYSE:LMT) revenue and 68% of Raytheon's (NYSE:RTN) revenue. General Dynamics is in a much better position to withstand any possible decrease in government spending as it is not nearly reliant on the Department of Defense for revenue as its peers. Another possible risk that some investors may find with the defense sector as a whole is the upcoming presidential election. Love him or hate him, the current occupant of the White House has overseen a significant increase in defense spending. Some might feel a Trump defeat may lead to drastic declines in defense spending. Going with that line of thinking, some might believe that General Dynamics, along with the rest of the defense sector, may contribute all they can to make sure Trump is re-elected. That theory flies in the face of the facts though. Source: Open Secrets. While contributions to Republicans was higher during the election cycles from 2012 to 2018, General Dynamics also contributes to Democrats. The company contributed more to Democrats in 2008 and 2010, and the same is true so far for 2020. In 2016, General Dynamics gave more than $43,000 to Hillary Clinton, a total greater than any other candidate for any political office that year. In fact, Democrats held the top seven spots for contributions from the company in 2016. Trump received just under $17,000 from the company, good for 11th place. Looking at these factors, a change in who resides in the White House may not make all that much of a difference when it comes to defense spending. Final thoughts General Dynamics hits all the marks for what I am looking for in an investment right now. The company's recent results were solid and the backlog is plentiful. Defense spending continues to reach new highs. The company also has a strong track record of dividend growth and has a growth streak that surpasses all of its peers. Shares also have a price-earnings ratio that I feel undervalues the company's business prospects. Even a change in president isn't likely to impact defense spending all that much. And if it did, General Dynamics is better situated than its main competitors due to a lower reliance on government spending for revenue. For all of these reasons, buying General Dynamics was an easy investment choice. Disclosure: I am long General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin. GuruFocus 15-year anniversary promotion The holiday season is here, and so is GuruFocus's 15-year anniversary! In order to celebrate, we are offering an exclusive holiday discount of up to 30% off on our GuruFocus Premium Membership. Join now to get GuruFocus Premium membership for only $399/Year! In addition, save an extra $100 when you upgrade to our PremiumPlus Membership, and enjoy $100 off the price of each additional region you add to the subscription. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-decade deal! You can sign up for the discount price by clicking this link. Happy holidays! This article first appeared on GuruFocus. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Following a five-day period where New York Citys parking meters were not accepting cards due to a software configuration issue, credit card payment has been restored at each of the citys 14,000 parking meters. Thanks to the extraordinary effort led by DOTs Meter Maintenance Unit, New Yorkers now have every payment option available at all parking meters," said Department of Transportation (DOT) commissioner Polly Trottenberg. Last Thursday, parking meters throughout the city began rejecting payments from credit cards and prepaid parking cards due to a massive oversight on behalf of the company responsible for the citys parking meter system. Flowbird, a global vendor for automated parking systems, failed to update the software in the model of parking meters used in New York City, which had an established end date of Jan. 1, 2020, according to the DOT. As a result, once the established end date had passed, the meters became unable to process credit card and prepaid card payments. The outage was caused by an anti-fraud security setting that disabled credit-card payments. We have experienced no security breaches, and Flowbird immediately delivered a reconfiguration fix that is now being deployed, said David Chauvin, chief communications officer, Flowbird. Our company apologizes and deeply regrets the inconvenience that this has caused our customers. Flowbird is taking all the appropriate measures to avoid any similar scenario in the future. Our top priority remains the total satisfaction of the municipalities that put their trust into our solutions, he added. Despite the inability to process cards, drivers were still required to pay the meter by using coins or the free-to-download ParkNYC app. We apologize for the inconvenience to drivers, however there are a number of other ways to pay parking meters and ensure drivers do not receive a ticket. NYC parking meters also accept coins, and drivers can also pay using the ParkNYC app. Drivers wishing to pay with a credit card can do so through the app," according to a statement from the city Department of Finance. However, those using the ParkNYC app are required to load a minimum of $25 onto the app, frustrating some drivers who were required to load more than 10 times the necessary amount to pay the meter. New Direction Partners, the leading mergers & acquisitions resource for the printing and packaging industries, today reported that it worked with Sun Graphic Technologies owner Bill Blechta and individual buyer Michael Kisha to facilitate the sale of Sun Graphic Technologies, a Sarasota FL based provider of screen printing and digital printing and cutting services for the signs & display graphics industry. Sun Graphic Technologies was established in 1976 by father and son George and Bill Blechta. The company produces retail point of purchase, display advertising, wayfinding, political and outdoor displays and signs as well as equipment markings and vehicle graphics. The company has 23 employees, all of whom will be staying to work with the new ownership. Sun Graphic Technologies was a first career for me, and a second for my father, who worked for AC Neilsen for 42 years, retiring at age 62, Blechta explains. He always told me to plan for Phase 2 of my life and career while I was still young and healthy. Now, at age 65, that time arrived for me. Blechta joined a local CEO group about five years ago and thats when he got more serious about developing an exit strategy. A good friend and mentor of mine who has printing company here in Sarasota introduced me to Jim Russell of New Direction Partners, he says. In talking to Jim, it was clear to me that he and his people really understand the graphics business. When you are dealing with M&A people, some sell restaurants and car dealerships. But if you want someone who understands printing, we have nothing but great things to say about the process with New Direction Partners from beginning to end. According to Blechta, Russell spent the first 45 days gathering data and securing financial information from him as well as understanding his vision for the future. We had already developed mission statements and three- to five-year plans, and that was very helpful, Blechta notes. We had also worked with our local small business development council about three years ago for a full business evaluation, and their valuation number was surprisingly close to what Jim came up with, so there was no sticker shock there. After the fact-finding was complete, Jim put together a prospectus and sent me a list of 150 to 200 potential buyers. We removed any local competitors from the list and gave him the go-ahead to proceed. From that point, the process was extremely well organized. We never got frantic calls from him, I have to have this today kind of thing. We always had plenty of time to get information together which was important since we also had a business to run! There were also things he brought to my attention that added to the value of the business. He was very good at thinking outside the box; he really understood our business and how those things might add value. Blechta and his wife, Mary Ellen, plan to stay with the business for about three months beyond the sale to ensure an orderly transition. Kisha reports that a friend of his who owns a flexographic printing business also introduced him to Russell, with whom he had done a deal in the past. He and I had breakfast on a Thursday morning and connected us right after that, Kisha states, and by lunchtime on Friday, Jim understood what I was looking for. By the end of the day, I had all the materials about Sun Graphic Technologies I needed to begin the initial review. I have 25 years of printing experience largely with Avery Dennison and including wide format digital with another company, so I had a pretty good idea of what I was looking for. We started with a business in Connecticut, but after the seller asked for the fourth iteration of revisions to the letter of intent, it became clear the deal was not going to work out. About that time, Jim reminded me about Sun Graphic Technologies, and the rest is history. We closed the deal on November 27th. Blechta adds, I just had a meeting with my attorney and CPA this morning, and they reiterated to me how smoothly this deal went. It is not often the first LOI goes through to a sale. Jim was very informative and low key. He, Michael and I discussed how important it is to have our attorneys know we were happy with the deal and not to have them try to renegotiate it. Even the fact that Jim told us that was important in ensuring we had the right mindset. While Kisha has a strong background in printing, he also has a masters in finance and 21 years as a CFO. I had the opportunity at Avery Dennison to move into operations and became the Vice President and General Manager of their automotive business. After that foray into operations, I never looked back. I enjoyed running the business and being the GM of a business for Avery Dennison, you have total ownership of that business, with full P&L responsibility, high levels of signature authorization, and you perform or you leave. My financial background also equipped me to fully assess the details of the Sun Graphics deal, so I was quite comfortable with both of us working with Jim. I had the ability to look at the financials and not need to defer to a CPA or accountant during the decision-making process. All in all, this was an amazing transaction, Blechta concludes. Jim did such a good job that we were actually able to close a deal 15 to 18 months faster than we expected. Now Mary Ellen and I just need to figure out what we want to do next. We have family in Hawaii, so thats likely to be our next stop. And like my Dad before me, I might open a small business as my Phase 2. Were really in a position where we can be flexible and make the next chapter count. For more information about New Direction Partners and the services offered, visit http://www.NewDirectionPartners.com About New Direction Partners New Direction Partners, founded in 2009, leverages its collective years of industry experience to work with business owners, offering a variety of services. Its Partners and Directors have closed more than 300 transactions and was recognized by Axial as #5 in its Top 20 Lower Middle Market Investment Banks in Q3 2019. New Direction Partners typically represents sellers in business transactions. The organization also conducts acquisition searches for potential buyers, offers valuation and strategic planning services, and has expertise in capital formation and financing. In representing seller shareholders, New Direction Partners professionals guide sellers through the process step by step, beginning with providing a valuation for the business, authoring a complete and detailed Descriptive Memorandum for prospective buyers, and identification of potential buyers. Where possible, New Direction Partners insulates the selling shareholders from the negotiating process, working with the sellers lawyers and accountants to ensure a prompt and successful closing. For companies looking to grow through acquisition, New Direction Partners provides comprehensive assistance from square one, becoming the acquirors corporate development department. This begins with an assessment of objectives, then developing an acquisition team involving key members of the clients management. New Direction Partners then leads the team to identify, select, and analyze the best acquisition targets. New Direction Partners has an experienced research staff that uses its extensive database plus access to a nationwide network of inside industry sources to find the answers to questions that help acquirers make informed decisions. Two earthquakes measuring 4.9 and 4.5 in magnitudes hit Iran on Jan.8, according to the United States Geological Survey. (USGS/Screenshot) Two Earthquakes Hit Iran Close to Nuclear Power Plant Two earthquakes measuring 4.9 and 4.5 in magnitudes hit Iran on Wednesday, Jan. 8, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The first 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck about 6 miles southeast of Borazjan, a city in and the capital of Dashtestan County, Bushehr Province, at around 2:20 a.m. and had a depth of 10 miles. Strategic Sentinel reports on their Twitter that the earthquake struck close to the Bushehr nuclear plant and that the depth and epicenter indicate it was a natural event. A similar earthquake struck in December last year, they tweeted. A second 4.5 magnitude quake struck about an hour later on Wednesday morning with its epicenter at 10 plus miles southeast of the same city. It also measured 6 miles in depth, USGS said. There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The earthquakes come just hours after Iranian officials said late Tuesday that it had conducted missile strikes on Iraqi military bases that hold U.S. troops in retaliation for the death of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimanis death in Baghdad, according to Iranian state-run media outlets. Hours after the missiles were fired, a Ukrainian plane carrying at least 170 passengers and crew crashed shortly after taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini Airport. State television reported that the plane crashed at 6.22 a.m. local time, and four helicopters and 22 ambulances were sent to the crash site but were battling severe fires. The plane went down just a few hours after the earthquakes occurred. The plane is on fire, but we have sent crews and we may be able to save some passengers, Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Irans emergency services, told state television. Initial reports said that 180 people had been on board. However, this has been revised down to 170. Flight data from FlightRadar24 shows the Boeing 737 operated by Ukraine International Airlines was headed to Kyiv but stopped transmitting data shortly after take-off. The earthquakes that happened earlier in the night occurred just hours after Iran conducted missile strikes on Iraqi military bases that hold United States troops in retaliation for Iranian Gen. Qassem Suleimanis death in Baghdad, according to Iranian state-run media outlets. In Operation Martyr Suleimani in early hours of Wednesday, tens of ground-to-ground missiles were fired at the U.S. base and successfully pounded the al Asad base, the Revolutionary Guards said via state-run television, according to a translation. The attack was later confirmed by a Pentagon spokesperson, who said that missiles were fired at two or more Iraqi military bases where American and coalition forces are based. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al Asad and Irbil, Jonathan Hoffman, assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, said in a statement. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. On Tuesday night, Jan. 7, President Donald Trump responded to the attack and said that a damage assessment is now being conducted. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning, Trump wrote on Twitter. Obama Trump REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque President Donald Trump didn't miss an opportunity to take a shot at Democrats in his Wednesday address to the nation following Iran's missile strike on US-occupied bases in Iraq on Tuesday night. The president repeatedly disparaged the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated by the US, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the UK, which Trump controversially abandoned in 2018. But then Trump went further, questionably claiming the 2015 deal "paid for" more than 20 missiles Iran fired at Iraqi bases in retaliation for the US's assassination of the country's top military general last week. Politifact rated a similar claim made in a viral Facebook post (that "Iran will be shooting at our soldiers with bullets, etc., purchased with the $150 billion Obama gave them") "mostly false." As part of the nuclear deal, Iran regained access to an estimated $56 billion worth of frozen assets the country already owned. It is unclear what Iran has used its unfrozen funds for, and Trump offered no evidence to support his claim. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. President Donald Trump didn't miss an opportunity to take a shot at Democrats in his Wednesday address to the nation following Iran's missile strike on US-occupied bases in Iraq on Tuesday night. The president repeatedly disparaged the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated by former President Barack Obama's administration and China, France, Germany, Russia, and the UK, which Trump controversially abandoned in 2018. But then Trump went further, questionably claiming the 2015 deal "paid for" more than 20 missiles Iran fired at Iraqi bases in retaliation for the US's assassination of the country's top military general last week. "The missiles fired last night at us and our allies were paid for with the funds made available by the last administration," Trump said, mistakenly saying the deal was signed in 2013. Story continues Politifact rated a similar claim made in a viral Facebook post (that "Iran will be shooting at our soldiers with bullets, etc., purchased with the $150 billion Obama gave them") "mostly false." Trump's claim that Iran was "given" $150 billion is misleading. As part of the nuclear deal, Iran regained access to an estimated $56 billion worth of frozen assets the country already owned. The $150 billion number is exaggerated the US Treasury Department estimated in 2015 that the assets worth $56 billion at the most. Notably, it is unclear what Iran has used its unfrozen funds for, and former Secretary of State John Kerry said in 2016 that some of the funds would likely end up in the hands of terrorist organizations run or bankrolled by the Iranians. Trump offered no evidence to support his claim that the unfrozen assets were used to fund Iran's military. Susan Rice, Obama's former national security adviser, slammed Trump's remark. "This is another series of despicable lies by President Trump," she told CNN. "The fact that three years after taking office he remains obsessed with President Obama shows [his] extreme weakness and insecurity." Trump War Room --- Text FIGHT to 88022 (@TrumpWarRoom) January 8, 2020 Read the original article on Business Insider Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 20:16:09|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Global water technology provider Xylem is upbeat about its business outlook in China as the upgrading of the country's water industry picks up pace with digital solutions. "China is an important market for Xylem's strategic development. We see rapid digital transformation in the water industry here and abundant opportunities as digital innovation gradually becomes the norm," Lyu Shuping, president of Xylem China and North Asia, told Xinhua. China's economic shift and sustainability drive are creating demands for smart water solutions in fields like sponge city development, utility tunnel construction and dirty water treatment, Lyu said. The company continued to see double-digit sales growth in the Chinese market in 2019, according to Lyu. Water utilities are now using digital technologies to extend water resources, reduce combined sewer overflows by a billion gallons a year, and dramatically cut non-revenue water losses, according to a report by the International Water Association and Xylem. For example, in south China's Shenzhen, water quality monitoring sensors and hydraulic modeling systems implemented by Shenzhen Water Group have resulted in vast improvements in surface water quality, the report noted. "Intelligence and energy conservation will be two major features of the water industry," Lyu said, adding that the company would continue to work with Chinese partners to digitalize the sector, reduce waste and boost efficiency. A women's right's activist has slammed the British Film Academy's decision to nominate Margot Robbie twice in the same category, while ignoring the likes of Lupita Nyong'o and Jennifer Lopez. Lawyer Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, from London, appeared on Good Morning Britain today where she spoke out against the BAFTAs following an online race row over the all-white acting nominations. She said that she didn't believe there was a racist intent, but said the lack of consideration of diversity was a 'deliberate dereliction of duty' on behalf of BAFTA. #BAFTAsSoWhite began trending last night, with Academy boss, Amanda Berry, admitting she was 'very disappointed' over the lack of diversity, which saw not a single actor of colour honoured in the major acting categories. Margot, 29, was nominated as Best Supporting Actress for her roles in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Bombshell and Dr Shola has insisted that the acadamy should have considered other 'options' - like Harriet star Cynthia Erivo. A women's right's activist has slammed the British Film Academy's decision to nominate Margot Robbie (pictured) twice in the category of Best Supporting Actress Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu said that it was a 'deliberate dereliction of duty' on behalf of BAFTA not to nominate stars such as Lupita Nyong'o She said: 'You can't tell me that there are no options within the leading and supporting actresses. 'You've got the likes of Cynthia Erivo in Harriet, you've got Lupita Nyong'o in Us, Jennifer Lopez in Hustlers. 'There are many very good talented actresses that did very well, let's not forget that Margot Robbie was nominated twice in the same category. 'We're only talking about nominees, we're not even talking about winning - but how can a demographic win when you're not even nominating them?' Lawyer Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (pictured), from London, appeared on Good Morning Britain today where she spoke out against the Bafta's following an online race row erupted She explained to hosts Piers Morgan (left) and Susanna Reid (middle), that she doesn't feel like the white majority of the Bafta voting panel is the main offending factor The 2020 shortlist also saw Jennifer Lopez, 50, who is of Puerto Rican heritage, miss out on a nomination for her acclaimed role in Hustlers. British actress Cynthia Erivo, 32, who received two Golden Globe nominations for Harriet, did not receive any nominations at the BAFTAs. Despite the lack of diversity in the nominations, Dr Shola doesn't feel like the white majority of the Bafta voting panel is the main offending factor- and believes that diversity is all about 'mindset'. 'I think that it's definitely a key aspect of it, but for me I would say that diversity is not just about what you look like - it's your mindset', she said. 'Within the film industry it is your responsibility to honour recognise and celebrate the diversity of the demographic. 'Diversity like any other form of progression must be consciously intentional, it must be more than a deceleration - it must be a demonstration. British actress Cynthia Erivo, 32, who received two Golden Globe nominations for Harriet, did not receive any nominations at the BAFTAs The 2020 shortlist also saw Jennifer Lopez, 50, who is of Puerto Rican heritage, miss out on a nomination for her acclaimed role in Hustlers 'It must be more than a claim to aspire to, it must be a manifestation. So as far as I'm concerned this #BAFTAsSoWhite is a deliberate dereliction of duty of the British film Academy. Awkwafina, who is of Chinese descent and picked up a Golden Globe for Best Actress on Sunday, fail to pick up a nomination for The Farewell. She is recognised in this year's rising star category. Dr Shola believes that offering awards in Rising Stars categories, while ignoring non-white stars in leading categories is 'part of the problem'. She explained: 'Part of the problem is that for the longest time, it feels like we ought to be grateful, because we're being given crumbs. '"Oh Awkwafina, she's a rising star" - i'm sorry it took women 100 years to get the right to vote, we are now in 2020 - those in ethnic minorities do not have to wait for the rest of the world to catch up to us. 'there's a lack of understanding there, by not recognizing [their talent] what you're doing is taking away their opportunity. 'taking away equal opportunity for them in their career is directly related to being honoured and recognised.' Perth, Jan 8 : World No. 1 Rafael Nadal on Wednesday secured Spain's spot in the quarter-finals as Group B winners at the ongoing ATP Cup, but he was made to work extremely hard for the tie victory against Team Japan. Nadal had to twice recover a break deficit in the first set, before overcoming Yoshihito Nishioka 7-6 (4), 6-4 in a tremendous battle which lasted for two hours and eight minutes. Earlier in the day, World No. 9 Roberto Bautista Agut also extended his winning start to the 2020 ATP Tour season with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Go Soeda in the first singles rubber. Nadal, Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta, Albert Ramos-Vinolas, Feliciano Lopez and captain Francisco Roig will now travel to Sydney, where Spain will prepare to play a tie during Friday's night session. Japan, with a 2-1 ties record in Group B, must now win the doubles match in order to remain in contention for the final eight as one of the best second-placed teams. Japan had beaten Georgia and Uruguay in its two previous Group B ties. Former opposition leader Kem Sokha looks on after a meeting with US Ambassador to Cambodia Patrick Murphy at his home in Phnom Penh, Nov. 11, 2019. UPDATED at 8:20 A.M. ET on 2020-01-09 A court in Cambodias capital on Wednesday issued a summons requesting that a former elected official with the countrys banned opposition in Banteay Meanchey province give testimony next week at the treason trial of his partys president, Kem Sokha, despite never having spoken with him. Police in Banteay Meancheys Poipet commune delivered the summons from Phnom Penh Municipal Court Deputy Prosecutor Vong Sunvisoth calling on Leng Vibol to appear at Kem Sokhas trial on Jan. 15, the former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) commune chief told RFAs Khmer Service. Leng Vibol expressed surprise over having been summoned as a witness in the trial, but told RFAs Khmer Service he will participate, despite never having held a discussion with Kem Sokha. "I have never had a close relationship with Kem Sokha. I have never met him face to face and have never talked to him," he told RFA. I love facts, and I would never allow myself to be forced to say something that isnt true, Leng Vibol added. He said he agreed to take part in the hearing next week because if I dont participate in the trial, it will appear as if I have committed a crime. Kem Sokha was arrested in September 2017 and charged with treason over a video recorded four year earlier in which he discusses a strategy to win power at the ballot box with the help of U.S. experts. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison. Two months after Kem Sokhas arrest, Cambodias Supreme Court dissolved the CNRP for its role in the alleged plot and banned 118 of its officials from political activities. The move to dissolve the CNRP was part of a wider crackdown by Prime Minister Hun Sen on the political opposition, NGOs, and the independent media that paved the way for his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) to win all 125 seats in parliament in the countrys July 2018 general election. Since the election, authorities have detained several CNRP activists over allegations of treason and restricted or surveilled others, while appearing to turn a blind eye to physical assaults against party supporters by unknown assailants believed to be associated with the CPP. Kem Sokha has maintained his innocence since his arrest, which saw him spend more than a year in pre-trial detention before he was moved to strict house arrest, and his legal team has said prosecutors lack the evidence to convict him. Following the 2018 ballot, Western nations have threatened sanctions against Hun Sens government over his rollbacks of democratic freedoms in Cambodia, calling for the reinstatement of the CNRP and for authorities to drop charges against Kem Sokha. Seoung Sen Karona, a spokesman for local human rights group Adhoc, said Wednesday he finds it strange that the court summoned a witness who had never communicated with Kem Sokha, adding that such a witness would be unable to provide the CNRP chief with justice. The domestic and international communities know that Kem Sokhas trial is based on a politically motivated case that came out of a political dispute, he said. Such a dispute should be handled through political discourse, rather than in the courts, he said. Ignoring the West Leng Vibols summons came a day after Hun Sen told an audience of tens of thousands assembled in Phnom Penh to mark the 41st Victory Over Genocide Day that he will not comply with recommendations by Western governments on how to run a democracy in Cambodia, saying that to do so would prevent him from upholding domestic law. There are no legitimate claims raised by the international community about the need to restore democracy and human rights in Cambodia, he said at the event, held to commemorate the end of the murderous Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. I hope the international community will reconsider based on Cambodias positive developments and respect the will for Cambodians to pursue progress appropriate to our culture, society and constitution. Hun Sen lauded what he said has been a transformation under his leadership of Cambodia from a nation torn apart by the Khmer Rouge to one enjoying peace, stability, democracy, development, and the rule of law. Following Hun Sens comments, political analyst Kim Sok told RFA that the West is right to call on Cambodias government to respect domestic and international law, adding that Hun Sens version of democracy is fake and in violation of the countrys constitution. Social analyst Meas Nee told RFA that Cambodians are not convinced that Cambodia has achieved peace under Hun Sens more than three decades in power. We, as citizens, cant accept that we are enjoying peace, he said. The government can make such claims, but it is ultimately up to the people to decide. Last week, Hun Sen promoted a new Thank You Peace slogan campaign, which he said does not oppose any group and demonstrates how stability has allowed Cambodia to develop under his 35-year rule. All people need peace, except for terrorists who seek to destroy it, he said at the time, in a thinly veiled reference to supporters of the CNRP, several of whom have been detained in recent months amid accusations that they seek to overthrow his government. Analysts, however, have said Hun Sens campaign seeks to divert public attention while he continues to abuse his power and the constitution for his personal interests. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Did you know you can save your preferences across all your digital devices and platforms simply by creating a profile? Would you like to get started? Yes, I'd like to register/log in Not right now No, never ask again [January 08, 2020] StartX Med to Host Annual Event with Stanford's Top MedTech Entrepreneurs During J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference StartX, a non-profit startup community of more than 1500 Stanford alumni and faculty founders, will gather StartX Med's leading-edge biotech, med device, AI, deep learning and digital health companies together with corporate partners and invited guests attending the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco. The event will take place 5:30-7:30pm on January 15, 2020 with the unveiling of the newly renovated Applegarth Room at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel on Union Square, a San Francisco iconic landmark Built in 1915 and Reborn in 2020 (495 Geary Street, San Francisco). 2020 is anticipated to be a transformative year for healthcare through tech advancements with trends ranging from AI and predictive machine learning driving operational efficiency and patient outcomes to extensive growth in biotech, femtech, biosensing and synthetic biology sectors. "We have some of the brightest minds from Stanford addressing the most critical healthcare issues of our time," stated Joseph Huang, StartX CEO. "With a focus on bringing the best medical technologies to market, we can positively impact real patients in the real world and inspire other researchers to do the same. Since founding our medical vertical at StartX in 2012, StartX Med has supported 200 companies now worth a combined valuation of $8 billion, with a 91% success rate over 8 years." StartX Med entrepreneurial scientists are changing the world with medical breakthroughs and successful life-saving research trials, including an average of more than six FDA approvals per year. Clinical partners of StartX Med companies encompass more than 250 hospitals, 30,000 care centers 50,000 physicians and 65 million annual patient visits. For medical tech founders homegrown at Stanford's School of Medicine, having intimate access to domain experts and care environments has been fundamental to their sccess. As leading medical corporations and professionals from 150 countries around the world descend on the streets of San Francisco for the annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, StartX is preparing for one of the most sought after parties to attend with a new venue- The Clift Royal Sonesta. StartX Cocktails with Corporates: MedTech Edition is an opportunity for top medical company decision makers to meet Stanford University's groundbreaking innovators addressing trends in the ethical impact of AI, innovative sources of data and the fight against disease through life-saving therapies and cures. MEDIA REGISTRATION: Space is Limited - Register by January 10, 2020 To RSVP, please contact: Laurie Peters, StartX Communications Director [email protected] - (818) 635-4101 About the Venue The Applegarth Room at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel: With significant updates, guests at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel will be welcomed by sophisticated and modern changes signifying a reawakening of the hotel's original craftsmanship fused with modern day San Francisco. Designed for beauty, adaptability and convenience, The Clift will become a place that reveals the past and embraces the accelerating pace of the future. The updated ambiance will engage traditional touches while enveloping the beauty of The City by the Bay. With a nod to its iconic past, the hotel's renovation includes dramatically updated guest rooms, an all-new modern lobby experience, and much more - all in the midst of one of the city's most dynamic regions. About StartX StartX is a nonprofit organization advancing the development of Stanford's top entrepreneurs through experiential education, access to thousands of VCs and investors, and a Who's Who of industry leaders and serial entrepreneurs providing mentorship. The founder community consists of a diverse mix of 1500+ well-funded Growth-Stage Founders, tenured Stanford Professor Founders, and highly-successful Stanford Alumni Founders. Collectively, StartX companies have raised $7.9 billion in funding with a combined valuation of more than $22 billion to date. StartX's Corporate Innovation program helps global corporations quickly test market-ready technology from Stanford alumni founders through structured co-creation and pilot programs. StartX continues to be a unique startup community compared to accelerators and incubators and does not take equity in companies for admittance into its programs. Ranked as a number one accelerator nationally by MIT's (News - Alert) Seed Accelerator Rankings Project, StartX venture funded companies have a 93% survival and acquisition rate in a wide range of industries from consumer Internet and retail products to enterprise software, biotechnology and medical devices. Please follow us @StartX. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005265/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Rivers State Independent Publishers Association (RIVPA) has described the appointment and swearing in of Pastor Paulinus Nsirim as the State Commissioner For Information and Communications as duly earned and well deserved. Pastor Nsirims appointment, according to a statement by RIVPA signed by the Chairman, Pastor Jerry Needam and Secretary, Solomon Parakom, is not only a plus to the Journalism profession but also an appreciation of the media practitioners for their efforts in the promotion and sustenance of democratic leadership in the society. The statement further said the appointment of ace journalist, and former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council as the new Information and Communications Commissioner is a reminder that in life, its not what we take up, but we give up that gives us due recognition. Pastor Nsirim has proven himself as a prominent member and trail blazer in the journalism profession having served as Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Government at different times with remarkable records. We also give kudos to His Excellency, Gov Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his magnanimity and hindsight to select one of the best brains and a core professional journalist to man the Information machinery of Rivers State government, RIVPA declared. The RIVPA Leadership assured of their unalloyed support to the new Information Commissioner to ensure that Rivers people are well informed about public affairs for a better understanding between them and their leaders. Signed: Pastor Jerry Needam Chairman Solomon Parakom Secretary Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot said on Wednesday that the Centre should take cognisance of the nationwide strike called by labour unions, saying every section of the country was dissatisfied due to a communication gap. "You (Centre) will not communicate, you will not explain, you will not try to understand people, then what is the meaning of democracy?" Pilot asked. "Winning an election does not mean that you have become supreme. We should keep our hearts, minds and ears open, and listen to people." The state Congress president said the government should leave its "ego" behind and hold a dialogue. "Whatever is going in the JNU, the police are going to different universities, people wearing uniforms are seen in colleges and universities -- this is not a good sign for any democracy for any country," Pilot told reporters in Jaipur. According to Pilot, a shutdown occurs when all options fail and there was a lack of communication from the central government's end. "Every class is unhappy today, be it government servants, middle class, poor or the students. The government should take cognisance of today's strike," Pilot said. "Lack of communication has created such an atmosphere that people are angry, suffering and also feel suffocated," he said. "I think that today's strike is also the result that the government has not done any work to listen to anyone." The deputy chief minister welcomed the Supreme Court's stay order on the decision of the Rajasthan High Court to restrict delimitation of panchayats promulgated by the state government. "Due to restructuring of panchayats and formation of new panchayats in the state, people will get the benefit of the schemes at the right time and the development of rural areas will be accelerated," he said. Pilot also hoped that the party would get the benefit of six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs formally joining the Congress ahead of upcoming panchayat election. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) DAYTON, Ohio, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Winsupply Inc., one of the largest distributors in the nation, has purchased Rosen Supply, a plumbing and heating wholesale distributor in the western Washington State region. Details of the asset purchase were not disclosed. Rosen Supply has six locations serving the Greater Puget Sound region including five distributor branches, two of which have showrooms, and a standalone showroom. The three showrooms are known as Water Concepts. The company has been in business since 1946 and is the leading independent, family-owned and operated plumbing and heating wholesale distributor in western Washington. Third generation members of the family will continue to manage the Winsupply company including David Rosen as president, Adam Rosen as executive vice president and Devin Rosen as showroom manager. Winsupply is the majority owner, reflecting its shared-ownership business model in which local entrepreneurs have autonomy to decide how best to serve their customers, and to share in the financial risks and rewards of ownership. "Rosen Supply has a stellar reputation in western Washington and has grown substantially with nearly 70 employees providing supplies for residential repair and replacement, and commercial plumbing, primarily new construction, and showroom business," said Monte Salsman, president of Winsupply Acquisitions Group. "This is a well-managed company with an entrepreneurial spirit that matches perfectly with the Winsupply model that we call The Spirit of Opportunity." "We are very excited to be joining forces with Winsupply," said David Rosen. "Winsupply is one of the top plumbing wholesale distributors in the nation. This new partnership will allow us to significantly increase our presence in the market." Harvey Rosen, who was chief executive officer and was in the industry for 60 years, said he had the opportunity to sell the company to Winsupply, which offered investment in ownership to his family members plus the employees. "My son and nephews have all been managers and earned their stripes. They're all well rounded in the business and have great rapport with our customers." The company's legal name becomes Winsupply of Seattle WA Co., but will continue to do business as Rosen Supply. About Winsupply Inc. Winsupply Inc. ( www.winsupplyinc.com ) is a leading supplier of residential and commercial construction and industrial supplies and equipment headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. The privately-held company has nearly 600 wholesaling locations in 45 states and offers entrepreneurs the unique opportunity to own a meaningful part of the local business. Collectively, Winsupply is known as "The Winsupply Family of Companies" and includes Win-branded locations, Noland Company, Carr Supply, Security Plumbing & Heating Supply, Wyatt Irrigation, Electrical Sales, Inc., APCO, Tacoma Electric, Thomas Pipe, Rosen Supply, and Industrial Equipment & Parts. In the family are companies conducting business-to-business wholesale distribution of supplies and equipment in plumbing and heating; hydronics; pipe, valves and fittings; HVAC and refrigeration; electrical; fastening hardware; waterworks and utility; pumps; turf irrigation and landscape; and fire system fabrication. Follow Winsupply on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Contact: Winsupply Maury Williams [email protected] 937-531-4554 SOURCE Winsupply Inc. Related Links https://www.winsupplyinc.com UPDATE (January 10, 2020, 12:05 EST): Iran accused the U.S. of "spreading lies" on Friday, a day after U.S. officials said they believe the Ukraine International Airlines plane that crashed in Iran shortly after takeoff was in fact shot down, according to CBS News. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also said his country's intelligence indicates that the plane crash, which killed all 176 people on board, was shot down by an Iranian missiles, perhaps unintentionally, according to CBC. Additionally, CBS reported Iran's civil aviation chief said he was "certain" a missile had not struck plane and any conclusions before the data from the black box is extracted "is not an expert opinion." -- UPDATE (January 9, 2020, 3:12pm EST): U.S. officials believe the Ukraine International Airlines plane that crashed in Iran shortly after takeoff was shot down, allegedly mistakenly, CBS News reports. Sources told the outlet that prior to the crash, signals of a radar being turned on were picked up, and U.S. satellites detected a pair of surface-to-air missiles launched shortly before the explosion. According to CBS News, it appeared missile components were found near the crash site. -- A Ukraine International Airlines plane crashed in Iran shortly after taking off Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew on board, the majority of whom were Iranians and Canadians, according to reports. The plane, which was headed to Kiev, took off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini airport at 6:12 a.m. local time and crashed just minutes later, the BBC reported. The plane, a Boeing 737-800, had its last scheduled maintenance on Monday and showed no signs of issues before takeoff. The crash comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and just hours after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two Iraqi air bases holding U.S. forces. It also occurred after many major airlines canceled or rerouted flights from the airspace around Iran and Iraq. The FAA banned U.S. airlines from flying in airspace over Iran, the Gulf of Oman, and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia, according to NBC News. Story continues AFP via Getty Images Ukraine International Airlines has also since suspended flights to Tehran. Prior to the crash, the plane had climbed to about 8,000 feet before it disappeared from flight tracking, the BBC reported. Unverified video footage from Iranian TV, posted by CBS News, appears to show the plane on fire as it fell to the ground. While engine failure was initially blamed as the cause of the crash by Ukraine's Tehran embassy, the BBC reported that statement has since been rescinded. "The airplane was heavily fragmented, which means either there was an intense impact on the ground or something happened in the sky," Todd Curtis, an aviation safety analyst, told the BBC. The planes black boxes have been recovered from the crash site, but the head of Iran's Civil Aviation Authority, Ali Abedzadeh, told Iran's semiofficial Mehr News Agency that the U.S. would not be involved in the investigation, CNN reported. "We will not give the black box to the manufacturer [Boeing] or America," he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would cut his trip to Oman short and head back to Kiev, offering his condolences on Facebook. He said the country will send experts and security officials to Iran. Our priority is to establish the truth and those responsible for this terrible catastrophe," he wrote, according to CNN. Of the 176 victims on board, there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans, and three British, according to the BBC. Of those, 15 were children. Victims also included the flights nine crew members three pilots and six flight attendants. This was the first such accident for Ukraine International Airlines since the company was founded in 1992. Patricio, a longtime executive at Anheuser-Busch InBev, said assuming the role of U.S. president when he started at Kraft Heinz helped him learn the business better. He said he was able to meet talent within the company as well as customers and get to know the brands, which are in 97% of U.S. households. Technavio has been monitoring the global in-vitro toxicity testing market since 2014 and the market is poised to grow by USD 2.39 billion during 2019-2023, progressing at a CAGR of almost 7% during the forecast period. Request Free Sample Pages This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005272/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled global in-vitro toxicity testing market 2019-2023. (Graphic: Business Wire) Read the 148-page research report with TOC on "In-Vitro Toxicity Testing Market Analysis Report by End-User (Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; Academic and research institutions; and Others), by Geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and ROW), and Segment Forecasts, 2019 2023." https://www.technavio.com/report/global-in-vitro-toxicity-testing-market-industry-analysis The market is driven by the increasing use of in-vitro toxicity testing by companies to reduce drug failures. In addition, advances in toxicology are anticipated to further boost the growth of the in-vitro toxicity testing market. The increasing use of in-vitro toxicity testing to reduce drug failures will be one of the major drivers in the global market. The most common reason for the rejection of drugs in the last phase of development is toxicity. Thus, it is essential to adopt in-vitro toxicity testing as it reveals the species, organ, and dose-specific toxic effects of drugs. It also helps avoid adverse effects in patients who consume drugs for stomach pains, weakness, hand tremors, ataxia, diarrhea, dizziness and in rare cases, heart problems. Thus, the use of in-vitro toxicity testing to reduce drug failures will drive market growth during the forecast period. Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. View market snapshot before purchasing Major Five In-Vitro Toxicity Testing Market Companies: Abbott Laboratories Abbott Laboratories operates the business under various segments such as established pharmaceuticals, nutritionals, diagnostics, cardiovascular and neuromodulation, and others. The product offered by the company is Alere Triage Drugs of Abuse Plus TCA Panel. This product is offered as an immunoassay used for the qualitative determination of the presence of the major metabolites of drugs of abuse. Agilent Technologies Inc. Agilent Technologies Inc. operates the business under three segments, which include life sciences and applied markets; diagnostics and genomics; and Agilent CrossLab. The company's key offering includes MitoXpress Xtra Oxygen Consumption Assay. Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. has business operations under the life science and clinical diagnostics segment. The product offered by the company is Bio-Plex Pro RBM Human Kidney Toxicity Assay. CELTHER POLSKA Sp z o.o. CELTHER POLSKA Sp z o.o. operates the business under its unified business segment. The company offers services such as hepatotoxicity testing, neurotoxicity testing, and cardiotoxicity testing. Charles River Laboratories International Inc. Charles River Laboratories International Inc. operates the business under the following segments: research models and services; discovery and safety assessment; and manufacturing support. The company's key offering in the in-vitro toxicity testing market include genetic toxicity testing. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform In-Vitro Toxicity Testing End-User Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2019 2023) Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies Academic and research institutions Others In-Vitro Toxicity Testing Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2019 2023) Asia Europe ROW North America Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more Request a free sample report About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005272/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 www.technavio.com media@technavio.com Adam Weiss has pulled thousands of Guinea worms from the legs, arms, and feet of Ghanaians and Ethiopians. But a few stand out. He remembers one small boy in northern Ghana with a worm emerging from his scrotum. Weiss drove 15 minutes every morning at 6:30 a.m. to slowly, carefully extract his young patient's worm, little by little, for two weeks. "I remember this overwhelming feeling of pressure," Weiss said. "I didn't want to ruin his life." Because, Weiss said, in Ghana it is important for men to become fathers, a wrong move by Weiss might break the emerging Guinea worm sometimes 2 to 3 feet long and cause irreversible damage in this sensitive area of the boy's body. Weiss, who was named director of the Carter Centers Guinea Worm Eradication Program a little more than a year ago, brings to the position both experience in the field and at the Center's headquarters in Atlanta. With eight years living in Ghana and Ethiopia in many Guinea worm program roles, Weiss is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges of eradicating Guinea worm disease, an international campaign spearheaded by The Carter Center that has reduced cases more than 99.9% since 1986. Weiss got his first taste of Africa in college when he spent a semester abroad in Tanzania, an experience he relished. He decided to enter the Peace Corps after graduating and was sent to a Ghanaian village to help with water and sanitation and Guinea worm disease. All of it was new to him. "I had to get up to speed quickly," he said. One year into his service, Weiss was asked to leave his village and help coordinate other Peace Corps volunteers fighting Guinea worm. He stayed on to work for The Carter Center in Ghana. On his last day in the country, he pulled the last worm out of the last person in Ghana to ever have Guinea worm disease. After a stint in Ethiopia, Weiss settled in Atlanta as assistant director of the program. "I understand the demands that the program places on people, on the supervisors, and how that trickles down to the villages," Weiss said. Because some animals have become infected with the disease, something not thought possible in the earlier years of the eradication campaign, The Carter Center is implementing new intervention ideas and working with partners on research projects. Through it all, Weiss is the voice for the people on the ground. "My bottom line is: How do these ideas play out at the village level in a way that stops Guinea worm disease as quickly as possible," he said. "We cannot get to zero cases by cutting and pasting the strategies that worked before to today." But Weiss believes the staff are well suited to face whatever comes their way. "We're a very different program than we were in 1986 or 2000 or even 2010," he said. "But that's a testament to how we are adapting to an ever-changing environment and a Mother Nature that throws curveballs." Weiss believes the key to success is remembering that the people in endemic communities are the real owners of the Guinea worm program. "We need to respect that and empower them at every turn," he said. "We need to ensure the resources are there and they have the space to think creatively and to talk openly and candidly." After 16 years dedicated to Guinea worm disease, Weiss hasn't lost his focus. "We're trying to make peoples lives better," he said. "I think its a reasonable goal." Learn more about the Center's Guinea Worm Eradication Program To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Mark Carney has warned the City of London must not be forced to accept financial rules from the European Union after Brexit. The outgoing governor of the Bank of England said Britain must not 'outsource regulation' of its financial sector once it splits from Brussels. He argued it would not be 'desirable' to give the EU a say in how the City operates and that alignment with the bloc's financial regulations would 'tie our hands'. Mark Carney, pictured in June last year, is due to step down as the governor of the Bank of England on March 16 Mr Carney is due to step down as governor on March 16 when his replacement, Andrew Bailey, will take over. Mr Carney has been in the role since July 2013. The current bank chief has faced fierce criticism from Brexiteers in the past over comments which were viewed as being pessimistic about what leaving the EU could mean for UK prosperity. But he struck a more optimistic tone in a valedictory interview with the Financial Times as he warned Brussels must not be able to dictate to the City after Brexit. He said: 'It is not desirable at all to align our approaches, to tie our hands and to outsource regulation and effectively supervision of the world's leading complex financial system to another jurisdiction.' Brussels is likely to put pressure on the UK during trade talks this year on the issue of financial regulation and alignment of rules. The City is easily the biggest financial centre in Europe and the bloc will be fearful of being unable to control what happens there. Mr Carney's warning came as Boris Johnson prepared to meet Ursula von der Leyen, the new president of the European Commission, in Downing Street today. The first face-to-face meeting between the pair will set the stage for trade talks which are due to kick off shortly after Britain leaves the EU on January 31. Meanwhile, Mr Carney also used the interview to warn that central banks might not be able to fight off a sharp economic downturn because their monetary policy arsenals are still depleted from the global financial crisis a decade ago. 'It's generally true that there's much less ammunition for all the major central banks than they previously had and I'm of the opinion that this situation will persist for some time,' he said. 'If there were to be a deeper downturn, (that requires) more stimulus than a conventional recession, then it's not clear that monetary policy would have sufficient space.' SCO Secretary-General meets with Iranian Ambassador to China. At the request of the Iranian side, the SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov met with Iranian Ambassador to China Mohammad Keshavarz Zadeh on 7 January 2020, according to the news released by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretariat. The Ambassador of Iran informed the Secretary-General about the developments of the situation in the Middle East, which tends to deteriorate peace and stability in the region. Mohammad Keshavarz Zadeh handed a copy of the letter of Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN addressed to the UN Secretary-General. Responding to Ambassador Keshavarz Zadeh, the SCO Secretary-General said," Iran is an important Observer country of the SCO. The issues of ensuring peaceful coexistence, stability and security in the Middle East are extremely relevant and significant for SCO." "The current situation will no doubt further exacerbate the already tense environment in the region and may lead to serious negative consequences for the global security system," He said, "We express concern over the ongoing developments in the region and call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint in seeking the most optimal political and diplomatic solution to this conflict, as well as to prevent further escalation of tension in the Middle East." "SCO is against any use of force in international relations. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is a fundamental principle of the UN Charter. SCO has consistently stressed the need for strong commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, resolution of all issues on the basis of mutual consultations, non-interference in internal affairs, mutual respect for territorial integrity, non-use of military force or threat of force and other universally recognized norms of international law aimed at maintaining peace and security," the SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov added. Plans to rehabilitate Florida auto insurer Windhaven Insurance Co. have been deemed useless and the company will instead be liquidated. In a Jan. 6 order, Leon County Court Judge Ronald W. Flury said the Florida Department of Financial Services, which was appointed as receiver last month, notified the court Dec. 23 that the Florida auto insurer is insolvent, and the court determined sufficient grounds exist for its liquidation. Windhaven Insurance Co. (WIC) became licensed in Florida in 2005 as a domestic insurer to write private passenger auto liability and private passenger auto physical damage lines of business and has about 73,000 active policies in the state as of Nov. 30, 2019. WIC is the carrier for its Windhaven, Icon, Select and Optimum auto insurance programs. DFS was appointed receiver for the purposes of liquidation, effective Jan. 6, 2020, and has been authorized to take possession of all assets, estate, and property belonging to the insurer. All policies of insurance or coverage contracts that have not expired will be canceled as of Feb. 5, 2020. The non-standard private passenger auto insurer, based in Miami, was first placed into rehabilitation in early December after DFS filed a petition with the court stating that WICs surplus was considered impaired. DFS said in its Dec. 23 petition for liquidation that Windhavens Sept. 30, 2019 quarterly financial statement reflected a policyholder surplus of $1.7 million, which is nearly $7 million below the surplus amount required by Florida law. DFS also stated the company had more than $7.4 million worth of claims checks that had been issued and mailed in 2019 but have not yet been cashed by the recipients. The Department has determined that any further efforts to rehabilitate Windhaven would be useless and the financial condition of Windhaven makes liquidation necessary, the DFS petition states. WIC was first placed on administrative supervision by OIR in November, and later consented to being placed into receivership after OIR determined it failed to comply with the supervision order. According to the court documents, WIC reported a $26 million policyholder surplus on its Sept. 30, 2019 monthly statement, but on Nov. 13 it notified the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) that a contingent commission liability of $19.1 million was realized but had not been reported on the September financial statement, thus reducing its surplus by the commission liability amount. WIC also notified OIR that its reserves were deficient by $7 million. Those court documents also stated WIC is insolvent because all of its assets would not be sufficient to discharge all of its liabilities or that it is unable to pay its debts. WICs reported total liability as of Sept. 30 was more than $131 million and its total assets were $157.5 million. After the adjustment for the contingent commission and reserve deficiency, OIR determined WICs assets were insufficient. WIC also suffered a decline in policyholder surplus of 22.8% or nearly $11 million between 2017 and 2018 and suffered a $9.7 million net loss for 2018, which represents nearly 20% of its 2017 year-end surplus in regards to policyholders, making its further transaction of insurance hazardous to policyholders, creditors, stockholders or the public, the court documents state. According to the affidavit, WICs 2018 annual statement also shows a pattern of adverse loss reserve development which reflects that [it] has been consistently under-estimating its actual losses and failing to establish adequate reserves for such losses. WICs condition worsened in 2019, with its invested assets declining from $74.2 million in the first months of 2019 to $41 million a 44.6% decrease. Once placed in rehabilitation, Windhaven let its agents know it was working closely with DFS to come up with a viable plan for the company through the rehabilitation. Rehabilitation proceedings provide a safe landing spot for WIC and its policyholders while we and the DFS continue to assess and address WICs financial challenges, an e-mail to agents stated. We are also working on other possible partnerships for Windhaven, Icon, Select and Optimum auto policies to continue to live with us, to minimize disruption and provide a competitive marketplace in Florida for insureds and your business. DFS notified agents Dec. 30 that Windhaven would be liquidated and that Windhaven agents are required to provide written notice of the receivership to policyholders whose policy has not been replaced or reinsured with a solvent authorized insurer within 15 days of the notice. Agents must also account for all premiums and unearned commissions collected on behalf of Windhaven to DFS within 20 days of demand by the department. The Florida Insurance Guaranty Association [FIGA] will pay covered unearned premium claims after DFS completes its processing of the policy records and sends the unearned premium records to FIGA. A statutory $100 deductible will be applied to the refund. DFS said FIGA will pay any outstanding claims for Windhaven policies. All claims must be filed by Jan. 6, 2021. Update: The Florida Department of Financial Services said in an e-mail to Insurance Journal regarding the payment of owed commission to Windhavens agents that one of the departments top priorities is fulfilling policyholder claim payments. Distribution of further claims from the insurers estate shall be in accordance with the order in which each class of claims is outlined in statute. Read: DFS Motion for Windhaven Liquidation Read: DFS Letter to Windhaven Agents Related: Topics Carriers Agencies Legislation Auto Florida Claims Excess Surplus A suspect has been arrested in the slaying of 39-year-old Heather Golden, who was found shot to death inside her burning home in Arab over the weekend, the authorities announced. Michael Lee Hammock, a 35-year-old from Huntsville, is held in the Marshall County jail with bail set at $2 million, records show. Hes charged with murder, arson and two counts of theft, according to jail records. Michael Lee Hammock was booked into the Marshall County, Ala. jail on charges of murder and arson in the slaying of Heather Golden. Arab police Chief Ed Ralston said Hammock was captured in Tennessee and transported back to Alabama to face the charges. If convicted, Hammock could face up to life in prison. Goldens body was found early Saturday morning when firefighters were called to a fire at her home on Fourth Street Northeast. Golden had been shot, the authorities said, and a homicide investigation was opened. Further details werent released. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After owning the Kreischer Mansion in Charleston for more than 20 years, Isaac Yomtovian wants to make his dream of creating an active adult community on the nearly 5-acre expanse a reality. Yomtovian -- who has had various proposals and approvals to build housing for people age 55 and older on the property in the past -- is seeking city approvals to build 48 condominiums earmarked for active adults. I hope after 20 years of effort at Kreischer, I will finally reach the point where I can contribute to the residences on Staten Island, and I can build the dream Ive had. ... I want to create Kreischerville Park -- a Victorian village in a park-like setting, he said. The need for active adult housing on Staten Island is an absolute. He said there will be several buildings housing the condos surrounded by a lot of open space and walkways. The mansion will be preserved, and it will be a place for residents to gather to socialize and eat, Yomtovian said. He received approvals to construct 130 condos on the site in August 2006, according to city Buildings Department (DOB) records. Yomtovian said he revised the proposal to include more open space and less condominiums. The new development would be located adjacent another active adult community, The Tides, on Arthur Kill Road. APPROVALS NEEDED However, before the project can take shape, it will need various city approvals. In addition to DOB building permits, Yomtovian will need city Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) approvals, since the mansion is a city landmark LPC has received permit applications for restoration and other facade work, roof work, additions and new construction, as well as barrier-free access work, said Zodet Negron, an LPC spokesperson. The site is zoned for manufacturing, but certain community facilities and commercial uses (such as retail), are permitted within the current zoning, according to the City Planning Department. Yomtovians plans may also need City Planning Department approval. PLANS THAT DIDN'T MATERIALIZE Yomtovian was already familiar with Staten Island when he bought the estate in 1999 for $1.4 million, with the vision of creating Kreischerville -- a 55-plus community that gave a nod to the 19th century brick magnate who built the mansion and for whom the town of Charleston was originally named. But delays in obtaining permits, which have since expired, coupled with an unstable real estate market, led Yomtovian to make the difficult decision to abandon the project. Before I even moved a shovel out there, I spent more than $1 million for renovations, repair and taxes for the mansion, he said. I had approvals and even secured two construction loans. I spent all the money on the renovation, and then there was the financial meltdown in 2009 (of the real estate market)." Yomtovian also previously had the mansion up for sale, but now he said he hopes to develop the site himself. MANSION HISTORY The home was built by wealthy brick manufacturer Balthasar Kreischer for his son, Charles, and the property once housed a second identical house built for his son, Edward. That home was demolished, and the existing property was landmarked in 1968. The mansion also made headlines as the scene of a grisly 2005 murder of a Bonanno crime family associate. The Bonanno hit man found guilty of murder and sentenced to a mandatory life term in prison was a caretaker hired by Yomtovian. The Kreischer Mansion fell into disrepair after a Victorian restaurant failed there in 1997. Yomtovian, who has developed more than 200 custom-built homes and townhouses across the Island, purchased the property two years later. The property has had a history of stops and starts for development and grand plans. With the exception of a short-lived restaurant, none ever materialized. Most recently, the home was used as a recording studio. In addition, several videos were shot in the mansion by Deer God Productions. The property has been used for the last two years for special events, including haunted houses around Halloween, and summer concert series. COMMUNITY BOARD 3 MEETING Plans for the active adult community will be presented to Community Board 3s land use committee on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Architect Ron Victorio will make the presentation about the plans for Charleston property at 7:30 p.m. in the board office, 1243 Woodrow Rd. FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER Pakistan's Lower House of Parliament Backs Extension for Army Chief By Ayaz Gul January 07, 2020 Lawmakers in Pakistan's lower house of Parliament voted Tuesday in support of extending the tenure of the country's army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, by another three years. The government initiated the legislative action in the National Assembly and received backing from major opposition political forces who consistently have accused Bajwa of manipulating the 2018 elections to bring Prime Minister Imran Khan to power. The bill will now go to the Senate, the upper house of Parliament, on Wednesday, where it is likely to be approved before the Pakistani president signs it into law. The powerful military has staged several coups and ruled Pakistan for nearly half of its history. It dominates policy-making matters, particularly those related to defense and foreign affairs, say critics, even when democratically elected governments are running the country. Several months before Bajwa was to retire at the end of his usual three-year term in November, Prime Minister Khan had approved another full term in service for the general, citing worsening military tensions with arch-rival India. The Supreme Court, in a surprise move, however, struck down the decision just days before Bajwa was to start his new three-year term. The court identified procedural flaws in the reappointment and ordered the Khan government to refer to the Parliament to address them. The government responded by drafting and placing the bill before the Parliament on Tuesday. The two main opposition parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-N of former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, and the Pakistan Peoples Party of slain ex-leader Benazir Bhutto, supported the legislation. Both the parties repeatedly have ruled the country and have a long history of confrontation with the military. Human rights activists also accuse the Bajwa-led military of cracking down on civil liberties and muzzling the national media to discourage criticism of abuses allegedly committed by security forces during counterterrorism operations. The army vehemently rejects the charges as baseless and propaganda. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VN needs to become low-carbon economy to serve Paris Agreement: experts Updated: 09:16 - 08/01/2020 Speakers at a workshop held in Ho Chi Minh City to review a project to Support the Planning and Implementation of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions__Photo: VNA , , , , Vietnam must continue to take concrete climate actions to become a low-carbon economy and comply with the global Paris Agreement, a workshop heard in Ho Chi Minh City on January 7.Hiromichi Murakami, deputy director general of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Headquarters Global Environment Department, said Vietnam, as a member of the global community, played a major role in the implementation of the agreement.The efforts made by the Vietnamese Government, especially Ho Chi Minh City authorities, are a clear signal that both the central and local governments will take the leadership in enhancing climate actions to realize a low carbon and decarbonizing society.The workshop was held to review JICAs project for Support the Planning and Implementation of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions in a Measurable, Reportable and Verifiable Manner.The project, begun in 2015, aims to strengthen the role of the state in promoting mitigation policies to support its implementation of the agreement.It also supports efforts to create a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction roadmap.It conducted a low-carbon technology assessment on mitigation options under the Nationally Determined Contribution Vietnam has committed to under the agreement.Japanese experts have provided training to staff at the citys Department of Natural Resources and Environment in using the Asia-Pacific Integrated Model to visualize future GHG emission trends.Based on the simulation results of the model, the city will be able to take potential mitigation actions for its Climate Change Action Plan.According to the results, by 2030 GHG emissions in the city would increase by around 2.6 times from 2016 levels without any mitigation actions.But with effective mitigation actions, it could reduce the emissions by around 20 percent compared to the no-mitigation-action scenario, according to JICA.Recommendations for the new Climate Change Action Plan have been submitted to the department.Japanese experts have also done an energy efficiency review for buildings in the city and recommended a carbon reporting system like the one applied by the Tokyo metropolitan government.With the system, Tokyo was able to reduce energy consumption by 16 percent in 2000-12, JICA said.Nguyen Toan Thang, director of the department, said: The experience of Tokyo is very useful for Ho Chi Minh City as the number of buildings in the city has increased quickly. The system will also help raise occupants awareness of energy saving.The projects most significant achievements are its support for the development of Vietnams contribution to international climate change efforts in the form of its Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement.Vietnams rapid economic growth in recent years has been energy dependent as the countrys energy system has become more carbon intensive, according to experts.The country is vulnerable to climate change due to its long coastline and extensive river estuaries, which has forced it to develop a policy committed to taking action on climate change.Vietnam was quick to ratify the Paris Agreement and was one of the very first countries to develop a plan of action for the implementation of the agreement, which specifies necessary measures, responsibilities and specific support requirements.However, the country still lacks implementation experience, according to experts.The Paris Agreement is an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change dealing with mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions signed in 2016.The workshop was organized by JICA, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the citys Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Elizabeth Warren has taken on the 2005 Bankruptcy Reform Law on her presidential campaign trail and brought up a long-standing controversy with the frontrunner in the race, Joe Biden. Im announcing my plan to repeal the harmful provisions in the 2005 bankruptcy bill and overhaul consumer bankruptcy rules in this country to give Americans a better chance of getting back on their feet, Warren said in her plan published on her website on Tuesday. Warren, a law professor who taught bankruptcy law, has over 15 years of expertise in the field as a bankruptcy attorney. She entered the political arena when in 2005, she vehemently opposed the then proposed version, which was much in favor of the credit card companies. The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 made it hard and costly for individuals to file for bankruptcy while it widened the possibilities for creditors to collect their money. Warrens proposal seeks to repeal most regulations in the bill. Thanks in part to the 2005 bankruptcy bill, our current system makes it far too hard for people in need to start the bankruptcy process so they can get back on their feet, Warren wrote. My plan streamlines the process, reduces costs, and gives people more flexibility in bankruptcy to find solutions that match their financial problems. Forcing people into Chapter 13 because they cannot afford to pay their lawyer upfront is a ridiculous way to run a consumer debt relief system, Warren wrote. The 2005 bill was drafted and helmed by no less than Joe Biden, who, being a Senator of Delaware at that time, was serving the interests of his constituents very well. Wilmington, Delaware was the hotspot of several credit card companies, and Biden made great efforts to lodge the bill through Congress with the consent of many Republican senators, meanwhile shooting down many Democrat proposed amendments. In a 2001 hearing according to Politico Biden said: An awful lot of people are discharging debt who shouldnt. This voluminous increasing in filingit is exponential what has happened. Something is up, and that happened when the economy was booming, absolutely booming. The rising bankruptcy rate was driving up prices for everybody else, he argued, including people where I come from. So I am so sick of this self-righteous sheen put on anybody who wants to tighten up bankruptcy is really anti-debtor, Biden said. People are getting hurt. Warren wrote: In 2005, Congress rejected an amendment to the bankruptcy bill that would have allowed parents to spend a reasonable amount of money on toys and books and basic recreation activities for their kids during the bankruptcy process. Thats just wrong, she said, and my plan will provide those protections. The biggest issue, however, Warren has with the Act is that it protects extremely wealthy bankruptcy applicants because it provided certain loopholes, as Warren calls them to stash away their assets in trust-funds out of reach of the Justice or the tax service. Loopholes benefiting wealthy individuals. In certain states like Delaware, wealthy individuals can file for bankruptcy and get debt relief while shielding their assets by placing them in trusts for their own benefit. This is known as the Millionaires Loophole. As part of the 2005 bankruptcy legislation, Congress pretended to close the Millionaires Loophole, while rejecting legislation that actually would have shut it down. My plan stitches up the Millionaires Loophole once and for all by ensuring that assets in self-settled trusts and revocable trusts are not exempt from creditors claims in bankruptcy. Up till now, Warren had remained tacit about this old grudge but, with less than one month to go before the Iowa first Democratic caucus, it could also be an act of digging up the hatchet in a last bid to pass her rival for the Democratic nomination. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 13:35:16|Editor: zyl Video Player Close TEHRAN/WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday targeted U.S. bases in Iraq including al-Asad and Harir Camp to the north of Erbil with a second wave of surface-to-surface missiles, semi-official Fars news agency reported. The attacks came after Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of the IRGC, was killed in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad International Airport on Friday. According to the report, Iran launched a dozen of ballistic missiles. IRGC claimed responsibility for the missile attacks in a statement, saying that they were meant to retaliate the U.S. killing of Soleimani. The missiles were probably of Fateh 313 type and they were launched from Iran's western Kermanshah Province, Fars News Agency reported. Fateh 313 missiles are road-mobile single-stage solid-fueled surface-to-surface missiles with a range of 500 km. "We warn all allied countries of the U.S. that they will be a target of military retaliation if attacks are launched from bases in their countries on Iran," the IRGC statement said. It urged Americans to recall all their soldiers back home to prevent more damage. An Iraqi army official in Anbar province anonymously told Xinhua that some 20 missiles hit Al-Asad airbase in al-Baghdadi area, some 190 km northwest of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, which houses hundreds of U.S. troops. Sirens were heard in the airbase, while U.S. helicopters flew over the area, the source said. Al-Asad, previously named al-Qadisiyah, is the second largest airbase in Iraq and has the largest number of U.S. troops in Iraq, along with others from coalition members. The Iranian missiles also targeted another base located in Harir area, east of Erbil, capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, said reports. U.S. President Donald Trump later Tuesday appeared to downplay the Iranian missile attacks, while highlighting U.S. military strength at the same time. "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!" Trump tweeted hours after Iran's military staged the missile attacks. "We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning," he added. The Pentagon confirmed in a statement earlier that Iran had launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at al-Asad & Erbil, the statement said. The bases have been on high alert due to indications that Iran planned to attack the U.S. forces and interests in the region, it noted. The Pentagon also pointed out that it would take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region. Citing anonymous U.S. officials, U.S. media reported that there are no initial reports of any U.S. casualties caused by the missiles strikes. Iran has fired as many as 15 ballistic missiles into Iraq, among which 10 missiles hit al-Asad Airbase, one hit a military base in Erbil, and four failed to hit their targets, the U.S. officials said. The Iranian attacks came three days after the Iraqi parliament passed a resolution requiring the government to end the presence of foreign forces in Iraq and prevent them from using Iraqi airspace and waters. In this article: Carlos Ghosn has gone from an industry titan to international fugitive ... allegedly escaping house arrest in Japan by hiding in a music case - a daring, Houdini-esque ploy that baffled even his own lawyers. (SOUNDBITE) (English) OUSTED NISSAN MOTOR CO CEO CARLOS GHOSN SAYING: "This is about a plot. This is about conspiracies. This is about backstabbing." But what was the ex-Nissan boss running away from? Here's what you need to know ... starting with the allegations of financial misconduct, which he denies. First up - there's two charges for under-reported earnings. Japanese prosecutors first arrested Ghosn in November 2018, accusing him of hiding half of his Nissan income over 5 years from 2010, totaling 5.4 billion yen, around $88 million. He was later accused of under-reporting a further 4.1 billion yen, in the subsequent three years. Then there's misappropriation of funds. An internal Nissan investigation revealed he used company cash for "personal matters". Media reports say that covered homes: Rio de Janeiro, Beirut, Paris and Amsterdam; and lavish family vacations. He is also being charged with breach of trust, and is accused of enriching himself at Nissan's expense. This was Ghosn's response at a press conference in Lebanon. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER NISSAN BOSS, CARLOS GHOSN, SAYING: "These allegations are untrue. And I should have never been arrested in the first place." Ghosn says he isn't fleeing crimes, but a rigged Japanese justice system - with a conviction rate of 99.9%. (SOUNDBITE) (English) OUSTED NISSAN MOTOR CO CEO CARLOS GHOSN SAYING: "I did not escape justice. I fled injustice." So what will happen next? Lebanon has two major draws for Ghosn. He has citizenship and deep ties to the country, and it has no extradition treaty with Japan. Interpol issued a red notice, which calls on authorities to arrest a wanted person. But it's unknown if Lebanon will heed the request. A senior official told Reuters that Lebanon does not extradite its citizens to foreign states, and sources close to Ghosn said he received a warm greeting from the president. A sign held up by Greenpeace activists outside the main entrance of Barclays bank hedquarters in Canary Wharf in July 19, 2018. Photo: Alberto Pezzali/NurPhoto via Getty Images Barclays (BARC.L) is set to face a shareholder vote that could ban it from lending to fossil fuel companies, making it the first major European bank to face such action. Shareholder group ShareAction said Wednesday it had filed a resolution calling for Barclays to publish a plan to gradually reduce its fossil fuel lending. Investors will vote on the measure at Barclayss annual general meeting (AGM) in May, the first such vote at a European bank. The resolution has the support of 11 institutional investors and 130 retail investors, who together hold 0.2% of Barclayss outstanding shares. While they represent a small minority of investors, ShareAction is hopeful the pressure will push Barclays to make changes even if the resolution does not pass. The message is clear: piecemeal changes in energy policy will no longer cut it, Jeanne Martin, campaign manager at ShareAction, said in a statement. Banks must align their lending with the science. If Barclays supports the Paris Agreement, it will support this resolution. READ MORE: Amazon accused of threatening to fire climate activists Barclays has lent $85bn to companies involved in the fossil fuel industry since the international Paris Agreement on tackling climate change was signed in 2015. That makes the bank the largest European fossil fuel lender in Europe and the sixth largest in the world, according to a report compiled by environmental campaign groups, although Barclays has reduced its lending in recent years. The bank has long faced protests from environmental campaigners but the vote in May will be the first opportunity for shareholders to force changes at the bank. As a special resolution, 75% of investors must approval the motion for it to pass. The Brunel Pension Partnership, which manages local government pension schemes worth 30bn, is one of the institutions backing the resolution. Chief executive Laura Chappell said cutting back on fossil fuel lending was crucial not just for the health of the planet but also to protect Brunels investment in Barclays. Story continues We believe that it is crucial for investors to carry out climate change risk assessments across the whole financial chain, Chappell said. As banks are the biggest lenders, they are a key component of this. We hope the Barclays Board formally supports this resolution. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney recently warned that pension funds could be stung by fossil fuels becoming worthless over time. The central bank estimates that as much as $20trn-worth of assets could be at risk from climate change. The central bank plans to launch climate stress testing for banks that will measure resilience to climate change. A spokesperson for Barclays said: We are working to help tackle climate change, and we meet with Share Action and other shareholders regularly to update them on our progress. Barclays will send a recommendation to shareholders on which way it thinks they should vote on the resolution ahead of Mays AGM. Iranian state television said on Wednesday that at least 80 American terrorists were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on U.S. targets in Iraq, adding that none of the missiles were intercepted. State TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said U.S. helicopters and military equipment were severely damaged. Also Watch | Iran fires ballistic missiles on Iraqi air bases hosting US military forces Iran launched missile attacks on U.S.-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON By Trend Kazakhstan introduced 72-hour visa-free regimen for citizens of China and India travelling through territory of Kazakhstan via international airports of Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktau, Karaganda and Taraz, Trend reports with reference to the press office of Kazakhstans Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The regimen was introduced starting from Jan. 1, 2020. Now, transit visitors from China and India will be receiving stamps in passport at the checkpoints indicating the time of crossing the state border of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has improved its position in The Henley Passport Index published by Henley & Partners company for the third year in a row in 2020. According to the ranking, Kazakhstans passport ranked 67th due to its ability to allow visa free entrance to 76 countries worldwide. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz United States President Donald Trump on January 8 while issuing an address at the White House announced that as long as he is the US President he will not allow a nuclear weapon to fall into Iran's hands. He further added that there were no casualties and minimal damage was inflicted in the Iranian missile strikes at two US-Iraqi airbases. In his address, Trump also added that Americans should be grateful and happy as they were not harmed. Trump's statements come after the Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq that houses the US and coalition forces were hit by multiple rockets during the wee hours on January 8. This incident was first reported by Iranian state TV, which described it as Tehrans revenge operation over the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Gen. Qassem Soleimani. However, Trump asserted that US military eliminated the world's biggest terrorist Qassem Soleimani who was responsible for the worst atrocities. According to Trump, Soleimani used to train terrorists including Hezbollah. Soleimani directed the recent attacks on US personnel in Iraq and was planning new attacks on American targets. We stopped him. He should have been terminated long ago, said the US President. READ: No Casualties, Will Impose Sanctions: US President Trump Cops Out After Iran's Missiles The United States will immediately impose powerful economic sanctions until Iran changes its behaviour and abandon its nuclear ambition, said the US President. Trump lashed out at Iran saying they created hell in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, though in many ways, the entire response by the US President entailed a sharp comedown. He said that Iran was given $150 billion in cash in the "defective" 2015 nuclear deal with which it created "hell, and targeted the Obama administration for 'funding' the missiles that were used by Iran. READ: Iranian Leader Saeed Jalili Mocked Trump With A Tweet Of Iran's Flag After Missile Attack US-Iran tensions escalate While Iran and the US have been at loggerheads for quite some time, their relationship took a turn for the worse after a US air raid on January 3 killed Quds Force chief General Soleimani, considered by many as the second most powerful figure in Iran. The Pentagon confirmed that the January 3 attack at the Baghdad International Airport was carried out at the direction of President Donald Trump. Along with General Soleimani, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis- the deputy commander of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an Iran-backed umbrella organization comprising several militias, was also killed. READ: Poll: World Skeptical Trump Will Do Right In Global Affairs READ: 'He Fought Terror, Protected European Capitals': Iran's Rouhani Shames Trump On Soleimani Officials said the three suspects face charges of first- and second-degree murder and other charges. Two of the men McNatt and Richardson were hurt during the incident and are being treated, police said. They are not life threatening injuries. 2fm DJs DJs pose with cars, in a shot taken for the RTE Guide in 1982 U2 drummer Larry Mullen paid tribute to broadcasting legend Larry Gogan following the announcement of his death this morning. Mr Gogan regularly interviewed him about the Dublin band over the years. Our friendship was not traditional, as in we didnt spend countless hours together we didnt need to, he told RTE. Just the few interviews and the occasional long lunch. We connected somehow. Maybe it was our shared northside credentials or most likely the constant messages back and forth through our mutual friend Paul Russel. Expand Close 2fm DJs DJs pose with cars, in a shot taken for the RTE Guide in 1982 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp 2fm DJs DJs pose with cars, in a shot taken for the RTE Guide in 1982 Just checking in on each other and trying to set up the next lunch. Larrys cultural obituary will be written by someone a lot cleverer than me. This is personal not professional. And so to Larry sadly we lost you today but the next time I promise you Larry, Ill come and find you on the other side. Ronan Collins was among the first DJs to feature on the 2FM schedule with Larry Gogan, Gerry Ryan, and Dave Fanning when the youth station launched, then named Radio 2, in 1979. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close 2fm DJs DJs pose with cars, in a shot taken for the RTE Guide in 1982 Larry Gogan Larry Gogan and Ryan Tubridy Pictured at the announcement of Everest Music as sponsor of School of Rock are 2FM DJ Larry Gogan and School of Rock judge Mark Greaney of Concerto for Constantine. Larry Gogan with Jedward Larry Gogan with singer Joe Cuddy in 1972. Surprise: Larry Gogan 2fm presenter Larry Gogan. Photo: Brian McEvoy Larry Gogan BP Fallon and Larry Gogan, co-presenters of RTE Televisions GO 2 show, 27 June 1967 Broadcasting legend Larry Gogan. Photo: Mark Condren Seamless operator: Gogan. Photo: Mark Condren Larry Gogan in 2010.Photo: Mark Condren Larry Gogan pictured at RTE 2FM Christmas Broadcast in 2013 Larry Gogan Broadcasting legend Larry Gogan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp 2fm DJs DJs pose with cars, in a shot taken for the RTE Guide in 1982 Speaking to Ryan Tubridy on his Radio 1 show, Collins became emotional as he paid tribute to his long-time friend and colleague. Ronan described how Larry had encouraged him to take a job with RTE Radio 1 and that "he was so encouraging down through the years. He was such a great friend, he was a great friend to many of us through the years. He was extraordinary, you talk about people in life who are happy...Larry was personally happy and he spread that so much." Video of the Day "He always had his own voice. What a golden voice it was, just superb," he added. "Time and age did not interfere with the voice. I was with him a couple of weeks ago and when I came home my wife asked, 'How is he?'. I said, 'His mind is sharp as ever, his voice is fantastic. His body is not in great nick.' "I knew I was with Larry. He sounded exactly like he did whenever I would go across to him at his desk in 2FM. "He was available to anybody. There's a lot of people in 2FM now who will be saying exactly the same things I am about the advice he has given - Eoghan McDermott, Tracey Clifford - how he spoke with them and encouraged them. "Larry never looked on anybody as a threat. Nobody was a threat to Larry Gogan." He added, "I can't stress enough that we're talking about a lovely man, a great heart, great enthusiasm." Collins said Larry "ploughed his own furrow" even from the early days on the station, sometimes getting himself in trouble with management. He recalled Larry playing a pop song one day and saying 'Yeah that's a great song there. Let it all hang out'. Larry was called into the office of then Head of Music, Kevin Roche, after the show, and grilled on his use of the expression. "There was nothing sinister in it at all," explained Collins, "It was an expression that was around and Larry threw it into the mix to please the kids." While Larry assured his boss he would not say it again, Collins said that the next time he was on air he said, "Let it all hang out". Collins said he will helm his show as usual today at midday on RTE Radio 1 and play music which Larry would have appreciated. Fellow RTE DJ Dave Fanning described the loss of Larry as "terrible", but said that upon Larry's move from 2FM to RTE Gold last year, he was inundated with tributes. "He got the appreciation and he got the love a year ago this week," he said. "He got a huge thing that very seldom happens when you're alive, this massive outpouring of love from across the country and he deserved every little bit of it." 2FM DJ Ciara King spoke of the kindness Larry had shown her on her first day at 2FM six years ago and in her career thereafter. "I was hiding behind my computer and I remember feeling this tap on my shoulder and Larry was standing there and he put out his hand and said, 'Hi, my name is Larry. You're very welcome to 2FM.' It was a very nice gesture," she said. "He continued to be massively enthusiastic and supportive over the last six years." Evelyn ORourke, who worked alongside Larry for nearly ten years on 2FM, described him as "the loveliest man." She told Independent.ie: "I joined the Gerry Ryan show in 2001 so I would have sat beside Larry for eight years. "I was basically his IT help desk. He would come down with a fax in his hand with a listener request and Id have to convert it into an email. "Im just devastated and its extraordinary how we have lost three big figures in such a short space of time. "One of the main memories I have of him was how he would always go over to Gerrys desk to have the chats and they would have each other in absolute stitches. Its just heartbreaking hes gone." RTE Director General, Dee Forbes, spoke to Cormac O hEadhra (standing in for Sean O'Rourke) on RTE Radio 1 and said his death was "incredibly sad", adding ,"And how poignant on the day that Marian [Finucane] is being buried we're saying goodbye to Larry as well. In such a short time we've lost such incredible broadcasting legends who have paved the way for so much in this country and they will be sorely missed." She added that his voice was "synonymous with a particular time of my life and of many people's lives". RTE Gold presenter Rick O'Shea, who worked with Larry at 2FM for 19 years before RTE Gold, said, "The word 'family' is possibly overused in situations like this but I think for all of us Larry was part of our family." "Very few people knew the Larry who we met in the office every day and the fact that I've never met a single human being who had a bad thing to say about Larry Gogan in 20 years," he said. "Working in the media there are very few of us who can say that." O'Shea described Larry as "giving", "warm" and an "exceptional person towards everybody around him in his life." SAN DIEGO, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- HUYA Bioscience International CEO & Executive Chair, Dr. Mireille Gillings announced the appointment of Meiji Seika Pharma (Meiji) as an exclusive distributor for its lymphoma product, HBI-8000, in Japan. Meiji also acquired exclusive rights for HBI-8000 in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore. The drug, an epigenetic immunomodulator, is the first approved oral class I-selective histone deacetylase inhibitor which is now in various stages of development globally for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL) and Adult T-Cell Leukemia (ATL) in Japan and solid tumors in the United States. Increased excitement has been generated by studies that show that HBI-8000 produces cumulative effects over time that increase the receptivity of cancer cells to immunologic therapy. The product has orphan drug designation for PTCL granted by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. HUYABIO will complete the development of HBI-8000 for PTCL and ATL in Japan for commercialization by Meiji who will hold exclusive sales and marketing rights. Meiji will pay HUYABIO an upfront and milestones plus royalties on net sales. HUYABIO will manufacture and supply the product to Meiji for initial commercialization. "This collaboration aligns with Meiji's R&D commitment to oncology to develop new drugs to fulfil unmet needs of patients worldwide. By continually improving our R&D process with innovation, Meiji brings high-value and high-quality drugs to market quickly. Meiji and HUYABIO will cooperate to commercialize HBI-8000, for the benefit of cancer patients," said Daikichiro Kobayashi, President and Representative Director of Meiji Seika Pharma Co, Ltd. "We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Meiji to bring HBI-8000 to patients with PTCL or ATL. We also look forward to advancing the development of our drug based on its immunomodulatory properties," said Dr. Mireille Gillings. "The agreement reinforces our vision to leverage assets licensed from China for global development and commercialization. Meiji Seika Pharma's strong position in hematologic malignancy will help ensure the drug's success in the Japanese market." About HBI-8000 The novel epigenetic drug, HBI-8000, is a member of the benzamide class of histone deacetylase inhibitors, which regulate gene expression through histone modification, which enables the efficacy of increasing other cancer agents such as checkpoint inhibitors. The company was the first to leverage the Tripartite Agreement between China, Japan and South Korea, which allowed Chinese clinical data to be leveraged in the other two countries. Based on clinical results, the Japanese Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency allowed accelerated development of this drug in lymphoma. About HUYA Bioscience International HUYABIO is the leader in enabling and accelerating the global development of novel biopharmaceutical product opportunities originating in China. The Company has emerged as the partner-of-choice for maximizing the value of innovation in China. With the largest team of scientists working with Chinese innovators, HUYABIO identifies and advances promising drug candidates globally and has offices in the US, Japan, South Korea and China. About Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. In order to protect and improve people's health and lives, Meiji Seika Pharma, as a "Speciality and Generic Pharmaceuticals Company," runs its pharmaceutical business in the two main fields, infectious disease and central nervous system disorders, as well as generic drugs. Meiji Seika Pharma strives to respond to diversified medical needs and contributes to the well-being of people worldwide. Contact details: Bob Goodenow, Ph.D. President HUYA Bioscience International +1.858.342.2430 [email protected] www.huyabio.com SOURCE HUYA Bioscience International Related Links https://www.huyabio.com There is a typical hybrid war between the US and Iran, which involves third countries like Iraq, political scientist Aharon Vardanyan told reporters on Wednesday. However, he did not rule out that the geography of this conflict could expand. For example, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and other countries of the region may be involved in this conflict between the US and Iran, especially if the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps openly declares that it is ready to strike back against Dubai, Haifa, and Tel Avivin if the US inflicts direct attacks on Iranian targets. He noted that certain threats due to this aggravation may also arise for Armenia. He recalled that the Iranian side had already once expressed its concern about the intensification of American intelligence in Armenia. Given all this, the Armenian side should exercise maximum caution, while showing goodwill and entering into negotiations with the countries of the region in various formats at every opportunity, the expert noted. Iranian Parliament Votes to Designate US Armed Forces and Pentagon as 'Terrorist Entities' Sputnik News 09:41 07.01.2020(updated 11:31 07.01.2020) Iran last year designated the Central Command as a terrorist organisation and the American government as a sponsor of terror, mirroring the US blacklisting of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran's parliament on Tuesday passed a bill labelling the entire US military a terrorist organisation in response to last week's assassination of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani by the United States. The Iranian parliament's presiding board earlier called the drone hit on Soleimani an act of 'state-sponsored terrorism'. The motion, which was approved unanimously by the Majlis, also allocated over $220 million to the Quds force, an elite unit responsible for clandestine military and intelligence operations abroad Gen. Soleimani had been the Quds Force long-time commander; he was widely credited with helping Iraq defeat Daesh* and was considered to be one of Iran's most prominent political figures, so his killing was interpreted by many in Iran as the de-facto declaration of war. The US claimed that Soleimani was behind the rocket strike on an Iraqi base near Kirkuk on 27 December that killed an American contractor and injured several military personnel. The US also said, without providing evidence, that he was plotting more attacks on US assets. Soleimani's slaying prompted Iran to threaten retaliation and completely abandon the already-ailing 2015 nuclear deal. There has been an ever-growing confrontation between Washington and Tehran ever since Donald Trump tore up the landmark agreement in May 2018. Following two rounds of Iran sanctions that year, the US in April 2019 designated Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. The move paved the way for more sanctions against Iran, given the IRGC's significant role in the nation's economy. Tehran responded by blacklisting the US Central Command (Centcom), which is responsible for all US military operations in the Middle East effectively designating American troops there as terrorists. *Daesh, aka IS/ISIS, is a terror group banned by Russia, the United States, and the United Nations. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The states top court has denied consideration of an appeal in the case of a man who fatally stabbed his half brother in Pike County in 2014. Joseph M. Coffman of Petersburg is serving a 45-year prison sentence after his 2015 conviction on a first-degree murder charge. He fatally stabbed his half brother, Dennis Coffman, 46, as the two were driving from Missouri to Illinois after a night of drinking in Hannibal, Missouri. Pike County, Illinois, authorities were called about 1 a.m. July 19, 2014, and found Dennis Coffman inside a pickup truck with multiple stab wounds from a knife. He was taken to Hannibal (Missouri) Regional Hospital, where he later died. Deputies reported at the time that there was an argument that triggered the stabbing while the two were traveling. Defense attorneys had sought a lesser charge, saying Joseph Coffmans actions after the stabbing were not those of a person who was trying to kill. They pointed out that he called police and comforted the victim until help arrived. A neurologist testified that a traumatic brain injury Joseph Coffman suffered in 2010 could have made it difficult for him to understand the consequences of his actions. When you take a knife and unfold it and stab someone 18 times the natural and probable cause of this action is likely to cause death or great bodily harm, States Attorney Zach Boren said during closing arguments in the case. Joseph Coffman appealed the conviction to the Illinois Court of Appeals, but the appellate court upheld the verdict last year. He appealed that decision to the Illinois Supreme Court. Actions to uphold Mr. Coffmans conviction by both the appellate court and the Supreme Court underscore the diligent work done by my entire Pike County team, both in the states attorneys office and in the law enforcement community, Boren said. At all levels, we will continue to work together to assure that those who would commit violent crimes in Pike County are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Joseph Coffman could still appeal the decision through such avenues as a post-conviction petition. Pricing, Broker, Sales Products; Missiles, Oil, Tariffs, and Brexit and Their Effect on Mortgage rates Hey, I want to buy my own house without the nuisances of a large down payment, difficult credit standards, massive debt, or long-term commitments. Out of California comes Fleq, which tells me that I can do exactly that. All I have to do is lease the property and buy/share my equity through an Alliance. Shared equity, rent to own, and leasing arent new concepts, but it is always interesting to see how these companies do, and what consumers think. (Speaking of consumers and their reviews, heres the latest in settlement news: a Northern California lender settling with the FTC regarding allegations of posting personal information on borrowers that gave bad reviews.) Tariffs arent new either, nor are trade problems and deficits, and geopolitical tension & strife. The press and financial markets have been focused on them for many months, almost forgetting about the U.S. economy. Much more in the capital markets section. Lender Products and Services ReadyPrice has announced investor integrations with Stearns Lending and PRMG Wholesale. This sort of deep investor integration provides Non-Delegated Correspondent Lenders with a cloud-based tool to shop / lock rates, disclose, underwrite, deliver docs and fund directly with top investors, all through ReadyPrice's Mortgage.Exchange. The investor integration gives NDC lenders even more independence by allowing them to control the entire loan process through a single platform. Ready to learn more? Schedule a demo of ReadyPrice's Mortgage.Exchange today. Looking to grow in 2020? MonsterLead Group introduces The Monster Way, an unprecedented 8-week plan to radically change the future of your mortgage business. The Monster Way is a formidable combination of a direct marketing system, a sales process and a custom playbook for growing your organization. It includes a dedicated Monster expert who works with you to create an 8-week direct marketing campaign that generates a consistent flow of the right leads to your inbound call team. Well train your MLOs how to turn more of those calls into apps using the same professional sales techniques as the highest producing originators in the country. Your reps will graduate with the secret sauce for generating record sales in any market, regardless of rates. Join our clients who originated more than $10 billion in 2019. Find out if your organization and The Monster Way are a good match: Apply. (Space is limited due to high demand.) Ready to learn about and market new VA mortgage opportunities in 2020? The recently implemented Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 has provided new mortgage benefits for jumbo borrowers, active duty Purple Heart recipients and more. As a leading VA lender, Freedom Mortgage Wholesales No Down Payment VA Jumbo program enables eligible jumbo borrowers to exceed published FHFA county loan limits without a down payment requirement! No jumbo overlays or loan limits! Sign up for 2020 VA Mortgage Marketing training on 1/15 and 1/17. In todays competitive wholesale lending marketplace, its tougher than ever to maintain your relationships with your customers. Thats why Franklin American Mortgage, a division of Citizens Bank, N.A., is committed to not soliciting our active partners customers with any mortgage-related marketing or sales messaging. Not only does this help your customers stay your customers, but it also allows us to maintain our relationship as your lending partner for any further needs they may have. Our non-solicitation commitment is just part of how Franklin American Mortgage is reimagining wholesale with PowerLX a powerful new lending experience. Learn more at Power-LX.com. 89% of new home shoppers start their search online: which means if you cant create your own single property website with comarketing and lead capture, youll be paying for leads you should already own. But, unless you went to coding school, creating an MLS integrated website is likely a pipe dream. Dont worry though, Jungo, the Salesforce-based, mortgage and real estate optimized CRM, just pumped some serious steroids into its product with a new feature, The Property Listing. You can build single property co-branded websites, from their CRM, with just an MLS number, no coding necessary. With the shareable website link you generate, you can promote your property and have leads funnel right back to you and your co-marketing partner. Like having your cake and eating it too. So, jump in: theres no time like the present. Studies show that learning a new skill is good for the brain and can improve memory and cognitive decline. That being said, here's an idea of a new skill for you: Focus on niche products that you don't do every day, not only can it help your borrower and realtor relationships, but it could contribute to your well-being. And, to make sure it isn't too taxing, partnering with Deephaven Mortgage along with their IDENTI-FI technology suites, you can have an experience that most resembles your conforming loan process. Deephaven's technology tools help originators "IDENTI-FI" whether their clients are eligible for Non-QM financing, 24/7. To find our AUS, scenario calculator, and bank statement calculator is easy: visit Deephaven Wholesale. Or, reach out to an Account Executive today to build your Non-QM business via email at brokerinfo@deephavenmortgage.com (Wholesale) or sales@deephavenmortgage.com (Correspondent). Capital Markets Attacks in the Middle East have not moved bonds dramatically. Headline fatigue? The belief that things will quickly be resolved? There was no easing into the new year as markets had two geopolitical headlines to digest as the calendar turned to 2020. First, the Phase I trade deal with China will officially be signed on January 15, which will see both countries stepping back on tariffs as well as an increase in purchases by China of American products and services. While the deal was officially announced earlier in the month, the announcement of the signing was seen as more than a mere formality given the back on forth over the last year. While the deal is not expected to lead to a resurgence in business activity it does at least bring some certainty to the trade environment. The second headline facing markets was the US airstrike in Iraq that killed one of Irans top military generals. The market concern (aside from geopolitical unrest) will be the long-term impact on oil prices, which jumped following the strike. Additionally, geopolitical unrest tends to lead to lower bond yields as investors seek safe havens. Geopolitical tension! Always great for rates. Recall that last week U.S. Treasuries, and agency MBS, rallied, pushing yields to their lowest levels since early December. The rally was primarily over concerns about the inflammation of a long-standing conflict with Iran after U.S. forces killed top Iranian general Soleimani. The whole world (read: LOs and AEs everywhere) awaits how, and where, Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei will deliver his grave promise of severe retaliation after the three-day period of public mourning ends. Since Americas 2003 invasion of Iraq, Soleimani had challenged U.S. power with proxy militias in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, conducting a hybrid war against America without triggering a direct response from Washington. Congress, with the exception of one Republican senator who was with President Trump at his Florida resort, wasnt consulted beforehand. Oil prices spiked and stocks fell. There are normal economic headlines. U.S. Treasuries pulled back slightly yesterday after the release of a stronger than expected ISM Non-Manufacturing Index for December, which registered the fastest pace since August 2019 but the pace of new orders, new export orders, and employment all slowed, while the backlog of orders contracted at a faster rate than November. Other good news included the trade deficit narrowing beyond expectations in November, which will be a positive input for Q4 GDP growth forecasts. And Factory Orders declined, representing soft conditions in the manufacturing sector, but not as much as expected. After all those prints came out, Treasury sold $38 billion in 3-year notes to lukewarm demand, helping the 10-year close +2 bps to 1.83 percent. Here's some (peaceful) international news. The UK parliament reconvened yesterday after its winter recess, as Prime Minister Johnson now looks to push Britains departure from the EU through as quickly as possible with his large parliamentary majority. As far as economic readings went, Eurozone's November Retail Sales beat expectations to nearly double the predicted year-over-year increase, Italy's December Consumer Confidence rose beyond expectations, and Spain's December Consumer Confidence ticked upwards. It wasnt as rosy for investors hoping for good news out of Asia. Hong Kong's Chief Executive Lam said that the economic recession is expected to intensify in 2020 and that some businesses will close after the Lunar New Year. And Japan's December Services PMI decreased into contractionary territory, hitting its lowest level since late 2016. Now, let's turn to the non-peaceful news. The Pentagon said more than a dozen missiles were launched from "Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, occurring at 1:30am local time (5:30pm ET). U.S. officials are working to determine the damage. Secretary of Defense Esper said that the U.S. has no plans to withdraw troops from Iraq despite reports to the contrary. Investors instinctively turn to oil prices whenever tensions in the Middle East flare, and indeed oil prices are up since General Soleimanis death on Friday. Oil prices more than doubled after the OPEC oil embargo in late 1973 and again following the Iranian revolution in early 1979. But while consumer purchases of gasoline and other energy goods accounted for roughly 4 percent of total personal consumption expenditures (PCE) in the 1970s, those goods now account for only 2 percent of modern PCE. In addition, higher oil prices currently have more of a stimulative effect on the U.S. economy, encouraging more investment in the energy sector. And other industries are not as dependent on oil as an energy source as they were in the 1970s. Oil prices would need to climb well past its current levels to have a meaningful effect on consumer purchases of other goods and services. While higher oil prices do not have as much of a slowing effect on the U.S. economy as decades ago, the uncertainty surrounding the crisis could potentially be more meaningful. Stock markets have weakened since Soleimanis death, and credit spreads have moved out a bit, both representing a modest tightening in financial market conditions. Tighter conditions, if sustained, could deliver some headwinds on the economy. In addition, American consumers and businesses could potentially turn cautious if a cycle of violence were to take hold. In terms of rates, the Fed is widely expected to keep rates on hold for the foreseeable future, and the uncertainty that the Iranian crisis brings corroborates the view that the FOMC will not be hiking rates anytime soon. Todays calendar began with two-weeks worth of mortgage applications from the MBA for the week ending December 27 and the week ending January 3. Mortgage applications decreased 1.5 percent from two weeks earlier. Weve also had ADP employment (202k, very strong). Later this morning will bring remarks from Fed Governor Brainard, The Desk conducting a UMBS30 FedTrade operation consisting of purchasing up to $891 million 3 percent ($537 million) and 3.5 percent ($354 million), and Treasury conducting the second leg of this weeks mini-Refunding with the auction of $24 billion in reopened 10-year notes. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices worse a few ticks and the 10-year yielding 1.82 percent. Jobs A well-known household name, with a spectacular reputation of consumer trust, is looking for Call Center Loan Officers (federal registration) for its St Petersburg, Florida location. Warm leads are generated internally from existing consumer relationships across multiple states within their area of operation. Candidates should be familiar with Encompass and both conventional and government originations and demonstrate superior customer communication skills that reinforce the companys commitment to an on-going relationship across multiple product lines. Excellent compensation including base plus incentive and benefits. Interested parties should send their resumes to Chrisman LLCs Anjelica Nixt. Transitions National MI announced that Norm Fitzgerald has been promoted to chief sales officer. He joined National MI in 2014 as SVP of national field sales and will be overseeing National MIs entire sales organization, including national and field sales, marketing and business development strategy. Norm Fitzgerald has a proven ability to successfully lead and motivate a nationwide sales team, and I am excited to have him take on this expanded role for National MI, said CEO Claudia Merkle. Norms experience in the mortgage industry and his leadership skills make him well-suited to serve as National MIs chief sales officer, Fitzgerald has over 28 years of experience in sales and operations within the mortgage and banking industry. Prior to joining National MI, he held the position of senior vice president at Mr. Cooper (formerly Nationstar Mortgage), where he built and launched a top correspondent lending channel. His prior experience includes serving as president of Correspondent Lending at PHH, as well as leadership positions with CitiMortgage, PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., and Citizens Bank. Texas Capital Bank, N.A. is proud to announce that Becky Lottridge will be joining the Warehouse Lending team, serving as Relationship Manager for clients in the Midwest region. Becky is a 25+ year veteran of the mortgage industry and previously served as a Regional Sales Executive in the banks Correspondent Lending group. Becky possesses extensive knowledge in the areas of accounting, sales, secondary marketing, warehouse lending, correspondent lending and the utilization of supporting technologies, and is glad to serve as a resource as you position your business for the future. Reach out to Becky to see what she can do for your business. Congratulations to Michael Jones, CFO of Thrive Mortgage, who will be the new Chairman of The Community Mortgage Lenders of America. Michael has been a member of the Board since 2017 and has served as the Treasurer prior to his election as the new Chair. He will be focusing his agenda on topics which are key to the viability and continuation of midsize and small lenders throughout the country, that they have a voice when it comes to the CFPB, TRID, and the GSEs. Ohios CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC (CCM) has added Beth Lewis as SVP of Mortgage Lending. CCM is a nationwide mortgage lender founded in 2003 by CEO Ron Leonhardt and has nearly 3,000 employees and licenses in all 50 states. Sprout Mortgage announced that Ron Krueger has joined the company as SVP, Correspondent Lending to deepen relationships with its Correspondent clients on the non-delegated and delegated side and will be reporting to Shea Pallante, EVP. Sprout Mortgage is a leading nationwide non-QM lender whose innovative products, flexible qualifying criteria, and common-sense underwriting provide tailored lending solutions for residential real estate investors, self-employed borrowers, and those with recent credit events. And congratulations to Alina Galan, hired as an AVP for Multi-Bank Securities, Inc. (MBS), a veteran-owned broker-dealer specializing in the sales and trading of fixed-income securities and serving clients in all 50 states. Galan will be working with Sara Weber and Gail Schaumann to provide customer service to secondary marketing professionals for trading of TBA hedges, specified pool and related activities. Galan has an MBA with a concentration in finance from Nova Southeastern University. Prior to joining MBS, Galan worked in the mortgage industry as a trade desk manager and also worked as a Director of Capital Markets with an expertise in trading, hedging, financial reporting and risk management. Galan will be working out of the firms Fort Lauderdale, Fla. office. (For more information, please call 1-888-278-5448.) Iran FM Zarif Says Tehran Took Proportionate Measures in Self-Defense Under UN Charter Sputnik News 05:45 08.01.2020(updated 06:15 08.01.2020) Get short URL Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) attacked at least two US military facilities on late Tuesday, as part of its "hard revenge" for killing Iran's top military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani on 3 January. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that Tehran took and accomplished proportionate measures in self-defense in accordance with the UN Charter when it targeted the US military bases in Iraq. He added that Iran is not seeking any war or escalation, but will act in defence against any aggression. Approximately 35 missiles were launched by the IRGC towards military bases in Ayn al-Asad and Erbil, where American military personnel is deployed at the moment. Later, the second series of rockets were fired towards US targets in Iraq, Iranian state TV reported. Tehran dubbed the operation "Martyr Soleimani", designed as a "hard revenge" for Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in the targeted US attack on the Baghdadi International Airport on 3 January. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned later that "harsh vengeance awaits the criminals" that killed the commander, who was one of the most prominent political figures in the country. There have been no casualties reported so far on the side of the US personnel, Washington officials said. Assessment of damage and casualties is taking place. President Donald Trump is going to make a statement on the attacks on Wednesday morning. The late Tuesday attacks on US assets in Iraq have sparked great concerns in the Middle East, as well as around the world. The American forces in Syria and Israeli Air and Defence forces have been reportedly put on high alert, flights have been banned over the Persian Gulf, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has cancelled his planned Mideast tour. The reports of Iran's attacks also had a major financial effect. China stocks were shaken by the tensions in the Mideast, as the Shanghai Composite and CSI300 indexes dropped by more than 0.5 percent. The US stock futures on the S&P 500 Index have declined by more than 1 percent. Crude oil prices have instead surged reaching $65.50 a barrel, and gold prices are hitting their highest level since 2013 ever since the death of Gen. Soleimani on Friday. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Elizabeth Wurtzel, the author whose 1994 memoir "Prozac Nation" ignited conversations about the then-taboo topic of clinical depression, has died. She was 52. Wurtzel passed away Tuesday in New York City following a battle with metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her brain, her husband Jim Freed told CNN. Before memoirs became a literary genre du jour, and before the now-popular confessional style of writing became mainstream, Wurtzel's "Prozac Nation," published when she was just 27, created a sensation. Not only was it a window into a hidden world of depression that resonated with other young woman and people across the country, it also invited widespread criticism and debate for its unapologetic, self-reflective nature. Wurtzel published several other books and, later in life, became an advocate for BRCA gene testing, which identifies a gene mutation that makes people predisposed to breast cancer. Wurtzel learned she had the mutation after her diagnosis. U.S. President Donald Trump backed away from further military confrontation with Iran on Wednesday after a barrage of missiles fired at American troops killed no one and Tehran indicated that would be the end of its retaliation for the killing of a top general, The New York Times reported. Iran appears to be standing down which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world, Mr. Trump said in a televised statement from the Grand Foyer of the White House, flanked by his vice president, cabinet secretaries and senior military officers in their uniforms. His comments came the morning after Iran fired a reported 22 ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house United States troops in response to last weeks American drone strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, commander of Irans elite security and intelligence forces. No American troops were injured or killed in the attacks, the president said. In the hours since, some analysts expressed cautious optimism that the missile strikes might prove the end of the immediate conflict rather than the start of a larger confrontation that could spiral into a full-fledged war. Irans foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said afterward that Iran had concluded proportionate measures in its retribution for General Suleimanis death, and Mr. Trumps response seemed to indicate an openness to letting it go without further reprisals since no casualties were reported. But analysts cautioned that even if the two sides ease off a further military clash in the short term, the conflict could very well play out in other ways in the weeks and months to come. Iran has many proxy groups in the Middle East that could stir trouble in new ways for American troops or American allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia, and American experts remained wary of a possible Iranian cyberstrike on domestic facilities. President Hassan Rouhani of Iran made clear that his country still saw its mission over the long run as driving the United States out of the Middle East after the killing of General Suleimani. Our final answer to his assassination will be to kick all US forces out of the region, Mr. Rouhani wrote on Twitter. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the countrys supreme leader, likewise suggested on Wednesday that an incremental operation would not be the end of the clash. What matters is that the presence of America, which is a source of corruption in this region, should come to an end, he said. Lucknow, Jan 8 : The Uttar Pradesh government has accepted the request of Tihar Jail authorities for availing the services of hangman from Meerut Jail to execute the death sentence of Nirbhaya rape convicts. UP minister for jails Jai Kumar Singh Jacky, said that the state government had granted permission to the hangman Pawan to go to Tihar for the execution of the death sentence. This comes a day after the Delhi court issued death warrants to the four convicts of the Nirbhaya rape case. According to the court orders, the four convicts -- Mukesh Singh (32), Vinay Sharma (26), Akshay Singh (31), and Pawan Gupta (25) -- are to be hanged to death on January 22 at 7 a.m. A 23-year-old woman, who was accompanied by a male friend, had boarded a bus in the national capital on the night of December 16, 2012. The woman was gang rape by six men and then brutalised while her companion was also beaten with rods. Both were later thrown out of the bus. The woman, who had suffered serious internal injuries, died later. All six accused were arrested. One of the accused, Ram Singh, committed suicide inside the Tihar jail while another accused who was a minor at the time of the incident was freed after spending three years in a juvenile home. When they focus on getting at the facts, Democrats feel they are in a strong position with voters. They pointed to surveys from six swing states with key Senate races this year in which 70 percent of voters wanted the Senate to call witnesses who have so far refused to cooperate but who can provide direct, firsthand evidence, according to the Democratic pollster Geoff Garin. In a severe jolt to BJP, the saffron party on Tuesday lost control over the last civic body it had under its power in West Bengal as opposition TMC won the no-confidence motion it had moved against Bhatpara municipality chairman Sourav Singh. The no-confidence was passed by a margin of 19-0. "A no-trust vote was held on Tuesday afternoon and we won it by a margin of 19-0. The BJP councillors did not take part in the proceedings. People of Bhatpara are with us," state Food and Supplies Minister Jyotipriyo Mullick said. Reacting to the outcome, West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh said the party will win the election to Bhatpara municipality in North 24 Parganas whenever it is held. Calcutta High Court had ruled on Monday that the civic body councillors will meet on Tuesday to move the no-confidence against Singh. The Bhatpara municipality has 35 wards but its effective strength is 32. Presently TMC has 19 councillors, BJP 12 and the Congress and CPI(M) has one each. There is an independent councillor too. One of the councillors passed away last year. Bhatpara had become the first BJP-controlled municipality since Independence when 26 TMC members of the civic body joined the saffron party in 2019 and Sourav Singh became its chairman after winning the trust vote in June after the Lok Sabha polls. The Bhatpara Municipality chairman had convened a meeting on January 20 for bringing the no-confidence motion. However, TMC councillors refused to wait till then and gave a notice on December 30 for holding the meeting on January 2. The December 30 notice was challenged by three BJP councillors, claiming that TMC councillors cannot give notice for the meeting as it was against the state municipal laws. On January 2, a no-confidence motion was moved and was won by TMC. But the Calcutta High Court set it aside observing that it has been illegally convened. The HC on January 6 ruled that a fresh meeting of Bhatpara Municipality councillors for moving a no-confidence motion against its chairman be held on Tuesday. It was held and TMC won it. BJP Lok Sabha member Arjun Singh was a four-time TMC legislator and the chairman of Bhatpara Municipality since 2010 till March last year. He switched over to BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls and was removed from the post of municipality chairman in April through a secret ballot after a no-confidence motion was passed against him. But after he wrested the Barrackpore parliamentary seat from his former party, Singh turned the tables on TMC and regained his hold on Bhatpara, which is known to be his bastion. Sourav Singh, his nephew, was then elected as the new chairman of the municipality in June 2019. The BJP had taken effective control of seven municipal bodies since the Lok Sabha polls with a majority of the councillors of the civic bodies joining it. However, in the last four months TMC has regained control of all the municipalities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US officials will meet with their British counterparts before a key UK decision on using Huawei products, sources say. The United States is making a final pitch to the United Kingdom in the run-up to a UK decision on whether to upgrade its telecoms network with Huawei equipment amid threats to cut intelligence-sharing ties, people with knowledge of the matter told the Reuters news agency. The UK is expected to make a final call on how to deploy Huawei equipment in its future 5G networks later this month. It has been weighing US-led allegations that Huaweis telecoms equipment could be used to spy, against the UKs relationship with China and industry warnings that banning the firm outright would cost billions of dollars. Huawei, the worlds biggest maker of mobile networking equipment, has repeatedly denied the allegations. It did not immediately respond to a request by Reuters for comment. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to press UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab over Huawei at a meeting in Washington, DC, on Thursday, sources said. In the face of the decision, Washington had also planned to send a delegation, including deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger, to meet UK officials this week, sources said. But the trip was cancelled at the last minute, two of the people said, due to bad weather. Last month, the US passed legislation that included a little-noticed provision bolstering threats to restrict intelligence-sharing with allies that use Huawei equipment. Washington is seen to be cocking the pistol, said a person with knowledge of the British governments position on Huawei. Whats unclear is how, when or indeed if it will actually be fired. A UK government spokesman said: The security and resilience of the UKs telecoms networks is of paramount importance. The government continues to consider its position on high-risk vendors and a decision will be made in due course. The US State Department and National Security Council did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The UK is a key battleground in the geopolitical tug-of-war over Huawei. Officials decided in principle last year to block the company from critical parts of the 5G network but give it limited access to less sensitive parts. A final decision has yet to be made public. A provision of the US 2020 defence spending law, signed by President Donald Trump in December, directs intelligence agencies to consider the use of telecoms and cybersecurity infrastructure provided by adversaries of the US, particularly China and Russia, when entering intelligence-sharing agreements with foreign countries. The provision, added by Republican Senator Tom Cotton, was aimed in particular at members of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK intended as a first shot across the bow, said a person familiar with the matter. An aide to Cotton said the senators team is working on a new draft bill that could be released this month and would significantly restrict intelligence-sharing with countries that use Huawei equipment in their 5G networks, following through on earlier US threats to do so. Im profoundly concerned about the possibility that close allies, including the UK, might permit the Chinese Communist Party effectively to build their highly sensitive 5G infrastructure, Cotton told Reuters. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: The Iranian government has taken an important step toward peaceful nuclear activity, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. This step has been achieved by reducing the number of commitments within the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action [JCPOA], the president added, Trend reports referring to the presidential administrations website. "The world countries have seen that Iran's Atomic Energy Organization has no restrictions on the production and installation of various centrifuges, the percentage of enrichment, research and development as a result of the last fifth step," the president said. The Iranian president added that Iran's Atomic Energy Organization has conducted preparatory work over the past two years, and from now on, Iran will see a major development in the nuclear industry. In January 2016, JCPOA was launched between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France and Germany) in connection with Iran's nuclear program. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the deal and imposed sanctions against Iran in November of the same year. In order to preserve the agreements reached as part of the JCPOA, the European signatories of the deal stated in January 2019 that a financial mechanism for maintaining trade with Iran called INSTEX was formed. On May 8, 2019, Iran announced that it had ceased fulfilling its commitments regarding the sale of over 300 kilograms of uranium, as stated in the deal, basing its decision on the other signatories having not fulfilled their obligations. On July 7, Iran announced that it will not be fulfilling its commitments regarding the enrichment of uranium at 3.67 percent and the reconstruction of the Arak Heavy Water Reactor Facility as stated in the deal. On Sept. 5, Iran announced that it will enrich uranium using next-generation centrifuges and will not mix it with the enriched uranium residues as part of the third step of reducing commitments in JCPOA. On Nov. 5, 2019, Iran announced that it took the fourth step in connection with reducing its commitments to the nuclear agreement. So, uranium gas is being pumped to the centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. Recently, Iran took the last fifth step in reducing the number of its commitments within JCPOA. Washington, January 7: A day after US President Donald Trump threatened Iran saying US has a strike list of 52 targets, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned his American counterpart to "never threaten the Iranian nation" and reminded US about #IR655. "Those who refer to the number 52 should also remember the number 290. #IR655 Never threaten the Iranian nation," he tweeted, referring to 290 lives lost in July 1988 when a US warship shot down passenger plane Iran Air 655 in the Gulf. US Denies Visa to Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to Attend UN Council Meeting Amid Tensions Between the Two Nations. While US President Donald Trump's '52 Targets' was based on the incident when 52 Americans were held hostage in Iran for 444 days from 1979 to 1981, the Iranian President's tweet mentioning the numbers "290" and "IR655" is a response from the pages of history as well, reported The Washington Post. Qassem Soleimani, Iran's Top Commander, Killed in US Airstrikes: Donald Trump Shares Picture of American Flag. Read President Hassan Rouhani's Tweet Below Those who refer to the number 52 should also remember the number 290. #IR655 Never threaten the Iranian nation. Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 6, 2020 Trump had warned on Saturday that Washington had lined up 52 targets in Iran if it attacked American personnel or assets in retaliation for a US drone strike in Baghdad that killed Iran's top commander Qasem Soleimani. President Donald Trump Warns Will Hit Iran Harder Than Ever Before if US Attacked. Trump said some of these sites are "at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD." Later, the president tweeted again, this time warning Iran that the US will hit Iran "harder than they have ever been hit before!" On Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani replied with the hashtag #IR655, which refers to Iran Air Flight 655, a commercial jet shot which was shot down by the U.S. military by mistake on July 3, 1988, killing all 290 civilians and crew on board, including 66 children. The incident took place during the Iran vs Iraq war, and America was supporting then Iraq leader Saddam Hussein in the war. After initial denial, the US accepted that it was a "mistake" and said that it regretted the loss of innocent lives in the tragic incident. However, after a UN fact finding committee refuted America's claims that repeated warnings were not payed heed to by the airlines, the US had to pay $61.8 million as a settlement to the families of the victims. Iran had sued America in the International Court of Justice and the two countries had reached a settlement in 1996. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 07, 2020 03:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Republicans in the state Senate advanced a bill Wednesday to restrict the use of firefighting foam containing certain PFAS compounds but rejected a Democratic proposal to expand regulation of the synthetic chemicals that have been found in drinking water throughout the state. The Senates GOP-led natural resources committee voted 3-2 along party lines to approve the bill, authored by Sen. Robert Cowles, R-Green Bay, that limits where firefighters and others could test or train with foams containing highly fluorinated compounds. It would allow the use of such foam only in emergency fire response or in testing areas that the Department of Natural Resources determines have appropriate containment, treatment, and disposal measures. A companion bill won committee approval last month in the Assembly. This bill creates the necessary balance between reducing the dangers to human health and negative environmental footprint these chemicals pose while also preserving the ability of first responders to use an extremely effective tool to fight flammable liquid fires, Cowles said in a statement issued after the vote. The committees Democratic members, Sen. Mark Miller and Sen. Dave Hansen, said the industry-backed bill doesnt go far enough. The committee voted along party lines to reject their amendment that would have granted government agencies more power to regulate PFAS, created new staff positions and allocated more than $982,000 for monitoring and enforcement. The amendment contained provisions that also would have required the DNR to establish enforcement standards for PFAS in air, water and soil and to hold polluters responsible for cleanup. Miller, of Monona, complained that Cowles refused to hold a hearing on a bill containing those provisions that had support from environmental groups and the DNR but has been opposed by industrial groups. We have a serious problem in Wisconsin and I do not think the bill before us comes anywhere close to being able to protect our communities, Miller said. Cowles said his bill could have prevented the pollution crisis afflicting Marinette and Peshtigo had it been in place decades ago. He said there is work going on behind the scenes to craft additional legislation but said theres no basis to regulate thousands of PFAS compounds other than two PFOS and PFOA that have been linked to cancer and other health problems. Your bill is reaching out beyond the science, Cowles said, adding that the Democratic proposal would blow apart the states industries. Hansen, of Green Bay, likened PFAS to PCBs, a toxic class of synthetic chemicals banned in the 1970s. The people and their health cannot wait, Hansen said. People cant wait. Theyre going to die. Theyre going to get cancer. PFAS chemicals also found in food packaging, non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, carpeting and other products have been shown to increase the risk of cancer and other ailments. The compounds, which do not break down over time, have made their way into ground and surface water in Madison and other communities. Wherever you look for it, its showing up, Miller said. Though the DNR and environmental advocates say the bill doesnt go far enough, it is the Legislatures first attempt to regulate the class of compounds known as forever chemicals. Major industry groups including Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the American Chemistry Council, and the Fluorocouncil, a trade group for companies that manufacture fluorinated compounds all support Cowles bill, which now heads to the full Senate for consideration. In December, the Madison Fire Department announced it had discontinued the use of foam containing fluorinated compounds. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 08.01.2020 LISTEN Sam Okudzeto, a Member of the Council of State, has appealed to President Akufo-Addo to revisit the recommendations made by the Constitutional Review Commission. Speaking on the Point Blank segment on Eyewitness News, Mr. Okudzeto said Ghanaians, in general, should be more interested in the outcome of the commissions work stressing that we need to bring that document back and review it. In fact I have been talking to a lot of people saying we as Ghanaians, not just [President Akufo-Addo], but we as Ghanaians should bring it [the report] back for discussion and possibly [make] amendments, changes and implement it so that the constitution can be changed. One of his current concerns with the 1992 Constitution is the amount of power vested in the President. Mr. Okudzeto said he felt this culminated in too much pressure being put on heads-of-state. I believe that pressures that were put on him [President] by the Constitution are too much. I believe that some of that load should be taken away, which I believe is what the Constitution Review Commission was trying to do. The Constitution Review Commission was set up in January 2010 to consult with the people of Ghana on the operation of the 1992 Constitution and on any changes that need to be made to the Constitution. The Commission was also tasked to present a draft bill for the amendment of the Constitution in the event that any changes are warranted. The question of too much power vested in the President led to Mr. Okudzeto admitting that he erred when he boycotted the 258-member Consultative Assembly in 1992 when he was President of the Ghana Bar Association. He recalled that he felt the Assembly set up to provide input into a draft constitution for the Fourth Republic, was biased towards the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) led by Jerry John Rawlings. I regret in the sense that perhaps, we may have been able to influence some of the things because if I look at the constitution as it is at the moment, I find that there was so much concentration of power in one person and that was done by the PNDC because they didn't want their leader to be ousted from power. citinewsroom Normal life was hit in Assam on Wednesday as vehicles remained off the roads and markets were shut due to the strike called by trade unions against "anti- people" policies of the Centre. Shops and markets kept their shutters down though pharmacies were open, while educational institutions, especially schools remained closed. The scheduled examinations in colleges and higher educational institutions were, however, conducted normally. Public transport, both local and long distance, kept off the roads. Petrol pumps were also shut with customers having to return without getting fuel for their vehicles. Though most private offices were not operating, state government offices remained open with employees attending work. The government had issued a directive on Tuesday to the Divisional Commissioners and district Deputy Commissioners to ensure normal functioning of its offices and services during the strike, and also warned of pay cut and other actions. Most banks also remained close across the state, though some were open with thin attendance of staff and customers. In Guwahati, trade union activists staged demonstration in front of the Kamrup (Metro) district Deputy Commissioner's office. The strikers also held demonstration in front of the Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) in upper Assam. However, it functioned as usual along with Guwahati, Bongaigaon and Digboi refineries. Oil drilling activities of ONGC and Oil India Ltd (OIL) were also reported to have been normal. Patrolling by police and paramilitary forces was intensified at the vital installations in the state to prevent untoward incidents, officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) TUSTIN, Calif., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Noted business VoIP telephony service provider Cebod Telecom announced today that its SIP Trunking service is now certified compliant with Microsoft Skype for Business. Specialized in developing cloud-based business phone systems, the company offers SIP trunking solutions compatible with PBX platforms. SIP trunking from Cebod Telecom has transformed numerous businesses into high-tech brands by meeting the needs of their growing consumer base. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking is the latest buzz in the world of business communications that uses the protocol to provision voice over IP (VoIP) connectivity between an on-premises phone system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Compared to traditional telephone lines, SIP trunking reduces cost, minimizes maintenance needs, and provides flexibility, reliability, and security. Cebod Telecom's SIP trunking systems are compatible with numerous PBX platforms including Asterisk, NEC, Elastix, FreePBX, 3CX, Allworx, SwitchVox, TrixBox, and now Microsoft Skype for Business. Skype for Business offers organizations enterprise-level security, Cloud PBX with PSTN (public switched telephone network) calling and conferencing. Its certification is one of the most stringent VoIP certificates available, and participants must meet Microsoft's quality, reliability, feature set and security standards. Receiving this certification is a significant boost for Cebod Telecom as it targets enterprise-level customers seeking to scale their VoIP usage. "We are excited to enable the Microsoft customer community with a world-class SIP trunking service," stated Kunal Mittal, the CEO of Cebod Telecom. "Achieving this certification ensures that these customers and partners will be able to better communicate and collaborate worldwide while driving a significant percentage out of communications expense through integration of their Skype for Business infrastructure with Cebod Telecom's global SIP network." To find out more about Cebod Telecom and its SIP trunking systems, please visit https://www.cebodtelecom.com/pbx-sip-trunking/ Cebod Telecom provides cloud-based telephony solutions to all types of businesses, small or large. In addition to their revolutionary Pay-Per-Line system, the company also offers all-inclusive premium IP PBX and dial tone features including music on hold, call forwarding, voicemail, e-Fax, and SMS through their VoIP services. Cebod Telecom offers both metered and unmetered phone plans suited for every type and size of business. High call quality, unlimited user extensions, and unlimited calling within USA and Canada are some of the benefits offered for each phone plan. They also offer SIP trunking and Internet services along with VOIP-Cloud based phone systems and services. Contact: Daniel Heidal [email protected] SOURCE Cebod Telecom Related Links http://www.cebodtelecom.com A meeting took place on Monday January 6, to discuss the future of Longford Greyhound Stadium in light of the potential cessation of track funding from the Irish Greyhound board (IGB). Track manager at Longford, Paddy Farrington, confirmed to the Leader that although the situation still looks pretty bad in terms of funding, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. He said: Owners and trainers agreed to give back some of the winnings that they will get in January, February and March, so the track can continue to operate. It is a case of trying to keep the track going until then, with the hope that there might be something to change the situation. But we are still facing the withdrawal of funding from the Irish Greyhound board. Read also: Save Longford greyhound stadium fundraiser has raised over 19,000 to date There is some light at the end of the tunnel, because some other tracks that have been closed seem to be getting some joy in terms of having the decision overturned, he added. Paddy confirmed that IGB will continue to fund prizes until March. He also confirmed that the track will continue to operate as normal for the next three months, thanks to the generosity and dedication of owners, trainers and staff at the track. He stated: The owners and trainers agreed to give back some of the winnings that they will get in January, February and March, so the track can continue to operate. They have gone above and beyond our expectations. Staff in Longford have also agreed to take cuts and everything. Everyone is on board to keep the thing going. Paddy says any future closure would have a serious impact on older patrons, trainers and owners, with a trip to the tracks the only outlet for many. It is a community down there and these people get to be involved in a sport directly rather than being at home. It creates other issues when they are not getting out, he said. The next step for those at Longford greyhound stadium is a meeting in the coming weeks with the IGB, where owners and trainers will have a chance to air their views and seek further clarity from the board. Read also: Longford greyhound stadium funding cuts a 'huge blow' AUSTIN Republican state House candidate Gary Gates has long fended off allegations that he abused his children. Now a national Democratic group is bringing up the accusations in political attack ads less than a month before a critical special election in Fort Bend County. Forward Majority is spending just under six figures on an ad it released Tuesday about things the Gates children told Child Protective Services officials in 2000 about possible abuse in the household, which included 13 children, 11 of them adopted. The abuse case was later dropped. His own kids told Child Protective Services he forced them to take vomit-inducing medicine, handcuffed and beat them with a wooden board, says the narrator. Gates then spent a fortune to shield alleged abusers like himself. All of the children were taken from the Gateses by Child Protective Services, but a judge ordered them returned to the home four days later. After CPS dropped the case, Gates launched a legal battle that led to restrictions on when the agency can remove children from their parents. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Reviving 20-year-old allegations shows Democrats and outside interests are desperate to win the district, said Craig Murphy, Gates political consultant. We knew they would stoop to this. Gates motivation for adopting children grew from the death of his father, he said. Gates father was murdered when he was 18, thrusting him into a position to support his family, which later led him to grow a business buying, renovating and renting homes and apartments. He and his wife decided to adopt children who were left alone like he was when his father died. You can say anything you want about Gary Gates ... He took kids who had no future and now they have a wonderful childhood, said Murphy. I challenge you to adopt 11 kids and not have any problems. Murphy pointed to testimony from a a clinical psychologist who opined during the legal proceedings that he would not hesitate to place my own children in their care. Gates campaign released an ad last month featuring personal testimonials supporting his candidacy. Among them is his daughter Raquel, who said, He adopted me and takes such good care of our family, no matter what. The child abuse case stretches back to 2000. Court records say that Gates and his wife Melissas adopted 10-year-old son had an eating disorder and would take food and gorge himself. After discovering the boy had taken two boxes fig bars and eaten them in the attic, Gates stuffed the wrappers into a plastic bag and pinned it to the fourth-graders shirt before sending him to school the next day with a note explaining the reason for the punishment, the records show. School officials reported the incident to child welfare authorities, along with other allegations about the boys punishments for stealing food, which included being handcuffed to his bed for a day, sitting in the chair position with his back against the wall and running up and down stairs until his legs hurt, the records say. The boy told investigators past punishments included drinking throw-up medicine and moving bricks. He said he had also been spanked with a board. After siblings told of other discipline handed down by the Gateses, the children were removed from the home that evening. The state dropped its investigation seven months later. A federal appeals court dismissed Gates lawsuit claiming state and local officials violated his familys constitutional rights when they removed his children from the home. However, the fight helped spur changes in policy, including a requirement that child abuse investigators seek a court order before removing children from their homes except in extremely dangerous circumstances. The ad comes ahead of the Jan. 28 special election runoff between Gates and Democrat Eliz Markowitz. Early voting begins Jan. 21. For subscribers: Biden endorses Markowitz in Texas House special election runoff The stakes are high in the special election to fill the state House seat vacated in September when Republican John Zerwas retired from the Legislature. Although the district has reliably elected Republicans to serve in the statehouse, the open seat and Markowitzs showing in the November special election have made the district something of a bellwether of the political climate in Texas, and whether it is shifting to blue. Markowitz, the only Democrat in the race, earned 39 percent of the vote, short of the 50 percent needed to win the race outright. Gates earned 28 percent of the vote and emerged as the top Republican in a crowded election. The race is attracting unprecedented attention: Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden endorsed Markowitz Monday; former presidential hopeful Beto ORourke has repeatedly door-knocked for her, and former New York City Mayor and presidential contender Michael Bloomberg campaigned door-to-door with her late last month. Democrats need to win nine seats from Republicans to take control of the Texas House, offering the party a chance to change the political dynamic as lawmakers prepare to redraw Congressional and Legislative district boundaries following the 2020 Census. Vietnams GDP growth would reach 6.8 percent from the 7.02 percent posted in 2019, mainly due to a slowdown in the industrial sector, analysts from Fitch Solutions forecast. The growth of the industrial sector will likely continue to slow this year after easing to 7.3 percent in the last quarter of 2019, from 10.4 percent in the third quarter. Transport and logistical infrastructure and human capital bottlenecks will continue to weigh on the sector's growth, which accounts for around 16.5 percent of the Vietnamese economy, Fitch said. The US-China trade war has accelerated a structural shift in low-end electronics and textiles manufacturing out of China and into ASEAN, with Vietnam being a major beneciary. However, the rush to set up operations and export out of Vietnam has put considerable stress on existing road and port infrastructure, resulting in severe congestion in and around major cities such as HCM City and Hanoi, and also week-long delays at ports. Indeed, export growth has decelerated since September 2019 and this trend is expected to persist over the coming months. A shortage of qualied labour, as suggested by high year-on-year wage growth of between 12 percent and 18 percent across the occupational skill levels, will also weigh on manufacturing growth by inhibiting the integration of better technology into work processes. Vietnams manufacturing production growth slowed sharply to 6.5 percent year-on-year in November 2019, its lowest level since 2017, from 10.8 percent year-on-year in October 2019. The agriculture sector will also be under pressure in 2020 due to hydroelectric dam projects upstream of the Mekong River in Laos, as well as diseases such as African swine fever. However, it is expected that stronger growth in construction and services will partially offset the slowdown. The construction of the North-South Highway, which began in September 2019 and is expected to be completed by 2021, will be a key project supporting the construction sector. Meanwhile, services growth would be underpinned by four key sub-sectors, analysts said. Firstly, a strong increase in real wages, in part driven by skills shortages, would support a continued rise of Vietnams middle class. This, together with the ongoing trend of robust tourist arrivals, boded well for further strengthening in retail as well as hospitality services. Retail sales growth had been relatively stable above 10 percent over the past three years, growing by an average of 11.7 percent year-on-year. Next, the inux of companies to Vietnam to circumvent US tariffs on China would also support the growth of transport and warehousing services, especially with a shortage of such services likely to push up prices and protability in this sub-sector. Finally, despite a likely (slight) softening of economic growth in 2020, still-robust economic activity would continue to support growth of financial services./. VNA After a Ukraine International Airlines plane crashed in Iran on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for an end to speculation over the reason behind the plane crash. Many rumours have been doing the rounds regarding the connection of the current US-Iran impasse to the UIA plane crash. Revealing that all passengers and crew members on board were believed to have died, he expressed his condolences to their family members. Moreover, he cut short his Oman visit and is on the way back to Ukraine. Read: Amid Soleimani Killing, China Dials Russia And Condemns US' Military Adventurism On Facebook, the Ukrainian President said, "I ask everyone to keep from speculating and putting forth unconfirmed theories about the crash. According to preliminary data, all passengers and crew members are dead. Our embassy is verifying information on the circumstances of the tragedy and the lists of the dead. My condolences to the families of passengers and crew members." Read: IRGC Announces Iran's Revenge Attack Against 'Great Satan' US At Qasem Soleimani's Funeral Statement of Ukraine International Airlines According to a statement from the Ukraine International Airlines, the flight took off from the Tehran International airport at 6.10 am local time. Approximately 167 passengers and 9 crew members were on board. The flight was operated on a Boeing 737-800 NG flight. Furthermore, it stated that the incident will be investigated by aviation authorities of Iran and Ukraine, representatives of manufacturer Boeing, the airline and the National Bureau of Air Accidents Investigation of Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian embassy in Iran, the plane had crashed due to engine failure rather than an act of terrorism. Read: Death Toll Stands At 50, Multiple Injured In Stampede During Soleimani's Funeral Procession Iran-US tensions The tensions between Iran and the US have escalated after the latter's air raid killed General Qassem Soleimani, who was the head of Irans Quds Force. He was considered by many as the second most powerful figure in Iran. After vowing revenge for Soleimani's killing, Iran fired a number of missiles at two Iraqi bases housing thousands of US troops on Wednesday. While the US has not confirmed any casualties, Iranian state television claimed that at least 80 Americans were killed in the airstrike. Read: Javad Zarif Tweets Pics Of Iraqis Paying Tribute To Soleimani Just After Baghdad Strikes Captain Kavon Hakimzadeh, 51, is at of the The USS Harry S. Truman, which is currently stationed in the Arabian Sea. It's been revealed that the commander of a US aircraft carrier posted to the Middle East is an Iranian-American. Captain Kavon Hakimzadeh, 51, is at the helm of the The USS Harry S. Truman, which is currently stationed in the Arabian Sea. Texas-born, Tehran-raised Hakimzadeh has only been commander of the nuclear-powered vessel since last July. The mammoth carrier, which carries dozens of fighter jets and can house 5000 crew, will play a crucial role in any forthcoming conflict in the Middle East. Hakimzadeh was unavailable for comment Wednesday, but he told The Virginian Pilot in August that he spent 30 years dreaming of becoming USS Truman's carrier. 'I love to tell people that it's a testament to our merit-based Navy that a kid at 19, 20 years old can look at these things and go, 'You know what? I want to command those one day.' And it's certainly a testament to the United States of America that a guy named Kavon Hakimzadeh can do that,' he proudly told The Virginian-Pilot. The USS Harry S. Truman, which is currently stationed in the Arabian Sea, carries dozens of fighter jets, houses 5000 crew members and features a red battle flag emblazoned with the words 'GIVE 'EM HELL' Hakimzadeh spent 30 years dreaming of being the commander of the USS Truman, before he landed the job last July The son of an Iranian father and an American mother, Hakimzadeh was born in the US but his family relocated to Iran when he was baby. Hakimzadeh has previously stated that he had fond memories growing up in the Middle Eastern country before the Revolution of 1979, when the monarchy was toppled and replaced by an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. Hakimzadeh's family fled back to the United States, where he spent his teenage years growing up in Mississippi. He entered the Navy back in 1987 and has spent most of his career as a flight officer. Hakimzadeh has been deployed eight times, has flown in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has received both the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. He told the The Virginian-Pilot that the Iranian side of his family is supportive of his new role commanding the USS Truman, even if if it brings him into conflict with their native country. 'Coming from the experiences we dealt with as a family ... They've seen the alternative. They strongly support what I do,' he told the publication. His sentiments echo those of other Iranian-Americans in the US military. Assal Ravandi, who has served as an Army intelligence analyst, told The New York Times: 'Because of where we came from we are very passionate about the cause of freedom, and we want to contribute in any way we can'. USS Truman will play a vital role in any US-Iran conflict Photo: Allan Ferguson/Flickr Here's the most recent top news you may have missed in Chula Vista. Public forum planned on Jan. 23 for Chula Vista City Council Candidates South Bay Youth 4 Change, Institute for Public Strategies South Bay and the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce are hosting a public forum in Chula Vista for candidates running for City Council Districts 3 and 4. Read the full story on Times of San Diego. Road rage may have caused van to crash into retaining wall, police say A driver who crashed a van into a retaining wall in Chula Vista Monday told police road rage was to blame for the accident, authorities said. Read the full story on FOX 5 San Diego. A possible Purple Line becomes a transit hot potato A long-envisioned Purple Line trolley remains in limbo as transit officials work through the details over how and whether to build the rail connection between downtown Chula Vista and the city of San Diegos Kearny Mesa neighborhood. Read the full story on The San Diego Union-Tribune. This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. WASHINGTON - Canadian attitudes towards President Donald Trump and his controversial approach to international relations appeared to soften slightly in the weeks after U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum exports from north of the border were lifted last spring, a new global survey suggests. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. President Donald Trump walks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis along the Colonnade of the White House in Washington on January 7, 2020. Canadian attitudes towards President Donald Trump and his controversial approach to international relations appeared to soften slightly in the weeks after U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum exports from north of the border were lifted last spring, a new global survey suggests. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Alex Brandon WASHINGTON - Canadian attitudes towards President Donald Trump and his controversial approach to international relations appeared to soften slightly in the weeks after U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum exports from north of the border were lifted last spring, a new global survey suggests. And while overall confidence in Trump's handling of world affairs remained low in Canada and elsewhere beyond the borders of the United States, the results of the Pew Research Center's annual Global Attitudes Survey, released Wednesday, point towards an established and growing core of Canadian support for the U.S. leader. The survey, conducted by Gallup last year between late May and early July, showed a modest increase in the percentage of Canadian respondents with confidence in the president to "do the right thing regarding world affairs": 28 per cent, up from 25 per cent in 2018, 22 per cent the year before and a scant 14 per cent in 2016. "Canada is decidedly a 'blue state' in the sense of American politics, that the support for the Democratic party in office is higher than it is when the Republican party is in office," said Elliot Tepper, a political science professor at Carleton University in Ottawa. "However, if you go through the data, one of the interesting things is that whereas the numbers are very startling in some cases 80-20, 70-30, depending on the issue nevertheless, over the time period that Trump has been in office, support for him has increased within that parameter." Canadian respondents to the poll were surveyed shortly after Canada's year-long, tit-for-tat tariff standoff with the White House largely a side effect of the protracted and often tense months of negotiations over the North American trade pact had finally come to an end. "Perhaps it was a relief from the crisis that was imposed upon us," Tepper said. The poll took place well before two of the most earth-shaking developments of the Trump presidency: last month's impeachment vote in the House of Representatives and the U.S. drone strike last week that killed Maj.-Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian military leader, putting U.S. military forces in the Middle East on a war footing. Soleimani's killing triggered widespread public fury in Iran and prompted Tehran to unleash a chilling barrage of ballistic missiles early Wednesday that struck two Iraqi military bases where U.S. soldiers are stationed. No casualties were reported. In Canada and elsewhere, the poll also registered an increase in Trump support among respondents from the right side of the political spectrum, said Jacob Poushter, the Pew Research Center's associate director. On what Pew calls the "ideological right," confidence in Trump's foreign policy among Canadian respondents reached 43 per cent in 2019, compared to 33 per cent the previous year. In some other countries, the spike was more pronounced: 22 points each in Hungary and Spain, and 15 points in Brazil. "There is a solid core of support within Canada for some of the positions that the American president and the Republican administration is taking," Tepper said. "That suggests that Canada is not separate from the kinds of forces that did bring Donald Trump to power." But perhaps the most striking aspect of the global poll is that while the president remains deeply unpopular around the world, respondents continued to have a positive opinion of the country he leads. "Across the countries that we surveyed, only 29 per cent have confidence in the U.S. president to do the right thing with respect to world affairs, while at the same time 54 per cent among the same people have a favourable view of the U.S.," Poushter said. A narrow majority of Canadian respondents expressed a "very" or "somewhat" favourable opinion of the United States 51 per cent, up from 39 per cent in 2018. Some 47 per cent landed in the "unfavourable" columns last year, down from 56 per cent the year before. The survey polled 36,963 respondents in 33 countries both by phone and in person between mid-May and October 2019. The Canadian portion consulted just over 1,000 people and carries a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points, 19 times out of 20. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2020. Follow James McCarten on Twitter @CdnPressStyle Gold prices inched lower Tuesday, a day after hitting their highest in nearly seven years, with a lack of immediate escalation between the United States and Iran denting bullion's safe-haven appeal. Spot gold fell 0.2 per cent to $1,562.81 per ounce by 0107 GMT. In the previous session, prices hit their highest since April 2013 at $1,582.59. US gold futures fell 0.2 per cent to $1,566.00. Palladium hit an all-time peak of $2,032.94 an ounce earlier in the session on supply concerns, and was last down 0.1 per cent at $2,028.90. Asian shares rebounded after there was no further escalation in Middle East tensions. Providing limited support to gold, Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Monday that the United States has no plans to pull its troops out of Iraq, following reports of an American military letter informing Iraq officials about the repositioning of troops in preparation to leave the country. US Vice-President Mike Pence would give a speech next Monday laying out the government's policy on Iran, a White House official said after the US killing of a top Iranian general sparked protest across the Middle Eastern nation. Tanzania's earnings from gold exports rose 42 per cent year-on-year in the year to November, helped by higher prices and volumes shipped, the central bank said on Monday. Goldman Sachs on Monday maintained its three-, six- and 12-month forecast for gold at $1,600 per ounce, contending safe-haven bullion to be a better hedge than oil during phases of geopolitical uncertainty. The world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Trust , said its holdings rose 0.10 per cent to 896.18 tonnes on backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Trust, said its holdings rose 0.10 per cent to 896.18 tonnes on Monday from 895.30 tonnes on Friday. Hedge funds and money managers increased their bullish positions in COMEX gold and silver contracts in the week to Dec. 31, data showed on Monday. Elsewhere, silver slipped 0.5 per cent to $18.06 per ounce, while platinum was flat at $962.68. Economictimes The victims, Shadi Najjar, 17, and Artem Ziberov, 18, were enticed to a darkened cul-de-sac in Montgomery Village under the impression theyd be meeting Garcia to sell him an extra ticket to their graduation ceremony, according to trial testimony. Instead, as the boys sat in a Honda Civic, several gunman exited a different car and pumped at least 30 rounds at them. Najjar and Ziberov were killed in the front seat, found still in their seat belts and next to a bloody ticket they had hoped to sell for $20. This weekend, Grove Music Festival will welcome the Adam Meckler Trio to Midland for its 21st annual Ed Carney Memorial Jazz Concert. The band will perform a mix of modern and traditional jazz music. He has the skills and the educational component, said Grove Music Festival board member Larry Carbary, of Midland. The concert is going to demonstrate his skills and abilities with his trio. Trumpeter and composer Adam is the director of jazz studies at Michigan Technological University and leads The Adam Meckler Orchestra (AMO), an 18-piece big band that plays original compositions. Carbary and the Grove Music Festival board heard of Meckler through a former jazz instructor from Michigan Tech, and they were impressed by Mecklers repertoire, including the album Magnificent Madness, which was released in April. We emphasize creativity and improvisation, Meckler said in a recent phone interview. Joining Meckler are drummer, percussionist and improviser Andrew Green and bassist Brian Courage, both of Chicago. Meckler met Green when the former was a senior and the latter was a freshman at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin where they performed together. Courage attended the same university, but not until Meckler had graduated. The two met through an alum group when they were living in Minneapolis. Although Courage ultimately moved to New York City before settling in Chicago, the three of them kept in touch. The world is relatively small, and you can make music with whomever you want, Meckler stated. In addition to the concert on Saturday, the Adam Meckler Trio will host a jazz invitational clinic at Bay City Western High School on Friday, Jan. 10. Meckler will teach students about jazz through call and response, where he will play a portion of music and have the pupils recite it back, copying his style. Its really how jazz started. Its how music started, he stated, citing how music was first heard and then learned. Meckler hopes the clinic creates excitement. I want everyone to find something they love in jazz. Jazz is such a broad term, its a broad music, he said. The Ed Carney Memorial Jazz Concert featuring the Adam Meckler Trio will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church, 5501 Jefferson Ave. in Midland. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door. For more information about Grove Music Festival, and to see upcoming events, visit grovemusic.wordpress.com. For more information about Adam Meckler, visit adammeckler.com. A Queensland man has been fined $550 for breaking the law almost 20 years ago in a case where police prosecutors couldn't provide facts to court. Dobson Brown blew over the legal limit during a roadside breath test in his home state in August, 2000. He represented himself when he faced Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with drink driving and fail to appear. Queensland man Dobson Brown was fined $550 on Wednesday for drink driving and failing to appear in court in 2000 (stock image) Brown explained he was initially unable appear in court because he had flown to Sydney not long after the offence, according to The Gold Coast Bulletin. In September 2019, he returned to Queensland and shortly after, changed his licence in the state. Brown's reemergence in his home state resulted in a warrant being executed by Queensland Police Service. 'I got a knock on the door the next day,' he said. Meanwhile, prosecutor Nicole Conditsis told the court she could not provide relevant facts as the case was so old. When the verdict was handed down, Brown was disqualified from driving for a month and fined $550 for both offences from over 19 years ago. The violence has sent ripples of fear through Iraq, which has suffered more than any other country in recent decades from proxy violence between the United States and Iran. On Wednesday, some residents of neighborhoods surrounding Baghdads Green Zone said they had packed up their possessions and left. Cars were driven through the streets at night, they said, and families were urged over loudspeakers to move to safety. By Azernews By Abdul Kerimkhanov Head of Nagorno-Karabakh's Azerbaijani community Tural Ganjaliyev has called for the release of Azerbaijani hostages who were detained by Armenian forces in occupied Kalbajar back in 2014. "The 'all for all' principle must be applied and hostages must be exchanged. This is the principle of international humanitarian law. Dilgam [Asgarov] and Shahbaz [Guliyev] must be freed. For this, the Azerbaijani state is taking all measures. We raise these issues at all international events in which we attend," Ganjaliyev told local media. Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev who were illegally detained in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, must be transferred to the Azerbaijani side, the head of Azerbaijani community said, adding that Baku holds a clear position on this matter. He further said Karabakhs Azerbaijani community is always ready to meet with the regions Armenian community for negotiations. However, Armenians repeatedly ignored the Azerbaijani communitys invitations for such negotiations during 2019. Unfortunately, no answer was given throughout the year. This suggests that the Armenian community [of Karabakh] depends on the illegal regime [set up by Yerevan]. It is quite possible that among community members there are those who want to co-exist with Azerbaijanis, but pressure is exerted on them, Ganjaliyev stated. He noted that after the Azerbaijani community urged the Armenian community to negotiate, mutual visits of journalists took place, but the Armenian side made a show out of it and started to make provocative statements. "This means that the representatives of the illegal regime, leadership of occupant Armenia arent interested in negotiations, he concluded. Furthermore, Ganjaliyev touched upon Karabakh schools established in various diaspora centers and under the Azerbaijani embassies abroad. The activity of schools (special centers, established to educate children) is aimed at conveying to the Azerbaijanis living abroad the historical truth about Karabakh, educating and enlightening young people and children in the spirit of patriotism, Ganjaliyev said. Note that in 2014, two IDPs from Azerbaijan's occupied Kalbajar region - Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev - were detained by Armenian forces while visiting their native places and graves of loved ones in Kalbajar. A third Azerbaijani who was with them, Hasan Hasanov, was killed in the same operation. Asgarov and Guliyev were later persecuted by the courts in the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh regime and sentenced to life imprisonment and to 22 years in jail respectively. Azerbaijans State Committee on Affairs of Refugees and IDPs, the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and other agencies have repeatedly urged international organizations, including the ICRC, to assist in release of Guliyev and Asgarov. In November 2018, Baku suggested the idea of exchanging prisoners according to the all for all scheme, proposing to exchange Armenian citizens Arsen Bagdasaryan, Karen Ghazaryan and Zaven Karapetyan for Russian citizen Dilgam Asgarov and Azerbaijani citizen Shahbaz Guliyev illegally convicted in occupied Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries arose in 1988 due to Armenias territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan lost Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions in the war that lasted till 1994. Over one million Azerbaijanis were displaced as a result of the war. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ruma Paul (Reuters) Dhaka, Bangladesh Wed, January 8, 2020 09:02 734 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3214b8af 2 Environment Bangladesh,plastic,single-use-plastic,environment,pollution Free Bangladesh's High Court on Monday ordered the government to ban single-use plastics in coastal areas and in hotels and restaurants in one year to combat pollution. In 2002 the south Asian nation was among the first countries to ban the use of plastic and polythene bags in an effort to stop them collecting in waterways and on land - although the ban has had little success. The court also ordered the government to strictly enforce the ban on polythene under the existing law, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, chief executive of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, told reporters. "We must curb the use of plastics," the lawyer said, adding it caused serious health hazards and environmental pollution. Read also: Jakarta to ban single-use plastic bags by June Concerns are growing worldwide about plastic pollution, especially in oceans, where nearly 50% of single-use plastic products end up, killing marine life and entering the human food chain, studies have shown. Worldwide, around 100 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean every year, according to the United Nations. Scientists have found large amounts of micro plastic in the intestines of deep-dwelling ocean mammals such as whales. Annually 87,000 tons of single-use plastics, including plastic bags, bottles, cups, plates and straws are thrown away in Bangladesh, according to a study by the Environment and Social Development Organization. A bushfire that was threatening lives and homes in Toodyay has been downgraded overnight. The fire was reported at 4.42pm near the intersection of Toodyay Road and Strahan Road, and authorities quickly upgraded the fire to an emergency warning, but it was contained and controlled before midnight on Wednesday. A fire burning close to a shed in Toodyay. Credit:9 News Perth Footage of the blaze appears to showed it burning dangerously close to homes. A bushfire advice has been issued for people east of Lovers Lane, south of River Road to Folewood Road to Sandplain Road and across to Toodyay Racecourse, east of a line from the racecourse to the Clackline-Toodyay Road and Toodyay Road intersection, and north of Toodyay Road and Strahan Road in Toodyay and Hoddys Well in the Shire of Toodyay. As a new year gets underway at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, two administrators have come aboard to oversee Academic Affairs at the college, as well as its Foundation.At the beginning of January, Jennifer Loudermilk began work as the colleges associate vice president of Academic Affairs and Lauretta Hannon became the director of Institutional Advancement. While the two women support separate areas of the college, their roles will be to boost student success through financial and academic support.Both Ms.Loudermilk and Ms. Hannon are coming to GNTC with a background in the Technical College System of Georgia, with the former coming from Chattahoochee Technical College and the latter having worked at Atlanta Technical College.Jennifers classroom experience, understanding of instructional technology and willingness to work collaboratively across multiple areas are recognized and respected, Elizabeth Anderson, vice president of Academic Affairs at GNTC, said. She is often called upon by TCSG and Department of Education for her expertise and experience.Ms. Loudermilk will be responsible for supervising and collaborating with GNTC deans in each area to meet the goals of the department and the mission of the college. Additionally, she will oversee apprenticeship opportunities for students, curriculum and program review, development, implementation and serve on various boards as well as any committees as needed.Along with her work at Atlanta Technical College, Ms. Hannon also handled fundraising and foundation efforts at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. GNTCs newest staff member is also a renowned writer, whose syndicated advice column has regularly appeared in newspapers statewide.Ms. Hannons number one goal for the GNTC Foundation as its director is to increase resources so that more students can achieve their educational goals.When a student succeeds, it has a ripple effect, she said. Student success builds a stronger workforce, stronger families and stronger communities.Both will have a presence on all of GNTCs six campuses and within the colleges nine-county service area. Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Wednesday saidthe state government was finalising a relief package for farmerswhose short-term crop loan outstandings exceed Rs 2 lakh. Similarly, in order to encourage farmers who are repaying their crop loans on time, the state government will announce new measures shortly, the governor said while addressing the joint sitting of both Houses of the state legislature in the Marathi language. A special one-day session of the state legislature was held to ratify the Constitution Amendment bill, which was passed by Parliament on December 11. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, whose party Shiv Sena heads the coalition government comprising the NCP and Congress, had in December last year announced an unconditional loan waiver for farmers. As per the "Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme" announced by the CM, farmers whose loan is up to Rs two lakh taken between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2019, and which has not been repaid till September 30, 2019, will be eligible for the waiver. Koshyari said the loanwaiver scheme covers the outstanding crop loan amountupto Rs two lakh, which includes the principal amountand the interest, as on September 30, 2019. "The scheme coversshort-termcrop loanand restructured short-term crop loanavailed during the period from April1, 2015 to March31, 2019. My government will implementthis schemein a time-bound manner," the governor said. The governmentwill also announce welfare schemes targetting rural as well as urban populations, he said, adding that the people from various walks of life will be benefitted. Speaking on safety of women, the governor said that his governmentwas committed to implement various security measuresfor the protection of women. "Prompt and stern action will betaken in respect of offences against women, and appropriate amendments will be made in the laws for that purpose," he said. Paying homage to the martyrs of the 'Sanyukta (united) Maharashtra' movement, the governor underlined that the year 2020 marks60 years of formation of Maharashtra state. "In the last 60 years, Maharashtra made a remarkable progressin the fields of agriculture, industry, information technology, arts, sports, music, education and other fields of life. The government will organise various programmes to celebrate these achievements," he told the legislators. The contentious Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute also found mention in the governor's speech, which lasted for nearly 45 minutes. "My government will continue to take a firm stand before the Supreme Court regarding theprotection of the Constitutional rightsand privileges of the Marathi-speaking people residing in 865 villagesclaimed by the state in relation to the Maharashtra-Karnataka border," he said. Stating that the Marathi theatremovement completed175 years in the year 2019, the governor said his government was planning to establisha museum on the history of this movement in Mumbai in the year 2020. He said the "Shiv Bhojan" scheme, which proposes to provide a meal to the poor for Rs 10, will cost Rs 50 in urban areas and Rs 35 in rural areas. "People will have to pay Rs ten while the balance amount will be given by the government. This scheme will be implemented in a phased-manner, starting from each district headquarters and municipal corporation areas," the governor said. He further said the state government will develop pilgrim centresand also provide basic amenitieslike toilets and drinking water, to pilgrims who walk on foot from Mumbai to Shirdi. "Measures will also be taken for the overall development of the youth," Koshyari added. Hours after Tehran launched retaliatory short-range ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Wednesday said that his country took 'proportionate measures in self-defence' and that it does not seek any escalation or war. "Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," Zarif said in a tweet. Meanwhile, Iran's telecommunications minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi launched a scathing attack on the US, following the missile attack on American targets in Iraq. "Get the hell out of our region!" he tweeted. Iran launched a series of attacks on US targets in Iraq including the targetting of two bases at Al-Asad and Abril with over a dozen ballistic missiles amid rising tensions following the killing of senior Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in a US airstrike last week. Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq last Friday. His death marked a dramatic escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, that have often been at a fever pitch since Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact powers struck with Tehran. Iran has threatened to strike inside America if the US responds to the missile attacks. Meanwhile, Soleimani was laid to rest in his hometown of Kerman as thousand of Iranians bid an emotional adieu to the country's top military general. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Natural News) Now the escalation begins. Iran attacks the U.S. embassy in Iraq, Trump orders the drone strike killing of Soleimani (and others). Iran responds by ordering its loyalist militants to launch rockets at U.S. bases in Iraq. Trump threatens to bomb 52 targets in Iran. And now Iran ups the ante by claiming it will annihilate Israel in half an hour. We are now buckled in as accidental tourists, riding the spiral of insanity that can only end in more death and destruction, even while President Trump does nothing to fight the real enemies of America: Big Tech, Big Pharma and Big Government. Via The Gateway Pundit: Earlier this week top Iranian lawmaker Mojtaba Zolnour warned the US that if they are attacked Israel will be annihilated in half an hour. Via The Times of Israel: A senior Iranian lawmaker on Monday threatened that Israel would be destroyed in half an hour if the United States attacks the Islamic Republic. If the US attacks us, only half an hour will remain of Israels lifespan, said Mojtaba Zolnour, chairman of Iranian Parliaments National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, in comments carried by the Mehr news agency. Obama, the sleeper cell president, set all this up years ago Do not forget that Obama, whom I accurately characterized as a sleeper cell in 2017, granted citizenship to 2,500 Iranians while funneling tens of billions of dollars into Irans coffers to fund nuclear weapons development and terrorist networks that have been destabilizing the region ever since. Now, thanks to Obamas devious planning that put all this in place combined with Trumps ill-considered actions over the last few days we are facing a rapid escalation of war threats that could very easily sweep Israel into the mix with deadly results. Even worse, if that happens the conflict goes global with the USA, Russia and China likely fighting proxy wars through regional actors, pumping weapons and death into the region at a scale the world has never seen. Remember, too, Obama helped fund Irans nuclear weapons development so they could nuke Israel. Yet Obama remains free, completely escaping any indictments or even public scrutiny for his treasonous actions that aided one of the Americas most dangerous world enemies. This will all end badly. The situation begs for de-escalation, but the personalities involved are not known to back down even when doing so might serve the greater good. We are now caught in a geopolitical death spiral that can only end in widespread human suffering, fear and uncertainty, far beyond just the oil and gold markets. If this escalation continues and Israel is targeted, Israels response may very well involve the nuclear weapons that nation is widely known to possess. All of a sudden it all leads to the Book of Revelation again, and the predicted use of nuclear weapons by Israel to bomb approaching enemy troops (Iran and Russia) as they cross the city of Damascus, which ends up turned to radioactive dust. Or at least thats one way to interpret End Times scripture, as I understand it. Bottom line: Were now looking at Biblical scale world events unfolding before our very eyes, and the idea that cooler heads might prevail suddenly seems like a distant mirage. Meanwhile, here we sit in America, observing this war escalation from afar, while our own nation has fallen to the left-wing lunatics, speech police and transgender goon squads that target our children for genitalia mutilations which are celebrated by progressives. No matter how much we bomb targets in Iraq or Iran, we will still have nothing remaining of America if Trump doesnt fight for the First Amendment here at home. As Trump orders more and more attacks on terrorists in the Middle East, I keep checking my pulse but I dont feel any more free here in the USA do you? God help us all. By Steve Herman WHITE HOUSE - President Donald Trump says there were no casualties and only minimal damage sustained after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles targeting two Iraqi air bases that house U.S. troops. "Iran appears to be standing down," Trump said in address to the nation Wednesday from the White House. "No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces and an early warning system that worked very well." The missiles were fired early Wednesday following threats by Iranian leaders of retaliation against the United States for a U.S. airstrike that killed a top Iranian commander. Trump said Quds force commander Qassem Soleimani "was responsible for some of the absolutely worst atrocities." Iran's threats Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the Iranian strikes a "slap in the face" to the United States, and said the "corrupt presence" of the U.S. in the region should come to an end. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani added later in a tweet that Iran's "final answer" to the killing of Soleimani "will be to kick all U.S. forces out of the region." The lying, rambling US govt whose words are worthless tried to introduce this great Mujahid & Commander in the fight against terrorism as a terrorist. The Iranian nation slapped them in the face with their turn out in the millions for the funeral of General Soleimani. The Iraqi prime minister's office said there were no casualties among Iraqi forces, and that it had not received reports of any casualties from the U.S.-led coalition. The statement said Iran notified Iraq that it was carrying out its response to the U.S. strike. Iraq also rejected any violation of its sovereignty and aggression on its territory, and called for restraint to prevent the U.S.-Iran crisis from developing into a devastating war. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote in a tweet after the missile strikes that Iran had taken and concluded "proportionate measures in self defense." "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," Zarif said. The missile attack was the latest step in a series of events that have unfolded in the past two weeks with increasing tensions between the United States and Iran. The U.S. blamed an Iran-backed militia for a rocket attack on an Iraqi base that killed a U.S. military contractor. U.S. airstrikes then hit that militia's positions in Iraq and Syria, drawing complaints from the Iraqi government and militia-led demonstrations at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. On Friday, a U.S. airstrike killed near Baghdad's airport. A Pentagon spokesman said the missiles launched from Iran targeted the Al-Asad base, located about 60 kilometers west of Baghdad, as well as one in Irbil, part of Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region. Reaction in Iran, US Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sent out a statement hailing what it says was a successful missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops, calling it "revenge for the assassination and martyrdom of Qassem Soleimani." U.S. forces have been on high alert since Iran threatened to strike back after last week's targeted killing of Soleimani. "We will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region," the Pentagon spokesman said. Eliot Engel, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told CNN, "The President and his crew better figure out a way to tone things down, because we could be in the midst of a full-blown war." "What we have to do now is tone down the rhetoric on all sides and extricate ourselves from this situation," he added. Steven David, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, told VOA the potential for the situation is "very frightening" with two leaders and countries that do not want to back down, and which are armed with all kinds of physical and cyber weapons. "On the other hand, I do hope that at some point both sides simmer down and allow this to de-escalate," David said. "There's a lot of Iran can do in the area. It can attack Saudi Arabia, it can attack Israel, especially with cyber, it can attack America. Neither country wants this to get out of hand, and to me, that's the most people positive sign in this horrible mess." Tom Warrick, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, noted officials from many nations around the world have called on the United States and Iran to de-escalate, and pointed the role Iraq may play going forward as the country where the back-and-forth attacks have taken place. "What we're faced with is a situation where I believe that Iraq is going to go to the United Nations and demand that the United Nations put together some kind of process that will get Iraq out of the middle of the dispute between the United States and Iran," Warrick told VOA. "And we'll have to see whether the diplomats in New York can come up with a way that tries to get the countries talking rather than fighting." He pointed to the words on the wall under the Cozad Community Health Systems logo, Courteous, Compassion, Helpful and Sincere, were listed. To Davis these are the hospitals watch words, by which they hold themselves to in every interaction. I like to think everyone who comes here is asking for some type of help, Davis said, We need to stay focused on and prepared to help them the best we can, even if it is a phone call. One challenge Davis has faced as the hospital administrator has been the lack of workforce, a problem not only effecting Cozad or healthcare. Davis said along with finding people who shares the hospital values, he wanted to inspire people in Cozad itself to become involved in the hospital and feel like they were a part of it. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} When asked about accomplishments he was proud of during his time as administrator, Davis said, I didnt do anything by myself. He added there have been numerous people who have helped to guide and inspire him along the way to do what was best. Reporter Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). The all-new Vauxhall Corsa has arrived with a lot of expectation on its shoulders. J WHAT IS IT? The Vauxhall Corsa is a household name and has, throughout the years, come to represent frugal and value-for-money motoring at its most effective. Now, there's a fifth-generation Corsa - and it's the first all-new Vauxhall since PSA Group took ownership of the company. It means the hatchback is underpinned by a new platform, with fresh engines and technology too. But is it actually any good? We've got behind the wheel to find out. WHAT'S NEW? As mentioned, the new Corsa uses a new platform as its basis and it's one shared with the Peugeot 208. It means the Corsa offers more space than before but crucially, the driver sits lower than they would've in the older model - so that should equate to a more involved, more sporting-led feeling from behind the wheel. There are engines fresh from the PSA playbook too - though we'll get to those in more details shortly - and a new multimedia system has been incorporated into the car's interior to keep the Corsa in line with rivals. WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET? Our test car featured a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet, sending 99bhp and 205Nm of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. It's likely to be one of the most popular powertrain options, owing both to its relatively sprightly 0-60mph time of 9.3 seconds and, more importantly, economy figures of up to 52.3mpg combined and 96g/km CO2 output. A single diesel unit sits in the range along with a non-turbocharged petrol unit. And, of course, this is a platform which has been created with electrification in mind, which is why an all-electric Corsa-e is set to join the ranks shortly. Expand Close 2019 Vauxhall Corsa / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp 2019 Vauxhall Corsa We suspect that this 1.2-litre turbo and the electric model will be the most-picked options in the Corsa range. WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? One of Vauxhall's engineers told us the previous-generation Corsa drove a little 'like a minivan', and we'd have to agree. It's why the firm has worked hard to improve the dynamism of this latest generation car and it's pleasing to report that this focus has paid dividends. The Corsa steers, corners and rides far more favourably than the car it replaces, with good levels of grip and decent body control. But don't think that to gain this it's been turned into a bone-shaker - far from it - as the suspension has been well-judged for the UK's craggy roads. Expand Close 2019 Vauxhall Corsa / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp 2019 Vauxhall Corsa The 1.2-litre turbocharged engine is a great fit too, with that healthy amount of torque meaning that it never feels breathless. The gearshift itself is a touch woolly (and this is what we've come to expect from PSA cars) but it's light and easy to use, so it's not too much of a bother to operate. HOW DOES IT LOOK? The design represents a big step forward for the brand. It's not too fussy but not lacking in interesting features, either. The front end of the car gets the firm's new family 'face' - with the Vauxhall logo made prominent on the nose - while the 'floating' contrast roof of our test has been incorporated to make the Corsa look less top-heavy. Expand Close 2019 Vauxhall Corsa / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp 2019 Vauxhall Corsa Around the back is where the styling is particularly strong, we think, with cuts to the bodywork giving the impression that that car is much wider than it actually is. It's a well-executed design overall, that's for sure. WHAT'S IT LIKE INSIDE? It's easy to tell Vauxhall's pushed hard to increase the perceived quality of the Corsa's interior, with soft-touch materials used for areas such as the dash and door cards. There's plenty of visibility up front, too, with the wide windscreen and relatively slim pillars meaning your forward view isn't too restricted. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a good touch too, and though the heating and ventilation controls feel a little outdated, they're simple to use and well-placed. There's a decent amount of boot space. With the rear seats in place, there are 309 litres of room to play with, rising to 1,118 litres with the back seats folded down. For context, that's larger than the Ford Fiesta's 292 and 1,093 respective litres. Oh, and for this generation Corsa, only a five-door version will be available - no three-door version is planned. Expand Close 2019 Vauxhall Corsa / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp 2019 Vauxhall Corsa WHAT'S THE SPEC LIKE? The new Corsa gets plenty of equipment as standard, with our 20,350 Elite Nav Premium car (21,000 after options) getting a 10-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as electronic climate control, automatic headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels all included in the vehicle's base price. That said, even base-spec SE cars still get CarPlay and Android Auto (albeit displayed on a smaller seven-inch screen) and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard, so opting for an entry-level trim level doesn't mean you'll be doing without some key creature comforts, either. VERDICT With over 2.1 million Corsas sold in the UK since it launched in 1993, you can understand why Vauxhall has brimmed this latest model with technology while improving efficiency and practicality in one fell swoop. It's all paid off, thankfully, while PSA's ownership has meant that crucial areas - such as the powertrain, for one - feel more refined than they ever did before. More than anything, though, the Corsa drives far more convincingly than previous generation cars ever have and it's just another reason why this latest version is likely to go down so well. WOODBURY Community Theatre at Woodbury kicks off its 2020 season with its production of Rumors by Neil Simon, directed by Ed Bassett and produced by Dennis Walsh. Performances are scheduled for Jan. 10-12 and Jan. 17-19, at the Woodbury Town Hall, 5 Mountain Road. Ed Bassett, guest director, is managing director of Phoenix Stage Company, Oakville. The story: At a large, tastefully-appointed Sneden's Landing townhouse, the Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of Farce. Gathering for their tenth wedding anniversary, the host lies bleeding in the other room, and his wife is nowhere in sight. His lawyer, Ken, and wife, Chris, must get "the story" straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and mis-communications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. Refreshments are available before the performances and during intermissions. A drawing will be held throughout the run of the show; proceeds benefit the Woodbury Food Bank. The lucky person need not be present when the winning ticket is drawn during intermission on Sunday, January 19th. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for seniors/youth, are available at http://www.ctaw-ct.org/, in person at the Parks and Rec House (7 Mountain Road, Woodbury), Woodbury Senior Center, 265 Main Street South, or by calling 203-695-7107 Doors open at 7 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. CTAWs mission is to foster an environment that promotes Theatre Arts within the greater Woodbury community. CTAW is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit run entirely by volunteers. Tributes have been paid to a 'much loved' female police officer who died suddenly while off duty. PC Natalie Faulds, 25, who had only been serving with Police Scotland for around a year, was found at a property in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, Scotland, on January 4, and admitted to hospital. The police officer, who had moved from the south-east of England to work at Glasgow's Baird Street police station, later passed away at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary hospital. Officers confirmed her death was being treated as 'unexplained', but it is not thought to be suspicious. Tributes have been paid for PC Natalie Faulds (pictured), 25, who was found at a property in Lanarkshire, Scotland, on January 4, and admitted to hospital where she passed away Calum Steele, general secretary of the Police Federation, said: 'Natalie was a much loved member of her policing team and as a police family we are all the poorer for her passing.' A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'On Saturday officers attended an address in Marshall Street, Wishaw, following a report that a 25-year-old woman had taken unwell. She later died at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.' Following the devastating news, members of the police force took to social media to share their tributes to Ms Faulds, with many changing their profile images to the thin blue line symbol - a tribute to a fallen officer. One person wrote: 'Can't believe the terrible news! In shock about it all what a lovely person you were! 'Please remember you are never alone. The thin blue line is now thinner you won't be forgotten#itsoknottobeok#policefamily #ThinBlueLine.' Officers confirmed the police officer's death was being treated as 'unexplained', but it is not thought to be suspicious The police officer had moved from the south east of England to work at Glasgow's Baird Street police station (pictured) Following the police officer's death, social media users took to Twitter to share their tributes and members of the police changed their profile images to the thin blue line symbol -a tribute to a fallen officer While another added: 'We're all here for each other mate. She was a friend of mine. Beyond gutted.' Ms Fauld's death is the third tragedy to hit the force in just over three months, following the deaths of two other serving officers. Detective Gordon Gibson was found dead inside Greenock police station last month and in October father-of-three Martin Mooney died after he was struck by a train. Fugitive auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn on Wednesday accused Nissan and Japanese prosecutors of plotting against him as he staged an impassioned defence at his first public appearance since fleeing the country. In a combative conference in Beirut, the former Renault-Nissan boss -- one of the world's most high-profile corporate executives -- slammed the financial misconduct charges he faced in Japan as "baseless". "The collusion between Nissan and prosecutors is everywhere," Ghosn told a large crowd of journalists at an appearance that lasted more than two hours during which he fielded questions in English, French, Arabic and Portuguese. "There was no way I was going to be treated fairly ... this was not about justice. I felt I was a hostage of the country that I have served for 17 years," he said. Ghosn accused prosecutors and Nissan, one of Japan's biggest carmakers, of "systematic leaking of false information" and "intentional withholding" of important facts related to the case. That meant he was "presumed guilty before the eyes of the world and subject to a system whose only objective is to coerce confessions, secure guilty pleas," he added. Japanese prosecutors quickly hit back, slamming Ghosn's claims as "categorically false". "Ghosn's allegations completely ignore his own conduct, and his one-sided criticism of the Japanese justice system is totally unacceptable," the Tokyo prosecutor's office said in a statement. The car magnate -- for years venerated in Japan for turning around once-ailing Nissan -- fled while awaiting trial on charges including allegedly under-reporting his compensation to the tune of USD 85 million. Ghosn said he had "no choice" but to jump bail, adding he was told by his lawyers he would have to wait five years for a verdict. He said he had been "ripped" from friends and family when detained. In a comment that risked causing further upset in Japan, he suggested his arrest had been as unexpected as the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour in 1941. "I didn't suspect anything ... Did you see Pearl Harbour happening?" The 65-year-old businessman's shock arrival in his native Lebanon last month was the latest twist in a story worthy of a Hollywood plot. Ghosn's bail jump prompted outrage from the Japanese government, which has called his escape "unjustifiable", as well as from Nissan which labelled the getaway "extremely regrettable". Many were hoping Ghosn would disclose details of his audacious flight from Japan to Beirut via Istanbul. But Ghosn told reporters he was "not here to talk" about how he fled Japan. According to Japanese media, Ghosn slipped out of his house in Tokyo, boarded a bullet train to Osaka and then a private jet to Istanbul, evading customs by hiding in a box, before reaching Beirut on December 30. Giving credence to that dramatic account, police in Istanbul released a photograph on Wednesday of a box in which Ghosn allegedly concealed himself. Ghosn argues the charges against him stem from a "coup" inside Nissan by disgruntled executives and Japanese officials who feared his plans to more closely integrate the car giant with its alliance partner, French firm Renault. Asked how high the alleged conspiracy went, Ghosn said he did not believe Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was involved. Nissan has continued to insist it has "incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn". But the fallen tycoon sought to portray himself as an innocent victim of an ungrateful company that he helped to prosper. He said that Nissan's stock market value had fallen by USD 40 million a day since his arrest, while that of Renault had slumped by 20 million euros daily. In one declaration that raised eyebrows, he denied having quit as chief executive of Renault, contradicting an announcement that came from France's economy minister in January 2019. "They said that I resigned from Renault. It's wrong," Ghosn said. Earlier Wednesday, private security personnel guarded the pink coloured villa in central Beirut where Ghosn was believed to be residing, an AFP photographer said, as reporters camped outside. Journalists, including several from Japan, watched with bated breath as vehicles -- some with tinted windows -- came and went from the premises. Ghosn's high-profile arrest and his long detention -- 130 days in total -- under severe conditions were widely considered draconian compared with the West. He said he was held in solitary confinement in a "tiny cell" that was "light day and night". "The feeling of hopelessness was profound," he said, denouncing a Japanese justice system that he said "was designed to break my spirit". Japanese prosecutors are also seeking to arrest Ghosn's wife Carole, alleging she "made false statements" during April testimony to the Tokyo district court. As Japan grapples with the fallout from the embarrassing security lapse, prosecutors on Wednesday attempted to raid the offices of one of his lawyers, Junichiro Hironaka, to seize computers. However, the lawyers refused them access, citing "attorney-client confidentiality". Lebanon, which has no extradition agreement with Japan, has said Ghosn entered the country legally in possession of a French passport and a Lebanese identification card. The tycoon holds Brazilian, French and Lebanese nationalities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) seemed to confirm that the Republican majority was ready to advance with impeachment, saying Wednesday that there will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure. We will not cede our authority to try this impeachment. The House Democrats turn is over. The Senate has made its decision. This is for the Senate, and the Senate only, to decide, McConnell tweeted. There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure. We will not cede our authority to try this impeachment. The House Democrats turn is over. The Senate has made its decision. This is for the Senate, and the Senate only, to decide. Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) January 8, 2020 Multiple reports broke Tuesday that McConnell and Republican leadership in the Senate had whipped the 51 votes required to establish the rules for President Trumps impending impeachment trial without a concrete agreement on witnesses. It is understood that McConnell wants to vote on a resolution outlining the parameters of the trial and hear opening arguments, and only then to vote on a second resolution determining which witnesses, if any, will be called upon to testify mirroring the impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton. The news came despite threats from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.), who threatened that Republicans may run but they cant hide from a vote on the question of witnesses and documents. But several of Schumers fellow Democratic senators broke ranks after the news, saying that they believed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) should release the articles of impeachment against President Trump. I think the time has passed. She should send the articles over, Chris Murphy of Connecticut said, according to The Washington Post. I think it needs to start, I really do, concurred West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin. I cant tell the House how to do their businessBut the bottom line is, the holdout helped force Bolton to step forward. Let us do what we have to do over here. More from National Review Photo: Unsplash You can leave your umbrella at home for today, but light rainfall is in the forecast for Sacramento starting on Thursday, according to the seven-day forecast from drone-powered weather service Saildrone. The highest chance of rain is predicted on Thursday at 60%, with the possibility of light rainfall of 0.28 inches. The next week will also see mild temperatures, forecast to last through Tuesday. Temperatures will reach just 51 degrees today, with a weekly high of 58 degrees expected on Monday. Skies will be cloudy today. Winds will continue to be fairly calm throughout the week, with the highest speeds on Saturday at only 11 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. A petition drive is underway to encourage police and the city of Bridgeton to install security cameras in the park where 5-year-old Dulce Maria Alavez went missing in September. Five thousand tips, 19 K-9s, daily meetings, and cameras are some of the newest developments in the case of Dulce Maria Alavez, the 5-year-old girl from Bridgeton who has been missing since September. There was a little girl taken from that park, Jackie Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for Dulces family, told NJ Advance Media last week. Not only was she taken from there, but their city equipment is also stored in the building at the park. You mean to tell me they still do not have cameras put up? Everybody knows that its a park with no cameras. What makes you think that this would not happen again? Alavez disappeared without a trace Sept. 16, 2019, after she and her 3-year-old brother ran off to play while at the Bridgeton City Park, located on Mayor Aitken Drive. Numerous law agencies, including the FBI, New Jersey State Police, Cumberland County Prosecutors Office and Bridgeton Police Department have been searching for the young girl, but the efforts to find her have thus far been unsuccessful, although there has been some progress in the case. Rodriguez said the first petition drive to add cameras to the park garnered more than 1,000 signatures. She also started a Change.org petition that had gathered another 622 signatures as of Tuesday night. After organizing and conducting another search for Dulce on Sunday, Rodriguez and others marched to the city hall building on East Commerce Street Monday to express their frustration with the efforts being taken by the city. While giving an update to the Bridgeton City Council Tuesday, Mayor Albert Kelly said he met with the protestors on the steps of city hall. Kelly said that while people may think they are not doing enough, the city was doing everything in its power to find Dulce. Our police department and the Prosecutors Office have been doing everything that they can do to help find this young lady, Kelly said. The mayor said he also would be meeting with the clergy on Thursday to ask them to help work with the city to get the information out. However, he would not comment about the request for security cameras. Bridgeton Police Chief Michael Gaimari Sr. gives an update to the Bridgeton City Council on the search missing 5-year-old Dulce Alavez. Alavez went missing Sept. 16, 2019. Bridgeton Police Chief Michael A. Gaimari Sr. also delivered an update to the Bridgeton City Council Tuesday evening about the efforts in the search for Dulce. Gaimari told the four council members in attendance that contrary to social media posts, the department has been keeping Dulces family updated on the search two to three times a week. As for the search itself, he said there had been movement in a positive direction. We are still optimistic that the child is alive and will remain that way, but I would say that we have made significant progress in the past four to five weeks on the matter, Gaimari told the council. Law enforcement agencies continue to meet daily at an off-site location, he said. Their work has resulted in combing through 5,000 leads on Dulces whereabouts. Registered sex offenders in Cumberland County, as well as specific offenders in neighboring counties, were also interviewed. Police are also analyzing cellphone data and video gathered from the area, and law enforcement has conducted at least 17 searches of certain areas based on information received from the public. In those searches, a combined 19 K-9s have been used to try to find more clues. Gaimari said that, contrary to what has been alleged, the department has not turned down search parties from private organizations to come in and help. We utilize vetted law enforcement or organizations that have been vetted through law enforcement whose searching members have passed the criminal background check to accomplish that, the police chief said. That has been told to the search groups, and they understand that. We have never prohibited groups from coming down and conducting their own searches. We made contact with them that if they ever do discover anything of interest, the phone numbers to call and contacts to be made, and the procedure to follow if anything that they feel of evidentiary value is discovered. But we cant take part in searches with people that we have not vetted. Anyone with information about Dulce is asked to call the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit at 609-882-2000, ext. 2554, or the Bridgeton police at 856-451-0033. Tips may also be phoned in to 1-800-CALL-FBI and select option 4, then select option 8. Anonymous tips may be sent by text to TIP411 with "Bridgeton" in the message line. Chris Franklin can be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cfranklinnews or on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of a leading group for China's seventh national population census, addresses a meeting of the leading group in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Tao) BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng has called for solid preparations for the seventh national population census. Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks Monday while giving a speech to a meeting of the leading group for the seventh national population census. The census should conduct a comprehensive survey of China's population size, structure and distribution to accurately reflect the trends of population changes, said Han. Han added the census should support national economic and social development plans with scientific and accurate statistical information, and promote high-quality economic development and well-rounded human development. Efforts should also be made to actively promote electronic collection and improve the efficiency and quality of data collection, said Han. The seventh national population census will begin on Nov. 1, 2020, according to the State Council, China's cabinet. JACKSON, MI Theres a new ring of fire in downtown Jackson, but you shouldnt be able to fall into it. A gas fire pit was installed in Bucky Harris Park at the corner of W. Michigan Avenue and N. Jackson Street. The pit is activated by a button and runs for 20 minutes before shutting off, a news release said. The fire pit has a metal mesh dome that is supposed to keep trash, animals and people out of the fire. Its elevated inside a brick circle, with the start button, which has an emergency shut off button, on a nearby post. It replaced an old fountain that no longer worked. Federal Community Development Block Grant funds were used to build the $65,375 fire pit, the citys Public Information Officer Aaron Dimick said. There is not an estimate for operational costs at this time, he said. The fire pit will be turned off during warm summer months, Dimick said. We also have a lot of new businesses and new apartment developments coming downtown, so with more people in the area we want to enhance the experience of visiting the area, Dimick said. A mural was painted on the neighboring Blake Building, 180 W. Michigan Ave., as a preview for the second annual Bright Walls Mural Festival in 2019. Year-round public bathrooms were built in the park in 2018 for $141,000. A see-saw and interactive chimes also were added to Horace Blackman Park, which is across the street, in July 2019. RELATED: Public bathroom facility to be built in downtown Jackson this spring See-saw, chimes added to Horace Blackman Park Downtown Jackson mural underway, previewing 2019 Bright Walls festival The Australian share market slightly lower on Wednesday, 08 January 2020, as risk aversion selloff triggered on tracking losses on Wall Street overnight as Middle East tensions escalated after reports that Iran launched missiles against a U. S. air base in Iraq. Around late afternoon, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index declined by 5.94 points, or 0.1%, to 6,820.50, while the broader All Ordinaries slid 9.56 points, or 0.14%, to 6,934.00. Equity investors have been jittery since late last week amid uncertainty about the impact of rising tensions between the U. S. and Iran following the U. S. airstrike that killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani. Iran had fired several rockets at two joint U. S.-Iraqi bases early Wednesday morning in retaliation for the killing of a top Iranian military leader. The strikes are retaliation for a US drone strike that killed a leading Iranian military general last Friday. Tehran has promised to retaliate for a U. S. airstrike that killed Iran's top military commander last week. Shares of major miners were weak. Rio Tinto and BHP fell more than 1% each, while Fortescue Metals lost almost 1%. In the banking space, ANZ Banking, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank and Westpac Banking were down in a range of 0.5% to 1%. Meanwhile, gold miners were notably higher after safe-haven gold prices rose for a tenth straight session overnight. Evolution Mining and Newcrest Mining were up in a range of 2% to 3%. Oil stocks were also higher after crude oil prices rose more than 4% in Asian trading Wednesday on fresh tensions in the Middle East. Woodside Petroleum, Santos and Oil Search were up in a range of 1% to 2%. In economic news, the latest survey from the Australian Industry Group or AIG revealed that the construction sector in Australia continued to contract in December, and at a faster rate, with a six-and-a-half-year low PMI score of 38.9. That's down from 40 in November and it moves further beneath the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction. CURRENCY NEWS: The Australian dollar, sensitive to shifts in broader risk appetite, climbed against the U. S. dollar. The Australian dollar was trading at around $0.6868, climbing from an earlier low around $0.6847. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) OSLO, Norway, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Targovax ASA (OSE: TRVX), a clinical stage immuno-oncology company developing oncolytic viruses and cancer vaccines to target hard-to-treat solid tumors, today announces that it has entered into an exclusive option agreement with IOVaxis Therapeutics of Nantong, China, for clinical development and licensing of the Targovax mutant RAS vaccines TG01 and TG02 in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore. IOVaxis, a spin-off from ImmuOn Therapeutics, has secured an exclusive option to develop and license the TG01 and TG02 mutant RAS neoantigen vaccines in the above mentioned territories. The option can be exercised into an exclusive license by the earlier of i) the first regulatory approval to start a clinical trial in the territory, or ii) one year from the effective date of the Option Agreement. IOVaxis will pay Targovax USD 250.000 for this exclusive option. The milestone payment for the exercise of the option to license TG01/02 is USD 3 million. Under the Option Agreement, IOVaxis and Targovax will jointly define a development plan in the territory, and IOVaxis will be responsible for all local regulatory filings and be the sponsor of clinical trials. The full License Agreement remains to be finalized, but the parties have pre-agreed the key commercial and operational terms in the Option Agreement. If exercised, the total potential development and commercial milestones for the TG01/02 license may reach up to USD 100 million, plus tiered royalties on net sales up to mid double digits. Locust Walk served as transaction advisor to Targovax. ystein Soug, CEO of Targovax, said: "The industry is finally realizing the potential value of mutant RAS as a target in cancer and we continue to believe that a vaccine is the optimal therapeutic approach to deal with this target, hence we are thrilled to secure this agreement with IOVaxis. In IOVaxis we have found an ideal partner committed to neoantigen vaccine development in China, the second largest pharmaceutical market in the world. This is both a commercially attractive arrangement for Targovax and will also enable new TG studies to further demonstrate the clinical benefit of our mutant RAS vaccination concept. Therefore, this is an important step for the TG program and Targovax." Dr. John Wang, CEO of IOVaxis, said: "We are excited to enter into this collaboration with Targovax. IOVaxis is a pioneer in neoantigen cancer vaccine development in China, and we have been searching for suitable shared neoantigen vaccine products to in-license for regional development. Mutant RAS solid tumors are prevalent and a high unmet medical need in China, particularly in pancreatic and colorectal cancers, and we therefore believe the TG01 and TG02 vaccines have significant local commercial potential and can benefit a large number of patients". For further information, please contact: Renate Birkeli, Investor Relations Phone: +47-922-61-624 Email: [email protected] Media and IR enquires: Andreas Tinglum Corporate Communications (Norway) Phone: +47-9300-1770 Email: [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/targovax/r/updated-press-release--targovax-and-iovaxis-therapeutics-enters-option-agreement-for-tg-mutant-ras-v,c3004603 SOURCE Targovax New Delhi, Jan 8 : DMK leader Kanimozhi, on Wednesday, visited JNU campus and criticised vice chancellor Jagadesh Kumar for not meeting students who were attacked by masked mob on January 5. "The VC has not come to meet any of the students nor has he tried to reach out to any students who are protesting. He doesn't have time to meet students who are injured. In fact, FIR has been filed against a student who is injured in the attack," Kanimozhi said. Talking to the media here, she alleged that the rooms of students of ABVP remained intact while students who had different opinion were attacked and their rooms were vandalised. "It is really shocking to see how rooms of ABVP students have not even been touched but students who have different point of view, their rooms have been targeted, their windows are broken and their rooms have been vandalised," she said. She also said, "I met many students and professors who were attacked with iron rods. It is not something that happens in a day. The students are saying that these attacks are going on for last 70 days. Students are subjected to violence here for protesting. They said this attack was planned for a few days and there are some professors of the university who are also involved. I did not meet anyone from ABVP because I think I should meet those students who have been hurt and injured." A woman lost control of an SUV on a Jersey City street and struck six people on a sidewalk, including her daughter, her 2-year-old granddaughter and a 7-year-old girl, authorities said. The 66-year-old woman was moving her daughters 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Friday afternoon when she backed into a parked car and then up onto the sidewalk at Martin Luther King Drive and Orient Avenue, according to a Jersey City spokeswoman and the crash report. The crash report said the vehicle then struck two men, 33 and 55 years old, before striking a fence outside the Extra Supermarket and four more people the drivers 41-year-old daughter, her 2-year-old granddaughter, a 7-year-old girl and a 42-year-old woman. All six victims suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The driver, of Jersey City, was not charged. There were also citizens of Iran, Canada, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany and the United Kingdom among the victims 11 citizens of Ukraine died in the crash of Boeing 737 of Ukraine's International Airlines (PS 752 flight). Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko informed about it on his Twitter page. "We now know the following information about the countries of origin of the PS 752 plane crash victims: Iran - 82; Canada - 63; Ukraine - 2 + 9 (members of crew); Sweden - 10; Afghanistan - 4; Germany - 3; the United Kingdom - 3," the message reads. According to the message of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the cause of the PS 752 plane crash in Iran was technical malfunction; the theory with the terror attack is ruled out. "On 01/08/2020 approximately at 6:00 Tehran time (around 4:30 Kyiv time) after take-off from the Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, Boeing-737 of the Ukraine International Airlines en route to Kyiv crashed. According to preliminary information, the plane crashed as a result of an engine accident due to technical reasons. Currently, the theory of the terrorist act is ruled out," the Embassy stated. As we reported earlier, Boeing 737 of Ukraine's International Airlines, flight PS 752 with 180 passengers aboard crashed in Tehran, not far from Imam Khomeini airport. Iranian Tasnim News Agency informed about that, pointing out that the reason of the crash was a "technical malfunction". As of 7 a.m. January 8, the fate of passengers remained unknown. Local authorities feared that no one survived, because the plane was visibly on fire as it was falling, CGTN reported. Amid the escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised that the use of weapons must stop. She further said that, We have established and time-tested relations with many actors in the region and beyond to de-escalate the situation. In an earlier statement released by the Commission's website von der Leyen also declared a need 'to holt the cycle of violence', and further urged Iran to fully comply with the nuclear deal known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The use of weapons must stop NOW to give space for dialogue. We are called upon to do everything possible to rekindle talks. There cannot be enough of that. We have established and timetested relations with many actors in the region and beyond to de-escalate the situation. Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 8, 2020 READ: Serious Escalation With Iran Shows Trump 'dangerously Incompetent', Says Joe Biden The statement from the European Union came after the Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq that houses the US and coalition forces were hit by multiple rockets during the wee hours on January 8. This incident was first reported by Iranian state TV, who described it as Tehrans revenge operation over the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Gen. Qassem Soleimani. This also follows the development where the pro-Tehran factions in Iraq vowed to join forces and respond to the US for the killing of Iranian General. While speaking about the Middle East situation, EU Minister for Foreign Affairs also reportedly said that the situation is 'extremely worrying'. He further added that the current situation risks the efforts of the past years and also has implications for the important work of the anti-Daesh coalition. The EU has also urged Iran to stick to its commitment. READ: Iran Buries Soleimani As It Attacks Iraqi Bases British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab also said that Britain condemns Iranian missile attacks on military bases in Iraq that hosts US-led coalition forces including British personnel. He further also urged Iran to pursue urgent de-escalation and not to repeat such 'reckless and dangerous attacks'. Further China, Paris, Germany and Spain have also reportedly called on Iran to refrain from any measures that would further aggravate the tensions. Iran defends missile attack However, the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has defended missile attack on US airbases in Iraq by calling it a "legitimate self-defence". Zarif told state TV that Iran's action was a legitimate self-defence and that Washington should avoid assessing it based on illusions. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei also said the country has delivered 'slap in face' to US. Khamenei, in a televised address, said that the US cut off Soleimanis hand so Iran, in response, will cut their legs off in the region. READ: Massive Crowds In Mashhad For Soleimani Funeral Ceremony READ: High-stakes Decision Looms For Trump In Showdown With Iran Leicester shoesellers Shoe Zone saw pre-tax profits slump by 15 per cent in the latest financial year. The company declared that revenues had barely budged upwards in the year to October 2019, rising by only 1.4million to 162million. The company saw a 2.9million writedown on the value of 17 freehold properties. Its new chief executive Anthony Smith called on the government to lower business rates to avoid more stores being closed. Shoe Zone say that the proportion of rent that comprises business rates has risen from 26.4 per cent in 2009 to 54.3 per cent in 2019. Over that time, the number of Shoe Zone stores was slashed from about 800 to around 500 and the value of its sales has fallen by 30 per cent Pre-tax profits at the retailer fell to 9.8million from 11.4million the year earlier, as the firm said business rates were too high. The value footwear retailer told the PA news agency that 'maybe 20% of stores could close if rates don't change', with the firm securing rent reductions in order to protect the future of some stores. Shoe Zone say that the proportion of rent that comprises business rates had doubled in the last ten years, from 26.4 per cent in 2009 to 54.3 per cent in 2019. Over that time, the number of Shoe Zone stores was slashed from about 800 to around 500 and the value of its sales has fallen by 30 per cent. It's new chief executive Anthony Smith told PA: 'We need a change to the rates system because the current cost of rates is too much for retailers, particularly in small towns. 'Current rates don't reflect the market. All we want to see are rates which are aligned with the current rental property market. Shoe Zone was boosted by digital growth and store openings for its larger Big Box format. The Big Box stores rose from 24 to 45 over the year with revenues more than doubling from 7.1million to 15.6million. It is intending to open more Big Box stores during 2020 'We are a business that is looking to really expand but our numbers haven't really moved over the past year. We've opened about 20 stores and then closed around 20 over same period.' During the year, the retailer secured a 23.6 per cent reduction on rents across its 60 town centre leases which were renewed. Shoe Zone, which sells around 18 million pairs of shoes each year, employs around 3,500 people, as it was boosted by digital growth and store openings for its larger Big Box format. The Big Box stores rose from 24 to 45 over the year with revenues more than doubling from 7.1million to 15.6million. It is intending to open more Big Box stores during 2020. The business was founded in 1980 by brothers Michael and Christopher Smith as Bensonshoe in its current home city, Leicester. Their grandfather was himself involved in footwear manufacturing. Chief executive Anthony Smith and interim executive chairman Charles Smith are sons of the founders, having joined the family firm in the 1990s. The business was founded in 1980 by brothers Michael and Christopher Smith as Bensonshoe in its current home city, Leicester. Their grandfather was himself involved in footwear manufacturing. Chief executive Anthony Smith took over the family firm last August Anthony Smith took over the running of Shoe Zone in August following Nick Smith's departure amid a profit warning. Bensonshoe was rebranded as Shoe Zone in 2001, and opened its 400th store in Newtown, Wales six years later. The company was worth around 100million when it floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2014. The level of business rates is one of the most common complaints among British retailers and has been blamed for closing many high street stores. In August, Marks & Spencer and John Lewis were among 50 retailers that wrote a letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid asking for urgent reform to business rates. Sajid Javid later declared that business rates would rise by 1.7 per cent this April, which the British Retail Consortium estimates would mean traders forking out an extra 137million to the government. Shoe Zone's share price fell slightly during morning trading. [January 07, 2020] Onward Security Recognized by Enterprise Security Magazine as Top 10 Enterprise Security Startups in APAC for Secure-by-Design Approaches TAIPEI, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In light of the rapid growth of the security market and innovation in APAC, Enterprise Security Magazine, a professional magazine in security, selected Top 10 Enterprise Security Startups in APAC. Onward Security was recognized by its secure-by-design approaches and its IoT and IIoT solution as the only one Taiwan enterprise among the other selected enterprises of Israel (Cyberbit), Australia, Japan, Singapore and others in Top 10 Enterprise Security Startps in APAC. Onward's effort and fruit of labor in IoT information security have been acknowledge by the international security community. "Secure by Design" for enterprises to build their own security control systems Onward Security, a company based in Taiwan, focuses on IoT information security. In 2019, its automated IoT device testing platform, "HERCULES SecDevice" was awarded the gold medal of Internet of Things (IoT) Security and bronze medal of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA Global Excellence Awards in 2019 Global Excellence Awards, organized by Info Security Products Guide. In November 2019, its innovative "Secure-by-Design" approaches attracted the attention of Enterprise Security Magazine, who interviewed Onward Security for the APAC special edition. Enterprise Security Magazine is a prominent professional magazine among information security enterprises. Listed in Top 10 Enterprise Security Startups in APAC 2019, Onward Security is the only one company from Taiwan and is encouraged to carry out its plan for the international market. Morgan, the CEO of Onward Security, was interview by Mr. Russel Thomas, and expressed that IoT manufacturers focused on its technology and providing quality products to their customers. They juggled with development, time to market and security compliance or regulations while their development departments were under substantial pressure to have a perfect balance when their resources of labo, time and budges were constrained. Under this circumstance, Onward Security found this opportunity to meet the needs in management and operation by providing consulting and assessment services along with its products based on Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC) to assist enterprises to develop their own security control system. One-stop product security assessment solution dedicated to IoT It is estimated that the number of IoT devices would hit 20 billion worldwide by 2020. The technology of 5G, Smart Home, Industry 4.0 and automatic vehicles introduces IoT to different fields and product blueprints, and, therefore, the trend attracts hackers' attention. The common attacked targets gradually switch from information system/web vulnerabilities to data theft of the mobile devices or breaking into the automobile systems. According to Cybersecruity Ventures, the losses caused by cybercrime in 2021 are estimated to reach USD600 billion. Morgan added that Onward Security's strength to be active in the international market is that its solution has the technical depth and is continuously improved in line with the market needs. For example, one of the international telecommunication clients in Japan has tremendous amount IoT devices and has difficulty handling testing and resources. Due to Onward Security's reputation and experiences in the industry, this client deployed Onward Security's automated testing devices, HERCULES SecDevice, to conduct the CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) scan, web vulnerability scan, protocol fuzz testing, and DoS testing. The automated device saved labor, provided the automatically-generated reports with details and suggested the solution so as to help the client reinforce its security testing capability shortly for its products and manufacturing processes. In addition, Onward Security assisted another international IoT maker by providing one-stop solution, covering compliance, system management, testing tools and etc. This client introduced Onward Security's SecFow, the management system, to manage open sources and related vulnerabilities, and SecDevice, the automated testing tool with machine-learning-based fuzz testing, to proactively discover the unknown vulnerabilities to secure its reputation and brand value. International Deployment and Development of AI & 5G For the future development, Onward Security has established the overseas office or subsidiary to be a company with the international security certification center by working with system integrators and IoT makers to enhance its dedication to the security solution. Furthermore, Onward Security plans to participate international certification organizations, continuously to improve its self-developed testing tool and to develop its innovative models of the services and products in the security industry ecosystem. Now it is working on its international business and brand to present its professional image internationally and to markets its assessment services to other regions. Furthermore, Onward Security will put more emphasis on development, especially the solution to 5G and Artificial Intelligence in IoT and related applications. One of its goal is to be the first company in Asia to have the capability of AI security assessment, Morgan stated confidently by the end of the interview. About Onward Security Corporation Onward Security is a leading service and product provider, who provides security solution to the development stage to help clients to lower the risks of vulnerabilities of connected devices and to meet the requirements of compliance. The core team has been assisting the industry with security testing technology. In Taiwan, it is one of the very few enterprises which has the capability of technology, consulting, development and compliance establishment. Its services and products include enterprise security services, product security services, consulting and products and its clients are APAC and North America. For more information, please visit: https://www.onwardsecurity.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onsectw/ Enterprise Security Magazine https://www.enterprisesecuritymag.com/magazines/November2019/Startups/ Enterprise Security Magazine has be subscribed by CEO, CIO and investors in the security industry. It selected Top 10 Enterprise Security Startups in APAC among hundreds of security-related startups in the 27 countries in the APAC region in 2019 for its APAC special edition. The coverage of Onward is on page 12-15 and the Top 10 list is on page 19. Contact: Onward Security: Ms. Shao Tel: (886-2)-8911-5035 [email protected] Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20191220/2677665-1 SOURCE Onward Security Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A New Jersey corrections officer was sentenced last week to 90 days in jail for touching the intimate body part of an inmate at a state womens prison, authorities said Tuesday. Ciera Roddy, 32, of Elizabeth, was arrested April 5 after an investigation by the state Department of Corrections revealed she inappropriately touched a prisoner at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility, according to acting Hunterdon County Prosecutor Michael J. Williams. Williams said the incident occurred in March 2018 and that Roddy held supervisory responsibilities over the inmate. Roddy pleaded guilty on Nov. 8. In addition to jail time, a judge sentenced Roddy to probation and ordered her to forfeit her pension and future public employment in the state, according to Williams. Since 2016, prosecutors have accused eight Edna Mahan employees seven of them sworn law enforcement officers of criminal conduct, most of it related to sex abuse and the illegal exchange of contraband. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Apple and Facebook have been told current privacy practices are 'untenable' by the US Federal Trade Commissioner during a debate on the issue. A panel focused on privacy at CES in Las Vegas featured executives from the two firms who were urged to take more responsibility on the issue. Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter said the number of data breaches reported in recent years proved that more needed to be done to safeguard users. Apple and Facebook's executives both claim their respective firms are improving customer privacy by allowing users to control their own data collection settings. But Ms Slaughter rebuked these clams and said it is unreasonable for companies to expect consumers to be fully aware of how their data is being harvested due to the complexity and lack of transparency. Scroll down for video Pictured, the all-female panel of executives speaking on a privacy panel at CES in Las Vegas. Pictured, L-R: Facebook's chief privacy officer for policy, Erin Egan; Apple Senior Director for global privacy, Jane Horvath; The Procter & Gamble global privacy officer, Susan Shook; and Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter APPLE'S SIRI PRIVACY SCANDAL Apple CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly claimed privacy is a fundamental human right. As a result, the firm is taking steps to protect users that other firms are not, and has experienced fewer privacy scandals than peers Google and Facebook. But despite its best efforts, there have been some questionable events. In August 2019 it was revealed Apple had human contractors listen to Siri recordings to help improve its service. Later, Apple formally apologised for this. it said in a statement: 'We realise we havent been fully living up to our high ideals, and for that we apologise.' Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft were all doing similar things. it was revealed Apple employees could be listening to upwards of 1,000 Siri recordings a day. Advertisement 'Just the fact that when we read the newspaper every day we see different concerning stories about privacy or security breaches means that it would be impossible to conclude that enough is being done,' she said. 'It wouldn't make a lot of sense to draw that conclusion.' The panel discussion was the first time an Apple executive had appeared at CES in years, with global privacy senior director Jane Horvath's representing the firm. Her counterpart from Facebook, Erin Egan, claimed the firm's privacy check-up tool is a good example of how the company is making advances in protecting its users. Ms Slaughter however, disagreed with the sentiment and thought it was unfair consumers were being tasked with the policing of their own data collection. She said: 'Because I think that today even if consumers can walk through a privacy check-up, the amount of information that you have to process, to figure out what is happening with your data, is untenable for most people.' She said even as a privacy expert, she personally 'can not figure out' all the different uses of data going on across the different services she uses. 'I think it's important that we think about ways that the burden is not just placed on the consumer, but that the collectors and stewards of data have the responsibility to for example minimise what's collected, minimise what's retained and minimise how it's shared consistent with still providing the product or service that they're offering and that the consumer wants - but without creating this endless trove of data that can disappear into the ether.' Defending its own approach to the issue, Ms Horvath said: 'At Apple, the way we look at privacy is to put the consumers in the driving seat. 'They should have control over their data. They should have choices with their data and one of the things we really focus on at Apple is privacy by design. Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter participates in a privacy roundtable at CES 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Ms Slaughter says the current privacy policies of tech companies, including Apple and Facebook, are 'untenable' 'The other thing that is critically important is that we have support from our executives. 'Tim (Cook, Apple chief executive) is incredibly committed to privacy and it flows through the company.' Following up, Ms Egan said Apple's approach 'completely resonates with how we approach privacy at Facebook'. She said it was important to the company that users understood how and when the company used personal data. 'But we're constantly iterating because expectations are evolving.' However, the commissioner rebuked Ms Egan over her belief that user privacy on Facebook was successfully being protected today. The Facebook executive had said the social media firm believed privacy was a 'fundamental right' and that it protected the privacy of its users. But Ms Slaughter did not agree. 'I don't want to talk about specific services or products but as a general matter no, I don't think privacy is generally protected,' she said. 'I think the amount of data that is collected about any individual in this room... I don't think anyone here could tell us accurately who has what data about them and how it is being used.' She acknowledged that a world where no data was shared could not exist, but said a minimum level of what data is collected and used needed to be found. Ms Slaughter added that she hoped privacy legislation would be introduced in the US by 2021. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission fined Facebook five billion dollars (3.8 billion) for privacy violations and enforced strict new oversight rules on the company. A white paper published by the UK government in April 2019 also proposed new legislation which would impose a statutory duty of care to users on social media and internet companies, with large fines and personal liability for executives as potential punishments for breaches of the code. Members of Jawan Washingtons family gave a muffled cheer Wednesday afternoon as a Dauphin County jury convicted a Harrisburg man of gunning him down outside a city bar. The jurors took less than an hour to find Charles Williams guilty of first-degree murder for Washingtons slaying and attempted murder for the wounding of another man outside Double Ds bar early on March 24, 2018. The shootings were captured on the bars extensive network of security cameras. That video was the lynchpin of District Attorney Fran Chardos case during the three-day trial. After the jury left the courtroom, Judge William T. Tully promptly sentenced the 43-year-old Williams to life in prison for the slaying of Washington. He added a consecutive 5- to 10-year jail term for the attempted murder of Deion Shumate. Shumate suffered 12 gunshot wounds and survived. Washington, who was killed on his 20th birthday, was shot three times in the chest. They gave my baby justice, Washingtons sobbing mother Jowana told Tully, praising the jurys decision. She and several other family members softly told the jurors Thank you as the panel left the courtroom. He was just a 20-year-old kid trying to find his way in life, she said. He was just trying to be young and to fit in with everybody else. Williams said nothing when Tully gave him the chance to speak. Defense attorney Petra Gross merely asked the judge not to impose consecutive prison terms. Investigators said they dont know the motive for the shooting. Williams silence ensures that remains a mystery, Tully observed. It appears at times that grudges seem to go back and forth, the judge said. I guess we can continue not to know the rest of the story in this case. Williams showed no reaction to the verdict or his sentencing. He spoke and laughed with supporters as sheriffs deputies escorted him from the courtroom in shackles. Stay strong, one woman told him. On New Years Eve, a 25 year-old Albany man went missing after a rideshare vehicle dropped him off at Thacher State Park. Luckily, the Albany County sheriffs deputies, state park police, and forest rangers found and rescued him a day later. That incident and others below involving Forest Rangers took place between Dec. 20 to Jan. 5. All specifics were supplied by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Town of New Scotland, Albany County Wilderness Search and Rescue On Jan. 2, Forest Rangers assisted Albany County Sheriffs Deputies and State Park Police with a search for a missing 25-year-old man from Albany who was dropped off at Thacher State Park by a rideshare vehicle on New Years Eve at approximately 11 p.m. Forest Rangers and deputies split up into teams to search below the escarpment trail, near the visitors center and the overlook parking lot. A crew of Sheriffs deputies located the man conscious and alert but unable to move due to his injuries. Utilizing various rope rescue system techniques, the man was successfully rescued from the woods below the cliff, carried to a staged helicopter, and flown to a local hospital. Town of Santa Clara, Franklin County Wilderness Rescue On Dec. 31 at 2:45 p.m., DECs Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from Franklin County 911 reporting that the Tupper Lake EMS squad was dispatched to site 95 of the Fish Creek Campground regarding a 19-year-old male from Lake Clear with a leg injury. Forest Ranger Pete Evans and Environmental Conservation Police Officer Nate Favreau responded to the scene. Upon his arrival, Officer Favreau met with New York State Police and found that the injury was the result of an accident involving a jet sled being pulled behind a pick-up truck. The operator lost traction due to icy road conditions, causing the truck to lurch. The sled then hit a tree and ejected the subject, causing an upper leg injury. The man was taken by Tupper Lake EMS to seek further medical assistance. All units were clear from the scene at 4:09 p.m. Town of Cheektowaga, Erie County Public Outreach On Jan. 1, Forest Ranger John Kennedy led a group of approximately 25 people on a hike at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve as part of New York States First Day Hike program. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and DEC invited New Yorkers to celebrate the New Year at one of the dozens of hikes at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands across the Empire State. The focus of the Reinstein Woods hike was to discuss hiking safety and the right gear to carry. One lucky hiker also won a 2020 Empire Pass. Town of Birdsall, Allegany County Public Outreach On Jan. 1, Forest Ranger Justin Thaine organized and led a hike at Jersey Hill State Forest and the adjacent Karr Valley Creek State Forest in the town of Birdsall, Allegany County, as part of the First Day Hike program. The event was attended by 33 participants despite cold and windy conditions. The hike started and ended at the site of the former Jersey Hill fire tower. A short presentation was given before the walk, with Forest Ranger Thaine talking about Ranger duties, his role in state land protection, the history of the fire tower, and Civilian Conservation Corps work done at State Forests. DEC Forester Theresa Draves also answered questions about forest management on the parcels. Fire Warden/Town of Birdsall historian Howard Hann, a former observer in the fire tower, told the attendees about how the fire tower operated and how towers were used to detect wildfires. Forest Ranger Thaine then led a four-mile loop hike. Town of Collins, Erie County Public Outreach On Jan.1, Forest Ranger Wayne Krulish led 15 hikers down the Holcomb Pond trail on the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area property as part of New York States First Day Hikes program. Forest Ranger Krulish led discussions about being a Forest Ranger, the hazards of Zoar Valley, rules and regulations unique to the area, and winter hiking safety and preparedness. DEC Forester Chris Enser also assisted on the hike and discussed current and historic forest management of the area. Town of Fort Ann, Washington County Wilderness Rescue On Jan. 5 at 2:53 p.m., Washington County 911 transferred a call to DECs Ray Brook Dispatch from a 55-year-old man who became lost while hiking from the Pilot Knob trailhead. The caller stated that he wanted to get a better view of a nearby pond and hiked off the trail and up a hill, but became disoriented when one of his dogs ran away. The subject could not locate the trail again. Using coordinates provided by Washington County 911, Forest Ranger Melissa Milano determined the man was on a hill overlooking a nearby beaver pond on the east end of the trail. Forest Ranger Milano directed dispatch to advise the man to stay where he was while she proceeded to him from the Inman Pond trailhead off Sly Pond Road. Forest Ranger Milano located the man at 4:22 p.m. and assisted him back to the trail head. Once out of the woods, the hiker was given a ride back to his vehicle at the Pilot Knob trailhead and the scene was cleared at 6:18 p.m. Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Be prepared before you enter the backcountry. Visit DECs Hiking Safety and Adirondack Backcountry Information page for more information. READ MORE CNY deer hunter faces misdemeanor charges after passing motorist was shot in neck 12 great Upstate NY outdoors shows, expos you wont want to miss this winter Upstate NY Winter Guide 2020: Huge list of festivals, activities, more Registration opens for 22nd annual Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour As Finlands prime minister, 34-year-old Sanna Marin, scanned international news headlines this week, she may have been surprised to learn that she was being credited for looking into the feasibility of a four-day working week. The information eventually made its way onto social media and it created quite a frenzy. Most people were elated. Some even dropped memes to show their happiness. However, Finland is not considering a 4-day work week. On Tuesday, Marins government put an end to the myth with a tweet. In the Finnish Governments program there is no mention about 4-day week. Issue is not on the Finnish Governments agenda. PM @marinsanna envisioned idea briefly in a panel discussion last August while she was the Minister of Transport, and there hasnt been any recent activity. Finnish Government (@FinGovernment) January 7, 2020 The idea of drastically shorter working hours was briefly touched on by Marin in August, months before she was made Finnish prime minister in December. But the government now wants to make clear that a four-day week isnt on the agenda and there hasnt been any recent activity on the topic, according to a Twitter update on Tuesday. Marin first discussed the idea during a panel debate at the Social Democratic Partys 120th anniversary event last summer, where speakers took stock of the movements achievements -- including the eight-hour work day -- and envisioned future causes. The political movement has struggled to find relevance among younger voters, as pensioners become a more dominant group among its base of supporters. Painting in broad strokes to describe a future in which a Social Democratic welfare state becomes carbon neutral and equitable, Marin envisioned Utopian scenarios. A four-day work week, a six-hour workday, why couldnt that be the next step? Is eight hours the final truth? Marin asked on August 17. I think people deserve more time with their families, hobbies, life. This could be the next step for us in working life. Finns work on average about 40 hours over a five-day work week, according to the statistics office, but unemployment remains high and many have fallen outside the work force. Thats prompted a broad debate on work in Finland in recent years, including the first nationwide experiment on a form of basic income run by the previous center-right government in 2016-2018. Marins Social Democrats rule together with four other parties on the left and center of the political spectrum. Opening a second office was an important goal for 2019, said Founding Partner, Jehan N. Jayakumar. We are hopeful that expanding our footprint into Los Angeles will allow us to capitalize on new growth opportunities and more effectively serve our valued clients in the region. Carlson & Jayakumar LLP, a Southern California-based employment litigation and healthcare law firm, announced today that the firm has opened a new office to better serve clients in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Opening a second office was an important goal for 2019, said Founding Partner, Jehan N. Jayakumar. We are hopeful that expanding our footprint into Los Angeles will allow us to capitalize on new growth opportunities and more effectively serve our valued clients in the region. The new office, conveniently located in the heart of historic Downtown Los Angeles at 500 S. Grand Ave., Suite 2050, Los Angeles, CA 90071, in the Biltmore Tower, will be led by Partner, Lil G. Delcampo. Ms. Delcampo joined Carlson & Jayakumar LLP last year, coming from The University of Southern California, where she served as Associate General Counsel for USC Health Sciences. There, she supervised the health sciences attorneys and provided legal support to the universitys health system, which included three hospitals and a several-hundred-physician medical group. She provides healthcare legal services for clients throughout the Los Angeles area. My goal is to help Carlson & Jayakumar grow into the leading employment and healthcare law firm in Los Angeles, said Ms. Delcampo. Establishing an office in centrally-located Downtown Los Angeles, a large and growing market, was an important step toward achieving that goal. About Carlson & Jayakumar LLP Carlson & Jayakumar LLP is a Southern California-based law firm focused on employment litigation and healthcare law. Since its inception in 2007, Carlson & Jayakumar has represented business owners, hospitals, and Academic Medical Centers in employment litigation including claims of wrongful discharge, sexual harassment, sex discrimination, race and national-origin discrimination, disability discrimination, age discrimination, misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition, and alleged wage-and-hour violations. In addition, Carlson & Jayakumars unique combination of experience in employment and healthcare law enables the firm to work with employers and practitioners in all aspects of healthcare law, including advising hospital and health systems on risk, regulatory and compliance matters; forming professional and general-business corporations, and multi-specialty practices; standing before professional licensing boards; advising on physician due process; defending medical staff actions; providing advice on fraud-and-abuse and fee-splitting laws; maintaining corporate documents, and preparing employment contracts, shareholder agreements, and employee handbooks. For more information, visit http://www.cjattorneys.com or call (213) 613-1683. Two Rivers Brewing Co. and Saucony Creek Brewing Co. each took home a haul of statewide awards from Harrisburg. Over the weekend, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Beer Competition awarded prizes to dozens of beers across multiple categories in its second annual contest. The Beer Competition kicked off the Farm Show weekend. Eastons Two Rivers Brewing Co. took home first place in the pale ale category for its Freemans Pub Ale and also had a third-place finish for its dark lager, The Easton Assassinator. Two Rivers Brewing Co.'s Freeman's Pub Ale took home first place in the pale ale category. Two Rivers Brewing Co.'s The Easton Assassinator garnered a third-place finish for all dark lagers. Saucony Creek, located in Kutztown, nabbed a first-place prize for its Rum Barr Aged Maple Mistress in the barrel-aged category. That brew also took home the Best of Show award. The brewery didnt have any other beers place in the categories, but its PA Preferred English Ale was awarded the PA Preferred Legacy Award for being a beer made with ingredients predominantly sourced from the state. Saucony Creek took home a haul of awards for its PA Preferred English Ale (left) and the "Best of Show"-winning Rum Barr Aged Maple Mistress (right). The competition as a whole included 262 beers from 25 counties, no small number from the No. 1 state in total volume of craft beer produced. But to be the best, clearly, you have to name your brewery after a body of water or two. Connor Lagore may be reached at clagore@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ConnorLagore. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. They're set to tie the knot this year, after getting engaged in April. And on Tuesday, Fiona Falkiner cosied up to fiancee Hayley Willis in bed, after celebrating her birthday. Taking to Instagram, Fiona shared a selfie of the pair together, saying she had a 'perfect' day as she marked turning 37 years old. 'It was perfect!' Fiona Falkiner (left) cosied up to fiancee Hayley Willis (right) in bed on Tuesday after celebrating her 37th birthday She wrote in the caption: 'Such an amazing day! Thank you for all the birthday love, time spent with family and friends and my love.' The former Biggest Loser star added: 'In bed by 9pm the end to the perfect day,' Earlier in the evening, Fiona took to her Instagram story to share a clip showing herself with family and friends inside the Sydney restaurant, House Teppanyaki, in Mosman. Wedding bells! It comes after Fiona revealed that she and Hayley are planning on marrying this year In the clip, Hayley - who was holding Fiona's phone - showed all the guests at the table, including the chef who jokingly tried to cover the camera with his spatula. It comes after Fiona revealed that she and Hayley are planning on marrying this year. Taking to Instagram on New Year's Eve, Fiona gushed about Hayley and wrote: 'The highlight of my decade has been meeting the love of my life, my soul mate, lover and best friend.' She added: 'Next year we get to marry each other legally which may not mean a lot to many but the fact I get to marry my love in my own country in front of all my friends and family will probably make it the highlight of the next decade!' Fiona and Hayley announced their engagement in April 2019, after 10 months of dating. Smitten! Fiona and Hayley announced their engagement in April 2019, after 10 months of dating The pair first started talking on Instagram while Fiona was holidaying in Europe in June 2018. Fiona told The Daily Telegraph's Stellar magazine in May that a particular direct message from Hayley 'stood out' more than others. 'Everyone pretends they don't read their DMs, but they do,' the TV personality said. Hayley, who is a journalist for Nine Network sports, also told the publication: 'I didn't know who she was and can only assume her profile came up on my explore feed on Instagram. So with a bit of liquid courage, I slid into her DMs.' More rounds of bitter cold after brief windy warm-up with snowfall by Friday night-Saturday... COVID-19 Important links and resources As the spread of COVID-19, or as it's more commonly known as the coronavirus continues, this page will serve as your one-stop for the resources you need to stay informed and to keep you and your family safe. CLICK HERE WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve on Wednesday unveiled a proposal to overhaul a 40-year-old anti-redlining law, deepening the rift with two other powerful regulators over the billions of dollars a year banks lend in poor communities. In a speech before the Urban Institute, Fed governor Lael Brainard said 1977's Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, should be modernized based on a careful study of data. "If the past is any guide, major updates to the CRA regulations happen once every few decades. So it is much more important to get reform right than to do it quickly," Brainard said. The comment appeared aimed at a rival proposal unveiled last month by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. that sparked a rare public rift between financial regulators. The OCC and the FDIC moved forward with their proposal without reaching consensus with the Federal Reserve and is giving the public 60 days to comment on their plan rather than the typical 90 days. Under the Community Reinvestment Act, regulators periodically examine banks' lending practices for low- and moderate-income borrowers. A bank may get CRA credit, for example, for issuing a mortgage to a black borrower, financing an affordable housing project or offering a small-business loan. Banks given a low rating can be sanctioned. The banking industry has long complained that the law hasn't kept up with the industry's evolution as more customers have shifted online and the number of bank branches have dwindled across the country. Under the sweeping overhaul proposed last month by the OCC and the FDIC, regulators would clarify and expand what qualifies for CRA credit and give banks more flexibility in deciding where to invest. The regulators called their proposal a needed modernization of the law that would make it easier for banks to expand lending in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. But Brainard said the OCC and FDIC approach "runs the risk of encouraging some institutions to meet expectations primarily through a few large community development loans or investments rather than meeting local needs." Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes The Federal Reserve's approach would establish more qualitative standards and be tailored to local conditions, Brainard said. It also emphasizes how many loans banks make, not just their dollar value. "The value of these services may vary greatly from community to community," she said. Brainard said the Federal Reserve is still deciding whether to formally introduce its alternative proposal, which could leave banks complying with different sets of rules. It publicly laid out its approach so it could be considered as the OCC and the FDIC moved forward with their proposal, she said. "It's important to eventually find common ground," Brainard said. "But I think we want to make sure that any [rules further] the core purposes of the statute." The OCC declined to comment on the Fed proposal. The FDIC didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The New South Wales government will tip an additional $1 billion over the next two years into bushfire management and recovery after an unprecedented fire season. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new funding would prioritise infrastructure repair and help stimulate fire-ravaged NSW communities. 'The bushfire season is far from over but we know how important it is for communities to start the recovery process where possible,' Ms Berejiklian said in a statement on Thursday. The New South Wales government will tip an additional $1 billion over the next two years into bushfire management and recovery after an unprecedented fire season. Firefighters are seen working in Kulnura, NSW She said the funding was on top of $231 million already committed to disaster assistance funding. Meanwhile fire crews will take advantage of cooler conditions across NSW as they battle to control several blazes ahead of forecast worsening conditions. Authorities have confirmed that 1,870 NSW homes have been destroyed since the start of the fire season, with more than 750 damaged. More than 950 have been confirmed destroyed in 2020 alone. Almost 200 facilities and 3,774 outbuildings have also been razed. Rain and cooler temperatures are forecast across the bushfire-ravaged NSW south coast on Thursday, as well as in Sydney. A 'very high' fire danger is in place for northwest NSW, the southern slopes and the northern slopes on Thursday but no total fire bans have been declared. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new funding would prioritise infrastructure repair and help stimulate fire-ravaged NSW communities NSW Rural Fire Services spokesman James Morris said crews will work on backburning as much as they can and will strengthen fire containment lines ahead of increased temperatures on Friday. 'On Friday we are likely to see increased conditions but at this stage we are not looking at seeing significant risks,' he told AAP on Wednesday. Residents around bushfire areas are advised to continue to monitor the situation as conditions can change quickly, he added. The favourable conditions have also helped energy crews restore power to most south coast and Southern Highlands communities after bushfires caused widespread damage over the weekend. Eurobodalla Shire Council advised residents via Facebook to be ready to relocate ahead of Friday's forecast hot conditions. Boil water notices remain in place in several south coast areas. More than 120 fires continue to burn across NSW, with almost 60 uncontained. Two men, from Kiah and Lower Towamba, reported as missing on the far south coast were located safe and well on Tuesday. Since July 20 people, more than 6200 livestock and millions of wild animals have died in bushfires across NSW. Throughout evolutionary history, fear has helped humans stay safe and thrive. But in the modern world, many fear responses such as phobias are, at best, unhelpful and, at worst, debilitating. Yet, accumulating evidence shows that mindfulness practice could help us unlearn these responses. Share on Pinterest More evidence suggests that mindfulness may help us stay free of unhelpful fears. The practice of mindfulness the purpose of which is to help an individual focus on stimuli occurring in the present moment is gaining momentum across countries and cultures. Anecdotal evidence suggests that mindfulness can help people feel calmer, more serene, and more motivated in their day-to-day life. And the findings of an increasing number of studies are now backing up that evidence, indicating that mindfulness practice can bring real benefits for physical and, especially, mental health. Studies covered by Medical News Today last year linked mindfulness to better blood pressure control and improved effectiveness of opioid use disorder treatments. Previous research has also suggested that mindfulness may help lower symptoms of depression and anxiety. Now, a study from the University of Southern Denmark in Odense, Uppsala and Lund Universities in Sweden, Peking University in Beijing, China, and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, NY has found evidence that mindfulness could help people unlearn their fear responses. While fear has had a positive role in human evolution, helping our ancestors steer clear of dangerous situations, nowadays, many people experience learned fear responses that are unhelpful and counterproductive. Examples of such fear responses include phobias, such as the fear of flying, which are very difficult to eradicate once they take root. But the current research suggests that people who practice mindfulness long term find it easier to unlearn fear responses and remain fear-free as the study paper from Nature Scientific Reports explains. Mindfulness helps keep fear at bay To find out whether mindfulness could really help people unlearn fear responses, the researchers recruited 26 healthy participants, whom they randomly split into two groups. Volunteers from one group received daily mindfulness training for 4 weeks through a popular mindfulness app. By contrast, those from the other group received no such training, thus making up the control cohort. At the end of the 4 weeks, all the volunteers agreed to undertake an experiment that the researchers conducted over 2 days. On the first day, the participants learned a fear response by watching a slideshow of images. As particular images came up on the screen, they also received mild electric shocks. Thus, they learned to associate the unpleasant shocks with the images, and so, whenever they came up, the participants would experience increased sweating, a mark of the fight or flight response. Once they had taught the participants this association, the researchers then proceeded to extinguish this reaction. They did this by repeatedly showing the volunteers the same set of images, but this time without delivering any electric shocks. The researchers wanted to find out in which of the participants if any the unlearning (or extinction learning) of the fear response would stick, since, they explain, the fearful associations typically tend to return very quickly. On day two of the experiment, the investigators sat all the participants down to view the same slideshow and hooked them up to the device they used to deliver electric shocks without, however, delivering any shocks to the volunteers. The researchers found that the participants who had received mindfulness training did not experience a fear reaction when they viewed the pictures with which they had previously formed unpleasant associations. In the participants who had not received mindfulness training, however, the fear responses made a comeback, as demonstrated by skin conductance measurements that assessed physiological markers of psychological arousal. ANN ARBOR, MI - New York Times reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones, author and editor of the 1619 Project marking the 400th anniversary of enslaved Africans arrival in Virginia, is scheduled to speak about the project at the University of Michigan. Hannah-Jones will speak in Ann Arbor at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 in Rackham Auditorium, 915 E. Washington St., in an event hosted by UMs Wallace House. She will discuss the project with author and former Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley. The event is free and open to the public. The 1619 Project is an ongoing initiative launched in August 2019 by The New York Times Magazine. The project aims to reframe the countrys history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of the national narrative, according to the New York Times. The project has received widespread acclaim, but recently has come under scrutiny from historians and publications like The Atlantic regarding its historical accuracy. The New York Times Magazine editor-in-chief Jake Silverstein defended the projects reporting in an editorial. Hannah-Jones, a domestic correspondent for The New York Times Magazine focusing on racial injustice, responded to the The Atlantics essay criticizing the projects reporting via Twitter on Tuesday. The fact that you are so uncomfortable with a project commemorating the 400th anniversary of the slavery of African-descended people actually focusing on the experience and role of African-descended people is something you might want to contemplate, Hannah-Jones tweeted. Hannah-Jones earned her bachelors in history and African-American studies from the University of Notre Dame and her masters in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to the 1619 Project, she has written on federal failures to enforce the Fair Housing Act, the re-segregation of American schools and policing in America. The event is part of UMs annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium. Latinos are family-oriented and it is not surprising that they value their relationships with others. Therefore, when you make a friend from the Latino community, just remember, Latinos are loyal friends and they are not to be taken for granted. Having a Latino friend is a big blessing because aside from having new friends from another ethnic group, you will also learn about their culture. With this, you will understand the beauty and diversity of our world. Here are some perks of having Latino friends according to Latina: 1. Learning the Spanish Language Once you have a strong relationship with a Latino, you will learn more Spanish words aside from 'Gracias' and 'Bueno.' This is such an opportunity. You don't need to pay for a Spanish tutor and spend hundreds of dollars. Just ask your Latino friend to teach you more Spanish and they will probably be willing to help you. 2. Your Barrio Pass is Unlimited, Maybe Once you have a Latino friend, you will be welcomed in most Latino barrios. Remember that part of the tradition of the Latino is greeting you by kissing you on the cheeks or sometimes with a hug. There are many Latino barrios in the U.S. and if you are with your Latino friend, they may welcome you regardless of your nationality or race. However, it's important to remember that we must not generalize any race. Although Latinos are mostly welcoming, there still may be some who would prefer that you don't come around. We should always be careful when dealing with other cultures and people. 3. You Will Not Get Hungry You will not get hungry once you have a Latino friend. Prepare yourself once you visit a Latino home because they will surely offer you food. Latinos are known as hospitable so you don't need to worry about getting hungry once you are in a Latino home. Most of the time they will serve you with Costco-sized platters of delicious and other Latin cuisine. 4. You Can Use the Expression "No Way, Jose" If you are in a heated conversation about pop culture and your Latino friend is way off! You can say "No way, Jose!" This phrase means absolutely not or never. Again, this is dependent on the context and the nature of your friendship. Some Latinos may find this term, or phrase, to be offensive. Not every one in the Latino community is named Jose. 5. You Will Learn How to Throw a Perfect House Party A perfect house party is with art, music, food, drinks, cramp apartment or house, booties shaking, and more. Once you have a Latino friend, you don't need to worry about these because all those things are part of Latino culture. 6. You May Become A Better Dancer After years of being a Latino friend, I am very sure that you knew already how to dance salsa. Try having a nightlife with a Latino and you will know why you will become a better dancer after spending years with them. Dancing is always a big thing most especially in a Latino home. You can't bid goodbye or leave their homes without dancing with them. 7. You Will Get a Better Understanding of Why Scarface is Offensive It is still prevalent in Hollywood today to stereotype a Latino who is turned into a drug lord. This is not true to all. Maybe for some but not all Latinos are involved with this thing. 8. You Will Know Their Siblings One of the best traditions of a Latino home is to introduce you to the whole family. Do not be surprised if you meet their beautiful siblings. Remember, hands-off! Just sit back and enjoy the view. 9. You Will Eat Great Food at Latin Restaurants If you want to taste great food at Latin restaurants, you have to ask your Latino friend for the best Latino restaurant. Once you are in the place, let your Latino friend order the food in Spanish and you will never regret spending money in a Latino restaurant. 10. They Will Introduce You to More Friends Being friendly is innate to Latinos. They will introduce you to more Latinos and once you get along with them, you will always be on their list during a house party. I am sure that you would love their house parties. The plane was in good operating condition, the carrier's chief said. Ukraine's largest air carrier, Ukraine International Airlines (UIA), had not received any alerts regarding flight safety in Tehran (Iran), where a Boeing 737 plane crashed on Wednesday. "The plane was in good operating condition... This is a regular scheduled flight, and until yesterday's late evening there were no alerts that we need to limit flights there. We can impose restrictions ourselves, also the state aviation service of the country where the carrier is headquartered, and of course, had we had even the slightest alert about any threats, we would have suspended flights to this area," UIA President Yevhen Dykhne said at a press conference at Boryspil International Airport Wednesday. Read alsoMFA Ukraine on PS752 crash near Tehran: terror attack, missile hit versions ruled out At the same time, he declined to comment on the version of the crash, noting that it was necessary to see the official results of the investigation into the causes of the tragedy. "The company is not entitled to working out own versions. Now a special commission is being set up, which is to come to some conclusions, and only their conclusions can be referred to as versions," the UIA president added. As UNIAN reported earlier, according to updated reports, UIA flight PS752 bound for Kyiv, with 167 passengers and nine crew on board, crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran airport in the early hours of Wednesday, January 8. Local emergency services say no one survived in the crash. Related Iran retaliates amid fears of turning Iraq into war arena with US Here is a recap of events since the killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad by the US on January 3, which escalated tensions between Tehran and Washington: US assassinates Soleimani On January 3 a US drone strike on Baghdad's international airport kills Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard Corps' foreign operations arm, the Quds Force. Also among the dead is Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy chief of the Tehran-backed Iraqi paramilitary network Hashed al-Shaabi. The Pentagon confirms Trump ordered Soleimani's assassination while the US embassy in Baghdad urges all Americans to leave Iraq "immediately". The killing comes days after thousands of pro-Iranian supporters stormed the US embassy in Baghdad, chanting "Death to America!", angered by US strikes against Hashed bases in Iraq. Those US strikes, on December 29, had been in retaliation for rocket attacks against US interests in Iraq in which a US civilian contractor was killed. Iran calls for revenge Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promises "severe revenge" for Soleimani's death. In Iraq caretaker prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi warns the US strike will "spark a devastating war in Iraq", while President Barham Saleh pleads for "voices of reason" to prevail. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tells CNN Soleimani had been planning imminent action "that would have put dozens if not hundreds of American lives at risk". A Pentagon official says the US is deploying up to 3,500 more troops to the Middle East. Trump threatens 52 Iran sites On January 4 Trump warns the US is targeting 52 sites in Iran and will hit them "very fast and very hard" if the Islamic republic attacks American personnel or assets. He says sites "important to... Iranian culture" are on the list. The next day Pompeo insists any US military action against Iran will conform to international law after Trump is accused of threatening a war crime by declaring cultural sites as potential targets. Nuclear deal unravels further On January 5, Iran announces its fifth step back from the nuclear deal with world powers agreed in 2015, saying it will forgo a "limit on the number of centrifuges". Since May 2019 Iran has gradually freed itself from commitments to which it had subscribed, in response to the unilateral withdrawal a year earlier of the US which reinstated economic sanctions against Tehran. Funeral turns deadly After days of mourning for Soleimani in Iraq and Iran, a stampede during a massive funeral procession in Iran kills more than 50 people. In Baghdad, Mahdi confirms he has received what the US called a draft letter describing steps its military would take to "move out" of Iraq. In Washington, US officials scramble to deny the idea, calling the letter a mistakenly released draft. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper says the Pentagon's "policy has not changed. We are not leaving Iraq". Iran strikes back Iran launches a volley of missiles early Wednesday at Iraqi bases housing US and other coalition troops. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the strikes are a "slap in the face" for the United States and revenge for Soleimani's death is yet to come. Iraq's military said it sustained no casualties, and US President Donald Trump said initial casualty assessments indicated "all is well". Search Keywords: Short link: Mercedes-Benz AG (Mercedes-Benz) and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding), the German and Chinese automotive groups, announced on Jan. 8 that they have formally established the global joint venture smart Automobile Co., Ltd. for the smart brand after receiving the regulatory approvals. The total registered capital of the Joint Venture will be 5.4 billion RMB to transform smart into a leading player in premium-and intelligent electrified vehicles. Both parties will equally contribute 2.7 billion RMB, the share of Mercedes-Benz AG will be mainly covered by the contribution of the smart brand. The global headquarters of the new joint venture has been set in Hangzhou Bay, Ningbo with operational sales functions based in China and Germany. The new generation of smart vehicles will be designed by the worldwide Mercedes-Benz Design network and developed by the Geely global engineering network. Future production will be located in China. As part of the vehicle-development program, the smart product portfolio will be extended into the fast-growing B-segment that are in line with smart's brand positioning with a focus on pure premium electric and connected vehicles. (Photo source: Smart) The board of directors of the new smart joint venture will be made up of six executives with equal representation from both parties. Daimler AG board representatives will include Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Greater China, Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG responsible for Marketing & Sales, and Markus Schafer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. Geely board representatives will include Geely Holding Chairman Li Shufu, Geely Holding President, Geely Auto Group President and CEO An Conghui, Geely Holding Executive Vice President and CFO Daniel Donghui Li. Tong Xiangbei has been appointed the new global CEO of the smart joint venture and will oversee all operations relating to the brand including sales, marketing, R&D, production and after sales. Tong has more than two decades of experience in automotive industry. Before joining the smart joint venture, he has worked for global automotive OEMs both in the United States and in China. Ola Kallenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, said: Having received all necessary regulatory approvals we are now ready to start the joint venture with our partner Geely that has been in preparation for the past several months. The joint venture will bring the next generation of zero-emission smart electric cars to the Chinese and global markets. We look forward to continue our collaboration to bring desirable products and services to customers around the world. Li Shufu, Geely Holding Chairman said: The smart brand has a unique value and global influence, it has grown to be a leader in urban mobility. Geely Holding will fully support the smart brand with its full advantages in R&D, manufacturing, supply chain and other fields into the joint venture and support its development in China and globally. We will work together with Mercedes-Benz to transform the smart brand into a leading player in urban premium, electric and connected vehicles to successfully develop the brand's global potential. SACRAMENTO California will open vacant state land to emergency shelters for homeless people under an executive order that Gov. Gavin Newsom intends to sign Wednesday. The order, which Newsom announced ahead of his annual budget plan due this week, would also create a fund to pay rent and build affordable housing for homeless people. The governor will propose to start the fund with $750 million in taxpayer money, which the Legislature would have to approve. With the homeless population surging by double-digit percentages in many cities across the state, and California coming under fire from President Trump for its widespread encampments, Newsom is under increasing pressure to get people off the streets. Homelessness has become the biggest issue of concern to Californians, recent polls show. Newsoms executive order will create a state system to track how well local governments are doing in moving homeless people from the street to more stable living situations, according to a summary provided by the governors office. Newsom said in a statement that the order aims to directly connect homeless people with emergency housing and treatment programs. Californians have lots of compassion for those among us who are living without shelter, he said. But we also know what compassion isnt. Compassion isnt allowing a person suffering a severe psychotic break or from a lethal substance abuse addiction to literally drift towards death on our streets and sidewalks. The order instructs four state agencies to identify properties that could be made available for short-term homeless shelters. The properties include excess state land that has been set aside for affordable-housing development, lots next to highways and state roads, decommissioned hospitals and health care centers, and fairgrounds. It will also provide cities and counties with 100 travel trailers from a state fleet and tent structures to set up temporary housing and health and social services. Details about the timeline and eligibility criteria were not included in the summary of the executive order. There is ample precedent for using excess government land for homeless programs, starting with a 1987 law that allows the leasing of surplus federal property for homeless services for free. And over the past two years, San Francisco has put two Navigation Center shelters on underused Caltrans property on Fifth Street and in the Bayview, at virtually no cost for the land. Although the governors order creates the new fund to support housing access for homeless people, which could also include board-and-care homes for the mentally ill, any state appropriation would require the Legislatures approval as part of the budget process. Lawmakers will not approve a spending plan until June. In the meantime, Newsom said he will seek contributions to the fund from the private sector and philanthropies. As part of his 2020-21 budget plan, Newsom will also propose expanding Medi-Cal, the states health care program for the poor, to include preventive care and housing support services that could keep chronically homeless people out of the emergency room and other costly care. With matching federal money, the expansion would cost $1.4 billion a year. Other new initiatives in Newsoms budget proposal include a task force to redesign mental health services for homeless people and a study of the root causes of homelessness in California. Newsom entered office a year ago promising a greater focus on combatting Californias homelessness crisis, including by appointing a statewide homelessness czar to lead the states response. In his first year, he gave cities and counties $650 million in emergency aid to fight homelessness and signed laws to speed up shelter construction by granting exemptions to environmental regulations and eliminating the publics ability to challenge the approval of Navigation Centers that meet local zoning requirements. But his czar never materialized. In August, Newsom said he would rely instead on the advice of a task force he appointed to explore strategies for addressing homelessness. The panel has been looking into possibilities including mandating shelter or housing for street people, and Newsom credited it for inspiring many of the ideas in his order. But several members have long said that their understanding is that whatever they come up with, Newsom will follow his gut. Gavin is the homeless czar in California. Period. End of story, said Philip Mangano, who is on the task force and was national homeless czar as head of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He will own this issue and do the right things not the task force. He is a businessman, and he is smart enough to want some R&D, so he appointed the task force. And that is what we are doing. We are bringing research and development to the governor, and he will act. Mangano worked closely with Newsom when he was San Francisco mayor to steer the citys emphasis more toward supportive housing than shelter, and the effort dramatically reduced the street counts for several years in the mid-2000s before they began climbing again. The citys homeless population was up 17% over the past two years in the most recent count. Statewide, homelessness has also shot up in recent years, despite billions of dollars being approved by voters up and down California for supportive and affordable-housing programs. The latest count taken in 2019 found 151,278 homeless people in the state, an increase of 16% since 2018. Alexei Koseff and Kevin Fagan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com, kfagan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff, @KevinChron Sinn Fein MP John Finucane said Brexit has changed forever the debate around a united Ireland as he urged Dublin to prepare the ground for a border poll. Mr Finucane, who unseated the DUPs Westminster leader, Nigel Dodds, in Belfast North at the general election, said the debate around a border poll was now mainstream. But he added that any move towards a vote should be conducted in a calm and measured way, avoiding what he said were the mistakes of the Brexit referendum. He told the PA news agency: I dont think that anybody has anything to fear from the debate because one thing I think we can point to from Brexit perhaps perversely as a positive is how not to run a major constitutional referendum. People need to be very clear as to what they are voting for and what they are voting against. I dont want to achieve a new Ireland because of a lie on the side of a bus. I dont want to achieve a new Ireland by people being misinformed. I think it needs to be a very well-informed and reasoned debate and for that we need the Irish Government to step up. John Finucane celebrates with Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald (left) and vice president Michelle ONeill after his general election victory (Liam McBurney/PA) He said the Brexit vote in 2016 changed forever the conversation around a new Ireland. I think its a conversation that is now as mainstream as I can remember it in my lifetime. Mr Finucane said his election success showed a significant change in the politics of the constituency. That played out against the backdrop of Brexit and I think people in North Belfast, as was the way of people right across Ireland, have watched in horror really as Brexit has unfolded over the past three years. Nigel Dodds very much owned Brexit he was the head of the DUP here in Westminster, he was part of the Vote Leave campaign, and I think that people were very angry at that style of politics. Sinn Feins seven MPs do not take up their seats in the UK Parliament at Westminster. But as the partys MPs gathered at Westminster, West Belfast MP Paul Maskey said: We are here to raise the issue of Irish unity and to raise issues for our constituents as well. Iranian state television said on Wednesday that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on U.S. targets in Iraq, adding that none of the missiles were intercepted. State TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said U.S. helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged". It did not provide evidence of how it obtained that information. Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday in retaliation for the US drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Iranian state television said Iran had fired 15 missiles at US targets in Iraq early on Wednesday. The US military said at least two Iraqi facilities hosting US-led coalition personnel were targeted at about 1:30 a.m. Iraq time (2230 GMT on Tuesday). Iraq said 22 missiles were fired. Iranian officials said Tehran did not want a war and its strikes "concluded" its response to Friday's killing of Qassem Soleimani, a powerful general whose burial in Iran after days of mourning was completed around the same time as Iran's missile launches. Iranian state television showed mourners celebrating the attack. U.S. President Donald Trump said in a tweet that an assessment of casualties and damage from the strikes was under way and that he would make a statement on Wednesday morning. "All is well!" Trump, who visited one of the targeted sites in Iraq, Ain al-Asad air base, in December 2018, said on Twitter. One source said early indications were of no US casualties, while other U.S. officials declined to comment. Germany, Denmark and Norway said none of their troops in Iraq were killed or injured. Iraq also said there were no casualties in its forces. Iran, which has long said U.S. forces should leave the Middle East, told Washington after the attacks to withdraw its troops to prevent more deaths and warned U.S. allies including Israel not to allow attacks from their territories. Iranian television reported an official in Supreme Leader Ali Khameni's office as saying the missile attacks were the "weakest" of several retaliation scenarios. It quoted another source saying Iran had lined up 100 other potential targets. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was due to speak later on Wednesday, state television reported. Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said the bases targeted were al-Asad air base and another facility in Erbil, Iraq. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region," Hoffman said. Hours earlier on Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the United States should anticipate a response from Iran for the killing of Soleimani, commander of Iran's elite Quds Force, a unit of the Revolutionary Guards. "I think we should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form," he told a briefing at the Pentagon. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran "took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter". "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," he wrote in a post on Twitter. If the U.S. military was spared casualties and Iran takes no further measures to retaliate for Soleimani's killing, there might be an opportunity for Washington and Tehran to seek a way out to their increasingly violent confrontation. Also read: Missile strikes in Iraq 'Slap in face' of US, says Iran's supreme leader Also read: Iran-US tension: Govt issues advisory to Indians; asks people to avoid non-essential travel to Gulf Bazaar Corporate Radar | Feb 22, 2021, 12:00 AM IST Bazaar Corporate Radar Bazaar Corporate Radar is your window into the minds of top CEOs, Boardrooms, global economists, fund managers and sector analysts. If it?s making news, you?ll find it on Bazaar Corporate Radar. A Connecticut man pleaded guilty this week to a series of hoaxes, including sending a letter with white powder threatening to kill President Trump. On Monday, the man, Gary Joseph Gravelle, 52, who had been previously jailed for sending threatening messages, pleaded guilty in United States District Court in Bridgeport to seven charges related to threats he had made in September 2018, according to John H. Durham, the United States attorney in Connecticut. In addition to sending the threatening letter to the president along with a substance he claimed was anthrax, Mr. Gravelle emailed threatening messages to harm or intimidate federal probation officers and mental health providers. He also sent messages threatening to explode facilities in New Haven, a federal prison in Washington and a credit union in Bristol, Conn., as well as threats to blow up planes and property at Burlington International Airport, court records show. Mr. Gravelle, also known as Roland Prejean, will face a maximum of 60 years in prison and possible fines when he is sentenced on March 26. He faces additional jail time for violating his supervised release, according to a spokesman for Mr. Durham. According to Congress leaders, Priyanka Gandhi, who is in-charge for eastern Uttar Pradesh, will establish communication with BHU students during her visit. New Delhi, Jan 8 (INS) Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is all set to visit Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on January 10 to meet students in the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The party leaders said that the Congress leader will arrive in the city on Friday morning and go to the Guleria Kothi, the Guleria Ghat, and the Ram Ghat. She will then hold the meeting with BHU students and civil society members. According to party leaders, she will meet students for an informal interaction in BHU, in her first visit there. During the Lok Sabha polls last year, she had made several visit to the temple town but she stayed away from the BHU campus. The BHU has been mired in controversy since the past several months. In September 2017, violence was seen on the campus over an incident of molestation and then in November 2019, there were prolonged protests over the appointment of a Muslim professor in the Sanskrit Department. BHU sources, however, said that no formal permission had been granted for Priyanka's visit. "We cannot allow political leaders to address students on the campus unless there is a valid reason," said a senior faculty member. aMita-aks-miz/vd A group of students of the University of Hyderabad (UoH) on Wednesday staged a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act here. They raised sloganss like "withdraw CAA, withdraw NRC and withdraw NPA" and "Students unity long live." The protesting students under the banner of Hyderabad Central University Students Union as part of the All India Students Strike, boycotted classes and took out a rally from the campus. They assembled outside the UoH's main gate and held a demonstration. The protesting students alsoheld placards that read "reject CAA-NPR and All India NRC, "reject saffronisation," and "save campus democracy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sony recently unveiled its new logo for the PlayStation 5 and Twitter is having a field day. For those who missed out on the all the fun, Sony on Tuesday announced its new logo for the PlayStation 5 aka the PS5 and well, it looks awfully similar to the logo of the PS4. And after its unveiling, Twitter was having none of it and immediately started sharing their thoughts on the design by roasting it. Sony has been releasing fresh details about the PlayStation 5 which includes the official release window, specifications, UI, the new DualShock 5 controller innovations and more. However, yesterdays big reveal offered small insight into Sonys new design direction; which is rather unfortunate. Visually speaking, the new PS5 logo harkens back to the 3rd and 4th generation consoles and Sony hasnt switched up anything with the font too appearing to be the same. Essentially, just the number has been changed. Additionally, given that there is still no insight on what the final design of the console will look like, some fans are visibly disappointed by what the new logo provides. The hyped unveil has certainly upset some fans; however, Twitter sees its funny side. Here are some of the best tweets about the Sony PlayStation 5s new logo. Bruhhhhh Sony took The PS4 logo but bruhh hear me out they made the 4 a 5 a 5!! OH MY GOD pic.twitter.com/oQY6fwVIou Kaleb (@KalebPrime) January 7, 2020 The funniest part of the PS5 logo being identical to the PS4 logo is you *know* there were HOURS of meetings and discussions and notes and follow up calls and approvals for this design https://t.co/V9KLZCctbh Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) January 7, 2020 Look at all these dicks taking pics of the PS5 logo looking exactly like the PS4. pic.twitter.com/MUkgFAodjW Dave Weasel (@DaveWeasel) January 7, 2020 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) Angkas said it has tweaked its ownership structure after regulators pointed out "serious violations" of the terms of the pilot run for motorcycle taxis. Angkas' chief transport advocate George Royeca said the motorcycle-hailing company saw changes in ownership, with him emerging with a 60 percent stake. The changes came after the technical working group (TWG) handling the pilot run pointed out that Angkas' founder and president Angeline Tham, a Singaporean, owns 99.996 percent of Angkas via its corporate entity DBDOYC. Royeca said shares in Angkas have since been split among six owners, with his stake fulfilling the Constitutional mandate that public transport companies must be majority owned by Filipinos. The TWG took this as a "blatant display of defiance and arrogance" in a January 4 statement. The bike-hailing firm went on to appeal to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to lift driver limits per company and restore surge pricing, saying these play crucial roles in balancing supply and demand for rides. Angkas insisted that it is "not picking a fight" with the TWG, but said the cap was what they did not agree with. "If you put the cap and take out dynamic pricing, medyo doon talaga masu-supress ang supply and the public may find that it will be more difficult to book (rides) when they need to," Royeca said. READ: LTFRB could be putting passengers at risk with new policies, Angkas says He went on to defend Angkas' fare surge at a maximum of 1.5 times the base charge, saying that it was their way to "incentivize" bikers to go online during rush hour despite the heavy traffic. Still, the LTFRB technical working group told CNN Philippines' Busina Balita that it would want Angkas and other ride-hailing firms, including Grab, to explain their surge pricing. Royeca said the 10,000 rider cap on a per-company basis is not enough to serve commuters in Metro Manila, as 70-90 percent of drivers actually worked part-time. "We prefer a pool where the riders get to choose, and even if we increase the cap on everybody, that is still deficient of the existing market demand in the streets," he said, adding that not all bikers would be out on the streets at the same time. READ: Court temporarily stops cap on number of motorcycle taxis Still, Royeca apologized to the LTFRB and the Department of Transportation for issues in the past few weeks, saying it was passion rather than "defiance" which pushed Angkas to speak out against new policies set by the TWG. Angkas called out regulators for the sudden decision to limit riders to 10,000 from their current fleet of 27,000, saying more than half of their riders will suddenly go jobless this new year. The extended pilot run of Angkas with new players JoyRide and Move It will end March 23. The Supreme Court on Wednesday said that it will take a call on whether the review petitions against the court's judgment on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) will be heard in an open court or not, after due consultation with Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde. A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra said that he will take a call after discussing the matter with the CJI. In a major setback to telecom companies, the Supreme Court had on October 24, rejected the Telecom companies appeal against the Centre's definition of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), and asked these Telecom companies -- Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel and many others -- to pay more than Rs 90,000 crores to the Centre by January 2020. Telecom companies had then moved the apex court and filed a review petition seeking an open court hearing on the same. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Labour MP hoping to become the partys next deputy leader has said she would like to create a Ministry of Fabulosity for fabulous MPs. Launching her bid today, the Tooting MP told ITVs Acting Prime Minister podcast all about her fabulous plans. Warning host Paul Brand not to "giggle" at the idea, she said: Its a real ministry, it will have to be dominated by fabulous MPs and come out with fabulous policies to shape the country. Some serious ones, but some lighter more entertaining ones about he we see ourselves and some of the things we can do as a nation to put a swing in our step." Quizzed on what policies would be included, she said: Political debate, there is room for traditional political debate, but sometimes there is room for a dance off. Sometimes you need to know how your political representatives can represent themselves in real life. We all love a boogie. Rosena Allin-Khan joins the race for deputy Labour leader Mr Brand then asked Dr Allin-Khan, who still works as a practising A&E doctor, what she would do to relax if she were named Prime Minister. She responded: I like dance classes, I like shaking what my mama gave me. The 43-year-old then added that she also likes singing, explaining that shes been lots of bands. Asked by the presenter to show off her skills, she laughed before erupting into a short excerpt of Alicia Keyss Girl on Fire. Her comments have received a mixed response on social media, with some users joking that her new ministry be located next to the ministry of magic. Dr Allin-Khan later reappeared on Twitter with a more traditional leadership message. Sharing a set of proposed pledges for all Labour leadership candidates to follow, she wrote: Its important that we run a positive and clean campaign with respectful debate. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 06:38:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIRUT, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A dozen of Lebanese protesters were injured on Wednesday evening during clashes with soldiers in the city of Tripoli over increased power rationing, the National News Agency reported. The protesters, who gathered near the Qadisha Electricity Company, threw stones at the soldiers, who fired tear gas to disperse them. Lack of electricity in Lebanon has been a problem for many years, as the government is incapable of generating the needed amount of power. Successive governments have failed over the years to build power stations to solve the electricity problem in Lebanon. In recent years, Electricite Du Liban's budget deficit has ranged between 1.5-2 billion U.S. dollars, depending largely on the oil prices in international markets. The Qadisha Electric Company is a privately managed power firm subcontracted by Electricite du Liban to serve Tripoli. They say "hindsight is 2020." Were likely to see a lot of "hindsight" in 2020. John Durham, U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut, has been investigating the origin of the Russian collusion hoax executed by former CIA Director John Brennan, former FBI Director James Comey and former FBI counterintelligence agent Peter Strzok along with other high-ranking officials inside the Obama administration. In late July 2016, Brennan sent an electronic communication or EC to Comey that essentially began Operation Crossfire Hurricane, in which Brennan named four Trump campaign members as targets: George Papadopoulos, Carter Page, Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn. Afterward Strzok officially opened the investigation with his signature on July 31. Fake news stories began popping up in respected organizations. The New York Times, Washington Post and CNN routinely cited anonymous sources sometime labeled current and former American officials to buttress their stories about Donald Trump and campaign aids having repeated contact with Russian intelligence officers. These stories were not true. Even after Trump was inaugurated, The Associated Press reported March 21, 2017, Before signing up with Donald Trump, former campaign manager Paul Manafort secretly worked for a Russian billionaire with a plan to greatly benefit the Putin Government. This story was not true. Unfortunately, many news organizations reported fake news stories like these. They were untrue and they were always bad for Trump. For more than two years, Americans were subjected to daily attacks on President Trump with "proof" at last of collusion and corruption. Finally, Special Counsel Robert Mueller completed his investigation and sent it to Attorney General William Barr. All the presidents enemies waited breathlessly for a couple of weeks before Barr released the lightly redacted final report to Congress and the public. Contrary to all the predictions, "proofs," and prognostications of the best minds on the left in the media, politics and government, Muellers team had found no collusion between Trump and the Russians. Finding no evidence of collusion raised two glaring questions: What evidence did Brennan, Comey and Strzok have to begin the investigation? Why did they begin the investigation with no credible evidence? After Muellers report came out, ABC, CBS and NBC increased news coverage on all things "impeachment." Media Research Center senior editor Rich Noyes wrote, Despite the Mueller reports lack of an anti-Trump smoking gun, the broadcast networks actually became more invested in the Russia story. TV news viewers heard three times as many references to "impeachment" compared to before Mueller concluded there was no campaign conspiracy with Russia. ... Impeachment has been a foregone conclusion of the left since Nov. 9, 2016. When Muellers investigation fizzled, Democrats, media and the political establishment began searching frantically for anything impeachable. Why this irrational obsession with impeaching Trump? Plausibly, the left believes they cannot defeat him in this years election. Maybe there are other reasons than believing the electorate will re-elect Trump. U.S. Attorney Durham may deliver evidence of criminal activity in the highest echelons of the Obama administration to the Department of Justice some time this year. Have forces inside the government been colluding to remove Trump from office? Could this collusion be treason? What is the penalty for treason? Is it true what the Democrats and media have self-righteously pronounced that no one is above the law? Daniel L. Gardner is a syndicated columnist who lives in Starkville, Miss. You may contact him at PJandMe2@gmail.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of the House of Representatives of US Nancy Pelosi has said that she is monitoring the developments around Irans missile strikes at US bases in Iraq. Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war, she tweeted. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described Iran's missile attack to the US base in Iraq as a "proportionate measure" which came "in self-defense", IRNA reports. In a twitter post early Wednesday morning, he said "Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched." Zarif went on to stress that "We do not seek escalation or war but will defend ourselves against any aggression." Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has targeted US airbase of Ain al-Assad in Anbar province in western Iraq on Wednesday in response to the US assassination of the IRGC's Quds Forces, Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Irans state news agency IRNA reported. The IRGC fired tens of surface-to-surface missiles at the airbase, IRNA reported citing a statement. The IRGC called on the US to recall their troops from the Middle Eastern region to avoid any further damage. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan Senator Elizabeth Warren, foundering in the Democratic primary, is returning to the theme that made her famous: her moralizing account of personal bankruptcy. As an academic, Warren did research on personal bankruptcy in the United States. Our research ended up showing that most of these families werent reckless or irresponsible, she writes, they were just getting squeezed by an economy that forced them to take on more debt and more risk to cling to their place in Americas middle class. That is a peculiar claim. Borrowing money that you cannot repay in order to finance personal consumption that you cannot afford is precisely the sort of thing one might wish to indicate with the words reckless and irresponsible. To claim that this is the result of getting squeezed by the economy is a way of giving your morality play a villain without making any specific person feel bad. That is one of the things about Warren that appeal to such unlikely admirers as Tucker Carlson: The neo-socialist Left and the neo-nationalist Right are united in their conviction that the American middle class is a victim of forces beyond the control of its members, who therefore must be considered immune to any sort of moral judgment for the state of their lives, their families, or their communities. The 21st-century tale of college-educated woe in these United States is a strange one. In the December issue of Harpers, Wes Enzinna shares his preposterous personal odyssey under the headline Down and Out in Silicon Valley. Housing is indeed absurdly expensive in the Bay Area, for reasons that are largely political rather than organic, but Enzinnas story, colorful as it is (he took up residence in a shack with no plumbing), tells us nothing useful about that. Early in his career, Enzinna moved to work at an investigative reporting magazine in San Francisco, by which I assume he is politely indicating Mother Jones, the investigative-reporting magazine in San Francisco where his work has appeared. My situation, he writes, was evidence of how distorted the Bay Area housing market had become, the brutality inflicted upon the poor now trickling up to everyone but the super-rich. Story continues His situation was no such thing. For personal reasons, he had decided to keep paying rent and residential bills on an apartment in New York City, which, like San Francisco and environs, is very expensive. Enzinna is a 2010 graduate of the graduate journalism program at Berkeley, and his problem is that while working as an early-career magazine journalist he could not afford to rent homes in New York City and the Bay Area simultaneously. Enzinna describes himself as proudly lumpenproletariat, but thats an upwardly-mobile-white-guy-with-a-masters-degree problem. There are serious problems with housing in California and in many other places in the United States, particularly those in which (forgive me for noticing) Mother Jonesreading progressives enjoy meaningful political power. These problems are felt very intensely by the Spanish-speaking men with white pickup trucks who do so much of the actual work in California. But Enzinnas problem wasnt the housing market it was that he made a dumb decision in trying to maintain two households in two of the most expensive places in the United States on an income that was merely ordinary. Maybe he had a good reason for that. But the best of intentions do not change the math or the fact that he put himself at the mercy of that math intentionally. Our policy debates tend to reflect the interests and obsessions of the policymaking classes, who are relatively educated and affluent and disproportionately likely to be employed at magazines based in expensive coastal metros, which is why we spend so much time worrying about things such as college loans and the admissions policies at elite universities. It is no surprise, then, that Senator Warren is revisiting personal bankruptcy with an eye toward making Chapter 7 filings more accessible to relatively high-income people. Chapter 7 bankruptcies differ from Chapter 13 bankruptcies in one important way: They do not require debtors to enter into repayment plans. Chapter 7 filers simply give up whatever assets they have that are not legally excluded from bankruptcy forfeiture, and their debts are discharged; Chapter 13 filers have to pay back some of their debts from future earnings. For obvious reasons, Chapter 7 is restricted to relatively low-income people; those with incomes above the median in their state are obliged to file under Chapter 13. Senator Warren calls this an onerous and complicated means test. Of course it is a means test: We provide certain subsidies and benefits to poor people because they are poor, and we do not provide the same subsidies and benefits to high-income people, who might reasonably be expected to take a little more responsibility for their debts. The politics here are obvious enough: This mainly is an attempt to wrongfoot Joe Biden. Senator Warren is a shill for the medical-device manufacturers clustered around Boston (the tax on them in the grievously misnamed Affordable Care Act is one of the few redistributive levies that Warren doesnt love), and Senator Biden was a shill for the credit-card companies that are mostly based in his native Delaware. As an added benefit, it gives Warren an opportunity to remind Democratic voters that she is smarter than Bernie Sanders, the Vermont socialist who rails against allah-garky in a way that is generally vague and fuzzy in contrast to Warrens shtick of putting her ludicrous BS into bullet-point form. In California, decades worth of bad public-policy decisions have made it more difficult and less profitable to build housing oriented toward the middle and low end of the market. (There isnt any iron law of economics establishing that it is more profitable to work the high end of the market the guy who runs Taco Bell makes a lot more money than Jean-Georges Vongerichten does.) The same holds true of financial products such as credit and insurance. By making it less profitable and less attractive to serve lower-income and higher-risk consumers, Warren et al. ensure that those households have less access to credit and other financial services and that they pay more for it. Risk comes with a price, and making it more difficult to recover debts adds to the risk of lending, which will add to the price of credit. One need not think very highly of credit-card companies to understand how the market operates. Moralistic accounts of bankruptcy filers being victimized by . . . people who lent them money when they asked for it . . . are useless as guides to reform and there is much in American consumer finance that is in need of reform. But reform in what direction? If you want more housing for low- and middle-income people, then you need to allow developers to build it, which means creating a policy environment that makes it profitable for them to do so. If you want more affordable and more accessible financial services for people other than those with high incomes and substantial wealth, then you should make it easier to serve those markets rather than more difficult. The problem for Warren (who should know better) and others like her (who often dont) is that there is a lot more juice in the moralistic account of economic problems than in the economic account of economic problems. To make things worse, the moralistic account offered by Senator Warren is untrue. Americans are not incapable of being anything other than passive victims of forces beyond their control. They have moral agency, and they make choices sometimes, they make bad choices for bad reasons. If we are to have beneficial and effective policies providing for those common hazards of life against which few can make adequate provision, as F. A. Hayek put it then we have to begin with accurate and intelligent premises, not moralistic fairytales and just-so stories and politically expedient flattery. Warren should do better. Harpers, too. More from National Review No, Rosenstein said, when asked if he regretted the move. I would have written that memo if any president asked me about my opinion about Jim Comey, and as you know, my view was 100 percent vindicated by the lengthy and detailed inspector general investigation. And my dispute with Mr. Comey was not personal. He violated some very important principles, and thats consistent with what the inspector general found. Vancouver, Canada, January 6, 2020 -- Authorities in Chad should release journalist Ali Hamata Achene, and stop pursuing criminal defamation and retaliatory cases against reporters, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Police arrested Achene, a reporter with the privately owned Dja FM radio station, in Mongo, the capital of Chads south-central Guera region, on December 26, 2019, according to a press release posted on Facebook by his employer and a report by French broadcaster Radio France Internationale. Achene arrived at the local gendarmerie office in Mongo in response to a summons from the judicial police; when he arrived, police arrested him for alleged defamation and contempt of court, according to that press release. When they arrested him, authorities showed Achene a copy of a Facebook post he published on his personal account, according to the press release and a Dja FM manager who spoke to CPJ on the condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisal. A police officer said that authorities disapproved of what Achene broadcast on Dja FM, but did not have proof of his statements until they saw his Facebook post, the manager said. CPJ reviewed a copy of that post, which alleged corruption in the Mongo legal system. Achene occasionally posted commentary on local politics on his Facebook page, which CPJ reviewed. Achene has not seen a judge since he was detained, and charges have not been formally filed against him as of January 6, the Dja FM manager told CPJ. The arrest of radio journalist Ali Hamata Achene sends a chilling message to those seeking to shine a light on governance issues in Chad, Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa program coordinator, said from New York. Achene should be released, and Chad should cease pursuing criminal cases against journalists for doing their jobs. The journalist spent the night of December 26 at the gendarmerie office, and was transferred to Mongo Prison on December 27, according to a Facebook post by Dja FM. CPJ could not immediately determine the origin of the defamation complaint. The only person mentioned by name in Achenes Facebook post, which has been deleted, was Djimet Arabi, Chads minister of justice. Arabi confirmed to CPJ over messaging app that Achene was being prosecuted for contempt of court and was being held in pre-trial detention. Arabi did not respond to follow-up questions from CPJ about the defamation complaint. Radio France Internationale reported that Achenes arrest followed a complaint by a public prosecutor, who was not named in that report. Achene has been held in solitary confinement since December 30, according to another post by the broadcaster. The Dja FM manager told CPJ that Achene has experienced swelling in his foot after a reptile bit him during his confinement. Arabi disputed claims that Achene was being held in isolation and, without elaborating, told CPJ not to worry about the journalists health. Authorities previously detained Achene on December 23, 2019, in the office of Atteib Mahamat, a public prosecutor in Mongo, after the official took issue with the questions the journalist asked about alleged corruption in the local legal system, according to a Dja FM Facebook post from that day. CPJ called Mahamat for comment but no one answered the phone. In September 2019, a Chad court sentenced Martin Inoua Doulguet, publisher of the privately owned Salam Info newspaper, to three years in prison for defamation and conspiracy following a defamation complaint by Toupta Boguena, a former Chadian health minister, according to CPJ research . Straight from the written words of her most recent book, The Testaments, a sequel to her celebrated work, The Handmaids Tale and the critically acclaimed television series based on the book, Margaret Atwood will take center stage as keynote speaker at the 2020 Fairfield Countys Community Foundations Fund for Women & Girls annual Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich on Friday, April 3, The theme, Unite & Rise, celebrates the 100 anniversary of the 19 Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting womens constitutional right to vote in the United States. Atwood is the author of more than 50 books of fiction, poetry and critical essays. Her most recent, record-breaking novel, The Testaments won the 2019 Booker Prize, and with The Handmaids Tale now a television series entering its fourth season, Atwoods prescient prose depicting a dystopian future is even more relevant than ever. It is a privilege to welcome Margaret Atwood, one of the worlds best-selling authors, as our keynote speaker. Ms. Atwood, regarded for her feminist perspective, is a trailblazing icon whose work transcends generations, said Tricia Hyacinth, Senior Director, Fairfield Countys Community Foundation Fund for Women & Girls. Our theme, Unite & Rise, is a call to action to advance gender equity and also pays homage to womens suffrage. We look forward to this special gathering of friends and supporters, both new and existing. As the largest womens fund in New England, the Norwalk-based Fairfield Countys Community Foundations Fund for Women & Girls has improved the lives of more than ten thousand women and girls in the region, according to a news release. The 2019 annual Luncheon, featuring Tracee Ellis Ross and attended by more than 800 supporters, raised nearly $600,000. Over the years, The Fund for Women & Girls has invested more than $7.5 million in sustainable solutions to ensure all Fairfield County women and girls are economically secure, healthy and safe. Last year, Fairfield Countys Community Foundations Fund for Women & Girls awarded more than $870,000 in grants to 30 organizations advancing the health, safety and economic security of women and girls. Grants were bestowed to organizations that share a commitment to meet the unique needs of women and girls and fuel solutions through research-driven work. The annual luncheon attracts hundreds of supporters from throughout Fairfield County, across Connecticut and beyond. Previous keynote speakers include Tracee Ellis Ross, Billie Jean King, Abby Wambach, the late Dr. Maya Angelou, Geena Davis, Dr. Madeleine Albright, Soledad OBrien and Gloria Steinem. Sponsorship information is available by emailing Rebecca Mandell, at RMandell@fccfoundation.org or calling 203.750. 3200. Ticket information for the Annual Luncheon can be found here. Melania Trump cut a stylish figure in a black and white Chanel jumpsuit as she and her husband, President Donald Trump, welcomed Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his wife, Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis, to the White House on Tuesday. The 49-year-old first lady amped up her style game for her first official photo op of the new year, pairing her funky 1970s-inspired onesie with a black belt and $1,395 over-the-knee boots by Christian Louboutin. Melania's certainly stood out in her eye-catching look, but she wasn't the only one rocking a one-piece on Tuesday. Like the first lady, Mareva, 53, sported a sleek long-sleeve jumpsuit featuring wide-leg pants. Popular look: Melania Trump (left) and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' wife, Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis (right), both wore jumpsuits on Tuesday Meeting: President Donald Trump and his wife welcomed the couple to the White House Both women also wore their highlighted brown hair loose around the shoulders; however, that's where the similarities ended. Melania's jumpsuit zipped down the front and featured a wing collar and cropped, wide-leg pants, which were perfect for braving the rain upon their Greek guests' arrival. As for Mareva, her brown jumpsuit had long pants that were cuffed at the hem. She wore a black wool coat over her outfit during the first round of photos that were taken outside the South Portico of the White House. Per usual, President Trump sported his signature navy suit and red tie, while Prime Minister Mitsotakis wore a tailored navy suit and blue tie. Both men wore wool coats to keep warm as they posed for pictures with their respective wives while black umbrellas were held over their heads. Rainy day: The president and first lady braved the rain to greet the prime minister and his wife upon their arrival at the White House Keeping try: Black umbrellas were held over the two couples as they posed for pictures outside the South Portico of the White House Braving the elements: Melania's cropped jumpsuit was perfect for avoid puddles, while Mareva donned a black wool coat over her outfit to keep warm They took more photos at the West Wing colonnade, where Mitsotakis and his wife removed their coats to show off their outfits. When they moved into the Oval Office, the president and prime minister sat side by side while Melania took her usual place on the couch opposite to Mareva. During the meeting, Trump told Mitsotakis that the United States was very proud of the country and 'the comeback' it is making. From 2010 to 2018, Greece survived on bailout loans from its European partners and the International Monetary Fund. It exited the rescue programme more than a year ago, but remains under strict supervision from lenders and has committed to achieving stringent budget targets for years to come. Saying hi: Mareva shook hands with the president and first lady while her maroon handbag was slung over her shoulder Center of attention: Melania and Trump stood between their guests while they took photos together Knowing glance? The president and first lady shared a smile during the photo op Outfit of the day: Melania cinched the waist of her Chanel jumpsuit with a thick, black belt Trump and Mitsotakis met at a time of high stakes in the Mediterranean region. The Harvard-educated prime minister said his country was 'following a recipe' that has worked in the US, including lower taxes, and the Greek economy has reacted positively. Mitsotakis said he was looking for Trumps support in calling on American companies to invest in Greece. He won office pledging to make the country more business-friendly, cut taxes, and modernize Greeces antiquated bureaucracy. Leading up to the White House meeting, Trump administration officials described Greece as transforming itself from being a source of problems to becoming a source of solutions and stability. The officials noted that Greece recently signed a deal with Israel and Cyprus to build an undersea pipeline to carry gas from new offshore deposits in the south-eastern Mediterranean to continental Europe. Caught on camera: Melania smiled while the prime minister pointed out something to the president Next stop: Melania flashed one last smile before making her way inside West Wing business: Melania and Mareva chatted as they walked behind their husbands on their way to the Oval Office The race to claim offshore energy deposits in the southern Mediterranean has created new tensions between Greece and Cyprus, on one side, and rival Turkey. The Trump administration said it supports Greeces emergence as a regional energy hub and said reliable access to energy is critical to economic development and stability in the region. The meeting comes as the world grapples with heightening tensions in the Middle East after a U.S. strike killed Iranian Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani. While in the Oval Office with Mitsotakis, Trump walked back on his previous threat, saying he would not attack sites that are significant to Iranian culture. Getting ready: Melania fixed her hair before sitting down in the Oval Office Style: The first lady showed off her $1,395 over-the-knee boots by Christian Louboutin when she crossed her legs Couchmates: Melania sat next to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (center) and White House National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien (right) at the meeting Trump warned in a tweet Saturday, just one day after Soleimani was killed, that if Iran retaliated he would target more than 50 sites important to its culture. 'Well, as I said yesterday, it was very interesting. They're allowed to kill our people, they're allowed to maim our people, they're allowed to blow up everything that we have and there's nothing that stops them,' he said on Tuesday. 'And we are, according to various laws, supposed to be very careful with their cultural heritage.' 'And, you know what, if that's what the law is I like to obey the law,' he added, contradicting a tweet he sent a day after a drone strike he ordered took out Soleimani. 'But think of it,' he continued, 'they kill our people, they blow up our people and then we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions.' 'But I'm OK with it, it's OK with me,' he insisted. 'I will say this: If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly.' Christian religious leaders are putting more pressure on the government to do something to reduce the violence against Christians in central and northern Nigeria. Over a thousand Christians were killed in 2019 because of this. It was not just Boko Haram and ISWAP, but also Moslem tribes that have been attacking Christians in northern and Central Nigeria in a pattern that has existed for centuries but has gotten worse in the last decade. Moslem politicians and government officials play down the violence and are now accused of making the situations worse by not taking any action against the Islamic killers. About half of all Nigerians are Christian but most of them live in the south, where the oil and most of the developed economy is. Christians are better educated and more successful economically, which strikes many Moslem Nigerians as not right. After all, Christians are infidels and enemies of Islam. Boko Haram is more direct and believes that all Christians must convert to Islam. Those who resist must be killed or enslaved. Most Nigerian Moslems disagree with these Boko Haram attitudes towards Christians, Boko Haram considers Moslems who disagree with them over Christians to be enemies of Islam and subject to death unless they change their attitude. ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province), the ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) faction of Boko Haram, has been active in northern Borno State and neighboring countries. For over a year ISWAP has been considered one of the most active ISIL branches. Most Boko Haram violence in Nigeria is usually the work of ISWAP, which accounts for about two-thirds of the Boko Haram gunmen. While Islamic terrorism remains a major issue in Nigeria, such is not the case in the rest of the world. Islamic terrorism no longer dominates the world news now that ISIL has been largely suppressed. Global Islamic terrorism-related deaths have fallen by over 50 percent since 2014 when there were 35,000. Global deaths hit 19,000 in 2017 and under 16,000 for 2018. These deaths are still declining. This activity is most visible in the GTI (Global Terrorism Index), which counts all forms of terrorism. That puts Nigeria in the top ten because its casualties from Boko Haram violence alone would not do it. In the last year or so most terror-related deaths in Nigeria have come from tribal warfare. Currently the worldwide top-ten consists of Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Syria, Pakistan, Somalia, India, Yemen, Philippines, and Congo. India, Philippines, Yemen and Congo all have Islamic terrorism accounting for a minority of the deaths. Nigeria would as well except that many of its non-Islamic terrorist deaths are from Moslems attacking fellow Moslems for purely economic reasons. Despite that in 2018 worldwide terrorism deaths declined 15 percent to 15,952. This decline is, so far, a four year trend and even Syria is one of the areas where there have been fewer deaths in the last few years. Egypt saw an even more dramatic 90 percent decline. This decline has continued for 2019 but the headline news does not cover trends like that. The old news adage, if it bleeds it leads is as true as ever and in Nigeria there are bloody headlines daily because of Islamic terrorist or tribal violence. Since 2014 five nations (Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Syria and Pakistan) have accounted for most of the terrorism-related deaths. The largest source of Islamic terror deaths during that period was ISIL, a more radical faction of al Qaeda that currently is where the most radical practitioners of Islamic terrorism are found. Islamic terrorism continues to be, as it has been since the 1990s, the main source of terrorism-related deaths, accounting for about 90 percent of the fatalities. The remainder of the terrorism-related deaths are ethnic (often tribal) conflicts in Africa and Asia. Purely political terrorism accounts for a fraction of one percent of all terrorism-related deaths and are outnumbered by terrorism deaths inflicted by common (often organized) criminals. January 6, 2020: In the northeast (Borno State), at the Gambarou border crossing to Cameroon, a ten year old boy found a grenade and was playing with it when it exploded killing ten and wounding about 30 people. Five of those hurt were Cameroonians the rest Nigerian. At first, the explosion was thought to be the work of Boko Haram, which has been very active on the Cameroon border lately. Cameroon complains that in the last few months there are often five or more Boko Haram attacks or clashes with security forces each week. January 5, 2020: In the northeast (Borno State), Chad has withdrawn the last of 1,200 troops it sent to Borno in late 2019 to assist operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP on both sides of the Chad border. Chad is constantly attacking or chasing out Boko Haram groups that have entered Chad around Lake Chad. January 3, 2020: In the northeast (Borno State), Boko Haram raiders killed three civilians near Chibok (on the edge of the Sambisa Forest). Sambisa remains a popular hideout for Boko Haram groups. January 2, 2020: In the northeast (Adamawa State), Boko Haram raiders were repulsed, with heavy losses, when they sought to attack and loot a town near the Sambisa Forest. At least a dozen Boko Haram dead were left behind while other dead and wounded were taken by the retreating Islamic terrorists. In the south, off the Niger River Delta coast, pirates attacked a dredging vessel on its way to an oil terminal. Four security guards onboard the dredger were killed and two wounded after a gun battle with the pirates, who then kidnapped three foreign (two Russians and one Indian) crew members. January 1, 2020: In the northeast (Borno State), the air force attacked some Boko Haram outside Gwoza, a town near the Cameroon border, killing over 30 of the Islamic terrorists. In the south, off the Cameroon coast, pirates, apparently from Nigeria, attacked a Greek tanker. Portable valuables were taken as well as eight of the 28 man crew. December 31, 2019: In the northeast (Borno state), the air force attacked Boko Haram near Damboa and killed about ten of them. Damboa in the northern half of Borno state, an area that borders Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The main road to this area has been contested by Boko Haram since 2013. Whoever controls Damboa has easy access to the northern half of Borno state. Boko Haram activity has always been heaviest around Damboa and points north. Those areas have lost most of their population, who fled to refugee camps or other parts of Nigeria. The local economy is largely gone but the Islamic terrorists remain. The army is again trying to clear the road north of Boko Haram's presence. The ambush was one of several clashes between troops and Boko Haram in this area over the last two days. December 29, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), outside Biu, a town in the southernmost part of the state, Boko Haram raiders killed one civilian kidnapped two. December 27, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), outside Bama, near the Cameroon border. A joint operation by Nigerian troops and members of the MNJTF (Multi-National Joint Task Force) carried out several operations against ISWAP near Bama, which was once the second largest city in Borno. These raids shut down several ISWAP camps, lest several Islamic terrorists dead and about 75 captured. The troops freed 165 civilians that were being held as slaves or hostages. The troops seized over a dozen vehicles, tons of supplies and a lot of weapons and ammo. Bama has long been the site of battles with Boko Haram. Back in early 2016 over a year of Boko Haram violence had already left Bama in ruins. Over 80 percent of its structures had been destroyed or burned out. Nearly all the original population (270,000) has fled since Boko Haram first seized it in September 2014. During seven months of Boko Haram's occupation, the economy of Bama was destroyed. Bama changed several hands times as the army kept trying to take it and keep Boko Haram out. That was finally accomplished in early 2016 and all the fighting literally destroyed the city. Bama, once a regional trade center, has yet to revive and that is one reason why the Borno economy has been slow to recover. Groups of Boko Haram gunmen still operate around Bama. December 26, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), ISWAP kidnapped ten Christians (a bride and her bridal party) who were traveling from the state capital to neighboring Adamawa State for the wedding. The captives were taken to Gwoza, a town near the Cameroon border and soon beheaded and the murder captured on video for release on the Internet. ISWAP said the beheading was in retaliation for the recent death of ISIL leader al Baghdadi in Syria. December 25, 2019: In the northwest, across the border in Niger, Boko Haram killed 14 Niger soldiers. December 24, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), Boko Haram raiders attacked a Christian village near Chibok (next to the Sambisa Forest), killing seven villagers and kidnapping a teenage girl. December 23, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), outside Biu, a town in the southernmost part of the state, Boko Haram raiders killed three civilians. The next day troops caught up with the Boko Haram raiders near Biu and killed 48 of them. December 22, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), Boko Haram raiders attacked Nganzai, north of the state capital, killing seven civilians and kidnapping five others. Elsewhere in Borno, near Konduga (35 kilometers from the state capital Maiduguri) a gun battle left six soldiers and three Boko Haram dead. In the far north, on an island in Lake Chad Boko Haram killed at least fifty civilians, twenty of them Cameroonians. In neighboring Yobe State soldiers clashed with a large group of Boko Haram, killing 31 of them outside the state capital (Damaturu). There have been several such clashes since early 2019, the first such violence here since 2014. December 17, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), across the border in Chad (Kaiga, north of Lake Chad) Boko Haram raiders killed fourteen civilians. December 16, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), the air force attacked some Boko Haram outside Gwoza, a town near the Cameroon border, killing about a dozen of the Islamic terrorists. That military has repeatedly clashed with Boko Haram in this area since 2014. December 14, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), the air force attacked Boko Haram gunmen at Kukawa, near Lake Chad and killed about ten of the Islamic terrorists. Elsewhere in Borno Boko Haram clashed with Fulani tribesmen at Ngala, near the river that forms the border with Cameroon, killing at least 19 of the Fulani. December 13, 2019: In the West African nation of Togo, local pirates released three sailors kidnapped from a tanker in late 2018. Back then ten Filipino crewmen on two commercial vessels operating off the west coast of Africa were taken hostage by pirates, along with sailors from several other nations. This area, in the Gulf of Guinea, has replaced Southeast Asia as the area of highest piracy activity. Since there is no safe space to take captured ship the West African pirates board any vulnerable commercial ship at night, round up the crew, loot the ship of portable valuables and sometimes take members of the crew that might yield a ransom. The loot and hostages are then taken ashore and hidden away in camps deep inside the Niger River Delta or other remote coastal areas. In this case, the pirates were from Togo, a small nation west of Nigeria on the Gulf of Guinea. One of the sailors released, apparently after the payment of ransom, was Filipino. Another Filipino sailor on this crew was to be released but he died of illness before the release date. Filipinos sailors account for the largest national group among crews of large, sea-going vessels. As a result, when hostages are taken by pirates, Filipinos are usually among them. December 12, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), ISWAP raiders killed fifteen civilians outside Abadam, on Lake Chad. Elsewhere in Borno Boko Haram kidnapped four aid workers. December 11, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), the air force attacked a large group of Boko Haram outside Gwoza, a town near the Cameroon border, killing at least thirty of the Islamic terrorists. December 10, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), across the border in Niger ISWAP gunmen ambushed a military convoy, killing 71 soldiers and losing about a dozen of their own before retreating. ISWAP used mortars as well as at least one suicide car bomb in the attack. December 8, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), Boko Haram clashed with security forces leaving one policeman and two soldiers dead. December 7, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), a Boko Haram roadside bomb killed a soldier near the town of Marte on Lake Chad. December 5, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), across the border in Cameroon Boko Haram gunmen killed four civilians. December 4, 2019: In the northeast (Borno State), Boko Haram kidnapped 14 civilians outside the state capital Maiduguri. Across the border in Cameroon, Boko Haram kidnapped 21 civilians. December 3, 2019: In the south (Rivers State), pirates attacked a Greek tanker offshore and kidnapped 19 (18 Indians and a Turk) of the crew. The tanker had just taken on a load of Nigerian oil and was headed for India when attacked by pirates 138 kilometers off the coast. This ship had ignored warning about the piracy in the area and did not request a navy escort as it headed for the open ocean. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Wahyoe Boediwardhana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta and Sidoarjo, East Java Wed, January 8, 2020 12:14 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32153122 1 Politics KPK,arrest,corruption,regent,East-Java,Sidoarjo Free The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested East Javas Sidoarjo regent, Saiful Ilah, on Tuesday night. The arrest was confirmed by acting KPK spokesperson Ali Fikri. The KPK has apprehended a regional leader and other parties in Sidoarjo regency in a case pertaining to goods and services procurement. He, however, refused to disclose further details about the arrest. More information regarding the case will be disclosed during a press briefing on Wednesday. Investigators had taken the regent to the East Java Police headquarters in the provincial capital of Surabaya on Tuesday night, where they reportedly interrogating Saiful. Dozens of others were also questioned in connection to the case at the police headquarters. I dont know why I am being arrested, Saiful said after being questioned on Wednesday as quoted by Antara. Read also: KPK's role in doubt as new law takes effect Apart from being the KPK's first arrest of 2020, it was the first since the controversial revision of the KPK Law. The regulation took effect in October after the House of Representatives passed a revised bill following speedy deliberation. Among other controversies, the new law strips KPK commissioners of the status of investigators and prosecutors, potentially hindering the commission from carrying out operations to arrest officials, former KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo said. Tuesdays arrest was also the first under the chairmanship of three-star police general Firli Bahuri. (kuk) SPAFFORD, N.Y. A Central New York deer hunter faces several misdemeanor charges related to an incident during which a passing motorist was hit in the neck in early December by a stray round allegedly from the hunters firearm. Tommy A. Lovell, 48, of Skaneateles, was arraigned Monday in Town of Spafford Court on charges related to the Dec. 1 incident during which a 68-year-old man was injured. Lovell, who pleaded not guilty, was charged with misdemeanor assault in the third degree, misdemeanor reckless endangerment in the second degree and the Environmental Conservation Law misdemeanor of discharging a firearm over a public roadway. According to the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office, the man who was shot was driving on Nunnery Road near Tracy Drive around 10:40 a.m. that Sunday when a shotgun slug zipped through his passenger window and struck him in the neck. He then pulled over and called 911. Investigators found that a nearby deer hunter was shooting at a deer in the woods about 150 feet from the road, according to sheriffs office spokesman Sgt. Jon Seeber. The hunter cooperated with police. The 68-year-old man who was shot was listed in stable condition and his injuries were not life-threatening, Seeber said at the time. Lovell, who was released on his own recognizance Monday, is scheduled to appear in Town of Spafford Court on Feb. 3. The Penal Law charges carry penalties of up to one year imprisonment , and/or fines up to $1,000. The Environmental Conservation Law charge carries a penalty of up to three months in jail, a fine of no less than $200 and no more than $1,000 and possible revocation of hunting privileges. The charges were filed following an investigation by DEC Environmental Conservation police officers and investigators, in consultation with the Onondaga County District Attorneys office. Lovell, who was released on his own recognizance, is scheduled to appear in Town of Spafford Court on Feb. 3. The Penal Law charges carry penalties of up to one year imprisonment , and/or fines up to $1,000. The Environmental Conservation Law charge carries a penalty of up to three months in jail, a fine of no less than $200 and no more than $1,000 and possible revocation of hunting privileges. The charges were filed following an investigation by DEC Environmental Conservation police officers and investigators, in consultation with the Onondaga County District Attorneys office. MORE: And we wont be shut down:' As one coyote hunt contest is cancelled, another is quickly announced $300 million Erie Canal plan would put whitewater rafting next to Montezuma refuge 12 great Upstate NY outdoors shows you wont want to miss this winter As economic slowdown starts to look more and more real than ever before and signs of investments fade, the Union Budget is being increasingly seen as a fountain of hope. The customary pre-Budget meetings between the government and the industry have taken place, but with a difference. Instead of the finance minister meeting business heads, the prime minister has done so. Of course, these interactions were not labelled as pre-Budget meetings, but the timing cannot be missed. While the picture of whos who of India Inc standing along side the PM is sending out a message in the current ... Kawan Omar Ahmed, 31, of Sheffield, denies two counts of rape The rape and grooming of a vulnerable teenage girl was not investigated until five years after police were first informed, a court has heard. Nine men, mostly from Sheffield, went on trial today accused of raping the girl when she was aged between 15 and 17 - treating her 'like a piece of meat' and abusing her 'for their own sexual gratification'. A tenth man is accused of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. The abuse was carried out when the teenage victim was drunk or on drugs, supplied by the grooming gang, jurors were told. The complainant first told police about being raped and used for under-age sex in 2011 but no investigation was carried out or crime recorded, Sheffield Crown Court heard. When the victim initially disclosed 'one rape and incidents of sex with adult men as a minor' to police, no crime was recorded by South Yorkshire Police. When she complained for a second time about being raped in the same year, 'that investigation was too short-lived,' prosecutor Peter Hampton told a jury at Sheffield Crown Court, today. Opening the case for the prosecution, Mr Hampton said: 'To these men she was nothing more than an object. 'These acts occurred while [the complainant] was drunk or high on drugs which had been supplied to her by the defendants. 'On other occasions [she] was forcibly raped.' Mr Hampton added: 'When [she] did speak to those in authority, she found that no effective action was taken to stop it.' The prosecutor said she had been referred to social services and later placed on the child protection register during her childhood. The girl's case was only taken seriously when she was interviewed as part of the further investigation in 2016/17. Saba Moussa Mohammad, left, denies conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Usman Din, right, denies three counts of rape and one count of trafficking The prosecutor said: 'By the time [the complainant] fell into the clutches of these defendants and others who abused and exploited her, she was already broken. 'She may as well have had a target on her back as far as those who were criminally minded were concerned.' Mr Hampton said the complainant was 'effectively and efficiently groomed' by a 19-year-old woman called Amanda Spencer who knew many men in the Kurdish community in Sheffield - and introduced her to some of the defendants who would go on to rape her. He said eight of the defendants were Kurdish. The girl first disclosed some of what had happened to her when she was interviewed by officers aged 15 while 'still in the grip of exploitation' by Miss Spencer and some of the defendants, the court was told. She distrusted the authorities and this situation was not helped when South Yorkshire Police 'did nothing more than submit an intelligence report', the court was told. The prosecutor said this was 'despite the fact that [she] had disclosed one rape and other incident of sex with adult men as a minor'. Farhad Mirzaie, 29, of Sheffield, denies two counts of rape. The abuse was carried out when the teenage victim was drunk or on drugs, supplied by the grooming gang, jurors were told 'No crime was recorded by the force and no investigation, in reality, followed.' Mr Hampton said police had further contact with the teenager and, in 2016, interviews with her began which resulted in the current trial. Usman Din, 35, denies three counts of rape and one count of trafficking. Tony Juone, 61, denies one count of rape. Kamaran Mahmoodi, 39, denies one count of rape. Shangar Ibrahimi, 30, denies one count of rape. Farhad Mirzaie, 29, denies two counts of rape. Kawan Omar Ahmed, 31, denies two counts of rape. Saman Mohammed, 41, denies one count of rape. Jasim Sammad Mohammed, 37, denies three counts of rape. Nzar Anwar, 40, denies one count of rape and one count of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. A 10th defendant, Saba Moussa Mohammad, 41, denies a single count of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. All 10 defendants are from Sheffield, apart from Shangar Ibrahimi, of Barnsley. The trial continues. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) Enduring long lines means nothing for a Black Nazarene devotee. According to the Manila Police District, thousands of people flocked to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the third day of Pahalik or the religious act of kissing the life-size and black figure of Jesus Christ a practice of Filipino faithful who believe it could bring healing, answer prayers or lead to miracles. The number of people who participated in the event reached 4,000 at 8 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Manila Police District. Pahalik precedes the Traslacion or the long-standing tradition of transferring the dark-skinned Nazarene from the Quirino Grandstand to its home in Quiapo Church in Manila. It usually happens a day before the Traslacion, but police and organizers have opted to move it on Monday evening to accommodate more attendees, and prevent an unruly and overcrowded Quirino Grandstand. Some faithful like couple Matteo and Ellen Firmeza decided to go to Manila a day early to join the procession on Thursday. Matteo said he became a devotee in 2010 after witnessing Nazareno's miracle through his wife, who was diagnosed with cancer at that time. "Nung nagkaroon siya ng adrenal tumor, sinabihan na siya ng doctor na wala ka na tsansa kasi yung sakit mo. So ang ginawa sa kanya noong inoperahan siya dito hanggang labas, sabi niya sakin lagay mo yung maliit na Senor Nazareno dito, kahit papano cancer survivor na siya," Firmeza said. [Translation: When she got an adrenal tumor, her doctor told her that she had little time left because of her illness. So when she was operated, she told me to put the small statue of Senor Nazareno beside her. She has since been a cancer survivor somehow.] To ensure a generally peaceful Pahalik, close to 500 security personnel from the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Coastguard were deployed to the event. CNN Philippines Catherine Modesto and Crissy Dimatulac contributed to this report The Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every Pittsburgher knows these holidays and celebrations. But less familiar are the many religious and secular holidays celebrated by ethnic communities in the region. Photographer Teake Zuidema documents five festivities that took place this year. Cinco De Mayo in Beechview Many bars in Pittsburgh offer Mexican beers and tacos on May 5, but the authentic Cinco de Mayo celebration is organized by the Latin American Cultural Union in Beechview, the neighborhood with the largest Latino population. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the 1862 battle of Puebla, during which the Mexican army defeated a much larger French invasion force. Even though its officially a Mexican celebration, many Pittsburghers from other Latin American countries participate. This year there were beer-drinking and chili-eating competitions, a raffle and abundant Mexican food. After a performance by Mexican dancers, the main event was a concernt by Banda Real Conkistadora, an 11-man and one-woman strong Mexican band from Columbus, Ohio. Jamaican Independence Day The Caribbean nation of Jamaica celebrates its independence day on August 6. But the bands are a lot cheaper when you have the festivities a week later, explained one of the organizers of Pittsburghs Fifth Annual Jamaican Independence Day Cookout, held on Aug. 11 in the parking lot of The Spot nightclub in Penn Hills. Several restaurants and caterers offered a cornucopia of Jamaican dishes like jerk shrimp and chicken, oxtail and Jamaican patties. The revelers could also choose from a variety of tropical drinks including fruit moss, a combination of mango, cantaloupe, watermelon, banana, pineapple, sea moss, flax seed and honey. There were games for the kids and musica mixture of reggae, rap and pop from the deejays of Gangsta Shock Sound and the band Zapology. The number of Jamaicans in Pittsburgh is small, but according to the statistical atlas, 1.2 percent of the population of Larimer has Jamaican ancestry. Pow Wow of the Three Rivers American Indian Center On September 28 and 29, the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center celebrated its 41st annual Pow Wow in Dorseyville. A pow wow is a celebration of Native American culture, community and traditions, said master of ceremonies Mark Tayac. The council was conceived in 1969 when two families living in Pittsburgh sought to maintain a sense of Indian-ness, recapture their roots and become more conscious of their rights as Native Americans. The ceremonial grounds where the dancing, singing and drumming took place were surrounded by stalls displaying and selling Native American crafts and regalia. World Square Pittsburgh During three Friday evenings in September, Welcoming Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership provided a platform in Market Square to celebrate and welcome Pittsburghs international communities. Sikhs celebrate founder of the Sikh religion On April 14, 2019, the local Sikh community celebrated the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev, the spiritual teacher who founded the Sikh religion in India. The celebration took place at the Gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship in Monroeville. At the center of the festivities was the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book with the teachings of the Sikh gurus and other saintly figures. The celebration included readings from the holy book, prayers, speeches and singing of hymns. Visitors also partook of langar, a communal meal of delicious Punjabi dishes. The Sikh religion is sometimes confused with Islam or Hinduism. However, it is a completely separate religion that has some 30 million followers around the world. Male Sikhs are easily recognizable because they wear turbans. Bhutanese women celebrate Teej Hundreds of Bhutanese women and a few good men showed up to dance and celebrate the Teej festival on September 2 at the Clairton Park in Clairton. Originally, this was a Hindu festival in which girls worshipped Lord Shiva to help them find a worthy husband. Married women fasted for the well-being of their husbands. Nowadays it is not strictly a Hindu festival, says Khara Timsina, director of the Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh. He says that it is dedicated to the health and wellness of women, women leadership and cultural preservation. There was a lot of Bhutanese food, some speeches and a quiz about important females in American history. For example, who was the first female Secretary of State of the U.S.? But most of all, the women, young and old, danced and danced with great energy and joy. Timsina estimates that there are some 6,000 Bhutanese people in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Early Wednesday morning, a passenger jet heading to Ukraine from Iran crashed minutes after taking off in the Iranian capital of Tehran, killing 176 people on board, including 63 Canadians and several people with connections to Canada, according to Ukrainian officials and friends of the victims. Ukrainian International Airlines has released a list of the passengers on board the plane, which was headed to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. The airline said most passengers were transiting through Kyiv to other destinations. The airline offers an inexpensive connecting flight from Kyiv to Torontos Pearson International Airport. In a flood of tributes posted to social media, friends of some listed passengers identified them as university students, professors and professionals returning to Canada after the winter break. Neda Sadighi, GTA A clerk at a Richmond Hill eye clinic confirmed that optometrist Dr. Neda Sadighi was on the plane after visiting Tehran for 10 days on vacation. According to the clinics website, Sadighi is an eye surgeon who started practising in Tehran before coming to Canada. Shes a member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, and the Iranian Association of Ophthalmologists. Joe Belden, who worked alongside Sadighi at Optical Eyeworks in Richmond Hill, Ont., said office staff were aware of Sadaghis travels to Iran and had learned of her death directly from her family members. Belden said clinic staff were struggling to come to terms with the death of their only doctor, who he described as an amazing person. She was really helpful to disadvantaged people, Belden said. She treated everybody with respect no matter their background. She was kind all the way around. Suzan Golbabapour, GTA At a Remax office in Richmond Hill, a realtor said real estate agent Suzan Golbabapour was also a passenger on the plane, after travelling to Iran last month for holidays. University of Waterloo students Marzieh (Mari) Foroutan and Mansour Esnaashary Esfahani A spokesperson with the University of Waterloo said they are aware the names of two PhD students, Marzieh (Mari) Foroutan and Mansour Esnaashary Esfahani, listed among the dead on the flight. Foroutan was a student in the universitys geography department, while Esfahani studied civil engineering, the school said. A friend of Foroutans, Jaya Sree Mugunthan, told the Star she was an Iranian international student at the school, calling her an ambitious person. In her 30s, Foroutan was described by her friend Jacqueline Eenkooren as a powerful woman who put everyone else before herself, in a Facebook message to the Star. Foroutan was so sincere, gracious, and generous and ridiculously humble despite her many academic achievements, Eenkooren said. She did an animated Ted Talk entitled Could We Actually Live on Mars? that discussed the unique features of the red planet. Her research focused on the application of new algorithms and technologies in remote sensing to study climate change. She also researched planetary extremes from hyper-arid hot deserts to freezing worlds, according to her University of Waterloo profile on the universitys website. She was always looking for little opportunities to treat other people around her. Shed buy you a cookie, just because, and pretend to get angry if you tried to decline in any way, Eenkooren said. Amazing how someone who is so quiet and understated could be so strong and be such a force to be reckoned with at the same time. There will never be another Marzieh. University of Guelph students Milad Ghasemi Ariani and Ghanimat Azhdari The University of Guelph also confirmed two of its PhD students were passengers: Ghanimat Azhdari, who was doing work in indigenous conservation in the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics; and Milad Ghasemi Ariani, who was pursuing a PhD in the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies. The university originally said Azhdaris partner was also on the plane, but later said it could not confirm that was the case. University of Guelph associate professor Faisal Moola confirmed in a tweet that Azhdari was one of his PhD students. Ghanimat was on her way back to @uofg after visiting her family and traditional Indigenous territories in Iran over the December break. The students and I are in so much pain, he wrote. Ghanimat was an Indigenous person who was born into the nomadic Qashqai tribe in southwestern Iran, Moola added in a statement to the Star, adding: The one thing that brings me a little comfort in coping with Ghanimats death is the knowledge that my dear student was a powerful and passionate young leader in defence of Indigenous peoples and their territories, and that her lifes work will continue. Ariani is being remembered as a student who would be there for his classmates when they had a problem, or needed someone to talk to. He was really caring because he was helping other students, Towhid Islam, a professor and researcher with the University of Guelphs Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, told the Guelph Mercury Tribune. Typically doctoral students are mature they have families, children, multiple problems, they dont have enough money. I found him helping other people, counselling them and motivating them. University of Alberta professors Mojgan Daneshmand and Pedram Mousavi, with daughters Daria and Dorina Masoud Ardakani, the University of Albertas associate chair of electrical and computer engineering, confirmed in an email that professors Mojgan Daneshmand and Pedram Mousavi were on the flight, along with their daughters Daria and Dorina. Nooran Ostadeian, who has known them since 2010 when she helped them find a home as a real estate agent, said the couple was among her closest friends in Edmonton. They were like an example of the happiest couple that Ive ever known in my life, Ostadeian said. I want them to be remembered as a symbol of love, community members who did a lot of dedication and contribution to the community. Great teachers for their students. Friend Arezu Omaraee called the loss unbearable. They were more than friends, they were our family basically here, she said at a memorial. They were hard working, scientists, beautiful hearts, angels really. Omaraee said they received a text from Pedram Mousavi from the airport and he was anxious to get out of Iran. He said, I just want to get out of this mess, she recalled. But still he was joking about it. He always had this funny, cheerful attitude about everything. Hossein Saghlatoon, who did his PhD and post-doctorate studies under Mousavi, said he has known the family for about six years. I was crying my eyes out, he said. Its not just that I was working with them or that he was my boss. He was a friend. He was like a father to me. Saghlatoon said it took him several hours to confirm the information before he told his colleagues one by one. Both of them were amazing, sweet people. They were so kind, irreplaceable, he said. Sina Ghaemi, an engineering professor at the University of Alberta, knew Mousavi for about six years. Their offices were next door to each other. He was a really fun person and always laughing, Ghaemi said. He was a very happy person. Yeganeh Molazem said Pedram, Mojgan, Daria and Dorina were her family away from home. They treated everyone around them with love and kindness, she said through tears at a memorial in Edmonton. Daria and Dorina were like my little sisters the most incredible girls I ever knew. They were so smart, hardworking, compassionate and always with a smile on their face. Yolazem said Daria just turned 14 and Dorina would have turned 10 in March. The world has lost two of the most beautiful souls, she said. Siavash Maghsoudlou Estarabadi, wife Azaden Kaveh and daughter Paria McMaster University confirmed Wednesday that Siavash Maghsoudlou Estarabadi, a former post-doctoral fellow in the faculty of health sciences who left the university in 2018, was listed as a passenger. An Iranian friend of Maghsoudlou Estarabadis in Hamilton, who did not want her name published for fear of retribution if she returns to Iran, said he was travelling with his wife, Azaden Kaveh, and 15- or 16-year-old daughter, Paria. They were also listed as passengers. The family was living in Sweden, the friend said. Dr. Sarah McDonald, a professor in McMasters department of obstetrics and gynecology who worked with Maghsoudlou Estarabadi in Hamilton, remembered him as a kind and thoughtful person. She said his research focused on the important issue of the causes of preterm birth. According to a 2017 McMaster newsletter, Maghsoudlou Estarabadi had joined the department of obstetrics and gynecology as a post-doctoral fellow in perinatal clinical epidemiology. He completed his PhD from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and received his doctorate of medicine from Iran University of Medical Sciences. Iman Ghaderpanah and Parinaz Ghaderpanah, Toronto Sam Green, the owner of a GTA real estate agency, said Toronto-based mortgage broker and realtor Iman Ghaderpanah was on the plane travelling with his wife, Parinaz Ghaderpanah, on holiday. They are just a young couple, and they were building a life together, Green said. Its a tragic situation. Nima Ahmadi, the vice-president of the Tirgan Festival, said Parinaz was a member of the non-profits funding committee and was a brilliant lady, who used her background in banking to help the organization. She worked at RBC, he said. She was a very, very beautiful person inside and out, he said. Im going to miss her. Her husband was also a sponsor of the festival. He said they were both in their early to mid-30s and coming back from visiting their parents in Iran. Parinaz was a branch manager at a Toronto RBC, the bank confirmed to employees, and her husband had also worked at the bank for a time. In a note to bank staff, she was remembered as a strong and dedicated leader. She embodied the best of RBC and we were incredibly lucky to have known and worked with her for the past nine years, the note read. Her presence on the ship will be sadly missed, and she will be missed dearly by her branch, the Toronto northeast market and all of the lives she touched in RBC. Parisa Eghbalian and her daughter Reera Esmaeilion, GTA Dr. Hamed Esmaeilion of Log Home Dental in Caledon East gave permission to confirm he is mourning the loss of his wife, Dr. Parisa Eghbalian, and daughter Reera Esmaeilion, said office manager Leanne Robertson. Robertson said Eghbalian and the couples daughter were on the trip to attend his wifes sisters engagement party. Esmaeilion and Eghbalian also ran Aurora E&E Dentistry in Aurora together. According to that clinics webpage, Eghbalian was born and raised in Iran, and graduated from Tabriz University of Medical Science in 2001. Prior to immigrating to Canada in 2010, she worked as an associate for nine years. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and watching movies with her husband and young daughter. At the Aurora office, assistant Manija Ghotbi told the Star that owner Eghbalian had left for vacation last month with her daughter. Were all devastated, Ghotbi said. Faezeh Falsafi and her two children, Daniel and Dorsa Ghandchi, GTA Daniel, 9, and Dorsa, who would have been 17 this week, were travelling with their mother Faezeh, 46. Their father Alireza Ghandchi spoke to the Star from Frankfurt airport, where hes on route to Tehran for their funerals. Daniel was a cute little boy he said, and Dorsa was a super talented artist, who loved making YouTube videos and playing piano. A photo from her birthday last year shows her beaming next to a cake, and black and gold balloons, her little brother smiling mischievously beside her. His wife had studied mechanical engineering in Iran and was close to graduating from an immigration consultant program here in Canada. In the meantime she was working as a realtor. After this life is meaningless for me, he told the Star. I dont know how I can continue. What he wants now is just to know what happened to the doomed plane. Im not a political person, he said, but its our right to know. Falsafi had worked at Homelife Bayview Realty Inc. since 2016, said colleague Olga Moss, calling her an amazing and very hard-working person. Shes gone with her two kids, Moss said. Its just gut wrenching. Ardalan Ebnoddin-Hamidi and Niloofar Razzaghi, their son Kamyar Ebnoddin-Hamidi, Metro Vancouver Ardalan Ebnoddin-Hamidi, his wife Niloofar Razzaghi, and their teenage son Kamyar Ebnoddin-Hamidi are confirmed to have been on the flight. Razzaghis name does not appear on the official flight manifest, but multiple sources have confirmed to the Star she was on board. The family was from Metro Vancouver, according to the chair of the Tricity Iranian Cultural Society. Behzad Abdi said he and Ardalan had known each other since going to university in Iran and that Ardalan had come to Canada as a civil engineer specializing in tunnels to help build the SkyTrain Evergreen extension to Coquitlam. When he worked he was very serious, Abdi, said of his friend. But he was a funny guy as well. Abdi said Ardalan was an active volunteer and helped organize many events through the society. His wife had just finished training to become a teacher two months ago. Jessi Eiriksson, 15, said through tears that Kamyar was one of her best friends. Both were in Grade 10 at Riverside Secondary School in Port Coquitlam, B.C. He was the most caring person I have ever met. He was always there for me and he would be there for anybody whenever they needed someone to talk to, she sobbed. Its the hardest thing losing him. He loved making music and wanted to become a producer when he was older, she said. She said he also enjoyed playing soccer for fun and they would often kick a ball around together. He was shy except hes just such a loving person that everyone loves Kamyar. He makes everyone happy just with his smile and a joke. The University of British Columbia said Razzaghi graduated with a bachelor of science in math in 2010 and a bachelor of education in 2018. York University student Sadaf Hajiaghavand Friends of Sadaf Hajiaghavand, 27, confirmed that she was a second-year human resources student at York University. Naz Moayed said that Hajiaghavand quickly became one of her closest friends after the women who met at York University bonded over the discovery that they both arrived in Canada mere days apart from each other in 2016. Its really hard, Moayed said. I cant believe that shes not here. I just spoke with her two days ago. Moayed said Hajiaghavand was a Canadian permanent resident and was in Iran visiting family for 10 days. She was kind and into fashion, she said. She said Hajiaghavand worked two jobs including as a beauty consultant at a Toronto cosmetic store. She also pursued modelling on the side. Arash Pourzarabi and Pouneh Gorji, Edmonton Also on the plane were young newlyweds Arash Pourzarabi and Pouneh Gorji, of Edmonton. Payman Paseyan, a member of the Iranian-Canadian community in Edmonton, said theyd married just days before boarding the plane. Pourzarabi was working on a graduate degree in artificial intelligence at the University of Alberta, and his supervisor, Prof. Michael Bowling, said the couple loved to spend their free time exploring new parts of Edmonton. Bowling described Pourzarabi as so bright. Not just smart, which you have to be doing a graduate degree in artificial intelligence, he said in an email, but he brought a brightness to each meeting particularly with his smile. Alina Tarbhai and her mother, Afifa Tarbhai, Toronto The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation confirmed one its members, Alina Tarbhai, was on the flight. All of us who work at OSSTF/FEESOs Provincial Office in Toronto are shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague, the federation said in a release. Alina was a valued employee, and part of a tightly-knit team at Provincial Office. She was respected and well-liked by all. Her passing represents a profound loss for all of us who worked with her. Her mother, Afifa Tarbhai, was also among the victims in the plane crash. On behalf of everyone at the City of Markham, we send our deepest condolences to a team member, Muhammad Tarbhai, a Markham aquatic staff member who lost his mother and his sister Alina, Mayor Frank Scarpitti wrote on Twitter. This unimaginable tragedy has affected us all. Cope Local 343 also shared their condolences in a post over Instagram. Our hearts, love and strength is with the family, colleagues, and friends of fellow COPE 343 Sister Alina Tarbhai and her mother Afifa Tarbhai who were victims of the plane crash in Tehran, Iran. Toronto Grade 10 student Maya Zibaie and her mother, Shahrzad Hashemi Shahrzad Hashemi and her daughter, Maya Zibaie, were also on the flight. They were returning to Toronto, after a few weeks of vacation in Iran, according to Ramin Moradzadeh, a longtime family friend. Hashemis husband, Mahmoud, had also travelled with them to Iran, but had to come back earlier because of a job prospect he had applied for. They were new to Canada, said Moradzadeh, noting the family of three were living in the citys west end near Eglinton and Bathurst. Mahmoud rushed back to Iran after the tragedy. They are so wonderful, so kind. I just lost a part of my life. Northern Secondary School principal Adam Marshall confirmed to the Star that Maya Zibaie was a Grade 10 student and had been at the school for two years. Its pretty devastating, he said. In a statement sent to parents and the school community, Marshall described her as kind, happy and well-liked by her peers. She was new to Canada, enjoyed attending high school and often shared with staff how excited she was about her future and reaching her academic goals. Maya will be sorely missed. Alvand Sadeghi, his wife, McGill student Negar Borghei, his sister Sahand Sadeghi and niece Sophie Emami, Toronto Negar Borghei was the type of sister you could rely on, Hamidreza Borghei, who said his sister was loved by colleagues, family and friends alike. Because of her, I believed that having an older sister is a blessing, he said. She did everything with a smile on her face. She was perfect. Negar, a masters student at McGill University, was killed along with her husband, Alvand Sadeghi, a web developer working in Toronto. Sadeghis sister, Sahand Sadeghi, and her daughter, Sophie Emami, a senior kindergarten student at Lillian Public School in Toronto, were also killed. Amirhossein Maleki, a cousin of Negars, told the Star that she had already received a masters in Iran, but was pursuing another in Canada. Her husband, Alvand a skilled pianist, according to Maleki moved here after her. Hamidreza said Negar would take the train to Toronto every weekend to see her husband, who he said was like a brother to him. He believed that Alvand was the perfect match for his sister: they were both calm, collected, warm and hard-working. They were lovebirds: you never saw them fight or argue. And there was no tension, even when they were apart for work and school. If anything, they were more in love because of the distance, Hamidreza said. Sahand was the most hospitable person, Hamidreza said. And Sophie, her daughter, was an angel. Hamidreza said that two days before the family was set to depart Sophie wanted to practise her English. Hamidreza helped her out. We made a menu with food on it. And she put poutine, the most Canadian food ever, as her first item. Then ice cream and jelly beans and cake. Sophie seemed homesick for Canada the whole trip, Hamidreza says. In a statement, the Toronto District School Board said Sophie was an amazing child who was dearly loved by her teachers and classmates. She always had a smile and hug for everyone, a statement said. Hamidreza said he wanted to thank everybody in Canada for giving his sister freedom, peace and hospitality. Im so glad she chose Canada; it was the land that gave her freedom and we will never forget that. Toronto architect Mahdieh Ghassemi, and her children, Arsan Niazi and Arnica Niazi Mahdieh Ghassemi, a Toronto architect, her son Arsan Niazi, 11, and daughter Arnica Niazi, 8, were also on board the plane that crashed, according to Nitin Malhotra, the founder of N Architecture Inc. Ghassemi had worked at the firm for five years according to Malhotra, who described her as a rock star in her field and said that shed left a lasting impression due to the nature of her job. Malhotra said that right before she flew to Iran, Ghassemi had won an urban design award for a Tim Hortons that shed designed in Brampton. You really cant get any more Canadian than that, he said. The Toronto District School Board confirmed Arsan was a Grade 6 student at Pleasant Public School who was enrolled in the extended French program for three years, a letter that went out to parents states. He is a wonderful example of kindness and will be sorely missed by our students and staff, the letter states. Arnica Naizi was in Grade 3 at Finch Public School, where she was being remembered for her bright smile, positive spirit and kindness to all. McMaster University students Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian McMaster University confirmed that two PhD students in the Faculty of Engineering were believed to be on board, Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian. McMaster is a tightly knit community and there will be many faculty, staff, colleagues, friends and fellow students who need our support and caring at this tragic time, said president David Farrar in a statement. According to McMasters website, Aghabali received his bachelors in electrical engineering, and joined McMaster as a PhD student to pursue his research interests under supervision of professor Ali Emadi in McMaster automotive resource centre, in 2017. His research focused on design and control of power electronics converters in hybrid electric vehicles applications. The website says Eshaghian joined MARC in 2018 to pursue his masters degree, and then PhD in mechanical engineering. He had previously graduated from Sharif University of Technology in Tehran. The McMaster Iranian Student Association also paid tribute to the two. Mehdi and Iman were two kind souls who always celebrated Iranian traditions with our community, the association said. It is devastating for the entire McMaster community to hear the painful passing of young students who left behind their families and motherland in hopes of a better future career. Ali Mazaheri said his best friend Eshaghian would have turned 25 in a week. He said Eshaghian had been seeing friends and family and was on the flight because it was the cheapest route back to Canada. Mazaheri said the two last saw each other 11 days ago and went shopping, visited a tea house and took photos. When we said goodbye he told me maybe I cant see you again, so if I cant, goodbye, Mazaheri said. Alireza Pey, Ottawa Alireza Pey, known to his friends as Ali, was a loving father who cared deeply for the Iranian community in Ottawa. He leaves behind his two daughters, aged 8 and 10. Its devastating and Im in disbelief, said Maryam Kamkar, a friend of Peys and Iranian Canadian family community member. Pey organized a Facebook group to bring Iranian Canadian families together in Ottawa, to meet and provide an opportunity for kids to play and keep the language and culture going, Kamkar added. Pey is also the founder and CEO of MessageHopper, a tech company in Ottawa. Back in 2017, he also published a book called Discrimination in the Canadian Courts: The True Story of a Muslim Father Fighting for His Children based on his experience moving to Canada from Iran as an experienced engineer in 2000 and fighting discrimination against immigrant fathers in family court. He was a great man who tried to bring the community together, Kamkar says. He provided his personal residence as a meeting place for Iranian families to come together, celebrated both Iranian and Canadian holidays with a large group of friends. Delaram Dadashnejad, Vancouver A student from Tehran studying at Langara College in Vancouver was also killed, Delaram Dadashnejad, 27, was taking university transfer courses at the college. In a statement Langara College said Dadashnejad was visiting family in Iran and on her way back to Vancouver to continue her studies. University of Windsor research assistant Hamid Setareh Kokab and wife Samira Bashiri Assistant professor at the University of Windsor Afshin Rahimi confirmed to the Star that his research assistant Hamid Setareh Kokab and his wife, Samira Bashiri, were on the plane. University of Toronto students and siblings Zeynab Asadi Lari and Mohammed Asadi Lari University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) student Zeynab Asadi Lari was pursuing a science degree at UTM and was the UTM branch president of the STEM Fellowship, a Canadian non-profit that mentors young scholars in data science and scholarly writing. STEM Fellowship co-founder Dr. Sacha Noukhovitch confirmed that Asadi Lari, and her brother, Mohammed Asadi Lari, were on the plane that crashed. Mohammed Asadi Lari, who attends the downtown campus of University of Toronto, co-founded the STEM Fellowship. The University of British Columbia also confirmed the deaths of the two former students and released a statement expressing their deepest condolences to their family and friends. The school said Zeynab had enrolled at UBC in 2016 in the Bachelor of Science program, with a biology major. Her brother graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in cellular, anatomical and physiological sciences with honours standing. University of Toronto student Mohammad Amin Jebelli Mohammad Amin Jebelli, who was completing a Masters of Health Science in the Translational Research Program at the University of Toronto, had travelled to Tehran to be with his family over the holidays. Joseph Ferenbok, director of the Translational Research Program, said Jebelli had graduated medical school in Iran and worked as a doctor there. After mandatory military service, he chose the program at U of T because he was looking for something creative and entrepreneurial. Jebelli, 29, was an accomplished and bright student. According to his Linkedin profile he had done volunteer work in underserved areas of Iran as a family and emergency care physician, and was interested in medical imaging and cardiovascular diseases. His selfless nature really stood out, Ferenbok said. He said he would always stay late after department events, washing dishes or cleaning up, even when he was commuting from Waterloo during his first semester. No matter how much work he had or what he was doing, he always had time to help other people, Ferenbok said. Hes touched a lot of lives. Kevin Vuong taught Jebelli in a Leadership and Project Management class. Vuong described him as a phenomenal scientist with an interest in cardiovascular diseases, and who had a passion for photography. We lost 176 people yesterday, one of them was Amin, and the world is worst for it. May you rest in peace, my friend, wrote Vuong, who also serves in the Royal Canadian Navy, in a tribute tweet. Siavash Ghafouri-Azar and Sara Mamani, Montreal Two graduates from Concordia University in Montreal were also among the dead. Siavash Ghafouri-Azar and Sara Mamani both graduated from the school of engineering at the university, the school confirmed on Twitter. Babak Ghafoori Azar confirmed his cousin, Siavash Ghafouri-Azar, 35, worked for aerospace company Pratt & Whitney, in Quebec, after completing his masters at Concordia. Mamanis LinkedIn page suggests shed been employed by Bombardier since 2018. Its a nightmare, Babak Ghafoori Azar said. Everyone back home is crying. He was extremely bright. After relocating here in 2014, Ghafouri-Azar would go on to meet his future wife, Mamani, at Concordia, Babak Ghafoori Azar said. The couple decided to go back to Iran to get married in December, and were on their way home from their festive nuptials when disaster struck, he said. They went to Tehran to have the traditional ceremony and celebrate with family. Siavash Ghafouri-Azar, a mechanical engineer by trade, sent him pictures from the ceremony and the two exchanged pleasantries about the occasion. That was the last time they communicated. They were close growing up in Tehran, said Babak Ghafoori Azar, now a journalist in Prague for Radio Free Europe, and although he hadnt seen his cousin in about 10 years the two stayed in touch with frequent phone calls and social media contact. Gounash Pirniya, a close friend, said the pair had recently bought a house together. They were successful, kind, honest and hardworking people, Pirniya said. They were enjoying their life as Canadian citizens. Shadi Jamshidi, Toronto Shadi Jamshidi lived in Toronto and worked at the Mississauga office of Brenntag Canada as a technical sales representative. The entire community at Brenntag Canada is devastated for the loss of Jamshidi, who was the companys technical sales representative, said HR and communications director Stefania Badea. Jamshidi, 31, had been working with the company for over a year, and had travelled to Iran to be with her family over the holidays. She totally was an amazing person, said Badea, noting Jamshidi had just been selected to participate in the companys upcoming global program on leadership in March. She was a great employee, outstanding, always fun to be around. She had a very positive attitude, highly intelligent. We looked at her as one of our future talents. Carleton University student Fareed Arasteh and alumnus Mansour Pourjam Carleton University confirmed two of members of its community were on board the flight: Fareed Arasteh, a PhD student in biology, and biology alumnus Mansour Pourjam. Our thoughts are with Fareeds and Mansours families, friends and colleagues at this difficult time, and with everyone who has suffered loss in this terrible tragedy, the school said in a statement on their website. Relatives said Arasteh was in Iran to marry his fiancee over the school holiday. Their wedding was just three days ago. Golnaz Shaverdi, cousin of Arastehs wife, said the family is devastated by news of his death, especially his new bride, Maral, who remains in Iran. Shes devastated, Shaverdi said. He was such a nice guy. Everyone in the family really loved him. He was young and very kind. Everyone is, of course, devastated and they are also very worried for his wife, because shes going through a very hard time now. Shaverdi spent a weekend with Arasteh before he left Canada and helped him pick out his wedding outfit. He was a very kind and very honest person. He was thinking about his fiancee, was glad that he was going to go and see her and that they were going to be married, she said, breaking down into tears. He talked about all their plans and their dreams about life. Bahareh Karami, York Region York Region confirmed the death of a member of its staff, Bahareh Karami, who joined the municipality in 2018 working as a technologist in the capital planning and delivery branch within Environmental Services. We are so shocked and extremely saddened by this tragedy, said York Region chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson in a release. Our prayers are with Baharehs family, friends and colleagues, and for everyone that may be impacted in any way by this horrific event. The release said the municipality is in the process of reaching out directly to Baharehs immediate family, who live in Tehran. It said she was a graduate of University of Tehran with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering, before receiving a masters degree in science from North Carolina State University. Baharehs colleagues speak very highly of her, said York Region chief administrator officer Bruce Macgregor. She is being remembered for her love of family, a dedicated and strong work ethic, and great sense of enthusiasm. Karami lived in Torontos Riverside neighbourhood. In her spare time, she enjoyed Latin dancing, especially bachata, a popular social dance style and music genre from the Dominican Republic. Her dance instructor Fernando Ulloa told the Stars sister paper she was as a hard worker with the goal to do better with every practice. Hell never forget the enormous smile on her face after all of our performances. Mahsa Amirliravi and husband Moh Salahi, Toronto Mazyar Amirliravi, the brother of Mahsa Amirliravi, 29, confirmed that his sister was on the flight with her husband Moh Salahi, 30. Im so sad, a sobbing Mazyar Amirliravi told the Star. Amirliravi said he found out about his sisters death via news reports. He has since spoken to relatives in Tehran who confirmed she was killed in the crash. Overwhelmed by grief, Mazyar Amirliravi was unable to speak, so his wife, Nafise Ghadimi, did so on his behalf. She said the couple were both engineers, who met at Ryerson University and later married in 2014. The couple were Canadian citizens, who lived in Richmond Hill and both taught engineering-related courses at Lambton College in Toronto. We were supposed to go pick them up today, she said. They were very young and successful. GTA secondary school student Arad Zarei Arad Zarei, 18, was in Iran visiting his mother over the holidays in the city of Shiraz, according to a statement from his father Mehrzad Zarei, which he released through the office of Willowdale MP Ali Ehsassi. He was the apple of my eye and his energetic demeanour and caring personality left a lasting impression on his classmates and many friends, the father wrote. His life will undoubtedly leave a gaping hole in the lives of the many he touched. Mehrzad Zarei said his son was supposed to come back in Canada to resume his last semester at Richmond Green Secondary School. Ecole de Technologie Superieure student Aida Farzaneh and her husband, alumnus Arvin Morattab, Montreal The Ecole de Technologie Superieure, a public engineering school in Montreal part of the lUniversite du Quebec, also confirmed two deaths. In a release, the school said Aida Farzaneh, a PhD student, who was lecturing in construction engineering, and her husband, Arvin Morattab, who got his PhD there in 2018, were killed in the crash. All the ETS community offers its most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of Ms. Farzanah and Mr. Morattab, as well as to their teachers and colleagues, the school wrote in a statement. Razgar Rahimi, Farideh Gholami and their son Jiwan, GTA Centennial College confirmed Prof. Razgar Rahimi was on the plane that crashed, together with his pregnant wife, Farideh Gholami, and their three-year-old son Jiwan. Rahimi had started teaching in the department of engineering technology and applied science in September 2018, and was a sessional lecturer at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa. Professor Rahimi will be remembered as an engaging teacher and mentor, a friendly face who was always willing to assist students with their assignments, and as a warm human being who spoke often of his young family and his many colleagues and acquaintances both in Canada and back home in Iran, wrote school president Craig Stephenson. Friend Mahdiyeh Amiri told the Star that Gholami was an extremely talented and creative artist. She got the highest level of the Persian Calligraphy certificate when she was in high school. She got admitted to the university in 2002 for the bachelor degree in Industrial design and from the beginning she exceeded all the teachers expectations and graduated with distinction, said Amiri, adding Gholami went on to work as an interior designer and jewelry designer, and designed yoga pants for ANU that were made from recycled water bottles. She was dreaming to have her own jewelry design company one day, Amiri said. They were a happy family and they were bringing joy wherever they went. Its a little bit soothing that the last days of their lives were spent in the love of their families, Amiri said. Another family friend, Mariana Eret, said the couple were full of life, energy, plans, and dreams for the future. Eret said Razgar wanted to be a professor and that they were very caring and loving parents. Their son Jiwan just turned three last August and Gholami spent a whole month planning his birthday party. Jiwan was an extraordinary boy, he was smart, cheerful and he loved reading books. Last Halloween he wanted to be an avocado and Farideh made an avocado costume just for him. Eret said Farideh was seven months pregnant with their second son and the whole family were excited about the new addition. Farideh has already bought new things and decorated the bedroom for the new baby. They were caring and supportive friends and just fun people to be around. They had many close friends, both in the Iranian and non-Iranian communities, Eret said. If you had any question or problem, they were always there for you, ready to help selflessly in any way they could. Mohammad Sadeghi, Bahareh Hajesfandiari and Anisa Sadeghi, Winnipeg A Winnipeg family of three will be dearly missed, said their neighbour Behnam Soltani. Mohammad Sadeghi, who went by Mahdi; his wife Bahareh Hajesfandiari and their daughter Anisa Sadeghi were a kind family, Soltani said. They were some of the nicest people Ive met. Soltani said the family was in Iran to visit relatives over the holidays and he knew they were coming back on the flight that crashed. The family were involved in the local Iranian community, Soltani said. Mahdi Sadeghi was a board member for the Iranian association and Hajesfandiari volunteered at a Persian school. Soltani was at their home about two weeks before they left. He never expected they wouldnt return. Everybody is in shock. It is so bad. Forough Khadem, Winnipeg Jude Uzonna, the Health Research Chair and an associate professor of immunology at the University of Manitoba, said he was devastated by the death of his friend and colleague Forough Khadem. He met her at a conference in Iran where she was a translator. At the end of the conference Uzonna told her if she ever wanted to do a doctoral program she could come to his lab in Winnipeg. She took him up on the offer and graduated about three years ago from the University of Manitoba. Khadem was a talented immunologist and an absolutely fantastic person to be around, Uzonna said. If you walk into a room and Forough is there, you will try to find out who is this lady. She is very affable. She connects with people, he said. Its devastating. She went home to Iran in December to visit family. He texted her Monday to say he hoped that she was doing well. She responded that she was coming back to Winnipeg and hoped to see him soon. Now shes gone, he said. Amirhossien Ghasemi, Winnipeg Amir Shirzadi, a board member with the Manitoba Iranian Student Association, said his good friend Amirhossien Ghasemi was on the plane. Shirzadi said his friend was visiting family in Iran and was on his way back to Winnipeg. Ghasemi was a graduate student in biomedical engineering at the University of Manitoba. I saw him before he left the country, said Shirzadi, who added that the two played games together. I cant use past tense. I think hes coming back. We play again. We talk again. Its too difficult to use past tense, too difficult. No one can believe it. Another good friend, Shahin Ahmadi, said Ghasemi always wanted to help people and expressed compassion to everyone he encountered. They spoke an hour before the flight and Ghasemi told Ahmadi he was happy to return home and get back to his studies. We told each other that we cannot wait to see each other again. Shekoufeh Choupannejad, Saba Saadat and Sara Saadat, Edmonton Shayesteh Majdnia, a past president of the Iranian Heritage Society of Edmonton, said she was close friends with Shekoufeh Choupannejad, a gynecologist who died along with her two daughters Saba Saadat and Sara Saadat. Saba was in the midst of her bachelors in the department of biological sciences at the University of Alberta, while Sara had just graduated from the university with a bachelors degree in psychology, the school confirmed Thursday. Majdnia said she had spoken to Choupannejads husband, who is still in Iran, for confirmation. She said Choupannejad also leaves behind a son who was not on the trip with the family. She was the kindest person I had ever met, Majdnia said of Choupannejad. She said Choupannejad was always there for community fundraisers, and often did her best to help take appointments with new immigrants who were overwhelmed and unable to find immediate medical help. University of Alberta members Mohammad Mahdi Elyasi, Amir Hossein Saeedinia and Elnaz Nabiyi The University of Alberta confirmed the names of three more members of its community. Mahdi Elyasi graduated from the university in 2017 with a masters from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Faculty of Engineering. According to the university, he was a bright and motivated student who always wanted to be helpful to others and taught English to refugees. Amir Hossein Saeedinia was supposed to start his PhD student in the same department this month, according to the university. The school said he was known for his big smile, bright mind and enthusiasm for research and discovery. Elnaz Nabiyi was a phD student in the Department of Accounting, Operations and Information Systems at Alberta School of Business. The university said she graduated with a masters degree from Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, before moving to Canada to be with her husband a few years ago to begin their PhDs. University of Toronto student Mojtaba Abbasnezhad The University of Toronto confirmed Mojtaba Abbasnezhad was among at least six students whose names are on the flight manifest. A LinkedIn profile with that name said he was a PhD student and teaching assistant at the school, and has done research on wastewater treatment. Abbasnezhad was on the plane because he was returning from visiting his father and brother in Iran, according to his friend, Pooya Poolad. Its sad and shocking. I still cant believe hes not here among us. He was only 26 and just started his PhD with many dreams. According to Poolad, Abbasnezhad had lost his mother a few years ago and was always missing her. I think now theyre together. Poolad said hed been thinking of joining his friend on the trip, but then changed his mind. I wish he (had) never gone there as well. May he rest in peace, he said in a Facebook message. Saharnaz Haghjoo and her daughter Elsa Jadidi, Scarborough Al Haadi School, a private elementary establishment in Scarborough, posted on its Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon that its Grade 3 student Elsa Jadidi was on the plane that crashed, along with her mother. Describing her as a bright and brilliant student, the school said her passing will leave a gaping hole in peoples hearts. She was a kind, compassionate soul who lit up our classrooms, and held so much promise as a stellar student and impeccable leader at such a young age, the school statement reads in part. Our school will be much dimmer without Elsa to warm the hallways with her smile and laughter. Her mother, Saharnaz Haghjoo, was the manager of the Jump Scarborough program at the YWCA. The Jump program is designed to help resettle newcomers to the city. Elsa had gone to school at Wali ul Asr in Brampton up until last year. A Facebook post from Wali ul Asr called Elsa a wonderful girl who was always smiling. Haghjoos sister is one of Wali ul Asrs central campus teachers. The school called Haghjoo a great supporter of the school, always making a point to express her gratitude and appreciation to Elsas teachers. High school student Arshia Arbabbahrami and engineer Kasra Saati, Calgary The Calgary Board of Education has confirmed that Arshia Arbabbahrami was an international student in Grade 12 at Western Canada School who was returning to Canada after spending the holidays with his family in Iran. Principal Carma Cornea sent an email to students and families Wednesday that said Arbabbahrami was active in track, and the swim and dive teams: He dreamt of being a doctor and was a leader in our community who many students looked up to. Wednesday evening Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi tweeted his condolences to Arbabbahramis family, as well as a second Calgarian killed in the crash. Kasra Saati was on the passenger list of the doomed flight. Our hearts are heavy as we grieve the loss across the country and in our city with Arshia and Kasras families, he said. Engineer Kasra Saati, listed as a passenger by the airline, was also believed to have been on the flight, according to a statement from his former employer, Viking Air. In an emailed statement, a company spokesperson said hed been a valued member of the team at the Calgary aircraft assembly facility up until last month. His loss is deeply felt by everyone who had the opportunity to work with him, the statement read. Saati travelled to Iran over the holidays for a reunion with his wife and two children, said friend Nina Saeidpour. He was such a smart, social person and of course he was a family guy. Saeidpour said Saati boarded the plane to return to Calgary, while his wife, Mehsam, infant daughter and son, who is 10 or 11, stayed behind. Mehsam was in Iran during her maternity leave so that her family could help out with the new baby, Saeidpour said. She said friends frantically went through the flight manifest when they got word of the crash. Saatis name was on it, but not the rest of his family. Eventually Saeidpour was able to connect with Mehsam, who was in shock and surrounded by friends and family. Its just so sad that people come here to have a better life for themselves and their families, and then something like this happens, said Saeidpour. Suddenly, they leave behind a beautiful young family. Angela Murray, a spokeswoman for Viking Air Ltd. said Saati worked at the companys aircraft assembly facility from early 2018 until December 2019. His LinkedIn profile says he was a quality engineer. His loss is deeply felt by everyone who had the opportunity to work with him, said Murray. Ajax family Hiva Molani, Evin Arsalani and daughter Kurdia Molani A young family of three from Ajax were also killed in the crash. Evin Arsalani, 30, her husband Hiva Molani, 38, and their one-year-old daughter Kurdia were all passengers on the flight that crashed. They were returning to Canada after spending three weeks in Iran to attend a wedding, according to friend Nasrin Alizadeh. We are all shocked and in disbelief. It was Evins birthday on Jan. 2, and she had just turned 30, said Alizadeh in an emailed statement. Evins mother is currently in the hospital with the rest of her family as her mother became ill after hearing the tragic news. They are a well respected and well known family here among the Kurdish Iranian community. May they rest in peace. Ive directed staff to lower our flags to half-mast and to offer our condolences, said Ajax mayor Shaun Collier in response to the deaths of the family. Its a tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, I cant imagine what theyre going through. Fatemeh Kazerani and Mohammadhosse Saket, North Vancouver A young couple from North Vancouver, Fatemeh (Faye) Kazerani and Mohammadhosse (Daniel) Saket, were confirmed to have been on the flight. Sima Ghaffarzadeh, editor of Farsi-language Hamyaari media, told the Star a relative had identified the pair. Daniel worked at North Vancouver-based real-estate developer Denna Homes, the company confirmed. This has been a very trying day for the Denna Homes family. As a small office of 10 people, Daniels passing is a significant loss to all of us. Daniel was a colleague, a friend and family. Both he and Faye will be sadly missed, Dan Thomson, vice-president of marketing, said in a statement. Daniel and Faye both had a zest for life that lit up every room they entered. Farzad Taheri said he saw his cousins, who went by the English names Daniel and Faye, just before Christmas. We were the only family they had in Canada, Taheri said. Taheri described Saket as extremely kind, generous, humble genius. His death is a big loss to humanity, he said. Faye was the most positive, also extremely kind and generous woman. Ayeshe Pourghaderi and daughter Fatemeh Pasavand, North Vancouver Residents of North Vancouver identified Ayeshe Pourghaderi, 37, and Fatemeh Pasavand, 18, as mother and daughter. Pourghaderi and her husband opened Amir Bakery two years ago, according to Reza Varasteh, the manager of a shop and deli across the street. The mother and daughter had been in Tehran visiting family and friends, according to Arash Azrahimi, owner of a photography business near the baker. The couple worked seven days a week and Pourghaderi did many of the bread deliveries to retailers herself, said Varasteh. I saw her two weeks ago, he said. She always had a smile on her face. According to Varasteh, Pourghaderis husband got on a flight back to Tehran as soon as he found out about the crash. Firouzeh Madani and husband Naser Pourshabanoshibi, Metro Vancouver Firouzeh Madani and her husband, Naser Pourshabanoshibi, were both doctors who had moved to Canada about six years ago to upgrade their educations said, family friend Majid Mahichi. He said hed known Pourshabanoshibi since they were in high school growing up in northern Iran. He was one of the top students, Mahichi said. We were all waiting to see him be really successful. Mahichi said when he looked at the flight manifest he saw the names of his two friends, then later confirmed the news with Madanis sister. A North Vancouver couple in their mid-50s, Madani and Pourshaban were both award-winning physicians in Iran, said their niece Sara Hezarkhani. They were working towards getting their licences to practise in Canada. No words can describe their personalities, their true spirit, the passion that they had for the work, Hezarkhani said. The couple was in Iran for about two weeks over the holidays to visit family, she said. Pourshaban and Madani had been living in Canada for about seven years, Hezarkhani said. Their daughter is a university student in the Lower Mainland. She was not on board the flight. This is a big loss for our family and it will be very hard to (get) over, said Hezarkhani. Asghar Dhirani, Caledon Asghar Dhirani was remembered for his vivacious personality on the golf course. He was a religious leader and supporter of the non-profit Wali ul Asr school in Caledon, close friend Shaiq Ibrahim said. He would lead pilgrimages back to various religious sites in Iraq and Iran with the community. He was extremely helpful, kind, and polite, the Wali ul Asr school wrote in a Facebook post. He often told the schools management Please to not hesitate to ask, I will help the school in any way I can, whatever little I can do. Western University students Milad Nahavandi, Hadis Hayatdavoudi, Ghazal Nourian and Sajedeh Saraeian In London, Ont., the University of Western Ontario held a Wednesday night vigil for four graduate students who lost their lives in the plane crash: Milad Nahavandi, a PhD candidate in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Hadis Hayatdavoudi, a PhD candidate in Chemistry and Sajedeh Saraeian, an incoming Masters student in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, and Ghazal Nourian, a PhD candidate in Mechanical and Materials Engineering. University president Alan Shepard called the deaths devastating. Its just heartbreaking and difficult to comprehend, Shepard told the Western News. According to the universitys paper, all four were international students. Hayatdavoudi was studying the effects of hydrogen on copper at the Electrochemistry and Corrosion Science Centre. Its goal is to examine how corrosion affects nuclear waste containers. Her supervisor, Jamie Noel, said Hayatdavoudi had spent a month in Iran with her family her first time back home since she moved to Canada on her own in September 2018. He said she was on the flight so she could be back in Canada in time to act as a teaching assistant for one of his courses. She found Canadians were very welcoming to her, coming from so far away, all by herself, a single woman in a strange country, with a different language, said Noel, who noted that she quickly found community with other Persian students in his lab. University of Ottawa students Alma Oladi, Mehraban Badiei, and Saeed Kashani At the University of Ottawa, a professor of international affairs shared his condolences in a Twitter post for three students, Alma Oladi, Mehraban Badiei and Saeed Kashani, who died in the crash. Deepest condolences to the families of three uOttawa students and to all the other grieving families, Roland Paris posted. The university school paper featured Badiei, a first-year health sciences student who said her goals for 2020 were to meet new people and make new friends. Since the publication of this article on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, we were saddened to learn that Mehraban was a victim in the tragic Flight PS752 accident in Iran. We offer our sympathy and condolences to her family and friends, the updated article read. Saeed K. Kashani was entering the fourth year of his chemistry PhD degree, said Stephen G. Newman, an associate professor in the department of chemistry and biomolecular sciences. His focus was on organic synthetic: the branch of chemistry that deals with how to construct complex, valuable molecules from commercially available chemical building blocks. Alma Oladi was a PhD student studying mathematics at the University of Ottawa. Students and staff who knew her turned her desk into a makeshift memorial on Wednesday, with white flowers and cards placed next to a picture of her signature smile. She always had this smile on her face, said Mohsen Zandimoghadam, who was a friend of Oladi. She was a nice and kind girl. She always wanted to explore places and discover new things in life and new places she had so many plans for her life in Canada. Saint Marys University students Maryam Malek and Fatemeh Mahmoodi The Saint Marys University Students Association in Halifax expressed their condolences late Wednesday night for the loss of two students, Maryam Malek and Fatemeh Mahmoodi, who were studying for a masters degree in finance. We would like to express our thoughts to the families, friends, and colleagues, the association wrote in a statement. I knew them very well, said Colin Dodds, the programs academic director and the universitys former president, who noted he had taught them in November and December and had stayed in touch with the pair during the holiday break. The intense, 12-month program is aimed at helping students establish a career in the financial services sector. To celebrate the fact that it was the end of the first semester ... they were going home to see parents and family, Dodds said. Its a huge loss. Malek was in her early 40s and Mahmoodi was in her early 30s. Both spoke three languages. University of Victoria student Roja Omidbakhsh The University of Victoria confirmed that Roja Omidbakhsh, a first-year student, died in the plane crash. It is always a profound loss for the entire community when we lose someone, and our hearts and thoughts go out to Rojas loved ones, University president Jamie Cassels wrote in a statement Wednesday. Omidbakhsh was a very positive student, professor Mark Colgate said. She was on the pathway to complete a bachelor of commerce ... were heartbroken that this happened and our condolences go to her family and classmates. University of Toronto students Mohammad Amin Beiruti and Mohammad Salehe The University of Toronto confirmed that two more of its students were killed in the crash in a Wednesday press release: Mohammad Amin Beiruti and Mohammad Salehe. On behalf of the entire University of Toronto community, I want to say how deeply saddened we are, and how concerned we are for the families and friends of those who lost their lives, U of T president Meric Gertler said in a statement. We are continuing to gather information, and taking care to respect the privacy and wishes of all involved. Salehe was a PhD student in computer science. He was relatively new to Canada, having moved to Toronto about a year and half ago. Friends told UofT News that Salehe had exceptional talent and was a very skilled programmer. Fellow PhD student Seyed Hossein Mortazavi described Salehe as a remarkable human being who was always eager to help others. I dont know anyone that has ever said any bad thing about him and Ive known him for 22 years, he said of Salehe. Mohammad Amin Beiruti was pursuing a PhD in computer science. At a campus memorial, his professor Yashar Ganjali told mourners that Beiruti was working on a project to design controllers for next-generation internet. He was someone who wanted to make the world a better place, Ganjali said, according to UofT News. Amir Ovaysi, Asal Ovaysi and Sara Hamzeei, GTA Amir Ovaysi, 42, is remembered as a proud family man who would often show his colleagues videos and photos of his six-year-old daughter, Asal, and his wife, Sara Hamzeei, 34. His manager, Troy Futher, says the three were in Iran to visit Ovaysis aging parents. Ovaysi left in mid-December, joining his wife and daughter, who had arrived in November. It was their first visit home since they came to Canada about two years ago. Futher said he hired Ovaysi at his heating, ventilation and air-conditioning company, Smith Energy Inc., in June. Ovaysi had a masters degree in mechanical engineering. He worked out of the companys Mississauga, Ont., office, but had a house in Newmarket, Ont. He was genuine. He was a super person a brilliant mind, an astute student, said Futher, who added it was heartbreaking to have to inform staff that Ovaysi and his family were on board the flight. A lot of the employees took it extremely hard, he said. Its been a sombre day, a very difficult day. Nasim Rahmanifar, Edmonton Nasim Rahmanifar, a masters student in the University of Albertas mechanical engineering department, was nervous about her first winter in Edmonton. She was so excited to go back ... she planned to surprise her mom, her friend Sina Esfandiarpour told Edmonton media at a news conference. He said he received a text from Rahmanifar from the airport that she was on her way back and she wasnt looking forward to the cold weather. She was afraid, said Esfandiarpour. She just came in May and she said, They told me it was just freezing cold. She is never going to see that. Ramin Fathian, Rahmanifars officemate, said she was really worried about the weather in Edmonton. She was asking me all the time, What is the best jacket? he recalled. We were saying its not that bad. You will get used to it. One of her supervisors, Prof. Hossein Rouhani, said Rahmanifar was a highly motivated, hard-working student who had recently earned a scholarship. She was an outstanding student, said Rouhani, who added Rahmanifar planned to complete a PhD when she returned to Canada. Roja Azadian, Ottawa Roja Azadian was supposed to travel to Canada for the first time with her husband, who has been studying at Algonquin College in Ottawa, but a mix-up over his ticket meant he could not get on the plane with her. He was thinking, Im going to send her and then Im going to be back on the next flight, said Leila Hojabri, a friend of Azadians husband. He called a friend in Ottawa, asking if he could pick Azadian up at the airport and ensure she was safe. Instead, her husband remains safe in Iran and she died aboard Ukraine International Airlines flight PS 752. She wasnt sure if she should come to Canada and he was just building here and getting ready for her to join him and its just a really, really tragic story, Hojabri said. Dalhousie student Masoumeh Ghavi and sister Mandieh Ghavi Masoumeh Ghavi, a masters student at Dalhousie in IT and communications, and her younger sister Mahdieh, a first-year student, were flying back to Halifax to resume their studies. Sadra Kord-Jamshidi, president of the Dalhousie Iranian Students Society (DISS), said that Masoumeh had just recently come to Halifax. I met her last October at an annual general meeting that we held for the DISS. She came here in September. She was the nicest and also a very hard-working individual. Being a self-funded masters students working two jobs to make ends meet, she also offered the society her help in all of our events, Kord-Jamshidi told the Star. A Tehran native, Masoumeh had been working at MTN Irancell and Huawei previously, according to her Facebook profile. Dalhousies Iranian Students Society put out a statement on Wednesday, writing that we are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of flight #PS752 that was headed from Tehran to Kyiv and took away our beautiful Masoumeh and many other brilliant minds. The group has organized a vigil, which is taking place on Jan. 11. Terry Balser, Dalhousies provost and vice-president academic, said on Wednesday in a news release that on behalf of the entire Dalhousie University community, I wish to offer my deepest condolences to all impacted by this tragedy, including those on our campuses and in the broader Iranian community in our region. We are here for you and thinking of you in this difficult time. Sheyda Shadkhoo, Markham Shadkhoo, 41, was a chemist who worked as a control substance co-ordinator at SGS Corp. in Markham, Ont., a Swiss company that helps inspect, test and verify that products on the market meet various government standards. Her husband, Hassan Shadkhoo, said his wife phoned him Wednesday, just before the plane took off, because she was afraid to fly. The conflict between Iran and the United States and the missile attacks had alarmed her. He said he is gutted that he reassured his wife it would be OK. Twenty minutes after they got off the phone, the plane crashed. I wasnt there, he said, sobbing. I should have been there with her. The couple was married for 10 years. Sheyda was in Iran to visit her mother. University of British Columbia fellow Mehran Abtahi, Vancouver On Wednesday, the University of British Columbia confirmed that Dr. Mehran Abtahi, a postdoctoral research fellow studying civil engineering died in the flight. He was among three UBC alumni, Niloofar Razzaghi, Zeynab Asadi Lari, and Mohammad Asadi Lari. I wish to once again, on behalf of the university, express my deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of our community members, Santa J. Ono, university president, wrote in a statement. Shakiba Feghahati and Rosstin Moghaddam, GTA Shakiba Feghahati and her son, Rosstin Moghaddam, 10, didnt make it back home to Nobleton after visiting family in Iran, Feghahatis husband, Shahin (Shawn) Moghaddam, said. Please give them back to me, Moghaddam pleaded through tears, his voice trembling. He said Feghahati helped him at their metal fabricating business in Woodbridge and took care of Rosstin. Rosstin, their only child, was a Grade 4 French immersion student at Beynon Fields Public School in Richmond Hill. The family moved to Canada seven years ago, according to one of Feghahatis posts on Instagram. We didnt hear good news from Iran in the last few days. Its completely broken my heart Feghahati wrote in a post in Persian Nov. 19. Today we witnessed the selfishness of human beings Our change and revolution can begin here. Behnaz Ebrahimi-Khoei and her son Rahmtin Ahmadi, Toronto Behnaz Ebrahimi-Khoei, a property valuation analyst in Toronto, died in the crash, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union confirmed. Behraz was a member and steward with Local 552. She will be dearly missed, the union wrote in a statement. According to the union group, she was one exam away from completing her Canadian Residential Appraiser (CRA) designation. Ebrahimi-Khoei is remembered as a kind-hearted person and a dedicated mother, according to co-workers. Her son, Rahmtin Ahmadi, a Grade 4 student in the Toronto District School Board, was also killed in the crash. The TDSB sent out letters to notifying the Muirhead Public School community that Ahmadi, was killed. The note called Ahmadi an energetic and enthusiastic young man, who loved to play tag and was known to greet staff and students each morning with a friendly hello. Amihossein Ghorbani Bahabadi, Winnipeg The University of Manitoba has identified Amirhossein Ghorbani Bahabadi, a current student with the International College of Manitoba, as one of the victims from the crash in a statement from Wednesday morning. He is one of five alumni and students from the University of Manitoba to be named. During a vigil at the university his close friend Ayda Mohammadian said Ghorbani wanted to be a doctor. Ghorbani studied very hard but was also a lot of fun, his friend said. Ghorbanis goal was always to become successful so he could take care of his parents back in Iran, she added. We never knew that on the way back here he was going to die, and we are the ones who lost him, she said holding back tears. Before Ghorbani went back to Iran in December, Mohammadian told her friend she was worried for him. Ghorbani told her that he would return in 20 days and they could get back to planning their futures. But he didnt come back, she said. University of Windsor members Pedram Jadidi and Mohammad Abaspour Ghadi Two more people with ties to the University of Windsor, Pedram Jadidi and Mohammad Abaspour Ghadi, have been identified as victims from the plane crash. Jadidi was a doctoral student of civil engineering and Ghadi, the spouse of Zahra Naghibi, who was also a doctoral student of civil engineering at the school. A total of five people have been identified by the school. This is a real tragedy for our institution, said University of Windsor president Robert Gordon. These were five extraordinary individuals who embodied what our University is all about. Jadidi was in Iran to mark the first anniversary of his fathers death, his friend Mehran Eshaghi told a memorial service. He had moved to Canada to study civil engineering at the University of Windsor shortly after his dad died and he went home to be with his family. Who would have thought this was going to be his last farewell to his mother? Eshaghi asked. Who would believe this beautiful family would lose a father and son in a year? Eshaghi said his friend was a strong student and more. He demonstrated to be an exceptional, enthusiastic researcher, he said. Outside of work space, Pedram was known by all of us as an approachable friend. He was a keen lover of movies, music and sport and was a skilled graphic designer. Jadidis PhD supervisor Shaohong Cheng said Jadidi was a promising young scientist. He brought all his passion, his expertise, to my group, to my lab, Cheng said, recounting how Jadidi and a colleague had created a wind tunnel experiment. I still remember that moment when Pedram and his partner came to my office and proudly showed me the video of that test, she said. We were so excited. We cheered together for this milestone in my research group. Zahra Naghibi, Windsor Zahra Naghibi was a PhD student and colleague of Jacqueline Stagner at the University of Windsor. Stagner said she was informed by the head of the lab where Naghibi worked that she was on the plane. She was very helpful and warm, Stagner said. Naghibi was a part of Windsors Turbulence and Energy Lab, where she worked on issues related to solar energy. Stagner said when one of her students just starting graduate work and new to Canada needed help, Naghibi stepped in. Zahra was giving her advice, helping her out, letting her learn from her own work and what shed discovered helping her along, the next generation of researchers. She was very welcoming. Shahab Raana and Sahand Hatefi-Mostaghim, Montreal Two students at the Avrion Technical Institute in Montreal have been identified as victims in the crash. Shahab Raana and Sahand Hatefi-Mostaghim were not just one, but two of my best and most valuable students, their teacher Mike Stephens wrote in a Facebook post. Shahab and Sahand were incredibly talented, smart, hard working and goal oriented, Stephens added. They were both eager to learn as much as they could as well as wanted to. A fellow classmate in their welding and fitting class, Dong Wong Lee, from South Korea, became really close friends with Raana and Hatefi-Mostaghim, despite language barriers. All of our classmates are really close each other. We shared lots of different things such as culture, language, experience and we enjoy to talk about it a lot, he told the Star. Even though it wasnt a long time, we were all like brothers. We are in a deep sad mood. Queens University student Amir Moradi Queens University is mourning the loss of a student, Amir Moradi, who died in the plane crash. Moradi was enrolled in the Faculty of Arts and Science, according to a statement shared by the university. Having just received new information, it is with great sadness that I must now convey that one of our undergraduate students has perished in the plane crash tragedy in Iran. That tragedy, which has touched so many of our higher education institutions in Canada, has now affected Queens directly, school principal Patrick Deane said. Farzaneh Naderi and 11-year-old son Noojan Sadr, Winnipeg Farzaneh Naderi and her 11-year-old son, Noojan Sadr, from Winnipeg have been identified as victims. A GoFundMe page has been organized Sadrs cousin Negysa Kalar. Farzaneh was an amazing mother, wife, aunt, and incredible person. My cousin Noojan was charismatic, caring, and beyond his years. Too young to have lost such a beautiful soul, the post from the family read. She loved her family so much and would do anything for us, Kalar said of Naderi. She was so full of life and selfless. The family moved to Winnipeg about 15 years ago. Naderi volunteered for three years before being permanently employed as a tutor for children with autism at St. Amant, a not-for-profit foundation in Manitoba. A statement from St. Amant said Naderi had a big heart and genuinely cared about her colleagues, the children and their families. Noojan loved to play video games and soccer. He adored his family, his cousin said. My little cousin was the sweetest boy and so humble. The mother and son were on their way home to Winnipeg after visiting family in Iran. Kalar has started the Sadr Family Memorial Fund to support her uncle, Abolfazl Sadr, who lost his son and wife. Soheila Massoumeh Moshref Ravazi Moghaddam, West Vancouver Family friend Majid Majid Mahichi has confirmed West Vancouver resident Soheila Massoumeh Moshref Ravazi Moghaddam was aboard the plane. Mahichi said the mother of three worked as an office manager at a local hotel. Fereshteh Maleki Dizaje, Ottawa Dizaje, a 47-year-old Ottawa architect, was travelling back from Iran after attending the wedding of her only daughter. Her longtime friend Reza Eslami, who first met her at the architectural school in Tehran, described her as a brilliant architect and amazing friend. She had no problem picking up construction tools and building things with her own hands, he said. A single mom who had moved to Canada a few years ago, she was looking forward to focusing a bit more on her own life, now that her daughter was married. She always had this smile, no matter what state of mind she was in, Eslami added. Mohammad Moeini, Sherbrooke, Que. Mohammad Moeini, a resident of Sherbrooke, Que., has been identified as a victim of the plane crash. According to his LinkedIn page, Moeini worked as a Mechanical Designer at Bombardier Recreational Products. Sherbrooke Mayor Steve Lussier shared his condolences in a Facebook post. Sharieh Faghihi, Halifax Dalhousie University released a statement Thursday confirming Dr. Sharieh Faghihi was killed in the crash. Born in Tehran, Faghihi immigrated to Canada in 2011 with her husband and two children. After graduating from Dalhousie in 2016, she returned to the faculty to teach in the Division of Periodontology in 2017 and also worked in private practice in Halifax. According to an alumni magazine, she also helped establish a dental centre for disabled children in need in Tehran. Faghihi was an absolute joy, said LJ Turnbull, regional manager for Dentalcorp. One of the kindest human beings, said Turnbull. She had a fantastic sense of humour and she was great with the patients ... She was friends with everybody on the team. Another colleague, dentist Ebrahim Kiani, said he first met Faghihi 25 years ago when she was head of the periodontics department at the Shiraz University of Medical Science in Iran. She was very kind, very generous with her knowledge and very skilled, Kiani said. She was published in many journals ... She was a good mentor for me. Dawn Collins told the Star she was a patient of hers. She paid tribute to her maternal presence in a Facebook post, saying she made her feel more comfortable in the dentist chair. I always felt she was very loving in her work and nurturing, said Dawn Collins. Appreciate her. Farhad Niknam, Toronto Dr. Farhad Niknam, a dentist in Toronto, has been identified by the Iranian Ontario Dental Association as a victim of the crash. In a Facebook post from Wednesday, the organization named Niknam along with two other dentists in Ontario. May they rest in peace..I would like to extend my most heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones, Reza Termei, the IODA president, said. Niknam, 44, moved to Winnipeg five years ago with his wife and daughter after running a dental practice in Iran for 15 years, said Sanaz Valadi, his friend of 20 years. About three years ago, after having a son, the family moved to Toronto. Niknam took his dental equivalency exam and began to train other foreign dentists. He had recently settled the family in a new condominium and registered to be a dentist in Toronto. Valadi said they spoke on the phone only three days ago and Niknam was excited to come back to Canada to start a new phase of his career. Instead, Valadi spent the hours after the crash with Niknams grieving wife. Niknam and his wife, Mojgan, had been married for 15 years. Valadi said she will never forget how much they glowed as they danced at their wedding. Now Mojgan is alone with her daughter Yana, 7, and son Yuna, 3. Niknams family flew back to Iran on Wednesday to have DNA tests done so they can retrieve his body. Niloufar Sadr, Montreal Niloufar Sadr, a mother, artist, and community member in Montreals art scene, was killed in the plane crash, the MEKIC art gallery shared on social media. Sadr was a beloved friend and helped lots of artists and artisans when she worked at gallery. So many memories and its still so hard to believe this tragedy. God bless her soul, the post read. The MEKIC gallery represents the Iranian and Middle Eastern artist community. Sadr, 61, was returning to Toronto after a visit with family in Iran. Sadr had lived in Montreal for many years but moved to Toronto a few years ago to be closer to her adult children and grandchildren, said Elahe Machouf, a longtime friend. She described Sadr as someone who was full of life and had managed an art gallery in Montreal. She was very involved in the cultural field, Machouf said. Recently, she moved to Toronto because her children had moved there and she followed them, as many mothers do. Machouf said Sadrs father was Ahmad Sayyed Javadi, a prominent Iranian lawyer, politician and political activist, who died in 2013. Sadrs ex-husband Reza Banisadre, a Montreal architect, said Sadr visited Iran every year. She was very joyous. She had lots of friends, Banisadre said. She loved life. Sadr leaves two daughters and a son, as well as three grandchildren. Faraz Falsafi, Toronto Faraz Falsafi, a Toronto software engineer, had been visiting family in his hometown of Tehran over the holidays. A friend of his and fellow engineer, Arian Hosseinzadeh, said Falsafi was a scholar who completed a bachelors degree in software engineering and masters degree in the science in intelligent systems at Kabir University of Technology, and a masters in machine learning at McGill University. It was there, at McGill in Montreal, that Hosseinzadeh said he and Falsafi met. He was fun, he was humble, and he was very smart and talented, Hosseinzadeh wrote in an email to the Star. Not only his family and friends, but Im sure the world is going to miss such a good person. Hamidreza (Sam) Djavadi and son Kian Djavadi, Missisauga Hamidreza (Sam) Djavadi and his teenage son Kian were returning to Canada from a holiday trip to Iran. His wife had caught an earlier flight back so she could return to work. They lived in Mississauga but had a cottage in Grand Bend, Ont. That small community is now mourning them, remembering them both as just really friendly, truly kind souls, said Michael Vanhevel in a message to the Star. Vanhevel, who worked at the marina in Grand Bend, said the father and son could often be seen out on their boat and would stop to chat as they filled it up with gas. We remember them vividly, and everyone who worked there, including me, loved to see them coming down the channel, he said. Juan Castro, hired Kian to work for him last summer, at his Grand Bend water sports rental company. The teen pretty much made the whole summer quickly becoming a key member of the team who would often invite other employees back to his parents cottage for dinners. He was such a good kid, Castro said. Sam, as he was known, was always one of the first ones out on his boat each season and pretty much made friends with everybody. George Brown students Kiana Ghasemi and Darya Toghian, Toronto Kiana Ghasemi was on her way to begin studies at George Brown College, family friend Mohammad Rastifar confirmed in a message to the Star. God bless her, he said. Family friend Samira Akbari added Ghasemi was really excited about this new chapter in Canada. Her dad had tried so hard to send her over there, she said over the phone from San Francisco. Its so sad. Darya Toghian was studying at George Brown College and was also killed in the crash. The college did not release the names of the two students killed in the crash, but said one was studying in the Architectural Technology program and the other in the Computer Programmer Analyst program. The shock and sorrow felt across Canada right now feels particularly heightened for us with the tragic deaths of two of our students. To those of you who studied and worked with the students we lost this week, I extend my deepest sympathies, George Brown College President Anne Sado said. We share this grief and profound sense of loss with our colleagues across the post-secondary education community, who are also mourning the deaths of their co-workers and students individuals who were preparing to take on the challenges of a new semester and were working towards bright futures. Honouring the memories of those who died may ease some of the anguish were all feeling. Mahmoud Attar, GTA Zohreh Attar was beside herself with worry, knowing her brother Mahmoud, 69, was about to board a plane to fly from Iran to Canada just as the area was brewing with war. I didnt want to upset him, but I was so afraid. I texted him, told him to be careful. But he shrugged off her worries and instead texted back, asking what he could do for her, what did she need that he could buy in the airport and bring to Richmond Hill? It was typically selfless Mahmoud, Zohreh said, always thinking about others, never himself. He had been excited to help his 35-year-old daughter, Sahar Attar, decorate her new North York home. He was bringing her treasured items, dinnerware and photos from Iran, to make it her own. Before he left, Sahar said, he said dont worry, I have wrapped them very carefully so they wont be broken on the way. These were the last messages Zohreh and Sahar received from Mahmoud. Zohreh, a resident of Richmond Hill since 2007, said Mahmoud loved Canada; Sahar smiled, remembering how delighted he always was to hear Canadian border officials say, welcome to Canada. Zahra Hasani, Toronto Zahra Hasani was the wife of student Mohammad Salehe, who was also on board the plane. They made a great couple, said longtime friend Seyed Hossein Mortazavi. Salehe was a talented scientist who grew up with a love of computer programming, while Hasani wanted to do her masters at the University of Toronto. After completing two degrees from Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, and working as a senior software engineer at a tech company, Salehe started his PhD in computer science at the University of Toronto, Mortazavi said. Although he was usually quiet, he was very active in multiple social and religious communities, always trying to be there for his friends and neighbours, said Mortazavi. Zahra was caring, devoted to her friends and family, he said. The two were on their way back from visiting family in Iran after the last school term. Masoud Shaterpour Khiaban, GTA The young man was about to begin his studies at York Universitys school of continuing studies, York confirmed. He was supposed to be doing a post-graduate certificate in the business administration program. We are heartbroken by this news, said president and vice-chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton in a statement. On behalf of the York community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy. Niloofar Rastgar spoke to his fathers cousin, Shaterpour over text in the months prior to the fall of Ukraine Airlines 752. They spoke about Shaterpour moving to Canada and beginning his new life at York University to earn his MBA. Rastgar, who said he may have only met Shaterpour once or twice as a little kid, said Shaterpour had made quite the impression through the short, brief text messages. I could tell that he was a hard working, well-educated and kind person, Rastgar said, noting that Shaterpour, 31, had a medical degree from a university in Iran. He was a self made person. Rastgar, who lives in Vancouver, said Shaterpours mother passed away when he was a teenager and his father had died about four months ago. He had two brothers and two sisters who are in shock and mourning for him. Shahrokh Eghbali Bazoft, Maryam Agha Miri and Shahzad Eghbali Bazoft Shahrokh Eghbali Bazoft, his wife Maryam Agha Miri and their eight-year-old daughter Shahzad Eghbali Bazoft lived in Toronto and all died together, said Sharokhs niece, Nadia Eghbali. Eghbali said her uncle was a kind soul and a charismatic person. It was really hard not to like him because he was so kind. He had the best stories with funny voices and expressions that he would make, said Eghbali, on the phone from Chicago. He had everyone laughing including himself. Eghbali, a Grade 3 student at Dallington Public School, was a very creative and curious student, a letter sent out by the school reads. She enjoyed coming to school and approached her learning with enthusiasm. School officials wrote that Eghbalis thinking was out of the box and she brought new, innovative ideas to her classmates. Maryam was a kind person, a devoted mother, wife and friend, Eghbali said. She always made us feel welcome, she made you feel loved. Eghbali said Shahzad had a creative mind. She had a great giggle and she just meant so much to her parents, she said. They were a wonderful family and theyll be truly missed. Pegah Safar Poor Koloor, GTA York University identified Pegah Safar Poor Koloor as one of three students lost in the tragedy. Koloor was a first-year Faculty of Science student, studying biology. York joined universities across the country in paying tribute to the victims of the crash with a moment of silence on Wednesday. One, the upcoming political thriller that features Mammootty in the lead role, is one of the most anticipated projects of Malayalam cinema is 2020. Mammootty is all set to essay the role of the Kerala chief minister for the first time in Malayalam, in the movie. Reportedly, the makers have now finalised the release date of One. According to the sources close to the project, One will hit the theatres by the first or second weekend of April, as Mammootty's Vishu special release. The team is reportedly planning to announce the actual release date officially along with a special poster of the movie, very soon. Recently, the makers had revealed the official first look poster of Mammootty from the movie, through social media. The promising first look poster hints that One is an out and out political thriller and the megastar is playing a very different character in the film. Mammootty is being a part of a political film, after a long gap of about 27 years. One, which is directed by Chirakodinja Kinavukal fame Santhosh Viswanath, as recently set a new record, by becoming the first-ever Malayalam movie to be shot at the Kerala Legislative Assembly. Interestingly, major portions of the Mammootty project has been shot inside the Kerala Legislative Assembly old complex. The political thriller also marks Mammootty's first collaboration with Bobby and Sanjay, the National award-winning scriptwriter duo. Reportedly, One revolves around the story of Kadakkal Chandran, a senior politician who takes charge as the Chief Minister of Kerala under a sensitive situation. Along with Mammootty, One will feature an extensive star cast including Joju George, Murali Gopy, Sreenivasan, Balachandra Menon, Ranjith, Mamukoya, Salim Kumar, Suresh Krishna, Shankar Ramakrishnan, Sudev Nair, Vishnu Unnikrishnan, Nimisha Sajayan, Gayathri Arun, debutante Ishaani Krishna, and so on. The movie is produced by Ichais Productions and distributed by Anto Joseph Film Company. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 18:09:53|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia will hold its annual camel festival in the southern province of Umnugovi in March, in an effort to attract more tourists, local government said on Wednesday. With the support of the Mongolian Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports, the event will be held for the 23rd year on March 6-8 in the city of Bulgan, it said in a statement. According to the event's organizer, the event aims to promote winter tourism while passing on the camel culture to future generations and encouraging herders to increase the animal's population. The festival will include several activities, including camel racing, camel polo and a trade fair featuring camel products. According to the National Statistical Office of Mongolia, there were over 70.09 million livestock animals in the country as of the end of 2019, of which 0.7 percent were camels. Among the all 21 provinces of Mongolia, Umnugovi ranked first in terms of camel population. 2020 is a special year for Mongolia's tourism sector. The Asian country has set a goal of receiving 1 million foreign tourists and earning 1 billion U.S. dollars from tourism in 2020. In the first 11 months of 2019, the country received a total of 549,756 foreign tourists, up by over 10 percent year-on-year, according to the tourism ministry. The New Year is barely more than a week old, but 2020 has had a dangerous start on local roadways, with four fatalities from wrecks and severa I ran's supreme leader has said a missile attack on two US bases in Iraq was not enough amid mounting fury in his country over the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the strikes were a slap in the face for America but stressed that it was more important for US troops to leave the region. His remarks, less conciliatory than foreign minister Javad Zarifs, were met with chants of death to America at a commemoration of the Qom protest, a key event leading up to 1979s Islamic Revolution. The military said last nights attack lasted half an hour, from about 10.30pm. A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on US-led coalition forces / Reuters About 15 ballistic missiles were fired at the Al Asad airbase in Anbar province, western Iraq, and a base near Irbil in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. There were no US or British casualties, military sources said, despite claims on Iranian TV that at least 80 terrorist US soldiers had been killed. It was Irans most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizure of its Tehran embassy, but the strikes appeared to have been calculated to avoid escalating the crisis towards war. Iranian Missile Attack - In pictures 1 /16 Iranian Missile Attack - In pictures Pieces of missiles are seen at the rural area of Al-Baghdadi town after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq Anadolu Agency via Getty Images An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq Iraqi security forces find and collect the pieces of missiles as they gather to inspect the site after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq Anadolu Agency via Getty Images A protester waves the Iraq flag while demonstrators set fire to close streets near Tahrir Square during a demonstration to protest against the Iranian missile strike, in Baghdad, Iraq AP Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him addressing a meeting in Teharn Getty Images An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq via Reuters Iraqi security forces and soldiers gather to inspect the site after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq, a facility jointly operated by U.S. and Iraqi forces, at Bardarash district of Erbil in Iraq Anadolu Agency via Getty Images An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq IRIB/AFP via Getty Images Multiple rockets are launched at Al-Asad airbase Multiple rockets are launched at Al-Asad airbase A protester sets fires to close streets near Tahrir Square during a demonstration to protest against the Iranian missile strike AP A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq Reuters They followed days of mourning for Soleimani, commander of the elite Quds Force in Irans Revolutionary Guard, who was killed in a drone attack at Baghdad airport last week. Despite mixed messages from Tehran, there were signs both Iran and the US were acting with caution. Mr Zarif tweeted: Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter, targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Iraqi security forces find and collect the pieces of missiles / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Donald Trump tweeted: All is well! Regarding casualties, he added: So far, so good. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting coalition, including British, forces. "We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation. Questions remained over whether the strikes were just an initial response. Former foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind told Talk Radio the Iranians had acted at the mildest end of the spectrum and either realised they were weak or were biding their time for a more sinister response. Fred Fleitz, chief of staff to former US national security adviser John Bolton, told Today there could be terrorist attacks by proxies, but I also think the Iranians are worried about how President Trump will respond. It comes as Hassan Rouhani, president of Iran, wrote on Twitter: "General Soleimani fought heroically against ISIS, Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda et al. "If it werent for his war on terror, European capitals would be in great danger now. Our final answer to his assassination will be to kick all US forces out of the region." Listen to today's episode of The Leader: Chinas first domestic HPV vaccine approved for market By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2020-01-08 13:40 With its first homemade vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV) approved for market, China has become the 3rd country in the world to develop and produce an HPV vaccine, after the US and the UK. Priced at 329 yuan (47 USD) each, the vaccines cost is 50% cheaper than imported vaccines. Named Cecolin, the vaccine was developed by two research teams in Xiamen, a city of Fujian province. Having received the green light for sales, it is suitable for protecting against infection with HPV16 and 18 types among females aged between 9 and 45. (Zhang Jun, deputy director of the National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, explains the vaccine to students.) (Staff at the institute carry out an experiment.) Jointly developed by Xiamen Innovax Biotech and the National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases (Xiamen University), Cecolin boasts completely independent intellectual property rights. Setting itself apart from other HPV vaccines, it deploys recombinant DNA technology to express virus-like particle antigen in Escherichia coli. Trials show that the vaccine is able to provide 100% prevention against pre-cancerous cervical lesions related to HPV and that 97.8% of the vaccine recipients found it effective in preventing persistent HPV infection. The approval was passed by the authorities on December 31. HPV vaccine, also known as cervical cancer vaccine, can be used for the prevention of cervical cancer, male and female genital cancer and genital warts. (Photos/Chinanews.com) Study conducted in living cells opens up new opportunities for the development of more effective therapies against different types of cancer, such as glioblastoma More than half of cancer cases worldwide are associated with genetic mutations in p53, the protein responsible for protecting DNA from changes that can lead to cancer. When this protein deforms, it not only loses its protective capacity, but can also gain new functions, acting as a "traitor", and contributing to the spread of the tumor by forming protein clusters that may be resistant to chemotherapy. The mechanisms by which this "betrayal" occurs and how it causes drug resistance are not yet fully understood. A group of Brazilian researchers led by biochemist Jerson Lima Silva, professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), uncovered part of the mystery. In a new study, the scientists identified the presence of a large amount of the protein's traitor version in chemotherapy-resistant cells derived from glioblastoma, a super aggressive brain tumor. They also found how the deformed protein are organized inside the cell to exert resistance: they form clumps larger than those found in healthy individuals, some with amyloid properties, that is, when mutation leads to clumps. These structures were observed in the nucleus of living cells for the first time. The results are published in iScience. The use of living cells makes important contributions to research in the field. "Unlike other studies, we identified small oligomers (structures a little larger than the healthy version of p53) in living cells, contributing to the identification of p53 aggregates more closely to what should occur in the human organism. This was possible because of the collaboration with researcher Enrico Gratton, who developed fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy analysis," explains Murilo Pedrote, a graduate student at the National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (INBEB) and first author of the study. The research was conducted using a p53-specific mutation (M237I). "This is important because the native protein (without mutation) and other mutations are not capable of conferring the same drug resistance," says Guilherme A. P. de Oliveira, professor at UFRJ and one of the study's coordinators. Lima Silva's group has been studying p53 mutations for over 15 years. His laboratory was the first to identify the propensity of the deformed protein to form amyloid aggregates, and that they play a crucial role in cancer development through loss of function, negative dominance (when mutated versions of the protein bind to healthy ones, altering their behavior) and gain of function. After that, it was observed by different scientists that mutated p53 amyloid aggregates are present in breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. Due to their characteristics, these amyloid clusters have become a new target for anticancer therapy. In the new study, Lima Silva, de Oliveira and the other authors found that, in glioblastoma, an aggressive, invasive brain tumor with low survival (14 months), the deformed protein is involved not only in the formation of amyloid aggregates, but also in the resistance to temozolomide, the main drug used to treat the disease. The results are expected to enable the development of more effective treatments against various types of cancer. "Our study indicates that misfolded p53 and p53 aggregates are formidable targets for the development of new cancer treatment strategies," Lima Silva concludes. ### The paper entitled "Oncogenic gain of function in glioblastoma is linked to mutant p53 amyloid oligomers" is published online in iScience. The study was funded by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support in the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), the Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education (CAPES / MEC) and the National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (INBEB). By Laman Ismayilova Heydar Aliyev Palace invites you to enjoy countless hours of wonderful music on January 14. The concert "Just Jazz" will bring together Honored Artist Shahriyar Imanov (tar), Shur Trio, Coffee Band and talented musicians Suada Hajizade, Nijat Aslanov, Laman Abbaszade, Tural Rafael, Narmin Mammadli and Ayten Orujaliyeva. Tickets can be purchased at all ticket offices in the city, ASAN Service enters, Ganjlik Mall, 28 Mall and at: www.iticket.az. The history of Azerbaijani jazz dates back to the 1930s. There are certain musicians that played a major role in the development of jazz music in Azerbaijan. The revival of jazz in the Land of Fire started thanks to the active efforts of great national composers Gara Garayev and Tofig Guliyev. The first jazz orchestra in Baku was created by them. This orchestra, called the State Pop Symphony Orchestra, became the basis of Azerbaijani jazz. The foundation of Azerbaijani jazz is associated with the name of the legendary musician Vagif Mustafazadeh. He was one of the founders of the new music trend called "jazz mugham". The style reached its full fame in the 1950s and 1960s under the influence of composer Rafig Babayev and his Gaya Quartet. Dizzy Gillespie, the legendary American jazz trumpeter, reportedly lauded Mustafazadeh for creating "the music of the future". Nowadays, Azerbaijan sees growth in the number of talented jazz artists, including Aziza Mustafazade, Isfar Sarabski, Salman Gambarov, Nurlan Novrasli, Rain Sultanov and others. National jazzmen successfully perform at international music events. In addition, numerous jazz festivals are held across the country bringing together internationally acclaimed jazz musicians from all parts of the Earth. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz LYSANDER, N.Y. -- A tractor-trailer hauling beer crashed into a building Wednesday morning in snowy Lysander. The accident happened around 10:20 a.m. on Guyder Road off of Plainville Road. An Onondaga Beverage Company driver was driving south on Plainville Road when his International tractor-trailer slid off the slippery road and crashed into the back of 6791 Guyder Road, said Sgt. Jon Seeber, Onondaga County Sheriffs Office spokesman. The red, two-story building was significantly damaged, he said. The building houses an apartment and a store, according to Onondaga County property records. The business was The Cutting Corner beauty salon, according to a sign on the building. Daniel Ayotte, 43, of Camden, was driving the tractor-trailer, Seeber said. He was treated for a minor knee injury at the scene, he said. A passenger, Tyler McGetrick, 19, of Jordan, was not hurt. There were two people inside the building at the time of the crash, Seeber said. They were not injured. A Coors Light tractor-trailer crashed into 6791 Guyder Road in Lysander on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2019, cracking the foundation of the building. The tractor-trailer came to a rest against the building, crumpling the cab of the truck. The crash cracked the buildings concrete foundation. It was snowing and breezy around the time of the accident, National Weather Service records show. Roads across Central New York are slick with snow, slush and ice. The Onondaga County Sheriffs Office, Jordan Ambulance and multiple fire departments -- including the Plainville Fire Department, the Warners-Memphis Fire Department and the Baldwinsville Volunteer Fire Company -- responded to the crash. Firefighters have blocked off Plainville Road at Old Route 31. Tow truck drivers are working to tow away the damaged tractor-trailer. The crash remains under investigation. Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Sorrell's S4Capital Buys Data-driven Circus Marketing WPP founder Sir Martin Sorrell's marcoms business S4Capital has merged its content practice with Mexico City-based data-driven digital agency Circus Marketing. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Founded in 2005 by Bruno Lambertini (pictured), Circus creates multicultural content strategies and campaigns for brands such as Netflix, Spotify, Google, Facebook, and Uber. Services include insights and planning, data science, experience design, marketing automation, content strategy and production. Through the deal, Circus will join S4Capital's content practice, built around its first acquisition of creative digital production company MediaMonks. S4Capital says the merger will further strengthen its content expertise and position in the LatAm region with the addition of projected revenues of $38m and gross profit of $20m in 2019 (up 21% and 25% respectively on 2018). It will also add Circus' 350 professionals, who work as one team across eight locations in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Los Angeles in the US and Spain. The move follows last year's merger of MightyHive, S4Capital's programmatic practice, with Brazil-based consulting firm ProgMedia. Sorrell comments: 'Bruno Lambertini, Ignacio Liaudat and Luis Alonso and their colleagues at Circus share our vision of focusing on purely digital content, unencumbered by analogue baggage. Circus also embraces our data-driven holy trinity model and embodies faster, better, cheaper or speed, quality and value. They are buying into our unitary model, combining seamlessly with our content and programmatic practices.' Web sites: www.s4capital.com and www.circusmarketing.com . Does ABC News have some kind of propaganda agreement with Iran's mullahs in order to Get Trump? It seemed to have an agreement of some kind. That's the only thing one can conclude after seeing Nightline's Martha Raddatz report last night, the one with her featured standing in the middle of a raging Iranian mob with her hair very visible, telling us all how angry the Iranians are about the death of its terrorist Quds Force general, Qassem Soleimani, in a U.S. air strike. Obviously, the mullahs consider it all good propaganda for whipping up the Democrats over in the U.S. to come out against any U.S. involvement in hitting back at Iran as it hits us. But it was strange stuff. It was obviously not normal reporting. Number one, getting a pass to report in Iran is a difficult and complicated thing. It's not commonly done; no major news outlets have foreign bureaus anywhere in that country. Somehow, ABC managed to arrange this quickly. Parachute journalists and foreign correspondents who aren't fluent in the language of the country they cover almost always use "fixers" to set things up for them. Who was ABC News's fixer? Anyone watching this swift production ought to have his antennae for propaganda up. Riiiight: Raddatz out and about in downtown Tehran. Iran's enforcers beat women for showing that much hair. Funny how nothing happened with her... Image credit: YouTube screen shot. And two, since when do we put female television reporters in the middle of raging Middle Eastern mobs without expecting some kind of consequences? We all know what happened to CBS reporter Lara Logan when she plunged without a veil into a raging Egyptian mob several years ago she was brutally assaulted as a foreign female not adhering to Islamist norms, and her prominent television reporter status didn't mean a thing to them. What kind of security did Raddatz have? She had to have had some, owing to Iran's "whip them" culture on non-conforming females without veils, or even veils that show too much hair. Raddatz has a barely visible excuse for a veil, but her hair is out there. Even if we account for differences of behavior between Persian and Egyptian mobs, or the two women's age differential, we know that Persian mobs, which once ripped the dead body of the Ayatollah Khomeini out of his coffin during his funeral procession, can do crazy things, and Raddatz was vulnerable. Did ABC's security come from the mullahs? Was there some kind of protection agreement? They don't have much private-sector security to hire in Iran, and in any case, mullahs call the shots there. Three, the U.S. has ordered all U.S. nationals out of Iran all based on the very real possibility that the mullahs will take and hold some of them hostage. They've done it before; they held the Washington Post's bureau chief and a Wall Street Journal senior correspondent hostage with impunity and not a care about their rank or any consequences. Why wouldn't Raddatz be the same kind of target, particularly with the mullah regime furious? Some kind of agreement, some kind of guarantees seem to have been made about this. Iran's propensity to kidnap Westerners, including reporters from prominent news organizations, is not a secret to any of them. If any of these kinds of agreements was done, all one can conclude is that it wasn't exactly free reporting; it was state-sponsored reporting. When you look at the content of the Nightline piece, well, draw your own conclusions. Raddatz's report sought to show everyone how aggrieved the Iranians were. There were crying ayatollahs, raging fist-pumpings. Raddatz stood in the middle of a crowd of mostly young men waving their fists (notice that only the men do that), yelling, "Death to America," letting them do their thing and helpfully telling us that they're full of intensity. Spontaneous. Look how relatively neat the composition of the picture came out. Staged? You decide. Image credit: YouTube screen shot. Right there it's hard to think the whole thing was not staged. Look at the neatness of the photographic composition, everyone standing neatly around her and leaving room for the camera in front of her to film. Throughout the rest of the report, there was not a word about the celebrators of Soleimani's death, something we can be pretty sure the mullahs do not want to see the airwaves, but that, based on evidence seen from Iranians on Twitter, appeared pretty large, indeed. Why wasn't that in the report? Not a word, either, about the historic perspective of the dictator's funerals drawing large crowds Stalin, Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro, and Robert Mugabe also drew huge funeral crowds. People in totalitarian states tend to act like beaten, abused wives, mourning their oppressors, in part because they don't know where the brute force power used against them now resides in the wake of the despot's death and often are playing it safe. Things frequently fall apart in the aftermath, however. Well, that wasn't there in the report. Instead, Raddatz tried to convince us that Iranians were in deep, deep mourning because they were wearing black - something they've been doing since the mullahs seized power in 1979 actually -- and yelling 'death to America,' something they were doing last week, and all through these miserable mullah years. Neither detail was new, but they expected us to think it was new - Iranians wearing black and yelling 'Death to America!' so now President Trump has really done something bad. According to the Washington Examiner, which noticed how bad it was: ABC's Martha Raddatz, reporting separately from Iran, said of the funeral and its accompanying protests that they represent a "powerful combination of grief and anger" over the killing of a "man revered by many here." The network then broadcast an Iranian who said, "Trump made a big mistake. He killed our hero." "Soleimani's image everywhere. The impact of his death profound. The crowds are massive and emotional," said Raddatz. "There are many tears here, many signs with Soleimani's picture on them, but the message is also very clear. These people want revenge." "Inside the funeral service, the emotion just as powerful," she said, adding, "I don't think people here want an all-out war, but they do want revenge for the death of Soleimani, but the next move is all up to Iran." Pure, unadulterated mullah propaganda, and ABC News served as Iran's useful fool. The mullah regime seems impervious to propaganda, given their outrageous acts, but in reality, they are sensitive to it. Axios has some new material about Iran's effort to propagandize the mullah regime in the West. Historian Andrew Cooper has spoken of a startling Iranian propaganda machine that attacked him on Amazon to depress sales of his book that favorably depicted the Shah of Iran. The mullahs care very much about propaganda as most westerners view their oppressive regime like a bad smell. Something happened for ABC to get that report out, showing how supposedly sharp they are that they can get into Tehran and file reports. Someone needs to ask them about just why the mullahs thought it served their interests to let them in. Is what they did actually journalism? Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 27-year-old man from Shikhambi Village in Kakamega County, Kenya, whose body was found in his house on the morning of December 29, 2019. Meshack Keith Bwisa, an employee of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), registry department in Kakamega, had gone missing since December 25, 2019. Bwisas relatives said they went over to his house to look for him as they prepared to celebrate the New Year festivity as a family. The deceaseds relatives said when they knocked on the door of Bwisas rented house in Shikhambi, they did not get any response. Upon trying to gain access to the house, they realised that he had locked the door from the inside, prompting them to seek police officers intervention. The law enforcement agents from Kakamega Town arrived at the scene, broke down the door and found Bwisas body lying on a bed. On the floor, there was a jiko that had charcoal ashes, suggesting that Bwisa could have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. The body had swollen and decomposed. It is likely Bwisa died on the night of December 25, 2019, said Kakamega Central OCPD David Kabena. There was a suicide note placed next to his body. In the letter, Bwisa blamed frustrations arising from unsuccessful bets as the reason for his suicidal ideation. In the note, he also advised the youth and his family members to refrain from betting, saying it ends up impoverishing people, added Kabena. Bwisas body was taken to Kakamega County Referral Hospital morgue, where a postmortem examination was scheduled for early January. Reached for comment on Tuesday, January 7, on whether Bwisas autopsy had been conducted, Kabena said: I am on leave now, but I will confirm and get back to you. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates View this post on Instagram Im stunned and heartbroken to hear the devastating news of Ugly Betty creator, Silvio Hortas death. His talent and creativity brought me and so many others such joy & light. Im thinking of his family and loved ones who must be in so much pain right now- and of the whole Ugly Betty family who feel this loss so deeply. One day the advance could lead to a patient's own skin cells being used to produce new cells for cancer immunotherapy or to test autoimmune disease interventions. The group, led by Professors Ed Stanley and Andrew Elefanty, from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia, said the work has added definitive evidence about how the body's earliest immune cells are formed. These lymphocytes are produced by cells which form the embryo's first organs rather than the blood-producing stem cells that sit inside the body's bone marrow. The research combined two powerful laboratory techniques, genetic engineering and a novel way of growing stem cells, to make the breakthrough, which has been published in the prestigious journal Nature Cell Biology. First, the team engineered pluripotent stem cells to glow green when a specific protein marker of early immune cells, RAG1, was switched on. RAG1 is responsible for creating the immune response to infections and vaccines. Next, the team isolated the glowing green RAG1-positive cells and showed that they could also form multiple immune cell types, including cells required for shaping the development of the whole immune system. "We think these early cells might be important for the correct maturation of the thymus, the organ that acts as a nursery for T-cells" said Professor Stanley. "These RAG1 cells are like the painters and decorators who set up that nursery, making it a safe and cosy environment for later-born immune cells," he said. Professor Elefanty said, "Although a clinical application is likely still years away, we can use this new knowledge to test ideas about how diseases like childhood leukemia and type 1 diabetes develop. Understanding more about the steps these cells go through, and how we can more efficiently nudge them down a desired pathway, is going to be crucial to that process." ### The study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council*, the Australian Research Council, the Children's Cancer Research Foundation (Australia) and the Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation, and involved researchers from the University of Melbourne, Monash University and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. Publication: Multipotent RAG1+ progenitors emerge directly from haemogenic endothelium in human pluripotent stem cell-derived haematopoietic organoids. Nature Cell Biology January 2019 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-019-0445-8 Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden makes a foreign policy statement, in New York on Tuesday. Later in the evening he attended a fundraiser in Gladwyne. Read more As news of an Iranian airstrike on a U.S. military base in Iraq started breaking, former Vice President Joe Biden spoke to about 75 supporters in the foyer of a stately home in Gladwyne, faulting President Donald Trump for steps that he said led to the chaos thats ensuing. Whats happening in Iraq and Iran today was predictable, Biden said. Not exactly whats happening but the chaos thats ensuing. Biden told the crowd of many doctors and lawyers in Gladwyne, "I just pray to God as [Trump] goes through whats happening, as we speak, that hes listening to his military commanders for the first time because so far that has not been the case. The fund-raiser one of at least a half dozen Biden has attended in the state was hosted at the home of Alex Vaccaro, president of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, and his wife, Lauren. Attendees included the Rothman CEO Mike West; attorneys Alan Kessler and Thomas A. Leonard III, and former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell. The suggested donations were $1,000 and $2,800 per person. Before speaking, Biden took photos with the crowd to allow time for Rendell, who was running late, to arrive. Rendell introduced Biden saying we need sanity and experience and yes, experience counts. He joked that people were so put off by Washington lately that the next president might consider relocating the capital to its original location Philadelphia. Biden thanked Rendell whom he called Eddie, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Governor, my buddy and the many doctors in the room, some of whom he said treated his son Beau before he died. " In his 30-minute speech, Biden talked about the reasons hes running for president to restore the soul of the nation, and rebuild the middle class. He said hed be the candidate to unite Congress. We dont talk to each other any more about policies, he said. We start out by saying, Youre unethical. Youre in the pocket of ... and its all personal." Big changes are in store for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. In addition to announcing that they are stepping back as senior members of the Royal Family, they also revealed that they are planning a move to North America. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity, the couple said in a groundbreaking statement on Wednesday. With an impending move to North America in the works, what will happen to the royal parents newly renovated Frogmore Cottage? The young family moved into their Windsor home, which was given to them by the Queen, last April, just weeks before welcoming baby Archie and they plan to keep it as a residence for the foreseeable future. DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/POOL/AFP via Getty Frogmore Cottage will continue to be the property of Her Majesty the Queen. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to use Frogmore Cottage with the permission of Her Majesty The Queen as their official residence as they continue to support the Monarchy, and so that their family will always have a place to call home in the United Kingdom, the couple shared on their official website SussexRoyal.com. RELATED: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Address Every Question About Bombshell Announcement See Them All! Frogmore Cottage | Shutterstock. Inset: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Windsor, located about 25 miles west of London, is a special place for the couple, their spokesman said and was the setting for their royal wedding. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip also live nearby when they reside at Windsor Castle, one of the monarchs primary residences. Cant get enough of PEOPLEs Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Story continues Harry and Meghan moved out of their Nottingham Cottage home on the grounds of Kensington Palace last year. The two-bedroom home was never likely to be a long-term residence especially once they had children. They were also eager to escape the fishbowl of London, a source told PEOPLE ahead of their move to Windsor. RELATED: The Queen Responds to Prince Harry and Meghan Markles Decision to Step Back as Senior Royals The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have yet to reveal where theyll move to in North America. They could choose Vancouver Island in Canada, where they spent several weeks over the holiday season with baby Archie and Meghans mother Doria Ragland. There is always the possibility of Meghans hometown of Los Angeles or even Toronto, where she lived for several years while she filmed her hit show, Suits. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) Media giant ABS-CBN News is currently investigating the inappropriate and insensitive comments of one of its radio show hosts on actress Nadine Lustre. We are investigating reports that DZMM host Jobert Sucaldito uttered inappropriate and insensitive comments regarding actress Nadine Lustres state of mental health, said ABS-CBN News in a statement on Wednesday. Showbiz reporter Jobert Sucaldito brought up the recent issue between Lustre and showbiz columnist Ricky Lo on a radio program on Tuesday night. To recall, the actress called out Lo for publishing a story on her alleged breakup with longtime partner James Reid. READ: Nadine Lustre denies split with James Reid Sucaldito hit Lustre and the fans of JaDine [James and Nadine], and joked that the actress should have jumped off the building. Obviously, fans of Lustre were not pleased with the comment of Sucaldito as the actress admitted before that she is struggling with depression. Further, ABS-CBN News assured that the organization takes mental health issues seriously. We in ABS-CBN News take the issue of mental health very seriously. This was even the subject of a recent documentary that we produced. It added, Our journalists and other members of our team are accountable for their on-air statements. Sucaldito has apologized for his remark about Lustre. "I would like to apologize to Ms. Nadine Lustre and to those who got bothered by that sa aspetong ito. I am also apologizing to my radio network DZMM for putting them in discomfort because of this," said the radio host in a statement aired on ABS-CBN's DZMM TeleRadyo. Those who need further help may call suicide prevention hotlines below. These are open for 24 hours, seven days a week: . (02) 804-HOPE (4673) . 0917 558 HOPE (4673) . 2919 (toll-free number for all GLOBE and TM subscribers) By Press TV January 07, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - Amid confusion over a reported US letter to Iraq announcing the steps its military would take to move out of Iraq, Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi confirms that Baghdad has actually received "signed and translated" copies from the US Army concerning the withdrawal. In a televised cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Abdul Mahdi clearly refuted all US claims that the letter had been sent by mistake or it had been inauthentic. On Sunday, the Iraqi Parliament voted unanimously in favor of a bill demanding the withdrawal of all foreign military forces led by the United States from the country. The vote came only two days after US airstrikes assassinated senior Iranian commander Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, and the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) anti-terror group, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in the Iraqi capital. Earlier, various news agencies reported that Brigadier General William Seely, who oversees US Task Force Iraq, had sent a letter to the head of Iraqs Joint Operations Command on Monday, suggesting potential withdrawal of the forces belonging to a US-led coalition, which has been operating in Iraq since 2014 under the pretext of fighting Daesh. Signed and translated US Defense Secretary Mark Esper later denied that the US military had announced preparation for movement out of Iraq, and the Pentagon claimed that an unsigned draft version of the letter had been sent by mistake. Abdel Mahdi, however, said he had received signed and translated copies at 8:00 p.m. local time (1700 GMT) on Monday. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The letter discussed redeploying with an aim to withdraw from the country. The expressions were very clear, he said. It was an official letter written in such a manner, the premier told ministers. Its not a piece of paper that fell off the printer or reached us by coincidence," he added. The letters only contained a translation mistake that the US military corrected and provided Baghdad with new versions, Abdul Mahdi noted. The AFP said it had received a copy of the letter late Monday and verified its authenticity with both US and Iraqi officials, the agency added. In it, Seely informed his Iraqi counterparts that American troops were preparing to leave Iraq. Seely wrote the US-led coalition would be re-positioning forces in the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement. In order to conduct this task, Coalition Forces are required to take certain measures to ensure that the movement out of Iraq is conducted in a safe and efficient manner, said the letter. It said helicopters would be travelling in and around Baghdads heavily-fortified Green Zone, where the US Embassy is located as part of the preparations. The AFP, meanwhile, said its reporters could hear helicopters flying low over Baghdad throughout the night on Monday as well as Tuesday. This article was originally published by "Press TV" - On 7 January, the Department of Basic Education and Minister Angie Motshekga celebrated an all-time high matric pass rate of 81.3%. The official pass rate, however, only tells part of the story. The Democratic Alliance (DA) highlighted that the 81.3% pass rate does not take the high dropout rate into account. In 2017, a total of 1,052,080 learners were enrolled in grade 10, yet only 409,906 learners eventually passed matric last year. This means only 38.9% of grade 10 learners actually wrote and passed matric, the DA said, adding that the real pass rate is therefore 38.9%. This is for the most part due to an extraordinarily high dropout rate, which means that hundreds of thousands of learners are denied the chance to write matric, let alone pass it, the DA said. Since 2015, which saw the highest number of pupils who sat to write their matric exam, there has been a steady decline each year. This should be a real and urgent concern for the Department of Basic Education. True pass rate per province The Western Cape is the province with the lowest dropout rate (33.4%) and therefore the highest real pass rate, standing at 54.8%, stated the DA. The Free State, which is the top-performing province with a pass rate of 88.4%, has such a high dropout rate that its real pass rate only stands at 38.4%. The table below shows the real matric pass rate in South Africa per province, based on the DAs dropout analysis. Models wearing outfits adorned with chocolate pose at the "cacao show" in this photo provided by the Salon du Chocolat Seoul, Jan. 8. / Courtesy of the Salon du Chocolat Seoul By Kwak Yeon-soo "Salon du Chocolat," an annual exhibition on all things related to chocolate, will be held at COEX convention center in Samseong-dong, Seoul, from Jan. 10 to 12. Since the exhibition began in Paris in 1994, it has been held in 34 cities in 17 countries, including London, New York, Moscow, Tokyo and Seoul. Under the theme "Taste the Art," it will offer various events including a "cacao show," where dresses with chocolate adornments will be showcased on the runway, and a "choco demo," a demonstration by a pastry chef. The cacao show will present the collaborative work between the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and chocolatiers. At "Choco Land" visitors can make chocolate. "Choco Art" presents artworks made of chocolate, while chocolate restaurants offer a variety of recipes using chocolate as a main ingredient. "Visitors will not only be able to see a nice variety of things that people can do with chocolate, but also feel the value in a piece of chocolate," said Shin Hyun-dae, the event's organizer. "It will be an exciting time for consumers and professionals in the dessert industry to come together and promote sustainable growth." From left are chocolatiers Yun Eun-young, Jung Young-taek, Jung Hong-yeon, Ko Eun-su and Eric Kim / Courtesy of the Salon du Chocolat Seoul A Boeing Co. 737-800 jetliner bound for Ukraine that crashed after takeoff in Iran, killing everyone on board, was most likely brought down by an engine fire, according to Tehran authorities. Ukraine International Airlines said 167 passengers and nine crew were on the plane, an older version of the 737 that predates Boeing's grounded Max model, which crashed at 6:18 a.m. local time Wednesday in Sabashahr, near the Iranian capital. Iran's Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization said early assessments indicate the cause was a technical issue and the transport ministry suggested a fire was to blame, dismissing speculation that the jet was downed by a stray missile following Iranian strikes against U.S. bases in Iraq. At the same time, another state-run outlet cited an official from the Iran Civil Aviation Organization as saying the pilots didn't declare an emergency, while an amateur video purportedly of the stricken plane showed a bright image descending steeply before hitting the ground. Television footage showed recovery efforts at the crash sight, with debris from the plane spread across a charred field. Ukraine's foreign ministry said about half those on board held Iranian citizenship and that there was also a large number of Canadians, as well as Swedes, Afghans, Britons and Ukrainians. Ukraine International Vice President Ihor Sosnovskyi said in Kyiv that the plane, delivered to the airline new in 2016, was in good condition and had its last shop visit on Jan. 6. He said the crew was also very experienced and that there were no indications of human error, while declining to comment on possible reasons for the crash, the company's first since it was set up in 1992. The tragedy comes at a tense time for both Iran and Boeing. The Islamic republic has fired more than a dozen missiles at U.S.-Iraqi airbases in retaliation for the killing of Iran's top general, Qassem Soleimani. Just prior to the crash, U.S. aviation regulators issued new restrictions barring civilian flights over Iraq and Iran. Boeing is still reeling from its worst-ever crisis following two deadly crashes involving the 737 Max that led to the grounding in March of the company's best-selling model. U.S. stock futures slid and the yen rose, though those moves faded after reports that the crash was due to a technical issue. Boeing declined as much as 2.5% in premarket trading. Under established protocols, Iran would lead any investigation since the crash occurred on its soil. Ukraine Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk said his government has informed Iran that its experts should take part in the investigation. Few nations have the expertise and technical facilities to conduct a full accident probe, however, so the U.S., France, Britain or other countries have provided assistance in the past. The plane's crash-proof recorders, for example, will have to be downloaded in a specialist lab. The so-called black boxes have been found, Agence France-Presse reported, citing aviation officials in Iran. International rules for air-crash probes mean the countries that made the plane and its engines usually participate, providing technical expertise. But the current turmoil between Iran and the U.S. may complicate the involvement of the National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing. The website flightradar24 showed the 737-800 jet left Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport for Ukraine's Boryspil International Airport early Wednesday morning local time. "We are aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information," Boeing spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in an email. Safran confirmed that the twin-engine plane was powered by turbines from its CFM venture with General Electric, while declining to comment further. The jet lifted off and climbed to about 7,900 feet and was traveling at roughly 300 miles an hour when it stopped transmitting its position and disappeared, according to data supplied by FlightRadar24. Other aircraft operating out of Tehran were tracked normally, said FlightRadar24 spokesman Ian Petchenik. Boeing is still struggling with the fallout from the Max crashes in Indonesia in October 2018 and Ethiopia last March as regulators mull proposed fixes for flaws discovered in the plane's flight-control system. The 737-800 doesn't have that system. - - - Bloomberg's Harry Suhartono, Kyunghee Park, Anurag Kotoky, Eduard Gismatullin, Angus Whitley, Layan Odeh, Paul Dobson and Will Davies contributed to this report. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday in a televised addressed said that no American lives had been lost in the Iranian missile attack on two American bases in Iraq US president Donald Trump on Wednesday in a televised addressed said that no American lives had been lost in the Iranian missile attacks on two American bases in Iraq earlier in the day and claimed that Iran seems to be "standing down". He also reiterated that Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Speaking from the foyer of the White House, Trump said, "No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties. All our soldiers are safe, only minimal damages were sustained at our military bases." Trump credited an early warning system that worked very well" for the fact that no Americans or Iraqis were killed. He added that Americans should be extremely grateful and happy with the outcome. His remarks came hours after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, which Tehran said was a "slap in the face" of America. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by Trump. He, however, defended his targeted killing last week of General Soleimani, calling him "a ruthless terrorist". "In recent days, he was planning new attacks on American targets, but we stopped him," Trump said. "By removing Soleimani we have sent a powerful message to terrorists. If you value your own life you will not threaten the lives of our people," he said, adding, "Soleimani's hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood." The US president called on Iran to "work together" to eliminate the Islamic State, saying the killing of Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was "good" for Iran. Claiming that the US economy had grown stronger than ever before during the last five years, Trump said that the country was no longer dependent on West Asian oil. During his televised address, Trump reiterated his position that Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon" and called for new nuclear negotiations to replace the 2015 nuclear deal from which he withdrew the US. Trump criticised the Barack Obama-era Iran nuclear deal as "very defective" and "foolish". "The very defective nuclear deal expires shortly, anyway, and gives Iran a clear and quick path to nuclear breakout. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism," Trump said. Iran on Wednesday announced that it was partially withdrawing from the deal. He also announced that the US will immediately place new sanctions on Iran until Iran changes its behaviour. "US will impose powerful economic sanctions on Iran. For too long, nations have tolerated Iran's behaviour. Those days are over. Europe, China, Russia and other countries must break away from Iran nuclear deal," he said. Urging Iran to abandon nuclear ambitions and end support for terrorism, he said, "Peace and stability cannot prevail in West Asia as long as Iran continues to foment terrorism." Addressing Iranian leadership and its people through the address, Trump said, "We want you to have a great future, one that you deserve. The US is ready to embrace peace." "We are constructing many hypersonic missiles. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it," he said adding that American strength, both military and economic, was the best deterrent. Trump also asked NATO "to become much more involved in the West Asia process." With inputs from agencies Iran's Christian Minority: Officially Sanctioned But in Reality Persecuted Recent tensions between Iran and the United States have drawn the attention of Catholic leaders, who hope the two nations will avoid an escalation. The Islamic Republic of Iran is a theocratic republic. The majority of its population is Shiite Muslim, but religious minorities, such as Christians, are tolerated. Less than 1% of Iran's population is Christian. According to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, Iran has nearly 300,000 Christians, including adherents of apostolic Churches--Latin Catholic, Armenian and Assyrian/Chaldean--and newer Protestant and evangelical churches. The Catholic hierarchy consists of one Latin archdiocese--Ispahan--which has been vacant since the 2015 retirement of Archbishop Ignazio Bedini. There are also several Eastern Church eparchies: four Chaldean and one Armenian. Five of the parliament's 290 seats are reserved for Christians and other minorities: two for Armenian Christians and one each for Assyrian/Chaldean Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians. USCIRF said that the Iranian government monitors members of the historical Churches and imposes legal restrictions on constructing and renovating houses of worship. "Christians have been sentenced to prison terms for holding private Christmas gatherings, organizing and conducting house churches, and traveling abroad to attend Christian seminars," USCIRF said in its 2019 annual report. "Evangelical Christian communities face repression because many conduct services in Persian and proselytize to those outside their community. Pastors of house churches are often charged with national security-related crimes and apostasy." Converts to Christianity also face persecution, USCIRF said. "Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, a prisoner for whom USCIRF advocates as part of its Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project, is a convert from Islam to Christianity who leads the Evangelical Church of Iran and has been arrested several times. In 2017, Judge [Mashallah] Ahmadzadeh sentenced Nadarkhani to 10 years in prison and two years in internal exile for 'promoting Zionist Christianity.' After several failed appeals, he was rearrested in July 2018 by plainclothes agents, beaten, and taken to a quarantine ward in Evin Prison." The commission reported that in 2018, Iran "drastically" escalated its arrests of Christians. Whereas 16 Christians were arrested in Iran in 2017, at least 171 were arrested in 2018. "Christians arrested in Iran are often treated and charged as enemies of the state, and lawyers who take on their cases face the threat of detention. In September 2018, for example, Iran revolutionary court judges [Mashallah] Ahmadzadeh and Ahmad Zargar affirmed sentences leveled in 2017 against Saheb Fadaie and Fatemeh Bakhteri on the charge of 'spreading propaganda against the regime.'" Iran has specifically targeted the family of Assyrian Christian pastor Victor Bet-Tamraz on spurious charges of acting against national security, USCIRF said. In 2017, Bet-Tamraz was sentenced to 10 years in prison and continues to appeal the sentence. In January 2018, Judge Mashallah Ahmadzadeh of Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Bet-Tamraz's wife, Shamiram Isavi, to five years in prison on national security charges. In July 2018, the judge sentenced their son, Ramil, to four months in prison, also for 'acting against national security." Last year, USCIRF recommended to the U.S. State Department that it designate Iran a "country of particular concern," or CPC, under the International Religious Freedom Act. USCIRF noted that since President Donald J. Trump took office, the U.S. government has "significantly shifted its approach to relations with Iran, adopting a 'maximum pressure' campaign that emphasizes accountability for Iran's nuclear activity and destabilizing activities in the region in addition to its egregious violations of human rights and religious freedom." In May 2018, the Trump Administration announced a re-imposition of sanctions waived or lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, the so-called Iran nuclear deal) to occur over a 180-day wind-down period. The first of these re-impositions occurred on August 7, 2018, and the second occurred on November 5. By the end of the reporting period, the United States had fully re-imposed the sanctions on Iran that had been lifted or waived under the JCPOA. At the July 2018 Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom held in Washington, DC, participating delegations from around the world issued a Statement on Iran concerning its mistreatment of religious minorities. Vice President Michael R. Pence also spoke about Iran's restriction on religious freedom and urged Iranians to "press on with courage in the cause of freedom." In August 2018, the Iran Action Group at the State Department issued a report in which it detailed Iran's targeting of religious minorities, noting "Baha'is, Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, and Sunni and Sufi Muslims face widespread persecution, discrimination, and unjust imprisonment." Sunrise executive producer Michael Pell has blasted the Today show's management in a blistering interview. Pell, who has a fierce reputation in the industry, accused Nine of treating its stars badly with a string of high-profile lineup changes. The 37-year-old said he was 'surprised' by the number of people who had been 'sacked that quickly for no apparent reason'. Scroll down for video The breakfast TV war just got personal: Sunrise executive producer Michael Pell (left, with Natalie Barr) has blasted the Today show's management in a blistering interview 'The audience doesn't like a company that treats people badly,' Pell told News Corp on Wednesday. 'On our side of the fence, there's been very little change in what we've done for many years and I think people appreciate that.' He added pointedly that the Sunrise team weren't 'copiers', as if to imply that the Today show was somehow derivative. 'The audience is punishing them': Pell, who has a fierce reputation in the industry, accused Nine of treating its stars badly with a string of high-profile lineup changes. By contrast, he said viewers were drawn to the 'family friendly' vibe of the Sunrise team (pictured) Taking a swipe: 'When you watch [Sunrise] you feel warm and happy, and doesn't the world need a bit of that right now?' Pell told News Corp. Pictured: Wednesday's Sunrise panel Pell went on to say that Sunrise is more popular because of its 'family friendly' vibe. 'When you watch the show you feel warm and happy, and doesn't the world need a bit of that right now?' he said. Pell's comments should be taken with a grain of salt, however. Say what you really mean, Michael! Pell (pictured) added pointedly that the Sunrise team weren't 'copiers', as if to imply that the Today show was somehow derivative Not only is Today starting to snap at Sunrise's heels in the ratings again, but News Corp has a vested interest in running negative coverage about Nine. That's because the network is a commercial rival of News Corp following the Nine-Fairfax merger, which saw the broadcaster take ownership of The Age and Sydney Morning Herald newspapers. Meanwhile, Nine is hoping that returning host Karl Stefanovic's cheeky sense of humour and unpredictability will bring its audience back in 2020. The ratings had suffered greatly with Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner as co-anchors last year, reaching unprecedented lows. Comeback kid: Meanwhile, Nine is hoping that returning host Karl Stefanovic's cheeky humour and unpredictability will bring its audience back in 2020. Pictured with Allison Langdon The female journalists were drafted in at the start of 2019 to replace Karl, who had been sacked the previous December due to his tumultuous personal life. When it became clear the audience hadn't warmed to Deborah and Georgie, Nine bosses swallowed their pride and asked Karl to return. He now hosts the Today show with former 60 Minutes reporter Allison Langdon. Multiple staff members and on-air talent have left Today since 2018, including Steve Jacobs, Tom Steinfort, Richard Wilkins and Tim Gilbert. State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, came to Oakland on Tuesday to promote a bill that would boost construction of apartment buildings and condominiums in an effort to address the state's housing shortage. But Wiener and other speakers at a news conference on the steps of City Hall were drowned out by protesters, including people from the homeless activist group Moms 4 Housing, who said Senate Bill 50 wouldn't provide enough affordable housing. Wiener has tried for several years to get the state Legislature to pass his bill, which he said would eliminate restrictive low-density zoning near public transit and job centers and create new zoning standards for those areas. SB 50 must pass the Senate Appropriations Committee and then the full Senate by the end of January in order to move forward in the new legislative session. A male walking in Fairfield died when he was struck by a vehicle Tuesday morning, police said. Police reported the fatal collision around 7:15 a.m. North Texas Street between Air Base Parkway and Atlantic Avenue is expected to be closed until around 10 a.m., Lt. Jausiah Jacobsen said. The male driver of the Nissan SUV that struck the pedestrian stayed at the scene, and impairment is not believed to be a factor in the collision, Jacobsen said. Candace Andersen was sworn in Tuesday as the 2020 chairwoman of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, and came in with a ready list of board priorities for the coming year, including housing, homeless outreach and transportation. Andersen, who represents District 2 that covers Lamorinda, the San Ramon Valley and other areas, has been on the board since June 2012 after serving for almost 10 years on the Danville Town Council. Also sworn in Tuesday was new board vice chairwoman Diane Burgis, who represents eastern Contra Costa County and parts of the Dougherty Valley east of Danville and San Ramon. She was elected to the board in November 2016. Andersen said other priorities will include updating the county ordinances covering short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and tree preservation. The board will also be choosing a new county clerk and recorder to succeed Joe Canciamilla, who resigned in late October, about a week before a settlement with the Fair Political Practices Commission alleged Canciamilla violated campaign finance laws by illegally spending more than $130,000 in campaign funds. Cellphones and other wireless devices could work better on BART trains and stations if the transit agency's Board of Directors approves a "BART Digital Railway" proposal at its meeting Thursday. The four-stage plan will bring new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth infrastructure and improved cellphone coverage to the BART and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency systems within five years, according to BART officials. The proposal calls for BART and the SFMTA to partner with Mobilitie, the country's largest private wireless infrastructure company, to add underground cell coverage to three Muni tunnels -- Sunset, Twin Peaks and the Central Subway -- within three years of the project's start. The next phase would require Mobilitie to build new wireless systems in all BART stations within four years. The third phase of the proposal would extend wireless services from the stations to BART's new "Fleet of the Future" train cars. The final phase involves installing new commercial fiber optic cables along some BART and Muni rights of way. Four burglary suspects were arrested after fleeing an attempted traffic stop in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood and colliding into a city vehicle in the Cow Hollow neighborhood on Monday afternoon, according to police. The series of events started at 4:26 p.m. in the area of Hyde and Green streets when officers spotted a vehicle known to be involved in auto burglaries in the area, police said. As the officers tried to pull the vehicle over, the driver fled, police said. Officers didn't pursue it. The suspect's vehicle then crashed into an occupied city vehicle at the intersection of Union and Franklin streets. Following brief foot pursuits, all four suspects were taken into custody. Their names haven't been released. The city employee was transported to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening. Antioch police have released information about a 20-year-old suspect being sought for a shooting that left someone with serious injuries in October. Kevion Blocker, a 20-year-old Antioch resident, is wanted for a shooting that was reported at 10:21 a.m. on Oct. 28 at the Williamson Ranch Plaza shopping center in the 4800 block of Lone Tree Way, according to police. Officers responded and found a 20-year-old victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds that police described as "life-altering." Investigators determined that an argument between the victim and Blocker led to Blocker shooting the victim several times. On Tuesday, the Antioch police SWAT team and other officers served a search and arrest warrant in the 1800 block of Foster Mountain Court to try to take Blocker into custody. He was not there, but police recovered an illegal firearm during a search of the home. Sonoma County sheriff's deputies arrested a man Tuesday morning on suspicion of sexually assaulting a girl as she walked to a school in Sonoma and attempting to abduct another girl in the same area, a sheriff's office spokeswoman said. Staff of Altimira Middle School informed the sheriff's office around 8 a.m. that a man sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl. The sheriff's office then received another call about a man with a similar description who tried to abduct a female student, sheriff's spokeswoman Misti Wood said. Sheriff's deputies and detectives quickly responded to search the area and interview the victims, and the suspect was arrested within two hours, Wood said. The suspect was taken to a hospital because of a medical condition unrelated to the alleged assaults, and his name will be released after he is booked into Sonoma County Jail, Wood said. San Mateo County Libraries are starting a new pilot program that will allow people to rent bicycles from the Belmont branch. The Book-A-Bike program, which launched Monday, will allow people 18 years and older with a valid library card to check out one of a fleet of four bikes, which must be returned the same day. The idea came from the library's Pitch-It contest in which library staff pitched new service ideas and voted to implement the favorite one. The Book-A-Bike idea came from community technology specialist David Vargas, library officials said. Other accessories purchased by the library is helmets with a GoPro camera mount, baskets for cargo, bike lights, bike locks and first aid kits. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. For now we seem to have averted an all-out shooting war between the United States and Iran. Yet its not over. The world is more dangerous than it was a week ago, and President Trumps exuberance suggests that he may have learned precisely the wrong lesson from his clash with Iran. Trump and some of his supporters are crowing at the lack of American casualties Iran may have carefully aimed so as to miss people in ways that remind me of the hubris preceding the 2003 invasion of Iraq. As there were then, there are today concerns about whether intelligence has been overstated, leaders are thumping their chests and theres too much confidence in the ability of the military toolbox to solve complex problems. Trump, who in 2012 repeatedly claimed that President Barack Obama would start a war with Iran to help win re-election, is already running election ads on Facebook trumpeting his killing of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani and saying that this is keeping America safe. Hmm. Look at the results so far: Iran has cast off nuclear curbs so that it is now potentially within five months of having enough fuel for a nuclear warhead, down from almost 15 years when Trump took office. United States forces may be pushed out of Iraq, allowing Suleimani to achieve in death one of his foremost goals in life. American forces in Syria may be difficult to support without the military presence in Iraq, so some or all of them might pull out as well, another strategic victory for Iran. The military campaign against ISIS is on hold, giving terrorists a chance to regroup. Irans regime, which had been threatened by enormous protests at home and in Iraq, has been rescued by Trumps actions. Iranians have rallied around the flag, and the Iraqi narrative has changed overnight from the bullying of Iranians to the bullying of Americans. Instead of bringing troops home, Trump has had to deploy more to the Middle East at huge cost. We may think we cant afford universal pre-K, but we dont blink at lavishing billions of dollars on these military deployments. North Korea has gained leverage, because it knows that Trump has little appetite for two international security crises at the same time. Kim Jong-un has also surely absorbed the lesson that he must never give up his nuclear warheads, as Trump will strike countries that lack nuclear weapons while schmoozing with leaders who have them. So much winning! And there will be more. Its true that Irans foreign minister, Javad Zarif, said that Irans response had concluded, but Zarif is a moderate often outmaneuvered by hard-liners. I know this partly because back in 2004, after Zarif approved a visa for me, I was detained in Iran by security forces looking for information that could embarrass Zarif and get him fired. My best guess is that Iran will strike back hard in a way that leaves it some plausible deniability. Perhaps itll be a truck bomb at a diplomatic mission or Trump property, or perhaps rocket attacks on a military site by a proxy, or a cyberattack on an oil refinery or the power grid, or perhaps mines that damage oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has options, and lets not celebrate prematurely. By Athar Parvaiz After 6 August, 2019, when the Government of India scrapped the semi-autonomous status of the former Himalayan state of Jammu and Kashmir and divided it into two union territories, recent news and statements about the imminent land-use changes in the region have caused consternation among common people and environmental activists. They argue that it would result in environmental degradation in the name of development. As part of abolishing Jammu and Kashmirs semi-autonomous status, the union government passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act in the parliament, which came to effect on 31, October, 2019 with the appointment of a new government in Jammu and Kashmir. A review of official data reveals that the new regional government, in a massive land-hunt exercise, has so far identified 120,000 kanals (15,000 acres) of land from 203,020 acres of state-owned land in the Kashmir region for industrial infrastructure development. Birds taking off at Kashmirs Hokersar wetland. Photo credit: Athar Parvaiz. In Jammu, 42,000 acres of state land has been identified for development, though concerns about environmental degradation have not so far been expressed explicitly by the people of that region. Forest land for development In another series of decisions on diversion of forest land and approval for felling forest trees and trees in urban forests, the Jammu and Kashmir governments Forest Advisory Committee (FAC), which was authorised to make decisions on approval of developmental projects passing through forested land, has approved the diversion of over 727 hectares (around 1780 acres) of designated forest land. It has also approved the felling of at least 1,847 trees (which includes 1,471 trees inside designated forest areas and 376 trees in areas earmarked for social forestry) and felling of un-enumerated trees that will be submerged due to construction of a hydro-electricity project (Pakuldul hydro-electricity project) and other development projects. As many as 198 projects have been approved by the FAC in four meetings (within 33 days) on 18 September, 3 October, 17 October, and 21 October. In comparison, less than half (97 projects ) involving diversion of forest land were cleared in 12 months in 2018. Most of the 727 hectares of diverted land (over 60 percent) is for building roads leading to smaller villages with population less than 200 people, said a member of the committee who was present during these meetings, speaking to Mongabay-India on the condition of anonymity. According to him, many of these proposals have been pending for a while as some members had suggested that some of these villages be relocated rather than allowing diversion of forest land for building roads for habitations with just 50 to 150 families. Some of our forests, for example in Doda, have suffered extensive denudation because of diversion of huge chunks of forested land for roads and hydro-electricity projects, he said. He further said that projects other than road projects, which were now approved, were on the waiting list for years as there were questions from the FAC. The process of deforestation could be hastened with the reorganisation. Photo credit: Athar Parvaiz. Conflict as a culprit Meanwhile, conflict in Kashmir continues to be a reason for the negative impact on the sensitive ecology in Kashmir. Since the early 1990s, when the armed conflict began in Kashmir, forests and water bodies have suffered neglect resulting in their degradation. In the 1990s and early 2000s, forests suffered huge damage as timber smugglers used to get direct or indirect patronage of militants, militant-turned Ikhwanis (renegades) and even security forces. The effects of degradation of forests are already visible in the drying up of perennial water sources at many places, accelerated soil erosion, flash floods, silting up of reservoirs, loss of biodiversity and reduced forest productivity. Even water bodies were encroached upon during the years of intense armed conflict in Kashmir and suffered much degradation because of a heavy pollution load, in the absence of proper governance. Using ecologically sensitive land such as forested areas for development of security-related infrastructure and deployment of security forces has been ongoing in Kashmir ever since the conflict started in the region in 1989, prior to which security presence was limited to some areas. In a written reply to a question in January 2018, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, had informed the states legislative assembly that 430,933 Kanals (53,866 acres) of land were under the direct use of army and paramilitary forces in the region. In keeping with this conflict-related land-use in Jammu and Kashmir, 33 percent (243 hectares) of 727 hectares of forest land was approved for diversion for the use of the army and paramilitary forces from 18 September, 2019 to 21 October , 2019 in Pir Panjal (Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary), Kehmil, Jhelum Valley, Samba and Jammu Forest divisions. Officials in Jammu and Kashmirs Forest Department said that all these decisions had to be taken within a few weeks because of the implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act from 31 October, 2019. Implementation of the Reorganisation Act meant automatic scrapping of the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Act under which the FAC was formed. Environmental activists like Raja Muzzafar, who is also an RTI activist, are worried what the proposed industrial development would do to an ecologically sensitive region. The only land owned by the government in Kashmir is part of rivers and wetlands and some Kerevas. One can just imagine what can happen to the environment and ecology once the construction is allowed there, he said. Banner image: The people of Jammu and Kashmir are concerned about the impact of the state reorganisation on its sensitive environment. Photo credit: Athar Parvaiz. *** This article was originally published on Mongabay.com. Mongabay-India is an environmental science and conservation news service. This article has been republished under the Creative Commons licence. Malaysias Anti-Corruption Commission has released a series of audio recordings allegedly revealing former Prime Minister Najib Razak seeking help from Abu Dhabis crown prince and colluding with a former prosecutor to conceal wrongdoings linked to a massive corruption scandal. The voice clips, released on Wednesday, marked a new blow to Najib who has denied any misdeeds in the multimillion-dollar looting of the 1MDB state fund and is on trial for corruption after losing office in elections in May 2018. Commission chief Latheefa Koya said the nine phone conversations, recorded between January and July 2016, revealed a clear cover-up and criminal conspiracy by Najib to stifle investigations, fabricate false evidence, and obstruct justice in the 1MDB scandal. The agency verified the clips were genuine but Latheefa declined to say how it obtained them. She said the recordings will be given to police for further action. Najib rejected the allegations. In a July 26, 2016, conversation, Najib purportedly called Abu Dhabis Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed to seek an urgent meeting to resolve an impasse over a payment between 1MDB and Abu Dhabis International Petroleum Investment Co. That came just days after the US Department of Justice said at least $3.5bn had been misappropriated from the fund by people close to Najib and filed lawsuits to seize allegedly ill-gotten assets linked to 1MDB. Najib also allegedly asked Prince Mohammed to forge a loan agreement to help his stepson and Hollywood producer Riza Aziz, who was named in the US lawsuit. Najib said a loan agreement would show the 1MDB money to Rizas production firm Red Granite came from a legitimate source. I also have this personal request, your highness, that that relates to Riza, my son, and his movie, Najib said on the recording, adding he wants to have a loan agreement signed to show it is a legitimate financing package not money-laundering. I need that agreement to be sorted out quickly, your highness, thats my special request, said Najib. Mr prime minister believe me I want to finish this, this is bad, responded the person on the other line, believed to be Prince Mohammed, according to the phone recordings. Najib added: At the moment hes under a bit of pressure in America, Im worried about him in case they make him a scapegoat. Hes totally innocent, all he wanted was to make movies. Red Granite which produced the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Wolf of Wall Street later paid $60m to drop the US lawsuit but Riza was charged in Malaysia last year for money-laundering. We can confirm their absolute authenticity, Latheefa said of the recordings. The contents are shocking; its a cover-up and subversion of justice. Najib told reporters he was shocked by this revelation and is looking at legal options as the audio clips would have allegedly been recorded while he was the head of government. Im studying the content and I have referred this matter to my lawyers. This has never been done in the history of this country, he said. Najib did not confirm or deny the authenticity of the recordings. The government communication office of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the National Media Council, which also represents the palace, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak faces dozens of charges over 1MDB, trials are continuing [File: Lim Huey Teng/Reuters] Najib faces 42 criminal charges in five separate trials related to the alleged theft of billions of dollars from 1MDB, the subject of investigations in at least six countries including the United States, Singapore, and Switzerland. He has pleaded not guilty. Malaysian and US authorities say about $4.5bn was misappropriated from 1MDB, cofounded by Najib in 2009. In another recording on January 5, 2016, then-Public Prosecutor Dzulkifli Ahmad allegedly told Najib the 1MDB investigation outcome was detrimental but he and then-Attorney General Apandi Ali could handle the matter on the legal side. On January 26 that year, Apandi held a news conference to clear Najib of any wrongdoing. Dzulkifli was promoted to anti-corruption agency chief in August 2016. Latheefa said the agency decided to make the audio recordings public as they were of national interest. She said the release would not be prejudicial to Najibs continuing trials. Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., December 27, 2018. Eduardo Munoz | Reuters Stocks finished the first five trading days of 2020 higher, setting up for potentially strong performance in the full year, based on an old Wall Street indicator. If stocks perform well in the initial couple of sessions in a given year, the market is often up at year-end, according to the "first five days" rule. Stock Trader's Almanac, which studied the market phenomenon going back to 1950, found that the first five days have a good track record of predicting the whole year. When stocks finish that period higher, the S&P 500 has been positive 82% of the time at year-end with an average gain of 13.6%, according to Stock Trader's Almanac and CNBC calculations. The S&P 500 rose nearly 0.5% on Wednesday, notching a new intraday record high and bringing the gains of the first five days to about 0.7%. It wasn't all smooth sailing, however, as an escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions during the period spooked investors. On Jan.3, the S&P 500 suffered its worst day in a month, sliding 0.7%, after a U.S. strike killed a powerful Iranian general, which sent oil prices surging. After the initial sharp sell-off, investors came back on Monday reassessing the geopolitical situation, largely shaking off the concerns. Monday saw the S&P 500 up 0.4%. The S&P 500 pulled back 0.3% on Tuesday as investors sought out more clarity on the Middle East unrest. On Tuesday night, Iran retaliated by attacking on an Iraqi airbase that houses American troops, triggering a massive sell-off in overnight trading. On Wednesday, stocks jumped to records after President Donald Trump toned down rhetoric against Iran, announcing further sanctions on the country but not more military force. Trump also said Iran appeared to be "standing down." Up, but volatile Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan look at each other during a joint news conference after their talks in the Bocharov Ruchei residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia on Oct. 22, 2019. (Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Putin, Erdogan Call for De-Escalation After Iran Missile Attack Hours after Iran fired missiles at U.S. soldiers in Iraqi military bases, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a de-escalation between both parties. In light of the ballistic missile attacks by Iran against coalition military bases in Iraq on [Tuesday], we believe that exchange of attacks and use of force by any party do not contribute to finding solutions to the complex problems in the Middle East, but rather would lead to a new cycle of instability and would eventually damage everyones interests, the two leaders said in a joint statement. Iran retaliated after the United States killed high-level general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad last week as President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stressed that he was planning attacks on Americans. Putin and Erdogan warned in their statement that the further use of force would lead to a new cycle of instability and would eventually damage everyones interests. Erdogan also said he would work diplomatically to calm tensions in the region, saying that no one has the right to throw the region, especially Iraq, into a new ring of fire for their personal gain, reported The Associated Press. The commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Quds Force, Gen. Qassem Soleimani is seen in Tehran on Sept. 14, 2013. (Mehdi Ghasemi/ISNA/AFP via Getty Images) Trump, in a televised address on Wednesday, said that economic sanctions would be placed on Iran following the missile strike, adding that no American soldiers were killed or hurt. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it, he said. As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime, Trump also said. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior. Trump stopped short of calling for any new attacks on Iranian targets. Ali Khamenei, the countrys supreme leader, made it clear that Iran saw its longterm mission as pushing the United States out of the Middle East after Soleimanis death. What matters is that the presence of America, which is a source of corruption in this region, should come to an end, he said on Wednesday, according to state-run media. Soleimani was in charge of Quds Force in Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the Trump administration in April under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The White House at the time said it was the Iranian governments primary means of directing and implementing its global terrorist campaign. St. Petersburg clinic owned by Sogaz insurance company, which is managed and partially owned by people associated with Vladimir Putin, treats wounded fighters of Wagner private military company (PMC). Reuters informs about this, citing its sources. The medical care of Russian private military specialists wounded abroad, mainly in Syria and Libya, shows that mercenaries receive indirect support from the Russian elite, although the Kremlin has denied that they are fighting at the orders of the Russian authorities, the report said. It is reported that the commander of one of the divisions of Wagner PMC Alexandr Kuznetsov, who is being treated at this clinic, confirmed that he was in Libya and said that the Russians there are fighting international terrorism to protect the interests of Moscow. The clinic opened in 2010 in the center of St. Petersburg. This hospital has been offering medical services to Wagner PMC since at least 2016, said a former mercenary who was being treated at the clinic. He said he got there after being seriously injured in Syria. At the same time, another five or six wounded Wagner fighters had been treated there at one time. A clinic employee confirmed that soldiers wounded abroad were being treated there. Sogaz, under a contract with Russian bodies, insures the life and health of servicemen of the Russian army and the National Guard, as official procurement website states. Moreover, the treatment of Wagner fighters was free of charge. Under Russian law, medical institutions are required to report to the police if they receive patients with violent injuries, and participation in military conflicts as mercenaries is considered a crime. The General Director of the clinic Vladislav Baranov refused to talk to reporters. Baranov is a business partner of one of Putin's daughters, Maria Vorontsova. A Spokesperson of the Russian president Dmitry Peskov answered the question: We do not have such information at all. Earlier, it was reported that the enrollment in the Wagner Group took place in annexed Crimea in February 2019. Now, the state has been left out much to the annoyance of the ruling Left Front. LDF convenor A. Vijayaraghavan accused the Union home minister of nursing political animosity against Kerala. The back to back floods had caused huge devastation in the state. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front in Kerala has accused the BJP government at the Centre of political vendetta in declining financial assistance for calamities. The High Level Committee meeting chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday had approved additional Central assistance of Rs 5,908.56 cr to seven states from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The allocation was announced for Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Kar-nataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh for floods, landslides and cloud burst during 2019 south west monsoon. Though Kerala government had sent a letter in September seeking assistance of Rs 2,101 cr from the Centre for devastation caused during last years floods, there was no response. Now, the state has been left out much to the annoyance of the ruling Left Front. LDF convenor A. Vijayaraghavan accused the Union home minister of nursing political animosity against Kerala. The back to back floods had caused huge devastation in the state. The total loss during the devastating floods in 2018, the worst in a century, was estimated to be over `30,000 crore. The denial of funds to Kerala amounts to political vendetta and denial of justice. The Centres decision cannot be justified in any manner, he added. It is clear that Amit Shah was prompted by political hostility against Kerala. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the flood affected areas in the state in 2018 but stopped short of providing any assistance to the affected people. The political discrimination continues, Vijayaraghan alleged. It may be recalled that Kerala was left out when interim financial assistance of `3,200 announced earlier. Many believe that the strident position taken by the CPM led government against Modi regimes policies had not been taken lightly by the Centre. Even on the issue of Citizenship Amendment Act, Kerala was the only state to pass a resolution in State Assembly demanding the scrapping of the new law. Lizzo volunteered at an Australian foodbank to help wildfire victims. The 'Juice' hitmaker took some time out from her gigs Down Under to attend Melbourne's Foodbank, where she helped hundreds of volunteers pack food hampers. Sharing the news on their Facebook account, they wrote: "Beautiful Lizzo stopped by our Foodbank Victoria warehouse today to thank our hardworking team and vollies who have been working tirelessly for the past 6 days. What a star, she even packed hampers for fire-affected regions. Thank you for the support (sic)" Meanwhile, Lizzo previously pledged her support for those battling the wildfires. In an impassioned video, she shared: "Good morning from Brisbane, Australia, Queensland. Being over here in Australia has really given me a real time view into what's happening with these devastating fires and for all of my followers who are mostly American, I just want to say that this is a global crisis. I don't want to politicise anything. This isn't a political issue at this point, this is a human issue. The CO2 emissions that are being created by this fire are staggering and it affects the world. They don't rise into the atmosphere and suddenly float out of the Australian borderlines and go, 'Oh, no, this is an Australian issue, let's just hover around Australia.' No, these CO2 emissions will affect the entire earth. All of our atmosphere, all of our air. I think sometimes we have a really micro almost nationalist view of what's going on and I think sometimes you look at something that's happening in another country you automatically go, 'Oh, well, you know that's not going to happen to us, that's not our problem, that's another country.' But we're all connected on this planet. This is the Earth and we share this as a home." As we continue through the Democratic primaries, and interesting and exciting fact has emerged nearly every candidate supports higher taxes on the rich yes, even mega-billionaire Michael Bloomberg, if we take him at his word. Thats nothing to take for granted. Two years ago, calls to tax the rich were dismissed as foolish and even reckless. Conventional wisdom, and conventionally wise political advisers, warned that any talk of raising taxes on anyone would spell the end of a career. Now this three-word slogan is a rallying cry and were holding elected officials and candidates accountable to it. But despite the growing demand for progressive taxation, Democratic presidential candidates are uncharacteristically quiet on one key point: that the fight for a fairer tax code must begin with fully repealing the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. While some presidential candidates have proposed killing parts of the law, only a full repeal will do. The Trump tax scam was destructively expansive lowering corporate tax rates, creating giveaways for gentrifying developers in the form of opportunity zones, broadening the estate tax exemption to a level that effectively eliminated it, and more. It took an already unequal tax system and added fuel to the fire, growing Americas wealth gap substantially. There are no tweaks or patches that will make this right. Calling for a wealth tax or an increased top marginal tax rate is certainly something to be applauded, but in order for these proposals to make a substantial impact on the ever-growing inequality in our country, they need to be paired with a simultaneous repeal of the disastrous Trump tax law. The Trump administration and the GOP are still trying to claim that their tax law helped workers, despite all evidence to the contrary, and as long as the law stands, they will take any signs of economic prosperity and untruthfully claim it as an outcome of their tax law. We cant allow them to keep pretending that this full-fledged scam helped the middle class. No matter what they claim, the goal of this law was to put more money directly in the pockets of the wealthiest. The day that he voted for this bill, Republican congressman Vern Buchanan of Florida went out and bought himself a yacht. That was what the GOP tax scam was meant to do, and thats who it was written to help. Thanks to this scam, companies like Amazon are able to get away with paying absolutely nothing in federal income taxes, while pocketing billions of dollars in profits. A recent report from Fair Tax Mark cautioned that Amazon is growing its market domination across the globe on the back of revenues that are largely untaxed. And not just Amazon the Trump tax law also allows companies like Delta Airlines, Eli Lilly and Chevron (and 88 others) to pay zero dollars in federal income taxes in 2018, while 53% of working- to middle-class families will find themselves paying more in taxes thanks to the same law. As the GOP tax law gifted these companies massive tax breaks, workers wages have stagnated. In fact, 44% of American workers are reported to be making just $18,000 a year thousands lower than the federal poverty line for a family of four. Most of these underpaid workers arent college students looking to earn some extra cash to purchase books; they are adults in their prime working years forced to work multiple low-wage jobs to take care of themselves and their families. So, why arent Democratic presidential candidates calling for a full repeal of this disastrous law? While some Americans received a tax cut during the 2018 filing season, it was nowhere enough to substantially improve their lives. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy warns, The few provisions that targeted working families werent ambitious enough to make a notable difference for most working families. This isnt lost on the public, who remain opposed to the law, with few Americans believing that it has had a positive effect on their lives or the economy. In 2020, presidential candidates will have the opportunity to reimagine an economy that works for all of us that fundamentally begins with repealing the Trump tax law. Maura Quint is the executive director of Tax March. She wrote this for InsideSources.com. Is there anything Al Roker doesnt do? Serving as a Today Show co-host, feature reporter, and weather man, Roker has been a solid member of the NBC team for over 40 years. With his other credits including Guinness World Record Holder, cameo actor, and Broadway star, the affable news man just announced his latest project. Today Shows Al Roker | Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images On and off camera The Today Show co-host has had his share of television appearances outside of the morning news program. His on-screen cameos include portraying himself on Will & Grace Will and 30 Rock, and also appeared on the big screen in the Sharknado franchise and 2016s Ghostbusters. Rokers vocal talents have been called upon fore animated movies including Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and the sequel, Kung Fu Panda 3, and Madagascar 2. The NBC veteran has plenty going on when cameras arent rolling. Broadway beckoned for the second time last year, where Roker reprised his role as Old Joe last November in Waitress alongside American Idol champ Jordin Sparks. The beloved weather man also believes in giving back, creating the initiative entitled Lend a Hand Today which has raised millions of dollars to help small charities. Despite all of his projects outside of Today, its clear that his heart belongs to NBC. From the moment I stepped foot in WKYC in Cleveland to getting a job at WNBC, I thought Id died and gone to heaven because my parents could actually turn on the TV and see me, to being here with all of you, its been an amazing ride, Roker said at his 40-year celebration at the network in December 2018. Another book on the shelves Already a best-selling author, Roker just added another book to his list. His latest work You Look So Much Better in Person: True Stories of Absurdity and Success, is his first collection of essays. Scheduled for release on June 2, the book is based on Rokers own life experiences. Its stories about what Ive learned over the last 40 years working in this business, he said on Today on Wednesday. The humorous title comes from something the weather man often hears from fans. At least once a day, out on (Rockefeller) Plaza, Im shaking hands and people say, You look so much better in person, Roker said. I think people think thats a compliment. The book encompasses stories of Rokers personal life, such as his childhood in Brooklyn and Queens, as well as parenting his three children with wife Deborah Roberts. He also covers his well-rounded professional life from his start at a local channel in Syracuse to his longtime career at NBC. Its official! My 13th book, You Look So Much Better In Person goes on sale June 2nd 2020. Its lessons Ive learned working over 40 years in TV. pic.twitter.com/lBC8inRsji Al Roker (@alroker) January 8, 2020 Roker added lessons hes learned from former Today Show legends such as Willard Scott, Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel, as well as his current colleagues including Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Lester Holt. Not his first time as author Roker is no stranger to the book shelves. His first best-seller Dont Make Me Stop This Car!: Adventures in Fatherhood was published in 2000 and covered his journey of parenting. Roker has other best-selling books to his name, including a cookbook, wisdom from his marriage, the joys of fatherhood, a fictional crime novel, a narrative about his weight-loss experience, a childrens book, and a nonfiction book about the 1889 Johnstown Flood in Pennsylvania. You Look So Much Better in Person: True Stories of Absurdity and Success is his 13th book to date, which comes out on June 2! CHEYENNE, Wyo. A Navajo Nation company may continue operating a coal mine for two more months amid ongoing negotiations over the terms of a state permit, Montana officials announced Tuesday in granting an extension that keeps about 300 miners at work. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Navajo Transitional Energy Company have been negotiating how the department might be able to take the company to court over any potential environmental violations at the Spring Creek mine near Decker, Montana. Without a waiver of immunity, the state might not be able to successfully sue the tribe as a sovereign nation. The two sides have agreed to a 65-day extension of an earlier interim waiver of sovereign immunity, department officials announced. The company acquired Spring Creek, and the Antelope and Cordero Rojo mines in Wyoming, from Gillette-based Cloud Peak Energy in a 2019 bankruptcy sale. The purchase made the Navajo Transitional Energy Company the third-biggest U.S. coal company. Eagle Butte closed for two days in late October after Montana officials refused to issue the company an operator permit, putting about 300 miners most from nearby Wyoming temporarily out of work. The department and company agreed to an interim waiver of sovereign immunity while they negotiated the permit terms. The interim waiver was set to expire Wednesday. The extension will keep the mine from closing again while the two sides keep negotiating. What we have found is this is a really unique and complex issue with sovereign immunity. So we are having ongoing negotiations with NTEC over exactly what a limited waiver of sovereign immunity looks like, what would be appropriate, Montana Department of Environmental Quality Public Policy Director Rebecca Harbage said. While the two sides negotiate the companys operator permit for Spring Creek, the department continues to work with the the Navajo Transitional Energy Company on transferring Cloud Peaks Montana mine permit to the company, according to the department. The company would need to secure $108 million in bonding for Spring Creek to obtain the Montana mine permit. Meanwhile, the company also would need to secure bonding and waive sovereign immunity to get a Wyoming permit for Antelope and Cordero Rojo, according to Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality officials. As in Montana, Wyoming officials also have been discussing sovereign immunity with the company, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality spokesman Keith Guille said Tuesday. The Navajo Nation has refused to back bonding for the the companys mines, forcing the company to look elsewhere for funding to be able to clean up the open-pit mines if they ever closed. Cloud Peaks bankruptcy and the companys purchase of the three mines were among several major developments as declining demand roiled the Powder River Basin coal industry in 2019. Utilities have been turning to cheaper and cleaner-burning natural gas and renewable energy to generate electricity. The bankruptcy of Milton, West Virginia-based Blackjewel in July furloughed about 500 workers until Eagle Specialty Materials, an affiliate of Jasper, Alabama-based FM Coal, bought the Eagle Butte and Belle Ayr mines in October. Coal giants Peabody Energy and Arch Coal, both based in St. Louis, announced in June they would merge operations in the basin. ___ Follow Mead Gruver at https://twitter.com/meadgruver The Alabama Futures Fund is placing an investment in Birmingham networking platform startup Linq. Its the latest move by the venture capital fund founded to spur Alabamas innovation economy. Matt Hottle, partner at Redhawk Advisory who serves as the AFF investment manager, would not comment on the amount but said it was in line with previous AFF investments. Founded in 2019 by Elliott Potter, Jared Mattsson and Patrick Sullivan, Linq offers a contact management service that doesnt require users to sign up for a service, download an app or visit a website to share or receive information. Linq cards are dynamically updated. As a users title, position, contact information or employer change, that users Linq card automatically updates on their users phone and for everyone with whom they have shared their Linq card. The service provides integration with major customer relationship management systems, allowing Linq cards to be directly added to CRM databases. The Linq founding team demonstrated many of the traits you hope to see in an early-stage company," Hottle said. "They have specific, relevant experience, they have a big vision of what Linq can be and are extremely ambitious. Potter said the company is thrilled to partner with AFF and push the bounds of Birminghams innovation sector farther. As we redefine the way people connect, we hope not only to change an industry, but to produce changemakers who are equipped to do the same, Potter said. The AFF was founded in 2018 with a focus on growing the states entrepreneurial culture. AFF will only invest in companies that are headquartered in, or willing to relocate to, Alabama. Its also aimed at addressing the funding gap that continues to hinder startup activity and economic growth in Alabama. - Actress Ini Edo has taken to social media to celebrate herself - The talented actress shared beautiful photos of herself on her Instagram page - Edo gushed about herself in the caption of the photos, describing herself as the beauty of God's work Nollywood actress Ini Edo has given herself major self-love on social media. The talented actress took to her Instagram page to share beautiful photos of herself and gush over her beauty. The actress shared photos of herself dressed in a beautiful black mini dress paired with a black sheer jacket and a black hat. In the Instagram post, the actress gushed about herself. She described herself as the perfection and beauty of God's work. PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app Edo also thanked God for the wonders in her life. She stated that if she had ten thousand tongues it would not be enough to thank God. The talented actress thanked God for the privilege of being called God's child. PAY ATTENTION: Do you have news to share? Contact Legit.ng instantly The actress began her film career in 2000, and she has been featured in more than 100 movies since her debut. In 2013, she was a judge for the Miss Black Africa UK Pageant. She was appointed by the United Nations as United Nations Habitat Youth Envoy in 2014. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that actress Mercy Aigbe teased her fans with beautiful photos of herself. Ahead of her birthday, the actress continued to release beautiful photos to the joy of her fans. The pretty Nollywood actress clocked 42 years old on Wednesday, January 1. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better Omotola Jalade vs Genevieve Nnaji: who is a better actress? - on Legit TV Source: Legit.ng VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / Prophecy Development Corp. ("Prophecy" or the "Company") (TSX:PCY)(OTCQX:PRPCF)(Frankfurt:1P2N) will hold a special meeting of shareholders on March 16, 2020 at 10:00 AM (PST) (the "Special Meeting") at Suite 2600 - 1066 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 3X1. At the Special Meeting, shareholders will be asked to approve a change of the Company name to "Silver Elephant Mining Corp." (the "Name Change") with a new proposed TSX ticker symbol ELEF, to best reflect the Company's focus in developing its Pulacayo silver project in Bolivia. At the Special Meeting, the Company also proposes to seek shareholder approval for a consolidation of its issued and outstanding Shares at a ratio between one (1) new Common Share for every five (5) to ten (10) old Common Shares outstanding (the "Consolidation"). The effective date of the Name Change, the Consolidation ratio and the Consolidation, if approved, will occur at a future date to be determined by the Board when it considers it to be in the best interests of the Company to implement. The proposed Name Change and Consolidation are subject to certain regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX. At the Special Meeting, the Company will further seek Shareholder approval for the ratification of 794,000 stock options previously granted to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company on July 29, 2019 which was press released on August 19, 2019, pursuant to the terms of the Company's Share-Based Compensation Plan as approved at its Annual General Meeting of shareholders held on June 2, 2016, and amended on June 13, 2017 and further amended on September 12, 2019. Further information regarding all matters to be approved at the Special Meeting will be provided in an information circular which will be mailed to shareholders in February 2020. About Prophecy Prophecy is developing its premier Pulacayo silver project in Bolivia. Further information on Prophecy can be found at www.prophecydev.com. PROPHECY DEVELOPMENT CORP. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Michael Doolin" Chief Executive Officer For more information about Prophecy, please contact Investor Relations: +1.604.569.3661 ext. 101 ir@prophecydev.com www.prophecydev.com Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Prophecy Development Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572372/Prophecy-Proposes-Name-Change-to-Silver-Elephant-Mining-Corp-at-Shareholders-Meeting-to-be-Held-on-March-16-2020 (Newser) US Rep. Duncan D. Hunter submitted his resignation Tuesday, one month after pleading guilty to a corruption charge, leaving vacant one of the GOP's few remaining House seats in heavily Democratic California. Hunter's departure effective Monday ends his family's political dynasty in which he and his father, Duncan L. Hunter, represented the San Diego County district for nearly 30 years, the AP reports. The combat Marine veterana staunch supporter of President Trumpserved 11 years in Congress. His two-page letter of resignationone version addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and another to California Gov. Gavin Newsomlists his accomplishments and doesn't mention his criminal conviction. Newsom has not said whether he will order a special election or leave the seat open until a successor emerges from the November general election. story continues below Hunter had been silent after saying early last month that he would step down shortly after the holidays," drawing criticism last week from a fellow Republican who wants to succeed him, Carl DeMaio. Hunter, 43, gave no reason for resigning in his letter, instead offering a sweep of his achievements as a Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and as a six-term congressman. After claiming to be the victim of a political witch hunt for more than a year, Hunter pleaded guilty Dec. 3 to a single charge of conspiring with his wife to illegally spend at least $150,000 in campaign funds on personal expenses, including a birthday gathering for his young daughter at a posh California hotel. He is scheduled to be sentenced March 17. (Prosecutors accused Duncan of using campaign funds for affairs with five women.) New Delhi: Iran launched at least two waves of short-range missile attacks on bases in Iraq hosting US and coalition personnel on Wednesday morning as part of its promised revenge for the death of Qasem Soleimani. While at first glance these attacks seem like a massive escalation in the already tense situation, they may also turn out to be a potential way out of the current US-Iran crisis. While Iranian state television has claimed that 80 "American terrorists" were killed in attacks, the United States' reaction so far seems to indicate lack of any casualties. Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei described the attacks as a "slap in the face" of the United States but did not mention any number. On the other hand, US President Donald Trump tweeted 'All is well'. If Trump's tweet is true in the assessment of the damage done by the Iranian missiles, it means the Iranian strikes were more about symbolism then inflicting any real damage. The attacks took place at 1.30 am- almost the same time when Soleimani was targeted by the US airstrike. It is also no coincidence that Soleimani was being laid to rest in Kerman as the missiles landed on their intended targets. During the attacks, top Iranian advisers tweeted pictures of the countrys flag, a clear response to Donald Trump tweeting the US flag after the killing of Soleimani. The attack was named operation "Martyr Suleimani" and videos of attack were soon released to media outlets. However, despite all the show and bravado, these attacks seemed to have been carried out in a manner to avoid any significant casualties. First, the attacks targetted US and coalition forces' base which were already ready for any such escalation and thus unlikely to receive much damage. Secondly, the message sent out by Iran after the attack was very interesting- it described these attacks as an act of self-defence and asked the US not to retaliate to them. The message seemed to have an implicit meaning - don't attack us now and we may avoid a war. These strikes might be an opportunity for both sides to de-escalate without losing face. With Iran already claiming multiple US casualties, it may be able to tell its citizens that it delivered a 'slap in the face' to 'The Great Satan'. This will ease the pressure on it to stage any more big attacks and return to waging its proxy war against the US and Israel in the region. The United States, on the other hand, will also have a chance to take a step back and avoid any retaliation. As the situation stands, the US may project itself as the winner of the current skirmish having got rid of one of its biggest rivals in the region and avoided an all-out war with a dangerous enemy. Of course, this would not mean an end of tensions or hostilities. Iran is expected to continue to target the US via its numerous proxies in the region, while the US will continue to exert its influence. However, it will be certainly a more favourable outcome than an open war or conflict between the two sides. This will also mean that the coalition forces in Iraq will be able to re-focus on combating the ISIS menace. Overall, it will be better news for the world than what was feared a day or two ago. However, all this depends on two big ifs: the US resisting any urge to escalate the tensions and Iran willing to end its supposed 'revenge' mission for now. Disclaimer: The opinions and facts expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. They do not reflect the views of News Nation. The NNPL does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The 20 fishermen belonging to Andhra Pradesh, who were set free by Pakistan after a 14-month detention, met Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy at his residence here on Wednesday and thanked him for the efforts to secure their release. The fishermen, who were released from a Pakistani jail on Sunday in a goodwill gesture amid tense bilateral ties, crossed over to the Indian side through the Attari-Wagah border on Monday The fishermen were handed over to Indian authorities at Wagah border on Monday night and they reached Amaravati on Wednesday via New Delhi. Fisheries minister Mopidevi Venkata Ramana, who received the fishermen, brought them to the Chief Minister. Of the 20, 15 belonged to Srikakulam district and five to East Godavari. Two more fishermen hailing from East Godavari district still remained in Pakistan custody, sources said. Pakistan Coast Guard nabbed the fishermen off the Gujarat coast in November 2018 and detained them in jail. A released fisherman had said "We were arrested at sea by the Pakistan Coast Guard for crossing over to Pakistan waters in November 2018." The chief minister said efforts were on to secure the release of two other AP fishermen as well. Also, steps were being taken to get the eight fishermen in Bangladesh jail released soon. The chief minister, according to a release from his office, assured the fishermen that a special jetty would be constructed in Srikakulam district for their activities. Steps were also being taken to build a new port at Bhavanapadu in the district. The state government already paid Rs 2 lakh as ex-gratia to each of the fishermen families during their detention. A monthly pension of Rs 4,500 was also being paid to the families, the chief minister added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The economy, so far, is thrumming along. But Trumps decision to kill Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the murderous architect of Irans expansion into Iraq and Syria, a truly evil man with the blood of hundreds of Americans on his hands, may very well have put us on the path to war with Iran. High-rise buildings in HCMC are covered in thick haze in the morning of November 19, 2019. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen. The U.S. consulate in HCMC said on Tuesday it has helped install air monitoring equipment at 10 locations around the city. They were installed between November and early January at RMIT University and seven schools from kindergarten to high school levels, a childrens shelter, and the Saigon Innovation Hub scattered across eight districts. The equipment was bought from Switzerlands IQAir AirVisual. Phan Trung Minh Tue, the program coordinator for the installation, said: "Teachers and students at the schools can check the air quality index themselves and make it public to everyone on Air Visual map." The stations monitor and record the air quality index (AQI), which measures pollution on a scale of 0 to 500, and levels of carbon dioxide and PM2.5, also described as superfine particles. It cost the consulate $12,100. Data provided by the recipients is uploaded to the Air Visual map every 10-15 minutes, and the centers have been advised to ensure their wifi is steady to prevent any disruption. Air monitoring equipment under a U.S.-funded project is installed at An Binh Primary School in District 2, HCMC. Photo by Phan Trung Minh Tue. The project targets students as the beneficiaries since they are the most affected by pollution because of their activeness, Tue said. Tue, a trained environmentalist, said several of the schools were not keen on installing the equipment. "[They] told me they were wary they would lose face with parents if the air quality is bad. But knowledge leads to changes." Trinh Ngoc Thu Huong, an eighth grader at the Thanh Da Secondary School in Binh Thanh District, one of the recipients, said her principal started informing students about the air quality last year. Huong said: "I always thought the air around our school was clean, but was startled when I saw the index. The index is always above 150 (unhealthy) and only goes under 100 when there are not many people or early in the morning." HCMC, Vietnam's largest city, was choked by haze regularly last year, with the AQI reaching very unhealthy levels on many days since September. Authorities had said exhaust from around 10 million vehicles, smoke from 1,000 large factories and dust from construction sites were the three major causes of pollution. According to the city Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the city plans to set up a comprehensive environmental monitoring system at a cost of VND495 billion ($21.3 million) by 2022. What happened The price of crude oil initially spiked overnight after Iran retaliated against the U.S. for a drone strike that killed one of its key military leaders in Iraq last week. The U.S. oil benchmark, WTI, which spiked 4% after the drone strike to more than $63 a barrel, initially popped another 4% last night to more than $65 a barrel. However, crude gave back those gains and then some after President Trump said that Iran "appears to be standing down," following a retaliatory attack against U.S. forces in Iraq. That eased fears of an escalating conflict that could have had a major impact on oil prices. With those concerns dissipating -- taking with them the prospect of higher crude prices -- shares of energy companies tumbled. Leading the decliners were oil and gas producers EQT (NYSE:EQT), Whiting Petroleum (NYSE:WLL), California Resources (OTC:CRC), Denbury Resources (NYSE:DNR), and Baytex Energy (OTC:BTEG.F). Each one slumped more than 10% at one point on Wednesday. So what The reason the decline in crude prices hit these stocks the hardest is that they have weaker financial profiles. Because of that, they would have benefited from the extra cash they could have produced at higher prices. California Resources and Denbury Resources both have leverage ratios above 4 times debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), which is more than double the comfort level of most oil producers. Because of that, they've been using the excess cash they produce to pay off debt. As such, higher oil prices would have given them more money to shore up their balance sheets. However, with tensions in the Middle East easing, the prospect of higher prices is fading, taking with it the potential for accelerated debt reduction at these drillers. Whiting Petroleum and Baytex Energy, meanwhile, both also have elevated leverage levels, though they're much closer to their targeted levels. Because of that, both companies have focused on generating free cash so that they can retire additional debt. They could have produced more money to use toward their debt-reduction efforts if crude kept rising amid an escalating conflict in the Middle East. However, with tensions easing and oil prices falling, it will slow their progress. Meanwhile, EQT, which is the largest gas producer in the country, is also falling along with oil prices, even though it doesn't produce much crude. That's because natural gas liquids, which derive their value from oil, provide about 6% of its revenue. That's down from about 11% in 2018 due to weaker pricing. As such, slumping oil will keep a lid on a recovery in EQT's liquids-related revenue. Now what The U.S. drone strike against an Iranian general rocked the markets last week, sparking fears that tensions could escalate into an all-out war. However, Iran's retaliation appeared to be more symbolic, which led President Trump to impose additional economic sanctions instead of responding militarily. Because of that, the situation seems to be quickly de-escalating, reducing the risk of a disruption to the oil market. As a result, investors who were hoping that higher prices would prop up financially weaker oil stocks are finding the opposite to be true. Javad Zarif REUTERS/Brendan Smialowski Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif claimed his country's missile attacks against Iraqi military bases housing US troops were merely "proportionate measures in self-defense." "Iran took [and] concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched," Zarif said on Twitter. His statement comes as US officials estimated that more than 12 missiles were launched from Iran against two Iraqi bases. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif claimed his country's missile attacks against Iraqi military bases housing US troops were merely "proportionate measures in self-defense." His statement comes as US officials estimated that around 15 missiles were launched from Iran against two Iraqi bases. There were no US service member casualties reported immediately after the attack, but futher assessments were ongoing, according to a US official who spoke to Business Insider. "Iran took [and] concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched," Zarif said on Twitter. "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," he added. Article 51 of the United Nations' charter says that a member has "the inherent right" to defend itself "if an armed attack occurs ... until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security." Experts on Article 51 described its terms as "sufficiently vague" and that it is difficult to prove whether military actions between its members would be justified under the article's current definition. Jared Zimmerman, writing last year as a MA candidate at American University's School of International Service, assessed that Article 51 did not answer several questions. Story continues "It does not define what constitutes an armed attack," Zimmerman previously wrote in RealClearDefense. "For example, is a cyber attack an armed attack?" The missile strike follows a series of moves that have raised tensions between Iran and the US: on Friday local time in Iraq, a US airstrike near Baghdad International Airport killed Iran's elite Quds Force commander, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The US claimed the attack was in response to an "imminent threat" that was perceived from Soleimani. US officials have yet to submit evidence of their claim against the Iranian general, who is widely accepted to have provided material aid to proxy forces fighting against the US. Following the killing of Soleimani, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed "harsh revenge" against the US. After Iran's missile strikes, President Donald Trump said in a tweet that "all is well!" "So far, so good," Trump tweeted, adding that US officials were still assessing the situation. "We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Read the original article on Business Insider The United Arab Emirates is seeking to allay concerns it has been impacted or is a target in tensions between its ally the United States and its regional neighbour Iran. The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said tensions in the region will not affect citizens, residents or visitors. It stressed that sectors across the country are operating normally. Also Wednesday, the financial and tourist hub of Dubai said rumours being circulated regarding security threats targeting the emirate are fake and haven't been issued from any official Iranian government source. The UAE, which has supported maximum pressure on Iran, has called for de-escalation. US President Donald Trump faces one of the greatest tests of his presidency now that Iran has launched ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops. It was Iran's most brazen assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the US Embassy in Tehran. Iran's missile strikes were in retaliation for last week's American drone strike that killed Iran's top general. Trump huddled with his national security advisers to weigh a response. Top Senate Democrats are citing "deep concern" about the lack of information coming from the Trump administration about the Iran operation. Pakistan's prime minister has stressed the need to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. In a Twitter post, Imran Khan added that he is sending his foreign minister to Iran, Saudi Arabia and United States to meet with counterparts. Regional tensions remain high after Iran fired missiles at two bases in Iraq used by US forces in retaliation for the US killing of its top military commander. During a meeting on Wednesday with Oman's minister for religious affairs, the Pakistani leader reiterated that his country will not be part of any conflict in the region. Also Wednesday, Pakistan's military said the US defense secretary has discussed the Middle East situation with Pakistan's army chief, saying Washington does not want to seek a conflict but will respond forcefully if necessary. Iraq's presidency has condemned Iranian missile strikes on two Iraqi military bases hosting US troops, reiterating its rejection of breaches of Iraq's sovereignty. Barham Saleh's office also said in a statement that the fate of U.S. troops in Iraq is an internal matter based on legal agreements to combat the Islamic State group. The statement adds that Iraq "has previously declared its refusal to be a starting point for aggression against any country, and also refuses to be a source of threat to any of its neighbors." The Iraqi prime minister has publicly said U.S. troops must leave after a drone strike killed Iran's top military commander in Baghdad, and parliament has passed a non-binding resolution pushing for withdrawal. NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg has condemned Iran's missile strike against US forces in Iraq, while a NATO official says there were no casualties among the military alliance's personnel in the country. The Iraqi mission consists of several hundred staff from allied nations and non-NATO countries. In a message to The Associated Press, the NATO official who was not authorized to speak publicly said they were "keeping the situation under close review. Meanwhile, in a message posted on Twitter, Stoltenberg urged Iran to refrain from further violence. NATO last week said it had suspended a training mission for Iraqi soldiers after the US killing of top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Stoltenberg said allies remain committed to the training mission in Iraq. Iran fired a number of missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops Wednesday in retaliation for the American strike that killed a top Iranian general last week. The early morning attack presents President Donald Trump with the biggest test of his presidency to date. A US official told CNN that there were no initial reports of any US casualties from the attack, but an assessment of the impact of the strikes is underway. Iraq's joint military command said there were no casualties among Iraqi military forces. 'Between 1:45 a.m. and 2:45 a.m., Iraq came under an attack of 22 missiles,' the Iraqi military said in a statement. 'All missiles struck coalition bases.' White House aides had initially made plans for a possible address to the nation by Trump after the missile strikes, according to two officials, but a White House official said the President would not speak immediately. Trump later tweeted, 'All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.' The attack comes days after the US killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in an airstrike in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. The administration had sought to cast that strike as an attempt to de-escalate tensions with Iran, but Tehran has described it as an 'act of war' and 'state terrorism.' In a statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, an elite wing of the Iranian military said the attacks on Iraqi bases were 'hard revenge' for the death of Soleimani. The IRGC said any country housing US troops could be subject to 'hostile and aggressive acts' and called on American citizens to demand the government remove US troops from the region. 'To the Great Satan ... we warn that if you repeat your wickedness or take any additional movements or make additional aggression, we will respond with more painful and crushing responses,' the statement to the US read. Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at the al-Asad airbase, which houses US troops, and American and coalition forces in the town of Erbil, Jonathan Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesperson, said Tuesday evening. 'In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners,' Hoffman said in a statement. 'These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region.' 'As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.' An initial assessment suggests that he missiles struck areas of the al-Asad base not populated by Americans, according to a US military official and a senior administration official. Officials have said the US is awaiting daylight to get a full assessment of the results of the strikes. Another US military official told CNN the military had enough warning of the launches that they had time to sound alarms. People in harm's way were able to get to safety, according to the official. In Erbil, at least two ballistic missiles hit separate areas, two Kurdish security officials tell CNN. One missile landed inside the perimeter of Erbil International Airport without exploding, the second hit an area roughly 20 miles west of Erbil without causing casualties. US troops were patrolling outside their bases with Iraqi partners in the hours after the strikes, according to a military official who didn't want to be named. Drones and attack helicopters were orbiting bases housing US troops, the official said. CNN saw an AC-130 gunship over central Baghdad, which includes the heavily fortified Green Zone, shortly after the attacks. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark Milley arrived at the White House following the attack and they left later Tuesday night. Trump had visited the base in December 2018 after Christmas. Vice President Mike Pence also visited the base in November 2019. Iran warns the US The IRGC warned the US of more 'crushing responses in case of new aggression,' according to state TV. It said it would target any regional state that becomes a platform for US aggression, a second banner on state TV read. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter that the response was meant to be proportionate to the American attack that killed Soleimani. The top diplomat also said Iran 'concluded' its widely anticipated response Soleimani's killing. 'Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched,' Zarif tweeted. 'We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.' Iraq and US talk post strikes Esper's office called the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq at around 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, according to a diplomatic source. There were difficulties getting through as it was the middle of the night in Baghdad. Eventually the two offices were able to connect and the source says there has been 'communication between the US and Iraqi governments at the highest level.' CNN reported earlier on Tuesday that US forces and air-defense missile batteries across the Middle East were placed on high alert overnight Monday to possibly shoot down Iranian drones as intelligence mounted about a threat of an imminent attack against US targets, according to two US officials. Part of the intelligence that led to the decision to kill Soleimani included threats to al-Assad air base, CNN reported . A source familiar with the intelligence showed the vehicle mounted rockets, known as Grad trucks, and other military weaponry were moving closer to US interests, particularly the al-Assad air base, CNN reported. Other targets of concern included the US air base in Qatar and US interests in Kuwait. The source noted on Friday that these threats have existed for several months but that the intelligence indicated growing urgency because of how close the missile trucks were getting to US interests. The attack came hours after Esper told CNN that the US is not seeking a war with Iran but it is 'prepared to finish one.' 'We are not looking to start a war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one,' Esper said during an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour. Attack are a direct challenge to Trump The rockets pose a direct challenge to Trump, who issued a threat to Iran on Tuesday, just hours before the attacks began on the bases. 'If Iran does anything that it shouldn't be doing, they will be suffering the consequences and very strongly,' the President said. In the immediate aftermath of Soleimani's killing, Trump repeatedly stressed that the deadly drone strike was meant to reduce violence. 'We took action last night to stop a war,' he told reporters a day after the attack. 'We did not take action to start a war.' Trump's message later shifted to warning of a 'disproportionate' attack that could include targeting Iran's cultural sites, a war crime. Iran's decision to attack is a 'huge gamble,' said Thomas Juneau, an assistant professor and Iran expert at the University of Ottawa who said that leaders in Tehran have included Trump's domestic political concerns in their calculations. The President ran on a platform of ending US involvement in the messy Middle East entanglements. 'Iran assesses Trump does not want to get bogged down in a large scale war in the Middle East, and that this gives it more margin to maneuver,' Juneau wrote on Twitter. 'Needless to say, this is a HUGE gamble given how unpredictable Trump is.' Randa Slim, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, said Iran's attack was a foregone conclusion after the Ayatollah announced there would be retaliation. Further escalation will depend on Trump's ability to absorb the attack and a few casualties, she said. She noted the pattern often seen in attacks on Israel and Hezbollah, in which one side attacks, the other responds, the attacks are absorbed and mediation begins through a third party. 'From Trump's rhetoric, he doesn't seem as if he's willing to absorb any Iranian retaliation -- no matter how proportional it is to the US attack that killed Soleimani -- and that means we're locked into an escalatory spiral that will push us into war that will unfold on Iranian territory, but also in the rest of region, including Iraq,' Slim said. Lawmakers urged calm. Rep. Eliot Engel, the New York Democrat who heads the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told CNN's there's a need to 'tone down the rhetoric on all sides and see how we can extricate ourselves from this nightmare because I don't think the American people want to go to war.' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was discussing the situation in Iran when she was handed a note with news of the attack, lawmakers who attended the meeting said. Rep. Dan Kildee, a Michigan Democrat, said she paused the discussion to tell the members of the Steering Committee of the news. 'Pray,' Pelosi told members, according to Rep. Debbie Dingell. This story has been updated. Pakistan Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted in support of actress Deepika Padukone, who had visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi and joined students protesting against the recent violence on the campus. Ghafoor, however, deleted the tweet and also misspelled Deepika's surname, writing '#DeepikaPadukon'. In the now-deleted tweet, Ghafoor had hailed Deepika for "standing both with youth and the truth". "You have proved to be a brave person in difficult environment in earning respect. Humanity is above everything #DeepikaPadukon," he had said. Later, a Pakistan-based journalist, Naila Inayat, took a jibe at Ghafoor for deleting his tweet. "Kudos Deepika, let me delete and surrender..," Inayat said and tagged a screenshot of Ghafoor's tweet. No sooner Ghafoor deleted his tweet leaving Twitterers in splits. "Forgot to switch off the account," a user said by using the laughing smileys. "Probably for grammar check," another user wrote mocking Ghafoor for getting Padukone's surname wrong. "This guy has spelling issues everytime," a Twitter user said. This is not the first time that the Pakistan Army spokesperson committed a faux pas by making spelling errors. In last October, Ghafoor had called Kashmir the jugular "vain" of Pakistan, inviting trolls. Ghafoor was quoting a statement by Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa which reiterated that the country is fully "configured, prepared, and determined" to defend the "honour, dignity, and territorial integrity of motherland at all cost. Kashmir is jugular vain of Pakistan and no compromise shall be made which denies right of self-determination to our brave Kashmiri brethren. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Even as the current political leadership in Jammu and Kashmir faces a time of crisis, new young faces are trying to create a niche for themselves. Srinagar: Even as the current political leadership in Jammu and Kashmir faces a time of crisis, new young faces are trying to create a niche for themselves. Since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, top leaders of mainstream parties, including three former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Muftihave been in detention. Sensing a vacuum, mainstream parties are now grooming new faces to create an alternative leadership. Iltija Mufti In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with Mehbooba Mufti in detention, her 33-year-old daughter Iltija Mufti appears to be running the show. Iltija holds a graduate degree in political science from Delhi University and a postgraduate degree in international relations from Warwick University. To a question on her entry into politics, she said, I will always raise issues of the common people. But I am yet to decide whether to join politics." She has been running her mother's Twitter account since the latter was detained, and has been slamming the Centre's policies on Kashmir. She had also criticised the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Centre for booking her mothers political rival Farooq Abdullah under the Public Safety Act. Last week, Iltija said that she had been detained by the police when she tried to visit the mausoleum of her grandfather Mufti Mohammad Saeed in south Kashmirs Bijbehara. Sheikh Khalid Jehangir Another young emerging face in Kashmirs politics is Sheikh Khalid Jehangir. The journalist-turned-politician joined the BJP in 2014 and became the partys Jammu and Kashmir Affairs spokesperson. Khalid had unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha election from Srinagar against Farooq Abdullah last year. Speaking to this reporter, Khalid said, The youth can become community leaders to end dynastic politics of Kashmir. Since 1947, high-profile families brought their children into politics and became close to New Delhi. The youth were told that New Delhi is not a well wisher of Kashmiris. Now, Kashmiri youth are well-educated and realise that mainstream politics is the best way to serve the community. Speaking about regional leaders in detention, he said that their "ego and corrupt mind have distanced them from the people." The BJP leader had served as vice-chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC), a premier government undertaking corporation, when the Mehbooba Mufti-led government was in power. Speaking about the abrogation of Article 370, Khalid said, "The government of India wanted Kashmirs integration with the rest of the country, and they have done it. The decision has ended dynastic politics of Kashmir. He further said that he joined the BJP as it "does not spread lies and believes in oneness." Ridwana Sanam Ridwana Sanam, an emerging face in Kashmir's politics, hails from south Kashmirs Anantnag district. She had contested the 2019 parliamentary polls from Anantnag as an Independent candidate. Ridwana, who considers former president APJ Abdul Kalam as her role model, said, Instead fighting and pelting stones, the youth should focus on constructive leadership. I contested elections to make youth understand how they can join politics and fight for their own rights, She further said, I am ready to guide youth who are willing to join politics. The youth, especially women, should join politics to contribute to society. Ridwana, who is also a social work in the field of healthcare, claimed that she is getting offers from parties in Kashmir and New Delhi to join them. I did not join any party because there is a fear that women may be exploited in politics," she said. Aijaz Hussain Aijaz Hussain of south Kashmirs Pampore has risen through the ranks and has become the national vice-president of BJPs youth wing. He is being groomed as prospective bigwig of the BJP in Kashmir. A BJP leader said,The BJP is projecting him as a young face in Kashmir. He was a part of the BJPs election campaign in various states, especially in Muslim-dominated areas." While pursuing engineering from a college in Chennai, Aijaz was influenced by ABVP. When he returned to Kashmir, he started his own business and later joined BJP. Aijaz is one of the prominent youth faces of BJP who scouts for young recruits in the Valley. In July 2016, Aijaz was inducted in the BJPs national youth team, the first Kashmiri to reach that level in the party. Tauseef Raina Tauseef Raina has emerged as a new mainstream voice in Kashmir. Hailing from north Kashmir, he contested urban local body elections unsuccessfully. He was one among the few people from Kashmir who met the European Union delegation that visited the Valley. Raina said, The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits is a blot on Kashmiriyat. Youth like me have only seen bloodshed. We were looking at mainstream parties and Hurriyat with some hope, but they failed us all. The Hurriyat carries out politics on dead bodies of Kashmiris. We are against bloodshed." He exhorted sensible youth to come forward and join politics. I want that honest individuals should be elected to lead the people. Leaders should get their mandate from the people, not through parties that contest polls," he said. I joined politics after seeing the suffering of people. Our politics is based on accountability, development, peace and dialogue, he added. Zubair Nisar Bhat Ever since the panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre has been talking about strengthening grassroots politics in the new Union Territory. In the elections, Zubair Nisar Bhat became the youngest panchayat member of Kashmir. Zubair contested elections from Harwan, Srinagar. He was a part of a delegation of panchayat members who met Union ministers post 5 August. Bhat said, I was affiliated with the National Conference, but the Peoples Conference is asking me to join it. I am yet to decide which party to join. I will contest for the post of chairperson of district development board." Bhat had earlier worked at a call centre for some time, before joining politics. He has been strengthening his presence in Harwan and adjoining areas. He asserted, "The youth should come forward and join politics. We know the kind of politics mainstream politicians and separatists carried out in the past." Maulvi Tariq Another emerging leader is Maulvi Tariq, who has quit the BJP to join the Sajad Lone-led People's Conference. He heads the Jammu and Kashmir Panch Sarpanch Local Bodies Association, an organisation floated to highlight the problems faced by panchayat members. It was because of me that BJP won 109 seats in urban local bodies elections, he said. Engineer Mehraj Engineer Mehraj is another young face, who unsuccessfully contested the 2014 parliamentary elections from Srinagar Lok Sabha. I will decide about my future course of action in February. My father Khurshid Ahmad Malik, who is a social activist, has the support of 110 Panches and Sarpanches. He may float his own party if he manages to get support of good people, he said. Meanwhile, a group of aspiring politicians met Union ministers several times in the past few months. These people are being labeled by some as the B team of the BJP. One of them recently said that they will fight for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. Recently, BJP chief spokesperson in Jammu and Kashmir Sunil Sethi said some people (apparently referring to Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti) had become political leaders through "blackmailing. The BJP wants that a new leadership should take up the place and fill the vacuum. These emerging leaders should be more concerned about people, he said. However, political analyst Rekha Chowdhary said there is no strategy in place for the restoration of the mainstream political space. She said, The only official reference to politics relates to panchayats. One can see that panchayat leaders are being propped up as the real representatives of the people." A PDP leader who wished not to be named said that the very base of mainstream politics has been taken away with the abrogation of Article 370. There is nothing that mainstream politicians can offer to Kashmiris, he said. The Congress, however, believes that mainstream politics has not lost relevance in Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief GA Mir said that people across India are understanding the lies of the BJP. The Citizenship Amendment Act became a tipping point. The BJPs political agenda has reached the lowest ebb. Its downfall has started. The BJP cant make Kashmir an experimental ground any longer. Its efforts to suppress people wont succeed, he said. Senior National Conference leader Mustafa Kamal said that New Delhi has deceived Kashmiris. He said, The National Conference has been and will always fight for the rights of Kashmir. There is nothing wrong if a new leadership emerges, but they should be sincere in their efforts." Shafiq Mir, the chairman of the All Jammu Kashmir Panchayat Association (AJKPA), claimed that New Delhi as well as the Jammu and Kashmir administration failed to empower panchayats in the new Union Territory. The holding of panchayat elections was a mere eyewash. The government is lying in claiming that it is empowering panchayat members, he claimed. Mumbai, Jan 8 : The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) on Wednesday opened on a negative note during the morning session of the trade. The Sensex of the BSE opened at 40,574.83 and touched a high 40,634.18. and a low of 40,476.55. The Sensex is trading at 40,633.57 down by 235.90 points or 0.58 per cent from Tuesday's close at 40,869.47. On the other hand, the broader 50-scrip Nifty at National Stock Exchange (NSE) opened at 11,939.10 points after closing at 12,052.95 points. The Nifty is trading at 11,974.60 points in the morning. Irans missile attack on two American bases in Iraq in response to the US strike that killed its top general is the culmination of nearly two years of steadily rising tensions since President Donald Trump withdrew from Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The two countries are now engaged in their most serious confrontation since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and takeover of the US embassy. Both sides have signalled restraint following the missile attack, but the threat of an all-out war remains. Here is a timeline of the main events leading up to this weeks hostilities: May 8 2018: President Donald Trump announces that the US is withdrawing from the nuclear deal signed by his predecessor Barack Obama, which had provided sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on Irans nuclear programme and stepped-up UN monitoring. Over the next several months, the US ratchets up sanctions, exacerbating an economic crisis in Iran. November 5 2018: The US imposes tough sanctions on Irans oil industry, the lifeline of its economy, as secretary of state Mike Pompeo announces a list of 12 demands it must meet for sanctions relief. Iran rejects the wide-ranging demands, which include ending its support for armed groups in the region, withdrawing from the Syrian civil war and halting its ballistic missile programme. May 5 2019: The US announces the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and a bomber task force in response to a number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings, without providing details. It threatens unrelenting force in response to any attack. May 8 2019: Iran vows to enrich its uranium stockpile closer to weapons-grade levels if world powers fail to negotiate new terms for its nuclear deal. The European Union urges Iran to respect the nuclear deal and says it plans to continue trading with the country. Mr Trump says he would like Irans leaders to call me. May 12 2019: The United Arab Emirates says four commercial ships off its eastern coast were subjected to sabotage operations. Mr Trump warns that if Tehran does anything in the form of an attack, they will suffer greatly. June 13 2019: Two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz are hit in an alleged assault that leaves one ablaze and adrift as 44 sailors are evacuated from both vessels and the US navy rushes to assist. America later blames Iran for the attack, something Tehran denies. June 20 2019: Irans Revolutionary Guard shoots down a US military surveillance drone. Mr Trump says he called off a planned retaliatory strike on Iran over concerns about casualties. July 1 2019: Iran follows through on a threat to exceed the limit set by the nuclear deal on its stockpile of low-enriched uranium, which is used for civilian applications and not for nuclear weapons. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) September 14 2019: A drone attack on Saudi oil facilities temporarily cuts off half the oil supplies of the worlds largest producer, causing a spike in prices. The US says Iran carried out the attack directly, calling it an act of war against Saudi Arabia. Iran denies involvement, while the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claim responsibility. October 2019: Massive anti-government protests erupt in Lebanon and Iraq. While the protests are primarily driven by economic grievances, they target governments that are closely allied to Iran. In Iraq, protesters openly decry Tehrans influence and attack Iranian diplomatic facilities. November 2019: Protests break out in some 100 cities and towns in Iran after authorities raise the price of petrol. The scale of the protests and the resulting crackdown are hard to determine as authorities shut down the internet for several days. Amnesty International later estimates that more than 300 people were killed. December 27 2019: A US contractor is killed and several American and Iraqi troops are wounded in a rocket attack on a base in northern Iraq. The US blames the attack on Kataeb Hezbollah, one of several Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq. December 29 2019: US air strikes hit Kataeb Hezbollah positions in Iraq and Syria, killing at least 25 fighters and bringing vows of revenge. Iraq calls the strikes a flagrant violation of its sovereignty. Expand Close A man waves an Iraqi flag in front of the US embassy in Baghdad (Nasser Nasser/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A man waves an Iraqi flag in front of the US embassy in Baghdad (Nasser Nasser/AP) December 31 2019: Hundreds of Iran-backed militiamen and their supporters barge through an outer barrier of the US embassy in Baghdad and hold two days of violent protests in which they smash windows, set fires and throw rocks over the inner walls. US Marines guarding the facility respond with tear gas. There are no casualties on either side. January 3: A US air strike near Baghdads international airport kills General Qassem Soleimani, the leader of Irans elite Quds Force and the mastermind of its regional military interventions. A senior commander of Iran-backed militias in Iraq is also killed in the strike. Iran vows harsh retaliation. Mr Trump says he ordered the targeted killing to prevent a major attack. Congressional leaders and close US allies say they were not consulted on the strike, which many fear could ignite a war. January 5: Iran announces it will no longer abide by the nuclear deal and Iraqs parliament holds a non-binding vote calling for the expulsion of all US forces. Some 5,200 American troops are based in Iraq to help prevent a resurgence of so-called Islamic State. Mr Trump vows to impose sanctions on Iraq if it expels US troops. January 8: Iran launches several ballistic missiles on two bases in Iraq housing American troops in what it says is retaliation for the killing of Gen Soleimani. There are no immediate reports of US or Iraqi casualties. Mr Trump tweets that All is well!. Irans supreme leader says we slapped them on the face but that military action is not enough. Film and TV shoots remained unaffected despite the nationwide strike called by trade unions on Wednesday. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) said all its members were at work as usual and nothing was hampered because of the strike. "We have nothing to do with the strike. Our members and everyone is at work as usual. Films and TV are 100 per cent on smoothly without any hindrance," B N Tiwari, president of FWICE told PTI. Members of 10 Central trade unions on Wednesday went on a one-day nationwide strike against the "anti-labour" policies of the government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 16:18:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) announced Wednesday it has decided to arrest Chen Guoqiang, former vice governor of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for suspected bribe-taking. The National Supervisory Commission (NSC) has completed the investigation into his case and handed it over to prosecuting agencies, the SPP said. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the NSC announced earlier this month that Chen had been expelled from the CPC and dismissed from public office for multiple violations. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump backed away Wednesday from potential war with Iran, indicating that he would not respond militarily to the launch of more than a dozen ballistic missiles at bases housing American troops, as the United States and Iran blamed each other for provoking the most direct conflict between the two adversaries since Iran seized American diplomats in 1979. The war-like stance that took hold last week after Trump approved the targeted killing of a senior Iranian military commander he accused of plotting to kill Americans appeared to ease by mutual agreement, following days of chest-thumping in both Washington and Tehran and what Iran called its rightful response. No one was killed in Iran's attack on two military bases in Iraq, according to the administration, and Trump dismissed the damage to U.S. facilities as "minimal." Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called the attack a "slap in the face" of the United States and insufficient to end the U.S. presence in the region but did not threaten any specific further military action. "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," Trump said at the White House on Wednesday morning. "No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces and an early-warning system that worked very well." Despite the apparent easing of tensions, there is continuing uncertainty over Trump's policy toward Tehran going forward and how he would respond to any future military provocations. The president wrapped an ultimatum against Iran developing a nuclear bomb in an offer for new negotiations, but it's unclear what would bring Iran back to the table after Trump scrapped the deal it struck with the Obama administration and other world powers in 2015. He said the new sanctions would be imposed, but the Iranian economy has already been hit hard by the United States. And Trump issued only a general warning against Iranian action that would trigger a U.S. military response after previously threatening severe consequences. "To the people and leaders of Iran: We want you to have a future and a great future - one that you deserve, one of prosperity at home, and harmony with the nations of the world," Trump said. "The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it." U.S. officials said Wednesday they knew Iranian missiles were coming hours in advance, after warnings from intelligence sources and communications from Iraq. Iraq's acting prime minister has said he was informed of the attack ahead of time. "We knew, and the Iraqis told us, that this was coming many hours in advance," said a senior U.S. administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the communications. Iraqi leaders said they remain concerned about the possibility of more conflict on their soil with President Barham Salih describing the intensifying U.S.-Iranian showdown as a "dangerous" development. In a statement early Wednesday, Salih condemned Iran's overnight rocket attacks "against Iraqi military locations" and said he rejects attempts to turn Iraq into a proxy battlefield. Iraq alone will decide whether to expel U.S. forces after a 17-year military presence in the country, Salih said. Despite acknowledging that it notified the Iraqi government that it was "repositioning" troops, the Pentagon says it has no immediate plans to close out its mission countering Islamic State militants. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said earlier this week that a letter notifying the Iraqis incorrectly implied withdrawal and "was a draft, it was a mistake, it was unsigned, it should not have been released." Iran sought to continue to sound an aggressive tone Wednesday while signaling it did not want the military back and forth to continue. "Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter shortly after the attacks, which came in the early hours of Wednesday in Iraq. "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." The often voluble diplomat remained mum on Twitter the rest of the day, adding to the sense that the immediate tit for tat was over. Republicans and Democrats in Congress remained divided along partisan lines over Trump's actions. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced hours after the president's remarks that the House will vote Thursday to limit his war options on Iran. "Members of Congress have serious, urgent concerns about the Administration's decision to engage in hostilities against Iran and about its lack of strategy moving forward," Pelosi said in a statement. Congressional Republicans quickly praised the speech and Trump's actions as commander in chief, with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., calling it "a home run." In mostly measured tones, the president whose focus on Iran has been a constant from the start of his political career issued an invitation for new international diplomacy over Iran's nuclear program and an apparent reassurance to Iran's leaders that the United States does not seek their overthrow. In criticizing the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated under President Barack Obama, Trump also asserted without evidence that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons and that "the missiles fired last night were paid for by the funds made available by the last administration" under the accord that eased economic sanctions against Iran in exchange for Iran curtailing what it claimed was a peaceful nuclear energy program. Trump said Maj. Gen Qasem Soleimani was "responsible for some of the absolute worst atrocities" in the Middle East and should have been "terminated" long ago. He repeated his charge that Soleimani was planning new attacks on Americans but did not provide evidence. Lawmakers left a closed-door briefing Wednesday with some of the Trump administration's most senior national security officials deeply divided over whether the administration was authorized to carry out the strike on Soleimani in Baghdad last week. Democrats said the briefing did not make a convincing case that any looming threat against the United States was averted when Soleimani was killed. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., said that he did not leave the briefing persuaded of an "imminent threat" and that his committee would invite Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for hearings next week. Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, said she wasn't certain officials who came to Capitol Hill even understood why Soleimani was killed. "I don't know that they know the rationale," she said. "Certainly they didn't tell me what it was." House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., said officials walked lawmakers through the history of Soleimani's threats against the United States and its allies, and said "the fact that he was plotting further attacks to kill Americans made it clear that it was time to take him out." "And obviously, you can't go into full detail about the intelligence of those future attacks," Scalise said. "But how much is enough?" But one Republican senator, Mike Lee of Utah, called the administration's classified national security briefing "probably the worst briefing I've seen at least on a military issue in the nine years I've served in the United States Senate." Lee said the message from the administration officials was that lawmakers need to be "good little boys and girls and run along and not debate this in public" - an instruction he described as "insane." Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. "Drive-by notification or after-the-fact, lame briefings like the one we just received aren't adequate," Lee said. Trump on Tuesday evening announced the unusually formal White House address in his preferred informal way: on Twitter. "All is well!" he wrote, adding that assessments of damage and casualties were then ongoing. "So far, so good!" Trump was flanked by top national security aides and senior military leaders in a show of unity. Among them was Pompeo, the administration's leading hawk on Iran. But the next steps Trump listed - sanctions and diplomacy - represent a stay-the-course strategy. He also urged broader NATO participation in the Middle East, though it was not clear what he meant. The approach may reassure allies alarmed that a superpower and an oil-rich regional power were headed for war. Trump spoke Wednesday with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had pointedly refused to endorse the killing of Soleimani, and with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Trump also spoke Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House announced. Netanyahu considers Iran an existential threat and his fierce opposition to the Iran nuclear deal helped forge a close bond with Trump. But Netanyahu was also alarmed that Iran could target Israel after Soleimani's killing. "As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime," Trump said. "These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior." The Trump administration reimposed tough sanctions on Iran after Trump pulled out of the international nuclear accord. Trump urged Britain and the other four signatories to the 2015 deal to declare the accord dead and work with him to forge a new one. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country shares borders with Iran and Iraq, said Wednesday that "no one has the right to throw the whole region, especially Iraq, into a new ring of fire for the sake of their own interests." The killing of Soleimani, a charismatic warrior who held cultlike appeal for many in Iran, marked the single greatest military provocation between the United States and Iran in decades. Iran's response in turn represented the largest direct show of military force against the United States since the inauguration of the anti-American government in 1979. The United States blames Soleimani for the deaths of hundreds of U.S. forces in Iraq, including those killed by unique projectiles made in Iran and dispensed to pro-Iran militias in Iraq under Soleimani's direction. The United States and allies also blamed him for sowing terror across the Middle East. But his targeted killing brought allegations that Trump had violated international law and Iraqi sovereignty. Iran's promised response was both larger than some had predicted and apparently calibrated to be more symbolic than deadly. Iran used sophisticated ballistic missiles instead of crude rockets or indirect attacks, but the weapons mostly missed important targets. Tensions had built last year, with Iran's downing of a U.S. drone, and attacks on oil tankers and a Saudi oil facility that the United States blames on Tehran. At the same time, Trump issued an open invitation to Iranian leaders to talk, but they spurned the offer and the issue appears moot at least until after the November presidential election in the United States. Thousands of nurses in Northern Ireleand are staging another walkout in a row over pay (Liam McBurney/PA) Thousands of nurses in Northern Ireland have started another day of strike action in a row over pay. The protest follows a similar strike last month over salary rates that lag behind colleagues in Great Britain, and staff shortages. Thousands of hospital appointments are expected to be cancelled. The Department of Health has urged trade unions to return to talks. They broke down without agreement in December, when a fresh 3.1% pay offer was rejected by unions. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is leading members away from patient bedsides on Wednesday and Friday, while members of Northern Irelands largest health workers union, Unison, will also stage walkouts on Friday. Midwives are also being asked if they are willing to take strike action over pay. I havent slept, I feel sick, but we are doing this for our patients. Today, for the second time, nursing staff @RCN_NI are on strike over unsafe staffing and unfair pay. Find out how they feel to be joining picket lines. #safestaffingsaveslives https://t.co/dNP0MaLHdf The RCN (@theRCN) January 8, 2020 Unions have called for pay parity with their colleagues in the rest of the UK. The departments permanent secretary, Richard Pengelly, has warned that hospitals are already under severe pressure. Northern Ireland has some of the longest waiting lists for treatment in the UK, and the political paralysis at Stormont has hampered efforts to address problems in the NHS. Numerous appointments and treatments have been cancelled and a number of services across hospitals and the community care sector have had to be stood down or reduced due to industrial action, health service providers said. All emergency departments will remain open as normal, but they are under extreme pressure due to winter demand. Reduced staffing levels on Wednesday and Friday will significantly affect the ability of the system to discharge patients and further compound pressures throughout hospital and community services, health and social care organisations said. The South Tyrone Hospital Minor Injury Unit (MIU), Mid Ulster MIU and Bangor MIU will be closed on Wednesday. Expand Close The picket line outside the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast during the December strike (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The picket line outside the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast during the December strike (Liam McBurney/PA) Around 5,000 medical appointments were cancelled following the unprecedented nurses strike which paralysed parts of the NHS late last year. Healthcare workers said they were tearful and at the end of their tether. Stormont politicians stepped up efforts to restore devolved power-sharing and urged immediate action to address a humanitarian crisis in health. Routine medical appointments were cancelled, minor injury units closed and there were delays to some ambulance responses. Pickets formed across the region and thousands of nurses walked out in their first ever strike. One of the suspects in the September killing of a woman in Willingboro was recently charged with shooting a person in Trenton two days later, records show. Sam T. Gore, 25, of Willingboro, and Devon Woods, 25, of Trenton, were indicted Tuesday on first-degree murder and several related charges in the Sept. 18 shooting death of Deasia Ayres, of Willingboro, the Burlington County Prosecutors Office announced. Ayres, 26, was found dead, shot in the back of the head and neck, inside her Dodge Durango on Baldwin Lane in the Buckingham Park section of town around 10:30 a.m. The Burlington prosecutors office alleges the motive was robbery, and that Woods was the triggerman in the killing, which occurred in the early-morning hours of Sept. 18. Gore and Woods were arrested on Sept. 25 and remain in custody at the Burlington County jail. Record show, and Trenton police officers say, that Gore, a well-known felon originally from the city, was involved in a shooting on Sept. 20 in Trenton, also during a robbery. Gore was charged on Dec. 27 with attempted murder and weapons charges. Gore was set free from the state prison system in June after serving time for two robbery convictions and a carjacking. One was the January 2013 robbery of a barber shop in Hamilton in which he and his then partner fired into the shop, wounding a man. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Quality Health Care Concierge was founded by Michelle Kavall, RN MSN, with the purpose of providing a holistic care approach and to maintain a comfortable and preferred lifestyle with their Companion Care services in the Boca Raton and Palm Beach communities. Mrs. Kavall has a passion for holistic care and has been a leader in the healthcare field for over a decade. Thanks to her impressive educational background in Healthcare & Nursing Leadership, she managed to become a pioneer in the home health care industry in Florida and New York City. While working for large healthcare organizations, start-up home health technology companies, volunteering efforts, studying healthcare trends, and even being a Facilitator for Cornell University, Mrs. Kavall managed to transcribe the ideal solution for helping people in the community with Quality Health Care Concierge. The team is a comprised group of trained professionals who are dedicated to providing support services to their members. They take pride in providing the ones who are in need of quality companion care services to assist them in their daily tasks, routines, or new opportunities to make the best out of each and every day. We opened Quality Health Care Concierge with a mission to provide prestigious private companion care services to those that wish to maintain their quality of life, in the comfort of their home, while having someone assist with their everyday tasks. We truly understand how important it is to feel secure while continuing with an established and loved routine that our members can trust, said Michelle Kavall, Founder and President. The perfect 5-star ratings offered by Google and Yelp are the results of the hard work of the professionals working at Quality Health Care Concierge. They are also part of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and they are striving to further their relationship and dedication within BBB. They work with top notch and trusted physicians with over 25 years of experience in managing pain and a high quality of life. The mission has always been to go above and beyond so that elite service can be offered to serve the aging Florida community in their preferred place of living. Besides providing in-home services, they can also recommend various highly-rated certified holistic care networks that manage and treat an array of ailments such as Epilepsy, Alzheimers Disease, Cancer, Anxiety Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Post-traumatic stress disorders, and many neuropathies. Their team is specifically knowledgeable in the care needs of the elderly population and are individually chosen as an optimal match for their clients. The attention to detail, care needs, availability of a holistic care network at their fingertips, and requests of the customers combined with high satisfaction rates makes Quality Health Care Concierge one of the most trusted elder care services in Florida. At Quality Health Care Concierge, they are providing the best couple care that helps family or loved ones to take a much-needed break from caring for their aging loved ones in their seeking respite care. It is quite normal for family members to feel burnout and exhaustion after prolonged periods of caring for an elderly couple. Elderly couples residing in the community can continue to live their lifestyles in the comfort of their own homes thanks to their elite companion care assistance. Many elderly members have a particular appreciation for the prestigious services available in the comfort of their own homes and community settings. The overnight companion care service was created to provide overnight companionship for those with anxieties of being home alone overnight and to reduce overnight confusion or wandering outside of the home setting. This 24/7 service ensures that the clients will stay safe in their homes, even throughout the night. Being an active participant in the community is important for anyone and the Community Care service will help elderly persons remain active. With this service, customers can be accompanied to doctors visits, hospital visits, medical centers, treatment centers, etc., or they can be assisted with arranging transportation to and from community visits. Quality Health Care Concierge can provide caregivers from as little as 4 hours daily through their Personal Assistant and Hourly Care Services. The caregivers are trained to provide services such as socialization and isolation prevention, meal preparation, shopping, medical reminders, grooming, toileting, light housekeeping, basic pet care and so on. This service is perfect for customers who need assistance only in the mornings or evenings. Quality Health Care Concierge is dedicated to providing the most detail-oriented and customer approved companion care in the community. Their chosen caregivers go through a highly individualized and vigorous application and employment process. Best of all, President and Founder, Michelle Kavall, RN provides all in-person education and support to staff members to ensure top-notch quality in employee success and outlook with a main goal to educate and train our staff for the most pristine care to be provided to its members. Media Contact Company: Quality Health Care Concierge Location: Boca Raton, FL 33432 Telephone: 888-981-5595 Website: QualityHealthCareConcierge.com Email: info@qualityhealthcareconcierge.com S-400 "Triumph" surface-to-air missile system Reuters Amid confusion and uncertainty about the future of the U.S. military's presence in Iraq, Russia has unsurprisingly swooped in to re-up its offer to sell the country S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems, as well as other air defense weapons. The U.S. government's recent decision to kill Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian commander responsible for overseeing assistance to terrorist and militant groups overseas, has raised the potential for the Iraqi government to expel American forces, which would open up a vacuum that Russia and others are already looking to fill. Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti reported this week that the Kremlin had offered S-400s to Iraq to "ensure the countrys sovereignty and reliable protection of airspace." That phrasing is an obvious reference to the U.S. drone strike that killed Qasem Soleimani, which Iraq's Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi and other senior officials have since decried as a violation of the country's sovereignty. "Iraq is a partner of Russia in the field of military-technical cooperation," Igor Korotchenko, a member of the Russian Defence Ministry's public council and Russian media personality who's regular style of dress has earned him the nickname "The Terminator," told RIA Novosti. "The Russian Federation can supply the necessary funds to ensure the sovereignty of the country and reliable protection of airspace, including the supply of S-400 missiles and other components of the air defense system, such as Buk-M3, Tor-M2 and so on." Iraq has been in on-again-off-again negotiations with Russia over a purchase of S-400 systems since at least February 2018. In May 2019, Iraqi Ambassador to Russia Haidar Mansour Hadi implied to state-run media outlet TASS that an order for the air defense systems with close to being formalized. Four months later, he walked those comments back, saying the deal was "not on the table yet," according to Iraqi Kurdish outlet Rudaw. The Buk-M3 is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system, while the Tor-M2 is a short-to-medium range surface-to-air missile system. Both systems are road-mobile making them elusive when it comes to targeting. Iraq already operates Russian-made truck-mounted Pantsir-S1s, air defense systems that feature both short-range surface-to-air missiles and 30mm automatic cannons. Whether or not Iraq is any more interested in the S-400s, or other Russian air defense systems, now than it was last year remains to be seen. It's also worth noting that the Iraqi military has already acquired various other Russian-made combat aircraft, helicopters, armored vehicles, infantry weapons, and other military hardware over the years, as well. Iraqi authorities have purchased various systems from China, the Czech Republic, and South Korea, among others, too. However, Russia's latest offer comes at a time of particular crisis between Iraq and its principal source of military assistance, the United States. Though there are real questions about the legality of the vote, Shia Iraqi lawmakers, many of whom are publicly supportive of the country's close relationship with Iran, forced a resolution through the country's parliament this week calling for American forces to leave the country in response to the strike that killed Soleimani. Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi, whose own authority is in question given his official resignation and current status as caretaker head of state, subsequently delivered this request to the U.S. government. Yesterday, in a series of events that are still not fully clear, U.S. military officials in Iraq sent a memorandum that appeared to indicate American forces would begin withdrawing in the coming days and weeks. The Pentagon has now said that it is only repositioning troops within Iraq and that there are no plans, as of yet, to pull out completely. However, there are reports that Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi is treating the letter he received as a formal notice. There are also now reports that the Arabic language version he got is different from the English one seen in pictures widely circulating on social media, further adding to the confusion. At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to slap sanctions on Iraq if it follows through with its plans to eject American forces. This could including restrictions on the sale of weapons and other military hardware, as well as services, which could make it difficult for Iraq to operate and maintain various American-made systems. Especially complex assets, such as the country's F-16IQ Viper fighter jets and M1 Abrams tanks, could become useless in very short order due to a lack of spare parts and contractor maintenance support. In the meantime, U.S. forces in Iraq have already suspended activities related to the fight against ISIS terrorists, including training Iraqi security forces personnel. Regardless of the formal legal status of the Iraqi government's request, it may be increasingly untenable for American troops to remain in the country if the powers that be in Baghdad take an increasingly hostile position to their presence. The NATO-led training mission in Iraq has also halted its activities in light of security concerns. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, are taking additional steps to safeguard the military and diplomatic personnel in Iraq. All of this presents openings for Russia to offer to fill the emerging vacuum in security assistance to the Iraqi government. The Kremlin isn't the only country taking note, either. Yesterday, Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi met with the Chinese Ambassador to Iraq, who also said that Beijing was ready to play a role in assisting Iraq's security forces. Iraqi S-400s, especially, together with any increasingly adversarial relationship with the United States, could certainly present a significant potential threat to U.S. military aircraft, or those belonging to its allies and partners, continuing to operate over the country to conduct strikes against ISIS or any other targets. Russian S-400s, as well as its other air defenses, in Western Syria have similarly long presented a barrier of sorts to U.S.-led coalition air operations against ISIS and other terrorist groups in that part of the country. Using stealth aircraft and stand-off weapons could mitigate the threat, and there is always the option to directly target any hostile air defense sites during a mission, but their very presence changes the risk conclusion and might make certain operations more difficult, if not impossible, depending on the exact circumstances. All told, whether Iraq does or does not respond favorably to Russia's latest offer to sell it the S-400, as well as other air defense systems, the Kremlin, among others, is certain to try to exploit the current crisis between the United States and Iraq to try to expand its influence in Baghdad at the expense of the United States. Read the full story here. President Donald Trump will deliver remarks from the White House at 11 a.m. Wednesday following Irans ballistic missile attacks on two airbases in Iraq that house U.S. armed forces. Hours after the Tuesday night missile strikes, which Iraqi officials said caused no casualties, Trump tweeted that all is well and said he planned to issue a statement the following morning. What time can people tune in? The official White House Twitter account said the speech was planned for 11 a.m. What networks will air and live stream the address? C-SPAN and the White House will live stream the presidents remarks, which will also be televised and live streamed by CNN, Fox News and major networks. According to C-SPAN, Trump will speak from the grand foyer of the White House. Vice President Mike Pence will join Trump during the address, CNN reported. Mourners attend a funeral ceremony for Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, shown in posters, and his comrades, who were killed in Iraq in a U.S. drone strike on Friday, at the Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square in Tehran, Iran, Monday, Jan. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)AP What will the president focus on? Iranian leaders, who vowed to avenge last weeks U.S. drone strike that killed Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani and heightened tensions across the Middle East, called the missile strikes the first steps of retaliation. Trump, the Pentagon and the presidents backers have argued the strike against Soleimani, a longtime military and intelligence commander whose operations killed hundreds of Americans, saved lives and staved off an imminent threat targeting Americans. The administration has offered no evidence of potential attacks thwarted by Soleimanis assassination. Multiple Trump administration officials told CNN that they believe Iran intentionally avoided casualties in the retaliatory strikes to prevent escalation. Iraqs Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi said in a statement that Iraqi officials were notified of the nearly two dozen strikes in advance. While Trumps initial message after Tuesday nights strikes was upbeat and Iranian leaders hinted that they did not want further escalation, pushing American troops out of the Middle East remains Irans goal. General Soleimani fought heroically against ISIS, Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda et al. If it werent for his war on terror, European capitals would be in great danger now. Our final answer to his assassination will be to kick all US forces out of the region. Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 8, 2020 In a tweet Wednesday morning, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani credited Soleimani for his war on terror, and said our final answer to his assassination will be to kick US forces out of the region. As the Marine Corps shifts its focus from lengthy ground wars to more ship-based missions, leaders want leathernecks to change their terminology. The Marine Corps is resurrecting its "Fleet Marine Force" label. It will replace the "operating force" term Marines have used in recent decades to describe the service's general population -- with an emphasis on forward-deployed units. Now, Fleet Marine Force should be used to describe all commands and units at or below the Marine expeditionary force level, Lt. Gen. Eric Smith, head of Combat Development and Integration in Quantico, Virginia, wrote in a service-wide message. The purpose of the switch back to the once widely used term with a naval connection: to "foster maritime operations and integration," Smith wrote. Related: New Marine Corps Video Aims to Set the Public Straight About What Jarheads Do The shift is part of a rebranding effort that has been underway since Commandant Gen. David Berger took the helm as the service's top general officer. Berger's planning guidance is heavily focused on naval integration, as the service prepares for the possibility of conflict with China. In October, the Marine Corps released a new four-minute video that aimed to set the public straight about the service's amphibious capabilities. For nearly two decades, Americans have watched Marines deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan in hefty numbers year after year. But as tensions continue to rise with China, Berger is steering the force back to naval-based maritime campaigns, which he sees as the Corps' main operating environment. The commandant said when announcing the policy Tuesday that the Marine Corps must be "prepared to be employed as Fleet Marine Forces." "We need to re-focus on how we will fulfill our mandate to support the Fleet," Berger tweeted. Dakota Wood, a retired Marine officer and senior research fellow for defense programs at the conservative Heritage Foundation in Washington, said the Fleet Marine Force label fell out of favor after 9/11. The Marine Corps became heavily focused on crisis-response missions, he said. It has stood up sizable land-based special-purpose Marine air-ground task forces that rely on MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to deliver Marines long distances to the scene, rather than ships. "But now," Wood added, "General Berger's been talking about rediscovering this maritime naval component. ... Retitling things to the Fleet Marine Force, there's a psychological component to that." Wood, who wrote a report last year calling on the Marine Corps to focus on preparing for possible combat operations in the Asia-Pacific region, said leathernecks are likely to embrace the return to the maritime-focused Fleet Marine Force label. "The new people coming in don't have that previous extensive experience in Iraq and Afghanistan and, for the older folks, it's kind of like, 'OK, done that sustained operations thing,'" he said. "They're really interested in what makes them different from [U.S. Special Operations Command] or from the Army? What is it about being Marines that's unique? "I think it's a very exciting time in the Marine Corps." -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Read more: A Marine Called on the Commandant to Fix the Corps' Identity Crisis. Here's His Response Armenias National Security Service (NSS) pressed criminal charges on Wednesday against a man who admitted falsely claiming that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian hailed the U.S. air strike which killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. The NSS arrested the man on Sunday, saying that he is the Facebook user who wrote, under the pseudonym Diana Harutiunian, that Pashinian congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on Soleimanis assassination. It said that the Facebook post picked up by Azerbaijani and Iranian media caused substantial damage to Armenias national security. The NSS also released a video which shows the suspect, whose face is blurred, saying that he spread the untrue information in a bid to discredit the authorities because of their unfair prosecution of Armenias jailed former President Robert Kocharian. I deeply regret and apologize for spreading such fake news, he says. Kocharians family and representatives swiftly denied any connection to the arrested man, who has still not been identified by the NSS. The ex-presidents spokesman, Victor Soghomonian, also accused the NSS of stage-managing the affair on Pashinians orders. Kocharian, who ruled Armenia from 1998-2008, is currently standing trial on coup and corruption charges which he rejects as politically motivated. The security agency announced on Wednesday that the suspect has been remanded in pre-trial custody after being formally charged under two articles of the Armenian Criminal Code. They deal with inciting ethnic, racial or religious hatred and illegally gaining access to computerized information. Some local press freedom activists question the legality of the criminal case. They argue that Armenian law does not make it a crime to disseminate false reports or rumors. All forms of libel were decriminalized in Armenia about a decade ago. Iran has launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. Shortly after the missile attacks, Trump tweeted, "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Officials said President Trump has been briefed and he is monitoring the situation. "We are working on initial battle damage assessments," Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said. Hoffman said around 5:30 pm on January 7, "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US.military and coalition forces in Iraq". "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, he said. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said the President has been briefed about the situation. We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team, Grisham said. Hoffman said in recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defence has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard its personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region, he said. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region, Hoffman said. Meanwhile, President Trump spoke with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and thanked him for his country's strong partnership with the US. The two leaders discussed the situation in Iraq and Iran, as well as other critical bilateral and regional issues, officials said. State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo telephoned Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and updated him on the Iranian missile attacks on Iraqi air bases, including in Erbil. The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops. Multiple missiles fired by Iran struck the Al-Assad and Irbil Airbases in Iraq early Wednesday morning local time. The targeted airbases hosted American troops. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," the White House said in a statement. The number of causalities hasn't been confirmed. "The brave soldiers of IRGC's aerospace unit have launched a successful attack with tens of ballistic missiles on Al Assad military base in the name of martyr Gen. Qasem Soleimani. ... We warn all allied countries of the U.S. that if attacks are launched from bases in their countries on Iran, they will be a target of military retaliation," the Iranian military said in a statement, as translated by Axios. The Iranian retaliation follows the U.S. airstrikes at the Baghdad International Airport last week that killed the head of Iran's elite Quds Force Qasem Soleimani. The West Texas Intermediate crude futures traded 3.33% higher following the news. Gold futures were up 1.26%. This is a developing story. 0 See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. By Jane Lanhee Lee and David Shepardson LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp <7203.T> said on Monday it planned to build a prototype "city of the future" at the base of Japan's Mt. Fuji, powered by hydrogen fuel cells and functioning as a laboratory for autonomous cars, "smart homes," artificial intelligence and other technologies. Toyota unveiled the audacious plan for what it will call "Woven City", in a reference to its origins as a loom manufacturer, at the big annual technology industry show, CES. "It's hard to learn something about a smart city if you are only building a smart block," James Kuffner, chief executive officer for the Toyota Research Institute-Advanced Development, told Reuters. The "Woven City" idea, under discussion for a year, is aimed at creating safer, cleaner, more fun cities and learning lessons that could be applied around the world, he added. It will have police, fire and ambulance services, schools and could be home to a mix of Toyota employees, retirees and others, Kuffner said. The development, to be built on the site of a car factory that is planned to be closed by the end of 2020, will begin with 2,000 residents in coming years, and also serve as a home to researchers. Toyota did not disclose costs for the project, whose construction is scheduled to start next year, and which seeks to re-imagine a city, but executives said it had been extensively vetted and had a budget. The plan for a futuristic community on 175 acres (71 hectares) is a big step beyond proposals from Toyota's rivals. Executives at many major automakers have talked about how cities of the future could be designed to cut climate-changing emissions, reduce congestion and apply internet technology to everyday life. The company's proposal showcases not only the ambition of Chief Executive Akio Toyoda, but also the financial and political resources Toyota can bring to bear, especially in its home country. Story continues "You know if you build it, they will come," said Toyoda, who called the project "my personal 'field of dreams.'" Toyota Housing, a company unit, has sold more than 100,000 homes in Japan in 37 years. Toyota said it had commissioned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels to design the community. Ingels' firm designed the 2 World Trade Center building in New York and technology giant Google's offices in Silicon Valley and London. Toyota said it is open to partnerships with other companies seeking to use the project as a testing ground for technology. Still Toyoda acknowledged not all may see the wisdom of what could be an expensive and lengthy project. "You may be thinking, 'Has this guy lost his mind?'" Toyoda asked an audience in Las Vegas, to laughter. "'Is he like a Japanese version of Willy Wonka?' Perhaps." (Reporting by Jane Lanhee Lee and David Shepardson; Writing by Joe White; Editing by Dan Grebler and Clarence Fernandez) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) The remains of Filipina domestic worker Jeanelyn Villavende have arrived in the Philippines more than a week after her brutal killing in Kuwait. The plane carrying Villavende's body landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Wednesday afternoon. Her remains will be flown to General Santos City and from there brought to her hometown in South Cotabato. An embalming certificate released by the Kuwait's Ministry of Health confirmed that 26-year-old Villavende was killed on December 28, 2019. Prior to the release of the document on Tuesday, the exact date of her death was unknown. Her family only learned about her death on December 30, 2019. Villavende's stepmother told CNN Philippines they had not talked to her in two months since her Kuwaiti employee would not allow her to take calls. READ: Slain OFW wasn't allowed to talk to family for 2 months According to an autopsy conducted in Kuwait, Villavende died of "acute failure of heart and respiration" as a result of shock and multiple injuries in the vascular nervous system. The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has commissioned a "top-notch criminal lawyer" in Kuwait to pursue the case against the killers of Villavende. It added that it gave the Villavende family P100,000 in financial aid. "For what they did to her, the death penalty is a mercy," Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddyboy" Locsin Jr. tweeted, assuring that "there will be blood." He also vowed to go after the local recruiter of Villavende. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told CNN Philippines that the National Bureau of Investigation will conduct its own autopsy on Villavende's body. Authorities have said Villavende had been beaten black and blue before being rushed to the hospital. The suspects the couple in the household where the Filipina worked are now detained. The Philippine government has since stopped sending newly-hired household service workers to Kuwait. Labor Secretary Silverstre Bello III the partial deployment ban may be lifted once justice is served for Villavende. PH-Kuwait relations The Philippines implemented a total deployment ban in February 2018 after a string of reports of Filipino workers being abused and killed in Kuwait, including Filipina maid Joanna Demafelis who was found dead inside a freezer. The total ban was also lifted in May that year. The two countries also signed an agreement for the protection of Filipino workers. Bello, however, lamented that certain provisions have not been followed, including the drafting of a template employment contract that would allow Filipinos to keep their passports and cellphones which are often surrendered to employers. The working and sleeping hours should also be specified, Bello said. More than 200,000 Filipinos are in Kuwait, mostly household service workers. The Gulf state is the tenth biggest source of remittances, with Filipinos working there sending $625.9 million (around 31.97 billion) back home from January to October 2019, according to central bank data. OTTAWAFirst the assassination, then the retaliation. And now now what? After Iran struck back at American forces on Wednesday, firing missiles at two U.S. military bases in Iraq, much of the world is waiting to see if tensions inflamed by the drone-killing Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani will die down or intensify. In the meantime, many significant questions linger for Canada as the long-standing feud between Iran and the United States appears to have come and may still be perilously close to exploding into war. Trump wants NATO to get much more involved. What does that mean? Speaking at the White House on Wednesday in the wake of the Iranian missile attack, U.S. President Donald Trump called on NATO countries to get much more involved in the Middle East. He didnt expand on that. That leaves Canada, as one of the alliances 29 member-states, facing a significant question that wont find an answer until the Americans provide more clarity about what Trump was talking about, said Jon Lindsay, a professor at the University of Torontos Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Its really difficult to say with any confidence what the substance of that request actually looks like, he said. Thomas Juneau, an international relations expert at the University of Ottawa, said the request could mean a range of things from increased political pressure to curb Iranian influence in the Middle East to a beefed-up military role in the region. NATO is already on the ground in Iraq, where specialists led by Canadian Maj. Gen. Jennie Carignan were training and advising the Iraqi military until the mission was paused amid tensions this week. But Juneau said some countries have fears of getting caught in the crossfire between the U.S. and Iran, fears that appear to be coming true to an extent after the U.S. assassination enlivened the spectre of direct conflict between the countries. At a press conference in Ottawa Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada wants to continue its involvement in the missions in Iraq and expected discussions about the next steps to take in the region. He added that he spoke with Trump Wednesday and the president did not make any specific request of Canada to boost its military contributions. What do rising tensions mean for Canadas presence in the region? Canadians are involved in two military missions in Iraq right now, both of which have been put on hold after the drone strike that killed Soleimani. As of this week, there were about 500 Canadian personnel in the country some involved in training Iraqi military under Gen. Carignan, and others involved in a long-standing mission to counter the Islamic State in the region. Earlier this week, Gen. Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, said there were roughly 500 Canadian personnel in Iraq but that some of them were being moved to Kuwait in anticipation of Irans retaliation this week. On Wednesday, Trudeau also confirmed what military sources told the Star earlier: that Canadian personnel were at one of the military bases struck by Iran, but that no one was injured. Can Canada actually do anything to calm things down? In the wake of Wednesdays attack in Iraq, Trudeau said Canada continues to press in all of our conversations, including with (the U.S.) president, for a de-escalation of tensions in the region. But beyond calls for cooler heads to prevail, Canada doesnt have the heft to play a significant role in calming down the situation, according to both Juneau and Lindsay. The situation, which involves jostling between regional players and a world superpower, is simply out of our league. I dont mean that as criticism of the current Liberal government, said Juneau. There is not a serious diplomatic role right now for Canada to help de-escalate tension because were not a big enough country. How likely is it that we get sucked into a new war? Not very, according to Lindsay. He said countries have historically not bumbled their way into conflicts they dont want to engage in, and that neither Iran nor the U.S. would benefit from a direct war. Such a conflict is simply too risky for Irans theological autocracy, as war could bring the threat of defeat and regime change, he said. At the same time, Trump has consistently disparaged the U.S.s years-long military efforts in the Middle East as wasteful and unnecessary, even if one can argue his decision to pull out of a deal to limit Iranian nuclear enrichment and assassinate Soleimani have ratcheted up tensions in the region. Whats more, Irans retaliatory strikes seemed calibrated to appear strong without provoking further aggression from the U.S, he said. Trump refrained from calling for a military response Wednesday and said it is a very good thing for the world that Iran appears to be standing down. Each side was doing the minimum they had to do, but were really trying to back away from the brink, Lindsay said. Even so, the broader foundation of the conflict between Iran and the U.S. remains in place, including disputes over nuclear enrichment and influence in the Middle East, even if the intensification of recent days is set to diminish, Juneau said. Nothing has fundamentally changed beyond the current crisis de-escalating, he said. For Canada, he said, that means the risk of involvement in the region will also remain. Read more about: FILE PHOTO: India's Oil Minister Pradhan speaks on phone during an interview with Reuters in New Delhi By Nidhi Verma NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India has approved funding of 55.6 billion rupees ($774 million) for a natural gas pipeline in its northeast, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Wednesday, as part of a national gas grid being built to span remote locations. India aims to spend up to $60 billion by 2024 to set up the grid and several terminals for liquefied natural gas, as it scrambles to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2030 target of a 15% share for natural gas in the energy mix, up from 6.5% now. The 1,656-km (1,029-mile) pipeline will cost up to 92.65 billion rupees to build. "The government will provide 60% viability gap funding of the project cost," Pradhan told a conference in the capital, New Delhi, adding, "It will be 5,559 crores," or the equivalent of 55.6 billion rupees. The gas grid linking eight states in a region bordering Bangladesh, Bhutan, China and Myanmar, is expected to be complete by 2023. Despite the plan, the growth of gas consumption eased to 2.5% in fiscal 2018/19 from 11% in 2009/10, mainly because of a lack of infrastructure. "India is ready to face challenges from the current geopolitical issues in the Middle East," Pradhan said, referring to the escalation of tension between the United States and Iran. Iranian forces fired missiles at military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq on Wednesday in retaliation for the U.S. killing of an Iranian general, raising concerns of a wider war in the Middle East. The Middle East accounts for about two-thirds of India's annual imports of crude, and Iraq is its top oil supplier. "India's foreign ministry has already spoken to oil producing nations (on the potential threat to supplies)," Pradhan said, without elaborating. (Reporting by Nidhi Verma, Writing by Promit Mukherjee; Editing by Jason Neely and Clarence Fernandez) (Natural News) Censored.news, the free speech alternative to Google News, now indexes 47 censored websites that bring you real, pro-human news thats systematically censored by the tech giants. The new version 2.0 has added feature images from top stories and allows end users to create custom sort order so that you can see the sites presented in the order you want. On Censored.news, youll get near-real-time headlines from 47 censored news sites, completely free from advertising (its just 100% content). Some of the sites indexed by Censored.news include The National Sentinel, American Thinker, Free Beacon, Summit News, Peak Prosperity, The Federalist and many more. Now, weve added several new sites that are reader favorites: Childrens Health Defense releases groundbreaking news on vaccine health hazards and the lying propaganda of the vaccine-controlled media. Law Enforcement Today is covering the Virginia 2A sanctuary situation very closely and has a pro-liberty, pro-2A stance combined with solid investigative journalism. Strange Sounds documents strange phenomena around the world, including geological activity (earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.), weird sounds in the sky, mass animal die-offs and similar news. National File is a politically-oriented investigative journalism site run by Tom Pappert, one of my co-hosts at InfoWars. Weve also recently added Caitlin Johnstone and Jeremy Hammonds site as a great source on vaccine investigations and medical truth. When you want honest, truthful, pro-human news thats censored everywhere else, read Censored.news and make it the home page for your mobile browser (the site is mobile friendly). Also coming soon: Webseed.com is the new search solution for searching natural health websites, including full coverage of vaccine truth, the dangers of pharmaceuticals and GMOs, 5G hazards, natural cancer cures and much more. Its launching in early 2020 as a replacement for Google search. When you want to be truly informed while escaping the thought gulags of the evil tech giants, turn to independent media sources like Censored.news to discover truths that the corporate-controlled media wont dare touch. Putin Visits Damascus For Talks With Syrian President Assad By RFE/RL January 07, 2020 Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a surprise visit to Syria's capital, Damascus, where he met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and held consultations with Russian military officials. The visit on Orthodox Christmas Day on January 7 comes at a time of heightened regional tension, when Assad's other main military ally Iran has said it will retaliate for the killing of a top Iranian commander killed in a U.S. drone strike last week. As head of Iran's elite Qods Force, Major General Qasem Soleimani was the architect of the country's military operations across the Middle East and one of the key figures in Syria's civil war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists in Moscow that Putin traveled in a vehicle on the streets of the Syrian capital from Damascus International Airport to the headquarters of the Russian Armed Forces group in the country. Peskov said Putin was met by Assad at the headquarters building. "The leaders heard military reports on development in various regions of the country," Peskov said. Putin and Assad listened to a military presentation by the commander of Russian forces in Syria, said Syria's presidential office, which posted a picture of the two leaders shaking hands. The two leaders also paid a visit to Damascus's Greek Orthodox Mariamite Cathedral, according to Syrian state media. It was Putin's first visit to Damascus and only his second visit to Syria since Russia began offering military support to Syrian government forces in its long-running conflict. The Russian president's last trip to Syria was a visit to the Russian military base of Hmeimim, in the coastal city of Latakia, in 2017. Late on January 7, Putin landed in Istanbul for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country has backed rebel groups in the Syrian conflict and sent forces into northern Syria to push back Kurdish-led fighters. The two leaders are also due to inaugurate on January 8 the Turkstream gas pipeline that will carry Russian gas to Turkey. With reporting by Reuters, Interfax, TASS, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-visits-damascus-talks syrian-president-assad/30364618.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump has responded to Tuesday night's attack by Iran on US and coalition forces stationed at bases in Iraq. "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq," Trump tweeted. "Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Shortly after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It was not immediately clear if any U.S. service members were hurt in the strikes. The reassuring tone of Trump's tweet marked an unexpected shift away from the harsh rhetoric the president has used in recent days to characterize tensions with Iran, which escalated following a U.S. strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. A special court here on Wednesday allowed the CBI to submit a supplementary extradition request against fugitive economic offender Nirav Modi to the concerned authorities in London, where the diamantaire is residing presently. The CBI on Wednesday filed an application before the special court seeking for the supplementary extradition request to be allowed to be sent to London in keeping with the fresh evidence submitted against Modi in the agency's supplementary charge sheet. "In view of the supplementary charge sheet filed against the accused (Modi), cognisance of which has been taken, the supplementary extradition request as urged be issued," the court said in its order. The court posted the matter for further hearing on January 13. A request for the extradition of Nirav Modi to India was sent in July 2018. The same is pending before a London court. Nirav Modi is accused of defrauding the Bank (PNB) with over Rs 13,700 crore. He along with his uncle and partner Mehul Choksi fled India in February 2018. Apart from the CBI case, Modi is also facing a case registered by the (ED) on charges of money laundering. Amid the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) urged 'de-escalation and direct talks among diplomats'. According to the official site of NRC, Egeland said that millions of people across the Middle East need humanitarian assistance as most of them are already devastated or displaced because of the conflict. The statement from the NRC came after the Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq that houses the US and coalition forces were hit by multiple rockets during the wee hours on January 8. The statement released by the official site of NRC read, On behalf of the millions in need that have nothing to do with the political conflict, we urge de-escalation of this confrontation and direct talks among diplomats to find solutions. Do not make a difficult situation impossible. It further stated, Another confrontation among international and regional powers would be deadly for aid lifelines on the brink of collapse. READ: Serious Escalation With Iran Shows Trump 'dangerously Incompetent', Says Joe Biden The statement further revealed that 24 million war-affected Yemenis and 12 million Syrians displaced within the region are extremely vulnerable to any escalation in conflict, sanctions or restrictions on movement. The sanctions have also 'severely affected' NRC's humanitarian work for around 3 million Afghan refugees living in Iran. Egeland also said that the current situation has made it difficult and dangerous for the field workers to serve the communities in the Middle East. READ: Iran Buries Soleimani As It Attacks Iraqi Bases European Union FMs to meet To reduce the tensions between the two countries, European Union foreign ministers will also be holding emergency talks on Friday. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen who will further raise the situation when she meets British PM Boris Johnson in London later this week, said the use of weapons must stop to allow space for dialogue. In an earlier statement released by the Commission's website von der Leyen also declared a need 'to holt the cycle of violence', and further urged Iran to fully comply with the nuclear deal known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab also said that Britain condemns Iranian missile attacks on military bases in Iraq that hosts US-led coalition forces including British personnel. He further also urged Iran to pursue urgent de-escalation and not to repeat such 'reckless and dangerous attacks'. Further China, Paris, Germany and Spain have also reportedly called on Iran to refrain from any measures that would further aggravate the tensions. READ: Massive Crowds In Mashhad For Soleimani Funeral Ceremony READ: High-stakes Decision Looms For Trump In Showdown With Iran On Wednesday 8th January 2019, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle made a shocking announcement, effectively resigning from their duties within the British Royal Family. However, merely days earlier, Nigerian Prophet TB Joshua of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) had warned of impending separation within the Royal Family in his much-publicised prophecy for 2020. Pray for unity and understanding among the Royal Family because of what I am seeing, the cleric stated in the word of prophecy written on December 28th 2019 which he said he 'received' after time in a 'prayer mountain'. We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wrote on their official Instagram account, adding the decision came after many months of reflection and internal discussions. The announcement from the famous duo exposed the widening rifts within the British monarchy, already exacerbated by the fallout over Prince Andrews alliance with the late convicted sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, the statement continued, stating this would provide them with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. Whilst releasing the prophecy publicly on Sunday 5th January 2019, Joshua explained that many of the events he had foreseen had begun to take place or would happen imminently. In the same prophecy, TB Joshua warned of an incident in the nation of Iran that will cause panic throughout the world, confirmed days later when a US drone strike killed prominent Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The message regarding Iran followed a prophecy Joshua gave a decade earlier in which he warned of the repercussions of an attack on Iran by super-powers, going on his knees to pray for peace in the volatile region. Concerning the United Kingdom, Joshua additionally warned in his 2020 prophecy of agitation from a section that wants to leave and also called for prayers for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh regarding ill-health. He equally cautioned about the economic repercussions stemming from Brexit, insisting it needs more time to stand on its feet with the co-operation of the European Union leadership. Since its release, the video of the prophecy published on Emmanuel TVs popular YouTube Channel which included messages for Nigeria, Russia and USA has racked up over 250,000 views. Ihechukwu Njoku is a freelance Nigerian journalist VIDEO OF 2020 PROPHECY (Newser) Money supposedly doesn't buy happiness, but a Japanese billionaire thinks it might at least cheer some people up. Just a couple of weeks after Zozo founder Yusaku Maezawa donated more than $18 million to a Japanese city hit hard by a typhoon, the fashion-minded entrepreneur is back in the news with yet another giveaway. Reuters reports that this time, Maezawa will pony up $9 million, to be distributed in $9,000 bundles to 1,000 lucky recipients, chosen at random after they retweeted his Jan. 1 Twitter post on the matter. "It's a serious social experiment," Maezawa said in Japanese in an accompanying YouTube video, adding he hopes this initiative piques the interest of those in academia and economics. story continues below That's because Maezawa is curious on how the overall concept of universal basic incomean idea often floated by US presidential candidate Andrew Yang, in which a nation's citizens receive a regular, guaranteed paymentwould affect people's overall well-being and happiness. An economist tells Reuters that what Maezawa is doing is somewhat different than the basic income idea: It's just a one-time payment to each recipient, and in Japan at the moment, people are still finding jobs in general due to a tight labor market. Still, Maezawa wants to see how his "winners" react. "What happens if someone who can't help themselves with their own power is given money ... to rebuild their lives?" he tweeted. "Can you turn your life around?" (Read more Yusaku Maezawa stories.) Former Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Bac Son leaves a court in Hanoi after receiving a life sentence, December 28, 2019. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy. Nguyen Bac Son, former Minister of Information and Communications, has appealed his life sentence, citing his age and previous service record. Son, 67, has asked the Hanoi People's Court to open an appeals trial to review charges and punishment after he was given a life sentence last month for accepting $3 million in bribes to push for the illegal acquisition of private pay TV firm Audio Visual Global (AVG) by state-owned telecom giant MobiFone. Son said the sentence was "very severe" and asked for a lighter sentence due to his old age, as well as his considerable contributions in the army and other achievements in his career. He noted that he had confessed his mistake and made amends for the consequences. Son asked that he is given the benefit of the humane and lenient policies of the Communist Party and the state so that he can be reunited with his family. Earlier, prosecutors had proposed the death sentence for Son. The court had rejected this, saying Son's family had returned VND66 billion ($3 million) on his behalf to the state budget. Son and Truong Minh Tuan, then the deputy information minister, another main accused in the case, were charged with "violating regulations on the management and use of public capital that led to serious consequences" and "taking bribes." The latter was jailed for 14 years in an unprecedented case in Vietnam's legal history as two former Vietnamese ministers were punished for corruption. In 2015, telecom giant MobiFone, under the Ministry of Information and Communications, wanted to invest in the pay TV sector. Son promoted the acquisition of AVG and pushed for the deal to be done before his tenure was up. After five rounds of negotiations, under Son's directions, AVG and MobiFone reached an agreement on October 2, 2015 for the latter to acquire a 95 percent stake in the former. MobiFone thus acquired a 95 percent stake at AVG for nearly VND8.9 trillion ($382.6 million), many times higher than AVG's real value, causing losses of nearly VND6.6 trillion ($284.4 million) to the state budget. Vietnam's corruption crackdown has intensified since it was launched in 2017, and a number of high-ranking officials, top military officers and businesspeople have been imprisoned. Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, who has been spearheading the country's anti-corruption campaign, has repeatedly said that the corruption fight would maintain its momentum and spare no one. A deadly disease spread by shrews has been killing humans for decades and going unnoticed, according to scientists. Doctors say at least 14 patients in Germany have died from encephalitis caused by Borna disease virus 1. But it is feared the total could be much higher, given the shrews that carry the bug are found in Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Experts are now calling for more research into the spread of the virus, to work out if it really is behind even more unexplained human deaths. Encephalitis makes the brain swell up and can cause a fever, headache, vomiting, seizures, limb weakness and loss of consciousness. The Borna disease virus is carried by bi-coloured white-toothed shrews in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and can cause serious illness in horses, sheep and humans if they contract it, according to scientists (stock image) Experts at Regensburg University Hospital in Germany studied the medical records of 56 people who died between 1999 and 2019. The group all had encephalitis and lived in in the south of Germany, where the Borna disease-carrying bi-coloured white-toothed shrews roam naturally. Eight of them were found to have Borna disease virus 1, bringing the confirmed total of human cases to 14. Six older cases of Borna virus were not dated but were diagnosed in the same region and only one of them recovered. The eight new patients all died within two months of being diagnosed with encephalitis, which affects around 6,000 people each year in the UK and 25,000 in the US. Their illnesses tended to begin with a fever, headache and confusion, and progress to unsteady walking, memory loss, seizures, deep coma and eventually death. The others had encephalitis which stemmed from other causes viruses such as herpes, measles, mumps and rubella may also cause the deadly brain illness. Professor Barbara Schmidt, one of the researchers, said: 'Our findings indicate Borna disease virus infection has to be considered a severe and potentially lethal human disease transmitted from a wildlife reservoir. The virus was recorded in shrews and pet animals believed to be cats across Germany, Switzerland and Austria, with all eight human cases in the study found in the south of Germany (human cases shown as squares) WHAT IS ENCEPHALITIS? Encephalitis is an uncommon but serious condition in which the brain becomes inflamed (swollen). It can be life-threatening and requires urgent treatment in hospital. Anyone can be affected, but the very young and very old are most at risk. Encephalitis sometimes starts off with flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature and headache, but these don't always occur. More serious symptoms develop over hours, days or weeks, including: confusion or disorientation, seizures (fits), changes in personality and behaviour or loss of consciousness. Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has these more serious symptoms. It's not always clear what causes encephalitis, but it can be caused by viral infections. Several common viruses can spread to the brain and cause encephalitis in rare cases, including the herpes simplex virus (which causes cold sores and genital herpes) and the chickenpox virus. Source: NHS Advertisement 'However, its not a newly-emerging disease, but one that appears to have occurred unnoticed in humans for at least decades.' She added it 'may have caused other unexplained cases of encephalitis in regions where the virus is endemic in the host shrew populations'. 'Our tests bring the total number of reported cases of human Borna disease virus in southern Germany to at least 14,' said Professor Martin Beer, one of the authors. 'So it is still relatively rare in absolute numbers, but it might be behind a larger proportion of unexplained severe to fatal encephalitis cases. 'Only more tests on patients with severe or even deadly encephalitis will find this out.' He added that 'earlier detection might be possible using serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples from living patients'. Although the effects of Borna disease on humans are not well documented, it can cause similar symptoms and also anxiety, mania, psychosis and depression, according to scientists. The study does not mention any deaths in Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, where the white-toothed shrews are also found. The researchers suggest the virus may travel to humans through pet cats. In at least seven of the 14 deaths, the patients had had close contact with pet cats the scientists suggest cats may bring infected cats into the home after hunting them. They also said living in rural areas, agricultural work or outdoor activities appeared to be common to the patients who had died. The same virus is also found in sheep and horses, but all cases of the disease can be traced back to shrews, which are its natural host. Most of the patients reported contact with cats, whereas only one said they had been near horses. The research was published in the medical journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases. The Bharat Bandh called by several central trade unions on Wednesday to protest against the labour policies of the Union government evoked poor response in BJP-ruled Karnataka. While traffic was normal in most parts of the state and schools and colleges functioned normally as no holiday was declared, malls and shopping complexes in most cities wore a deserted look. In Bengaluru, workers belonging to AITUC and CITU took out a rally near Freedom Park and raised slogans against the Centre after the police denied them permission to hold a rally near Town Hall, the main venue of protests in the state capital. Some members of the Kannada Vatal Paksha- a fringe political party - including its leader Vatal Nagraj were detained for trying to stop bus services at the citys main bus stand at Majestic. They were later released. There were rallies by pro-bandh supporters in Mysuru, Huballi, Kolar, Kalburgi and Kodagu as well. A state transport bus was damaged in Kodagu after some protesters threw stones at it. Services of public sector banks were also affected by the strike. However, movement of essential services including medical, millk, vegetables and others were not impacted due to the bandh. The state government, on Tuesday, had warned protesters of action against anybody forcing businesses to down their shutters or causing damage to life and property. On Wednesday, there was heavy police deployment across the state. Two more Chinese nationals have been arrested for illegally taking photographs at a Florida Navy base, court records show. Yuhao Wang and Jielun Zhang, both 24, were arrested on Saturday, bringing to four the number of Chinese people charged recently with snapping pictures at the Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida. An FBI affidavit says Wang and Zhang, both University of Michigan students, drove up to the Sigsbee Annex entrance and were told by a security officer they could not enter the property without military identification. The FBI says the pair drove onto the base anyway and were apprehended by authorities about 30 minutes later after taking photos of structures on the base. When U.S. Navy Security Forces located the students in their blue Hyundai car, they were carrying cellphones and a Nikon camera. They admitted the guard told them to leave the area and agreed to show the agents their photos. Two more Chinese nationals were arrested for taking pictures of South Florida military installations Yuhao Wang and Jielun Zhang, 24, were taken into custody Saturday as they approached the guard station at Sigsbee Annex in the Naval Air Station in Key West Since the fall of 2018, there have been four arrests, drawing the interest of U.S. counterintelligence investigators concerned over potential Beijing-led spying activities. During their first appearances in Key West federal court Monday, the two asked to have lawyers appointed to represent them. Magistrate Lurana Snow agreed to give Wang a public defender, but declined to do the same for Zhang. They are required to each contribute $7,500 to the cost of their defense. The arrests follow two similar cases involving Chinese nationals taking photos at the Key West base. Since the fall of 2018, four people have been arrested, drawing the interest of U.S. counterintelligence investigators concerned over potential Beijing-led spying activities. On December 26, Chinese student Lyuyou Liao was charged with entering the Truman Annex at the Naval Air Station in order to take photos. Several witnesses said they saw Liao trespass, warning him against it. Liao, 27, is being held without bail. His lawyer argued at a recent hearing that Liao was on vacation taking pictures and that evidence of any crime is thin. His Daniel Rashbaum told the judge: 'It sounds like a tourist taking some pictures.' However, while some photos depicted typical tourist scenes, after a search warrant was obtained, investigators found a number of pictures of the military facility on his cellphone. Back in September 2018, Chinese national Zhao Qianli was arrested at the Naval Air Station in Key West. Investigators found photos and videos on Qianlis cellphone and digital camera of government buildings and a Defense Department antenna field on the military base. The 20-year-old pleaded guilty last February and was sentenced to one year in prison by U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore. Zhao Qianli was sentenced to a year in prison for taking pictures of the Naval Air Station in Key West President Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach has also been targeted as well. In March 2019, a Chinese woman was arrested after she gained entrance to the complex claiming she was attending a 'United Nations friendship event,' which she reportedly knew was cancelled before leaving China. U.S. District Judge Roy Altman sentenced Yujing Zhang, 33, to eight months in prison or time served in custody since her arrest. As recently as December Lu Jing, 56, was taken into custody for trespassing and taking pictures at Mar-a-Lago. Say what you will about our Bollywood stars, but they do know a thing or two about sneakers and wearing them with style. From Anand Ahuja wearing the wildest sneakers we've seen in 2019, to Maniesh Paul wearing a sneaker that legit looks like a pair of children's shoes that were spray painted, we've seen it all. Instagram/anilskapoor So naturally, when a resident of the tinsel town wears a new pair that is zany and insanely flamboyant to look at, something that screams for attention, people notice. Viral Bhayani Kunal Kemmu, it seems is a massive sneakerhead that people don't often talk about. Time and again he has been spotted wearing some really dapper and cool pairs. Saying that he knows his Air Jordan 11s from his 12s would be an understatement. Instagram/khemster2 However, it was the most recent pair that he was spotted in, that puts him at par with some of the most revered hypebeasts we have in India. Kunal Kemmu was recently spotted in a pair of sneakers that look as if they have dropped straight out of Dragon Ball Z, the Japanese anime that all '90s kids grew up with. Viral Bhayani The sneakers, thanks to the orange and yellow coloured panels almost seem to appear like a dragon breathing fire, with the orange laces, further enhancing their appeal. That, coupled with the fact that they have been coupled with a pair of orange socks, black pants, and basic yellow t-shirt, further accentuate their appeal. Viral Bhayani The particular pair that Kunal is wearing is the Track.2 Sneakers from Balenciaga, the Spanish luxury fashion brand, that are quite popular among the Bollywood fraternity for their Triple S line of 'ugly' sneakers. The Track.2 are actually a masterpiece, considering how technical the sneakers actually are Hypebeast The sneakers have very pronounced and exaggerated treading chunks on their soles, which further adds to the aggressive aesthetic that they aim for. What really sets the pair apart, is the fact that the sneakers are actually made of 172 smaller panels which are stuck together to make its sieve and multilayered silhouette. Hypebeast The panels, all intertwine and interlock which helps Balenciaga to cut down on the weight of the sneaker, which makes it one heck of a piece for running and sports. However, considering the price of the sneakers, you might not want to do that. Viral Bhayani These Track.2s from Balenciaga are a part of their Winter/Fall 2019 collection and is listed for $895. That's just shy of Rs 70,000. Add to that your regular customs and import tariffs, and you are looking at a figure just shy of Rs 1,00,000. Viral Bhayani Say what you will, these are some awesome sneakers. Way to go Kunal, a rather cheeky way to kick the year off. Keep 'em coming! A second series of rockets have been launched toward US targets in Iraq, shortly after dozens of missiles struck US military facilities in the area earlier this morning, according to Iranian media reports, Trend reports citing Sputnik. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) has once again warned allies in the US against getting involved in their operation - dubbed "Martyr Soleimani" - and have threatened possible retaliation, according to Tehran-based Tasnim News Agency. Around five rockets have struck Camp Taji - a US coalition base located 27 kilometers north of Baghdad, Iraq - according to a military source cited by VOA News' Carla Babb. A military source from Tehran told Sputnik that Iranian military jets are airborne and currently flying in border areas as the operation takes place. Earlier Wednesday morning, approximately 35 missiles were launched and struck US targets in Erbil, Iraq and the country's Ayn al-Asad Air Base, which houses US military forces. (This post contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker) Chris Terrio, the screenwriter for J.J. Abrams Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, disagrees with critics and fans who have argued that the finale to the Skywalker saga undoes much of what was established in Rian Johnsons The Last Jedi. I think theyre missing the point, which is that theyre in dialogue with Episode VIII,' Terrio told TheWrap ahead of the films release. Its not that its a meta-story or a rivalry between Rian and J.J. Rather, its about taking the ideas that came from VIII and trying to complicate them and develop them and to have some new surprises. Also Read: JJ Abrams Says 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' Critics Are 'Right' - But So Are the Ones Who Loved It The first thing Terrio clarified is that even though Colin Trevorrow is still given a story credit on The Rise of Skywalker despite leaving the project, he and Abrams started from scratch on the film and worked from a blank page. We are both a little superstitious about starting with material that might lead us in a direction thats different than the one we mightve gone in naturally. So we didnt begin with the previous script, he said. There may have been certain elements that we used that had been in the original script and we werent aware of it. The Guild makes the determination about those things. We didnt have a bad relationship to Colins material. We just didnt start with it. Its not a juicy story of intrigue or anything. Terrios challenge on The Rise of Skywalker was to complete Leias story without the aid of Carrie Fisher, who died in December 2016. He explained more about that process here. Terrio and Abrams wanted to fulfill the promise from the original trilogy that there is another and show that Leia is as strong with the Force as Luke. The difference is that Leia chose another life rather than become a Jedi, and she looked to Rey to finish her Jedi training for her. Story continues Also Read: 'Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker' Grosses $32 Million, Second Highest Total Ever on Christmas Day Of course, we learned that Luke and Leia both knew all along that Rey is Emperor Palpatines granddaughter. This rankled many critics who were frustrated at one of the previous movies biggest twists where Kylo Ren told Rey that her parents were no one of significance. Terrio argues that this reveal is in dialogue with The Last Jedi rather than just a ret-con of it. Rey got what appeared to be the most troubling news imaginable in The Last Jedi, but The Rise of Skywalker makes her outlook even worse. When Rey learns that Leia always knew, that she was the grandchild of her greatest enemy, a Palpatine, she trained Rey anyway, because she understood that blood is not destiny, Terrio said. That moved us a lot, that a child of Palpatine should be the apprentice of two Skywalkers, and Rey, who is really royalty of the Dark Side, should be the one, raised as an orphan, a beggar, a scavenger, literally living in the ruins of the war that her ancestors created. That theres this idea the royalty of the Dark Side was put in a basket and floated down the river, to then grow up in the most improbable of circumstances and then finally to be offered the throne, felt extremely strong to us. Terrio added that anyone who thinks he and Abrams ignored the direction of The Last Jedi or countered it rather than developed and deepened it, as TheWraps own critics have suggested, are not understanding how writers think. Also Read: 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker': Lesbian Kiss Cut From Singapore Release We thought that was a more dramatically interesting predicament for Episode IX, not only that everything is resolved and that Rey is at peace with her past, but that she has even worse information than Episode VIII, Terrio said. So I think its a development of dramatic ideas, and its not a rejection. And I think that when critics try to act as though our film is some sort of spat between two directors, theyre not understanding how writers think. For one, its been pointed out that Kylo Ren suddenly has his old helmet back after abandoning it in the last film. Terrio rejected the idea that he and Abrams were backtracking to The Force Awakens, arguing that the new veiny, red cracks in his helmet are a continuation on a metaphor, that Kylos literally a broken person wearing a broken mask. Other defenders of The Last Jedi admired that Johnsons story did away with a problematic trope in Star Wars films, that only those with royal bloodlines can be gifted with the Force. Terrio didnt want to betray that notion either, and making Rey come from royal blood was meant to resolve the generational war between the Skywalkers and Palpatines that dates back even to the prequels. For instance, Terrio said the movie strongly implies Finn and others in the galaxy still have Force strength as well and by giving Rey a more mythic backstory doesnt detract at all from the democratization of the Force. And what about Kylos line let the past die, another Last Jedi moment critics have argued The Rise of Skywalker has undone? Kylo says Kill the past, but remember, its the bad guy thats articulating that. Kill the past is not the voice of the film. That is what any number of dictators would say. I feel that although Kylo Ren is always saying Kill the past, that is his blind spot. He doesnt want to face the past. he doesnt want to face what hes done. He doesnt want to betray the legacy that hes come from in joining the Dark Side, he said. I even think Rian would probably take issue with the idea that Kill the past is the voice of the director. I think you dont write characters that way, or write characters in a meta-conversation with another film. Terrio knew about the polarized fan reaction to The Last Jedi and that anything they did would be cause for outrage and debate. But above all, he and Abrams are fans too. Just as anyone would have an argument as theyre leaving in the car about what shouldve happened, what they liked, what they didnt like, of course, the creators of the next film have those same arguments about what they thought were the strongest things, what they thought was promise unfulfilled, what they thought was a good dangling plot thread that could be picked up, Terrio said. Of course we hear the reaction of fans, but the objective of this movie wasnt to amalgamate all the fan opinions and then take a vote on what should happen. It was to go in a direction that J.J. thought could come to a really surprising and satisfying ending. Read original story Star Wars Writer Chris Terrio Says The Rise of Skywalker Doesnt Undo The Last Jedi At TheWrap Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters The Republican US representative Duncan D Hunter officially resigned on Tuesday after corruption charges brought an end to his familys 30-year political dynasty. Hunter and his father, Duncan L Hunter, represented their San Diego county district for nearly 30 years. The younger Hunter, a combat marine veteran, was known as a conservative immigration hardliner and a staunch supporter of Donald Trump. In 2018 he became the one of the few congressmen to be re-elected while indicted. Hunter, 43, was indicted in August 2018, accused of using $200,000 in campaign money to fund family travel, school tuition, jewelry, groceries and gas. Prosecutors said he also spent the funds on extramarital affairs and flights for his familys pet rabbit. He tried to conceal the illegal spending by listing it in federal records as donations for military veterans and other campaign-related expenses, according to the indictment. Related: California congressman Duncan Hunter and wife charged with corruption After claiming to be the victim of a political witch hunt for more than a year, he pleaded guilty on 3 December 2019 to a single charge of conspiring with his wife to illegally spending at least $150,000 in campaign funds on personal expenses. Among the improper spending were a birthday gathering for his young daughter at a posh California hotel and social outing with friends at a French bistro in Washington. He is scheduled to be sentenced in March. The judge could impose the maximum sentence of five years, but prosecutors have said they will ask for no more than a year of jail time. His wife, Margaret Hunter, also pleaded guilty. She is scheduled to be sentenced in April. Hunters resignation leaves open one of the GOPs few remaining House seats in heavily Democratic California. Holding the 50th congressional district, which has an 11-point Republican registration edge, will be critical if the party hopes to reclaim control of the House after losing it to Democrats in 2018. Story continues The district includes ethnically diverse suburbs at the edge of San Diego that fade into farming and mountainous areas to east, including a small slice of Riverside county. Hunters seat is being sought by numerous GOP contenders. They include the former congressman Darrell Issa, one of the wealthiest lawmakers to serve when he represented parts of San Diego county and neighboring Orange county under the Obama administration. Hunters father recently endorsed him. Also running are Carl DeMaio, a former San Diego city councilman who now is a local political commentator and radio host; and the state senator Brian Jones. The Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar, a 30-year-old former Obama administration official who nearly defeated Hunter in 2018, is widely expected to emerge from the March primary for a November showdown. Under California election rules, the top two vote-getters in the 3 March primary advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. - An online post has claimed that actor Baron Geisler asked ABS-CBN to pay its debts and taxes to the government - The post also mentioned its support for the closure of the network as suggested by President Rodrigo Duterte - However, it has been reported that the claim was false and misleading the public - 'Defend Job Philippines' also debunked the claim and bared the truth behind the viral photo of Baron Geisler PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed A photo of actor Baron Geisler has gone viral online after claiming that he asked ABS-CBN to pay for its debts and taxes. However, KAMI learned that the claim was false and misleading the people. In a report by Rapper, Facebook page Eagle Eyes of the Philippines Citizen-Report shared a photo of Baron supposedly holding a placard with text that read: Mr. Gabby Lopez of ABS-CBN, kung concern kayo sa mga empleyado mo, bayaran mo ang tax at utang na sinisingil sa inyo ng gobyerno." The post was published on January 4, 2020. It gained about almost 3,000 engagements, 435 comments, and 1,300 shares. Rappler conducted a reverse image search and discovered that the photo was taken from a video where Baron appealed for the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN. The original text written in the placard said: Legislative franchise for ABS-CBN now! #SaveABSCBNworkers - Defend Job Philippines." In the video, Baron said that the government should consider the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN because about 10,000 people might lose their jobs. Defend Job Philippines also debunked the claim that Baron asked the network to pay its debts. PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! For years now, President Rodrigo Duterte strongly opposed the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN. The President first threatened to block the renewal when he alleged that the network refused to air his political ads during the 2016 elections. ABS-CBN is considered as one of the biggest TV networks in the Philippines. It was founded in 1946 and it produced many big stars in the industry since then. Please like and share our amazing Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinions about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts and views on different matters! Source: KAMI.com.gh Days after President Donald Trump ordered a drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, the commander in chief's 2020 campaign turned the attack into a political pitch, purchasing roughly 1,000 ads on Facebook that touted his military credentials - and sought to raise money for his reelection push. The online advertising blitz began late Monday as Trump's team sought to defend the killing of Qasem Soleimani, a major general in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Many of the ads solicited personal information from voters that could be useful as the campaign seeks to mobilize voters on Election Day. The digital strategy mirrors Trump's previous social media campaigns concerning impeachment, immigration and other signature issues, relying on a mix of narrowly targeted messages - along with headline-grabbing tweets seen by millions - to command the political conversation, mobilize his base and advance his policy agenda with an eye on the election. Trump's campaign also alerted supporters with a series of similar text messages highlighting Soleimani's death. RELATED: Satellite photos show damage to base after Iranian missile attack "From a campaign perspective, any time the president accomplishes something - and fighting terrorism is among his biggest campaign promises, keeping our country safe - that is grounds for making the argument that he should be reelected," said Matt Braynard, the data director for Trump's 2016 campaign who says he is not involved in his reelection effort. But some experts bristled at Trump's tactics in the context of national security, stressing that the stakes are higher than usual: Every ad, tweet and social media statement from Trump carries significant weight in a rapidly developing conflict, they said. "Growing campaign email lists based on fear and online fundraising for political gain should hardly be a priority of the commander in chief during a national security crisis," said Graham Brookie, the leader of the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, which studies disinformation. He previously served in the Obama administration. A spokesman for the Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Democrats and Republicans long have sparred over efforts to advertise their military accomplishments in the course of a major election. In 2012, GOP lawmakers and candidates criticized President Barack Obama for running television spots touting his order to kill Osama bin-Laden, which critics said were unseemly. But Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites have become even more pervasive and powerful in the years since Obama left office, an evolution heralded by the successful digital strategy that catapulted Trump to the White House in 2016. Tweets helped Trump push his political views to millions instantly, and Facebook ads allowed the president's team to target narrow slices of voters with specific messages that would most outrage, engage or persuade them. Both have been put to great use again by the president's campaign in the days after he ordered the attack on Soleimani, dismaying Democrats, some of whom long have called on tech giants to place limits on Trump, the most prolific and controversial social media user in U.S. politics. Beginning this week, Trump's team has run scores of Facebook ads highlighting Soleimani's death, many pitching an "Official Military Survey" that asks supporters a series of questions, including whether they agree with the president's "decision to take out the very dangerous Iranian terrorist leader." Those who fill it out are asked to submit their personal information, including their emails and phone numbers - a standard practice for candidates such as Trump, whose campaign has spent $27 million on Facebook ads since May 2018 in part to build lists of supporters, the company's archive shows. After clicking a button to submit responses, participants are asked for donations of up to the $2,800 per-election maximum. Trump's campaign and his Republican allies also have sent texts in recent days highlighting the Soleimani killing. "Pres Trump made our Military STRONG again!" began one message from the Republican National Committee, according to Nomorobo, an app that helps smartphone users block robocalls and texts. The texts link to the Trump campaign's data-collection survey. Another batch of texts - sent Wednesday after Trump spoke about Iran - included a "presidential address approval poll," which asks viewers to rate if he was "historic," "great," "good" or "other." "A huge piece of Trump's message and platform from day one is about presenting himself as a strong, machismo leader to his base," said Tara McGowan, who leads the progressive-leaning digital group ACRONYM, which estimated that Trump has run roughly 1,000 ads so far. "It is clear from the amount of messaging and resources the Trump campaign is putting behind this messaging that he sees this as an advantage for his campaign for reelection," she said, decrying what she called the president's "politicizing this military event." Trump's Facebook ads do not appear to violate its policies. Dozens of his ads have been removed from Facebook, according to the company's public archive, but only because they broke the company's technical rules for how ads with buttons should be formatted. At least one of Trump's 2020 Democratic rivals, former vice president Joe Biden, has run ads of his own this week touting his experience on the world stage and questioning Trump's fitness as commander in chief. Other 2020 Democratic contenders have ratcheted up their criticisms of Trump campaign trail. Speaking to reporters after a town hall in Iowa on Sunday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., questioned the timing of the strike, noting that it unfolded "as Donald Trump faces a potential impeachment trial in the United States Senate next week." Andrew Yang, the entrepreneur and former tech executive who has made prolific use of the Internet to power his outsider bid for the Democratic nomination, said matters of war were a bridge too far for quick advertising tactics. "You hope that our government is making decisions based upon national security concerns and what's best for the country," he said in an interview, "and not using that as an opportunity to gather voter data." - - - The Washington Post's Michael Scherer contributed to this story. The students of Delhi Universitys St Stephens College took to the campus lawns on Wednesday to protest against Citizenship Amendment Act, National Register of Citizens and the attacks within universities Students of Delhi University's St Stephen's College took to the campus lawns on Wednesday to protest against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the attacks within universities, including Jamia Milia Islamia and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The students boycotted classes as a sign of protest on the day that a general strike has been called all over India by trade unions. Ahead of the protest march, according to Deccan Herald, the students wrote, The policies of the current fascist government represent a systematic assault on university spaces through the privatisation of education and the unleashing of ABVP and the police forces on resisting voices. At St Stephen's today. Students boycott classes (very, very rare) to read the Preamble to the Constitution and to support and say #WeStandWithJNU. And #NoCAANoNRC pic.twitter.com/OxlGWhWjyL Stephanians (@CafeSSC) January 8, 2020 Amid rainfall in Delhi, students and teachers marched within the campus holding placards that read Students against fascism, chanted Azadi slogans and read the Preamble of the Constitution. This is the first time since the Mandal agitation 30 years ago that a protests has been held within the St Stephens campus, The Quint reported. The students wrote that the NRC-NPR is the governments latest move against the rights of Muslims and people from the Northeastern states. As students of an institution that has had a long history of being at the forefront of democratic movements, we need to boldly express our resistance, they wrote. A meeting at the Delhi Universitys Arts Faculty is scheduled to be held on Wednesday evening. St Stephen's alumni include External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Basically, fika is a twice-daily break, a time for a little something sweet, a coffee and conversation. It feels as if just about everyone in Sweden fikas the word is both a verb and a noun. School kids fika, albeit with milk, and business people fika. In some corporations, showing up to a fika is a requirement. You can fika at home or in a cafe, on weekdays and on weekends, when, as my guide to all things fika, Mia Ohrn, said: Having people in for a fika is so doable. Its just coffee and cake. You barely have to put out chairs. Ohrn is a pastry chef, a food stylist and a cookbook author. She is also the mother of two little boys, which is one reason she loves fikas: They can include children, she told me. We were in her sun-filled baking studio for a fika of French-press coffee and apple cake, just out of the oven, fragrant with cinnamon and cardamom. Cutting it into hand-holdable squares, she said, I cant always pull together a full dinner, but I can always bake a cake like this. And, according to Ohrn, lots of other people do too. Were a nation of home bakers, she said, an idea Id already gotten from reading Fika: The Swedish Way, a cookbook that hasnt been out of print in Swedish since it was first published in 1945 to celebrate the return of butter, sugar, eggs and flour to the markets and bakers to their ovens after World War II. In a country of 10 million, the book a Joy of Cooking for bakers has sold more than 3.8 million copies; when people say, as Ohrn did, every house has it, I believe them. Los Angeles, Jan 8 : Silvio Horta, creator of the popular series "Ugly Betty", was found dead in a Miami motel room in an apparent suicide. He was 45. He was found dead in the motel on Tuesday. Sources say that Horta died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, reports variety.com. A representative for Horta confirmed his death, but declined to comment on the nature of it. The American version of "Ugly Betty", which starred America Ferrera, ran for four seasons from 2006 to 2010 and was adapted from the hit Colombian telenovela "Yo soy Betty, la fea". Horta served as showrunner and head writer on the comedy-drama. Ferrera posted on Instagram about his death, saying "His talent and creativity brought me and so many others such joy and light." The show centered on Betty Suarez, a young, smart Mexican American woman from Queens who lands a job in an upscale fashion magazine in Manhattan. The show won two Golden Globes, one for best comedy series and one for Ferrera. The original series was created in 1999 by Fernando Gaitan and ran until 2001. Horta's most recent credit was for writing the 2015 TV movie "The Curse of the Fuentes Women." Even when a business is losing money, it's possible for shareholders to make money if they buy a good business at the right price. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. But the harsh reality is that very many loss making companies burn through all their cash and go bankrupt. Given this risk, we thought we'd take a look at whether Avacta Group (LON:AVCT) shareholders should be worried about its cash burn. For the purposes of this article, cash burn is the annual rate at which an unprofitable company spends cash to fund its growth; its negative free cash flow. The first step is to compare its cash burn with its cash reserves, to give us its 'cash runway'. Check out our latest analysis for Avacta Group How Long Is Avacta Group's Cash Runway? A company's cash runway is calculated by dividing its cash hoard by its cash burn. As at July 2019, Avacta Group had cash of UK6.5m and no debt. In the last year, its cash burn was UK9.6m. Therefore, from July 2019 it had roughly 8 months of cash runway. To be frank, this kind of short runway puts us on edge, as it indicates the company must reduce its cash burn significantly, or else raise cash imminently. Importantly, if we extrapolate recent cash burn trends, the cash runway would be noticeably longer. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years. AIM:AVCT Historical Debt, January 8th 2020 How Well Is Avacta Group Growing? Some investors might find it troubling that Avacta Group is actually increasing its cash burn, which is up 21% in the last year. The good news is that operating revenue increased by 49% in the last year, indicating that the business is gaining some traction. It seems to be growing nicely. While the past is always worth studying, it is the future that matters most of all. For that reason, it makes a lot of sense to take a look at our analyst forecasts for the company. Story continues How Hard Would It Be For Avacta Group To Raise More Cash For Growth? While Avacta Group seems to be in a fairly good position, it's still worth considering how easily it could raise more cash, even just to fuel faster growth. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash to fund growth. By comparing a company's annual cash burn to its total market capitalisation, we can estimate roughly how many shares it would have to issue in order to run the company for another year (at the same burn rate). Avacta Group has a market capitalisation of UK30m and burnt through UK9.6m last year, which is 32% of the company's market value. That's not insignificant, and if the company had to sell enough shares to fund another year's growth at the current share price, you'd likely witness fairly costly dilution. Is Avacta Group's Cash Burn A Worry? Even though its cash runway makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought Avacta Group's revenue growth was relatively promising. Summing up, we think the Avacta Group's cash burn is a risk, based on the factors we mentioned in this article. We think it's very important to consider the cash burn for loss making companies, but other considerations such as the amount the CEO is paid can also enhance your understanding of the business. You can click here to see what Avacta Group's CEO gets paid each year. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts) If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Stop and search powers used 'relentlessly' caused a significant drop in murders in Liverpool last year, one of Britain's most senior police officers has said, while killings in the capital rose again. Murders in Merseyside halved from 21 to 10 last year, which Merseyside Police's Assistant Chief Constable Ian Critchley attributed to a 'relentless approach' to stopping and searching suspected criminals carrying weapons. Meanwhile in London, Metropolitan Police chief Dame Cressida Dick pledged to make the fight against violence her 'number one priority' in 2020 as figures revealed a rise in the number of murders in London despite a drop nationally. According to the BBC, the total number of homicides in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland fell in 2019 for the first time in five years. The broadcaster reported that there were 774 homicides in 2018 and 650 in 2019, although the number in London rose. The capital saw 149 murders - the highest figure in more than a decade - compared to 133 the previous year, while in Liverpool the number halved from 21 to 10. The number of killings in the UK dropped year on year for the first time in half a decade in 2019 Dramatically fewer people were searched following Theresa May's watering down of stop and search laws as Home Secretary in 2014, coinciding with an increase in violence. And Sadiq Khan ran for the Mayoralty of London in 2015 promising to reduce dramatically the use of stop and search, which he has said can sause community tensions. But by early 2018 amid rising knife crime, he said the Metropolitan Police was 'ramping up its fight against violent crime', adding: 'This will include a significant increase in the use of targeted stop and search by the police across our city.' Today Merseyside Police's Assistant Chief Constable Ian Critchley said the fall in killings was down to a 'relentless approach' to stopping and searching suspected criminals carrying weapons He told the BBC: 'We know a lot of those homicides are related to serious organised crime, which is why we are relentless in targeting those who lead who bully who exploit young people [and] who will carry guns and knives in order to dominate a certain territory. England's other large city police forces including Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Merseyside all oversaw dramatic declines in their murder figures last year, while London's rose 'We know that some of the homicides that occur are targeted and are deliberate but some are spontaneous. Some occur because of an immediate coming together. 'Our aim is to stop people feeling that they can carry these weapons in the first place, because the consequences as I've said are they will end up in custody because of our relentless approach to stopping people through stop and search.' Merseyside police has doubled the number of stop and searches, while Mr Critchley added that 'at the other end' it aimed to stop 'young people getting into crime in the first place.'. 'We will target relentlessly people who feel they can control what is taking place in order to obtain money and use bullying, cowardly tactics to groom young people to carry knives and firearms.' Merseyside Police's Assistant Chief Constable Ian Critchley said the drop in murders was down to a 'relentless approach' to stopping and searching suspected criminals carrying weapons In London, Dame Cressida insisted police are winning some aspects of the fight against violent crime. Moped-enabled crime, acid attacks and the number of times guns were fired all fell last year, as well as knife injuries involving young people. She told LBC: 'It is still the case that we are seeing some of the tide turning. 'But I completely accept that it is a horrible situation where in 2018 we had 133 murders and last year we had 149. They have increased. All that says to me and my people is we have to continue and we have to continue learning. 'I don't think this is just for the police. Have we been able to prevent every single homicide? Absolutely we haven't. I've met so many families of victims of homicide, including recently, and each one is absolutely tragic.' The Metropolitan Police commissioner said officers would not have been able to prevent some of the deaths. 'There are a very wide range of situations which have resulted in homicides. When you look at them, there are many where you would say 'well actually what are the police going to have been able to do to stop that particular event?' But we are determined to carry on bearing down on violence. 'We can't go out and try to stop every single homicide, of course we can't, but what we can do is try to stop people going around with weapons with impunity for example, as we have seen, we can try to stop the offences which lead to homicide. 'That is what we are doing, and it will be our number one priority in 2020.' The force saw officer numbers hit a 15-year low of around 29,000 last year, but they are projected to grow to 32,000 by September this year. In London, Dame Cressida Dick told LBC police are winning some aspects of the fight against violent crime, despite the number of murders increasing again Dame Cressida told host Nick Ferrari: 'There is a link between police numbers and crime, violent crime in particular, that's why I'm absolutely delighted that we are growing, and we're growing really fast.' Meanwhile, the Mayor of London's Violence Reduction Unit announced plans on Wednesday to expand the number of healthcare professionals trained to spot signs of domestic violence. There will be two domestic violence advocates in each of 17 boroughs. Research has shown children exposed to violence in the home are more likely to become victims or perpetrators later in life. According to BBC research, the majority of UK police forces saw a fall in homicides compared with 2018. West Midlands Police said the number fell from 51 in 2018 to 39 last year; while homicides in Greater Manchester were down from 64 to 39. In Merseyside the homicide level halved, down from 21 to 10, while West Yorkshire Police launched 21 homicide investigations in 2019 compared with 39 in 2018. Demographic analysis of the victims of homicide show the disproportionate number of young men being killed Stabbing remains the number one method of murder in the UK according to new figures compiled by the BBC How stop-and-search powers have changed As Home Secretary Mrs May introduced changes in 2014 which meant police are only allowed to stop people when there is 'reasonable grounds for suspicion'. And it warned that where officers misuse the powers they would face disciplinary action. She introduced the measures amid widespread anger to the power, particularly among the black and ethnic minority population, who said it was used disproportionately against them. In the years following the reforms stop and search fell to their lowest level since the power was introduced 17 years ago. But violent crime has risen - sparking calls for the power to be taken up again. Under current stop-and-search laws, police are allowed to search a suspect if the have 'reasonable grounds' that the person is carrying a weapon, drugs or stolen property. Such justification might be that they have witnessed the suspect putting the knife into a pocket. However emergency section 60 powers can be enforced in a set location, such as a town or city, which removes the 'reasonable grounds' criteria. Advertisement Elsewhere in England, Essex saw a notable increase from 13 homicides in 2018 to 54 homicides last year - but the figure does include the 39 Vietnamese nationals which were found in the back of a lorry in Grays in October. West Mercia, Devon and Cornwall, Sussex and Cheshire police forces all saw drops in homicides recorded in 2019 compared to the previous 12 months. South Wales Police, the largest force in Wales, saw a rise in homicides from ten in 2018 to 14 in 2019. Det Ch Supt Jason Davies said it was the force's 'priority to ensure perpetrators are apprehended quickly'. He added: 'In relation to all 14 homicide investigations conducted in 2019, a total of 22 individuals have either been arrested, charged or convicted.' Police Scotland, which provided the BBC with figures for the year ending March 2019, said homicides were down 11 per cent on the year before. Northern Ireland saw 26 homicides - two more than 2018 - and PSNI's Det Supt Jason Murphy explained that many homicides in Northern Ireland were 'complex' and had varied factors compared with other UK regions. Det Supt Murphy, who is leading the murder investigation into the fatal shooting of journalist Lyra McKee, said Northern Ireland had far more 'terrorist-related' homicides than the rest of UK - but also fewer killings linked to county lines and organised crime. A Home Office spokesman said: 'We are establishing a Royal Commission to ensure a fair justice system that works for the law-abiding majority and will strengthen protections for domestic abuse victims. 'We are also giving the police more powers to take dangerous weapons off our streets and are investing in early intervention projects and Violence Reduction Units to tackle the root causes of crime.' A fellow journalist friend recently posted photos of Julian Castro from last summer, showing the former presidential candidate in the wee hours of the morning after a long day on the campaign trail in Michigan. There Castro was: still crisp in his suit, sitting ever-so-properly while chowing on a famed Coney Dog. Oh Julian he never stood a chance. Hes the super polite, clean-cut, high-achieving guy youd be proud to bring home to your Mexican mom and dad. But, ultimately, he was the kind of guy undervalued by an electorate looking for a strong change agent. Castros brainy preparedness and youthful enthusiasm were overlooked on debate stages where many others were also whip-smart and on the young side. Being Hispanic potentially the first Latino president and an effective spokesperson for the border when that region is in such turmoil never gained traction. How could it? The media was too busy writing long-form love poems to Pete Buttigieg. The former mayor of South Bend, Ind., was depicted as a triple threat (young, gay, war veteran), and he never had to battle the baseline believability test of being presidential enough to win (read as: white and male). Worse, while Castro initially sought to relate to wider national audiences as being just like everyone else, Hispanic voters started getting antsy that he wasnt effectively emphasizing his identity as the son of an activist Latina mom. Even as the media took turns elevating the different candidates (the dude who was born to be president, the professor, the sassy black prosecutor, the young tech guy, etc., etc.), Castro never really put the glimmer in many assignment editors eyes. Until he dared question Joe Biden, that is. During a debate in mid-September, Castro pressed the former vice president about whether he was backpedaling on his Medicare stance. There was a semantic difference between whether Biden would require those who wanted Medicare coverage to have to opt in to a plan or if they would be automatically enrolled and have to opt out. In an instant, Castro went from a boring good boy to an attacker who disrespects the elderly. About a minute later, he was all but forgotten. I knew his candidacy would never be taken seriously because despite Donald Trumps efforts to demonize and deport Latinos America doesnt hate us for the most part. It merely overlooks us, indifferent to our contributions to this countrys military legacy, pop music and food culture. Despite Mexicans having a history in the United States that actually predates the country as a sovereign nation, Hispanics dont fit neatly within the white-black binary that the sin of slavery set as a foundation for white-nonwhite dynamics. Not that ethnicity was Castros biggest flaw as a candidate. Americans love bad boys and, to a lesser extent, nasty women who will snark, fight and defy convention, generating tabloid-style headlines and fun memes to share. The days of so-called boring leaders in the White House like bookish, humble Harry Truman are long gone. You can say whatever you want about Trump, but he has delivered a level of excitement that, it seems, the American people are gobbling up. Which brings us to a potential Elizabeth Warren-Julian Castro ticket, now that Castro endorsed her for president. (Long exhale ) Right now, this country needs strong, steady leaders with the wisdom to walk a fine line between reshaping institutions that need systemic change and reinvigorating the ones that serve the common good but require investment and guidance. Even if you made the case for Warren and Castro being such leaders, my bet is on an electorate that actually likes swinging from extreme to extreme, studiously avoiding the middle. But were Trump to give the smart May-December ticket a snappy, hateful nickname and position them as actual rivals that might be another story. Trump taught us that simplistic, direct messages that are repeated over and over win the day. The Democrats need to run a ticket that can plainly and quickly explain what the candidates stand for, not against. Considering that the Democratic Party is having a difficult time figuring out how far to the left it will shift to win younger voters while simultaneously capturing moderate swing votes, its going to take a lot more than Mrs. and Mr. Nice Guy to beat Trump. estherjcepeda@washpost.com Boycott Nirma was one of the top trends on Thursday due to an ad featuring Akshay Kumar. The actor and the detergent brand have been receiving severe backlash for the portrayal of a Maratha warrior. In the ad, the actor can been seen as a Maratha warrior who has just come back after winning a war. Kumar is shown wearing dirty clothes which irks the womenfolk standing in the sidelines. To this, Akshay replies that the King's army knows how to wash clothes as well as the enemy. According to the latest media reports, a complaint has been filed against the actor at Worli police station in Mumbai. The complainant, called Suryakant Jagannath Jadhav reportedly filed the complaint, saying that the advert mocks Marathi culture and has hurt the sentiments of a lot of people. While filing the complain, Jadhav also reportedly provided a CD having the video of the ad. Following the complaint, #BoycottNirma started trending on Twitter. The public condemned Kumar for being part of this ad and didn't have very kind words to say. Nirma Wishing Powder advertisement insulted Brave Maratha Warriors We demand Nirma Ltd & @akshaykumar Should apologies publicly Withdraw the Advertisement from All Media Otherwise we demand all Hindus #BoycottNirma@HinduJagrutiOrg@astitvam@Girishvhp@KiranKS@girishalvapic.twitter.com/ufLR4kW6fN - Mohan Gowda (@HJS_Mohan) January 8, 2020 #BoycottNirma bcoz this ad mocks the brave 'Maratha Warriors' to sell its Washing Powder ! YWe demand apology from @akshaykumar & request Hon. @PrakashJavdekar, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to take strict measures on this pic.twitter.com/LiM54Wcbze - HinduJagrutiOrg (@HinduJagrutiOrg) January 8, 2020 After watching Nirma Advt. all Patriotics demands... Y Nirma Ltd and @akshaykumar should apologies publicly Y Withdraw the advertisement from all media#BoycottNirmapic.twitter.com/QHWKIbRYbO - HJS Mumbai (@HJSMumbai) January 8, 2020 Also read: 'Are you a Hindu?': Entrepreneur Kishore Mariwala 'ashamed' of India's reputation overseas This small demographic faces a lot of challenges: parents lengthy deployments to combat zones, frequent moves and the constant readjustment as a child looks for a place to fit in, whether with friends, academics, sports, music or simply a place to sit in the lunchroom. With these moves from one military installation to another, often every one, two or three years, there is one constant: You never know the quality of the local public school or how the transition from one school to the next will work out. My familys story of frequent military moves is not unusual. It shows the universal challenges faced by military kids. My 11- and 10-year-old daughters are attending their fifth schools. Their experience includes instruction at Montessori, private secular, public and parochial schools. With each new military assignment, my husband and I tried to assess which school option would be the best. At most locations, we chose a secular private or parochial school. We do this not because its healthy for our finances, but because we want the best opportunity for our children. We want them to fit in right away without struggling to make sure that the language arts class taught in Tennessee matches what is taught in Massachusetts public schools (it doesnt). All transitions are hard, but moving a child from one private-school or home-schooling community to another is a gentler, more flexible process than subjecting them to the often rigid rules of public schools. Additionally, many of the public school options either on or right outside a military installation are subpar, and private or home-school options may be better. Moving frequently with the Army means that our kids are subjected to the tyranny of geography. Most Army installations are in fairly remote locations where the on-post schools were once federally administered by the Department of Defense. As a cost-cutting measure in the past decade, the department has shifted the burden of schooling to the counties. A child who goes to school at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, attends a District of Honolulu school. A child who attends middle school in Fort Hood, Tex., belongs to the Killeen Independent School District. There is never a guarantee that childrens education will shift seamlessly between the states or that students will be granted enough credits to graduate from high school on time, depending on the restrictions of the county or district. Admittedly, fighting for legislation to help the children of active-duty service members doesnt make for headline-grabbing news. But as the mother of four, married to an Army officer in his 25th year of service, I know that proposed legislation, such as the Educational Savings Account Act or the CHOICE Act, would bring needed flexibility to many military families. Frances Tilney Burke is a visiting research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a Ph.D. candidate at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. She was a special assistant to two deputy secretaries of defense during the George W. Bush administration. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. The tourist resort, a longtime favorite of vacationing Philadelphians known for its trademark 1950s doo-wop architecture and retro vibe, will be in the national spotlight for a night, less than a week before the first primary of 2020. Wildwood voted for Donald Trump in 2016, 860 to 779, voting records show. The Wildwoods including North Wildwood, West Wildwood and Wildwood Crest voted for Trump 3,541 to 2,107. President Trump to visit Wildwood on Jan. 28 President Donald J. Trump will hold a rally Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Wildwoods Convention Ce The city is poorer than the county, with some 27% of residents living below the poverty line as opposed to about 10% countywide. And the city is more diverse than the rest of the county, too, despite its reputation as a white and conservative stronghold. Just 66% of the city is white, compared with about 86% countywide. Opinions on the Trump-Van Drew rally expressed Tuesday show there is diversity of thought in Wildwood, too. Some have their tickets already, while protests are being organized on Facebook. Mary Ann Hill, a retired English teacher who moved to North Wildwood last month from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, called Trump a misogynist Tuesday morning while jogging the Boardwalk with her 1-year-old border collie, Simone. Fugitive auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn on January 8 accused Nissan and Japanese prosecutors of plotting against him, vowing to prove his innocence at his first public appearance since fleeing the country. The former Renault-Nissan boss described the financial misconduct charges he faced in Japan as "baseless" as he addressed a large crowd of journalists in Beirut. "The collusion between Nissan and prosecutors is everywhere," Ghosn said, claiming his arrest in Japan was "staged". "There was no way I was going to be treated fairly ... this was not about justice. I felt I was a hostage of the country that I have served for 17 years," he said. "Thanks to the systematic leaking of false information and distorted information and the intentional withholding of exculpatory information by the prosecutor and by Nissan, I was presumed guilty before the eyes of the world and subject to a system whose only objective is to coerce confessions, secure guilty pleas," he said. Ghosn, who denies any wrongdoing, fled while awaiting trial on charges including allegedly under-reporting his compensation to the tune of $85 million. Ghosn said he was "presumed guilty" and had "no choice" but to jump bail, adding he was told by his lawyers he would have to wait five years for a verdict. He said he had been "ripped" from friends and family when detained. In a comment that risked causing further upset in Japan, he appeared to compare his arrest to the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour in 1941. "I didn't suspect anything ... Did you see Pearl Harbour happening?". The 65-year-old businessman, once a giant of the car industry, arrived in his native Lebanon last month, in the latest shock twist to a gripping saga. Ghosn's bail jump has prompted outrage from the Japanese government, which has called his escape "unjustifiable", as well as from Japanese automaker Nissan which labelled the getaway "extremely regrettable". Ghosn said that Nissan's stock market value had fallen by USD 40 million a day since his arrest, while that of Renault had slumped by 20 million euros daily. Many were hoping Ghosn would disclose details of his audacious flight from Japan to Beirut via Istanbul -- a dramatic twist in a story worthy of a Hollywood plot. But Ghosn told reporters he was "not here to talk" about how he fled Japan. According to Japanese media, Ghosn slipped out of his house in Tokyo, boarded a bullet train to Osaka and then a private jet to Istanbul, evading customs by hiding in a box, before reaching Beirut on December 30. Ghosn says the charges against him stem from a "coup" inside Nissan by disgruntled executives and Japanese officials who feared his plans to more closely integrate the car giant with its alliance partner, French firm Renault. Asked how high the alleged conspiracy went, Ghosn said he did not believe Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was involved. Nissan has continued to insist it has "incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn". But his legal team in France hit back at those remarks just hours before Ghosn was due to speak. The carmaker's claims that it has conducted a thorough investigation into its former boss is a "gross perversion of the truth", they said in a statement. The probe was "initiated for the specific, pre-determined purpose of taking down Carlos Ghosn," said the lawyers. Earlier Wednesday, private security personnel guarded the pink coloured villa in central Beirut where Ghosn is believed to be residing, an AFP photographer said, as reporters camped outside. Journalists, including several from Japan, watched with bated breath as vehicles -- some with tinted windows -- came and went from the premises. Ghosn's high-profile arrest and his long detention -- 130 days in total -- under severe conditions were widely considered draconian compared with the West. He twice won bail by persuading the court he was not a flight risk -- decisions seen as controversial at the time. His latest release came with conditions that included a ban on overseas travel and limited contact with his wife, Carole, who insisted this week she had no advance knowledge of the escape plan. Japanese prosecutors are also seeking to arrest her, alleging she "made false statements" during April testimony to the Tokyo district court. As Japan grapples with the fallout from the embarrassing security lapse, prosecutors on Wednesday attempted to raid the offices of one of his lawyers, Junichiro Hironaka, to seize computers. However, the lawyers refused them access, citing "attorney-client confidentiality". Ghosn himself has said he left Japan because he was no longer willing to be "held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system". "I have not fled justice -- I have escaped injustice and political persecution," Ghosn said in a statement on December 31. Lebanon, which has no extradition agreement with Japan, has said Ghosn entered the country legally in possession of a French passport and a Lebanese identification card. The tycoon holds Brazilian, French and Lebanese nationalities. Saudi authorities detected a new destructive cyberattack suspected of coming from Iran on Dec. 29, the same day the U.S. military struck targets controlled by Iranian-backed proxies in retaliation for a rocket attack that killed an American contractor the previous Friday. Officials in Riyadh, who nicknamed the malware Dustman, did not directly attribute the malicious attack to Iran, according to a Saudi technical report obtained by Yahoo News. However, according to experts who reviewed the technical report and analyzed possible motivation and similarities to past attacks, Tehran is the most likely culprit. The wiper attack, which was identified by the Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority, used malware to erase digital data belonging to unidentified targets in the Middle East. Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: AP (2), Getty Images (2) While the Dustman malware attack came before the Jan. 2 U.S. strike that killed the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qassem Soleimani, it underscores larger concerns about Irans cyber capabilities. After Soleimanis death, the Department of Homeland Security warned against the danger of increasing Iranian cyberattacks a cheap, deniable way Tehran could retaliate without provoking an all-out shooting war. The Dustman malware, and other prior attacks, reveal the extent of the low-level, sometimes destructive cyber warfare that Iran has waged in the Middle East for some time, and provides clues as to the tactics and capabilities Iran might deploy in the future. According to the Saudi researchers, the malware is a variant of a similar strand discovered by IBMs threat intelligence team X-Force called ZeroCleare, detailed in a December 2019 report. This activity has been alive and well in the Middle East, said John Hultquist, director of intelligence analysis for cyber threat intelligence firm FireEye, in an interview with Yahoo News. Iran has been maturing its cyber capability over the years, but weve been watching them, Hultquist said. Story continues While the Department of Homeland Security acting Director Chad Wolf tweeted theres no specific, credible threat against the homeland, U.S. officials are monitoring for potential cyberattacks very closely, given Irans track record. The real question is whether or not they will shift this activity to the United States, Hultquist said. According to the Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority technical report, an attacker, likely a nation-state, penetrated a Middle Eastern victims network several months prior to detection. Then, on Dec. 29, the attacker detonated the payload with some kind of urgency, wrote the authors. The Saudi investigators wrote that wiper attacks are typically tested before being deployed, but this particular malware was compiled only minutes prior to being executed an unusually fast turnaround. One cybersecurity researcher who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive details of the attack suggested the speed of the attack shows intention and priorities and could indicate that the invaders were worried theyd be caught, or the wiper was deployed as retaliation for the U.S. strikes on Jan. 29. However, another cybersecurity researcher studying Iran cautioned that theres danger in linking physical events with immediate digital responses, and noted that compiling the malware shortly before deploying it might not indicate how long it took to develop or why its executed at a specific moment. Its possible IBMs earlier report on ZeroCleare made the attackers worried about losing access, they continued. Its unclear how long the malware has been active, said one cybersecurity researcher who requested anonymity to discuss preliminary research. The researcher, who is studying the malware, suggested it may have been active as early as March. The Saudi Arabian government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. The attack, according to the Saudi researchers, had some similarities with the Shamoon malware, an infamous virus linked to Iran in 2012 that was deployed and bricked or wiped out 30,000 work-stations at Saudi state oil company Saudi Aramco. However, this new malware was extremely similar to ZeroCleare, suggesting it was some kind of variant of the malicious code uncovered by IBM earlier in December rather than a completely new style of attack. The attackers may have taken advantage of an unpatched vulnerability in Virtual Private Network software, obtaining high-level credentials within the network and bypassing security protocols to launch the attack. The attack isnt highly sophisticated, commented one security expert who frequently works with U.S. Cyber Command and requested anonymity to discuss their observations, but bare bones solutions can sometimes be effective. According to IBMs X-Force, the companys threat intelligence team, the ZeroCleare malware has impacted the industrial and energy sectors in the Middle East, and was most likely unleashed by multiple state-sponsored groups in Iran. ZeroCleare was spread to numerous devices on the affected network, sowing the seeds of a destructive attack that could affect thousands of devices and cause disruption that could take months to fully recover from, wrote IBMS researchers in a detailed December report. Additionally, according to X-Force, the number of destructive attacks IBM helped companies respond to skyrocketed in the last year, increasing 200 percent over the last 6 months of 2019. Attackers can have military objectives to deny access to, degrade, disrupt, deceive, or destroy the device/data or potentially economic reasons, wiping the data only when victims fail to pay the attackers, according to IBM. Iranian hackers developed their destructive wiper style attacks after a U.S.-Israeli cyberattack on Irans centrifuges at Natanz enrichment facility was discovered in 2010. Over the summer, the Department of Homeland Securitys top cyber official, Chris Krebs, warned of a recent rise in malicious cyber activity directed at United States Industries and government agencies by Iranian regime actors and proxies, including through wiper attacks. The U.S. decision to kill Soleimani has led to speculation as to what Iran might do to strike back. Cybersecurity researchers are divided on how Iran might incorporate its digital skills into a response, including whether or not Irans capabilities are advanced enough to cause lasting damage to U.S. infrastructure or industries. I dont think theyre going to cause blackouts, said FireEyes Hultquist, of Irans capabilities. However, that doesnt mean Iran cant do damage, according to Hultquist, who speculated that Iran might target U.S. businesses, which would be a public incident that affects peoples lives. Another dangerous possibility, Hultquist told Yahoo News, would be Iran weaponizing its proven digital espionage and surveillance capabilities to track people in real time, as well as ships traveling in the region or military movements. Theyve been slowly gaining access to telecom providers, travel companies, he said, and if Iran used those capabilities to target individuals,its a very real terrorism threat. Another less likely possibility would be for Iran to target an industrial control system or another vulnerable piece of infrastructure within the United States, but that would require a long-planned operation and pre-existing access to those systems, rather than a quick, retaliatory strike. That sort of attack is possible, but less likely right now, according to a cybersecurity researcher who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive details. Offense is cheap and easy but real operations take time, said the researcher. If they do pull off something at a power or water or gas utility, it will likely be from some preexisting access we missed. Irans capabilities are fairly well known, and details of Iranian cyber operations were leaked or published online over the last year, shining a light on their tools and tactics. U.S. Cyber Command has published multiple examples of Iranian-linked malware to open source websites, and an anonymous source posing as a former Iranian cyber operator dumped details online about the nation-states digital tools last April. While Irans cyber capabilities are ambitious, they are not, according to the cybersecurity researcher, a major threat to Western infrastructure. Based on their tooling, and all the intel I read, said the researcher, their capabilities do not match their aspirations. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she'd return a phone call to Vice President Mike Pence Tuesday night after he called to inform her about the Iranian missile attacks on U.S. targets in Iraq. Pelosi was in a meeting with House Democrats when she was handed a note that Pence was on the phone. She responded: 'Tell him I'll call him back,' Politico reported. Two minutes later, she was handed note that Iran attacked two bases in Iraq that housed American troops in retaliation for the U.S. killing General Qassem Soleimani. 'Pray,' she told lawmakers. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she'd return a phone call to Vice President Mike Pence Tuesday night after he called to inform her about Iran's attack on Iraq President Trump asked Pence to call congressional leaders about the attack Later Tuesday night Pelosi was spotted at the opening of a new Italian restaurant in D.C. Her spokesperson said the speaker returned Pence's call after she presided over the opening of the House of Representatives, which was having its first meeting since the start of the new year. '@SpeakerPelosi returned a phone call to @VP at 6:34 p.m. tonight after her required presiding over the House at 6:30 p.m. The Vice President briefed the Speaker on the Iranian attacks on facilities housing U.S. troops in Iraq,' Pelosi's spokesperson Drew Hammill wrote on Twitter. The House took a quorum call to assess there were enough lawmakers present to formally open the second session of the 116th Congress. The vote is a required procedure to begin the new legislative year. President Donald Trump had asked Pence to call congressional leadership and inform them of the raid. 'Vice President Pence was briefed on Iran's attacks on bases hosting U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. The VP has been in continuous contact with the entire national security team and, at the President's direction, VP Pence completed calls to Congressional leadership,' Pence's spokesperson Katie Waldman tweeted. Later Tuesday night, however, Speaker Pelosi was spotted at the opening of Maialino Mare - a Roman-style trattoria that held its grand opening in the hipster Navy Yard neighborhood of Washington D.C. A food editor spotted the speaker at the event and posted a photo of her on Twitter but noted Pelosi was only there for 10 minutes. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired 22 ballistic missiles at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and Erbil International airport in the north part of the country in the early hours of Wednesday, but failed to kill a single U.S. or Iraqi solider, according to initial reports. Pelosi's spokesperson said she called the vice president back after she presided over the opening of the House The attacks mark a significant escalation in the tit-for-tat blows exchanged between the U.S., Iran and their allies since last summer - but falls far short of fatal strikes on commanders and troops that had been feared. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking on Iranian TV shortly after the missiles were launched, described the strikes as 'a slap in the face' of the United States and said they are 'are not sufficient (for revenge)'. President Trump met with his national security team at the White House on Tuesday evening and delivered an upbeat message on the situation. 'All is well!' he wrote on Twitter. 'Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far!' He will make a statement at the White House at 11 a.m. The timing of the Iranian strikes - around 1:20 a.m. local time - occurred at the same time as the U.S. drone strike last week that killed Soleimani. Following the strikes, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned any further strikes by America would be met with fresh attacks, and that any allied countries used as a base for such strikes would themselves become targets. Iran has fired 22 ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5:30 p.m. (EST) President Trump and First Lady Melania visited the al-Asad airbase in western Iraq in December 2018. The airbase was targeted by Iran on Tuesday in a missile attack The Iraqi military said 22 missiles were fired in total - 17 at the Asad base, two of which failed to explode, and five more that struck Erbil International Airport. U.S. officials put the total slightly lower at 15 - ten of which hit Asad, one which hit Erbil, four which failed in flight. Iran said it had used Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles for the attack, though analysts said images of wreckage near the Aasd base also appears to show Qaim-1 ballistic missiles were used. Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran 'took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence', but warned that his country will 'defend itself against any aggression'. 'We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression,' he tweeted. The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq - visited by Trump in December 2018 - and Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were struck by the missiles around 5:20 p.m. EST Tuesday in an operation dubbed 'Martyr Soleimani' by Iran. The Pentagon said the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. With Putin in Turkey on Wednesday ceremonially launching the much-anticipated offshore pipeline TurkStream, which will supply Russian gas to Turkey and southern Europe, it's actually events in Libya and Syria that are at the top of contentious discussions. But there appears to have been a breakthrough which may or may not have any real impact on the Libyan war, just days after Turkey controversially ordered troops to Tripoli to the condemnation of pro-Haftar forces and its backers Egypt, the UAE, and Russia. The Turkish and Russian presidents have called for a ceasefire in Libya that will start from Saturday (Jan.12) midnight, according to Turkish FM Cavusoglu, cited in Turkish state media. Kremlin pool via the AP. The two sides issued a statement Wednesday calling for Gen. Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) to immediately come to the negotiating table. As Middle East Eye reports: Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, speaking alongside his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, said he hopes the ceasefire will embolden the Berlin process seeking to resolve the conflict. Related: Oil Falls Further On Bearish Inventory Data In a joint statement Presidents Erdogan and Putin urge parties to stop violence Cavusoglu said. Lavrov added that they expect neighbouring countries to actively join the Berlin process to help end the conflict. It's only the GNA which is recognized by the United Nations, and at least still on paper the United States as well though Trump over the past half-year has issued public praise for Haftar, a dual US citizen considered close to the CIA. The crisis has escalated over the past months as Haftar has declared his forces are in the "final offensive" to wrest control of the capital Tripoli from the GNA. On Saturday an LNA airstrike slammed into a military academy in Tripoli, killing at least 30 and injuring nearly 40. Site of Saturday's deadly airstrike on the GNA military academy in Tripoli, via One America News. Previewing the urgency of the Libya matter as Putin was set to meet with Erdogan, Turkish media noted: Perhaps topping the agenda is Libya Turkey has deployed troops to support the U.N.-approved government in Tripoli against an assault by the Moscow-backed Libyan National Army, led by General Khalifa Haftar. Russia has told Ankara that Turkish soldiers should not oppose Haftars militias, Deutsche Welle said citing one unidentified official. Erdo?an will assure Putin at Wednesdays meeting that Turkish soldiers will not enter combat, other officials say. But we doubt such "assurances" proved enough, given Turkey is already supplying the GNA with advanced military hardware such as drones to push back Haftar's own small air force, which includes MiG fighters. The Turkish and Russian joint statement further called on the US and Iran to "de-escalate tensions and prioritize diplomacy" at a moment the region is on the brink of war after the overnight Iranian ballistic missile retaliation on US bases in Iraq. By Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: SHERMAN OAKS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2020 / With the weather heating up this week in Hollywood, all the headlines today read "It's June in January," a refrain of the title of the jazz standard, composed by Ralph Rainger with lyrics by Leo Robin. Leo Robin would tell this story about the origins of the song: "One day Ralph Rainger came in and said, 'I hit on a little jingle tune, maybe you'll like it'. He started to play this thing, one of those kind of bouncy schottisches, and I said, 'Let me think about it', and as usual, I went out and started to walk around the Paramount lot. That was the way I used to concentrate during the day. When I came back, I said, 'Gee, I've got a great title' - no, I never said that, because I never thought any of those things were great. In fact, my dear wife used to say, if I had the Number One song on the Hit Parade - I would still say, 'Well, if they'd given me more time, I could have done it better'. So I just said, 'It's 'June in January'. Ralph said, 'You're crazy - 'June in January'?' ...Well, now, whenever the weather out here gets unusually hot in January, all the headlines use the phrase 'June-in-January weather'." Dean Martin singing the beautiful popular standard "June in January," composed by Ralph Rainger with lyrics by Leo Robin, from his 1959 album A Winter Romance "The notoriously modest wordsmith often downplayed his accomplishments, attributing whatever success he happened to have to any of his collaborators. But others continue to sing praises for his work," said Ashley Lee from the Los Angeles Times. More than 29 years ago, in 1988, both Cherie Robin, and actor, Bob Hope, wanted to see to it in their lifetime that the beloved lyricist would be acknowledged for the legacy that was to be reported on in Roy Trakin's 2019 Variety article; to this end, they sponsored Robin for a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tragically, Cherie Robin never received the good news about Leo's star because she passed away on May 28, 1989, a little over one year before the letter from the Hollywood Chamber was sent out on June 18, 1990 announcing that her husband had been awarded the star. As a result of these ill-fated circumstances, Leo's star was never installed. On July 6, 2017, Leo's grandson discovered Leo's long-lost star when he stumbled upon it on the internet. When, later that day, the grandson called the Hollywood Chamber and spoke to Ms. Martinez, he told her about his discovery of Leo's long-lost star; she officially confirmed it was true and said, "Nothing like this has ever happened before." Almost two years later on May 23, 2019, Ashley Lee from the Times first broke the grandson's serendipitous discovery in her story, "Leo Robin never got his Walk of Fame star. Now his grandson is fighting for it." When, more than 29 years ago, the acceptance letter was mailed to Mrs. Robin (deceased) and subsequently returned to sender, Ms. Lee reported what happened, "The envelope was returned to its sender and has since remained in the Chamber of Commerce's records." She also tweeted, "at first I didn't believe that Leo Robin's star had really slipped through the cracks" with a photo of that acceptance letter and the envelope stamped "RETURN TO SENDER." The Hollywood Chamber made no attempt to notify the co-sponsor, Bob Hope, who has four stars on the Walk. In a press release issued by Leo Robin Music on June 26, 2019, the following was said about the Hollywood Chamber, "What the Chamber did after the letter was (marked) "Return to Sender" was not customary practice but smacks of disregard for the individuals honored by the Walk of Fame Committee." Leo Robin wrote the beautiful lyrics to the song "June in January," composed by Ralph Rainger, which was introduced by Bing Crosby in the 1934 film Here Is My Heart. The Crosby recording, made on November 9, 1934 with Georgie Stoll and his Orchestra, became a number #1 hit on Decca Records and has since has become a popular standard, recorded by the most celebrated jazz musicians such as saxophonist Benny Carter, guitarist Wes Montgomery and vocalists such as Dean Martin and Eydie Gorme. Bands and orchestras lead by Guy Lombardo, Nelson Riddle, Ferrante & Teicher and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir have also performed the song. From right to left: Actor Bing Crosby with the famous Paramount songwriting team, Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger, rehearsing their brand new songs -- "It's June in January," "Love Is Just around the Corner" and "With Every Breath I Take" -- to be featured in his new film Here Is My Heart in 1934 and all three songs went on to become jazz standards The award-winning Jazziz Magazine, known as "the voice of a new jazz culture, a culture it helped create," has earned a reputation as the undisputed authority on jazz and style over the past 35 years. This magazine made "June in January" its Song of the Day on January 31, 2019, saying, "We present it as today's Song of the Day as a reminder to our friends in frozen climes that warm weather will be here soon. In the meantime, this track is sure to keep things burning." Meanwhile, the dispute is heating up between Leo Robin Music and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in regard to the star awarded to the "June in January" lyricist but never installed. In contradiction to its mission, the Hollywood Chamber is not doing justice to the nomination of Robin. Instead we are witness to the injustice of Leo's long-lost star and the Chamber's refusal to honor their commitment to Robin's memory. Moreover, in a press release issued by Leo Robin Music on July 30, 2019, the following was said about the Hollywood Chamber, "What a strange twist in irony; the Chamber, which administers this famous sidewalk landmark and usually assists honorees, performed the opposite of its mission and public expectations. Instead of assisting, the Chamber obstructed installation by ignoring emails for a whole year and failing to honor its promise for the Walk of Fame Committee to consider the grandson's request for the star to be placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame." Throughout the past sixty years, the Chamber has successfully kept track of 2,682 honorees and has seen to it that each and every one of them received a star, which was then successfully installed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -- except for Robin. Unfortunately, one can't help but conclude that Robin has been treated unjustly by the Hollywood Chamber. Upon the passing of Johnny Grant on January 9, 2008, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said, "Angelenos will always remember Johnny as the heart of Hollywood Boulevard, the dignified guardian of its gilded prestige and the human shine behind every one of its stars..." Johnny Grant, who was Chairman of the 1990 Walk of Fame Committee and signed the acceptance letter addressed to Mrs. Robin, must be looking down scorchingly, perhaps even causing the heat wave, at the Hollywood Chamber for spurning the decision by the 1990 Walk of Fame Committee to award a star to Leo Robin. It's time for the Hollywood Chamber to honor the decision made by the Walk of Fame Committee and honor its obligation to put Leo's long-lost star in its rightful place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For more information, visit the Newsroom at the official website of Leo Robin at http://leorobin.com/. About Leo Robin Music Leo Robin Music owns the copyrights of songs written by Leo Robin, who was known as the "Dean of Lyric Writers." He created lyrics that have inspired popular music and become part of the fabric of our culture. Considered to be one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th Century, he wrote many of the country's most popular jazz standards including "Blue Hawaii," "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," "Easy Living," "If I Should Lose You," "My Ideal," "Prisoner of Love" and "Thanks for the Memory." CONTACT: Scott D. Ora President - Leo Robin Music thanks4thememory@icloud.com (818) 618-2572 Leo Robin (@LeoRobinMusic) / Twitter SOURCE: Leo Robin Music View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/569738/With-the-Weather-Heating-Up-All-the-Headlines-Read-Its-June-in-January-The-Dispute-is-also-Heating-Up-between-Leo-Robin-Music-and-the-Hollywood-Walk-of-Fame-Re-the-Star-LeosLostStar-Awarded-to-the-June-in-January-Lyricist-But-Never-Installed T hree people have been rushed to hospital after a car smashed into a tea hut in south-east London. Police and paramedics were scrambled to the scene of the dramatic crash in Shooters Hill Road, Blackheath, on Tuesday night. Photos showed the roadside cafe left in tatters and surrounded by debris and a silver car with its frontage completely wrecked. One witness said a worker was left trapped inside the hut following the collision and was rescued by a group of bikers. Paramedics at the scene of the smash in south-east London / @dougiedickson/Twitter All injured were conscious and talking, it was a real mess, gas was leaking and tea hut woman trapped inside for a while, Michael Jones wrote on Twitter. Great work from the bikers who were there to rip open the hut to get her out. London Ambulance Service (LAS) said it treated three people following the crash after being called shortly after 7pm. They were all taken to hospital but their injuries are not thought to be serious, an LAS spokeswoman said. A one-year-old Chinese boy has taught a litter bug a lesson by picking up a plastic bottle thrown onto the pavement by the driver through the car window. The toddler then gave the piece of rubbish back to the motorist by passing it to him through the same window. It is likely that the boy thought the driver had dropped the bottle by accident and was trying to help, according to his mother. Footage shows little Sun Jiarui walking up to the plastic bottle and then picking it up after seeing the piece of rubbish in the middle of the road. He was walking with his mother in China Web users have flocked to praise the child and urge adults to learn from him after a video of his act went viral on a Chinese video app. The toddler, named Sun Jiarui, lives in the city of Jining in eastern China's Shandong Province. The event was captured by Jiarui's mother as the pair walked in their residential complex on Monday, his mother told MailOnline. The clip, filmed by Jiarui's mother, shows the toddler handing the litter back to the motorist through a window of the car. The event was captured on Monday in a residential complex The parent, named Jing Lulu, has the habit of filming her son learning to walk whenever they go out. The 34-year-old woman recorded the incident by chance. Jiarui is a polite and curious child and always respects the elderly, according to Ms Jing. 'That day, he probably thought the bottle had fallen from the car by accident. He is a very simple child. If he sees other people drop stuff, he always helps to pick up,' she said. Jiarui is a polite and curious child and always respects the elderly, according to his mother. Web users have flocked to praise the one-year-old child and urge adults to learn from him 'He is only one year and three months old and probably doesn't have a strong sense of environmental protection, but his action taught the driver a lesson,' Ms Jing added. The footage of the boy's behaviour has become trending on short-video platform Douyin, with people swarming to give kudos to the little boy. One person commented: 'Moral fortitude has nothing to do with the age.' Another viewer wrote: 'The baby is too cute and the driver should feel ashamed.' Jiarui's mother said after the boy returned the bottle, he ran back to her and the motorist wound up the window without saying anything. When Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers his 10th State of the State address on Wednesday, the proposals he pitches will drive much of the legislative agenda in the months to come. And if Cuomo plays his cards right, he may erase any doubt that he is the single-most dominant power in Albany for years to come. The challenges facing him at the beginning of 2020 appear to put the governor in a tough spot at least at first glance. There is a $6 billion structural deficit that has to be dealt with in the coming months. To do this, Cuomo will have to hammer out a deal with increasingly assertive Democratic majorities in the state Senate and Assembly. To make matters worse, Cuomo faces competing pressure from across the political spectrum at a time when both progressives and conservatives have become increasingly animated on issues as varied as public safety, immigration and income inequality. But these same forces could ultimately empower Cuomo more than they limit his legislative and political ambitions. His budget powers are formidable, and the deficit will make it easier for him to deny lawmakers budget requests. Unlike Cuomo, legislators are up for reelection this year and more vulnerable to public backlash against the progressive policies that Democrats have implemented over the past 12 months. Cuomo will also arguably remain as the bridge between the political left and center as he begins the second year of his third term in office, similar to how he played Assembly Democrats off Senate Republicans in the past. He has more negotiating levers to get what he needs on some of the bigger ticket items health care, school aid because of the political news on some of the non-dollar social legislation, said Larry Levy, executive dean of Hofstra Universitys National Center for Suburban Studies. He's in a stronger position, even if he is going to have to take ownership, just like the Legislature on some very tough decisions that are going to affect the lives of real people. It is no coincidence that the theme of the 2020 State of the State address is Making Progress Happen. The governor has defined his political brand for years as a form of pragmatic liberalism that can appeal to the political center while pushing for the social justice policies that progressives want. The more than 30 proposals that he had already released before the speech reflect that thinking. He is proposing a state equal rights amendment that would protect sex and gender identity in the state Constitution. There are proposals to crack down on opioids and flavored vaping products that have bipartisan support, and plenty of proposed capital projects across the state. But his focus on getting things done hints at his politically centrist tendencies. "Last year we laid out the most aggressive agenda in modern political history and we got it done," Cuomo said in a Dec. 13 press release. "This year we'll build on that record of accomplishment and continue restoring confidence in government as a force for good. While Cuomo has already driven numerous news cycles by unveiling State of the State proposals, like expanding Penn Station, proposals on the biggest issues might have been held for the speech itself. Advocates for legalizing recreational marijuana, for example, are expecting Cuomo to renew his efforts for getting it done. It would be a surprise and would not necessarily be in keeping with the signals that we've seen for it to be left out in the State of the State, said Melissa Moore, deputy state director for the Drug Policy Alliance. Cuomo could similarly generate more positive press by announcing new actions on climate change an issue that has dramatically risen in the public consciousness in 2019, and will be the subject of protests at the Capitol on Wednesday. Unlike last years address, the 2020 State of the State will not incorporate his budget presentation. Its not hard to see why Cuomo would want to separate the two, given the $6 billion deficit that threatens to overshadow his policy agenda. Still, the budget process gives governors formidable powers over lawmakers including the ability to decide when to unveil his spending plan. The governors office has yet to announce when that will be, but there are already signs that his way of dealing with the deficit will not be to the liking of people on the political left. Throughout his time in office he has insisted on a 2% cap on spending growth, a goal that has been met at times through clever accounting. While Cuomo has already signalled that he will employ other budget tricks to balance the books, he has downplayed the possibility of raising taxes. A one-shot cash revenue is not the answer, Cuomo said at an Association for a Better New York luncheon. Fix the problem. Money tries to paper over the problem, and Im not in the papering-over business. A key thing to watch in his speech is how Cuomo will channel recent backlash to issues like bail reform and drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants in way that both protects his party and solidifies his control over it. One clue is the extent to which he tries to appeal to suburban and moderate voters. I'm gonna to be listening for signs of concerns that the Democrats went too far to the left in a number of areas (in 2019), Levy said. The budget process offers Cuomo a legislative vehicle to move the changes that suburban lawmakers want to make on bail reform, while also securing the school funding that is important to them, according to Levy. But lawmakers on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley who do not work well with the governor might not be able to benefit from his support, leaving them more vulnerable to Republican challenges to their reelection. Getting Cuomo to support their own proposals will be no easy task for lawmakers. Democratic lawmakers want to secure billions in new funding for public schools, but current political realities have given Cuomo new political leverage. For starters, he can claim that the deficit means that there is simply no money for additional education spending, which he could also threaten to cut because it too is a big driver of state spending. Plus, some suburban lawmakers may have to pull their legislative punches if they want Cuomos support on amending bail reform and other touchy political issues. Addressing these issues through the budget process would allow lawmakers to defend their votes by claiming that they had to do it in order to keep state government functioning. The alternative of making public votes on individual bills is hardly attractive to vulnerable incumbents in election years. The State of the State offers any governor an opportunity to kick off the state legislative session and budget season on his own terms. Cuomo is already signaling that he wants to bring attention to his legislative agenda rather than fiscal plan. While that might not be what Cuomo wants to talk about on Wednesday, his ability to control state finances and lawmakers alike will play a big role in determining his success this year. He already appears to know how to play the hand hes been dealt. Get the SC business stories that matter. Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free. Newsfrom Japan Beirut/Tokyo, Jan. 6 (Jiji Press)--Former Nissan Motor Co. <7201> leader Carlos Ghosn is expected to justify his escape to Lebanon from Japan by claiming human rights violations he suffered in Japan at a press conference slated this week, according to sources close to him. A lawyer for the former chairman of the major Japanese automaker has said that Ghosn will meet the press in the Lebanese capital of Beirut from 3 p.m. Wednesday (1 p.m. GMT). Ghosn, who has been charged with financial misconduct, fled to Lebanon via Turkey late last month while on bail ahead of his trial. A source close to Ghosn said that only a limited number of journalists will likely be invited to attend the press conference. "I can now finally communicate freely with the media and look forward to starting next week," Ghosn, 65, said in a statement released immediately after he arrived in Beirut on Dec. 30. Ghosn is believed to be fully preparing for the press conference, after almost shutting down communications with the media since the release of the statement. Ricardo Karam, a journalist who has been acquainted with Ghosn for some 20 years, said that Ghosn was deprived of basic human rights after his release on bail, citing a ban on his meeting with his wife, among other things. Ghosn was not treated based on the presumption of innocence, Karam also said. Ghosn is expected to speak about these things at the press conference, Karam said. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tempted is the new cutting edge travel startup launched this summer in San Francisco, by the sassy Parisian entrepreneur, Mariam Bulin-Diarra. The startup is shaking the travel industry as the first platform for children-free vacations: hotels, resorts, restaurants, cruises, tours, and activities for adult-only! The Tempted concept originated after its founder hosted an Airbnb couple from Canada, proud parents of three boys and celebrating their 10 years wedding anniversary. Mariam said "because of the family obligations and demanding jobs they didn't have the opportunity to have quality time together. They waited until the children were old enough to stay with their grandparents and have a well-deserved vacation to rekindle the flame. All they wanted was to have fun and not to be mom and dad for 10 days." Tempted was born! If parents love the concept, it also appeals to travelers looking for adventurous trips, people who are looking for all-inclusive resorts, and to those who want to have a peaceful dinner at a restaurant free off misbehaving children. Tempted 8 Temptations Tempted's French savoir vivre, is already a success in Europe, especially in Italy, after a sensational article in the Italian Vanity Fair . Other A-list media such as Lonely Planet , and The Telegraph , consider Tempted as a trendsetting travel company. And because of its growing popularity, its Founder and CEO, Mariam Bulin-Diarra, was invited to present, for the very first time, its provocative "no-kids allowed vacation" concept on stage at the Web Summit conference in Lisbon, Portugal, last November, where, more than 70, 000 visitors attended the event. Tempted offers thousands of curated travel experiences and hotels around the world dedicated to adults from business partners Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Get Your Guide and Viator. By this summer, the startup aims to triple its inventory, grow its partner network and will allow vetted Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway hosts to list their accommodations and activities. Regarding competitors, the CEO, says, "We don't see them as competitors but more like future partners." She added, "because of nondiscrimination policies, most tour operators do not have no-children or adult-only categories; therefore, we are a complementary solution to help them." In the coming months, the Tempted team's goal is to develop a mobile application for Android and IOS devices and online booking solutions for small tour operators and hotels in emerging countries. The team is also exploring integrating with an artificial intelligence solution to provide personalized recommendations to users based on emotional intelligence, interests, buying behavior, and geolocalization. In a nutshell, this audacious startup will be a significant player in the tech and travel industries. So, are you tempted? For more information, visit www.temptedyou.com. Media contact: Itza Cruz [email protected] (408) 940-6476 SOURCE Tempted Related Links http://www.temptedyou.com Own work , CC BY-SA 4.0, Link) The 100 Cambridge Street building in Boston is home to the state's Human Resources Division. The department's new Investigations Center of Expertise began handling cases involving sexual harassment and other workplace complaints in February 2019. (WikiMedia Commons / Photo by NewtonCourt When an MBTA bridgeperson working a night shift reported that his colleagues were harassing him for being gay, one of his coworkers was demoted but the bullying continued. The demoted worker, meanwhile, allegedly returned to the job site and threatened the victim. Records show the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, an independent state agency that investigates such complaints, found the MBTA improperly allowed the men to work near each other and may have allowed the victims complaint to affect his job prospects. In another case, a man showed a female coworker at the Department of Health and Human Services a lewd video. The man was suspended for five days and required to attend sexual harassment training, while the woman was given a requested transfer. MCAD ruled that the agency responded appropriately. As the #MeToo movement highlighted, sexual harassment exists in all types of workplaces, and state government is no exception. How prevalent it is and what it looks like, however, is difficult to track down. And with a few exceptions, there are few ways to learn how cases involving sexual harassment in state government are resolved. Jennifer Doe, lead internal organizer for SEIU Local 509, which represents state workers mainly in health and human services, said workers have long struggled to get complaints of sexual harassment resolved. Complaints by clients, she said, get addressed quickly. But if its a manager or a worker, theres a slow walk to actually address it, if it gets addressed at all, Doe said. The states Human Resources Division created a new centralized center in February to investigate human resources complaints, including sexual harassment. Administration and Finance spokesman Patrick Marvin said in a statement, The Administration takes complaints about workplace harassment and discrimination seriously and has developed a new Investigations Center of Expertise in order to further encourage reporting of HR-related complaints and ensure investigations are carried out in a thorough and confidential manner. However, before the centers launch, records of sexual harassment complaints were kept by each state agency, with a small amount of information submitted to the Human Resources Division through spreadsheets and quarterly workforce diversity reports. There was no centralized way to track the outcome of each complaint, or to understand how long investigations were taking and how situations were being resolved by each department. Through a public records request to the states Human Resources Division, The Republican/MassLive compiled a list of 117 complaints made to the states executive branch agencies alleging sexual harassment, or in a few cases gender discrimination, from fiscal 2016 through fiscal 2018. A few of these cases may be duplicates since they were compiled from reports with no identifying information, and a complaint listed as open in one quarter may appear as closed the next quarter. MCAD, in response to a separate public records request, provided a list of another 45 complaints of sexual harassment or sex discrimination in the public sector though not exclusively in state government. Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, who introduced a bill that would prevent state tax dollars from paying sexual harassment settlements, said the format of the data is problematic. The fact you had to file a request for the data and the data isnt widely understood, known and scrutinized, thats concerning, Comerford said. Comerford said she would like to see regular, standardized reports made public about the prevalence of sexual harassment in government. There isnt anyone in government currently looking at the magnitude of the issue and determining whether theres a problem, how we best address that problem and how to keep our workplaces safe, she said. By the numbers The data includes scant information about each case: department name, complaint date and status. In six cases, the allegation was substantiated or there was found to be a policy violation. Fourteen were resolved with a finding that the allegation was unsubstantiated. Most are listed as open, closed, resolved, pending, or under investigation. In only two cases, involving the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, were the details of the resolution included. Both times, employees were suspended and sent to MCAD training. In only two cases, at the Department of Transportation, did the agency report the nature of the complaints. One involved a gay RMV employee who was asked inappropriate questions about gay-related current events and the rape of gay men. A different RMV employee reported someone mocking an anti-discrimination training. There is more information available on some complaints filed with MCAD, such as the case of the MBTA bridge worker. If MCAD finds probable cause that an agency discriminated, it will try to negotiate a settlement, then go to a public hearing if those efforts are unsuccessful. Sometimes, MCAD cases are closed when a lawsuit is filed. In one case, set to go to trial in March, a female state police sergeant alleged that her supervisor, in repeated conversations during work hours, told her he was having an affair with another state police sergeant and revealed explicit sexual details. When she complained, he transferred her to the midnight shift and publicly criticized her work. A civil lawsuit or MCAD complaint can provide insight into how state agencies respond. One pending lawsuit involves a regional director at the states Office of Facilities and Maintenance who was fired in 2016 after he was accused of sexually assaulting two female employees. The civil lawsuit, filed in Middlesex Superior Court, alleges years of misconduct culminating in an incident in which he allegedly groped a subordinate employee working at her desk. A second woman told human resources the man assaulted her, too, when she went to his office to apologize for a comment she made during a holiday party. The supervisor, Ed Nicosia, was charged with indecent assault and battery in both cases. He was acquitted of the criminal charges after bench trials. The civil lawsuit, in which the two women are seeking $500,000 each in civil damages, names Nicosia and DCAMM employees as defendants. Nicosia has countersued, accusing the women of defamation. The Republican is not naming the women because they are alleged victims of sexual assault. The women claim DCAMM ignored Nicosias conduct for years, conducted a sham investigation and retaliated against them for complaining. MCAD, in response to the complaint of the woman who was allegedly assaulted after the holiday party, faulted DCAMM for taking eight months to investigate, writing: She was left in a precarious position, was uncertain that her complaint was being taken seriously or that any measures were being taken to address her complaint as well as her colleagues. DCAMM, in response to the MCAD complaint, said it investigated, restricted Nicosia from the area and installed panic buttons in the office. Marvin, the state spokesman whose agency oversees DCAMM, said, DCAMM takes allegations of harassment and assault seriously." Marvin said employees now have access to the new Investigations Center of Expertise. Nicosias attorney William Barabino said DCAMM officials were professional in investigating the claim and turning it over to law enforcement, after which Nicosia was acquitted. Barabino called the allegations very upsetting. She made fraudulent claims, and he lost his job, Barabino said. Attorneys for the women declined to comment. The Investigations Center State officials said the Investigations Center of Expertise, which opened Feb. 11, will provide a consistent, fair and timely process for employees to resolve workplace issues. It employs investigators experienced in workplace investigations, works with agencies on investigations, tracks investigations and outcomes and identifies trends to inform training needs. Employees can report complaints directly to the center or to their manager, human resource director, sexual harassment officer or other managers. A four-phase rollout of the centers services across the states departments and agencies was scheduled to wrap up in December. The center is run by director Susanna Murphy, whose annual salary is $119,340. It has seven investigators and is in the process of hiring two more. As of Nov. 30, it had completed 83 investigations involving sexual harassment, discrimination, sexual assault, retaliation, workplace violence and other complaints. Information provided by state officials did not break out how many of the sexual harassment cases logged between 2016 and 2018 were among those investigations. But Doe, of SEIU 509, said she is not convinced state attitudes toward sexual harassment are changing. Doe said she frequently hears from victims of sexual harassment who file complaints, but are kept working near their harasser for months. One case from April involving a higher-ranking employee sending inappropriate pictures to a lower-ranking employee was just being resolved in October, she said. Another time, Doe said a manager was allowed to work with a colleague to investigate a complaint that he himself inappropriately hugged another employee. Doe said one eight-person workplace included four women who were sexually harassed by two men for years without investigation. Theres a very solid message given to women and men that nothing will happen if you complain, Doe said. Doe said the new center often defers to agencies to do their own investigations. She disagreed with some of the centers policies, such as not allowing union representatives in during interviews. The union is negotiating for future contracts to set timelines for how long investigations can take. Under state law, if a state employee or agency is sued for conduct related to their employment and a judgment is entered against them, the states publicly-funded settlement fund will pay unless the employee was acting in a grossly negligent or malicious manner. For internal complaints, union contracts generally do not allow punitive damages. Lauren Rikleen, president of the Rikleen Institute for Strategic Leadership and author of The Shield of Silence: How Power Perpetuates a Culture of Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace, said throughout industries, there is a value in having transparent data to understand the scope of the problem. If you dont have data or dont have good data or accessible data, you can fall back on your assumptions, and leaders like to think they have workplaces that are fair and well run, she said. Rikleen, who could not speak specifically to state government, said harassment in the workplace is generally underreported because victims are scared of retaliation, and the harassers are often people in power. The default generally is to do nothing and stay silent, she said. Even when people do go and they raise a complaint or go through a reporting process, they are left in the dark about what if anything happened to solve the problem. Theres a sense of why did I even do that? Boston-based employment lawyer Rebecca Pontikes, who specializes in gender-based employment cases, said sexual harassment may be harder to address in state government than in the private sector, because civil service and union protections can make it harder to fire or discipline employees. Some employees may be more inclined to try to keep a government job and wait out a difficult situation to get their pension. But state government might also be able to move employees around more easily to resolve a situation. Complaints may also be resolved quietly through a union grievance or negotiation process. A lot of those things could depress the figure you see for the state, but its not going to necessarily mean its happening less often, Pontikes said. Related Content: The agents sent by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office attempted to confiscate the computer at the offices of the firm headed by Junichiro Hironaka, carrying a court order to seize the equipment believed to have been used by Ghosn while he was on bail. Tokyo, Jan 8 (IANS) Officials from Tokyo's public prosecutors office on Wednesday visited the offices of a Japanese law firm representing ousted Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn to confiscate one of its computers, but the attorneys refused to hand it over. Ghosn's lawyers refused to hand over the equipment as it would have violated the professional lawyer-client confidentiality, sources from the Ghosn's defence team told Efe news. Eventually, the prosecutors had to leave the office empty-handed. The computer in question is believed to have been frequently used by Ghosn while he was on bail, as he was not allowed to access the internet at his home or on the phone made available to him by his lawyers, on the judge's orders. According to these restrictions, the former Nissan boss could only access the internet at his lawyer's offices. Moreover, the lawyers were required to make the computer's navigation and communications history available to the court. Ghosn, accused in Japan of financial misconduct, fled the country last week and was later seen in Beirut, where he made statements criticizing the Japanese judicial system. He is slated to address the media from the Lebanese capital later Wednesday. ksk/ An environmental watchdog group warns that emissions of greenhouse gases from three key industries linked to oil and gas are rising nationwide, and are expected to increase dramatically in the next few years, in part because of a raft of new and expanded Louisiana facilities like the sprawling $9.4 billion Formosa Chemical complex proposed for St. James Parish. Facilities in the three industry sectors reported emitting 764 million tons of greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and so-called carbon-equivalent compounds linked to global warming in 2018, up 8% since 2016, the Environmental Integrity Group reported Wednesday. But the addition in the U.S. of new oil and gas production and expanded industrial facilities that use hydrocarbons could add another 227 million tons of greenhouse gases a year to the atmosphere by 2025, based on a nationwide review of federal and state permits. That would be an increase of almost one-third. The warning comes as at least one preliminary estimate, by the Rhodium Group, indicates total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 2.1% last year, mostly due to a drop in the consumption of coal by electric power plants. The Environmental Integrity Group analysis does not include power production emissions. Many scientists say carbon dioxide and related compounds added to the atmosphere by human activity are responsible for global warming. The compounds reduce the ability of sunlight to escape Earth's atmosphere into space. Global warming is linked to a variety of other problems, including rising sea levels along Louisiana's coastline. The heat that doesn't escape from the atmosphere is in part absorbed by the ocean, warming and expanding water molecules. The heat also has been linked to increases in melting of both polar ice caps and glaciers around the world, adding water to the world's oceans. The watchdog group, founded and led by several former Environmental Protection Agency enforcement attorneys, reviewed recent emission levels reported to the EPA from three industry sectors: chemical manufacturing, petroleum and natural gas systems, and refining. The chemical manufacturing sector includes plants that use oil, natural gas or natural gas liquids as feedstock to manufacture petrochemicals, plastics, adhesives, rubber products, fertilizers and to make industrial gases like hydrogen. Facilities in that category reported total emissions of 209.2 million tons in 2018, an increase of 8% over 2016. Among the largest emitters were CF Industries in Donaldsonville in Ascension Parish, which released 43 million tons of greenhouse gases in 2018. Dow Chemical reported close to 18 million tons of greenhouse gases released at its Taft facility, and another 15 million tons at its Plaquemine facility. +10 Corporate desires or environmental protection: In Louisiana one takes a back seat to the other Five years ago, the owners of the Noranda Alumina plant on the border of St. John and St. James parishes discovered a big problem: They were e But the report said another 37 major petrochemical or plastics manufacturing projects are under construction or in the planning stage nationwide, which would add 63.5 million tons of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year. Formosas FG LA LLC campus at Welcome would be the biggest of the new emitters, having requested permission to release 13.6 million tons of greenhouse gases in its air permits, which were approved by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality on Monday. Other planned chemical plants in Louisiana include Lake Charles Methanol, 6 million tons a year; Eurochem Louisiana in St. John the Baptist Parish, with 4.5 million tons; and an expansion of Sasols Calcasieu facility, with 4 million tons. The Environmental Integrity Group pointed out that Formosas proposed facility also could be emitting a variety of toxic substances in addition to carbon dioxide, based on its permit requests. The permit applications ask for authority to release up to 1.6 million pounds of toxic chemicals annually, potentially doubling overall toxic emissions in St. James Parish to 3.2 million pounds a year. Environmental news in your inbox Stay up-to-date on the latest on Louisiana's coast and the environment. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up An analysis conducted as part of a ProPublica reporting project about the river corridor with The Times-Picayune and The Advocate found the air around Formosas site is already more toxic with cancer-causing chemicals than 99.6% of industrialized areas in the nation. The analysis found Formosas emissions would double the toxic levels of cancer-causing chemicals for residents of Convent, across the Mississippi from the future plant. One mile east of the plant in the west bank community of St. James, the analysis found toxic levels could more than triple. The petroleum and natural gas systems sector includes oil and gas drilling operations, storage tanks, and the boosters and compressors that move oil and gas through pipelines. The category also includes plants that separate gas from liquids and the liquefied natural gas plants that refrigerate natural gas to turn it into a liquid, mostly for export. This sectors emissions are expected to increase by more than 137 million tons per year, the group said, with the biggest increase expected to come from new LNG facilities. Louisiana and Texas lead the way in expected emissions, the report said, in part because of the continued drilling and production of oil and natural gas from deep shale deposits through fracking, and in part because of new LNG export facilities located on the Gulf Coast. In Louisiana, the first two liquefaction trains of the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal in Cameron Parish were put into production in 2016, resulting in more than 2.3 million tons of greenhouse gases being emitted. Two more trains began operating in 2018, and the emissions increased to 4.6 million tons. Cameron LNG began operating its first liquefaction train in 2019, and has been permitted to release a maximum of 8.5 million tons of carbon-equivalent emissions a year when completed this year. Venture Global has requested authority to release a maximum 8.1 million tons a year by 2023 in Plaquemines Parish and another 3.9 million tons at a second facility in Cameron Parish. Another 16 million tons of releases a year are proposed for four more LNG facilities planned elsewhere in the state by 2024. The refining sector includes facilities that process crude oil into gasoline and other transportation fuels. The group found that refinery greenhouse gas emissions were largely stable over the past two years, with 2018 totals of 205.7 million tons nationally, compared to 197.2 million tons in 2012. Pending permits for 15 new refinery projects could add another 12.8 million tons, according to the report. That includes 321,000 tons of new emissions from proposed expansions of the Valero refinery in St. Charles Parish, 172,000 tons for the Phillips 66 refinery in Lake Charles, and more than 500,000 tons a year from the proposed Plaquemines Liquid Terminal near Myrtle Grove. The study did not include other manufacturing facilities that might also have emitted greenhouse gases, including dozens of chemical manufacturing facilities that dont use oil or gas to make products. But EIG officials say those facilities, too, have significant greenhouse gas emissions. The group recommended a variety of measures to reduce carbon emissions, including strengthening permits by requiring continuous monitoring, regular leak detection and repair programs, and energy-efficient design of manufacturing facilities. "Based on our review, virtually all permits assume maximum greenhouse gas emissions from combustion, process, and storage units, running at their full capacity, and do not reflect the use of cost-effective control methods that could reduce these releases," the report said. "Boilers, turbines, furnaces, heaters, and flares are some of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions at many oil, gas, and chemical facilities and plants." The report pointed out that new, low-cost technologies now exist for monitoring at facility fencelines, and should be required for new, expanding and poorly performing facilities. And it also recommended increased funding for both EPA and state environmental agencies. In December, the group released a report warning of cuts in both funding and staff in environmental regulatory agencies nationwide. According to that report, in the past 10 years, even as the state has seen a dramatic increase in newly built and planned petrochemical plants, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has seen its budget slashed by nearly 35 percent and its staff cut by almost 30 percent. The trial of a New Orleans woman accused of killing the owner of Pennsylvania-based Murphy Jewelers stores wont face trial before March. Megan Hall, 26, is now scheduled to appear March 23 for trial on charges of second-degree murder, armed robbery and obstruction of justice in the killing of Patrick Murphy, 62, of Pottsville, Schuylkill County. A pre-trial conference also is scheduled for March 6. The trial initially was scheduled to begin this week, but Orleans Parish Assistant District Attorney Eric Cusimano and defense attorney Marcus DeLarge presented a joint motion for a continuance on Tuesday. Ad hoc Judge Dennis Waldron approved the motion, which was prompted by Halls defense attorney, John Fuller of New Orleans, having a scheduling conflict, said Ken Daley, spokesman for the Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office. Hall was present Tuesday in court, Daley said. Murphy was found dead February 28 in a hotel room at The Empress Hotel in the Treme section of New Orleans. He was in bed and covered in blood, authorities said. He died of sharp force injuries and his death was described as homicide by cutting, authorities said. Nola.com reported stab wounds were found on Murphys neck and abdomen. Murphy and Hall checked into the hotel together at 2 a.m.; Hall used Tennessee identification and Murphy paid for the room, Nola.com reported. Surveillance video at the hotel showed Hall leaving alone about two hours later, Nola.com reported. Authorities have not indicated a possible motive. Halls lawyer said in court March 28 his client did not set out to harm Murphy. The Morning Call newspaper, citing court records, reports Hall, formerly of Mumford, Tennessee, has a lengthy criminal history involving prostitution charges. Murphy Jewelers was founded in 1913 by Murphys grandfather, Frank J. Murphy, in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, according to the jewelers website. The later expanded to locations in Tilden Township, Berks County, near Hamburg, and at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township. Hall remains jailed in lieu of a $750,000 bond at the Orleans Justice Center jail. If convicted in the killing of Murphy, she faces a mandatory life sentence. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. MBABANE Drink-drivers have found a new way to dodge the breathalyser. This comes in the form of a capsule called Alkaline cup or water, which is sold by agents of a well-known multinational company which manufactures health and beauty products. Alkaline cup, according to Wikipedia, converts acid water into alkaline water which when taken reduces the high acid level in the body thereby balancing the PH level of the body. This is energised water of high quality that is free of chlorine, toxic and heavy metals, anytime, anywhere. Product Speaking to one of the agents selling the products of the company, she mentioned that the product helps drink-drivers in neutralising the alcohol in the body so that it was not detected by police when using the breathalyser. She said the cup costs a whopping E1 250 and they normally got stock from South Africa to sell in the country. As much as I dont recommend the product for the wrong reasons, it comes in handy for people who drink alcohol as it helps neutralise the alcohol in the system and it is very rare that one can be arrested for drink-driving after drinking the alkaline water, she said. Another product from the same company, which was recommended for the same purpose was Cordyceps Militaris, which is said to be a powerful immune booster. It stimulates the immune system by increasing the number and boosting the activity of natural killer cells (a type of white blood cell), which protect the body from viruses and bacteria. It is also described as a powerful natural antibiotic used for treating a wide range of infections caused by bacteria and has a good number of interesting health benefits which include treating tuberculosis, staphylococcus, gonorrhoea, syphilis and many others. It also costs around E1 200. Commenting on condition of anonymity, one of the persons who purchased the product said it was better to pay the E1 200 in purchasing the product, which comes in a big box full of the alkaline water, than having to pay the hefty court fines that have a maximum of E5 000. He said it was working for them and as they successfully dodged the breathalyser. Police Deputy Information and Communication Officer Nosipho Mnguni said police were trained to tell if a person was drunk without the use of a breathalyser and if they saw it in ones actions that they were drunk, they could arrest that person. She said they were not aware of the tactics that drink drivers were employing to dodge the breathalyser but the police would remain active in bringing offenders to book despite the tactics that they employ. We have a special way to tell, from a persons actions and if they are drunk or not and if people think they would get away with it by employing dodgy tactics so that their alcohol content cannot be detected, they should think again because they can be arrested if police see the signs of drunkenness, she said. When asked how the matter would proceed in court if a person was arrested for drink-driving without the reading of the alcohol content, she made an example of people who are arrested the next day having run away from the police the previous day for the same offence. Human Rights lawyer Sipho Gumedze was contacted on the matter and he stated that the only way a police officer can prove that a drink driver was indeed drunk when arrested was through the reading of alcohol content to justify the arrest. Prove He said what was criminalised by the Road Traffic Act 6 of 2007 was exceeding the alcohol limit that was allowed by the Act and to prove that one had exceeded the limit, a police officer had to furnish the court with the alcohol reading. He said walking funny or shouting vulgar words didnt qualify one to be drunk and police cannot then arrest people for drink-driving based on their actions. If police officers do that, they would be creating a situation where people will then be filing lawsuits against government and that is taxpayers money that would be paying for those claims, he said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo today mocked a claim first made by Iraqs prime minister that Iranian Quds Force chief Qasem Soleimani, killed in a U.S. drone strike in Iraq last week, had been bringing a message from Iran as part of Saudi-Iran indirect talks on easing tensions that the Iraqi leader had tried to broker. Is there any history that would indicate that it was remotely possible that this kind gentleman, this diplomat of great order, Qasem Soleimani, had traveled to Baghdad for the idea of conducting a peace mission? Pompeo told reporters at the State Department today. We know that wasnt true. Weve heard these same lies before, Pompeo continued. He was not there on a diplomatic mission trying to resolve a problem. I know theres been some story that he was there representing a Saudi peace deal. Ive spoken to my Saudi counterparts at great length. Ill leave to them what the contents of their messages may be. But I can assure you that they will share my view, that he was not there representing some kind of agreement that was going to reduce risk or reduce the risks to the lives of Americans when he was on that trip. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi told the Iraqi parliament Sunday that he had been due to meet with Soleimani on the morning Soleimani was killed by a precision US drone strike at the Baghdad airport, and that Soleimani was bringing a letter from Iran in response to Saudi-Iran back-channel communications on reducing tensions that Abdul Mahdi had tried to facilitate. Mahdi said Soleimani was supposed to carry a message from Iran in response to the Saudi message that we brought to Iran in order to reach important agreements and situations regarding Iraq and the region, CNN reported. An Iraqi official told Al-Monitor that Abdul Mahdi had indeed been trying to facilitate Iranian-Saudi communications on easing tensions, at the request of the Iranians. Those efforts involved Abdul Mahdi traveling to Saudi Arabia to meet Saudi King Salman bin Addul-Aziz Al Saud on the way back from a visit to China in late September, the Iraqi official said. However, Abdul Mahdis mediation efforts were curtailed by Iraqi protests and unrest in October that led to his resignation in November, the Iraqi official said. Adel was trying to mediate between Iran and the Saudis, at the Iranians request, the Iraqi official, speaking not for attribution, told al-Monitor. Accordingly he paid a very short visit to Riyadh (three hours) and got a positive response from King Salman. But the situation in Iraq since October and later his resignation made him stop the efforts. Former US diplomat in Iraq Barbara Leaf said she had also been told on a visit to Iraq in late September about Abdul Mahdis quiet visit to Saudi Arabia, but said she was generally uncomfortable with the prospect of the Saudis allegedly trying to discuss an accommodation with the Iranians in the wake of the sophisticated attack on the Saudi Aramco facility on Sept. 14 that the United States has attributed to Iran. I dont know how to judge Mahdis claim that Qasem Soleimani was coming with a message, Leaf, now with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told Al-Monitor. I am pretty cynical on that score. As a recent US official myself, I would have said, it is not great. Sort of indirect, proximity talks, message passing, appears to have been done in September. Right on the heels of the [Sept. 14] strike its an awful environment for Saudi Arabia to be passing messages with the Iranians. When I heard this from the Iraqis what concerned me at the time is that the Saudis were [allegedly] entering into these sort of proximity talks/message passing outside of the US security umbrella, Leaf continued. She noted that the talks would have occurred after the Donald Trump administration was seen refraining from a military response to the Sept. 14 drone and cruise missile attacks on the Saudi oil facility, and that the Iranians would feel the Saudis were coming to the talks because the Trump administration refrained from responding. The Iraqi official said the current situation of heightened US-Iran tensions playing out in Iraq is terrible, but he hoped the United States and Iran would eventually get back to the negotiating table. It is a very terrible situation for Iraq and the region, the Iraqi official said. But at the end it will open the table and [prospects for] making a deal. It depends if Trump can absorb the [Iranian] revenge without hitting the 52 targets as he declared. Otherwise, it will ignite huge damages in the region. The Iraqi official lamented Trumps threats to impose sanctions on Iraq if Iraqs government carried out the nonbinding motion voted on by Iraqs parliament on Sunday recommending that foreign forces, including 5,000 US troops, be asked to leave the country. Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House today, said he eventually wants to get US troops out of Iraq, but not yet, and reiterated his claim that Iraq should reimburse the United States for costs incurred building Iraqi infrastructure since the 2003 US invasion. "At some point we want to get out, Trump told reporters at a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis today. But this isn't the right point. The other thing is, if we do get out, we've spent a tremendous amount of money on building airports and building one of the largest embassies we have in the world. And we want to be reimbursed to the various costs that we have had. If Iraq kicks out US troops now, "I think it's the worst thing that can happen to Iraq, Trump continued. If we leave that would mean that Iran would have a much bigger foothold, and the people in Iraq do not want to see Iran running the country." The Trump administrations defense of its killing of Soleimani and warning against Iranian retaliation came a day after Pompeo reportedly informed the UN secretary-general that the United States was denying a visa to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who had been due to address a UN forum in New York later this week. Zarif said on Twitter that denying him a visa was a violation of US obligations under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, but indicated he did not mind skipping another trip to the United States. He was seen sitting next to Omans foreign minister at a conference Tehran was hosting today. French President Emmanuel Macron also held an hourlong phone call with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani today. President Macron underscored Frances deep concern at the recent events in Iraq and the region, as well as Frances determination to work toward easing tensions, a readout of the call from the French government said. He called on Iran to refrain from any measure likely to exacerbate the ongoing escalation of tensions. ... He also called on Iran to swiftly return to full compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA. The JCPOA is the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the Iran nuclear deal that Trump withdrew from in 2018. Undersecretary of State David Hale will travel to Brussels later this week to meet with European foreign ministers ahead of a meeting of the 28 EU foreign ministers on Iran, Pompeo also said today. CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rebel Capital 2.0 Corp. ("Rebel" or the "Corporation") (TSXV: RBZ.P) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement dated January 3, 2020 (the Definitive Agreement) with Alzex Biomedical Group Inc. (Alzex), a privately held corporation existing under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the BCBCA), in furtherance of Rebels proposed business combination (the Qualifying Transaction) with Alzex all as previously disclosed in Rebels news release dated September 30, 2019, a copy of which, along with the Definitive Agreement, is available on Rebels company profile at www.sedar.com. Definitive Agreement Pursuant to the terms of the Definitive Agreement, a special-purpose subsidiary of Rebel will amalgamate with Alzex under the BCBCA (the Amalgamation) and Rebel (then, the Resulting Issuer) will carry on the business of Alzex under the name Alzex Biomedical Group Inc.. Immediately prior to the completion of the Amalgamation, Rebel will consolidate all of its issued and outstanding common shares (Rebel Shares) on the basis of one post-consolidation Rebel Share for every two pre-consolidation Rebel Shares. At the effective time of the Amalgamation (the Effective Time), each issued Alzex common share will be cancelled and replaced by one common share in the capital of the Resulting Issuer (a Resulting Issuer Share) and all other outstanding convertible securities of Alzex will become exercisable for Resulting Issuer Shares in accordance with the terms of the Definitive Agreement. Upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction, it is expected that the Resulting Issuer Shares will be composed of the following: 37,925,863 common shares; Shares purchased through the Alzex Financing (as defined in the Definitive Agreement) of up to 10,000,000 Alzex Units (as defined in the Definitive Agreement) at a price of $0.25 per Alzex Unit for gross proceeds of $2,500,000, which shall close prior to the Amalgamation, and in any event, shall close no later than March 31, 2020. Each Alzex Unit will be comprised of one common share and one whole share purchase warrant, each warrant exercisable for one Resulting Issuer Share at a price of $0.50 for a period of 24 months following closing of the Alzex Financing; and, Shares purchased in the Subscription Receipt Offering (as defined in the Definitive Agreement) of at least 8,333,333 units and up to 16,666,666 units at a price of $0.30 per unit for gross proceeds of between $2,500,000 and $5,000,000 whereby each subscription receipt shall be exchangeable into units of the Resulting Issuer. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share and one whole share purchase warrant, each warrant exercisable for one Resulting Issuer Share at a price of $0.60 for a period of 24 months following closing of the Subscription Receipt Offering. Each of a, b and c above shall be completed in accordance with the terms of the Definitive Agreement and are subject to any regulatory, shareholder, director, TSX Venture Exchange (the Exchange) or other approvals that may be required. Trading Halt The Rebel Shares will remain halted from trading and the shares are not expected to resume trading until after completion of the Qualifying Transaction. Officers and Board of Directors of the Resulting Issuer Upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction, all directors and officers of Rebel shall resign and be replaced by nominees of Alzex. The following sets out the names and backgrounds of all persons who are currently expected to be considered directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer: Fabrice Heitzmann Rouen, France - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director Mr. Heitzmann has over 21 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry in France and abroad. His experience includes contract and budget negotiations with customers, drafting product development studies/strategies, and managing clinical studies. He began his career in 1998 as a Chemical Buyer for Synkem SAS manufacturer and supplier of active pharmaceutical ingredients. He then moved to more senior supply chain and procurement roles at Fournier Laboratories Ireland Ltd., Rhone Poulenc Biochimie AS, and Sanofi S.A. In addition to his current role with Alzex, Mr. Heitzmann also serves as the Vice President of Global Resources for Chrysalis Pharma Partners, LLC, a drug development consulting company and Senior Procurement Consultant of BuyingPeers SAS, a procurement and sourcing consulting firm based in Paris. Mr. Heitzmann also serves as general Manager of Clemann Group, a global resources management consulting firm for biotechnology firms and start-ups. He obtained his masters degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology from the University of Burgundy and his doctorate in life sciences from the University of Claude Bernard. Mr. Heitzmanns experience and background in the pharmaceutical industry are beneficial to the Company as he has experience in identifying sourcing and procurement opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, preparing clinical development plans, and managing clinical studies. Scott Davis Vancouver, British Columbia - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mr. Davis is a partner of Cross Davis & Company LLP Chartered Professional Accountants, a firm focused on providing accounting and management services for publicly-listed companies. His experience includes CFO positions of several companies listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange and the Exchange. His past experience consists of senior management positions, including four years at Appleby as an Assistant Financial Controller, two years at Davidson & Company LLP Chartered Professional Accountants as an Auditor and five years with Pacific Opportunity Capital Ltd. as an Accounting Manager. It is anticipated that an additional 2 individuals will be appointed to the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer prior to closing. Further Information Further information in respect of the Qualifying Transaction and the Resulting Issuer will be provided in the filing statement (the Filing Statement) to be prepared in connection with the Qualifying Transaction and filed on Rebels company profile at www.sedar.com . Additional terms of the Qualifying Transaction including consideration payable pursuant to the Qualifying Transaction, information relating to sponsorship (if applicable), summary financial information in respect of Alzex, the controlling shareholders of Alzex, and to the extent not contained in this press release, additional information with respect to the history of Alzex and the proposed directors, officers, and insiders of the Resulting Issuer upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Filing Statement, any information released or received with respect to the Qualifying Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in Rebel Shares should be considered highly speculative. All information contained in this news release with respect to Rebel and Alzex was supplied by the parties respectively for inclusion herein, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party. Completion of the Qualifying Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Qualifying Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Qualifying Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. For further information please contact: Rebel Capital 2.0 Corp.: Charles MaLette, Email: bud@criticalco2.ca Telephone: (604) 428-5171 Charles MaLette, Email: bud@criticalco2.ca Telephone: (604) 428-5171 Alzex Bio Medical Inc.: Fern Turner VP Corporate Communications and Director Email: fern@alzex.ca Cautionary Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the proposal to complete the Qualifying Transaction and associated transactions, including statements regarding the terms and conditions of the Qualifying Transaction, the Alzex Financing, the Subscription Receipt Offering, and the Consolidation and the Name Change. The information about Alzex contained in the press release has not been independently verified by Rebel. Although Rebel believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Rebel can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, the risks that the parties will not proceed with the Qualifying Transaction, the Alzex Financing, the Subscription Receipt Offering, the Consolidation, the Name Change and associated transactions, that the ultimate terms of the Qualifying Transaction, the Alzex Financing, the Subscription Receipt Financing, the Consolidation and the Name Change and associated transactions will differ from those that currently are contemplated, and that the Qualifying Transaction, the Alzex Financing, the Subscription Receipt Offering, the Consolidation, the Name Change and associated transactions will not be successfully completed for any reason (including the failure to obtain the required approvals or clearances from regulatory authorities). The terms and conditions of the Qualifying Transaction may change based on Rebels due diligence (which is going to be limited as Rebel intends largely to rely on the due diligence of other parties of the Qualifying Transaction to contain its costs, among other things) and the receipt of tax, corporate and securities law advice for both Rebel and Alzex. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. Rebel undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of Rebel, Alzex, their securities, or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable). Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) has in any way passed upon the merits of the Qualifying Transaction and associated transactions and neither of the foregoing entities has in any way approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The common shares have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The British boss of McDonald's who was sacked over an affair with an employee is being accused of overseeing a 'ruthless purge' of African-American staff. Steve Easterbrook, 53, has been named in a lawsuit filed by senior executives Vicki Guster-Hines and Domineca Neal in Dallas, which alleges the fast food chain discriminated against African-American customers and staff. The lawsuit, filed in Illinois, claims McDonald's practised 'systematic but covert' racial discrimination. Sacked McDonald's boss Steve Easterbrook, 53, has been named in a lawsuit which alleges the fast food chain discriminated against African-American customers and staff But it claims the climate was especially hostile when Easterbrook took over in 2015, before being ousted in November with up to 40million in pay and share awards. It says black executives routinely missed out on promotion. Under Easterbrook, they say the firm 'conducted a ruthless purge' of senior African-Americans. McDonald's said: 'We disagree with characterisations in the complaint.' It said people of colour accounted for 45 per cent of its corporate officers and all US 'field vice-presidents'. Fugitive auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn on Wednesday accused Nissan and Japanese prosecutors of plotting against him as he staged an impassioned defence at his first public appearance since fleeing the country. In a combative news conference in Beirut, the former Renault-Nissan boss -- one of the world's most high-profile corporate executives -- slammed the financial misconduct charges he faced in Japan as "baseless". Late on Wednesday, a Lebanese prosecutor summoned Ghosn for questioning on Thursday, principally on the basis of an Interpol "red notice". Ghosn would also be asked to respond to a report submitted by Lebanese lawyers detailing his travel to neighbouring Israel as head of Renault-Nissan, the National News Agency said. Lebanon is still technically at war with Israel. "The collusion between Nissan and prosecutors is everywhere," Ghosn told a large crowd of journalists at an appearance that lasted more than two hours during which he fielded questions in English, French, Arabic and Portuguese. "There was no way I was going to be treated fairly ... this was not about justice. I felt I was a hostage of the country that I have served for 17 years," he said. Ghosn accused prosecutors and Nissan, one of Japan's biggest carmakers, of "systematic leaking of false information" and "intentional withholding" of important facts related to the case. That meant he was "presumed guilty before the eyes of the world and subject to a system whose only objective is to coerce confessions, secure guilty pleas," he added. - 'Totally unacceptable' - Japanese prosecutors quickly hit back, slamming Ghosn's claims as "categorically false". "Ghosn's allegations completely ignore his own conduct, and his one-sided criticism of the Japanese justice system is totally unacceptable," the Tokyo prosecutor's office said in a statement. The car magnate -- for years venerated in Japan for turning around once-ailing Nissan -- fled while awaiting trial on charges including allegedly under-reporting his compensation to the tune of $85 million. Ghosn said he had "no choice" but to jump bail, adding he was told by his lawyers he would have to wait five years for a verdict. He said he had been "ripped" from friends and family when detained. In a comment that risked causing further upset in Japan, he suggested his arrest had been as unexpected as the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour in 1941. "I didn't suspect anything ... Did you see Pearl Harbour happening?" - Japanese outrage - The 65-year-old businessman's shock arrival in his native Lebanon last month was the latest twist in a story worthy of a Hollywood plot. Ghosn's bail jump prompted outrage from the Japanese government, which has called his escape "unjustifiable", as well as from Nissan which labelled the getaway "extremely regrettable". Many were hoping Ghosn would disclose details of his audacious flight from Japan to Beirut via Istanbul. But Ghosn told reporters he was "not here to talk" about how he fled Japan. According to Japanese media, Ghosn slipped out of his house in Tokyo, boarded a bullet train to Osaka and then a private jet to Istanbul, evading customs by hiding in a box, before reaching Beirut on December 30. Giving credence to that dramatic account, police in Istanbul released a photograph on Wednesday of a box in which Ghosn allegedly concealed himself. Ghosn argues the charges against him stem from a "coup" inside Nissan by disgruntled executives and Japanese officials who feared his plans to more closely integrate the car giant with its alliance partner, French firm Renault. Asked how high the alleged conspiracy went, Ghosn said he did not believe Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was involved. Nissan has continued to insist it has "incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn". But the fallen tycoon sought to portray himself as an innocent victim of an ungrateful company that he helped to prosper. He said that Nissan's stock market value had fallen by $40 million a day since his arrest, while that of Renault had slumped by 20 million euros daily. In one declaration that raised eyebrows, he denied having quit as chief executive of Renault, contradicting an announcement that came from France's economy minister in January 2019. "They said that I resigned from Renault. It's wrong," Ghosn said. - 'Profound hopelessness' - Ghosn's high-profile arrest and his long detention -- 130 days in total -- under severe conditions were widely considered draconian compared with the West. He said he was held in solitary confinement in a "tiny cell" that was "light day and night". "The feeling of hopelessness was profound," he said, denouncing a Japanese justice system that he said "was designed to break my spirit". In contrast, "Lebanese authorities never lost their faith. For a small country they have a big soul," he said. Japanese prosecutors are also seeking to arrest Ghosn's wife Carole, alleging she "made false statements" during April testimony to the Tokyo district court. As Japan grapples with the fallout from the embarrassing security lapse, prosecutors on Wednesday attempted to raid the offices of one of Ghosn's lawyers, Junichiro Hironaka, to seize computers. However, the lawyers refused them access, citing "attorney-client confidentiality". Lebanon, which has no extradition agreement with Japan, has said Ghosn entered the country legally in possession of a French passport and a Lebanese identification card. The tycoon holds Brazilian, French and Lebanese nationalities. burs/tgg/jmm/ah/ho/dwo BRISTOL, England Three hundred candles reflecting off gold walls cast a rich, hazy glow upon the dancers, who squealed with excitement as they changed partners in a boisterous round. To the side, a beautiful young woman locked eyes with a tall, handsome man. But before he could approach her, another suitor stepped in and asked, May I have the pleasure? As she extended her hand, he walked into a tall light, ruining the take and sending the cast into hysterics. I dont think Jane Austen wrote it like that, a cameraman said. In fact, although the balls, courtship, love and obstacles will feel familiar to Janeites the world over, there isnt much of Sanditon, a new eight-part Austen adaptation arriving Sunday on PBSs Masterpiece, that was taken directly from the authors writings. Sanditon, which was filmed here last June and premiered in Britain in August, is based on Austens final, unfinished work, a book relatively unknown even to fans of her six much-filmed completed novels. Austen had written only 11 chapters of Sanditon and had begun a 12th when, suffering from an unspecified illness, she stopped writing on March 18, 1817. Four months later, she died at age 41, and it was only in 1925 that the story was published in its partial form. The message is loud and clear: Assam is soon going to have a new political outfit born out of the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act movement The message is loud and clear: Assam is soon going to have a new political outfit born out of the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act movement. Although the leadership of the All Assam Students Union (AASU) which is leading the movement is maintaining a studied silence on the development, there is enough indication to believe that the new political party will be helmed by it. "We are an apolitical organisation. Look at our history and you will know that AASU has never aligned with any political party. We will maintain non-alliance in the years to come. But it is true that there is a buzz among the people that there is a need for a political party to deal with the concerns of the indigenous people in Assam as all the political parties have failed to implement the Assam Accord," said Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya, advisor to AASU, on the sidelines of a press conference in Delhi. Sources in the anti-CAA movement leadership said on condition of anonymity that a new political party is most likely to emerge in Assam at an opportune moment before the Assembly polls that are slated for the early part of next year. "If we cannot give an alternative to the people of Assam, they will not forgive us this time around," added the source, noting that while there was an anti-Citizenship Amendment Bill movement just before the Lok Sabha polls last year, there was no alternative given to the people, on account of which the BJP won nine out of 14 Lok Sabha segments in the state. "There were only two main options for the people the BJP-led alliance and the Congress. Since the Congress is seen as the creator of the problem of illegal immigration, it was not seen as an option. The only option left was the BJP a situation the party exploited," said the source. Significantly, just before the Lok Sabha polls, the CAB was passed in the Lok Sabha, but the government refrained from tabling it in the Rajya Sabha amidst massive protests in the North East. In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had promised that the government would rework the bill to make it favourable to the region. But when the bill was finally passed in both the Houses on 12 December last year, the people of Assam found it unacceptable as their main contention against the law was still not resolved. "The BJP came to power in the 2016 Assembly polls by promising to implement the Assam Accord in letter and spirit. Nowhere did the party mention that it is going to grant citizenship to new illegal migrants. But now, the government is hell-bent on defying the Assam Accord by granting citizenship to illegal immigrants through the CAA," Bhattacharya said. He also said that the victory of the BJP in Assam in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls should not be seen as people's support for the CAA. "The 2019 Lok Sabha was not a referendum, because the AASU was not in the fray," he added. Mass violence broke out after the bill was passed in both Houses and mayhem ruled the state for two consecutive days amidst spontaneous protests. "Since the third day of the protests, AASU took charge of the movement from the mob and ensured that it continued in a peaceful manner. To prevent further unrest, demonstrations during the night were avoided. Now Assam is continuing a peaceful protest in a Gandhian way where men, women, government officials and people from different faiths have participated," he added. It's worth noting that Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and a host of other leaders including Himanta Biswa Sarma were once all leaders in the AASU. The student body's tryst with politics began in 1985 after the signing of the Assam Accord that marked the culmination of a six-year-long anti-immigration movement. Asom Gana Parishad, the political party that was formed by the leaders of the movement, has also been seen as a failure in implementing the Assam Accord. Any new political party formed now will have to take on the might of all the political parties that ruled Assam after 1985. In the past 34 years, the Congress, Asom Gana Parishad and BJP ruled Assam leading to the drying-up of options for people of the state in their bid to implement the Assam Accord. The passage of the CAA has now ploughed a fertile political field for the AASU to reap the fruit of the disgruntlement of people against most political parties. "The Congress ruled the state for a pretty long period. The Asom Gana Parishad ruled for 10 years. People elected the BJP,which was led by former AASU leader Sonowal in 2016, with the same hope. But instead of solving the problem, he supported the bill proving himself to be a traitor," said Bhattacharya, alleging that the state government has been using repressive measures to dominate the movement, by killing peaceful agitators and imposing irrelevant sections of the Indian Penal Code on activists. The Assam Accord sets the deadline of 25 March, 1971 for Assam to determine who is an illegal immigrant. "The accord was a national commitment to detect and deport anyone who entered Assam illegally. There is no special provisions for Hindus or Muslims. But the CAA extends the deadline to Hindu, Christian, Parsi, Budhhist and Jain immigrants up to 31 December, 2014. Assam will not accept any more Bangladeshis of any religion anymore," he asserted. Significantly, although the anti-CAA movement has created a whirlwind in Assamese society, the anti-BJP emotion is yet to seep deeper into society. "The home minister has recently said that the government will not take a step back on the issue of the CAA. Than we would also like to say that the peaceful movement will continue in Assam till the bill is scrapped," Bhattacharya added. He also stated that all daily activities will continue in Assam along with the movement. "We assure that the Khelo India Youth Games will also face no hindrance due to the movement. But if the Prime Minister of India visits Assam, we will protest in a democratic manner," he said. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued on Jan. 7 an emergency flight restrictions for the airspace over Iran, Iraq, as well as the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, that prohibit U.S. civil aircraft from flying over these areas due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East. #FAA Statement: #NOTAMs issued outlining flight restrictions that prohibit U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. pic.twitter.com/kJEbpPddp3 The FAA (@FAANews) January 8, 2020 Commercial airlines canceled their flights to Iran and Iraq on Wednesday and re-routed other flights to bypass the restricted airspace. Non-U.S. operators are not bound by the FAA decision, but they and other regulators consider its advice carefully when determining where to fly. Later on Wednesday, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recommended to national aviation authorities that European carriers avoid Iraqi airspace. A Lufthansa Airbus A320 takes off at the aircraft builders headquarters in Colomiers near Toulouse, France, on Sept. 27, 2019. (Regis Duvignau/Reuters) Germanys Lufthansa and airline carriers based in Dubai canceled their flights on Wednesday. Lufthansa plans to resume its services to Tehran on Thursday but overflights will continue to be re-routed. The German civil aviation authority has issued a warning regarding certain routes above Iraq, prohibiting them from flying below 26,000 feet altitude, according to Simple Flying. It advised the civil airlines to to take potential risk into account in their routing decisions. The FAA had already prohibited U.S. carriers from Iranian airspace and from flying below 26,000 feet over Iraq, after Iran shot down a high-altitude U.S. drone last June. British Airways re-routed a small portion of their flights, Air FranceKLM said that it would suspend their flights through Iranian and Iraqi airspace. Virgin Atlantic and some Asian and European carriers also re-routed their flights. The Russian aviation agency, issued an official recommendation for all Russian airlines to avoid flying over Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman due to existing risks for the safety of international civil flights. The airspace over Iran and Iraq is normally extremely busy and some carriers have already avoided the region due other geopolitical problems, like flight ban over Eastern Ukraine and Russian occupied Crimea, reported Independent. Passengers wait in line to check-in at the departure hall at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi, India, on Nov. 5, 2014. (Prakash Singh/AFP/Getty Images) Indias Directorate General of Civil Aviation advised Indian commercial carriers to avoid Iranian, Iraqi and Persian Gulf airspace, following the flight restrictions issued by the U.S. FAA. Spokesman of Air India Dhananjay Kumaran airline that carries the maximum flights between India and the westsaid, The safety of our passengers and crew members comes first, reported Times of India. The airline made a decision to re-route the flights overflying the restricted airspace which may cause 20 to 40 minutes delay for flights depending on the destination, said Kumar. The Indian government also issued a travel advisory to citizens asking them to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq, due to the situation in this country, according to Times of India. Iran launched more than a dozen missiles on Tuesday at two or more Iraqi bases housing U.S. and other coalition troops late on Tuesday after an American drone strike killed Soleimani, a top Revolutionary Guards commander, last week in Baghdad. Reuters, The Associated Press, and The Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips contributed to this report. Iran's fifth step in suspending nuclear commitments will not mean end to JCPOA: Araqchi Iran Press TV Tuesday, 07 January 2020 5:37 PM A senior Iranian official says the country's decision to take the fifth and final step in reducing its commitments under a landmark nuclear deal it clinched with major world powers in 2015 does not mean an end to the accord or Tehran's withdrawal from it. Speaking to reporters in Tehran on Tuesday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi said the last step means that "we have reached a reasonable balance" in the nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "The US withdrawal from the JCPOA disrupted the balance of this international accord and now we think that we have reached a reasonable balance in the JCPOA after scaling back the nuclear commitments," he added. The Iranian government announced in a statement on Sunday that from now on, the country will observe no operational limitations on its nuclear industry, including with regard to the capacity and level of uranium enrichment, the amount of enriched materials as well as research and development. "By taking the fifth step in reducing its commitment, the Islamic Republic of Iran eliminates the last key operational restriction it faced under the JCPOA, which is the limitation imposed on the number of centrifuges," it said. Araqchi, who is also a senior nuclear negotiator, further said the amount of enrichment would depend on the agenda of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and the country's requirements. He reiterated that the Islamic Republic would continue to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and said, "We are ready to come back to the previous process whenever the opposite sides [of the nuclear deal] will be able to meet our demands and fulfill their commitments under the JCPOA." "It is possible to save the JCPOA if the opposite sides want," the Iranian diplomat added. In response to a question about the possibility of Europe triggering the JCPOA's "dispute resolution mechanism," also known as the trigger mechanism, whose activation can lead to the return of the UN sanctions on Iran, Araqchi said it only would accelerate the termination of the deal. "As Iran acted wisely after the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, the other sides are also expected to behave prudently and refrain from escalating tensions," he added. US President Donald Trump, a stern critic of the historic deal, unilaterally pulled Washington out of the JCPOA in May 2018, and unleashed the "toughest ever" sanctions against the Islamic Republic in defiance of global criticism in an attempt to strangle the Iranian oil trade. In response to the US unilateral move, Tehran has so far rowed back on its nuclear commitments four times in compliance with Articles 26 and 36 of the JCPOA, but stressed that its retaliatory measures will be reversible as soon as Europe finds practical ways to shield the mutual trade from the US sanctions. Iran's latest nuclear announcement coincided with a major escalation of tensions with Washington after the US assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), in a drone strike in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad early on Friday. Iran has criticized the three European signatories to the JCPOA -- Britain, France and Germany -- for failing to salvage the pact by shielding Tehran's economy from US sanctions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address And on it went 166 killings last year, including 12 children, and at least as many more shot and wounded, according to D.C. police. But dont be misled by those annual homicide counts. Violence has a cumulative effect. A 10-year-old child growing up in the citys most troubled neighborhoods has a decade of gun violence impacting his or her life murdered and wounded friends, classmates, neighbors, relatives and strangers alike. Jack Smyth (24) farms cattle near Newtownstewart with his parents Stephen and Susan and his girlfriend Emma (23), who works in a bridal shop. He's renowned in the farming world for producing great commercial cattle and spent time in Scotland training with some of the best producers. "I've farmed since I was knee-high - I'm still farming and working part-time as a freelance stockman," Jack says. "I would do a day or two a week working with other men, working with cattle and sheep, and the rest of the time working on our home farm." The family owns a beef and sheep farm, producing both commercial and pedigree beef. "My grandfather was a dealer and he would always have brought on commercial cattle, but it was my father who first started to breed the odd one and I've taken that to the next stage," Jack says. "I have a few purebred Charolais and Aberdeen Angus and some are kept for breeding bulls to sell to farmers. "We finish around 200 commercial cattle a year and we have 30 or 40 pedigree cattle. Our farm is around 100 acres between owned and rented ground." Jack met his girlfriend Emma at school and she helps out on the farm on her days off. "Her grandparents were farmers," Jack says. "When she is off, we meet up and get a bit more done. She would do mainly sheep work. "The two of us have started a pedigree Suffolk flock together - it was Emma who wanted the Suffolks. Expand Close With girlfriend Emma / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp With girlfriend Emma "I had them when I was 10 or 11 but it didn't work out - maybe I was too young at the time. But it was her sheep of choice and I said 'I will give them a go' and it's gone quite well. She helps out too whenever we go to agricultural shows. "The biggest challenge on the pedigree side is trying to produce prize-winners the whole time and trying to get the most for the stock as possible. It's almost trying to breed cattle without a fault. "On the beef side, things are getting trickier and the margins are getting smaller, so it's trying to make that work, especially at the current time when beef prices are slipping. Getting everything to add up to leave something at the end is getting difficult. "But I can't see myself doing anything else. When you know nothing else, it's maybe hard enough." Valentine Hodges (60) is a former human resources and recruitment executive who took up beekeeping after reading an article in a magazine at an airport. She and her husband Chris now keep more than 100 hives across the Ards Peninsula and train Northern Irelands Young Beekeeping Team which competes internationally. Expand Close New career: Valentine now has over 100 hives Stephen Hamilton / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp New career: Valentine now has over 100 hives Ive lived on the Ards Peninsula all my life, Valentine says. I love it here its Gods own country. Ive done many jobs in my time but I never ever thought I would become a beekeeper. Valentine says she loved her job as a director in a recruitment agency, working with branches across the UK and Ireland, but after 15 years was finding the amount of travel wearying. I was getting up on Monday morning and travelling on the red eye and not returning until Friday it really got to me. One week I took six flights and two of them were delayed, she says. I was sitting in Gatwick airport on a Friday night and I thought there must be something better than this, and I picked up a magazine and read an article about the demise of the honeybee. It was a big thing at the time about colony collapse disorder. She and Chris embarked on a beginners course together, acquired a couple of hives and really enjoyed it. But she became increasingly aware of the threats from imported bees and the spread of the varroa mite, and then began reading up on the native black bee, which had almost gone extinct in Ireland 10 years ago. The pair decided to set up Loughshore Apiary in 2004 with the aim of helping to develop a haven for the black bee, which is better able to withstand the harsh winters here. We got in touch with the National Trust and Mount Stewart helped us they were very supportive of what we are trying to do, Valentine says. We have hives at Mouth Stewart and a breeding programme there as well. We have hives at Rosemount in Greyabbey and also at Ballywalter Estate Lord Dunleath is very supportive. Our dream is to have a conservation area on the Ards Peninsula because were surrounded by water. Bees dont like to fly over large bodies of water, so it would be ideal for a conservation area. From starting with a couple of hives, the couple now care for more than 100. We teach beginner beekeeping and intermediate beekeeping and we also have bees in Hydebank, in the prison. Were also helping with the international young beekeepers, Valentine says. We have a stall in St Georges Market and we sell online and theres a lovely shop in Newtownards, Cafollas, who have been very supportive in putting our products out theyre natural skin products made from beeswax and honey. Ironically, Valentine is allergic to bee stings and has to carry two Epipens at all times. I have to go to the Royal once a month for bee venom therapy, she says. Rare Breeds takes the viewer through the beekeeping year, from treating the hives in January to extracting honey, making the products and selling them at the Christmas market. We tend to take our holidays in the wintertime when the bees arent as active, Valentine says. I just think they are fantastic little creatures so humble, yet they always have a back-up, they always have a plan B. I reckon every farmer should have one or two hives on their land. There is a lot we can learn from bees. The business, Vees Bees, is also offering experience days to supplement the income. Theyre for people who want to experience what its like in the world of beekeeping for a day, Valentine says. We offer half days for people who want to find out if it is something they could do. We take them out and show them the biology and they get to meet the queen! Black bees remain under threat due to the lack of forage and the spread of varroa mites, Valentine says. We used to have hayfields with flowers in them, but there are no wildflowers in todays silage crops. We need to really think about this for the future we need our insects whether we like it or not. Robbie Neill (38) is a firefighter and smallholder who raises pedigree pigs outside Crossgar. He is married to Louise and they have three children, Angus (4), Connie (20 months) and James (8 months). Ive grown up on the family farm along with my two brothers and my parents. My father passed away about four years ago and my younger brother and myself took up the mantle, Robbie says. My brother and myself are now farming in partnership hes on the cattle side of things and I have a smallholding which is rare breed pigs and a small flock of pedigree sheep and chickens as well. Robbie estimates that he now keeps around 60 Oxford Sandy and Black pigs. I started off when I got one sow as a novelty for a bit of crack, and its kind of really snowballed from that, he says. I feed them on brewers grain from a brewery called Farmageddon Brewery, whey from Mikes Fancy Cheese and raw vegetables from the local vegetable farmers, as well as some mineral meal. All of a sudden it kind of transformed into an artisan way of farming it was rare breed pork and it was slow grown and the pigs live outdoors and a few people started to take notice. Expand Close Pig farmer Robbie Neil / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pig farmer Robbie Neil The farm now supplies Ispini Charcuterie, Indie Fude in Comber and No 14 At The Georgian House Restaurant in Comber. We also own a wee mini farm shop at home where we sell our own lamb and all the different pork cuts as well, he says. Well be selling our own beef in the New Year, he adds. In his day job, Robbie is a Belfast-based firefighter who is part of the Specialist Rescue Team, dealing with everything from water rescues, to collapsing buildings and farm-related incidents. Its usually things that are that wee bit different usually something that is out of the box and backing up local crews, he explains. We just have different equipment on a different machine and rather than staying in the city, we are province-wide. I love my job. I do an eight-day shift pattern two days and two nights before having four days off. It gives me a bit of extra time with my family and it means Im not on the farm 24/7 I can get away from it and get a bit of adult conversation. Robbie says the pedigree pig herd is a bit different from what his farming friends are doing. The guys I run about with are all traditional beef and sheep guys and this is a bit different as well, he explains. Expand Close Rare breed pig farmer Robbie Neil pictured at his farm in Crossgar with son Angus. Credit - Stephen Hamilton Stephen Hamilton / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Rare breed pig farmer Robbie Neil pictured at his farm in Crossgar with son Angus. Credit - Stephen Hamilton Between my brother and me, we didnt have the ground to be running a serious beef herd so it was something I could do to get into a niche market and keep the numbers small, he says. A lot of my mates thought I was a buck eejit in the early days but theyre starting to take note now! The documentary follows day-to-day life with the pigs, their feeding regime and putting them out to pasture. Its the day-to-day routine of my feeding and keeping the pigs and following them right through their year and going off to the butchers, Robbie says. Because of their ages, the only one of the children who would be really involved is Angus. Hes down at the farm right and often hed always be pushing his way through the younger piglets. Im not sure whether he gets the whole thing of pigs being reared and going right through to slaughter. But he does see them from day one and sees them vacuum packed and going out for delivery. Its educating him its about how the whole thing works as well. The eighth season of Rare Breed A Farming Year begins on Thursday night on UTV at 8.30pm, following 10 Northern Ireland families who are steeped in farming and industry tech2 News Staff It was earlier reported that Foxconn had called off its plans of building more manufacturing units in the state of Maharashtra. However, a new report says that the Taiwanese electronics firm hasnt cancelled the deal. The previous reports stated that Maharashtras minister for industries Subhash Desai said, There is no chance of Foxconn exercising its commitment for investment in the state, as it is facing some problems related to its business. He mentioned that the company had an "internal dispute" with Apple, one of its largest clients, owing to which it was cancelling the deal. However, Foxconn has now denied the reports with a statement from its parent company Hon Hai. It also stated that the claim of an internal dispute with one of its major clients was also inaccurate. In the report by Focus Taiwan, Hon Hai said that it will establish 10-12 facilities in India this year. Back in 2015, Foxconn had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra state government for an investment of $5 billion (Rs 35,000 crore) over five years. The firm had planned to set up a manufacturing plant near Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Navi Mumbai. It also planned to buy 44 acres of land in the same areas special economic zone (SEZ). According to Hon Hais statement, the groups production in India is going on smoothly. When most people think of India, their minds turn to the Taj Mahal, the bustling streets of Delhi, or its colourful spices and celebrations. Its not so often that you hear about the southwestern state of Kerala or its pioneering use of blockchain in India. Blockchain in India grows despite anti-crypto stance Just last month, the Reserve Bank of India maintained its hardline stance on not allowing privately owned cryptocurrencies in India. However, that doesnt mean that blockchain in India is equally at arms length. In fact, its implementation is growing at a rapid pace. According to the countrys Economic Times, Kerala looks set to become the first state to successfully implement blockchain in India. Apparently, the state wants to utilise this new technology to strengthen its human resources and financial sectors. State officials aim to do this through a series of pilot government schemes. These will introduce qualified talent in the blockchain space. The electronics and IT secretary for the state of Kerala, M Sivasankar, explained: We are looking for intelligent use of blockchain in specific domains in the next five years so that its applications can be sustained. Companies that produce solutions based on the technology can sell it as products or services. Sivasankar foresees Kerala as a talent hub for blockchain experts in India. Kerala has been fostering blockchain talent since 2017 Despite the ban on buying or selling cryptocurrencies in India that came at the height of the ICO mania, the state of Kerala has been fostering blockchain talent since 2017 through the Kerala Blockchain Academy. The idea of this government initiative is to train as many as 20,000 people in blockchain development. Sivasankar told the Economic Times, Around 2,000 of them have gone for the next level in the blockchain developer programme and 800 have graduated. Kerala may not be as well known as some of Indias other regions, but its serious about being a pioneer for blockchain in the country. Its population of 35 million can greatly benefit from blockchain technology to streamline its growing financial sector. Story continues This includes traditional banks, microfinancing businesses, and the significant remittance industry that was estimated to represent some 35% of the states income in 2017. Other blockchain initiatives in India Blockchains properties of transparency, traceability, and immutability make the technology extremely attractive in a highly populated country like India that suffers from corruption at all levels. Several companies are already experimenting with blockchain in India to bring transparency to elections. There are also many ways in which the supply chain can be improved, and solar energy can bring electricity to the 200 million people who still live without it. If Keralas pilot projects work out well, it could set a precedent for the rest of the country and other developing countries to follow. The post Southwestern state of Kerala a pioneer for blockchain in India appeared first on Coin Rivet. Texas hospital ordered to keep 11-month-old Tinslee Lewis on life support: 'This is a prayer answered' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Texas appeals court has agreed to delay a judges ruling that would have allowed a hospital to end life-sustaining treatment for an 11-month-old girl despite her mothers objections. On Friday, the Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth ordered Cook Children's Medical Center to not remove Tinslee Lewis from life support until it makes a final ruling in the case, according to Texas Right to Life, the pro-life group advocating for Tinslee. The order was handed down just one day after a judge denied the extension of a restraining order keeping the baby on life support. Born premature, Tinslee has a rare, incurable heart defect and relies on a feeding tube. Since July, she's also been on a ventilator machine that helps her breathe due to a chronic lung disease. According to doctors, the little girl is in pain and will not get better. Kimberlyn Schwartz, a spokeswoman for Texas Right to Life, said her organization was grateful and relieved the appeals court had granted the emergency stay, adding the action would give her group more time to contact doctors and hospitals who could treat Tinslee. This gives us so much hope for Tinslee, Schwartz said. This is a prayer answered. Doctors at the Fort Worth hospital had planned to remove Tinslee from life support on Nov. 10 after invoking Texas "10-day rule." The rule, which can be employed when a family disagrees with doctors who say life-sustaining treatment should be stopped, stipulates treatment can be withdrawn after 10 days if a new provider cant be found to take the patient. In a statement, hospital officials said they had reached out to more than 20, well-respected healthcare facilities and specialists over the course of several months, but all agreed that further care is futile. With the support of Texas Right to Life, Tinslees mother, Trinity Lewis, had fought to keep her daughter on life support. Texas Right to Life opposes the 10-day rule, arguing it allows hospitals to make decisions that strip away patients rights to life and due process against their familys wishes, a grave injustice is committed. I want to be able to make that decision for her, Trinity said. Shes made it this far. I know shes going to continue to fight for her life. Ahead of Fridays ruling, state Attorney General Ken Paxton, Gov. Greg Abbott and the states solicitor general sent a letter to the appeals court, asking it to delay the judges order. This case presents a life-or-death decision, said Paxton. The right-to-life and the guarantee of due process are of the utmost importance not only to baby Tinslee and her family, but to all Texans. I will continue to fight for Tinslee and my office will continue to use all necessary resources to ensure that she will not be deprived of her right to live. The date of the appeal is not yet set. The same Second Court of Appeals will hear Tinslees appeal. Tinslees case echoes the debate over Charlie Gard, a terminally ill British infant who died in 2017 amid debate over whether he should remain on a ventilator. The case garnered global attention because of the implications it had for the rights of parents to determine the best course of medical care for their children. Iran launched an attack against Iraqi bases housing American troops with over a dozen ballistic missiles tonight, the Pentagon said, in a significant escalation of long-simmering tensions after a US drone strike killed an Iranian military leader last week. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Asad and Irbil [Erbil], Chief Pentagon Spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region. The bases had already been on high alert due to indications of a planned Iranian attack, Hoffman said, but the Pentagon did not immediately have assessments of damage or casualties from the attack, which was launched from inside Iran. A US defense official told Al-Monitor that Al-Asad, which houses a significant contingent of counter-Islamic State coalition troops was hit with at least six rockets during an ongoing attack. CNN later reported that 10 projectiles had hit the base. The strikes, which the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for, came just hours after top Donald Trump administration officials called on Iran to de-escalate tensions in the region that continue to increase after an American drone strike killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani last week. The base holds particular significance, since President Trump visited the installation in December 2018 in his first trip to see American troops overseas as commander in chief. Trump later caused controversy in March by stating in a TV interview that the US could leave troops in Iraq to watch Iran after the campaign to defeat IS ended, prompting calls in Iraqs parliament for the United States to withdraw. Vice President Mike Pence has also traveled to the base. The United States has previously suspected Iran-backed attacks, such as the Dec. 27 strike that American officials pinned on Kataib Hezbollah, had used short-range Katyusha rockets. In recent days, mortar fire had also landed near US installations and in Baghdads secure Green Zone. Earlier today, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he hoped Iran would de-escalate tensions after the strike that killed Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Quds Force. But the Pentagon chief said the United States expected Iran to retaliate for the attack, which Tehran deemed an act of terror. I think we should expect that they would retaliate through some way, shape or form, Esper said. "What happens next depends on them." This time last year, Julia Mulligan came to a tough decision. She chose to reveal to her friends and family that 36 years earlier, when she was a 15-year-old schoolgirl living on a hill farm in a remote North Yorkshire village, she had been raped. 'I'd spent years pretending the assault didn't happen,' she says. 'I boxed it off in my brain. But eventually there came a time when I thought, "No more".' This wasn't a simple need to share her pain. As the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, Julia, 52, the mother of two daughters aged 19 and 17, spent a lot of time with rape victims. 'When you're sitting with someone who's confiding in you what happened to them, it feels fraudulent not to be able to genuinely empathise with them to say "I've been there",' she says. 'Because only someone who has been through something like this can truly understand the impact it has on you.' Julia Mulligan (pictured), 52, chose to reveal that when she was a 15-year-old schoolgirl living on a hill farm in a remote North Yorkshire village, she had been raped A Yorkshirewoman through and through, Julia is the stiff-upper-lip type. Rather than dwelling on bad times, she tried to dredge something positive from her ordeal: 'An experience like this affects people in different ways and I'm a bit of a fighter, so my reaction was to use what happened to me to really try to help other victims.' Julia's very personal crusade has had an astonishing effect on North Yorkshire police's success in convicting rapists. Last year, only 3 per cent of reported rapes nationwide led to a successful conviction. In North Yorkshire the figure is 14.2 per cent, the highest in the country. 'It's still quite a low percentage,' Julia says, sitting in her Harrogate offices. 'And I still have concerns, largely because you wonder if the cases that go forward are those easiest to prosecute. But there has been a huge amount of work done.' Rape is a notoriously tricky crime to prosecute because it relies heavily on one person's word against another's, with cases often falling through because of flimsy evidence. So during her eight years in office, one of Julia's key achievements has been to ensure the investigation process is filled with 'checks and balances to make sure the prosecution is as watertight as it can be'. As the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, Julia, 52, the mother of two daughters aged 19 and 17, spent a lot of time with rape victims She has also worked hard to improve support for rape victims which is often badly lacking. The difficulties inherent in rape trials have been highlighted by the recent case of the British teenager given a four-month suspended sentence in Cyprus for allegedly making false accusations of gang rape. The 19-year-old, whose ambition is to become a police officer, originally claimed she had been raped by 12 Israeli youths while on holiday in Ayia Napa. But the court was told that she only retracted her claim after being questioned for seven hours by Cypriot police with no lawyer present and while suffering from panic attacks related to the assault. Many women have endured similar situations, with research showing that in the UK as many as half of all rape victims withdraw allegations because of the trauma and length of the investigation process. So to reassure them, Julia has also expanded hugely the support available, increasing the number of advisers for victims of domestic and sexual abuse from four to 14. They travel all over the county the largest in the UK to offer advice and emotional support. Julia has also made it much easier for victims to access these services. 'Before, support was only offered at certain points of the process rather than when the victim was ready, which often isn't in the immediate aftermath of what has happened but a few weeks down the line, once they have digested the impact.' Julia's very personal crusade has had an astonishing effect on North Yorkshire police's success in convicting rapists If such support not to mention the counselling now provided had been available in the 1980s to schoolgirl Julia, the daughter of a businessman father and a farmer mother, she might have realised she could have reported her rapist. 'In those days, that wouldn't have crossed my mind,' she says. 'I just wouldn't have known where to start. I didn't think I could do anything.' Few people then would have taken the complaints of a teenage girl seriously, Julia says. 'The man who did this just thought he was entitled, and I was growing up in a society where everyone accepted that attitude. I know I would have been blamed for what happened. 'The community I grew up in was very rural and close-knit, everyone knows everybody's business and the stigma and the shame would have been magnified.' Clearly uneasy discussing the rape, Julia won't give specific details about the circumstances. Even though times have changed, she is still not sure whether she would report it if it happened to her as a teenager today, and understands why many young women might still feel the same way. 'But even if they don't want to report it, I hope they'd seek support.' She shudders at the idea of asking the police to investigate her rape. 'How do you prove something like that after so many years?' she sighs. 'I'm sure there are things that would help track him down, but as is always the case with rape it's just one word against another.' Sadly, Julia still blames herself for what happened. 'Of course I do,' she says with a shrug. 'You run through the circumstances a million times in your head. 'I know rationally that the blame lies squarely with the perpetrator, but it's not how you feel as a victim. You can't stop asking yourself, "Well, if I hadn't done X, Y or Z this wouldn't have happened." I've spoken to lots of women who feel the same way.' Julia confided in nobody about her rape, and as soon as she finished her A-levels ('I don't think it did my academic studies much good') she left home to go travelling alone around the world. 'I needed to escape, I just wanted to go.' For years afterwards, she says, 'I just buried it all.' After returning to the UK, she went on to run her own business, which involved advising the public sector. But 11 years ago, an encounter sparked off many suppressed emotions and made her decide to stand as a Conservative candidate for the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). 'I was commissioned to do some research for the NHS and it was arranged for me to meet some women who were described to me by the people I was working with as 'street prostitutes'. 'When I walked into the room they were just girls children aged 12, 13, 14, 15 years old. 'They told me what was happening to them and in hindsight it was clear they were being groomed by men, like the young girls in Rochdale and Oxford, trafficked between certain houses. 'They had done nothing wrong, they had just been exploited. In different circumstances it could have been me, or any of us.' But when Julia reported her concerns, she was brushed off. 'I got the reaction typical of the times when girls weren't seen as victims, they were blamed for what they'd done. 'Their problems weren't understood at all. So as soon as the PCC role came up, I thought "OK, here is a chance to give those people a voice".' As soon as she was elected, Julia highlighted the problem seen nationwide of young teenage girls binge-drinking until they lost control, leaving them open to exploitation. Since then she has also criticised any aspect of policing that might make women think they had 'led on' their attackers. Last year she launched a rare attack on the Crown Prosecution Service for its policy of demanding rape victims hand over their mobile phones something she and other police chiefs described as a 'digital strip search' because information gleaned might be used to paint the victim in a derogatory light, even if it was irrelevant to the case in hand. Julia's attack on the CPS came just after she went public about her rape something she began thinking about doing two years ago. She felt encouraged by the #MeToo movement, when many prominent women, including MP Jess Phillips, revealed how they had been victims of assault in the past: '#MeToo inspired me because these other women in public life were saying something,' she says. 'But in the end I waited another year to talk about what happened to me because I hadn't quite thought through how I wanted to do it.' Julia won't discuss how she eventually broke the news to her daughters ('Thinking about them being potentially vulnerable is really hard'), let alone her parents and her husband, a county councillor. 'The conversations were some of the hardest I've ever had and their response was fantastic,' she says. Yet shortly afterwards, when she told the wider world, to her amazement she was inundated with supportive messages. 'So many people contacted me saying how much my going public had helped them come to terms with similar things that had happened to them. I even had a member of my family tell me they had been a victim. It was really something.' She has done everything she can for others, but Julia clearly still hasn't fully found peace. Has she considered therapy to help her come to terms with her trauma? 'I have, but I decided I just really don't want to go there.' She pauses. 'I drive past the place where it happened occasionally that's not very easy. Then you get these flashbacks at random times. 'For years I didn't want to dredge it up at all. Just talking about it now is very painful. But if I can help other victims it will have been worth it.' The couple could not pay for their wedding, which will now take place on 19 January at the Cheruvally Muslim Jamaat Mosque in Kayamkulam with a vegetarian banquet for a thousand guests paid by the mosque committee. Kerala is a symbol of interfaith harmony. New Delhi (AsiaNews/Agencies) A mosque in Kerala has decided to open its gates and wallet for the wedding of a Hindu couple, Anju and Sarath Sasi. The Cheruvally Muslim Jamaat Mosque in Kayamkulam, Alappuzha district, will be the venue for the Hindu ceremony on 19 January. A vegetarian wedding banquet will be organised for about a thousand guests. Mosque committee secretary Nujumuddin Alummoottil said he received a request for help from Bindhu, Anjus mother, about two months ago. The family has been struggling economically since the death of her father, Ashokan, in 2018. As wedding costs are higher, the request for funds was passed on to the committee, which agreed to help the family. The wedding will be performed at an auspicious time, between 11.30am and 12.30 pm, in front of the mosque. A large shamiana will be set up under a tent. To help the young couple start married life, the mosque also decided to make a cash donation of 200,000 rupees (US$ 2,800) to the groom and gold jewellery to the bride. The Indian state of Kerala stands out as an example of interfaith harmony at a time when India is marked by sectarian conflicts following the amendment of the countrys citizenship legislation, which excludes Muslim applicants. Last week, the St Thomas Church in Kothamangalam opened its doors to Muslims returning from a day of protests against the legislation for evening prayers. The wedding will follow Hindu rite, the committee secretary explained. When news of the wedding was posted online, the committee received many thank you notes. However, fake news also appeared claiming that the couple planned to convert to Islam. This is not true, Alummoottil insisted. Those who spread hatred must be ignored, noted. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 04:48:07|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RIYADH, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday the arrest of a terrorist fugitive in the Eastern Province, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The terrorist fugitive, identified as Mohammed bin Husain Al Ammar, is on a list of nine wanted terrorists for attacking citizens, residents and police officers as well as security and economic facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia and was arrested on Tuesday morning, SPA said. The fugitive was discovered in a hideout in the Qatif region and resisted by shooting the security forces before being arrested, said the Presidency of the State Security. A homemade bomb and weapons were also confiscated, it added. Qatif, one of the few Saudi areas dominated by the minority Shiite community, suffers on-and-off violence by Shiite youths against police personnel and residents. Thousands of nurses took to picket lines across Northern Ireland for a second day of strike action which once again disrupted health services, bringing some to a standstill. The health service staff who braved the cold outside Belfast City Hospital on Wednesday told the Belfast Telegraph of their deepening frustration at what they describe as the failure of politicians to make any effective move to address their demands for parity of pay. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members also insisted that local politicians should stop simply spouting words of support that make no difference to the lives of staff and their patients. Read More Iona McCormack, a nurse at the hospital for 39 years, said she is motivated by the lack of movement since they first went out on strike last December. "Nothing has been addressed and while the politicians are saying they are backing us, nothing has actually been offered that gives us parity of pay... why should we earn less, it is straightforward," she said. "We are out here not getting paid today, yet they (the politicians) have not been sitting and they have been getting paid. And we are doing this for the future of nursing and the patients." Ms McCormack described the support that the nurses received on Wednesday as "brilliant" and said the public is "right behind us", which she added was as evidenced by the beeping of horns and offers of food. Edel Coulter, who has worked in the cancer services unit for 13 years, said she has heard plenty of talk over the last month since the last walk out, but not much action. "They talk about support. That is lovely but it does not make a difference to our patients or us," Ms Coulter said. "Put your money where your mouth is. As politicians, they are elected to do something, that is why you are there. If you do not feel capable of making a deal then pass it over to someone else and if that needs to be the UK Government, then fine." At Antrim and Holywell hospitals nurses spoke of their fears for patient safety, describing the harrowing reality of nursing here. Maeve Murray, a paediatric nurse who has been working since 2004, said: "We've been trying to raise awareness of the consequences of the staffing levels and difficulties that creates in relation to recruitment and retention of nurses, and paediatrics is in a particularly difficult position because it's such a specialist area. "I'm absolutely devastated that I've had to strike, but I feel like we've been left with no choice. "I am a trainer now and I find it very hard to get nurses who can take time away from their jobs to do the training they need to do. "Staffing levels impact on the service itself because nurses are working so hard, they are becoming sick themselves. "They aren't leaving until a couple of hours after their shift finishes and then when they do leave they can't switch off because they are so worried about their patients. "I'm a mum of three and it then impacts on your family." Tara Sanderson, a community mental health nurse, said: "It is heart-breaking when you are dealing with your nursing colleagues whose mental health has deteriorated so badly because of work. "They then have to go off sick and they can't afford to pay their bills, every week we're handing out food vouchers to at least one nurse who is off sick through stress." Meanwhile in Londonderry, a nurse on the picket line at Altnagelvin Hospital said he never imagined striking, but he felt it was unavoidable. Steven Duffy, a theatre and anaesthetic nurse with the Western Trust, was among those standing with his RCN colleagues, who will be joined by other health service unions on Thursday as part of the continued industrial action. He said: "I never envisioned a day when I would be on a picket line but it had to happen because patient safety comes first and we just don't have enough staff." Read More Andrew Doherty, a RCN official who has been a nurse in Altnagelvin's cardiology department for 10 years, said he was disappointed by the Department of Health's lack of response to their action. "In November when we balloted members over 95% voted for strike action and this is part of our planned schedule," he said. "We are getting platitudes from people who are saying they support us but nothing has happened. "There has been no further negotiations, no further offers and no commitment from the department and that is disappointing," he added. Mr Doherty said that the support from the public and patients showed no signs of diminishing, with a local business supplying them with free tea and coffee. Laura McClintock, who is a clinical nurse specialist in palliative care, said she felt they had been left with no other option but to strike again. "Striking was not a decision I or any other nurse took lightly but it is entirely reflective of the situation the profession is in at the minute," she said. Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/08/2020 -- Global glass packaging market is on peak because of rising demand for safer packaging in comparison to plastic. There are metal packaging also available in market, however metals show high reactivity with the product present in the packaging container. Glass is 100% recyclable packaging material and it can be re-used again for at least 40 times. Global glass packaging market was estimated at 92,078.1 USD Million in 2018 and set to reach USD 135,519.2 Million by 2025 growing at CAGR of 5.7%. The market is growing due to large consumer demand for glasses with antimicrobial properties. Get sample copy of this report @ https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/516 The key trends in global glass packaging market are due to the growing demand for innovative packaging products, the same has shifted from plastic to glass in due to growing consumer demand. These trends also resemble with the growing consumer penchant for glass bottles as it controls the toxicity of glass bottles and ultra-low levels of entangling. Furthermore, glass packaging is better in terms of aesthetic appearance of the various products. It is visible and evident across various wine and spirit brands. It is simpler to manufacture various base types and emboss labels that appeal to consumers. Also the better appearance delivers various brand stories to customers. Across the industry packaging is defined as a system that covers products to enable smooth long distance transportation, distribution along with deliver to consumers. The growing improved lifestyle of consumers has caused the market to grow substantially. The glass is widely used in packaging of pharmaceuticals industries and at the same time ensure it is anti-corrosive along with being strong. Another factor driving the market growth is the growing popularity of alcohol drinks, served in various shapes and sizes of bottles to the consumers. However, the growing popularity and ease of procurement of plastics appears to be a market hurdle. In spite of the fragile nature and the ease with which it breaks it is popular due to its aesthetic appeal. Glass packaging are available in various shapes, sizes and colors that can be used across the industries. Browse more detail information at: https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/industry-reports/glass-packaging-market Segmentation of the global glass packaging market is done on the basis of Application and region. On the criteria of application market is divided as Alcoholic beverages (without beer), Food & beverages, Beer, Pharmaceuticals and many others. Among these sectors alcoholic beverages contribute the maximum to market share and is tailed by beer as major market contributor. On the basis of geographical region the market is divided as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World. In pharmaceutical industry, vials and ampules are made up of glass material to protect the drug from air and prevent contamination as per strict guidelines from pharmaceutical regulatory authorities. These containers are enhancing the pharmaceutical glass packaging market globally. In cosmetic industry glass packaging is widely used. Cosmetic products such as perfume and skin care routine creams require glass packaging container. Especially in case of perfume, glass packaging is required to protect its fragrance and also to make it more attractive. Hence, perfume glass packaging has highest share in cosmetic industry, and it is also contributing to the overall glass packaging industry. Among the countries, Asia Pacific contributes the maximum market share to the global glass packaging market because of its growing urbanization and alcohol consumption due to increased disposable income. The main driving factor in the region is the growing preference of glass packaging among consumers. Key players of the market are Owens-Illinois Inc., Vidrala SA, Ardagh Packaging Group PLC, Nampak Ltd, Piramal Glass, Hindustan National Glass & Industries Ltd, Vitro, Consol Glass, Amcor Ltd, Toyo Glass Co. Ltd. and AGI Glaspac. For Any Query on the Glass Packaging Market: https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/contacts/enquiry-before-buying/516 About Adroit Market Research Adroit Market Research is an India-based business analytics and consulting company. Our target audience is a wide range of corporations, manufacturing companies, product/technology development institutions and industry associations that require understanding of a market's size, key trends, participants and future outlook of an industry. We intend to become our clients' knowledge partner and provide them with valuable market insights to help create opportunities that increase their revenues. We follow a code Explore, Learn and Transform. At our core, we are curious people who love to identify and understand industry patterns, create an insightful study around our findings and churn out money-making roadmaps. (Newser) "Mom, I want to talk to you like I'm sitting across the room from you," says Colby Ryan, whose mother and two siblings are missing in mysterious circumstances. In an emotional YouTube video, the 23-year-old begs Lori Vallow to come home and tell where 7-year-old Joshua Vallow and 17-year-old Tylee Ryan are, ABC reports. "You have the power to end this," he says. "You have the opportunity to put this all to rest." The siblings from Rexburg, Idaho, have not been seen since September and police say they have information that "Lori knows either the location of the children or what has happened to them." Vallow and her new husband, doomsday writer Chad Daybell, abruptly left town the day after police attempted to do a welfare check on Joshua at the request of a relative. Investigators including local police and FBI agents searched Daybell's home on Friday, reports the AP. story continues below Police have said they believe the children's lives are in dangerand they suspect the couple's disappearance is linked to the sudden death of Daybell's former wife, Tamara Daybell, in October. He married Vallow a couple of weeks later. Authorities, who initially believed Tamara Daybell's death was natural, have exhumed her body. Vallow's previous husband, Charles Vallow, who had initiated divorce proceedings, was shot dead by her brother in August; her brother died from unknown causes last month. In divorce papers filed in February, Charles Vallow said his wife had told him she was "a god assigned to carry out the work of the 144,000 at Christ's second coming in July 2020," and she would kill him if he got in her way. (Read more missing child stories.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 17:28 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321644de 1 Business Jiwasraya,AGO,BPK,Supreme-Audit-Agency,Attorney-General-Office,insurance,financial-services,suspects Free The Attorney Generals Office (AGO) plans to announce in the next 10 weeks a list of suspects in a gigantic case implicating troubled state-owned insurer Asuransi Jiwasraya that could potentially carry systemic risk for the countrys financial industry, authorities say. Attorney General ST Burhanuddin told the press on Wednesday that his office identified the suspects after interviewing 98 witnesses and investigating 5,000 transactions related to the case. We have questioned 98 witnesses and there are indications of legal violations in the case, but we cant reveal details yet because were waiting for the Supreme Audit Agency [BPK] to announce the total state losses, Burhanuddin said during a press briefing in Jakarta. In the meantime, BPK chairman Agung Firman Sampurna said the agency was currently investigating the total state losses incurred by the government from the case. The BPK will conduct the investigation carefully as the scale of the case is gigantic and could potentially carry systemic risk for the countrys financial industry, he added. We will announce the results of the first phase of our investigation in the next two to two-and-a-half months, Agung told reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday. Jiwasraya met with trouble following an announcement in October 2018 that it had failed to pay out maturing JS Saving Plan policies worth Rp 802 billion. It was also unable to pay out holders of policies worth Rp 12.4 trillion that were supposed to be paid in December 2019. According to a Jiwasraya document obtained by The Jakarta Post, the insurer suffered negative equity of Rp 23.92 trillion as of September 2019. The insurer also booked a loss of Rp 13.7 trillion during the same period, according to the BPK. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 09:12 734 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3214c6e5 1 Business imports,Indonesia,Africa,Trade Free A billionaire from Africa plans to purchase 10,000 Indonesian-made light pickup trucks, called the rural multipurpose mechanical tool (AMMDes), to be marketed in Nigeria. The Industry Ministrys director of maritime industry, transportation equipment and defense equipment, Putu Juli Ardika, said the vehicles would be purchased by Aliko Dangote through his company Dangote Group. Dangote Group is very interested in importing [the trucks] for its customers in Africa, Putu said as quoted by kompas.com on Monday. Putu stated that Dangote was interested in the multipurpose vehicle for to its ability to carry water and cassava and seed processors. Dangotes team will check three units as a sample to be brought to Africa at the end of January, Putu said. The trucks are set to be exported over five years, with 1,000 units to be exported this year and next year. Dangote Group is a Nigerian-based enterprise that operates in fields such as cement, sugar and flour production. The company operates in Nigeria and other African countries such as Benin, Cameroon, Togo, Ghana, South Africa and Zambia. With a net worth of US$4.3 billion, Dangote is Africas richest man and one of the words 100 richest men according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. (dpk) Topics : imports Indonesia Africa Trade Manitobans are mourning the loss of friends and colleagues among the 176 people killed Wednesday in the crash of a Ukrainian International Airlines jet outside Tehran. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitobans are mourning the loss of friends and colleagues among the 176 people killed Wednesday in the crash of a Ukrainian International Airlines jet outside Tehran. At least eight Winnipeggers and two University of Manitoba grads teaching in Alberta were aboard the Kyiv-bound Boeing 737 that crashed minutes after takeoff. It's believed 63 Canadian citizens were aboard Flight PS752. Manitoba's provincial flag will fly at half-mast in Memorial Park in their memory, Premier Brian Pallister said. "We mourn alongside the families and friends of the Manitobans who were tragically taken from us," he said Wednesday in a prepared statement. Forough Khadem was among the 176 people killed in the crash. (Facebook photo) U of M engineering Prof. Zahra Moussavi lost her good friend, Forough Khadem. "She was full of life and her laughs is all I remember now," Moussavi said from San Francisco. Khadem, 38, earned her PhD in immunology in 2016 at the U of M. The 38-year-old was described as a scientific, tech-savvy, cross-cultural communicator whose research helped protect mankind and animals against deadly infectious diseases. She was a member of the New Media Manitoba board of directors, and worked at Mitacs non-profit national research organization since 2016 as a business development specialist. U of M Iranian community gathers to mourn lost friends, colleagues Morteza Tavalkoli, grieves the loss of his best friend, Amir Ghasemi, during vigil at UMSU on Wednesday. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press) By Maggie Macintosh Before he boarded Flight PS752 in Tehran Wednesday, Amirhossein Ghasemi sent a text to his best friend venting about ongoing instability in Iran. Tensions between Iran and the United States were high; hours earlier, Iran launched a missile attack against two U.S. military bases in Iraq in response to the targeted death of one of its top commanders last week. I told him, 'Once you are on the plane, you are safe and its going to be over, said Morteza Tavakoli, translating one of the final messages he sent to Ghasemi. Longtime friends who first met in Iran 20 years ago before reuniting in Winnipeg, the two often communicated in Persian. I didnt know that his life was going to be over. click to read more By Maggie Macintosh Before he boarded Flight PS752 in Tehran Wednesday, Amirhossein Ghasemi sent a text to his best friend venting about ongoing instability in Iran. Tensions between Iran and the United States were high; hours earlier, Iran launched a missile attack against two U.S. military bases in Iraq in response to the targeted death of one of its top commanders last week. I told him, 'Once you are on the plane, you are safe and its going to be over, said Morteza Tavakoli, translating one of the final messages he sent to Ghasemi. Longtime friends who first met in Iran 20 years ago before reuniting in Winnipeg, the two often communicated in Persian. I didnt know that his life was going to be over. Tavakoli, 32, was one of dozens of community members who gathered at the University of Manitoba Wednesday afternoon to mourn the deaths of the 176 people who were killed after the Ukrainian International Airlines jet crashed moments after it took off from Irans capital. At least six Winnipeggers many of whom had connections to the Fort Garry campus and two U of M graduates now teaching in Alberta were aboard the Kyiv-bound Boeing 737 airliner. A slideshow of photos of the Winnipeggers who died in the crash played in the U of Ms University Centre Wednesday afternoon. The universitys Iranian Students Association also organized trays of chocolates and dates, traditionally eaten in the community during periods of mourning. Tavakoli pulled out a tissue as he watched the slideshow play in the hallway. He and Ghasemi spent so much time together that Tavakoli had a key to his friends apartment; hes not sure what to do with it now. Ghasemi was a physician before he moved to Winnipeg. He was working toward a master's in biomedical engineering at the U of M while he applied for permanent residency so he could practise once again. He was 32. He was very helpful to everyone he met even strangers, Tavakoli said. A weeping Sahar Karimzadeh, 33, was among the people who found support on campus after learning of the loss of her friend and mentor, 38-year-old Forough Khadem. Khadem was a well-respected scientist and cross-cultural communicator who offered her free time to tutor others as best she could. Its like Im seeing a dream and I want to wake up, Karimzadeh said. We have lost many talented scientists today. We have lost physicians and dentists. The U of M Iranian Students Association is organizing another, larger vigil for the crash victims Friday. The time and location have yet to be decided. maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca Close None of Khadem's colleagues at the company that connects industry with post-secondary institutions to solve business challenges wanted to be interviewed Wednesday. Chief business development officer Eric Bosco issued a prepared statement on behalf of Mitacs. He remembered Khadem as a "a passionate supporter of innovation in Manitoba," and extended condolences to her family and friends. "We will remember Foroughs passion for Mitacs, enthusiasm for innovation in Manitoba, and her positive outlook on life. We will miss her humour, her kindness, and her warm spirit." That "positive outlook" was what Mehdi Sadeghi, 44, Bahareh Haj Esfandiari, 41, and their daughter, Anisa Sadeghi, 10, brought when they immigrated to Canada in 2016. "They were lovely people, and it was the classic Canadian immigrant success story," said Assiniboine Community College instructor Murray Oliver, who, along with his Iranian-Canadian wife, Dr. Afsaneh Oliver, and their daughter, Jozi, were family friends. "They just bought a new home after living in an apartment," Oliver said of the Winnipeg family killed in the jet crash. "They were both tireless workers." Mahdi Sadeghi (left), Bahareh Haj Esfandiari and their daughter, Anisa Sadeghi, are among the 176 people killed in the crash of a Ukrainian International Airlines jet moments after takeoff from Tehran, Iran Wednesday. (Facebook) The engineers from Iran took low-paying entry-level jobs to get a foothold in a new country, he said. "They were working their way up they moved here for their child to have a beautiful life." The family had just bought their first home in Whyte Ridge when they went to Iran for a visit. "Mehdi was really concerned to see his family progress and advance," Oliver said. "Bahareh had a very light spirit and a wonderful smile. They were a perfect counterpoint to one another and Anisa. She was a a lovely kid... It's such a loss for Manitoba. "I think of all of the folks who died," he said, "they were all people of such great promise whose lives were cut short in the most senseless tragedy." Mojgan Daneshmand (left) and Pedram Mousavi, University of Manitoba grads and professors at the University of Alberta, were killed in the crash along with their daughters Daria and Dorina. (Twitter) Two other U of M grads turned professors at the University of Alberta Pedram Mousavi and Mojgan Daneshmand were also killed along with their two children, said family friend Mahsa Pourazad, who lives in Vancouver. "Pedram did his PhD (at U of M) and Mojgan did her masters then moved to Alberta," said Pourazad, a civil engineer and fellow Iranian-Canadian. "Both were professors at the engineering department of U of A." U of M Iranian Students Association board member Amir Shirzadi identified four other crash victims from Winnipeg: Amirhossein Ghasemi, 32, Amirhossein Ghorbani, 21, Farzaneh Naderi, 38, and her son, Noojan Sadr, 11. Ghasemi had gone to Iran see his fiancee, said Pourazad, who was struggling with the loss of so many people she knew. "My mind does not work right now." Dirsa Bachgri, with University of Manitoba Iranian Students Association (UMISA), carries red roses and figs which were part of the vigil at University Centre Wednesday. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press) Pembina Trails School Division lowered its flags to half-mast in honour of two of its students at two different schools who died in the plane crash. The children were in grades 5 and 6, but the school division would not confirm their identities. "(Our) student services team, including social workers and psychologists, are working diligently to support the needs of students," the division posted online. The University of Manitoba is also offering counselling to those affected by the loss of colleagues and mentors, said president and vice-chancellor David Barnard. "It's a shock and there's a terrible sense of loss and disappointment and a sense that something that seemed in the first instance to be at a distance turned out to have an impact right here, where we live and work, and there's a shock that comes with," Barnard said in an interview Wednesday. Students at the University of Manitoba grieve the loss of friends killed on the jetliner when it crashed in Iran. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press) He mourns the province's loss of potential. "The University of Manitoba attracts people from many parts of the world and, through their studies and research activities, some stay and help build the local economy," he said. Ukrainian community mourns amid holidays The Ukrainian community has the families of the 176 people who died Wednesday's Kyiv-bound airliner crash in their prayers over the holidays. Every person on board the Ukrainian International Airlines jet that crashed moments after it took off from Tehran was killed. Among passengers and staff, there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans, and three Britons. click to read more The Ukrainian community has the families of the 176 people who died Wednesday's Kyiv-bound airliner crash in their prayers over the holidays. Every person on board the Ukrainian International Airlines jet that crashed moments after it took off from Tehran was killed. Among passengers and staff, there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans, and three Britons. We all should remember the victims of this event in our prayers and to not take for granted the people around us, said Yurij Kalistchuk, metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. We should value people within our families and communities and realize that people are trying to do the best for their family and for their community and to pray for peace in the world. The Boeing 737 crash occurred amid celebrations in Ukrainian households across the world. Carolling and celebrations in the Orthodox Ukrainian community are underway, a day after Orthodox Christmas (Jan. 7), which is based on the Julian calendar. Maria Bosak, former editor of the Ukrainian Voice newspaper, said she was devastated when she heard the news amid what should be a joyful time. Holding back tears, she said she found it difficult to express feelings about the extent of the tragedy. We have to pray for them. Thats what we have to do. We have to pray for them and their families, Bosak said. Ukraines ministry of foreign affairs put out a statement Wednesday, in which it said the country is committed to investigating the cause of the disaster. Iranian authorities initially suggested technical problems were the reason for the crash, although an investigation is ongoing. Maggie Macintosh Close The U of M also lowered its flag to half-mast. In his statement, the Manitoba premier said: "On behalf of all Manitobans and all members of the Manitoba legislature, I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this very difficult time." carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. LADERA RANCH, Calif., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. announced today that Founder and Executive Chairman H. Michael Schwartz will provide the keynote address at the Self Storage Association's 34th Annual Executive Ski Workshop on January 13, 2020. A members-only event, the workshop will be held January 13-16 at The Chateaux Deer Valley and Stein Eriksen Lodge hotels in Deer Valley, Utah. The event is designed for self storage owners who seek to strengthen their knowledge of the industry, hear what is on the horizon, gain insights on facility operations and learn about the challenges that confront the industry. Schwartz will share his perspective and insights based on nearly 30 years of industry experience including 15 years in self storage. The keynote address, titled Unconventional Wisdom: Self Storage My Way, will take place on January 13 at 8:45 a.m. "I am honored to serve as the keynote speaker and share my experience at the Self Storage Association's executive event," said Schwartz. "For more than 30 years, this workshop has brought the highest caliber of professionals representing the self storage industry together under one roof and has provided an immeasurable networking and educational opportunity for participants. I am pleased to participate and look forward to sharing insights with my peers." The Self Storage Association's 34th Annual Executive Ski Workshop provides attendees first-class self storage industry education, networking opportunities and an excellent chance to ski and enjoy the scenery of Deer Valley. To learn more about the Self Storage Association's 34th Annual Executive Ski Workshop, visit https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/Executive-Ski-Workshop. About SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. ("SmartStop"): SmartStop is a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of approximately 380 self storage professionals focused on growing the SmartStop Self Storage brand. SmartStop, through its indirect subsidiary SmartStop REIT Advisors, LLC, also sponsors other self storage programs, including Strategic Storage Trust IV, Inc., a public non-traded REIT, and other private programs. It is the tenth largest self storage company in the U.S., with approximately $1.5 billion of real estate assets under management, including 112 properties in 17 states and Toronto, Canada that are directly owned and managed by SmartStop, as well as a growing portfolio of 28 properties in 10 states and Toronto, Canada where SmartStop serves as the property manager for properties owned by its sponsored programs. In total, this portfolio comprises approximately 92,000 units and 10.5 million rentable square feet. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at www.smartstopselfstorage.com. Contacts Julie Leber Lauren Burgos Spotlight Marketing Communications Spotlight Marketing Communications 949.427.1391 949.427.1399 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. Related Links https://smartstopselfstorage.com Panelaautoclave.com scored 40 Social Media Impact. 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Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND Hurdles that continue to prevent lawyer Miguna Miguna from flying to his motherland Kenya have featured prominently in newspapers on Wednesday, January 8. The dailies also continue to examine the US-Iran conflict that continues to escalate and 2022 politics forming wide rifts in the ruling Jubilee Party. READ ALSO: Netizens welcome Miguna Miguna as he boards plane to Kenya Photo: UGC. Source: UGC READ ALSO: The GATES Talent Based Learning Adult Scholarships 1. The Star Deputy President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga are set to lock horns over control of Council of Governors (CoG). Raila and Ruto, according to The Star, are seeking to front candidates who will serve their interests in the CoG ahead of the election slated for January 20. Currently, the chairman seat is occupied by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya who is a close ally of the former premier. Among those who have expressed interest in the seat are Oparanya, Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Josphat Nanok (Turkana), Mwangi wa Iria (Murang'a) and Ali Roba (Mandera). The chairman seat is occupied by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya who is a close ally of Raila. Photo: The Star. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Afisa wa polisi na mwanafunzi wa chuo kikuu washtakiwa kwa wizi wa pombe 2. Daily Nation Deputy President William Ruto has said he is certain his boss, President Uhuru Kenyatta, has no intention of clinging to power after 2022 General Election. Being the President's deputy, Ruto said he understood that the Head of State respected democracy and as such, has no plans to change the Constitution to extend his tenure. The DP's remarks come amid claims by political heavyweights like David Murathe and Francis Atwoli who believe the president must remain in power. The duo has consistently argued that Uhuru will still be too young to retire by the time he is expected to vacate office in 2022. Ruto said he understands Uhuru respected democracy and has no plans to change the Constitution to extend his tenure. Photo: Daily Nation. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Miguna Miguna ejected from Nairobi bound flight shortly after boarding 3. People Daily Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi has instructed county staff who were suspended but are still on full pay to return to work. Elachi directed the County Public Service Board to facilitate the employee's return shortly after a meeting with city MCA's. The Speaker, however, noted the instruction will not apply to staff who are facing cases in court. This comes amid confusion over Governor Mike Sonko's decision to appoint a deputy governor despite him being barred by a court from accessing his office. Elachi said the county assembly will soon start vetting the governor's nominee. READ ALSO: Kenyan woman narrates painful struggle living without vagina, uterus 4. Taifa Leo Construction of the Lamu Port has been halted following a scare that al-Shabaab militants are likely to strike. The port is envisioned to spur economic growth in the area after it has been completed. Decision by the contractor to suspend construction citing security concerns has seen at least 2,000 workers sent home. It comes hardly a week after the ragtag group raided Manda Airstrip in Lamu, an attack that left a young US soldier dead, civilians wounded and others killed, and aircraft destroyed. At least 2,000 workers sent home. Photo: Taifa Leo. Source: UGC 5. The Standard A recently released health report has listed Nairobi among counties with the leading cases of fresh HIV infections. According to the report by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the country recorded 29,482 new cases in 2018 with the capital taking lead with 5,382 cases. In hospitals across the country, 1,384 infections involved children aged under five years. Siaya came in second with 2,280 cases (for patients aged above five), Nakuru (2,180), Kisumu (1,922), Migori (1,882) and Kiambu (1,021). The country recorded 29,482 new cases of HIV in 2018. Photo: The Standard. Source: UGC Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. I have no vagina, uterus and cervix - Julian Peter | Tuko TV | Tuko Talks. Source: TUKO.co.ke Key Takeaways From Qasem Soleimani's Colossal Funeral Procession By Golnaz Esfandiari January 07, 2020 Hundreds of thousands of Iranians thronged onto the streets of Tehran, Qom, Ahvaz, Mashhad, and Kerman this week to take part in the state funeral of Iran's top military commander, Qasem Soleimani, killed in a U.S. drone strike on January 3. The crowds and the grief they expressed were described by some observers as unmatched since the funeral of the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, that was held in the Iranian capital in 1989. Many held photos of Soleimani while vowing revenge for his death and chanting support for the state. The scenes were in sharp contrast to the Iranian streets in November, when thousands of Iranians protested in some 100 cities and towns against the clerical establishment following a significant hike in the prices of gasoline. Hundreds of demonstrators were also slain by security forces during the rallies. The head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps' (IRGC) Quds Force and the key figure in advancing Iranian foreign policy interests from Lebanon to Yemen and many places in between, Soleimani is accused by Washington as being responsible "for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more." Others hold him accountable for the thousands of people -- including many civilians -- killed in the proxy wars that pro-Iranian paramilitaries have waged throughout the Middle East. So what are the reasons behind the massive outpouring of grief at Soleimani's funeral and where are all of those Iranians who were angry at their leaders several weeks ago? An External Enemy Has United The Deeply Nationalistic Iranians The assassination of Soleimani was a major escalation in the already heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. It has also worried many Iranians with vivid memories of the bloody 1980-1988 war with Iraq that it could lead to the breakout of a major military conflict between Iran and the United States. To some, the killing of Soleimani was seen as an act of war. Iran has promised to take harsh revenge, which some fear could lead to retaliation by the United States and the breakout of a wider conflict. During times of war, deeply nationalistic and patriotic Iranians are known to come together and rally behind their country. That sentiment was highlighted by a prominent critic of the Iranian establishment, Abdolah Momeni, who has been jailed and tortured in Iran. "No nation is happy when its soldiers and commanders are killed by foreigners," Momeni, a widely respected former student leader, said on Twitter on January 3, adding that "Soleimani's martyrdom has hurt Iranians' national pride." A businessman in Tehran who took part in the 2009 mass street demonstrations against a disputed presidential vote, told RFE/RL that Soleimani's killing has ignited a sense of national unity in Iran. "I'm not a supporter of this establishment but when I see my country is under possible attack, I stand with my country and my people," he said. "Soleimani was a genius military strategist and his death is a loss for Iran," he said, adding that "now is not the time to criticize [the clerical establishment]." With the assassination of Soleimani followed by a warning that Iranian culture sites could be targeted in any future attack, U.S. President Donald Trump has brought Iranians together at a time many are still angered by the brutal November crackdown on anti-establishment protests. "Trump severely underestimates Iranian nationalism," said historian Roham Alvandi on Twitter on January 5. "Someone should tell him about the pilots of the Imperial Iranian Air Force, who were allowed out of their prison cells by their revolutionary jailers in 1980 to fly sorties against the invading Iraqis," said Alvandi, an associate professor of International History at the London School of Economics. Actual Results And A Big Chunk Of Propaganda Soleimani was unknown to many Iranians only a few years ago. He was rarely seen in the media and only a few, grainy amateur photos of him were available. But in recent years things changed dramatically when Soleimani -- who called himself "a soldier of the revolution" -- was turned into a national hero. Iran's PR machine also boosted his image and made him a celebrity who was shown to be a deeply pious and selfless hero working tirelessly to keep Iran safe from terrorist bands and the extremist Islamic State (IS) group, which took responsibility for an attack in Tehran in 2017 that resulted in 23 deaths. Afshon Ostovar, an expert on the IRGC and associate professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, told The Wall Street Journal that "his accolades were as deserved as they were exaggerated, the product of both years of effective operations and an elaborate, state-sponsored public-relations campaign." A recent poll by the University of Maryland showed that 82 percent of Iranians held a positive view of Soleimani and 59 percent a highly positive view. In past days, many Iranians have grieved his death and honored him, including some unlikely figures, such as one of the greatest Iranian novelists, Mahmud Dolatabadi, who has had to deal with strict state censorship, and Ardeshir Zahedi, a Shah-era Iranian diplomat living in exile in Switzerland, who praised Soleimani as a "patriotic and honorable soldier." Soleimani's Detractors Not Allowed To Express Themselves The state has encouraged people to take to the streets to honor Soleimani by declaring three days of mourning and they closed government offices and schools. But those Iranians who are not supportive of Soleimani and Iran's regional policies are not free to express themselves due to the repressive nature of the Iranian regime. What we don't see on TV are those who are not mourning his death. Soleimani's new stature as a state martyr will make any criticism even more difficult. Here is one small example. Amir Hossein Rezazadeh, a prosecutor in Shahreza, a city in the central province of Isfahan, was quoted earlier this week as saying that four people had been detained for insulting "the status of Soleimani. Rezazadeh said the detainees had upset many mourners by making derogatory comments about Soleimani on social media. "The publishing of offensive material about martyrs is considered a criminal offenseand, due to the sanctity of martyrs, it is viewed as insulting sanctities and it results in arrest and penalty," he said. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/key-takeaways-from -qasem-soleimani-s-colossal-funeral -procession/30364829.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address [January 08, 2020] Varagon Capital Partners Forms New Partnership With Aflac Global Investments and Expands Existing Partnership With American International Group Varagon Capital Partners, L.P. ("Varagon"), a leading direct lender to middle market companies, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to form a new strategic partnership with Aflac Global Investments ("Aflac") and is extending its existing strategic partnership with American International Group ("AIG"). Upon closing of the new partnership, Aflac will make a new multi-year investment commitment of up to $3.0 billion to Varagon to invest in middle market loans. Aflac will also acquire a significant noncontrolling minority interest in Varagon, creating a mutually-beneficial partnership and demonstrating a commitment to a long-term relationship. Aflac will acquire the interests in Varagon currently held by certain former and current partners and affiliates of Oak Hill Capital Management. The transaction will not reduce ownership of Varagon by management or AIG, and upon closing, Aflac and AIG will hold equal ownership stakes. Varagon will continue to operate as an independent company with no changes to its strategy, investment philosophy, management team, or day-to-day operations. AIG, which has been an anchor investor and client of Varagon since 2014, will continue to support the growth of the platform. Walter Owens, Chief Executive Officer of Varagon, said: "We are excited to welcome Aflac as a new partner and to continue our strategic relationship with AIG. These long-term commitments from two world-class insurers provide access to substantial capital, enhance Varagon's capabilities to serve investors and borrowers, and accelerate the execution of our strategic growth objectives. We appreciate Aflac's recognition of Varagon's capabilities as a leading middle market asset manager and we look forward to a successful partnership." Eric M. Kirsch, Aflac Incorporated Executive Vice President, Global Chief Investment Officer and President of Aflac Global Investments, commented: "Middle market credit is a strategically important asset class for Aflac and we are excited to partner with Varagon. Varagon's rigorous investment underwriting process and proven origination capabilities directly align with Aflac's strategy of partnering with high-quality asset managers." Geoffrey Cornell, Deputy Chief Investment Officer of AIG Investments, added: "As a long-term investor with a focus on credit discipline, we see an attractive opportunity in middle market credit and are pleased to continue our partnership with the Varagon team. We are proud to have been an early backer of Varagon. We are looking forward to Aflac joining our strategic partnership to jointly support Varagon's continued growth." The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and certain regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2020. Wells Fargo (News - Alert) Securities served as financial advisor and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP provided legal representation to Varagon; Rothschild Co served as financial advisor and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP provided legal representation to Aflac; and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP provided legal representation to AIG. About Varagon Capital Partners Varagon Capital Partners is an asset manager focused on direct lending to middle market companies. Varagon invests across the capital structure and offers flexible financing solutions to meet the needs of borrowers and private equity sponsors. Varagon manages funds and accounts on behalf of institutional investors that seek exposure to high-quality, directly-originated middle market loans. As of December 31, 2019, Varagon had made over $14.5 billion of financing commitments to over 180 companies. For more information about Varagon, visit www.varagon.com. About Aflac Global Investments Aflac Global Investments refers to Aflac Asset Management LLC and Aflac Asset Management Japan Ltd., which are the asset management subsidiaries of Aflac Incorporated. Aflac Global Investments is responsible for managing the invested assets of Aflac Incorporated's insurance subsidiaries in Japan and the U.S. At the end of September 2019, Aflac Global Investments managed more than $120 billion in general account assets and had 125 investment and support professionals who work at its offices in New York and Tokyo. About Aflac Incorporated Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) is a Fortune 500 company, helping provide protection to more than 50 million people through its subsidiaries in Japan and the U.S., where it is a leading supplemental insurer by paying cash fast when policyholders get sick or injured. For more than six decades, insurance policies of Aflac Incorporated's subsidiaries have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of medical and cancer insurance in Japan where it insures 1 in 4 households. Through its trailblazing One Day PaySM initiative in the United States, for eligible claims, Aflac can process, approve and electronically send funds to claimants for quick access to cash in just one business day. For 13 consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. Fortune magazine has recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America for 20 consecutive years and in 2019 Fortune included Aflac on its list of World's Most Admired Companies for the 18th time. To find out more about One Day PaySM and learn how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com. Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. About AIG American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) is a leading global insurance organization. Building on 100 years of experience, today AIG member companies provide a wide range of property casualty insurance, life insurance, retirement solutions, and other financial services to customers in more than 80 countries and jurisdictions. These diverse offerings include products and services that help businesses and individuals protect their assets, manage risks and provide for retirement security. Additional information about AIG can be found at www.aig.com. References to additional information about AIG have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such website is not incorporated by reference into this press release. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those informational statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. This document contains cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected herein, and in any other statements made by company officials in communications with the financial community and contained in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC (News - Alert)). Forward-looking statements are not based on historical information and relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments. Furthermore, forward-looking information is subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements containing words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "goal," "objective," "may," "should," "estimate," "intends," "projects," "will," "assumes," "potential," "target," "outlook" or similar words as well as specific projections of future results, generally qualify as forward-looking. Varagon undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005205/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] However, their hack saw mixed responses online with some arguing that people shouldn't do that anyway, as it was the same last year with it being 2019 ('19). "Gonna call BS on this one unfortunately. Should we not have used '19' for the entirety of last year: eg 3/3/19 because someone could alter it to '3/3/1991' (92, 93, 94, through 1998)? Sorry. Sounds like fear mongering here," wrote one social media user. "Changing 19 to 1999 isn't the same as changing something from 20 to 2019 or 2021. I know there are a lot of 'experts' commenting here but there are also a lot of scammers waiting for an opportunity like this," rebutted another. The mixed reactions saw the police department respond for clarification, writing: "Please understand that we handle scam and fraud calls on a regular basis so we try to provide our small community with tips to avoid potential problems. Of course we understand that all dates can be altered. Criminals are always looking for ways to take advantage of people. This meme provided a tip that we felt has some validity so this is why we shared it. It is not intended as legal advice or a warning, only as a cautionary tip to consider." Supreme Court Legal Fights to Watch in 2020 As the U.S. Supreme Court enters into the new year, the justices are preparing to confront a series of hot-button issues in the second half of what is widely viewed as a historic term. Since the start of the term in October, the court has already heard arguments on a number of high profile cases such as on the second amendment, the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the deportation of lawful permanent residents convicted of felonies, and whether the Civil Rights Act of 1964 applies to LGBTQ workers. Troutman Sanders attorney Misha Tseytlin, who leads the firms national appellate and Supreme Court practice, said he believes the second half of the 2019-2020 term will also contain a couple of big-ticket cases comparable to the first half but he said it is difficult to judge the significance of a case until it has been decided. Sometimes the court has a big high profile case, and then it doesnt actually render a decision that is actually a precedent or meaningful, Tseytlin told The Epoch Times. The ingredients are there for the second half of the court term to be blockbuster but the Supreme Court could also decide issues very narrowly or not decide them at all. Some Supreme Court fights to keep an eye on in 2020 include cases on Louisiana abortion restrictions, state aid for religious schools, the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and President Donald Trumps bid to shield his financial records. Trumps Financial Records The fight to stop the House and a New York investigation from having access to the presidents financial records reached the high court last month when the Supreme Court agreed to take on Trumps appeals of the three subpoena-related cases. The cases present important separation of power questions to the justices. One of the cases stems from a subpoena issued by the House Oversight Committee to Trumps accounting firm Mazars USA to hand over eight years of financial records involving Trump and his business in April as part of its probe into allegations about the presidents financial statements. In a separate House-related case, the House Financial Services and House Intelligence committees issued subpoenas to two banksDeutsche Bank AG and Capital One Financial Corp.asking them to turn over Trumps financial documents. The House committee investigations are unrelated to the impeachment proceedings. Meanwhile, the third case centers on a subpoena issued by District Attorney of New York County Cyrus Vance Jr. in a criminal investigation in Manhattan. Vance is investigating hush money allegedly paid to two women during the 2016 presidential campaignadult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Trump has denied the affairs and any other wrongdoing. According to a court order in December, the cases will be scheduled for argument in March (pdf). These cases have a lot of important legal issues about the power of the courts, Congress, and the states to target the financial records of the president, but [they] also [have] a lot of current political relevance, because [they] involve the current president in the midst of the run-up to the 2020 election, Tseytlin said. Lousiana Abortion Restrictions This abortion-related case will be the courts first since Trumps two nominees, Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch, took the bench. The right to abortion is not an issue, in this case, instead, the case at hand, cited as June Medical Services LLC v. Gee, asks the court to decide whether an unconstitutional burden has been placed on women seeking abortions after Louisiana passed a law, Act 620, requiring doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges within 30 miles of where the procedure was taking place. For a doctor to have admitting privileges to a hospital, they are required to be a member of a hospitals medical staff and have the ability to admit patients in order to provide diagnostic and therapeutic services. The state argued that admitting privileges were necessary to protect patients health and safety. But the appellants, June Medical Services and two doctors, argued that the law imposes an undue burden on women seeking abortion services. While the case itself deals with a discrete type of regulation on abortion clinics, a lot of folks are looking at the case to see what the Supreme Courts attitude is going to be towards abortion laws in general, and abortion lawsuits since the appointment of President Trumps two latest Supreme Court justices, Tseytlin said. Last week, over 200 lawmakers, mainly Republicans, and the Trump administration filed friend of the court briefs to urge the top court to back the state abortion law. The case is set for argument on March 4. State Aid for Religious Schools The case will test the legality of a state scholarship program funded by public money that helps students attend private schools of their families choice, including religious ones. It centers on a Montana program that provides a dollar-for-dollar tax credit up to $150 for individuals who donate to non-profit organizations that fund scholarships for families who wish to send their children to private schools. Shortly after the program was created, the states Department of Revenue enacted a rule that limits the program to non-religious schools to comply with the state constitution. Parents of students who attend a private religious school in Montana sued tax officials over the rule. A trial court sided with the families, saying that they could use the scholarships at religious schools. But in a 5-2 ruling, the Montana Supreme Court reversed the trial court decision in December 2018, adding that the programs inclusion of religious options was unconstitutional. The court said by allowing the program to be used in religious schools, it violates Montanas constitutional guarantee to all Montanans that their government will not use state funds to aid religious schools. The court then invalidated the entire program. This prompted the families to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The question before the top court now is whether the Montana Supreme Courts invalidation of the scholarship program because of its inclusion of religious options violates the religious clauses and equal protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution. Oral argument for this case is set for Jan. 22. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) The justices will also be faced with another important question of whether the structure of the CFPB, a federal agency, is constitutional, in particular, whether it violates the separation of powers by prohibiting the president from removing the agencys head except for specific circumstances. The CFPB was established under the Dodd-Frank Act to ensure that all consumers have access to markets for consumer financial products and services. It is widely considered the brainchild of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who is now a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate. The agency was given an unusual level of independence and is largely funded by the Federal Reserve System. It is headed by a director, who is appointed by the president and requires Senate consent. The director then serves for a term of five years and cannot be removed by the president unless the termination is for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. It is unusual because those who lead federal agencies often serve at the pleasure of the sitting president. The case was brought by a California-based law firm, Seila Law, who challenged the agencys composition. The Department of Justice has refused to defend the CFPB and Paul D. Clement has been appointed to join and argue the case for the agency. Moreover, the CFPB has also filed a brief in September (pdf) last year, saying that the bureaus director, Kathleen Kraninger, has reconsidered her position on the case and agrees that the bureau is unconstitutionally structured because the director cannot be removed except for cause and not at the presidents discretion. Oral argument for this case is set for March 3. Another case that the Supreme Court might hear but has not taken up is a review of a lower court ruling that could possibly lead to the invalidation of former President Barack Obamas Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The U.S. House of Representatives and a group of Democrat-led states, in two separate appeals, have asked the Supreme Court to review a lawsuit challenging Obamacare. Early this month, lawmakers and state officials urged the court to accept the case and issue a ruling before its current term ends in June. They argued that the courts expeditious consideration is necessary because of the uncertainty the lower courts decision has on health insurance and the health care marketplace, as well as for millions of Americans who have purchased health insurance under Obamacare (pdf). Its unclear whether the Supreme Court will take up the case this year, given its busy docket. The court has asked the respondents to provide a response to the House and state officials motions by 4 p.m. Friday, Jan 10. Matthew Vadum contributed to this report. While the funeral for General Soleimani proceeds in Kerman, Iran, the military, with the blessing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, fired 15 ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq. The bases in Erbil in the north and Al-Assad in the west were targeted, while other bases with greater numbers of American soldiers and far closer to the Iranian border were avoided. To some, this might appear curious since as of this writing there are no American casualties. This would appear to be a significantly minimal attack, possibly a face-saving threat necessary in the belligerent Middle East. Possibly, four missiles did not even reach their targets. Ballistic missiles tend to be quite accurate (at least ours are), but Iranian missiles tend to be questionable. Perhaps the Iranians used these weapons since they are not so accurate, or because they felt that the risk of hitting people was low. They were fired at large bases that are well protected, at areas less likely to have soldiers. The bases are Iraqi and not American, though our soldiers were housed there for the purpose of helping Iraqis combat ISIS. So far, the American response under Trump has been to wait and determine what action to undertake. The (W.) Bush administration hoped to effect change in the region by overthrowing Iraqs Saddam Hussein, who was funding terrorism mostly affecting Israel. He did not initially attempt to nation-build but got caught in the effort. It led to his failure in this regard, since a sectarian nation not ready for modern democratic institutions became prey to regional powers such as Iran and ISIS. President Obama thought vacating Iraq and negotiating with Iran through money payments (which have financed further terrorism) might change the situation. But Obama failed to understand that the mullahs of Shiite Iran sought domination of Sunni nations throughout the region. Qassem Soleimani was the charismatic leader of the military wing of these militant Shia. He was not about to cede nuclear production efforts and missile manufacture. Surreptitious research is hard to monitor in a secretive country. Trump will likely take a measured response. He is unlikely to use boots on the ground. Sites he might consider include the missile locations initiating yesterdays attack. He could also hit some nuclear manufacturing sites, as Iran withdrew from the international nuclear agreement this weekend. Additionally, Trump could attack oil processing sites, further crippling the Iranian economy. Trump is likely to de-escalate and would do minimal damage during this round. Further attacks by Iran (from Irans soil) might invite greater response. This would be an off-ramp for negotiations. Donald Trump campaigned against endless wars in the Middle East, which he felt robbed our wealth and manpower. Much of official Washington is predicated upon military activity. While Democratic presidential campaigners rail against Trump and oppose his strike upon Soleimani, most have participated in the swamps support of military action in the Middle East. Liberal hatred of Trump overpowers any good he might accomplish. Iran possesses about 2,000 ballistic missiles. Their military potential is dangerous but not a threat to the USA. The movement of American aircraft carriers and B-52s to the area with F35 fighters and about 4,000 troops indicates readiness for more aggressive action. A full-scale war might harm Trumps re-election. However, it is doubtful that Trump is primarily concerned with this issue. He appears to favor policies that put America first. The Trump Doctrine is one that encourages flexibility that allows actions that will further American benefits. This is true in military action and financial activity. Trump is not going to commit our country to remake any nation in the Middle East. It is up to the people of Iran to reject the mullahs. The death of Soleimani might be a catalyst. In the short run, the extreme forces within Iran will dominate, but long-term, it is likely that the resistance will regroup and take to the streets. President Trump will support this opposition, something Obama refused to do. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr. As the Irwin family continues to do their part helping with the Australian wildfire crisis, they say theyve been moved by many emotional moments. However, for Robert and Terri Irwin, some of the heartbreaking scenes have risen above the rest. I think for me, its watching the people on the front line, Terri, 55, tells PEOPLE of her most emotional moments of the fires so far. Terri said she was appreciative of all that the firefighters were doing amid the challenging chaos. We have firefighters here from all over the world from the United States, from Canada and as the animals come out of the forests seeking help, they just walk right up to the firefighters, and the firefighters are giving them water and theyre ending up with animals climbing up on them trying to seek refuge, she says. Its just heartbreaking watching these heroic firefighters also trying to save wildlife, Terri adds. Its unbelievable when these animals are terribly injured, theyre hit by cars, theyre burned, theyre trying to seek solace wherever they can it really is heartbreaking to watch. Robert and Terri Irwin RELATED: Robert Irwin Gets Emotional Talking About Australia Wildfires: Were Absolutely Heartbroken Robert, 16, echoed his mothers sentiments, opening up to PEOPLE about seeing the devastation from all across the country. Its really quite overwhelming but when you get the individual animals in like the koalas, like these little flying foxes and you put a face to it, it really puts it into perspective, and it really makes it even more devastating because you realize that half a billion animals thats half a billion little lives just like these guys [are in danger]. Its just such a heartbreaking situation. The Irwin family has been taking in and treating hundreds of displaced animals at their wildlife hospital at the Australian Zoo as the fires rage on. (They recently treated their 90,000th patient at the hospital.) Story continues Though theyre safe from the flames, Robert and Terri, who held fruit bats who were harmed in the fires during the interview, say theyve been swamped helping as many affected animals as they can, in addition to their regular duties. The bushfires that were seeing at the moment are unlike anything in Australias history and theyre some of the biggest in the world, Robert explains. For us, with the devastation weve seen with wildlife and with habitat, were really just doing our best here to take in as many species as possible. And then unrelated to the fires, we just treated a giant sea turtle just yesterday, he continues. Its everything on top of what were trying to treat from these fires, so its definitely busy times for us, but were trying our best to treat every individual that we can. Adds Terri: Its been very dramatic. Our average number intake has more than doubled and were getting an influx of huge numbers of animals. RELATED: Passengers Document Scariest Flight Through Smoke from Australian Fires: Suddenly It Was Black Since September, at least 25 people have been killed while a whopping 12 million acres have been wiped out with hundreds of homes and buildings destroyed, as well. A seven-day state of emergency was declared on Dec. 23. As of Wednesday, experts said the fires burning across Australia have likely left more than one billion animals dead, according to Today. Ecologists from the University of Sydney believe 800 million total mammals, birds and reptiles have died in the state of New South Wales since September, professor Chris Dickman told the outlet. That massive number includes a third of the New South Wales koala population, and fatalities are only expected to increase. For those who want to help with the devastation from the fires, the Irwins say the best thing to do is donate money. Everyone has two things in our lives to varying degrees: youve got time and youve got money, Terri says. If you combine your $5 with everybody elses $5, then you really start seeing this positive change. There really are so many different organizations working hard to get the resources and the funds to the people that need it most, Robert adds. I think that everyone can definitely help with this seemingly insurmountable situation we have, but I think if we all come together and we all do our part, we can definitely make a positive change. Click here for more information on how to help those affected by the Australian fires. 4.3k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Speaker Pelosi has the power to get around Mitch McConnells witness blockade by holding on to the articles of impeachment and having Bolton testify in the House. Benjamin Wittes explained on Twitter: Here is a card she now has in her hand. She can announce that: (1) She is not willing to hand over the articles so that McConnell can bury them without hearing from a witness who has suddenly made clear that he is, after all, available. Benjamin Wittes (@benjaminwittes) January 7, 2020 (3) She will hold the articles pending the completion of that testimonyand whatever litigation may be necessary to obtain it. And critically, (4) the House reserves the right to pass superseding or amended articles of impeachment in response to new information it obtains. Benjamin Wittes (@benjaminwittes) January 7, 2020 This would put McConnell in the position of paying a significant price for not reaching an accommodationand put pressure on him to do so. The articles of impeachment will dangle over the president and the Senate for some period of time to come if Bolton resists the subpoena. Benjamin Wittes (@benjaminwittes) January 7, 2020 Bolton may well end up testifying, either in the House or the Senate. And McConnell will be unable to play his 51-vote trump card until Bolton does so, because the articles will not be in his hand, and his power only kicks in when Pelosi sends them over. Benjamin Wittes (@benjaminwittes) January 7, 2020 What's more, such a position would be wholly defensible. After all, as McConnell knows full well, there is no right and wrong here. There are only tactics and what works. Benjamin Wittes (@benjaminwittes) January 7, 2020 Pelosi has options. Mitch McConnell says he has the votes for his sham impeachment trial, but the one thing that he doesnt have are the articles of impeachment. McConnell cant do anything until Pelosi turns them over. It would be beneficial for the country to hear what John Bolton has to say. Speaker Pelosi can have Bolton subpoenaed in the House, and his testimony can be added to the evidence at the Senate trial. McConnell tipped his hand too soon. Nancy Pelosi has the power, and unless McConnell wants the articles of impeachment hanging over Trumps head during the election, he is going to need to make a deal. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ChannelAdvisor Corporation (NYSE: ECOM), a leading provider of cloud-based e-commerce solutions that enable brands and retailers to increase global sales, today announced it will exhibit at NRF 2020 Vision: Retail's Big Show on January 12-14 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. ChannelAdvisor's team of e-commerce experts will be available to meet with conference attendees on Level 1 of the exhibit hall at booth 1626. "ChannelAdvisor is excited to participate in NRF 2020, a premier event for companies seeking new ideas for supporting their e-commerce business goals," said Mike Shapaker, Chief Marketing Officer at ChannelAdvisor. "After a high-demand shopping season, this is the perfect time for brands and retailers to rethink their online strategies and explore new solutions for e-commerce success throughout the year. From product visibility to delivery, ChannelAdvisor's platform and e-commerce expertise can help simplify the complexities of selling online, including pursuing new sales channels, capturing new audiences, optimizing operations, and creating a seamless shopping experience for consumers across global marketplaces." The rapidly shifting e-commerce landscape demands brands and retailers adapt to consumer behavior at every stage of the shopper journey. ChannelAdvisor's platform helps achieve this objective by simplifying connections to new marketplace and advertising channels, strengthening supplier-retailer relationships, and optimizing operations through the management of product inventory, pricing, advertising, order fulfillment, and more. To explore ChannelAdvisor's offerings, conference visitors can request to schedule a meeting with a team member. Through collaborative discussions, ChannelAdvisor can offer customized solutions, including actionable analytics, to help attendees gauge their e-commerce performance and improve competitiveness. For more details about ChannelAdvisor, visit our blog , follow us on Twitter @ChannelAdvisor , Like us on Facebook and connect with us on LinkedIn . About ChannelAdvisor ChannelAdvisor (NYSE: ECOM) is a leading e-commerce cloud platform whose mission is to connect and optimize the world's commerce. For nearly two decades, ChannelAdvisor has helped brands and retailers worldwide improve their online performance by expanding sales channels, connecting with consumers around the world, optimizing their operations for peak performance, and providing actionable analytics to improve competitiveness. Thousands of customers depend on ChannelAdvisor to securely power their sales and optimize fulfillment on channels such as Amazon, eBay, Google, Facebook, Walmart, and hundreds more. For more information, visit www.channeladvisor.com. ChannelAdvisor Media Contact: Tamara Gibbs [email protected] 919-249-9798 SOURCE ChannelAdvisor Corporation Related Links http://www.channeladvisor.com Qantas will divert flights to avoid Iranian airspace following a missile attack on two US-led military bases in Iraq. The US Federal Aviation Authority on Wednesday also barred US airliners from flying over Iraq and Iranian airspace in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The FAA said it issued the ban 'due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to US civil aviation operations'. Qantas will divert flights to avoid Iranian airspace following a missile attack on two US-led military bases in Iraq A map shows a selection of routes that usually fly through Iranian airspace Qantas' non-stop flights between Perth and London are the only route affected, the airline said. However, some passengers due on the QF9 Perth to London leg will be bumped to save fuel as the flight will take 50 minutes longer, a Qantas spokesperson said on Wednesday. Singapore Airlines has also said it will divert all flights from Iranian Airspace. Iran launched more than a dozen missiles on two US-led bases, in Erbil in northern Iraq and Al-Assad in the west, in response to the killing of Tehran's most senior military leader Qasem Soleimani. Pictured: Last night's records show the BA flight reconsidering its route and swooping over Kuwait and Saudi Arabia instead In the wake of the missile strike, aviation buffs shared images of a British Airways jet, bound for London from Mumbai, approaching Iraqi airspace from the south. All of a sudden, the plane redirects and circles back round before jetting across the Gulf. The aircraft, which has capacity for 200 passengers, flew over Saudi Arabia, Egypt and landed in Athens, rather than breaching Iraqi and Iranian airspace. A passenger on board the diverted BA134, which landed in Athens rather than its destination of London, tweeted: 'BA134 landed in Athens due to airspace closure over Middle East. A Ukrainian passenger jet crashed shortly after taking off from Iran's capital Wednesday killing 167 passengers and nine crew members just hours after Iran's ballistic missile attack, but Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue brought down the three-year-old Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Ukrainian officials initially agreed, but later backed away and declined to offer a cause while the investigation is ongoing. Soumendu Roy, who has worked closely with film maestro Satyajit Ray, will be conferred the lifetime achievement honour at the annual award ceremony of West Bengal Film Journalists Association(WBFJA) to be held on January 12. The 87-year-old cinematographer has worked in 21 films made by Ray, including Berlin Film Festival Golden Bear- winning Ashani Sanket (1973), apart from with directors like Tapan Sinha, Tarun Majumdar, Buddhadeb Dasgupta and MS Sathyu. The WBFJA will be honoured to confer the 'Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award' on Soumendu Roy, actor Prosenjit Chatterjee told a press meet. Chatterjee, who described himself 'as a friend of the WBFJA', was invited to announce the nominations for the award ceremony. WBFJA general secretary and veteran film critic Nirmal Dhar said there will be 17 award categories in the popular segment, eight award categories in the technical segment, besides the lifetime achievement award. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Canada orders its troops to move out of Iraq There are about 500 Canadian soldiers in Iraq who are training Iraqi forces in the battle against Daesh, including 200 involved in a NATO mission. Canada is moving soldiers out of Iraq and into Kuwait because of security issues, Canadas chief of defense staff Gen. Jonathan Vance said Tuesday. "WE ARE DOING THIS TO ENSURE THEIR SAFETY" The general made the announcement on Twitter. The letter was addressed to the families of the soldiers to help clear up uncertainty after the Iraqi government voted to have Western troops leave the country. The news coming out of the Middle East is alarming for many of you, as such I thought it best to communicate with you directly to provide an update on Canadas missions in the region, and more importantly the status and well-being of your family and friends deployed in Iraq and Kuwait and elsewhere in the Region, the letter states. Over the coming days, and as a result of Coalition and NATO planning, some of our people will be moved temporarily from Iraq to Kuwait. Simply put, we are doing this to ensure their safety and security. The Iraqi demand that Western troops leave follows in the wake of the US killing of an Iranian general on Friday near Baghdad airport. Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, was killed in a drone attack. Canada is taking the same path in removing troops as have Germany, Croatia and Romania. Onward Security, a company based in Taiwan, focuses on IoT information security. In 2019, its automated IoT device testing platform, "HERCULES SecDevice" was awarded the gold medal of Internet of Things (IoT) Security and bronze medal of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA Global Excellence Awards in 2019 Global Excellence Awards, organized by Info Security Products Guide. In November 2019, its innovative "Secure-by-Design" approaches attracted the attention of Enterprise Security Magazine, who interviewed Onward Security for the APAC special edition. Enterprise Security Magazine is a prominent professional magazine among information security enterprises. Listed in Top 10 Enterprise Security Startups in APAC 2019, Onward Security is the only one company from Taiwan and is encouraged to carry out its plan for the international market. Morgan, the CEO of Onward Security, was interview by Mr. Russel Thomas, and expressed that IoT manufacturers focused on its technology and providing quality products to their customers. They juggled with development, time to market and security compliance or regulations while their development departments were under substantial pressure to have a perfect balance when their resources of labor, time and budges were constrained. Under this circumstance, Onward Security found this opportunity to meet the needs in management and operation by providing consulting and assessment services along with its products based on Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC) to assist enterprises to develop their own security control system. One-stop product security assessment solution dedicated to IoT It is estimated that the number of IoT devices would hit 20 billion worldwide by 2020. The technology of 5G, Smart Home, Industry 4.0 and automatic vehicles introduces IoT to different fields and product blueprints, and, therefore, the trend attracts hackers' attention. The common attacked targets gradually switch from information system/web vulnerabilities to data theft of the mobile devices or breaking into the automobile systems. According to Cybersecruity Ventures, the losses caused by cybercrime in 2021 are estimated to reach USD600 billion. Morgan added that Onward Security's strength to be active in the international market is that its solution has the technical depth and is continuously improved in line with the market needs. For example, one of the international telecommunication clients in Japan has tremendous amount IoT devices and has difficulty handling testing and resources. Due to Onward Security's reputation and experiences in the industry, this client deployed Onward Security's automated testing devices, HERCULES SecDevice, to conduct the CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) scan, web vulnerability scan, protocol fuzz testing, and DoS testing. The automated device saved labor, provided the automatically-generated reports with details and suggested the solution so as to help the client reinforce its security testing capability shortly for its products and manufacturing processes. In addition, Onward Security assisted another international IoT maker by providing one-stop solution, covering compliance, system management, testing tools and etc. This client introduced Onward Security's SecFow, the management system, to manage open sources and related vulnerabilities, and SecDevice, the automated testing tool with machine-learning-based fuzz testing, to proactively discover the unknown vulnerabilities to secure its reputation and brand value. International Deployment and Development of AI & 5G For the future development, Onward Security has established the overseas office or subsidiary to be a company with the international security certification center by working with system integrators and IoT makers to enhance its dedication to the security solution. Furthermore, Onward Security plans to participate international certification organizations, continuously to improve its self-developed testing tool and to develop its innovative models of the services and products in the security industry ecosystem. Now it is working on its international business and brand to present its professional image internationally and to markets its assessment services to other regions. Furthermore, Onward Security will put more emphasis on development, especially the solution to 5G and Artificial Intelligence in IoT and related applications. One of its goal is to be the first company in Asia to have the capability of AI security assessment, Morgan stated confidently by the end of the interview. About Onward Security Corporation Onward Security is a leading service and product provider, who provides security solution to the development stage to help clients to lower the risks of vulnerabilities of connected devices and to meet the requirements of compliance. The core team has been assisting the industry with security testing technology. In Taiwan, it is one of the very few enterprises which has the capability of technology, consulting, development and compliance establishment. Its services and products include enterprise security services, product security services, consulting and products and its clients are APAC and North America. For more information, please visit: https://www.onwardsecurity.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onsectw/ Enterprise Security Magazine https://www.enterprisesecuritymag.com/magazines/November2019/Startups/ Enterprise Security Magazine has be subscribed by CEO, CIO and investors in the security industry. It selected Top 10 Enterprise Security Startups in APAC among hundreds of security-related startups in the 27 countries in the APAC region in 2019 for its APAC special edition. The coverage of Onward is on page 12-15 and the Top 10 list is on page 19. Contact: Onward Security: Ms. Shao Tel: (886-2)-8911-5035 [email protected] SOURCE Onward Security Corporation Related Links https://www.onwardsecurity.com/ MANZINI - A woman was left perplexed after a mysterious fire burnt down her one-room flat. The incident occurred at Mbhuleni, situated in the Manzini Region, under Kwaluseni Constituency on Wednesday at around 1am. Narrating the sequence of events leading to the accident, Nonhlanhla Sibiya, who is a widow, had tears rolling down her cheeks as she narrated her sorrowful ordeal. Historical She cited that on the day the incident occurred, she was at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, where she had attended the historical Umlilo Gospel Crossover show when she received a call from one of her neighbours informing her that her house was on fire. She said upon being privy to the details she hurried home, only to find that indeed her house had been burnt, with all her property razed to ashes alongside her furniture and sewing machines, given the fact that she is a tailor. I lost everything during the accident, including my childrens birth certificates, identity cards, school uniforms, books and backpacks which I had purchased in readiness for the opening of schools, she said. Sibiya said given the intensity of the fire, they had to contact the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services personnel who promptly arrived and put it out. However, she said nothing was salvaged from the house because by the time they arrived, it had already caused extensive damage. The distraught Sibiya could not hold back tears as she pointed out that mystery surrounded the catastrophic ordeal which saw her house, her childrens documents and furniture being burnt to ashes. Sibiya cited that she suspected foul play given the circumstances that led to the horrific accident. This, she said, was because on the day it occurred, there was no one in the house given that she had taken her children to a close relative she had entrusted to keep watch over them while she was away attending the crossover show. My house is not wired with electricity and I am certain that I did not leave the candle burning since it was during daytime when I left, therefore, there was no reason why I could have left the candle burning, she said. When probed what she suspected might have ignited the fire, Sibiya was not quick to dismiss the suspicions that someone might have lit her house intentionally. According to Sibiya, the culprits intention was to kill her together with her children while they were asleep. The person who did this thought I was inside the house with my children when starting the fire and the intention was to kill us while we were asleep, she said. Sibiya also pointed out that something strange occurred prior to the accident as a certain woman, who is one of her friends, warned her a day before the accident to pack her belongings and relocate from her flat to another place with immediate effect. Confirm The name of the friend cannot be revealed as she was not available to confirm the allegation made by Sibiya. She said when she asked her friend why she was advising her to relocate from her flat immediately, she said her friend was reluctant to state the reason but kept on emphasising that she was supposed to relocate as soon as possible. She mentioned that she did not heed to her friends advice because she thought she was just joking and instead she stayed put in her house, however, after the accident occurred, Sibiya said she was under the impression that her friend might have been privy to details that eventually led to her house being burnt down. Sibiya further urged members of the public who might be able to offer assistance to contact her on 7612 0384 or 7850 6399. Indian currency with jihadi messages: Centres tells SC, will look into it India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 08: The government has told the Supreme Court it would look into allegations that the Reserve Bank of India's Jammu branch had exchanged currency notes to the tune of Rs 30 crore that were embossed with Kashmiri separatist slogans. The court sought to know if the central agencies had done anything on the issue. The allegation was made in a PIL that was filed by one Satish Bharadwaj. The Bench asked the government whether notices should be issued or would it look into the issue on its own. Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta said that the government would look into the matter. To get a reality check, Centre invites diplomats to J&K Iran retaliates against US strike, Plane crashes near Tehran airport | OneIndia News The petitioner contended that he had inquired and found that currency notes worth Rs 30 crore were exchanged with fresh currency by the Jammu regional branch of the RBI. He said that these notes were defaced and imperfect. The money belonged to a separatist group, the petitioner also alleged. He also said that no claim can be made against currency which is imperfect or mutilated. He also said that notes that carry any extrinsic words or visible representation which is intended to convey any political message cannot be claimed. This is daylight highway robbery of national assets, Sitaram Yechury on Air India returning to Tatas Procurement of expensive aircraft parts to be done after approval of senior official: Air India Air India reroutes flights that take Iranian airspace India oi-PTI New Delhi, Jan 08: Hours after a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 people crashed near Tehran and Iranian government conducted missile strikes against US military bases in Iraq, Air India said it is temporarily rerouting its flights and that of its subsidiary Air India Express which use Iranian airspace. "In light of the tensions within the Iranian airspace a decision to temporarily reroute flights of Air India (AI) and Air India Express (AIX) overflying Iran has been taken. This may lead to increase in flying time by approximately 20 minutes for flights from Delhi and 30 to 40 minutes for flights from Mumbai," said the airline's spokesperson. Passengers allegedly manhandle Air India cabin crew on Delhi-Mumbai flight Aviation regulator DGCA on Wednesday morning asked Indian airlines to remain vigilant and take all precautions in airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf, hours after the crash of Ukrainian International airlines flight that killed 176 people near Tehran. Listen to the latest episode above or on your favorite app including Alexa, Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher. Episodes are available every morning on PennLive. Subscribe/Follow and rate the podcast via your favorite app. Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | January 8, 2020 A high school teacher pleads guilty to sexually assaulting six students. Meanwhile, police have identified the owner of a skull found in a mine -- but are still trying to figure out how it got there. In political news, the state house has announced dates for a special election to fill three seats. And one Pennsylvanian got the surprise of his life when he came home from work and was handed a $100,000 check. Those are the stories we are covering in the latest episode of Today in Pa, a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Julia Hatmaker. Today in Pa is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories in the state. Todays episode refers to the following articles: Enjoy Today in Pa? Consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, we like to know what you think of the program. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Australia's devastating bushfire season will likely have a tangible effect on the country's big and small retailers, with analysts forecasting mixed results from fires and continued smoke haze. Both positive and negative flow-on effects are in store for major retailers such as Wesfarmers, Super Retail Group and Metcash, who all could witness a material change in their finances. Wesfarmers-owned Bunnings could see a dent in sales due to low trade activity in smoke-affected areas, analysts predict. Credit: Supplied Citi analyst Bryan Raymond told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald the initial impact from the fires, such as ongoing smoke haze and store closures, would "definitely" cause some level of disruption at large listed retailers. Super Retail-owned outdoor retailers Macpac and BCF would potentially be hit hard due to a predicted drop in outdoor activity because of the bushfire smoke in major cities. Similarly, Wesfarmers-owned Bunnings and Metcash-owned Mitre 10 could also be affected due to lower trade and DIY activity. The promise of genetic testing is charming doctors and patients who are eager to finally make a dent in rising obesity rates. After all, weighing too much is a risk factor for lots of chronic diseases and greatly affects quality of life, but knowing this hasn't made it easier to reverse the growing tide of obesity around the world. Although the latest methods of genetic risk profiling can help patients know if they're more susceptible to becoming obese, new research out of the Michigan Medicine Frankel Cardiovascular Center and the Massachusetts General Hospital Cardiovascular Research Center suggests we'd be better off focusing on body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight and height. "We found fitness is a better predictor than genetics of where your BMI will go over time," says lead author Venkatesh Murthy, M.D., Ph.D., a cardiologist at the Frankel CVC. "Genetics clearly has some influence, but other factors are stronger." Murthy's new paper in JAMA Cardiology reported a person's BMI measurement from 25 years ago was a better predictor of their current BMI than a polygenic risk score. "There's been a lot of attention to the idea of using genetic information to understand your risk of obesity or being overweight, and for potential drug development to address those genetic risks," says Murthy, an associate professor of internal medicine and radiology. "We wanted to understand how, if at all, genetic data would add to the information already routinely available in clinic. It turns out, our standard clinical exam, including an assessment of BMI, actually has vastly more information to help guide patient care." BMI over time was most telling Alongside senior author Ravi Shah, M.D., from the Massachusetts General Hospital, Murthy's new research evaluated health data from a National Institutes of Health-sponsored study of more than 2,500 young adults from across the United States, who 25 years ago volunteered to participate in a longitudinal study. The data in CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) was collected between 1985 and 2010 to explore the development of cardiovascular disease. Murthy, Shah and colleagues used a modern "polygenic risk score" (a composite measure of genetic risk of obesity) to calculate genetic risk of obesity for each person in their subset of the CARDIA study and compare it to the measurements taken during the 25 years of the study. Baseline BMI in young adulthood explained 52.3% of a person's BMI 25 years later when it was considered in combination with age, sex and history of a parent ever being very overweight. The prediction could explain up to around 80% of BMI variation after following someone's BMI over time, rather than just at baseline and 25 years later. Those same combinations of age, sex and parental weight history, when considered with a polygenic risk score instead of BMI, were also associated with BMI but in a weaker association that only explained 13.6% of BMI in midlife. The PRS was also more effective at predicting future BMI in the 1,608 white individuals than the 909 black individuals. Murthy noted there's more genetic data available in European populations for constructing genetic risk profiles, leading to some concern about methodology for determining polygenic risk scores for non-white patients. Cautions against widespread use of genetic risk scores Murthy said these data serve as a reminder that human genetics might be interesting in large population studies, but that caution is still needed toward incorporating them when providing clinical care and advice to patients. However, he acknowledges clinicians are seeing more and more patients who have already purchased a genetic report from a direct-to-consumer company and want to go over it with their doctor. It's important for clinicians to be aware of the strengths and limitations of those direct-to-consumer products, Murthy urges. He said the rising interest in genetic risk scores also brings up the idea of how incorporating them into clinical practice could change behavior. If someone is told they were born more likely to become obese, for example, how will that change their behavior today or this year, or 25 years down the road? Conversely, will people who learn they're less disposed to obesity become more motivated to lose that stubborn weight that's been difficult to shed? "We don't know those answers very well yet," Murthy says. "However, some data says, whether based on a real genetic score or not, people may perform better in fitness tests if they're told they're genetically more likely to be fit. And we run a risk of demotivating some people if we tell them the genetics are against them, even though we now know other associations with BMI are stronger than genetics." The good news is calculating your BMI, which Murthy says is a useful marker for the majority of people who aren't elite athletes, is significantly more affordable than purchasing a genetic test. Physicians should already have weight and height records for their patients over time, Murthy says, and the conversations around modifiable risk factors relating to BMI should already be happening during patient visits. "Ultimately, while genetic risk may be most important in those individuals with rare inherited causes of obesity, for the majority of the population at risk for becoming obese, universal recommendations like healthy eating and remaining active are important and should be reviewed regularly with your personal physician," Shah says. ### Paper cited: "Polygenic Risk, Fitness, and Obesity in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study," JAMA Cardiology. DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2019.5220 In 2009, Natalie Suleman had eight children through IVF. [Photo: Getty] The world watched on in amazement in 2009 as it emerged that Natalie Suleman - who became known as Octomom - gave birth to eight babies conceived through IVF. Natalie already had six children through past IVF treatments, which gave her a total of 14 children. When she arrived back from the hospital she was met with death threats from people angry about her having fourteen children as a single mother. Now, 11 years on, she has posted a picture of her octuplets ahead of their eleventh birthday and is getting on with life like any other mum. READ MORE: These 2020 baby names will earn the most money She posted the picture of Noah, Maliyah, Isaiah, Nariyah, Jonah, Makai, Josiah and Jeremiah during a woodland walk. While Aidan was sitting, distracted with sensory exploration in the dirt, I snapped a quick picture of all the little kids together. This is a rare occurrence considering how crazy active and energetic they all are! #ActiveLifestyle #FitFamily #KidsBeingKids. She captioned the Instagram post. For many of us, the end of a decade offers us a rare moment of reflection. Natalie was no different and has written on Instagram about her turbulent decade which saw her face scrutiny for her parenting choices. Despite the pain of my past, Ive chosen to use my struggles as stepping stones, promoting my pursuit of achieving the goals Ive set for my family. She wrote on a recent post. The caption accompanied a quote that reads: Dont judge my story on the chapter you walked in on, a quote she has shared in the past. READ MORE: ASDAs plans to tackle childhood obesity Seven years ago, Natalie made the decision to step out of the tabloid media spotlight, a decision she speaks about in one of her recent posts. Story continues 2020 marks the seventh year since escaping the false life I was leading; forging on, building a better life for my family. I made a decision to repudiate all requests from tabloid type media (despite how lucrative the offer), as my goal is to progress, and publish my full true story. Natalies other children range from ages 14-19 and were all conceived through IVF. The octuplets are the only surviving set in the world and have the same surname as her sperm donor - Solomon. They have to eat in shifts at their home in California and all take it in turns to sleep on the sofa. This might sound like a bad deal, but it only equates to a maximum of twice per month. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo Style UK: A centre to nurture new business and create up to 260 jobs in Laois which have a low carbon emphasis is set to benefit from a 2 million cash injection. Laois TD and Minister for Justice & Equality, Charlie Flanagan has announced the allocation of 2,050,560 for The Cube at the Portlaoise Innovation Centre. In a statement, Minister Flanagan said the Portlaoise Innovation Centre DAC proposes to facilitate the creation of a Low Carbon Centre of Excellence. He said The Cube is a multi-point incubation hub for the development of a Low Carbon Centre of Excellence, assisting in attracting and developing companies with a low carbon focus. He added that Portlaoise town has been designated as Irelands first Low Carbon Town. This project is at the cutting edge of innovation. I am confident that it will have the potential to make a real and lasting impact on enterprise development at county, regional and national level. The Cube will specialise in bespoke professional services and training programmes tailored to align with the requirements of disparate sectors for which there is currently minimal advice or service available. The Regional Enterprise Development Fund is about supporting every region to build on its unique strengths and ultimately create sustainable jobs. Collaboration is at its core among the public and private sectors, within and across regions. I want to congratulate John Mulholland, CEO Laois County Council, Laois LEO and Enterprise Centre and am very pleased that the Regional Enterprise Development Fund is getting behind projects in Laois," he said. Laois County Council says The Cube will be the first dedicated low carbon facility in the region and will support and stimulate the creation of 260 jobs over the next 10 years. The council describes said the "multi-point incubation hub" will cost 2.56 million with the balance of funding to be provided by Laois County Council and other partners. Located on Church Street overlooking the old fort of Maryborough, the council says The Cube will assist in bringing vibrancy back into that area of the town and will form part of Laois County Councils overall plans for the regeneration of Portlaoise. It says the centre will act as a catalyst in supporting the adaptation and development of industry to meet the targets under Climate Action 2040. The local authority adds that The Cube will encourage business and industry in the region to analyse their operations in a manner that will increase efficiency and ultimately lead to sustainable employment and competitive advantage. Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Willie Aird believes Portlaoise is suited to such a facility. "Portlaoise is the ideal location for this new centre which will be of significant benefit to the region, attracting companies seeking to deliver innovation and employment under the low carbon agenda," he said. John Mulholland, Chief Executive of Laois County Council also welcomed the announcement. The CUBE will act as a focal point for the development of new business and economic activity and in turn will support and assist a transition to a low carbon economy. This is a new and challenging concept in business development not alone for the Portlaoise area but also in a national and international context, he said. The funding for the Portlaoise centre is part of the 40 million Regional Enterprise Development Fund which aims to support regional development with funding provided by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, through Enterprise Ireland. Enteprise Ireland, the agency that helps Irish firms that want to create export markets, said twenty-six successful applicants representing all regions of the country will share out the funding. It said winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process based on criteria which included impacts and value for money, collaboration and participation, viability and sustainability, building regional strengths and significance for innovation. Apart from the enterprise innovation hub, Enterprise Ireland said the National Design Innovation Hubs rural entrepreneurship project-based in Carlow and Laois was also awarded over 300,000. Enterprise Ireland Regional Director in the Midlands, Michael Brougham spoke following the announcement. The Regional Enterprise Development Fund helps Ireland to further drive growth in projects across a variety of sectors including creative industries and technology, particularly in the context of Brexit and other global trade challenges. The new project at the Portlaoise Innovation Hub will help accelerate the creation of innovative, regional based startups and companies that have the ambition and potential to expand in global markets which is a key strategic focus of Enterprise Ireland. This essential space already provides access to many of the services that are required to incubate a business, build scale and create sustainable jobs across Laois. The Enterprise Ireland, Regional Enterprise Development Fund is a core feature of our Powering the Regions plan which was published in 2019 and the project will make a real contribution to the development of the county. Enterprise Ireland looks forward to seeing the difference that this funding will make on the ground as the team in Portlaoise set about further developing the low carbon hub, he said. 'Dr Singh, visibly relieved, said, 'Yesterday night I couldn't sleep. I stayed awake, praying throughout. You have saved the country'.' A fascinating excerpt from former Atomic Energy chief Dr Anil Kakodkar's memoir Fire And Fury: Transforming India's Strategic Identity. IMAGE: Then Atomic Energy Commission chairman Dr Anil Kakodkar with then prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters I knew Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was scheduled to visit Washington. From messages that were being exchanged around, I had sensed that something related to nuclear would come up during the visit. India and the USA seeking to develop civil nuclear cooperation was a huge tectonic shift in international politics. This was in complete contrast with the decades of efforts to deny any nuclear commerce to India. Even though I was in favour of developing this co-operation from an energy perspective, I was more concerned with preserving and ensuring protection of India's strategic autonomy, which was under serious threat. The issue of strategic autonomy was crucial for both our weapons programme and sustained development of our three-stage nuclear programme. I was carefully looking at every word in the proposed formulations from this perspective. Ironically, thus, I myself had to apply brakes on what I had been patiently working on for many years as there could be no compromise on our strategic autonomy. IMAGE: Then United States President George W Bush with then prime minister Manmohan Singh at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, March 2, 2006. Photograph: Jason Reed/Reuters There was a section that felt that this was a lifetime opportunity for India that should not be missed at any cost. I thus began to look like a villain, coming in the way of a great deal for many in both countries. We had defined red lines that nobody could be allowed to cross. I was convinced that the Americans needed us much more than we needed them, and that the deal would go through. On reaching Washington the evening of the day before the summit, there was an internal meeting at the hotel we were staying in to take stock of the state of play till that time. Among those present were Dr Singh, Foreign Minister Natwar Singh, Minister of State Prithvi Raj Chavan, NSA M K Narayanan, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran, Ambassador Ronen Sen and other members from the PMO and MEA. IMAGE: President Bush at the State dinner as Dr Manmohan Singh, then President A P J Abdul Kalam and then US First Lady Laura Bush look on at Rashtrapati Bhavan, March 2, 2006. Photograph: B Mathur/Reuters The draft statement as it existed till that time was being discussed. There was a strong opinion that this was an important and historic opportunity and we should not let it go. The prime minister sought everybody's opinion. Everyone was either in strong or cautious support. I was the last to be asked. When my turn came, I had to bring out inherent risks. I explained that we couldn't open up cooperation in certain areas of the nuclear programme that impacted our strategic programme as well as the evolving three-stage programme, and risk their becoming vulnerable to external constraints. Such programmes had to be completely insulated. We could accept cooperation for facilities, which we could place under IAEA safeguards with the assurance of uninterrupted lifetime supplies. Our experience with Tarapur had to be kept in view and adequate safeguards ensured. IMAGE: Dr Anil Kakodkar. As the formulation on the table did not meet these expectations, I did not support the text and expressed the need for further changes to make it satisfactory from our point of view. I was in favour of the cooperation but the proposed draft was not acceptable. The moment I said that, several seniors pounced upon me. 'Atomic energy is not the only concern; you have to think about the country.' Finally, the PM said, 'If Kakodkar says no, then we can't go ahead.' I remember Natwar Singh reprimanding me right in front of the PM. Ronen Sen (who was in DAE for a short while a long time back, and was closely involved with several nuclear diplomatic engagements in the past) began talking like an expert in atomic energy and tried to negate my serious reservations. I was being singled out as the fall guy. All this was very painful. However, diplomats on both sides continued working through the night to make the text mutually acceptable. The next morning, even as the formal programme was about to start, I was called by the PM. Natwar Singh was also present. The text was still not acceptable. Natwar Singh then asked me to write down the formulation that would be acceptable. I scribbled it on a paper napkin lying on the table. He took the paper, folded it, put it in his pocket and went for the meeting. Things were going down to the wire. At lunch, MEA officials showed me the latest draft. The text was now acceptable and I said so. After the draft was finalized, news broke out about the joint statement. With the job done, the delegation was to return to Delhi. I wanted to fly back directly to Mumbai. I went to see Dr Manmohan Singh and take leave. Dr Singh, visibly relieved, said, 'Yesterday night I couldn't sleep. I stayed awake, praying throughout. You have saved the country.' I naturally felt very comforted given the onslaught that I had suffered. It was clear that implementation of all elements embedded in the joint statement could happen only on the basis of treating India like a nuclear weapon state, even though nobody would say so explicitly. This was a tectonic shift. Consequently, there were major challenges ahead -- both nationally and internationally. Soon the tussle started. Negotiations with the US were the toughest. They spanned a wide range of issues covering different actions envisaged in the joint statement. Aligning the new expectations and the legal framework of both countries was a major challenge. On the US side, the prevailing framework had deep connotations of the post-1974 non-proliferation web that has been created. Changing that to accommodate the new reality in the backdrop of the political environment that existed was a challenge. There could also be an underlying current of leveraging new arrangements to maximise control on the Indian programme. On the Indian side, the challenge was to insulate the strategic programme as well as the emerging development activities from any external control. Further, there was this aspect of protecting the assets within the purview of cooperation, should the cooperation breakdown for some reason. We had the experience of Tarapur units 1 and 2 suffering following the 1974 PNE experiment. Here we were talking of a much bigger engagement, and so the risks were bigger. A diverse and multi-layered sourcing arrangement, especially for uranium, had to be ensured. All this was to be consistent with the national foreign policy related to nuclear issues. It was Narayanan's idea that the two of us would not sit on the negotiating table, but be constantly available for guidance. This allowed us to do somewhat relaxed reflection on the proceedings that were taking place and carry out any mid-course corrections that might be necessary. IMAGE: Then US national security adviser Stephen Hadley at a briefing at the White House, February 24, 2006. Photograph: Jim Young/Reuters The primary interlocutors were Shyam Saran and Nicholas Burns. Whenever it was needed, the two NSAs, Narayanan and Stephen Hadley, met. Narayanan and I stayed back in our rooms in the hotel while the negotiations were in progress. Every two or three hours, a new draft would arrive, and we would all meet to discuss it. It was a long-drawn battle but the strategy was very useful in making our negotiations robust. Developing the Separation Plan needed deep and careful thinking. It had to be ensured that the decision of what was civil and what was military would remain exclusively an Indian decision, in the present and the future. IMAGE: Then US undersecretary of state R Nicholas Burns, the primary American interlocutor on the nuclear deal, with Dr Manmohan Singh in New Delhi, February 23, 2006. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/Reuters The prime minister showed considerable foresight and statesmanship in taking such a decision. Getting the Americans to accept the Separation Plan and related provisions was an even bigger task. I was clear that we were negotiating from a position of strength and the proposal would go through. As expected, things went down to the wire once again and the negotiations were still on even as it was time for President Bush to arrive in New Delhi in March 2006 for the next bilateral summit, just around nine months after the Washington joint statement. When the negotiations were passing through rough weather due to differences on contours of the Separation Plan, I was amused with the name-calling that happened during that time. The bone of contention was reprocessing -- whether to include or exclude it. Everybody in New Delhi seemed to be fine with the elements of the agreement, but the only hurdle was Anil Kakodkar. They were unable to understand why I was taking a negative stand on demands that were being made for inclusion in the Separation Plan. I told them it was my responsibility to develop and steer the atomic energy programme in India. PHWR (pressurised heavy-water reactor) development was not the end of that mission. It was the beginning. There were many more new technologies, not existing anywhere, particularly in the context of our long-term interests in thorium, that had to be developed. I could not be doing that with the IAEA inspectors breathing down my neck. When we were doing something new, we would naturally need mid-course corrections. Something would work. Something would not. If we were under IAEA safeguards and made even a small deviation, we would be accused of doing something that was not in the agreed plan. R&D can never be done like that. Two days prior to the President's arrival, the US team was in New Delhi to finalize the text of the Separation Plan. We were negotiating in South Block right till 2 am on the night before President Bush was to arrive. Firmness paid off. The US team conceded to our demands. The next morning, there was the formal meeting at Hyderabad House. By that time, I was already being perceived as a difficult nut to crack. When I was introduced to President Bush, he asked, 'So, you are that Kakodkar. Are you happy?' I replied in the affirmative. Excerpted from Fire And Fury: Transforming India's Strategic Identity by Anil Kakodkar and Suresh Gangotra with the kind permission of the publishers, Rupa Publications India. WASHINGTON Iran launched attacks on U.S. military bases in Iraq on Tuesday evening in apparent retaliation for the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, which was ordered by President Trump. According to a statement from the Department of Defense, the attacks began at approximately 5:30 p.m. EST. Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Asad and Erbil, the statement said. The Defense Department said it is working on initial battle damage assessments. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners and allies in the region, the statement said. Due to the dynamic nature of the situation, we will continue to provide updates as they become available. Press TV, an Iranian state television station, reported the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps struck the Al-Asad Air Base with tens of missiles. The channel framed the strike as retaliation for the Jan. 3 killing of Soleimani. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham told Yahoo News President Trump was monitoring the situation. We are aware of the reports of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team, Grisham said. Mourners attend a funeral ceremony for Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Kerman, Iran, Tuesday. (Erfan Kouchari/Tasnim News Agency via AP) A spokesman for U.S. Central Command, which runs military operations in the Middle East, declined to provide any details. Were aware of the reporting, and were still looking into it, said the spokesman, who declined to give his name when contacted at 6:45 pm on Tuesday. Soleimani was killed by a U.S. drone strike in Iraq last Friday. Trump has said the decision to kill the high-ranking Iranian general came as a result of an imminent threat to U.S. troops in the region. Story continues Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Trump alluded to Soleimanis role in planning past operations that resulted in the deaths of U.S. troops. He was a terrorist. He was so designated by President Obama, as you know, and he wasnt even supposed to be outside of his own country. He had an attack recently that he was in charge of where we had people horribly wounded. One dead, Trump said of Soleimani. He was traveling with the head of Hezbollah. They werent there to discuss a vacation. They werent there to go to a nice resort in Baghdad. Trump was pressed by a reporter to describe the intelligence that led to the decision to kill Soleimani. He declined and described it as classified. Soleimanis killing has prompted fears of continued escalation in the Middle East. The reported strikes on the U.S. base in Iraq, which Trump visited last year, mark the most direct military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran in over 20 years. On Jan. 4, Trump tweeted that the U.S. had targeted 52 Iranian sites, including important cultural locations, and said they would be HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD if Iran struck any Americans or U.S. assets in retaliation for Soleimanis death. The comments prompted a backlash because targeting cultural sites is against international military law. Trump backed away from that threat when he spoke to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday. However, the president indicated Iranian retaliation would be met with force. If thats what the law is, I like to obey the law. But think of it: They kill our people, they blow up our people and then we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions, Trump said, adding, but Im OK with it. Its OK with me. I will say this, if Iran does anything that they shouldnt be doing, theyre going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly. Earlier Tuesday Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters in Washington that the United States should expect retaliation from Iran for the drone strike that killed Soleimani. I think we should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form, either through their proxies as theyve been doing now for how many years and/or by their own hand, Esper said. And so we take this one step at a time. Were prepared for any contingency. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Mainland China equity market finished session lower on Wednesday, 08 January 2020, as risk aversion prevailed on reports that Iran launched missiles against a U. S. air base in Iraq after the American killing of a top Iranian general. Around late afternoon, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index declined 0.57%, or 17.67 points, to 3,087.13. The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, dropped 0.11%, or 2.02 points, to 1,789.83. The blue-chip CSI300 index was down 0.5%, or 20 points, to 4,140.23. Investors were concerned about heightened tensions in Middle East after Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases that host U. S. troops. The attacks followed the U. S. killing of Iran's top military commander in Baghdad, Gen. Qasem Soleimani last Friday and triggered concerns of a broader conflict in the region. Meantime, investors continue to weigh developments on the trade front with the first phase of the U. S.-China trade deal expected by many to be signed on Jan. 15. CURRENCY NEWS: China's central bank lifted its official yuan midpoint to the highest in five months on Wednesday to reflect strong gains in the spot yuan in the previous session. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) set the midpoint rate CNY=PBOC at 6.9450 per dollar prior to the market open, 240 pips or 0.35% firmer than the previous fix of 6.9690 and the strongest since Aug. 5, 2019. China's onshore spot yuan CNY=CFXS rallied on Tuesday, supported by corporate dollar selling. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The coal companies claimed that the general strike did not have any impact on mining or transport work in Jharkhand on Wednesday while the leaders of the trade unions claimed work in mining areas was "impacted" due to the stir. Vehicular traffic in cities and towns across the state was normal and shops were open, police said. The Director (Personnel) of the Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), R S Mahapatra, said that there was no impact of the strike called by the trade unions as the public sector company registered normal attendance of miners and posted normal production in all the shifts. "I would not comment on success or failure of the strike in BCCL. But I congratulate the workers for joining duty and cooperating in achieving target production and dispatch of coal during the day," Mahapatra told reporters in Dhanbad. He said total production and dispatch record could be made public after getting papers of all the mines. A senior official in the Central Coalfields Limited in Ranchi also claimed that the strike did not have an impact in its 41 opencast and underground coal mines with only 732 of the total of 8,293 miners remaining absent. "The transport and production has been normal," another CCL official said. The Executive Director of the NTPCs Pakri Barwadih, Keredari and Chatti Bariatu area in Hazaribag district, Prashant Kashyap, said there was no coal production in the mines as the NTPC authorities suspended coal production and operation of mobile equipment as a precautionary measure to prevent any damage to the equipment. He, however, said loading and dispatching of coal to various destinations of the country by rail is functioning normally and no untoward incident was reported. According to Hazaribag Superintendent of Police Mayur Patel the strike disrupted movement of transport on NH-33 and NH-100, passing through the district as strikers blocked roads at several points in the morning. He, however, said that the movement of trains in the district was normal and no untoward incident was reported from any part of the district nor any arrests were made. Work at all public sector banks, insurance companies, including LIC and post offices, in Hazariabag, was affected, according to sources in the respective public sectors. The convener of the Joint Front A K Jha, claimed production and dispatch work of coal was affected in Jharkhand-based Mugma, Chitra and Rajmahal colliery of the ECL. "The strike totally affected area one and two of the BCCL out of 12 areas. In other collieries Area production and dispatch of coal fell down to 60 per cent to 70 per cent," Jha said in Dhanbad. The strike has been called by trade unions INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC, along with various sectoral independent federations and associations. Their demands include a minimum pension of Rs 6,000 for everyone, minimum support price (MSP) for farmers and adequate supply of ration to people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jimmy Fallon asked his millions of viewers across the U.S. to donate to the Australian Red Cross on Tuesday. The Tonight Show host, 45, gave a 'quick shout-out' to acknowledge the disaster and also help raise much-needed funds. 'They're battling devastating fires over there right now,' Jimmy began. 'Every little bit helps': Jimmy Fallon asked his millions of viewers across the U.S. to donate to the Australian Red Cross on Tuesday 'You see pictures and they don't even seem real,' he added. 'Fifteen million acres burned, lost lives and homes, wildlife displaced, 3,000 firefighters are working.' He was likely referring to the 3,000 Australian Defence Force reserves sent by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to help in the bushfire recovery. Thoughtful gesture: The Tonight Show host, 45, gave a 'quick shout-out' to acknowledge the disaster and also help raise much-needed funds The fires have so far claimed at least 25 lives, while an estimated billion animals have died and more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed. Jimmy concluded: 'If you want to donate, you can give to the Australia Red Cross. Every little bit helps. We love you, Australia.' The American talk show host has yet to disclose whether or not he's made a personal donation. Devastation: The bushfires have so far claimed at least 25 lives, destroyed more than 2,000 homes and killed at least one billion animals An NBC spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that Jimmy has previously made contributions towards the California wildfires and Puerto Rico earthquake. The representative wasn't able to confirm at this time if he has donated to the Australian crisis. Meanwhile, the segment was widely praised in social media. The American talk show host has yet to disclose whether or not he's made a personal donation Jimmy also shared several links to organisations that his fans can donate to. Celebrities including Pink, Elton John, Chris Hemsworth and Nicole Kidman have all pledged considerable donations. If you'd like to donate to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief, click here. For donations to Victoria's Country Fire Authority click here and here for the NSW Rural Fire Service. To donate to Foodbank click here and here for the World Wildlife Fund. JNU Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar, who met HRD Ministry officials on Wednesday over the recent violence on campus, said the university has not made any suggestions to temporarily shut the campus and efforts are being made to restore normalcy. The ministry officials also maintained that no such proposal has been received. New Delhi: JNU Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar, who met HRD Ministry officials on Wednesday over the recent violence on campus, said the university has not made any suggestions to temporarily shut the campus and efforts are being made to restore normalcy. The ministry officials also maintained that no such proposal has been received. "We have not made any such suggestions," Kumar told PTI following reports that the varsity administration suggested to the ministry about temporarily shutting the campus following the mob violence on 5 January. "There is no move to do so. Efforts are on to facilitate conducive environment for students," he added. A senior ministry official said, "No proposal has been received by the Ministry in this regard". Kumar, who has been under fire from students and faculty members for not doing enough when they were brutally attacked by a masked mob on campus, had on Tuesday appealed the students to "put the past behind and return to campus". Violence broke out at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in the night on 5 January as a group of masked men armed with sticks attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus, prompting the administration to call in the police. At least 35 people, including JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh, were injured in the violence in the university. They were admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre here and discharged on Monday. The Left-controlled JNUSU and the ABVP blamed each other for the violence that continued for nearly two hours. The ministry had sought an immediate report from the registrar after the violence broke out on the campus and students and teachers were attacked. Human rights activist Gulalai Ismail has condemned the raids by Pakistan authorities at the homes of Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) activists days ahead of a march organised by the party. Ismail, who is herself a PTM activist, said that the administration has issued a No Objection Certificate for the event so the harassment does not make sense. "Strongly condemn raid of police on the home of PTM activists. The administration has issued a NOC for the event so the harassment doesn't make any sense," tweeted Ismail on Wednesday. PTM -- a political party -- which sheds light on the shortcomings of the military offences and brings to the front issues which continue to plague the locals, including enforced disappearances and fake encounters by the state. The movement headed by Manzoor Pashteen has now become another challenge for the Pakistani Army, whose heavy-handed techniques to crush the movement has failed miserably. In blatant attempt to muzzle voice, its activists are regularly targeted by the authorities and subjected to arrests and false cases. Gulalai, who was forced to flee Pakistan after being accused of treason, is currently living in the United States and has sought asylum in the country. Ismail managed to escape Pakistan to seek political asylum in the United States in September after being accused of treason. She reached the US months after she was arrested and released for holding a protest demonstration outside the National Press Club in Islamabad. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. As for convincing him to do the film, Murugadoss says Rajinikanth instantly approved. When the iconic Rajinikanth signs a film directed by one of Tamil cinemas most formidable names like A.R. Murugadoss, there is bound to be pressure. With Darbar up for release soon, the modest director says Rajini plays a role like never before. The whole idea of us coming together was to create something that would satisfy his fans. After all, he hasnt been seen in any film for year his last release was during the last Pongal. Then began the brainstorming. I was sure I wanted to do an action film with Rajini sir, but I was also sure Id write something that he had not done before. We decided on bringing him back as a cop after 20 years, and a really dark mean cop. I decided to make it a crime investigation drama with lots of unusual fights and action, the filmmaker adds. As for convincing him to do the film, Murugadoss says Rajinikanth instantly approved. He had only one condition: Do not dilute the plot just to please the audience. He wanted it to be as raw and real as possible, so he asked me to make a few changes in the script which I happily did, smiles the director, who shot the entire film in Mumbai. Explains the director of such blockbuster as Ramanna, Ghajini, Stalin, Thupakki and Stalin: Rajini sir plays a cop in Mumbai. We shot the entire film on the streets and other outdoor locations of Mumbai. We shot in the early mornings and during weekends to avoid the crowd. It must have been tough on Rajiniji, but he is a fighter. He will never give up, no matter what. If one recalls, Murugadoss had Bollywood at his feet after Ghajini in 2008. Aamir Khan wanted to work with him again, and Shah Rukh was keen as well, but nothing materialised. The problem was that they already had four or five films on the floor, he says. Rather than wait for Bollywood A-listers, I decided it was best to make films in Tamil. Tell me, in todays day and age, what is the difference between a Hindi, Tamil, Telugu or Bengali film? The language barriers have broken. People in remote villages of Tamil Nadu watch Korean films, he asserts in conclusion. By Abdul Kerimkhanov Twenty-six years have passed since the Azerbaijani army successfully completed the Horadiz operation during the Nagorno-Karabakh war. This was the most successful operation of the Azerbaijani army conducted in the winter of 1994 and eight people received the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan for the heroism shown during the battles. As a result of the Horadiz operation, Horadiz itself, 20 villages of the Fizuli region and the village of Jojug Marjanli of the Jabrail region - a territory with a total area of 21,000 hectares were liberated from Armenian occupying forces. This operation began in December 1993 and ended on January 6, 1994. As a result of the operation led by former President Heydar Aliyev, the city of Horadiz was liberated from the Armenian invaders, 20 villages in the Fizuli region and the village of Jojug Marjanli of the Jabrail region. In December 1993, the Armenian Armed Forces attempted to advance east of the Fizuli, but were forced to retreat due to strong resistance, as the Azerbaijani army launched a counteroffensive. On December 15, Azerbaijani servicemen launched an offensive in five directions - Fizuli, Khojavand, Aghdam, Aghdere and Kalbajar. The main attacks of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on Horadiz were carried out from Beylagan region, located southeast of Nagorno-Karabakh. In early January 1994, Azerbaijani troops took an area of 40 km along the border between 11 settlements and the Azerbaijani-Iranian border. The 702nd regiment that took part in the Horadiz operation on January 5, 1994, seized three tanks as trophies, the Sturm-C self-propelled anti-tank complex, six guns, about 10 vehicles, a lot of weapons and ammunition. Armenians suffered heavy losses and retreated, leaving the bodies of the dead on the battlefield. The next day, January 6, the 702nd regiment, breaking the enemys resistance, entered Horadiz, liberating the village, the Horadiz railway station and the strategically important Khudaferin bridge over Araz River. After Horadiz, the Azerbaijani army liberated part of Jabrail region and villages in Kalbajar District: Bozlu, Tekegaya, Babashlar, Ganlikand, Chapli, Gasimbinasi, Yanshagbina, Bagirsag, Gamishli and Bagirli, Chichekli and other strategic heights were freed and a section of the Kalbajar-Lachin highway was retaken. The Armenian side suffered major losses of personnel (about 4,000) and hardware during the fierce fighting. Every year on this day veterans of the Horadiz operation visit Martyrs Avenue to remember their deceased friends. Thus, the battles for Horadiz became a source of pride for the Azerbaijani people. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz (ANSA) - Brussels, January 8 - Libyan Premier Fayez al-Serraj said after talks with EU officials in Brussels Wednesday that the Tripoli-based UN-recognised government was entitled to defend itself and could draft "treaties and conventions with whom we like", referring to a military deal with Ankara. "We have not taken in mercenaries, nor fighters from Sudan and Chad," he said. "We are determined to defend ourselves and no one will take this right from us". He described the Brussels talks as "very productive". Serraj was speaking before flying to Rome where he will have talks Wednesday evening, a few hours after his adversary, eastern Libyan strongman General Khalifa Haftar. Representatives with Credit360 announced today that it is now offering a free eBook on credit repair. Anyone looking for a solid resource on credit repair can get instant access to this eBook at no cost by simply going to our website to download it, said Andre Coakley, President of Credit360, a company with an elite team of credit experts that know exactly what techniques will assist individuals with increasing their credit scores to meet their goals. Coakley went on to note that Credit360 is here to help anyone achieve their optimal credit profile by making the credit repair process convenient, individualized, and effective. Credit360 specialized credit repair processes, credit expertise, and guaranteed customer service, company representatives say, make it the best in the industry. We are proud that we have had the opportunity to help thousands of Americans correct their credit reports and now were offering a free eBook on credit repair, Coakley said. Credit360s decision to offer a free eBook could prove to have perfect timing due to the increasing number of people searching for credit improvement and credit repair solutions. In fact, according to a report by VantageScore, there are about 220 million scoreable people, and 68 million of them have bad or poor scores (lower than 601). We invite anyone with credit issues and or questions to get a copy of our free eBook, Coakley said, before adding, and if additional help is needed, Credit360 is a company that puts our money where our mouth is and only charges a fee when items are deleted, removed, or repaired from your credit report. With our 360 Repair, Rebuild, and Relax Credit Repair Program, you will no longer have to use other expensive credit repair companies that charge monthly and dont even produce results. Besides, Coakley stressed, We are so confident in our advanced disputing tactics that we will allow you to pay for your deletions after you actually see our results and we even give you a 100 percent money-back guarantee to back it up just so you can relax. For more information, please visit http://www.credit360.biz/personal-credit. About Credit 360 Credit360 was established to assist individuals to restore their personal credit and to offer a complete line of business credit solutions. Credit360 is a financial services firm specializing in credit restoration and business consulting services. Contact Details: Andre Coakley 10664 SW 186th Street Miami, FL 33157 Phone: 305-235-4848 Source: Credit360 Credit Repair A classified briefing on the intelligence behind Qasem Soleimanis killing caused Senate Republicans Mike Lee and Rand Paul to excoriate the assessment, while Lindsey Graham and Marco Rubio praised the intel. Lee called the meeting probably the worst briefing Ive seen, at least on a military issues, in the nine years Ive served in the United States Senate, and while he commended Trump for showing a lot of restraint in foreign policy, he added that he wanted to speak to the president directly about the lack of clarity in the assessment. I went in there hoping to get more specifics as far as the factual, legal, moral justification for what they did, Lee said. Im still undecided on that issue, in part because we never got to the details. It is not acceptable for officials within the executive branch of government I dont care whether theyre with the CIA, with the Department of Defense, or otherwise to come in and tell us that we cant debate and discuss the appropriateness of military intervention against Iran. Its un-American. Its unconstitutional. And its wrong. And I hope and expect that they will show more deference to their limited power in the future. .@SenMikeLee : "It is not acceptable for officials within the executive branch of governmentto come in and tell us that we can't debate and discuss the appropriateness of military intervention against Iran. It's un-American. It's unconstitutional and it's wrong." pic.twitter.com/fVSE6b3EM0 CSPAN (@cspan) January 8, 2020 Paul agreed, and called the administrations citation of the 2002 authorization of the use of military force in Iraq as justification for Soleimanis killing absurd and an insult. Story continues House speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated after the briefing that the House would vote Thursday to abolish the 2002 directive, saying in a statement that concerns were not addressed by the presidents insufficient War Powers Act notification and by the administrations briefing today. Both Lee and Paul confirmed they would support the Iran war-powers resolution proposed by Democratic senator Tim Kaine (D., Va.) separate from Pelosi to curtail Trumps authority. That briefing is what brought me on board, Lee said. But other Republicans took a markedly different tone. Florida senator Marco Rubio called the briefing very compelling. Natl Security officials gave a compelling briefing to Senators just now. They answered every important question. Anyone who walks out & says they arent convinced action against #Soleimani was justified is either never going to be convinced or just oppose everything Trump does. Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 8, 2020 Senator Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) voiced his approval, saying a third-grader couldve figured this out. I think people have lost their minds about who were dealing with, Graham told reporters. You dont need the CIA. Youve got an embassy being ransacked. Youve got a contractor killed. Editors Note: This article has been updated after mistakenly identifying Senator Rand Paul as Ron Paul. More from National Review Iran's attack on Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops is aimed at showing "they can basically reach out and do some damage," said Harry Kazianis, director of defense studies at the Center for the National Interest. In retaliation over the targeted killing of a top Iranian military commander, Iran on Wednesday morning local time fired ballistic missiles at bases housing American forces in Iraq. "We have to keep in mind that the Iranians have over 2,000 ballistic missiles," said Kazianis, warning that Iran's revenge should not be taken lightly. "In fact, if the United States were trying to stop a ballistic missile attack from the Iranians, from all of them, we could not," he added. "Even if we moved every ballistic missile defense platform we have in the world to the Middle East, we would not be able to stop the Iranians," he told CNBC's "Street Signs" on Wednesday. Kazianis said a full-frontal confrontation between Tehran and Washington could be "quite bloody." He added that Tehran can potentially "do a lot of damage, not only (to) U.S. bases but U.S. warships, all types of U.S. bases in the region." Possible US responses Asked if the rising tension between the U.S. and Iran in recent weeks amounts to war, the defense expert said, "I think right now, these are the prefaces of war. I think the real question now is: What do the Trump administration do in response to this?" There could be two possible moves from the Trump administration, Kazianis said. The Iranians, I think, want to show the world and they want to show President Trump specifically that they are no military lightweight. Harry Kazianis director of defense studies, Center for the National Interest For one, the Trump administration could attack the "actual launchers that fired these missiles, that would certainly be proportional." The other possibility is to "use this as an excuse to really go on a grand strategic military attack of Iran," he said. "That would take out all of Iran's nuclear facilities missile facilities, missile production facilities, major bases." He added that he doesn't think the U.S. is in a position to take the second option in the Middle East as it would take at least a few weeks to get the forces in the region ready. "By then, Iran would have been able to launch a preemptive strike," Kazianis said. He said his biggest worry now is that there are no signs of deescalation or an atmosphere for diplomacy. Not everyone agrees. Former U.S. ambassador to Oman, Richard Schmierer, told CNBC on Wednesday that the latest Iranian attacks "might be the opportunity in the absence of casualties for the two sides to now say: 'okay we have each done something, we can stand down.'" Iran's military power Australians will not pay tax on federal disaster assistance they receive to rebuild from this summers bushfire crisis, in a decision that adds to the budget cost one day after the Morrison government unveiled a $2 billion recovery fund. The tax break will be put to Parliament when it returns on February 4 and appears certain to gain support, with Labor making no criticism of the government for trimming the budget surplus to respond to the destruction. Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited South Australia's Kangaroo Island, which has been devastated by bushfires. Credit:AAP Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed the changes on Wednesday when visiting Kangaroo Island in South Australia, where the Australian Defence Force has been delivering clean water and other supplies after bushfires. But Mr Morrison remains the subject of political attacks over his handling of the fires, with Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese arguing he should have held a meeting with state leaders in November to prepare for the threat. Top Senate Democrats are demanding the Trump administration keep them in the loop on the Iran crisis. In a letter to Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair General Mark Milley, party leaders expressed "deep concern over the lack of information from the Department of Defence as it concerns the potential threat from Iran and what the Department is doing in response". Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Defence Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin and Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed also condemned Donald Trump's previous threat to attack Iran's cultural sites . "As the Departments leaders, we urge you to correct the few, incomplete, and evasive updates that the Department has provided, as well as make clear to the chain of command that they may only execute lawful orders", the senators wrote, adding that the classified notification the administration provided regarding last week's targeted killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani "is generic, vague, and entirely inconsistent in its level of detail when compared with prior notifications by this and earlier administrations". They says they want Mr Esper and Gen Milley to provide "regular briefings and documents detailing the military units and members" of US forces who have been deployed or are in the process of being deployed to support any contingency plans for Iran, who are being notified of possible deployment, and who are having existing tours of duty in the Middle East extended, as well as any civilian Defence Department employees or contractors who are being deployed to support US forces in the region. While previous administrations have generally kept members of Congress from both parties informed of military actions, Mr Trump has in recent months been reluctant to comply with US law requiring him to inform the so-called "gang of eight" consisting of the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate intelligence committees, and majority and minority party leaders in the House and Senate of major actions. US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Show all 35 1 /35 US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures This photo released by the Iraqi Prime Minister Press Office shows a burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq, early Friday 3 January AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures The wreckage of the car in which general Soleimani was travelling when a targeted US airstrike struck outside Baghdad International Airport on 3 January Ahmad Al Mukhtar via Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Demonstrators burn the US and British flags during a protest in Tehran after general Soleimani was killed in a targeted airstrike by American forces Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike. The Pentagon said Thursday that the US military has killed general Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, at the direction of Donald Trump AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters burn Israeli and US flags as thousands of Iranians take to the streets to mourn the death of general Soleimani at the hands of America EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of Donald Trump pray at an 'Evangelicals for Trump' campaign event held on the day following the killing of general Soleimani. At the event, the president praised the "flawless strike that eliminated the terrorist ringleader" AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A huge procession of mourners gather in Baghdad for the funeral of general Soleimani on 4 January AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Thousands of Iranians take to the streets to mourn the death of Soleimani during an anti-US demonstration to condemn the killing of Soleimani, after Friday prayers in Tehran, Iran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iraqis perform a mourning prayer for slain major general Qasem Soleimani of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards at the Great Mosque of Kufa AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A billboard reading 'Death to America and Israel', installed by Iran-backed shiite armed groups at a street in Jadriyah district in Baghdad, Iraq EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A handout picture provided by the office of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him visiting the family of Soleiman KHAMENEI.IR/AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Thousands of Iranians take to the streets in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shiite Muslims burn a mock of a US flag as they hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, outside the US Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iran's Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammed Jalal Feiruznia, looks to a portrait of Soleimani, as he receives condolences at the Iranian embassy, in Beirut, Lebanon AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures People make their way on the street while a screen on the wall of a cinema shows a portrait Soleimani in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Aziz Asmar, one of two Syrian painters who completed a mural following the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani poses next to his creation in the rebel-held Syrian town of Dana in the northwestern province of Idlib AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A demonstration in Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures An anti-US demonstration to condemn the killing of Soleimani, after Friday prayers in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Mujtaba al-Husseini, the representative of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivers a speech in the holy shrine city of Najaf AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shiite Muslims burn a mock of a US and Israeli flags as they hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, outside the US Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters demonstrate in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Pakistani Shi'ite Muslims hold pictures of General Qasem Soleimani during a protest against the USA, in Peshawar, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters, holding a photograph of the leader of the People's Mujahedin of Iran Massoud Rajavi, outside Downing Street in London PA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Protesters burn a US flag in Tehran AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A Syrian man offers sweets to children to mark the killing AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshippers attend a mourning prayer for Soleimani in Iran's capital Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Kashmiri Shiite Muslims shout anti American and anti Israel slogans during a protest AP US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshipers chant slogans during Friday prayers Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures A protest against the USA, in Islamabad, Pakistan EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranians burn a US flag in Tehran EPA US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Germany (NWRI) protest outside Iran's embassy in Berlin, Germany Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Germany (NWRI) protest outside Iran's embassy in Berlin Reuters US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian worshippers in Tehran AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Vehicles of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol a road in the southern Lebanese town of Kfar Kila near the border with Israel. Following morning's killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani, Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement called for the missile strike by Israel's closest ally, to be avenged AFP via Getty US airstrike kills Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Fallout in pictures Iranian women take to the streets in Tehran EPA In particular, Mr Trump failed to notify top Democrats of both the strike on Soleimani and the Delta Force raid which resulted in the death of Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi last year. In the wake of the raid against Baghdadi, Mr Trump claimed without providing evidence that notifying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi or Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff ahead of time would have created a security risk. We were going to notify them last night but we decided not to do that because Washington leaks like Ive never seen before, Mr Trump said at the time. Top Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway reiterated the president's baseless claim on Monday when she was asked why top Democrats weren't told of the strike against Soleimani. "Could you imagine telling the chairman of the Intel Committee, one Adam Schiff, that this was going to happen? Could you imagine? The man goes to bed with his [TV] earpiece and microphone on," she said. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Brisk and cold with a mix of clouds and sun. There might be a stray flurry or snow shower later in the day, mainly north of the area.. Tonight Partly cloudy, breezy, and bitterly cold. Wind chills close to 0 degrees. There might be a flurry or snow shower, especially north. The White House put out a photo of an arms-crossed President Trump meeting with his security team after Iran launched missiles into Iraqi territory in retaliation for the U.S. strike against Gen. Qassem Soleimani. CBS News' anchor Norah O'Donnell posted the image as she touted an interview with Vice President Mike Pence Wednesday night. It shows key members of Trump's security team meeting and looking to the side at what could be a video display or a presentation. All whose faces can be seen have serious expressions, and Trump sits at a head-table position, showing little emotion with his arms crossed close to his chest. A photo from the Situation Room shows President Trump meeting with his security team Tuesday night after Iran launched missiles at Iraqi bases. Pictured around the table are White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, national security official Keith Kellogg, acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Vice President Mike Pence, Trump, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, chairman of the and Joint Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, and Director of National Intelligence Joseph McGuire Pictured are Trump, Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, chairman of the and Joint Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, and Director of National Intelligence Joseph McGuire. Also seen are legislative affairs director Eric Ueland, acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, national security official Keith Kellogg, NSC legal advisor John Eisenberg, White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, and White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham. CBS Evening News Anchor Norah O'Donnell posted the image, which the White House did not send out CROSS: President Trump is seen showing little expression with his arms crossed in the image PLUGGED IN: President Donald Trump, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (2nd L), U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper (3rd R), along with members of the national security team, watch as U.S. Special Operations forces close in on ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in the Situation Room of the White House in Washington, U.S., October 26, 2019 Wednesday morning Trump declared in a speech to the nation that Iran 'appears to be standing down.' Multiple rockets are launched at Al-Asad airbase in Iraq that is home to US and Coalition forces and was visited by Donald Trump The image, which the White House did not send out to the broader press, has a candid feel, with none of the participants looking at the camera. That is a marked contrast to an image released in October, when the White House released an image of Trump and his team meeting on the strike that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi died. Trump and his grey-haired and uniformed advisors are seen looking toward the camera, in a picture that was criticized for appearing posed. In that photo, the long table inside the highly-secure Situation Room was seen covered in a jumble of colored wires, including many that weren't connected to anything. The image captures a tense moment after Iran retaliated to a situation that had many observers warning of the threats of further escalation or war. By Wednesday morning, Trump declared in a speech to the nation that Iran 'appears to be standing down.' Iran fired the missiles at two Iraqi bases that house U.S. troops, including a base in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region, and the Ain al-Asad base in Anbar province. The missiles did not result in any casualties, according to the Pentagon, and Iraq was provided information in advance. According to a brief caption provided by O'Donnell, in the photo: 'President Trump and VP Pence in the Situation Room with national security advisers on Tuesday night.' Courtesy of the USDA / Courtesy of the USDA A group of secretive and rare red foxes whose dwindling numbers reside in lofty, snow-covered Sierra mountain passes could soon gain recognition as an endangered species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed Tuesday to protect the Sierra Nevada red fox under the Endangered Species Act, according to the Center for Biological Diversity, a national conservation organization. Experts believe about 70 foxes remain in Lassen and Sonora Pass, making them one of the rarest mammals in North America. The population has declined dramatically because of poisoning and trapping, habitat destruction from logging and livestock grazing, and disturbance from off-road vehicles and snowmobiles, according to the center. The species could face further threats, experts say, as warming caused by climate change shrinks their habitat. Tuesdays proposal comes after the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned for the foxes protection in 2011 and followed up with 2013 and 2019 lawsuits pressuring the wildlife service to classify the species as endangered. The service has a year to make the listing official. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The Endangered Species Act prevents the federal government from taking any action likely to jeopardize the existence of listed species. It also prohibits taking the animals or any commerce activity related to them. The Sierra Nevada red fox is distinguished by its black-backed ears and white-tipped tails. They have thick, deep winter coats and furry toe pads for walking in snow, according to the center. Anna Bauman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: anna.bauman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @abauman2 The royal family's bizarre love triangle became one of the most-talked story of the 90s. So when Prince William and Kate Middleton first split, the royal family feared that history might repeat itself. Prince Charles, Princess Diana, and Camilla Parker-Bowles' story is still ringing and making it to the top of the headlines up to this date. But the Royal Palace did everything so that the "second Camilla" would not happend again. ALMOST Camilla It is nearly impossible for Kate Middleton and Prince William not to have any major problem from the time they started dating until today that they already have three kids in Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Before their marriage and during the time they were only datin, however, their relationship apparently drew comparisons with what happened to Prince Charles early in his relationship with Camilla. Sure enough, everyone in the royal family did not want to witness something like that again anymore. According to Katie Nicholl, a royal author, the Duke and Duchess' "love affair had run its course" in 2007. She detailed the scenario in her 2010 book "William and Harry" and stated that Prince William received a final warning from Kate after he got caught partying and flirting with several girls near his military training base in London. However, instead of getting everything straight again, Prince William suggested that they should split following the club incidents. Still, Kate's ally, Prince Philip, reassured her that his grandson "will present a ring when the time is right." The Duchess of Cambridge, obviously, held on tightly to that. "It was hard not to draw comparisons between William and his father. Had William also met the right woman at the wrong time?" Nicholl thought, referring to how Prince Charles had Camilla "at the wrong time." Wrong Timing The story started when Prince Charles and Camilla ignited their romantic relationship in the 1970s. Unfortunately, the Prince of Wales was forced to break up with Camilla in January 1973 as part of his deployment with the Royal Navy. However, the now Duchess of Cornwall failed to wait for his comeback and got engaged and eventually married a British Army Lieutenant, Andrew Parker Bowles. It was the Prince of Wales first heartbreak, mourning the end of a relationship that he considered as "something right at the wrong time." Meanwhile, in November 1977, Princess Diana met the heir to the throne, who happened to be dating her older sister, Lady Sarah. The two saw each other again when she attended Prince Charles' 30th birthday, and their relationship progressed since then. Despite their almost 13-year age gap, the Prince of Wales proposed to Princess Diana on Feb. 1981 -- only a few months after they started dating. The grand wedding on July 29, 1981 became the most-awaited and celebrated wedding at that time, with over 750 million spectators pausing their lives to witness Princess Diana and Prince Charles exchange vows. After giving birth to Prince Harry, Princess Diana revealed that it marked the beginning of the end -- the point when her relationship with Prince Charles started to be on the rocks. Two years after Harry was born, Prince Charles reportedly restarted his romantic relationship with Camilla until Princess Diana gave up and agreed to their divorce. WASHINGTON, DCEarlier this week, the term World War III was trending on Twitter in the aftermath of the news and responses to a targeted airstrike by the United States that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Iraq. As Iran state TV said Tuesday evening that Tehran had launched a missile attack on Iraqs Ain Assad airbase which houses U.S. troops, such apocalyptic fears must have only been reinforced. Is this the 21st centurys Franz Ferdinand moment? Is this how another world war begins? The experts I spoke with suggest that anyone losing sleep over that apocalyptic prospect can take a deep breath, enjoy a break from cable news for a few minutes, and relax a bit. This is an issue of popular culture rather than political analysis, says Aaron David Miller, an expert on the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. I dont feel that its appropriate. Its not tethered to, in my judgment, to reality. The Middle East is an angry, broken, dysfunctional place. Its been that way for as long as Ive been in government and outside of government. Its not 9/11. Were not looking at the prospects of terror attacks in the United States. World War III. I think theres an enormous amount of hype going on here. Other experts I spoke with agreed. While back-and-forth explosive attacks and retaliations like the missile attacks we saw Tuesday are expected, a large-scale global ground war would be unlikely. To put my professor hat on, a lot depends on what we mean by war. Its quite plausible to me that Iran will respond and that the United States will bomb Iran or otherwise strike in response to the response. And you do have the possibility of further escalation, Daniel Byman, an expert on foreign policy and the Middle East with the influential think tank Brookings said in an email sent in the afternoon, before Irans missile response was launched. But I see it more likely to be a limited shadow war, with an array of Iranian attacks and U.S. responses. The death and conflict will be real, but it will probably be short of what we usually think of as war. The U.S. response to Irans retaliation was uncertain Tuesday evening. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team, White House spokesperson Stephanie Grisham said in a statement circulated by the White House press pool Tuesday evening. Paul Rosenzweig, a national security and cybersecurity expert at the R Street Institute, said some of Irans response will likely take a different approach, Iran has a history of acting asymmetrically, especially in the cyber space, Rosenzweig says, citing several recent examples including a denial of service attack on the American banking industry early in the 2010s. Thats kind of the way they roll. And my guess, which is as good a guess as any, is that thats how theyll roll this time. What well see is some kind of asymmetric response, parts of which will be cyber related, he says. Not quite a Cold War, but its not a hot war, either. Its a lukewarm war, if you want. Which is not to say that it will be without significant consequences for the U.S. and its allies indeed, some are being felt already. As recently as a few weeks ago, masses of Iranians were protesting their own government in the streets, and this attack has seemingly united them against a foreign attack on a high-ranking government official. Stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons has been a cornerstone of Middle Eastern foreign policy under successive U.S. presidents, and in the wake of the killing, Iran has announced it will no longer agree to the limits contained in a 2015 nuclear deal. The influence of Iran on Iraq has also been a grave concern to the American government, and after the Soleimani attack the Iraqi parliament voted to asked all foreign troops to leave, which would push it further under Irans influence. And the fight against ISIS in Iraq and the region has been put on hold while U.S. allies focus on protecting themselves. The Canadian military, which is leading a NATO training mission to battle ISIS, announced an operational pause in Iraq on Tuesday to relocate soldiers to ensure the safety and security of our personnel while the situation develops. The U.S. position in Iraq, meanwhile, has been a source of some confusion. A letter circulated Monday from the U.S. military seemed to suggest they were preparing to withdraw in response to the Iraqi parliaments request though U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper clarified it was a draft letter being worked on with the Iraqis that was released by mistake, and that U.S. troops have no plans to leave. President Donald Trump has suggested hed bill the country for a military base and impose harsh economic sanctions if Iraq makes the U.S. leave. This is a crisis, the first serious real-time foreign policy crisis the Trump administration has faced, Miller says, one that embodies most of the worst elements of Trumps foreign policy in that it pursues discrete acts which are untethered and unmoored from any broad set of realistic and attainable goals. In that respect, he says, it is a tactical success in removing a man widely agreed to be murderous and dangerous, while producing a set of strategic failures. Byman argued a similar point in a recent essay for Vox. How bloody the aftermath will be, and whether the United States can emerge stronger, will depend on whether the Trump administration can be steadfast, plan for the long term, and work closely with allies. Trumps Middle East policy so far, however, suggests the opposite is more likely. In the end, Soleimanis death may prove a hollow and short-lived victory. Not likely to lead to a world war. But certainly not likely to bring anyone closer to world peace, either. Read more about: Eight people who died in a fire at a greenhouse in Moscow have been identified as Vietnamese nationals, a Russian deputy minister confirmed on Tuesday night. A firefighter trying to extinguish the fire at a greenhouse southeast of Moscow on January 7, that killed eight Vietnamese workers. FreeMalaysia Today/VNA Photo Representatives from the Vietnamese embassy told the Vietnam News Agencys correspondent in Moscow that they are working with local authorities to identify the victims and ready to take citizen protection measures if necessary. Russias Tass news agency reported that the fire started at around 5am on Tuesday in the district of Ramenskoye, southeast of Moscow, and spread across an area of 240 square metres. The blaze killed eight migrant workers, including seven men and a woman, who lived in one of the metal trailers where the fire initially broke out. Another woman was injured and is receiving treatment at a hospital. Acting deputy emergencies minister Anatoly Suprunovsky believed all the victims were Vietnamese nationals who were not registered as residents in Russia, according to Tass. The Ministry of Emergencies initially thought the deceased were citizens of Tajikistan. Formal identification of the victims is yet to be confirmed. Suprunovsky also said that faulty wiring might have caused the fire. The Investigative Committee for the Moscow Region said that investigators and forensic experts were now examining the scene, reported Tass. According to Interfax, investigators opened a criminal case into negligent death. Vietnamese embassy identifies Moscow farm fire victims Representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia have been working with local authorities to verify the identity of victims of a greenhouse farm fire in Moscow who are suspected to be Vietnamese migrants. Russian Emergency Situations employees work at the side of the metal construction of a greenhouse farm in a Moscow suburb after the fire. (Photo: AP) Representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia have been working with local authorities to verify the identity of victims of a greenhouse farm fire in Moscow who are suspected to be Vietnamese migrants. In a meeting with the embassy, Ramensky districts police confirmed that a fire broke out at a greenhouse farm in Ramensky district on the outskirts of Moscow on January 8, killing eight people and injuring one woman. The female victim was severely burned and immediately taken to hospital. The deceased includes three men and three women while the two others have yet to be identified. The bodies have been carried to a mortuary and will be examined for identification on January 9. A Vietnamese passport was found by the local police at the scene, according to the embassy. Representatives from the embassy told the Vietnam News Agencys correspondent in Moscow that they are ready to take citizen protection measures if necessary.- VNA/VNS Asia Japanese Prosecutors Search Office of Ex-Nissan Boss Ghosns Lawyer Carlos Ghosn, left, and his lawyer Junichiro Hironaka are seen in Tokyo in May. / Kyodo Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Wednesday that the current conflicts in the Middle East region need political solutions, not the use of force or radicalism. In a press conference held in Cairo with his counterparts from France, Greece and Cyprus after a meeting on Libya on Wednesday, Shoukry said that three countries agree that Libyans should be empowered to stop the violence. "The return to the political path is a must for Libya," Shoukry said during the press conference. Shoukry added that the recent Turkish agreements and MoUs with the Libyan Government of Accord (GNA) were a violation of international laws, interference in Libyan internal affairs, and an attempt to sabotage Libyan and international efforts to reach a political solution. Shoukry also said that the current presidential council of Libya has Fayez Al-Sarraj as the sole member, and that the other members have withdrawn. "Having a government from the Libyan parliament and stopping the military conflict are what Libya's neighbouring countries are trying to achieve," Shoukry said, adding that the Libyan crisis would not be solved by partial solutions. "We hope that the Libyans reach a political agreement to fix all sorts of problems," he said, adding that Egypt is in full support of the Berlin conference and its goals. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said in the press conference that Turkey was violating international law with its actions in Libya and is jeopardising the security of the Eastern Mediterranean. "The deal between Fayez Al-Sarraj and Turkey is a threat to peace and security," he said. Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said that Cyprus has long suffered from Turkey's actions, which have prevented his country from practicing its rights in the Eastern Mediterranean. "Our vision is to boost security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and uphold respect for international laws and relations with neighbouring countries," Christodoulides said. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that Turkey can play an important in the Eastern Mediterranean if it respects international maritime laws, adding that the new gas explorations in the Eastern Mediterranean have provided increased development opportunities. "The Libyan crisis will not be solved except by respecting international laws and with a new Libyan national dialogue to pave the road for elections, and this is one of the reasons to support the Berlin conference's goals," Le Drian said. The French foreign minister added that Wednesday's meeting stressed the importance of unity and stability in Libya as well as a Libyan dialogue with the support of the UN and the African Union. "We hope that the Berlin conference succeeds in achieving its goals," he said. Search Keywords: Short link: | Forty-one states and 86 local governments have filed letters with the federal government telling President Donald Trump and the administration they will continue accepting refugee resettlements in their jurisdictions, according to a list compiled by the Refugee Council USA. Trump signed an executive order in September requiring state and local governments to opt-in to refugee resettlement, an additional layer of bureaucracy that Christian ministries to refugees feared could make it harder to welcome the stranger. The deadline was thought to be Christmas Day, but there has been a lot of confusion around that detail. Resettlement organizations, most of which are faith-based, have until January 21 to file the letters with the federal government. In the meantime, Church World Service; Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service; and HIAS (a Jewish-American nonprofit group) are taking the Trump administration to court to stop the executive order. Support for Refugees Many state and local governments used their letters to express support for refugees. Refugees strengthen our communities, wrote Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Refugees are doctors and bus drivers. They are entrepreneurs and police officers. They are students and teachers. They are our neighbors. Some governors told personal stories of local refugees giving back to their communities, and others extolled the economic boon of refugee communities contributions to the local economy. Still others made their statements on principle. The United States has long presented itself as a haven, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam wrote. We promote the ideals upon which this country was founded, of liberty and freedom. But to uphold those ideals abroad, we must allow access to them here at home. We must practice what we preach. Some governors, however, expressed support for the idea of the executive order, even as they consented to continue accepting refugees. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee filed a letter of consent, but in it agreed that state and local consent to resettlement should be required. World Reliefs Matthew Soerens told CT, however, that resettlement has always been done in cooperation with local governments. The executive order doesnt change that. It does create administrative complications, making the process harder, and provides cover for states no longer wishing to receive refugees, even if the cities within their borders do wits to do so. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers wrote that he was disappointed that the administration has created an overly cumbersome and inappropriate process for those involved in refugee resettlement. Evers added that At a time when we are seeing labor shortages across our state, it is irresponsible for the administration to place obstacles in the path of talented and hard-working folks seeking refuge and a better life. Evangelical Support for Governors Letters As GOP governors weighed their decision, the Associated Press reported that evangelical Christians presented the strongest political counterpoint to the pressure those governors felt from immigration hardliners. The Evangelical Immigration Table delivered petitions signed by evangelicals to 15 governors on December 9. The Evangelical Immigration Table letter to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said, Many refugees resettled by the US refugee resettlement program are Christians or other religious minorities who were persecuted for their faith in countries without our countrys constitutional commitment to religious freedom. It continued, Regardless of their background, refugees are human beings made in Gods image, with inherent dignity and potential, and we have been blessed by their arrival in Texas; we desire to continue to be able to extend love to these new neighbors as an exercise of our Christian faith. Faith-based organizations such as World Relief and Catholic Charities play a large role in helping refugees resettle during their six months of supported adjustment. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont referenced the active role played by faith groups in refugee resettlement. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolacks letter referenced several of the organizations by name. In 11 of the 15 states that the Evangelical Immigrant Table lobbied, governors signed consent letters. FourTexas, South Carolina, Florida and Georgiadid not. Refugees will continue to be free to live in those states, as they are legal residents of the US. More will also be able settle there. The resettlement agencies, however, will not able to receive funds to help the newcomers adjust to life in America. An amicus brief filed by the attorneys general of California, New York, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, Oregon, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Washington contends that the executive order will disrupt family reunification. Family reunification has been one of the primary goals of refugee resettlement in the US, and while the order still calls for some priority to be placed on immediate family, the attorneys general claim the narrow family reunification exception in the Executive Order will negatively affect myriad established refugee communities with cultural connections and resources for employment and other support. Several states that have signed onto the amicus brief have not produced letters of consent, or have not made those letters available to the public, which is required by the executive order. There has been a lot of confusion around the consent process, which the amicus brief criticizes for its lack of clarity. New York has not sent a letter of consent, but advocates doubt the state will be refusing resettlement. Biggest Impact Is on Texas Should the new policy go into effect as written, the largest change to refugee resettlement will be in Texas, which did not submit a letter of consent. The state has, until now, received the largest numbers of refugees in the country. Texas will lose about $17 million in federal funds, which agencies distribute to refugees, who spend the money in their local economies, according to the New American Economy, an immigration and economics research and advocacy group. While this is a tiny fraction of Texass state budget, the impact on local governments and school districts could be more noticeable. Consenting counties like Bexar and Dallas Counties in Texas will not be able to receive refugee newcomers. The financial realities, the local governments openness to refugees, and the advocacy of evangelicals were not enough to persuade Abbott to consent to resettlement. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee wrote that his state would take up the slack and accept refugees who would have been sent to states that are unable or unwilling to accept refugee families into their jurisdiction. According to Inslee, they will be welcomed in Washington State. However, there may not be any slack to take up in 2020. Regardless of consent, all states could see a sharp decline in refugee resettlement because of the historically low resettlement cap placed by the Trump administration for the coming year. In their letters, some governors mentioned this larger issue. Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker wrote that With a global humanitarian crisis of more than 70 million forcibly displaced individuals, including 25 million who are refugees seeking asylum, the United States should continue to provide leadership, in partnership with other countries, to offer resettlement for refugees. Our nation has the capacity to admit significantly more than the 18,000-person limit set by the presidential determination for FY20. Opening arguments in the lawsuit filed by Church World Service, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and HIAS were set to be heard in federal court in Maryland on Wednesday. A man has been charged with attempted murder after a teenage girl was strangled and lost consciousness before she broke free and escaped in the Brisbane suburb of Inala. Police claim the man and the 17-year-old girl, known to each other, were talking in an Inala Street about 9.10pm on Tuesday when the girl was attacked. Police arrested a 21-year-old man close to where the girl was allegedly attacked. Credit:Queensland Police Service The woman was allegedly strangled and lost consciousness several times before she finally managed to break free and run to a nearby house for help. Police attended and arrested a 21-year-old Inala man in the vicinity. We are pleased to partner with these agencies because of their excellent reputations for customer service and strong commitment to business growth, commented Omaha National chief marketing officer Chris LaMantia. Its exciting to offer superior workers compensation and payroll services at competitive prices to employers in our home state. The three agencies have welcomed the partnership, as it gives them opportunities to better serve their current clientele. Dodge Partners is committed to bringing solutions to our clients that help their businesses, said Dodge Partners Insurance agency principal Marcus Haith. Omaha National offers three different workers compensation premium options and three distinct payroll service programs, which allows us to provide packages that are custom-tailored to the needs of each employer. Omaha National serves a wide range of underserved industries and is known for its excellent claims management, which helps control claim costs while ensuring injured workers get the assistance they need, stated INSPRO Insurance senior vice-president Tyler Thies. A release noted that the partnership comes a month after Omaha National expanded its business into New Jersey. The Ministry of has notified the new Wetland Conservation Rules that prohibit setting up or expansion of industries, and disposal of construction and demolition waste within the wetlands. The ministry has also directed that each state and Union Territory will have to set up an authority that will define strategies for conservation and wise use of wetlands within their jurisdiction. "The authority shall prepare a list of all wetlands of the State or UT within three months from the date of publication of these rules, develop a comprehensive list of activities to be regulated and permitted within the notified wetlands and their zone of influence... "It shall recommend mechanisms for maintenance of ecological character through promotional activities for land within the boundary of notified wetlands," the notification, issued on January 6, said. It also directed the authority, to be headed by the state or UT's minister, to undertake measures for enhancing awareness among stakeholders and local communities on values and functions of wetland. A wetland is a land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, and it takes on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem. The new Rules also prohibit the conversion for non-wetland uses including encroachment of any kind, besides setting up of any industry and expansion of existing industries within the notified wetlands. It prohibited manufacture, handling, storage or disposal of construction and demolition waste -- covered under the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016 -- hazardous substances, electronic waste -- covered under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 -- solid waste dumping and discharge of untreated wastes and effluent from industries, cities, towns, villages and other human settlements, within such bodies. The authority will also include one expert each in the fields of wetland ecology, hydrology, fisheries, landscape planning and socioeconomics to be nominated by the state government. The ministry said it has created a web portal for sharing information regarding implementation of Wetlands Rules where the central government, state governments and UTs are required to upload all relevant information and documents pertaining to wetlands in their jurisdiction. "States/UTs are encouraged to develop their own portals and hyperlink the same to the national portal. They are also encouraged to upload other project documents and publications to enable sharing and exchanging good practices related to wetlands management in general, and implementation of regulatory framework in particular." In September last year, the ministry had announced that more than 100 wetlands, essential for combating land degradation, have been identified in India and will be restored in the next five years. Speaking at the 14th session of the Conference of Parties to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) (COP 14), Manju Pandey, Joint Secretary, Ministry, had said that there are over 100 wetlands across the country under pollution stress and tourism pressure. "We are mostly unaware of the size and location of the wetlands. So we have asked the states to prepare documents in this regard so that we can work for wetlands in the next five years," she had said. At the same event, Suresh Babu, Director of Rivers, Wetlands and Water Policy at WWF India, had emphasised on the importance of wetlands in combating desertification saying, "Wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests and half of India's rivers are water stressed. We need to reverse this trend to fight land degradation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The father of a flight attendant, who is believed to have died when a Ukraine International Airlines crashed in Tehran, described how he learned of the incident on social media. "My daughter called at 6:15 this morning to say that in the US they were reporting that a plane had crashed, a Ukraine International Airlines plane," said Valery Matkov on Wednesday. "She asked where Ihor was flying to, and we said 'Tehran' and that he would return on the morning flight. And then we found the video of the plane crash," he added, speaking from Kyiv International Airport where his son had been flying to. Matkov said they were waiting for information from the airline. The Ukrainian passenger jet carrying 176 people crashed on Wednesday just minutes after taking off from the Iranian capital's main airport, turning farmland on the outskirt of Tehran into fields of flaming debris and killing all on board. The crash of Ukraine International Airlines came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. soldiers, but both Ukrainian and Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue brought down the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy extended his condolences to the families of the victims. His office said he had cut his visit to Oman short and was returning to Kyiv because of the crash. The country's Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk confirmed the casualty toll. NATO is removing some of the trainers who have been working with Iraqi soldiers battling the Islamic State, in the aftermath of the U.S. killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani of Iran in Baghdad. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced Monday that the training had been temporarily suspended. For the security of NATO personnel, the organization said in a statement that it would be taking precautions including the temporary repositioning of some personnel to different locations both inside and outside Iraq. NATO, which has been running the training operation since 2018, will continue to maintain a presence in Iraq and remains committed to fighting international terrorism, an official said, while refusing to divulge details about troop movements. NATO, which has roughly 500 soldiers in Iraq, lifted some of them out of Baghdads Green Zone in helicopters Monday night. Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike at the Baghdad airport Friday alongside a powerful Iraqi militia leader. Since then, Iran and its partners have stepped up calls for vengeance. Iran attacked two American bases in Iraq early Wednesday, Iranian official news media and U.S. officials said. Some NATO countries, like Canada, Germany and Croatia, have announced that they are moving troops out of Iraq altogether, at least temporarily, because of security concerns. Canada is moving some of its 500 military personnel temporarily to Kuwait, the countrys top military official, Gen. Jonathan Vance, said in a letter posted on Twitter on Tuesday. Thirty of the 120 German soldiers in Iraq will be sent to Jordan and Kuwait, while others will remain positioned in the less volatile Kurdish region of northern Iraq, the German Defense and Foreign ministries said in a joint letter to the German parliament, the Bundestag. When the training is able to resume, the military personnel can be reinstated, the letter said. Croatia has moved seven of its contingent of 14 soldiers to Kuwait and sent the rest home, its Defense Ministry said. Slovakia has removed its seven soldiers. The Pentagon, for its part, has directed about 4,500 additional U.S. troops to the region atop the roughly 50,000 already there. The new troops will act primarily as a defensive force, meant to reinforce U.S. bases and compounds in the region and respond to a possible Iranian attack in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. A brigade of roughly 4,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, have started deploying to Kuwait. The troops are part of the divisions global response force, kept on standby for particular emergencies. In Iraq and Syria, however, the U.S.-led coalition halted its years-long campaign against the Islamic State on Sunday, as U.S. forces braced for retaliation from Iran. About 5,200 troops in Iraq and several hundred in Syria are now focused on fortifying their outposts instead of pursuing remnants of the Islamic State and training local forces. Further complicating matters, Iraqi lawmakers voted Sunday to expel U.S. forces from their country. The vote will not be final until it is signed by Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, and it was unclear whether Iraqs current caretaker government had the authority to end the relationship with the U.S. military. Although the vote in parliament was 170-0, lawmakers were more divided on the issue of ousting U.S. troops than that tally may suggest. Many of the 328 members of parliament, primarily those representing the countrys ethnic Kurdish and Sunni Muslim minorities, did not attend the session and did not vote. Read more about: Irans supreme leader warned Wednesday that the countrys Tuesday night attack on military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops is not enough retaliation against America. They were slapped last night, but such military actions are not enough, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said both on Twitter and in a televised speech. Military operations do not suffice. What is important in addition to retaliation is to end the U.S.s corrupting presence in the region, Khamenei said. Tehran on Tuesday launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles aimed at two Iraqi bases in Ain al-Asad and Irbil in Kurdistan. The act of aggression was a response to the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Quds Force, who was killed Friday in a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad. The U.S. airstrike was retaliation for the attacks by Iran-backed militiamen on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad last week, which Soleimani signed off on. No U.S. or Iraqi troops were reported killed in the attacks. The U.S. has caused wars, division, sedition, destruction, and the demolition of infrastructures in this region, Khamenei proclaimed. Of course, they do this everywhere in the world. This region wont accept the U.S. presence. Governments elected by nations wont accept the presence of the U.S. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif struck a more conciliatory tone after the attacks, insisting that Iran does not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. President Trump was optimistic in his appraisal of the Iranian attacks. All is well, the president wrote on Twitter. Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! More from National Review Lithuanian English Siauliu Bankas AB, company code 112025254, address of the head office Tilzes str. 149, Siauliai, Lithuania. Siauliu bankas AB has received the notification of the person, closely associated with the manager, on transactions in securities issued by the bank (attached). Director of Securities Accounting Department Jolanta Dobiliauskiene is authorized by the Issuer to provide additional information and is available on tel.: +370 41 595669. Attachment H ealth experts have signed a letter to the boss of delivery giant Ocado urging a rethink over plans for a lorry depot next to a north London primary school. Parents and pupils at Yerbury Primary, in Islington, are fighting plans for the distribution centre, believing the plans would harm the health of the schools 400 children and staff by exposing them to fumes from Ocado vans, cars, HGVs and three fuel pumps just metres from the playground. Academics including respiratory experts Professor Jonathan Grigg from Queen Mary University and Dr Ian Mudway from Kings College have co-signed an open letter from parents to Ocado chief Tim Steiner urging the plans to be withdrawn. President Trump's decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal has sent shock waves rolling through the region and amplified widespread public anger. After Friday Prayers in Tehran, the hardliners hit the streets, reports CBS News' Elizabeth Palmer. Noisy demonstrations have become tired old routine by now designed by a regime that wants to deflect the people's anger toward America and not on the very serious problems brewing at home. No regime loyalists would dare say it, especially to an American reporter, but Iranians are furious with their own government's failure to deliver basics like electricity, water and decent wages. Iran warns of reprisal if U.S. doesn't compensate for withdrawal from nuclear dealObama: Trump pulling U.S. out of Iran nuclear deal "a serious mistake" In January, grassroots protests spread like wildfire and for the first time, angry crowds burned pictures of the previously untouchable supreme leader. President Trump's decision to pull out of the nuclear deal and Iran's missile exchanges with Israel are just ramping up the pressure in a country that's already dangerously close to boiling point. Iran says as far as it's concerned the nuclear deal is not yet dead. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif sets off on Saturday for talks in China, Russia and Europe to see what can be salvaged. Iran strikes Al Asad Air Base, home to U.S. troops in Iraq Rockets strike Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops McConnell says he has enough votes to set rules for impeachment trial Two Chinese nationals have been arrested for illegally entering and taking photos at a U.S. Navy base in Floridaless than two weeks after a Chinese man was charged for the same offense. Wang Yuhao and Zhang Jielun, both Chinese citizens, were arrested on Jan. 4 after they drove into Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida, and took pictures of the base, according to court records. An FBI affidavit said Wang and Zhang drove to a guard station at an entrance to the Sigsbee Annex within the base, and were asked to provide military identification, which they couldnt provide. They were then told they werent authorized to enter, but they proceeded anyway, the affidavit stated. After 30 minutes in the restricted area, the pair were apprehended by Navy security personnel who found that they had taken photos of military structures on the base, court documents show. They also took videos with their cellphones. Wang and Zhang, according to the documents, told FBI agents they read and understood English, and acknowledged that they were asked to make a U-turn when they couldnt provide military identification, but continued driving. The pair made their first court appearance on Jan. 6 and are due for a bail hearing on Jan. 10 at the District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Their attorneys and the southern district U.S. attorneys office didnt respond to requests for comment. Similar Cases Their arrests come not long after another Chinese national, Liao Lyuyou, was arrested on Dec. 26 for illegally taking pictures at another annex of the same naval air station. According to court records, witnesses observed Liao, 27, walking along the secure fence line of the air station. He walked around the perimeter fence and entered the base from the rocks along the water. Despite witnesses numerous warnings against trespassing, Liao proceeded to enter and took multiple shots with his camera. When U.S. military police came to question Liao a few minutes later, Liao explained in broken English that he was trying to take photographs of the sunrise, according to court documents. The officers, however, found photographs of the restricted Truman Annex area on his camera. Liao is currently held without bail. According to The Associated Press, his lawyer argued at a recent hearing that the 27-year-old was taking pictures while on vacation and that evidence of any crime is scant. In another case, Zhao Qianli, then a 20-year-old from Chinas Shanxi Province, was arrested in September 2018 for illegally taking photos of the same Navy base and surrounding military facilities. According to a court document, Zhao walked directly toward the Joint Interagency Task Force South Antenna Field and took multiple photographs with his phone, as well as a camera. A search of the photos showed that Zhao also photographed the restricted warning signs. Zhao told investigators at the time that he was lost and that he was a dishwasher from New Jersey, but later claimed he was a music student at a Chinese university during a December 2018 debriefing. FBI officials also found a police shirt and belt buckle at the hotel where Zhao was staying that belonged to a Chinese government ministry, court records said. Zhao said he had obtained the items from his father, who wanted him to have nice clothes while in the United States. Zhao was sentenced in February 2019 to a year in federal prison after pleading guilty to photographing defense installations. He will be deported after serving the sentence. In December 2019, The New York Times reported that the U.S. government secretly expelled two Chinese embassy officials who allegedly drove onto a military base in Virginia. The two were accompanied by their wives as they drove through the entry checkpoint of the base despite being denied permission, evading military personnel who pursued them. Epoch Times staff Eva Fu contributed to this report. From The Epoch Times LYON, France, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Merieux Equity Partners announces the closing of the fundraising for Merieux Participations 3, new investment fund dedicated to Growth Capital and Buy-Out within the Healthcare and Nutrition sectors, oversubscribed at 377 million. Dedicated to supporting profitable and fast-growing companies in the healthcare and nutrition sectors, Merieux Participations 3 fund was launched with the support of Institut Merieux as a sponsor and an initial hard cap of 350 million. In December 2019, the new vehicle closed at 377 million, with commitments from leading European Family Holdings and Institutions. As part of its development, Merieux Equity Partners expanded its investment team in 2019 with the appointment of Marie-Justine Lecomte and Romain Chevrillon as Associates within the Growth Capital and Buy-Out team and now employs 16 staff members in Lyon, Paris and Boston, of which 8 resources dedicated to Growth Capital & Buy-Out. To date, Merieux Participations 3 has completed seven transactions in France and Europe in support of fast-growing industrial companies, including four majority deals. In 2019, Merieux Equity Partners invested in Addmedica a French specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in rare diseases, Doc Generici Italy's largest independent generic pharmaceutical company and more recently Mabtech, a Swedish life science company specialized in immune monitoring. About Merieux Equity Partners - www.merieux-partners.com Merieux Equity Partners is a management company registered with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF) since June 2018, dedicated to growth equity and venture capital within the healthcare and nutrition sectors. Merieux Equity Partners currently operates with an international team of 20 employees and regional partners based in Europe and North America. Merieux Equity Partners actively supports entrepreneurs and industrial companies whose products and services bring differentiated and innovative solutions, by providing privileged access to its expertise and the industrial, scientific and commercial network of Institut Merieux, in compliance with current regulation. Contact communication Merieux Equity Partners S.A.S. EUROPE: Gaelle BESOMI [email protected] NORTH AMERICA: Alix SIPAHI [email protected] tel: +1-617-679-8000 SOURCE Merieux Equity Partners S.A.S. Related Links https://www.merieux-partners.com The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) is closely monitoring the developments related to this morning's tragedy of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS-752, a Boeing 737-800 that crashed in a field a few minutes after take-off from Tehran International airport. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the reported 176 passengers and crew members who were onboard the aircraft. Whilst the emergency and recovery efforts are taking place, IFALPA stresses the need to avoid speculation and theories as to what happened to the aircraft. The Federation has reached out to the Ukrainian Air Line Pilots' Association and will offer its expertise to the relevant Aviation Authorities in order to help gather facts and any other safety and security information which may be pertinent to this event. Note to Editors: The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations represents more than 100,000 pilots in nearly 100 countries around the globe. The mission of IFALPA is to promote the highest level of aviation safety worldwide and to be the global advocate of the piloting profession; providing representation, services and support to both our members The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations. This publication is for information purposes only. This publication may not be offered for sale or used commercially. All reprints must credit IFALPA. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005723/en/ Contacts: Emily Bitting, IFALPA Senior Communications Specialist, emilybitting@ifalpa.org, +1 514 419 1191 ext. 228 Thousand times better than OnePlus 7/7T/Pro Manvender Dagar on Flipkart.com | 28-03-2020 Amazing phone from Samsung. I was using OnePlus for last 5 years and decided to switch to Note10 lite after I watched an unboxing video on YouTube and I must say it- Samsung Note10 lite is far better phone than OnePlus 7T. The S pen is very helpful and gives a premium touch to it. Display is perfect for watching Netflix, playing Asphalt and reading ebooks. Expandable memory is an added advantage. The best feature is front camera- it's simply amazing. P.S. probably the best affordable phone with all the premium features. I love it!! Simply awesome Anshaj Shrivastava on Flipkart.com | 28-02-2020 The phone is fantastic in terms of looks and design. I have purchased a 8GB aura black note 10 lite. It feels premium. DISPLAY The display is crisp and clear. It has a 60Hz refresh rate but feels no less than a 90Hz refresh rate. Further, haptic touch on the screen is amazing. It has a Super Amoled screen and the picture quality is amazing. PERFORMANCE I have been using this phone since almost 10 days now and the performance has been beyond my expectation of an exinos operating system. Samsung has surely worked on the operating part. There have been no lags and the multitasking is also superb without any lags. BATTERY It has a 4500 mah battery which easily lasts for a day and half on good use. Plus it has 25W fast charging and the phone charges from 10% to 100% in an hour to 75 mins. Further, there are no heating issues which I have faced despite using the phone extensively. S-PEN It's a note series phone and the S-PEN is more than anything I ever imagined. It works via bluetooth for taking photos, changing music tracks, the air actions are very useful and especially it's a phone for all the professionals and artists. S pen drawing, writing notes is all superb. PRICING A brilliant buy if willing to upgrade the phone and have around 30000 net of exchange to spend. Terrific VARUN HIPPARGI on Flipkart.com | 28-02-2020 A very happy customer. Excellent phone for people who wanted to update their Note phone without shelling a lot of money for the latest ones or compromising with older releases of the phone. Samsung has cut the right corners here without compromising on quality or performance of the phone. Display is really good and so are the cameras. All the "required" S pen features are available. Most of the reviewers talked about older generation of processor, am not big on gaming but honestly the performance of the phone is more than adequate. In conclusion, if you are a typical note user you will not be disappointed. Go for it!! Perfect product! Amar Shah on Flipkart.com | 28-02-2020 The phone is fantastic in terms of looks and design. I have purchased a 8GB aura black note 10 lite. It feels premium. DISPLAY The display is crisp and clear. It has a 60Hz refresh rate but feels no less than a 90Hz refresh rate. Further, haptic touch on the screen is amazing. It has a Super Amoled screen and the picture quality is amazing. PERFORMANCE I have been using this phone since almost 10 days now and the performance has been beyond my expectation of an exinos operating system. Samsung has surely worked on the operating part. There have been no lags and the multitasking is also superb without any lags. BATTERY It has a 4500 mah battery which easily lasts for a day and half on good use. Plus it has 25W fast charging and the phone charges from 10% to 100% in an hour to 75 mins. Further, there are no heating issues which I have faced despite using the phone extensively. S-PEN It's a note series phone and the S-PEN is more than anything I ever imagined. It works via bluetooth for taking photos, changing music tracks, the air actions are very useful and especially it's a phone for all the professionals and artists. S pen drawing, writing notes is all superb. PRICING The price for the phone is 45000 but there is a discount of 5000 in that price and further 5000 on exchange. OVERALL A brilliant buy if willing to upgrade the phone and have around 28000 net of exchange to spend. COMPARISON WITH S10 Lite S10 LITE has a better camera and operating system rest of the features are same. However the S-PEN makes this phone unique and commands a better buy over S10 Lite Please provide your reviews if you purchase too. Hope you guys own a Note 10 lite and experience the power of premiumness. Brilliant Nishit Jain on Flipkart.com | 28-02-2020 got it on a deal of 33199 rs after exchanging my old nokia phone with extra 5k discount... i have used note series earlier and i am a fan of s pen ...with this phone i am totally satisfied with the phone ..only cons i found is that the front camera is so much bad , it softens ur photo too much and i mean the front camera photos are too bad even not better than any normal 10k phone and also at full dark place , the back camera perform much bad , it takes blurred photos even with flashlight ON ...other than camera department i love this phone too much...hope this review helps u as this is my after usage review... Great product Vijaykacharya on Flipkart.com | 28-02-2020 Received the phone on 13th Feb, started using on the same day, for my use of normal phone calls n wifi connection n browsing, the battery came for a day which is less for a 4500 Mh battery. About the display n camera Display is good n camera is also worth . If software update is provided for reducing the battery usage it will be the best.. I am happy with the Samsung phone... Very Good Rajaram Samantaray on Flipkart.com | 28-02-2020 I got on 4th Feb morning writing the review after 4 days use. Good product ,finger print scanner is bit slow u have to press little hard, display is nice,battery is ok, type c charger provided ,battery charging takes almost 1hour from 10% to full battery,battery discharge example (fully charged to 86% in 2 hours with moderate use without playing games with all apps in back ground closed brightness optimised)no heating issues,u get around 4.5 GB of ram out of 8gb,s pen works nicely u can use that for taking pictures too.phone is bit heavy,due to its design u can hold it well not slippery,u get all the items mentioned in box ,no mention of ip dust or water repellent data,final verdict if u want s pen experience go for it as Samsung has launched 2 phones at almost same price range. Awesome Aby Michael on Flipkart.com | 28-02-2020 Excellent phone... Good battery life Nice display, HDR Lowest SAR value Has FM radio Sound output through headphone jack is excellent Camera is good, has OIS Video recording 4k at 60fps Wifi calling, Direct video calling, Call recording all available No heating issues Samsung pay available Good Amit Yadav on Flipkart.com | 28-02-2020 Heavy weight device with super slow finger print scanner Since Jennifer Dulos went missing last May, questions have gone beyond the criminal case. What protections exist for people who are scared of their partners? How do friends and family mourn a person who hasnt been found? Find all our coverage at ctinsider.com/stamfordadvocate. BRIDGEPORT After more than seven months since Jennifer Dulos vanished, police said Tuesday they have gathered enough evidence to declare the missing New Canaan mother dead and charge three people in connection with her homicide. The 50-year-old mother of five likely suffered a non-survivable injury, according to Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner James R. Gill, as detailed in arrest warrants released Tuesday. Her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, 52, faces new charges of capital murder, murder and kidnapping, while his ex-girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, 45, and his former attorney, Kent Douglas Mawhinney, 54, have each been charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Carrie Luft, a spokeswoman for Jennifer Dulos family and friends, thanked authorities for their diligent, painstaking work, and said we believe the arrest warrants will speak for themselves. Although we are relieved that the wait for these charges is over, for us there is no sense of closure, she said. Nothing can bring Jennifer back. We miss her every day and will forever mourn her loss. The medical examiner described Jennifer Dulos death as a homicide of violence that likely included traumatic blunt-force injuries such as bludgeoning and stabbing. The warrant describes Jennifer Dulos being bound with zip ties during the alleged attack. Four ties were used, the warrant states, and two were found with Jennifer Dulos blood on them. It appears the zip ties were used to secure and incapacitate Jennifer Dulos, the warrant reads. It is reasonable that Jennifer Dulos was alive at the time the zip ties were attached to restrain her movements and to prevent her escape. Fotis Dulos and Troconis had been free on bail after previously being charged with tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution in the May 24 disappearance. READ MORE: The case against Fotis Dulos and Michelle Troconis READ MORE: Tracing Fotis Dulos movements the day Jennifer Dulos vanished READ MORE: Former Fotis Dulos attorney accused of spousal rape, wanting his wife dead READ MORE: Court filing: Fotis Dulos offered house as sex pad to help mend lawyers marriage Fotis Dulos is now being held on $6 million bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in state Superior Court in Stamford, where his attorney, Norm Pattis, expects him to post bail. Troconis and Mawhinney were each held on $2 million bond and will also be arraigned Wednesday in Stamford. We are very encouraged by our preliminary review of the warrants, Pattis said during a Tuesday press conference at his New Haven office. He called on the state to prove that Jennifer Dulos is, in fact, dead. If this is all the states got, we wonder why it bothered, Pattis said. We are very confident in our odds at trial and we look forward to meeting these allegations in open court, beginning (Wednesday). For the latest on the Dulos case, sign up for our newsletter. Fotis Dulos arrest warrant includes little information from him, stating he has provided absolutely no cooperation to law enforcement in their investigation into Jennifers disappearance. Instead, much of the warrant details conflicting statements made by Troconis. For instance, Troconis first told police that she was with Fotis Dulos until 8:15 a.m. the morning of the disappearance, and that she spent the morning with him at his Farmington home. Pattis had originally used this information as an alibi for his client. But when police told Troconis evidence showed Fotis Dulos was not there, the warrant said, she covered her face with her hands, wiped her eyes and tried to change the subject. She eventually admitted to lying and told investigators Fotis Dulos wasnt home when she woke up that morning, according to the warrant. When asked if there was tension with Fotis Dulos because of his impending divorce, Troconis said, we fight all the time. Fotis Dulos once told Troconis, sometimes, I hope she disappears, referring to his estranged wife, according to the warrant. Shortly after Fotis Dulos was taken into custody Tuesday, New Canaan police tweeted Justice! Mawhinney was taken into custody late Tuesday afternoon when state troopers pulled him from his vehicle at gunpoint in Tolland. Authorities had been looking for him in Hartford courthouses earlier in the day. According to his arrest warrant, police said Mawhinney may have provided a temporary grave site that was used for Jennifer Dulos body. During his Tuesday afternoon press conference, Pattis called Mawhinneys arrest a surprise. Mawhinney, a South Windsor lawyer who represented Fotis Dulos in the $2.5 million lawsuits filed by his mother-in-law, had previously been charged with violating a protective order in his own divorce. He was accused of having Fotis Dulos contact his estranged wife on his behalf, according to his arrest warrant. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. He was also charged last January with sexual assault in a spousal or cohabiting relationship, second-degree unlawful restraint and disorderly conduct, state judicial records show. Mawhinneys wife alleged her husband wanted her dead. Soon after Fotis Dulos was initially charged in his own wifes disappearance, Mawhinney requested to be removed as his civil attorney. William Murray replaced Mawhinney and represented Fotis Dulos in the two-day civil trial last month in Hartford. On Tuesday, Murray said he believes his client is innocent. I dont think he did it, Murray said. I think hes innocent. Something weird obviously went on, but Id be interested in seeing what the arrest warrants say. The new arrest shouldnt affect Mr. Dulos credibility as a witness in the trial, Murray added. According to arrest warrants, police believe Fotis Dulos was lying in wait when Jennifer Dulos arrived home from dropping off their children at school in New Canaan around 8:05 a.m. May 24. Inside the home, police found Jennifer Dulos blood on one garage wall, the garage door and in two separate sinks, the warrants state. Lauren Almeida, the babysitter for the Dulos children, said she noticed many rolls of paper towels were missing when she arrived at Jennifer Dulos Welles Lane home the morning of the alleged attack, the warrants said. Later in the day, Almeida said she tried several times but could not reach Jennifer Dulos. Immediately, my stomach sank, she said. In the almost seven years that I have worked for Jennifer, I never ever had a hard time reaching her. Police said two people resembling Fotis Dulos and Troconis were captured on video in Hartford later that night around the time Jennifer Dulos was reported missing. A man police contend is Fotis Dulos was seen on the videos dumping bags that were later determined to contain his wifes blood and clothing, the warrants said. A separate arrest warrant said Fotis Dulos and Troconis took a red Toyota Tacoma pickup truck belonging to a Fore Group employee to a car wash in the days after the disappearance. Police said in the warrant that they believe Fotis Dulos drove the truck to New Canaan the morning of the disappearance. Fotis Dulos also urged the employee to remove the seats, which were later found to contain his wifes blood, according to the warrant. However, Pattis has offered alternative explanations for the disappearance that have led to a gag order being issued in the case, which state police cited in why the agency did not take questions at Tuesdays press conference. Pattis, who appealed the gag order last month to the state Supreme Court, has said his defense team was investigating whether Jennifer Dulos purposely vanished to get back at her husband much like the novel Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn. Pattis has also publicly questioned whether Jennifer Dulos was seriously ill based on $14,000 worth of medical bills his client received in the months leading up to her disappearance and suggested she could have perpetrated a revenge suicide plot. Staff writers Jim Shay and Ben Lambert contributed to this report. MANSFIELD, Ohio A former State Highway Patrol trooper is facing criminal charges in connection with missing drug evidence from a traffic stop. The Mansfield News Journal reports Preston Brooks, 32, is charged in Richland County Common Pleas Court with two counts of tampering with evidence and one count of theft of drugs. Brooks was fired from his job on Dec. 27 after being placed on leave on Dec. 4. The charges are in connection with a traffic stop on Nov. 1 in Washington Township, the Richland Source reports. The driver of a vehicle was arrested for OVI and child endangering, and suspected drugs were found inside her purse, the Source reports. The Patrols termination letter for Brooks says the former trooper made false statements and engaged in conduct unbecoming an officer, including the theft of evidence and recovered property," reports say. His arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 14. In April, Brooks and another trooper gave first aid to a shooting victim outside a bar in Mansfield, WBNS Channel 10 reports. He had been assigned to the Mansfield post in December 2018 after first serving in Mt. Gilead, the News Journal reports. To comment on this story, go to the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. More crime-related content on cleveland.com: Someone shot man found dead near RTA tracks in Cleveland, medical examiner says Medina man who pretended to be missing Illinois boy to plead guilty, reports say Judge rejects defense request to disqualify prosecutors office from Cleveland New Years Eve triple killing case Cleveland man found unconscious after attack inside trailer was battling cancer Man accused of biting 2-year-old boys face in Cleveland The Congress on Wednesday attacked the Modi government saying booking the victim instead of the perpetrators of crime is the new normal now. The Congress' attack came a day after the registration of a case in the JNU violence issue against the varsity's students union president Aishe Ghosh, who was injured in the brutal attack by a masked mob. "The FIR in the JNU case has been registered against the victim and not the perpetrator of the crime, this is the new normal," Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera told reporters. He alleged that there is unrest and anger in the country and that every section of society feels disturbed and apprehensive. "Be it 45-year record high unemployment, price rise, unkept promises or arrogant attitude of the government, result can be seen. There is anger and apprehension across the country," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajn said that agriculture has a key role to play in helping the country achieve its goal of becoming a USD five trillion economy. The Central and State governments were focusing on formulating a cash crop and export-centric farming system, she said. She was speaking after inaugurating the 110th Foundation Course for Agriculture Research Service at the city-based National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) here, according to an official release. The support from the Central and the State governments to the agriculture sector, particularly to small farmers, was immense, she said. "Like credit cards, soil cards to farmers is a great step, which will carry crop-wise recommendations of nutrients and fertilisers required for the individual farms to help farmers improve productivity through judicious use of inputs," the governor said. She stressed the need for innovation in agriculture sector and added that there was a need to strengthen agricultural education and research. The governor called upon scientists to work towards a second green revolution. "Every scientist should strive to double the income of farmers.There are enormous opportunities in the agricultural sector," she said. The Congress has emerged as the single largest party after winning 30 seats in the Zila Parishad election here while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could win only 15 seats. The BJP has also faced defeat in Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's home village Dhapewada where Congress candidate Mahendra Dongre defeated the BJP nominee. The Zila Parishad elections took place on 58 seats. The Congress managed to win 30 seats while the BJP won 15 seats. NCP managed to win 10 seats. The Shiv Sena managed to win only one seat. Shetkari Kamgar Paksha won one seat and an independent candidate won one seat. The polling for the Zila Parishad and the local bodies polls in Palghar, Nagpur, Dhule, Nandurbar, Akola and Washim districts took place on Tuesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley and CIA Director Gina Haspel briefed members of Congress on the killing of elite Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani that has sparked a new Middle East crisis, as Democrats push for legislation to rein in the president's ability to launch a war. Senator Lee of Utah said he would support such legislation because he found the briefing on the justification for President Donald Trump's order to kill Soleimani "demeaning" and "unconstitutional." TORONTO, Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INV Metals Inc. (INV Metals or the Company) (TSX:INV) provides an update on the 100% owned Loma Larga property (Loma Larga), located in Ecuador. The Company is progressing with the required re-engineering and cost estimation to update the 2019 Feasibility Study (2019 FS) at Loma Larga, incorporating the relocation of the processing and tailings facilities to its land surface rights associated with the deposit. The update to the 2019 FS will provide new Capital and Operating Cost estimates and economics as a result of the relocation and will provide the basis for the submission of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) to obtain the relevant environment permits for Loma Larga. The schedule goal for the completion of the updated 2019 FS and the draft EIS is the end of Q1/2020. Preliminary work indicates that the update is not expected to have a material impact on the previously estimated costs. Ms. Candace MacGibbon, CEO, stated, Loma Larga is one of five strategic mining projects identified by the Ministry of Energy and Nonrenewable Resources and is expected to be the next large-scale mine following the successful construction of the Mirador and Fruta del Norte mines last year. The Company is progressing its financing and permitting efforts within the laws and regulations of Ecuador with the support from our many stakeholders, the Government, and the mining industry. She continued, Loma Larga is a relatively straight forward mining project that we are committed to executing in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner. The underground mine and related processing infrastructure have been designed to have a very minimal footprint, with an estimated disturbance area of less than 80 hectares at the project site. The process plant design, the use of paste backfill, and a filtered tailings disposal method will serve to minimize the use of surface water and reduce treated water discharge. The focus of our team this year will be to obtain the required permits and financing to allow for a construction decision by the Board of Directors. Loma Larga has been designed as an environmentally responsible underground gold mine with copper and silver by-products. The mine is accessed via a ramp and the processing facilities will produce two concentrates for export, while approximately 55% of the tailings will be returned to the mine as backfill and the tailings facility will be covered and revegetated upon closure. The use of a filtered tailings facility with structural support addresses concerns relating to the recent high profile catastrophic failures of conventional tailings facilities. As a result of the production of concentrate, no cyanide will be required in the processing of the ore which will be shipped to a smelter and refinery, outside of Ecuador. The Company is dedicated to the protection and stewardship of water. No lakes or rivers are located near the mine or the related infrastructure locations. All of the water that will be used in the process facilities will be pumped from the mine to the plant as a result of the dewatering process and will be recycled. The treatment and protection of the water at and around the site will take a multi-pronged approach. The site will have diversion channels to collect rainwater and divert it away from the site. Water that is collected from the mine, processing and tailings facilities and other required infrastructure will be treated to the highest Ecuadorian and International Standards before it is discharged into the environment. Several academic professionals have studied the hydrological environment at Loma Larga and the Company has many years of independent monitoring of the water quality in the area to serve as a baseline for water quality monitoring. Our team has been working with the communities in the direct and indirect areas of influence since the deposit was discovered in 2004. Our focus to-date has been to partner with the communities to focus programs on education, training, animal husbandry, micro enterprises, farming and environmental stewardship. We will continue to work with the communities in an open and transparent manner. The 2019 FS demonstrates that the development of Loma Larga will provide substantial economic benefits to the future employees of INV Metals, our communities, and the local, provincial and federal governments of Ecuador. The development and operation of the Loma Larga mine will also provide numerous employment and business opportunities for the local communities and within the region. Various benefits estimated in the 2019 FS using a gold price of US$1,250 per ounce are expected to include: continuation of the Companys numerous social programs in the communities of Chumblin, San Gerardo, Giron, and Victoria del Portete; during the construction period of 18-24 months, an estimated direct employment of 875 people; when the mine is in operation, an estimated 450 permanent direct jobs; the creation of indirect jobs with local procurement initiatives and training opportunities; wages, social security and pension benefits estimated at $15 million annually, for a total of $186 million over the mine life; employee profit sharing taxes (3%) estimated at $27 million; taxes to the Government of Ecuador estimated at: Corporate Income tax (25%) - $177 million State profit sharing tax (12%) - $107 million Employment taxes (35%) - $52 million VAT (12%) and import duties (0% - 5%) - $110 million Royalties (5%) - $108 million Azuay Referendum Application Another application to hold a proposed referendum related to mining activities within the Province of Azuay, submitted by the same individual as the previous request referred to below, was presented for consideration to the Constitutional Court of Ecuador on January 7, 2020. The Company anticipates that the Constitutional Court will consider the validity and the constitutionality of the application in the upcoming weeks. The Company's Loma Larga Mineral Resources and Reserves are located within the Province of Azuay. The Company has been advised by its Ecuadorian counsel that the questions that have been presented to the Constitutional Court in the application are similar to those previously proposed by the same individual, and that the standards and criteria established by the Constitutional Court in its press release of September 18, 2019 have not been met. The current application request contains the following questions for consideration: Do you agree with the prohibition, without exception of prospecting, exploration and exploitation activities of artisanal, small, medium and large-scale metal mining, in water sources, recharge, discharge and water regulation areas, highlands, wetlands, forests protectors and fragile ecosystems in the province of Azuay? Do you agree that the metal mining concessions that have been granted prior to this Popular Consultation in water sources, recharge, discharge and water regulation areas, highlands, wetlands, forests protectors and fragile ecosystems in the province of Azuay, must be canceled? The Company previously reported a prior application request submitted by the same individual to the Constitutional Court to hold a proposed referendum related to mining activities within the Province of Azuay and the results thereof (see press releases dated July 30, 2019 and September 18, 2019). The Constitutional Court of Ecuador considered and denied the application stating it did not meet the required criteria to proceed. The question posed in the prior request was: Do you agree with the ban, without exception of prospecting, exploration and exploitation activities of metal mining in water sources, recharge, discharge and water regulation areas, badlands, wetlands, protective forests and fragile ecosystems in the province of Azuay? The Constitutional Court in its press release of September 17, 2019 stated that it will carry out a formal and material control, case by case, regarding the origin of popular consultations on metal mining, analyzing whether these violate rights or imply reforms to the Constitution, and if they meet the requirements of loyalty, clarity and transparency required by law to guarantee the rights of voters. INV Metals, along with other international and Ecuadorian mining and exploration companies, hold legally granted concessions within Ecuador, and we will continue to work together with both the Government and the mining industry to promote the significant benefits of responsible and sustainable mining development and to defend our legally granted mineral rights. About INV Metals Inc. INV Metals is an international mineral resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of precious and base metal projects in Ecuador. Currently, INV Metals primary assets are: (1) its 100% interest in the Loma Larga gold exploration and development property in Ecuador, and (2) its 100% interests in exploration concessions in Ecuador, including the Las Penas, Tierras Coloradas, La Rebuscada and Carolina exploration projects. For more information please contact either: Candace MacGibbon Chief Executive Officer Phone: (416) 703-8416 E-mail: cmacgibbon@invmetals.com Doug Flegg Capital Markets Advisor Phone: (416) 703-8416 E-mail: dflegg@invmetals.com Forward Looking Statements Stampede Kills Dozens Of Mourners At Iranian Commander's Burial By RFE/RL January 07, 2020 Fifty-six people have been killed and more than 200 injured in a stampede as Iranians attended the funeral procession of a top Iranian general slain in a U.S. air strike, state media report. The deaths in Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Qasem Soleimani's hometown of Kerman led to the January 7 ceremony being delayed. The cause of the stampede was not immediately clear. The powerful commander's burial went ahead in the early evening in the cemetery's "martyrs section," the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported, the last in a series of funeral events that have brought hundreds of thousands of mourners on to the streets in Iran. The January 3 assassination in Baghdad of the 62-year-old major general who helped orchestrate Tehran's overseas clandestine and military operations has carried already tense U.S.-Iranian relations to uncharted territory, with vows of revenge and retaliation emanating from both sides. Speaking from the White House Oval Office, President Donald Trump defended his order to kill Soleimani, saying the Iranian was planning a "very big attack and a very bad attack for us and other people." "He was a monster. And he's no longer a monster. He's dead," Trump said. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters that Washington was seeking a diplomatic solution with Iran but that Tehran must de-escalate tensions. However, Esper said that the United States should expect Iran to retaliate for the attack on Soleimani "in some way, shape, or form." "We're prepared for any contingency. And then we will respond appropriately to whatever they do," he warned. Domestic critics of Trump's decision to kill the Iranian commander have said the move has brought the United States closer to a potentially devastating war with Iran, while Canada and some U.S. allies in Europe have begun moving troops at least temporarily out of Iraq. NATO said it had "temporarily suspended our training on the ground" and was taking "all precautions necessary to protect our people." This includes the "temporary re-positioning of some personnel to different locations both inside and outside of Iraq," the alliance added. The Iraqi parliament has demanded the expulsion of foreign forces from Iraq in response to the drone attack that killed Soleimani, but Trump said that a U.S. troop withdrawal at this stage would be the "worst thing" for the country. "At some point we want to get out, but this isn't the right point," he said. There are roughly 5,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. Stampede Aftermath Videos posted online showed victims of the stampede in Kerman lying lifeless on a road while survivors shout and try to help the injured. Thousands of black-clad mourners had gathered earlier in the central square of Kerman carrying posters bearing the image of Soleimani. At the start of the funeral procession, the IRGC's top commander Hossein Salami threatened to "set ablaze'" unspecified locations supported by the United States over Soleimani's killing. "We will take revenge. We will set ablaze a place they like, and they well know where it is," Salami said, drawing the cries of "Death to Israel." On January 6, crowds filled the streets of the capital, Tehran, to mourn Soleimani in a funeral procession during which Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wept over the slain commander's casket. Washington blames Soleimani for the killing of American troops in Iraq and accused him of plotting new attacks just before his death. Soleimani also led forces in Syria backing President Bashar al-Assad in a long war, and he also served as the point man for Iranian proxies in countries like Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. During a press briefing, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rejected suggestions Soleimani was on a "diplomatic" mission when he was assassinated. "Is there any history that would indicate that it was remotely possible that this kind gentleman, this diplomat of great order -- Qasem Soleimani -- had traveled to Baghdad for the idea of conducting a peace mission?" Pompeo said during a press briefing. "We know that wasn't true," he added, responding to remarks by Iranian officials that the slain general was attempting to conduct peace talks in Iraq. The state secretary also accused the Iranian government of "actively working to undermine" the peace process in Afghanistan by "continuing its long global effort to support militant groups there." Iran has "relationships" with the Taliban and other militant groups in Afghanistan, Pompeo told reporters. Diplomatic Maneuvering Amid heightened regional tension and diplomatic maneuvering, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit on Orthodox Christmas Day on January 7 to Syria's capital, Damascus, where he met with Assad and held consultations with Russian military officials. Assad is closely aligned with Iran. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the United States had refused to issue a visa that would have allowed him to attend a UN Security Council meeting on January 9 in New York. In response to a question during his news briefing, Pompeo said the United States does not comment on individual visa maters. "We will always comply with our obligations under the UN requirements, the headquarters agreement, and we will do so in this particular instance and more broadly," he added. A U.S. official told AP that the application could not be processed in time and it was not immediately clear if the visa request had been formally denied. Separately, Reuters reported that U.S. administration officials would brief congressional and Intelligence Committee leaders on the Iran situation later on January 7 and then brief the full House of Representatives the next day. Democrats have bitterly complained that Trump has kept them out of the process and that he did not properly consult or notify Congress as required by U.S. law. Iran's parliament, meanwhile, passed a piece of legislation labeling the U.S. military's command at the Pentagon in Washington and those acting on its behalf "terrorists," subject to Iranian sanctions. The measure appears to mirror a decision by Trump in April to declare the IRGC a "terrorist organization." With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-mourners-gather-in- kerman-soleimani-burial/30363929.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Banking services across Maharashtra were hit on Wednesday as nearly 40,000 bank employees, including 10,000 officers, joined the day-long nationwide strike called by 10 major trade unions on Wednesday against the Centre's "anti-people" policies. The RBI's workmen staff from its various offices, including from the centraloffice in Mumbai, alsowent on strikeon Wednesday, a union leader said. Port and airport services, however, remained normal. "Bank employees while endorsing the demands put forth by the central trade unions are focusing on recruitment, early wage settlement, pension updation, and old pension scheme to newly joined employees," the All India Banks Employees' Association said. Public sector banks, old generation private banks and a few foreign banks joined the Wednesday strike, it said. Ten central trade unions had claimed claimed participation of around 25 crore people in the nationwide strike called to protest against the union government's labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies. They are pressing for a 12-point charter of demands of the working class relating to minimum wage and social security, among others. Banks employees also protested against the merger of state-run banks and early wage settlement and recruitment. The strike has been called by six major bank unions including AIBEA, AIBOA, BEFI, INBOC and INBEF,representing majority of bank employees. Operations at both the ports in the country's financial capital were normal despite the strike, officials said. A spokesperson for JNPT, the country's largest container port which handles over half of India's total throughput, said operations were unaffected by the strike across all its terminals. A senior official at Mumbai Port Trust, one of the oldest facilities in the country, also said that operations were smooth in the port from a cargo handling perspective. MbPT has over 6,500 employees on its rolls and another 3,000 contractual staff, the official said, adding that participation in the strike call was negligible. Services at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj International airport were also normal and there was no impact of the strike on its flight operations, an airport official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Evan A. Laksmana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 The latest encroachment on Indonesian waters by Chinese fishing vessels and the Chinese coast guard several days ago highlights a fundamental reality: China could ignore Indonesias interests and concerns because it can. Jakarta, after all, has been singing the same tune every time there is a maritime incident involving China, combining strong diplomatic protests with some form of military posturing. Last week, the Foreign Ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador and conveyed a strong protest note. Officials then publicly reasserted the illegality of the nine-dash line and historic fishing rights. The security establishment then deployed warships and patrol vessels in the area. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. [January 08, 2020] Source Photonics Names Weiming Li President and Chief Executive Officer Source (News - Alert) Photonics, a market leader of optical transceivers used in telecommunication systems and data communication networks, announced the appointment of Weiming Li as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Li, a returning veteran of Source Photonics, succeeds former CEO, Doug Wright, who resigned from the company. "Mr. Li is an experienced executive with extensive telecom industry experience and a diverse operational background," said Jiang Run, a director for Source Photonics and a partner for the lead investor in the company. "He has also served as General Manager of Source Photonics China between 2007 to 2013. We are confident that Mr. Li will provide the leadership necessary to take the company to the next level of success." The board believes that the job of the Source Photonics CEO requires additional attributes to successfully execute on the company's strategy. Li has a proven track record of growing businesses, building teams, and improving operations. He has a deep understanding of the optical communications technology, products, markets, and customers' needs which are crucial for the company's success. Prior to joining Source Photonics as a General Manager from 2007 to 2013, Li served as VP Operations and GM at Auxora Netorks. He also held the positions of VP Manufacturing of Photop Group & GM of Photop Koncent, located in Fuzhou, China. In addition, he served as VP of Business Development at Oplink. Prior to these posts, Li held various positions in General Management, Technology Strategy, and Product Development in various fiber optic, industrial automation, and machinery industries in both the US and in China. Li holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chong Qing University in China, and a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Control from San Jose State University. Source Photonics has been leading the industry for more than 30 years and was first-to-market various products for access, wireless, and datacom applications. The company aims to continue to support and partner with its customers to meet their volume requirements for advanced technologies. About Source Photonics: Source Photonics is a leading provider of innovative and reliable optical communications technology that enables communications and connectivity in datacenters, metro, and access networks. We add value to our customers by developing next-generation solutions that enable their growth by meeting the rapidly increasing demands of cloud infrastructure, wireless communications, routing, and fiber-to-the-premises applications worldwide. Source Photonics has key R&D and manufacturing facilities in California, Taiwan, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Jintan, China. For more information about Source Photonics, please visit www.sourcephotonics.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005806/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper, the drone model suspected to have been used for the assassination of prominent Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani. Captured from U.S. Air Force homepage By Kim Hyun-bin The U.S. military drone strike that assassinated prominent Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani has awakened the need for the development of anti-drone systems. According to government sources, Wednesday, the Agency for Defense Development is currently on a track to develop anti-aircraft laser weaponry that is capable of neutralizing attack drones. "We're moving forward with the development of anti-drone threats as such threats have increased over the last few years and we were in need of developing an effective counter weapons system," a government official said. There are two large categories of anti-drone technology consisting of "hard kill", where a laser beam directly impacts and destroys the drone and another is "soft kill" which instantly suspends the flight of the drone disrupting its electronic signals. The hard kill method is a relatively cheaper technology to take on drone-oriented threats as it uses seamless laser beams to target vulnerable areas of the drone, creating intense heat and setting fire to the target. The Agency for Defense Development has acquired key laser beam technology and is on its way to focusing on systematic sophistication and miniaturization of the new weapons system. "We started to develop the hard kill system last year and have acquired key laser technologies. We aim to finish development within 2023," an Agency for Defense Development official said. The downside of the hard kill method are its limitations due to the weather situation such as rain and snow. A lack of visibility of the target could cause difficulty in intercepting it. The Korean government is also considering the soft kill method using jamming technology. Jamming deliberately blocks, jams or interferes with authorized wireless communications. In some cases jammers transmit radio signals to disrupt GPS communications by decreasing the signal-to-noise ratio, instantly halting the drone movement as it nullifies the GPS function. The Ministry of Defense is reviewing the marketability of the new soft kill method and is expected to make a decision whether or not to implement the system in the first half of this year. When deemed necessary to implement, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) will be in charge of the project overseeing the development and purchase of the system. Recently, a company in Korea developed a drone jamming system that is capable of disrupting the electronic signals of drones from a distance of 200 meters. At least four people were killed and 10 wounded when a car bomb exploded close to a checkpoint near Somalia's parliament in the capital Mogadishu on Wednesday, police said. A plume of thick black smoke was seen over the city and witnesses said a number of vehicles were on fire. Islamist group al Shabaab claimed the attack, after a spike in activity in recent days by the al Qaeda linked group which has seen it inflict mass casualties in Somalia and attack a US military base in Kenya. "Explosives were packed in a vehicle which the security forces think was trying to pass through the checkpoint but because he could not do that, the suicide bomber detonated it," said police officer Adan Abdullahi. "Initial reports we have received indicate four people were killed and more than 10 others were wounded in the blast." 'There was chaos' Abdirahman Mohamed, who was at a nearby grocery store when the blast occurred, said he saw several dead bodies. "I saw the dead bodies of several people some of them killed by shrapnel inside their vehicles. There was chaos...and ambulances reached the scene soon after the blast," he said. Shamso Ali, another witness, described "smoke and chaos along the road, the blast was very heavy". "Thanks to God I was a distance away but I saw the smoke and several vehicles caught on fire," he said. Mogadishu is regularly hit by attacks by al Shabaab, which has fought for more than a decade to topple the Somali government. The powerful blast comes after al Shabaab claimed a massive car bombing in Mogadishu on December 28 that killed 81 people. The attack hit a busy checkpoint in the southwest of the city, leaving vehicles charred and twisted at a crossroads in the deadliest assault in two years in the Horn of Africa country. Scores more were wounded. Al Shabaab has also managed to expand its network in the region, especially in Kenya which has suffered several devastating attacks in retaliation for it sending troops into Somalia in 2011. Story continues Sunday attack in Kenya On Sunday, three US citizens died and several aircraft and military vehicles were destroyed when Al Shabaab stormed a military base in Kenya's coastal Lamu region. Also Sunday, just hours after the attack, police arrested three men who tried to force their way into a British military training camp in the central Kenyan town of Nanyuki. The al Qaeda-linked group al Shabaab has in the past carried out bloody sieges against civilians in Kenya, such as at the upmarket Westgate Mall in 2013 and Garissa University in 2015. The uptick in attacks comes almost a year since the January 15 siege on an upscale Nairobi hotel which left 21 people dead. In recent statements, al Shabaab has referred to an increase in US military air strikes under President Donald Trump, accusing Washington of killing innocent civilians. AFRICOM said in April it had killed more than 800 people in 110 strikes in Somalia since April 2017. (FRANCE 24 with AFP) BOONVILLE, N.Y. -- A massive fire has destroyed five buildings with businesses and apartments on Main Street in the village of Boonville, according to local officials and media reports. At least 15 people were burned out of their homes. Assistant Boonville Fire Chief Dean Yauge told WKTV the the fire is devastating to the community...it hits the village right in the heart. The fire started at 135 Main St. and was reported at 9:49 p.m. Tuesday. The Boonville Fire Department and least six other fire departments battled the blaze through the night and into the morning. Demolition of some of the buildings started late Wednesday morning as firefighters continued to pour water on the debris, local officials said. The village of Boonville posted this message on Facebook: 'Such a sad day for Boonville. Thank you to all of the first responders for your tireless devotion and all the volunteers working to help our community through this difficult time. Our hearts are broken and we send prayers to all affected. Anyone wanting to make donations to assist the residents or business owners displaced from their homes and businesses please contact the Utica Chapter of the Red Cross at 315-733-4666. If you are in need of assistance you may also reach out to the Village Offices to assist in any way possible." The American Red Cross is providing financial assistance. Any residents who need help can call Red Cross at 800-831-0927. Boonville United Methodist Church, at 202 Main St., served as a shelter for victims of the fire. Main Street (Route 12D) was completely closed between Schuyler Street and Church Street. It reopened Wednesday afternoon, according to a DOT alert. The fire led officials to close the Adirondack Central School District for the day and cancel all school activities. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected, officials said in a post on the districts Facebook page. Boonville Elementary School was opened for those affected by the fire and offering food, water and heat. Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. By Fu Bo On January 3, 2020, Gen. Qassem Suleimani, a senior commander of Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in an airstrike on the Baghdad International Airport in the capital city of Iraq. His death has led to serious consequences in the US, Iran and the international community in general given Suleimanis special position in the country. Considering his great influence in Iran, neither of Trumps predecessors, George Walker Bush or Barack Obama, agreed on targeted elimination of Suleimani when they were in office. But on January 2, 2020, Trump decided to adopt the extreme means of assassinating the Iranian general, which even shocked the top brass of the Pentagon. Being someone as dangerous when alive as dead, Suleimani is the highest-ranking foreign military commander assassinated by the US after it killed Yamamoto Isoroku, a Japanese Marshal Admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy(IJN) who was responsible for the Pearl Harbor attack. The US killing of a top Iranian military leader has triggered vehement condemnation and dissatisfaction in the international community, even at home. According to an article published on Foreign Policy, written by David Howell Petraeus, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Trump hoped to restore the US deterrence power against Iran by pulling the trigger on Suleimani. However, it seems the US failed to achieve this strategic purpose given the current situation. On the one hand, the US approach was not sensible at all. Unlike the butcher that the US military and media have tried so hard to portray Suleimani as, he actually played an important role in the anti-terror battles in Syria and Iraq, and is deeply and widely revered and loved by the Iranians. The assassination of Suleimani caused a surge of anti-US protests in the Middle East, including Iran and Iraq, instead of reaping international acknowledgement. On the other hand, what it did was illegal. Killing Irans senior military leader on the territory of a third country is an outright action of hegemony. It didnt establish deterrence to Iran and other Middle Eastern countries as the US expected, but crossed the line and exposed Washington to grave consequences. As the Washington Post commented, Trump had pushed Washington into a dangerous ever regional situation. The death of Suleimani will continue to affect the US-Iran relation and Middle East situation in the short term. It is generally held that to protect its national dignity and for realistic interests, Iran may attack Americas overseas personnel or assets on a limited scale, but whether the confrontation will be controllable remains to be observed. Nissan's fugitive ex-boss, Carlos Ghosn, on Wednesday described his detention conditions in Japan, from which he fled last month in a daring escape, as "travesty" against human rights and dignity. At a conference in Beirut, Ghosn also dismisses all allegations against him as untrue, saying "I should never have been arrested in the first place. "THIS IS A BREAKING UPDATE. AP's earlier story follows below. Nissan's fugitive ex-chair Carlos Ghosn appeared in public in Lebanon on Wednesday for the first time since fleeing Japan last month ahead of his trial for alleged financial misconduct. Ghosn arrived at the press syndicate in Beirut where he was to hold a conference - the first time he's spoken directly and in person with journalists since his arrest in Japan in November 2018. He was accompanied by his wife. Dozens of local and international journalists were gathered for the much-anticipated news conference by the disgraced auto industry icon. Security was tight with Lebanese policemen and a sniffer dog on hand at the venue. Ghosn's appearance is his first in public since he smuggled himself from Tokyo to Beirut, arriving in the Lebanese capital where he grew up and is regarded by many as a national hero. Ghosn's daring and improbable escape has perplexed and embarrassed Japanese authorities after he skipped bail and managed to flee the country despite supposedly rigorous surveillance. Media reports have said that he left his residence alone, met two men at a Tokyo hotel, and then took a bullet train to Osaka before boarding a private jet hidden inside a case for musical equipment. He flew to Istanbul and was then transferred onto another plane bound for Beirut, where he arrived December 30. On Wednesday, Tokyo prosecutors raided a Japanese lawyer's office where Ghosn had visited regularly before he fled. Japanese media reports said prosecutors had likely seized the computer to track down how Ghosn escaped and who might have helped him. An hour before the scheduled press conference, a Lebanese prosecutor said Ghosn will be summoned in the coming hours over a visit to Israel more than 10 years ago, according to the state-run National News Agency. Two Lebanese lawyers had submitted a report to the Public Prosecutor's Office against Ghosn last week, saying he violated Lebanese law by visiting Israel. The two neighboring countries are technically in a state of war. Prosecutor Ghassan Khoury met with the two lawyers who filed the case on Wednesday and asked them to bring additional evidence, adding he would summon Ghosn in the coming hours. Ghosn visited Israel in 2008 and met officials including the prime minister and the president. At the time he announced the launch of electric cars in Israel. Lebanese authorities have said Ghosn entered the country on a legal passport, casting doubt on the possibility they would hand him over to Japan. Lebanon last week received an Interpol-issued wanted notice a non-binding request to law enforcement agencies worldwide that they locate and provisionally arrest a fugitive. Lebanon and Japan do not have an extradition treaty, and the Interpol notice does not require Lebanon to arrest him. Ghosn, who is Lebanese and also holds French and Brazilian passports, was expected to go on trial in Tokyo in April. In statements, he has said he fled to avoid political persecution by a rigged Japanese justice system." He also said that he alone organised his departure from Japan and that his wife, Carole, played no role. On Tuesday, Tokyo prosecutors obtained an arrest warrant for Carole Ghosn on suspicion of perjury. That charge is not related to his escape. Lebanon's justice minister said Tuesday that Lebanon has not received any request related to that warrant. Japanese justice officials acknowledge that it's unclear whether the Ghosns can be brought back to Japan to face charges. Ghosn's former employer, Nissan Motor Co., said it was still pursuing legal action against him despite his escape, adding that Ghosn engaged in serious misconduct while leading the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance. Ghosn denies all the charges. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Google Assistant will now be able to read long-form articles out loud. Scheduled Actions will let users ask their Google Assistant to do a task in the future. All the new Google Assistant features will roll out 'later this year.' Google has made a few announcements for Google Assistant at CES 2020. The company also revealed that the voice assistant is now available on more than 1 billion devices, and is used by more than 500 million people every month. Google Assistant is active on a range of devices including smart speakers, phones, TVs, cars, smart displays. Here are all the new features coming to Google Assistant in the smart device near you this year. Webpage Reading The company has previewed the ability to read long-form articles out loud using Google Assistant. A user needs to say Hey Google, read it or Hey Google, read this page and the assistant will read the page thats on the screen. According to Google, this experience is unlike traditional screen readers as it is built on new voice datasets to create more expressive and more natural sounding voices. Moreover, the content can be translated into 42 languages, including Hindi, German or Spanish. The feature will be made available on Android phones later this year on Android version 5 and above. Scheduled Actions Basically, Scheduled Actions will let users ask their Google Assistant to do a task in the future. For example, users can ask Google Assistant to turn on/ off or start/ stop compatible devices at the time of their choosing - Hey Google, run the coffee maker at 6 am and the connected smart device should do the task at the mentioned time. This feature is rolling out later this year as well. It will let users control more than 20 new devices, including AC units, air purifiers, bathtubs, coffee makers, vacuums and more, from the Google Home app. Expansion of Interpreter Mode Announced at CES last year, interpreter mode allows a smart device powered by Google Assistant to translate a conversation between two people, each speaking a different language. The company says more businesses have committed to using it this year. The feature will expand to new public places like airports, airport lounges, banks, organisations managing live sporting events, organizations aiding humanitarian efforts, hospitality management, and more hotels. Sticky Notes This feature is aimed at smart displays. It will add the ability to create household notes on the screen for members of the house to see the tasks done before you left. For instance, a user can say, Hey Google, leave a note that says I already fed Max breakfast, and it will be displayed on the smart display as a sticky note. It can be created by anyone without the need to sign in. It is scheduled to roll out later this year. Speed Dial Similar to Sticky Notes feature, Speed Dial will enable Google Assistant users to set up speed dial contacts to quickly and easily make calls. Anyone can create pre-set contact easily. It is scheduled to roll out later this year as well. Focus on Privacy Settings With each update, Google focuses on adding more and more privacy-related features. This time it has made some privacy-related tweaks to Google Assistant, and users will easily be able to access privacy controls via the voice assistant. For instance, users can ask questions like, how do you keep my information private? While Google Assistant isnt supposed to record anything you say unless you start the sentence with Hey Google, there are times when the Assistant gets activated when it is not meant to, like while watching TV or a YouTube video. With that in mind, users will now be able to say Hey Google, that wasnt for you to have it wipe its history of the last thing they said. For more CES coverage from Digit, click here. Close Boris Johnson says Qasem Soleimani had British blood on his hands Boris Johnson condemned Irans missile strikes on coalition bases and urged Tehran to hold back from further reckless and dangerous attacks during his first public appearance since his 12-day holiday. The prime minister said there were no British casualties from the attack, and clashed with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn as he defended the right of the US to protect its bases and its personnel. Mr Johnson discussed Brexit with new European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at a meeting at No 10, as Brussels raised concern about a fresh threat to the status of EU citizens in the UK. Ms von der Leyen had earlier told an audience at the London School of Economics they should not accept "isolation" as a result of Brexit. On Tuesday afternoon Donald Trump said he would impose additional sanctions on Iran following the missile strikes, and urged the UK to ditch the 2015 nuclear deal. It put him at odds with Mr Johnson, who said the agreement was the best way to rein in Tehran's atomic ambitions. The pair held a phone call on Wednesday afternoon, Downing Street said. Dominic Raab's meeting with Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, was brought forward to Wednesday instead of Thursday. Yes, our guarantor has left for a distant and (lets be honest) hardly noticeable in terms of world geopolitics country. According to political analyst Kyrylo Sazonov, the funniest joke I heard about this is he went to Bukovel to ski, slipped, lost consciousness, then woke up in Oman. But why being in Oman is so funny and what is Volodymyr Zelensky doing there? Open source "What the hell are you doing on these galleys?" January 5, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky "found himself" in Oman. Not that we would have lost him, but what the head of state did after the New Year celebration (which he spent in his native Ukrainian Carpathians) was unknown. It turned out - he was packing his purple t-shirt and his favorite cap (familiar to us from his vacation on the Odesa beach) in order to fly away from the slushy Kyiv winter. The first portal published information about Oman trip was Strana.ua. It also posted a picture where the president is having breakfast with the unknown person, visible only from the back. Insiders of the portal reported: the president settled near the capital of Oman - the city of Muscat, in the 5-star Al Bustan Palace Ritz-Carlton Hotel. A day of living there costs 4000 thousand euros - almost as much as the Ze-team promised the average teacher as a monthly salary. Two hours after this publication, the presidents press service (which, by the way, was silent from December 31) created a message that Zelensky was busy on the Arabian Peninsula in obtaining profitable investment projects for Ukraine. Its just that he didnt speak about investments with the head of state (people say that the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said, is mortally ill and de facto dies, therefore he is busy exclusively with the transfer of power). Zelenskys interlocutor was Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, who - in translation into Ukrainian official ranks - is the Minister of Foreign Affairs. It seems that they involved the first official who was free at that time in order to camouflage Zelenskys vacation, says Ruslan Bortnyk, director of the Ukrainian Institute for Political Analysis and Management. Meeting with the Foreign Minister is not at the level of the president. In general, Oman is a country with very weak ties with Ukraine and with a modest role in the world. Therefore, all this argumentation regarding investments or something like that is doubtful. He had to honestly say that it was a difficult year, children are asking to go to the sea, the wife is asking the same, and there are responsibilities not only as the president, but also as the father and husband... ", he adds. Kyrylo Sazonov adheres to the same opinion: The president must meet with the president, with the sultan, with the dictator, with the leader of the tribe - anyone, but with the first person of the state. And meeting with the minister is a clear mistake, and there can only be an exception when countries are not comparable in influence. For example, the president of Ukraine may meet with the head of the US State Department, and that will be normal, but not with the Minister of Oman." Karma for laughing at Poroshenko? For the most part, the expert community is unanimous that Zelenskys business negotiations in Oman are just a fig leaf for covering up the presidential shame. And even this leaf was chosen unsuccessfully and unprofessionally. Because Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah is one of those officials in Oman who supported Iran in the conflict with the United States that arose because of the liquidation of General Qassim Suleimani. It is unlikely that this moment will make a deep impression on the White House, although there is still a risk of deterioration of the already difficult relations with Washington. Truly, president Zelensky has become a kind of curse for his American colleague Donald Trump, but it seems that he himself has problems. At one time, the current president - and then the showman of Kvartal 95 - ridiculed his predecessor Petro Poroshenko for his vacation in the Maldives. The slogan of the then performance can be considered the phrase in order not to blush in front of people, you need to get a tan. Now Zelensky has an opportunity to test this joke for himself. However, the Institute for Global Strategies Director Vadym Karasev believes that Zelensky and Poroshenko cannot be compared. The stories seem to be the same, but the context is completely different, he says. The story with Oman looks different than the story with the Maldives. Because Zelensky did not run in a camouflage along the line of collision and did not say patriotic speeches, as Poroshenko did. Because Poroshenko called on everyone to repulse the aggressor, to the war. In this contrast, the Maldives played a negative role for him. And what Zelensky did? He defends peace, and this was reflected in his New Years address. This was not an appeal to the nation, but to the layman, to the tradesman - in a word, to a person who has the right to peaceful life and the right to enjoy it. And the president is also a human being, and therefore his Oman will not sound like the Maldives of Poroshenko. Journalists and bloggers can be gossiping and trolling, but their parallels with Poroshenko are very arbitrary," Karasev is convinced. Two years ago, in January 2018, Petro Poroshenko was trolled as best as journalists could for a secret vacation in the Maldives. The ex-president has been there for at least a week - obviously, with the whole family. Relax under the palm trees cost the former guarantor a pretty penny - about 500 thousand dollars or 14 million UAH at the then exchange rate. But the most outrageous fact was that Poroshenko voyaged under the name Mr. Petro Incognito. That is, de facto he renounced not only the real name, but also the Ukrainian passport, that is, the state as a whole. Our presidents seemed to have come out of the forest, Ruslan Bortnyk is indignant. Yes, take 3-5-10 days of vacation for yourself, and if you havent got a vacation yet, because of a little working period, then arrange it for your own funds. The presidents are also living people. But ours always try to hide, come up with some kind of incognito. The problem is not in relaxation, but in the fact that our presidents do not know how to relax in a civilized manner." The tradition of lying, indeed, is a long and deeply rooted one among the heads of the Ukrainian state. It originates from Leonid Kravchuk, who once convinced the public that he was building not a house in Switzerland, but rather a small hut. The examples can be continued, but the essential thing is that in the end each of the visionaries loses his authority, and therefore his power. We asked experts if Zelenskys Omani case would affect his rating. As it turned out, there is no unequivocal opinion on this matter. Not now, but later Bogdan Petrenko, deputy director of the Ukrainian Institute for the Study of Extremism, notes the following: Poroshenko had a negative rating at the time of the Maldives, so this story only worsened his already bad reputation. Zelensky has a positive rating so far. Its unlikely that his popularity will be so shaken, unless in the range of 3-4%. In principle, if society has a good attitude towards politics, it is not so easy to change it - the politician already has carte blanche for a series of actions for which someone else would be strictly condemned. By the way, Petrenko does not believe in the version of Zelenskys business visit. I think Zelensky just went to rest. But since our civil servants do not like to advertise their vacation, there was a need to urgently disguise it with a meeting - with a quick hand, at least with the first minister who came across. There were no state attributes of Ukraine , and this once again proves that it was not planned. Moreover, there are no important strategic relations between Ukraine and Oman. Just after the press service informed about the business nature of the trip, it was necessary to create the good cover, Vadym Karasev notes. However, he is convinced, "Zelenskys rating will not fall significantly. There is still a margin of strength and trust. Confidence is gradually melting away, but not falling, and these are different things." "Such moments accumulate imperceptibly and weaken the president. Until one fine day he feels how much people dislike him. And he understands that he cannot carry out his reforms not because someone is not happy with their content, but because these reforms come from an extremely toxic figure," says Ruslan Bortnik. However, the expert leaves Zelensky the opportunity to make excuses. If, upon returning home, the president will answer all the questions that arose during his absence. "For example, he says that he was resting at his own expense, but did the state security work for him at his own expense? Now much depends on how the authorities explain this voyage," Bortnik notes. But in the opinion of Kyrylo Sazonov, not Zelenskys explanations, but the actions of his enemies will be of decisive importance. It all depends on how his political opponents react to Zelenskys voyage, although the scandal with Oman has the potential. The opposition can spread it to the fullest - because Zelenskys supporters reproached Poroshenko for the Maldives. It was about the vacation of the commander-in-chief of a belligerent country. Now Zelensky is the commander-in-chief in the same belligerent country. And when shellings continues in Ukraine, the soldiers die or go to the hospital, and the head of state travels to Oman, there are very little excuses," said the expert. By the way, Zelenskys opponents are already taking concrete steps to drown yesterdays idol of the electoral majority. The European Solidarity Party managed to disturb the Office of the President and the Foreign Ministry over the Omani negotiations. Poroshenko wants to know all the details of this visit and, it seems, they just wont be left behind. But will this make an impression on the ordinary Ukrainian? So far, the idea that Zelensky is the same guy as we are, continues to work. And the President also worked on his image with his New Years address, but this is not about that. We should not expect a sharp drop in Zelenskys popularity, although the sum of such steps will make effect, and the quantity will turn into quality. Prerequisite: the imposition of economic components on all political scandals. For example, there could be some kind of collapse within Ukraine or the global economic crisis...", comments the politologist Yevgen Bulavka. He points to another difference between the time when the Maldives-gate was being promoted and the current situation: "Under Poroshenko, there was a whole class of investigators, opinion leaders, etc. who dominated the information space and actively disseminated information about the Maldives. They created a negative resonance around this story. Here you can "thank" foreign donors who funded anti-corruption activities of all kinds. Plus, the trend that of Yanukovych had its effect: any power a priori is considered bad, any of its actions must be viewed from a critical angle. Such moods in society, plus a lot of centers of public opinion formation had an impact on the scandal with the Maldives." Now, Bulavka continues, the number of investigators has fallen sharply - because some of them are working for the current regime. Many of those who dispersed the ideas of betrayal on Poroshenko have now turned out to be very loyal to the new government and to Zelensky in particular. And here is the question: was their attitude to Poroshenko a principled position or work for another political team? he wondered. But we will leave this question unanswered. Because we are interested not so much in repainting yesterday's anti-corruption workers as the current behavior of the head of state. Poroshenko positioning himself as the president of war, and Zelensky as the president of peace does not affect objective reality. As long as the country is in war, they are all presidents of war. Whether they want it or not. We live in a warring country, and the war is about each of us, from the president and the commander-in-chief to the grandmother, who transfers her five hryvnias to volunteers. Its not comme il faut to position ourselves as president of peace and rest in Oman when people die under shellings, "summarizes Kyrylo Sazonov. It remains only to convey this idea to Omani vacationers. Moreover, since President Zelensky inauguration, it is not his first or even second vacation. An electronic board, which displays information on flights including the one from Tehran marked as cancelled, is seen at the Boryspil International Airport outside Kiev, Ukraine January 8, 2020.REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko Emergency workers work near the wreckage of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS Emergency workers work near the wreckage of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS One of the engines of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, is seen in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS Part of the wreckage from Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, is seen in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS Part of the wreckage from Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, is seen in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS A man looks at the electronic board, which displays information on flights including the one from Tehran marked as cancelled, at the Boryspil International Airport outside Kiev, Ukraine January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko Emergency workers work near the wreckage of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS A Ukrainian airliner crashed soon after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on Wednesday, killing all 176 people aboard, Iran's state television and Ukraine's leaders said. The Boeing 737 belonging to Ukraine International Airlines crashed near the airport and burst into flames. Ukraine's embassy in Iran, citing preliminary information, said the plane had suffered engine failure and the crash was not caused by "terrorism". Expand Close Part of the wreckage from Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, is seen in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Part of the wreckage from Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, is seen in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said there were no survivors. "My sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of all passengers and crew," Zelenskiy said in a statement, adding that Ukraine was seeking to establish the circumstances of the crash and the death toll. Expand Close Part of the wreckage from Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, is seen in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Part of the wreckage from Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, is seen in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS Three British nationals were on board the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 plane that crashed in Iran, leaving no survivors, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said. Expand Close One of the engines of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, is seen in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp One of the engines of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, is seen in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS Iranian TV said the crash was due to technical problems but did not elaborate. State broadcaster IRIB said on its website that one of the plane's two black boxes - the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder - had been found. Iranian media quoted an Iranian aviation official as saying the pilot of the airliner did not declare an emergency. Expand Close Emergency workers work near the wreckage of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Emergency workers work near the wreckage of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport on January 8, 2020, in this still image taken from Iran Press footage. Iran Press/Handout via REUTERS There was no official word from Ukraine International Airlines. It was the Kiev-based airline's first fatal crash. "The fire is so heavy that we cannot (do) any rescue... we have 22 ambulances, four bus ambulances and a helicopter at the site," Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran's emergency services, told Iranian state television. Ukraine's prime minister and Iranian state TV said 167 passengers and 9 crew were on board. Iranian TV said 32 of those on board were foreigners. Television footage showed debris and smouldering engine parts strewn across a field, and rescue workers with face masks retrieving bodies of the victims. According to air tracking service FlightRadar24, the plane that crashed was Flight PS 752 and was flying to Kiev. The plane was three years old and was a Boeing 737-800NG, it said. The model's twin engines are made by CFM International, a U.S.-French venture co-owned by General Electric and Frances Safran. Modern aircraft are designed and certified to cope with an engine failure shortly after take-off and to fly for extended periods on one engine. However, an uncontained engine failure releasing shrapnel can cause damage to other aircraft systems. A spokesman for Boeing said the company was aware of media reports of a plane crash in Iran and was gathering more information. The plane manufacturer grounded its 737 MAX fleet in March after two crashes that killed 346 people. The 737-800 is one of the worlds most-flown models with a good safety record and which does not have the software feature implicated in crashes of the 737 MAX. Under international rules overseen by the United Nations, Iran is responsible for leading the crash investigation. Ukraine would be involved and the United States would usually be accredited as the country where the Boeing jet was designed and built. France, where the engine maker CFM has half its activities, may also be involved. There was no immediate word on whether the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board would be involved in the probe amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The NTSB usually invites Boeing to give technical advice in such investigations. A man arrested for the assault and attempted abduction of a woman in her late 60s in Dublin is believed to have embarked on a drugs binge before he carried out the terrifying attack. The 20-year-old man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of falsely imprisoning the woman who was walking near Blackhorse Avenue on Monday morning when she was forced into the boot of a car. The man then tried to shut the boot but the woman's legs prevented it from closing and after a struggle he fled the scene. Today, the Herald can reveal that: The chief suspect is not known to gardai for any sex crimes but has been arrested for petty drug and theft offences in the past; He is a member of the Travelling community, and is also being investigated for driving off from petrol stations without paying in the days before this attack; A prison officer on his way to work was alerted to the horror attack by the woman's screaming and helped her before the suspect fled the scene; Gardai still have no motive for the random abduction attempt but suspect the attacker went on a drugs binge before he carried out the assault. The horrific ordeal happened at about 7.30am on Monday in Martin Grove, adjacent to Blackhorse Avenue, in Ashtown, Dublin. As the woman was taking a morning walk, she came across the silver saloon vehicle which was parked at the roadside. The suspect appeared from behind her and dragged her into the boot of the car but her legs prevented it from closing. A struggle ensued and the woman's screams alerted a passing motorist. The passer-by, a prison officer who was on his way to work at a Dublin jail, rushed to help the woman and the attacker fled. The prison officer took the woman to her home and the emergency services were alerted. A major investigation was launched by detectives at Blanchardstown Garda Station and CCTV from the area was recovered. A suspect was identified and in the early hours of yesterday the 20-year-old man was arrested in relation to the drive-offs from petrol stations. He was questioned over those offences before being arrested over the false imprisonment of the woman. The vehicle believed to have been used in the assault was also recovered. Sources said the vehicle was not stolen. It is being examined by specialist officers. Detectives are also attempting to establish a motive for what is described as an "extremely sinister" attack. "There is no connection between this lady and the suspect and all indications are it was an opportunistic and random attack," a source told the Herald. "The woman and the prison officer who came to her aid have to be praised, and thankfully gardai aren't investigating a more serious crime." Gardai are hopeful of bringing charges against the suspect in relation to the abduction attempt as well as the incidents at petrol stations. Investigation Yesterday, a spokesman said checkpoints had also been established to assist the investigation. "An incident room has been established at Blanchardstown Garda Station and a full investigation is being carried out," he said. "As part of this ongoing investigation, a sequence of information gathering checkpoints were carried out this morning at the location of the incident on Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7. "Gardai continue to appeal to any person who was in the vicinity of Blackhorse Avenue on January 6, between 6am and 8am, or anyone who may have information about this incident, who has not yet contacted gardai, to come forward." More than 100 koalas burnt in bushfires in South Australia are being cared for in a makeshift hospital set up in a primary school hall. Adelaide Koala Rescue, which saved koalas from the Cudlee Creek blaze with burnt paws and no access to food, are treating the animals to Paradise Primary School, north-east of Adelaide. The makeshift koala hospital has 150 volunteers from across Australia and is desperate to find a separate shelter as it reaches capacity. The hospital has already discharged 35 patients - whose names are now displayed at the door of the hall - though some could not return to their decimated homes. Adelaide Koala Rescue rescued koalas from the Cudlee Creek blaze and set up at a Campbelltown school gym, north east of Adelaide, to care for the marsupials The makeshift koala hospital has 150 volunteers from across Australia and is desperate to find a new shelter as it reaches capacity The hospital has already discharged 35 patients - whose names are now displayed proudly at the door of the hall - though some could not return to their decimated homes But, nearly three weeks after fire first ripped through the hills, injured koalas are still arriving daily. 'We've had a few come in that were just singed all over,' Jane Brister, director of Adelaide Koala Rescue, said on Wednesday. 'It's almost as though they were curled in a ball when the flames, the heat just went straight over the top of them.' The worst injured koalas escaped the flames by climbing to the top of trees, but burnt their paws descending the searing trunk or while searching for food on charred land below. Caring for the injured can be heartbreaking work. Some koalas brought to the centre are in a condition so severe they must be euthanised. Ms Brister said the volunteers have found the experience 'overwhelming and in some cases harrowing'. 'We've got a lot of people on our team who have seen things that they can't unsee, who are going to need counselling,' she said. 'We've got team members who are traumatised because they want to be out there 24/7.' Nearly three weeks after fire first ripped through the hills injured koalas are still arriving daily Adelaide Koala Rescue operates year-round, usually treating up to 35 patients at any given time. Since the beginning of this bushfire and heatwave season, there have been more than 250 animals rescued and brought into the temporary, larger centre. But Ms Brister said there has been no shortage of support for the cause, with a GoFundMe page raising more than $80,000 and others offering practical help. 'We've had people fly in from interstate to help, we've got people from overseas coming over now as well,' she said. Koalas injured on Kangaroo Island aren't allowed to be looked after at the hospital due to fears they could be contaminated by chlamydia 'We've also got people volunteering to come and deliver browse (trees) for the koalas, we've got people volunteering to wash all the towels that we go through for the bedding. 'The community support has been wonderful.' Others are also doing their best to help save the koala population. Two heroic cousins took it upon themselves to save as many injured koalas as they could after bushfires devastated the marsupials' home on Kangaroo Island. The teenagers filmed their journey as they loaded several koalas into their car and took off in search of help in a clip shared to Reddit on Sunday. 'This is our little koala rescue,' one man could be heard saying in the clip. He focused in on a mother koala who was cuddling with her joey. Sam Mitchell, co-owner of the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, told Guardian Australia they have had 50 injured koalas brought to them on Kangaroo Island. Pictured: Koalas saved in Adelaide 'We are just trying to collect as many live ones as we can,' he said. Koalas were introduced to the island in the 1920s and were free from chlamydia, unlike the mainland population. This means koalas from Kangaroo Island can't be brought to the main part of the state due to a quarantine order. Thousands of koalas are believed to have died in the Kangaroo Island blazes alone. Sam Mitchell, co-owner of the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, told Guardian Australia they have had 50 injured koalas brought to them. 'At least a third of what has been brought in we've had to euthanise, unfortunately,' he said. However, despite the catastrophic figures, one koala expert has said the species won't be on the verge of extinction Currently there are believed to be between 43,000 and 100,000 koalas in the wild 'We are seeing many burns to hands and feet fingernails melted off. For some the burns are just too extreme.' Some of the islanders considered the marsupials pests when their population grew to 50,000. However, despite the catastrophic figures, one koala expert has said the species won't be on the verge of extinction. Dr Alistair Melzer, from Central Queensland University, told news.com.au that koala survival was dependent on the extent of the bushfires in that particular community. The expert said koalas would not be functionally extinct, meaning a koala doesn't produce two more generations, despite what the Australian Koala Foundation said 'Where there has been catastrophic crown fires the local populations will have been lost. Koalas instinctively climb to the top of trees, so they will have been lost in places where those types of fires have happened. Not just koalas, but many other animals,' he said. The expert said koalas would not be functionally extinct, meaning a koala doesn't produce two more generations, despite what the Australian Koala Foundation said. The AKF believes that anything less than 50,000 koalas makes them 'functionally extinct'. Currently there are believed to be between 43,000 and 100,000 koalas in the wild. Dr Melzer said some koala habitats in Queensland and New South Wales were already recovering. More than a billion animals are believed to have died in fires across the country A male koala is weighed by vets and nurses at the Adelaide Koala Rescue emergency on Wednesday He said it is dependent on food resources. 'Koalas are dependent on eucalypt for both food and water. With the prolonged drought and heat and now these bushfires the quality of that foliage will go down, which may limit the availability of water, and the nutrient content of the foliage,' Dr Melzer said. More than a billion animals are believed to have died in fires across the country. A vet checks an injured male koala at Adelaide Koala Rescue at Paradise Primary school Original reports suggested that 500 million animals had already perished in the blazes, and WWF-Australia now estimates that number is higher than one billion. 'Australia is a land of bushfires, but this season's unprecedented mega fires are not normal. Climate change does not cause bushfires, but it does make them much worse,' WWF-Australia CEO Dermot O'Gorman said in a statement. 'This heart-breaking loss includes thousands of precious koalas on the mid-north coast of NSW, along with other iconic species such as kangaroos, wallabies, gliders, potoroos, cockatoos and honeyeaters.' The loss of wildlife comes hand in hand with the damage of national forests and millions of trees, releasing enormous volumes of carbon dioxide that are already affecting air quality. An aide to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has been hired by Transurban, a company expected to compete for billions of dollars in state contracts to build toll lanes on the Capital Beltway and Interstate 270, state and company officials said Tuesday. Amanda Allen, 27, the Republican governor's director of intergovernmental affairs, will work for Transurban after she leaves state government on Friday, Hogan spokesman Michael Ricci said. He said Allen's state job has entailed outreach to local communities and public officials. Before June, he said, she was a scheduler in the governor's office for about five years. Tanya Sheres, a spokeswoman for Transurban, said Allen's title will be government affairs manager. Sheres declined to comment on Allen's role in the company because Allen is not yet a Transurban employee. Allen's hiring was first reported by Maryland Matters. While it's not unusual for government employees to move to the private sector, Allen's hiring comes as the Hogan administration begins to solicit companies to finance and build up to four toll lanes each on the Beltway and I-270 via public-private partnerships. Transurban, an Australian company that operates express toll lanes on I-95, I-395 and the Beltway in Northern Virginia, is widely considered a key competitor for Maryland's highway expansion. Asked whether Transurban plans to bid on the Maryland toll lanes, Sheres said the company is "encouraged by the direction Maryland is going and [hopes] the project moves forward with the opportunity to compete." Transurban also is extending Virginia's express toll lanes on I-95 south to Fredericksburg and north on the Beltway to the Maryland border. The Maryland Board of Public Works on Wednesday is expected to approve changes to Hogan's plan, which would allow the state to begin soliciting teams of companies to finance and build the lanes. The public-private partnerships, expected to total $9 billion to $11 billion, would include some of the largest contracts ever awarded in Maryland and would be among the largest public-private partnerships in the country. Ricci said Allen has been "a valued and dedicated member of the governor's team since his first campaign in 2014." He dismissed concerns about Allen working for a company that might compete for state business. "She is a junior staffer with no policymaking role in the administration whatsoever," Ricci wrote in an email. "Her job involves doing outreach to local officials, including mayors and city council members. This is essentially the same role she will have at Transurban." Ricci said Allen declined to be interviewed. She did not respond to two emails seeking comment. Maryland officials have said companies will construct the toll lanes and rebuild the existing lanes at no cost to taxpayers in exchange for operating the toll lanes and keeping most of the revenue. They say use of the existing lanes will remain free. Q. With a total lockdown in China, Alibaba has initiated a new initiative to entice customers who have no way to check the quality of the fruits and vegetables they are buying of its platform TaoBao. What is this new initiative which promises to keep Chinas produce flowing from farm to table? After years of reconnaissance, China's retail king Alibaba is finally making its move on Europe. It is undercutting Amazon sellers' fees to attract vendors but has had mixed results, six sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. A flood of small businesses have joined its European platform, AliExpress, in recent months but some larger brands are holding back, according to the sources. AliExpress has approached well-known brands including Mango, Benetton and Spanish fashion group Tendam, owner of Cortefiel, to appear on the site with limited success, according to five sources involved in the approaches who declined to be named because the discussions were confidential. Some of the brands did not feel the site, whose fashion offerings include an imitation leather miniskirt for about $18 (13.7 pounds) and an acrylic batwing sweater for $14, was the right showcase for their products, sources said. A senior executive at one large fashion company, which turned down AliExpress's approaches in Europe, said its brand needed to be in an "aspirational environment". Another described the AliExpress platform as "a work in progress". However the head of AliExpress, Wang Mingqiang, told Reuters in an interview at Alibaba's headquarters in Hangzhou, that foreign brands needed time to understand the platform. With space to design their own stores within the platform, brands can build their own homepage, with pictures and video, to create the feel they want, he added. Both Benetton and Tendam declined to comment officially on whether they were approached. Neither brand sells on AliExpress but they do sell on Amazon. Mango said it did not sell on AliExpress with no further comment. It does not sell on Amazon . An AliExpress spokeswoman did not comment on whether the company had approached these brands or others. "We are continuously exploring opportunities to work with different partners and committed to acting as a trusted partner for both consumers and sellers," the company said. Alibaba has hitherto focused on selling inexpensive Chinese products overseas through its AliExpress platform, such as $3 USB cables and $2 crystal earrings, curbing its appeal to a wider audience. But in the past six months it has started a drive to open up the platform to local vendors and brands as its seeks to replicate a highly profitable model of virtual malls that has seen it swallow more than half of online sales in China. "Overseas sellers have a better understanding of local users, their products have better designs as they are closer to local users," said Wang. MONTHLY FEES WAIVED The company is initially targeting Spain and Italy, plus the Europe-Asia gateway nations of Russia and Turkey, among its top markets under the previous, first-phase business model launched in 2010. Spain, a big Western country with strong local brands, is the kind of market Alibaba needs to win over if it is to meet CEO Daniel Zhang's target to more than double its customer base to 2 billion by 2036 despite a stuttering Chinese economy. Its progress there illustrates its strategy, and the obstacles it could encounter, as it plots global expansion. AliExpress has waived monthly rates for sellers in Spain to attract their business while commissions for goods sold are set at 5% to 8%, according to a senior source close to the company. By comparison, it costs 39 euros per month plus sales tax to sell on Amazon, plus a commission for every object sold of 7% to 15%, with some items like jewellery and Amazon device accessories commanding higher rates, an Amazon spokeswoman said. Amazon declined to comment on AliExpress's move to open its platform to local sellers. The U.S. company is the largest online shopping marketplace in its five main European markets: Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, according to e-commerce analyst Marketplace Pulse. Thousands of small businesses have signed up to register on AliExpress in Spain since it was opened up to local sellers in 2019, an AliExpress spokeswoman said. She declined to be more specific, but that would compare favourably with established Amazon, which said more than 8,000 small Spanish businesses sold on its platform in 2018. In one of AliExpress's most high-profile signings so far, Spanish department store El Corte Ingles said in June it would boost its presence on the platform to seven fashion lines. Spanish cosmetics start-up Le Tout started to sell on AliExpress in 2019 when the platform opened to local sellers. The company sells around 12 times more in volume on Amazon than AliExpress, said Managing Director Alvaro Dominguez. "I think that AliExpress has been associated for a long time with Chinese products - it's a question of time but I think they are doing all that is possible to get traffic and visibility." Oscar Isaac and John Boyega have both recently gone on the media record, saying some surprisingly critical things about the new Star Wars trilogy. The risks they took doing this is almost as edgy as the battle sequences played out in the finale of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Perhaps the metaphors are a little too paralleled considering some of the comments Isaac has said about Disney lately. What is it that had him and Boyega complaining about the last Skywalker Saga film? Based on what Isaac recently called Disney, theres a good chance he may not work with them again. Then again, in a world where transparency is better for everyone, Disney may just choose to accept it. Will Disney be upset at Oscar Isaac calling them Overlords? John Boyega, Daisy Ridley & Oscar Isaac | David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage All of the brouhaha started when Oscar Isaac wanted the relationship between Poe and Finn to be forward-thinking in LGBTQ representation. Otherwise known as StormPilot, a gay relationship between the two was nixed by Disney when Isaac appealed to them to let this storyline happen. In interviews during the The Rise of Skywalker press junkets, Isaac called Disney executives overlords in shooting down the Finn/Poe as romantic partners idea. How this made Disney executives feel isnt known, but its a tad shocking in a time when actors are still fired for saying something even hinting at a snub against a major corporation. Many might say it was brave of Isaac to go up against Disney and call them a term many would like to say out loud to the press. On the other hand, it might not have made Disney flinch at all knowing they have the power on any cinematic final word. They also know Isaac probably wont be back as Poe any time soon, at least in a Star Wars movie. Does this really ruin any potential chance of Isaac working for Disney ever again? Or does he prefer working for other studios as hes done before his Star Wars turn? In todays more honest times, it may not affect anything Oscar Isaac hoped that Lucasfilm and Disney would have taken the #FinnPoe ship in #StarWars a bit further https://t.co/iHduOXi8IQ Variety (@Variety) December 29, 2019 The thought of an actor being blacklisted in Hollywood after badmouthing a major studio probably doesnt exist as much now as it did in earlier decades. Had any actor said such a thing about Disney 60 years ago, Walt Disney would have likely shunned the actor from ever entering the studio doors again. Based on his influence, it could have meant an overall Hollywood blackballing as well. Today, studios may not bat an eye in a time when celebrities are more open and honest thanks to social media. Some might argue this is a more refreshing method of PR rather than stifling how a notable really feels. Because this is also a more politically active era, someone like Oscar Isaac fighting to bring more LGBTQ inclusion would be looked at as a heroic move. Disney is still set in their traditional ways, and there may be a feeling from them they can just agree to disagree without disrupting ever working with a particular star. Since Poe Dameron is arguably now as iconic of a character as the original trilogy characters, its likely audiences will see him again in something. Or, maybe they feel like he had a full arc. Whatever will happen, even Isaac himself said recently hes open to playing the part again, no matter if its several decades away. Will Oscar Isaac work for Disney again in any other capacity? I'm ready. Dune Remake Is a Brutal, Shocking, Scary Nightmare According to Oscar Isaac https://t.co/n1JthYUIKX Alex Segura (@alex_segura) December 12, 2019 Theres no way to know how serious Disney executives took his above comments. With 22 years of film and TV credits, Isaacs association with Disney and Star Wars has already expanded to TV and video games. He even cameoed his voice in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse at Sony. Next, hell be in the big movie remake of Dune, which is entirely Warner Bros. and not Disney. Before this new Star Wars trilogy, he never worked for Disney, perhaps making the association one not quite fitting from the start. No matter what happens, Poe Dameron is now iconic in cinematic lore. Residents along the South Coast are bracing themselves for Friday when conditions deteriorate, while local authorities are urging holidaymakers to reconsider their need to be in the area. "We are still seeing nasty weather sets and there is so much fire in the environment," NSW Rural Fire Service community safety officer Marty Webster said. Authorities on the South Coast are urging tourists to delay travel if possible ahead of worsening fire conditions on Friday. Credit:Kate Geraghty "It's really not going to be a pretty place or relaxing place to be until we get significant rain." "The last thing we want to do is create confusion for tourists, if we suddenly have influxes of tourists coming back and we need to get them out again, that is going to lead to a lot of confusion." AMSTERDAM and HOBOKEN, New Jersey, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Castor, a health-tech company that aims to leverage machine readable data to increase clinical trial efficiency, announced the appointment of Ben Cons, PhD as Chairman of its Supervisory Board. Dr. Cons joins an existing Board of seasoned executives and specialist investors. Dr. Cons has more than 30 years' experience in pharmaceutical R&D and commercialization in the biotech, pharmaceutical and financing sectors. A prominent leader in global healthcare and technology, Dr. Cons has 20 years of experience with the NYSE-listed pharmaceutical services company IQVIA and its associated investment fund NovaQuest. Currently, Dr. Cons is a Special Partner at the private equity fund Vitruvian, and a NED at Talking Medicines Ltd, Fluidic Analytics Ltd, and Immune Regulation Ltd. He is also an investment member of private capital group, 24Haymarket and an investment panel member at Future Care Capital, a charity focusing on future health and social care policy. He joins Supervisory Board members Corne Jansen, Partner at INKEF Capital, Mark Slaughter, founder of Cohealo and Commercial Head of Pharma Solutions at Philips, and Thijs Cohen Tervaert, Director at INKEF Capital all working in partnership with Castor's management team to continue its global growth, with the aim of making the world's research data reusable, enabling AI-driven clinical trials, and ultimately creating a future in which they maximize the impact of data through reuse. Castor's Electronic Data Capture (EDC) platform enables every researcher worldwide to easily capture and integrate medical research data from any source in real-time, including clinicians, patients, devices and wearables. Researchers on the platform generate vast amounts of data from traditional and decentralized trials, and Castor recently reached milestones of 110,000,000 data points and 1,300,000 enrolled patients. Dr. Cons, newly appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Board, commented: "Castor's unique technology and ambition have the potential to transform how clinical research data is used to inform medical decision making. My colleagues on the Board and I look forward to working with Derk and his team towards realizing the full potential of Castor's cutting-edge platform." Castor's CEO Derk Arts, MD, PhD, added: "We are very pleased to have the guidance of individuals of such high-calibre and vision as part of our Supervisory Board. With the Board's support, we continue to work towards our mission of making the world's research data reusable. As one of the first companies to leverage machine-readable data for clinical research, we will be in the best position to enable AI-driven clinical trials and provide invaluable insights to commercial and academic research." About Castor Based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and New Jersey, US, Castor is an international health-tech company founded in 2012 by CEO Derk Arts, MD, PhD to leverage machine readable data to increase clinical trial efficiency. Castor's Electronic Data Capture (EDC) platform enables every researcher worldwide to easily capture and integrate medical research data from any source in real-time, including clinicians, patients, devices, wearables, and EHR systems. Castor is currently collaborating with 30,000 researchers, academic institutions and commercial companies across 90 countries. Their platform has supported more than 4,000 studies that cover a broad range of disease areas including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rare diseases, and cancer. Researchers on the platform generate vast amounts of data from traditional and decentralized trials, and Castor recently reached milestones of 110,000,000 data points and 1,300,000 enrolled patients. Castor's goal is to make the world's research data reusable, enabling AI-driven clinical trials, and ultimately creating a future in which they maximize the impact of data through reuse. In 2018 Castor raised $6.25m in funding from healthcare investor INKEF Capital in the Netherlands. Website: www.castoredc.com Twitter: @Castor LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ciwit-b-v- Castor Supervisory Board Ben Cons, PhD Ben Cons is a Pharmaceutical and Healthcare leader with a proven track record and more than 30 years experience in pharmaceutical R&D & commercialisation in the Biotech, Pharmaceutical and Financing sectors. He previously spent 20 years with the NYSE listed pharmaceutical services company IQVIA and the associated NovaQuest investment fund. Currently, Ben is a Special Partner at the private equity fund Vitruvian and a NED at Talking Medicines Ltd, Fluidic Analytics Ltd, and Immune Regulation Ltd. He is also an Investment Panel Member Future Care Capital a charity focusing on future health and social care policy and a Mentor at Southampton University Future Worlds. Mark Slaughter Mark Slaughter is currently the Commercial Head of Pharma Solutions for Philips. He has also held the roles of Head of Pharma and MedTech- Healthcare Transformation Services, and Head of Healthsuite Labs- The America's at Philips. Mark founded and lead the venture backed health tech company Cohealo, and before that spent several years advancing robotics procedure design with surgeon innovators in Gynecology, Head and Neck, and Neuro. Mark received his MBA from the University of Miami and holds a BSc in Management in Business from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Corne Jansen Corne Jansen has seven years of investment experience in technology. Prior to joining INKEF in May 2015, Corne was a VP at HPE Growth Capital, a late stage growth fund where he looked at both B2B as well as B2C business models in the areas of fintech, applied materials and enterprise software. Before joining HPE, Corne worked in the London based Technology Coverage teams of Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse First Boston, both in London where he executed several M&A transactions and IPOs. Corne also serves on the board of GeoPhy, EclecticIQ, and Cashforce. He holds a BSc in Finance from Reims Management School and a MSc. degree in Financial Management from the Nyenrode, Netherlands. Thijs Cohen Tervaert, MD Thijs Cohen Tervaert is a Director at INKEF. Thijs currently also serves on the board of ViCentra, Aidence, Vicentra, Audion Therapeutics, and Rainier Therapeutics. Prior to INKEF, Thijs was a strategy consultant at the Boston Consulting Group with a focus on health care and technology. He worked on projects for pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and insurers. During a one year secondment, Thijs helped to establish the Amsterdam Health and Technology Institute in 2014. Thijs is a medical doctor and graduated at Leiden University. He has also co-authored several scientific papers. For more information about Castor please contact: Castor John Ambrose, Esq Head of Marketing [email protected] SOURCE Castor Several international carriers said they would stop flying over Iran and Iraqs airspaces as tensions mount. The United Statess Federal Aviation Administration has said it would ban US carriers from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran and the Gulf of Oman, as well as the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia, after Iran launched a missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq. Tehran fired more than a dozen missiles from Iranian territory targeting at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US-led coalition forces, the US military said on Tuesday. Iran had announced the attack was in retaliation for a US drone attack that killed Qassem Soleimani, an Iranian elite military commander on Friday. The FAA said it issued the airspace ban due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to US civil aviation operations. The ban was announced just a few hours before a Boeing 737 belonging to Ukraine International Airlines crashed due to technical problems after takeoff from Irans Imam Khomeini International Airport, with 180 passengers and crew on board. The FAA is being proactive in protecting the airspace and ensuring that US-based aircraft and aircraft flying over the region are safe, Kyle Bailey, an aviation analyst who was previously a safety representative with the FAA, told Al Jazeera. Several non-US airlines had flights over parts of Iraq and Iran at the time, according to FlightRadar24 data. They are not directly affected by the FAA ban, but foreign carriers and their national regulators typically consider US advice carefully when deciding where to fly. Before the latest guidance, the FAA had already prohibited US carriers from flying below 26,000 feet (7,925 metres) over Iraq and from flying through an area of Iranian airspace above the Gulf and Gulf of Oman since Iran shot down a high-altitude US drone last June. Other airlines have also said they would stop flying through both Iran and Iraqs airspace. Taiwans largest carrier China Airlines said on Wednesday that it would not fly over Iran or Iraq due to regional tensions. The company said in a statement that it will continue to monitor the situation and adjust routes accordingly. Singapore Airlines Ltd said after the attack on US bases in Iraq that all its flights would be diverted from Iranian airspace. South Korean airline Korean Air said it had been avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace before the attack on US troops. OPSGROUP, which advises airlines on security threats, said the new US airspace bans were significant, particularly given that the entire overwater airspace in the region is now unavailable. Carriers are increasingly taking steps to limit threats to their planes after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down in 2014 by a missile over Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. Re-routing around conflict airspace adds to flight times and burns extra fuel. An international aviation team has been activated to support effective coordination and communication between airlines and countries as tensions mount in the Middle East after the assassination of Soleimani, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Tuesday. Airlines and the United Nationss aviation agency have started to monitor strategic airspace over Iran and Iraq. With some commercial carriers still serving those countries and others flying through their airspace, the IATA also issued a statement reminding countries of their obligation to communicate potential risks to civil aviation. It is critical that states live up to this obligation as tensions in the Middle East rise, IATA said, days after the killing of Soleimani on Friday plunged the region into a new crisis. On Monday, Germany published a new warning for Iraq, indicating areas of concern for overflying traffic, according to a report published by OPSGROUP. The coordination team operated by IATA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was activated as a standard precautionary measure in the event that contingency measures are required by airlines, IATA said in a statement to Reuters news agency. The team brings together airlines, regulators and air navigation service providers to ensure any potential risks to aviation are shared quickly, an industry source familiar with the group said. Everyones urging restraint, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Airspace controlled by Iran and Iraq is seen as strategic for commercial aviation in the Middle East. If the need arose to shut down the airspace, carriers would have to be rerouted which would lead to greater congestion and fuel costs, said the source. TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Tuesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (734 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Tuesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (17,168.06, up 62.59 points). Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB). Health care. Down seven cents, or 2.85 per cent, to $2.39 on 6.9 million shares. Western Energy Services Corp. (TSX:WRG). Energy. Up 6.5 cents, or 22.41 per cent, to 35.5 cents on 6.3 million shares. Encana Corp. (TSX:ECA). Energy. Up one cent, or 0.16 per cent, to $6.35 on 5.1 million shares. Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB). Energy. Down 21 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to $51.65 on 4.7 million shares. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX). Materials. Up 16 cents, or 0.67 per cent, to $24.01 on 4.6 million shares. The Bank of Nova Scotia. (TSX:BNS). Financials. Down 68 cents, or 0.94 per cent, to $71.74 on 4.4 million shares. Companies in the news: CIBC (TSX:CM). Down 21 cents to $107.33. Canadian bank executives are sharing their 2020 priorities today after a year that saw them grapple with layoffs, an increase in insolvencies and talk of an impending recession. Leaders from each of the country's major banks are discussing their outlook for the year at the 2020 Canadian Bank CEO Conference in Toronto. CIBC President Victor Dodig is predicting the growth of direct banking in Canada and the U.S. this year because of demand from millennials wanting to bank without brick-and-mortar branches. His Royal Bank of Canada counterpart Dave McKay is keeping an eye on Canada's housing supply and the mortgage stress test because he says the country has to be careful of the ramifications if it relaxes the policy. Lightspeed POS Inc. (TSX:LSPD). Up $3.19 or 8.6 per cent to $40.20. Technology firm Lightspeed POS Inc. says it has reached a deal to buy German point-of-sale company Gastrofix for upwards of $164 million. The deal for the cloud-based, hospitality-focused company includes $79.4 million in cash and $52.7 million in shares on closing, plus a further $19 million in cash and $12.7 million in shares if some performance conditions are met. Montreal-based Lightspeed says the deal strengthens its presence in Europe and its capacity to offer services to merchants and restaurants in key regions across the continent. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2020. Students are the "most idealistic" bunch in a country and stifling their voice can spell the "death of democracy", says filmmaker Kabir Khan, who is disturbed by the violent attack in the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus. On Sunday, a mob of masked young people stormed JNU campus in south Delhi and systematically targeted students in three hostels, unleashing mayhem with sticks, stones and iron rods, hitting inmates and breaking windows, furniture and personal belongings. This comes close on the heels of police crackdown on the students of Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University in December over their protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. When asked whether there was an atmosphere where dissent was being silenced, Kabir said, "They've tried to silence (but) have still not managed." In an interview with PTI, the filmmaker, whose father Rasheeduddin Khan was one of the founding members of the JNU, said such attacks on universities were "extremely disturbing." "The reason why I decided to speak up and felt really pained was when I saw the students of Jamia walking with their hands up, protests being stifled. I felt that it cannot happen. You can have all kinds of debates, but you cannot not allow students to protest. If you do that, it's the death of a democracy," the director, an alumnus of Jamia and Delhi University, said. Kabir, who has made acclaimed films like "New York", "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" with political backdrops, said one needs to engage with students rather than silence their voice. "With age, we all tend to become a little corrupt, indifferent and apolitical but students are very idealistic. If you don't allow students to stand up and say that there is something wrong with the country then... If you feel they're wrong or why are they protesting? Speak to them, debate. "But you can't unleash the police and the power of the State on them. You can't pull them out of their libraries, classes and beat them up. That's bizarre, terrible. If you come down heavily on your students, you're destroying the future of your own country." When asked why was the State scared of its students, Kabir said the State is aware that they are a powerful part of the civil society. "They know, if there's solidarity among students, it can spread like wildfire. Maybe that's what they're afraid of because it's already happening. You push one university down, another one is popping up. "When JNU was attacked, the students in Mumbai came together and protested, students of Jamia came out at ITO square in Delhi. When Jamia was pushed down, JNU stood up. That is going to happen. How can you not allow students to express dissent? It's their birthright. That's what democracy is all about," he added. Kabir has directed the upcoming webseries "The Forgotten Army" for Amazon Prime. It will stream from January 24. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) SHTP was also chosen for setting up the second-largest plant and R&D centre of the global network of TTI. TTI recently received an investment registration certificate for the establishment of the plant with a registered capital of $180 million which it expects to raise to $650 million within the next five years The plant will focus on manufacturing hand-held cordless power tools and outdoor power equipment while being at the forefront of Lithium-Ion batteries, digitally controlled motors, digitally connected tools, and industry-disrupting cordless applications. According to Nate Easter, executive vice president of Global Sourcing & Outdoor Products Operation from TTI, the investment in Vietnam is a key part of TTIs strategy to develop innovative, industry-leading, high-tech products and support its rapid global growth. TTI expects to have an annual production value of $1.5 billion by the third year and achieve up to $3 billion by the sixth year. It also targets $1 billion in annual localised supply and expects to increase local suppliers from 80 to 150 products. We are proud to receive 10 hectares of prime land for our state-of-the-art production facilities as well as 3.7ha in SHTP for our Research and Development Innovation Centre, Easter told VIR. TTI is among the fastest-growing world leader in branded cordless power tools and outdoor products for the consumer, professional, and industrial market segments. This innovative array of high-tech products and technology has allowed us to rapidly grow our cordless tool market share over the years. Our continued and growing investments in these advanced technologies are a key reason we are confident that this rapid growth will continue into the foreseeable future, Easter said. Meanwhile, Stephan Pudwill, vice chairman, group executive director, said that TTI chose SHTP for its first plant in Vietnam because its strategic location (in proximity of Ho Chi Minh City, leading universities, and outstanding logistical connectivity and infrastructure), favourable access to a vast pool of talent including R&D engineers and skilled labour, access to high-quality suppliers and strong commitment from the government and public administration who have been very supportive of TTIs current and future development plans at SHTP. Vietnam is very attractive for TTI due to its deep integration into the global market with its recent FTAs signed, especially the EVFTA. TTIs goal is to localise a majority of the supply chain, if possible. Founded in 1985 TTI is a fast-growing world leader in power tools, accessories, hand tools, outdoor power equipment, and floor care cleaning products and appliances for do-it-yourself (DIY), professional, and industrial users in the home improvement, repair, maintenance, construction, and infrastructure industries. TTI has so far operations in over 40 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Earth has a lot of run-ins with space rocks. They have triggered the demise of the dinosaurs roughly 66 million years ago, known to lit up daytime skies over Russia in thousands of dashcam videos and they even struck a human. However, one major meteorite impact that happened around 800,000 years ago has long baffled scientists and researchers. They know that it happened because of millions of blobs of glass, known as tektites, were launched over 10% of the planet's surface, from Southeast Asia to Antarctica and across wide swathes of the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. The impact that flung these Australasian tektites would have excavated a crater that is at least several miles in diameter and hundreds of feet deep. But almost a century of sleuthing failed to turn up any direct trace of the said strike. Aaron Cavosie, a planetary scientist at the Space Science and Technology Centre at Curtin University in Perth, Australia said that the crate has a very difficult size hole to make it go away. Now a team of researchers thinks that they found it and it is buried beneath a lava bed in Laos. Space rock evidence The team led by a geologist at the Earth Observatory of Singapore named Kerry Sieh, and published its evidence last week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. While some researchers suggest that additional fieldwork should be done to confirm the findings, the results that they've gathered provide important clues toward the piecing together of a catastrophic encounter between Earth and space rocks. Dr. Sieh has been searching for the crater for years, but many leads had turned out to be dead ends. While most researchers agree that the meteorite impact likely happened in Southeast Asia, that is still a part of a puzzle. A lot of ancient impact crates have disappeared from the Earth's surface as a result of volcanic, tectonic and erosional forces. But most places in Southeast Asia experienced low rates of sedimentation and erosion. They were insufficient to have removed a very large crater in a very short period. But there was at least one exception, a Delaware-sized plateau near the Mekong River in southern Laos. Volcanic eruptions have created lava beds that are up to 1,000 feet deep. That is thick enough to hide a large crater. How scientists began the search Dr. Sieh and his team began by studying the data that showed that Australasian tektites contain elements and characteristics of the Laotian volcanic field. The scientists also studied the age of the lava flows. Some predated the impact of the lava flow while scientists postdated it. Dr. Sieh stated that it makes sense since the lavas that buried the crater must be younger than the impact and the lavas that were placed into the tektites were older. Dr. Sieh and his team also measured the gravitational field around the lava beds. The craters usually exhibit a weaker gravitational tug than surrounding areas due to the need to fill up the broken areas and the less densely packed materials. The scientists found a gravity signal that is consistent with an elongated crater that was roughly 11 miles long by 8 miles wide and was filled with around 300 feet of jumbled rock. His team then set off looking for some debris, or any obvious impact that would have scattered soil and boulders. Just a few miles from the summit of the volcanic field, Dr. Sieh and his team stumbled upon two places where the hill slope had been excavated to make room for a road. Those cuts showed sandstone boulders that fit perfectly together like a jigsaw puzzle. Vanpheng Sihavong, a geoscientist at the Ministry of Energy and Mines in the Lao People's Democratic Republic and a member of the research team said that they calculated that they were ejected from the crated and they landed at around 450 meters per second, which is fast enough to shatter them upon their impact. The scientists also studied the quartz grains in some of the boulders and they observed that they were fractured, usually considered a smoking gun of an impact. Dr. Cavosie said that while these results are consistent with a buried crater, they are not unambiguous proof. He said that it is a great lead on a new site worthy of investigation but he also added that the next step would be to drill through the lava and finding shock-deformed rocks that would seal the deal. ALSO READ: Ancient Beads Made From Meteorites Could Reveal The Prehistoric Culture A new Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) study characterizes how Twitter users discuss miscarriage and preterm birth. Published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, the study finds that miscarriage disclosures by Michelle Obama and other public figures prompted spikes in discussion, and in other people sharing their own experiences of miscarriage. The study also gathered thousands of individuals' tweeted experiences with miscarriage, showing gaps in knowledge and support. Most individuals who self-disclosed a miscarriage in our data did not appear to have been offered any type of mental health support as part of medical management of their miscarriage. The need for emotional and psychological support seems to drive individuals to seek information and community online. Dr. Elaine Nsoesie, the study's senior author and an assistant professor of global health at BUSPH Dr. Nsoesie points to a quote from the former First Lady's disclosure: "What nobody tells you is that miscarriage happens all the time, to more women than you'd ever guess, given the relative silence around it." In fact, 15-20% of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Dr. Nsoesie and colleagues obtained and analyzed 291,443 tweets on miscarriages and preterm births from January 2017 through December 2018, including 7,282 personal miscarriage disclosure tweets, and categorized them into eight topics: Michelle Obama (8.4% of tweets), other celebrity disclosures (23.0%), preterm birth (10.9%), politics (17.6%), loss and anxiety (10.1%), ectopic pregnancy (7.50%), healthcare (10.7%) and misconceptions about the influenza vaccine (11.7%). Celebrity miscarriage disclosures prompted disclosures by Twitter users, and the most common emotions expressed about users' own miscarriages were grief (50.64%) and annoyance (16.19%). The study also found increases in discussion of miscarriage around events related to reproductive rights, including legislation passed in Texas in 2017 requiring burial or cremation of fetal tissue associated with miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and abortions, and a pharmacist refusing to fill a prescription for misoprostol to end a Michigan woman's failed pregnancy in 2018. Preterm birth tweets spiked around reports of the high rate of preterm birth in the U.S., expressing frustration and calling for action. The researchers also found significant misinformation on the causes of miscarriage and preterm birth. "Social media data provides a lens into the physical, emotional, and psychological impacts of miscarriages," says Dr. Nsoesie, explaining that this information can inform care and support for people who have experienced miscarriages, and help identify knowledge gaps and misinformation in the public. Your tales of excellent customer service have really made me smile over the past month. From the bank that sent flowers to a recently bereaved widower to the ferry company that waived its strict no-refund policy on pre-paid tickets after a customer went into hospital, your letters and emails make it oh-so clear that all it really takes to win over a customer for life is that human touch; a bit of compassion, an understanding ear and someone willing to throw the rulebook out the window. So, as promised, today I reveal the winner(s) of my mini-competition calling for the top service tales of 2019. A little goes a long way: Your letters and emails make it oh-so clear that all it really takes to win over a customer for life is that human touch In first place is Alan Graham, of Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, who lost his mobile phone after visiting Thirsk one morning. He says: 'I had rung around all the places I'd visited in Thirsk, including the James Herriot museum and cafes. 'Back home I had searched the house and car and was resigned to its loss when I took a call on the house phone from the HSBC branch in Thirsk to say it was there. 'Someone had handed it in anonymously after finding it in the street outside the bank's ATM. 'They had searched through my phone to find my home details and hoped I wouldn't mind. Of course not! They had just saved me a lot of outlay and distress! 'My wife and I had barely set off on the hour-long drive back to Thirsk when her mobile rang. It was Sue from the same HSBC branch asking if we would meet her outside Costa in Bedale, about five miles away, to save us going out of our way. 'Humbled, and as if on a blind date, we met the lovely Sue. It's so heart-warming to know there are still such good, honest and kindly folk around, doing good deeds every day which, for the most part, go unreported.' As someone with a rather sweet tooth, I also thoroughly enjoyed Allison Cosgrove's letter: 'I'd like to nominate grocery staff at the Asda in Dunbar, East Lothian. 'I was all set to make a Jamie Oliver tiramisu for Christmas dinner, but couldn't find sponge fingers or mascarpone cheese when I went to the store on December 23. 'Jackie, from the shop, advised me to phone the next morning and staff would put the items aside for me. I was amazed a store would do this, especially as it was so busy, but went along the next morning and sponge fingers were waiting for me! After a quick enquiry at the cheese counter, a staff member came back with mascarpone. 'Pudding saved, well done ASDA. The tiramisu was delicious, by the way!' A bottle of champagne is on its way to each of you! Penny wise Thank you for all your brilliant money-saving tips this week. Sara Brown says her family does a slightly easier version of the penny challenge: they save 1p on the first day, 2p on the second, 3p on the third and so on, then they reset at the six-month marker and start again from 1p. This makes the savings plan much easier to stick to and still leaves the family with more than 300 at the end of the year which they pop into their music tin to go towards concert tickets. Joan Hammond says she rounds up the interest she earns on her savings account each month to the nearest 100. So if she earns 49, she pays in an extra 51. 'This will give me an extra 1,200 over the year if I don't touch the cash,' she says. Meanwhile, Anne Firm is raving about her NatWest Rewards account, which pays cashback on utility bills and other spending. Over the course of last year, she earned an extra 300 (minus the 24 annual cost of the account) a very welcome bonus for Christmas! No more delays Our cover story reveals how Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to help victims of ruthless pension scams four years ago even posing for a photo. Well, he must not delay any further. HMRC's woeful failings left thousands vulnerable to fraudsters, so to chase victims now for punitive taxes is unjust. Mr Johnson, finally you have the power to do something about this so do it. v.bischoff@dailymail.co.uk After wrapping up major promotions of her upcoming release, Chhapaak, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi on January 7 and created a stir. A masked mob had attacked the teachers and students on the JNU campus on January 5, but a majority of Bollywood celebrities were quiet on the issue, except stars like Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu, Swara Bhasker, Dia Mirza, Shabana Azmi, Zoya Akhtar, Richa Chadha, Anurag Kashyap, Vishal Bhardwaj and some more who voiced their opinion and took part in protests in Mumbai. At such a time when very few of Bollywood's superstars were speaking on the JNU attack, Deepika Padukone's visit to the institution in solidarity with the teachers and students drew a lot of attention. Although she got good media coverage, opinions were divided on Twitter and other social media. While some were supporting and lauding Deepika Padukone for showing up at JNU, others were trending #BoycottDeepika on social media, demanding a ban on Chhapaak. It is to be noted that Deepika did not speak about the event on social media, nor did she speak during her visit at the university. She was seen standing with a group of students and the president of the students' union, Aishe Ghosh, who was injured in the attack. Many other celebrities came forward applauding Deepika for visiting the JNU campus. On Twitter, however, the story changed face overnight. From a celebrity visit to the JNU campus to express solidarity, it turned into a hashtag #ISupportDeepikaPadukone. Soon, #BoycottDeepika started trending. Twitter is a social networking site open for people to share their opinions, and hashtags are used to second another viewpoint. In doing so, Twitter users quickly took sides, either in support of the actress or opposed her visit. The divided opinion on Twitter has taken over the actual protest and issue at hand. Take a look at some of the tweets: This is callous. Those calling to boycott #Chhapaak because @deepikapadukone went to #JNU are forgetting the movie is about an acid attack survivour whose story Deepika has dared to share. How can one forget the cause the brave actress has espoused ? #ISupportDeepika pic.twitter.com/iWlAcpht4C Raj Babbar (@RajBabbarMP) January 7, 2020 So the @BJP4India & @ABVPVoice have claimed that they had nothing to do with the violence in JNU. If @deepikapadukone visits the campus to show solidarity why have they launched a campaign to boycott her film? Swati Chaturvedi (@bainjal) January 8, 2020 #boycottchhapaak Congrats @deepikapadukone .. all anti nationals and Pak supporters are now with you. U may have made new fans across border and India haters here but u lost many honest fans. Every 1 r angry for u standing with leftists in JNU who actually started the violence. pic.twitter.com/UBLE19w5np CA Vikram Sharma (@thesharmavikram) January 8, 2020 The question remains whether celebrities should share their opinion on national and political matters. Can it be called their personal opinion, effort in public interest or using their influence? The line that separates the three is blurred and so is the commercial aspect of the events. Many Twitter users have also claimed Deepika's visit was used as a promotional tactic for her upcoming film Chhapaak, while others claimed the film is based on an acid attack survivor and should not be lumped in with the protest. Why #boycottdeepikapadukone? Why #boycottchhapaak? Just because Deepika went to JNU against Sundays violence? Really guys? Are you now defending violence #DeepikaPadukone @deepikapadukone Manak Gupta (@manakgupta) January 8, 2020 It is simplistic to dismiss Deepika Padukones support at JNU as movie promotion. Shes a mega star & knows the risks of boycotts/demonisation. Which is what the mighty Khans faced & retreated. Or why the great AB wont speak. The fact is that Deepika simply has more courage Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) January 8, 2020 Simple arithmetic of Deepika Padukones JNU visit. A vast majority of people support her. The easy way to neutralize the few who plan to boycott her film is for others to see it twice. Its easy to see that, by this logic, if 10% boycott her film the viewership will go up by 80%. Kaushik Basu (@kaushikcbasu) January 8, 2020 One Twitter user has also shared an old footage of the actress to justify the current events. But Deepika Padukone is mum on social media and thinks she has already said what she wanted to two years ago, when she was being threatened for her film Padmaavat. In an interview on television, Deepika had said, "I am afraid this will be our normal." It is almost as if she predicted the current situation. No wonder Deepika Padukone was seen showing solidarity with JNU students who were seen doing seen doing violence recently, she is a Rahul Gandhi fan afterall pic.twitter.com/HMiBYKCyfn Political Kida (@PoliticalKida) January 7, 2020 Deepika @deepikapadukone on JNU attack, "This wasnt the foundation our country was built on. I feel angry that this is happening. But the fact that action is not being taken, is what we must think about." Strong Words, must listen. #ISupportDeepika pic.twitter.com/ydJQpSpAgZ Jijoy (@jijoy_matt) January 7, 2020 While the hate and support for Deepika Padukone lingers on social networks, it has also set off the same wave among media and news outlets. A majority of the coverage is about her visit and not about JNU protests, even if it may have been the initial intention. So, should the influential celebrities take a back seat when table-turning events take place? We have seen many stand in support of acid attack victims and rape victims, but does it lead to action against the perpetrators? With the Internet, it is not hard for everyone to see what is happening at the other end of the world. If people are to stand in support or oppose any event, do we need a celebrity to come forward and shed light on the issue? If Bollywood wants to stand in support, can there be a better way? Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are that of the writer. Vidhu Vinod Chopra On JNU: Made Shikara To Express I Condemn All Violence President Kovind Lays Foundation Stone of Super Specialty Hospital in Kavaratti The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind arrived has laid the foundation stone of a super specialty hospital in Kavaratti, the capital of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep While addressing the audience the President said "I am aware that living here comes with some unique challenges, such as maintaining connectivity with the mainland and among islands, and harsh weather conditions particularly during monsoons. Nothing though has prevented Lakshadweeps onward march and progress." The President said that he was happy to lay the foundation stone of the super-specialty Hospital here at Kavaratti. He said that the hospital will address many of the health related issues of people living here in Kavaratti as well as those living in other islands. More importantly, when this hospital comes up and becomes fully functional, it would significantly reduce the need for patients to go to Kochi for treatment. Amid spiralling US-Iran tensions, security was on Wednesday tightened outside the US Consulate here by Hyderabad Police. As a precautionary measure, security was enhanced by deploying additional personnel, a senior police official told PTI. "There is no specific information as such but in view of US-Iran tensions, security has been beefed up by deploying additional forces...," the official said. Though security was stepped up from Wednesday by mobilising more personnel as against the routine deployment of police forces, the city police kept a strict vigil near the US Consulate since Sunday following the developments in West Asia, the official said. Police also conducted security checks at Begumpet where the Consulate is located. According to sources, it is not uncommon increasing the security cover whenever there is a global development that may result in a security threat to US missions all over. The US Consulate in the city provides visa and consular services to Indian citizens in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hotel Development Plans in Washington, D.C. Hit a Supply-and-Demand Snag The Washington, D.C., hotel market has always been a safe bet for developers because the nations capital can usually withstand any economic downturns or political upheaval. That is still true to some extent. Yet the Washington market struggled for a good part of 2019, based on key industry metrics, making it not so much of a lucrative venture for hotel developers and investors. That leaves developers entering the New Year feeling a bit uneasy about a potential oversupply problem in the nations capital. Here is some of what they face. The occupancy rate dropped 1 percent from January to November 2019 to 72.1 percent in the Washington metro area, which includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia, according to industry research firm STR. RevPAR, or revenue per available room, was down for six out of the 11 months reported so far last year. It did rebound by the end of November to an average of $116.62, a 1.3 percent increase. The occupancy rate in the city of Washington, which STR defines as the central business district, was 78 percent from January through November, down 1.4 percent from the previous year. RevPAR was down for six months of the year but rebounded to $179.07 by November, a 0.8 percent jump. Those tepid numbers come even as the number of domestic and international visitors to the city continues to steadily increase. Visitation numbers for 2019 are not available yet, but in 2018, the city had 23.8 million visitors, a 4.4 percent increase over the previous year. Why is Washington, D.C., such an important hotel industry market now? The city has evolved in the last two decades from a small company town with a population of about 800,000 that is focused on the federal government and the International Monetary Fund to one that is attracting celebrity chefs, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, artists, and financial heavyweights. It went from having one of the highest crime rates in the United States to now being one of the most affluent cities in the country, with new areas such as CityCenterDC, a luxury retail and dining complex located near the Convention Center that is anchored by brands such as Bulgari, Dior, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton. Story continues Hotel companies have taken notice and count Washington as one of the U.S. cities in which they have to make their presence known. If you want an East Coast exposure, a lot of people talk about New York first. After that, Washington, Miami, and Boston are the next tier of major metropolitan areas where you want to be, STR Senior Vice President Jan Freitag said. If you are a foreign brand or even a new brand, (Washington) is one of the markets you want to be in so people know that you exist. Still, Washington had a few challenges in 2019, and 2020 could also prove to be a difficult one for the hotel industry. Analysts attribute it to a classic case of supply and demand. As of November, there were 19 hotels in construction in the Washington metropolitan area, and 22 in the final planning phase, which means that construction will begin within 12 months, according to STR. Another 34 are in the earlier stages of planning. Some notable hotel openings that took place from November 2018 to November 2019 include the Courtyard Washington Downtown Convention Center, the Residence Inn Washington Downtown Convention Center, the Moxy Washington D.C. Downtown, the Hilton National Mall, and the Conrad Washington D.C. The number of rooms ranged from 147 to 367 at each hotel. Thats quite a few large properties, 350-plus rooms, to open in the space of a year, said Elliott Ferguson, CEO of tourism group Destination D.C. That should ensure that hoteliers will not be able to boost hotel rates significantly, a phenomenon that has been affecting the city for a few years now. The average daily rate has not budged much since 2017, when it was $159.69. Through November of 2019, the average daily rate was $161.75. Were basically just at the levels we were at two years ago. Thats nothing to write home about, Freitag said. Room and supply growth are outpacing room demand growth, which means mathematically, occupancy is declining. Its been declining for a while. The political atmosphere has also taken its toll on the citys hotel market. A partial federal government shutdown from Dec. 22, 2018, to Jan. 25, 2019, meant that the Smithsonian Institution, a group of free museums, was closed during the holidays, a peak travel period. Clearly, what weve seen is if the government shuts down, it really matters to tourism, Freitag said. The Smithsonian, he said, is one of the largest draws of coming to D.C. Groups stay away, school groups stay away, and some of them never come back because for schools, this is your window. Another problem: The number of tourists from China has decreased in major U.S. cities because of tense trade relations with China and anti-immigration rhetoric from the presidential administration. Washingtons top overseas market is China, and the number of visitors from there declined 25 percent to 226,000. The election this year will likely drive down occupancy even more. Travel to D.C. during an election year is complex. Hotels are challenged with booking business in a different way, rather than a traditional booking pattern, Ferguson said. Hotels are open with the fact that travel directly tied to Congress tends to slow down in the weeks before an election but still, domestic visitation to D.C. continues to increase year-over-year, even election years. That doesnt mean that hotel developers are staying away from Washington. It used to be that New York was the city where hoteliers had to plant their flags. Now they also have to have a presence in smaller urban centers such as Washington. Washington has matured as a city in the last two decades with a booming restaurant scene and entire neighborhoods sprouting. The demand for luxury hotels has grown. Many foreign-based hoteliers, in particular, are capitalizing on that need. CitizenM, a Dutch hospitality brand, plans to open a 252-room hotel in Washington this year. Its a small town but it has an international influence, said Geoffrey Griffis, founder and managing member of CityPartners, which is developing the CitizenM. Its growing up and changing so fast. Europes hip hotel-hostel brand Generator will take over the 148-room Courtyard by Marriott. A German company is expected to introduce another hotel-hostel concept called the Meininger Hotel Washington D.C. later this year. Paris-based chain Mob Hotels will open the first of its five planned North American hotels in Washington. D.C. has been changing in scenery, going from more conservative to happening, with the latest hotel openings, restaurants, and bars, Mob Hotels CEO Cyril Aouizerate said. D.C. is becoming more than just politics. The art scene is changing, the nationalities and tourists traveling to D.C. are changing, and its becoming a destination for all. Thats why it made sense to finally open Washingtons very first Conrad, which is located in CityCenterDC. Worldwide, there are only 39 Conrad hotels, which is one of Hiltons luxury brands. This has become an elite town, said Andy Finn, director of sales and marketing at the hotel. This has become a very cosmopolitan town. It was much more provincial in the 1980s. Griffis said he has no qualms about investing in Washington hotels despite the anemic numbers. Hospitality is always that balance of do you want to fill rooms or get a higher rate, he said. You have those kind of blips. Subscribe to Skift newsletters covering the business of travel, restaurants, and wellness. MONACO, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Navios Maritime Partners L.P. (Navios Partners) (NYSE: NMM), an international owner and operator of dry cargo vessels, announced today that it took delivery of the following five containerships upon the liquidation of Navios Europe Inc. (Navios Europe I): Vessels Type Built TEU Charter Rate, net ($) Expected Expiration Date Esperanza N Sub-Panamax 2008 2,007 8,075 03/2020 Protostar N Sub-Panamax 2007 2,741 10,863 06/2020 Harmony N Sub-Panamax 2006 2,824 9,875 05/2020 Castor N Panamax 2007 3,091 11,702 06/2020 Solar N Panamax 2006 3,398 11,400 06/2020 Total: 5 vessels 14,061 Navios Partners acquired the five containerships for approximately $52.0 million, subject to customary working capital adjustments. Navios Partners received approximately $49.6 million in satisfaction of its receivable from Navios Europe I. Separately, Navios Partners incurred a $23.5 million loan from a commercial bank, with interest at LIBOR plus 400 bps and a maturity in September 2020. About Navios Maritime Partners L.P. Navios Maritime Partners L.P. (NYSE: NMM) is a publicly traded master limited partnership which owns and operates dry cargo vessels. For more information, please visit our website at www.navios-mlp.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) concerning future events including Navios Partners expected cash flow generation, future contracted revenues, future distributions and its ability to have a dividend going forward, opportunities to reinvest cash accretively in a fleet renewal program or otherwise, potential capital gains, its ability to take advantage of dislocation in the market and Navios Partners growth strategy and measures to implement such strategy; including expected vessel acquisitions and entering into further time charters. Words such as may, expects, intends, plans, believes, anticipates, hopes, estimates, and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the information available to, and the expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by Navios Partners at the time these statements were made. Although Navios Partners believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Navios Partners. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, risks relating to: uncertainty relating to global trade, including prices of seaborne commodities and continuing issues related to seaborne volume and ton miles, our continued ability to enter into long-term time charters, our ability to maximize the use of our vessels, expected demand in the dry cargo shipping sector in general and the demand for our Panamax, Capesize, Ultra-Handymax and Containerships in particular, fluctuations in charter rates for dry cargo carriers and container vessels, the aging of our fleet and resultant increases in operations costs, the loss of any customer or charter or vessel, the financial condition of our customers, changes in the availability and costs of funding due to conditions in the bank market, capital markets and other factors, increases in costs and expenses, including but not limited to: crew, insurance, provisions, port expenses, lube oil, bunkers, repairs, maintenance and general and administrative expenses, the expected cost of, and our ability to comply with, governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization standards, as well as standard regulations imposed by our charterers applicable to our business, general domestic and international political conditions, competitive factors in the market in which Navios Partners operates; risks associated with operations outside the United States; and other factors listed from time to time in Navios Partners filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 20-Fs and Form 6-Ks. Navios Partners expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Navios Partners expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. Navios Partners makes no prediction or statement about the performance of its common units. Contacts Navios Maritime Partners L.P. +1 (212) 906 8645 Investors@navios-mlp.com SCHENECTADY If Niskayuna can't flush out the issue of the town's unpaid water bills to Schenectady -- which potentially could add up to over $900,000 -- the dispute may end up in court. Niskayuna Supervisor Yasmine Syed said Tuesday the town sent checks in excess of $800,000 earlier this week to the city in hopes of trying to satisfy the bill based on their interpretation of an agreement that predates her taking office. But Schenectady city officials feel they're owed at least $100,000 more for water that serves a section of the town. Both sides say they are interpreting the rate numbers listed in the contract differently, and that's what's led to the disagreement. At least (Schenectady) has been somewhat made whole and then we can figure out what the remainder is, Syed said Tuesday referring to the payment. Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy said last week that the city had filed a notice of claim a precursor to a lawsuit to protect the citys rights. Im cautiously optimistic that well be able to resolve it, he said at the time, adding that his conversations with Syed and other leaders in the suburb have been cordial. Schenectady provides water to some homeowners in the Old Niskayuna neighborhood between the Coop grocery store and Upper Union Street, said Niskayuna Town Board member Denise Murphy McGraw. Murphy McGraw said Tuesday that shes been in regular contact with McCarthy about the situation and stressed the town is not trying to stiff Schenectady. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. There was just a math issue that happened a few years ago and I think were just catching up to it now, she said, adding that it looks like a number got inverted. Details on that difference in numbers weren't immediately available. Syed referred questions to Town Attorney Paul Briggs. He did not return calls Thursday to his office and cell phone for comment. Andrew Koldin, his counterpart in Schenectady, also did not call back. Initially, Niskayuna sent a check to Schenectady but the city refused to cash it because of the pending disagreement. The latest check for the more than $800,000 from Niskayuna came with a proviso that cashing it would not preclude Schenectady from pursuing the matter further. I completely understand where Mayor McCarthy is coming from because we both have to do what we think is right for our residents and municipality but hopefully we can hash it out, Syed added. PHILIPSBURG:---The Minister of Justice the honorable E. Doran swore in 11 new members of the immigration department during a ceremony that was held on Monday morning January 06, 2020. A ceremony commemorating the milestone was held in the main meeting room at the Philipsburg police station. The 11 immigration officers did the theoretical part of their training in early 2018, followed by practical on-the-job training in 2019. The St. Maarten Police Force and immigration department can now boast of having a new class of full-fledged immigration officers added to its service. Minister of Justice E. Doran said, in his address on Wednesday, that he is very proud of immigration class 2018 whom 90% he knows personally. During the ceremony 5 members of the Dutch detachment and 2 members, Kmar took the oath before the Minister of Justice. These colleagues will support the police and immigration department during their work period on Sint.Maarten. Special recognition was given to Inspectors Claudio Ellis and Hensley Roumou who completed their training for Senior police Administration, given at the Canadian Police Academy. KPSM Press Release. As investigators sift through the smoldering wreckage of a jetliner that crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran, contradictory reports have emerged about what might have caused the Boeing 737-800 to abruptly plunge out of the sky. Iranian authorities initially blamed "technical" causes then said an engine fire most likely led to the loss of the Ukraine International Airlines plane on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. The Ukrainian embassy in Tehran at first ruled out terrorism, then amended its statement to offer no comment on possible causes. Given that the crash of Flight 752 came hours after a barrage of Iranian missiles were fired on U.S. bases in Iraq, speculation also turned to a possible accidental attack by Tehran's own air defense system. The recently serviced, three-year-old jet went down without a distress call and after its global-positioning transmissions were cut off mid-air -- unusual for a crash. A video purportedly shot by a bystander shows flames coming from the jet as it streaked across the night sky and burst into a fireball on impact. Meanwhile, the investigation is being hampered by the international tension between Iran and the U.S. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, which would normally be invited to participate in a crash of a U.S.-built jetliner, issued a cautious statement saying it is monitoring the situation. Long-existing U.S. sanctions against Iran require the NTSB to seek special permission to participate in any investigations in that country. Iran's Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization said early assessments indicated the cause was a technical issue, while the transport ministry suggested an engine fire was involved. A veteran aviation accident investigator said the flight-tracking data and amateur video were unlike a typical engine failure or fire scenario. While the evidence is still sparse, it's far more suggestive of a bomb or missile, said Jeffrey Guzzetti, former chief of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's accident investigation division. "Airplanes don't just catch fire and have that fire spread like that in such a short period of time, unless there was an intentional act causing that fire and explosion," Guzzetti said in an interview. The tragedy recalled the 2014 downing of a Malaysia Airlines jet by a surface-to-air missile during the conflict over Crimea, eventually blamed by investigators on pro-Russia rebels. Complicating matters, Iranian officials haven't been clear about how much access U.S. experts will be given to the probe, or to the 737's flight data recorders. A state-run news outlet cited an official at Iran's Civil Aviation Organization as saying the pilots didn't declare an emergency. If the amatuer video turns out to be genuine, it indicates the plane was essentially a fireball as it plunged, Guzzetti said. Bright lights emanating from the aircraft suggest explosions as well, he said. Ukraine International said 167 passengers and nine crew were on the 737, an older version of Boeing's narrow-body workhorse that predates the Max model that was grounded last year following two fatal crashes. The model involved in the Iranian crash doesn't use the flight control system implicated in the Max tragedies. The Ukrainian jet lifted off and climbed to about 7,900 feet and was traveling at roughly 300 miles an hour when it stopped transmitting its position and disappeared, according to data supplied by FlightRadar24. Other aircraft operating out of Tehran were tracked normally, said FlightRadar24 spokesman Ian Petchenik. The plane came down at 6:18 a.m. Wednesday in Sabashahr, near the Iranian capital. Television footage showed recovery efforts at the crash site, with debris spread across a charred field. Ukraine's foreign ministry said about half those on board held Iranian citizenship and that there were more than 60 Canadian citizens, as well as Swedes, Afghans, Britons and Ukrainians. Ukraine International Vice President Ihor Sosnovskyi said in Kyiv that the plane, delivered to the airline new in 2016, was in good condition and had its last shop visit on Jan. 6. He said the crew was also very experienced and that there were no indications of human error, while declining to comment on possible reasons for the crash, the company's first since it was set up in 1992. Under established protocols, Iran would lead any investigation because the crash occurred on its soil. Ukraine Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk said his government has informed Iran that its experts should take part. Few nations have the expertise and technical facilities to conduct a full accident probe, however, so the U.S., France, Britain or other countries have provided assistance in the past. The plane's crash-proof recorders will have to be downloaded in a specialist lab. International rules for air-crash probes mean the countries that made the plane and its engines usually participate, providing technical expertise. But the current turmoil between Iran and the U.S. may complicate the involvement of the NTSB and Boeing. Hassan Rezaeifar, head of the Civil Aviation Organization'saccident-investigation office, said it is for Iran to decide how and where the plane's so-called black boxes are decoded, "as per the law," according to the semi-official ISNA news agency. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. However, Reza Jafarzadeh, a spokesman for the aviation organization, told Bloomberg that his nation observes international protocols, and that Ukraine, "as well as the planemaker," can take part in the probe. France's BEA hasn't been contacted for assistance but has helped Iran in the past, said a spokesman, Sebastien Barthe. The tragedy comes at a tense time for both Iran and Boeing. The Islamic republic fired more than a dozen missiles at U.S. bases in retaliation for the killing of Iran's top general, Qassem Soleimani. Just prior to the crash, U.S. aviation regulators issued new restrictions barring civilian flights over Iraq and Iran. The U.S. State Department issued a statement offering assistance to Ukraine. "The United States calls for complete cooperation with any investigation into the cause of the crash," according to the statement. Boeing is still gripped by one of the worst crises in its 103-year history after the two Max disasters led to the grounding of that fleet in March. The company said in a statement that its thoughts are with crew, passengers and their families after the tragedy, without commenting on the cause. The planemaker's stock declined 1.3% to $332.94 at 11:57 a.m. in New York. The website flightradar24 showed the 737-800 jet left Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport for Ukraine's Boryspil International Airport early Wednesday morning local time. Safran confirmed that the twin-engine plane was powered by turbines from its CFM venture with General Electric, while declining to comment further. - - - Bloomberg's Harry Suhartono, Kyunghee Park, Anurag Kotoky, Eduard Gismatullin, Angus Whitley, Layan Odeh, Paul Dobson, Will Davies, Rudy Ruitenberg, Volodymyr Verbyany, Julie Johnsson and Richard Clough contributed to this report. Imagine a situation where all cars and public transportation suddenly disappeared and all you had for travel was a bicycle: How would it affect you and your family? Take a few minutes to reflect on how life would be different: How would you feel? Do you think the transition would be easy? Or do you think getting around with only a bike would be an impossible task? What would be the biggest challenges for you and your family? Are there any ways that riding a bike would benefit you and your community? Write a short journal entry describing a life with only bikes to get around your town. If you are in a classroom setting, share and discuss your journal writing with a partner. Reflect and discuss together: In what ways would you and your community be better off with bicycles as the only mode of transportation? Would you want to live this way for a day, a month or even a year? Do you think it is possible or desirable for your town or city to become, if not a bike-only place, a more bike-friendly one? There is no evidence of murder of children in Bihar's Muzaffarpur shelter home, the CBI told the Supreme Court on Wednesday. The probe agency informed the apex court that two skeletons were recovered, which were later, in forensic investigation, found to be of a woman and a man. It said all 35 girls, who were alleged to be murdered were later traced by the investigation agency and found to be alive. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde accepted the status report of the CBI and allowed two officers to be relieved from the investigation team. Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the CBI, told a bench, also comprising Justice B R Gavai and Justice Surya Kant, that inmates had given statements that murder of children had taken place and bodies were buried. "When the probe agency went to the spot where the alleged bodies were buried, two skeleton parts were recovered. On forensic investigation of the skeleton parts it was found to be of a woman and a man and the possibility of murder of minor was ruled out," Venugopal said. He said when experts of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) again spoke to the girls who had given the statement, the allegation of murder of minors was found to be false. Venugopal said the investigation agency traced the 35 girls who were alleged to be murdered and found them alive. He told the bench that the probe was carried out on allegations of rape and sexual assault of children and charge sheets have been filed before the courts concerned. The attorney general said the CBI has investigated cases of 17 shelter homes in Bihar and charge sheets have been filed in 13 of them, while four cases were closed when after preliminary enquiry no evidence of any wrongdoing was found. Venugopal said trial proceedings in one of the case was complete and judgement was likely to be pronounced in January 14. Advocate Shoeb Alam appearing for petitioner Nivedita Jha said that under section 161 of CrPC the minor girls have clearly given statement that inmates of shelter home were murdered. Contradicting the attorney general's statements, he said, "Merely because all the girls were found, does not rule the possibility that no murder has taken place and probe agency should look into the allegations". Alam said on June 3, 2019, the apex court had ordered the CBI to complete investigation in three months on four counts -- allegations of unnatural sexual assault under section 377 of the IPC, offences under the Information Technology Act regarding the video recordings of the alleged assault on girls at the shelter home, role of outsiders and officials who were involved and facilitated the sexual assaults on the inmates after administering them intoxicants and human trafficking. He added that the agency had not investigated all these four aspects and the status report of CBI is silent on them. Alam also said that the petitioner has no objection to relieving of two officers, who were part of investigation team, but the agency should disclose the status of investigation on these four aspects. The bench then said it would like to hear the petitioner on the application of CBI seeking permission for utilising the services of investigating team in other official matter as the probe in the shelter home case is over. It asked the petitioner to file a reply on the application of the CBI and allowed the two officers -- 1996 batch IPS Bhanu Bhaskar and Devendra Singh, head of special crime branch, Patna -- be relieved from the investigation team. The CBI, in its status report filed on June 6, said no incriminating evidence proving commission of any criminal offence could be gathered in four preliminary enquiries and as such no FIR has been registered. The agency said that it had forwarded a self-contained note to the Bihar chief secretary for taking actions against erring government servants including 25 district magistrates in all the 17 cases. It had also said the Bihar government has been requested to take departmental action, and action of cancellation of registration, and blacklisting of NGOs concerned by providing them the result of the probe, that is the CBI report. Several girls were allegedly sexually and physically assaulted at the shelter home run by an NGO in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. The issue had come to light following a report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). Following the report, a petition was filed in the apex court seeking lodging of an FIR and court-monitored probe by an independent agency into the allegations. The plea filed by journalist Nivedita Jha through advocate Fauzia Shakil had sought "registration of FIR and independent investigations or court monitored probe into the affairs of these 14 (other) shelter homes in Bihar mentioned in the TISS report". The apex court had earlier directed the CBI to complete its probe into the alleged murder of girls at the shelter home and asked it to file a status report. It had transferred the case from Bihar to a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court in Saket District Court complex in Delhi. The top court had also directed the CBI to probe into allegations of physical and sexual abuse of inmates in 16 other shelter homes in Bihar which were flagged in the TISS report. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pawan Jallad (file photo) As a Delhi court issued death warrants for the four convicts on Tuesday, the Tihar jail administration has started the preparations for the hangings. Tihar Jail Director General Sandeep Goyal told on Tuesday that Uttar Pradesh jail administration has agreed to provide a hangman required to conduct the hangings. "We contacted the UP jail Director General Anand Kumar for a hangman to which he said that he will arrange a hangman from Meerut jail," said Goyal. When asked that before how many days a hangman will be required, he said, "It is a long process but yes the place from where UP jail administration will be sending the hangman to Tihar is not too far from Delhi so we will call the hangman accordingly." Pawan Jallad, who is expected to carry out the hangings, told: "As of now I am in Saharanpur. I was been told to be ready to conduct the hangings of the Nirbhaya case convicts. As soon as I receive an official information from the Meerut jail, I will reach Tihar jail." "I have said earlier also that the execution in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder should happen as early as possible. If the government had expedited on executing the hanging of the Nirbhaya case convicts, the Hyderabad case might not have happened," said Pawan. "I come from the family of executioners. I don't need much practice. I will only have to inspect the noose and the execution place once, see the measurement of the convicts and prepare myself for the execution," added Pawan. He said I am the fourth generation after my great grandfather (Lakshman Jallad), grandfather (Kalu Ram Jallad) and father Mammu Jallad. I leant the execution from them only. "It is not an easy job. It is a job which has a lot of responsibilities because on mistake of the hangman can put the convict in more pain," Pawan said. For the first time, Pawan executed a hanging at Patiala Central Jail with his grandfather, when he hanged two brothers. Pawan, who has executed five hangings with his grandfather till now, said: "When I executed my first hanging with my grandfather, I was 20-22 year old now I am 58." Pawan recalls that the last execution that he did with his grandfather was of a convict in the Bulandshahar gang rape and murder case in 1988 at the Central Jail. Pawan said that he is happy to know that there are all the possibilities that he will only execute the hangings of the Nirbhaya case convicts. He is also happy that despite being executing the hangings for whole of his life he remained poor. Now, he will get around Rs 1 lakh (Rs 25,000 per convict) for hanging four convicts which will improve his financial situation for a few days at least. New Delhi, Jan 8 : After Sunday's violence in the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the Vice Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar met with the Secretary Amit Khare and Joint Secretary G.C. Hosur of Ministry of Human Resource Development, on Wednesday morning. Kumar briefed MHRD officials on the steps taken to bring normalcy back in the JNU campus. Informing about the meet, Kumar tweeted, "This morning met Shri Amit Khare and Shri G.C. Hosur at MHRD and briefed them on the steps being taken at JNU to bring normalcy." "All efforts are being made to facilitate winter semester registration for willing students and a conducive environment for their academic pursuits," he added in the tweet. Earlier, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration, here on Tuesday, announced formation of a panel to look into the reasons that triggered the Sunday campus violence, leaving many students injured and causing outrage across the nation. "The university is forming a small security committee to look into the incident," said JNU Vice-Chancellor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar while addressing the media. Intending to revitalize and restructure its business, Molson Coors Beverage Company TAP has decided to stop production at its Irwindale, CA-based brewery by September 2020. The move is in sync with the companys efforts to get back on growth trajectory by optimizing brewery footprint and streamlining operations for improved efficiency across its network. It notes that extra capacity across its brewery network will be sufficient to absorb the Irwindale facilitys production. Concurrent with the announcement, the company also signed an agreement with Pabst Brewing Co., which gives the latter the option to buy the Irwindale facility. The Irwindale facility, which was set up in 1980, has a production capacity of 4.8 million barrels of beer annually. It employs about 470 people. Some of the brands produced in the facility include Miller Lite, Coors Light, Miller High Life, MGD, Steel Reserve, Miller 64 and several brands for Pabst. The company expects to transition the production of the products currently produced in the facility to other breweries in the next nine months. The breweries where it plans to shift the Irwindale facilitys production are the Golden brewery in Colorado and Fort Worth facility in Texas. Further, the company stated that the revitalization plan, announced in October 2019, is not all about ceasing production at the Irwindale facility. Moreover, it notes that the closing of the facility will also not affect its existing cost-saving target. Revitalization Plan & Cost Savings Molson Coors revitalization plan is aimed at achieving sustainable sales growth by improving efficiency and unlocking resources to reinvest in business opportunities. To do this, it intends to invest in iconic brands and growth opportunities in the above-premium beer space; expand in adjacencies and beyond beer, without hampering the support for its existing large brands; and create digital competencies for commercial functions, supply-chain-related system capabilities and employees. To facilitate these investments, the company plans to generate savings of $150 million by simplifying structure. It also plans to streamline its business units into two segments North America and Europe. The North America business unit will include operations in the United States, Canada and corporate center. The Europe unit will operate as a stand-alone segment. The existing Molson Coors International segment will be split, with Latin America operations reporting under the North America business unit, and Africa and the Asia Pacific reporting under the European business unit. These changes will be reflected in its operating results, starting from the first quarter of 2020. The companys operations currently include a corporate center and four business units, including MillerCoors in the United States, Molson Coors Canada, Molson Coors Europe and Molson Coors International. As part of the revitalization plan, Molson Coors also intends to reduce its office footprint to drive efficiency and enable growth. For this, it will close the Denver office and designate the Chicago office as the headquarters of the North America business unit. Further, it will consolidate corporate support roles from various offices across the country to its Milwaukee, WI-based office. Consequently, the Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company expects to reduce headcounts by 400-500, primarily in the existing United States, Canada and International segments as well as Corporate operations. It expects these consolidations to be completed by the end of 2021. These actions are likely to attract cash and non-cash charges of $120-$180 million, which will be spread between 2019, 2020 and 2021. Despite these efforts, shares of the Denver, CO-based company have declined 10.7% in the past year against the industrys growth of 16.6%. Story continues 3 Stocks to Consider The Procter & Gamble Company PG has a long-term earnings growth rate of 7.5%. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Coca-Cola European Partners plc CCEP presently has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 8.9% and a Zacks Rank #2. Luckin Coffee Inc LK delivered positive earnings surprise of 13.5% in the last reported quarter. Currently, it carries a Zacks Rank #2. Just Released: Zacks 7 Best Stocks for Today Experts extracted 7 stocks from the list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys that has beaten the market more than 2X over with a stunning average gain of +24.6% per year. These 7 were selected because of their superior potential for immediate breakout. See these time-sensitive tickers now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Molson Coors Brewing Company (TAP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Procter & Gamble Company (The) (PG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Coca-Cola European Partners PLC (CCEP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Luckin Coffee Inc. Sponsored ADR (LK) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research (TNS) More than 100 people, including Gov. Roy Cooper, state lawmakers and leaders of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, gathered at the State Highway Patrols test track south of Raleigh Tuesday afternoon to witness a bit of aviation history.They were there to see what was billed as North Americas first public demonstration flight of a pilotless air taxi. As they braced themselves against a stiff northwest wind, the EH 216, a two-seat drone made by the Chinese company EHang, was parked some 500 feet away, down a slight hill, outside of their view.NCDOT had spent nearly 10 months arranging for EHang to bring its drone to Raleigh, in conjunction with the departments annual Transportation Summit this week. Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon said North Carolina not only wants to be ready for new technologies like this but also hopes to lure the companies that are developing them.Autonomous connected vehicles of any type are where transportation is headed, Trogdon said in an interview. We want to bring these kinds of opportunities to make sure that were economically competitive.Sixteen sets of electric motors and propellers lift the EH 216 into the air and move it forward along pre-programmed routes at up to 80 mph, said Derrick Xiong, Ehangs cofounder. The craft weighs about 600 pounds and can carry another 500 to 600 pounds of cargo or people, Xiong said.Ehang has built dozens of them and has made demo flights like this one in Amsterdam, Vienna, Qatar, Dubai and in several cities in China, Xiong said. He said the craft is in the very early stage of commercialization in China, mostly limited to sightseeing flights.The Federal Aviation Administration doesnt permit autonomous aircraft to carry people, so no one flew in the EH 216 on Tuesday. Under FAA guidelines, NCDOT had to treat the demonstration flight as it would an airshow, keeping spectators back 500 feet and having a fire truck and ambulance on hand.Still, comparisons with the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk were inevitable, starting with Cooper, who, like Trogdon, spoke about the potential economic benefits of building relationships with aviation companies such as EHang.The Wright Brothers made North Carolina first in flight 116 years ago, Cooper said. But first in flight isnt just something that we were its something that we are.Xiong started Ehang in 2014, the year after he graduated from Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. The company envisions a day when fleets of its autonomous vehicles are flying passengers and cargo around urban areas.This is the very beginning of transforming the two-dimensional transportation system into 3D, he told the crowd. And now ... lets just witness the future and create the future together.The future was delayed for about a half hour, because of problems with the radio signal, and people who had intently watched the horizon began to mill about. When the EH 216 suddenly rose up into the air, so did everyones cell phones.Weve known for years this was out there, said Rep. John Torbett, who heads the House Transportation Committee. But to see it, touch it, feel it, that brings it home.Several companies are developing autonomous air taxis, including Boeing and Airbus. What makes EHang particularly attractive to North Carolina, Trogdon said, is that the company is also working to create an airspace management system that can digitally manage hundreds of flying taxis at a time.Thats even more important, I believe, than just developing the airframe, he said.Trogdon said the next step will be working with the FAA to allow a demonstration flight with people on board, followed by limited real-world use in a place like the Triangle. NCDOT is following a similar path with package delivery on small drones in Wake County, under an FAA-sanctioned demonstration program.After a five-minute flight over the test track, the EH 216 landed, and the crowd was allowed to walk down for a closer look. People posed with the craft for pictures, careful not to touch it.Then with EHangs blessing, some state officials opened the doors and sat in it. Eventually, Cooper and Xiong walked down together and got in. As he did, Cooper, said the words that were no doubt on other peoples minds: Meet George Jetson. OXFORD, England, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- PharmaVentures is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Gebhardt as a Managing Director. Robert is an experienced investment banking professional with more than 18 years of M&A and investment banking experience, primarily covering Emerging Markets. He has successfully completed more than 15bn in M&A and Capital Markets transactions over the past 15 years. Prior to joining PharmaVentures, he held positions at Nomura International and KPMG and more recently at STJ Advisors (Capital Markets/IPO Advisory) and Goetz Partners (M&A) in London. Robert brings a strong track record in originating and executing M&A advisory and capital market transactions, advising Western European/CEE/SEE and Asian investors (incl. private equity funds, family offices, SWFs and governments) around their acquisitions/investments, divestments and fundraising strategy (equity/debt). Fintan Walton, PhD, Chief Executive of PharmaVentures, said: "We are delighted to welcome Robert Gebhardt as Managing Director to PharmaVentures. He has an impressive track record in healthcare M&A and investment banking. His wealth of experience will add significant value to our clients in their M&A and fundraising activities." About PharmaVentures PharmaVentures is a premier transaction advisory firm; a world leader in partnering, pharma M&A deals and strategic alliances. An unrivalled bank of specialist experience, deal analytics and network of contacts among innovators and large pharma makes PharmaVentures uniquely placed to support healthcare businesses in all aspects of deal-making and strategic planning. PharmaVentures is well known for its deep insight into deal structures and its success for generating partnering interest. PharmaVentures Capital Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of PharmaVentures Limited. All regulated activities are delivered through PharmaVentures Capital Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (741356). PharmaVentures Capital Limited undertakes regulated activities for and on behalf of professional clients only as defined in the FCA handbook COBS 3.5. Securities offered in the United States through Crito Capital LLC, member FINRA, SIPC and MSRB. Find out more www.pharmaventures.com Services include: Corporate Advisory (M&A, divestments, Partnering - licensing in and out) Private Placement Fundraising Strategy (commercialisation, deal strategy, due diligence, market entry) Valuation and Positioning (licensing, M&A, fundraising & expert testimonies) Expert Testimony (patent infringement, deal disagreements, taxation, determining damages) PharmaVentures is based in Oxford, UK, employs over 20 professionals and has associates across Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. For further information, contact: Dr Fintan Walton Chief Executive PharmaVentures Ltd +44-1865-332-700 [email protected] SOURCE PharmaVentures The Kano State Government has announced that it has rescued 19 children from the custody of Du Merci Orphanage Home located at Nomansland, Kano. The government said the orphanage was operating illegally. A statement issued on Wednesday by Fatima Dala, a special adviser to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje on child welfare and women mobilization, said the children have been transferred to Nassarawa orphanage home owned by the state government. According to her, the orphanage was reportedly registered as a non-governmental organization and not as an orphanage, despite being in operation as an orphanage for over 25 years. She said for an orphanage to remain unregistered for over 25 years, it is a clear indication of dishonesty and threat to the safety of innocent children. The aide said the founder of the facility, Solomon Richard, has been arrested and will be prosecuted. This is a serious issue and it is a height of perceived disregard by the founders and operators of the centre to the constituted authorities. For such orphanage to remain unregistered for over 25 years has apparently constituted a suspicious element of dishonesty which could translate into an offence against the inviolability and safety of the innocent children in the state. The operation of this orphanage in Kano, must however not be given any religious coloration, regional or ethnic face, and therefore should not be interpreted as such. And every well-meaning Nigerian should follow the queue in condemning this practice and culture which would invariably be seen as a potential and heinous action against the wellbeing of our children. We are yet in the shock over the kidnapping and recent rescue of some Kano children. Therefore the Kano State Government would not condone any act or suspicious activity like that of Du Merci Orphanage, which has a tendency of putting the lives of our children in jeopardy or inflict harm on them, Mrs Dala said. Her statement was in reference to the November 11, 2019 rescue by the police of nine kids who were kidnapped in Kano and sold in Anambra State. READ ALSO: The children, aged between two and 10 years, were said to have been kidnapped from various locations within the Kano State capital. Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnapping and trafficking of the children. Mrs Dala commended security agencies for their role in rescuing the children and appealed to people to report any suspicious conduct of child caregivers to the police, NAPTIP, Hisbah, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development or her office for necessary action. Transportation including the bus and railway services were badly affected in various parts of West Bengal, Odisha and elsewhere on Wednesday following the 'Bharat Bandh' call given by the trade unions against the central government. As many as 10 Central trade unions along with different federations are participating in the 'Bharat Bandh' being organised to protest against "anti-worker policies of BJP government". Protesters blocked railway tracks in Howrah and Kanchrapara in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas on Wednesday. They raised anti-government slogans and criticised the Center for its policies. Commuters faced difficulties as bus services were also affected. CPI (M) protesters also stopped the operation of state transport buses. In Siliguri, a North Bengal State Transport Corporation(NBSTC) bus driver was seen wearing a helmet in wake of protests during Bharat Bandh. In Odisha, the public agitation started around 6 am at Talcher, Bhubaneswar, Brahmapur, Bhadrak and Kendujhargarh. Due to the protests, the following trains are detained en route at different stations --Bhadrak-Brahmapur passenger at Bhadrak, Kendujhargarh-Bhubaneswar passenger at Kendujhargarh, Bhubaneswar-Balangir InterCity at Bhubaneswar, Howrah-Yesvantpur Express at Brahmapur, Ichhapur-Cuttack MEMU at Brahmapur and Puri-Rourkela passenger at Bhubaneswar. "The Central government is neglecting the labourers. Prices of petrol and diesel have increased. We want permanent jobs. We want to know when we will get permanent jobs?" said a protester in Bhubaneswar. Protests were held in Delhi and in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala also. In Tamil Nadu, a protest was held on Mount road in Chennai. RPF Inspector RR Kashyap informed that few protesters tried to stop trains at Rajendra Nagar Railway Station in Patna, however security personnel removed managed to stop them. However, in Mumbai, locals didn't face problems in commuting and stated that trains services are normal in the city. "I did not face any problem. Trains are running on time," a local said. Similar was the situation in Hubli, Karnataka where bus and auto services are running as usual. The Bharat Bandh call has received support from several political parties and leaders too. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hailed the trade unions 'Bharat Bandh' call and said that the "anti-people" and "anti-labour" policies of the centre have created 'catastrophic' unemployment. "Modi-Shah Govt's anti-people, anti-labour policies have created catastrophic unemployment & are weakening our PSUs to justify their sale to Modi's crony capitalist friends. Today, over 25 crore workers have called for Bharat Bandh 2020 in protest. I salute them," Gandhi tweeted. In its mouthpiece Saamana, Shiv Sena took extended its support to trade unions' 'Bharat Bandh' call and slammed the central government for its policies and decisions. The ten central trade unions including CITU, INTUC, among others have given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is not taking part in the strike. Earlier on Tuesday, speaking to ANI Tapan Sen, general secretary of CITU had said, "All 10 central unions along with all independent federations of central and state governments, bank, defence production and other service sectors have called a strike against anti-worker and anti- policies of BJP government." "Workers are going on strike with a 12-point charter of demands. We are demanding equal wage for equal work for contract workers who do the same work but receive less than half wage than regular workers," he added. The bank strike is part of the Bharat Bandh call given by trade unions to protest against the labour reforms and economic policies of the Central government, according to reports. . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) - Miguna Miguna filed another application seeking to compel the government to allow his return - His lawyer Khaminwa told court the State was openly frustrating the politician's entry to Kenya - State lawyer Marwa claimed the petitioner was unable to demonstrate how the government blocked his flight - Miguna was set to arrive on Tuesday, January 7, but was barred after two airlines received orders from the government not to fly him in The State has until Thursday, January 9, to file a response in a case in which troubled lawyer Miguna Miguna has sought the court's intervention to compel the government to allow for his return. An infuriated exiled Miguna through his lawyer moved to the Nairobi High Court on Wednesday, January 8, after he was pulled out of a Nairobi-bound plane. READ ALSO: UK Foreign Secretary warns Iran against reckless terror attacks after it launched missiles on US troops Miguna stranded in Berlin after government issues red alert to block his flight. Photo: Miguna Miguna. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Mwanariadha wa Kenya Kenneth Muriithi Njiru afariki dunia katika ajali ya barabarani However, State legal counsel Christopher Marwa urged the court to quash the application saying the petitioner was unable to demonstrate how exactly the government was frustrating his entry. Marwa also told Justice Weldon Korir that his client had previously made it clear that Miguna was welcome to Kenya. Miguna pose for the camera right inside Air France. He was later pulled out. Photo: Miguna Miguna. Source: Facebook Korir certified the matter as urgent and set hearing of the case for January 9. It was the second time in less than 12 hours the Canadian-based barrister failed to fly to Kenya on claims that the government had imposed a red alert barring his flight. Miguna after the plane left him. He was removed from Air France on orders from the Kenyan authorities. Photo: Miguna Miguna. Source: Facebook He met his latest round of unending woes at Charles De Gaulle Airport in France when two Air France staff asked him to vacate the plane. According to him, he was comfortably seated awaiting take off. "I had comfortably sat in seat number 22A and the plane was about to take off when Mr. Stephane Seguin, Duty Manager, and another Air France staff removed me from the plane on behalf of the Kenyan tyrants. You have not refunded my fare. Your staff were rude. Shame on you Air France," he explained. Despite the State assurance, the French airliner confirmed having received the directive from the Kenyan government authorities. "Dear Mister Miguna, we fully understand your disappointment but confirm, that to comply with international regulations governing air transport we were obliged to deny boarding as soon as we received the request of Kenyan authorities, as Lufthansa had to do it this morning," Air France tweeted. His tribulations can be traced to the mock swearing of ODM party leader Raila Odingas as the peoples' president on January 30, 2018. He was deported twice and has since lived in his adopted nation, Canada. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. The Blind Tailor, I don't want people to pity me. I want them to be encouraged by my story | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke In West Bengal, trade unions affiliated to Left and other parties called for a Bharat bandh against the economic policies of the BJP government. However, the TMC-led state government said it will not support any bandh. Bharat Bandh 2020 | Banking, transport and other services across the nation are expected to be affected on Wednesday as trade unions have called a nationwide strike, where at least 25 crore workers will take part to protest against the Centre's labour and economic policies. Ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs) INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along with various sectoral independent federations and associations will rally against the "anti-people" policies of the BJP-led NDA government. Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) banks like Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Syndicate Bank are likely to be amongst the most affected, The Indian Express reported. Services like deposit and withdrawal, cheque clearing and instrument issuance are likely to be impacted due to the strike. However, services at private sector banks are unlikely to be affected. Several banks have already informed stock exchanges about the strike and its impact on banking services, reported PTI. People might face difficulty as ATM services across the country are also likely to face the burden in Wednesday's general strike. However, NEFT services will remain available round the clock. Various bank employee associations, including All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers' Association (AIBOA), Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI), Indian National Bank Employees Federation (INBEF), Indian National Bank Officers Congress (INBOC) and Bank Karmachari Sena Mahasangh (BKSM) have expressed their willingness to participate in the strike. Country's leading lender State Bank of India (SBI) said the strike is set to have minimal impact on its operations adding very few SBI employees will be a part of the six bank unions participating in the strike. West Bengal In West Bengal, trade unions affiliated to Left and other parties called for a bandh against the economic policies of the BJP government. However, the TMC-led state government said it will not support any bandh. Transport Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that the West Bengal Travel Corporation will operate 22 percent additional buses on Wednesday. The state government will also offer insurance cover to vehicles against damages during the bandh. All vehicles registered within the state of West Bengal have been insured by the Transport Department with an insurance coverage of up to Rs 6 lakh. Kerala Meanwhile, in Kerala, the trade unions exempted the state's tourism sector from Wednesday's general strike. Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society hailed as "exemplary" the decision by political parties and trade unions to exempt the state's tourism sector from Wednesdays general strike. The Centre on Tuesday had warned the CTUs against the 24-hour nationwide strike, according to a personnel ministry order. "Any employee going on strike in any form would face the consequences which, besides deduction of wages, may also include appropriate disciplinary action," the order said. In a missive issued to all central government departments, it said existing instructions prohibit a government servant from participating in any form of strike including mass casual leave etc. The Supreme Court has also agreed in several judgments that going on a strike is a grave misconduct under the rules and that misconduct by the government employees is required to be dealt with in accordance with law, it said. "All officers are also requested not to sanction casual leave or any other kind of leave to the officers and employees, if applied for, during the period of proposed strike, and ensure that willing officers are allowed hindrance free entry into the office premises," said the order. With inputs from PTI Gone were the starburst rug, the striped chairs and the white patterned couches modeled on ones that sat in the Oval Office of former President George W. Bush. Gone too were the dozens of framed photos of Mike Yenni shaking hands, meeting dignitaries or speaking to groups. On Tuesday, on the 10th floor of the parish office building named for his grandfather, in an office once occupied by his uncle, outgoing Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni sat in a room with a bare wooden floor and a folding table for a desk. The only adornments on the walls were some paint samples to be pored over by the office's next occupant. Yenni, who occupied the office for the past four years, leaves Wednesday after a term marked by accomplishments and acrimony, stabilization and strife. He will hand the keys to parish government to Councilwoman Cynthia Lee Sheng, who commandingly won an October election after Yenni declined to run for re-election. Lee Sheng will be the parish's first woman and first elected minority president, but, like Yenni, she has deep connections to the parish's political past: She is the lone child of the legendary Sheriff Harry Lee, who was Jefferson's top law enforcement officer from 1980 to 2007. Yenni's decision not to run was not unexpected: His political fortunes were dealt a mortal blow by a 2016 sexting scandal in which he admitted sending "improper" texts to a 17-year-old boy. No criminal charges were ever filed, and Yenni has long maintained he did nothing wrong. But his political enemies used the publicity as a bludgeon, and he faced the prospect of a humiliating defeat if he chose to run. "It was a personal misstep on my part," he said Tuesday of the sexting scandal. Those who tried to use it to bring him down, he said, did so for political reasons. The scandal "had no place being where it was, because it was a text message," he said. Were it not for the resulting scandal, Yenni said, he would be about to begin a second term, "without a doubt." Yenni said he would rather have his four years in office remembered for stabilizing and improving the parish's financial situation, overseeing the completion of some major infrastructure projects and the inauguration of several others. He also touted his administration's efforts to bring large economic development projects to Jefferson, including the purchase and redevelopment of the old Avondale shipyard and the planned remaking of the Elmwood and Clearview shopping centers into mixed-use developments with residential components as well as stores. According to Yenni, there is just one blip on his public record: the parish's landfill, where decaying gas and leachate collection systems led to emissions that have been blamed for noxious smells plaguing Waggaman, Harahan and River Ridge. Those smells have driven hundreds of residents to complain and spurred numerous investigations by state and local officials. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up But Yenni argues that infrastructure had started to fail before he took office. Once he became aware of the problem, he said, his staff began trying to get it fixed. Tellingly, he has earned plaudits from Lee Sheng, who had joined her Parish Council colleagues in 2016 in calling on him to resign, but who of late has praised him for aiding her transition to the president's job and for how he managed the work of the parish. Yenni said he is optimistic about where the parish is headed with Lee Sheng. He's also optimistic if a bit cagey about his long-term plans. In the short term, he will join his Naval Reserve unit in San Diego on Friday for a weekend of drill. After that, he'll be home with his wife, Michelle, and the couple's three young daughters. He's not sure yet what he'll do for a job. He has several resumes out, including some out of state, he said. Is another political run in his future? He declined to say. "Whatever door God opens, I'll walk through it," he said. Rumors have swirled that he is contemplating a run for Kenner mayor, the post he held before being elected parish president. Yenni swatted those aside Tuesday. "You haven't heard those rumors from me," he said, though he didn't rule anything out. One thing's for sure, though: He knows what he'll do the next time a major storm approaches. "If Cynthia orders an evacuation, I am going to see what it's like to evacuate for the first time in 21 years," he laughed. "I have never done it, so I don't know." TikTok has given its community guidelines a pretty massive update in an effort to "maintain a supportive and welcoming environment." Its section on minor safety, for instance, looks a lot more comprehensive than before, which isn't surprising considering the platform's userbase. While the guidelines' previous version mostly just prohibited "sexually explicit content featuring minors," the new one also touches on "grooming behavior," child abuse and specifically states that TikTok does "not allow content depicting minors engaged in delinquent behavior." By underage "delinquent behavior," the company means videos that "depict minors consuming, possessing, or suspected of consuming alcoholic beverages, drugs or tobacco." As Wired notes, the new rule will likely affect all those videos of teens using Juul or other vaping products. In addition, the platform now has stricter rules surrounding firearms. It doesn't allow the "depiction, trade, or promotion of firearms, ammunition, firearm accessories, or explosive weapons" anymore. And it clearly states it doesn't allow videos with instructions on how to manufacture weapons. "Hate speech" now has a section of its own, as well. TikTok says it doesn't allow content that "verbally or physically threatens violence" to an individual or group based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, gender, gender identity, disease/disability and religion. Like other platforms that are gearing up for the 2020 presidential elections, the company also addressed disinformation campaigns. Its new rules warn that it will remove misinformation "meant to incite fear, hate or prejudice" and any content that "misleads community members about elections or other civic process." TikTok is owned by Chinese company ByteDance and has recently received a lot of flak for censorship-related issue. Late last year, it banned the account of a teenager who made a video calling for viewers to investigate the detention of Uighur Muslims in China. Nearly the whole military has also banned the app on government-issued devices, calling it a security risk. It's also worth noting that The Guardian discovered instructions for TikTok moderators last year, which include a section that could lead to a ban on videos criticizing China's socialist system. Wired says the guideline revamp only involved TikTok teams based in California, though. Also, the company told the publication that there's nothing in the new rules that would restrict posts deemed sensitive by the Chinese government. Explosions have been heard in Baghdad's green zone, where the US embassy is located, just hours after Donald Trump made his first significant statement on the Iranian bombing of US bases in Iraq. Iraqi military officials later said that two Katyusha rockets had been fired into the area but that no one had been hurt. On Wednesday Mr Trump backed away from military engagement with Iran, instead saying he would impose further sanctions. There were no American casualties in last night's attack, he added. Please allow a moment for the live blog to load NEWPORT, R.I. - The non-profit that oversees several of Newport, Rhode Islands famous mansions hosted more than 1 million tours in 2019, the organization announced Wednesday. It was the fourth consecutive year that the Preservation Society of Newport County has hosted more than 1 million tours. The visitors came from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The number of tours includes people who visited more than one of the societys 11 historic properties, the society said. The society also hosted its 40 millionth tour since its founding in 1945. The popularity of the mansions is a testament not only to their beauty and grandeur, but also to the hard work that goes into preserving and presenting them, society CEO and Executive Director Trudy Coxe said in a statement. The Newport mansions are the only museum organization in New England outside of Boston that regularly reaches 1 million annual admissions, the organization said. The Preservation Society of Newport Countys properties include The Breakers, The Elms and Rosecliff. YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. According to unconfirmed reports several US warplanes have been destroyed and are ablaze after the Iranian militarys missile attack at the US Ain Assad military base in Iraq's Al Anbar province early Wednesday morning. IRNA reported citing a source that US planes got fired after the base was targeted by the IRGC ballistic missiles. Earlier US President Donald Trump had tweeted all is well, and said the United States is still assessing damages. Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has targeted US airbase of Ain al-Assad in Anbar province in western Iraq on Wednesday in response to the US assassination of the IRGC's Quds Forces, Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Irans state news agency IRNA reported. The IRGC fired tens of surface-to-surface missiles at the airbase, IRNA reported citing a statement. The IRGC called on the US to recall their troops from the Middle Eastern region to avoid any further damage. The US military, in turn, said that Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from its territory against at least two Iraqi facilities hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel at about 1:30 a.m. (2230 GMT on Tuesday). Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan US President Donald Trump, on Wednesday, addressed the media after the attacks on Iraqi military bases housing US officials and urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to intervene in the matter. He called for peace and spoke about making a deal with Iran. Trump also made it clear that the US does not need oil and gas from the middle east and the US is the number one producer of these items. Lastly, he also spoke about working together on shared priorities with Iran and have a better future for all the countries. Trump urges UNSC intervention Donald Trump, while addressing the media, spoke about how the United States could immediately impose powerful economic sanctions on Iran if they dont abandon their nuclear ambition. Trump lashed out at Iran and said that Iran created hell in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan with the $150 billion they received from the US. He reiterated that the "defective" 2015 nuclear deal was the reason why Iran could create hell in the middle eastern countries. Read: White House says Trump could still renegotiate Iran nuclear deal Talking about UNSC he further said, Time has come for the UNSC members to recognize this. We must work together to make a deal with Iran for world peace. Peace cannot prevail in the middle east till Iran wages violence. Your campaign of terror and mayhem will not be tolerated. Read: 2020 is not 1979 - Trump may just have united all of America's enemies in the region Tensions between Iran & US The longstanding tension between Iran and the US surfaced again as Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was slain by the US in an airstrike near Iraq's Baghdad International Airport, ordered by US President Donald Trump on Friday. Post this, Iran had threatened "harsh retaliation" and subsequently, two airstrikes were reported near US Embassy in Baghdads Green Zone on Saturday and Sunday. Read: No casualties, will impose sanctions: US President Trump cops out after Iran's missiles Following the developments, Trump said that the US would strike 52 sites in the Islamic Republic if any Americans were harmed. After this, there has been a continuous war of words between the officials of the two countries. In no time, on Wednesday morning, the Al-Assad and Ebril airbases in Iraq that house the US and coalition forces were hit by multiple rockets. This incident was first reported by Iranian state TV, who described it as Tehrans revenge operation over the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Read: Ex-Trump aide Bolton ready to testify in impeachment trial I am very sympathetic to parents who make claims that the school district in their community is tone-deaf, and will not listen. I have called and emailed school superintendents myself across the state and, on occasion, failed to receive a courtesy response. I will often just pick up a phone and call them or their Board Chair when they failed to respond. I think persistence is key in some cases. However, some superintendents fail to understand their lack of response is harmful to the image of a district. Parents are in a different position. Many are young parents, and do not know how government works, or is supposed to work. In many cases, this leads to a lack of parent engagement. In public education, we must solicit more, not less, community involvement. We must all work to hold our superintendents accountable in regard to educational, financial, and administrative performance. There is growing debate on whether districts should return to electing these school management leaders; we have generally opposed such legislation, believing school boards can make good choices and hold superintendents accountable. We acknowledge that many school districts do a better job of this than other school districts. Notably, urban districts have consistently had much turnover in their leadership versus rural districts across the state. Constant turnover also hurts the elected versus appointed superintendent debate. School boards must elect good candidates with community input. School boards must embody the beliefs and values of their community. School board members should be as diverse as the citizens they serve. We should thank the men and women who are serving our communities as school board members more often. They are too often unappreciated, and it is often a thankless but needed job. We need more people with management and education backgrounds to consider running for the school board in their community. The pay isnt great, but the rewards are immeasurable. The Tennessee School Boards Association has some great information on their website for those interested in this critical role. School boards should provide superintendents latitude in regards to leadership, vision, and strategic thinking on how to address the performance in those areas. And we must expect them to communicate effectively to all stakeholders. There is no doubt we have some excellent leaders across our state. Superintendents like Melanie Miller, Jerry Boyd, Linda Cash, Johnny McDaniel, Bill Heath, Cathy Beck, Freddy Curtis, Richard Rawlings, and Mark Winningham just to name a few. These exceptional leaders share many characteristics. Perhaps the most important duty of a superintendent is to make sure district students are learning and achieving at the highest level possible. A superintendent must understand effective academic practices and be supportive of the teachers and administrators in the district. Leadership, vision, and strategic thinking are critical skills for every superintendent. A successful superintendent will also be an effective and excellent communicator. The communication part starts with returning emails and phone calls. I have been critical over the years of many things in public education. From lack of focus or poorly defined goals to disagreement with curriculum or self-serving unions. However, I have always tried to do what my mother advised, If you are going to criticize, offer a solution. Teddy Roosevelt blatantly made it clear, It is not the critic who counts; but rather the man who is actually in the arena. For education leaders to be successful they must communicate effectively. As a practitioner of my craft, I love reading what is going on in other schools and districts across the state. Every Monday in my email inbox appears a weekly Marczak Monday Memo from Chris Marczak, the superintendent of Maury County Schools. It is a great example of effective communication and a model that some districts should adopt. However, school updates are not a substitute for responding to direct emails or telephone calls. Something I am sure Dr. Marczak would agree, as he also excels in returning calls and emails. At Gettysburg, Abraham Lincoln stated that our government was for the people." Cynics take that a step further and tell us government is for those who make themselves effectively heard. That is why it is most critical for elected and appointed officials to communicate clearly, concisely, timely, and effectively. For school leaders, it is even more critical. JC Bowman Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee By PTI NEW DELHI: The police have received 11 complaints, including one lodged by a professor in connection with the violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University, officials said on Wednesday. Heavy Police force continued to be deployed at JNU after a mob of masked young men stormed the varsity campus in south Delhi on Sunday, police said. The police have received 11 complaints in connections with the incident on January 5. Out of these, one complaint has been lodged by a professor while the other complaints have been lodged by the students, they said. The 11 complaints received in connection with the violence at the varsity on Sunday, will be transferred to Crime branch, police said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Devender Arya said the present situation in JNU is in control. "At the request of JNU administration, the police presence will continue," he said. ALSO READ | JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh files attempt to murder complaint Policemen in civil clothes will be inside the JNU campus while personnel in uniform will remain outside the campus, he said. Teams of both the Crime Branch and Forensic Science Laboratory have visited the campus to collect evidence. Videos are also being scrutinised, they said. An appeal has already been made to public to share information and video clips of the incident, police added. On Sunday, a mob of masked young men stormed the JNU campus in south Delhi and targeted students in three hostels, unleashing mayhem with sticks, stones and iron rods, hitting inmates and breaking windows, furniture and personal belongings. They also attacked a women's hostel. Dublin expansions by Facebook, Salesforce and Indeed last year helped the IDA to boost employment at foreign multinationals by nearly 14,000. The 2019 results published today by the States inward investment agency said FDI (foreign direct investment) now provides 10.5pc of jobs nationwide - twice the level a decade ago. Employment within the IDAs portfolio grew by 6pc in 2019, more than double the nations overall rate of jobs growth - highlighting multinationals recruitment edge with typically higher salaries and benefits than indigenous firms can offer. The IDA said 250 new investments - half by firms creating their first base in Ireland - delivered 21,844 jobs last year, offset in part by the loss of 7,977 positions at existing IDA clients. This produced a net gain of 13,867 jobs, taking the total employment at IDA-backed firms to a new high above 245,000. These results were broadly similar to 2018, suggesting no drop-off in hiring and growth despite the scarcity of skilled available labour in Irelands tight market. IDA chief executive Martin Shanahan said IDA clients last year increased spending within the State by 11pc to 21.5bn, including 12pc hikes on payroll and local services. He said the value of their exports rose by 14pc to 218.7bn, representing more than two-thirds of the States entire exports. Some 45pc in value terms went to continental Europe, 20pc to the US and 13pc to the UK. It is important that we do not take our continuing FDI success for granted, said business minister Heather Humphreys. The challenge - particularly if international market conditions become more difficult in the years ahead - is to maintain Irelands competitiveness and our attractiveness to overseas firms. The IDAs three biggest catches last year all reflected growth at existing US multinationals in Dublin: Facebook taking over the previous AIB headquarters site in Ballsbridge - hired 1,000 staff and contractors across 60 teams, including engineering, safety, legal, policy, marketing and sales teams. Recruitment firm Indeed - expanding into its new Capitol Dock headquarters - added 600 roles. And cloud computing firm Salesforce established its new North Wall Quay campus with plans to hire 1,500. IDA and Government leaders were keen to stress investment gains outside Dublin, noting that all regional development goals contained in the IDAs 2015-19 strategy had been achieved or exceeded. Still, the more modest headline figures here reflected the relative difficulty of wooing foreign firms to locations beyond Dublin, the concentration of pharma firms in Cork or the medtech cluster in Galway. The three biggest FDI gains in smaller cities and towns last year were: US insurer Allstate opened its first two bases in Ireland with plans to boot employment by 100 both in Sligo and Waterford. Contact lens maker Johnson & Johnson Vision added 100 at its Limerick factory as part of a 100m expansion. JRI America, an IT provider to Japans second-largest bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., started to hire 100 extra staff at its Tralee technology centre. Mr Shanahan said he expected Irelands unprecedented run of attracting FDI to Ireland since 2015 to continue into the first half of this year. However, he cautioned: We observe significant downside risk in the marketplace over the next five-year period. Those risks emanate from the possibility of an economic correction in key source markets, continued trade tensions, subdued global economic growth, and from domestic challenges related to competitiveness and the carrying capacity of the economy. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) has been named as the preferred turbine supplier for the massive 2,640-MW Dominion Energy Virginia Offshore Wind project in the USA. This is the largest offshore wind power project in the rapidly increasing U.S. market to date. A long-term service and maintenance agreement is included for the site located off the coast of Virginia. The agreement furthermore foresees utilizing turbines from Siemens Gamesa's Direct Drive offshore wind turbine platform. The final number of units and turbine model remain to be determined. All installations are expected to complete by 2026. The agreement is subject to certain conditions including Dominion Energy's final investment decision, governmental permitting, and other required approvals. "Signing this preferred supplier agreement with Dominion Energy attests to the enormously exciting growth taking place in the U.S. offshore wind industry and across the globe. We're thrilled to have been chosen to support them in their commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to once again do our part in combatting climate change on a global level," states Markus Tacke, Siemens Gamesa CEO. The agreement comes on the heels of Siemens Gamesa's recent commitment to the Business Ambition for 1.5C - Our Only Future' pledge, contributing towards the fight for a zero emissions future. "Internationally, every Siemens Gamesa Direct Drive offshore wind turbine we install increases the impact made by the renewable energy industry in avoiding CO2 emissions from power generation. Locally, we help our customers provide cost-efficient clean energy as well as additional economic benefits," says Andreas Nauen, CEO of the Siemens Gamesa Offshore Business Unit. Once online, the project is expected to provide enough clean energy to power 650,000 homes at rated wind speed, avoiding 3.7 million tons per year of carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel-based power generation. This is another milestone agreement for the United States as it aims to add 25 GW of renewable energy by 2030, enough to provide clean, renewable energy to approximately 12 million average homes, or 10% of total U.S. households. "We're confident that offshore wind power is already one of the fastest-growing, most important contributors on which Virginia state agencies can draw to reach their ambitious renewable energy goals. Receiving 30 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 is fully feasible, and we are eager to lead the way for the citizens of the Commonwealth," says Steve Dayney, Head of Offshore North America at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. "We have always believed that the Coastal Virginia demonstration project currently underway with Dominion Energy is a gateway to something bigger and now Virginia is poised to benefit from the wide-ranging economic benefits the Dominion Energy Virginia Offshore Wind project will bring." Dominion Energy Virginia Offshore Wind expands on knowledge gained though the current two-turbine,12-MW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project. It is the first offshore wind project to be built in U.S. Federal waters and will utilize Siemens Gamesa's 6-MW SWT-6.0-154 wind turbines. CVOW is set to be online in 2020 within a research lease area adjacent to site of the 2,640-MW project will be located. The agreement for Dominion Energy Virginia Offshore Wind also provides for certain early works to support project development, including turbine layouts which will be used in the Construction and Operations Plan (COP) submittal to the United States Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in late 2020. Download the press release here in pdf format Infographic - Siemens Gamesa named preferred supplier for largest U.S. offshore wind power project to date About Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Siemens Gamesa is a global leader in the wind power industry, with a strong presence in all facets of the business: offshore, onshore and services. The company's advanced digital capabilities enable it to offer one of the broadest product portfolios in the sector as well as industry-leading service solutions, helping to make clean energy more affordable and reliable. With more than 99 GW intalled worldwide, Siemens Gamesa manufactures, installs and maintains wind turbines, both onshore and offshore. The company's orders backlog stands at 25.5 billion. The company is headquartered in Spain and listed on the Spanish stock exchange (trading on the Ibex-35 index). About Siemens Gamesa Offshore SGRE has over 3,490 offshore wind turbines in operation globally with a combined capacity of more than 15.2 GW. The company's experiences reach back as far as 1991, when it established the world's first offshore wind power plant. Through a strong focus on safety and innovation, SGRE constantly strives to reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy from offshore wind power. Press enquiries: Kaile Gurney Tel: +1 407-451-3656 kaile.gurney@siemensgamesa.com Veronica Diaz Phone: +34 616 348 735 veronica.diaz@siemensgamesa.com Everyone knows that the best thing about living in Paris is getting to gloat about how you live in Paris. But a close second-best thing is getting to eat, drink, and cook in a culture completely infatuated with everything and anything culinary. It didnt take a long time living here (oh, did I tell you I live in Paris?) to realize that my kitchenroughly the size of a LEGO garagewouldnt fit all of the wonderful ingredients I wanted to buy. But storage restrictions have only made me more strategic and selective about my culinary needs, so when it comes to stuffing a suitcase full of gifts from Paris, I have a few thoughts. Whether youre visiting Paris for the first or 40th time, it is your sworn duty to buy French treats for your friends, family, and, of course, yourself. Though you can order pretty much anything online these days, many of the suggested food curios below are worth buying in Paris if only because theyll get you inside local shops, culinary institutions, and cultural landmarks that are worth visiting, no matter if you end up buying something. Plus, anyone can order mustard from Amazon, but its more fun to bring back (or sneak back) gifts that you can say came straight from the source. A 10 Facons de Preparer book from Librairie Gourmande One of my favorite shops in Paris is the Librairie Gourmande, a bookstore in the 2nd that specializes exclusively in all things culinary, from cookbooks to history books to posters explaining the many cheese of France, with a selection of English language books, too. My favorite gift for a food-interested friend is one of the dozens of slim 10 Facons de Preparer books that are arranged in a rainbow display at the front of the store. Each beautifully designed paper book focuses on one ingredient or cooking techniquefrom arugula to oysters to wild boar to the more esoteric subjects like air, smoke, and moldand ten different methods of preparation. Each edition, created by indie publisher Les Editions de LEpure, is written by a well-known chef or food writer, which makes them doubly cool. Story continues Miche of sourdough bread from Poilane, Levain Le Vin, Ten Belles, or Mamiche I wouldnt recommend bringing a classic French baguette onto a plane, as itll dry out and get as tough as a biscotti in only a few hours. But if youre eager to bring back an edible bread-y gift for your family, try schlepping a sourdough miche on board. Sourdough keeps for days longer than a baguette, and with the growing trend of new sourdough bakeries popping up in Paris, there are tons of options to choose from in every arrondissement. Go for Poilane if youre looking to honor tradition, or Ten Belles, Levain Le Vin, or Mamiche if youre interested in exploring more modern Parisian tastes. Owen Franken/Getty Images Kouign-amann from Stohrer The kouign-amann is a typical Breton viennoiserie thats something like a croissant encased in caramelized sugar. It is such a delicious pastry that once you bite into one at the legendary pastry shop Stohrer, youll no doubt be calling the airline to cancel your return flight home. Instead, you can choose one of the extra crispy and extra dark kouign-ammans on display and it willI have on good authoritystay tasty for much longer than your average viennoiserie would. Consume with friends within two or three days, though I doubt that will be a problem. A bag of Lays chips This may sound nuts, but Im telling you, the chips in France (and Europe as a whole) are just better. Theyre so good, in fact, that you dont have to go any further than a bag of plain Lays Olive Oil Mediterranean Nature chips, found at most Franprix or Carrefours in Paris, to get the rich, crispy, salty texture that every chip wishes it hadIll take olive oil chips over vegetable oil any day. Skip the weird, kitschy flavors unless thats your thing, and just go for the plain. Bring a big bag back home and do a blind taste test between American and French Lays, and if your friends know whats what, theyll immediately see what theyve been missing. Peugeot salt and pepper shakers Whether or not youre in the market for some extremely fancy salt and pepper shakers made by a car company, buying Peugeot salt and pepper shakers in Paris is more for the experience than the end goal. Thats because buying any kind of kitchenware in Paris is an excuse to go to one of a handful of famous cookware stores in the city, specifically A. Simon, La Bovida, Mora, E. Dellherin, and G. Detou, all a few blocks from each other and full of French kitchen wonders youll find hard to resist. But if you do end up with shakers in your cart, itd be worth it. Peugeot, originally a family-owned flour mill, began fabricating coffee and pepper mills long before they made cars, and their mills are considered to be the best and most indestructible in the world. Carey Jones A bottle of Suze It may be an acquired taste for some, but for me, Suze has become the ideal aperitif. Made in a nuclear yellow color, its bitter and citrus-y and goes great with a splash of seltzer water and lemon. And while French people might find it to be a slightly outdated drink with a weird fanbase, your friends and family dont wont be any the wiser. Thats because its packaged in a chic bottle with an art nouveau label, meaning it looks great on the shelf, and it was once featured in a Picasso painting, lending it extra retro credibility. Plus, you can be the trendsetter who convinces everyone that Suze is the new Aperol. Eco-friendly products at La Maison du Zero Dechet Lately, there have been a dozen different varieties of en vrac stores that have popped up all over Paris, where everything is sold in bulk to customers with reusable glass containers and where people can flex their eco-cred. And while you could go to one of those shops and fill up a bag of French lentils to bring those home with you, check out La Maison du Zero Dechet for a range of cool eco-friendly containers and trinkets, like waxed fabric packaging, futuristic thermoses, and innovative toothpaste alternatives, to encourage some eco-consciousness of your own when you return. Le Beurre Bordier smoked salt butter My local cheese shop sells butter by weight from a veritable mountain of butter, which is perfect for someone like me, who cannot go one day without slathering layers of butter on bread. Its a great party trick to show up to a friends place with an enormous craggy brick of delicious salted French butter, but not the most practical when youre traveling. Instead, swing by a cheese shop and ask for Le Beurre Bordier butter, which comes in a variety of fun compound flavors. My favorite is smoked salt, but the demi-sel (somewhere between salted and unsalted) is king because its something we cant really find in the States. Plus, the higher fat content makes baked goods taste 500% better. Local beer from Brasserie de la Goutte dOr There are a bunch of exciting craft breweries to visit all over Paris but Brasserie de la Goutte dOr, by dint of it being in my neighborhood (did you know I live in Paris?), is my favorite. Its mostly open on the weekends, but dont stress if you cant make it to buy beer from the brewery itself. Many craft beer shops sell the entire range of Goutte dOr beers, which change often. If youre planning to bring back a six-pack, just, uh, wrap the bottles carefully! Chocolate from Mon Jardin Chocolate at Les Grands Voisins Les Grands Voisins is one of my absolute favorite places in Paris. Id honestly recommend skipping the Louvre for an afternoon in order to hang there instead. A 17th century hospital that was taken over by artists and activists in 2015, Les Grands Voisins is home to some of the coolest installations, events, and workshops in the city, as well as 100 inhabitants, many of whom are artisans with shops lining the corridors of the hospitals. Stroll through the various ateliers and youll find artisanal chocolate from Mon Jardin Chocolate in a far-back hallway, where you can buy amazing organic chocolate that helps support an incredible community. No new agreement has been reached in the negotiations for a new Service Delivery Strategy in Whitfield County. The City Council of Dalton met in mediation with the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners and leaders from the other municipalities Tuesday for more than eight hours but failed to come to a resolution. Tuesdays session was a mandatory mediation session ordered by Judge Ralph Van Pelt, Jr. of the Lookout Valley Judicial Circuit. Judge Van Pelt was appointed to preside over the SDS negotiation after the city of Dalton petitioned for mandatory mediation in the case. Under Georgia law, cities and counties are required to negotiate a new SDS every 10 years. The SDS determines which services will be provided by each government and also how they will be funded. The SDS determines which services will be provided by each government and also how they will be funded. The existing SDS in Whitfield County expired on Oct. 31 , 2019 after the parties were unable to come to an agreement during negotiations which included a voluntary face-to-face mediation on Oct. 17 , 2019. Mandatory mediation is the next step under the states SDS law (OCGA 36-70-25.1) to resolve a service delivery dispute between governments. By PTI SHIMLA: Trade unions held protests in Shimla and other parts of Himachal Pradesh in response to the nationwide strike call despite heavy snowfall and rain. In Shimla, trade unions led by CITU State President Vijendra Mehra held protest at Panchayat Bhawan. They raised slogans against the central government. CPM MLA Rakesh Singha and Mehra also addressed the gathering on the occasion. Protests were also held in Theog, Rampur, Rohru and Chopal of Shimla district despite bad weather. In Hamirpur, hundreds of activists of left parties and their affiliated organisations took out a procession through the town, raising slogans against the central government. The procession started from Hospital Chowk and ended at Gandhi Chowk where a rally was held. However, shops, business establishments and transport services functioned normally. At the Gandhi Chowk, left party leaders alleged that even labour organisations of the BJP were against poor people and that policies of central government were anti-people and would cause harm to the poor. United States President Donald Trump, in his first reaction after Iran's missile attack on two American bases in Iraq, insisted that 'all is well' and promised to make a statement to the nation on Wednesday morning. On Tuesday night, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, the Pentagon said. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, , in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. Shortly after the missile attacks, Trump tweeted, 'All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.' Trump's tweet came after his reported meeting with his national security team, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper. Though there was no official confirmation of the meeting, Pompeo and Esper were seen entering the White House on late Tuesday night. According to the White House, President Trump spoke with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and thanked him for his country's strong partnership with the US. The two leaders discussed the situation in Iraq and Iran, as well as other critical bilateral and regional issues. Trump also telephoned Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel and the two leaders discussed the security situation in the Middle East and Libya and agreed to continue close coordination moving forward, the White House said. State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said Pompeo telephoned Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and updated him on the Iranian missile attacks on Iraqi air bases, including in Erbil. Meanwhile the Democratic party leadership continued to blame Trump for the escalating tensions in the Middle East. "What's happening in Iraq and Iran today was predictable. Not exactly what's happening but the chaos that's ensuing," former US vice president Joe Biden said, blaming the situation on Trump's decisions of withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and ordering the missile strike in which Iranian general Soleimani was killed. "Some of the things he's (Trump) done and said in the meantime have been close to ludicrous, including threatening to bomb holy sites...I just pray to God as he goes through what's happening, as we speak, that he's listening to his military commanders for the first time because so far that has not been the case," the Democratic presidential contender said. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she is closely monitoring the situation following the bombings targeting US troops in Iraq. 'We must ensure the safety of our service members, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war,' she tweeted. On Tuesday, Trump threatened Iran of dangerous consequences in the event of an attack from them. "If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they are going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly," he told reporters at the White House. The Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Delhi unit on Wednesday kick-started its process to identify and select potential candidates for the February 8 assembly elections. The party sent observerswho are members of the election coordination and campaign committeeto 12 districts in seven parliamentary constituencies to collect names of potential candidates from grassroots workers and office-bearers. For the South Delhi parliamentary constituency, the process will be conducted on Thursday where Union minister Prakash Javadekar will go as an observer. One parliamentary constituency will cover two districts and each district will cover five assembly segments. The observers, including leaders from the central and state BJP units, would interact with block and district-level workers and local volunteers, and collect names of candidates they think would be most suitable to fight the assembly elections. Assembly polls are slated for February 8 and the results will be announced on February 11. The nomination process will start from January 14 and the last date to withdraw nominations is January 24. BJPs Delhi election management committee convener Tarun Chugh, who is one of the observers, said the process of collecting names would be completed in two days. Most observers have visited their areas and collected names based on the feedback from ground-level workers comprising district and zonal presidents, present and former municipal councillors among others. These names have been locked in sealed boxes, which will be scrutinised by the state election committee before being sent to the central leadership for the final process, Chug, who is also national general secretary of the BJP, said. Chug visited New Delhi constituency for the candidate selection process on Wednesday. The first list is expected to be out in a weeks time, he said. Delhi BJPs media-in-charge for assembly elections Ashok Goyal said the partys national general secretaries Anil Jain and Arun Singh visited Chandni Chowk and Northwest Delhi parliamentary constituencies as observers while BJP national vice-president Shyam Jaju had gone to East Delhi. Union minister Nityanand Rai visited Northeast Delhi parliamentary constituency while the BJPs national vice-president Dushyant Gautam went to West Delhi for the feedback process. The entire exercise is to ensure transparency in the candidate selection procedure and make it more democratic. District and zonal-level office-bearers will suggest their choice of candidates through a secret poll. They will have to suggest three names from each assembly constituency, Goyal said. A functionary at the partys Delhi unit, who wished not to be named, said the exercise would strengthen grassroots level workers confidence as they would get a platform to voice their opinion. The view of workers who have to work on the ground is very important. Through such an exercise, the party will get to know the ground situation and the undercurrent against or in favour for probable candidates, he said. The Congress has sent invite to all like-minded parties to come up at a common platform. New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) Amid protests across the country, opposition parties will meet at the Parliament annexe, here, at 2 p.m. on January 13, to chalk out a joint strategy on the anti-new citizenship law (CAA) and the police brutality against students. Ahead of the meeting, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet on Saturday to formulate a plan. The party has supported the protests, spear-headed by student bodies. Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi condemned the Sunday's violence at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), demanded a judicial probe, and sent a fact-finding team to the campus. "The entire Congress stands in solidarity with India's youth and students. We strongly deprecate the sponsored violence in the JNU and demand an independent judicial probe," Gandhi said. According to sources, the Congress will come up with a detailed plan and issue a statement on the ongoing stir and high handedness of the government. The party Chief Ministers are likely to officially oppose the present format of the National Population Register (NPR), but a final resolution will depend on the CWC. miz/pcj Thomas Eissenberg of the Center for the Study of Tobacco Products at VCU was one of six experts who investigated the claim and found it unreliable and outdated The frequently cited claim that e-cigarettes are "95% less risky" or "95% less harmful" than combustible cigarettes is outdated, misleading and invalid -- and should no longer be made in discussions on the dangers of vaping, according to an editorial published today in the American Journal of Public Health by six leading experts on e-cigarettes and public health. "The '95% safer' estimate is a 'factoid': unreliable information repeated so often that it becomes accepted as fact," wrote the authors, including Thomas Eissenberg, Ph.D., co-director of the Center for the Study of Tobacco Products at Virginia Commonwealth University. "Public health practitioners, scientists, and physicians should expose the fragile status of the factoid emphatically by highlighting its unreliable provenance and its lack of validity today, noting the many changes in e-cigarette devices and liquids, the accumulation of evidence of potential harm, the increased prevalence of use, and the growing evidence that e-cigarette use is associated with subsequent cigarette smoking," they wrote. The editorial, "Invalidity of an Oft-Cited Estimate of the Relative Harms of Electronic Cigarettes," re-examines the "95% safer" claim that originated in July 2013 when a group of experts in decision science, medicine, pharmacology, psychology, public health policy and toxicology rated the relative harm of 12 nicotine-containing products by using 14 criteria addressing harms to self and others. They concluded that combustible cigarettes were the most harmful and that electronic nicotine delivery systems were substantially less harmful. However, the experts acknowledged that their study lacked hard evidence for the harms of most products it was evaluating. Despite that lack of evidence, the claim that e-cigarettes are "95% less risky" or "95% less harmful" was widely publicized, notably by Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians. Since then, Eissenberg and his co-authors wrote, a considerable amount of evidence of the potential harms of e-cigarettes has accumulated. E-cigarette devices have changed significantly since the original study, they wrote, so much so that even if the original estimate was valid in 2013, it can no longer apply. "For example, in addition to using different materials and more numerous heating coils, many e-cigarettes today can attain power output that exceeds that of most over-the-counter 2013 models by 10 to 20 times (i.e., up to and sometimes exceeding 200 watts)," they wrote. "Greater power increases the potential harms of e-cigarette use because more aerosol is produced that exposes users to increased levels of nicotine and other toxicants." E-liquids also have changed since 2013, with widespread availability of thousands of flavors that use chemicals "generally recognized as safe" to eat but with unknown pulmonary toxicity, they wrote. One particularly notable change has been the pervasive marketing of liquids with protonated nicotine, also known as "nicotine salt," which is made by adding an acid to free-base nicotine. Aerosolized protonated liquid is less aversive to inhale than free-base nicotine, thereby allowing users to increase the nicotine concentration of the liquid and likely increase their own nicotine dependence. "Protonated nicotine e-cigarette liquids are available today in concentrations greater than 60 milligrams per milliliter, and these liquids have become very popular, sparking a 'nicotine arms race,'" they wrote. Recent evidence also suggests that vaping harms users. One recent study cited in the article found that "[e-cigarette] aerosol constituents could injure the respiratory system or worsen preexisting lung disease through a variety of mechanisms." It also points to research associating wheezing, a symptom of potential respiratory disease, with e-cigarette use. And it notes that e-cigarette use has been shown to increase heart rate, blood pressure and platelet activation, and decrease flow-mediated dilation and heart rate variability, effects that suggest long-term cardiovascular risk. The editorial also highlights research conducted since 2013 that found e-cigarette use is linked with a greater risk of the user starting to smoke combustible cigarettes. Studies in the past six years also have shown that e-cigarette aerosol is not harmless, they wrote. "For example, propylene glycol (PG) is one of the primary constituents of e-cigarette aerosol and is generally recognized as safe when eaten but, when injected intravenously over a period of days, is toxic," they wrote. "E-cigarette aerosols containing propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, another common constituent, cause inflammation in human lungs, suggesting differing safety profiles for inhaled versus ingested propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin." Along with Eissenberg, a professor in the VCU Department of Psychology in the College of Humanities and Science, the editorial was co-written by Aruni Bhatnagar, Ph.D., of the American Heart Association Tobacco Regulation Center, University of Louisville; Simon Chapman, Ph.D., of the School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Sven Eric Jordt, Ph.D., of the Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine; Alan Shihadeh, Sc.D., of the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut in Lebanon; and Eric K. Soule, Ph.D., of the Department of Health Education and Promotion, East Carolina University. Eissenberg and his colleagues were inspired to write the editorial after hearing report after report at the annual meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco on the risks associated with e-cigarette use. "It just occurred to me that with all these pieces of evidence, that we needed perhaps to revisit this '95% safer' claim to see whether it still had any validity today," Eissenberg said. "We all agreed that this was something that we really needed to do. We wanted people to take a look at the number and decide for themselves." It's important to understand the "95% safer" claim is bogus, he said, because it continues to be cited as a reason to start or continue vaping. "People are using that claim as a reason to either keep using e-cigarettes if they started some time ago, or if they're nicotine-naive -- if they've never used nicotine before -- they hear 95% safer than combustible cigarettes and they say, 'Well, that's safe enough for me.' And so then they started using," he said. The editorial's biggest takeaway, Eissenberg said, is that we simply do not know the long-term risks of e-cigarette use. "It doesn't make any sense for us to claim that we know that it's 95% safer than combustible cigarettes," he said. "The fact is: we don't know whether e-cigarette use is as lethal as combustible cigarette use, less lethal than combustible cigarette use, or more lethal than combustible cigarette use. "You have to understand: We've been studying combustible cigarettes for the last 60 to 70 years. And so we have a huge database with which we can look at how many people die from that behavior," he continued. "We don't have anything near that kind of history with electronic cigarettes. What we do know is that they are delivering toxicants to the human lung and that over repeated use, in some cases, we see health effects from those toxicants that e-cigarette users are inhaling." ### NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Conjugate Vaccines Market: About this market This conjugate vaccines market analysis considers sales from the multivalent conjugate vaccine and monovalent conjugate vaccine types. Our study also finds the sales of conjugate vaccines in Asia, Europe, North America, and ROW. In 2019, the multivalent conjugate vaccine segment had a significant market share, and this trend is expected to continue over the forecast period. Factors such as the prevention of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, and invasive diseases will play a significant role in the multivalent conjugate vaccine segment to maintain its market position. Also, our global conjugate vaccines market report looks at factors such as increased funding for vaccine development, awareness about immunization programs and access to vaccines, and approval and regulatory incentives for conjugated vaccines. However, high costs associated with vaccine research, development, and manufacturing, safety concerns associated with conjugate vaccines, and challenges in development and global implementation of conjugate vaccines hamper the growth of the conjugate vaccines industry over the forecast period. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05837125/?utm_source=PRN Global Conjugate Vaccines Market: Overview Increasing awareness about immunization programs and access to vaccines Initiatives aimed at increasing the awareness about well recognized and successful public health immunization programs are promoting the overall vaccine coverage around the globe. For instance, World Pneumonia Day is celebrated every year on November 12 to lower the incidence of pneumonia and reduce the resultant mortality rate. Similarly, other programs are focusing on improving drug delivery and diagnostics to address the health issues in low and middle-income countries. Such initiatives targeted towards boosting access to vaccines will drive the demand for conjugate vaccines. Conjugate vaccines are developed to immunize against a single antigen or two or more strains of the same microorganism. Thus, the promotion of immunization programs will lead to the expansion of the global conjugate vaccines market at a CAGR of over 9% during the forecast period. Increasing efforts for stockpiling of conjugate vaccines Governments are putting efforts to store vaccines in bulk to combat future emergency outbreaks of infectious diseases. For instance, The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in collaboration with several public and private organizations to procure vaccines to combat future emergency outbreaks of infectious diseases. Furthermore, the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provisions for Epidemic Meningitis Control also unites several public and private organizations to support emergency health programs and disease outbreak programs. The ongoing efforts in this area are expected to present significant growth opportunities for the existing vendors to meet the unmet demand for meningococcal conjugate vaccines, which will support the growth of the market during the forecast period. Competitive Landscape With the presence of a few major players, the global conjugate vaccines market is concentrated. This robust vendor analysis is designed to help clients improve their market position, and in line with this, this report provides a detailed analysis of few leading conjugate vaccines manufacturers, that include Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc., Merck & Co. Inc., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corp., Pfenex Inc., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Also, the conjugate vaccines market analysis report includes information on upcoming trends and challenges that will influence market growth. This is to help companies strategize and leverage on all forthcoming growth opportunities. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05837125/?utm_source=PRN About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com Electric scooter-related injuries resulting in hospitalization more than tripled over five years nationwide, a new report by UCSF revealed. We know for sure that there has been an explosion of riders in the past couple years, said senior study author Dr. Benjamin Breyer, an associate professor of urology and chief of urology at UCSF partner hospital Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. We see that more in a big increase in the number of injuries. The study didnt differentiate between owned and rented scooters and is not specific to San Francisco. The results showed nearly 40,000 injuries in the past five years, increasing from 6 per 100,000 people in 2014 to 19 per 100,000 in 2018. The number of hospital admissions meaning injuries severe enough to require further medical attention soared by 365% to nearly 3,300, the study found. As time went on, injuries are probably worse and (people) are riding at higher speeds, Breyer said. Nearly one in three were head injuries. Breyer said they have the potential to be catastrophic and produce lifelong disabilities. They can be very severe. I think some of that is probably related to fewer scooter riders wear helmets. California does not require riders to wear a helmet on an electric scooter that can go up to 15 miles per hour, although its encouraged by companies and governments. Results from an earlier study by the same UCSF team on bicycles showed although injuries were 10 times more common for cyclists than for scooter riders, head injuries accounted for a lower proportion of injuries in the 12-16% range, Breyer said. San Francisco Supervisor Norman Yee said he was very concerned about scooter safety and helmet wearing. If I had my way to do things, it would be mandatory, Yee said. He compared it to car passengers not wearing seat belts or cyclists not wearing helmets until eventually public awareness increased. Now, most responsible riders wear helmets or seat belts. I dont know why decision makers dont think faster. Why wait? he said. Yee said he wanted to explore requirements for helmet-wearing in the city. The most common scooter injuries were fractures, followed by abrasions and lacerations. Injuries were most prevalent among 18- to 34-year-olds in 2018. The study was based on a national database of 100 emergency rooms in undisclosed locations. The authors pulled numbers starting in 2014, which Breyer said was somewhat arbitrary before most sidewalk-rented electric scooter companies started. But with businesses popping up to rent two-wheelers in cities around the world in the past couple of years, ridership and risks have increased. Breyer said the density and hills in San Francisco could potentially lead to more trauma. I wouldnt be surprised if injuries outpaced other places, he said. The city has been cautious in its acceptance of scooters, citing illegal sidewalk riding, parking obstructing pedestrians and safety risks among its concerns. Last year, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency permitted four scooter companies Lime; Scoot, owned by Bird; Spin, owned by Ford; and Jump, owned by Uber to offer rentals. When issuing permits for the program, we made selections based on San Franciscos high standards for safety and both equity for vulnerable populations and accountability as well, SFMTA spokeswoman Erica Kato said in an email. The transportation agency said the safety of riders and pedestrians is its top priority. It requires companies to take measures to educate riders about rules, tracks complaints in a database and fines companies for violations. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Companies say they prioritize safety and enforcing the rules posted on the stems of their scooters. Lime has held safety workshops. Jump is developing features to detect whether a rider is on the sidewalk or parked improperly for a new scooter model. Scoot introduced an in-app feature that lets riders earn points for future rides by taking a seflie in a helmet. Spin updated its app to include rules of the road that riders must acknowledge theyve read before starting. Ryan McConaghy, executive director of the Micromobility Coalition, said e-scooters were safer than cars. By helping to move people from cars to a safer mode of transportation, e-scooters have been shown to have the potential to reduce serious injuries, he said by email. Micromobility providers also make rider safety a top priority by promoting helmet use through their apps, online channels, demonstration events, and helmet distribution. Hopefully, local leaders will use this data to work with providers to build safer transportation networks that welcome all modes and lower injury rates for e-scooter users, cyclists, and pedestrians. A Spin spokeswoman said safety is a top priority. There are many factors contributing to the safety of vulnerable road users today and we will continue working with industry stakeholders, the medical community and regulators to find the appropriate solutions, she said by email. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@mallorymoench BEIJING - An outbreak of an unidentified and possibly new viral disease in central China is prompting officials across Asia to take heightened precautions ahead of the busy Lunar New Year travel season. Officials in Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines said in recent days they will begin setting up quarantine zones or scanning passengers from China for signs of fever or other pneumonialike symptoms that may indicate a new disease possibly linked to a wild animal market in Wuhan. The health commission in Wuhan, a transit and business hub, says there is no clear evidence so far that the unidentified disease can be transmitted between humans, and no health-care workers have been infected. Cases of fever have been reported in Hong Kong and Taiwan by travelers who recently visited Wuhan, although there is no confirmation that the illnesses are linked. Since mid-December, 59 people have been diagnosed with viral pneumonia of "unknown cause" - including seven who are critically ill, according to Wuhan's health commission. The officials said an additional 163 people who have come into close contact with the infected have been placed under close observation. No deaths have been reported. Several of the patients worked at Wuhan's South China Seafood City, said the authorities, who shut down the market on Jan. 1 to carry out daily disinfections. The 1,000-stall bazaar sold not only seafood but marmots, spotted deer and venomous snakes, according to state media reports that described the market as "filthy and messy." Videos from Wuhan showed the market barricaded in recent days and guarded by police wearing surgical masks. The emergence of a new illness out of China has carried echoes of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic, which infected more than 8,000 people, killed 774 and sparked mass panic as it spread across more than two dozen countries over eight months after starting in China in November 2002. SARS is thought to be an animal virus from an as-yet-uncertain animal reservoir, perhaps bats, that spread to other animals, such as civet cats, and first infected humans in China's Guangdong province, according to the World Health Organization. The tropical civet is sold and eaten as a delicacy in southern China. The SARS epidemic delivered a political shock to the Communist Party, which was widely condemned for mismanaging the outbreak, covering up cases and smothering news reports. Wuhan's health commission, which has so far given relatively regular news updates, said the new pneumonia cases were not caused by SARS. It has also ruled out influenza, bird flu, adenoviruses and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and said nucleic acid analysis was underway to identify the pathogen. "There are now two key questions: what is the cause of the disease? Is it a brand new virus?" said Leo Poon, a Hong Kong University epidemiologist who was among the first to decode the SARS coronavirus. "Next: is it transmissible between humans? We cannot yet rule out the possibility entirely." Because Wuhan authorities began quarantining and disinfecting the market on New Year's Day, the number of new cases should taper off in the coming weeks, Poon said. "But if there are additional cases, that may suggest human-to-human transmission" that would greatly complicate the situation, he added. The WHO said it is monitoring the situation in China. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a low-level travel notice on Monday, reminding travelers to practice "usual precautions" inside the country. On Tuesday, the CDC said it has established an incident management structure to "optimize domestic and international coordination in the event additional public health actions are required," according to a notice the agency sent to state health officers and public health emergency preparedness directors. There are no known U.S. cases nor any cases in any countries outside China, the CDC said. "But outbreaks of unknown respiratory disease are always of concern, particularly when there are possible zoonotic origins to the outbreak," the CDC statement said. Later this week, the CDC plans to issue a health alert notice to clinicians with a summary of the current situation and guidance, the statement said. Public health experts say it is reassuring that, so far, no health-care workers have fallen sick. When the SARS outbreak began, the major alarm bells were illness in doctors and nurses and the spread of disease from person to person, said Tom Inglesby, director of the Center for Health Security of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. But while Chinese officials have ruled out several causes of the illnesses, they have not provided detailed information about what tests were performed, when they were done, and at what point in the patients' illnesses. Nor have Chinese officials provided a timeline of patient illnesses, information that is typically made public quickly in disease outbreaks. "We've heard they ruled out SARS and MERS and other coronaviruses. There seem to be a lot of reports that this is a novel pathogen, but we haven't seen the evidence," said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist and senior scholar at the same center. In the absence of additional information from Wuhan officials, other countries have announced additional measures, such as quarantine and fever screening at airports. If there is predictable and daily communication from Chinese health leaders in charge of the response about what is known and what is unknown about the outbreak, that "would tamp down some of the anxiety" about the disease and the response, Nuzzo said. If the Wuhan pneumonia were found to be contagious, it could pose a major public health challenge coming just before the Lunar New Year holiday, when more than 400 million Chinese are expected to travel - including 7 million who vacation overseas. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. In Beijing, the capital city's health officials this week called for "public health readiness" to respond to emergencies during the holiday period between Jan. 24 and Jan. 30. So far in Hong Kong, 30 people who have visited Wuhan in recent weeks have been hospitalized with fever, and pharmacies in the city quickly sold out of face masks, local media reported. The city's chief executive, Carrie Lam, told reporters on Tuesday that authorities have rolled out new measures that would require Hong Kong's doctors to report suspected cases and give city officials legal powers to quarantine suspected patients. All travelers by high-speed rail from Wuhan will have their body temperature tested before entering Hong Kong, Lam said. The Taiwanese government said eight people traveling from Wuhan have exhibited fever and it was offering to send epidemiologists to Wuhan to help investigate. Xu Jianguo, a former top Chinese public health official, struck an assuring note and said the government's disease control capabilities today are much stronger than they were in the early 2000s. "More than a decade has passed," he said. "It's impossible for something like SARS to happen again." - - - Sun reported from Washington. The Washington Post's Liu Yang contributed reporting. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has shared four previously unseen photos of twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine to mark their ninth birthday. The adorable snaps were taken by the proud mother, 47, over the past few months, presumably in Denmark. Two show the close siblings wrapping each other up in a loving embrace, while another features Prince Vincent with his two older siblings, Princess Isabella, 12, and Prince Christian, 14. The final shot shows Princess Josephine dressed in riding gear attending to her horse, looking as though she's about to plant a kiss on its nose. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has shared four previously unseen photos of twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine (pictured) to mark their ninth birthday Prince Vincent, born 26 minutes before his sister in Copenhagen's Rigshospitalet, one of the largest hospitals in Denmark, is fourth in line to the Danish throne, while Princess Josephine is fifth. In-keeping with Danish royal tradition, the twins' names were not released until their christening on April 14, 2011. Earlier this week the Danish royals looked in high spirits as they posed for a family photocall in Switzerland. Crown Prince Frederik, 51, joined wife Mary and their children for a picturesque morning in the snow-capped mountains. Prince Vincent, born 26 minutes before his sister in Copenhagen's Rigshospitalet, one of the largest hospitals in Denmark, is fourth in line to the Danish throne, while Princess Josephine is fifth The adorable snaps were taken by proud mother Princess Mary, 47, pictured with her husband Prince Frederik, over the past few months Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine begin a 12-week spring term on Monday at the Lemania-Verbier International School in Switzerland. The children usually attend the Tranegard School in Gentofte, Denmark, and are attending the boarding school for three months in Bagnes, Switzerland to give them a more international experience. Princess Mary is staying with them while they are in school, and Prince Frederik will travel between there and Denmark for his official duties. Another shot features Prince Vincent with his two older siblings, Princess Isabella, 12, and Prince Christian, 14 The final shot shows Princess Josephine dressed in riding gear with her horse, looking as though she's about to plant a kiss on its nose The photocall comes after Austrialian-born Mary penned a heartfelt letter to Australia's Prime Minister amid the bushfire crisis, offering her condolences to families who have lost their homes and loved ones. The future Queen, who was born and raised in Hobart, Tasmania, said that the time of 'great hardship' in her home country has left her and Prince Frederik feeling deeply sympathetic. As millions of people around the world follow the news from afar, Princess Mary said she felt 'proud of my Australian heritage' to see so many of her countrymen coming together. Crown Prince Frederik, 51, joined Australian-born wife Princess Mary, 47, and their children Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine for a picturesque morning in the Swiss moutains The love story between Princess Mary and Prince Frederick has been well documented; the couple met in a Sydney bar and Mary, born in Tasmania, moved to the northern hemisphere to be with Frederik. In December, in a candid interview with Australian Women's Weekly, the Crown Princess revealed that moving to the other side of the world was difficult. She said: 'I did experience a feeling of loneliness - short-term - when I first moved to Denmark,' she told the magazine. 'Moving to Denmark was a huge change in my life - a new culture, new language, new friends, and another way of life.' 'So, I see it as quite natural that at times I felt quite alone or a little bit like I was on the outside looking in.' Prince Frederik looked casual in a ski jacket and black trousers, as he stood proudly by his children's side The second series of rockets have been launched toward US targets in Iraq soon after over a dozen of ballistic missiles struck two military bases used by US forces in Iraq, Iranian media reported. Earlier, following the attacks at Al-Asad and Abril, Pentagon had said that Iran has launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq, targeting at least two bases at Al-Asad and Abril. However, Iran's Tasmin News Agency said that over 35 rockets were launched by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the early hours of Wednesday. The attack comes days after Washington assassinated Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Iran's semi-official news agency Fars News Agency tweeted a purported video of missiles firing and said "Start of Iran's vengeful US retaliation / Moment of Iranian missile firing at US base in Ain al-Assad." White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said that US President Donald Trump is closely monitoring the attack on US facilities in Iraq and is consulting with the national security team regarding the situation. Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence was also briefed on Iran's attacks on bases hosting U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. "Vice President Pence was briefed on Iran's attacks on bases hosting U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. The VP has been in continuous contact with the entire national security team and, at the President's direction, VP Pence completed calls to Congressional leadership," said Press Secretary for Mike Pence. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted that she is closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. "Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our service members, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & cannot afford a war," Pelosi tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) VIA REUTERS Sixty-three Canadians were on their way out of Iran on Wednesday morning when their Boeing 737-800 jet plunged to the ground killing all 176 passengers on board. The plane was leaving a country mired in crisishours after Iran ordered missiles to strike two U.S. military bases in Iraq but it only made it around 8,000 feet above Tehran before disaster struck. Ukraine Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said early Wednesday that in addition to the 63 Canadians, there were 82 Iranians, and 11 Ukrainians on board. There were also 10 Swedish, four Afghan, three German, and three British nationals. It is too soon to say what caused the devastating crash but both black boxes have been recovered. Authorities in Iran have now said that despite the usual protocol for airline disasters, they would not be turning over the black box to the U.S. where Boeing is based. We know that the plane climbed to an altitude of 2,400 meters. We dont suppose that the crew has made a mistake. Considering their experience, we wouldnt say there was something wrong with the crew, Igor Sosnovsky, vice president of UAI said at the press briefing on Wednesday. Boeing 737-800 was produced in 2016. The airline says it thoroughly checked the plane on Jan.6. Ali Abedzadeh, head of Irans Civil Aviation Authority told an Iranian news agency that America would not be involved at any stage of the investigation. Normally authorities from where the flight occurs share all data with authorities where the airline is based and with authorities where the plane manufacturer is based. That will not apparently be the case in this disaster. We will not give the black box to the manufacturer or America, Abedzadeh said Wednesday, which may hamper finding the cause of the crash. The Globe and Mail reports that the disaster is the single biggest loss of life of Canadians in an air disaster since Air India went down over the Atlantic, killing 268 citizens. Many of the Canadians on the flight were thought to be students heading back to universities across Canada. Story continues Fareed Arasteh, a 33-year-old genetics Ph.D. candidate at Carleton University, was returning home to Ottawa on the flight after spending the holidays in Iran. Two of his friends told The Daily Beast he was among dozens of other students who were on the flight to Ukraine as part of their journeys back to Canada. It is so sad and I am so shocked, one of his friends, Zhaleh Firouzi, said. His family is living in Iran, and he went back to meet them and to spend the holidays with them. The University of Alberta confirmed that two of its Canadian professorsPedram Mousavi and Mojgan Daneshmand, who were traveling with their daughters Daria and Dorinawere on the ill-fated flight. The University of Waterloo in Ontario released a statement that two of its Ph.D. students, Marzieh Foroutan and Mansour Esnaashary Esfahani, were victims of the disaster. The Iranian press also named a victim as Delaram Dadashnejad, who was studying in British Columbia. Saeed Tahmasebi Khademsadi, a 35-year-old Ph.D. student at Imperial College London, also died in the crash. A spokesperson for Imperial College London told The Daily Beast the school is deeply saddened at this tragic news, and offered condolences to Khademsadis family, describing the brilliant engineer as a warm, humble and generous colleague and close friend to many in our community. Sam Green of the GTA real estate agency of Toronto also confirmed that its realtor Iman Ghaderpanah was on the flight with his wife, Parinaz Ghaderpanah. They are just a young couple, and they were building a life together, he told the Toronto Star. Its a tragic situation. Richmond Hill eye clinic of Toronto confirmed on its website that their optometrist Dr. Neda Sadighi was on the plane, returning after a 10-day vacation. The Richmond Hill Remax office additionally confirmed on its website that their realtor Suzan Golbabapour was on the flight after spending holidays in Tehran. Ukraine International Airlines runs a popular, low-cost direct service between Kyiv and Toronto, which has such a high number of Iranian immigrants it is sometimes called Tehran-to. This morning, I join Canadians across the country who are shocked and saddened to see reports that a plane crash outside of Tehran, Iran, has claimed the lives of 176 people, including 63 Canadians, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a Wednesday statement, offering his deepest condolences to those who have lost family, friends, and loved ones in this tragedy. Today, I assure all Canadians that their safety and security is our top priority. We also join with the other countries who are mourning the loss of citizens. Trudeau added that Canadas foreign minister, Francois-Philippe Champagne, has been in touch with the government of Ukraine, and is speaking to relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the crash. Even though the plane crashed hours after Iranian missile strikes on Ain al-Asad base in Anbar province and a base in Erbil used by U.S. and allied troops hours there is no evidence to say the two events are linked. Ukraine prime minister Oleksiy Honcharuk warned Wednesday at a press briefing that such speculation is not useful until the investigation is completed. The plane crashed within minutes from takeoff from Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport and the missile strike was launched from elsewhere in the country, authorities have said. According to data from the flight-tracking website FlightRadar24, The plane had been delayed for almost an hour from taking off. Qasem Biniaz, an Iranian official involved in the investigation said terrorism played no role in the accident, according to the BBC. Had the accident happened due to a missile strike, the plane would have exploded in the air, he said. According to the BBC, Ukraines embassy in Iran had immediately sought to quell conspiracy theories about the crash with a statement on their website which read: According to preliminary information, the plane crashed as a result of a technical failure of the engine. The possibility of a terrorist attack or missile strike are currently ruled out. But on Wednesday morning, that message was no longer on the embassy website. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who cut short a visit to Oman after the accident occurred, expressed his condolences over the terrible news to the loved ones of those killed, writing on his Telegram channel that the Ukrainian embassy was working to identify the victims and determine the circumstances of the crash. He also warned against speculation or unchecked theories regarding the catastrophe. I am constantly having consultations with our foreign partners. Our priority is to define the truth and those guilty for this terrible catastrophe. Many in Kyiv are disappointed that Trump did not mention the plane crash, Zelensky wrote on social media Wednesday, noting Trumps press conference about the missile strike. He is set to return to Kyiv Wednesday evening. Investigators and first responders who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash were met with a blazing debris field due to the jetliners full fuel tanks on take-off. Its unlikely that anyone has survived this accident, Morteza Salimi, head of Relief and Rescue at the Red Crescent Society, told Iranian state TV. Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Irans Road and Transportation Ministry, said the planes engine caught on fire, and the pilot then lost control of the plane, according to the Associated Press. Several witnesses on the ground reported seeing a flash of light as the plane was climbing followed by another flash as it fell to the ground, according to CNN. Ukraine International Airlines has suspended flight service to Iran indefinitely. The aircraft involved in the disaster was just over three years old and had undergone a complete service only a few days before. Ukrainian photographer, Anton Skiba, told The Daily Beast Kyivs Boryspil airport was filled with hundreds of people mourning the plane crash. Dozens of beautiful young flight attendants [bringing] flower, lit candles with shaking hands, sobbing over their friends, the crash victims, Skiba said. The 737-800 is the predecessor of the ill-fated 737-Max which has been grounded after two fatal accidents that killed 346 people within the span of a year. Boeing has also suffered a spate of technical problems in recent years, with two crashes involving the 737 Max jet claiming the lives of nearly 350 people. The company is still under scrutiny over flaws in the flight-control system on the 737 Max, leading to the aircraft to be grounded worldwide. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Members of Congress representing Michigan expressed concern for American soldiers and President Donald Trumps plans to keep them safe in the Middle East after Iran fired Iran launched ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops Tuesday night. The strikes, an act of retaliation for Trumps authorized killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week, did not result in any casualties, but Irans supreme leader said the attack was only a slap against U.S. military involvement in the area. Trump is expected to brief the nation Wednesday but wrote All is well! in a statement posted to Twitter. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 Several members of Michigans congressional delegation released statements stating their concern about the impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Senators are expected to be briefed Wednesday on the rationale for the attack on Soleimani at an Iraqi airport, according to staff for U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, and Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township. U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, a former CIA analyst and Pentagon official who served three tours in Iraq focusing on Iranian-backed militias, warned the U.S. and Iran may be locked in a cycle of escalation that threatens to draw us into wider war. The President and his team should remember the gravity of their responsibilities and be prepared to explain their strategic plan -- to include next steps and possible ways to de-escalate, Slotkin said in a statement. "They owe the American public no less. U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, expressed hope that the recent violence will not snowball into a larger conflict. Peace in the Middle East has always been the goal, yet never achieved, Upton said in a statement. The fury is as intense as ever. Somehow that fire has to be extinguished - we pray for wisdom and for our troops tonight. Michigan Democrats criticized Trump late last week for ordering the strike that killed Soleimani without congressional approval or public debate. Slotkin was tapped by House Speaker Nacy Pelosi to draft a war powers resolution that would require the Trump administration to obtain Congressional authorization before taking further military action, except in cases of emergency. U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, said Trump the authority to repel sudden attacks, but any military engagement beyond that requires approval from Congress under the Constitution. U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, said Americans cant afford to engage in another tragic war with no end in sight, blaming Trump for inciting war with Iran. She said de-escalating tensions must be the goal of whatever actions the Trump administration takes next. President Trumps reckless and dangerous attempt to start a war with Iran by launching the airstrike that killed Iranian General Soleimani put our people, diplomats, service men and women, their families, and civilians in harms way," Tlaib said in a statement. Now, Iran has retaliated by launching missile strikes on two U.S. bases in Iraq. It should not be lost on anyone that lives will be forever impacted, including innocent Iraqis who have been plagued with war and violence for almost two decades. Soleimani led Irans Quds Force, an elite unit within the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps that carries out operations across the Middle East and trains Shiite militias in Iraq. Trump administration designated the Revolutionary Guards as a foreign terrorist organization last year. Trump and his allies argued the decision to kill Soleimani was made in response to imminent threats, though Trump said previous administrations should have eliminated the Iranian general long ago. In a statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said the attacks were hard revenge for the death of Soleimani. U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, said the Iranian government must end its aggressive actions immediately. This oppressive Iranian regime has always been an aggressor and bully in the region, and as we see yet again tonight, theyre continuing down the path of evil escalation, Bergman said in a statement. U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, said Irans move to attack American troops was a major mistake. The Department of Defense said it has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners in response to Iranian threats. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region, the Defense Department said in a statement. MoveOn.org is organizing protests to oppose a war with Iran throughout the country. Protests are planned in Grand Haven, Detroit and Flint on Thursday, Jan. 9. Read more on MLive: Iran strikes back at US with missile attack at bases in Iraq President Trump insists All is well! after Iran missile attack Killing of Iranian general draws mixed reactions from Michigan members of Congress Slotkin leads House effort to limit Trumps military action against Iran Trump says 52 targets already lined up if Iran retaliates Murager Alimuly and Qaster Musakhanuly are on trial for crossing the border into Kazakhstan. If they were returned to China, they risk persecution in Xinjiang detention camps, where they have already been imprisoned. Nur-Sultan (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A court in Kazakhstan has postponed the deportation of two men of Kazakh origin who escaped from China last October. The defendants are Murager Alimuly and Qaster Musakhanuly. Their trial, scheduled for January 6 in the city of Zaisan, has been postponed thanks to pressure from activists, who ask for their release to prevent them from returning to detention camps in the Chinese autonomous region of Xinjiang. The two men are in jail on charges of illegally crossing the border with Kazakhstan. They asked the Nur-Sultan authorities for political asylum to escape the persecution already suffered. Musakhanuly, 30, spent five years in one of the centers that Beijing authorities call "reeducation camps" in Xinjiang. Alimuly, 25, was interrogated in China and was due to be transferred to a camp. Hundreds of activists organized protests and demonstrations in support of the two arrested in the capital and Almaty. The judge, Ms. Shynar Ospanova, postponed the hearing until January 21, after hearing their testimony. Lazzat Akhatova, a lawyer for the prosecution, filed a motion of no confidence against the judge, defining the reason for the postponement as "inadequate". In the Chinese region of Xinjiang, the Kazakhs represent the second largest ethnic group after the Uyghurs. The autonomous territory also hosts a good number of Kirgizi, Tajik and Hui. For all these ethnic minorities, the predominant religion is Islam. Beijing accuses them of separatism and terrorism, justifying a harsh military control policy. The UN has repeatedly asked to visit Xinjiang to verify the abuse against detainees, in particular the Uyghurs. China is accused of having locked up at least one million of them against their will, brainwashed to weaken their attachment to the Islamic faith, which is considered a form of "radicalization". By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused the United States on Tuesday of violating its agreement with the United Nations by denying him a visa to speak at a Security Council meeting amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters on Monday that Zarif would not be given a visa to attend Thursday's meeting. By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused the United States on Tuesday of violating its agreement with the United Nations by denying him a visa to speak at a Security Council meeting amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters on Monday that Zarif would not be given a visa to attend Thursday's meeting. Zarif confirmed on Tuesday that he would not be given a U.S. visa. "What we know is that the U.S. State Secretary (Mike Pompeo), in a call to the Secretary General of the United Nations (Antonio Guterres), said: 'We did not have time to issue a visa for Mohammad Javad Zarif and we will not issue a visa'," said Zarif, according to Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency. "The Secretary General responded by saying that it is Iran's right to take part in this session," Zarif said. Zarif wanted to attend a meeting of the Security Council on the topic of upholding the U.N. Charter. The meeting and Zarif's travel had been planned before the latest flare-up in tensions between Washington and Tehran. The Security Council meeting would have given Zarif a global spotlight to publicly criticize the United States for killing Iran's most prominent military commander, Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad on Friday. "I don't think Secretary Pompeo thought this was the right time for Mr Zarif to come to the United States and whenever he comes to New York he spreads propaganda," White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien told Fox News on Tuesday. "I think he'll be fine missing that meeting," he said, suggesting Zarif could participate by phone or video conference. Zarif posted on Twitter earlier on Tuesday: "What are they really afraid of? Truth?" Pompeo and Guterres spoke by phone on Monday. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said he was unaware of the exact status of Zarif's visa and declined to comment on the details of the phone call between Pompeo and Guterres. Iranian diplomats spoke with a senior official in Guterres' office on Monday afternoon, Dujarric said. Pompeo told reporters on Tuesday that he would not comment on visa matters "so I can't add much more to this issue of Foreign Minister Zarif's travel to the United States." "I'll say only this - we will always comply with our obligations under the U.N. requirements and the headquarters agreement and we will do so in this particular instance and more broadly everyday," Pompeo said. Under the 1947 U.N. "headquarters agreement," the United States is generally required to allow access to the United Nations for foreign diplomats. But Washington says it can deny visas for "security, terrorism and foreign policy" reasons. A possible caveat in the agreement reads: "The United States retains full control and authority over the entry of persons or property into the territory of the United States and the conditions under which persons may remain or reside there." (Additional reporting by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. What do we really mean when we talk about school segregation in 2020? Six decades after Brown v. Board of Education ruled segregation by race in public schools unconstitutional, the word retains a punch that can shake a political campaign or turn a school board chamber into a battleground. But is everybody speaking the same language? This isnt some theoretical question. As a government policy editor, I worry about whether segregation is being used as simplistic shorthand by politicians, activists, andyesjournalists who each mean something different when they invoke it in debates over race and equity in education. Is it a historical marker, summoning painfulbut distantimages of the Civil Rights Era? A descriptor for baked-in forces of inequality that still fracture schools and communities by race and class? A weapon for advocates who risk backlash even as they summon its rhetorical power? Or is it all that and more: a term thats problematic yet unavoidable in confronting conditions and divisions the nation faces more than half a century after Brown? Messaging mattersget it wrong, and you can end up short-circuiting the search for solutions, or see a policy discussion collapse into a shouting match. And in weighing the word segregation, I bring a lifetime of assumptions and connotations to an always fraught conversation. Im a white male whose social and political consciousness first stirred in middle school in the late 1960sa time, like today, riven by issues of race and class. Still, segregation remained an abstraction to me growing up a decade after Brown in a suburb with few classmates of races other than my own. My children attended what we saw as academically strong, racially mixed city and suburban schools, which our family accessed by way of school choice and magnet options, or where we chose to live. Thats all at play when I edit or read stories involving tension over school redistricting, funding inequity, the skewed composition of gifted and talented classes. The racial and economic imbalances in a particular school or community may be harmful, unfair, bad policybut are they segregation? If not, why not, and whats the right term? Is avoiding the word advisable, or disingenuous? I put those questions to local officials, student activists, and scholars of race and education. None shied from the term segregation. But they warn that its use, when shorn of context, can be misleading and incomplete. And the context itself may be enough to set off a powerful reaction. Opel Jones, a member of the county council in Howard County, Md., faced angry residents last year over a council resolution he co-sponsored that explicitly referenced the post-slavery period and segregation in supporting a student assignment plan aimed at closing achievement gaps by racial and socioeconomic factors. 51% of teachers report seeing no racial isolation, imbalance, or segregation in their school. The resolutions sponsors saw its language as crucial to understanding how a diverse, liberal-leaning community ended up with racial and income divisions. Jones made the connection explicit: Because of slavery, because of Jim Crow, because of [residential] red-liningthat was the historical context we wanted to give on the resolution. Opponents werent having it. But Councilwoman Christiana Mercer Rigby, another co-sponsor of the resolution, made no apologies for the history lesson. If you try to sugarcoat and coddle ... theres a lack of engagement, she said. We had people say, Were self-segregating now. The outcome is the same. She added: Its important to just be honest. If something is happening, just be straight about it. Theres even disagreement among educators about the existence of segregation in their own schools, as well as confusion about the term itself. The EdWeek Research Center last fall queried a national sample of 1,100 teachers about which scenarios could be called segregation. A bare majority (51 percent) saw no racial isolation, imbalance, or segregation in their school; 44 percent saw none in their home district. But in an even more stark finding, 16 percent refused to label as segregated a district where the law requires black and white students to attend separate schoolsthe very scenario ruled unconstitutional in Brown. Why this disconnect? In part, its a matter of perception. For some researchers, the term can be almost clinical, tagging a school, district, or community as segregated on the basis of racial or socioeconomic benchmarks. But its emotional charge goes back to the racist era of forced, de jure segregationand that means it can land like a personal accusation, igniting denial and defensiveness. That doesnt put the term off limits. But, like all potentially incendiary language, it must be used with precision. I dont think the word segregated is any more loaded than the word racist, said Ibram X. Kendi, the executive director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University. And just like with the term racist, it is absolutely critical for us to have a very clear definition of the terms. In Kendis framing, segregation is distinct from separationits involuntary, and it leads to inequity. Others may have different definitionsand thats part of the problem. Whats happening is that at the same time were arguing about issues, were arguing about the definition of terms. Erica Frankenberg, co-founder and director of the Center for Education and Civil Rights at Penn State College of Education, said people try to suggest we shouldnt call what we have today segregation because its no longer legal, or de jure. But she said there are the remains of policies that still result in students going to schools that look very different based on their race. ... We know that these things dont just magically happen. These arguments can be pointed, even confrontationalbut also transformative. As a Peace Corps volunteer in Rwanda, Michelle Burris, a senior policy associate at The Century Foundation, a progressive think tank, saw that nation wrestle with its history of genocide. And in Germany, she said, they recognize their pastthey talk about the Holocaust. For Americans, segregation may be a divisive term, but it is the reality were seeing now. I dont really see a better way to talk about it. Im struck by how these issues resonate with the generation of students still grappling with segregations legacy. Leanne Nunes, 17, is executive high school director of IntegrateNYC, a student group seeking real integration for the 320,000 [New York City] high school students currently sitting in segregated schools. They focus on everything from resources and enrollment policies to student justice and the need for a more-inclusive faculty. As a young black woman from an immigrant family in the Bronx, Nunes is keenly aware of the power imbalance she faces in confronting those in charge. She owns the provocative nature of the word segregation. I try to use it sparingly. I want it to retain the impact it has, she said. But she refuses to shun the term just because of its volatility. I expect pushbackthats a sign that youre doing something that has a potential to make a lot of change, Nunes said. Because if you think people would be upset about you telling the truth, its something they need to hear. As an editor of policy coverage, Im sobered by a term thats emotional, empirical, or political depending on whos using it and how. Segregation remains a powerful label, and it needs to be used, but its shape-shifting nature demands care and context from those of us who do so. Thats something Im sure to face in my work going forward, aware that misuse of the word can only feed confusion and hurt efforts to eliminate the social and economic inequity our schools face. A Colorado Springs woman accused of hiding 26 children behind a false wall in the basement of her unlicensed day care was charged Wednesday with 29 misdemeanors and a felony. Carla Marie Faith faces 26 counts of misdemeanor child abuse alleging recklessness, but without injury, and attempt to influence a public servant, a felony. Faith, 58, also was charged with three counts of operating a child care without a license, all misdemeanors. Each child abuse count carries up to a year in jail, records show. Because the counts relate to separate victims, a judge could stack the penalties, meaning she could be sentenced to more than a year. However, Faith has no criminal record, making it unlikely that she would spend time in jail, said Colorado Springs defense attorney Shimon Kohn, who isnt involved in the case. At 58, for a first criminal offense, with no injury, it is unlikely that there would be a jail sentence, Kohn said. But even if there was, I think it would be unlikely that it would be stacked. Also charged Wednesday were two day care workers. Katelynne Nelson, 31, faces charges alleging she was in possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and 26 counts of child abuse. Christina Swauger, 35, was charged with 26 counts of child abuse and attempt to influence a public servant. Wednesdays hearing comes almost three months after police and Colorado Department of Human Services shut down three day cares associated with Faith, who was not charged with a crime. Though Faith has a clean criminal record, her track record of violating day care licensing regulations violations could affect the judges discretion in sentencing, Kohn said. Nearly 20 years ago, authorities shut down several of her child care homes in California, the Los Angeles Times reported in 1998. In one unlicensed facility, investigators found 44 small children. If this is something that she has done before and she has violated the public trust with peoples children, I think that there is a possibility that she could get jail time in result, he said. Faith and Nelson are scheduled to appear in court Feb. 19. Swauger is scheduled to appear Feb. 12. Reach Olivia Prentzel at olivia.prentzel@gazette.com. Boris Johnson vowed to help victims of the 10 billion Government-sanctioned pension scams four years ago, Money Mail can today reveal but as of yet his promises have proved empty. After meeting workers fleeced of their futures in the scandal, the now Prime Minister pledged to take up their case to find out why HMRC had 'approved' rogue retirement schemes. But victims say they did not hear from him again despite attempts to arrange further meetings and years on they are no closer to getting justice. Empty promises: Boris Johnson with David Burgess, left, Sue Flood and Micky Nettle The revelation comes after the Mail last week revealed how tens of thousands of workers lost their retirement savings in the almost decade-long scam. Army veterans, police officers, firemen, ambulance staff, care workers and teachers were among those who agreed to transfer their nest eggs to the rogue schemes because they were enrolled with HMRC and the Pensions Regulator making them appear above board. Employers including the Ministry of Defence, the NHS and the Royal Mail also approved the transfers because the schemes were officially registered. But a 2006 government rule change aimed at bringing 'security, dignity and comfort in old age' meant scammers could enrol pension schemes with HMRC online in minutes and with virtually no checks in what MPs described as a 'scammers' paradise'. In a second blow, some victims also face hefty fines because many of the bogus schemes broke tax laws and are being targeted with big bills by HMRC even though it approved the schemes in the first place. The Mail can also reveal a string of other blunders surrounding pension schemes that caused untold misery to thousands of families, including how: HMRC kept pension schemes on its register for months after launching a criminal investigation into fraudsters administering them during which time more than 100 victims unwittingly moved their savings into them. Tax officials privately raised concerns and started looking into the legality one of the first major pension scams but took no action for months while 300 more people signed up and lost millions. Government departments and private companies approved transfers of staff pension pots to scam schemes for years despite explicit warnings to be 'vigilant' from the regulator. A policeman fleeced out of his pension by an HMRC- registered scam said he faced a 'nightmare' trying to get anyone to investigate the fraud. When newly elected as MP for Uxbridge, Mr Johnson spent 45 minutes with workers who lost all their retirement savings in the HMRC-registered Ark scheme, where almost 500 people lost 25 million. The rogue pension scheme was later ruled by a judge to be illegal and a 'fraud on the trustees' powers'. The meeting was arranged by his constituent David Burgess, who lost his 38,000 pension to Ark after trusting it because it was registered with HMRC and the Pensions Regulator. Forced to live in separate countries after 70k loss Robert Allum emigrated to Portugal with his wife Fiona A couple who have been together for 30 years have been forced to live in separate countries after losing 70,000 in a pension scam. Robert Allum emigrated to Portugal with his wife, Fiona, a decade ago to escape London after she was diagnosed with a serious lung disease. But Robert, 65, had to return to the UK to take a new job after he lost almost everything when his cash was swallowed up by 'commissions and fees paying for bad investments'. Robert, who has two sons and four grandchildren, was a council property inspector in London before moving abroad. He was cold-called by an introducer from Continental Wealth Management (CWM) soon after arriving in Portugal, where the couple planned to start a small farm. He says: 'They appeared to be completely professional. They were financial advisers, they had Momentum Malta Retirement Trust as trustees and pension managers, which is listed by HMRC, and the money was to be invested through an established investment firm.' But the statement in his second year showed his 85,000 funds were falling. Eventually, he discovered the firm had gone out of business. He had just 13,000 left and he had to pay 3,000 in exit fees. Robert, who lives in Forest Gate, East London, is now one of more than 50 people taking Momentum to the Maltese financial arbiter. Momentum says all investment costs were fully disclosed and authorised and verified by the pension members and their advisers. It also says it took action as soon as it discovered the problems with CWM. Two months after the October 2015 meeting, Mr Johnson wrote to Mr Burgess to say he would raise the 'serious concerns' with David Gauke, then Financial Secretary to the Treasury. As the scheme was registered with HMRC, he said he would write to its then chief executive Lin Homer to 'question the approval process and the criteria for approval', he said. He added: 'As soon as I have received their responses, I will ensure you are kept informed.' But auto worker Mr Burgess says: 'That's the last correspondence we had. I've tried on numerous occasions to try to get another meeting without success. 'It's just shocking what happened. Without the support of others in the same situation I would be at breaking point. 'I'm 52 so I want to think about retiring. Some of the victims are retirement age and left without a pension.' One of his colleagues who also signed up to the scheme lost 180,000 and has had to sell his house, he says. 'I just wish I could turn back the clock. Ark is just one scheme and there are many more out there. I hope that now Boris is in No 10 that he will do something. It's long overdue.' Another attendee at the meeting, and also pictured with Mr Johnson was Sue Flood, who has described enduring years of hell after she and her partner lost 125,000 in the Ark scheme. They are now being pursued by HMRC regarding tax bills of 60,000. Taxman KNEW it was risky A car repair worker suffered a breakdown after losing his pension to a scam scheme that HMRC officials had privately raised concerns about. Gary Chittenden says he would never have signed up to the Ark scheme if he had known there were doubts raised about its legality at a meeting behind closed doors in February 2011. Gary Chittenden (pictured with wife Julie) says he would never have signed up to the Ark scheme if he had known there were doubts raised about its legality But, because there were no public warnings, he trusted the HMRC-registered scheme and transferred in his pension three months later. Within weeks, HMRC had removed the rogue trustees running Ark, and a High Court judge later ruled it was a 'fraud on the trustees' powers'. Gary lost 30,000 and is now being chased for a potential 50,000 tax bill because he received a lump sum, which HMRC have now deemed an unauthorised pension payment. The 55-year-old, who lives with wife Julie, is on anti-depressants and fears going to jail. He says: 'HMRC registered this scheme, which is why we all trusted it. Now, after losing so much to it, they are also going after us for signing up to it.' The victims had previously had several meetings with then Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith, who wrote to one of his constituent victims in December 2014 saying: 'There is a case [for HMRC] to reconsider their position for those who were impacted by their previous registration process.' A No 10 source said Mr Johnson had followed up with Mr Gauke and Ms Homer as he had promised to do, to highlight what had happened and to push his constituent's case. And former Home Secretary Jack Straw raised the issue with Mr Gauke in parliament in May 2005 after being contacted by one of his constituents who was a victim of Ark. He said: 'It seems to me that my constituent has been the innocent victim of an elaborate and sophisticated arrangement designed to evade our pension laws. I have no sympathy for the architects of the scam or for those advising them.' Mr Gauke responded that it was a difficult case and it was 'hard not to be sympathetic' to those who joined Ark. 'HMRC's role is to ensure that the tax system is being complied with. It is not there to perform a role of consumer protection but to ensure that pensions are not liberated, and we have made a number of changes in recent months to strengthen its powers in that area.' A painstaking investigation by the Mail discovered at least 105 rogue pension schemes registered with HMRC and the Pensions Regulator. After the Government belatedly tightened checks on UK based schemes, scammers started operating abroad using overseas pensions listed with HMRC to give their cons the appearance of respectability. An HMRC spokesperson said: 'HMRC cannot and does not authorise pension transfers. 'Pension schemes which individuals are currently with are responsible for carrying out due diligence on transfers to other pensions schemes and ensuring they comply with the legislation. Through a strong governance process implemented in 2014, we can quickly de-register schemes set up to avoid pensions tax rules where we have sufficient evidence.' A Melbourne woman suing a global technology company for unfair dismissal says her boss told her todays your liberation day before she was sacked after revealing she was suffering from anxiety. After three decades in the customer service industry, Josephine Willis says she was headhunted in 2016 by Cyara Solutions which tests customer satisfaction for big business to become its regional general manager for Australia and New Zealand. Josephine Willis is suing tech company Cyara Solutions for unfair dismissal. Credit:Jason South Mrs Willis, who was based in the companys Hawthorn office, said the workplace was a toxic boys' club. Bullying, inappropriate behaviour was ignored and accepted, she said. They admired cowboy sales people and the means justified the end as long as you got away with it. DMK lawmaker Kanimozhi on Wednesday slammed the calls on social media to boycott actor Deepika Padukone's movies after her visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University. "I do not watch many Hindi movies, they're actually making people like me go and watch her movies and support her," said Kanimozhi on being asked about a social media campaign to boycott Padukone's movie. Earlier in the day, Kanimozhi met Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNSU) President Aishe Ghosh here in the varsity campus. However, what transpired in the meeting is not known. The Bollywood actor's visit to the JNU campus has received both criticism and appreciation on social media as well as by the political parties. While BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said that the actor should have taken "proper cognisance of violence" at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus as her solidarity with Leftist organisations reflects her "one-sided thinking", Congress leader Ashok Chavan said there was nothing wrong in her visit to JNU. The actor on Tuesday had joined students protesting against the recent violence on the JNU campus. She was seen standing with students as the demonstrators raised the slogan of "Jai Bhim-Jai Bhim" and former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar gave a speech. She did not issue any statement nor did she address the students. Deepika was in the capital to promote her upcoming film 'Chhapaak'. More than 30 students were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre after a masked mob entered the JNU and attacked the students and professors with sticks and rods late on Sunday night. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police have charged a man and seized 75,000 worth of drugs after a raid on a illicit drugs factory in Crumlin, Co Antrim. Police swooped on a property in the Lurgan Road area on Tuesday evening finding suspected class B drugs as well as a number of suspected cannabis plants. Drugs paraphernalia and a sum of money was also seized. A 38-year-old man has been charged with a range of offences, including possession of a class B controlled drug with intent to supply, cultivating cannabis and possession of criminal property. He is due to appear before Antrim Magistrates' Court on February 4. Detective Inspector Mullan added: "We will continue to do everything possible to prevent the supply of drugs and identify those involved while at the same time, make people aware of the real danger posed to their health and their lives by illegal drugs. "I would appeal to anyone who is aware of any information about the supply of drugs to contact local police on 101, so we can work together to do something about it. Hershey India Pvt Ltd, a part of The Hershey Company, a leading global snacking giant, has partnered with Discovery Kids channel, for innovative 360-degree consumer activation for its leading lollipop brand Jolly Rancher. As a part of the tie-up, the unmistakable bold, sweet and tangy fruity flavors of Jolly Rancher will connect with its consumers across media through Little Singham. The superhero Indian character was launched by Discovery Kids in collaboration with Rohit Shetty Picturez and Reliance Animation. The scaled activation will offer consumers an attractive Little Singham glitter sticker free with every pack of Jolly Rancher Lollipops. The stickers, depicting Little Singham at an iconic location, aim to educate children about 10 such locations in the world. This will be further accelerated through an intensive television campaign including in-show integration of Jolly Rancher in Little Singham episodes and integration of Jolly Rancher Lollipops in Little Singhams Mobile game, which has garnered more than 17 million downloads. In line with the theme of the activation, which focuses on Little Singham travelling around the world through the stickers, the animated TVC showcases him playfully going around renowned global locations while handing over a Jolly Rancher lollipop to his friends. As the animated characters bite into a pop there is the signature fruit burst on top of their heads which visually represent the fruity flavors of the Jolly Rancher lollipops. Sharing his views on the alliance, Sarosh Shetty, Marketing Director, Hershey India Pvt. Ltd., said, At Hershey India, we are constantly looking at innovative ways of engaging with our consumers. Jolly Rancher is a leading lollipop brand with a bold, fruity proposition. Associating with Little Singham fits well with the brands fun and vibrant personality. Jolly Ranchers Pops and Little Singham will excite our consumers across television, digital and gaming platforms. Vikram Tanna, Head of Ad-Sales South Asia, Discovery, said, We are delighted to partner with Hershey India in this innovative 360-degree consumer promotion which will touch the heart of millions of young audiences across the country. This is a new benchmark being set for consumer activations; we will continue to innovate in our endeavor to create effective consumer promotions for partner brands. Tejonidhi Bhandare, COO, Reliance Animation, said, Little Singhams swag, action and humor, has won the hearts of young audiences across the country helping it emerge as a foremost character in a short span of time. The on-air campaign, show integration, digital activation, and mobile game integration make this association truly all encompassing. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The global IPTV market size is expected to reach USD 117.07 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., progressing at a CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for application-based services based on the internet would be the key factor driving the industry growth. Improving internet infrastructure is transforming telecom operators into complement digital service providers (CDSP). At the same time, they are also transitioning towards broadband internet protocol, which leads end-users to access television as an IPTV service. Additionally, favorable government initiatives in India, such as digitization of cable TV and Direct-to-Home (DTH) services, are anticipated to open new avenues over the next few years. Changing preferences of end-users are giving rise to intense competition between cable TV and IPTV providers. Growing demand for over-the-top (OTT) services is estimated to influence the IPTV market positively. The digital broadcasting ecosystem is widening at a fast pace leading to growth in consumer demands, thereby unfolding immense growth opportunities for service providers. This is also prompting key players to diversify their revenue streams by providing IPTV services along with OTT and pay-tv services. Furthermore, growing investments in network infrastructure owing to increasing number of IPTV subscribers are likely to work in favor of the market. Rapid advancements in compression, transmission, and watermarking technologies are encouraging telecom providers to add internet protocol television to their service offerings. Services offered in internet-based TV include HD video calls/conferencing, smart home, and video games, tend to consume heavy data traffic and higher bandwidth. This is encouraging customers to upgrade to broadband products that support higher data speed. Moreover, favorable government regulations governing the industry are making it easier for new entrants to foray into the market. Similarly, improvements in the internet infrastructure and widespread internet connectivity in households are supplementing the revenue growth. In addition, the market is undergoing vertical integration, wherein telecom operators are collaborating with TV manufacturers to develop TV units with built-in set-top-boxes. Such collaborations are being complemented with joint marketing agreements between TV manufacturers and telecom operators to promote IPTV services. Request a Sample Copy of the Global Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Market Research Report @ www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/internet-protocol-television-iptv-market/request/rs1 Further key findings from the report suggest: The subscription-based segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR of 11.1% over the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to increasing demand for Video on Demand (VoD) services Asia Pacific is poised to dominate the overall IPTV market in terms of number of subscribers. The region is projected to witness a CAGR of over 8.0% from 2017 to 2025. Growing internet penetration and increasing awareness about internet-based TV services are contributing to the growth of the region Latin America is expected to be the most promising region during the forecast period. The region is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of just over 21.0% during the same period, owing to increasing shift from digital terrestrial broadcasting to IPTV and cable networks The key players in the industry are Verizon Communications, Inc.; AT&T, Inc.; ARRIS International Plc; and Huawei Technologies Co.; Ltd. Grand View Research has segmented the global IPTV market on the basis of subscription type and region. IPTV Subscription Type Outlook (Number of Subscribers, Million, 2014 - 2025) Subscription-based IPTV Subscription free IPTV IPTV Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Number of Subscribers, Million, 2014 - 2025) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany U.K. Asia Pacific China India Japan Latin America Brazil Mexico Middle East and Africa (MEA) Access full research report on global internet protocol television (IPTV) market: www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/internet-protocol-television-iptv-market Advertisement Iran deliberately missed causing maximum damage to two US bases in Iraq, with most of its ballistic missiles failing to hit their target, intelligence sources claimed today. Tehran launched what it promised would be a 'crushing revenge' strike against the US over the death of General Soleimani - but succeeded only in damaging two airbases in neighbouring Iraq. Satellite images released today show only minor damage to the bases in Ain al-Asad in western Iraq and Erbil International airport in the north as Iran wanted to avoid escalating the conflict to all-out war, according to US and European government sources. Images showed several missiles had either failed to explode on impact or else missed their targets. The remains of one rocket was found near the town of Duhok, some 70 miles from Erbil air base, which was the intended target. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired 22 ballistic missiles at the al-Asad airbase and Erbil in the early hours of Wednesday, but failed to kill a single US or Iraqi solider. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking on Iranian TV shortly after the missiles were launched, described the strikes as 'a slap' and said they 'are not sufficient [for revenge]' while vowing further action to kick US troops out of the region. But foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the attack was now 'concluded', praising Iran's 'proportionate' response and adding: 'We do not seek escalation or war.' It came as Iraqi Prime Minister, Adil Abdul-Mahdi, revealed today that Iran gave him a tip-off about last night's missile strikes, giving time for troops to scramble to bunkers. He received a call from Tehran warning him an attack was imminent in retaliation for the US killing of its highest ranking general, his spokesman said. Iraqi officials then passed the information on to US troops before the attack began, according to CNN. US troops also got a heads up with a warning from America's advanced detection system based in Maryland. A satellite image (above) of the Ain Al Assad Airbase after Iran's missile attack showing the damage caused to the site after Iran launched ballistic missiles The Ain Al Assad Airbase after Iran's missile attack. Intelligence sources claim Iran deliberately avoided causing maximum damage to the base to avoid escalating the conflict with the US Iran has fired 22 ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq that was visited by Donald Trump in December 2018 and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.20pm EST (1.20am local time) It is thought Iran used Fatteh-110 and Qaim-1 ballistic missiles during the attack, which failed to kill any US or Iraqi troops (pictured, one of the missiles is launched in Iran) While the attack marks a significant escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, it falls far short of direct attacks on US commanders that had been feared Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (left) said the attack it is 'not enough' for revenge against the US, before Iraqi militia commander Qais al-Khazali (right) vowed to exact his own revenge for the killing of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis A State Department official reportedly told CNN that the message Iran was sending was 'we could have done it and we didn't do it'. The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Wednesday the Iranians were thought to have targeted the attacks to miss US forces to prevent the crisis from escalating out of control while still signalling Iranian resolve to retaliate to the US killing of Iranian commander in Iraq last week. Iran was believed to have tried to hit certain parts of the bases to minimise casualties and especially to avoid US fatalities, three sources said. This assessment was said to include some intelligence from inside Iran confirming the nature of the attack plan. One of the US sources said: 'They wanted to respond but almost certainly not to escalate.' Pentagon officials reportedly said they believe the Iranian military targeted areas of Iraq not heavily populated with Americans in order to 'send a message' without killing US personnel. Iranian missiles also landed close to the US consulate in Erbil, but did not target the consulate itself, with the suggestion being Iran could have hit the building if it wanted to. President Donald Trump is expected to make his own statement on the attacks at 11am Wednesday EST, but tweeted late Tuesday to say 'so far so good' and 'all is well 'as American forces assessed the damage. Iranian television had tried to claim that 80 'American terrorists' were killed, but that figure was quickly rubbished by Iraqi and US officials. In an attempt to talk-up the impact of the strikes, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said they show 'we don't retreat in the face of America.' 'If America has committed a crime... it should know that it will receive a decisive response,' Rouhani said in a televised address. 'If they are wise, they won't take any other action at this juncture.' It is thought Iran gave advanced warning of the strikes, after Iraq, Finland and Lithuania - which all had troops stationed at the bases which were targeted - all said they were informed in advance. America said that 'early warning systems' detected the missile launches and sirens were sounded at the Asad base, allowing soldiers to seek shelter. It is not clear whether they were also informed by Iran. Prominent analysts suggested Iran may have deliberately pulled its punches because they are fearful of the 'disproportionate' response threatened by Trump if US personnel were killed. Iraqi security forces clear away pieces of shrapnel from the Ain al-Asad airbase after it was struck by ballistic missiles fired by Iran as part of operation 'Martyr Soleimani' Initial reports indicate at least 15 missiles were fired at two American bases in Iraq, though officials said early warning systems sounded alarms at the Ain al-Asad base (pictured) allowing troops to scramble for cover A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, in northern Iraq 70 miles from Erbil, following Iranian missile strikes Wreckage of a missile that was fired at Ain al-Asad military base in western Iraq but failed to explode on impact US officials said early warning systems sounded alarms at the Ain al-Asad base, allowing troops to scramble for cover Iraq said 17 missiles were fired at the Ain al-Asad base, two of which failed to explode (pictured, unexploded wreckage) 'With the attacks, Tehran signalled its capacity and readiness to respond to US attacks, thus saving face, and yet they have been well targeted to avoid fatalities and thus avoid provoking Trump's reaction,' said Annalisa Perteghella of the Institute for International Political Studies in Milan. Hours after the launch, a Ukrainian Airlines Boeing 737 caught fire crashed near Tehran killing all 177 passengers and crew - including 63 Canadian and three Britons - amid fears it could have been caught up in the attack. The Ukrainian embassy in Tehran initially stated that the crash had been caused by an engine failure rather than terrorism or a missile attack, but later deleted that claim. Iran has blamed technical failure and an engine fire for the crash, after earlier saying the pilot had lost control during an engine fire. President Donald Trump says 'all is well' and 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties continue to be assessed after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops If it emerges that Iran did shoot down the plane - either accidentally or on purpose - then it is likely to prompt a global response that will escalate tensions in the region even further. Ukraine's foreign ministry said of those killed, 82 were Iranian, 63 Canadian, 11 Ukrainian, three British, with the remainder hailing from Sweden, Afghanistan, and Germany. Saeed Tahmasebi a newlywed from London who had flown to Tehran for a second wedding ceremony with bride Niloofar Ebrahim after trying the knot in the UK capital, was among those killed. Also killed was dry cleaning boss Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh, from Brighton, and Sam Zokaei, a BP engineer who also lived in London. International airlines have begun rerouting flights away from Iranian and Iraqi airspace amid fears they could be accidentally targeted by missiles. One British Airways flight, BA134, was spotted performing an abrupt U-turn and flying off across Saudi Arabia instead of taking its expected route across Iraqi airspace. The timing of the Iranian strikes - around 1.20am local time - occurred at the same time as the US drone strike which killed Soleimani. Following the strikes, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned any further strikes by America would be met with fresh attacks, and that any allied countries used as a base for such strikes would themselves become targets. Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif called the attacks 'self-defense' but said they did 'not seek escalation' but would defend itself against further aggression The Iraqi military said 22 missiles were fired in total - 17 at the Asad base, two of which failed to explode, and five more that struck Erbil International Airport. US officials put the total slightly lower at 15 - ten of which hit Asad, one which hit Erbil, four which failed in flight. Iran said it had used Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles for the attack, though analysts said images of wreckage near the Aasd base also appears to show Qaim-1 ballistic missiles were used. The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq - visited by Trump in December 2018 - and Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were struck by the missiles around 5.20pm EST Tuesday in an operation dubbed 'Martyr Soleimani' by Iran. The Pentagon says the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. A US official said there were no immediate reports of American casualties, though buildings were still being searched. Iraqi officials say there were no casualties among their forces either. There are still fears for US forces in the region after Qais al-Khazali, a commander of Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq, vowed to exact revenge for the killing of deputy-leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. 'The first Iranian response to the assassination of the martyr leader Soleimani took place,' he tweeted. 'Now is the time for the initial Iraqi response to the assassination of the martyr leader Muhandis. 'And because the Iraqis are brave and zealous, their response will not be less than the size of the Iranian response, and this is a promise.' Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran had delivered a 'slap in the face' to American forces but added that missile strikes are 'not enough' and called for the US to be 'uprooted' from the region The Ayatollah spoke in a televised address early Wednesday during which he praised a 'measured' strike against the US, which he said embodied the spirit of slain general Soleimani Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the attack shows 'we don't retreat in the face of America', while also urging Washington not to escalate tensions further The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) President Trump and First Lady Melania visited the al-Asad airbase in western Iraq in December 2018. The airbase was targeted by Iran on Tuesday in a missile attack Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were spotted arriving at the White House soon after news of the strikes broke Iraqi security forces and citizens gather to inspect the site where missiles fired by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps landed outside the Ain al-Asad airbase Pieces of shrapnel are seen near the Ain al-Asad airbase after a missile strike by Iran Members of Peshmerga fighters stand guard in center of Erbil in the aftermath of Iran's launch of a number of missiles at bases in Iraq Members of Kurdistan's regional government attend a meeting to discuss security after Iranian missiles targeted Erbil International Airport early Wednesday Britain, Australia, France, Poland, Denmark and Finland have confirmed that none of their troops stationed in Iraq were hurt in the attack, while calling for an end to hostilities and a return to talks. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has condemned what he called Iran's 'reckless and dangerous' missile attacks on bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops, and he called for 'urgent de-escalation' by Tehran and Washington. China and Russia, both key Iranian allies, also warned against escalating strikes with Vladimir Dzhabarov, lawmaker with Russia's upper house of parliament, warning the conflict could easily lead to a nuclear war. In a surprise move Barham Saleh Iraq's president, condemned the attacks, calling them a violation of sovereignty. The Syrian government, another key ally of Iran, has expressed full solidarity with Iran, saying Tehran has the right to defend itself 'in the face of American threats and attacks.' The foreign ministry said in a statement Wednesday that Syria holds the 'American regime responsible for all the repercussions due to its reckless policy and arrogant mentality.' Meanwhile Turkey, which is a NATO member but also has ties to Iran in Syria, said its foreign minister will visit Iraq on Thursday as part of diplomatic efforts to 'alleviate the escalated tension' in the region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed the EU will 'spare no effort' in trying to save the nuclear deal that Iran signed with President Obama and was ripped up by Trump, sparking the current tensions. Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which controls the country's missile program, confirmed that they fired the rockets in retaliation for last week's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. They reported the operation's name was 'Martyr Soleimani' and it took place just hours after the slain general's funeral. The rockets used in the attack, according to Iranian TV, were Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles, which have a range of 186 miles or 300km. The Iranian air force has since deployed multiple fighter jets to patrol it airspace, according to reports - as Iran warned the U.S. and its allies in the region not to retaliate. The Pentagon said it was still working to assess the damage. Iranian missiles that blitzed Iraqi airbases can deliver a precision-guided 500lb warhead over a range of more than 180 miles Two types of ballistic missiles were reportedly used to hit U.S. Military bases in Ain al-Asad in western Iraq and also around Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. The majority of those used are believed to be the Fateh-110, which can travel 180 miles or 300km and have a payload of around 500lb. Reports also suggest the Qiam-1 was also used, a short range ballistic missile produced by Iran which can travel 500 miles and carry 750lb warheads. The Fateh-110 is an Iranian-designed, short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile that can be launched from any location. While the Qiam-1 was specifically built to target U.S. bases in the Middle East, which have 'encircled Iran', according to Iranian sources. When it was launched the Fateh-110 was described by Iranian defence minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami as '100-percent domestically made - agile, stealth, tactical (and) precision-guided'. Both missiles are reported to have been fired from Tabriz and Kermanshah provinces in Iran. Advertisement 'In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces,' a statement from the Pentagon read. 'It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. 'As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.' The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, reportedly said Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was personally in the control center coordinating the attacks. They also warned U.S. allies in the Middle East that they would face retaliation if America strikes back against any Iranian targets from their bases. 'We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted,' they said. It also threatened Israel. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were spotted arriving at the White House soon after news of the strikes broke. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said on Tuesday night that the missile strikes were an 'act of war' and said Trump had all the power he needed to act. 'This is an act of war by any reasonable definition,' Graham told Fox News' Sean Hannity. 'The President has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond.' People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane carrying 177 passengers crashed near Imam Khomeini airport Rescue workers in protective suits gather up the bodies of passengers who were killed in the Boeing 737 crash in Iran today An aerial view of the crash site where rescuers searched the debris this morning with the cause of the crash still unclear Newlywed Saeed Tahmasebi Khademsadi, 35, pictured with his wife Niloofar Ebrahim, was an engineer at construction firm Laing O'Rourke Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh, 40 (left), was identified as one of the British victims of the Ukrainian Airlines disaster, while BP engineer Sam Zokaei (right) was named as another The Ukrainian pilots and crew of the plane which crashed are captured in an image thought to have been taken in Tehran shortly before their doomed flight House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted that the U.S., as well as the rest of the world, 'cannot afford war'. 'Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war,' she tweeted. After the strikes, Saeed Jalili - a former Iranian nuclear negotiator and foreign minister - posted a picture of the Islamic Republic's flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others in the drone strike in Baghdad. Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported, Brynjar Stordal, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces said. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Tuesday it would ban U.S. carriers from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia after the missile attack on U.S.-led forces. Earlier on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the United States should anticipate retaliation from Iran over the killing in Iraq of Soleimani. 'I think we should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form,' Esper told a news briefing at the Pentagon, adding that such retaliation could be through Iran-backed proxy groups outside of Iran or 'by their own hand.' 'We're prepared for any contingency. And then we will respond appropriately to whatever they do.' Trump had also earlier told reporters about the prospect of an Iranian attack: 'We're totally prepared.' 'They're going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly,' he said from the Oval Office during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Meanwhile, early reports of an attack at the al-Taji military base, just outside Baghdad, was later reported as a drill. Local reports initially suggested that five rockets had struck the base after 'shelter in place' sirens were heard ringing out around the compound. Sirens were also heard blaring out inside the U.S. consulate in Erbil, which was one of the bases struck in the missile attack. Muslim worshippers hold a candlelight vigil in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, to honour Iran's slain general Soleimani Shia Muslims prayed in support of Soleimani in Pakistan as Iran launched what it said were revenge strikes on the US Iran said the attack, dubbed Operation Martyr Soleimani, was launched hours after the funeral service for General Qassem Soleimani (pictured) - who was killed in a US drone strike - had finished Mourners attend funeral and burial of General Soleimani in his hometown in Kerman early Wednesday morning People lower the coffin of Qassem Soleimani into his grave in the city of Kerman, central Iran Mourners rush to lay their hands on the coffin of General Soleimani before it is lowered into a grave in the cit of Kerman Was the Ukrainian jet brought down by an Iranian missile - or were the 176 people on board killed by a mechanical failure? Here are the five key theories Theory one: Mechanical failure or pilot error Iranian authorities have said that initial investigations point to either an engine failure - or a catastrophic pilot error. The three-year-old Boeing 737 jet came down just three minutes after take-off from Imam Khomeini International Airport. Iranian officials said the pilot had lost control of the Boeing jet after a fire struck one of the plane's engines, but said the crew had not reported an emergency and did not say what caused the fire. Footage of the crash appears to show the plane streaking downwards with a small blaze on the wing, near its jet engines (pictured above on the ground). But critics have questioned the Iranian account, calling it the 'fastest investigation in aviation history' - and said the Boeing 737 has a largely outstanding safety record with no recent history of an engine failure of this kind. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has instructed prosecutors to open criminal proceedings - a clear signal that he is unsure about Iran's version of events. His Government also revealed the plane was inspected just two days ago. Theory two: Accidentally hit by an Iranian missile The plane came down shortly after Iran launched its missile attacks Iraq with tens of ballistic weapons fired from the rogue state. Photographs of the downed Ukrainian airlines jet show that the fuselage appears to be peppered with shrapnel damage. Experts have said that an engine fire or pilot error does not explain those holes (pictured). Ilya Kusa, a Ukrainian international affairs expert, said amid the US-Iranian tensions and said: 'It is difficult not to connect the plane crash with the US-Iran confrontation. The situation is very difficult. One must understand that this happened shortly after Iran's missile attacks on US military facilities'. Just hours before the crash, the US Federal Aviation Administration had banned US airlines from flying over Iran, Iraq and the waters of the Persian Gulf due to the Middle East crisis. This was due to the possibility of missiles flying towards Iraq - and airlines are still skirting the region as they head to and from Asia. Theory three: Jet was deliberately brought down by a missile Video footage tweeted by the BBC's Iran correspondent, Ali Hashem, appeared to show the plane already burning in the sky before it crashed in a massive explosion. It sparked speculation that the jet could have been shot down accidentally by nervous Iranian air defence soldiers, hours after Iran fired 22 ballistic missiles at US bases in retaliation for the killing of general Qassem Soleimani. But there is a major question mark over whether Iran would shoot down a plane with so many of its own citizens on board. Many of the world's major airlines have stopped flying through or even near Iranian airspace as they cross the globe amid safety fears after US/Iran tensions boiled over in the past week. Iran is a key ally of Vladimir Putin's Russia, which grabbed Crimea from Ukraine and has been involved in an on-off conflict with its neighbour since 2014. Russia has denied shooting down the ill-fated MH17 jet five years ago - but experts say otherwise with three Russians arrested over the disaster. Theory four: An accidental drone strike Experts have speculated that the Ukrainian aircraft could have collided with a military drone before crashing. The drone may have smashed into the engine - or been sucked in - with the pilot unsighted because it was after dark. This could cause an explosion and the fire seen as the plane hit the ground (pictured). Experts said Iranian were in the air at the time - in case the US decided to fight back - and not always picked up by radar. Russian military pilot Vladimir Popov said: 'It could have been an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, which are small in size and poorly visible on radars. A plane in a collision could get significant damage and even catch fire in the air.' Theory five: Sabotage or a terror attack Aviation experts have urged investigators to rule out whether the plane was brought down by terrorists or as an act of sabotage. They say that while a flaming engine is highly unusual, the sudden loss of data communications from the plane is even more so. This could be caused by a bomb, that blew up after the 737 took to the air, wrecking its systems. An electronic jammer weapon that knocked out the plane's controls could also explain it. British expert Julian Bray said it 'could be an altitude triggered device set to detonate during take off. Unusual that engine seen to be on fire before crash, points to catastrophic incident' or being 'deliberately brought down'. He added that based on the footage pilot error looks 'unlikely'. Experts have said that if the black box is not recovered by Iranian security officials (pictured) from the wreckage it could point to it being a deliberate act. After the crash the Ukrainian embassy in Tehran reported that the crash had been caused by an engine failure rather than terrorism - but this was later deleted on social media. Advertisement The strikes by Iran were a major escalation of tensions that have been rising steadily across the Mideast following months of threats and attacks after Trump's decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. Soleimani's killing and Iran's missile strikes also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. After the strikes, Saeed Jalili - a former Iranian nuclear negotiator - posted a picture of the Islamic Republic's flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others in the drone strike in Baghdad It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two nations, which have been foes since the days immediately following Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The revenge attack came a mere few hours after crowds in Iran mourned Soleimani and as the U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the region's waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. The U.S. Air Force launched a drill with 52 fighter jets in Utah on Monday, just days after Trump threatened to hit 52 sites in Iran. Meanwhile a stampede broke out Tuesday at Soleimani's funeral in his hometown of Kerman and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession, Iranian news reports said. There was no information about what set off the crush in the packed streets. Online videos showed only its aftermath: people lying apparently lifeless, their faces covered by clothing, emergency crews performing CPR on the fallen and onlookers wailing and crying out to God. A procession in Tehran on Monday drew over one million people in the Iranian capital, crowding both main avenues and side streets. Hossein Salami, Soleimani's successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard, addressed a crowd of supporters gathered at the coffin in a central square in Kernan. He vowed to avenge Soleimani, saying: 'We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about'. The al-Asad base for American and coalition troops (pictured above in December) was struck by missiles 'clearly launched from Iran', U.S. officials say The Haryana government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British Council, India aimed at strengthening the relations between India and the UK and to promote tourism. The MoU was signed in the presence of Haryana Tourism Minister Kanwar Pal and North India Director of British Council Tom Birtwistle here. Pal said the three-year agreement was signed in the field of tourism and crafts. The MoU was signed between the Surajkund Mela Authority and the British Council, he said. Describing the MoU as a "milestone" in the history of the annual Surajkund Mela, the minister said the fair, which will be held from February 1 to 16 in Faridabad, will enable Haryana to gain more popularity globally. He said the British Council will organise several programmes such as training of artisans and development of business models for them in association with Haryana. Birtwistle expressed happiness over the agreement with the Surajkund Mela Authority, saying it will give the craftsmen of the two countries an opportunity to showcase their talent at an international platform. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Egyptian pharmaceutical industry is at risk due to a number of governmental policies that need to be reviewed, but it has a room to grow thanks to number of options that can be tapped to overcome the industrys obstacles, according to a new report released on Wednesday by SHUAA securities. The report said that although the countrys large population, favourable demographics, and high ailment rates are in the Egyptian pharmaceutical industry's favour, drug makers are suffering from high costs of operations because a considerable portion of their pharmaceuticals ingredients are imported, exposing them to fluctuations in global prices and Forex risk. Key challenges to the industry, according to the report, include the governments enforcement of drug pricing, private multinationals' dominance of the market, the delayed implementation of a comprehensive increase in pharmaceutical prices, the depreciation of the Egyptian pound, and the wide spread of counterfeit medicines. Another core challenge the industry faces is that is still subject to price control by the government, so drug makers always find their margins at risk and are vulnerable to loss-making products they sometimes must manufacture. Nevertheless, there is room for the industry to grow, the report said, as Egypt has one of the lowest rates of total healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP at 4 percent, which paves the way for more investment inflows into the pharmaceuticals industry. The industry is dominated by multinational manufacturers that account for 69 percent of total pharmaceutical sales, while local companies are left with the remaining 31 percent. According the report, the total production of pharmaceuticals in Egypt grew at an eight-year CAGR of 5.8 percent to EGP 23.2 billion by 2016/17. On average, private sector companies captured 84 percent of total production from 2008/09 to 2016/17, while the public sector accounts for just 16 percent. The report said that only five state-owned pharmaceutical companies are listed on the EGX with a total market share of 6 percent in terms of sales, while the remaining private sector companies either multinational branches or local hold the lions share, commanding 94 percent of the market as of December 2018. It also said that multinational companies make up 69 percent of Egypts total pharma sales, which amounted to EGP 66.6 billion in 2018, and up to EGP 57.2 billion in by the third quarter of 2019, while local companies accounted for 31 percent. Novartis, Glaxosmithkline, and Sanofi are the market giants in terms of their total pharma sales, which stood at EGP 4.9 billion, EGP 4.1 billion, and EGP 3.5 billion respectively in 2018. Meanwhile, Pharco, Amoun, and EIPICO (PHAR) topped the local manufacturers with sales of EGP 3.4 billion, EGP 3.3 billion, and EGP 2.3 billion respectively, the report said. In addition, two price hikes relieved some of the producers burden, as the margins of all manufacturers have been pressured on the back of expensive raw materials and fixed prices of end products. The Ministry of Health provided manufacturers with two breathtaking opportunities in the form of price increases in 2016 and 2017, but producers are still looking forward to more hikes in the future, reads the report. Dealing with the industrys current situation, SHUAA said that there are merger and acquisition opportunities, especially involving state-owned manufacturers, and that new IPOs should attract more investments and inject more liquidity into the industry, which can help the industry overcome its challenges. Furthermore, the report set a number of main solutions for the industry, including medicine re-pricing, which would help improve local sales growth for all drug makers and relieve the pressure on their margins built up by increasing raw materials bills. It also suggested that a stronger pound against the US dollar and mergers and acquisitions in the industry could lead to further consolidation which would help improve profitability margins, while new IPOs may help in re-rating EGX-listed stocks if valued at higher valuation multiples. Search Keywords: Short link: The Union Home Ministry has issued revised guidelines for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters with other nations as part of the government's policy of zero tolerance for crime and in an endeavour to fast track the dispensation of justice. India has signed Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT) with 42 countries for cooperation in criminal matters and the home ministry is the designated 'central authority' for the country for it, an official statement said. In furtherance to the government's policy of zero tolerance for crime and in an endeavour to fast track the dispensation of justice, the home ministry has taken steps to enhance and streamline the process of international mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, it said. The revised guidelines for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters were issued by the home ministry in December 2019. Under the MLAT, a country can request for obtaining evidence for criminal investigations and prosecutions. The evidence includes witness statements or the service of documents among others. The revised guidelines provide step-by-step guidance to the investigation agencies for drafting and processing letters rogatory or mutual legal assistance requests and service of summons, notices and other judicial documents. By incorporating various legal and technological developments in the recent years, it aims to make the documentation in this regard more precise and focused as well as compliant with international requirements, the statement said. The guidelines have also taken into account the concerns raised by various courts for prompt and timely responses in service of documents on persons residing abroad. As an initiative, the revised guidelines have provision for service of documents on authorities of foreign country preferably within 10 days of receipt of request in respect of offences committed against women and children. Training in mutual legal assistance in criminal matters has also been taken up for investigators, prosecutors and judicial officers. The transnational nature of crime and digital explosion has blurred geographical boundaries for criminal activities. Availability of evidence and criminals outside the sovereign jurisdiction of countries has necessitated the transformation of scope and nature of conventional investigation. India has entered into Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties and agreements with 42 countries and is signatory to various international conventions -- UNCAC, UNTOC etc. Generally, assistance is sought and received in the form of mutual legal assistance requests or letters rogatory and service of summons, notices, judicial documents on persons residing abroad. In order to streamline the process of rendering or seeking such assistance, the home ministry had issued guidelines regarding investigation abroad and issue of letters rogatory in 2007 and regarding service of summons, notices or judicial process on the persons residing abroad in 2009. Over the decade, there have been substantial changes in international cooperation based on new legislations, regulations and conventions and amendment in procedural laws all over the world including India, the statement said. These changes necessitated the need for comprehensive review of existing guidelines to keep them abreast the modern era requirements, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned Washington against any more provocation It also warned its allies not to allo... Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned Washington against any more provocation It also warned its allies not to allow US use their territories to launch a retaliatory attack. We warn the Great Satan, the bloodthirsty and arrogant regime of the US, that any new wicked act or more moves and aggressions (against Iran) will bring about more painful and crushing responses, the IRGC said in a statement on Wednesday. The force is headed by Major General Hossein Salami. IRGC made the statement after its forces targeted the US airbase of Ain al-Assad in Anbar province, western Iraq, and then launched a second wave of attacks. We are warning all US allies who gave their bases to its terrorist army that any territory that in any way becomes the starting point of hostile and aggressive acts against the Islamic Republic of Iran will be targeted, the statement added. We in no way consider the Zionist regime (of Israel) to be separated from the criminal US regime in these crimes, it said. The IRGC further urged the American people to call for the return of US forces from the region in order to prevent further losses and not to allow the Washington government to put the lives of American troops at risk any more. The attack on the US major air base in Iraq came after Iran pledged to retaliate the US assassination of top Iranian anti-terror commander, Lt. Gen. Soleimani. Tens of surface-to-surface missiles were fired at the strategic airbase but the exact number is now known now. The attack was later confirmed by the US officials. The strike comes as no surprise since Iran had vowed to take a harsh revenge. Sirens were reportedly heard and American helicopters flew over the airbase and the total alert was activated. US President Donald Trump was being briefed about the retaliatory strikes. We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team, White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said in a statement. MANILA, Philippines The recruitment agency that deployed Jeanelyn Villavende to work as domestic helper in Kuwait has been suspended, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) said Wednesday. POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia said the 5-star recruitment and manpower agency that deployed Villavende was ordered suspended on January 2 for its alleged inaction over her complaints of maltreatment and underpayment of salary. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) earlier revealed that as early as September, the victim repeatedly sent requests for repatriation to her recruitment agency before she was killed in December. DOLE has directed the recruitment agency to explain its lack of action on Villavendes case. Inamin naman nila na hindi sila nakapagbigay ng monitoring report and thats the reason why there was a disciplinary action imposed upon the agency, Olalia said. The POEA official, however, clarified the agencys license is not yet suspended as the investigation is still ongoing. Were still awaiting the appropriate administrative case that will be filed if ever there is any against the said agency, he said. Preliminary reports submitted by Labor Attache Nasser Mustafa of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Kuwait revealed that Villavende was beaten to death, purportedly by her employer, and was already dead when brought to a hospital. Attending nurses reported that she was black and blue. The Kuwaiti employer has been detained by authorities and awaiting the filing of charges. The Philippine government has since stopped sending newly-hired household service workers to Kuwait. DOLE said the partial deployment ban may remain until justice is service for Villavende. This is not the first time that the Philippines imposed a deployment ban of Filipino workers to Kuwait. In 2018, a total deployment ban was implemented after a string of reports of Filipino workers being abused and killed in Kuwait, including household service worker Joanna Demafelis, whose body was found inside a freezer in an abandoned apartment. The ban was lifted months later after the Philippine and Kuwaiti governments signed a labor pact for the protection of Filipino workers there. RRD (with details from Correspondent Aiko Miguel) The post POEA suspends recruitment agency over death of Filipino worker in Kuwait appeared first on UNTV News. 20 years after their first self-titled studio album, country music group Rascal Flatts is calling it quits after one more tour. The group, comprised of Gary LeVox, 49, Jay DeMarcus, 48, and Joe Don Rooney, 44, all appeared on CBS This Morning to announce their final tour, Rascal Flatts Farewell: Life Is A Highway Tour. Tickets will be on sale in the coming weeks, through the first ever Live Nation Country Megaticket, with the country stars explaining why they're having their farewell tour this year. Farewell: 20 years after their first self-titled studio album, country music group Rascal Flatts is calling it quits after one more tour Last tour: The group, comprised of Gary LeVox, 49, Jay DeMarcus, 48, and Joe Don Rooney, 44, all appeared on CBS This Morning to announce their final tour, Rascal Flatts Farewell: Life Is A Highway Tour 'We haven't really had a break in 20 years, you know, or even had time to reflect. Our fans have given us so much and we've achieved so many milestones in our career,' LeVox said. Rooney added, 'We want to say thank you for all these years, all these memories we've stockpiled. It's our way of showing appreciation and, with a humble heart, saying thank you.' When asked if they have made any plans beyond the tour, DeMarcus said they haven't, adding, 'we want to take the year and focus on a celebration of thanking our fans for 20 wonderful years. Reflect: 'We haven't really had a break in 20 years, you know, or even had time to reflect. Our fans have given us so much and we've achieved so many milestones in our career,' LeVox said No plans: When asked if they have made any plans beyond the tour, DeMarcus said they haven't, adding, 'we want to take the year and focus on a celebration of thanking our fans for 20 wonderful years DeMarcus also joked that road years, 'are like dog years, you age seven years for every year.' When CBS' Gayle King mentioned that they're all under the age of 50, and asked if they were just tired, or if anybody is sick, and LeVox said no one was sick. 'You get to a certain point in your career where we've been blessed enough, so many hits, so many number 1's, that you actually compete with yourself on radio,' LeVox said. Dog years: DeMarcus also joked that road years, 'are like dog years, you age seven years for every year He said they are going to take 12 months to 'celebrate our rear ends off with our fans who have gave us everything.' When King asked if they would ultimately come together at a later time, DeMarcus said, 'we may do it again someday' adding they're not going to 'sign a pact' that they would never tour again, adding they all still 'love each other.' They added that the sent out a letter just a night before the announcement, telling them they have a year to get ready for the group's farewell. Celebrate: He said they are going to take 12 months to 'celebrate our rear ends off with our fans who have gave us everything' DeMarcus added that it was a hard letter to write because some of their staff members, 'have been there since Day 1.' LeVox also confirmed that they do have, 'new music coming this year' along with 'other surprises throughout the year.' Fans can visit RascalFlatts.com/FarewellTour for the full tour dates, which starts June 11 in Indianapolis, and concludes October 17 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Farewell letter: DeMarcus added that it was a hard letter to write because some of their staff members, 'have been there since Day 1' The apex court's suggestion gains significance in the backdrop of the violence which broke out between the lawyers and the police on court complexes in Delhi, as also in other court premises susceptible to violence. New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Wednesday recommended the Centre to examine the possibility of a separate cadre within the CISF to secure courts. Apparently referring to the recent violent clashes between the lawyers and the police at the Tis Hazari court complex, a bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant said the incident could have been averted had CISF been deployed there. The Chief Justice said that he has communicated to the Ministry of Home Affairs to consider a CISF wing for courts. In November last year, a disagreement between lawyers and police officers turned violent at the Tis Hazari court complex. As a consequence, scores of police personnel and lawyers got involved in violent clashes, leaving many injured. The apex court told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that the authorities concerned could look into establishing a separate cadre of CISF which would provide security in certain courts after a decision is taken by the Chief Justice of the high courts on the deployment of CISF. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing as an amicus curiae on the matter, suggested that bar bodies should be made stakeholders in this proposal, as there is a possibility of problems for lawyers. He also recommended to get the Bar Council of India (BCI) on board for their views on the matter. After a brief hearing in the matter, the court issued a notice to the BCI and sought its reply within two weeks. ss/arm Written by Carri Wilbanks Jan 6, 2020 Denver is one of the hottest urban destinations in America right now, and one if its greatest assets is the easy access to natural attractions like hiking trails. There are literally hundreds of hikes you can do within a two-hour-drive radius of the Mile High City. And these cater to all styles of outdoor enthusiastsfrom families with small children looking for an easy loop to more adventurous types hoping to challenge themselves on steep and rocky high alpine terrain. Many of the hikes near Denver listed here are inside parks, be it city, like Chautauqua Park in downtown Boulder, or national and legendary, like Rocky Mountain National Park about 90 minutes northwest of Denver. Within the parks, you'll find dozens of trails, from easy to difficult. We've also listed a few stand-alone hiking trails we love for you to check out. So whether you want to summit a 14er, like Pikes Peak outside of Colorado Springs, on a seriously epic day hike, or just take a stroll along a creek, we have a trail for you in our list of the best hikes near Denver. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. Award winning restaurant, Yauatcha set to open in Riyadh "Yauatcha isn't just another Chinese restaurant - it's blazing a trail on exemplary cuisine." Past News Releases RSS Al Khozama, a leading developer of luxurious commercial properties in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Hakkasan Group have joined forces to bring world-class Cantonese fare to Riyadhs newly refurbished Al Faisaliah Mall - MODE. Opening in the coming weeks, Yauatcha is an innovative dining experience combining dim sum, tea, mocktails and juices, and European patisserie. Yauatcha, founded in 2004 in the heart of Soho, London, is perfect for culture-seekers and the culinary adventurous. Every aspect of the restaurants interior design encapsulates the key elements and characteristics of the London flagship restaurant. Across its two floors, guests are privy to the dynamic energy coming from the visible kitchens, the peaceful aquariums, the signature pastel palette of blues, pinks and greens as well as the starry sky in the juice bar, which has become synonymous with the restaurants eminent style. Influenced by Feng Shui principles, the design aesthetic provides an elegant yet comfortable ambiance in which to enjoy a meal and social drinks. The all-day dim sum dining experience is ideal for a light lunch or dinner of steamed, baked, grilled or fried dim sum or larger feasts of duck, fish and noodle dishes. Yauatcha is also famed for its wide selection of teas and assorted patisseries and is a popular destination for mocktails with friends or colleagues. Yauatcha isnt just another Chinese restaurant its blazing a trail on exemplary cuisine. We recognise that Saudi Arabia is a well-travelled nation with high expectations for unique experiences. Yauatcha really embraces the innovative, forward-thinking aspects of modern Cantonese culture and has a fresh and immersive take on fine dining, complementing Saudi Arabias sophisticated palate, says Grant MacPherson, Senior Vice President of Restaurants for Hakkasan Group. The unique menu, packed with auspicious ingredients, is an incarnation of authentic Chinese heritage with regional Cantonese cooking techniques, offering a wide range of sumptuous dim sum as well as the star dishes it shares with its sister restaurant, Hakkasan, such as the famous Crispy Duck Salad. Enjoying equal importance within the Yauatcha brand is the in-house and standalone patisserie. The French-inspired confectionaries shape the concept of a modern patisserie, bringing a melange of delectable desserts to the fore from macarons to petits gateaux and chocolates, all artfully presented. This is Yauatchas Middle East debut and is the first Hakkasan Group brand to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Yauatcha has branches in Londons Soho and City district, along with Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata in India. More information can be found at; Website: https://yauatcha.sa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YauatchaRiyadh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/YauatchaRiyadh/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/YauatchaRiyadh ABOUT HAKKASAN GROUP Hakkasan Group is a renowned worldwide hospitality company with establishments across North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa. Its namesake is taken from its Michelin star restaurant that set the best-in-class standard for the diverse brands in the groups collection. Its brand first philosophy creates restaurant, nightlife and daylife venues into a world-class hospitality portfolio, all with a focus on service, design, and innovation that together, craft remarkable experiences for its guests. Its restaurant properties include Hakkasan, with 12 locations worldwide, Ling Ling, Yauatcha, Sake no Hana, Casa Calavera, Herringbone and Searsucker. Concepts under the nightlife umbrella are Hakkasan, Omnia, Jewel and 1Oak Nightclub; and daylife brands include Omnia, Wet Republic and Liquid. For more information, visit http://www.hakkasangroup.com or connect with us on Facebook Twitter and Instagram @hakkasangroup. ABOUT AL KHOZAMA Al Khozama Management Company is a leading developer and manager of luxurious commercial properties in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Al Khozama owns and manages a portfolio of properties, including hotels and resorts, offices, retail operations and more. Named by the World Travel Awards as Saudi Arabias leading luxury hospitality company for 2019, Al Khozama manages six hotels, including Al Faisaliah Hotel, Al Faisaliah Suites, Hotel Al Khozama, Bay La Sun Hotel & Marina, Views Hotel & Residences, & Al Bustan Residences. For more information, visit: alkhozama.com Contact: Leah Tedrow ltedrow@evoke-international.com +971 52 1230 186 +971 42460234 The Trump administration has reacted to the missile attack by Iran on US bases in Iraq. Iran had announced that it carried out a ... The Trump administration has reacted to the missile attack by Iran on US bases in Iraq. Iran had announced that it carried out a successful operation called Operation Martyr Soleimani, with the code Oh Zahra. The facilities include Erbil in northern Iraq and Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq. It is not yet clear if there are any casualties. We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq, said White House Press Secretary, Stephanie Grisham. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. The Pentagon also confirmed the attacks in a statement. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, it said. Dominic Raab, pictured in Brussels for talks with EU ministers yesterday, has condemned the missile attacks carried out by Iran in Iraq overnight on bases housing British troops Dominic Raab today condemned Iran's missile attacks on two military bases in Iraq containing US and British troops - and urged it not to escalate the situation. The Foreign Secretary called the strikes on camps in Erbil in northern Iraq and 200 miles south at the Ain al-Asad airbase 'reckless' and 'dangerous', adding: 'A war in the Middle East would only benefit terrorist groups.' He also caused confusion by voicing concern at 'reports of casualties' - although the UK, US and Iraq have all said they did not suffer casualties. Government sources suggested he had been referring to the possibility of local injuries. The missiles were launched in retaliation for the killing of Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike ordered by Donald Trump at Baghdad airport on Friday. The US says the notorious general was plotting terrorist attacks and it acted in self-defence. The Iranian action appears to have been carefully calibrated to satisfy the anger of hardliners, while minimising the chances of the situation spiralling out of control. Mr Trump had threatened a 'disproportionate' response if any US personnel were killed in retribution. In his statement this morning, Mr Raab said: 'We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting Coalition - including British - forces. We are concerned by reports of casualties and use of ballistic missiles. 'We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation. A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups.' Multiple rockets were launched by Iran at Al-Asad airbase in Iraq (pictured)_ that is home to US and coalition forces, including British troops Residents inspect a crater caused by an Iranian missile strike on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq Some Iranians celebrated in the streets last night as news of the missile attacks emerged Paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces and local tribal militias participate in the military operations of the Iraqi army Seventh Brigade near the Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar, Iraq Iran fired 'more than a dozen' ballistic missiles last night against two airbases in Iraq where US and coalition forces, including British troops, are based. But Tom Tugendhat, the Tory MP who chaired the defence committee during the last parliament, voiced relief that the reprisals appeared to have been limited. He said the Iran attack on US military bases in Iraq was 'not hugely surprising', and it would be 'extremely welcome' if both sides could now 'get back to talking'. PM surfaces to be quizzed by MPs for the first time since the Iran crisis kicked off Boris Johnson finally surfaced to be grilled on the Iran crisis today - five days after the drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani. Mr Johnson took PMQs in the Commons - the first time he has been seen in public since returning from his Caribbean holiday on Sunday. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was sent to update MPs on the situation last night, And Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been doing most media appearances on the issue since the weekend. There have been claims the government was 'caught short' by the developments over the festive period. But No10 has insisted Mr Johnson has been working with other leaders behind the scenes to defuse the crisis. Advertisement Mr Tugendhat told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'As far as I'm aware, it is the first time Iranian ballistic missiles have been fired directly at US bases. 'That is slightly caveating it, because of course the Iranians have been firing missiles via proxy for many, many years.' He added: 'If both sides can declare victory and get back to talking, then that would be extremely welcome.' Boris Johnson will finally face questions from MP over the crisis later as he takes his first PMQs since the election. The premier has not been seen in public since returning from his Caribbean holiday on Sunday - and yesterday sent Defence Secretary Ben Wallace to update the Commons on the standoff. Iran branded the UK a 'partner in crime' of the US by Iranian officials who summoned Robert Macaire, Britain's ambassador to Tehran, to the Iranian foreign ministry yesterday. Mr Wallace told the House last night that non-essential British personnel had now been withdrawn from the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, to a base 40 miles north of the city. Mr Wallace also told the Commons military helicopters and ships were currently 'on standby', in case British soldiers and civilians needed to be evacuated from the region. HMS Montrose and HMS Defender will resume their duties escorting British-flagged ships through the Straits of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. The vital shipping lane became a flash-point for heightened US-Iran tensions when two tankers were attacked and a British-vessel was seized by Revolutionary Guard commandos last July. Mr Wallace said the assassinated general had not been a 'friend' to peace, and added that Tehran's actions had been stoking problems in the region by coordinating proxy militias. He repeated Washington's view that Soleimani had been plotting attacks on US targets when he was killed, adding: 'The UK has always defended the right of countries to defend themselves.' But one Iranian diplomat claimed Britain should have condemned the killing, saying: 'The message was that we expected the British government to condemn the act of terror, and we are not happy that they did not.' The attack, dubbed operation 'Martyr Soleimani' in Iran, came in three waves just after midnight, sources said. The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) Nine Iranian rockets hit the Ain al-Asad airbase in the west of Iraq, the largest of the Iraqi military compounds where foreign troops are based Iran swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack on two Iraqi bases and threatened 'more crushing responses' if Washington retaliated Iran swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack, with state TV saying it had launched 'tens of missiles' on the base and promised 'more crushing responses' if the US carried out further strikes. Iran threatened 'more crushing responses' if Washington carried out further strikes, the Islamic Republic's state media said. It said the missiles were in response to a US strike last week that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi military commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. The Pentagon said Iran had fired more than a dozen missiles against Ain al-Asad and another installation hosting US and coalition forces near Arbil. It said bases hosting foreign troops had expected an attack and had been on 'high alert' for days. Mr Trump was 'monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team', according to the White House. The attack came after pro-Tehran factions in Iraq had vowed to join forces to 'respond' to the killing of Soleimani and Muhandis last week. Soleimani was seen as the 'godfather' of Tehran's proxy network across the region and Muhandis, one of his top advisors, was the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military network. An Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting video allegedly showed rockets launched from Iran against the US military base in Ein-al Asad in Iraq Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike at Baghdad airport on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of Iranians flooded the streets to follow his funeral procession Defence Secretary Ben Wallace speaking in the House of Commons yesterday said Britain would do 'what it has to do' to defend itself if Iran attacked its personnel Many factions within the Hashed, which has been incorporated into the Iraqi state, have ties to Tehran. A hardline Hashed faction issued its fiercest threat yet to retaliate last night. 'The US Marines must immediately return to their dens to make their coffins,' said Akram al-Kaabi, head of the Harakat al-Nujaba group. 'The International Resistance Regiments have been formed in order to execute a harsh, deliberate response to the American terrorist forces,' Kaabi added. His deputy had earlier called for an urgent meeting to unite anti-American forces across Iraq. 'We will wage a war against the American presence in all parts of the region that we can reach,' said Nasr al-Shammary. United Wholesale Mortgage shattered an industry record in 2019, posting more volume than any other wholesale lender in history. The Michigan-based wholesaler posted $107.7 billion in mortgage volume in 2019, breaking the previous industry record of $103.3 billion set in 2005 by Countrywide Financial. UWM also more than doubled its 2018 production of $41.5 billion and locked its title as the nations top wholesale lender for the fifth consecutive year. We are proud of this amazing growth in 2019, which is truly tied to our mortgage broker clients, along with our 5,000 team members at UWM, said Mat Ishbia, president and CEO of UWM. We are ready for 2020 and will continue to stay focused on helping our clients compete and win. After launching ballistic missiles targeting Iraqi bases hosting American troops, the Iranian government says it does not want an "escalation of war," but has promised a "crushing and widespread" response if the U.S. retaliates. Early Wednesday morning, Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at bases in western and northern Iraq. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said this was "revenge" for President Trump authorizing an airstrike last week that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Ali Arouzi, Tehran bureau chief for NBC News, tweeted that Iran has said "if there is no retaliation from America for these latest attacks then they will stop attacking. But if America attacks, then their response will be crushing and widespread." This would include launching more missiles meant to "destroy Dubai and Haifa" in Israel. On Twitter, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that Tuesday's strikes were launched in self-defense, due to the "cowardly armed attack" against Soleimani, adding, "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." More stories from theweek.com Iran has offered Trump an 'off-ramp' from war, and there's growing speculation he might take it Pence says Americans are 'safer today' following Soleimani's death Joe Biden's free ride is over Oriol Junqueras in Congress in May of last year. Uly Martin The European Parliament on Monday issued an internal communication stating that at a debate on January 13, it will take note of the election of Catalan politicians Oriol Junqueras, Carles Puigdemont and Toni Comin as Members of the European Parliament (MEP). But in the case of Catalan Republican Left (ERC) leader Junqueras, his future as an MEP lies in the hands of the Spanish justice system. Junqueras is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence after being convicted of sedition and misuse of funds by Spains Supreme Court for his role in the 2017 secessionist drive in the northeastern Spanish region, which saw an illegal referendum on independence held on October 1 and a subsequent unilateral declaration of independence passed in the regional parliament. At the time of the events in 2017, Junqueras was deputy regional premier, while Puigdemont was premier and Toni Comin a minister in the regional government. The latest developments could put the issue of Catalonia back on the agenda of the European Parliament In the wake of the events of 2017, the central government in Madrid took control of Catalonias regional powers under Article 155 of the Constitution, and sacked the regional government. Puigdemont, Comin and several other politicians fled Spain to avoid arrest, while Junqueras and 12 other pro-independence leaders faced trial in the Supreme Court. Despite their legal difficulties, Junqueras, Puigdemont and Comin ran as candidates in last years European elections, and were successfully elected as MEPs. Since then, however, they have been subject to a legal wrangle as to whether or not they can take their seats. In December of last year, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that Junqueras became an MEP as soon as he was elected on May 26, and should have enjoyed parliamentary immunity from that moment on. But he was unable to be sworn in, neither in Spain nor at the European Parliament, given that at the time he was in preventive custody in Soto del Real prison in Madrid ahead of the conclusion of the Supreme Court trial. Carles Puigdemont with his accreditiation as an MEP. Johanna Geron (Reuters) The internal communication sent via email on Monday by the European Parliament regarding Junqueras, Puigdemont and Comin, to which EL PAIS has had access, is in line with the CJEU ruling, and was sent in order to put into action the bureaucratic measures necessary when new MEPs arrive in Brussels. Thanks to the CJEU ruling, Carles Puigdemont and Toni Comin collected their permanent credentials as MEPs earlier this week. But the European Parliament had apparently ignored a written notification from Spains National Electoral Commission (JEC) stating that Junqueras could not be sworn in as an MEP given his Supreme Court conviction. On Friday, the JEC which is made up of eight magistrates from the Supreme Court ruled that under Spanish law, Junqueras could not be an MEP given that those who are convicted by a final sentence, to a term of imprisonment, are ineligible [for office] while the sentence lasts. The ERC has appealed the decision, however, and the Supreme Court could reverse it, allowing Junqueras who served as an MEP between 2009 and 2012 to return to the European Parliament. The Spanish justice system has been trying for years to have the Catalan politicians who fled Spain extradited to face trial On Monday, the European Parliament claimed not to have received the communication from the JEC. But a day later, it admitted that it had arrived on Friday, but that it was not opened until Monday morning and did not arrive with the relevant internal services until Monday evening, hours after Junqueras had already been recognized as an MEP. Despite now being aware of the JECs communication on the status of Junqueras, the European Parliament will not change its position, and will treat him as just another MEP at least until the Spanish justice system rules on the matter. The Supreme Court will now have to decide whether the ERC politician should be permitted to serve as an MEP and attend the first debate of the year in Strasbourg, which is scheduled for January 13 more than six months after the current political term began. It is not yet clear which parliamentary group Puigdemont, Comin and Junqueras will join. But the imminent arrival of the former two and the possible arrival of the latter could put the issue of Catalonia back on the agenda of the European Parliament, with the independence drive having been eclipsed by Brexit, climate change, immigration and, more recently, the crisis in the Middle East. The Spanish justice system has been trying for several years now to have the Catalan politicians who fled Spain extradited to face trial, but has so far been unsuccessful. For the Belgian justice system to accept a European arrest warrant for Puigdemont and Comin, the Spanish Supreme Court would have to successfully request their immunity as MEPs to be suspended. This would have to be approved by other members of parliament, and is likely to generate a lively debate during which the pro-independence forces will question the actions of the Spanish justice system. English version by Simon Hunter. A day after actor Deepika Padukone joined students protesting against the recent violence in the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus, director Vikramaditya Motwane on Wednesday hailed the actor's decision and called her a "true hero". The 'Sacred Games' director took to Twitter and said that Padukone's stand will inspire the younger generation of the country to ask questions. "Deepika's stand is going to make a lot of young people question their parents, their peers and their government. Hopefully, they'll go out and educate themselves. And not parrot everything authority tells them. She's a true hero," Motwane's tweet read. Earlier in the day actors Bhumi Pednekar, Huma Qureshi and Sonakshi Sinha also heaped praise on the 'Chhapaak' actor. While Qureshi called Deepika a "Rockstar", Pednekar in her tweet said, "More power to you @deepikapadukone Can't wait to watch #Chappak tonight. United we stand." "No matter which political party you support, do u support violence? Don't visuals of bleeding students and teachers shake you up? We can't sit on the fence any longer. Kudos to @deepikapadukone for showing up, & all those who spoke for speaking up. This is not the time to stay quiet," read Sinha's tweet. Extending support to the actor, director Anurag Kashyap changed his display picture on Twitter to Deepika Padukone's picture from solidarity protest in New Delhi. On Tuesday evening, the Bollywood actor was seen standing with students as the demonstraters raised the slogan of "Jai Bhim-Jai Bhim". She did not issue any statement nor address the students. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump is set to address Americans on his next steps following a retaliatory attack by Iran on American interests. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Iran fired over a dozen ballistic missiles on two Iraqi airbases hosting American troops. No American or Iraqi soldiers are believed to have been killed in the attacks amidst reports that the Iraqis were warned by the Iranians beforehand. The attacks were in retaliation for the assassination of top Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani, by the U.S. After the attacks, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted in the early hours of Wednesday morning that Iran did not seek escalation or war. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched, he wrote. In his first reaction after the attack, Mr Trump tweeted: All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. The American president is now expected to speak on his next line of action. Many world leaders have called for calm and a de-escalation of the violence. Watch Live Stream from The White House here; Follow PREMIUM TIMES for live updates of Mr Trumps speech. Vice President Pence and other top U.S. officials have arrived for the briefing. Trump arrives As long as Im president, Iran will never be allowed to have nuclear weapon. We suffered no casualties, only minimal damage to facilities. No American or Iraqi lives were lost. Iran has been the leading sponsor of terrorism. Their pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens civilised world. As the head of the Quds force, Soleimani was responsible for some of the worst atrocities. In recent days, he was planning new attacks on American targets, but we stopped him. The U.S. will immediately impose additional economic sanctions on Iran. Irans agression increased after the foolish Iran nuclear deal we signed. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end support for terrorists. Advertisements We must all work together towards making a (new) deal with Iran. Today, I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process. We do not need middle east oil. We are now largest oil and gas producer in the world. We killed the savage leader of ISIS, Al-Baghdadi We should work together (with Iran) on this (defeat ISIS) and other priorities. AirVuz an online community and media hosting site for drone pilots and aerial enthusiasts compiled a list of the top-ranked countries for drone videos. The ranking is based on the location of all videos uploaded to drone media site AirVuz.com from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2019. The United States was the most-droned country in the world for all of 2019. This included videos from all over the lower 48 states, plus plenty of footage from the mountains of Alaska and the beaches of Hawaii. Videos from the U.S. included both traditional stabilized camera footage using drones such as the popular DJI Mavic 2 Pro, as well as first-person view videos from drone racing pilots around the country. Turkey, the United Kingdom, Italy and France rounded out the top five most-droned countries. Many of the videos from Turkey featured its historic capital city of Istanbul. Another popular location of Turkey showcased by drone pilots was Cappadocia, famous for its hot air balloons and unique landscapes. Pilots made their way all across the United Kingdom in 2019, with videos spanning from Northern Ireland to Wales to Scotland to many regions of England. Perhaps not surprisingly, Italy and France popular destinations for tourists of all types both made the list. Spain, Germany, Australia and Indonesia followed up as the next four countries on the list, while Greece was the No. 10 most droned country in 2019. Here's the top 10: United States Turkey United Kingdom Italy France Spain Germany Australia Indonesia Greece For those looking to bring a drone while traveling in 2020, be sure to check with the local drone regulations and laws to ensure you fly safely and legally. All of those videos and more can now be streamed to televisions, thanks to Drone TV. The app is free and available on Amazon Fire. For more information, contact Tyler Mason, Director of Public Relations, at [email protected]. SOURCE AirVuz Related Links http://www.airvuz.com Carlos Ghosn is getting ready to speak publicly for the first time since his extraordinary escape last month from house arrest in Japan to his childhood home of Lebanon, a journey which at one point apparently involved stuffing the worlds most famous auto executive into a large black box to avoid detection. The brazen operation has enraged the Japanese, who want Ghosn to stand trial on charges of financial misconduct. Ghosn isnt backing down, and has reportedly promised to use his press conference on Wednesday to name and shame the perpetrators of what he says is a conspiracy.While Lebanons jet set hails Ghosn as a returning hero and Japan impotently calls for his return, there is a pretty obvious silence emanating from one country in particular: France. Ghosns birthplace was Brazil and his family heritage Lebanese, but France is where he earned his academic stripes, climbed the corporate ladder at tire-maker Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, restructured carmaker Renault SA and became the face of its alliance with Japans Nissan Motor Co. Ghosn wasnt just a French citizen, but Frances man in Japan: His dramatic arrest in 2018 came just as he had been exploring a full-blown merger of both companies, a particularly French ambition. Any prospect of score-settling on Ghosns part may put Paris in the spotlight as well.You wouldnt know any of this from Frances official reaction to the Ghosn saga, though. Since his arrival in Lebanon, Parisian officials and politicians have dropped some carefully manicured platitudes, with nary a peep from President Emmanuel Macron (perhaps understandably focused on bigger geopolitical issues in the Middle East). He has the right to consular support, like all French people, Junior Economy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said last month. When you are answerable to the law, you are not above the law, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said this week. And Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian may as well have been washing his hands of the whole thing when he said: This is now a matter for Lebanon and Japan to sort out.Is this really the best France can do? You dont have to be a full-blown believer of Ghosns conspiracy narrative to see how Paris might have put up a more full-throated defense of the Frenchmans treatment at the hands of the Japanese justice system. Only a few hours after Ghosns initial arrest in 2018, his successor at Nissan, Hiroto Saikawa, was able to publicly rail unchallenged against the concentration of power in Ghosns hands and the need to cleanse negative aspects he had left behind hardly a presumption of innocence. Ghosn then spent over 100 days in jail before being released on bail only to be rearrested a month later on new charges. The fact that prosecutors were able to build their case along the way, along with Japans near-perfect conviction rate, was hardly reassuring. SYDNEYAustralian authorities warned people on Wednesday to prepare for another wave of evacuations as temperatures in the countrys southeast began to rise after a days-long cool spell, bringing the danger of revitalized blazes. Firefighters have used the break from extreme heat and high winds to strengthen containment lines around several major fires, as the military continued efforts to provide supplies to thousands of people who have been left homeless. Complicating the recovery effort, authorities have forecast another temperature spike as soon as Friday, with little rain, meaning a return to hazardous conditions. We are going to see some widespread severe fire danger, we are asking people to be ready, New South Wales (NSW) state Rural Fire Services Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told Sky News. More than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of landan area the size of South Koreahave been razed by bushfires that have killed 24 people in recent weeks. Ecologists at the University of Sydney on Wednesday doubled their estimate of the number of animals killed or injured in the fires to 1 billion, as the U.N. World Meteorological Organization confirmed that smoke from the blazes has drifted as far as South America. The three major cities in Australias southeast, Sydney, Melbourne and the capital Canberra, were all blanketed in thick smoke, putting them among the most polluted cities in the world. In rural areas, many towns were without power and telecommunications and some were running low on drinking water supplies. The bushfires crisis follows a three-year drought that has left much of the countrys bushland tinder-dry and vulnerable to fires. Following are some notable news from the latest bushfire season in Australia: Prime Minister Scott Morrison was visiting the popular holiday destination Kangaroo Island, of which a third has been burned, where is expected to announce a A$11 million relief package. Around 70 firefighters from the United States and Canada were due to land in Australia on Wednesday, joining scores of their compatriots already on the ground. In Victoria state, telecommunications company Telstra was working to reconnect several communities. Smoke from wildfires has drifted across the Pacific and affected cities in South America, and may have reached the Antarctic, the U.N. World Meteorological Organization said. There are 127 fires ablaze across NSW, with around 50 uncontained. All the fires were at the advice level, the lowest alert rating. Victoria state had 39 fires with 13 watch and act alerts. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged A$2 billion ($1.37 billion) to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency. More than 100 military personnel were being deployed to help with clean-up efforts across the state. Rural Fire Services Commissioner Fitzsimmons: Hazard reduction burning is really challenging and the single biggest impediment to completing hazard reduction burning is the weather. By Colin Packham and Byron Kaye The growing tension with Iran is merely the latest, most acute example of Mr. Trumps impulse toward global destabilization. Whether its his abandonment of the Kurds in Syria, his antagonism of Americas allies, his coddling of hostile autocrats, his disdain for multilateral agreements or his manipulation of Americas Ukraine policy for his own political gain a move that led to his becoming the third president ever impeached this president has given Americans reason to abandon their complacency on foreign affairs and increase their concern about Mr. Trumps frightening style of leadership. In just a few weeks, the voting in the Democratic contest for president will begin. Voters must now decide whom they trust not only to work with Congress on cutting health care costs and cleaning up the political system but also to navigate a world that Mr. Trump has helped make increasingly unsettled and unsettling. Mr. Biden, a former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is making the case that this calls for a candidate with extensive foreign policy experience. Mr. Sanders, in turn, is touting his antimilitarist credentials as part of his populist platform. I know that it is rarely the children of the billionaire class who face the agony of reckless foreign policy it is the children of working families, he told supporters Friday at an event in Iowa. Mr. Sanderss campaign is also reminding voters that, unlike Mr. Biden, he did not support the Iraq war in 2003. Mr. Buttigieg is playing up his military background. As a military intelligence officer on the ground in Afghanistan, he said Friday at a campaign event in New Hampshire, I was trained to ask these questions before a decision is made. Experience matters. But perhaps more important are temperament and judgment and the candidates philosophies on the use of American power, both hard and soft. Also, the people a president turns to for advice can be as important as his or her own expertise yet another lesson that past presidents have provided by their failures. To aid voters, the moderators for next Tuesdays Democratic debate should set aside time to drill down on everything from what type of advisers candidates would seek out to how they would adjust our relationship with Saudi Arabia to how they would have handled the situation in Syria differently from Mr. Trump or President Barack Obama. New Delhi, Jan 8 : Civil aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation has asked Indian airlines to remain vigilant and take all precautionary measures when flying over the Iranian and Iraqi airspace. The development comes after US-Iran geopolitical tensions in the region escalated on Wednesday. "A meeting was held with all concerned airlines which operate flights over these airspaces," a senior DGCA official told IANS. "We have sensitised them to remain vigilant and take all precautions." At present only Air India uses the Iran-Iraq airspace for operations to Europe and other destinations. Currently, no Indian airline flies directly to Iran. New Delhi: In the wake of Iran's retaliatory missile strikes against the US forces in Iraq, Gold prices soared as much as 2 per cent on Wednesday to vault over the $1,600 ceiling for the first time in nearly seven years, as investors flocked to safe havens. Spot gold jumped 0.8% to $1,585.80 per ounce by 0250 GMT. Prices hit their highest since March 2013 at $1,610.90 earlier in the session. US gold futures rallied 1% to $1,589.30, according to Reuters report. In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran launched a missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq, followed by a "second round" of attacks against US bases in Iraq. The strike by Iran comes hours after the funeral of Tehran`s top military commander Qassem Soleimani whose killing in a US drone strike last week has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump said in a tweet late on Tuesday that an assessment of casualties and damage from the strikes was underway and that he would make a statement on Wednesday morning. Live TV The metal`s 14-day relative strength index (RSI) was around 88. An RSI above 70 indicates a commodity is overbought. Spot gold may break a resistance at $1,614 per ounce and rise towards the next resistance at $1,639, according to Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao. FUNDAMENTALS - Spot gold climbed 1.9% to $1,603.21 per ounce by 0056 GMT. Prices hit their highest since March 2013 at $1,610.90 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures rose 2% to $1,605.80. - The jump in the price of what`s viewed by investors as a safer asset in times of political and economic uncertainty came after Iran`s missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq early on Wednesday. The attack came hours after the funeral of an Iranian commander whose killing in a US drone strike has raised fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. - The United States confirmed reports of the attack by Iran and said President Donald Trump had been briefed and the situation was being monitored. - On the trade front, in a move that would make it tough for Beijing to meet import commitments in its `Phase 1` trade deal with the United States, China will not increase its annual low-tariff import quotas for corn, wheat and rice to accommodate additional purchases of U.S. farm goods. - Elsewhere, palladium hit a fresh all-time peak of $2,056.01 an ounce earlier in the session on a sustained supply deficit and was last down 0.6% to $2,040.57. - Silver jumped 1.2% to $18.60 per ounce, after hitting its highest since late September at $18.71, while platinum advanced 0.3% to $973.95. Among other precious metals, palladium hit a fresh all-time peak of $2,056.01 an ounce earlier in the session on sustained supply deficit and was last down 0.3% to $2,045.08. The autocatalyst metal touched a fresh record high for the third consecutive session. Silver rose 0.8% to $18.53 per ounce, after hitting its highest since early September at $18.85, while platinum edged 0.1% lower to $970.25. (With Reuters Inputs) A British Airways flight to Heathrow was diverted in an apparent move to avoid Iraqi and Iranian airspace. It also follows the crash of a Ukrainian Boeing-737 after taking off from Tehran at around 2.42am this morning, leaving 176 dead. Flight BA134 departed from Mumbai in the early hours of this morning, beginning its usual route towards the UK. Three Britons among 176 dead after Ukrainian plane crashes in Iran But flight maps show the Boeing 777 made a sudden turn as it approached northeastern Iraq, close to the Iranian border. The tracking site FlightRadar24 shows the aircraft break away from its planned route, passing briefly over Iraq and Iran, as it circled back and headed southwest over Kuwait and into Saudi Arabia. The plane then crossed the Egyptian cities of Cairo and Alexandria but instead of continuing on to London, touched down at Athens just after 8am local time (6am UK time). It is understood a number of flights operated by a range of airlines changed course overnight as a result of the Iranian air strike. Iranian Missile Attack - In pictures 1 /16 Iranian Missile Attack - In pictures Pieces of missiles are seen at the rural area of Al-Baghdadi town after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq Anadolu Agency via Getty Images An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq Iraqi security forces find and collect the pieces of missiles as they gather to inspect the site after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq Anadolu Agency via Getty Images A protester waves the Iraq flag while demonstrators set fire to close streets near Tahrir Square during a demonstration to protest against the Iranian missile strike, in Baghdad, Iraq AP Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him addressing a meeting in Teharn Getty Images An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq via Reuters Iraqi security forces and soldiers gather to inspect the site after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq, a facility jointly operated by U.S. and Iraqi forces, at Bardarash district of Erbil in Iraq Anadolu Agency via Getty Images An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq IRIB/AFP via Getty Images Multiple rockets are launched at Al-Asad airbase Multiple rockets are launched at Al-Asad airbase A protester sets fires to close streets near Tahrir Square during a demonstration to protest against the Iranian missile strike AP A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq Reuters British Airways never discusses exact routings for security reasons, but a spokesperson for the airline told the Standard: We are in constant contact with our partners around the world to assess the security of our routes. We will always take action where appropriate, they added. We would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so. Hundreds of flights are continuing to use Iranian and Iraqi airspace. Emirates flight EK1 from Dubai to Heathrow, which took off shortly after the BA flight from Mumbai, followed its normal course over the Gulf. However, US airlines have been prohibited from entering the area after the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) confirmed that "flight restrictions prohibit US civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman". The FAA added that it was "closely monitoring" the situation amid heightened military activities in the region and mounting political tensions in the Middle East. Many US carriers, including American Airlines, Delta and United, are already banned from flying below 26,000ft over Iraq and Iran after a US drone was shot down in June last year. Many investors are still learning about the various metrics that can be useful when analysing a stock. This article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE). By way of learning-by-doing, we'll look at ROE to gain a better understanding of Diploma PLC (LON:DPLM). Over the last twelve months Diploma has recorded a ROE of 19%. Another way to think of that is that for every 1 worth of equity in the company, it was able to earn 0.19. See our latest analysis for Diploma How Do I Calculate Return On Equity? The formula for ROE is: Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) Shareholders' Equity Or for Diploma: 19% = UK62m UK325m (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2019.) It's easy to understand the 'net profit' part of that equation, but 'shareholders' equity' requires further explanation. It is all the money paid into the company from shareholders, plus any earnings retained. The easiest way to calculate shareholders' equity is to subtract the company's total liabilities from the total assets. What Does Return On Equity Mean? ROE looks at the amount a company earns relative to the money it has kept within the business. The 'return' is the yearly profit. A higher profit will lead to a higher ROE. So, as a general rule, a high ROE is a good thing. That means ROE can be used to compare two businesses. Does Diploma Have A Good Return On Equity? One simple way to determine if a company has a good return on equity is to compare it to the average for its industry. However, this method is only useful as a rough check, because companies do differ quite a bit within the same industry classification. Pleasingly, Diploma has a superior ROE than the average (14%) company in the Trade Distributors industry. LSE:DPLM Past Revenue and Net Income, January 8th 2020 That is a good sign. I usually take a closer look when a company has a better ROE than industry peers. One data point to check is if insiders have bought shares recently. Story continues The Importance Of Debt To Return On Equity Most companies need money -- from somewhere -- to grow their profits. That cash can come from retained earnings, issuing new shares (equity), or debt. In the case of the first and second options, the ROE will reflect this use of cash, for growth. In the latter case, the debt used for growth will improve returns, but won't affect the total equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used. Combining Diploma's Debt And Its 19% Return On Equity While Diploma does have some debt, with debt to equity of just 0.13, we wouldn't say debt is excessive. The fact that it achieved a fairly good ROE with only modest debt suggests the business might be worth putting on your watchlist. Judicious use of debt to improve returns can certainly be a good thing, although it does elevate risk slightly and reduce future optionality. The Key Takeaway Return on equity is one way we can compare the business quality of different companies. A company that can achieve a high return on equity without debt could be considered a high quality business. If two companies have the same ROE, then I would generally prefer the one with less debt. Having said that, while ROE is a useful indicator of business quality, you'll have to look at a whole range of factors to determine the right price to buy a stock. It is important to consider other factors, such as future profit growth -- and how much investment is required going forward. So you might want to check this FREE visualization of analyst forecasts for the company. Of course Diploma may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have high ROE and low debt. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald is willing to put celebrating the Twelfth of July across the island of Ireland on the table in talks on a future Irish border poll. Ms McDonald told the Irish Independent that "everything should be on the table" when asked specifically about the Protestant celebration of William of Orange's victory at the Battle of the Boyne. "I'll tell you how we do it, we do it by having them [unionists] front and centre in the conversation and asking them, because I would be absolutely astonished if for people of a unionist persuasion the issue around the Twelfth of July was not raised," she said. Read More "We, more than any other political party in the Oireachtas, are used to working with, living with, dealing with our unionist neighbours and the Twelfth of July is very widely celebrated as we currently speak." Ms McDonald's comments in an interview last month, come amid controversy over the now-postponed State commemoration in Dublin Castle of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and Dublin Metropolitan Police. Sinn Fein has led calls for the event to be cancelled altogether amid concerns it amounts to celebrating the Black and Tans. While acknowledging Sinn Fein supporters may not favour of marking the Twelfth, Ms McDonald believes people will "surprise themselves" with what they find acceptable in a united Ireland. "Generally speaking, people are decent and reasonable and they want a good life for themselves and for their families and they are happy to accommodate and respect their neighbours so long as that accommodation and respect comes back to them," she said. "They're kind of the go-to issues when people talk about Irish unity, and that's fine. "Bring all of that to the table. Let's talk about it." Read More However, she declined to express regret for proclaiming "up the rebels" and "tiocfaidh ar la" when she took as leader over two years. Ms McDonald rejected criticism of her party's demand for border poll preparations to begin immediately. "I actually think the responsible thing to do is to actually structure that conversation because it's happening everywhere. It's happening in the north, it's happening within loyalism, it's happening within unionism," she said. She said a unity referendum by 2025 is a "deliverable, reasonable" timeline and that preparations "need to start now" by setting up a forum or citizens' assembly. She said all-island healthcare is a major issue for those she speaks to about future Irish unity and wants to set a date in any programme for government talks after the next election. While critics claim Ms McDonald is not in control of Sinn Fein - that the party is still run out of west Belfast - she insisted Gerry Adams "doesn't pull my strings, nobody's pulling my strings". Former Ulster Unionist MLA and Orangeman Tom Elliott said that it was a "bit rich" for Ms McDonald to include the Twelfth parades in any Irish border poll debate as people already have the right to march. "It just shows the twisted nature of Sinn Fein representatives," he said. "It's almost unbearable to think that as part of a border poll they would look at the right to parade. "Such nonsense." Read More The former Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA also said that current controversy surrounding RIC commemorations in Ireland has set the idea of Irish unity back "by decades". "That just demonstrates to unionists the way they would be treated within an all-Ireland state," he added. Erin Barnett hasn't always looked like a human Barbie doll. Since making her TV debut on Beauty and the Geek in 2013, the I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! star has had several cosmetic enhancements. The 24-year-old has spent an estimated $35,000 on a new smile, breast implants, lip filler and various other beauty treatments. Who's that girl? I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia's Erin Barnett has spent around $35,000 on her cosmetic transformation. Pictured left: in 2013; and right: in 2019 In 2017, Erin spent $8,000 on a breast enlargement. The former nursing student told NW magazine a year later that a doctor had initially refused to give her DD-cup implants on medical grounds. 'I wanted to get [my breasts] bigger, but the doctor said I had a too-small chest bone and I was like, "F**k you!"' Erin said in May 2018. Wow! In 2017, Erin spent $8,000 on a breast enlargement. Pictured left: in 2015; right: in 2019 Hmm! The former nursing student told NW magazine in May 2018 that a doctor had initially refused to give her DD-cup implants on medical grounds After appearing on the first season of Love Island Australia in 2018, Erin got porcelain veneers from Vogue Dental Studios in Melbourne. She had previously admitted to feeling insecure about her smile despite having composite veneers, before turning to Dr Deepan Duraisamy for porcelain ones. 'When you have a good smile, you feel good no matter what and you can talk with so much more confidence,' she said after her procedure. Her porcelain veneers would have cost her around $20,000, but it's believed she got them for free or at a discount in exchange for promoting the clinic on Instagram. Before: After appearing on the first season of Love Island Australia in 2018, Erin had her old composite veneers replaced at Vogue Dental Studios in Melbourne After: Her porcelain veneers would have cost her around $20,000, but it's believed she got them for free or at a discount in exchange for promoting the clinic on Instagram Sparkling smile! Erin was thrilled with her new smile from Dr Deepan Duraisamy in 2018 Not cheap: Erin has also been getting lip filler for years, spending $800 for each appointment Erin has also been getting lip filler for years, spending $800 for each appointment. 'I've never been one to hide or lie about getting cosmetic enhancements, I'm all about doing whatever you want to make yourself happy,' she said last year. The blonde bombshell also revealed in a recent YouTube video that she invests in various beauty treatments, including dermaplaning (skin shaving) and eyelash extensions. Routine: The blonde bombshell also revealed in a recent YouTube video that she invests in various beauty treatments, including dermaplaning (skin shaving) and eyelash extensions Throwback: Erin rose to fame on Beauty and the Geek in 2013, at the age of 18 (pictured) The judge in Harvey Weinstein's trial threatened to jail the movie producer Tuesday for his repeated use of his cell phone during court. At the beginning of court proceedings in New York, Judge James Burke raised his voice and reprimanded Weinstein and his defense team, specifically Arthur Aidala, for Weinstein's use of his cell phones. "He was calling and texting a minute ago," Burke said to the defense team. Weinstein said, "I'm sorry" and hung his head at one point. Donna Rotunno, another defense attorney, said she was not aware. "He was aware," the judge replied. Burke said this was an "ongoing issue" and referenced warnings at previous hearings. He said he warned Aidala explicitly in "somewhat unrefined terms" about Weinstein's cell phone. Finally, he said that if Weinstein uses his cell phone in court one more time he will be taken into custody. "Mr. Aidala, this is on you if he blows it," Burke said. "I am pointing my finger at you." When Aidala apologized on behalf of Weinstein, Burke said, "I'm not looking for apologies, I'm looking for compliance." Before the hearing began, two court officers at different times told Weinstein to stop using his phone several times. The hearing came a day into the start of his New York trial on sexual assault charges for allegedly raping and sexually assaulting two women. In addition, Los Angeles prosecutors on Monday charged Weinstein with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in separate incidents in 2013. In a statement, Weinstein's spokesman, Juda Engelmayer said the phone use was a misunderstanding and blamed a bailiff for telling the judge. "The use of his phone prior to the start of the proceeding, before the judge walked in, and from the gallery, was due to the (misunderstanding) of the judge's requirement by Mr. Weinstein's team," Engelmayer said. "This whole scene could have been avoided had the bailiff, who saw his attorneys handing Mr. Weinstein his phones and reported it to the judge prior to his walking in, would have simply advised him then not to use it." Weinstein team asks to delay trial Tuesday, Aidala argued that the trial should be adjourned because a jury could not be impartial given the new charges in Los Angeles. Aidala asked for additional time during jury questioning to address the jury's knowledge of the case or to add a question on the jury questionnaire about it. Burke denied both of those requests and said jurors will be instructed to presume Weinstein's innocence, as he has not been convicted of any crimes. Prosecutor Joan Illuzzi asked the court to remand Weinstein into custody given the seriousness of the latest charges brought against him in LA. Illuzzi said remanding him would ensure he attends court and suggested he was a flight risk because of his financial means. The defense, arguing against the remand, said that the warrant hadn't been put into the national warrant system yet, and the Los Angeles District Attorney's office assured defense attorneys that they won't act on the warrant until the end of the New York trial. Burke ordered his clerk to request 120 jurors to the court room to begin the jury selection process before he'd let Aidala enter his request for an adjournment into the record. Burke aims to begin opening statements on January 22. J ustin Trudeau has vowed that his government will get answers after a plane crash in Iran killed 63 Canadian citizens. Canada's Prime Minister offered his "deepest condolences" to the families of the victims and promised to ensure "that this crash is thoroughly investigated and that Canadians' questions are answered". Getting answers from Iran might prove difficult as Canada closed its embassy in Iran in 2012 and suspended diplomatic relations. Iran: Tehran Plane Crash - In pictures 1 /13 Iran: Tehran Plane Crash - In pictures via Reuters AP AFP via Getty Images People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane crashed near Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran ISNA/AFP via Getty Images AP AP via Reuters AP Rescuers check the debris following the plane crash via Reuters Part of the wreckage from Ukrainian plane that crashed in Tehran shortly after take-off via Reuters Nine crew members and at least 26 children were also on board the plane, which was bound for the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. "I join Canadians across the country who are shocked and saddened to see reports that a plane crash outside of Tehran, Iran, has claimed the lives of 176 people, including 63 Canadians," Mr Trudeau said. "I offer our deepest condolences to those who have lost family, friends, and loved ones in this tragedy. "Our government will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated, and that Canadians' questions are answered." The Iranian military has disputed suggestions the airliner was brought down by a missile, something Downing Street added there was no indication of after the Ukrainian authorities refused to rule out the prospect. Officials in Iran blamed an engine fire, while the Ukrainian president ordered a criminal investigation into the crash. Tehran is reportedly refusing to say what will happen to the black boxes which were on board the aircraft. Rescue teams work at the scene after a Ukrainian plane / AFP via Getty Images Canada is urging Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation, but the travel advisory makes no mention of the plane crash. "There are no words. 176 lives lost. 63 Canadians won't be coming home," Opposition New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh tweeted. Brad Pitt jokingly called Quentin Tarantino "the only guy I know who needs cocaine to stop talking at a recent awards ceremony. The actor gave a friendly introduction to the director at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards on Tuesday. Tarantino won Best Screenplay for Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, in which Pitt plays stunt double Cliff Booth. According to Page Six, Pitt presented Tarantino with the award and described him as very verbose, adding: Hes the only guy I know who needs cocaine to stop talking. He also reportedly quipped that Tarantino grew up in a sad and desolate part of Torrance known as Torrance (referring to Tarantinos childhood city in Los Angeles County) and said that the filmmaker has a really good heart. The best films of 2019 Show all 20 1 /20 The best films of 2019 The best films of 2019 20. Minding the Gap One of the years biggest cinematic curveballs occurs at the midway point of this stirring documentary. Billed as a film about small-town US skate culture, Bing Lius Minding the Gap grows into a haunting depiction of class and masculinity, and how once inseparable groups of friends tend to untangle and diverge as they come of age. Few of 2019s films cast quite as long a shadow. Adam White Hulu The best films of 2019 19. The Farewell The Farewell rips your heart out of your chest. Then it hands it back to you, wrapped gently in cotton wool. Director Lulu Wang loosely adapts a chapter in her own life, as we follow a young woman (Awkwafina) travelling back to China to say goodbye to her terminally ill grandmother. Delving into all the intricacies of immigrant identity and family politics, its a comedy of warmth and bracing honesty. Clarisse Loughrey A24 The best films of 2019 18. Us An opportunity for Jordan Peele to cement his status as one of horrors modern maestros, Us reels us in with old-fashioned thrills. Then it leaves us with the terrible dread of realising weve been looking into a mirror this whole time. Lupita Nyong'o delivers two of this years best performances in one film, both as our hero and as her sinister doppelganger one of an army of Tethereds that emerge from underground seeking vengeance. Clarisse Loughrey Universal Pictures The best films of 2019 17. Pain & Glory All of Pedro Almodovars films feel autobiographical in one way or another, but Pain & Glory couldnt be more lived-in if he stepped out in front of the camera to introduce every scene. A lushly romantic ode to cinema, shared history and cruelly interrupted love, it features a career-best performance from Antonio Banderas Zorro at his most tender and vulnerable. Adam White Sony Pictures The best films of 2019 16. Vox Lux Vox Lux is 2019s most damning filmic portrait of American culture. We begin with a teenage girl (Raffey Cassidy), who survives a school shooting and ends up a pop star. As an adult, shes played by a breezy, vicious Natalie Portman. Her strut is one part Sia, two parts Lady Gaga. Its an ugly, despairing film that comes gift-wrapped in sequins, presenting art as the cavernous pit we throw our traumas into. Clarisse Loughrey Neon The best films of 2019 15. Under the Silver Lake A paranoid puzzle box of a mystery, Under the Silver Lake is far more interested in the directions down the rabbit hole than allowing star Andrew Garfield to crawl his way out of it. Thats also the most pleasurable aspect of David Robert Mitchells film, a sunny LA noir which is sinister, hilarious and (potentially ruinously) male. Its probably 2019s most polarising film, adored and reviled in equal measure, but undeniably a work of striking creative autonomy. Adam White Mubi The best films of 2019 14. High Life High Life has its silly sub-Barbarella moments (Juliette Binoche testing out the spaceships very own orgasmatron machine) and clearly wasnt made on a Hollywood budget. Nonetheless, veteran French auteur Claire Deniss first English language film is a typically provocative and subversive affair. Binoche plays Dr Dibs, a scientist on board a ship full of criminals and trying to harvest healthy foetuses. Geoffrey Macnab A24 The best films of 2019 13. Ad Astra Ad Astra is a space movie with an Oedipal undertow. Brad Pitt gives a fine, understated performance as the introspective astronaut trying to save the world and find his father at the same time. Writer-director James Gray throws in references to Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now. This is a slow-moving but beguiling film with an unexpected emotional kick. Geoffrey Macnab Fox The best films of 2019 12. Happy as Lazzaro A bee keepers daughter, Italian director Alice Rohrwacher is one of European cinemas visionary young talents. Happy As Lazzaro, her best film yet, is a magical realist fable that combines hard-hitting social comment about the exploitation of rural workers with flights of astonishing lyricism. The film also has one of the best performances of the year from newcomer Adriano Tardiolo, an 18-year-old economics student who plays the holy innocent, Lazzaro, with an ingenuousness which rekindles memories of Peter Sellers in Being There. Geoffrey Macnab Simona Pampallona/Netflix The best films of 2019 11. Burning Based on a Haruki Murakamis short story, Burning from South Korean maestro Lee Chang-dong is a meditation on dealing with isolation and the tricks being alone might play on your memory. Jong-su (Ah-in Yoo) is forced to play detective when Steven Yeuns affluent bachelor rolls into town an event that coincides with the disappearance of a schoolfriend. Burning is a searing drama whose central unanswered mystery unnerves long after the credits role. Jacob Stolworthy Thunderbird Releasing The best films of 2019 10. For Sama News coverage has hardly been short of harrowing, violent footage of the Syrian Civil War. But too often missing are the human moments inbetween the bombings and the bloodshed. In Waad Al-Kateabs first person account of the uprisings aftermath, her cameras gaze never flinches from the horrors it sees as she and her husband try to maintain a rebel hospital amid a reign of bombing from President al-Assad but nor does it stop rolling while she falls in love, has a baby, and jokes around with her friends and neighbours. This is the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It is an important, powerful, astonishing documentary. Alex Pollard Republic Film Distribution The best films of 2019 9. Can You Ever Forgive Me? It feels almost blasphemous to be glad of Julianne Moore stepping down from a role, but Lee Israel the cantankerous, lonely literary forger who found herself the target of an FBI investigation in the Nineties feels like a part Melissa McCarthy was born to play. Nimbly directed by Marielle Heller (who was shunned by the Oscars in the Best Director category), Can You Ever Forgive Me? is a sharp, funny and deeply compassionate examination of loneliness and self-destruction. Richard E Grant and Dolly Wells give wonderful supporting performances, too. Alex Pollard AP The best films of 2019 8. Booksmart As deeply indebted to the teen movie genre as it is formally and narratively rebellious, Booksmart grounds its traditional night-before-graduation plot (teenagers eager to crash a party) in touching character-driven drama. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, both instant stars, convey the ever-shifting dynamics and heightened dramas of adolescent best-friendship perfectly. Behind the camera, meanwhile, actor-turned-director Olivia Wilde demonstrates a staggering amount of emotional empathy and technical mastery for someone so green. Adam White Annapurna Pictures The best films of 2019 7. The Irishman Comparisons to Martin Scorseses previous films (Goodfellas, Casino) are unfounded considering The Irishman is unlike any other gangster film youll see. With his three-hour-30-minute-long opus, Scorsese places the harsh spotlight on mortality. Instead of tracking the rise of Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) from regular family man to seasoned hitman with glitzy panache, we see him shamefully confess his crimes as an elderly man ruminating on his past in a nursing home. The result is an unsettlingly moving character study unafraid to ask the big questions.Jacob Stolworthy Netflix The best films of 2019 6. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood With his ninth feature, Quentin Tarantino took a breath and crafted an unhurried, oddly heartwarming fable, one that came with a career-best performance from Brad Pitt. Its release rolled around with the usual smattering of discourse-steering controversy but, for all the complaints about the directors depiction of his film star subjects, including the scant usage of Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, the fact remains that Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is one of the filmmakers most accomplished films a freeneasy sun-soaked delve into Sixties Hollywood, whose much-discussed final 20 minutes provided topics of conversation all summer long. Jacob Stolworthy Andrew Cooper/Sony-Columbia Pictures via AP The best films of 2019 5. Eighth Grade For too many years the internet was exclusively evil in movies, something for tech boffins to hack, or used to steal Sandra Bullocks identity. Bo Burnhams Eighth Grade felt so comparatively real because it felt like the real internet, which has been as toxic and terrifying as it has been helpful to a generation of young people. Elsie Fisher, as a 13-year-old girl chronicling her confidence and anxieties in a vlog, is an adorable delight here, in a film that is devastatingly, heartbreakingly and endearingly human. Adam White Rex The best films of 2019 4. The Favourite Yorgos Lanthimoss delightful, subversive vision has shaken the cobwebs out of costume drama. Set in the 18th century, it follows a trio of women two cousins, Sarah (Rachel Weisz) and Abigail (Emma Stone), and the ruling Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) as they vie for power over each other and England. Desire, savagery, and manipulative vulnerability all become weapons in the hands of those who have no choice but to fight dirty. But, then, Colmans childless, gout-ridden Queen Anne tenderly reveals her shattered soul its an Academy Award-winning performance that brings a slice of tragedy to an otherwise sublime farce. Clarisse Loughrey AP The best films of 2019 3. If Beale Street Could Talk The marriage of disparate talents united to ensure If Beale Street Could Talk is worthy of mention alongside Barry Jenkins previous film, Moonlight The Independents film of the decade. With his film, Jenkins takes the words of James Baldwin and translates them into visual poetry. From Nicholas Britells mesmerising score to Regina Kings towering supporting performance (that Oscar was well deserved), the result is a creative tour de force. Jacob Stolworthy Photos Annapurna Pictures The best films of 2019 2. Marriage Story Here is a love story about divorce. Noah Baumbach writes and directs this aching, empathetic depiction of a couple whose marriage has fallen apart. As ruthless divorce lawyers driving a wedge between two people already hanging by a thread, Ray Liotta and Laura Dern are magnificent, while Scarlett Johansson gives her best performance in years as a woman trying to do the right thing without knowing what that is. But the real star is Adam Driver, who hulking as he is makes himself seem small and fragile. For his rendition of Sondheims Being Alive alone, Marriage Story deserves all the awards coming its way. Alex Pollard Netflix The best films of 2019 1. Little Women Greta Gerwigs adaptation of Louisa May Alcotts 1868 novel the story of four Massachusetts sisters coming of age during the American Civil War may be a period piece, but there is nothing staid or stuffy about it. The girls, played by Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson and Eliza Scanlen, talk and clamber over one another, their hair messy, their dresses scorched, their ambitions unfettered. It is a lively, profound adaptation. Alexandre Desplat provides the exuberant score, and Yorick La Sauxs cinematography is lush and textured. I didnt want it to be beautiful at the expense of being real, said Gerwig. But I did want it to feel like you wish you can jump inside and live in there or eat it. I remember trying to explain that to the gaffer, who was like, You want what? I was like, I want them to want to eat it. And how delicious it is. Alex Pollard Sony Pictures Entertainment Martin Scorseses The Irishman was crowned Best Picture at the NYFCC Awards on Tuesday, while the Safdie brothers took Best Director for Uncut Gems. Lupita Nyongo took Best Actress for her performance in Us and Antonio Banderas won Best Actor for his role in Pain and Glory. Best Supporting Actress went to Little Womens Laura Dern, while Joe Pesci took Best Supporting Actor for The Irishman. New Delhi/Washington, Jan 8 : The crisis in the Middle East may deescalate if the US suffered no casualties in the retaliatory strikes that Iran launched against two American military bases in Iraq on Monday. Tehran has provided no proof of any American casualties yet. To avenge the killing of its Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qasem Soleimani in a targeted US airstrike, Tehran on Monday claimed that it retaliated proportionately. Incidentally, around 50 people were killed in a stampede during Soleimani's funeral which was attended by thousands in Tehran. Iran's Foreign Minister in a tweet said, "Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched." However, he added that Iran did "not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." While President Donald Trump confirmed Iran's attack against the US, he played down the impact of the strikes. "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the strikes on the US bases in Iraq were successful. Iranian state TV initially claimed that "80 American terrorists" were killed in the retaliatory strikes but later said that it was yet to be confirmed. However, without any evidence to support its claim, Iran is unlikely to drag the US onto the escalatory ladder, official sources in Washington told IANS. "If Iran has concluded retaliation without having caused any American casualties, the crisis will deescalate in the short term. But that is not to say that there won't be any asymmetric and sub-conventional warfare," an official source said. Incidentally, 176 people on board a Ukrainian Boeing 737 died when it crashed shortly after its take off from Iran's main international airport. Iranian state TV attributed the crash to "technical problems". A 4.9 magnitude earthquake in Iran's southwestern region was also reported. Iran has annulled its nuclear deal with the US and also threatened to pursue uranium enrichment. Maybe it has something to do with that impeached qualifier that now comes before president. The U.S. airstrike last week that killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian commander, took out a dangerous man responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans. He wont be missed, at least not around here. But there are plenty of murderous bad guys in the world, and we still havent been given a clear explanation of why Soleimani was targeted right now, at the beginning of an election year and in the middle of an impeachment process. MOURNERS were assured by the son of a fisherman who died in a tragedy off the Wexford coast that his spirit was now assisting search teams as they work to locate the remains of his missing friend. Michael Sinnott fought back tears as he said the spirit of his late father Joseph 'Joe' Sinnott (65) was now at sea helping and guiding teams from the Coast Guard, Naval Service and RNLI as they search for his missing friend, William 'Willie' Whelan (41). Mr Whelan is missing and feared drowned after the trawler Alize sank on Saturday evening off the south east coast - with Mr Sinnott being rescued from the sea but dying shortly afterwards. Hundreds attended the Requiem Mass of Joe Sinnott in Kilmore, Co Wexford as his family asked mourners to pray for the recovery of his missing friend. Search aircraft including the Air Corps CASA marine surveillance plane and the Waterford-based Coast Guard helicopter were operating offshore in the ongoing search for Mr Whelan as the funeral service took place. "It has been a tough, tough few days," Michael Sinnott told the packed church. Expand Close Missing fisherman William Whelan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Missing fisherman William Whelan "It has been hard - but I know where he (Dad) is. He is out there (at sea) with the boys searching. His spirit is out there - please God he will help bring Willie home to us." "The bond that the two boys had was unreal - it was like a linked chain that you could not part." Read More Mr Sinnott's nephew, Sean, said his uncle loved being at sea - whether it was fishing or working for Irish Ferries on their service from Rosslare. "Joe was our gentle giant - he was completely devoted to Mary, Siobhan, Bernie and Bridget (and Michael). In Joe, Michael not only had a fantastic Dad but a best friend and was almost like a brother." "Joe died doing something that he absolutely loved. I think the only place that he wanted to be - other than at home with Mary - was out at sea." Fr David Murphy told mourners that Joe Sinnott was: "Born to fish - and he died fishing." He said Mr Sinnott was renowned for his warm smile, his gentle manner and the kindness he showed in helping mentor young fishermen in the skills of the profession. The esteem in which he was held was reflected by the huge turnout at his funeral arrangements over the past three days. Mrs Sinnott entered St Mary's Church carrying a framed photograph of her husband. To honour the emergency services and, in particular the RNLI, the lifeboat anthem "Home from the Sea' was played during the Requiem Mass. Mr Whelan, who is from Fethard-on-Sea, only got married five months ago. Mr Sinnott and Mr Whelan, both vastly experienced fishermen, were scallop fishing on the 12 metre trawler Alize when it suddenly sank off some 8km off Hook Head on Saturday evening. It is unclear what caused the sinking which was detected when the trawler's Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) suddenly triggered. A massive air and sea rescue operation was launched and Mr Sinnott was recovered from the sea but tragically died in University Hospital Waterford (UHW) shortly after being airlifted there. A four day search operation for Mr Whelan has been hampered by challenging weather conditions off the Wexford coast. Sea swells of up to six metres were encountered at one point in the search campaign. Now, the search operation is being co-ordinated from the Naval Service patrol ship LE Samuel Beckett. It is being supported by the RNLI, Coast Guard and a number of fishing vessels. It is hoped that weather conditions will ease sufficiently to allow Naval Service divers conduct an assessment of the suspected Alize wreck site. Navy divers are also supported by remotely-operated underwater vehicles which can be deployed to conduct an inspection of the trawler and seabed nearby. The Sinnott family said it was now their heartfelt prayer that Mr Whelan is successfully located and recovered. Members of both families supported each other before the Requiem Mass at St Mary's Church in Kilmore - with hundreds attending from the tight-knit fishing communities of Kilmore Quay, Dunmore East, Rosslare, Fethard and Passage East. There was also a large representation from Ireland's fishing industry and emergency services. The mourners were led by Mr Sinnott's wife, Mary, his children Michael, Siobhan, Bernie and Bridget as well as his siblings. At the request of the Sinnott family, mourners were asked not to bring flowers but, instead, to make a donation to the RNLI. CPI(M) politburo member Mohammed Salim on Wednesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee instigated TMC cadres and police personnel to indulge in violence in the state during the one-day strike called by 10 central trade unions. Salim also denied claims that Left cadres and Congress workers were involved in arson in Malda district. "None of the protesters or strike supporters were involved in violence. It is Mamata Banerjee who instigated violence. The TMC cadres and police personnel in order to please the chief minister, indulged in arson. Despite threats, the strike has been successful in Bengal," Salim told a press conference here. Salim's view was echoed by Congess party leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who, too, blamed Banerjee for inciting violence. Earlier in the day, protesters blocked a major road in Sujapur area of Malda district, set tyres on fire, ransacked government buses and torched several vehicles, including a police van. When police tried to control the situation, they hurled stones and crude bombs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) iStock(WASHINGTON) -- The U.S. now believes that Iran launched between 20 and 24 ballistic missiles on Tuesday night at two military facilities in Iraq that house U.S. troops, according to a U.S. official. In the aftermath of the strikes on Tuesday, a defense official told ABC News that Iran had fired 15 missiles of which four "failed in flight." But new information shows there were actually between 20 and 24 ballistic missiles launched from multiple locations inside Iran beginning at approximately 5:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday. While two U.S. officials said they were a combination of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, a senior State Department official told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that they were assessed to be all short-range. According to one official, 15 of those missiles struck Al Asad Air Base, causing damage to some structures that was visible in new satellite imagery released by Planet Labs on Wednesday. Other missiles impacted near Irbil in northern Iraq, while a small number landed in the vicinity of Taji. But the official said it's unclear if the Iranians were targeting a base there known as Camp Taji or if they impacted there because of malfunctions. The second official said there are no indications that the U.S. intercepted any of the missiles using air defense systems. The missiles were fired from a mix of mobile and non-mobile launchers and were in the air between five and 10 minutes, the first official added. No American, Iraqi or coalition forces were killed in the attacks. In a speech on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said that was because of "precautions taken" and "an early warning system that worked very well." While the president didn't elaborate further on that early warning system, the U.S. uses satellites to monitor missiles launches from a number of adversaries around the globe. The satellites, known as the Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS), use infrared technology to scan landmasses for missile launches that could pose a threat to the U.S. homeland or American personnel overseas. Within seconds, the sensors can pick up the heat signature from a missile launch and begin tracking a missile's trajectory. It's possible that data was passed to military commanders in Iraq who would have ordered personnel to shelter. Sources told ABC News on Tuesday that U.S. troops were in bunkers at the time of the attack -- a sign that there was enough of a warning to alert them of possible danger. The U.S. official would not confirm if SBIRS was the early warning system that the president credited, but confirmed that U.S. "internal warnings guided our reactions." The official indicated there was additional information that American facilities in Iraq were in danger but declined to provide specifics. "The actions we took ahead of time saved American lives," the official said. There could have been a number of other reasons American forces -- who were already at heightened state of alert -- were safely postured for the attack. The Iraqi Prime Minister's office told ABC News that Iran provided the Iraqi government with advanced notice of the imminent attack more than hour before it occurred without providing specifics. It's possible the Iraqis passed that information to their U.S. military partners on the ground, but the prime minister's office declined to say. U.S. officials could also not confirm on Wednesday, with one saying the internal warnings were what drove the American safety posture. ABC News' Ian Pannell contributed to this report from Irbil, Iraq, and Conor Finnegan contributed from the State Department in Washington. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. The Central Reserve Police Force has ordered an inquiry against a deputy inspector general (DIG)-rank officer, who allegedly threw hot water on the face of a trooper at a training centre in Bihars Rajgir on Tuesday, officials said. Bihar sector inspector general will carry out the probe against D K Tripathi. The trooper, Amol Kharat, has been admitted to a local hospital even as no First Information Report has been lodged in the case. The DIG refused to speak as the probe was on. The training centres assistant commandant, P N Mishra, said so far what had emerged pointed to an accident. Anyone would have sustained injuries due to hot water, he added. An official communication of the force said deputy inspector general D K Tripathi, who was staying at the officers mess of the institute, had ordered hot drinking water when constable Amol Kharat was on duty at the facility. The officer is said to have burnt his mouth upon drinking the hot water served to him in a thermos flask, following which he summoned Kharat. An altercation took place between the two and the DIG threw hot water on the jawans face and in his winter jersey. The matter came to light on Tuesday after the troopers photo with the allegation against the DIG went viral on social media. The inquiry report, along with specific recommendations, is expected by January 10 only after which the exact sequence of events and culpability could be established, CRPF officials said. An association of ex-paramilitary officials said the jawan is being pressurised to give statement that the burn injuries were due to spilling of boiled water from the flask. The constable is not being allowed to speak to his family members and colleagues. His mobile phone has been snatched by senior officers, the confederation of ex-paramilitary forces personnel welfare association said. (With PTI inputs) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Avinash Kumar Avinash, a senior correspondent, reports on crime, railways, defence and social sector, with specialisation in police, home department and other investigation agencies. ...view detail The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned American civilian aircraft from flying over the territory of Iraq, Iran, the waters of the Persian and Oman gulfs, The Guardian reported. The FAA said it issued the airspace ban due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to US civil aviation operations. "#FAA Statement: #NOTAMs issued outlining flight restrictions that prohibit U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman," the FAA tweeted. Good morning. (If you dont already get California Today by email, heres the sign-up.) We are now 55 days away from March 3, which in case you have managed to forget is Californias Primary Day, now and for the foreseeable future. But while Super Tuesday is an important deadline for the states election officials, Secretary of State Alex Padilla told me theres perhaps an even bigger one coming up on Feb. 3. Thats when Californians can actually start voting, by casting ballots at their county elections offices, and thats also when vote-by-mail ballots will be sent out. We are in prime time, Mr. Padilla said. [Read more about how the new primary calendar changes the contest for Democrats.] Indian steel industry on Wednesday welcomed the government's decision to promulgate an ordinance to open up coal mining in the country to non-coal companies. In a statement, apex steel industry body Indian Steel Association (ISA) said it hails the decision of the Cabinet to amend MMDR Act 1957 and Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act 2015. "This is a huge reform announced by the government on commercial mining in Coal. This change in Act will help the country to reduce its dependence on coal imports and help attract investments from Indian and Global corporates," it said. The amendment, ISA said, will remove the end-user restrictions besides allowing seamless transfer of environment and forest clearance in operational mines. The step taken today was a long pending reform which will make the domestic steel industry more competitive on a global level, the association said. JSW Steel Chairman Sajjan Jindal said the move will go a long way in reducing the coal imports. "Huge reform announced by the government on commercial mining in coal. This will go a long way in reducing the coal imports which is over USD 15 billion/year," he said. In today's time when the oil prices are very uncertain, Jindal said, the decision was path breaking in making India self-reliant. Continuity of all forest and environment clearances for iron-ore mines for a period of two years is another great reform, he added. "This was a long pending reform which will make the Indian Steel industry more aggressive and competitive on a global level," he said. JSPL Chairman V R Sharma termed the decision as a 'game changer' for the industry. India has reserves for another 300 years and the time is ripe to use it. If it is not utilised now, it wont be able to utilised in future as developed countries are against coal usage. "They are spreading on international platforms that using coal is damaging the environment, which is incorrect. Like we do at our Angul plant which is India's first and largest syngas-based DRI plant and coal gasification plant (CGP) for steel-making," he said. Coal can be converted into syngas which can be used for producing petrol, diesel and other petroleum products, which can reduce dependence on crude oil imports, he added. The government on Wednesday approved an Ordinance to amend a law in order to ease rules for auctioning of coal mines and opening it for non-coal companies. The decision taken by the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will also do away with end-use restrictions of the mining blocks, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi said. "The Cabinet has approved promulgation of Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2020," the minister said, addressing media after the Cabinet meeting. The Ordinance will ease rules for auctioning coal mines to open up to all sectors. It will allow auction of 46 iron ore and other mines before March 31, 2020. "The Centre has also approved gas grid for Northeast states and viability gap funding for Northeast grid. Viability gap funding for the North-East natural gas pipeline Grid is a decision that shows the dedication of this government in encouraging growth in this region," ISA said. The government on Wednesday also approved a proposal to provide Rs 5,559 crore viability gap funding for building a 1,656 km gas grid in the Northeast region at a cost of Rs 9,256 crore. The decision will provide viability gap funding to Indradhanush Gas Grid Ltd for setting up the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vaibhav Saxena, lawyer at Vietnam International Law Firm A number of huge M&A deals have drawn a bright picture for upwards development of related activities in Vietnam. At the beginning of 2019, state-owned Vietcombank successfully issued over 110 million shares for GIC Private Ltd. of Singapore and Japans Mizuho Bank Ltd. This transaction brought a huge increase of approximately $265 million to Vietcombanks charter capital and created a foundation for satisfaction of capital safety requirements under Basel II standards. Six months later BIDV, another state-owned bank, succeeded in the sale of 15 per cent stake to a foreign strategic shareholder, KEB Hana Bank from South Korea. In May, Vingroup signed a strategic partnership agreement with SK Group in which the South Korean side purchased $154.3 million shares through Vingroups private placement and $51.4 million secondary shares from Vincommerce, totalling approximately $1 billion. Amongst the 117 nations and territories with foreign invested projects in Vietnam, investors from Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and India are the key M&A players. Japanese investors are particularly interested in insurance and logistics. Sumitomo Life invested $173 million to purchase 41.4 per cent of stakes via Bao Viet Corporations private placement in one example. New movements ahead A new investment trend has been emerging in the Vietnamese market. A number of leading domestic conglomerates such as Vingroup, KIDO, Masan, Vinamilk, Saigon Co.Op and Truong Hai have been expanding their business through M&A transactions, with the trend set to develop further in 2020. In the final days of 2019, one of the biggest M&A deals took place in the country between Masan and Vingroup to form the countrys largest retail corporation. Looking ahead, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), are expected to give a further push to M&A investment in Vietnam. Under the CPTPP, Vietnam is committed to an open market for a number of financial services including new services or products that have never been provided in Vietnam previously, and electronic payment services for transactions. In the financial sector, Vietnam is inclined towards fintech and committed to ensuring equal treatment to foreign investors in relation to acquisitions, sales, or other disposition of financial institutions and investments in financial institutions across the country. This means the CPTPP is allowing overseas banks to purchase shares of Vietnamese commercial banks to a certain extent. Prior to joining the CPTPP, Vietnam has attracted several strategic shareholders investing in major state-owned banks such as VietinBank, Vietcombank, and BIDV. With the changes of major laws governing M&A activities such as those on investment, enterprises, and securities, Vietnams commitments under the CPTPP promise to bring an enormous investment wave in the banking and financial sector of Vietnam from financiers of CPTPP signatories such as Australia, Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand, to name a few. Vietnam is also going to ratify the EVFTA in 2020. It was divided into two agreements: the free trade agreement itself, and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). Under the framework, European investors are permitted to contribute capital via the purchase of shares from Vietnamese enterprises. In terms of purchasing shares in the banking industry, Vietnams specific commitments as part of the World Trade Organization permits foreign investors to hold no more than 30 per cent of the charter capital of the commercial bank. This remains unchanged under the EVFTA. However, Vietnam also signed with the EU a memorandum on capital contribution in the banking sector providing an exception on shareholding ratio of European credit institution in Vietnam. It stated that within five years of the effective date of the EVFTA, Vietnam is committed to considering the proposal of the EU to increase the ownership ratio of the blocs credit institutions to 49 per cent of charter capital in two commercial joint stock banks in Vietnam. However, this commitment is only effective within five years and is not applicable to the four state-run banks of BIDV, VietinBank, Vietcombank, and Agribank. For Vietnams export of goods, the EU will eliminate around 85.6 per cent of import tariffs. After seven years from the effective date of the EVFTA, about 99.2 per cent import tariffs will be eliminated. Vietnam also creates favourable conditions for European investors in transportation, distribution, telecommunications, and financial service sectors under this agreement. These commitments may raise the interest of foreign investors in manufacturing and distribution industries and stimulate M&A activities in these industries in Vietnam over the next decade. Further legal facilitation Last August the Politburo issued Resolution No.50-NQ/TW on perfecting mechanisms and policies, as well as raising quality and efficiency of foreign investment in the next decade. Laws on investment, securities and foreign exchange control will be amended to separate indirect and direct funding. At the same time, related laws will be revised to be consistent on governing the accounts used for share purchases and transfers. The government has actively taken several actions including amendments of key laws governing M&A transactions to woo foreign investment. The amendments of these laws are aimed to save time and costs, and reduce unnecessary procedures. The issuance of the new Law on Securities is expected to reduce the foreign ownership limit and enhance the share issuance conditions and risks that such financial backers may face when injecting their cash into Vietnamese enterprises. In order to govern the competitiveness of Vietnams market, the new Law on Competition was issued in 2018 and took effect last July. The decree providing guidance for the law is expected to be issued in the first quarter of 2020. According to the draft decree on guidance of the Law on Competition, the pre-merger filing requirement applies to M&A reaching certain thresholds. They include total asset value in Vietnam of an enterprise being at least approximately $86 million; total value of the transaction being at least approximately $43 million; total sale or purchase revenue in Vietnam of an enterprise being at least approximately $86 million; and combined market share of the relevant enterprises reaching at least 20 per cent. Subject to these thresholds, most M&A deals will be subject to the pre-merger filing procedures requirement with the Vietnamese competition authorities. Only the spouse or children can be appointed as a legal guardian of a person in coma and they will have to disclose the details of all tangible and intangible assets of the patient, the Delhi High Court has said. The court said if a person in coma did not have any spouse or children or was abandoned by the family, his next friend could be appointed as a guardian with the prior permission from a court. The high court examined various existing laws -- the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, the Mental Health Act, 1987 (repealed), the National Trust Act for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, the Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999, the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Justice Rajiv Shakdher said the definitions of these provisions showed a person in coma was not covered. The court noted that a similar situation had arisen before the Kerala High Court, which had in 2019 come up with certain guidelines on how to deal with such cases, and said those guidelines appeared to be robust and could be used in Delhi. "The guidelines framed by the division bench of the Kerala High Court appear to be robust and, therefore, can be used as a framework for formulating guidelines that need to be applied in the National Capital Territory of Delhi till such time the legislative chasm is filled-up and a specific provision is made as to how guardians are to be appointed qua persons in a comatose state," the judge said. The guidelines say that persons who seek to be appointed as guardians of an individual lying in coma shall disclose in their petition in the court the details of all tangible and intangible assets of such an individual. The details of the location and approximate market value of the assets, bank accounts, stocks, shares, debentures and other investments shall also be disclosed, they said. "The court will have the person lying in coma examined by a duly constituted medical board which would include, inter alia, a neurologist," the judge said. The guidelines also include that the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) or tehsildar concerned, under whose jurisdiction the person lying in coma is located, shall conduct an enquiry to establish the veracity of the assertion and to gather details of the person who wishes to be appointed as a guardian. "Ordinarily, only that person will be appointed as guardian who is a spouse or a progeny of the person lying in comatose. The person seeking appointment as a guardian in his petition to the court will, however, disclose the particulars of all legal heirs of the person lying in comatose," the guidelines said. The person appointed as a guardian would file a report with the registrar of the high court after every six months and if the guardian misused his power, siphoned or misutilised the assets of the patient, the court would have the power to remove him and appoint another person, the guidelines said, adding that the substituted person could also be a public officer such as a social welfare officer or an officer holding an equivalent rank. If the guardian wanted to move the person lying in coma to another state or country for better medical treatment, he would approach the court for prior permission, the court said. It added that the Department of Social Welfare of the Delhi government would ensure that public officials or social welfare officers were appointed for each district in the national capital. It listed the matter for January 23 for compliance of this aspect by the department, which can also suggest any modifications or additions to the guidelines set forth to bring it in line with the local conditions prevailing in Delhi. The court's verdict came on a petition filed by two daughters of a woman, who is in coma, and the State Bank of India (SBI) with which their father, since deceased, had maintained a PPF account, and it was refusing to release the amount to them. The SBI took the stand that a guardianship certificate had to be obtained from the district court concerned under the now-repealed Mental Health Act, 1987 or from a local-level committee under the National Trust Act for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and the Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999. The court, however, held that the SBI's stand was clearly untenable and allowed the prayers of the two daughters to be appointed as guardians qua the PPF account maintained by their deceased father. It asked the bank to transfer the amount to the joint account of the two women with their mother, after completion of all formalities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the 1990s, Azerbaijan tried to export genocide perpetrated against the Armenians in Sumgait, Baku and Karabakh. This is what President of the Assembly of Azerbaijani Armenians Grigory Ayvazyan told reporters today. He expressed certainty that it will be impossible to advance any idea of the self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh so long as Armenia isnt able to get the message about genocide across to its Western partners. The genocide of the Armenians in Azerbaijan isnt just a humanitarian issue. I hope this year the Armenian government officially recognizes the events of Sumgait and Baku as genocide once and for all, Ayvazyan stated. From February 26 to 29, 1988, Armenians were massacred in the Azerbaijani city of Sumgait, and based on official statistics, hundreds of Armenians were killed and wounded. In a matter of days, 18,000 Armenians left Sumgait. Based on other data, there may be up to 200 victims in Sumgait. From January 13 to 20, 1990, Armenians were also massacred in Baku. There were dozens of Canadians among the 176 people who were killed when Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 crashed after takeoff near Tehran, Iran. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. There were dozens of Canadians among the 176 people who were killed when Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 crashed after takeoff near Tehran, Iran. Friends and family in Canada were left to consult a passenger list the airline released to learn if their loved ones were among the dead. Fareed Arasteh is shown in a handout photo from his LinkedIn profile. Arasteh has been confirmed as one of the victims of the Iran plane crash.THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-LinkedIn MANDATORY CREDIT Here is a look at some of the victims from Canada: Pedram Mousavi, Mojgan Daneshmand, Daria Mousavi and Dorina Mousavi Payman Paseyan, a member of the Iranian-Canadian community in Edmonton, said his friend Pedram Mousavi, an engineering professor at the University of Alberta, died along with his wife Mojgan Daneshmand, also an engineering prof, and their daughters Daria Mousavi and Dorina Mousavi. "They had two young girls with them. I can't imagine what was going through their mind," said Paseyan. Hossein Saghlatoon, who did his PhD and post-doctorate studies under Mousavi, said he has known the family for about six years. "I was crying my eyes out," he said. "It's not just that I was working with them or that he was my boss. He was a friend. He was like a father to me." Saghlatoon said it took him several hours to confirm the information before he told his colleagues one by one. "Both of them were amazing, sweet people. They were so kind, irreplaceable," he said. Sina Ghaemi, an engineering professor at the University of Alberta, knew Mousavi for about six years. Their offices were next door to each other. "He was a really fun person and always laughing," Ghaemi said. "He was a very happy person." Ghaemi said Mousavi worked on antennas and had published many highly cited papers in the field. "He was very prolific." Ghaemi said it was a sombre morning in the department. "Everyone is in shock. Things are quiet and people look sad. The whole faculty's kind of in shock." --- Zahra Naghibi Zahra Naghibi was a colleague of Jacqueline Stagner at the University of Windsor. Stagner said she was informed by the head of the lab where Naghibi worked that she was on the plane. "She was very helpful and warm," Stagner said. Naghibi was a part of Windsor's Turbulence and Energy Lab, where she worked on issues related to solar energy. Stagner said when one of her students just starting graduate work and new to Canada needed help, Naghibi stepped in. "Zahra was giving her advice, helping her out, letting her learn from her own work and what she'd discovered helping her along, the next generation of researchers. She was very welcoming." --- Ardalan Ebnoddin Hamidi, Niloofar Razzaghi and Kamyar Ebnoddin Hamidi The president of the Vancouver-based Civic Association of Iranian-Canadians, Kei Esmaeilpour, said a Vancouver family of three was killed in the crash. Esmaeilpour said Ardalan Ebnoddin Hamidi, an engineer, and Niloofar Razzaghi, who had just completed university training to become a teacher, lived in Vancouver with their 15-year-old son Hamyar Ebnoddin Hamidi. Esmaeilpour said the family was vacationing in Iran. He said he worked with Ebnoddin Hamidi and the two had served on the civic association together for at least a decade. Jessi Eiriksson, 15, said through tears that Kamyar Ebnoddin Hamidi was one of her best friends. Both were in Grade 10 at Riverside Secondary School in Port Coquitlam, B.C. "He was the most caring person I have ever met. He was always there for me and he would be there for anybody whenever they needed someone to talk to," she sobbed. "It's the hardest thing losing him." He loved making music and wanted to become a producer when he was older, she said. She said he also enjoyed playing soccer for fun and they would often kick a ball around together. "He was shy except he's just such a loving person that everyone loves Kamyar. He makes everyone happy just with his smile and a joke." --- Ghanimat Azdahri and Milad Ghasemi Ariani The University of Guelph identified two victims as Ghanimat Azdahri, a PhD student in the department of geography, environment and geomatics, and Milad Ghasemi Ariani, a PhD student in marketing and consumer studies. Azdahri worked with an organization called the ICCA Consortium, which helps Indigenous communities preserve land that supports traditional lifestyles. In a tribute on its website, the consortium called Azdahri "a true force of nature." Azdahri worked with many of Iran's nomadic tribes, the tribute said, documenting their traditional territories and world views. "She was always smiling, wherever she went, and generously shared her experience, knowledge and powerful energy. A strong activist and advocate for the global indigenous peoples movement, this is not only a loss for our ICCA Consortium family but also for many communities, organizations and movements worldwide." University president Franco Vaccarino said his thoughts go out to the two students' families. --- Alina Tarbhai The union representing Ontario's high school teachers said employee Alina Tarbhai was among those killed. The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation said Tarbhai worked at the union's provincial office in Toronto, but it offered no other details about what took her to Iran. "She was respected and well-liked by all. Her passing represents a profound loss for all of us who worked with her," the federation said in a statement posted to Facebook. --- Parisa Eghbalian and Reera Esmaeilion A dentistry in Aurora, Ont., confirmed that Parisa Eghbalian, a dentist, and her daughter Reera Esmaeilion died. Eghbalian's husband, Hamed Esmaeilion, is also a dentist at E&E Dentistry, but was not travelling with his wife and child. Eghbalian first immigrated to Canada in 2010 and lived with her husband and daughter in Richmond Hill, Ont., said her biography on the dentist office's website. --- Shekoufeh Choupannejad, Saba Saadat and Sara Saadat Shayesteh Majdnia, a past president of the Iranian Heritage Society of Edmonton, said she was close friends with Shekoufeh Choupannejad, a gynecologist who died along with her two daughters Saba Saadat and Sara Saadat. Majdnia said she had spoken to Choupannejad's husband, who is still in Iran, for confirmation. She said Choupannejad also leaves behind a son who was not on the trip with the family. "She was the kindest person I had ever met," Majdnia said of Choupannejad. She said Choupannejad was always there for community fundraisers, and often did her best to help take appointments with new immigrants who were overwhelmed and unable to find immediate medical help. --- Amirhossien Ghasemi Amir Shirzadi, a board member with the Manitoba Iranian Student Association, said his good friend Amirhossien Ghasemi was on the plane. Shirzadi said his friend was visiting family in Iran and was on his way back to Winnipeg. Ghasemi was a graduate student in biomedical engineering at the University of Manitoba. "I saw him before he left the country," said Shirzadi, who added that the two played games together. "I can't use past tense. I think he's coming back. We play again. We talk again. It's too difficult to use past tense, too difficult. No one can believe it." --- Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian McMaster University released a statement that said it believed two of its students, Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian, were among the victims. The school said Aghabali and Eshaghian were both PhD students in the faculty of engineering. "McMaster is a tightly knit community and there will be many faculty, staff, colleagues, friends and fellow students who need our support and caring at this tragic time, said president David Farrar. The McMaster Iranian Student Association also paid tribute to the two. "Mehdi and Iman were two kind souls who always celebrated Iranian traditions with our community," the association said. "It is devastating for the entire McMaster community to hear the painful passing of young students who left behind their families and motherland in hopes of a better future career." Ali Mazaheri said his best friend Eshaghian would have turned 25 in a week. He said Eshaghian had been seeing friends and family and was on the flight because it was the cheapest route back to Canada. Mazaheri said the two last saw each other 11 days ago and went shopping, visited a teahouse and took photos. "When we said goodbye he told me maybe I can't see you again, so if I can't, goodbye," Mazaheri said. --- Forough Khadem Jude Uzonna, the Health Research Chair and an associate professor of immunology at the University of Manitoba, said he was devastated by the death of his friend and colleague Forough Khadem. He met her at a conference in Iran where she was a translator. At the end of the conference Uzonna told her if she ever wanted to do a doctoral program she could come to his lab in Winnipeg. She took him up on the offer and graduated about three years ago from the University of Manitoba. Khadem was a talented immunologist and an absolutely fantastic person to be around, Uzonna said. "If you walk into a room and Forough is there, you will try to find out who is this lady. She is very affable. She connects with people," he said. "It's devastating." She went home to Iran in December to visit family. He texted her Monday to say he hoped that she was doing well. She responded that she was coming back to Winnipeg and hoped to see him soon. "Now she's gone," he said. --- Mohammad Sadeghi, Bahareh Hajesfandiari and Anisa Sadeghi A Winnipeg family of three will be dearly missed, said their neighbour Behnam Soltani. Mohammad Sadeghi, who went by Mahdi; his wife Bahareh Hajesfandiari and their daughter Anisa Sadeghi were a kind family, Soltani said. "They were some of the nicest people I've met." Soltani said the family was in Iran to visit relatives over the holidays and he knew they were coming back on the flight that crashed. The family were involved in the local Iranian community, Soltani said. Mahdi Sadeghi was a board member for the Iranian association and Hajesfandiari volunteered at a Persian school. Soltani was at their home about two weeks before they left. He never expected they wouldn't return. "Everybody is in shock. It is so bad." --- Zeynab Asadi Lari and Mohammadhossein Asadi Lari The University of British Columbia said the names of two former students, Zeynab Asadi Lari and Mohammadhossein Asadi Lari, appeared on the flight manifest. The school's president, Santa Ono, said in a statement that he was "profoundly saddened." Zeynab Asadi Lari enrolled in 2016 in the bachelor of science program as a biology major, while Mohammadhossein Asadi Lari graduated in 2018 with a bachelor of science degree in cellular, anatomical and physiological sciences with honours standing, the statement said. "On behalf of the UBC community, I wish to express my deepest condolences to their family, friends and loved ones," Ono said. He said the university will continue to ensure its Iranian students, faculty and staff have the support they need. --- Fareed Arasteh Relatives said Fareed Arasteh, a PhD student in biology at Carleton University in Ottawa, was in Iran to marry his fiancee over the school holiday. Their wedding was just three days ago. Golnaz Shaverdi, cousin of Arasteh's wife, said the family is devastated by news of his death, especially his new bride, Maral, who remains in Iran. "She's devastated," Shaverdi said. "He was such a nice guy. Everyone in the family really loved him. He was young and very kind. Everyone is, of course, devastated and they are also very worried for his wife, because she's going through a very hard time now." Shaverdi spent a weekend with Arasteh before he left Canada and helped him pick out his wedding outfit. "He was a very kind and very honest person. He was thinking about his fiancee, was glad that he was going to go and see her and that they were going to be married," she said, breaking down into tears. "He talked about all their plans and their dreams about life. "He was young. It's not fair that it happened to him." --- Arash Pourzarabi and Pouneh Gorji Students from the University of Alberta said their friends, Arash Pourzarabi and Pouneh Gorji, were returning to Edmonton after getting married in Iran a week earlier. Amir Forouzandeh and Amir Samani, who are both doing their master's in computer science, said they were in the same program with the couple. "I wasn't able to go back, but they had their wedding on Jan. 1 and they were planning to come back on the 8th, and, of course, we all know what happened," said Forouzandeh. He said they were the kindest people he knew. "Since Day 1 that I got to know them and hang out with them, it was a blast," he said. "We got along so easily and pretty much within a week or two we just were hanging out every other day." Both Samani and Forouzandeh said the two were looking forward to the wedding when they left. "They were super excited," said Forouzandeh. "A lot of people came from all over the world to be at their wedding." Samani added that he can't believe what happened. "I'm a big denier right now," he said, noting he kept checking his phone to see if Arash was online. --- Maya Zibaie Maya Zibaie, a Grade 10 student at Northern Secondary School in Toronto, was identified by the principal as one of the passengers who died. In a letter to parents, Adam Marshall said Zibaie was new to Canada and excited about her future. "Maya was kind, happy and well-liked by her peers," he wrote. "Maya will be sorely missed. Our entire school community is in shock and some of our students are understandably upset." --- Firouzeh Madani and Naser Pourshaban A North Vancouver couple in their mid-50s, Firouzeh Madani and Naser Pourshaban were both award-winning physicians in Iran, said their niece Sara Hezarkhani. They were working towards getting their licences to practise in Canada. "No words can describe their personalities, their true spirit, the passion that they had for the work," said Hezarkhani. The couple was in Iran for about two weeks over the holidays to visit family, she said. Pourshaban and Madani had been living in Canada for about seven years, said Hezarkhani. Their daughter is a university student in the Lower Mainland. She was not on board the flight. "This is a big loss for our family and it will be very hard to (get) over," said Hezarkhani. --- Delaram Dadashnejad Delaram Dadashnejad, a 26-year-old Langara College nutrition student in Vancouver, was returning from visiting family and friends in Iran, said her friend Sia Ahmadi. Dadashnejad was originally booked for a round trip on Lufthansa Airlines, departing Vancouver on Dec. 17 and returning on Jan. 7, but her passport was stuck in Ottawa as part of her student visa renewal application, he said. She got her passport back the morning of Dec. 18 and rebooked with Ukrainian International Airlines for a trip leaving that day and returning Jan. 8, said Ahmadi, who added he was supposed to pick her up from the airport. "She was a very loving and compassionate person with a very kind heart, very loyal to her friends, and always tried to help people. Always." Dadashnejad planned to become a dietitian because she was passionate about health, said her friend, who added the young woman was an avid yogi and loved spending time outdoors in Vancouver. He said she's survived by her sister, who lives in Burnaby, B.C., and her mother and father who live in Tehran. Langara College president Lane Trotter offered condolences in a statement. "We are heartbroken over the fatal tragedy that took place; our thoughts and prayers are with those in mourning." --- Nasim Rahmanifar Nasim Rahmanifar, a master's student in the University of Alberta's mechanical engineering department, was nervous about her first winter in Edmonton. "She was so excited to go back ... she planned to surprise her mom," her friend Sina Esfandiarpour told Edmonton media at a news conference. He said he received a text from Rahmanifar from the airport that she was on her way back and she wasn't looking forward to the cold weather. "She was afraid," said Esfandiarpour. "She just came in May and she said, 'They told me it was just freezing cold.' "She is never going to see that." Ramin Fathian, Rahmanifar's officemate, said she was really worried about the weather in Edmonton. "She was asking me all the time, 'What is the best jacket?'" he recalled. "We were saying it's not that bad. You will get used to it." One of her supervisors, Prof. Hossein Rouhani, said Rahmanifar was a highly motivated, hard-working student who had recently earned a scholarship. "She was an outstanding student," said Rouhani, who added Rahmanifar planned to complete a PhD when she returned to Canada. --- Hamidreza Setareh and Samira Bashiri Hamidreza Setareh, 31, and Samira Bashiri, 29, fell in love as teenagers in Iran and had built a successful life together in Windsor, Ont., said friend Rachel Smith. The husband and wife had been in Canada for about a year and Bashiri had just recently completed her citizenship exam. The couple who some friends nicknamed "Sami and Hami" were in Iran for a month-long visit with their families, Smith said. She said Setareh was working on his PhD in engineering, taught at the University of Windsor part time and had a dog-grooming business on the side. Bashiri worked in a lab trying to find cures for diseases. Smith remembers them as generous and said they worked hard to raise funds for a church mission to help orphans in Kenya. They would give without ever expecting anything in return, she said. "They just want friendship and they just want to show their love to people," she said. "They were blessed and they were blessings. It was really an honour knowing them." --- Roja Azadian Roja Azadian was supposed to travel to Canada for the first time with her husband, who has been studying at Algonquin College in Ottawa, but a mix-up over his ticket meant he could not get on the plane with her. "He was thinking, I'm going to send her and then I'm going to be back on the next flight, said Leila Hojabri, a friend of Azadians husband. He called a friend in Ottawa, asking if he could pick Azadian up at the airport and ensure she was safe. Instead, her husband remains safe in Iran and she died aboard Ukraine International Airlines flight PS 752. "She wasn't sure if she should come to Canada and he was just building here and getting ready for her to join him and it's just a really, really tragic story," Hojabri said. --- Alma Oladi Alma Oladi was a PhD student studying mathematics at the University of Ottawa. Students and staff who knew her turned her desk into a makeshift memorial on Wednesday, with white flowers and cards placed next to a picture of her signature smile. She always had this smile on her face, said Mohsen Zandimoghadam, who was a friend of Oladi. She was a nice and kind girl, she always wanted to explore places and discover new things in life and new places she had so many plans for her life in Canada. --- Fatemah Pasavand and Ayeshe Pourghaderi Friends of a man who runs a bakery in North Vancouver say the crash left his small family shattered. Amir Pasavand who owns Amir Bakery in North Vancouver lost his daughter, 17-year-old Fatemah Pasavand, and his 36-year-old wife, Ayeshe Pourghaderi, a family friend confirmed. "The family supplied bread to my store," said Reza Varasteh, owner of Vanak Market and Deli, which is across the street from Amir Bakery. The mother and daughter went to Iran about a month ago on vacation, he said adding that he has known the family for about five years. He described the family as hardworking and Pourghadheri as pleasant. "She was always laughing, really kind." Varasteh said Amir Pasavand left for Tehran Wednesday morning to be with his family. Fatemah Pasavand is a student at Carson Graham Secondary School in North Vancouver and was going to turn 18 this month, he said. "The dad was wishing he was in the airplane instead of them," he said. "He had a hard time realizing he lost his family ... He had prepared a special meal that his daughter had asked for when she came back." --- Mohammad (Daniel) Saket and Fatemah (Faye) Kazerani Mohammad (Daniel) Saket, an engineer at North Vancouver-based real estate developer Denna Homes and his wife Fatemah (Faye) Kazerani died in the crash, the company confirmed. "This has been a very trying day for the Denna Homes family. As a small office of 10 people Daniel's passing is a significant loss to all of us. Daniel was a colleague, a friend and family. Both he and Faye will be sadly missed," said Dan Thomson, vice-president of marketing, in a statement. "Daniel and Faye both had a zest for life that lit up every room they entered." A celebration of life will be held for the couple on Saturday, the statement said. Farzad Taheri said he saw his cousins, who go by the English names Daniel and Faye, just before Christmas. "We were the only family they had in Canada," Taheri said. Taheri described Saket as "extremely kind, generous, humble genius." His death is a "big loss to humanity," he said. "Faye was the most positive, also extremely kind and generous woman." --- This report by The Canadian Press was first reported Jan. 8, 2020 Note to readers: This is a corrected list. An earlier list misspelled Hossein Saghlatoon's last name, Kamyar Ebnoddin Hamidi's first name, and Ayeshe Pourghaderi's last name. Less than a month after the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center put out a call for blood donations after a single trauma patient wiped out much of the available supply, its making another plea for donors. Demand from local hospitals and clinics is far exceeding the centers available blood products, straining already low inventories. Its seeking 2,160 donations by the end of the week. On Tuesday, the bank received requests for blood and platelets totaling 1,300 units, more than twice the amount typically requested. On ExpressNews.com: Amid shortage, San Antonio blood bank puts out emergency call for donations That increased demand comes as the bank continues to deal with a shortage. Currently, it has less than 500 units of blood and platelets on its shelves. As a result, local hospitals may be forced to cancel some surgeries scheduled for Thursday, Elizabeth Waltman, chief operating officer of the blood bank, said in a statement. Where to donate in San Antonio South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, Donor Pavilion Address: 6211 Interstate 10 Phone: 210-731-5555 South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, Northeast Address: 8500 Village, #102 Phone: 800-292-5534 South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, Shavano Park Address: 4079 N. Loop 1604 West, #102 Phone: 210-736-8920 South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, Westover Hills Address: 10555 Culebra, #107 Phone: 800-292-5534 South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, Southeast Address: 3158 S.E. Military, #104 Phone: 800-292-5534 University Hospital, Blood Donation Services Address: 4502 Medical Phone: 210-358-2812 See More Collapse The shortage has been exacerbated by the holidays, when donations tend to dip and the need for blood tends to spike. Last month, demand was particularly high, with requests for blood products up 10 percent from December 2018, according to the blood bank. To replenish its supply, South Texas Blood and Tissue would need 600 people to donate daily through Jan. 10. But Tuesday, only 256 people came in to donate blood. On ExpressNews.com: A special cooled bed provided San Antonio parents more time to say goodbye after their baby was stillborn In order to donate, individuals must be at least 16 years old, be in overall good health and meet minimum weight requirements of 120 pounds for 16-year-olds and 110 pounds for those 17 and older. While donations will be accepted from individuals with any blood type, type O donors are in particular demand. Lauren Caruba covers health care and medicine in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | lcaruba@express-news.net | Twitter: @LaurenCaruba All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 "All is well" President Donald Trump said that after a retaliatory Iranian missile attack on US-led forces and that he would make a statement on the situation on Wednesday morning. Iran said it had launched the missile attack on two Iraqi military bases hosting US-led coalition personnel as retribution for the US killing last week of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani. "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!" Trump wrote in a post on Twitter. "I will be making a statement tomorrow morning," he added. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said the President has been briefed about the situation and he is monitoring the situation. "We are working on initial battle damage assessments," Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said. Hoffman said around 5:30 pm on January 7, "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US.military and coalition forces in Iraq". "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, he said. We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team, Grisham said. Hoffman said in recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defence has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard its personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region, he said. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region, Hoffman said. Meanwhile, President Trump spoke with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and thanked him for his country's strong partnership with the US. The two leaders discussed the situation in Iraq and Iran, as well as other critical bilateral and regional issues, officials said. State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo telephoned Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and updated him on the Iranian missile attacks on Iraqi air bases, including in Erbil. The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops. Standing solidly behind actor Deepika Padukone, DMK leader Kanimozhi said the campaign to boycott the actor will make people like her go and watch her movies. A Tamil speaker, Kanimozhi said she doesnt watch Hindi movies but will make an exception in this case. I dont watch many hindi movies, theyre actually making people like me go and watch her movies and support her, Kanimozhi was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI. Watch | Kanimozhi defends Deepika over Chhapaak boycott call, BJP opposes JNU visit #BoycottDeepika has been trending after the actor made a surprise stop at the JNU last evening to lend support to the JNU students. The actors movie Chhapaak, in which she is playing the lead, is set to release this Friday. Within minutes of her visit to the campus, Delhi BJP spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga had asked followers to retweet his post on boycotting the movie. At JNU, Deepika Padukone had shared the stage with Kanhaiya Kumar and student leaders of the university when Kumar was raising slogans. Before she left, Deepika Padukone also met JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh who was allegedly assaulted by masked goons who had reportedly entered the campus on Sunday evening. Kanimozhi too met Aishe Ghosh, who has her hand in a cast and bandages on head, at the university hostel. The DMK leader inspected hostel rooms and expressed shock after seeing items strewn around and glasses as well as furniture broken. A masked mob armed with sticks and rods on Sunday attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus, injuring at least 35 people. The entire country is with you. Dont lose heart. There are many people who have condemned it... We will raise the issue. We will fight for you, she told students. As his country burned, Australia's prime minister was cursed and jeered out of a town, called an idiot, a moron and worse, and skewered at home and abroad for his dismissive response toward climate change. Australia's deadly wildfires have proven to be not just a crisis for the country, but a crisis for the country's prime minister one so grave that some have questioned whether his leadership can survive it. The outpouring of frustration and rage from many Australians toward Prime Minister Scott Morrison's lethargic wildfire response has been likened to the furious reaction of Americans toward President George W. Bush over his clumsy response to Hurricane Katrina. But whether Morrison's missteps put him at risk of being ousted from power in Australia's notoriously volatile government remains to be seen. I think it's done lasting damage to his credibility as a leader that is going to hound him into the future, said Sydney University political scientist Stewart Jackson. The question's going to be: Can Morrison recover from this? Morrison's blunders began early in the disaster, which has so far killed at least 26 people and destroyed 2,000 homes. He came under withering criticism for secretly taking a family vacation to Hawaii last month as his hometown of Sydney was choking on smoke that wafted from distant incinerated eucalyptus forests. His absence fueled criticism that his conservative government was ignoring the impacts of climate change at the end of a record hot and dry year in Australia. Weeks earlier, Australia was accused at a United Nations climate conference in Madrid of exploiting an accounting loophole to achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets and of thwarting an international agreement on carbon markets. The Hawaii vacation also created the appearance of Morrison fleeing the smoke and flames that thousands of ordinary Australians who bravely volunteer as firefighters were running toward. Those volunteers include high-profile Sydney fire truck driver Tony Abbott, a former prime minister whom Morrison as a power broker in their Liberal Party helped oust in 2015. Protesters, outraged at Morrison's absence during the crisis and his inaction on climate change, surrounded his home in Sydney. Memes mocking the prime minister flooded social media. A local retailer began selling Hawaiian shirts bearing Morrison's face, with proceeds going toward firefighting efforts. Under siege, Morrison announced he was cutting short his vacation to lead the government after two volunteer firefighters died protecting neighbors' homes. But the damage was done. Jackson likened the Hawaii fiasco to Bush's decision to continue his vacation after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005. The former U.S. president's reputation was wounded by his failure to respond faster. Bush was at least in the country, albeit flying over looking out the window, Jackson said, referring to an enduring image of the president surveying the damage in New Orleans far below Air Force One. Being overseas didn't help Morrison, Jackson added. Back from Hawaii, criticism of Morrison's clumsy leadership continued. He was seen on video offering to shake the hand of a reluctant woman in the all-but-destroyed New South Wales township of Cobargo. When she did not take his hand, he used his left hand to draw her right hand forward and shook it with his right, leaving many Australians with the impression that all he cared about was a photo opportunity. You won't be getting any votes down here! one local later shouted at him. You are out! Morrison brushed off abuse by locals who complained of a lack of government support, arguing the insults were not meant as personal attacks. I don't take it personally, Morrison told reporters later. I just see it as a sense of frustration and hurt and loss and anger that is out there about what is the ferocity of these natural disasters. Critics argue he should take some of the feedback to heart. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hengky Ola Sura (The Jakarta Post) Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara Wed, January 8, 2020 15:44 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3216068d 1 National TKI,Indonesia,BP3TKI Free As many as 119 migrant Indonesian migrant workers from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), most of them without proper documents, died abroad throughout 2019, the Indonesian Migrant Workers Placement, Protection and Monitoring Agency (BP3TKI) in Kupang has revealed. The agency recorded that 117 workers without legal documents died in Malaysia. Only two out of the 119 workers who died abroad were recorded in BP3TKI data. These workers worked in Senegal and Singapore respectively. BP3TKI Kupang head Siwa said that the agency handled a total of 411 cases concerning migrant workers throughout 2019. Some 371 cases, 90.27 percent of the total, were resolved, while 40 cases are still in process. Siwa explained that the cases which included deaths, salary disputes, deportation, illness, communication troubles and workers who asked to be sent home involved 395 non-procedural workers and 16 official workers. Of the 119 dead workers, 112 bodies had been sent home while six workers were buried in Malaysia and one body was still being processed for being sent home. Siwa also said that his agency would continue to cooperate with other parties to solve Indonesian immigrant workers issues. We maintain cooperation with religious and public figures to introduce the importance of fulfilling administrative requirements to become a legal worker. In the future, we will intensify this joint cooperation to reduce the number of non-procedural workers, Siwa said. The National Network Against Human Trafficking (JarNas Anti TPPO) secretary Gabriel Goa said that the number of deaths among immigrant workers from NTT kept on increasing every year. According to JarNas data a total of 124 workers died abroad. Of the figure, 119 were in line with the data recorded by BP3TKI Kupang while two others were still being processed by their respective families and the other three had been buried in Malaysia. Gabriel further urged the Indonesian government to sign a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian government regarding Indonesian workers in Malaysia as the old one had expired. (dpk) Topics : TKI Indonesia BP3TKI Trucking companies impacted by WA's Goldfields bushfires have called on the Federal Government to include them in any assistance packages made available to businesses impacted by the devastating east coast fires. Several Goldfields fires have been raging since before Christmas, tearing through more than 600,000 hectares of bush and shutting down the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway and Eyre Highway, WA's major arterial connection to the east coast. Firefighters have been battling the Goldfields blazes since before Christmas. Credit:Paul Jeffers The closures left trucks and cars stranded on either end of the highway at the Caiguna Roadhouse in the east, and prompted the Western Roads Federation to warn eastern states trucking companies to not send any trucks to WA. There are still trucks stuck in Salmon Gums as firefighters continue to battle the blazes, and fresh emergencies near Balladonia will ensure Eyre Highway remains closed on Thursday. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Edwin Basurto can still hear the knock on his familys front door the day federal agents came to arrest his father for being in the country illegally. Basurto was a middle school student in Kalamazoo when his father was deported and his family became homeless. His story, he said, is like those of many other immigrants in America, who had to find hope to overcome obstacles in search of a better life. And Basurto believes those stories need to be told. Through his new podcast, Esperanza, Basurto hopes to spread empathy, acceptance and acknowledgment for immigrants from around the world living in America. We are LIVE on Spotify. Check out our Trailer! Posted by Esperanza Podcast on Saturday, December 21, 2019 Basurto was born in Mexico City in 1995. At the age of 2, his parents brought him and his siblings to America. They would have two more children while living in the U.S., but would eventually separate. His father was physically abusive to his mother, Basurto said, and was ultimately deported. A middle schooler at the time, Basurto remembers being fearful of life without his father. Now he feels his fathers separation from the rest of the family was for the best. Its the best thing that could have happened to us because he had a track record of domestic violence, he said. Basurta said people of all ethnicities can often feel alone in their struggles, but people share more in common with their neighbors than they might believe. We are all equal, he said. We all struggle. Basurto describes himself as a creative person with a passion for storytelling and human connections. I look at everyone," he said. Whats their story? Where did they come from? Now working as a housekeeper at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Basurto enjoys talking to hotel guests and hearing their life stories. A self-described podcast enthusiast, Basurto said the idea to create his own podcast began in 2016. He believes his own life experience and strengths as a communicator will make his podcast a success. Basurtos first episode of Esperanza, which translates to hope in English, is expected to publish later this month. In the program, he hopes to offer listeners raw, unfiltered first-person perspectives on immigration, hope and why people want to built their lives in America. Included in his list of upcoming interviews are discussions with an Iraqi man who fled from terrorism to the U.S. in the 1970s, and another with an immigrant from Egypt. You are who you are, Basurto said. Lets stop trying to hide it. At the time of his fathers arrest, his parents were separated. But his father remained the sole income provider for the family, Basurto said. He was bringing a gallon of milk to the family when agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement showed up at their home. It was the craziest knock, Basurto said. I can still hear it. The next day at Maple Street Magnet School, Basurtos teachers tried to help in any way they could. After their father was deported, the four children and their mother became homeless and bounced around, living with family and friends before moving into the YWCA in downtown Kalamazoo, Basurto said. One of his memories of life during that period includes an instance when the family of five shared a bag of microwavable popcorn for a meal. Years later, Basurto was a senior at Kalamazoo Central High School with an art scholarship to attend Kendall College when his mother called to say their application to become permanent residents was approved. He left high school to work and earn money for his family. I was in lunch, and I literally walked out, and I never came back, Basurto said. The next week, he was working as both a dishwasher at a local restaurant and a housekeeper in a local hospital. More than five years later, Basurto said he no longer regrets his decision to drop out of high school. I needed an income more than I needed a diploma," he said. Things are different now. He puts in long hours at work, which means the family can live comfortably, Basurto said. I come home and I see my mom smile -- not crying anymore, he said. In a flyer promoting his podcast, Basurto asks for anyone interested in telling their story to reach out via email at basurtobusiness@gmail.com or via Facebook or Instagram. AKRON, Ohio -- Ahead of their joint appearance in Akron on Wednesday evening, Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg announced an endorsement from Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. I am excited to endorse Mike Bloomberg for president because he has been a leader on the issues that impact Ohio families most, Horrigan said in a news release from the Bloomberg campaign. Mike has taken on the toughest fights and won. As a former mayor, he understands that true leadership is not just about talk, but about taking real action towards positive change. I am confident his policy platform will reinvest in middle America and that, when he gets to the White House, he will help communities like Akron grow and rebuild. Horrigan, a Democrat who began his second term as mayor this month, will advise the campaign on strategy and policy and will act as a surrogate, the release said. Bloomberg is visiting Akrons Bounce Innovation Hub at 7 p.m. Wednesday as part of a tour of three Midwestern cities that have been shortchanged by Donald Trump, including Chicago, Illinois and Wells, Minnesota. The billionaire and former New York City mayor is expected to meet with small business owners at Bounce and discuss his plan to create jobs. Bloomberg will be the first 2020 presidential candidate to visit Akron this election cycle. Kevin Sheekey, Bloombergs campaign manager, said his team is excited to have Horrigans endorsement. Mayor Horrigan embodies the ingenuity and grit of Akron, and his experience and perspective will be invaluable as we engage communities across the Midwest, Sheekey said. Ohio is an important state and we are thrilled to have the support of one of its most trusted leaders. The Akron visit will be Bloombergs second campaign stop in Ohio, having visited Chillicothe last month. He met with Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney and residents who had been impacted by the opioid epidemic, after which he unveiled his plan to address the crisis. Bloombergs campaign released a video this week that focuses on the opioid crisis and his visit to Chillicothe. Bloomberg is one of 14 Democrats seeking the partys nomination for president. He and 10 others have qualified to appear on Ohios March 17 primary ballot. Because he entered the race in late November, Bloomberg wont compete in the first four voting contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. His campaign strategy includes focusing on states with later primaries, beginning with those on March 3, or Super Tuesday. Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.coms Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Groups of Overseas Vietnamese in Japan, Cambodia, and Australia have gathered together to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year or Tet. Over 1,000 Vietnamese expatriates are joined by Japanese guests as they gather to participate in a music gala held in Osaka, Japan, on January 5 to welcome Tet. The occasion sees an Ao Dai fashion show taking place among an array of other activities aimed at boosting cultural exchanges between the two countries. The Vietnamese consul general in Osaka Vu Tuan Hai (second from left) displays his sincere gratitude to Japanese friends for supporting the activities of the Overseas Vietnamese community in recent times. A large number of Vietnamese students currently abroad in Cambodia hold a special art performance in Phnom Penh on January 4 with the aim of promoting Vietnamese culture globally. Vietnams ambassador to Cambodia Vu Quang Minh praises the various achievements of Vietnamese students during 2019, before thanking universities in Cambodia for creating favourable conditions that are suitable to study in. Members of the Overseas Vietnamese community in Australia gather with international friends to welcome Tet, the most important annual festival nationally. The event is held as a celebration at the Vietnamese Embassy on January 4. Participants come together to enjoy art performances and the taste of traditional food for the special event. Vietnamese ambassador to Australia Ngo Huong Nam wishes a new year full of wealth, prosperity, and good health for all. Quoc Te/VOV SAN DIEGO, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CV Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB:CVSI) (the Company, CV Sciences, our, us or we), a preeminent supplier and manufacturer of hemp cannabidiol (CBD) products, today announced that Joseph Dowling, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Joerg Grasser, Chief Financial Officer, will present and meet with investors at the 22nd Annual ICR Conference in Orlando, Florida being held January 13-15, 2020. A formal presentation is scheduled at 11:30am ET on Tuesday, January 14th. The webcast of their presentation will be available on the Investors News and Events section of the Company's website at https://ir.cvsciences.com/news-events and directly at http://wsw.com/webcast/icr6/cvsi/ . The webcast will be archived for approximately 30 days. The slide presentation to be referenced at the conference will also be available on the Investors News and Events section of the Company's website at https://ir.cvsciences.com/news-events . About CV Sciences, Inc. CV Sciences, Inc. (CVSI) operates two distinct business segments: a consumer product division focused on manufacturing, marketing and selling plant-based CBD products to a range of market sectors; and a drug development division focused on developing and commercializing CBD-based novel therapeutics utilizing CBD. The Companys PlusCBD Oil products are sold at more than 5,500 retail locations throughout the U.S. and it is the top-selling brand of hemp-derived CBD on the market, according to SPINS, the leading provider of syndicated data and insights for the natural, organic and specialty products industry. CV Sciences state-of-the-art facility follows all guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the Companys full spectrum hemp extracts are processed, produced, and tested throughout the manufacturing process to confirm the cannabinoid content meets strict company standards. With a commitment to science, PlusCBD Oils benefits in healthy people are supported by human clinical research data, in addition to three published clinical case studies available on PubMed.gov. PlusCBD Oil was the first hemp CBD supplement brand to invest in the scientific evidence necessary to receive self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status. CV Sciences, Inc. has primary offices and facilities in San Diego, California. Additional information is available from OTCMarkets.com or by visiting www.cvsciences.com . FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties. CONTACT INFORMATION: Investor Contact: ICR Scott Van Winkle 617-956-6736 CVSciences@icrinc.com Media Contact: ICR Cory Ziskind 646-277-1232 cory.ziskind@icrinc.com Former Eastern Regional Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress, NDC, Mark Oliver Kevor, has pointed out some disturbing issues which will topple the current government. He said hardship and corruption under President Akufo-Addo will be among some key factors that will lead to New Patriotic Partys (NPP) defeat. Mark Oliver Kevor told Kwaku Dawuro on Pae Mu Ka on Accra-based Kingdom FM 107.7 The level of development of Ghana at the moment does not fit the ideal conditions for such trickle-down effect to happen, he stated. He added that, it is in our countrys interest that we speak out and demonstrate our disapproval of the Akufo-Addo style of leadership, which has visited unprecedented hardships on Ghanaians. He indicated that NPP will lose 2020 general elections on the grounds of corruption, arrogance, disrespect, unemployment, increase in crime rate among other negative things happening in the country. Mark Oliver Kevor intimated that fuel prices, the introduction of taxes and other factors have increased the suffering of the ordinary Ghanaian. According to him, the President has resorted to reckless economic decisions so far in his tenure and said the reason the NPP had failed to advance the development of Ghana anytime they were in power is that the partys political philosophy did not respond to the needs of the country. While speaking from the White House foyer, US President Donald Trump on December 8 defended his decision of killing General Qassem Soleimani by stating that they had stopped a ruthless terrorist. Trump said that they eliminated the world's top terrorist who was responsible for committing the worst atrocities. The US President said that Soleimani trained extremists including Hezbollah. Trump said, Soleimani directed the recent attacks on US personnel in Iraq and was planning new attacks on American targets. We stopped him. He should have been terminated long ago". Trump imposes sanctions on Iran Reacting to Irans missile attack on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump asserted that no American citizen was hurt. In a significant climbdown, he avoided any mention of war and instead, announced that the US would immediately impose punishing economic sanctions on Iran. Iran appears to be standing down, he said. In his address, Trump lashed out at Iran saying that, "they created hell in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. He said that Iran was given $150 billion in cash in the "defective" 2015 nuclear deal with which it created "hell in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan". Read: Poll: World Skeptical Trump Will Do Right In Global Affairs 'World leaders need to work together to achieve peace' He went on to urge world leaders to work together to achieve peace. He asked NATO members to be much more involved in the Middle East peace process. Warning Iran, Trump said, Your campaign of terror and mayhem will not be tolerated...Our missiles are lethal and fast. Read: 'He Fought Terror, Protected European Capitals': Iran's Rouhani Shames Trump On Soleimani The US-Iran conflict While Iran and the US have been at loggerheads for quite some time, their relationship took a turn for the worst after a US airstrike on January 3 killed Quds Force chief General Soleimani, considered by many as the second most powerful figure in Iran. The Pentagon confirmed that the January 3 attack at the Baghdad International Airport was carried out at the direction of President Donald Trump. Along with General Soleimani, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis- the deputy commander of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an Iran-backed umbrella organization comprising several militias was also killed. On the other hand, the US accused the Quds Force of providing funding, training, weapons, and equipment to US-designated terrorist groups in West Asia including Hezbollah and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group in Gaza. It alleged that Soleimani and the Quds Force were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans. Read: Netizens In India Flood Twitter With 'All Is Well' Memes After Trump's Tweet Read: Trump Should Be Congratulated: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu Amid US-Iran Escalation A petition against the appointment of Mr. Bernatowicz was signed by Olga Tokarczuk, the Polish novelist who was awarded the delayed 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature, along with a Whos Who of the Polish art world. He would go down in history as the gravedigger of this institution, wrote a commentator in Krytyka Polityczna, a highbrow left-wing magazine. Mr. Bernatowicz said he was aware of the criticism, but was undaunted. Why shouldnt I try? he said. The Law and Justice Party has tried to orientate Polands cultural institutions in a nationalist-populist direction since it was elected in 2015. Piotr Glinski, Polands culture minister, who appointed Mr. Bernatowicz at the Ujazdowski, said in an emailed statement that the government was restoring the right balance and building a fair system, in which every artist, regardless of his/her views, can count on the support of the state. Other government-appointed art administrators have caused controversy, too. In April, Jerzy Miziolek, the director of the National Museum in Warsaw, removed three contemporary artworks, all by women, from its walls after he received an email from a visitor who said her child had been left traumatized by them. The works included a photo series by Natalia L.L., a feminist artist whose career began in Poland under Communism, that showed a woman seductively licking and sucking a banana. Demonstrators ate bananas outside the museum in protest at its removal. (Mr. Miziolek resigned in December after a series of labor disputes at the museum.) A n Uber driver cleared of a sword attack on police outside Buckingham Palace plotted deadly terror attacks just two years later, a court has heard. Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson QC said Mohiussunnath Chowdhury, 28, was "motivated by dreams of martyrdom for the cause of Islam, and inspired by preachers of hate" such as former al-Qaeda spokesman Anwar Al-Awlaki. Mr Atkinson told a jury at London's Woolwich Crown Court that Chowdhury had been found not guilty at the Old Bailey of a terror charge after attacking police officers with a sword outside Buckingham Palace in August 2017. During that incident, two unarmed officers were wounded when they fought to disarm him near the Queen's London residence as Chowdhury shouted repeatedly "Allahu Akbar", which means God is the greatest. After he was cleared at the Old Bailey, Chowdhury was driven by "dreams of martyrdom" and, by 2019, was planning to kill tourists at busy tourist hotspots such as London's Madame Tussauds and the Gay Pride parade. His sister did nothing to stop him, according to Mr Atkinson. But Chowdhury was unwittingly confiding his plans to undercover police officers who had him under surveillance, the court heard. Sneha Chowdhury leaving Woolwich Crown Court in London / PA Mr Atkinson said: "Believing them to be as sincerely committed as he was, he told them of his devotion to the cause of violent Islamic extremism, the basis for this devotion and the skewed religious beliefs that underpinned it." He added: "Various potential targets were discussed between the defendant and those he believed to be committed to the same cause and the same forms of violence as himself. "The targets mentioned included Madame Tussauds in London, the Gay Pride parade and an attack on tourists on a London open-top tour bus. "The object was to unleash death and suffering on non-Muslim members of the public who happened to be present, using a firearm, sword and even a van as part of an attack." Mr Atkinson said Chowdhury even bragged that he had deceived the jury which cleared him at his previous trial. The prosecutor told jurors they could consider Chowdhury's "assertions" to the undercover officers that he was "indeed trying to carry out a terrorist attack in 2017 and that he had deceived the earlier jury that acquitted him of it". Mr Atkinson added: "Whatever the position in 2017, he was unquestionably preparing for terrorism in 2019." Mr Atkinson said Chowdhury's sister Sneha Chowdhury, 25, had "better reason than anyone" to understand what her brother's motivations were, but she didn't stop him. After being cleared in December 2018, Chowdhury posted an Instagram message in which he called the police officer who had confronted and disarmed him outside Buckingham Palace a "cuck". From January 2019, three undercover officers were working to learn of Chowdhury's extremist views, the court heard. Chowdhury was able to buy a replica Glock gun and told them what he was planning to do and why. Mr Atkinson said: "He told them of his training regime, and sought to involve them in his firearms-related training. "He told them of what he was wanting and planning to do, and sought to involve them in the carrying out of one or more terrorist attacks." Chowdhury had claimed the incident outside Buckingham Palace had been an attempted suicide. Before the incident occurred, he had made references on WhatsApp to the "Westminster jihad attacker" Khalid Masood, saying "it was a good way to go". Mr Atkinson said Chowdhury looked into firearms training and began "preparations to undertake that which he had been stopped from doing in 2017, an act of terrorism." The prosecution said he used sister's bank account on 10 March 2019 to buy two Red Oak Bokken wooden training swords, which were delivered to their home address. Mohiussunnath Chowdhury, of Luton, Bedfordshire, is charged with one count of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts, collecting information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism and of disseminating terrorist publications. His sister, of the same address, denies two charges of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism. As the devastation from Australias bushfires widens, the insurance industry is calling for concerted action to mitigate the impact of climate change. Months of out-of-control fires have burnt an area more than five times the size of Wales and industry-wide claims of A$700 million [US$480.8 million] are expected to mount. They follow large costs from other recent extreme weather events, including a hailstorm in Sydney in 2018 that led to more than A$1.3 billion [US$894 million] in insurance losses and floods in the northern town of Townsville that cost A$1.2 billion [US$825.2 million]. With scientists predicting climate change will increase the severity and frequency of such disasters, there are concerns insurance premiums may skyrocket beyond the reach of those needing the protection most. The issue is particularly acute in Australia, a land of climatic extremes from the tropical north, to the central desert to the temperate coasts. If we seriously think we are crossing a new normal, of course insurance premiums are going to have to go up, said Karl Mallon, chief executive officer of climate-adaptation consultancy Climate Risk. His previous modeling has suggested that without action, insurance could be out of reach for up to 1 in 20 Australian homes by the end of the century. The battleground is going to be on affordable insurance going forward. Key to that debate is what should be done to make communities and infrastructure such as roads and power grids more resilient to events such as heatwaves, floods and fires. Another critical question is where people should live. Globally, as our cities get bigger, were moving into more hazardous areas. Disaster mitigation is absolutely key, said Andrew Gissing, head of risk and resilience at Risk Frontiers, a provider of catastrophe-modeling solutions. We spend too much on disaster relief and recovery and not enough on mitigation. As it faces escalating claims, Australias insurance industry is becoming increasingly vocal in its demands for long-term action. No property should be un-insurable, Campbell Fuller, spokesman for the Insurance Council of Australia, told Bloomberg TV on Wednesday. But that requires governments to act now to help reduce the risks to properties for what is already here, let alone what is coming with climate change. The industry wants to see the government invest in a whole range of permanent measures including better bushfire research, flood prevention and cyclone resilience, he said. No Quick Fix There is no quick fix this year, Fuller said. We have urban areas encroaching on traditional bushfire zones. We have many communities where the building codes pre-date modern understanding of bushfires and each of those issues will need to be addressed in a broad sense by all levels of government, with industry input and with academic input. Claims for this year are expected to rise dramatically, Fuller said, noting that access is still impossible for many areas and commercial claims will take weeks to flow through. Even if bushfire losses almost double, they would still fall short of the costs of other extreme weather events such as the Sydney hailstorm in 2018. While the fires tend to affect rural areas hardest, events like cyclones and floods have hit at the heart of the nations more heavily populated and wealthy coastal cities. For the companies themselves, for this year at least reinsurance will help firms like Insurance Australia Group Ltd. and Suncorp Group Ltd. deal with the blow. The 2019-20 season is likely to be the most destructive and costly in decades, with the economic impact on the country far outweighing insured losses, Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Steven Lam said. However, net claims for IAG and Suncorp should be limited by reinsurance recoveries. Sydney-based IAG said last week that it expects net bushfire claims of A$160 million [US$110 million] and fiscal first-half net natural-peril claim costs of about A$400 million [US275.1 million], A$80 million [US$55 million] above its semi-annual allowance. The companys shares have slipped 1.2% this year. Brisbane-based Suncorp group has received more than 1,500 claims since the fires began in November, but acknowledges the full impact wont be known for several weeks. We continue to see communities hit by floods, bushfires and cyclones, CEO Steve Johnston said. Increasing Australias disaster resilience requires a focus on preparation and mitigation activities, including land-use planning, improving building infrastructure in high-risk areas and vegetation management. Photograph: Firefighters work to extinguish a bushfire that burns near homes on the outskirts of the town of Bilpin on Dec. 19, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. Photo taken by David Gray/Getty Images. Related: Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Claims USA Flood Climate Change Market Australia iran ukraine crash AP Photos/Mohammad Nasiri A passenger jet burst into flames shortly after taking off and crashed in Iran early Wednesday morning, killing all 176 people on board. Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 had been traveling from Tehran, Iran, to Kyiv, Ukraine. Iranian authorities blamed the crash on technical difficulties with the aircraft engine. The plane was a Boeing 737-800, the previous generation of Boeing's 737 family of jets. The current generation, the 737 Max, has been grounded worldwide since March. Read all of Business Insider's coverage of this crash. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. A passenger jet burst into flames and crashed shortly after taking off from Iran's Imam Khomeini airport at about 6:20 a.m. on Wednesday. The Boeing 737-800 plane, operated by Ukraine International Airlines, had been heading from Tehran to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. iran ukraine crash AP Photos Flight 752 had been carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members. There were no survivors, an Iranian Emergency Department spokesman, Mojtaba Khaledi, told the state-run IRNA news agency. The jet was three years old and underwent planned maintenance checks three days ago, the airline said on Wednesday. Iranian officials have blamed the crash on technical difficulties stemming from the engine, dismissing the notion that it was caused by a military strike. An official from Iran's Roads and Urban Development Ministry also blamed the crash on a "fire in a part of the engine and the pilot's unsuccessful effort to control the plane," according to BBC Monitoring. "Had the accident happened due to a missile strike, the plane would have exploded in the air," the ministry added. The Ukrainian Embassy in Tehran also called the crash an accident but did not specify a cause. Investigators have found one of the flight's so-called black boxes, which record flight data and audio from the cockpit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered condolences to the victims' families and said he had instructed his prosecutor general to open criminal proceedings into the crash, according to Reuters. Story continues Video posted to Twitter by the Iranian news agency ISNA, which it described as the "first video of Ukrainian plane crashing near Shahriar," appeared to show a plane rapidly descending, followed by an explosion on the ground. Ukraine International Airlines operates a daily flight from Tehran to Kyiv. Data from the flight-tracking service FlightRadar24 appeared to show the airline's Flight 752 departing from Tehran, with communication with the plane being lost approximately three minutes later. FlightRadar24 posted an image of Flight 752's flight path to Twitter. The Boeing 737-800 is the previous generation of Boeing's 737 family of jets. The current generation, the 737 Max, has been grounded worldwide since March following two fatal crashes caused by a faulty flight-control system. Both 737 Max crashes occurred within minutes of takeoff. iran ukraine crash AP Photos/Mohammad Nasiri Read the original article on Business Insider Donald Trump has called on the UK, its European allies and others to abandon the defective Iran nuclear deal. The US president said the time has come for Britain, Germany, France, Russia and China to break away from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Under the deal, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear programme and allow in international inspectors in return for the easing of economic sanctions. Hours before Mr Trumps remarks, Boris Johnson said the deal remains the best way of preventing nuclear proliferation in Iran. He told MPs during Prime Ministers Questions: It is the best way of encouraging the Iranians not to develop a nuclear weapon and we think that after this crisis has abated, which of course we sincerely hope it will, that way forward will remain. LIVE: President @realDonaldTrump Addresses the Nation https://t.co/vRH9gVAD0N The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) January 8, 2020 It is a shell that has currently been voided, but it remains a shell into which we can put substance again. At a White House press conference on Wednesday afternoon Mr Trump said the very defective JCPOA expires shortly anyway and gives Iran a clear and quick path to nuclear breakout. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism. The time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China to recognise this reality. They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal or JCPOA and we must all work together towards making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place. Expand Close Boris Johnson showed support for the deal at PMQs (UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Boris Johnson showed support for the deal at PMQs (UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor) However, on a visit to New York in September, Mr Johnson called for a Trump deal on Iran, describing the existing JCPOA deal as bad with many defects. The president claimed Iran appeared to be standing down following the missile attack, which he said was a very good thing for the world. And he also announced that the US would be imposing additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime until the country changes its behaviour. Legal experts have warned that one simple mistake could leave people exposed to fraud this year. Lawyers are urging people to write '2020' in full when dating documents so that they cannot be altered or manipulated in the future. Documents written as DD/MM/YY leave the year column able to be altered, giving scammers an opportunity to change papers by adding two digits after the '20' to post or pre-date the document. The Queensland Law Societys immediate past president Bill Potts told The Courier Mail that people should be wary of their documents to avoid drama. Queensland Law Societys immediate past president Bill Potts said people should be wary of their important documents 'The potential hot spots include wills, legal and financial documents, where the date is only displayed, and also its very important any trust account authorities do likewise because they may be vulnerable to this fraud,' he said. 'Better to be safe than sorry is the mantra.' The society says people should only sign important documents if the entire date is written out in full. Protesters were seen raising slogans outside Jadavpur University in the city and Hooghly following the trade unions' call for Bharat Bandh against the 'anti-worker policies of central government'. Protesters also blocked the railway track at Kanchrapara in North 24 Parganas. Shops were shut in Siliguri where a North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) bus driver was seen wearing a helmet while driving in the wake of protests during the strike. The Bharat Bandh has been called by all 10 Central trade unions along with different federations. The unions including AIUTUC, CITU, INTUC, among others have given the call for the strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is not taking part in the strike. The protesters' demand includes the dropping of the proposed labour reforms by the Centre. A Bill concerning labour reforms was passed which proposes the merger of 44 labour laws into four codes -- wages, industrial relations, social security, and safe working conditions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Washington, Jan 8 : US President Donald Trump said that there are no plans at this time to withdraw American troops from Iraq. "At some point we want to get out, but this isn't the right point," Trump said at the White House, where he was meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. "It's the worst thing that could happen to Iraq," he said in remarks to reporters on Tuesday, four days after a US airstrike killed a prominent Iranian military commander in Baghdad and further ratcheted up tensions in the Middle East, Efe news reported. Trump went on to say that such a move would give Iran even greater influence in the region and that the Iraqi people do not want that. He made his remarks after Iraq's Parliament on Sunday responded to Friday's assassination near Baghdad's airport of the leader of the foreign wing of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Qasem Soleimani, and the deputy leader of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces militia organization, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, by passing a non-binding resolution calling on the government to "end the presence of any foreign troops on Iraqi soil." Before his comments on Tuesday, Trump had said the US would not leave Iraq and abandon a multi-billion-dollar airbase it built there following the 2003 invasion unless that Arab nation reimburses Washington for its cost. Confusion has surrounded the permanence of US troops in Iraq after a commander of the US-led military coalition against the Islamic State terror organization said soldiers in that Arab country would be repositioned. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, however, said Tuesday in an interview with CNN that American troops will remain in Iraq, adding that a draft letter sent by mistake the day before to Iraq's Defence Ministry by the head of Combined Joint Task Force Iraq, Gen. William H Seeley III, "has no import." In that interview, Esper said the US is not seeking war with Iran but is prepared to act decisively if one breaks out. "We are not looking to start a war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one," Esper said. The Pentagon chief defended Friday's drone strike that killed Soleimani, al-Muhandis and eight other people in their convoy, saying it was carried out based on US intelligence indicating that the Iranian general was planning further attacks on American personnel and interests. "One terrorist leader of a terrorist organization meeting with another terrorist leader to synchronize and plan additional attacks on American diplomats, forces or facilities. I think we took the right action to remove these players from the battlefield," Esper said. However, the defence secretary also held out an olive branch to Iran on Tuesday, saying in a press conference at the Pentagon that the US is open to talks without preconditions to lower tensions. In response to Iran's vow to strike back against the US following Soleimani's assassination, Trump warned over the weekend that Iranian cultural heritage sites will be targeted if Tehran retaliates. That threat has sparked controversy, with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeting that such an action would constitute a war crime. The Pentagon, however, has ruled out attacks on cultural sites and Esper told CNN that the US would "follow the laws of armed conflict" in the event of an all-out confrontation with Iran. Trump also walked back his threat on Tuesday, indicating that he would adhere to international law. "If that's what the law is - I like to obey the law. But think of it, they kill our people, they blow up our people, but then we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions," the president said. The US has insisted since the assassination of Soleimani that the action was necessary because of that general's alleged plans to target American interests and personnel. Trump said that on Wednesday a group of eight US lawmakers who traditionally are given privileged access to classified intelligence will be briefed by the White House about the purported orchestration of attacks by Soleimani. Carlos Ghosn went on the attack against Japan's criminal justice system less than two weeks after becoming the world's most famous fugitive with a daring escape to Lebanon. "I was brutally taken from my world as I knew it," the former head of Nissan and Renault said in Beirut on Wednesday, addressing a press conference for the first time since his arrest for financial crimes over a year ago. "I was ripped from my family, my friends, from my communities, and from Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi." Ghosn's flight from Japan, an escape worthy of a Hollywood spy thriller, marked the latest twist in a saga that began with his stunning arrest at Tokyo's Haneda airport in November of 2018. Now free to speak his mind, the 65-year-old is seeking to salvage his legacy, blighted by allegations of understating his income and raiding corporate resources for personal gain at Nissan. He's also under investigation in France. "I felt I was a hostage of a country that I had served for 17 years," Ghosn said, in an emotional reaction toward his treatment in Japan after helping rescue Nissan from near-collapse two decades ago. After more than a year in Japan's criminal justice system, including months locked in a cell, Ghosn has scores to settle. Proclaiming his innocence, he accused Japanese prosecutors, government officials and Nissan executives of conspiring to topple him to prevent a further integration of the Japanese carmaker with Renault. Ghosn named former Nissan Chief Executive Officer Hiroto Saikawa, Hitoshi Kawaguchi, and Masakazu Toyoda among those involved in the plot against him. Saikawa, Ghosn's successor-turned-accuser lost his own job less than a year later over his own overcompensation scandal. Ghosn was facing trials that could have landed him in prison for more than a decade when, last week, he bolted to Lebanon in a private jet from Osaka's Kansai International Airport to escape what he described as a "rigged Japanese justice system." The Mediterranean country doesn't have an extradition agreement with Japan. Now that he's slipped from Japan's grasp, Ghosn is taking his case to the court of public opinion -- an arena where he gained a wealth of experience during two decades as one of the world's most prominent and media-savvy business leaders. "I am here to expose a system of justice that violates the most basic principles of humanity," Ghosn said at the press conference. "These allegations are untrue and I should never have been arrested." He laid the blame for his treatment not only on the prosecutors, but also on government officials, Nissan and its law firm. Because they leaked false information and withheld information that might have helped him, Ghosn said he was presumed guilty without the ability to clear his name. "My unimaginable ordeal over the past 14 months was the result of an orchestrated campaign spearheaded by a handful of unscrupulous, vindictive individuals at Nissan and at the Latham & Watkins law firm, with the support of the Tokyo prosecutor's office," Ghosn said. His arrest cast an unflattering light on Japan's legal system, where prosecutors can grill suspects repeatedly without their lawyers present and enjoy an almost 100% conviction rate. Under the terms of Ghosn's bail, the court had restricted contact with his family, including his wife Carole, with whom he was forbidden to speak without seeking permission. On Tuesday, Tokyo prosecutors pushed back, obtaining an arrest warrant for Carole Ghosn on suspicion of giving false testimony. "This is exactly how it works," Ghosn said, calling the move part of Japan's intimidation tactics. Nissan also went on the offensive Tuesday, saying its internal investigation in the lead-up to Ghosn's arrest found "incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct" by the former executive. Nissan pledged to take "appropriate legal action" against him for any harm caused to the company. The carmaker has already spent more than $200 million on lawyers, investigators, and digital forensics in its investigation of Ghosn and former executive Greg Kelly, people with knowledge of the matter said, asking not to be identified because the information isn't public. Kelly, who remains in Japan, has also denied wrongdoing. Ghosn helped lead Nissan back from the brink two decades ago, following its rescue by Renault. It made him a hero in Japan for a time, complete with a manga, or comic series, celebrating his corporate exploits. As the alliance between Renault and Nissan prospered - bringing in Mitsubishi Motors Corp. in 2016 - Ghosn became the indispensable man at the center of the partnership. Yet his compensation led to persistent criticism in Japan and France, and resentment grew at Nissan over the lopsided shareholder structure that left Renault with 43% of the Japanese carmaker, while Nissan owns just 15% of Renault. Given its bigger size and superior earnings performance in recent years, Nissan has sought more sway in the alliance, including a reduction in Renault's stake. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Ghosn's pledge to "speak freely" has fueled concern his remarks could rekindle the mutual suspicion that has plagued relations between the carmakers since his arrest. Ghosn's Legal Odyssey and What It Says About Japan: QuickTake Emerging accounts of Ghosn's escape while under near round-the-clock surveillance have transfixed the business world. On Sunday, Dec. 29, he reportedly left his house in Tokyo, wearing a hat and a surgical-style mask, and took a bullet train to Osaka. That evening a Bombardier jet took off from the private-jet terminal of Kansai International Airport bound for Istanbul - with Ghosn apparently concealed in a large black case that was too big to fit into the airport's baggage-scanning machines. Reaching Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, he changed planes while inside a box. The second jet took off shortly after for the brief flight to Beirut. In Lebanon, where Ghosn grew up and has citizenship, he's highly regarded for his business successes, and has even appeared on a postage stamp. Shortly after his arrest in Tokyo in 2018, a Beirut billboard proclaimed: "We are all Carlos Ghosn." - - - Bloomberg's Nour Al Ali, Tara Patel and Kenneth Wong contributed to this report. Doubts have been cast over Iranian assertions that a deadly Ukrainian plane crash near Tehran was the result of technical failures, with independent aviation operations experts saying a shootdown was the most likely explanation. Iranian officials said technical issues were behind the Ukrainian International Airlines (UIA) crash, which happened shortly after take-off from Imam Khomeini International airport on Wednesday morning, killing all 176 people on board. The Ukrainian embassy in Tehran initially echoed this stance, but later retracted its statement, and instead said it was for an official commission to determine the cause of the accident. While some aviation experts said it was too early to speculate, the OPS group, an aviation risk-monitoring group, said: We would recommend the starting assumption to be that this was a shootdown event, similar to MH17 until there is clear evidence to the contrary, highlighting photos of the crash site which they said show obvious projectile holes in the fuselage and a wing section. UIA has also discounted the possibility of technical problems, insisting there was nothing wrong with the three-year-old Boeing 737-800, which had undergone a scheduled technical check only two days earlier. We guarantee the safety of our aircraft and the high qualification of our crews, a spokesperson said. Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Show all 18 1 /18 Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 passengers crashed near Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran ISNA/AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran People and rescue teams are pictured amid bodies and debris All 176 people on board a Ukrainian passenger plane were killed when it crashed shortly after taking off, Iranian state media reported ISNA/AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran One of the engines State news agency IRNA said 167 passengers and nine crew members were on board the aircraft operated by Ukraine International Airlines Iran Press via Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Rescue teams work at the scene AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Passengers' belongings West Asia News Agency via Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Members of the International Red Crescent collect bodies of victims EPA Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Rescue teams work amidst debris AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran A relative of a victim reacts at Boryspil International Airport, outside Kiev Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran ISNA/AFP via Getty Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Part of the wreckage Iran Press via Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran West Asia News Agency via Reuters Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran Officials inspect the wreckage EPA Iran plane crash: Ukraine Boeing 737 comes down near Tehran AP Vadim Lukashevich, an independent Russian aviation expert, told The Independent that from evidence in the public domain, it was clear that there was some sort of fire on board, and that the plane broke up upon impact. The rest, he said, was conjecture. In any air accident, there are usually three factors: human, weather and mechanical. Here you can add a fourth the political. We know that a few hours before the crash, Iran sent missiles over to US targets in Iraq. They were expecting a response by air. We know they were on full alert. It is too early to rule out an external strike, he said even if Iranian claims that one of the engines caught fire turned out to be true. An engine fire does not exclude the possibility that it was caused by a missile strike, he said. The fact that Iran immediately discounted all explanations bar mechanical is suspicious. In light of the obvious political tensions in the area, it was a criminal error not to close off airspace to civil aviation, Mr Lukashevich added. At a minimum, the Iranians tugged a tiger by his ear and didnt run away. Iran has said it will not be handing over the planes black box recorder to US plane manufacturer Boeing. Philip Baum, the editor of Aviation Security International magazine, said it was too early to speculate. He told The Independent the incident was notable given the fact it was in Iran and the timing, and if you associate two states with shootdowns, as victims, then Ukraine springs to mind purely because of MH17, and Iran, given the 1988 US shooting down of an Iranian civilian plane. But, he added, it could just be a bizarre coincidence that it should happen at this moment of time. I just think there is nothing to indicate that it was a shootdown, and if it was shot down then by whom? Recommended Everything we know about the Ukraine Boeing 737 crash in Iran Zeev Sarig, the former head of Ben Gurion airport in Israel, said a technical failure could be behind the plane crash, or an explosive device on board. Speaking to Russian news agency RIA, he said that while a full investigation was necessary, the two main possibilities were, a bomb on board that runs on a timer or altitude monitor, exploding when the plane reaches a certain height or a technical malfunction about which we dont know anything yet. Unfortunately from what I see that looks less likely. Qassem Biniaz, a spokesperson for Irans road and transportation ministry, said the pilot lost control of the plane after a fire broke out in one of its engines. The aircraft is a predecessor to the Boeing 737 Max 8, which has been grounded for 10 months following the Lion Air crash in 2018 and the Ethiopian Airlines crash in 2019. Faulty flight-control software on board those two Boeing 737 Max 8 airliners resulted in the planes nose-diving, leading to the deaths of 346 people. Airline officials said most of the passengers were en route to the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, transiting through there to other destinations. Three Britons were among those who died. On Wednesday morning, Iranian missiles hit US military bases in Iraq, in response to last weeks targeted US killing of top Iranian general, Qassem Soleimani. The students of Delhi University's St Stephen's College boycotted classes on Wednesday in solidarity with JNU students and in protest against the amended citizenship law. The students had given the call for boycott on Tuesday and on Wednesday morning, they assembled in the college lawns and read the Preamble, a professor said. The professors also supported the students in their boycott. On Monday, the students and teachers of St Stephen's College had expressed concern over the violence reported from campuses across the national capital. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) McDonald's is creating a team focused on digital customer engagement as the restaurant industry continues to look to technology as a key way to boost sales. The new team is part of the fast-food giant's strategy to use technology to reach customers and drive sales growth. McDonald's has been installing digital self-order kiosks in its restaurants, expanding food delivery and making tech-focused investments as part of that push. Last year, McDonald's formed McD Tech Labs, a Silicon Valley-based group that includes tech experts like engineers and data scientists. McDonald's digital customer engagement team's responsibilities will include digital ordering, personalization, payments, loyalty and delivery, according to messages obtained by CNBC. The team will meet with a new advisory council comprised of top executives every quarter to review its progress. "Digital is transforming global retail, and it will transform McDonald's," CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a message obtained by CNBC. "At the same time, I've heard your feedback that we still have more work to do to fulfill our digital potential." Across the restaurant industry, digital orders have grown by 23% over the last four years to reach $26.8 billion in sales, according to The NPD Group. Lucy Brady, formerly senior vice president of corporate strategy and business development, will lead the new team in the newly created role of chief digital customer engagement officer. Before joining McDonald's in 2016, Brady worked at the Boston Consulting Group for 19 years. McDonald's marketing technology and global delivery teams will be joining the digital customer engagement team and reporting to Brady. In her prior role, Brady helped expand McDonald's food delivery to a business worth more than $4 billion in three years. Her team also led last year's acquisition of Dynamic Yield, which uses artificial intelligence to personalize the drive-thru experience. At the end of its third quarter, the technology was deployed across 9,500 U.S. drive-thrus, and on target for a full national rollout by the end of the year. Kempczinski said that the Dynamic Yield investment is "tangibly driving check growth." McDonald's is not the only restaurant chain focusing on digital growth. Chipotle Mexican Grill, for example, announced in December that it testing restaurant designs that can better accommodate its exploding digital sales. In its third quarter, digital sales accounted for nearly a fifth of Chipotle's total revenue. McDonald's stock, which has a market value of more than $158 billion, is up 14% in the last year. Shares of Chipotle, which is valued at $23.8 billion, have risen 70% in the same time period. A CBI court on Wednesday sent a senior Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officer and two others to judicial custody till January 20 while rejecting the CBI demand of police remand of the accused persons in an alleged case of bribery. Special CBI Judge Virender Bhat has sent the trio to judicial custody while dismissing the remand application of CBI. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had sought seven days remand of the accused for further interrogation and confrontation with the documents. However, the court after finding no merit in the agency's arguments refused to send the accused to police remand. The CBI had recently arrested an Additional Director General of DRI and two private persons, including a friend of the public servant, in an alleged bribery case of Rs 25 lakh. The court observed that the matter is a trap case where private persons named Anoop Joshi and Rajesh Dhanda allegedly demanded bribe money from the complainant on behalf of Additional Director General Chander Shekharto settle his case lodged with DRI. In furtherance to the said conspiracy, Joshi allegedly received bribe money of Rs 25 lakh from the complainant on December 31, 2019, in presence of Dhanda during trap laid by CBI. Both were apprehended at the spot. Subsequently, Chander Shekhar was also arrested from his place of posting in Punjab's Ludhiana city. The bribe of Rs. 25 lakh has been recovered. Voice samples of Dhanda and Joshi have also been obtained. It was alleged that in June 2019, DRI had conducted a search at a private clearing agency that provides services to various exporters. In this search, some documents pertaining to an exporter were seized. The complainant, a resident of Delhi submitted a complaint to the CBI that a Clearing House Agent and a close friend of the ADG demanded Rs 3 crore on behalf of the public servant for ensuring that he would not be implicated. The CBI then caught both the private persons while demanding and accepting Rs 25 lakh from the complainant. During the investigation, the public servant was also arrested. Searches are being conducted at the premises including residence and office of arrested accused located at Delhi, Noida and Ludhiana. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Notes from the District Attorney's file suggest the sole eyewitness, James White, would not have been able to identify the victims in a triple murder without first being shown their photos. Read more The 1989 murders were violent and callous acts: three New York drug dealers lured to a housing project to buy guns, robbed of $26,400, loaded into a van and shot execution-style, their bodies left in different locations in North Philadelphia. As a result of the testimony of a man serving life sentences for six murders, two Germantown men Christopher Williams and Theophalis Wilson were convicted of the gruesome crimes. Williams, 29 at the time of the killings, received three death sentences. Wilson, who was 17, was sentenced to life without parole. After maintaining his innocence for close to three decades, Williams was exonerated in December the 11th person cleared by the Philadelphia District Attorneys Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) since Larry Krasner took office in 2018. And based on the discovery of a plethora of significant, material, exculpatory evidence, the DA argued in court filings that Wilson also should be cleared. That he hasnt highlights what advocates say is a glaring flaw in the system: Although Williams, sentenced to death, eventually was appointed skilled legal counsel, Wilson, as a lifer, had no one to argue his case. If Chris had not gotten the death penalty, I dont think anybody would know about these cases, said Jennifer Merrigan, a lawyer with Phillips Black, which took on Wilsons case pro bono in 2019, along with Greenberg Traurig lawyers Brian Feeney and Kelly Dobbs Bunting. It was only because he had really great lawyers who thoroughly litigated the case and had the money to involve experts and then to continue that fight. Williams conviction was vacated in 2013, after the key witness, James White, recanted and said a prosecutor met with him repeatedly before the trial, coerced his testimony, and fed him fabricated information. But by then, Whites credibility was in shreds, and the DAs Office refused to back down. Then, in February 2019, the CIU turned over its file to defense lawyers, revealing 22 boxes containing 42,000 pages of documents. An analysis of the file by the CIU and the Defender Association of Philadelphia, which represented Williams in state court, comprises a catalog of deep problems in Pennsylvanias legal system, lawyers say: concealed evidence, undisclosed deals in exchange for testimony, corrupt relationships with informants, and a direly inadequate system of appointing and funding defense counsel that doomed both men to decades in prison. We believe there are indeed Brady violations, said CIU chief Patricia Cummings, referring to the U.S. Supreme Court decision that requires prosecutors to share with defendants potentially exculpatory evidence. We find that to be incredibly troubling. Inside the File White was 19 in December 1989 when he was arrested for killing Michael Haynesworth, a 30-year-old who had dated Whites 13-year-old girlfriend tying up and beating Haynesworth before shooting him and dumping his body in Fairmount Park. He faced the death penalty. He agreed to plead guilty to escape execution with the understanding, he would later claim, that prosecutors would assist him in obtaining a commutation after 15 years. That was the prosecutors word, White wrote in a 2016 court filing, maintaining his innocence and arguing the DA should be required to make good on the deal. In all, he admitted to six murders, including the execution of a 60-year-old taxi driver named William Graham; the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old Cheltenham man, Marron Genrette; and the killing of the three New York men, Otis Reynolds, Kevin Anderson, and Gavin Anderson. White implicated at least five other men in the various crimes. White accused Williams of masterminding all of the murders, along with other brutal acts including two murders of which Williams would be acquitted, and other violent crimes that could not be substantiated. But in the prosecution for the Germantown triple murder, the DAs Office rigged the trial, lawyers on both sides now allege. The files opened in February contained eyewitness accounts and 911 calls that contradict Whites account of the killings, as well as police activity sheets that identify compelling alternative suspects. And they reveal contradictory statements by White that further undermine his credibility, according to court filings. They also contain materials that lawyers say corroborate Whites claims that he repeatedly met with prosecutors to discuss his testimony and was even provided photographs so he could identify the three victims of the triple murder, whom he had never met. One handwritten note in the file reads: Get Morgue Photos of Jamaicans [to] show to White to alleviate I.D. problem. In an interview, the former prosecutor in the case, David Desiderio, now a defense lawyer, said he had no reason to doubt Whites testimony at trial. He disputed assertions of prosecutorial misconduct and questioned Krasners motives in revisiting the case. Its garbage. It was something the district attorney made up," he said. "That man never once indicated to me that what he was saying was false. If the DA wants to believe that, then theres something else going on with the District Attorneys Office. A jury believed this man. I dont know how they can invade the province of the jury. Also unearthed in the file were documents revealing that another key witness, David Lee, was a long-standing police informant who already had avoided charges in two previous murders. That history was not revealed by prosecutors at trial nor was it raised as a conflict by Wilsons defense lawyer, Jack McMahon, a former prosecutor who had handled a 1990 murder case in which Lee was listed as a witness, defense lawyers say. McMahon said he remembers Wilsons case, but not Lee. I never heard that name in my life, he said. Williams conviction was vacated in 2013, and a new trial was ordered. But even after that, the District Attorneys Office fought to keep the case file confidential. Then-Assistant District Attorney Bridget Kirn argued in court that there were no relevant materials to turn over. (Attempts to reach Kirn for this article were not successful.) Robert Dunham, a former federal defender in Pennsylvania who runs the Death Penalty Information Center in Washington, said false testimony by jailhouse informants is common especially in death-row cases. A Northwestern University study found that 46% of death-row exonerations involved such informants. Everything that goes wrong in the criminal system goes wrong worse in capital cases, Dunham said. Generally speaking, the more high-profile a case is, the more prone it is to government misconduct. There is greater public pressure and greater political pressure to solve the case and to convict somebody. There is greater political gain to a prosecutor who has ambitions beyond his office. Two systems of representation In 1993, Wilson and Williams were moved into the state prison system Wilson to general population, Williams to death row. Williams would spend 25 years in solitary confinement, leaving his cell only for showers, hour-long trips to the exercise cage, or visits to the law library. Each time he left his cell or returned, he was strip-searched and shackled. Still, one advantage he had as a death-sentenced prisoner was an enhanced right to counsel. Eventually, he was appointed a lawyer from the Federal Community Defender Office, which has overturned more than 100 death sentences in Pennsylvania. After Williams already had spent two decades on death row, the defenders convinced a judge that his trial lawyer had been ineffective for failing to bring in scientific experts who would have contradicted Whites account that the three men were shot and then pushed out of a moving van onto the sidewalk. That was impossible, experts testified in 2013, because none of the victims had any injuries beyond the fatal gunshot wounds. Each time Williams case inched forward, Wilson used a typewriter to pick out a claim piggybacking on his codefendants arguments. But six years after Williams conviction was overturned, Wilson still has not had an evidentiary hearing. Its emblematic of how unfair our system is, and how its stacked against defendants without resources, said Merrigan, Wilsons lawyer. His case finally returned to court and sparked the CIUs review of both cases only because he was entitled to resentencing under a U.S. Supreme Court decision that automatic life sentences for juveniles are illegal. Marc Bookman, of the Atlantic Center for Capital Representation, said its just a small part of how Pennsylvania the only state that provides no general funding for indigent defense has created a system ripe for wrongful convictions. One study of Philadelphia murder cases from 1994 to 2005, published by RAND, underscored the deficiencies of court-appointed lawyers, who at the time were paid just $2,000 for pretrial preparation work that could take weeks or months. It found that cases assigned to public defenders resulted in a 19% lower murder conviction rate, a 62% lower chance of a life sentence, and a 24% shorter average sentence length. As long as we refuse to properly fund effective lawyers in our most serious cases, be they life without parole or death, were going to have the kind of injustice these cases represent, Bookman said. We tend to think all these cases are in the past and it would never happen now, but weve done nothing at all to make changes from then to now. The system we have today is the exact system we had 30 years ago. A fourth murder After Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Glenn Bronson accepted the DAs request to withdraw charges against Williams in the triple murder, he was ushered into a holding cell in the courthouse basement and put on a bus back to state prison. Thats because Williams is still serving a life sentence for one more murder: that of Michael Haynesworth. Again, the sole eyewitness was James White, supported by David Lee, who testified hed supplied the weapons. Whites 13-year-old girlfriend, initially charged as an adult, also testified, saying she had lured Haynesworth to the crime scene, but did not witness what happened next. Notes in the file the DAs Office shared in February could shed light on that case, too. According to court filings, they revealed inconsistent statements by White about how that murder was committed and who the perpetrators were. Cummings, of the CIU, said that her office has not taken up that case for review, but that shed take a look at any conviction that hinged on Whites testimony. Another man, Troy Coulston, was tried together with Williams and is also serving a life sentence for that murder. Outside Bronsons courtroom on Dec. 23, Williams extended family, including three of his children, and his fiancee, Dawn Jonson, waited for the court proceeding that would bring the family patriarch one step closer to home. Its been so long, said Greg Banks, who was 11 when the police came, guns drawn, to arrest his father. But we see progress. Its hope. Before, I had no faith at all. Now that you see change, it gives you belief. Itll be a slow process, but its moving. Its hard for them to process why Williams conviction in the Haynesworth case remains intact. It was just one witness who told all these lies. Hes involved in all of it, said Jonson, the mother of Williams youngest son, Chris Hartwell, who was 6 months old when his father was arrested. Sherrie Bradley was 14 when her father was arrested. She said she knew him as a hardworking family man who, since he was finally moved off death row, has embraced working in carpentry, exercising skills hed been forced to neglect for decades. What they said about him was just totally impossible to me, she said. When a person is innocent, it will show. "The Healthy Hives 2020 research program has made significant progress toward finding new and innovative ways to improve honey bee health," said Danielle Downey, executive director of Project Apis m., which administers the program that was funded by a grant from Bayer Crop Science in 2016. During the symposium, Healthy Hives 2020 organizers also introduced a new video featuring several researchers and other prominent members of the beekeeping community discussing their work, and the positive impact that the program has had on the industry. The three-hour symposium featured four 15-minute presentations on current projects, including two new efforts from the University of Maryland and Washington State University that were funded in 2019. Presentations included: Screening for Novel Miticides - Jody Johnson , Ph.D., with Steven Cook , Ph.D., Cullaborate, Inc./ USDA Agricultural Research Service Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, Md. - , Ph.D., with , Ph.D., Cullaborate, Inc./ USDA Agricultural Research Service Bee Research Laboratory, Developing and Testing a Formic/Oxalic Polymer for Varroa Control - Edmund Stark , Ph.D., Michigan State University St. Andrews, Midland, Mich. - , Ph.D., St. Andrews, A Practical Guide for Indoor Storage of Honey Bees - Brandon Hopkins , Ph.D., Washington State University , Pullman, Wash. - , Ph.D., , Mites: Does Size Matter? - Dennis vanEngelsdorp, Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park , Md. Attendees at the symposium were also able to view a number of interactive demonstrations of several Healthy Hives 2020 projects, including: A Potential Botanical Miticide - Jody Johnson , Ph.D., with Steven Cook , Ph.D., Cullaborate, Inc./ USDA Agricultural Research Service Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, Md. - , Ph.D., with , Ph.D., Cullaborate, Inc./ USDA Agricultural Research Service Bee Research Laboratory, The Formic/Oxalic Acid Polymer Varroa Treatment - Edmund Stark , Ph.D., Michigan State University St. Andrews, Midland, Mich. - , Ph.D., St. Andrews, How Bee Integrated Partners Beekeepers and Farmers - Julie Shapiro , Keystone Policy Center, Keystone, Colo. - , Keystone Policy Center, How Commercial Beekeepers Use Smart Hive Technology - Joseph Cazier , Ph.D. and James Wilkes , Ph.D., Appalachian State University , Boone, N.C. - , Ph.D. and , Ph.D., , Indoor Storage of Bees: Get Your BMP Guide - Brandon Hopkins , Ph.D., Washington State University , Pullman, Wash. - , Ph.D., , How Does Nosema ceranae Alter the Bee Gut Biome? - Quinn McFrederick , Ph.D., University of California, Riverside , Calif. Since 2016, the Healthy Hives 2020 initiative has funded 12 research projects, including: Getting to the Root of a Deadly Bee Virus Stephen J. Martin , Ph.D., University of Salford , Manchester, England ; Randy Oliver , commercial beekeeper, Grass Valley, Calif. , Ph.D., University of , ; , commercial beekeeper, Giving Honey Bees a Nutritional Boost Arathi Seshadri , Ph.D., Colorado State University , Ft. Collins , Colo. , Ph.D., , Ft. , Colo. Keeping Track of Hive Health, Smartly Joseph Cazier , Ph.D., James Wilkes , Ph.D., and Ed Hassler , Ph.D., Appalachian State University , Boone, N.C. , Ph.D., , Ph.D., and , Ph.D., , Can Old-World Bees Improve New-World Pollination Performance? Steve Sheppard , Ph.D., Washington State University , Pullman, Wash. , Ph.D., , Data-Driven Beekeeping Brandon Hopkins , Ph.D., Washington State University , Pullman, Wash. , Ph.D., , Understanding the Bugs within the Bees Quinn McFrederick , Ph.D., University of California, Riverside , Calif., and James Nieh , Ph.D., University of California, San Diego , Calif. , Ph.D., , Calif., and , Ph.D., , Calif. New Ways to Fight an Old Foe Jody Johnson , Ph.D., Cullaborate LLC, Baltimore, Md. , Ph.D., Cullaborate LLC, Slow and Steady Could Win the Race to Control Varroa Edmund Stark , Ph.D., Michigan State University St. Andrews, Midland, Mich. , Ph.D., St. Andrews, Good Genes May Help Bees Fight Disease Olav Rueppell , Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Greensboro , N.C. , Ph.D., , N.C. A Diversified Portfolio is Good for Business and Bees Julie Shapiro , Keystone Policy Center, Keystone, Colo. ; Mike Smith , Conservation Technology Information Center, West Lafayette, Ind. , Keystone Policy Center, ; , Conservation Technology Information Center, Mites: Does Size Matter? Dennis vanEngelsdorp, Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park , Md. Dennis vanEngelsdorp, Ph.D., , Md. A Practical Guide for Indoor Storage of Honey Bees Brandon Hopkins , Ph.D., Washington State University , Pullman, Wash. All Healthy Hives 2020 grants are reviewed by a steering committee comprised of representatives from across the academic, regulatory and commercial sectors of the beekeeping industry. The steering committee is chaired by Dr. Steve Sheppard. Other members include: Gloria Degrandi-Hoffman , Ph.D., research leader, Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, U. S. Department of Agriculture , Ph.D., research leader, Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, U. S. Department of Agriculture Don Parker , Ph.D., manager, integrated pest management, National Cotton Council , Ph.D., manager, integrated pest management, National Cotton Council Dick Rogers , principal scientist and entomologist, Bayer Bee Care Program , principal scientist and entomologist, Bayer Bee Care Program Dave Westervelt , retired Florida state apiarist , retired state apiarist Randy Verhoek , commercial beekeeper, Harvest Honey Inc.; Steering Committees of Honey Bee Health Coalition and The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund For more information on Healthy Hives 2020 projects and researchers, you can download the free e-flipbook, Research for Tangible Bee Health Solutions. Healthy Hives 2020 is one of several Project Apis m. initiatives. For more information on these programs, please visit https://www.projectapism.org/. Healthy Hives 2020 is an initiative sponsored by the Bayer Bee Care Program, continuing its nearly 30 years of supporting bee health. For more information on Bayer's bee health initiatives, please visit: http://beehealth.bayer.us. You can also follow and share with us on Twitter @BayerBeeCare, on Facebook at facebook.com/BayerBeeCareCenter and view photos on Flickr. Bayer is committed to bringing new technology and solutions for agricultural and non-agricultural uses. For questions concerning the availability and use of products, contact a local Bayer representative, or visit Crop Science, a division of Bayer, online at www.cropscience.bayer.us. Visit the Bayer Connect - Social Hub for social media, recent news, blog posts, videos and more from Crop Science, a division of Bayer. Bayer: Science for a Better Life Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development, and the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2018, the Group employed around 117,000 people and had sales of 39.6 billion euros. Capital expenditures amounted to 2.6 billion euros, R&D expenses to 5.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.us. About Project Apis m. Project Apis m. (PAm) is the go-to organization at the interface of honey bees and pollinated crops. Since 2006, we've infused over $8 million into honey bee research to provide healthier bees, resulting in better pollination and increased crop yields for the grower, and lower losses and better honey production for the beekeeper. We work closely with commercial beekeepers, growers, and top bee scientists in the USA and Canada to direct strategic efforts focused on practical solutions. PAm funds research studies, purchases equipment for research labs, supports graduate students through scholarships to encourage careers in pursuit of science-based solutions to honey bee challenges, and has expanding efforts to enhance honey bee health and nutrition by putting forage on the landscape where bees need it most. We are a 501(c)5 nonprofit organization governed by a ten-member board. Our board members include beekeepers, pollinators and honey producers representing major national and state industry organizations. PAm also has six scientific advisors who review proposals with the board. Learn more at http://www.projectapism.org/. SOURCE Bayer CropScience Related Links http://www.projectapism.org/ An investigation is underway after a older pitbull was found abandoned in a small kennel with gunshot wounds to the face at a Richmond area park last month. Named "Clarence," the 11-year-old pit was found in a small, wire pop-up kennel Dec. 21 at Harlem Road Clark in Richmond, according to officials with Fort Bend County Precinct Three. The dog was in critical condition after suffering from two gunshot wounds to the face, and was rushed to Sugar Land Veterinary Services. Clarence's left eye was removed during surgery in addition to several bullet fragments, according to Amy Stroud with Wag Again Rescue. The rescue took in Clarence and has found him a foster who is helping him through his recovery. "His eyeball was ruptured and numerous fragments from the bullet were lodged in his upper jaw, sinus cavity and bone," Stroud said. Clarence was shot at close range while inside the kennel, according to Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Constable Wayne Thompson. He was left in the kennel for at least 12 to 24 hours before he was found. Fort Bend Animal Control was the first to arrive on the scene but when it was discovered that Clarence had been shot and that charges could be filed, an animal cruelty detective was contacted. According to Thompson, Fort Bend County has the only county agency in the Houston area that has a dedicated detective for animal cruelty. In three months, 140 animal cruelty cases have been investigated. These cases range from less serious situations such as when owners keep their dogs on chains outside of their homes, to more severe ones such as Clarence. BEFORE AND AFTER: Houston dog rescued on the brink of death gets a new life "Clearly, this is not an educational issue," Thompson said. "You do not shoot a dog in the face." Thompson said his team is aggressively pursuing any suspects to seek justice for Clarence and to prevent the person responsible from committing any future crimes. "People who do this to pets usually [are involved in] other criminal activity," Thompson said. "Someone who is going to shoot a dog and leave it there, we always find people that do that are involved in narcotics, dogfighting...they are not just your everyday person, something else is going on." Thompson added he believes the person responsible could be from the Richmond, Pecan Grove or Fort Bend area since the park Clarence was found at is fairly new and somewhat hidden. An arrest could result in a felony-level charge of animal cruelty, which could lead to jail time up to ten years and a fine, Thompson said. Clarence's microchip was traced back to Arkansas and his last home was in Amarillo in 2017, according to the rescue. His medical care has cost $5,000 so far, according to Stroud, and he is currently battling a severe sinus infection. Anyone that knows Clarence's previous owners or has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Investigator Kreusel at 832-945-8396. "We take animal cruelty seriously and we will actively pursue those that choose to harm animals," Thompson said. "We are coming for you." BREAKING NEWS UPDATES: Get your Houston breaking news alerts delivered to your Inbox Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com Labour leadership hopeful Lisa Nandy has led stinging criticism of Boris Johnson for his response to the Cyprus rape case. She said his failure to intervene sends a message that rape victims will become the accused. It comes after a British teenager who had been found guilty of lying about being gang-raped in the Cypriot island of Ayia Napa was on Tuesday sent home after her prison sentence was suspended. She maintains she was raped and that she faced hours of police questioning with no legal representation. Her lawyers have pledged to overturn the conviction. Lisa Nandy criticised Boris Johnson for failing to intervene in the case (EMPICS Entertainment) Back the UK, the prime minister has faced huge criticism for failing to intervene. The woman has been stuck on the island since 17 July, meaning the case has spanned Mr Johnsons entire time as prime minister. The highest ranking government official to speak out about the 19-year-olds case was foreign secretary Dominic Raab. The case has been ongoing the entire time Boris Johnson has been prime minister (PA) Responding to the news of the teenagers suspended sentence on Tuesday, Ms Nandy, one of six declared Labour leadership candidates, said of Mr Johnson: The message this case sends to victims is that they will become the accused if they report rape. Boris Johnson should have intervened without hesitation. Dominic Raab said he would be following up the issues with Cypriot authorities (PA) Its the second time in a matter of days Mr Johnson has been accused of failing to address major UK-related issues abroad. It took him two days to issue a public statement on the US assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani on Friday. Again, Mr Raab had been the highest-ranking government official to comment. That day, Mr Johnson who had not received prior warning by the US of the airstrike in Baghdad was accused by Labour deputy leadership candidate Angela Rayner of being on his sun lounger at a time of crisis, adding that leaving it to the hapless Dominic Raab will not suffice. On Tuesday, Mr Raab himself spoke out about the Cyprus rape case, saying he would be following up issues raised with the Cypriot authorities. We will be following up on some of the issues in relation to the case. I spoke to the Cypriot foreign minister about that, he told reporters at RAF Northolt as he prepared to leave for talks in Brussels. Story continues Read more from Yahoo News UK British teenager found guilty of lying about Cyprus gang rape will not go to prison Teenager admits killing Pc Andrew Harper but denies murder Stampede at funeral procession for Iranian general Qassem Soleimani leaves 32 dead and 190 injured There is a broader issue for Brits travelling abroad not just in Cyprus or indeed in Europe whether it is holiday, whether it is backpacking, to make sure they can do so as safely and securely as possible. What we will want to do is have a conversation with our Cypriot friends and partners about that case once I have downloaded the full facts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has removed three curses of Indian politics - appeasement, casteism and dynastic politics and taken certain bold decisions which no one dared to take in the last 70 years, Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday. Shah also said Modi is the epitome of selfless service to the nation and the people of India recognised the Gujarat model of development and chose him as the fit candidate to lead the nation in 2014 and again in 2019. "Modi removed three curses of Indian politics - politics of appeasement, casteism and dynasty," he said releasing a book, 'Karmayoddha Granth', on the life of the prime minister. The home minister said Modi is a man with a beating heart for people, a statesman, a hard taskmaster, an able administrator and an ideal leader who leads by example. "All these qualities have been personified by Narendra Modi," he said. On building a strong image of India globally, Shah said the prime minister revamped country's foreign policy and the national security policy by delinking the two. India emerged as a strong nation on the global front while making its stance clear that India would not take terror attacks on itself lying down, he said. The home minister said India has emerged as a global power by taking bold decisions, including abrogation of provisions of Article 370, which was applicable to Jammu and Kashmir, amendment of the citizenship act to grant Indian nationality to persecuted minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, taking a clear stand on Ram Mandir issue, criminalising triple talaq, conducting surgical and airstrikes in the neighbouring country. "No one has dared to take such bold decisions in last 70 years. India has for long not seen a leader before Modi taking strong decisions in the interest of the nation and its people, without fearing backlash," he said, adding the Modi government had fulfilled 90 per cent of the promises made in BJP's 2014 manifesto. Shah also talked about the three parts of Modi's life starting from the phase of dedicating his life to an ideology, entering politics on the ideals of the 'Sangathan' (organisation), and finally, upholding the tenets of parliamentary democracy and the Constitution of India to build an ideal state. "Today, the prime minister has transformed into a global leader without accreting anything for himself. He is the epitome of selfless service to the nation," he said. Talking about the journey of Modi's life, the home minister said the prime minister saw a childhood devoid of luxury, full of poverty, disadvantages and neglect from society and he transformed into a leader who dedicated his life towards the welfare of the people, without keeping any ill-feeling for anyone in the society. Shah said Modi resurrected the Gujarat BJP organisation from scratch and transformed it into a living organism that brought an ideology which was dedicated to service of the people into party politics. The home minister also narrated the challenges faced by Modi, from natural calamities to social upheavals, while he was the chief minister of Gujarat and how he surmounted each one of them to transform the state by creating the 'Gujarat model', an example of equitable development and growth. Modi laid the foundation of the 'New India' based on 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', from Gujarat. He brought the concept of 'Jan Samvad' in good governance, which was above partisan politics. The people of India recognised the Gujarat model of development and chose Modi as the fit candidate to lead the nation, he said. Shah noted that the Modi government inherited a governance setup that was plagued with corruption of more than Rs 12 lakh crore and from 2014, corruption worth not even a penny was allowed to take place in this government. He recounted the initiatives taken by the Modi government for 60 crore people of the country and said that in the last five years, 13 crore people got LPG connections, 99 per cent of homes got electricity, almost every household has toilets and universal health care worth Rs 5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat benefitting 50 crore people. Working on the 'Antyodaya' ideology, the Modi government is committed to give houses for everyone by 2022 and piped drinking water for everyone by 2024, he said. Shah said the Modi government has worked in the direction of destroying stereotypes - 'Neta vs Babu' (leaders versus bureaucrats), rural versus urban development and industrial versus agricultural development. This government has ensured equitable growth and development in all sectors, he said. Modi has also worked to bring recognition to Indian languages, including Hindi around the world, Shah said. GRAND HAVEN, Mich., Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Access-Power, Inc. (ACCR or the Company), a Grand Haven based medical marijuana clone corporation, is pleased to announce that we have a filed for a provisional patent application for a Method of Delivery of Self Flying Autonomous Drones for Marijuana and Marijuana Plants/Edibles. We also have under our belt, the Method and Delivery of Marijuana, Marijuana Plants by Drones for Clones by Drones. Patrick J Jensen commented, ACCR will be the future of Marijuana, Marijuana Plant/Edibles Delivery by Drones. We have logistically figured this out! http://www.clonesbydrones.com A friendly reminder, we are actively looking for a MERGER DEAL. Established in 1996, Access-Power, Inc. is a Florida based for-profit Corporation with operations in West Michigan. We have a strong drive for profitability. Our goal is to raise shareholder value. There are various risk factors that should be carefully considered in evaluating our business; because such factors may have a significant impact on our business, our operating results, our liquidity and financial condition. As a result of these various risk factors, actual results could differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently consider to be immaterial, may also impact our business, result of operations, liquidity and financial condition. If any such risks occur, our business, its operating results, liquidity and financial condition could be materially affected in an adverse manner. Under such circumstances, if a stable trading market for our securities is established, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. SECURITIES ISSUED BY THE COMPANY INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND, THEREFORE, SHOULD BE CONSIDERED EXTREMELY SPECULATIVE. THEY SHOULD NOT BE PURCHASED BY PERSONS WHO CANNOT AFFORD THE POSSIBILITY OF THE LOSS OF THE ENTIRE INVESTMENT. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD READ ALL OF THE COMPANY'S FILINGS, INCLUDING ALL EXHIBITS, AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER, AMONG OTHER FACTORS THE VARIOUS RISK FACTORS THAT MAY BE PRESENT. Story continues You should be aware that there are many substantial risks to an investment in our common stock. Carefully consider these risk factors, along with any available information currently reported by the Company (of which there are note), before you decide to invest in shares of our common stock. If these risk factors were to occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations or future prospects could be materially adversely affected. If that happens, the market price for our common stock, if any, could decline, and prospective investors would likely lose all or even part of their investment. Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release may be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about the Company's business, based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and probably will, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbhCPt6PZIU Contact Information: Patrick J. Jensen Director Tel: 616.312.5390 Email: pjensen@myaccess-power.com Corporate Website: http://www.myaccess-power.com "Our corporate website is currently under construction to soon reflect our new business model in the Michigan Medical Marijuana Clone sector." Product Website http://www.mycbdpets.com http://www.clonesbydrones.com Access-Power, Inc. OTC Ticker: ACCR Despite rising unrest in the Middle East including the death of an Iranian commander Americas average gasoline prices have remained under $3 a gallon. Why it matters: Practically speaking, its great for drivers pocketbooks and President Trumps re-election campaign. It also shows the remarkable cushion created by the United States' booming oil production, which has doubled over the last decade. The U.S. oil boom is the primary reason nobody is seriously discussing triple-digit oil prices even with everything that is going on and went on this summer. Ashley Petersen, senior oil market analyst, consulting firm Stratas Advisors Driving the news: Several events in the Middle East over the last few years, and especially the last nine months, have put the reliability of production in the oil-rich region at risk, including: The U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. September's attacks on Saudi's oil facilities, which the administration blamed on Iran. Last springs and summer's attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway bordering Iran that moves roughly a fifth of all oil traded in the world. Sanctions on Irans oil industry that the Trump administration has imposed over the past couple of years. By the numbers: The national average price of a gallon of gasoline has been steady at $2.58, more than half of which is driven by global oil prices. Global oil prices are hovering below $70 a barrel. Oil prices have risen to varying degrees immediately following many of those events including nearly 20% after the September attacks on Saudi oil facilities but they've always dropped quickly. How it works: No country can ever be truly energy independent (as the popular political messaging goes) because oil is traded on a global market. But America is as close to it right now as its ever been. The U.S.s oil-production increase from under 6 million barrels a day in 2010 to nearly 13 million today is reducing its dependence on foreign oil and creating a supply surplus around the world. U.S.s oil-production increase from under 6 million barrels a day in 2010 to nearly 13 million today is reducing its dependence on foreign oil and creating a supply surplus around the world. This surplus is, in turn, causing other nations including those in OPEC, the mostly Middle East producing bloc to curtail production. (Check out the chart above, which shows a near-record low of U.S. oil imports from OPEC nations.) Thats keeping oil prices lower than where they likely would have been 510 years ago, experts say, because oil market traders know excess capacity is there to kick in if needed. Yes, but: Even the best cushion cant protect against everything. If an extreme (albeit unlikely) scenario were to occur like Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz for an extended time that would likely cause global oil prices to rise substantially and show the limits of Americas plentiful oil supplies. The intrigue: Americas booming oil industry is affording Trump the geopolitical room to be more aggressive on Middle East policy, experts say, even in an election year when high gas prices would make voters angry at incumbent politicians. What were watching: To what extent Trump seeks to preemptively temper the potential for high gasoline prices by tweeting on the topic like he has in the past when gasoline prices rose. We saw a small glimpse of that Tuesday. NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg has condemned Irans missile strike against U.S. forces in Iraq, while a NATO official says there were no casualties among the military alliances personnel in the country. In a message to The Associated Press, the NATO official who was not authorized to speak publicly said they were keeping the situation under close review. Meanwhile, in a message posted on Twitter, Stoltenberg urged Iran to refrain from further violence. NATO last week said it had suspended a training mission for Iraqi soldiers after the U.S. killing of top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Stoltenberg said allies remain committed to the training mission in Iraq. Vote to Limit Trumps Military Actions Scheduled for Thursday: Pelosi The House of Representatives will vote Thursday on a war powers resolution to limit President Donald Trumps military options in the Middle East, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said on Wednesday. Pelosis announcement came hours after Democratic party leaders in the House said they didnt have a set timeline for the vote. Pelosi said a classified briefing given to members of Congress on Wednesday didnt address concerns about the Administrations decision to engage in hostilities against Iran and about its lack of strategy moving forward. Democrats have largely come out against the Trump-ordered airstrike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, who was classified as a terrorist and was, according to military leaders, responsible for injuring or killing thousands of Americans. A photo released by the Iraqi Prime Ministers Press Office shows a burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following an airstrike, in Baghdad, Iraq, early on Jan. 2, 2020. (Iraqi Prime Ministers Press Office, via AP) Last week, the Trump Administration conducted a provocative and disproportionate military airstrike targeting high-level Iranian military officials. The Administration took this action without consulting Congress. This action endangered our servicemembers, diplomats and others by risking a serious escalation of tensions with Iran. Since then, the President has made clear that he does not have a coherent strategy to keep the American people safe, achieve de-escalation with Iran and ensure stability in the region, Pelosi said in a statement. The war powers resolution was meant to keep the American people safe and would limit the Presidents military actions regarding Iran, she said. The resolution (pdf) directs the president to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran. The resolution states that Trump is required to consult with Congress before introducing U.S. forces into hostilities and Congress hasnt authorized the president to use military force against Iran. The resolution was being sent to the Rules Committee later Wednesday and would be brought to the full House on Thursday, Pelosi said. A version was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) last week. President Donald Trump speaks about the situation with Iran in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington on Jan. 8, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Pelosi said the House might also consider additional legislation relating to the use of U.S. forces, including a resolution from Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) to repeal the 2002 Iraq Authorization for Use of Military Force and a bill from Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) that would prohibit funding for military action against Iran unless money was approved by Congress. The Administration must work with the Congress to advance an immediate, effective de-escalatory strategy that prevents further violence. America and the world cannot afford war, Pelosi said. Pelosi issued the statement shortly after Trump said in an address to the nation that Iran appeared to be standing down and that the United States was ready to embrace peace. The American military has been completely rebuilt under my administration, at a cost of $2.5 trillion. U.S. Armed Forces are stronger than ever before. Our missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal, and fast. Under construction are many hypersonic missiles. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it. American strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent, he said. Later he added, To the people and leaders of Iran: We want you to have a future and a great futureone that you deserve, one of prosperity at home, and harmony with the nations of the world, he said. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. Indian markets were off to a volatile start on January 8 after Iran fired missiles at US forces in Iraq, triggering a risk-off sentiment across the globe. Brent crude oil prices surged above $70/bbl, while India gold hit fresh highs. Investors across the globe fear a wider conflict between the US and Iran, which could weigh on equity markets across the globe, including in India. Indian markets are trading near record high and a 5-6 percent correction could be a good entry point for long-term investors, experts say. The Nifty index is getting good support near 200-day EMA placed at 11,980. The geopolitical tensions are sentiment-negative but the Indian market is more prone to crude price shocks, currency movement as well as growth pangs, they say. Indias GDP growth in FY19-20 is expected at 5 percent as compared to 6.8 percent in the year-ago period, the first advance estimates released by the ministry of statistics say. Any increase in the price of crude oil is always going to be a cause of concern for India, which meets more than 80 percent of its oil needs through imports. A bigger import bill will risk breaching fiscal deficit target. The Indian market is reacting more negatively than other emerging markets due to crude oil impact. Since our dependence on crude imports as a percentage of consumption is the highest, the impact on the economy and markets is also higher. Along with crude, the negative impact of currency is also weighing on Indian markets, Rusmik Oza, Sr. VP (Head of Fundamental Research-PCG), Kotak Securities Ltd, told Moneycontrol. The geopolitical tension has increased the risk of unknowns which is getting factored into the market. Just before the event took place, Indias Nifty-50 index was trading in a new zone on the back of budget expectations. However, a forward PE of Nifty-50 at 19x was close to its previous peak, which made it susceptible to any external shock. If the US- Iran tensions do not escalate, then there could be some near-term support or bottom formation around the 11,600 levels, which is the 200-DMA for the Nifty, he said. A 5-6% correction from the peak levels could be a healthy one for the long-term market sentiment, Oza said. A 5 percent correction from a record high of 12,293 will take the index towards 11,678, which is closer to the 100-day moving average placed around 11,612, and 200-DMA placed near 11,595. Stability in crude oil prices and currency seems to have provided temporary relief to investors. Nonetheless, geo-political developments would still be one of the key factors on investors radar, as any further escalation would have an adverse impact on markets and economy, Ajit Mishra, VP-Research, Religare Broking, told Moneycontrol. "Global market situation is tense on escalating tensions in Middle East. Focus over the next few days will be on the macro developments but soon as earnings start, focus should shift to corporate earnings," Naveen Kulkarni, Head of Research, Reliance Securities. "The Nifty 50 index has good support at 11,850 levels and one can expect a bounce from there. On higher side 12,200 will act as resistance which is the last month close and recent high after the correction." What should investors do? Stability in crude prices, as well as rupee, will act as a tailwind for India markets, but slower GDP growth in FY21 could cap upside potential in the near term. History suggests that any dips caused by external factors such as geopolitical concerns are best used for long-term wealth creation. The year 2020 started with the US-Iran standoff due to which equities have tumbled from all-time highs. Investors should use dips and allocate the majority of the portfolio (equity) towards largecaps and remaining in quality mid & smallcaps. Weaker global cues, a weaker rupee, higher gold prices are expected to impact markets in 2020. An ideal portfolio should be designed keeping in mind the global risk while covering volatility, Gaurav Garg, Head of Research at CapitalVia Global Research Limited- Investment Advisor, said. He said consumption and infra stocks were expected to dominate 2020, and IT stocks could be the X- factor and generate handsome returns. T20 portfolio should be a mix of FMCG, IT and cement stocks, he said. Investors should populate at least 60 percent of the portfolio with largecap stocks and the remaining 40 percent with quality mid-smallcap stocks at any correction. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Character actor Michael J Pollard earned an Oscar nomination for the landmark 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde, playing a getaway driver even though off-screen he never learned how to drive. With a broad, cherubic face, dimpled chin, unruly hair and a charismatic presence described as gnomelike, Pollard, who has died of a heart attack aged 80, excelled at playing imps, halfwits and outright weirdos. He was a method-trained performer who revealed the chaos inside of his characters, a writer once observed, with a glance of inordinately expressive silence or the emission of rude bodily noises. Pollard was the chronic-nosebleeding loser Hugo Peabody in the original Broadway production of the musical Bye Bye Birdie (1960), then had a brief apprenticeship with Disney. He appeared in the Disney musical Summer Magic (1963), opposite Hayley Mills, before parting ways. I wasnt really the Mickey Mouse image anyway, he later said. A successful journeyman, he made TV appearances on series including Star Trek, Gunsmoke and The Andy Griffith Show. He also won admiring reviews as the 14-year-old messenger who delivers tragic War Department telegrams in a 1959 TV adaptation of William Saroyans Second World War homefront story The Human Comedy. His talent for improvisation earned him the admiration of Warren Beatty, who came to know Pollard when both worked on the sitcom The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Years later, Beatty used his clout as movie star and producer to hire Pollard as the gas-station-attendant-turned-accomplice CW Moss in Bonnie and Clyde, which critic Roger Ebert called a milestone in the history of American movies. Marketed with an unforgettable tag line Theyre young. Theyre in love. And they kill people the movie was a revisionist tale of the Depression-era outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker, played by Beatty and Faye Dunaway. Its intermingling of bloodshed, almost farcical comedy and frank sexuality helped usher in a new era of violent imagery in mainstream cinema. Director Arthur Penn spoke of the films incongruous tone as a commentary on the folly of the Vietnam War. In one memorable sequence, Pollard parks the getaway car during a bank heist and finds at the worst possible moment that he cant manoeuvre out of the parking space. There was this guy teaching me [to drive], but I couldnt learn, he said. So here I was stuck in the parking place, and Penn said, OK, do it that way. Bonnie and Clyde was a resounding hit with younger audiences, who would also jolt the Hollywood establishment two years later by going en masse to another violent, taboo-busting film, Easy Rider. Pollard said he was unmoved by those who found Bonnie and Clyde too brutal. Thats dopey, man, he said. Everybodys violent. Theyre criticising themselves. Everybody will realise that in a year or so and start on something else. I dont know. Hey, maybe theyll start on humour in movies. Too much humour in movies. Children laughing too much. Bonnie and Clyde won two Oscars and was nominated for eight others, including Best Supporting Actor for Pollard. The film remained the pinnacle of Pollards screen career, even as he continued working in dozens of films over the next five decades, playing all manner of eccentrics and creeps. The son of a bar manager, Michael John Pollack Jr was born in Passaic, New Jersey, in 1939, and grew up in Garfield and Clifton, New Jersey. He changed his last name to Pollard. At 20 he was attending the Actors Studio workshop in New York when the movie star Marilyn Monroe, seeking to bolster her credibility as an actor, also joined his class. According to Charles Casillos biography of Monroe, Pollard was the only man in the room brave enough to ask her to do a scene with him. They recited passages from the novella Breakfast at Tiffanys. Pollard acting CV was vast, and included the Roger Corman-produced biker film The Wild Angels (1966), in which he said he nearly killed co-star Peter Fonda because he could never master driving a chopper. He also had a rare starring role as Billy the Kid in the low-budget Dirty Little Billy (1972). He later appeared in Melvin and Howard (1980), Roxanne (1987), Scrooged (1988), the Beatty-directed Dick Tracy (1990) as Bug Bailey, Tumbleweeds (1999) and Rob Zombies House of 1,000 Corpses (2003). His marriage to Beth Howland and Annie Tolstoy ended in divorce. He is survived by two children. Michael J Pollard, actor, born 30 May 1939, died 20 November 2019 Washington Post A Leeds gang that stole more than 1.5 million worth of goods in a series of raids on lorries across the United Kingdom have been sentenced to a combined total of 43 years in prison, West Yorkshire Police said on January 8. Two members of the group, John Kitchen and Kieran Marshall, were also sentenced for a raid at a jewelers in Leeds city center in October 2017, shown in this footage. Police released security camera footage that they said shows Marshall reversing a 44 into the Hymans Jewellerss shopfront, causing significant damage. The footage also shows Kitchen, armed with a sledgehammer, rifling through the window display, police said. The shops security shutter is seen closing, prompting Marshall to reverse again to block it, and knocking Kitchen down in the process. Eight people were convicted of conspiracy to steal from trucks in a spree between November 22, 2017, and May 23, 2018, though investigators believe there are a number of others involved, police said in a press release. Inspector Mick Preston, who led the investigation, said, The group are prolific criminals with long offending histories, who have been negative role models in their communities for a number of years. Credit: West Yorkshire Police via Storyful WASHINGTON Less than a day after Iran fired ballistic missiles at U.S. targets in Iraq, President Donald Trump on Wednesday stepped back from escalating a military confrontation with Iran. "As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime," Trump said in an address to the nation. Sanctions, however punishing, would represent a marked de-escalation of the current tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which began Thursday when an American drone killed top Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani. In response to the extrajudicial killing of Soleimani, Iran on Tuesday fired 15 missiles at several Iraqi military bases housing U.S. and coalition forces involved in the fight against ISIS. But instead of announcing a stepped-up military offensive, Trump used his prepared remarks on Wednesday to strike an uncharacteristically positive note. "I'm pleased to inform you, the American people should be extremely grateful and happy," Trump said. "No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. Our great American forces are prepared for anything." "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," Trump said. "No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces and an early warning system that worked very well." President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in Washington, as Vice President Mike Pence and others looks on. Evan Vucci | AP Trump defended the controversial U.S. decision to kill Soleimani while the general was visiting Iraq, calling him a "terrorist." But the president stopped far short of threatening further military action. Trump said the "powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior." A centerpiece of Trump's Iran strategy Tighter sanctions have become a hallmark of the Trump administration's approach to Iran, part of what the White House calls a "maximum pressure campaign." The sanctions have succeeded in punishing Iran for a series of destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East. But beyond punishment, it has not always been clear exactly what the United States hopes to achieve by increasing sanctions. Last month, State Department officials said the pressure on Iran "will intensify in 2020, as the U.S. seeks to rein in Tehran's pursuit of nuclear infrastructure and regional aggression." "There will be more sanctions to come, and Iran's economic problems and challenges are going to compound in 2020," a senior State Department official said on a Dec. 30 call with reporters. "They are already deep into a recession, and we are also seeing Iran come under greater diplomatic isolation." Another senior State Department official added that the Trump administration has sanctioned approximately 1,000 individuals and entities with links to Iran's malign activities. "What we are doing is denying the regime the revenue that it needs to run an expansionist foreign policy, and by that policy, Iran has less money to spend today than it did almost three years ago when we came into office," said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. In December, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced another round of fresh sanctions, this time targeting Iran's largest shipping company and biggest airline, saying the companies are aiding the regime's alleged proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. "As long as its malign behaviors continue, so will our campaign of maximum pressure," Pompeo said during a Dec. 11 press conference at the State Department. A shift away from recent rhetoric Trump's post-attack response represents a stark departure from the fiery language and threats of destruction he issued to Iran during the first several days after the killing of Soleimani. As recently as Tuesday afternoon, Trump told reporters at the White House that "if Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly." Trump also said the U.S. was "totally prepared" for Iran to retaliate and "we're prepared to attack if we have to as retribution." There were no immediate reports of casualties, leading some analysts and government officials to suggest that Iran may have deliberately avoided killing American service members. Both Trump and Iran's foreign minister, Javad Zarif, insist their nations are not looking for war and that both the killing of Soleimani and the retaliatory strikes Tuesday were defensive maneuvers. Late Tuesday, Zarif tweeted, "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." For Trump, the fact that Tuesday's missile attacks did not kill U.S. service members or target U.S. bases were significant factors in his decision about how to respond. "My gut was that [Iran] are not trying to escalate, they are not trying to kill Americans, they are trying to have their show of force," Thomas Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told CNBC. "What they were trying to do is have a bunch of missiles fly, pound their chests a little bit and have a show of force without killing Americans. To do that, though, you want to use a tool that will best guarantee that result and from initial appearances, they seem to have used some of their precision-guided missiles," Karako added. Next steps for the US and Iran A 35-year-old man allegedly committed suicide by jumping in front of a moving train at Dwarka Mor station on the Delhi Metro's Blue Line on Wednesday, the second such incident in less than a week, officials said. The services were briefly delayed on a section of the busy corridor, they said. The victim has been identified as Anjni Kumar Rai, resident of Kerdeen village in Ghazipur district in Uttar Pradesh, DCP (Metro) Vikram Porwal said. "He jumped on the tracks at around 12 noon at Dwarka Mor Metro Station and was rushed to a hospital. The person was declared brought dead at DDU Hospital," he said. However, no suicide note has been recovered and reason for taking the extreme step is not known yet, Porwal said. Delhi Metro officials also confirmed the incident, saying the man jumped on the tracks at a platform when a train was moving towards the Noida side. Services were delayed briefly but restored in about 15 minutes, he said. Family members have been informed and inquest proceedings is in progress, police said. On January 6, a 42-year-old man had allegedly committed suicide by jumping in front of a train at the Ghitorni station on the metro's Yellow Line. In an other incident on the same day, a 55-year-old man, who was suffering from throat cancer, had allegedly tried to commit suicide by jumping in front of a train at the Jhilmil station on the Red Line. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) TEL AVIV TikTok, the smartphone app beloved by teenagers and used by hundreds of millions of people around the world, had serious vulnerabilities that would have allowed hackers to manipulate user data and reveal personal information, according to research published Wednesday by Check Point, a cybersecurity company in Israel. The weaknesses would have allowed attackers to send TikTok users messages that carried malicious links. Once users clicked on the links, attackers would have been able to take control of their accounts, including uploading videos or gaining access to private videos. A separate flaw allowed Check Point researchers to retrieve personal information from TikTok user accounts through the companys website. The vulnerabilities we found were all core to TikToks systems, said Oded Vanunu, Check Points head of product vulnerability research. TikTok learned about the conclusions of Check Points research on Nov. 20 and said it had fixed all of the vulnerabilities by Dec. 15. In this picture released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks to a group of residents of the city of Qom, in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. Ayatollah Khamenei said Associated Press Several US officials, according to multiple reports, suspect that Iran was shooting to miss in Wednesday morning's missile attack on US and coalition forces in Iraq, meaning that they were not looking to produce casualties. Initial reports indicated that there were no casualties among US, Iraqi, or other partner forces at the targeted installations. A Pentagon official told CNN that Iran appeared to have chosen "deliberate targets" to achieve "minimum damage, maximum warning/effect." Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at US and coalition forces in Iraq early Wednesday in retaliation for a US drone strike that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, but US officials told CNN and other news outlets that Iran might have intentionally tried to avoid casualties. The US has "100% accountability" of all its forces in Iraq, a US defense official told CNN, adding that there was "no major damage" at either of the two bases that were attacked. Citing a US official, Bloomberg News reported that "the attacks used guided missiles and in this instance, Iran appeared to be shooting to miss." CNN reported that there was a "growing belief" in the Trump administration that the Iranian military "intentionally missed areas populated by Americans." A Pentagon official told the CNN reporter Jake Tapper that many US military leaders thought Iran chose "deliberate targets" to achieve "minimum damage, maximum warning/effect." A State Department official told CNN that the message behind the attack appeared to be: "We could have done it and we didn't do it." In addition to speculation about Iran's targeting, Bloomberg reported that Iraq said Iran gave it "verbal notice" of its plan to attack coalition forces. Warnings offer those troops in the line of fire an opportunity to seek shelter in fortified areas and maximize their chance of survival. Story continues If Iran, despite its bluster following the missile attack, was avoiding casualties, it could indicate that the attack was designed as a face-saving response after its promise to seek revenge something it could sell back home without necessarily triggering retaliatory US strikes. iraq airstrike us occupied bases map Ruobing Su/Business Insider Iran has signaled that it does not intend to escalate further. After the attack, Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, tweeted: "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." A tweet from President Donald Trump was surprisingly mild and restrained compared with the threats he has recently leveled at Iran via social media. "All is well!" the president tweeted late Tuesday. "Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Read the original article on Business Insider An error has occurred within file /articles.aspx Please report the error to support@bizcommunity.com and it will be fixed as soon as possible. President Trump speaks from the White House in Washington on Jan. 08, 2020. During his remarks, Trump addressed the Iranian missile attacks that took place last night in Iraq and said, As long as I am president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Trump Backs Away From Conflict With Iran, Says US Ready to Embrace Peace President Donald Trump backed away from escalating a military conflict with Iran hours after a barrage of missiles were launched at American troops stationed at Iraqi bases, indicating that the United States would not retaliate. Iran appears to be standing down which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world, Trump said in a televised address from the White House. Rather than pursuing a direct military conflict with Tehran, Trump instead called for economic sanctions and called on NATO allies to become more involved in the region. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it, he said. As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime, Trump also said. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior. The president has long been a critic of the U.S. involvement in Iraq and told supporters during his 2016 campaign that he wouldnt start any new wars. At the same time, he also promised to bring home American troops from the Middle East. During the attack, in which Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi bases, no American or Iraqi casualties were reported, according to Trump. Iran said it fired the missiles after a U.S. drone strike that killed top commander Qassem Soleimani, who headed Irans Revolutionary Guards Quds Force and has been blamed with facilitating attacks on Americans while U.S. officials have said he was chief architect of Irans proxy wars in the region. Ali Khamenei, the countrys supreme leader, made it clear that Iran saw its longterm mission as pushing the United States out of the Middle East after Soleimanis death. What matters is that the presence of America, which is a source of corruption in this region, should come to an end, he said on Wednesday, according to state-run media. But Trump also sought to ramp up pressure on Iran, calling on other nations, to pull out of the remnants of the Iran deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, that was ratified by Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, China, and the European Union. We must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place, Trump said, noting that he will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon while he is in office. Republican lawmakers have called on the Trump administration to tone down tensions with Iran. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) wrote in a series of Twitter posts that retaliation for the sake of retaliation is not necessary at this time. What is necessary is to lay out our strategic objectives regarding Iran in a simple and firm fashion, Graham added. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) praised Trump for not taking immediate action after the missile strikes. Trump will protect American lives and interests, he wrote, but he also wants to avoid conflict or needless loss of life. All Images Credit the Lalu Resort Taiwan is an amazing island with bustling cities, miles of coastlines and natures gift of verdant forest, mountain ranges and rushing rivers crossing the landscapes. One its most beautiful natural treasures is Sun Moon Lake which is a gorgeous serene emerald lake with a mountain at its center, creating postcard perfect vistas. Sun Moon Lake is Taiwans premiere holiday destination and also where youll find its most opulent lake resort, The Lalu at Sun Moon Lake. Sun Moon Lake allows for travelers to escape the crowded urban areas of the country for the serenity of one of Taiwans most precious natural treasures. The lake is a majestic as the alpine lakes of Europe or mountain lakes found across New England in the US. The lake creates a mesmerizing and Zen-like environment with calming blue waters, dramatic views of the mountains with the view of the Xuanguang temple at its peak. The vistas are spectacular of the lake and any time of the day the scenery changes from the morning when the lake is eerie and covered with fog or at sundown where the sun rays peak over the mountain tops. There are many ways to enjoy the lake from walks around its treelined shores or as many visitors will do, a scenic boat ride that crisscrosses while taking guests to its most prized viewing points. Although the Lalu was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake 20 years ago, it is a place rich in history. In 1923, the Japanese Crown Prince Hirohito created a private vacation home there and then a luxury residence to welcome visiting dignitaries. A few decades later, the former ruler of China, President Chiang Kai-Sheks retreated to Taiwan after his defeat to Mao Zedong in 1949. Although Taipei was the formal seat of power, the area around the lake became a refuge and on the property sits the replica of his former home and houses many of his historical documents and artifacts as a public exhibit. Like the Sun Moon Lake itself, the Lalu is a national treasure. The Lalu is situated to take full advantage of the lakes beauty with most of the resorts common areas and accommodations positioned to provide unobstructed views of the lake. There is a pervasive calmness and Zen-like ambiance in the hotel which was designed with the three Zen principles of nature, simplicity, and yugen which is a profound, mysterious sense of beauty. The architecture was designed to merge the inside with outdoor spaces with wide corridors and reflection pools adorned with lotus flowers by day or twinkling candles at night. As one of Taiwans most luxurious lodges, the design is chic and contemporary with marble finishes and teak wood accents, a light color palate, fireplaces, and huge floor-to-ceiling windows to let in light but also to provide endless views of the lake. The minimalist and uncluttered design esthetic creates an ambiance where the natural beauty of the surroundings can be fully appreciated without distraction and, as a result, creating an environment of peace and tranquility. The Lalu is the quintessential romantic holiday with 98 rooms, suites, and villas. The sleek design and decor are striking with gray slate, stone surfaces, and rich walls paneling and barefoot ready teak floors. The low lighting and a toasty gas fireplace are there to warm the suite as well as to create a romantic ambiance. The suites are generous in size with living room and bedroom areas as well as comfortable days beds, furnishings, a comfy king size bed, and the latest electronics. The open-plan bathrooms are well equipped with separate shower, bespoke amenities and an oversize granite bath with direct views of the lake. As gorgeous as the accommodations may be, the most stunning feature is the panoramic views of the lake from the suite's oversized private veranda. To take advantage, the verandas are furnished with table and chairs for coffee al fresco as well as a cushy daybed ideal for an afternoon snuggle or to doze off while reading a paperback. The vistas of the lake are spectacular where one can spend hours on the terrace mesmerized by the views as tour boats cross the lake or paddle boarders pass by during early morning workouts. For those seeking a bit more space to spread out, the resort offers luxurious two-bedroom Courtyard Pool Villa living room with fireplace, dining room and kitchen. The bedrooms are lavish with rich indo-china decor, a deep onsen style bath and outdoor showers. Outdoors theres a 12-meter-long swimming pool, large patios and a teak pavilion and outdoor living space. The dining experience at the Lalu does not disappoint with a wide range of Asian options from Japanese to Hong Kong and Shanghai inspired menu items. The Lalu offers another unique experience in their traditional tea house surrounded by pools of Koi fish and overlooking the gorgeous lake. Instead of tea sandwiches and crumpets, guests will savor scrumptious sushi, seafood and dumplings and, of course, a lovely variety of teas. The variety of local dishes and the beautiful presentation offers an ideal way to sample the local cuisine and partake in the food culture of the area. In the evening, a sophisticated gourmet dinner awaits at the Lake View restaurant serving Chinese dishes. The setting is stunning as well with panoramic lake views in a romantic setting as guests dine by candlelight on a menu features Hong Kong and Shanghai specialties as well as private recipes from president Chiang Kai-Shek. The spa experience is exceptional as well with a large treatment rooms that face the lake and a couples suite with fireplace and large oversized bath for two. Facilities are complete with his and her wet rooms with intense hot and cold whirlpools, dry sauna and herbal steam room. Guests will love their signature massage treatment which uses aromatic oils and long and deep penetrating push stokes that release tensions in sore muscles. Theres so much to do in the area that guests will never get bored. The Lalu has a beautiful pool that looks like it just popped out of Architectural Digest with its infinity edge that blends into the views of the lake, the long dramatic rectangular shape, grey stone surfaces and the alabaster chaise lounges and oversized canvas umbrellas that line its fringes. There's also a full workout facility as well as complimentary yoga classes each day. One could easily spend hours exploring the paths around the lake that go through natural settings of the woods around the lake to small villages and temples. Visitors from all over Taiwan come to see the beauty of the lake close up with boat rides while the more ambitious will go on a hike to visit the mountain pagoda or take a peaceful bike ride around the lake. Many travelers will first think of Asias more popular travel destinations of Kyoto, Shanghai or Singapore but for the curious traveler looking for something different, look no further than Taiwan. A trip to Taiwan for the worldly traveler would not be complete without a visit its most precious jewel and luxury resort, The Lalu at Sun Moon Lake. By PTI NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday apprised an interfaith delegation about various aspects of the new citizenship law, which has been opposed by students of many universities and some sections of people, and conveyed that the legislation has nothing to do with any Indian, officials said. The outreach by Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy comes in the wake of violent protests and public unrest under the pretext of opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The Union minister apprised the delegation that the newly-enacted legislation is not against any Indian and is based on a perfect rationale and objective premise, an official said. The delegation comprised spiritual gurus and social reformers from different faiths and sects, including Jain Acharya Lokesh, Swami Deepankar, Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, Sardar Sant Singh, Veer Chakra Awardee Col (Retd) T P Tyagi besides others. According to the CAA, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 facing religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship. During the meeting, the delegation expressed solidarity with the government on the new law. The team expressed faith in the policies of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an official statement said. The delegation was told that the CAA concerns foreigners and no Indian, from whichever religion, caste, colour or creed, has anything to fear. Highlighting the principles of 'dharma' and 'ahimsa', the delegation affirmed their belief that the legislation was passed on humanitarian grounds for those who fled from the three countries fearing persecution and migrated to India for solace and safety. The statement quoted the delegation as saying that India being a land of mutual acceptance and harmony, it is unacceptable that one protests against a decision that aims to alleviate the suffering of those uprooted families. The delegation further expressed that resilience of Indian democracy lies in the strength of the collectivism, the belief in the country's principles of non-violence and acceptance and adherence to the principles of the Constitution. They reiterated the fact that "we all identify ourselves as Indians before anything else and it keeps us together", the statement said. "It is this faith and belief that will keep us together and strong in the face of the storm, let loose by forces that do not want to see us united and growing," it said. They urged the people to guard themselves against misinformation meant to destabilise the foundations of mutual respect and acceptance. As a symbolic gesture of religious harmony and peace, the delegation wished to reach out to the people with this message of non-violence and religious harmony. They also expressed their desire to meet Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah with this message of peace and solidarity. In an effort to regain lost glory, the Congress party will look to highlight state and national promises from increasing pension and providing further relief on electricity bills, to the implementation of a National Register of Citizens (NRC), National Population Register (NPR) and the amended Citizenship Act. Delhi Congress chief Subash Chopra on Tuesday said that one of the primary promises of the party will be to implement a Sheila Pension Yojana. The scheme, after former three-time Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit who died last year, proposes to increase the pension to senior citizens, widows and differently abled people to 5,000 per month. Delhis chief minister (Arvind Kejriwal) had recently said that he will make more senior citizen homes. But we are saying that it is the responsibility of children to look after their parents and if the pension amount is increased, this will be an income for the family and an incentive for children to look after their parents, Chopra said. He added that apart from increasing the pension amount, the cap of 530,000 the number of elderly and poor people that the Delhi government can support with a pensionwill also be increased to 750,000 people. Another poll promise that the Congress party is swearing by in the national capital is providing relief on electricity up to 600 units for residential connections. The party has also said that small businesses will also be provided subsidies up to 200 units. Unlike the Kejriwal government, which has been using public money to benefit the power discoms, we will give relief to consumers up to 600 units. If the Congress comes to power, we will transfer the subsidy directly into the bank accounts of consumers. This will be a major part of our manifesto in the upcoming elections, Delhi Congress spokesperson Mukesh Sharma said. Senior party leaders also said that Congresss open support for protests against a pan-India NRC, NPR and CAA will also help them rebuild their image, especially in the minority areas. A senior Congress leader said that former MLAs and the partys leadership in the state has been attending all the protests by students of Jamia Milia Islamia University and the residents of Shaheen Bagh, Okhla and Jamia Nagar and have also been meeting victims of police brutality. All this does have an impact. People are watching that while senior Congress leaders are standing with the students against the police, the Kejriwal government is choosing the easy way of silence. Why did the CM not condemn the attacks and pay any visits to students who were brutally attacked?, the Congress leader said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON File image Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday came out in support of the strike by central trade unions and slammed the Modi government, saying its "anti-people and anti-labour" policies have created catastrophic unemployment in the country. He alleged that this weakening of PSUs is being done to justify their sale to PM Narendra Modi's crony capitalists friends. Extending support to the Bharat bandh call given by over 25 crore workers, he said, "I salute them". The Modi-Shah Govts anti people, anti labour policies have created catastrophic unemployment & are weakening our PSUs to justify their sale to Modis crony capitalist friends. Today, over 25 crore "The Modi-Shah Government's anti people, anti labour policies have created catastrophic unemployment and are weakening our PSUs to justify their sale to Modi's crony capitalist friends," he said in a tweet. JOHANNESBURG - The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on South Sudans First Vice-President Taban Deng Gai, citing his involvement in serious human rights abuses. It is one of the sharpest actions taken by the U.S. against South Sudans government amid Washingtons frustration over the countrys failure to achieve a stable peace after its civil war. The Treasury Department statement asserted that Deng was involved in the disappearance and deaths of human rights lawyer Samuel Dong Luak and opposition member Aggrey Idry in 2017. It also asserted that he has acted to divide the armed opposition in South Sudan, extending the countrys five-year civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people. In a response to the U.S. announcement, the press secretary for Deng, Agel Machar, told The Associated Press the sanctions are as unfortunate as they are misplaced, noting his former role as chief peace negotiator for the armed opposition. Deng also has willingly accepted to step aside from his role as first vice-president for the sake of peace, the press secretary said, to make way for opposition leader Riek Machar. The U.S. is among the countries pressuring Machar and President Salva Kiir to form a coalition government with Machar as deputy. A deadline for that looms next month after the parties failed to make one in November. More than 50 days into the 100-day extension, the U.S. statement said, there have been no concrete steps to create the security conditions conducive to implementing a peace deal. It added that the U.S. will continue to apply pressure on the senior leadership of South Sudan to take concrete measures to bring peace and stability to the country. The U.S., which backed the fight for South Sudans independence from Sudan, achieved in 2011, has been increasingly frustrated by the inability of Kiir and Machar to reach a lasting peace. Meanwhile, the government faces widespread accusations by critics of mismanagement and corruption. Todays action represents a significant and important ratcheting up of U.S. financial pressure designed to break the impasse in South Sudan and hold those impeding peace accountable, John Prendergast, co-founder of The Sentry, said in a statement. The Washington-based investigative group has often reported on alleged corruption by South Sudanese officials. Over the past two years, the United States has sustained a campaign of pressure that is now appropriately directed at senior officials like Taban Deng, who have benefited financially and politically from conflict. These measures should continue until lasting peace is realized, Prendergast said. ___ Matt Lee in Washington and Sam Mednick contributed. YEREVAN, 8 JANUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 8 January, USD exchange rate is up by 0.06 drams to 479.76 drams. EUR exchange rate is down by 3.10 drams to 534.16 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate is down by 0.02 drams to 7.75 drams. GBP exchange rate is down by 0.74 drams to 628.39 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price is up by 872.09 drams to 24183.52 drams. Silver price is up by 4.97 drams to 279.88 drams. Platinum price is up by 233.19 drams to 14823.08 drams. Before the 2015 Delhi election, the Aam Aadmi Party had promised it would add 30,000 beds in city government hospitals if elected, but it could manage just 394, a report by a BJP think-tank claimed on Wednesday. Prepared by the Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC), the report -- 'Delhi: A City on Ventilator' -- was released by BJP vice president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and PPRC director in presence of party MPs Ramesh Bidhuri and Meenakshi Lekhi. The report, based on RTI queries and field visits of hospitals and other health infrastructure of Delhi government, also listed "shortcomings" in Mohalla Clinic network, a pet project of the AAP government. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia did not comment on PPRC report when asked for his reaction. However, the AAP in the past has trashed PPRC reports, saying it was a partisan body. "Healthcare in Delhi has been one of the main planks of AAP government's publicity. In this background, it is pertinent that the government is held accountable for the steps that it claims to have undertaken for bettering healthcare services in its hospitals," said Sumit Bhasin, another PPRC director. "Far from tripling hospital beds to 30,000, the Kejriwal government could add a mere 394 beds in five years. It stands exposed on this front since it could add only 7 beds every month for the first 56 months of its rule," Bidhuri said, pointing out the findings in the report. Speaking on the performance of Mohalla Clinics, Sahasrabuddhe said they do not match the standards of a primary healthcare centre and are more like health sub-centres. Lekhi pointed that the AAP government in its five-year tenure has been pulled up multiple times by the Delhi High Court over its inability to meet the growing healthcare demands of people in the city. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jailed gangster Mohammad Shahabuddin on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court alleging that he has been kept in complete isolation in Tihar prison and not been provided basic facilities including a place to offer prayers. A bench of Chief Justice S A Bobde and justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to look into the grievances of Shahabuddin, serving life term in a 2004 double murder case, and posted the matter after two weeks. Senior advocate Salman Khurshid, appearing for Shahabuddin, said that he should be allowed to move around in the jail premises. The former Rastriya Janta Dal (RJD) leader was shifted to Tihar jail in 2018 by the apex court from Siwan jail in Bihar. He was declared as a history-sheeter Type A, or one who is beyond reform and has been a member of the legislative assembly on two occasions and a member of Parliament four times. Shahabuddin has challenged the Delhi High Court order of August 30 last year, which had refused to grant him relief from alleged solitary confinement, place for offering prayer and access to other facilities in jail. The high court had refused to agree with the contention of Shahabuddin that he has been placed in a solitary confinement saying he has been placed in a separate block and not in solitary confinement. It had said that considering that he is a high-risk offender, he is, accordingly, not permitted to mix with other prisoners but have been provided with all basis facilities which are being provided to other prisoners in jail. "It is stated that there is no restriction over the petitioner's day-to-day activities and the petitioner (Shahabuddin) has been provided the canteen facility, library facility, telephone facility, cable facility, medical facility etc. It is also affirmed that the petitioner has also been allowed "regular mulaqat" (interview with relatives and friends) twice in a week," the high court had said. On a place to offer prayers, the high court had said that there is no impediment in the Shahabuddin offering prayers as per his faith, within the confines of the premises, where he is housed. The apex court on February 15, 2018 had ordered shifting of Shahabuddin, now facing trial in over three dozen criminal cases, from Siwan Jail in Bihar to Tihar. The apex court's order came on a plea filed by Asha Ranjan, the widow of slain Siwan-based journalist Rajdeo Ranjan, and Chandrakeshwar Prasad, whose three sons were killed in separate incidents by the gangster. The top court had on October 30, last year upheld the conviction and sentence of Shahabuddin and three others in a 2004 double murder case in which two brothers were killed for not paying extortion money. Satish and Girish Roshan were murdered in August 2004 in Siwan for refusing to pay extortion money. A third brother, Rajiv Roshan, who was an eyewitness to the incident in which Shahabuddin's men allegedly threw acid to kill the two brothers, was shot dead on June 6, 2014. Roshan was killed when he was going to depose against Shahabuddin in the trial court despite threats from the don and his henchmen. On December 9, 2015, a special judge at Siwan had convicted Shahabuddin and his associates for the murders and sentenced them to life imprisonment. On August 30, 2018, the Patna high court had upheld their conviction and sentence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Federal Aviation Administration has issued emergency restrictions on civilian aircraft flying over portions of the Middle East, citing a "potential for miscalculation or misidentification." Within hours of Iran firing ballistic missiles into Iraq, targeting bases where U.S. military personnel are housed, the FAA began warning pilots to steer clear of the region. In three "notice to airmen" messages, the agency prohibits flights over Iraq, Iran, the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. "Heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East ... present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations due to the potential for miscalculation or misidentification," the warnings state. In a statement, the FAA said it will closely monitor the events in the Middle East. "We continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with U.S. air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities." Iran launched 15 ballistic missiles at U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq on Tuesday night. There is no word of casualties. Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement about 90 minutes after the attacks began that they were still evaluating the situation and our response. "We will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners and allies in the region," he said. Related: A Dozen Missiles Target US Troops at Al Asad, Erbil in Iran Retaliatory Strike The missile attacks, which hit Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq and Erbil in the north, were in retaliation for last week's killing of a prominent Iranian military leader, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and the Joint Chiefs of Staff were reportedly at the White House Tuesday night to discuss further developments. Iranian state TV has warned that the country will issue "more crushing responses" if the U.S. retaliates. The FAA's restrictions in the area come more than two decades after a devastating miscalculation in the region. In 1988, the U.S. Navy accidentally shot a passenger jet on its way to Dubai. The guided-missile destroyer Vincennes took down the jet with a surface-to-air missile after it was mistaken for an F-14 Tomcat. The aircraft was destroyed and 290 people on board were killed. -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Read more: Esper: US Won't Start a War with Iran, But Would Finish One Portraits of Qasem Soleimani have been carried aloft in rallies from Gaza to Yemen, raising the prospect that his violent death will elevate him as an icon of anti-American resistance. The powerful Iranian commander, who was buried on Wednesday, was hailed as a "living martyr" in the Islamic republic for his military and strategic exploits that included halting the Islamic State group as it rampaged across Iraq and Syria. Soleimani spearheaded Iran's Middle East operations as head of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, masterminding Shiite proxy militias, and some Sunni allies, in a career that saw President Donald Trump brand him a "monster". After his assassination at the age of 62, in a US drone strike in Baghdad, some observers say his martyr status will grow, rendering him a figurehead for the disparate pro-Iranian groups that he guided and fostered. "The shock factor isn't so much that Soleimani has died -- he was after all in many battles -- but the way the US president has taken ownership of this will create that type of zeal and drive and commitment across the Middle East," said Ellie Geranmayeh from the European Council on Foreign Relations. Soleimani was a polarising figure, even within his own country, and pro-Iranian forces have their own agendas and strategies, but the dramatic nature of his death could serve as a unifying force. The so-called Iranian "axis of resistance" stretching from Iran to the Mediterranean Sea will be "galvanised to focus more on their ultimate goal which is the US withdrawal from as much of the Middle East as possible," Geranmayeh told AFP. - 'We are all Qasem Soleimani' - The outpouring of emotion over Soleimani's death saw mourners pack the streets of Tehran on Monday. The following day tragedy struck in his hometown, with more than 50 people killed in a stampede during a massive funeral procession. On social media, supporters have posted illustrations of the slain commander being greeted in heaven. And elsewhere among Muslim Shiite communities, where Soleimani was seen as a champion in the face of Sunni aggression, there were expressions of grief, anger and resolve. "The blood of the martyrs... is not just Iranian or Iraqi but belongs to the Muslim community and to free men around the world," said a Huthi official in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital held by the Iran-backed militia. At a mourning ceremony in the Gaza Strip Soleimani was eulogised by the militant Palestinian movement Islamic Jihad. In Lebanon his image was raised along a highway leading to the airport and in several Hezbollah strongholds. Inside the Beirut airport, black-clad women arriving from the Iraqi shrine city of Najaf carried his portraits as they walked through the arrivals hall, chanting "death to America" in scenes that went viral. "Soleimani was the most important and influential military commander in the 'axis of resistance.' He has invested his whole life, since his youth in deterring the region's neo-imperialists," said Lokman, a 22-year-old Lebanese graduate. "I believe his assassination has revived the collective consciousness of tens of millions of people in the region, prompting them to stand up against the oppression and exploitation of the United States and its proxies." - Mideast's Che Guevara? - In Iran, Soleimani was widely regarded as a hero for his staunch defence of the country, his defeat of the IS jihadist group, and his role in the grinding 1980s conflict between Iran and Iraq. In recent years he stepped out of the shadows and became an unlikely celebrity in Iran -- replete with a huge following on Instagram. As his influence rose and calls for him to enter politics grew louder, he was admired for his insistence on remaining on the battlefield. Since his death, Soleimani has been hailed as the "Che Guevara of the Middle East" in some quarters, but the region's schisms and fractures present a much more complex picture. "They're packaging Soleimani as this foreign policy guru, martyr, strategist... away from the narrative that he was a terrorist and responsible for loss of life," said Sanam Vakil from the London-based Chatham House. "It looks useful (for Iran) right now but we don't know how durable it is," she said. "Depending on where you live and your world view you'll see Soleimani in one way or another." In the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, hundreds took to the streets Tuesday to condemn the killing, holding aloft pictures of the general and those slain alongside him, and burning American and Israeli flags. "We are all Qasem Soleimani," one demonstrator told AFP. The Syrian opposition and Aleppo's displaced residents however accuse Soleimani of masterminding a brutal siege and ensuing military campaign that killed hundreds and displaced thousands of the city's residents. In the jihadist-held province of Idlib, they distributed sweets to celebrate his assassination. burs-sls/hkb The president of the European Commission has urged Britains youth to not to settle for isolation after Brexit, and said they would not have to accept the new status quo negotiated by Boris Johnson. In her first official visit to the UK Ursula von der Leyen told an audience of students in London that the Brexit deal negotiated would be for your generation to live with and that they would have the option of changing it. She suggested that if Britains youth were not satisfied with what was negotiated, they should not accept the status quo and instead could turn things into how they should be. The commission presidents comments will be interpreted by some critics of Brexit as an exhortation not to give up on EU membership or a closer relationship in the long term. Brexit does not only mark the end of something. It also makes a new phase in an enduring partnership and friendship, she told the audience at the London School of Economics. Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Show all 76 1 /76 Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Crowds march through central London Getty Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Protesters gather in Parliament Square Led By Donkeys Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Mayor of London Sadiq Khan joins protesters PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Anti-Brexit protesters fill Parliament Square in London PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march A demonstrator marches EPA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Protesters push a float depicting Dominic Cummings using Boris Johnson as a puppet during the Final Say Brexit march in London PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march EU supporters react after the result of the vote on the deal delay was announced at the House of Commons REUTERS Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march A demonstrator carries his dog draped in EU flag AP Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Thousands of people taking part in a People's Vote march AFP/Getty Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Protesters use their flags to shelter from the rain Getty Images Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Protesters march towards Parliament Square Getty Images Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Anti-Brexit demonstrators carry placards and EU flags AP Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Sir Oliver Letwin MP in Parliament Square, London, during an an anti-Brexit, Let Us Be Heard rally, after it was announced that the Letwin amendment, which seeks to avoid a no-deal Brexit on October 31, has been accepted PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Thousands of people taking part in a People's Vote march UK BROADCASTERS POOL/AFP via Get Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march A protester with "Bollocks to Brexit" stickers on his head Getty Images Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Demonstrators march EPA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Britain's main opposition Labour Party shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the EU Keir Starmer, shadow Home Secretary Dianne Abbott, shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer John McDonnell, shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry speaks on stage in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Images Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Anti-Brexit supporters cheer outside parliament AP Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march A EU supporter waves flags REUTERS Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Anti-Brexit supporters AP Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Protesters shout and chant demanding a final say Getty Images Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Police look towards protesters Getty Images Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Pro-Brexit protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in London PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march People taking part in an Anti-Brexit, Let Us Be Heard march head to Parliament Square in London PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march People taking part in an Anti-Brexit, Let Us Be Heard march in Trafalgar Square PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Anti-Brexit supporters cheer outside parliament AP Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march People taking part in an Anti-Brexit, Let Us Be Heard march past Trafalgar Square PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Protesters shout and chant Getty Images Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Cory (7) sits on his father's shoulders as protesters march towards Parliament Square Getty Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march People attend the 'Together for the Final Say' march EPA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Protesters march towards Parliament Square Getty Images Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks on stage PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march A woman in EU costume EPA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Anti-Brexit protesters fill Parliament Square in London PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Anti-Brexit protesters AP Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Anti-Brexit protesters hold an Independent banner Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Protesters hold an anti-Brexit placard by The Independent stall during the Final Say Brexit march in London Tom Richell Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Anti-Brexit protesters in Parliament Square, London, PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Demonstrators hold placards and EU flags AFP/Getty Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march An anti-Brexit protester joins in the Final Say Brexit march on 19 October AP Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march EU supporters march in London REUTERS Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Sir Patrick Stewart and Paul McGann join in the Final Say Brexit march in London on 19 October PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march EU supporters march Reuters Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march A demonstrator shouts into a megaphone as she marches AFP via Getty Images Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march A dog dressed in an anti-Brexit placard is walked in the Final Say Brexit march in London EPA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march EU supporters march REUTERS Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march A morris dancer takes part in the Final Say Brexit march in London PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Whippets are dressed in EU flag clothing during the Final Say Brexit march in London AP Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Protesters march towards parliament in the Final Say Brexit march in London on 19 October 2019 PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march An anti-Brexit demonstrator takes part in the Final Say Brexit march in London AFP/Getty Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march EU supporters call on the government to give Britons a vote on the final Brexit deal Reuters Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Anti-Brexit protesters Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march An anti-Brexit protester Angela Christofilou/The Independent Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate in London during the Final Say Brexit march on 19 October AP Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Protesters push a float depicting Dominic Cummings using Boris Johnson as a puppet during the Final Say Brexit march in London AFP/Getty Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Protesters march towards parliament from Park Lane in the Final Say Brexit march in London on 19 October 2019 PA Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march Marchers visit The Independent stall during the Final Say March in London Tom Richell Best pictures from Final Say Brexit march An anti-Brexit protester holds a sign calling for a Final Say during a march in London EPA It will be a partnership for your generation and I count on you all to make it a success. You can choose collaboration over isolation. You can shape your continents destiny. You can hold your governments accountable. You can refuse to be satisfied with the status quo and you can turn things into how they should be. Polls suggest wide majorities in favour of EU membership among younger and working-age demographics, with Brexit only carried over the line by the retired. In a wide-ranging speech the political leader of the EUs executive branch also warned her audience that it would be basically impossible to negotiate a full trade deal covering all sectors within the limits of the 2020 deadline set by Boris Johnson. We will have to prioritise as long as we face that deadline by the end of 2020, she said. Recommended Johnson under fire from Brussels over fresh threat to EU citizens She also paid tribute to the UK and its contribution to the European project, as well as remembering her time as a former student of the public research university. She told the audience that she probably spent more time in Soho bars and Camden record stores than the Senate House library and that her time in Britain had shown her that Britain was strong-willed, open-minded, big-hearted, proud and patriotic, kind and generous in spirit, full of traditions, full of contradictions, too. It took me a while to understand the fantastic sense of humour of the British people and that there is a subtle meaning hidden in every sentence, she added. In just over three weeks on 31 January the UK will spend its last day as a member state. This will be a tough and emotional day. But when the sun rises against 1 February the European Union and the United Kingdom will still be the best of friends and partners. The bonds between us will still be unbreakable. Continuing, the president warned the UK government: As only true friends can I want to be very honest about what lies ahead of us. We will go as far we can but the truth is that our partnership cannot and will not be the same as before. It cannot and will not be as close as before because with every choice comes a consequence. With every decision comes a trade-off. Without the free movement of people who cannot have the free movement of capital, goods and services. Without a level playing field on environment, taxation and state aid you cannot have the highest access to the worlds largest single market. The more divergence there is the more distant the partnership will be. Without an extension of the partnership beyond 2020 you cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of the partnership. Ms von der Leyen attended a meeting with Boris Johnson at Downing Street following the speech setting the scene for the trade talks to come. A European Commission spokesperson said that the president stressed to Boris Johnson that the decision to leave the EU brings with it consequences, as no relationship can be as close as being a member. The spokesperson added that the president made clear that there is a trade-off between any regulatory divergence and access to the EU market. A Downing Street spokesperson said that Mr Johnson stressed that his immediate priority was to implement the withdrawal agreement by 31 January. The PM reiterated that we wanted a broad free trade agreement covering goods and services, and cooperation in other areas, they added. The PM was clear that the UK would not extend the implementation period beyond 31 December 2020; and that any future partnership must not involve any kind of alignment or ECJ jurisdiction. He said the UK would also maintain control of UK fishing waters and our immigration system. The PM made clear that we would continue to ensure high standards in the UK in areas like workers rights, animal welfare, agriculture and the environment. The PM said the UK was ready to start negotiations on the future partnership and Canada-style FTA as soon as possible after 31 January. A former German defence minister, Ms von der Leyen was appointed commission president in December, replacing Jean-Claude Juncker, who had reached the end of his term. It takes a big family to care for the hundreds of animals that come to our rescue every year and 1-800-PetMeds is part of that family. In an effort to rescue and care for dogs in need and help them find their forever homes, 1-800-PetMeds is teaming up with Danny & Rons Rescue by sponsoring their adoption booth at the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival. All adoptable dogs will be spayed or neutered, up to date on shots, microchipped, and ready to go to their new families. The rescue does not charge a set adoption fee, instead relying on generous donations from members of the equestrian community, sponsors, and supporters to provide essential medical care to every dog before adoption. To overcome emotional and behavioral issues and to transition from abusive and neglectful situations, adoptable dogs reside with founders Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta and up to 75 other dogs at the founders South Carolina home, on their nearby farm, and in foster homes. There, they are given round-the-clock care, love, and attention with the help of staff and volunteers. It takes a big family to care for the hundreds of animals that come to our rescue every year and 1-800-PetMeds is part of that family, says Kim Tudor, Director of Marketing and Adoption at Danny & Rons Rescue. They make sure that we have all the medications and supplements we need at any given time for our dogs and horses. Thats what peace of mind is all about; knowing 1-800-PetMeds is there for our animals. Danny & Rons Rescue gives dogs the emotional support they need after having been abused and abandoned. We love seeing how their dogs are not only physically healthier after theyre rescued, but also how they learn to love and trust before going on to their forever homes. Were so proud to help make that possible, says Larissa Schenck, Director of Marketing at 1-800-PetMeds. About 1-800-PetMeds Founded in 1996, Petmeds.com is America's Most Trusted Pet Pharmacy providing fast, easy and helpful service to over ten million customers across the U.S. by delivering prescription and non-prescription medications and pet supplies for less, direct to the consumer through its 1-800-PetMeds toll-free number, on the Internet through its website Petmeds.com, or with the 1-800-PetMeds mobile app available for free at Google Play for Android and the App Store for iOS. About Danny & Rons Rescue Danny & Rons Rescue, showcased in the 2018 Netflix documentary Living in the Doghouse, has rescued over 10,000 dogs since 2005. Founders Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta, who are also full-time horse trainers, turned their own house into the ultimate safe haven where they personally care for up to 75 injured and abused animals at a time until they are ready for adoption. Each dog receives a wellness check from their veterinarian, is then spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, groomed, and loved. They are also proud to be one of the only organizations that does not charge a pre-set adoption fee and instead relies on an affordable donation from the adopter. About Winter Equestrian Festival The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is the largest and longest-running equestrian competition in the world. It lasts 12 weeks from January through March in Wellington, a village right next to West Palm Beach, Florida. Each week, the festival features its own horse show and competitions. There are also a few competitions that continue throughout the whole 12 weeks of the festival. (Newser) Media reports are casting doubt on the Trump administration's claim that it killed Qassem Soleimani in order to stop an "imminent attack." Some unnamed officials and Democratic lawmakers are quoted as saying the Iranian general didn't appear to pose more of a threat than usual. "I don't think there was really anything in that submission that ought to give people confidence that it was either days or weeks or months," Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said Tuesday after seeing a classified justification for the killing, ABC News reports. "It just was really not, I think, fleshed out at all." Among other quotes: story continues below 'A normal Monday' : Some officials "voiced private skepticism" about the need to assassinate Soleimani, the New York Times reports. Among them, a US official said the new intel suggested "a normal Monday in the Middle East," and Suleimani's movements were "business as usual." : Some officials "voiced private skepticism" about the need to assassinate Soleimani, the New York Times reports. Among them, a US official said the new intel suggested "a normal Monday in the Middle East," and Suleimani's movements were "business as usual." 'Strong evidence' : Among supporters is Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who said Friday that Soleimani-inspired attacks were only "days, weeks" away. National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien mounted a vigorous defence of "strong evidence and strong intelligence" behind the strike, per VOA News. : Among supporters is Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who said Friday that Soleimani-inspired attacks were only "days, weeks" away. National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien mounted a vigorous defence of "strong evidence and strong intelligence" behind the strike, per VOA News. Hmmm : But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo seemed to back off his earlier claim of an "imminent" threat, saying Tuesday the US had found "continuing efforts on behalf of this terrorist (Soleimani) to build out a network of campaign activities that were going to lead potentially to the deaths of many more Americans." : But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo seemed to back off his earlier claim of an "imminent" threat, saying Tuesday the US had found "continuing efforts on behalf of this terrorist (Soleimani) to build out a network of campaign activities that were going to lead potentially to the deaths of many more Americans." Bad history : He added that "if you're looking for imminence, you need look no further than the days that lead up to the strike"a reference to several recent attacks in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, including one that killed a US civilian contractor at an Iraqi base in late December. : He added that "if you're looking for imminence, you need look no further than the days that lead up to the strike"a reference to several recent attacks in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, including one that killed a US civilian contractor at an Iraqi base in late December. Not enough : There, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) isn't satisfied: "We must demand clear intelligence and put the administrations feet to the fire because historical context is not the basis for targeting Soleimani," he said Tuesday, per USA Today. : There, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) isn't satisfied: "We must demand clear intelligence and put the administrations feet to the fire because historical context is not the basis for targeting Soleimani," he said Tuesday, per USA Today. The House: Schiff, meanwhile, wants House involvement: "I think there should be open hearings on this subject," he tells the Washington Post. "The president has put us on a path where we may be at war with Iran. That requires the Congress to fully engage." (Read more Qasem Soleimani stories.) New Delhi, Jan 8 (UNI) Indian Naval Ship Sumedha came to the rescue of the crew of the Dhow Al-Hamid on January 6, Indian Navy Spokesperson said on Wednesday. The ship is presently on Anti Piracy Patrol in Gulf of Aden. A traditional wooden vessel known as Dhow" Al-Hamid was detected by an Indian Navy Helicopter launched from the deck of INS Sumedha which confirmed that the vessel was in distress and drifting near the coast of Somalia. A boarding team along with a naval technical team embarked Al-Hamid for routine checks onboard and render assistance, Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. The crew of Al-Hamid comprised 13 Indian Citizens. The technical team assessment revealed that the Dhow had suffered a broken main engine shaft, which was not repairable at sea. The Dhow was then towed to safety away from the Somali coast. Meanwhile, the owner of the Dhow Al-Hamid has sent another vessel for towing it to port for repairs. Before departure, Indian Naval Ship Sumedha provided fresh water and medical supplies to the crew of the dhow, he added. UNI ASH ADG 1310 Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 04:11:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BUDAPEST, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The year 2019 has been the hottest year in Hungary ever since the beginning of official records in 1901, the Hungarian Meteorological Service (OMSZ) informed here on Wednesday. "Out of the 10 hottest years ever recorded, eight have been recorded since 2000 in Hungary, where warming has been a little above the global average, rising by 1.2 degrees Celsius since the beginning of the 20th century," OMSZ said in a statement published by Hungarian news agency MTI. With 38 degrees Celsius, August 12 was the hottest day of 2019, recorded in Derekegyhaz, southern Hungary. In early fall, temperatures remained as hot as in the summer, with daylight maximums easily climbing over 30 degrees Celsius. OMSZ also underlined that in 2019 the climate conditions in Hungary were in line with the trend of global warming, not only regarding the temperatures, but also concerning extremities in terms of rainfall. Enditem Just days before the start of his European masterclass tour, YouTuber makeup guru and cosmetics mogul Jeffree Star has cancelled his Jeffree Star x MMMMitchell Masterclass. While Jeffree is yet to comment on the situation, Tatti Lashes, the company responsible for the organizing of the event said that it is due to some "unforeseen personal reasons." "It is with a heavy heart that we must regretfully inform you that due to unforeseen personal reasons, Jeffree Star is unable to travel to Europe to take part in the upcoming 'Jeffree Star x MMMMitchell Masterclass tour presented by Tatti Lashes," the statement read. All four dates that were set to start on Jan. 10 in Dublin, Amsterdam, Newcastle, and Liverpool were all cancelled. The organizers will be fully refunding all the tickets within seven to ten working days. Tatti Lashes also apologized for the disappointment that it caused. However, they assured the fans that they are exploring the possibility of rescheduling the events with Jeffree's team. Makeup artist MMMMitchell cited a personal circumstance on Jeffree's part, explaining the situation on her Instagram stories. "I don't know how to say this because there's no way of saying it - there's not one way where it's not going to upset someone. But basically, we've had to cancel the masterclass tour with Jeffree for now, due to some unforeseen circumstances that really can't be helped on Jeffree's side, he's just not able to come to the UK." Not really going into detail, MMMMitchell further explained that he is upset that the tour is not going to happen but even more sad that his friend is troubled. "The worst part is that I could just make them go away. Not just for the tour, but so he can be happy again," he added. On behalf of the cosmetics millionaire, MMMMitchell said, "There's literally no way of anyone changing it, we've tried, and it's just not doable right now. I'm so sorry guys, and I feel so bad, we are all heartbroken - Tatti Lashes, Jeffree, and me. Just keep Jeffree in your heart and your mind." Social media then was rife with speculation that Jeffree Star and his long-term boyfriend Nathan Schwandt have broken up. The two met on Instagram in 2014. One person tweeted out, "I swear to God if Nate and Jeffree broke up, it's like my parents getting divorced again. I just cannot!" Another one even noticed that Jeffree removed a specific description on his online accounts. "Jeffree Star just removed 'Wifey of Nathan' from all social media." Jeffree's last tweet was posted on Jan. 4 when he said, "My dogs always make me smile when I'm down." Social media users have no concrete evidence that the two have broken up, except for the collective hysteria of all the devoted fans of the couple. This news came days after the pair moved into a $14.6 million mansion in Hidden Hills, California. After the New Year, Jeffree posted a mansion tour on his YouTube channel. Regardless of the speculation, nobody knows what was the real reason behind the cancellation of the masterclass all makeup lovers in Europe are excited about. Currently, there is no comment from either Jeffree or Nate. The number of people who died from drug overdoses in New Jersey appears to be down for the first time in years. About 3,021 people died of suspected drug-related overdoses last year, based on preliminary data. State officials said that was about a 3% decrease from 2018, when nearly 100 more people died during the ongoing opioid epidemic. On average, more than eight people continue to die everyday. We finally are seeing a breaking in the curve, Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday. But, he cautioned, theres no celebration. Opioid prescriptions were also down by more than 6%, authorities said. There were more than 3.9 million opioid prescriptions last year in the state, compared to more than 4.2 million in 2018, according to a statement from state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. New Jersey drug deaths had set records for four straight years. Before 2012, when officials started tracking those deaths, more than 1.5 billion prescription pain pills flooded the state from a relatively small number of pharmacies, which helped trigger a surge in drug addiction. State officials announced the new numbers and discussed next steps during a roundtable event at the Family Guidance Center of Warren County, a treatment nonprofit in Washington Township. Attempts by President Donald Trumps administration to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, threatened to cut the state off from badly needed federal funds, according to Carole Johnson, commissioner of the human services department. But the states recent one-day giveaway of 32,000 doses of naloxone, an opioid antidote, was a positive step, she said. This week, Johnson reached out to police departments about distributing more doses, she said, and 80 had already responded. Just on Tuesday, an off-duty corrections officer saved somebodys life with naloxone, said Marcus Hicks, acting commissioner of the corrections department. Hicks said more than a quarter of the states prison population had addiction issues, and he was working to improve treatment behind bars. In addition, the state attorney generals office is suing the Sackler family, founders of the drug manufacturing giant Purdue Pharma, which officials say deceptively marketed addictive painkillers. Grewal said officers shut down 11 heroin mills last year and seized more than 4.5 million doses. He highlighted a program he began to redirect people arrested on drug charges to treatment, and he said thousands of high school athletes and their parents were now required to watch an educational video about opioids. The governor also revived an idea to tax opioid manufacturers to help pay for addiction treatment. Murphy said the state spent $100 million each of the last two years to tackle the problem, and he suggested that he would be asking for money again in this years budget, although he did not name a specific figure. Overall, the governor said the state was on the right track. Blake Nelson can be reached at bnelson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BCunninghamN. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. A Kelso man convicted of shooting another man in the leg was given nearly 17 years in prison Tuesday, but he still asserts he is innocent. I respect the process, your honor, Brandon Wixon said in a short statement. I just still maintain my innocence. He will appeal his conviction, defense attorney Dan Morgan said in court. Kelso police arrested Wixon, 29, on Sept. 5 following a report that a man had been shot in the upper left leg in the 800 block of Elizabeth Street earlier that day. The victim told police he didnt know who shot him or why, and he only identified the shooter as having dark hair. That victim also refused to testify in Wixons trial. A different witness told officers that he saw the shooter pull a handgun from his waist band and shoot the victim after the two had an altercation. Officers found Wixon, based on the witnesss description, several blocks south of the shooting scene within a minute of arriving. Wixon was charged with both first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. A jury last week deliberated for most of a day before eventually finding him guilty of both counts. Wixons sentence Tuesday is in the middle of his standard range, which covered 15 years to 18 years and four months in prison. Mr. Wixons action ... is completely devoid of anything resembling human decency, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sean Brittain told Superior Court Judge Michael Evans. (Wixon), at the time he was arrested, showed no remorse for his actions. For the entirety of the trial, (he) showed no remorse for his actions. Morgans response: My client did not show remorse ... because he did not shoot (the victim). Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 1 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. From: AIFRTE Dated: 08/01/2020 Press Release All India Forum for Right to Education (AIFRTE) on Brutal Attack on JNU Students and Faculty by Fascist ABVP/RSS Thugs AIFRTE condemns the shocking assault on the students and teachers of JNU by an armed mob of about eighty to one hundred persons shouting slogans like aBharatmata ki Jaia , aVande Matarama and aGoli Maaro Salon koa on 5th January 2020. Despite the presence of the Universityas security on the campus and the Delhi police outside the gate, the thugs entered with their faces covered and armed with iron rods, lathis and hammers. Some girl students stated that they were witness to the police facilitating their entry and informing them of the location of the hostels indicating that these illegal entrants were not students of JNU but ABVP members from Delhi University and RSS hoodlums. The attackers proceeded to vandalize the hostels, smashed cars and other vehicles, and indiscriminately and savagely beat up women and male students and teachers. Aishe Ghosh the President of JNUSU was hit on the head with an iron rod, briefly lost consciousness and was bleeding profusely. She required 16 stitches for her wound. Prof. Sen of the Centre of Regional Development was also assaulted and suffered head injuries. More than thirty persons received injuries and many were only discharged from the Trauma Centre of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after 24 hours. The attackers had a free run of the campus for almost three hours while a group of their supporters were already mobilized and shouting slogans outside the gate. They were being protected by the police who did nothing to intervene as the rampage continued on the campus. Shockingly the Vice-Chancellor and senior members of the administration were nowhere to be seen. Responsible office bearers of the JNU Teachers Association were heard on national television actually holding them responsible, along with Delhi police and ABVP/RSS, for this well-planned fascist assault on the academic community. Messages on social media from supporters of these hoodlums also provide proof that this was a planned attack to derail the strong on-going protest against massive hostel fee hikes and resistance to registration for the next semester as decided by the students union after holding general bodies of all schools. This descent to fascist methods of attack by thugs affiliated to the Hindutva regime led by Modi-Shah (viciously targeted police assaults had already been seen in JMI, AMU and other cities and towns in UP) points to the desperation in the Hindutva forces faced with the peaceful but resolute resistance of the university communities towards the new education policies of privatization, commercialization and centralization. Rising fees, budgetary cuts and job insecurity have brought almost all sections into united struggles. A group of ten members from AIFRTE (including Organizing Secretary Dr. Vikas Gupta and Presidium member Prof. Madhu Prasad) were at the JNU campus for several hours in the night of 6th January 2020 to find ground level information and to express our solidarity with the students and teachers of the University. The deligation found that despite the brutal assault and the panic spread among the university community, JNU students and teachers have united firmly to stand against the hindutva goons, to resist their violent attempt to disrupt the struggle, and to continue the fight against the exclusionary National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) promoting centralized control, privatization, commercialization and communalization of education. AIFRTE salutes the courageous struggle of the academic community at JNU and resolves to fight shoulder to shoulder with all students and teachers across the country who are fearlessly resisting the fascist attacks against them. AIFRTE demands that Home Minister Amit Shah and the Delhi Police which functions under his control be held accountable for this outrageous assault on the peacefully protesting students and the faculty of JNU; Present Vice Chancellor be immediately dismissed and all senior members of his administration removed so that a fair judicial inquiry is possible as their complicity with the `goonsa is apparent; The role of the ABVP/RSS in this criminal assault must be properly investigated so that appropriate administrative action can be taken against such fascist organizations which are spreading terror in campuses across the country. AIFRTE Presidium Last NAS Land Rover Defender 90 auction The United States collector car market is preparing for the annual Arizona auction period, which sees numerous major sales taking place. Amongst the hundreds of cars set to cross the block in the winter sun is a rare and valuable Land Rover Defender 90, listed for the Gooding & Company Scottsdale 2020 auction. Should it achieve the estimated sale price of $200,000 to $250,000 (150,000 to 190,000), it would become one of the most expensive Defenders ever sold. Last NAS Land Rover Defender 90 auction Land Rover experimented with limited imports of the Defender to North America in the early 1990s, having previously sold utility vehicles there until 1974. The first Defenders, sold for the 1993 model year, consisted of 500 examples of the long-wheelbase 110 for the United States, with a further 25 going to Canada. All were painted white, and powered by a 3.9-V8 engine. Later, Land Rover also introduced the Defender 90 to North America, built specifically to cater for the market. Air conditioning was fitted as standard, as was an external roll cage and a soft-top roof. Last NAS Land Rover Defender 90 auction American customers would also have the chance to buy a proper Defender 90 Station Wagon with a hard-top metal roof, but the roll cage and V8 engine remained constant factors. However, by 1997 Land Rover faced the challenge of changes to federal safety requirements. To continue selling the Defender in the USA, airbags would need to be fitted along with side-impact protection. Modifying the Defender for these changes was uneconomical, with Land Rover deciding instead to conclude North American sales with a limited edition run of 300 units. Last NAS Land Rover Defender 90 auction All 300 of the Limited Edition Defenders like this one were painted in Willow Green with a white Station Wagon roof. Power came from an upgraded 4.0-V8 engine, whilst an automatic transmission was fitted as standard. The final North American Defenders featured numbered build plaques, and this is number 300 of 300 the very last one made. Despite being owned by seven people across the United States, the last Defender Limited Edition has covered just 36,000 miles from new. The impressive roof rack, front A-bar, driving lights, and Warn winch were all accessories specified by the original owner. Story continues Last NAS Land Rover Defender 90 auction Low numbers and an interest in classic off-roaders has seen demand for Defenders in the U.S. increase dramatically in recent years. News that the all-new Defender will be sold there has only fanned the flames. Even if this Defender 90 sells for the maximum estimated price, it will still not be the most expensive one ever sold. That honour was taken in 2015, with 400,000 ($525,000) paid for the two-millionth Defender produced. The Gooding & Company auction takes place in Scottsdale, Arizona on the 17th and 18th of January., with more than 150 other classic vehicles on offer. The post Could this 1997 Land Rover Defender really sell for $250,000 at auction? appeared first on Motoring Research. While traveling home to the United States of America after a vacation in Mexico, a thirteen-year-old boy was killed after being shot by gunmen who are suspected to be associated with a drug cartel in the country. The boy was accompanied by her mother who is 42 years old, his father who is 48 years old, and a boy who is 10 years old. On their way to the US, they were shot. They were riding a minivan towards the Reynosa-Nuevo Laredo Highway in Los Arcos in the country of Mexico on Saturday last week. The Reynosa-Nuevo Laredo Highway in Los Arcos is an area that links Mier City with Nueva Ciudad Guerrero. It is across the US-Mexican border near Texas' Falcon Heights. According to the report of the New York Post, it was believed that they had visited their relatives in the San Luis Potosi state. According to the office of the attorney general in the Tamaulipas state, the boy who died from the incident was a US citizen his parents were also citizens of the United States of America. The security officers who investigated the place if the incident had found 3 cars with noticeable car crash impacts. One of the cars that were found by the security officers of the country had identified a plate number belonging to the Tamaulipas state. The two other cars contain plates from Oklahoma. The two cars were found with multiple bullet holes on its windshield. Many reports on local news had announced that the name of the thirteen-year-old victim to the incident was Oscar Castillo Lopez. His parents, Jose Silva Mendoza and Juanita Castillo Lopez were injured from the incident/ According to a new report by El Diario, the suspects were drug traffickers who are associated with the Cartel del Noreste. The motive for the attack is yet to be uncovered. The attackers were believed to have hit the Chevrolet SUV that the family was riding. They refused to stop. A relative also rode with the family in the SUV. The relative did not attain any injury from the event. The SUV was forced to pull-over, the kid and his parents were shot by the armed men. This ended the life of the kid. The attackers of the family had fled the scene of the crime with another van. The kid and his parents were immediately brought to a medical center in Cerralvo, Nuevo Leon. Aside from the thirteen-year-old son, the parents and their relatives were reported to be in stable condition. The location where the incident had occurred was declared as a high-risk zone. The area is run by criminal organizations including the Zetas and the Gulf Cartel. The attack on the kid, his parents, and relative who are citizens of the United States of America was a similar incident that occurred approximately two months ago where nine minors and women who belonged to an American Mormon family were attacked and killed in the northern part of the Sonora state in the country of Mexico. Chandigarh, Jan 8 : Taking former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan head on over the threat of the Centre implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act at any cost, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said the BJP would have to pay a heavy price for such stubbornness. An elected government which refuses to heed the voice of its people or respond to their anger is bound to lose their confidence and collapse, said the Chief Minister, adding the BJP's stance on the issue "smacked of a dangerously fascist approach that would lead to their eventual downfall". As far as his government was concerned, "there was no way it would allow the brazenly divisive Act to be implemented in Punjab", Amarinder Singh said. "You cannot force us to do so," he said, even as he reiterated that neither he nor the Congress was against grant of citizenship of persecuted minorities in other countries, such as Sikhs in Pakistan, but were completely opposed to the discrimination in the CAA against certain religious communities, including the Muslims. Despite the nationwide public outrage over the controversial CAA, the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre was refusing to acknowledge the unconstitutionality of the legislation, said the Chief Minister, lashing out at Chouhan for his "shockingly inconsiderate remarks on the issue". It was obvious that Chouhan, like other BJP leaders, had no inkling of the implications or consequences of the CAA, nor did he apparently want to understand it, said Amarinder Singh in a reaction to the comments made by Chouhan in Ludhiana a day earlier. Chouhan had absolutely no idea what he was talking about, nor had he bothered to study the Act, which has triggered massive public protests across the country, said the Punjab Chief Minister, adding that the protests were not "the brainchild of the Congressa or any other party, as Chouhan was claiming, but the result of a spontaneous outrage among Indians cutting across religious and party lines". Investors say they have huge amounts of capital in hands and are seeking good technology startups to disburse the money. Many large corporations, investors and experts in many business fields at Techfest 2019, called the national startup day, were seeking digital technology startups and breakthrough ideas. The investors noticed a lack of good technology startups even at the event which gathered 300 technology startups in different fields, which were selected by the organizing board. The number of startups present at the event was every higher, if counting the ones which did not have stalls there. We need creative ideas which can utilize your technologies to cut nvestment and operation costs, said Ha Trung Dung from VNPT, a well known telecom group. VNPT has more than 30 million mobile subscribers and we can support startups in custom, finance and knowledge. But we need new ideas and new business models, he said. Many large corporations, investors and experts in many business fields at Techfest 2019, called the national startup day, were seeking digital technology startups and breakthrough ideas. Khoa Hoc va Phat Trien newspaper quoted its sources as reporting that Viettel, the largest telecom network in Vietnam, intends to take over Medlink, the startup which develops websites and mobile apps connecting drugstores and pharmacy companies and just won first prize at Vietchallenge 2019. Large telecom groups in the world such as SoftBank are also willing to spend big money to buy shares in technology companies and startups in many different fields. According to Nguyen Dinh Thang, president of LienViet Post Bank, banks want to carry out digital transformation and build digital technology. However, they cannot build cumbersome apparatus and employ high numbers of workers to build products. They tend to join forces with other companies, especially startups and fintechs to do this." In other words, technology startups have great opportunities to team up with banks to develop their products. The representatives from the logistics sector also said there is huge amount of work that startups can solve becausemany works are still done manually. Dao Trong Khoa, deputy chair of the Vietnam Logistics Association (VLA), said logistics firms need solutions to digitalize core activities of logistics services. Since the digital transformation process in the sector is going slowly, the opportunities for technology firms are great. Vietnam has 143 million mobile subscribers, and 60 million internet and social network users, accounting for 64 percent of population. Vietnam also has a skilled labor force to exploit the opportunities, with the number of technology students among the worlds top 15. Kim Chi Vietnamese companies prove ready for 5G technology As part of the governments plan to create incentive for domestically manufactured 5G products, three major Vietnamese enterprises have officially announced their 5G research and production roadmap. Welcome back to Tech Chronicle. If you want a newsletter that pumps up your intellectual valuation, this round will never be oversubscribed. The internet was hot, and the money from Japan was hard to refuse. It came from SoftBank, a technology conglomerate that had started out as a software distributor, and it promised to turbocharge the startups business and set it apart from competitors. How could the founders say no? If youre thinking this was last years headline, think again. SoftBank was making waves back when I covered venture capital and startups in the 1990s, and Yahoo was a primary recipient of the companys largesse. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son funneled nearly $360 million into the internet guide, setting it apart from less richly funded competitors like Infoseek, Excite and Lycos, which sought sales or mergers instead of remaining independent. The Yahoo deal well, we know how that ended, though SoftBank kept a large stake in Yahoo Japan, a joint venture that ended up being worth more than the original. It also took a big stake in a Chinese e-commerce startup, Alibaba, alongside Yahoo. Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP 2019 The SoftBank playbook went something like this: Take our money, at a rich valuation but for a large chunk of the company, or well fund your competitors. And play Son did, pumping up the valuations of Uber, WeWork and countless smaller startups. Ubers shares have fallen steadily since its initial public offering, wiping out much of SoftBanks investment, and the WeWork deal fared even worse, with the office-leasing company canceling a planned IPO and taking a bailout from SoftBank instead. Now smaller companies are feeling the pinch. Axios reported that SoftBank walked away from big investments in Honor, a provider of home care services for the elderly, and Creator, which has created a robotic burger-cooking machine. SoftBank blamed a rigorous investment process: There have been a few cases where our process took longer than anticipated, which we regret. Michael Macor / The Chronicle 2018 Zume Pizza of Mountain View, which also used robots to make its pies, took hundreds of millions of dollars from SoftBank. Now it plans to lay off hundreds of employees, according to Business Insider, and its website says its not currently taking orders. Car-rental startup Getaround, another SoftBank investment in San Francisco, is also laying off employees, according to the Information. Michael Short / Special To The Chronicle 2016 Since past SoftBank deals were made after the briefest of meetings between Son and a startup founder, SoftBanks rigor appears to be newly discovered in the wake of its big investments souring. But its not surprising, if your memory is long enough. After the value of its Yahoo stake sank in the dot-com bust, SoftBank went mostly quiet in California, concentrating on broadband and wireless investments in its home market. Two things saved it: the introduction of the iPhone in Japan, which helped it leapfrog competitors, and the staggering rise in value of its Alibaba stake, which ended up being worth tens of billions of dollars. Maybe one of SoftBanks investments will cover its losses. And maybe Silicon Valley will see Son return for a third round of inflating internet company valuations. This ever-changing business is known for its short memories. That may be something Son counts on. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Owen Thomas, othomas@sfchronicle.com Coming up Biotech nerds and investment bankers take over the city as the J.P. Morgan 38th Annual Healthcare Conference convenes in San Francisco Jan. 13-16. What Im reading Kevin Roose, Sheera Frenkel and Mike Isaac reveal an internal memo from top Facebook executive Andrew Boz Bosworth, where he weighs in on the social networks role in Donald Trumps election. (New York Times) Rachel Swan explores BARTs retro plan for a tech makeover: Wi-Fi! (San Francisco Chronicle) Lizette Chapman reports on Ubers flying-car partnership with Hyundai. (Bloomberg) Tech Chronicle is a thrice-weekly newsletter from Owen Thomas, The Chronicles business editor, and the rest of the tech team. Follow along on Twitter: @techchronicle and Instagram: @techchronicle New Delhi [India], Jan 8 (ANI): Tihar Jail authorities will conduct dummy execution of Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts in coming days ahead of their execution on January 22. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held today. The dummy execution will be conducted in Jail 3, the place where they will be executed on January 22. "Tihar to conduct dummy execution in coming days but not today. It will be done in jail 3, where the execution will take place," said Tihar Jail administration in a statement. At the time of the dummy execution, the executive engineer of PWD, superintendent and other jail officials will be present, it said. All four convicts in the Nirbhaya case will be executed on January 22 at 7 am in jail cell 3 in Tihar Jail, the same place where Afzal Guru, the terrorist convicted Parliament attack case, was hanged. The officials said they will be hanged together. A court in Delhi issued death warrants against all four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape case. The convicts -- Pawan Gupta, Akshay, Vinay Sharma, and Mukesh Singh -- will be hanged at 7 am on January 22. The hangman will be called from Uttar Pradesh Prison Department. (ANI) The mother of the 23-year-old physiotherapy student who was gang raped and fatally injured in a moving bus seven years ago walked out of the courtroom with a smile of satisfaction and relief on Tuesday, when the court set 7am on January 22 as the time for the death sentence to be carried out against four people convicted for her daughters murder. Catching her breath, as if she was not being to able to find the right words, Asha Devi said: She [her daughter] won today. She had to wait for this verdict for seven years. We have been waiting for this order. I was tired of going in and out of courtrooms in the last one year. Unless you hang these criminals, the daughters of our country will not be safe. Their hanging will serve as a lesson to anyone who even think of harming women. Speaking to HT, the victims parents said that while the brutal gang rape and death of her daughter brought the entire nation together to demand stricter laws against rapists and making cities safer, it took a long time to get justice. Over the last one year, Id started losing hope. Our case was one which had garnered so much attention, and even then it was taking time. But all that is in the past now. We are thankful to the judicial system and to everyone who stood by us in our fight, Asha Devi said. The victims father was also elated and said that his daughters soul will finally rest in peace on the day her rapists are hanged. You cannot escape the wheel of karma. I still remember the day when I got a call from the police calling to tell me that my daughter was in the hospital. Every day since then has been a fight for us, Badrinath Singh. Can you imagine a fathers helplessness, who has seen his daughter in that state and who had to cremate her? We will finally get some closure, he added. The family said that January 22 will be a big day for them. I dont know what we will do after the hanging. I never really have got the chance to think what will be the end of this fight. Maybe we will go to a temple and visit an orphanage, Asha Devi said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Cabinet on Wednesday approved the ratification of migration and mobility partnership agreement between India and France. The agreement signed in March 2018 is valid for 7 years and incorporates provisions for auto-renewal. The Agreement represents a major milestone in enhancing people-to-people contacts, fostering mobility of students, academics, researchers and skilled professionals and strengthening cooperation on issues related to irregular migration and human trafficking between the two sides. The Agreement is a testimony to India's rapidly expanding multi-faceted relationship with France and symbolizes the increasing trust and confidence between the two sides. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several international airlines said Wednesday they would avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace after Tehran fired ballistic missiles at bases housing US troops in Iraq. Lufthansa and its Austrian Airlines unit nonetheless decided to maintain flights to the Iranian capital, Tehran, this week, a statement said. Iran launched more than 20 missiles at bases housing US troops in the early hours, officials in Washington and Tehran said. Iran's supreme leader called the attacks a "slap in the face" after a US drone strike killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad international airport last week. In Germany, Lufthansa said it had halted overflights of Iran and Iraq until further notice. But it added that "since Tehran Airport is open and there are no security restrictions for the approach route or the area around the airport, Austrian Airlines will operate today's flight OS 871 to Tehran with a delay of around six hours. "Lufthansa also plans to resume the route tomorrow," the airline said. Lufthansa said it had cancelled a flight scheduled Saturday to the northern Iraqi city of Erbil. Meanwhile, the US Federal Aviation Administration banned US-registered carriers from flying over Iraq, Iran and the Gulf, citing the potential for "misidentification" of aircraft. Its Russian counterpart, the Federal Air Transport Agency, said it was recommending that airlines avoid the air space over Iran, Iraq and the Persian and Oman Gulfs "due to information about current risks for safety of international passenger flights". The region is a central corridor for flights between Europe and Asia, but aircraft can be rerouted fairly easily. An Air France spokesman told AFP: "Air France has decided to suspend until further notice all flights through Iranian and Iraqi airspace." Partner airline KLM was doing likewise, a spokesman said. Carriers that took similar decisions included Air Canada, Air India, Malaysia Airlines, Polish LOT, Singapore Airlines, Swiss and Quantas. Vietnam Airlines said it would make "appropriate adjustments" to routes to avoid areas of potential instability although its regular flight paths to Europe do not pass over Iran and Iraq. Japanese airlines ANA and JAL, and Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific said their planes do not fly through airspace affected by latest flare-up. UAE carriers Emirates Airline and low-cost Flydubai scrubbed flights to Baghdad for "operational reasons". Bahrein Airways and Kuwait Airways had already suspended flights to Iraq shortly after Soleimani's assassination, and on Tuesday, EgyptAir said it would as well, for three days. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 15:45:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan should send graduate and post-graduate students to study applied science at Chinese universities to acquire scientific knowledge and learn from the research China has done over the years, acclaimed Pakistani scientist Atta-ur-Rahman said. China is an emerging power and it has already become one of the world's leading countries in some fields of science like nanotechnology and artificial intelligence. Pakistan's good relations with China provide it a golden opportunity to send its aspiring students to learn science at Chinese universities to get equipped with modern scientific knowledge. "When the students return to Pakistan after completing advanced learning in China, Pakistan can get benefit from their expertise by hiring them at significant posts in colleges, universities and laboratories," the professor at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) of the University of Karachi told Xinhua. "It will not only provide the scientists a platform to conduct further research, but also give them a chance to teach advanced sciences to other students, and the whole process will gradually set the base of scientific studies on modern grounds in the country," Rahman added. "I always suggest that Pakistan should start taking benefit from China right now so that Pakistani students and researchers can grow with China in the field of science." An alumnus of King's College of Britain's University of Cambridge from where he received his PhD in organic chemistry in 1968, Rahman has won lots of awards in Pakistan including the highest national award Nishan-e-Imtiaz for his services to the country in the field of science, apart from a number of other international awards. He is expected to receive the China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award in January for contributions he has made to China. Rahman considers it a great honor to be selected to receive the prestigious award from the Chinese government and credits the research on traditional Chinese medicine and in other fields, which he did with Chinese scientists and companies, for his selection for the award. "I also have a number of international co-publications with Chinese scientists. Many Chinese scientists and pharmaceutical companies have visited Pakistan to conduct research in the ICCBS. By all these research and publications, I have made a small effort to promote Chinese science in the world." The professor is also the head of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's task force on science and technology. The task force is aimed at making the country standout in the world in "specific and targeted fields." "Initially we have identified five areas including education, agriculture, minerals, information technology, and linkages of innovation with society which will focus on engineering and emerging sciences. Two new universities are also being established to give education of applied science." Development budget of the country's science and technology has increased six-fold this year to encourage innovation, he said, adding that one of the main focuses of the Pakistani government is to change the direction of the country's economy from agricultural economy to knowledge and science economy. "China will be a great help for Pakistan to achieve the target and for that purpose we are forming 20 centers of excellence in various universities of the country with the help of China," the professor said. These centers will include artificial intelligence in health sciences, hybrid seed production, virology, nanotechnology, railways engineering, agricultural food processing, mineral extraction and processing among others. Many top Chinese institutes and universities including Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, China National Rice Research Institute and Wuhan Institute of Virology among others will cooperate with Pakistan to make these centers of excellence a success story, he added. "I have a long and cordial association with China, and these centers of excellence will form linkages of young Pakistani scientists with China too, and they will act as an engine of scientific advancement for Pakistan by learning from China." Sharing his vision regarding the potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in development of science and technology in the country, the professor said that Pakistan should form joint industrial ventures in high-tech manufacturing with China to benefit from Chinese technological advancement and the Pakistani government is also working towards that direction in special economic zones. President Donald Trump makes a statement on Iran at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Jan. 3, 2020. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) Trump Responds After Iran Fires Missiles at US Troops in Iraq President Donald Trump responded on Tuesday night to Irans launching of missiles at Iraqi military bases that hold U.S. troops. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning, Trump wrote on Twitter at around 9:45 p.m. ET, coming about three hours after Irans Revolutionary Guards said it fired more than 10 missiles at the al Asad base in Iraq. Unconfirmed reports were saying Trump would make a televised address in the Oval Office. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 In Operation Martyr Suleimani in early hours of Wednesday, tens of ground-to-ground missiles were fired at the U.S. base and successfully pounded the al Asad base, the Revolutionary Guards said via state-run television, according to a translation. The attack was later confirmed by the Pentagon, which said more than a dozen missiles were fired at American military and coalition bases. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Irbil and Al Asad. We are working on initial battle damage assessments, the Pentagon also said before adding that the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region. An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, in this still image taken from a video shot on Jan. 8, 2020. (Iran Press/Handout via Reuters) Aside from the White House, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other members of Congress said they were informed. Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our service members, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war, she wrote on Twitter. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) wrote: Tonight we must be united in the fight against terrorism and those who would do our country harm. Americas full support is with our courageous servicemen and women standing the watch. A young Brisbane man was rushed to hospital in a critical condition overnight after his car crossed the road, smashed into a tree, rolled and slammed into a parked car. Emergency services were called to Bennetts Road in Norman Park, four kilometres east of Brisbane CBD, about 1.40am on Thursday. The 20-year-old driver from Gordon Park in Brisbane's north was initially trapped in the wreckage before he was freed and treated by specialist paramedics. He was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital under emergency lights and sirens. On Wednesday, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said that the government was confident in achieving the 5 trillion dollar economy vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Taking to Twitter, Reddy spoke about how through the ideology of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" the vision of India becoming a 5 trillion economy could be made possible. He also stated that the government led by PM Modi will work in a "phased manner" to achieve this. Read: PM Modi: 'Dream of a 5 trillion dollar economy will soon be a reality' Achieving a #5TrillionDollar economy for India is a vision set by our PM Shri @narendramodi & all of us, humble servants of this great Republic, will achieve the target in a phased manner with #SabkaSaath while ensuring #SabkaVikas & gaining #SabkaVishwas. https://t.co/HaZSnBy8lc G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) January 8, 2020 'Dream will soon become a reality' Recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the crowd at the Aditya Birla Group's Golden Jubilee celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand. During the event, PM Modi spoke about India's dream to become a five trillion-dollar economy. Modi said, "India is now pursuing under the dream to become a 5 trillion dollar economy. When my government took over in 2014, India's GDP was about 2 trillion dollars in 65 years. But in just 5 years, we increased the GDP to nearly 3 trillion. This convinces me that the dream of a five trillion dollar economy will soon become a reality." Read: Government on track to make India $5 trillion economy by '24: Pramod Kumar Misra Home Minister Amit Shah had also expressed hope that by 2024, India would become USD 5 trillion economy and be placed among the top five global economies. The last five years were of the detoxification of the economy and in the next five years, a series of reforms will be taken to make it one of the most powerful economies of the world, Shah said. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Pramod Kumar Misra also spoke about how the government was working hard to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of making the country a five trillion dollar economy by 2024 and was taking steps to overcome the phase of economic slowdown, a top official said on Friday. (With Agency Inputs) Read: India to become $5 trillion economy by 2024: Amit Shah Read: Agri has key role in making India a USD 5 trillion economy: Tamilisai Soundararajan IRISH WATER has been fined 2,000 and ordered to pay 5,500 in legal costs for failing to address drinking water problems in Co Cork. The national water utility, which is responsible for providing and developing water and wastewater services throughout Ireland, faced charges following a direction given on June 5, 2015 by the EPA. The prosecution brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was in respect of the supply of drinking water at Drimoleague and Kealkill. The court heard Irish Water failed to submit final reports to the EPA before the end of 2018, verifying that trihalomethanes (THMs) levels were not excessive. THMs, which can have a possible carcinogenic effects if consumed over long periods, are a bi-product of chlorination to disinfect ground water, which makes their way into the public water supply. The case was listed again before Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court today for finalisation. A guilty plea had been marked in October. The court heard it was expected Irish Water will be compliant in the near future. Judge Halpin convicted it and imposed two fines each in the sum of 1,000 and he ordered a contribution to prosecution costs. A joint EPA-HSE statement had been posted online in 2011 about the health effects impact of excessive THMs. Meanwhile, two other EPA prosecutions against Irish Water were adjourned until March. They were in connection with alleged sewage problems in Co Kildare and in Co Cork. It is alleged from March 14 to March 21, 2019, Irish Water failed to take corrective action or notify the agency as soon as practicable about three incidents of discharge of untreated sewage from Newhall Pumping Station into the River Liffey, with potential for environmental contamination of surface water. It is also accused of not informing Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the State agency responsible for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources. The water company is also accused of failing to maintain a programme for the maintenance and operation of all plant and equipment used at Newhall Pumping Station to ensure no unauthorised waste water discharges took place. It is alleged, in another charge, that there was a failure to tell another treatment plant which operates the downstream Leixlip drinking water abstraction point, about the three incidents of raw sewage discharge. It is also accused of failing to make a record of the extent or impact of the incidents. It is alleged the company breached its wastewater discharge licence by excessive ammonia emissions from its water works in Boherbue, Co Cork, on eight dates between August 2017 and February 2019. It faces eight similar counts in relation to exceeding emission limit values from orthophosphates from August 2017 until a date in January 2019. In an EPA prosecution last month, Judge Halpin fined Irish Water 1,500 and ordered it to pay 850 to the EPA for its expenses, and a further 5,000 toward legal costs. The court had heard in that case that Malahide marina was polluted with enough raw sewage to fill two and a half Olympic-size swimming pools. It followed a water treatment plant malfunction which has since been rectified. During that hearing the court heard the company already had 14 prior convictions in relation to environmental protection cases. Ozz Ben-David was a recipient of the Trustee Scholarship who went on to earn an appointment to the U. S. Military Academy at West Point. The Trustee Scholarship is a competitive merit-based award that covers full tuition, room and board, and uniforms for an incoming cadet to Fork Union Military Academy. As the January 17th deadline draws near, The Trustee Scholarship competition at Fork Union Military Academy is heating up, attracting student applicants from all over the United States, as well as other regions around the globe including Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. This merit-based scholarship competition will provide the winning applicant with a full scholarship for the 2020-2021 school year to attend Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia, a boarding and day school for boys in grades 7-12 and postgraduate. Tripp Billingsley, the Director of Admissions for the school, reports that "it is a very diverse group of high-performing young men, and I expect it will be a challenge to select the top candidate. The selection committee has a great group of young men to look at." The finalists in the scholarship competition will be chosen by a committee of educators and administrators from Fork Union Military Academy and invited to the campus for further interviews. Students who will enter grades 8, 9, or 10 in the fall of 2020, have a GPA equivalent to 3.0 or higher, and are first-time applicants to the fall program are eligible to compete for Fork Union Military Academys Trustee Scholarship. The Trustee Scholarship is a competitive merit-based award that covers full tuition, room and board, and uniforms for an incoming cadet to Fork Union Military Academy. Affordability is a key factor for many families looking at private schools, and Fork Union Military Academy provides opportunities to as many students as possible. Need-based financial aid and access scholarship funds are used by the school to assist as many young men as possible to enroll in our program. The Trustee Scholarship is different from other financial aid and scholarship programs offered by Fork Union, however. The Trustee Scholarship is unique in that it is competitive and completely need blind. This means that applicants for this scholarship do not need to fill out a financial aid application. The finalists are selected based on the strength of their own achievements and abilities, as documented in their scholarship and admission applications. Finalists in the scholarship competition are invited to campus for an interview with the Academy's scholarship committee before the final award is announced. The deadline for applications for the Trustee Scholarship is January 17, 2020. For more information about the Trustee Scholarship opportunity, visit Fork Union's website at https://www.forkunion.com/trusteescholarship or call the Director of Admission's office at 434-842-4205. Founded in 1898, Fork Union Military Academy is a one-of-a-kind high school experience, where students attend classes in a unique One Subject Plan format, which has successfully prepared students for college and beyond for almost 70 years. Fork Union Military Academy cadets are guided each day by the core values of respect, integrity, faith, character and discipline in a military-style program where leadership and character development are a primary focus of their daily lives. Southern Adventist University will host actor Mike Wiley for a one-man play on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Iles P.E. Center on the universitys campus. Titled Dar He: The Story of Emmett Till, the performance chronicles the murder, trial, and confessions of the men accused of lynching Till, a young black man visiting Mississippi from Chicago. Mr. Wiley is an acclaimed actor and playwright with a mission to bring educational theater to young audiences and communities across the country. In addition to his many school and community performances, he has appeared on National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, and The Learning Channel. To help bring key events and figures in African-American history to life, he started his own production company, creating plays, films, and podcasts. Mr. Wiley has a Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is the 2010 and 2014 Lehman Brady Visiting Joint Chair Professor in Documentary Studies and American Studies at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Admission is $5, with tickets sold at the door. For more information call 236-2814. [January 08, 2020] KBP BioSciences to Present at Biotech Showcase 2020 PRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KBP BioSciences, a clinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to research, development and commercialization of innovative medicines for the global market, today announced that Thijs Spoor, Chief Executive Officer, will present at the Biotech Showcase, being held January 13-15, 2020 in San Francisco. Details of Mr. Spoors presentation follow: Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Time: 10:15 a.m. PST (1:15 p.m. EST) Room: Franciscan C (Ballroom Level) Venue: Hilton San Francisco Union Square, 333 OFarrell Street, San Francisco About KBP BioSciences KBP BioSciences is a global, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of new chemical entities with known mechanisms of action targeting underserved patient populations. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, KBP Biosciences has strong capabilities from Discovery and CMC though global clinical development and registration. The Company principally devotes its resources to three therapeutic areas including: major organ protection, inflammation & autoimmune diseases and anti-infectives. The Companys lead program, KBP-5074, a non-steroidal MRA discovered and developed by KBP, is currently in a global Phase 2b clinical trial for patients with uncontrolled hypertension in moderate and severe Chronic Kidney Disease patients. KBP is also developing KBP-7072, a phase 2 ready third generation aminomethylcycline for the treatment of multiple strains of drug resistant infections with high activity against certain key pathogens. KBP has built a proprietary R&D platform aimed at discovery and development of global first-in-class compounds. The platform consists of a compound library which is the basis of new compound discovery, a bacterium library aimed at multi-drug resistant bacteria, and an in vivo pharmacology platform for screening and testing new compounds. KBP Biosciences is actively seeking to identify additional promising therapeutic opportunities and further develop its product portfolio. Contacts: Fred Yang, Ph.D. Chief Development Officer [email protected] +1 (267) 980-9451 Investors: Lee Roth Burns McClellan [email protected] +1 (212) 213 0006 Protesters have taken to the streets of Monrovia to demand President George Weah take decisive action to improve Liberia's economy. Monday's was the second mass demonstration against the presidents handling of the economy in less than a year. Roads were deserted and many civil servants stayed off work as thousands marched. The Liberian economy has declined so dramatically during Weahs two years in power that banks are unable to pay depositors, salaries are delayed and the prices of basic commodities have skyrocketed. There are lengthy lines at cash machines where depositors wanting to withdraw money confront bank security officers. Protester DJ Lomel said Liberians were "struggling and dying" on a "daily basis". Police watched on but later moved in to disperse the crowds, including firing tear gas in front of the headquarters of the Press Union of Liberia. A leader of the pressure group which organised the demonstration said one person was injured. Weather Alert ...WIND CHILL WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 3 PM EST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero. * WHERE...In Vermont, Western Franklin County. In New York, Eastern Clinton County. * WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 3 PM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The coldest wind chill values will occur between 2 AM and 11 AM on Tuesday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. && Indian diaspora groups hold pro-CAA rallies across America Indian diaspora groups organised a series of rallies in support of the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) across the United States over the past weekend. More than 300 Indian-Americans were present at a rally in downtown Chicago on Saturday. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@RAJARJPS Braving sub-zero winter temperatures in major cities like Boston, Chicago, Seattle, and Atlanta among others, members of the Indian-American community organised events to create awareness against the misinformation being spread in the US about the purpose of the CAA. In the Boston area, members of the diaspora gathered at the historic Harvard Square on Sunday to participate in the rally, a press release issued by the organisers stated. Displaying posters and banners reading We support Citizenship Amendment Act, Indian-Americans Support CAA and CAA provides citizenship to persecuted minorities, the participants thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Parliament for the humanitarian help to religiously persecuted minorities in three neighbouring countries. More than 300 Indian-Americans were present at a rally in downtown Chicago on Saturday. The participants signed a memorandum supporting the CAA which was forwarded to the Government of India through the Consul General of India in Chicago. Archana Sunil, a health and medicare insurance advisor who organised the Seattle pro-CAA rally explained that the CAA had a limited scope meant to simply rehabilitate those persecuted minorities already in India, but who were left behind on the other side during the 1947 Partition. In Atlanta, a group of 100 people gathered outside the CNN headquarters to show their support for the legislation. According to the CAA, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 following religious persecution there will get Indian citizenship. On Sunday, after a two-day debate, acting Socialist Party (PSOE) Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez failed as expected to obtain the necessary majority of 176 votes in the 350-seat parliament to be invested as the head of a new government. Sanchez received the support of 166 lawmakers, including those of the PSOE, Unidas Podemos, Basque Nationalist Party, More Country, Compromis, New Canary Islands, Galician Nationalist Bloc, and Teruel Exists. There were 165 against, including the right-wing Popular Party (PP) and Citizens party, the far-right VOX, the Catalan secessionist Together for Catalonia and Popular Unity Candidacy, and the regionalist Navarra Suma, Canary Coalition, Asturias Forum and the Cantabria Regionalist Party. The Catalan Republican Left (ERC) and Basque EH Bildu, with 18 seats, abstained on Sunday. They hold the key to Sanchez being elected in a second vote, as he requires only a simple majority. However, last-minute desertions within his fragile camp could threaten his bid for power. The conditions under which the vote occurred are a warning both of the advanced stage of preparations for the suspension of parliamentary democracy by far-right forces linked to the Army and the bankruptcy of the acting PSOE-Podemos government. In the course of nearly two years of effectively ruling Spain, these parties have backed European Union austerity measures and a vicious crackdown in Catalonia after the peaceful 2017 independence referendum. They have created the conditions for the right, led by the fascistic Vox party, to openly campaign for coups and the suspension of elected officials. During the two-day debate, the right-wing parties accused Sanchez of betraying the unity of Spain by cutting a deal for the Catalan ERC to abstain in the first vote. They also pressed for a pseudo-legal coup to oust the Catalan regional government. This followed calls from far-right generals to oust the PSOE government. The text of the PSOE-ERC agreement is deliberately ambiguous. It allows the PSOE to posture as a defender of the unity of Spain by not committing to a new Catalan independence referendum, while allowing the ERC, whose leaders were incarcerated by the PSOE after a show trial, to claim that it is extracting concessions for Catalan self-government. The main right-wing parties and their related media outlets ABC, El Espanol, La Razon and El Mundo have furiously denounced the deal reached last week. Sanchez aims to liquidate national sovereignty, destroy the unity of Spain and sell the country to the separatists according to their editorials. The pro-PSOE El Pais chimed in, writing: At this weekends investiture debate, prime ministerial candidate Pedro Sanchez must give a full explanation of the deal he has made with ERC on future talks about Catalonia. El Mundo appealed to regional PSOE leaders to remove Sanchez so as to stop his kamikaze path. Last Thursday, Citizens leader Ines Arrimada held a press conference to announce she would phone all the regional PSOE leaders to ask them to prevent Sanchezs investiture. In October 2016, Sanchez was removed as general secretary after an internal coup orchestrated by a cabal of bankers, intelligence services and media outlets. The PSOE then backed a PP government. In Sundays debate, PP leader Pablo Casado, along with the far-right Vox and Citizens, focused attention on Catalonia. Denouncing Sanchez as a sociopath, a walking lie and the leader of those who want to finish with constitutional Spain, Casado threatened to impeach Sanchez if he opposed the immediate removal from office of Catalonian President Quim Torra, stating, We will act with the same firmness as we have acted against Torra. Casado also called for Sanchez to implement Article 155 of the constitution to suspend the Catalan regional government and remove Torra from office if Torra refused to stand down. As always, Sanchez accepted the right-wing framework of the debate, promising that Spain is not going to break up and the constitution will not be violated. The two years since the 2017 Catalan crisis have shown that the anti-Catalan campaign is an attempt by the ruling class to shift politics far to the right to counter mounting social anger against EU austerity. Amid an international resurgence of the class struggle, Spain is ringed with mass protests and strikesin Portugal, Algeria and France. Despite the Spanish trade unions efforts to suppress strike action, the number of strikes and the amount of work time lost to strikes are rising in Spain as well. The Catalan campaign is aimed at building a police state regime whose central target is the rising militancy of the working class. The main architects of this repression have been the PSOE and Podemos. They have actively participated in the anti-Catalan campaign, supporting the show trial of Catalan nationalist politicians who backed the independence referendum and then calling on the Spanish population to accept the sentencing of nine Catalan politicians to lengthy prison terms for organising peaceful protests. They supported the brutal police crackdown on mass protests against the show trial, which left hundreds of injured. The Podemos party is poised to formally take office, with Pablo Iglesias to be named vice-premier to Sanchez, who heads a government of austerity and police state repression. Such policies have only fueled the rise of Vox and increased its support within the Spanish Army. In December, retired four-star Gen. Fulgencio Coll Bucher, chief of staff of the Spanish Army between 2008 and 2012 and spokesperson for the Vox party in Palma de Mallorca, called for the Army to oust Sanchez. Coll called on the powers of the state to prevent Sanchez from assembling a majority for a government if it included the ERC. Last week, PP, Citizens and Vox tried to use the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) in their bid to prevent the ERC from abstaining. The CEC, an administrative body tasked with ensuring the transparency of the electoral process and monitoring the performance of the Electoral Census Office, announced a decision trampling basic democratic rights. Ruling on an appeal brought by the PP, Citizens and Vox, it decided to revoke the jailed Catalan politician Oriol Junqueras seat as a member of the European Parliament. It ignored the 1.7 million votes for Junqueras in the European elections and the EU Parliaments ruling that Junqueras had parliamentary immunity. The Spanish Supreme Court is set to rule on this matter this week. The decision was leaked on Twitter by PP leader Casado hours before it was officially announced. On the same day, the CEC announced it was removing Catalan regional premier Torra from office. It upheld an appeal from the PP, Citizens and Vox claiming that it could revoke Torras seat, making him ineligible to serve as regional premier since the Catalan regional premier must be a member of the Catalan parliament. The CEC issued the ruling even though Spains Supreme Court had yet to consider an appeal from Torra, who was convicted of disobedience in December for refusing to remove banners calling for the release of Catalan political prisoners. Torra has received the support of the Catalan parliament to remain in office. If he is removed, he will become the second democratically elected Catalan premier to be ousted from power by Madrid since the 2017 Catalan independence referendum. The school which has produced more Lords Mayor of Cork than any other is set to honour three iconic past-pupils - two of whom died in the struggle for Irish independence and the brave man who succeeded them. The North Monastery secondary school on the citys northside has now launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise some 16,000 for a bespoke sculpture, designed by one of its students, honouring Tomas MacCurtain, Terence MacSwiney and Donal Og OCallaghan together. MacCurtain, who was elected Sinn Fein Lord Mayor of Cork in January 1920, was shot dead in front of his wife and son by members of the Royal Irish Constabulary at his home in Blackpool on March 20, 1920. He was 36. His successor, MacSwiney, was elected Lord Mayor on August 12, 1920. He was soon arrested by the British Government for possession of seditious articles and documents and was jailed in Brixton Prison. He died there in October 1920 after 74 days on hunger strike. His death focused world attention on the struggle for Irish independence. His successor, Donal Og OCallaghan, who had been acting Lord Mayor since McSwineys arrest, was formally elected Lord Mayor on November 4, 1920, just days after McSwineys burial alongside MacCurtain in St Finbarrs Cemetery. Terence MacSwiney Despite being Lord Mayor during the burning of Cork in December 1920, he is often referred to as the citys forgotten Lord Mayor because his term of office was overshadowed by the events surrounding the deaths of his predecessors. He is the subject of a new book due to be launched later this year by Dr Aodh Quinlivan of UCC as part of the Decade of Centenaries commemorations. All three Mon boys will be commemorated in a once-off bronze sculpture designed by current Transition Year student, Eric Sheehan, who won a design competition run by the schools history, art and music departments. His proposal, titled Everything Old is New Again, will be realised by renowned artist and sculptor Sean MacCarthy, who is now advising on the detailed design process. Mr MacCarthy has undertaken many private and public commissions, including the famous statue of Christy Ring outside Cork Airport, and the statue of President Bill Clinton wielding a driver, in Ballybunion, Co Kerry. History teacher, Sharon Collins, said the school has a remarkable connection to the office of Lord Mayor. And its lovely that a design by a present pupil will honour these distinguished past-pupils, she said. The schools GoFundMe campaign has appealed to anyone with an interest in art, sculpture, design, history, culture or who would like to help commemorate these past pupils to support the project. You can donate here: gofundme.com/f/maccurtain-macswiney-ocallaghan-sculpture?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet A City of Winnipeg committee has steered a proposed $3.5 million in upgrades to the Transit Plus service recommended by Manitoba's ombudsman toward the 2020 budget process. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (734 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A City of Winnipeg committee has steered a proposed $3.5 million in upgrades to the Transit Plus service recommended by Manitoba's ombudsman toward the 2020 budget process. As well, the infrastructure renewal and public works committee voted Tuesday to send to budget consultations the proposal to eliminate the rule which allows Transit Plus pickups only within 500 metres of a Winnipeg Transit stop. The recommendations were approved on the eve of the one-year anniversary of a scathing 152-page ombudsmans report on the service formerly known as Handi-Transit. While the news was welcome, Patrick Stewart of the Independent Living Resource Centre said, "We endorse the resources that are being recommended... we would ask council to exercise caution when it comes to the final piece of policy." That policy, as outlined in the public services report, was a recommendation to have "winter-only" service times changed from the usual October to April schedule, to a more flexible schedule dependent on snowfall and weather patterns. Considering Winnipegs unpredictable weather, Stewart said implementing such a recommendation could spur a lot of bad-news stories. "I think this is a recipe for disaster for some individuals. And it will create a lot of conflict and mistrust with the community, as well," he said. Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) also appeared as a delegation to speak about axing the rule requiring Transit Plus pickups to happen only within 500 metres of a Transit stop. Such a decree bars some riders living in far-flung areas of the city and should be considered a human rights violation, Mayes said. He reminded councillors of a motion they passed unanimously last fall condemning Quebecs Bill 21, which bans some civil servants from wearing religious symbols. "Lets not be stressed by (the) price tag. If we really want to chastise another jurisdiction if theyre failing to do something about human rights, heres our chance to do something about human rights," Mayes said. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Meanwhile, the committee also voted to allow Transit Plus vehicles to use diamond lanes on roads. The change will come into effect once the city communicates the change to Transit Plus drivers and other entities, such as Winnipeg police. Coun. Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) said she's glad the change was made. "Transit Plus is a parallel service," she said. "I'm surprised it took this long." Diamond lanes are currently restricted to transit buses, taxis and bicycles. jessica.botelho@freepress.mb.ca kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca HILL AFB, UT, UNITED STATES 01.06.2020 - F-35A Lightning IIs from the active duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wings taxi during an F-35A Combat Power Exercise at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Jan. 6, 2020. The exercise, which was planned for months, demonstrated their ability to employ a large force of F-35As -- testing readiness in the areas of personnel accountability, aircraft generation, ground operations, flight operations, and combat capability against air and ground targets. A little more than four years after receiving their first combat-coded F35A Lightning II aircraft, Hill's fighter wings have achieved full warfighting capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar) X 0 20 Help Keep Us Soaring We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling. We need your help in reversing that trend. We would like to add 20 new subscribers this month. Each month we count on your subscriptions or contributions. You can support us in the following ways: FORMER Young Hurler of the Year Kyle Hayes has been granted bail after he appeared in court charged in connection with an incident in the city centre last October. The 21-year-old, who has an address at Ballyoshea, Kildimo has been charged with violent disorder relating to an incident which occurred at Denmark Street in the early hours of October 28, 2019. Another man Evan Kelly, 21, of Shannon Grove, Pallaskenry also appeared before Limerick District Court this Wednesday after he was charged in connection with the same incident. He too faces a single charge under the provisions of Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. During a brief hearing, Judge Marian OLeary was told Kyle Hayes, who was Man of The Match in the 2018 All Ireland Hurling Final, was charged by Detective Garda Barry Moylan at Henry Street garda station at 2.06am and that he made no reply. Mr Kelly was charged by Detective Garda John Sheehan following his arrest at 12.50am. He also made no reply when charged. In each case, the judge was told there was no garda objection to bail subject to the defendants compliance with a number of conditions. Both must live at their home address pending the conclusion of the proceedings and they were ordered not to have any contact whatsoever with any witnesses in the case including eight named individuals. There was no request for a curfew or a sign-on condition. Sergeant Sean Murray said a substantial file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions and he requested a lengthy adjournment of the case to allow gardai to seek directions. After being informed by solicitor John Herbert that his clients are students and unemployed, Judge OLeary granted an application for legal aid in each case. She also agreed to adjourn the matter to May 6, next for DPPs directions. Mr Hayes and Mr Kelly, who appeared before the court separately, only spoke to confirm their signatures on their respective bail bonds. Kyle Hayes wore a black and white Adidas top while Evan Kelly was wearing a tracksuit top under a maroon jacket. If the matter is to proceed on indictment before the circuit court, a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment applies. (Alliance News) - AIM-listed InfraStrata PLC on Wednesday said its annual loss widened due to development costs of the Islandmagee gas storage project and a rise in administrative expenses. InfraStrata said its pretax loss widened in the year to the end of July 2019 to GBP1.2 million from GBP963,413 reported the year before due to higher administrative expenses, which increased to GBP1.4 million from GBP863,413. No revenue was generated in either year. InfraStrata shares were trading 0.3% lower at 0.31 pence each on Wednesday in London. The company stated that while the Islandmagee project - located in Northern Ireland - had progressed to an advanced stage, it experienced delays due to regulatory issues which have now been addressed. Looking ahead, InfraStrata said it was "excited" about its future opportunities as it would be delivering the final investment decision for Islandmagee as well as building revenue through securing contracts for newly-acquired Harland & Wolff. InfraStrata bought the Harland & Wolff shipyards off administrator BDO in October for GBP5.3 million. In December, Harland & Wolff was awarded a contract to carry out annual inspection and maintenance work. "We are set up for a thrilling 2020 and beyond as we start to realise the potential of the business that we are building and the substantial increase in shareholder value that will come as a part of this journey," said Chief Executive John Wood. By Ife Taiwo; ifetaiwo@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. So it is much more important to get reform right than to do it quickly, she said. Banks have long called the Community Reinvestment Acts requirements, which mandate that they do some of their business in less wealthy areas, burdensome. Yet ignoring them is not an option. Banks that do not meet the requirements face heavy regulatory scrutiny and can have difficulty getting approval for mergers or expansions. The F.D.I.C. and O.C.C.s December proposal, which covers more than 200 pages, would give banks credit for making loans to hospitals and other large institutions that do not currently qualify. It would also allow banks to take credit for lending to relatively poor individuals, small businesses and borrowers in rural places even when they do not have a branch nearby. The proposal would also do away with a detailed rubric for assessing banks activities, instead taking their total C.R.A.-related spending amounts as the starting point for evaluating their fulfillment of the laws requirements. Regulators would then use other, smaller tests to determine whether each bank had met its overall requirement. The Feds approach differs substantially. Retail banks would be evaluated under one test that would assess their record of providing loans and retail banking services in their area. Larger banks would be evaluated under both a retail test, if they have retail activities, and a separate test, which would evaluate their record of providing community development loans, qualified investments and services. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 06:23:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. airplane giant Boeing Company said Wednesday that it is ready to provide any necessary assistance after a Ukrainian airplane crashed in Iran, killing more than 170 people aboard, earlier in the day. Boeing called the crash "a tragic event" and offered to "assist in any way needed," saying it is "in contact with our airline customer and stand by them in this difficult time." The Boeing statement came after the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Flight 752 flying from Tehran to Kiev, Ukraine went down near Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport. All passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 737-800 jet were killed. UIA officials have denied mistakes by the crew in the jet's crash, saying the plane went through scheduled maintenance on Monday before departure. The aircraft was built in 2016 and delivered directly to the airline from the manufacturer. Boeing is grappling with a crisis after its Boeing 737 MAX planes were grounded globally in March last year, in the wake of two separate crashes involving two aircraft of the same model in Indonesia and Ethiopia in less than six months. The two fatal incidents killed a total of 346 people aboard. Intels INTC Israel-based autonomous driving unit Mobileye has announced two new agreements with SAIC, China and in Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea. The agreements are directed toward fortifying the companys global footprint in driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous mobility-as-a-service (MaaS). More on the Latest Agreements SAIC is a leading Chinese OEM and plans to use Mobileyes Road Experience Management (REM) mapping technology for deployment of L2+ ADAS. The SAIC deal is Mobileyes first design win with a major Chinese automaker. Notably, the SAIC vehicles will contribute to Mobileyes RoadBook by providing information on Chinas roadways and creating a high-definition map of the country. SAIC will therefore join other global Mobileye-OEM partners in collecting road data to enable universal real-time high-definition mapping. The deployment of Mobileyes mapping solutions in China is expected to provide other OEM partners with opportunities to enter the regions autonomous vehicles market with map-related features. Further, leaders of the Daegu Metropolitan City in South Korea have collaborated with Mobileye to test and deploy robotaxi-based mobility solutions. The robotaxi will be powered by Mobileyes autonomous vehicle technology, which will enable a driverless MaaS operation. The deal depicts how Mobileye is quickly scaling its autonomous MaaS ambitions globally. Intel Corporation Price and Consensus Intel Corporation Price and Consensus Intel Corporation price-consensus-chart | Intel Corporation Quote Boosting Foothold in Self-Driving Space The news regarding the SAIC and Daegu City agreements came a day after Intel released a video showcasing Mobileye navigating through streets of Jerusalem, with the help of 12 on-board cameras and no sensors. By evading the use of sensors, the demo provided by Mobileye is considered a breakthrough in self-driving vehicles space. Additionally, Mobileye holds an agreement with RATP in partnership with the city of Paris to bring robotaxis to France. The unit has also collaborated with UniGroup and NIO in China as well as a joint venture with Volkswagen and Champion Motors to operate an autonomous ride-hailing fleet in Israel. Considering these developments, it is quite clear that Mobileye is determined to fulfill its targets in the autonomous vehicles space. Mobileyes sales came in close to $1 billion in 2019. Moreover, it expects the metric to rise double-digits this year. In fact, Mobileye expects the autonomous MaaS total addressable market to reach $160 billion by 2030. Wrapping up Intels moves to bolster presence in the autonomous vehicle market is likely to give tough competition to major players like Alphabets GOOGL Waymo, Qualcomm QCOM and Nvidia NVDA. With strong growth prospects in the autonomous vehicles space, Intels efforts to boost presence in this arena are likely to yield in the near term. This is likely to drive the companys top line. Zacks Rank Intel currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All Last year, it generated $24 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $77.6 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early. See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) : Free Stock Analysis Report QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Intel Corporation (INTC) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. A doctor once accused of helping a Mexican cartel torture a DEA agent to death, before he was acquitted over lack of evidence is now running a taco shop. Dr. Humberto Alvarez Machain was tracked down to the little taco restaurant in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he has been hiding out after he was acquitted in 1992 over the death of agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena in February of 1985. 'Since I left the United States prison, I've been here at this little business and keep enjoying it,' Dr. Alvarez Machain told Fox News. 'I feel very proud that I was able to get out of a federal court trial in the United States.' He also insisted he had no involvement in the kidnapping, torture and murder of Camarena whose life, and tragic death, were portrayed in Netflix series Narcos; Mexico. The series shows the Guadalajara Cartel kidnapped Camarena after his persistent investigation discovered that the organization was running a million-dollar drug smuggling business into the United States. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Veteran war reporter Lara Logan (right) tracked Dr. Humberto Alvarez Machain (left) at a taco shop he now operates in Guadalajara, Mexico, and asked the physician if he had anything to do with the torture and murder of DEA agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena in February of 1985 Dr. Humberto Alvarez Machain was acquitted by a California federal court that ruled that the U.S. government did not have sufficient proof for a guilty verdict. DEA agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena discovered that the Guadalajara Cartel was running a multi-million dollar drug smuggling business to the United States. Mexican security forces raided a marijuana plantation in November of 1984, which infuriated the group. It then kidnapped the agent February 7, 1985, and assassinated him days later According to the DEA, Mexican authorities raided a 2,500 acre marijuana plantation owned by Caro-Quintero in November of 1984. The Guadalajara Cartel blamed Camarena for the bust, and decided to retaliate. Led by Rafael Caro Quintero, Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo and Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo, the DEA agent was abducted February 7, 1985, while he was on his way to meet his wife for lunch. Prosecutors claimed Dr. Alvarez Machain injected drugs into Camarena to keep him alive while he was interrogated and beaten for three days. Eventually the agent's lifeless body was wrapped and dumped in La Angostura, Michoacan, on March 5, 1985. The physician was charged with aiding in the torture and killing of the agent. In 1992, a federal court ruled in the doctor's favor, saying the U.S. government did not have sufficient proof for a guilty verdict. Logan was in Mexico for the filming her upcoming series, 'Lara Logan Has No Agenda' on Fox Nation. The program focuses on immigration, socialism, media bias and veterans. In the ninth episode of 'Narcos: Mexico' season 1, DEA agent Kiki Camarena is injected by a doctor hired by the Guadalajara Cartel during three days of interrogation before the federal agent dies. His lifeless body found was found in the state of Michoacan a month later Dr. Humberto Alvarez Machain, who was acquitted by a California federal court in 1992, is portrayed in 'Narcos: Mexico' In October of 2019, Logan was reporting on the sex trafficking industry in the city of Tenacingo and accompanied by two Homeland Security agents when their convoy of three SUVs were stopped and blocked in by local police pickup trucks at a quiet intersection. Police told the journalist and the agents that mobs had formed at either end of the narrow street they were driving down, after word of the presence of strangers with video cameras spread throughout the town of 11,000, according to Fox News. The Tenacingo police escorted them to the city limits, where matters got worse. The HSI agents got Logan and her traveling party far away from the town to avoid the situation from escalating. Dr. Humberto Alvarez Machain is greeted by two of his sons, Fernando (second from left) and Ramon (right) upon his arrival at his home in Guadalajara in December of 1992 Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 21:52:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. troops withdrew on Wednesday from two military bases in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah following the overnight retaliatory attacks by Iran on U.S. troops based in Iraq, state news agency SANA reported. The U.S. forces withdrew from a base in the Kharab al-Jir area in the northeastern countryside of Hasakah province in northeastern Syria near the Syrian-Iraqi border on Wednesday, six months after they created it. Citing eye-witnesses, SANA said 40 truckloads of military gears were seen leaving the base toward the al-Walid crossing between Syria and Iraq. SANA also said the U.S. troops abandoned their military base in the city of Shaddadi toward the al-Hol area in the northeastern countryside of Hasakah as a prelude to moving into neighboring Iraq. The evacuation came hours after Iran launched missile strikes against two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. forces in retaliation for the airstrike that killed Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian commander, in Iraq last week. More than a dozen of Iranian ballistic missiles struck the al-Asad and Erbil military bases hosting U.S. troops early Wednesday morning. The number of U.S. casualties in the attacks remained unknown as U.S. officials were assessing the damage. Iran's FARS news agency reported that some 80 U.S. troops were killed and nearly 200 others were wounded in the missile attacks, citing an informed intelligence official of the Iranian Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. A former McGowan Government spin doctor who resigned from his high-level position after an incident at a staff Christmas function late last year has been charged with indecent assault. Senior media adviser Stephen Kaless was suspended indefinitely and subsequently tendered his resignation on December 16 after his alleged involvement in "inappropriate physical conduct" toward a colleague at a Christmas function for Mr Wyatt's staff on December 13. Stephen Kaless has been charged by police. Credit:Facebook On December 18 police confirmed they had spoken to the woman at the centre of the alleged incident and on Wednesday police said they had charged a 44-year-old man from Bayswater with indecent assault. Police will allege the man was in the bar area of a hotel in Perth and indecently assaulted a woman in her 20s who was known to him. Motorcycle Taxi Mobile App Angkas could be blacklisted in operating in the Philippines, a senior consultant of the inter-agency Technical Working Group (TWG) said.mo p In an interview, Alberto Suansing, speaking on the capacity as a senior consultant of the Motorcycle Taxi Service TWG, noted several grounds that would make Angkas not eligible for public transport. As TWG chair Antonio Gardiola Jr. mentioned, they can be held liable for being a colorum transport vehicle as they have been operating way before the study began, Suansing told Carmudi Philippines. According to him, Angkas has been running since 2015. If they apply for a government franchise, they can be rejected and held liable for Commonwealth Act 146, he said. Aside from that, the former transport regulator chief also said that the government would also be running after riders that are not part of the 10,000 listed under the TWG, saying that those are also running colorum. Meanwhile, Angkas Chief Transport Advocate George Royeca said that they are not picking a fight with the government. In a press conference, Royeca issued the statement, saying that they are committed to work with government regulators to ensure a successful pilot run for the study. Meanwhile, Angkas Chief Transport Advocate George Royeca said that they are not picking a fight with the government. In a press conference, Royeca issued the statement, saying that they are committed to work with government regulators to ensure a successful pilot run for the study. Pasensya na po sa naging back and forth. Please dont mistake what we did as defiance, Royeca said. He also said that they would also try to map out solutions with the government on those who were apprehended and who will possibly arrested. Further, Royeca said that they will be removing the surcharge that they have put in place. According to him, they will comply with the price matrix but will recommend to them to put the surcharging in the creation of the law comes. Story continues Also read: The post After LTFRB says Angkas could be Blacklisted, Angkas Says Sorry appeared first on Carmudi Philippines. / -- ClimaCell, a weather technology company based in Boston, announced today a strategic collaboration with Google Cloud to deliver free access to high fidelity weather forecasting models in geographies that currently lack such services. The models' outputs will be made accessible through Google Cloud's public dataset program. ClimaCell is committed to making critical data free and accessible, fostering innovation. Starting in India, ClimaCell's models will be available to the general public, including developers, scientists and business users alike. The ClimaCell Bespoke Atmospheric Model ("CBAM") feeds from its proprietary "Weather-of-Things" inputs, which add millions of new observations that have not been previously used for weather forecasting. From wireless signals to cars sensors, ClimaCell leverages the connected world to bridge the large sensing gap and to help improve forecasting anywhere in the world. Until today, the developing world had to rely on weather forecast generated by global models with course resolution and lower refresh time. Now with CBAM, ClimaCell and Google Cloud will bring high resolution and refresh time to levels exceeding mesoscale models in developed countries, beginning in India. CBAM India applications are of high impact and broadfrom the ability to predict flood events to optimizing farmers and enterprise decisions. As the world's first cloud-native Numerical Weather Prediction model, CBAM uses Google Cloud Platform to reach unprecedented scale and provide unprecedented flexibility. Google Cloud will contribute cloud resources to support the massive computational effort associated with running such a high performance model. CBAM India will be provided at 2km resolution and 15-minute timestep, and will provide a 48-hour forecast. This model will serve as the foundation for a new generation of environmental prediction models, such as floods, air quality and more. CBAM India will be available through the Google Cloud Public Datasets program under the name: ClimaCell - CBAM India Weather Forecasts. ClimaCell plans to provide free access to new CBAM domains in more geographies in the near future and to foster economic development and increase safety. Shimon Elkabetz, CEO and Co-Founder of ClimaCell: "For the first time in history, a private company is offering a full-blown operational numerical weather prediction model for an entire country, working continuously and providing high resolution forecasts for up to 48 hours ahead. Not only is it an historical milestone, we are providing it completely free of charge. We invite others to join us in making weather data free and accessible for everyone". About ClimaCell ClimaCell is revolutionizing weather forecasting by providing the accuracy and reliability that weather-sensitive industries need to succeed in the 21st century. Unique to the weather industry, ClimaCell fuses a proprietary big data collection and analysis platform with exclusive modelling techniques to create MicroWeather OS - an array of products that are providing clients hyper local weather data and invaluable business insights to create the best weather intelligence engine for businesses. ClimaCell's patented MicroWeather technology engine is powered by Weather of Things data - wireless signals, connected cars, airplanes, drones and IoT devices. This data is combined with proprietary AI-driven models to help industries such as aviation, construction, energy, on-demand, outdoor events, transportation, UAS and utilities to make better decisions that impact everything from operational efficiency to profitability, safety and the bottom line. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iran refuses to give black boxes to Boeing All 167 passengers and nine crew members on the plane died in the Ukrainian plane crash on Wednesday. The plane was bound for Ukraines capital Kyiv. Iranian authorities have found the black boxes of a Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed just after takeoff from the capital Tehran, according to Iranian media. THE CAUSE OF CRASH HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED According to the semi-official Mehr news agency, Ali Abedzadeh, head of the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization said the cause of the crash has yet to be determined. Abedzadeh also announced that his country would not give the black boxes to Boeing, saying that they are considering to hand them over to a third country. The Boeing 737 plane belonging to Ukraine International Airlines crashed near Iran's Imam Khomeini Airport just after takeoff early Wednesday. Abedzadeh said the cause of the incident will be revealed after examination of the black box flight recorders, adding the process will be carried out by a commission of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization. The Ukrainians can join the committee meetings, he added. Colombo, Jan 8 : SriLankan Airlines, the island nation's flag carrier, announced on Wednesday that it has changed the route of its Colombo-London-Colombo flights to avoid the airspaces of Iran and Iraq due to heightened tensions in the region. The precautionary measure came into immediate effect, the Colombo Page quoted the airlines as saying. SriLankan Airlines said it was closely monitoring the situation and was in contact with relevant national and international authorities, with the safety of its passengers and crew members being of paramount importance. The announcement came on the same day Tehran attacked the Ain-al-Asad military base in Iraq housing US troops and a Washington-operated airbase in Erbil in retaliation for the January 3 drone attack that killed Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. The flag carriers of Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan also said on Wednesday that they would divert flights over Iran's airspace. Work has begun to carry snow to the northern Japanese city of Sapporo for an annual festival featuring huge snow sculptures. About 200 people, including members of the Self Defense Forces, attended an event held Tuesday at the Odori Park to mark the start of the work. Spectators applauded as three dumper trucks unloaded snow. The organizing committee chairman, Ryu Shibata, said the festival will be the first major event in 2020, the year of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. He said he hopes it will be successful despite a record shortage of snow. Organizers are working to secure enough snow. They asked trucking companies to begin transporting snow on Sunday, which was earlier than initially planned, from areas further away than usual. They say about 6,000 truckloads of snow will be carried into festival sites by January 29. The snow festival will be held at the Odori and Susukino sites from February 4 to 11, and at the Tsudome site from January 31 through February 11. U.S. Sen. Pat Toomeys bipartisan bill aimed at reducing barriers for those who want to collect and donate food is being introduced in the U.S. Senate. Toomey, R-Pa., this past November partnered with U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., on the bipartisan legislation, now known as the Food Donation Improvement Act of 2019. Toomey then toured New Bethany Ministries, 333 W. Fourth St., Bethlehem, to discuss the legislation. He worked to finalize the language of the bill with help from local food banks, the Harvard Food Law & Policy Clinic, Feeding America, Feeding PA, 412 Food Rescue and Philabundance. All of the groups have since endorsed the legislation, which aims to do the following: Extend liability protections to food-donating entities such as grocers, caterers and schools and food banks for food sold at a reduced price. Extend liability protections to qualified donors who give food directly to needy individuals and families without going through a non-profit intermediary. Require the USDA to issue regulations clarifying the quality and labeling standards donated food must meet. "Donating food to the less fortunate should be as easy as possible, Toomey said Wednesday in a statement. But liability concerns limit the number of people who can be served by food banks. This new legislation will help get more food to those who need it most by extending liability protections for direct donations and reduced-price food. Blumenthal added too many manufacturers, retailers, restaurants and other potential food donors nationwide regularly decide against donating food to those in need out of fear of liability. As a result, millions of tons of food go to waste while Americans who are food insecure continue to go hungry," he said in a statement. "The Food Donation Improvement Act closes this gap by clarifying liability protections, while enabling more timely and efficient food donations. Current federal law does afford liability protection to institutions donating food to food banks, but the exception is when a food bank uses the donation as part of a meal sold at a nominal cost. What becomes problematic, Toomey has said, is many donation models repurpose donated food and sell practical meals, such as microwavable dinners, at a nominal cost. Another barrier includes having no liability protection for those donating directly to individuals and families in need, such as a farmer wanting to donate produce or schools wanting to donate excess food directly to folks without going through a nonprofit organization. If approved, the bill would target those issues by extending the liability protection for reduced-price food and direct donations. Jane Clements-Smith, executive director of Feeding Pennsylvania, echoed food banks rely upon donations to serve more than 1.5 million state residents facing hunger. We are hopeful that more farmers and retailers will feel comfortable donating food now that they will be protected from liability, she said about the Food Donation Improvement Act of 2019. "Feeding Pennsylvania is grateful to have been able to work with Senator Toomey to ensure that more food makes it to Pennsylvanians in need while also ensuring that less food ends up going to waste. Toomey previously said he expects itll take most of 2020 before the proposed legislation moves through Congress. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The mob violence on the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus could not have been possible without the connivance of the varsity administration and deliberate inaction by police, the JNU Teachers' Association alleged on Wednesday. It also slammed Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar for asking students to put the past behind and return to the varsity premises. "How can students go back to hostels or to classrooms when they do not feel safe? How can teachers go back to teach when they do not feel safe?" the JNUTA said in a statement. It said the command to students and faculty to forget and to accept administrative terror as normalcy "is an insult to injury". A masked mob armed with sticks and rods on Sunday attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus, injuring at least 35 people, including JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh. "The mob violence could not have been possible without the active connivance of the administration and deliberate inaction by Delhi Police," it said. Under fire from students and faculty members for not doing enough when they were brutally attacked by a masked mob on campus, Vice Chancellor Kumar had on Tuesday urged the students to put the past behind and return to the varsity's premises. "Our heart goes out to all the injured students. The incident (violence) is unfortunate," Kumar had said in a brief statement. "I would like to tell students that JNU campus is a secure place. I urge all students to come back to the campus. Let us put the past behind," he had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Farmers will boost productivity and protect the environment post-Brexit as the UK moves away from the 'bureaucratic' Common Agricultural Policy, the Defra Secretary has announced today. Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference, Theresa Villiers confirmed that the agriculture bill will be introduced to parliament this month. The bill will highlight how a new approach is to be adopted once the UK leaves the EU, where farmers and land managers are rewarded with public money for public goods. At the same time, farmers will have 'greater opportunities' to boost their productivity, leading to 'more successful and resilient' farm businesses. In England, there will be a seven-year transition period for farmers to plan and adjust for these changes, during which direct payments will be gradually phased out. Throughout 2020, the government will be seeking views from farmers in England on how the future environmental land management (ELM) scheme can best work for them. In her speech, Ms Villiers urged farmers to rethink agricultural policy for the first time in 40 years and to put forward any new proposals. She said: We want our new scheme to deliver value for money as well as boosting sustainable productivity to support farmers in their work of feeding the nation. Our proposals for Environmental Land Management will be one of the most important environmental reforms for 40 years. The process we are about to embark on will, I hope, provide an example to others around the world of what can be achieved if we rethink how we manage the land and produce our food. We have the potential to create a virtuous circle between agriculture, tackling climate change, protecting biodiversity, and securing investment in our rural economy. To provide support to farmers, the Environment Secretary guaranteed the current annual budget for farmers in every year of the parliament. She confirmed the governments commitment to protect British farming's standards, including animal welfare and environmental standards, as the UK leaves the EU. In her speech, she added: Our strong British food brand is built on the high standards to which we hold ourselves. We can maintain and indeed enhance UK standards as we negotiate new trading relationships with friends and neighbours in the EU and leading global economies. Officials with the Texas A&M Forest Service began on Tuesday the first of several weeks of annual prescribed burns for the W.G. Jones State Forest. Intended to control the forest flora from over-growth and to protect against wildfire risks, the Forest Service does the annual burns in January and February of each year. John Warner, Urban District Forester with the Texas A&M Forest Service, is based at W.G. Jones State Forest and said the prescribed burn for 2020 began in the early hours of Tuesday, Jan. 7, and continued until about 3:30 p.m. He said between 15 and 25 firefighters from the Porter Fire Department, the Needham Fire Department and the Texas A&M Forest Service conducted the controlled burn of about 45 acres. We will close (the burn) by about 3:30 p.m. (Tuesday) and then do mop up, putting out hot spots and making sure the fire is out, Warner said. Usually we have January and February as our window (for the controlled burns). We have a short window compared to national forests and private land owners, who have four to five months usually to do controlled burns. The weather predictions determine what we can do and the weather is supposed to change so we will likely not burn again until (Jan. 13). We are right in the smack dab middle of the urban area, so we monitor the smoke closely. According to information from the Texas A&M Forest Service, the areas for the burn are predominately pine forest. Considered a standard forest management tool for endangered species habitat restoration, undergrowth vegetation reduction, and providing for community safety, the prescribed burning will take place as weather permits. Warner said in total, roughly between 300 and 400 acres will be subjected to the controlled burns this year. The area is located between Interstate 45 and Texas 242, with the south side of FM 1488 within the state forest boundaries. Warner said the controlled burns, which utilize local fire departments to assist with the process, are an invaluable learning tool that allows for unique training in wildland fires and increases collaboration and communication between fire departments for possible future incidents. These prescribed burns are a huge training opportunity, it is great, he said. We have guys from Porter and Needham with us; they have water tankers and drip torches and everyone gets involved and learns. The goals of the burn, according to officials, are vegetative reduction/reduce the potential of devastating wildfire on state forest land/reduce fuel load; restoration of forest ecological habitat for endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker populations; improve access and visual landscape aesthetics for safety; enhance wildlife habitat by increasing sunlight to the forest floor and desirable flora species; and inter-departmental training between state and local emergency (fire departments) response resources. We burn and we also complement other areas we cannot burn with mechanical mulching and we do herbicides. We do a mosaic of (techniques) because we cannot burn the entire forest, Warner added. We really want a north wind and the humidity to be below 50 percent. (Tuesday) Was perfect. According to a press release, officials with the Texas A&M Forest Service will notify city and fire officials from surrounding cities, as well as area residents and groups who frequent the forest, by email and posting notification signs in adjoining rights-of-way. Agency firefighters and equipment will be stationed at the forest as a precautionary measure. jeff.forward@chron.com The family of a 13-year-old boy left severely burned after his teacher allegedly botched a dangerous science experiment have filed a lawsuit against the school district. Priest Rivera was left with burn injuries to his forehead, cheeks, ears and chest when his sixth-grade teacher, Lori Feinberg, carried out a 'black snake' experiment in front of unprotected students at San Diego's Capri Elementary on June 13. Last Monday, Rivera's family entered a complaint against Encinitas Union School District in California's state court seeking an unspecified amount in damages. According to the complaint, Feinberg 'recklessly' performed the black snake experiment, which involves mixing involving baking soda, sugar, sand and alcohol before introducing a flame, whereupon a 'carbon snake' should rise from the concoction. Scroll down for video Priest Rivera was left with burn injuries to his forehead, cheeks, ears and chest when his sixth-grade teacher, Lori Feinberg, carried out a 'black snake' experiment in front of unprotected students at San Diego's Capri Elementary on June 13. He is pictured before and after the incident The 'black snake' experiment involves mixing involving baking soda, sugar, sand and alcohol together before introducing a flame, whereupon a 'carbon snake' (pictured) ahould rise from the mixture On the day of the incident, Feinberg allegedly took her students outdoors 'and into the wind' to perform the 'flammable' experiment. She first spread sand on the bottom of an aluminum cooking pan while her students stood close by. She allegedly added baking soda, sugar, and alcohol to the mix before she lit the ingredients with a lighter. The mixture did not ignite, and the 'snake' did not rise Feinberg is said to have poured additional alcohol, before there was a 'loud pop and an explosion' and 'flame jet burst from the mixture, engulfing Rivera' in fire. The teen's skin, hair and clothing were on fire, and there was no fire blanket on hand to help put out the flames. Rivera was rushed to hospital with 'excruciating' burns. Photographs taken in the emergency room are included in the legal complaint, and show the irreversible damage done to the youngster's face. The complaint alleges both negligence and negligent action and training, stating that 'Feinberg and the District knew it was highly probable that injury could occur when conducting an experiment involving flames, but knowingly disregarded that risk'. The Rivera family are now seeking a jury trial. Rivera's skin, hair and clothing were on fire, and there was no fire blanket on hand to help put out the flames, according to the lawsuit. Graphic photos of his injuries were included in the complaint The incident occurred at Capri Elementary in San Diego. Rivera's family have now filed a lawsuit against the school district They hope to attain 'general damages' including damages for past and future pain and suffering, as well as mental and emotional distress. They additional hope to be awarded Special damages including damages for past and future medical care and lost earning capacity. The Rivera family told Fox 5 that surgeries have been expensive. While it remains unclear how much Rivera could receive, the case is similar to another which was heard in court last year. Last July, Alonzo Yanes was awarded $59.1 million in damages after he was left with facial burns following his science teacher's botched experiment Rivera is pictured before and after the incident. He is hoping to attain 'General damages' including damages for past and future pain and suffering, as well as mental and emotional distress. By Express News Service CHENNAI: If in an education system people are failing, maybe there is something right about them that the system could not comprehend this thought inspired educationist Sonam Wangchuk to explore alternative methods to educate those who are left behind by the mainstream education system. Speaking at The New Indian Express' Think Edu Conclave 2020 in Chennai on January 8, Sonam described his inspiring journey from an engineering student to a pioneer in revolutionising education. Sonam was pursuing engineering as a mechanical engineer and was also teaching students to support his education. ALSO READ: Our target is to not build skyscrapers and airports, but rather focus on individuals, says Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Bhagel "I noticed that the otherwise bright students failed their Board exams. They were very bright, the system was just against them. I realised that the lessons they are trying to memorise so hard have no connection whatsoever with the lives these kids were leading," he recounted. "Children from the distant-most parts of Ladakh, where the temperature in winters goes down to -30C, would be sitting in nomadic classrooms and mugging up an alien language like English and concepts like 'F for Fan' this does not make sense at all. The idea of this pedagogy was that the children would have an object to relate to the letter F that is abstract to them. But here, neither the teacher nor the student has seen a fan in their entire life," he opined. The curriculum was copied from Srinagar and pasted 13,000 ft above, he said. "But I soon realised that the system did not respect the diversity of this country. Srinagar too was facing the same problem their curriculum was copied and pasted from New Delhi. Much later, I realised that the Delhi curriculum was copied from London," he added. ALSO READ: Those who deny knowledge to others are enemies of Saraswati: Kerala Governor "I went back and, with other like-minded people, started a movement to change this system and since most of the systems were from rural, distant areas, the idea was to change the system there," Sonam said. Sonam and his team did what they could in their limited capacity by changing the textbooks, adopting a curriculum that made more sense to the students there, training the teachers to engage the students in a more interactive format. ALSO READ: Will set up Tamil language centres around the world, says TN Minister K Pandiarajan "We also organised people to take ownership of their schools so that they became stewards of the system. With these interventions, the school results started changing from 5 per cent it went up to 55 per cent in seven years and then gradually, to 75 per cent," he said, to a packed house. But this was not enough. So they decided to concentrate on the 25 per cent that was still failing exams. "Even one per cent is serious if it affects your children otherwise, you just take it as statistics. Together with a batch of 20-odd 'failure' students, we went to the banks of the River Indus in the middle of nowhere and thought of establishing a school that will flow with the rhythm of nature. Our belief was that if in a very bad system some people fail, there must be something right about them," he added. ALSO READ: Teachers must ensure students don't drop out, says Banwarilal Purohit "We need a lot of brainstorming to come up with an education system that does not blindly ape the West but caters to the Indians it aims to teach," concluded Sonam. Tapawingo Rd. SW, 500 block, 5 to 6:20 p.m. Dec. 28. A man was observed rummaging through packages on a front porch. Nothing was reported missing. Hours before the commencement of the nationwide strike called by various trade unions, the chief information officer of automobile giant Nissan has come out against the stir, saying it would send a wrong signal to the investors. In a hard-hitting pun-laced facebook post, Nissan CIO Tony Thomas wondered how the delegates would be able to reach Kerala for the two-day investors meet from January 9 when there is a strike the previous day. The strike is expected to be total in the southern state, which has been positioning itself as an investor-friendly destination. Taking a swipe, Thomas wanted to know if the delegates would be carrying lunchboxes along with them and swim the Arabian sea to reach Kochi for the meeting. "On January 8, a 24-hour strike by has been called, which will result in shutting down of hotels, shops in the state and also disrupt the transportation system. Along with that on January 11, there is the demolition festival of Maradu flats. Moreover, the Kochi airport, which only operates when there is no rain, is not functioning even if it is sunny," he said. "So most probably, the investors will cross the Arabian sea with their lunchboxes and reach the state and understand that it is not a place suitable for investment and leave for other places," he said. On the one side, an investor meet is being organised by the state government, while on the other side there is investor paralysis, he said. However, Industries minister E P Jayarajan dismissed the claims of the automobile giant's senior official, saying the statements were "unnecessary." "The statements were unnecessary. I don't know why and for whom he has made such a statement. As a responsible information officer of Nissan, he should have behaved in a matured manner. I hope Nissan will take note of this," the minister told the media. Central trade unions have urged civil society to take part in the nationwide strike called jointly by them on January 8 against the "anti-labour policies" of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. Essential services, including the press, besides tourism industry and Sabarimala devotees have been exempted from the purview of the strike. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) International rules for air-crash investigations mean the countries that made the plane and its engines usually participate, providing technical expertise. A Boeing Co. 737-800 jetliner bound for Ukraine crashed after takeoff in Iran, killing everyone on board. Ukraine International Airlines said 167 passengers and nine crew were on the plane, an older version of the 737 that predates Boeing's grounded Max model, which crashed at 6:18 local time Wednesday in Sabashahr, near the Iranian capital, Bloomberg wrote. The tragedy comes at a tense time for both Iran and Boeing. The Islamic republic has fired more than a dozen missiles at U.S.-Iraqi airbases in retaliation for the killing of Iran's top general, Qassem Soleimani. Just prior to the crash, U.S. aviation regulators issued new restrictions barring civilian flights over Iraq and Iran. Read alsoPS752 crash in Tehran: UIA President says plane one of best ones in carrier's fleet Boeing is still reeling from its worst-ever crisis following two deadly crashes involving the 737 Max that led to the grounding in March of the company's best-selling model. U.S. stock futures slid and the yen rose, though those moves faded after reports that the crash was due to a technical issue. Boeing declined as much as 2.5% in premarket trading. Under established protocols, Iran would lead any investigation since the crash occurred on its soil. Ukraine Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk said his government has informed Iran that its experts should take part in the investigation. Few nations have the expertise and technical facilities to conduct a full accident probe, however, so the U.S., France, Britain or other countries have provided assistance in the past. The plane's crash-proof recorders, for example, will have to be downloaded in a specialist lab. International rules for air-crash probes mean the countries that made the plane and its engines usually participate, providing technical expertise. But the current turmoil between Iran and the U.S. may complicate the involvement of the National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing. "We are aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information," Boeing spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in an email. Read alsoPS752 crash in Tehran: UIA President says plane one of best ones in carrier's fleet Boeing is still struggling with the fallout from the Max crashes in Indonesia in October 2018 and Ethiopia last March as regulators mull proposed fixes for flaws discovered in the plane's flight-control system. The 737-800 doesn't have that system. Dominion VUE DMS Sharons appointment underscores Dominions commitment to VUE, and the transformational impact we believe it will have on our Dealer partners. Dominion Dealer Solutions, a leader in automotive dealership software and services, announced today that it has promoted Sharon Kitzman to President of Dominion DMS following the retirement of Van Koppersmith, President and Founder of ACS, now Dominion DMS. Ms. Kitzman, who joined Dominion DMS in 2019, is highly regarded in the automotive and technology communities. She has worked as an executive and consultant to automotive technology companies to execute growth strategies, M&A transactions and leadership development. Since 2017, Ms. Kitzman has been with Infomedia, leading the Americas Region. Prior to that, she served for ten years at Dealertrack Technologies as Vice President and General Manager of Dealertrack DMS. Prior to that time, Ms. Kitzman was Senior Director Marketing and Product with Reynolds and Reynolds in the United States. As President of Dominion DMS, reporting to Dominion Dealer Solutions President Dan Sykes, Ms. Kitzman will be responsible for launching Dominions new DMS solution, VUE. She is working with dealers to continuously improve Dominion DMS services and develop its team in preparation for planned business growth. Ms. Kitzmans extensive experience in automotive software and understanding of the dealership ecosystem positions her well to guide Dominions dealership customers as they embrace digital transformation to navigate the competitive challenges ahead. Sharons appointment underscores Dominions commitment to VUE, and the transformational impact we believe it will have on our Dealer partners. Her relationships, experience and knowledge of the automotive landscape provide an excellent foundation for Dominion to advance our position in the DMS Market. We are also grateful for the years of leadership and innovation that Van Koppersmith has provided at Dominion. We wish him the best in his retirement. said Dominion Dealer Solutions President Dan Sykes. Ms. Kitzman said: I am excited to be back in the DMS space, especially on the cusp of a new product launch. Dominion VUE offers a transformative opportunity for dealers to embrace cloud-based technology, leap-frogging multiple generations of old technology to fast track their operations. This is the right time, and the right team. About Dominion DMS: Dominion DMS, a division of Dominion Dealer Solutions is a leading provider of dealership management system software to retail automotive dealerships, built on the cloud and for the cloud. Dominion VUE is a modern DMS leveraging a full suite of Microsoft tools and enabling dealers to take advantage of all of the benefits and efficiencies that a true cloud-based solution offers. The foundation for VUE, the most modern DMS platform available to dealers, is the fifteen-year Dominion DMS history of knowing and understanding dealers technology needs and providing unprecedented levels of service and solutions with its award-winning ACCESS solution. About Dominion Dealer Solutions: Dominion Dealer Solutions makes dealers lives better by providing the automotive industrys most innovative technology. Solutions include customer relationship management (CRM), true-cloud web dealer management system (WebDMS), inventory management, merchandising, and data reporting solutions, Dealers Choice marketing and data mining, and award-winning reputation management. Dominion redefines automotive retailing by delivering first-class, business intelligence-driven customer experiences. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, every OEM and more than 10,000 U.S. dealers depend on Dominions foundation of innovation, integrity, excellence and teamwork to provide them with results at every turn. For more information, visit our website, like us on Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube, or follow us on Twitter. Media Contact: John TD Scheuren Dominion DMS john.scheuren@drivedominion.com 757.351.7679 A cow has been saved from the butcher after footage captured the animal apparently kneeling in front of slaughterhouse workers begging them to spare it. The clip shows the female cow, thought to be pregnant, bending both front legs and refusing to walk, seemingly with tears in its eyes. The video was then shared onto the country's social media, leading the public to donate more than 2,700 to buy the cow alive to release it, insiders have revealed. Footage shows the female cow kneeling on the ground and refusing to follow the butcher after being taken to a slaughterhouse in Shantou in southern China's Guangdong Province The cow had been earmarked to be killed by an abattoir in Shantou in Guangdong Province on Sunday, according to Chinese news outlet The Paper. It kept kneeling while being transported to the business by its owner, an insider named Lin Wangbo told the website. 'After it arrived at the slaughterhouse and when the butcher tried to drag it off the truck and into the house to be butchered, it knelt and kept crying,' Mr Lin said. The heart-breaking scene was filmed by one of the workers, who then uploaded the clip onto Chinese messaging app WeChat. According to Guangdong TV, it is likely that the cow had got pregnant, prompting it to have a stronger desire to live. After the video was widely shared, many animal lovers called the boss of the slaughterhouse in a bid to save the cow. Good Samaritans donated 24,950 yuan (2,732) to buy the animal alive and then released it to a local Buddhist temple, Mr Lin added. A separate clip shows the animal kneeling to thank Good Samaritans after they raised 24,950 yuan (2,732) to save it from the butcher. The cow has been adopted by a Buddhist temple A separate clip shows some of the kind strangers driving a truck to pick up the cow after the slaughterhouse agreed to sell it to them. The cow knelt again in an apparent gesture to thank its saviours. According to Sina.com, it kept the posture for as long as one minute in front of the driver after arriving at the temple. The animal has been adopted by the Golden Lion Temple in Jieyang. Donors have given the temple 4,000 yuan (438) to cover its expenses. TALLINN, Estonia, Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CoinField has launched a new type of account for retail customers offering new starters the ability to Trade, Deposit, and Withdraw Crypto to Crypto. For the first time, the new Starter Account will only require users to register with an email address. Once new starters sign up, they can begin trading in seconds and gain access to this new limited crypto-only account function. CoinFields new Starter Account will allow users to deposit and trade an unlimited amount of cryptocurrency. They can also withdraw any crypto assets with a maximum value of USD 9,999 per day instantly. To have access to all Fiat deposit, withdraw, and trading pairs or to be able to participate in the forthcoming public IEO sale , new starters must upgrade to a Pro Account and pass the complete KYC and AML verification process. Pro Account holders have access to a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods for up to $10,000 USD per day or equivalent in EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, and AED. Users at this account level can trade cryptocurrencies with fiat, gain access to API, and receive Airdrops and Rewards (when applicable). CoinField also offers a High-Limit Account, suitable for retail investors or corporations looking to withdraw and deposit up to $2 million USD per day. High-Level account users can take advantage of exclusive concierge trading desk and OTC service. Users from CoinFields restricted locations are not able to sign up or use the platform as the security system prevents any sign-up or log in from these countries to ensure CoinField is compliant with regulations. The CoinField app is available on Apple Store and Google Play to download. CoinField currently runs an airdrop campaign until January 15th, 2020, to promote the upcoming SOLO coins in Q1 2020. The new users who pass the KYC verification and open a Pro Account are receiving $10 Free in SOLO. No purchase is required. About CoinField: CoinField is a regulated European based fiat-to-crypto exchange, which operates in 193 countries globally. The platform supports the top six fiat currencies and a large number of digital assets. Learn more on https://www.coinfield.com . Press & Media Inquiries Darren Amner, darren.amner@coinfield.com AI has quickly infiltrated the global economy. Machine learning has been adopted in all sectors of industry from high-tech to traditional manufacturing, while governments worldwide are looking to machine learning to improve public services, courts, and health care. But is AI outpacing our human ability to keep up? Canada, and Toronto in particular, has a special role to play in making sure that we do not get out too far over our skis in the AI race. Canada was birthplace of the deep learning techniques driving this revolution and the first country to have a national strategy with a commitment from government, industry and our universities to build AI talent and investment. The opportunity now is to build on these unique partnerships to lead the world in navigating between dystopian fear-mongering and acquiescence to domination by massive tech companies. We have already seen how this can play out in scandals like Cambridge Analytica, in which a simple Facebook personality quiz was parlayed with machine learning into disruption of the U.S. presidential election. If we choose, we can harness Canadas global reputation for fairness and trustworthiness to invent the more agile governance needed to ensure AI serves rather than enslaves us. Toronto, home to a new institute dedicated to responsible AI and which I direct, is well-placed to lead the way. For starters, Toronto is currently consumed by one of the most fundamental challenges of the AI revolution, one that has overshadowed the proposed new Sidewalk Labs development: how to manage data? The Google-affiliated project has sparked a battle royale about how personal data will be collected and managed. As a result, Sidewalks proposal has been scaled back in size and its innovative proposals for a data trust scrapped. But this has simply left us to resort to our old legislative tools to fend off the data Hunger Games that machine learning has unleashed. The result restricts the potential for innovation by falling back on outdated, unclear, and rigidly interpreted privacy laws. And therein lies a great opportunity for Toronto leadership because I believe we can do better. If Toronto can find the right creative solution for the Eastern Waterfront, it also then has a blueprint to offer the world to address similar issues elsewhere. One strategy under development involves moving away from detailed rules and regulations that attempt to micromanage data use, to an outcomes-based approach that harnesses more private sector investment. Such regulatory ingenuity to invent better ways of catching data abuse is one solution our new institute will be working on. This is not just a challenge for Sidewalk. It is a challenge facing the world-class machine-learning-for-health researchers at Torontos Vector Institute. It is a challenge facing the Bay Street banks seeking to use AI to track money laundering and human trafficking and comply with Know-Your-Customer legal requirements. Another area in which we can lead is making sure that the decisions an AI system makes follow the rules of fair play that make diverse communities willing to keep living and working together. The University of Toronto and Vector Institute are already home to AI pioneers in fair machine learning and the city will also host a global conference on fairness, accountability and transparency (FAT) in 2021. Canada was first in the world to require government departments to evaluate AI tools for bias and discrimination. But we will need more innovation in our universities to better translate between the current academic silos of the humanities and computer science, and more behavioural science to figure out what it takes to build practical solutions to ground public trust. Im working with colleagues at Vector and the University of California Berkeley, for example, to develop procedures to ensure AI decisions are justifiable in a free and democratic society. Torontos success as the most multicultural city in the world augurs well for our capacity to succeed where others like New York City have stumbled. With Toronto joining forces with other Canadian AI centres dedicated to AI for social good, notably Montreals Mila, Canada stands poised to be the source of the creativity and innovation in producing AI that is safe and beneficial for us all. In AI too, the world needs more Canada. Telecom majors, including Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, on Wednesday sought an open court hearing of their pleas seeking review of certain directions of the Supreme Court on the recovery of past dues amounting to Rs 1.47 lakh crore from telecom service providers New Delhi: Telecom majors, including Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, on Wednesday sought an open court hearing of their pleas seeking review of certain directions of the Supreme Court on the recovery of past dues amounting to Rs 1.47 lakh crore from telecom service providers. The recovery of past dues by the government was based on adjusted gross revenue of about Rs 92,000 crore. The plea seeking an open court hearing was mentioned before a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, who said he will take a decision after talking to Chief Justice S A Bobde. The apex court had on 24 October last year upheld the AGR definition formulated by the Department of Telecom (DoT) and termed as "frivolous" the nature of objections raised by telecom service providers. Justice Arun Mishra asks telcos to appear once again tomorrow for seeking clarity on listing of AGR case. Telcos are seeking urgent listing, hearing of review petitions against SC's AGR judgment pic.twitter.com/VikjBcymxB CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) January 8, 2020 Bharti Airtel, in its plea, had sought review of the directions on aspects of levy of interest, penalty and interest on penalty relating to AGR, a source related to the development had said. Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had told Parliament in November that Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and other telecom companies owe the government as much as Rs 1.47 lakh crore in past statutory dues. He had added that there is no proposal at present to waive interest and penalties on such dues. In replies to separate questions in the Lok Sabha, Prasad had said telecom companies owe the government Rs 92,642 crore in unpaid licence fee, and another Rs 55,054 crore in outstanding spectrum usage charges. In an affidavit filed earlier in the top court, the DoT said Airtel owed Rs 21,682.13 crore as a licence fee to the government and dues from Vodafone totalled Rs 19,823.71 crore, while Reliance Communications owed Rs 16,456.47 crore. BSNL owed Rs 2,098.72 crore, and MTNL Rs 2,537.48 crore. Holding that interest and penalty have rightly been levied on the telecom companies, the apex court had made it clear that there would be no further litigation on the issue and it would fix a time-frame for calculation and payment of dues by the telecom companies. Find all our Student Opinion questions here. What social media do you use? Do you have accounts on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or TikTok? Do you post a lot of your own content? Do you repost others content? Or, do you prefer just observing what friends, influencers or celebrities are doing? How much time and energy do you put into what you post and how you curate your social media? Is it important to you that your followers like, repost or comment on your content? In Hype House and the Los Angeles TikTok Mansion Gold Rush, Taylor Lorenz writes about a new content house in Los Angeles that is specifically for TikTok stars who seek a collaborative space to fuel their careers in content creation: Hype House, the physical location of a new content creator collective, is a Spanish-style mansion perched at the top of a hill on a gated street in Los Angeles. It has a palatial backyard, a pool and enormous kitchen, dining and living quarters. Four of the groups 19 members live in the house full time; several others keep rooms to crash in when they are in town. And all day long, a stream of influential young internet stars come by to pay homage to the new guard. Hype House was formed in December by some of TikToks most talked-about stars. They introduced themselves with a Backstreet Boys-esque photo shoot, and within minutes #hypehouse began trending; videos including the hashtag #hypehouse have accrued nearly 100 million views on TikTok. The group handle that distributes their content surpassed three million followers on TikTok in just over a week and a half. In the days leading up to Christmas it was all anyone under the age of 18 on TikTok seemed to be talking about. Hype House founders Chase Hudson, a TikTok star, and Thomas Petrou, a YouTube star, emphasize the importance of Hype Houses primary objective as a space for creative production: The house does have strict rules, however. Creators can have friends over, but it is not a party house. If you break something, you have 15 days to replace it. And if you want to be a part of the group, you need to churn out content daily. If someone slips up constantly, theyll not be a part of this team anymore, Thomas said. You cant come and stay with us for a week and not make any videos, its not going to work. This whole house is designed for productivity. If you want to party, theres hundreds of houses that throw parties in L.A. every weekend. We dont want to be that. Its not in line with anyone in this houses brand. This house is about creating something big, and you cant do that if youre going out on the weekends. The Hype House is not the only collab house of its kind. The article features other content houses and collab days: And even since the arrival of Hype House, many other TikTok collectives have been making plans to take on Los Angeles. Some TikTokers began discussing a Melanin Mansion for black creators, noting that Hype House is predominately white. Cabin Six, an L.G.B.T.-focused collective, held public auditions on TikTok last week, as did Diversity University, another TikTok group with plans to organize in Los Angeles in March. TikTok has brought a younger group of creators. That energy is kind of pushing on a lot of older creators, said Josh Sadowski, 19, a TikToker with nearly four million followers who lived in another TikTok collab house. Theres all these kids who want to move to L.A. and make content, and TikTok is pushing their growth so much. Everybody is really, really driven. Theyre bringing that energy to L.A., and its rubbing off on everyone else. No one wants to miss out. Evidence of this is all over the city. TikToks primary United States office the company is based in China is in Los Angeles. At sunset on a recent Friday, six TikTok shoots were taking place simultaneously on the Venice boardwalk. Several TikTok creators began hosting twice-a-week collab days at the Burbank Town Center in the fall; Josh was shocked at how many kids began showing up. Every influencer brings friends and the group just gets bigger and bigger, he said. The energy is very different. Ive been around YouTubers, but the energy now, people are so motivated and you can feel that motivation in these collabs. It creates a hype. The article concludes: Carson King, 20, a YouTuber who lives in a collab house with several YouTuber friends, said that for him and many others, a looser arrangement can work great, and creates less pressure. I think its a dream for a lot of people to be able to move in with friends and be able to work on whatever you want to work on, he said. He and his housemates keep things like whiteboards around their collab house so they can write down video ideas anytime. The big struggle creators have is that people around them dont understand at all the culture of what theyre doing, said Mitch Moffit, 31, a YouTuber who lived in a collab house when he was starting out. This is the value for young people: If you want to immerse yourself in influencer and internet culture, theres no better place to be. Chase, Thomas, Charli and other members of Hype House are aware of how lucky they are, how fleeting fame can be, and they dont want to squander the opportunity. Its 24/7 here. Last night we posted at 2 a.m., Thomas said. Theres probably 100 TikToks made here per day. At minimum. Students, read the entire article, then tell us: Have you ever wanted to be internet famous? Why or why not? Do you wish that more people saw or shared your content? What role does content production play in your life? Is it something that is just fun or is it a way for you to explore creativity and talent? Would you ever live in the Hype House or any of the other collab houses mentioned in the article? What appeals to you about collab houses? What do you think may be challenging about living in one of them? Is there another kind of social media or creativity house that you may want to live in? Charli DAmelio, known as the queen of TikTok, said that Hype House had been a safe space for her and had also been a place where she had been able to learn and grow. The internet can be a little harsh, she said. Everyone here is ready to bring positivity and kindness. Do you agree with Charlis statement about the internet? Are there places where you have found safety and community either online or offline? What do you think about the rules and values in the Hype House? The article mentions no partying, consistent content production and no drama as being important. What do you think of these rules? Are there other things that you think may be important to creating a healthy and productive content house? For its founders and residents, the Hype House is the ideal location for creating TikTok content with its huge bathroom, big mirrors and extravagant staircases, which all allow for highly-curated and stylized content. Yet, many young people do not have access to mansions or technology for creating high quality videos. What do you think about this? Do you ever wish you can make your content look or sound different? Do you think that Hype House life is representative of the average teenagers life? Is it important that social media reflects the real lives and experiences of young people? Some adult Times readers have been critical of young people in the comments section to Taylor Lorenzs article. Some adults have said that Hype House and the TikTok obsession show that young people are self-indulgent, vapid, and even self-absorbed iPhone-zombie narcissists. One reader encouraged young people to use that energy, imitative and creativity in a productive way. Other adults have commented on the lack of diversity and perceived financial privilege of the Hype House residents. What do you think of these responses from adults? Do you agree with any of the comments? Why or why not? See if you can use quotations and examples from the article to make your case. Students 13 and older are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public. By IANS NEW DELHI: The BJP has gone through many flip flops on whether to choose a Chief Ministerial candidate for the 2020 Delhi election or not and finally settled on going ahead with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's face. It leaves the election bipolar, to be fought in a Presidential style. Both AAP and BJP will shy away from accepting it, but both know it's a face-off between Modi and AAP leader and CM Arvind Kejriwal. While the Delhi unit of the BJP is going big on regularisation of 1,731 unauthorised colonies, many in the party think this is not enough. So while state leaders like Manoj Tiwari, Vijay Goel, and Vijendra Gupta will continue to project it as the BJP's achievement, the focus of central leadership will continue to be Modi's "decisive actions". ALSO READ: Will Arvind Kejriwal repeat history in New Delhi Assembly seat? Abrogation of Article 370, axing of Article 35A, legislations like Triple Talaq and Citizenship Amendment Act will be dominating the BJP's discourse projecting Narendra Modi as muscular leader with decision-making capabilities. In absence of any acceptable face, leave aside popular one, this is BJP's counter to Kejriwal. Kejriwal, on the other hand, is going to polls, banking on the works he has done. The townhall meetings where he presents his accounts of work done is a deliberate move to present a foil. Accountability is being marketed by the Aam Aadmi Party as if it is a part of the party's basic ethos. In spite of the BJP running it down as a "failure", the AAP has projected Mohalla clinics, a localised version of treatment centres as its "commitment towards people". ALSO READ: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal dares Manoj Tiwari on free schemes in BJP-ruled states If AAP supporters flaunt that electricity bills have gone down to zero, BJP supporters take pride in the fact Kashmir is being united with the mainland India after decades. And in both cases, its Kejriwal and Modi who are credited for it by their respective supporters. In terms of future goals, if AAP is banking on Kejriwal's promise to clean up the toxic Yamuna River in next five years, the BJP is banking on BJP's promise of nationwide NRC, something which Modi has retreated from ever since large scale protests erupted in the country. But Modi has never said nationwide NRC will never be brought in, something the BJP stresses during its door to door campaign among its supporters and fence sitters, in Delhi. The BJP, has already identified scores in each of 70 constituencies of Delhi who are still undecided on who to vote. ALSO READ: Plea in HC for contempt action against Kejriwal government over non-appointment of law officers in jails At the end, its all about the persona of two people and not about two parties. "Acche beete paanch saal", the slogan of AAP is all about thanking Kejriwal. Many autos are already carrying advertisements in its rear announcing "I love Kejriwal". BJP, from its Ram Lila rally, "thanked" PM Modi for "giving a life of dignity of people residing in unauthorised colonies" or "saving the dignity of Hindu, Sikh wives, sisters living in Pakistan, by bringing in CAA". It's not a fight of ideologies. Neither it's a clash of two parties. It's a direct face-off between two faces that are bigger than their parties or the ideologies they represent. TikTok has been under a lot of scrutiny lately and even the US government has banned the use of the app on government-owned smartphones in the army. And this time around, the US government might be right to be concerned. A security firm named Check Point has found a serious vulnerability in TikTok allowing attackers to access the videos along with pretty much everything on the victim's profile. It was possible to send a spoofed text message from TikTok and once the user clicks on the fake link it would allow the attacker to partially take control of the user's profile. Additionally, the app would have allowed the hacker to redirect the victim to a website that looks exactly like TikTok. Fortunately, Check Point has notified TikTok about the issue back in November and it has since been patched. Via UP election 2022: In Amethi, Rahul Gandhi targets BJP, rakes up Hindutwa, unemployment Will always be with you to fight injustice: Rahul Gandhi to media Rahul Gandhi gives adjournment notice on giving unhindered access to pasture lands in Ladakh 'Do you work for govt?' Rahul Gandhi asks reporter; BJP calls him entitled brat Word 'lynching' practically unheard of before 2014, 'Thank You Modi-Ji': Rahul Gandhi Hindu and Hindutva are not different things: Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi BJP's 'anti-people, anti-labour' policies created catastrophic unemployment: RaGa supports Bandh India oi-Mousumi Dash New Delhi, Jan 08: The former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday came out in support of the strike by central trade unions and slammed the Modi-led-BJP government. Accusing the Centre he stated that BJP's "anti-people and anti-labour" policies have created catastrophic unemployment in the country. On Wednesday, ten central trade unions said around 25 crore people to participate in a nationwide strike, Bharat Bandh, to protest against the government's "anti-people" policies. Trade unions INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along with various sectoral independent federations and associations had adopted a declaration in September last to go on a nationwide strike on January 8, 2020. Bharat Bandh: Bank services to be hit; what will be open, what is closed Attacking BJP, Rahul said that this weakening of PSUs is being done to justify their sale to PM Narendra Modi's crony capitalists friends. Iran retaliates against US strike, Plane crashes near Tehran airport | OneIndia News Extending support to the Bharat bandh call given by over 25 crore workers, Rahul said, "I salute them". He also tweeted, "The Modi-Shah Government's anti-people, anti-labour policies have created catastrophic unemployment and are weakening our PSUs to justify their sale to Modi's crony capitalist friends." He wrote on his Twitter handle,"Today, over 25 crore workers have called for Bharat Bandh 2020 in protest. I salute them." By Julia Cheever Bay City News SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) The parents of a woman killed with a stolen federal gun on a San Francisco pier in 2015 have lost a bid to hold the U.S. government liable for her death. U.S. Magistrate Joseph Spero on Monday dismissed the claim by James Steinle and Elizabeth Sullivan that the government should be held responsible for the negligence of a U.S. Bureau of Land Management ranger whose unsecured and loaded gun was stolen from his parked SUV. Kate Steinle, 32, was killed while walking on Pier 14 in San Francisco on July 1, 2015, by a ricocheting bullet from the stolen gun, which was held by Jose Ines Garcia Zarate, a Mexican citizen who was released from San Francisco county jail a few weeks earlier. The gun was stolen three and one-half days earlier from the SUV of ranger John Woychowski, who left the weapon in a backpack in the vehicle in a parking lot about half a mile away from Pier 14. Spero said in a 14-page ruling that the theft of the gun was too far removed from the shooting in time, distance and other circumstances for the government to be held liable for causing the shooting. "In this case, the gun traveled at least some distance from the theft, three and a half days elapsed, the gun changed hands once at the very least, and there is no way to know what else transpired during that time," Spero wrote. The decision could be appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The parents' lawyers were not immediately available for comment. In 2017, Spero dismissed another claim by the parents in the same lawsuit, in which they alleged the city of San Francisco and former Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi were negligent in failing to honor a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement request for notification of Zarate's release from the county jail. The 9th Circuit last year upheld the dismissal of that claim. Zarate, who has a history of drug convictions and five deportations, has contended he found the gun wrapped in rags under a swivel chair he was sitting on at the pier and that it fired accidentally when he picked it up. He was acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges by a San Francisco Superior Court jury in 2017. Zarate now faces a federal trial beginning on Jan. 15 in U.S. District Court in San Francisco on two criminal charges of being an ex-felon and an undocumented immigrant in possession of a gun. U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria will preside over the jury trial. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. UPDATE JAN. 8: Jasmine Campbell was arraigned Wednesday. She pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. Attorneys will check in with the court about her case on Feb. 14, but no trial has been scheduled yet. A Portland woman who was wanted on allegations that she grabbed the hijab off a foreign exchange student and tried to choke her with it has been arrested and is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday. Jasmine Renee Campbell, 23, also is accused of rubbing the hijab against her genitals after she stripped off most of her clothes. Campbell was booked Monday into Multnomah Countys jail system, three days after she failed to appear in court to face hate crime charges in the November encounter at a downtown Portland MAX station. A judge issued an arrest warrant for Campbell. Jasmine Renee Campbell, 23, is pictured here after her arrest on Jan. 6, 2020. (Multnomah County Sheriff's Office) According to Campbells court file, she told jailers that she doesnt use drugs but she does drink alcohol. She also said she doesnt have mental health problems. But jail staff wrote in a report that Campbell lacked focus and was unclear in her answers to a list of questions about her background and current living situation. When staff asked if she had any children, Campbell responded, Gods children. When asked if she was in a relationship, she said, I want to be married. I want to be single, according to the report. She also said shed lived in the Portland area her entire life, but mentioned shed lived in Sacramento, too. Campbell told jail staff she is homeless or couch surfs for shelter. She has no criminal history of convictions. Police responded to a call that Campbell tore the hijab off the 24-year-old victim at about 7:20 p.m. Nov. 12 at Southwest 10th Avenue and Yamhill Street. The victim is from Saudi Arabia and was attending Portland State University, authorities say. A probable cause affidavit says Campbell tried to choke the woman with the religious covering, but the victim was able to push Campbell away. Campbell then took off all of her own clothes except for a leather jacket and rubbed the hijab on her breasts and crotch as she mocked and made fun of Muslims, according to the affidavit. Campbell was arrested but not booked into jail. She was arrested again on Dec. 13 in an unrelated case -- allegedly trespassing on private property after she was asked to leave. She was booked into jail on that case on Dec. 13, then released that same day. Campbell was indicted Dec. 18 by a grand jury in the hate crime case on two counts of second-degree bias crime, attempted strangulation, harassment and third-degree criminal mischief. She failed to appear for her arraignment last week. After her arrest Monday, she was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday, but that was later postponed until Wednesday. The victim told investigators that she no longer wears a hijab because she doesnt feel safe revealing her Muslim faith to the public. She instead wears a knit cap and a scarf to cover her head, according to the affidavit. -- Aimee Green agreen@oregonian.com o_aimee Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox. Holiday In The Wild (Credit: Netflix) Rob Lowe reckons that more people saw his Netflix film Holiday In The Wild than saw Martin Scorsese's The Irishman. The former 'brat pack' star made the claim while speaking at the Television Critics Association press tour in California, per The Wrap. Read more: Netflix reveals 2020 slate Asked if he preferred working for streaming platforms over network TV, he said: I just did a movie for Netflix that was the number one movie that they had. A little stupid Christmas elephant movie and it beat take that Martin Scorsese. The Irishman (Credit: Netflix) The romcom was released on Netflix in November, and found Lowe starring as a charter pilot in Africa who bonds with a soon-to-be divorced woman played by Sex and the City's Kristin Davis over an inujured baby elephant in Zambia. It was unloved by critics, though The Guardian called it 'cheesy, stupid but... quite charming'. But where Lowe is getting his figures from remains a mystery. Read more: The most exciting movies coming in 2020 Scorsese's The Irishman was a smash for the streaming studio, racking up 13.2 million views in its first five days on release, according to Nielsen, and 26 million in its first week, according to Netflix itself. The streamer also released details of its most-streamed titles of 2019 on Monday this week, and strangely Holiday In The Wild didnt feature in the top 10. Heres the top 10 in full, according to Netflix (which does not currently allow independently verified figures), with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston comedy landing in the top spot. 1. Murder Mystery 2. Stranger Things 3 3. 6 Underground 4. The Incredibles 2 5. The Irishman 6. The Witcher 7. Triple Frontier 8. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile 9. The Umbrella Academy 10. The Highwaymen In January 2019, the American media disgraced themselves when they savagely attacked a 16-year-old schoolboy, who was wearing a MAGA hat, for smiling nervously when an American Indian got into his face with aggressive drumming. CNN has now settled for an undisclosed sum the defamation claim that boy brought against it. Nicholas Sandmann, a junior at Covington Catholic High School in Covington, Kentucky, had journeyed under the school's aegis to Washington, D.C. to participate in the annual March for Life. To the media, therefore, he was the enemy. When mainstream media people saw a photograph capturing the moment Sandmann came face to face with activist Nathan Phillips, they went crazy. Bakari Sellers, a CNN contributor, took one look at the picture and fired off a tweet: Ana Navarro-Cardenas of CNN also had an opinion: Must Watch: Native-American elder taunted by racist MAGA-hat wearing teens, speaks and cries for America, the country he defended and sacrificed and wore the uniform for. It is people like Nathan Phillips who make America great. Thank you for your dignity, sir. https://t.co/Kae7lgAFrk Ana Navarro-Cardenas (@ananavarro) January 19, 2019 The New York Times ran an article originally entitled "Boys in 'Make America Great Again' Hats Mob Native American Elder at Indigenous People's March," although the article now has the more neutral title "Viral Video Shows Boys in 'Make America Great Again' Hats Surrounding Native Elder." The Washington Post ran with a slavishly loving article about Phillips: "'It was getting ugly': Native American drummer speaks on his encounter with MAGA-hat-wearing teens." It turned out the ugliness was all the media's side. The Covington boys had been patiently waiting to board their bus back to Kentucky while members of the Black Hebrew Israelites stood across from them and systematically hurled verbal abuse at them. (Black Hebrew Israelite followers are the accused in a recent deadly anti-Semitic shooting in New Jersey.) Nathan Phillips, who lied about serving in Vietnam, and who is a professional activist, then deliberately marched up to the boys and got in their faces. Eventually, a full video emerged, showing that Phillips was the aggressor and that Sandmann urged his fellow classmates to be respectful. Moreover, he was not "smirking," as the media said, but smiling nervously in an uncomfortable situation. It was that nervous smile that triggered the Left. After being on the receiving end of appalling abuse from both the media and from activists in the general public, Sandmann's family regrouped and filed lawsuits seeking hundreds of millions of dollars from media outlets. Sandmann asked for $275 million just from CNN. Today, CNN settled with Sandmann for an undisclosed sum: CNN reportedly agreed Tuesday to settle a $275 million lawsuit filed by Covington Catholic student Nicholas Sandmann over the network's coverage of his viral encounter with an elderly Native American activist. The details of the settlement were not disclosed during proceedings at the federal courthouse in Covington, Kentucky, according to Fox19 in Cincinnati. [snip] "Contrary to its 'Facts First' public relations ploy, CNN ignored the facts and put its anti-Trump agenda first in waging a 7-day media campaign of false, vicious attacks against Nicholas, a young boy who was guilty of little more than wearing a souvenir Make America Great Again cap," said the 58-page lawsuit filed in May. We can only hope that the undisclosed sum was significant. What happened last January was despicable. Even had Sandmann acted as badly as the media alleged and remember that his behavior was exemplary this was not news. This was fascist bullying to remind Americans to get in line or be on the receiving end of an overwhelming, and frightening, media vendetta. Congratulations to young Nicholas. We hope his other lawsuits also result in sizable settlements that inflict maximum pain on vindictive and irresponsible media outlets. Coal India Ltd's output could be affected by a planned strike on Wednesday, a senior official at the state-run company told Reuters. Worker unions affiliated to left-wing groups and political parties have called a strike across India on Wednesday to protest over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government's policies which they say have hurt the working class. "Production could be adversely affected at some subsidiaries," the senior company official said. Coal India's December production rose after five straight months of declines, the latter reflecting the heaviest monsoon rains in 25 years, strikes and protests. Gouranga Chatterjee, organising secretary of the coal workers unions, said production at Coal India would be affected as the striking unions have a sizeable following. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, affiliated to Modi's party, is not participating in the strike. TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh and his party leaders visited the Guntur district prison and met with farmers arrested during protests for capital Amaravati. After visiting the farmers, Lokesh told media persons: "Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy cheated farmers. He had said he would stand by them but he is filing cases on farmers. As many as 16 farmers have been arrested who are fighting for Amaravati capital." "There were nine cases filed on one farmer. YSRCP public representatives in Guntur and Krishna districts are demeaning the farmers who sacrificed their lands for the capital," Lokesh said. He said, "YSRCP MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy went to the place where farmers were agitating on the highway. One stone hit the car, and cases are being filed after that." "The government is planning to shift secretariat to Millennium towers in Visakhapatnam, which has been built by the TDP government only," he said. The TDP leader further said, "The government is planning to shift the high court to Kurnool, what development will it get? Only a bunch of Xerox shops will be started. Officials will have to run between the three capitals all the time. What will they respond to public issues?" "This is not correct. The government should not create a rift between all three regions. We will fight a legal battle under the leadership of JAC for retaining capital at Amaravati," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Australian Open wildcard is set to cheer up Maria Sharapova after a shock Brisbane International first-round loss compounded a horror grand slam build-up that included a trip to the hospital. Open tournament director Craig Tiley revealed on Wednesday that 2008 champion Sharapova will receive a wildcard entry as she attempts to fight back from her current world No.147 ranking. The five-time grand slam champion cut a forlorn figure being bounced out of the Brisbane International by American qualifier Jennifer Brady in three tough sets on Tuesday night. An Australian Open wildcard is set to cheer up Maria Sharapova after a shock Brisbane International first-round loss compounded a horror grand slam build-up that included a trip to the hospital Sharapova, 32, is battling after being frustrated by a recurring shoulder complaint that has plagued her since serving a doping ban, limiting her to just eight events and 15 matches in 2019. But it wasn't the shoulder that caused problems before the Brisbane International, her first tournament since last September's US Open. 'I've been fighting virus for a couple weeks and ended up in the hospital the other day, so that wasn't fun,' she said. 'I just couldn't keep anything in (but) that's the extent that I'm going to share with you.' Despite her nightmare build-up, Sharapova initially didn't show any signs of rust in her opening clash with world No.53 Brady. However, the more the American qualifier fought the more Sharapova fatigued on Brisbane's stadium court. Sharapova will receive a wildcard entry as she attempts to fight back from her current world No.147 ranking 'I think I'm always disappointed because it's a result-oriented sport but I have to be proud of my effort,' she said. 'Yes there are a lot of improvements I need to make but I fought really hard. 'I think I did a lot better than I expected of my body.' Sharapova was suspended from the sport for 15 months in 2015 for doping after testing positive for banned drug meldonium. Schools and colleges in Mumbai are expected to function as per schedule on Wednesday, even as some teachers have decided to extend their solidarity with the Bharat bandh by wearing black bands. School principals said that classes will not be affected. Colleges, too, will remain open across the city. Teachers affiliated with the Bombay University and College Teachers Union (BUCTU) and the Maharashtra Federation of University and College Teachers Organisation (MFUCTO), will wear black badges to work, as per an official statement. Various unions in the railways, BEST, as well as taxis and rickshaws have indicated that while they support the bandh, all transport facilities will function normally considering they come under Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and striking work is an illegal act. ALSO WATCH | Bharat Bandh: Railway tracks blocked, protest marches in several states The government and BMC will also remain open on Wednesday. Banks and private establishments with strong labour unions will be most affected. The nationwide bandh call given by major labour unions has received support from most major political parties in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena, Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) have all decided to support the strike against the Narendra Modi-led governments policies. We want to remind the Central government of the promises it made in 2014. We will fully back this strike, said Sena MP Sanjay Raut. Mumbai Congress chief Eknath Gaikwad said his party would ensure complete lockout in the industrial belts. The SSS, which boasts of strong network among farmers, said there would be a total bandh in rural areas. The Central government is planning to give a free hand to imported goods at the cost of our livelihood. This will devastate our farmers and workers. Egypt has always been one of the favorite destinations for European tourists. However, after the Arab Spring, there was a decrease in security that caused many travelers to change places for their vacations. The truth is that today you can return to the country on Trip to Egypt without worrying too much about security (except in some conflict areas) although it is always useful to know certain details that will make our getaway a little safer. We must not forget that although in Egypt they are accustomed to Westerners, it is still an Arab country, so there are traditions beyond mere religion those contrasts much with ours. Thus, a respectful and understanding attitude must always be maintained. Avoid traveling in summer This is a very important detail to consider before traveling to Egypt. You have to select the dates carefully and avoid the hardest part of the summer. The reason? You cannot go to Egypt without seeing the pyramids, but most of them are in the desert, so very high temperatures are reached that can make it difficult to enjoy your visit. The best time is in spring and autumn. Remember to have your passport in order Everything must be in order before entering Egypt. Otherwise, we will have to return to our place of departure. For this, it is recommended that the passport be in force for at least six months before the date of entry into the country, and in most cases (except citizens of some Arab countries) we must request a visa obtained in the airports of the country or at the consulate or embassy, and you must also declare the money you enter into the country when you pass through customs. Take enough money In Egypt, the Egyptian pound is used, which in turn is divided into 100 piasters. In addition, each euro costs approximately 18 pounds (at the close of this edition), although this change may vary over time. Since you are not allowed to take pounds out of the country, it is advisable to travel with euros or dollars enough to change there in offices, banks and even hotels. It is wise to ask for fractional money with bills and small coins to leave tips. However, in large hotels and surfaces, credit cards are accepted. Be careful with the photographs It is necessary to be respectful with the taking of photographs in Egypt. While you are outdoors, there are usually no problems, but inside the tombs and museums, they cannot be done. It is good to be attentive to restrictive signs so as not to be mistaken. You also have to be careful with people's photographs. There are people who charge to let themselves take pictures, so it is important to ask first. Get ready to haggle If you don't mind paying more than a product is really worth, then don't worry about haggling. Otherwise, rest assured that you will have to negotiate with local merchants to get a good price for your memories and purchases. Be respectful of their customs In general, the Egyptians are respectful and pleasant people who do anything to please the visitor. Of course, you have to be patient, because everything does not always go well at first. It is not a very organized country despite the fact that they do a lot of their part, so do not be overwhelmed if you are involved in traffic chaos. In the end, you always get ahead. Don't take anything It is important not to catch anything in Egypt. Many people want to take a stone from the monuments, but the police are quite attentive to this because there have been enough robberies in previous years. Beware of religious rules While the Egyptians are very accustomed to seeing Westerners (and increasingly oriental), do not forget that it is a Muslim country. Especially in the case of women, even if it is very hot (and generally so), they should always worry about wearing clothes that do not unnecessarily expose certain parts of the body, so shorts and short blouses should be avoided. Accept punctuality In Egypt, if any place is to meet you at some time, add enough time to that as a precaution, and do not be surprised if it appears some hours late or does not appear at all. Try to organize for this, and if you are going to spend a few days in the country you can buy a local telephone chip, in order to be more communicated with the locals. Learn some words in Arabic The Arabic language is considered one of the most difficult to learn but that should not limit you to learn some basic words such as greetings, farewells and others. For example, "thank you" is said shokran (show-Krahn ') and "good morning" is said saba al khir (sah-bah' al - khear '). In doing so, you will get more of a smile on the premises and they will certainly appreciate it. By William Schwartz | Published on 2020/01/07 Park Shin-hye has reentered South Korea's cultural landscape in surprising fashion this year, as the popular actress is currently appearing in, of all places, an MBC television documentary. 'Humanimals', a nature documentary which deals with humans in nature, also counts Kim Woo-bin among the credited cast, as he does the documentary's narration in his first work since being diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer. Advertisement Part one of 'Humanimals' takes place in Botswana, home to forty percent of the world's elephants. Due to ivory poaching, ivory originating from elephant tusks, the elephant population has declined thirty percent over the last seven years. Nevertheless, the Botswana government legalized elephant hunting last September. In addition to footage of elephants, alive, dead, and dying, the program features numerous conversations between Park Shin-hye and elephant expert Mike Chase. In these conversations with Mike Chase they discuss the often brutal ways elephants are killed. In one disturbing example, an elephant is shot with a gun, skinned alive, and then poisoned from the inside. Park Shin-hye cries on camera in response to these stories. 'Humanimals' will pick up again on January 9th, where Yoo Hae-jin will meet trophy hunters who are expected to explain why what they do is actually in the best interests of preservation. Ryu Seung-ryong will also feature in a later episode of the program. Written by William Schwartz Riding Center Dr., 24900 block, 1:40 p.m. Dec. 16. A male juvenile took a BB gun into a multipurpose center and later hid it in a wooded area outside the facility. A second juvenile retrieved the gun from the wooded area. No threats were reported. In a statement, Trudeau said Wednesday morning's crash claimed the lives of all 176 people on board, including 63 Canadians, Efe news reported. Toronto, Jan 9 (IANS) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed Wednesday that dozens of Canadians died when a Ukraine International Airlines jetliner crashed outside Iran's capital shortly after takeoff. "On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie (Trudeau's wife) and I offer our deepest condolences to those who have lost family, friends and loved ones in this tragedy," he wrote. The prime minister also said Ottawa will make every effort to ensure that the crash of the Boeing 737-800 jet is thoroughly investigated. Despite heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following the Jan. 3 assassination of a prominent Iranian general in a US airstrike in Baghdad and retaliatory missile attacks Wednesday by Tehran on military bases in Iraq housing American forces, Chicago-based Boeing released a brief statement offering to help with the investigation. "This is a tragic event and our heartfelt thoughts are with the crew, passengers and their families. We are in contact with our airline customer and stand by them in this difficult time. We are ready to assist in any way needed," the company said. The 737-800 is the predecessor to Boeing's 737 MAX, a model that remains grounded worldwide after a pair of deadly crashes. Iranian authorities, however, already have said they will not provide the plane's black boxes to Boeing or the United States and that the crash will be jointly investigated by Iran and Ukraine. Prior to Trudeau's statement, Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said on Twitter that "many Canadians" were among the 176 people - 167 passengers and nine crew members - killed in the crash of UIA Flight 752 from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport to Kiev. Ukrainian authorities said that, in addition to the 63 Canadians on board, 82 Iranians, 11 Ukrainians (two passengers and nine crew members), 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans and three Britons were killed in the crash. Toronto-based daily The Globe and Mail said many of the Canadians who died were Iranian-Canadian students returning to school at the end of their winter break. UIA's fares are among the lowest in the market for passengers travelling between Toronto, Canada's largest city, and Tehran. Flight 752 crashed shortly after takeoff for reasons that remain unknown. Although Ukrainian authorities initially blamed engine failure for the crash, Kiev later deleted that statement and said the cause of the air disaster is under investigation. rt/ The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the Invictius Games together in Canada in 2017 before their wedding (Danny Lawson/PA) The Duke and Duchess of Sussexs friend Tom Bradby has said the couples future is not a done deal but they could move to Canada. The ITV News At Ten anchor said Harry and Meghan, who have returned from a successful extended break in the Canadian province of British Columbia, were keeping their plans close to their chest. His comments follow speculation in the Sun newspaper the couple are considering basing themselves in the Commonwealth country for part of the year. The tabloid reported the couple are due to meet senior royals in the coming days to discuss the plans which could include the long-term proposal to move their office to the country or even relinquish their His and Her Royal Highness titles. Together they met The High Commissioner and other members of her team to talk about the partnership between the UK and Canada. pic.twitter.com/zTrUGVCJFC The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) January 8, 2020 Mr Bradby interviewed the couple for a documentary last year where they highlighted the pressures they have faced and Harry talked about his rift with his brother, the Duke of Cambridge. Appearing on ITVs Good Morning Britain show, the news anchor said about Meghan and Harry: I think the truth is theres a lot, I think, going on, theres a lot going on within the royal family and I dont know and Im not sure they know what their future is going to be and what their position is Asked about the claims by the Sun the couple are considering spending more time in Canada, Mr Bradby replied: I dont know the answer to that. Its no big secret in their friends that they have been considering their options in the future. I think there's a lot of talking to be done, there are a million possibilities, they could go to CanadaTom Bradby He added: I dont ask what their plans are and they keep that pretty close to their chest and understandably so. I dont think its a done deal, that would be my impression. I think theres a lot of talking to be done, there are a million possibilities, they could go to Canada. TRH the Duke & Duchess of Sussex were also given a special tour of #CanadaGallery's latest exhibition: #Indigenous #artist @Skawennati's 'Avatars Aliens Ancestors', highlighting the importance of #IndigenousArt. Visit the gallery from Mon-Sat, 11 am to 5:45 pm. pic.twitter.com/CoYeYgzJ3u CanadianUK (@CanadianUK) January 7, 2020 Any move to Canada, even for a period of the year, would throw up important questions about Meghan and Harrys future within the royal family. All members of the monarchy carry out their public duties in support of the Queen and they would likely have to take part in official events in Canada. The cost of security for the couple would also be an issue, and as Canada is a realm, a country where the Queen is head of state, it may have to pay for keeping the couple and their son Archie safe. Meghan, a former actress, lived and worked in Toronto during her time starring in the popular US drama Suits, and the couple were famously pictured together when Meghan joined her then-boyfriend Harry at the 2017 Invictus Games in the city. Expand Close The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with Archie (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with Archie (Dominic Lipinski/PA) The duke and duchess visited Canadas High Commission in central London on Tuesday to thank Canadians for what Harry described as the unbelievable welcome they received while in the Commonwealth country for around six weeks. Janice Charette, Canadas High Commissioner to the UK, said the couple discussed topics relevant to them and Canada. The High Commissioner said the royals talked about their holiday and some of the things on their minds in terms of priorities for the next year and areas where they see maybe a shared priority with Canada. We talked about a few of those things, whether challenges relating to gender equality and gender empowerment, issues of homelessness whether thats due to mental health stigma issues of veterans homelessness, issues relating to the Invictus Games and the challenges of conservation and climate change B rexit secretary Steve Barclay has vowed the Government will stick to its Brexit timetable as a number of opposition clauses to the bill were voted down this evening. Mr Barclay said the Withdrawal Agreement Bill would deliver on the "overwhelming mandate" his party had been given by voters to take the UK out of the EU on 31 January. The bill is being scrutinised in the Commons and covers citizens' rights, customs arrangements for Northern Ireland, "divorce" payments to the EU as well as the proposed 11-month transition period. It is expected to comfortably pass its remaining stages in the House of Commons by Thursday before moving to the Lords. House of Commons during the European Union Withdrawal Agreement Bill discussion / PRU/AFP via Getty Images MPs backed the bill at its first stage in late December and Mr Barclay expressed confidence in negotiating a trade agreement with the EU in the 11-month transition but did not rule out a no-deal arrangement. We are delivering on these promises that the British people have entrusted us to deliver and the Opposition is only interested in further delay and disruption," said Mr Barclay. It comes as Clause 33 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill seeks to prohibit ministers from trying to extend the implementation period, which would begin once the UK leaves, this move has received a backlash from opposition MPs. A number of clauses tabled by opposition parties, largely focused on citizens' rights, fell this evening. Labours new clause five, which aimed to provide the right of permanent residence to all EU citizens who are resident in the UK before exit day, was defeated by with 252 votes for and 342 against. MPs rejected the SNPs new clause 18, linked to citizens rights, with 255 votes for and 341 against it. The Liberal Democrats new clause 34, which sought to establish a right to appeal settled status decisions, was also voted down with 251 for votes to 343 against. Earlier, Labour said the Withdrawal Agreement is a bad deal for the UK and called on the Government to come forward with proposals to show how it will avoid the catastrophe of no-deal at the end of this year. Green MP Caroline Lucas (Brighton Pavilion) also questioned why ministers were seeking to tie the hands of the Government in such an unnecessary way with the Clause 33, by having an arbitrarily short time of 11 months for the transition period when the trade talks may need a little extra time. Speaking as MPs assessed the Bill at committee stage, Labour former minister Hilary Benn also told the Commons: (Mr Barclay has) expressed enormous confidence that a deal will be done by December. Boris Johnson has vowed to "get Brexit done" / PA Wire/PA Images Can I just test that confidence a little further, would he give the House an assurance today that there is no prospect whatsoever of the UK leaving without an agreement in December of this year? Mr Barclay replied: I would hope he as a democrat would want a Government to adhere to its manifesto. The reality is on December 12 the British public voted in overwhelming numbers to get Brexit by done by January 31 and to conclude the implementation period by December 2020 so we can look forward to a bright future as an independent nation. Page 5 of our manifesto explicitly states that we will negotiate a trade agreement by next year, one that will strengthen our union and we will not extend the implementation period beyond December 2020. We are delivering on these promises that the British people have entrusted us to deliver and the Opposition is only interested in further delay and disruption. Labour MP Chris Bryant (Rhondda) earlier said he has an anxiety a security deal will not be achieved by December 2020, but Mr Barclay replied that after the election result now, with absolute clarity on the timetable, we are working to, the UK and the EU will be able to get on with it. Shadow Brexit minister Paul Blomfield said Labour would not move its amendment designed to avoid a no-deal scenario by extending the transition, but also claimed the Tories lacked majority support for its plans. He said: I think members opposite also ought to recognise that although under our electoral system the arithmetic in this place is very clear, the majority of the British people voted for parties that werent of the mind of the Conservative manifesto and who wanted to give the British public a further say. And I say that only not to deny the reality of the voting in this place, but that the members opposite ought to have some caution about the way that they approach this issue and claim authority from the British people. Mr Blomfield said Labour intended to provide an opportunity for the Government to come back to this House with their proposals, perhaps at report stage, on how we avoid the catastrophe of no-deal at the end of this year. Liberal Democrat former minister Alistair Carmichael warned Mr Barclay that his words will come back to haunt him if the UK does not conclude a deal by December 2020. However, Conservative former minister Sir John Redwood hit out at those criticising the timetable and also told the debate: I dont think we have to pay for a free trade agreement, I think its massively in the interests of the rest of the European Union because they sell us more than we sell them. But we have to be firm otherwise theyll walk all over us again and demand more concessions. The Government wants the Bill to complete its remaining stages in the Commons by the end of business on Thursday and it would then go to the Lords next week, with ministers confident it can conclude its passage through Parliament in time for it to be ratified by the European Parliament by the end of the month. That would mean the UK leaving the EU on January 31, with a deal in place covering citizens rights, the Irish border and Britains divorce bill of about 30 billion. (Newser) Two people were killed Tuesday when an avalanche buried a portion of mountain slope at a ski resort in northern Idaho. Five others were rescued on the scene at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office said early Wednesday, per the New York Times, which describes reports of three separate avalanches. Mayor Mac Pooler said 16 to 18 inches of snow fell overnight before it began to slide from the 6,200-foot Wardner Peak area around 11am. One deceased victim was found under 10 feet of snow early in the day, per the Shoshone News-Press. The otherthe last of all seven victims to be foundreportedly wasn't located until after dark. story continues below The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center had warned of an avalanche risk just before 6am Tuesday, per the Washington Post. KHQ reports the Wardner Peak area was closed to skiers and snowboarders as of 9am but reopened shortly before the avalanche occurred. "I've never heard of an avalanche up there that actually trapped anybody," Pooler told the Times. None of the victims have been identified. The resort described the five people rescued as having "minor injuries," per the Post. "Silver Mountain extends our deepest condolences to everyone affected, and out of respect to the families, no further comments will be released at this time," reads a statement released late Tuesday. (Read more avalanche stories.) Two people were injured after a firework exploded inside the cafeteria of Klein Forest High School on Tuesday afternoon, according to officials. Crews were called to the school sometime Tuesday afternoon after the firework went off, authorities said. An extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the member-states and observer countries of the Organization of Turkic States will be held on January 11 at the suggestion of Turkey, which chairs the Organization of Turkic States, Trend reports on Jan. 10 referring to the statement of the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Equipped with a multitude of sought-after skills, Unitek graduates are prepared to excel in many of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare and nursing. The campus is now open to the public, and offers aspiring professionals a range of programs in the medical field. Unitek Learning is proud to announce the expansion of their healthcare programs to Reno, Nevada. Based in California, Unitek seeks to provide Nevada residents with accelerated and convenient courses for their healthcare needs. The campus is now open to the public, and offers aspiring professionals a range of programs in the medical field. At the Reno Campus, students have the opportunity to enroll in a 9-month Medical Assisting program. Several nursing programs will likely be added at a later date. Students can benefit from a dynamic learning environment, which includes applied training, hands-on exercises, and clinical simulations. In addition, most students will benefit from class caps to maximize their learning experience. Some programs will also feature online coursework for the busy adult. Others will utilize a state-of-the-art simulation center with high-fidelity simulators and sim-view technology, including a Nursing Intensive Care Unit (ICU). At Unitek, the next generation of healthcare professionals can gain a well-rounded education. In addition to offering a roster of in-demand programs, the Reno campuss location is widely accessible for Nevada residents. Spacious and sleek with blue-tinted windows, the campus is located near the I-580 freeway. Its also adjacent to public transportation, lies within walking distance of a nearby mall, and maintains ample parking for students and faculty. It has been another year of growth and opportunity for Unitek Learning, and we look forward to extending our reach in Nevada, said David Higley, Chief Marketing Officer at Unitek Learning. Through the Reno Campus, Unitek seeks to promote student excellence, strengthen support for workforce development, and help fill the need for healthcare professionals in the United States. Unitek Learning is the parent company of several distinguished learning institutions: Unitek College, Unitek EMT, Eagle Gate College, and Provo College. Unitek Learning is now expanding their presence to Nevada and Idaho. Taught by experienced professionals, Unitek programs teach clinical practices and theory used in the field today. Equipped with a multitude of sought-after skills, Unitek graduates are prepared to excel in many of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare and nursing. TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, issued today a Chairmans Update, which discusses the outlook for the companys pipeline in light of anticipated regulatory approval for the first disease modifying therapy for Alzheimers disease (AD). Accumulating data continue to validate the need for a drug candidate with improved selectivity for amyloid-beta oligomers (AO). Compared to A-directed antibodies in development, ProMIS lead therapeutic antibody candidate, PMN310 demonstrates superior selectivity for toxic AOs, and great potential as a next-generation, disease-modifying therapy candidate for AD. We are finally turning the corner in Alzheimers disease, said ProMIS Neurosciences Executive Chairman Eugene Williams, who authored the Chairmans Update. In this decade, physicians and researchers alike will gain access to new non-invasive biomarkers that will allow them to diagnose Alzheimers earlier, monitor disease progression and significantly, develop next-generation therapies faster and with greater efficiency and lower costs than traditional clinical trials have allowed. I believe this will enable drug developers to usher not one but a portfolio of Alzheimers therapies to this patient community in dire need of effective treatment. Mr. Williams continued: ProMIS is in a unique position to contribute to and benefit from this unprecedented momentum. Our diverse portfolio includes differentiated antibodies selectively targeting toxic forms of A and tau along with robust discovery efforts to target additional misfolded proteins involved in neuroinflammation and neuroprotection. At the precipice of what is poised to be a radical phase of progress in addressing this devastating disease, we are invigorated by the promise of our path and steadfast in our commitment to patients, our investors and the research community at large. To access the Chairmans Update, please visit www.promisneurosciences.com or visit https://promisneurosciences.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ProMIS-Chairmans-Note.Jan_.08.2020.pdf. To learn more about the search for therapies for Alzheimers, Parkinsons and other neurodegenerative diseases, listen to Saving Minds at iTunes or Spotify . About PMN310 PMN310 is a next generation drug candidate that offers more precise selectivity for AOs, which is expected to provide greater clinical benefit and safety. Created using a novel drug discovery and development platform that can uniquely and precisely target the toxic forms of otherwise normal proteins, PMN310 demonstrates a high degree of binding to toxic oligomers without binding to non-toxic forms of amyloid-beta. Data also demonstrate PMN310s potential for greater therapeutic potency versus other A-directed antibodies. For more information about PMN310, please visit www.promisneurosciences.com . About ProMIS Neurosciences ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing antibody therapeutics selectively targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimers disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinsons disease (PD). The Companys proprietary target discovery platform is based on the use of two complementary thermodynamic, computational discovery engines ProMIS and Collective Coordinates to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique precision approach, the Company is developing novel antibody therapeutics for AD, ALS and PD. ProMIS is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ProMIS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PMN, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF. Visit us at www.promisneurosciences.com , follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn . For media inquiries, please contact: Shanti Skiffington shanti.skiffington@gmail.com Tel. 617 921-0808 For Investor Relations please contact: Alpine Equity Advisors Nicholas Rigopulos, President nick@alpineequityadv.com Tel. 617 901-0785 The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In this picture released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks to a group of residents of the city of Qom, in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. Ayatollah Khamenei said Associated Press Iran's missile attack against Iraqi bases housing US troops on Tuesday appeared to have fallen short of their full capabilities and the US seemed to be prepared for it well in advance. US defense officials spanning multiple agencies did not provide specifics on the warning systems, citing operational security measures. But US troops have historically relied upon a host of different warning systems and defense capabilities in Iraq. "Iran's attacks tonight appeared designed for maximum domestic effect with minimum escalatory risk," Henry Rome, an analyst for the political consulting firm Eurasia Group, said in a statement to Business Insider. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Iran's missile attack against Iraqi bases housing US troops on Tuesday appeared to have have fallen short of their full capabilities and the US seemed to be prepared for it well in advance. Prior to Iran's barrage of 15 missiles, four of which failed to hit their targets in al-Asad airbase and Erbil, US defense officials had been notified of a pending attack "hours" in advance, according to CBS News correspondent David Martin. The warnings were reportedly aggregated through a combination of satellite images and communications, similar to the US's system for monitoring North Korea's launch tests. defsmac National Security Agency - Cryptologic Museum A 'little known' defense system President Donald Trump in prepared remarks on Wednesday morning said the lack of US casualties were attributed to "the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces, and an early warning that worked very well." US defense officials spanning multiple agencies did not provide specifics on the warning systems, citing operational security measures. But US troops have historically relied upon a host of different warning systems and defense capabilities in Iraq, such as the Counter Rocket, Artillery, Mortar system (C-RAM), which "detects, warns, and intercepts" smaller munitions from the enemy. Story continues US forces reportedly could not intercept the inbound missiles because defense systems, such as the US Army's Patriot missile defense system, were deployed to other regions in the Middle East at the time. Alarm systems are also used to alert personnel on base to incoming fire and instruct them to take cover. Despite the absence of these interceptors, the US still has other assets at its disposal, including a "little known" missile tracking system. The National Security Agency's Defense Special Missile and Aerospace Center (DEFSMAC), headquartered in Fort. Meade, Maryland, is an around-the-clock missile and space surveillance system comprised of satellites and ground stations, according to the George Washington University. Since its inception in 1964, DEFSMAC has alerted the US of Iranian short-range ballistic missiles during the Gulf War, and North Korea's missile tests. Trump talks to Putin by phone Drew Angerer/Getty Images An actual warning Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi also said he was notified by Tehran that an attack "was starting or would start soon," and that it would be against bases housing US forces. Although US forces are invited in the country in an advisory role, the US's capabilities in the country and neighboring Kuwait far outweigh that of the Iraqi military. This relationship between the Iraqis and US likely allows the host country to work in conjunction with the US to disseminate information to coalition forces. Other coalition nations, including Finland and Lithuania, said they received information that suggested an imminent attack would take place, prompting their forces to take refuge, according to The Associated Press. Ten of the fifteen missiles hit al-Asad airbase, a large remote base located in the western province of Anbar. The impact of the missiles and the location of the strike raised questions on whether Iran had intended to hurt the US, or score domestic political points at home. iraq airstrike us occupied bases map Ruobing Su/Business Insider One analyst assessed the attack was a measured response by Iran, rather than an outright declaration of war, primarily catered for Iranian audiences. "Iran's attacks tonight appeared designed for maximum domestic effect with minimum escalatory risk," Henry Rome, an analyst for the political consulting firm Eurasia Group, said in a statement to Business Insider. "The missile launches coincided, almost down to the minute, with the final burial of Qassem [Soleimani]," Rome said, referring to the elite Quds Force commander who was killed in a US-led airstrike in Baghdad last week. Rome added that although this was "an unprecedented move" to attack a base housing US troops, the Iranians have so far indicated that "this round is over." Iranian officials have issued fiery statements in the hours following the attack, but have also qualified their remarks. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif claimed in a tweet that his country's missile attacks were merely "proportionate measures in self-defense," adding that he did "not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday described the missile attacks as merely "a slap in the face," and that Tehran's retaliatory move was not comparable to the US's continued presence in the region, nor the death of Soleimani. iraq airstrike map Skye Gould/Business Insider President Donald Trump appeared to suggest that further military action was not warranted yet, and said "the American people should be extremely grateful and happy." "We suffered no casualties, all of our soldiers are safe, and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases," Trump said, adding that "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world." But despite these assessments, Pentagon leaders said the Iranian missiles were intended to kill US forces, and were not merely a show of force, according to McClatchy reporter Tara Copp. Read the original article on Business Insider SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- People the world over united to help Save the Redwoods League protect Alder Creek, the largest remaining privately owned giant sequoia property in the world. The purchase of Alder Creek, which was finalized on December 31, 2019, was made possible thanks to more than 8,500 donors from all 50 states and around the world who made gifts to acquire the property for $15.65 million. More than 98 percent of California's giant sequoia groves are now protected in public, tribal or League ownership. Photo by Roy E. Williams II, Save the Redwoods League The 530-acre Alder Creek property contains hundreds of ancient giant sequoia, 483 of which have a diameter of 6 feet or larger, including the Stagg Tree, the fifth-largest tree known in the world. In addition to giant sequoia, Alder Creek also contains robust stands of mature red fir, white fir, ponderosa pine and sugar pine, as well as several other habitats, including meadows, wetlands and riparian woodlands. Each sustains its unique suite of associated species; together, they form a vital and resilient ecosystem emblematic of the southern Sierra Nevada and California. Alder Creek is located 200 miles from Los Angeles and is surrounded by Giant Sequoia National Monument. "This is a historic moment! Giant sequoia are among the largest and oldest living things and grow nowhere else in the world outside of the western slopes of California's Sierra Nevada. With the purchase of Alder Creek, we have protected the best of what's left," said Sam Hodder, president and CEO of Save the Redwoods League. "We are amazed by and grateful for the generosity of people from all over the world who stepped up to help save this special forest. At a moment when good news is hard to find, we are thrilled to begin the new year celebrating the generosity and sense of stewardship reflected in this successful effort." Launched publicly in September 2019, the League's fundraising campaign for Alder Creek secured 9,500 contributions from more than 8,500 individuals and foundations from across the United States and 30 other countries. Significant gifts from Ralph Eschenbach and Carol Provan and John Woollam, were instrumental in the success of the campaign, and a $250,000 challenge grant issued by the Bently Foundation in the final weeks of the campaign inspired online giving up to midnight on December 31, 2019. Ongoing Protection and Future Stewardship The League intends to own and manage the property for five to 10 years, during which time the League will continue fundraising to support restoration, stewardship and public access planning and implementation. Ultimately, the League intends to transfer the property to the U.S. Forest Service for inclusion in Giant Sequoia National Monument, ensuring its future management in accordance with the monument's long-term restoration, resource protection and public access program. The restoration goal is to bring back a balance of native forest species that have been altered by historical logging and to reduce fuel loads to assure fire resilience and long-term protection. Considering the limited public access to giant sequoia groves in Giant Sequoia National Monument, the acquisition by Save the Redwoods League offers a unique opportunity to plan for and ultimately provide new public access to a truly extraordinary scenic and recreational resource. Alder Creek is one of the most beautiful places in California, and the League hopes to establish a plan that both inspires visitors with the beauty and power of nature and ensures the health and resilience of this rare forest ecosystem. To schedule an interview, contact Craig MacLellan at (415) 359-2306 or [email protected]. To access hi-res images, b-roll or drone footage of the Alder Creek property, please visit our newsroom . Save the Redwoods League One of the nation's oldest conservation organizations, Save the Redwoods League has been protecting and restoring redwood forests since 1918, connecting generations of visitors with the beauty and serenity of the redwood forest. The League's 24,000 supporters have enabled it to protect more than 216,000 acres of irreplaceable forests in 66 state, national, and local parks and reserves. For more information, please visit SaveTheRedwoods.org . Media Contact: Craig MacLellan, Landis Communications Inc. for Save the Redwoods League Phone: (415) 359-2306 | Email: [email protected] SOURCE Save the Redwoods League Related Links https://www.savetheredwoods.org By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 08, 2020 | 07:00 AM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY A Paducah man was arrested early Wednesday on gun and alcohol charges. According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the 500 block of College Avenue where a man with a gun was reportedly making threats. Upon arrival, 24-year-old Ricky Rashaan Cole of Paducah was stopped and detained. According to deputies, Cole was found with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in his pocket. Further investigation revealed that Cole is a convicted felon out of Tennessee. Cole was arrested and taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail. He's charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and alcohol intoxication. This photo taken on July 16, 2019 shows an employee packing groceries inside cloth tote bags instead of single-use plastic bags for customers at the check-out counter of a supermarket in Denpasar on Indonesia's resort island of Bali. (File photo: AFP/SONNY TUMBELAKA) Departmental stores, supermarkets and traditional markets are affected by the ban, local media reported, paving the way for the use of eco-friendly bags. According to Jakarta Post, the gubernatorial decree signed by Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan defined eco-friendly options as bags made from leaf, paper, cloth, polyester and its derivatives, as well as recycled material. Such bags should have adequate thickness, are recyclable and designed to be used several times before they are disposed of. Nonetheless, shops are still allowed to provide single-use plastic bags for foodstuffs that have not been wrapped by any packaging, the report added. Failure to comply will result in written warnings and fines for the business operators. They also risk having their permits suspended or terminated. Those who obey the regulation, meanwhile, will be rewarded with incentives in the form of tax relief or rebates, CNN Indonesia reported. The gubernatorial decree was signed on Dec 27 last year and will come into effect in six months time, said Mr Andono Warih, head of Jakartas Sanitation and Environment Agency. This file photo dated 05 September 2003 shows Darsono, 44, a scavenger, collecting plastic bags from rubbish-covered river near his living area in Muara Karang in Jakarta. Rubbish is generally cast aside with little thought for the environment in Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous nation, while exhaust-belching traffic clogs the roads in big cities. (File photo: AFP/Bay Ismoyo) Indonesia, the worlds second biggest contributor of plastic pollutants in the oceans, churns out 9.85 billion plastic bags each year, Indonesias Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati was reported as saying in July last year. The government had wanted to impose a levy on plastic bags but the parliament decided to delay its approval so as to allow more time to deliberate on the issue. With this new regulation, Jakarta joins the ranks of other Indonesian cities that have enforced a ban on single-use plastic bags, including Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan, Balikpapan in East Kalimantan, Bogor in West Java and Bali. SPRINGFIELD Dr. Quinn Pack is a preventative cardiologist at Baystate Medical Center. His job involves working to prevent cardiovascular disease in the general population and to better manage the disease in those with it. An upcoming free presentation by him addresses some topics that have dominated health news in recent months as more states have passed laws legalizing marijuana in some form and the outbreak of E-cigarette, or Vaping, product use Associated Lung Injury has impacted every state. The state Department of Public Health revealed Wednesday that a fourth Massachusetts resident has died from lung injuries associated with vaping. The timeliness of the Feb. 23, presentation, Heart Disease Hot Topics: Vaping, E-Cigarettes, Marijuana and Alcohol Harmless or Destructive? What Patients with Heart Disease Need to Know, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave., in Holyoke for which registration is required, adds further interest. The majority of EVALI cases for which there is certain medical information indicate that those hospitalized to date used nicotine-containing products as well as products containing THC, the chemical responsible for most of marijuanas mind-altering effects, and that those with underlying medical conditions may be at greater risk for re-hospitalization or death from EVALI. Pack, who feels the medical risks associated with marijuana use have been under reported and there are too many unknowns in terms of risk around e-cigarettes, was asked here about his upcoming presentation, which is the concluding talk in Baystates popular Heart & Vascular Health Lecture series during American Heart Month. Your talk is certainly timely. What do you hope people will take away from it, particularly in terms of vaping and e-cigarettes and the risk for heart disease? The main take-home message of the presentation will be that there are a lot of unknown risks associated with vaping and e-cigarettes. Yes, it appears that the current epidemic of acute pulmonary disease from e-cigarettes is now probably waning, but there are many more things that we still do not know. I do not think e-cigarettes are a safe alternative to combustible cigarettes, although there may be an element of harm reduction for people who completely switch from cigarettes to E cigarettes. There is just too much that is unknown right now. We do know that e-cigarettes are associated with heart attack in a couple of small studies, and much more research will still be done. Stay tuned. What cardiovascular health risks does recreational marijuana pose and at what levels of consumption, and is medical marijuana associated with any such risk? I personally think that the media has done a huge disservice to our population by making them think that marijuana is harmless. It is not. There is just no way around it. Even medical marijuana has risks, and indications for medical marijuana use are very, very narrow. I think the population has been deceived because we just do not have the mountains of data to prove it is harmful (like we do with combustible cigarettes.) However, the data we do have is very concerning. There is clear evidence that smoking marijuana, especially daily marijuana use, is associated with heart attacks stroke, and other vascular problems. I think is just a matter of time before we discover that marijuana is associated with cancers, and everything else that inhaled combustible tobacco does that is bad for our bodies. I also do not believe most of the studies that suggest that marijuana is a panacea for pain relief. There is a really nice study that mostly de-bunks the idea that marijuana is useful for pain relief. Oral marijuana may avoid most of the problems of smoked marijuana, but we just do not have enough data to make any firm conclusions. Some studies are said to suggest consumption of red wine can have health benefits, but do you generally as a cardiologist recommend against the consumption of alcohol for your patients with heart disease? I think the jury is still out on red wine, but alcohol itself, has gotten a really big black eye in the last 5 years. We used to think that moderate alcohol consumption was protective for heart health, but this was really due to flaws in study design. The more convincing recent data shows no protective benefits of alcohol on heart health. Instead, this heart health myth seems to have promoted alcohol use, which is still the No. 3 killer of Americans every year, right behind smoking and physical inactivity. In fact, there are more deaths from alcohol than from opioid overdose, which has been getting a lot of press lately, even though alcohol kills more people than opioids. Before people panic, I also do not think there is enough evidence to conclude that 100 percent alcohol abstinence is necessary for good health. However, I think the limits on alcohol should be much lower than they currently are and most people should probably drink nothing. To quote one of the studies I will discuss, the safest level of drinking is none. [January 07, 2020] Yardi Acquires RightSource Compliance SANTA BARBARA, California, Jan. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Yardi announced today the acquisition of RightSource Compliance, a Minneapolis-based software consultant and developer that improves the technology experience for affordable housing providers and provides standout compliance solutions. RightSource has developed a successful software solution to assist clients with meeting complex federal and state affordable housing regulations. RightSource software serves affordable housing providers in all 50 states, and in 2019, the company's software and services were used to help more than 10,000 families move quickly into affordable housing. "Through our integrated services and technology, we're able to provide site staff the tools and outsourced compliance services needed to complete paperwork efficiently and accurately, which allow families to move in faster and reduce the risks of compliance errors, including late recertifications," said Chris Voss, presidet and founder of RightSource. "We started RightSource in 2007 with one simple goal: to reduce the costs and complexity of compliance. Those dollars and time saved can be put right back into the properties to improve resident services and quality of life," Voss said. The RightSource team of over 50 employees will continue to operate from their existing offices based out of Minneapolis, Minn. "We're pleased to welcome RightSource Compliance to the Yardi family," said Gordon Morrell, executive vice president for Yardi. "Affordable housing is an important part of our clients' portfolios and RightSource's products, services and the expertise of its staff will be a great enhancement to our affordable housing product line." About RightSource Compliance RightSource is a technology firm committed to increasing the availability and quality of affordable housing throughout the country by reducing the costs and complexity of compliance. RightSource partners with owners and operators of multifamily real estate to provide software, consulting, training and technology-enabled compliance services for their properties. Together, we help the homeless become housed faster and enable property managers to focus on collecting rents, maintaining the property, and providing resident services by taking away the burden of compliance. Find out more at rightsourcecompliance.com. About Yardi Yardi develops and supports industry-leading investment and property management software for all types and sizes of real estate companies. Established in 1984, Yardi is based in Santa Barbara, Calif., and serves clients worldwide. For more information on how Yardi is Energized for Tomorrow, visit yardi.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yardi-acquires-rightsource-compliance-300983173.html SOURCE Yardi [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A longer-than-usual delay gaining access to Fredericksburg area military bases may be standard operating procedure for the unforeseeable future. Thats because Department of Defense installations nationwide have beefed-up security and personnel checks at base access points as a precautionary measure in the midst of escalating tensions and hostilities between the U.S. and Iran. Officials at all local bases declined to discuss specific security measures, but all agreed the additional measures are necessary in the interest of safety and security for both the base and those living and working there. Its for the safety of service members, their family members and civilian employees living and working aboard the base, said Master Sgt. Theresa Seng, media relations officer for Marine Corps Base Quantico. Seng said there are delays at all gates during the morning commute. Its a 100 percent ID check for everybody in the car, Seng said. One of the biggest reasons for the backups is nobody is prepared for this. If everybody could have their ID out and ready, it would be a lot smoother. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 17:49:51|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close BEIRUT, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Jan Kubis, UN special coordinator for Lebanon, on Wednesday urged Lebanese leaders to form a government without any further delay. "Given the situation and developments in the country and the region, it is increasingly irresponsible to keep Lebanon without an effective and credible government," Kubis said in a tweet. Lebanon has appointed Hassan Diab to form a government 20 days ago. Diab has so far failed to reach consensus among different political parties on the names that should be included in the coming cabinet amid economic and financial deterioration in Lebanon. Iran launched missile attacks on US forces in Iraq 08 January, 2020 Related News Imran Khan distributed loan cheques under Kamyab Jawan Programme PTI govt to face all challenges coming its way: Imran khan More on this View All Types of Casino Payment Methods Tips for Taking Incredible iPhone Travel Photos Top 2021 Accessories We Know You Will Love Are Slot Developers Important for players? Best Poker Hands ever played on a Casino Hand Wash and Toiletries in Pakistan And the Role of DUPAS in Reshaping the Industry Woke Bingo IRAQ: Iran launched missile attacks on United States-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday in retaliation for the US drone strike on Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Tehran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from Iranian territory against at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US-led coalition personnel at about 1:30 am local time, the US military said. Iraqs military said 22 missiles were launched on the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Anbar province and a base in the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil, causing no casualties among Iraqi forces. According to Iranian state television, 80 American terrorists were killed in the missile attack, adding that none of the missiles were intercepted. State TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said US helicopters and military equipment were severely damaged. It was Irans most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the US Embassy in Tehran. US and Iraqi officials said there were no immediate reports of casualties, though buildings were still being searched. US President Donald Trump said in a tweet that an assessment of casualties and damage from the strikes was underway and that he would make a statement in the morning. All is well! Trump said in the Twitter post. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran is not seeking escalation or war, adding that Tehran would defend itself against any aggression. Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting [the] base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials were launched, he said. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is expected to speak later today, state television reported. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps confirmed they fired the missiles to retaliate for last weeks killing of Qasem Soleimani, according to a statement on state TV. The statement advised the United States to withdraw its troops from the region to prevent more deaths and warned US allies including Israel not to allow attacks from their territories. Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement that the bases targeted were al-Asad air base and another facility in Erbil, Iraq. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region. Trump, who visited the al-Asad air base in December 2018, was briefed on reports of the attack and was monitoring the situation, White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said. Democrats in the US Congress and some of the partys presidential contenders warned about the escalating conflict. Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting US troops in Iraq, US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Twitter. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US Defence Secretary Mark Esper arrived at the White House following news of the attack. Hours earlier on Tuesday, Esper said the United States should anticipate retaliation from Iran over Fridays killing in Iraq of Soleimani, commander of the elite Quds Force. I think we should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form, he told a news briefing at the Pentagon, adding that such retaliation could be through Iran-backed proxy groups outside of Iran or by their own hand. Were prepared for any contingency. And then we will respond appropriately to whatever they do. Military jets could be seen flying over the Iraqi capital hours after the missile attack. AFPs correspondents saw jets cutting through the clouds over Baghdad but could not immediately identify the planes. Stock markets in Asia fell sharply on news of the rocket attack, while investor safe havens including the Japanese yen and gold shot higher. US crude prices surged almost 5 per cent on worries any conflict could cut oil supplies. The US Federal Aviation Administration said it would prohibit US civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Singapore Airlines had already diverted all flight routes from Iranian airspace. Soleimani, a pivotal figure in orchestrating Irans long-standing campaign to drive US forces out of Iraq, was also responsible for building up Tehrans network of proxy armies across the Middle East. He was a national hero to many Iranians, whether supporters of the clerical leadership or not, but viewed as a dangerous villain by Western governments opposed to Irans arc of influence running across the Levant and into the Gulf region. A senior Iranian official said on Tuesday that Tehran was considering several scenarios to avenge Soleimanis death. Other senior figures have said the Islamic Republic would match the scale of the killing when it responds, but that it would choose the time and place. We will take revenge, a hard and definitive revenge, the head of Irans Revolutionary Guards, General Hossein Salami, told throngs who crowded the streets for Soleimanis funeral on Tuesday in Kerman, his hometown in southeastern Iran. Soleimanis burial went ahead after several hours of delay following a stampede that killed at least 56 people and injured more than 210, according an emergency official quoted by Irans semi-official Fars news agency. Soleimanis body had been taken to holy Shia cities in Iraq and Iran, as well as the Iranian capital, Tehran, before arriving to be buried in the city cemeterys martyrs section, according to the semi-official news agency ISNA. In each place, huge numbers of people filled thoroughfares, chanting: Death to America and weeping with emotion. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wept as he led prayers in Tehran. Prompted by the strong public backlash over Soleimanis killing on Iraqi soil, lawmakers in Iraq voted on Sunday to demand a removal of all foreign forces from the country. More than 5,000 US troops remain in Iraq along with other foreign forces as part of a coalition that has trained and backed up Iraqi security forces against the threat of Islamic State militants. A Nato official told Reuters it would move some of its several hundred trainers out of Iraq. Canada said on Tuesday some of its 500 Iraq-based forces would be temporarily moved to Kuwait for safety reasons. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a phone call on Tuesday to Irans president, Hassan Rouhani, urged Tehran to avoid any actions that could worsen regional tensions. US officials have said Soleimani was killed because of solid intelligence indicating forces under his command planned attacks on US targets in the region, although they have provided no evidence. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Shares of Yes Bank jumped 4 percent in opening trade on January 8, a day after the bank said its board will meet on January 10 to consider fundraising. In a BSE filing on January 7, the bank said: "...a meeting of the board of directors of Yes Bank will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020, in Mumbai to discuss and consider raising of funds." The bank plans to raise funds by issuance of equity shares/depository receipts/convertible bonds/debentures/warrants/any other equity-linked securities, through permissible modes, subject to necessary shareholders and regulatory approvals. Recently, Yes Bank was moved to the mid-cap category from the large-cap category by AMFI. Experts feel that the change in the category may trigger rotation of some equity mutual fund capital into the new large-caps from those that have been shifted out to the mid-cap group from the large-cap group. Shares of Yes Bank traded 2.77 percent up at Rs 46.35 on BSE around 09:25 hours IST. Iran's decision to launch more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi bases that hold US troops sparked immediate but mixed congressional reaction, with one of President Donald Trump's top Senate allies calling the attack an 'act of war' and some other lawmakers urging restraint. 'The missiles were launched from Iran at targets inside of Iraq housing US military personnel. The President has all the authority he needs under Article II (of the Constitution) to respond, and how he responds is yet to be determined, but he has that authority to respond,' Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who is considered hawkish on foreign policy, said on Fox News Tuesday night. 'It was an act of war by a regime that for the last 40 years has been a cancer in the Mideast.' Graham later added: 'Let me say tonight, if you are watching television in Iran, I just got off the phone to the President: Your fate is in your own hands in terms of the regime's economic viability. You continue this crap, you're going to wake up one day out of the oil business.' Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, urged unity. 'The time will come to debate U.S. policy. Tonight American & allied troops have come under direct attack by a nation-state & Americans must come together to support & protect them & respond appropriately,' Rubio tweeted. Iran has said the attack was 'hard revenge' for the American airstrike that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani last week. An initial assessment is the Iranian missiles struck areas of the al-Asad base that are not populated by Americans, according to a US military official and a senior administration official, though a full assessment is underway. Trump could offer additional information when he addresses the nation Wednesday morning. Some Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, are calling on Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley to provide regular briefings and documents to Congress about troop deployments related to how the US is responding to the escalating tensions. 'We write to express our deep concern over the lack of information from the Department of Defense as it concerns the potential threat from Iran and what the Department is doing in response,' the senators wrote. Several notable lawmakers urged restraint in the immediate wake of the attack while expressing concern for US service members. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called Iran's attack 'a dangerous escalation' and urged the Iranian government to 'show restraint.' 'We are at a critical juncture where we still have an opportunity to be responsible and pursue diplomatic channels; our nation has friends and allies who will stand with us. The American people are not interested in getting involved in yet another endless war in the Middle East with no clear goal or strategy,' he said in a news release. 'Now is the time to shore up our alliances. We must focus on protecting Americans, our assets, our allies and those innocent civilians who bear the burden of conflict.' Menendez's comments were echoed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, who tweeted Tuesday, 'We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war.' Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, told CNN's 'New Day' that he hopes the administration 'will take a breath' following the attack, a belief shared by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat running for president, who said it was 'vital that we take this moment to consider any response. 'A full-blown war with Iran is not in the national security interest of the U.S. or allies in the region,' she tweeted. And Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, a Republican who has been critical of the escalating tensions with Iran, tweeted Tuesday that 'while I would have preferred they come home long ago, there is also no excuse for this action by Iran.' 'We need to stop the escalation before it leads to another endless war in the Middle East,' he said. This story has been updated to include additional reaction. New Delhi : Amid heightened tension between the United States and Iran, China has urged both the countries to exercise restraint and resolve all the disputed via dialogue. The statement comes after Tehran targeted US military bases in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of a senior general."The worsening of the situation in the Middle East region is not in any side's interests," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said during a daily briefing on Wednesday, reiterating a call for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Earlier, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, which Tehran said was a "slap in the face" of America. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. While the Iranian state television claimed that "at least 80 terrorist US soldiers" were killed in the strikes, the Pentagon said it is working on initial battle damage assessments. Some 5,000 US soldiers are in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the IS terror group. The Iraqi military in a statement said a total of 22 missiles hit two bases housing US troops, but there were no victims among the Iraqi forces. Shortly after the missile attacks, Trump tweeted, "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the attacks were a "slap in the face" of the US. In a speech broadcast live on state television, Khamenei said, "Last night, a slap in the face was delivered." US officials said President Trump has been briefed and he is monitoring the situation. With PTI Inputs For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: At least 80 US servicemen were killed in an attack on Iraqs Ayn al-Asad Air Base by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an IRGC official representative said, Trend reports referring to the Fars news agency. About 200 people were injured, according to the report. The injured were immediately evacuated by helicopter. Ayn al-Asad Air Base was a strategic spot for the US and delivered support to drones from that base, the IRGC representative said. Fifteen missiles were fired at 20 sensitive locations, said the official representative. Numerous drones and helicopters were destroyed. As many as 104 locations sensitive for the US were identified in the region, and they will be fired at in response to any attack by the US, the representative added. Bank of Korea Governor Lee Ju-yeol / Yonhap South Korea's central bank will hold an emergency meeting Wednesday to check the country's financial stability amid the escalating military tensions in the Middle East that are apparently prompting investors to seek safer assets. The meeting comes as the local currency plunged by almost 1 percent against the U.S. dollar, while the local stock index plunged more than 1 percent. The won was trading at 1,174.25 won per dollar as of 11:10 a.m., down 7.85 won from the previous session's close. The won's plunge came after Iran's state media confirmed a series of missile attacks against U.S. military bases in Iraq in retaliation against the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general late last week. This image shows one of the wind turbines at the Block Island Wind Farm, located in waters off Rhode Island. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) has been chosen as the preferred turbine supplier for the 2.64 gigawatt (GW) Dominion Energy Virginia Offshore Wind project, also known as the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind commercial project. The site of the project is 27 miles off the coast of Virginia and covers an area of 112,800 acres. In an announcement Tuesday, Dominion Energy described the scheme as the "largest offshore wind power project in the United States." The turbine model and final number of units to be supplied have yet to be determined, according to SGRE, although installation is expected to be finished by 2026. The agreement is subject to a number of conditions, including government permission and a final investment decision from Dominion Energy. "Virginia aims to become a national leader in offshore wind, and we are encouraged to see progress toward that goal," Ralph S. Northam, the governor of Virginia, said in a statement issued Tuesday. "For Virginia, it's about two things: jobs and a cleaner environment," Northam added. "Wind energy is one of our top economic priorities and a critical component of Virginia's clean energy strategy, and this is an important step forward." The U.S. offshore wind industry is still young. Its first offshore facility, the 30 MW Block Island Wind Farm, only commenced commercial operations in 2016. That project is located off the coast of Rhode Island and operated by Danish firm Orsted. Nevertheless, a number of major projects are now in the pipeline. In July 2019, New York State awarded two offshore wind contracts to Norwegian firm Equinor and a joint venture between Orsted and U.S. business Eversource. Last September, it was announced that Orsted had chosen GE Renewable Energy as its preferred turbine supplier for two other offshore facilities in the U.S. The agreement means that Orsted is set to use GE Renewable Energy's huge Haliade-X 12 MW wind turbines at the 120 MW Skipjack facility and the 1,100 MW Ocean Wind project. It's expected that the facilities will be commissioned in 2022 and 2024, respectively. SPRINGFIELD Mary Walachy, executive director of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, announced Wednesday that she will retire in June. Walachy has been associated with the foundation, which promotes early education and literacy, for the past 23 years. She will continue to represent the Davis Foundation in its role supporting Educare Springfield, a new $14 million early education center at 100 Hickory St. in Old Hill, on land donated by Springfield College. Shell preform that role through the end of 2020. The Springfield center is the 24th Educare facility in the country and the first in Massachusetts. It opened last week, serving 141 infants, toddlers and preschoolers and providing early learning in an environment that involves the whole family. Its open, there are children there, they are beautiful, Walachy said. The Davis Foundation is a private family foundation that provides funding that improves the lives of children and families in Hampden County with a particular focus on Springfield and Holyoke. But more than funding, Walachy said the Davis Foundation works to convene the community, getting businesses, private groups and government, talking about critical issues particularly in education. It has been an honor and a privilege to work for the Davis family. I cannot put into words my feelings of gratitude for the opportunity they have given me to serve as Executive Director of their family foundation over the last many years, Walachy said in a news release. They are truly remarkable people, and this community is blessed to have them dedicated to the important issues facing our community and especially those relating to our children and families. Additionally, it has been an absolute honor and privilege to work with so many collaborators in the community and the wonderful organizations that I have come in contact with throughout the 23 years Ive worked for the Davis Foundation, she said. I know that I will treasure my time with the Davis family and my time involved in this important work for many years to come. John and Steve Davis, directors of the Davis Foundation, issued the following statement: Our family has been incredibly blessed to have Mary at the helm of the Foundation. Her intelligence, good humor, wit and compassion for other people helped to guide our work in the community. She has been the driving force of many of our strategic initiatives to make a difference in the region, particularly our work focused on education. We will miss her involvement in the day-to-day management of the Foundation but are pleased to share that Mary will continue to guide the Foundation in its role as philanthropic lead for the Educare Springfield facility. She has been a wonderful asset to the Foundation and the community, and we wish her only the best as she begins the next chapter of her life. The Davis Foundation has engaged national search firm Isaacson Miller to identify a new executive director. The Davis family hired Walachy in 1997 as the first executive director of the foundation, which was established in 1970 by the late James E. Davis and his mother, the late Irene E. Davis. The family ran American Saw in Springfield and later East Longmeadow, a manufacturing company now owned by Stanley Black & Decker. Under Walachys leadership, the Davis Foundation established several signature initiatives, including Cherish Every Child, the nationally recognized Reading Success by 4th Grade initiative, Funder Collaborative for Reading Success, Springfield Business Leaders for Education and Educare Springfield, the news release said. Walachy was named Woman of Distinction by the Pioneer Valley Girl Scout Council in 2005. She received an honorary degree from Springfield Technical Community College, and most recently was awarded the 2015 Humanics Achievement Award from Springfield College. Today she serves as vice chair of the board of directors of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. She is also a member of the boards of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Libertas Academy Charter School and the Massachusetts Early Education for All Campaign. She is a former board member of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations. Under Walachys direction, the Davis Foundation has received national recognition for its work, including a feature in the National Center for Family Philanthropy and in the Council on Foundations book The Giving Family. In addition, thanks to the foundations efforts, Springfield was twice named an All-America City by the National Civic League and has also been recognized as a Pacesetter Community by the national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading from 2012-17. [January 08, 2020] Adaptive Ad Systems CEO Shareholder Letter Update on Crucial Developments Adaptive Ad Systems, Inc. (OTC:AATV) is releasing its periodic shareholder letter to its current and potential future shareholders. Adaptive Ad Systems is a company that provides Dynamic Digital Ad Insertion (DDAI) via its streaming media hardware and proprietary processing software for the U.S. cable TV and Satellite markets. Dear current and future shareholders: As January begins a new year and a new decade, we are providing you with an update on significant progress at Adaptive Ad Systems, Inc. In addition to what has previously been reported in press releases and filings on the OTC Markets platform, this letter will further explain our substantially expanding product development and financial improving performance. Over the past five years, we have accelerated the development of our technology and installed a significant number of new "head-end" systems equipped with our proprietary hardware and software for the operation of our network, which allows us to continue increasing our subscriber base. Moving forward, we intend to improve our market awareness by informing our shareholders and the public more frequently about important developments in our company. We hope that in doing so, the market price of our stock will better reflect the improved value of the Company's operations and growth. ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY - A DISRUPTIVE APPROACH Adaptive's goal has always been to accelerate growth by developing our own proprietary hardware and software technology, expand its existing network and acquire new subscribers as economically as possible. By providing the content from major advertisers and distribute it over our own network run by our software and at the same time provide complete turnkey administration for our clients, we have proven to be more competitive than larger companies in servicing the underserved, but high-value, Tier 2 and Tier 3 (News - Alert) cable-TV markets. Because our operation is centrally managed and cloud-based, with a high level of automation for the digital ad insertion process, we generate higher output with less personnel and accordingly, achieve lower overhead than other companies. ADAPTIVE PROFIT-SHARING MODEL - ONE STOP SOLUTION We have made considerable progress in the deployment of our proprietary technology and continue to refine our unique profit-sharing business model, the combination of which sets us apart from our competition. We continue advancing Adaptive's market position by deploying our proprietary ad insertion technology to clients in the underserved Tier 2 and Tier 3 US cable TV markets at no up-front cost to our customers. Our model overcomes the barriers that typically prevent the insertion of National and Local cable TV advertising on major cable TV Networks in these markets. We provide our clients with a complete one-stop solution by exclusively selling all available advertising space in each market we have contracted, managing the entire process, while maintaining complete technology ownership. ADAPTIVE STATE-OF-THE-ART "CUE-TONE" FACILITY PROVIDES 99% EFFICIENCY We have completed the construction of our new and technologically advanced "Cue-Tone" facility in Arizona that provides all our systems with reliable ad insertion "Digital Cues." Cue Tones are electronic signals sent to Cable TV System operators, "cuing" them to insert selected video advertisements into our ad network. By combining our proprietary software with our remote Cue Tone signals delivered from our state-of-the-art facility, we can exceed 98% efficiency in inserting video advertising content into all cable TV networks in a very economical way. This allows our company to grow at an even faster pace than in recent years. NEW INSTALLATIONS OF DIGITAL AD INSERTION SYSTEMS INCREASE SUBSCRIBER BASE During 2019 we have installed over 25 new Digital Ad Insertion systems throughout the US. Each Adaptive Ad Insertion system delivers local, regional and National advertising to subscribers living in the Adaptive network area via cable, fiber and IP systems, with 100 to 25,000 subscribers per each Adaptive system. New installations of our proprietary ad-insertion equipment have added over 70,000 subscribers to our network this past year. We continue to improve our digital ad insertion technology for the National able TV markets and keep accelerating the installation of our Adaptive hardware and software systems for new cable television head-ends on a consistent basis. We believe these new installations and our consistently increasing subscriber base will continue to improve our financial performance for years to come. This growth also further strengthens our position to negotiate and obtain more favorable advertising rates with our advertisers for the benefit of our clients. ADAPTIVE CENTRAL SOFTWARE HUB - REDUCED OVERHEAD Many of our competitors struggle to operate profitably because their operations are capital intensive and not as software driven as we are. We strategically plan, develop and implement ever increasing automation through our central software hub, which requires fewer employees, resulting in substantially reduced overhead and improved profits. While we service three times as many cable systems as some of our competitors we are operating with 90% fewer employees. Our technology has been built by us for our specific business purpose, allowing a small team of experts to manage our expansive system from a central software hub, instead of having to manage many inefficient individual systems that require intensive manual engagement. ADAPTIVE "ONE-STOP" SYSTEM We are one of the only companies that allows advertisers across the US to purchase ads they typically would not have access to and insert them into a linked group of our digital TV advertising systems. We manage all ad-related activities, provide all technical support, sales, scheduling and billing and have established an innovative revenue share agreement with each individual system, in proportion to its number of subscribers. TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN BUSINESS MODEL FOR UNDERSERVED AD MARKETS We have developed, installed and operated our leading-edge technology for many years and during that time have identified a substantial number of underserved markets that have been overlooked by competitors. These markets can benefit substantially from our software-driven advanced digital ad insertion technology. Our continued commitment to advancing technological development in this industry and establishing new and innovative business models allows us to deliver services more effectively and more economically than other companies. The proprietary technology we develop and deploy continues to drive our market expansion, revenue growth, and profitability. PROFITS FOR 20 QUARTERS IN A ROW Our business model is focused on the utilization of our advanced technology, ease of use for clients and maximum profit generation for us and our clients alike. We enable advertisers across the US to purchase ad time to be inserted into a group of cable systems. The business model of sharing profits with our clients, while at the same time aggressively expanding our system installations, resulted again in the generation of profit for the 20th quarter in a row at September 20, 2019. FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE - CONTROLLED ORGANIC GROWTH Based on our increasing revenues and tightly controlled overhead, we have been able to create solid cash reserves and our total assets have increased to over $9 million. We have been able to grow our revenue organically, have not required outside funding and have kept our outstanding common stock to a very low 48 million shares. We expect our financial discipline and unique business model to have a continuing and significant positive impact on revenue and profit development for 2020. MARKET OUTLOOK IS STRONG We believe that the outlook for the Cable TV advertising market is robust, especially the Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets served by our proprietary DDIA technology. Adaptive is one of the few digital ad insertion providers for major advertisers' media in these underserved markets. Our technology allows us to serve these markets dynamically and on an economical basis, accelerating our efforts to establish Adaptive Ad Systems as a market leader for this underserved sector of the industry. Thus, we believe our business model remains strong. SUMMARY OF CRUCIAL ACHIEVEMENTS Accelerated (News - Alert) our disruptive approach with our proprietary Adaptive technology. Established and maintained a profit-sharing model with clients for underserved markets. Completed construction of advanced "Cue-Tone" technology facility in Phoenix. Added over 70,000 additional subscribers to our network in the National TV cable market. Serve over 75 designated marketing areas in 34 states. Provide more ad inventory than most of our competitors. System managed virtually from a software hub as a software driven operation. Automation through our central software hub with 90% fewer employees than other companies of similar size. One stop Shopping for clients. Manage all ad-related activities, provide all technical support, sales, scheduling and billing. Maintain complete technology ownership. Underserved markets drive our revenue growth, profitability and expand our market position. Substantially increased cash reserves without outside funding. Relatively low overhead and continued profits for the 20th quarter in a row. Asset base of over $9 Million Outstanding common stock at a low 48 million shares. ABOUT ADAPTIVE Adaptive Ad Systems Inc. is a digital media and video communications company that together with its subsidiary manufactures, develops and deploys Dynamic Digital Ad Insertion (DDAI) and video streaming media hardware and proprietary processing software for the Cable TV, Satellite and IPTV (News - Alert) markets with its primary focus on the 2nd and 3rd tier US markets. Its digital ad insertion technology and unique profit-sharing model overcomes the barriers that typically prevent the insertion of National and Local cable TV advertising on major cable TV Networks. Adaptive exclusively sells all available advertising space in each market it has contracted, while maintaining complete technology ownership. Adaptive has implemented a unique and advantageous profit-sharing model with its Cable TV Partners. The Company's technology and business model allows to dynamically and economically serve currently over 200 designated marketing areas in approximately 34 states in the United States. Adaptive also provides broadband and cable TV services in some niche major markets. For additional information, please visit: www.adaptiveadsystems.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, financial projections, statements regarding the plans and objectives of management for current and future operations, the development, regulatory approvals and commercialization of the Company's products, or any of the Company's proposed services, systems, services, partnerships or acquisitions. Such forward-looking statements are not meant to predict or guarantee actual results and performance and actual events or results may differ considerably. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from any projections may include, without limitation, the Company's delays in the development of its products, the inability to obtain additional financing, the impact of significant new or changing government regulation on the industry, existing or increased competition, results of arbitration and litigation, stock volatility and illiquidity, and the Company's general failure to implement the Company's business plans or strategies. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005278/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] ISIS suspect and former Irish soldier Lisa Smith has asked prosecutors to review the evidence against her and "discontinue" the charge. A lawyer for the ex-defence forces member (37) made the request as she appeared in court today for the first time since her release from custody. Judge John Hughes said this was a matter for the DPP and granted prosecutors more time to prepare their case. He remanded her on continuing bail, to appear in Dublin District Court again in March for the service of a book of evidence. Ms Smith is charged with membership of a terrorist group outside the state between October 28, 2015 and December 1, 2019. The mother-of-one, who left Ireland and married after converting to Islam, was returned here from Turkey last month after spending time in a Syrian refugee camp. She was arrested on arrival at Dublin Airport on December 1 and detained for 72 hours for questioning. She was refused bail at the district court on December 4 but was granted bail at the High Court two weeks later. Ms Smith remained detained at Limerick Prison over Christmas because of issues surrounding her bail surety but was released when this was resolved on December 31. She was back before the court today for the preparation of a book of evidence. Ms Smith, wearing a long grey overcoat over a hijab, with her face uncovered, sat in the public gallery before her case was called. She then stepped forward and stood with her hands clasped in front of her during the proceedings. A state solicitor said the case was before the court for the service of a book of evidence but this was not ready. She said although only 35 days of the 42 day limit had expired, she sought an extension of time for the preparation of the book, which is required before the accused can be sent for trial to a higher court. The reason for the requested extension was that it was a "complicated, substantial case." Information and statements were recently received from outside the state and mutual legal assistance requests had been applied for, she said. It was expected the investigation file would be received by the DPP in the coming weeks, she said. Further charges were contemplated. It was anticipated the book would be ready on March 4, she added. Defence solicitor Peter Corrigan said there was consent to the adjournment, but asked the DPP to "consider the evidential threshold" in relation to the present charge. It was the defence's view that it "does not amount to evidence that gives a realistic prospect of a conviction." He was present during garda interviews when the evidence was presented and "it was our opinion that it didn't reach that threshold," he said. He asked for this to be "actively reviewed" and the charge discontinued in the interim. There were issues as to how the evidence was obtained and the defence would say there was not a single piece of evidence amounting to a charge that the defendant was a member of Isis. Judge Hughes said whether a prosecution was taken was a matter for the DPP and not for the court. He adjourned the case to March 4, saying it was in the interests of justice to extend the time for the service of the book of evidence. Ms Smith, who is denying the charge against her, remained silent during the hearing. The charge alleges that she, between October, 28 2015 and December 1, 2019, both dates inclusive did commit an act which if committed in the State would constitute an offence under Section 21 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939, as amended by Section 5 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005. The charge alleges she was "a member of a terrorist group which is an unlawful organisation, to wit an organisation styling itself the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) also known as Dawlat al-Iraq al-Islamiyya, Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Dawlat al Islamiya fi Iraq wa al Sham, otherwise known as 'Daesh' and the Islamic State in Iraq and Sham.It is an offence contrary to the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005." The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment and the court has already heard further charges are contemplated. On December 19, Mr Justice Robert Eagar granted bail at the High Court subject to conditions that Ms Smith lodged 500 in cash, with further 5,000 by an independent surety, of which 1,000 was to be in cash. Under conditions, she must reside at an address in the north east, sign on at a garda station twice daily from 10am 1pm and 3pm 6pm. She was ordered to obey a curfew.Judge Eagar told her she would have to remain indoors from 8pm and not leave until 7am. He told her she cannot leave the jurisdiction or apply for new travel documentation, having already lost her passport. Judge Eagar told her she must provide gardai with a contact mobile phone number within 48 hours of taking up bail. The judge warned her that she must answer the phone if rung by gardai and if she failed to do so it would be a breach of bail. He also banned her from accessing the internet or using any social media and the final condition was that she must not have contact with non-Garda witnesses in the case. At her first hearing on December 4, her solicitor had pleaded for bail telling the district court his had come back to Ireland after walking with her toddler daughter, through bombs, poverty, and cesspit camps, and desert, to come to her country of origin. Editor's note: With the sad news that Ed Asner died Sunday, we remember the 91-year-old actor's visit to Mount Zion, where he was filming a movie at Del's Popcorn Shop. This story originally appeared in the Herald & Review on Jan. 8, 2020. MOUNT ZION From the outside, it looked like an ordinary day at Dels Popcorn Shop in Mount Zion. The flashing sign identifying the latest tempting treat continued to entice passing motorist along Illinois 121 and people could be seen coming and going. But these weren't ordinary customers and for Mike and Trudy Jacobs, owners of the store, the day was anything but ordinary. After all, its not every day your business is used as a set for a movie and you play host to acclaimed actor Ed Asner. Asner, a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe award winner, portrayed gruff Lou Grant in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Lou Grant." He's best-know more recently for his roles in "Elf" (as Santa) and "Up," a 2009 Pixar film. The opportunity came about in September when director Robin Christian stopped by the business and left his business card, indicating it would provide the perfect backdrop for a popcorn shop scene in a movie he was developing. We didnt know what to think of it, Mike said. I took my time. I didnt call him right away. When he finally did, Christian returned to Mount Zion, shared more details about his plans and how the shop, which specializes in popcorn, caramel apples and a host of other treats, would fit into the picture. We thought it sounded like fun, Mike said. Wed be willing to try that. Plans were finalized in November and Jan. 7 was identified as movie day. Agreeing to be a part of the movie was the easy part. Not telling anyone for two months, that wasnt so easy. Its been really hard for me, Trudy said. "I cant wait until tomorrow so I can tell everybody and share some pictures. Those pictures will include her and Mike with Asner, Christian and other actors and crew members. And while they cant tell you anything that might give away the plot of the movie, Trudy will be more than happy to tell you about all the stuff that takes place behind the scenes. And, if you have the time, which treats Asner liked the most. Spolier alert: He appeared to like everything he got his hands on. Trudy relayed one instance when Christian handed his bag of gummy bears to Asner. They were gone in no time. Members of the film crew arrived Monday night and spent three hours rearranging the showroom, taking advantage of the variety of tins and colorful jars of candy they already have on hand as part of their regular product offering to create the set. Trudy noted the colorful jars were among the things Christian said attracted him to the site. Its a great candy shop, Christian said, when asked about his having selected Dels as a movie location. Christian was unable to provide more details as he climbed into his car with Asner for the trip to the next stop to wrap up a few more scenes before the day ended. But Christian reappeared a few minutes later to grab a bag of cheese popcorn his wife told him to get before hitting the road. Im only an hour away. This is going to be dangerous, said Script Supervisor Abby Schlueter of St. Joseph, who was already planning return trips to the store. Christian is identified as executive producer and director for Dreamscape Cinema on its website. Described as "an independent film and video production company" that develops feature-length films, Dreamscape lists office locations in both Champaign, Illinois, and Beverly Hills, California. Watching everyone enjoy their products was one of the highlights for Trudy. For Mike, it was seeing their staff members enjoy the opportunity to see the movie being made and meet the actors. Were both sitting her smiling, so it was cool, Trudy said. Its a fun experience. Im glad we were able to experience that. Its been a fun day. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2 LAGOS, Nigeria - Cardi Bs announcement that she wants to seek Nigerian citizenship has set off a Twitter feud between her West African fans in friendly rivals Nigeria and Ghana. The Grammy-winning rapper visited both countries last month on her African tour. Her announcement in a tweet on Friday criticized the U.S. airstrike in Iraq that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and sent Middle East tensions soaring. Its sad this man is putting Americans live in danger. Dumbest move Trump did till date ... Im filing for my Nigerian citizenship, she tweeted. Many in West Africa saw her tweet as proof that she preferred Nigeria Ghanaians were quick to point out the pitfalls of living in Africas most populous nation, where traffic jams and power cuts are more visible than opulent nightclubs and luxury hotels. Hope you have a generator to power your house (because) they dont have light but we do, one user tweeted, adding an emoticon of a Ghana flag. Some fans in Ghana expressed concern for her safety, warning about the Nigeria-based Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. But most Nigerian fans were quick to offer up a passport exchange, underscoring the mix of pride and confusion that the 27-year-old star would prefer Nigeria to America. This week she asked fans to weigh in on whether her Nigerian name should be CHIOMA B or Cadijat. Cardi B, who was born Belcalis Almanzar, is of Afro-Caribbean descent, tracing her roots to Trinidad and the Dominican Republic. It was not immediately clear how the rapper might acquire citizenship in Nigeria, though a number of celebrities have recently been given honorary citizenship in other African countries. British actor Idris Elba now has a passport from Sierra Leone, his late fathers birthplace. And fellow rapper Ludacris recently acquired citizenship in Gabon after marrying a woman from the Central African nation. ___ Krista Larson in Dakar, Senegal contributed. Prince George and Princess Charlotte have gone back to school today after the Christmas holidays. The young royals joined other primary school pupils returning to 18,915-a-year Thomas's Battersea, London, for the start of Lent term this morning. George, six, and Charlotte, four, spent part of their three-and-a-half week break in Sandringham, Norfolk, with their parents, younger brother Louis, one, and other members of the royal family. Family holiday: Prince George, six, and Princess Charlotte, four, spent part of their three-and-a-half week break in Sandringham, Norfolk, with their parents, younger brother Louis, one, and other members of the royal family. Pictured, the young royals at church on Christmas Day The pair stole the spotlight when they joined the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for Christmas Day at St Mary Magdalene Church on the estate for the first time. Princess Charlotte gracefully accepted flowers, hugged a woman in a wheelchair, executed a perfect curtsy to her great-grandmother the Queen, and shook hands with the vicar. Meanwhile Prince George, although naturally more reserved, also charmed the 2,000 well-wishers. Royal pupils: George and Charlotte joined other primary school pupils returning to 18,915-a-year Thomas's Battersea for the start of Lent term this morning. Pictured, with parents Prince William, 37, and the Duchess of Cambridge, also 37, on the first day of school in September The siblings are set to have another busy and exciting term at Thomas's, where Charlotte is in reception and George is in Year 2. The school day begins at 8.30am, before reception finishes at 3.20pm - with the older children going home slightly later. Each class has a form teacher and roughly equal numbers of boys and girls. Pupils study literacy, numeracy, science, history, geography, religion, French, PSHCE, art, computing, music, swimming, ballet, PE and games - and many of the lessons are taught by specialist teachers. Stole the show: George and Charlotte were centre of attention when they joined the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for the Christmas Day service on the estate for the first time There are also a large number of extra-curricular clubs, including pottery, song writing, debating and fencing. The young royals were accompanied by their parents Prince William, 37, and the Duchess of Cambridge, also 37, on the first day of school in September last year. It is not known who accompanied the children on the school run today. Tensions between Iran and the United States have been steadily escalating for months. After a US strike killed a top Iranian commander last week and Iran launched retaliation strikes on Wednesday. On April 8, 2019 Washington declares Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps a "terrorist" group. Its Quds Force, which operates abroad, is also put on the blacklist. On May 5, White House national security adviser John Bolton announces the deployment of an aircraft carrier and a bomber task force to the Middle East. reuters On May 8, a year after Washington unilaterally withdrew from an international 2015 deal curbing Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed sanctions, Tehran warns it is prepared to resume nuclear activity. Trump announces new measures against Iran's steel and mining sectors. On May 12, four ships, including three oil tankers, are damaged in mysterious attacks in the Gulf that the United States blames on Iran. On May 25, the United States says it is deploying 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East to counter "credible threats" from Iran. Two tankers, Norwegian and Japanese, come under attack in the Gulf of Oman on June 13. Washington, London and Riyadh blame Iran, which denies involvement. Iran's Revolutionary Guard says on June 20 it shot down a US drone that violated Iranian airspace near the Strait of Hormuz. reuters Trump approves a retaliatory strike, but cancels it at the last minute. On June 24, Trump announces "hard-hitting" financial sanctions on Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior Iranian military leaders. On July 18, Trump says the US military took down an Iranian drone that came dangerously close to one of its naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. On July 1, Iran announces it has breached a cap on its uranium enrichment set out in the 2015 deal. On September 14, aerial attacks claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels spark fires at two major Saudi oil facilities. Tehran is accused by the United States and other powers of being responsible but denies involvement. reuters On September 20, Trump announces "the highest sanctions ever imposed on a country", hitting Iran's central bank. On November 7, Tehran resumes uranium enrichment at its underground Fordo plant -- its fourth walk-back from the 2015 nuclear accord. Iran is furious when the US expresses support for protesters who take to the streets on November 15 after a fuel price hike. The White House condemns Iran for using "lethal force" in the days of violence, which reportedly leaves scores dead. Iran's foreign ministry criticises "American economic terrorism". reuters On December 29, the United States carries out air strikes against bases of a pro-Iran group in Iraq, killing at least 25 fighters. The strikes are in retaliation for rocket attacks against US interests in Iraq, including one in which a US civilian contractor is killed on December 27. On December 31, pro-Iran protesters storm the US embassy compound in Baghdad expressing fury over the strikes. Trump warns Tehran it could "pay a very big price". reuters On January 3, 2020 a US strike kills top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, the Quds Force commander, in Iraq. The Pentagon says Trump ordered the killing after the siege of the US embassy in Baghdad. At Soleimani's funeral on January 7, top Revolutionary Guards commander Major General Hossein Salami said Iran would "take revenge". afp On January 8, Iran fires missiles at two Iraqi bases used by the US military. There are no immediate reports of casualties. Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif says the nation "took and concluded proportionate measures" in self-defence. VIX jumps nearly 8% The Nifty January 2020 were at 12,065.35, a premium of 40 points compared with the Nifty's closing of 12,025.35 in the cash market. In the cash market, the Nifty 50 index rose 59.9 points or 0.5% to 12,052.95. Turnover on the National Stock Exchange's & options (F&O) segment was Rs 17.85 lakh crore compared with Rs 18.28 lakh crore reported in the previous session. The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of market's expectation of volatility over the near term, jumped 7.23% to 15.6675. On the options front, the Nifty option chain for 30 January 2020 expiry showed maximum call open interest (OI) of 26.81 lakh contracts at the 12,500 strike price. Maximum put OI of 42.26 lakh contracts was seen at 12,000 strike price. The option chain indicates that Nifty will hover between 12,000 and 12,500 in the January 2020 series. Yes Bank (up 2.22%) was banned from trading in NSE's F&O segment after the security crossed 95% of market wide position limit. State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Bank and Reliance Industries (RIL) and were the top traded individual stock contracts in F&O segment of NSE for January expiry. SBI January 2020 futures were at 320, compared with spot closing price of 319.35. ICICI Bank January 2020 futures were at 528, compared with spot closing price of 525.80. RIL January 2020 futures were at 1,522, compared with spot closing price of 1514. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) These principles are intentionally high-level, said Lynne Parker, U.S. deputy chief technology officer at the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy. We purposely wanted to avoid top-down, one-size-fits-all, blanket regulations. The White House said the proposals unveiled Tuesday are meant to promote private sector applications of AI that are safe and fair, while also pushing back against stricter regulations favored by some lawmakers and activists. Federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration will be bound to follow the new AI principles, which makes the rules the first of their kind from any government, Michael Kratsios, the U.S. chief technology officer, said in a call with reporters Monday. Rapid advancements in AI technology have raised fresh concern as computers increasingly take on jobs such as diagnosing medical conditions, driving cars, recommending stock investments, judging credit risk and recognizing individual faces in video footage. It's often not clear how AI systems make their decisions, leading to questions of how far to trust them and when to keep humans in the loop. Significantly, Rouhanis allies and opponents agree that resources, which the budget relies on, are abstract and the government has no genuine plan to compensate for the huge deficit. Today, the budget deficit is only one of the Iranian governments crises. Various factions also concur that the Rouhani administration intends to address its economic problems at the expense of ordinary people. This matter raises concerns among the political elite over igniting a new round of protests. Therefore, the Iranian media outlets are filled with finger-pointing and warnings about the future. Desperation Among Rouhanis Advocates Over Next Years Budget Bills The 2020-21 budget is the most unrealistic bill ever offered. Closing the budget based on exporting one million crude oil barrels per day, is unrealistic. Planners of the budget are also aware of this matter. This budget bill will make some segments of the society even poorer, said Hossein Raghfar, an economic expert and Rouhani advocate, on December 26. The reality is for many years, the budget deficit sank Iran into fundamental challenges and the people dont see a bright future, Raghfar added. In this regard, economic experts foresee the continuation of the status quo will render even worse economic conditions. For instance, Raghfar shows his concern about upcoming protests. the experience of the November protests should lead the government to grasp [the reality of the current conditions] and change its failed procedure over the past three decades, the state-run website Entekhab published on December 26. How Do Khameneis Proponents Deal with the 2020-21 Budget Bill? On the other hand, the principlists also are voicing concerns about the consequences of next years budget bill. They bluntly emphasize that the 2020-21 budget plan is absolutely unjust and has been blueprinted without considering the peoples livelihoods and especially the vast poverty across the entire country. The analysis shows that the 2020-21 budget bill will empty the countrys entire exchange reserves. In this regard, the Islamic Republic will face numerous crises and public dissatisfaction in the future, the state-run website Siasat-e Ruz published on December 25. Siasat-e Ruz also warned about the stage of social intolerance in accordance with economic pressures. In the end, [the government] has to acquiesce the [consequences of] negotiations worse than the JCPOA [referring to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran]. Other Khamenei-affiliated media are also sounding alarms about the beginning of a new round of negotiations. In fact, they are concerned about the consequences of the budget deficit resulting in more concessions. For example, the Vatan-e Ruz website issued a warning about the ironic attempt to establish a non-petrol economy. This outlet announced on December 25 that achieving a non-petrol economy through imposing pressures on the poor segments of the society will spell into tensions and severe sociopolitical instability. The state-run TV also unveiled the deeper scope of infighting over the budget bill approval. The oil sale is unrealistic and raises the question of why [the Rouhani administration] has closed the budget plan in such a manner? In fact, the administration has to either borrow from the Central Bank to compensate for the budget deficit or acquiesce the United States to sell our oil Many [officials] believe that this budget has closed to draw the government into negotiations and to acquiesce U.S. aggression, according to a program aired on December 25. In conclusion, Irans 2020-21 budget bill highlights the Iranian governments crises that are compelling authorities to make tough decisions. In parallel with the U.S. sanctions noose tightening around Tehrans neck, the Islamic Republics survival is endangered by protests. This places Iranian officials before a strong impasse. Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaks during the signing ceremony for Bandar Malaysia in Putrajaya By Joseph Sipalan KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Muslim countries should unite to protect themselves against external threats, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Tuesday after describing the U.S. killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani as immoral. The world's oldest premier, who has in recent months stoked diplomatic tensions by speaking out on issues concerning the Muslim world, also said the U.S. drone attack on Soleimani was against international laws. Soleimani's killing in Baghdad last Friday has sparked fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East. Mahathir, 94, said it could also lead to an escalation in "what is called terrorism". "The time is right for Muslim countries to come together," Mahathir told reporters. "We are no longer safe now. If anybody insults or says something that somebody doesn't like, it is all right for that person from another country to send a drone and perhaps have a shot at me." About 50 people including burqa-wearing women gathered outside the Iranian embassy in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, to shout "Down, Down USA". Mahathir has tried to maintain good relations with Iran despite U.S. sanctions on the Middle Eastern country. An estimated 10,000 Iranians live in Malaysia. Last month, Mahathir hosted Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at a conference of Muslim leaders in Malaysia where they discussed boosting business, trading in each other's currencies and keeping up with non-Muslim countries. Mahathir's recent comments on the treatment of Muslims in India and his criticism of the Saudi Arabia-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have soured Malaysia's relations with both New Delhi and Riyadh. "I speak the truth," Mahathir said. "You do something that is not right, I think I have the right to speak out." (Reporting by Joseph Sipalan; Additional reporting by Lim Huey Teng; Editing by Robert Birsel) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 13:13:14|Editor: zyl Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued emergency restrictions for the Gulf airspace, as Washington-Tehran tensions are escalating. The FAA said in a statement that it has issued notices to airmen "outlining flight restrictions that prohibit U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman." A notice to airmen is a notice filed by an aviation authority to alert aircraft pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect the safety of the flight. "The FAA will continue closely monitoring events in the Middle East," said the statement. "We continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with U.S. air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities." The announcement came as the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday that Iran had launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel," the Pentagon said in a statement. U.S. President Donald Trump "has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," according to White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham. A U.S. airstrike carried out in Iraq last week killed senior Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, a move that has sparked outrage in Iran which has vowed to retaliate. The international community is calling for utmost restraint from relevant sides to avoid further escalation of tensions in the Gulf. Iran launched missile attacks on U.S.-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from its territory against at least two Iraqi facilities hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel at about 1:30 a.m. (2230 GMT on Tuesday), the U.S. military said. Read More Heres more top news of the day: Colder Days Ahead For Delhiites As Heavy Rain Lashes Delhi, Causes Huge Traffic Jams BCCL Heavy rains lashed most parts of Delhi NCR on Wednesday morning, which have resulted in decreasing the temperature and causing traffic snarls at multiple points across the national capital. Read more FIR Against Woman With 'Free Kashmir' Poster At Mumbai Protest; Says Was Talking About Internet twitter After the attack on Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus by some masked attackers that led to widespread protests across the country in solidarity with the varsity, a protester was booked in Mumbai for holding a Free Kashmir poster. Read more Trolls Cancel The Same Tickets For Chhapaak In A Boycott Call After Deepika Padukone Visits JNU After Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), calls to boycott her upcoming movie Chhapaak gained momentum on microblogging platform Twitter. Read more 'I Am Appalled' Says Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen On JNU Attack, Calls CAA Unconstitutional Sen, who has been an outspoken critic of the BJP and its brand of politics said exaggerated claims about Vedic mathematics had generated a world of fantasy in a section of educational institutions in the country, which should be resisted. Read more Travelling 12,000 Kms, Smoke From Australian Bushfires Has Reached Brazil, Chile & Argentina Twitter/@greeeeengrl Facebook/liamferrariofficial National Institute for Space Research, which is the research unit of the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has said that the smoke from bushfires raging across Australia has now reached Brazil. Read more The Express store in the Midland Mall is going out of business and expected to close by the end of the month. Store employees declined to comment to the media on details, however, a call to the store Wednesday revealed the last day open will be Sunday, Jan. 26. Signs throughout the store also signal store-wide closing sales. Midland Mall Manager Lori Snyder declined to comment on why the store was closing and any other details. However, she said it was upsetting news for the mall community and she felt terrible for the employees affected. My heart goes out to those people, so, its really hard for me, she said. So many people lose their jobs here and you have to expect when they lose their jobs here, they dont come back shopping. Their feelings are hurt they dont want that bad taste. Express Inc.s third quarter earnings report for 2019, which was published Dec. 5, stated the companys net sales were down 5% and that a new corporate strategy and significant cost savings were to be announced later this month, on Jan. 22. In 2019, Express closed multiple stores, and converted a number of others to outlets. However, the company operates more than 600 retail and factory outlet stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. While the Express store is closing, another store in the Midland Mall will be relocating into the former anchor store Younkers. Fantastic Finds, a resale shop co-owned by Lisa Hignite and Kelly Leydorf, will be moving into the bigger space in February, Snyder said. Currently, the store occupies the former Fred Meyer Jewelers location. Fantastic Finds features items found from estate sales, and Snyder said the owners intend to host auctions in the new space. In addition, Snyder said they are gearing up to announce another new business moving into the Midland Mall. A man has been arrested in the Algarve for the rape and kidnap of a British woman who escaped his clutches by leaving an SOS message in a Burger King. The 35-year-old, who has dual Portuguese and Canadian nationality was partially covered by his hoodie as he was hauled into court in Faro this afternoon to face questions in court. He went before a judge 24 hours after Portuguese police revealed he had been arrested on suspicion of a range of crimes including abduction, rape, kidnap and assault. The court will have to decide whether to remand him in custody or release him on bail pending an ongoing probe. Pictured: The 35-year-old on his way to court in Faro to face charges of kidnapping and raping a British woman. The suspect is expected to be remanded in custody after his court appearance, which is due to take place behind closed doors as is normal in Portugal for a first court hearing Earlier in the day it emerged the British woman he allegedly targeted, a seasonal worker in her twenties who has not been named, raised the alarm by giving an SOS note to a fast food restaurant worker. Police sources say she scribbled the message 'Help me, I've been abducted' on a piece of paper after her alleged captor took her to a shopping centre. Detectives have confirmed they found a replica gun they believe he may have used to intimidate his alleged victims during a search of his home. A Brazilian woman, who says she was kept prisoner in his home and raped, has also been interviewed by police. A spokesman for Portugal's Policia Judiciaria police force said ahead of the court appearance: 'The PJ, through its Southern Directorate and as part of an investigation into different crimes of abduction, rape, kidnap, aggravated threats, assault and theft, has identified and arrested a 35-year-old man residing on the Algarve.' 'The arrest occurred at the same time as a house search ordered by the court in Faro which was carried out early yesterday morning/Tuesday morning,' he added. 'Objects used in the commission of the alleged crimes were seized during the operation, including a replica 9mm caliber firearm. 'The incidents occurred last year in the Algarve region. 'The defendant already has a police and judicial record for similar violent behaviour.' Police sources confirmed the British woman has now left Portugal. One said: 'We're not talking about women being snatched off the street. 'The man arrested started what appeared to be a regular relationship, flirting with the women until they voluntarily agreed to go to his place and then he allegedly prevented them from leaving without his permission once they were inside. Pictured: An undated file photo of the shopping complex in Faro where the British woman raised the alarm. She was allegedly held captive at a property in Faro. It was not immediately clear how the ordeal began 'The Brazilian woman has told detectives she was able to escape during a visit to the village of Boliqueime near Albufeira. 'The British woman has said she was kept prisoner for just over a week. 'She managed to scribble a note begging for help which she gave a worker at a fast food restaurant when she was taken by her alleged abductor to a shopping centre in Faro. 'Both women were kept at different times at the man's home in the Albufeira area.' Another added: 'The fast food employee was very quick thinking and phoned police the moment she saw the note. 'The couple had left by the time officers arrived but they were able to track them down. 'The woman didn't say much to start with but started opening up once she had been separated from the man and taken to a police station.' The suspect is expected to be remanded in custody after his court appearance, which is due to take place behind closed doors as is normal in Portugal for a first court hearing. The British woman was allegedly held captive at a property in Faro. It was not immediately clear how the ordeal began. The restaurant where she raised the alarm has been identified as the Burger King in Faro's emblematic Forum Algarve shopping centre. Police from Portugal's PSP force are thought to have gone to the suspect's home after she left her SOS message but been told initially she was there of her own free will. She is thought to have used the police visit to escape her alleged abductor's clutches. The Brazilian woman was targeted in the nearby holiday resort of Albufeira. Police have not released the ages of the two women. The recently revamped security firm, the Netwatch Group, posted revenues of 35.1m in its first 10 months in business in 2018, new accounts show. However, legal and professional fees of over 7.2m from the merger of four businesses making up the new Netwatch in the UK, the US, and in Ireland, contributed to the business posting a pre-tax loss of 10.1m. Japanese government lawyers are seeking to arrest the wife of former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn. They believe that Carole Ghosn lied when she was questioned in a Tokyo court about her husbands case. Japanese prosecutors have accused Carlos Ghosn of financial misconduct. He was in Japan awaiting trial last week when he fled to Lebanon, where he lived as a child. Carole Ghosn is not in Japan. Prosecutors said in a statement that she gave false testimony to the court last year. She was asked about the transfer of money from one company to another that reportedly caused financial losses for Nissan. She also denied knowing or meeting several people, and the denials were false, prosecutors said. Carole Ghosn was not available for comment. But earlier, she told The Associated Press after her questioning in court that she considered the questions unsubstantial. She was barred from meeting with her husband after his release on bail because of fears she might tamper with evidence. Lebanon and Japan do not have an extradition treaty. Japanese officials say it is unclear whether the Ghosns can be forced to go to Japan to face charges. The officials also said they were still looking into what could be done. In Beirut, Lebanons justice minister confirmed that the government had received a request from Interpol to arrest Carlos Ghosn. He said Lebanon would take the necessary steps. The Lebanese presidents office announced Tuesday that President Michel Aoun met with Japanese ambassador Takeshi Okubo. It was the first known meeting between the president and a Japanese diplomat since Ghosn arrived in the country on December 30. Aouns office said Okubo called for cooperation from Lebanese officials in order to avoid diplomatic problems between the two countries. Japans chief government spokesman said Japanese officials have told Lebanon that Ghosn left the country illegally, and they are trying to understand what happened. Lebanese Justice Minister Albert Serhan says Ghosn entered Lebanon legally, and added that his stay on Lebanese territories is legal. He also said Lebanon had not yet received any requests from Japan about the arrest of Carole Ghosn. The state-operated National News Agency reported his comments. Earlier Tuesday, Ghosns former employer, Nissan Motor Company, said it was still seeking legal action against him. Nissan and Japanese prosecutors accuse Ghosn of misstating his future compensation and taking company money for personal use. Ghosn says he is innocent. In a statement, the company said it would hold Ghosn (responsible)...for the harm his misconduct has caused to Nissan. It did not give details. Ghosn claims he is the victim of a campaign by Japans government and Nissan officials to destroy the possibility of a merger between Nissan and the French company Renault. Ghosn was able to leave the country while he was under surveillance at a home in Tokyo. Japanese reports Tuesday gave new details of that escape. They say he left his home alone, met two men at a Tokyo hotel, and then took a train to the city of Osaka. In Osaka, he hid in a large box that was put on a private plane. Ghosn said in a statement last week that he wanted to escape injustice. Critics of the Japanese legal system say his case shows that the system moves too slowly and keeps people in detention too long. Japanese officials have defended the nations legal system. They say Ghosns escape was an unjustifiable crime. Im Susan Shand. The Associated Press reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story prosecutor n. a lawyer who represents the side in a court case that accuses a person of a crime and who tries to prove that the person is guilty testimony n. a sworn statement; something that someone says in a court of law while promising to tell the truth transfer n. the movement of someone or something from one place to another bail n. money given to a court that enables a prisoner to leave jail and on the promise of returning later for a trial tamper v. to change or affect extradition n. to send a person who has been accused of a crime to another state or country for trial compensation n. payment given for doing a job merger n. the combing of two things, like two companies, into one surveillance n. the act of carefully watching someone or something, especially in order to prevent or identify a crime The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) does not expect disruptions in supplies to the world oil market amid the aggravation of the situation in the Middle East and expects that further escalation of the conflict in the region will be avoided, the Minister of Energy of the UAE, Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei told reporters. The situation in the Middle East, the largest oil-producing region in the world, was destabilized after General Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the special forces of Al-Quds of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed during the US Army operation. Iran promised to answer for the Generals death. Brent oil quotes are growing amid the conflict and are at about $ 70 per barrel. He also said that participants in the OPEC + format do not plan to meet for an extraordinary meeting because of the situation with Iran and the US, Bloomberg reported. Bloomberg also referred to the words of OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo, who claims that oil production in Iraq has not been affected. I would have been shocked by the news of the US assassination of Irans Major-General Qassem Soleimani no matter where I was in the world. But it was particularly jarring to read about it as I woke up in Iraq this past Friday morning. I was in the southern city of Najaf at the time, close to the end of a week-long organized tour to several sites of tremendous religious importance for Shia Muslims in Karbala, Najaf, Kufa, Samarra and Kazmain. The moment I saw the headline on an article on my phone, I knew this would be a major turning point in the region because I was familiar with Soleimanis profile. And as I scrolled through the piece, one detail in particular jumped out at me: Soleimani had been targeted at Baghdad International Airport, the same airport that I was due to fly out of in less than 24 hours. At the time it wasnt clear whether the airport was still operational, whether flights would be canceled, or whether Iraqi airspace would be shut down. But even before the State Department ordered Americans to leave the country immediately, I knew that I didnt want to risk staying in Iraq a moment longer than necessary and that I didnt want to fly out of Baghdad who knew whether airport infrastructure was damaged by airstrikes or whether further military action by the US had been planned? After a furious scramble, I was able to buy a new ticket to leave Iraq on Friday evening on a five-flight journey that took around 54 hours from my hotel in Najaf to my apartment in New York City. Because I was desperate to get out of Iraq, I was prepared to travel in the wrong direction to leave the country so I ended up flying to Doha before subsequent flights brought me (slowly) home. But even with a flight booked out of Iraq, I remained tense: given the stature and importance of Soleimani in Iran, there was a huge amount of uncertainty about what might happen next. Only when we were wheels-up on Qatar Airways Flight 461 did I finally breathe a sigh of relief. To stay on top of developments, I frequently checked on Twitter which, I found, was home to some extremely simplified hot takes portraying Soleimani as either a villain or a saint. Soleimani was hugely responsible for the defeat of Isis in Iraq. In 2014, when Isis took over territory in northern Iraq and the Iraqi army wilted, Soleimani took the fight to Isis and kept them out of southern Iraq where they most probably would have attacked shrines and pilgrims in places like Karbala. After all, there was precedent for this: Isiss predecessor Al-Qaeda In Iraq bombed the shrine of Imam Hassan Askari in Samarra in 2006 and again in 2007; they also killed 178 pilgrims in Karbala in March 2004 on the day of Ashura. But any discussion of Soleimani clearly a US foe is incomplete without acknowledging his hugely damaging role in Syrias bloody civil war, which has caused hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths, mass displacement, a refugee crisis and devastating damage to Syrias infrastructure. Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Show all 24 1 /24 Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions Iranian mourners gather around a vehicle carrying the coffin of top general Qasem Soleimani during the final stage of funeral processions, in his hometown Kerman. Soleimani was killed outside Baghdad airport in a drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump, ratcheting up tensions with Iran which has vowed "severe revenge" AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian people carry a coffin of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani during a funeral procession in Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions The assassination of the 62-year-old heightened international concern about a new war in the volatile, oil-rich Middle East and rattled financial markets AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners packed the streets of Tehran for ceremonies to pay homage to Soleimani, who spearheaded Iran's Middle East operations as commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force and was killed in a US drone strike on January 3 Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranians set a US and an Israeli flag on fire during the funeral procession AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, centre, with Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, second left, and President Hassan Rouhani, third left, standing next to him as he leads a prayer over the caskets of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Tehran University Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, left, openly weeps as he leads a prayer over the coffin of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners holding posters of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Coffins of Soleimani and others who were killed in Iraq by a US drone strike, are carried on a truck surrounded by mourners during a funeral procession, at the Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions An Iranian mourner holds a placard AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Downtown Tehran was brought to a standstill as mourners flooded the Iranian capital Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Former Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps chief Mohamad Ali Jafari prays on the coffins of Qasem Soleimani and of other victims during their funeral ceremony EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Satellite image Maxar Technologies/AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA When Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei described Soleimani as a martyr, I didnt take it seriously firstly, because I dont believe in theocracy; and secondly, because its difficult to determine when Khamenei is speaking in his own interests, Irans national interest or the interests of Shia Muslims. However, when I saw Iraq-based Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani also describe Soleimani as a martyr, it caught my attention, because Sistani generally doesnt comment on political matters. Martyrs have special status within Islam; for example, certain funeral rites are waived for them. In fact, the Shia-Sunni schism is predicated on the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (grandson of the Prophet Muhammad), the most revered figure in Shia Islam, and someone whose death anniversary is commemorated by tens of millions of people visiting his shrine in Karbala each year. The Trump administration will face inevitable blowback from making Soleimani a martyr. While killing Soleimani is undoubtedly a huge blow to Iran due to his legendary status in that country, his assassination seems to have increased his legend among Iranians and, crucially, many Iraqis. Meanwhile, in death Soleimani may achieve what he did not in his life: the permanent expulsion of American forces from Iraq. And even if this Iranian goal isnt achieved in the short term, the Iranian government can use Soleimanis assassination as a rallying cry for years to come because Soleimani is now viewed as a martyr, and martyrs live forever. By Laman Ismayilova The Rashid Behbudov State Song Theater will host Nadezhda (Hope) International Art Competition on January 12. The contest is co-organized by the Azerbaijan Youth Union and the Dance Association with the support of the Cultural Ministry and JamGroup, Trend Life reported. The competition is held by age category: baby (6 years old), children (up to 10 years old), juniors (up to 16 years old), teenagers (16 years old and older). The competition will feature various genres, including folk, classical, pop, music, shows, fashion, choir and dance. The main goal of the competition is to reveal and develop the creative potential of the younger generation. The participants, group leaders will also be able to communicate and get advice from members of the jury members. To ensure the objectivity, the names of participants, studios or schools will not be announced. The professional jury will evaluate only the performance. The winners will be determined by registration number. For more information, please contact: [email protected] +994124925464 +994502502293 +994557079002 Media partners of the event are Azernews.az, Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 20:45:14|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- An explosion rocked an area controlled by the Turkish forces and Turkey-backed rebels in northern Syria on Wednesday, leaving casualties among the Turkish forces and allied rebels, state news agency SANA reported. The explosion was caused by a booby-trapped vehicle that tore through the village of Arabayeen in the countryside of the city of Ras al-Ayn in the countryside of the northeastern province of Hasakah, said SANA. It said there were killed and wounded fighters from the Turkish forces and Turkey-backed rebels. The report said the wounded were taken across the border to Turkey to receive treatment. It's the latest in a series of explosions targeting Turkey-held areas in northern Syria, particularly in the Ras al-Ayn city and its vicinity, which were stormed by Turkey following a wide-scale offensive in October last year. The Turkish campaign was targeting the Kurdish militia groups, which are deemed by Turkey as terrorists. The Syrian government has accused the Turkish forces of being forces of occupation, stressing that there will come a time when they will be forced to leave Syria. A 1 million campaign to help schools drive down the number of exclusions to a minimum is today launched by the Evening Standard. London secondary schools with exclusion rates higher than the national average are invited to apply for grants of up to 150,000 each, spread over three years, to develop on-site inclusion units. Our groundbreaking campaign, The Excluded, aims to transform inclusion . It is inspired by the pioneering ethos of schools such as Dunraven in Lambeth, as well as the city of Glasgow, where exclusions are down by more than 85 per cent. It is also a positive response to our special investigation, which has revealed a clear link between the 70 per cent rise in permanent exclusions in the past five years and the catastrophic escalation of youths caught up in county line drug dealing and knife crime. The 1 million windfall has been raised from John Lyons Charity, a leading funder for young people in north and west London, and from Martin Moshal, a tech investor and philanthropist, who will each contribute 500,000 over three years. Our campaign demands bold action and calls on the Government to help expand our pilot with match funding. The Mayor of London has acted by announcing 1.5 million over two years to bankroll a Supporting Inclusive Schools Programme via his Violence Reduction Unit. Of this, half is for helping vulnerable students make the transition from primary to secondary school. Just 300,000 150,000 per year has been set aside to back 26 schools in 13 boroughs to become more inclusive by providing money for nurture teacher training. This is a good start but not enough to shift the dial. The Standard believes more can be done. Ofsted is also being urged to take action. The watchdog should require that schools have a whole school plan to support children with behavioural problems, just as they do for children with special educational needs and disability, known as SEND children. But it is the Department for Education that can make the most dramatic difference. It is urged to acknowledge that the current system costing 18,000 per child and where one in 100 permanently excluded pupils get a good pass in GCSE English and maths requires radical overhaul. Loading.... Loading.... If it gives mainstream schools a nurture budget, like in Glasgow, it can radically cut exclusions and with it knife crime. A Department for Education spokesperson said the government was not looking to reduce exclusions and added: Excluding a pupil from school should only ever be a last resort, but we will always back heads to bring discipline to the classroom for the benefit of every childs education. The Education Secretary has been clear that his ambition is exactly the same for pupils excluded from school and being taught in alternative provision, as it is for those in mainstream education. We are investing in alternative provision to raise standards and channelling the innovation and expertise already in the system so we can break the mould for these young people and transform their lives. David Benson, headteacher of Kensington Aldridge Academy, the award-winning secondary below Grenfell Tower, said they would be the first to apply to our fund. He said: Two years ago we started an on-site inclusion unit which has achieved some success in turning around children at risk of permanent exclusion, but our ambition is to reduce exclusions further, so I welcome this unique opportunity afforded us by the Standard. Lynne Guyton, inset above, chief executive of John Lyons Charity, said: Over the past eight years there has been a trend towards zero-tolerance, resulting in more pupils being excluded. "This is happening for several reasons including lack of funding and because schools are under pressure to remove children who bring down their exam results. Unruly child behaviour is always a symptom of an underlying problem. By partnering with the Standard, we hope to empower visionary headteachers to pioneer new ways of bolstering inclusion. Mr Moshal, a South African who wanted to contribute to London after living here for 10 years until December 2018, said: A schools approach to exclusions can make the difference between a young person correcting their path and entering the world confident and productive and one who leaves a trail of trauma in their wake. "Our work at the Moshal Scholarship Program with young people in South Africa and Israel has shown that success can arise out of adversity, given the right support. My backing for the Standards campaign is driven by my belief that there is massive potential among young people from challenging backgrounds, and that if harnessed effectively, it can transform their lives and those of their families. Kate Markey, chief executive of The London Community Foundation, which manages the Dispossessed Fund and will administer the Moshal funds, said: We want to encourage schools that have lacked resources to be as inclusive as they might, and who can lead the way in supporting distressed children, so that no child is left behind. Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announces he is dropping charges against David Sheppard during a news conference in Media on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. Read more The stolen jeans were recovered and the Delaware County denim shop they were swiped from closed long ago. Now, the 1992 retail-theft charge against David Sheppard has been dropped as well. We are ending the prosecution of ... this 28-year-old retail-theft case of a pair of jeans that never left the Springfield Mall, newly sworn-in Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said at a news conference Wednesday. We are not going to spend another dollar of taxpayers money pursuing that case. It was among the first official actions taken by Stollsteimer, who campaigned as a progressive in a county that had never before elected a Democrat to the post. And it brings to a close a case that had drawn national attention, symbolizing a political and philosophical divide over efforts to revive Pennsylvanias long-dormant and -dysfunctional commutation process. Sheppard, 54, spent most of the 28 years he was supposedly a fugitive from Delaware County in a Pennsylvania state prison, serving a life sentence for second-degree murder. In December, Gov. Tom Wolf granted him a commutation an act of clemency that in recent years has been granted to fewer than 1% of Pennsylvanias lifers. Then-Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland then said she would pursue the old retail-theft case out of a sense of justice, over concern that the commutation had advanced without victim input. Sheppard, known as Wavy, was 29 when he took part in the robbery of Loves Pharmacy in Overbrook and his accomplice fatally shot the owner, 64-year-old Thomas Brannan. Brannans daughter, Regina Marcellus, now 58, said that the murder devastated her family and their community, and that their pain was renewed when they learned that the Board of Pardons had recommended Sheppard for commutation by Wolf without giving her family a chance to weigh in. Stollsteimer praised former Senior Deputy District Attorney Daniel McDevitt, who led the push to prosecute the retail-theft case, for ensuring that the victims then had their say before the governor granted clemency. (Stollsteimer also said he had himself reached out to Brannans family before deciding to withdraw the charges.) But everything the office did" other than McDevitts outreach was questionable, he said. Stollsteimer announced McDevitts termination in December, along with about one-quarter of the District Attorneys Office staff. He called the retail-theft case a political stunt through which Copeland was auditioning for a job in the Trump administration. He noted that it could have yielded serious consequences because a new criminal conviction would have overturned Sheppards commutation. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman likewise said he met with the family in December but he still took to social media to rail against the retail-theft prosecution, which drew national media coverage and even Twitter advocacy from Kim Kardashian. Fetterman contended that the case was a waste of government resources, since Sheppard had already served more than 25 years in prison. Even with commutation, he is required to live in a halfway house for a year and will spend the rest of his life on parole. Reached by phone before his release from prison, Sheppard expressed confusion about the political division that had swept his case into the spotlight. This cant be about no 30-year-old retail theft, he said. Sheppard, a father of five and grandfather of 13, said he hopes to move to Hagerstown, Md., where his brother has a room and a custodial job waiting for him. Former first lady Michelle Obama announced Tuesday is set to launch an Instagram TV series that will follow four college students, sharing the highs and lows of their first-year experiences, in order to inspire other new students. The six-episode series, titled "A Year of Firsts," will premiere later this month and conclude in June. It's being produced in partnership with media company ATTN:. The new series is a part of Obama's Reach Higher initiative on higher education that she spearheaded as first lady. "By sharing their stories, they're helping others see that the ups and downs of the first year of college are something everyone goes through -- and they're creating a supportive community for others facing similar challenges," Obama, who is a first-generation college student, said in a statement. In an Instagram video released Tuesday by ATTN:, the former first lady said the four students have "overcome tremendous odds to get where they are," and will candidly share their experiences with viewers. The statement said the students will "explore issues like the academic stress of college, making new friends, college affordability, and the physical and mental health while in college." The new series adds to a growing list of post-presidency projects by the former first lady and her husband, former President Barack Obama, which includes a production deal with Netflix. Their first feature, a documentary about a Chinese-owned factory in Ohio, was released in August. Last year, Michelle Obama released her highly anticipated memoir, "Becoming," before embarking on an international book tour. For his part, Barack Obama secured in 2017 a memoir deal with Random House, though a release date for the book has not yet been announced. Washington, Jan 8 : At least 10 rockets of unknown type early on Wednesday morning local time hit the Al Asad airbase in central Iraq, where numerous US troops are stationed, in what appears to be the first retaliatory strike by Iran in the wake of the US drone strike that killed Iranian Quds Force commander Gen. Qasem Soleimani last week in Baghdad. It is not yet known whether any casualties resulted from the missile strike or what kind of damage was sustained at the base. It is also not precisely known how many missiles were fired or what type they were. Furthermore, it is not known whether US anti-missile defences at the base were able to intercept any of the incoming missiles, Efe news reported. The White House said that President Donald Trump was informed of the attack and is in contact with his national security team, while state-run Iranian media are saying that the Revolutionary Guards mounted the attack. "This morning, courageous fighters of the (Iranian Revolutionary Guard) Air Force launched a successful operation called Operation Martyr Soleimani, with the code 'Oh Zahra' by firing tens of ground-to-ground missiles at the base of the terrorist and invasive US forces named Ain Al Asad," Iran's ISNA news agency reported. ABC News reported that a US official confirmed that "ballistic missiles" were fired from inside Iran at multiple US military facilities in Iraq, including Erbil in northern Iraq and the Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq," White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said a statement. "The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team." Iran's foreign minister has insisted they do not want a war despite firing more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed their top Iranian general. Foreign minister Javad Zarif defended the missile strikes saying Iran 'took & concluded proportionate measures' and was only acting in 'self defense' when they struck back at the U.S. But while Zarif suggested their retaliation was concluded, he warned that Iran did not 'seek escalation or war' but vowed to continue defending themselves if the U.S. chose to retaliate. The firing of the missiles late Tuesday was a major escalation between Iran and the U.S. and raised immediate fears that the two longtime enemies were inching closer to war. But the response from Iran's foreign minister is one of a few indicators that there might not be further retaliation on either side - at least in the short term. Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif has insisted they do not want a war despite firing more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq housing American troops in a revenge attack for the killing of a top Iranian general that was ordered by Donald Trump Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif warned that Iran did not 'seek escalation or war' but vowed to continue defending themselves if the U.S. chose to retaliate It comes after President Donald Trump calmly tweeted on Tuesday night that 'all is well' shortly after the missile attacks It comes after President Donald Trump calmly tweeted on Tuesday night that 'all is well' shortly after the missile attacks. 'So far, so good' he added regarding casualties and damage. 'Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far,' Trump tweeted. It appears to be a step back from the tense aftermath of the strikes when the Pentagon said the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces and Iran's Revolutionary Guards admitted to firing the rockets in retaliation for last week's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Soleimani's killing and the strikes by Iran came as tensions have been rising steadily across the Mideast ever since Trump's decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. They also marked the first time in recent years that the U.S. and Iran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq, which Trump visited in December 2018, and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were the two bases targeted in the attacks. A military official has revealed the U.S. had early warnings of the Iranian missile launches and were able to the sound the alarms at at least one of the two targeted bases. Those in harm's way were able to scramble to safety and hide in bunkers during the attack, the official told USA Today. U.S. troops at the base had been practicing safety drills for some time. A U.S. official has since said there were no immediate reports of American casualties although buildings were still being searched. Iraqi officials say there were no casualties among their forces either. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, reportedly said Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was personally in the control center coordinating the attacks. The rockets used in the attack, according to Iranian TV, were Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles, which have a range of 186 miles or 300km. In the immediate aftermath, they warned U.S. allies in the Middle East that they would face retaliation if America strikes back against any Iranian targets from their bases. President Trump and First Lady Melania visited the al-Asad airbase in western Iraq in December 2018. The airbase was targeted by Iran on Tuesday in a missile attack 'We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted,' they said. It also threatened Israel. After the strikes, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator posted a picture of the Islamic Republic's flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others last Friday. Meanwhile, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said after the attacks that the missile strikes were an 'act of war' and said Trump had all the power he needed to act. 'This is an act of war by any reasonable definition,' Graham told Fox News' Sean Hannity. 'The President has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond.' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted that the U.S., as well as the rest of the world, 'cannot afford war'. 'Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war,' she tweeted. The missiles strikes prompted the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to ban U.S. carriers from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia. That decision came just hours before a Ukrainian passenger plane bound for Kiev fell from the sky just outside of Tehran - sparking speculation it was shot down, killing all 170 passengers on board. WASHINGTON - Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. will preside over any impeachment trial of President Donald Trump as the Constitution requires, but don't expect him to make decisions that substantively reshape the action. Although there is speculation about how active a role Roberts will take in an impeachment trial and whether key witnesses testify, the Senate under past rules has given relatively little authority to the nation's top judicial figure. And in the areas Roberts might have authority to make rulings, such as questions about whether evidence is relevant, the rules also allow the Senate to call for a vote to overrule him anyway. Also, past impeachment trial rules, such as those for President Bill Clinton in 1999, give the chief justice the ability to defer making a ruling on his own and instead put a question to a Senate vote. "All he has to do is look straight at the senators and say, 'What do you think, boys and girls?'" said Frank O. Bowman III, a law professor at the University of Missouri and author of "High Crimes & Misdemeanors: A History of Impeachment for the Age of Trump." "I think there's substantial likelihood that in any matter of any probable consequence, he'll do that," Bowman said. ADVERTISEMENT House impeachment managers who present the case, along with Democratic senators, are almost certain to raise issues that will put Roberts in a tough spot if he were to rule. For example, Democrats are calling for the Senate to hear testimony from former national security adviser John Bolton and other Trump administration officials, while Republicans are not interested in allowing that. That highlights the potential pitfalls for Roberts, a George W. Bush appointee whose instincts as chief justice have been to try to keep the Supreme Court from appearing political or stepping into the role of the political branches. A ruling that sided with Democrats would risk eroding Roberts' reputation among conservatives, and could be overruled by the Republican majority. A ruling that sided with Republicans would invite criticism that it was politically motivated. That makes the third path an attractive option: Just stay out of the way and punt the contentious questions to the politicians. In that way, Roberts might be wearing a robe, but his role will be different from a trial judge who is overseeing a criminal case. In a criminal case, there is an extensive history of legal decisions that guide a judge to decide whether a witness could testify or not, Bowman said. In an impeachment trial, "the problem is there isn't any" such history for Roberts to apply. The Constitution states only that the chief justice shall preside "when the President of the United States is tried," but gives the Senate "sole power" to try all impeachments. The senators themselves somewhat take on the role of the judge in an impeachment trial, something underscored by a ruling that then-Chief Justice William Rehnquist made during Clinton's five-week impeachment trial. At one point, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, had made a motion that House impeachment managers who were presenting their case against Clinton should not refer to the senators as "jurors," as Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, wrote Tuesday in an op-ed published by Fox News. Rehnquist decided "that the Senate is not simply a jury; it is a court in this case," and there were no objections, Lee wrote. "By its very nature, the Senate's role in the impeachment process clearly indicates that senators are not passive observers of the trial," Lee wrote, citing how senators decide the evidence that should be heard, how it should be presented and what witnesses to call or not. "They can even override the presiding officer, who in the case of a presidential impeachment is the chief justice," Lee wrote. "No jury can do that." ADVERTISEMENT That turned out to be one of the more memorable rulings Rehnquist made during the five-week Clinton trial, when he otherwise had little substantive role. Rehnquist would later tell television interviewer Charlie Rose that "I did nothing in particular, and I did it very well" - a line from a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta that made it into the chief justice's New York Times obituary. In the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson, then-Chief Justice Salmon Chase had to rule on motions and issues about live witnesses and more, Bowman said. Chase would often say something like, "it would appear to me under the standing rule that would be out of order," but then would automatically turn to senators and invite a contrary view and potential Senate vote, Bowman said. The most extraordinary power that Roberts may wield during the impeachment trial would be in the event of a tie vote on a procedural question or appeal. Because the chief justice is the presiding officer for the purposes of presidential impeachments, Chase believed he had the authority to cast tiebreaking votes (as the vice president would during normal Senate business). In at least one case, Chase actually broke a tie on a procedural vote. Sen. Charles Sumner of Massachusetts made a motion that Chase's tiebreaking vote was "without authority under the Constitution of the United States," but the motion failed. There are other potential situations that could put Roberts in the hot seat. Ross Garber, who teaches political investigations and impeachment at Tulane Law School, brought up a possibility related to potential Bolton testimony. If the Senate subpoenaed Bolton, and if he showed up, and if Trump's lawyers tried to block answers based on the president's executive privilege, the trial could raise questions for Roberts about the scope and extent of executive privilege that could have lasting implications for the future of congressional oversight, Garber said. Roberts would not be inclined to make such sweeping rulings himself. And Republicans don't appear inclined to let Roberts take control of the Senate process. "The chief justice is not the judge. He's the presiding officer. There are no standards of proof. There are no rules of evidence," Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., a former law professor, said last month on CNN. "And every senator, unless we pass a new rule by 51 votes in the Senate, is entitled to approach it his own way." ADVERTISEMENT --- (Niels Lesniewski contributed to this report.) --- (c)2020 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved Visit CQ Roll Call at www.rollcall.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was killed by U.S. forces in Iraq Friday morning after violating a travel ban prohibiting him from entering Iraq and for allegedly planning attacks against U.S. diplomats. President Trump ordered the strike against Soleimani, a popular, top commander in Irans military, as a decisive, defensive action after repeated attacks by Iranian-backed forces on U.S. troops in Iraq. But now Soleimanis death is causing alarm in countries throughout the Middle East and here in the United States. Retaliation is expected by Iran and its allies. Iraq has condemned the strike by the U.S., as well. Gen. Soleimani, 62, was over Irans Quds Forces, which are said to aid terrorist organizations in countries like Iraq. He was once referred to by Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khomeini, as a living martyr of the revolution and was the second most powerful man in Iran. It is believed many organizations will want to avenge his death. All Americans currently in Iraq have been advised to leave the country immediately. Thats why we should take the most powerful action possible in the face of this volatile situation pray. Heres how you can pray for the current rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran: Pray for our leaders. Ask God to grant discernment to our government leaders as they navigate this tense situation and seek a solution thats peaceful yet protects our national security. Pray for our U.S. troops. With military bases being the most likely targets for retribution, we need to pray for the wisdom of our military officials and for the safety of every soldier on the ground. Pray for the Christians in southern Iraq. Local Christians may also come under fire because of Christianitys association with the U.S. and the West in the mind of local Islamic extremists. Pray for the citizens of the Middle East. Airstrikes have become a constant occurrence in the Middle East, and this added tension will only cause them to escalate. Remember, also, the innocent civilians who are in grave danger. Having spent decades working to deliver humanitarian aid to some of the most volatile corners of our world including Venezuela, Syria, Iraq and Nigeria I have learned that prayer is key for any effort to achieve peace. Prayer reminds us of our dependence on God and helps us see beyond ourselves to the needs of others. Please continue praying for those affected and those who could potentially be in harms way in the coming weeks and months. May God protect us and help us find a peaceful way forward. Photo courtesy: Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash Vernon Brewer is the founder of World Help, a Christian humanitarian organization serving the physical and spiritual needs of people in impoverished communities around the world. Follow him @vernonbrewer. Walker, who earned a law degree from the University of Texas and worked early in his career in the corporate world for the Union Bank of Switzerland, sometimes speaks about the arts in ways that echo the language of excellence and aspiration in the Kennedy years. But he also uses another art discourse that sounds more like the rhetoric of the Johnson administration about access, opportunity, fairness, dignity and openness. Hes lived his life deeply in the arts, with a sense of awe ofits power and a personal gratitude for helping him transform the violence, the dysfunction, the deprivation of his Texas childhood into a lifelong mission in philanthropy. But he also expresses an urgent concern for how the arts are distributed in America who can afford to attend performances and exhibitions, where they are located and, most important, who are the gatekeepers who decide what is exhibited, performed and acknowledged as art. Jobs will be lost and prices will go up if rates bills for local bars are increased, Northern Ireland's leading pub group has warned. James Sinton, group finance director for Beannchor, spoke out after the Department of Finance (DoF) re-examined the rateable values of 74,000 business premises to reflect changes in the cost of property. The new figures will be used to calculate rates bills this year, although business owners can appeal the results. The Reval 2020 process uncovered rising values for licensed premises across the region. Popular Belfast city centre bar the Sunflower, for example, saw its rateable value jump by 563%, from 7,500 to 50,000. Others including Henry's (from 37,000 to 155,000), The Dirty Onion (145,000 to 320,000) and Bittles Bar (18,000 to 30,000) were also hit with major increases. Mr Sinton, whose company owns establishments including The Dirty Onion and The National, said the increases would "be used to ultimately counteract reductions seen for multinational retailers elsewhere". "This is grave news for our industry and an attack on local hospitality businesses in Belfast city centre, most notably the Cathedral Quarter," he added. "The implementation of these increases can only lead to two things: redundancies and price hikes. These levels simply cannot be absorbed by businesses amid what are already challenging trading conditions. "We believe that this a very short-sighted approach. Hospitality is a key catalyst for inward investment in our country. We should be making every effort to ensure these businesses are sustainable and continue to attract additional tourism. "We, like many others, have invested heavily in our businesses in Belfast over the last decade. "This is not without risk and it is hugely disappointing that we appear to be penalised for this investment. "Businesses in Belfast cannot stay profitable with rates increases of this scale." John Bittle, owner of Bittles Bar, said the new rates valuations would "put a lot of businesses under pressure". He added: "It's a fairly big increase. You work hard at your business and the amount that you get out of it is getting less and less." The DoF said that the increased values would not translate into additional rates revenue and insisted that the process was fiscally neutral. However, the values are just one element of the process which is used to calculate rates. Figures set by district councils and regional government are also used. Despite the huge increase in the rateable value for the Sunflower, owner Pedro Donald said it was a tax he was happy to pay. "I'm a great believer in paying taxes. Everyone has to pay taxes to make the city a better place," Mr Donald added. A convicted murderer who helped fight off London Bridge terrorist Usman Khan with a narwhal tusk could be in line for a medal as Boris Johnson has praised his 'gallantry'. The Prime Minister told the Commons he was 'lost in admiration for the bravery' of Steven Gallant and others who helped members of the public during the attack last November. His remarks came after Labour's Karl Turner asked Mr Johnson to pay tribute to his Hull East constituent for taking on Usman Khan, who embarked on a killing spree armed with two knives. Steve Gallant (left) with London Bridge terror attack victim Jack Merritt pictured during a Learning Together training course in April 2018 Darryn Frost, 38, (holding a narwhal tusk) and John Crilly, 48, (wielding a fire extinguisher) are to be awarded the highest civilian honours for bravery Khan wore a fake suicide vest during his attack at the Learning Together rehabilitation project event at Fishmongers' Hall in central London. Course coordinators Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones died in the attack. Using a chair and narwhal tusk handed to him by civil servant Darryn Frost, Gallant helped to hold Khan back after chasing him onto London Bridge. Gallant (pictured) was praised for his bravery in the Commons today Gallant was one of two men convicted of killing Barrie Jackson in Hull, East Yorkshire, in 2005. He had been allowed out on licence on the day of the attack for the first time since his sentencing. The 42-year-old, who was jailed for a minimum of 17 years and is still behind bars, helped restrain Khan on London Bridge before police shot the terrorist dead. Speaking in the Commons, Mr Turner said: 'In 2005, my constituent Steven Gallant did a bad thing for which he is serving a life sentence in prison. But on November 29 he was the third man on London Bridge. 'He wrestled the knife-wielding murderous terrorist to the ground so that police marksmen could shoot him dead. Steven is rightly serving life in prison. 'But will the Prime Minister congratulate and pay tribute to Steven for his bravery that day, which no doubt saved lives?' Vigils were held in London and Cambridge to remember Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt, 25, (left) and Saskia Jones, 23, (right) who died in the attack Using a chair and narwhal tusk handed to him by civil servant Darryn Frost (left), who revealed last month how he had also risked his life to take on the attacker, Gallant tried to hold Khan back. Gallant described former prisoner John Crilly (right) and the chef called Lukasz who also stepped in as 'extremely brave' Mr Johnson replied: 'I thank (Mr Turner) for his question and making a very good point, which I think the whole House would agree. 'I'm lost in admiration for the bravery of Steven Gallant and indeed others who went to the assistance of members of the public on that day and fought a very determined terrorist. 'It's not for the Government to decide these things but it is my hope that that gallantry will in due course be recognised in the proper way.' Gallant and James Gilligan were jailed for carrying out a revenge attack on 33-year-old ex-fireman Mr Jackson. They lay in wait for Mr Jackson outside a pub after believing he attacked Gallant's girlfriend. He is thought to have been bludgeoned with a hammer, kicked and punched to death, according to a 2008 Court of Appeal judgment which dismissed Gallant's application to quash the conviction. But since going to prison, Gallant, who will be eligible for parole in 2022 subject to approval, has 'vowed never to turn to violence again'. Instead he learnt to read and write and is now in his third year of a business studies degree. The protests in the wake of passing the Citizens Amendment Act and the planned National Register of Citizens, have made International headlines. Day in and day out there are protests in different cities, but what most of us forget is the changing impression of the situation outside of India. In a Facebook post, a user named Kishore V. Mariwala shared an incident - he was holidaying in Thailand and the local residents' view about what was happening in India shocked him. Mariwala was in Thailand for a sailing holiday and was making arrangements to hire a yacht and skipper. Source In the post he explains, 'At the office, the receptionist took down all the necessary details & then asked me: Sir, you are from India. Are you a Hindu? I said yes, why are you asking this? She just called her boss, the manager. He came out & they both talked something in the Thai language. The manager turned to me and said Sir, all our skippers except one have gone with our other yachts. The only one left is a Muslim. I hope you dont mind that. Sir, he said, we read in the newspapers that Hindus dont want Muslims near them so we were worried about it!' Mariwala said that he was shocked beyond words to hear what the Thailander had to say. People across the world have been watching thousands of students and notably, women, get out in the streets to protest the 'arbitrary act'. And some aboard people seem to be sure of the fact that Hindus and Muslims hate each other with vengeance. But back home, that's not the case. Soon after, Mariwala's post went viral and struck a chord online, one user wrote, 'It is a sad commentary on the current affairs in our country and our image abroad'. Another user said, 'Shameful that our present government has successfully got the wrong message out to the international community are the overall populations attitude towards all minorities'. Reuters/Minhtran on Unsplash In the protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019, that has spread to almost every corner of the country, some are protesting because it allegedly violates the secular identity of the country, while others fear that it will endanger our linguistic and cultural identity. Many others say that while the CAA itself is dangerous, combined with the proposed nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC) - an exercise that has run into controversy in Assam - it will become a tool to exclude the Muslim population of the country. Caroll Spinney was the puppeteer who gave life to Big Bird, the towering yellow avian of TVs Sesame Street who accompanied generations of youngsters in the arduous, yet wondrous, work of growing up. Spinney, who has died aged 85, brought his puppetry to a television show that aspired to be an educational influence on kids preschool-age and younger. It would become the longest-running childrens programme on US television. Sesame Street debuted on public television in 1969, its curriculum undergirded by the research of the Childrens Television Workshop co-created by television producer Joan Ganz Cooney. The show featured a racially diverse cast of live actors, as well as animation and Jim Hensons Muppets. It used advertising techniques including jingles and rhymes to teach children the alphabet and numbers, how to tie their shoes and brush their teeth, how to love a new sibling and confront a bully, and how to live in a community. Spinney met Henson at a puppetry convention and first donned Big Birds 4,000 canary-yellow feathers for the shows opening season. In thousands of episodes over nearly half a century, he gave voice and motion to Big Bird and to Oscar the Grouch, the shaggy green trash dustbin-dweller who showed children that they needed not always be happy and that it was OK to like things others didnt trash, for instance. Big Bird, who interacted most frequently with the human actors, was the centrepiece of Sesame Street, a creature often bewildered by a world that was too small for him, much as children are confused by one that is too big. Recommended How Sesame Street charmed the world for 50 years Henson originally conceived Big Bird as a funny, dumb country yokel, Spinney said, recalling that he persuaded the shows makers to recast the character as a curious six-year-old. In creating Big Bird, Spinney said he drew from memories of his boyhood. Often Big Bird made mistakes so that children on the other side of the screen could learn from them, or jubilantly correct them. Other times, he posed questions that were unnatural for other characters to ask, the ones for which children most ardently sought answers. For much of his career, even as he was summoned in character to the White House or to China with comedian Bob Hope or to conduct the Boston Pops, the bearded Spinney could go nearly anywhere without being recognised. Big Bird, meanwhile, was a celebrity everywhere. And that was how Spinney wished to keep it. Later in life Spinney revealed more of himself to the public, appearing in the 2014 documentary film I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story, directed by Dave LaMattina and Chad N Walker. By the account of his Sesame Street colleagues, Spinney was almost indistinguishable from Big Bird: he was childlike in his innocence, perhaps a bit fragile and unyielding in his loyalty to the show. Caroll Spinney and Big Bird switch on the Empire State Building lights on 8 November 2019 (Getty) As for Oscar, Spinney said he modelled the character on a cabbie from the Bronx who drove Spinney to a meeting with Henson and spent their ride grousing about then-New York City mayor John Lindsay. Who could be more of a Grouch than a cabdriver from the Bronx? Spinney quipped. He observed that, for the actor who played Big Bird, it was therapeutic to switch to Oscar, to live awhile with the exact opposite attitude about life. But it was Big Bird, he said, whom he loved best. Carol Edwin Spinney was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, in 1933. Growing up in Acton, northwest of Boston, he was entranced by puppetry from an early age. His mother, who had designed clothing before raising two sons, made many of his first puppets. He recalled his father, who worked in a watch factory, as volatile and abusive. He made money working birthday parties and putting on shows, pocketing the proceeds for college. After attending art school in Boston, he served in the air force, then worked in Boston on a television show featuring Bozo the Clown before joining Sesame Street. Recommended Original Big Bird on leaving Sesame Street after 50 years Such was the appeal of Big Bird that Nasa asked Spinney to fly into orbit in costume, to interest young people in space exploration. Spinney agreed to go, but it was ultimately determined that the space shuttle was too small to accommodate the Big Bird suit. A New Hampshire teacher, Christa McAuliffe, went in his stead and was killed along with the rest of the crew when the Challenger shuttle exploded in 1986. Spinney, who retired from the show in 2018, said many children believed in Big Bird as intensely as they believed in Santa Claus. He regarded it as his sacred duty to preserve the illusion, for as long as possible. If they come to the set, I get deBirded eventually and some take it very hard, he once said. Ive seen a lot of disappointment. I know its going to happen sooner or later, but I hate it. Childhood fantasy is a precious, short-lived time; dont take it away. The reality of the world is going to be apparent all too soon. He is survived by his second wife Debra Gilroy and three children from his first marriage. Caroll Spinney, puppeteer, born 26 December 1933, died 8 December 2019 Washington Post Telecom majors, including Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, on Wednesday sought an open court hearing of their pleas seeking review of certain directions of the Supreme Court on recovery of past dues amounting to Rs 1.47 lakh crore from telecom service providers. The recovery of past dues by the government was based on adjusted gross revenue of about Rs 92,000 crore. The plea seeking an open court hearing was mentioned before a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, who said he will take a decision after talking to Chief Justice S A Bobde. The apex court had on October 24 last year upheld the AGR definition formulated by the Department of Telecom (DoT) and termed as "frivolous" the nature of objections raised by telecom service providers. Bharti Airtel, in its plea, had sought review of the directions on aspects of levy of interest, penalty and interest on penalty relating to AGR, a source related to the development had said. Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had told Parliament in November that Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and other telecom companies owe the government as much as Rs 1.47 lakh crore in past statutory dues. He had added that there is no proposal at present to waive interest and penalties on such dues. In replies to separate questions in the Lok Sabha, Prasad had said telecom companies owe the government Rs 92,642 crore in unpaid licence fee, and another Rs 55,054 crore in outstanding spectrum usage charges. In an affidavit filed earlier in the top court, the DoT said Airtel owed Rs 21,682.13 crore as licence fee to the government and dues from Vodafone totalled Rs 19,823.71 crore, while Reliance Communications owed Rs 16,456.47 crore. BSNL owed Rs 2,098.72 crore, and MTNL Rs 2,537.48 crore. Holding that interest and penalty have rightly been levied on the telecom companies, the apex court had made it clear that there would be no further litigation on the issue and it would fix a time-frame for calculation and payment of dues by the telecom companies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japan has changed its plan for cleaning up the Fukushima nuclear plant. The change further delays the removal of used nuclear fuel that has remained in cooling pools since the 2011 disaster. The removal process is difficult because of high radiation levels and other risks. But the government and the plants owner, Tokyo Electric Power or TEPCO, are aiming to complete the task within 30 to 40 years. More than 4,700 units of fuel rods After the earthquake and tsunami, more than 4,700 fuel rod units remain at the three melted reactors and two surviving reactors. The fuel rods present a high risk because their storage pools are uncovered. If another major disaster were to cause a loss of water, the fuel rods could melt, releasing radiation. Their removal was first planned in 2018. But it has now been postponed for up to 10 years in order to reduce radiation and to clear other waste. Million tons of radioactive water TEPCO has been unable to release 1.2 million tons of water kept in nearly 1,000 tanks at the Fukushima center. It is feared that the release of radioactive water will harm fishing and agriculture in the area. The plant can only store up to 1.37 million tons of water. And the amount of water is growing by 170 tons every day because it is used to cool the melted fuel inside the reactors. At this rate, TEPCO says the plant will run out of storage space by the summer of 2022. Japans government recently wrote a proposal to release the water after treatment. The water is still somewhat radioactive, but TEPCO says further treatment can remove all but radioactive tritium to levels acceptable for release. Experts say tritium is not harmful to humans in small amounts and has been regularly released from nuclear plants around the world. No plan for disposal of melted fuel, radioactive waste The biggest difficulty for Japan is the removal of an estimated 880 tons of melted fuel from Fukushimas three severely damaged reactors. The amount is six times larger than what was found after the 1979 Three Mile Island partial meltdown in the United States. A robotic arm was developed for the task. The removal will begin with just a spoonful at first. The fuel will then be carefully measured and studied under International Atomic Energy Agency instructions. Japan hopes to slowly expand the process of removal with new methods and robotic development. However, the country has yet to develop a plan to dispose of the highly radioactive melted fuel and other waste from the reactors. TEPCO and the government say they plan to build a storage area for radioactive waste from Fukushima. But finding a place and getting public support will be difficult. Cost of clean-up The Japanese government estimates that the cost of the clean-up for Fukushima is about $73 billion. That number could grow to $200 billion with storage facilities and added compensation and clean-up of the areas surrounding the nuclear center. The Japan Center for Economic Research, however, suggests that the cost of clean-up for the nuclear plant alone could be as high as $470 billion. Im John Russell. Mari Yamaguchi reported this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story rod n. a straight, thin stick or bar unit n. a single thing, person, or group that is a part of something larger spoonful n. as much as a spoon can hold often + of dispose of phrasal verb to throw (something) away : to get rid of (something) compensation n. something that is done or given to make up for damage, trouble, etc. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. (TNS) Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced Monday that he is instructing elections officials for the state and individual counties to be on heightened diligence against possible cybersecurity attacks following a warning issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.Nothing is more important than the security and integrity of elections, Raffensperger said. The states election system uses the most advanced protections against cyberattacks and draws on the advice and best practices of national experts. While no specific threat has been identified, this latest warning serves as a reminder that we can never lower our guard.The Multi State Information Sharing and Analysis Center and the Department of Homeland Security have notified the Georgia office of the Secretary of State that Iran is highly likely to retaliate against the United States and its interests following the airstrikes early Friday, killing a prominent Iranian military official.We are continually improving and enhancing our cyber security, responded Raffensperger. Our goal is both prevention and resiliency in our infrastructure and systems.There are multiple Cyber Threat Actors beyond Iran, including, but not limited to, Russia, China, Qatar, along with surrogates like Hezbollah. Additionally, homegrown cyber terrorists also pose a risk, according to Raffensperger.Nearly every county elections office in Georgia is now part of the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center. The office also instituted cyber training across all those that work in the Elections systems.To address the ever-changing threat environment, Raffensperger specifically charged the Secretary of States IT department to focus on cyber hygiene and cyber security.A National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin issued by Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad F. Wolf warned of a rising threat level following Fridays airstrike.At this time, there is no specific, credible threat against the homeland," Wolf said in his bulletin. "The (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) issued this bulletin to inform, share protective measures, and reassure the American public, state and local governments, and private sector partners that the Department of Homeland Security is actively monitoring and preparing for any specific, credible threat, should one arise."The Department is operating with an enhanced posture, and various operational components are taking protective measures where prudent and necessary. We have been in constant communication with Congress and interagency partners. The American people should feel assured the entire department is working for them to keep them safe.The bulletin, which expires Jan. 18, notes that the Iranian government and organizations it supports have said they intend to retaliate against the United States for Qassem Soleimanis death. It also points out that Iran has a robust cyber program with the ability to launch disruptive attacks against critical U.S. infrastructure.Georgia is replacing the voting machines that had been in use since 2002 with a new secure paper-ballot system with enhanced cybersecurity protections. Voting on the new system began Monday in Colquitt, Decatur and Mitchell counties in early voting for the Jan. 28 special election in House District 171, and Raffensperger was in Moultrie to oversee operations.Raffensperger is Georgias chief elections official, although county elections officials run the actual elections. U.S. Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris on Tuesday voiced hopes that Korea will send troops to the Strait of Hormuz to assist American military adventurism there. Stressing that South Korea also relies on the Middle East for its energy, Harris said, "I would hope that Korea will send forces out there." The prospects have dimmed since the U.S. murdered Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani by drone strike last week, potentially provoking another Gulf war. South Korea earlier considered deploying troops to the region but has yet to reach a decision. Harris also said closer inter-Korean relations must depend on progress in denuclearization talks with North Korea through "cooperation with the U.S." Asked to comment on President Moon Jae-in's New Year's address, where he pledged to focus on promoting cross-border cooperation, Harris insisted on progress in inter-Korean relations must "keep pace with the denuclearization of North Korea." The envoy added that Moon's hopes for a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and listing the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas as a UNESCO World Heritage Site should be done in consultations with the U.S. Harris said the doors remain open for negotiations with North Korea but reiterated that the U.S. "is ready to fight tonight if need be" should the North resort to another missile or nuclear provocation. The comments came as North Korea appears to be limbering up to a fresh weapons test. Referring to ongoing talks to split the cost of maintaining 28,500 American troops in South Korea, Harris said the two sides are in the process of narrowing their positions, and the U.S. is "optimistic" about the success of the talks. The next round will be held in Washington early next week. AUSTIN - The FBI is investigating a cyber attack on Tuesday that replaced the Texas Department of Agriculture website with pro-Iranian messages and a photo of General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed by a U.S. airstrike that has sparked escalating conflict with Iran. A message posted along with the image of Soleimani read Hacked by Iranian Hacker and Hacked by Shield Iran, according to Vice News, which was first to report the website defacement. Our system immediately caught it. We immediately shut it down, said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, who confirmed the FBI investigation. The website was quickly back to normal and no information from the departments servers was compromised, he said. Nothing was released, nothing was exposed, said Miller, a Republican who was first elected Agriculture Commissioner in 2014. For subscribers: Gov. Abbott warns of possible cyber attacks amid conflict with Iran Its not clear how the hackers got into the website. Officials dont think it was Iran, but they suspect it may have been youth participating in some type of cyber challenge, Miller said. A spokesman for the FBI didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott warned of potential cyber attacks on state agencies Tuesday, as Iran mourned Soleimanis death. In a 48-hour period, Abbott said Texas officials had identified Iran as the origin of as many as 10,000 attempted attacks per minute on state computers and networks. He didnt cite the Department of Agriculture breach. Texas Take: Get the latest news on Texas politics sent directly to your inbox every weekday Texas Department of Information Resources executive director Amanda Crawford told reporters Tuesday a state website may have been defaced by someone with pro-Iranian sentiments, but declined to name the agency. Miller, a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump who has found himself in hot water over controversial statements about Democrats, doesnt know why his department was targeted. We will get to the bottom of it, he said. We will find all those answers. amorris@express-news.net The Chinese army has added portable reconnaissance drones to its arsenal that will provide a significant tactical advantage to the troops while shooting enemies hiding behind walls, official media reported on Wednesday. China's 2.3 million-strong People's Liberation Army (PLA) is the world's largest military force and constitutes the second largest defence budget in the world. China is one of the fastest modernising military powers in the world. A scout battalion of the PLA 80th Group Army is now operating the drones, as they have been deployed in recent training, state-run Global Times quoted China Central Television (CCTV) as reporting. This type of drone can be used in a two-person-sniper group - one shooter who concentrates on aiming, and one spotter who provide extra information on the target. The small drone, which resembles a commercial quadcopter, can be carried in a backpack and easily deployed on the battlefield. When an enemy hides behind a wall, the spotter can release the drone and fly it with a controller, which has a large monitor on it, the report said. The drone can provide details of the wall to enable the shooter to choose where to hit. Equipped with an anti-material sniper rifle powerful enough to shoot through walls, the shooter will then blow the target away together with the wall, it said. Bu Minghui, a scout at the 80th Group Army, said it was challenging to identify the target and requires a very high tactic level between the two. This tactic is very advantageous on the battlefield, especially in urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations, a military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Wednesday, noting the usage of drone results in an information asymmetry. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Having lived in various states during my husbands and my career travels, we realize the value and importance of recreational greenspaces. What attracts people of all generations to this area are the opportunities to be active and enjoy the walking, biking, hiking and bouldering areas that this particular section of the state offers. Everyday I hear comments about how people of all ages travel to visit as well as choose to live in Chattanooga. It offers activities for everyone! In our world of climate crisis, why would anyone choose to take away the valuable open spaces around The Quarry where Reads Lake ponds were formerly home to families of geese who settled there to raise their young (those ponds are now polluted due to homes which were constructed in the areas of Day Lily). Why would anyone choose to add more danger to our environment by causing the pure spring fed streams along Mountain Creek to be destroyed? By the way, I have seen various otters on their way to the clean, pure Mountain Creek Stream: otters do not live in polluted waters. Where will the wildlife live if all the natural streams and ponds are destroyed? Wildlife is becoming endangered in many places around the world. Why would someone knowingly be guilty of destroying so much of our wildlife in order to build over 300 apartments in a pristine park? Is money the only objective? So much of Chattanooga already has street upon street of empty apartment complexes. Why would anyone choose to cause the demise of the tallest Post Oak tree in the state of Tennessee? When will the quest for greed and power over nature end? Pamela Crichton Men and women from a South Asian background are more likely to develop a physical disability and struggle with day-to-day physical activities throughout adulthood compared with their White British counterparts, new research published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences reports. Examining data from 40,000 men and women from White British, South Asian (people originating from the Indian subcontinent) and African Caribbean backgrounds, researchers from the University of Surrey investigated whether different ethnic groups in the UK are more likely to have an increased risk of developing a physical disability and have problems with physical functioning than their White counterparts. Physical functioning was determined by the extent to which a participant's ability to climb stairs and take part in moderate activities was limited by their health. A person was deemed to have a physical disability if they reported difficulties in mobility, manual dexterity and physical coordination or balance. Researchers found that those from a South Asian background, at every stage of adulthood, were more likely to experience poor physical functioning and had an increased risk of developing a physical disability than their White counterparts. This ethnic difference was most pronounced in women, with older South Asian women (over the age of 60) being four times more likely to report having a physical disability compared with older White British women of the same age. The increased risk among South Asians could not be attributed to socioeconomic status or existing major health conditions such as diabetes, which is particularly prevalent among UK South Asian people. Researchers also found that African Caribbean women had elevated odds of poor physical functioning compared with White British women from middle age onwards, for example, in the older group, with 75% of African Caribbean women reporting poor physical functioning compared with 57% of White British women. The research indicated that socioeconomic status and chronic conditions, in particular obesity and hypertension, may help explain some but not all of the increased risks reported by African Caribbean females. In contrast, African Caribbean men, in some stages of adulthood, showed trends towards lower odds of developing a physical disability or reporting poor physical functioning compared with White British men. Lead author Dr Emily Williams, Reader in Chronic Disease and Health Inequalities at the University of Surrey, said: "It is concerning that people from South Asian backgrounds, particularly women, report much higher levels of physical disability throughout adulthood, compared with White British people. The fact that this is not explained by the standard risk factors for disability means more work is needed to understand this excess risk in order for us to address these health inequalities. "There is a clear need for action in early adulthood when there may be more opportunity to effectively intervene, preventing physical decline in high-risk groups and reducing further impact on other health and employment outcomes. "In particular, these findings highlight the service implications of addressing women's health needs, demonstrating the importance of taking into account important characteristics such as ethnicity and age in the planning and delivery of women's health care services." ### Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 09:49:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran fired missiles Wednesday at Iraqi military airbase which houses U.S. troops in Iraq's western province of Anbar, an Iraqi provincial security source said. Ayn al-Asad airbase in al-Baghdadi area, some 190 km northwest of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, was pounded with more than 20 ballistic missiles before dawn, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. There were no immediate reports about casualties, the source said. Enditem By Trend The first meeting of the Joint Uzbek-Tajik Demarcation Commission was held in the capital of Uzbekistan Tashkent, Trend reports citing the press service of Uzbekistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting approved regulatory and technical documents that are expected to provide the foundation for the demarcation of the Uzbek-Tajik border. The schedule for the commission meetings for 2020 was also agreed. Following the meeting, a corresponding protocol was signed. Trend recently reported that an interstate protocol on the final demarcation and delimitation of the border was expected to be signed in Tashkent, which will confirm the parties' full agreement on the clear passage of the border line. According to the State Committee for Land Management and Geodesy of Tajikistan, the length of the Tajik-Uzbek border is 1,332 kilometers. Of the total length, the river border is 105 kilometers, and land - 1,227 km. The Sussexes are back and they are being very affectionate with each other. The royal couple just came back from a six-week vacation. It has been confirmed that they went to Canada during their rest from royal duties. The Sussex Royals recently visited Canada House in London as gratitude to the country that hosted them. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are closer than ever, holding hands and walking very closely to each other all throughout their time there. They were greeted by High Commissioner Janice Charette along with deputy Sarah Fountain Smith. Meg and Harry also greeted the staff and thanked them for their warm Canadian hospitality. Harry Reveals A Family Moment Their closeness was evident in the way they connected to each other. Prince Harry was speaking at the diplomatic mission and asked, "Anyone here from British Columbia?" Several put their hands up and Harry told them of their experience. Harry revealed that British Columbia had been a "wonderful place to live in." He shared about the warm and hospitality they received there was "unbelievable" and was exactly why they chose to go there. The Duke of Sussex also added that Meghan could speak in French to them, to which Meg cutely responded, "No!" The cute moment was witnessed by everyone at the royal engagement. Consular official Sumira Osman also unveiled that there was "a real aura about [the royal couple]." Meghan proceeded to greet everyone a "Happy New Year" and revealed that she had an incredible time there. She added how baby Archie also enjoyed seeing the beauty of Canada and is already making 'ahhhh' sounds when they were just walking around public places. "It was so stunning and it meant a lot to us to see Archie enjoy that," she revealed. What Happened During Their Vacation? This marks the royal couple's first public appearance after their hiatus. They reportedly spent their first Christmas as a family of three in a 14.1 million waterfront mansion owned by a multi-millionaire friend. Harry and Meghan previously visited the Hubb before going to the Canadian House. Meg had collaborated with The Hubb -- a community kitchen project, for the cookbook she previously published. The royal couple reportedly feels "engergised and excited" to get back to royal work after spending most of their holiday in Canada, in the city of Victoria. The Sussexes originally intended to divide their stay between the U.K. and the U.S., but they decided to spend Christmas and New Year with friends in Canada instead. Meg's mother, Doria Ragland was also said to have seen the Sussexes in Canada. What's Next for the Sussexes? The couple went straight to a meeting with their staff at Buckingham Palace after arriving in the U.K. They were still reportedly jetlagged, but feel refreshed by their vacation. A senior royal aide revealed that Harry and Meghan already have their diary full of public engagements for next week. Meghan talked about how excited their team was to see them when they arrived but were disappointed that they did not get sun tans. This was reportedly due to the fact that it rained quite often during their stay there. READ MORE: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Back to Royal Duties -- What Will They Do First? Shops suffered their worst year in at least a quarter of a century as sales fell for the first time. In a sign of the trouble affecting the High Street, total retail sales in stores and online fell by 0.1 per cent in 2019, figures from accountants KPMG and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) show. It was the first decrease since records began in 1995 and followed a 1.2 per cent rise in 2018. High Street crisis: Total retail sales in stores and online fell by 0.1 per cent in 2019, figures from KPMG and the British Retail Consortium show The three months before Christmas were particularly poor, with non-food sales falling 1.4 per cent compared to the same period in 2018. Supermarkets have also struggled, with recent figures showing that Christmas spending increased at its slowest rate since 2015. The BRC said Black Friday week has now overtaken the week before Christmas as the biggest shopping period of the year for non-food items. The decline in consumer sentiment, combined with rising costs on rents, business rates and wages, has pushed 249 large retailers into administration in the last two years, according to Deloitte's insolvency figures. These included Mothercare, Forever 21 and Bonmarche, as well as Mamas & Papas and Jack Wills, which were sold in pre-pack administrations. Last month 11 companies folded, up from seven in the same month in 2018. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: '2019 was the worst year since our records began in 1995 and the first year to show an overall decline in retail sales. This was also reflected in the shop closures and job losses. 'Twice the UK faced the prospect of a No Deal Brexit. Consumers became both more cautious and more conscientious as they went about their Christmas shopping. 'It is essential the Government makes good on its promise to review, and then reform, the broken business rates system.' Ted Baker's lenders ask experts for help Ted Bakers lenders have hired advisers to carry out an independent review of the troubled British fashion retailer to assess its prospects. Restructuring experts from FTI Consulting have been appointed by Barclays and RBS. It comes a month after Ted Baker descended deeper into chaos following its third profit warning in 2019. Forecasts were downgraded to between 5million and 10million for the full-year. Company founder Ray Kelvin quit last March and external investigators were called in last month after it overstated inventory by as much as 25million. The update has left the business valued at just 153million. Ted Baker, FTI Consulting, RBS and Barclays declined to comment last night. The gloomy numbers were gathered from many of the UK's largest retailers and represent around two-thirds of the sector. Sales in November and December, the crucial period when shops make most of their money, fell 0.9 per cent in 2019, compared with the same period a year ago. The BRC has repeatedly blamed high business rates for tipping struggling companies into administration. The Mail's Save Our High Streets campaign has called for reform to the system. Boris Johnson announced short-term relief to half a million smaller retailers worth 320million in December, as well as a full review to start sometime after the Budget in March. Yesterday, Shoe Zone, which has over 500 stores in the UK, blamed erratic business rates for a 14 per cent fall in profits to 9.8million. Bosses said its rates bill, as a proportion of its rent bill, had more than doubled in the last decade, adding that it had risen by 700,000. Its shares fell on the back of the news by 2.8 per cent, or 4.5p, to close at 157.5p last night. There was some better news for the leisure industry. Cinema sales increased by 19 per cent as Star Wars and Frozen 2 drew in crowds, while spending in pubs and on takeaways was up 11.7 per cent and 12.5 per cent respectively over the festive period, according to data from Barclaycard. Esme Harwood, director at Barclaycard, claimed that consumer confidence is 'finally improving after a long period of political uncertainty'. Oil prices jumped to their highest in months on Wednesday after Iran attacked American forces in Iraq in response to a U.S. strike that killed an Iranian general last week, raising the spectre of a spiralling conflict and disrupted oil supplies. But prices cooled a fraction after the early heat as analysts said market tension could ease as long as oil production facilities remain unaffected by attacks. Brent crude futures LCOc1 rose $1.56, or 2.3%, to $69.83 by around 0207 GMT, after earlier rising to $71.75, the highest since mid-September 2019. Also read: BREAKING: Boeing plane with 180 passengers on board crashes in Iran West Texas Intermediate crude futures CLc1 climbed $1.25, or 2%, to $63.95 a barrel. It earlier reached a high of $65.85, the most since late April last year. Iran's missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq came early on Wednesday, hours after the funeral of Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the country's elite Quds Force killed in a US drone stroke on January 3. Tehran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from Iranian territory against at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S.-led coalition personnel, the US military said on Tuesday. "It's getting really serious ... but there is a feeling of achievement in terms of technical charts as Brent has surged to above $70/barrel and near a high in September, 2019 after attacks on Saudi Arabian oil sites," said Hideshi Matsunaga, analyst at Sunward Trading in Tokyo. "We have to see how much and what damage the latest attacks have caused, but oil markets may come down, just like last September, if we can confirm that oil facilities have not been affected," he said. Iranian news agency Mehr said Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had targeted the base. Tehran has vowed retaliation for the killing of military commander Soleimani. Sirens were heard and American helicopters were seen flying over Iraq's Ain al-Asad air base in Anbar province early on Wednesday, according to Iraqi broadcaster al Mayadeen. "We are working on initial battle damage assessments," Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in statement, adding that the bases targeted were at Al-Asad air base and another in Erbil, Iraq. Also read: Iran-US tussle: Indian exports to Iran may face delays in payments Youll learn from and be inspired by top celebrity travel experts and be immersed in cultures from around the globe. This is Americas Favorite Travel Show for a reason and if you love to travel, it cannot be missed. - John Golicz, producer of the Travel & Adventure Show Series. Anyone looking to find, plan and book their next vacation will discover thousands of travel options to explore, local destination experts to help them get there and tens of thousands of dollars in savings at the San Francisco/Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show. Taking place March 21st and 22nd at the Santa Clara Convention Center, travel enthusiasts will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with thousands of travel experts from around the world. Experts will be on hand to help attendees dream, personalize and book their next trip. From the Cook Islands and Oregon, to Taiwan and the Caribbean, attendees will find great travel options at the Travel & Adventure Show. The price of admission also includes access to dozens of inspirational, educational and culturally focused sessions on 4 stages located on the show floor, along with hands-on activities fit for the whole family. At the Travel & Adventure Show, you will have the chance to meet one-on-one with representatives from the top travel brands in the world. Whats more, each of these representatives are on-hand to help you plan, personalize and book the trip thats right for you, at the price that you cant find anywhere else, said John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, LLC, the producer of the Travel & Adventure Show Series. Youll learn from and be inspired by top celebrity travel experts and be immersed in cultures from around the globe. This is Americas Favorite Travel Show for a reason and if you love to travel, it cannot be missed. One of the many highlights of the Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show is the opportunity to meet and gain inspiration from the worlds top travel experts and celebrities as they present seminars and answer questions over the two-day event. On the 800 seat Travel Theater youll meet: Rick Steves, Travel Writer, Host of Rick Steves Europe and Travel with Rick Steves Rudy Maxa, Travel Journalist and Broadcaster Patricia Schultz, Author of the New York Times Bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die On the Savvy Traveler Theater stage, visitors will interact with travel experts on subjects ranging from packing and travel technology, budget travel hacks, and what to do if disaster strikes while traveling. On the Destination Theater stage, travelers will receive destination-specific information from local experts containing information on when to go, how to get there, what to see and local, off the beaten path attractions from destinations such as Alaska, Switzerland, and the Cook Islands, among others. At the Global Beats Stage, attendees can feel the beat and experience the rhythm of cultural dances and performances during more than 20 presentations throughout the weekend. Attending the SF/Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show is an adventure in and of itself and presents activities suitable for the whole family. Guests can get their picture taken in front of iconic travel locations at the China National Tourist Office Photo Booth and even take part in the Yosemite Virtual Reality Activity Pavilion. Included in the price of admission is the U.S. Passport and Global Entry Acceptance Program, where the US State Department and Passport Agency will be accepting new passport applications, renewing passports, and even taking passport photos on site. In addition to the US State Department, Customs and Border Protection will also be the Global Entry Program appointments, taking place right on the show floor. New for 2020 is the TSA Pre Program at the Travel & Adventure Show. TSA Pre representatives will be on hand to process TSA Pre appointments, right on the show floor. MSC Cruises and Switzerland Tourism are the events Major Sponsors, while South African Tourism and Cruise Planners are Contributing Sponsors. The San Francisco/Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show will take place on March 21st and 22nd at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The show opens at 9:30 a.m. Saturday for travel professionals; the public can attend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Attendees can purchase single-day and two-day tickets online now for the discounted rate of $11/$18 with promo code: SCPR20 or on-site for $15/$22. Children 16 and under are free and on-site tickets can be purchased with cash only. For tickets and event information, visit http://travelshows.com/san-francisco-bay-area About Unicomm, LLC and the Travel & Adventure Show Series UNICOMM LLC is an independent business-to-business communications company specializing in originating and managing world-class trade shows and conferences. Unicomms properties include the nations largest and longest running series of travel events, the Travel & Adventure Show in Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco/Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, and Atlanta, which is new in 2020. 08.01.2020 LISTEN What is going on here? Im I the only one seeing this? Why are there cockroaches moving all over the pizza tray? Why do people still patronise this restaurant? These are a few of the numerous questions that kept running through my mind as I sat in the restaurant. A few months ago, a friend of mine invited me on a hang out to one of the most patronized pizzerias in Ghana. Though I would have preferred a different restaurant, he insisted on going to that place because its location was quite convenient for both of us. We talked for long, catching up on old times when the long-awaited moment arrived. Being a food lover, I was quite excited to taste the sumptuous looking pizza until the most unfortunate thing happened! Running all over the pizza tray, especially from the little space beneath the tray were baby cockroaches, with some even running on the food. Confused, I asked my friend whether we were both seeing the same thing and whether he would still eat the pizza. In the affirmative, he replied in Twi, with the literal meaning of this is not what killed Kwame Nkrumah. Uncomfortably, I munched on the pizza, going through every second with the notion of why pretend? I've probably eaten worse somewhere else. That, however, didn't stop me from wondering where the mothers of the baby roaches were and how dangerous it was to have them in the restaurant's kitchen, how unclean their kitchen might be, what goes on in the restaurants and chop bars which are not even kept as clean as this pizzeria looked, and what our raw foods even go through before they are processed into meals. I left the pizzeria with my thoughts everywhere, asking many questions at the same time. In Ghana, the lifestyle of preparing meals at home is usually perceived as a preserve for some people and not everyone. It is thus common for most people to find something to buy on the streets; from a local eatery joint or a restaurant and there are many reasons such as time constraints or busy schedules for this option. Some Ghanaians even have a funny theory that 'waakye' tastes better when it is sold by gutters, an assertion that even some literate people make quite seriously. But how safe are the foods sold outside the home, be it on the street, close to a gutter, at a restaurant, or even in the market? Food safety hazards have been a major issue for many Ghanaians for several years now. The concerns are numerous; from the chemical hazards, where people worry about the presence of chemicals in food produce to unhygienic cooking and selling venues. According to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, one in every forty Ghanaians experiences serious foodborne diseases annually. The Ministry of Health has shown that the total number of outpatients reported cases of foodborne diseases in Ghana is about 420,000 per year, with an annual death rate estimated at 65,000, and total cost to the economy at US$69 million. Unsafe food is a key contributor to common food-borne diseases that affect Ghanaians such as typhoid fever, dysentery and cholera. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that 1.4 to 4.3 million cholera cases are recorded around the world annually, with 28,000 to 142,000 cholera deaths occurring globally each year. Ghana recorded over 9,000 cholera cases in 1999 with about 250 deaths. In an outbreak from September 2010 to April 2011, there were over 8,000 cases with 89 deaths from three regions of the country; Central, Eastern and Greater Accra. With the alarming figures from cholera alone, it stands to reason that buyers and consumers alike would be concerned about the health risks of eating unwholesome food. In a recent video that went viral on social media, a beef seller in an unnamed market was seen drenching her meat with mosquito spray, with the intention of killing the houseflies that had surrounded the meat. The effort by the young man who was taking the video to stop her from continuing with the act fell on deaf ears. Other videos and stories have come up, with some companies producing plastic foods that they pose as fresh foods such as rice, fish, and egg. The sale of rotten foods I spoke to some sellers at the Agbogbloshie Market in Accra about what goes into how the raw foods are handled at the markets. Though there were conflicting views as to whether raw foods are preserved or discarded when they go bad, it was admitted that some vegetables are still sold to particular customers, chop bar operators especially, even in their rotten state. The rotten tomatoes are still consumed. For instance, if I bring in tomatoes worth GH600.00, with about half the quantity being rotten, there will certainly be good ones in there. After selling the good ones, I can't dispose of the rotten ones. So I sell the rotten ones to chop bars, restaurant operators, and others. We are the same people who patronize foods from restaurants and chop bars and consume, Paulina Faakor, a tomatoes seller disclosed. Some rotten tomatoes A cabbage seller who chose to remain anonymous also said vegetables are given away to herdsmen to serve as food for the animals, though sometimes they are sold to particular customers at cheaper prices. We can't preserve them [the vegetables]. We don't have warehouses to preserve them. So if by the end of the day, you have products you couldn't sell, you put it in your sack so that you can sell it the next day. Some will definitely rot in it. We give those ones to the cattle rearers so that it will not pile up to be rubbish over here, he said. When asked whether they sell the bad ones to some people, he replied by saying it is a fact. I'm selling to get my money. Sometimes, when they are going bad, I put them on the ground. When a customer comes and asks for it, I give it to them more to go and cut it and use for their food, he added. Despite the houseflies that kept standing on and hovering around the famous salted fish locally known as momoni, its seller clearly noted that once the remaining fish was always salted after every day's sales, it could last for a whole year without going bad. This was the only form of preservation for the momoni. Consumers still purchase it anyway despite the flies and insects on it, ignoring the fact that flies carry their own trouble. Momoni The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) under whose jurisdiction the Agbogbloshie Market falls, has on several occasions warned the public against patronizing foods which are displayed in unhealthy environments. Florence Kuukyi The Head of the Public Health Department of the AMA, Florence Kuukyi, says although they are constantly doing their possible best in the fight against these unhealthy practices in the market, they have limitations. We are trying to break the chain of the sale of rotten vegetables and to break the chain, we trace it to the mill. Because every chop bar sends their vegetables to the mill to go and blend. When you go to the markets, they have the mills there and we have officers there as well so when you come there and you have rotten tomatoes and others with you, we take it from you and we send you to court, she stated. The challenges may be that for example, I've gone to serve a market woman a summons to go to court, the person will stop coming to that spot. Then later you'll go and see the woman at a different place. This makes it difficult to monitor. So lack of staff creates another problem. But whether low staffing or not, with the little that we have, we are trying our best to see to it that work goes on, Madam Kuukyi said. The main source The Plant Pool Co-operative Vegetable Farmers' Association is involved in growing and selling various vegetable crops and herbs such as cabbage, spinach, mint and cucumber. Public health professionals have had cause to complain about the water such farmers use in irrigating their crops. The Secretary for the Association Selassie Agbey noted that one of our problems is about water. Because there is a stream over here which most people say is a gutter. To me, it's not a gutter, but a stream. In Ghana, our pipe-borne water does not flow every single time. There are times where the pipe water does not even flow at all. Since the sun is also up, we also need water to water our crops because we cannot leave them to die. According to him, they process water from the nearby stream before usage, to prevent any germs or infections on the crops. So what we do is we pump water from the stream into our dugouts. Formerly, we used to pump the water straight onto the crops on the field but an agency came and had a talk with us and taught us about how to even manage the stream on the field, he said. The stream from which the farmers pump their water The water from the stream is pumped into these dugouts The Food and Drugs Authority, the body responsible for the regulation of all foods, medicines, food supplements, cosmetic and many others, says the sale and purchase of stale foods is criminal. Roderick Daddey-Adjei, the Head of Food Market Surveillance Department of the FDA shares the processes the products go through before going into the markets. Its expected that the Ministry for Food and Agriculture would ensure that the farmers use the right practices, pesticides and fertilizers on the products. If they do all of these things within everybody's domain, then FDA can also now come in and the product is transported to the market. When it gets to the market, the Environmental Health Officer would ensure that before it gets into the market theres some basic inspection that is done so that the squashed ones are not sent there. So the products go through different processes and somebody must be there to ensure that the right thing is being done. Otherwise, the market women and men are always thinking about their profit. Also, when people also go and buy, they should go for the best. Some parts of the markets covered in filth The Ridge Hospital reported 25,272 cases of food poisoning during the period of 2009 to 2013. In their report, four main clinically diagnosed foodborne diseases were stated within the said period; cholera (59.8 %), typhoid fever (16.5 %), dysentery (2.6 %), and viral hepatitis (1.6 %). Benson Owusu In order to have a clear understanding of how dangerous it is to eat foods which are not grown or prepared in healthy conditions, I sought the views of Benson Owusu, a Public Health Specialist at the Ridge Hospital. Eating bad foods can predispose you to these diarrhoea diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever which is now very common among us, and others. When it comes to the animals, some of them use lorry tyres in burning the hair off the animal. So they put the animal on the burning tyre to do that. This contains chemicals and metals. These chemicals can go into the system of the butchered animal. So once the consumer eats it, these chemicals or heavy metals can be absorbed into the system of the consumer. Even if the water they use in washing the animal contains a metal called arsenic and it goes into the system of the consumer, aside from leading to cancer, it can even lead to infertility. I find myself always being chastised by my mum to stop buying food from restaurants and always cook from home. That is the same advice I would leave with you. From all indications, we are all at high risk of exposure to illnesses following the state of the foods we consume. However, to avoid such unfortunate situations, always check the environment from which foods are purchased, whether raw or cooked and try as much as possible to cook your own foods. Nigerias Anti-Corruption Agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, said the commission would go ahead against the court order restraining it from prosecuting, Peter Odili, a former governor from Rivers State. The acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, said this while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, the state capital, according to a report by PUNCH newspaper. Mr Odili, a two-term former governor of Rivers State between 1999 and 2007, was accused by the EFCC of misappropriating public funds to a tune of N100 billion while he was governor. However, Mr Odili, in February 2007, while as the sitting governor of the state, had approached the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, praying it to grant him an order preventing any law enforcement agency from arresting, and prosecuting him for fraud. On March 23, 2007, Justice Ibrahim Buba granted the former governor an injunction, restraining the EFCC from any further action in relation to the alleged economic and financial crimes. This included a declaration that the EFCC investigations were invalid, unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void. Mr Magu, however, explained that such an order would not hold, describing it as being overtaken by events. He also noted that that the commission would ensure it exposes and prosecutes all criminal activities in Nigeria. Nothing is going to stop us; even the issue of the court order allegedly obtained by Dr Peter Odili and co to stop the EFCC from investigation and prosecution has been overtaken by events. I am telling you that the judgement cannot stand. It will only take some time. It cannot hold and we are going to conclude the investigation. There are so many investigations we are doing. We will take it before the court; let the court refuse to prosecute their case. I am sure the matter has suffered for about 13 years now. We are going to test it. The matter is in the Supreme Court, we will follow it up. That decision that is pending in the Supreme Court does not actually. cannot hold water again. There are subsequent judgements that have discarded it. Clearly, there are other judgements that came up and said nobody, not even the judge, not even the judiciary, not even the court can stop us from investigating and prosecuting. Two Kings Also, in the report, the acting Chairman also described Rivers State as second after Lagos, in terms of money laundering, in Nigeria. He said, I think Rivers State is the next to Lagos in terms of crime. This (Rivers) is the headquarters of money laundering because there is a lot of oil money here. I think you can rate Port Harcourt the second to maybe Lagos maybe because of the large space of oil deals. The EFCC had discovered $43.4 million, 27,800 and N23.2 million cash in the controversial house, located at No.16 Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, in 2017. The discovery of the loot and its true ownership have been controversially linked to many parties. The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, had claimed ownership of the funds which he alleged were misappropriated from the state by his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, the current Minister of Transportation. Magus 2019 review Mr Magu also reiterated that the anti-graft agency had been able to secure the conviction of three former governors, adding that 1,245 convictions were recorded in 2019. PREMIUM TIMES had reported the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, saying the figures of conviction the EFCC secured in the year 2019 was the highest globally. In 2015, in his inaugural speech, President Muhammadu Buhari spoke about three cardinal promises of securing the lives and properties of Nigerians, restoring the economy, and fighting corruption. prominent politicians including former governors and ministers who have been accused of corruption have had their days in court over graft. Four years after, Mr Magu has remained the acting chairman to the commission. He was rejected twice by the 8th Assembly under the leadership of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, after the State Security Service reaffirmed its position that the nominee lacks the integrity to lead the countrys anti-corruption agency. Advertisements The presidency is yet to send Mr Maguss name for screening to the 9th assembly, inaugurated in 2019. Though the exact date is somewhat speculative, the words of those responsible for the murder of 70,000 disabled people in Aktion T4, and the 230,000 killed after the programs official end, clearly speak to the main cause for what happened: the disvaluing of disabled lives. Eugenics, which was rampant before and during the Reich, provided the rationale for the killings, stigmatizing those with disabilities as not human. Dr. Albert Widmann, a chemist, forensic scientist and head of the chemical department of the central offices of the Reich Detective Forces, testified that he was asked to procure poison in large quantities. At a meeting with an unidentified representative of the Chancellery of the Fuhrer, Widmann asked, What for? To kill people? No, was the reply. Animals in the form of humans. It was the police chemist Dr. August Becker who prepared the carbon monoxide gas for what he called the euthanasia experiment. Testifying in the 1960s, Becker also echoed eugenic depictions of the disabled. He recalled looking through the gas chamber peephole and observing the behavior of the delinquents, as the gas filled up the chamber and the victims lungs. Beckers depiction likens disabled people to the immoral and illegal. Becker described, in detail, the gas chamber as a room similar to a shower room, lined with tiles about three by five meter[s], and three meters high in size. According to Becker, between 18 and 20 patients were led by nurses into this shower room. These men had to undress in an anteroom, so they were totally naked. Becker pointed to Widmann as the one who operated the gas installation. But Widmann always denied taking part. When interrogated in 1947, Richard von Hegener, deputy head of the killing of disabled children, named the chemist in charge, Dr. Becker as the one who let the CO gas into the room. Von Hegener said there were 30 patients dressed only in institutional clothing, who were led in and they calmly took a seat on the benches in the room without any resistance. Heyde stated there were 10, at most 15 the figure was more than 10 mentally ill patients. He said, I dont really know who let the gas in. According to Brack, there were four such patients, all men, whom he described, in another eugenic nod, as incurable. When asked about their ages or from which institutions they came he replied, I really dont have any memory of that any more. Silent Witness Rating: 24 Hours In Police Custody Rating: Being dead is difficult. Ask any actor. It takes patience and concentration to lie on a stage, trying not to breathe or twitch or double up with cramp, and praying that the leading lady wont tread on your fingers. Being dead on TV can be even more difficult. Youre on a mortuary table, probably naked (obligatory if youre female), with your bum being frozen by the metal and your face cooked by studio lights. And if youre a corpse on Silent Witness (BBC1), its worse: youve got pathologist extraordinaire Dr Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox) performing a slow circuit of your extremities, listing clues into a dictaphone that sound something like: Sub-haematomal glottalectomy scarring evident . . . some suprahumeral anthro dialysis, and . . . hmm, a tattoo in the armpit that Ive only ever seen on inmates of Belarusian jails. Bodies were plentiful in this episode, the first of a two-parter that continues tonight Try listening to that lot without suffering a fit of the giggles. One unlucky extra was doing his mortal best to be dead as the show returned for what is, remarkably, its 24th year. His character was a Far Right nationalist, who had taken it upon himself to improve the purity of the race by shooting himself through the head. He sat slumped in a revolving chair, neck arched back. Dr Nikkis boss, Tom Manly-Squarejaw, stood over him, trying to spot clues but failing to notice the pulse that throbbed in the deceased fellows throat. No amount of acting can hide that, though a cravat might. Bodies were plentiful in this episode, the first of a two-parter that continues tonight. A private jet had crashed in a field conveniently close to Dr Nikkis morgue plummeting from three miles up and breaking into five neat chunks, like a frog dissected by a schoolboy. Speaking of schoolboys, one 11-year-old passenger survived the crash. The adults werent so lucky: three were burned to charred crackling, and one turned into a shop mannequin wearing a blood-stained pilots uniform. He was either plastic or the best actor Silent Witness has seen in a long while. Sharp-eyed forensics sleuth Jack (David Caves) saved the boys life, with a flash of intuition. While teams of detectives were combing the scorched earth at the crash site for clues, Jack thought to look inside the wreckage. He saw a finger. It twitched. Either this extra was dreadful at playing corpses or . . . Paramedic! Jack yelled. We need cutting equipment. No! Im not waiting and tore away the fuselage with his bare hands. Sometimes real life can sound just as badly scripted. In the second part of 24 Hours In Police Custody (C4), murder suspect Ashley White was alternately swearing at detectives and calling them blud and bruv in a fake Jamaican accent. A private jet had crashed in a field conveniently close to Dr Nikkis morgue plummeting from three miles up and breaking into five neat chunks, like a frog dissected by a schoolboy White, 21, was a drugs dealer in the Cambridgeshire market town of Huntingdon, and he sounded like Ali G. The coppers, on the other hand, had apparently learned their lingo from re-runs of The Sweeney. Hes singing like a canary, they told each other. This was not a drama, but a grimly depressing account of a murder investigation, from the moment a dog walker discovered a youths body in woods, to the confessions of the killers. White and his crony Jordan Shepherd, 24, didnt mean to confess: each tried to blame the other, but they were so stupid they talked themselves into life sentences as fast as detectives could ask the questions. The real shock was how normal drugs culture has become, far beyond London. The knives, the violence, the money, the narcotics they have spread like poison in this English town and, apparently, in hundreds of others. Increasing the taxes on the rich can help tackle inequality while having little to no impact on the economic growth of a nation, the chief of the IMF has said in a rebuttal to the trickle-down economics favoured by the likes of Donald Trump and Boris Johnson. Both the US president and the British prime minister have previously advocated for tax cuts for the richest to stimulate the economy with Mr Johnson later backtracking on this approach in the 2019 election when a pledge to ease the tax burden on the wealthiest remained absent from the partys manifesto. However the International Monetary Funds managing director Kristalina Georgieva has said in a blog post that progressive taxation was required to fix the financial inequality that has steadily seen wealth accumulated by the worlds richest. She added the money could then be reinvested in supporting less advantaged communities, while new technologies could limit corruption and increase the cash available to governments. Ms Georgieva wrote: Progressive taxation is a key component of effective fiscal policy. At the top of the income distribution, our research shows that marginal tax rates can be raised without sacrificing economic growth. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Utilising digital tools in tax collection can also be part of a comprehensive strategy to boost domestic revenue. Reducing corruption can both improve collection and increase trust in government. Most importantly, these strategies can secure the necessary resources to invest in expanding opportunities for communities and individuals that have been falling behind. It comes as the IMF shifts its attention away from the tax-cutting advice of previous years, spurred on by weak economic growth across the planet and the emergence of greater concentrations of wealth. Last year an Oxfam study revealed the worlds richest 26 people a group including Amazon boss Jeff Bezos and Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg owned as much as the poorest 3.8 billion people on the planet. The Bulgarian economist went on to advocate for gender budgeting to tackle inequalities between women and men. She added: While many countries recognise the need for gender equality and womens empowerment, governments can use gender budgeting to structure spending and taxation in ways to advance gender equality even furtherincreasing womens participation in the work force and, in turn, boosting growth and stability. The fire happened when female cockatoos were sitting on their eggs, which makes them reluctant to flee. (Photo : BirdLife Australia) Conservationists feared the future of endangered wildlife protected on Kangaroo Island after the bushfires engulfed a third of the entire area. Most key feeding and breeding areas on the north coast of the island were lost to fire, said Daniella Teixeira, a scientist researching the birds at the University of Queensland. So far, the fires on the island have burned around 155,000 hectares, and most of the blazes were located in the conservation areas. Wildlife experts specifically mentioned the Kangaroo Island dunnart, an endangered mouse-like marsupial, and the glossy black-cockatoo as their main concern. Both of these animals live in the critically burned biodiversity areas. "Every bird lost is a tragedy." Dr. Gabriel Crowley, of the Centre of Biodiversity and Conservation Science at the University of Queensland, said that the fire came just in time when the female cockatoos were sitting on their eggs and are probably too reluctant to save themselves. There could be a chance that some flock of cockatoos could flee to the Dudley Peninsular. However, the birds might struggle to feed themselves and find new nesting sites. The conservation efforts for the species started in the 1990s after the population went down to a critically low level of 150. Two decades later, the estimated population has gone up to 400. Dr. Crowley said that she's a bit desperate on saving this "very endearing species" especially since their survival will depend on an intensive recovery effort. She has been aiding the conservation initiative for more than 22 years. A Little Noah's Ark There were eight sites dedicated to protecting endangered species, according to the Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife organization. All are private lands with a built-in monitoring system. All of these sites were extensively burnt, including the cameras said Heidi Groffen, a resident ecologist at Land for Wildlife. They are currently surveying the conservation sites for any patches that the fire did not touch. Sam Mitchell, co-owner of the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, said that they were tending many injured animals rescued by island residents. Unfortunately, at least a third of these animals were euthanized because of severe injuries like charred hands and feet that are beyond saving. The island is also conserving koalas after it was introduced in the 1920s in the hope of reversing the impact of the fur trade on the mainland. Decades later, the population had grown as high as 50,000 that some people already considered them as pests. However, Mitchell feared that probably half of the population of koalas on the island have perished. The rare green carpenter bee might also have been a victim of the fire. According to Dr. Richard Glatz from the University of Adelaide, the species can only be on Kangaroo Island and in some ranges near Sydney. Dr. Glatz, who moved to the island after being captivated by its beauty, he still can't believe that unspoiled habitats were now lost. It is believed that the fires on the island started after a bolt of lightning hit something flammable in the Flinders Chase National Park. Aside from the wildlife casualties, two people have died due to the fire. ALSO READ: Sky Turns Bloody Red as More Fires Engulf South Australia For months now, Venezuelan politics has been trapped in toxic stalemate. Two men claim the same job - congressionally-appointed interim president Juan Guaido, with all the street cred, and de facto head of state Nicolas Maduro, with all the guns. Anti-government forces ostensibly control the legislature, but thanks to palace maneuvers their decisions don't count. Each side is backed by rival global superpowers who play diplomatic chicken instead of encouraging conciliation. What else could possibly go wrong? Silly question. On January 5, Maduro's loyalists, with help from the National Guard, thwarted Guaido's re-election as head of congress by blocking opposition lawmakers from the legislative assembly. As Guaido tried to scale the National Assembly fence, the governistas seized the day to name an opposition turncoat to preside over the legislature. Opposition stalwarts held their own assembly at a local newspaper office and voted to extend Guaido's mandate. On Tuesday, Guaido forced his way back into the National Assembly to open a new legislative session. Now Venezuela has two presidents, three legislatures (two congresses, one overarching constituent assembly) and no clue as to how to proceed. The government's strong-arm tactics are hardly surprising. In mid-2017, Maduro ginned up a constitutional assembly to override the parliament, which in late 2015 had fallen to opposition parties in a historic midterm vote. In 2018, Maduro claimed to have won re-election after banning the main competition in a contest that fooled no one. The opposition boycotted the race. Last year was also mostly a year to forget for Maduro's foes, a time of Washington-fueled hype over imminent regime change, inconclusive Norwegian-sponsored political negotiations and brutal repression of street demonstrations. So why did Maduro bother with heavies at the congressional gates? From his perspective, the brazenness of last Sunday's lockout would seem both unnecessary and out of sync. Perhaps therein lies an air pocket for Venezuela's gasping democratic challengers. Maduro and his Bolivarian loyalists were "actually doing pretty well nibbling away at the opposition and letting it burn out," David Smilde, a Venezuela expert and professor of politics at Tulane University, told me. "Now they have drawn attention to just how undemocratic they are and just how far away Venezuela is from anything that could be recognized as the rule of law." The show of muscle has drawn renewed backlash from the U.S. and Europe, where Guaido enjoys solid support. Latin American countries in the Lima Group monitoring the Venezuela crisis piled on. Even the government's fastest regional friends - officials in Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay - were apparently taken aback and scolded Maduro. (Argentina later hedged its anti-Maduro bets by withdrawing credentials from Guaido's appointed ambassador.) What this outpouring will amount to is unclear. Indignation plays well in headlines and on the street, but doesn't augur well for a cornered opposition. "This just about closes the last door to negotiate any agreement with government," said Georgia State University political scientist Jennifer McCoy, a former director of The Carter Center's Americas Program. As the rogue legislature spars with the real one, what's to become of the National Electoral Council, with a mandate to set the ground rules and a date for this year's parliamentary election? Until recently, even Maduro had a stake in holding a seemingly credible race - if only to veil official shenanigans and keep international monitors quiet. Indications now are that Maduro is beyond caring. "The government showed its true colors by physically stopping lawmakers from entering parliament. That's costly for Maduro, but apparently he felt it was important for him to go for it all while the opposition was weak and the U.S. distracted with the Iran crisis," said Francisco Rodriguez, a Venezuelan economist and visiting scholar at Tulane. Has Maduro gone too far? "It might have been overconfidence, but I can't see there's much appetite in the international community for increased sanctions against Venezuela, given how much they're already hurting the people," said McCoy. "It's a calculated risk." Moving forward, the political onus will be heaviest on Maduro's foes, who after a year of false starts and hype are facing internal dissent and losing traction among voters. Rodriguez reckons that while Guaido outpolls other Venezuelan leaders, his approval ratings have slipped to an underwhelming 39%. More problematically, several wavering lawmakers, who like all the opposition serve the coalition unpaid, have been warming to dialogue with the government, which returned the favor by backing former Guaido ally-turned-apostate Luis Parra as head of the new bastard assembly. Maduro's grip on the levers of power makes any effective challenge that much harder. "Remember that a very large number of Venezuelans still get information only through official channels. So they might well think that it was the opposition who decided to get rid of Guaido," said Rodriguez. Another obstacle: the disenfranchisement of nearly five million Venezuelan refugees who have fled misery at home and presumably share the opposition's revolt. Facing such a tilted playing field, what can democratically-minded Venezuelan politicians do? Rodriguez believes that Maduro's power grab may be a bid to push Guaido into boycotting this year's parliamentary elections. The opposition did just that in the 2018 presidential race, scoring a moral victory but little more. The best hope of peeling away support for a toxic authoritarian regime still lies in returning to the internationally stewarded negotiating table. "I don't think Maduro's resilience has anything to do with ideological commitment or personal loyalties. It's all about individual security and fear of what would come next," McCoy said. Hence the imperative of assuring loyalists that the official political party will survive the regime, that today's collaborators are offered alternative sentences, even that corrupt officials might get to keep some of their ill-gotten gains. That means the opposition will have to hold its nose, as will ordinary Venezuelans. Their neighbors know what that's like. Many Colombians revile their 2016 peace pact with former guerrilla insurgents for giving a pass to criminals and thugs. But reaching a deal is less futile than hoping the guys with the guns let you inside. - - - Mac Margolis is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Latin and South America. He was a reporter for Newsweek and is the author of "The Last New World: The Conquest of the Amazon Frontier." TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Iran says it has launched "tens" of surface-to-surface missiles at Iraq's Ain Assad air base housing U.S. troops over America's killing of a top Iranian general. State TV described it early Wednesday as Tehran's revenge operation over the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani. U.S. forces could not be immediately reached for comment. White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said the White House is aware of the reports. "The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," she said. Ain Assad air base is in Iraq's western Anbar province. It was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. It later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. State TV said the operation's name was "Martyr Soleimani." It said the Guard's aerospace division that controls Iran's missile program launched the attack. Iran said it would release more information later. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP's earlier story follows below. A stampede broke out Tuesday at the funeral for a top Iranian general slain in a U.S. airstrike, and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession, Iranian news reports said. Qassem Soleimani, powerful Iran general, killed in US airstrike in Iraq BAGHDAD (AP) The Pentagon said Thursday that the U.S. military has killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Quds Force, at the As the crowds mourned Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, more angry calls rose from Iran to avenge his death, drastically raising tensions in the Middle East. The U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the region's waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. The U.S. Air Force launched a drill with 52 fighter jets in Utah, just days after President Donald Trump threatened to hit 52 sites in Iran. Tuesday's deadly stampede took place in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman as his coffin was being borne through the city in southeastern Iran, said Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran's emergency medical services. There was no information about what set off the crush in the packed streets, and online videos showed only its aftermath: people lying apparently lifeless, their faces covered by clothing, emergency crews performing CPR on the fallen, and onlookers wailing and crying out to God. "Unfortunately as a result of the stampede, some of our compatriots have been injured and some have been killed during the funeral processions," Koulivand said, and state TV quoted him as saying that 56 had died and 213 had been injured. US sending 3,000 more troops to Mideast as reinforcements in aftermath of Qassem Soleimani killing WASHINGTON (AP) The United States is sending nearly 3,000 more Army troops to the Mideast as reinforcements in the volatile aftermath of the Soleimani's burial was delayed, with no new time given, because of concerns about the huge crowd at the cemetery, the semi-official ISNA news agency said. A procession in Tehran on Monday drew over 1 million people in the Iranian capital, crowding both main avenues and side streets in Tehran. Such mass crowds can prove dangerous. A smaller stampede at the 1989 funeral for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini killed at least eight people and injured hundreds. Hossein Salami, Soleimani's successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard, addressed a crowd of supporters gathered at the coffin in a central square in Kernan. He vowed to avenge Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike Friday near Baghdad's airport. "We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about," Salami said. "Death to Israel!" the crowd shouted in response, referring to one of Iran's longtime regional foes. Salami praised Soleimani's work, describing him as essential to backing Palestinian groups, Yemen's Houthi rebels and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. As a martyr, Soleimani represented an even greater threat to Iran's enemies, Salami said. Soleimani will ultimately be laid to rest between the graves of Enayatollah Talebizadeh and Mohammad Hossein Yousef Elahi, two former Guard comrades killed in Iran's 1980s war with Iraq. They died in Operation Dawn 8, in which Soleimani also took part. It was a 1986 amphibious assault that cut Iraq off from the Persian Gulf and led to the end of the war that killed 1 million. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The funeral processions in major cities over three days have been an unprecedented honor for Soleimani, seen by Iranians as a national hero for his work leading the Guard's expeditionary Quds Force. The U.S. blames him for killing U.S. troops in Iraq and accused him of plotting new attacks just before he was killed. Soleimani also led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that country's civil war, and he also served as the point man for Iranian proxies in countries like Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Assad in Syria on Tuesday amid the tensions between Washington and Tehran. Soleimani's slaying already has led Tehran to abandon the remaining limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers as his successor and others vow to take revenge. In Iraq, pro-Iranian factions in parliament have pushed to oust American troops from Iraqi soil following Soleimani's killing. Germany and Canada announced plans to move some of their soldiers in Iraq to neighboring countries. According to a report on Tuesday by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, Iran has worked up 13 sets of plans to avenge Soleimani's death. The report quoted Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, as saying that even the weakest among them would be a "historic nightmare" for the U.S. He declined to elaborate, "If the U.S. troops do not leave our region voluntarily and upright, we will do something to carry their bodies horizontally out," Shamkhani said. The state-run IRNA news agency later published a statement from the Supreme National Security Council denying Shamkhani made the comment. The U.S. Maritime Administration warned ships across the Mideast, citing the rising threats. "The Iranian response to this action, if any, is unknown, but there remains the possibility of Iranian action against U.S. maritime interests in the region," it said. Oil tankers were targeted in mine attacks last year that the U.S. blamed on Iran. Tehran denied responsibility, although it did seize oil tankers around the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of the world's crude oil travels. The U.S. Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet said it would work with shippers in the region to minimize any possible threat. The 5th Fleet "has and will continue to provide advice to merchant shipping as appropriate regarding recommended security precautions in light of the heightened tensions and threats in the region," 5th Fleet spokesman Cmdr. Joshua Frey told The Associated Press. Meanwhile, Iranian Gen. Alireza Tabgsiri, the chief of the Guard's navy, issued his own warning. "Our message to the enemies is to leave the region," Tabgsiri said, according to ISNA. The Guard routinely has tense encounters with the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf. Separately, Iran summoned the British ambassador over comments by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the British defense minister about Soleimani's killing, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported. Iran's parliament, meanwhile, has passed an urgent bill declaring the U.S. military's command at the Pentagon and those acting on its behalf in Soleimani's killing as "terrorists," subject to Iranian sanctions. The measure appears to be in response to a decision by Trump in April to declare the Revolutionary Guard a "terrorist organization." The U.S. Defense Department used that terror designation to support the strike that killed Soleimani. The action by Iran's parliament was done by a special procedure to speed it into law and also saw the lawmakers approve funding for the Quds Force with an additional 200 million euros, or about $224 million. Also Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the U.S. had declined to issue him a visa to travel to New York for meetings at the United Nations. As the host of the U.N. headquarters, the U.S. is supposed to allow foreign officials to attend such meetings. "This is because they fear someone will go there and tell the truth to the American people," Zarif said. "But they are mistaken. The world is not limited to New York. You can speak with American people from Tehran too and we will do that." Asked about Zarif, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told journalists America would comply with its obligations under U.N. rules to grant visas. He then referred to the Iranian diplomat as "a propagandist of the first order." A U.S. official who wasn't authorized to speak on the record said the application couldn't be processed in time for Zarif's travel although it wasn't clear if his request had been formally denied. A formal rejection would trigger legal technicalities that could affect future visa applications and could violate the host country agreement the U.S. has with the U.N. ___ Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP, an award-winning full-service law firm focused on real estate in the United States, proudly announces the promotions of Daniel M. Engler , Linda C. Klein , Cathy T. Moses, and Jake Storms to partner. These four new partners strengthen and broaden Cox, Castle & Nicholsons already robust real estate expertise. We are proud to announce the election of four of our highly accomplished attorneys to our partnership a decision that will enhance our firms strategic growth and position as one of the nations leading firms dedicated to serving all segments of the real estate industry, said Mario Camara , senior partner on Cox, Castle & Nicholsons Management Committee. Each of these individuals has demonstrated the highest caliber of professional achievement and has earned the deep respect of clients, peers and colleagues qualities that underscore our firms commitment to delivering best-in-class legal services. Daniel M. Englers practice focuses on the buying, selling, leasing, and development of real property. He joined the firm in 2012 and is a member of Cox, Castle & Nicholsons San Francisco Real Estate and Renewable Energy Development team. Englers expertise spans the residential, commercial, mixed-use, healthcare and renewable energy sectors, and he regularly represents clients in complex real estate transactions and land use and entitlement matters. Engler sits on NAIOP San Francisco Bay Area Chapters Government Affairs Committee, the Urban Land Institutes San Francisco Sustainability Committee, and the Bay Area Councils Housing Committee. Engler graduated magna cum laude and Order of the Coif from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and earned his bachelors degree from Wesleyan University. Linda C. Kleins practice focuses on land use entitlement and litigation, with extensive expertise in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and in particular air quality and greenhouse gas issues. Since joining Cox, Castle & Nicholsons Land Use and Natural Resources team in 2011, she has helped the firm successfully entitle numerous projects in the Bay Area, including the Oak Knoll community in Oakland and Fortinets newest building in Sunnyvale. With an architectural background, she provides entitlement clients practical solutions to the most complex development and zoning matters. She also has helped litigate a number of CEQA cases, including several in the California Supreme Court. Klein is an active member of the California Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) and the San Francisco chapter of Urban Land Institute, where she sits on the Policy & Practice Committee. She earned her Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law, graduating Order of the Coif, her Master of Architecture from Yale School of Architecture, and bachelor's degrees in art and art history and civil engineering from Rice University, magna cum laude in both. After law school, she served as a law clerk to the Honorable Sandra S. Ikuta of the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Cathy T. Moses joined Cox, Castle & Nicholsons Litigation team as senior counsel in 2017. Her experience spans a wide range of business and real estate litigation matters, including business torts, contracts, partnership disputes, and employment litigation. She has achieved successful outcomes for the firms clients at all stages of litigation, including pre-litigation negotiations, dispositive motion practice, trial, and appeal. Outside of the office, she serves on the board of directors of the Constitutional Rights Foundation Orange County. She graduated magna cum laude and Order of the Coif from the University of Michigan Law School, and earned her bachelors degree, cum laude, in history and literature from Harvard University. After graduating from law school, she served as a law clerk to The Honorable M. Margaret McKeown of the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. From 2011 to 2012, she served as a Trial Attorney with the United States Department of Justice, Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, in Washington, D.C. Jake Storms has played a key role in the expansion of Cox, Castle & Nicholsons renewable energy practice since joining the firm in 2015, where he is a member of the firms San Francisco Real Estate and Renewable Energy Development team. Storms is an experienced energy attorney advising developers, lenders and tax equity investors on a broad range of renewable/alternative energy projects, including some of the largest utility-scale solar installations in California and across the United States. Outside of energy, he focuses on project development and the acquisition, disposition and development of real property for a variety of industries, including healthcare, conservation and mitigation lands and mixed-use projects. Storms is a member of the San Francisco Bar Association and the Napa County Bar Association. Previously, he sat on the advisory board for the California Environmental Law and Policy Center at the University of California, Davis School of Law, as well as the Native American Resources and Renewable, Alternative and Distributed Energy Resources committees for the American Bar Association. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Davis School of Law. Dan Engler, Linda Klein and Jake Storms practice out of the firms San Francisco office. Cathy Moses is based in the firms Orange County office. About Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP delivers strategic legal counsel and services to developers, public agencies, energy companies, lenders, investors, joint ventures, pension funds, landlords, tenants, corporations, high net-worth individuals and others in the management of their complex real estate, business and litigation challenges. Founded in 1968, the firm has more than 130 attorneys in offices in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.coxcastle.com . Follow the firm on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn . MEDIA CONTACTS: COX, CASTLE & NICHOLSON LLP Megan Weinsten 310-284-2177 MWeinsten@CoxCastle.com IDEA HALL Alvina Olivier 714-263-8742 alvina@ideahall.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7eadb254-a8d8-4149-bbb8-90b547d45cf1 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23a3e378-b3e7-4dd3-a7f7-bc4f4523a8f8 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a0429b1-638c-48c6-8db1-ae38d3965165 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a26ef7d3-8c47-43be-a0fb-548c853ac857 YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory message to Sebastian Kurz on January 8 on being appointed chancellor of Austria. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the message runs as follows, I cordially congratulate you on being appointed federal chancellor of the Republic of Austria. I am confident that the vote of confidence you received from the friendly people of Austria will best serve to the implementation of the goals of your Government. I recall with warmth our meeting in March of the last year in Vienna. I hope that during your tenure the friendly relations between our Governments will expand further for the benefit of the Armenian and Austrian peoples. I wish you success in your responsible mission, and progress and welfare to the friendly people of Austria. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. NEW YORK - Joe Biden stood before a row of American flags on Tuesday and did something that hasn't always been his first instinct: He warned against American military engagement. Biden, blasting President Donald Trump as "dangerously incompetent" for his handling of the crisis with Iran, said Trump's "impulsive decision" to order the killing of a top military official from that country put the United States at risk of greater international conflict. "A president who says he wants to end endless war in the Middle East is bringing us dangerously close to starting a new one," said the former vice president, who is among the top contenders battling for the Democratic presidential nomination. He added, "This outcome of strategic setbacks, heightened threats, chants of 'Death to America' once more echoing across the Middle East, Iran and its allies vowing revenge - this was avoidable." Biden's comments were striking for someone who has spent much of his political career with a reputation as a foreign policy expert who has often embraced American use of power in the world. As a senator, he voted in 2002 to authorize the use of force in Iraq - a vote that has become a point of contention in the Democratic race as Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., presents himself as the true antiwar candidate in tune with rising public skepticism of drawn-out military intervention. Sanders has been among the most aggressive critics of Trump's Iran strike, declaring the killing an "assassination" and referring to it as "a dangerous escalation that brings us closer to another disastrous war in the Middle East." He has also seized on the moment to step up his criticism of Biden's Iraq vote, needling him Monday night on CNN for his role in the "most dangerous foreign policy blunder in the modern history of this country." Biden's toughened rhetoric on Trump and Iran on Tuesday seemed designed to present Biden with a more nuanced position - more sharply critical of Trump's decision than his previous comments but not as black-and-white as Sanders' stance. Biden stopped short of saying that the killing of Iran's Qasem Soleimani was the wrong decision, saying that he was deeply skeptical but holding out the possibility that he would agree with Trump's call if given more information. Instead, the former vice president called on Trump to explain his decision to the American public, saying, "If there was an imminent threat that required this extraordinary action, we're owed an explanation and the facts to back it up." Biden referred to this as "possibly the most dangerous time in recent American history" and accused Trump of creating the conditions. "Trump's impulsive decision may well do more to strengthen Iran's position in the region than any of Soleimani's plots would have ever accomplished," he said. Biden's remarks Tuesday offered some contrasts in what has emerged as a burgeoning foreign policy debate between him and Sanders. Biden said the current turmoil was triggered by Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, which was crafted under the Obama administration and provided sanctions relief in return for Iran curbing its nuclear ambitions. Sanders has said the turmoil is rooted much earlier - in the U.S. decision to invade Iraq. Sanders on Friday introduced legislation that would block funding for any military actions against Iran without congressional authorization. A Biden aide would not say whether Biden supported that measure but noted that he did back a war-powers resolution sponsored by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. That legislation would mandate military hostilities to cease within 30 days if no congressional action is taken. Foreign policy observers said that Sanders and Biden are still promoting distinctly different worldviews - but that, in the heat of the primary, Biden appeared to be trying to showcase his ability to appeal to those wary of U.S. involvement abroad. While some see him as a hawk, Biden has also held dovish positions in the past, opposing the Persian Gulf War under President George H.W. Bush and counseling his boss, President Barack Obama, against a surge of troops in Afghanistan. "Biden is a believer in American leadership and engagement, no question. He comes from that school," said Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a former State Department Middle East analyst. "But these remarks also suggest he's trying to appeal to the noninterventionists in the party, too, by suggesting we need to be smarter and more disciplined in how and when America engages." "It's finding a balance," Miller added. "It's the Goldilocks approach. It's not too hot, not too cold." Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said Sanders remains to the left of Biden when it comes to the broader debate about the United States' role in the world. "I don't really sense Biden is moving toward Sanders - he sees an opportunity to hit hard against Trump," O'Hanlon said. "I still think Sanders leans more toward pacifism, Biden more toward engagement." Biden delivered his remarks in a banquet hall on a pier in Chelsea, standing in front of a large blue curtain and four American flags, an attempt to re-create the tapestry of a presidential speech in front of dozens of journalists and a handful of advisers. He spoke after a morning fundraiser in New York in which he also talked extensively about the situation in Iran. Trump "has to understand that he cannot take this nation to war with Iran without the informed consent of the American people," Biden said during a morning fundraiser on the 37th floor of a Manhattan office building that houses the Skadden law firm. He said he arrived late because he was on a phone call with his national security team. "The idea that he can take us into a conflict potentially with a country of 80 million people in the Middle East, without the consent of American people - and doing it by tweet - is just preposterous," he added. In his speech, Biden also accused Trump of getting closer to an overreach of presidential power. "The American people do not want, and our Constitution will not abide, a president who rules by fiat and demands obedience," Biden said. "We need to restore the balance of powers between the branches of government," he added. Biden has in the past been supportive of limited military action that did not require congressional approval. He sponsored legislation in 1995 that would authorize the president to use force in the absence of congressional approval to "forestall an imminent act of international terrorism directed at US citizens or nationals or to retaliate against the perpetrators of such an act." His presidential campaign website in 2008 said, specifically about Iran, that the Founding Fathers were clear that a president needs congressional approval "to initiate war, except to repel an imminent attack on the United States or its citizens." It also noted: "If the President takes us to war with Iran without Congressional approval, I will call for his impeachment. I do not say this lightly or to be provocative. I am dead serious." ALBANY Cracking down on vaping. Eliminating a legal loophole that allows rapists to walk free if their victim was voluntarily intoxicated. Exploring a drug importation program from Canada to cut drug costs. Get the latest in New York state politics. Sign up for the Capitol Confidential newsletter. The more than 30 initiatives trickled out by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo during the last month in advance of his Wednesday State of the State address have been wide-reaching, all falling under the motto of making progress happen. Many also fall into a category of proposals that had already been introduced by progressive state lawmakers during the 2019 legislative session, or in some instances for years prior. And while those lawmakers are glad to have Cuomos support, they are also questioning the tactic and some are frustrated that the governor is taking the credit. The approach is emblematic of, sometimes, the executive branch is not either willing or able to be a partner with the Legislature a genuine partner on behalf of the residents of New York state, said Sen. James Skoufis, D-Orange County. Skoufis has introduced at least three versions of bills that are expected to be part of the governors annual address: banning fentanyl analogs, preventing sex offenders from using dating apps and exploring a program to import prescription drugs from Canada. (On the last topic, Skoufis had introduced a bill to establish that program, not just examine it.) He said its disingenuous for the governor to suggest that he has come up with the ideas though he admits the Legislature is also sometimes guilty of doing the same thing. Still, Skoufis said the practice underscores the larger friction that exists between the two branches of government. There isnt the full respect that there is meant to be. But Cuomos team stressed that his State of the State proposals are an annual process, highlighting his own agenda items for the next year regardless of whether they overlap with legislators ideas. To his credit, the governor has included some proposals in previous budget announcements but the glamour of the State of the State rollout also includes efforts to push press releases and social media posts to rally media coverage, with the goal of generating headlines that include Cuomos name. The language for many of our proposals will be in the budget, and then you can compare how they do or do not compare to other bills, Cuomos spokesman Richard Azzopardi said in an email. Either way, as we have done for the past nine years, we work with the Legislature to pass these measures and move New York forward thats how the process works. State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, D-Bronx, submitted a bill in August to remove the legal loophole that can prevent prosecutors from fully pursuing charges against sexual offenders if the victim was intoxicated. She said Cuomos office did not work with her on their version of the proposal, which is almost exactly the same as her legislation. Shes glad the governor supports the measure, but I think theres also a fine line here that this is an opportunity to work collaboratively. Historically, in the Capitol, its just set out of the context of conflict, she said, adding that its unhelpful to resubmit bills that have already been written without working with the legislative sponsor. I am open to learning more about any blind spot about any bill that Ive put forward or passed. Biaggi added that when the governors office declines to work with legislators who have championed certain issues regardless of where the idea originated the implementation of a proposal that could benefit New Yorkers could be delayed. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, D-Queens, who declined to be interviewed for this story, saw that in action last week when Cuomo vetoed a bill she championed to allow e-bikes and scooters across the state. Facing backlash for the veto, Cuomo tweeted late last month that he would propose his own legislation on the issue: There is no need for us to choose between legalizing e-bikes and safety, and I will propose a bill that does both on January 8. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Ramos shot back: My bill wasnt a choice between either. Happy to work with you but dont be disingenuous. Assemblywoman Linda B. Rosenthal, D-Manhattan, said the governors office is used to working with a divided Legislature, tucking proposals into the annual budget instead of passing individual bills that would typically get held up in a Republican Senate. But now that the Legislature is overwhelmingly blue and looks like its going to stay that way the governor and other Democrats could share the credit. The fact that weve worked long and hard on this is lost when were not mentioned, when were not credited with having toiled on these issues for years, Rosenthal said. Thats not fair, but, of course, the governor has large powers and a greater platform, so thats what happens. A handful of legislators, while frustrated over the process, said they are not too concerned with Cuomos habit of touting ideas that others may have floated beforehand. Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, D-Queens, has spearheaded legislation to eliminate the pink tax the extra amount women are charged for health care and cosmetic items solely because they are marketed to females. Thats now a top priority for the governor. Legislators appreciate the governors interest, Rozic said. The ultimate shared goal here is to get things done. If putting it in the State of the State makes that happen any faster, Id support that." State Sen. Brad Hoylman, D-Manhattan, who has been a sponsor of multiple bills that the governor is also now proposing, had similar sentiments: There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit, he said, quoting former President Ronald Reagan. I think its healthy competitiveness, he said. Both legislators and the governor are trying to do the best job for the people of New York, so if were sometimes scooped by the governor on a good idea, I think that benefits our constituents and the people who put us into office. BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta, who was scheduled to deliver a lecture on Wednesday at the Visva Bharati University on the Citizenship Amendment Act, faced protests by members of the CPM-backed SFI who also stalled the programme. Kolkata: BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta, who was scheduled to deliver a lecture on Wednesday at the Visva Bharati University on the Citizenship Amendment Act, faced protests by members of the CPM-backed SFI who also stalled the programme. The Rajya Sabha MP was to speak on The CAA-2019: Understanding and Interpretation as a part of the Visva Bharati lecture series at the varsity's Lipika Auditorium. The programme was scheduled at 3.30 pm and was to be presided over by the varsity's vice chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty. How does it feel to have a mob attack a peaceful meeting on CAA and intimidation students? This is what is happening to a meeting I am addressing at Vishwa Bharati now. Locked into room now with mob outside. Swapan Dasgupta (@swapan55) January 8, 2020 There are nearly 70 people locked inside a room in Vishwa Bharati, Santiniketan, for the crime of attending an official, university-convened lecture by me on CAA. This includes the VC. There is a howling mob outside itching for confrontation. pic.twitter.com/3eLBHPdIHT Swapan Dasgupta (@swapan55) January 8, 2020 However, as soon as Dasgupta reached the campus students started protesting against him. The varsity's SFI unit leader Somnath Sau said the students will not allow anyone who "promotes hatred among communities" to spread propaganda on the soil of Visva Bharati, which stands for the ideals of Rabindranath Tagore. "We will continue our protests against the BJP and forces of the Hindutva," he added. The BJP leader in a tweet said, "How does it feel to have a mob attack a peaceful meeting on CAA and intimidation students? This is what is happening to a meeting I am addressing at Vishwa Bharati now. Locked into room now with mob outside (sic)." A teacher of the varsity said Dasgupta was kept at a guest house as the agitation continued. However, Visva Bharati University authorities were not available for comments. Visva Bharati, founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1921, is a central university. Washington: After tensions in Iran that have been going on for the past several days, now US President Donald Trump has got a solid excuse not to withdraw his army from Afghanistan. Trump had been advocating talks with the Taliban over the past year and the removal of 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan, in the face of domestic political pressure and electoral lines. However, Indian agencies had foreseen that the US would not withdraw its troops from Afghanistan in the near future. Politics heated over Muzaffarpur shelter home case, RJD demands Nitish's resignation After information from the sources, working on Pak-Afghanistan affairs told Amar Ujala that the serious tension that has arisen with Iran has given Trump a big reason for not withdrawing the army. There has been talking of reducing the force in Afghanistan since the time of Barack Obama's government in 2009. But every time for some reason or other it is postponed. In the year 2017, the Trump government sent 3,000 more soldiers in the name of dismantling Pakistan-backed Taliban, ISIS, and Al Qaeda. At the same time, in the name of training the army of Afghanistan, American soldiers remained frozen in different areas. But since last year, due to the pressure of American civil society to withdraw the army, the trumps were openly showing seriousness in this regard. There were several rounds of talks with the Taliban in this regard. Raajsthan: Sachin Pilot set new record, greets public in this way At the same time, it is known that the intelligence agencies around the world stood up when in November, Trump suddenly visited the US Air Force base in Bagram, Afghanistan and met his soldiers. By then tensions with Iran had begun to escalate and a period of sanctions had begun. Raj Thackeray and former CM meet, discussions on equations in Maharashtra The day-long strike called by central trade unions was total in Left-ruled Kerala on Wednesday, with vehicles, including state-owned KSRTC and private buses keeping off the roads. In the state capital, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) did not operate city and long distance services. Very few private vehicles and autorickshaws were seen plying on roads. As Sabarimala pilgrims have been exempted from the strike, KSRTC buses are taking Ayyappa devotees to Pamba. With trade unions of the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and opposition Congress-headed UDF participating in the strike, most of the staff did not turn up at the Secretariat. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other ministers also did not attend office. The weekly state cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday had been held a day earlier. Police have made arrangements to ensure that there are no untoward incidents and 160 police pickets have been set up at various junctions in the city. Railway sources said train services were unaffected by the strike called by various trade unions and there were no protests at railway stations. However, passengers who reached the railway station here this morning had a tough time getting vehicles. Police vehicles were arranged to take patients coming for treatment at the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Medical College Hospital and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences. Initial reports said some Sabarimala pilgrims from Tamil Nadu had to wait for over two hours in Punalur in Kollam to get KSRTC buses for Pamba. Shops and business establishments were also shut across the state despite the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, an organisation of traders, stating that they would remain open. The Mahatma Gandhi, Kerala and Kannur universities have postponed various examinations scheduled for Wednesday. The central trade unions are protesting against labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies of the government. They are pressing for a 12-point charter of demands of the working class relating to minimum wage and social security, among others. This is the second shutdown within a month in Kerala. On December 7, the state had observed a dawn-to-dusk hartal called by at least 30 Muslim outfits to protest against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There has been much ink spilled and hot air vented recently about the introduction of a certain Iranian general to the business end of a precision-guided munition. This was not the first special delivery the general received from America. As part of the Iran nuclear deal, the U.S .government flew pallets of cash to the Tehran airport. This load of...bills was supposed to be a down payment on peace. Didn't work out. Shocker. Those pallets groaned under the weight of $150 billion, likely unloaded from the plane by straining fork trucks. How best to make that figure more concrete? If you divide $150 billion by 330 million Americans, that works out to about $450. Four hundred fifty dollars is my share of the payola. Barack Obama shoved his sticky fingers into my pocket and dragged out $450. He then stacked it in bundles with $450 from each and every other citizen, shrink-wrapped them all on pallets, and sent them off like an Amazon package. What did Iran do with my $450? I don't have a good idea of how much in explosives $450 will buy, but it's probably enough to make a reasonably big boom. Iran must get a bulk discount after all. How many IEDs did my $450 pay for? Think about that the next time you see a veteran short a leg or an eye. Or maybe it bought electronics to guide a rocket onto a school in Israel. Or there might have been a big sale on torture implements at Tehran's most popular hardware store. Pliers, aisle nine. Cordless drills and blow torches on the endcaps. I, for one, can think of better uses for my nine little green portraits of Ulysses S. Grant. And those uses are more aligned with Trump's special delivery than Obama's. Hours after a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 people crashed near Tehran and Iranian government conducted missile strikes against US military bases in Iraq, said it is temporarily rerouting its flights and that of its subsidiary Express which use Iranian airspace. "In light of the tensions within the Iranian airspace a decision to temporarily reroute flights of (AI) and Air India Express (AIX) overflying Iran has been taken. This may lead to increase in flying time by approximately 20 minutes for flights from Delhi and 30 to 40 minutes for flights from Mumbai," said the airline's spokesperson. Aviation regulator DGCA on Wednesday morning asked Indian airlines to remain vigilant and take all precautions in airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf, hours after the crash of Ukrainian International airlines flight that killed 176 people near Tehran. A 61-year-old Indian businessman, who was in the UAE on his first holiday abroad, has died of cardiac failure, according to a media report. Hailing from Punjab, Nem Chand Jain and his wife Rosy came to Dubai on January 2 as part of a group of 18 members from the Jain community from different parts of India, the Gulf reported on Tuesday. Chand complained of uneasiness on Sunday afternoon while swimming in a pool of a hotel here where the group stayed. He came out of the pool saying he felt tired and uneasy. His wife urged him to go along with her to the room and have some tea. But he couldn't go up. Before reaching the stairs, he collapsed, Sunil Jain, the organiser of the trip, was quoted as saying in the report. He said the lifeguard at the pool performed CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that is done when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. This may happen after an electric shock, heart attack, or drowning. "The ambulance also reached in 10-15 minutes. Though they tried to save him, they couldn't, he said. Jain said it was Chand's first trip abroad. "The body of Chand will be flown home on the return flight he had booked for his 62nd birthday on Wednesday," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bryan Stevenson grew up playing piano in church and has not forgotten the painful experiences members shared with the congregation and the joyous redemptive moments that followed. I remember so many people coming in and their testimonies would be heartbreaking sometimes, Stevenson said. They didnt have enough food to eat. They had gone through something really hard and difficult. But at the end theyd start singing, Wouldnt Take Nothing for My Journey Now. Those recollections help explain why hes drawn to people broken by injustice, trauma, and bad decisions, said the 60-year-old lawyer who grew up in a poor, rural, black community in Delaware. A movie about his fight to right the wrongs in his adopted state of Alabama, Just Mercy, will be widely released on Friday. The film is based on Stevensons book of the same title and tells the true story of Walter McMillian, a black man from Monroe County who sat on death row for six years, wrongly accused of the murder of an 18-year-old white woman. Stevenson and his nonprofit law firm, the Equal Justice Initiative, overcame entrenched resistance to win McMillians release in 1993. In the film, Michael B. Jordan plays Stevenson, while McMillian is played by Jamie Foxx. Stevenson said the movie, of which he is also an executive producer, stays true to what happened, although some elements had to be condensed to span the six-year narrative. I wrote about the McMillian case because I dont think people appreciate the burden, the weight, the challenge, the suffering thats created when we take an innocent person, accuse them of something they didnt do, and then they convict them and we put them on death row, Stevenson said. And I think the film does a great job of exposing people to the burdens placed on families. We dont just put innocent people in jail. We put their families, we put their communities, and that comes through in the film. Stevenson said Foxx gives an extraordinary performance as McMillian, a husband and father of three known to friends and family as Johnny D. McMillian had a pulpwood business before he was falsely accused of the murder of Ronda Morrison in 1986. Morrison, a college student, was shot in the back three times and found dead at Monroe Cleaners, where she worked. It was a crime that shocked Monroeville. Stevenson said he was heavily involved in writing the movie script. He said the filmmakers consistently sought his input, relieving his initial apprehension. When Hollywood gets these stories sometimes things get compromised and integrity is lost, the truth is lost, Stevenson said. But the director, Destin Daniel Cretton, was very committed to doing this the right way. And when Michael B. Jordan signed on we spent a lot of time talking. We were all aligned in the idea that we wanted to get this right, that we wanted to be truthful about the essential features of what happened. And Im really pleased with the film. The movie marks the latest step in the emergence of Stevenson and EJI as a public advocacy force, a change after two decades of working quietly on behalf of indigent defendants. The book Just Mercy, published in 2014, became a New York Times bestseller and won critical acclaim. In April 2018, EJI opened the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, a memorial to more than 4,000 African American victims of lynching, as well as the Legacy Museum, which traces Americas history of slavery, racial terror, segregation, and mass incarceration. EJI has won major legal cases, too, including the case of Anthony Ray Hinton, who served 30 years on Alabamas death row and was released in 2015 after a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. EJI has pressed for prison reforms in Alabama, with investigations, reports, and legal action that helped trigger federal intervention over sexual abuse of women at Julia Tutwiler Prison and an ongoing Department of Justice intervention over violent conditions in mens prisons. Stevenson and EJI have successfully fought against life sentences for those who commit crimes when they are minors. EJIs representation of Evan Miller, who was sentenced to life without parole for the brutal murder of a Lawrence County man in 2003, led to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2012 that says juveniles charged with capital murder cant be automatically sentenced to life with no chance at parole just because the death penalty is no longer available as a sentence for juveniles. The decision has led to a few thousand inmates nationwide getting a chance at being paroled one day. Stevenson said the decision to become more public came about a decade ago. For the first 20 years of our institutional life here at EJI we were pretty covert, Stevenson said. We didnt have a sign on the building. I wasnt particularly interested in being public about the work. We represented our clients. We fought for them. We did the work we did and we tried to stay out of the limelight. But I got worried about 10 years ago that despite some of the effectiveness of that work, there were larger questions that had to be addressed that we couldnt address inside the court. We had to go outside the court and start talking more fundamentally about whats fair in punishment. Whats just punishment? Is there too much punishment? How do we help the poor? Ive always seen that our system treats you better if youre rich and guilty than if youre poor and innocent. Since the Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice opened, tour buses have become a fixture in downtown Montgomery. According to EJI, more than 650,000 visitors have toured the museum and memorial. EJI is nearing completion on conversion of another downtown building into a facility that will include a restaurant and other features. I never imagined that we would have a museum that talks about the legacy of slavery, that there would be this memorial, that hundreds of thousands of people would come to this city to come learn about this history, Stevenson said. Thats a sign of progress in Alabama, Stevenson said. He also said more defense lawyers are in place to help indigent defendants than in 1989 when he and Eva Ansley started EJI from scratch. Brie Larson plays the role of Ansley in Just Mercy. But Stevenson said some aspects of the criminal justice system have gotten worse during his 30 years in his adopted Alabama home. I think theres an awareness of some of the problems that didnt exist 30 years ago, said Stevenson, who graduated from Harvard Law School. But we also have some really serious problems that didnt exist 30 years ago. Very worried about our prisons, which are so overcrowded, so violent, so unhealthy right now. Thats gotten worse since when I came in the late 80s." Last year, EJI reported that Alabama prisons had the highest homicide rate in the nation. The level of violence was one of the problems the Department of Justice cited in April when it alleged conditions in Alabamas mens prisons violated the Constitution. State officials have been working with the DOJ on possible solutions since. EJI also has an ongoing lawsuit over conditions at St. Clair Correctional Facility, one of the states most violent prisons. Stevenson said EJI is involved in the negotiations between state officials and the DOJ and has been providing information to the DOJ. We just want the prisons to be safer, Stevenson said. We want the conditions to be humane. We want everybody to be better protected. And I just think there is a lot of inertia that has to be overcome just because weve been practicing indifference for so long. And we havent made the kind of investments in management and leadership that we need to make. So, thats a big area of concern. Stevenson said he wants to use the increase in influence EJI can gain from the movie to draw more attention to problems such as the lack of treatment and care for people caught up in the criminal justice system because of mental illness. When youre psychotic and youre on the street, somebody is going to call the police and police officers are going to come and because youre in the middle of psychosis youre not going to cooperate, Stevenson said. Youre going to end up being charged with resisting arrest. You may end up being charged with assaulting a police officer. He said federal law to protect the disabled is not working for the mentally ill in the legal system. I think its cruel to condemn people to prison for decades and not provide them care and treatment because they are disabled," Stevenson said. McMillian, known by the nickname Johnny D to those close to him in Monroe County, died in 2013. Family and friends have attended screenings of Just Mercy. Some had been with McMillian at a fish fry at his house the day Ronda Morrison was murdered and told authorities he could not have committed the crime. They were just ignored, Stevenson said. And they watched this man get pulled away and put on death row. Years go by. And so, I think it was very affirming for them that the story could be told in a way that more people could hear it and see it. Sometimes you just want someone to acknowledge that youve been treated unfairly, that youve gone through something to get to a better place. And I think they were very excited that their part of the story was acknowledged. A remarkable aspect of McMillians story is that it happened in Monroeville, home of Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a black man wrongly convicted of raping a white woman. Monroeville was the inspiration for Maycomb, the fictional setting for Lees book. Monroeville embraces its affiliation with the novel with a museum and annual plays performed by the Mockingbird Players. Stevenson said people in Monroeville regularly urged him to visit the museum when he was in town working on McMillians case. There was just something always so ironic about being in this community that celebrates the To Kill a Mockingbird story with such fervor and such enthusiasm and yet was so non-responsive to this real life case of an innocent black man wrongly convicted and wrongly condemned. I think it says something about the ways in which our values and our expressed ideas dont get implemented when were dealing with real-life situations, whether thats a community with a preoccupation with To Kill a Mockingbird or its people of faith who arent living those values when it comes to dealing with people accused of crimes. In his book, Stevenson describes growing up in a poor, rural, black community in Delaware. His great grandparents were born into slavery in the 1840s in Virginia. Stevenson was close to his grandmother, who was born in the 1880s and learned from her father how people emancipated after the Civil War were effectively re-enslaved after Reconstruction by violence, intimidation, and an economic system that kept them powerless. Sitting in an upstairs EJI conference room overlooking historic downtown Montgomery, Stevenson said hes mindful of the civil rights advocates of some 60 years ago who risked life and limb with no realistic hope of public praise, much less recognition in a Hollywood movie. People in this community put on their Sunday best and they went to spaces where they knew they would be battered and bloodied and bruised with billy clubs and bottles and dogs," Stevenson said. "And yet they went anyway because they had this hope of creating a healthier community of justice, Stevenson said his view of justice goes back to his upbringing in church. He cites a passage from the Book of Micah in explaining what drives his work and the title of his book. I was raised to believe, as the scriptures say, that we should love mercy, that we should do justice, and that we should walk humbly with God, Stevenson said. "We have a lot of people who accept that doctrine. But when we try to implement it, fear and anger get in the way and we start doing things that are very extreme. And I do believe that our system needs to be reformed. We have the highest rate of incarceration in the world in this country. I think weve done some pretty extreme things to people when it comes to punishment. And I just dont think weve actually exercised the kind of mercy that we would want for ourselves. Edited at 2:47 p.m. on Jan. 8 to correct a quote. VICTOR, N.Y., Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a leading beverage alcohol company, reported today its third quarter fiscal 2020 results. A conference call to discuss the financial results and outlook will be hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Newlands and Chief Financial Officer David Klein on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. (EST). Visit cbrands.com/investors/events to locate information for joining the conference call, or a live, listen-only webcast of the conference call. About Constellation Brands Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a Fortune 500 company, is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. Constellation is the No. 3 beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic imported beer brands such as the Corona and Modelo brand families, and Pacifico. Its high-quality wine and spirits brands include the Robert Mondavi and The Prisoner Wine Company brand families, Kim Crawford, Ruffino, Meiomi, and SVEDKA Vodka. The companys portfolio also includes a collection of highly-rated wine brands such as SIMI and Mount Veeder Winery, spirits brands High West Whiskey and Casa Noble Tequila, as well as new wine innovations such as Cooper & Thief, 7 Moons, and Crafters Union. Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors, and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Since its founding in 1945, Constellations ability to see, meet and stay ahead of shifting consumer preferences and trends across total beverage alcohol has fueled our success and made us one of the top growth contributors in beverage alcohol in the U.S. To learn more, follow us on Twitter @cbrands and visit www.cbrands.com . MEDIA CONTACTS INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS Mike McGrew 773-251-4934 michael.mcgrew@cbrands.com Patty Yahn-Urlaub 585-678-7483 patty.yahn-urlaub@cbrands.com Amy Martin 585-678-7141 amy.martin@cbrands.com Bob Czudak 585-678-7170 bob.czudak@cbrands.com A PDF containing our Third Quarter Fiscal 2020 results and full financial tables is available at: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/6ed6a8be-9756-4db5-a397-c718eb9a3807 Bhang has contracted Trava, Inc. and Herban, Inc., Californias most prolific cannabis co-packers to manufacture Bhang-branded products and Shelf-Life Distributing to distribute Bhangs products across California MIAMI, Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bhang Inc. (the "Company") (CSE: BHNG) (OTCQX: BHNGF), a global cannabis CPG brand company with an extensive, award-winning portfolio of products, announced today that its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Bhang Corporation (Bhang, or the Company), has entered into a termination agreement and mutual release dated January 2, 2019 (the Agreement) with CannaRoyalty Corp. d/b/a Origin House, (Origin House) (CSE: OH) (OTCQX: ORHOF) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Kaya Management, Inc. (Kaya). The Agreement terminates the previously-announced exclusive California license agreement between Bhang and Kaya (the License Agreement). The parties also agreed to a mutual release of claims resulting from the License Agreement. Under the Termination and Release Agreement, Bhang will receive royalty payments, input materials, manufacturing equipment, Bhang-branded finished goods, and Origin House shares, collectively valued at approximately US$1.1M. Bhang has contracted with Trava, Inc. and Herban, Inc., Californias most prolific cannabis co-packers to manufacture Bhang-branded products in California. In addition, Bhang has also contracted Shelf-Life Distributing to distribute these Bhang-branded products across California. Moving from a licensing model to a direct-to-retail model will allow Bhang to control the use of its brand while substantially increasing its footprint throughout California and realizing operations-derived revenue rather than royalties. Bhangs internal sales team is working closely with retailers to ensure a smooth transition. Bhangs multi-state cannabis platform includes licensees in Florida, Nevada, Michigan, New Mexico, Illinois and Ohio as well as a 50/50 joint-venture with Indiva Limited (TSXV: NDVA) in Canada. The Companys hemp-derived CBD products are available throughout the US in brick & mortar stores and online through bhangcbd.com as well as in Puerto Rico, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and the U.K. As announced on December 4, 2019, the Company is in process of re-locating its headquarters to California, where Bhang was initially founded in 2010. Over the past decade, Bhang has become one of the most-recognized brands in cannabis with its capital-light operating platform driven by top-tier manufacturing and distribution partners. About Bhang Bhang is committed to delivering exceptional sensory experiences to consumers at every point in their cannabis journey through its award-winning portfolio of brands. Bhang is a trusted global cannabis company with an extensive portfolio of over 100 cannabis, hemp-derived CBD and terpene products, including chocolates, pre-rolls, gums, and beverages through its wholly-owned Red Ace Organics division, among others. Since 2010, Bhang has mastered the art of harnessing mutually-beneficial partnerships to bring safe, consistent and delicious products to the world. Learn more at www.bhangnation.com and purchase our award-winning CBD products at http://www.bhangcbd.com/. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains statements which constitute forwardlooking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities. Forward looking information is often identified by the words may, would, could, should, will, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, expect or similar expressions and include information regarding: (i) statements regarding the future direction of the Company (ii) the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business and financial objectives, (iii) plans for expansion of the Company into new jurisdictions, and (iv) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Investors are cautioned that forwardlooking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect the Companys managements expectations, estimates or projections concerning the business of the Companys future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forwardlooking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forwardlooking information are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; and in particular in the ability of the Company to raise debt and equity capital in the amounts and at the costs that it expects; adverse changes in the public perception of cannabis; decreases in the prevailing prices for cannabis and hemp products in the markets that the Company operates in; adverse changes in applicable laws; or adverse changes in the application or enforcement of current laws; the cannabis market is highly regulated and those regulations and enforcement priorities of governmental authorities may change; compliance with extensive government regulation and related costs; and other risks described in the Companys Listing Statement dated July 9, 2019 and filed on www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forwardlooking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forwardlooking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to any U.S. Person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release. INVESTORS CONTACT: Jamie L. Pearson President & CEO Bhang Inc. 406-208-3488 invest@bhangcorporation.com The number of enforcement orders issued by the food watchdog in 2019 rose 13% on the previous 12 months - meaning last year was the second consecutive year in which there was an increase in such orders. One inspection last month discovering a live rodent in an exposed cavity wall next to food storage units. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said 124 Enforcement Orders were served on food businesses for breaches in food safety legislation in 2019, up 13%, compared to 2018. Between January 1 and December 31, 2019, food inspectors served 107 closure orders, four improvement orders and 13 prohibition orders on food businesses throughout the country. Six closure orders were served on food businesses last month. These were issued to The Carrots Tail Ltd in Dublin 6, Joes Take Away, 3 Dean Street, Kilkenny, Beef and Lobster on Parliament Street, Dublin 2 the Circle K Service Station, on Belgard Road, in Tallaght, Dublin 24, the Indian Aagrah/Bombay Brasserie on Sundays Well Road, Cork, and the main store and warehouse, bakery preparation area, temporary storage container and adjoining delivery area at Lidl in the M1 Retail Park in Drogheda, Louth. The FSAI said some of the reasons for the Enforcement Orders in December included a live rodent noted in an exposed cavity wall next to food storage units; rodent droppings found in storage units which contained exposed food; and a suspected pool of blood which appeared to be present in a goods storage unit with a foul smell coming from the area. Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive, FSAI stressed the serious nature of a food business being served an enforcement order. Enforcements, especially closure orders and prohibition orders, are never served for minor food safety breaches. They are served on food businesses only when a serious risk to consumer health has been identified or where there are a number of ongoing breaches of food legislation that could cause serious hygiene or other operational issues, she said. It is disappointing to see an increase in enforcement orders for the second consecutive year and businesses should take action to prevent the trend continuing into 2020, she said. To the chagrin of the victims family members, the alleged Bayberry Apartments shooter had his court appearance moved to March. With General Sessions Court Judge Christie Sells courtroom filled with the family members of those involved in the Mark Caslin case, the alleged shooter was expected to make an appearance. This appearance never materialized, as Caslin got a new date as he sorted out issues pertaining to his attorney. Does he know whats happening, asked Judge Sell, and does he need to be brought over (from the jail)? She was assured the defendant knew what was happening, and it seemed as if half of the courtroom vanished Judge Sell announced Caslin would not be back in court until March 10. Officers originally detained Caslin after finding him outside a nearby business, with blood on his shoes and they took him in to be interviewed. He was transported to be interviewed and denied being at the slaying. He said he was in that apartment later in the day. Police said video evidence and statements of witnesses contradicted the account by Caslin. He was released pending further investigation. Police said they responded to a person shot at Building 8 of the Bayberry Apartments at approximately 9:08 p.m. They found three victims, including two already dead. Hollis Malone, 23, and Lyonnel Gladden, 22, were killed, and another man, 22, was injured in the shooting on Wilson Street. Police said it was learned that Malone, Gladden, the surviving victim and J'Darius Rice entered Apartment D at 9:02 p.m. Rice was friend of the resident and had permission to be there. Police said Caslin was already there when the others arrived and got into an argument with Malone, then shot and killed him. Police said he then began shooting at the others, killing Gladden. Police said the surviving victim tried to defend himself with a gun but was shot also. Police said Caslin walked away from Apartment D at 9:04 p.m., but returned two minutes later while the surviving victim was calling 911. Police said Caslin took his gun and cell phone as well as Gladden's gun before fleeing the apartment again. Hamilton County EMS transported the injured victim to a local hospital. Officers located a crime scene inside an apartment unit. Police earlier said a motive for the shooting had not been determined. Caslin was not taken into custody until a few days later when he was in General Sessions Court for a separate offense. After trying to run out of Judge Gerald Webbs courtroom, law enforcement took him to the floor of the courtroom. "Carin brings a vast depth of experience, strong financial acumen and understanding of both public and private sectors that any board would envy, much less one in the banking industry," said BBVA USA Non-Executive Chairman of the Board J. Terry Strange. "That she has agreed to be part of our board is a win for BBVA, both nationally and internationally. We expect to rely on her advice and experience far into the future and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship." In addition to her appointment as Chief Financial Officer for HUD, Barth has also been previously appointed as Texas Department of Public Safety Commissioner, Expert Consultant for HUD, Member of the Board for the Texas Public Finance Authority, Investment Committee member for the City of Houston, Board of Regents for Texas Tech University and Board of Directors for the Houston Convention Center Hotel Corporation. She presently serves on the board of directors for Group 1 Automotive, Inc., Enterprise Products Holdings LLC and Black Stone Minerals, L.P. She previously served on the boards of Halcon Resources Corporation, Strategic Growth Bank Incorporated, Bill Barrett Corporation, Western Refining, Inc., Encore Bancshares, Inc. and Amegy Bancorporation, Inc. Barth is active in her community with service at various non-profits. She is currently a Trustee and Chairman for The Welch Foundation and a member of the Board of Directors for The Ronald McDonald House of Houston. "Carin is the perfect addition to the board, and I have no doubt that she, alongside our other board members, will lead us into a successful future," said BBVA USA President and CEO Javier Rodriguez Soler. "Her dedication to business and the community aligns with our vision, and she adds diversity of thought and action, which we always look to achieve." Barth received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama summa cum laude and her Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management. For more information on BBVA USA, click here . For more BBVA news visit, www.bbva.com and the U.S. Newsroom . Additional news updates can be found via Twitter and Instagram . For more financial information about BBVA in the U.S., visit bbvausa.investorroom.com . About BBVA BBVA Group BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. The Group has a strong leadership position in the Spanish market, is the largest financial institution in Mexico, it has leading franchises in South America and the Sunbelt Region of the United States. It is also the leading shareholder in Turkey's Garanti BBVA. Its purpose is to bring the age of opportunities to everyone, based on our customers' real needs: provide the best solutions, helping them make the best financial decisions, through an easy and convenient experience. The institution rests in solid values: Customer comes first, we think big and we are one team. Its responsible banking model aspires to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable society. BBVA USA In the U.S., BBVA is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 641 branches, including 330 in Texas, 89 in Alabama, 63 in Arizona, 61 in California, 44 in Florida, 37 in Colorado and 17 in New Mexico. The bank ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (2nd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (6th). In the U.S., BBVA has been recognized as one of the leading small business lenders by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and ranked 8th nationally in terms of dollar volume of SBA loans originated in fiscal year 2018. SOURCE BBVA USA Related Links www.bbva.com TEL AVIV, ISRAELTikTok, the smartphone app beloved by teenagers and used by hundreds of millions of people around the world, had serious vulnerabilities that would have allowed hackers to manipulate user data and reveal personal information, according to research published Wednesday by Check Point, a cybersecurity company in Israel. The weaknesses would have allowed attackers to send TikTok users messages that carried malicious links. Once users clicked on the links, attackers would have been able to take control of their accounts, including uploading videos or gaining access to private videos. A separate flaw allowed Check Point researchers to retrieve personal information from TikTok user accounts through the companys website. The vulnerabilities we found were all core to TikToks systems, said Oded Vanunu, Check Points head of product vulnerability research. TikTok learned about the conclusions of Check Points research Nov. 20 and said it had fixed all of the vulnerabilities by Dec. 15. The app, whose parent company is based in Beijing, has been called the last sunny corner on the internet. It allows users to post short, creative videos, which can easily be shared on various apps. It has also become a target of lawmakers and regulators who are suspicious of Chinese technology. Several branches of the U.S. military have barred personnel from having the app on government-issued smartphones. The vulnerabilities discovered by Check Point are likely to compound those concerns. TikTok has exploded in popularity over the past two years, becoming a rare Chinese internet success story in the West. It has been downloaded more than 1.5 billion times, according to the data firm Sensor Tower. Near the end of 2019, the research firm said TikTok appeared to be on its way to more downloads for the year than better-known apps from Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Snap. But new apps like TikTok offer opportunities for hackers looking to target services that havent been tested through years of security research and real-world attacks. And many of its users are young and perhaps not mindful of security updates. TikTok is committed to protecting user data, said Luke Deshotels, the head of TikToks security team. Like many organizations, we encourage responsible security researchers to privately disclose zero day vulnerabilities to us, he added. Before public disclosure, Check Point agreed that all reported issues were patched in the latest version of our app. We hope that this successful resolution will encourage future collaboration with security researchers. Deshotels said there was no indication in customer records that a breach or an attack had occurred. TikToks parent company, ByteDance, is one of the worlds most valuable tech startups. But TikToks popularity and its roots in China, where no large corporation can thrive outside the good graces of the government, have prompted intense scrutiny of the apps content policies and data practices. U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern that TikTok censors material that the Chinese government does not like and allows Beijing to collect user data. TikTok has denied both accusations. The company also says that although ByteDances headquarters are in Beijing, regional managers for TikTok have significant autonomy over operations. Check Points intelligence unit examined how easy it would be to hack into TikTok user accounts. It found that various functions of the app, including sending video files, had security issues. I would expect these types of vulnerabilities in a company like TikTok, which is probably more focused on tremendous growth, and on building new features for their users, rather than security, said Christoph Hebeisen, the head of research at Lookout, another cybersecurity company. One vulnerability allowed attackers to use a link in TikToks messaging system to send users messages that appeared to come from TikTok. The Check Point researchers tested the weakness by sending themselves links with malware that let them take control of accounts, uploading content, deleting videos and making private videos public. The researchers also found that TikToks site was vulnerable to a type of attack that injects malicious code into trusted websites. Check Point researchers were able to retrieve users personal information, including names and birth dates. Check Point sent a summary of its findings to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment, a panel that reviews investment deals on national security grounds, is also looking into ByteDances 2017 acquisition of Musical.ly, a lip-syncing app that the company later merged into TikTok. That deal set the stage for TikToks rapid rise in the United States and Europe. There are also concerns about the companys data privacy practices. In February, the Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint against TikTok, saying it illegally collected personal information from minors. The complaint claimed that Musical.ly had violated the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act, which requires websites and online companies to direct children younger than 13 to get parental consent before the companies collect personal information. TikTok agreed to pay $5.7 million to settle the complaint and said it would abide by COPPA. TikTok is still being investigated by the British Information Commissioners Office to determine if it violated European privacy laws that offer special protections to minors and their data. Job Title: Education Project Assistant (Several Job Opportunities) Organization: Windle International Uganda (WIU) Funding Source: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Duty Station: Uganda About US: Windle International Uganda (WIU) formerly Windle Trust Uganda is a registered INGO whose mission is to promote peace and development in communities through provision and coordination of Education and training for Refugees and people affected by conflict.Windle International Uganda is the lead partner of UNHCR in implementing Education Projects in Uganda with close collaboration with the Government of Uganda through the Office of the Prime Minister. Job Summary: The Education Project Assistant will support the day-to-day implementation of the Education project within the refugees settlement of posting. This position is responsible for supporting settlement operations with regards to Education and it will entail maintaining close contact with schools and other Educational Institutions on a daily basis within the settlement on the overall Education programming direction of Windle, UNHCR and OPM on the adaptation of UNHCRs Uganda Education Strategy, on Monitoring and assessing impact, on provision of technical assistance, and on liaising with partner agencies. In exercising these responsibilities, the post directly implements strategies to address particular situations arising from different contexts in the field, as well as provision of technical advice and support (on Early Childhood, learning achievement in Primary Education, Accelerated Education, Secondary Education access, and Vocational Skills Training) to schools, Head teachers and other staff with management responsibilities related to education management, and as needed to those representing education issues on behalf of Windle International Uganda. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Conduct daily school supervision and monitoring. Ensuring that participation of persons of concern in decisions and initiatives pertaining to their own Education is assured through continuous assessment and evaluation using participatory, rights and community based approaches. National education provision capacities are improved through direct engagement, research and advocacy with all relevant external interlocutors. Protection within the school environment is actively promoted in collaboration with other relevant programmes. Implement activities to ensure that Persons of concern are treated with dignity, respect and professionalism in line with the UNHCR Code of Conduct. Daily supervision of Schools to ensure that there is integrity in the delivery of education services by all WIU mandated Education staff. Engage in Community dialogue and spread awareness to see that Education activities have support and are accepted by the Communities. Adhere to Windle International Ugandas policies, tools, handbooks and guidelines Assist with the implementation of the support function portfolio according to work plan Prepare and develop status reports as required by the Education Project Officer and Settlement Manager Support the Monitoring and Evaluation function in the Collection of relevant data from the schools Ensure proper filing of documents including case studies from schools Promote and share ideas for improvement of the support function Conduct trainings and mentorships to improve the community teachers ability to source, assess, develop and utilize a range of appropriate teaching and learning materials that can be used inside and outside the classroom for learners. Encourage participation and relationship building amongst learners, teachers and community education committees to sustain the ongoing development. Conduct regular classroom observations, mentorships, individual and group assessments of community teachers to improve the classroom teaching and learning. Support the Project Officers in developing community teacher induction and refresher Training Manuals. Support Project Officers in developing community Education Committees and training manuals Participate in the development and improvement of Education Monitoring Tools Conduct teacher evaluations on teaching methodologies (Learner-Centered Methods) Support the improvement of project documentation. Initiate innovative evaluations in emergency practices. Support Project Officers in reporting, procurement and distribution of scholastic materials, recreational kits and school uniforms. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The applicant for the Windle International Uganda (WIU) Education Project Assistant job opportunity must hold a Bachelors Degree in Education, Social Sciences, Arts in Arts or other related courses. Additional training in Education and Education Management is desirable as an added advantage Two years of experience in Educational programming with a reputable institution, National or International NGO; Must be in possession of a valid riding permit (Driving permit class A) with proven ability to ride motorcycles; this is a requirement for the position. Knowledge of implementation on child friendly spaces, peace building, education in emergencies and psychosocial care is an added advantage Broad knowledge and understanding of Education concepts and issues in development context especially in Uganda; Working knowledge of the logical framework approach to Project design, Monitoring and Evaluation/ Project Cycle Management Background in relevant Education systems with good knowledge of relevant curricula. Demonstrated experience and skill in community action planning, networking and research, analysis and report writing He/she should be in a high standard of performance, punctual and disciplined. Strong facilitation and presentation skills with a passion for sharing knowledge Ability to work with communities in a local setting of refugee settlement and some basic Knowledge of the local language will be an added advantage Field experience in programme implementation and coordination. Knowledge of refugee protection principles and framework. Familiarity with INEE Toolkit standards is highly desirable. How to Apply: All interested applicants should apply online at the link below. Click Here Deadline: 13th January, 2020 For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam Thu, January 9 2020 Secure the sea: President Joko Jokowi Widodo (fourth left), accompanied by Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo (sixth left) and Indonesian Military commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto (left), listens to Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif (third left) as he points out details on a map of the Natuna Islands during the Presidents visit to an integrated maritime industry and fisheries center in Lampa Strait, Natuna, Riau Islands, on Wednesday. (Antara/M. Risyal Hidayat) President Joko Jokowi Widodo has insisted that Indonesia has sovereign rights over natural resources in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the North Natuna Sea while allowing foreign vessels to pass peacefully. I am here to ensure the enforcement of our sovereign rights over maritime natural resources in our EEZ, Jokowi said as quoted in a press release issued by the State Palace on Wednesday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. The United States is not withdrawing troops from Iraq, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday, with the top U.S. military officer explaining that a letter from a senior military officer that appeared to suggest withdrawal was a poorly worded mistake. "There's been no decision whatsoever to leave Iraq," Esper said. "There's no decision to leave, nor did we issue any plans to leave." A letter circulated Monday on Twitter had been sent to the Iraqi government from a commander in Iraq. In it, the commander said the U.S. respects Iraq's "decision to order our departure" and that U.S. troops would be "repositioning over the course of the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement." General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters Monday that the letter was merely a draft sent to Iraqi allies for input and in order to coordinate the language. "It was a mistake, an honest mistake, a draft unsigned letter because we are moving forces around and we have increased helicopter movement," Milley said. He added that the draft letter was "poorly worded" and "implies withdrawal." "That is not what's happening," Milley said. TEHRAN, Iran (AP) A stampede broke out Tuesday at the funeral for a top Iranian general slain in a U.S. airstrike, and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession, Iranian news reports said. As the crowds mourned Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, more angry calls rose from Iran to avenge his death, drastically raising tensions in the Middle East. The U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the regions waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. The U.S. Air Force launched a drill with 52 fighter jets in Utah, just days after President Donald Trump threatened to hit 52 sites in Iran. Tuesdays deadly stampede took place in Soleimanis hometown of Kerman as his coffin was being borne through the city in southeastern Iran, said Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Irans emergency medical services. There was no information about what set off the crush in the packed streets, and online videos showed only its aftermath: people lying apparently lifeless, their faces covered by clothing, emergency crews performing CPR on the fallen, and onlookers wailing and crying out to God. Unfortunately as a result of the stampede, some of our compatriots have been injured and some have been killed during the funeral processions, Koulivand said, and state TV quoted him as saying that 56 had died and 213 had been injured. Soleimanis burial was delayed, with no new time given, because of concerns about the huge crowd at the cemetery, the semi-official ISNA news agency said. A procession in Tehran on Monday drew over 1 million people in the Iranian capital, crowding both main avenues and side streets in Tehran. Such mass crowds can prove dangerous. A smaller stampede at the 1989 funeral for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini killed at least eight people and injured hundreds. Hossein Salami, Soleimanis successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard, addressed a crowd of supporters gathered at the coffin in a central square in Kernan. He vowed to avenge Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike Friday near Baghdads airport. We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about, Salami said. Death to Israel! the crowd shouted in response, referring to one of Irans longtime regional foes. Salami praised Soleimanis work, describing him as essential to backing Palestinian groups, Yemens Houthi rebels and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. As a martyr, Soleimani represented an even greater threat to Irans enemies, Salami said. Soleimani will ultimately be laid to rest between the graves of Enayatollah Talebizadeh and Mohammad Hossein Yousef Elahi, two former Guard comrades killed in Irans 1980s war with Iraq. They died in Operation Dawn 8, in which Soleimani also took part. It was a 1986 amphibious assault that cut Iraq off from the Persian Gulf and led to the end of the war that killed 1 million. The funeral processions in major cities over three days have been an unprecedented honor for Soleimani, seen by Iranians as a national hero for his work leading the Guards expeditionary Quds Force. The U.S. blames him for killing U.S. troops in Iraq and accused him of plotting new attacks just before he was killed. Soleimani also led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that countrys civil war, and he also served as the point man for Iranian proxies in countries like Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Assad in Syria on Tuesday amid the tensions between Washington and Tehran. Soleimanis slaying already has led Tehran to abandon the remaining limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers as his successor and others vow to take revenge. In Iraq, pro-Iranian factions in parliament have pushed to oust American troops from Iraqi soil following Soleimanis killing. Germany and Canada announced plans to move some of their soldiers in Iraq to neighboring countries. According to a report on Tuesday by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, Iran has worked up 13 sets of plans to avenge Soleimanis death. The report quoted Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, as saying that even the weakest among them would be a historic nightmare for the U.S. He declined to elaborate, If the U.S. troops do not leave our region voluntarily and upright, we will do something to carry their bodies horizontally out, Shamkhani said. The state-run IRNA news agency later published a statement from the Supreme National Security Council denying Shamkhani made the comment. The U.S. Maritime Administration warned ships across the Mideast, citing the rising threats. The Iranian response to this action, if any, is unknown, but there remains the possibility of Iranian action against U.S. maritime interests in the region, it said. Oil tankers were targeted in mine attacks last year that the U.S. blamed on Iran. Tehran denied responsibility, although it did seize oil tankers around the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of the worlds crude oil travels. The U.S. Navys Bahrain-based 5th Fleet said it would work with shippers in the region to minimize any possible threat. The 5th Fleet has and will continue to provide advice to merchant shipping as appropriate regarding recommended security precautions in light of the heightened tensions and threats in the region, 5th Fleet spokesman Cmdr. Joshua Frey told The Associated Press. Meanwhile, Iranian Gen. Alireza Tabgsiri, the chief of the Guards navy, issued his own warning. Our message to the enemies is to leave the region, Tabgsiri said, according to ISNA. The Guard routinely has tense encounters with the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf. Separately, Iran summoned the British ambassador over comments by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the British defense minister about Soleimanis killing, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported. Irans parliament, meanwhile, has passed an urgent bill declaring the U.S. militarys command at the Pentagon and those acting on its behalf in Soleimanis killing as terrorists, subject to Iranian sanctions. The measure appears to be in response to a decision by Trump in April to declare the Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization. The U.S. Defense Department used that terror designation to support the strike that killed Soleimani. The action by Irans parliament was done by a special procedure to speed it into law and also saw the lawmakers approve funding for the Quds Force with an additional 200 million euros, or about $224 million. Also Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the U.S. had declined to issue him a visa to travel to New York for meetings at the United Nations. As the host of the U.N. headquarters, the U.S. is supposed to allow foreign officials to attend such meetings. This is because they fear someone will go there and tell the truth to the American people, Zarif said. But they are mistaken. The world is not limited to New York. You can speak with American people from Tehran too and we will do that. Asked about Zarif, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told journalists America would comply with its obligations under U.N. rules to grant visas. He then referred to the Iranian diplomat as a propagandist of the first order. The Pentagon says Iran has launched "more than a dozen ballistic missiles" targeting at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. troops. The missiles were fired from Iran, and hit the al-Asad air base in western Iraq and another base in Erbil, NBC News reports. Iran's Revolutionary Guards took credit for the attacks. "We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted," the Guard said in a statement. Last week, President Trump authorized an airstrike in Baghdad that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Tehran vowed revenge, and Iranian state media reports the operation's name was "Martyr Soleimani." More stories from theweek.com Iran has offered Trump an 'off-ramp' from war, and there's growing speculation he might take it Joe Biden's free ride is over Harvey Weinstein's legal team tries to get judge, attorney Gloria Allred removed from proceedings Ofcom has announced a five-year plan to boost rural internet speeds in the UK by supercharging investment in Britain's high-speed fibre broadband network. It is hoped this will help achieve Boris Johnson's goal of getting all Britons connected to 'gigabit speed' broadband by 2025. The regulator's plan will span from 2021 to 2026 and shake up the current infrastructure, by changing regulation for urban and rural areas. The project is intended to reduce the gap between internet speeds throughout the UK by encouraging competition with BT's ubiquitous Openreach network. The announcement has been welcomed by internet providers and independent parties around the UK. Scroll down for video Ofcom has announced a five-year plan to boost rural internet speeds in the UK by supercharging investment in Britain's high-speed fibre broadband network. The project is intended to reduce the gap between internet speeds throughout the UK by encouraging competition with BT's ubiquitous Openreach network Openreach is currently the dominant player in the British broadband market as it connects most homes around the country, with many still using the antiquated and slow copper networks. Ofcom says it will also switch off the copper network, forcing people to switch to fibre alternatives. In more urban areas, where it is likely a number of network rivals operate, Ofcom wants to set Openreach's wholesale prices in a way that encourages competition from newcomers. Meanwhile, in rural areas where there is less likely to be great choice beyond Openreach, the regulator plans to support investment by the firm, letting it recover investment costs across the wholesale prices of a wider range of services. The new regime is intended to improve the UK's rural internet speeds, as many parts of Britain suffer with poor connectivity. Ofcom's interim CEO Jonathan Oxley said the new plans for regulation would help fuel a full-fibre future for the whole country. 'We're removing the remaining roadblocks to investment and supporting competition, so companies can build the networks that will drive the UK into the digital fast lane,' he said. BT vowed last year that it would bring full-fibre broadband to four million homes by March 2021, and says it is still on track to reach this target. HOW FAST ARE DIFFERENT FIBRE BROADBAND CONNECTIONS? Full fibre: 1 Gbps. HD video conference or hour-long webinar takes mere seconds to download. Ultrafast: 300 Mbps. Can handle multiple online activities for multiple users at once without major interruptions in service. Superfast: 30 Mbps. Under ideal conditions will be sufficient for your average internet user. Advertisement An Openreach spokesperson said: 'Today's proposals appear to be a big step in the right direction to give clarity and investment certainty. 'Like the Government and Ofcom, we want to upgrade the UK to faster, more reliable full fibre broadband. 'We're getting on with the job, building to 26,000 premises each week and we remain on track to reach 4m homes and businesses by the end of March 2021. 'We'll consider the range of proposals carefully and will continue to work with Ofcom and industry on getting the conditions right to help achieve the Government's ambition of rolling out gigabit capable broadband across the UK as soon as possible.' Around nine per cent of the UK does not have what Ofcom considers good outdoor 4G coverage from a single network provider - a connection speed of at least 2 Mbps - with rural areas hit hardest Ofcom revealed in December that more than 50,000 homes are still stuck with mediocre broadband and 4G. Around nine per cent of the UK does not have what Ofcom considers good outdoor 4G coverage from a single network provider - a connection speed of at least 2 Mbps - with rural areas hit hardest. Boris Johnson's Conservatives promised to roll out full-fibre to all homes by 2025 during the general election campaign in order to close the gap with European rivals. Many more EU-based firms have achieved 'gold standard' full-fibre networks. A spokesperson for Virgin Media, Openreach's biggest competitor which yesterday announced a free upgrade to 108Mbps broadband, said: 'We are rolling out gigabit connectivity across the UK and passionately believe that building next-generation broadband needs to be supported by regulators and Government. 'These measures are an important step forward in providing the long-term certainty and clarity network investment requires.' Natalie Hitchins, head of home products and services at consumer watchdog Which?, called the plans encouraging. She added: ' [The pans] should bring us closer to ensuring that no one is left behind by poor access to online services. 'But for people to truly benefit from these plans and investments, Ofcom, government and industry must work together, learning lessons from the slow take-up of superfast broadband, to ensure that consumers understand the benefits of these new, more reliable connections and are encouraged to take them up.' Digital Secretary Nicky Morgan said: 'Getting fast, secure and resilient broadband across the UK as soon as possible is a priority for this government, so I welcome Ofcom's proposals to help boost the UK's fibre network. 'We will legislate to speed up the roll out of gigabit-capable broadband and invest 5bn to boost connections in the hardest to reach parts of the country.' However, when IANS reached the Vice-Chancellor of the university, he denied the claims. "The ministry however reportedly refused the administration's request," the report had added. A prominent news daily on its front page on Wednesday had claimed that the JNU administration advised HRD ministry to temporarily shut down the campus following Sunday's violence. "We have not made any such suggestions," Mamidala said denying the news report. Earlier, a day after the violence broke out in the JNU campus, the VC appealed to the students to maintain peace and tried to assure them by saying that no person involved in the violence will be spared and appropriate action will be taken. Kumar called the attack on students as an act of "hooliganism" and said it was against the ethos of the university. He said the origin of the present situation lay in the activities of those agitating students who turned violent and obstructed the academic activities of a large number of non-protesting students. "The protesting students damaged the University communication servers to disrupt the winter semester registration. They prevented thousands of students from doing their winter registration. "Their intent is clearly aimed at disrupting the functioning of the University. This is simply hooliganism and against the ethos of JNU. No such person will be spared and appropriate action will be taken," he told IANS. "The University stands by all the students to facilitate their pursuit of academic activities. We will ensure that their winter semester registration will take place without any hindrance. They need not fear about their process. The top priority of the University is to protect the academic interests of our students," Kumar said. He said the administration will use all possible means to protect the students. (Rohan Agarwal can be contacted at Rohan.a@ians.in ) WASHINGTON The Trump administration took steps Tuesday to roll back an Obama-era rule intended to ensure that communities confront and address racial segregation in housing, saying local governments have been overburdened by the requirements. The proposed Department of Housing and Urban Development rule would redefine fair housing standards to place more emphasis on improving housing choice rather than reducing discrimination. It would reduce regulatory burdens and eliminate the assessment tool used to map racial segregation under the 2015 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule. According to HUD, simplifying the process for cities to meet fair housing requirements would help them meet their civil rights obligations. But housing advocates caution the plan would substantially weaken fair housing enforcement, leading to a resurgence of racial segregation across the country. This proposal would dismantle efforts to combat ongoing racial segregation in the housing market and effectively allow jurisdictions free rein to discriminate without consequences, said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Housing Secretary Ben Carson, who previously criticized President Barack Obamas fair housing rule as social engineering, said the new rule would give people more affordable housing options in communities nationwide. Mayors know their communities best, so we are empowering them to make housing decisions that meet their unique needs, not a mandate from the federal government, Carson said. If a community fails to improve housing choice, HUD stands ready to enforce the Fair Housing Act and pursue action against any party that violates the law. The 2015 fair housing rule, put in place to strengthen enforcement of the landmark Fair Housing Act of 1968, for the first time required more than 1,200 jurisdictions receiving HUD block grants and housing aid to analyze housing stock and come up with a plan for addressing patterns of segregation and discrimination. If HUD determined that the plan, called a Fair Housing Assessment, wasnt sufficient, the city or county would have to rework it or risk losing funding. Juliet Linderman and Hope Yen are Associated Press writers. Uganda on Wednesday handed over nine Rwandan nationals released by a military court to ease tensions between the two neighbouring countries. Ugandas Foreign Affairs Minister, Sam Kutesa, handed over the freed prisoners to immigration authorities in the presence of Frank Mugambage, Rwandas High Commissioner to Uganda. Mr Kutesa said the gesture is in line with the Luanda Memorandum of Understanding signed between Uganda and Rwanda on the normalisation of the relations between the two countries. We have withdrawn the charges against these nine people. We are doing this as a political move to ease the tension between our two countries, Mr Kutesa said at the handover ceremony in Kampala. He said to withdraw charges is an act of goodwill which Uganda considers and hopes will be reciprocated by the Rwanda government by dealing with other issues it has raised with them. Ugandas General Court Martial set nine Rwandese free on Tuesday, who were facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The move followed the prosecution losing interest in the case. Mr Mugambage said the release and handover is a step in the right direction and called for the end of arbitrary arrests of Rwandese who visit Uganda. The handover came in the wake of negotiations by the two neighbouring countries to end close to a year of misunderstandings. In 2019, Rwanda closed its common border with Uganda alleging that the latter was incarcerating its citizens. However, Uganda denied the allegations. (Xinhua/NAN) The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2018 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement OTTAWA, Jan. 7, 2020 /CNW/ - Seventy-five years after Canadian soldiers and their allies liberated Western Europe in the closing months of the Second World War, the Royal Canadian Mint is dedicating its annual Proof Silver Dollar to their memory.A This exceptional collectible features the artwork of accomplished coin designer Pandora Young, who has vividly illustrated the outpouring of emotion of civilians cheering the victorious troops. In tribute to each military branch, the distinct silhouettes of a sailor, soldier and airman stand out in a mirror-like finish before a thankful crowd.A A large "V" for victory at the centre of the coin and a 1945-2020 double date complete the design. This same illustration appears in the 2020 Fine Silver Proof Set, which features selective gold plating on the "V" and the rim of the Proof Silver Dollar.A That spec! ial coin accompanies 99.99% pure silver versions of Canada's 2020 circulation coins. These memorable keepsakes, and many others offered in the first product launch of 2020, are available as of today. The airman's silhouette from the 2020 Proof Silver Dollar transforms into an exquisitely detailed engraving on the 2020 $100 14-Karat Gold Coin a 75th Anniversary of V-E Day. The reverse design by Guelph, Ontario artist Laurie McGaw is a V-E Day salute to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Against a "V" for Victory backdrop, a wing commander is flanked by a pilot on his right and a waving member of the RCAF Women's Division on his left. The pilot flashes a victory sign and the commander raises his hand to salute as a Spitfire fighter plane flies overhead. The Mint highlights another chapter in Canadian history on the 2020 $200 Pure Gold Coin a Early Canadian History: New France, designed by artist Alan Daniel.A It depicts New France pioneer Louis HAbert and his family clearing land to grow crops for Samuel de Champlain's Habitation, the 1608 settlement that would become Quebec City. Daniel has derived the location of HAbert's land from Champlain's own drawing of his settlement, with the fortifications visible in the background of the coin's design. Other products launching this month, including several perennial favourites, include:A A The 2020 Classic Canadian Uncirculated Set; The 2020 Gift Sets, celebrating the themes "Born in 2020", "Married in 2020", "Happy Birthday" and "O Canada"; The 2020 $20 Fine Silver Coin a Best Wishes on your Wedding Day, featuring a heart-shaped design by artist Sylvie Daigneault selectively plated in pink gold; Fine Silver Coin a Best Wishes on your Wedding Day, featuring a heart-shaped design by artist selectively plated in pink gold; The 2020 $10 Fine Silver Coina Welcome to the World; Fine Silver Coina Welcome to the World; The $3 Fine Silver Coin a Celebration of Love, featuring a crystalaenhanced bouquet of colourful flowers designed by Anna Bucciarelli ; Fine Silver Coin a Celebration of Love, featuring a crystalaenhanced bouquet of colourful flowers designed by ; The 2020 $200 Pure Gold Coin a Canadian Coastal Symbols: The Atlantic, designed by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin and crafted of 99.999% pure gold; Pure Gold Coin a Canadian Coastal Symbols: The Atlantic, designed by and crafted of 99.999% pure gold; The 2020 $50 Fine Silv! er Coin a Real Shapes: The Bluenose, a schooner-shaped coin celebrating the timeless Emanuel Hahn design of Canada's 10-cent circulation coin; Fine Silv! er Coin a Real Shapes: The Bluenose, a schooner-shaped coin celebrating the timeless design of circulation coin; The 1/25 oz. 2020 $8 Pure Gold Coin a Lucky Flower Dragon, designed by artist Jai Paek ; Pure Gold Coin a Lucky Flower Dragon, designed by artist ; The 2020 $125 Fine Silver Coin a Lucky Dragon, a half-kilo, selectively gold-plated coin designed by Simon Ng ; and Fine Silver Coin a Lucky Dragon, a half-kilo, selectively gold-plated coin designed by ; and The crystal-enhanced 2020 $5 Fine Silver Coin a Birthstones: February, featuring the artwork of Pandora Young . Mintages, pricing and full background information on each product can be found on the "Shop" tab of www.mint.ca.A Coin images are available here. All of these products can be ordered directly from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Mint's web site. The coins are also available at Royal Canadian Mint boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg, as well as through our global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets. About the Royal Canadian Mint The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. A Follow the Mint on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For more information, please contact: Alex Reeves Senior Manager, Public Affairs Tel: (613) 884-6370 reeves@mint.ca Since the ouster of longtime dictator Muammar el-Qaddafi during the Arab Spring of 2011, Libya has been in the throes of political strife; last spring, renegade military leader Khalifa Hifter launched an offensive against the countrys UN-backed government. The civil war, and a battle for Tripoli, is creating a new humanitarian crisis, while offering an opening to ISIS and Russias interests in the region, notes The Washington Post, which features reporting from the front lines of the civil war by photojournalist Lorenzo Tugnoli. Dividend stocks hold a special place in many investors' portfolios. They have the potential to provide a constant stream of income, without some of the risk that comes with betting big on potential market breakouts. But finding the right stocks isn't always that easy. In my experience, the primary rules to abide by when investing in dividend stocks are; a history of strong principles, boosting reward distributions gradually, fantastic technicals, and a history of favorable trading activity in the shares. Dividend-paying stocks from low-risk, premium businesses are a wise method to create a constant and dependable revenue stream. Many assume dividend stocks are uninteresting, but the reality is quite the contrary. Several stocks with mouthwatering returns were downright amazing in 2019, providing impressive gains, and of course, strong dividends. And 2020 will likely be no different. Dividend income can be an essential part of a long-term investment strategy, especially for individuals who are wanting to grow their portfolios gradually throughout the years. The energy stocks provided below all meet specific criteria, and are worth considering as the new year kicks off. BP As the company with the highest dividend yield on the list at 6.6%, BP is an oil major worth watching in 2020. And while it is heavily dependent on its oil assets, it is also well positioned to ride the renewable energy boom. BP's renewable as well as nonrenewable fuel source future looks brilliant. Wall Street analysts expect BP's earnings to rise by 21% in 2020. The surge is reasonably attainable with higher oil prices and higher hydrocarbon output. Additionally, BP has a number of upstream projects under development. ExxonMobil With dividends paying out roughly 5%, energy giant ExxonMobil is another firm worth watching, especially as geopolitical tensions reach a boiling point. Related: Three Reasons Precious Metals Are On The Rise Not only does Exxon have a a presence in every sector of the energy industry, it. has global reach which allows it to take advantage of global economic development. And as global energy demand continues to rise, Exxon is poised to rise up to the occasion, offering crude oil, refined products, and even renewables on a significant scale. According to the company, 550 billion barrels of oil and over 2,100 trillion cubic feet of gas will be needed to meet global demand by 2040. To meet this demand, Exxon is looking to grow its production globally, but specifically in Guyana and the Permian Basin Chevron It should come to no surprise to anyone that Chevrons financial performance is strongly linked to the price of crude oil. While the price of oil struggled somewhat in 2019, 2020 is already shaping up to be an important year for the vital commodity. In fact, oil prices spiked just in the past week following the assassination of Irans General Soleimani, and as tensions continue to escalate, many analysts are suggesting prices could climb even higher. Though the recent geopolitical events have taken the spotlight in oil markets, there are also a number of other factors that are pointing to higher crude prices, from the OPEC+ output cut to the slowdown of U.S. shale growth. Despite this, however, Chevron is hedging against long-term weakness in oil prices. Its key assets across the globe are likely to boost both oil and gas production in the years to come, cutting back their breakeven costs at the same time. By Michael Kern via Macro Investing More Top Reads From Safehaven.com: For a long time, scientists believed older trees stopped absorbing carbon as they aged. But recently, researchers have that found older trees continue absorbing carbon dioxide for decades or even centuries longer than originally thought, said William Moomaw, a physical chemist and lead author on five Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports. Leaving existing forests to grow will be more effective at mitigating climate change over the next 80 years than reforestation or planting new forests, Dr. Moomaw and his colleagues have said. A tree planted this year wont make much of a difference in terms of carbon sequestration over the next decade, a period many scientists say is critical for climate action. They just dont absorb enough carbon dioxide, Dr. Moomaw said. They arent big enough. Furthermore, boreal forests support a diverse array of plant and animal species. Theyre also central to life for hundreds of indigenous groups. There is some debate over the degree to which pulp and paper products, like the disposable towels in your kitchen, drive logging activity in the boreal forest. Tony Lempriere, senior manager of climate change policy in the Canadian Forest Service, pointed out that industry can use waste from timber production to make paper products. But the Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that 44 percent of the pulp produced in Ontario comes from whole trees rather than byproduct. Regardless, its easy to reduce the amount of single-use paper products you buy. Reusable cloth towels are a great alternative, said Shelley Vinyard, who heads the boreal forest program at the Natural Resources Defense Council. For those moments when you really do need a paper towel, she recommends one made of recycled content. The councils consumer guide has recommendations for paper towels, toilet paper and facial tissues. We really need to be thinking about forests in a different way at this critical junction, Mr. Hesselink said. Instead of soaking up spilled milk, those trees can help us tackle a much larger mess. U.S. aircraft building concern Boeing has announced its readiness to assist Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) in connection with the UIA's Boeing 737-800 crash in Tehran early on Wednesday. "This is a tragic event and our heartfelt thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families. We are in contact with our airline customer and stand by them in this difficult time. We are ready to assist in any way needed," the concern said on its Twitter page. Earlier Boeing said that they are gathering more information about the air crash. As reported, the UIA's Boeing-737, which was supposed to perform a PS752 flight on the Tehran-Kyiv route, crashed at about 6:00 Tehran time (around 4:30 Kyiv time) on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, after takeoff from Tehran airport named after Imam Khomeini. Some 167 passengers and nine crew members were onboard. All of them died. Days ahead of Irans foreign minister Javad Zarifs arrival in New Delhi, the Iranian envoy said his country will welcome any Indian initiative to reduce tensions triggered by the killing of General Qasem Soleimani in a US airstrike. Zarif is expected to arrive in New Delhi on January 14 to speak at the Raisina Dialogue, a think tank event backed by the external affairs ministry. He is also expected to meet his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar the first high-level contact between the two sides since the recent escalation in West Asia. India has sought to adopt a nuanced position in view of its strategic partnership with the US and its dependence on Iran for unfettered access to Afghanistan and Central Asia through Chabahar port. Prior to US sanctions kicking in last June, Iran was also among Indias top three energy suppliers. India usually plays a very good role in peace in the world. India belongs to this region. We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalation, Iranian ambassador Ali Chegeni told reporters on the margins of a condolence meeting for Soleimani at the embassy. Describing India as a good friend, Chegeni noted Zarif had a very good discussion with Jasishankar on Sunday. We have no problem with India, he said. He added, We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region. We welcome any Indian initiative or any project that can help peace and prosperity in this world. The remarks came hours after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases where US forces are stationed in retaliation for Soleimanis death. There was no immediate response from Indian officials. The visit of Zarif, who will be accompanied by deputy foreign minister Seyed Sajjadpour, will give India and Iran a chance to exchange detailed notes on the situation and to find ways to reduce tensions while ensuring New Delhis interests in the region arent affected, people familiar with developments said. India has so far called for stability in the region and restraint by all players, and Chegenis comments indicated Iran too wasnt keen on further escalation. Referring to Soleimanis killing and the Iranian missile strikes, Chegeni said: We hope it wont be needed to be repeated, but if anyhow, it is repeated, this wont be the last one for us. I hope it wont be repeated from both sides. He said the US drone strike that targeted Soleimani was an illegal act which violated international laws as the commander of al-Quds Force was killed in a third country. He accused the US of supporting terrorists as Soleimani had played a key role in the campaign against the Islamic State, which poses a threat to India, Europe and other parts of the world. Defending the Iranian missile strikes at exactly the same time that Soleimani was killed on Friday, Chegeni said, This is not revenge, this was the right of our people. Trita Parsi of the think tank Quincy Institute said de-escalation and restraint was now needed on the part of both Iran and the US. Neither American nor Iranian interests will be served by full-scale war, certainly the rounds of attacks taking place in Iraq have further destabilised the country, which is already in the midst of a severe political and security crisis, he said. There is still time for both sides to find a path away from war. What is needed is an immediate ceasefire followed by vigorous diplomacy, if not directly between Tehran and Washington, then through the facilitation of countries like Oman, Switzerland or Japan, which in the past have helped to defuse US-Iran tensions, or through the auspices of the UN Secretary General. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi: Feast your eyes with surreal visuals because James Cameron just unveiled the concept art for Avatar 2, a sequel to 2009s Avatar. Compensating fans for the 10 years wait, Camerons visuals unveiled at the 2020 CES convention in Las Vegas show new tropical islands, green forests and new water creatures. Sharing a tweet from the films official Twitter account read: In the #Avatar sequels, you wont just return to Pandora youll explore new parts of the world. Check out these brand new concept art pieces for a sneak peek at whats to come. In the #Avatar sequels, you wont just return to Pandora youll explore new parts of the world. Check out these brand new concept art pieces for a sneak peek at whats to come. pic.twitter.com/bfZPWVa7XZ Avatar (@officialavatar) January 7, 2020 Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana will return in the return to Pandora along with Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang. Cameron was joined Ola Kallenius, chairman of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars during the promotion of the movie, an event which Cameron also used to talk about working with the German car manufacturer on the Vision AVTR concept vehicle. Avatar 2 is expected to open to the theatres on Dec. 17, 2021, followed by three more Avatar films in 2023, 2025 and 2027. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Hollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 14:43:23|Editor: ZX Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) said Tuesday its members are "concerned" about the proposed section 301 tariffs on French imports, calling the administration's broad use of Section 301 problematic. While the association is "deeply concerned" about France's digital services tax (DST), "we do not believe that this issue is such a long-standing trade irritant to warrant Section 301 tariffs levied on a bilateral basis," AAEI President and CEO Marianne Rowden said in a testimony at a public hearing held at the U.S. International Trade Commission. In early December, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said he proposed additional tariffs of up to 100 percent on some 2.4 billion U.S. dollars worth of French products, including champagne, cheese and handbags, after an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 concluded that France's DST discriminated against U.S. companies. "While AAEI members are concerned with yet another Section 301 tariff action raising duty rates on imported goods, we are much more alarmed about the administration's broad use of Section 301 actions," said Rowden, whose association represents manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, retailers and service providers engaged in international trade. Noting that the AAEI's members are "adversely affected" by such actions, Rowden said the widespread use of tariffs "creates customer investment problems" for companies which source inputs worldwide and manufacture finished goods in the United States for domestic and foreign markets. In order to mitigate the risk of losing customers, most U.S. companies are absorbing the compliance costs of Section 301 under the pressure of profit margins, she said. Besides, Section 301 tariffs force companies to assess their supply chains at a strategic level, and development of supply chains for specific markets "takes years of research," Rowden said. Every importer also faces "an enormous administrative burden" in keeping track of all the Section 301 actions, she said, adding that these costs are consequential for most companies and discourage them from making long-term plans and capital investment. TORONTO, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QuestCap Inc. (QuestCap or the Company) (CSE: QSC) is pleased to announce that, in connection with the Companys previously announced acquisition of a 1.0% net smelter return royalty in respect of minerals removed from the property covered by 81 mineral claims and one surveyed mining lease known as the Troilus Mine, located in Northern Quebec (the Royalty), the vendor agreed to extend the dates on which the four equal cash payments of $2.5 million (the Instalments) are due by 90 days each. The Instalments now become payable on the dates that fall 180, 270, 360 and 450 days from the execution date of the royalty purchase agreement (the Agreement). As consideration for the vendor agreeing to extend the dates on which the Instalments are due, QuestCap agreed to pay $125,000 to the vendor. Please see the Companys press release dated October 8, 2019 for further information about the Royalty and the Agreement, which is available under the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com . To satisfy its payment obligation, the Company issued 1,250,000 of its common shares, at a price per share of $0.10. In accordance with applicable securities laws, the shares issued are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day expiring May 9, 2020. About QuestCap QuestCap is an investment company that seeks to enhance shareholder value over the long term by opportunistically making various investments that may include, without limitation, the acquisition of equity, debt or other securities of publicly traded or private companies or other entities, financing in exchange for pre-determined royalties or distributions and the acquisition of all or part of one or more businesses, portfolios or other assets. For additional information, please contact: Aaron Atin Corporate Secretary aaron.atin@fmresources.ca 1-416-861-5888 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to QuestCaps acquisition of the Royalty and the dates on which the Instalments are due. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. (TNS) After years of supplying Bluetooth and cellular connectivity to automakers, Qualcomm is pivoting toward safety with its new Snapdragon Ride platform, which aims to bring advanced driver assistance features such as automated parking, lane monitoring and highway auto-pilot to vehicles as soon as 2023.Eventually, the company believes its new Snapdragon Ride platform can serve as a foundation for full-fledged self-driving cars.Qualcomm announced Snapdragon Ride Monday at CES, the massive consumer electronics show in Las Vegas. Its foray into safety/autonomy systems pits it against several large rivals, including Google-parent Alphabet-Waymo and Intel-Mobileye.In addition, Telsa and other automakers have their own in-house initiatives. Ford bought artificial intelligence start-up Argo for $1 billion to bolster its autonomous driving work. GM acquired Sidecar's assets, invested in Lyft and bought autonomous technology startup Cruise Automation.Still, self-driving cars are likely years away from showing up on roadways in significant numbers. In the meantime, Qualcomm is betting that the Snapdragon Ride platform can reduce the complexity of current driver assistance and autonomous driving technology with a comprehensive software suite, power-efficient hardware, computer vision and other techniques to power such things as automatic braking and traffic sign recognition.Snapdragon Ride includes processor and accelerator chips, artificial intelligence and sensor fusion technologies, as well as what the company called a pioneering "software stack. It is designed to be power efficient, which is important as electric vehicles become more widespread.The computing hardware itself is relatively small about the size of a hardback book. The system is air cooled, so no fans or liquid-based cooling systems are needed to prevent the chips from overheating in the vehicle."Autonomous driving, of course, is just going to be transformative to the auto industry," said Nakul Duggal, Qualcomm's senior vice president for automotive product management. "It is going to bring the right technologies machine learning, sensors and really advanced capabilities to the next generation of cars and I think we have a fantastic starting point."The company expects Snapdragon Ride hardware and software will be available to automakers and their suppliers for testing in the first half of this year. The company hopes that vehicles with advanced driver assistance features powered by Snapdragon Ride will be in production in 2023.Qualcomm has long sought to diversify its business beyond smartphones. Last year, it booked about $600 million in revenue from supplying wireless and computer technologies to automakers. But it has $7 billion in pending auto orders in the pipeline up from $5.5 billion a year earlier. To date, 19 automakers have selected the company's infotainment technologies for vehicles.While no automakers have ordered Snapdragon Ride, the company expects that its experience supplying connectivity, vehicle diagnostics and infotainment technologies to auto companies will help it gain a foothold with its advanced driver assistance/self-driving vehicle platform."I know our customers who have been working with us in previous areas are going to be very excited to see what we have to offer" with Snapdragon Ride, said Duggal.GM on Monday pledged to work with Qualcomm on advanced driver-assistance technologies. The two companies have done business together for years, with Qualcomm supplying wireless connectivity for GM's OnStar service."As we enter into a new era of innovation built on higher performance, low power (computing) and artificial intelligence, we are very pleased to be expanding our decade-long partnership with GM into digital cockpit and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems,"Cristiano Amon, Qualcomm's president, said in a statement.Two years ago, Qualcomm received regulatory permission to test self-driving vehicles in San Diego County, with experimental runs occurring near its Sorrento Mesa headquarters and on local highways. In October, a portion of Highway 905 was shut down briefly so the company could try out three self-driving vehicles.On top of Snapdragon Ride, Qualcomm also introduced a secure Cloud-to-Car Service, which allows automakers to update software, future-proof the vehicle, gather maintenance data and possibly offer new services personalized for the driver.The company also updated a fledgling peer-to-peer technology called Cellular-Vehicle-Everything, or C-V2X. It enables cars to communicate directly with other nearby C-V2X enabled vehicles, stoplights and other smart cities infrastructure at distances beyond line of sight.The technology is not widely deployed. But Qualcomm said on Monday that more than 10 auto industry suppliers, a dozen smart cities infrastructure providers and 11 other auto/smart cities module outfits are ready to roll out C-V2X technology. New Delhi: After the violence on JNU campus on Sunday (January 5) which left several students and teachers injured, JNU Students Union President Aishe Ghosh filed a complaint on January 7 at Vasant Kunj police station. Ghosh has complained of an attempt to murder and illegal confinement against the mob that purportedly attacked her on Sunday. JNUSU General Secretary Satish Chandra was also among the people injured in the attack. "I have been brutally beaten up by masked people. I don`t know who they were," Ghosh was quoted as saying by ANI on Sunday. Live TV Meanwhile, no one has been arrested in the case of yet though Delhi Police maintains that it is very close to cracking the case and some masked men have been identified. According to the police, 11 complaints have been received so far in the police station Vasant Kunj North, which have been made by different students, in which 3 complaints have been made by ABVP, 7 leftist students and one professor Suchitra Sen. All these complaints have been forwarded to the Crime Branch. In the aftermath of the violence, the varsity administration had confirmed the violence in a statement. It claimed that there was a "law and order situation" as masked men armed with sticks were vandalising property and attacking people. The violence inside the campus has been criticized by several political leaders, activists and celebrities who have expressed shock at the turn of events in JNU. The BJP losing the Nagpur Zilla Parishad (ZP) marks the beginning of its defeat in Vidarbha, Maharashtra minister and state NCP chief Jayant Patil said on Wednesday. In a setback to the BJP, Congress bagged 30 of the 58 seats in Nagpur ZP in the pocket boroughs of Union minister Nitin Gadkari and Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis. "The BJP losing the Nagpur ZP election marks the beginning of its defeat elsewhere in Vidarbha," Patil said. "The BJP faced defeat where it is in command and has strong leaders. The people of Nagpur have expressed their disappointment with Devendra Fadnavis and BJP. Maharashtra will take a note of it," Patil said. NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said the BJP's defeat signals the end of "fascist politics" "The defeat of BJP in the RSS homeland of Nagpur signals the end of fascist & dawn of development. I thank the voters of Nagpur for showing BJP it's place," Tapase said. All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary Ashish Dua also hailed his party's victory, saying "divisiveness" will not work. "Congratulations Team @INCMaharashtra for huge victory in #Nagpur ZP elections validating the fact that divisiveness will not work & even in the headquarters, it will be rejected, clearly & decisively. Thanks to all @INCIndia workers & leaders .@RahulGandhi," Dua tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) KINGSTON, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 08, 2020 / Delta Resources Limited ("Delta") (TSXV:DLTA) is pleased to announce preliminary results from its first drilling program at the Delta-1 Property, 50 kilometres west of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Results are deemed preliminary as many intervals within the drill holes remain to be sampled in order to define the mineralized zones. Delta completed a total of 1009 metres of drilling in 6 drill holes in late November 2019, testing the Eureka Gold Occurrence. Drilling was carried out on three sections oriented at 160 degrees azimuth and spaced 100 metres apart. The westernmost sections cover approximately 220 metres across strike in three drill holes, the easternmost section covers approximately 175 metres in 2 drill holes and the central section covers approximately 110 metres with one drill hole. From north to south, drilling intersected clastic sediments, ultramafic flows and feldspar-phyric mafic flows with sediments and ultramafic flows crosscut by dikes of intermediate composition. All units are pervasively altered and mineralized the same way. Alteration consists of progressive ankeritization and silicification followed by at least two generations of breccias. The timing of gold mineralization is still unclear. Both alteration and mineralized zones are open in all directions. The true thickness of the mineralized zones can't be established yet due to a lack of information. Results to date show a very wide zone of low-grade gold mineralization intersected over 200 metres of strike length in drill holes DT1-19-02, 03 and 05. DT1-19-02 = 106.7 m grading 0,11 g/t gold (note that 17,8 m of drill core remains to be assayed within the zone and were temporarily assigned values of zero). DT1-19-03 = 141.0 m grading 0,13 g/t gold (note that 20,8 m of drill core remains to be assayed within the zone and were temporarily assigned values of zero). DT1-19-05 = 97.0 m grading 0,23 g/t gold (note that the zone is open, up and down hole and 23,6 m of drill core remains to be assayed within the zone and were temporarily assigned values of zero). Complete results are as follows: "We're very pleased with these initial results at Eureka", says Andre Tessier, president and CEO of Delta Resources. "The alteration is extensive and pervasive, and there's a lot of gold in the system. Our focus now is to look for structural traps or the core of the mineralizing system where the higher-grade zones are hiding." The Delta exploration team is currently in the field, sampling the intervals yet to be sampled. Results will be released as soon as they are available with a more comprehensive interpretation of the mineralization. The property is located in the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt and covers a 17 km strike extent of the Shebandowan Structural Zone which also hosts the low-grade - high-tonnage Moss Lake gold deposit (Wesdome; WDO:TSX), 50 km to the west. Analytical Protocol and QA/QC Chemical analyses reported in this press release were performed at SGS Canada Minerals Laboratories in Red Lake, Ontario (ISO/IEC 17025 certified), by atomic absorption method. Sampling and analytical procedures are subject to a comprehensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control program that includes duplicate samples, blanks and analytical standards. NQ-size drill core was sawed in half lengthwise and half of the core was sampled based on geological observations. The remaining half of the core was replaced in core boxes and is stored on site. Drill core samples were bagged and sealed before being transported to SGS Canada Minerals' laboratory in Red Lake. Andre C. Tessier, P.Eng and P.Geo. President and CEO of Delta Resources Limited is a Qualified Persons as defined by NI-43-101 and is responsible for the technical information presented in this press release. Mr. Tessier has reviewed the drill core and the analytical results described herein. About Delta Resources Limited Delta Resources Limited is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on growing shareholder value through the acquisition of high-potential gold and base-metal projects in Canada, exploring these projects with state-of-the-art methods, and potentially developing these projects into mines. Delta owns a 100% interest in the Bellechasse-Timmins gold deposit in southeastern Quebec, Canada which contains a 43-101 gold resource of 171,000 ounces at an average grade of 1.83 g/t gold in the indicated category and an additional 95,000 ounces at an average grade of 1.36 g/t gold in the inferred category (SGS Canada Inc., Bellechasse-Timmins Property Resource Estimate, Southeastern Quebec, August 1, 2012). The company's focus is currently to build a strong portfolio of mineral exploration properties with a high potential for economic discoveries in Canada while evaluating the long-term potential of its 100% owned Bellechasse-Timmins gold deposit in southeastern Quebec. On October 3rd, 2019, Delta announced the acquisition of the Eureka Gold Discovery in the Thunder Bay area and on October 16th, 2019, the acquisition of the Delta-2 Property which hosts the R-14 Gold Prospect in the Chibougamau Mining District of Quebec. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DELTA RESOURCES LIMITED. Andre C. Tessier President, CEO and Director www.deltaresources.ca We seek safe harbor. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange has not approved nor disapproved of the information contained herein. For Further Information: Delta Resources Limited Frank Candido, Chairman Tel: 514-969-5530 fcandido@deltaresources.ca or Andre Tessier, CEO and President Tel: 613-328-1581 atessier@deltaresources.ca Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information Some statements contained in this news release are " "forward looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward looking information include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the use of proceeds of the non-brokered private placement and payment of the debt settlements. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases (including negative or grammatical variations) or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and involves risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual facts to differ materially. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those anticipated by management. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes management's current estimates, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered thereby. We expect that these estimates will change as new information is received. While we may elect to update these estimates at any time, we do not undertake to update any estimate at any particular time or in response to any particular event. SOURCE: Delta Resources Limited View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572398/Delta-Resources-Announces-Preliminary-Results-from-Its-First-Drilling-Program-at-the-Eureka-Gold-Discovery-Thunder-Bay-Mining-District-Ontario The arrest of three suspects in the death of Jennifer Farber Dulos on Tuesday inspired a rush to judgment on social media that extended to community leaders. New Canaan Police Department summed up the flood of zeal best by tweeting the single word Justice! Even Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence Chief Executive Officer Karen Jarmoc jumped straight to verdict. Jennifer Farber Dulos was one of 14 individuals killed by an intimate partner in Connecticut in 2019, Jarmoc said in a statement. Its somewhat understandable that emotions that have been percolating since Dulos vanished May 24 would boil over with the arrest of her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, and two others. Fotis Dulos, 52, was arrested at his Farmington home and charged in Bridgeport with capital murder, murder and kidnapping. His former girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, and former civil attorney, Kent Mawhinney, face charges of conspiracy to commit murder. The players serving as judge and jury in what is sure to be an exhausting legal drama, of course, will need to be considerably more dispassionate than tweeting pundits. But that doesnt diminish the goals of police seeking to deliver justice and Jarmoc and peers coping daily with a sobering epidemic of domestic violence. Jarmoc points to statistics that would be horrifying even without the backdrop of a case that has drawn national media attention. That 14, which includes Jennifer Dulos, is not an anomaly. Jarmoc says it is consistent with the number of people killed in Connecticut by a partner each year. The 2019 tally includes just one female perpetrator and three male victims. The weapons used included four firearms and six knives. Those are just the cases of domestic violence that ended in death. Any number is too many, but the frequency of reported cases is chilling. If thats too much to process, consider how many incidents go unreported every day. On a broader scale, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence documents that about 20 people per minute are physically abused by a partner in the country. Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence strives to draw victims forward, working with the 18 domestic violence agencies throughout the state. Victims can reach out around the clock every day at CTSafeConnect.org or by texting or calling 888-774-2900. Before her disappearance, Jennifer Dulos expressed fear of her husband. Her case has, without question, drawn sensational interest because she was a white woman in an enclave of Connecticut wealth. Other victims, and the crime itself, continue to beg for more attention. Progress has slowly been made. Domestic violence agencies have helped transform standard police procedures from bygone days of officers breaking up fights and departing households while dangerous issues fester. Since the passage of the 1986 Thurman Law, domestic violence has been an instantly arrestable offense. More progress is needed. Police need more training, the public needs more awareness and potential victims need more support. Justice must be pursued for potential victims of the future. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared several proposals including strategic disinvestment of small PSUs and ratification of MoUs on energy sufficiency between India and the UK and promulgation of Mineral Laws. "The Cabinet approved in-principle strategic disinvestment of equity shareholding in five small PSUs -- Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd, Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation Ltd, National Mineral Development Corp, MECON and Bharat Heavy Electrals Ltd," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said during a press briefing. Apart from that, the Cabinet also approved ratification of migration and mobility partnership agreement between India and France. The agreement, signed in March 2018 till 2025 -- incorporates provisions for auto-renewal. An MoU between India and the United Kingdom was also approved for enabling energy self-sufficiency for the Indian Railways. Also read: Cabinet approves changes to insolvency law; sanctions funds for NPR, Census 2021 Besides, the Institution of National Importance (INI) status has also been conferred on the cluster of Ayurvedic institutions at the Gujarat Ayurveda University campus in Jamnagar. The Cabinet also approved promulgation of Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020. The Ordinance will amend Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015. "The allocation of coal or lignite blocks for composite prospecting licence-cum-mining lease has been provided (under the licence)... the requirement of previous approval in cases where the allocation of blocks was made by the Central government has been dispensed with," a government statement said. This would speed up the process of implementation of projects, ease of doing business, simplification of procedure and benefit people in areas where minerals are located, it added. Also read: Modi cabinet gives go-ahead to update National Population Register; earmarks Rs 8,500 crore Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) San Jose, Costa Rica Wed, January 8, 2020 14:01 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32156d6b 2 News Costa-Rica,travel,travel-advisory,tourism Free Costa Rica on Tuesday vehemently objected to the US government's decision to raise the alert level for tourists visiting the Central American country due to the risk of crime. "We express energetic protest on the part of the Costa Rican government for the decision to change the recommendation level for American tourists," said foreign minister Manuel Ventura. Ventura's statement came shortly after the US government issued a new travel advisory for visitors to Costa Rica. According to the alert, "petty crime is the predominant threat for tourists in Costa Rica." But the advisory warns that "armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault" could also occur. Read also: Sexual assault charges raised against Costa Rica ex-president Costa Rica also rose from Level 1, the lowest level, to Level 2 on the US State Department's travel alert scale. The highest is Level 4, which recommends no visiting. The Central American country, known for its natural resources and beaches, attracts 1.2 million US tourists each year, according to official figures. In 2019, a total of more than 3 million foreign tourists visited. "The change is surprising, because it puts Costa Rica -- which ended 2019 with a rate of 11 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants -- on par with countries on the continent that are among the most violent in the world," the Costa Rican foreign ministry said in a statement. Data from the Ministry of Public Service indicates that there were 688 cases of theft of mobile phones, passports and money from tourists in 2019 -- only 0.02 percent of visitors to Costa Rica. Tourism in Costa Rica has been shaken in recent years by several murders of female tourists, as well as sexual violence, including a Venezuelan-American woman who was killed near her hotel outside of the capital San Jose. Brussels has sounded the alarm at a fresh threat to EU citizens living in the UK after Brexit, as the Commissions president arrives in London for talks with Boris Johnson. The prime minister is under fire over sudden plans to water down an independent watchdog meant to protect citizens rights during the exit process. The independent monitoring authority (IMA) was stipulated in the Brexit agreement, but under the UKs planned implementation of the deal its powers will be split up and cannibalised by other bodies. A letter sent by Michel Barnier, the EUs Brexit negotiator, raises concern that EU citizens may not have a fully-independent organisation through which to make complaints against the government amid a backdrop of serious distrust between EU citizens and the British state. The EUs chief negotiator warned that the IMA must have the ability to act rapidly and in full independence on any problems raised, adding that a number of issues of concern had already emerged about the settlement scheme. Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes Show all 8 1 /8 Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes Conservative party leader Boris Johnson drives a JCB through a fake wall POOL/AFP via Getty Images Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes PA Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes AFP via Getty Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes PA Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes REUTERS Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes PA Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes AFP via Getty Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes AFP via Getty The 3.2m EU residents in the UK are already highly-suspicious of the settled status scheme meant to guarantee their status after Brexit, warning some rights will be lost. Brandon Lewis, the security minister, heightened those fears when he appeared to threaten EU citizens with deportation if they do not apply for settled status before the deadline of 30 June 2021. It is believed that both the Home Office and the Brexit department opposed the power to abolish the IMA but were overruled by No 10. The fresh row comes ahead of Mr Johnsons first meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, in Downing Street later today. The pair are already on a collision course over the demand for a trade deal to be secured by the end of the year, even as the UK seeks to break free from EU regulations. The trade talks risk being soured over Brussels renewed fears over Britains commitment to the rights of EU citizens once the transition period ends. The European Parliament has echoed those concerns in a separate resolution drafted by the main political groups and due to be backed by MEPs next week. MEPs fear that, without a physical document offering proof of right to residency, there is an increased risk of discrimination by prospective employers or landlords, who may want to avoid the burden of online verification. The lack of assistance offered to older and vulnerable EU citizens, including those who may have difficulty in using digital applications, will also be criticised. The European Parliaments Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt has previously encouraged MEPs to reject the deal if problems with citizens rights were not fixed by the UK, though in practice they are very likely to approve it. The parliament is scheduled vote on the withdrawal agreement on 29 January at an extraordinary sitting in Brussels. But Stephen Barclay, the Brexit secretary, has dismissed the concerns over EU citizens treatment, insisting he had been able to reassure Mr Barnier after receiving his letter. He insisted the UK hugely valued EU citizens, adding: We want them to stay and the [withdrawal agreement] bill delivers on that. The minister also added: Many of the issues you have raised in your letter will apply equally to UK nationals in the EU and I note that some member states are still to set out details on what UK nationals will be required to do to protect their rights. But Liberal Democrat MEP Caroline Voaden warned: By watering down the role of the Independent Monitoring Authority, agreed with the EU to monitor the rights of EU citizens in the UK, Boris Johnson is risking a new Windrush scandal. With delicate negotiations ahead of us, eroding the EUs faith that our promises will be honoured only damages British long term interests. Australian business has ruled out any reduction to the standard 38-hour week without a matching increase in productivity as Scandinavian countries and international companies spruik the benefits of a four-day working week. Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox said the idea of employees working part-time for a full-time wage is not feasible. Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin arrives for an EU summit in Brussels. Credit:AP His views come as Finland's new Prime Minister Sanna Marin, 34, is reportedly a supporter of more flexible working hours including a four-day-week. The comments were made at a party conference last year before she took on the leadership position in December, but are not government policy. "Any reduction to the standard 38-hour work week in Australia without a commensurate increase in productivity or a matching reduction in weekly pay would be very damaging for jobs, investment and productivity," Mr Willox said. President Donald Trump on Wednesday seemed to step back from attacking Iran over a missile attack saying US forces are prepared for anything, but for now, Iran appears to be standing down Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world, Trump said in an address to the nation from the White House as he seemed to indicate de-escalating the crisis.. Trump said peace and stability cannot prevail in Middle East as long as Iran continues to foment terrorism and that Iranian commander General Qassem Soleimeni whose killing he authorized, had blood off Americans on his hands. WATCH | In Donald Trumps warning to Iran, jibe at Obama, lethal missile threat Trump was addressing the nation after Iran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops after Soleimenis killing. Irans attack was the most audacious on America since the seizure of the US Embassy in Tehran in 1979. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. Our great American forces are prepared for anything, he said Trump described Soleimani as the worlds top terrorist and should have been terminated long ago. He trained terrorist armies, including Hezbollah, launching terrorist strikes against civilian targets. He fueled bloody civil wars all across the region. He viciously wounded and murdered thousands of US troops, including the planting of roadside bombs that maim and dismember their victims, the President said. Trump said Iran will never be allowed to have nuclear weapons. As long as Im President of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. For too long nations have tolerated Iran. Those days are over. We must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place, he said while criticizing the nuclear deal signed with Iran in 2015. He went on to announce new economic sanctions against Iran. The United States will impose additional economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. These sanctions will remain till Iran changes its course, he said. Irans missile attack came days after Soleimani who headed Irans elite Quds Force, was killed in a drone attack. Iran had pledged to retaliate. The missiles targeted two bases one in the northern Iraqi city in Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq housing US troops. By Trend Azerbaijans Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov has arrived in Turkey to attend the opening ceremony of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, Trend reports with reference to Azerbaijans Energy Ministry. The ceremony to be held in Istanbul Jan. 8, along with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be attended by senior government representatives from several other countries. Construction work on the Turkish Stream project began in 2017. The Turkish Stream gas pipeline will pass along the bottom of the Black Sea to the European part of Turkey and further to the border with Greece. The first branch is intended for supplying the Turkish market, the second - for deliveries to the countries of Southern and Southeast Europe. The throughput of each branch is 15.7 billion cubic meters. The Centre on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of petitions challenging constitutional validity of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) pending before different high courts to the top court. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said it will hear the transfer petition of the Centre on January 10. The bench also comprising justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant said, "We are of the prima facie view that high courts should hear petitions challenging CAA and in case there is a conflict then we may look into it". Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre said, there will be a problem as different high courts may take conflicting views and lawyers will be moving to different states to attend proceedings. The top court said lawyers moving to different states for attending hearing in CAA matters is not its priority. Mehta informed the top court that a petition will be coming before the Karnataka High Court on Thursday. The top court said it will hear the transfer petition on Friday. On December 18, the apex court had agreed to examine the constitutional validity of the CAA, but refused to stay its operation. The newly amended law seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian, Jain and Parsi communities who came to the country from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan on or before December 31, 2014. President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on December 12, turning it into an Act. The top court had then issued notice to the Centre and sought its response by the second week of January on a batch of pleas challenging the CAA. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde had fixed a batch of 59 petitions, including those filed by the Indian Union Muslim League and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, for hearing on January 22. Several petitions have been filed challenging the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, including by Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Manoj Jha, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi. Several other petitioners include Muslim body Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, All Assam Students Union (AASU), Peace Party, Communist Party of India, NGOs 'Rihai Manch' and Citizens Against Hate, advocate M L Sharma, and law students have also approached the apex court challenging the Act. Buoyed on by the successful experiment of deploying the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to guard crucial points inside state jails, the Punjab government has sought two more companies of the paramilitary force from the Centre. As per the plan, the two new companies would be deployed at the Patiala central jail and Nabha high-security jail. A formal request in this regard has already been made by the Punjab jails department with the Union home ministry, it is learnt, and the Centres nod is awaited. In November last year, four CRPF companies were deployed to guard Punjab jails with one company each at the central jails in Kapurthala, Bathinda, Amritsar and Ludhiana. The Punjab government pays for the expenses of these companies. One company has 135 personnel, said a CRPF official monitoring jail deployment in Punjab. The CRPF has made Kapurthala as its headquarters for guarding jails. The experiment to deploy CRPF personnel has yielded good results. As central paramilitary force jawans have much less tendency to get mixed up with jail inmates, the complicity factor has reduced to a great extent after CRPF deployment. That is the reason why the jails department has sought two more companies from the Centre, said a senior officer of the jails department. Even as the jails department has not compiled the exact data of recoveries made by CRPF jawans, a jail superintendent posted in a jail being guarded by central reserve police admitted the presence of the force at certain points has made managing jails easier for them and has improved the atmosphere inside. The decision to deploy CRPF inside Punjab jails was taken by Captain Amarinder Singh government with jails, off late, becoming a safe haven for notorious elements and nefarious activities being reported on a large scale. Use of mobile phones, with incidents of inmates going live on social media platforms, gangsters operating from behind bars and huge recoveries of prohibited items, have created a lot of embarrassment for Punjab Police repeatedly. Various Punjab Police reports have also suggested that jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria was running extortion and other rackets from inside jail. The issue has already snowballed into a major controversy between jails minister Sukhjinder Randhawa and former Akali minister Bikram Majithia. According to a report, 1,110 mobile phones were recovered by jail authorities from Punjab jails in 2019. The connivance of jail staff at various levels in such malpractices has remained a key reason. As per a prison department official, last week, CRPF sleuths posted inside the visitors room at the Ludhiana central jail recovered four mobile phones. Interestingly, relatives of the inmate had bought the material from our shop inside the main gate and the mobiles were wrapped along with gifted items. CRPF jawans got suspicious while the gifts were being taken by the inmate and four new mobile phones were recovered, a jail official disclosed. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In the wake of Iran launching missiles ostensibly aimed at US troops at military bases in Iraq, the world is nervously wondering if its listening to the deafening drumbeat of war. After months of rising tensions, including a New Years Eve attack by Iran-backed militias on the US Embassy in Baghdad, the White House made a decision last week that shocked many, and pushed the US and Iran to the precipice of war. By killing General Qasem Soleimani, head of Irans elite Quds Force, a special unit in Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the US knew it would provoke a strong retaliation from Iran. The question now is what happens next. US Navy sailors stand by fighter jets in the Persian Gulf. Source: Getty No US casualties means world dodges major bullet Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at two bases in Iraq including the Ain Assad air base housing US troops which has been described as the operational beating heart of the western mission in Iraq and Syria in the fight against the Islamic State. There were no injuries or deaths to US personnel with some intelligence officials suggesting deaths were intentionally avoided by Iran. At this stage there doesnt appear to be any US casualties, this is probably more likely a situation that can be managed to avoid escalation that both sides dont want, Dr Ben Rich, a Middle East expert from Curtin University said. Given the beloved nature of general Soleimani, whose funeral was watched live on TV by millions, Iran had little choice but to respond with a show of force. I think the Iranians feel like they symbolically, particularly for domestic reasons, had to strike back in a rather demonstrable way, Dr Rich told Yahoo News Australia. Iranian mourners gather during the final stage of funeral processions for slain top general Qasem Soleimani on Tuesday. Source: Getty This was done for widespread consumption. There may be (attacks) in the future that will be more targeted and more a demonstration to the political leadership of the United States. Something that might be more damaging but also difficult to respond to. Such attacks could be carried out by Iran-backed militias or terror groups, or could be cyber in nature. Story continues What does an escalation of hostilities look like? Prior to Wednesdays attack, the US Army moved 3,500 paratroopers from its storied 82nd Airborne Division to the region. Kuwait is the first stop for many but their final destinations are classified. Were going to war bro, one excited soldier exclaimed before shipping out, according to a Reuters journalist embedded with the division. But this is a standard move from the US given the circumstances, Dr Rich said. I dont think that thats necessarily clear evidence that the US is getting ready to engage in a conventional conflict with Iran, he said. But rather more likely they are just putting those troops in place as a kind of threat to hang over the Iranians to essentially say be very, very careful about what your next steps are. Hundreds of thousands turned out chanting "death to America". Source: Getty In terms of firepower, there is no question that the US would decimate Iran in a traditional military shoot out but a boots-on-the-ground conflict would be very difficult and deadly for US forces. David Kilcullen, an Australian military strategist and the former chief strategist in the Office of the Coordination for Counter-terrorism at the US State Department, believes an escalation would involve non-traditional forms of conflict. I think we will not necessarily see a conventional war develop, he told ABC TV from Denver on Wednesday. It will be morph into more of a hybrid conflict that incorporates lots of terrorist activity, lots of targeted assassinations, bombings, potentially attacks on diplomatic posts, and all that will happen in parallel with military operations on the ground in Iraq, and Syria and potentially other parts of the Middle East. War would be apocalyptic Dr Rich believes the ongoing response from Iran will be unpredictable but calibrated to keep the tension below a certain threshold. The Iranians are very much aware that while they do have this very capable military ... certainly in terms of supporting proxy groups abroad and threatening asymmetrical responses, they know if there was a real throw down between them and the United States, they will lose very quickly. Others fear things could get out of hand. Former CNN correspondent Michael Ware who has spent time in Iraq, including the bases that were attacked on Wednesday said a war in Iran would be apocalyptic. That's such a nightmare, I really don't want to have to contemplate it, he told the ABC. But it would have to take something truly, truly significant for a full-blown war. Iran has 80 million people. It has two militaries, two armies, two navies, two air forces, he said. Air strikes alone, whether it be Israeli or American, will not cripple the Iranian military apparatus. So, the prospects of a war in Iran are apocalyptic. Protesters demonstrate outside the White House. Source: Getty Could the US ever invade Iran? As utterly unlikely as it may be, if the US went all the way and wanted to do a regime change, that would be an occupation that would make the Iraqi occupation look like a day at the races, Dr Rich told Yahoo News. That remains an extraordinarily unlikely outcome. The country is very mountainous and has a large and extremely defiant and galvanised population. But its not entirely outside of the range of possibilities. People would have said the invasion of Iraq without provocation would have been an impossibility too, but unfortunately we life in a world where impossibilities come to pass, Dr Rich said. However he added that the subsequent investment of blood and treasure would be ruinous for US forces if they tried to occupy Iran. A woman crying while holding a poster of Qasem Soleimani. Source: Getty Would Australia join a war effort? Scott Morrison on Wednesday confirmed Australian troops and diplomats have been confirmed safe and said defence chief Angus Campbell had been told to do whatever is necessary to keep Australians safe. But it remains to be seen if the Australian government will provide unequivocal support to US military operations, if asked. That's a matter for the Australian Parliament and for the Prime Minister in consultation with the military advisers, but my view is that we certainly did not sign up for a war in Iran, Mr Kilcullen told ABC. Australias current operation in Iraq is about countering Islamic State and about supporting the Iraqi military in its efforts to become more capable in that mission. Frankly that has nothing to do with a war between Iran and the United States, he said. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the military at a hangar rally at Ain al-Asad air base in December. Source: AAP According to Mr Kilcullen, its not so much Australian ground troops in Taji, northwest of Baghdad, that would be at risk, but rather naval forces in the North Arabian Gulf who could potentially be caught up in a maritime conflict. That of course is of direct consequence to Australia because of the degree to which we depend on oil and gas coming from that region, he said. Certainly you could make the case that Australia should think of this as a very important issue that it needs to be involved in, but I think it is a very long stretch from that to saying we should automatically support military action against Iran. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. (Alliance News) - Pharos Energy PLC on Wednesday said it expects to make maiden distributions to shareholders in 2020 despite missing production targets in Egypt. The oil and gas company has set the dividend to be paid in 2020. Pharos expects to distribute a total dividend of 2.75 pence a share in two equal tranches. This will be put to shareholders for approval at the May 20 annual general meeting, Pharos said. Pharos completed the acquisition of Egyptian assets in April, with production from the El Fayum concession averaging 5,055 barrels of oil per day from April 2 to the end of 2019. The exit rate of 6,007 barrels of oil per day achieved at December 31 was, however, short of the guided exit rate of 6,500 barrels of oil per day due to operational delays. Since completion of the acquisition, ten development wells and three injector wells have been drilled within El Fayum, the company noted. In Vietnam, Pharos said production in 2019 from the TGT and CNV fields averaged 7,081 barrels of oil equivalent a day net, which was in line with guidance. In 2018, output averaged 7,274 barrels of oil equivalent a day net. No further drilling activities in CNV took place in 2019, Pharos noted, as the activities in Vietnam were focused on increasing well productivity. Pharos said Egyptian production guidance for 2020 is between 6,500 and 7,500 barrels of oil daily net. Vietnam production guidance for 2020 is in the range of 5,500 to 6,500 barrels of oil equivalent daily net. In addition, Pharos has appointed Geoffrey Green as a non-executive director effective from May's AGM. On the same date, Non-Executive Director Ettore Contini will step down following eighteen years at Pharos. Green currently serves on the board of Vedanta Resources Ltd, a metals and mining company. He retired as a partner of Ashurst LLP in 2013, a law firm, after 30 years as a partner and ten years of service as the senior partner and chair of its management board. "Geoffrey brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will help the company deliver on our principal strategy of sustainable long-term growth," said Pharos Chair Rui de Sousa. "I'd like to thank Ettore for his service to the company over the years, and we wish him all the very best for the future." The stock was trading 6.2% lower in London on Wednesday morning at 54.20p a share. By Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Activists with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions and laborers shout slogans at a rally in support of a nationwide general strike called by trade unions aligned with opposition parties to protest the Indian government's economic policies in Bangalore on Jan. 8. (Manjunath Kiran/AFP via Getty Images) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday warned against speculation about the crash of a Ukrainian passenger plane near Tehran which killed more than 170 people. "I ask everyone to keep from speculating and putting forth unconfirmed theories about the crash," he wrote on Facebook, as he cut short a holiday in Oman and flew back to Ukraine. The Ukrainian Embassy in Tehran said the plane went down "due to an engine problem". It said that "an act of terror is ruled out" for the moment, adding that the Ukrainian ambassador was at the crash site. Zelensky ordered the creation of a crisis team to handle the accident including top ministers and managed by the country's national security agency. The agency said it has information about 168 passengers who had checked in for the flight as well as nine crew members, putting the total estimated number of people on the plane at 177. "We have prepared emergency planes to send to Tehran... to fly out the bodies of the victims, we are waiting a confirmation by Iran for their departure," Zelensky wrote. The crew members were all Ukrainian nationals, according to the embassy in Iran. Officials said the most of the passengers on board were non-Ukrainians. The flight from Tehran to Kiev operated by Ukraine International Airlines took off from the Iranian capital's airport and crashed in Tehran province in the early hours of Wednesday. bur-ma/mm/wdb This image was taken by the Terra satellite and enhanced by using correction reflectance bands on the MODIS (Moderation Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) highlight in brighter colors the areas on Kangaroo Island that have been burned by the bushfires in late December 2019 and early January 2020. Credits: NASA Worldview NASA's Terra satellite provided before and after imagery that showed the extent of the fires that have been ravaging Australia's Kangaroo Island. Kangaroo Island lies off the mainland of South Australia, southwest of Adelaide. About a third of the island is made up of protected nature reserves which are home to native wildlife which includes sea lions, koalas and diverse and endangered bird species, including glossy black-cockatoos which have been brought back from the brink of extinction over the last two decades. In the western part of Kangaroo Island, specifically in Flinders Chase National Park, penguin colonies and famous coastal rock formations are found. Kangaroo Island is Australia's third largest island after Tasmania and Melville Island. In addition to it being a very popular tourist destination for both Australians and nature lovers, the island even boasts a colony of Ligurian honey bees which are the world's only pure-bred and disease-free population of this type of bee. Which makes the devastating bushfires that have laid waste to almost one-third of the island not only just a major tragedy for the island but an ecological tragedy as well. The bushfires began as lightning strikes within Flinders Chase National Park. Ecologists within the park put estimates of the number of koalas that have perished in the fire at 25,000 which is half the island's population of the popular animals. NASA's fleet of satellites are able to monitor from their various satellites the extent of the damage and the areas continuing to burn which assist firefighters in fighting these major disasters. Below is a slider of two images that show Kangaroo Island both before and after the bushfires. The left image is from Dec. 16, 2019 and the right image was taken on Jan. 07, 2020. The devastation can clearly be seen as one-third of the island (155,000 hectares/383,013 acres) shows burn scars as well as areas that are still on fire. These images were captured by NASA's Terra satellite using its MODIS instrument. The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument is able to overlay reflective bands of color to highlight areas burned and distinguish them from areas of regular vegetation. Burned areas or fire-affected areas are characterized by deposits of charcoal and ash, removal of vegetation and/or the alteration of vegetation structure. When bare soil becomes exposed, the brightness in Band 1 may increase, but that may be offset by the presence of black carbon residue; the near infrared (Band 2) will become darker, and Band 7 becomes more reflective. When assigned to red in the image, Band 7 will show burn scars as deep or bright red, depending on the type of vegetation burned, the amount of residue, or the completeness of the burn. Vegetation is very reflective in the near infrared (Band 2), and absorbent in Band 1 and Band 7. Assigning that band to green means even the smallest hint of vegetation will appear bright green in the image. NASA's satellite instruments are often the first to detect wildfires burning in remote regions, and the locations of new fires are sent directly to land managers worldwide within hours of the satellite overpass. Together, NASA instruments detect actively burning fires, track the transport of smoke from fires, provide information for fire management, and map the extent of changes to ecosystems, based on the extent and severity of burn scars. NASA has a fleet of Earth-observing instruments, many of which contribute to our understanding of fire in the Earth system. Satellites in orbit around the poles provide observations of the entire planet several times per day, whereas satellites in a geostationary orbit provide coarse-resolution imagery of fires, smoke and clouds every five to 15 minutes. For more information visit: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/fires/main/missions/index.html NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Worldview application provides the capability to interactively browse over 700 global, full-resolution satellite imagery layers and then download the underlying data. Many of the available imagery layers are updated within three hours of observation, essentially showing the entire Earth as it looks "right now." Actively burning fires, detected by thermal bands, are shown as red points. Image Courtesy: NASA Worldview, Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 12:30 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32154cf9 1 Business Humpuss-Intermoda-Transportasi,vessel,shipping-industry,LNG,pertamina Free Shipping company PT Humpuss Intermoda Transportasi plans to purchase seven vessels worth US$67 million in 2020, according to an executive. President director Budi Haryono said at the company's annual press briefing on Dec. 30 that it would buy one floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) a special ship for the conversion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) back into gas for distribution worth around $50 million, two chemical tankers worth $10 million and four offshore support vessels worth $1.5 million each. The publicly listed company is operating at least 84 vessels, of which around 40 are owned by its partners. Most of them are oil and gas tankers. In 2019, the company bought one chemical tanker, fewer than the five vessels planned. "The planned purchase in 2020 depends on the availability of the vessels in accordance with our preferred specifications and budget allocations, Budi said. The planned purchase, to be financed by the company's cash and bank loans, was part of its efforts to expand to energy distribution, he said. Humpuss announced in 2018 that it planned to become an energy distributor. Director Taufik Agustono said the company's expansion to gas distribution through an FSRU was in line with the government's policy to encourage more use of natural gas and less use of oil. "Facilities in the energy supply chain are not adequate enough yet to support the government's policy. We're helping the government to prepare it," he said. As the company has been involved in gas shipping for 30 years, it will support the energy supply chain by procuring an FSRU for gas storage and distribution, Taufik added. In 2017, Humpuss invested in the procurement of an FSRU for the 1,760-megawatt (MW) Java I gas steam power plant (PLTGU) in West Java, in a consortium with state-owned energy company Pertamina and Japanese trading companies Marubeni and Sojitz. The plant was established with an investment of $1.8 billion. Humpuss, according to president commissioner Theo Lekatompessy, was also in the process of securing an investment deal to procure an FSRU facility and to provide a shipping vessel for a power generation project in North Sulawesi. Theo told reporters that the planned FSRU purchase was part of the companys efforts to add a new source of revenue. The company was eyeing a 20-percent increase in its revenue in 2020 from $85.9 million estimated for 2019, Budi said. The 2019 revenue was 5 percent higher than $81.8 million in 2018 but was 11 percent lower than the targeted $96.8 million. Out of the companys 2019 revenue, 35 percent was contributed by LNG shipping, 22 percent by oil shipping and 21 percent by chemicals shipping. Budi acknowledged that the low revenue growth was mainly caused by the postponement of some projects as stakeholders were in wait-and-see mode on account of the presidential election in April. However, the growth rate of Humpuss' revenue was actually far higher than the average revenue growth of 1.43 percent for the overall shipping industry. "We expect that LNG shipping will continue to be the main sector driving our revenue growth next year because the business opportunity is big," Theo told reporters. Theo said the FSRU operation for the Java I project in 2021 was expected to become a major source of revenue. (dfr) EDWARDSVILLE Madison Countys Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) has filed a suit seeking an administrative review of the states denial of the its 911 consolidation plan. The suit, which names State 911 Administrator Cindy Barbera-Brelle and the Illinois State Police, was filed Dec. 23, according to Madison County 911 Interim Director Dana Burris. Burris discussed the appeal at the Jan. 6 meeting of the Madison County Boards Public Safety Committee. On Nov. 20 the Illinois State Police 911 coordinator notified the county that its consolidation plan had been denied. In October Madison County 911 appeared before the states 9-1-1 advisory committee, which voted not to recommend the plan. State law requires Madison County to cut in haf the number of Public Service Answering Points, or PSAPs, which handle 911 calls. The number of PSAPs and a dispute over direct dispatching were the main issues with the plan, according to a copy of the notice sent to Burris. For three years the ETSB has been working on the consolidation plan. Hearings and final actions on the plan were delayed by several issues, primarily opposition from St. Clair County. As part of its plan, Madison County had included an unmanned backup PSAP housed in the 911 offices in Wood River as one of the dispatch centers to be closed. Barbera-Brelle deemed the station, referred to as MADCOM, does not count and the county must close an additional PSAP. The state also took issue with the lack of direct dispatching, where individual units are dispatched to specific incidents. Instead, dispatching in Madison County for police calls is done via radio broadcast by dispatchers, which are then acknowledged by the units answering the calls. For many fire departments, especially smaller volunteer departments, dispatching is done by a general call-out with the first responding members radioing acknowledgement to dispatchers. The ETSB suit maintains that MADCOM counts as a PSAP under the law, and that the countys dispatch system complies with state law. It asks the court to reverse the states decision. No hearing date on the request has been set yet. Also on Monday, the emergency telephone system committee approved spending $22,400 to buy a custom crash reporting interface for its New World computer-aided dispatching system. Madison County Sheriffs Office Capt. Eric Decker said the cost would be split among 16 separate agencies, with the sheriffs office making the initial payment. The request is also expected to go through the Finance Committee before final Madison County Board approval next week. Reach reporter Scott Cousins at 618-208-6447. President Donald Trump faces one of the greatest tests of his presidency after Iran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops and plans to address the nation on Wednesday. Irans attack was its most brazen direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the US Embassy in Tehran. The strikes pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to war and put the worlds attention on Trump as he weighs whether to respond with more military force. The Republican president huddled with his national security advisers on Tuesday night but offered no immediate indication of whether he would retaliate. All is well! he said in a tweet. The White House said Trump plans to address the nation at 11 a.m. EST Wednesday. ALSO WATCH | Slapped them, force it out: Iran jabs US after revenge strikes in Iraq The Iranian strikes came days after Trump authorized the targeted killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Quds Force. Iran had pledged to retaliate, though its actions did not appear to result in any American casualties, according to a US official. The missiles targeted two bases one in the northern Iraqi city in Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq. A lack of US casualties could give Trump an opening to de-escalate the mounting tensions with Iran and pull the nation back from the brink of war. Trump, who is seeking reelection at the end of the year, campaigned for president on a promise to keep the United States from engaging in endless war. Still, Trumps rhetoric in recent days has been menacing. Just hours before Tuesdays missile strikes, the president told reporters in the Oval Office: If Iran does anything that they shouldnt be doing, theyre going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly. Democrats called on Trump avoid a military escalation with Iran. Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the administration needs to quickly extricate us from what could lead into a full-fledged war with terrible casualties. Engel said he feared the situation spirals out of control. The fallout for Trumps order to kill Soleimani has been swift. Iran announced that it would no longer be bound by the 2015 nuclear agreement and vowed to retaliate against the US, its allies and American interests. Iraqs parliament also voted to expel US troops from Iraq, which would undermine efforts to fight Islamic State militants in the region and strengthen Irans influence in the Mideast. The counterattack by Iran came as Trump and his top advisers were under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led to the American strike that killed Soleimani. Top Senate Democrats, citing deep concern about the lack of information coming from the Trump administration about the Iran operation, called on Defense Department officials to provide regular briefings and documents to Congress. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the senators said in a letter Wednesday that the White Houses classified War Powers notification to Congress was generic, vague, and entirely inconsistent in its level of detail compared with the norm. While recognizing the need for operations security, we similarly believe there is a requirement to be transparent with the American people about how many troops this Administration plans to deploy in support of contingency plans, wrote Schumer, Sen. Dick Durbin and the Armed Services Committees Sen. Jack Reed to Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint chiefs of staff. They also registered their grave concern with Trumps comments on targeting Iranian cultural sites and asked for clarification. They said they expected a response by Friday. Trump said Tuesday that his decision saved American lives and that members of Congress would get a briefing on the reasons for the US attack. They were planning something, he said of the Iranians. Trump and top national security officials have justified the airstrike with general statements about the threat posed by Soleimani, who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. But the details have been scarce. Hes no longer a monster. Hes dead, Trump said. And thats a good thing for a lot of countries. He was planning a very big attack and a very bad attack for us and other people, and we stopped him, and I dont think anybody can complain about it. Soleimani was targeted while he was at an airport in Baghdad with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a veteran Iraqi militant, who also was killed. Trump said they werent in Baghdad to discuss vacation plans or visit a nice resort but were there to talk over bad business. The lack of detail didnt sit well with Democrats, who recall how President George W. Bush justified his invasion of Iraq by accusing Saddam Hussein of having what turned out to be non-existent weapons of mass destruction. Lawmakers in recent days have been pressing for more details about why Trump ordered the killing a decision that previous administrations passed up because of fears it would unleash even more violence. Soleimani traveled often and relatively openly, with visits to Baghdad more frequent in recent months. He also often showed up in Syria, including along the border between Iraq and Syria. Schumer and Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have called on Trump to declassify the written notification he sent to Congress after the strike. The notification was required under the War Powers Resolution Act of 1973, which requires the president to report to Congress when American forces are sent into hostile situations. The president must come to Congress and present clear and compelling intelligence as to why the strike against Soleimani was absolutely necessary, Menendez said in a speech on the Senate floor. In the wake of all its misleading statements we must make clear to the administration that the president by himself does not have the authority to launch a war against Iran. Trump stressed that the strike was in retaliation for Iranian attacks and that the US is prepared to attack again very strongly. He also said that while he eventually wants to pull US troops out of Iraq, now is not the time because it would allow Iran to gain a bigger foothold there. Trumps top national security officials made several public appearances on Tuesday to further defend the strike. We had deep intelligence indicating there was active plotting to put American lives at risk, and Iraqi lives, too, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. Asked if the threat was imminent in days or weeks, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said: I think its more fair to say days, for sure. Esper said the intelligence was precise razor thin. He said top Republicans and Democrats in the House and the Senate plus the chairmen and vice chairmen of the intelligence committees in both chambers were getting a classified briefing Tuesday on what led to the decision to kill Soleimani. He said other lawmakers will be provided general details about the attack. Asking other cultural personalities to support the statement, and send a confirmation email to Even as condemning the Government of India for coming up with CAA, NRC and NPR, the draft states, "The policies and actions of the present government, passed quickly through parliament and without opportunity for public dissent or open discussion, are antithetical to the principle of a secular, inclusive nation." Enough is enough. Those of us who have been quiet in the past, our silence ends now. We will be clear-sighted in our dissent Underlining that the "soul of the nation is threatened", the draft says, contrary to the stated objective of the government, CAA is not "a benign legislation", as the "list of exclusions seems to indicate otherwise." It wonders, "Why are minorities from other neighbours like Sri Lanka, China and Myanmar excluded? Is it because the ruling powers in these latter countries are not Muslim?" It asks, while taking into account perpetrators of religious persecution, why has CAA excluded "the most persecuted minorities in the region, the Rohingya of Myanmar or the Uighurs of China?" It adds, "This legislation only acknowledges Muslim perpetrators, never Muslim victims. The aim is transparent: Muslims are the unwelcome Other." Stating that the "response of the government and law-enforcement agencies to the distress of its citizens has been callous and high-handed", and pointing out that "several citizens have been killed while protesting", while "many more have been placed in preventive detention", the draft says, "Section 144 has been imposed in numerous states to curb protests." The draft says, "We need look no further than Kashmir to see how far this government is willing to go to suppress democratic dissent. Indian-occupied Kashmir is now living under the longest Internet shutdown ever imposed by a democratic government." It says, "Enough is enough.Those of us who have been quiet in the past, our silence ends now. We will be clear-sighted in our dissent. Like our freedom fighters before us, we stand for a secular and inclusive vision of India. We stand with those who bravely oppose anti-Muslim and divisive policies. We stand with those who stand up for democracy." Interestingly, the day Ayubs opinion piece appeared in WP, members of creative and scholarly community Mira Nair, Amitav Ghosh, Nandita Das, Naseeruddin Shah, TM Krishna, K Satchidanandan, Githa Hariharan, Homi Bhabha, Anand Patwardhan and Damodar Mauzo floated a draft statement against CAA-NRC-NPR and the brutal crackdown on protesters across the country, stating it will be released the Republic Day.Asking other cultural personalities to support the statement, and send a confirmation email to indianwritersforum@gmail.com , still a draft, and is being edited and updated, before being publicly released, says that "artists, filmmakers, writers and scholars" seeks to "salute" the collective cry for "upholding the principles of the Constitution of India, with its promise of a plural and diverse society."Even as condemning the Government of India for coming up with CAA, NRC and NPR, the draft states, "The policies and actions of the present government, passed quickly through parliament and without opportunity for public dissent or open discussion, are antithetical to the principle of a secular, inclusive nation."Underlining that the "soul of the nation is threatened", the draft says, contrary to the stated objective of the government, CAA is not "a benign legislation", as the "list of exclusions seems to indicate otherwise." It wonders, "Why are minorities from other neighbours like Sri Lanka, China and Myanmar excluded? Is it because the ruling powers in these latter countries are not Muslim?"It asks, while taking into account perpetrators of religious persecution, why has CAA excluded "the most persecuted minorities in the region, the Rohingya of Myanmar or the Uighurs of China?" It adds, "This legislation only acknowledges Muslim perpetrators, never Muslim victims. The aim is transparent: Muslims are the unwelcome Other." In an amusing opinion piece in Washington Post (WP), former "Tehelka" journalist Rana Ayyub whose book on Gujarat riots, Gujarat Files: Anatomy of a Cover Up, based on her undercover operations with government officials as a documentary filmmaker, made her famous has blamed three Bollywood Khans, but most notably Saif Ali Khan, for playing an off-screen role, enabling the worst impulses of the government. The WP opinion piece seemed amusing to me, because, it is doubtful if highly well-informed journalist Ayub wasnt in know of what was happening in Bollywood, though she lives in Mumbai. There is reason to wonder: When the WP piece appeared, there were no ripples of unease in the Bollywood over the police clampdown.Referring to police vandalism and brutality on anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protesters, especially in Uttar Pradesh, which led to several deaths, Ayub said in the opinion piece, titled As repression in India gets worse, notable figures remain silent, that despite the clampdown, Saif Ali Khan along with two other Khans Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan -- have been playing it safe.Confining the notable names to only on three Khans, Ayub said, ever since Modi assumed power, several filmmakers have been bending over backward to please the Indian right wing, trying to show how the kohl-eyed Muslim ruler whose debauched gaze preys on Indian Hindu women, or the evil Muslim sultanate wants to pull India away from its magnanimous Hindu supremacy.Giving the instance of a new film, Tanhaji, which has Ajay Devgn, a Modi supporter, as the lead actor playing a Hindu warrior of the 17th century who has to protect Hindu pride from Muslim rulers who seek hegemony over India, Ayub said, Saif Ali Khan, a Muslim, played a key role in the film -- even as playing another important role off-screen, enabling the worst impulses of the government.She noted, His decision to look away from the abuses is demoralizing. While people from across the country mobilized to protect the rights of Muslims, Khan played it safe, saying he was ignorant about the citizenship bill, suggesting, this hasnt happened for the first time he has offered cover to Modi before also.Ayub regretted, Others have chosen the same path, including the icons Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan. Both have been threatened by BJP leaders in the past over their opinions of the intolerance in India. However, neither of the superstars has commented on the current nationwide protests.Ayub quoted a director who has worked closely with Shahrukh Khan as saying that he is stunned at the hypocrisy. They are worried about their business, about their films getting adversely affected should they critique the government, the director says, adding, What bothers me is that Shahrukh himself is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia, where the first crackdown was unleashed by this government.Ayubs WP opinion piece, ironically, came amidst the rattled Modi governments sharp lobbying with Bollywood stars to garner support for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) even as anti-CAA-NRC demonstrations continued across India, and a masked mob seeking to brutalise students and teachers at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.A dinner on January 5 in Mumbai was organized at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai, where Union Minister of Railway and Commerce Piyush Goyal and Bharatiya Janata Party vice-president Baijayant Panda interacted with CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi, Ritesh Sidhwani, Bushan Kumar, Ranveer Shorey, Kunal Kohli, Abhishek Kapoor, Urvashi Rautela and Shailesh Lodha, among others.The text of the invite for meeting read: The agenda of the meeting will be to facilitate a discussion on myths and realities pertaining to the Citizenship Amendment Act."The invite was sent to other bigwigs of the industry, including Javed Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, Richa Chadha, Kabir Khan and Karan Johar, but none of them turned up for the meeting, say reports. The invite was not extended to actor Swara Bhasker, filmmakers Anubhav Sinha and Anurag Kashyap all of whom have been vocal about their stand against the controversial citizenship law.Other Bollywood celebrities who have expressed their disappointment over CAA and NRC include Alia Bhatt, Farhan Akhtar, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Parineeti Chopra, Richa Chadha and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Jaaved Jafferi, Varun Grover, and Neeraj Ghaywan. The last in the series who has expressed symapthy towards JNU students by reaching up to them is Deepika Padukone.Alia Bhatt went out of the way to tweet, To members of my supposed fraternity who were meant to opine and dine with the ruling party this evening trust you implored them to curtail the violence unfolding across the nation. Or at the very least, as part of the scrumptious meal on offer,help yourselves to some humble pie.A few of the Bollywood stars even took part in the protest against the mob attack on JNU students and teachers (see photograph below). Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday dismissed Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs complaint about sharing a party with him, citing the broad support he receives from voters across racial and socio-economic demographics. Differences in the party have always existed, Biden told NBC News. I get broad support from the African American community, the black and brown community, the working-class, middle-class folks, a few of whom voted for Trump. Ive always had broad support within the party, Biden continued. I think this tent is plenty big for both of us. Ocasio-Cortez, 30, complained earlier this week about being in the same party as the 77-year-old former vice president, saying that Democrats can be too big of a tent. Oh God, the New York City first-term Democrat said. In any other country, Joe Biden and I would not be in the same party, but in America, we are. Ocasio-Cortez added that she considers the Congressional Progressive Caucuss standard for lawmakers to be too low. They let anybody who the cat dragged in call themselves a progressive, she said. Theres no standard. Last year, Ocasio-Cortez appeared to attack Biden for not being sufficiently aggressive in combatting climate change, her signature issue, slamming efforts by politicians to water down her Green New Deal. I will be damned if the same politicians who refused to act then are going to try to come back today and say we need to find a middle-of-the-road approach to save our lives. That is too much for me, Ocasio-Cortez said in May after reports broke that Biden was planning to roll out a middle ground approach on climate change. Biden previously called Ocasio-Cortez the exception rather than the rule and said the Democratic Party generally leans more moderate than her policies. The congresswoman has endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 over Biden, the current front runner. Story continues Were not allowed to talk about anything wrong the Democratic Party does, Ocasio-Cortez said. I think I have created more room for dissent, and were learning to stretch our wings a little bit on the left. More from National Review LENAWEE COUNTY, MI Cash cocaine and guns were seized from a southeastern Lenawee County house Tuesday night, police said. The Region of Irish Hills Narcotics Office executed a search around 10 p.m. Jan. 7, in the 3600 block of Meyers Highway in Palmyra Township, which is southeast of Adrian, according to a Michigan State Police news release. Thirty-two grams of cocaine and 28 grams of crack cocaine were seized, along with several hundred dollars in cash, police said. Police said they also seized six guns, three of which were revolvers, two were semi-automatic pistols and one was a .22 caliber-style assault rifle. At least one handgun was stolen, and police said they still are determining if the other guns were stolen as well. Two people were arrested on outstanding warrants from Lenawee County, police said. One person was also charged with of possession with intent to deliver, police said. Michigan State Police Monroe Post/Adrian Detachment, MSP K-9 14, Lenawee County Sheriffs Office, Adrian Police Department and Madison Township Fire Department tactical medics assisted at the scene. READ MORE NEWS: Woman accused of embezzling from Michigan Center PTO bound over to circuit court Best Midwest cities to visit in 2020? Chicago Tribune likes Jackson Klavons Pizzeria and Pub closes its original location School district denies lawsuit allegations of violence, unsafe work environment CPI(M) Politburo member Mohammed Salim on Wednesday claimed TMC cadres and police personnel had indulged in violence in West Bengal, specially in Malda district, during the nationwide strike called by 10 central trade unions after being instigated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The ruling TMC has denied the charge and said it was the CPI(M) and Congress which had indulging in violence and were resorting to falsehood to "hide their sins". Salim keeping up his attack against the state government, said it has taken cue from the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh to frame protestors. He also denied that Left cadres and Congress workers were involved in arson in Malda district and alleged it was the police who indulged in violence. Earlier in the day, protesters blocked a major road in Sujapur area of Malda district, set tyres on fire, ransacked government buses and torched several vehicles, including a police van. When police tried to control the situation, they hurled stones and crude bombs. Pointing to a video footage, which has gone viral but could not be verified, Salim said it clearly showed policemen vandalizing vehicles. "None of the protesters or strike supporters were involved in violence. It is Mamata Banerjee who instigated violence. The TMC cadres and police personnel indulged in arson and violence in Malda district and other parts of the state to please the chief minister. Despite threats, the strike has been successful in Bengal," Salim told a press conference here. He referred to the violence in Uttar Pradesh during the anti-CAA protests and said the TMC government in Bengal has taken cue from the BJP government in that state in order to frame the protesters. "The TMC cadres and police got motivation from the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh and have indulged in arson and violence. Now they are trying to frame peaceful protesters," he said, adding the matter should be probed immediately. Salim's view was echoed by Congess party leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who too blamed Banerjee for inciting violence during the strike. "Mamata Banerjee and her party are all of a sudden trying to project themselves as saints, as if they have never called a strike. Her opposition to the strike is a farce. Actually she is hand in gloves with BJP and that is why she opposed the strike," Chowdhury said. The TMC government in West Bengal had announced that its employees would be barred from availing casual leave or half day leave on Wednesday. WBPCC president Somen Mitra demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident. The TMC termed the CPI-M leader's claims as baseless and said those who do not have the people's support are now resorting to falsehood. TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said the video footage cited by Salim if found to be true is condemnable. "But we are sure the police was not involved and the CPI(M) and Congress are indulging in falsehood to hide their sins. They don't have the people's support and are now resorting to violence. If at all the video is found to be true, then it is condemnable and proper action will be taken," he said. Malda police superintendent Alok Rajoria said the district police has received the video clip and investigation is on. "If at all any police personnel is found to be involved, then necessary action will be taken," he said. Incidents of violence and arson were reported from other parts of the state as well with buses, police vehicle and government properties being vandalised by alleged strikers who tried to enforce the 24-hour bandh on Wednesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One surreal thing that you start to notice as you get older is when certain trends that you remember from the relatively recent past begin to re-emerge in modern culture, this time as retro-cool blasts from the past. People are binge-watching shows like Friends and Gilmore Girls. Were revisiting the garage rock revival of the early 2000s (which already sounded like it belonged to a bygone era at the time but is now actually part of a bygone era). The United States is on the verge of another catastrophic war in the Middle east. Whats next, chunky highlights and frosted tips?? But while many are pointing out the eerie similarities between the 2003 run-up to the Iraq War and our current momentsince Donald Trumps assassination of IRGC General and Kuds Force Commander Qassem Suleimani has made conflict with Iran seem like an inevitabilitythere are some major differences. For one, the timeline has been rapidly accelerated. There hasnt been a 9/11-style terrorist attack that had a huge majority of Americans desperate for revenge. Also, this time the President of the United States is the former host of The Apprentice. Talk about another retro throwback! Though Donald Trump may have stepped back from the ledge this morning in a bizarre, low-energy press conference following Irans retaliatory strikes on U.S. military bases in Iraq, the threat of a disastrous military conflict is still very present and will be some time, and its very true that many of the arguments being made about Iran and the Soleimani assassination coming from the pro-war crowd are virtually identical to their 2003 counterparts: Americans were in imminent danger. Its a pre-emptive strike to prevent further conflict. Well be greeted as liberators. Iran did 9/11. Our opponents are unpatriotic, dictator-loving seditionists. Theyve essentially crammed 18 months of tactics out of the Manufacturing Consent playbook into one 3-day onslaught. These arguments are even being made by the exact same people in many cases! Were seeing Ari Fleischer and Karl Rove break things down for us. Dedicated Never Trump liberal hero and the coiner of the phrase Axis of Evil David Frum is wondering how diplomacy could have failed. Impossible to say, Dave. As surreal as all this feels, the benefit of having lived through this once already is that now, we all remember the previous 18 years of bloody imperial quagmire that resulted the last time we had this argument. And even though the full-throated Iraq cheerleaders who got it so wrong in 2003 all still have successful careers in government, corporate media or the think tank world, and the ones who correctly warned that it was a disaster in the making have been mostly marginalized out of these elite institutions, we are all still perfectly aware of who is in the right and who isnt. And that means that we do not have to even pretend to take any of these peoples arguments seriously, in any way. Which is somewhat liberating! Theres zero reason to hesitate, equivocate or hedge in opposition to conflict with Iran, we dont need to wait and see how it plays out, we dont need to pre-emptively shut down attacks that we arent patriotic enough, or dont support the military, or love dictators. We dont need to pretend many of these parties arent just brazenly lying. Its simply not necessary to go through any motions to placate the people that are pushing this thing. We know from experience that they cant and wont be placated. And we also know already that they are completely, 100% in the wrong. This is something that both activists and current presidential candidates need to keep in mind. Most of the democratic primary field has responded to this with some form of algorithmically generated, meaningless pablum designed to appeal to everyone but accomplishing the opposite. Elizabeth Warren has taken a fairly strong stance against further conflict, but her messaging has been erratic. This clip from The View became an interesting online litmus test, as supporters saw her putting Meghan McCain in her place, but her unquestioning agreement with the Trump Administrations terrorist designation of Soleimani and the IRGC is significantthis technically gives the government moral and legal justification for the initial attack and, potentially, further conflict. Along with her vote to sanction Iran in violation of the Iran Deal that she now claims to want to return to, this has hurt her credibility with those already skeptical of her foreign policy positions, and bought her precisely zero goodwill from the pro-war set. Bernie Sanders, predictably, has been the most unapologetic in his anti-war stance, in keeping with the focus his campaign has had on a different vision for American foreign policy. If the conflict does escalate, this could become a decisive factor in the 2020 election. I was right about Vietnam. I was right about Iraq. I will do everything in my power to prevent a war with Iran. I apologize to no one. pic.twitter.com/Lna3oBZMKB Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) January 3, 2020 After Trumps press conference today, it does appear possible that the threat of conflict is receding. Irans attacks last night seemed to be a strategic effort to respond to the extreme escalation represented by Soleimanis assassination without provoking a full-scale war, and Trump seemed to suggest that hes willing to go back to the bargaining table. Its maddening that all this has happened because Trump and his team have abandoned any of the careful diplomacy that had already taken place, but this is the situation. Still, the threat of war is still going to be hanging over all of us for the foreseeable future. Until it is gone for good, we must remember what happened last time we took war propagandists seriously. They might have faced very little actual career consequences for their role in selling the last disastrous war, but that doesnt mean we owe them civility, respect or the benefit of the doubt. On January 5, while all eyes were focused on the fallout from Qassem Soleimani's death, Turkish president Recep Erdogan announced that he had moved Turkish troops into Libya. The move sparked concerns that Erdogan is again trying to position Turkey as a regional empire. Erdogan's desire for imperial status looks back to a time at which Istanbul, Turkey's capital, was the center of the Muslim Ottoman Empire. That empire, which reached its peak in the late 17th century, controlled vast swaths of the Middle East (including Jerusalem) and Central Europe. In 1683, when the Ottoman military was making a push into Western Europe, it was turned back at the gates of Vienna (although the retreating troops were good enough to leave their coffee behind). Turkish president Recep Erdogan has made it clear that he dreams of reinstating that Ottoman Empire. Currently, Libya is under the control of an internationally recognized Government of National Accord (the GNA). General Khalifa Haftar, leader of the Libyan National Army (LNA), is besieging GNA headquarters in Tripoli, and the siege has been escalating. Half of the LNA's troops are Salafist militias. The other half are Sudanese, Chadian, and Russian mercenaries. It is the presence of mercenaries that gave Erdogan the excuse to move troops into Libya. On January 2, the Turkish parliament, which is firmly under Erdogan's control, approved military intervention into Libya. Erdogan's foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, stated that Turkey's sole concern is the mercenaries' presence in Libya: "We are against mercenaries coming to Libya. We think mercenaries cannot bring peace and stability," Mevlut Cavusoglu told a joint news conference with Awut Deng Acuil, South Sudan's foreign affairs and international cooperation minister, following their bilateral meeting in the capital Ankara. "However, our aim is to establish a cease-fire as soon as possible and to contribute to the revival of the political process and to accelerate it," Cavusoglu said. Erdogan also emphasized that Turkish troops are in Libya for peaceful purposes: "[T]he goal is to support a legitimate government. This will not hurt our agreement. The task of the Turkish military there is to ensure a ceasefire, not to fight. On the other hand, by supporting a legitimate government, prevent a humanitarian catastrophe". Knowing Erdogan's imperialist dreams, no one believes him, including the U.S. embassy in Tripoli. After deploring the LNA's escalation against Tripoli, the official embassy statement denounced Turkey's interference: This deterioration in security underscores the dangers of toxic foreign interference in Libya, such as the arrival of Syrian fighters supported by Turkey as well as the deployment of Russian mercenaries. Writing at Breitbart, John Hayward explains what critics suspect is really going on: Critics suspect Erdogan's long-term goal is to secure territory in Libya through which he can control vital passages through the Mediterranean, much as the Ottoman Empire he openly admires did before World War I. Drilling rights in the Mediterranean were part of the negotiations for Turkish support between Erdogan and Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj of the GNA. Because this is the Middle East, we can assume that none of this will end well. A British meteorologist who was branded an 'ignorant Pommy weather girl' during a row with an Australian politician over climate change has hit back with an incredibly classy response. Weather presenter Laura Tobin appeared on the Today Show on Wednesday and revealed she holds no grudges towards Liberal backbencher Craig Kelly. 'I really don't mind what he or anyone else calls me as long as the most important thing we are now talking more about climate change,' she said. 'The more that people talk about climate change the more they want to take action and our government will take action and then we can tackle it.' Weather presenter Laura Tobin appeared on the Today Show on Wednesday, and revealed she holds no grudges towards Liberal backbencher Craig Kelly Miss Tobin found herself embroiled in debate about the bushfire crisis after an interview with MP Craig Kelly, a climate change sceptic, on Good Morning Britain earlier this week. Mr Kelly said there was 'simply no' evidence to suggest a long-term trend towards a warming climate and also said it was 'nonsense' that lower carbon dioxide emissions could reduce bushfires. After Miss Tobin said he was burying his 'head in the sand and called him a 'climate denier', the federal MP called her an 'ignorant Pommy weather girl' on Twitter. Miss Tobin responded in a scathing Twitter post saying she was a qualified meteorologist with a degree in physics. Mr Kelly also defended Prime Minister Scott Morrison's decision to holiday in Hawaii amid the crisis during his interview on Good Morning Britain On Tuesday morning, the federal MP for Hughes in Sydney's south hit back with this post Miss Tobin responded in a scathing Twitter post saying she was a qualified meteorologist with a degree in physics 'I know what I'm talking about, do you?' she wrote. Mr Kelly later apologised for his comments. Today Show host Karl Stefanovic said praised Miss Tobin for how she handled the stoush and said Mr Kelly 'probably didn't mean the apology'. Mr Kelly is on the right wing of the Liberal Party and heavily criticised former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull's controversial plan for a national energy and emissions policy. During the interview on Monday, he said that the fires were caused by poor forest management rather than climate change. Mr Kelly said: 'You have to look at the science, but one of the factors contributing are the fuel loads. Every commission post bushfire says we need to reduce them, but we always fail to do so. 'Our lifestyle depends on fossil fuels, it can't be done without it. Some politicians have hijacked the debate to push their ideological barrow but what causes fires? Drought and build-up of fuel loads.' Australian Liberal MP Craig Kelly told Good Morning Britain: 'What causes the main thing of the fires is the build up of the fuel on the ground and the drought' Miss Tobin told Mr Kelly Australia had experienced its hottest and driest year ever on record 'with forecasts records that go back more than 100 years'. She said: 'We want everyone in the world to lower the global temperature rise by 1.5C, you [Australia] can't even commit to 2C. 'You have the second highest carbon emission on earth and you are burying your head in the sand. You're not a climate sceptic - you're a climate denier.' During the interview, Piers Morgan told the MP to 'wake up'. 'You are facing now one of the greatest crises you have ever faced, and there is you... who still doesn't think this has anything to do with a heating up planet,' Morgan said. Australian backbencher Craig Kelly (pictured) told Good Morning Britain hosts there was 'no link' between climate change and the fires, putting the blame on arson instead The fast moving Myall Creek bushfire spread rapidly throughout northern New South Wales 'Climate change and global warming are real and Australia right now is showing the entire world just how devastating it is.' Talking to the ABC on Tuesday, Mr Kelly claimed Morgan 'didn't want to hear the facts' and said 'the weather girl had no idea what she was talking about'. He also defended Prime Minister's Scott Morrison's holiday in Hawaii while the fires were underway. 'The ultimate responsibility for fighting fires is the state premiers and the state emergency services,' Mr Kelly said. The only thing the national leader can actually do on this is basically wait until he gets response from those state premiers asking for more resources.' Mr Kelly denied embarrassing the government with the interview, despite his comments putting him at odds with the prime minister. Todd Starnes, a conservative talk show host in the US, also leaped on the arson arrests to make a similar argument. This map shows the statistics across each state of Australia where people have been charged for lighting fires As the fire front approached, the sky was filled with orange flames and thick, grey plumes of smoke 'It turns out - climate change has nothing to do with the humanitarian crisis unfolding Down Under,' he said. More than 180 people have been arrested accused of deliberately lighting bushfires since the start of the horror season which has left 26 dead and destroyed almost 2,000 homes. On the New South Wales south coast, where at least nine people have died since the fire season picked up in October, 29 blazes have been deliberately lit. So far 24 people across the state have been charged with starting blazes in the bush, while a further 159 have been charged or cautioned over less serious fire offences. Scientists believe climate change is amplifying the conditions necessary for firestorms to form. Physicist Scott Menor said that even if all the fires were started by arson, 'climate change made the difference between throwing a match in water to throwing it in gasoline'. A kookaburra perches on a burnt tree in the aftermath of a bushfire in Wallabi Point, in northern NSW In addition, analysis by Dr Timothy Graham from the Queensland University of Technology suggests that there may be a deliberate misinformation campaign on Twitter to cast doubt on the effect of climate change. Tweets with the hashtag #ArsonEmergency were more likely to come from suspect accounts than others such as #AustraliaFire, he found, according to ZDNet. The fires have caught the attention of Hollywood, where numerous movie stars used Sunday night's Golden Globes to draw attention to the blazes - some of them saying that the situation was proof of the need to do more to fight climate change. In Queensland, police have arrested 101 people accused of starting bushfires, 69 juveniles and 32 adults. Five people were arrested for allegedly setting bushland alight in Tasmania - and a further 10 in South Australia. Meanwhile in Victoria, where locals have experienced some of the most catastrophic conditions the nation has ever seen, 43 people were charged with firebug offences. There have been 183 people arrested or charged with lighting bushfires nationally - and police fear that figure will climb. 'Police are well aware that we need to take action against people, whatever that might be, in this time it is particularly a heightened risk of fire activity and we've seen the devastation it causes,' NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said on Tuesday. 'We make no apologies for being so vigilant about that.' Allison Marion's photo of her son Finn fleeing the advancing bushfires in the seaside town of Mallacoota in Victoria's far east has become an symbol of this year's bushfire crisis Mitch Parish, a former arson squad detective, said the international frenzy surrounding the bushfire crisis would only increase a 'vanity arsonists' desire to light an inferno. 'It's got to the stage where they're seeing all the publicity on the fires and they get bit of a buzz because of all the attention,' Mr Parish said. 'People get very emotional and passionate (about fires) and feel a lot of power because it's a very destructive force.' NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer Blake Banner was charged with lighting seven fires in the south coast region. The 19-year-old was allegedly spotted leaving a location as a fire spread rapidly and arrived at a fire ground to help put out a blaze before any of his fellow volunteers on another occasion, police say. He was granted bail and intends to fight the accusations. Residents defend a property from a bushfire at Hillsville near Taree, 350km north of Sydney Pictured: Volunteer firefigthter watching on as the Gospers Mountain fire in NSW rapidly approached NSW Fire and Rescue officer protects the Colo Heights Public School from being impacted by the Gospers Mountain fire near Colo Heights south west of Sydney Banner was stood down from his duties with the force in the interim and Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said members will be devastated if the allegations are proven true. 'Our members will be rightly angry that the alleged actions of one individual can tarnish the reputation and hard work of so many,' he said. A 79-year-old South Australian man was also charged with starting multiple grass and shrub fires as the nation welcomed in the new year. Police will allege the man lit fires on December 30 and January 2, and then two on Saturday, all in the Kingston area, on the state's south-east coastline. The blazes, which have now been burning along much of the east coast of Australia for three months, have scorched more than six million hectares of land. BOSTON (AP) A former employee at online home furnishings retailer Wayfair says in a federal lawsuit the company failed to adequately respond when she complained that a subordinate was sexually harassing her and then retaliated by firing her. Emily Forsythe, 33, tells The Boston Globe for a story published Wednesday the man had expressed an interest in a personal relationship when they worked together at another company, but she told him she wasn't interested. She helped recruit him to Boston-based Wayfair, and became his supervisor. She says in one-one-one meetings, he moved his chair uncomfortably close and their bodies touched on several occasions. He also sent he a series of aggressive emails and texts that questioned her abilities. Forsythe detailed her concerns in an email to her boss in August and her boss submitted a formal complaint to Wayfairs human resources department. In early September, human resources told Forsythe her complaint was unfounded. Im frustrated, she said. Im wondering if they did it to other women because they did it so quickly to me. A Wayfair spokeswoman said the company takes reports of misconduct seriously and conducted an investigation. We did not find any merit to the allegations and intend to provide those details in court, Jane Carpenter, said. Related Stories Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that Tehran took and accomplished proportionate measures in self-defence in accordance with the UN Charter when it targeted the US military bases in Iraq, Trend reports citing Sputnik. He added that Iran is not seeking any war or escalation, but will act in defence against any aggression. Approximately 35 missiles were launched by the IRGC towards military bases in Ayn al-Asad and Erbil, where American military personnel is deployed at the moment. Later, a second series of rockets was fired towards US targets in Iraq, Iranian state TV reported. Tehran dubbed the operation "Martyr Soleimani", designed as a "hard revenge" for Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in the targeted US attack on the Baghdadi International Airport on 3 January. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned later that "harsh vengeance awaits the criminals" that killed the commander, who was one of the most prominent political figures in the country. There have been no casualties reported so far on the US personnel side, Washington officials said. An assessment of the damage and casualties is taking place. President Donald Trump is going to make a statement on the attacks on Wednesday morning. Following reports that several patients have died in the city due to doctors' negligence, Thane Mayor Naresh Mhaske on Wednesday ordered the civic administration to set up a committee and take strict action against quacks. The civic health department has asked officials concerned to form a committee and take action against such doctors after due inquiry, Mhaske told reporters here. The committee will be headed by additional municipal commissioner Rajendra Ahivar and include health officials, a legal advisor and a representative of the IMA, he said. At an emergency meeting held with senior civic officials, Mhaske said the Thane Municipal Corporation has been receiving complaints that the patients have lost their lives due to doctors' negligence. The mayor asked the health department to survey such doctors in slum colonies and initiate actions against them if they have not complied with regulations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Automated and artificial intelligent processes are being put to work in Maryland to smooth the flow of workers compensation claims.This new system is a transformation, said Art Hebbeler, program manager for Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission Five-Year Enterprise Modernization Program.More than 100,000 injuries are processed by the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission annually, generating 25,000 to 35,000 claims. Not all injuries result in claims. Some 70 percent of these reports, however, come in the form of paper submissions, officials say. The new system automates much of what were formerly manual processes and offers a streamlined system for everyone ranging from commission officials to employees filing claims to insurance companies.The new system is a single Web browser enabled application. The basic look and feel is the same way whether you are the chairman of the commission, a claimant representing him or herself as an injured worker, an insurance company, an employer, the look and feel of that interface is the same across the system, Hebbeler said.Development for the new system, known as Comp Hub, began in 2018. The rollout of the full system is about 20 percent complete, with Hebbeler noting that as they bring new pieces on, they are turning old pieces off.Comp Hub revolves around a concept called Intelligent Process Automation, which is the merging of digital process automation, robotic process automation and artificial intelligence.Its kind of a holistic workflow with machine-assisted decision-making. And then you get rid of some of the manual tasks by turning them into robotic functionality, said Drew Jaehnig, an automation expert with Bizagi, a maker of intelligent process automation technology that is involved in the workers comp modernization project in Maryland.Letting robotic processes take over frees up workers to perform tasks that are more mindful and more involved, as opposed to just churning through the paperwork, Jaehnig said.Some of the other processes and workflows ripe for streamlining via intelligent systems could be the processes guiding requests for public documents, or managing ethics investigation filings. There are other benefits too. Rebuilding the Maryland workers' compensation system allowed officials to review a number of processes and streamline the workflows, often resulting in less red tape for filers.We had one form in all of workers' comp that required a notary on it, said Hebbeler, pointing to the form related to the reimbursement of funeral expenses when a worker dies as the result of a workplace accident. It was determined that the need to notarize the document served no significant purpose, and the notary requirement was dropped.Sometimes you need to change regulations in order to make the more streamlined process more elegant, operate better, with more efficiency, said Jaehnig. And in the end, serve the taxpayer better with a less bureaucratic process.Change is sometimes hard, he added. Change is sometimes frightening. But in the end, you cant argue with the results: much higher productivity, faster processes. On Tuesday, the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez officially formed a coalition government with the pseudo-left Podemos party, the Spanish ally of Greeces pro-austerity Syriza (Coalition of the Radical Left). It was the culmination of two months of reactionary manoeuvres within the Spanish ruling elite after the November 10 general elections produced yet another hung parliament. In an initial vote on Sunday, Sanchez failed to obtain the necessary 176-seat majority in the 350-seat Spanish parliament. In the second vote, however, the PSOE and Podemos needed only a plurality to formally invest Sanchez as prime minister and form a government. Sanchez was invested in a 167-165 vote. The prime ministers 167 votes came from the PSOE (120), Podemos (35), the Basque National Party (six votes), a coalition between the Podemos split-off More Country and the Valencian-regionalist Compromis (three votes), and one each from regional parties in the Canary Islands, Galicia and Teruel. Voting against were the Popular Party (PP), the fascistic Vox party, the Citizens party and regional parties from Catabria, Asturias, Navarra and the Canaries. What proved decisive was the role of the Basque and especially the Catalan nationalists. The PSOE and Podemos oversaw a violent crackdown on mass protests last year against the show trial of Catalan nationalist politicians stemming from the peaceful 2017 Catalan independence referendum. As a result, there was broad opposition in Catalonia to the PSOE and Podemos as well as to the PP. A critical mass of nationalist legislators abstained, nevertheless, allowing the PSOE and Podemos to form a government. While the right-wing Together for Catalonia (eight votes) and the petty-bourgeois Candidatures of Popular Unity (two votes) voted against the PSOE-Podemos coalition, the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) and the Basque-nationalist EH Bildu abstained. Had they voted against, Sanchez would have gone down to defeat. By instead abstaining, the 13 ERC and 5 EH Bildu legislators gave the PSOE-Podemos coalition the critical margin to take power as a minority government. Podemos will obtain five ministerial posts. Podemos General Secretary Pablo Iglesias will be vice-premier under Sanchez, tasked with social policy, international affairs and sustainable development. His partner, Irene Montero, will lead a ministry for gender equality. Yolanda Diaz of Galicia en Comun, the regional Galician affiliate of Podemos, will control the labour ministry. Alberto Garzon, the head of the Stalinist United Left, will head a consumers ministry with special responsibility for regulating toys, and sociologist Manuel Castells will lead the Ministry of Universities. Despite the attempts of supporters of the PSOE and Podemos to promote the new government as democratic, it will prove bitterly hostile to the social and democratic rights of the working class. The PSOE, the bourgeoisies traditional party of government since the fascist Francoite regime fell in 1978, has a decades-long record as a party of imperialist war and European Union austerity. As for Podemos, it made its alliance with the PSOE last year while supporting the PSOEs pledges of billions in EU social cuts and its violent crackdown on protests in Catalonia. The degrading debate that followed the investiture vote exposed the far-reaching shift to the right of the entire Spanish political establishment since the first hung parliament in 2015, and particularly since the police crackdown on the 2017 Catalan independence referendum. Sanchez took the floor after the vote, followed by the leaders of the other major parliamentary parties. Alluding to the minority governments formed after every Spanish election since December 2015, he hailed the PSOE-Podemos progressive coalition as the only option for government after the last five rendezvous with the polls. Sanchez told the PP and Vox: You can do two things, either continue with your hysteria or accept the election results. Sanchez made clear, however, that the criticisms he seemed to be delivering of the right actually targeted the workers. Provocatively lumping Vox with workers and youth in Catalonia and elsewhere who have protested against his policies, he said, There is a curious coalition, of various colors, in which the far-right and anti-system forces are represented. He called this the Spain of blockage. Sanchez said he would be fighting for a majority of government against a majority of blockage. The PP and Vox responded to Sanchez with anti-Catalan and xenophobic rants appealing to fascistic forces in the military and the security forces. PP leader Pablo Casado accused Sanchez of allying with terrorists and coup leaders to turn himself into a Trojan horse to destroy Spain, based only on pathological personal ambition. Vox leader Santiago Abascal declared that Sanchez will co-lead an illegitimate government. He thereby channeled a statement last month by Vox member and former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Fulgencio Coll calling on the powers of the state to topple the PSOE. Abascal also absurdly accused Sanchez of having ties to the now-dissolved Basque terrorist group ETA, whose members had been killed in the 1980s by death squads unleashed by a PSOE government. Abascal also claimed that there was a plague of gang rapes that are mostly carried out by foreigners. Iglesias then delivered what was effectively the PSOE-Podemos governments response to Abascal and Casado. Defending the Spanish monarchy, he told them: Maybe it is you who have converted yourselves into the greatest danger to the monarchy. He added that Podemos would defend homosexuals rights, so gays and lesbians can love freely and organise their lives however they see fit. Addressing Sanchez at the conclusion of his speech, Iglesias said, Pedro, they will attack us not for what we do, but for who we are. Therefore I ask you two things: adopt a proper tone with the intolerant, and show the greatest democratic firmness. With these remarks, Iglesias perhaps said more than he intended. The PP and Vox are not attacking the PSOE and Podemos because they have profound differences on policy. Since the 2017 Catalan independence referendum, successive minority PSOE governments backed by Podemos have carried out EU austerity measures, blockades of refugees in the Mediterranean, show trials of Catalan politicians and violent crackdowns on mass protests. In the PSOE-Podemos government the working class confronts no less bitter an enemy than it confronts in the fascistic parties themselves. The PSOE, Podemos and their allies know they are sitting on a social powder keg. In 2019, a resurgence of the international class struggle saw protests and strikes erupt against austerity across Europe, Latin America and worldwide. Spain, where strike activity rose in 2019, is surrounded by strikes against pension cuts in France, a growth of public sector strikes in Portugal, and ongoing mass protests against the military regime in Algeria. The policies pursued by the PSOE since it took office in 2018 in a series of minority governments backed by Podemos underscores that the incoming government is shifting to the right and preparing for further and even more violent confrontations with the workers. What Iglesias calls the PSOEs democratic firmness with Vox has, in fact, consisted of a policy of legitimising Vox and trying to lull workers to sleep about the danger of dictatorship. PSOE governments backed by Podemos invited Vox to join the prosecution in the show trials of Catalan politicians last year and paid to move Francos remains from the Valley of the Fallen memorial to a cemetery in Madrid. The PSOE and Podemos have responded to Voxs propaganda by telling workers that its rants and coup threats are a legitimate contribution to democratic debate. Podemos, a party formed in 2014 by Stalinist and Pabloite middle-class youth who came to prominence during the indignados protests of 2011, has now completed its integration into the state machine. Iglesias, the press remarked, cried in Congress after Sanchez was voted into office. Iglesiass claim that Podemos will defend homosexuals rights, while supporting imperialist war abroad and economic attacks on the working class at home, typifies his partys reactionary identity politics. In reality, no democratic right is secure unless it is won in struggle by the working class. The coup threats being issued by far-right factions of the Spanish bourgeoisie starkly underscore this point. The critical question facing workers in Spain is orienting to the developing struggle of the international working class in opposition not only to Vox and the PP, but also to the PSOE, Podemos and their entire petty-bourgeois periphery. About 15 lakh power sector employees and engineers across the country went on strike on Wednesday in support of 'Bharat Bandh' call given by 10 central trade unions. Power sector employees are protesting against the Centre's proposed amendments to the Electricity Act as well as other privatisation policies of the government, which they say are against the interest of the consumers and employees. They are also demanding implementation of old pension scheme for all employees. "About 1.5 million power sector employees and engineers, including 25,000 in UP, are on the boycott/strike which is a success," Chairman of All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF), Shailendra Dubey told PTI. The strike call was given by National Co-ordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers (NCCOEEE), a united platform of unions and federations of electricity employees and engineers of the country. Hundreds of employees and engineers held protest meeting at Shakti Bhawan in the state capital and shouted slogans. Dubey said most of the amendments proposed in the Electricity Act 2003 and National Tariff Policy are against the interests of the common consumers. Under the new tariff policy, the private company will charge the full cost of power with guaranteed profits from the consumers, thus raising the bills, he alleged. Under this policy, subsidy and cross-subsidy will be phased out in three years. With the abolition of this cross-subsidy, power will become costly for the consumers. The proposed amendment to the electricity law seeks to bifurcate the distribution of electricity into carriage (the distribution infrastructure) and content (the sale of electricity to the consumer). The Amendment Bill is anti-people, as the private sector would compete over larger and more profitable consumers while the smaller and poorer consumers would be left to languish, Dubey said. He said employees would proceed for an indefinite strike without notice in case the government tried to issue an ordinance for privatisation. Other demands of power sector employees are integration of all power utilities in states, like KSEB Ltd in Kerala and HPSEB Ltd in HP, implementation of old pension scheme for all employees, regularisation of contractual workers, review of power purchase agreements having exorbitant rates. The maximum participation of employees and engineers was from Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh , Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnatka, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tripura. The 10 central trade unions have claimed around 25 crore people will participate in the nationwide strike called to protest against the union government's labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies. They are pressing for a 12-point charter of demands of the working class relating to minimum wage and social security, among others. Members of 10 central trade unions, which include AITUC, INTUC, CITU, AICCTU, CUCC, SEWA, LPF, along with various sectoral independent federations, are participating in the nationwide strike, AITUC General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chandigarh [India], Jan 8 (ANI): Employees of Ordnance Cable Factory extended their support to All India strike called by trade unions against the policies of the Central government. These factory workers were protesting against demanded that the ordnance factories should not be handed over to the corporate sector and, rather, it should remain under the control of the Defence Ministry. "These factories were built by the British to fulfil the demands of ammunition. We don't want these factories to be handed over the corpo0rate sector. We will continue our protests until our demands are met,' said one of the protester. It should be noted that bus and train services in various parts of the country including West Bengal and Odisha have been affected due to protests held during the nationwide strike. Ten central trade unions, including Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), have given the strike call with a 12-point charter of demand. The trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is not taking part in the strike. (ANI) A committee chaired by Rajasthan chief secretary on Wednesday shortlisted two aviation firms for buying new multi-engine turbofan (jet) engine airplane worth Rs 200 crore for state dignitaries, said a senior official, privy to the development on the condition of anonymity. The government of Rajasthan on October 15, 2019, had invited global expression of interest (EoI) to purchase a luxury plane with 10 executive club seats, excluding flight crew. The airplane is being bought to fly senior dignitaries and government officials, to promote tourism and carry out other administrative requirements, according to the expression of interest released last year. The senior Rajasthan government official, who was not willing to be named, said five firms had expressed their interest. The committee comprising of state government officials and those from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) vetted all the submissions for technical specifications and safety features keeping climatic and geographical conditions of the state in mind. The official said a sum of Rs 200 crore or thereabouts was likely to be spent on purchasing the plane and the approval had to come from the finance department and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot before placing the order. Currently, the Rajasthan government owns two aircrafts, Super King Air B200 and King Air C 90A, while one is 30-years old, the other is over 15-years old. Both the planes are old and need to be replaced, said the official. In September 2019, one of the state aircraft, in which CM Gehlot was travelling had to make an emergency landing following a technical snag after take-off, the official said. The plane procurement process was started in the last government led by Vasundhara Raje and an approximate amount of Rs 150 to 170 crore was estimated for the same. The finance department in the budget finalisation committee meeting had approved the proposal, but the process did not move ahead. On November 9, 2019, Gujarat government had placed an order to purchase a Bombardier Challenger 650 worth Rs 191 crore for CM Vijay Rupani and other dignitaries. Plot Amidst the heavy-duty protests and demonstrations in the Capital to seek justice for a rape victim, an elderly man tries to draw the attention of a media reporter to a passport size photo of a young girl (presumably his daughter) who was subjected to acid violence. It's a poignant scene which emphasizes how violence against woman in many forms still continues to haunt the country. Meanwhile, after unsuccessful attempts in seeking a job owing to her disfigured face post an acid-attack, Malti (Deepika Padukone) decides to work for an NGO run by Amol (Vikrant Massey) which fights against acid attack violence. Slowly, she tries to rebuild her life and help in upliftment of other acid-attack survivors as well. Not wanting any other girl to undergo similar trauma as her, Malti even files a PIL for acid ban in the country. The rest of the plot revolves around how she triumphs against all odds and brings her culprits to justice. Direction Inspired by the story of real-life acid attack crusader Laxmi Agarwal, Meghna Gulzar's latest release, Chhapaak majorly revolves around the aftermath of this brutal hate crime. The director sensitively handles this subject and makes us empathize with acid-attack survivors. She chooses to make the film a journey about grit and hope instead of reducing it to a sob story. On the flip side, the writing falters at places and the slow pace puts you a bit off. The narrative gets a tad repetitive and the non-linear treatment comes across as distracting. Performances Deepika Padukone as Malti makes you feel her every emotion as your own. Be it the scene where her character is attacked with acid in broad daylight or when she sees her disfigured face in the mirror for the first time, the actress catches the pulse of every sequence and effectively conveys it on the screen. It's bold of a mainstream actress like her to not only act but also produce a film like Chhapaak. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her is Vikrant Massey. His 'silent love' story with Deepika's Malti brings in a breezy relief in the otherwise intense narrative. Meghna Gulzar captures their enticing chemistry in a beautiful way. Other actors like Madhurjeet Sarghi, Rohit Sukhwami and Devas Dixit put up a good show. Technical Aspects A special mention for the team who worked on Deepika Padukone's prosthetics in the film. Malay Prakash's simplistic cinematography perfectly captures the different layers of the film. Nitin Baid's editing goes well. Music The Chhapaak title track sung by Arijit Singh adds emotion to the narrative. Nok-Jhok is a sweet and sour glimpse into Malti (Deepika Padukone) and Amol's (Vikrant Massey) budding romance. Verdict In one of the scenes in the film, Deepika Padukone's Malti quips, "Unhone meri surat badli hai, mera mann nahi" and it makes you realize the importance of standing confident and undeterred even in the darkest phase of life. We give 3 stars out of 5 for Chhapaak. P rime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour's Jeremy Corbyn have exchanged bitter blows over the US-Iran crisis. Mr Corbyn used the first PMQs since the Christmas break to berate the PM over his stance supporting US in its assassination of the Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. He used some of his six questions to raise questions about the legality of killing the general in Iraq. While Mr Johnson retorted: "The strict issue of legality is not for the UK to determine since it was not our operation." During the heated debate, the outgoing opposition leader claimed Mr Johnson was unable to stand up to President Donald Trump "because he has hitched his wagon to a trade deal with the United States". Jeremy Corbyn raises his concern about whether the US attack on Iran abided by international law / PA "This government's response is not putting the interests of this country first but instead seems more interested in prioritising the Prime Minsiter's relationship with Mr Trump over the security of the region and of this country," Mr Corbyn. Mr Johnson called the claim "absolute fiction" before pointedly asking his counterpart why he was yet to condemn the actions of Soleimani. The heated debate became personal when Mr Johnson claimed Mr Corbyn had been paid 10,00 by an Iranian TV channel. Iranian Missile Attack - In pictures 1 /16 Iranian Missile Attack - In pictures Pieces of missiles are seen at the rural area of Al-Baghdadi town after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq Anadolu Agency via Getty Images An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq Iraqi security forces find and collect the pieces of missiles as they gather to inspect the site after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq Anadolu Agency via Getty Images A protester waves the Iraq flag while demonstrators set fire to close streets near Tahrir Square during a demonstration to protest against the Iranian missile strike, in Baghdad, Iraq AP Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him addressing a meeting in Teharn Getty Images An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq via Reuters Iraqi security forces and soldiers gather to inspect the site after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq, a facility jointly operated by U.S. and Iraqi forces, at Bardarash district of Erbil in Iraq Anadolu Agency via Getty Images An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq IRIB/AFP via Getty Images Multiple rockets are launched at Al-Asad airbase Multiple rockets are launched at Al-Asad airbase A protester sets fires to close streets near Tahrir Square during a demonstration to protest against the Iranian missile strike AP A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok ,Iraq Reuters The PM was firm in his backing of the US action which led to them conducting a drone strike on Soleimani's motorcade, claiming he posed an "imminent threat". "The US has the right to protect its bases and personnel," Mr Johnson said, going on to condemn Soleimani and listing atrocities for which he was responsible. He said: "Soleimani was responsible for many years for, amongst other things, arming the Houthis with missiles with which they attacked innocent civilians, arming Hezbollah with missiles - which again they used to attack innocent civilians. Mr Johnson backed the US strike on Iran and condemned the deceased Soleimani for numerous atrocities / PA "Sustaining the Assad regime in Syria, one of the most brutal and barbaric regimes in the world and of course supplying improvise devices to terrorists who I'm afraid killed and maimed British troops. "That man had the blood of British troops on his hands." Mr Corbyn said the region in the Middle East was at "real risk of going into a full-scale war" and asked the Tory leader if he was opposed to escalating violence. Iran's supreme leader says missile attack is a slap for the US Mr Johnson confirmed he was and said the Government had been working together with European allies to help resolve the conflict. Words of reassurance were offered by Mr Johnson who said he his Government were committed to "doing everything in their power" to protect British interests in the region, including shipping. He said the Government would continue to "stick up" for people across the Middle East who had "suffered" under the leadership of Soleimani and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. "Our task is to establish the cause of the crash of the Boeing and provide all necessary help to the families of the victims," said parliament speaker, Dmytro Razumkov, in a Facebook statement. Ukraine International Airlines said it had indefinitely suspended flights to Tehran after the crash. "It was one of the best planes we had, with an amazing, reliable crew," Yevhen Dykhne, president of the Ukraine International Airlines, said at a briefing following the crash. The plane had been delayed from taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport by almost an hour. It took off to the west, but never made it above 8000 feet, according to data from the flight-tracking website FlightRadar24. Pir Hossein Kulivand, an Iranian emergency official, told state TV all those on board were killed. He said rescuers were trying to collect the dead. "The plane is on fire but we have sent crews," he said. It remains unclear what happened. Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Iran's Road and Transportation Ministry, said it appeared a fire struck one of its engines. The pilot then lost control of the plane, sending it crashing into the ground, Biniaz said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. Hassan Razaeifar, the head of the air crash investigation committee, said it appeared the pilot couldn't communicate with air-traffic controllers in Tehran in the last moments of the flight. He did not elaborate. Ukrainian authorities have offered to help with the investigation. "We're preparing a group of specialists in order to help with the search operation and the investigation of the cause of the crash," Honcharuk said. Debris is seen from a plane crash on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran on Wednesday, after a Ukrainian aircraft carrying 176 people crashed shortly after take-off from the city's main airport, killing all on board. Credit:AP The plane, fully loaded with fuel for its 2300-kilometre flight, slammed into farmland near the town of Shahedshahr on the outskirts of Tehran. Videos taken immediately after the crash show blazes lighting up the darkened fields before dawn. Resident Din Mohammad Qassemi said he had been watching the news about the Iranian ballistic missile attack on US forces in Iraq in revenge for the killing of Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani when he heard the crash. "I heard a massive explosion and all the houses started to shake. There was fire everywhere," he told The Associated Press. "At first I thought [the Americans] have hit here with missiles and went in the basement as a shelter. After a while, I went out and saw a plane has crashed over there. Body parts were lying around everywhere." Associated Press journalists who reached the crash site saw a wide field of debris scattered across farmland, the dead lying among shattered pieces of the aircraft. Their possessions, a child's cartoon-covered electric toothbrush, a stuffed animal, luggage and electronics, stretched everywhere. The pilot of the aircraft then lost control of the plane, sending it crashing into the ground. Credit:AP Rescuers in masks shouted over the noise of hovering helicopters as they worked. They quickly realised there would be no survivors. "The only thing that the pilot managed to do was steer the plane towards a soccer field near here instead of a residential area back there," witness Aref Geravand said. "It crashed near the field and in a water canal." The Boeing 737-800 is a very common single-aisle, twin-engine jetliner used for short to medium-range flights. Thousands of the planes are used by airlines around the world. Introduced in the late 1990s, it is an older model than the Boeing 737 MAX, which has been grounded for nearly 10 months following two deadly crashes. Boeing built the aircraft that crashed on Wednesday in 2016 and it last underwent routine maintenance on Monday, Ukraine International Airlines said. A rescue worker searches the scene where the Ukrainian plane crashed in Shahedshahr, south-west of the capital Tehran, Iran. Credit:AP A number of 737-800 aircraft have been involved in deadly accidents over the years. In March 2016, a FlyDubai 737-800 from Dubai crashed while trying to land at Rostov-on-Don airport in Russia, killing 62 on board. Another 737-800 flight from Dubai, operated by Air India Express, crashed in May 2010 while trying to land in Mangalore, India, killing more than 150 on board. Chicago-based Boeing was "aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information", spokesman Michael Friedman told the AP. Boeing, like other airline manufacturers, typically assists in crash investigations. However, that effort in this case could be affected by the US sanctions campaign in place on Iran since President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in May 2018. The crash came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack targeting two bases in Iraq housing US forces in retaliation for the killing of Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani. Credit:AP In a court filing on Tuesday, prosecutors said some of the funds Mr. Zuberi donated to the inaugural committee came from other people, including an unnamed American man who wrote a $50,000 check to Avenue Ventures to secure exclusive access to certain inaugural events promised by Mr. Zuberi. The man, who is not identified in the filing, did not attend the inauguration, and asked Mr. Zuberi to refund the $50,000, according to the prosecutors from the United States Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York. They said in the filing that Mr. Zuberi initially declined to refund the money. He relented, they said, only after The New York Times and other news media outlets reported in early February 2019 that Mr. Zuberis name and that of his company were included on a subpoena for documents sent to Mr. Trumps inaugural committee as part of a wide-ranging investigation into the inauguration and its financing. At a meeting at a restaurant in California a few weeks after the news broke, Mr. Zuberi asked the man whether he had been contacted by federal investigators, according to the prosecutors. They wrote that Mr. Zuberi wrote a refund check to the man, backdating it to Feb. 1 to make it appear that Mr. Zuberi returned the money before he learned of the S.D.N.Y. investigation into the source of funds for the $900,000 donation. The prosecutors also accused Mr. Zuberi of deleting emails with individuals who provided money to him around the time of his $900,000 donation, including a foreign citizen. The foreigner, who is not named in the court filing, transferred approximately $5.8 million to the account Mr. Zuberi used to fund his $900,000 inaugural donation, the prosecutors said. When prosecutors confronted Mr. Zuberis lawyers about his efforts to delete emails with the foreigner, Mr. Zuberi contacted his email service provider seeking advice on how to ensure that copies of his emails were not stored on a server, according to the filing. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Hes back. And mainstream Democrats are supposedly worried. But are they really? Im talking about Bernie Sanders, whose presidential campaign is riding high again after the democratic socialist senator from Vermont was sidelined earlier in the race by a heart attack. It seemed that the party was passing Bernie by, even though Sanders gave Hillary Clinton more than a run for her money in 2016, and might have prevailed had Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the Democratic National Committee not had a finger on the scale for Hillary. But Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts seemed like the new darling of the left. Until even liberals figured out that the math didnt work on her Medicare-for-all plan. Warren had to back away from it. Thats no way to run a revolution! If you want someone whos going to stand his ground, Bernie Sanders is your guy. And lets face it: Sanders has the best imitator of all on Saturday Night Live in Larry David: Im Bernie Sanders. Im white. Cant help it! Killer stuff. And Dems seems to be feeling the Bern again, because with Iowa and New Hampshire looming, Sanders is at the top of the polls, right alongside former Vice President Joe Biden, the party safe bet. Biden may be the overall favorite in head-to-head matchups with President Donald Trump, but Bernie is polling well nationally as well as in individual states, including Iowa, where the first votes of 2020 will be cast on caucus day, Feb. 3. Yep, America, thats the day after the Super Bowl. Going to be a busy couple of days. And Bernie is excelling where it counts most as well: Fundraising. Sanders hauled in $34.5 million during the last three months of 2019. Former President Barack Obama is said to be concerned about the Sanders surge. Obama reportedly said privately that if it truly looked like Bernie could become the nominee, the ex-prez would speak up to stop it. Publicly, Obama has of course said that he would work to help elect whomever the eventual nominee is. But in a direct shot at Sanders (and Warren), he has also cautioned the Dem candidates not to go too far leftward, that Americans dont feel like they have to tear the system down in order to remake it. But are establishment Dems really that worried about a lefty nominee? Maybe not. Maybe they dont think Trump can be beaten anyway, which is why theyre so hot to impeach him. So let the left take a 1972-style drubbing at the polls this November, if thats the way it works out. That would clear the extreme liberals out and let the Dem establishment grown-ups take control of the party again. A crazy conspiracy theory? Sure. But remember, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her Squad pose more of an existential threat to hidebound Beltway Dems than they do to anyone else. It would behoove the establishment to take the kids down a peg. Even House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has to know that Americans are not going to vote for a socialist president. And if an old warhorse like Biden gets nominated but loses to Trump, so be it. Democrat Walter Mondale took the pounding from Ronald Reagan in the 1984 re-elect. Republican Bob Dole got brushed aside by Bill Clinton in 1996. More political dead wood for the fire. It allows for others in the party to move up. And if Trump wins, Democrats clearly think that they can remove him from office in any number of other ways. Impeachment. Accusing him of war crimes. Busting him for spitting in the street. Theyll figure something out. A new aggravation on Iran could lead to an aggravation of the economic situation in the world, political scientist Garik Misakyan told reporters on Wednesday. According to him, any tension in the Persian Gulf could aggravate the economic situation not only in this region, but also in the world. From the very first minutes after the attack, oil prices went up on the world market, which caused problems on the exchange, he noted. Earlier in Baghdad, on the orders of US President Donald Trump and as a result of an American air strike, the legendary Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps General Qasem Soleimani was killed. Iran attacked two US bases in Iraq in response. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday countered claims that the administrations anti-illegal drug campaign has been a failure, saying the government has had a good success rate in resolving drug crimes and cases. I cannot agree with that observation that it is a massive failure because the positive effects of the anti-illegal drug campaign are palpable, Guevarra told CNN Philippines The Source in response to Vice President Leni Robredo, who earlier said the government flunked with the way it implemented its flagship narcotics campaign. The Justice chief said there had been lower figures of street crimes in relation to drugs. He bared that out of the 260,000 drug cases listed since 2016 about 72,000 cases have resulted in convictions. The success rate of the prosecution with respect to drugs is something like 80 percent if we include these plea bargaining cases, said Guevarra, who also noted that over 190,000 of the total cases were carried over from the previous administration. As promised, Robredo revealed Monday her findings on the governments controversial drug war, which were collected following her 18-day stint as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs. The Vice President, citing data from various agencies, revealed authorities have only seized less than one percent of shabu since President Rodrigo Duterte took office. LIST: Robredo's drug war recommendations Robredo likewise questioned the administrations disproportionate focus on arresting street-level users and pushers instead of jailing high-profile drug lords. Guevarra also refuted these statements, and stressed how the anti-drug campaign is an ongoing process. Assuming that the parameters are correct, may kababaan talaga yung 1 percent (that one percent is really low). But that doesn't mean the whole campaign is a failure. Because patuloy naman 'yan, it's an ongoing thing, Guevarra said. He maintained authorities are also running after the big-name targets with several cases already on deck for the courts to handle. Nahi-highlight lang kasi 'yung na-aresto, may napatay because of an operation, pero 'yung mga major cases na pinoprosecute or iniinvestigate, kung minsan, hindi na nabibigyan ng attention. Quietly being done naman 'yun eh, Guevarra said. [Translation: Those arrested and killed during operations are the ones highlighted, but the major cases are not given attention. But theyre quietly being done.] Government data shows more than 6,000 people have been killed in anti-illegal drug operations since Duterte took office in July 2016. Human rights groups, however, have cited higher figures. The chief executive faces a complaint before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity in connection with his flagship anti-drug campaign. Lawyer Jude Sabio filed the "communication" before the Hague-based tribunal in April 2017. Two months later, then opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes and then Rep. Gary Alejano also filed supplemental communication before the court. The court's prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, last year launched a preliminary examination on the situation in the Philippines. The ICC said it aims to conclude the move by next year to see if there is a need for a formal investigation on the case. READ: Duterte: Robredo is a 'colossal blunder' PHOENIX - Federal prosecutors say two retailers and a third person face up to five years in prison after pleading guilty in a conspiracy to import jewelry knockoffs made from the Philippines and then misrepresent the goods as made in the United States by Native Americans. Laura Marye Wesley, 32, pleaded guilty Monday in U.S. District court in Phoenix to conspiracy, wire fraud and other charges while Waleed Sarrar, 44, and Christian Coxon, 46, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, prosecutors said. Wesley admitted having jewelry made in the Philippines and then arranging to have it smuggled into the United States and delivered to retail outlets in multiple states, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement. Sarrar misrepresented imported jewelry as made by Native Americans at his store in Scottsdale, Arizona, while Coxon made similar false claims involving his store in San Antonio, Texas, the statement said. Iranians celebrate in the street after missiles launched at US-led forces in Iraq - VIA REUTERS What happened? The Iranian military fired 22 missiles from Iran at US bases in Iraq in retaliation for Americas killing of Qassim Soleimani. According to the Iraqi military, 17 missiles were fired at the al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and five missiles were fired at a smaller base in Irbil in northeast Iraq. Was anyone hurt? All indications right now are that no one was killed or injured in the missile barrage. US officials say there were no American casualties and the Iraqi army say none of its personnel were killed. The Ministry of Defence says there were no UK casualties. Is Irans attack over? Iran is signaling that it does not plan further direct attacks against the US and is not looking for further escalation. Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence, said Javad Zarif, Irans foreign minister. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, said military action alone was not sufficient to avenge Soleimani and suggested he wanted to see a broader political effort to expel the US from the Middle East. What happens next? The ball is firmly in Donald Trumps court. The US president must decide if hes prepared to ignore the Iranian missiles and move on, in which case there is a good chance the cycle of escalation stops, or whether American credibility and his own political prestige demand that the US retaliates. If he chooses the second option we should expect more shooting in the days to come. Mr Trump at al-Asad air base in December Credit: AFP Mr Trump is due to speak on Wednesday morning US time but his early response has been uncharacteristically relaxed. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! he wrote on Twitter. Is this enough to satisfy Irans need for revenge? It will be a bit humbling for Iran if their severe revenge for Soleimanis death is essentially a fireworks show that didnt kill anyone. Story continues But there may also be sighs of relief in Tehran that no Americans were killed as the Iranian regime is eager to avoid a head-on war with superior US forces. For now, Tehran has video footage missiles lifting off into the night in defiance of the US, which will no doubt play on a loop for days on pro-government television. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a speech during a gathering in Tehran Credit: Reuters And it can muddy the waters in the information war by suggesting to its own public that the Western media is lying that there were no US casualties. Meanwhile, it is likely to continue planning covert action against US interests. Is it politically possible for Trump to ignore the missiles? Mr Trump threatened last week to hit 52 targets in Iran in retaliation for any Iranian strike and his public image is built upon being the tough man who brooks no defiance from Iran. So it will be a bit of a political climb down for him to let these missiles go unanswered. But there is a political win here for Mr Trump if he chooses to take it. He doesnt want a war with Iran and he knows the American public doesnt either. If he de-escalates now he can say that he killed Soleimani, taught Iran a lesson for attacking the US embassy in Baghdad, and proved that the Democrats were being hysterical when they predicted that Soleimanis death would lead to war. Activists criticise police move to file case against Mumbai woman for raising Free Kashmir poster at a protest rally. Mumbai, India Activists and political analysts in India have criticised Mumbai police for launching an investigation against a woman for holding a Free Kashmir poster during a protest against mob violence inside New Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The woman has since apologised for carrying the placard during the 24-hour sit-in staged at the iconic Gateway of India located in the financial hub of Mumbai along with similar solidarity protests across many Indian cities. The protesters chanted slogans, recited poetry, sang songs, and carried posters but a senior leader from Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised an objection to the Free Kashmir poster. Modis Hindu nationalist government stripped the Indian-administered Kashmirs special status and imposed a lockdown in the region on August 5. Since then, the Muslim-majority region has largely been without internet access and thousands of people, including pro-India politicians, have been thrown into jail. #WATCH Mumbai: Poster reading, 'Free Kashmir' seen at Gateway of India, during protest against yesterday's violence at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/i7SeImYxCE ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2020 The Mumbai police spokesman, Deputy Commissioner of Police Pranay Ashok, said a complaint has been filed under section 153(B) of the Indian Penal Code against the woman for displaying the poster. If found guilty, she faces up to three years of imprisonment or fine or both. We will look into whether the incident is true, and what was her motive behind it, Ashok told Al Jazeera. Serious infringement of individual rights In a video message on Facebook, Mehek Mirza Prabhu, the woman with the poster, said the incident has been blown out of proportion. Students have realised that this regime is not doing much for them. And the minorities have realised they need to fight back. Suhas Palshikar, political scientist The placard meant freedom to express themselves, freedom from the internet lockdown which many people have been voicing for, she said. I was voicing my solidarity for basic constitutional right. This situation is scary for a woman like me. If by being naive in understanding the impact it would have, and in the process create this stir. I apologise. Suhas Palshikar, a political scientist based in Pune city, called the police complaint a serious infringement of individual rights. Everyone these days is worried of being branded as anti-national, he said, explaining why Kashmir is a no go for most Indians. There is a misconception among people that even talking about autonomy to Kashmir, which was part of the Indian constitution, is seen as tantamount to anti-national activity. The ruling BJP has long campaigned against Article 370 of the Indian constitution that granted Kashmir a measure of autonomy. After Modi won re-election in a landslide victory in May, his government moved to scrap Kashmirs autonomy. While the authorities in Mumbai have been quick to file a complaint against Prabhu over the poster, the Delhi police have not made a single arrest in connection with the assault on the students of JNU two days ago. In an FIR, the police have admitted to being witness to a mob attacking students, but did not do anything to protect them. Several videos and reports have pointed towards the involvement of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the parent organisation of the BJP. Instead, Delhi police filed a complaint against the JNU students union president, Aishe Ghosh, for allegedly vandalising on-campus property a day before the mob attack on Sunday. Ghosh has endured head injuries during the Sundays attack. Protest against citizenship law The protests following the attack in JNU come as a series of organic agitations going on across the country since the Modi government pushed through a legislation on citizenship last month. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) gives nationality to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, but it singles out Muslims from seeking refuge in India, drawing parallels with Myanmars refugee and citizenship policy. Critics say that the CAA is part of Modi governments Hindu supremacist agenda and runs against the spirit of Indias secular constitution. Governments decision to implement nationwide counting of citizenship (National Register of Citizens) has caused alarm among Indias largest minority, Muslims, who have held mass protests in the past several weeks. More than 20 people have been killed in police action. Indians have protested against police brutality on students at the Jamia Millia Islamia university, Aligarh Muslim University and the JNU. Teesta Setalvad, an activist based in Mumbai, said, Muslims have realised they are a political target. But non-Muslims, because they believe in constitutional principle of parity, have also taken to the streets, which is heartening, she told Al Jazeera. People have realised that having documentary proof is only a privilege of the elite. The poor and marginalised would be queueing up to prove their existence. Agitations in Mumbai have hit headlines, including the one where Bollywood celebrities took to streets, and sang songs, recited poems. Top Bollywood star Deepika Padukone visited the JNU campus on Tuesday to show her solidarity with students. Palshikar said the protests are a result of a combination of factors along with the NRC and the CAA. Students have realised that this regime is not doing much for them, he said. And the minorities have realised they need to fight back. Former Real Housewives of New York star Bethenny Frankel is helping with the Australian bushfire relief efforts. The 49-year-old mogul is worth more than $100 million. Taking to her Instagram on Tuesday, Bethenny shared an adorable snap of herself blowing a kiss to a koala from a trip Down Under. Emergency: Former RHONY star Bethenny Frankel, 49, has pledged to use her disaster relief organisation BStrong to assist in Australian bush fire relief efforts on Instagram on Tuesday Bethenny launched the Bstrong initiative in 2017, which provides emergency assistance to individuals and their families in crisis. She explained her team is in 'strategy mode' in order to provide aid for Australians. 'My team is in strategy mode with a plan to effectively and efficiently aid Australia in this crisis, which affects our entire planet,' she wrote. Relief: 'My team is in strategy mode with a plan to effectively and efficiently aid Australia in this crisis, which affects our entire planet,' the former reality star wrote Bethenny spoke of the devastation caused by the fire, only to then say she has a multi-tiered plan in place for creating and outfitting more teams. 'This is critical since the current number of firefighters and this fire are David and Goliath,' the former reality star said. 'When comparing the current number of firefighters in Australia to other massive wildfires, we see where the void is.' Helping hand: 'We will visit shelters to distribute aid and cash cards to those who have lost everything. We will provide aid for the suffering animals in need,' Bethenny wrote She went on to say she was in direct talks with executive directors for various fire services, in order to enhance the workforce and equipment. 'We will visit shelters to distribute aid and cash cards to those who have lost everything. We will provide aid for the suffering animals in need,' she wrote. 'Right now were talking to govt officials in Aus & heads of fire service agencies. Theyre under staffed/equipped & were amassing gear/supplies & firefighters from the US. We need airlines to donate seats,' she later tweeted. She also wrote about her 'personal connection' to Australia, and how she deemed what was occurring as an international crisis. Devastating: More than 12 million hectares have burnt in the Australia, causing toxic smoke and an estimated one billion animals to perish in the inferno Bethenny is the latest international celebrity to offer assistance to relief efforts. Earlier this week, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban donated $500,000 to the relief efforts. While Thor actor Chris Hemsworth donated $1 million. Comedian Celeste Barber's fund-raising campaign has raised an incredible $45 million, which will go to bush fire relief efforts. So far, 23 people have been killed by the deadly fires, with another six reported missing, and it's estimated a billion animals have been lost. Meanwhile, more than one billion animals are thought to have perished with a number of them - including koalas - named 'functionally extinct'. The execution of Chatterjee took place in Alipore Central Correctional Home, Kolkata, on August 14, 2004. It took 14 years to execute him. He was charged of rape and murder of Hetal Parekh, a 14-year-old school girl on March 5, 1990. In last 20 years, four people were hanged to death out of which only Dhanajoy Chatterjee was charged of rape and murder of a school girl while the other three were terrorists. Ajmal Kasab, a Pakistani militant and the mastermind of 2008 Mumbai attacks, was the second person who was executed on November 21, 2012 in Yerawada Central Jail, Pune. He was convicted for murder, conspiracy and waging war. It took 4 years to execute him. Then on February 9, 2013, it was Kashmiri terrorist Afzal Guru who was hanged to death in Tihar jail. He was convicted for attacks on Parliament on December 13, 2001. It took 11 years to execute Guru. After the execution of Guru, no execution has been done in Tihar jail. After Guru, on July 30, 2015, Yakub Memon was executed in Nagpur Central jail for his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts. It took 22 years for the execution of Memon. This will be for the first time in the history of independent India that four convicts will be hanged in the gallows site in Jail No. 3 of the capital's Tihar Jail complex on January 22 after a Delhi court issued death warrants for them on Tuesday. (Sanjeev Kumar Singh Chauhan can be reached at sanjeev.c@ians.in) The Nepal government on Wednesday deported the 122 Chinese nationals detained last month for alleged cross border cyber crimes and criminal activities from different parts of the capital city. The Chinese nationals were arrested on December 23 on suspicion of using social media to swindle money from the rich, single and divorced Chinese women, running an illegal online gambling racket, operating Ponzi scheme and blackmailing the Chinese by hacking their private information from phones and computers. On Sunday, the Kathmandu District Court imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 each on the Chinese nationals for their 'indecent behaviour' and ordered their release. "They have been deported to their home land on Wednesday evening," said officials at the Department of Immigration. Baikuntha Raj Regmi, an officer of the Immigration department, said the work relating to the verification of all the Chinese nationals travel documents and imposition of fine was completed on Tuesday. This is the first time such a large number of foreigners from the same country are being deported together. China had sent two aircraft to Kathmandu on Wednesday to take back the Chinese nationals. "Two aircraft along with Chinese security personnel arrived in Kathmandu to take them back," one official said. Of those being deported, 80 were deported in one plane while the remaining 42 were deported through the other. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 00:19:42|Editor: ZX Video Player Close DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund on Wednesday pledged to continue supporting Tanzania toward the protection of children's rights, said a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. Shalini Bahuguna, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Tanzania, said the UN agency will continue working closely with the east African nation in improving the welfare of children, said the statement. The statement said Bahuguna made the pledge during talks with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Palamagamba Kabudi, in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam. "The rights of children are paramount anywhere in the world, including Tanzania. UNICEF will continue protecting Tanzanian children's rights including making sure that they are provided with basic needs," said Bahuguna. For his part, Kabudi thanked the UN children agency for supporting Tanzania in fulfilling its agenda of protecting the rights of children and their welfare. Kabudi said since 2016, the government of Tanzania in collaboration with UNICEF has succeeded in improving the education and health sectors, and water supply in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Iringa, Kigoma, Njombe and Songwe regions. By Francesca Landini, Reuters | Jan. 08, 2020 Struggling Italian carrier Alitalia is burning through its cash resources at the pace of around EUR 300 million (US$334 million) a year, its new temporary administrator Giuseppe Leogrande told members of a parliamentary committee. In November, after months of talks, railway group Ferrovie dello Stato, U.S. carrier Delta Air Lines and infrastructure group Atlantia backtracked on a plan to rescue the carrier. That left the government to choose between liquidating the company, or injecting more taxpayers' money to keep it flying. Alitalia, which has been through two previous unsuccessful reorganizations, is due to receive a further 400 million euros from the government, in addition to the 900 million euros the state has injected since May 2017. Leogrande said on Tuesday he was still working on an industrial plan for the loss-making airline. That triggered a harsh reaction from some members of the parliament's transport committee, who noted that he needed to find a group of rescuers for the carrier by the end of May. The new manager said he would re-start talks with Delta and was also prepared to talk with Lufthansa. But the future for Alitalia is uncertain, as Delta is only prepared to invest 100 million euros in the group, and Lufthansa does not want to take an equity stake. Speaking ahead of the same committee on Tuesday, Joerg Eberhart, the president and chief executive of Lufthansa's Air Dolomiti unit, made clear the German carrier was offering a commercial partnership to Alitalia, not an equity investment. "A deep restructuring is unavoidable for Alitalia," Eberhart said, adding that, once restructured, the Italian carrier could decide which European airline alliance to join. He said Lufthansa was still interested in working with the Italian group. A commercial partnership with Lufthansa would boost revenues at the ailing Italian airline by 100 million euros annually in the medium term, Eberhart said. Lufthansa would also be interested in Rome's Fiumicino airport as a new hub for Southern Europe, the German manager said. He said Alitalia should join Lufthansa in the Star Alliance, the world's largest group of carriers, allowing them to cooperate on marketing routes and pricing. (US$1 = EUR0.8977) Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Intermittent snow showers, especially early. Low around 10F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 50%.. Tonight Intermittent snow showers, especially early. Low around 10F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 50%. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 Trend: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed condolences to the President of the Republic of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. "I was deeply saddened by the news of heavy casualties as a passenger plane of Ukraine International Airlines crashed near the city of Tehran," Ilham Aliyev said. "On the occasion of this tragedy, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my deepest condolences to you, families and loved ones of those who were killed." [January 08, 2020] Sprint Business Applauded by Frost & Sullivan for Engaging Customers with its Smart Messaging Business Communication Solution Smart Messaging streamlines communication for frequently asked questions, provides a secure ordering mechanism, and enables integrations with existing back-end systems SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 8, 2020 /CNW/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the North American business communications solutions market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Sprint Business with the 2019 North American New Product Innovation Award for Sprint Smart Messaging -- a solution to help businesses communicate with their customers through an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered text messaging system. Sprint's innovative solution allows businesses to use their existing phone number to communicate in real-time using AI, and as a result rescue missed customer calls. Smart Messaging allows businesses to uniquely interact with customers using non-traditional forms of communications. It delivers enterprise-grade assistance for storefronts, restaurants, and businesses of all sizes. With the unique text capabilities of Smart Messaging, businesses are realizing the benefits of an 'always-on' automated assistant that enhances customer satisfaction and employee productivity. "Broadly applicable across a range of main street businesses, Sprint Smart Messaging expands capabilities and functions with an AI engine to respond to customer calls and questions via text messaging. When the business cannot answer the phone, the call automatically gets converted to text capability. No other carrier currently supporting the small to medium size business (SMB) segment offers this level of enterprise-grade customer engagement," said Brent Iadarola, Frost & Sullivan Vice President of Information & Communications Technologies. "When callers leave a voicemail, the Smart Messaging system transcribes it and transmits it to the business owner (or designated employee) to read, callback, or send a follow-up text." With Sprint Smart Messaging, business owners or designated employees have an application interface (iOS and Android) to direct responses via their smart phones, tablets, or computers. It can even deliver seamless translations, automatically sending and receiving messages to and from customers and businesses in their preferred language. Furthermore, its application interface can notify the business owner or predefined personnel of associated inquiries, orders, or sales opportunities. Business users can also gain insights from rolling analytics reports on the data and usage of their Smart Messaging deployment. "Smart Messaging complements Sprint's Smart Communications portfolio dedicated to driving value for SMBs. By focusing on services with quick development cycles, Sprint has successfully addressed the communications needs of businesses that demand more efficient and economical software-based solutions," noted Iadarola. "Smart Messaging can layer in bundled Sprint services such as Business MultiLine for separating personal and business phone service on a single device, and Omnithe intelligent office that connects your business to everything, for cloud-based phone service with unified communications features designed for SMBs." Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased return on investment (ROI) it gives customers, which, in turn, raises customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Frost & Sullivan For over five decades, Frost & Sullivan has become world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Harley Gadomski P: 12104778469 E: [email protected] Capability Certainty ? Curiosity Sprint Business is changing the way SMBs, enterprises and government entities connect, manage and secure its people, places and things orchestrating an array of next generation technologies and insights, artificial intelligence and the power of Sprint's converged wireless, wireline and Curiosity IoT capabilities to create unparalleled products and solutions. About Sprint: Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served 53.9 million connections as of September 30, 2019 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Today, Sprint's legacy of innovation and service continues with an increased investment to dramatically improve coverage, reliability, and speed across its nationwide network and commitment to launching a 5G mobile network in the U.S. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or http://www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sprint-business-applauded-by-frost--sullivan-for-engaging-customers-with-its-smart-messaging-business-communication-solution-300983132.html SOURCE Frost & Sullivan [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] US Ambassador to India Kenneth I Juster will be among envoys of 16 countries who will undertake a two-day trip to Jammu and Kashmir starting Thursday, officials said, the first visit by diplomats since abrogation of the erstwhile state's special status on August 5 last year. The Delhi-based envoys will fly to Srinagar on Thursday morning before going to Jammu, the winter capital of the newly created Union Territory, for an overnight stay. They will meet Lt Governor G C Murmu as well as civil society members, they said. Besides the US, the delegation will include diplomats from Bangladesh, Vietnam, Norway, Maldives, South Korea, Morocco and Nigeria, among others. Brazil's envoy Andr Aranha Correa do Lago was also scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir. However, he backed out because of his preoccupation here, the officials said on Wednesday. The European Union (EU) countries are understood to have conveyed that they would visit the Union Territory on a different date and are also believed to have stressed on meeting three former chief ministers -- Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti -- who are under detention. According to the officials, the envoys travelling on Thursday will meet civil society members and receive a briefing on the security situation from various agencies. On the same day, they will be taken to Jammu where they would meet Lt Governor Murmu and other officials before returning to the national capital on Friday, they added. The officials said the envoys of a number of countries had requested the government for a visit to Kashmir to get a first-hand account of the situation prevailing in the valley following the abrogation of certain provisions of Article 370. The move is part of India's diplomatic outreach to rebut Pakistan's propaganda against it on the Kashmir issue. This will be the second visit of a foreign delegation to Jammu and Kashmir since August 5, 2019, the day when the Centre withdrew the state's special status and bifurcated it into two Union territories -- Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, a delegation of 23 EU MPs was taken on a two-day visit to assess the situation in the Union Territory by the International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies, a Delhi-based think tank. However, the government had distanced itself from the visit of the delegation. Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy had informed Parliament that the European parliamentarians were on a "private visit". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New York saw major political shake-ups last year under its fully Democratic state Legislature, with some noteworthy legislative wins for nonprofits, from the Child Victims Act to legalizing drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. But any initiatives taken up during this years state legislative session which is starting Wednesday will face a big roadblock: a $6.1 billion budget gap that is mostly caused by Medicaid spending. The massive shortfall leaves the state with two options: raise more revenue or cut back state spending (or both). Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has already indicated a preference for the former, but Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently argued that a one-shot cash revenue is not the answer. Given Cuomos power over the budget process, cuts are likely coming and nonprofits are crossing their fingers and hoping that their social services programs wont take the hit. I think all too often, programs that serve low-income and marginalized populations are perhaps easier to cut because there are fewer voices being raised up in opposition, Louisa Chafee, senior vice president for public policy and external relations at UJA-Federation New York, told City & State. Nonprofit groups already clashed with the state when it tried to cut Medicaid funding to nursing homes by $352 million late last year, which was blocked by a judge after a coalition of organizations filed a lawsuit over the cuts. The state Department of Health also proposed a 1% cut to Medicaid repayments this week to save $124 million for the coming fiscal year, to the chagrin of hospitals and other providers. Some proposals from nonprofit association groups may be dead on arrival this year. One campaign led by a coalition of human services organizations is calling for their state funding to increase by 3% each year for the next five years, but such cost-of-living adjustments have only been enacted for certain segments of the nonprofit workforce in the past decade. After all, as Michelle Jackson, deputy executive director of the Human Services Council, told City & State last month, asking for the state to put forward more money without receiving more services in exchange has been a tough sell. Organizations can also expect lawmakers to revisit other major bills. Child welfare providers will keep an eye on state Sen. Velmanette Montgomerys bill that would raise the evidence threshold for cases of child neglect and allow parents to be removed more easily from the State Central Registry, which lists allegations of abuse and neglect. The governor vetoed the bill in December over fiscal and logistical concerns, but indicated interest in coming to the table with lawmakers. Assemblyman Andrew Hevesis high-profile bill backed by housing advocates will also be back this year. He has been pushing for the state to create the Home Stability Support program, which would establish a rental subsidy for those at risk of homelessness, since introducing the bill in 2016. This week, he drafted a letter signed by more than 100 state lawmakers to call on the governor to take it up this year, despite the $80 million price tag. Supporters argue that it would make up for the rising costs of homeless shelters if taken up. Of course, the tone for this year will be shaped by the governors State of the State speech on Wednesday and his upcoming budget proposal, which will outline the executives major goals and spending priorities for 2020 and reveal which programs may be on the chopping block. Banking services across Telangana were severely hit by the nationwide strike called by various trade unions protesting the central government's 'anti-people' policies on Wednesday. However, most of the shops and business establishments were open while transport services remained unaffected. The strike by as many as three lakh employees and workers was underway with the participation of members of various trade unions in the state, senior leader of Telangana CPI, Sudhakar said. Operations in all public sector banks except SBI were affected. "All public sector banks employees are participating in the strike. There are no counter operations such as cash deposits or withdrawals at banks. Even though officers are participating in the strike, they extended cooperation," All India Bank Employees Association National Secretary B S Rambabu told PTI. A senior official of SBI said there was no impact of strike on the bank's operations as its officers and award staff associations decided to stay away from Bharat Bandh. The state-owned Singareni Collieries Company said, though some of its employees were on strike, there will not be much impact on coal production. The state CPI said there will be "gate meetings" and dharnas across the state as part of the Bharat Bandh. The central trade unions are protesting against labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies and pressing for a 12-point common demand charter of the working class relating to minimum wage and social security, among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In 2006, more than 400 children under the age of 5 died during an outbreak of diarrheal disease in Botswana. In what was a 25-fold increase in diarrheal disease mortality for this age group, citizens of the country were devastated. For more than 10 years, Kathleen Alexander, a professor of fish and wildlife conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech and the co-founder of Conservation of African Resources: Animals, Communities, and Land Use (CARACAL), has been researching similar diarrheal disease outbreaks across Botswana to determine if there are correlations between certain atmospheric conditions, local environmental variables, and diarrhea rates. Together with Jeffrey Shaman, of Columbia University, and Alexandra Heaney, of the University of California Berkeley, Alexander discovered a critical link between environmental dynamics and human health. With this knowledge, researchers will have the capacity to begin to predict when diarrheal disease outbreaks will reoccur. Their findings were recently published in Nature Communications. Botswana is a dry country with only three sources of surface water. Alexander and her collaborators focused their work in the Chobe District, which is home to the Chobe River, the only permanent surface water that can be found in 12,000 square kilometers. Notably, it is also the only source of drinking water for eight villages, making it a critical region to study the additional influence of surface water on diarrheal disease. Diarrheal disease remains a critical threat to children under 5 years of age across Africa but particularly in Chobe District. With case reports peaking annually in the wet season and again in the dry season, researchers were able to determine that certain meteorological conditions were directly responsible for these outbreaks. El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is an ocean-atmosphere system that causes temperature and precipitation fluctuations across the world. El Nino and La Nina are the two extremes of ENSO conditions, which alternate every three to seven years. During La Nina, researchers found that the combination of cooler conditions and above-average rainfall contributed to increased flooding, which, in turn, increased the concentrations of organic material and diarrhea-causing pathogens within the Chobe River. El Nino conditions had the opposite effect on the climate and precipitation of the region. Human health is intimately connected to the landscape and the environmental conditions that prevail - connections that cross scales from local hydrometeriology and water quality dynamics to global atmospheric conditions." Kathleen Alexander, affiliated faculty member of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute at Virginia Tech In a previous paper, Alexander and her team concluded that Chobe's elephant populations, which happen to be the highest in the world, may have a critical influence on water quality in the region and, perhaps, diarrheal disease. In the dry season, large herds of elephants in the tens of thousands will move to the Chobe River, the only surface water to be found in the region. Development of infrastructure has limited wildlife access to the river. With such a large density of wildlife, sediment and fecal matter are carried downstream toward the district's water treatment plants. "Landscape degradation and significant fluxes in sediment levels can influence the ability of water treatment plants to remove diarrhea-causing pathogens. These treatment plants work but not well in these highly dynamic systems. This is a clear example of how important it is to maintain protected areas - they are so central to human health," said Alexander. Alexander is an advocate of "One Health," a concept that recognizes that human health is directly linked to the health of the environment. One Health also focuses on taking a bottom-up approach and puts education at the forefront. Alexander has an educational program in 12 schools within the Chobe District, teaching children exactly how important it is to take care of their environment and, ultimately, themselves. Alexander maintains that working actively and intimately within grassroots environments provides a different perspective, and it is also the best way to collect data, gain novel insights, and develop solutions that work for the people who need them. "It was a humbling experience in that you remember that no matter how much education you have, no matter how many degrees you have, you really need to stay connected to the people who have the problem," said Alexander. "What is their experience? What is their problem definition? What is the solution that they see? What do they understand is the issue?" Overall, Alexander sees a long journey ahead. With its many facets, conquering childhood diarrhea is not an easy task. Although Botswana is committed to improving public health and dedicates significant resources to the aim, the country is still hit hard by diarrheal disease biannually. One of the first steps of disease eradication involves awareness and understanding cultural and social perceptions, which can turn the tide significantly. "Diarrhea is not a complicated issue," Alexander explained. "But it is in so many ways in these low resource environments when you're trying to integrate cultural practices and beliefs with existing infrastructure limitations. If you've got five doctors and 20,000 people, how much can you really do? What are the tools that you can use in those environments? Where do you focus with what little you have? That's what we are really working toward trying to figure out." Alexander and her team's findings provide a tool that can be used to predict diarrheal disease outbreaks and help regions to be better prepared. "Even if your resources are limited, if you can plan, you are one step ahead. We are working closely with the Botswana government and communities in this effort," said Alexander. WASHINGTON - A turf war over who should defend President Donald Trump in a Senate impeachment trial is raging behind the scenes in Congress as House Republicans push to join Trump's legal team - an idea that piques the president's interest - over the objections of Senate Republicans. House GOP leaders in recent weeks have advocated for Trump's most aggressive defenders - Reps. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, and Douglas Collins, R-Ga. - to cross the Rotunda and help White House counsel Pat Cipollone rebut the charges that the president abused his power and obstructed Congress. Trump, partial to blunt tactics and top-rated TV performances, loves the idea, according to four administration and congressional officials familiar with his thinking who spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk frankly. Jordan, for example, is a mainstay champion of Trump's on Fox News, where the president once mused that "he's a warrior for me!" But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and his fellow GOP senators have expressed concerns to Trump that a House-led defense could offend moderates, including Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. Trump, they argue, has already won the backing of the GOP base, so he and his team need to focus on ensuring Republican unity on an acquittal. McConnell has been advising Trump and his legal team not to think of the trial as a "made-for-TV-type House setting," said one individual familiar with the leader's thinking, "but rather one where ultimately your audience is senators in the middle on both sides, who are actually listening to the arguments here." The individual, like others, was not authorized to speak publicly. Others in the GOP have publicly suggested House Republicans may lack the right temperament to be persuasive for a Senate constituency that expects a no-nonsense trial. "One thing I'm not eager to do is re-create the circuslike atmosphere of the House - that's not what we're going to do here, if we can avoid it," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a McConnell ally. "So I think it seems obvious to me that if the president picks a team that does not include House members, that we'd be more likely to have the dignified process that the Constitution calls for." Senior administration and House GOP officials indicated Wednesday that no final decision had been made on whether House Republicans would be part of the defense team. "There are a lot of rabbits running around claiming to be the very best bunny, but the president hasn't yet decided which set of fuzzy tails he'll use," said one official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The debate highlights the inherent divide between Trump and his instinctive scorched-earth approach and McConnell's insistence on a strategy geared toward holding his GOP conference together as well as keeping his majority in November's elections. While Trump's gut reaction has been to push for the most aggressive defense possible, playing to his base, McConnell is operating with a narrow margin of 53 Republicans, several up for reelection in 2020 in swing or Democratic-leaning states. In recent weeks, the president has floated several ideas for his impeachment trial only to see them rebuffed by McConnell, whom the president has repeatedly deferred to on impeachment. When Trump wanted Senate Republicans to dismiss the charges against him immediately without a trial, McConnell explained to him that was not possible. When Trump then proposed using the trial to ensure that his 2020 rival Joe Biden and the former vice president's son Hunter Biden were called as witnesses, it was McConnell who convinced him to back a no-witnesses plan. More recently, McConnell and several Senate Republicans have pushed back on the idea of House Republicans on the defense team. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told Trump that senators - who typically abhor being dictated to by House members - will not take kindly to representatives arguing the president's case. "It hasn't been decided, but he's listening to senators," said one person familiar with Graham's conversations with Trump. All parties agree that Cipollone will take the lead defending the president, alongside his deputies, Pat Philbin and Mike Purpura. Jay Sekulow, Trump's personal attorney who represented him during the special counsel's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, will also weigh in. But some House Republicans, such as Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and Trump ally Mark Meadows of North Carolina, have argued that Cipollone needs assistance from House members who are deeply familiar with the Democrats' case against Trump. Jordan and Ratcliffe, for example, both sat through hours of closed-door depositions with witnesses testifying about Ukraine; Collins led the unsuccessful effort in the House Judiciary Committee to stop the articles of impeachment from advancing. All three men also have legal backgrounds and reputations for being aggressive questioners. Jordan, the ranking Republican on the House Oversight and Reform Committee, offered many of the key talking points rebutting Democratic accusations, some that Trump himself touted on Twitter. Ratcliffe, whom Trump briefly nominated to become director of national intelligence last year, was a former U.S. attorney in Texas. He withdrew from consideration amid questions about his qualifications and whether he had embellished his resume. "Regardless of what other team he has, they should be in there helping because they have so much information," McCarthy said. Added Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., a close ally of Jordan: "He has probably the most in-depth knowledge of any member of the entire proceedings." Perhaps most important to Trump is the three House members' flair for the dramatic, which the president often says makes for good TV. The Senate trial will be broadcast on national television, and some House Republicans have privately suggested that Cipollone's approach may be too bookish. Indeed, those who know Cipollone say he is quiet and careful, often shunning the spotlight. A former U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals clerk who went on to be an assistant to the attorney general before joining private practice, he is not an ebullient showman and, while approachable, can seem rigid at times. Senate Republicans argue that doesn't matter - and in fact, it may be preferred. In interviews with six senators Tuesday, all praised Cipollone and said he will be a solid defender of Trump - and may even help convince Democrats such as Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia to vote to acquit. "It's a different calculus than it would be for a public hearing that is ultimately more about public consumption than it is about the members themselves," said the individual familiar with McConnell's thinking. "The concern you would have in venturing down some of those more aggressive roads is that you lose the people who ultimately you're going to need most." Other Republicans expressed reservations about House members joining the team, even one who was a congressman for six years. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said his former colleagues "are obviously some talented guys," but Trump needs "the best defense team he can put together - and not so much a PR team." "I just think the House process is very different than the Senate process - the responsibilities and authorities are very different," he said. "In the House, the audience was the country and the political base of the parties. In the Senate . . . the responsibility of the 100 senators is pretty sobering, and I think the defense would do well to make their case to the 100 jurors." live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Here are stocks that are in the news today. NBCC India: Company got orders worth Rs 1,090 crore in December. HT Media: Unit HT Leaming Centers to restructure its 'Studymate' and 'Englishmate' businesses. Goa Carbon: December total production of calcined petroleum coke at 186.9 million tonnes, exports were nil. PFC: Fitch rated PFC's proposed USD Notes at 'BBB-'. Navin Fluorine International: Post successful mechanical completion and plant trials, the company's cGMP capacity addition at Dewas Plant, Madhya Pradesh, has commenced commercial production with effect from January 6,2020. Bosch: Trade Unions at the company's plants situated at Bidadi and Naganathapura in Karnataka and Jaipur in Rajasthan are participating in the All India General Strike called by Central Trade Union on January 8. Muthoot Finance: MD, George Alexander Muthoot, was mercilessly attacked by criminals at the instance of CITU while he was on his way to the head quarters of the company at Kochi on January 7. NHPC: Company raised Rs 500 crore on January 3 in second tranche through private placement of secured, redeemable, taxable, non-cumulative, non-convertible 7.38% NHPC-Y1 Series Bonds. Yes Bank board meeting on January 10 to consider fund raising Cholamandalam Financial Holdings registered as a Core Investment Company and issued certificate of registration by RBI Tata Steel arm TS Alloys has received letter of intent as the successful bidder for grant of mining lease for 50 years by Odisha Government Vindhya Telelink - CARE revised ratings on long term bank facilities from CARE AA- to CARE A+ Sakthi sugars defaults in repayment of loans and payment of interest worth Rs 860 crore NCL Industries' cement production for December down 23%, YoY Jaypee Infra defaulted on Rs 6,721 crore as payment of interest and repayment of principal amount on loans HCC defaults on payment of interest/ repayment of principal amount on loans from banks / financial institutions Gayatri Projects defaults on payment of interest/ repayment of principal amount on loans from banks / financial institutions Bajaj Electricals - NCLT approved the scheme arrangement between Hind Lamps and the company Mahindra & Mahindra: CARE reaffirmed long term rating on bank loan facilities at AAA with Stable outlook. Cyient: Company inaugurated its state-of-the-art development center in Warangal at Telangana. Aananda Lakshmi Spinning Mills: Board accepted the one time settlement received from the ICICI Bank. Pradip Overseas: Company has accepted for the execution of One time settlement with the State Bank of India. Thomas Cook India: Company signed long term strategic agreement with Experience Hub to Drive 2020 Visitation to Yas Island Abu Dhabi. Suzlon Energy: Company defaulted on payment of interest / repayment of principal amount on loans from banks / financial institutions, which was Rs 7,256.38 crore. V2 Retail: Akash Agarwal has resigned from the post of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) due to professional engagements. ARSS Infrastructure Projects: State Bank of India has cancelled the compromise settlement due to default in making the payment. Modison Metals: Company plans to expand and modernized its HV & LV plants at Vapi. Cipla gets US FDA nod for Bosentan - CNBC-TV18 Bulk deals The New York Times In 2013, Sonos scored a coup when Google agreed to design its music service to work easily with Sonos home speakers. For the project, Sonos handed over the effective blueprints to its speakers. It felt like a harmless move, Sonos executives said. Google was an internet company and didnt make speakers. The executives now say they were naive. On Tuesday, Sonos sued Google in two federal court systems, seeking financial damages and a ban on the sale of Googles speakers, smartphones and laptops in the United States. Sonos accused Google of infringing on five of its patents, including technology that lets wireless speakers connect and synchronize with one another. Sonos complaints go beyond patents and Google. Its legal action is the culmination of years of growing dependence on both Google and Amazon, which then used their leverage to squeeze the smaller company, Sonos executives said. Sonos advertises its speakers on Google and sells them on Amazon. It built their music services and talking virtual assistants directly into its products. Sonos workers correspond via Gmail and run the business off Amazons cloud-computing service. Then Google and Amazon came out with their own speakers, undercutting Sonos prices, and according to Sonos executives, stealing its technology. Google and Amazon each now sell as many speakers in a few months as Sonos sells in one year. Like many companies under the thumb of Big Tech, Sonos groused privately for years. But over the past several months, Patrick Spence, Sonos chief executive, decided he couldnt take it anymore. Google has been blatantly and knowingly copying our patented technology, Spence said in a statement. Despite our repeated and extensive efforts over the last few years, Google has not shown any willingness to work with us on a mutually beneficial solution. Were left with no choice but to litigate. Sonos executives said they had decided to sue only Google because they couldnt risk battling two tech giants in court at once. Yet Spence and congressional staff members have discussed his testifying to the House antitrust subcommittee soon about his companys issues with them. Jose Castaneda, a Google spokesman, said Google and Sonos had discussed both companies intellectual property for years, and we are disappointed that Sonos brought these lawsuits instead of continuing negotiations in good faith. We dispute these claims and will defend them vigorously, he added A spokeswoman for Amazon, Natalie Hereth, said the company did not infringe on Sonos technology. The Echo family of devices and our multiroom music technology were developed independently by Amazon, she said. Sonos sued Google in US District Court in Los Angeles and in front of the US International Trade Commission, a quasi-judicial body that decides trade cases and can block the import of goods that violate patents. Sonos sued Google over only five patents but said it believed Google and Amazon had each violated roughly 100. Sonos did not say how much it sought in damages. The evolving relationship between Sonos and the tech giants reflects an increasingly common complaint in the corporate world: As the biggest tech companies have become essential to reach customers and build businesses, they have exploited that leverage over smaller companies to steal their ideas and their customers. After mostly keeping those grievances private for years because they feared retaliation, many smaller companies are now speaking out, emboldened in an age of growing scrutiny of Americas largest tech firms. Dozens of companies have complained to regulators and lawmakers in the United States and Europe. Spotify has accused Apple of punishing Spotifys iPhone app as it increasingly competes against it. Blix, a company that helps people create anonymous email addresses recently sued Apple, accusing the iPhone maker of copying its technology and then kicking it off Apples App Store. And Elastic, which builds software that runs on Amazons cloud platform, sued Amazon for copying its branding to introduce a rival offering. Apple and Amazon deny the claims. Spence and other Sonos executives said they had agonized over the decision to sue Google, largely because Google still underpins their business. Sonos executives suspect that their pressure on the patent issue has complicated other areas of the relationship, though they cant say for sure. After Sonos intensified its demands that Google license its technology, Google pushed Sonos to comply with stricter rules for using Googles virtual assistant. Those proposed rules included a mandate to turn over the planned name, design and targeted start date of its future products which Google would compete directly against six months in advance, up from 45 days in the current deal, Sonos executives said. The fear of retaliation is a real fear. Any of these companies could bury them tomorrow. Google could bury them in their search results. Amazon can bury them in their search results, said Sally Hubbard, a former assistant attorney general in New Yorks antitrust bureau who now works at Open Markets Institute, a think tank. Its really hard to find any industry where corporations are not dependent on one of the big tech giants. Fifteen years ago, home sound systems typically meant a tangled network of wires and speakers and complicated instructions on how to make it all work. Then Sonos came along in 2005, promising wireless sound throughout a house, seamlessly controlled from a hand-held device. Its early ads boasted: Any song. Any room. Sonos quickly began patenting its innovations, a stockpile of intellectual property it now proudly displays on its website. Its devices made life a bit more comfortable for consumers who could afford them, and they made for a nice little business for Sonos, which is based a few miles from the Southern California coast in Santa Barbara. Sales of its devices took off after the advent of the smartphone and music streaming. Sonos now employs about 1,500 people and sells more than $1 billion in speakers a year. When Sonos teamed up with Google in 2013, it gave Google engineers detailed diagrams on how its speakers interacted wirelessly with one another. At the time, Google was not a competitor. Two years later, Google released a small device that could turn an old speaker into a wireless one, much like Sonos original product. A year after that, Google released its own wireless speaker, the Google Home. The device, marketed around Googles talking virtual assistant, quickly began outselling Sonos offerings. Sonos bought the Google devices and used a technique called packet sniffing that monitored how the speakers were communicating. They discovered that Googles devices used Sonos approach for solving a variety of technological challenges. Sonos executives said they had found Amazons Echo speakers also copied Sonos technology. In August 2016, Sonos told Google it was infringing. Google had little response. As Google released more products, it violated more patents, Sonos executives said. Over the next three years, Sonos told Google four more times, eventually handing over a list of 100 patents it believed Google had violated. Google responded that Sonos was also infringing on its patents, Sonos executives said, though it never provided much detail. When Sonos delivered a proposed model for Google to pay licensing fees, Google returned its own model that resulted in its paying almost nothing, Sonos executives said. Sonos executives said their complaints were hardly just about patents, however. They are concerned that Google and Amazon are flooding the market with cheap speakers that they subsidize because they are not merely conduits for music, like Sonos devices, but rather another way to sell goods, show ads and collect data. Sonos entry-level speaker is about $200. Amazon and Googles cheapest speakers are $50, and they often offer them at much steeper discounts. In the third quarter of 2019, Amazon shipped 10.5 million speakers, and Google 6 million, according to Strategy Analytics. For the 12 months ending in September, Sonos said it had sold 6.1 million speakers. Amazon and Google are making it a mass-market product at a price point that Sonos cant match, said Jack Narcotta, a Strategy Analytics analyst. Amazon said it was focused on creating the best experience for customers and that its virtual assistant had generated billions of dollars for developers and device-makers. To compete, Sonos has had to yield even more power to the companies. When consumers became hooked on Google and Amazons virtual assistants, Sonos also built them into its speakers. But Sonos had a strategy to still stand out on store shelves. Instead of being locked into using just one of the assistants, Sonos customers could use both simultaneously. Sonos engineers patented the technology to enable the assistants to work side by side, and executives lobbied Amazon and Google to let it happen. At first, the companies hated the idea. Hours before a New York news conference in October 2017, Sonos was preparing to unveil its first speaker with virtual assistants when Amazon product chief Dave Limp called Spence. Limp had just found out Google would also be onstage, and he said Amazon was now pulling out of the event as a result, according to two people familiar with the conversation. After negotiations, Amazon relented. Sonos executives said Google and Amazon had ultimately forced them to make users select one assistant when setting up their speaker. Amazon said it had never asked Sonos to force users to choose its assistant or Googles version. Amazon later changed its position and joined an alliance with Sonos and other companies to make virtual assistants like Alexa function together. Google, along with Apple and Samsung, did not join the alliance. Google has maintained, Sonos executives said, that it will pull its assistant from Sonos speakers if it worked alongside any assistant from Amazon, Apple, Microsoft or Baidu, the Chinese internet company. Sonos has followed Googles orders. Jack Nicas and Daisuke Wakabayashi c.2020 The New York Times Company WASHINGTON - Donald Trump once warned Barack Obama not to play the Iran card to boost his political prospects by starting a war. Eight years later, Trump is showing no reluctance to capitalize politically on his order to kill a top Iranian general, drawing accusations that he is weaponizing foreign policy for his campaigns own gain. Trumps campaign has used the killing of Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards elite Quds Force, as a cudgel against the presidents Democratic political rivals and to divert attention from his impending impeachment trial in the Senate. Americans want to see their President acting decisively and defending the nations interests and thats exactly what President Trump did, Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said. Republicans are good at killing terrorists and this is a reminder of that, added Michael Ahrens, communications director of the Republican National Committee. The president was expected to amplify those messages on Thursday in Toledo, Ohio, during his first campaign rally since the drone strike last week. Trumps campaign purchased ads on Facebook highlighting the Soleimani killing. The Pentagon said Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. But the Trump administration has refused to provide any specific information about the nature or timing of the alleged plots, leaving Trump open to suspicions that the attack was driven, at least in part, by a belief that it might help him in the polls. Those around the president strongly dismiss any suggestion of political motive. But they have been happy to use the killing to contrast Trump with his Democratic rivals, painting him as a strong leader and accusing Democrats of appeasing Iran with a failed foreign policy approach. Despite the short shelf life of most Trump news stories, Trump aides recognized immediately that the strike approved by the president at his private club in Florida during his winter break could play an outsize role in the upcoming campaign, particularly if Iran retaliated and the region descended into chaos. That scenario began to play out Tuesday night when Iran fired a series of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops and warned the United States and its allies in the region not to respond in kind. The president himself told one confidant that he wanted to deliver a warning to Iran not to mess with American assets. And he was eager to project an image of strength and replicate the message he delivered late last year after approving the raid that killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: The U.S. will hunt down its enemies anywhere in the world. The al-Baghdadi killing has become a staple in Trumps campaign ads and at his rallies, and Soleimanis death was expected to receive similar treatment. ANOTHER dead terrorist, declared the subject line of a Sunday campaign email blast, which described Soleimani as a monster responsible for THOUSANDS of American deaths. The president campaigned on the dual promises of getting tough on Iranian aggression and withdrawing U.S. troops from overseas entanglements priorities seemingly at odds with one another in the wake of the strike. Trump has increased the number of troops in the region since he took office, despite his promise to end the endless wars in the Middle East. Trumps foreign policy, dating back to his first campaign, has always had its internal inconsistencies: As much as Trump pushed the drawdown of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, he promised nightly to bomb the hell out of ISIS and has been eager to strike a posture of American military strength. But Trump aides expressed confidence that the presidents supporters would not punish him for prioritizing one over the other, at least in the short term. Instead, they argued that targeting what they called terrorist leaders had little to do with prospects for a protracted ground war. And they argued that the killing could be used to create their own version of Obamas unofficial 2012 slogan, Osama bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive. At the same time, Trumps campaign and White House have tried to use Democratic criticism of the presidents killing of Soleimani to paint party members as radical and out of touch. Two of Trumps rivals, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders called Soleimanis killing an assassination a label that implies a political rather than national security motive. Trumps advisers, meanwhile, are out to make the case that the president continues to tend to the nations business in this case, the elimination of a dangerous adversary while Democrats obsess over impeachment. Aides also believe the raid can be used to highlight possible foreign policy vulnerabilities of possible opponents, including former Vice-President Joe Bidens support for the unpopular Iraq War and suggesting Warren and Sanders are unwilling to stand up to global bad guys. FACT: President Trump Is Cleaning Up Joe Bidens Iran Mess, the campaign wrote in a Monday email blast that slammed the Obama-Biden Iran nuclear deal as a disaster and accused them of a policy of appeasement that emboldened Iran. In the Democratic nominating contest, foreign policy has yet to become a front-burner issue, even as Biden, the leader in most national polls, has tried intermittently to capitalize on his long tenure on the world stage. Biden on Tuesday scorched Trump for his dangerously incompetent handling of Iran, first by abandoning the multilateral nuclear deal, then charging into sanctions and ordering Soleimanis killing without consulting Congress or U.S. allies. I said not long ago that as the walls close in on this president, I worried that he was going to get us in war with Iraq, as the ultimate wag the dog, Biden said at a fundraiser, where he twice appeared to confuse Iraq with Iran. Yet the debate over the wisdom of killing Soleimani has also divided some Republicans, including the two most popular personalities at Fox News Channel: Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity. The two generally reach more than 3 million viewers apiece in the networks prime-time lineup, often including the president himself. Carlson has questioned the presidents move, saying it perplexes him Trump supporters who have taken a skeptical view of the intelligence community now unquestioningly accepts its assessment of future threats from Iran. It seems like just 20 minutes ago we were denouncing these same people as the deep state and pledging never to trust them again without verification, Carlson said on Monday nights show. Hannity, whose show directly follows Carlsons on Fox, offered a typically full-throated defence of the president Monday and said the mob, the media, the Democratic Party are distraught over Trumps huge success. Trump, who has a long history of obfuscation and exaggeration, has insisted that his move prevented an imminent attack and was warranted given Soleimanis past conduct. He was planning a very big attack and a very bad attack for us, and other people, and we stopped him. And I dont think anybody can complain about it, Trump told reporters Tuesday in the Oval Office. Yet Trump himself has fueled speculation about leaders starting wars for their own benefit. In order to get elected, @BarackObama will start a war with Iran, Trump tweeted in November 2011, warning a year later: Dont let Obama play the Iran card in order to start a war in order to get elected--be careful Republicans! ___ Lemire reported from New York. Associated Press writers David Bauder in New York and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report. The 'Bharat Bandh' by trade unions on Wednesday has thrown normal life out of gear in Kerala. In the wake of the strike, all the shops were closed and private vehicles were kept off the roads. Besides, banking services in the state has also come to a standstill as around 25,000 employees and officers joined the strike. The state transport utility Kerala State Road Transportation (KSRTC) is also not operating any services as the employees associated with various trade unions have joined the nationwide bandh. The Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, the traders' body in the state, has said they would not join the strike. However, almost all the shops remained shut across Kerala. The Joint Action Committee of Trade Unions has exempted the essential services like hospital, milk, newspaper supply and vehicles carrying Sabarimala pilgrims. Besides, the tourism sector has also been exempted. No major untoward incidents were reported baring a few minor incidents of protestors forcing shops to close in various places in the state. The Bharat Bandh has been called by all 10 Central trade unions along with different federations. The unions including AIUTUC, CITU, INTUC, among others have given the call for the strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is not taking part in the strike. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Navy's Republic Day tableau will showcase country's first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant with MiG-29K aircraft, Kalvari submarines and depict the force's humanitarian assistance during the Maharashatra floods last year. A model of the tableau was unveiled at the Kota House here on Wednesday. The theme of the tableau is 'Indian Navy - Silent, Strong, and Swift', a senior Navy official said, adding its front portion will showcase the might and firepower of the force in all three dimensions -- surface, sub-surface and air. "This is portrayed through models of state-of-the-art assets like Boeing P8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft with Harpoon missiles, a Kolkata-class stealth destroyer displaying a BrahMos launch and a Kalvari-class submarine launching Exocet missile," the official said. The state-of-the-art features of the Kalvari-class submarine include superior stealth and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapon. The submarine is designed to operate in all theatres, including the tropics. All means and communications are provided to ensure interoperability with other components of a naval task force. INS Kalvari -- the first in a series of six submarines -- was commissioned into the Navy's service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2017. The second in the series -- INS Khanderi -- was commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Mumbai on September 28 last year. The tableau will portray the indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant, which is being manufactured at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, along with its complement of MiG-29K fighter aircraft. "This not only depicts the strength of the Indian Navy but is representative of the Navy's total commitment to the 'Make in India' initiative of the government," the official said. Overall, the tableau aims to showcase the Navy as a "credible and combat ready military force", which in service of the nation, protects its economic assets and provides succour to its populace in times of crisis and natural calamities, he said. "The benign role of the Navy in terms of safeguarding offshore economic assets as well as rendering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) will be portrayed through murals on the sides of the tableau," the official added. Flood relief operation 'Op Varsha Rahat' undertaken in Maharashtra in July 2019, in partnership with NDRF and other agencies to rescue passengers stranded in Mahalaxmi Express during the floods, escort operations undertaken in Persian Gulf (Op Sankalp) and defence of the oil platforms by Fast Attack Craft and employment of MARCOS will be depicted on the sides. Navy officers who would be leading the marching contingent of 144 young sailors and the tableaux during the parade and the drum major leading the Naval Band were also introduced during a press interaction at the Kota House. Master Chief Petty Officer (Musician) Vincnet Johnson, will lead the the brass band of the Indian Navy for the second successive year, officials said. "I have participated multiple times as band-member, and the 2020 parade would be my 16th time. Our band will play the tune of Navy song 'Jai Bharti'," he said. Sub Lt M Spandana Reddy, 24, who hails from Hyderabad, exuded pride as being part of the navy contingent for the parade on January 26. "It is sheer pride for us. As a navy officer, and as an Indian, the opportunity to walk down the Rajpath during the ceremonial parade fills us with an extraordinary high," Reddy told PTI. Two other woman officers -- Lt Sunaina and Sub Lt Latha Sree also expressed joy and pride for having been selected to represent the Navy in the parade. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NCP chief Sharad Pawar will flag off and participate in the yatra being organised by the Rashtra Manch of former Union minister Yashwant Sinha against the new citizenship law, proposed NRC and NPR. The "Gandhi Shanti Yatra" will commence from the Gateway of India in south Mumbai on January 9 morning and will culminate at the 'Raj Ghat' in Delhi on January 30--the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The NCP made the announcement after Sinha, a former NDA minister, met Pawar in Mumbai on Wednesday. The yatra will pass through Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Harayana and Delhi and cover the distance of over 3,000 kms. "Sharad Pawar will flag off the yatra and also partake in it. NCP workers and office-bearers should take part in the yatra," Maharashtra minister and NCP's Mumbai unit chief Nawab Malik said in a statement. Pawar's NCP is a part of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, which also comprises the Shiv Sena and the Congress. Passing of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which proposes to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, had triggerred protests in many states. The proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) is also being opposed by many parties. Some states like Kerala and West Bengal are also against the National Population Register (NPR). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Squirmed for a bit before going still: The final moments of Nirbhayas killers Curative to Mercy petitions: Some legal hurdles before Nirbhayas killers are hanged India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 08: A Delhi court on Tuesday issued death warrants against the four convicts in the Nirbhaya murder case. The court ordered that they be hanged on January 22 at 7 am. While the death warrant also known as the black warrant paves the way for the hanging, there are still two options available to the killers. They could either file a mercy petition before the President or prefer a curative plea in the Supreme Court. The curative plea is the final appeal in the Supreme Court and is filed after a review petition is rejected. Nirbhaya's killers to hang on 22nd January, 7 am The lawyer for the convicts said that they would prefer a curative petition in the Supreme Court. If the Curative Petition is rejected by the Supreme Court then a Mercy Petition before the President of India could also be preferred. The concept of a Curative Petition first came up in the Supreme Court in the Rupa Ashok Hurra vs Ashok Hurra case in 2002. The question that came up was whether an aggrieved person was entitled to relief after a review petition was dismissed. Iran retaliates against US strike, Plane crashes near Tehran airport | OneIndia News The court held that to cure gross miscarriage of justice and to prevent abuse of its process, it may reconsider its judgment in the exercise of the inherent powers vested with it. For this purpose, the Supreme Court said that a curative plea can be filed. In order to file a curative plea, a petitioner will have to establish that there was a genuine violation of principles of natural justice. The petitioner shall also state that the grounds mentioned in the plea were taken up in the review plea and it had been rejected by circulation. Nirbhaya case: Ready to hang convicts, will bring 'great relief' to me: Meerut hangman Pawan Jallad The petition is then circulated before the Bench that heard the case and also the three senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. If the majority of the judges are convinced, then it would be sent to the same Bench that heard the plea. In case it is found that the case lacks merit, then exemplary costs could be imposed. The powers of the President of India: The President under Article 72 has the powers of pardoning a convict. Article 72 says that the President shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence- in all cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court-martial; in all cases where the punishment or sentence for an offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the Union extends; in all cases where the sentence is a sentence of death. There is also a provision under Article 161 under which the Governor of a State can grant pardon. This can, however, be challenged by the state. In the Kehar Singh vs Union of India judgment of 1988, the Supreme Court had said that the grant of pardon by the President is an act of grace and therefore cannot be claimed as a matter of right. In the Dhananjoy Chatterjee vs State of West Bengal case of 1994, the Supreme Court held that the powers under Article 72 and 161 can be exercised by the states and centre and not by the President or Governor on their own. Tihar jail to conduct dummy execution of Nirbhaya convicts before Jan 22 The state and centre would give advice on the matter. The recommendations by the government could be either to grant pardon, commute the sentence, remission, reprieve or grant respite. Once the President rejects a mercy petition, it could be subject to judicial review. If the court finds that the president had not acted arbitrarily or unreasonably, then the decision cannot be interfered with. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 11:01 [IST] Fire stations across the country are being overwhelmed by physical donations prompting authorities to thank the public for their generosity, but warn the deluge is causing logistical problems with one official reportedly labelling it a second disaster. With no end in sight to the current bushfire crisis, many Australians are looking to assuage a sense of helplessness by donating to the fire effort and give to the men and women on the frontline. However fire fighters say they are overwhelmed with donations and have urged the public to stop sending food and consumables. On Thursday, as fire crews braced for what was rightly predicted to be a horror weekend, the Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai fire station in northern Sydney pleaded with the public to stop sending in physical donations. Thank you for your thoughts but please STOP the food & water donations, it posted. We have been overwhelmed with donations & dont have capacity to accept them. A NSW fire truck packed to the brim with food donations as crews work to move them to evacuation centres. Source: Facebook Send cash not goods Instead of sending food and goods to fire stations, authorities are instead urging people to donate to the Red Cross bushfire appeal or directly to the NSW rural fire service. If you wish to contribute please donation money to Red Cross bush fire appeal, the station said. The post included a video of boxes of donations being stacked on top of each other at the station. We have so much stuff we dont know what to do with, the crew member filming the video says, and its actually taking up limited resources. Were now having to dedicate firefighters to delivering this material to somewhere else ... Were going to try and get these down to an evacuation point but it means were diverting our attention away from fire fighting operations to dealing with food. Community halls clogged with donations On Sunday, the RFS posted a similar message telling the public its South Coast team has been overwhelmed by generous donations form the community, however weve now reached capacity for donated food and goods. Story continues Speaking to the ABC this week, spokesperson for the NSW Office of Emergency Management, Jeremy Hillman, said the deluge of physical donations was potentially a second disaster and causing added stress. Unfortunately, what usually happens is local communities become overwhelmed very quickly with donated goods. Individuals think that that's the best way to help, to fill up a car or a truck or a shipping container with clothes, furniture and toys, but the reality is hundreds, if not thousands of people start to do that and then converge on these impacted areas, he told the ABC. He said community halls, the only place where some towns can meet, are being clogged with the donated goods. Our South Coast team has been overwhelmed by generous donations from the community, however we've now reached capacity for donated food and goods. You can still support firefighters and affected communities in other ways. Here's a few ways you can help: https://t.co/4bv2h9x56i pic.twitter.com/MixwKbhaIl NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 5, 2020 No space to sort donations On the weekend, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews issued a similar plea to the public as volunteers continued to be inundated with donations of food and supplies. I know its tough to watch this all unfold and feel helpless. I know a lot of people want to get stuck in and lend a hand, he posted in a message online. But it's important to remember that the emergency relief effort is being run by experienced organisations and they don't have space to sort or store donations. One East Gippsland community in Victoria even found themselves as the unlikely recipients of 10,000 apples, the ABC reported. For people who want to help, the best thing you can do is support volunteer crews is by donating to the NSW RFS or Victorias Country Fire Authority. We know many people want to donate physical items such as food and clothing but these take up much needed community space, the NSW RFS says. The best way is to donate money. This allows people to buy the things they need, and it supports local businesses which have also been impacted. You can donate to the NSW RFS here, and donate to Victorias CFA here. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. WASHINGTON, D.C. - Despite most cancers seeing a drop in deaths, prostate cancer deaths are on the rise in the U.S. New reporting from the American Cancer Society shows that in 2020, the number of men who will die from prostate cancer will hit a record high over the last two decades, with an increase of 5 percent since just last year. The annual report - Cancer Facts and Figures - was released earlier today, and states that disease reductions "halted" for prostate cancer. Other troubling findings include a prediction that in 2020, prostate cancer will receive the most diagnoses among male cancers, with 21 percent of new cancer cases being prostate-related, compared to the next highest, lung and bronchus, at only 13 percent. Of those diagnosed with prostate cancer, 10 percent are expected to pass away from the disease. "These statistics are unacceptable and show the urgency for men to get tested early, given the high likelihood of men developing prostate cancer during their lifetime," said ZERO CEO, Jamie Bearse. "The 2020 Cancer Facts and Figures report says that screening only 'probably' reduces mortality rates for prostate cancer. This irresponsible claim made in the report and by opponents of the PSA test is simply untrue. Early detection saves lives, but unfortunately, decades of mixed messaging about the PSA test have left both doctors and men confused about the importance of testing. As a result, fewer men are taking initiative regarding their prostate health, which is directly contributing to more deaths from prostate cancer year over year." In 2020, men will still be diagnosed at a rate of 1 in 9 men. This makes prostate cancer the most likely cancer diagnosis among men, followed by lung and bronchus at a rate of 1 in 15. "The risk of death from prostate cancer is highest among men who develop metastatic and/or castrate disease," said ZERO Medical Advisory Board Member, Dr. Kelvin Moses, an associate professor of urology at Vanderbilt University. "There have been multiple treatments approved in the metastatic and castrate-resistant space in the past decade, and yet the mortality rate from prostate cancer has plateaued, and possibly increased in recent years. The prevailing paradigm among the opponents of prostate cancer screening has been that the significant decline in prostate cancer mortality in the so-called PSA era was also attributed to 'better treatment.' Yet the proliferation of treatments specifically directed to late-stage disease has not made a dent in mortality rates. This fact, along with the continued decrease in mortality in other screened cancers (lung and colorectal), further proves the utility of PSA screening in appropriately selected patients." Rising prostate cancer deaths correlate to medical bodies -- such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force -- discouraging the lifesaving PSA test. When caught early, prostate cancer has a 99 percent chance of survival; this is three times higher than when prostate cancer is found in an advanced stage, which has only a 30 percent rate of survival. "When I found out I had prostate cancer, I just wanted to live," said Jeffrey Wilde, a prostate cancer survivor in North Carolina. "I'm here today because my cancer was caught early. We need to educate more men about this disease, and why early testing is crucial to survival. The fact that I'm still here today is proof." ZERO recommends that doctors and men follow the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Early Detection, which calls for a discussion of the risks and benefits of testing for men beginning at age 45 if they fall into any of these categories: -Family history of prostate cancer -African American ancestry -History of prostate disease -Family history of the BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutations -Military veterans The report and its data are a product of the American Cancer Society from National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, and the Centers for Disease Control. ### ABOUT ZERO - THE END OF PROSTATE CANCER ZERO -- The End of Prostate Cancer is the leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer. ZERO advances research, improves the lives of men and families, and inspires action. We're building Generation ZERO, the first generation of men free from prostate cancer, through our national run/walk series, education and patient support programs, and grassroots advocacy. ZERO is a 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization recognized with four out of four stars by Charity Navigator, accredited by the Better Business Bureau, with regional chapters across the country. We dedicate 86 cents of every dollar to research and programs. For more information, visit zerocancer.org. MBABANE She has done it again! St Marks top pupil Siviwe Mbonane did not only obtain third position in Grade VII exams in 2017 as she has done it once again in the Junior Certificate examinations. Siviwe attained a 90 per cent aggregate and became one of the excelling pupils in the country. When asked what her secret was, the soft-spoken pupil said she always set her eyes on the end result, which was attaining commendable results. Study Siviwe expressed that she would wake up in the wee hours, at around 4am, to study. She stated that she would also go to bed late. The diligent pupil said she would also study with her sister Fezile by posing questions to each other. The great results did not come easily as she said she sacrificed sleep, television and her phone to focus on her studies. Consistently attaining outstanding results would not happen without a motivating factor for Siviwe. She mentioned that her mother was one of her strongest pillars who supported her through prayer and words of encouragement. She would always encourage and pray for me before and during the examinations. She also helped me with my homework, Siviwe said. She also attributed her success to her teachers at the school, whom she said would give her confidence to tackle her school-Work with determination. The cream of the crop said she aspired to be a pilot and businesswoman. Considering the escalating tensions in the region, a Bahraini Parliamentarian has called for speeding up the process of implementing a legislation on the reserve forces in the Kingdoms army. This comes as MP Hamad Al Kooheji yesterday stated that the implementation of the law of reserve forces in Bahrain Defence Force has become a top national necessity considering the security circumstances witnessed by the region, requiring full preparation for any foreign threats. Mr Al Kooheji called upon his fellow legislators to speed up the approval of the draft law, underlining that this force requires the provision of all human capabilities to preserve security, stability and national gains. The MP commented: The challenges that surround us require the presence of the sufficient manpower supporting our armed forces, which represent the fortified fortress and defender of the the Kingdom of Bahrain and its noble people. At the same time he pointed out that a number of fellow GCC countries have moved in this direction by reorganising its reserve force. Explaining further, Mr Al Kooheji stated that the support of the private sector of the reserve forces wages represents nationalism, community partnership and a beautiful example of national responsibility that institutions in the private sector should have. He added: The formation of the reserve force by the Bahrain Defence Force constitutes a requirement of national and popular consensus, especially in this critical and difficult stage the region is going through and which needs an exceptional stand to maintain national security. Iran has promised severe revenge for the US killing of Qassem Soleimani, the countrys powerful military commander. Across the Middle East, these threats of confrontation have put on high alert the bases, ports and other installations where US troops are based or pass through. On Friday, the Pentagon announced that it was sending an additional 3,500 troops to the region, while troops in Italy were put on standby, according to defence officials. The troop escalation came just days after President Donald Trump ordered an additional 750 US soldiers to the Middle East and 3,000 more to be on alert for future deployment after pro-Iranian forces stormed the US Embassy in Baghdad as part of a worsening cycle of violence. The US has tens of thousands of military personnel at bases and aboard ships across the Middle East, as well as arrangements with various countries to move soldiers and military equipment through airstrips and ports. As Iran Tuesday launched missiles at U.S. troops in Iraq in an apparent retaliation for U.S. killing of its top commander, Middle East experts warn that the region could be heading towards a new wave of violence marked by a looming breakout of violence from Iran and its proxies against the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. Defense Department in a statement confirmed that more than a dozen ballistic missiles were fired into at least two Iraqi air bases that house U.S. troops. The attack, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said, is a retaliation after the country's top commander Qassem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike in Baghdad, on the orders of U.S. President Donald Trump. Ali Shamkhani, Iran's secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, disclosed earlier Tuesday that the council was considering 12 "revenge scenarios." "Even if there is consensus on the weakest scenario, carrying it out can be a historic nightmare for the Americans," Shamkhani is quoted to have said in the semi-official Fars news agency. Some security observers of the Middle East say the Iranian attack targeting Iraq's al-Asad airbase in Anbar and Irbil airbase in Kurdistan region represent a major escalation between the U.S. and Iran, likely followed by a wave of proxy Iranian violence against U.S. interests and its allies in the region. "It's clear that this is a significant event in terms of the Iranian regime's credibility," said Ilan Berman, senior vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington. He said the significant role Soleimani played in Iran's expansion in the Middle East made it hard for the country to absorb his loss without reacting. Soleimani was considered Iran's most powerful figure after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Under his command, the IRGC-Quds Forces unit successfully expanded Iran's influence in the so-called "Shiite Crescent" a term referring to a crescent-shaped region in the Middle East where Shiite communities reside. Iran, which has called the U.S. attack an act of war, has already declared the day of Soleimani's killing "National Resistance Day." Throughout the country, thousands of black-clad mourners attended the funeral. News footage showed Khamenei sobbing as he led the funeral prayer in Tehran on Monday. Monday night, the U.S. reportedly placed its forces and air-defense missile batteries across the Middle East on high alert for possible Iranian drone attacks, U.S. officials told CNN. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned Saturday against "homeland-based plots" against U.S. infrastructure, including cyberattacks. According to Nicholas Blanford of the Atlantic Council, the Iranian regime will likely depend on a string of friendly militias it has promoted across the Middle East over years of interference in the region. "There are plenty of American forces in the Middle East that could potentially be targeted. It's possible we'll see something on Israel's borders. Possibly Islamic Jihad firing some rockets from Gaza into southern Israel. Possibly some of the Iraqi (Shiite) groups, or even (Lebanese) Hezbollah that are now in Syria," Blanford told VOA. Since the 1979 revolution, the Iranian regime has made the Quds Force responsible for Iran's external operations to advance its revolutionary values. Over the years, the Quds force has supported pro-Iran paramilitary groups in Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Afghanistan and Pakistan. U.S. interests in the region are particularly at risk of attack from Hezbollah, which has gained considerable strength at home and abroad since its appearance in 1982, according to Thomas Abi-Hanna, a security analyst with Stratfor Threat Lens. "Hezbollah is one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful, political actor within Lebanon," he said. "It has a rocket arsenal of over a 130 rockets and mortars, and a history of conducting attacks both against the U.S. and other targets within Lebanon and elsewhere." Abi-Hanna said Hezbollah could strike U.S. forces in Syria or Israeli targets. Hezbollah in Latin America Abi-Hanna said Hezbollah has developed over the years "a fairly robust cyber unit," which it can use to launch cyberattacks against the U.S. Moreover, the group's global presence in regions such as Latin America and Europe give it a much wider set of options to retaliate against the U.S. "Hezbollah has been linked to attacks and operations everywhere from Argentina in South America to Bulgaria in Eastern Europe and even India in South Asia. So, there could potentially be attacks really anywhere in the world. And what we are talking about (are) kinetic attacks, like a bombing or an armed assault, or something of that nature," Abi-Hanna said. Samuel Ramani, a Middle East researcher at Oxford University, told VOA that the Persian Gulf region is yet another area where U.S. interests and allies such as Saudi Arabia could be vulnerable to attacks from Iran and its ally, Yemen's Houthi militia. The most likely scenario, Ramani charged, is a Houthi major strike on Saudi Arabia, "as Iranian policymakers see the Saudi influence in Washington as instrumental in U.S. decision-making, even if Riyadh was not consulted on the Soleimani killing." The Saudi Aramco oil facilities came under an attack in September, which temporarily shut down half of the kingdom's oil production and cost it $200 billion. U.S and Saudi officials have blamed Iran, despite Tehran's denial of the accusations. VOA Persian's Katherine Ahn contributed to this report from Washington. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Adrian Wail Akhlas (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 11:20 734 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3214fc48 1 Business Indonesia,JKN,BPJS-Kesehatan,deficit,state-budget,SriMulyaniIndrawati,premium,increase Free The government plans to no longer provide cash injections to cover the Healthcare and Social Security Agency's (BPJS Kesehatan) deficit this year following a hike in the insurance premiums. "We are sure that BPJS Kesehatan would not need additional funds in 2020 following a hike in the insurance premiums. BPJS has also promised to keep their finances in check," Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said during a press briefing on the 2019 state budget in Jakarta on Tuesday. The year 2020 marks a new phase for Indonesia's universal healthcare program, National Health Insurance (JKN), as the government raised its premiums for the first time since it started operations in 2014. Beginning in January, the government raised the premiums for first-class service by 100 percent to Rp 160,000 (US$11.40) per month per person, while more than doubling the cost for the second-class service from Rp 51,000 to Rp 110,000. The government also hiked the premiums for the third-class service by 64 percent from 25,500 per person per month to Rp 42,000. BPJS Kesehatan has suffered a huge financial deficit since its establishment as its premium income was far from enough to pay for insurance claims. BPJS Watch estimates that the increase in the premiums is expected to reduce its deficit to Rp 18 trillion from the initial estimate of Rp 32.89 trillion at the end of 2019 Speaking during the same briefing, the Finance Ministry's budgeting director-general, Askolani, told reporters that the government would still allocate Rp 20 trillion to subsidize the premium payments of low-income participants. Targets were two airbases, including Ain al-Asad, which was attacked previously by ISIL in 2016. Iran said early on Wednesday that it had fired more than a dozen rockets at two military bases in Iraq hosting American troops amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington. The missiles hit two bases Ain al-Asad in Anbar province and a facility in Erbil Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it conducted the operation at the same early morning hour that the United States killed Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani on Friday. Iran has promised to take revenge against the US following the killing of Soleimani. The general was buried early on Wednesday in his hometown of Kerman, after a deadly stampede at his funeral procession on Tuesday. People across Iran turned out to pay their respects at funeral processions that took place during three days of official mourning. According to Irans Fars news agency, Fateh-313 missiles hit Ain al-Asad airbase, which is located 233km (144 miles) west of Baghdad. Iran attacked Ain al-Assad airbase in the western Anbar desert of Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday morning. US forces are stationed in the sprawling complex [File: Nasser Nasser/AP Photo] The Fateh-313 surface-to-surface missile was launched in August 2015 and has a range of 500km (310 miles). According to the US Central Command, which oversees the US military in the region, 15 missiles were fired, with 10 hitting the Asad base in Anbar, and one at a location near Erbil airport. Four of the missiles reportedly failed. The Fateh-313 surface-to-surface missile was launched in August 2015 and has a range of 500km (310 miles) [Getty] Ain al-Asad was the second largest American airbase in Iraq established during the US occupation of the country between 2003 and 2011. The airbase hosted President Trump during the Christmas holidays in 2018. The visit was Trumps first journey to a conflict zone since taking office in January 2017. In 2016, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) also launched attacks at the base, which then housed several hundred US troops and advisers training the Iraqi army after the US withdrawal in 2011. Last month, five rockets landed on the air base but did not cause any casualties. Aside from US and Iraqi forces, the airbase has also hosted US-led coalition partners Denmark. On Wednesday, Copenhagen said no Danish soldiers were injured or killed in Wednesdays missile strike on the airbase. Denmark has about 130 soldiers at the base as part of the international coalition fighting ISIL. President Donald Trump speaks at the Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq during a visit in 2016 [File: Andrew Harnik/AP Photo] The second US base in Erbil has not been unnamed, but it is close to the airport in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. At its peak, there were an estimated 150,000 American troops stationed in Iraq. Most of them left in 2011. In 2016, following the advance of ISIL, the number of US troops increased once again to 5,000, with an additional 1,000 more repositioned from Syria, bringing the total to about 6,000 as of October 2019. Then following the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad on New Years Eve, US President Donald Trump ordered the immediate deployment of an additional 750 troops to Iraq to secure the diplomatic compound. In recent days, an additional 3,000 troops were deployed to the Middle East, but it is unknown how many of them were sent directly to Iraq. As the Iraqi and U.S. governments sent contradictory messages Tuesday about whether and when U.S. troops would be pulling out of Iraq, and the Pentagon reported the launch of more than a dozen ballistic missiles from Iran targeting U.S. forces, retired military officers familiar with the region said the only winners from an American withdrawal would be Iran and the Islamic State. The Iraqi Parliament voted in a nonbinding resolution Sunday to expel U.S. forces from the country. On Monday, a draft letter from the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq to the Iraqi government implying that the U.S. military was preparing to withdraw circulated widely online, forcing Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley to disavow it as a mistake. Esper told CNN Tuesday that the United States was not withdrawing from Iraq, but Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi said he had taken the letter seriously and that a U.S. withdrawal was now the only option to deescalate the situation. From left: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP) A few hours later, at around 5:30 p.m. EST, the barrage of missiles began landing at two coalition military bases. There was no immediate assessment of casualties or damage. President Trump on Tuesday said the United States had no immediate intention to leave Iraq. Earlier he had said that if the military does leave he would demand compensation from Iraq for an air base it has built there. The irony that Iran might be the principal beneficiary of the U.S. airstrike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Irans most high-profile military figure, wasnt lost on Americans familiar with the region. It does leave a void for Iran to fill, said a retired senior military officer with extensive experience in the Middle East. I dont know that theres anybody else that would necessarily step into that. The attacks Tuesday night seem likely to spur calls by Baghdad for the U.S. to withdraw, lest Iraq be caught in the middle of a hot war between the U.S. and Iran. Story continues Under a worst-case scenario, the Iraqi state, precariously balanced among Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish political parties, could descend into civil war. A former military commander in Iraq agreed that Iran would certainly step into the gap left by a U.S. withdrawal. The departure of U.S. forces would rob the United States of an invaluable tool in its competition with Iran below the level of conflict for influence in Iraq and the wider Middle East, according to the retired senior military officer with extensive Middle East experience. Our objective over the last couple of years has been to really be great partners with Iraq and not become a burden to them, he said. This in turn allowed us to maintain a very good relationship with the Iraqi armed forces and with the Iraqi government and be seen as value added. So if we step away, we lose that. Iranian lawmakers hold up a picture of slain Gen. Qassem Soleimani as they vote during a parliamentary session in Tehran. (Photo: Getty Images) The retired senior military officer noted that Iraqi President Barham Salih had been quoted describing the United States as an ally and Iran as a neighbor in a recent New Yorker article. I think thats a really important distinction, he said. The other main beneficiary of a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq could be the Islamic State. American troops fought alongside Iraqis, including Kurdish forces and (ironically) Iranian-supported militias, for five years to oust ISIS from their self-proclaimed caliphate in Syria and western Iraq, finally succeeding just last year. The Islamic State is the big winner in that scenario, said retired Col. Isaiah Ike Wilson, who left active duty in 2017 after serving as head of the Commanders Initiatives Group at U.S. Central Command, which runs all U.S. military operations in the Middle East. By leaving Iraq, you create an open ground for the Islamic State to reconstitute and build up in sanctuary. The former military commander in Iraq compared such a scenario to what happened when the United States removed its combat forces from Iraq in late 2011, which allowed al-Qaida in Iraq to reemerge, later evolving into the Islamic State. An ISIS safe haven in Iraq would jeopardize U.S. forces and operations in Syria, according to Wilson, who now directs the Army War Colleges Strategic Studies Institute in Carlisle, Pa. Even if the U.S. military could continue to conduct operations against the Islamic State in Syria, by leaving a vacuum for the militant organization to fill in Iraq, weve essentially created the equivalent of what Cambodia was when we were in Vietnam, he said. But the former senior officers interviewed by Yahoo News doubted that the estimated 800 U.S. troops in Syria would be able to continue operations without the larger force in Iraq to provide logistical support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft and combat support. Withdrawal from Iraq would make it very difficult and it may in fact make it impossible to sustain that operation, said the retired senior military officer with extensive Middle East experience. If U.S. forces departed Iraq, I suspect additional forces would have to be based in Syria, said the former military commander in Iraq. A withdrawal from Iraq really hobbles not only the campaign plan itself but the strategy undergirding it, said Wilson, who was deeply involved in the development of Central Commands plan. Thats why our strategy when we designed it back in 2014 was always about Iraq first. Iraqi troops advance toward Mosul in 2017 during an offensive to retake the northern Iraqi city from jihadists of the Islamic State group. (Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images) A precipitous withdrawal followed by the resurgence of the Islamic State could be the thing that triggers another civil war in Iraq, Wilson said. The danger is that a reborn Islamic State would be attacked by Iran and its Shiite militia proxy forces. That in turn could draw in intervention by some of the Sunni states in the Middle East, particularly those in the Gulf Cooperation Council, who might create their own surrogate militias in Iraq, Wilson added. In that scenario, Iraqs security forces could and probably would fracture from within, he said, possibly leading to a breakup of the nation itself into Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish statelets in a loose confederation. At least two of those, the Sunni and Kurdish entities, might welcome U.S. forces, according to Wilson. The Shiites, presumably allied with Iran, probably would not. The retired senior military officer with extensive Middle East experience was less sure that, in the absence of U.S. forces, Iraq would disintegrate into a three-way civil war. But, he acknowledged, it would certainly exacerbate the already existing underlying tensions between each of these groups. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: In many of Pennsylvanias jails, inmates are issued three things when they arrive: a small bar of soap, a bed sheet and a towel. Sometimes prisoners receive clothing, though someone arriving without socks or shoes is often out of luck. For them, and for a long list of prisoners most basic needs, theres commissary. In the Adams County Adult Correctional Facility, inmates can buy bars of soap for $1.35 each, or Spanish rice with cheese for $1.15. Instant oatmeal costs $0.45 a bag, while cereal bars are sold for $0.60. A deck of playing cards costs $2.33; a single pair of mens briefs goes for $2.70. But near the end of the commissary catalogue listed between $1 Spanish-language birthday cards and $0.90 pens is a Quran, the holy text for Muslims, priced at $21.20. A prayer rug, used by Muslims during prayer to keep knees, hands and heads clean, costs $23.32. Altogether, the items an observant Muslim inmate needs to pray cost a combined $44.52 at the Adams County facility. In contrast, the prison sells the King James version of the Christian Bible for $7.95, about a third of what a Quran costs. The prices for both texts are fairly steep, considering that many religious organizations would give the books to prisoners for free, and lower-cost editions are easily found (a trip to a Harrisburg discount store found Bibles and Qurans on sale for less than $2). A PA Post review of 20 counties commissary menus showed that religious texts and articles cost significantly higher than other products sometimes theyre even the most expensive items sold. Christian and Muslim religious leaders said they were shocked by what inmates were being charged, with one Imam calling the price of a Kufi cap a prayer hat that costs less than $4 in a religious store but sold by one prison commissary for $12.15 highway robbery. PA Posts review also found a marked price disparity between Christian texts and those used by other faiths. Across the commissary menus analyzed, Qurans are priced as much as three times more than Bibles. Other religious items, such as Catholic rosaries, are sold for dramatically less money than Muslim prayer beads. Prayer rugs that are sold in religious stores for less than $12 cost prisoners, on average, $24. As more attention is focused on the ancillary costs of being locked up for example, many Pennsylvania jails charge a daily rate for room and board prisoner advocacy and religious rights groups argue that the high markup on Islamic items, specifically, is discriminatory. Some human rights lawyers even say that county jails or the company that manages commissaries could be violating federal law, which requires equal access to religious items. here are prices for the Quran, compared with prices for Bibles, in some county jail commissaries. If prisons are providing these cheap alternatives for other religions that theyre not doing to Islam, thats a problem, said Matthew Callahan, a staff attorney for Muslim Advocates in Washington, DC. The organization says its survey shows that 20 percent of state prisoners in Pennsylvania identified as Muslim, totaling more than 10,000 inmates in 2017. Congress passed the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act in 2000 requiring prisons and jails to provide reasonable religious accommodations for inmates. Correctional facilities are also barred from trying to hinder religious practices through substantial burden. At county jails in Pennsylvania that sell a Quran at double or three times the price of a Bible, cost becomes a burden that only Muslim inmates have to shoulder. Those facilities, Callahan said, could be violating the law by not providing equal access. An example of the kind of Quran that an inmate receives in prison. Texts like these cost less than $5 to purchase on the outside, but county jails sell them for almost quadruple that price. (Joseph Darius Jaafari / PA Post) Its hard to say they can provide cheap Bibles but its impossible for other religious groups, Callahan said. And for a population that makes little to no money while serving time, purchasing a Quran is prohibitively expensive. Wyoming County, for example, prices its Quran at nearly $28; Clinton county charges $26. Only one county jail, Cumberland, equally prices Bibles and Qurans; both cost just under $11. Unless there is help from the outside, getting religious texts is a next-to-impossible feat. In Lancaster Countys jail, the Islamic Community Center of Lancaster works with the prison and chaplains office to provide inmates a Quran for free similar to how Christian churches or organizations often donate Bibles; the center also donates prayer rugs to prisoners when asked. We get requests from inmates at York, Lancaster and Harrisburg, said Mukarem Syed, a board member at the Islamic center. We give out about 100 a year. Lycoming County, in contrast, sells prayer rugs for $25.95 each. Bucks County prices the rugs at $21.50 and Qurans at $26. If theyre putting a financial barrier for people getting Qurans, that would be an issue we want to address, said Ibrahim Hooper with the Council on American-Islamic Relations. But the county jails dont set the prices. Multiple wardens, including Adams County Warden Katy Hileman, said they have no control over commissary prices. Keefe Group in St. Louis, Missouri, manages the commissary for many prisons and jails in Pennsylvania. These providers sometimes jack the pricing up, something we dont have a great deal of control over, said David Varano, warden for Columbia County Prison, which gives Bibles away for free, but only offers Muslim inmates the ability to buy Qurans from the commissary for $20. If someone wanted a Quran on Amazon, they could most likely find it there much cheaper. Multiple messages sent to Keefes media team over the past two weeks were not returned. And though there are commercially sold Qurans that cost $25 because theyre hardback or the pages are edged with gold-leaf, those are not the ones being sold to inmates, said Aunali Khalfan, founder of Tahrike Tarsile Quran, Inc., a publishing company in New York. For the past 30 years, his company has sold texts to correctional facilities. We sell them to the prisons for $3, sometimes even less than that. For religious advocates, the price disparity points to a larger problem theyve noticed anecdotally preferential treatment for Christian inmates. The religious prison establishment is largely Christian, said Johari Abdulmalik, an Imam based in Washington D.C. who works with Muslim prisoners. There is a kind of favoritism in institutions, with the relationships between churches and pastors and getting that contract to provide religious services. The sort of assumption is that religious services means Christian. In Pennsylvania, the trend is similar, said Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, outreach and education director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations Pennsylvania Chapter. He said in Lancaster County Prison, for example, there are multiple Christian chaplains but only one Imam. An administrator for the prison confirmed in an email last week there are five prison chaplains, and a single Imam who comes in to perform services. This system creates an inequity in regards to access to religious materials between Christians and other faith traditions, Tekelioglu said. Llama Llama pajama party night at Anderson Library 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Bring your mom, dad and family, wear your red pajamas, crafts, coloring pages and games for all ages welcome, free event, 3635 Touzalin Avenue. Llama Llama pajama party night at Eiseley Library 10:30-11 a.m. Thursday. Families are welcome to come in red pajamas to enjoy storytime, all ages, free event, Eiseley Library, 1530 Superior St. Lincolnlibraries.org Llama Llama bi-lingual storytime at Bennet Martin 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday. Spanish speakers and those wanting to learn Spanish are welcome, ages 2 and up, and a visit from Llama Llama. After storytime stay and play with a craft or STEM activity, 136 S. 14th St. Lincoln Winter Reading Challenge at Lincoln City Libraries Jan. 1-31. Lincoln City Libraries will participate in Beanstacks third annual Winter Reading Challenge, earn a virtual ticket for every five hours of reading that will be entered in to a $50,000 drawing, sponsored by Golden Penguin and Random House. The contest challenges Lincoln to read at least 4 million minutes during the month and keep track of on the Beanstack site at lincolnlibraries.beanstack.org CATONSVILLE, Md., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- INFORMS, the leading international association for professionals in operations research and analytics, has selected six finalists for the 49th annual Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Advanced Analytics, Operations Research and Management Science, the world's most prestigious award for achievement in the practice of analytics and operations research (O.R.). For more than four decades, winners of the Edelman Award have been recognized for transforming how we approach some of the world's most complex problems. This year's finalists are no exception, with revolutionary contributions in robotics, cruise industry pricing and booking, railway planning and productivity, IT system sustainability, corporate decision-making, and retail inventory operations. Finalists for the Edelman Award have contributed to a cumulative impact of more than $257 billion since the award's inception. The finalists for the 2020 Edelman Award are: Amazon.com. Amazon fulfillment centers are the bones of the company's global operations network. Order picking plays a significant role in the overall process and accounts for a large part of the building's ability to drive faster cycle times and higher throughput. Amazon's revolutionary robotics system has reduced costs by identifying ways in which Amazon can process the picking of items faster and more efficiently across multiple floors and pick stations. The technology overall has led to significant performance improvement through stowing and picking inventory to facilitate sortation of multi-item shipments, reducing robotic systems travel by 31%. This has resulted in millions in savings per Amazon Robotics fulfillment center. Carnival Corporation & PLC. Carnival & PLC built Yield Optimization and Demand Analytics (YODA), a cutting-edge program using advanced analytics and algorithms to provide dynamic price recommendations and inventory management. The program is a global collaboration involving leaders from six brands and teams across three continents who manage prices in six currencies. Since the system deployed in late 2017, it has been used to set prices on thousands of cruise voyages. The system was built in collaboration with Revenue Analytics. Deutsche Bahn. The largest European railway company is moving more efficiently thanks in part to a new decision support system. The system optimizes train rotations in cargo, regional and long-distance passenger transport divisions. The changes have resulted in direct savings in addition to better planning and productivity. The productivity of the locomotives and railcars has increased up to 10% while the time savings were up to 80%. IBM. IBM Services (Global Technology Services Unit) has developed a cutting-edge system that utilizes machine learning and advanced data analytics to identify devices, such as servers, that are at risk for an outage. The system determines contributing risk factors, e.g., outdated hardware, and prompts a fix before the problem occurs. Since 2013, executing recommended actions has reduced outages by 23%. This translates into savings of more than $1 billion every year for IBM's clients. The IBM team is also using this system to drastically reduce the number of problematic systems for clients by as much as 85%. Intel. Efficient product feature design coupled with supply chain planning is critical to Intel's success given its scale, complexity of its products and manufacturing processes, and the highly capital-intensive nature of the semiconductor business. In response to an exponential increase in complexities, Intel developed an innovative set of capabilities using advanced analytics that span product feature design through supply chain planning with the goal of maximizing revenue while minimizing cost. This set of capabilities is fast and effective, enabling analysis of many more business scenarios in much less time than previous solutions while providing superior results including faster response to customers. Implementation of this capability over the majority of Intel's product portfolio has provided average annual benefits in increased revenue and decreased cost of $1.9 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively, with a total benefit of $21.2 billion to date while also contributing to Intel's environmental goals of reducing water usage and preventing wastewater. Walmart. Walmart's model of offering consistently low prices depends on constantly innovating to find new ways to reduce costs. The company developed a new system using machine learning to help perfectly time markdowns to optimize sales and clear excess inventory in its stores. The technique relies on operations research and provides feedback to help avoid excess inventory ordering in the future. The technology has already helped the company save millions of dollars. About the Franz Edelman Award First awarded in 1972, the prize is named in honor of Franz Edelman, who founded the Operations Research division within RCA, one of the first corporations to embed operations research as a business imperative. Previous winners of the Franz Edelman Award include the 2019 winner, Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), as well as Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Holiday Retirement, UPS, IBM, Syngenta, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Hewlett-Packard, and General Motors, among others. The 2020 Edelman Award will be presented at the INFORMS Conference on Business Analytics and Operations Research in Denver, CO on April 26-28. For more information on the Franz Edelman Award, visit https://www.informs.org/Recognizing-Excellence/2020-Edelman-Award. About INFORMS With 12,500 members from nearly 90 countries, INFORMS is the largest international association of operations research (O.R.) and analytics professionals and students. INFORMS provides unique networking and learning opportunities for individual professionals, and organizations of all types and sizes, to better understand and use O.R. and analytics tools and methods to transform strategic visions and achieve better outcomes. Visit www.informs.org or @informs. SOURCE INFORMS Related Links http://www.informs.org Deepika stood as former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was raising azaadi slogans. New Delhi: Bollywood star Deepika Padukone on Tuesday visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to express solidarity with the students who were attacked by a mob, but she did not address the crowd. The actor reached the university campus at around 7.40 pm and attended a public meeting, called by JNU Teacher's Association and JNUSU in response to Sunday's attack on students and teachers by a masked mob armed with sticks and rods. Deepika stood as former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was raising azaadi slogans and left by the time current president Aishe Ghosh started speaking. The actor's decision to not address the crowd prompted Ghosh to comment, "when you are in a position, you should speak up". "There are many people in Bollywood who do not put forth their views when they are not be aired. They are considered role models. I appeal to them: Make inspiring films after something has happened but when you are in that position, also talk about the story that is currently happening," she said. Later, Ghosh told PTI that Deepika expressed solidarity with the JNU students. Deepika is in the capital to promote her upcoming release, Meghna Gulzar-directed "Chhapaak". On Monday, the 34-year-old actor told a news channel that she feels proud that people have come out and raised their voice without fear, in reference to the protests against the amended Citizenship Act, the National Register of Citizens and violence in JNU. "I feel proud to see that we aren't scared to express ourselves... I think the fact that we are thinking about the country and its future.... Whatever may be our point of view, it's nice to see," Deepika told NDTV India. "I feel proud about it that people are coming out -- be it on the streets or wherever they are -- they are raising their voice and expressing themselves as it is important. If we want to see change in life and society, it is important that a point of view be put forward," she added. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are stepping back as senior members of the Royal Family, they announced Wednesday. In an precedented change for the British royalty, the couple said theyd become financially independent and split their time between the U.K. and North America. They also plan to launch a new charity together. After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution, they said in a statement. We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support. According to People, the change means they will no longer be based full-time in Britain, where the royal family has reigned for centuries. Harry, 35, is currently sixth in line to the throne, behind his father Prince Charles, his brother Prince William, and Williams three children with Kate Middleton: George, Charlotte and Louis. Reports over the past two years suggested Prince Harry and William were not getting along since he became engaged to Markle, an American actress. Harry and Meghan further fueled speculation when they announced they would not spend the Christmas holiday with the royal family at Sandringham. Markle, 38, was previously best known as an actress, playing Rachel Zane in the TV legal drama Suits." She also appeared in Horrible Bosses," was a briefcase girl on Deal or No Deal, and had small parts on Fringe, ''CSI: Miami, ''Knight Rider" and Castle." Markle also worked as a humanitarian for United Nations and traveled to Rwanda as a global ambassador for the charity World Vision Canada. She met Harry in London in July 2016 and made their first official appearance together as a couple a year later at Torontos Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded service personnel that Harry spearheaded. The couple married in 2018 and welcomed their first child, Archie, in 2019. An Indian Navy ship came to the rescue of a traditional vessel -- 'Al Hamid', carrying 13 people from India, which had drifted near the coast of Somalia, officials said on Wednesday. INS Sumedha, presently on an anti-piracy patrol in Gulf of Aden, rescued the dhow, a traditional wooden vessel, on Monday, they said. "'Al-Hamid' was detected by an Indian Navy's helicopter launched from the deck of INS Sumedha, which confirmed that the vessel was in distress and drifting near the coast of Somalia," the Navy said in a statement. A boarding team along with a naval technical team embarked on 'Al-Hamid' for routine checks onboard and rendered assistance, it said. "The crew of 'Al-Hamid' comprised 13 Indian citizens. The technical team assessment revealed that the dhow had suffered a broken main engine shaft, which was not repairable at sea. The dhow was then towed to safety away from the Somali coast," the statement added. Meanwhile, the owner of 'Al-Hamid' has sent another vessel for towing the dhow to port for repairs. Before departure, INS Sumedha provided fresh water and medical supplies to the crew of the dhow, the officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There is anxiety in the Arab Gulf countries about possible retaliation by Iran following the assassination of Iranian Al-Quds Force leader Qassem Suleimani last week The situation in the Arab Gulf has been getting tenser by the hour since American forces killed Iranian General Qassem Suleimani last Thursday night near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. Iran and its proxy groups in the region have vowed to retaliate for the killing of the man who for years led the Al-Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRG) and was central in coordinating the Iranian influence in the region. On Wednesday, Iran attacked two bases in Iraq that are used by the American troops with missiles. Though US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of severe consequences if it retaliates, there is also a strong conviction that Iranian revenge attacks are inevitable. As Irans leaders have repeated their threats to target the American presence in the region, the Arab Gulf countries have become anxious. The rhetoric is not helping to calm Americas Arab allies in the Gulf. Trumps statement that designated targets to be hit if Iran retaliates include cultural sites could also anger Shiite communities in many Gulf countries. Though many in the Gulf are pleased that Suleimani has disappeared, they are holding their breath and not expressing their joy. The constraints that have been in place for the last couple of years are no longer there, which means anything could happen, commentators say. Any ill-timed move or ill-advised action may very well be misinterpreted, miscalculated or miscommunicated, as the UAEs Gulf Newsput it in an editorial. Saudi Arabia has stated that the Americans did not consult it before they carried out the killing of Suleimani and the deputy leader of the Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Forces (Hashd) Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandes. Unsubstantiated reports said that the American drones used in the killing flew from the Al-Udeid base in Qatar. The next day, Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammad Bin Abdul-Rahman Al Thani travelled to Iran to offer his countrys condolences to Iranian officials, the first high-ranking Gulf official to visit Iran a day after the killing. Qatar has close ties with Iran, and these strengthened in recent years after Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain boycotted Qatar over its support for terrorist groups. That might not be enough to spare Qatar an Iranian response, however, especially as the American military concentration in the region is biggest in Qatar and Kuwait. News reports in Iraq said that the drones had originated from an American air base in Kuwait and not from Qatar. Kuwait denied the allegations, dismissing mistaken information that the countrys military bases had been used to mount attacks against specific targets in one of the neighbouring countries. Many analysts point to Saudi Arabia and the UAE as the two Gulf countries most nervous about any Iranian retaliation for the Suleimani killing. Kuwait is more anxious than the other Gulf countries for many reasons. First, the composition of the countrys population is critical when it comes to Iran. Second, its proximity to Iraq poses a danger of its being a soft target for a response by pro-Iran Iraqi militias. Yet, all the Arab Gulf countries are on their toes calling for calm and restraint. They not only anticipate an Iranian response, but also fear that American arrogance might escalate the situation in the region to an uncontrollable level. UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash tweeted that it is necessary to put wisdom, balance and political solutions above confrontation and escalation this week. Adding to the nervousness in the Gulf is the uncertainty about the support the Gulf countries can expect from Trump should they become the target of Iranian retaliation, whether military and targeting American interests or even a cyber-attack. Recent attacks on Saudi oil giant Aramco got only a verbal reaction from Washington and the further tightening of sanctions on Iran that would have been in the pipeline anyway. Trumps chaotic policy on Syria and his abandoning of Americas allies the Kurds are at the back of the minds of Gulf leaders. If the situation escalates between Tehran and Washington, the Gulf countries are going to suffer the brunt of a wider conflict, which is why they are calling for restraint on the part of the Iranians and Americans. Many hope that the Iranian response will be proportionate and that the Americans will let it pass. Yemens Houthi militia has already fired missiles towards Saudi Arabia, though with no effect. The responses in Iraq or Syria would be within the level of violence already present and would also be far from the Gulf. The worst-case scenario would be an Iranian venture targeting the American presence in the Gulf, since this would have a wider impact on the regions oil industry as the Gulf countries produce almost a third of global oil. The major oil producers have already developed a different route for their oil besides the Gulf waterway, but the latter is still central to carrying shipped oil. Prices have already risen, crossing the threshold of $70 a barrel, and any military action in the waterway would make prices rocket. Some analysts in the Gulf are playing down the threats, pointing to previous instances when Iran or its proxy militias in the region suffered American or Israeli hits and their response was not that serious. While acknowledging the loss Iran suffered in the killing of Suleimani, the analysts argue that Iran knows its limits. The chances of Tehran stepping over these limits are not high, they say, but these voices have not calmed the anxiety at a possible escalation in the Gulf. *This article is an updated version of the one that appears in print in the 9 January 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the title: Gulf anticipates Irans response Search Keywords: Short link: Twenty-seven jobs have been lost after the firm behind a restaurant and champagne bar in Belfast's House of Fraser announced the businesses were closing with immediate effect. The Ivory Restaurant and Ivory Champagne Cafe Bar, operated by father and son team Brian and Adam Stockman, are to move to a new location. The restaurant was located on the top floor of House of Fraser, which was recently rebranded as Fraser's in Belfast. The champagne bar was launched on the womenswear floor of the department store in 2016 in an investment worth approximately 100,000. The restaurant had a 75,000 refurbishment in 2018, part of a wider 5m refit of the department store. A spokesperson for the businesses said: "As of Tuesday, January 7, The Ivory Restaurant and The Ivory Champagne Cafe Bar will cease trading within House of Fraser, Belfast. "As a privately owned business, it has been increasingly difficult over the last 12 months to successfully trade in a retail environment that is undergoing significant change. "We have been actively looking for alternative sites in Belfast city centre and continue to do so, but at this time we have been unable to secure a new site for our business. "Regrettably, 27 staff will be affected by this decision and we continue to support them during this time. "All valid gift vouchers will be refunded by contacting the restaurant via email on info@theivorybelfast.com before January 21 2020. "We would like to thank our customers for their custom over the past eight years and look forward to welcoming them to our new location in the future". Joris Minne, this newspaper's restaurant critic, commended the owners for honouring unused vouchers. "It's always very sad to see a restaurant close, particularly when it employs so many people and generates business for local suppliers," he said. "Unlike other closures, the Ivory's owners have maintained great dignity by clearly offering to honour vouchers and gift certificates to those who present themselves before January 21." Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley bought House of Fraser last year and saved it from administration. The company was unavailable for comment regarding the closure of The Ivory. Victoria Square, which House of Fraser is located in, was also unavailable for comment. Last year The Guardian reported that Mr Ashley was to invest millions of pounds in turning up to seven House of Fraser stores into a new luxury mini-chain to be called Fraser's. House of Fraser was recently rebranded as Fraser's in Belfast and a new Flannels store was launched in Victoria Square in December. It is one of the largest Flannels stores to open and includes the first Flannels cafe and bar. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 20:26:10|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BEIRUT, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun warned on Wednesday that the continuous Israeli violations of Lebanon's sovereignty threaten the stability in southern Lebanon and on the borders with Israel, said a statement. "Lebanon is keen to preserve cooperation between the Lebanese army and the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to protect the stability," Aoun said during his meeting with Gilles Michaud, under-secretary-general for Safety and Security of the United Nations, according to the statement of the president's office. Aoun also expressed his hopes that the latest escalations in the region will not impact Lebanon, emphasizing the efforts of different political parties to form a new government capable of dealing with current and future potential challenges. The situation in Lebanon on the borders with Israel has witnessed in the past few days cautious calm with residents in the area voicing concerns over potential armed confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel following the assassination of Iranian top commander Qassem Soleimani. Brussels, Belgium (PANA) - The European Parliament has adopted a resolution in which MEPs condemned all forms of violence, intimidation and abduction of civilians in Burkina Faso, in particular, forms of violence targeting certain religious communities, as well as the use of religion to legitimise the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities New Delhi: In Muzaffarpur shelter home abuse case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that no girl was killed in the shelter home, and added that skeletons found at the shelter home were not of minor inmates. The CBI submitted before the apex court that investigation in all 17 shelter homes cases, including Muzaffarpur(Bihar) shelter home abuse case, has been completed. Appearing for the CBI, Attorney General KK Venugopal told the court that "No girl was killed in Muzaffarpur shelter home and skeletons found were not of inmate minors." Live TV A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde today accepted the CBI's status report and allowed two officers to be relieved from the probe team. The CBI told the apex court that two skeletons were recovered, but a forensic investigation later revealed it to be that of a woman and a man. Notably, allegations of sexual and physical assaulted of several minor inmate girls at the NGO-run shelter home in Muzaffarpur had first come to fore following a report by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), submitted to the Bihars social welfare department in April 2018. An FIR was lodged in May 2018 against 11 people, including prime accused Brajesh Thakur. The Supreme Court had tasked the CBI with probing similar allegations of sexual and physical assault at 16 other shelter homes in Bihar, flagged by the TISS in its audit report. There were allegations of the involvement of outsiders who facilitated the sexual assaults on the inmates, after administering them intoxicants as well as trafficking girls from the shelter home. (Reuters) - Asia, the epicentre of growth for oil and gas demand globally, is the region most vulnerable to any disruption in supply from the Gulf in the event of further escalation in the war of words between Iran and the United States in Iraq. Most of Iraq's crude oil exports from its southern Basra ports head to Asia, according to Refinitiv data. And an estimated 76% of the 17.3 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude and condensate that flowed through the Strait of Hormuz in 2018 went to Asia, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Asian refiners prefer to process Middle East crude grades as they are generally cheaper than oil from other regions due to relatively higher sulphur levels. Middle East oils also tend to be heavier grades, allowing refiners to further process residue fuel into higher-value products to boost revenue. The United States used to be a major importer of oil from the Middle East but its share has steadily declined in recent years on the back of its own shale oil boom. In 2018, U.S. oil imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz stood at 1.4 million bpd of oil and condensate, accounting for about 18% of total U.S. crude and condensate imports and 7% of total U.S. petroleum liquids consumption, according to the U.S. government. Here's a breakdown of Middle East crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports for each major Asian importing country. CHINA China, the world's largest crude oil importer, buys about 40% of its crude from the Middle East. While China's imports are diversified, it is the largest Middle East oil buyer globally, at just over 4 million bpd. GRAPHIC: Asia's crude oil imports from the Middle East vs the rest of the world https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/ce/7/7961/7943/AsiaCruideImportsMidEastvsRoW.png INDIA The second-biggest Asian oil importer gets nearly 60% of its crude supplies from the Middle East. It is also the largest buyer of crude from Iraq, at just over 1 million bpd in 2019. Story continues JAPAN Japan has one of the highest proportion of Middle East oil in its imports at 88.5% for the first 11 months of 2019. "Our policy is to keep a big stockpile so, even if the Middle East has a big disruption, as long as we have these reserves we will be OK," a senior official from Japan's trade ministry told Reuters. "We have enough supplies to last 200 days." GRAPHIC: Asia's crude oil imports from Middle East vs Rest of World since 2015 https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/ce/7/7962/7944/AsiaCrudeImportsSince2015MidEastvsRow.png REST OF ASIA Despite efforts to diversify purchases beyond the Middle East, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan still need to import 70-75% of their crude from the Gulf. In southeast Asia, nearly half of Indonesia's oil imports come from the Middle East, while almost all of Vietnam's crude imports to feed the country's second refinery are from Kuwait. Middle East crude accounted for 73% of Philippines' imports in the first half of 2019, government data showed. LNG Top three destinations for LNG from Qatar - the world's top exporter - are South Korea, India and Japan, but those most reliant on Qatari LNG are Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. GRAPHIC: Asia's LNG imports from Qatar vs rest of world https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/ce/7/7963/7945/AsiaLNGImportsfromQatarvsRoW.png (Reporting by Xu Muyu in Beijing, Jane Chung in Seoul, Aaron Sheldrick in Tokyo, Nidhi Verma in New Delhi, Wilda Asmarini in Jakarta, Khanh Vu in Hanoi, Enrico Dela Cruz in Manila and Shu Zhang, Jessica Jaganathan, Florence Tan and Gavin Maguire in Singapore; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell and David Evans) I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Australia is all about spoiled stars being stripped of their luxury lifestyles and left to fend for themselves in the jungle. But footage has emerged showing that each of the campmates is given plenty of time to prepare for the show in South Africa before filming starts. In the days leading up to Sunday night's premiere, Charlotte Crosby filmed a video for her YouTube channel in which she documented the whole process. Stranded: I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Australia is all about spoiled stars being stripped of their luxury lifestyles and left to fend for themselves in the jungle (cast pictured) Charlotte arrived in South Africa in late December, and was immediately given her own chaperone. The contestants were kept away from each other and put into 'lockdown', but Charlotte still had the opportunity to meet some of the local wildlife. While enjoying a private safari with a local tour guide, she snapped a selfie with two rhinos and also came within inches of a pack of lions. Surprise! But footage has emerged showing that each of the campmates is given plenty of time to prepare in South Africa before filming starts. Pictured: Charlotte Crosby in December 'I'm in South Africa': In the days leading up to Sunday night's premiere, Charlotte Crosby filmed a video for her YouTube channel in which she documented the whole process The former Geordie Shore star then filmed herself trying on her jungle gear in a hotel room, before shooting her intro for the show. She was given plenty of time to wear in her new hiking boots, and also got to sample her outfit in several different sizes. 'This is life in the camp!' she said while trying on her fedora for the first time. Charlotte arrived in South Africa in December, and was immediately given her own chaperone Private safari: The contestants were kept away from each other and put into 'lockdown', but Charlotte still had the opportunity to meet some of the local wildlife After a 'long day' filming I'm a Celebrity's title sequence, a tired-looking Charlotte returned to her private lodge. She said: 'I get my phone taken off me tomorrow and that is actually scary... what is going to happen? It's going to be the craziest four weeks of my life. 'I know this has been short and sweet, but I wanted to give you a bit of an insight into the last few days for us, and a bit of an explanation as to where I'll disappear to.' I'm a Celebrity continues Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel 10 Wearing in her boots: The former Geordie Shore star then filmed herself trying on her jungle gear in a hotel room, before shooting her intro for the show L abour MPs hoping to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as party leader made their opening pitches to the parliamentary party at a hustings tonight. Mr Corbyn attended the event but as he left he told the BBC: "I won't be saying who I'll be voting for." As his potential successors made their pitches, shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir expressed his opinion the party needs to win back our heartlands, after its so-called "red wall" crumbled after the election capitulation, which prompted Mr Corbyn's departure. We need to understand and to address each and every reason we lost at this election, but we also need to win back Scotland, we need to win back seats in Wales, and if you draw a line from London to Bristol and look south we only have a handful seats," Sir Keir said. So, we have got a mountain to climb. Sir Keir spoke of 'winning back heartlands' / PA Ms Nandy, the MP for Wigan, touted the importance of the leadership debate. She said it was possibly the most important in our history and added: Now is not the time to steady the ship. If we do not change course we will die and we will deserve to." Meanwhile Ms Phillips told the hustings she does not want to be the next leader of the opposition - but rather the next Labour prime minister I want the people here to be in government. Lisa Nandy stressed the importance of the vote / PA I have dedicated my life to trying to change the lives of others, but I am sick of just shifting the dial, I want to smash it, the Birmingham Yardley MP said. Shadow business secretary Ms Long-Bailey said that in losing the election, Labour let down the people who rely on us. Jess Phillips expressed her desire to become PM / Press Association Images The Corbyn ally, who has said she is not the continuity candidate but heaped praise on his leadership, said: Our number one duty as Labour MPs is to learn the lessons of defeat and make sure we dont repeat them." She told ITV: What we cant ignore was that Jeremy was savaged from day one by the press We have a role as party to develop the image of our leader and to put them forward in the most positive way, but we also have a duty to rebut criticism and attacks. As a party we needed to have a rebuttal unit, a clear structure in place to rebut the attacks against him. Rebecca Long Bailey praises Jeremy Corbyn's 10 out of 10 leadership While shadow chancellor John McDonnell has said he will back her bid - as well as Richard Burgon's pitch to be deputy leader. The new Labour leader and deputy will be announced at a conference on April 4. Following Tom Watsons decision to quit, shadow sport minister Rosena Allin-Khan and Labours only MP in Scotland, Ian Murray, became the latest candidates to launch their bids for deputy. Ms Allin-Khan told ITVs Acting Prime Minister podcast that she would like to create a Ministry of Fabulosity, should she be elected deputy leader. She said: Its a real ministry, it will have to be dominated by fabulous MPs and come out with fabulous policies to shape the country. Some serious ones, but some lighter more entertaining ones about he we see ourselves and some of the things we can do as a nation to put a swing in our step. Not long ago, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tanaiste Simon Coveney were being lauded as true republicans for standing up to Britain during Brexit negotiations. The Government's opinion poll ratings soared when Mr Varadkar claimed he had secured a "cast-iron" Brexit deal from former UK prime minister Theresa May. That didn't really work out but still voters liked the idea of the Taoiseach getting one over on our one-time colonial overlords. It played well to that nostalgic sense of dislike we have for our nearest neighbours, which is always bubbling below the surface. The Government's humiliating U-turn on holding a commemorative event for the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) shows that dislike can boil over at any moment. The republican credentials that Mr Varadkar secured through his handling of Brexit negotiations, especially through his talks with Boris Johnson, were almost destroyed overnight. Yesterday morning, the Taoiseach was still insisting on holding the event. But just hours later Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan cancelled next Friday's commemoration. The controversy also brought into focus the political judgment of Mr Flanagan, who is being blamed for proposing an event for the two controversial police forces. The minister is also fresh from his disastrous handling of Fine Gael's by-election campaign in Wexford. The RIC commemoration debacle would certainly lose Fine Gael votes if an election was called any time soon and might now convince Mr Varadkar to hold off on dissolving the Dail for as long as possible. Mr Flanagan will certainly not be the most popular member of the parliamentary party when it meets on Friday and his reputation for being a safe pair of hands is somewhat diminished. However, when the hysteria around the commemoration calms down the same questions about how we remember those who died during the War of Independence and Civil War will remain. It also begs the question how far away is the island from unification if we can't deal with events which happened 100 years ago? For example, can we expect unionists to move on from bombings in the 1980s and wave goodbye to Britain if we still take offence over events which happened when the vast majority of us weren't even born? While there was a stream of politicians quick to attack the Government's botched handling of this particular commemoration, there were few ideas from them on what should be done. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin was more nuanced in suggesting that the commemoration should be replaced by an event remembering all those who died during the period. Less is possibly more when it comes to commemorating the many tragic events that happened in the last century. By Express News Service CHENNAI: "Our target is to not build skyscrapers and airports, but rather focus on the individuals residing in Chhattisgarh," said the state's Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel, while addressing the audience of The New Indian Express' Think Edu Conclave 2020 in Chennai. Stressing on the fact further, the Chief Minister also spoke about the programmes that his one-year-old government has adopted to boost the state's development. "Paddy farmers in our state get the highest Minimum Support Price in the entire country. Since this government came into power, we have given the farmers a loan waiver and given them a rebate on the electricity bill," said Baghel. He added that just a year down the line, his state's growth in the automobile, gems and jewels and real estate sectors have been impressive. WATCH | Education, Meals and Health Checkups: What Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel is doing differently ALSO READ: Those who deny knowledge to others are enemies of Saraswati: Kerala Governor However, all is definitely far from well in this eastern state, Baghel admits. "39 per cent of the population is still below the poverty line. A large percentage of our children are malnourished. Many of our women are anaemic. And these problems are bigger than Naxalism," says Baghel who, on the other hand, believes that every problem has a solution. "Poor and malnourished children of Chhattisgarh are provided hot nutritious meals. Also, in the Naxal-affected Bastar district, we have reopened 200 schools that were previously shut by the Naxalites. Education had suffered terribly in this area because of Naxal activities," he said. Schools in Jagargunda and Bhejji were reopened after 13 years, bringing back a lot of dropouts. The schools were also remodelled and interactive classroom practices are now being promoted there. "We have 55,000 government schools where 65 lakh students are studying. We recently did away with para teachers and volunteer teachers and absorbed them into the government system. More than 1.5 lakh teachers have become permanent teachers now. 15,000 new teachers were recruited this year," he said. "The 2014 National Achievement Survey placed our state in the 34th position among all states and Union Territories. We have, however, improved our rank this year and become the 19th best in the country," he said, amidst thunderous applause. ALSO READ: Think India, ThinkEdu 2020 - Here are the highlights of Day 1 Bhupel also talked about the reformations his government has made in the education sector. "Our focus is on development through education. The government has also reformed classroom teaching styles. We have adopted a system that concentrates more on individual learning. There is scope for community involvement these days. We have also developed mobile apps for school students," he said. Naxalism is definitely an issue that one cannot ignore while talking about Chhattisgrah. But what could be a workable solution? Bhupel answered, "We cannot solve violence with violence. This is one strategy that governments have followed over the years. However, we can instead conduct discussions and conversations with all stakeholders. This is the way forward." In Israel, the death of Iranian Quds-Force general Qassem Soleimani, was received with mixed feelings. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus reaction was measured, while a military leader said it was part of the fight between Iran and the United States. But victims of terror organisation Almagor rejoiced. RFI spoke to Meir Indor, Chairman of Almagor. Weve sent a message to President Trump, that he did a big favour, not only to the US, but to the whole free world, says Indor. Soleimani had a rank, he was a general. But he is not an army man. He was a master of terror. We suffered from Soleimanis terror actions many times, carried out by Hamas and Islamic Jihad." Read also: While Almagor congratulated Trump, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office, in a first reaction to the US action, merely remarked that "just as Israel has the right of self-defense, the United States has exactly the same right, adding that Soleimani had been responsible for the deaths of American citizens and many other innocent people, and that Israel stands with the United States in its just struggle for peace, security and self-defense." Not the main story Days later, IDF Southern Command head Major General Herzi Halevi was quoted by the Times of Israel as saying that the Jewish state must look at the assassination as part of a fight between Iran and the United States over Iraqs character. That is the story, stressing that the assassination also has ramifications for us as Israelis, and we must follow it closely, but we arent the main story here. Meir Indor takes a more radical view. The man is responsible for killing American soldiers in Beirut, he argues. He was in charge of killing jews in Argentina. Over a hundred people. Iranian biographies of Soleimani all stress that since Iran lost a million people during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq, he tried to build a sphere of influence protecting his country in order to prevent a repetition of such a war. Story continues Is that a justification for killing innocent people in Israel? asks Indor. Is it a justification to put bombs in the Israeli embassy in Argentina? Does he protect Iran by doing that?" Master of terror The master of terror Soleimani, the second man-dictator in Iran now is out of business. And the free world should be very happy about what happened. So the world is better today after what happened last week, Indor says. Meanwhile, Soleimani has been replaced by his long-term second-in-command, General Esmail Ghaani. Does Soleimani's death really improve things for Israel, given the fact that the Iraqi parliament voted to ask foreign military, including US troops, to leave? Maybe we have to continue with a campaign against the person who replaces him, but if we dont fight against terrorism, who will do it?" Fighting against evil Many Iranians say that the death of Soleimani united them and it also gave the younger generation a taste of acts the US is capable of. Doesnt this make Iran more dangerous from an Israeli perspective than it was before when it was divided between so-called reformists and hardliners who seem to have problems that are now forgotten as a result of the death of Soleimani? That shouldnt prevent us from fighting against evil. If more people join it, it is another reason why we have to fight. If young people are so influenced, they will be brought into the cycle of terrorism. That only shows us how far they came from a country that was peaceful forty years ago to today, where the fingers and the hands of the Iranians are involved in other countries, creating terrorism. It will not stop them now, so they youngest will join. But if they see that terrorism doesnt pay, they will not join what their leaders want to them to do. SINGAPORE/BEIJING (Reuters) - China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) has pulled out about 20 employees from the West Qurna-1 oilfield in Iraq as tensions in the region have escalated, a Beijing-based source from the company familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. CNPC declined to comment on the matter. The West Qurna-1 oilfield is jointly developed by CNPC and Exxon Mobil, with the U.S. major as the operator. "CNPC pulled out its staff from West Qurna on Jan. 5, following Exxon's direction as they are the operator, right after the U.S. killing of Soleimani," the source said. Qassem Soleimani, who commanded the elite Quds Force, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Iraq last week. Iran launched missile attacks on U.S.-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike on the Iranian commander, fuelling fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Exxon Mobil did not immediately respond to an email request for comment. CNPC maintained its staff of close to 60 at Rumaila, another Iraqi oilfield that is a joint venture with BP as the operator, said the source, who declined to be named as he was not authorized to speak to the press. At Halfaya, a third major oilfield in Iraq where CNPC works as an operator, the Chinese state oil firm maintains a team of around 100. "Teams at Rumaila and Halyafa update headquarters on the securities situation on a daily basis. For now there's no plan for evacuations," the source added. (Reporting by Chen Aizhu in SINGAPORE, Muyu Xu and Shivani Singh in BEIJING; additional reporting by Shu Zhang in Singapore; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Himani Sarkar) Benny Gantz, the leader of Israel's Blue and White party, said Wednesday during a party meeting that the release of the Trump administration's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan ahead of the country's March 2 elections would be "a harsh interference in the electoral process in Israel." Why it matters: Gantz, the main political opponent to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, issued his statement a day after he met President Trumps envoy Avi Berkowitz with whom he discussed the long-awaited peace plan. The remarks are a sign that Blue and White fears the Trump administration might try to use the timing of the plan's release to boost Netanyahus campaign as it did before last April's elections. The White House has already postponed the plan's release twice due to Israel's elections last April and September. What he's saying: "The contact with the Americans is good and important. I cant elaborate on what was discussed with the U.S. envoy Berkowitz. I can assume that in such an important issue [the release of the peace plan] the Americans will be very careful and would not publish it before the elections because such a move would be a real and harsh interference in the electoral process in Israel. But obviously they are dealing with many other important issues, and I will not tell them what to do. Gantz, at the start of Blue and White's press conference on Wednesday The big picture: Gantzs aides refused to say whether he conveyed this message in his meeting with Berkowitz yesterday. "We respect the Americans and dont want to discuss what was said in private," one Gantz aide told me. Go deeper: Israeli officials believe U.S. may release peace plan before election [January 08, 2020] DPW Holdings Updates the Status of Its Subsidiary DPW Financial Group, Inc.'s Acquisition of Two Broker-Dealers; the Broker-Dealers Have Withdrawn Their Applications Seeking FINRA Approval DPW Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: DPW), a diversified holding company ("DPW," or the "Company"), announced on January 2, 2020 that its wholly owned subsidiary, DPW Financial Group, Inc. ("DPWF"), has entered into an agreement whereby it will acquire two broker-dealers, consisting of Glendale Securities, Inc. ("GSI"), a retail broker-dealer, and its correspondent clearing broker dealer (collectively, the "Firms"). DPW also announced that the closing of the agreement is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory clearance, which consists principally of approval by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA") and that FINRA may not approve the acquisitions in the foreseeable future, if at all. On January 7, 2020, the Firms held a telephonic meeting with representatives of FINRA and were, to DPW's knowledge, informed by FINRA that the proposed transaction would not be approved in its currently contemplated form. As a result, the Firms have withdrawn their respective applications seeking FINRA's approval of the agreement. The Company is reviewing the information it has been provided by GSI and is presently evaluating its options with respect to the agreement, including whether the agreement, possibly in modified form, could reasonably be expected to close in the foreseeable future, if ever, as well as other outside factors that could affect FINRA's view of the agreement. In any event, given the withdrawal of the agreements, the agreement could under no circumstances be closed until late in the third quarter of 2020 at the earliest, if ever. For further information regarding all terms and conditions contained in the definitive agreement, please see the Company's Form 8-K relating to the intended acquisition of the Firms, which was filed on January 2, 2020. The Company recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read the Company's public filings and press releases available on its website at www.DPWHoldings.com under the Investor Relations section or available at www.sec.gov. About DPW Holdings, Inc. DPW Holdings, Inc. is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, the Company provides mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including defense/aerospace, industrial, telecommunications, medical, crypto-mining, and textiles. In addition, the Company owns a select portfolio of commercial hospitality properties and extends credit to select entrepreneurial businesses through a licensed lending subsidiary. DPW's headquarters are located at 201 Shipyard Way, Suite E, Newport Beach, CA (News - Alert) 92663; www.DPWHoldings.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company's business and financial results are included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company's website at www.DPWHoldings.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005334/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] President Moon Jae-in / Yonhap Cheong Wa Dae said Wednesday it's keeping a close watch on the current situations involving Iran, taking relevant reports on a real-time basis. With regard to what's going on there, the government, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is "in close consultations" with local authorities with a top priority on the security and safety of South Korean nationals, Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Ko Min-jung said in a statement. She added the presidential office is receiving "real-time reports and closely monitoring the current situations." Ko later told reporters that the government has already taken "lots of measures" in connection with the safety of South Koreans in the region. The official lunchtime opening event for the Sondheim Theatre has been delayed after Stephen Sondheim suffered a fall that has left him 'temporarily incapacitated' at his home in Connecticut, it has been announced by producer Cameron Mackintosh. Sondheim was due to attend an event on the 14 January 2020 at the newly refurbished and modernised space on Shaftesbury Avenue, the current home of Les Miserables. The event has now been delayed, and is expected to go ahead later this year. Les Miserables continues to run with a production opening night gala next week still occurring as planned. In a statement Mackintosh said: "I am very sorry to have to let you know that we have just been informed that Stephen Sondheim suffered a fall a few days ago at his Connecticut home where he tore a ligament which has seriously compromised his immediate mobility. As a consequence, we have had to take the disappointing decision to postpone the official opening of the Sondheim Theatre (where Les Miserables is playing) on the 14th of January 2020 which Stephen was coming over for from New York. "It is likely to be a few months before Stephen will be fit enough to travel to England again to celebrate the new theatre bearing his name. Though temporarily incapacitated, Steve is very much still here in feisty frustrated spirit with West Side Story and Company opening imminently on Broadway and the Sondheim Theatre and Sunday in the Park With George opening in London." Sondheim himself added: "I would do nearly anything for Cameron. But to stand side by side with him on a West End stage holding onto a stroller is not something I will let him enjoy teasing me about. From the early reports of friends and the mouth-watering photos I have seen, Les Miz will have to run another 35 years for him to break even on what he has spent creating such an extravagantly beautiful new theatre out of an old building. "As I recover from my tumble, I'm impatient to throw away my cane, grab my hat and head across the Pond as soon as I can to see on which cherub Cameron has tattooed my initials. I am, to put it mildly, chuffed to have my name on a theatre in the West End I have loved visiting ever since my first trip to London almost seventy years ago. London has always been a second home to me personally and professionally. On this occasion, Cameron has even offered to lend me a flock of his sheep so I can exercise my right as a Freeman of the City to bring them across London Bridge without charge." The Sondheim Theatre, formerly the Queen's, closed in the summer of 2019 for refurbishment, opening again for performances in December last year. Sondheim is expected to be fully recovered in time for his 90th birthday on 22 March 2020. Iran has struck back at the United States for killing its most powerful military commander, firing a barrage of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house American troops. The Iranian supreme leader said the attack was a slap against Americas military presence in the region. The retaliation is another dangerous escalation that could draw the region deeper into turmoil, despite insistence by Washington and Tehran that neither side wants war. US and Iraqi officials said there were no casualties among their forces. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made clear that Irans missile strikes were in revenge for the US killing of Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani. His death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets to mourn him. Ayatollah Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander. Last night they received a slap, Ayatollah Khamenei said in a speech after the missile strikes. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end. Despite the heightened rhetoric, there were some indications that there might not be more immediate retaliation by either side. All is well! President Donald Trump tweeted shortly after the missile attacks, adding, So far, so good regarding the assessment of casualties and damage. Moments earlier, Irans foreign minister tweeted that Tehran had taken and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence, adding that Tehran did not seek escalation but would defend itself against further aggression. It appeared Iran gave advance warning of the strikes. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi said he received notification from Iran just after midnight that its retaliation was starting or would start soon and would focus only on American positions. Finland and Lithuanias militaries, which had personnel at one of the targeted bases, said they received information about an imminent attack and had time to move to shelters or leave the base. Irans attacks appeared designed for maximum domestic effect with minimum escalatory risk, said Henry Rome, analyst with Eurasia Group. For a president who wants to avoid a war in the Middle East during an election year, the Iranians have provided an off-ramp he will likely take, Mr Rome said. Tensions have risen steadily in the Middle East since Mr Trumps decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers. The Iranian strikes on the bases marked the first time in recent years that Iran has directly attacked US positions rather than through proxies in the region. It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two rivals, who have been at odds since Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent US embassy takeover and hostage crisis. Adding to the chaos, a Ukrainian plane with 176 people crashed after takeoff just outside Tehran on Wednesday morning, killing all on board, Iranian state TV and Ukrainian officials said. Expand Close Debris from a Ukrainian plane which crashed in Shahedshahr, south west of Tehran (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Debris from a Ukrainian plane which crashed in Shahedshahr, south west of Tehran (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP) Mechanical issues were suspected. The Boeing 737-800 had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport, bound for the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. The plane carried 167 passengers and nine crew members. Ukraines foreign minister Vadym Prystaiko said there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians on board the Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and the nine crew. The rest were Swedish, Afghan, German and British nationals. The US Federation Aviation Administration earlier warned of a potential for miscalculation or mis-identification for civilian aircraft in the Persian Gulf. The agency barred US pilots and carriers from flying over areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace. The US has been deploying more troops in the region. US Gulf allies that host thousands of American troops are concerned about an outbreak of direct conflict and retaliation from Iran. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have called for de-escalation. The situation is not currently a war situation, UAE energy minister Suhail Al-Mazrouei told reporters on Wednesday, stressing that Iran is a neighbour and the last thing the country wants is more tension in the region. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Irans Revolutionary Guard warned the US and its allies against retaliating over the missile attack. We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted, the Guard said in a statement carried by Irans state-run IRNA news agency. It also threatened Israel. The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles in Wednesdays strike, two US officials said. Ten hit the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Four failed, said the officials. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners and allies in the region, Jonathan Hoffman, an assistant to the US defence secretary, said. Two Iraqi security officials said a missile appeared to have struck a plane at Ain al-Asad, igniting a fire. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks, according to the officials. Ain al-Asad was first used by American forces after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and it was later used by American troops amid the fight against so-called Islamic State. It houses about 1,500 US and coalition forces. Mr Trump visited it in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Basic Amenities in Libya's Sirte Restored After LNA Gains Control of City - Envoy Sputnik News 15:30 07.01.2020(updated 15:33 07.01.2020) MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Aref Ali Nayed, an envoy for the eastern Libyan government, said on Tuesday that the functioning of basic infrastructure services in the coastal town of Sirte, south of Tripoli, had been restored since the city was recaptured by the Libyan National Army (LNA) from rival forces. "Already schools and hospitals are reopened, police are everywhere. The interior ministry has effectively taken control of all the streets and key locations. It's already transformed from a military operation into policing operation. There is total security in the city now," Nayed said. He added that an emergency committee had been ordered to secure basic services from bread to medicine, clean water and maintaining the electrical and communications grid. Additionally, the envoy said the leadership of the city had gathered on Monday night to show support for the LNA. "All the social fabric and notables of Sirte gathered last night and made a public announcement welcoming the Libyan Army and the Libyan Parliament and it's legitimate government to Sirte, pledging support and also committing to social harmony, safety and well-being of all concerned," Nayed said. On Monday, the LNA, which launched a new offensive on Tripoli in December, entered Sirte, which had been controlled by forces aligned with Libya's internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), and declared full control over the city. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar on Wednesday met Higher Secretary Amit Khare and Joint Secretary G C Hosur and briefed them about the "substantial steps taken by the University administration to bring back normalcy in the campus". "This morning met Shri Amit Khare and Shri GC Hosur at MHRD and briefed them on the steps being taken at JNU to bring normalcy. All efforts are being made to facilitate winter semester registration for willing students and a conducive environment for their academic pursuits," tweeted M Jagadesh Kumar. On Sunday evening, more than 30 students of the university including JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh were injured and were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre after a masked mob entered the varsity and attacked them and professors with sticks and rods. According to sources in the Delhi Police, the investigation has revealed that some insiders and some outsiders were involved in the violence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) State Superintendent of Education John White, who helped lead the state through sweeping changes in its public schools since 2012, told officials Wednesday he is leaving his post. Click here to read this resignation letter. White, who survived pitched political battles with two governors, made the announcement in a letter sent by email to members of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, who will be in charge of finding White's successor. He said serving as superintendent for the past eight years the longest tenure in the nation was the "greatest blessing and privilege of my career." White also said that, during his tenure, the state has boosted scores on a key national exam, reached its highest high school graduation rate 81% and overhauled its early childhood education system. The superintendent helped usher in the politically-charged statewide expansion of school vouchers, tougher annual evaluations for public school teachers and stricter rules on how public schools are rated. La. teachers to face tougher job reviews in new school year under controversial evaluations Louisiana public schools are starting the 2017-18 academic year anew, and students will not be the only ones facing a new challenge. "Louisiana is better educated today than any point in its history," White said in his letter. The superintendent's resignation is effective March 11. What he will do next is unclear. However, White has developed something of a national reputation in education circles and has long been the subject of speculation for jobs elsewhere. State Superintendent John White leads bid to aid high school graduates, 'Our country has swung and missed' State Superintendent of Education John White has quietly become the co-founder and chairman of the board of a national nonprofit group aimed a Jefferson Parish Superintendent Cade Brumley and former Recovery School District Superintendent Patrick Dobard have been mentioned as possible successors. White, 44, became superintendent in January 2012 after a campaign by then Gov. Bobby Jindal to line up the needed votes on BESE. The pair later had a bitter and nationally watched falling out over Common Core, the controversial push to upgrade rigor in reading, writing and math. That issue sparked heated battles among BESE members, parents, state lawmakers and public school groups. Backers said White and his allies were trying to bring overdue changes to public schools. Opponents charged that the standards represented federal meddling in local school issues, and some made White the target of their anger. However, the standards survived and, after a makeover aimed at adding more of a Louisiana imprint, survive today with little controversy. BESE President Gary Jones, who lives near Alexandria, praised White's tenure. "John was definitely a change agent and Louisiana education needed one," Jones said. Ann Duplessis, president of the pro-voucher group Louisiana Federation for Children, echoed that comment. "Under John White's leadership K-12 education has turned the corner," Duplessis said in a statement. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Vouchers are state aid for children from low-income families to attend private schools. White generally sided with advocates of major changes in school operations, which often put him at odds with the state's two teacher unions the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and Louisiana Association of Educators and the Louisiana School Boards Association. He was often aligned with advocates of charter schools, the Council for a Better Louisiana and Stand for Children, whose officials were often embroiled in public schools battles at BESE and the Legislature. In 2015 then gubernatorial candidate John Bel Edwards, long supported by teacher unions, vowed to replace White as superintendent. But after being elected governor Edwards saw that he lacked the votes on BESE, which makes the call, to carry out his campaign pledge. Edwards and White later developed a functional working relationship in spite of major differences over how to improve the state's long-struggling school system. In a statement, the governor noted that, with White's support, teachers in 2019 won their first pay raise in a decade, state aid for public schools rose as did dollars for early childhood education. "Though we did not always see eye to eye I appreciate John White's service to our state," Edwards said. Louisiana's public schools are under the microscope again; it's different this time While 44% of Louisiana's public schools are again under special scrutiny, the picture is less dire than it was eight years ago when state lead Tia Mills, president of the Louisiana Association of Educators, said her group wishes White well but is is glad he is leaving. "I know many educators were not pleased with the initiatives pushed by Mr. White's administration," Mills said in a statement. Despite notable gains in key areas in the past eight years, Louisiana remains near the bottom nationally in public school achievement. "If our state's struggle to provide many of them (children) a quality education is in part a product of history and circumstance, it remains our responsibility as Louisianians to provide them homes, communities and schools that nurture their gifts in spite of history and circumstance," White said in his email to BESE members. He said 2019 improvements in eighth-grade math on the nation's report card were the biggest in the nation and that Louisiana finished in the Top 10 in the past decade for gains on all four subjects covered by the exam, called the National Assessment of Education Progress. White, who is paid $275,000 per year, made his announcement just ahead of a new BESE board taking office, which takes place during inauguration ceremonies on Monday. Push to overhaul public schools likely to continue after near sweep for business-backed BESE candidates Business-backed candidates won six of seven contested seats for Louisiana's top school board, which means the push to overhaul public schools The previous board was unable to agree on a new contract, which requires eight of the 11 votes on BESE. As a result, White has operated on a month-to-month agreement for the past four years. BESE Vice-President Holly Boffy, who lives in Lafayette, said the state made "great strides" during White's time. Boffy said the board will hold a special meeting to discuss the hunt for a new superintendent. White, who grew up in Washington, D.C., served as superintendent of the Recovery School in New Orleans for nine months before assuming his current post. He is former deputy chancellor for the New York City Department of Education. White, who is married and has a 1 1/2-year-old daughter, said he plans to remain in New Orleans. MBABANE - The leaders of the Political Party Assembly (PPA) who are under investigation say legally, the countrys name is Swaziland. Sibongile Mazibuko, Musa Nkambule, Jan Sithole and Wandile Dludlu, who are represented by Thulani Maseko in the matter in which they seek the setting aside of the search and seizure warrants against them, said the legal notice establishing the countrys name as Eswatini was not in line with the Constitution. Mazibuko is the President of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC) while Nkambule is the Chairman of Sibahle Sinje National Movement. Dludlu is the Secretary General of the Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and Sithole is the President of the Swaziland Democratic Party (SWADEPA). Raised They made the submission yesterday before Judge Nkosinathi Maseko when the court heard points of law that were raised by the State in the matter. Assistant Attorney General Mbuso Simelane had stated that the PPA leaders had referred to the court as the High Court of Swaziland in their papers instead of the High Court of Eswatini. Simelane said the court referred to by the quartet was non- existent. In response, their attorney informed the court that when Legal Notice 80 of 2018 was issued, it was stated that reference to Swaziland may be construed to mean Eswatini. Thulani said the legal notice was merely a subsidiary in the scheme of things. The human rights lawyer further mentioned that the manner in which the legal notice was issued was allegedly not in line with the Constitution, which rendered it illegal. The High Court, according to Thulani, was not established by a legal notice but by the High Court Act of 1954, which is an Act of Parliament that was never repealed or amended. What is the legal notice standing vis-a-vis the High Court Act? Which is superior? I understand that the High Court Act remains superior and the legal notice issued by the king does not supersede the Act of Parliament, he said. Illegal According to Thulani, the King was allegedly misled into endorsing it. The legal notice is absolutely illegal and absolutely unconstitutional. The legal position is that the country remains Swaziland and this court remains the High Court of Swaziland. If there were to be any changes, they would have to be in line with the Constitution. He went on to say the practice directive that was issued by the chief justice after the countrys name was changed to Eswatini to the effect that the new name now be used on court papers, was allegedly unlawful. He said the chief justices directive did not create a new court at all. He pointed out that the power to do so remained with those who created the supreme law. There is a pending matter in court challenging the constitutionality of the change of the countrys name to Eswatini. Directive Simelane, in reply, told the court that Legal Notice 80 of 2018 was law and the chief justices directive existed. Thulani noted that the affidavit filed by the police referred to the deponent of the States papers as a member of the Royal Swaziland Police instead of Royal Eswatini Police Service. If Simelanes submissions were anything to go by, Thulani told the court that there was then no application before the magistrates courts for search warrants. The human rights lawyer also said the heads of argument filed by Principal Crown Counsel Bheki Tsabedze referred to the court as the High Court of Swaziland. The respondents, according to Thulani, were inconsistent in their use of Eswatini in their papers unlike the applicants who constantly referred to the court as the High Court of Swaziland. The assistant AG informed the court that the PPA leaders were not properly before court. He said they should have filed their applications at the magistrates court, which issued the search warrants. He said they could only come to the High Court for a review of the magistrates decision. Warrant Thulani submitted that an application to set aside a warrant of arrest can be made at the High Court. He told the court that the PPA leaders were properly before court and that there was nothing preventing them from approaching the High Court. Thulani said it was not for government to tell them how they were to come to court. Meanwhile, Simelane said the PPA leaders cited the prime minister in their papers to merely embarrass him. However, Thulani, who represents the quartet, argued that they cited the prime minister in his capacity as the line minister of the police. Simelane further said Sithole was the only one who applied to set aside the search warrants, which Thulani denied. The court has reserved its judgment and extended the interim order preventing the police from doing anything concerning the applicants while the matter is still pending in court. Siesta Key star Juliette Porter accused her co-star, newcomer Cara Geswelli, of hooking up with The Challenge veteran Johnny Bananas in Cancun last March when the two made an appearance for MTVs Spring Break. Bananas, who is currently dating Big Brother Over the Top winner Morgan Willett, responded to the rumors on social media. Johnny Bananas Devenanzio | Matt Winkelmeyer The Challenge stars Johnny Bananas and Morgan Willett are dating Veteran Johnny Bananas and rookie Morgan Willett partnered up for the first installment of War of the Worlds in 2018. Even though the two were eliminated in the third episode, they became very close and began dating shortly after that. During the reunion show, Bananas admitted something was going on between them but didnt explicitly confirm the relationship. Then, the two began posting photos traveling around the world, and Willett admitted she got to know Bananas on a personal level, but wanted to keep some things private. "THIS SHIT'S FUCKIN BANANAS" I grew up watching @ThatKevinSmith films, so having a cameo in his new movie #JayAndSilentBobReboot and being in a scene with @JayMewes brought a childhood dream to life check it out in theaters NATIONWIDE Oct 15th and 17th #BanActor pic.twitter.com/HAoTzjM2TW Johnny Bananas (@johnnybananas) October 16, 2019 In October 2019, the couple made their red carpet debut at the Los Angeles, California premiere for Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, in which Bananas had a small cameo. Some believe they have not outright revealed they are dating as they think she may have cheated on ex-boyfriend Jay Starrett with Bananas. Siesta Key Juliette Porter accuses Cara Geswelli of cheating with Johnny Bananas Since last season of Siesta Key, Juliette Porter and Cara Geswelli have had beef as Porter believed her former friend flirted with her then-boyfriend, and Geswellis ex, Alex Kompothecras, and wanted him back. The new cast member also ended Season 2 on an unsure note with her boyfriend, Garrett Miller, when she left for a family trip. On the night before the premiere of Siesta Key Season 3, Porter tweeted, Cara is a shady skank, and she f****d @johnnybananas while dating @__GarettMiller in Cancun. Cara is a shady skank and she f*ckrd @johnnybananas while dating @__GarrettMiller in Cancun Juliette Porter (@juliettep0rter) January 7, 2020 Miller responded to her tweet with a gif from Little Rascals of the character Porky resting his face in his hands and grinning. While the New Jersey-native hasnt directly responded to Porter as of yet, in a trailer for the third season, she says, If Ive learned anything, its to stop cheating and to stop lying because people will find out about it. Porter claimed that Floribama Shore star Nilsa Prowant spilled the beans as she, Geswelli, and Bananas all attended an MTV Spring Break event together in Cancun. According to Instagram stories, Porter and Prowant were also hanging out the same night the Siesta Key star made her accusations on Twitter. Johnny Bananas responded to rumors he cheated with Cara Geswelli A few hours after Porters tweet went viral, Bananas posted a picture of himself in a suit, sitting down and laughing. He also tagged his current location as Siesta Key, Florida. Several people, including The Challenge co-stars Kayleigh Morris and Nany Carmen, responded with their support of him and his relationship with Willett. Additionally, he tweeted, Is there a drought in South Florida because these #SiestaKey kids are thirsty! Even though Willett has been active on social media, she hasnt responded to the rumors. Is there a drought in South Florida because these #SiestaKey kids are thiiiiiiirstaaay Johnny Bananas (@johnnybananas) January 8, 2020 The Challenge Season 35 will premiere in 2020. Minister for Health Simon Harris at the launch of a new Patient Advocacy Service at Dublin Castle. The Health Minister is to appear before an emergency meeting of the Joint Committee on Health next week as the number of people on trolleys reached 621 on Wednesday. Simon Harris and HSE Officials will attend an emergency meeting of the Committee next Wednesday to discuss the hospital trolley crisis. Sinn Fein Health spokesperson Louise OReilly said: The scale of the ongoing overcrowding crisis is of huge concern to patients, healthcare workers, and the public. The public health system is currently crippled by a lack of capacity and staff, and hundreds of patients are struggling to access our hospitals daily. It has been clear that the planning of the Minister for Health and HSE officials has failed, and the consequences are drastic with hundreds of patients stuck on trolleys for days and surgeries being cancelled at a number of hospitals across the State. The situation is putting the health and well being of patients and staff at risk. The response to the crisis by the Minister and the HSE has just not been good enough. Expand Close Ambulances outside Beaumont Hospital in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ambulances outside Beaumont Hospital in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) There were 621 people on trolleys across hospitals in the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday. This is down from a total of 760 people waiting for a bed at the start of the week, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (Inmo). The hospitals with the highest levels of overcrowding on Wednesday include the University Hospital Limerick (63), University Hospital Galway (46), Cork University Hospital (43) and South Tipperary General Hospital (39). Inmo general secretary, Phil Ni Sheaghdha, said: The intolerable pressure placed on frontline staff and patients continues. The trolley crisis is not a fact of life. There are simple, accepted solutions to fix it. Weve made real progress in Beaumont and Drogheda hospitals, which were often the most overcrowded until recent years. This is down to planned additional recruitment and planned extra capacity. This model has to be adopted nationally. PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-08 14:30:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 958 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 KINGSTON, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 08, 2020 / Delta Resources Limited ("Delta") (TSXV:DLTA) is pleased to announce preliminary results from its first drilling program at the Delta-1 Property, 50 kilometres west of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Results are deemed preliminary as many intervals within the drill holes remain to be sampled in order to define the mineralized zones.Delta completed a total of 1009 metres of drilling in 6 drill holes in late November 2019, testing the Eureka Gold Occurrence.Drilling was carried out on three sections oriented at 160 degrees azimuth and spaced 100 metres apart. The westernmost sections cover approximately 220 metres across strike in three drill holes, the easternmost section covers approximately 175 metres in 2 drill holes and the central section covers approximately 110 metres with one drill hole.From north to south, drilling intersected clastic sediments, ultramafic flows and feldspar-phyric mafic flows with sediments and ultramafic flows crosscut by dikes of intermediate composition. All units are pervasively altered and mineralized the same way. Alteration consists of progressive ankeritization and silicification followed by at least two generations of breccias. The timing of gold mineralization is still unclear. Both alteration and mineralized zones are open in all directions. The true thickness of the mineralized zones can't be established yet due to a lack of information.Results to date show a very wide zone of low-grade gold mineralization intersected over 200 metres of strike length in drill holes DT1-19-02, 03 and 05.DT1-19-02 = 106.7 m grading 0,11 g/t gold (note that 17,8 m of drill core remains to be assayed within the zone and were temporarily assigned values of zero).DT1-19-03 = 141.0 m grading 0,13 g/t gold (note that 20,8 m of drill core remains to be assayed within the zone and were temporarily assigned values of zero).DT1-19-05 = 97.0 m grading 0,23 g/t gold (note that the zone is open, up and down hole and 23,6 m of drill core remains to be assayed within the zone and were temporarily assigned values of zero).Complete results are as follows:"We're very pleased with these initial results at Eureka", says Andre Tessier, president and CEO of Delta Resources. "The alteration is extensive and pervasive, and there's a lot of gold in the system. Our focus now is to look for structural traps or the core of the mineralizing system where the higher-grade zones are hiding." The Delta exploration team is currently in the field, sampling the intervals yet to be sampled. Results will be released as soon as they are available with a more comprehensive interpretation of the mineralization.The property is located in the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt and covers a 17 km strike extent of the Shebandowan Structural Zone which also hosts the low-grade - high-tonnage Moss Lake gold deposit (Wesdome; WDO:TSX), 50 km to the west.Analytical Protocol and QA/QCChemical analyses reported in this press release were performed at SGS Canada Minerals Laboratories in Red Lake, Ontario (ISO/IEC 17025 certified), by atomic absorption method. Sampling and analytical procedures are subject to a comprehensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control program that includes duplicate samples, blanks and analytical standards.NQ-size drill core was sawed in half lengthwise and half of the core was sampled based on geological observations. The remaining half of the core was replaced in core boxes and is stored on site. Drill core samples were bagged and sealed before being transported to SGS Canada Minerals' laboratory in Red Lake.Andre C. Tessier, P.Eng and P.Geo. President and CEO of Delta Resources Limited is a Qualified Persons as defined by NI-43-101 and is responsible for the technical information presented in this press release. Mr. Tessier has reviewed the drill core and the analytical results described herein.About Delta Resources LimitedDelta Resources Limited is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on growing shareholder value through the acquisition of high-potential gold and base-metal projects in Canada, exploring these projects with state-of-the-art methods, and potentially developing these projects into mines.Delta owns a 100% interest in the Bellechasse-Timmins gold deposit in southeastern Quebec, Canada which contains a 43-101 gold resource of 171,000 ounces at an average grade of 1.83 g/t gold in the indicated category and an additional 95,000 ounces at an average grade of 1.36 g/t gold in the inferred category (SGS Canada Inc., Bellechasse-Timmins Property Resource Estimate, Southeastern Quebec, August 1, 2012).The company's focus is currently to build a strong portfolio of mineral exploration properties with a high potential for economic discoveries in Canada while evaluating the long-term potential of its 100% owned Bellechasse-Timmins gold deposit in southeastern Quebec.On October 3rd, 2019, Delta announced the acquisition of the Eureka Gold Discovery in the Thunder Bay area and on October 16th, 2019, the acquisition of the Delta-2 Property which hosts the R-14 Gold Prospect in the Chibougamau Mining District of Quebec.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DELTA RESOURCES LIMITED.Andre C. TessierPresident, CEO and DirectorWe seek safe harbor. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange has not approved nor disapproved of the information contained herein.For Further Information:Delta Resources LimitedFrank Candido, ChairmanTel : 514-969-5530fcandido@ deltaresources.ca orAndre Tessier, CEO and PresidentTel: 613-328-1581atessier@ deltaresources.ca Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking InformationSome statements contained in this news release are " "forward looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward looking information include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the use of proceeds of the non-brokered private placement and payment of the debt settlements. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "pla On Nov. 9, 2019, Germany celebrated the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Combined with the reunification of Germany a year later, that event marked a turning point in German history. Reunification was messy, but it provided a new political beginning for Germany, and an opportunity to slowly heal the divides between East and West. Thirty years later, the success of the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, in regional elections in Germanys East reveals a renewed turmoil in German society. Regional elections in the eastern states of Brandenburg, Sachsen, and Thuringen over the last few months are the latest warning sign for Germany. On one hand, the AfDs success in these elections -- it placed second in all three states -- will likely not cause the collapse of Germanys reigning Grand Coalition, as the union between the Chistian Democrats, or CDU, and Social Democrats, or SPD, is called. However, it is now extremely difficult to form stable regional governments without the AfD, which is currently boycotted by all parties as too extreme. In Brandenburg and Sachsen, the CDU, SPD, and Greens have been forced into difficult three-party coalitions, and in Thuringen no previously attempted governing coalition will be able to secure a majority. These elections underscore the reality that beyond party allegiances, considerable differences still exist between East and West Germany. The AfDs rhetoric, and in particular that of its hard-right faction -- known as Der Flugel and led by former historian Bjorn Hocke -- reveals a radical desire to remake German society. The AfD ran on the slogan Wende 2.0, referring to the peaceful revolution in the communist German Democratic Republic (DDR) that helped bring about the fall of the Wall. The AfDs campaign promise was to complete this revolution and guarantee the rule of law, freedom of speech, and democracy itself, which it seeks to portray as under threat from the current German government. Such a message, even from a party whose leaders and members are continually tied to neo-Nazis, did surprisingly well in East Germany. Faith in democracy in Germanys east has plummeted: Today only around 30 percent say democracy as practiced in Germany is the best form of government. According to Christian Hirte, the German federal commissioner for the former East German states, people there are tired of change and feel themselves treated as second-class citizens. Much of this is related to the deep economic differences that remain between East and West. Despite impressive economic gains and massive investment from West Germany over the last three decades, East Germany is still less well-off than its western counterpart. Approaching 30 years after reunification, GDP per capita in the East is 75 percent of that in the West, and eastern rural areas face dwindling populations. A stubborn, general sentiment exists that East Germans are underrepresented in top positions compared to West Germans. These lasting economic and social woes have helped make Germanys East a fertile ground for the AfD to plant roots. Anchored in the East and stagnating in the West, the AfD is waging a self-described culture war throughout Germany. Its main targets are the traditional media, which the party views as a propaganda apparatus, and groups representing other political or cultural viewpoints. The partys weapons are threats against journalists or attempts to curtail the funding for different forms of art. It also stages demonstrations and issues heated rhetoric calling, for example, for a national theater culture to support German identity and culture. The vociferousness of the AfDs official cultural offensive has encouraged extreme-right and violent elements of German society to the point that artists and public officials have received death threats, including Thuringen CDU boss Mike Mohring, who received a death threat signed Sieg Heil und Heil Hitler. The success of the AfD is evidence of a German identity crisis, especially with regards to how Germans view the last thirty years. It is unclear whether the AfD will be able to capitalize further on its electoral success. The party has plateaued nationally, and the power struggle between the partys more moderate wing and Hockes Flugel will likely continue. But this may matter little for the partys direction, as the major disagreement between the two factions is on style and not on Hockes radicalism, which is in the middle of the party according to former party head Alexander Gauland. After the national party conferences in November and December, the real effect of these elections on wider German politics may still be to come. Though the CDUs leadership contest has been paused, there is still division in the party regarding its overall direction, which an emboldened AfD overtly seeks to exploit. While Germanys ruling coalition looks set to limp out the rest of its term, the AfDs eastern surge and its new strategy reveal that there is still immense work to be done to protect the democratic gains of the past 30 years. Nicolas Rapp En espanol | Looked at your homeowners insurance policy lately? Very possibly, no. In a sign of how little attention this coverage gets, nearly a quarter of homeowners surveyed by Insurance.com in 2018 said they'd never even read their policy. But even if you studied the fine print when you bought your policy, over time there may be home renovations, rising building costs and changing housing codes. To be sure that you're neither underinsured nor overpaying, check if any of these situations apply to you. 1. You renovated or built an addition The cornerstone of a homeowners policy is what's known as dwelling protection: the maximum amount of money you could receive to replace the structure of your home should it have to be completely rebuilt. But too often, people who renovate their homes adding on a first-floor master suite, for example don't adjust their policy to suit the higher replacement cost, says Derek Klock, a Virginia Tech professor and coauthor of The Process of Financial Planning. Construction costs are no doubt higher than when you bought your first policy years ago, and specialized spaces, such as a bathroom or kitchen, cost more to rebuild than basic living space. Ask an insurance agent to reassess your property to make sure your coverage is adequate, Klock advises. (Also make sure that you have sufficient coverage for your personal possessions.) Note that if your home is damaged, most insurers won't fully reimburse you for repairs unless you've insured your home for at least 80 percent of its value. 2. Building codes have changed The older your home is, the greater the chance that it doesn't satisfy upgraded building codes, such as those meeting standards for resistance to fire in California or wind in Florida. The usual replacement-cost coverage generally doesn't include the extra expense of meeting codes adopted after your home was originally built. So you should add on building code coverage (also called building law or ordinance coverage) if you might have to comply with new requirements. 3. You inherited your mother's jewelry Standard homeowners insurance policies usually have limited coverage, often $2,000 or less, for all your jewelry. Kevin Lynch, a faculty instructor at the American College of Financial Services, recommends that you cover your valuable items, including jewelry, with a separate personal-articles policy, which is designed to protect against not only theft but also other mishaps, like losing a ring while swimming. If the value of an insured item has little relation to the original price paid, you should get it appraised, Klock says. In other cases, original receipts along with a photo or video of the item may be sufficient. 4. You are increasingly worried about natural disasters Floods, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, you name it. Fire wild and otherwise and wind damage are usually covered under a standard policy. But flood damage, including the kind that may come with a hurricane, is likely excluded. So if you live in a flood zone, consider purchasing flood insurance. The cost of coverage varies, but on average it's $700 per year for a primary residence. (Visit the government's FloodSmart.gov site to learn what the flood risk in your area might be and how to buy insurance.) Earthquake coverage requires an additional premium on your homeowners policy; costs vary widely depending on location. 5. You downsized to a condo If you're insuring a condominium unit, Klock says, the key thing to know is what type of insurance your homeowners association (HOA) has in place. At minimum, it might be a type called bare walls, which basically covers only the shell of the building around your unit. At most, it might also cover improvements or additions you've made to your unit. Once you know the HOA's level of coverage, you can buy a condo insurance policy that dovetails with your HOA's. 6. You downsized to a rental A standard renters policy generally covers everything in a homeowners policy other than the structure itself for example, possessions and the cost of living elsewhere if you're temporarily displaced by a fire or other calamity. This is really important, Klock says, because the landlord's policy will cover repairs, but not your belongings. Without a renters policy, you would need to sue the landlord for damages, he says. And lawsuits are typically only successful in cases of landlord negligence. Renters insurance is relatively cheap: The average annual U.S. premium is $180, compared with $1,211 for a homeowners policy. EDWARDSVILLE (AP) Police say the man accused of killing prominent Edwardsville attorney Randy Gori often moved around but stayed in the St. Louis area. Court records show he was evicted in December from his St. Louis apartment. Timothy Michael Banowetz, 28, is accused of fatally stabbing Randy Gori and holding two children captive Saturday night at Goris home in Edwardsville, Illinois, a city across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. Gori, 47, had two children, but authorities have not said if they were the minors who were held captive. Police believe Banowetz acted alone. Investigators would not comment on any motive, but the crime also included the theft of Goris 2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV, along with cash and the childrens cellphones. Gori had a passion for collecting vehicles, especially Ferraris. He owned 20 Ferraris and served as vice president of a local chapter of the Ferrari Club of America, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Banowetz, who was enrolled in the fall at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, was in jail without bond on charges of first-degree murder and nine other counts. Online court records Wednesday didnt indicate whether he has a lawyer who could comment on the allegations. Goris actions during the attack, and an interruption of the crime by a woman, likely saved the childrens lives, said Madison County Sheriffs Office Capt. Dave Vucich, who declined to elaborate. In my 22-year career as a law enforcement official, Ive seen a lot of gruesome cases, Vucich said Monday. But this one elevates to the top of heinous and senseless crimes. Police found Banowetz Sunday in a wooded area near Goris home, with the stolen SUV nearby. Goris law firm specializes in asbestos litigation nationwide, with offices in Edwardsville, St. Louis, New Orleans, Washington, Los Angeles, New York and Orlando, Florida. Gori also founded a real estate and property management company. Gori was also known for large charitable donations, including a recent $2.5 million pledge to the city of Edwardsville to help build an ice rink. Banowetz previously attended the College of the Ozarks near Branson, Missouri, from 2010 through 2014, a college spokesman said Tuesday. Salger appointed managing partner of Gori Law Firm Following the death of the managing partner and co-founder, Randy Gori, The Gori Law Firm has appointed Sara Salger to managing partner. One of the first attorneys hired at the firm when it was formed in 2008, Salger worked alongside Gori to help build the practice and its extensive staff located across the country. This comes after the killing of attorney and well-known philanthropist in Edwardsville, Randy Gori. Randy was a friend, mentor and a respected member of the legal community, Salger said Wednesday. The people who work at The Gori Law Firm and each and every client meant so much to him, so the staff is united in honoring Randy by serving our clients with continued superior service and results. That is what mattered to him most. In 2017, Salger was selected to receive an award from the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys. Salger was also selected by the committee for the Top 10 Under 40 in the State of Illinois. Tuesday was Kenyatta Allens first time attending a candidate forum. When she left, she had a better idea of whom she might vote for, was registered as a deputy voter registrar and planned to encourage more people to attend similar events. This election, its good knowing what people stand for, their positions on certain issues, their character and their history, she said. I wanted to know who they are and why theyre running for this position. That information became particularly relevant when she was told that Texas would not have straight-ticket voting this year. Allen was one of dozens of people who attended an event put on by the Jefferson County Democratic Party to hear from three candidates for one of Texas two U.S. Senate seats, which is currently held by John Cornyn, who is seeking reelection. At the beginning of the event, attendees were allowed to register to become deputy voter registrars, meaning they can sign up people to vote. Jefferson County Tax Assessor/Collector and Voter Registrar Allison Getz said all of the 120 registration packets she brought to the event were taken, although she wasnt yet sure how many were returned. Three of the 12 Democrats running for U.S. senator Michael Cooper, the president of Beaumonts NAACP chapter; Amanda Edwards, a Houston City Councilwoman; and state Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas took about 10 minutes to address the crowded room at the Jefferson County Democratic Party headquarters, about issues including education, criminal justice and healthcare. A few other candidates for local office also were given a short opportunity to speak. Cooper has repeatedly stressed his focus on education and desire to hold President Donald Trump accountable. Edwards is campaigning as a leader focused on solutions and people, instead of politics, touting her record as an at-large councilwoman in one of the nations most populous cities. West also has brought his record front and center, noting his accomplishments in criminal justice and education. Five Republicans also are vying for the seat. Although shes still not sure who shell ultimately vote for, Allen said Edwards impressed her the most Tuesday, in part because shes young, innovative and you just felt it. Additionally, she pointed out that Edwards spoke about checking on Houston residents after Hurricane Harvey. You want someone whos doing something and then going back to make sure it was done, she said. Past Beaumont mayoral candidate Joshua Yates and Cheryl Richard, who urged Allen to come to the forum, said they were particularly interested in hearing what the candidates had to say about healthcare. Yates mentioned the cancer treatment his grandparents are going through and Richard brought up medical procedures she had a couple of months ago when underscoring the importance of voting for a candidate who will pursue a healthcare system that works. A lot of people look at it as a handout, but it comes out of your paycheck, Allen said. If youre talking about healthcare for all, thats fine because you never know someones situation. The three also wanted to encourage other residents to look for opportunities to hear from candidates in such an intimate setting. Yates said when youre sitting in the same room as someone, instead of watching them on TV or reading about them online or in print, you have an opportunity to learn more about their character and what they stand for. Jefferson County Democratic Party Chair Ava Graves, whos facing Joseph Trahan and Paul Martin in the race for the seat, said the party is looking for more opportunities to host forums like this one and to register people to vote. When contacted by The Enterprise after the meeting, Republican Party Chair Judy Nichols said her party also is discussing creating opportunities for residents to hear from the candidates in person. kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/KaitlinBain General Qasem Soleimani had a flexible position on Karabakh issue, Iranologist Garik Misakyan told reporters on Wednesday. According to him, the same was said on one of Irans state international TV channels during one of the expert-analytical programs. Misakyan noted that Qasem Soleimani understood very well that if Azerbaijan won the Karabakh war, the positions of the Pan-Turkists in the north of Iran would strengthen, which would lead to the unification of Nakhichevan with mainland Azerbaijan, and an increase in the threat to the Armenias Syunik region, which, in fact, is dividing strip, as well as for Iran itself. As reported earlier, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) of Iran has this morning announced the start of operations to exact revenge for the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani. Surface-to-surface missiles have been fired from Iran toward the Ayn al-Assad and the Erbil bases in western Iraq, where the US military is stationed. Even if Anthony had a year to analyze and dissect each piece...(he couldn't tell if it would)... stand the harsh light of public exposure. WUWT insider Willis Eschenbach tells you all you need to know about Anthony Watts and his blog, WattsUpWithThat (WUWT). As part of his scathing commentary , Wondering Willis accuses Anthony Watts of being clueless about the blog articles he posts. To paraphrase: Click here to read more. Reuters All is well! is the message from Donald Trump, after Iran launched missile strikes against two US-Iraqi airbases. Tehran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at US targets inside Iraq in retaliation for the death of Qassem Soleimani, its top general, in an American drone strike last week. The rockets were aimed mainly at the Ain al-Asad airbase west of Baghdad, though another base in Erbil, in Kurdistan, was also struck. Mr Trump tweeted: All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Iran and its proxies had vowed revenge for the killing of Soleimani, who led the elite Quds Force within the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and coordinated Tehrans ties throughout the region. Mr Trump warned on Tuesday that the US would respond if Iran acted against it but following the missile strikes the IRGC told him not to, and further put other Middle East countries on notice. Any military action launched from the territory of US allies would incur reprisals, it said. On Twitter, Irans foreign minister said the country did not want an all-out war. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched, Javad Zarif tweeted. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Read more Void left by Qassem Soleimanis death risks devastating the region Iran listed the Pentagon, the military command headquarters of the United States, as terrorist organization on Tuesday. It was another step to combat a series of hostile US actions and threats, including the killing of a top Iranian military commander and the targeting of cultural sites. Lawmakers in Iran announced that the country would blacklist the US Department of Defense, all affiliated institutions and companies, and the commanders "who planned and perpetrated the assassination" of senior general Qasem Soleimani, the official IRNA news agency reported. "Any aid to these forces, including military, intelligence, financial, technical, service or logistical, will be considered as cooperation in a terrorist act," the lawmakers said. They also voted to bolster by 200 million euros ($223 million) the coffers of the Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which was headed by Soleimani. The general was killed in a US drone strike outside the Baghdad airport on Friday. The bill condemning the Pentagon was an amended version of a law adopted in April last year that declared the US a "state sponsor of terrorism" and its forces in the region "terror groups". After the vote, the lawmakers chanted "Death to America" and called for revenge, Iran's Press TV reported. It also cited the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, saying that 13 revenge scenarios had already been drafted, the weakest of which would be a nightmare for the US. Concerning the escalation of tensions in the Gulf region, Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said on Monday that China had been following the situation very closely and that the pressing task at the moment is "to prevent the situation from further escalating and running out of control". Zhang called for the international community, including the UN Security Council, to make efforts to de-escalate tensions. "China is ready to keep close communication with relevant parties, uphold just and objective positions, stand for international law, fairness and justice, and maintain peace and stability in the Gulf region and the Middle East," he said. Also on Monday, the US denied a visa to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif that would have allowed him to attend a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York on Thursday, according to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Zarif, speaking in Teheran, said: "They fear that someone will come to the US and reveal reality." The US State Department has not commented on Zarif's visa request. As host of the UN headquarters, the US is supposed to allow foreign officials to attend such meetings. Meanwhile, in Washington, US Secretary of Defense Mike Pompeo suggested that the US military would not strike Iranian cultural sites and would "follow the laws of armed conflict" because targeting such sites would be a war crime. US President Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday night that sites "important to Iran & the Iranian culture" were on a list of 52 potential US targets if Iran hit back following the death of Soleimani a day earlier. In Russia, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday that Moscow remains fully committed to the nuclear deal even after Iran announced it would reduce its obligations under the accord. The ministry said in a statement that Iran's decision is a consequence of contradictions accumulated within the agreement, but Russia is still "ready to continue working in order to achieve them" and urged other participants to do the same. "We do not see any other effective recipe to rescue the nuclear deal. We assume that keeping comprehensive agreements and provisions ... will remain a priority task for all partners," the ministry said. The Iranian cabinet said on Sunday that the country would "take the final step to reduce commitments" to the nuclear deal and would not observe restrictions in operations. So far, Russia sees no threat of nuclear weapons proliferation after Iran's announcement, the ministry said. "Iran is carrying on all its activities in close cooperation and under ongoing control by International Atomic Energy Agency," the Russian ministry said. Amid the tensions, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on Tuesday that he would visit Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates next week. "I'm deeply concerned about the tensions in the Middle East," he said. "I hope to contribute to peace and stability in the region through diplomatic efforts." Abe has tried in recent months to carve out a role as a mediator between the US and Iran. Tokyo has had ties with Teheran for decades. In the third such incident in the four days since January 5, the carcass of a tiger was found in the Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa on Wednesday, a senior Forest official said. Earlier, Forest officials had found carcasses of two tiger cubs inside the forest on Sunday and on Tuesday night. "During the combing operation on Wednesday, the carcass of a tigress, apparently the mother of the two cubs, was recovered in the forests of Golavali village in Sattari taluka, which is located inside Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary," the official said. The latest carcass was found within one km radius from the spots from where two carcasses were recovered earlier, he said. A tigress and her three cubs were captured roaming in the area on the cameras set up by the Forest department on December 23, 2019. The Forest department prima facie suspects that the big cats were poisoned to death in a "revenge killing" for preying on cattle of villagers. The officials had taken four persons from Golavali village into custody on Tuesday. A combing operation has been launched in the Mahadayi forests to find out if there are more carcasses of tigers, the official said. A case has been registered against unidentified persons under the Wildlife Protection Act. Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has demanded investigation by a Central team into the deaths of the two tigers. Rane, in whose assembly constituency the deaths of the two big cats were reported, has asked Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar to send a central team for investigation. "With reference to the two cubs that have been found dead at Mahadayi wildlife Sanctuary, Sattari, I would requestion Union Minister for Forest Shri @PrakashJavdekar to intervene and send a central team to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter," Rane tweeted on Wednesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a brief address, he also said that Iran "appears to be standing down" after it targeted the Irbil and Al Asad base housing US forces in retaliation for assassination of top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani last week. Washington, Jan 8 (IANS) No US or Iraqi personnel were killed in Iranian missile attacks on two US bases in Iraq on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said. "No Americans were harmed in the attack and there was only minimal damage to the targeted sites," he said. Trump also said US forces are "prepared for anything," but for now, "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world". Asserting that as long he was US President, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, he called it the "leading supporter of terrorism" and that it had "threatened the civilized world". He said that the US will impose "additional punishing sanctions" on Iran. Calling on Europe and other parties, such as Russia and China, to the 2015 Iran nuclear accord to abandon the deal and negotiate a new one, Trump said that he would ask Nato to "become much more involved" in the Middle East. vd A Canberra boy with internal bleeding from a two-storey balcony fall remains missing six day later. Brandon D'Alessandro and his girlfriend, both 15, sent their families into panic when they went missing last Friday. Brandon's concerned mother Jennie Wright, who has seven other children, posted on Facebook pleading for help to find her missing son. Canberra boy Brandon D'Alessandro (pictured), 15, suffered internal bleeding after falling from a two-storey balcony before he went missing last Friday 'Please help find them... Brandon has internal bleeding and breathing problems from a 2 storey balcony drop,' she wrote. ACT Police said Brandon was 'suffering from untreated injuries' although the exact injury was not disclosed. On Tuesday night, his girlfriend was found 'safe and well', but Brandon was nowhere to be seen. Brandon was last spotted in the Canberra suburb of Wanniassa on Tuesday night and is described as Caucasian, 165cm tall with light brown hair, blue eyes, and a slim build. Ms Wright often defends her son from strangers who make negative comments about him on ACT Police Facebook posts about his disappearance. In one comment, the mother-of-eight explained Brandon has been 'battling with sadness' since his father passed away three years ago. 'Without going into too much detail, my kids have a good home life, the best I can give them after their dad passed away 3 years ago this January,' she wrote. 'I think that judgement should not be posted here unless you know me and my eight kids and are 100 per cent sure of your way of thinking.' Concerned mother-of-eight Jennie Wright (pictured) explained Brandon has been 'battling with sadness' since his father passed away three years ago Brandon previously went missing on December 4 last year. Police believed he may have travelled to Queensland at the time but eventually found him on the night of December 8. However, Brandon went missing again the next day, prompting Mr Wright write on Facebook: 'Brandon is still missing! Please help us find him and bring him back home!' Brandon was last seen in the Canberra suburb of Wanniassa (pictured) on Tuesday night and is described as Caucasian, 165cm tall with light brown hair, blue eyes, and a slim build Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 04:27:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RIGA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Latvian soldiers currently stationed with a Danish contingent at an airbase in Iraq will be relocated to Kuwait together with their Danish colleagues, Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks announced Wednesday. The minister said on Twitter that there is no reason now for the Latvian soldiers, who have been training Iraqi forces, to stay in that country because the training process has been suspended due to the latest escalation in the region. The minister also stressed the soldiers' security was of high importance. Pabriks underlined, however, that the relocation does not mean Latvia is leaving the multinational coalition against the Islamic State (IS). The decision to move the six Latvian soldiers serving with the Danish troops out of Iraq was made after consultations with coalition partners, Pabriks said, adding that the training mission in Iraq will be resumed as soon as the situation de-escalates. Earlier on Wednesday, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said on public television that if the Iraqi government asks foreign troops to leave, Latvia will pull out its contingent from that country. The Latvian prime minister's comments came after Iran's forces fired missiles to two U.S. military bases in Iraq early on Wednesday. None of the six Latvian soldiers stationed at one of these bases was harmed in the missile strikes. Enditem Weve got everything students need to succeed. Review courses, great instructors, and now an informative and engaging book. - Angela Pugh School of PE has recently made revolutionary strides in the engineering exam prep industry by publishing a book with an added technological twist. The book, PE Civil Exam Review Guide: Breath, is the first book offered in the industry published to coincide with Artificial Reality (AR) technology. Since 2004, School of PE has provided valuable educational experiences to help engineers obtain professional licenses. From the FE exam and beyond, School of PE prides itself in helping engineers along every step to obtain and maintain their licenses. Now, with a newly published book, School of PE offers a broader spectrum of studying tools to those who are preparing for the PE Civil exam. The book can be used in correspondence to School of PEs PE Civil exam review course, or can be purchased separately. The PE Civil exam is divided into two sections: the Breadth and Depth. The first section of the exam, the Breadth, is consistent for all exam-takers. From there, examinees are able to choose what Depth exam to take. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) provides five different depth options: Construction, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, and Water Resources & Environmental. Although the book only covers the breadth portion of the PE Civil exam, School of PE is currently working on developing books for the Depth sections. Our goal in developing this book was to provide our students the information they need to pass their breadth exam, Angela Pugh, Senior Editorial Manager at School of PE, said. To help achieve that goal, we had many of our PE Civil exam review course instructors create the content. Pugh explained that having School of PEs PE Civil instructors write the books content is a big selling point. This is because the instructors have taken and passed the PE Civil exam themselves- therefore proving they have a deep understanding of the exam itself. The main selling point, however, is the books AR features. With just a smartphone and an app, those who purchase the book can access many features such as virtual quizzes, flashcards, and animations to make studying much more enjoyable and engaging. According to Pugh, this book is the first of many the company plans to publish. She stated that they are planning on releasing several additional books in 2020. This book really helps us stand out as a market leader in the engineering exam prep industry, Pugh said. Weve got everything students need to succeed. Review courses, great instructors, and now an informative and engaging book. I cant wait to see the strides well make in 2020. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has revealed that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) uses messaging app like 'TextNow' to keep in touch with its militants in India, NIA sources told Zee media on Wednesday. The terror group used this messaging app to carry out the Pulwama attack, the probe agency found out during its investigation. Terrorists conspired to attack India through mobile app: NIAhttps://t.co/CLsQeHysfw Zee News (@ZeeNews) January 8, 2020 The idea to use the messaging app is the brainchild of Abdul Rauf, the new commander of JeM and the younger brother of the outfit's chief Maulana Masood. This method has been used to recruit terrorists as well as execute planned attacks in many places even before the Pulwama attack. The transcripts of the chat conversation between the terrorists, which is available with Zee news, points to the fact that the suicide bomber attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama last year was planned in Pakistan. Live TV According to sources, the messaging 'TextNow' is unique as one can share Whatsapp numbers too and the identity of the sender remains anonymous. This feature poses a problem for the investigating agencies to trace them. At least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 after a JeM suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into their bus. Chandigarh, Jan 8 : The nationwide shutdown call of the central trade unions against the Centre's policies evoked a mixed response in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on Wednesday amidst rains. There was no report of any untoward incident from anywhere in the states. The activists of several farmer associations were seen asking traders at several places in Punjab and Haryana to keep their shops and business establishments closed to mark the pan India protest. Sufficient security arrangements have been made to prevent any untoward incidents, said police. Dublin, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "4th Annual High Potent Medicines Conference" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The 2-day event will share the latest industry trends, advancements and future growth in the highly potent medicines market where leading industry experts will discuss the strategies for both pharma and CMO's. Expert keynote presentations, live case studies, and breakthrough panel sessions on solutions to the challenges with regards to cleaning and validation in API Manufacturing and procedures to avoid cross-contamination. The cytotoxic nature of HPAPIs presents significant handling challenges and thus requires heavy investments for implementing specialized containment facilities that facilitate the safety of employees from exposure. Owing to their target release characteristics, HPAPIs find major applications in target therapies for cancer. One of the major challenges faced by the players in this market, especially CMOs that offer HPAPI manufacturing services, is the continual evolution of industry standards, technologies, and regulations. This conference would address the challenges in the continual evolution of industry standards, technologies, and regulations. Leading experts from the industry will discuss the strategies for both in-house manufacturing and outsourcing by presenting expert keynote presentations, live case studies and breakthrough panel discussions. Learn from 20+ industry-leading speakers who will be sharing their presentations on Challenges during the development of chemical processes of HPAPIs, Handling of highly potent products in a multi-product facility & Manufacturing Strategies for Highly Potent API's. Why Attend? Utilizing the best practices to ensure the safe and efficient production of highly potent medicines Training sessions on complex high potent compounds handling and containment issues Understanding the updated regulatory guidelines in the HPAPI process Implementing response plans to react to an unplanned event Knowing the outsourcing strategies to effectively build a reliable supply chain Key Highlights Process Development and Scale Up of HPAPI's Risk Identification during Cleaning HPAPI's Cross-Contamination Prevention Case Studies Containment and Handling Strategies Regulatory Landscape Hazard Assessment Classifications Agenda DAY ONE Registration 08:15 - 08:55 Welcome note 08:55 - 09:00 Opening Remarks from the Chairman 09:00 - 09:10 Keynote Presentation: Manufacturing Strategies for Highly Potent API's 09:10 - 09:45 PROCESS DEVELOPMENT AND SCALE UP OF HPAPI'S Challenges during the development of chemical processes of HPAPIs - from lab to pilot plant scale 09:45 - 10:20 Morning Refreshments and Poster Presentation - One-to-One Networking Meetings 10:20 - 11:10 The development and manufacture of HPAPI drug products throughout the clinical phases 11:10 - 11:45 Solution Provider Presentation 11:45 - 12:20 ADCs requirements on high containment processing 12:20 - 12:55 Lunch and Poster Presentation - One-to-One Networking Meetings 12:55 - 13:55 Development and Manufacturing of Highly Potent APIs: from lab-scale to production scale 13:55 - 14:30 Making a successful outsourcing partnership 14:30 - 15:05 CONTAINMENT AND HANDLING STRATEGIES Containment Equipment and Factors Affecting Containment Performance 15:05 - 15:40 Afternoon Refreshments and Poster Presentation - One-to-One Networking Meetings 15:40 - 16:30 Handling of highly potent products in a multi-product facility 16:30 - 17:05 Verifying the containment performance of pharmaceutical manufacturing and primary packaging equipment 17:05 - 17:40 Closing Remarks from the Chairman 17:40 - 17:45 Drinks Reception & Networking 17:45 - 19:00 DAY TWO Registration 08:15 - 08:5 Welcome note 08:55 - 09:0 Opening Remarks from the Chairman 09:00 - 09:1 Keynote Presentation: Cleaning Validation in API Small Molecule 09:10 - 09:4 IDENTIFICATION OF RISKS DURING CLEANING HPAPI'S Using banding approaches sensibly and appropriate use of cleaning limits 09:45 - 10:2 Morning Refreshments and Poster Presentation - One-to-One Networking Meetings 10:20 - 11:1 Solution Provider Presentation 11:10 - 11:4 Identification of high-risk products based on toxicological hazards for regulatory purposes 11:45 - 12:2 Prioritizing HPAPI's with respect to risks 12:20 - 13:0 Lunch and Poster Presentation - One-to-One Networking Meetings 13:05 - 14:0 OCCUPATIONAL TOXICOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE Applying occupational exposure limits on HPAPIs 14:05 - 14:4 Closing remarks from the Chairman 14:40 - 14:4 For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8k7qvr Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. The new season of Fatal Voyage explores the privileged life and sudden death of John F. Kennedy Jr. as a team of investigators, led by internationally renowned investigator Colin McLaren, discover the real man behind the public view - from family scandals and coverups, to explosive details of his own rocky marriage with Carolyn Bessette as well as a recently uncovered Colombian cartel kidnapping plot that forced him into hiding, Fatal Voyage: The Death Of JFK Jr. is the only podcast with the full story. Episode one, "Born Into Camelot" kicks-off this explosive new investigation by setting the stage and returning listeners to 1961 when John Fitzgerald Kennedy took the oath of office as the 35th President of the United States. While it seemed a bright new dawn for America, behind-the-scenes lurked dark, unimaginable secrets. How had the Kennedys made their fortune? There were whispers of Mafia connections, as well as other underworld secrets, fueled by rumors that JFK's own father was a prohibition-era bootlegger. But amidst the turbulence of the age including the Cold War, the influence of the Mob and the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba JFK brought glamour to the White House with his dazzlingly chic wife Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and photogenic children Caroline and baby brother John F. Kennedy, Jr. Tragedy struck on November 22, 1963. JFK was gunned down in Dallas and the nation reeled. No image tore at the hearts of the world more than that of little John-John standing alone, bravely saluting his father's coffin as it was paraded through Washington, D.C. on his third birthday. A year-long investigation into his murder lead the Warren Report to conclude that Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone crazed gunman. But skepticism reigned from the start: Who was really behind the killing? Was it a mob hit? The CIA? The Russians? As John Jr. grew into an adult, he would firmly believe that there were two shooters that day in Dallas, not one and he resolved to uncover the truth. This episode ends with John Jr.'s belief of a major cover up: "Who Killed JFK?" Over the following decades, the world watched as John-John grew from playboy Crown Prince to handsome, sophisticated, modern embodiment of all the promise his father and uncle had shown. Dating a string of the world's most-eligible women before passing the New York bar exam, launching his own political magazine and finally settling down with bride Carolyn Bessette. But was the golden image really all it seemed? On July 16, 1999, JFK Junior, Carolyn and her sister, Lauren Bessette, took off from a small airfield in New Jersey towards Martha's Vineyard on a single-engine private plane, piloted by Kennedy, en route to a cousin's wedding in Hyannisport, Massachusetts. When they did not arrive as scheduled, massive search parties were sent out to locate the aircraft. Five days later, the bodies were finally recovered from the freezing Atlantic waters. Once again, it seemed the Kennedy Curse had claimed another victim. Across the nation, Americans mourned the loss of the beloved son of one of the country's most admired families and shared their sadness in the tragedies that seem to haunt them. But at the same time, questions began to be asked. Were things really as idyllic for John and Carolyn as they seemed? Was the crash really just an accident? Or were there other, more sinister factors involved, swept under the rug by the Camelot code of silence like so many of their other tragedies? And who would want JFK Junior dead? Using exclusive access to long-buried FBI files, unique insider interviews and a new recreation of his final flight, we will finally separate the truth about JFK Jr's life and death from the conspiracy theories that have clouded his legacy. Together, the Fatal Voyage team leave no stone unturned as they gain exclusive access to long-buried FBI files and conduct a new recreation of his final flight, they finally separate the truth about JFK Jr's life and death from the conspiracy theories that have clouded his legacy. Fatal Voyage: The Death of JFK Jr. is the long-anticipated third season of the franchise, following Fatal Voyage: Diana Case Solved and Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death of Natalie Wood. Fatal Voyage: The Death of JFK Jr. is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and all podcast listening apps. The series is produced by Broad+Water Studios for Endeavor Audio. The series is hosted by Colin McLaren, written by Dominic Utton, executive produced by Dylan Howard and co-executive produced by Tom Freestone, Matt Sprouse, James Robertson and Robert Dixter. About Endeavor Audio Endeavor Audio is an audio-first studio and podcast network with a mission to make podcasting part of people's everyday lives. As a division of Endeavor, Endeavor Audio has unparalleled access to the world's most innovative creators, enabling us to develop unique listening experiences across a wide range of interests and demographics. Endeavor Audio is a full-service operation, offering content development, financing, production, distribution, marketing, and monetization. About Broad + Water Studios LLC Broad + Water Studios, a subsidiary of American Media LLC, produces documentary feature video and audio for distribution across multiple platforms. Dylan Howard, senior vice president oversees the strategy for Broad + Water Studios; Rob Dixter, vice president, and Tom Freestone, head of production, work day-to-day overseeing projects. Recent acclaimed Broad + Water Productions include Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death of Natalie Wood; Robin Williams: When The Laughter Stops; Luke Perry: In His Own Words; ID Murder Mystery; Us Weekly's in My Kitchen; National Enquirer Investigates; Kitty Kelly Files; Bill Cosby: An American Scandal; and Princess Diana: Tragedy or Treason?. SOURCE Broad + Water Studios, LLC Related Links http://bit.ly/jfkjr_pod Louis Vachon, president and CEO of National Bank of Canada agreed, saying that hes generally been in favour of the move, for the simple reason that when you look at what occurred in markets where you ended up with a disequilibrium in the housing market and excessive household debt, the one differentiating factor in those markets has been the underwriting standards applied to the mortgages. When you look at the lessons of what the Americans shouldve done in 2006if they had a time machine, what they would do differentlymost of the U.S. regulators would say, We would have tightened up underwriting standards in 2005/2006 to avoid what occurred later on, he said. So Ive always been in favour of proactive, macroprudential policies adjustment to avoid what occurred in some of the markets in Canada. I think it was the right thing to do. Vachon said that some consumers have been disproportionately impacted by the measure but thinks that the stress test needs to be in place for at least another three to six months. This additional time will allow regulators more data to help determine exactly what the impact has been and exactly where it needs to change in the future. McKay echoed sentiments expressed by both brokers and builders that the bigger challenge is on supply management. With an increased number of immigrants to Canada and strong household formation, the demand is going to continue. The demand for housing is going to continue to go up, whether you manage it by a stress test or not. Its the supply management side, which is really at the municipal and provincial level in many ways, we need to create more supply . . . weve moved into a strong sellers market again from a balanced marketplace and we havent been in a buyers market for quite some time because of those supply-demand dynamics, McKay said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 9 2020 Flying the flag: Iraqi university students in Basra take part in a protest on Wednesday against interventions by the United States and Iran in Iraq. (Reuters/Essam al-Sudani) Jakarta is preparing for the worst following escalating tensions between Iran and the United States early on Wednesday, which prompted the Foreign Ministry to hold immediate coordination meetings with the heads of Indonesian missions overseas. Iranian military forces launched a ballistic missile attack on a US-affiliated air base in Ayn Al-Asad more than a 1,000 kilometers southwest of Tehran, marking the start of a new round of confrontations between the two nations. The attack is considered an act of revenge against Washingtons assassination of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani last week in Iraq. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login IBM on Wednesday said it has appointed Sandip Patel as managing director of its India and South Asia (ISA) operations. He succeeds Karan Bajwa, who is quitting the company to pursue opportunities outside of IBM, the company said in a statement. In his role, Patel will be responsible for all strategic and operational matters related to IBM's sales, marketing, services and delivery operations in the region, including Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. "Additionally, he will play a critical role in enabling India's capabilities across IBM's global missions, global centres of excellence, research and innovation labs," the company said. Most recently, Patel was based in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was IBM's global general manager for the Insurance industry and was responsible for the company's business across all brands in this market segment. His extensive expertise in key industries, including financial services, insurance and healthcare, coupled with his global leadership experience will bring great value to IBM's clients and business in the region, it added. "IBM has been a key player in India's technology journey and continues to provide the innovation necessary to power India's digital transformation across key industries and government," Harriet Green, Chairman and CEO of IBM Asia Pacific, said. Patel's deep industry expertise and global understanding of clients across different markets will bring real value to our clients as they embark on their transformation journey, he added. Patel has also worked with Aetna international, PriceWaterhouse Coopers and Coopers & Lybrand. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 10:27 734 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3214efa8 1 Entertainment Timothee-Chalamet,Bob-Dylan,James-Mangold,film,biopic,music,united-states Free American director James Mangold is set to helm an upcoming Bob Dylan biopic currently titled Going Electric, Hollywood news outlet Deadline reported. The iconic musician will be played by actor Timothee Chalamet, who is reportedly in talks with Fox Searchlight studio. Going Electric reportedly will center on the musicians controversial genre transition from folk to rock & roll. Dylan will also be actively involved in the film production as executive producer. It will be Mangolds second film about an iconic musician after 2005s Walk the Line about Johnny Cash and June Carter. The film has also obtained the rights to the book Dylan Goes Electric by Elijah Wald and Dylans track lists. Read also: Chalamet goes unto the breach with Henry V role While many appreciated Dylans transition to rock & roll, the seminal folk music figure was labeled a "traitor" by purists back in the days when he traded his acoustic guitar for an amp and an electric guitar, first debuting his new genre at Newport Folk Festival on July 25, 1965. The film will also portray his interactions with fellow 1960s legends such as Joan Baez and Pete Seeger. Chalamet shot to fame as the lovelorn Elio in Call Me By Your Name, for which he gained an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in 2018. Chalamets latest portrayal of Laurie in the recent film Little Women earned him positive reviews. His upcoming projects include Denis Villeneuves adaptation of science fiction novel Dune, Wes Andersons drama The French Dispatch and Amy Herzogs play 4000 Miles in the West End theater in London. (vel/wng) A grenade that a child picked up from a bin on the Nigeria-Cameroon border has exploded, killing him and eight others. Twenty-six people were also wounded in the blast on the Nigerian side of the border, a Cameroonian official said. The child, believed to be under 10, mistook the grenade for scrap metal which he intended to sell, witnesses said. It is unclear who left the grenade in the bin, but the area has been hit by an Islamist insurgency. Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province, operate in the region. Nigerian and Cameroonian troops form part of a regional force fighting the militants. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 Trend: Iran has attacked American targets in Iraq. It was noted that the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps) launched at least 35 missiles on Ayn al-Asad air base in Iraq's west and the base in Erbil. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called the Iranian strike a self-defense measure against a base in Iraq that launched an attack against Iranian citizens and officials, while he emphasized that Tehran was not seeking an "escalation or war." The attacks rocketed days after Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani's assassination by the US. US President Donald Trump spokesperson Stephanie Grisham said the president is informed of the attacks and is consulting with his team of advisers. CNN, citing the White House, reported that Trump had a meeting at the White House on the situation. In turn, the US banned flights of its civilian aircraft over a significant part of the Middle East, in particular over Iran, Iraq, the Persian and Omani gulfs. Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said the strike was from Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attacks that were retaliated for the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei should deliver a speech to a group of people in Qom today on the occasion of the anniversary of the events in this Iranian city on Jan. 8, 1978. This is important against the backdrop of Irans recent attacks on the US base in Iraq. In turn, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, said that it is time for the US leaders to withdraw their forces from the region as soon as possible, stressing that any new US actions would lead to a tougher response from Iran. Bagheri, warning US officials, said the operation last night expressed only part of the ability of the Islamic Republic Armed Forces to respond to the assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani. According to CNN, missiles fired by the Iranian side hit the part of Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq where there were no US troops. CNN notes that this is evidenced by the first data obtained in the course of assessing the damage caused to the US facilities as a result of the missile strike. At the same time, CNN indicates that to fully conduct an appropriate inspection of the air base will only happen during daytime. One80 Intermediaries, a national wholesale insurance broker and program manager headquartered in Boston and built through acquisitions, officially launched Tuesday, offering placement and in-house binding services for property/casualty, financial lines, personal lines, and medical stop loss risks. One80 Intermediaries is being officially launched now, however, its parent and subsidiary entities have been in operation for years. One80 is a wholly owned subsidiary of Risk Strategies and is the culmination of several years or mergers and acquisitions carried out by Risk Strategies as it was building its specialty operations. One80 is led by its president, Matthew F. Power, an industry veteran, whose experience includes 26 years at AIG, where he served as executive vice president of its surplus lines carrier Lexington Insurance Co., and as head of wholesale broker engagement. Last January, he became president of Risk Strategies. One80 is looking to serve commercial companies, non-profits, public entities and individuals, and says it has access to major insurance markets in the U.S. and UK. Coverage spans all industry classes. We saw a real need in the marketplace to provide highly specialized and innovative insurance solutions which address the evolving needs of our brokers, said Power in prepared remarks. He said One80 is built on a foundation of experience and integrity, with experienced professionals that have relationships with leading carriers. One80 has offices in more than 19 locations nationwide including Boston, New York City, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Nashville, San Diego and Seattle. One80 has been built through acquisitions by Risk Strategies that have included just in the last fourth quarter: two subsidiaries of Gowrie Holdings; Missouris Thomas McGee Group; Dash & Love brokerage near Philadelphia; Bedrick-Kaitz Agency and Pro Safety Services in New York; Risk Management Advisors in Long Beach, Calif. and National Insurance Consulting Group in the Southeast. One80 currently includes Winter Group, a specialist transportation wholesale broker; Cincinnati Intermediaries, a financial lines specialty wholesaler; Advanced E & S, a Florida-based wholesale broker; Flood Advantage Partners, a commercial flood specialist based one Estero, Florida; Select Insurance Markets, a personal lines aggregator based in Houston; and Maritime Program Group, a national recreational yacht specialist. One80s National Director, Christopher Pesce, joined the companys executive team with Risk Strategies acquisition in December of Maritime Program Group (MPG). Others on the One80 team include: Donovan Nowell, financial lines practice leader, who was formerly with Beazley in U.S. broker relations and before that with Willis and AIG; Brad Keller, property practice leader, who was previously with wholesale broker AllRisks and prior to that with Peachtree Special Risks, a wholesale subsidiary of Brown & Brown; Alex Furlong, senior casualty executive, who previously was a vice president at broker AmWINS Group where he focused on wholesale environmental, construction, real estate, products, and energy risks; and Phillip Winter, transportation practice leader, the former managing director of Winter Group who has more than 20 years experience as a transportation broker. Topics Agencies Excess Surplus HORSHAM, Pa., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 15, Thomas' Bagels will invite bagel lovers to join in the celebration of the "hole-iest" food holiday National Bagel Day as they bring free bagels, pop-up celebrations and giveaways to five cities across the United States. National Bagel Day will serve as the official kickoff to a year of celebration in honor of the iconic Thomas' brand's 140th anniversary. "Dough-voted" Thomas' fans in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando and Philadelphia can look to grab a free bagel and cream cheese from 7 a.m. 1 p.m. and fill their "knead" for the iconic breakfast staple by visiting Instagram-worthy pop-up bagel walls at the Los Angeles and Philadelphia celebrations. In 2019, Thomas' worked alongside Chase's Calendar of Events, the nation's most comprehensive and authoritative reference on special events, to declare January 15 as the new National Bagel Day finally "toasting" up a solo celebration after years of the bagel sharing the spotlight with National Pizza Day. To "hole"-heartedly thank fans for their devotion to Thomas', the brand will be hiding a coveted orange ticket in one free bagel in every city, redeemable for a smart watch. To make the search even more exciting, in one randomly selected city, a golden ticket will hold a grand prize that will have one lucky fan savoring delicious moments all year long thanks to a $2,500 grocery shopping spree. "Bagels are a delicious and treasured member of the Thomas' family so we couldn't think of a better way to kick off our year-long, 140th anniversary than with a nationwide celebration of National Bagel Day," said Eduardo Zarate, Senior Director of Marketing for Thomas'. "Fans loved our pop-up celebration in Philadelphia last year, so we're excited to bring together bagel fans from all across the country in 2020 as we 'toast' to this iconic classic on January 15th!" To really keep things "toasty" for everyone this winter season, Thomas' has also partnered with Operation Warm to make a $100,000 donation of 7,500 coats nationwide. Special celebrations will be hosted by the brand on and around National Bagel Day for students at schools in each of the five celebration cities as each school receives 500 brand new coats to stay warm this winter. To celebrate alongside Thomas' on National Bagel Day, fans can look for uniformed street teams in the following locations: Chicago Union Station, 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606 Union Station, 225 S Canal St, 60606 Denver Larimer Square , 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202 , 1430 Larimer St, 80202 Los Angeles Union Station, 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Union Station, 800 N Alameda St, 90012 Philadelphia 30 th Street Station, 2955 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 30 Street Station, 2955 Market St, 19104 Orlando Lynx Central Station, 455 N Garland Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 Thomas' dates back to 1880 when Samuel Bath Thomas created his original English Muffin in New York City using a secret process that included griddle baking to create a Nooks and Crannies English Muffin. The company has since added bagels and breakfast breads, including a line of swirl breads, to its breakfast offerings. Today, Thomas' sells the #1 English Muffin and #1 grocery bagel in the U.S. For a full list of Thomas' products and where to buy them, please visit www.ThomasBreads.com. About Bimbo Bakeries USA Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 20,000 U.S. associates operates more than 50 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold, Bimbo, Boboli, Brownberry, Entenmann's, Freihofer's, Heiner's, Marinela, Mrs Baird's, Nature's Harvest, Oroweat, Sara Lee, Stroehmann, Thomas', and Tia Rosa. BBU is owned by Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world's largest baking company with operations in 22 countries. About Chase's Calendar of Events Since 1957, Chase's Calendar of Events (published by Rowman & Littlefield) is the most comprehensive and authoritative reference available on special events, holidays, federal and state observances, historic anniversaries and more. Thousands of libraries across the country, broadcast and print media, marketing professionals, social media czars, senior center and activity directors, event planners, publicists, speakers, publishers, travel agentsand simply the curioustrust Chase's to deliver interesting facts every day of the year. About Operation Warm Operation Warm is a national nonprofit that creates brand new, high-quality coats for children in need. Every child, regardless of their economic situation, deserves a brand-new coat. We partner with compassionate individuals and organizations across North America to give a gift of warmth, confidence and hope to millions of children in need. Operation Warm believes a brand-new coat is more than a coat, promoting self-esteem, school attendance and outdoor play. SOURCE Bimbo Bakeries USA Related Links http://www.ThomasBreads.com President of Ukraine had earlier expressed his condolences to the families and close people of those who were aboard the flight Due to the crash of Ukrainian Boeing 737 in Iran (flight PS 752), President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky interrupted his trip to Oman and immediately returned to Kyiv. This was reported by the Presidents Office. "The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky immediately interrupted the trip to Oman and returned to Kyiv due to the UIA plane crash in Tehran," the message reads. Zelensky had earlier expressed his condolences to the families and close people of those who were aboard the flight. "Horrible news from the Middle East. A passenger plane of Ukraine's International Airlines crashed upon takeoff and fell not far from the Imam Khomeini airport (Tehran) this morning. According to preliminary data, all passengers and crew members deceased", Zelensky wrote. As we reported earlier, Boeing 737 of Ukraine's International Airlines, flight PS 752 with 180 passengers aboard crashed in Tehran, not far from Imam Khomeini airport. Iranian Tasnim News Agency informed about that, pointing out that the reason of the crash was a "technical malfunction". As of 7 a.m. January 8, the fate of passengers remained unknown. Local authorities feared that no one survived, because the plane was visibly on fire as it was falling, CGTN reported. A survey of some 37,000 people across 33 countries found scepticism about US President Trumps foreign policy agenda. A poll conducted by the United States think-tank the Pew Research Center and done before President Donald Trump signed off on a US drone attack that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani found that the world is sceptical that after three years in office, the US leader will do the right thing on foreign affairs. The majority of people in many of the 33 nations surveyed by the nonpartisan research centre disapprove of a number of Trumps most talked-about policies, including imposing tariffs on imported goods as a way to gain leverage in trade disputes, withdrawing from international climate-change agreements, building a wall on the US-Mexico border and putting tougher restrictions on immigration to the US. Similarly, across the 33 countries, more people disapprove than approve of Trumps decision to have the US be the only world power to back out of a nuclear agreement with Iran. The survey of nearly 37,000 people was conducted in 2019 from May 18 to October 2, well before Trump approved the killing of Soleimani as he left Baghdad International Airport last week. The strike has pushed tensions between the US and its longtime Middle Eastern nemesis to high alert and led to Tehran launching ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house US troops. The poll consisted of telephone and face-to-face interviews. Across Western Europe, roughly 75 percent or more of people surveyed in Germany, Sweden, France, Spain and the Netherlands lack confidence in Trump. That feeling runs even deeper in Mexico, where 89 percent have no confidence in Trump, who has made Mexicans the target of his barbs and of anti-immigration policies such as the border wall. Seen in a more positive light, however, are Trumps direct negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. That effort garnered the most support, though not a majority in most countries surveyed. Trump and Kim have held three rounds of talks about denuclearising the Korean Peninsula, most recently last year at the Korean Demilitarized Zone separating North Korea and South Korea. Not all negative The world isnt entirely against Trump. The majority of people surveyed in Israel, the Philippines, Kenya, Nigeria and India have confidence that the businessman-turned-president will do the right thing on the world stage. 191029223412437 Five leaders were rated in the poll, with Trump receiving the most negative views. Those polled also expressed low confidence in Russias Vladimir Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping. Confidence in Germanys Angela Merkel was the highest among the leaders. Views of Frances Emmanuel Macron were slightly more positive than negative. Trump, a Republican, often treats his relatively low approval on the world stage like a badge of honour. He told supporters during a December campaign rally in Battle Creek, Michigan that Germany and France are more fond of his predecessor, Barack Obama, a Democrat, than they are of him. Trump noted that he had taxed imports of French alcoholic beverages to retaliate against a tax that France imposed on major tech companies, including some based in the US. If I ever become more popular that means Im not doing my job, he said. In an earlier version of the Pew survey, which was released several months after Trump took office in January 2017, less than 30 percent of respondents expressed confidence in the presidents ability to do the right thing on international affairs. District administration on Wednesday announced that schools from pre-primary till class 8 will remain shut till January 10 due to cold wave conditions here. The District Magistrate of Lucknow issued the order regarding the closure of all schools till class 8. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast partly cloudy sky with the possibility of rain or thunderstorm or duststorm in Lucknow on Thursday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Jerry McAward In his Jan. 7 column (" New York City isnt trying to take control of Francis E. Walter Dam") Paul Rush, of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, alleges that much of what is being written about New York Citys and the Delaware River Basin Commissions intentions at Francis E. Walter Dam is not accurate. I beg to differ. The re-evaluation feasibility study recently launched by New York, DRBC and the Army Corps of Engineers is about creating a permanent water supply at Walter Dam that can help push back salinity in the lower Delaware River during times of low flow or drought. Water supply means only one thing collecting water, storing it, locking it up, and keeping it in the vault for a drought event, during which it would be gradually released to meet the Delawares minimum flow target at Trenton, thereby reducing pressure on the upper Delaware Reservoirs that pipe hundreds of millions of gallons of water to New York City each day. Every gallon of water collected and held for permanent storage at Walter Dam is a gallon that cannot be released for the dams mandated purpose of supporting and enhancing downstream recreation. Every gallon re-allocated to permanent storage is a gallon that cannot be used to implement the long-standing recreational flow management plan that has so successfully supported the Lehigh Rivers $37 million annual whitewater recreation economy and the jobs, taxes and revenues that flow from that economy. Whatever name is on that permanent storage plan doesnt change the impact it would have on downstream recreation. And that impact would be devastating. The Army Corps of Engineers says it cannot store enough water for downstream recreation releases and store enough water for salinity control, without unreasonably encroaching on its flood storage capacity. This makes perfect sense. The dam is, after all, primarily a flood control facility. What Rush fails to address is that the $37 million whitewater recreation economy would sustain inevitable collateral damage from any plan to store water at Francis Walter Dam for salinity control. Of course New Yorkers will not actually be drinking water from the Lehigh River, but the likely effect on downstream recreation of the proposed water-storage plan is the same massive disruption to the recreational releases that have so dramatically improved angling and whitewater opportunities on the Lehigh River over the past several decades. Sure there are challenges facing the basin. These include climate change and its effect on precipitation, snowpack and sea-level rise. Every single word of this is true. What is also true is there is a lot riding on this study for the downstream recreation economy and the people who thrive in it. There is a reason so many people are upset. The many people who represent the downstream recreation economy, including myself, are carefully watching this study. They are people who live and work here, people from Pennsylvania and other states who choose to visit here by the hundreds of thousands. The existing recreation flow management plan at Walter Dam was wisely conceived. And its working. We cant help but wonder how much water would remain in the Delaware River basin if New York City simply fixed its heavily leaking water supply system. The Army Corps of Engineers and its existing flow management plan for the Walter Dam helps the Lehigh River community its people, businesses, and visitors in our outdoor recreation economy. It should be protected against water-supply encroachment. Jerry McAward, who moved to Carbon County from New York 33 years ago, is president of Jim Thorpe River Sports, Inc., Northeast PA Kayak School Inc., and the new Lehighton Outdoor Center LLC. He also serves as president of Friends of the Lehigh River, an advocacy group. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 09:58 734 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3214d449 4 National Netflix,Communications-and-Information-Ministry Free The government has raised the call for American streaming service Netflix to feature more Indonesian films in its "original" content for subscribers in Indonesia. As the platform has become popular among Indonesians, Communications and Information Minister Johnny G. Plate expressed the hope that by doing so, Netflix would help improve the country's creative industry. Netflix, please use this country's creative products. There are a lot of [Indonesian filmmakers] who can make movies to be released, Johnny said as quoted by kompas.com on Monday. The minister further requested that Netflix make more Indonesian-produced movies and series available on its platform instead of foreign films and shows under "Netflix Originals" -- content only available for the service's subscribers. We ask so that Netflix Originals [streamed] in Indonesia [prioritize] creative products made by Indonesian people first, if possible, he said. He suggested that Netflix and local filmmakers cooperate to make more Netflix Originals as Johnny believed that such cooperation would boost Indonesians' creativity while also incorporating local values. "This is for our domestic market, Johnny said. The Indonesian film industrys first Netflix Original film titled The Night Comes for Us -- written and directed by Timo Tjahjanto has been available for streaming on the platform since Oct. 19. In the country, state-owned telecommunications and internet provider Telkom has blocked Netflix from all of its platforms since January 2016. Johnny urged the two sides to meet to reach an agreement over the issue. (sau) President Donald Trump appeared buoyant Wednesday morning as he addressed the nation from the White House, hours after more than a dozen Iranian ballistic missiles were fired at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. "People should be extremely grateful and happy," he said. "No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime. ... We suffered no casualties, all of our soldiers were safe and only minimal damage was sustained." While it has been widely reported that Iran provided advance notice of the attack, Trump said the missiles also caused little damage "because of the dispersal of U.S. forces and an early warning system that worked very well." He threatened additional economic sanctions on Iran, but drew back from ordering retaliation for the strike. Related: A Dozen Missiles Target US Troops at Al Asad, Erbil in Iran Retaliatory Strike "Iran appears to be standing down," Trump said. The speech had been widely anticipated following the missile strikes and the Jan. 3 deadly U.S. strike on Iranian Quds force leader Qasem Soleimani at Baghdad International Airport amid fears that the U.S. and Iran were on the brink of full-scale war. To underline the importance of the speech, arrayed behind Trump at the White House were Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Joint Chiefs Chairman Army Gen. Mark Milley and all the service chiefs. Trump made no apologies, which had been demanded by the Iranians for the killing of Soleimani. He said that Soleimani had fueled bloody civil wars throughout the region and "murdered thousands of U.S. troops" since the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. Iran's initial reactions appeared to reflect a degree of conciliation. In a tweet, Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif said that Iran "took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched." Zarif added that Iran did not "seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." However, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said U.S. troops must leave Iraq and the Middle East to avoid future hostilities. The U.S. has already imposed crippling sanctions on Iran, which have stirred street unrest over a failing economy and a violent response from the regime. But Trump said that more sanctions are required to curb what the U.S. military calls Iran's "malign activities." "As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iran's aggression, the U.S. will immediately impose additional punishing sanctions on the regime," he said. "These sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior." Trump also warned Iran against enriching uranium to weapons grade in its nuclear programs. Even before giving a "good morning" to his White House audience, he said, "as long as I'm president, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon." Despite the announcement of new sanctions, and the continued criticism of the Tehran regime, Trump's first formal address on the Iran crisis appeared to take on a new tone of conciliation. In his closing remarks, he spoke directly to the Iranian people: "We want you to have a future, and a great future, one that you deserve. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it." -- Hope Hodge Seck contributed to this report. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at richard.sisk@military.com. Read more: The Marines Still Haven't Found 2 Rifles That Went Missing at Lejeune Mike Bloomberg will attend Stacey Abrams' voting rights summit in Georgia on Friday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported and Axios has confirmed. Why it matters: Abrams' 2018 gubernatorial run and subsequent fight against voter suppression has made her a Democratic darling whos now one of the most sought after surrogates for the party's 2020 contenders. While it's not an endorsement, the mere optics of standing next to Abrams are a big get for any Democratic presidential candidate. Shes been speculated to be a top pick for vice president and her ability to connect with communities of color is unmatched. Flashback: In 2018, Bloomberg donated $500,000 to Abrams gubernatorial campaign. In December, he gave $5 million to Abrams' Fair Fight organization, her initiative to fight against voter suppression. Bloomberg, who was just blasted by filmmaker Ava Duvernay for his position on the Central Park Five, needs to improve his standing with the black community. The big picture: This is Bloomberg's second visit to Georgia since launching his presidential bid. His focus on the state reflects his strategy to look past the early voting states in favor of Super Tuesday and subsequent primaries (Georgia votes on March 24). Go deeper: Bloomberg, Trump each secure $10 million Super Bowl ad slots Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said technological innovation is one of the key drivers to boost economy, as he stressed the need for investing more on R & D with focus on enhancing the intellectual capital through radically new approaches. He also appealed to Corporate India to develop a symbiotic partnership with universities and other academic institutions and contribute towards promoting Research and Development. "Technological innovation is one of the key drivers to boost economy, improve people's lives and enable better delivery of services," Naidu said. Delivering the valedictory address at the 107th Indian Science Congress here, he said "there is also a crying need for our universities and scientific institutions to promote R & D on a big scale." The academia-industry linkage has to be expanded not only to provide employment to those coming out of the portals of higher education institutions, but also to promote research and innovation in a big way, he said. "India, like no other country, has a huge demographic dividend waiting to be realized. If we don't make the big leap forward in terms of quality of learning in our educational institutions, we will have missed a great opportunity," he added. The Vice President also said the country has to invest more on R & D and focus on enhancing the intellectual capital through radically new approaches. The approaches will have to be forward looking and more receptive to adaptation of the best ideas as well as seeking solutions required for India and in the global context, he said. Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa was among those present at the valedictory of the event that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 3. Naidu said "as the country aims to become a USD 5 trillion economy in the coming years, we need to fully leverage the demographic advantage with science and technology playing a leading role in driving the economic and social development." Stating that the need of the hour is to foster the spirit of inquisitiveness, curiosity and scientific temper right from the primary school level, he said "Science teaching plays an important role in this regard.It must ignite young minds and create a passion for science. Schools must sow the seeds for scientific temper and create an un-quenching curiosity to learn and understand new things." It should be remembered that a country like India cannot depend on imported food security and needs to have own home-grown food security. "Unless there are concerted efforts in this direction, I am afraid that more and more people will leave agriculture and shift to other occupations," he said. Naidu emphasized the critical role technology can play in enhancing both quality and quantity across the agriculture value chain. He stressed that scientific research should also focus on making advanced machinery for a variety of agricultural activities from spraying to post-harvest handling of produce. "Thus, the adoption of modern technology can greatly help to realise our vision to double the income of farmers in the coming years," he said. Reflecting on natures fury like floods, droughts and earthquakes, Naidu said "We must all get together and find an answer to climate change... deliver good quality education and healthcare. We must make our cities and villages more livable. These are challenges that need innovative thinking and collaborative action. We live in an interconnected world and we need to learn how to work together to make it a safer, more peaceful and a more sustainable planet, he said. Although Michael Atkinson's name is not well known, it soon will be. He's the Intelligence Community inspector general who fast-tracked the alleged "whistleblower" claim about Trump's July 25, 2019 phone call with Ukraine's President Zelensky, providing the basis for the House Impeachment proceedings. In an interview with Sara Carter, Rep. Devin Nunes, the hero of the Russian hoax, let drop that House Republicans are investigating Atkinson's role in the Ukraine hoax: [Atkinson] is under active investigation. I'm not gonna go any farther than that because you know obviously he has a chance to come in and prove his innocence, but my guess is Schiff, Atkinson they don't want that transcript out because it's very damaging. Here are some facts explaining why Atkinson is an important figure in the Ukraine hoax underlying the sham-peachment: It used to be that, to file a complaint with the ICIG, the complaining party had to have firsthand knowledge. At some point between May 2018 and August 2019, the ICIG secretly removed that requirement. That last date is significant, because the August 12, 2019 whistleblower letter that triggered the Ukraine frenzy states on its face that it is not based on firsthand knowledge: "In the course of my official duties, I have received information from multiple U.S. Government officials that the President of the United States ..." In other words, "I don't know what the president has been doing, but other people have told me." Worse, the evidence showed that the whistleblower originally filled out the old form, the one requiring firsthand knowledge. It was only later that the new form suddenly appeared in connection with the complaint. Thus, Devin Nunes explained, So the form that the whistleblower filled out he actually filled out the old form that said you had to have firsthand knowledge. The whistleblower readily admits he doesn't have firsthand knowledge. So conveniently the IG did this, claims that was always the case, claims it wasn't the law; I already told you, he's going to have more questions to answer," he said. In an earlier interview with Matt Boyle, Nunes said Atkinson's testimony, which has yet to be released, showed him to be "either totally incompetent or part of the deep state, and he's got a lot of questions he needs to answer[.]" If one assumes that Atkinson is not completely incompetent and then wonders why he would behave in such an underhanded way, his D.C. connections might help explain what was going on. Back in 2016, before becoming ICIG, Atkinson was the senior counsel to the assistant attorney general of the National Security Division of the Department of Justice. More simply, he was senior legal counsel to John Carlin. Who is John Carlin? Before Atkinson became his legal counsel, Carlin had been chief of staff to Robert Mueller, when the latter was FBI director. When Carlin left that job, he became an assistant attorney general and head of the National Security Division. In that capacity, Carlin was one of the last people to sign off on the FBI's Carter Page FISA warrant. If nothing else, Washington, D.C. is an incestuous place; the people involved in both the Russian and Ukraine hoaxes all know each other...really, really well. For a detailed overview of Atkinson's role, check out Sundance's post at The Conservative Treehouse. Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion curated for you. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. Indias first manned mission Gaganyaan may take 1 astronaut Isro chief K Sivan detailed the countrys first manned mission to space on Tuesday, saying the four men shortlisted for the programme will receive physical fitness training in Russia for 11 months. Read more here. Goa Opposition disrupts assembly proceedings over Mahadayi river dispute Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat (Congress) and Goa Forward Partys Vijai Sardesai began sloganeering and holding placards in the assemblyafter Speaker Rajesh Patnekar disallowed an adjournment motion in a bid to force the government to reply on the Mahadayi river water sharing issue with Karnataka. Read more here. After FASTags, govt looks to remove speed breakers on NHs Government said that it has initiated a special drive for the removal of speed breakers along national highways to ensure smooth traffic movement following the introduction of the mandatory FASTag mechanism. Read more here. India vs Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli scripts new captaincy record as India down Sri Lanka in Indore Virat Kohli starred with the bat as the hosts chased down the target of 143 with minimum fuss. The skipper started this new year by reaching another milestone - Kohli is now the fastest batsman to complete 1,000 T20I runs as a captain. Read more here. Major political parties in Maharashtra except BJP support Bharat Bandh Major political parties in Maharashtra are supporting Wednesdays day-long countrywide Bharat bandh called by the major trade unions in the country to protest against the governments anti-people policies. Read more here. The Chargesheet Innocent or Guilty review: This Arunoday Singh show only kills time Actor Sikander Kher, who plays a CBI officer on the show, says at a very important juncture We have been fooled. You as a member of audience heartily agree; perhaps the only time you do. Read more here. A woman from Guinea has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle narcotic worth Rs 86 lakh into the country at Delhi airport, a statement issued by the customs department on Wednesday said. The passenger was intercepted by the customs preventive officers after her arrival from Conakry (Guinea) via Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) late last month. On the basis of credible suspicion and intelligence of her being a swallower, the passenger was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) hospital here for recovery of narcotic substance concealed inside her body, it said. "Total 50 capsules were recovered from the passenger containing 860 grams of white coloured powder. The same was tested with a field narcotics drug testing kit and confirmed to be methaqualone with estimated international market value of Rs 86 lakh," the statement said. Methaqualone is a sedative and hypnotic drug. The passenger was arrested and the narcotic was seized. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war as President Donald Trump indicated he would not respond militarily after no-one was harmed in Irans missile strike on two Iraqi bases housing US troops. Speaking from the White House, Mr Trump seemed intent on de-escalating the crisis, which reached a new height after he authorised the targeted killing last week of General Qassem Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Quds Force. Iran retaliated overnight with its most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the US embassy in Tehran, firing more than a dozen missiles from its territory at the US installations. Mr Trump credited an early warning system that worked very well for the fact that no Americans or Iraqis were killed. He added that Americans should be extremely grateful and happy with the outcome. Mr Trump, facing one of the greatest tests of his presidency, said Iran appeared to be standing down and said the US response would be to put in place new economic sanctions until Iran changes its behaviour. The strikes had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and put the worlds attention on Mr Trump as he weighed whether to respond with more military force. The Republican president delivered his remarks surrounded by his national security advisers in the foyer of the White House. (PA Graphics) It came after a late-night tweet in which he insisted All is well! after the strikes. For days, Iran had promised to respond forcefully to Gen Soleimanis killing, but its limited strike on two bases one in the northern Iraqi city in Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq appeared to signal that it was also uninterested in a wider clash with the US. Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the country had concluded proportionate measures in self-defence. Mr Trump, who is facing re-election in November, campaigned for president on a promise to keep the United States from engaging in endless war. Story continues Speaking on Wednesday, he said the United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. Mr Trump opened his remarks by reiterating his promise that Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, even as the country announced in the wake of Gen Soleimanis killing that it would no longer comply with any of the 2015 nuclear deals limits on enrichment that had been put in place to prevent it from building a nuclear device. US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House (Evan Vucci/AP) But he seized on the at least temporary moment of calm to call for new nuclear negotiations to replace the 2015 deal from which he withdrew the US, objecting that it did not limit Irans ballistic missile programmes or constrain its regional proxy campaigns like those led by Gen Soleimani. The president spoke directly to Iran, saying: We want you to have a future and a great future. Mr Trump also announced he would ask Nato to become much more involved in the Middle East process. While he has frequently criticised Nato as obsolete and has encouraged participants to increase their military spending, Mr Trump has sought to have the military alliance refocus its efforts on modern threats. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a joint statement had warned that the further use of force would lead to a new cycle of instability and would eventually damage everyones interests. However, in the hours before the missile strikes, Mr Trump warned: If Iran does anything that they shouldnt be doing, theyre going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly. And Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking on Wednesday, said the strike was not necessarily the totality of Irans response. The air base after Irans missile attack (Planet Labs Inc/PA) Last night they received a slap, Ayatollah Khamenei said. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end. Gen Soleimanis death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets to mourn him. The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles in the latest strikes, two US officials said. Ten hit the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region while four failed, said the officials. Iran will welcome any peace initiative by India for de-escalating its tensions with the US after the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian envoy here said on Wednesday. His comments come hours after Iran launched missile strikes against two US military bases in Iraq in retaliation to the killing of its top commander General Qassem Soleimani. "India usually plays very good role in (maintaining) peace in the world. At the same time India belongs to this region. We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalation (of tensions)," Iranian Ambassador to India Ali Chegeni told reporters after a condolence meeting for Solemani at the country's embassy here. "We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region. We welcome any Indian initiative or any project that can help peace and prosperity in this world," he said. On the Iranian attack on US targets in Iraq, Chegeni said his country retaliated under its right to defend. Amid spiralling US-Iran tensions over the killing of Soleimani, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday had a conversation with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, voicing India's concerns over the escalation of tensions. Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh on Wednesday said prima facie it doesn't look like the woman who displayed the Free Kashmir poster during a protest against the JNU attack had an 'anti-national' intention. Mumbai: Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh on Wednesday said prima facie it doesn't look like the woman who displayed the Free Kashmir poster during a protest against the JNU attack had an "anti-national" intention. Police on Wednesday recorded the statement of the woman, Mehak Mirza Prabhu (34), who held aloft the 'Free Kashmir' placard during the anti-JNU violence protest at the Gateway of India on Monday. Though she had later apologised for her act, the Colaba police on Tuesday booked her under IPC section 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration). Talking to reporters, Deshmukh said he will review the FIR filed against her. The minister said he has asked the police for a probe report on the issue and will review it after submission. Deshmukh said he has also asked the police to submit a report on separate FIRs filed against other students, including Umar Khalid (a former scholar of JNU), who took part in the Gateway of India protest. "Prima facie it doesn't look like she has any anti-national intention and so I will be reviewing the FIR. I have also asked the police for a report on investigations," the minister said. He said the police will check Prabhu's antecedents before deciding on the future course of action in the case. "We want to know from where she got the banner and what she meant by 'Free Kashmir'. We know the curbs that have been imposed in Kashmir (since early August) and she may be talking about those," Deshmukh said. Asked about the FIRs filed against other Gateway of India protesters, Deshmukh said he has sought their details. "I have sought details of the cases. If needed, the cases will be reviewed," he said. Tributes have been paid to a young couple who died after they became trapped in a flooded lift. Dean Shoshani and Stav Harari, both 25 years old, died when they became stuck in a lift at the parking level of an apartment building that filled with water in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday. Reports said emergency services had to use scuba gear to rescue the victims, sawing through the roof of the lift to reach the pair. Ms Harari was reportedly transferred to the Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv in critical condition and suffering from hypothermia. Stav Harari and Dean Shoshani were both 25 years old. (CEN) Doctors could not revive her. Mr Shoshani was reportedly reanimated at the scene and later taken to the Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer where he died of his injuries. Its not clear if the couple lived in the building. One of the buildings tenants, whose name has not been reported, told local media he called the police three times, only to get an answer on the third attempt. Alfred Jadid, the owner of the building, said he got a call 20 minutes after the pair became trapped. When I arrived, the water had already reached the ceiling, he said. I started going crazy, we tried opening the elevator doors, but to no avail." "Police only arrived about an hour later, but how would that help? The fire brigade arrived there after an hour and a half. All these floods are caused by the drainage system's failure. We have floods around here all the time. All the time." Residents have complained it took authorities too long to respond. (CEN) According to the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality, the incident is under investigation. Eden Shoshani, Mr Shoshanis mother, said the couple moved into an apartment a few months ago. You made a home that was sweet and pleasant just like you, she said. Now youve passed on together. I remember and treasure every moment with you. Mr Shoshani and Ms Harari were reportedly buried in adjacent graves at the Yarkon Cemetery in Tel Aviv on Sunday with thousands attending the young couples funeral. We are Jews and we believe in the holiness of the Holy One, Blessed be He, Shoshanis father, Tzion, said, according to Haaretz. Abundant water cant snuff out love, and rivers cannot wash it away but rivers swept them away. Story continues Hararis father, Itzik, said, Stav, you are our life, our oxygen, we love you more than we love ourselves. Watch over us from above. According to local media, 83mm of rain fell in coastal Israeli cities at the weekend within just a few hours. ---Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK--- "When you are in a position you should speak up," JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh said after the actor left without addressing the meet. Even as Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), here on Tuesday, to show solidarity with students, the JNUSU president was unmoved and targeted the actor for not speaking at the meet. Deepika was spotted standing with students at the Sabarmati T-point, where a public meeting had been called by JNU alumni over Sunday's violence. She also met Ghosh who received injuries. Padukone didn't address the meeting and left after an hour. Amid drones flying over the meeting to keep an eye on students, Aishe targeted the JNU administration for filing complaints against her. "There are 3 FIRs against me, but I am not scared of the V-C. Even if you file 70 FIRs for all the 70 days of struggle against fee hike, we will continue our struggle" The meeting was also attended by former JNU students, including Sitaram Yechury, Yogendra Yadav, D. Raja and Kanhaiya Kumar. Kumar, who was targeted for allegedly raising anti-national slogans in JNU few years ago, said, "I am called the leader of tukde-tukde gang. I take it as an honour." "Hatred for the JNU is not hatred for a university or ideology, but the thought as how a country should be," Kanhaiya. "The government is making a mistake. They have chosen an enemy that is intelligent and studies," he remarked. Its that time of year, folks. The hot stove has stopped burning, and countdowns to spring training have arrived. Unlike last years dragged-out, never-ending Manny Machado-Bryce Harper free agency watch, almost all of the top players on the market have signed. Now its about determining whos best and where players could fit in the hierarchy of 2020. For Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres, that could mean American League MVP consideration this summer. Yet, despite projections for otherworldly offensive numbers, Torres was snubbed on ESPNs Buster Olneys ranking of the top-10 shortstops right now. The snub wasnt so much where Torres ranked, but the fact that the soon-to-be primary shortstop didnt even make the top 10. Heres what Olney wrote about Torres in the best of the rest section. With Didi Gregorius off to Philadelphia, Torres takes over as the Yankees shortstop, where he played 77 games in 2019. He showed some range but also a tendency to make mistakes -- he had 11 errors at short -- but its important to remember that he just turned 23. And it looks like hes on the verge of becoming a monster offensive player. Torres had 38 homers last year -- and should give thanks to the Orioles, who allowed 13 of them. Hes not in the top 10 this year, but dont be surprised if hes near the top of the leaderboard next year. Buy Yankees tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, PrimeSport Heres who Olney had ahead of Torres right now: Francisco Lindor, Marcus Semien, Trevor Story, Javier Baez, Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa, Jorge Polanco, Paul DeJong, Corey Seager and Tim Anderson. Torres posted an .871 OPS with 38 home runs last season. Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Special investigation teams (SIT) formed by the crime branch of the Delhi Police, which is probing last Sundays mob attack at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), failed to make any headway in two previous high-profile cases involving students the 2016 disappearance of JNU student Najeeb Ahmad, and the violent clashes outside Ramjas College in 2017. The Najeeb case was eventually transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after the crime branch investigation failed to make any headway. In the Ramjas case, the crime branch is yet to file a charge sheet or arrest a single person nearly three years after the incident. In all three cases, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), were among the alleged perpetrators of the crimes. The crime branch, which comprises highly specialised officers with superior investigation skills, is probing the violence that broke out at JNU around 6pm on Sunday, when masked assailants, armed with sticks, rods and hammers, attacked students and teachers inside the campus and smashed hostel property. At least 35 people were injured in the attack. The students union and several teachers have blamed the ABVP, which has rebuffed the charges and said Left-leaning members carried out the attack. Crime branch officers are part of the city police but unlike police personnel at stations, they are not engaged in daily law-and-order duties, and have fewer but sensitive cases to work on. Officers with better investigation skills and a good track record of solving cases are posted to the crime branch. Cases are transferred to the crime branch to boost the chances of them being solved. But in two previous cases involving students, crime branch investigations did not bear fruit. In February 2017, clashes broke out outside Delhi Universitys Ramjas College after alleged ABVP workers disrupted a literary event at the north campus college, and thrashed students who supported speakers Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid, both JNU students at the time. The violence left at least 25 persons with serious injuries, including eight police personnel. Delhi Police lathi-charged protesters to quell the violence, which grabbed headlines and triggered nationwide condemnation. But police records show that the SIT is yet to arrest a single person or even file a charge sheet. Police are supposed to file a charge sheet within three months. Delhi police spokesperson Anil Mittal said on Wednesday the police are in the final stage of the investigation in the 2017 Ramjas case, and will soon file a charge sheet . We had to collect statements of many students and eyewitnesses who were present that day. During investigation, we collected multiple CCTV grabs and cell phone videos. We sent such clips for forensic examination. The report has finally come. We have identified the accused persons. We will be filing a charge sheet against the persons very soon, Mittal said. The other case involves the disappearance of JNU student Najeeb Ahmad in October 2016, hours after a fight with a group of ABVP supporters, who denied any role in his disappearance. Delhi Police transferred the case to the crime branch in December that year. But an SIT by the crime branch didnt make much progress. In May 2017, the Delhi high court transferred the case from the Delhi crime branch to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The CBI, too, failed to find Ahmad and filed a closure report in October 2018. But during its investigation, the CBI said a key witness in the case, who had allegedly claimed to have dropped Ahmad to the Jamia Millia Islamia campus on the day he went missing, told agency investigators that the crime branch forced him to make such a statement. Delhi Police denied the allegations, and said that there was no need to coerce an auto driver to make a statement because he was not even an accused in the case. In the last few months, many important cases such as the Anaj Mandi fire where 45 people died last month, cases related to the pitched battle between lawyers and police at the Tis Hazari court complex in November, and clashes between police and anti-citizenship law protesters at Jamia Millia Islamia and Seelampur in December were transferred to the crime branch. All these cases are pending investigation. A senior Delhi police officer, who did not want to be named, said that several cases transferred to the crime branch take time to solve because it often enters the investigation after weeks or months. Usually CBI or crime branch get cases after the local police have failed to get leads. The crime branch officers are better equipped than local staff but evidence and witnesses are lost after some time. The crucial time to find leads in any case is the first 24 hours, the officer said. Vikram Singh, who was director general of the Uttar Pradesh Police between 2007 and 2009, said there is no reason to breach the investigation timeline just because a case is transferred to a different unit. The crime branch is also a part of the same police and its leadership... if one is transferring a case, there should still be a time set for the investigation. Maybe a 90-day period to file a charge sheet. The case must be then sent to a fast-track court. Delhi Police is not short of talent; such cases must be solved to ensure that people continue to trust the force, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Office of Science and Technology Policys U.S. deputy chief technology officer, Lynne Parker, said regarding the proposed artificial intelligence (AI) regulations that the White House released on Tuesday. The regulations are specific to how federal agencies create new AI regulations for the private sector, and theres a month-long period before the rules take effect during which the public can provide feedback. ( AP News January 7, 2020) Scientists fear many billions of animals may have been killed by the bushfires that have swept across Australias south-east. At least one species is feared extinct as scientists continue to raise their estimates for the animal death toll. Hundreds of billions of insects are also feared dead. Adelaide wildlife rescuer Simon Adamczyk with a koala near Cape Borda, on Kangaroo Island, on Tuesday. Credit:AAP The fires have raged through more than 6 million hectares in Victoria and NSW so far, including rainforest normally considered too wet to burn. Ecologists fear that rainforest may never grow back. The true death toll will not be known for a long time, with scientists yet to re-enter burnt areas. With the US Federal Aviation Administration prohibiting American airlines from operating in Iraq, Iran, and over the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, the aviation industry in India is bracing for a huge impact on travel time and costs. While neither the Indian government and nor the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have commented on the same, the domestic industry fears a possible closure of airspace in the region. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued advisory after Iran had launched missiles into Iraq targeting US bases in retaliation of an earlier American attack killing a top Iraqi commander. Adding to the acute uncertainty is the crash of a Ukraine Airlines flight carrying about 180 passengers, shortly after take off from Tehran. The cause is yet to be ascertained. "This is something that the aviation industry did not need at the moment. If this closure goes on, this will increase insurance costs for airlines. And with increase travel time, fuel costs will also shoot up," said Mark Martin, Founder and CEO of Martin Consulting LLC, an aviation advisory and consulting firm. The impact The immediate effect will be on travel time. "While the full impact is still to be seen as of now, American and British carriers will be impacted," said Ajay Awtaney, the editor of Indian aviation website, http://livefromalounge.com. The site pointed out that British Airways had already diverted two of its flights. And, others like Scoot and Kuwait Airways, which use the Iranian airspace, may also do the same. "Typically, flights from Delhi come in via the Afghanistan/Pakistan corridor which is now open. Flights to Mumbai need to use the Iranian passage, and we need to see what routing will the US carriers take now as United and Delta have both dispatched their flights, but they are still about ten hours away from entering the region," added the website. Overall, travel time could increase by 30 to 60 minutes. Awtaney noted that Air India was still operating flights in the region. PTI reported that the airline has decided to temporarily reroute flights. Its unit Air India Express has also done the same. "This may lead to increase in flying time by approximately 20 minutes for flights from Delhi and 30 to 40 minutes for flights from Mumbai," the airline's spokesperson told PTI. Other Indian airlines, such as IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir, which operated flights to the Middle East had not commented on the fast--evolving developments. Awtaney has noted that IndiGo does not use the Iranian airspace for its flights to Istanbul. Other costs With the increasing risks, airlines may have to shell out more for insurance. "Insurance liabilities will increase because of the war-like situation. Depending on the aircraft size, airlines will have to pay anything from $18,000 to $40,000 per plane per month," said Martin. It does not help that the violence in the region has had an impact on currencies and oil prices. Fuel cost is the biggest spend for airlines. The eventual impact may be on fares as airlines are likely to pass on the costs to consumers. The following memo was distributed to students, faculty and staff from Provost and Vice-President Academic Teri Balser on January 8, 2020. We were saddened to learn of this mornings news of the crash of a Ukrainian passenger plane near Tehran, Iran, resulting in the deaths of all 176 individuals on board. The plane reportedly contained many Iranian and Canadian citizens returning to Canada after the holiday break, and we are devastated to have learned of members of the Dalhousie community among the deceased. Details are still emerging, and this is as much information as we can share at this time. We will provide further updates as we are able to, respecting the privacy and wishes of the families. There are also certain to be staff, faculty, students and others in our community with additional connections to those who lost their lives this morning. On behalf of the entire Dalhousie University community, I wish to offer my deepest condolences to all impacted by this tragedy, including those on our campuses and in the broader Iranian community in our region. We are here for you and thinking of you in this difficult time. My heart breaks for the people whose lives have been cut short, for the families that are now broken, and for all of us doing our best in a world that sometimes feels capricious and unsafe. Our international students and colleagues are an essential part of our community. As we continue to gather information and mobilize supports for our community on campus and more broadly, we should all be reminded to be good to one another. We have all lost something of value today. I encourage anyone struggling to reach out and access supports available to you. Resources for students are available through Dalhousies Student Health & Wellness Services, including Multifaith Services. Staff and faculty resources are available through Dalhousies Employee & Family Assistance Program. We will provide more information on further available supports in the near future. With sincerest sympathies, Teri Balser Provost and Vice-President Academic Pandamonuim ensued Monday evening around 5:15 pm on the Nigerian side of Cameroon Bridge when an unexpected explosion claimed lives of both Nigerians and Cameroonians leaving behind no ferwer than nine people dead and scores of others with various degree of injuries. The incident happened at the border between Nigeria and Cameroon Republic in Gamboru town of Ngala LGA of Borno state. Cameroonian officials responded yesterday, confirming the explosion, saying in a telephone conversation that," It was not Boko Haram but old Iran grenade that exploded and suddenly killed bother Cameroonians and Nigerians". A Cameroonian official cleared the air on the Gamboru bridge blast. He clarified the explosion on the El Beid Bridge at the crowded Gamboru market on Monday even reducing the death toll from 30 to nine. Mr Midjiyawa Bakary, who is the Cameroons Far North Regional Governor dismissed reports that it was a suicide attack by Boko Haram Insurgents. He said: " it is an accidental grenade explosion. The blast reportedly occurred around 5pm in the Nigerian border town." Bakary narrated how the explosion occurred, saying that, "some children playing on the Nigerian side of the El Beid bridge found the grenade and as they were talking about what to do with it, it exploded." There is a local market there and many people were crossing the bridge at the time of the blast "The nine people who died are all Nigerians while five of the 26 injured are Cameroonians, Mr Bakary said on the phone. Dublin, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Next Generation Public and Personal Safety Applications and Services Market by Technology, Infrastructure, Use Case, and Region 2020 - 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report assesses the public and personal safety solutions market including those involved in critical infrastructure and advanced cyber and physical security. This report assesses core public safety technology and solutions as well as emerging key areas for critical communications and decision support including 5G, AI, and IoT. The report includes forecasts for the public and personal safety market globally and regionally from 2020 to 2025 as well as analysis and recommendations for industry stakeholders. Select Report Findings Global market for public and personal safety market poised to reach USD $532B by 2027 Biometric security and authentication systems will have the highest CAGR during the forecasted period North America will lead the public safety and personal safety market followed by Asia Pac and Europe Public safety LTE and upcoming 5G network will make substantial positive impacts on public safety systems Enterprise safety and security solutions will lead the market in terms of new technology introduction and solution realization Traditionally, the public safety community consists of first responders (ambulance/EMS, police, and fire), 9-1-1 dispatch/PSAP (Public Safety Answer Points), and infrastructure/service providers such as Comtech Telecommunications Corp. and Intrado. With Public Safety LTE and the roll-out of FirstNet, public safety services have expanded to include improved communications infrastructure as compared to legacy land mobile radio systems. The public safety community increasingly relies upon IP-based solutions for first responders and dispatch communications as well as overall coordination in the event of emergencies and disaster impact mitigation. Next-generation enterprise safety solutions enable the ability to identify and locate those in distress, direct emergency communications, and notify need-to-know personnel. Advancements in LTE and the introduction of 5G are expected to provide improved first responder communications, coordination, and safety. Further enhancements are expected through the integration of next-generation public safety solutions such as augmented reality for first responders and virtual reality coupled with haptic awareness and control for remote public safety personnel. In addition, advancements in public safety real-time data and decision support systems will provide life-saving and property protecting information for field personnel and coordinators alike. Leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for public safety is also important for the future of public safety as remote sensors will be increasingly relied upon to predict and prevent threats as well as provide invaluable situational awareness tools for emergency services personnel. Many of these technologies will ultimately be integrated into public safety systems. However, personal safety and enterprise public safety will lead the way in terms of technology adoption, systems integration, and solution deployment. For example, leading companies such as IP communications provider, Bandwidth, deploy enterprise 9-1-1 and safety systems for business that includes integration with unified communications by way of telecom APIs. In another leading company example, NICE Systems provides security organizations and emergency services to protect people and assets. They do this in a multi-facet manner that includes anticipation and management of safety and security risks with solutions that help organizations mitigate threats to operations. We see leading vendors focused on enterprise safety and security will be the primary area for integration of next-generation solutions involving AI, data analytics, IoT, and immersive technologies. The challenges will be to use a systems integration approach to tie together technologies in a manner in which useful solutions will seamlessly operate with existing command, control, and communications without unintended consequences such as introducing new system security and/or reliability threats or points of failure respectively. Key Topics Covered 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction 2.1 Public Safety and Personal Safety 2.2 Citizen Engagement and Security 2.3 Market Structure 2.4 Market Dynamics 2.5 Value Chain Analysis 2.6 Cost Success Factor Analysis 3. Infrastructure 3.1 Control Systems 3.2 Critical Communication Network 3.3 Biometric Security and Authentication System 3.4 Surveillance System and Privacy Concern 3.5 Scanning and Screening System 3.6 Emergency Disaster Management 3.7 Personal Safety and General Alarms 4. Technology 4.1 TE Core and RAN Technology 4.2 5G Core and NR Technology 4.3 Voice and Non-voice Communications 4.4 IoT Connectivity Technology 4.5 AI Technology 4.6 Web-Based CAD 4.7 Infrastructure, Devices, and Integrated Systems 4.8 Smartphone as Personal Safety Tool 4.9 IoT Device for Emergency Communication 4.10 RMS and Other Software 4.11 Public Safety Analytics and Components 4.12 Public Safety Data 5. Deployment and Integration 5.1 Cloud Deployment 5.2 Edge Computing in Smart Cities 5.3 Emergency Call Routing 5.4 Public Safety Answer Points 5.5 Personal Safety Notification 5.6 Interoperability 6. Solutions by Industry Vertical 6.1 Government 6.2 Healthcare 6.3 Commercial and Residential 6.4 Construction and Architecture 6.5 Manufacturing 6.6 Emergency Services 6.7 Retail 6.8 Banking and Financial Institute 6.9 Other Verticals like Education, Automotive, etc. 7. Company Analysis 7.1 3DR 7.2 AGT International 7.3 Alarm Radio Monitoring 7.4 Aptean Corporation (Vista Equity Partners) 7.5 Atos SE 7.6 Cisco Systems 7.7 Dataminr 7.8 Eagle Genomics 7.9 Enforsys 7.10 Enigma Technologies 7.11 ESRI 7.12 Fire Recovery USA 7.13 Gemalto 7.14 General Dynamics Corporation 7.15 Glympse 7.16 L3Harris Technologies 7.17 Haystax 7.18 Hexagon 7.19 Hitachi Vantara 7.20 Honeywell International 7.21 Huawei Technologies 7.22 IBM 7.23 Ericsson 7.24 Motorola Solutions 7.25 NEC Corporation 7.26 Nice Systems 7.27 Nokia Corporation 7.28 Northrop Grumman Corporation 7.29 Novatronica 7.30 RapidSOS 7.31 SAP SE 7.32 SAS 7.33 SmartDrive Systems 7.34 Sonim Technology 7.35 Specialist Alarm Services 7.36 Sun Ridge Systems 7.37 SwiftAlarm 7.38 Telstra Corporation 7.39 Terracom Informatics 7.40 Tobii Technology 7.41 Twig Com 7.42 Tyler Technologies 7.43 Verint Systems 7.44 FirstNet 7.45 Verizon 7.46 AT&T 7.47 WILMAC 7.48 RedBox 7.49 Polaris Public Safety Solution 7.50 CentralSquare (TELLUS) 7.51 iNet Public Safety 7.52 Codan Communications 7.53 Intellitech Corporation 7.54 Parallel Wireless 7.55 Saferwatch 7.56 Virtual Halo 7.57 Revolar 7.58 Twilio 7.59 Intersec 8. Global Market Analysis and Forecast 2020 - 2025 8.1 Global Public and Personal Safety Market 2020 - 2025 8.2 Market by Segment 8.3. Market by Infrastructure 8.4 Market by Software 8.5 Public Safety Analytics Market by Component 8.6 Public Safety Analytics Market by Type 8.7 Market by Service 8.8 Market by Technology 8.9 Market by Industry Vertical 8.10 Market by Government Application 8.11 Market by Deployment 9. Regional Public and Personal Safety Market 2020 - 2025 9.1 Market by Region 9.2 North America Market Forecast 9.3 Europe Market Forecast 9.4 APAC Market Forecast 9.5 MEA Market Forecast 9.6 Latin America Market Forecast 10. Conclusions and Recommendations 10.1 Advertisers and Media Companies 10.2 Artificial Intelligence Providers 10.3 Automotive Companies 10.4 Broadband Infrastructure Providers 10.5 Communication Service Providers 10.6 Computing Companies 10.7 Data Analytics Providers 10.8 Immersive Technology (AR, VR, and MR) Providers 10.9 Networking Equipment Providers 10.10 Networking Security Providers 10.11 Semiconductor Companies 10.12 IoT Suppliers and Service Providers 10.13 Software Providers 10.14 Smart City System Integrators 10.15 Automation System Providers 10.16 Social Media Companies 10.17 Workplace Solution Providers 10.18 Enterprise and Governments 10.19 Public Safety Agencies For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/2gev8n Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. A group of at least 15 foreign envoys from different regions will be taken to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday to see the governments efforts to restore normalcy in the region, people familiar with developments said on Wednesday. The two-day visit is being organised following requests from Delhi-based envoys to visit Kashmir after the governments decision last August to revoke Jammu and Kashmirs special status and split the state into two union territories, the people cited above said. The envoys will be drawn from different regions and diplomats from the Middle East, Africa and Latin America are expected to be part of the first such group to be taken to Kashmir, the people said. The final tally could increase as confirmations were awaited from some countries till late on Wednesday. Envoys from European Union (EU) wont be part of the group and they will make a trip to Jammu and Kashmir at a later date, said a person who declined to be named. Reports that EU ambassadors are not part of the group of envoys visiting Jammu and Kashmir due to certain restrictions in the programme are unfounded and mischievous, the person said. HT had reported on Wednesday that the EU mission in Delhi is discussing the proposed trip with the external affairs ministry. Dates for the trip are yet to be finalised, diplomats of two EU states had said. The people cited above said India had wanted to take a global group of envoys to Kashmir with some EU ambassadors, and not all EU envoys were asked to join. However, the EU envoys wanted to visit as a group, and this was not possible due to restrictions on numbers and to keep the group broad-based, the people said. Some EU envoys also said the visit was being organised at short notice and they didnt have time to seek instructions from their headquarters, the people added. The people said the envoys would be free to interact with people subject to security considerations. Officials in Srinagar said the group of envoys wwas expected to meet panchayat members and representatives of local body and NGOs. Representatives of several local bodies and NGOs, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they had been informed by officials to be prepared for meetings in Srinagar on Thursday. I was called by an army officer and told to be ready to meet a delegation in Srinagar. I was asked to travel from Baramulla to Srinagar at 8 am but I wasnt given details of whom Ill be meeting, said a member of an urban local body in North Kashmir. The representatives said they would meet the delegation and present their point of view. The meetings with the envoys are expected to be held at either the armys Badami Bagh cantonment or Lalit Grand Hotel on the banks of Dal Lake. However, some prominent organisations said they hadnt received any invitation for a meeting with the envoys. Sheikh Ashiq, president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: I have not received any invitation. [January 08, 2020] Unclaimed Baggage marks its 50th anniversary with a 50-state road tour--and a truckload of prizes and memories SCOTTSBORO, Ala., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Launched in 1970 with little more than a borrowed pick-up truck and a $300 loan, Unclaimed Baggage, the nation's only retailer of lost luggage items, will hit the road for its 50th Anniversary. Unclaimed Baggage will bring games and prizes along on a nationwide 50 Years 50 States Road Tour celebrating what has grown to become one of Alabama's top tourist attractions. It will also mark another big milestone in 2020 with the debut of a new e-commerce platform along with a new website, which goes live in March. The year-long celebration kicks off March 20 with a party at Unclaimed Baggagea 50,000-square-foot store that stretches more than a city blockwhere Unclaimed Baggage will unveil its road-tour vehicle: a restored 1965 Chevrolet pickup truck, complete with a mobile museum showcasing some of the fascinating finds of this one-of-a-kind retailer. The truck has been modeled after Doyle Owens' original, which he borrowed to drive to Washington, D.C. and purchase his first load of Unclaimed Baggage from Trailways bus lines. Within a month, Owens knew he had a winning idea, spurring him to quit his job in insurance sales and become the "bag man." Over the next few years, Owens, his wife, Sue, and their two boys, Bryan and Mark, expanded their business with airline merchandise. Bryan Owens purchased Unclaimed Baggage in 1995, extended its product sources, and remodeled and enlarged the retail store. "It's amazing to see how even herein Scottsboro, AlabamaUnclaimed Baggage could grow into an international destination that has drawn national media attention," said Unclaimed Baggage CEO Bryan Owens. "Any day you visit our store, you're likely to see license plates from more than a dozen states. Those shoppers tell us they love driving to Unclaimed Baggageeven if it's several hours each waybecause they never know what they'll find." Today, Unclaimed Baggage attracts one million shoppers annually from all 50 states and 40+ countries who browse through a treasure trove of goods that airlines have been unable to reunite with their former owners. If a suitcase gets lost in transit and can't be returned to its owneroften because of a missing identification tag, the airline compensates the traveler. Airlines conduct a comprehensive 90-day baggage tracing process, after which only 0.0003% of the billion or so passenger bags checked every year are deemed truly lost. Unclaimed Baggage buys the unclaimed luggage and gives them a second life. 50 years, 50 states Heading out from its Northern Alabama retail location, Unclaimed Baggage's 50 Years 50 States Tour will stop for up to a week in several southern shopper-rich cities, such as Atlanta, Huntsvile, Chattanooga, Nashville, Birmingham, Knoxville, and Memphis. It will host casual meet-ups with fans and reward shoppers with a series of giveaways. Many stops will coincide with major festivals, from the Atlanta Dogwood Festival (April 17-19) to Nashville's Bonnaroo (June 12-14) where attendees can participate in fun games and experiences, including Finders Keepers, the Baggage Experience and a mobile museum. Unclaimed Baggage will ultimately make its way around the country as it connects with customers in all 50 states. Dedicated fans can track the road trip's progress by following #50years50states and can catch the truck at some of the nation's most unusual roadside attractions. Charitable events Unclaimed Baggage will hold a series of charitable events along the way through its philanthropic program, Reclaimed for Good. The initiative has provided groups such as Salvation Army and Samaritan's Purse World Medical Missions with millions of dollars' worth of unsellable clothes, medical supplies and equipment. R4G's Love Luggage initiative has also supported thousands of foster children by providing personalized suitcases to replace the garbage bags many typically use to transport their belongings. R4G will partner with local communities along the tour to spread Love Luggage's reach to foster children across the nation. The non-profit also plans to set the record for the World's Largest Coat Drive. Diehard Unclaimed Baggage shopper tells tale, wins spree Unclaimed Baggage set the stage for its 50th Anniversary celebration with a contest that enticed fans nationwide to share their favorite experiences for a chance to win the ultimate shopping spree, complete with roundtrip transportation, lodging and meals. From over 1,400 total entries received from every state, Marylee Jackson of South Carolina earned the grand prize for recounting her first trip to Unclaimed Baggage in 2015a shopping adventure with her best friend that has since become an annual tradition. Jackson says when an Unclaimed Baggage team member learned they had traveled from South Carolina for two days of shopping, the staffer made them feel like celebrities, buying them coffees at the cafe and giving them gift bags with coupons and T-shirts. "My gal-pal and I LOVE coming to Unclaimed Baggage because of the fabulous hunt, the amazing finds and the excellent customer service," Jackson said. "We start planning and anticipating our next annual shopping trip the minute we drive away and head for home." Unclaimed Baggage will continue the contest with customers, team members and fans throughout 2020. About Unclaimed Baggage Located in Scottsboro, Alabama, Unclaimed Baggage is a one-of-a-kind retail store that draws one million shoppers annually from all 50 states and around the world. As the country's only merchant of unclaimed and lost airline baggage and its contents, Unclaimed Baggage offers a treasure trove of goods that airlines have been unable to reunite with their former owners. Besides clothing, footwear, formal wear and electronics, shoppers might find anything from a suit of armor and a 40-carat emerald to a Chinese dragon kite and a puppet created at Henson's Creative Workshop. The store has made national news for its ever-changing array of unique items from around the world, all sold at an incredible value. Unclaimed Baggage also runs a philanthropic program called Reclaimed for Good. The initiative provides charities with millions of dollars' worth of unsellable clothes, medical supplies and equipment, such as wheelchairs. Reclaimed for Good's Love Luggage initiative has also supported thousands of foster children by providing personalized suitcases to replace the garbage bags many typically use to transport their belongings. Learn about Unclaimed Baggage at www.unclaimedbaggage.com or connect online through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unclaimed-baggage-marks-its-50th-anniversary-with-a-50-state-road-tour--and-a-truckload-of-prizes-and-memories-300983764.html SOURCE Unclaimed Baggage [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By PTI BEIRUT: Carlos Ghosn is set to hold a highly anticipated press conference in Lebanon on Wednesday, the first by the fugitive car magnate since his Houdini-like escape from trial in Japan. The globe-trotting mogul, once a giant of the car industry, has given few media statements since he jumped bail and landed in his native Lebanon almost two weeks ago, in the latest shock twist to a gripping saga. But he plans to use his press conference in Beirut to name those he believes were behind a plot to oust him, including Japanese government officials, a US broadcaster said Tuesday. The encounter with the media is scheduled for 3:00 pm (1300 GMT) at Lebanon's press syndicate headquarters. A day in advance, journalists were already gathering outside the building. Ghosn's bail jump has prompted outrage from the Japanese government, which has called his escape "unjustifiable", as well as from Japanese automaker Nissan which labelled the getaway "extremely regrettable". Many are expecting Ghosn to disclose details of his audacious flight from Japan to Beirut via Istanbul -- a dramatic twist in a story worthy of a Hollywood plot. According to Japanese media, he slipped out of his house in Tokyo, boarded a bullet train to Osaka and then a private jet to Istanbul, evading customs by hiding in a box, before reaching Beirut on December 30. His current whereabouts in Lebanon remain unknown but reporters have camped outside his luxurious pink villa in central Beirut, where he is believed to be residing. Before fleeing Japan, Ghosn was awaiting trial over multiple counts of financial misconduct. He denies any wrongdoing. Ghosn says the charges stem from a "coup" inside Nissan by disgruntled executives and local Japanese officials who feared his plans to more closely integrate the car giant with its alliance partner, French firm Renault. Nissan has continued to insist it has "incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn." But his legal team in France lashed out at those remarks just hours before Ghosn was due to speak. The carmaker's claims that it has conducted a thorough investigation into its former boss is a "gross perversion of the truth," they said in a statement. The probe was "initiated for the specific, pre-determined purpose of taking down Carlos Ghosn," said the lawyers. Maria Bartiromo of Fox Business said Ghosn had told her over the weekend that he has "actual evidence" and documents proving there was a plot to "take him out" in response to his plan to merge Nissan and Renault. He had also told her he would name those behind his November 2018 arrest for alleged financial misconduct, including some officials in the Japanese government. Ghosn's high-profile arrest and his long detention -- 130 days in total -- under severe conditions were widely considered draconian compared to the West. He twice won bail by persuading the court he was not a flight risk -- decisions seen as controversial at the time. His latest release came with conditions that included a ban on overseas travel and limited contact with his wife, Carole, who insisted this week she had no advance knowledge of the escape plan. Japanese prosecutors are also seeking to arrest her, alleging she "made false statements" during April testimony to the Tokyo district court. As Japan grapples with the fall-out from the embarrassing security lapse, prosecutors on Wednesday attempted to raid the offices of one of his lawyers, Junichiro Hironaka, to seize computers. However, the lawyers refused them access, citing "attorney-client confidentiality." Ghosn himself has said he left Japan because he was no longer willing to be "held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system". "I have not fled justice -- I have escaped injustice and political persecution," Ghosn said on December 31 in a statement issued in Beirut. Lebanon, which has no extradition agreement with Japan, has said Ghosn entered the country legally in possession of a French passport and a Lebanese identification card. The tycoon holds Brazilian, French and Lebanese nationalities. In a civil lawsuit set to go to trial in March, a former female state police lieutenant suing her former male supervisor and the State Police claims the supervisor discussed intimate sexual details with her, then retaliated when she reported his conduct. In 2016, then-Sgt. Daralyn Heywood, a 23-year veteran of the state police, filed a lawsuit against Lt. Kevin Buckley and the agency in Suffolk Superior Court, asking a judge to award her $1 million. A State Police internal probe cleared Buckley of sexual harassment. In a court motion, Heywoods attorney called it a bogus investigation that led to a whitewash. The investigator was Kerry Gilpin, the recently retired state police superintendent, who at the time worked in the polices harassment investigation unit. In my carefully considered opinion, the goal was never to find the truth, said Heywoods attorney, Robert Sinsheimer. Everybody already knew the truth. Lt. Buckley was sleeping with a female Sergeant, bragging about it, and looking to bag new prey. ... The only goal was to sweep the problem under a rug. A State Police spokesman said the department does not comment on pending litigation. The State Police, in a court brief filed by Attorney General Maura Healeys office, deny the allegations. Buckleys attorney did not return calls for comment. A Superior Court judge denied motions by Buckley and the police to dismiss the case. Motions for summary judgment by Buckley and the State Police challenging Heywoods timing of filing her complaint and questioning whether she suffered an adverse employment action" are pending. Buckley became Heywoods direct supervisor in September 2014, when he became commander of the Yarmouth Barracks where she worked. According to her complaint, Buckley told Heywood, in conversations during work hours, that he was having an affair with another state police sergeant. Buckley told her explicit sexual details about his marriage and his encounters with his mistress. Heywood believed the discussions, of which there were at least 10 or 12 over eight months, were intended as a sexual advance. Heywood, in her complaint, alleges that Buckley repeatedly subjected her to unwelcome, lewd and sexually suggestive conversations that were so pervasive as to create a hostile working environment. After Buckley told Heywood that his mistress was jealous of Heywood, that he was ending his affair with his mistress and the mistress was threatening to disclose the affair to his wife, Heywood told Buckley to stop discussing his personal life with her. She says Buckley then began to openly criticize her work and overturn her decisions. He transferred her from the day shift to the midnight shift, criticized the midnight shift via email, canceled days off for officers under Heywoods supervision, denied her training opportunities, and summoned her to a surprise meeting with the captain to criticize her work. An email sent to the barracks entitled DO YOUR JOB!!!! criticized the midnight shift for not following procedures and told Heywood to supervise her personnel. Someone later placed a sign in a barracks stairwell that read Do your job. Buckley says in a court brief that he did not have any more sexually explicit conversations with Heywood after May 2015, when she asked him to stop. He says he appropriately transferred her, and denies that any of his emails or actions were retaliatory. Heywood unsuccessfully requested a transfer out of the Yarmouth barracks, then filed an internal complaint alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. She says she was then ostracized by other officers. The state polices harassment investigation unit, in an investigation done by Gilpin that took six months to complete, found Heywoods complaint was not sustained and exonerated Buckley of retaliation. Gilpin transferred into the harassment investigations unit in August 2014. Heywoods complaint came in mid-December 2014 and was one of the first complaints Gilpin investigated. Gilpin was promoted to captain, then appointed executive officer of the Division of Standards and training in May 2016. She was appointed state police superintendent, the top job in the police force, by Gov. Charlie Baker in November 2017. Heywood says in a court filing that the harassment investigation unit transferred a witness to the midnight shift, in what she calls intimidation. She also claims the unit failed to interview key witnesses and omitted key facts from the report. She claims the investigation was meant to cover up Buckleys misconduct. MSPs failure to conduct an unbiased, meaningful investigation contributed to Plaintiffs hostile work environment and itself constitutes retaliation, Heywoods attorneys wrote in a court brief. In a deposition obtained by The Republican /MassLive.com, Gilpin said she was not able to prove or disprove the allegations of sexual harassment. She noted that early on, Heywood did not tell Buckley that the conversations were unwanted. After reading the emails and talking to witnesses, Gilpin said she deemed the emails not to be retaliatory. Gilpin, 49, retired Nov. 15 after two years leading the State Police. Heywood, who was promoted to lieutenant in 2017, retired in September 2018. Buckley, who worked for the state police for 30 years, also left in 2018. The US Army is warning of an increase in text messages falsely telling recipients that that they have been selected for the military draft. On Tuesday, the Army released a statement alerting members of the public to the widespread hoax, as the country inches closer to war with Iran. The release read: 'US Army Recruiting Command has received multiple calls and emails about these fake text messages and wants to ensure Americans understand these texts are false and were not initiated by this command or the US Army.' It continued: 'The draft has not been in effect since 1973. The military has been an all-volunteer force since that time. Registering for the Selective Service does not enlist a person into the military. Army recruiting operations are proceeding as normal.' The release was accompanied with two examples of fraudulent texts, including one which told the recipient that they must 'come to the nearest [army] branch for immediate departure to Iran'. The text also threatened: 'We're aware that this number is not disconnected. You'll be fined and sent to jail for a minimum of 6 years if no reply'. The US Army is warning of an increase in text messages falsely telling recipients that that they have been selected for the military draft The texts have caused considerable anxiety in recent days, amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. On Saturday, around 2,800 additional troops were deployed to the Middle East, as Iran vowed revenge after a drone strike ordered by President Trump took out Major General Qassem Soleimani. According to The New York Times, 'interest was so high [in finding out about the draft] that it apparently crashed the website for the Selective Service System, the independent government agency that maintains a database of Americans eligible for a potential draft.' Fraudsters quickly took advantage of the situation, allegedly creating counterfeit websites that charged people for information on their status. The texts have caused considerable anxiety in recent days, amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran The official Selective Service put out a tweet warning the public. It read: 'Please be advised that there are websites claiming to be the Selective Service that charge for registration. You will not be registered and your personal information may be at risk. Official online registration can only be completed at sss.gov'. The New York Times reports all American men between the ages of 18 and 25 'are required to register with the Selective Service System', but that does not mean that they will be drafted. Registration with the SSS often involves the simply ticking of a box while applying for a driver's license or student loans. There are 'lifetime penalties for men who do not register as they cannot receive federal financial aid, and they cannot work for the federal government'. However, 'right now, registering for selective service really means nothing about the likelihood of you serving in the current military' and Congress would need to act in order to reinstate the draft. The Army's statement directed those interested in volunteering to 'contact a local recruiting office'. Law enforcement agencies in Colorado have set up a task force to track down the source of a mysterious group of drones that have been spotted flying in the state. Residents in northeastern Colorado and southwestern Nebraska have been confused for weeks after a series of unexplained night-time sightings of drones which has drawn attention from the FBI, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the US military. There is no local crime that I am aware of that has been committed, but it is very unnerving for our citizens, Morgan County Sheriff Dave Martin told the states public radio network. Everybody's concerned because of the unknown. A lot of our sheriff and law enforcement partners have been busy with these types of calls trying to figure out what it is and who it is. The drones, which were first seen in December, have been described as having 2-metre wingspans and reportedly fly in a grid-like pattern in groups of six to 10. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty In a statement on Monday, the FAA said it takes every drone-sighting report seriously. Multiple FAA divisions are working closely with federal, state and local stakeholders to try to determine whether the reported sightings in Colorado and Nebraska are drones and, if so, who is operating them and for what reason, the organisation said. After a strategy meeting with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, Phillips County Sheriff's Office said that it is looking for a command vehicle for the drones. The sheriffs office added that none of the agencies could confirm if the drones were malicious, although they do not believe the aircraft were intended to harm people. Theyve got two red blinking lights and a white light, Deanna Schwindt, a resident from the town of Brush, told Colorado Public Radio. You just see the lights coming, coming from the east. It's weird. Ms Schwindt said she had seen drones flying over her house every night for about a week, starting at about 5pm each night. Colorados The Gazette has suggested the drones could be connected to a secretive Air Force programme intended to keep eyes away from nuclear missile silos. Air Force Global Strike Command has confirmed it conducts counter-drone operations out of the F E Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, near where the drones have been seen. However, the Air Force has denied ownership of the aircraft. Theyre not from F E Warren and they are not part of our counter-drone system, Lt Jon Carkhuff, a spokesperson for the base, told The Denver Post. We do not know where they are coming from, but we are cooperating with the FAA and the FBI and numerous police departments to find out what those sightings are. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has also said it does not have any information on the drones. The Denver Post has contacted a wide-range of agencies to ask about the aircraft, including Amazon, the US Department of Defence and the Environmental Protection Agency. All of the agencies contacted by the newspaper have denied ownership. Last month, the FAA proposed a new rule which would require drones to be registered with remote identification technology so agencies can track aircraft flying in their jurisdiction. Joshua Roberts/Reuters The Trump era was supposed to be an ascendant one for Republicans like Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who had tried unsuccessfully for years to win the GOPs bitter internal debate over U.S. entanglements in the Middle East. Under the banner of America First, Donald Trump the candidate vowed to implement a nationalist foreign policy by ending wars abroad and instead refocusing on domestic priorities. But days after President Trump ordered a drone strike to kill a top Iranian generalprompting widespread fears of all-out warPaul found himself in a familiar place that libertarian-minded Republicans hoped theyd be leaving behind: the minority. Trump: Iran Is Standing Down, but Im Gonna Punish It Some More By Tuesday afternoon, Paul was the only Senate Republican to openly back a measure to curb Trumps power to wage war with Iran, his usual band of non-interventionist lawmakers mostly stayed away. Meanwhile, rivals like the hawkish Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) lobbed Twitter potshots at him for arguing that Gen. Qassem Soleimanis death amounted to the death of diplomacy. As Paul walked alone to the Senate floor Tuesday, The Daily Beast asked him if the strike meant that Trump had finally turned away from the America First platform he ran on. I think the presidents sentiments are still against large, land-based wars, Paul responded. I think he really, truly believes that the Iraq War was a mistake. Whether or not that's consistent with the escalation of things with Iran, I think time will tell. My fear is that escalating things with Iran could turn out with the same repercussions as the war with Iraq did. Trumps decision to take out Soleimani is among the most consequential of his presidency; in the realm of foreign policy, its the boldest in a series of decisions that saw the president take the more hawkish direction his party has historically preferred. Since taking office, Trump has vetoed legislation to end U.S. involvement in the civil war in Yemen, ordered military strikes against the Syrian regime in 2017 and 2018, and has failed to make good on promises to end U.S. involvement in Afghanistan under substantial pressure from allies like Graham. Story continues To the hawkish camp, the Soleimani strike presents another significant piece of evidence that Trump is simply reflecting the consensus in his party. Id reject the idea that theres a split on this particular issue in the GOP, said one senior House Republican aide. You have all Republicans and the president on one side, and Rand on the other. Others who have openly backed Trumps brand of America First foreign policy, meanwhile, have argued that the Soleimani strike is not inconsistent with that aim. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), a libertarian-minded conservative who often joins Paul on foreign policy votes, said the move doesnt mean Trump has become an interventionist. He is looking to punch harder to protect a narrow set of U.S. interests, Lee said in a statement to The Daily Beast. He is not looking to save the world through extended U.S. involvement. In a speech to the nation on Wednesday morning, Trump attempted to strike that exact balance, telling Americans that war was not on the horizon and declaring that the removal of Soleimani was necessary to avoid further conflict. He also cast Irans decision to retaliate by launching missiles at U.S. military targets in Iraqbut reportedly not causing casualtieson Tuesday night as a victory, saying that Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned. However, instead of moving on from the potential conflict, Trump reverted back to the years-long, so-called maximum pressure campaign on Iran, announcing new punishing economic sanctions on Irans economy. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior, said Trump. Despite it all, some non-interventionists still believe Trumps end-the-wars instincts havent changed and wont changemeaning that each day presents a new opportunity for them to win him over. I don't think there's any sort of solace in believing that somehow Hillary Clinton would have been less belligerent in the Middle East, asserted Paul. So, I still hope for the best. Trump, Iran, and Where The Forever War Was Always Headed A close confidant of Trumps, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) has not been a hawk in his time in office. The congressman, who is leaving the Capitol soon for a to-be-disclosed job with Trump, is certain that the president remains in that camp, too. I know hes in that space, Meadows told The Daily Beast on Tuesday. I dont thinkI know hes in that space. But if Trumps foreign policy decisions are, as Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) quipped, seemingly most influenced by the last person that talks to him, the hawks seem poised to win out. Hardly any lawmakers, even those in party leadership, were briefed ahead of the U.S. strike on Soleimanibut Graham, perhaps the most hawkish member of the Senate, was. And Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who has long advocated an aggressive stance on Iran, had for months urged Trump to take out Soleimani. Its people like Pompeowho Paul called an unabashed Iran hawk and advocate of regime changethat Paul says are to blame for why the president keeps making decisions that seemingly dont reflect his non-interventionist instincts. The president says their goal is not regime change and I believe him when he says that, said Paul, but I'm not sure if that's the same policy that Pompeo or [former national security adviser John] Bolton advocated. I think there's never been somebody that he's appointed who actually truly reflected his position. That leaves an increasingly lonely group of people like Paul trying to make the case from Capitol Hill while balancing their own political imperatives. I feel for Sen. Paul a little bit, said John Glaser, director of foreign policy at the libertarian Cato Institute think tank. Hes constrained by his constituents back home. At the same time, he also knows since he has the presidents ear, he has at least the opportunity to influence policy in a direction he desires. Paul and others certainly intend to keep making that casebut as possible hostilities with Iran loom, the vast majority of the congressional GOP is taking pains to show they are fully behind Trump. In this moment, that entails voting against measures in both chambers to block the presidents ability to wage war on Iran. Votes on that same subject were taken last year, and a number of Republicans joined most Democrats to send a message that Trump couldnt bypass Congress in matters of war. In the Senate, seven GOP senators voted to restrain the presidents war powers on Iran; in the House, 27 Republicans did so. When the Senate takes up that legislation againKaine is forcing a vote in the coming daysthe number of Republicans voting to rein in Trump will be diminished. As of Wednesday, Paul is the only yes; Lee, the closest in the chamber to him ideologically, sounded on Tuesday like a no vote, citing issues with some claims made in Kaines bill. Later Wednesday, however, Lee emerged from an Iran briefing by the administration so livid he decided to sign onto Kaine's bill, which the Democrat agreed to tweak. In the House, meanwhile, some in the GOP are bullish that few, if any, of their members will vote yes on a resolution Democrats are expected to introduce to rein in Trump's war authority. The Republican most aligned with Paul in the House, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), told The Daily Beast he would probably vote for such legislation. But he also evinced a desire to move on: I would love to see us end the current back-and-forth, call it a day, and start planning our withdrawal from the Middle East, he said. Its possible that the well of GOP support could run low, depending on what happens next. Some of those who have cheered the Soleimani decision nevertheless do not want to see a broader escalation on Iran. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), a freshman Republican who has praised the presidents rhetoric about moving the U.S. away from Middle East wars, said the Soleimani strike was consistent with a limited counter-terrorism mission. But, he said, I don't love the long multi-month trend towards sending more and more and more troops to Central Command So, Im keeping my eye on and I think we need to be careful about that. For now, hawks seemed reluctant to gloat that theyd edged out their rivalsnot even Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), who got in an epic Twitter fight with Paul in September over the question of which of their foreign policy viewpoints Trump actually held. Cheney, surfacing a GOP primary-era Trump tweet slamming Paul, called the senator a big loser and quipped that his motto seems to be Terrorists First, America Second. Asked by The Daily Beast on Tuesday if Trump had fully come around, Cheney simply said that the president made the right call to take out Soleimani, declining to wade into the GOP foreign policy debate shed participated in last year. That reluctance could stem from the fact that, ultimately, even close Trump allies are unsure what the president will do next on any given day or topic. Trying to define Trump absolutely in one camp or the other, said the House GOP aide, is a fools errand. with reporting from Betsy Swan Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. The U.S. Census Bureau will hold a news conference to kick off the 2020 Census. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham will give an update on the first enumeration in Toksook Bay, Alaska, which begins on Jan. 21. Alaskas vast, sparsely settled northern areas are traditionally the first to be counted. Local census takers must get a head start while the frozen ground allows easier access to remote areas with unique accessibility challenges. In addition, many residents leave following the spring thaw to fish and hunt or for other warm-weather jobs, making it difficult to get an accurate count in the days leading up to Census Day (April 1). The remaining portion of Alaska, including Anchorage, will be counted with the rest of the country beginning in March. The news conference will highlight the great lengths to which the Census Bureau goes to count everyone living in the United States, including remote Alaska. Alaskas Complete Count Committee and other local 2020 Census partners will also be at the news conference to discuss efforts to improve response rates, spread awareness of and promote participation in the next decennial census. Multiple missiles have been launched into Iraq from Iran targeting American bases, Trend reports citing ABC. "This morning, courageous fighters of the IRGC's Air Force launched a successful operation called Operation Martyr Soleimani, with the code 'Oh Zahra' by firing tens of ground-to-ground missiles at the base of the terrorist and invasive US forces," the country's state-run news outlet ISNA reported. A U.S. official confirms to ABC News that ballistic missiles have been fired from inside Iran at multiple U.S. military facilities inside Iraq on Wednesday morning local time. The facilities include Erbil in northern Iraq and Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq, the official said. The attack comes days after the U.S. killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a drone attack in Iraq. Defense Secretary Mark Esper in a briefing at the Pentagon Tuesday said the U.S. was ready to retaliate for any attack launched by Iran. UTICA, N.Y. Mohawk Valley Health System is the first facility in New York state to receive accreditation for its cardiac catheterization laboratory from the American College of Cardiology (ACC). To receive the accreditation, MVHS had to meet or exceed certain criteria after undergoing an on-site evaluation, a gap analysis, examination of care and action plan development. ACC also assessed the staffs ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients at the lab. Tanya Bristol, nurse manager at MVHS, says the accreditation "has given us an opportunity to utilize their best practices and different criteria that really make a difference in the way we do our day to day work. A cardiac cath is a cardiac cath -- but when you are using the appropriate and the best practices, you're making sure that the outcomes are as good as they could possibly be. Accredited facilities gain access to services that improve patient care by streamlining processes, setting new standards and adopting best practices. If you want to know why Democrats are so hell-bent on condemning President Trump's wipe-out of Iran's Number Two, Qassem Soleimani, maybe a look at their record with this guy can tell some of the story. This demon (as Mancow so flawlessly characterized him) was a powerful guy in hellhole Iran, and he extended his brutality well beyond Iran's borders. He was responsible for the killings of hundreds of Americans in Iraq and beyond. He amassed his power because under the Obama administration, favors were done in a way that enabled him to rise as Iran's Quds Force commander, racking up victory after victory at our expense. Democrats helped him a lot in his revolting journey, dating from the genesis of the Ben RhodesBarack Obama Iran deal. Here's a list of the top six things the Democrats did to enable him to get as powerful and depraved in his activity as he did: 6. Travel: This guy was under U.S. and U.N. sanctions, and nominally forbidden to travel anywhere, yet he traveled anywhere he wanted to go with abandon. Flying commercial, he used planes full of unwitting people he was onboard with as human shields to deter rocket attacks, but he still had no trouble getting onboard. And according to the Washington Post, that was useful, indeed: Such travel, however, has been a mainstay of Soleimani's work for decades as the leader of Iran's Quds Force, a special squad focused on overseas operations, among other intelligence missions, as part of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Sanctions were nonsense, U.N. or U.S., because with Democrats in power, nobody was stopping him. He got used to the routine before President Trump got finished with him. 5. Impunity. As American Thinker contributor Dan Sobieski notes today, Soleimani attempted to bomb Washington and its elites in a plot to murder the Saudi ambassador in Washington in 2011. The idea was to blow up a restaurant full of people. Sobieski writes: Think about this for a moment. Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State, Eric Holder was attorney general, and Robert Mueller was FBI director when Iranian general and Quds Force commander Soleimani oversaw the planning of a terrorist attack on American soil that could have killed hundreds of Americans including some of the Washington elites. No consequences whatsoever to him the Democrats were so hell-bent on ensuring that the Iran deal went through that the little issue of him trying to kill us went without notice. And it was hardly his only attempt to kill Americans. 4. Free cities: As American Thinker columnist Clarice Feldman noted Sunday, the Obama administration allowed Soleimani to take Tikrit in 2015. Citing an article by Lee Smith, here are the deets: Obama made his preference for Iran and its allies clear in Lebanon, Syria, and most obviously in Iraq where the White House ordered air strikes on ISIS positions that allowed various Iranian-backed outfits, under the leadership of Qassem Suleimani, to take Tikrit. 3. U.S. residency for the kids: Under the terms of the Iran deal, an Iranian official claimed that the children of the elites were jockeying among themselves about who would get U.S. green cards or U.S. citizenship as part of the Iran deal. According to this Fox News report, apparently, this was a big deal among Iran's oppressive elites, getting your kid into the States, same as it is in every third-world hellhole, and we all know that somehow, some of Soleimani's kids managed to make their way into the U.S. to become citizens. The details are muddy, and the Washington Post assures that it's all nonsense, blaming Trump rather than investigating why the Iranian official would say something like that, but what's most telling that the U.S. has never issued an explicit denial. The Obama administration seems to have handed some out some kind of right of residency to Iran's elites like party favors for their princeling children, or, at a minimum, made the visas available, and the elites got to decide who got them, and it sure as heck wasn't the dissidents. That would explain the jockeying. At least one of Soleimani's got hers, that American citizenship millions of people worldwide would swim rivers or ride inner tube rafts on the high seas for, with no problem. 2. Pallets of cash: Where did that $1.7 billion in pallet cash, delivered in the dead of night (so U.S. voters wouldn't know), go? Almost all of it went to make war abroad Houthis, Iraqis, anything with a terrorist footprint on it. According to Bill Gertz, writing in the Washington Times: The U.S. government has traced some of the $1.7 billion released to Iran by the Obama administration to Iranian-backed terrorists in the two years since the cash was transferred. According to knowledgeable sources, Iran has used the funds to pay its main proxy, the Lebanon-based terrorist group Hezbollah, along with the Quds Force, Iran's main foreign intelligence and covert action arm and element of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. The U.S. money supplied to Iran as part of an arms settlement dating back to the 1970s also has been traced to Iran's backing of Houthi rebels seeking to take power in Yemen. Iran has been supporting the Yemen rebels as part of a bid to encircle and eventually take control of Saudi Arabia. Who was in charge of those Iranian operations? Soleimani. And cash, outside traceable bank transactions, is so very very useful in secret and illegal terrorist endeavors, isn't it? Any questions as to why Soleimani was called the second most powerful person in Iran after the chief mullah, Ali Khamenei? The Obama administration showered this beast with cash. 1. Free Security Service: When Israel made plans to take out Soleimani, the Obama administration got wind of it and not only tried to stop it with the Israelism it ... warned Soleimani about the plans. According to the Jerusalem Post: According to Al-Jarida, Israel had sought to assassinate Soleimani three years before in 2014-2015 but the US "warned the Iranian leadership of the plan." A similar report by Marzieh Kouhi-Essfahani in a book on Iranian policy claimed in 2014 that the Obama administration pressured Israel not to target Soleimani. It's always nice to have friends in high places. The Democrats have coddled this guy for years, always going out of their way to ensure he had all the luxuries and conveniences a number-two from Iran might think he's entitled to have. Green cards, security, free travel, military victories to wear medals for, impunity, money, it was all there with the Democrats gunning for him. It's a disgusting record, but it explains a lot about why Democrats are so upset at his demise. They've coddled him for years, he was their 'investment' of sorts. Some investment. They ought to be answering questions about each and every one of these outrages against the American people. Image credit: U.S. Embassy in Estonia, public domain. This gritty, realistic, top Golden Globes Awards winner defies the odds of first prize winners. Theres no warm and fuzzy in 1917, just cold, hard reality and the drama is not for the faint of heart, which needs to be seen on the big screen to be appreciated. Director Sam Mendes World War I tale followed up its Globes Monday with a nomination for best screenplay from the Writers Guild of America. In 1917, two young World War I soldiers, lance corporals Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) take on a daunting mission, given by General Erinmore, (Academy Award-winner Colin Firth), to deliver a message deep in enemy territory. Successful delivery would halt an ambush of 1,600 British soldiers, as well as one of the messenger soldiers brothers. But, the pair must navigate no mans land, though unoccupied, these trenches were historically a veritable purgatory, where thousands of men and animals died, bodies left to rot. McKay and Chapman carry the movie. The actors rapport and interaction are excellent portrayals of camaraderie and dependence between men of war. I was surprised that neither was nominated for a Golden Globe. Last Sunday, at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards, the film won Best Motion Picture and Best Motion Picture Drama and Mendes won the award for Best Director for 1917. Mendes made no mans land so realistic that it was difficult to watch as the men crawled through mud, infiltrated with decaying corpses. The Academy Award winner also co-wrote the screenplay, with Krysty Wilson-Cairns. This powerful story is full of action and heartbreak, but definitely worth the money to go see it. Mendes showed the two corporals running through endless blood-filled trenches just to get from point A to point B, in a non-combat mission. Both of my grandfathers fought in World War I and I cant imagine the horror they had to live through. The unfortified and undeclared trenches were miles upon miles of muddy, disgusting biohazards something thats hard to imagine in todays modern stealth warfare compared to trench warfare. I kept thinking how awful it surely was for them, both my grandfathers, to live like that for an entire year. My paternal grandfather went absent without leave, commonly known as AWOL, for a short time, to nurse his brother back to health. Understandable, given approximately two million soldiers perished due to infection or disease due to trench warfare. My maternal grandfather, wounded, earned a Purple Heart, which I now own and cherish. I am positive 1917 will be an Academy Award nominee. It was my pick for the best movie of 2019. People always tell me that they dont go to the movies anymore because there arent any good movies being made 1917 will get you back in the movie theaters. It is a superb film and the best Ive seen in a movie theater. Dont miss it. 1917 is showing at AMC Showplace Edwardsville 12. 1917, rated R, five out of five stars. Movie critic Mary Cox lives in Wood River and studied film at the University of California, Los Angeles. She has worked in L.A. with various directors and industry professionals. She can be reached at mlcwriter1@gmail.com. Like Marys Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mlcwriter to contact her. Newsfrom Japan Tokyo, Jan. 8 (Jiji Press)--Japanese nonlife insurer Tokio Marine Holdings Inc. <8766> will establish a joint venture in Brazil to underwrite mortgage and homeowner insurance. Tokio Marine said Tuesday it has reached an agreement on the establishment with Caixa Seguridade Participacoes SA, an insurance holding unit of Brazilian state-owned lender Caixa Economica Federal. The Tokio Marine group will invest 1.52 billion real, or 39.5 billion yen, in the joint venture and acquire a 50.01 pct stake. To be based in Sao Paulo, the joint venture will start operations by February 2021. The move is part of the Tokio Marine group's strategy to disperse operational risks in Brazil, where its business centers on automobile insurance. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] BOONVILLE, N.Y. -- In the midst of the fires devastating businesses and apartment buildings on Main Street in Boonville, Mayor Eric McIntyre wants to stress that motorists and pedestrians should avoid several streets within the village. The mayor is asking people to stay away from Main Street, Post Street and East Schuyler Street. These streets should see minimal traffic, and should be avoided so crews can get the fires under control. The United Methodist Church at 202 Main St. in Boonville opened its doors at midnight Wednesday for fire victims and the local Red Cross was on the scene immediately. Adirondack Central School District will be closed on Wednesday, and anyone affected by the fire is invited to take shelter at the elementary school. The 'What's Happening in Boonville, New York' Facebook page has also created a GoFundMe account to raise money for the fire victims. The group raised more than $1,000 in the first hour. Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - The CFi Development Medias Wednesday pleaded for the immediate release of Beninese journalist Ignace Sossou sentenced in December to 18 months imprisonment for posts on social media Tulum techno party cancelled after two attacked Tulum, Q.R. After an incident at a Tulum techno party that left at least two injured, event organizers have announced the cancellation of the festival. Through social networks, event organizers of Esto Es Tulum (EET), which was being held at Cenote Casa Tortuga, have announced the cancellation of the event after two event-goers, apparently Mexican national tourists, were attacked with a knife. Notice: Esto Es Tulum Facebook According to the police report, the attack occurred during the early morning hours of January 6 when at least two young people were assaulted with a knife inside the Cenote Casa Tortuga, which is allegedly owned by Tulum Mayor, Victor Mas Tah. Apparently, the attack occurred when the pair were confused by local criminals as being competing drug dealers. Both victims were treated on-site by paramedics before being rushed to hospital. One is said to be in serious condition and the other, stable. The EET event began December 27 and was to run until January 9. This was the second year of the Esto Es Tulum music festival. Ginsburgs intensive radiation treatment for a malignant tumor on her pancreas in August had followed a diagnosis of lung cancer at the end of 2018 that resulted in the removal of part of her left lung and forced her to miss oral arguments for the first time in 25 years on the bench. President Hassan Rouhani speaks in a public gathering at the city of Yazd, some 410 miles southeast of the capital Tehran, Iran, on Nov. 10, 2019. (Office of the Iranian Presidency via AP) Irans President: If America Retaliates, They Will Receive a Stronger Reaction Irans President Hassan Rouhani said his regime would be prepared to retaliate against the United States if they commit another crime, delivering the remarks during a meeting after President Donald Trump called for a de-escalation hours after Tehran fired missiles at American forces in Iraq. No matter how much [America] threatens us, she must know that we will act decisively as we have already shown, he said during a cabinet meeting, adding that American forces will receive a stronger reaction, according to CNN. The Iranian leader also said the United States shouldnt blame Iran for problems in the region. If they (the United States) find that they have a problem anywhere in the world, do not say it was ordered by Iran, Rouhani said. If tomorrow something in another country happens, Americans would say this is the action of proxy forces of Iran. We do not have any proxy forces. From the beginning, Americans had it wrong. The people of the region are aware, free and act on their own. They are not under our control or order. On Tuesday night, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said Iran had concluded its retaliatory, self-defense attacks against the United States after a White House-authorized strike to kill Iranian General Qassem Soleimani last week. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression, he wrote on Twitter. Trump, in addressing the nation, said no deaths or injuries were caused by the Iranian missile strikes on two Iraqi bases. He said there would be no military reprisal for the attack but said powerful sanctions would be placed on Iran. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism, he said. NATO should also get more involved in the Middle East, and the countries that signed onto the 2015 deal to curb Irans nuclear program should reconsider other options, Trump said. Early warning systems also saved lives, he remarked in the address. Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi said in a statement on Wednesday that Iran told Iraq the missile attack had begun or would begin shortly on American military locations in the country. We received an official verbal message from the Islamic Republic of Iran that the Iranian response to the assassination of Qassem Soleimani had begun or would begin shortly, and that the strike would be limited to where the US military was located in Iraq without specifying the locations, he said, reported the AFP news agency. White House officials have said Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of numerous Americans and said he was planning attacks on U.S. assets. Kumar Vikram By Express News Service NEW DELHI: A Niti Aayog report on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) has thrown up some worrying details. It shows that the states are struggling to control poverty and hunger. A total of 20 states and three Union Territories (UTs) have scored less than 50 (out of 100) in the Zero Hunger category. These states include Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Gujarat.When it comes to poverty, 14 states and three UTs fell behind scoring even 50 points in the No Poverty category. The report, released last week, cited the national nutrition survey to highlight the extent of malnourishment among children in the country. It said that 34.7 per cent of children under the age of five are categorised as stunted in India and the aim is to reduce this to 2.5 per cent by 2030, which is the corresponding average stunting rate in high-income countries as of 2017. The lowest rates are in Goa (19.6 per cent), Tamil Nadu (19.7 per cent) and Kerala (20.5 per cent). The highest percentage (42 per cent) of stunted children, under five years of age, is from Bihar.It also said that almost half of pregnant women, aged between 15 and 49 years, are anaemic. The WHO targets a 50 per cent reduction of anaemia in women of reproductive age by 2025. Thus, the target for 2025 for the nation has been set at 25.15 per cent. Kerala (22.6 per cent) and Sikkim (23.6 per cent) are the only states in India to have reduced this rate to below the target. It also noted that 33.4 per cent of children aged are underweight in India. The target is to reduce this to 0.9 per cent by 2030 which is the prevalence rate of underweight among children (percentage of children under 5 years) in high-income countries in 2017. Sikkim is the best-performing state at 11 per cent followed by Mizoram at 11.30 per cent. Jharkhand is at the bottom of the table at 42.9 per cent followed by Chhattisgarh at 40 per cent. When it comes to agricultural productivity, India currently produces 2,516.67 kg of produces such as rice, wheat, and coarse cereals from one Ha of land annually. The target is to double this by 2030 to 5,033.34 kg/ Ha. The report also underlines the lower health insurance coverage in the country as only 28.7 per cent of households have at least one member covered under a health insurance or health care scheme. The national target is to cover all households in India by 2030. No state or UT has achieved this target, yet. Andhra Pradesh at 74.6 per cent has the highest coverage in the country, said the report. Taiwan is gearing up for a general election at the weekend that will see more than 19 million voters respond to growing fears of Chinese influence and interference in the democratic island in the wake of months of mass protests and police violence in Hong Kong. The democratic island, which has never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party nor formed part of the Peoples Republic of China, will nevertheless be choosing between candidates who espouse a closer relationship with Taiwans powerful neighbor, and those who believe Chinese influence is a threat to its democratic way of life. Incumbent Tsai Ing-wen of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has seen her support grow as she has repeatedly spoken out in defense of Taiwans sovereignty and demanded that Beijing -- which has refused to rule out the use of military force to annex the island -- treat Taipei as an equal partner and sovereign state. Tsai headed out this week for a final tour of the island ahead of Saturdays election, once more hammering home her chief message, that a vote for her is a vote to protect Taiwans freedom and democracy. Taiwan is a free and democratic society: freedom and democracy are our core values, she said. This election is a crucial one which will influence the future development of the country. I hope young people wont stay away. This election campaign is for young people. Fight for Taiwan! she said. Tsai is running against Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang (KMT) nationalist party, and veteran candidate James Soong of the People First Party. No threat to freedoms Han said his pro-business, pro-China platform wouldnt pose a threat to Taiwans freedoms. If I were president, I would guarantee freedom of speech 100 percent in Taiwan, he said ahead of a planned rally outside the presidential palace to round off his campaign. All of our good friends who support [me] have waited a long time for this moment so let us show our support and faith and love for the Republic of China, he said. Support for the KMT, the party that fled to Taiwan with the 1911 Republic of China government after losing control of China in 1949 and which still believes in a "unified" China that includes Taiwan, last month hit a new low. A senior U.S. defense official said Washington wants to see a "free and fair" election in Taiwan, amid warnings from Tsais administration and Taiwans security agencies that Beijing has attempted to influence the outcome by proxy funding its favored candidates and spreading misinformation through friendly media organizations and social media. And a senior U.S. State Department official said officials in Taiwan are "aware of the potential of that sort of influence" when asked about possible Chinese influence in Taiwan's Saturday elections, the islands Central News Agency reported. He said the key to resolving issues of external interference in the affairs of other countries, such as elections, is to make the population aware of the danger. "The U.S. takes no interest in who wins; the fact that the process stays sacrosanct is what's important, as it is in our own election process," the official said. Voting for the first time Some 1.2 million young people will be casting their votes for the first time in this election, which will also return a freshly elected parliament, the Legislative Yuan. They are a group more likely to sympathise with the recent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, of which Tsai has been a vocal supporter, warning that Chinas stated aim to unify with Taiwan under the one country, two systems framework used in the former colonial cities of Hong Kong and Macau could spell the end of the islands freedoms. A graduate student surnamed Chen told RFA that he was attracted by Hans offer of interest-free loans for students. But another student said he had concerns about the threat from Beijing. "I am just as worried about the cross-straits issue as everyone else, he told RFA. We see that Hong Kong hasnt gotten along well with the 'one country, two systems' model. A rough poll of people aged 20-30 showed minimal support for the KMT among them, although many appeared to favor Soong. Out of one group of three young people who spoke to RFA, two were planning to vote for Tsai, while another was still undecided. Separately, two men in their late twenties said they would pick Soong and his New Peoples Party, as they found nothing to like in the two main parties candidates. Probably the New Peoples Party and Soong for president, one said. I think the squabbling between the [DPP] and [KMT] is too much. Another said Tsai didnt do a good job, but that voting for Han was out of the question. The new president will take office on May 20, where they will be commander-in-chief of the countrys military and appoint the premier, who then forms a cabinet. The president also signs legislation into law. The winning and losing candidates will either concede or accept victory late on Saturday, local time, in the absence of any dispute around the count. Reported by Hwang Chun-mei for RFAs Mandarin Service, and by Chung Kuang-cheng for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Australians are being warned to fill up immediately as petrol prices are expected to soar in the wake of the conflict between Iran and the US. Prices could increase as much as 4.5 cents per litre within seven to ten days, Peter Khoury from the NRMA says. Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles in a revenge attack on Wednesday morning (AEDT) for a US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani, on Friday. Mr Khoury said the tensions between the countries create grave concerns for an increase in prices. Petrol prices in Australia could increase by 4.5 cents per litre, experts say (file image) 'In light of whats just happened today with the attack from Iran, we're very concerned what it's going to do with prices at home in Australia,' Mr Khoury told Daily Mail Australia. Mr Khoury said while prices had initially dropped after prices in Asia decreased, but after the conflict between the countries 'the concern is prices will go up'. 'The next 24 hours will be crucial. Things have changed so dramatically since the assassination last week, the market is completely unpredictable,' Mr Khoury said. 'We need to brace ourselves for higher prices. It's just such a volatile market.' Prices are already on the rise across New South Wales, with unleaded fuel increasing from 143.2 cents per litre at the start of the month now up to 145.7 cents per litre, according to New South Wales Fuel Check. Two US airbases in Iraq were struck by missiles that had been housing US coalition troops, defence sources reveal. Qassem Soleimani was assassinated by a US drone strike which set two cars ablaze on Friday Australia currently has around 450 troops in Iraq and Syrian to help fight ISIS under Operation Okra, most of them at Taji base in Baghdad. In a press conference from bushfire-ravaged Kangaroo Island at 1.30pm, Mr Morrison said no Australians had been injured. The fuel warning comes after prices rose when the world's largest oil plant in Saudi Arabia suffered attacks from drones earlier in September last year. Some 5.7million barrels per day of crude production were reportedly destroyed - which accounts for 6 per cent of supply around the world. A man is seen waving the Iraqi flag while Iraqi soldiers are deployed in front of the US embassy on Wednesday Iran will not give the black box of the crashed Ukrainian airliner to planemaker Boeing, the head of Tehrans civil aviation organisation was quoted as saying on Wednesday. Ali Abedzadeh also said it was not clear which country Iran would send the box to so that its data could be analysed, semi-official Mehr news agency reported. A Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 crashed earlier on Wednesday, killing all 176 people aboard shortly after taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini airport. An elected official in one of the largest counties in the US resigned from his post after being charged in three states with allegedly smuggling pregnant women into the country and giving up their babies for adoption. Maricopa County Assessor Paul Petersen of Arizona is accused of arranging for 28 women from the Marshall Islands to fly into the state, live in a house he owned, and have a doctor deliver their babies, paid for through the state's healthcare system, before the children were offered up for adoption. He is charged with human smuggling in Arkansas and Utah and for filing $800,000 in fraudulent claims to Arizona's Medicaid system. Mr Peterson is accused of participating in 70 illegal adoption cases, exploiting women who received little to no prenatal care upon their arrival, after which he stole their passports, according to authorities. The scheme was allegedly arranged through his private sector work as an adoption attorney. He has pleaded not guilty in Arizona and Arkansas, but he has not yet entered a plea in Utah. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors suspended Mr Petersen in October following his arrest. In a resignation letter delivered on Tuesday, Mr Peterson declared his innocence and accused the Board of Supervisors and media reports for presuming his guilt. He insisted that he never neglected his duties while in office, and that his suspension was based on "anything but" his performance as assessor for the state's most populous county, which includes Phoenix and surrounding areas. Mr Peterson said his "focus now turns to defending the allegations" against him. He said: "Those allegations will ultimately be resolved in a courtroom, where rules and the Constitution still matter." Mr Petersen had appealed his suspension, but an investigation that took place during the appeal revealed thousands of adoption-related documents on his county-owned laptop, including "shocking" messages between the assessor and birth mothers who were seeking to back out of the adoption process. The report also found that the laptop was "wiped" twice before Mr Peterson turned it over to investigators, who were able to recover some data from cloud storage. Among the messages recovered, Mr Peterson allegedly wrote "all you girls work for me, not the other way around" and made threats to one mother to remove his name from her apartment lease, forcing her eviction. "Trump's reckless action has needlessly endangered countless lives of U.S. troops, Iraqis, Iranians, and countless other civilians. The devastation that a war with Iran could bring upon the earth and humanity cannot be overstatedmillions of lives hang in the balance. None of us will win, except politicians and corporations. Even more resources that our communities desperately need will be wasted on unnecessary violence. People in the United States and across the globe are tired of warfrom the military families who have seen multiple generations serve in the same conflict, to the Iranian, Iraqi, and Afghan families in the United States who worry for their loved ones back home. We've learned our lessons from Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen and global endless war. We will not be lied into another war. We will not allow our Iranian-American and Muslim neighbors to be targeted by law enforcement. We will not be divided. When Trump acts with ignorance, fear and ego, we will act with diplomacy and prioritize what is best for humanity. We are the majority. We stand united. And we oppose Trump's war with Iran." "No more war. No to Trumps war with Iran. Yes to diplomacy abroad and civil rights at home Show up with signs and chants to raise awareness and make a statement to our members of Congress. Invite a friend! All are welcome." Missile Missive BREAKING: Iran Firing Multiple Missiles From Iran At Multiple Bases, Targets Inside Iraq, Reports Say U.S. officials confirmed to Fox News on Tuesday that Iran is firing multiple missiles at U.S. bases and targets throughout Iraq in response to the U.S. killing Iranian terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani. Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin reported that a senior U.S. military source told her: "Under missile attack from Iran. Progressives Fired Up 'This Is a Nightmare': Iran Launches Rocket Attack on US Airbase in Iraq The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran claimed responsibility for a missile attack on a U.S. airbase in Iraq Wednesday morning local time, confirming warnings that President Donald Trump's decision to assassinate Gen. Qasem Soleimani would spark military retaliation and possibly erupt into a full-blown regional conflict. "Donald Trump owns this 100%. DIRTY DOZEN!!! Iran launches 'more than a dozen' missiles into Iraq targeting US, coalition forces, Pentagon says Missiles were fired early Wednesday in multiple locations across Iraq, a senior U.S. military source in the country told Fox News, describing it as a series of attacks on U.S. forces from Iran. More Deets on Attack Iran launches missiles on Iraq base housing US troops: state TV Iran on Wednesday launched a missile attack on an Iraqi airbase where US forces are based, threatening "more crushing responses" if Washington carried out further strikes, Iranian state media said. It said the missiles were in response to a US strike last week that killed Iranian general Qasem Apropos Double Edged Mirage Incredible 'red devil horns' sunrise photos captured during rare solar eclipse mirage over the ocean THESE incredible images appear to show giant devil horns rising over the Persian Gulf during a solar eclipse. A photographer waited in just the right place to snap the rare spectacle as the sun was partially blocked by the moon at dawn. Right Wing Attack Response US Armed Forces Base In Iraq Reportedly Under Attack From Iran World LANCE CPL. JAMES B. HOKE/AFP via Getty Images The Iraqi and United States Armed Forces' Al-Asad air base in Iraq is reportedly under missile attack from Iran on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. Jennifer Griffin, the national security correspondent for Fox News, tweeted Tuesday that a "senior US military source in Iraq" confirmed the attack. Market Fears Fighting Asia stocks tumble, Dow futures plunge 350 points after Iran fires missiles at US forces in Iraq Asian markets tumbled and U.S. stock futures were sharply lower Tuesday evening after Iran fired a series of missiles at bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq. The attack was an apparent retaliation after the U.S. killed a top Iranian general in Iraq last week. Japan's Nikkei 225 slid 2.4%. Just launched about an hour ago along with an attack on the U.S. military, here's the statement from progressive activists as more than a hundred locals have alreadyAnd this inspires our news link list tonight:Developing . . . The government's decision to open up coal sector without end-use restrictions will help boost both production and mining efficiency, industry body CII said on Wednesday. The government approved an ordinance to ease mining laws that will allow global players to enter the coal sector, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Wednesday, terming it "a mother reform in the coal industry". CII President Vikram Kirloskar said that allowing 100 per cent FDI in coal mining will help India not only to harness its coal reserves, which were earlier available only for captive use of steel and power, but also help many leading foreign players establish operations in India with their new age technology in mining. This will help unleash another source of energy in times of uncertainty in global oil prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, he said in a statement. "The opening up of the sector without end-use restrictions will also boost both production and mining efficiency besides substituting import of coal worth about Rs 30,000 crore," he said. During 2018-19, around 125 million tonnes of thermal coal was imported by India, resulting in a forex outgo of around USD 8 billion (about Rs 57,000 crore), CII said. It added that opening the sector will also create more employment opportunities as mining is a highly employment intensive sector. Further, the chamber hailed the amendments made to the MMDR Act extending the validity period of clearances for two years for mining leases expiring in 2020. "This will not only facilitate smooth transition of the leases to the new lessee but will also reduce the shortage of minerals and avoid the disruption of mining activity in the country," it said. T V Narendran, Vice President, CII and CEO and Manging Director, Tata Steel Ltd said the Cabinet's approval for promulgation of Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 will facilitate easing rules for auctioning of coal mines for commercial purposes and also for seamless transfer of clearances for mining leases expiring on March 31, 2020. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) by Matthew Catalano | Hurricanes Correspondent | Wed, Jan 8th 5:15pm EST Jesper Fast provided assists on Mika Zibanejad's, Ryan Strome's, and Artemi Panarin's goals in New York's 5-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday. Footage shows how rivers are drying up across Thailand amid a severe drought that has lead to the country's prime minister warning people to shower less. Rivers that were once gushing with fresh water have become barren ditches with cracked mud, dead fish and dried out plants on the bottom. Aerial footage taken today (January 8) along the Yom river in Phitsanulok province and Pichit province shows how just a handful of shallow pools remain due to the lack of rain last year. With no rainfall expected for months ahead, officials have begun planning a disaster response centre to handle rivers that dried up. In some regions they are attempting to pump water into the rivers. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha this week pleaded with the public to ''reduce tooth-brushing and shower time by one minute''. He added: ''Please all help save water. Turn off all the taps. Use less water.'' Due to falling river levels and rising sea levels, salt water is now mixing with fresh water in the capital Bangkok and affecting the salinity of tap water. Many residents have reported salty water coming in their kitchen and bathrooms. Somkiet Prachamwong, secretary-general of the office of national water resources, said they were taking emergency measures to resolve the drought. He said: "The drought is a bad situation and now we have to handle the brackish water from the drought. "We have coordinated with government departments to establish a temporary centre that will focus on resolving the drought and its effects." The government set up a water command centre to coordinate its response and allocated six billion baht (198 million USD) for steps to prevent shortages. Surapong Sarapa, head of forecasting at the agency said: ''Drought has come earlier this year, and its affecting both water for agriculture as well as for drinking. More parts of the country than in the past could be impacted.'' The earliest drought started with the Mekong river that has been running dry since neighbouring Laos started to operate the Xayaburi hydroelectric power dam in mid-2019. While drying up of the Yom river in the northern region has been caused partly by a lack of rain and also due to farmers tapping into river water to water their crops. The Yom river is one of the three river that merge into Chao Phraya river that running all over the Bangkok metropolitan area. Since the Yom river dried up the Chao Phraya has been running low and the higher salt water from the Thai gulf has flowed into the river and caused the brackish water. The West Bengal unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad on Tuesday demanded a high-level inquiry into Sunday evening's violence at the Jawaharlal Nehru University and said the probe could be held under the supervision of the Supreme Court. Terming the clash "unfortunate", ABVP state president Saptarshi Sarkar alleged that the violence was the handiwork of Leftitst forces who want to destabilise the situation in the JNU. More than 35 students and faculty members were assaulted on Sunday evening after masked men armed with sticks and iron rods went on a rampage inside the campus of the institute. The Left-controlled JNU Students Union and the ABVP are blaming each other for the violence. The Delhi Police is now probing the incident. "Whatever happened in the JNU is unfortunate but there is a lack of clarity in the chain of events. We demand a high-level inquiry into the incident," Sarkar told a press conference here. Asked who will conduct the probe, the ABVP leader said, "Any competent authority at the highest level. It can also be held under the supervision of the Supreme Court." He claimed that 25 ABVP members including its university unit secretary Manish Jangid were injured in the January 5 incident at the JNU, but that has not been highlighted. The leader of the RSS' student wing said the organisation believed that Leftist forces were behind the violence in order to destabilise the situation in the JNU on the pretext of protesting against fee hike. "They want to vitiate the academic atmosphere in the JNU and other universities like the Jadavpur University where they have organisations," Sarkar said. He also flayed the SFI, the student's wing of the CPI (M), for allegedly steering its rallies from streets towards offices of political opponents and setting ablaze the flag of a political party. Sarkar was referring to a students' rally, the participants of which tried to march towards the BJP state headquarters on December 20. The procession was organised to protest against the amended Citizenship Act. A flag of the saffron party was also allegedly set on fire by the Students Federation of India (SFI) activists during a rally at Jadavpur area here on Monday. "Do they call it a democratic protest? In what kind of agitation the flag of a political party is set ablaze?" Sarkar asked. ABVP state unit Assistant Secretary Shyamashree Karmakar said, while the Jadavpur University unit of the SFI was talking about democracy and liberal values, its leadership has been accused of practising gender discrimination. She quoted reports published in a section of media that over 30 members resigned from SFI's Jadavpur University unit citing lack of action against charges of sexual harassment, discrimination based on gender and caste and taunting for smoking cigarettes. Sarkar said while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was quick to issue a statement after the JNU incident and send a Trinamool Congress delegation there, she had not uttered a word condemning the death of two students "in police firing" at Daribhit in the state and the attack on 144 ABVP activists in recent times. Two students were killed in a clash over recruitment of Urdu and Sanskrit teachers in a school at Daribhit in North Dinajpur district in 2018. The ABVP will organise programmes in different colleges "to expose the SFI and Trinamool Chhatra Parishad and the real truth behind the JNU incident." CINCINNATI - An Ohio man who claimed to be a child who disappeared at age 6 pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated identity theft and will serve two years in prison, minus time served. Brian Michael Rini, 24, of Medina, will be on one year of probation to be served at the end of his sentence, U.S. Judge Michael Barrett told him. Rini will be credited for time served dating to his arrest April 4, 2019. Rini, now with a neatly trimmed beard, answered Barrett with a soft Yes, sir, when asked whether he understood the consequences of his plea. Prosecutors dropped charges of lying to FBI agents. Barrett ordered a presentencing investigation into Rinis background, but both sides agreed that the federal identity theft statute requires a two-year sentence and that Rini will remain jailed without bond during the official sentencing. Rini last year pleaded not guilty to identity theft and lying to FBI agents. He would have faced as many as eight years in prison if convicted of all charges. Judge Barrett ruled Oct. 31 that Rini was competent to stand trial, after he underwent an evaluation in a federal facility in Chicago. A court transcript of the that hearing showed that the defence and prosecution had discussed settling the case. Police said Rini was wandering the streets of Newport, Kentucky, last April 3. Police said he told them he was Timmothy Pitzen, an Aurora, Illinois, boy who disappeared in 2011 at age 6. Authorities said Rini claimed he had just escaped captors who sexually abused him. Federal authorities said they were suspicious after he refused to be fingerprinted. DNA testing quickly revealed his true identity. Rini had been released from a state prison last March after serving more than a year on burglary and vandalism charges. Prison records show he was accused of making up stories during his time there. Richard Monahan, a federal public defender, told Barrett that Rini still faces state probation violation charges, among other pending legal matters. When confronted with the DNA results, Rini said hed watched a story about Timmothy on ABCs 20/20 and wanted to get away from his own family, the FBI said. Authorities said he twice earlier portrayed himself in Ohio as a juvenile victim of sex trafficking. A federal magistrate had cited Rinis lack of a permanent address, past mental health issues and a lengthy criminal history that goes back to age 13. In 2017, Rini was treated at an Ohio centre for people with mental health or substance abuse problems, according to court records. The hoax had briefly raised hope last year among Timmothys relatives. Timmothy vanished after his mother pulled him out of kindergarten, took him on a two-day road trip to the zoo and a water park, and then killed herself at a hotel. She left a note saying that her son was safe with people who would love and care for him, and added: You will never find him. ___ Follow Dan Sewell at https://www.twitter.com/dansew BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that Kiribati's President Taneti Mamau and his country stand on the right side of history by resuming diplomatic ties with China. Xi made the remarks when holding talks with Mamau at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. China and Kiribati resumed diplomatic relations in September 2019 on the basis of the one-China policy, opening a new chapter for bilateral ties, said Xi. "Mr. President and the Kiribati government stand on the right side of history," Xi told Mamau, adding that the resumption "fully embodies their strategic vision and political courage." "China speaks highly of the decision," said Xi. Since the resumption of diplomatic ties, China and Kiribati have conducted numerous exchanges in different areas and at different levels with fruitful results, he said. Facts proved that it is in the interests of both peoples to restore diplomatic ties, and the bilateral ties enjoy broad prospects, said Xi. Calling Mamau's visit to China "an important landmark in China-Kiribati ties," Xi said China stands ready to work with the Pacific island country to promote bilateral ties to a new level. Xi called on both countries to deepen mutual political understanding, saying that China has always held that all countries, no matter big or small, should be equal and all countries should respect one another's sovereignty and territorial integrity. China sticks to the path of peaceful development and respects Kiribati's choice of a development path that suits its own national situation, Xi said. Xi said the two countries should expand pragmatic cooperation by seeking the synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative with Kiribati's development plans. China will encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Kiribati, said Xi, adding that China has approved the listing of Kiribati as a destination for Chinese tour groups. China is willing to enhance cooperation within multilateral mechanisms including the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum, and will continue to provide assistance and support to Kiribati on climate change under the framework of South-South cooperation to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, said Xi. Mamau said it is based on trust and confidence in China that Kiribati made the important decision to restore diplomatic ties with China. He reaffirmed that Kiribati will firmly adhere to the one-China policy, respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, support China's "one country, two systems" principle and its reunification. Appreciating China's support, Mamau said he looks forward to enhancing cooperation with China in areas including economy, trade, investment, tourism, fisheries, education, healthcare and infrastructure construction. Kiribati speaks highly of China's role in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, and appreciates China's efforts to advance South-South cooperation and help small and medium-sized developing countries such as Kiribati to speed up development and address challenges such as climate change, Mamau said. Kiribati is willing to work with China to improve bilateral ties to benefit both peoples, Mamau said. After the talks, Xi and Mamau witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents in Beijing. Mamau is paying a state visit to China from Jan. 4 to 11. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 7, 2020, the annual Consumer Electronics Show officially started in Las Vegas. As one of the leading intelligent driving technology providers, JIMU Intelligent showcased its latest intelligent driving solutions, attracting the attention of the global audience. Intelligentization and connectivity are irreversible trends in the automotive industry. As part of the automotive industry chain, JIMU launches solutions with different features, such as forward road perception, blind spot monitoring, surround-view monitoring, driver status monitoring, big data analysis and cloud computing for different application scenarios after years of technical polishing and business exploration. Customers could choose the optimal solutions with the best cost-efficiency. For vehicle intelligentization, JIMU is mainly focused on the development of basic technologies of vision and multi-sensor fusion, and enables high-precision road environment and driver state perception via on-board intelligent devices, providing a basis for intelligent decision-making, vehicle control and execution. For vehicle connectivity, JIMU launched an Autocloud platform to provide basic data such as vehicle operation, traffic environment, and driving behavior for intelligent vehicles, their users, and management and service agencies, supporting features like data storage, operations, big data analysis and calculation, promoting the coordinated development of vehicles and roads, and accelerating the landing of intelligent driving. During this exhibition, JIMU showcased its latest intelligent driving solutions, which consist of the cloud platform and in-vehicle perception hardware. Based on core technologies such as vision and radar fusion, the solutions are capable of high-precision and comprehensive road environment perception, decision-making and vehicle control. Solutions also provide dynamic basic data like vehicle operation, traffic environment, and driver status, providing basis for the actual application requirements of intelligent connected vehicles. In order to accelerate the implementation of intelligent driving, JIMU Intelligent has always considered "producible" as one of its core R&D concepts, focusing on the realization of high-precision intelligent driving technology on cost-effective hardware platforms. After long-term optimization and polishing, JIMU solutions even outrun solutions with stronger computing power and higher cost, and have repeatedly taken the lead in successfully passing relevant testing regulations. As early as April of this year, JIMU pedestrian AEB solution took the lead to pass JT / T 1242-2019 Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Automatic Emergency Braking Systems of Commercial Vehicles. In December 2019, JIMU FCWS and LDWS, based on cost-effective sensor fusion solution, also successfully passed GB / T 33577-2017 Intelligent Vehicle Forward Collision Warning System Performance Requirements and Test Procedures and JT / T 883-2014 Technical Requirements and Test Methods of Driving Danger Warning System for Commercial Vehicles, with excellent test performance. As a core supplier of auto parts, JIMU Intelligent is the supplier of nearly 10 out of top 15 bus manufacturers in China like Higer, SunLong, Foton, Kinglong, Asiastar and Yinlong, and also the supplier of several world's top truck OEMs, including Sany and XCMG. For industrial applications, JIMU Intelligent mainly focuses on the fields of commercial transport fleets, auto insurance and online car-hailing. JIMU products have been sold to over 20 countries including South Korea, Singapore, Australia, the United States, Indonesia, and India, etc. Since the second half of 2019, JIMU Intelligent reached cooperation with China Pacific Insurance, one of the leading insurance companies in China, to promote the "Taihao Insurance" project nationwide. JIMU's intelligent driving assistance system, based on biotechnology, artificial intelligence, image recognition, big data analysis and other AI technologies, could deliver real-time monitoring and remind drivers of unsafe driving behaviors, reducing vehicle accident rates. This cooperation is the first implementation of a new car insurance risk control management model in China. At present, the project has covered more than 20 provinces and cities, leading the auto insurance reform and innovation in China. During CES, JIMU Intelligent also demonstrated key technologies including AEB, driver status monitoring, and blind spot monitoring, etc. After several years of exploration, JIMU Intelligent has pinpointed its core business direction, and will rely on its own technology and market advantages to help promote the commercialization of intelligent driving. Welcome to visit JIMU Intelligent during CES 2020 at Las Vegas, LVCC, North Hall, Booth 9507. SOURCE JIMU Intelligent YEREVAN. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan has informed all U.S. visa applicants about a change in Embassy entry procedures when visiting the Consular section. Large personal bags will no longer be permitted, the respective statement reads, in particular. You must plan on not having any item larger than a handbag with you when visiting the U.S. Embassy. If you have larger items, you will not be permitted to enter the Embassy, you will not be able to store your items with guards, or leave them at the guard shack at the Embassy hill top. Please plan accordingly to facilitate our services to you. As reported earlier, the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan had issued another statement informing that it has temporarily suspended some visa services. The entire country is still reeling under the shock of the recent attack on students at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus in Delhi. Reportedly, students and professors were beaten up by masked goons, who had entered the campus with sledgehammers and sticks. While public across the country condemned the incident, Bollywood celebrities too joined in, in the uproar. Varun Dhawan, apart from Swara Bhaskar, Taapsee Pannu, Anurag Kashyap and a few more who reacted to the incident. Varun took to social media and posted a story saying violence in a place of education cannot be allowed by the police. And just recently, while promoting his upcoming film, Street Dancer 3D, Varun said, "One cannot stay neutral in such issues. Everyone has to condemn such attacks. It is dangerous and sad if masked people enter an educational institution and all this (assault, vandalism) happens." Speaking further on the divide in the industry regarding the issue, the actor said, "I am not going to get into what people are saying on Twitter on this issue." Varun added that the police will be investigating the matter and that he has complete faith in the police and judiciary. He also hoped that those involved in this incident get severe punishment as soon as possible. D onald Trump appeared to retract threats to Iranian cultural sites by stating he is OK with obeying international laws. The US president was widely criticised for suggesting he would be willing to bomb protected areas, if Iran fulfilled its ominous pledge to seek severe revenge for the death of its top military commander. Mr Trump said cultural sites were among 52 targets that could be attacked if Iranians were to "torture, maim and blow up" American people. However, the UNs cultural organisation, the British government and other world leaders were quick to remind the president that attacking such spots would breach international rules. Mr Trump responded to their concerns on Tuesday by making clear he would abide by the law, albeit reluctantly. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office as he met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, he said: "You know what, if that's what the law is, I like to obey the law. He continued: But think of it: They kill our people, they blow up our people and then we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions. But I'm OK with it. It's OK with me. "I will say this, he added. If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly. The rising tensions between the US and Iran explained During the same news conference, Mr Trump described the US drone strike that killed General Qasem Suleimani as retaliation" against a "monster". Asked about the late commander the president said: He was a monster. And hes no longer a monster. Hes dead." Mr Trump later contradicted his "retaliation" remark, claiming the strike was, in fact, carried out due to an imminent threat on American lives - echoing previous lines of justification. He told reporters: We saved a lot of lives by terminating his life, a lot of lives were saved.They were planning something and youre going to be hearing about it or at least various people in Congress are going to be hearing about it tomorrow. Defence officials have so far dodged questions about the specific nature of the threat posed by Gen. Suleimani. Iranian protesters burn US flags in rally 1 /56 Iranian protesters burn US flags in rally Anti-US effigy during a rally outside the former US embassy AFP via Getty Images Effigies and banners during a rally outside the former US embassy AFP via Getty Images Iranian cleric takes pictures of anti-US banners AFP via Getty Images Iranian protesters pose for a selfie with another dressed as US president Donald Trump AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images Iranian protesters hold placards with anti-US slogans AFP via Getty Images Demonstrators hold anti-U.S. placards in Arabic AP Iranian woman holds the flag of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement (Back) during a rally AFP via Getty Images Iranian women display religious symbols written on the palms of their hands AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images Demonstrators hold anti-U.S. banners and a torn makeshift U.S. flag upside down AP Demonstrators chant slogans as they set fire to a makeshift British flag AP Thousands of Iranian protesters wave national flags during a demonstration outside the former US embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran AFP via Getty Images Iranian protesters set US flags on fire AFP via Getty Images Schoolgirls hold the national flags along with anti-U.S. placards in the annual rally AP Iranian protesters set a US flag on fire during a rally outside the former US embassy AFP via Getty Images Iranian protesters set a US flag on fire during a rally outside the former US embassy AFP via Getty Images With anti-American slogans and effigies mocking US President Donald Trump AFP via Getty Images An Iranian woman holds a cardboard cutout representing a member of the Islamic State (IS) group in chains AFP via Getty Images An Iranian man walks past a new mural painted on the walls of the former US embassy AFP via Getty Images AP AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images Actors wear hats colored in the flags of the United States, Israel, and Britain imprisoned in a cage during the anti-U.S AP AP An Iranian man aims a dart at a picture of US president Donald Trump AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images Iranian women pose for a selfie around an anti-US banner during a rally outside the former US embassy AFP via Getty Images Placard mocking US president donald Trump AFP via Getty Images In this Nov. 8, 1979, protesters chant outside the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Forty years ago on Nov. 4, 1979, Iranian students overran guards to take over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, starting a 444-day hostage crisis that transfixed America AP 1979 - demonstrators burn an American flag atop the wall of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, AP Nov. 27, 1979 file photo, demonstrators, including oil tank drivers with their vehicles AP 1979 - Iranians gather before the entrance of the U.S. Embassy compound in Tehran AP In this Dec. 12, 1979, a new sign appears at the U.S. Embassy compound warning that "Iran will bury you." AP 1979- an armed Iranian student patrols the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, AP 1979 - One of the hostages held at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran AP 1979 - Iranian students display their weapons during a news conference in Tehran AP 1979 - Iranian child holds a photo showing Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini AP April 26, 1980 file photo, an undamaged helicopter sits on the ground behind the charred remains of a second U.S. helicopter in the Iranian desert of Dasht-E-Kavir, April 26, 1980. The site, about 300 air miles from Tehran, was where the United States rescue effort for those held hostage in Tehran was abandoned, and where a U.S. helicopter and transport aircraft collided. AP In this Nov. 5, 1979, a crowd of Iranian women wearing the traditional chador join an anti-U.S. protest in Tehran, Iran. AP 1979 - A mass of Iranian protestors is held back from the gates of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. AP Mr Trumps comments came after a number of his senior officials sought to dismiss the implied threats to protected Iranian areas. A day after Mr Trump tweeted that the US had targeted some sites at a very high level and important to Iran and the Iranian culture, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo insisted the president had no intention of breaching international laws. However, Mr Trump, meanwhile, doubled down on his threats while speaking to reporters on Air Force One, saying: Theyre allowed to kill our people. Theyre allowed to torture and maim our people, theyre allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people. And were not allowed to touch their cultural sites. It doesnt work that way. For some patients with a chronic condition, the amount of medical appointments they need to attend, and their length of time, can become overwhelming. There are many barriers to receiving behavioral health care, in particular. These include financial barriers, such as cost of treatment or transportation, difficulty in finding time to make it to therapy appointments and challenges finding a mental health professional who delivers evidence-based treatment and understands the nuances of your particular condition." Anna Kratz, Ph.D., associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation and research psychologist at Michigan Medicine Much of Kratz's work focuses on increasing access to behavioral health care for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). "People with MS, a disease of the brain and nervous system, commonly experience chronic pain, fatigue and depressed mood," says Kratz, also a member of the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. "The good news is that there are things that people can do in their everyday lives to both decrease the level of these symptoms and the impact of these symptoms on their life." To help patients with MS access behavioral health care for managing these symptoms, Kratz and colleagues developed a free, web-based symptom self-management program called My MS Toolkit. "The team of psychologists who developed this website took the information, support and skill practice that we would deliver in a therapy session with a person with MS and put it on the web, as to decrease the barriers MS patients may have to getting behavioral health care," she says. Kratz explains more about the toolkit's unique features: It's for anyone with MS. The completely online program is free and available to anyone (not just Michigan Medicine patients) with MS, and it's ideal for people who are having difficulty managing chronic pain, fatigue or depressed mood. "This website was created to provide a program, supported by research, to anyone who has access to the internet in an effort to increase access to self-management care," Kratz says. "We realize not everyone lives near a large medical center like Michigan Medicine and even if they do live near a center with qualified therapists for MS, waitlists to see a therapist are often long." It's easy to follow and convenient. The program includes nine steps, or modules, that include various components such as tips, videos, audio recordings and worksheets to actively engage participants. "We created short videos of our development team of psychologists describing some of the more complex concepts of the program," Kratz says. "With the hope that hearing a person describing these ideas in plain language would help the user understand the concepts and give a human face to the program." She also notes that people with MS are often affected with extreme fatigue or physical disability, which can make it difficult to travel to an appointment. "The user can engage in the program at their convenience and in the comfort of their home," Kratz says. It's a gold-standard treatment. Kratz says the program is based on the current gold-standard treatment, or most effective treatment based on evidence, in psychology called cognitive behavioral therapy. "Cognitive behavioral therapy is a treatment that helps people understand how their thoughts, emotions and behaviors are all related to their experience of symptoms or poor day-to-day functioning," Kratz says. "It helps people develop new ways of thinking and behaving in order to decrease suffering and increase participation in life. And the program can be used with other therapies people with MS may already be receiving. "My MS Toolkit is also designed to be used in tandem with other types of therapies and medical interventions for chronic pain, fatigue, and depressed mood," she says. It was designed with help from those with MS. Kratz notes the website was developed in collaboration with a team of four stakeholders with MS. "They provided crucial information on how to design the site and what information would be most helpful for people with MS," she says. It's beneficial for the support system of a person with MS. While the program was designed for people with MS, it can also be beneficial for those who support a person with MS. "Friends, family members and caregivers can also benefit from accessing the program," Kratz says. "MS affects the whole support network, not just the person with the diagnosis. We have built in content for the friends and family of people with MS, so they can feel supported themselves and know how to support their loved one with MS." Kratz and her colleagues continue to develop and improve My MS Toolkit and hope to create a mobile app, as well as add new features and content in the future. Actor Ajay Devgn says his latest film "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior" does not show any religion in bad light and is about defending the country from foreign invaders. The Om Raut-directed movie, set in the 17th century, is based on the life of Tanhaji Malusare, the military leader of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army. Tanhaji played an instrumental role in taking back the strategic hill fortress of Kondhana from the Mughal empire. The film's trailer had raised some eyebrows after Devgn, as Tanhaji, is seen propagating the power of saffron. Ajay, however, said the film does not portray any religion in negative. "We are talking about the country. We are talking about freedom. There is no 'Hindutva'. It is about your nation, your country. In the movie, you will see that there are Muslim warriors who are fighting alongside Tanhaji. We are not fighting for religion. When we talk about country, then there is no religion," Ajay told PTI in an interview. When asked about the portrayal of Muslim rulers in films such as "Padmaavat" and most recently "Panipat", the actor said the characterisations were based on historical facts. "Alauddin Khalji (from 'Padmaavat') was barbaric according to history. Not because he was from a certain religion that he was barbaric, he was a barbaric man. "Let's take any film about British rule. When we travel outside, do we feel like hurting British people? It was wrong for them to rule us but that story is over now. It is, however, part of the history. So are history books wrong? Are history books talking against Christianity? They are not," Ajay said. The actor further said the film's core theme is about safeguarding the nation from foreigners. "We are talking about invaders and outsiders in our country at that point of time. People have become one now. It is one country now for everybody. Even before, invaders and outsiders, the country never had just one religion. Everybody was living in peace and harmony. There are names in history of people who fought against their own," Ajay added. Director Om Raut also defended the film, saying the film is not against any religion. "Is it any attempt towards saffronisation? 100 per cent no. It was the colour that was there for the fort and Shivaji's army and that is where it is. Chhatrapati Shivaji did not believe in any religion. He had people of all religions -- hindus and non-hindus -- in his army. In his artillery department, there was a 'topchi' who was Noor Khan Baig. There were so many non-Hindus who worked under Shivaji." The director further said "the war, the struggle and the tension" of the 17th century were not related to any faith in any way. "It was religion neutral. People happened to be on this side or both side. There were invaders and the war was against them. The Swaraj movement was against the invaders. The people of this land, no matter which religion they belonged to, they fought against the foreign invasion. It was the situation of that time." The trailer also branded the movie as a story about Maratha empire's "surgical strike" on the Mughals also drew criticism. Surgical strike as a term became popular after the Indian Army struck terror launchpads in Pakistan in the aftermath of Uri attack in 2016, an incident that inspired a mainstream movie. The director, however, said the term of guerrilla warfare has come to be known as surgical strikes today and therefore it is easy to explain the movie's story to the youth through the phrase. "It is simpler to understand. If I had said guerrilla activity, nobody would have understand. Maybe some would have understood it. A trailer is an advertisement. If I speak in Marathi or French, will you understand it? No. "I have to speak your language which is English. It is common to everyone. I say surgical strike, youngsters understand it immediately. They know what it is. If I had said 'ganimi kava', which is the scientific name for it, nobody would have understood," Raut said. "Tanhaji: The Unsung Hero", which also features Saif Ali Khan and Kajol, is scheduled to be released on January 10. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There is nothing new in the way Democrats and their camp in the United States portray decisions taken by US President Donald Trump as both unilateral and uninformed, and Trumps order to assassinate Qassem Suleimani, the commander of the Al-Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, triggered the usual reactions from Democrats and their supporters this week. Democrats and others on the left in the US are calling for protests against the countrys going to war with Iran, even though Trump appears even more reluctant than they are and does not want war with Iran or anyone else. He prefers sanctions to achieve results with his countrys adversaries and rivals. Ironically, the Democrats have become more conservative in their outlook and view the world as a static place unmoved or impacted by variables. They believe that interpreting the world merely requires brandishing a handful of moral slogans, such as no to war, and they interpret strategic decisions superficially and demagogically, including by claiming that Trumps order to kill Suleimani was a unilateral one by a president who wanted to distract attention from his impeachment and increase his popularity before the upcoming US presidential race. But conventional theories that view the decision to go to war as a desire of world leaders to export their domestic problems are no longer viable in todays world. Today, there are no such wars between states, but rather a collection of civil wars and proxy wars between regional and international powers in various regions and several failed states based on major economic interests. A decision by the president of the United States, irrespective of his person and outlook, is governed by the legal regulations that define his mandate. He is surrounded by institutions that can hold him accountable if he makes a mistake or even block him from taking wrong or unnecessary decisions. All that a president like Trump, with his unconventional personality, can do is to pick one choice among the many others that the decision-making institutions in the US offer him, especially when it comes to security and military decisions. It is certain that Trumps decision to assassinate Suleimani was an option even before he became president, and it certainly would have been when US-Iranian relations deteriorated during the presidencies of George W Bush and Barack Obama before a nuclear deal was reached. Anyone trying to portray Trumps order as an irrational move made for personal reasons is ignoring the statements made by top brass in the Pentagon and members of Congress supporting the decision. For example, after Suleimanis assassination, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said that if he was not targeted, we would have been accused of negligence. He added that the US had confirmed intelligence that Suleimani was planning major operations, and the risk of not making a move was far higher than taking action. In order to understand Trumps order, discussion of a deeper issue is required, namely Trumps personality in the context of an intense and protracted conflict in US culture between power and ethics. Trump may be the only president in US history to approach politics from an original direction. Politics is the art of the possible, but Trump believes in achieving the impossible. Politics is based on government and opposition institutions and bureaucracies, which Trump hates, and therefore he looks for individuals who will help him to decide and carry out his policies instead. While politics has a give-and-take dynamic, which means reaching goals gradually, Trump believes he can achieve his goals with a knockout punch. Trump won the 2016 presidential race despite all expectations. At first, most politicians and the media doubted he would even win the Republican Party nomination, and then they thought his ethical scandals and racist ideas (which he has shown no shame in flaunting) would stop most Americans from voting for him. Finally, the opinion polls showed until the eve of the elections that his opponent Hillary Clinton was in the lead by a long stretch. But Trumps victory revealed that the US is living through an unpredictable era. Either it is a passing event which will end once he leaves office, or there has been a deep change that began with Trump and will continue to reign over the US for years to come. At its core, this aims to destroy institutions and find a populist Christian constituency that will play a loyal role instead of the corrupt entities that are incapable of addressing the complicated economic, political and social challenges facing the US. Since he came to the White House and one year before the next presidential elections in November 2020, Trump has battled fiercely on all fronts: the media, judiciary, adversaries in both parties and wars with US friends and foes. He ignores the counsel of his advisers and key figures in his administration and has fired people in the State Department and the intelligence agencies and Defence Department shortly after he hired them because they disagreed with decisions threatening US diplomatic, security and military strategies that have been in place for many years. Trump never misses a chance to express his contempt for his predecessors policies and international law, in the belief that their legacy was created by corrupt and incompetent US and international institutions. He has tried his own problem-solving techniques by making unconventional deals to deal with Middle East crises and other complex issues, especially his decisions on the Arab-Israeli conflict and Irans nuclear plans. These have included recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, recognising Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in Syria, recognising the legitimacy of Israeli settlements in the Occupied West Bank, and pulling out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Last but not least, Trump is now facing an attempt by the Democrats to gather all their energies to fight another losing battle with him, namely the impeachment which the House of Representatives began in October and that could last until close to the presidential elections this year. TRUMPS SUCCESSES: Meanwhile, Trump has had many victories, and his unorthodox methods of pressuring partners and rivals have been successful on several issues. He has lambasted NATO allies since he came to the White House, accusing them of not paying their dues. At the NATO summit meeting last year, Trump said Washington might withdraw from NATO altogether if other members of the alliance did not increase their military budgets. This pressure led to immediate results, with member states increasing their military spending, and Germany, a key target of Trump, planning to spend 1.42 per cent of its GDP on defence next year bringing it closer to the NATO target of two per cent. On trade, the Trump administration reached a partial agreement with China on 12 October to end the trade war between the two countries, and Trump promised a complete deal early next year. He continues to pressure China by issuing sanctions against it due to its human rights record and the status of Hong Kong, without worrying that this could impact a comprehensive trade deal. Despite the criticisms of Trump for withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and imposing harsh sanctions on Tehran, Trump persisted in increasing the economic pressure on Iran in the hope that the mullahs regime would collapse under the pressure of the sanctions, or that it would agree to US demands to stop spreading its influence in the Middle East and threatening Washingtons Arab allies. Iran procrastinated in responding to the US demands, and the impact of the sanctions increased, indicating serious flaws in the regimes ability to continue its foreign and domestic policies unchanged. This was a great success for Trump and his methods in dealing with foreign policy problems, and he seems to be ready to do more. During a surprise visit to US troops in Afghanistan on the Thanksgiving Holiday last year, Trump said the Taliban would return to the negotiating table with Washington to find a permanent solution to the Afghan crisis and ensure that the country does not become a safe haven for terrorists after US and NATO forces leave. However, the failures of Trumps foreign policies are also substantial and are most prominently reflected in two issues. Trump has failed to present a plan to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict (the deal of the century) because for eight months Israel has been unable to form a government and most of Washingtons Arab allies are not enthusiastic about the deal. Trump has also been unable to convince North Korea to abandon its policies threatening US allies in Asia, especially South Korea and Japan. On the domestic front, Trump has been successful on economic issues, as seen by the growing employment rates in the US pushing unemployment down to 3.7 per cent, the lowest since the 1970s. GDP has increased to more than $20 trillion, or 25 per cent of the global economy. However, these successes were met with failures in addressing the US budget deficit and lowering public debt, or in reaching real solutions for illegal immigration and addressing the imbalance in the healthcare system. Although the final scorecard of Trumps domestic and foreign policies over the past three years appears to be in his favour, his fate will not be decided by this alone. It will also be decided by the outcome of attempts by his Democratic opponents to impeach him. So far, this impeachment does not seem likely to proceed because it will be difficult to secure the minimum 67 votes in the Senate needed to launch the proceedings. The Republican Party does not want the White House to be delivered to the Democrats on a silver platter, and Republican support in the Senate for Trumps impeachment will be an admission the party was wrong to support him in the last elections at a time when it will also be difficult to find an alternate candidate for this years. Even if Vice President Mike Pence is an alternative, his campaign will be negatively impacted since he was part of Trumps controversial actions. Among the 20 Democratic Party candidates running for president so far, former vice president Joe Biden remains the frontrunner, although he is competing with other candidates who are supported by the Democratic base including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Michael Bloomberg and Pete Buttigieg. Since the Democrats know that maligning Trumps economic achievements will be difficult, and the voters support Trumps isolationist outlook and his pressuring allies to pay more for US military bases on their soil, they could focus their efforts on Trumps weak spot his morality. American culture involves two basic and correlated concepts: absolute power and absolute morality. Morals cannot be upheld without power that is a deterrent to adversaries, and power should not be used except to defend values. Democrats could infer from these core US values that Trump, who flaunts his misogyny and racism, his attempts to expel refugees fleeing poverty and civil war, and his abandonment of Kurdish allies leaving them to be massacred by the Turks, cannot be the representative of their country. However, morality without power could harm US interests, as Hillary Clinton admitted in her book Hard Choices when she said that the Chinese had become more aggressive in addressing issues of contention with Washington as a result of the 2008 financial crisis that had weakened the US and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that had drained US resources. But this admission benefits Trump more than the Democrats, because he relies on power more than morality to achieve US interests. Trump and his rivals are equals for the moment, unless another candidate emerges who can convince the American people that he or she can strike a balance between power and morality in domestic and foreign policies. *A version of this article appears in print in the 9 January, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: Dave Chappelle Says He Wouldnt Bring Back Chappelles Show For Netflix Elijah C. Watson Elijah Watson serves as Okayplayer's News & Culture Editor. When Im the type of person who doesnt look back, the comedian said. Netflix has been known to pay Dave Chappelle millions of dollars for his work. The streaming service gave him $60 million back in 2016 for a three-special deal. But no amount of money could ever make the comedian bring back his seminal Chappelles Show. WATCH: Dave Chappelle Discuss Stand-Up Comedys Importance In His Mark Twain Prize Acceptance Speech During a stand-up comedy show in San Francisco, Chappelle fielded questions from the audiences, with one attendee asking him if hed ever revive the popular TV series if Netflix offered him money to do so. Per the San Francisco Chronicle: When asked whether hed return to Chappelles Show if Netflix offered him the money, he replied with a blunt No. He went on to explain that, with Charlie Murphy dead and how things were left with Comedy Central, which aired the series, it wouldnt be the same. Its also a matter of principle, as Netflix isnt the network that owes him money. Im the type of person who doesnt look back, Chappelle said. According to the Chronicle, Chappelle will also be performing at a benefit for 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang. (The comedian has yet to endorse Yang.) Back in 2017, Chappelle spoke with Gayle King about why he left his beloved show. I was talkin to a guy he basically said to me that comedy is a reconciliation of paradox, and I think that was an irreconcilable moment for me, the comedian previously said. That I was in this very successful place, but the emotional content of it didnt feel anything like what I imagined success should feel like. It just didnt feel right. In related news, comedian John Mulaney recently recounted how he was tasked with fielding the phone call where Chappelle had went missing to South Africa. Mulaney was a temp assistant at Comedy Central at the time, and had to tell execs that Chappelle had left. Source: San Francisco Chronicle President Donald Trump said Wednesday Iran appeared to be "standing down" after missile strikes on US troop bases in Iraq that resulted in no American or Iraqi deaths. "All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. Our great American forces are prepared for anything," he said in an address to the nation from the White House. "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. No American or Iraqi lives were lost." Trump said the United States would immediately be imposing "additional punishing sanctions" on Iran but made no mention of military retaliation to the missile attacks -- seen by experts as a measured first response by Iran to the killing of General Qasem Soleimani in an American drone strike in Baghdad. Launched for the first time by forces inside Iran instead of a proxy, the missile attack marked a new turn in the intensifying confrontation between Washington and Tehran and sent world oil prices soaring. Trump touted economic achievements that he said had made the US less dependent on Middle Eastern oil, changing Washington's "strategic priorities" in the region. "Today I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process," he said. He also called for world powers to follow his lead in withdrawing in May 2018 from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. The agreement is already unraveling, with Tehran announcing on Sunday that it would roll back the limit on the number of centrifuges used in uranium enrichment, one of its commitments under the agreement. "The time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, and China to recognize this reality. They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal, or JCPOA," Trump said. "We must all work together towards making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place." He addressed Iranians directly, saying the US wanted them to enjoy the "great future" of prosperity and harmony with other nations that they deserve. "The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it," he said. World leaders have condemned the Iranian missile strikes, which targeted the sprawling Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and a base in Arbil, both housing American and other foreign troops deployed as part of a US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group. Iran's supreme leader called the attacks a "slap in the face" for the United States but said revenge was yet to come for the killing of Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm. New Delhi, Jan 8 : A day after the modest 5 per cent growth estimates by the government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday sought to engage with the people directly on their demands, aspirations and wishes from the Union Budget in reaching towards developmental growth. "The Union Budget represents the aspirations of 130 crore Indians and lays out the path towards India's development. I invite you all to share your ideas and suggestions for this year's Budget on MyGov", Modi tweeted. He also tagged the Finance Ministry -- "FinMinIndia looks forward to your suggestions for the #UnionBudget2020 which will be presented in the Parliament in the upcoming session," he said. Share your valuable ideas in the field of #Farmers, #Education & others on https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/inviting-ideas-and-suggestions-union-budget-2020-2021/ a @nsitharaman @nsitharamanoffc @ianuragthakur. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had already asked for public views on the budget earlier. Modi had a brainstorming session with the top 11 industry captains including Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani this week on economic revival and demand growth. The 5 per cent growth projection is the 11-year low. The Budget is likely to be presented on February 1, though date has not been announced yet. Gross domestic product is estimated to grow 5.0 per cent in 2019-20, slower than the 6.8 per cent growth of 2018-19, the Ministry of Statistics said in a statement. Morocco has voiced its rejection of any foreign intervention in Libya on all grounds and regardless of cited motives, affirming that there is no military solution to the Libyan crisis. The remarks were made by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita at a press conference held Tuesday in Dakhla on the occasion of the opening of a Gambian General Consulate in the pearl of the Moroccan Sahara. The resolution of the Libyan conflict can only be political and through a consensus between the warring factions, said Bourita expressing Moroccos deep concern over the military escalation in the North African country. Foreign intervention has only complicated the situation in Libya and undermined political solution in the country, torn by internal conflicts threatening peace and security of the whole Maghreb region, deplored the minister. Political solution must be based on the UN-brokered Skhirat agreement, the consolidation of this deal and its improvement if necessary, he stressed, noting that the responsibility of the international community is to help Libyans reach a political agreement far from foreign agendas that do not serve the interest of the Libyan people. Morocco calls for restraint and respect for Libyas territorial integrity, underlined Bourita amid some news reports that Turkish soldiers started deploying in Libya to prevent the besieged Government of National Accord from falling. To counter the military offensive launched by the Libyan National Army, under the command of Gen. Khalifa Haftar, the UN-backed Government of National Accord, led by PM Fayez al-Sarraj requested military support from Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan who agreed to send troops to defend Tripoli. Ankaras Parliament approved the deployment, but the UN and several countries opposed the Turkish military intervention. Khalifa Haftar on his part declared general mobilization to fend off any Turkish military interference in Libya. As back-up to his words, the coastal city of Sirte fell to the LNA Monday in less than three hours, prompting suggestions that the neighboring city of Misrata, critical to the Tripoli governments survival, will fall next. Ghassan Salame, head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) also condemned military intervention in the country at a press briefing in New York on Monday, following a closed-door meeting of the Security Council. Take your hands out of Libya, he urged. What I asked the Security Council, and what I asked these countries, is very clear: keep out of Libya. There are enough weapons in Libya; they do not need extra weapons. There are enough mercenaries in Libya, so stop sending mercenaries as is the case right now with hundreds, probably thousands, coming into the country of late, he said. Libyas House of Representatives also denounced what it called Turkish blatant interference into Libyan affairs. The parliament refused to ratify the two agreements signed by Turkey and the GNA on 27 November 2019 to establish new maritime borders between the two countries and increase security cooperation and voted to cut relations with Turkey and shut down the embassies in the two countries. The parliamentary session held on Saturday also voted unanimously to refer the head the GNA Fayez Al-Sarraj, and his foreign minister to the prosecution over accusation of high treason. SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Printed and Flexible Sensors Market is expected to grow substantially in the years to come. This could be attributed to the ever-increasing demand for thin and lightweight electronics devices. Printed electronics is in its nascent stage and does play a vital role in boosting the market. The end-use verticals of printed and flexible sensors include security and safety, healthcare, consumer and automotive durables, and packaging. Plus, roll-to-roll manufacturing process does make way for low cost printed sensors, that too, in bulk. Market Scope Advantages of printed sensors over conventional sensors are expected to bolster the market in the years to come. The latest trend catching up on this count is that of biosensor. Single use glucose strips are being used every year to monitor diabetes. This usage has reached billions in the last few years. Printed biosensors do hold the largest market share and are expected to continue with the winning streak in the next 5-7 years. Printed biosensors have the other applications like monitoring and analyzing cancer, heart, and kidney diseases. Piezoresistive printed pressure sensors are used in emission control, engine optimization, and safety enhancement as well. Download PDF to know more details about "Global Printed and Flexible Sensor Market" Report 2025. Market Segmentation The printed and flexible sensors market is segmented based on type and geography. By type, it spans biosensors (as mentioned above), Capacitive, piezoelectric, piezoresistive, photodetectors, digital X-Ray sensors, hybrid CMOS sensors, temperature sensors, and gas sensors. By geography, the printed and flexible sensors market states North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, LATAM, and MEA. Regional Insights North America rules the market of printed and flexible sensors; thanks to diabetic patients growing at an alarming rate therein. Europe comes in second as Germany makes use of these sensors in automotives and Denmark and Belgium pay special heed to healthcare. However, Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the fastest rate in the near future. This could be credited to increasing industrialization coupled with outsourcing the production; especially to China and India. Players The players contributing to the printed and flexible sensors market include ISORG, GSI Technologies, Peratech UK, KWJ Engineering, and Thin Film Electronics ASA. Access 111 page research report with TOC on "Global Printed and Flexible Sensor Market" available with Radiant Insights, Inc. @: https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-printed-and-flexible-sensor-market Market Segmentation: Geographically, global Printed and Flexible Sensor market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including Canatu Oy Fujifilm Holding Corporation ISORG Interlink Electronics, Inc. KWJ Engineering Peratech Holdco Limited Synkera Technologies, Inc. T+Ink, Inc. Tekscan, Inc. Thin Film Electronics ASA GSI Technologies LLC On the basis of product, we research the production, revenue, price, and market share and growth rate, primarily split into Biosensors Capacitive Piezoelectric Piezoresistive Photodetectors Digital x-ray Hybrid CMOs Temperature Gas For the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Printed and Flexible Sensor for each application, including Healthcare Packaging Automotive Other Production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate are the key targets for printed and Flexible Sensor from 2013 to 2024 (forecast) in these regions China USA Europe Japan Korea India Southeast Asia South America Browse reports of similar category available with Radiant Insights, Inc.: Commercial Robotics Market Biscuits Forming Machine Market Coriolis Mass Flow Meters Market Flat Glass Processing Machinery Market About Radiant Insights, Inc.: At Radiant Insights, we work with the aim to reach the highest levels of customer satisfaction. Our representatives strive to understand diverse client requirements and cater to the same with the most innovative and functional solutions. Contact: Michelle Thoras. Corporate Sales Specialist Radiant Insights, Inc. Phone: +1-415-349-0054 Toll Free: 1-888-928-9744 Email: sales@radiantinsights.com Web: https://www.radiantinsights.com Blog: https://radiantinsightsinc.blogspot.com/ Gov. Phil Murphys administration was appalled by the findings of an NJ Advance Media report on sexual harassment in New Jersey politics and wants some of the top women on his leadership team to serve on an ad hoc committee looking for ways to change the toxic culture of abuse and entitlement in Trenton, according to a letter sent Tuesday. The letter named 17 people the Murphy administration is nominating to serve on an ad hoc committee on sexual harassment formed by state Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg last month to address the problems outlined in the report. The nominees include First Lady Tammy Murphy and Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver. The Governor was appalled as was at the behavior described in the story and we are committed to doing what it takes to change the toxic culture of abuse and entitlement that has been allowed to exist across decades. The perpetrators and the survivors are not limited to a single political party nor a single branch of government, Oliver said in the letter sent to Weinberg on behalf of the Murphy administration. Deep reforms are needed across government and the political landscape, she added. The NJ Advance Media report, published Dec. 29 on NJ.com and in The Star-Ledger and its affiliated newspapers, included accounts from women who said they were the victims of sexual misconduct while working on political campaigns and doing lobbying work both in the past and as recently as last year. Several women said they were sexually assaulted or touched inappropriately at the states two marquee political gatherings the annual Chamber of Commerce Walk to Washington train trip and the League of Municipalities convention. None of the women interviewed for the story reported the sexual assaults or misconduct to law enforcement. Despite the rise of the #MeToo movement, most said they feared they would be retaliated against in their careers if they spoke out. Weinberg, one of the top-ranking women in New Jersey politics, announced the formation of the ad hoc committee the day after the report was published. With all that we have tried to do, we clearly have made far too little progress in changing the culture of Trenton, Weinberg, D-Bergen, said at the time. The other people nominated to the committee by the Murphy administration include: New Jersey Education Association President Marie Blistan Political and Labor Leader Patricia Campos-Medina Political Consultant and Latino Community Leader Alixon Collazos Deputy Chief of Staff Deb Cornavaca Port Authority Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs Jenny Davis Toth Author Lizzie Foley New Jersey Black Issues Convention State Chair Reva Foster Acting Director of the Division of Women at the Department of Children and Families Anna Martinez Deputy Chief Counsel Kate McDonnell Action Together New Jersey Executive Director Uyen Winn Khuong State Treasurer Elizabeth Muoio Communications Workers of America New Jersey State Director Hetty Rosenstein State Higher Education Secretary Zakiya Smith Ellis Health care executive Kelly Stewart Maer Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Service Commission Deirdre Webster Cobb Weinberg said she is reviewing the recommendations. I have received inquiries from a large and diverse group of women interested in serving on the panel, and I am reviewing next steps with a trusted group of advisers. I appreciate the lieutenant governors letter, Weinberg said in a statement. Weinberg previously said she had invited several other women to serve on the committee, including: veteran lobbyist Jeannine LaRue; Democratic political operative Julie Roginsky; Patricia Teffenhart, executive director of the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Senate Majority Counsel Alison Accettola; and Senate Minority Executive Director Christine Shipley. Latinas United for Political Empowerment, a non-partisan political action committee, also sent a letter to Weinberg last week calling for racial diversity on the ad hoc committee. The group nominated four Latinas to serve: Evelyn Padin, president of the New Jersey Bar Association; attorney Margarita Echevarria; Sonia Delgado, a partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group; and Rosa Farias, deputy executive director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. Weinberg said she also received nominations from the state chapter of the National Organization for Women. She hopes to finalize the list of committee members by next week. How the committee will meet with witnesses or recommend changes has not been decided, she said. We are just trying to have safe places for women, and that is what we will do, Weinberg said. Leaders of the New Jersey League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce are also expected to participate, Weinberg said. Earlier this week, the Chamber of Commerce banned hard alcohol aboard its annual Walk to Washington lobbying event in response to women in the NJ Advance Media report who said they were groped and sexually propositioned on the train trip. Both the Chamber of Commerce and the state League of Municipalities, which hosts an annual convention in Atlantic City, said they are searching for ways to help to combat sexual harassment after several women quoted in the story said they felt unsafe at their events. Tell us your experiences with allegations of sexual harassment in New Jersey: Heres how to share your story. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find her at KellyHeyboerReporter on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. US Officials: Iran's Soleimani Posed Distinct Security Threat By VOA News January 07, 2020 U.S. officials said Tuesday that Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian general the U.S. killed in a drone strike, posed a distinct threat to Americans in the Middle East, but again publicly offered no specific evidence of any attack he was about to carry out. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters that "multiple pieces of information" from intelligence sources were given to President Donald Trump before Trump made the decision to target Soleimani in last week's attack that killed him in Iraq at the Baghdad airport. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said Soleimani was plotting to attack American facilities where he would have killed American "diplomats, soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines." But similar to Pompeo, O'Brien offered no specifics on the timing of what Trump administration officials have called an "imminent threat" that Soleimani posed. With Iran vowing to exact revenge for the killing of Soleimani, Trump days ago said the U.S. has a list of 52 places inside Iran it would then attack, including Iranian cultural sites, which would be a war crime under international restraints on the conduct of warfare. After wide criticism for planning to target cultural sites, Trump retreated, telling reporters at the White House, "I like to obey the law. It's OK with me" to avoid attacking such sites. Defense Secretary Mark Esper, in an interview on CNN, characterized the evidence of Soleimani's malign activities in the Middle East as "more than razor thin," saying Soleimani "was caught red-handed" meeting with a "terrorist leader. This is not an innocent man." Later, at a Pentagon news conference, Esper said he believed an attack planned by Soleimani was days away. He encouraged Iran to de-escalate tensions with the U.S. and open negotiations, "where they behave more like a normal country." O'Brien said the case against Soleimani was based on "strong evidence and strong intelligence," while adding, "Unfortunately we're not going to be able to get into (the) sorts of methods at this time, but I can tell you it was very strong." Pompeo said, "We could see clearly that not only had Soleimani done all the things that we have recounted, like hundreds of thousands of massacres, enormous destruction of countries like Lebanon and Iraq, where they denied...people in those two countries what it is they want, sovereignty, independence and freedom. This is all Soleimani's handiwork. Then we would watch as he was continuing the terror campaign in the region...." "If you're looking for imminence, you need look no further than the days that led up to the strike that was taken against Soleimani," Pompeo said, including the late December attack that killed an American contractor working in Iraq. Pompeo added that there were "continuing efforts on behalf of this terrorist to build out a network of campaign activities that were going to lead potentially to the death of many more Americans." The top U.S. diplomat concluded that the drone attack "was the right decision, we got it right. The Department of Defense did excellent work. The president had an entirely legal, appropriate basis, as well as a decision that fit perfectly within our strategy on how to counter the threat of malign activity from Iran." Iran has vowed to exact revenge for Soleimani's killing, with O'Brien saying, "We take those seriously and we're watching and monitoring them." But with Trump threatening to respond to any new Iran attack, O'Brien said, "We hope that they're deterred, and that they think twice about attacking America and its interests." Even as threats and counter-threats ricocheted between Washington and Tehran, O'Brien said he believes the world is a safer place with the killing of Soleimani. "Look, over, over the past four months, the two greatest terrorist threats in the world, (Islamic State leader Abu Bakr) al Baghdadi and Soleimani, have both been taken off the battlefield," O'Brien said outside the White House. "I think that makes us safer, and in fact we've been congratulated and told that privately by world leaders from every region in the world who've reached out to congratulate us for this activity." In Iran, officials delayed Soleimani's burial, state media reported, after more than 50 people were killed in a stampede of mourners and more than 200 others injured. Tens of thousands of people had gathered to honor Soleimani in his hometown of Kerman before his planned burial, following similar ceremonies this week in Tehran, Qom and Ahvaz. Many of the mourners screamed for retaliation against the United States for the killing of Soleimani. "No compromise, no submission, revenge!" they shouted. Soleimani's killing has sparked fears of a wider conflict as the United States and Iran threatened strong responses to each other's actions. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif contended in a CNN interview that the U.S. killing of Soleimani, commander of the Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, constituted "state terrorism." "This is an act of aggression against Iran, and it amounts to an armed attack against Iran, and we will respond," Zarif said. "But we will respond proportionately - not disproportionately...we are not lawless like President Trump." With heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, Washington has denied Zarif a visa to travel to New York for upcoming United Nations meetings. Pompeo refused to spell out the reasons behind the denial of the visa. Following the airstrike, Iran announced it was further cutting its compliance with the 2015 agreement that restrained its nuclear program. That prompted Trump, who withdrew from the deal and applied new sanctions against Iran, to tweet Monday, "IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!" Trump also vowed late Sunday that the U.S. will strike "very hard and very fast" at as many as 52 Iranian targets if Iran attacks U.S. personnel or assets. The number 52 represents the number of Americans Tehran took hostage in 1979 for 444 days. "They're allowed to kill our people," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "They're allowed to torture and maim our people. They're allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people and we're not allowed to touch their cultural sites? It doesn't work that way." Pompeo said the U.S., in any new attacks on Iran, would act according to international legal constraints on warfare, under which attacks on cultural sites are considered a war crime. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani rebuffed Trump's threat on Monday, tweeting, "Those who refer to the number 52 should also remember the number 290. #IR655. Never threaten the Iranian nation." It was a reference to the U.S. mistakenly shooting down an Iranian passenger jet flying over the Persian Gulf in 1988, killing all 290 people aboard the aircraft. Then-U.S. President Ronald Reagan expressed deep regret over the incident and the U.S. paid nearly $62 million in reparations to the victims' families. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Oil prices briefly surged Tuesday night after Iran fired missiles at U.S. and coalition troops at two Iraqi bases, retaliating for the American killing of a top Iranian general. But don't expect the attack to translate into a big spike in gas prices. At least not yet. The price of crude oil, which is refined into gasoline, spiked more than 4% to top $65 for a short period as traders absorbed news of the retaliatory attack Tuesday night. But the commodity gave up most of those gains and was up only 1.3% shortly after 10 p.m. On Wednesday, the price of West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, was down $2.42, or 3.9%, in mid-day trading at $60.28. Brent, the global benchmark, was at $65.80. down $2.71,or about 4%. The impact on gas prices for Americans is expected to be relatively muted. Tensions over the prospect of a wider conflict had already sent oil higher in recent days before it settled down, leading oil analysts to project a slight increase in gas prices. Unleaded regular gasoline averaged $2.60 Wednesday, up from $2.59 the previous day, according to AAA. Iran attack fallout: Asia stocks tumble, Dow futures plunge 350 points after Iran fires missiles at US forces in Iraq Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for fuel-savings app GasBuddy, said Tuesday night that he continues to expect the average national price of gas to rise about 5 cents to 10 cents per gallon in the coming days. But he said he does not expect a major increase under the premise that the attack may have been measured to reduce the likelihood of war or a protracted standoff. Keep in mind, #oil prices don't just respond to one issue at a time, there's so much going on to drive prices up, so here's what's driving #gasprices in order of importance, opinion mine: 1) US/China trade deal optimism 2) Strong economy/stocks 3) US oil inventory changes 4) Iran Patrick De Haan (@GasBuddyGuy) January 8, 2020 "Everyone freaks out the moment the attack happens," DeHaan said. But "you step away, and this could be the beginning of the end." Story continues The initial "panic" over the possibility of a price spike is already giving way as people "chill out" and recognize that the effect may not be widespread, he added. That said, any further escalation of the conflict in the form of a severe attack by the American military on Iranian soil could trigger a genuine spike in prices, DeHaan said. "There's a real danger here that can't go understated," DeHaan said. "Oil markets are obviously very on edge that the two sides continue to escalate left and right." One reason why the conflict has not yet lead to a significant increase in gas prices is that the world has been flooded with new sources of oil in recent years, particularly from the U.S. What's more, Iran is subject to severe sanctions and is unable to export its oil to much of the world, which limits the country's impact on the petroleum markets. What traders mostly fear is the possibility that Iran will move to block oil supply routes or attack oil infrastructure in other countries. For now, though, the increase in gas prices tied to the Iran situation is "a blip on the radar compared with Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Katrina," both of which caused national spikes at the pump, DeHaan said. Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Iran attack: Gas prices likely won't spike barring further escalation Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. San Francisco, 8 January 2020: The Report Temperature Sensors Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Environmental, Medical, Process Industries), And Segment Forecasts To 2020 The global temperature sensors market size is expected to reach USD 6.13 billion by 2020, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing global demand for smarter consumer electronics and automobiles is expected to favor market growth over the forecast period. Temperature sensors are increasingly used in smartphones and other consumer electronics to monitor their temperature and enhance performance. Basic temperature sensors include resistive temperature devices (RTD), thermocouples, liquid expansion devices, silicon diodes, infrared sensors etc. Additionally, fusion of communication, computing and sensing is expected to drive the MEMS market, which is expected to benefit global temperature sensor demand. Technological advancements and device miniaturization also drive market growth. Need for ensuring safety and favorable regulatory scenario is expected to fuel market growth over the forecast period. However, intense competition and significant price cuts may restrain the temperature sensors market over the forecast period. Access Research Report of Temperature Sensors Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/temperature-sensors-market Further key findings from the study suggest: Consumer electronics and environmental applications are expected to grow at a considerable rate over the forecast period. Temperature sensors are increasingly used standalone or integrated with diverse equipment. This technology is spurred by factors such as low cost and power and wireless connectivity. Introduction of new raw materials such as polymers is expected to lower the weight, size and cost of electronic devices. Sensors are used in wide range of applications such as consumer electronics, automotive, process industries etc. owing to easy equipment integration. Temperature sensors are increasing used in automotive applications such as cylinder head temperatures, coolant, and air intake. Therefore, rise in automobile production is expected to favor market demand. Temperature sensors are also used in HVAC, environmental control, food processing, medical devices and chemical handling applications. The Asia Pacific temperature sensors market accounted for over 30% of the global demand and is expected to grow at a considerable rate over the next six years. The regional market is expected to be driven by advancements in sensor technology and demand for high-performance sensors that can be fitted into handheld portable devices. China is expected to be the largest contributor to regional market revenue generation over the next six years. Key market participants include ABB, Delphi Automotive, Analog Devices Inc., Siemens AG, Freescale Semiconductor, Honeywell International, Texas Instruments, NXP Semiconductors, Panasonic, etc. Honeywell serves various industries including aerospace & defense, medical, transportation, industrial etc. Key players are increasingly moving their manufacturing facilities in countries with economical labor particularly in Asia Pacific to reduce their overall cost. Cost effective and differentiated services are expected to be a critical success factor for the industry participants. Browse more reports of this category by Grand View Research at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry/sensors-and-controls Grand View Research has segmented the global temperature sensors market on the basis of application and region: Temperature Sensors Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2020) Automotive Consumer Electronics Environmental Healthcare & Medical Process Industries Others Temperature Sensors Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2020) North America Europe Asia Pacific RoW Access Press Release of Temperature Sensors Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-temperature-sensors-market About Grand View Research Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare. For More Information: www.grandviewresearch.com By Trend Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to Australia, Trend reports on Jan. 7 referring to the ministry's official Twitter page. We express our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in catastrophic Australia Bushfire and express our strong support to, and solidarity with, the people of Australia, brave firefighters, and volunteers fighting the worst wildfires in the history of the country, the message said. The death toll as a result of forest fires in south-eastern Australia reached 25 people. Fires are raging in 136 districts of the country, of which 69 have not been extinguished yet. Over 2,500 firefighters have been involved and hundreds of special equipment, including 90 heavy aircraft, have been used in fire extinguishing process. In some places, the fires are so intense and the smoke is so dense that it is impossible to extinguish them by using aircraft. The authorities are using naval ships and aircraft in the areas affected by the fires. They love him in Israel and India. In the Philippines. And Kenya. Oh, and in Nigeria. The rest of the world? Not so much. Confidence in President Donald Trump to do the right thing when it comes to world affairs remains broadly negative, according to a Pew Research Center survey. The Washington-D.C.-based Pews study, released Wednesday, found that among people it polled in 32 countries, just 29 per cent expressed confidence in Trump. Sixty-four per cent said they lacked confidence in the current White House occupant. The figures stand in marked contrast to the final years of Barack Obamas presidency, when a median of 64 per cent expressed confidence in Trumps predecessor to direct Americas role in the world in a positive manner. Pew last conducted a survey of this kind in 2017. The survey published Wednesday was conducted in the spring and summer of 2019, well before the Trump administrations slaying of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an action that has brought fresh scrutiny to one of Trumps signature foreign-policy moves: exiting the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. It has led to increased tensions between Tehran and Washington. Pew noted that observed shifts in foreign attitudes toward the U.S. and its leader are sometimes connected to U.S. policy or actions, as in the case of the Iraq War in 2003; sometimes they reflect domestic realities, such as the case of right-wing voters in Europe recently growing more favourable toward the U.S. At home, Trump has an approval rating of roughly 45 per cent and a disapproval rating of nearly 53 per cent, with the remaining 2 per cent not sure, according to an average of job approval polls published by RealClearPolitics, a website focused on political analysis. Distaste for Trump was led by Europe, where approximately three-in-four people 75 per cent in Germany, Sweden, France, Spain and the Netherlands lack confidence in Trump. Mexico, too, does not like him, where 89 per cent do not have confidence in Trump. Anti-Trump sentiment around the world was driven by his foreign policy actions, including increasing tariffs or fees on imported goods from other countries; withdrawing from the international climate change accord; and proposing to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. A majority of those polled also disapproved of Trumps policies to allow fewer immigrants into the U.S. and his withdrawal from the Iran nuclear accord. Trumps attempt to directly negotiate with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over that countrys nuclear weapons program garnered the most support of all his various foreign policy actions across the 33 countries surveyed although only a median of 41 per cent of people approve of this action, compared with 36 per cent who disapprove. Pew, which describes itself as a non-partisan fact tank that does not itself take positions on policy decisions, tested the international popularity of four other world leaders in its survey: Germanys Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinas President Xi Jinping. Trump was more negatively viewed than all the leaders asked about in the survey. In 12 countries, men are more likely than women to rate Trump positively. For example, 28 per cent of men in Sweden have confidence in the president; just 8 per cent of women do. Still, overall global attitudes toward the U.S. remain largely favourable, although there are large differences across the 33 nations surveyed for that part of the study. Three Central and Eastern European nations Poland (79 per cent), Lithuania (70 per cent) and Hungary (66 per cent) had the most favourable opinion of the U.S. Outside of the EU, Ukraine (73 per cent) also scored high, although views about Trump were less favourable (46 per cent). and Pew notes the survey in Ukraine was conducted prior to revelations last year about Trumps July 2019 phone call with the countrys new president. In Russia, just 29 per cent of those polled viewed America positively. Israelis give the U.S. its highest rating on the survey (83 per cent favourable). Elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa, attitudes were more negative, especially the case in Turkey, where just one-in-five (20 per cent) have a favourable opinion of the U.S., the lowest percentage registered in the survey. The survey found that Trump was generally more popular among those on the political right in many of the nations that were polled. Trumps popularity in Israel (70 per cent) partly reflects his decisions to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and to withdraw from the Iran nuclear accord. Read more about: Nagpur (Maharashtra), Jan 8 (IANS) The Congress-Nationalist Congress Party combine handed a humiliating defeat to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the elections to the prestigious Nagpur Zilla Parishad -- the home turf of Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh -- officials said here on Wednesday. Besides Nagpur, the BJP was vanquished in Palghar, Nandurbar and Washim, was neck-to-neck with Congress in Dhule, while the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) bagged surprise control of Akola Zilla Parishad (ZP). Of the total 332 seats for which voting was held in six ZPs, the BJP bagged 103, Congress 73, NCP 46, Shiv Sena 49, VBA 42, while Independents and others secured 14 seats. In the 58-seat Nagpur ZP for which polls were held, the Congress bagged 30, the NCP 10, while the BJP managed only 15 seats. The ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally Shiv Sena chose to contest alone in Nagpur ZP and had to be content with just one seat, while two seats were won by Independents and others in this prestigious local body. In Palghar ZP of 57 seats, the Sena got 18, NCP 14 and BJP 12, while five seats went to CPI(M), three to Independents. The Congress bagged only one seat. However, the BJP had reason to smile in Dhule where out of the 56 seats, it secured 39, followed by Congress at seven, Sena four and NCP three, besides three Independents. In Nandurbar, there was a neck-to-neck fight for the 56 seats in which BJP and Congress got 23 apiece, Sena seven and the NCP three. The BJP suffered a jolt in Washim ZP where of the total 52 seats, the party got only seven, NCP bagged 12, Congress nine, Sena six, VBA 15 while Independents bagged three seats. The VBA -- which had failed to open its account in the 2019 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections -- has bagged the 53-seat Akola ZP with 22 seats, followed by Sena at 13 seats, NCP four, Congress three and Independents four. The elections for the 58 Zilla Parishad seats and 116 Panchayat Samitis were held on January 7 and the results were declared on Wednesday. Even in the six Panchayat Samiti (PS) polls, there was a shock in store for the BJP which bagged only 194 out of the total 664 seats for which elections were held. The Congress bagged a handsome 145 seats, Shiv Sena 117, NCP 80, VBA 78, Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena two, CPI(M) 12, CPI one, Independents and others 34. Among the highlights was Congress' Mahendra Dongre winning the seat in Dhapewada -- the native village of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Congress' Nana Kambale dealt another blow by bagging the Koradi seat -- the hometown of former BJP minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Salil A. Deshmukh, the son of NCP's state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, won from Metpanjara while another senior NCP ex-minister Ramesh Bang's son Dinesh R. Bang bagged the Hingna seat. The Nagpur ZP and several other local bodies were under the control of the BJP-Sena when they were allies, till the Sena joined the MVA with Congress-NCP in November 2019. The BJP's defeats came despite a high-profile campaign launched by a battery of top-notch state leaders for all these civic bodies. qn/arm Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 11:28:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BAGHDAD/WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran said Wednesday it has launched missile attack on the U.S. military base of al-Asad in Iraq's Anbar province following the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani. "Tens of surface-to-surface missiles" were fired at the strategic airbase," said Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in a statement carried by Iranian state TV. The IRGC attack comes after Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of the IRGC, was killed in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad International Airport on Friday. In the statement, the IRGC called for a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, saying that it would not differentiate between the U.S. and Israel in retaliating the assassination of the Iranian national "hero." "We in no way consider the Zionist regime (of Israel) to be separated from the criminal U.S. regime in these crimes," read the IRGC statement. "We warn U.S. allies providing bases for the (American) terrorist army ... that any country serving as the origin of bellicose and aggressive attacks in any form against the Islamic Republic of Iran will be targeted," it said. The IRGC warned the United States that "any new wicked act or more moves and aggressions (against Iran) will bring about more painful and crushing responses." The IRGC further urged the American people to call for the return of U.S. forces from the region in order to prevent further losses and not to allow Washington put the lives of American troops at risk any more. The Pentagon has confirmed Iran's launch of more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. "At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq," the Pentagon said in a statement. These missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at al-Asad and Irbil, the statement added. The bases have been on high alert due to indications that Iran planned to attack the U.S. forces and interests in the region, it noted. The Pentagon also pointed out that it would take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region. Australia's worst bushfire on record is likely wipe $20billion from the economy - sparking a possible recession and threatening the fragile budget surplus. The destruction of 7million hectares of bushland isn't just killing more than a billion animals and upending lives. It is also costing the national hip pocket, with the Insurance Council of Australia putting the bushfire damage bill at $700million. So far, 8,985 insurance claims have been filed in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia but that tally is set to balloon. Scroll down for video Australia's worst bushfire on record is likely wipe $20billion from the economy - sparking a possible recession and threatening the budget surplus (pictured is Lake Conjola on the New South Wales South Coast) AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver said a one percentage point decline in Australia's gross domestic product would be enough to wipe $20billion from the economy. Then there's another $20billion in lost wealth Even before the onset of blazes in September, the Australian economy was already weak, growing at a subdued annual pace of 1.7 per cent. That is set to worsen, with the natural disaster hitting agricultural and tourism businesses. AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver said a one percentage point decline in Australia's gross domestic product would be enough to wipe $20billion from the economy. Then there's another $20billion in lost wealth. 'There's all the damage that's been caused to agriculture, property, livestock, factories, plantations, cars, all those sorts of things,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday. Dr Oliver said there was a risk the Australian economy would fall into a recession by the March quarter of this year - something that hasn't happened since 1991. 'There is a significant risk of recession,' he said, regarding it as a one-in-three chance. Dr Oliver said there was a risk the Australian economy would fall into a recession by the March quarter of this year - something that hasn't happened since 1991 as bushfires hit the economy. The apple growing sector has suffered with fires destroying orchards at Batlow in southern NSW (stock image) Treasury last month reduced the projected budget surplus for this financial year from $7.1billion to $5billion. Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week announced the government would spend $2billion, including $500million in 2019/20, on rebuilding infrastracture in bushfire-ravaged communities. That would reduce the projected surplus to $4.5billion. Should the bill climb to a higher level than anticipated, the government's promise of delivering the first surplus since 2007 could go up in fiscal flames. 'There is a risk that $5billion projected surplus, which has already fallen to $4.5billion, could turn into a deficit,' Dr Oliver said. AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver says about $20billion could be wiped off the country's gross domestic product. Then there's another $20billion in lost wealth with a range of sectors, including agriculture, facing financial hardship Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has admitted the bushfires could jeopardise the surplus. 'It's too early to tell what the full economic impact of these fires will be but no doubt it will have a major impact,' he told Sydney radio station 2GB on Wednesday. 'As the Prime Minister has said, our focus is not on the surplus, our focus is on getting the support to the community in need.' Dr Oliver was hopeful the Australian economy would gather pace from the middle of 2020 as insurers paid out claims and the rebuilding phase sparked work in the construction sector. The destruction of 7million hectares of bushland isn't just killing a billion animals and upending lives. It is also costing the national hip pocket, with the Insurance Council of Australia putting the bushfire damage bill at $700million. So far, 8,985 insurance claims have been filed in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) executive director Simon Westaway said tourists from Europe had been asking if it was safe to visit Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) executive director Simon Westaway said tourists from Europe had been asking if it was safe to visit. However, he said the industry had proved resilient in the past and said the downturn should only last about six to nine months. Residents faced higher premiums as the number of insurance claims continued to rise. Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week announced the government would spend $2billion, including $500million in 2019/20, on rebuilding infrastracture in bushfire-ravaged communities (pictured is a fire crew at Sarsfield in Victoria's East Gippsland region) The 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria, which is considered one of Australia's all-time worst bushfire disasters, was estimated to cost $4.4billion. Whereas, the 2003 Canberra bushfires were estimated to cost $839.4million. On Monday, the Morrison Government pledged an additional $2billion over two years towards the recovery. 'The $2 billion commitment is an additional cost, an initial commitment, and if further funds are required, further funds will be provided,' Mr Morrison said. 'We're focused on the financial cost, we're focused on the human costs and ensuring we can do everything we can, as quickly as we can, to support that recovery effort.' ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Dr. Leo Valentin, Republican candidate for Florida's 7th congressional district, announced raising more than $250,000 in donations in his first quarter since entering the race. "We're all very proud of the success we've seen in our fundraising since entering this race just a few short months ago. Before we launched our campaign, we knew that only a well-funded campaign would be capable of defeating Stephanie Murphy, and the response we've seen to our campaign's message in terms of fundraising has been incredibly encouraging," said Dr. Valentin. "However, we know that this is only half the equation and that we cannot afford to take our foot off the gas pedal. We've also put significant time and resources into building a grassroots network that is growing every day. The surge we've seen in both fundraising and grassroots mobilization is a strong sign that the members of this district's communities are tired of Murphy's false promises and want someone new to represent their interests in Washington." The Valentin for Congress campaign filed with the Federal Election Commission on November 6 and launched the official campaign the same day with the rollout of an announcement video and website. Following the December 31 FEC reporting deadline, the campaign reported contributions totaling more than $250,000. The Valentin for Congress campaign continues to build support across the district and has garnered endorsements that highlight Dr. Valentin's momentum going into 2020. He has been endorsed by Longwood Mayor Matt Morgan, Lake Mary Commissioner Justin York, and former Four-Star Admiral and DHHS Assistant Secretary for Health Joxel Garcia. Given his early fundraising success and grassroots support, Dr. Leo Valentin has established himself as the frontrunner in the race for the Republican nomination and the strongest candidate to take on Stephanie Murphy and win the November general election. The response that the Valentin campaign has received to its message is a strong indication that Floridians are ready for someone different. As an outsider with fresh ideas and a unique perspective, Dr.Valentin appeals to a diverse mix of voters that will carry him to victory on election day. To learn more about the campaign, please visit www.LeoValentin.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter. Press Contact Information: Jesse Phillips 407-492-4915 Related Images leo-valentin-for-congress.jpeg Leo Valentin for Congress Leo Valentin for Congress - Campaign logo dr-leo-valentin.jpeg Dr. Leo Valentin Dr. Leo Valentin Profile Picture SOURCE Leo Valentin for Congress Related Links https://www.leovalentin.com Photo: Contributed Laurence Fishburne Two upcoming videos for Kelowna-based company Allied Corp., an international medical cannabis company, will have some Hollywood flair to them. Esteemed actor Laurence Fishburne hosts Behind the Scenes, an educational program that appears on various American networks and has the potential to reach as many as 60 million households in the U.S. The two short-form documentaries will feature Allied and its charitable foundation. Fishburne has appeared in the John Wick series, The Matrix and Mystic River. Being able to distribute the Allied message to the Behind the Scenes national network will only scale the number of people who we are able to reach, and who might need this educational content, Allied CEO Calum Hughes said in a press release. We are excited to continue to inspire those suffering that there is help and a way back to health and wellness while living with PTSD, which is the core of Allieds vision. Allied Corp. is focused on creating and providing targeted cannabinoid health solutions for those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Authorities in Japan have issued an arrest warrant for the wife of former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, who fled the country last week while awaiting trial on charges of financial misconduct. Prosecutors have accused Carole Ghosn of providing false testimony in a Tokyo court last year in her husband's case. Ghosn escaped to Lebanon on Dec. 29, a move that stunned both his legal team and law enforcement officials in Japan, where he was under strict restrictions under the terms of his bail agreement. He was initially arrested in November 2018 and charged with diverting millions of dollars from a Nissan subsidiary for his personal use, and of underreporting his income. Ghosn says the charges are a conspiracy concocted by Nissan executives who opposed his plans for a fuller merger between the Japanese automaker and its French alliance partner Renault. Ghosn will hold a press conference Wednesday in Beirut to discuss the so-called "coup" against him. Nissan Motor Co. and Carlos Ghosn are back on a collision course. The Japanese automaker is preparing for a renewed legal and public relations battle against its former chairman and chief executive officer as Ghosn vows to hit back at the company he turned around two decades ago, but which he blames for engineering his downfall. Ghosn will hold a news conference Wednesday in Beirut, where he fled to escape trial in Japan on charges of understating his pay and misusing company money. Nissan has already spent more than $200 million on lawyers, investigators, and digital forensics in its investigation of Ghosn and former executive Greg Kelly, people with knowledge of the matter said, asking not to be identified because the information isnt public. Arrested in November 2018, Ghosn and Kelly who both deny wrongdoing were set to stand trial this year. Thats now looking unlikely without the main defendant, thrusting the conflict into the public arena and possibly the Lebanese courts. Ghosn is seeking to salvage his legacy, while Nissan faces pressure to justify the turmoil brought on by its decision to investigate its leader and try to help prosecutors convict him. With Ghosn expected to name the people behind what he says was a plot to halt his plans to more closely integrate Nissan with alliance partner Renault SA, the Japanese company is going on the offensive, according to people familiar with its intentions. Nissans first order of business may hit close to home for the fugitive Ghosn. He still has access to an elegant pink villa in Beirut that Nissan purchased for $8.75 million, renovated and furnished for him, according to a person familiar with the matter. Nissan views Ghosns continued use of the house as illegitimate, and wants him evicted, the person said. Ghosns representatives have resisted efforts to dislodge him through the courts, arguing the house was part of a retirement package to which hes legally entitled. Legal action The carmaker also is looking at bringing legal action against Ghosn in Lebanon, the people said, to recover money it says he used improperly. Nissans capacity to retaliate against Ghosn is considerable. As well as the millions spent on lawyers, it hired computer experts to sift through 6 million emails stretching back to when Ghosn first came to Nissan in 1999 at the request of Japanese prosecutors, a person with knowledge of the probe said. The automaker also engaged private investigators in the Middle East, who have been working for months to unearth potentially damaging material on the former executive, according to people familiar with the moves, asking not to be identified because the information isnt public. Ghosns flight will not affect Nissans basic policy of holding him responsible for the serious misconduct uncovered by the internal investigation, the Yokohama-based carmaker said Tuesday, in its first public statement since Ghosn fled. Nissan will continue to take appropriate legal action to hold Ghosn accountable for the harm that his misconduct has caused. Business crisis Nissan is continuing to plow time and money into pursuing Ghosn even with its business in crisis. Sales and profits have slumped, and the company is set to axe 12,500 jobs as it tries to keep up with the dramatic shifts in the global auto industry. Ghosns arrest also hurt its alliance with top shareholder Renault, bringing long-standing tensions to the fore. Azusa Momose, a spokeswoman for Nissan, declined to comment on the companys plans for Ghosn and whether it will take legal action in Lebanon. Representatives for Ghosn didnt respond to requests for comment. Nissan said Tuesday that its internal investigation found incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn, including misstatement of his compensation and misappropriation of the companys assets for his personal benefit. Ghosn was arrested more than a year ago at Tokyos Haneda Airport, kicking off a legal saga that saw him detained for months in solitary confinement before being released on bail, re-arrested and released again. Ghosn was facing trials that could land him in prison for more than a decade when, on Dec. 30, he fled to Lebanon to escape what he described as a rigged Japanese justice system. The country doesnt have an extradition agreement with Japan. Name names The former auto executive, who has Lebanese, French, and Brazilian citizenship, plans to name the people he believes are behind a coup to take him down, including some in the Japanese government, at Wednesdays press briefing, according to Fox Business Networks Maria Bartiromo, who said she spoke with Ghosn last weekend. With its business in jeopardy and shares down almost 40% since Ghosns arrest, Nissan is rife with internal divisions over his ouster. Makoto Uchida, who became CEO last month, has a long list of challenges. A top deputy abruptly quit, the company withdrew its dividend outlook in November, and it is under pressure to refresh an aging product lineup. Uchida declined to comment on Ghosn or his escape at a New Years reception in Tokyo Tuesday for Japans major business groups. Nissan doesnt have time to spend more money pursuing Ghosn, said Koji Endo, an analyst at SBI Securities Co. in Tokyo. Nissans current focus should be to carry out major restructuring immediately following a sharp earnings fall and a dividend cut, he said. CEO letter Ghosn arrived at Nissan when Renault took a one-third stake in the struggling company. Dubbed Le Cost Killer, he slashed jobs, cut expenses and restored profitability, eventually becoming CEO of both Nissan and Renault and forming a global auto alliance that now includes Mitsubishi Motors Corp. In a letter to Nissans employees Tuesday, Uchida urged workers to focus on the job at hand. Unfortunately, media coverage on the past executive misconduct will continue for a while, the CEO wrote in the email, which was seen by Bloomberg News. We can only revive Nissan by everyone contributing and working as one team. With assistance from Ayai Tomisawa, Tian Ying, Tsuyoshi Inajima and Dana Khraiche. Paving the way for the release of Deepika Padukone-starrer "Chhapaak", the Bombay High Court on Wednesday said no one person can claim copyright on a story inspired by true events or incidents. A writer, Rakesh Bharti had filed a suit in the HC claiming that he had originally penned a story on the life of an acid attack survivor on which "Chhapaak", directed by Meghna Gulzar, is based. Bharti in his suit sought for his name to be included in the credits as one of the creative writers and also sought a stay on the January 10, 2020, release of the movie. After hearing brief arguments on the interim relief sought by Bharti, Justice S C Gupte made prima facie observations that copyright cannot be claimed over such stories. "This is a real life event. When the source of the story is common then no one can claim copyright. Just because someone has or is writing a story on a real life event or incident does not mean nobody else cannot," Justice Gupte said. "You (Bharti) are claiming monopoly on a real life incident. It is impossible to grant copyright on such stories," the judge said. Bharti's counsels Girish Godbole and Ashok Sarogi then made a statement to the court that, as on today, they are not seeking interim relief by way of stay on the movie's release. The lawyers said they would keep the arguments on copyright infringement open and would compare the scripts once "Chhapaak" is released. The HC accepted the statement and posted the suit for further hearing after six weeks. The movie is based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. The suit filed by Bharti claimed that he had conceived an idea/script for a movie, tentatively titled 'Black Day', and got it registered with the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) in February 2015. Bharti said since then he has been working on the script and approaching several artists and producers, including Fox Star Studio, for narration. "However, the project could not commence due to unavoidable circumstances. The plaintiff had narrated the idea to Fox Star Studio, which is the production house for 'Chhapaak'," the plea said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two young boys who set up a lemonade stand outside their home to raise money for bushfire victims sold out in under an hour thanks to two kind police officers. Brothers Jack and Will Reilly, from Port Douglas in far north Queensland, set up the stall earlier this week after 'brain storming' ways they could help Australians in need. But it wasn't until constables Hannah Mulholland and Matt Cornish had a taste of their homemade brew that their business really started to boom. The officers helped move the boys' stall to the main road in town and began pulling drivers over for breath tests and licence checks before directing them to the stand. Constable Matt Cornish (pictured) was patrolling when he came across Jack and Will selling lemonade to do their bit to help bushfire victims doing it tough in states further south Within 45 minutes, Will and Jack had sold their entire supply of lemonade, at $1.50 per cup, to 50 satisfied drivers and raised $380 to help victims in NSW and Victoria. Constable Cornish said the boys had been very concerned lately about the bushfires that have swept the country. '(The boys) have been asking a lot of questions at the moment,' he said. 'The biggest question has of course been, "How can we help?" 'The boys did some solid brain storming before the obvious idea came to mind. What do north Queenslanders love to do in the summer months? 'Enjoy a cool refreshing drink.' Constable Cornish (pictured with Constable Mulholland ) said after tasting a 'magical drop' of the two young brothers' quenching product, an idea sprung to mind of how to help Cops are tops: Jack and Will give the thumbs up to the camera as their lemonade stand gets an exposure boost He said the boys worked with their mother to set up the stand - complete with an umbrella, handwritten signs and an esky full of icy cold lemonade. 'With all things, exposure is the key so with the police on side, the boys moved their stall to the main road of Port Douglas,' Constable Cornish said. 'We also decided this would also be the perfect place to set up a roadside breath-testing site. 'With young kids such as Jack and Will taking part in such a selfless charitable act, it warms the heart and comforts us with confidence that the future generations are on the right track.' The Queensland Police Service officers set up a breath testing site before directing drivers to the two young brothers "Our Indiana Dunes State Park and the Indiana Dunes National Park are some of the most visited parks in Indiana, they said. The threat of seawalls, roads, and even homes falling into Lake Michigan is certainly not conducive to a thriving tourism industry, they said. These people need your help. In its annual report released today, the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) said that there is a "strong argument" that China has committed "crimes against humanity" in its northwestern region of Xinjiang. Why it matters: A growing number of voices, in and out of government, are saying that China's mass detention camps clearly violate international law. The commission listed several acts committed by the Chinese government in Xinjiang that could, under the Rome statute of the International Criminal Court, support a legal case that China has committed "crimes against humanity." Context: The 323-page annual report provides detailed information on human rights developments in China in 2019. The report includes sections on freedom of speech, criminal justice, worker rights, civil rights, ethnic minority policy, freedom of religion, public health, Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and other topics. It also details China's policies of repression of religion and society among Turkic Muslim groups in Xinjiang, including detention camps, intrusive surveillance, forced labor, and forced family separations. What they're saying: "Scholars and rights groups provided a strong argument, based on available evidence, that the 'crimes against humanity' framework may apply to the case of mass internment camps" in Xinjiang, according to the report. "Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court provides a list of 11 acts that may constitute 'crimes against humanity' 'when committed against a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population.'" Details: The report listed 4 acts committed by Chinese authorities that could quality as crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute: The arbitrary detention of Uighur, Kazakh, and other ethnic minorities in China in well-documented mass internment camps; The torture of detainees in those camps; The detention of people and suppression of religious and cultural traditions in ways clearly targeted against specific minority groups; The forced disappearances of hundreds of intellectuals in the region. The commission also called on governments to consider levying sanctions on China under the Global Magnitsky Act for its campaign of repression against Muslim minorities. The big picture: The Chinese government has attempted to suppress global criticism of its policies in Xinjiang, but those criticisms are only getting louder. W hat is happening today? We are launching a 1 million pilot fund over three years to help schools seeking to radically cut exclusions. This is inspired by the success of The Base inclusion unit at Dunraven School in Lambeth and nurture units at mainstream schools in Glasgow that promote a supportive and inclusive learning environment, with excellent results. Here's a closer look at our campaign: What is on offer? Grants of up to 150,000 per school over three years. Which schools can apply? London secondary schools with higher exclusion rates than the national average (10 per cent for fixed term exclusions, 0.2 per cent for permanent exclusions) seeking to tackle these problems by building their inclusion capacity to drive down exclusions to a minimum. What will we fund? You can apply for funds to develop and deliver an on-site programme that aims to reduce school exclusions. Funds are principally for salary costs where that member of staff is dedicated to improving inclusion. Funding is also available for training costs for that post-holder and, to a lesser extent, essential equipment costs. The proposed project should be at the heart of your schools ethos and endorsed by the whole school community, including governors and the headteacher. Loading.... Loading.... Who are the funders? John Lyons Charity and tech investor and philanthropist Martin Moshal will each contribute 500,000 over three years. Funds from John Lyons Charity are restricted to schools in their beneficial area of North and West London: Barnet, Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster. The Moshal funding applies to schools across the rest of London. How will the process work? There is a two- stage application process, starting with an expression of interest. Schools within the beneficial area of JLC should submit these to www.jlc.london. Schools in other London boroughs should do so through The London Community Foundation which manages the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund and will administer the Moshal funds at londoncf.org.uk. The criteria for funding is the same. Schools taken forward to stage two will be visited to discuss their project in detail. How will decisions be made? Schools will be shortlisted by JLC and LCF with a final decision made by a steering group comprising of both funding organisations, LCF, invited industry experts and the Evening Standard. If successful, your contract will be with JLC or LCF. Loading.... What is the aim? To help schools that recognise they have a problem with exclusions and wish to reduce them. The impact of projects will be measured to identify models that result in reduced pupil exclusions and that could be replicated in other schools. What is the timeframe? Expressions of interest by February 7, stage two applications by March 20, successful schools to be announced in April. Listen to today's episode of The Leader for more... The United Kingdom has issued a warning to its citizens in Nigeria to be more security conscious and vigilant due to the tension betwe... The United Kingdom has issued a warning to its citizens in Nigeria to be more security conscious and vigilant due to the tension between the United States and Iran following the killing of Iranian General, Qasem Soleimani. Some Muslim groups in Nigeria took to the streets of Abuja on Monday to protest Soleimanis death. The protesters had a banner with the words, Death to America. Death to Israel. and burnt a US flag during the protest which held in Abuja. Suleimani was killed by an American airstrike on Friday, a situation that has heightened tension in the Middle East region. Shiites led a procession through Banex, Wuse Area to Berger roundabout in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday. They also demanded that the President Muhammadu Buhari government should release their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat unconditional. UK, in its latest travel advice via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued on Tuesday, December 7, warned its citizens in Nigeria to avoid large gatherings and also to stay clear of unsafe areas. The statement reads: The British High Commission is not aware of specific threats against British nationals but you should continue to avoid large crowds and public demonstrations as they can turn violent unexpectedly and at short notice. If you become aware of any nearby unrest or disturbances, you should leave the area immediately. Noting that mining results in complete elimination of grass, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the government to impose the condition on lease holders that they will have to restore the mined area by re-grassing it after ceasing operations. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde asked the Centre to devise appropriate methods to ensure compliance of this condition. "We see no reason why the area which has been mined should not be restored so that grass and other vegetation including trees can grow in the mining area for the benefit of animals. "We are of the view that this can be achieved by directing the Union of India to impose a condition in the mining lease and a similar condition in the environmental clearance and the mining plan to the effect that the mining lease holders shall, after ceasing mining operations, undertake re-grassing the mining area and any other area which may have been disturbed due to their mining activities and restore the land to a condition which is fit for growth of fodder, flora, fauna etc," the bench, also comprising Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant, said. The court said this condition shall be in addition to those imposed for achieving the same purpose under the mine closure plan. "This condition shall not be imposed in derogation of any conditions which are already in force. The Union of India will report the action taken within a period of three weeks from today," the bench said. The court was hearing a plea filed by NGO Common Cause against large-scale illegal mining across the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) The government targets to finalize its new water distribution deals with concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water in a period of six months, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Wednesday. Guevarra, who is part of the team tasked to draft the revised agreements with the metros major concessionaires, admitted the group has only crafted a matrix document which features the supposed onerous provisions that need to be deleted from the current deals. Well that contract does not exist as of the moment in the sense that we have something like the original water concession agreement, Guevarra told CNN Philippines The Source. We have simply prepared a matrix of what provisions ought to be deleted because they're highly disadvantageous, if not onerous, by the Philippine government, Guevarra added, noting the team has proposed certain improvements to make the deals equitable for both parties. I would say maybe a period of six months would be probably enough para ma-firm up (to firm them up). President Rodrigo Duterte, however, said in a speech Wednesday night that he has allowed government lawyers to present the new deal to water concessionaires. Duterte earlier warned of a government takeover of water servicesshould Maynilad and Manila Water reject the new deals. RELATED: New contracts underway: Duterte threatens govt takeover of water services if Maynilad, Manila Water reject deal Duterte has repeatedly criticized the deals, crafted back in 1997, following a review of their provisions deemed to be highly disadvantageous to the Philippine government. The provisions, according to Guevarra, include the amendment that prohibits the government from interfering in the rate-setting mechanism of the firms. The President even threatened to sue water officials for economic plunder after a Singapore-based court ordered the Philippine government to pay billions of pesos worth of losses to the water concessionaires. Both Maynilad and Manila Water in December said they will no longer demand payment from the government following the chief executives threat. Guevarra said the timeline of the teams contract finalization will include consultations with economic officials as well as financial experts from private firms. Improving on the economic aspect like putting more transparency in rate-setting, what factors should and should not be included, these would be subject to further negotiation but we may need assistance from experts, the Justice Secretary said. Esmail Qaani, the new commander of the shadowy Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards after the killing of Qasem Soleimani, represents a continuity choice at a hugely combustible moment for Tehran but lacks the charismatic aura of his storied predecessor. Qaani, formerly Quds Force deputy commander, was named by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the immediate aftermath of the killing of Soleimani in an American strike that raised the risk of open conflict with the United States to unprecedented levels. Appointing Qaani, Khamenei said the "orders remain exactly the same" for the Quds Force, part of the elite Revolutionary Guards and charged notably with its extraterritorial operations -- making the force a key player in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. Like Soleimani, who was hailed in Iran after his death as a martyr, Qaani is a veteran of the grinding 1980-1988 war with Iraq which dominated the early years of the Islamic republic after the ousting of the pro-US shah and still marks its political culture today. "I think that in the short-(to)-medium term there will be some continuity. We'll hear a lot of harsh rhetoric, so as to keep awake the message of 'resistance'," said Annalisa Perteghella, research fellow at the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (IPSI). - 'Uncharted territory' - But Qaani does not appear to share the charisma of Soleimani, who made a speciality of openly being photographed with fighters on the frontline and was seen by some as the de-facto number two in the country. "Qaani does not have Soleimani's charisma, neither his understanding of the Arab Levant," said Perteghella. "So there could be changes and adjustments over the long term." "But we're really entering uncharted territory," she told AFP. Following the killing of Soleimani, tensions between Iran and the United States have reached a level unprecedented since the 1979-1981 Tehran US embassy hostage crisis that prompted a rupture in relations that has never healed. Iran launched strikes early Wednesday against bases housing American troops in Iraq in retaliation for the killing, a riposte Khamenei described as a "slap in the face" for the US. But analysts fear that more unconventional and asymmetrical attacks on US targets in the region may follow, a strategy that could involve the Quds Force. The Quds Force has close contact with militias backed by Iran such as the Hezbollah group in Lebanon, or others in Iraq. In Yemen, it gives "moral support" to the Huthi rebels, according to the Revolutionary Guards. It has been active on the ground in the Syria conflict as both Russia and Iran intervened to bolster Bashar al-Assad and is believed by analysts to have sustained significant losses. - 'Personalities replaceable' - Thomas Flichy de La Neuville, chair of geopolitics at the Rennes School of Business, described Soleimani as someone with a "great power of persuasion and great psychological power". Yet analysts believe that four decades after the Islamic Revolution, institutions like the Revolutionary Guards have the structures in place to withstand even the loss of a major personality like Soleimani. Soleimani "was in every sense replaceable; Iran is set up to be able to organise its operations of influence irrespective of the personalities," said Francois Heisbourg, special advisor at the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) in Paris. Qaani, who joined the Revolutionary Guards as a young man at the onset of the Iran-Iraq war, is believed to have become deputy head of the Quds Force in the late 1990s, focusing more on operations in the east such as Afghanistan and Pakistan while his boss Soleimani focused on Arab states in the Middle East. Ali Alfoneh, senior fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, said there is likely "to be greater continuity than change in the Quds Force" under Qaani's leadership. But he added: "It is difficult to expect Qaani, the bureaucrat, to emulate his predecessor's charismatic leadership," noting that Soleimani's decision to be the public face of the group and expose himself to danger had led to him being killed. The one day Bharat Bandh called by 10 trade unions and some student organisations was peaceful in most parts of the country barring West Bengal. Daily life was also affected in Left ruled Kerala and parts of Punjab, were union workers stopped road and rail traffic. The bandh call coupled with protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register for Citizens (NRC) that are going on in various parts of the country. Protests were held by students at various campuses including at Delhi University, Jadhavpur University, Mumbai University, IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Mumbai, IIT-Ahmedabad, Punjabi University, Patiala and Banaras Hindu University. EAST Violence and arson was reported from various parts of West Bengal, where buses, a police vehicle and government properties were vandalised by strikers enforcing the 24-hour bandh on Wednesday. ALSO WATCH | Bharat Bandh: TMC & SFI clash; vandalism in parts of West Bengal Major protest was reported from Malda district, where tyres were burnt, government buses ransacked and stones and crude bombs hurled at police, who tried to control the mob. The police then baton-charged the mob, lobbed teargas shells and fired rubber bullets, officials said. In various parts of the state, railway tracks and roads were blocked, affecting normal life. Violence and rail blockade was reported from East Burdwan, East Midnapore, Cooch Behar districts and from Dum Dum, Jadavpur, Lake Town and Central Kolkata. In East Midnapore and Jadavpur, the police used baton force to disperse the mob and crude bombs were found in Barasat area of the North 24 Parganas district, police said. Public transport was not available in most places in the state. However, flight services were normal at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, but train services were partially affected in some sectors of the Sealdah, Howrah and Kharagpur sections due to obstruction by protesters. In Jhakhand and Chhattisgarh, the impact of the strike was visible in the mining areas and the banking sector. North In northern India, the impact of the strike was seen mostly in Punjab with mixed response in neighbouring Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The activists of several farmers associations asked traders at several places in Congress-ruled Punjab to keep their shops and business establishments closed. Reports of a partial shutdown of shops and other establishments were received from Patiala, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar Jalandhar and several other places. With the state-run roadways unions joining the strike, most buses were off roads in Punjab and road and rail traffic was blocked in several places such as Amritsar, Sangrur and Longowal. Most of the public sector banks were also closed. Students and teachers of Punjabi University in Patiala joined the protest and did not allow others to enter the campus. They were protesting against the Sunday violence at Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi. There was mixed response to the strike in Uttar Pradesh with no incidents of violence reported. The impact could be seen in industrial towns such as Kanpur, Moradabad and Agra. South Nobel laureate and renowned bio-physicist Michael Levitt was left stranded in a houseboat in Alappuzha on Wednesday when protestors stopped his boat for more than three hours despite the exemption to tourism from the Bandh, which crippled normal life in Kerala. Similarly, many tourists complained that their vehicles were blocked by supporters of the strike. Many pilgrims for ongoing Sabarimala pilgrimage were also seen stranded. Vehicular traffic came to a standstill and shops and business establishments remained closed in many parts of the state. In some places it was a forced shutdown, shop owners said. Trade bodies had earlier planned to open their shops but later succumbed to the pressure exerted by the striking unions. No violent incident was reported from the state so far. The strike had very little impact on the normal life in the Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Except in nationalised banks and public sector undertakings, which remained closed as the employees stayed away from work, there was no major breakdown of any services. Work came to a standstill at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) as over 30,000 employees stayed away from work said a trade union leader. Activists of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) were prevented by the police from obstructing state-owned RTC bus services at Vijayawada, Guntur, Ongole, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam. The MPs of the Left parties were among the 800 workers of trade unions arrested in Coimbatore even as the bandh had very little impact in the rest of Tamil Nadu. Strike impact was visible in Kanyakumari and Theni districts. Like other states, banking services were affected in Karnataka. WEST The impact of the bandh was only visible in the industrial areas of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, where the presence of trade unions is strong, and in the banking sector. In Gujarat, the impact could be seen in industrial towns of Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara and Mehsana. While senior trade union leader Amrish Patel claimed industrial production was hit in the state due to the strike, an official of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry said there were no interruptions or incidents of strike. In Rajasthan, the impact of the strike was seen in Sikar, Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts, where public transport was affected as roadways employees associated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) went on strike. CITU Rajasthan president Ravindra Shukla claimed the strike had been successful and received a good response. Sectoral impact Although the strike did not have much impact on the day to day life in most parts of India, workers from the mining sector, power and banking sector participated in the shutdown in large numbers. Chairman of All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF), Shailendra Dubey said about 1.5 million power sector employees and engineers, including 25,000 in UP, were on strike, calling it a success. Power sector employees are protesting against the Centres proposed amendments to the Electricity Act as well as other privatisation policies, which they say are against the interest of the consumers and employees. Mining activities in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh were affected due to the general strike on Wednesday, claimed trade union leaders, while officials asserted that situation was normal in the sector. The strike called by four national trade unions in the coal belt on Wednesday evoked mixed response at the collieries of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and Eastern Coalfield Limited (ECL) in Jharkhand. The joint front of the trade unions convener, AK Jha, said production and dispatch of coal were badly affected and production fell by 60 to 70%. He said the miners went on strike after marking their attendance therefore even if the management claims miners presence, production and dispatch were hampered badly. As per the official record, per day coal production is around 70,000 ton to one lakh ton in mines of BCCL. Similarly, per day production of coal in ECL mines stand around 80,000 to 1.20 lakh ton. Director (personnel), Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), RS Mahapatra refused to comment on the success or failure of the strike and claimed attendance of miners and production of coal was normal in all shifts on Wednesday. The strike in the coal mines of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) located in Korba district of Chhattisgarh had mixed effect but the strike in Manikpur project had wide impact with operations from coal production to coal dispatch remaining completely closed. The strike saw mixed impact in Gevra and Deepka mining area of Korba district. Trade unions are protesting proposed changes in the labour laws. Update 10.20am: Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has said that calling off the planned commemoration for the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) was the right thing to do. There was a particularly hostile atmosphere, there was a lot of division - and of course the purpose of the event was to bring people together. This is about reconciliation, this is about our shared history, he told the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk. Of course it's difficult, of course it's controversial - but this was going to be too divisive. I acknowledge that some mistakes were made, but I believe it's important that we continue with what was a rally important decade of commemoration. Who were the RIC? The RIC were Irish people like you and I and it's important that we remember them, it's important that we acknowledge them - warts and all. Asked how he would distinguish between those in the RIC who may have been associated with the Black and Tans, Mr Flanagan said: That is the great complexity. That is why we're having this decade so as we can, 100 years later, acknowledge for example that member of the RIC were Irish - as were the freedom fighters in the IRA. But the reality is that this is our history and its a shared history that needs to be acknowledged. The Irish story being more than one nationalist story. The Minister said he had been taken aback by some of the backlash. I think the important thing is that we consult - and if there's any lessons to be learned from the last 48 hours from my point of view and that is perhaps the consultation process wasn't exhausted. I was struck over the last 48 hours at the nastiness, at the vitriol at the e-mails that I got, the phone calls that I got. This is far from a programme of reconciliation - I was quite shocked. Earlier: 'Somebody lost the run of themselves' in organising RIC event Update 8.35am: Former senator Maurice Manning has said that personally he would prefer to see an academic conference as the means to commemorate the role of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP). He rejected a suggestion that the Governments decision to defer plans for commemorative events was an indication that tolerance has gone out the window. Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, the Chancellor of the National University of Ireland, said that the Minister with responsibility for the event, Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan, had behaved with great integrity. However, Dr Manning acknowledged that the execution of what would happen had been wrong. While consideration should be given for an event to commemorate the RIC, he thought an academic conference would be more appropriate. On Tuesday it was announced that the Government has deferred an event that planned to commemorate the place of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police in Irish history. The event, which had been scheduled to take place in Dublin Castle on January 17, had drawn widespread criticism from TDs, elected representatives and members of the public. Dr Manning, who is a member of the expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemoration appointed by the Government, said that the group had recommended a simple ceremony in Dublin Castle, but somebody lost the run of themselves and called it a State event. He suggested that the centenary of the founding of An Garda Siochana might be a more appropriate occasion to remember their predecessors. In the first week of December, Marian Finucane turned to her husband, John Clarke. It was time she retired, she told him. Decision made, the couple began to imagine what their future life would be like. With a grandchild due next month, and corners of the Earth still to explore, the days stretched out invitingly ahead of them. "We were so excited," John Clarke told mourners at her funeral in St Brigid's Church. "We would have more time, more space, more places to see and more books to read. "Sadly, that is not going to happen." The broadcaster died suddenly and unexpectedly in her sleep at home in Co Kildare last week at the age of 69. Hundreds crowded into the church. Chief mourners were her husband John, son Jack, daughter-in-law Jennifer and her stepsons Jocelyn, Neil and Timothy. RTE colleagues including director-general Dee Forbes, Miriam O'Callaghan, Joe Duffy, Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh, Ryan Tubridy, Claire Byrne and Brendan O'Connor all attended. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar attended, while President Michael D Higgins was represented by his aide-de-camp, Commandant Dorothy Donnell. Chief celebrant Monsignor Ciaran O'Carroll, Marian's first cousin and rector at the Irish College in Rome, told mourners that Marian's death had come as a "brutal shock" to her family. "I find myself so powerless I truly don't know what to do," John Clarke said, his voice cracking with emotion. Expand Close Sad: Broadcaster Miriam OCallaghan embraces a fellow mourner at St Brigids Church in Kill. Photo: Gerry Mooney / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sad: Broadcaster Miriam OCallaghan embraces a fellow mourner at St Brigids Church in Kill. Photo: Gerry Mooney He spoke passionately not of the trailblazing broadcaster. Instead he "wanted to talk about Marian, my Marian". "A woman who I have loved for 40 years," he said. "A woman who, for me, always made the colours brighter, and the world a little easier to live in. We were like two 15-year-old adolescents who were addicted to each other and forgot to grow up." Following the tragic death of their daughter Sinead in 1990 from leukaemia, the couple had devoted a huge part of their life to charity work. Expand Close Ryan Tubridy speaks with Marian's husband John Clarke. Photo: Gerry Mooney / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ryan Tubridy speaks with Marian's husband John Clarke. Photo: Gerry Mooney He recalled a woman at an African township he and Marian had visited telling them: "The only thing I can give you are my tears." Mr Clarke added: "And that is all I think I can do today." Outside the church, people embraced each other tightly. News of Larry Gogan's death had broken earlier, and mourners from the RTE radio department looked shell-shocked as they made their way into the church. In the space of two months RTE has lost three of its longest-standing and most revered broadcasters. "With Gay Byrne, Marian, and Larry Gogan, three icons of Irish broadcasting are now gone," Miriam O'Callaghan said. "It's terribly sad." Other colleagues spoke not only of the great loss of talent, but the irreplaceable loss of understanding and knowledge of RTE's own history and culture. Loyal listeners had travelled up and down the country to pay their final respects, and they stood around the corners of the church, handing each other packs of tissues. "I wanted to come to say goodbye. It was her voice, and her questions," Marian Farrell from Dublin said. "I lost my daughter too - suddenly - so I felt I had a lot in common, a connection with her." Others spoke of the intimacy and affection they felt towards her. The Mass was understated yet powerful, much like the broadcaster herself. Monsignor Ciaran O'Carroll spoke about how she had shaped the national agenda. "She played the hand life dealt her so well," he said. "She had great empathy and sense of fairness and treated everyone with courtesy and respect. "A generous and determined woman and a thoughtful and kind friend whose keen sense of humour enriched the lives of many. "Publicly, the nation has lost a skilled broadcaster. Privately, John has lost a soul partner, Jack a loving mother and Jenny a cherished mother-in-law," he said. Her son Jack described her as "a classy lady with soul in the truest sense". Jack, whose wife Jennifer is expecting Ms Finucane's first grandchild, said that "her spirit would live on when the next generation of the family is born next month". Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was quick to praise President Trump on Tuesday night during an appearance on Fox News, saying he is "methodical in his thinking" and is the "first president in the last 40 years who really understands the Iranians." Graham was interviewed by host Sean Hannity just a few hours after Iran launched more than a dozen missiles against two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. Graham said he has "complete confidence" that Trump will keep service members safe, and thanked the troops for serving as "the virtual wall between us and radical Islam" and keeping "these bastards at bay." The attacks were "an act of war," Graham said, and he's waiting to see what Trump, who has "one of the best national security teams that I've seen since I've been up here," will do in response. The president doesn't want a regime change, Graham continued, but he does want to see Iranian officials change their behavior. "We are dealing with religious Nazis," he said. "They really mean it when they want to destroy Israel and kill all the Jews. They've been disrupting the Mideast for 40 years. It needs to stop." More stories from theweek.com Report: Mnuchin wants to delay disclosure of Trump's Secret Service travel costs until after the election America is guilty of everything we accuse Iran of doing Iran has offered Trump an 'off-ramp' from war, and there's growing speculation he might take it Study highlights how American universities may help bridge social divide between international, domestic students The findings also indicate that self-esteem may be viewed as a coping resource for international students when they interact with domestic students. BUFFALO, N.Y. Self-esteem is a valuable resource for undergraduate international students trying to socialize with their domestic counterparts at American universities, but new research by a University at Buffalo psychologist suggests that while self-esteem predicts better socialization with domestic students, it is curiously unrelated to how international students socialize with other internationals. Self-esteem affords confidence, says Wendy Quinton, a clinical associate professor of psychology in UBs College of Arts and Sciences. So people higher in self-esteem have more belief in themselves and their abilities, and that is particularly helpful when trying to initiate contact with people from the host culture. Understanding that self-esteem someones feelings of self-worth and personal value contributes to socialization with one group and not the other is among the factors distinguishing Quintons study, recently published in the International Journal of Intercultural Relations. These results underscore the importance of examining individual differences to better understand how international students adapt to their new learning environment, says Quinton, PhD, an expert in the international student experience. The findings also indicate that self-esteem may be viewed as a coping resource for international students when they interact with domestic students. In addition to self-esteem, Quinton also examined university identity and perceived discrimination in the current study. University identity, the degree to which students feel connected with their university community, was associated with greater socialization with both groups, although not as strongly as self-esteem. Perceived discrimination, the feeling that you or a group you belong to is the target of prejudice, was unrelated to socialization. Previous research in this area hasnt looked at these predictors of socialization together, nor has it explored the interesting divergence between the two student groups, a method that enabled Quinton to statistically control for socialization with one group in order to investigate the other. This approach allowed for a specific test of what predicts socialization with each student group, above and beyond an individuals general level of sociability, she says. International students often prioritize interacting with host nationals as an important part of their experience while studying in the U.S. But for the vast majority of international students, that aspiration is a challenging and often unfulfilled goal, hampered by structural barriers that range from cultural adaptation to navigating the trials of higher education. But socialization has benefits beyond human interaction. Its associated with less depression, lower levels of homesickness, better stress management, and greater life satisfaction. It is not friendship, but rather an entry-level interaction between people with the potential to become friendship, which Quinton measured as time spent doing joint recreational activities, with whom people are studying and with whom they choose to spend their free time. Quintons study focused on East and Southeast Asian students, the largest international demographic attending American universities. This group also has some of the largest cultural divides to bridge when coming to the U.S., says Quinton. The independence emphasized in Western culture is often at odds with the emphasis on cooperation and interdependence in collectivistic cultures like China, South Korea and many Southeast Asian countries. Thats a very different orientation to what these students are accustomed to in their home culture. But its something universities can address, according to Quinton. Anything that fosters a connection and sense of a shared experience between international and domestic students, both the stress and anxieties, as well as the joys and pleasures, is going to be a win-win. Quinton also highlighted low self-esteem as a potential risk factor for international students, one that universities might look for in terms of identifying students who are potentially vulnerable for missing out. International students who fall short of the expected connection with U.S. students are clearly disappointed, but theres also a loss for the domestic student population, entering a global community, who are deprived of the benefits associated with interacting with people from varied and different backgrounds. Domestic students, in this case, are undoubtedly losing out, by not getting to know international students, says Quinton. Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot on Wednesday condemned the call to boycott Deepika Padukone's upcoming film "Chhapaak" after the Bollywood actor visited the JNU to express solidarity after a mob rampaged the university. "It's a very narrow mindset if any actor or actress is not in your favour, then you talk about boycotting their films," Pilot told reporters in Jaipur. "I condemn the leaders who talk about boycotting to watch the film of any actor or actress. More people will watch this film now," the Congress leader said. On Tuesday evening, Deepika made a surprise visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi to express solidarity with the students who were attacked when a masked mob stormed the campus on Sunday. Deepika, who faced death threats and social media vitriol for speaking out during the release of her controversial film "Padmaavat", turns producer with "Chhapaak", directed by Meghna Gulzar. The movie is scheduled to release on Friday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Commentators have often asked that question whether journalists, committed to presenting more than just one side of a story, could be loyal members of the home team amid a national crisis, especially a war. It came up in the days preceding the Persian Gulf War in 1991, when CNN correspondent Peter Arnett outraged some Americans by presenting the view from Baghdad; in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; in the run-up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003; and in lesser national security incidents since then, such as publication of classified National Security Agency documents in 2013. Christian leader in Iraq worries volcano about to erupt after killing of Iranian general Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Baghdad Louis Raphael Sako called on Christians and Muslims in Iraq to pray for their leaders Monday as rumors of war run rampant after a U.S. military strike killed Irans top security and intelligence commander, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. In his homily, Sako described the situation in Iraq and the Middle East as a volcano about to erupt as he called on people around the world to pray and push to avoid further escalation of the ongoing tensions surrounding the situation, noting that innocent people will be the fuel for such fire. Soleimani, who was responsible for the killing of 608 American soldiers in Iraq, arming Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, was killed Friday along with several officials from Iraqi militias backed by Tehran in a drone strike at Baghdad International Airport that was authorized by President Donald Trump. An American MQ-9 Reaper drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the airport. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani as well as other leaders have since pledged revenge and remained committed to that narrative Monday as millions gathered in Tehran to mourn Soleimani in a funeral procession. God the almighty has promised to get his revenge, and God is the main avenger, said Esmail Ghaani, the Iranian general who will succeed Soleimani as head of the Quds Force, the foreign expeditionary arm of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, The New York Times reported. Certainly actions will be taken, Ghaani added. In an earlier statement Friday, Sako said many Iraqis were fearful of war after Soleimanis death. Iraqis are still in shock of what happened last week. They have fears of having Iraq turned to a battleground, rather than being a sovereignty homeland, capable of protecting its citizens and wealth, Sako said. In such critical and tense circumstances, it is wise to hold a round table meeting for all the parties concerned to have a reasonable and civilized dialogue that spares Iraq the unexpected consequences. We implore the Almighty God to grant Iraq and the region a peaceful, stable, secure and normal life that we are longing for. A source identified only as Ali with Global Catalytic Ministries told Mission Network News that Christians in Iraq and the Middle East, in general, could face dire consequences as tensions escalate. Iran, and many Middle Eastern countries look at Christianity as a Western influence, and especially as a U.S. influence. So, whenever they want to make a statement to Western culture, they always arrest Christians or do worse things beat them, torture them, kill them, Ali said. At Soleimanis funeral Monday, his daughter, Zeinab Soleimani, said in a eulogy that the United States and Israel faced a dark day, The New York Times reported. You crazy Trump, the symbol of ignorance, the slave of Zionists, dont think that the killing of my father will finish everything, she said. Lawmakers in Iraq voted 170-0 Sunday in favor of expelling United States troops from their country and the government is now considering new parameters for the American military there as they make arrangements for their departure. American troops will be limited to training and advising Iraqi forces, but will not be allowed to move off their bases or to fly in Iraqi airspace while plans are being made for their departure, Brig. Gen. Abdul Karim Khalaf, the military spokesman for Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, told the Times. More than 100,000 sheep and cattle are thought to have perished in the ongoing bushfire emergency impacting Australia. Extreme bushfires have blackened landscapes and destroyed an area about the size of the island of Ireland, official figures show. It comes as Australia has just recorded its hottest, driest year since records began. Many Australian farmers have been impacted - losing homes, livestock and infrastructure, according to the National Farmers' Federation (NFF). The most impacted sectors include the dairy sector, where large parts of the New South Wales south coast, and north eastern Victoria were impacted and continue to be under threat. There are also reported losses in the beef and sheep sectors in upper Murray region of Victoria, lower Riverina and Snowy Mountains areas. Gut wrenching scene from New South Wales of dead animals along the roadside. The bushfires are a climate change-fueled ecological disaster. We should not look away pic.twitter.com/RLLN0tk9lT Brian Kahn (@blkahn) January 5, 2020 The Federal Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie told broadcaster ABC that livestock losses will be over 100,000. She said her team is working with State governments to gain a better picture of the catastrophe. When we are talking to state farming organisations, they are saying first and foremost we need to get fodder into these herds, and they also need clear water. The second thing they are asking is around access back to property and the fencing recovery task and mental health issues that will be ongoing, she said. Assessment of livestock losses and injury from the fires is devastating. Vic, NSW, SA, Qld, WA and national contacts for vet advice, emergency fodder and water, stock relocation, and mental health support here https://t.co/flhmNeDRuF or https://t.co/RmrA9pn2jC. Senator Bridget McKenzie (@senbmckenzie) January 7, 2020 NFF president Fiona Simson paid tribute to the emergency service personnel, including the Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigades across the country. The RFS are helping farmers and rural communities protect homes, livestock and property. Many of the volunteers are of course farmers themselves and the commitment, service and courage they have demonstrated makes Australians extremely proud that we have men and women like this in our community, she said. Farmers will now require immediate assistance from governments of all levels to help keep livestock alive. Morning Twitter! Yesterday @ScottMorrisonMP announced $2bn for bushfire recovery. We want your ideas for how this should be spent! Drop us a reply with how this could be used to rebuild your farm or town. ???? pic.twitter.com/m4Ix4PkM5W National Farmers' Federation (@NationalFarmers) January 6, 2020 Already we have seen the devastation caused by the current severe drought and now we have catastrophic bushfires to deal with, so farmers and rural and regional communities simply must have all of the assistance they need. In the first instance we need to ensure we have adequate feed and water available and shelter areas for livestock and other farm animals such as horses, she said. - The travel agent had escaped to Somali after conning the pilgrims - He duped the unsuspecting faithful in the pretext of facilitating their pilgrimage to Mecca - The man is said to have been paid between KSh 350,000 and KSh 400,000 by each individual Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Monday, December 6, arrested a travel agent who conned Muslim pilgrims over KSh 7 million. Nur Hassan Abdi duped the unsuspecting faithful of their money in the pretext of facilitating their pilgrimage to Mecca. READ ALSO: Australia's bush fires push non-believers to pray to God Nur Hassan Abdi duped the unsuspecting faithful of their money in the pretext of facilitating their pilgrimage to Mecca. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Meet world's shortest man according to Guinness World Records According to a tweet by the DCI, he later escaped to Somalias Dhobley town with the money meant for the travel costs back in 2019. "Detectives on Monday, December 6, arrested a Dugsi teacher, Nur Hassan Abdi," tweeted the DCI. READ ALSO: Watu 40 wafariki kwa kukanyagana kwenye halfa ya mazishi ya jenerali Soleimani "Nur is accused of escaping to Dhobley in Somalia with over KSh 7 Million belonging to Muslim faithful who were to attend Hajj prayers in 2019," it added. The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslim (Supkem) had initially said Nur was a hajj agent operating under the business name Ithaf Hajj and Umra Agency. READ ALSO: Evangelist TD Jakes, Benny Hinn among thousands attending Rheinard Bonke's funeral Supkem confirmed that Abdi and his agency were duly registered, accredited but he did not submit a list of names, payments or passports of prospective pilgrims for the 2019 Hajj. The agent was alleged to have gone on the run with the victims passports after being paid between KSh 350,000 and KSh 400,000 by each individual. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly My Spanish husband calls me a monkey, wants to take my children from me | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Kate Langbroek nearly lost her eldest son, Lewis, after he was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2009. And on Wednesday - six years after Lewis was given the all-clear - Kate described her son's health update as a 'true blessing'. Kate shared a photo to Instagram of Lewis, now 16, getting his annual check-up at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. 'This hospital helped save my son's life': Kate Langbroek took her 16-year-old son, Lewis, for his annual check-up in Melbourne on Wednesday following his four-year leukaemia battle Diagnosed at the age of six, Lewis battled leukaemia for three and a half years before reaching full recovery in 2013. During his ordeal, his sight deteriorated in one eye and he was told by doctors that he would potentially lose his battle to cancer. 'Back at the Royal Children's Hospital for our annual check-up before we head back to Italy. This hospital helped save my son's life when he was diagnosed with leukemia in 2009,' Kate captioned her post. In the accompanying photo, Lewis smiled while undergoing tests by a nurse. 'True blessings': Kate shared this photo to Instagram of Lewis undergoing routine tests at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne Throwback: Diagnosed at the age of six, Lewis battled leukaemia for three and a half years before reaching full recovery in 2013 'I am aware of how fortunate we are that Lewis has returned, in these early, unforgettable days of 2020, over six foot tall, with hair on his head a'plenty, and old enough to sign his own pathology forms,' she added. 'Also, the nurses (like Fatima) are the best in the world. The Australian spirit is strong here. All strength to those battling health foes.' Kate did not reveal her son's illness to her radio listeners until after he had been given the all-clear in 2014, four years after his initial diagnosis. Bon voyage! Last year, Kate revealed that Lewis' recovery was one of the main reasons why she and her family had decided to move to Italy Last year, Kate revealed that Lewis' recovery was one of the main reasons why she and her family had decided to move to Italy. Kate, her husband, Peter Lewis, and their children have been living in Bologna since January 2019. The couple are parents to Lewis, Sunday, 14, Artie, 12, and Jan, nine. Iran struck back at the United States early on Wednesday for killing its most powerful military commander, firing a barrage of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house American troops in what was initially feared to become an escalation of the conflict. But the two sides stepped back with US President Donald Trump indicating his country would not launch a further military response. Speaking from the White House, Trump said no American troops were harmed and damages were minimal after the Iranian strikes, which leaders in Tehran said was a tight slap for the United States amid rising domestic anger. Trump also announced new economic sanctions against Iran and vowed, once again, to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. He did not offer any specifics of the additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. But the President signalled that he did not intend to use military power in response to the missiles Tehran rained on US forces in Iraqs Erbil and al-Asad air bases. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it. American strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent, Trump said in a televised address from the White House, flanked by top officials of his administration. Iran appears to be standing down which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world, he said. Trump said he would ask NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) to play a larger role in West Asia, and urge the remaining signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, or the Iran nuclear deal) to withdraw, following the American pullout in 2018, to force Iran to sign a new agreement. The agreement is already unraveling, with Tehran announcing on Sunday that it would roll back the limit on the number of centrifuges used in uranium enrichment, one of its commitments under the agreement. The time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, and China to recognise this reality. They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal, or JCPOA, Trump said. And then he sent a message of peace. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it, he said. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier on Wednesday made clear that Irans actions were in response to the US killing of Revolutionary Guard general Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in a drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets in mourning. Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander. Last night they received a slap, Khamenei said in a speech after the missile strikes. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end. Trump said early warning systems helped prevent casualties in Irans missile attack, but there were also reports that indicated Iran provided advanced warning of the attacks to the Iraqis, who passed it on the US and coalition forces. Also, there were suggestions that Iran intentionally avoided hitting US forces because the attack was only intended to send a signal in the aftermath of the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, who headed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in a US drone strike last Friday. An Iranian army spokesperson denied foreign media reports suggesting there had been some kind of coordination between Iran and the US before the attack to allow bases to be evacuated, Fars news agency said. Iranian state television said Iran fired 15 ballistic missiles from its territory at US targets. The Pentagon said al-Asad air base and another facility in Erbil were targeted. According to the Iraqi military, 22 missiles were fired between 1:45am -2:45am (4:15am-5:15am IST) on Wednesday. The Iranian state TV put the number at 15. While 10 missiles hit the al-Asad air base, which played a key role in the campaign against the Islamic State, one missile hit Erbil, according to two US officials who did not want to be named. They said four missiles failed. Iranian state television said 80 American terrorists had been killed, and US helicopters and military equipment damaged. It did not say how it obtained that information. Germany, Denmark, Norway and Poland said none of their troops in Iraq were hurt. Britain, which also has personnel in Iraq, condemned the Iranian action and said Tehran should not repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks. Experts said the Iranian action appeared calibrated to avoid an escalation into an all-out war. Irans attacks appeared designed for maximum domestic effect with minimum escalatory risk, Henry Rome, an analyst with Eurasia Group, told news agency Associated Press. For a president who wants to avoid a war in the Middle East during an election year, the Iranians have provided an off-ramp he will likely take, Rome said. In first reactions to the Iranian strike, Trump had earlier tweeted: All is well. Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning, he wrote. He then went into a huddle with his top national security officials. Defence secretary Mark Esper and secretary of state Mike Pompeo were seen driving into the White House. Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Vorachith and National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotou of Laos made the appraisals while receiving Prosecutor General of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy of Vietnam Le Minh Tri, who is on a working visit to Laos from January 7-9. The Lao leaders highly evaluated the two sides plan to sign an agreement on judicial assistance in criminal matters on January 8, to replace the similar pact inked in 1998, saying the new one will create a good legal foundation and contribute to perfecting the legal system on the mutual judicial assistance. They asked the two agencies to join hands in realising the agreement in a rapid and effective way. The leaders suggested expanding partnerships between peoples procuracies of provinces along the common border to those at the district level, thus helping to enhance collaboration between Vietnam and Laos in combating crime, including organised and cross-border crime. They said the Vietnamese delegations presence at a meeting celebrating the 30th founding anniversary of the Lao peoples procuracy sector, scheduled on January 9, demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the peoples procuracies and the two countries at large. For his part, Tri said Vietnamese and Lao peoples procuracies have regularly exchanged professional experience, especially in crime and corruption prevention and control. To strengthen cooperation between the peoples procuracies of border provinces, the mechanism of conference for peoples procuracies of Vietnamese and Lao border provinces has been set up, he said. Besides, the Supreme Peoples Procuracy of Vietnam has paid attention to forging cooperation with its Lao counterpart in personnel training, Tri added. The incident began at Dublin Airport at 1am on Wednesday (PA) Two men have been arrested following the taking of a minibus from Dublin Airport which resulted in a cross-border pursuit. It was tracked to the Irish border, before it crashed into a PSNI vehicle in Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, and was later abandoned in Co Monaghan in the Irish Republic. The alarm was raised shortly before 1am on Wednesday when Garda say two men boarded the bus and drove in the direction of the M1. Three passengers on board when it was taken were able to leave the bus on the motorway close to Julianstown. None were harmed. Expand Close Dublin Airport (PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dublin Airport (PA) The minibus then continued north to Drogheda where it was followed by Garda to the border with Northern Ireland at Dundalk. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the minibus collided with one of its vehicles in Crossmaglen before making off across the border. A PSNI spokeswoman said no officers were injured. Garda picked up the trail again when the vehicle re-entered the Irish Republic in Co Monaghan. The minibus was later abandoned. A Garda spokesman said the two occupants of the minibus fled on foot before taking possession of a parked car, which was intercepted by officers close to Castleblayney a short time later. Two men, aged in their 30s, are being questioned at Carrickmacross Garda Station. Local Ulster Unionist councillor David Taylor said: This series of events highlights the importance of cross border co-operation between the security forces on both sides of the border. There can be no doubt that the incident would have been an extremely frightening experience for the passengers who were on board the bus at the time of the hijacking and I am thankful they were unharmed during their ordeal. A convicted murderer has revealed how he 'did not hesitate' to help fight off a terrorist on London Bridge. Serving prisoner Steve Gallant told how he took on Usman Khan as he embarked on a killing spree armed with two knives and wearing a fake suicide vest during the Learning Together rehabilitation project event at Fishmongers' Hall in London on November 29. Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, died in the attack. Gallant, one of two men convicted of killing Barrie Jackson in Hull in 2005, had been allowed out on licence that day for the first time since his sentencing. Steve Gallant (left) with London Bridge terror attack victim Jack Merritt pictured during a Learning Together training course in April 2018 Darryn Frost, 38, (holding a narwhal tusk) and John Crilly, 48, (wielding a fire extinguisher) are to be awarded the highest civilian honours for bravery The 42-year-old, who was jailed for a minimum of 17 years, helped restrain Khan on London Bridge before he was shot dead by police. Harrowing footage shows Gallant, wearing a purple top with the sleeves rolled up, and two other men, running on to the bridge after Khan and tackling him to the ground. Speaking publicly for the first time about Khan's rampage, Gallant said he heard noises downstairs and went to investigate despite 'orders to stay in the conference hall'. In a statement issued through his lawyers, he said: 'I could tell something was wrong and had to help. 'I saw injured people. 'Khan was stood in the foyer with two large knives in his hands. 'He was a clear danger to all, so I didn't hesitate.' London Bridge knifeman Usman Khan was handed more than 350,000 in legal aid, with 12,000 to appeal his previous terrorism sentence Vigils were held in London and Cambridge to remember Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt, 25, (left) and Saskia Jones, 23, (right) who died in the attack Using a chair and narwhal tusk handed to him by civil servant Darryn Frost, who revealed last month how he had also risked his life to take on the attacker, Gallant tried to hold Khan back. He said: 'Khan also showed us the bomb around his waist in an attempt to frighten us. 'We then chased him on to London Bridge and restrained him until the police arrived.' Gallant and James Gilligan were jailed for carrying out a revenge attack on 33-year-old ex-fireman Mr Jackson. The pair lay in wait for Mr Jackson outside a pub after believing he attacked Gallant's girlfriend. He is thought to have been bludgeoned with a hammer, kicked and punched to death, according to a 2008 Court of Appeal judgment which dismissed Gallant's application to quash the conviction. But since going to prison, Gallant, who will be eligible for parole in 2022 subject to approval, has 'vowed never to turn to violence again'. Losing course co-ordinators Mr Merritt and Miss Jones is an 'unbearable blow' and the 'sense of loss is immense', convicted murderer Gallant said (he is pictured in 2016) Instead he learnt to read and write and is now in his third year of a business studies degree. He has co-written several plays, one of which was recently performed at the Royal Court Theatre in London, his lawyers at Hudgell Solicitors said. Gallant said: 'Nobody has the right to take another's life and I offer my sincere apologies to my victim's family for the hurt caused. 'I can never bring that life back, and it is right that I was handed a severe penalty for my actions. 'Once I'd accepted my punishment, I decided to seek help. 'When you go to prison, you lose control of your life. 'Your own future relies on the decisions of others. 'Bettering yourself becomes one of the few things you can do while reducing the existing burden on society.' Lukasz Koczocik grabbed hold of a 5ft lance when he heard chilling screams while washing glasses at Fishmongers' Hall Using a chair and narwhal tusk handed to him by civil servant Darryn Frost (left), who revealed last month how he had also risked his life to take on the attacker, Gallant tried to hold Khan back. Gallant described former prisoner John Crilly (right) and the chef called Lukasz who also stepped in as 'extremely brave' Inspired by the Learning Together project after he met the founders, Gallant applied to take part from behind bars. As part of the programme he has worked with a team of students in Cambridge producing legal advice guides and has become a mentor. Losing course co-ordinators Mr Merritt and Miss Jones is an 'unbearable blow' and the 'sense of loss is immense', he said. Mr Merritt, who Gallant met in 2016, was a 'role model and friend', he said, adding: 'Jack didn't care who you were, he cared about you and your future, he saw who you could become and did not define you by your past. 'I will miss him badly.' Miss Jones was 'highly respected and loved' by those involved with the course, he added. Gallant has resolved to 'keep doing positive things' and was 'certain' the pair would wish for the programme to continue. Although initially reluctant to speak out, Gallant decided to come forward after Ministry of Justice employee Mr Frost revealed how he took on Khan. Gallant said: 'I would like to say a special thanks to Darryn. 'Had he not passed me the narwhal tusk at that crucial moment, not only could I have been killed, the situation could have been even worse.' Mr Frost, a 38-year-old South African who has lived in the UK for 14 years, spoke exclusively to the PA news agency last month in a bid to urge people to unite against terrorism and raise money for the victims' families. He has since launched the website extinguishhate.co.uk as part of his campaign. Gallant described former prisoner John Crilly and the chef called Lukasz who also stepped in as 'extremely brave', adding: 'I would like to say thank you to everyone who did their best on that tragic day and I hope that the injured recover as quickly as possible.' An engineer, a BP employee and a businessman visiting his family have been identified as the three Britons who were among 176 people killed in a Tehran plane crash. Western intelligence agencies say they see no sign the Ukraine International Airlines passenger jet, which crashed minutes after take off, was shot down. Reuters news agency says a Canadian security source has told them that an initial assessment shows the airliner was not brought down by a missile. All those on board the flight from the Iranian capital's main airport were killed in the crash. The crash happened hours after Iran launched ballistic missile attacks on two Iraqi bases housing US soldiers, but both Ukrainian and Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue brought down the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. One of those who died was Saeed Tahmasebi, from west London, who worked as an engineer for Laing O'Rouke. A spokeswoman for the company said: "Everyone here is shocked and saddened by this very tragic news. "Saeed was a popular and well respected engineer and will be missed by many of his colleagues. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult time and we will do all we can to support them through it." Mr Tahmasebi married his Iranian partner, 34-year-old Niloufar Ebrahim, last year. She was also named among the casualties by the Ukrainian airline. Sam Zokaei, from Twickenham, 42, worked for BP as a senior reservoir engineer but was on holiday. A BP statement said: "With the deepest regret, we can confirm that one of our colleagues at BP, Sam Zokaei, was a passenger on the Ukrainian International Airlines plane that crashed in Iran this morning, reportedly with no survivors. "We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss of our friend and colleague and all of our thoughts are with his family and friends." Mohamma Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh, from near Brighton, was a father-of-one who was on his way back to the UK after visiting his family over the Christmas in his native Iran. Story continues The 40-year-old lived in Brighton and ran a dry cleaning business called Mr Smarty's in nearby Hassocks. Mr Tahmasebi was a post-graduate researcher with Imperial College London's (ICL) Centre for System Engineering and Innovation. Before joining ICL the PhD candidate got a degree in civil engineering from the University of Greenwich in 2007 and a masters in structural engineering from the University of Surrey in 2012. ICL said that Mr Tahmasebi played a leading role on projects including high rise buildings, railways, airports and Ministry of Defence installations, both in the UK and internationally. :: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker A spokesman for the university added: "We are deeply saddened at this tragic news. "Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi was a brilliant engineer with a bright future. "His contributions to systems engineering earned respect from everyone who dealt with him and will benefit society for years to come. "He was a warm, humble and generous colleague, and close friend to many in our community." Ukraine's foreign minister Vadym Prystaiko said 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians, including nine crew, were on board. There were also 10 people from Sweden, four passengers from Afghanistan and three from Germany. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab offered his condolences to those affected by the crash. He said on Twitter: "This is a tragic loss of life for all countries affected. Foreign Office staff are assisting the families of British victims at this difficult time." The airline said most passengers were in transit and due to connect to other flights on arrival. Iranian state television said flight PS752 came down due to what it described as "technical problems" after leaving Imam Khomeini airport. The plane's two black boxes have been recovered but the head of Tehran's civil aviation organisation said it will not be giving them to aircraft manufacturer Boeing. Ali Abedzadeh said it was not clear which country Iran would send the boxes to so that its data could be analysed, the semi-official Mehr news agency in Iran reported. Footage showed the wreckage of the plane and smouldering engine parts strewn across a field as rescue workers with face masks recovered bodies of the victims. The Ukrainian embassy in Tehran originally said engine failure was the cause but a later statement omitted any mention of this. It said in a second statement that the causes had not been disclosed and that any previous comments were not official. Asked at a briefing in Kiev if the plane could have been downed by a missile, Mr Honcharuk cautioned against speculation until the results of an investigation were known. Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had instructed criminal proceedings to be opened over the crash and that the country will test the airworthiness of its entire civilian fleet. Ukraine International Airlines said it had indefinitely suspended flights to Tehran after the crash. "It was one of the best planes we had, with an amazing, reliable crew," said Yevhen Dykhne, president of Ukraine International Airlines. A Downing Street spokesman said the UK was "working closely with the Ukrainian authorities and the Iranian authorities" over the crash. The spokesman said there was "no indication" the plane was brought down by a missile, after the Ukrainian authorities refused to rule out the prospect. A number of 737-800 aircraft have been involved in deadly accidents in recent years. In March 2016, a FlyDubai 737-800 from Dubai crashed while trying to land at Rostov-on-Don airport in Russia, killing 62. Another 737-800 flight from Dubai, operated by Air India Express, crashed in May 2010 while trying to land in Mangalore, India, killing more than 150 people. Chicago-based Boeing said it was "aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information". LONDON, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dods, a leading organiser of UK healthcare events, has unveiled plans for their inaugural Festival of Health, to be hosted at the Manchester Central Convention Complex on 9 & 10 September 2020. Festival of Health is set to be the UK's largest Population Health event with up to 5,000 delegates attending from across the UK. It will be the first-of-its-kind celebration of innovation, collaboration and true progress in Population Health as it brings together traditional NHS, clinical and social care practitioners with industry leaders in housing, transport, employment, education and skills. Simon Presswell, CEO at Dods said "Health and care professionals are increasingly looking to work more collaboratively with wider partners to improve health outcomes in their area. Festival of Health will meet a growing demand for an event of this nature, and we are excited to have launched this as the UK's first national Population Health management conference and exhibition." Supporting the event is NHS Providers, the membership organisation for NHS acute, ambulance, community and mental health services. Commenting, Mark Stevenson, Chief Operating Officer at NHS Providers said: "We are really pleased to be supporting the first Festival of Health event, which provides a platform for health and care providers across the whole system to come together, share learning and overcome challenges." "NHS trusts and foundation trusts are playing a central role in driving forward innovative and collaborative care with their local partners. The broad audience at this event is very helpfully also reflective of the fact that the journey to integrated care, improving health outcomes in local populations and empowering people to manage their own health is a shared GOAL across the NHS, government, local authorities and the wider system." About Dods Events Known for their inimitable ability to connect audiences, deliver insights and found legacies - Dods Events are responsible for delivering over 400 events per annum across the UK and EU. Working closely with organisations including NHS England & Improvement to deliver healthcare events such as the NICE Annual Conference, CNO Summit and Health & Care Innovation Expo, Dods Events has established itself as a market leader in the healthcare events arena. For more information please visit www.festivalofhealth.com. Media Enquiries Ceri Edwards, Senior Marketing Manager marketing@dodsgroup.com +44 (0)207-593-5532 The new chief executive officer of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority says patient volumes at the city's emergency rooms and urgent-care centres could remain high in the coming days. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (734 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The new chief executive officer of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority says patient volumes at the city's emergency rooms and urgent-care centres could remain high in the coming days. Vickie Kaminski said numbers at ERs and urgent cares have jumped by as many as 120 in recent days compared to a year ago. The WRHA said there have been an average of 991 visits daily, in total, to the city's three ERs and three urgent-care centres since the beginning of the year. That compares to an average of 915 in December and 882 in December 2018. LARRY KUSCH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Krista Williams (left), WRHA chief health operations officer, and WRHA CEO Vickie Kaminski say patient volumes at city hospitals are up substantially. It has led to overcrowding, forcing people accompanying patients to stand in ER waiting rooms and created much longer-than-usual waits for care. The situation has been exacerbated by a spike in respiratory illnesses and influenza. "We're not meeting our wait-time targets," Kaminski, who this week succeeded Real Cloutier as WRHA CEO, told a news conference Tuesday. Meanwhile, city hospitals are also experiencing a spike in the number of patients requiring intensive care, Kaminski said. "Our critical-care units are full. They're operating at overflow in a lot of circumstances," she said. The Winnipeg health system is also struggling to staff all funded ICU beds. The situation has persisted for months. "We should right now have 63 ICU beds open across the city. We only have 58 open. We are unable to staff the other five," she said. A shortage of specially trained nurses is the primary reason, although other medical personnel such as respiratory therapists are also in short supply. If ICU units are filled to overflowing, patients are placed "where we can look after them," Kaminski said. That could include a post-anesthetic care unit, which is similarly equipped to an ICU. With ICU patients transferring to surgery units for care, some surgeries may have to be rescheduled, said Krista Williams, the WRHA's chief health operations officer. She quickly added that those rescheduled surgeries would be carried out "in as timely a fashion as possible." Williams said one critically ill patient was recently transported to Brandon for care. JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS NDP Leader Wab Kinew said hospitals should be able to ramp up for seasonal demands. "In the 1990s, under Gary Filmon, we had hallway medicine. Now in 2020, under Brian Pallister, we have highway medicine." NDP leader Wab Kinew The WRHA later clarified in a statement that the patient was not a Winnipeg resident. It said such patient transfers are a well-established practice to address over-capacity issues in health-care systems across the country. NDP Leader Wab Kinew, however, seized on the patient transfer to bash the Pallister government's handling of health care. He said it's his understanding that such transfers have occurred multiple times, although he provided no evidence to support the assertion. "In the 1990s, under (Progressive Conservative premier) Gary Filmon, we had hallway medicine. Now in 2020, under Brian Pallister, we have highway medicine," he quipped. Kinew also criticized the WRHA and province for blaming the flu season every year for the city's hospital woes. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. He said department and grocery stores are able to ramp up for high seasonal demands, and Winnipeg hospitals should be able to do so, as well. In a late-day statement, Health Minister Cameron Friesen said over the past two weeks patient volumes at Winnipeg hospitals have been the highest in at least six years. "This increase, driven largely by high levels of respiratory illness and two different flu strains all spiking at the same time, has prompted surge protocols to be put in place throughout the WRHA," Friesen said. "Mr. Kinew is regrettably trying to politicize this unusual public health occurrence," the minister said. "What he neglected to tell reporters today is these same (patient transfer) protocols existed under the former NDP government and that similar approaches have been widely used in other jurisdictions for decades." larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca by Karlene Lukovitz @KLmarketdaily, January 8, 2020 Comcasts NBCUniversal will soon be able to offer advertising buys that span linear and digital inventory across all its platforms on local, national and global levels, the company announced Tuesday at CES 2020. The first iteration of the new tool, called One Platform, will be available in time for this years upfronts in June, although a final version will not be ready for three years. The unified planning/buying capability will allow for audience-based targeting and reach and frequency optimization across platforms. The media options will include Peacock, the new NBCU streaming service set to launch in April, as well as the companys existing TV and digital assets. Until now, separate tools were used for linear TV and digital advertising, which required buyers to combine orders manually. advertisement advertisement We know that viewers do not differentiate content by network, time or screen, stated Linda Yaccarino, chairman, advertising and partnerships, NBCU. Instead, our fans see NBC Universal as one giant home to the best stories. So thats the mindset well go to market with in 2020. One Platform adds new tools and capabilities to NBCUs CFlight united measurement platform, developed two years ago to improve analysis of video advertising across digital and TV platforms. One Platform will also involve expanding the rollout of a cross-platform scheduling tool that NBCU developed with Comcasts FreeWheel, Krishan Bhatia, NBCU EVP business operations and strategy, told The Wall Street Journal. A single measurement dashboard will be available for the 2020 broadcast season, according to WSJ. In November, NBCU hired Ryan McConville, formerly president/COO of Kargo, as EVP of ad platforms and operations, a new role dedicated to accelerating NBCU's ongoing efforts to improve cross-platform ad technology. McConville reports to Bhatia. Baghdad: A total of 22 missiles struck two bases housing US troops, the Iraqi military said on Wednesday after the overnight attack. Between 1:45 am and 2:15 am (2245 GMT and 2315 GMT) Iraq was hit by 22 missiles, 17 on the Ain al-Asad air base and...five on the city of Arbil, the Iraqi military command said in a statement. However, there were no Iraqi casualties, the statement said adding the attack sites are being used by the US-led international coalition. There were no victims among the Iraqi forces, the military said, referring to the attack carried out by Iran in retaliation for the US killing of a top Iranian general. Meanwhile, Iranian state television on Wednesday said, 80 "American terrorists" were killed in ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, adding that none of the missiles were intercepted. Revolutionary Guards sources also said, Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. On Tuesday, Iran's parliament passed a bill designating all US forces "terrorists" over the killing of a top Iranian military commander in a US strike last week. The state media also claimed US helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged" in the attack. Earlier, Iran defended the attack saying all the measures were taken in self-defence. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said, Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. The attack on US military bases came after the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike, which was ordered by President Donald Trump, on Friday. Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. Irans attack came hours after leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened on Tuesday to "set ablaze" places supported by the United States. Hossein Salami made the pledge before a crowd of thousands gathered in a central square in Kerman, the hometown of the slain Gen Qassem Soleimani. Reacting to the attack, US President Donald Trump had tweeted: All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning (sic). For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The Albuquerque Police Department has released the name of a man shot and killed just hours into the new year in a West Side neighborhood. Gilbert Gallegos, an APD spokesman, said 23-year-old Vicente Romero was pronounced dead around 2 a.m. after being found outside a townhouse in northwest Albuquerque. No arrests have been made. Officers responded around 2 a.m. to the 3900 block of Ladera near Atrisco NW for reports of a shooting. When police arrived they found several people at the home and Romero laying in the driveway. Police say a second man was also injured in the shooting and dropped off at the hospital. That man is expected to survive. The Quay County Sun reported that Romero is a Tucumcari native and a relative told the publication that three suspects are being investigated in connection to Romeros death. According to the Quay County Sun Romero was a roofer by trade and leaves behind a young daughter. The incident came hours after Albuquerque closed out a record-breaking year of homicides with 82 killings in 2019. It was the highest number in recent history, surpassing the previous record of 72 in 2017. PQ Labs QuantaFlow PQ Labs Inc, a company in Fremont, CA specialized in developing innovative technologies, unveiled QuantaFlow AI architecture in CES 2020 (South Hall #25858). The new architecture includes a classical RISC-V processor, a QuantaFlow Generator and a QF Evolution Space. It is the first time for the industry to see such new architecture, which could change the future of AI and Deep Learning inference solutions. Quanta is the plural of quantum. QuantaFlow AI SoC architecture is designed to simulate massive parallel transformation / evolution that is very similar to Quantum Computation. Quantum Computing is based on continuous unitary transformation of qu-bits. A qu-bit (quantum bit) can represent different possible states (e.g. a cat being mathematically both live and dead at the same time). This makes quantum computing model great for massively paralleled computation. Like classical computing model, quantum computing also has 3 major procedures: Input, Process and Output. But unlike classical model, the process part of quantum computing is done by continuous transformation / Evolution other than step by step read-control-writeback of a classical Turing machine. There is no observation (read/writeback) until the final stage. The qu-bit evolves in multiverse, each representing one possible state in superposition. In reality, quantum computers are still far far away from practical use. Even after Googles Quantum Supremacy, very little algorithms can be run and none of them have real-world applications. QRAM (quantum random access memory) only exists in theory. Scientists and engineers have no idea on how to build it yet. Qu-bits are fragile and easy to collapse, which need error-correction. This may not be an issue for a few small lab experiments with a few qu-bits. But the requirement goes exponentially as the number of qu-bits increase. For example, one billion error-correcting qubits is needed just to get 1,000 functional qubits to do something productive, according to the Nature Magazine. In face of such tech difficulties, other approaches of quantum-like computation are being explored. For example, Canadian tech startup D-Wave announced its 5,000 qu-bits quantum annealer computer in 2019 (Googlers Quantum Supremacy computer only has 53 qu-bits). However, scientists from academics argue that D-Waves computer is not true quantum, but a quantum algorithm and quantum simulation. Nevertheless, for some specific problems, D-Waves computer is still 100 million times faster than a classical computer running a classical algorithm, according Googles published research paper. D-Waves qu-bits are quite stable and scales very well at the expense of interconnectivity. Despite the academic debate, D-Wave is the worlds first quantum computer that solves actual problems such as drug molecule classification, ads optimization, map coloring, weather simulation, etc. However, the computer is huge and cost about $15 Millions each, thus lack of mass adoption. There are other approaches trying to bridge the gaps between Quantum-style algorithm implementations into real silicon of Artificial Intelligence. QuantaFlow is the answer from PQ Labs, Inc. QuantaFlow simulates a virtual transformation / evolution space for qf-bit registers. A classical single-core RISC-V processor is implemented to provide logical control, results observation retrieval, etc. The QuantaFlow Generator converts input data from low dimensional space to high dimensional space and then starts continuous transformation / evolution. The process is of minimum granularity, highly parallel in nature and asynchronous. By the end of the process information needs to be extracted from the transformation / evolution space by Bit Observer unit. Bit Observer measures the qf-bit registers in multiple time and space. In addition, Hot-Patching can be used to change the evolution path of qf-bits dynamically. When a more significant deformation for the evolution space are needed, the RISC-V processor will issue a warm-reboot to the evolution space. All these operations can be executed in a blink of time. With the help of these dynamic operations, QuantaFlow is possible to run all kinds of neural network models e.g. ResNet-50 (2015), MobileNet (2017), EfficientNet (2019), etc.) without speed degradation or hitting the memory wall. GPUs and ASIC AI accelerators are usually suitable for some certain collection of neural network models (mostly compute-bound, e.g. ResNet), performance will degrade significantly for a different collection of network models, especially the newer generations (MobileNet 2017, EfficientNet 2019), because all of these newer models are all memory-bound. QuantaFlow architecture is just a one-step further to explorer superior performance in AI deep learning inference. There are many devils in the details and innovation areas. For example, the design process does not follow the traditional workflow such as Verilog hardware description + EDA toolchains. Such traditional workflow is not able to explore a tremendously huge design space within a reasonable time and a reasonable amount of human resource. The traditional workflow will not be able to get good performance because the heuristic and annealing algorithms used in the toolchain can only reach local optimum result and is not able to optimize to the ultimate physical limit of silicon. QuantaFlow architecture design flow are accelerated by high level languages (instead of using Verilog) and implementation is optimized by in-house algorithms to extract maximum horsepower from silicon. With all the above effort, QuantaFlow can achieve 10X speedup in ResNet-50 (batch=1, accuracy=93%, INT8) compared to Nvidia V100 in the same network configuration. For newer network models, there will be significantly higher speedup to be announced. For more information please visit http://www.pqlabs.ai The nationwide strike called by 10 trade unions in protest against the centre's 'anti-people' policies had no effect on normal life in the city and other parts of Karnataka, with most of the vehicles including government buses plying on Wednesday. While government buses including the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) were plying as usual, train services remained unaffected. Schools, colleges and business establishments also functioned. However, there was some impact of the strike at the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee yards where the labourers did not turn up. In Mangaluru, inter-state services of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation were suspended. Some miscreants pelted a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus with stones in Madikeri town in Kodagu district this morning. According to an AITUC office bearer Vijay Bhaskar, a rally will be taken out from the Town Hall to the Freedom Park in Bengaluru. There will also be protests, demonstrations and march in different parts of the state. Central trade unions are protesting against labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies. They are pressing for 12 common demands of the working class relating to minimum wage and social security, among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Any US retaliation to Iran's missile attacks on American targets in Iraq could lead to an all-out war in the Middle East, an adviser to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani tweeted on Wednesday. "Any adverse military action by the US will be met with an all out war across the region. The Saudis, however, could take a different path - they could have total peace!" Hessameddin Ashena said in a statement on Twitter. Tehran and Riyadh have been involved in proxy wars across the region for decades, from Iraq to Syria and Yemen. Iran has repeatedly urged its regional rival Saudi Arabia to improve ties with Tehran. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (pictured) said this country would do 'what it has to do' to defend itself Britain last night refused to rule out a strike against Iran as its troops started withdrawing from neighbouring Iraq. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said this country would do 'what it has to do' to defend itself. He spoke out amid fears of a spectacular act of Iranian revenge for the US assassination of Qassem Soleimani. In a statement to MPs yesterday, Mr Wallace said he was taking 'urgent measures' to protect the UK's soldiers and citizens from potential reprisals by the Tehran regime. Hundreds of personnel on ships and helicopters have been placed on standby in the Middle East in case they are needed to carry out an emergency evacuation. In addition, the Mail understands that some 25 non-essential UK personnel have been moved out of 'harm's way' and transferred from Baghdad to US base Camp Arifjan in neighbouring Kuwait. On another chaotic day in the region: It emerged that Iran has worked up 13 sets of plans for revenge for Soleimani's killing in what the country said would be a 'historic nightmare' for the US; Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened to 'set ablaze' countries supported by the US; Boris Johnson and Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to find a 'diplomatic way' through the crisis; The US warned ships on the Middle Eastern waterways that are crucial to global energy supplies that there is the 'possibility of Iranian action against US maritime interests'; Nato began moving some of its training staff out of Iraq in a blow to the fight against Islamic State; Wallace spoke out amid fears of a spectacular act of Iranian revenge for the US assassination of Qassem Soleimani (pictured centre) Asked yesterday if he would rule out an attack on Iran should the regime strike British interests, Mr Wallace told MPs: 'I'm not going to rule out anything. The UK will do what it has to do to defend its persons, its citizens and wherever it needs to do that. That is our duty. He added: 'If British civilians were killed, or even military personnel, as a result of Iranian or terrorist action we would look at the response. The response would no doubt be proportionate.' The Mail understands that other British troops could be pulled out of Iraq if the security situation deteriorates, a move that would end Britain's 17-year presence there. A defence source said: 'We have started moving non-essential personnel so there are less people in harm's way.' Mr Wallace also revealed yesterday that a team of military and civilian planners had been despatched to Iraq to map out the evacuation of UK citizens. He said: 'We plan for the worse but we hope it does not get to that.' The Department for Transport meanwhile, is expected to update its advice for shipping in the Gulf amid fears British-flagged vessels could be seized by Iran. Boris Johnson convened a meeting of the National Security Council where military chiefs and ministers discussed the crisis. British intelligence chiefs believe a revenge attack by Iran for the US killing of its top military commander last Friday is more likely once he has been buried. Some 400 British troops are in Iraq as part of a mission to help Iraqis defeat IS, which still represents a major threat in the region. On Monday night it emerged in a leaked letter that US-led coalition forces, including UK troops, were being moved out of Baghdad amid safety fears. Some UK embassy staff were also moved to the Taji military base north of the capital. Boris Johnson convened a meeting of the National Security Council where military chiefs and ministers discussed the crisis The Government has already announced that the Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender and the Type 23 frigate HMS Montrose are to resume escorting shipping through the Straits of Hormuz. Mr Wallace warned that the UK was 'alive' to the fact that Al Qaeda and IS could exploit the situation to mount attacks. Earlier in the week the Iraqi parliament voted to boot out western forces after the assassination of Soleimani on their soil. Mr Wallace warned that such a move could lead to foreign fighters in prisons in Syria being set free. He said: 'It is incredibly important we are able to say in Iraq.' Mr Wallace said Soleimani had been 'no friend of the UK' and that the Quds force of the Revolutionary Guards Corps which he led had been 'one of the foremost architects of Iran's malign activity' in the region. 'He encouraged proxies to develop weapons such as improvised explosive devices that killed and maimed UK soldiers,' he said. In a step change, the former Scots Guard also said that more needed to be invested in defence to ensure that the UK was not so reliant on partners such as the US. Jeremy Corbyn asked why Mr Johnson was not giving a statement to the House. Mr Wallace retorted: 'Funnily enough, the prime minister is running the country something the leader of the opposition will fail to ever do as a result of the election.' Mr Corbyn branded the drone strike on Soleimani an 'assassination'. Mr Wallace dismissed the Labour leader's comments as 'anti-American guff'. He said he had seen evidence suggesting there was 'a case of self-defence to be made' by Washington, which has claimed Soleimani was in Iraq in relation to an imminent attack. The director of the Victoria and Albert Museum has described its forthcoming exhibition on Iran as 'more important than ever' after Donald Trump warned he could target the country's cultural sites. Writing in The Art Newspaper, former Labour MP Tristram Hunt applauded American institutions for condemning Mr Trump's threat, adding: 'Politicians and international bodies need to do the same.' The V&A exhibition Epic Iran is due to open in October. Botswana's court of appeal on Wednesday ruled in favour of hearing an opposition bid to throw out general election results after a lower court rejected their petition for lack of evidence. The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) won a sweeping majority in the October 23 polls, securing 38 out of 57 seats in parliament. The runner-up, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), which won 15 seats, had filed suit to the high court in November, citing "irregularities in some of the constituencies". But the high court dismissed the petition the following month, saying it lacked supporting affidavits and failed to comply with rules. But Court of Appeal judge Singh Walia overturned that ruling. "I am satisfied... that the applicants have reasonable arguable cases on appeal," said Walia, delivering his verdict in the capital Gaborone. "I can see no reason for refusing the applications," he added. The appeal is scheduled to be heard on January 29. UDC Vice President Dumelang Saleshando welcomed the ruling. "People who are aggrieved must be given a hearing," he told AFP, adding that "such a government" should not "be in office for a long period". President Mokgweetsi Masisi has previously dismissed the UDC claims of voting irregularities. Botswana, famed for its diamonds and wildlife, is seen by many in Africa as a beacon of democracy. The BDP has ruled the southern African country since independence from Britain in 1966. But the party suffered a jolt in May when former president Ian Khama renounced his hand-picked successor Masisi and backed a new party. The October polls had been predicted to offset the divided BDP's hold on power and reduce its majority in parliament. "We know that people voted to be ruled by the BDP for the next five years," said spokesman Banks Kentse after the verdict. "The longer it takes for the petitions to be resolved, the more it brings a shadow of uncertainty." Contested election: A polling officer in Gaborone verifies ballots on voting day last October How America Squandered Its Cold War Victory by Andrew Bacevich Donald Trump was born in June 1946, the son of a wealthy New York real estate developer. I was born thirteen months later in Normal, Illinois. My parents, both World War II veterans, were anything but wealthy. At the time of my birth, my father was attending college on the GI Bill, with my mother, a former army nurse, working to keep our family afloat. In most respects, Trump and I had (and have) almost nothing in common. Yet however the particulars may have differed, he and I were, in another sense, born in the same place, governed by certain identifiable propositions. Just then beginning to assume concrete form, those propositions informed postWorld War II America. They described a way of life and defined what it meant to be an American. They conferred prerogatives and apportioned benefits. And not least of all, they situated the United States in the stream of history. Metaphysically, even though we have never met, Trump and I are kinwhite heterosexual males who came of age at a time when white heterosexual males were granted first claim on all the privileges heralded by an American Century just then hitting its stride. At the time of his birth and mine, ordinary Americans, whatever their race, gender, or sexual orientation, wanted nothing more than to move past the trials of the recent past, and the sooner the better. Mobilizing the nation for total war, a process directed from Washington, had taken years to accomplish. Demobilization, driven from the bottom up, occurred virtually overnight as the armed forces of the United States all but disintegrated. In the wake of Japans surrender in September 1945, an eruption of civil disobedience unlike any in U.S. history swept through the ranks of the armed forces, an event all the more remarkable in that it was without structure or leaders. Americas citizen soldiers were done with war and done with taking orders. With millions of GIs demanding to shed their uniforms and their loved ones echoing those demands, authorities in Washington had no option but to comply.1 Ever so briefly, the meaning of postwar freedom centered on getting out of the service and returning home. For vets, home meant the possibility of normalcy restored. While readjusting to civilian life might pose challenges, these could be overcome. The movie that dominated the Oscars in the year of Trumps birth offered assurances on that score. Directed by William Wyler and written by Robert Sherwood, The Best Years of Our Lives tells the story of three veteransAl, Fred, and Homerback from overseas just as the sweet taste of victory is beginning to give way to the vexations of everyday life. All three are eager to return to life in Boone City while simultaneously wary of what awaits them there. All three are white, their ethnic identity or religious affiliation indeterminate. All three bear the scars of war, whether physical or psychological. Yet they exude a decency that asks for little apart from a fair shake. They are three ordinary men who have surmounted extraordinary challenges: one a small-time banker returning from combat as an infantry platoon sergeant in the Pacific; the second, a soda jerk elevated to the rank of captain who served as a B-17 bombardier flying missions over Nazi Germany; the third, a young enlisted sailor who lost both hands due to a shipboard fire. In the course of the film, each of the three protagonists encounters severe trials, which he surmounts through grit and determination (along with the help of a good woman). Implicit in the films gratifying message is this subtext: The hopes and dreams of these modest men are themselves modest. In the Middle America represented by Boone City, freedom isnt gaudy. It does not put on airs or bridle against received norms. Freedom imparts direction and confers purpose. In an immediate sense, Al, Fred, and Homer expect no more than what they believe they have earned. As Fred, the soda-jerk-turned-airman, puts it, All I want is a good job, a mild future, a little house big enough for me and my wifegive me that and Ill be rehabilitated all right.2 But Wyler looks beyond whether or not returning vets can land a good job and afford a little house thats big enough. His storys several threads focus on this shared concern: whether intimate relationships shelved or torn asunder by war can be restored or, if not restored, replaced. Ultimately, he answers that question in the affirmative. By the time the film reaches its final scene, lifes best years may still lie ahead, an outcome that validates the political, cultural, and moral framework to which the movie itself testifies. The point here is neither to denigrate nor to idealize that framework, merely to acknowledge its appeal. The Best Years of Our Lives depicts postwar American freedom at its point of origin, when verities still retained a semblance of permanence. That upon returning from a war that has turned their world upside down Al, Fred, and Homer should want things put back in place, returned to what they had been when they went away, is hardly surprising. Neither is their yearning for stability, predictability, and normalcy. In Wylers Boone City, preexisting norms, not least of all those determining individual status, merit respect. Freedom from takes precedence over freedom to. Almost of necessity, access to this unpretentious Eden is therefore limited, with women allowed only auxiliary membership and people of color all but excluded. Despite such restrictionsor perhaps because of themthis cinematic portrait of postwar America in its very first days resonated with those willing to spend two bits for a ticket. And why not? The film was a mirror, a depiction of place and people that conformed to what large numbers of ordinary Americans wished to see as they left behind one period of history and embarked upon another. It offered assurances that, despite the recent upheavals, nothing essential had changed. The satisfactions of life centered on a stable marriage, an intact family, and honest work remained readily available, especially to those with the good fortune to have been born white, male, and heterosexual. As the critic Robert Warshaw, writing at the time in Partisan Review, put it, The Best Years of Our Lives offered a message of reassurance, impressing the spectator with the dignity and meaningfulness of typical American experience (his own experience) and making him feel a certain confidence that the problems of American life (his own problems) can be solved by the operation of simple and American virtues.3 From our present-day vantage point, we may doubt that the America depicted in The Best Years of Our Lives ever actually existed. Yet those flocking to see the movie when it was first released believed otherwise. Through the ensuing decades of the postwar era, the real-life equivalents of Al, Fred, and Homer, including my own parents, if not perhaps Donald Trumps, persisted in that belief. World War IIthe Good War, even before that phrase came into common usageremained a fixed point of reference, a lodestar. To preserve what the nation had won constituted a categorical imperative. Foster and Henry Weigh In Yet preservation was likely to require effort. Members of the policy elite were already insisting that the United States could ill afford to rest on its laurels. Just ahead lay new dangers that Americans dared not ignore. In the very week of Donald Trumps birth, for example, Life magazine, then at the height of its influence, featured a lengthy essay by John Foster Dulles, offering his Thoughts on Soviet Foreign Policy and What to Do About It.4 Here was a sign that Boone Citys modest aspirations would not suffice. Already exuding the authority of the secretary of state he was to become, Foster, as he was known to friends and colleagues, was a paragon of the Eastern foreign policy establishment. Less than a year before, World War IIs triumphal conclusion had brought to fruition that establishments fondest dreams, thrusting the United States into a position of global preeminence. Even so, Dulless perspective was unrelentingly grim. Although Nazi Germany was gone and Imperial Japan vanquished, the United States faced another comparable threat. The Kremlin, he charged, was already pressing to create a vast Pax Sovietica. Russia and America were on a collision course, with Soviet ambitions directly threatening all that Americans stood for and cherished. It was therefore incumbent upon the United States to resist all expansive manifestations of Soviet policy. Failure to do so invited the ultimate disaster. Assume that Soviet leaders cannot be brought to change their program, Dulles wrote. The inevitable result would be a drift into surrender or war. If the past is any guide, he added, it will be war. Averting such a terrible prospect was going to require concerted action or, as Dulles put it, an affirmative demonstration that our society of freedom still has the qualities needed for survival. Here, a mere nine months after V-J Day, was a blunt articulation of the theme employed with notable success over the next several decades to keep the rabble in line: Dark forces abroad posed an imminent threat to freedoms very survival. Dulles called upon Americans to confront this new peril head-on, making it clear beyond peradventure that they are prepared to accept personal sacrifice to help keep freedom alive in the world. The real-life counterparts of Al, Fred, and Homer might think that their work was done. John Foster Dulles held to another view: The struggle for freedom was only just beginning. Sustaining that struggle required the United States to take the lead in opposing Soviet totalitarianism. A devout if dour Presbyterian, Dulles framed the task at hand in spiritual terms. To overcome godless adversaries would require that Americans remain a God-fearing people. Unless disciplined by faith, he warned, freedom becomes little more than an excuse for self-gratification, a temptation to which he suggested his countrymen were notably susceptible. Under such circumstances, Dulles cautioned, freedom is dangerous. Only by tempering the exercise of freedom could Americans ensure its preservation. Yet the magazine in which Dulless sermon appeared preached quite a different gospel. Life was all about self-gratification. Dulles might urge his fellow citizens to submit to Gods will (and, by extension, Washingtons authority). For their part, the editors who assembled Life each week under the direction of publisher Henry Luce encouraged readers to do something else: grab with both hands all the happiness within reach now that the nation had survived both prolonged economic distress and global war. The issue dated June 10, 1946, containing Dulless prescription for foreign policy, was no exception. On the cover, the young actress Donna Reed posed at her most fetching. Inside was Lifes usual mix of stories, running the gamut from natural disasters (flash floods along the Susquehanna) and lurid crime (a murderer on the loose in Texarkana) to oddities (a photographic essay of university students engaged in an experiment to test their kisses for germs) and vivid updates on the latest in fashion, fun, and politics. The big spread of that week celebrated the postwar boom already transforming California into the land of golden sunshine and golden opportunity. Vets were flocking to the state through which so many had passed during the war years. Bustle and promise were everywhere, Life reported. Walnut groves and peach orchards are being grubbed out to make way for housing projects, movie theaters, [and] drive-ins. Fortune favored those with the moxie to seize it, including contractors converting abandoned streetcars into makeshift apartments rented out for $25 per week. The future of the golden state glitteredor at least it did for the white ex-servicemen whose entrepreneurial elan Life chose to highlight. All of this was standard Life boosterism, as was the advertising copy that enlivened almost every page and reinforced the message of material plenty available to all. Bracketing Dulless call to arms were ads for facial soap, shampoo, hair oil, mouthwash, cosmetics, deodorant, cologne, and other personal products. For those nursing complaints, there were remedies for headache, constipation, sunburn, and athletes foot. Other ads touted the latest in nylon stockings, womens undergarments, swimwear, and mens shirts that were handkerchief-soft while richly masculine. For would-be sophisticates, Life offered whiskey favored by the Men who Plan beyond Tomorrow. For the harried, there were cigarettes, one ad depicting an agitated mother confronting her misbehaving teenager. When juniors fighting rates a scold, the copy read, Why be irritated? Light an Old Gold. Woven throughout was the promise of science providing Americans with longer, better, and more fulfilling lives. Thanks to Eugenics in a Cornfield, the Jolly Green Giant now guaranteed uniformity in each can of corn. With every kernel bred right [and] grown right, it was, according to the copywriters, Planned Parenthood applied to agriculture. Offering further fulfillment of that promise were the latest in household gadgets, which touted ease, convenience, and an end to drudgery. Kitchen appliances meant a new kind of freedom. For diversion, Life promoted an array of radios, phonographs, and that novelty called television. For now, however, the automobile remained kinghence, the junked streetcars available for repurposing. A full-page ad in brilliant color proclaimed Packards Clipper sedan Americas No. 1 Glamour Car! Elsewhere in the world, wartime exigencies had imposed rationing destined to continue for years. Life assured its readers that in America rationing was gone for good. John Foster Dulles might summon his fellow citizens to gird themselves for sacrifice, while choosing God above Mammon. At least implicitly, Life countered that sacrifice was becoming un-American. As for forgoing the delights of this world in order to gain entry into the next, that choice could be postponed or even finessed altogether. William Wyler, John Foster Dulles, and the pages of Henry Luces Life represented three very different and arguably irreconcilable notions of what postwar American freedom entailed or allowed. The Boone City version, a Norman Rockwell painting on celluloid, centered on safeguarding hard-won gains. Its rendering of freedom was tied to an idealized past. Dulles conceived of freedom in terms of impending ideological struggle. Preserving itan iffy proposition at bestwas going to require fresh exertions on a sustained basis. For the editors and advertisers of Life, in contrast, freedom was material, finding expression in the cornucopia of goods flooding the American marketplace now that the war had ended. Freedom centered on satisfying a continually evolving array of appetites and desires. From our present-day vantage point, we may find fault with all three of these conceptions. None gave more than scant attention to what subsequently emerged as the two most troubling moral issues of the era, namely, the Holocaust and Hiroshima. Americans had experienced World War II as a Manichean event pitting all that was good against all that was evil. Now that Hitler had been removed from the scene and with the United States, however briefly, enjoying a nuclear monopoly, they were disinclined to entertain second thoughts about the wars origins, conduct, or legacy. What mattered most was its outcome. These postwar versions of freedom fell short in other respects as well. In each, race, gender, and sexuality figured as the barest afterthought or not at all. None of them gave serious attention to environmental concerns or human rights, as we understand such matters today. As for diversity, inclusiveness, or multiculturalismissues now at the forefront of American politicseven the terms were then alien. Participants at the event (Photo: VNA) The event, held by the HCM city Union of Friendship Organisations in coordination with Cambodias General Consulate in the city, also celebrated the 40th founding anniversary of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association of HCM city. Addressing participants who include former Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in Cambodia and Cambodian students in HCM city, Cambodian Consul General Sok Dareth expressed deep gratitude to the Party, Government, former experts and volunteer soldiers of Vietnam for their selfless sacrifice to help liberate Cambodia from the Pol Pot genocidal regime on January 7th, 1979. The Cambodian people always bear in mind that January 7th is the second birthday of the Cambodian nation, and there would not be the present Cambodia without the January 7th victory, he said. The diplomat stressed that the development across the fields in Cambodia over the past 41 years cannot be separated from the close cooperation between the parties, Governments and people of Vietnam and Cambodia, especially the support of Vietnam in general and HCM city in particular to Cambodia. He went on to say that the good neighborliness, traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries has been fostered by their leaders and people, and are developing sustainably, bringing practical benefits to each country. Chairman of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association of HCM city Truong Minh Nhut highlighted the historical significance of the victory over the genocidal regime in Cambodia, noting that it is also a milestone of the pure international solidarity spirit and the special friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia. He affirmed that the association has been doing its best to strengthen and expand the cooperative ties between Vietnam and Cambodia in general and between HCM city and Cambodian localities in particular. He reported that the association has organized many friendship activities such as cultural and art exchanges with Cambodia, mutual visits, and charity activities for the needy in Cambodia./. Does anyone really believe America is still the land of the free? Since 9/11, DHS, the FBI, the CIA, and countless other alphabet soup agencies have turned the United States into a public surveillance monstrosity. In 19 years, one terrorist attack has done what no one else could have dreamed of: turn Americas freedoms into a distant memory. Abusing citizens rights and privacy used to be the hallmark of dictatorships and police states like the CCCP or North Korea A recent study conducted by Comparitech, rated 50 countries from best to worst at protecting citizens biometric data. The study found that America is one of the worlds worst abusers of citizens biometric privacy. "While China topping the list perhaps doesnt come as too much of a surprise, residents of (and travelers to) other countries may be surprised and concerned at the extent of biometric information that is being collected on them and what is happening to it afterward." Many countries collect travelers biometric data, often through visas or biometric checks at airports Every country we studied is using biometrics for bank accounts, e.g. fingerprints to access online app data and/or to confirm identities within the banks themselves Despite many countries recognizing biometric data as sensitive, increased biometric use is widely accepted Facial recognition CCTV is being implemented in a large number of countries, or at least being tested EU countries scored better overall than non-EU countries due to GDPR regulations protecting the use of biometrics in the workplace (to some extent) The USA is the 4th worst abuser of citizens biometric privacy This really should not come as a surprise, because last year Comparitech revealed that American and Chinese cities lead the world in spying on their citizens. Last week, I wrote an article explaining how 2019 would go down as the year that facial recognition and corporate surveillance became commonplace in America.Comparitechs recent study on biometric privacy compared how 50 countries collect and use data to identify innocent people: The UAE Cabinet has approved Air Arabia Abu Dhabi as a national carrier airline in order to enhance civil aviation in the country and to allow the aviation sector to keep pace with future development plans and directions, said a report. The Resolution reflects the importance the government attaches to the aviation sector. The UAE government invested considerable efforts to improve this sector and support all the businesses working in it. The government gives the aviation sector all forms of support in line with the comprehensive development plans occurring in the country, said a report in WAM. Etihad Aviation Group, owner of the national airline of the UAE, and Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africas first and largest low-cost carrier, signed an agreement in October to launch Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capitals first low-cost carrier. Etihad and Air Arabia will establish an independent joint venture company that will operate as a low-cost passenger airline with its hub in Abu Dhabi International Airport. The new carrier will complement Etihad Airways services from Abu Dhabi and will cater to the growing low-cost travel market segment in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanayhu on Wednesday warned arch-enemy Iran that his country would inflict a "crushing blow" on Tehran if it is attacked following the US killing a top Iranian general. Netanyahu's statement came as Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases in Iraq where the US military and coalition forces' are stationed, in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. "We're standing steadfast against those who seek to kill us. We're standing with determination and with force.Whoever tries to attack us will suffer a crushing blow in return," Netanyahu said at a conference in Jerusalem's The Begin Heritage Center. Describing the assassinated Iranian commander, Soleimani, as "terrorist in chief", the Israeli Prime Minister congratulated US President Donald Trump for eliminating him by "acting swiftly, boldly and resolutely". "Qassem Soleimani was responsible for the death of countless innocent people. He destabilised many countries. For decades, he sowed fear and misery and anguish. And he was planning much worse," Netanyahu said. "President Trump should be congratulated for acting swiftly, boldly and resolutely against this terrorist-in-chief, who was the architect and driver of Iran's campaign of carnage and terror throughout the Middle East and throughout the world," he added. The Israeli leader also stressed that the region is split between radical Islamists and the moderate forces with the "State of Israel is the anchor of stability in these stormy waters. "Many leaders in the Middle East agree with what I am saying," he emphasised. Netanyahu also reiterated his country's complete support for the US in its ongoing military confrontation with Iran. It's very important to say that Israel stands completely beside the US," Netanyahu said, adding,"America has no better friend than Israel, and Israel has no better friend than America. Iranian military officials have threatened to attack Israel and even turning Israeli cities "to dust" in the wake of the US military operation in which Soleimani was killed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi: Oil prices on Wednesday early morning surged by as much as 4.5 per cent per barrel on Asian trade after Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles against two airbases in Iraq used by the US and coalition forces. According to a report of CNBC, US West Texas Intermediate crude futures spiked 4.5 per cent, or $2.85, to a session high of $65.65, before pulling back to $64.11. Meanwhile, International benchmark Brent crude surged more than 4 per cent to a session high of $71.75 per barrel, before pulling back to $69.86. On the other hand, Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 stock index fell by more than 2 per cent, and Hang Seng in Hong Kong was down 1.26 per cent in early trade. Iran on Wednesday early morning fired 12 ballistic missiles into an Iraqi airbase in the country's west where the US and coalition forces are based. The attack on the Ain al-Asad airbase came after pro-Tehran factions in Iraq had vowed to join forces to "respond" to an American drone strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi top commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad last week. The missile attack comes hours after Iran's Revolutionary Guard leader threatened to "set ablaze" places supported by the United States. Hossein Salami made the pledge before a crowd of thousands gathered in a central square in Kerman, the hometown of the slain Gen Qassem Soleimani. At approximately 1730 EST on Jan. 7, Iran launched at least a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military & coalition forces in Iraq, US Department of Defence tweeted. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran & targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military & coalition personnel at Al-Assad & Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments, it added. Also Read: Iran Launches First Attack Against US, 12 Ballistic Missiles Hit Iraqi Airbase Housing Foreign Troops Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) used Fateh-313 ballistic missiles in attack on Iraqs Ayn al-Asad Air Base, Trend reports referring to the Fars news agency. These missiles were fired from Irans Kermanshah province (430 kilometers) because of its proximity to the military base, according to the report. The missiles have a range of 500 kilometers, the report said. Previous reports said that at least 80 US servicemen were killed in an attack on Iraqs Ayn al-Asad Air Base by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). About 200 people were injured, according to the Fars News Agency report. Ayn al-Asad Air Base was a strategic spot for the US and delivered support to drones from that base, the IRGC representative said. Fifteen missiles were fired at 20 sensitive locations, said the official representative. Numerous drones and helicopters were destroyed. Yvonne Chaka Chaka born Yvonne Machaka came to prominence in 1981 at the tender age of sixteen when she made history as the first black person to appear on South African television in the then apartheid regime. She has not looked back since then and has gone on to become a highly successful musician, song writer, entrepreneur, humanitarian and social commentator. Her hit songs like Burning up, Thank you Mr. DJ, I cry for freedom, Motherland, Umqombothi amongst many others have gone on to cement her as an international icon. She has shared the musical stage with heavyweights like Angelina Kidjo, Bono and she is a household name in Gabon, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cote D Ivoire where her songs is on the lips of even children. She played a key role in using her social change driven kind of music to put an end to the evil of apartheid which greatly dehumanized her people and reduced them to worse than sub humans. Alongside the likes of the late Lucky Dube, she railed against the Caucasian authorities and became extremely popular among the masses who instantly saw her as a heroine as she resonated with them and was their unofficial spokes person. She was in the news recently when she was deported by the Ugandan authorities when she was in the country to perform in a concert to usher in the New Year. The police explained that she was sent back from the East African country because she didnt have a working visa. This was rather ridiculous as she had a history of performing in shows in the country as this clearly wasnt her first time so why did the issue of a working visa suddenly come up? Her die-hard supporters contend that she was on the government watch list since she publicly declared her support for opposition leader, Bobi Wine and even went as far as calling him the next Nelson Mandela. This apparently didnt go down well with the Yoweri Museveni led government who has been in power since 1986 and shows no signs of wanting to hand over to a successor anytime soon. Bobi Wine commented on this and this was gleaned from his official twitter handle: Our friends from abroad have attracted the wrath of the state for openly supporting our struggle for freedom. Today international icon @YvonneChakaX2 was deported from Uganda. Whatever reasons the security agencies give, we all know the regime is afraid of her SONGS OF FREEDOM! The world famous musician however debunked claims of her being deported. In her response to this widely circulated rumour, she said: I took a decision not to appear this evening at Enkuka, because there were just too many things that I could not understand or explain. If somebody had explained to me, I really would have understood. she explained. Not deported, not arrested, not captured. Everything is fine, everything is in order. I know my people are worried, my country is worried, my husband is worried.but I am fine. We are at a loss on who to believe as we have seen two conflicting claims. Let us assume she was deported and she is merely trying to be diplomatic about it for reasons best known to her then it is highly condemnable as it amounts to censorship of the highest order. Her fans in the country have the right to see her live especially after they have paid for the concert. The government should be tolerant of opposing views as it is a sign of maturity and a dividend of democracy even though the type of government in place there is a civilian dictatorship. We condemn this action in its entirety if it is true and urge the government to do the noble thing by allowing her perform in their country as she has a right to the freedom of expression. When will African leaders ever learn? Tony Ademiluyi writes from Lagos and edits www.africanbard.com Former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn, in his first public appearance since fleeing Japan, accused the country's prosecutors on Wednesday of trying to force a flawed confession. In an internationally broadcast news conference in Beirut, Ghosn said that while he was under arrest he was questioned for up to eight hours a day, without access to lawyers, and was told his family would suffer if he didn't confess. ""Just confess and it will be over. Not only will we go after you, and we will go after your family,'" the 65-year-old Ghosn said he was told. Without elaborating, the ex-auto exec also said Japanese prosecutors had leaked false information to the media and concealed evidence that would have helped his case. Japanese prosecutors had no immediate response to Ghosn's comments. Ghosn was arrested in November 2018 on charges of underreporting his salary, using Nissan money for private investments and employing his sister as a highly paid consultant. He denies wrongdoing. He escaped from house arrest on Dec. 29 and was flown on a stealth journey that eventually took him to Lebanon, where he has citizenship. By PTI MUMBAI: Joined by Bollywood actors, BJP workers on Wednesday staged a protest over the "Free Kashmir" placard displayed at a sit-in here against the JNU violence and shouted slogans against the Shiv Sena-led government in Maharashtra. A row had erupted when a woman, Mehak Mirza Prabhu, displayed a "Free Kashmir" placard at a demonstration held to denounce the violence at Delhi's JNU at the Gateway of India on Monday. Hundreds of people, including students, common citizens and activists, took part in the 34-hour-long demonstration. Though Prabhu, a city-based scriptwriter, later apologised for her act, the police on Tuesday booked her under IPC section 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration). The opposition BJP had taken a strong objection to the display of the "Free Kashmir" banner in the city. Carrying forward their protest over the controversial banner, a group of BJP workers assembled at the Veer Savarkar Smarak in Dadar, central Mumbai, and shouted slogans against the Sena-Congress-NCP government. Bollywood actors Juhi Chawla and Dalip Tahil besides BJP leaders Sudhir Mungantiwar and Gopal Shetty, among others, were present during the protest. Talking to PTI, Mumbai BJP vice-president Anil Thakur said, "Kashmir is the crown of our country and how can they demand a 'Free Kashmir'? A few people are just misguiding innocent people in the name of CAA, NRC and NPR. Today we are here to counter the "Free Kashmir" banner." District president of South Central Mumbai BJP Rajesh Shirwadekar said displaying the objectionable banner was a "pre-planned" act. "We condemn the 'Free Kashmir' banner. From where this banner came at a protest by students? This shows it was pre-planned," he said. CLEVELAND and LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cannabis Conference 2020 (Cannabisconference.com/) presented by GIE Media's Cannabis Business Times, Cannabis Dispensary, and Hemp Grower, announced today that actor and celebrity cannabis business owner Jim Belushi will keynote this year's conference program. The three-day event will be held at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., April 21-23, 2020. Belushi, known for his numerous film, television and musical performances, including the popular sitcom "According to Jim," will share his experiences as the owner and operator of the ninety-three acre Belushi's Farm (https://www.belushisfarm.com/), which he which he began developing in 2015 under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP). "Every time I cultivate the land, I get pulled more and more into the medicine and the joy of this work," says Belushi. "My experience has truly changed me as a man, and I'm looking forward to sharing what I have learned from my amazing journey with this year's Cannabis Conference attendees." "We are thrilled to have Jim Belushi keynote Cannabis Conference 2020," says Noelle Skodzinski, editorial director for Cannabis Conference, and Cannabis Business Times, Cannabis Dispensary and Hemp Grower magazines. "His passion for the plant, and for the health and economic potential it holds for society is aligned with so many of our attendees and with our mission. Our audience of plant-touching-business owners and operators will surely benefit from his experiences growing cannabis in the Oregon market, his plans and hopes for the future, as well as his wisdom and humor." The Cannabis Conference 2020 is expected to draw over 3,000 attendees from 40 countries and bring together dozens of the industry's leading voices to address the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the legal cannabis market. Among this year's respected industry leaders and experts speaking at the event are: Dan Sutton, CEO/founder, Tantalus Labs; Sjoerd Broeks, genetic development/R&D director, THE PHARM; David Bernard-Perron, VP of growing operations, The Green Organic Dutchman (TGOD); Dr. Janna Beckerman, professor and extension plant pathologist, Purdue University; Dr. Brian Whipker, professor of Floriculture, North Carolina State University; Scottie Gordon, vice president of licensing & regulatory affairs, Curaleaf, Inc.; Anna Shreeve, president of Urban Paragon Inc., Targeted Intent Inc., and The Bakeree; Priscilla Vilchis, CEO/CMO, Premium Produce; Andrew R. Graves, chairman, Atalo Holdings Inc.; and Claudio Miranda, Co-Founder, Guild Enterprises. A full list of confirmed speakers can be found here: https://www.cannabisconference.com/speakers. The 2020 Cannabis Conference will expand on the successes of previous events' cultivation and dispensary education and will include a new track dedicated to the cultivation and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products. The conference will feature in-depth education on successful cultivation and business operations, as well as the most informed industry perspectives on retail management. The Cannabis Conference expo will feature leading technologies, solutions and services for cannabis cultivation and dispensary professionals. The educational program for the Cannabis Conference was developed by professional cultivators, retailers and industry leaders from the Cannabis Conference 2020 advisory board, in partnership with the award-winning editorial teams behind Cannabis Business Times, Cannabis Dispensary and Hemp Grower. About Cannabis Conference 2020 Cannabis Conference 2020 is presented by Cannabis Business Times, Cannabis Dispensary, and Hemp Grower, owned by GIE Media Inc. The company debuted its annual conference in 2017. For more information or to register, visit CannabisConference.com. Sign up for conference alerts here. SOURCE GIE Media Related Links http://www.giemedia.com A source told DailyMail.com that Kylie Jenner donated $1million to several relief organisations in Australia in aid of the bushfire crisis. On Tuesday, Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland general manager Justin Choveaux told The Courier Mail that the star's publicist called to pledge $200,000. However, Justin admitted he initially thought it was a case of mistaken identity. 'Are you sure it's us?' Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland general manager Justin Choveaux admitted he was shocked to hear Kylie Jenner (pictured) pledge a $200,000 donation 'I said, "Are you sure it's us? We're in Queensland, we're fire brigades so if you want to help people whose houses have burned down that's not us",' he recalled. 'They said, "No, we want to give you money",' Justin went on to tell the paper. The self-made billionaire's donation will go towards providing Queensland rural fire brigades with tablets offering live fire mapping systems. 'They want to give us money': Justin told The Courier Mail that Kylie's publicist called to pledge a donation on Tuesday. He initially thought it was a case of mistaken identity. Pictured: A bushfire raging near Canungra, South East Queensland in September 2019 Worthy cause: The self-made billionaire's donation will go towards providing Queensland rural fire brigades with tablets offering live fire mapping systems Australia's bushfire crisis has claimed at least 25 lives, while an estimated billion animals have died and more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed. Since the beginning of the 2019 fire season, 10 million hectares have been burned, with almost 5 million burned in New South Wales alone. An 'unprecedented' state of disaster was declared in Victoria giving the government special powers - used for the first time ever - to impose forced evacuations and give emergency services the right to take over properties. Devastation: The national bushfire death toll has reached 25, while more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed. Pictured: Fire impacting a property in Bilpin, New South Wales on December 21 Land: Since the beginning of the 2019 fire season, 10 million hectares have been burned, with almost 5 million burned in NSW alone. Pictured: Lake Conjola, NSW on December 31 Neighbouring New South Wales also announced a week-long state of emergency on January 2. The conditions prompted Prime Minister Scott Morrison to send in 3,000 Australian Defence Force reserves to help in the bushfire recovery. Celebrities Pink, Selena Gomez and Nicole Kidman have also pledged donations. If you'd like to donate to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief, click here. For donations to Victoria's Country Fire Authority click here and here for the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. To donate to Foodbank click here and here for the World Wildlife Fund. PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-08 16:30:47 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 338 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TUBINGEN, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / Atriva Therapeutics GmbH, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of host-targeting antiviral therapies, announces its participation in three upcoming conferences in San Francisco, CA, USA, in January. Dr. Rainer Lichtenberger, CEO, Dr. Christian Wallasch, COO, and Dr. Bjorn Cochlovius, VP Business Development, will represent the Company and be available for networking and one-on-one meetings at the following events:Biotech ShowcaseTMJanuary 13th - 15th, 2020, Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San FranciscoDr. Rainer Lichtenberger, CEO of Atriva, will give a Company Presentation on Jan. 13th, at 11:30 am, in room Franciscan D (Ballroom Level).RESI, Redefining Early Stage InvestmentsJanuary 14th, 2020, Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel, San FranciscoDr. Rainer Lichtenberger, CEO of Atriva, will give a Company Presentation at 8:00 am, during the Track 4, Biotech Entrepreneur Pitch Session.15th Non-Dilutive Funding SummitJanuary 15th, 2020, Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel, San FranciscoAbout Atriva Therapeutics GmbHAtriva Therapeutics, founded in 2015, is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of host-targeting antiviral therapies setup by a team of leading scientists in viral research and seasoned industry experts. The Company aims to develop new antiviral therapies against different severe respiratory viral infections. Atriva's lead product ATR-002 is a first-in-class host-targeting agent, inhibiting viral replication in influenza and other respiratory infections, an area of high unmet medical need. ATR-002 is under clinical development and has successfully completed a Phase I trial to demonstrate safety and tolerability in healthy subjects. The Company owns nine broad patent families with broad coverage related to the use of MEK inhibitors and other kinase inhibitors for anti-viral therapies. The patent life runs through 2039. Atriva Therapeutics is located in Tubingen and Frankfurt, Germany.For further information, please visit www.atriva-therapeutics.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.Contact:Atriva Therapeutics GmbHDr. Rainer Lichtenberger, CEOphone: +49 7071 859 7673mobile: +49 173 743 1897lichtenberger@ atriva-therapeutics.com Media and Investor Relations:MC Services AGRaimund Gabriel / Eva Bauerphone: +49 89 21022880atriva-therapeutics@ mc-services.eu SOURCE: Atriva Therapeutics GmbH Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 00:10:09|Editor: ZX Video Player Close TOKYO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday rallied members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to bolster efforts to amend the nation's pacifist postwar constitution. During a gathering of LDP lawmakers, the Japanese premier underscored the LDP's prominent founding principle of revising the pacifist charter for the first time since it took effect in 1947. "Let us make a big step toward revising the constitution, which is a huge responsibility for us," Abe said at the LDP's headquarters in Tokyo, referring to the contentious plan as a "historic mission" of the party. The Japanese leader has less than two years in his post as LDP president and has stepped up his legacy-led campaign to amend the nation's Supreme Charter for the first time since World War II. But Abe, in his eighth year in office since returning to power in December 2012 and now Japan's longest-standing leader, is facing an uphill struggle in his plight to specifically reference Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in the constitution, a move purportedly aimed at removing any legal ambiguity regarding the SDF. For the prime minister to achieve the goal, he will need to garner the support of opposition parties, who remain unequivocally opposed to amending the Constitution in this regard, as well as that of the Japanese public, the majority of whom cherish Japan's long-held pacifist stance. Amending the Constitution would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Japan's bicameral parliament and a majority in a national referendum thereafter. With opposition parties concerned that the move is aimed at expanding the military scope of Japan's SDF beyond that of mere defense and a public vehemently opposed to a shift in the nation's pacifist stance, the success of Abe's determination in recent weeks to alter Japan's defense posture is a doubtful one, sources close to the matter said Tuesday. Massive nationwide protests by regular citizens and opposition party members against contentious security legislation steamrolled. More recently, mounting public demurral was punctuated by the LDP and other factions intent on amending the charter falling short of winning the requisite number of seats to smoothly push ahead with calling for the amendment and taking it to the public for a simple majority referendum, in last July's upper house election. Japan's recent plan to dispatch SDF personnel and hardware to the Middle East amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, meanwhile, has also seen opposition parties' and public disapproval of the move and broader constitutional amendment intensify, with protests recently held outside the prime minister's office. In addition, according to recent media polls, the majority of Japanese citizens are opposed to the dispatch, which is a harbinger of continued resistance to constitutional amendment, both in parliament and by regular peace-loving citizens here, experts on the matter said Tuesday. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said Wednesday his administration will immediately impose new economic sanctions on Iran in response to Iranian missile strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq. As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime, Trump said in a nationally televised address from the White House. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behaviour. It was not immediately clear what those sanctions might be, and Trumps vow left many wondering what is left for the U.S. to sanction in Iran. The administration has already reinstated all the U.S. sanctions that were eased under the 2015 nuclear deal. But it still has room to boost the penalties and step up its maximum pressure campaign on Iran. Some argue that he could call for the reimposition, or snapback, of all international sanctions at the United Nations. The primary agencies involved in implementing sanctions the departments of Commerce, State and Treasury do not disclose any actions in advance to prevent targets from taking steps to evade them. Yet, the administration retains broad authority to expand existing U.S. sanctions on Irans financial, energy, shipping and military sectors and it can also target individual Iranian officials and their families with penalties, including asset freezes and travel bans. It can also raise the pressure by threatening foreign individuals and companies with U.S. civil and criminal penalties if they do business with designated Iranians, under so-called secondary sanctions authority. Richard Goldberg, an advocate for tough measures against Iran who until last week worked on Iranian issues at the National Security Council, said assumptions that the administration had reached the limits of what it could sanction were incorrect and that much more pressure could be brought to bear. Many wrongly believe the US has already reached maximum pressure on Iran, that we have fired all the arrows in our non-military quiver, he wrote on Twitter. That is not correct. We are at an 8.5/10 on the pressure scale. Many non-kinetic options available to ratchet up pressure toward 10/10. Goldberg said one option would be for the U.S. to demand the snapback of all United Nations sanctions that were eased under the terms of the nuclear deal. The U.N. Security Council resolution that enshrined the deal allows participants to make such a call if Iran is found to be violating the agreement. Some U.S. officials and lawmakers, including Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, have argued that the U.S. remains a participant in terms of that resolution despite its withdrawal from the nuclear deal. That argument, however, would likely be rejected by other council members, notably Russia and China. January 8, 2020 -- Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health assessed the time trends in alcohol and marijuana detected in homicide victims and found that the prevalence of marijuana almost doubled, increasing from 22 percent in 2004 to 42 percent in 2016. Alternately, the prevalence of alcohol declined slightly from 40 percent in 2004 to 35 percent in 2016. The findings are published in Injury Epidemiology. "Despite the growing body of evidence linking alcohol and marijuana to homicide victimization, until now there was little information about the contemporary trends in the prevalence of alcohol and marijuana among homicide victims in the United States," said Guohua Li, MD, DrPH, professor of Epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School. The researchers analyzed toxicological data for homicide victims from the 2004-2016 National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), a population-based surveillance system for violent deaths occurring in the U.S. and administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study sample included homicide victims in 9 states that have been participating in the NVDRS since 2004: Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The NVDRS recorded a total of 30,433 homicide victims in the 9 states, of which there were 12,638 homicide victims aged 15 years and older with toxicological testing results available for analysis. Of the 12,638 homicide victims, 37.5 percent tested positive for alcohol, 31 percent were positive for marijuana, and 11 percent were positive for both substances. The results also showed that male victims were more likely than female victims to test positive for alcohol, marijuana, and both substances. Over two-thirds of adolescent victims aged 15-20 years in 2016 tested positive for marijuana. "We observed marked increases in the prevalence of marijuana in both sexes and across age and racial groups," said Li, who is also a professor of anesthesiology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. As of June 2019, 34 states and the District of Columba have legalized marijuana for medical use; of them, 11 states and the District of Columbia have also legalized recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 years and older. "Our findings are of public health significance because previous research has established marijuana use as an important risk factor for homicide victimization. The impact of increased permissibility and availability of marijuana on violence and injuries needs to be closely monitored and rigorously studied," said Dr. Li. ### The study was supported by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (grant 1R49 CE002096). Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health Founded in 1922, the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health pursues an agenda of research, education, and service to address the critical and complex public health issues affecting New Yorkers, the nation and the world. The Columbia Mailman School is the third largest recipient of NIH grants among schools of public health. Its over 450 multi-disciplinary faculty members work in more than 100 countries around the world, addressing such issues as preventing infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health, maternal and child health, health policy, climate change & health, and public health preparedness. It is a leader in public health education with over 1,300 graduate students from more than 40 nations pursuing a variety of master's and doctoral degree programs. The Columbia Mailman School is also home to numerous world-renowned research centers, including ICAP and the Center for Infection and Immunity. For more information, please visit http://www.mailman.columbia.edu. Shortly after the missile attacks, Trump tweeted, 'All is well!' (Photo Credit: Twitter) New Delhi : Iran has launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. Shortly after the missile attacks, US President Donald Trump tweeted, "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Catch Live Updates Here: 21:37 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In According to reports, Donald Trump is about to address the public over the Iran crisis. The White House press pool has been called to gather at the door of the Palm Room at the White House. 20:26 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Due to tension in Middle East, all airlines are directed to reroute flights to ensure complete safety of passengers: DGCA 20:26 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Indian Navy monitoring situation in Gulf region; maintaining presence to ensure security of India's sea borne trade: Navy officials 20:04 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In US President Donald Trump will address the nation at 11 am ET (9.30 pm in India) today. He is expected to talk about the US-Iran tension including the missile attacks on bases hosting US forces in Iraq. 15:32 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In The EU's diplomatic chief on Wednesday condemned Iran's rocket attacks on Iraqi bases housing US troops, urging an end to the "spiral of violence" as Europe tries to defuse the growing crisis. 15:16 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Air France says suspends flying through Iran and Iraq airspace. 15:16 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Iran crisis sparks fear over Mid East oil supplies. 14:48 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Crashed Ukraine plane had 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians on board, reports AFP quoting a Ukraine minister 14:40 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Iran's defense minister says Tehran used short-range missiles in the attack against US targets in Iraq. Iran's defense minister says Tehran used short-range missiles in the attack against US targets in Iraq, reports news agency Reuters More updates: https://t.co/qCzrAWjwKq pic.twitter.com/CA3aNCqOVx News Nation (@NewsNationTV) January 8, 2020 13:38 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Iran Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says 'slap in face' delivered to US: AFP news agency 13:38 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab: We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting Coalition -including British forces.We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation. 12:36 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In We are not for war, looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region: Iranian Envoy Ali Chegeni 12:35 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In No Iraqi casualties after 22 missiles strike bases housing US troops: Iraq military. 12:34 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Iran will welcome any peace initiative by India for de-escalating its tensions with US: Iranian Envoy to India, Ali Chegeni 12:10 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In No Iraqi casualties after 22 missiles strike bases housing US troops: Iraq military. 11:57 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Iraq PM Adel Abdul Mahdi confirms received letter from US on troop pullout before Washington denial 11:56 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In US President Donald Trump says US withdrawal now would be 'worst thing' for Iraq. 11:55 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In In view of the latest developments in the region, all our flights in and out of Europe will not be flying over the Iranian airspace. We will continue to monitor the situation closely: Singapore Airlines 11:55 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In 80 American Terrorists Killed In Missile Attacks On Military Bases In Iraq, Claims Iran State Media For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sojern , a leading provider of digital marketing solutions serving 10,000 customers in more than 140 countries, today announced that it will offer its digital marketing solutions for independent hotel and chain properties as a subscription. A commission version of the same solution has been popular with Sojern hotel customers for some time. With this new package, the same enterprise-grade technology developed to power marketing campaigns for the world's biggest travel brands is available to smaller hotels for a fraction of the price, and all in one platform. Offered as a direct bookings alternative to a hotel's distribution deals with online travel agencies (OTAs), Sojern's digital marketing solution delivers highly personalized advertising to consumers across multiple devices and digital channels such as Facebook and Instagram, video, display ads, and search. The targeted ads and content then drive potential customers to the hotel's website to book directly. Online marketing has become complicated and time consuming, and as a result, the industry has become increasingly dependent on online travel agencies (OTAs) to help fill rooms, but that often comes with high commission rates and no direct customer relationship. The Sojern platform identifies in-market travelers, and uses advertising to drive direct bookings and increase web traffic on the hotel's own website while fostering direct customer relationships for the hotel. Sojern automates campaign management and optimization so hotels can focus not on the complexities of digital marketing, but on their first priority: the guest experience. Additional program benefits include complimentary ad creative, A/B creative testing, translation services, and local market and competitive insights. Originally developed for the world's biggest hotel brands, Sojern now offers its digital marketing solutions for independent hotels and chain properties in two different waysboth backed by proprietary data science supported by a dedicated customer success analyst: Pick Your Plan, or subscription; and Pay On The Stay, or commission. "Today it's easier and cheaper than ever for a hotel to build a website and accept bookings online, but attracting qualified in-market travelers to your site is an ongoing challenge. What hotelier has the time, budget, or expertise to master marketing across search, Facebook, Instagram, display, video, mobile, native and the next big thingparticularly when they're competing with multi-billion dollar ad budgets from the OTAs?" said Kurt Weinsheimer, Sojern Chief Solutions Officer. "Sojern has been looking at traveler behavior across the mobile and digital web since 2007 and providing solutions to the biggest travel brands on the planet to increase their share of direct bookings and meet their performance KPIs. We realized there was an opportunity to turn this expertise into simple solutions for hoteliers with smaller budgets who didn't want to take on the risk of a traditional media insertion order model." For more information about Sojern's digital marketing solutions for independent hotels and chains, visit www.sojern.com/hotel-marketing . About Sojern Sojern 's digital marketing solutions for travel are built on more than a decade of expertise analyzing the complete traveler path to purchase. The company drives travelers from dream to destination by activating multi-channel branding and performance solutions on the Sojern Traveler Platform for more than 10,000 customers around the world. Recognized as a Deloitte Technology Fast 500 company six years in a row, Sojern is headquartered in San Francisco, with 600 employees based in Berlin, Dubai, Dublin, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Mexico City, New York, Omaha, Paris, Sao Paulo, Singapore and Sydney. SOURCE Sojern Related Links http://www.sojern.com Spain's parliament will vote Tuesday on whether to confirm Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez as prime minister at the helm of the country's first-ever coalition government. Sanchez, caretaker premier since inconclusive elections last year, is seeking another term but this time in a minority coalition government with hard-left party Podemos. He lost a first confidence vote Sunday having failed to win backing from an absolute majority in the 350-seat parliament. For Tuesday's second vote he needs just a simple majority to remain prime minister. While the math works in his favour after the Socialists struck a deal last week with the 13 lawmakers from Catalan separatist party ERC to abstain, the numbers still look tight. Sanchez, 47, could win by just two votes after the sole lawmaker from the regional Coalicion Canaria formation broke ranks at the weekend to say she would vote against him instead of abstaining. Spain, the eurozone's fourth-largest economy, has been in political gridlock for most of the past year after two inconclusive elections in April and November. Sanchez's Socialists won a repeat November 10 poll but were weakened, taking 120 seats -- three fewer than in April -- in an election which saw upstart far-right party Vox surge to third place. Sanchez quickly struck a deal with Podemos to form what would be the first post-dictatorship coalition government in Spain, despite having previously said that a coalition with the far-left would keep him up at night. - 'Progressive coalition' - The two parties are pledging to lift the minimum wage, raise taxes on high earners and big business, and repeal elements of controversial 2012 labour market reforms that made it easier to fire workers -- measures which have alarmed business leaders who warn they will hurt job creation. With the two formations' combined total of 155 seats still falling short of a majority, Sanchez has also secured the support or abstention of several smaller regional parties including the ERC which should see him squeak by in the second confidence vote. As part of the ERC deal, Sanchez has agreed that the national government should hold talks with Catalonia's separatist regional administration to resolve the "political conflict". Catalonia remains in flux following a 2017 independence referendum which Madrid declared unconstitutional. "There is no other possible option" to a Socialist-Podemos government, Sanchez told parliament Tuesday ahead of the vote. "Between this progressive coalition and the continuation of political deadlock, I hope the majority of the chamber picks the progressive coalition." - 'Most radical' - Spain's centre-right parties and Vox accused Sanchez of putting national unity at risk with his pact with the Catalan separatists. "This government against Spain is the most radical of our history," said the leader of the main opposition Popular Party (PP), Pablo Casado. He also accused Sanchez of forming a "Frankenstein government" made up of "communists" and "separatists" who "want to put an end to Spain", and warned that his coalition would be unable to govern and not last the full four years. Sanchez came to power in June 2018 after ousting his PP predecessor Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote, but he was forced to call elections in April after Catalan separatists refused to back his budget. "The political landscape remains tricky," ING analyst Steven Trypsteen said. "The new government would be a minority government, the Catalan tensions could flare up again... and the fiscal situation makes it difficult to increase spending a lot," he added. The bill, SB 106, would ban the extraction of natural gas using the hydraulic fracturing method, which involves pumping water and chemicals into deep rock formations in order to extract existing pockets of gas. Surovell pointed out that the gas deposits are below the drinking water supply for 4 million people. Given that the results of a U.S. Department of Environmental Protection study in 2016 found scientific evidence that activities in the hydraulic fracturing water cycle can impact drinking water resources under some circumstances, banning fracking in such areas is just common sense, especially since there are other places in the U.S. with natural gas deposits. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administrations Annual Energy Outlook 2019, there is enough technically recoverable natural gas in the U.S. to fuel the nation for the next 80 years. The Marcellus Shale Formation under Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, West Virginia and smaller parts of Virginia and Maryland contains an estimated 84 trillion cubic feet of natural gas that has been under production since 2003. But geologists at Penn State believe the formation could hold up to 500 trillion cubic feet, which would make it the second largest natural gas field in the world. New law legalises term extensions of military chiefs who have ruled the country for almost half its history. Islamabad, Pakistan Pakistans upper house of parliament has approved a law that allows the government to extend the term of the countrys army chief, despite the objections of some parties and rights activists, a move that could further tighten the militarys grip on power in the South Asian nation. Pakistan has been directly ruled for roughly half of its 73-year history since independence by the military, led by its army. Current Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa is set to benefit from the new law, with his tenure already due to have been extended in November. The Pakistani Senate voted on Wednesday to pass three bills that set a higher retirement age for the chiefs of the Pakistani army, navy and air force, allowing the prime minister to extend their terms at his discretion. The president will sign the bill into law in the coming days. Pakistans governing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party rushed the bills through Parliament this week after a November court ruling that halted Prime Minister Imran Khans granting of a three-year extension in service to Bajwa. The new law bars the judiciary from challenging such appointments. Bajwa, who took the role in 2016, has presided over a broadening of the militarys powers and increased involvement in governance, including in managing the economy. He was also the army chief during the 2018 general election that brought Khan to power, a poll political opponents say was marred by widespread political engineering by the military to encourage party defections and the filing of corruption cases against the PTIs opponents. Journalists and rights groups say the military under Bajwa has also spearheaded a widespread campaign of censorship of the Pakistani press, particularly coverage critical of the military or the current government. The military denies the charges, saying it does not take political sides. In August, when Prime Minister Khan first authorised the extension, his office said it was being done in view of the regional security environment, a reference to renewed hostilities with eastern neighbour India, with whom Pakistan has fought three wars since both countries gained independence in 1947. On Wednesday, the state broadcaster appeared to selectively mute its audio feed during a live telecast of senators voting to cut out the voices of those voting against the bills. The national interest A day earlier, the three bills passed in the lower house of parliament with widespread support from both the governing coalition and the opposition benches, a rare occurrence during the PTIs tenure. Of the countrys mainstream parties, only the religious right-wing JUI-F and Jamaat-e-Islami who hold 16 seats in the 342-member house rejected the bill. Mohsin Dawar and Ali Wazir, two independent legislators who also represent the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) rights group, also voted against it. This parliament acted like a rubber stamp, Mohsin said following the vote. [The] speaker didnt even allow the few dissenting voices to make their case. This is one of the darkest days in Pakistans parliamentary history. The government lauded the opposition for supporting the bills in the national interest. All parties shunned their differences and stood united in the best national interest, Minister of Information Firdous Ashiq Awan told reporters after the vote in the lower house. Abbas Nasir, a senior journalist and now columnist, likened the passage of the bills with the oppositions compliance to a capitulation of democratic forces to the military. The opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had earlier withdrawn proposed amendments to the bills that would have increased oversight on such appointments. This is the coup de grace: The final plunging of the dagger in the heart of the civilian supremacy dream, Nasir told Al Jazeera. The capitulated opposition stands discredited, decimated and the army chief triumphant. Undue haste The passage of the bills was necessitated by the Supreme Court halting the extension in Bajwas tenure in November, a rare move by a state institution to directly take on the military. The court ruled that Parliament must legislate to set rules regarding the extension in service of any chief of the armed forces beyond the mandated three-year term. Previously, extensions have been granted to several Pakistani army chiefs, either by themselves when they were ruling the country, or, on one occasion in 2010, by a civilian prime minister. The undue haste in which this has occurred has worrying implications for the way in which democratic decisions are made in the future, said Mehdi Hasan, chairperson of the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). Hasan was referring to the government decision, with the main political oppositions acquiescence, not to allow debate on the bills in committee or on the parliamentary floor. Others criticised the broadness of the laws, saying it could lead to an expectation of all future armed services chiefs wanting similar extensions on their terms. The haste that this has been done with, this means that for long years to come, all service chiefs will have legitimate expectations of getting an extension in their tenure, said Nusrat Javed, a senior analyst. Nasir, the columnist, said any perception by the political opposition that, having thrown their weight behind the military, they may now see some share of power was foolish. What they dont understand is that such a share will be no more than crumbs off the table of the real ruler of the country, he said. Asad Hashim is Al Jazeeras digital correspondent in Pakistan. He tweets @AsadHashim. Spokesman for Iraqi PM Adel Abdul Mahdi says Tehran said it would only target locations where US forces were present. Iraqs caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was alerted by Iran that its response to the US assassination of its top military general was either imminent or under way, according to his spokesman. Iran on Wednesday fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing US and other foreign troops amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following the US assassination of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Iraq last week. Shortly after midnight on Wednesday we received a verbal message from the Islamic Republic of Iran that the Iranian response to the assassination of the martyr Qassem Soleimani had started or was about to start, Abdul Mahdis spokesman said in a statement. Tehran told Abdul Mahdi it would only target locations where US forces were present but did not specify the locations, the spokesman added. Abdul Mahdi also received a call from the United States while missiles were falling on the US wing of the Ain al-Asad base in Anbar province and a facility in Erbil, the spokesman said. There have been no reports of casualties from either the Iraqi military or the US-led coalition, he said. 22 missiles Earlier on Wednesday, the Iraqi military said in a statement that a total of 22 missiles were fired. Between 1:45am and 2:15am [22:45 GMT and 23:15 GM] Iraq was hit by 22 missiles, 17 on the Ain al-Asad airbase and five on the city of Erbil, the Iraqi military said. There were no victims among the Iraqi forces, it added, without mentioning whether or not there were casualties among foreign troops. Following the strikes, US President Donald Trump said on Twitter that an assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! he wrote. More than 5,000 US troops remain in Iraq along with other foreign forces as part of a coalition that has trained and backed up Iraqi security forces in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) armed group. 200108022159468 Some 115 German soldiers are stationed in Erbil and all were fine, a spokesman for Bundeswehr operations said. Denmark, which has about 130 soldiers in Iraq, said no Danish soldiers were wounded or killed in the attack on Ain al-Asad, the largest airbase where US-led coalition troops are based. It was the first time Iran directly hit a US installation with ballistic missiles. Soleimani, who headed Irans Quds Force, the overseas arm of the elite Revolutionary Guards Corps, was buried after the missile attacks, Iranian state television said. His revenge was taken and now he can rest in peace, it said. The missiles were launched at the same time of the day that Soleimani was killed on Friday near the international airport in Iraqs capital, Baghdad. He was buried in the martyrs section of a cemetery in his hometown of Kerman. Advertisement The Duchess of Sussex was spotted leaving London's National Theatre today - prior to the couple announcing that they would be 'stepping back' from Royal duties. Meghan's visit to The National's smaller Dorfman Theatre - where she is patron - came shortly after confidant Tom Bradby said the couple were 'considering their options in the future'. Just hours later the couple took to Instagram where they stated they had been 'reflecting' for a while and that they had come to the decision to split their time between the UK and north America. It comes after the couple spent their Christmas break in Canada. The couple escaped England in favour of a quiet break near Vancouver where they spent their first Christmas together as a family, eschewing the traditional Sandringham festive get-together with the Queen, Prince Philip and the Cambridges. Yesterday she and Prince Harry paid an official visit to Canada House to thank the Canadian people for their warm hospitality following the holiday. Former film and television actress and a keen lover of the arts, the Duchess of Sussex is pictured leaving the Dorfman Theatre - which is part of the National Theatre - in London surrounded by her entourage The Duke and Duchess of Sussex this evening announced that they would be 'stepping back' from Royal duties. Meghan was pictured today (left and right) The couple enjoyed a quiet break near Vancouver where they spent their first Christmas together as a family, eschewing the traditional Sandringham festive get-together with the Queen, Prince Philip and the Cambridges. Meghan is pictured above Less that 24 hours ago, sources told The Sun that they will start discussing their plans with senior royals expected to include the Queen and Prince Charles in the coming days, but the Palace told MailOnline that they would not comment on 'speculation.' ITV News at Ten host Tom Bradby, close friends with the couple, told Good Morning Britain today that it was 'no big secret' that they have been considering what their future roles within the royal family will be. Bradby, who spoke to the couple about the pressures they felt as members of the royal family in an ITV documentary in October, told GMB: 'I don't ask what their plans are. They keep that pretty close to their chest and understandably so. 'I don't think its a done deal, that would be my impression. There is a lot of talking to be done. 'There is a million possibilities. They could go to Canada.' Less that 24 hours ago sources told The Sun that they will start discussing their plans with senior royals expected to include the Queen and Prince Charles in the coming days, but the Palace told MailOnline that they would not comment on 'speculation' (Meghan leaving the National Theatre in London) The couple posted the announcement to Instagram this evening after their visit to Canada house yesterday (Meghan leaving the National Theatre in London) During the couple's 10 day visit to Africa Meghan told Bradby how she found adjusting to royal life as 'hard' and Harry spoke about how what happened to his mother Princess Diana made him want to 'protect' his wife and family. It comes as it emerged the royal diary doesn't have any details of further engagements for the Duke and Duchess in the next month. Buckingham Palace told Mail Online that Harry and Meghan will be undertaking more royal events in the coming weeks, but were unable to confirm what they will be. Sources said that friends of the couple say they have been 'sidelined' by the monarchy, as they continue on their 'unique path'. Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Meghan Duchess of Sussex reacts as they leave after her visit to Canada House in thanks for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada ITV News at Ten host Tom Bradby, close friends with the couple, told Good Morning Britain today that it was 'no big secret' that they have been considering what their future roles within the royal family will be The couple will be splitting their time between the UK, where they live in Windsor close to the Queen (property above) and North America 'Mille Fleurs' the 18 million dollar property where Price Harry and Megan Markle are believed to have stayed on Vancouver island in British Columbia The family spent Christmas in Canada and Harry posed for a picture with his little boy (above). They are said to have enjoyed not being photographed over the period A friend told The Sun: 'It is true that Harry and Meghan will spend a fair amount of time in Canada over the next couple of months and possibly going forward too. 'Right now they are starting talks with their family about their plans for the future. Those conversations are at a very early stage'. The source also claimed that there was a 'serious process' the couple would have to go through and said changes could be varied. 'That could include being based in Canada or the possibility of walking away from their HRH titles, although hopefully it will not come to that', adding that 'everything is on the table'. Another friend also revealed to The Sun that the couple have a strong base in the area. Meghan had lived there for seven years while filming Suits. They also added that the couple are 'not central' to the future of the Royal family, but added that they still have a lot of work to do. It comes after the couple visited Canada House on Tuesday afternoon. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave holding hands after visiting Canada House in London yesterday afternoon The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after visiting Canada House in London yesterday afternoon, after their recent stay in Canada Prince Harry and Meghan smiled as they pose for a photograph with High Commission staff during their visit to Canada House to give thanks for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada They visited in order to thank them for the warm hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada. The couple put on a public display of affection during their first appearance on Tuesday since embarking on a six-week hiatus from royal duties - to thank the people of Canada for hosting their private holiday. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex held hands and walked closely next to each other yesterday afternoon as they visited Canada House to meet the country's High Commissioner in London, Janice Charette. They were warmly greeted by Ms Charette and her deputy Sarah Fountain Smith, after saying they wanted to meet staff to 'thank them for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay'. The Sussexes spent their first Christmas with baby Archie in a 10.7 million eight-bedroom waterfront mansion owned by a mystery multi-millionaire in one of the most idyllic spots on Vancouver Island. Harry and Meghan travelled direct to the engagement from a private visit to The Hubb, the Grenfell community kitchen project in West London that the former actress collaborated with on the Together cookbook. Prince Harry and Meghan react as they view a special exhibition of art by Indigenous Canadian artist, Skawennati, in the Canada Gallery during their visit to Canada House Prince Harry and Meghan listen as they showed an exhibition of artworks by Indigenous Canadian artist Skawennati, in the Canada Gallery during their visit to Canada House Meghan and Harry's first official engagement of the new decade was to publicly thank Canada for hosting them during an extended private break over the festive period They vowed to get stuck into work after returning 'energised and excited' from the holiday spent mostly in Canada. In a possible indication of the months ahead - with the Sussexes' royal foundation expected to be launched this year - Harry said later about their chat with Ms Charette: 'There's a hell of a lot of work to be done and things to be talked through but a very useful conversation.' However, the royal diary doesn't have any details of further engagements for the Duke and Duchess in the next month. Buckingham Palace told MailOnline that Harry and Meghan will be undertaking more royal events in the coming weeks, but were unable to confirm what they will be. During their visit, Harry and Meghan were served the popular chocolate treat of Nanaimo bars from British Columbia. At the diplomatic mission, the couple, who took the holiday after struggling with the scrutiny that accompanies being high-profile members of the Royal Family, told staff about the wonderful hospitality, scenery and tranquillity they experienced in their country. At the diplomatic mission, the couple told staff about the wonderful hospitality, scenery and tranquillity they experienced in their country Meghan signing a guestbook at Canada House. The couple both appeared to be refreshed and in high spirits following their break Harry asked diplomats assembled on the central staircase: 'Anyone here from British Columbia?' When several shouted yes and put up their hands, he told them: 'What a wonderful place you live in. 'Thank you so much for having us - not that any of you had anything much to do with it,' he said to laughter. 'But the warmth and hospitality that we were shown while there was unbelievable, and that's exactly why we chose to go out there. So thank you.' He prompted further laughter by suggesting that Meghan would speak to them in French, much to her horror. 'No!' she said before telling the staff: 'I want to say Happy New Year and thank you, and as my husband said, my goodness it was just such an incredible time we were able to have there and with our son too. 'And just to be able to take in the warmth that we experienced from the people but also just to walk around and just see the beauty of Canada. Meghan smiles as she and Prince Harry leave Canada House in London following the couple's visit yesterday afternoon The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left after their visit to Canada House in London yesterday to meet with the High Commissioner Following their first official engagement of the new year, Harry and Meghan leave Canada House in London yesterday afternoon 'To see Archie go 'ahhh' when you walk by and just see how stunning it is, so it meant a lot to us' Aides said the couple, who were still jet-lagged and only got back very recently, had originally intended to divide their extended period of leave between the UK and the United States but then their plans changed and they decided to go to Canada to spend Christmas and New Year with Meghan's mother Doria Ragland and a number of friends. They never set foot in the US but their choice of holiday destination stayed secret until quite late in their break, allowing them to enjoy peace and tranquillity at the seaside just outside the city of Victoria, about 60 miles from Vancouver over on the mainland. The couple, who held a team meeting with their staff at Buckingham Palace on Monday morning, have come back refreshed and have several public engagements in the diary for next week, a senior royal aide said. Asked how the couple were, she said: 'Invigorated, excited. The team were all excited to see them this morning. They were disappointed that none of us had sun tans.' It rained quite a lot in British Columbia so they had no tans either, the aide said. Sources said there was nothing to suggest so far that the couple, who have clashed with the media and attracted public criticism at times, had come back resolving to do things differently. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at Canada House yesterday in their first public engagement of the year Harry and Meghan gesture while leaving Canada House after a visit in thanks for the warm Canadian hospitality they received Upon arriving at Canada House, the Duke and Duchess were greeted by fans, many who carried mini-Canadian flags to greet the royals Kilvir Buttar, an IT worker at Canada House, who spoke to the couple outside, told Meghan she was from Vancouver, where the couple stayed. Meghan told her she thought it was 'so beautiful'. Jamie Weare, another staff member at the High Commission, who was waving a flag on their arrival, added that Harry said they had enjoyed their trip but complained that 'it rained all the time'. Sumira Osman, a consular official, added: 'They were lovely and so gracious. There was a real aura about them. We only found out about this visit at 2.30pm yesterday and it was such a surprise. It is a lovely gesture.' It is understood that the couple flew in at the weekend from Canada. Aides confirmed the Daily's Mail exclusive story that the couple had spent their entire six-week break in the country, including Thanksgiving. Prince Harry and Meghan hold hands outside Canada House in London on Tuesday as they leave following their engagement The Duke and Duchess of Sussex held hands as they left after their visit to Canada House in London yesterday afternoon The Duke and duchess were meeting different members of the High Commission team who work in a range of sectors Prince Harry thanked staff at Canada House for hosting the couple yesterday afternoon during their royal engagement The Duchess of Sussex waved and smiled for the cameras as she left Canada House in London with Harry yesterday Prince Harry and Meghan put on a public display of affection during their visit to London's Canada House yesterday The couple's visit to Canada House yesterday (pictured) followed a private visit to the Hubb Community Kitchen The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left after their visit to Canada House in London yesterday afternoon. Meghan has a broad smile on her face The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit to Canada House in London was revealed by Buckingham Palace on Monday The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met different members of the High Commission team who work in a range of sectors The visit came after it was announced by Buckingham Palace. It is unheard of for a royal to undertake a Court Circular-documented engagement to thank a country that wasn't officially 'hosting' them. The trip was classed as private and no official engagements took place. But Harry and Meghan have always made clear they like to cast aside convention and do what is least expected. The couple were last seen in public together on Remembrance Sunday in November when they joined other royals in London. Harry also undertook a subsequent solo public engagement. They then disappeared from view with son Archie, now eight months, with a spokesman saying they were taking 'extended family time' after a year in which both admitted struggling with their royal roles. Dams sales pitch In 2014, when NWE was pitching its $900 million purchase of 11 hydroelectric dams, the company declined PPL Montana's offer to make the Colstrip plant part of the deal. As The Gazette and other Montana newspapers reported at the time, NorthWestern attached a negative value to the Colstrip plants, worried that any buyer eventually would have to shut down the plants and bear the cost of remediating the sites. NorthWestern initially bid $740 million for the dams and only $400 million if it also had to take the coal-fired generation PPL owned (half of Units 1 and 2 and 30% of Unit 3). Public documents filed to support the plan for adding the dams to the rate base estimated that they would provide 38% of the power needed to supply Montana customers, lowering the amount of the supply to be purchased on the open market to 10%. The chief financial officer for NWE told a Gazette reporter in 2014 that the company considered the coal-fired plants a liability because of expected future regulation of greenhouse gases. The CFO also said that the coal-fired plants would give NWE more power than needed for its Montana customers. The students' union of Delhi University's Hindu College has unanimously decided to postpone its literary festival, scheduled to be held on January 9-10, to express solidarity with the students who have faced violence on their university campuses. The prime minister of the students' body of the college, Ashish Kumar, had a meeting with the other office-bearers and it was decided that the literary festival titled "Mushaira" will be postponed till further notice. "We had a meeting and it was decided that the festival, which was scheduled for January 9 and 10, will be postponed. We might hold it after our foundation day," Kumar said. The festival is now likely to be held after February 15. Earlier in the day, the students of Delhi University's St Stephen's College boycotted classes in solidarity with the students of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and in protest against the amended citizenship law. The students had given the call for boycott on Tuesday. They assembled at the college lawns on Wednesday morning and read the Preamble to the Constitution, a professor said. Violence broke out at JNU on Sunday night as a masked mob, armed with sticks and rods, attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus, prompting the administration to call in police, which conducted a flag march. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vivian Gornick at The Nation: Greenwich Village, in the early years of the 20th century, was a working-class neighborhood that had let the bohemians in. Eastman was enchanted. Describing the crowded street scene in a letter to her mother, she wrote, Everyone is out. Mothers and fathers and babies line the doorstepslittle girls playingin the middle of the street, and boys running in and out, chasing each other. And to Max, urging him to join her when he graduated from college, she wrote, I love it so for the people that are there and the thousands of things they do and think about. The women and men she especially loved were all the interesting between ones who really know how to livewho are working hard at something all the time; and especially the radicals, the reformers, the studentsbecause they are open-minded, and eager over every new movement, and because they know when it is right for them to let go and amuse themselves and because they can laugh, even at themselves. (Pace Emma Goldman: If I cant dance, Im not coming to your revolution.) Eastman was bent on living a life of meaning that would include, as she liked to say, loving hard as well as working hard. (Rosa Luxemburg said almost the identical thing when she urged socialists to make the revolution, yes, but not give up the joy of life.) more here. MENOMINEE, MI A former Michigan sheriffs deputy is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy. Brian Helfert faces two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, The Associated Press reports. He was arrested on Monday, Jan. 6, and released after posting bond. He is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on Jan. 22. Helfert had worked as a school liaison officer and juvenile crime investigator for the Menominee County Sheriffs Office, the report said. He was fired on Dec. 19. The alleged crimes occurred on Nov. 10 at Helferts home in Menominee, a city in Michigans Upper Peninsula near Green Bay, Wisconsin, the report said. The boy who was allegedly assaulted reported the incident to Menominee city police. The police investigation began in late 2019. READ MORE: 3 shot after line-cutting dispute at Michigan bowling alley Cash, cocaine, guns seized in Lenawee County raid Man fatally shot after entering home, having altercation with resident In the absence of additional information from Wuhan officials, other countries have announced additional measures, such as quarantine and fever screening at airports. If there is predictable and daily communication from Chinese health leaders in charge of the response about what is known and what is unknown about the outbreak, that would tamp down some of the anxiety about the disease and the response, Nuzzo said. A Delaware teen has been charged after he allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail through the window of a local Planned Parenthood clinic - a crime that has been described as 'domestic terrorism'. Samuel James Gulick, 18, was arrested over the incident on Saturday - one day after the shocking attack on the nonprofit's Newark facility, which started a small fire. According to prosecutors, Gulick drove past the Planned Parenthood premises shortly before 3 am on January 3, and pulled the Molotov cocktail from a plastic bag. He lit the device and launched it at the building, where it damaged both a window and porch of the building. Samuel James Gulick, 18, has been arrested after he allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail through the window of a local Planned Parenthood clinic The cocktail self-extinguished several minutes later. Investigators were able to identify Guilick after tracking down the vehicle he was seen speeding away in after the attack. Gulick is also alleged to have been captured on surveillance video spray-painting the Latin phrase 'Deus Vult', meaning 'God wills it', outside the Planned Parenthood clinic on the same night. He has now been charged with maliciously damaging a building used in interstate commerce, intentionally damaging a facility that provides reproductive health services, and possession of an unregistered destructive device under the National Firearms Act. He faces up to 20 years behind bars, and a $250,000 fine if found guilty of the offence. Guilick allegedly attacked Planned Parenthood's Newark, Delaware facility (pictured) Gulick is also alleged to have been captured on surveillance video spray-painting the Latin phrase 'Deus Vult', meaning 'God wills it', outside the Planned Parenthood clinic on the same night President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Delaware, Ruth Lytle-Barnaby, told The Washington Post Wednesday that the crime act was 'an act of domestic terrorism'. Extremist attacks at Planned Parenthood are not new - one report claims that there were 6,550 violent incidents against abortion providers in the United States and Canada, including homicide, arson and death threats, between 1977 and 2012. However Lytle-Barnaby claims that perpetrators are now becoming younger and increasingly brazen. She told the Washington Post that 'The safety of patients and staff is our top priority, and Planned Parenthood of Delaware has strong measures in place to ensure that our health centers are safe, supportive, welcoming environments for all people to get the high-quality health care they need.' Meanwhile, BuzzFeed has revealed that Guilick shared a series of anti-abortion memes on his now defunct Instagram account. One claimed that '60 million lives have been destroyed' since the passing of Roe V Wade in 1973. Guilick shared a series of anti-abortion memes on his now defunct Instagram account Several of Guilick's other posts also mocked women and homosexuals - including this one Guilick captioned beneath the meme: 'The Nazis said killing millions of Jews was a national health issue. Democrats are using the same excuse to kill American children. When will we start shooting? Its about time we kill these genocidal demons. Meanwhile, several other posts also mocked women and homosexuals. And, chillingly, another snap showed the teen with a rifle laid out on his desk. 'Cleaning my shotgun,' he captioned. Guilick remains in federal custody. Estonian English Tallinna Sadam has signed an agreement with YIT Eesti AS for the construction of new cruise terminal in Tallinn Old City Harbour. The value of the contract is EUR 13.7 million plus reserve of EUR 0.7 million for unforeseen additional works. New cruise terminal will be completed in July 2021. The contract includes a 3-storey terminal building with a net area around 4000 m2, pedestrian promenade area at the pier, childrens playground and parking spaces. The multifunctional and environmentally friendly cruise terminal will be built in the Old City Harbor in the immediate vicinity of existing cruise quays. Both the interior and exterior architecture have focused on the best environmental performance of materials and equipment. The building will be heated by sea heating and energy will also be drawn from solar panels. Outside the cruise season, the building, which can accommodate up to 2,000 people, is used for events, concerts or conferences. The cruise season in Tallinn lasts from the end of April to October. In 2019, 338 cruise ships and 656 thousand cruise passengers visited Tallinn Old City Harbour. The technical design of the terminal building is based on a study that explored how to implement energy efficient, ecological and sustainable solutions in the new building that would suit the Nordic climate and would allow the building to be operated outside the cruise season. The study was supported by the European Union funding for the Green Cruise Port project implemented under the Interreg Baltic Sea Program. Tallinna Sadam is one of the largest cargo- and passenger port complexes in the Baltic Sea region, which in 2018 serviced 10.6 million passengers and 20.6 million tons of cargo. In addition to passenger and freight services, Tallinna Sadam group also operates in shipping business via its subsidiaries OU TS Laevad provides ferry services between the Estonian mainland and the largest islands, and OU TS Shipping charters its multifunctional vessel Botnica for icebreaking and construction services in Estonia and offshore projects abroad. Tallinna Sadam group is also a shareholder of an associate AS Green Marine, which provides waste management services. Tallinna Sadam group's sales in 2018 totalled EUR 130.6 million, adjusted EBITDA EUR 74.4 million and net profit EUR 24.4 million. Additional information: The national unrest is organized by 10 trade unions. The manufacturing sector protests against the privatizations of public companies and policies that do not support employment. In 2020 India will grow "only 5%". Among the requests: minimum wage, pension reform, labor reform. New Delhi (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The largest strike in the world began this morning in India: 10 trade unions today announced a national "Bharat Bandh" day of unrest. About 250 million workers are involved in protesting the current economic and social policies of Narendra Modi's government, accused of being overly focused on privatization and not very attentive to employment and growth. The transport sector, the banking sector and the coal industry are striking in force. There are approximately 220 billion bank transactions at risk, including those in current and cash accounts. According to the unions, at least 500 thousand employees of the banks will cross their arms, along with another 600 thousand employees in coal mining. Labour unions complain of central government indifference, which would have ignored their "12-point charter". The demands from the service sector and the production sector include a minimum monthly wage at 21 thousand rupees (262 euros); job creation; the withdrawal of contractual policies of the workforce; discussions at various levels on labor reform; no to the privatization of public sector industries and finally a universal pension system. India is in a critical moment given the slowdown in economic development, with stagnation in the employment sector and widespread unemployment in all sections of the population, which reached 7.7% in December. According to the latest forecasts released yesterday, growth should reach 5% in the current fiscal year, the lowest level in 11 years. For the Center of Indian Trade Unions, one of the striking organisations, the government has failed to tackle the economic crisis. At the same time, it is committed to privatizing and selling public sector properties, natural resources and other national assets. All this detracts from the national interest and the country's development." C.H. Venkatachalam, secretary general of the All India Bank Employees' Association, adds: "Modi's government policies have led to severe economic contraction, and created debt for banks. The government must take the necessary actions to encourage consumer demand by offering incentives to workers. " Kanye West looks adorable in casual T-shirt and denim pant, with a cute smile on his face It seems like Kanye West is taking his fellow rapper's side, after a controversial statement went viral on social media. Several weeks ago, T.I, an American rapper made some weird comments about his daughter's virginity and revealed that they go for a test at a stipulated time to make sure that her virginity is still intact. This caused a ruckus on social media as fans thought it was disrespectful for T.I to reveal such information online. His daughter also seemed displeased at what he did, and called him out on social media. Related: Is Kanye West Still Mourning The Loss Of His Mother? Is Kaney West Actually a Billionaire? Kanye West Joining Joel Osteen For 2020 Stadium Show Caitlyn Jenner Admits She Doesn't Know Any of Kanye West's Songs Can an Entire State Cancel Kanye West? Wyoming's Out To Prove It Can Although T.I, speaking with Jada Pinkett Smith on her show called "Red Table Talk," explained everything he meant in his message, fans did not spare trolling him on social media platforms. While everything seemed to be blowing off, Kanye West stirred the pot again when he mentioned during a sermon that what T.I is doing with his daughter, is approved by God. The rapper decided to host a special gathering, in celebration of his one-year Sunday Service and a lot of people were in attendance. Kanye West looks adorable as he sports a blue jack with inner-wear and pant to match The event held at Skid Row in Los Angeles, on December 29, and according to reports, there was a massive crowd at the location. During the event, Kanye West addressed the congregation beautifully, and brows were raised when the rapper talked about the incident with T.I and his daughter online. In his speech, West defended T.I's honor regarding his comment about his daughter's virginity, and said that fans got it all wrong. He went further to sat that what T.I did and said is approved by God. In his speech, West did not expressly reveal which of T.I's comments he was defending, but fans came to a conclusion. Some months back, T.I revealed via his Instagram page that he is always in the company of his 18-year-old daughter anytime she wants to check her hymen at a gynecologist's. He also revealed that the doctor explicitly told him that the hymen can break without engaging in sexual activities. But, T.I insisted that since Deyjah, 18, does not engage in any kind of sports, nothing should go wrong with it. Story continues Kanye West performing one of his gospel songs put his heart and soul into the performance Since the news of West's reported speech went viral, no one has been able to present the actual video showing when the rapper saying these words, however, fans are skeptical about what the rapper means by 'God Approved.' Kanye West has recently become a strong advocate for the gospel, and we can see that from his 2019 album titled "God Is King." Do you think Kanye West isn't letting the sleeping dog lie on T.I's case? Tell us what you think below in the comment section. Lucknow, Jan 8 : A 32-year-old lawyer was beaten to death by five persons in the Damodar Nagar area in the state capital, police said. The incident happened late on Tuesday night. The lawyer, Shishir Tripathi, was beaten with bricks, rods and stones. One of the accused Vinayak Thakur, also a lawyer, has been arrested while four other accused persons were absconding. After preliminary investigations, the police have said that personal enmity was the motive behind the crime. "Vinayak Thakur, and the other accused Monu Tiwari, were involved in property dealing with the deceased. A dispute between them led to the murder. Vinayak and his accomplices accosted Shishir on Tuesday night and after heated arguments, they attacked him till he was dead," said a police official. As soon as the news of the lawyer's murder spread, lawyers in Lucknow took out a protest march under the police security. They demanded immediate arrest of the accused and compensation for the family. ORMOND BEACH, Fla., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Snappy Kraken, a MarTech company focused on helping financial professionals automate their marketing and business processes, has released a comprehensive analysis of investment advisor marketing trends based on more than 9.3 million data points gleaned from real marketing campaigns initiated over the past year. 9.3 million data points based on real digital marketing campaigns to be explained during live broadcast focused on business growth insights On Thursday, Jan. 16, at 4 p.m. EST / 1 p.m. PST, Snappy Kraken CEO Robert Sofia will host a webinar revealing key insights from the report. "We will share the scientific findings and objective analysis mined from 14,229 marketing campaigns deployed by financial advisors in 2019," said Sofia. "The results of this first-of-its-kind report set the precedents and benchmarks for the advisor-specific digital marketing landscape in 2020." Highlights of the report include: Types of content and subject matter that attract the most prospects and engage current clients Insights into why this content is effective Online traffic sources that produce the strongest results, and how to maximize ROI with minimal spend What to expect from marketing efforts based on analytical marketing performance benchmarks How to help move the needle, fast Attendees will learn how the top 25 percent of advisors market differently and far more effectively than the average advisor. The insights can be applied directly to advisors' existing or future marketing efforts to help generate more leads, nurture prospects, and generate referrals from marketing efforts. Those who register will receive a free digital copy of the 31-page State of Digital Marketing Financial Adviser Online Marketing Report and Benchmarking Study. To register for the live webinar and receive the free report, click here: www.stateofdigital.report. Sofia will also present the report findings at the T3 Advisor Conference in San Diego, Feb. 17-20, 2020. His presentation, "Marketing Hacked Data From 14,000 Advisor Campaigns That Proves What Works (and Doesn't), is the Snappy Kraken General Session to be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 2:45 p.m. Register for the T3 Conference here: www.TechnologyToolsForToday.com. ABOUT SNAPPY KRAKEN Snappy Kraken provides marketing automation, online advertising, and bold, unique marketing for financial advisors. Each automated campaign on the Snappy Kraken platform is focused on achieving specific and trackable goals that grow business. Snappy Kraken's members are granted exclusive rights to their own territory to ensure they never end up using the same marketing as their competition. All Snappy Kraken subscribers are assigned to a personal Success Specialist who helps them set up, manage, and optimize their use of the platform through monthly performance check-ins. Snappy Kraken recently was awarded the 2019 WealthManagement.com Industry Award in Social Media Leadership, Technology Providers, the only awards program of its kind to honor outstanding achievements by companies and organizations that support financial advisor success. It was also the 2018 WealthManagement.com awards winner in this same category. In addition, Snappy Kraken was recently named "Best Overall Content Marketing Company in 2019" by the MarTech Breakthrough Awards Program. In August 2019, Snappy Kraken announced an additional round of funding after its successful pitch to the ScratchWorks FinTech accelerator founders during a live event at the invite-only Barron's Top Independent Advisors Summit in 2018. ScratchWorks was founded by a group of top wealth management and investment firms to help discover and grow ideas in the FinTech space; it is sponsored by Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions, the University of Colorado (CU) Leeds School of Business, and Barron's. In a prior competition in 2016, Snappy Kraken took first place in the FinTech Startup Competition hosted by the XY Planning Network. In November 2019, Snappy Kraken revealed its three-year Vivid Vision to stakeholders and employees who gathered for a multi-day company retreat and strategic planning session billed by Snappy Kraken CEO Robert Sofia, an industry veteran and advisor marketing leader, as "a new model for small-to-medium sized businesses." Snappy Kraken has been announcing and will continue to reveal a number of strategic partnerships and formal agreements with nationally known financial institutions that focus on meeting the needs of like-minded groups of financial advisors, insurance agents and registered representatives. Learn more about Snappy Kraken at www.SnappyKraken.com. Media Contact: Leslie Swid Impact Communications, Inc. Lesli[email protected] Related Images snappy-kraken-reveals-new-advisor.png Snappy Kraken Reveals New Advisor Marketing Trends 9.3 million data points based on real digital marketing campaigns to be explained during live broadcast focused on business growth insights SOURCE Snappy Kraken Related Links http://www.SnappyKraken.com Lindsey Graham, a key ally of President Donald Trump, said Tuesady night that the Iranian regime consists of 'religious Nazis' whose ambitious of a theocracy in control of the entire Middle East can only be squashed by force. Calling the U.S. military 'the virtual wall between us and radical Islam,' the South Carolina senator said America needs to 'keep these bastards at bay.' 'We are dealing with religious Nazis. They have been disrupting the Mideast for 40 years,' he said, calling Tehran a 'cancer' and claiming that 'when they say they want to destroy Israel, they are not kidding.' Graham called Tuesday night's missile attacks on American forces in Iraq an 'act of war.' Trump has the constitutional authority to fire back, he said. 'The president has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond and how he responds is yet to be determined... but he has that authority.' 'This is an act of war by any reasonable definition,' Graham told Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said Tuesday night that Iran's missile strikes on American forces is an 'act of war' waged by 'religious Nazis' bent on killing 'all the Jews' U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said Tuesday night that the Iran missile strikes on American forces in Iraq was an 'act of war' Trump tweeted late Tuesday that 'all is well' following the targeted missile attacks by the world's most active state sponsor of terrorism. He said 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties from the strike continued to be assessed. 'All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far,' Trump tweeted. Trump said he would be making an official statement on Wednesday morning regarding the attacks. It comes as Democrats in the U.S. Congress and some of the party's presidential contenders warned on Tuesday about escalating conflict in the Middle East. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted that the U.S., as well as the rest of the world, 'cannot afford war.' Trump himself tweeted late Tuesday saying that 'all is well' following the targeted missile attacks House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted that the U.S., as well as the rest of the world, 'cannot afford war' Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif called the attacks 'self-defense' but said they did 'not seek escalation' but would defend itself against further aggression 'Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war,' she tweeted. Democratic presidential contender Elizabeth Warren said at an event in New York: 'At this moment, my heart and my prayers are with our military and their families in Iraq and around the world. 'But this is a reminder why we need to de-escalate tension in the Middle East. The American people do not want a war with Iran.' Former Vice President Joe Biden, another candidate for the Democratic nomination to take on Trump in November's presidential election, said at an event outside Philadelphia that the attack was predictable and faulted Trump's handling of the situation. 'I just pray to God as he goes through whats happening, as we speak, that hes listening to his military commanders for the first time because so far that has not been the case,' he said. Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio called for unity, saying in a Twitter post that Iran wanted Americans to turn against one another . 'The time will come to debate U.S. policy. Tonight American & allied troops have come under direct attack by a nation-state & Americans must come together to support & protect them & respond appropriately,' he said. Iran has fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq that Trump visited in December 2018 and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST). The Pentagon says the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. There was no immediate word on injuries but security sources told CNN that there were Iraqi casualties at the al-Asad airbase. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were spotted arriving at the White House soon after news of the strikes broke. Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which controls the country's missile program, confirmed that they fired the rockets in retaliation for last week's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, according to state TV. They reported the operation's name was 'Martyr Soleimani' and it took place just hours after the slain general's funeral. Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif called the attacks 'self-defense' but said they did 'not seek escalation' but would defend itself against further aggression. The rockets used in the attack, according to Iranian TV, were Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles, which have a range of 186 miles or 300km. The Iranian air force has since deployed multiple fighter jets to patrol it airspace, according to reports - as Iran warned the U.S. and its allies in the region not to retaliate. The Pentagon said it was still working to assess the damage. 'In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces,' a statement from the Pentagon read. 'It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. 'As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.' President Trump and First Lady Melania visited the al-Asad airbase in western Iraq in December 2018. The airbase was targeted by Iran on Tuesday in a missile attack The al-Asad base for American and coalition troops (pictured above in December) was struck by missiles 'clearly launched from Iran', U.S. officials say The Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan, which provides facilities and services to at least hundreds of coalition personnel and CIA operatives, was also hit in the missile attack The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, reportedly said Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was personally in the control center coordinating the attacks. They also warned U.S. allies in the Middle East that they would face retaliation if America strikes back against any Iranian targets from their bases. 'We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted,' they said. It also threatened Israel. After the strikes, Saeed Jalili - a former Iranian nuclear negotiator and foreign minister - posted a picture of the Islamic Republic's flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others in the drone strike in Baghdad. Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported, Brynjar Stordal, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces said. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Tuesday it would ban U.S. carriers from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia after the missile attack on U.S.-led forces. Earlier on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the United States should anticipate retaliation from Iran over the killing in Iraq of Soleimani. 'I think we should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form,' Esper told a news briefing at the Pentagon, adding that such retaliation could be through Iran-backed proxy groups outside of Iran or 'by their own hand.' 'We're prepared for any contingency. And then we will respond appropriately to whatever they do.' The strikes by Iran were a major escalation of tensions that have been rising steadily across the Mideast following months of threats and attacks after Trump's decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. Soleimani's killing and Iran's missile strikes also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two nations, which have been foes since the days immediately following Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The revenge attack came a mere few hours after crowds in Iran mourned Soleimani and as the U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the region's waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. The U.S. Air Force launched a drill with 52 fighter jets in Utah on Monday, just days after Trump threatened to hit 52 sites in Iran. One of Colombia's most wanted drug lords who was once the right-hand man of Pablo Escobar has been arrested after an alleged tip-off by his son. Luis del Rio, known as El Tio, was arrested in a raid on his home in Medellin and some 300 of his properties were seized after his son reportedly snitched on him. Police were also said to have arrested one of his alleged partners 'Jacobo' as well as another gang member named Chepe, who jumped from a third-floor window when the raid began. Reports claimed Chepe died while trying to escape. Luis del Rio (pictured) was arrested in a raid at his home in Medellin and some 300 of his properties were seized after his son reportedly snitched on him El Tio was a key member of Escobar's notorious Medellin Cartel before the pair became rivals. The drug lord kidnapped del Rio's daughter as revenge when he stole cash from a drug cargo sent to the US. He then joined the Los Pepes criminal gang - a rival to Escobar - in order to get his daughter back. 'At the time of Pablo Escobar, El Tio worked with the Medellin Cartel. He later was arrested and sentenced to 12 years in prison, but he continued his criminal activities when he was released', anti-drug cop Jorge Luis Ramirez said. According to local media, El Tio's operations expanded following his release and at one point he was trafficking some 10 tons of cocaine to the US and Europe each month. His operation allowed him to reportedly buy over 300 properties in Colombia, Mexico and the US, including Escobar's former home La Fortaleza in Medellin. Police were also said to have arrested one of his alleged partners 'Jacobo' as well as another gang member named Chepe (Pictured: Police at the scene) It was suggested many of these properties had been seized by the authorities after his arrest. Reports have also claimed El Tio started an affair with his son's wife and had regular trysts at a property in Girardota in Antioquia where he allegedly had sex with underage girls, though this has not been verified. At the property, police found an altar where it is believed the suspect also practised black magic, according to reports. Ramirez said: 'He is one of the three biggest drug traffickers in the country and among the 10 traffickers most wanted by the US government.' Two further unnamed suspects were arrested in the Colombian cities of Cartagena and Barranquilla, according to reports. Meanwhile, in Guatemala, a suspect called El Calvo was also arrested. The investigation is ongoing. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an agreement between India and Mongolia on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful and civilian purposes. The agreement was signed in September last year during the state visit of Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga to India. The agreement will enable cooperation between the two countries in areas such as space science, technology, and applications including remote sensing of the earth, satellite communication, and satellite-based navigation, space science and planetary exploration, use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system and application of space technology. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment As we head into the New Year, American Christianity is in the midst of a new reformation of sorts. Unlike the first one in 1517, this one is not about issues of indulgences and sacraments. Rather, its about our great faiths wrestle with socialism versus individual liberty, and upon that backdrop, what precisely does it mean to live a good Christian life. This question came to a head in many ways on Dec. 19, when Christianity Today published a column by its editor-in-chief, Mark Galli, regarding Democrats current efforts to impeach President Trump. As a parting gift to Christendom Galli officially retired on Jan. 3 he concluded that the president is immoral and, as a result: Whether Mr. Trump should be removed from office by the Senate or by popular vote next electionthat is a matter of prudential judgment. That he should be removed, we believe, is not a matter of partisan loyalties but loyalty to the Creator of the Ten Commandments. For those who might not know me and for those who know me primarily as a political personality I want to state clearly at the onset that I am an evangelical Christian. I may be very vocal in my public support for conservative principles such as free markets and limited government, but its my deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ that defines me. Everything else, including my political advocacy, flows from this foundational relationship with my Lord and Savior. It was upon this backdrop that I watched the extraordinary response to Christianity Today unfold, both from those in support and from those who object, perhaps the most significant of which is in the latter camp coming from none other than Franklin Graham, son of CTs founder, the late Reverend Billy Graham. Graham made it clear his father supported Donald Trump and voted for him in the last election. While CT used moral sanctimony and self-righteousness as the excuse for their opposition to President Trump, it was nothing more than a smoke screen for their true motivation. Their call for his removal has nothing to do with him being a bad boy much less legally culpable for some impeachable crime. CT wants him gone for the same reason an increasingly significant number of Christians in America want him gone; because President Trump believes in Americas first principles and rejects the age-old lie of a socialist utopia that has long tantalized and excited the likes of CT. The notion that Christs teachings somehow prescribe a collectivist form of government is relatively new in the 2000-year history of Christianity. While scholars can argue over various theological inflection points over the last two millennia, it is clear that more recent forms of liberation theology and social justice movements, specifically those within the Roman Catholic Church in the latter part of the 20th century, have played a pivotal role in forming a more general Christian belief that the affairs of the state and the duties of the Christian man or woman out to be brought together as one. Which brings us to todays reformation. The fundamental question is this: Do the teachings of Jesus Christ command us to use the state to carry out his message? Or do they require each individual to carry out the message in their own life independent of the state? The situation is further complicated by the devil citing scripture for his own purposes as hes always done. In this case, those who are openly hostile to the Gospel including atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, and yes, false prophets and teachers, know that by invoking Jesus name in their collectivist efforts they co-opt his divine credibility. In so doing, they often dupe the unsuspecting into believing that God wants them to abandon their liberty in His service. Consider some of the most commonly cited biblical passages used to advance the claim that Jesus advocated for socialism: "and you are all brothers." (Matthew 23:8 EVS) "No one can serve two mastersYou cannot serve both God and money. (Matthew 6:24 NIV) "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22: 39 EVS) "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same." (Luke 3:11 NIV) "Give to every man that asketh of thee." (Luke 6:30 KJV) "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. (Luke 6:24 NIV) It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:25 NKJV) It is true that each of these verses either suggests a certain action or ascribes a value judgement regarding money and human interactions; however, it is a gross perversion of the Latin word ergo to then conclude we are supposed to use a coercive state to implement these principles. Whats true is that each verse speaks directly to the individual believer to search their own conscience and consider their own behavior. It is the freedom of millions of Americans throughout our countrys rich history to abide by their personal moral convictions and deeply held religious beliefs which has laid the foundation for our nations greatness. Since our founding, the vast majority of Americans have identified as Christian and the same remains true today. Therefore, conflating the teachings of Jesus with some sort of socialist roadmap threatens the very bedrock of our greatest traditions including the rule of law and subverts the power of volunteer institutions of church and charity. In the effort to combat the Christian collectivist reform movement, Jerry Falwell Jr. and I have launched the Falkirk Center for Faith & Liberty. Our mission is to equip courageous champions to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ, to advance His kingdom and American freedom. We believe that Christs calling to us is independent of any system for organizing economic activity. After all, Jesus wasnt a capitalist or a socialist, He is the Son of God! For Christians to best follow Christ here on earth, they must be as free as possible to practice and share their faith as the Holy Spirit convicts. This means preserving the secular structure of a free society that our Founders designed, free from the shackles of an all-powerful state. President Trump understands this. The folks at CT and others like them view him as an impediment to the sirens call of state-sponsored utopia. Jesus denies utopia, saying rather that the poor will always be with us and calls each of us to be Good Samaritans when we encounter those in need along our path. In the same way, He says to His disciples, take up your cross and follow me. Not your brother or sisters cross, or even the nations cross. That He doesnt, suggests this reformation is really just a new version of an age-old, sinister rebellion against the clear calling of individual responsibility and freedom and Christians in America will be blessed if we continue to reject it. T hree Brits and 63 Canadians were among those on the Ukrainian plane that crashed in Iran shortly after take off, the Ukrainian foreign minister has confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also announced that the entire civilian fleet will be tested following the crash, and a criminal investigation has been launched. The passenger plane carrying 176 people crashed shortly after taking off at 6.10am local time (2.40am UK time) from the Tehran Imam Khomeini in Iran. It came just hours after Iran launched a series of missiles at Coalition bases in Iraq. The plane - a Boeing 737-800 - had last passed a technical service on January 6, two days before it crashed. Iran: Tehran Plane Crash - In pictures 1 /10 Iran: Tehran Plane Crash - In pictures via Reuters AP AFP via Getty Images People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane crashed near Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran ISNA/AFP via Getty Images AP AP via Reuters AP Rescuers check the debris following the plane crash via Reuters Part of the wreckage from Ukrainian plane that crashed in Tehran shortly after take-off via Reuters On board the craft were people from Iran, Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany and the UK. Ukrainian International Airlines added in a statement that the plane was one of the best in its fleet and the pilots were "very experienced". Din Mohammad Qassemi, who lives near the crash site, said he had been watching the news about the Iranian ballistic missile attack on US forces in Iraq in revenge for the killing of General Qasem Soleimani when he heard the crash. "I heard a massive explosion and all the houses started to shake. There was fire everywhere," he told the Associated Press, "At first I thought (the Americans) have hit here with missiles and went in the basement as a shelter. After a while, I went out and saw a plane has crashed over there." An image reportedly showing the missiles that were fired from Iran at the Coalition base in Iraq / IRIB/AFP via Getty Images UIA added there was no sign that anything was wrong with the plane before it took off. The statement said: "According to preliminary data, there were 167 passengers and nine crew members on board. UIA representatives are currently clarifying the exact number of passengers on board. Passenger lists will be posted on the airlines website after final confirmation of their presence on board of the aircraft. The airline expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the air crash and will do everything possible to support the relatives of the victims. German airline Lufthansa has said it is cancelling it's daily flight to Tehran due to the situation. When British Airways were asked if they would be changing the routes of their planes in the Middle East, a spokesman said: "We are in constant contact with our partners around the world to assess the security of our routes, and will always take action where appropriate. We would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so." Family members of those on the plane have gathered at Boryspil airport in Kyiv, Ukraine / AFP via Getty Images The Boeing 737-800 is a very common single-aisle, twin-engine jetliner used for short to medium-range flights. Thousands of the planes are used by airlines around the world. Introduced in the late 1990s, it is an older model than the Boeing 737 MAX, which has been grounded for nearly 10 months following two deadly crashes. Boeing built the aircraft that crashed on Wednesday in 2016. A number of 737-800 aircraft have been involved in deadly accidents over the years. In March 2016, a FlyDubai 737-800 from Dubai crashed while trying to land at Rostov-on-Don airport in Russia, killing 62. Another 737-800 flight from Dubai, operated by Air India Express, crashed in May 2010 while trying to land in Mangalore, India, killing more than 150 people. JERSEYVILLE A Jerseyville man has been charged with felony escape after failing to report to the Jersey County Jail after leaving a drug rehabilitation center in Caseyville. Shayne R. Hill, 31, was charged Dec. 27 with the Class 3 felony. Court documents state that on Dec. 23 Hill, who had been charged earlier in the year with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, failed to report to the Jersey County Jail after leaving treatment at the Gateway Foundation in Caseyville. He was initially charged Aug. 16 with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, after being found with less than five grams of methamphetamine. This is unfortunately a common problem, said Jersey County States Attorney Ben Goetten. Drug offenders are released to attend drug rehab and are told by the judge that failure to return to jail after their treatment will result in a charge of escape. The great majority of those getting treatment do come back and work through the program, he said. But sometimes we get individuals like Mr. Hill that choose the alternative, which typically results in a stay at the Illinois Department of Corrections. Bail for the new charge was set at $25,000. Other felony cases filed recently by the Jersey County States Attorneys Office include: Brittany D. Daniels, 29, of Jerseyville, was charged Dec. 30 with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony; and unlawful possession of hypodermic syringe or needle, a Class A misdemeanor. According to court documents on Dec. 28 she was found in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine and a hypodermic syringe. Bail was set at $10,000. Brittney D. Bell, 27, of Jerseyville, was charged Dec. 30 with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony; and unlawful possession of hypodermic syringe or needle, a Class A misdemeanor. According to court documents on Dec. 28 she was found in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine and a hypodermic syringe. Bail was set at $10,000. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Tuesday that President Donald Trump's escalation of tensions with Iran proves him to be dangerously incompetent and puts the U.S. on the brink of war. Speaking in New York, Biden said Trump used a haphazard decision-making process to order the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani and has failed to communicate the rationale to Congress or U.S. allies around the world. Biden said Trump instead offered tweets, threats and tantrums that prove the Republican president to be dangerously incompetent and incapable of world leadership. Democracy runs on accountability, Biden said, urging Trump to consult with Congress on acts of war, as required by the Constitution. No one wants war. But it's going to take hard work to make sure we don't end up there accidentally. The former vice president's remarks were part of his second major foreign policy address of the campaign. This one comes less than a month before the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses begin Democrats' 2020 voting, with Biden attempting to highlight his international experience in contrast both to Trump and his Democratic competitors. But the moment presents challenges for the 77-year-old candidate with nearly five decades in Washington. While his resume is longer than any Democratic presidential rival's, it comes with complications. Progressives hoping to make the world less militaristic point to Biden's 2002 vote authorizing the U.S. invasion of Iraq, suggesting that muddies his warnings about another Middle Eastern war. Alternately, Trump and Republicans cast Biden as indecisive or weak, seizing on his opposition to the 1991 U.S. mission that drove Iraq out of Kuwait and his reluctance about the raid that killed Sept. 11 mastermind Osama bin Laden in 2011, when Biden was President Barack Obama's No. 2. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, a Vermont senator who voted against President George W. Bush's Iraq war powers request, calls it baggage. Former Bush and Obama Defense Secretary Robert Gates wrote in his memoir that Biden has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue" for 40 years. Biden himself has been inconsistent in his pitch to voters, seemingly confident that searing criticism of Trump and implicit contrasts with less-seasoned Democrats are enough. I've met every single world leader a U.S. president must know, Biden tells voters at some stops. On a first-name basis, he'll add on occasion. The Biden campaign's most viral moment was a video last month, titled Laughed At, showing world leaders mocking Trump at a Buckingham Palace reception held during a NATO summit in London. Biden told reporters last month that foreign policy isn't in his Democratic opponents' wheelhouse, even if they "can learn. Demonstrating his knowledge, Biden veered into explaining the chemistry and physics of SS-18 silos, old Soviet missiles. It's just what I've done my whole life, he said. He's since touted endorsements from former Secretary of State John Kerry and members of Congress with experience in military combat and intelligence. Yet Biden doesn't always connect the dots with an explicit appeal to voters. In Iowa last weekend, Biden called the Iran crisis totally of Donald Trump's making, tracing Soleimani's killing back to Trump withdrawing from a multilateral deal in which Iran had agreed to curtail its nuclear program. As he said again Tuesday in New York, the pact was working, serving America's interests and the region's interests." Biden told another Iowa audience that Americans need a president who provides a steady leadership on Day One, but he never discussed his role in the Iran deal or Obama's foreign policy generally. Foreign policy, commander in chief is a big deal to people, he said last month, less because of a single issue and more because of Trump. They just know something's not right. It's uncomfortable. Biden in July offered what had been his sweeping foreign policy declaration to date, with a speech touting the U.S. as the preeminent world power but one that must lead international coalitions and focus on diplomacy. He pledged to end forever wars but did not rule out military force. He made clear he values small-scale operations of special forces while being more skeptical of larger, extended missions of ground forces. His advisers believe that reflects most Americans. "They don't want the United States to retreat from the world ... but they also don't want us overextended without any rational strategy or exit plan,'' said Tony Blinken, Biden's top foreign policy adviser, who has worked with him since he was the Democratic leader on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As vice president, Biden was at Obama's side for every major national security decision for eight years. Biden led the administration's efforts to help Ukraine counter Russian aggression and on Iraq as the administration moved to bring the war it inherited there to an end. But Biden wasn't always in lockstep with Obama on major issues. He was among the advisers who argued against the bin Laden raid. Biden's explanation has changed over the years, varying from saying he recommended Obama wait for clearer identification of bin Laden at the Pakistan compound where he was killed to later saying he privately told Obama to go ahead. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A doctor who refused to give crucial clotting drugs as a mother lay dying in an operating theatre followed the wrong set of guidelines, an inquest heard today. Gabriela Pintilie gave birth to her healthy baby girl, Stefania, in February last year following a C-section at Basildon Hospital in Essex. But tragically the 36-year-old suffered a massive postpartum haemorrhage and died from a cardiac arrest hours later after a series of complications at Basildon Hospital in Essex. The Romanian-born mother lost a total of six litres of blood after delivering her baby girl, but was not given clotting drugs which could have saved her. A three-day inquest at Essex Coroner's Court has been told how the on-call haematologist - who was at home - was called but refused to give permission for vital blood-clotting drugs to be issued until further tests were run. Gabriela Pintilie, 36, (pictured with husband Ionel) lost a total of six litres of blood after giving birth to her daughter Stefania (right) via C-section last February But today, an expert witness said she believed the use of clotting drugs in the 'extreme situation' would have 'significantly increased' the chances of a different outcome for Mrs Pintilie. On-called locum haematologist Dr Asad Omran did not initially issue blood-clotting drugs because the expert witness said, he was following the wrong protocol. He was said to have been following protocol for a normal adult, instead of a woman in labour, which was 'completely at odds with clinical guidelines'. Dr Omran was at home when he received a call asking for permission to release clotting drugs but did not give the go-ahead. The inquest heard how the consultant haematologist - an agency worker who had been at Basildon for four months - was blamed for contributing to Gabriella's death. Another doctor told investigators he believed the actions had 'played a part in Gabriela's death'. The Romanian-born mother bled to death over several hours after a breakdown in communication between hospital staff at the maternity unit The inquest heard how Dr Omran spoke of his regret for events last February. 'I regret my part in any miscommunication or misunderstanding that night', the inquest heard, he was to later tell investigators. He said he'd made the 'assumption' clotting drugs had been administered. 'On reflection I could have taken care to check that this was the case,' he said. He told the inquest that when he'd been called at home he had not asked about Gabriela's blood loss and he did not ask if she had been given blood clotting drugs. Dr Omran did not have any access to Gabriela's medical notes whilst he was at home. Despite the tragic death, he only wrote a half page of handwritten notes two months after Gabriela died. 'I never experienced this situation before', he said. The inquest heard how clotting products requested to the theatre were left outside the room whilst Gabriela was suffering massive blood loss which then triggered a cardiac arrest. Essex Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said from her reading of reports: 'It would appear that not everyone in the theatre knew that this blood had come'. Gabriela Pintilie gave birth to her healthy baby girl, Stefania, in February last year following a C-section at Basildon Hospital in Essex (pictured) Mrs Pintilie's husband, Ionel, talked today of the chaotic scenes at the hospital as he was asked if he agreed to his wife undergoing a hysterectomy to save her life. Speaking through a translator he said: 'There was no time to think but I immediately agreed to this. 'This would then save my wife. I could not process what was happening. It all happened so quickly. 'I went into the room to see what was happening the doctor said the situation was critical, that she had lost four litres of blood. I realised how bad things were, how critical it was.' The widower today thanked medical professionals for trying to save Gabriela. 'I would like to thanks the doctors and nurses who took part in this operation, but would also like to say from their point of view, they did everything they could, but I lost my wife. Robert, Gabriela and Lonel Pintilie. Gabriela gave birth to her daughter in February last year, but died the following day at Basildon University Hospital 'The children are fine but imagine that she does not have a mother', he concluded. More than a dozen people were in the busy theatre as Mrs Pintilie started to haemorrhage blood. Even when her heart stopped, some of the medics were still unaware that the fresh frozen plasma, to aid clotting, was in a fridge in an adjacent 'satellite' room next to the operating theatre. Honeymol John, a nurse who was in the theatre, told investigators in a statement: 'After the patient's death I spoke with Dr Tom Hall [the anaesthetist] and Dr Olubukunola Ojo, [consultant] and both said they were unaware that the FFP (fresh frozen plasma) had been in a satellite fridge. Dr Hall, in charge of monitoring Gabriela's blood loss in the surgery, described yesterday how Dr Omran refused to issue blood-clotting products, such as frozen fresh plasma, to the theatre. Hall said Dr Ojo called Dr Omran at about 12.15am to request clotting products but was told they would not be released until the latest blood test results had been returned. Expert witness Dr Felicity Plaat , said she was shocked by the failure to use clotting drugs which would have 'significantly increased' the chances of a different outcome. 'It's obvious that this was a catastrophic haemorrhage what strikes me is the lack of blood products,' she said. She later added: 'My gut feeling is that the outcome would have been different.' Dr Plaat said she was also 'profoundly shocked' that Dr Omran was not aware of the two different procedures. 'It's my person belief there was a delay in definitive surgical management as well,' she concluded, suggesting Mrs Pintilie should have undergone her hysterectomy at an earlier stage. The inquest continues. "Moonshiners" star Tickle now has one of the best How We Met stories about his new bride -- she was the bounty hunter who tracked him down after he jumped bail! And the rest, as they say, is history. The Blast obtained an exclusive announcement from Discovery Channel, that Steven Ray Tickle, one of the stars of "Moonshiners," recently tied the knot. Introducing Mrs. Carol Tickle to the world with a video, the reality star explains how the two met and what sparked the romance. Mr. and Mrs. Tickle "We're excited to let everyone know we just got married!" Tickle announces as he reveals his bride to the "Moonshiners" fans during a BTS feature. Carol Tickle is a bail bondswoman and realtor, and the couple explains how they first got hooked up. "She hunted me down six years ago," Tickle admits. He explained, "She says she was hunting another fugitive, but it appeared the only place she was putting any work in was me." The reality star definitely has a twinkle in his eye when he speaks about the work his now-wife put into hunting him down when he was a fugitive. Was There Moonshine?! As for the wedding planning, Tickle said it was very easy for him, as he "just had to show up." He admits Carol did all the planning, and she explains that the couple was also purchasing their first home together at the time, and she had to balance both the wedding and the real estate deal. Fro making the centerpieces to handling the closing costs, Carol was the star and took care of everything for her new husband. However, the big question was how much moonshine was brought to the reception. Tickle confirmed that his cohorts brought along quite a bit of the ol' White Lightning and set it up along the bar to get everyone nice and toasty. The Current Season It's very fitting that Tickle is now on a new path in life as he forges ahead and creates his own family, as the current season of "Moonshiners" is about returning to the stars' roots and leaning on the skills learned from their ancestors as they craft their shine stills. Tickle had tried to go legit for a while but realized the outlaw life was just too hard to give up and he teamed up with some of his old friends to seek out the famed still sites up in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. "Moonshiners" airs Tuesdays at 9 PM on Discovery. Misty Hedrick, a real estate and hospitality professional turned writer and stay-at-home-mom, wanted more from her study of the Bible. I had a good grasp on the who, what, when, where of Scripture, she told Christianity Today. I just needed to back that up with the why and how. As a Bible study teacher and lay ministry leader, Hedrick took her kingdom work seriously. Conveying biblical truths to equip others deserves every effort, she said. Theres no higher task than making disciples. Hedrick enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary. Now, she wedges online classes into her already full schedule, but she does so with joyshes finally getting to develop the skills and understanding shes wanted for a long time. Volunteer leaders like Hedrick, the kind who cant stop asking questions in Bible study until its past time to pick up their kids from childcare or who read Augustine on their lunch breaks, might have long assumed that there was nothing more for them in terms of theological formation. Bible studies and sermons, the thought has been, need to be accessible for everyone, so the church isnt a place for intense theological study or debate. And seminaries were for training the professionalspastors who preached on Sundays and led the church full-time as their occupation. The New Seminarians But times are changing. According to the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), one-third of 2017 graduates planned to enter bivocational ministry, with 57% of black/non-Hispanic and 41% of Hispanic/Latino graduates declaring bivocational intention. Additionally, in a survey of over 5,000 seminary students, ATS found almost 40% of them intended to use their degrees to serve in contexts outside of the local church. The boundaries delineating who is a minister and who is not have blurred. Being a church leader, raising children, and being an active community participant began to raise so many weighty questions, and I was looking for some direction as to how to respond well, said Fresno Pacific Bible Seminary student Mary Judith. So, in the narrow margins of life between raising six children and volunteering, she enrolled in a program composed of online classes and an annual in-person week of learning. The layperson like Judith who is ravenous for the Scriptures and their application to daily life finds herself presented with new choices. Almost half of theological schools now offer degree programs completely online. We can distinguish between what we call embedded and uprooted students, said Scott Cormode, Hugh De Pree Professor of Leadership Development at Fuller Seminary. The old model of education uprooted students from their communities and asked them to move to the site of the seminary. The current student remains, instead, embedded in her community. And that allows me as a professor to create assignments that keep the students learning grounded in their specific context. Greater access to biblical and theological education seems like an obvious win for evangelical Christians who have staked their eternal lives on what the Bible says. But could the rise of the non-traditional seminary student indicate something about the state of discipleship in our churches? Experts and Amateurs If you ask Jen Wilkin, director of classes and curriculum at The Village Church and author of Women of the Word and None Like Him, shell tell you that it speaks to a static division in the church. As Wilkin describes it, the average churchgoer believes the person who is on the platform is the expert. And the person in the pew is an amateur. They believe its not their role to have mastery or ownership over the content. Its their role to passively receive what the expert gives them. For those who have no professional ministry ambition but find themselves burning with the desire to learn more, the path to deeper knowledge isnt always clear. If finances and time allow, they can enroll in seminary. Church leaders who have grown accustomed to a clear divide between the theologically educated and the laypeople might feel intimidated by this new wave of amateurs who are well versed in church history, epistemology, and biblical languages. But this expert/amateur paradigm, Wilkin and others say, isnt one we should maintain. Rather, we need to reclaim the local church as a place for theological formation and cultivate a collective imagination for how seminaries support that mission. We need to shift away from educational divides and Scripture engagement that either renders the Bible a guidebook or an academic text. We need to, in many ways, learn from students like Hedrick who simply couldnt be satisfied by the basic facts of Scripture and longed for true formation. We need to observe their passion for the Word and ask ourselves if we share it. Perhaps we should begin by not simply eschewing the lenses of expert/amateur and guidebook/textbook but by dusting off an old practice, the one that drove Misty Hedrick to enroll at Dallas Theological Seminary and fuels Wilkin in her ministry: discipleship. Theres a disbelief that the Bible does what it said it will do, said Wilkin. Ive been in contexts where the phrase useless Bible knowledge was bandied about. One of the biggest things we have to do is give people a good, working definition of discipleship. What does it mean to be a disciple? A disciple is a learner. A disciple is someone who is being formed by what theyre learning. Wayne Johnson, associate dean and associate professor of biblical and pastoral theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, echoes Wilkins call for a return to a more rigorous understanding of discipleship. Weve lost the educational mandate that is part of Christian discipleship. There are going to be people who are gifted for that and take it and run with it. But I think its a call for all of us. And its part of our call togetherchurches and seminaries togetherto better figure out how to fan the passion for Christian learning, Christian education, and thus Christian living and thinking. Rooted in Community There are real barriers to this vision coming together. The thought of cultivating partnerships between churches and seminaries can be scary for seminaries for a pragmatic reason: If people are becoming better equipped by their churches, they may not feel the need to spend the money on seminary tuition. And, for churches, in an era when strategy, efficiency, and growth are highly valued by church leaders and congregants alike, the slow, qualitative work of theological formation may feel like adding yet another uphill climb to the hard work of ministry. But according to Matthew Hall, provost and senior vice president of academic administration at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, our present moment can and should be seen as a hopeful time. For example, he believes the tool of online education can be used to bridge the gap between churches and seminaries. With online seminary classes, what gets lost is that sense of place and community, said Hall. So how can the seminary, through online delivery, partner with churches on the ground to create a sense of place? There are benefits to attending seminary in person that the local church can help provide for online students. When attending online, its hard to have a conversation with the professor after the lecture in the hallway or while youre walking down to chapel, he said. So, we have to work with churches to figure out how we can create structures and models that at least provide community and rootedness in a place where education is not just content in an online platform. JT English, co-executive director of discipleship at The Village Institute alongside Jen Wilkin, said that the church isnt merely a place where community can happen around theological formation. Its where, for all people, it should happen. The question is not if the seminary should existit shouldand its not even necessarily a question of gatekeeping. Its a question of what it could and should look like to democratize theological and biblical education in such a way that people find belonging in and around Gods Word. While seminaries are more accessible than ever, they still require students to commit a considerable amount of time and money. For those who plan to spend a lifetime in professional ministry, its perhaps fair to argue that they should the same way we might argue that a doctor must go to medical school or a lawyer must go to law school. But for those who simply want to hide Gods Word in their hearts and understand who Tertullian is, is seminary a viable option? Seek and Find Matt Van Zandt attended Southern Seminary to enhance his understanding of the Scriptures and more effectively minister in his job and local church. The working out of what I was learning [in seminary] took place in everyday relationships ... within the church. Briana McCarthy, an online student at Fuller Seminary, applies what shes learning to her lay ministry. I believe that my education and experience are equipping me first for service in my local church, she said. God has called me there and I must be willing to share what I am learning with my local congregation. I also believe that seminary is providing me with book smarts while serving in my local church gives me hands-on experience. Daniel Attaway, a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and discipleship pastor at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church in Brownwood, Texas, wanted to bring theological education and practical ministry into the same room. He started Coggin U, a two-semester program that costs $80 and includes two hours of worship, teaching, discussion, and spiritual formation exercises on Sunday evenings. Similar to The Village Church Institute, students sit at assigned round tables with other students who become their cohort members. They listen to lectures, but they also discuss what theyre learning and, as Wilkin puts it, learn out loud in a context that pastors and staff attempt to make as simultaneously safe and robust as possible. The primary forms of competition inherent to the seminary classroomvying for internships, jobs, or a professors attention that can turn into a recommendation letterall fall away in a church-based theological education environment. Sure, there are still problems with heavily invested students talking over those who are soft spoken, but these issues can now be addressed in the context of a church family made of members who have committed themselves to one another and with the oversight and guidance of pastors and shepherds. Seminaries have played a defining role in both The Village Church Institute and Coggin U. English and Attaway have seminary degrees, and they draw heavily upon the educations, libraries, and perspectives they acquired during their time in seminary. At times, seminaries also play a direct role in the programs, like when Attaway asks fellow Dallas Theological Seminary alumni to teach at Coggin U or when The Village Church Institute established a partnership with Southern Seminary. We are pivoting from a stance that has been oriented toward the invitation Come and be a part of us here to one of offering How can we join you there, said Britt Vaughan, director of communications at Fuller Seminary. We are reimagining and adjusting our programs to unlock the doors of the academy to individuals and groups, students and learners, churches and organizations across the globe. Sam Morris, director of admissions at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, doesnt see nonvocational seminary attendance as a sign the church is lacking, but rather that the church is succeeding at instilling a sense of mission in its lay leaders. The rural churches all across America that work hard to raise up godly men and women and send them to us are the backbone of our seminary, he said. Because of their diligence in passing on what they have received to trustworthy and faithful men and women, we have the opportunity to carry on what they have started. Morriss perspective may seem to conflict with that of Wilkin or Johnson, but perhaps these things can be true at the same timethat as the days of cultural Christianity and the Moral Majority become increasingly obsolete, faithful churches are producing disciples hungry for the Word, and individuals who have not found discipleship in the church are going to do what they have to do to find it. Learning in the Local Church When Feleda Keene, a student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, spoke to her former pastor about her desire for theological education, he told her that shed never be paid in ministry, questioned why she needed the education, and told her that if she did decide to go, she needed to ensure she didnt become prideful. The conversation crushed Keene, who delayed enrolling in seminary for several years after the conversation. I let a mans words in a prominent position in the church keep me from fulfilling my calling, she lamented. My biggest regret is not starting sooner. If I could share anything with another woman it is this: Do not let another person stop you from fulfilling your purpose for his kingdom (even a pastor)! That such a thing would even need to be saiddont let your pastor discourage you from in-depth study of the Scripturesis grievous and far too common. One student shared that instead of feeling like her church sees her theological education as a gift, she feels like they find it to be an annoyance at best and a threat at worst. Keene's church is now led by a pastor who supports and encourages her in her seminary education. Many other students who didnt enter seminary with vocational intentions innovate new forms of ministry in their local churches as an outcome of what theyre learning. The work I am doing at seminary is shaping me and my beliefs, and this naturally overflows into the work that I do in our local church, Judith said. Two years ago, I wouldnt have attempted writing a kids play explaining the difference between a Hebraic and Western understanding of justice while offering a new look at atonement theories. As students grow in their understanding of the Bible, doctrine, and church history, they naturally want to share it with those in their immediate contextthe local church. Perhaps one way to create a stronger sense of belonging for that theology-thirsty congregant, as well as for those whose eyes glaze over at the word Trinity, is to put them in the same room with a simple resource. For example, Fuller Seminary offers an In the Room With video series in which scholars discuss various topics of the day through a theological lens. Dallas Theological Seminary offers free online courses like The Story of Scripture, Understanding Gods Covenants, and The Book of Hebrews. While the goal over time should perhaps be for ministry leaders in local churches to articulate the Scriptures in such a way that reliance on videos from a seminary isnt necessary, these resources provide a good starting point for churches of all sizes. All they need is an internet connection, a time and place to meet, and heartswhether 2 or 200ready to learn. People think that only a big church with a lot of resources can do this, but we believe its scalable, Wilkin said. You might have less of a lecture format in a large room and more of a discussion format in a living room. At Denver Seminary, this adaptability looks like a rich mentoring program in which students enter into a contract with a mentor, often someone from a local church who is not part of the seminary, who will disciple the student throughout their time in seminary. If seminaries and local churches dont view themselves through the lens of complementarity, then theyre missing a tremendous opportunity in which the strength of one supplements and comes alongside the strength of the other, said Mark Young, president of Denver Seminary. John Dyer, dean of enrollment services and educational technology at Dallas Theological Seminary, said seminaries like his have created a joint-degree program where the seminary provides the biblical and theological education, and the church provides more of the hands-on training and discipleship. Whether the steps are large or small, programmatic or around a coffee table, one thing seems to be clear: redeeming a vision for Christian education as a component of holistic discipleship is neither a solely pastoral or solely academic task. Its a task for the people of God to undertake together the single mom with her nose in a systematic theology textbook and the college student who comes to small group for the snacks. The point is not for all believers to become studious academic types who can read Hebrew and quote paragraphs of Justin Martyr any more than it is to cast aside the hard work of exegesis for the sake of avoiding discomfort or debate. Rather, the opportunity seminaries and churches have before them is one of glorious potentialone that rings of the Ephesians 4 call to equip the saintsnot just the professionals, not just the academics, not just the zealots, but every single saintfor the work of ministry and the glory of God. And perhaps, then, the non-traditional student isnt just a go-getter; shes a witness bearer to a calling that belongs to us all. Abby Perry is a freelance writer with work in Sojourners, Nations Media, The Curator, and Christianity Today. Her recent Prophetic Survivors series at Fathom Magazine featured profiles of survivors of #ChurchToo sexual abuse. She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons. Find more of her stories at abbyjperry.comand tweets @abbyjperry. Our Higher Education section is a CT Creative Studio initiative created to support higher education institutions. Meghan Markle stepped out this afternoon wearing a wool coat by Spanish brand Massimo Dutti. The Handmade Navy Blue coat retails for 269 and is still available to buy. Massimo Dutti is a Spanish brand founded in 1985 and now owned by Inditex, the same company that owns Zara. Yesterday, the Duchess opted for a brown silk midi skirt by the brand, which she paired with a camel coat and her velvet Jimmy Choo Romy pumps. The Duchess yesterday at Canada House alongside Prince Harry / Getty Images Making the surprise appearance today, the Duchess draped the navy coat over a crisp baby blue shirt and wide-leg black trousers. She opted to sweep her hair off her face in a chic chignon. The 38-year-old Duchess was pictured today leaving The National's Dorfman Theatre, of which she is a patron. She was given her first four patronages in January 2019, one of which is the National Theatre. U.S. Blames Russia, China For Blocking UN Statement On Baghdad Embassy Attack By RFE/RL January 07, 2020 The Russian and Chinese envoys at the UN say they oppose the New Year's Eve attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad but insist that a statement by the international body's Security Council condemning it should address the subsequent U.S. killing of Iran's top military commander. Their stance prompted the United States on January 6 to accuse the two permanent members of the Security Council of blocking a statement that emphasizes the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises after Iran-backed Shi'ite militias attacked the U.S. Embassy compound in Iraq. Statements by the 15-member Security Council must be agreed on by consensus. The U.S. diplomatic mission at the UN said 27 countries had censured the attack on the Baghdad Embassy "in stark contrast to the United Nations Security Council's silence due to two permanent members -- Russian and China -- not allowing a statement to proceed." President Donald Trump on January 3 authorized an air strike in Iraq that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The drone strike sharply escalated tensions between Washington and Tehran to a boiling point and carried both into uncharted waters. As head of the Quds Force, the foreign arm of Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the 62-year-old Soleimani helped orchestrate Tehran's overseas clandestine and military operations. Russian UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said that although he agreed with the proposed U.S. statement condemning the embassy attack, it would've been "impossible" not to mention the U.S. killing of Soleimani. Similarly, Chinese UN Ambassador Zhang Jun said that "if the [Security] Council is supposed to do something, we should have complete coverage of the whole thing." Meanwhile, Brazil's right-wing president, Jair Bolsonaro, spoke out in support of Trump on January 6 amid widespread criticism of the killing of Soleimani. "We don't accept terrorism," Bolsonaro told journalists in Brasilia as quoted by AFP. He added that "if we have a terrorist in Brazil, we would deliver him" to justice. The same day, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called Belarusian Foreign Minister Uladzimer Makey and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, saying he "appreciated" their "support in condemning the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad." With reporting by AFP, AP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-mourners-gather-in- kerman-soleimani-burial/30363929.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sir Keir Starmer Sir Kier Starmer was raised by socialist parents who named him after Keir Hardie, the Labour leader's founder and a colossus of the socialist movement. The current bookies' favourite to win the leadership, in Who's Who he refers to his parents Rodney and Josephine Starmer as 'Rod and Jo'. The shadow Brexit secretary was an out-and-out Remainer who frequently clashed with Corbyn's inner circle over his overt support for a second referendum. The 57-year-old lawyer, a former director of public prosecutions, was kept largely out of sight during the election campaign as the party tried, unsuccessfully, to hold on to Leave seats in the north. Distrusted by hard left fans of Mr Corbyn, the Holborn and St Pancras MP set out his stall to be a unity candidate, attacking 'factionalism' and saying the party needed to include both Momentum and fans of Tony Blair. And he dangled a carrot in front of Corbynites, saying he did not want the party to move too far rightwards. He also played up his humble roots, with the Oxford-educated lawyer Sir Keir, who owns homes in London and Surrey worth more than 2million, saying in December: 'I know what it's like. I actually never had been in any workplace other than a factory until I left home for university. I'd never been in an office.' He said he did not want a return to the era of Tony Blair, telling the BBC this morning: 'I don't need someone else's name tattooed on my head to make decisions.' But he might face difficulty if he is seen as not left wing enough, or if the party feels it needs a northern voice to win back seats. Emily Thornberry Emily Thornberry has been dogged by claims of snobbery towards working-class voters for years. The shadow foreign secretary, whose Islington seat neighbours that of Jeremy Corbyn, was forced to resign from Ed Miliband's front bench in 2014 after tweeting an apparently mocking image of a house in Rochester with a white van and England flags outside. Labour came third in the by-election in the constituency, which was won by Ukip. After December's election failure she was embroiled in a furious row with ex-minister Caroline Flint, who lost her Don Vallley seat to the Tories. Ms Flint claimed Mrs Thornberry told a northern MP privately that Brexit voters were 'stupid'. Mrs Thornberry has angrily denied the allegation and threatened to sue Ms Flint. A lively performer in Parliament, she has admirers among Labour's clutch of metropolitan MPs. Ms Thornberry's London seat and vocal pro-Remain position could tell against her - although the membership is generally pro-EU. Rebecca Long Bailey The shadow business secretary is seen as the 'continuity' candidate, having been closely involved in Labour's lurch to the Left. Frequently deployed on media, the 40-year-old's career has been pushed by shadow chancellor John McDonnell, who has long tipped her as a future leader. Entering the contest she set out her stall saying she will keep pushing 'our socialist agenda', stressing her hard-Left credentials. In a thinly-veiled swipe at rival Keir Starmer, she insisted she had not been happy with the party's Brexit stance in the election campaign, saying it had eroded 'trust in our communities'. She also admitted Labour should have been 'tougher' in addressing a wave of vile anti-Semitism among activists. But Ms Long Bailey gave a staunch defence of Mr Corbyn, complaining that he had been subjected to 'unprecedented levels of criticism and attack against his own personal character' and she felt he was the 'right man' with the 'right ideas'. Given Labour's dire need to reconnect with its traditional heartlands, her northern constituency and accent will also be selling points. Lisa Nandy The Wigan MP washed her hands of the Corbyn project some time ago - which could be a boon given its humiliating failure in the election. But the 40-year-old has maintained a high media profile, and has strong left-wing credentials away without being marked on the extreme. While the leadership desperately tried to stay neutral, she pushed hard for Labour to adopt a more Leave policy and accept the verdict of the referendum. Announcing her run she said: 'Without what were once our Labour heartlands, we will never win power in Westminster ... I have heard you loud and clear.' Ms Nandy was involved in unsuccessful talks to support Theresa May's deal, but has indicated she would not support Boris Johnson's harder Brexit. However, some MPs complain that she is 'lightweight' and failed to make good on her rhetoric about allowing Brexit to happen. Jess Phillips The Birmingham Yardley MP is a confident performer in the media and the House of Commons chamber. Her straight-talking, no-nonsense manner and Brummie accent have won her many fans and she was one of the first names mentioned as a contender after Mr Corbyn announced he would step down. But she had a tricky start to her campaign. She backtracked after she suggested she would campaign to take the UK back into the European Union if she takes over from Jeremy Corbyn. Ms Phillips said that she would 'have to look at what was going on at the time' and that 'if it is more economically viable to be in the European Union then I will fight for that'. But the MP for Birmingham Yardley then appeared to perform a screeching U-turn as she said there is 'no doubt or debate' that the UK is leaving the bloc and that she did not believe a pledge to rejoin would be in the party's next manifesto. The 38-year-old's willingness to criticise the leader has won her few friends among Corbynistas, with a groundswell of opposition to her taking over. She has been the target of high levels of online abuse from people across the political spectrum, including death threats. She also has no experience of the party's front bench, something that could either count against her or for her, depending on the views of the members. In March she said she would 'be a good prime minister'. At a time when several moderate MPs had quit Labour she added: 'I feel like I can't leave the Labour Party without rolling the dice one more time. I owe it that. But it doesn't own me. It's nothing more than a logo if it doesn't stand for something that I actually care about it's just a f***ing rose'. Clive Lewis The Norwich South MP, 48, has managed to ingratiate himself into the Corbyn machine despite a major falling out over Brexit. In 2017 he quit as shadow business minister after he rebelled against Mr Corbyn to oppose triggering Brexit negotiations. But he returned the following year to join shadow chancellor John McDonnell's economic team. A sexism scandal from 2017 could be a major hindrance in a ladership race likely to feature several female candidates. He was forced to apologise 'unreservedly' for telling an activist to 'get on your knees b****' at an event during Labour conference. Footage of a Momentum event in Brighton showed Mr Lewis making the remark to a man on stage as the audience laughed. The then backbencher admitted his language had been 'offensive and unacceptable' after facing a wave of condemnation from colleagues. Its colorless, odorless and dangerous. Its also plentiful in Morgan County and the region. Tests have shown more than half of the houses in Morgan County have dangerously high levels of the radioactive gas radon. Although the gas is a natural byproduct of the decay of uranium in the soil, it usually does not create a problem when there is plenty of air to dissipate it. Radon becomes a concern when it enters houses through small cracks in the foundation and becomes trapped in enclosed spaces like basements and crawlspaces. When that happens, levels can accumulate. Health and environmental officials say radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the nation. For those who smoke, radon can compound the risk. Radon exposure is one of the most important public health issues affecting Americans today, EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler said Tuesday. Nearly 21,000 people die each year from lung cancer caused by exposure to radon. The EPA estimates about 7 million houses in the United States have elevated levels of radon. The gas is measured in picocuries per liter; anything above 0.4 picocuries per liter is considered elevated, and at 4 picocuries per liter or above, remediation is recommended. In Illinois, the average indoor radon level is 1.3 picocuries per liter. In Morgan County where 59% of the houses tested have been above the action-required level the average is 6.8. Because of the terrain in the area, Scott County testing has shown even higher levels. Of the houses tested there, 74% had actionable levels of the gas. The county averaged 11.9 picocuries per liter, nearly three times the dangerous level. Although lower, there is not a safe level of radon, and most of the counties in west-central Illinois still had average readings above the actionable level. Cass County averaged 4.7 picocuries per liter, Greene County 4.8, Jersey County was at 4.4 picocuries per liter, and Pike County averaged 4.5 picocuries per liter. Trey Hopkins, environmental health inspector for the Morgan County Health Department, said the carcinogenic gas can cause other health issues, starting with breathing problems and coughing. Most early stages of radon poisoning are similar to lung cancer, heavy coughing, chest pains, he said. Radon levels tend to be at their highest during months when houses are heated, which makes winter a good time to test for its presence. Kits are available at most hardware stores and also available through the health department for $15. If the test comes back positive, we recommend hiring someone to fix the problems, Hopkins said. Ventilation often is the best course of remediation for radon problems. Professional remediation can cost from $800 to several thousand dollars, depending on the level and the size of the house. Actress Ruby Rose donated $50,000 to bushfire relief during her short break back home in Australia. The Melbourne-native, 33, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share several images from her trip down under with family and friends during the Christmas holiday. In other photos she flaunted her sensational bikini body at the beach and showed off a luxury car rental courtesy of Mercedes Benz for her 'short but beautiful break'. Doing her bit: Ruby Rose took to Instagram on Tuesday to revealed she donated $50,000 to the bushfire relief after enjoying a break in Australia She wrote in the caption: 'The first thing I did was donated $50,000 to numerous fire brigades around the country and wildlife organizations. Then I visited my amazing family and friends.' The Batwoman star said that she already misses home, but not the smoke that has covered the cities she travelled through during her time down under. She continued: 'I hope we can get these fires under control and start restoring our beautiful country and world.' Beach babe: The Batwoman star shared several images of from her trip Down Under over the Christmas holiday including pictures of her enjoying some free time by the beach where she flaunted her sensational bikini body Sweet ride: She also showed off a luxury car rental courtesy of Mercedes Benz for her 'short but beautiful break' to visit family and friends 'Climate change is real, we need to listen to the indigenous people as we had in the past.' Ruby then slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison for 'failing' the country and praised firefighters, volunteers and ordinary people for uniting the nation. She wrote: 'The people have been victorious in coming together as a world wide community donating and praying and volunteering.' Hazy view: The Batwoman star said that she already misses home, but not the smoke that has covered the cities she travelled through during her time down under 'Im so proud to call Australia home. And a big shout out to Celeste Barber who has raised more money than I can believe and been a true Australian Hero,' she added about the comedian. Celeste Barber launched the bushfire appeal on Facebook campaign last Friday, which has since received more than one million donations from around the world. At this stage over $47million has been raised for the appeal and it's likely the fundraiser will hit the $50million on Friday. The fires have so far claimed 25 lives across Australia, destroyed more than 1,600 homes on over 10 million hectares of land and left around one billion animals dead. At least 25 members of the ABVP and NSUI were booked by the Ahmedabad police on Wednesday on the charges of rioting and assault, a day after a clash between the two student unions left four activists from both the sides injured. The NSUI has alleged that the police are reluctant to include names of Gujarat Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM) president Rutvij Patel and state unit BJP secretary Pradipsinh Vaghela in the FIR. The Congress' student wing has claimed that both Patel and Vaghela were present when NSUI general secretary Nikhil Savani was thrashed outside the ABVP (Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad) office in Paldi area on Tuesday during a protest over the Sunday's violence on the JNU campus in Delhi. Four persons from both sides, including Savani, were injured in the clash. A case been registered against 25 unidentified members of the ABVP and NSUI under sections 147 (rioting), 143 (unlawful assembly), 323 and 324 (assault) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on the complaint lodged by Paldi police station inspector BS Rabari. Nobody is arrested so far. Meanwhile, Savani, who was hospitalised due to a head injury, has refused to sign a copy of his complaint. "Savani had given names of Rutvij Patel and Pradipsinh Vaghela, but the police are trying to convince us not to name anyone in the FIR. Savani will not sign the FIR until names of Vaghela and Patel are added," said NSUI general secretary, Bhavik Solanki. Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda said a delegation of the party leaders would meet with Ahmedabad police commissioner Ashish Bhatia later in the day over the NSUI's demand for inclusion of names of the two BJP leaders in the FIR. Meanwhile, the ABVP said they will also lodge a complaint with the police. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A written complaint has been given by two-person in Worli police station against actor Akshay Kumar, alleging that he has 'defamed Marathi culture' through an ad film of detergent washing powder. The complainants have alleged that the attire of Akshay in the advertisement campaign has defamed Marathi Culture and has hurt the sentiments of followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Kumar was depicted as Maratha warrior in an ad film of a washing powder brand. The complainants have requested the police to register an FIR in this regard against the Bollywood actor. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The struggle of autoworkers at General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler (FCA) in the United States in 2019 represented a major strategic experience of the working class, both in the US and internationally. The events of the past year require a careful study in order to prepare for the struggles ahead. Of particular importance was the 40-day strike by 48,000 workers at General Motors, which began in mid-September. It was the first major national auto strike in the US in four decades and marked the mass entry of the industrial working class into the growing wave of strikes and protests in the United States. The strike was betrayed by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, which only called the walkout because it was under immense pressure from the workers determined to win back wages and benefits lost in decades of UAW-backed concessions and stop the closure of plants in Michigan, Ohio and other states. The anger of the workers against the UAW was compounded by a massive corruption scandal involving the UAW president and his predecessor as well as other top union officials for taking company bribes and embezzling dues money. Deeply discredited and facing a rank-and-file rebellion, the UAW felt it had no alternative but to call a strike. Striking plant workers cheer outside the General Motor assembly plant in Bowling Green, Ky, Monday, Sept. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston) From day one, the UAW worked to isolate and wear down workers in order to force through managements demands. At GM, the UAW ratified the closure of three plants, including the historic Lordstown Assembly plant in northeast Ohio, and sanctioned the expanded use of temporary workers. New labor-management committees responsible for implementing new technologies and cutting health care costs provide a mechanism for the even more direct integration of the union into management. That the strike was called at all, however, shows that the ability of the unions to suppress the class struggle is being challenged by the growth of militant opposition in the working class. But in the end, the union did not yield to the demands of autoworkers, but fought with even greater determination to betray them. This proves that, to carry their struggles forward, workers must break with the United Auto Workers and form new organizations of struggle, rank-and-file factory committees. Around the world, workers are fighting back against social inequality. In 2019, millions of workers throughout the world, from France to Chile to Lebanon and India took part in strikes and social protests. The ruling class is responding in every country with a turn toward authoritarian and far-right politics, police repression and censorship, demonstrating that the working class is engaged in a political struggle against the capitalist system itself. These struggles are unfolding as a unified international process. The resistance of workers in one country inspires resistance and active support from workers in other countries, who instinctively recognize the struggles of workers in other countries as their own. Marxs famous phrase, Workers of the World, Unite! is becoming a practical reality. Among the most powerful examples is the stand taken by the Mexican GM workers who organized their co-workers to defend the striking GM workers in America. In response, GM fired several workers at the plant in Silao. These workers have received powerful support from their brothers and sisters in the US and around the world. The ability of US workers to establish contact with the Silao Seven was due above all to the role of the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter. Throughout the strike and the contract votes, the Autoworker Newsletter broke through the union-enforced information blockade and provided autoworkers with a voice. Tens of thousands of autoworkers read the extensive coverage, analysis and interviews with workers published by the Autoworker Newsletter. Hundreds of autoworkers in the US, Canada and Mexico, together with workers from other industries, took part in online discussion forums organized by the Autoworker Newsletter . In the contract battles of 2019, the Big Three US giants operated on the basis of an international strategy. Under conditions of a worldwide manufacturing recession and slowdown in global sales, and intensified competition for market share amid rising trade war tensions, the auto bosses and the Wall Street investors behind them are embarked on an international restructuring of the global auto industry. This is bound up with the transition from internal combustion engines to electric cars and autonomous vehicles, which involve fewer moving parts and less labor to builda shift that the head of Daimler has called the greatest revolution in the auto industry since Henry Fords assembly line. Technological advances such as electric components, artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing, freed from the constraints of the profit motive and national rivalries, could be harnessed to reduce the work week and improve workers quality of life. Under capitalism, however, they are used to ramp up the exploitation of workers. The ability of the UAW to force through managements diktats was not due to a lack of militancy or determination among the workers. Near-unanimous strike authorization votes held over the summer at all three companies demonstrated the resolve of autoworkers to fight back. The GM workers remained solid despite the unions starvation strike pay of $250 (out of a $760 million strike fund) and workers at all three companies made clear that they supported a united strike, which the UAW resolutely opposed. Once it became clear that the UAW was determined to impose another sellout, workers did not see a way forward. Many expressed their opposition to the bogus ratification process by boycotting the vote altogether. Far more workers voted against the contracts or abstained than those who voted for them. The betrayal by the UAW is not simply the result of the corruption of individual union officialsas disgusting and criminal as their conduct is. It is the result of the nationalist, pro-capitalist program upon which the trade unions are based, and their subordination of the working class to the Democratic Party, which no less than Trump and the Republicans, is a party of the ruling class. Nothing more clearly demonstrates the UAWs class hostility to autoworkers than its promotion of America First chauvinism. While refusing to even acknowledge the sacrifice made by the Silao Seven in defense of the GM strike, the UAW demanded that production be shifted from Mexico to the USin other words, that thousands of Mexican workers lose their jobs. This kind of fratricidal struggle against fellow workers in other countries goes hand in hand with concessions to the US auto giants to prop up their profits. At the same time, the UAW has not lifted a finger to defend GM workers at Flint Assembly and other plants who have been fired in retaliation for their social media posts. Those who counsel autoworkers to re-take the UAW through changes to the unions constitution or the direct election of new leaders, are concealing the truth from workers and, more often than not, looking for their own well-paying posts within the union apparatus. No less dangerous are illusions that federal receivership of the UAW, along the lines of the takeover of the Teamsters in the 1980s, will create the conditions for the democratic reform of the union. Such a maneuver, either by the Trump administration or a Democratic successor, would be aimed at reviving the tattered credibility of the UAW and reinforcing its grip over workers. For ability of the ruling class to maintain labor peace amid massive layoffs and wage and benefit cuts over the last 40 years has hinged on propping up the unions as managements industrial police force. The 2009 bailout of the auto industry under Obama, which boosted profits to record levels by slashing wages for all new-hires in half, was carried out with the UAWs collaboration, for which they were rewarded with billions in GM stock. The role of the Obama administration was conveniently omitted by the Democratic Party presidential candidates, including self-styled progressive Elizabeth Warren and the democratic socialist Bernie Sanders, in their photo-op appearances on the picket line during the GM strike. It is not enough to complain about the rotten character of the UAWworkers must dedicate themselves to the building of a new leadership in the working class, which is completely independent of and in opposition to the UAW. The form this struggle must take is rank-and-file factory committees fighting, democratic organizations, which are led by the most trusted shop-floor militants, controlled by the ranks and committed to mobilizing the immense social power of autoworkers and other sections of the working class. These committees will take as their starting point, not what the corporations are willing to accept, but what workers and their families need. The fightback of autoworkers requires the adoption of a new political strategy, beginning with a break with the Democratic Party and the capitalist two-party system. The industrial mobilization of workers must be accompanied by the independent political organization of the working class in struggle against the entire capitalist class and all of its political representatives. The antipode to the nationalism, class collaboration and corporatism of the unions is socialism, based on an understanding that the class struggle of the working class inevitably leads to a revolution struggle by the working class to take the reins of political and economic power into its own hands. The private ownership of the major corporations and the arbitrary national divisions of the world must be abolished in order organize economic life in a rational and genuinely democratic way to meet the interests of the vast majority, not the wealthy few. The 2019 contracts are not the end, but the beginning. The intolerable conditions created by the contracts will generate deep dissatisfaction among autoworkers. A critical factor in the future struggles will the highly exploited, mostly younger temporary workers, thousands of whom will enter the plants over the course of the current contracts. The coming struggles in the factories will more and more merge with the fight against war and the threat to democratic rights. The success of rank-and-file committees will depend on the degree to which workers have been educated and politically trained as socialists. The history of the class struggle in the US and around the world has shown that a key section of politically and class-conscious workers can play a decisive role in guiding the struggles of tens of millions. Autoworkers cannot afford to wait another four years. They must move now and begin organizing themselves. The World Socialist Web Site and the Socialist Equality Party are doing everything to assist workers in building a new leadership. If you agree with this perspective and want to participate in this fight, contact us at autoworkers@wsws.org. GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Sometimes scientists make mistakes. Case in point is the chanchita, a South American freshwater fish that has been swimming in Florida's waters for at least two decades, all the while identified by experts as another invader, the black acara. Although the two species look strikingly similar, the black acara is tropical, a native of equatorial South America, while the subtropical chanchita isn't typically found north of Southern Brazil. Because the chanchita is more cold-tolerant, researchers say it could have a more widespread impact in Florida than the black acara and could threaten native species in North Central Florida ecosystems. "Even the professionals get it wrong," said Robert Robins, Florida Museum of Natural History ichthyology collection manager. "The chanchita has been right here, right under our noses. It's spread into seven different counties and five different river drainages in Florida, well beyond the Tampa Bay drainage where it appears to have been first introduced." Introduced by the pet trade, the black acara has been a well-known invader in the Miami area since the 1950s and is now common in South Florida. When a similar cichlid appeared in the waters draining into North Tampa Bay around 2000, scientists assumed the black acara was simply expanding its range or had been introduced a second time. The misidentification was finally spotted by sharp-eyed amateur fish collectors as well as Mary Brown, a biologist who studies non-native fishes. Brown questioned Robins' assertion that a specimen he brought home from holiday collecting near Tampa in 2017 was a black acara, Cichlasoma bimaculatum. Although the fish had the same general appearance, something wasn't adding up. "The body color and the pattern on the scales on its head just looked a little different," said Brown, a scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey Wetland and Aquatic Research Center. "It wasn't the same as the black acara I've come across while conducting non-native fish surveys in South Florida." Meanwhile Ryan Crutchfield, founder of the fish identification database FishMap.org, was getting feedback from amateur collectors that he'd misidentified a fish as a black acara for an article on the history of the species in Florida. Crutchfield, Robins and Brown took a closer look at the specimens in question, eventually identifying them as the chanchita, Cichlasoma dimerus. "I don't think anyone except for the amateurs who have an interest in fishes of Florida thought twice about whether or not these fish were black acara," Robins said. "They're out there collecting stuff while quite honestly a lot of us are stuck behind our computers typing emails." Because of their hardiness and bright colors, cichlids are often coveted by aquarists. But with about 1,900 species - 20 of which are invasive in Florida - and constant revision to the family's classification, cichlid identification becomes tricky, Robins said. Robins said that life color, or how a fish appears in its environment, was likely an essential indicator to amateur collectors the chanchita had found its way to Central Florida. Cichlids can change color according to their surroundings, temperament and time of day. But the colorful variations between species disappear in a laboratory setting, where they're often preserved in alcohol and lose nearly all coloration. "When we started going out into the field and collecting them and actually finding them in breeding condition or as dominant males, they're stunningly beautiful," Robins said. "I think that's what the amateur community was keying in on. They're the ones detecting life color, and that was really instructive in determining this was a different species." Once the researchers determined the Tampa invader wasn't a black acara, it came down to microscopic differences in physiology to identify the species as the chanchita. They relied on CT scanning to zoom in on the number of teeth in the specimen's outer lower jaw and tiny fingerlike structures along the fish's fourth gill arch. The Florida Museum's ichthyology collection was instrumental in providing insight into the chanchita's invasion timeline, with specimens dating back 20 years. These specimens had been incorrectly cataloged as black acara, but were key indicators of when the chanchita colonized Central Florida, where the species formed reproducing populations as early as 2000. Brown said non-native fish species like the chanchita have the potential to impact Florida's aquatic ecosystems by outcompeting native fishes for habitat and food resources. "Locating and identifying non-native fishes requires an interdisciplinary approach and coordination with partners from across the state," she said. "This finding is leading us to look at other non-native fish species - it's possible that there may be other fish out there that are misidentified, and properly identifying the species is critical for proper management." Florida is a welcoming arena for invaders to compete with native species and one another due to the state's intersection of tropical and temperate climates. Constant invasions pose a challenge to conservationists and can often threaten already-endangered native species. Robins said Florida waters could be the chanchita's first chance at meeting the black acara - and what happens afterward is anyone's guess. "Will they hybridize? Would it matter other than just making things more confusing? Are there other species of acara that have been let loose and established populations? What's actually happening in the environment?" Robins said. "Florida's aquatic ecosystems are, in a nutshell, one big experiment." ### Irans missile attack on two American bases in Iraq in response to the US strike that killed its top general is the culmination of nearly two years of steadily rising tensions since President Donald Trump withdrew from Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The two countries are now engaged in their most serious confrontation since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and takeover of the US embassy. Both sides have signalled restraint following the missile attack, but the threat of an all-out war remains. Here is a timeline of the main events leading up to this weeks hostilities: May 8 2018: President Donald Trump announces that the US is withdrawing from the nuclear deal signed by his predecessor Barack Obama, which had provided sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on Irans nuclear programme and stepped-up UN monitoring. Over the next several months, the US ratchets up sanctions, exacerbating an economic crisis in Iran. Statement on the Iran Nuclear Deal: https://t.co/O3SpryCKkc Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 8, 2018 November 5 2018: The US imposes tough sanctions on Irans oil industry, the lifeline of its economy, as secretary of state Mike Pompeo announces a list of 12 demands it must meet for sanctions relief. Iran rejects the wide-ranging demands, which include ending its support for armed groups in the region, withdrawing from the Syrian civil war and halting its ballistic missile programme. May 5 2019: The US announces the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and a bomber task force in response to a number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings, without providing details. It threatens unrelenting force in response to any attack. Story continues May 8 2019: Iran vows to enrich its uranium stockpile closer to weapons-grade levels if world powers fail to negotiate new terms for its nuclear deal. The European Union urges Iran to respect the nuclear deal and says it plans to continue trading with the country. Mr Trump says he would like Irans leaders to call me. May 12 2019: The United Arab Emirates says four commercial ships off its eastern coast were subjected to sabotage operations. Mr Trump warns that if Tehran does anything in the form of an attack, they will suffer greatly. June 13 2019: Two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz are hit in an alleged assault that leaves one ablaze and adrift as 44 sailors are evacuated from both vessels and the US navy rushes to assist. America later blames Iran for the attack, something Tehran denies. June 20 2019: Irans Revolutionary Guard shoots down a US military surveillance drone. Mr Trump says he called off a planned retaliatory strike on Iran over concerns about casualties. July 1 2019: Iran follows through on a threat to exceed the limit set by the nuclear deal on its stockpile of low-enriched uranium, which is used for civilian applications and not for nuclear weapons. (PA Graphics) September 14 2019: A drone attack on Saudi oil facilities temporarily cuts off half the oil supplies of the worlds largest producer, causing a spike in prices. The US says Iran carried out the attack directly, calling it an act of war against Saudi Arabia. Iran denies involvement, while the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claim responsibility. October 2019: Massive anti-government protests erupt in Lebanon and Iraq. While the protests are primarily driven by economic grievances, they target governments that are closely allied to Iran. In Iraq, protesters openly decry Tehrans influence and attack Iranian diplomatic facilities. November 2019: Protests break out in some 100 cities and towns in Iran after authorities raise the price of petrol. The scale of the protests and the resulting crackdown are hard to determine as authorities shut down the internet for several days. Amnesty International later estimates that more than 300 people were killed. December 27 2019: A US contractor is killed and several American and Iraqi troops are wounded in a rocket attack on a base in northern Iraq. The US blames the attack on Kataeb Hezbollah, one of several Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq. December 29 2019: US air strikes hit Kataeb Hezbollah positions in Iraq and Syria, killing at least 25 fighters and bringing vows of revenge. Iraq calls the strikes a flagrant violation of its sovereignty. A man waves an Iraqi flag in front of the US embassy in Baghdad (Nasser Nasser/AP) December 31 2019: Hundreds of Iran-backed militiamen and their supporters barge through an outer barrier of the US embassy in Baghdad and hold two days of violent protests in which they smash windows, set fires and throw rocks over the inner walls. US Marines guarding the facility respond with tear gas. There are no casualties on either side. January 3: A US air strike near Baghdads international airport kills General Qassem Soleimani, the leader of Irans elite Quds Force and the mastermind of its regional military interventions. A senior commander of Iran-backed militias in Iraq is also killed in the strike. Iran vows harsh retaliation. Mr Trump says he ordered the targeted killing to prevent a major attack. Congressional leaders and close US allies say they were not consulted on the strike, which many fear could ignite a war. January 5: Iran announces it will no longer abide by the nuclear deal and Iraqs parliament holds a non-binding vote calling for the expulsion of all US forces. Some 5,200 American troops are based in Iraq to help prevent a resurgence of so-called Islamic State. Mr Trump vows to impose sanctions on Iraq if it expels US troops. January 8: Iran launches several ballistic missiles on two bases in Iraq housing American troops in what it says is retaliation for the killing of Gen Soleimani. There are no immediate reports of US or Iraqi casualties. Mr Trump tweets that All is well!. Irans supreme leader says we slapped them on the face but that military action is not enough. WASHINGTON - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that he is prepared to begin President Donald Trump's impeachment trial with no agreement with Democrats on witnesses, even as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signaled she is not ready to transmit the impeachment articles until she knows more about how Republicans would conduct the Senate proceedings. That the top two congressional leaders were hardening their respective positions indicated the standoff at the Capitol over launching Trump's trial - only the third in history of a U.S. president - would drag on, even as members of Pelosi's own party in the Senate said Tuesday that it was time to proceed with the initial phase of the trial. Pelosi, D-Calif., told House Democrats in a closed-door meeting Tuesday evening that she would not send the two charges - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress - to the Senate because she wanted to see the specific rules of procedure for a trial, according to three people present for the remarks who spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk frankly. "I think it's the most important action, short of declaring war, that this Congress will do. And to have a trial on whether or not the president has abused the Constitution and violated it - to go into it without assurances that it would be fair would be wrong to the American public," said Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), a member of the House Judiciary Committee. Earlier at his own closed-door meeting and at a news conference, McConnell (R-Ky.) announced that he has the votes to begin the trial in the format that he and most of his members have long envisioned: opening arguments for both the House impeachment managers and Trump's defense team, as well as ample time for senators to submit questions in writing. Under the majority leader's plan, a decision on whether to call witnesses would be made once that first phase of the trial is over - a move announced Tuesday to put the pressure back on Pelosi amid simmering frustration from GOP senators over the speaker's delay in sending the articles. That echoes the format of former president Clinton's trial 21 years ago, and McConnell has been able to persuade his members that Trump should be treated in the same fashion as Clinton. Asked if he could guarantee witnesses will be called, McConnell said that matter would be discussed after the Senate votes to proceed - not before. "The way it works, at the risk of being redundant, is that 51 senators determine what we do, and there will be, I'm sure, an intense discussion . . . about the whole witness issue," McConnell said. "The people calling the witnesses won't necessarily be us; it will be the prosecution or the defense." Though the House voted on Dec. 18 to impeach the president, Pelosi has declined to send the two articles of impeachment to the Senate, effectively hamstringing the chamber from launching the trial. Pelosi's refusal to transmit the articles as she sought information about the scope of the trial, including witnesses, has also spurred a number of Republican senators to craft legislation and strategize about how they could begin the trial without the House's blessing. But McConnell, speaking privately to his members, made clear that he would not make any moves on a trial until the articles had been formally transmitted. McConnell's remarks inside the lunch was confirmed by two officials who requested anonymity to discuss a private meeting. Senate Republican leaders did a final vote check of their 53 members Tuesday morning to make sure they had the votes for McConnell's plan, according to a GOP senator familiar with the discussions. For weeks, Democrats have been pressuring a cadre of persuadable Republican senators to demand a slate of four witnesses before the trial begins. Their efforts only ramped up Monday after former national security adviser John Bolton, who would have firsthand knowledge of Trump's demands of Ukraine and the delay in military aid, said that he would testify if subpoenaed by the Senate. But Bolton's announcement did not move any of the Republicans who may have sided with Democrats, such as Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who both indicated Monday that a decision on witnesses could be made further into the trial. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, has said he would like to hear from Bolton but did not endorse subpoenaing him to provide testimony. "The Clinton trial process provided a pathway for there to be witnesses," Romney said Tuesday. "And presuming we have a process like that, again I would be able to support the Clinton impeachment process." In January 1999, the Senate voted unanimously after the trial began on a framework that gave the opposing sides 24 hours each to make their opening arguments, as well as 16 hours allotted to the senators for questioning. A vote on calling witnesses did not happen until weeks into the trial. But this time, the partisan sniping over witnesses spilled into the open even before McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., sat down to negotiate in earnest over the structure of Trump's trial - making a bipartisan deal unlikely from the start. "We've gotten so snarled up with debate over witnesses that the two leaders haven't been able to come to terms on this first phase," Murkowski, who met privately with McConnell on Monday evening, said Tuesday. Stressing her support for the majority leader's plan, she added: "I'm going to make sure that we've laid out very clearly what this framework is in terms of timeline and the ability to move to witnesses." After McConnell's announcement Tuesday that he would effectively steamroll Democrats, but before Pelosi's comments to her members later that day, Schumer argued that Pelosi secured what she wanted by delaying sending the articles to the Senate: A clearer view of how McConnell planned to run the trial. "Let me say this: By not sending the articles immediately, she has already accomplished two things which we fully support," Schumer said. "One, Mitch McConnell couldn't do what some thought he might want to do - right before Christmas or after Christmas, just dismiss." Schumer added: "And second, in the last two weeks there has been a cascade of evidence that bolsters the case, strongly bolsters the case for witnesses and documents, so now we have a greater feel for where we're headed." But a wide array of Schumer's rank-and-file - from the most moderate Democrats to the caucus's liberal flank - were more blunt than their leader, saying it was time to begin the trial. "I think that's up to her," Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said on whether Pelosi should transmit the articles to the Senate promptly. "But I do think we need to get this thing going." Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said now that it is clear McConnell has Republicans in line against a witness deal, "I think the time has passed. She should send the articles over." "I think it needs to start; I really do," added Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. He argued that the delay helped prompt Bolton's statement Monday that he would be willing to testify in the Senate, and added: "Let us do what we have to do over here." The White House's chief liaison to Capitol Hill on Tuesday endorsed McConnell's strategy. "We're very heartened that there's a majority in order to be able to move on ahead under a process that is clear, defined, represents the president, and that we're able to operate inside of whenever the speaker sends the articles over," Eric Ueland, the legislative affairs director, told reporters on Capitol Hill. "We welcome the progress and we're hopeful that the articles come over as quickly as possible so we can get underway as quickly as possible." What remains unclear is whether Bolton would be summoned by the House, if not the Senate for now. Though he said he would be ready to testify before the Senate, Bolton's statement Monday was silent on whether he would do the same for the House, and his lawyer did not elaborate when asked. From the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump did not weigh in on whether Bolton should appear before the Senate, which the president said was a decision for senators and for the lawyers. Still, Trump said Bolton "would know nothing about what we're talking about, because as you know the Ukrainian government came out with a very strong statement, no pressure, no anything." A senior White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to talk frankly, said Bolton provided no notice of his decision Monday, and the White House would exert executive privilege if he sought to include any deliberations with the president in his testimony. - - - The Washington Post's Josh Dawsey, Colby Itkowitz, Elise Viebeck and John Wagner contributed to this report. Incredible photos have revealed the resilience of the nation's wildlife as bushfires ravage Australia. Vibrant green and pink sprouts have been captured pushing through the blackened grounds of bushfire-torn New South Wales, fighting back despite the drought and ongoing fire crisis. The new life has offered a sense of hope in an otherwise emotional time for many coping with the impacts of the fires. The images of the vegetation regrowth were captured on the New South Wales Central Coast by local photographer Mary Voorwinde The images were captured on an outing by two local photographers around the Kulnura area of the New South Wales Central Coast. One of those was Mary Voorwinde, who shared the images to her Facebook page 'Photography by Mary'. She accompanied Terrigal Resident Murray Lowe on a visit to several private properties on the fringes of a state forest in Kulnura on January 6. Ms Voorwinde captioned her post with an emotional message describing the sense of hope she felt after seeing the new life. 'With all that is lost in nature, there is hope of life again. Voorwinde described the fire grounds as 'eerie but beautiful' after seeing vegetation regrowth in the otherwise burnt-out area of Kulnura on the New South Wales Central Coast (pictured) 'After a quick trip out to Kulnura today and talking to some of the locals Lee and Mick, who faced the fierce fires before Christmas, it was a humbling experience to visit their property and hear their stories. 'They spoke of the brave fire fighters and emergency service personnel who helped them through some of the most scariest times of their lives. 'Stories of sounds so loud it was deafening, the intensity of heat and the shear power and speed of the fire just incomprehensible, lucky for them their house was saved, but only just,' she wrote. Pictured: Fires swept through Kulnura on the New South Wales Central coast just before Christmas but life is already returning to the area The keen landscape photographer went out looking for a happy news story after seeing all the 'doom and gloom' in the media. Ms Voorwinde said it was truly a symbol of hope in among all the images of dead wildlife and burnt out homes. 'I wanted to show that nature was saying it's going to be okay.' Pictured: Photographer Mary Voorwinde said the regrowth in the wake of the New South Wales bushfires was 'vast' 'It was eerie being there and then in amongst all this ash and black burnt trunks was all this rejuvenation. It gives you hope,' she said. The 'Three Mile' fire burnt 45,944 hectares outside Kulnara before being controlled by fire authorities. The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital has also shared a series of photos in the aftermath of the fires on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. Port Macquarie Koala Hospital has also shared a series of photos of regrowth in the Bril Bril State Forest in the aftermath of the fires on the mid-north coast of New South Wales Pictured: The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital said the regrowth in Port Macquarie 'brought a smile to their faces' after fires hit the region in early November The region was one of the first to be hit by high temperatures and catastrophic fires in early November. Photos capture regrowth around the Bril Bril State Forest. 'It's promising to see this State Forest regenerating after the bushfires. New shoots from the trunks of koala food trees, and the sprouting undergrowth brought a smile to our faces,' the post reads. Pictured: The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital captured new growth in Bril Bril State Forest in New South Wales after the bushfires hit the mid-north coast (ANSA) - Rome, January 8 - Premier Giuseppe Conte on Wednesday called a meeting at his office Friday morning with representatives of the majority and the opposition to discuss military missions in the Middle Eastern area, after the escalation in Iraq, sources said. The talks are expected to involve Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio and Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini, the sources said. They are also aimed at updating the parties on the situation in Libya, majority sources said. After Alia Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu, Swara Bhasker and others, Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan expressed his strong stand against the mob violence which took place at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University on Sunday. The Street Dancer actor condemned the terrifying incident while speaking to a group of reporters in Madhya Pradesh during the promotions of his upcoming film. Varun said, "I think we cannot stay neutral in such issues. You have to condemn such attacks. "It is dangerous and sad if masked people enter an educational institution and all this (assault, vandalism) happens." When quizzed on whether there was a "divide" in Bollywood on the incident going by the vast number of tweets and posts on social media from the fraternity, Varun said, "I am not going to get into what people are saying on Twitter on this issue." On being asked to react on the tweets against the Centre on the JNU campus mayhem, the actor feigned ignorance and added, "I have been promoting my film for the past three days and have not read statements of these people." "But the police will investigate it. As an Indian, I have full faith in the police and judiciary. I hope those involved in this incident get severe punishment as soon as possible," he further said. Varun said that everybody, especially parents, wanted students to remain safe in campuses and added that the need now was for peace and stability and for all people to act unitedly. He further said, "It is easy to sit here and say whether this or that man is wrong, Meanwhile on Tuesday night, Deepika Padukone visited the JNU campus in Delhi toto express solidarity with students who were attacked by a mob. The Chhapaak actress's presence on the campus evoked mixed reaction on social media. Deepika Padukone Visits JNU Campus, Stands In Solidarity With Students; Pictures Ajay Devgn Talks About JNU Violence: 'Whoever Is Doing It, It Is Wrong; It's Harming Our Country' COCONUT GROVE, Fla., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- For one evening in December, Miami's Coconut Grove neighborhood was transformed into a winter wonderland. One Park Financial, a Miami-based financial technology firm and small business funding facilitator, was one of the local companies that helped make the magic happen at the Grove's 7th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. One Park Financial sponsored 10 trees for the event, which was organized by the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID) and took place on Sunday, Dec. 8 in the Grove's Commodore Plaza. Dozens of Christmas trees were donated to local families in need. Event attendees also got to visit Santa in his cozy cabin for photos, explore a pop-up Holiday Village featuring miniature replicas of local restaurants and retailers, and vote for the best decorated store. Local bands played music ranging from Bahamian to classic, carols to jazz. Kids could join Olaf the Snowman to celebrate with seasonal art including face painting, ornament decorating, and temporary tattooing. "It was great seeing people enjoying what the neighborhood has to offer. Coconut Grove is a really special place, we even call our team members 'Grovies' to reflect how much we appreciate and support this community," says One Park Financial's CEO John Lie-Nielsen. "This event is a perfect example of how important it is to support local businesses like the many amazing small companies in Coconut Grove; they help to build and sustain unique, thriving communities." The festivities culminated with the official tree lighting ceremony led by Chairman of the Coconut Grove BID and Miami Commissioner Ken Russell. Along with One Park Financial, sponsors included Miami Kids Magazine, Cocowalk, Schwartz Media Strategies, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Shell Lumber, and the Coconut Grove BID. To learn more about One Park Financial, visit www.oneparkfinancial.com. Photo(s): https://www.prlog.org/12805081 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE One Park Financial Related Links https://www.oneparkfinancial.com The golden voice of Irish radio has signed off the airwaves. Veteran DJ Larry Gogan (85) died yesterday following a battle with illness. Late last year the beloved DJ had spoken about the loss in 2002 of his wife of 39 years, Florrie, and said he believed they would meet again. "People say time heals all wounds but I don't think it does," he said. "I still grieve for Florrie... I do believe we will meet again. I do believe there is something else." Yesterday morning, on the day of the funeral of his colleague Marian Finucane, it was announced Gogan, who was with RTE for more than 50 years, had also died. Expand Close Larry Gogan, with his daughters Orla and Grainne on the red carpet at the 2007 Meteor Ireland Music Awards. Photo: RollingNews.ie / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Larry Gogan, with his daughters Orla and Grainne on the red carpet at the 2007 Meteor Ireland Music Awards. Photo: RollingNews.ie His daughter Sinead Gogan said the flood of kind words from people across the country and beyond had been a source of comfort. "We can feel the love. We're getting messages. It's just so moving and touching to hear what everyone has to say about your father," she said, speaking on RTE Radio One's Liveline. "We're all just heartbroken. He'd be so embarrassed if he heard what everyone was saying, he'd be scarlet." Heartfelt Expand Close Larry Gogan in the studio / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Larry Gogan in the studio She was speaking as stars from the worlds of music and broadcasting paid heartfelt tribute to Gogan. U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jnr told RTE: "Our friendship was not traditional, as in we didn't spend countless hours together we didn't need to. "Just the few interviews and the occasional long lunch. We connected somehow. Maybe it was our shared northside credentials or most likely the constant messages back and forth through our mutual friend Paul Russell. "Just checking in on each other and trying to set up the next lunch. Expand Close 2FM DJ Larry Gogan and his wife Florrie / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp 2FM DJ Larry Gogan and his wife Florrie "Larry's cultural obituary will be written by someone a lot cleverer than me. This is personal - not professional. And so to Larry sadly we lost you today but the next time I promise you Larry, I'll come and find you on the other side." Speaking about learning of his death, the U2 star added: "It took me a while to process that. I thought of his children and grandchildren and then selfishly felt sorry for myself." Bob Geldof, of the Boomtown Rats, spoke of the importance of Gogan to the Irish music industry at a time of change in Irish society. "Larry was one of the voices that could usher in music, which in turn articulated the attitude of those arguments," he said, speaking on RTE Radio One. "A very good man, very important to contemporary music in Ireland." Expand Close Larry Gogan and his son Gerry in the studio in 1993. Photo: Kevin Clancy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Larry Gogan and his son Gerry in the studio in 1993. Photo: Kevin Clancy From the Just A Minute Quiz to the Golden Hour, fellow broadcaster Joe Duffy called Gogan "the soundtrack to our lives" between the 1960s and 2020s. "I visited him 10 days ago, he was in his usual great form with his loving family, his beautiful honeyed voice, the quick wit and deep intelligence shone through," he said. Pat Kenny spoke of his work with Gogan covering the Eurovision song contest. "I did travel again and again with Larry in Scandinavia and all sorts of places. The memories are quite vivid of a lovely man," he said. "He was the best of company. He was absolutely pleasant. "Years ago, there was a drink called the Carlsberg special and Larry had no tolerance for alcohol at all so two of those and he became hugely entertaining." Author Roddy Doyle, who named the dog Larry Gogan in The Snapper after the presenter, said he understood Mr Gogan quite liked it. "I only met him a few times. The first time I met was in a hotel in New York, Halloween 1998," he said. "The lift doors opened and there was Larry Gogan. The two of us looked at each other and burst out laughing." First published in the Sydney Morning Herald on January 10, 1997 Australia's heroic efforts to save shipwrecked yachtsmen from deep in the Southern Ocean ended with a miracle yesterday when the 58-year-old Englishman Tony Bullimore emerged alive from the overturned hull of his yacht. Front page of the SMH, 10 January, 1997. Credit:Sydney Morning Herald Just four hours before Bullimore swam out of what many rescuers had believed would be his tomb, the French yachtsman Thierry Dubois, just 50 kilometres away, was hoisted from his liferaft by an Australian Navy helicopter and flown to safety aboard HMAS Adelaide. About 9 am Perth time, six sailors from the Adelaide approached Bullimore's capsized yacht in an inflatable boat. E mma Mackey lead the red carpet for the premiere of Sex Education 2 on Wednesday night. The show, which chronicles a group of teenagers as they navigate sex and relationships alongside their studies, has seen huge success and excellent reviews. It stars actors such as Gillian Anderson, Asa Butterfield, Ncuti Gatwa and Mackey and will soon return to streaming service Netflix. To mark the occasion, the stars of the show turned out in force for the premiere at the Genesis Cinema in east London. Vision in red: Emma Mackey looked delighted to be at the premiere / Getty Images Mackey, 24, led the red carpet in a bright red dress with extravagantly long sleeves. Her co-star, Charli Howard, also wore red for the event but instead opted for a red coat with furry cuffs and lapels. Patricia Allison opted for a black dress with white spots while Hannah Waddingham kept it simple with a navy blue coat and brown ankle boots. Hot for the spot: Patricia Allison in a black and white polka dot dress / Getty Images Meanwhile Butterfield, 22, went more casual in a white t-shirt and a navy and black checked suit. His co-star, Gatwa, 27, wore a light blue corduroy suit, white shirt and accessorised with white trainers. Connor Swindells also joined his friends in with a suit, but in a bold, brick red colour with a peach coloured shirt. Mackey previously revealed she feared she might be too prudish to play Maeve Wiley in Sex Education. Trendsetter: Ncuti Gatwa flashes a smile / Getty Images In her role, Maeve has sex on screen numerous time and the actress said she was initially taken aback by the explicitness of the script. Speaking on Belstaffs The Road Less Travelled podcast, hosted by Reggie Yates, Mackey said: The first time I even read the script, I was like I don't know if I can do this. Regardless, I never thought I was going to get the part in the first place. I was like you might as well just try but reading the script, I was so taken aback by it. I was like I can't, I don't know if I can. I was quite prudish about it all anyway." She added: Luckily like we were just really well looked after from start to finish, even before we started filming, we were given all of these tools by Ita OBrien, who's the intimacy coordinator. The Delhi Police was yet to make any arrest three days after the attack on students and teachers of the JNU even as the Centre said on Wednesday that the police got vital clues about the identities of the masked assailants and is on the verge of cracking the case. As JNU Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar continued to face criticism for not taking immediate measures when violence broke out on the JNU campus on Sunday evening, he was advised by the Human Resources Development (HRD) Ministry to take steps to restore normalcy. Kumar was also urged by the ministry officials during a meeting to be more communicative with students and the faculty and to take them into confidence and facilitate the semester registration process. With a breakthrough elusive, government sources said the Delhi Police has obtained vital leads and a lot of positive efforts were going on for the identification of the masked people who were seen indulging in the violence on Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU) campus. The sources said police personnel were on "extra alert" on Wednesday following mobilisation of students and teachers on the campus. The situation on the campus remained tense amid heavy police deployment even as several students continue to stay off-campus after the Sunday violence. Only students with valid identification card are being allowed inside the campus. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Devender Arya said the situation in JNU is under control. "At the request of JNU administration, the police presence will continue," he added. As the demand for Kumar's resignation grew louder, JNU Teachers' Association(JNUTA) said the attack on the campus could not have been possible without the connivance of the varsity administration and deliberate inaction by police. It also slammed Kumar for asking students to put the past behind and return to the varsity premises. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram took a dig at Kumar, saying he should take his own advice of putting the past behind and leave the university. "Higher Secretary Amit Khare and G C Hosur had a meeting with JNU VC at the ministry today about the efforts being made to restore normalcy on campus. He informed the officials about efforts being made for facilitating semester registration for willing students and a conducive environment for their academic pursuits," a HRD ministry official said. On Sunday, a mob of masked men stormed the campus and targeted students in three hostels, unleashing mayhem with sticks, stones and iron rods, hitting inmates and breaking windows, furniture and personal belongings. Police officials also said they have received 11 complaints, including one lodged by a professor in connection with the violence. The police has come under attack for not acting when the mob was running riot on the campus, and especially for naming student union leaders, including JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh in the two FIRs related to vandalism on the campus. No one has been named as an accused in the case. Following this, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury alleged the Delhi Police was a "puppet" of the Modi government and demanded a court-monitored probe into the JNU violence, saying a "pre-judged" police inquiry has no "credibility". The Congress said it was the "new normal" in the country with the victim being named rather than the perpetrator. On Wednesday, political leaders and activists continued to flock to the university campus to express solidarity with the students. DMK leader and party MP M Kanimozhi interacted with university students, including Aishe Ghosh. "The entire country is with you. Don't lose heart. There are many people who have condemned it... We will raise the issue. We will fight for you," she told the students. A fact finding committee of the Congress comprising India Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev, party MP from Ernakulam Hibi Eden, former NSUI president of JNU unit Syed Nasser Hussain and former NSUI president and ex-president of Delhi University Students' Union Amrita Dhawan interacted with students on the issue. Statements of students were video-graphed. Dev slammed the HRD Ministry and the Delhi government for not sending a fact finding committee even to talk to the students who faced the attack. There was also a war of words over actress Deepika Padukone going to the JNU to express solidarity with the students on Tuesday. On one hand, there were calls to boycott her upcoming movie 'Chhapaak', while on the other several lauded her move to back JNU students. Amid calls, including from some BJP functionaries, to boycott the movie, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said not just artistes, even a common man can go anywhere to express their opinion in a democracy like India. Outside the campus, support grew louder for the JNU students. The Delhi University Coordination Committee took out a march to express solidarity with the JNU students and against alleged police inaction. The students at St. Stephen College also boycotted classes in solidarity with the JNU students and in protest against the amended citizenship law. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi received a letter from King Abdullah II of Jordan on Wednesday, voicing the kingdom's commitment to coordination on various issues. The monarch's Adviser for Communication and Coordination Bisher Al-Khasawneh handed the letter to President El-Sisi during a meeting in Cairo. Khasawneh conveyed the king's greetings to President El-Sisi, who commended the robust fraternal ties between the two countries, presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said. El-Sisi said he looks forward to continued coordination with Jordan on various levels, especially in light of the challenges looming large in the region. The two sides asserted the need to work for furthering economic cooperation and increasing trade exchange, the spokesman added. Exchanging views on the latest regional developments, especially the situation in Libya and the Gulf region, they also agreed on the importance of consolidated efforts to de-escalate tensions and preserve Gulf security. Search Keywords: Short link: Govt advises against travel to Iraq; may evacuate Indian nationals from Iran The ministry of external affairs today issued an advisory asking Indian nationals to avoid travel to Iraq until further notice in view of the prevailing situation in the Middle East. It also said the Navy stands ready to evacuate Indians from Iran it the need arises. The government has also asked Indian carriers to avoid the airspace of Iran, Iraq and the Gulf of Oman following tension in the region. Directorate General of Civil Aviation is also reported to have held meetings with concerned airlines and have sensitised them to remain vigilant and take all precautions." "In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq," spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, Raveesh Kumar, said. He, however, said, "Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq." Amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran over the killing of latter's top general - Qassem Soleimani earlier this week, the MEA said Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trikhand may be deployed for evacuation of Indians from Iran, if required. ''The Indian Naval Ship INS Trikhand, which is in the Gulf of Oman since September last year, can be deployed for evacuation of Indians if the need arises,'' the MEA spokesperson said at a press briefing, The MEA spokesperson further said that the government is also keeping a close watch on the developing US-Iran geo-political tensions. Middle east tensions mounted after Tehran launched retaliatory short-range ballistic missiles at two US military bases in Iraq. Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif on Wednesday said that his country took `proportionate measures in self-defence` and that it does not seek any escalation or war. "Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," Zarif said in a tweet. Meanwhile, an Ukranian plane carrying 180 passengers and crew onboard crashed near the airport in Tehran and all occupants were killed, an Iranian emergency official told state television. The plane, said to be a Boeing 737, is suspected to have crashed near Irans International Imam Khomeini airport from where it had taken off due to technical issues, media reports said. The crash came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack targeting two bases in Iraq housing US forces in retaliation for the killing of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps General Qassem Soleimani. Ottawa police say an 18-year-old was killed and three other young people seriously injured in a shooting in downtown Ottawa Wednesday morning, in an apartment rented out through Airbnb. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Ottawa police say an 18-year-old was killed and three other young people seriously injured in a shooting in downtown Ottawa Wednesday morning, in an apartment rented out through Airbnb. Acting Insp. Francois DAoust said at the scene that police believe the attack was targeted and there was no "active shooter" in the city, contrary to an immediate warning from the Parliamentary Protective Service, which guards nearby Parliament Hill. Police inspect the scene of a shooting in downtown Ottawa on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Reevely But the police had nobody in custody nor even a description of the person they were looking for, according to a statement released late in the morning. It said investigators were satisfied there was no national-security element to the incident. Officers were called to a building on Gilmour Street in Ottawa's Centretown neighbourhood at about 7:30 Wednesday morning amid reports of multiple gunshots. The Ottawa Paramedic Service reported that one person was pronounced dead at the scene, and three others were taken to hospital in serious condition with gunshot wounds. Police inspect the scene of a shooting in downtown Ottawa on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick The teenager who died was identified late in the day as Manyok Akol. The other victims are all males, aged 20, 19 and 15, police said. Mark Ignatiev lives nearby and said the home where the shooting took place is an Airbnb with units on two floors. Ignatiev said the shooting was in the first-floor unit. He saw two people being taken out of the home on stretchers. One appeared to have a leg wound and the other a wound on his arm, he said. One of the men told police he was 20 years old, Ignatiev said. He also said he watched police retrieve what looked like a gun from a neighbouring yard. Ignatiev said the neighbourhood is colourful, and ambulances are common. The area, just west of busy Bank Street, is a mix of downtown single-family homes, duplexes and rowhouses and is sprinkled with taller apartments. "This is a neighbourhood that has a lot of things happening," he said. Kacey Griffiths, who lives next to the house where the shooting occurred, said she woke up to find heavily armed police surrounding the building. She says she watched as police thoroughly searched the residence before two young people were taken away on stretchers. Stay informed The latest updates on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 delivered to your inbox every weeknight. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Paramedics were working on a third person in the backyard, she added. "They were both people I've never seen before," said Griffiths, who admitted to having been shaken by the shooting. "I'm very local here, I know my neighbours. I've never seen these people in my life." Griffiths, who suspected the shooting was gang-related, said the street was previously rocked by a shooting last May. Police at the time reported that a car had been struck by bullets but that there were no injuries. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he has spoken with Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson about the shooting and the investigation. "My heart goes out to everyone affected, and I hope all those injured have a speedy recovery," Trudeau said in a message on Twitter Wednesday, where he also thanked the police and paramedics for their quick response. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2020. The CNN reporter implies that this demonstrates how volatile and dangerous General Suleimani was. But the F.B.I. was unable to establish that the bombing of the Rogers vehicle was an act of Iranian terrorism; the case remains open. And the attack on Iran Air 655 by the Vincennes wasnt, in any meaningful sense, accidental and it killed 290 people, 66 of them children. In 1988 I traveled to Iran for the funerals of those 290 civilians. Their bodies had been fished from the water of the Persian Gulf and brought home for burial. My editor called me as I left for Tehran, asking me to consider the possibility that Iran shot down the plane itself, since she thought it odd that the recovered bodies were unclothed. Did they put naked corpses in that plane before they shot it down? she asked. She could be forgiven for not knowing the relevant physics: Clothing would be torn from the passengers bodies as the exploding plane plummeted from the sky into the sea. It was harder to forgive her cultural unawareness: A state as obsessed with modesty as Iran was to the extent of covering every hair on a womans head and every male kneecap would never consider undressing bodies before blowing them up. Ignorance surrounded and still surrounds that tragedy. In the immediate aftermath of the downing of Iran Air 655, the United States militarys prevarications came thick and fast: The plane wasnt in the civilian air corridor. (It was.) It didnt have its transponder turned on. (It did.) It was descending toward the Vincennes. (It wasnt.) The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centrefor a caste-based Censusto find out the population of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) across the country. The resolution was moved suo moto ("on its own") by Speaker Nana Patole and unanimously adopted by the Lower House. A special one-day session of the state legislature was held to ratify the Constitution Amendment bill, which was passed by Parliament on December 11. "The new Census will be taken up in 2021. There is need for the data of OBC population so that they can be given benefits of development," the Speaker said. He said many delegations of OBCs have met him demanding such enumeration. "The House can pass a resolution seeking caste-based Censusto find out the OBC population," Patole said. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the issue can be discussed in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) first and then taken up in the Budget session beginning next month. ParliamentaryAffairs Minister Anil Parab also said that only the business finalised by the BAC for the day should be taken up by the House. Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said the opposition would support such resolution whenever it is taken up. At this point, Patole saidthat taking up the issue (caste-based Census) next month would be too late. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal of NCP said the demand for a caste-based Censusis long pending. After the Speaker read out the resolution, the House passed it by a voice vote. The Assembly has total 288 members. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Photo: Spiritleaf The owner of West Kelownas first cannabis store, Mike Adams, is a former MMA fighter. Cannabis helped him through injury. Its a rough sport, a ton of contact, and I had some bad injuries," he told me. "I had a neck injury that caused a ton of nerve pain. I was on opiates for about two to three weeks, and I just felt awful. A family member of mine said try this out and he had a medical licence so I got into a bit. When I started using it I felt a big difference in using medical cannabis versus pharmaceutical drugs. More and more as the stigmas lifted, people are more open to talk about their experiences, he said. Read the full Q&A with Mike about life, cannabis and other things. *** Longtime operators of Mary Janes Headquarters, Chris and Jackie Gayford, became the second in Kelowna to open a cannabis retail store. They own Cheeba Cheebas, located a couple doors down from their Mary Jane HQ store in Rutland. Theyll soon open a second Cheeba Cheebas in West Kelowna. There are now nearly 30 licensed private cannabis stores in the Okanagan, as well as four government stores. (Not all have opened yet.) *** A few people have asked me about edibles now that Cannabis 2.0 products are available in Okanagan cannabis retail stores. Here are the most common questions Ive been asked: Do I have to keep edibles in the fridge? Health Canada regulations state the products must be shelf-stable. That means they can be safely stored at room temperature and dont have to be kept refrigerated. Make sure you keep them safely away from kids and pets. How much do I eat? Everyone is different. If youre timid, just start with a 2.5mg dose of THC about one square off a chocolate bar. Ive felt mild effects at about 4mg. For some, eating a whole 10mg chocolate bar isnt enough to faze them. *** Nearly half of Canadians want vaping products banned, an Angus Reid poll has found. Forty-six percent of Canadians want a total ban on vaping products; however, 33% say that would be a step too far. Despite the sentiment, vaping continues to spread. The Angus Reid Institute found that in 2019, one-quarter of Canadians now say they have vaped. Health Canada recently has announced an expansion of its intention to better understand cannabis vaping products now on the market through Cannabis 2.0. *** The biggest cannabis tradeshow in Canada is in Vancouver this weekend. More than 18,000 people will be at Lift & Co.s Cannabis Business Conference and Expo Vancouver 2020, starting Friday. Held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, its a chance to mingle and see whats trending in the industry. There will also be a special panel on psychedelics. More info here. *** Ask him almost anything... An employee with the BC Cannabis Store has offered to answer questions on Reddits r/thebccs, a forum where users discuss legal cannabis products. It will take place on Thursday at 11 a.m. *** Email questions or tips to [email protected]. Gov. Andrew Cuomo today proposed a $3 billion environmental bond act aimed at creating what he called the nations most aggressive program to reduce the risk of floods and restore wildlife habitat. The bond act would be part of Cuomos long-term plan to fight climate change and make New York more resilient to combating its impact on the environment. Cuomo provided an overview of the plan at his 2020 State of the State address in Albany. The governor said the bond act would connect streams and waterways, restore freshwater and tidal wetlands and reclaim natural floodplains as a method to reduce the risk of flooding in the state. New York would restock some 200 million shellfish off the coat of Long Island, upgrade fish hatcheries across the state, create more open space and plant more trees to help restore wildlife habitats. The Restore Mother Nature initiative would seek to restore up to 10,000 acres of freshwater wetlands, and reconnect or replant 10,000 miles of stream habitat, Cuomo said. Cuomo did not provide specific details about plans affecting the Lake Ontario shoreline or the state-run Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar. The hatchery is due to receive $5 million in upgrades this year. Read more Cuomos State of the State address: What it means for Central New York Albanys 2020 NY agenda: marijuana, guns, vaping, healthcare, voting reforms Cuomo to OK $75M Syracuse STEAM high school, training center NY promises $9M for nations largest indoor drone testing site in Oneida County Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. TORONTOCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed his government will get answers after a Ukrainian passenger jet crashed, killing at least 63 Canadians, just minutes after taking off from Irans capital. The flight included many international students and a family of four. Trudeau said Wednesday his foreign minister is in touch with the government of Ukraine and his transport minister is reaching out to his international counterparts. Getting answers from Iran might prove difficult as Canada closed its embassy in Iran in 2012 and suspended diplomatic relations. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States calls for cooperation with any investigation into the cause of the crash. The crash of the Ukraine International Airlines plane came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. soldiers, but Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue brought down the 3-year-old Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Ukrainian officials initially agreed, but later backed away and declined to offer a cause while the investigation is ongoing. Our government will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated, and that Canadians questions are answered, Trudeau said in a statement. Trudeau is due to give a news conference later Wednesday. The plane carried 167 passengers and nine crew members from different nations. I join Canadians across the country who are shocked and saddened to see reports that a plane crash outside of Tehran, Iran, has claimed the lives of 176 people, including 63 Canadians, Trudeau said. I offer our deepest condolences to those who have lost family, friends, and loved ones in this tragedy. Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said later said at least 63 Canadians died and as more information becomes available, including details on dual citizens, the number of deceased Canadians could change. Its one of the worst losses of life for Canadians in an aviation disaster. In 1985 a bomb exploded and killed 329 people aboard an Air India flight. Air India Flight 182 from Montreal to New Delhi exploded over the Atlantic Ocean near Great Britain on June 23, 1985. Most of the victims were Canadian. Canadian Transport Minister Marc Garneau said Canada is offering technical assistance to the upcoming investigation in Iran. The Tehran to Toronto route via Kyiv is an affordable route for Iranian Canadians and international students. There are no direct flights. Payman Paseyan, a member of the Iranian-Canadian community in Edmonton, Alberta, said about 27 people from Edmonton, including international students and a family of four that he knew, were on the flight. Two professors from the University of Alberta, Pedram Mousavibafrooei and Mojgan Daneshmand, and their daughters Daria and Dorina died. He said he often would go to the gym with the father and described him as a nice guy who often visited his former restaurant with his family. I am not aware of any extended family members that they have here. Its just terrible, Paseyan said. He said most of victims were visiting family in Iran over the holidays. He said many were dual citizens and many were international students. One of the reasons why you take that flight is you wouldnt want to take a flight that has a connection in the United States because international students cant do that, he said. Paseyan said members of the Iranian-Canadian community learned of the crash while being glued to the news after Tuesdays missile attacks in Iraq. Many were expecting their friends and families members to come back and were aware of the flight they were on, said Paseyan, a former president of the Iranian Heritage Society of Edmonton. They were worried about their family members that were in Iran, and now this has compounded that with worry for the community. He said there are questions about what caused the crash but said thats not the focus right now. There is speculation but the community is not worried about what caused this. We lost our community members. Whether its a missile, mishap or a technical issue or whatever, we want our community members. We lost one percent of our Edmonton Iranian community members on that flight. Its just terrible, he said. The University of Guelph in Canada said two PhD students, as well as the partner of one of the students, were among the 176 who died. Ghanimat Azhdari was a student in the department of geography and Milad Ghasemi was a student in marketing. Azhdaris partner, Hamed Alibeiki, also died. Western University said four of their students died. Three were current graduate students and one was an incoming graduate student. They did not name the students. The University of Waterloo also said two PhD students names were on a list of passengers provided by the airline, but did not confirm whether they made it onto the plane. Hamid Gharajeh, of the Iran Democratic Association of Canada, said hes spoken to families and friends of some of the victims. Many aboard were students on their way back to Canada after the holiday break, he said. Our hearts go out for all these young people who are just trying to get back to their lives, Gharajeh said in Toronto. Its unfortunate. Canada is urging Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation, but the travel advisory makes no mention of the plane crash. There are no words. 176 lives lost. 63 Canadians wont be coming home, Opposition New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh tweeted. These families deserve clear answers, but whatever the case, this is devastating. Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraines ambassador to Canada, also expressed condolences. My heart is broken. We will have to go through this terrible pain together with our Canadian brothers and sisters, he tweeted. Need a scooter with a seat? Or how about one with three wheels? Scooter company Lime is rolling out a seated scooter model for rent starting Wednesday in Oakland and next week in San Francisco for riders with disabilities. Different two- and three-wheeled models from other companies will follow in San Francisco by Jan. 15. The cities accessibility pilot programs are part of a push to make the newest transport fad available to some who felt shut out when the vehicles first popped up on city streets. This is just a larger part of our companys commitment of making our vehicles accessible for all, said EV Ellington, Limes general manager for Northern California. The first accessible model Lime is making available in the Bay Area adds an adjustable bicycle-style seat on the standing platform of the scooter and widens the handlebars. Its not self-balancing, though, leading some disability advocates to question whether riders with balance issues can use it. The sidewalk-rented scooters popularized by companies like Bird and Lime have already faced criticism for blocking sidewalks and otherwise interfering with disabled people trying to get around on crowded city streets. Lime is rolling out the model after it held a roundtable with community advocacy organizations and won approval from city officials. Its important to us to not have a vehicle that is going to silo people who have accessibility issues. We want them to feel like any other consumer, Ellington said. The company will continue to modify the scooters based on feedback during the pilot program. On Tuesday, Lime tested out the new models at Ability Now, a disability organization in Oakland, ahead of a formal announcement with city officials Wednesday. It will introduce 45 modified scooters in Oakland this week and 10 in San Francisco next week, joining 1,000 regular scooters in Oakland and 750 in San Francisco, which has capped scooter rentals through a strict permit program. Limes regular scooters are parked on sidewalks and unlocked with a smartphone for $1 a ride plus a per-minute fee (29 cents in San Francisco, 32 cents in Oakland). With the modified scooters, the company will drop the two-wheeler off at a designated location and pick it up 24 hours later, costing $32 a day or $16 if youre low-income. Existing options for people with mobility issues in San Francisco include Muni ($1.50 cash fare or $1.25 with Clipper Card), an SF Access Van, which has to be booked at least a day in advance ($2.50), or a wheelchair-accessible cab ride (the city puts $30 on a debit card for fare payment for every $6 a rider contributes). The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which has granted a limited number of permits for sidewalk scooter rentals, set a Jan. 15 deadline for companies granted permits to introduce accessible scooter models. Besides Lime, the companies with permits are Ubers Jump subsidiary, Scoot and Spin. All are headquartered in San Francisco, though Scoot was purchased by Santa Monica scooter rental company Bird last year. The agency believes in a transportation system that serves everyone and we are actively shaping the agencys approach to emerging mobility services and technologies so that they are accessible, spokeswoman Erica Kato said in an email. Nicole Bohn, director of the San Francisco Mayors Office on Disability, said the intent of the program is to help ensure residents with disabilities arent left behind by new technology. As technology continues to advance and makes our lives easier, its imperative that people with disabilities benefit and are included in all the successes, Frank Sperling, vice chairman of the Oakland Mayors Commission on Persons with Disabilities, said in a statement. Oakland Transportation Director Ryan Russo said when introducing electric scooters and bikes, the city tried to strike the right balance to be open to change and new things while taking the needs of specific communities like the disabled into account. But some disability advocates were not impressed with Limes first accessible model. Pi Ra, transit justice director at community organization Senior and Disability Action, said he predicted a balance problem. Only few people with disabilities could actually use it. It looks like an ableist version answer for disabled people, said Ra, himself a disabled senior. Fiona Hinze, director of systems change at Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco, also said the vehicle probably wouldnt work for people with balance issues. She met with San Francisco scooter company Spin and suggested they get a wider seat with a back and a seatbelt. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Russo from Oakland said this model would help people with a wide range of needs but was also interested in more stable models, like a forthcoming one with three wheels. Disability advocates said demand for accessible scooters was an open question. The interest in accessible technology is still mixed theyre hesitant about it, how can it really help them, is it really practical, does it make it better than riding the bus? Ra said. Hinze said she hadnt heard a great demand for accessible scooters. More common are complaints about illegally ridden or parked scooters on crowded sidewalks a nuisance, she said, for people like herself who use a power wheelchair. San Franciscos transportation agency is conducting a survey funded by the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies to get information from disabled San Franciscans on the need or desire for modified scooters. Results are expected to be published in July. Lime is the first scooter company in the Bay Area to rent a modified two-wheeler, but other companies have models under review. Uber, whose Jump subsidiary provides scooters and e-bikes in San Francisco and other cities, said it was committed to providing accessible options. Scoot said it was working to develop a new adaptive vehicle after consulting with San Francisco officials and disability advocates. A Spin spokeswoman said the company met with local disability organizations to design a new model. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mallorymoench Indian Navy theme - Silent, Strong, and Swift A model of the tableau was unveiled at the Kota House here on Wednesday. The theme of the tableau is 'Indian Navy - Silent, Strong, and Swift', a senior Navy official said, adding its front portion will showcase the might and firepower of the force in all three dimensions -- surface, sub-surface and air. Kalvari-class submarine The state-of-the-art features of the Kalvari-class submarine include superior stealth and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapon. The submarine is designed to operate in all theatres, including the tropics. All means and communications are provided to ensure interoperability with other components of a naval task force. INS Kalvari -- the first in a series of six submarines -- was commissioned into the Navy's service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2017. The second in the series -- INS Khanderi -- was commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Mumbai on September 28 last year. Indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant The tableau will portray the indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant, which is being manufactured at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, along with its complement of MiG-29K fighter aircraft. "This not only depicts the strength of the Indian Navy but is representative of the Navy's total commitment to the 'Make in India' initiative of the government," the official said. Might and glory Overall, the tableau aims to showcase the Navy as a "credible and combat ready military force", which in service of the nation, protects its economic assets and provides succour to its populace in times of crisis and natural calamities. Flood relief operation 'Op Varsha Rahat' undertaken in Maharashtra in July 2019, in partnership with NDRF and other agencies to rescue passengers stranded in Mahalaxmi Express during the floods, escort operations undertaken in Persian Gulf (Op Sankalp) and defence of the oil platforms by Fast Attack Craft and employment of MARCOS will be depicted on the sides. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's sudden decision to quit the royal family has been met with disbelief on social media. The move, which has been dubbed Megxit, has split fans, with some hailing the couple for stepping back from the family - though others have criticised them. Several slammed Meghan over the move, with one saying: 'Meghan Markle has ruined the royal family.' Another said: 'Meghan Markle has ruined Prince Harry. Now separating him from his family.' Others were more supportive of the decision. One said: 'Harry worries and cares for Meghan. He just wants to protect her. Remember he lost his Mum, he doesnt want to lose his wife.' A second commented: 'Harry and Meghan dont need to be in the Royal Family they can survive on their own. They seem so happy together why put up with all the royal stuff when you can just go live your life how you want.' A third simply said: 'Go Harry and Meghan.' The Duke and Duchess (pictured, yesterday at Canada House in London) were said to be looking at making the move across the Atlantic where they would be based for a significant part of the year. Rumours abounded before they confirmed this evening that they would be splitting their time between the UK and North America The couple's move follows weeks of speculation about their future after they took an extended break from royal duties over the festive period that followed an emotional appearance in a documentary. After the announcement, Harry was also the target of the ire of some royal fans. One said: 'Harry was the most popular royal before she came around, his mother wanted he and his brother to be the new modern royal family. 'Instead Harry is going to become a paid celebrity, paid to attend parties , vacations, talks, by rich billionaires.' Another said: 'Harry will know he's made a mistake. He's turned his back on duty and his family, not least his grandmother.' While a third commented: 'Harry is weak. she runs him and making him to turn his back on his family. He's turned into a Hollywood elitist.' But others jumped to his defence, praising him for the decision and for protecting Meghan and baby Archie. One fan said: 'This was inevitable but Im glad to see this, that Harry in partnership with Meghan would be willing to take this step to protect his family.' A second added: 'He never loved the Royal life, he loved his work once he discovered his niche. But if you followed Harry before, you know this sounds exactly like him. Now he has something to protect and I believe he is happy.' A third said: 'Prince Harry will go to the end of the Earth to protect Meghan and I AM HERE FOR IT.' Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan slammed Meghan as he blamed her for splitting up the Royal Family. He wrote on Twitter: 'People say I'm too critical of Meghan Markle - but she ditched her family, ditched her Dad, ditched most of her old friends, split Harry from William and has now split him from the Royal Family. I rest my case.' Piers, who has had a long-running feud with Meghan since he accused the former Suits actress of 'ghosting' him, also referenced a quote attributed to Harry after the duke reportedly told Kensington Palace staff 'what Meghan wants, Meghan gets' as they prepared to move out in 2018. Some royal fans, meanwhile, took the opportunity to share memes and jokes about the move. In the ITV documentary, Harry and Meghan spoke about the pressures they have been facing and family rifts, and in a separate move Harry issued a damning statement against the media accusing sections of the press of bullying his wife. This evening's announcement came after Harry and Meghan's rumoured relocation to Canada this afternoon sparked speculation that they could be about to withdraw from public life. Announcing their decision, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a statement today: 'After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. 'We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. 'We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. 'This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. 'We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.' Harry and Meghan have only recently returned from their six-week break spent in the Canadian province of British Columbia with their eight-month-old son Archie. Their first royal engagement of the new decade was to visit Canada's High Commission in central London to thank Canadians in person for the warmth of the welcome they received. It is likely they will be spending their time in the Commonwealth country when not in UK and may travel to America, Meghan's homeland and where her mother lives. Any move to Canada, even for a period of the year, would throw up important questions about Meghan and Harry's long-term future within the royal family. YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Armenia Airways does not intend to suspend or delay its Yerevan-Tehran flights, the airlines CEO Arlen Davudyan told ARMENPRESS . We arent planning to suspend the flights, he said. He said they have no safety concerns whatsoever. He said the airline will continue operating its flights as scheduled. Armenia Airways currently operates 4 roundtrip flights per week from Yerevan to Tehran. Major global airlines canceled Iran and Iraq flights on Wednesday and re-routed others away from both countries airspace, following an Iranian missile strike on United States-led forces in Iraq. Germanys Lufthansa, Dubai-based Emirates and low-cost flydubai were among airlines that canceled flights, as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration barred American carriers from the area. But several other carriers continue operations. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan Florida gets all the notoriety for tipping the 2000 election to George W. Bush, but West Virginia Republicans insist it was their state's five electoral college votes that handed the GOP nominee his 271-266 margin. But even several years after Bush's upset victory in West Virginia, "Republican" was still something of a dirty word in the Mountain State. The state Republican Party, where I worked for several years beginning in 2001, was dwarfed in finances and influence by the Democrats, who for decades had dominated West Virginia, a dependably blue state led by such icons as Sens. Robert Byrd and Jay Rockefeller. Even traditional Republican allies - including the state's Chamber of Commerce and West Virginians for Life, the state's pro-life organization - were mostly in the Democrats' corner, since the Democratic Party was conservative enough to be in theirs, too, and held the power. Times have changed. I visited West Virginia over the weekend and, while I was well aware that Republicans now hold almost all the key state and federal offices, what still surprised me was the complete reversal in tone and allegiance voiced by the rank-and-file voters I encountered. From impeachment to the confrontation with Iran, President Donald Trump is their man, and they are ready to rise to his defense against those spiteful Democrats, I heard time and again. It was amazing but not shocking. In 2000, against anti-coal, pro-choice Democrat Al Gore, Bush won West Virginia with about 52% of the vote. He won it again in 2004 with 56%. John McCain took the state with about 56% of the vote in 2008, while Mitt Romney walked away with 62% in 2012. So, while Trump's nearly 69% in 2016 was impressive, it was really part of a trend that coincided with the Democrats' increasingly liberal nominees. When Democrats discuss how they lost key "blue wall" states to Trump in 2016, they typically blame lower turnout among minority voters, compared to Barack Obama's victories. A recent Politico analysis pondering the attributes of a winning Democratic nominee in 2020 asked, "Does that person have a clear message; do they inspire hope and excitement across the party's diverse voting blocs?" But it could well be that the party's message is all too clear and its myopic focus on diversity the main obstacle. The typical Democratic message discounts generational occupations (coal mining, manufacturing) and demonizes cultural values such as gun rights, pro-life principles and evangelical Christian beliefs. As a result, many voters end up echoing Ronald Reagan, who declared, "I didn't leave the Democratic Party. The party left me." The blue wall states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin that Trump won are more racially diverse than West Virginia, but so is Ohio, which was until recently a swing state but is probably now safe for Trump. How many more states can Democrats afford to abandon? The recent dust-up over the Hallmark Channel's refusal to run an advertisement featuring a kiss between a lesbian couple offered a perfect example of the left's divorce proceedings from middle America. According to some liberal critics, Hallmark is not just guilty of harboring an unenlightened attitude. It is also in the unscrupulous business of making movies that appeal to white people living in small towns and rural areas. Writing in Salon last month, Amanda Marcotte undertook a leap of Grand Canyon proportions, claiming, "Hallmark movies, with their emphasis on returning home and the pleasures of the small, domestic life, also send a not-at-all subtle signal of disdain for cosmopolitanism and curiosity about the larger world, which is exactly the sort of attitude that helps breed the kind of defensive white nationalism that we see growing in strength in the Donald Trump era." I had to smile when the subject of Hallmark movies came up during my West Virginia visit - not in relation to the recent brouhaha, but in regard to how some women said they had been spending their holidays. Safe to say, Hallmark movies are as popular in blue wall states as Trump is. Diversity is an admirable objective, and tolerance is important for us to peacefully coexist. Conservatives must tolerate progressive cultural trends with which they disagree. Likewise, progressives must tolerate the conservative values held by millions of Americans. But tolerance is different than advocacy, which is what Democrats seem to demand these days, declaring an enemy of anything on the societal landscape that doesn't aggressively promote their definition of cultural diversity. Diversity, by definition, includes not just people of color or progressive ideals but also white Americans and conservative principles. Each side must strive to respect the other. If the Democrats don't figure that out, their future will include more West Virginia-style breakups, and they'll look back, wistfully, remembering when states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin were theirs. - - - Abernathy, a contributing columnist for The Post, is a freelance writer based in Hillsboro, Ohio. [January 08, 2020] Dr. John Coors Retires From CoorsTek, Inc. GOLDEN, Colo., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CoorsTek, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of engineered ceramics, honorably recognizes Dr. John Coors for serving as President of CoorsTek, Inc. from 1998-2016, while also working as Director and Chairman of the Board since January 2000. Given the successful leadership team now in place at CoorsTek, Inc., he has taken the decision to retire as Chairman of the Board of CoorsTek, Inc., but will remain involved in Coors family businesses. Throughout his 22-year career at CoorsTek, John led with his values first, treating others with respect and dignity, a reflection of his Christian faith and connection to family. As a family-owned and operated business, CoorsTek has the luxury to plan long-term and seek out ways to create value while remaining true to the culture of our organization. John had a remarkable way of balancing his commitment to be a manager and steward of the business as well as an owner. John was integral in leading CoorsTek's growth in both size and geographic reach. He oversaw a broad expansion of oxide, nitride and carbide ceramic offerings and is credited for executing more than 20 national and international acquisitions. Two key strategic acquisitions, Saint Gobain Advanced Ceramics in 2010 and Covalent Materials in 2014, gave CoorsTek the local footprint it neded to be close to its customers and position the company for long-term growth. "We are proud to carry forward the legacy of creating value both from management and owner perspectives that John has bestowed. With a strong international leadership team in place, coupled with a tested and proven strategy, the company is well positioned for long-term growth," said co-CEOs, Jonathan, Michael and Timothy Coors. "We thank John for his wisdom and counsel as we prepared for this transition and are pleased, he will remain involved in the wider Coors family businesses." With a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, a Master of Science degree in biochemistry from the University of Texas and a doctorate in engineering from the Technical University of Munich, Dr. Coors believes in the importance of education. However, he credits his Christian faith, and his wife of 42 years Sharna Coors, with whom he has 10 children, for being the foundation of his success. Media Contacts: CoorsTek, Inc. Jennifer Pakradooni Phone: +1-720-272-1307 Email: [email protected] About CoorsTek Founded in 1910 and headquartered in Golden, Colorado, CoorsTek is a fifth-generation, family owned and operated global manufacturer of engineered ceramics. By utilizing over half of the world's known elements in our material formulations, we deliver unique solutions to our diverse customer base by leveraging ceramic properties. With more than 30 facilities across 3 continents, 5 million square feet in manufacturing space, and more than 6,000 team members, we are the partner of choice in engineered ceramics. CoorsTek Makes the World Measurably Better by providing customers with amazing solutions to complex manufacturing needs across all industry sectors around the world. For more information, please visit www.coorstek.com. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dr-john-coors-retires-from-coorstek-inc-300983784.html SOURCE CoorsTek [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Wilson was talking about the looting of the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad, where most of the original artifacts referenced in the gallerys educational exhibit (designed mostly to teach University of Chicago undergraduates) were held. At the time of my visit, the historians at the Institute in Hyde Park were in a fury because evidence was seeping out of Baghdad that the museum had been collateral damage in the bombing of Iraq by U.S. and allied forces. In the aftermath and confusion, Iraqis were walking off with some of the most valuable artifacts. What irked the University of Chicago faculty the most was that they said they had been asked for input by U.S. military planners, who had intended to avoid the citys most important historic sites. They had been assured they would be heard. One professor with a specialty in ancient Mesopotamia, McGuire Mac Gibson, had even secured himself a meeting some weeks before at the Pentagon. He been confident that the situation regarding the National Museum was understood at the highest levels. Mourners gather during a funeral procession for Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of Iran-backed militias in Basra, Iraq, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. Thousands of people gathered in Basra on Tuesday to bid farewell to Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a senior Iraqi militia commander who was killed in a U.S. airstrike on Friday. AP A stampede broke out Tuesday at the funeral for a top Iranian general slain in a U.S. airstrike, and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession, Iranian news reports said. As the crowds mourned Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, more angry calls rose from Iran to avenge his death, drastically raising tensions in the Middle East. The U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the region's waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. The U.S. Air Force launched a drill with 52 fighter jets in Utah, just days after President Donald Trump threatened to hit 52 sites in Iran. Tuesday's deadly stampede took place in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman as his coffin was being borne through the city in southeastern Iran, said Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran's emergency medical services. There was no information about what set off the crush in the packed streets, and online videos showed only its aftermath: people lying apparently lifeless, their faces covered by clothing, emergency crews performing CPR on the fallen, and onlookers wailing and crying out to God. ''Unfortunately as a result of the stampede, some of our compatriots have been injured and some have been killed during the funeral processions,'' Koulivand said, and state TV quoted him as saying that 56 had died and 213 had been injured. Soleimani's burial was delayed, with no new time given, because of concerns about the huge crowd at the cemetery, the semi-official ISNA news agency said. A procession in Tehran on Monday drew over 1 million people in the Iranian capital, crowding both main avenues and side streets in Tehran. Such mass crowds can prove dangerous. A smaller stampede at the 1989 funeral for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini killed at least eight people and injured hundreds. Hossein Salami, Soleimani's successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard, addressed a crowd of supporters gathered at the coffin in a central square in Kernan. He vowed to avenge Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike Friday near Baghdad's airport. ''We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about,'' Salami said. ''Death to Israel!'' the crowd shouted in response, referring to one of Iran's longtime regional foes. Salami praised Soleimani's work, describing him as essential to backing Palestinian groups, Yemen's Houthi rebels and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. As a martyr, Soleimani represented an even greater threat to Iran's enemies, Salami said. Soleimani will ultimately be laid to rest between the graves of Enayatollah Talebizadeh and Mohammad Hossein Yousef Elahi, two former Guard comrades killed in Iran's 1980s war with Iraq. They died in Operation Dawn 8, in which Soleimani also took part. It was a 1986 amphibious assault that cut Iraq off from the Persian Gulf and led to the end of the war that killed 1 million. The funeral processions in major cities over three days have been an unprecedented honor for Soleimani, seen by Iranians as a national hero for his work leading the Guard's expeditionary Quds Force. President Donald Trump pulled back from the brink of war with Iran on Wednesday, saying that Tehran appeared to be "standing down" after firing missiles -- without causing casualties -- at US troops based in Iraq. In a televised address to the nation from the White House, Trump emphasized there were "no Americans harmed" in the ballistic missile salvo aimed at two bases. While he promised to immediately impose "punishing" new economic sanctions on Tehran, Trump welcomed signs the Islamic republic "appears to be standing down" in the tit-for-tat confrontation. The comments cooled what threatened to become an uncontrolled boiling over of tensions after Trump ordered the killing last Friday of a top Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani. In New York, the Nasdaq stock market index surged to a record high of 9,129.24. However, the US president, facing both an impeachment trial in Congress and a tough reelection in November, defended his targeting of a man seen by many as Iran's second most influential official. Soleimani, a national hero at home, was "the world's top terrorist" and "should have been terminated long ago," Trump said. And although Trump ended his remarks with a call for peace, he opened by stating that he would never allow Iran to procure a nuclear weapon. It was Trump's 2018 withdrawal from a multinational agreement aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the reimposition of crippling economic sanctions against Tehran, which began an intensification of tensions between the two countries. - Missiles blast bases - Iran's missiles targeted the sprawling Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and a base in Arbil, both housing American and other foreign troops from a US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State jihadist group. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who earlier promised "revenge" for Soleimani, called the missiles a "slap in the face" against the United States. He indicated there was more to come. "The question of revenge is another issue," Khamenei said in a televised speech. Iraq's military said it also sustained no casualties. But the strike highlighted the difficult position of Iraq, caught in an ever-deepening conflict between Trump and Iran. The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, dismissed suggestions that Iran did not mean to kill Americans with the missile barrage. "I believe, based on what I saw and what I know, is that they were intended to cause structural damage, destroy vehicles and equipment and aircraft and to kill personnel. That's my own personal assessment," Milley told reporters. Iraqi President Barham Saleh rejected Iraq being a "battlefield for warring sides." At the United Nations, Iran's ambassador said in a letter to Secretary General Antonio Guterres that despite the missile firing, Iran respects Iraq's territorial integrity. Iran has powerful militia allies in Iraq and they said they intended to take revenge for Friday's US drone attack, in which top Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis died alongside Soleimani. Muhandis was the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi, a military network incorporated into the Iraqi state whose factions are backed by Tehran. Late Wednesday two rockets, fired by unidentified forces, landed in the supposedly high-security Green Zone, where US and other embassies are located, security sources said. AFP correspondents heard two loud detonations. - Unusual brazenness - The brazenness of Iran's ballistic missile strike was unusual. But as the dust settled, it appeared that Iran's attack -- coming soon after the burial of Soleimani at a funeral in front of vast crowds -- might have been more symbolic than anything. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif indicated Iran was satisfied for now. "Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defense," Zarif said on Twitter. Reflecting deep concerns among Trump's domestic opponents, the Democratic-led US House of Representatives scheduled a vote for Thursday on limiting the Republican president's ability to wage war against Iran without congressional approval. "The president has made clear that he does not have a coherent strategy to keep the American people safe, achieve de-escalation with Iran and ensure stability in the region," House speaker Nancy Pelosi said. But US Defense Secretary Mark Esper insisted the United States has restored some deterrence against Iran in the wake of the Soleimani killing. "But we will see. Time will tell," Esper said. - US headaches in Iraq - The apparent de-escalation in Iran did not remove pressure from approximately 5,200 US troops stationed across Iraq, where they face pro-Iranian Shiite militias and political opposition. Paramilitary chief Qais al-Khazali -- blacklisted as a "terrorist" by the US -- said his side's response to the United States "will be no less than the size of the Iranian response." But US Vice President Mike Pence told the CBS Evening News that "we're receiving some encouraging intelligence that Iran is sending messages to those very same militias not to move against American targets or civilians." Angered at the US drone strike, the Iraqi parliament has called for expulsion of American troops, sparking embarrassing confusion at the Pentagon over how to respond. - Airliner crash kills 176 - Separately, a Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 crashed just outside Tehran after taking off bound for Kiev, killing all 176 people on board shortly after Iran launched its missiles towards Iraq. There was no immediate suggestion of any link with the strikes but carriers including Air France, Royal Dutch Airlines and Lufthansa announced they were suspending flying though Iranian and Iraqi airspace as a precaution. The US aviation regulator banned civil flights over Iraq, Iran and the Gulf, citing the potential for "misidentification" of aircraft. burs-sms/dw/it US President Donald Trump emphasized there were "no Americans harmed" in the Iranian ballistic missile salvo aimed at two bases in Iraq Map showing the ranges of Iran's ballistic missiles, according to the US Defense Intelligence Agency. This satellite image reportedly shows damage to the Ain al-Asad airbase housing US troops in western Iraq, after being hit by missiles from Iran A picture taken near the northern Israeli town of Malkiya shows a billboard with a portrait of slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani near the Lebanese village of Aitaroun, vowing: "His terror will continue" A child's shoe is pictured at the scene of a Ukrainian airliner crash in Iran which killed all 176 people on board, just after Iran fired missiles at bases in Iraq housing US troops Win McNamee/Getty Images (WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday morning from the White House, de-escalating a crisis with Iran following its missile strikes overnight on two bases in Iraq where U.S. troops are stationed. "I'm pleased to inform you the American people should be extremely grateful and happy," Trump said. "No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime." Trump announced that the U.S. would be imposing "powerful" and "punishing" economic sanctions against Iran, but refrained from any immediate threats of military action against the Iranian regime even though he had said he would strike back if Iran attacked the U.S. "As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime," Trump said. "These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior." Since withdrawing the U.S. from the nuclear deal in 2018, Trump has placed Iran under crippling economic sanctions, ramping up enforcement efforts last April to push Iran's oil exports -- its economic lifeblood -- down to zero. To drive the U.S. back to talks and a wedge between Washington and its allies, Iran has conducted a series of escalating attacks in the region directly and through proxies, including on oil tankers, a Saudi oil facility and U.S. troops in Iraq -- killing one American civilian contractor. The killing of an American crossed a red line for Trump, who ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani last Thursday in response. While Iran is already under heavy U.S. sanctions, the White House could order more individuals, businesses and government agencies to be designated, according to analysts. Last May, Trump authorized sanctions on Iranian iron, steel, aluminum and copper sectors, which the White House said comprise 10 percent of Iran's export economy, but those have so far not been used. "Sanctions now touch every part of the Iranian economy and are unlikely to have any further impact," Ryan Fayhee, a former senior Justice Department prosecutor who handled sanctions cases, told ABC News, suggesting instead that only secondary sanctions -- targeting foreign businesses from Russia or China, for example -- would have additional impact now. Trump was joined during his remarks by Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and the other Joint Chiefs. "Our great American forces are prepared for anything. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," Trump said. In a statement released on Sunday, Iran announced it would no longer limit the number of centrifuges it has in production, calling it the "last key item of its operational limitations in the JCPOA," or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as the nuclear deal is formally known. The president addressed this announcement saying that the deal was set to expire shortly anyways and that this gives Iran a "clear and quick path to nuclear breakout." "[Iran] must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal or JCPOA, and we must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place," Trump said. President Trump: "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world." https://t.co/ldmNa7FdiK pic.twitter.com/ux1Wli6ZDH ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 8, 2020 Trump also called on NATO to have a "much more involved in the Middle East process," although the president has had a somewhat tense relationship with NATO allies and has reportedly discussed privately pulling the U.S. from NATO. NEW: "I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process," Pres. Trump says following Iranian airstrikes. https://t.co/hxG8akh6nJ pic.twitter.com/1KIZHfsjvu ABC News (@ABC) January 8, 2020 The president announced the planned address in a tweet Tuesday night, reacting to Iran's strike on two facilities in Iraq in an upbeat tone as initial assessments showed there had been no U.S. causalities as a result of the retaliatory attack. "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning," Trump tweeted. The president's tweet represented a departure from his tougher rhetoric earlier in the day, when he warned "If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly. Iran launched the attack in retaliation of the U.S.-ordered killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani last week. President Trump and the broader administration have said Soleimani was working to orchestrate an "imminent" attack targeting U.S. personnel and facilities in justifying the killing, though Democrats have been raising questions about what evidence the administration has that an attack was indeed "imminent" and the administration has so far refused to declassify that intelligence. The president's address came at perhaps a pivotal moment for Trump, who was elected to the White House three years ago on a promise to untangle the US from endless wars in the Middle East. But on the dawn of an election year, the president's killing of Soleimani has brought the U.S. closer to the brink of expanded military conflict in the region. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was Wednesday handed an Australian Open wildcard as she attempts to resurrect her career after an injury-plagued 2019. The 32-year-old, who won the tournament in 2008, has slipped down the rankings to 147, outside automatic qualification, and was bounced out of the Brisbane International this week in the first round. But the Russian remains a big name and she will line up at Melbourne Park once again after it was announced on the tournament website that she would be a wildcard. Until Brisbane, Sharapova had not played since a first-round loss to career-long rival Serena Williams at the US Open in August, with her season ruined by a shoulder injury. "It was a long match. I think this is going to be a good test for my shoulder, not so much right now, but maybe tomorrow and the day after to see how I feel," she said after her Brisbane defeat on Tuesday. "I definitely lost speed on it and strength toward the end of the match, but that comes with time. I have to be patient with that." Sharapova, who made her Australian Open debut in 2003, also revealed she had been battling a virus "where I just couldn't keep anything in". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Members of 10 central trade unions have gone a one-day nationwide strike on Wednesday against government policies, a trade body representative said. Members of 10 central trade unions which include AITUC, INTUC, CITU, AICCTU, CUCC, SEWA, LPF, along with various sectoral independent federations are participating in the nationwide strike, Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary, AITUC said. "We are protesting against rising prices, sale of the public sector (firms), 100 per cent FDI in railways, defence, coal, pharma, animal husbandry, security services, and codification of 44 (central labour) laws," she told PTI. Nearly 25 crore people are said to be taking part in this all-India strike. The demands also include a minimum pension of Rs 6,000 for everyone, minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, adequate supply of ration to people, she said, adding that the demands concern common man's issues besides worker-centric issues. In Delhi, she said, rains could not impact on the movement as workers' processions will be taken out in industrial areas of the state; and as planned, workers will assemble at the ITO and take out procession. "We are getting reports from all over India.? BHEL workers have gone on strike, ?oil unions are on strike. There is situation of bandh in states of north-east, Odisha, Pondicherry, Kerala and Maharashtra. Roadways depos are closed in Haryana," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 20:06:06|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close COLOMBO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's national carrier Sri Lankan Airlines said on Wednesday that it is temporarily avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace in view of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The airlines said in a statement that it has altered its Colombo-London route to avoid the airspace of Iran and Iraq with immediate effect as a precautionary measure. "Our Colombo to London route was flying over Iran but now we decided to shift the route through Egypt," Sri Lankan Airlines Media Manager Deepal Perera told Xinhua. The statement also said the carrier is working with local and international authorities to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew. On Jan. 3, a targeted drone attack by the United States at the Baghdad International Airport killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and nine others. Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the present situation and urged all parties to "act with utmost restraint and maintain peace and security through constructive dialogue." NASA's alien-hunting space telescope TESS has found a planet orbiting a pair of stars more than 1,300 light years from Earth. The planet is called TOI 1338b and is almost seven times larger than the Earth - somewhere between the size of Saturn and Neptune, according to experts. The TOI 1338 system lies in the Pictor constellation and its lone planet orbits the pair of stars every 93 to 95 days, NASA scientists said. Its planet status was confirmed by teenager Wolf Cukier, who was working as an intern for NASA after finishing his junior year at Scarsdale High School in New York. NASA researchers have spotted a planet orbiting two stars for the first time, one a red dwarf and the other just 10 per cent larger than the Sun The original data came from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission, and was flagged as a possible planetary system by members of the public. TESS captures a new image of a single patch of sky every 30 minutes over a 27-day period - generating thousands of photographs. These are all uploaded to the TESS citizen science website where people can flag possible planet candidates. Cukier had to manually go through pictures flagged by the public in the hope of spotting any fluctuations that could point to a planet. It was the first task he was assigned as part of his internship with the space agency. 'I was looking through the data for everything the volunteers had flagged as an eclipsing binary, a system where two stars circle around each other and from our view eclipse each other every orbit,' he said. 'Three days into my internship, I saw a signal. At first I thought it was a stellar eclipse, but the timing was wrong. It turned out to be a planet.' The two stars in the system, which is about 1,300 light years from Earth, orbit one another every 15 days, NASA experts say. TOI 1338b orbits in almost exactly the same plane as the stars, so it experiences regular stellar eclipses, according to the research team. The original data came from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission and were flagged as a possible planetary system by members of the public Scientists use the observations from TESS to generate graphs of how the brightness of stars change over time, this can be used to detect a planet. When a planet crosses in front of its star from our perspective - a transit - its passage causes a distinct dip in the star's brightness, say NASA researchers. 'Planets orbiting two stars are more difficult to detect than those orbiting one.' TOI 1338b's transits are irregular and vary in depth and duration thanks to the orbital motion of its stars, the team confirmed. TESS is expected to observe hundreds of thousands of binary star systems with an obvious eclipse during its initial two-year mission, so many more of these planets should be waiting for discovery, say NASA researchers TESS only sees the transits crossing the larger star as the transits of the smaller star are too faint to detect. 'These are the types of signals that algorithms really struggle with,' said lead author Veselin Kostov, a research scientist at the SETI Institute and Goddard. 'The human eye is extremely good at finding patterns in data, especially non-periodic patterns like those we see in transits from these systems.' This is why Cukier was tasked with manually searching through the images to try to identify any patterns in the light dips. He initially assumed the transit was a result of the smaller star in the system passing in front of the larger ones as both cause similar dips in brightness when viewed from Earth, but the timing was wrong for it to be the stars alone. The team from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre used software called eleanor to verify the information in the images. The software package is is named after Eleanor Arroway, the central character in Carl Sagan's novel Contact. TOI 1338b orbits in almost exactly the same plane as the stars, so it experiences regular stellar eclipses, according to the research team This allowed them to confirm the transits were real and not a result of issues with the pictures or instruments used to capture the pictures. 'Throughout all of its images, TESS is monitoring millions of stars,' said co-author Adina Feinstein, a graduate student at the University of Chicago. 'That's why our team created eleanor. It's an accessible way to download, analyze and visualize transit data. 'We designed it with planets in mind, but other members of the community use it to study stars, asteroids and even galaxies.' TOI 1338 had already been studied from the ground by radial velocity surveys, which measure motion along our line of sight. Kostov's team used this archival data to analyze the system and confirm the planet. Its orbit is stable for at least the next 10 million years. In the Star Wars universe Tatooine orbits twin stars similar to the Sun. The planet is inhospitable and desert like and was home to Anakin and Luke Skywalker The orbit's angle to us, however, changes enough that the planet transit will cease after November 2023 and resume eight years later. While this might be the first detected planet around two stars, worlds in binary star systems have been part of popular fiction for a long time. A key planet in the Star Wars universe - Tatooine, the lawless desert world that was home to Luke Skywalker - featured twin stars similar to the Sun. In Doctor Who, the Time Lord homeworld of Gallifrey orbits a Sun like star and a much smaller White Dwarf. In the Star Trek universe there are dozens of binary star systems but one of the most famous it the one that plays host to the paradise planet of Risa. TESS is expected to observe hundreds of thousands of binary star systems with an obvious eclipse during its initial two-year mission, so many more of these planets should be waiting for discovery, say NASA researchers. Advertisers All Over the World, Including U.S. DTC Brands, Leveraging Partnership as a Gateway into the European Market TVSquared the global leader in TV attribution, and RTL AdConnect, the international Total Video sales house of RTL Group a leader across broadcast, content and digital have partnered to provide RTL AdConnect's global advertisers with always-on proof of performance across more than 150 TV channels and BVOD (broadcaster VOD) platforms throughout Europe. This marks the first time a media owner has launched a European TV attribution initiative for advertisers. RTL AdConnect's global advertiser base can now leverage TVSquared's always-on attribution platform to understand the same-day performance of campaigns airing across RTL's broadcast channels, which reach 160 million consumers in 12 countries each day. From a single platform, advertisers can evaluate TV performance by day, daypart, creative, program, station and region. Working with RTL AdConnect, they can use those insights to inform optimizations that will maximize business-specific KPIs, including sales, website traffic, search, app activity, call center/SMS response and more. "This partnership brings together the best of TV's reach and campaign performance," said Stephane Coruble, Managing Director, RTL AdConnect. "Brands that want to expand from U.S. into Europe can take advantage of RTL's massive broadcast and digital footprint, and measure the same-day impact of those single- or multi-country campaigns via TVSquared's global platform." RTL AdConnect has increased its North American presence significantly in the last two years, helping U.S. brands navigate the complex European TV ad market. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands have become one of RTL AdConnect's fastest-growing customer segments as they look to grow their businesses abroad. By partnering with TVSquared, RTL provides the real-time, transparent performance analytics that digital-native DTCs have come to expect for all media channels, including TV. "RTL AdConnect is bringing a level of transparency and accountability never before available for European TV advertisers," said Calum Smeaton, CEO, TVSquared. "We have seen many of our U.S. DTC clients begin to explore European expansion, and this partnership is an easy and impactful way to launch into that valuable market. Whether a brand is running a campaign in one country or multiple, they can enjoy the reach TV brings, while also understanding and optimizing its direct impact on business outcomes." About TVSquared TVSquared is the largest global enterprise platform for linear and digital TV attribution. TVSquared's always-on analytics platform empowers brands, agencies, networks and publishers to quantify TV's impact, tie TV to business outcomes and optimize ad performance across TV everywhere. Thousands of advertisers in more than 70 countries work with TVSquared to measure TV across millions of households and billions of ad impressions. Learn more at www.tvsquared.com. About RTL AdConnect RTL AdConnect is the international Total Video sales house of RTL Group and beyond. It provides international advertisers a simplified access to a global premium and brand-safe total video inventory ensuring that the right media decisions are made for European campaigns. Thanks to its media partners from RTL Group and beyond, RTL AdConnect reaches around 165+ million potential consumers in Europe every day. RTL AdConnect offers exclusive solutions around high quality content across an extensive portfolio of media partners consisting of more than 150+ TV channels, 500+ digital platforms and 30+ radio stations in 12 countries. With 360-degree solutions, RTL AdConnect supports brands on every step of the way, offering full support from start to finish, ensuring high reach, deep market insights and cross-screen solutions. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005807/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts Megan Garnett Coyle TVSquared +1 347 603 5096 megan@tvsquared.com Carine Jean-Jean RTL AdConnect +33 6 30 51 58 73 cjeanjean@rtladconnect.com Free Kashmir poster holder releases video, says intent was to offer peace A woman stoked controversy after brandishing a 'Free Kashmir' poster during a protest over JNU violence in Mumbai's Gateway of India. Mumbai police launched a probe into the 'Free Kashmir' poster. Mehak, a writer by profession, issued a clarification after the poster sparked controversy. In a video release by her she said that the 'narrative put around the situation is absolutely wrong.' She batted for Kashmir saying, In the last few months, basic rights of J&K people have been taken away. She added, I was quietly standing. I had flowers in my hand. It was meant to be offering peace. ...read more A hot potato: The Federal Bureau of Investigation has two iPhones that it believes are linked to the deadly shooting that happened at the Pensacola naval base in Florida last month. The FBI has reportedly asked Apple for help in unlocking the devices. The iPhones in question are believed to have been owned by Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani. On December 6, 2019, Alshamrani opened fire in a classroom building at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, killing three and wounding eight others before being shot and killed by sheriff deputies. During its investigation, the FBI uncovered two iPhones allegedly belonging to the shooter, one damaged by a bullet. The FBI obtained a warrant to search the devices, which are password protected. According to NBC News, the bureau has attempted to unlock the phones using available tools and brute-force methods, but it has been unsuccessful. On Monday, FBI General Counsel Dana Boentte sent a letter to Apple asking for its help unlocking or decrypting the phones. Short of hacking its own encryption methods, Apple said that it is cooperating with authorities. "We have the greatest respect for law enforcement and have always worked cooperatively to help in their investigations," the Cupertino tech giant said in a statement. "When the FBI requested information from us relating to this case a month ago, we gave them all of the data in our possession, and we will continue to support them with the data we have available." "We stand ready from a logistical standpoint to do whatever is needed of us to work with Apple in effectuating the court's order. With Apple only able or willing to provide data stored on the cloud, and Alshamrani dead, investigators are stuck wondering if any clues as to motive and if the shooter was acting alone could be stored locally on the devices. The last time the FBI went to Apple with a similar request was after the 2015 San Bernardino shooting. In that case, the FBI demanded Apple crack the device even going so far as to take the company to court. It subsequently accessed the contents on the iPhone with the help of a third-party and dropped its demands. This time the bureau seems to be acting more diplomatically without raising the previous tensions brought by trying to force Apple to compromise its iPhone security. However, it remains to be seen whether accessing the phone would produce any worthwhile evidence. In the San Bernardino case, investigators found no valuable data after cracking the shooter's phone. Regardless, investigators are determined to get the contents contained on the phones. "We stand ready from a logistical standpoint to do whatever is needed of us to work with Apple in effectuating the court's order," Boente said in her letter. Britain is doubling the number of Chinooks within range of Baghdad and putting Royal Marines on standby as tensions between Iran and western powers continue to grow. As many as five of the heavy-lift helicopters are expected to be deployed from RAF Odiham in Hampshire within a number of days to the Middle East following an Iranian attack on Iraqi Al Asad and Erbil air bases - which host US and Coalition forces. Four Chinooks - troop and supply transporters armed with machine guns - are currently stationed in Arbil, northern Iraq, but the precise destination of the five extra aircraft has not been disclosed for security reasons, the Times reported. And Britain's elite Royal Marines have been put on 12-hour standby to help evacuate British troops and civilians in the case of war in Iraq - as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab today calls for 'urgent de-escalation' in the region, saying a war would 'only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups'. As many as five of the heavy-lift Chinook helicopters are expected to be deployed from RAF Odiham in Hampshire within a number of days to the Middle East (file photo: British Royal Marines exit a Chinook in Afghanistan, 2002) A man holds a picture of late Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani in the street in Tehran today after Iran launched missiles at US-led forces in Iraq Warships HMS Defender and HMS Montrose are currently in the Gulf to escort British shipping, the Mirror reports. There are currently 1,400 British military and civilian personnel in Iraq to help the battle against Isis, and it is thought the additional helicopters - each capable of carrying up to 55 troops or ten tonnes of cargo - could be used to take Britons out of the country. The move comes as part of the Ministry of Defence's contingency planning in case of revenge attacks following the assassination of Iran's Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is calling for 'urgent de-escalation' following an attack on Iraqi military bases Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said British helicopters and warships are 'on standby to assist if the need arises', adding that all non-essential military personnel had been taken out of Baghdad's green zone due to security concerns. The announcement comes after Iran fired 22 missiles at US bases in Iraq in an operation called 'Martyr Soleimani'. The UK's Ministry of Defence confirmed that no British military personnel were injured in the barrage. Today Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is called for de-escalation following the attack on Iraqi military bases. He said: 'We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting Coalition - including British - forces. 'We are concerned by reports of casualties and use of ballistic missiles. 'We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation. 'A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups.' And the European Union said today it 'will spare no efforts' in its attempts to keep alive an international deal preventing Iran from developing atomic weapons. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said her foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell will continue to work 'in the midterm' to reach out to all participants in the global deal in the hopes that the 2015 nuclear agreement can still be saved despite a rollback on commitments from Tehran. Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on US-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq, January 8 Royal Marines were put on 12-hour standby to assist in evacuating British troops and civilians in the case of war in Iraq (file image) Iraqi security forces clear away pieces of shrapnel from the Ain al-Asad airbase after it was struck by ballistic missiles fired by Iran as part of operation 'Martyr Soleimani' Von der Leyen also reiterated the need to de-escalate the tension in the region, especially after Iran's missile attack on two American bases in response to a US strike that killed its top general. Speaking alongside von der Leyen, Borrell urged all parties involved in the growing tensions to eschew more military action. 'The latest rocket attack on airbases in Iraq used by U.S. and coalition forces, among them European, is yet another example of escalation and increased confrontation. It is in no one's interest to turn up the spiral of violence even further,' he said. Borrell has invited Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to Brussels for talks. The EU foreign ministers have organized a special meeting on Friday to discuss the ongoing crisis. After its top general was assassinated in the U.S. drone attack, Iran announced over the weekend that it would no longer respect limits set on how many centrifuges it can use to enrich uranium. Zarif said the move was a 'remedial step' taken within the framework of the nuclear deal and he said it could be reversed. Review at a glance F everish with impatience, (some) folk in the London restaurant world are waiting for the long-delayed opening of Davies and Brook, which is replacing Fera at Claridges. I explain to my companion the high excitement instilled by the involvement of chef Daniel Humm from Eleven Madison Park in New York as we arrange to meet there at 8pm in its first week of public trading. Amy goes to The Savoy. Happily, female staff dressed in what I read we must now call soiree suits (trouser suits are so last decade) take her late arrival in their stride movement that never lets up. Balletic luxe stormtroopers are how she describes them. I am content checking out the room, which, if it is the case that no expense has been spared, is worth it. In the evening, pearly grey velvet banquettes shimmer in chivalrous lighting that obliges food and customer alike. A 40-part installation of Roni Horn photos showing mammary mounds of earth points to a guiding spirit with more than a passing interest in art. Fine dining is an art too, one that these days perhaps has to struggle harder to defend that position. Against the accusation of inevitable high cost, Id point you to the separate bar area with snacks like CFC (Claridges Fried Chicken), and also the two-course lunch for 38. We go with four courses cold, warm, main, dessert at 98 per person. Of course there are little extras, sometimes erroneously considered freebies. At dinner and lunch they are outstanding. I relish equally iced scallop and apple served with hot scallop broth alongside, and the small bowl of soupy rice strafed with ginger and topped with chewy mushrooms (shitake?). Ah, congee, I say to the maitre d Billy Peelle, who has apparently come from Eleven Madison Park to stay, as has head chef Dmitri Magi. He looks a bit ruffled and hurries away. With these amuses arrive irresistible bread rolls with the texture of croissant plus a disc of butter topped with a gel made from the reduced stocks. When my pal asks for more bread, it arrives with Vacherin jelly crowning the accompanying butter. This is a kitchen with no shortage of chefs. Making it nice; Scallop with consomme, croissant bread and butter topped with a jellied reduction / Matt Writtle With respect to his cold starter of bass ceviche not muted despite being very controlled in its avocado body armour and main course of honey and lavender glazed dry-aged duck (a signature dish), Max observes that his meal is like an intellectual exercise in restraint of which Coco Chanel would approve. She advised putting together an outfit, studying the effect, then removing one item. Storing an unwrapped duck in the fridge for a fortnight is a food fashion tip I might well adopt; the meat was perfect. Blood used as a binder in its aptly named Sauce Civet is another lesson, this one in histories ancient and modern. Flying in from the US and offering black cod shows insouciance. That sweet/savoury/silky hit Nobu Matsuhisa popularised is here but Napa cabbage rendered crisp as nori, and soft, shredded kohlrabi as garnish, distinguishes it and maybe even gives it a Swiss accent (Humm is originally from Zurich). Staff convey the choice of desserts. A velvety chocolate bar with a scoop of coconut ice cream justifies every Bounty recently avoided in the Celebrations tin and unadorned segments of clementine in the circus of citrus were just rather touching. We drank wine by carafe, particularly liking the Terras Gauda O Rosal 2018, a tendency clocked by the beautiful French sommelier who topped up our glasses after the carafe ran out. Welcome to London, Daniel Humm, with your snappy Cummings-like company slogan Make It Nice. Someone has to. Fay's Favourites - Over Here Two Lights Named after a park in Maine, from whence comes chef-patron Chase Lovecky. 28 Kingsland Road, E2. twolights.restaurant Bar Boulud Virtues include high-ranking burgers from NY-based Daniel Boulud. 66 Knightsbridge, SW1. barboulud.com Nanban Tim Andersons revelatory journey from Wisconsin to Brixton via Japan. 426 Coldharbour Lane, SW9. nanban.co.uk The top cop also said that the police work without any prejudice towards any person or community. Hyderabad, Jan 8 (IANS) After coming under attack from AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday for his controversial reply to a tweet about alleged 'Jihadis' working in software companies, Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said that his tweet was misconstrued. "Our tweet has been misconstrued. The intent is only to suggest that we are always alert and well-equipped to ensure security and it does not mean to agree with the suggestion. We reiterate that we are committed to maintain peace and order in the society without any prejudice towards any person or community," Sajjanar said in a statement, which was also posted on Twitter. The Hyderabad MP had asked the police officer to clarify his reply to a tweet by a man, who remarked that many wannabe 'Jihadis' work for American software companies in Hyderabad. Referring to Iran's threat to hit US assets, one Suresh Kochattil wanted to know if Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda police did background check of 'these peacefuls'. "Yes sir... We have specialised wings for collection of advance intel and our teams are on the job 24X7. Thanks for alerting us. Please keep us updated if you find anything suspicious," replied the Cyberabad Police Commissioner. Taking exception to Sajjanar's reply, Owaisi sought a clarification. "Sir, you say 'yes sir'. Please enlighten how many such 'jihadis' are working in software companies, kindly give a number, if not, please clarify what you exactly meant. Will you reply to an MP or only to a Bhakt," tweeted Owaisi. Owaisi told the police chief that terrorism has no religion and mentioned Mahatma Gandhi's killer Nathu Ram Godse. The MP also advised Sajjanar not to resort to killings in the name of encounter. "Whatever you do but no killings in the name of 'encounter' at 5 am please, if possible arrest & as accepted 3rd degree will be given but pls no cartoos in stomach," said Owaisi in an obvious reference to the killing of four accused in a gang-rape and murder case by the Cyberabad Police last month. All four accused were killed by the police in an alleged exchange of fire at Shadnagar near Hyderabad on December 6. ms/arm Q. Who were the RIC and were they "bad people"? A. The Irish Constabulary was formed in 1836 and was given the prefix 'Royal' in 1867 for suppressing the Fenian uprising. It was never universally popular because it was a quasi-military force, also engaged in intelligence gathering, and had assisted at evictions during the Land War of the 1880s. But it had a certain public acceptance as this country's first legitimate police force. Its members were predominantly Irish and Catholic, with some Protestant and English senior officers. Q. Who were the DMP? A. The Dublin Metropolitan Police was formed in 1838 and covered counties Wicklow and Dublin as a largely civilian unarmed force. It had a difficult relationship with working-class Dubliners, made worse after violence during the 1913 Lockout. It had less of a role in the War of Independence of 1919-1921, but its G-Division, responsible for intelligence, had a gut struggle with Michael Collins's IRA spy network. Q. Who were the Black and Tans? A. By late 1919, the RIC was intimidated and boycotted, causing many officers to resign and few recruits to join. The London government would not openly acknowledge a "war" in Ireland. In January 1920 it began recruiting an auxiliary police force in Britain made up of ex-soldiers to support policing in Ireland. Officially called the "RIC Reserve", their black and khaki coloured uniforms earned them their name after a pack of foxhounds in Co Limerick. They frequently operated independently of the RIC, with whom they often had a very uneasy relationship. They became a byword for terror and atrocities. Q. Who were the Auxiliaries? A. Another police back-up force launched in July 1920, smaller than the Black and Tans and styled as more elite, comprising ex-army officers. They were paid 1 per day - twice the rate for the Black and Tans. Nominally, the blue uniformed Auxies were under RIC command. But they often acted independently or with the Black and Tans and became similarly reviled for their criminal acts. Q. What is the RIC's legacy? A. Some RIC members did criminal things during the War of Independence like the murder of the Lord Mayor of Cork, Tomas MacCurtain. Other RIC members tried to act honourably and independently of the two auxiliary terror forces. Some actively criticised the auxiliary police forces' behaviour while some RIC officers helped the rebel cause. Some IRA members also did some very morally questionable things during a very dirty conflict. Here is a recap of events since the killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad by the US on January 3, which escalated tensions between Tehran and Washington: US assassinates Soleimani On January 3 a US drone strike on Baghdads international airport kills Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard Corps foreign operations arm, the Quds Force. Also among the dead is Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy chief of the Tehran-backed Iraqi paramilitary network Hashed al-Shaabi. The Pentagon confirms Trump ordered Soleimanis assassination while the US embassy in Baghdad urges all Americans to leave Iraq immediately. The killing comes days after thousands of pro-Iranian supporters stormed the US embassy in Baghdad, chanting Death to America!, angered by US strikes against Hashed bases in Iraq. Those US strikes, on December 29, had been in retaliation for rocket attacks against US interests in Iraq in which a US civilian contractor was killed. Iran calls for revenge Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promises severe revenge for Soleimanis death. In Iraq caretaker prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi warns the US strike will spark a devastating war in Iraq, while President Barham Saleh pleads for voices of reason to prevail. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tells CNN Soleimani had been planning imminent action that would have put dozens if not hundreds of American lives at risk. A Pentagon official says the US is deploying up to 3,500 more troops to the Middle East. Trump threatens 52 Iran sites On January 4 Trump warns the US is targeting 52 sites in Iran and will hit them very fast and very hard if the Islamic republic attacks American personnel or assets. He says sites important to Iranian culture are on the list. The next day Pompeo insists any US military action against Iran will conform to international law after Trump is accused of threatening a war crime by declaring cultural sites as potential targets. Nuclear deal unravels further On January 5, Iran announces its fifth step back from the nuclear deal with world powers agreed in 2015, saying it will forgo a limit on the number of centrifuges. Since May 2019 Iran has gradually freed itself from commitments to which it had subscribed, in response to the unilateral withdrawal a year earlier of the US which reinstated economic sanctions against Tehran. Funeral turns deadly After days of mourning for Soleimani in Iraq and Iran, a stampede during a massive funeral procession in Iran kills more than 50 people. In Baghdad, Mahdi confirms he has received what the US called a draft letter describing steps its military would take to move out of Iraq. In Washington, US officials scramble to deny the idea, calling the letter a mistakenly released draft. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper says the Pentagons policy has not changed. We are not leaving Iraq. Iran strikes back Iran launches a volley of missiles early Wednesday at Iraqi bases housing US and other coalition troops. Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the strikes are a slap in the face for the United States and revenge for Soleimanis death is yet to come. Iraqs military said it sustained no casualties, and US President Donald Trump said initial casualty assessments indicated all is well. CHICO, Calif. - A patient and her son shared with Action News Now what it was like at the medical center during the cyber-attack Thursday night. Enloe medical center is still working to get back control of its data network after a cyber attack. "Everybody at the hospital pulled together and I know this sounds a little corny but it really made me proud to be an American," Ken Watson said. Ken, feeling patriotic after bringing his mother betty to the Enloe Medical Center Thursday afternoon. "Mom had had a fall and so I was concerned that she might've had a mini-stroke of a developing UTI that was affecting her brain," he said. An hour before the shutdown Ken said his mom was able to receive a CT scan, X-Ray, and a urine sample. "All of those ultimately did happen but they were disrupted to some degree because of the attack," Watson said. Ken said some surgeries and test results were affected. and nurses were communicating through radios. "Nobody could get information even which room people were in let alone how to schedule a diagnostic exam," Watson said. All of Betty's tests came back clear but the UTI results got delayed. "It worried me because I wanted to get her treated," Watson said. When betty was released on Saturday the nurses told ken something that surprised him. "They were treating her during the period of time she was emitted even though they did not have the results back from the UTI," Ken said. "Everybody I met was nice they were concerned and just as sweet as they could be not just to me but to the lady in the back next to me waiting for the surgery," Betty said. Ken told Action News Now although there were some setbacks he was happy with how the staff stepped up in a time of crisis. "The nursing staff, in particular, was left to pick up those pieces and sew the tapestry back together you know put the battery back in the big watch of the hospital so it can run again and they did so in an exemplary way," Ken said. As far as we know Enloe's system is still not fully operating and authorities told me there is no update at this time. Enloe told us the FBI is working on the investigation, but the FBI did not confirm that with Action News Now. Now that Qasem Soleimanis mortal coil has reached room temperature, and he is enjoying the fruits of his martyrdom, sympathizers everywhere are mourning him and praising him. His postmortem fan-club members are all denizens of the Left media figures, celebrities, politicians, and especially academics. Their somber, cliche-ridden eulogies range from stupid Twitter commentary to well-written articles, with praise for Soleimani, unalloyed contempt for Donald Trump, and dire predictions of retribution in the days ahead. In the stupid Twitter category, celebrities take the lead. Rose McGowans Dear Iran tweet got the ball rolling, with Dear #Iran. The USA has disrespected your country, your flag, your people. 52% of us humbly apologize. We want peace with your nation. We are being held hostage by a terrorist regime. We do not know how to escape. Please do not kill us. #Soleimani. While it may be tempting to dismiss McGowans attempts at wit, her line of reasoning, however faulty, is echoed by nearly all the Democrats on the campaign trail and by virtually every Middle East specialist in the media and in academia. Her apologetic plea for peace and her moral equivalency between Trumps terrorist regime and #Soleimani differ from tweets of her erudite allies only in the number of polysyllabic words and historical references. Otherwise they are quite similar, in some cases practically identical. McGowan elicits praise and respect from such foreign-policy luminaries as Alyssa Milano, John Cusack, John Legend, and other inhabitants of the self-contained, fact-resistant, intellectually gated community of Hollywood. But no educated media or hyper-educated academic figures would stoop to call the president of the United States a terrorist, the equivalent of the commander of the IRGCs Quds Force, right? Wrong. Ervand Abrahamian of Baruch College, CUNY, told Democracy Now! that killing Soleimani makes the U.S. a state terrorist power. Story continues Sophomoric claims by the actress-activist that the U.S. has disrespected your country, your flag, your people are restated by those with advanced degrees, but in more nuanced ways and sprinkled with accusations of international law and U.N. charter violations. Mehran Kamrava of Georgetown Universitys Qatar campus told the Russian news outlet Sputnik that Trump had badly misread the situation and committed a blatant violation of Iraqi sovereignty. Yet it is the Left that badly misreads Iranian history, naively portraying Irans government, the IRGC, and the Quds Force as honorable men worthy of diplomatic respect rather than as autocratic murderers and terrorists. Were it not for Trump, they contend, all would be well. Nader Hashemi, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver, accurately predicted that Iran would use Soleimanis death as an excuse to not comply with the JCPOA Iran nuclear deal, but shows his naivete in believing that it ever complied with Obamas flawed agreement. Meanwhile, exaggerations of Soleimanis greatness and the depth of his intellect are common. Time magazine compared him to Cardinal Richelieu and Machiavelli. Prompted by Fareed Zakarias claim that Soleimani was regarded in Iran as a completely heroic figure, personally very brave, Anderson Cooper compared him to Charles de Gaulle. Rosanna Arquette compared Trump to Hitler for killing the great Soleimani. Cliches about the killing abound. Wag the Dog charges are popular, as are parallels to Bill Clintons firing missiles at al-Qaeda targets during his impeachment. Squad members Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib tweeted, respectively, that Trump wants war and we cannot stay silent as this lawless President recklessly moves us closer to yet another unnecessary war. Hamid Dabashi, Hagop Kevorkian Professor of Iranian Studies at Columbia University, writes on his Facebook page that the targeted assassination of Qassem Soleimani in Iraq is the first major salvo of Trumps 2020 re-election campaign. Lest anyone miss his subtlety, Dabashi announces this is Wag the Dog galore. His advice do not trust a word coming out of US or Iranian officials being at least 50 percent accurate should improve his average. But like most of his Facebook rants, this one quickly devolves into bizarre conspiracy theories, such as his assertion that the New York Times etc just like the state media in Iran are now the official mouthpiece of US and Iran propaganda. Also popular is the stability cliche, which claims that killing Soleimani destabilized the Middle East. One less prone to groupthink might ask, When was the Middle East stable? Was it in the good old days before the Trump administration, or perhaps before 9/11? Or was it before the Iranian Revolution, or the Balfour Declaration, or the Ottoman Empire? In the University of Michigans Experts Advisory addressing Implications of Soleimanis death, Ronald Grigor Suny, professor of history and political science, embraced both the stability and wag-the-dog cliches in his assertion that Trump has created an incredibly unstable and unpredictable situation that doubles as a crisis [that] aids the president in his moment of vulnerability, when he has been impeached and faces a trial in the Senate. His colleague Michael Traugott, professor of political science and communications, fears that the decision to target General Soleimani . . . was an attempt to distract from new disclosures about internal emails related to the withholding of aid to Ukraine. Juan Cole, professor of history and the third expert in Michigans shura council, warns of war and accuses Trump of crimes: By murdering Qassem Soleimani, he argued, Trump has brought the United States to the brink of war with Iran. But fear not, for Cole assures us that Irans leadership is too shrewd to rush to the battlements at this moment and will likely just continue to stir up massive protest at the U.S. embassy and at bases housing U.S. troops. Cole is an outlier in his belief that war between the U.S. and Iran is not imminent. Nearly everyone on the left fears that killing Soleimani will bring a reprisal that will escalate into war. Foreign-policy maven Rosie ODonnell tweeted: off to war god help us #RemoveTrump. Likewise, Professor Abrahamian, quoted above, predicts a 110% chance of all-out war between Iran and the U.S. if Trump is reelected. The Hollywood script of Trump as bumbling reactionary is more honed among the professoriate, but the elements are the same. It follows well-established patterns developed during the Reagan and both Bush presidencies. No surprise, then, that both Iraq and Iran experts agree that Irans leaders are wilier than Trump. Abbas Kadhim, Johns Hopkins Universitys Iraq specialist, claims that Iran set a trap for the U.S. by killing an American contractor in Kirkuk, prompting a response that they hoped would be severe, exactly giving the provocateurs what they wanted escalation. From the squad to the quad, contempt for Donald Trump has led many to respond . . . with immediate caustic-ness, getting all chummy with the enemy of my enemy, as Jack Fowler put it. Some of them cant help themselves (who expects restraint from Alec Baldwin?), but others should know better. More from National Review Hong Kong's security chief on claimed that protesters in the city had been "receiving training from overseas groups," echoing Beijing's "hostile foreign forces" narrative about the ongoing pro-democracy movement. Secretary for security John Lee told lawmakers: "Judging from the methods used by the rioters [frontline protesters], we definitely believe that they have been trained, and not just here, but they have been trained by people overseas." But he gave no evidence of any such training activity beyond an assertion that the sophisticated tactics used by protesters to organize and get their message out suggested it must be happening. "If we look at the methods they use and their publicity and communications, which come out in many different versions, [we see that] there is a different goal or narrative for each one," Lee said. China's official narrative since anti-extradition protests broadened into wider calls for more democracy and accountability have been to label the protests a pro-independence movement instigated by hostile foreign forces infiltrating Hong Kong. The Hong Kong government habitually refers to frontline protesters as "rioters," a term often employed by the ruling Chinese Communist Party to describe mass, largely peaceful protest movements on the mainland. However, a recent poll by Reuters found that most of Hong Kong's residents support the five demands of the protest movement, with more than one third of respondents saying they had attended a protest. Only 30 percent said they were opposed, compared with 59 percent of those polled who supported the movement. Independent public inquiry Frontline protesters, journalists and human rights groups say the majority of violence has originated with the Hong Kong police, who have been widely criticized for the excessive use of tear gas, water cannon, pepper spray, as well as both non-lethal and live ammunition weapons on unarmed protesters. The New York-based group Human Rights Watch (HRW) on wrote to the administration of chief executive Carrie Lam calling for an independent public inquiry into the use of force by police. "Hong Kong authorities have international legal obligations to investigate alleged abusive police conduct," HRW China director Sophie Richardson said in a statement on the group's website. "They have failed to do so in the face of calls from Hong Kong citizens, legal experts, and rights groups, missing critical opportunities to demonstrate a commitment to human rights and the rule of law." Police have arrested nearly 7,000 people, and fired more than 16,000 rounds of teargas, 10,000 rubber bullets, 2,000 beanbag rounds, and 1,900 sponge grenades, HRW said. "An independent commission of inquiry is the first step to addressing the serious human rights violations against protesters since June," Richardson said. "Hong Kong police need to be held accountable to the law not just to their bosses." While Lam has formally withdrawn widely hated plans to change Hong Kong's extradition laws, she and her officials have repeatedly ruled out meeting the other four demands for an inquiry into police violence, an end to the use of the term "rioters," an amnesty for arrested protesters and fully democratic elections. Meanwhile, there are concerns that the government is planning a wider crackdown on dissent in a city that was promised freedoms of speech, association and publication under the terms of its 1997 handover to China, as well as protection from official abuse of power. Warrantless search of communications device Joshua Wong, a former student leader of the 2014 Occupy Central movement who was arrested at a protest outside police headquarters last year, said police had submitted evidence to the court that could only have been obtained from his cell phone, which he had refused to hand over or unlock for them. Lee said police officers are permitted under the city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, to exercise a warrantless search of communications devices found on a suspect in "exigent," or urgent circumstances where evidence could otherwise be lost. While Wong has said that the information submitted in evidence could only have been obtained by hacking into his cell phone, Lee refused to answer questions about how such searches might be achieved when questioned in the Legislative Council (LegCo) on . Wong, like many other peaceful protesters, faces charges of "organizing, inciting, and participating in unauthorized assembly." He has already served jail time for public order offenses linked to his role in the Occupy Central movement. Hong Kong education officials have also warned that teachers and other school employees found posting content to social media that is supportive of the protests could face sanctions, including the loss of their teacher registration. The government has yet to specify exactly what sort of social media content could jeopardize a teacher's position, but has said that what teachers do in their spare time will be regarded as part of their professional conduct. Current regulations say teachers may be penalized if they "seem likely" to become involved in criminal proceedings. Reported by RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. A former porn star known as Barbi Korvette, Slavegirl or Dmii Darkangel was awarded custody of her 3-year-old daughter by a judge who ordered that she not participate in the porn industry. Comal County Court-at-Law Judge Charles Stephens made his ruling Wednesday in a divorce case, in which Laura Carney's husband, Patrick Carney, tried to gain custody of their daughter. "We've spent more time talking about pornography and porn stars instead of focusing on what we should, a beautiful 3 1/2-year-old girl," Stephens said in his ruling, as reported in Thursday's San Antonio Express-News. Laura Carney, 35, accused her husband of pressuring her into the porn industry then using her past against her. Patrick Carney, an American Express Financial employee in San Antonio, said he had little involvement in his wife's work and now teaches Sunday school at his church. Patrick Carney said he was "disturbed" when he attended a photo shoot that featured a hooded man holding a gun to his wife's head. However, he admitted attending clubs where his wife performed and selling her merchandise, viewing pornography on the Internet and hiring prostitutes. The judge said he had to award custody to "someone who is an admitted porn entertainer (or) someone who was involved in porn, viewed it and can't remember the last time he's hired a prostitute." Laura Carney left her husband in 2001. She said she is planning to marry her boyfriend in Indiana and insisted her daughter would be in a "secure and stable" home there. Stephens granted joint managed conservatorship to both parents, making Laura Carney the primary custodial parent. University of Cincinnati geography researchers have identified a tipping point for deforestation that leads to rapid forest loss. Geography professor Tomasz Stepinski used high-resolution satellite images from the European Space Agency to study landscapes in 9-kilometer-wide blocks across every inch of the planet between 1992 and 2015. He found that deforestation occurs comparatively slowly in these blocks until about half of the forest is gone. Then the remaining forest disappears very quickly. The study was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. Stepinski and former UC postdoctoral researcher Jakub Nowosad, the lead author, discovered something surprising and fundamental: nature abhors mixed landscapes, at least on a scale of 81 square kilometers. The study showed that mixed landscapes (like agriculture and forest) are comparatively few and, more surprisingly, do not stay mixed for long. These mixed blocks tend to become homogeneous over time, regardless of the landscape type. "I think it's very intuitive. It corresponds to the different climatic zones. The Earth before people was certainly like that. You had forests and mountains and wetlands and deserts," Stepinski said. "You would expect people would create more fragmentation, but as it turns out, people never stop. They convert the entire block on a large scale." Stepinski said landscapes are always changing through natural or anthropological causes. Human causes are both direct, like clear-cutting, or indirect like climate change. Last year, Stepinski used the same data to demonstrate that 22% of the Earth's habitable surface was altered in measurable ways between 1992 and 2015. The biggest change: forest to agriculture. For the new study, Stepinski examined nearly 1.8 million blocks covering Earth's seven continents. Blocks were categorized by 64 landscape combinations. Researchers observed transitions in these blocks from predominantly one type to predominantly another in nearly 15% of the blocks between 1992 and 2015. "The data we have covers 23 years. That's a relatively short period of time. But from that we can calculate change in the future," Stepinski said. Deforestation was the most pronounced example of human-caused landscape change, researchers found. They used probability modeling known as Monte Carlo methods to determine the likelihood of different types of landscape change over time (in this case hundreds of years). The result? Researchers found that the most likely trajectory of change was from one homogeneous type to another. "Planet Earth wants to be homogeneous. The land wants to be the same in all these patches. And when they start to change, they don't stop until they convert everything into another homogeneous block," he said. The authors did not examine why blocks change so quickly once a transition begins. But Stepinski said it's possible that development such as logging roads or drainage required to clear forest makes continued change that much easier. "I can only speculate because that was not part of the study, but I would imagine two things are happening," he said. "If you are cutting forest, you have the infrastructure to finish it. It's so much easier to cut the rest. Second, the forest is more vulnerable to change when there has been a disturbance." Wildlife managers often try to preserve larger intact blocks to prevent fragmentation, said Martin McCallister, the Appalachian Forest project manager for the Edge of Appalachia Nature Preserve in southern Ohio. The preserve is managed by the Nature Conservancy, one of the world's largest wildlife conservation organizations. "You'd be hard pressed to find land managers who wouldn't be strongly in favor of protecting larger tracts because they're more resilient to a variety of challenges, including invasive species and climate change," McCallister said. "Once a property gets fragmented by roads, it's easier to extract resources. It's also easier for invasive species and pests to get a foothold." McCallister said woodlands can be fragmented on paper, too. "In Ohio, 96 percent of our woodland owners have less than 50 acres. They represent a lot of small parcels," he said. The UC study found that mixed land types don't stay mixed for long. "I think it is interesting that this property applies both to natural and human landscapes," said co-author Nowosad, a former UC postdoctoral researcher who now works as an assistant professor at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland. Nowosad said the study provides a data-driven model of long-term landscape change. While researchers only looked at changes between forest and agriculture, Nowosad said it would be worthwhile to examine whether tipping points exist for other landscape transitions. "This model can be used to help understand how landscapes evolved and are going to evolve in the future," Nowosad said. Stepinski, a physicist who worked for NASA before coming to UC, said the principle borrows from other disciplines, particularly astrophysics. "If you look at the evolution of stars, the principle is you predict a long-term path statistically from short-term knowledge," Stepinski said. "It's an idea that has been used elsewhere but never for environmental study." While it's only a theory, it's one that could be borne out by time, he said. "It's thought-provoking. My hope is that people will criticize it and come up with different ideas," Stepinski said. ### The states highest court has halted upcoming hearings for an elderly Birmingham millionaire until they can rule on other matters in her case. The Alabama Supreme Court on Tuesday afternoon ordered that all proceedings in Jefferson County Probate Court regarding Joann Bashinsky and her estate are stayed pending further orders from the justices. Tuesdays stay comes after Bashinskys attorneys filed to the high court for a petition for a writ of mandamus. A writ of mandamus is an order for the lower court to take a specific action: In Bashinskys case, her lawyers want the Alabama Supreme Court to void Probate Jude Alan Kings order appointing a temporary guardian and conservator. Because the Alabama Supreme Court had not ruled on the writ of mandamus and there was an upcoming hearing in Kings court on Thursday, Bashinskys attorneys asked for the stay on Monday. The Alabama Supreme Courts ruling also ordered King to respond to the petition within two weeks. Bashinskys legal team will be able to reply to Kings response within an additional week after he files his brief. The flurry of filings comes after months of drama in the case. Bashinsky has been embroiled in a legal battle against two of her former employees, who claim the 88-year-old woman has dementia and is unable to make decisions regarding her estimated personal estate of $80 million. Her total estate, including funds from her trust and more, is estimated at around $218 million. Bashinsky, of Mountain Brook, is the widow of Sloan Y. Bashinsky, who owned the majority stock in Golden Enterprises Inc. and was the founder, chairman, and CEO of Golden Flake Foods a 96-year-old Birmingham-based company. Court records filed by Bashinksys attorney to the Alabama Supreme Court claim the womans competency is contested by two former employees, who were fired on the same day they asked the Jefferson County Probate Court to appoint both a temporary and permanent guardian and conservator of Bashinskys estate, according to probate court records filed by Bashinskys attorneys. Her lawyers dispute the claim, saying Bashinsky does not have dementia and does not need a guardian or conservator. Burton Dunn, one of the attorneys representing the two petitioners, said the two petitioners are looking out for Bashinsky. They are doing their best to protect her and her assets at a time when shes vulnerable, he said. Court filings show the petitioners believe Bashinskys adult grandson, her only blood relative and sole heir, has undue influence over Bashinsky. They claim she has loaned over $23 million to her grandson since 2012, and of that money, $13,468,000 was loaned in the first seven months of 2019. Bashinsky said during an interview she is aware of the loans and gifts shes made to her grandson. I love him and Id do anything for him, Bashinksy said. She had one daughter when she married Sloan Bashinksy, and the late Bashinsky adopted that daughter. He had several children from a prior marriage. Bashinskys daughter died, and her grandson is the only blood relative she has. I helped raise him, and I did a good job, she said laughing. He has nobody to go to Im all hes got. Bashinsky questioned why her former employees would object to her giving or loaning money to her grandson; hes the only person who will receive her money when she dies, she said. I wanted to help him in his businesses, Bashinsky said. I loaned him whatever he needed, because I could afford it. Bashinsky said when she dies, her grandson will get everything she has: She would rather see him enjoy it now while shes alive. This post was updated to reflect a numerical correction. A 37-year-old Kerry man has been arrested and charged with raping a teenage girl 14 times in the Killarney area over a three-year period. The parties to the case cannot be identified because of the nature of the alleged offences. Detective Garda Dara Maguire of Tralee garda station formally arrested the defendant who was brought before Cork District Court today. Det Garda Maguire said that 14 of the charges were for rape and one was for sexual assault. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial by indictment at the Central Criminal Court or sentencing at that court on a signed plea of guilty. Defence solicitor Emma Leahy said, There is no application for bail on these charges. Judge Olann Kelleher remanded the accused in custody for one week. That is to allow time for preparation and service of a book of evidence. The accused man will appear in court by video link from prison on the next occasion. The 15 charges relate to a period between 2017 and 2019 when the complainant was aged 13 to 17. No background facts were given in court as to the nature of the alleged offences or any family connection that might exist between the parties. The accused man was not required to speak during the brief hearing at Cork District Court. Ms Leahy solicitor represented the accused man on free legal aid. Sgt Davis said it was not anticipated that the book of evidence would be ready for service by January 15. However, one week was the longest remand in custody that was possible following the charges first being brought. The defendant could have his case adjourned with him in custody for two weeks without his consent next week or up to four weeks with his consent. Lord Alf Dubs has jointly written to Tory MPs about the change to the child refugee pledge in the Brexit Bill (Yui Mok/PA) Conservative MPs are being urged to take a moral stance and support an amendment demanding the Government continues to negotiate to take in lone child refugees from Europe after Brexit. Following his crushing election win last month, Boris Johnson re-drafted his Brexit Bill and controversially rowed back on a commitment to strike a deal with the European Union so unaccompanied child refugees could continue to be reunited with their families in the UK after exit day. Clause 37 of the Bill replaces the pledge with a watered-down vow for ministers to make a statement on the progress of the talks once the divorce with Brussels is complete. Labour leadership hopeful Sir Keir Starmer and Lord Alf Dubs, who fled from the Nazis on the Kindertransport to Britain when he was aged six, have written to all Tory MPs calling on them to vote against the Prime Ministers disgraceful change. These are among the most vulnerable children imaginable - unaccompanied and alone. We're not talking large numbers. These children simply wish to find safety with their families, who are able and willing to support them. Alf Dubs (@AlfDubs) December 20, 2019 They are looking to convince Tories to vote with the Opposition when amendments to the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill are put before MPs on Wednesday. The pair said the reversal by Downing Street was as disturbing as it is revealing about the Governments priorities. With the Tories now enjoying a comfortable 80-seat majority, Sir Keir and Lord Dubs told those on the Government benches it was up to you to make Mr Johnson rethink his approach to unaccompanied child refugees. We know that there are many Conservative MPs, including some sat around the Cabinet table, who know that this decision was wrong, wrote Sir Keir and Lord Dubs. Expand Close Labour MP Sir Keir Starmer is in the running to replace Jeremy Corbyn as leader (Aaron Chown/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Labour MP Sir Keir Starmer is in the running to replace Jeremy Corbyn as leader (Aaron Chown/PA) Boris Johnson may have won a majority in Parliament, but he did not win the moral argument to absolve himself of responsibility to some of the most vulnerable people in the world. With the numbers in Parliament being what they are, its up to you Conservative MPs to take a moral stance and force the Government to rethink its approach on this vital issue. You have the power to right this wrong. This is your test and we would urge you to hold them to account over this disgraceful decision. Pleased the govt accepted Lord Dubs new amendment to continue EU international agreement to accept unaccompanied refugee children with relatives already here. Right to do so. Geoffrey Cox QC MP (@Geoffrey_Cox) June 11, 2018 In June 2018, Robert Buckland, then solicitor general, accepted Lord Dubs amendment to the Withdrawal Bill to work with Brussels leaders to give refugee children sanctuary. Attorney General Geoffrey Cox said at the time the Government was right to do so but the written commitment was stripped out of the divorce legislation last month during the post-election re-draft. Labour has had an amendment accepted that, should it pass, would restore the Governments vow to negotiate an agreement with the EU which continues to give refugee children safe haven post-Brexit. A Government spokesman said: We have a proud record of helping vulnerable children, granting protection to 41,000 since 2010 and doing more than the vast majority of EU countries to help unaccompanied minors. Protecting vulnerable children will remain our priority after Brexit and this new clause reaffirms our commitment while clarifying the role of Parliament and Government in negotiations. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: Petrofac has been selected by Petrogas NEO UK a jointly owned company created by Petrogas E&P UK, and NEO Energy, a portfolio company of private equity fund HitecVision to establish its new North Sea operation following its recently announced asset acquisition, Trend reports citing the company. In a two-year deal valued in the region of $50 million, Petrofac will integrate the services of its Operations, Projects and Well Engineering service lines. As well as assisting in the transition of operations on the Quad 15 & Flyndre area assets, Petrofac will also provide ongoing operational, maintenance, engineering and construction support; and deliver well engineering and project management support services for Petrogas NEO UKs activities. Commenting on the award, Nick Shorten, Managing Director for Petrofacs Engineering and Production Services (EPS) business in the Western Hemisphere, said: This agreement represents a significant new strategic partnership for Petrofac in our core UK market. Our ability to seamlessly integrate services across the asset lifecycle, will ensure Petrogas NEO UKs requirements are efficiently supported as it seeks to safely and responsibly extend field life. We very much look forward to supporting our clients first UK venture. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@Lyaman_Zeyn New Delhi, Jan 8 : A day after Bollywood diva Deepika Padukone's sudden visit to JNU, controversial BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj on Wednesday used unusually strong words against her, calling Padukone part of 'tukde tukde gang'. In an interview to IANS, the Unnao MP alleged, "I think they (people like Deepika Padukone) too are part of tukde tukde gang." The BJP leader went a step further to draw an international conspiracy theory. "Some foreign players are behind them," he alleged. Sakshi Maharaj's latest onslaught on the movie star came after she abruptly went to Jawaharlal Nehru University on Tuesday evening to express solidarity with students who were attacked during Sunday's violence. The actress was spotted standing with the students at the Sabarmati T-point, where a public meeting was called by alumni of JNU over the violence in the campus. She also met JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh who was injured in the violence. Padukone did not address the meeting and left after an hour. Sakshi Maharaj, who is known for his strong views, was probably the first BJP lawmaker to come out in strong opposition of Padukone's move. All this, even as hashtag 'Deepika With Tukde Tukde Gang' continued to trend on Twitter. Hyderabad, Jan 8 : AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday took to Twitter to slam Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar for his controversial reply to tweet about alleged 'Jihadis' working in software companies. The Hyderabad MP asked the police official to clarify his reply to a tweet by a man, who remarked that many wannabe 'Jihadis' work for American software companies in Hyderabad. Referring to Iran's threat to hit US assets, Suresh Kochattil wanted to know if Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda police did background check of 'these peacefuls'. "Yes sir... We have specialised wings for collection of advance intel and our teams are on the job 24X7. Thanks for alerting us. Please keep us updated if you find anything suspicious," replied Cyberabad Police Commissioner. Taking exception to Sajjanar's reply, Owaisi sought a clarification. "Sir, you say "yes sir". Please enlighten how many such "jihadis" are working in software companies, kindly give a number, if not, please clarify what you exactly meant. Will you reply to an MP or only to a Bhakt?," tweeted Owaisi. Owaisi told the police chief that terrorism has no religion and mentioned Mahatma Gandhi's killer Nathu Ram Godse. The MP also advised Sajjanar not to resort to killings in the name of encounter. "Whatever you do but no killings in the name of "encounter" at 5 am please, if possible arrest & as accepted 3rd degree will be given but pls no cartoos in stomach," said Owaisi in an obvious reference to killing of four accused in the rape and murder case by Cyberabad police last month. All four accused were killed by police in an alleged exchange of fire at Shadnagar near Hyderabad on December 6. Kerri Mattox Kerri Mattox, who was global lead for integrated corporate communications at W2O Group, has joined Zimmer Biomet as senior VP/IR & chief communications officer, a new post. At W2O, she handled IR, crisis communications, board engagement, purpose and philanthropy initiatives. Earlier, Mattox was VP-corporate & IR at healthcare products distributor AmerisourceBergen, senior VP-IR & corporate affairs at Endo Pharmaceuticals, senior VP-IR & corporate communications at Auxilium Pharmaceuticals and executive VP at Pure Communications. Based in Warsaw, IN, Zimmer Biomet is a leading producer of orthopedic reconstructive products (knees, hips), marketing its goods in 180 countries. CEO Bryan Hanson reported a 2.9 percent dip to $800.7M in nine-month operating profit on flat sales of $5.8B. Zimmer Biomet stock trades at $148.23. 52-week range is $151.67, $101.20. Mattox will work closely with the retiring Coleman Lannum, senior VP-IR, through a transition period. House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio performs a mock swearing in for Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, on Capitol Hill in Washington as the 113th Congress began. Former House Speaker John Boehner called disgraced former New York congressman Chris Collins a "good man" in a letter submitted by Collins' lawyer as part of a bid to win him a no-jail sentence in his insider-trading criminal case. Boehner was one of more than a dozen past and present Republican members of Congress to write letters supporting Collins that were included in the sentencing memorandum filed Tuesday by a defense lawyer. But federal probation officials recommended that Collins, 69, should be sentenced to a year and a day in jail, along with a $200,000 fine, for his crimes of conspiring to commit securities fraud and lying to FBI agents. That or the no-jail term requested by Collins' attorney would be significantly less than the 45-to-57-month range suggested by federal guidelines. The former Buffalo-area representative is due to be sentenced Jan. 17 in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. Collins in October pleaded guilty to tipping off his son Cameron in a phone call from the White House lawn about the results of an Australian biotech company's failed drug trial before the test results became public. After the test was revealed, the stock price of the firm in which Collins was a leading investor and board member tanked by more than 90%. Cameron Collins saved nearly $600,000 by dumping his stock in Innate Immunotherapeutics before the company disclosed the bad news in a press release. Chris Collins himself did not trade Innate stock after learning about the test results. The younger Collins is due to be sentenced Jan. 23, and Stephen Zarsky, the father of Cameron's fiancee, will be sentenced Jan. 24 in connection with his selling Innate stock after being tipped by Cameron to the bad test results. Collins, who resigned his seat in Congress a day before pleading guilty, was the first congressman to endorse the candidacy of Donald Trump for the presidency. Boehner's letter does not ask the judge for leniency in Collins' sentencing, but rather says it is submitted "simply in hopes of sharing my experience with Chris as a fellow American and friend." Collins "is a family man who has a passion for his country, his wife, his children and grandchildren," Boehner wrote. "Chris was my friend at times when he didn't have to be my friend, and I'm sure he took some political heat for supporting me as Speaker at a time when supporting me wasn't popular," Boehner wrote. "As human beings, we make mistakes and errors of judgment, and we have to accept the consequences that come with our mistakes and our errors of judgment. Chris, I believe, would be the first to agree with this," wrote the former speaker. "I know this experience has been mortifying for him," Boehner wrote. "I continue to believe he is a good man who loves his family and his country." Collins' lawyer Jonathan New cited Boehner's comments in his court filing Tuesday, saying the ex-House speaker's letter "serves as a testament to [Collins'] character and his impact on those he worked closely with." New submitted more than 100 other letters, some of which asked Judge Vernon Broderick to offer leniency to Collins. The letters include ones from Rep. Brian Babin of Texas, Rep. Peter King of New York and Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina. "Chris comes before the Court humbled, penitent and remorseful," wrote New, whose client for months after being arrested in August 2018 had falsely claimed he had done nothing wrong and who actually won re-election months after being indicted. "He has paid a heavy price for his crimes," New wrote. New also said that Collins is "now too ashamed to spend significant time in the [Buffalo-area] community he loves." FILE - In this March 26, 2019 file photo, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., joined at left by Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Frank Pallone, D-N.J., speaks at an event to announce legislation to lower health care costs and protect people with pre-existing medical conditions, at the Capitol in Washington. The failed attempt to repeal Obamacare in 2017 proved to be toxic for congressional Republicans in last years midterm elections and they are in no mood to repeat it. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) Read more Law continued to shape health care in 2019 in courtrooms and legislatures around the country with developments that will reverberate in 2020 and beyond. Here are five of the most important. 1. Obamacare ruled unconstitutional In December, the federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a ruling that the individual mandate in the Affordable Care Act, often referred to as Obamacare, is unconstitutional. The court reasoned that since the mandate penalty was reduced to $0 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, it is no longer a tax, so it no longer falls under the 2012 Supreme Court ruling that upheld it. The original ruling by Judge Reed OConnor of the Northern District of Texas had further concluded that the mandate could not be severed from the rest of the ACA, so the entire law must be invalidated. While the Fifth Circuits ruling affirmed that the mandate is unconstitutional, it did not invalidate the rest of the law. Instead, it remanded the case back to Judge OConnor to employ a finer-toothed comb...and conduct a more searching inquiry into which provisions of the ACA Congress intended to be inseverable from the individual mandate. This decision leaves an uncertain future for the ACA. The Supreme Court may choose to hear the case quickly without a revised ruling from the Northern District of Texas, or it could wait for the finer-toothed comb opinion, which could leave the fate of the ACA undecided for years. 2. Pharmaceutical industry held accountable in the opioid epidemic In August, an Oklahoma judge issued a ruling that ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay over $572 million as restitution for the companys role in promoting the opioid epidemic there. The ruling prompted a nearly immediate offer from Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, to settle more than 2,000 lawsuits for between $10 billion and $12 billion and a promise to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy, fulfilled in September. In October, drug distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen agreed to pay $215 million to settle a case brought against them by two Ohio counties alleging that they played a role in contributing to the epidemic. Later the same month, Teva, the Israeli drugmaker that made generic versions of opioids including OxyContin, proposed an approximately $23 billion settlement, offering to pay $250 million in cash and a donation of addiction-fighting drugs, including a generic version of Suboxone 3. The abortion debate intensified During a six-month period in 2019, several states in the South and Midwest enacted 58 abortion restrictions with two of the most restrictive passed in Georgia and Alabama. Georgias Heartbeat Bill bans all abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, the point at which a doctor can usually detect a fetal heartbeat. The Alabama Human Life Protection Act permits abortions only to avoid a serious health risk to the mother, and if the fetus has a lethal anomaly. By October, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones of the Northern District of Georgia had blocked the Heartbeat Law, and U.S. District Judge Myron H. Thompson of the Middle District of Alabama had blocked the Alabama Human Life Protection Act. At the federal level, an anti-abortion rule created a difficult challenge for Planned Parenthood. In August, the organization announced that it would withdraw from Title X, the federal program that provides family planning services to low-income women, rather than comply with federal requirements attached to that funding that would have forbidden it to refer patients for abortions. Planned Parenthood, along with other similar organizations, challenged the rule in federal court, where U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane issued a nationwide preliminary injunction on its enforcement that was stayed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. 4. Medicaid work requirements faced skepticism in court In 2019, courts and the Trump administration continued to battle over work requirements for Medicaid recipients. Early in the year, Judge James E. Boasberg of the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia denied restrictions in both Kentucky and Arkansas that required Medicaid recipients to work or volunteer to be eligible for coverage. In his ruling, Boasberg found that Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azars approval of those requirements was arbitrary and capricious. The rulings did not deter the Trump administration, however, and by December, South Carolina had become the tenth state to seek to impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients. 5. New York State eliminated its religious exemption for vaccination In June, New York became the fifth state to repeal all non-medical exemptions, striking the exemption used by parents of approximately 26,000 students up to age 18. The bill was introduced to combat an aggressive measles outbreak, the worst in 27 years, that resulted in more than 600 new cases in New York City in the previous year. The new law heightened the dispute between public health advocates and the vaccine skeptical. In November, a state judge ruled that it did not violate any constitutional rights to religious freedom and that the government had the right to mandate vaccination to protect public health. Mara Smith is an associate general counsel for Brighton Health Plan Solutions, LLC, a third-party administrator and health plan management innovator operating on the East Coast. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held a coordination meeting Wednesday in Cairo with his French, Italian, Greek and Cypriot counterparts on the latest developments in Libya, the Egyptian foreign ministry said . The meeting discusses means of reaching a comprehensive settlement to the Libyan crisis, as well as the latest developments in the Mediterranean region. The foreign ministers will hold a press conference after the meeting. Search Keywords: Short link: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday Iranian missile strikes on bases in Iraq had not harmed any U.S. troops stationed there and damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanted to prevent an escalation into conflict. Iranian forces fired missiles at military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq early on Wednesday, saying it was in retaliation for the killing in a U.S. drone strike of powerful Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani on Jan. 3. "All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases," Trump said. "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world." "The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it," the U.S. president said in an address, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and military officers. He urged world powers to quit a 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that Washington withdrew from in 2018 and work for a new deal, an issue that has been at the heart of rising tension between Washington and Tehran. Iran has rejected new talks. There was no immediate reaction from Iranian officials to Trump's comments. The semi-official Fars news agency described the U.S. president's remarks as a "big retreat from threats." Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who earlier on Wednesday addressed a gathering of Iranians chanting "Death to America", said Iran's attacks were a "slap on the face" of the United States and said U.S. troops should leave the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had said the strikes "concluded" Tehran's response to the killing of Soleimani, who had been responsible for building up Iran's network of proxy armies across the Middle East. He was buried in his hometown Kerman on Monday after days of national mourning. "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," he wrote on Twitter. Election year Trump's reaction in the immediate aftermath of Wednesday's attacks had been to say on Twitter that "All is well!" and that Washington was assessing damage. That early tweet and the comment by Iran's foreign minister had acted to soothe some initial concerns about a wider war and calmed jittery financial markets. Oil prices slipped back after an early spike. [O/R] U.S. and European government sources said they believed Iran had deliberately sought to avoid U.S. military casualties in its missile strikes to prevent an escalation. But an Iranian army spokesman had denied "foreign media reports" suggesting there had been some kind of coordination between Iran and the United States before the attack to allow bases to be evacuated, Fars news agency said. The U.S. president, who was impeached last month and faces an election this year, had at the weekend threatened to target 52 Iranian sites if Iran retaliated for Soleimani's killing. Iranian state television said Iran had fired 15 ballistic missiles from its territory at U.S. targets in its neighbour Iraq early on Wednesday. The Pentagon said al-Asad air base and another facility in Erbil in Iraq were struck. Iranian television had said 80 "American terrorists" had been killed, without saying how it obtained this information. Germany, Denmark, Norway and Poland said none of their troops in Iraq were hurt. Britain, which also has personnel in Iraq, condemned the Iranian action. Iraq said its forces did not suffer casualties. Iranian television reported an official in the supreme leader's office as saying the missile attacks were the "weakest" of several retaliation scenarios. It quoted another source saying Iran had lined up 100 other potential targets. State media showed footage of what it said were Iran's missiles being fired into the night sky. In the background, voices shouted "God is greatest". Avoiding conflict But analysts said Iran wanted to avoid any conventional military conflict with superior U.S. forces. U.S. officials said Soleimani was killed because forces under his command planned attacks on U.S. targets, although they did not provide evidence. Before Soleimani was buried, his body was taken on a tour of cities in Iraq and Iran, drawing huge crowds. A stampede at his funeral on Tuesday killed at least 56 people. After the Iranian missile attack, state television showed footage of the burial, with hundreds of people chanting "God is greatest" when the strikes were announced over loudspeakers. "His revenge was taken and now he can rest in peace," Iranian television said. Friction between Iran and the United States rose after Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, approved by his predecessor Barack Obama, and reimposed sanctions on Tehran slashing its vital oil exports. "We must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place," he said. Khamenei, in his speech on Wednesday, ruled out any resumption of talks with Washington on the 2015 nuclear pact. Trump's U.S. political rivals have challenged his decision to order Soleimani's killing and questioned its timing in a U.S. election year. ALSO READ:India unlikely to face oil crisis even if Iran, US turn to war: experts ALSO READ:Iran-US conflict: DGCA asks Indian airlines to avoid Iranian airspace, remain vigilant ALSO READ:80 'American terrorists' killed in missile strikes in Iraq: Iran state media ALSO READ:Missile strikes in Iraq 'Slap in face' of US, says Iran's supreme leader SUZHOU, China, Jan. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. ("Innovent") (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes high quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, autoimmune, metabolic and other major diseases, and Sirnaomics Inc. ("Sirnaomics"), a leading biopharmaceutical company in discovery and development of RNAi therapeutics against cancer and fibrotic diseases, jointly announced today that the two companies have entered a strategic collaboration to conduct clinical studies, using Innovent's antibody drug Tyvyt (sintilimab injection) and Sirnaomics' RNAi drug candidate STP705 (cotsiranib), for combination treatment in advanced cancers, such as Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCC), with high unmet need in the US. Dr. Hui Zhou, Vice President and Head of Oncology Strategy and Medical Sciences of Innovent, stated, "Sintilimab was granted marketing approval by the NMPA in 2018 and has been the only PD-1 inhibitor included in the NRDL since 2019. Sintilimab has gained broad recognition by the market, due to its profiles in safety and efficacy. Through partnership with other companies, we are exploring more sintilimab-based combination therapies and have seen some promising results. Developing a combination therapy, comprised of an antibody drug and a RNAi drug, may provide more comprehensive and effective treatments for patients. The potential clinical value of the combination therapy of sintilimab and cotsiranib will be evaluated and we hope more patients will benefit from this potential therapy globally." Patrick Lu, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sirnaomics, stated, "This collaborative effort between Sirnaomics and Innovent will be the first example of a combination strategy using an RNAi drug candidate together with an approved immune checkpoint antibody drug for the treatment of liver cancers. This represents an important clinical approach for combating these deadly diseases where the silencing of gene targets that reduce T-cell access and activity may augment the activity of checkpoint inhibitors in liver cancer." Michael Molyneaux, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Sirnaomics, stated, "Sirnaomics is very excited to enter into this collaboration agreement with Innovent to potentially bring lifesaving therapies to patients with Hepatocellular Cancers. It is well known that, despite recent advances in cancer therapies, HCC is still a deadly form of liver cancer with high unmet need. Our pre-clinical Proof of Concept oncology data has consistently demonstrated single agent efficacy with STP705 in HCC and our most recent work on mechanism of action strongly suggest that the use of our lead asset (STP705) in combination with antibody therapies could greatly benefit patients with HCC. Innovent has a very strong track record for innovation and execution in the clinical space and a shared vision of bringing lifesaving therapies to their patients. We believe that combining Sirnaomics novel siRNA technology with Innovent's cutting edge antibody therapies has the potential to significantly improve the current treatment landscape for patients with Hepatocellular Cancer." About Tyvyt (Sintilimab Injection) Tyvyt (sintilimab injection), an innovative drug jointly developed in China by Innovent and Lilly, was granted marketing approval by the NMPA for r/r cHL in 2018, and included in the 2019 Guidelines of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology ("CSCO") for Lymphoid Malignancies. Tyvyt (sintilimab injection) has been the only anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody included in the NRDL since 2019. Tyvyt (sintilimab injection) is a type of immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody, which binds to PD-1 molecules on the surface of T-cells, blocks the PD-1/ PD-1 Ligand-1 (PD-L1) pathway and reactivates T-cells to kill cancer cells. Innovent is currently conducting more than 20 clinical studies for sintilimab injection to evaluate its safety and efficacy in a wide variety of cancer indications, including eight registration or pivotal clinical trials. Innovent is also conducting clinical studies of sintilimab injection in the United States. About STP705 (Cotsiranib) Sirnaomics' leading product candidate, STP705, is an siRNA (small interfering RNA) therapeutic which takes advantage of a dual-targeted inhibitory property and polypeptide nanoparticle (PNP)-enhanced delivery to directly knock down both TGF-1 and COX-2 gene expression. The product candidate has received multiple IND approvals from both the US FDA and Chinese NMPA, including treatments of Cholangiocarcinoma, Non-Melanoma skin cancer and Hypertrophic Scar. STP705 has also received Orphan Drug Designation for treatment of Cholangiocarcinoma and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. STP705 has demonstrated a dramatic improvement in T-cell penetration into tumors in the liver with single agent action as well as improvement in the efficacy of an anti-PD-L1 antibody checkpoint inhibitor in an HCC model. This effect may improve other immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacies in addition to those targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. About Innovent Inspired by the spirit of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent's mission is to develop and commercialize high quality biopharmaceutical products that are affordable to ordinary people. Established in 2011, Innovent is committed to developing, manufacturing and commercializing high quality innovative medicines for the treatment of oncology, autoimmune, metabolic and other major diseases. On October 31, 2018, Innovent was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code: 01801.HK. Since it was founded, Innovent has developed a fully-integrated platform which includes R&D, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), clinical development and commercialization capabilities. Leveraging the platform, the company has built a robust pipeline of 21 innovative assets in the fields of oncology, autoimmune, metabolic diseases and other major therapeutic areas, with seventeen in clinical development, five in Phase III clinical trials, three NDAs under review by NMPA with priority review status, while Tyvyt, officially approved for marketing in China in 2018, has been the only PD-1 inhibitor included in the NRDL since 2019. Innovent has built an international team of advanced talents in high-end biological drug development and commercialization, including many overseas experts. The company has also entered into strategic collaborations with Eli Lilly and Company, Adimab, Incyte, Hanmi and other international pharmaceutical companies. Innovent strives to work with all relevant parties to help advance China's biopharmaceutical industry, improve drug availability to ordinary people and enhance the quality of the patients' lives. For more information, please visitwww.innoventbio.com. About Sirnaomics, Inc. Sirnaomics, Inc., a leading privately held biopharmaceutical company for discovery and development of RNAi therapeutics, is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, with subsidiaries in Suzhou and Guangzhou, China. The company's mission is to develop novel therapeutics to alleviate human suffering and advance patient care in areas of high unmet medical need. The guiding principles of the company are: Innovation, Global Vision with a Patient Centered focus. Members of the senior management team have a great deal of combined experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, financial, clinical and business management in both the USA and China. The company is supported by funding from institutional investors and corporate partnerships. Sirnaomics has developed a strong portfolio of intellectual property with an enriched product pipeline. The therapeutic areas of focus include oncology and anti-fibrotic therapeutics. Learn more at www.sirnaomics.com. SOURCE Innovent Biologics, Inc. Related Links www.innoventbio.com Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Euisun, left, and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi hold their partnership agreement at the former's booth at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Wednesday (KST). Courtesy of Hyundai Motor By Nam Hyun-woo LAS VEGAS _ South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group signed an agreement with Uber under which the two companies will work together to boost a promising air taxi business. The deal came on the sidelines of this year's technology exhibition in Las Vegas. The collaboration is widely viewed as an ambitious action plan by the South Korean carmaker's rapprochement toward becoming a "serious" smart mobility service provider by diversifying its sagging revenue channels. On the sidelines of the Las Vegas fair, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Euisun and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi signed a partnership agreement on urban air mobility (UAM). Hyundai is the first company joining Uber as a strategic partner on UAM. After the signing ceremony, Hyundai unveiled the S-A1 air vehicle concept, whose design was revealed through a mini replica at the company's press conference a day earlier. The S-A1 is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed with Uber under the partnership. "Through the partnership with Uber, we will accelerate efforts to harness Hyundai's businesses and technologies to deliver true freedom of mobility," Chung said. "We will innovate tirelessly to redefine the boundaries of mobility and provide quality time to customers." Hyundai Motor said its urban air mobility service is one of the most innovative businesses that will liberate people from traffic congestion. The agreement is calling for Hyundai Motor to both develop and manufacture air vehicles, while Uber will provide its mobility service platform. Also, the two companies will join forces for developing landing sites. From Uber's standpoint, its air taxi unit Uber Elevate will lead the partnership. Uber Elevate seeks to launch its Uber Air service by 2023, and to work with conventional aircraft makers such as Bell, Boeing and Embraer. Uber Air will run pilot projects in multiple cities including Seoul. A mockup of Hyundai Motor's S-A1 displayed at the company's booth at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Wednesday (KST). Courtesy of Hyundai Motor "Hyundai's large scale manufacturing capabilities offer a major step forward for Uber Elevate," Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said. "As Hyundai taps its automotive industry experience to mass produce air taxis, we will be able to take Uber's platform into the skies more quickly, expanding affordable and seamless transportation in cities around the world." Analysts remained upbeat over the partnership saying Hyundai Motor has presented a detailed action plan for its mobility initiatives. "Instead of covering the whole value chain of air mobility services, Hyundai Motor opted to partner with Uber, which allowed the company to preoccupy market leadership," Korea Investment & Securities analyst Kim Jin-woo said from Seoul. "There are realistic problems remaining such as the timeframe of mass production, the value chain and the rivalry with other air mobility service providers, the partnership comes as a bold blueprint that clears doubts on Hyundai Motor's future mobility services." According to U.S. data analytics firm INRIX, American drivers have wasted an average 97 hours per person stuck in traffic jams in 2018, which was also interpreted at a cost per person of $1,348. Morgan Stanley also expects the value of the global urban air mobility market will grow to $1.5 trillion in 2040. EDMONTONAs the world watches Australia burn, British Columbia is moving to poach some specialized firefighters from neighbouring Alberta an exchange, of sorts, between two provinces that have grappled with devastating forest fires in recent years. In November, Albertas United Conservative government cut about 63 specialized firefighters who rappel from helicopters into remote locations to prevent fires from spreading and getting out of control. Shortly after, British Columbia saw an opportunity to strengthen their own ranks. The Star has learned that all members who were part of Albertas Wildland Firefighter Rappel Program (RAP) received a letter about how to apply directly to B.C.s equivalent program: BCWS Rapattack. The letter, sent on December 17, says that beginning in 2020, the province will have a streamlined application process for candidates with previous wildfire rappel experience. The letter didnt state how many spots were open. Memories of wildfire catastrophes are still fresh for Albertans after an out of control wildfire swept through the town of Fort McMurray in 2016, causing billions in damage and making international headlines. Since Albertas program was cut in November, deadly forest fires have raged in Australia, causing catastrophic damage, evacuations and the deaths of hundreds of millions of animals. All of this has left one former Alberta RAP member, Jordan Erlendson, feeling angry. Its such a win for B.C., he said. They just poached all of these trained personnel that Alberta put hundreds of thousands of dollars into. The program in Alberta has some very experienced members, he added, and he expects several of them to take up the B.C. opportunity, while others have decided to work in different B.C. fire fighting outfits or head to the U.S. Adrienne South, press secretary for Albertas ministry of agriculture and forestry, said in an emailed statement that all members of RAP had been given the option to work for us again next summer as part of our Helitack and Unit crews. Australia wildfires have so far consumed more than 20,000 square kilometres in the province of New South Wales alone, and firefighters in Alberta hope the province takes note. The kind of disaster were seeing in Australia that is extremely viable in Alberta, Erlendson said. In 2016, Fort McMurray, located in Albertas northeast, saw one of the most infamous wildfires in recent Canadian memory cause $9 billion in direct and indirect damage. About 80,000 people evacuated the city during the emergency, with many losing their homes. That fire swept across some 1.5 million acres over several months. The Australian fires have already scorched around 12.35 million acres of land. As well, the countrys wildfire season got an early start this year, so the end is nowhere in sight. Findings from scientists around the globe and the Canadian government are clear: a warming climate means wildfires are growing larger and more ferocious. Experts have warned that climate change is ramping up the risks of wildfires in Canada. In Albertas 2019 budget, rolled out last October, the province reduced its agriculture and forestry expenses by 9.1 per cent, or $88 million compared to the previous year. The United Conservatives were elected last April with a mandate to reduce overall spending and balance the provinces books. The government also moved to cut staffing in around 30 wildfire lookout towers and one air tanker unit. If anything, one would assume that the budget would be going up in the face of these huge disasters, Erlendson said. But South, the ministry of agriculture and forestry spokesperson, said the government would be bringing in 100 lookout observers for the upcoming fire season. We are modernizing our approach and will use technology, such as cameras and aerial patrols to detect fires, she said. Alberta Wildfire is a leader in wildfire management in Canada and around the world, and were proud of our ability to adapt and improve. When the program was cut in November, Minister Devin Dreeshen said ending RAP meant the government could focus more on other groups of firefighters. He said that the rappel crews only dropped into locations via helicopter two per cent of the time. South pointed out that the Alberta government also increased its emergency contingency fund to $750 million. But Erlendson wonders why the province would want to throw money at a problem that his unit could have worked to prevent. With climate change causing hotter and dryer conditions heading into the summer, he expects there to be more. Its almost a statistical guarantee that there will be another huge event. With files from The Canadian Press and the Associated Press Read more about: Palm Harbor, Florida, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Pennexx Foods Inc. has become Pink current on OTC Markets. The development team is working on the initial launch of one of its first products which enables businesses to utilize social media to build their customer base. Pennexx Foods Inc. Pennexx is also finalizing a provisional patent which establishes priority with the US Patent office and enables Pennexx to publicly release the details of this product for the first time. According to brandwatch.com, there are over 3 billion social media users and the average daily time spent on social media is 142 minutes a day. Brandwatch.com also states that social media users grew by 328 million between October 2018 and October 2019. This makes social media one of the most exciting markets to penetrate because it is indeed a vast opportunity, says Pennexx CEO, Vincent Risalvato. Pennexxs current technology strategy is to roll out its first product in a limited number of locations in January. Once the product has been successfully proven, Pennexx will launch a portal so that any business can log in and create a social media marketing campaign. Pennexx will continue by releasing future products into this established customer base as well as releasing them to the public at large. Pennexxs products will benefit businesses ranging from small mom and pop to major Fortune 500 corporations to help build their brands awareness. Pennexxs products will also appeal to consumers because it allows them to save money and get exciting rewards. The size of social media coupled with Pennexxs exciting ideas, its appeal to businesses and consumers alike will allow Pennexx to grow rapidly and virally! Pennexxs business strategy is to establish a strong foundation for the company. Their financials for the first quarter of 2020 will be audited. They are currently in the process of identifying a firm who can be relied upon to complete those audits. Pennexx will have revenue starting in the first quarter of 2020 and is keeping its eye on establishing profitability as soon as practical. Pennexx believes that it is important to reach profitability and grow organically and this is possible because of the companys plans and the viral nature of its products. Pennexxs products will also be utilized in philanthropic ways, which will help promote the welfare of others, by allowing people to donate to good causes as well as helping Pennexx grow! Pennexx is looking forward to releasing their plans to the world and making an exciting splash in social media for 2020. About Pennexx Foods Inc. (PNNX: OTCMKTS US). Pennexx, through its wholly owned subsidiaries is a holding company within the Software/Internet Industry that is focused on social media, prepaid debit cards, crypto currency, artificial intelligence, targeted marketing and consumer rewards. Safe Harbor Act: This release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may," "future," "plan" or "planned," "will" or "should," "expected," "anticipates," "draft," "eventually" or "projected." You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report. For additional information, visit our website at www.Pennexx.net or call 866-928-6409. We are also on Twitter @Pennexx. Missionaries, church groups in Puerto Rico on surviving earthquake, facing uncertainty Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Several church groups and missionaries working in Puerto Rico during Tuesdays 6.4 magnitude earthquake that triggered an islandwide blackout and toppled several churches and other buildings are relaying their experiences and telling how they and others are coping with uncertainty in the aftermath. We were all awakened at 4:30 a.m. by our walls and windows shaking, Sue DAnna, a member of the First Congregational Church of Hartland, Vermont, told Valley News. Our side of the island has not seen damage, but the other side has seen significant destruction. Todays earthquake 6.4 no power in Puerto Rico, and little cell signal, sorry friends I cant retweet . This is how the Church of Guayanilla was after the earthquake. #TemblorPR#EarthquakePRpic.twitter.com/fuoUQZtAhL Efrain????????????????? (@Efrain99620830) January 7, 2020 The United States Geological Survey said in a release Tuesday that the earthquake, which has left at least one person on the island dead, struck at about 4:24 a.m. local time offshore of southwest Puerto Rico just a day after a magnitude 5.8 quake erupted from the same area. Over the past several weeks, hundreds of small earthquakes have occurred in the region, the USGS said. The seismic activity began with a magnitude 4.7 earthquake late on Dec. 28 and was followed by a magnitude 5.0 tremor just a few hours later. Since Dec. 28, the USGS said more than 400 magnitude 2+ earthquakes have occurred in the region. Some 10 of them registered stronger than magnitude 4, including Tuesdays tremor. About 25 volunteers from the First Congregational Church of Hartland arrived in Puerto Rico on Sunday to help with relief efforts from the devastation of Hurricane Maria which left thousands dead in September 2017. All of them were reported safe and they had planned to continue working to renovate a church in San Juan but officials concerned about more earthquakes and whether the building remains structurally safe has paused all their efforts for now. At this point, we are unclear about how the remainder of our week and work plans will unfold, DAnna said. Seventh-day Adventist leaders in Puerto Rico are also struggling to understand the series of earthquakes that have been plaguing the island and the uncertainty that hangs over the lives of many affected by the disaster. We have never as a country dealt with such earthquake in all my years, Pastor Jose A. Rodriguez, president of the church in Puerto Rico, said in a field report from the SDA. At 4:24 a.m. I woke up to the house shaking, and then one aftershock then another. Sometimes its like 10 tremors a day, so theres so much uncertainty for all of us here in Puerto Rico, said Rodriguez, who lives in the western part of the island. Even though the earthquakes have been strongest in the south, the entire island has felt each tremor, said Rodriguez. There is so much uncertainty now, bridges are down, roads have collapsed, power hasnt been restored and many are taking refuge in parks and arenas, he said. He explained that at least six members of his church have lost their homes as a result of the earthquake and leaders in the South Puerto Rico Conference are still assessing the needs of members. Please pray for our partners in Puerto Rico. Everyone at the church is safe. We are working with our partners on a plan to help and will provide details when we have them. pic.twitter.com/GMzRYTFp5h Mission Serve (@Mission_Serve) January 8, 2020 Ponce Puerto Rico Stake President Franki Ruiz of the Latter-day Saints told Deseret News that he had expected a big quake due to frequent seismic activity on the island in the days before it hit. I woke up and told my wife and parents and kids that this was the [big] one, so lets get out of the house, he said. We walked calmly outside, and all my neighbors were also leaving their homes. He added: We have no reports of members being harmed or reports of their homes being seriously damaged. We are still trying to account for everyone but so far, things seem to be OK for the members. Philadelphia City Councilmember Maria Quinones-Sanchez, who was born in Puerto Rico, told The Philadelphia Enquirer that while her relatives on the Island are safe, she and others are starting to plan how to help with relief efforts like they did in the wake of Hurricane Maria. The local Latin American community joined with other groups, churches and synagogues to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars, she said. So many infrastructure problems still remain from past disasters, she said. The electric grid is still very fragile. A lot of things have been normalized; its not unusual to lose power or water. People are more nonchalant about it. That becomes oppressive day after day. Its very sad. Burma Western Union Cuts Ties to Myanmar Military-Owned Bank Military-owned Myawaddy Trading and Bank Limited building in Yangon on Strand Road. / The Irrawaddy YANGONWestern Union, a US-based global financial transfer service, has cut ties with Myanmars military-owned Myawaddy Bank after human rights organizations called on the company to sever its links in light of accusations that the military is responsible for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Burma Campaign for UK (BCUK) said on Tuesday that it received the notification from Western Union that the company has stopped using military-owned Myawaddy Bank as one of its agents in Myanmar after reviewing relevant regulatory requirements and Western Unions own policies. Western Union said that in Myanmar and other countries in conflict, it plays a critical role in connecting people, whether families sending money to loved ones in order to meet basic needs like healthcare and food, or humanitarian aid organizations sending funds to support their work on the ground. Providing these services requires the use of local agents remunerated by a commission payment, according to BCUK. Western Union conducts agent due diligence and oversight through periodic reviews to determine whether these [local] agents satisfy relevant regulatory requirements and Western Union policies, the financial transfer service provider said. It said that as a result of such a review, Western Union has ended its contract with Myawaddy Bank, effective immediately, according to BCUK. Myawaddy Bank is a subsidiary of a military business conglomerate, Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd (MEHL). BCUK said that profits from Myawaddy bank benefit the Myanmar military. In October, 33 human rights organizations sent an open letter to Western Union president Hikmet Ersek calling on him to end the companys relationship with Myanmars military, known as the Tatmadaw, which has been accused by UN investigators of being responsible for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The group said that by partnering with Myanmars generals, Western Union was risking its reputation and that of its top management. In December 2018, BCUK named and shamed a total of 49 companies worldwide, including Western Union, that do business with Myanmars military in the human rights groups Dirty List of firms. The companies work in sectors including energy, telecommunications and arms and military equipment. They are headquartered in countries including China, France, India, Japan, Norway, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the UK, Ukraine, the US and Vietnam. Myanmars military operates its wide-ranging business interests through two conglomerates, MEHL and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), both of which BCUK said lack transparency. Western Union deserve credit for doing the right thing. They are the biggest company so far to cut their business ties to the military, said Mark Farmaner, director of BCUK. We will be stepping up pressure on other companies on our Dirty List including Portia Management Services, a British company managing a military owned port in Yangon, Farmaner said. BCUK and the International Campaign for the Rohingya had organized a growing campaign to press Western Union to cut its ties to the Myanmar military. However, both organizations stressed that they did not want Western Union to stop operating in Myanmar, only to stop using a military-owned bank as one of its agents. The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar also urged the international community to cut ties with the countrys military and the companies that it controls and relies on. The UN Fact-Finding Mission said that any foreign business activity involving the Tatmadaw and its conglomerates MEHL and MEC poses a high risk of contributing to, or being linked to, violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Following the recommendations by the UN, Belgian satellite communications firm Newtec announced in August that it would cut commercial ties with Mytel, a mobile phone operator partially owned by the military. Western Union has yet to make a public announcement to the media about its decision to end business with Myawaddy Bank. The Irrawaddy attempted to contact Myawaddy Bank for comment on Wednesday but received no response. You may also like these stories: UK Rights Group Expands Dirty List of Companies with Ties to Myanmar Army Facebook Urged to Remove Military-Linked Co. Pages Expressing solidarity with Indian and Pakistani students India as the worldas largest democracy is coming under focus on account of the grossly undemocratic actions of the government of Narendra Modi, first in locking down Kashmir for months and inflicting brutal police and army actions against protesting unarmed Kashmiris, then enacting discriminatory laws on citizenship, and now letting loose armed goons at non-violent protesters on campuses. These are clear signs of the rise of majoritarian fascism, reminding us of the rise of Nazism in the 1930s. Non-violent protests against government policies are a universally accepted fundamental right. Trying to suppress such protests through undemocratic means is highly condemnable. We know from our own experience in Pakistan that acts of suppression introduce gross distortions in societies, and when nations slide into such distortions, intelligentsia remains the only source of sane advice. We therefore condemn the rising fascism in India, deplore the highhanded policies of the Modi government, and express our complete solidarity with the non-violent protesters on Indian university campuses. We are sure that had student unions been allowed to function in Pakistan, they would have also expressed complete solidarity with the protesting Indian students. (Signed) 1. Professor Akmal Hussain, economist 2. Dr. A. H. Nayyar, physicist 3. Beena Sarwar, journalist, editor, filmmaker 4. Nasir Zaidi, journalist and archivist 5. Dr Naazir Mahmood, columnist and educationist 6. Farman Ali, freelance journalist 7. Adnan Rehmat, freelance journalist 8. Fauzia Shahid, Freelance journalist 9. Rasheed Khalid, journalist, academician. 10. Ayub malik , political activist 11. Harris Khalique, Writer and Secretary-General HRCP 12. Mazhar Arif, journalist 13. Kaiser Bengali, economist 14. Zafarullah Khan, Journalist 15. Amir Rana, PIPS 16. Faheem Qureshi, Progressive Writers Association, Rawalpindi, Islamabad. 17. Nusrat Jamil 18. Shahid ur Rahman, Journalist 19. Professor M. Mazhar, Chemist 20. Jamil Ahmed Khan, Organising Secretary, Senior Journalist Forum [03345116897 ] 21. Asmatullah Niazi, Joirnalist 22. Dr. Asim Sajjad Akhtar, QAU 22. Saleha Ather, AWP, Toronto 24. Sanawar Balam, District Member, Human Rights and Minority Affair 25. Hasan Rizvi, Development Professional 26. Saleem Malik 27. Lala Hassan, Human rights Defender and media lawyer, Karachi 28. Dr. Riaz Ahmed Shaikh, SZABIST, Karachi 29. Arshad Waheed 30. Hamza Farooq, Media Consultant, SDPI 31. Karamat Ali, Secretary, National Labour Council. Left parties on ventilator, trying to stop progress of country: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Trucks parked at APMC Truck Terminal on Bharat Bandh called by various Labour Union Orginasarion on Wednesday. Several trade and bank employees' unions are going on a nationwide strike displaying their unhappiness over what they call Centre's 'attitude of contempt towards labour'. In a joint statement, the trade union leaders said that the Ministry of Labour failed to assure workers on their demands concerning minimum wage and employment security because of which a Bharat Bandh has been called. Privatisation of PSUs, education and no labour conferences held in the past 4 years has also angered the unions which are holding the strike. Here are the live updates: Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 04:37:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TASHKENT, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Uzbek sum, the national currency of Uzbekistan, weakened by 13.9 percent against the U.S. dollar in 2019 amid price liberalization and economic reforms in the country, the press service of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan said Wednesday. The sum weakened from 8,341 per dollar at the beginning of 2019 to 9,501 per dollar by the year end, according to the central bank. The central bank decided in August 2019 to remove the limit on its exchange rate fluctuations and establish a floating rate for the national currency. Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas put in a 'remarkable' performance as Jeremy Bamber's sister Sheila Caffell in her latest TV drama, according to her real-life former husband. Colin Caffell appeared on Lorraine this morning alongside the actress, 30, from Winchester, who plays schizophrenic Sheila in the latest small-screen adaptation of the White House Farm killings that shook the quiet village of Tolleshunt D'Arcy in Essex in 1985. The drama tells the story of notorious mass murderer Bamber, who shot dead his two adopted parents, their other adopted child Sheila, and her two six-year-old twins Daniel and Nicholas, before framing his sister for the murders following the massacre. Colin, played by Mark Stanley, said he was 'shocked' by how accurate Cressida's portrayal of his estranged wife was, while the actress admitted she was horrified by the treatment of the troubled young woman. In Cressida Bonas' first big TV role, she plays Sheila Caffell, the adoptive sister and victim of murderer Jeremy Bamber Bamber shot dead his two adopted parents, their other adopted child Sheila (pictured) and her two six-year-old twins Daniel and Nicholas before framing his troubled sister for the murders Colin Caffell appeared on Lorraine today alongside Cressida, 30, from Winchester, who plays schizophrenic Sheila in the latest small-screen portrayal of the 1985 killings He told how Cressida, who dated Prince Harry between 2012 and 2014 after being introduced by Princess Eugenie, was able to wonderfully capture the 'fragility' of his former wife. 'It was quite shocking actually', Colin said of the model's performance. 'I didn't meet you until all the filming was done, but when I first saw her on screen I thought, "Gosh, it is Sheila at that time". 'It was remarkable how you did that, you really did pick up the fragility of her character. You added a very heartfelt insight to that, and I thank you for it.' Colin, who is portrayed in the drama by Mark Stanley (pictured), told how he was 'shocked' by how accurate Cressida's portrayal of his former wife was. Stanley is pictured with actress Grace Calder, who plays his new partner Heather Colin pictured arriving at Crown Court in Chelmsford to give evidence in the trial of Jeremy Bamber In the drama, Colin is heard describing his former wife as 'bombed' because of her heavy medication - which she later begs him to convince her parents to reduce. Speaking of the challenges she faced in the role, Cressida said: 'I think back then mental illness was treated so differently to how it is now. 'I think nowadays it wouldn't have been treated like that. If it had happened now, she wouldn't have been attacked for having mental illness. 'Now we're so much more aware and we talk about it in such a different way to how we did then. 'It's really shocking... I wasn't alive when it happened and I couldn't believe how she was treated back then.' In the drama, Colin describes his former wife as 'bombed' constantly due to her heavy medication Colin (played by Mark Stanley, pictured) is seen in the show driving his family for the last time to Sheila's parent's home, where she begs her ex to ask them to reconsider her medication Bamber (Freddie Fox) shot dead his two adopted parents, their other adopted child Sheila and her two six-year-old twins Daniel and Nicholas, before framing his troubled sister for the murders Cressida went on to say that she felt a 'huge responsibility' to do the late Sheilla justice. 'It was a challenge and obviously a huge responsibility and there was no footage of her, so it really was Colin's book that were my guidelines to go on,' she said. 'I just did a lot of research to make it as emotionally truthful and get the psychological truth to it. 'That's just so important, especially when you're playing a real person, and the horrors that happened, it's a huge responsibility.' The ITV series is Cressida's TV debut and the latest drama commissioned by ITV based on the horrors committed by some of Britain's most notorious killers. Bamber is one of a select breed of the most evil murderers who have been slapped with a whole life order, condemning them to an eternity behind bars. Victims: Jeremy's adoptive sister Sheila Caffell, 28, was found shot dead with her six-year-old twins sons Daniel and Nicholas. This is believed to be their final photo together Cressida went on to say that she felt a 'huge responsibility' to do the late Sheilla justice Bonas previously said the emotional attachment to the drama's true story at points overwhelmed her and moved her to tears. She described one heart-wrenching moment on set where her character's husband Colin waved goodbye to their sons - the last time he would see them alive before they were slaughtered in their beds. Bonas said: 'I remember everyone on set was really quiet during that filming. I was watching from a window as I wasn't in the scene. That moment really hit me, knowing what was to come,' according to the Mirror. 'That really stayed with me I got really emotional. Those are the moments when this story hits home. This is not fiction. It really happened.' White House Farm airs tonight at 9pm on ITV. A mother whose house was looted after she left to escape bushfires has been robbed again. Bec Winter left her home in Moruya on the New South Wales south coast on New Year's Eve as fires ravaged the region. She returned on Friday to find it had been ransacked. Thieves had taken her son Riley's bike, bought for Christmas only a week earlier, as well as lawn-mowers, a leaf blower, chainsaws and even the pump on her water tank. Scroll down for video Pictured: Bec Winter and son Riley from Moruya on the New South Wales south coast fled from bushfires on the back of a horse The Moruya local returned from fleeing her home (pictured) in the south coast fires to discover the house survived but looters had ransacked the property They also raided the house and stole her cashbox which she uses in her job selling children's clothes at a local market. Ms Winter was left devastated but worse was to come. On Monday she went back to her house with a police officer and found it had be burgled a second time. She told the ABC: 'They even came back for a second round and took more of my personal belongings which would mean nothing to them. 'Honestly I just went, "there is not much more they can take". 'Do they want our clothes as well? Moruya local Ron Winter issued a scathing message (pictured) to the thieves who targeted his daughter's home on the New South Wales south coast Last week Ms Winter described the emotional process of fleeing the fire before discovering her home had been targeted by thieves. 'I saddled the horse up immediately, shaking like you wouldn't believe it was just unbelievable,' she told the Today Show. The house had survived the fire but clothing and food was strewn over the floor, draws and cupboards emptied and valuable possessions stolen. Winter said it was bittersweet discovering their home had survived only to find the chaos inside. 'It's heartbreaking I have no words. Yesterday Riley asked if he could swear and I said, 'darling today you can,' she said. Her father Ron Winter has issued a scathing message to the thieves on Facebook. 'May your new years be the worst you can imagine. This is the lowest of all acts you can imagine. How we get to meet you,' he wrote. Meanwhile New South Wales police is warning looters of the consequences if they're caught looting in bushfire affected communities. Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said he is 'disgusted that anyone would target these vulnerable communities at this time. He said it's a low-act for anyone to consider targeting bushfire victims when they're already enduring so much. 'People in these areas have already lost members of their communities, seen property destroyed and suffered emotional turmoil from the recent fire activity, they do not need the added stress of looters stealing what little they might have left!' he said. Pictured: Bec Winter and son Riley from Moruya on the New South Wales south coast fled from bushfires on the back of a horse The way consumers use vapour and tobacco heating products (THPs) can affect the levels of harmful and potentially harmful constituents they are exposed to, and a new study has analysed how the use of these products compares with cigarette smoking. Emissions from a number of tested vapour and THPs were shown to contain far fewer and lower levels of certain toxicants than cigarette smoke.*1,2 However, the way consumers actually use these products can have a significant bearing on the levels of harmful and potentially harmful constituents they are exposed to. To investigate this, scientists at British American Tobacco (BAT) carried out an 'actual use study' in Italy, where it is common for people to smoke cigarettes as well as vape and use THPs. The study compared how consumers used BAT's THP glo, and vapour product iSwitch, as well as another commercially available THP and a reference cigarette. "Understanding how a product is being used, and how often, allows for a holistic approach to risk assessment," says Joshua Jones, Human Studies Scientist at BAT. As well as the average daily consumption of the products, the study determined puffing topography (puffing frequency, duration and volume) and corresponding mouth level exposure (MLE) to the aerosol. The study found overall consumption of THPs was less than cigarettes, and MLE to dry particulate matter was significantly lower compared to cigarettes. On average, Italian consumers took puffs of similar volume and duration on both the vapour product and the reference cigarette. The results have been published today in Scientific Reports. "As an example, glo THP emissions contain around 90% less of certain toxicants than a cigarette* -- a reduction that is amplified by the reduced average daily consumption by consumers," says Jones. "This data adds to growing evidence that Italian consumers are exposed to much lower levels of certain toxicants when using THPs and vapour products compared with traditional cigarettes, suggesting these products have the potential to be reduced risk compared with smoking." The data will be used to ensure that laboratory-based product testing is realistic and reflective of real-world consumers, aiding in the development of potentially reduced-risk products. ### References 1. Taylor, M., Thorne, D., Carr, T., Breheny, D., Walker, P., Proctor, C. and Gaca, M. 2018: Assessment of novel tobacco heating product THP1.0. Part 6: A comparative in vitro study using contemporary screening approaches. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, Volume 93, March 2018, Pages 1-104. 2. Forster, M., Fiebelkorn, S., Yurteri, C., Mariner, D., Liu, C., Wright, C., McAdam, K., Murphy, J., Proctor, C. 2018: Assessment of novel tobacco heating product THP1.0. Part 3: Comprehensive chemical characterisation of harmful and potentially harmful aerosol emissions. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, Volume 93, March 2018, Pages 14-33. *Comparison of smoke from a scientific standard reference cigarette (approx. 9 mg tar) and vapour from iSwitch, or aerosol from heated tobacco in glo (as applicable), in terms of the 9 harmful components the World Health Organization recommends to reduce in cigarette smoke. This quality does not necessarily mean this product is less harmful than (other) tobacco products. By NASSER KARIMI, AMIR VAHDAT and JON GAMBRELL TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Iran struck back at the United States for the killing of a top Iranian general early Wednesday, firing a series of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops and warning the United States and its allies in the region not to retaliate. The strikes by Iran were a major escalation of tensions that have been rising steadily across the Mideast following months of threats and attacks after President Donald Trump's decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. Iranian state TV said the attack was in revenge for the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose funeral procession Tuesday in his hometown of Kerman prompted angry calls to avenge his death. Soleimani's killing and Iran's missile strikes also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two nations, which have been foes since the days immediately following Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. U.S. officials confirmed both strikes, though Iran only initially acknowledged targeting one base. There was no immediate word on injuries. Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack against the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq's western Anbar province. The Guard issued the warning via a statement carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency. "We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted," The Guard said. It also threatened Israel. After the strikes, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator posted a picture of the Islamic Republic's flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others Friday in a drone strike in Baghdad. Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported, Brynjar Stordal, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces told The Associated Press. State TV said the operation's name was "Martyr Soleimani." It said the Guard's aerospace division that controls Iran's missile program launched the attack. Iran said it would release more information later. The U.S. also acknowledged another missile attack on a base in Irbil in Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region. Wednesday's revenge attack came a mere few hours after crowds in Iran mourned Soleimani and as the U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the region's waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. The U.S. Air Force launched a drill with 52 fighter jets in Utah, just days after Trump threatened to hit 52 sites in Iran. A stampede broke out Tuesday at Soleimani's funeral for a top Iranian general slain in a U.S. airstrike, and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession, Iranian news reports said. Tuesday's deadly stampede took place in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman as his coffin was being borne through the city in southeastern Iran, said Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran's emergency medical services. There was no information about what set off the crush in the packed streets, and online videos showed only its aftermath: people lying apparently lifeless, their faces covered by clothing, emergency crews performing CPR on the fallen, and onlookers wailing and crying out to God. "Unfortunately as a result of the stampede, some of our compatriots have been injured and some have been killed during the funeral processions," Koulivand said, and state TV quoted him as saying that 56 had died and 213 had been injured. Soleimani's burial was delayed, with no new time given, because of concerns about the huge crowd at the cemetery, the semi-official ISNA news agency said. A procession in Tehran on Monday drew over 1 million people in the Iranian capital, crowding both main avenues and side streets in Tehran. Such mass crowds can prove dangerous. A smaller stampede at the 1989 funeral for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini killed at least eight people and injured hundreds. Hossein Salami, Soleimani's successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard, addressed a crowd of supporters gathered at the coffin in a central square in Kernan. He vowed to avenge Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike Friday near Baghdad's airport. "We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about," Salami said. "Death to Israel!" the crowd shouted in response, referring to one of Iran's longtime regional foes. Salami praised Soleimani's work, describing him as essential to backing Palestinian groups, Yemen's Houthi rebels and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. As a martyr, Soleimani represented an even greater threat to Iran's enemies, Salami said. Soleimani will ultimately be laid to rest between the graves of Enayatollah Talebizadeh and Mohammad Hossein Yousef Elahi, two former Guard comrades killed in Iran's 1980s war with Iraq. They died in Operation Dawn 8, in which Soleimani also took part. It was a 1986 amphibious assault that cut Iraq off from the Persian Gulf and led to the end of the war that killed 1 million. The funeral processions in major cities over three days have been an unprecedented honor for Soleimani, seen by Iranians as a national hero for his work leading the Guard's expeditionary Quds Force. The U.S. blames him for killing U.S. troops in Iraq and accused him of plotting new attacks just before he was killed. Soleimani also led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that country's civil war, and he also served as the point man for Iranian proxies in countries like Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Assad in Syria on Tuesday amid the tensions between Washington and Tehran. Soleimani's slaying already has led Tehran to abandon the remaining limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers as his successor and others vow to take revenge. In Iraq, pro-Iranian factions in parliament have pushed to oust American troops from Iraqi soil following Soleimani's killing. Germany and Canada announced plans to move some of their soldiers in Iraq to neighboring countries. According to a report on Tuesday by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, Iran has worked up 13 sets of plans to avenge Soleimani's death. The report quoted Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, as saying that even the weakest among them would be a "historic nightmare" for the U.S. He declined to elaborate, "If the U.S. troops do not leave our region voluntarily and upright, we will do something to carry their bodies horizontally out," Shamkhani said. The state-run IRNA news agency later published a statement from the Supreme National Security Council denying Shamkhani made the comment. The U.S. Maritime Administration warned ships across the Mideast, citing the rising threats. "The Iranian response to this action, if any, is unknown, but there remains the possibility of Iranian action against U.S. maritime interests in the region," it said. Oil tankers were targeted in mine attacks last year that the U.S. blamed on Iran. Tehran denied responsibility, although it did seize oil tankers around the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of the world's crude oil travels. The U.S. Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet said it would work with shippers in the region to minimize any possible threat. The 5th Fleet "has and will continue to provide advice to merchant shipping as appropriate regarding recommended security precautions in light of the heightened tensions and threats in the region," 5th Fleet spokesman Cmdr. Joshua Frey told The Associated Press. Separately, Iran summoned the British ambassador over comments by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the British defense minister about Soleimani's killing, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported. Iran's parliament, meanwhile, has passed an urgent bill declaring the U.S. military's command at the Pentagon and those acting on its behalf in Soleimani's killing as "terrorists," subject to Iranian sanctions. The measure appears to be in response to a decision by Trump in April to declare the Revolutionary Guard a "terrorist organization." The U.S. Defense Department used that terror designation to support the strike that killed Soleimani. The action by Iran's parliament was done by a special procedure to speed it into law and also saw the lawmakers approve funding for the Quds Force with an additional 200 million euros, or about $224 million. Also Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the U.S. had declined to issue him a visa to travel to New York for meetings at the United Nations. As the host of the U.N. headquarters, the U.S. is supposed to allow foreign officials to attend such meetings. "This is because they fear someone will go there and tell the truth to the American people," Zarif said. "But they are mistaken. The world is not limited to New York. You can speak with American people from Tehran too and we will do that." Asked about Zarif, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told journalists America would comply with its obligations under U.N. rules to grant visas. He then referred to the Iranian diplomat as "a propagandist of the first order." A U.S. official who wasn't authorized to speak on the record said the application couldn't be processed in time for Zarif's travel although it wasn't clear if his request had been formally denied. A formal rejection would trigger legal technicalities that could affect future visa applications and could violate the host country agreement the U.S. has with the U.N. ___ Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed. Everyone in Wales will be able to speak Welsh within 300 years, according to researchers - who say it is in 'no danger of dying out'. The study, by a team from Canterbury University in New Zealand, say the number of speakers will steadily increase over three centuries but will be 'fragile' at first. The team created a mathematical model to better predict just how vulnerable different languages are to dying out - or to surviving long term. The team have been looking at the trajectory of two languages branded as vulnerable - Welsh and Maori - to attempt to predict which would survive. Almost everyone in Wales will be able to speak Welsh within 300 years, according to researchers, who say it is in 'no danger of dying out' They say that Welsh is on course to thrive over the next 300 years - with almost all Welsh residents being able to speak the language by the 24th Century. According to the 2011 census, Welsh is spoken by about 20 per cent of the population of Wales, although it could be up to 30 per cent if you take 2019 predictions from the Welsh statistics office. The model predicts that the revitalization efforts will be successful and, in the long term, Wales will have a majority of proficient Welsh users, their paper says. The team say there will be a gradual increase, with possible dips up and down in the short term, before the rate of speakers increases dramatically in the longer 200 to 300 year time frame. Street signs, official documents and education is bilingual with English and Welsh in Wales - part of measures designed to increase use and awareness of the language 'Despite the strong long-term trend, the initial revitalization period for the first 50100 years is relatively fragile. 'This will be with continued minority status and slow rates of increase, and therefore potentially sensitive to changes in learning rates or intergenerational transmission.' The team say that by 2300 about 74 per cent of the population of Wales will be proficient in the Welsh language. This is in part because of measures to increase the number of Welsh speakers. They say that Welsh is 'in no danger' of going extinct and in fact is on course to thrive over the next 300 years - with almost all Welsh residents being able to speak the language by the 24th Century Street signs, official documents and even television broadcasts are in Welsh as well as English and there are Welsh language schools throughout the country. THE NUMBER OF WELSH SPEAKERS OVER TIME 1901 - 50 per cent 1911 - 44 per cent 1921 - 37 per cent 1931 - 37 per cent 1941 - 29 per cent 1951 - 26 per cent 1961 - 21 per cent 1971 - 19 per cent 1981 - 19 per cent 1991 - 19 per cent 2001 - 21 per cent 2011 - 19 per cent 2019 - 29 per cent (estimate) 2200 - 50 per cent (projection) 2300 - 74 per cent (projection) SOURCE 1901 - 2011: Census data 2019: Stats Wales 2200-2300: Canterbury University Advertisement They made their predictions for the future of the language by analysing the number of households currently proficient in Welsh to keep the language alive. That number has been steadily declining since 1901, when more than half the population of Wales could speak Welsh. It reached a low point in 1971 and has been at roughly 19 to 20 per cent since then - although predictions suggest it could now be closer to 30 per cent. However, at approximately 20 per cent, the team say this is more than enough for it to not just stay active, but thrive over time. In contrast, Maori, the other language they studied, doesn't not have enough proficient speakers to save it - with just 5 per cent of the population able to speak it proficiently. The model can predict changes in proficiency levels over time and, ultimately, whether a given endangered language is on a long-term trajectory towards extinction or recovery, the team, led by Tessa Barrett-Walker, said. We calibrate the model using data from Wales and show that the model predicts that the Welsh language will thrive in the long term.' They say that it is possible to save Maori from extinction with enough effort but that it won't be an easy process. We conclude that, with current learning rates, Maori is on a pathway towards extinction, but identify strategies that could help restore it to an upward trajectory. The findings have been published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface. Navies of China and Pakistan, holding nine-day exercises in the to enhance their all-weather strategic partnership, have for the first-time deployed submarines, providing a rare major exposure to the Chinese navy in the region. The region is strategically important for India as major ports including Kandla, Okha , Mumbai, Nhava Sheva (Navi Mumbai), Mormugo, New Mangalore, and Kochi are located there. The joint maritime exercises began on Monday in the North Arabian Sea, regarded strategically significant for China which is now developing Pakistan's deep water Gwadar port there. Gwadar is being connected through the over USD 60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to China's Xinjiang province, providing a key land route to China to access the warm waters of India has objected to China over the CPEC as it is being laid through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Gwadar is also located close to Iran's Chabahar Port being jointly developed by Iran, India and Afghanistan to ensure a trade corridor for Indian exports to Afghanistan. The Arabian Sea provides entry to the Indian Ocean where China currently has built a logistics base at Djibouti in the Horn of Africa. The joint exercises are expected to be the first of many to come, as China and Pakistan have now developed a series of joint exercises covering the navy, army and air force, the PLA (People's Liberation Army) Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese military, reported. The report said that this joint exercise is not related to ongoing regional affairs and is not aimed at any third party. The exercise is also the first between China and Pakistan that will feature anti-submarine and submarine rescue training, indicating a high-level of strategic mutual trust, state-run Global Times quoted experts as saying. The exercise started on Monday in the port city of Karachi, Pakistan, and will be held in the North Arabian Sea until January 14, the PLA Daily reported on Tuesday. This is the sixth joint naval exercise between China and Pakistan, the report said, but it is the first time the exercise was named "Sea Guardians." "Sea Guardians" is expected to become a series of naval exercises with Pakistan, similar to the "Warrior" series of joint land exercises and the "Shaheen" series of joint air exercises, the report said. Zhang Junshe, a senior research fellow at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, told the Global Times that serialising the drills and making them a routine will further enhance China and Pakistan's friendship and cooperation. The Chinese troops mainly come from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command Navy, including the guided missile destroyer Yinchuan, guided missile frigate Yuncheng, comprehensive supply ship Weishanhu, submarine rescue ship Liugongdao, two ship-based helicopters and some 60 Chinese Marines, the PLA Daily reported. Pakistan deployed two frigates, two missile boats, a fixed-wing anti-submarine aircraft, two vessel-based helicopters and about 60 members of special forces participating in the drills. The drills would focus on joint cruising, air defence, maritime interception, anti-submarine and live-fire exercises at sea. Zhou Hanwen, an executive director of the exercise, said that previous joint naval exercises did not feature anti-submarine and submarine rescue training, and the exercise this time will enhance the two countries' capability of dealing with underwater threats, China Central Television reported. Zhang said that the training involving submarine will boost the two navies' combat capabilities and show a high level of strategic mutual trust. The goal of the Sea Guardians-2020 drills is to boost the two countries' military cooperation, enhance their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, build a safe maritime environment and enhance the two navies' capability to deal with maritime terrorism and crime, the PLA Daily report said. The catastrophic bushfires raging throughout most areas of Australia have not only taken a significant human and monetary toll, however additionally added heavy blows to biodiversity and ecosystem function. Scientists have already warned of catastrophic extinctions of animals and vegetation. Wildfires had pushed mass extinctions and reshaped life on Earth as a minimum before, while the asteroid strike that brought about the death of the dinosaurs sparked deadly international firestorms. Australian biodiversity Australia is among the 17 "megadiverse" countries in the world. Much of their species richness is concentrated in areas torched by current bushfires. While some mammals and birds face extended extinction risk, things may be even worse for small, much less cellular invertebrates (which make up the bulk of animal biodiversity). For example, the Gondwana Rainforests of New South Wales and Queensland had poorly been tormented by the fires. These World Heritage-listed forests are domestic to a rich diversity of insects and a wide variety of land snails, some restrained to tiny patches. The bushfires were rightly described as unprecedented, and extinctions can play out over an extended period. The full gravity of the impending disaster is not but clear. Fire has pushed extinctions before There had been extra burning inside the deep past, as we can see from the fossil record. They provide robust and worrying evidence of how fire drove good-sized extinctions that completely reshaped existence on Earth. Around 66 million years ago, a mass die-off referred to as the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction occasion famously positioned an end to the reign of dinosaurs (sparing most unaffected birds). This event erased 75 percent of the planet's species. Scientists agree these extinctions were primarily due to an asteroid approximately 10 kilometers wide crashed into present-day Mexico, blasting a giant crater the size of Tasmania. A nuclear winter saw the impact, as first-rate particles are thrown up into the ecosystem blocked sunlight for years. The extended frozen darkness killed ecosystems from vegetation and phytoplankton upwards. Recent research shows that worldwide wildfires had been possibly also a vital driver of extinctions, at least for lifestyles on land. The asteroid blasted flaming debris across the ecosystem. Although the cataclysmic calculations remain controversial, massive soot deposits found in the fossil history support most of the Earth's forests went up in smoke, Only animals that would escape fireplace survived The fossil report of land-living animals - especially reptiles, birds, and mammals - attests to the deadly performance of what has been called the dinosaur firestorm. The nature of the victims and survivors is very relevant to cutting-edge events. The land animals that made it via the extinction all lived in ways that would confer resilience to heat and fire, such as living partially in the water, being capable of the burrow or hide in deep crevices, or being capable of break out rapidly with the aid of flight. Among reptiles, crocodiles and freshwater tortoises (each amphibious) sailed through. Worm-lizards and burrowing snakes survived, however, surface-living lizards and snakes were severely hit. While at least some birds survived, all their massive, earth-bound, dinosaur relatives perished, and all big placental mammals died. It appears that each land-dwelling animal species more extensive than a home cat was severely doomed unless it can swim, burrow, or fly. Even these talents did not assure survival: they simply gave creatures a slightly better chance. For instance, pterosaurs should fly well; however, they still went extinct along with the other species. Recent research indicates perching birds -- which need forests to live in -- were permanently removed while a maximum of the world's trees disappeared. The sole avian survivors had been ground-foragers just like chickens and rails, and it took millions of years for brand new perching birds (contemporary songbirds) to re-evolve. By exterminating many species, and doing so relatively selectively, the global wildfires (alongside other outcomes of the asteroid impact) completely restructured Earth's biosphere. What approximately the current fires? The latest massive bushfires are localized as opposed to global (e.g., Australia, the Amazon, Canada, California, Siberia), and are burning less land cowl than the worst-case dinosaur firestorm scenario. Yet their long-term extinction effects can also be severe because our planet has already lost half of its forest cowl because of humans. These fires are hitting shrunken biodiversity refuges, which can be concurrently threatened with either an anthropogenic cocktail of pollution, invasive feral species, and weather change. The situation also indicates certain varieties of organisms will bear the brunt of the impact. Entire guilds of comparable species should vanish, severely impacting surroundings function. It took tens of millions of years of regeneration and evolution for our planet's biosphere to recover from the nuclear iciness and wildfires of the asteroid impact. When a new global order finally emerged, it was extensively different: the age of dinosaurs gave way to the age of mammals and birds. Vietnams universities of sciences and technology place an engineering degree above that of a bachelor of technology degree, citing the rising demand in labour market and quality of graduates as the reasons. Students at the Hanoi Medical Universirt. Photo: VNN Despite some overlapping curriculum content, an engineering degree takes five years while the technology bachelor one can be completed in four years or less. Longer courses means more credits, and increases the chances of students gaining employment after finishing their degrees. Tran Van Top, deputy director of Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) the countrys most prestigious institute for engineering education, told Thanh nien (Young People) newspaper that the university started offering four-year programs for technology bachelor degrees from the 2011-12 school year besides its renowned five-year engineering programs. However, these new courses have gotten low enrolment with many graduates of the four-year programs wanting to study for one more year to gain engineering degrees. The amended Law on Higher Education allows universities to develop integrated programs, said Top. Students who receive enough necessary credits can obtain bachelor degrees, those students who finish the 5.5-year program, equivalent to some 175 credits, will be awarded engineering degrees. From the 2019-20 school year, we can merge two programs, allowing students to further study after completing the bachelor program, he said. As employers prefer candidates who have engineering degrees, the demand remains high. Pham Xuan Anh, deputy director of Hanoi-based University of Civil Engineering, said enterprises were not interested in technical graduates as they still lacked the knowledge to start working immediately after finishing four-year programs. Professor Phan Thanh Son Nam of HCM City University of Technology, said in the field of technology and sciences education, an undergraduate program with less than 140 credits is a disaster. An undergraduate program for chemical technicians at American universities takes four years earning about 130 credits, he said. With the same program, Vietnamese students will need to complete some 149 credits while facilities at our universities are obviously not as good as in the US. Therefore, it will be a disaster for undergraduates of technology or sciences to obtain bachelor degrees with less than 140 credits. According to Top, HUST requires at least 161 credits for each engineering training program. He stressed upon the difference between volume of learning and appropriate time to complete the volume. He said there were some students who can earn 40 credits per year and spend only four years to finish 160 credits. However, they have to be excellent and extremely determined. We allow students to increase credits taken in a year to reduce time if they are capable. Not every student can do so, he said. I do not recommend shortening training time at universities. Five years is necessary for any engineering training program. Last year marked two decades of the Excellent Engineering Training Program (PFIEV) in Vietnam in which syllabuses are co-developed between French-renowned engineering schools and Vietnamese counterparts. PFIEV is now implemented in four universities including HUST, HCM City University of Technology, University of Civil Engineering and Da Nang University of Technology, enrolled by some 6,300 students. From 2014 to 2019, nearly 4,000 engineers graduated from these programs including 300 students taking duo-diplomas and having graduate internships at French partner universities. French Republic recognised engineering diplomas awarded by PFIEV programs three times in three periods, from 2004 to 2010, 2010 to 2016 and 2016 to 2020. Since 2016, Vietnams Ministry of Education and Training have recognised PFIEV graduates equivalent to a Masters degree. They only need to complete 6-month theses to hold a Masters degree in Science. VNS Vietnam's universities try to make money from technology transfer Switching research centers to joint-stock companies will help attract private investments and create a driving force for commercializing research results, experts say. Vietnams universities among top 1,000 Some of Vietnams universities have found their names in prestigious rankings of the worlds best universities. Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena arrived here on Wednesday for a two-day visit to India. He is set to hold several meeting including with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He will also hold meetings with Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey and Minister of Labour Santosh Kumar Gangwar. This is his first visit after taking office as the foreign minister Gunawardena is also scheduled to visit Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar. He will emplane for Sri Lanka on January 10. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Smart Messaging streamlines communication for frequently asked questions, provides a secure ordering mechanism, and enables integrations with existing back-end systems SANTA CLARA, California, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the North American business communications solutions market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Sprint Business with the 2019 North American New Product Innovation Award for Sprint Smart Messaging -- a solution to help businesses communicate with their customers through an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered text messaging system. Sprint's innovative solution allows businesses to use their existing phone number to communicate in real-time using AI, and as a result rescue missed customer calls. Smart Messaging allows businesses to uniquely interact with customers using non-traditional forms of communications. It delivers enterprise-grade assistance for storefronts, restaurants, and businesses of all sizes. With the unique text capabilities of Smart Messaging, businesses are realizing the benefits of an 'always-on' automated assistant that enhances customer satisfaction and employee productivity. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1063021/Sprint_Business_Award.jpg "Broadly applicable across a range of main street businesses, Sprint Smart Messaging expands capabilities and functions with an AI engine to respond to customer calls and questions via text messaging. When the business cannot answer the phone, the call automatically gets converted to text capability. No other carrier currently supporting the small to medium size business (SMB) segment offers this level of enterprise-grade customer engagement," said Brent Iadarola, Frost & Sullivan Vice President of Information & Communications Technologies. "When callers leave a voicemail, the Smart Messaging system transcribes it and transmits it to the business owner (or designated employee) to read, callback, or send a follow-up text." With Sprint Smart Messaging, business owners or designated employees have an application interface (iOS and Android) to direct responses via their smart phones, tablets, or computers. It can even deliver seamless translations, automatically sending and receiving messages to and from customers and businesses in their preferred language. Furthermore, its application interface can notify the business owner or predefined personnel of associated inquiries, orders, or sales opportunities. Business users can also gain insights from rolling analytics reports on the data and usage of their Smart Messaging deployment. The AI-powered messaging assistant allows prospective customer questions to be answered immediately, ultimately reducing labor costs and increasing response times. Numa AI is the engine powering the solution. Numa AI answers customer queries, takes orders, and is built to handle commerce via text conversation. The AI provides answers to frequently asked questions and learns over time the business's preferred answers. When Numa AI cannot provide an answer, it escalates the question to the human user and learns the best responses for future reference. Numa AI helps businesses personalize responses to customers, at scale, for each individual, based on past touchpoints. "Smart Messaging complements Sprint's Smart Communications portfolio dedicated to driving value for SMBs. By focusing on services with quick development cycles, Sprint has successfully addressed the communications needs of businesses that demand more efficient and economical software-based solutions," noted Iadarola. "Smart Messaging can layer in bundled Sprint services such as Business MultiLine for separating personal and business phone service on a single device, and Omnithe intelligent office that connects your business to everything, for cloud-based phone service with unified communications features designed for SMBs." Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased return on investment (ROI) it gives customers, which, in turn, raises customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Frost & Sullivan For over five decades, Frost & Sullivan has become world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Harley Gadomski P: 12104778469 E: harley.gadomski@frost.com Capability Certainty ? Curiosity Sprint Business is changing the way SMBs, enterprises and government entities connect, manage and secure its people, places and things - orchestrating an array of next generation technologies and insights, artificial intelligence and the power of Sprint's converged wireless, wireline and Curiosity IoT capabilities to create unparalleled products and solutions. About Sprint: Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served 53.9 million connections as of September 30, 2019 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Today, Sprint's legacy of innovation and service continues with an increased investment to dramatically improve coverage, reliability, and speed across its nationwide network and commitment to launching a 5G mobile network in the U.S. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or http://www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint. The knowledge economy is as real as air. India makes billions of dollars annually from information technology services being outsourced to her country from the western world. This was as a result of the visionary leadership of the leaders who foresaw the implosion of information technology and prepared the majority of her citizens to take advantage of it and earn good money without having to physically leave the country. The west is attracted to her good services and cheaper costs when compared to what they pay to their citizens and has found a haven in the worlds second-largest country for IT services. India also makes a fortune yearly through its healthcare services as she welcomes millions of medical tourists who throng the country in search of cheaper but highly efficient medical services. It is instructive to note that many of these tourists come from the United States of America who left the worlds most developed country to India because of the extremely expensive costs because of the capitalist set up which controls the healthcare sector. Cuba used to make most of its revenue from its sugarcane exports but that is now history because of its massive investments in its healthcare and education. She now makes the bulk of her revenue from the exportation of medical doctors to about seventy-seven countries of the world. What is Nigeria doing to adapt to the new global reality as the price of crude oil continues to drop in the international oil market. Asides this, the demand for oil is also dropping as there is a shift towards the use of electric cars which is more environmental friendly in view of climate change that is fast sweeping the world. Many countries are now phasing out cars powered by fossil fuels in favor of electric cars. Where does this leave Nigeria that has refused to diversify her mono economy? Saudi Arabia recently set up a fund to be managed by consulting giant, Mckinsey to diversify her economy from oil reliance. Our healthcare sector is in great shambles as misdiagnoses greatly account for numerous deaths across the country. Our doctors are fleeing the country in droves as they face repression and economic hardship in the land of their birth no thanks to the extremely harsh conditions of working in the oil-rich state. The Late General Sani Abacha once said that our hospitals were mere consulting clinics after the Shehu Shagari government of the Second Republic was unceremoniously toppled but in retrospect, the clinics have fast deteriorated from consulting clinics to death chambers as many patients die from avoidable ailments. These aforementioned two sectors didnt elicit any response from our lawmakers before they gave themselves the huge renovation allocation. How insensitive! The miniscule thirty thousand naira minimum wage which cannot even take a family of three homes is yet to be paid by many of our state governors and our law makers do not seem concerned one bit. They have never been known to pile pressure on the governors to make the state overlords perform their constitutionally backed duties. They simply dont give a damn about the people they are supposed to act as their elected representatives. The National Assembly should immediately rescind this decision as it is extremely anti-people and in bad taste especially when we have been declared the poverty capital of the world recently. This complex was built at less than eleven billion naira barely two decades ago and the huge cost is simply unacceptable. Civil society groups should come out in droves to protest this law that is repugnant to equity, good conscience, and justice. This impunity must cease! Ademiluyi wrote from Lagos. The telecom companies in India have sought open court hearing of the review petition they filed against the Supreme Court order on the interpretation of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) which had resulted in imposition of around Rs 92,000 crore burden on telecom companies. The matter was mentioned on Wednesday before Justice Arun Mishra by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi on behalf of telecom companies who requested the court for an open court hearing of review petitions. Justice Mishra said he will take a call after consulting the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad Arvind Bobde. The matter pertained to the DoT claiming that telecom companies had under reported their revenues. Levies in the telecom sector are based on a percentage of their adjusted gross revenues (AGR). The DoT contended that the telecom companies AGR also included income from dividends and revenue from sale of handsets bundled with services, an argument that the companies have disputed. The Supreme Court accepted the governments argument and in October last year, asked the companies to make the payments within three months of the judgement. The DoT subsequently issued demand letters to these companies. Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla had last month sounded a stark warning, saying the groups telecom unit, Vodafone Idea Limited, would have to shut shop if no relief is forthcoming from the government to soften the blow from a Supreme Court verdict. If you ask me specifically, it is true we will shut shop if we dont get relief. Because there is no company in the world that can pay that kind of fine in three months, it just doesnt work like that, Birla said in a conversation at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS). The industrialist, however, who is also chairman of Vodafone Idea, said he is hopeful the company doesnt find itself in a situation where it needs to exit from the market. The telecom sector has been reeling under stress due to the AGR norms and predatory pricing. In a relief to telecom companies, the Union Cabinet on November 20 approved a moratorium of two years for spectrum payments. But the moratorium on spectrum payments coupled with the price hike that these firms have resorted to, will help the ailing telcos only to some extent as AGR dues are substantial. Photo: Gilles Mingasson/Freeform In some obvious and timely ways, the Freeform update of Party of Five looks very different from the original Party of Five, which ran for six seasons on Fox in the 1990s. The new show, debuting on Wednesday night, is set in Los Angeles, not San Francisco. Its central family, the Acostas, are middle-class and Mexican-American, not white and well-off enough to live in a massive Victorian in Pacific Heights. While the Salinger parents on the original show were killed by a drunk driver, leaving the oldest, Charlie, to take care of his four younger siblings, the Acostas were split via more contemporary, politically relevant circumstances: When ICE agents raid the familys restaurant, the heads of the Acosta household (Bruno Bichir and Fernanda Urrejola) admit they dont have papers and are taken into custody. Not long after, theyre deported to Mexico and are forced to leave their children under the care of their eldest, 24-year-old Emilio (Brandon Larracuente of 13 Reasons Why and Bloodline), who has DACA status. Like the Salingers before them, the Acostas are de facto orphans. In a way, their situation is even more wrenching because their parents are still alive but are forced to live hundreds of miles away, leaving everyone in a state of potentially interminable limbo. They cant fully move on, but they all have to move forward. Its a circumstance that isnt just the stuff of scripted television but is real and relatable for families whove been ripped apart by the Trump administrations immigration policies policies that inspired Amy Lippman and Chris Keyser, the creators of the original series, to frame this reboot the way they did. Yet this new Party of Five is not overtly political. In the first three episodes Freeform provided for review, no one ever refers to President Trump or even the kids being held in cages at the border. The series simply shows us what it looks like when parents are ripped away from their offspring a wrenching scene in episode one depicts that very moment and the long-term ramifications that can have, especially on the younger members of the Acosta family. It also captures the sense of uncertainty that hangs over Charlie and the rest of his siblings; depending on what the government decides to do, the protection provided by his DACA status could erode at any moment, making the family vulnerable to further separation. When Valentina asks, as Claudia did before her, Are they going to split us up?, its a more complicated, heartbreaking question mark. Make no mistake: All of this is political. But Party of Five humanizes the political and makes the audience see the deeply personal impact that the decisions made by the administration have on the lives of young people who are trying their best to do the right thing every day. Is Party of Five a little heavy-handed at times? Yes, but so was the original. Party of Five made network-TV audiences weep on a weekly basis way before This Is Us turned its tearjerkers into a marketing calling card. But as in the original Party of Five, theres a warmth and sincerity at the heart of the series that makes it very easy to warm to and emotionally invest in. Keyser and Lippman, along with fellow executive producer Rodrigo Garcia, who directed the first two episodes, have used the first Party of Five as a jumping-off point in a way that is poignant and more thoughtful than most reboots are. The Party of Five title font, for example, has remained unchanged (the BoDeans, however, no longer provide the theme song). More significant, the characters are modeled after the 1990s-era five in key ways. Emilio, like Matthew Foxs Charlie, is a reluctant, occasionally irresponsible guardian and a ladies man who isnt prepared to father four kids who need his attention. Unlike Charlie, though, he has a dream of being a musician, which his attention to his family and the Acostas restaurant force him to put on hold. Beto (Niko Guardado) is a high-school athlete who struggles with his grades. Like Bailey Salinger (played by Scott Wolf), hes a good kid but is overwhelmed and is especially bonded to his younger sister, Valentina, in the same way that Bailey and Claudia (Lacey Chabert) were especially close. Unlike Bailey, Beto has a twin sister, Lucia (Emily Tosta), who is the new PoFs version of smack-in-the-middle-child Julia (Neve Campbell). Lucia is an excellent student and overachiever whom no one ever has to worry about, until her parents are deported and her behavior begins to change. Valentina (Elle Paris Legaspi), 12, is not a violin prodigy like Claudia was, but she is wise beyond her years and is more traumatized by the loss of her parents than anyone else in the family because she actually witnesses the moment when ICE first takes them into custody. The effects of trauma are more explicitly handled with her: She doesnt sleep well, she becomes anxious at the mention of ICE, and she becomes addicted to talking to her mother on Skype. There is also an infant Acosta, a la Owen Salinger, whose name is Rafa. In these early episodes, neither he nor the demands of caring for him are shunted to the side. Attending to him overnight, feeding him, arranging for child care these are all issues the older siblings have to juggle, through the fog of just a few hours of sleep, on top of everything else. (I am sorry to report that there is no family dog. Shoutout to Thurber, who stands alone as the official Party of Five canine.) One of the great strengths of the original was its cast, and the young actors in this version deliver solid performances too. Tosta is especially convincing and grounded as a young woman trying to navigate both high-school cliques and domestic conflict. As in the first time around, though, it will take more than three episodes to determine how deeply the actors are able to embody their characters. (The first Party of Five was at its absolute best in seasons two and three.) Some of the plot points and scenes here mirror those in the original. Valentina throws an out-of-control party at the house, just like Julia did. Emilio starts dating a restaurant hostess that Beto hired and has a crush on, which echoes what happened with the nanny, Kristen, in the earlier show. Theres even a scene in the first episode in which Beto and Lucia have a heart-to-heart on the backyard swing set that echoes a conversation between Bailey and Julia nearly shot for shot. Rather than seeming like a rehash of the past, however, these moments serve as a reminder that growing up, at its core, hasnt changed so much since the 1990s but this country has. America is a more diverse place now, and the concerns that many young people are forced to handle are far more fraught and urgent than they were three decades ago. The underlying message of this lovely series enables the audience to hold nostalgia and a bracing sense of reality in their heads and hearts all at once, and thats a rare and special thing. A Ukrainian airliner crashed soon after taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini airport on Wednesday, killing all 176 people aboard, Irans state television and Ukraines leaders said. The Boeing 737 belonging to Ukraine International Airlines crashed near the airport and burst into flames. Iranian TV said the crash was due to technical problems but did not elaborate. Ukraines embassy in Iran said the plane had suffered engine failure and the crash was not caused by terrorism. Watch: Ukrainian airplane crashes in Iran, all 176 on board killed Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said there were no survivors. My sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of all passengers and crew, Zelenskiy said in a statement, adding that Ukraine was seeking to establish the circumstances of the crash and the death toll. Iranian state TV and Ukraines prime minister said 167 passengers and 9 crew were on board. Iranian TV said 32 of those on board were foreigners. Iranian media quoted an Iranian aviation official as saying the pilot of the airliner did not declare an emergency. There was no official word from Ukraine International Airlines. It was the first fatal crash for Kiev-based UIA. [L8N29D15X] The fire is so heavy that we cannot (do) any rescue... we have 22 ambulances, four bus ambulances and a helicopter at the site, Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Irans emergency services, told Iranian state television. Television footage showed debris and smouldering engine parts strewn across a field, and rescue workers with face masks retrieving bodies of the victims. According to air tracking service FlightRadar24, the plane that crashed was Flight PS 752 and was flying to Kiev. The plane was three years old and was a Boeing 737-800NG, it said. The models twin engines are made by CFM International, a U.S.-French venture co-owned by General Electric and Frances Safran. Modern aircraft are designed and certified to cope with an engine failure shortly after take-off and to fly for extended periods on one engine. However, an uncontained engine failure releasing shrapnel can cause damage to other aircraft systems. A spokesman for Boeing said the company was aware of media reports of a plane crash in Iran and was gathering more information. The plane manufacturer grounded its 737 MAX fleet in March after two crashes that killed 346 people. The 737-800 is one of the worlds most-flown models with a good safety record and which does not have the software feature implicated in crashes of the 737 MAX. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON US president Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office on 7 January 2020: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters Donald Trump has told reporters at the White House that John Bolton, his former national security advisor and a potential key witness at his upcoming Senate impeachment trial, knows nothing about the Ukraine quid pro quo scandal, an apparent attempt to dismiss the significance of any testimony he might give before Congress. Senate leader Mitch McConnell has said he is prepared to push on with the trial without having first agreed a deal on new witnesses and evidence with opposition Democrats, as House speaker Nancy Pelosi urges him to publish a resolution outlining the rules of engagement immediately. After the Iran crisis deepened with the bombing of two US military bases in Iraq overnight, the president was ridiculed for seeking to reassure Americans by tweeting All is well! before making a statement declaring the country is now standing down but would face punishment through new economic sanctions rather than via military conflict. During a brief address from the White House, the president made vague claims that General Qassem Soleimani planned "new attacks on American targets" before his killing. He also threatened new sanctions and repeated false claims that the Obama administration had paid for Iranian missiles in recent attacks. Meanwhile, members of Congress heard from the administration about its justification for military strikes in Iran. House Speaker Pelosi intends to introduce a resolution this week to prevent further military action from the president Follow along with live coverage as it happened: " " Abraham Lincoln is known for many accomplishments, including ending the Civil War and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free." Library of Congress/HowStuffWorks The most well-researched, intimately studied and widely written-about president in America's history is, without a doubt, Abraham Lincoln. He's probably the most well-known person in America's history. Everybody knows Honest Abe. The Great Emancipator freed the slaves and guided the country through a devastating Civil War. The ol' rail-splitter gave a famous speech ("Four score and seven years ago") at Gettysburg. He wore a stovepipe hat. He had a beard. And then there was that tragic ending at Ford's Theatre. Among historians and political scientists, No. 16 (Lincoln, as most everyone knows, was the 16th U.S. president) is consistently No. 1. "The Civil War is such a powerful turning point in our history; it's really, in a sense, the second founding of the country. His successful leadership in that enterprise ... entitles him to a lot of respect," says Michael Burlingame, the Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies at the University of Illinois Springfield and the author of several books on Lincoln. "But more than that, it's his character. People admire him not just for what he achieved, which was monumental literally and figuratively in this case but for who he was, and how he conducted himself, and what he stood for and how he articulated the ideals of the country." As well-worn as the subject of Lincoln is, though, much still eludes us about this complicated, tortured man. Here are nine lesser-known nuggets about America's most-beloved president. Advertisement 1. His Marriage Was Rocky Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, was an abuser. It's hard to imagine that the 6-foot-4 Lincoln, a fine wrestler in his day, could be knocked around by his 5-foot-2 wife (though she was, evidently, much surlier). But before the couple made it to the White House, things often got nasty. "She would hit him in the face and draw blood, chase him out of the house with a knife," says Burlingame, the author of "The Inner World of Abraham Lincoln" and "Abraham Lincoln: A Life," a two-volume biography published in 2008. "And yet he submitted to her abuse patiently. He was known in Springfield as hen-pecked and woman-whipped." The abuse didn't end once the Lincolns got to Washington, Burlingame says. "She would regularly we have testimony from more than one source she would insult him. She would berate him in front of other people, and say, 'That's the worst speech I've ever heard anybody give. I don't see how a man could get up in front of the public and speak such venal things," says Burlingame, who's readying a monograph on the Lincoln marriage. "And if she does that in front of other people, what does she do in the privacy of her own home? Or in this case, the White House?" Advertisement 2. So Was the Relationship With His Father Lincoln and his father never got along. His father snatched books away from his eager-to-learn son and pulled the youngster out of school with regularity. As a child, Lincoln's father forced his son to work in the fields for neighbors, and took all the money young Abraham earned for himself. "One of the origins of Lincoln's hatred of slavery is the way his father treated him," Burlingame says, "which was like a slave." Advertisement 3. He Was a Civil Rights Martyr Some point to Lincoln's one-time public support for colonization, and his early lack of support for social and political equality between blacks and whites (in a debate with Stephen Douglas in 1858) as examples that he was a racist. "What some people fail to understand is that Lincoln was really the first martyr for black civil rights, as much as Martin Luther King or Medgar Evers or any of those people back in the 1960s who were murdered as they championed the civil rights revolution of that time period," Burlingame says. "Lincoln was murdered not because he issued the Emancipation Proclamation. He wasn't murdered because he supported the 13th Amendment. He was murdered because on April 11, 1865, two days after Robert E. Lee's surrender, Lincoln gave a public speech in which he called publicly, openly, for black voting rights." In the crowd for the speech that night on the north side of the White House: an actor named John Wilkes Booth, who would assassinate Lincoln three days later at Ford's Theatre. Advertisement 4. Lincoln's Son Was Almost Killed, Too Sometime in the early 1860s, Lincoln's adult son, Robert Todd Lincoln, was leaning against a train car on a platform in Jersey City, New Jersey. When the train moved, his foot slipped between the car and the platform. He was quickly grabbed by the collar and pulled to safety, as he recounted in a letter years later. His hero was instantly recognizable: the famous Shakespearian actor Edwin Booth, the older brother of the presidential assassin. The elder Booth considered by some the greatest American actor of the 19th century didn't know immediately the identity of the man he saved but he, unlike his younger brother, was a Unionist who voted for Lincoln. Advertisement 5. Honest Abe Had a Temper As Burlingame wrote in "The Inner World of Abraham Lincoln," the view that Lincoln was subdued and filled with an "infinite forbearance" is not entirely accurate. As a youngster, Lincoln had an "ugly tendency to belittle and wound others." Running for office in Illinois in 1840, he mimicked an opponent so mercilessly that he drove the poor man from the stage in tears. Lincoln checked his go-for-the-throat impulses later in life, but never completely controlled his capacity for anger. "What is most impressive about the mature Lincoln is not how often he expressed his anger," Burlingame wrote, "but how seldom he did so, considering the provocations he endured." " " Abraham Lincoln proved to be a complex man. He struggled through a difficult marriage, lifelong depression and at holding his temper. Library of Congress/HowStuffWorks Advertisement 6. He Struggled With Depression "On two occasions, he was so depressed that his friends feared that he would commit suicide; one episode in his late 20s, and one episode in his early 30s," Burlingame says. Lincoln was just 9 when his mother died, and by the time he was 18, both his siblings and his grandparents had passed on. That depression carried into the White House. "... When the Union Army would suffer reverses ... ," Burlingame says, "he would be passed into the deepest gloom. He would talk about how he felt as though he were suicidal." Advertisement 7. Lincoln Championed Women's Rights "He was very uneasy around women. He was chivalrous, and certainly polite, but he never felt comfortable around women. He seemed to have learned and this is a guess from the early death of his mother that, 'women are untrustworthy and they will abandon you,'" says Burlingame, who describes his early work on Lincoln as "psychobiography." Though Lincoln was uncomfortable with women, he supported women's suffrage as far back as 1836 (the 19th Amendment wasn't passed until 1919). As a young man in Illinois, Burlingame says, Lincoln led a pack of vigilantes against abusive men, urging one woman to use a belt against her husband. Advertisement 8. The Gettysburg Address Wasn't the Day's Main Attraction Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address was second in line that day to the orator Edward Everett, who spent two by-all-accounts spellbinding hours relating the battle to the crowd, finishing with this line: "Wheresoever throughout the civilized world the accounts of this great warfare are read, and down to the latest period of recorded time, in the glorious annals of our common country there will be no brighter page than that which relates the Battles of Gettysburg." Lincoln followed with his two-minute, three-paragraph gem. The two statesmen exchanged congratulations later. Lincoln wrote to Everett, "In our respective parts yesterday, you could not have been excused to make a short address, nor I a long one. I am pleased to know that, in your judgment, the little I did say was not entirely a failure." Advertisement 9. Lincoln Liked to Tell Dirty Jokes Lincoln's detractors often pointed to his homespun humor as decidedly un-presidential. "One of the striking things was how often he was criticized for telling off-color stories. And it's true, Lincoln loved to tell dirty jokes," Burlingame says. These critics, too, would knock him for other behavior that they deemed unworthy of his office; putting his feet on the desk, for example, or loosening his tie. None of the criticism landed particularly hard on Lincoln, who first won the White House in 1860 and was re-elected in a virtual landslide in 1864. He continued to tell his dirty jokes. "They were really bad, some of them," Burlingame says. NOW THAT'S INTERESTING Mary Todd Lincoln had her bouts with depression, too, and suffered a nervous breakdown after the death of her son, Willie. But her eccentricities (she turned to mediums to try to contact her dead son) and outright corruption she tried to take the salary of a dismissed White House employee, and padded expense reports to fund a $27,000 personal debt often put her at odds with the public and her husband. She is considered by some, according to the University of Virginia's Miller Center, the worst First Lady in American history. Advertisement Originally Published: Jan 8, 2020 Overlooked is a series of obituaries about remarkable people whose deaths were given little notice by The Times. Nearly everyone knows about Fred Rogers, the beloved host of Mister Rogers Neighborhood who taught millions of children about love, kindness and the magic of make believe. But far fewer people are familiar with Margaret McFarland, the child psychologist who mentored him and helped shape his groundbreaking television show. Rogers first met McFarland in the 1950s, when he was a puppeteer and a producer on a Pittsburgh public television show called The Childrens Corner. During lunch breaks he attended classes to earn a masters degree in divinity. When Rogers expressed an interest in learning about the psychology of children, one of his professors recommend that he meet McFarland, who was regarded as one of the most respected child psychologists in Pittsburgh. HRD to come up with announcement for students who are not in same district of board exam centre Be more communicative with students, faculty, HRD Ministry tells V-C India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Jan 08: The HRD Ministry on Wednesday suggested to JNU Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar to become more communicative with students, take faculty into confidence and facilitate the semester registration process, days after violence ran amok on the university campus. Human Resource Development Ministry officials met Kumar and told him normalcy should be restored at the earliest, a senior ministry official said. The official also said the VC has been advised to be more communicative with students and take the faculty into confidence. Kumar, who has been severely criticised by students and faculty members for not doing enough when they were brutally attacked by a masked mob on the campus on Sunday evening, told the ministry officials that efforts were being made to facilitate the semester registration process for "willing" students. "Higher Education Secretary Amit Khare and G C Hosur had a meeting with JNU VC at the ministry today about the efforts being made to restore normalcy on campus. He informed the officials about efforts being made for facilitating semester registration for willing students and a conducive environment for their academic pursuits," the ministry official added. The VC later took to Twitter to inform about the meeting. On Monday, a day after the violence on JNU campus, JNU Registrar Pramod Kumar visited the ministry and updated the top brass about the situation besides submitting a detailed report of the sequence of events that led to the violence. Kumar did not attend the meeting. On Tuesday, he urged to students to "put the past behind" and return to studies. "Our heart goes out to all the injured students. The incident (violence) is unfortunate. I would like to tell students that JNU campus is a secure place. I urge all students to come back to the campus. Let us put the past behind," the vice chancellor had said. A group of masked people armed with sticks attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus on Sunday evening, prompting the administration to call in the police. At least 35 people, including JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh, were injured in the violence. They were admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre here and discharged on Monday. The Left-controlled JNUSU and the ABVP have blamed each other for the violence that continued for two hours. That night, the HRD ministry sought an immediate report from the registrar. HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank,' said in Bhubaneswar on Monday that educational institutions cannot be allowed to become "political adda". He vowed "strong action" against the perpetrators of the violence on JNU campus. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 18:10 [IST] BEIRUT, Lebanon It was part corporate presentation, part legal defense, part rambling tirade. For more than two hours on Wednesday, Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan executive who fled house arrest in Japan and surfaced in Lebanon last month, launched an impassioned defense of his decision to escape, portraying himself as the victim of a rigged justice system and a corporate coup by disloyal underlings. By the end of the day, sitting at a conference room table with his wife, Mr. Ghosn seemed less defiant than tired. In an interview with The New York Times, he acknowledged that he had regrets. The biggest: He wished he had retired before everything unraveled. Mr. Ghosn, who led an auto empire that spanned continents, was arrested in late 2018 and charged with financial wrongdoing. The reporters who gathered to hear him speak at a Beirut news conference had hoped for an account of his daring international escape a dash across Japan to a chartered jet that carried him out of the country. Instead, they were treated to a wide-ranging and sometimes hard-to-follow defense against the charges that Japanese prosecutors had leveled against him. He attacked the authorities in Tokyo as well as executives at Nissan. TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a report that the Pentagon declines to comment on, six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers have been deployed to Diego Garcia, a British-owned island base in the Indian Ocean. This is beyond the current range of Iranian ballistic missiles. "Missiles launched from Iran are of course not the only threat in today's tense world," comments Jane M. Orient, M.D., president of Physicians for Civil Defense. "General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed by a U.S. drone strike, was reportedly involved in planning terrorist strikes. His death does not end those threats." According to an October 2019 report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), Iran has cultivated relationships with drug-smuggling cartels and has sought to place Quds Force (Iranian-backed terrorist) operatives in Latin America. Americans need to be aware of threats from south of an unsecured border or from sleeper cells, warns Chris Farrell of Judicial Watch. "Beyond the direct casualties, terrorism causes panic, chaos, and over-reactiona tremendous force multiplier for achieving an enemy's objective of disrupting society," Dr. Orient pointed out. The Cold War civil defense program, dismantled over decades, helped protect civilians against all hazards, not just nuclear war. "Recent events show the necessity of planning for civilian protection. With the current default of 'self-help,' responsible citizens need to retrieve the information once provided by government and still available to those who seek it," Dr. Orient states. "First responders, emergency managers, and law enforcement officers need to ask themselves, 'What will I do if there's (a dirty bomb, a nuclear explosion, a hostage situation).' Citizens need to ask whether they can stay inside ('shelter in place') for a few days, and what to do if they see a bright flash (drop and cover)," she suggested. Physicians for Civil Defense distributes information to help to save lives in the event of war or other disaster. Contact: Jane M. Orient, M.D., (520) 323-3110, [email protected] SOURCE Physicians for Civil Defense Related Links http://www.physiciansforcivildefense.org Man arrested for issuing death threats to PM Modi, Amit Shah over CAA, NRC India oi-Madhuri Adnal Mangaluru, Jan 07: A man has been arrested on charges of issuing death threats to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, police sources said on Tuesday. He has been identified as Anwar, a resident of Peruvai employed in a foreign country, according to the sources. He has been posting messages online against the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), police said. Centre moves SC seeking transfer of CAA pleas in high courts to top court He was also allegedly spreading audio messages which had gone viral on WhatsApp groups provoking people to indulge in communal violence. A complaint was registered in this regard at the Vittal police station by a man named Yathish, the sources said. As per the complaint, Anwar in his messages allegedly threatened to kill Modi and Amit Shah if Muslims were affected by the CAA and NRC. Police, who were tipped off about Anwar's visit to his hometown on January 6, arrested him, the sources added. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 16:39 [IST] The number of livestock deaths is rapidly rising amid raging Australian bushfires. Approximately 6,284 livestock have been killed as of Tuesday morning, said Pete Arkle, chief executive of the New South Wales (NSW) Farmers Association. And about 5,000 of those deaths have occurred in the past two weeks, reported the Australian Associated Press. The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) said about 400 livestock died around Lithgow and Bathurst and 700 were killed in Northern Tablelands, North Coast, and Hunter. Arkle told the Daily Mail he expects livestock deaths to reach 20,000. The anecdotal feedback we are receiving from the south of the state is that there have been substantial stock losses over the weekend, he told AAP. It will probably be between 10,000 and 20,000, he said, adding, Some people had some lead time so they could move stock. There is also a fear that the losses to livestock could surpass 100,000, as farmers in the affected areas begins to figure out how much has been lost in the bushfires, according to ABC Australia. In addition, the federal government dispatched veterinarians to help out with the livestock that are still alive amidst the devastating losses. One farmer said that when the fire approached her property in the Nariel Valley near Corryong in north Victoria on Dec. 31, 2019, she, like many of the other farmers, decided to open the gates to the farm in hopes that would give their animals a better chance of escaping the fire, but said that many of them did not end up surviving. Its heartbreaking, Belinda Attree told ABC Australia. The cattle were just dead in the paddock and my husband was just trying to put them all in one place to dispose of them. She said watching her husband pick up the deceased animals with farming tools like the forks on their tractor, that the animals just fell apart. They just cook on the inside and explode, Attree said. The federal government is also working to help the farmers with their losses and, according to the news outlet, Bridget McKenzie, the Federal Agriculture Minister, said they were working to assess the level of catastrophe. McKenzie said when she surveyed the area of the burning, she saw thousands of dead animals. In the South Australian firesthe Adelaide Hillsthere would have been a little over 3,000 head deceased as a result of the fires directly, but in the subsequent weeks weve seen stock really dying because of heat stress and smoke inhalation, McKenzie said. Although the fires in the area havent died down, the governments priority will be delivering food and water, as well as disposing of the deceased animals. AAP reported that the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries is providing struggling farmers with emergency supplies, such as food and water, animal care, livestock assessment, and stock euthanasia or burial should that be necessary. When we are talking to state farming organizations, they are saying first and foremost we need to get fodder into these herds, and they also need clear water. The second thing they are asking is around access back to property and the fencing recovery task and mental health issues that will be ongoing, McKenzie said. According to the news outlet, the government will aim to have all the deceased animals buried within a week. The sooner we can dispose of dead livestock the sooner our farmers can begin the hard and long road to recovery. Our government is here to support them on that journey because a strong agriculture sector underpins strong rural and regional communities and ultimately a strong national economy, a news release issued by McKenzie stated. The full extent of the damage will be unknown for a long time, but a market analyst company put together a map that marked out the impacted livestock in the area. About 8.6 million sheep12 percent of the countrys sheep flockand 2.3 million cattle9 percent of the countrys cattlelive in the affected areas. It could take months for the details of losses to come through, considering the size of the affected area. A group of mental health professionals have warned Congress it must act urgently to demand Donald Trump undergo an evaluation to determine his continued fitness for office after nearly a week of heightened tensions with Iran. The World Mental Health Coalition made the statement a month after warning Congress that the stress of impeachment could cause Mr Trump's mental state to deteriorate to a dangerous level. "We have been seriously warning about this for some time. The US Congress must act immediately and forcefully without further delay," the group said in a statement obtained by The Independent shortly after the president struggled to pronounce words and sniffed repeatedly while delivering a scripted statement on the Iran crisis at the White House. Mr Trump, they said, is "psychologically and mentally both dangerous and incapacitated" and has a presentation that is "consistent with a person who, when his falsely inflated self-image is questioned, or when his emotional need for adulation is thwarted, lashes out in an attempt to restore his sense of potency and command over others". The group noted that while senior military leaders must pass yearly psychological evaluations, their commander-in-chief is exempt from such a requirement despite being "the person in most need and who is a maximum danger", and added that current tensions in the Middle East make this a "critical time", at which Americans "cannot wait any longer to deal with the dangerous situation caused by a mentally compromised person acting in erratic, reckless, impulsive, and destructive ways". Because Congress has the constitutional power to declare and finance wars, it must "act immediately to take any war-making powers out of his hands", they said, adding that it is "imperative that the Congress be equipped with accurate information" from those in the medical community who are qualified in "assessment and management of psychological dangers". Story continues "We urge Congress to consult with us for a profile, if not evaluation, and to take seriously the mental health aspects that are at play in this mentally impaired president," they said. Donald Trump, flanked by Mark Milley, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, centre, and David Goldfein, Air Force chief of staff, right, prepares to read a statement on tensions with Iran (AP) While no one in the group has examined the president personally, one member, George Washington University Professor Dr Richard Zinner, told The Independent last month that the so-called "Goldwater Rule" which purportedly prohibits psychiatrists from diagnosing a person they have not examined is "more of a principle or a standard", which is different from a rule "because the preamble of the code of ethics of the American Psychiatric Association that establishes the basic guidelines for the ethical canons says that a psychiatrist's responsibility, first and foremost, is to his or her patients and to society and to his colleagues and himself in that order". The group's president, Yale University professor Dr Bandy Lee, told The Independent that Mr Trump's decision to respond to an incursion into the US embassy in Baghdad with an airstrike against Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was expected because he opted for the most extreme of the options with which he was presented. Dr Lee noted that more than 800 of her colleagues had signed a petition warning Congress that the stress caused by the impeachment proceedings against him "would most certainly send him into a seething rage" because Mr Trump's "fragile, falsely inflated self-image could scarcely withstand such a wound". She added that from her perspective as a physician and mental health professional, it would be inconceivable for someone who meets full criteria for an involuntary mental health evaluation since long ago, based on dangerousness to others and the self to be able to retain full command over warmaking powers and nuclear weapons. "The fact that the Pentagon officials were stunned, and even considered presenting him with the assassination option, starkly reveals how little those around him understand him and how ill-equipped they are to manage him," she said. "They essentially handed him the craved match to throw into a field of gasoline". Read more Trump fails to say word 'tolerated' during Iran speech At least 12 ballistic missiles slammed into an Iraqi airbase in the country's west early Wednesday where US and coalition forces are based. (Photo Credit: Twitter) New Delhi: At least 12 ballistic missiles slammed into an Iraqi airbase in the country's west early Wednesday where US and coalition forces are based. The attack on the Ain al-Asad airbase came after pro-Tehran factions in Iraq had vowed to join forces to "respond" to an American drone strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi top commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad last week. This came hours after leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened on Tuesday to "set ablaze" places supported by the United States. Hossein Salami made the pledge before a crowd of thousands gathered in a central square in Kerman, the hometown of the slain Gen Qassem Soleimani. Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. At approximately 1730 EST on Jan. 7, Iran launched at least a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military & coalition forces in Iraq, US Department of Defence tweeted. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran & targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military & coalition personnel at Al-Assad & Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments, it added. President Trump has been briefed and is monitoring the situation, officials said. We are working on initial battle damage assessments, Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said confirming the Iranian missile strikes. Hoffman said in recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defence has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard its personnel and partners. Who Was General Qasem Soleimani? Soleimani was one of the most popular figures in Iran and seen as a deadly adversary by America and its allies. General Soleimani, who headed the external operations Quds Force for the Guards, had wielded his regional clout publicly since 2018 when it was revealed that he had direct involvement in top-level talks over the formation of Iraq's government. It was no surprise at the time for a man who has been at the centre of power-broking in the region for two decades. Soleimani has been in and out of Baghdad ever since, most recently last month as parties sought to form a new government. Where once he kept to the shadows, Soleimani has in recent years become an unlikely celebrity in Iran -- replete with a huge following on Instagram. His profile rose suddenly when he was pushed forward as the public face of Iran's intervention in the Syrian conflict from 2013, appearing in battlefield photos, documentaries -- and even being featured in a music video and animated film. In a rare interview aired on Iranian state television in October, he said he was in Lebanon during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war to oversee the conflict. To his fans and enemies alike, Soleimani was the key architect of Iran's regional influence, leading the fight against jihadist forces and extending Iran's diplomatic heft in Iraq, Syria and beyond. "To Middle Eastern Shiites, he is James Bond, Erwin Rommel and Lady Gaga rolled into one," wrote former CIA analyst Kenneth Pollack in a profile for Time's 100 most influential people in 2017. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Log cabins in West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains have a story to tell: when people leave, the forest takes over. Researchers at West Virginia University are using tree-ring dating to determine not only when trees were cut down to build historic log buildings in the region but also what the forests were like before European immigrants arrived. This could help researchers shed light on when Native Americans abandoned the area and how their absence altered the landscape. Geography graduate student Kristen de Graauw and her mentor, Professor Amy Hessl, uncovered evidence of the significant growth of trees in what may have been a previously cleared area. That growth in the late 17th century coincided with the estimated timing of Native American population decreases following the arrival of European immigrants. This corroborated the hypothesis that a change in the land's use caused forests to regrow, they explained. "The historic logs showed evidence that a lot of trees began to grow at the same time across a fairly large area in West Virginia. This synchronous growth may indicate that trees began growing on cleared land that Native Americans had once inhabited and then abandoned following European contact," de Graauw said. "It's a small area, but we found compelling evidence that a major forest change occurred, and that change coincided with the estimated timing of depopulation in that particular region. However, there was also a sub-continental drought that may have led to broad-scale forest thinning and subsequent tree growth in the 1670s in eastern North America." De Graauw used dendrochronology, or the science of tree-ring dating, to identify when trees grew and were cut down for construction. She sampled logs from buildings like houses, barns, forts, churches and smokehouses. The buildings are in Greenbrier, Hardy, Pendleton and Pocahontas counties in West Virginia and in Highland County, Virginia. Their results suggest that the loss of Native American populations from the area may have led to forest regrowth through land abandonment. The evidence of forest regrowth may help local archaeologists better recount when Native Americans depopulated the region, which previously was not well understood. The oldest log building they have sampled so far was built in 1784. "We know through historical records that European immigrants moved into the study area around the 1740s to 1760s, yet I have not found a building that is from that time period. It could be that the buildings did not last on the landscape. Some people reused the logs; others may have burned, or logs of dilapidated buildings may have been used for fuel," de Graauw said. "We know that buildings were being constructed prior to the 1780s - we just haven't found them yet." To sample the logs, the researchers used a hollowed drill bit to reach the center of each log. "This method allows us to capture the rings of the tree all the way from its initiation to the very outer ring of the tree, which reflects when that log was cut down out of the forest," de Graauw said. "That very last ring is what tells us when the log was felled with the intention for construction. That allows us to know when it was built. By matching patterns of ring-width variability through time using live trees, dead trees and the logs in the buildings, we are able to assign calendar dates to the logs. We can then estimate when the tree began growing." As they began their study, the researchers weren't confident that many building owners would allow the researchers to sample their logs. They were surprised by the hospitality they received. "Most people were willing to help because they wanted to learn how old their buildings were," de Graauw said. "It was sort of a win-win - they got to find out how old their building is and tie that date to historical records, and we got to use the data within those logs to reconstruct past forests." It is known that Native American populations declined following the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, but it is not well understood when the population decrease occurred in this region or if abandonment of Native American land management techniques would have led to forest regrowth, the researchers explained. "Sometimes the tree ring record offers a new possibility for understanding history. It's a new line of evidence. The idea is that when people abandoned their cleared areas, forests regrew, but we don't even know what tribal groups were here," Hessl said. "The study needs to be replicated in more places before we can really confirm what we are seeing. But, de Graauw's idea of applying these data from historic buildings to this research question is novel. The fact that she has observed some potential legacies there is really exciting." In the future, they hope to expand the study by adding other methods, including charcoal records and archaeological techniques, and taking samples in other locations to help disentangle whether trees established as a result of depopulation or the previously identified sub-continental drought event. "There is so much to still learn about Native Americans at this point in history in eastern North America as far as the spread of epidemics and warfare and when depopulation occurred in different places. The idea is that depopulation wouldn't have all happened at the same time. It would have been spread out based on physical geography and the interactions of people," de Graauw said. "In other regions, I would expect that depopulation would not have necessarily happened at the same time that it did here. There's a difference in timing, which is why working with archaeologists is really important for us." Dating log buildings has been a hobby of de Graauw's for more than 10 years. It has allowed her to blend her passions for American history and Appalachian folklore with her research interest in forest ecology. "As I started graduate school, I was trying to find a way to merge my hobby with my academic interests," de Graauw said. "This project really came from that." The study, "Do Historic Log Buildings Provide Evidence of Reforestation Following Depopulation of Indigenous Peoples," was published by DeGraauw and Hessl in the Journal of Biogeography. ### Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 02:51:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Rescuers work beside the bodies of victims at the air crash site of a Boeing 737 Ukrainian passenger plane in Parand district, southern Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Photo by Ahmad Halabisaz/Xinhua) Among the 176 people killed in Ukrainian passenger plane crash in Iran's capital are 63 Canadians. Trudeau says his government will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure thorough investigation. OTTAWA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday he was "shocked and saddened" to know that 63 Canadians were on board the Ukrainian passenger plane which crashed in Iran on Tuesday with no survivors. Trudeau expressed his deep condolences to the victims' families in a statement on Wednesday morning. "Our government will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated." The Ukraine International Airlines plane crashed just minutes after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport. All 176 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 737-800 aircraft were killed. Most of the 63 Canadians are believed to be Iranian-Canadian students returning to school after the holidays. Flying Ukrainian International Airlines, via the Ukrainian capital of Kiev, is one of the cheapest routes from Tehran to Toronto, according to CTV. Trudeau said Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne has been in touch with the Ukrainian government and is speaking to other international partners. Canadian Transport Minister Marc Garneau is also working with their international counterparts to seek answers on this crash, Trudeau added in the statement. Seguin, TX (78155) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 40F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 40F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will on Friday visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi to meet those who were arrested during the anti-CAA protests in the town. According to Congress sources, Gandhi will meet BHU students, civil society members, and those who were part of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the country. She will also visit Guleria ghat and Ram ghat in the temple town. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A company release after the initial news broke in December noted that the acquisition was a strategic step forward for Brown & Brown in establishing a presence in the Canadian insurance brokerage market. It also stated that post-closing, SRIM will become a distinct operating division in the national programs division of Brown & Brown, joining other specialist operations, including Arrowhead General Insurance Agency and Bellingham Underwriters. SRIM president and CEO Mark Woodall will stay at the helm of the company, and will join the leadership line-up of B&Bs national programs division. He will report to president Chris Walker. Tom Willie will also stay on as the head of SRIMs underwriting team. Brown & Brown is well-known for its M&A activity, acquiring several firms in 2019 and even making two back-to-back acquisitions in July last year. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 16:21:39|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MUMBAI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Indian space agency will evaluate a menu of around 30 dishes for its astronauts proposed to be sent to space as part of the country's first human spaceflight mission named "Gaganyaan", media reports said on Wednesday. The ready-to-eat dishes including regular Indian cuisine like suji halwa and chicken biryani. They also have an elaborate spread ranging from fruit juices to energy bars developed by the Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), a Mysuru-based lab under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said a report by Times of India newspaper. Last week, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced its plans to launch its third lunar mission Chandrayaan 3 in 2021 following approval from the government along with Gaganyaan in 2022. Four men from the Indian Air Force have been selected to undergo training in Russia from the third week of January for the Gaganyaan mission. However, the Indian space agency is not dependent on Russia for the food menu and will itself along with its astronauts evaluate the choice of food. "It's now for them (ISRO and astronauts) to finalise which dishes they would like and then we can even make modifications. Apart from the food, we are also tasked with providing food-warmer technology, stainless steel cutlery and a waste disposal pack," said the news report quoting Anil Semwal, director of the DFRL. DFRL is also tasked with providing food-warmer technology, stainless steel cutlery and a waste disposal pack as the packaging needs to be modified to suit the no-gravity situation in space. Speaking at the event, Mr. Le Thanh Hung, a representative from the Vietnamese Consulate General in Hong Kong (China) and Macau (China), emphasized that the Vietnamese Party and Government always attach great care to overseas Vietnamese worldwide, including those in Macau (China). The event attracts a large number of overseas Vietnamese (Photo: VNA) He highly appreciated the Mutual Support Fellow-Countrymen Association in Macau for their active operation over the past year, particularly their launch of charity activities to support needy families in the community, as well as disadvantaged people in the homeland. He hoped that the association would take more practical actions to encourage its members to support each other and improve their livelihoods. He also called on them to follow the regulations and laws of the host country, while promoting the patriotism and traditions of the nation. Ms. Tran Thi Thu, Chairwoman of the Mutual Support Fellow-Countrymen Association in Macau (China), said that in 2019, the association helped many Vietnamese women to solve administrative procedures to facilitate their work in Macau, and also launched many charitable fund-raising activities. In 2019, the association raised 750 million VND to support families in difficult circumstances in Vietnam. At the celebration, participants enjoyed art performances praising Vietnams land and people, and enjoyed Vietnamese traditional dishes on Tet such as spring rolls and chung cakes prepared by members of the association. The Macau Special Administrative Region (China) now has nearly 30,000 Vietnamese workers, mainly women, with income of 500-1,000 USD per month. Vietnamese workers in Macau are highly appreciated by local officials for their working spirit and compliance with local laws./. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday took exception to the response of Cyberabad police to a tweet about whether it has done any background check over alleged "Jihadis" working in US software firms here. The Hyderabad MP wanted the police to clarify its reply to a tweet by a man who claimed many "wannabe Jihadis" work for American software companies in Hyderabad. Citing Iran's threat to hit US assets, the man wanted to know if the Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda police did any background check of "these peacefuls" or if they were clueless. Responding to the tweet, the Cyberabad police said, "Yes sir... We have specialised wings for collection of advance intel and our teams are on the job 24X7. Thanks for alerting us. Please keep us updated if you find anything suspicous." Taking exception to the reply, Owaisi asked Cyberabad police commissioner V C Sajjanar to "enlighten" how many such "jihadis" were working in software companies or else clarify what he exactly meant. "... sir you say "yes sir" please enlighten how many such "jihadis" are working in software companies, kindly give a number, if not, please clarify what you exactly meant. Will you reply to an MP or only to a Bhakt?" the MP tweeted. Owaisi said terrorism has no religion and mentioned Mahatma Gandhi's killer Nathu Ram Godse. In an obvious reference to the killing of four accused in the rape and murder of a woman veterinarian near here by the Cyberabad police last month, Owaisi said there should not be any such killings in the name of "encounter." "..whatever you do but no killings in name of "encounter" at 05am please, if possible arrest & as accepted 3rddegree will be given but pls (sic) no cartoos in stomach," he said. "Terrorism has no religion, (remember NGodse)," Owaisi said in another tweet. The Cyberabad police tweeted that their response had been misconstrued. "...The intent is only to suggest that we are always alert and well equipped to ensure security and it does not mean to agree with the suggestion. We reiterate that we are committed to maintain peace and order in the society without any prejudice towards any person or community- Cyberabad Police," it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A proposal to build a hotel and conference center in Fontainebleau State Park near Mandeville has yet to receive a public vetting that comes Wednesday night but is already generating controversy among some north shore residents and environmentalists. Opponents have cited several concerns, ranging from the prospect of more development at the 2,800-acre park on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain and the lack of local input in planning to the specter that the proposed resort will eventually include a gambling casino. The first public scrutiny of the proposal will come at 6 p.m. Wednesday during a public meeting at the Paul R. Spitzfaden Community Center in Mandeville. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, whose office oversees state parks, will discuss the proposal. In a post on Facebook, Nungesser tried to defuse social media claims that the Fontainebleau plans secretly include a casino. Some critics have cited an April 2019 study commissioned by the Louisiana Economic Development agency that suggested moving a riverboat casino from the Shreveport/Bossier City market to the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. "There has been a lot of talk about a casino in Fontainebleau State Park," Nungesser said on his Facebook page. "This has never been discussed or considered. I have pledged to have public meetings on anything that will be considered, and will not move forward on anything that is not supported by the elected officials and majority of citizens." But the idea is already generating controversy among residents and environmentalists who are concerned about preserving the park. Jennifer Coulson, president of the New Orleans Audubon Society, said the committee Nungesser has assembled doesn't including any environmental group representatives. Andrew Wilson, a Mandeville resident and environmental lawyer who serves on the Audubon Society board, said the panel is made up almost entirely of government officials. "There is no local input," he said. Nungesser has been an advocate of public-private partnerships at various state parks to bolster their finances. The Louisiana Foundation for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, created by Nungesser's office to push public-private business partnerships, cites a list of potential commercial opportunities for Fontainebleau, such as a resort, lodging expansion, timeshares and a restaurant. It also points to challenges at the site, including wetlands mitigation, coastal code requirements and archaeological sites. The Audubon Society, which holds an annual Christmas bird count in the park, is concerned about the potential loss of habitat. Fontainebleau is the only example of the rare live oak-pine-magnolia forest habitat, Coulson said, and it supports 27 different species, including some that are threatened. Others question the economic underpinnings of the project and are skeptical that St. Tammany needs another hotel. A $28,000 feasibility study funded by the St. Tammany Parish Tourism and Convention Commission said that a 150-room hotel is feasible. It projected that the hotel would generate a $1.8 million cash flow in its first year, projected to be 2021, growing to nearly $2.3 million by 2025. Environmental news in your inbox Stay up-to-date on the latest on Louisiana's coast and the environment. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up But the study also said St. Tammany's current supply of hotel rooms outstrips demand. Mandeville Mayor Donald Villere said he began asking Nungesser's office to hold a public meeting back in September but that it was put on the back burner during the statewide election season. "Certainly, a lot more information needs to be given about any project going on at Fontainebleau," Villere said. "Like many people, Im concerned that they'll take away the natural beauty of the park. I would like to hear something that would put my mind to ease with that. I'm not sure what that would be." Residents think of the park as a sanctuary and part of local history, Villere said. Mark Myers, who serves on the St. Tammany Parish Tourist Commission, said he's happy Nungesser is having the meeting and hopes residents' questions can be answered. "They have concerns about traffic and preservation of green space," he said. Myers noted that Nungesser is an elected official who is likely to have further ambitions. "I imagine he will listen to the public," Myers said. "If a lot of people don't like it, I would like to think it won't happen." Donna O'Daniels, CEO of the St. Tammany Parish Tourism Commission, said that the agency often funds or helps fund feasibility studies for major products that are consistent with its mission to increase the economic impact of tourism. "We know that the lack of a modern conference facility with adjacent hotel rooms is negatively impacting our ability to book meetings and conferences," she said in an email. "However, I dont feel that Fontainebleau is the only location for this type of venue." In fact, the Northshore Harbor Center is currently working on a plan to add a hotel to its Slidell-area facility, according to Myers, who also serves on that board. O'Daniels said there are "still a lot of questions" to be answered and is looking forward to hearing what Nungesser has to say. Villere said he plans to introduce Nungesser and then turn the meeting over to him. "I hope he tells people what's going on," he said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) The government may access President Rodrigo Duterte's 13-billion contingent fund to bring home Filipinos in Iraq amid heightened tensions with the United States, the Department of Budget and Management said Wednesday. For now, the Executive has about 1.8 billion specifically allocated for repatriation efforts under the newly-signed 2020 national budget, which was prepared last year. This is different from President Rodrigo Duterte's suggestion on Monday for Congress to convene a special session in order to create a standby fund to bring home Filipinos in Iran. His call came after American troops conducted a drone strike in Baghdad and killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani. DBM Assistant Secretary Rolando Toledo told reporters that repatriation funds are available with 1.29 billion under the Department of Foreign Affairs and around 600 million under the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). "If this will not be enough, we also have a standby fund where we can tap that is subject to approval of the President, which is the contingent fund," Toledo said in a media briefing in Malacanang. "Other than that, the Department of Finance is looking into possible sources of such fund from other sources." READ: Duterte sends team to Middle East amid US-Iran conflict The fund, which is in lump-sum form for emergency or unplanned allocations, is under the discretion of Malacanang. Toledo said the money is often used for the President's travel expenses as well as to fund the creation of new departments or government units. "We have the money, a standby fund. The government is ready if there is a call for repatriation for our overseas Filipino workers," Toledo added. Following America's attack, Tehran retaliated with missile attacks on two Iraqi bases hosting US forces, while the Iranian Parliament passed a bill declaring American troops "terrorists." By Wednesday morning, Duterte then ordered a mandatory repatriation for Filipinos in Iraq as authorities raised the security level to the highest threat alert. However, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Filipinos in Iraq will not be forced to go home; they can opt to be evacuated to a safe place instead. READ: Duterte to side with Americans if Filipinos harmed in US-Iran conflict Panelo There are 4,204 Filipinos in Iraq 4,000 of them are undocumented or irregular migrants according to DFA's Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers data as of June 2019. Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Toledo said there are 1.26 million Filipinos in Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. DFA data as of June 2019 shows there are nearly 2.2 million Filipinos in the Middle East. Filipinos in Iran and Lebanon have also been ordered to come home as of Wednesday afternoon due to escalating tensions, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said. As TikTok catches fire among the younger set, world leaders and politicians have kept their distance amid national security concerns about the Chinese-owned app. The vacuum is leaving room for impersonators to roam free. And TikToks efforts to dissuade such fake or misleading accounts are lacking, some social media experts say. TikTok doesnt yet have a robust verification system to certify accounts as authentic. Unlike Twitter Inc., TikTok doesnt require parody accounts to clearly indicate they are not affiliated with the subject. Multiple TikTok accounts have claimed to be those of President Donald Trump. One popular one, with more than 13,000 followers, went by the handle @donald.trump.officiall (two Ls) and used the same profile picture as Trumps very real Twitter account. After Bloomberg News contacted TikTok about that account and others for this story, the account was taken down. Trump doesnt have an official TikTok account. Trump isnt the only big name targeted by spoofers. Theres also a Bernie Sanders Team account with more than 13,900 followers that posts regularly. A spokeswoman for the Sanders campaign said the account was fake, not associated with the Vermont senator, who doesnt have an account on TikTok. The accounts speak to TikToks immature account-verification efforts. ByteDance Inc., which owns TikTok, has emerged as the worlds most valuable startup -- pegged at $75 billion by its investors, including SoftBank, in 2018 -- on the explosive popularity of TikTok, now with more than a billion, largely young, users around the world. Even as TikToks user base has grown, the company hasnt shown signs of rigorous efforts to enforce rules on content, including the policing of fake or misleading accounts, according to Storyful, a social media intelligence company that seeks to verify content as authentic. Bloomberg is a customer of Storyful. DJ Kang, chief executive of consumer research firm ValueChampion, described the platforms lack of robust verification efforts as a ticking time bomb. Moderating fake accounts and other types of false claims is a common issue for social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook Inc. Over the years, Facebook has increased its number of content reviewers globally, with about 150,000 staff now monitoring content 24 hours a day. TikTok declined to give a number of staffers who work on such issues in the U.S. or in China when asked by Bloomberg News. TikTok has been seeking to ramp up its U.S. safety team, hiring staff from Twitter, Facebook, Snap Inc. and other social media platforms. That team is led out of California and has no moderators based in China, a TikTok spokesperson said. The company would not comment on @donald.trump.officiall, the handle that no longer exists. The spokesperson said the @berniesandersteam handle was only a group supporting Sanders and that it was not impersonating the senator. The service doesnt, for instance, comb through the app to proactively remove fake accounts. It says it removes them when its alerted to them. Some users had apparently assumed @donald.trump.officiall was the real Donald Trump, leaving comments such as Welcome Mr. President. A lot of us are new here, also. To people casting doubts on its authenticity, the account relies, sir, this is 100 percent me. Other Impersonators Other world leaders have their own impersonators on TikTok, some clearly satirical and some ambiguous. The account under the handle of @.boris_johnson, which has more than 15,800 followers, frequently posts goofy videos under the mask of the U.K. prime minister. Its bio page says Prime Minister Of The United Kingdom and Avid Brexiteer. Boris Johnsons office confirmed that the prime minister is not a TikTok user. Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi also has impersonators. One of Modis fake accounts says in its bio that it is the Narendra Modi Official Account. It has a fake blue verification check mark watermarked onto its profile photo, with a link to the official website of Narendra Modi in its bio page. TikTok is not one of the nine social media platforms listed on Modis website. For the accounts that TikTok has verified -- mostly celebrities like Will Smith -- the service adds a blue check mark to the right of the profile photo, and marks them as a verified account. The check mark has become the standard indicator across social media of account verification. Meanwhile, American politicians have urged an investigation amid concerns over the vulnerability of data on the platform and potential censorship. ByteDances 2017 purchase of the business that became TikTok has been under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. ByteDance has considered selling a chunk of TikTok if necessary to protect the value of the business, Bloomberg has reported. A company representative has denied such talks. Ukraine International flight PS752 that was en route to Kiev, crashed in Tehran, claiming the lives of at least 170 passengers onboard. The aircraft crashed within minutes of taking off from the Imam Khomeini International Airport and crashed near Parand -- which was around 60 kilometres south-west of the Iranian capital, according to Irans state media. The aircraft reached an altitude of 7,925 ft before plummeting to the ground. The aircraft was a Boeing 737-800 -- one of the most popular aircraft choices among short-route domestic airliners. However, recently, Boeing hasnt been having the best time, as the successor of Boeing 737-800 -- The Boeing 737 Max -- has been grounded for over 10 months now, after some serious design issues that has caused two crashes in last year, and has claimed many lives. However, the older Boeing 737-800 still continues to fly. But when you look at both the aircrafts side-by-side, they look almost identical -- so does that mean people flying on the old Boeing 737-800 are as unsafe as flying on a 737 Max? How 737 Max Is Different? While they both look identical, there are major advancements that Boeing had packed into the 737 Max. Max was supposed to be a massive upgrade on fuel consumption and range, compared to the standard 737-800. Not only are the wings of the Max larger than the standard 737, but they are also fitted with a slightly larger engine. Now since the engine was larger, it had been placed differently, which shifted the centre of gravity of the aircraft forward, that let the nose to pitch-up just after taking off. To prevent this, they created a software called MCAS or Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System. The software along with a sensor that checked the aircrafts angle and made the nose angle drop mechanically if in case it was rising. But this software was far from perfect as it would incorrectly read the sensor and push the nose downwards, surprising the pilots mid-flight. This is expected to be the reason for the Lion Air Flight 610 as well as Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. Boeing 737-800 hasnt had such design issues Now, the 737-800 has been in action since the 1990s and hasnt faced the aforementioned technical issues from start. Neither does it have the bigger engine and the MCAS software that the 737 Max relied upon. The rest of the similarities havent really affected 737-800s running in the past two decades. Sure, it has faced crashes in its runtime, but they havent been due to a design fault on the part of Boeing. So it is safe to assume that the 737-800 aircraft are safer to board on. The investigation for Ukranian Airlines flight PS752 is underway and well have to wait for some time to denote the cause of its crash. In a clear display of misguided desperation to stage a reprisal attack following recent neutralization of several top commanders of Boko Haram insurgents by troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. On 6th January 2020, some marauding elements of Boko Haram insurgents laid ambush on a convoy of the Theater Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi. The Theatre Commander's convoy came under the Insurgents ineffective and uncoordinated fire from Anti-Aircraft Guns, Machines Guns, Rocket Propelled Grenades and some of their foot soldiers about 10 kilometers away from Maiduguri city and 2 Kilometers to Auno village of Konduga LGA of Borno State along Maidyguri-Damaturu road. This incident happened while he was returning from Jakana village where he visited troops' location following his earlier meeting with the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum at Auno village. In a commendable demonstration of bold action in battle, the Theatre Commander led the gallant troops of his convoy to engage the Boko Haram Insurgents with superior fire power, subduing them assaulting the ambush site with his men. Finally, the Boko Haram insurgents, frustrated, assaulted and thought the meaning of gallantry in battle fled the location in disarray. Other senior military officers in the Theatre Commander's convoy at the time of the ambush were the Deputy Theatre Commander, Maj Gen MG Ali, Brig Gen EI Eze, Brig Gen SI Igbinomwanya and Lt AA Tejuoso. A statement issued by Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, the Media Coordinator, Operation Lafiya Dole, Theater Command Headquarters Maimalari cantonment Maiduguri stated that several Boko Haram insurgents were decimated. According to the statement, 20 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 2 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, one camouflage trouser, one Nigeria Police Force fragmental jacket, 2 AK 47 Rifles and 3 AK 47 Rifle magazines were captured from the fleeing insurgents. Thereafter, the Theatre Commander Major General Olusegun Adeniyi and his convoy continued their trip and have since returned safely to the Headquarters of the Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE in Maiduguri. Regrettably, 2 soldiers were wounded in action during the encounter. The Wounded soldiers are currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility and responding positively to treatment. The Theatre Commander on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, COAS , Lieutenant General Turkur Yusufu Buratai has congratulated the troops for their resilience and courage while urging them not to relent in their efforts until all the remnants of the Boko Haram and ISWAP criminal insurgents are completely annihilated and defeated. Google Maps A pair of juveniles were charged with felony arson after allegedly setting off a firework inside a Houston-area high school cafeteria Tuesday, which injured four students. The juvenile boys, whose ages were not immediately released, brought the explosive to Klein Forest High School and placed it inside a container before igniting the fuse around 1 p.m., according to the Harris County Fire Marshals Office and Klein ISD. Once the firework exploded, Klein ISD police officers started evacuating students, school officials said. Gambia opened on Tuesday its consulate in the Moroccan Saharan city of Dakhla, dealing another hammer blow to the polisario as the move comes few weeks after the Comoros Islands opened a consulate in the city of Laayoune. These successive highly significant diplomatic victories scored by Morocco against its enemies confirm the growing support of African countries to the Moroccan Sahara. The bold decision taken by the Gambian government is expected to spark a fresh furious reaction from Algerian authorities as they did when the Union of the Comoros opened its Consulate in Laayoune in December. The Polisario separatist group, which is armed, funded and sheltered by Algerian regime, had also criticised the Comoro decision. It seems that the Algerian authorities worst fears have become now true as the number of African countries opening diplomatic representations in Moroccos southern provinces is growing surely steadily. This confirms not only the Moroccanness of the Sahara but also strengthens the status of the Moroccan Sahara as a gateway to the African continent. In June, Cote dIvoire opened an honorary consulate in Laayoune where Senegal also has installed an honorary consulate. Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita had said at least four African countries would set up diplomatic missions in Laayoune before the end of the current year. Flash The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft has returned to Earth after being released from the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday, bringing multiple scientific samples and gears. The spacecraft left the space station at 5:05 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time, starting its 5-hour journey home. It splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at about 10:41 a.m., approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) southwest of Long Beach, California, according to U.S. space agency NASA. A recovery ship is expected to retrieve the capsule from the sea. SpaceX, NASA's cargo provider, launched the spacecraft on Dec. 5 in 2019 in a resupply mission to the ISS. The spacecraft carried over 1,600 kg of experimental materials and other cargo back from the space station. Among them is a faulty battery charge-discharge unit, which failed to activate following an installation of new lithium-ion batteries on the space station's truss in October 2019. Another experiment back home is a test examining the effects of spaceflight on tiny aquatic animals, called rotifers, which are found highly resistant to radiation on Earth. Also, results of how a naturally occurring protein deal with radiation during long-duration spaceflight missions have been returned. Dragon does not burn up on reentry and so is best suited to ferrying material that needs examination, not disposal. SPRINGFIELD Businesses seeking tax liens and releases filed by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) can now search and use the State Tax Lien Registry. Prior to the migration, businesses looking for tax liens filed by IDES had to search separate records in individual Illinois counties, which was time consuming and costly to taxpayers. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump faces one of the greatest tests of his presidency after Iran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops and plans to address the nation on Wednesday. Irans attack was its most brazen direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The strikes pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to war and put the world's attention on Trump as he weighs whether to respond with more military force. The Republican president huddled with his national security advisers on Tuesday night but offered no immediate indication of whether he would retaliate. All is well! he said in a tweet. The White House said Trump plans to address the nation at 11 a.m. EST Wednesday. The Iranian strikes came days after Trump authorized the targeted killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. Iran had pledged to retaliate, though its actions did not appear to result in any American casualties, according to a U.S. official. The missiles targeted two bases one in the northern Iraqi city in Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq. READ MORE: Iran launches missile attacks against Iraqi bases housing U.S. soldiers A lack of U.S. casualties could give Trump an opening to de-escalate the mounting tensions with Iran and pull the nation back from the brink of war. Trump, who is seeking reelection at the end of the year, campaigned for president on a promise to keep the United States from engaging in endless war." Still, Trump's rhetoric in recent days has been menacing. Just hours before Tuesday's missile strikes, the president told reporters in the Oval Office: "If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly." Democrats called on Trump avoid a military escalation with Iran. Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the administration needs to quickly extricate us from what could lead into a full-fledged war with terrible casualties. Engel said he feared the situation spirals out of control." The fallout for Trump's order to kill Soleimani has been swift. Iran announced that it would no longer be bound by the 2015 nuclear agreement and vowed to retaliate against the U.S., its allies and American interests. Iraq's parliament also voted to expel U.S. troops from Iraq, which would undermine efforts to fight Islamic State militants in the region and strengthen Iran's influence in the Mideast. The counterattack by Iran came as Trump and his top advisers were under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led to the American strike that killed Soleimani. Top Senate Democrats, citing deep concern about the lack of information coming from the Trump administration about the Iran operation, called on Defense Department officials to provide regular briefings and documents to Congress. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the senators said in a letter Wednesday that the White Houses classified War Powers notification to Congress was generic, vague, and entirely inconsistent in its level of detail compared with the norm. While recognizing the need for operations security, we similarly believe there is a requirement to be transparent with the American people about how many troops this Administration plans to deploy in support of contingency plans, wrote Schumer, Sen. Dick Durbin and the Armed Services Committees Sen. Jack Reed to Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint chiefs of staff. They also registered their grave concern with Trumps comments on targeting Iranian cultural sites and asked for clarification. They said they expected a response by Friday. Trump said Tuesday that his decision saved American lives and that members of Congress would get a briefing on the reasons for the U.S. attack. They were planning something, he said of the Iranians. Trump and top national security officials have justified the airstrike with general statements about the threat posed by Soleimani, who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. But the details have been scarce. He's no longer a monster. He's dead, Trump said. And that's a good thing for a lot of countries. He was planning a very big attack and a very bad attack for us and other people, and we stopped him, and I don't think anybody can complain about it. Soleimani was targeted while he was at an airport in Baghdad with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a veteran Iraqi militant, who also was killed. Trump said they weren't in Baghdad to discuss vacation plans or visit a nice resort" but were there to talk over bad business. The lack of detail didn't sit well with Democrats, who recall how President George W. Bush justified his invasion of Iraq by accusing Saddam Hussein of having what turned out to be non-existent weapons of mass destruction. Lawmakers in recent days have been pressing for more details about why Trump ordered the killing a decision that previous administrations passed up because of fears it would unleash even more violence. Soleimani traveled often and relatively openly, with visits to Baghdad more frequent in recent months. He also often showed up in Syria, including along the border between Iraq and Syria. Schumer and Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have called on Trump to declassify the written notification he sent to Congress after the strike. The notification was required under the War Powers Resolution Act of 1973, which requires the president to report to Congress when American forces are sent into hostile situations. The president must come to Congress and present clear and compelling intelligence as to why the strike against Soleimani was absolutely necessary," Menendez said in a speech on the Senate floor. In the wake of all its misleading statements we must make clear to the administration that the president by himself does not have the authority to launch a war against Iran. Trump stressed that the strike was in retaliation for Iranian attacks and that the U.S. is prepared to attack again very strongly. He also said that while he eventually wants to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq, now is not the time because it would allow Iran to gain a bigger foothold there. Trump's top national security officials made several public appearances on Tuesday to further defend the strike. We had deep intelligence indicating there was active plotting to put American lives at risk, and Iraqi lives, too, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. Asked if the threat was imminent in days or weeks, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said: I think its more fair to say days, for sure. Esper said the intelligence was precise razor thin. He said top Republicans and Democrats in the House and the Senate plus the chairmen and vice chairmen of the intelligence committees in both chambers were getting a classified briefing Tuesday on what led to the decision to kill Soleimani. He said other lawmakers will be provided general details about the attack. Associated Press writer Kevin Freking contributed to this article. Eskom should create 5,000MW of space on the grid and use this additional capacity to take generating units offline and do proper maintenance on power plants. This is the view of energy advisor Ted Blom, who said a lack of proper maintenance is to blame for the high number of breakdowns at Eskom power plants. To resolve this problem, Blom said proper maintenance and refurbishment should be done on South Africas power stations instead of the current patch jobs. He said the full fleet of Eskoms old power stations needed proper maintenance and refurbishment, which will take between three and four years. After such a maintenance project, we will have a refurbished fleet which will be ready for another 50 years, said Blom. Using power barges for additional capacity To get an additional 5,000MW of power is a challenge, as South Africa cannot purchase it from neighbouring countries. The solution, Blom said, is to bring in additional power generating units through power barges (also known as powerships) or similar programmes. Powerships are cost-effective, privately owned and operated floating power stations which can be moored at South African harbours. Each powership contains its own generation, electrical control, and substation components. The ship also includes its own maintenance workshop and engineering capabilities. The onboard substation can be connected to the national grid without lengthy delays or complicated engineering. Government open to using power barges Blom said Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe opened a new request for information (RFI) in December where they are looking at all options, including power barges. He said the government has started to mention the term power barges, which come in many configurations. They either come on ships which are placed at a harbour, or you fly in units and you install them on land, Blom said. He added that this is not a cheap option, but when compared to the impact of load-shedding on the economy it is the better option. Not a new idea In 2015, former Eskom chairperson Zola Tsotsis plan to address South Africas power problems included ordering seaborne power stations from the Turkish group Karadeniz. The Karadeniz Energy Group developed its Power of Friendship to fulfil the urgent electricity needs of all countries in the world with our powership fleet. Powerships are delivered to client countries as a complete power plant, ready to operate immediately. Powership capacities range from 45MW to 500MW, and the vessels are delivered between 60-180 days after ordering to provide medium-term solutions with contracts of between 2-5 years. Should this solution be implemented, it will not be the first time South Africa used a powership. Eskom rented a barge-mounted turbine when the Koeberg nuclear power plant was struggling in 2006. Karadeniz powerships Powerships are constructed with special technology which can operate both on liquid fuels (HFO/RFO) as well as natural gas. With high efficiency and availability, powerships can provide uninterrupted electricity at various high voltage levels. Operation and maintenance of the powerships are also provided for by the Karadeniz Energy Group. The photos below show examples of the Karadeniz powerships. MANZINI Ekukhanyeni High School, an institution which recently made headlines for the wrong reasons, got fair JC results. The school, which was once torched by pupils who were protesting over a series of suicides that were committed by their schoolmates, is located under Kukhanyeni Inkhundla, in the Manzini Region. Died After this incident, which took place in 2018, more pupils and a teacher died in 2019, something which continued to raise concerns among the pupils and community members. In the 2019 Junior Certificate (JC) results, the school managed to obtain a 66.20 per cent pass rate and 33.98 per cent failures. Out of 103 pupils who sat for the JC external examination, 68 of them passed and the remaining 35 failed. According to the JC results, which were released by Minister of Education and Training Lady Mabuza yesterday, there were two Merits, zero First Class and 41 Second Class passes. On the other hand, 24 of the pupils obtained Third Class passes. Improvement This showed an improvement from the 2018 JC results, which followed the pupils demonstration over four suicides. This is because during that year, out of 125 pupils, a total of 60 failed. Among the 65 pupils that passed, no one got a Merit, but three of them passed with a First Class and 36 got Third Class. The remaining 26 pupils passed with a Third lass. Efforts of getting Head teacher of the school Lucky Mathunjwa proved futile as his mobile phone was off for the better part of yesterday afternoon. Haiti - News : Zapping... FLASH : To watch tonight on TNH The ceremony to present the 4 finalists of the architectural competition for the reconstruction of the National Palace will be broadcast this evening on the TNH after the edition of the newspaper at 8:00 p.m. ONA targeted by State lawyers After the Sogener, Haytrac and e-Power files, lawyers hired by the Haitian State are now attacking irregular loans from the National Office of Old Age Insurance (ONA). They indeed asked the Prosecutor's office to open a judicial investigation concerning loans considered doubtful made during the last 20 years, informed Me Newton Saint-Juste, one of the defenders of the Haitian State. OAS : The Secretary General met with 3 parliamentarians During his short 24-hour stay, Luis Almagro, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) met in Petion-ville with Senator Joseph Lambert, opposition Senator Evaliere Beauplan and the allied Deputy of the power Rolph Papillon on their position on the socio-political situation in Haiti. Words of sympathy from President Moise "Sympathies to our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico hard hit by an earthquake [6.6 on the Richter scale]. Our two countries share the same fragility in relation to natural disasters. We therefore share all the pain they feel in this painful circumstance," President Jovenel Moise. Meager record of Deputies The Chamber of Deputies voted only 54 bills and legislative proposals during the 4 years of the 50th legislature which will end on January 13, 2020. The students went back to school Tuesday as announced by the Ministry of National Education in its redesigned school calendar https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29483-haiti-flash-school-calendar-revised-official.html schoolchildren have resumed their journey to the school and the students in uniform, were noticed again in the streets of the capital and the cities of provinces. HL/ HaitiLibre New Delhi [India], Jan 8 (ANI): A couple was arrested here in connection with kidnapping a two-month-old baby on December 25 last year. The accused have been identified as Kavita, presently residing in Panchkula Haryana and her husband Dinesh. The couple was arrested today when they were boarding a train for Goa at Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway station. In a statement, police said, "The incident took place on December 25 when Rajkumari was travelling from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station to Satna by Mahakaushal Express along with her daughter aged four and son barely two months old namely Dhruv." Police said, being illiterate and working as manual labour, Rajkumari could not identify the correct platform and went to platform number two instead of one. In her rush to board the train, she handed over her infant to Kavita while she moved her luggage into the train. However, when she returned to collect her baby, Rajkumari discovered that Kavita had vanished with the child. After she failed to locate her son, Rakjumari approached police at Nizamuddin Railway Police Station. Police said a team was constituted to conduct an investigation. The CCTV footage of the platform, entry and exit gates was scanned and two ladies near the complainant were identified. Based on the technical surveillance not only their mobile numbers were traced, it was found that one of them boarded the train to Madgaon (Goa). The other woman had come to see her off. The movement of this lady confirmed her elopement with the complainant's son. She first went to Moradabad and then to Panchkula in Haryana, police said. The boy was recovered safely by the team and the woman identified as Kavita was arrested along with her husband Dinesh while they were trying to board the train to Goa. (ANI) Tehran: Iran has recently fired more than a dozen missiles at 2 US military bases in Iraq. At the same time, it has been said that the Pentagon said that Iran targeted the airbase in Irbil and Al-Assad and Irbil area where the US Army and its allied forces are staying. After this attack, US President Donald Trump said that information is being collected about the losses and casualties. At the same time, it is being said that quoting Iranian media, news agency ANI has said in its tweet that 80 people have died in Iran's latest missile attacks. On the other hand, the Iraqi army has said that no casualties were reported in the attack. Defense Expo 2020: World will see the power of PM Modi's 'Make in India' project According to information from sources, Trump has held a meeting with the National Security Team, which was attended by Foreign Minister Mike Pompeo and Defense Minister Mark Esper. As far as the meeting has not been officially confirmed by the US. According to the White House, President Trump discussed the issue of Iraq and Iran with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Haddam Al Thani. Not only this, but Trump also called German Chancellor Angela Merkel and discussed the security situation in West Asia and Libya. BJP President shows ambulance the other way amid rally in Bengal President Trump has expressed grief on the latest attack on the whereabouts of American forces. The White House has said in its statement that the US President is keeping a close watch on the situation. It has been said that Trump has been informed about the Iran attack. At the same time, US President Trump has said that all is well. Iran has carried out missile attacks on two military bases in Iraq. The number of casualties in the attack is being assessed. Where we have the most powerful army in the world. At the same time, he further says that I will give a statement tomorrow morning. Rahul's support for the Bharat Bandh of labor organizations, says "I salute the workers" Iranian missiles that can deliver a precision-guided 500lb warhead over a range of more than 180 miles have hit two targets hosting US military and coalition forces in Iraq. Reports suggest two types of ballistic missiles were used to hit US Military bases in Ain al-Asad in western Iraq and also around Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. The majority of those used are believed to be the Fateh-110, which can travel 180 miles or 300km and have a payload of around 500lb. But reports also suggest the Qiam-1 was also used, a short-range ballistic missile produced by Iran which can travel 500 miles and carry 750lb warheads. The majority of those used are believed to be the Fateh-110, which can travel 180 miles or 300km and have a payload of around 500lb Fuel tank sections of Qiam-1 ballistic missiles were reportedly found near Erbil The Qiam-1 was also reportedly used, a short range ballistic missile produced by Iran which can travel 500 miles and carry 750lb warheads The former - an Iranian-designed, short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile - can be launched from any location while the latter was specifically built to target US bases in the Middle East, which have 'encircled Iran', according to Iranian sources. When it was launched the Fateh-110 was described by Iranian defence minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami as '100-percent domestically made - agile, stealth, tactical (and) precision-guided'. Both missiles are reported to have been fired from Tabriz and Kermanshah provinces in Iran. US Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said: 'It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran.' He added that the attacks 'targeted at least two Iraqi military bases' at Ain Assad and Erbil. Mr Hoffman said the US is 'working on initial battle damage assessments.' Iran has fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general The Pentagon says the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq The Ayn al Asad airbase in western Iraq that was visited by Donald Trump in December 2018 and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) Iranian state TV said the attack was in revenge for the killing of Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani, whose funeral on Tuesday prompted angry calls to avenge his death. Iran's Revolutionary Guard then warned the US and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack in Iraq. It issued the warning via a statement carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency. 'We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted,' it said. It also threatened Israel. White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said the White House is aware of the reports. 'The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team,' she said. Ain Assad air base is in Iraq's western Anbar province. It was first used by American forces after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. It later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the so-called Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. State TV said the operation's name was Martyr Soleimani. Iran said it would release more information later. Trump ordered a drone attack on an Iraq airport in Baghdad that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani (pictured) on Friday President Trump and First Lady Melania visited the Al Asad airbase in western Iraq in December 2018. The airbase was targeted by Iran on Tuesday in a missile attack The potentially lethal new development followed days of sabre rattling between Washington and Tehran, coupled with growing confusion over the future of US troops in Iraq. At Soleimani's funeral in Iran, top Revolutionary Guards commander Major General Hossein Salami said Iran would 'take revenge.' If further US attacks occur, 'we will set fire to what they love,' he said. Trump warned that 'if Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly.' He called Soleimani 'a monster.' Trump, however, did walk back earlier threats to bomb Iranian cultural sites in the event of conflict - something that could be a war crime. 'If that's what the law is, I like to obey the law,' Trump said. In the Iranian city of Kerman, meanwhile, tragedy deepened an already highly tense situation when more than 50 people died in a crowd stampede at Soleimani's funeral, Iranian media reported. The influential figure, responsible for Iran's regional network of official and unofficial military allies, was due to be buried in his home town when the crowd got out of control. - The head of Irans Civil Aviation Authority said the black boxes would be analysed in Iran - He said it was in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation rules - Ukrainian investigators would be a part of the process but the US will not be involved - The Boeing 737 plane took off from Tehrans International Airport and slammed into a field in Tehran a few minutes later Iranian authorities have said they will not hand over the black boxes from a Ukrainian airliner that crashed near Tehran to the planes manufacturer Boeing for analysis. The head of Irans Civil Aviation Authority, Ali Abedzadeh, said the black boxes would be analysed in the country where the accident took place. READ ALSO: Man who escaped to Somalia after conning Muslim pilgrims over KSh 7 million arrested READ ALSO: Miguna Miguna ejected from Nairobi-bound flight shortly after boarding He made the announcement while addressing local media on Wednesday, January 8, noting it was in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO ) rules. We will not give the black boxes to the manufacturer (Boeing) and the Americans, Abedzadeh was quoted by the Mehr News Agency. He also noted that the Ukrainian investigators would be a part of the process, ruling out involving the US in any stage of the probe. READ ALSO: Miguna: Kenyans bash government for frustrating lawyer's return journey to Kenya Without speaking much about the accident, Abedzadeh revealed the pilot did not communicate any problems to the air traffic control. But he also said it was still too early to tell what had caused the crash. "The cause of the accident will not be discovered or announced until the black box is analysed," he said. READ ALSO: Kalenjin community's symbolic value of gourds used to make mursik delicacy The Boeing 737 plane took off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport at 6:10am then disappeared from the radars and slammed into a field at Khalaj Abad, Tehran. There were no survivors among the 176 crew and passengers who were mostly Iranian and Canadian nationals, according to Ukraines foreign ministry. Search and recovery teams found the black boxes on Wednesday morning. READ ALSO: Mwalimu anaendelea kulia na hii ndio sababu ya yeye kukosa amani darasani Preliminary statements by Iranian and Ukrainian authorities suggested the plane had suffered an engine malfunction bursting into flames. Irans English-language broadcaster, Press TV, cited the Imam Khomeini International Airport spokesman as saying the crash was caused by technical difficulties. READ ALSO: Joy for Senator Isaac Mwaura, wife as young son begins school years after couple lost two children A statement initially posted on the website of the Ukrainian embassy also said the crash was caused by an engine malfunction and ruled out an act of terror. That statement was later changed to say all information would be provided later by an official commission. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly My Spanish husband calls me a monkey, wants to take my children from me | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke I am writing in response to readers who are boycotting New Seasons because they feel it is no longer a local company. New Seasons has a strong history in Portland throughout the past 20 years. It sells many locally made products, many from here in Portland. But the one thing that is truly local about New Seasons is its employees. New Seasons has 18 stores in the Portland area. When we add up the store employees, the vendors who supply the stores and the production and transport of food and goods, we are talking about thousands of incomes. These are working adults who live in our communities. New Seasons provides a decent, livable hourly wage along with a good benefits package. With the current cost of housing and the near-criminal cost of health care, it is getting tough to get by in Portland on an hourly wage. New Seasons provides many opportunities for people who are often overlooked in our current society. You have every right to stay true to your convictions and spend your money where you choose. Just keep in mind that when you stick it to the man, you might end up hurting people who will have a hard time recovering. Jordan Lane, Portland Lane is a grocery clerk at New Seasons Market Seven Corners in Southeast Portland CAPTAIN Rodien Paca knew he had no other way to finish school but through obtaining a scholarship. He was born from a poor family in Naga City. He lost his father when he was seven years old. Tha familys sari-sari store business helped pay his tuition in elementary and high school, but Paca knew it wasnt enough. He had to do something. For someone who experienced lifes difficulties, you are determined to find ways to make life a bit easier. That time, I knew I had to be a scholar so I could finish school, said Paca, a seaman turned entrepreneur and an international speaker and lecturer for United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). He currently runs several business ventures. He owns Paca Training and Management Systems Inc. Asia (PTMS Asia), a Cebu-based consultancy firm for logistics management, supply chain systems, commercial shipping management, port managements and trucking management systems. He is also the chief operating officer of Mariners Professional Shipmanagement Inc.; president of Naga Port and Shipping Management Systems Inc., Naga Cebu Truckers and General Services Inc., Road Eagle Logistics Inc.; and managing director of Pilipinas Logistics Technologies Systems Inc. Paca finished high school with flying colors, earning him a spot to qualify for any college scholarship grants in the city. He obtained a scholarship grant from Norwegian Shipowners Association where he finished a Bachelors degree in Marine Officer Training Course (Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering) in the University of Cebu. He said he spent most of his tertiary years studying diligently, bearing in mind that graduating at the top of the class would earn him a good spot when he became a seaman. True enough, Paca completed his college course as class valedectorian and magna cum laude. When I already started working, I had to endure the pain of being away from my family. To do that I focused on working and learning all there is in ship management while I was thousands of nautical miles away from my loved ones. I started from scratch and eventually moved up in the rank, Paca said. Story continues At the age of 27, he reached the highest position of a seamans career making him the youngest maritime captain in the world in an international ship. When I went to Norway, I studied additional courses in Poland and Finland. That made me an international graduate which led to faster promotion in the job, Paca said. As a ship captain, Paca was earning at least P400,000 a month (in early 2000) but he realized money wasnt about everything. I slowly realized that the view at the top isnt always happy and fulfilling, he said. A seamans life is a painful experience. An airport, for him, is a sentimental place. It is a happy place when you arrive and the saddest when you leave, he said. For eight to nine months you dont get to see your wife and your children and the three to four months break arent enough to make up for that lost time, he said, adding that the break wasnt really a vacation but a time to study and look for a job again. Paca resigned from being a seaman when his second child was born. He let go of the high-paying job and transferred to a Japan-based shipping management company that required him only two weeks of overseas travel per month. Paca first became a general manager for two years before he landed as chief operating officer and vice president. While in the corporate world, he pursued his long-held desire of acquiring further studies in logistics and ship management in the hope of opening his own firm one day. Paca studied masters in ship management at Lloyds Maritime Academy in the United Kingdom. He obtained a doctorate degree in maritime management from John B. Locson University in Iloilo City and an MBA degree major in shipping and logistics from Middlesex University in London. He also earned a scholarship to attend the United Nations Port Management Masteral in Dublin, Ireland hosted by UNCTAD. I wanted to use all the knowledge I gained to put up my own business, he said, adding that if he failed in business for three years, he could always go back to being a seaman. In 2012, Paca established PTMS Asia, a business he fully owned. The firm now has 900 employees. What was your first job? I was a seaman from 1994 to 2005. I rose from the ranks from being a third mate officer in 1996 to a second mate officer in 1997 and then a chief mate officer in 1999. In 2002, I became a topnotch master mariner by the Philippine Regulatory Commission and at 27 years old, I became the youngest captain in the world in an international ship on the same year. Who inspired you to get into business? The economic background I had when I was growing up inspired me to work harder every single day. Of the six scholarship grants I passed, I picked the Norwegian maritime scholarship and that brought me to places. When did you realize this was what you were meant to do? I didnt take the business seriously at first. Maybe because I had doubts I would succeed. I started with six employees and as the business grew bigger and bigger, and the employee count rose from 200, 300 and now 900, I then realized this was what I was destined to do. I get emotional, especially during company events, like Christmas when I see all of the employees and their families. It sends a message that this is not about profit anymore. Its about giving everyone the opportunity to grow and change their lives. And my workers paid me back by their loyalty and by working hard. Why did you pick this type of business or industry? A seamans job isnt a regular one. During the three months of shore leave you spend it advancing your skills and re-applying for the job again. When I got into this business and learned the intricacies of it, I realized that doing business with ports earns better than working in ships. And for you to succeed in this venture, you must have the right people with you to execute the various operations in this kind of business. Where did you get the training you needed to succeed? After quitting my seamans career and while working for a Japan-based company I took further studies. I took classes in ship management, logistics and port management. I love learning new things and new skills. How many times did you fail before you succeeded? I experienced a lot of difficulties growing up but these did not hinder me to achieve my goals. I wasnt given that many options back then but it didnt discourage me from pursuing my dreams now. You shouldnt stop dreaming and working for these dreams to come true. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei showered praises on slain military leader Gen. Qassem Soleimani during a televised address on January 8. Khamenei said that Soleimani was both brave and prudent not just in the military field but also in politics. The 80-year-old Supreme Leader said the late commander would go in the heart of danger to keep others safe. Khamenei targeted Israel, a key ally of the US in the region, saying Irans main enemies include Washington and the Zionist regime. The Supreme Leader said the military action is not enough to end the corrupt presence of the US in the region. The 80-year-old religious leader was furious after the killing of top military leader Qassem Soleimani and had vowed to exact revenge for the criminals who bloodied their foul hands with his blood. Read: Trump Backs Off From His Earlier Threat To Bomb Iran's Cultural Sites Attack on US bases Before Soleimani was buried in Kerman, his hometown, Iran struck back at the United States, hitting its bases in Iraq. The US has not revealed the number of casualties yet but Irans local media reports claim that around 80 people have been killed in the attacks. Referring to the retaliation, Khamenei said the country has delivered 'slap in face' to the United States. Ian has maintained that no Iraqi nationals were harmed in the attack but the details on casualties are yet to be disclosed. Read: Trump Says US Troops Withdrawal From Iraq Would Be 'worst Thing To Happen' Reactions from Iran started pouring in just after Tehran launched an offensive on US bases. Chief of Staff of Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri warned the US that Tehran will react with stronger, more crushing, and broader response if it tries any new evil act. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that Tehran took proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. US President Donald Trump surprisingly said All is well, adding will be making a statement on Wednesday morning. Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! he tweeted. Pentagon said that the bases were already on high alert due to Irans indication to attack US forces in the region. Read: Amid US-Iran Tensions, Trump's 'All Is Well' Tweet Triggers Heated Debate Amongst Netizens Read: Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei Leads Soleimani's Funeral Prayers Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Tara Villarreal read a letter from the woman pushed from the car. She awoke at an Illinois hospital unable to hear because of her injuries. She has trouble walking, cannot drive and is anticipating a second cochlear implant procedure. Villarreal asked Vasquez to sentence Santos to six years in prison, including five years on the kidnapping count and one year on the theft count. Santos' attorneys and family wanted to blame police for "pinning" the kidnapping on him and Miranda for being a bad influence, Villarreal said. Miranda was not involved when Santos was charged with disorderly conduct, criminal trespass and possession of an altered handgun, she said. "They are not taking responsibility for his actions, and they want to blame everyone else but him," she said. "Mr. Santos is on his way to being a career criminal." Santos said he was 17 at the time the woman was pushed from his car and he was "running wild off of drugs and liquor." He told Vasquez he was begging for a second chance to get his life back on track for himself and the two sons he had with Miranda. Las Vegas, Jan 8 : German audio brand Sennheiser along with technology company Continental has unveiled their speakerless audio system for the vehicle interior at CES 2020. "We are delighted to bring our audio expertise and AMBEO Mobility software into the pioneering Ac2ated Sound system from Continental, calibrating and fine-tuning the sound quality to deliver a completely immersive and natural sound experience that opens new audio perspectives and realities," Andreas Sennheiser, co-CEO of Sennheiser said in a statement on Tuesday. The two partners are integrating Sennheiser's patented AMBEO 3D audio technology with Continental's Ac2ated Sound system. Combined with Sennheiser's AMBEO Mobility, the concept achieves a breathtaking 3D sound reproduction that envelops passengers in a detailed and vivid soundscape. According to the company, in comparison to the conventional audio systems, Ac2ated sound enables a reduction of weight and space of up to 90 per cent. In this way, the system not only produces the highest audio quality, but is also perfectly suited for electric vehicles, where saving space and weight is a high priority. The invisible audio technology gives vehicle designers and manufacturers the freedom to do more with an automobile's interior, as they no longer need to account for large speaker faces taking up valuable space. With Ac2ated Sound, many components are unnecessary because the surface in the vehicle vibrate just like the speaker diaphragms. One80 is led by president Matthew Power, who had served 26 years as executive vice-president of Lexington Insurance Company (an AIG company) and as president of Risk Specialist Companies. According to Power, One80 was founded to meet the needs of brokers for highly specialized and innovative insurance solutions. We are built on a foundation of experience and integrity - our team of professionals has worked for decades to forge relationships with top insurance carriers in the US and UK. With that, One80 Intermediaries is in a unique position to combine our deep expertise with these market leading carrier relationships to provide brokers with highly customized coverage in a time effective manner, the president added. The new company also revealed in a release that just last month, it acquired the managing general agent and recreational marine insurance specialist Maritime Program Group. Christopher Pesce joined One80 as national director following the acquisition. Prayagraj, Jan 8 : The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh is setting up two makeshift schools at the Magh Mela campus here for children of daily wage labourers who work at the fair. The state education department will be setting up schools at Kali Marg in Sector 2 and Gangoli Shivala in Sector 4 where scores of children coming from economically weak backgrounds will be taught by qualified teachers. These two schools will also serve midday meals to the children, many of whom are under nourished. According to Santosh Yadav, the block education officer of Magh Mela 2020, said all children between 6 to 14 years of age will be enrolled in these schools. "With no periodical assessments, the schools will have children between the age group of six and 14 years. The children will also get nutritious mid-day meal." The schools will have proper furniture, electricity, drinking water and toilets. Children will be given free books, two sets of school uniform, a sweater, a school bag, and basic stationery for the Mela period which extends to 43 days. Yadav said: "The schools will have five qualified teachers each who have been selected. The teachers have even begun a survey to identify the kids of the workers who can be enrolled here. We plan to make the schools functional by the next three to four days and close operations by February end." During this time, the students will be imparted lessons in Hindi, English, Mathematics, and Science. Thousands of casual labourers from neighbouring states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh come to work at the Mela every year. They come with their families and their children have to skip school during this period. The objective of the temporary school is to ensure that the children continue to get access to education during this period. The Magh Mela begins on January 10 and concludes on February 21, after Maha Shivratri. Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture and Horticulture minister Tage Taki told the Assembly on Wednesday that the price of large cardamom produced in the state has decreased in the current financial year due to the fluctuating market rate. Taki in reply to a question by senior Congress MLA Nabam Tuki said the price of large cardamom has declined from an average price of Rs 1,300 per kg in the year 2014-15 to Rs 450 per kg in 2019-20. "Market prices fluctuate without any explanation and hence the rise and decline in the price of large cardamom in the state is due to external factors and not within the control of the state government," Taki said. He said, no state provides Minimum Support Price (MSP) for large cardamom or for that matter on perishable agro produces like large cardamom. He said in case of any natural calamities, the state government pays compensation to the farmers. However, in case of decline in market rate, there is no provision for the state as well as the Central government to provide compensation. "Since the large cardamom does not come under the policy of MSP, neither the Central government nor the state government has kept fund provision for it," Taki said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) THE telecoms watchdog set out plans to supercharge investment in ultra-fast internet, backing Boris Johnsons goal of giving all of Britain the best broadband by 2025. Ofcom interim chief executive Jonathan Oxley said the proposals for the 2021-2026 period would strip back regulation and give incentives to invest in a project he described as akin to building the Channel Tunnel. What we are trying to do is have full fibre for the whole country, he said. We want to get it to every consumer, every business, we want everyone to have the best. The Government has already set aside 5 billion to fund fast internet in rural areas, money that will most likely find its way to BTs Openreach arm. The proposals, out for consultation, will give BT rivals such as Sky and TalkTalk easier access to its network to reduce disruption to roads. Openreach in turn wont be able to offer discounts that harm competition, and will be encouraged to eventually close its present copper network. Fibre is faster and more reliable, says the telecoms sector, but only 10% of Britain has it presently. The plans were widely welcomed. BT chief executive Philip Jansen said: We are already well on track to hit our target of building full fibre to four million premises by March 2021. We will continue our discussions with Government, Ofcom and the industry so that we can have the confidence to significantly extend our role in this important national mission. Ofcom thinks 70% of the country can get full-fibre broadband with relative ease. It will be more expensive in the other 30%, but consumers in those areas will be protected from higher costs by government and Openreach subsidy. Richard Neudegg, head of regulation at uSwitch.com, said: This is good news for consumers, with many of us still suffering with sub-par broadband. BT shares moved up 5p to 197p on the news, even though there is an expectation that it will have to cut the dividend to pay for the broadband ambitions. Analysts at Jefferies said Ofcoms plans are good for BT since it should be able to recover its investment costs. These days it's easy to simply buy an index fund, and your returns should (roughly) match the market. But you can significantly boost your returns by picking above-average stocks. For example, the Beijing North Star Company Limited (HKG:588) share price is up 29% in the last year, clearly besting the market return of around 8.0% (not including dividends). If it can keep that out-performance up over the long term, investors will do very well! However, the stock hasn't done so well in the longer term, with the stock only up 4.4% in three years. See our latest analysis for Beijing North Star There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time. Over the last twelve months, Beijing North Star actually shrank its EPS by 11%. Given the share price gain, we doubt the market is measuring progress with EPS. Since the change in EPS doesn't seem to correlate with the change in share price, it's worth taking a look at other metrics. For starters, we suspect the share price has been buoyed by the dividend, which was increased during the year. Income-seeking investors probably helped bid up the stock price. Though we must add that the revenue growth of 7.4% year on year would have helped paint a pretty picture. The company's revenue and earnings (over time) are depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). SEHK:588 Income Statement, January 8th 2020 It's probably worth noting that the CEO is paid less than the median at similar sized companies. It's always worth keeping an eye on CEO pay, but a more important question is whether the company will grow earnings throughout the years. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Beijing North Star's earnings, revenue and cash flow. What About Dividends? Story continues When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. In the case of Beijing North Star, it has a TSR of 36% for the last year. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! A Different Perspective It's good to see that Beijing North Star has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 36% in the last twelve months. Of course, that includes the dividend. That's better than the annualised return of 3.8% over half a decade, implying that the company is doing better recently. In the best case scenario, this may hint at some real business momentum, implying that now could be a great time to delve deeper. Before forming an opinion on Beijing North Star you might want to consider the cold hard cash it pays as a dividend. This free chart tracks its dividend over time. But note: Beijing North Star may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with past earnings growth (and further growth forecast). Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on HK exchanges. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. By Express News Service BENGALURU: Days after the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi was rocked by violence, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said educational campuses must not become safe havens for politics of hate and violence to thrive. He was speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. There is no doubt that there is space for every shade of opinion and every point of view in our universities. When our children pass out of educational institutions, they must be enlightened citizens who will take an abiding interest in protecting our democracy and preserving the fundamental values of our constitution, Naidu said. Stressing the need for focus on research and development, the Vice President said that at present, India was spending less than 1 per cent of its GDP on R&D. He said, There are over a 1 lakh India-born PhDs in universities around the world. We must attract at least some of this talent back home through better opportunities and incentives so that they may help fast-track the progress of our R&D sector, he said. Meanwhile, Governor Vajubhai Vala said universities must take NAAC assessments seriously and those universities which do not score well should be asked to close as there wont be a point in running the institution without giving quality education. The VP also visited the mechanised kitchen facility at Adamya Chetana, that serves food to school children. It was founded by late Union Minister Ananth Kumar and his wife Tejaswini. Pakistan Air Force FT-7 jet crashes on training mission IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Islamabad, Jan 7, IRNA -- A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) FT-7 jet crashed on a training mission on Tuesday near city of Mianwali, an air base of the country, PAF said in a statement on Tuesday. The PAF spokesperson said two pilots on board the FT-7 trainer jet, were killed in the incident. According to initial reports, Flying Officer Ibad and Squadron Leader Haris could not survive the crash. The plane was on a routine training flight when it met with the incident. The aircraft took off from M. M. Alam Airbase and crashed near the airbase due to some technical fault before landing. The security forces have cordoned off the area and started investigation of the matter. In 2018, PAF lost two pilots near Peshawar Air Base on 26th June. The jet crashed during a regular training mission. 272**1416 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 90 Day Fiance star Laura Jallali is famous among fans of the show for being something of a hot mess. It seems as if shes always flitting from one country to another, and fans have been wondering for some time if shes out of cash. When things last got tough for Laura Jallali, she moved to Ecuador and stayed with Evelin Villegas for a while. She also seemed to fall for Evelins friend, Raul Cabrera. However, after Evelins kindness, it seems Laura was unwilling to return the sentiment. Now, the two are feuding. Laura Jallali moved to Ecuador Laura and Aladin Jallali | TLC Laura Jallali and Aladin Jallali had a very acrimonious divorce. It saw accusations flying in all sorts of directions. Laura even made claims that Aladin was secretly gay. John Yates posted a screenshot of a conversation Laura had in which she wrote to a friend, You know I am sure Aladin likes men better. And I was a good cover-up for him. For his family. To show he wasnt gay. But now when I connect all the dotshe likes men much better. She also said, in another chat, He told me men in his work have sex in the shower. And guess who always had a shower at work even though our home was 20 ft away. Laura also admitted she had run out of money during her tell-all section on 90 Day Fiance. As a result, she moved out to Ecuador and stayed with Evelin Villegas in Engbao. There, she met Evelins friend, Raul Cabrera. The two seemed to spend plenty of quality time together. While its unclear if theyre still attached in any way, it would seem Laura and Evelin are entirely at odds. Evelin Villegas dishes on her feud with Laura Evelin Villegas had a chat with Instagrammer John Yates, during which she dished on her feud with Laura Jallali. The 90 Day Fiance star told Yates that she had to tell Laura to stay out of her personal business with Corey Rathgeber, according to InTouch Weekly. According to Evelin, Laura became nastier and nastier, eventually even going as far as to claim that Evelin and Corey were already married, and that Evelin was cheating on Corey. Evelin claimed, Its false what she says about me and what she says about Corey. We both see that she and this other friend were trying to break us up, and we were like, you know what, were both stepping away from them both, revealed Evelin during her chat with Yates. The 90 Day Fiance star also revealed that she had to basically take care of Laura while she was in Ecuador, explaining that Laura spoke no Spanish, and that she had to translate basically everything for her. I was such a huge support for her, even if she doesnt want to admit it. And if she doesnt want to admit it, fine, said Evelin. Evelin also claims that shes preparing to take legal action against Laura. She claims that, In Ecuador you cannot just go online and try to destroy someone. Evelin revealed that Laura currently has no plan to leave Ecuador. She claims that Laura just got her visa renewed, and will be able to stay in Ecuador for another three months. Corey Rathgeber is with Evelin in Ecuador Corey and Evelin | TLC Some fans have been wondering if Corey Rathgeber and Evelin Villegas are still together in Ecuador, following some recent drama between the two. For a while, it seemed as if their relationship was on the rocks. The 90 Day Fiance couple is still together in Ecuador, as proven by a live video Evelin recorded on Instagram this month. So, it seems the two are still together, for better or worse. Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group. Dear Care and Feeding, Im recently married and looking forward to having children within the next year or so. The problem is, so many of my friendsincluding the women whom I consider my bestiesare vehement about not having kids. This would be fine with mehey, its their choice!except they frequently make comments about finding children disgusting or repulsive. For example, when some neighborhood kids rang my friends doorbell to raise money for a school club, she was annoyed and referred to them as brats. This type of thing is typical with them. They know I want children, but these comments have started to make me feel pretty bad. What do I do? Do I need to find new friends? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All My Friends Are Child-free Dear AMFAC, Ive found it increasingly common to hear women complain about children or straight-out say they dont like them at all. I have a theory about this. You see, kids are incredibly challenging people to manage, something we all know firsthand as ex-children ourselves. And the vast majority of us grew up in homes where the mother was the parent who did most of the child carework that is often thankless, uncompensated, and misunderstood. Knowing this, I think its surprising that so many of us do choose to become mothers at all. Its fine for your friends not to want kids. But its pretty wack that they cant temper their loathing for children enough to be kind to the sole member of the crew who is eagerly anticipating motherhood. Even if your buddies decide to get on board with your pregnancy, and perhaps yours alone, you absolutely should begin to seek out new friends who share your interest in starting a family. That isnt to say that you need to cut off your child-free peepsbut moms need mom friends (at least a few) who can provide support that others simply cannot. Youll need to talk about the body changes and the night feedings and the school search with people who have more to add than, Yuck, could never be me! Advertisement Advertisement Youll also need to talk about stuff that has nothing to do with your kids and maintain parts of your life that dont revolve around them. Be sure to nurture those relationships with your existing pals as best you can. You may be surprised and find that the loudest kid-hater is the one who falls most deeply in love with your little one and becomes the best play-aunt ever. Best wishes to you! Advertisement Advertisement Dear Care and Feeding, My 10-year-old son Tommy recently got into trouble at school for making racist comments. He has been struggling with making friends and tries very hard to fit in with the popular crowd. Tommy has had quite a few run-ins with authority figures at his school by being sarcastic or saying shocking things to impress his friends. The latest phone call I received from the school centers around a racist comment he made to a young girl on the school bus. I am horrified. At home, Tommy is a sweet, thoughtful boy. At school, he is getting a reputation as a bully and now a racist. Im at a loss on where this behavior is coming from and Im at a loss on how to approach it. Help! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not My Boy Dear NMB, Without intervention, its likely that Tommy will soon forget the bus incident. Id bet the young lady involved will remember it for the rest of her life. How have conversations about racism gone with Tommy? Have you given him a comprehensive explanation about how it works, who is harmed most by it, and who typically benefits? Or have you simply told him that everyone is should be treated with respect, no matter what they look like? That common approach is categorically insufficient. Its telling a kid that the N-word is simply a really bad curse word, like the B-word or the F-word, and expecting that to be reason enough for them to think against using it. Advertisement Advertisement Its time for Tommy to get a real education about racism before he causes his classmates, and perhaps himself, some real harm. The bigotry could be his attempt at fitting in, or it could be his way of standing outbut it could also be a worldview that he has developed over the years and will require some serious deprogramming. I know this behavior at school runs counter to what youve observed at home, but just because Tommy may understand the consequences of using racist language in front of his parents doesnt mean hes only using it to make friends at school. Advertisement Advertisement You can also address his desperation to fit in while taking this on; there are countless examples throughout history of white (Im going to assume here that hes white, but this approach could work with any child) kids who have chosen to align themselves with racist peers instead of standing up and doing what was right. There are also those who made names for themselves by having the bravery to rise above the crowd and speak up against hatred. Ask him to consider who he wants to be in the world and why. Advertisement Youre gonna need to put some time in at the library, on Amazon, at local museums. This may need to be a whole family project, especially if Tommy has siblings. If white families are not extremely proactive about raising anti-racist kids, the result will be generation after generation of racist adults. This isnt something you can assume will just go away when he makes a few friends, nor can you leave it to the diversity of childrens TV programming and the internet to just make him woke without having to put in real work. This is no small undertaking, but its also not that hard either. You just have to be ready to be uncomfortable, and to make him uncomfortable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you missed Tuesdays Care and Feeding column, read it here. Discuss this column in the Slate Parenting Facebook group! Dear Care and Feeding, Im a 30-year-old trans man. I transitioned as a teenager, long before my 10-year-old brother Ronald was born, so he has only known me as his big brother. My older sister and I encouraged our dad and stepmother to speak to him about this at an appropriate time, but they didnt. Advertisement Advertisement Ronald recently stumbled upon my birth name and old photos of me when looking at some family memorabilia (which I have asked to be whisked away or trashed, to no avail). Dad and stepmom didnt handle this wellfirst attempting to lie to him, then telling him he had to talk to me directly, and eventually coming up with something close enough to the truth. Ive seen my little brother once since then, and in a quiet moment to ourselves, I told him that if he wanted to talk any more about what hed recently learned, we could do so at any time. He simply said OK and we continued with our Nerf gun fight. Advertisement Advertisement Do I need to do anything else here? Im fine with not talking about this again, and also fine answering any questions my brother might have. Im going to treat his parents as nonfactors in this; how they handled this issue is pretty consistent with their slapdash parenting style overall, so if there is anything that Ronald needs to hear, it would likely have to come from me. What to do? Oh Brother Dear OB, In theory, you can totally engage with Ronald as you always have and hope that at some point, hell start a conversation that would allow you to share with him what you think he should know in order to understand trans identity and your transition in particular. Advertisement However, theres a good chance he may never feel comfortable or compelled to start that dialogue. I do not think that you or any other trans person should feel that it is your duty to demystify or explain your experiences, or your humanity, to cis people. However, this isnt a random stranger or a colleague or a potential partnerits your baby brother. Someone who is not just a dear relative, but a child who is still getting a great deal of his education on how to understand the world around him from his parentsand youve been clear how useful theyll be on a subject that you are uniquely qualified to discuss. I think you see where I am going with this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again, you shouldnt feel pressured to have the trans identity talk with Ronald, but you may want to consider that you are the probably the best person in his life to do so. He has always loved you as his older brother, so it may be quite easy for him to wrap his brain around the idea that people arent always born with the physicality that matches who they are inside; after all, hes been looking at living proof of that all his life. Maybe he grasped that quickly, and thats why he didnt feel the need to talk about it with you further. However, Ronald may have some questions that he cant get answered at home; he may also find in you, if you are willing, a person who can talk to him about his own gender expression or sexual orientation. There very well may be trans or gender nonconforming children in his peer circle who may benefit from having an empathetic, understanding friend who learned about gender identity from his wise older brother. Advertisement You have a responsibility to protect your peace and make space for conversations as they seem healthy and productive for you. But as Ronalds much older brother, you also have a responsibility to help him make sense of the world around him. It seems there is an answer here, but ultimately, this is your call. Good luck to you both. Dear Care and Feeding, I am a father of two boys, ages 9 and 5. Instead giving them a traditional allowance, I wrote a little app for their shared tablet that tracks redeemable points. They get points for doing chores, doing well in educational games, school performance, etc. They can trade them in for money for toys, candy, and other special treats. This worked great for quite some time. Advertisement Advertisement About a week ago, I went on a road trip and came back to my eldest son having about triple the number of points he had when I left. Long story short: He figured out what program I use to edit the app and, thanks to YouTube coding videos, figured out how to award himself points. He has been punished for cheating, but in truth, I am thrilled. He showed incredible drive and ingenuity, and I want to encourage these traits in him. How do I go about praising the good (self-teaching, dedication, learning a new skill) without also rewarding the bad (cheating, hacking)? Stanley Jobson Sr. (Apparently) Dear Mr. Jobson, That is one of the most impressive kid scams I have ever heard! Advertisement This is a great opportunity to talk about why what he did was wrong, and what the impact of those actions, aside from his punishment, has been. You took the time to create something that had meaning for him and his little brother, and he disregarded that meaning by attempting to cheat the system. How did that make you feel inside? Hurt? Sad? Disappointed? Kids need to hear about it when they stir these emotions in their parents. Theres no need for an extended guilt trip, but he should come to understand that parents dont get upset when kids do mischievous things simply because mischief has occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Theres also a conversation to be had about the value of work. The system is designed in part to help him appreciate what it takes to earn something, and his little stunt ran afoul of that. As you make him aware of just how and why his actions were wrong, you can also make a point to explain how impressive his hacking was and how valuable that skill can be for doing the right thing in the future. You should encourage him to learn more about coding and consider finding ways to help him to continue honing those talents. Good luck, you are gonna need it! Hopefully he is the next Stanley Jobson and will make you wealthy one day. Jamilah More Advice From Slate Im almost 33, and my boyfriend of about eight years finally is ready to marry me. Im getting older and have been told medically that I have fertility issues, so the sooner the better for me to have a chance of having kids. I love him, enjoy his company, and have spent years with him. He doesnt mistreat me, but he isnt affectionate or compassionate. So when is it settling? Some people say theyve received text messages stating they have been selected for a U.S. military draft. But the Army is warning people that those messages are fake. The U.S. Army Recruitment Twitter page tweeted about the fraudulent text messages Wednesday morning. The Selective Service is also NOT contacting anyone regarding a draft. Please disregard any text messages received from people claiming to be the Selective Service or US Army. Selective Service (@SSS_gov) January 8, 2020 Fact check: The @USArmy is NOT contacting anyone regarding the draft. Text messages currently circulating are false and are not official Army communications, the tweet read. The Selective Services Twitter account doubled down. The Selective Service is also NOT contacting anyone regarding a draft. Please disregard any text messages received from people claiming to be the Selective Service or US Army," the Selective Service tweeted. People online have been talking about the possibility of a war with Iran (and creating memes), after President Donald Trump authorized strikes that killed Iranian commander, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad, Iraq last week. The United States Recruiting Command said it has received several messages and phone calls about the fake text messages, which told recipients they must go to the nearest Army branch in Florida or New Jersey for immediate departure to Iran. So why I got a text message about getting drafted for the army ummm not today satan. Yoni Pop (@antibydesign) January 7, 2020 I got a text message from the government the other day I clicked it and read it It said pic.twitter.com/WfMyGp2VbE Wortzusammensetzungen (@Leupp) January 8, 2020 The U.S. hasnt declared a draft since early 1973, during the Vietnam War. Tennyson Donnie Coleman may be reached at tcoleman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @TennysonTV. Find him on Facebook. Have a tip? Let us know at nj.com/tips. COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year, millions of Americans come together to REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those that serve and their families, and TEACH the next generation about the value of freedom. This gathering of volunteers and patriots takes place in local and national cemeteries in all 50 states - most recently at more than 2,000 participating locations - as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. Each year, a new theme is chosen to help volunteers and supporters focus their messaging and outreach in their own communities. Today, the organization announces the theme for 2020 is "Be an American Worth Fighting For." The inspiration for this year's theme came from a keynote address made by Staff Sgt. Daniel Strong during the 2018 escort to Arlington welcome stop at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (Monty Tech) located in Fitchburg, Mass. As an infantryman in the United States Marine Corps, he lost 18 Marines during his service, three were his friends when he was a Lance Corporal, six as their Squad Leader and the remaining nine as their Platoon Sargent. Each impacted SSgt. Strong in a unique way as he witnessed first-hand what true sacrifice was and experienced the ripple effect it has on all involved. His message that December day spoke to the daily importance of the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach, and the emotion is now teacher-ingrained in his JROTC students. "Be an American worth the sacrifice. In your daily operations, and in how you deal with one another and how you live your lives," said SSgt. Strong. "Those young men and women who are in Arlington National Cemetery and other cemeteries, they earned the right for you to be an American worth fighting for." This sentiment speaks volumes as more United States military are deploying to serve and fight, if needed, to protect the freedoms we enjoy as American citizens. Each of them, playing their part so that we too can play ours back home by being an active participant in our communities. In 2019, approximately 2.2 million veteran wreaths were placed on headstones at 2,158 participating locations around the country in honor of the service and sacrifices made for our freedoms, with each name said out loud. This year, National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, December 19, 2020. It is always a free event and open to all people. For more information on how to volunteer locally or sponsor a wreath for a hero, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. About Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization's mission Remember, Honor, Teach is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans' cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. For more information or to sponsor a wreath please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Press contact: Amber Caron (207) 513-6457 [email protected] SOURCE Wreaths Across America Related Links http://www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org Prime Minister Narendra Modi may unveil a new sound and light show at the iconic Howrah Bridge on January 11 evening, a senior Kolkata Port Trust official said on Wednesday. It is a project of Kolkata Port Trust as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations. The new show is expected to turn into an attraction for tourists and the people of the metropolis. It will replace the existing decorative lighting with 650 power-efficient LED and spotlightfittings for a programmable multi-colour lighting including a show that will sync with music, he said. "The prime minister is scheduled to inagurate the sound and light show at Howrah Bridge on January 11 evening. It will be a 2.5 minute show and sound system is installed at the Millenium Park," the KPT official told PTI. At a later stage, the music is expected to be synced on a mobile app to enable people to enjoy the show from any location besides Millenium Park, which is close to Howrah bridge and on the banks of the Hooghly river, he said. The official said though multiple combinations of light shows can be programmed, the bridge will be lighted in different colours for about two hours on a daily basis. Built by the British, the cantilever bridge was opened to the people in 1943 replacing a pontoon bridge at the same location and linking Kolkata and Howrah. KoPT celebrated 75 years of the bridge, which is known as the 'Gateway of Kolkata' in 2018. The bridge was renamed as Rabindra Setu in 1965. Considered to be the busiest cantilever bridge in the world, Howrah bridge is an engineering marvel as it does not have nuts and bolts but was formed by riveting the whole structure. It consumed 26,500 tonnes of steel out of which 23,000 tonnes of high-tensile alloy steel, known as Tiscrom, were supplied by Tata Steel. More than 1.15 lakh vehicles from both Kolkata and Howrah ply on it day, besides over five lakh pedestrians from both sides. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON - The Iranian missile strike on American locations in Iraq on Tuesday was a calibrated event intended to cause minimal casualties, give the Iranians a face-saving measure and provide an opportunity for both sides to step back from the brink of war, according to senior U.S. officials in Washington and the Middle East. White House officials were bracing as early as Tuesday morning for Iran to respond to the U.S. killing last week of Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. U.S. officials said they knew by Tuesday afternoon that Iran intended to strike at American targets in Iraq, although it was not immediately clear exactly which they would choose. The early warning came from intelligence sources as well as from communications from Iraq that conveyed Iran's intentions to launch the strike, officials said. "We knew, and the Iraqis told us, that this was coming many hours in advance," said a senior administration official, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence and diplomatic communications. "We had intelligence reports several hours in advance that the Iranians were seeking to strike the bases," the official said. Washington Post photo by Jabin Botsford At the Pentagon, the most senior levels of U.S. military leadership gathered in a room and waited for the Iranian missiles to head toward their targets. "It was literally like right before" the Iranians launched their missiles, one senior defense official said. Defense Secretary Mark Esper had convened the meeting with Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with senior civilian leaders of the Defense Department. Esper was pulled out of the meeting when military officials received notification that strikes were underway. "There was a lot of concern," the senior defense official said. "It was anxious, wanting to get updates." Early reports did not mention any U.S. casualties, "so there was some optimism after the initial rounds." The advance warning gave military commanders time to get U.S. troops into safe, fortified positions at the bases. According to military officials, troops at bases in Iraq were ordered into bunkers, donned protective gear and were told to "shelter in place." The troops remained in their protected positions for hours, including after the strike. One official said at least some left al-Asad air base in western Iraq before the attack. That base was targeted, along with a facility in Irbil, in northern Iraq. "It's not luck that no one got killed," a second senior defense official said. "Luck always plays a role. But military commanders on the ground made good judgment and had good response." In an address from the White House on Wednesday morning, President Donald Trump credited an "early warning system" for helping prevent loss of life. A defense official later said the president was referring to the radar network the military has searching for potential enemy missiles. At least two sources of intelligence gave the U.S. time to prepare. First, there were indications before the launch that Iran was preparing to strike at targets in Iraq, officials said. It was not clear whether that information came from a person or some technical means, such as intercepted communications. A defense official said the U.S. military had "clear indications" of a strike prior to launch from information "internal to [the] U.S. government." Military officials had assessed that Iran would attempt some kind of retaliation at the end of the official mourning period for Soleimani. The Pentagon "fully expected a retaliation from Iran," the senior defense official said. "What that was was the issue," the official said. "But we fully expected some sort of reaction." A second source of warning came from what one official described as technical means. The U.S. military has satellites that can detect a missile shortly after it is launched. U.S. officials alerted allies to the launches shortly after they occurred, according to one Western official. Iran launched 16 ballistic missiles, including 11 that landed at al-Asad air base and one in Irbil, Esper told reporters at the Pentagon. The missile in Irbil landed in an empty area between the facility and the U.S. Consulate, according to residents who live nearby. It was not clear what happened to the other four missiles. As a precaution after the strike that killed Soleimani, U.S. military officials deployed a brigade of about 4,500 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., to the Middle East and also shuffled some forces within the region. Commanders on the ground, overseen by Marine Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, head of the U.S. Central Command, also moved some service members off small bases in the region and scattered equipment and people on installations to make them harder to hit. "Let's get people out of less defensible areas and put them in more easily defended or better-defended areas," the senior defense official said, describing the thinking after the Soleimani strike. "But at the same time, let's not overly mass our personnel as a single target." U.S. officials began alerting reporters to the possibility of Iranian strikes beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday, an hour before they occurred. Vice President Mike Pence was scheduled to conduct a television interview that evening but canceled earlier in the day. In Iran, the regime had positioned itself for a public messaging campaign. Late Tuesday afternoon, Iran transmitted a letter to the U.N. Security Council with a legal basis for military retaliation, but it was not made public, said a diplomat familiar with the document. Military officials were not sure, once the missiles were launched, which locations Iran had targeted. It was hard to tell at the Pentagon which bases were under attack "until actual impact on two specific bases," a senior U.S. military official said. "The attack spread out for more than an hour. . . . It was more than an hour from the first attack to the last attack." "This was not a 'boom' and all of this hit at once," the senior defense official said. "This was launch, launch, launch." Once the bases were taking incoming fire, there was constant communication among the White House, Central Command and two other combatant commands: Northern Command and Strategic Command, the second senior defense official said. They were called in because of their expertise in monitoring and tracking ballistic missile threats. After the missiles hit, U.S. military officials began to assess the damage. Pentagon officials called several partner nations and allies right after the Iranian attack, part of a concerted effort to communicate with them in the wake of the Soleimani strike. While some of them questioned what the U.S. strategy is with Iran after Soleimani was killed, they were supportive and grateful for information Tuesday night, the senior defense official said. By 7:30 p.m. Washington time Tuesday, officials at the White House had briefed Trump and were "able to pretty clearly say we don't think any Americans are going to be killed," the senior administration official said. "We knew that no Americans were hurt, either." But U.S. officials were not certain there were no fatalities until Wednesday, after service members assessed the wreckage and roll calls were taken. Esper said the missiles hit tents and a helicopter but did not cause major damage. The lack of casualties gave administration officials more confidence that the Iranians had intended to make a public show of force largely to save face at home, the senior administration official said. The official added that a consensus is building that Iran could have done more damage. But not all military officials were certain of Iran's intentions. Milley, the Joint Chiefs chairman, told reporters that he assessed Iran had intended to cause material destruction and kill Americans but that an intelligence estimate had not been completed. "I believe based on what I saw and what I know is that they were intended to cause structural damage, destroy vehicles and equipment and aircraft and to kill personnel," Milley said. "That's my own personal assessment." Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Asked what he made of Iran's intentions, the second senior military official said, "You'd have to ask Iran." Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived at the White House around 7 p.m. Tuesday to be with the president. About an hour later, Trump began calling lawmakers, including allies such as Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and James Inhofe, R-Okla. Trump told them that no Americans had been killed in the missile attacks and that a path to negotiations with Iran had now opened, the senior administration official said. "The president doesn't want a war, but he doesn't want to tolerate provocation against American interests," Graham said in an interview with The Washington Post. Graham said he hoped that Iran's attack was "a show of force for domestic purposes." "They want a show of force," he said, "but they want this to end, because they are scared of the president. I hope that is true." Matt Pottinger, the deputy national security adviser, told aides in a Roosevelt Room meeting Tuesday afternoon that it would take at least two months to understand whether the U.S. strategy was working. "Our initial reaction has been, this was a domestic effort from the Iranians to save face, not to go to war, so we have proceeded in that vein," said another senior administration official with knowledge of the analysis. Esper and Milley returned to the Pentagon about 9 p.m. Trump had told senior military officials Tuesday evening that he did not want to start a war with Iran and wanted a path to ease tensions, which had been escalating at a frantic pace since the strike on Soleimani, the senior administration official said. When Trump's military advisers told him there was reason to believe the missile strikes were not designed to kill Americans, a way out appeared, the official said. Even with the advance notice, U.S. military officials were still scrambling after the attack to assess the damage and determine Iran's intentions. U.S. forces in the region remained on high alert after the strikes, but no significant troop movements have been made in Syria or elsewhere, according to military officials. The second senior defense official acknowledged that officials on Tuesday night intended to limit information released to the public until the extent of the damage and how Trump might respond became clearer. "We all understood that if the Iranians were to respond next, we owned the shot clock after," the official said. "So, you need to be very thoughtful, very deliberate." The Pentagon and State Department sent staffers to the White House early Wednesday to write Trump's speech. He made some last-minute additions, including the decision to start his remarks by declaring, "As long as I am president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon." "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," Trump said. A third senior administration official said there was a sigh of relief when Trump agreed to read from prepared remarks and not take questions. Some aides were concerned that Trump might deviate from the precise remarks and misspeak if he made extemporaneous remarks to reporters, the official said. Some officials acknowledged that Iran was likely to continue attacks via proxies and other means. But there was a growing sense among administration officials that killing Soleimani had sobered Iran up to Trump's willingness to act. "We actually believe this will be de-escalation," the senior administration official said. "We're obviously going to be on alert for proxies with one-off attacks. But we think this worked." - - - The Washington Post's John Hudson and Karen DeYoung in Washington and Liz Sly in Beirut contributed to this report. An acrobat was filmed flipping his partner through the air at dizzying speeds using only his feet as part of their world-record-breaking double act. Tamrat Yemane, 28, and Tomas Teka Alemu, 18, began their acrobatic careers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The duo, who started when they were just eight and five years old respectively, now travel the world to showcase their gravity-defying routines. In a video, which flaunts their breath-taking performances, the pair can first be seen in a gym hall wearing shorts and t-shirts. Tamrat lays flat on his back on a specially designed piece of apparatus that allows his hips to be elevated at the necessary angle. He continuously flips and spins Tomas, who is smaller in stature, using the power of his legs alone in perfectly choreographed routines. Tamrat Yemane, 28, and Tomas Teka Alemu, 18, began their acrobatic careers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and have since travelled the world to showcase their gravity-defying routines Tamrat lays flat on his back on a specially designed piece of apparatus that allows his hips to be elevated. He continuously flips and spins Tomas, who is smaller in stature, using the power of his legs alone The pair connect hands from time to time to recover balance as the mesmirsing display quickens. The clip then cuts to a range of their other productions including both dress rehearsals and live performances that have been carried out in front of audiences. Tomas and Tamart successfully beat the world record for consecutive back flips in 2013. The clip then cuts to a range of their other productions including many carried out in front of an audience. Tomas and Tamart gained acclaim as members of the Mother Africa troupe during their Circus of the Senses display The troupe has gone on to tour at the New Victory Theatre in New York as well as at the Peacock Theatre in London. Pictured: Tamrat holds Tomas up with just one foot during one routine The double-act successfully beat the world record for consecutive back flips in 2013. They set out to achieve 25 rotations before coming to a stop after 31 They set out to achieve 25 rotations before coming to a stop after 31. The double-act originally gained acclaim as members of the Mother Africa troupe during their Circus of the Senses display. Their troupe has since gone on to tour at the New Victory Theatre in New York as well as at the Peacock Theatre in London. "Attack on JNU faculty and students is an attack on the foundation of India. We condemn it in the strongest possible sense and stand in solidarity with JNU," said a statement signed by 268 students and a few IIM-B faculty members in their personal capacity. Bengaluru, Jan 8 (IANS) A sizeable number of students from the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore (IIM-B) on Wednesday condemned the violent attacks on the faculty and students of Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on January 5 by issuing a statement in solidarity. The students said that India has always valued discussion and thrived on debate for the millennia, making its subjects an open and tolerant society. "Our republic was founded on recognising the fundamental dignity of a human being and a grand unity that transcends all differences," said the management students. IIM-B students also highlighted that institutions of learning are sacred spaces meant to foster diverse perspectives to encourage independent thinking in a peaceful way. "The systematic way in which universities have been targeted to silence ideological dissent in not acceptable under any terms," said the students and faculty members. Proactive faculty members solicit interested students in the premier management school to sign up for statements, protests and other vocal demonstrations on any particular issue playing out in the country. A statement from the students and select faculty is not always the official position of IIM-B, as many students remain neutral or some take the opposite stand. "We, the members of IIM-Bangalore, in our independent capacity, strongly and unreservedly condemn the attack on JNU campus," said the statement. Several students and faculty members have already spoken out and demonstrated against the violence in Jamia Millia Islamia and against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the recent past. The students also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pleading him not to trample the democratic rights of citizens to peacefully protest. sth/arm More than two dozen people and hundreds of millions of animals have died in wildfires that have been raging in Australia since September. The blaze has razed almost 2,000 homes, leaving many with nowhere to go. To help the hapless victims, many organisations are working day and night along with the government of Australia. Towards this end, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh on Wednesday came across the news of a Sikh couple who are providing free meals and shelter to people severely affected by the bushfire. 'These little steps go a long way...' Taking to Twitterthe Punjab CM praised the couple and said, "These little steps go a long way in restoring people's faith in humanity." Captain Amarinder, in his tweet mentioned about the Indian couple Kanwaljit Singh and Kamaljit Kaur who are providing fresh meals from their restaurant to those affected by the disaster. They have been preparing simple meals of curry and rice for the victims in their Desi Grill restaurant in Bairnsdale in Victoria for the many five days as the bushfire crisis in the country worsened. "We are providing proper meals of curry and rice. We distribute the food at the relief centers as well as give to those who come to our restaurant asking for it," Kaur told PTI over the phone on Saturday. 'People have lost their lives, houses, farms and animals' "The situation is really bad. Initially there was less fire in the area but later it expanded. People have lost their lives, houses, farms and animals," she said. Victoria is one of the worst affected areas in the disaster. Other areas are New South Wales and South Australia. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday called up 3,000 military reserve troops to combat the raging bushfire crisis which has so far claimed the lives of at least 24 people with high temperatures and strong winds threatening to worsen the conditions across the country. More than 14,000 hectares have been destroyed in South Australia's Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island. Expressing concern over the situation, Kaur said that people had left their houses and were either shifting to relief camps or moving to Melbourne. The couple, who migrated to Australia over a decade ago, was earlier providing raw materials to Sikh volunteers in the area to prepare food for the affected people but later started preparing it in their restaurant. Even the shortage in staff in their restaurant has not deterred the Melbourne-based couple from helping those in need as they have roped in friends and family to prepare food for the victims as well as manage business hours of the restaurant. READ | Punjab CM Amarinder Singh asks Pak PM to intervene over Nankana Sahib mob attack READ | Amarinder expresses concern over Akal Takht jathedar's remarks over safety of Sikhs 'We are emotionally connected with the people' "Most of the staff members have left due to the disaster. My family and friends are working in the restaurant," said Kaur, who along with her husband started the restaurant in Bairnsdale in 2016. She said that the loss in the area felt like "personal as we have lived here for seven years before moving to Melbourne." "This place is like a small countryside area. We know almost everyone here and are emotionally connected with the people. So the loss is more personal," she said. "More than anything else, people have lost their memories as mostly old couples stay in the area and they had their farms and animals destroyed in the fire," she said. READ | Punjab CM Amarinder Singh targets Akali Dal, asks them to leave NDA READ | Amarinder Singh condemns JNU violence, calls out Delhi Police for being silent (with PTI inputs) Tax officials made a string of 'mind- boggling' blunders which cost thousands of people their retirement savings, Money Mail can reveal. HMRC refused to warn people it had launched investigations into the administrators of fraudulent pension schemes registered with it, enabling the scammers to continue to fleece hundreds more victims. Some lost nest eggs worth more than 200,000 after unwittingly transferring them into the rogue schemes, even after the swindlers running them had been arrested by Inland Revenue officers. HMRC refused to warn people it had launched investigations into fraudulent pension schemes registered with it, enabling the scammers to continue to fleece hundreds more victims HMRC officials also privately raised concerns and started looking into the legality one of the first major rogue pension schemes but took no action for months while 300 more people signed up and lost millions. And government departments and private companies also approved transfers of staff pensions pots to scam schemes for years despite explicit warnings to be 'vigilant' from the regulator. Andy Agathangelou, from the Transparency Task Force which is demanding a public enquiry into the scandal, said the situation would be farcical if it weren't so tragic. 'Some of HMRC's failures are mind boggling and ordinary hard working people have paid the price for their failings by losing everything they have worked and saved for,' he said. Here we expose some of the worst errors that allowed rogue pension schemes to flourish causing untold misery to thousands of families. Blunder 1 HMRC allowed more than 100 victims to transfer their retirement savings to scam pension schemes after investigators had arrested the fraudsters running them. How scams snared vulnerable 1. Scammers registered occupational pension schemes with HMRC. All HMRC-registered schemes were registered with The Pensions Regulator. 2. They targeted victims, promising better rates if they transferred their savings. 3. They took hefty fees from victims' pension funds, then put the money into high-risk investments which paid them large commissions. 4. HMRC later ruled many schemes unauthorised. Those under 55 who got a lump sum from their retirement savings when they transferred to scam schemes also face tax bills of 55 per cent. It continued to register Tudor Capital Management's 25 pension schemes despite launching a criminal investigation into its bosses for a 5.1 million tax fraud. Two of the company's directors one who had previously worked for the Inland Revenue were later convicted and each jailed for eight-and-a-half years for what a judge described as 'stealing money hand over fist'. The company continued to target people to transfer their existing pensions to the fraudulent scheme during this period, and used its HMRC registration as its key selling point to convince around 100 people to transfer their pension savings to it. Blunder 2 HMRC privately raised concerns about one of the first major pension scams but took no action for months while 300 more victims signed up and lost millions. The Inland Revenue called a meeting with the founder and other major promoters of the Ark scheme in February 2011, a few months after it launched and told the organisers they 'didn't like the look of it'. The scheme's founder offered to suspend it while they investigated but HMRC declined, and 300 of the Ark's 500 victims joined after this date, losing 25 million. Later that year HMRC appointed an independent trustee to take over the scheme and by December 2011 High Court judgments ruled that the Ark schemes were vehicles for illegal activity with a judge describing the arrangements as a 'fraud on the trustees' powers'. 'It's easier to steal a pension than a TV ': Fraud detective tells how investigating scandal was worse than serving on a murder squad An anonymous former senior detective who investigated the scandal has told how lax regulations meant it was easier to get away with stealing a pension than a TV. Now, in their own words, they reveal the devastating impact on the victims they have met. One couple I visited who'd had their pension taken had no electricity and relied on a generator they could only afford to put on for a few hours per day. The man's pension had been his financial lifeline, which he had hoped to take when he was 70 to supplement his state pension. The couple had trusted a man to come into their home and explain to them that they would be better off moving their pension pot, which was held with a large, established provider. He seemed such a nice man, with his sharp suit and fancy car, and they trusted him. Unbeknown to them, they were being put into an unregulated, high-risk venture and paying high commission. As a result, they lost their pension. As a former detective with 32 years' experience, who has worked on murder and gang teams, in terms of scale of this type of crime, it is the worst I have ever seen. I still find it heartbreaking to sit with a 70-year-old man sobbing his heart out because he has lost what was in effect his life savings. He now has only a few hundred pounds left in the bank and has to rely on his modest state pension to survive. He told me his 12-year-old car needed a service and MOT and he didn't know how he was going to pay for it. He feared that he and his wife would lose their home. A common theme I have found behind all the victims is their vulnerability. Each of the victims has an emotive story which motivated them to make the change. Many had fallen on hard times divorce, serious illness, redundancy, unemployment, family breakdown, loss of a spouse, to name but a few of the issues. One victim was recovering from cancer, he was in the middle of a messy divorce and looking after his ill, elderly father. He told me he felt he had nowhere to turn, he had no money and was losing his home and family. The van driver, who was earning 12,000 a year, said he knew nothing about pensions, so when a slick salesman offered him a lifeline that was approved by HMRC, he believed him. He was promised a legal, tax-free lump sum, so the victim transferred in his pension, then booked his first holiday abroad and ordered new windows in anticipation of his cashback. But the money never arrived. He had to take out a loan at very high rates to pay for the holiday and the windows. One elderly couple were persuaded to transfer their money from a secure bond, which had matured, to an unregulated high-risk scheme on the promise of high returns. These never materialised. As a result, the couple are living hand to mouth. She has anxiety and he has just suffered a stroke, which he believes has been brought on by the stress and worry of having their money taken from them. There are no safety mechanisms for vulnerable people who are approached by well organised and unscrupulous pension providers. General understanding of pension regulations by the public is almost zero, making an easy opportunity for dishonest companies with sharp salesmen to make rich pickings. Policing and regulation of these firms is poor, so it's simple for criminals to set up such dishonest schemes, which can quickly rake in large sums of money and just as quickly destroy the lives of the pension holders in the process. pensionscams@dailymail.co.uk Blunder 3 Government departments and private companies transferred staff pension pots to scam schemes for years after explicit warnings from the regulator to be 'vigilant'. A pamphlet called Shark, aimed at preventing transfers to rogue schemes, was sent to all trustees and managers of occupational pension schemes in 2002 and 2004 by the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (OPRA), the forerunner of The Pensions Regulator. Advice included checking if the recipient scheme was new and 'recently registered with Companies House', which indicated a potential scam. If in doubt, they were urged to delay any transfer while the authorities investigated. Despite the stark warnings, thousands of people were allowed to transfer their pensions into scam schemes. In almost all cases the fraudulent schemes had been established within a few months of transfer and usually only recently registered with Companies House. Blunder 4 A policeman fleeced out of his own police pension found it almost impossible to get anyone to investigate the scam. The officer lost his entire retirement savings after transferring out of the Northumbria police pension into the London Quantum scheme in 2014. The Pensions Ombudsman later ruled that London Quantum was a scam and that Northumbria Police should not have transferred the cash. But the officer said when he tried to investigate he faced a wall of silence, despite complaining to HMRC and Action Fraud. He told the Mail: 'I kept hitting brick walls. It was part of a 5 million scam. 'If they don't feel justified investigating that, what do they feel is worth investigating?' The Air India on Wednesday rerouted its flights overflying Iran to Europe and US in the wake of a missile strike by Tehran on US airbases in Iraq. The Safety of our passengers and crew members comes first. In light of the tensions within the Iranian airspace a decision to temporarily reroute flights of Air India (AI) and Air India Express (AIX) overflying Iran has been taken, Air India spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar said in a statement. The statement further said that the rerouting may lead to increase in flying time by approximately 20 minutes for flights from Delhi and 30-40 minutes for flights from Mumbai. ALSO WATCH | Iran fires ballistic missiles on Iraqi air bases hosting US military forces Many other commercial airlines have already rerouted flights crossing the Middle East to avoid possible danger amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Australian carrier Qantas said it was altering its London to Perth routes to avoid Iran and Iraq airspace until further notice. The longer route meant that Qantas would have to carry fewer passengers and more fuel to remain in the air for an extra 40 to 50 minutes. Malaysia Airlines said that due to recent events, its planes would avoid Iranian airspace. Singapore Airlines also said that its flights to Europe would be re-routed to avoid Iran. The flight restrictions reflected fears that the conflict between the longtime foes could ratchet up following Iranian ballistic missile strikes on Tuesday on two Iraqi bases that house US troops. Those strikes were retaliation for the US killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike near Baghdad last week. The US Federal Aviation Administration said it was barring American pilots and carriers from flying in areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace. The agency warned of the potential for miscalculation or mis-identification for civilian aircraft amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran. The Russian aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, also issued an official recommendation for all Russian airlines to avoid flying over Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman due to existing risks for the safety of international civil flights. United Arab Emirates-owned budget airline flydubai said it had canceled a scheduled flight Wednesday from Dubai to Baghdad, but was continuing flights to Basra and Najaf. Emirates airline flights between Dubai and Baghdad were cancelled. Qatar Airways, however, said its flights to Iraq were operating normally. Western powers on Wednesday condemned Iran's missile attack on Iraqi bases housing US and other foreign troops, urging an end to the escalating crisis. Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles in the early hours of Wednesday, officials in Washington and Tehran said. Iran said it was responding to the US killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani last week, warning it would hit back even harder if Washington responded. 'All is well' "All is well!" US President Donald Trump's tweeted. "Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!" He would be making a statement on Wednesday morning, he added. 'Refrain from further violence' NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said: "I condemn the Iranian missile attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq. NATO calls on Iran to refrain from further violence." A NATO official said none of its troops in Iraq had been hurt in the strikes. 'Resounding blow' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has described Soleimani as Iran's "terrorist-in-chief", made it clear Israel would strike back if attacked. "Anyone who attacks us will receive a resounding blow," he warned. 'Urgent de-escalation' Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament: "Iran should not repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks but should instead pursue urgent de-escalation." Earlier, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab warned that another war in the Middle East would only benefit the Islamic State group "and other terrorist groups". 'No-one's interest' The European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the attack was yet another example of "escalation and increased confrontation". "It is in no-one's interest to turn up the spiral of violence even further," he added, warning that the crisis was hampering the fight against Islamic State. EU foreign ministers will hold emergency talks on the Iran crisis Friday to discuss what the bloc can do to reduce tensions. 'Restraint and responsibility' French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement: "The priority is more than ever for a de-escalation. "France remains determined to work to ease tensions and is in contact with all the parties to encourage restraint and responsibility." 'Violation of sovereignty' The Iraqi prime minister's office said it had received an official warning from Iran just before the missile launches. Iran had told premier Adel Abdel Mahdi that "the strike would be limited to where the US military was located in Iraq without specifying the locations", said the statement from his office. "Iraq rejects any violation of its sovereignty and attacks on its territory," the premier's office added. Civilian flights rerouting In the wake of the Iranian attack, a number of airlines said they were avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace. The US Federal Aviation Administration said it was banning US-registered carriers from flying over Iraq, Iran and the Gulf. Its Russian counterpart, the Federal Air Transport Agency, recommended airlines avoid the air space over Iran, Iraq and the Persian and Oman Gulfs. Search Keywords: Short link: Without firing a shot, Iran appears to have executed a devastating revenge attack against the United States for the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Using Iraqs democratic process, Iranian-influenced members of parliament on Sunday voted to expel American soldiers from Iraq. With that, Iran may have effectively won the battle of influence in Iraq. This strategic coup de grace was delivered not by rockets or suicide vests, but by legitimate votes in a democracy built by the United States. Assuming the Iraqi prime minister signs this nonbinding bill into law there is some chance he may not American troops would have to be withdrawn. The Strategic Framework Agreement that established the basis for U.S. military presence in Iraq is unequivocal: The temporary presence of U.S. forces in Iraq is at the full request and invitation of the sovereign Government of Iraq and with full respect for the sovereignty of Iraq. Iraqis are very likely to think that the United States violated Iraqi sovereignty in the drone attack in Baghdad that killed Suleimani and others, including Iraqi citizens, however nefarious they may have been. After Qassem Soleimani's killing, how does this Iran war end? No one should mourn the death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, but the verdict is out as to whether the White House has any strategy to deal with the repercussions The impacts could be far-reaching and damaging to American strategic interests. No troops on the ground, and ostensibly no aircraft overhead, will mean American forces will lose visibility of and the ability to strike directly Islamic State targets in Iraq. It is possible the entire Combined Joint Task Force command currently leading the fight against Islamic State might have to be relocated from Baghdad. Operations in Syria that are heavily dependent on support from Iraq would be severely weakened. Large coalition bases would have to be closed, leaving European allies and contractors with little choice but to also withdraw from Iraq. Unless Iraqis also fully reject Iranian presence (an unlikely event), the United States would have to consider Iraq effectively lost to Iran. The so-called Shiite crescent stretching from Iran through Iraq to the Levant has been brought closer to reality. If Iran can maintain its foothold in Iraq, it now has won its land bridge across the crescent. If American soldiers are ejected, the Iraqi security forces will lose their most capable and beneficent ally. Iraqis prosecuting the ongoing counterinsurgency against Islamic State would be in serious trouble. American advisers who have provided logistics and medical support would disappear. The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, which has long been dependent on American support, would be cut loose to fend for itself. In all likelihood the multibillion-dollar U.S. Counter-ISIL Train and Equip Fund, the primary source of funding for Iraqs security forces, would come to a halt as the Americans distributing the equipment are kicked out of the country. American aid to Iraqi civilians suffering from the recent war could very well dry up. How did we get here? Did the U.S. walk into an Iranian strategic trap? Perhaps, but if so, it is in part because the United States has been without a focused long-term strategy in Iraq for years. The Strategic Framework Agreement established in 2008 was shaky from the start. There are two practical options left for the United States in Iraq. President Trump can take this expulsion as an opportunity to reduce Americas involvement in overseas conflicts. Iraq could be effectively dumped into Iranian hands with the hopes that they would make a mess of it and, in turn, be expelled by increasingly frustrated Iraqis. This would seem to be a strategy of hope, and hope is not a strategy. Why does U.S. diplomacy require all these people? They're essential to relationships and effectiveness in a complex world From the very first days of his administration, the president seemed to have it in for the State Department and the Foreign Service officers who are its most important resource. The other option would be to quickly renegotiate American military presence in Iraq. If the United States could maintain an adviser position, it might be able hold on to its combined counter-Islamic State headquarters and continue funding the training and equipment. All of these things are in Iraqs interest and they could be renegotiated if American diplomats were empowered to do so. A reset in United States-Iraqi relations and a renegotiation of the Strategic Framework Agreement was needed before the current crisis. If U.S. policymakers and diplomats can settle on a long-term strategy for Iraq, a deal might be reached that could benefit both sides. This would help blunt Irans victory, reinforce Iraqi sovereignty and normalize relations that have been anything but normal for far too long. Ben Connable is a senior political scientist at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corp. and a retired Marine Corps intelligence and Middle East Foreign Area officer. He wrote this for The Los Angeles Times. Be careful what you wish for. In Kentucky, authorities have arrested a man they say expressed a desire to go to jail to support his jailed girlfriend. Raymond Pace, 47, is charged with offenses that include possession of methamphetamine, heroin and drug paraphernalia, Kentucky news outlets reported. From the Garrard County Police Department's Facebook Page: True Love.. On January 4, 2020 at around 7:04 pm, Mr. Raymond Pace called dispatch wanting to report a stolen laptop computer. When Officer Steven Debord arrived to take the report, an intoxicated Mr. Pace stated that he wanted to go to jail and needed to be locked up for 5 months, and asked if assault on a police officer would get him 5 months. Officer Debord advised Mr. Pace that he didn't want to do that, and instead suggested that they talk about whatever issues he was having. Mr. Pace agreed and invited Officer Debord into his home. Once inside, Mr. Pace told Officer Debord that he needed to go to jail for 5 months because his girlfriend was in jail for for 5 months and he wanted to be there with her so she wouldn't be stressing out. Pace again asked if if assault would get him 5 months and shoved Officer Debord's shoulder. Officer Debord advised Pace not to do that again, and suggested that Pace go to bed and sleep off whatever alcohol he had consumed. Pace continued to insist on going to jail, reaching under the couch and pulling out a box containing a baggie filled with suspected methamphetamine, several items of drug paraphernalia, including what Pace claimed was meth residue on a spoon. Officer Debord placed Pace under arrest. BUT WAIT, IT GETS BETTER While in handcuffs, Mr. Pace showed Officer Debord a storage shelf where he had another small plastic baggie that Pace claimed was heroin. Pace also showed Officer Debord where his "rigs" were. Officer Debord took possession of the syringes, drug paraphernalia, and 23.8 grams of Methamphetamine and 1.1 grams of heroin; and took Mr. Pace to jail. #LoveWins #MethDoesnt #IsThisMTVcribs #LemmeShowYouAround #LoveDontCostaThang #JLoVoice #LoveANDmethAreInTheAir #WhereCupidAt #CheckOutMyStash #OfficeDebordHasGreatPatience Mr Parker had found out just moments before that his property was hit by fires Moments later, the exhausted fireman collapsed to the ground next to the road He pulled his fire truck over to ask the media to deliver the blunt message Volunteer firefighter Paul Parker told the prime minister to 'get f**ked' on Sunday A volunteer firefighter who told Scott Morrison to 'get f**ked' found out his home had burnt down just moments before his impassioned outburst. Paul Parker, from Nelligen on the New South Wales south coast, made headlines on the weekend when he was filmed shouting from his firetruck, saying: 'Tell the Prime Minister to get f**ked.' He then collapsed to the ground from exhaustion and explained to reporters that he'd failed to save seven homes from devastating bushfires. Mr Parker's blunt message for the Prime Minister was spurred on by finding out his house had been 'substantially damaged' by the Clyde Mountain Fire that tore through his community earlier that day. 'As soon as the fire front passed, Paul jumped in the truck and left to go and save his neighbours' properties,' his neighbour Karla Duroy revealed to Yahoo. Paul Parker pulled his fire truck over to the side of the road in Nelligen, on the NSW South Coast, to deliver the blunt message to the prime minister Mr Parker, who works by day as a tradesman, collapsed to the ground from exhaustion and explained he'd failed to save seven homes from devastating bushfires But when the brave firefighter returned to his home, he found fire had partially destroyed his home, as well as a number of other nearby properties. Mr Parker's water tanks, fencing and outbuildings were reduced to rubble in the blaze. Ms Duroy said Mr Parker, who works as a tradesman when not fighting fires, then got straight back into his truck to go and save other properties. It was then that footage captured Mr Parker telling Mr Morrison to 'get f**ked'. 'We really enjoy doing this s**t,' he continued sarcastically before giving a thumbs-up and driving off. Later in the footage, which has since gone viral, Mr Parker collapsed to the ground from exhaustion. 'I've lost seven houses already in Nelligen and I'm not going to lose anymore,' he told news cameras while lying next to the road. On Monday the RFS slammed claims Mr Parker was going to be sacked from the service for his outburst at the prime minister. Days after the incident, an online petition emerged claiming Mr Parker 'faces dismissal' from the RFS. While a spokesperson for the RFS confirmed Mr Parker was given time off to recover from exhaustion, dismissal rumours were denied. 'Paul Parker has not been dismissed and nor will he be,' the spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. 'The change.org petition is completely unfounded and we don't know where it came from.' The hashtag #savepaul also emerged on Twitter on Sunday night. At least 25 people have been killed in blazes across the country since the bushfire season began in October. On Monday the RFS slammed claims Mr Parker was going to be sacked from the service for his outburst at the prime minister. Pictured: an online petition emerged claiming he 'faces dismissal' NSW RFS said fires had claimed 1,588 homes and damaged 653 more in NSW, while about 200 homes have been destroyed in Victoria. Pictured: Gospers Mountain fire near the New South Wales central coast NSW RFS said fires had claimed 1,588 homes and damaged 653 more in NSW, while about 200 homes have been destroyed in Victoria. Massive bushfires burning along the NSW-Victoria border could merge to form a terrifying 'mega-blaze' this week if weather conditions deteriorate. The Corryong fire in Victoria's northeast is less than 2km away from connecting with a 297,000-hectare blaze in NSW's Snowy Mountains region, officials have warned. Meanwhile in Cobungra, in East Gippsland, fires are threatening to combine with those burning along the Tambo River region, north of Bairnsdale. This week's rainfall provided a brief respite from bushfires but will start giving way to sunny weather across Victoria on Wednesday, prompting warnings for people to remain vigilant. The Gospel of Matthew ends with Jesus giving this charge to his disciples: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20) It didnt take the disciples long to begin fulfilling the Great Commission. A few weeks later, standing with the other disciples, Peter gave a rousing sermon to a crowd gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost, and 3,000 people became Christians. The number of Christians in Jerusalem continued to grow over the next few years and, when Philip became an evangelist outside the city, the Christian Church spread all the way to Ethiopia. After Paul became a convert, he spent the next 30 years taking the Gospel to the north and west, all the way to Rome and possibly to Spain. For the Apostles and other early Christians, nearly everyone they met was not a Christian. How did they approach unbelievers? When someone became a Christian, what expectations did other Christians have for that new believers religious practice and lifestyle? Early Evangelicals Were Tolerant of Religious Lifestyles Among Converts In the first few decades after the resurrection of Jesus, most people who became Christians converted from Judaism. But they did not expect other new converts to adhere to Jewish practices. Early Christians were zealously evangelistic, says David Instone-Brewer, a Baptist minister and Bible scholar who covers the topic of tolerance in his new book Moral Questions of the Bible: Timeless Truth in a Changing World. At the same time, they were tolerant of other religious lifestyles among converts. So long as converts followed Jesus, it didnt matter whether they followed a Jewish lifestyle or not. The tolerance of early Christians was not due to cowardice. Julius Caesar had given Jews the right to practice their religion. If Christians had wanted to escape persecution, they could have positioned Christianity as a form of Judaism. Instead, early Christ-followers maintained that practicing Judaism was not sufficient for salvation and, as a result, they were persecuted by Jews and Romans alike. The Core of Faith: Relationship, not Ritual Early Christians recognized that the core of Christianity was not religious practices nor philosophical beliefs but a relationship with God through Jesus, the risen Christ. While they rejected idolatry and immorality, Christians did not ask converts to give up any religious customs unless those customs were in conflict with Gods laws. New believers had the freedom to live out their faith within their own culture, says Instone-Brewer. They could worship as they chose, including continuing their old ways of doing religion. In short, Christianity transformed ones inner life and morals but left ones culture intact. Because the first Christians were Jews, they continued to worship on a Sabbath, heard sermons, and ate kosher food, continues Instone-Brewer. They even frequented the Temple, not only because it was a good place to meet, but because they brought sacrifices. This sounds to us today as though their adherence to their newfound Savior was somewhat lacking, but Jesus himself assumed they would still bring Temple offerings. (See Matthew 5:20, Matthew 5:23.) Pauls Pragmatic Approach to Sharing the Gospel In his efforts to spread the Gospel to Jews, Paul took a pragmatic approach to Jewish practices. He made Jewish vows, which included shaving his head (Acts 18:18) and bringing an offering to the Temple (Acts 21:23-26). He also circumcised a Greek convert named Timothy so that he could accompany Paul in places frequented by Jews (Acts 16:3). The circumcision of Timothy later caused confusion, explains Instone-Brewer, because people thought that Paul was teaching that circumcision was part of salvation. By pointing out that Titus, another Greek convert, wasnt circumcised, Paul clarified that Jewish practices such as circumcision were not needed for salvation. Still, some Jewish converts thought that Christianity was merely a form of Judaism. They told Gentiles, or non-Jews, that, to become Christians, they first had to convert to Judaism. Paul rejected this very firmly, says Instone-Brewer. He allowed anyone to follow Jewish religious customs but vehemently forbade anyone from requiring Jewish practices such as eating kosher food or being circumcised. Photo Credit: GettyImages/Rawpixel What about Gentile Practices? The first Gentiles who were most receptive to the Gospel were those who respected the Jewish faith. They frequented synagogues and followed Jewish morals, and they were referred to as Godfearers or God-fearing Gentiles in Acts 13:16 and 13:26. After hearing the Gospel in the synagogue, some of these Gentiles became Christians. While they respected Judaism, Gentile converts had practices that were at odds with Jewish laws and customs. What did Christian leaders such as Paul say about such practices? In general, practices were allowed as long as they did not conflict with Gods laws. Pauls maxim was expressed in Romans 12:18: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone, says Instone-Brewer. He wanted believers with different customs to live in harmony whenever possible. For example, Paul allowed Gentile believers to eat meat that might have been offered to a god, so long as they recognized that the god was nothing. If other believers who were present objected to this practice, however, then Paul recommended that the meat not be eaten. Secular Tolerance vs. Christian Tolerance Instone-Brewer is quick to point out that not all tolerance is the samenor was it the same 2,000 years ago. Roman society expected everyone to be tolerant of all religions by actually worshiping all the gods, he says. Romans made friends and business partners by eating meals in each others temples, and a wife was required to add her husbands gods to those that her family worshiped. While Roman tolerance meant that everyone had to join in with worship, Christian tolerance meant that no one should be forced to do this. But Romans misinterpreted the Christian approach as one of complete intolerance. The Romans simply couldnt understand why Christians wouldnt even offer a drop of wine or say a few words of worship to the divine emperor, says Instone-Brewer. A Christians stand against idolatry was seen as disrespect for all gods, so Christians were condemned as atheistsa major crime in Rome. Like many people today, the Romans also equated tolerance with letting others believe whatever they want without trying to persuade them otherwise. Early Christians clearly disagreed. They enthusiastically shared the Gospel with everyone, and they did not stop when they encountered objections. Paul evangelized continuously, Instone-Brewer reminds us. Acts 18:4 tells us that he spent every Sabbath in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks that Jesus is the Messiah. Often, Paul continued long past his welcome and was thrown out. Do Todays Christians Practice Tolerance like Those in the First Century? Instone-Brewer believes that many do. Christians are rediscovering the Bibles teaching on tolerance for practices from other religions, he says. New converts are encouraged to worship Jesus within the culture they are used to. If people want to wear hoodies to church or worship in a pub, thats OK. He is intrigued by the practices of Christian converts in Islamic or Hindu cultures, where conversion is illegal or dangerous. Today, some of these converts worship Jesus within the rites of their cultural religion. It will be interesting to see what such believers will do if their society eventually becomes tolerant enough for them to worship openly as Christians, he says. Will they decide to keep praying to Jesus five times a day in Arabic, kneeling with foreheads to the ground, facing Jerusalem? If they do, I hope they are welcomed, because this is very similar to what Messianic Jews do and what the first Christians converts did in Jerusalem. And Paul defended their rights to do so. Photo Credit: GettyImages/MangoStarStudio Chris Bolinger is the author of Daily Strength for Men, a 365-day daily devotional from BroadStreet Publishing. The book is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christian Book Distributors, DailyStrengthForMen.com, and on the Inspirational Reading rack at many supermarkets, drug stores, gas stations, and gift shops. This year Boeing and SpaceX will push to launch astronauts to orbit for NASA after years of delays, in an attempt to end U.S. reliance on Russian rockets for rides to the International Space Station. Why it matters: Up and coming space powers like India and China are making plays at sending astronauts into space while launching increasingly ambitious missions to the Moon as NASA has been riding on its Cold War-era achievements in human spaceflight. What's happening: Since the end of the space shuttle program, NASA has relied on Russian rockets for rides to the International Space Station. If Boeing and SpaceX finally succeed, it will allow NASA to breathe the rarefied air reserved for uncontested space superpowers once again. Yes, but: Hiccups for Boeing and SpaceX in 2019 could make a 2020 crewed launch for either company more difficult. Boeing's Starliner spacecraft had to abort docking with the International Space Station during an uncrewed test flight due to issues as the vehicle reached orbit. It's not yet clear how those technical problems might affect Boeing's planned crewed mission to the station, which was expected early this year. Here's what else we're watching as the U.S. tries to solidify its 21st century dominance in space: Moon missions: NASA is developing its Artemis program to bring people back to the surface of the Moon by 2024. India is planning to send its own astronauts to orbit by 2022, and China is building a space station that's expected to be operational in two years. All three of those programs will need to make significant progress in the next year in order to meet their ambitious timelines. Space tourism: Companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin are also expected to potentially start flying commercial suborbital missions sometime this year. "This is a potential new space industry that has been anticipated and planned for 15 years and everyone's waiting to see if it will actually pan out," the Secure World Foundation's Brian Weeden told Axios via email. Money makers: SpaceX and OneWeb are expected to launch more of their internet-beaming satellites to orbit, proving out the business case for these mega-constellations and showing just which companies may capitalize on it. New rockets designed to launch small satellites and experiments to orbit are also expected to come online in the next year, with Virgin Orbit planning its first orbital launch early this year. However, analysts are warning of a shakeout when it comes to small launchers, potentially throwing cold water on this sector of the industry. Science: Four Mars missions are planned for 2020, with the U.S., China, the United Arab Emirates and a joint mission between Russia and Europe expected to launch later in the year. The U.S. astronomy community at large will set its priorities for the coming decade this year, developing a key document that will help rank the highest-priority missions and scientific targets like planets circling stars far from the Sun in the next 10 years. The bottom line: 2020 is shaping up to be one of the most consequential years for the space industry in recent memory, but technical issues and delays threaten to potentially undo that optimism. The bushfires threatening Australia are not just due to that countrys greenhouse gas emissions. Australia emits 0.3% of the worlds carbon emissions. That is the percentage of its responsibility for the local climate, which has caused its bushfires. Little Ireland, far away on the other side of the world, has a fifth of Australias population and emits 13.3 tonnes of carbon annually per person, as opposed to Australias 17 tonnes. We emit just 0.13% of the worlds emissions, but we are the third-worst emitters, per person, in Europe and we share responsibility for burning Australia. Therein lies the massive difficulty of tackling climate change in political terms. Greenhouse gas emissions have no nationality. Climate change is a global problem that demands a global response. Our political system is still organised as independent nations competing with each other. This will have to be transformed to a system of transnational co-operation, if we are to survive the climate emergency. Australian prime minister, Scott Morrisons so-called Liberal government is confronting the horror show by trying to keep alive the fiction that their nation is standalone. Ozzies have always had bushfires. Ozzies know how to deal with them, is the argument. All this talk about climate change is just for raving inner-city lefties, as Morrisons deputy,Michael McCormack, said. Morrison still speaks a language that should be extinct, of balancing our global responsibilities with sensible, practical policies to secure our environmental and economic future. This is exactly the language which then-taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, used in reply to then-Green TD Trevor Sargent, in 2006, when he announced in the Dail he was not responsible for the planetand would not commit economic genocide by controlling carbon emissions, as Sargent suggested. A firefighter manages a controlled burn near Tomerong, Australia. Around 2,300 firefighters in New South Wales state were making the most of relatively benign conditions by frantically consolidating containment lines around more than 110 blazes and patrolling for lightning strikes, state Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said. Photo: AP/Rick Rycroft. I dont believe a TD in Aherns party, Fianna Fail, would speak that language now, but many of them probably think in it, because it is a language that is understood both nationally and globally. It is clearly mad to set a match to the planet in a bid to secure its economic future, but it may not seem so mad to a politician of a certain cast, in a democratic state, to raise his nations fraction of one percent of global emissions by exporting more coal or, in our case, perhaps baby formula to China. As it happens, Scott Morrisons country is well-placed to act as a handy demonstration model for a burning planet. This summers bush fire is the size of Scotland and has so far killed 25 people and perhaps half-a-billion animals. While the annual bush fires in New South Wales would typically burn up to 280,000 hectares, this year 10m hectares have burnt. One third of Australias koala bear population is said to have perished in a few hours in late December, leading some experts to describe them as functionally extinct. Last year was the hottest year in Australias history, fully 1.52 degrees above its long-term average. The two hottest days since records began were December 17 and 18, with average temperatures of 40.9C and 41.9C , respectively. In Australia, we are now seeing what a relatively optimistic outcome of climate change will be for the rest of the world, if the UNs Intergovernmental Panels modelling is correct. A less optimistic outcome might see a global temperature rise of four degrees or more. Climate change is a disaster of epic proportions for all of us. Australian MP Craig Kelly may have caused a Twitter storm by telling the BBC there was no trend linking the nations carbon emissions to rising temperatures, but he is technically right. Australias emissions are not the issue here. There is, however, one hell of a trend indicting global emissions for turning Australias finely balanced, habitable climate into an uninhabitable furnace. Though people all over the world, from the Horn of Africa to the Amazon rain forest to the Marshall Islands, have suffered, and are suffering, appalling consequences from climate change, the Ozzie fires have brought the reality home to us, in this part of the world, like never before. Smoke rises from wildfires burning in East Gippsland, Victoria. Photo released by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in Gippsland, Australia (DELWP Gippsland) via AP. Most Ozzies still have family trees that diverged from ours in the relatively recent past. Many of us have family members now living in the city with the worst air quality on Earth, lovely Sydney, which, for the last month, has had air quality 11 times worse than is considered safe. My sister has seen the air turn smokey in her beloved Melbourne. We know that the smoke from the Australian fires has reached New Zealand, turning some of its glaciers brown, has made the sky of Santiago, Chile, grey, and turned to bright-red the sunset in Buenos Aires. Yet most of us are still hoping that Australia is so far away that their disaster wont mess with our lives. Its all Scott Morrisons fault, isnt it? What you get when you elect a climate denier? These are bogus arguments. As fire expert Andrew Scott said on RTEs Morning Ireland this week, nobody fully understands the fire risks posed by the new climate. In Australia, unusually strong winds are part of the lethal cocktail that is burning a hole in the countrys heart. There is at least another month of summer and there is no end in sight for their fires. However, Scott said we, too, face a massive fire risk. In 2018, the UK was the fourth-worst-hit by wild fires in all of Europe and the largest fire was in Scotland. There was simply more fuel in Scotland, he said. Just like there is in parts of Ireland. I remember sitting in a friends house, in Leitrim, some years ago, watching the glare of a forest fire on the horizon. In this photo released by the Australian Department of Defense, evacuees board landing craft to be ferried out to the navy's HMAS Choules, in Mallacoota, Victoria, Australia. Navy ships plucked hundreds of people from beaches and tens of thousands were urged to flee before hot weather and strong winds in the forecast worsen Australia's already-devastating wildfires. Photo: Australia Department of Defense via AP. I kept reassuring myself it couldnt come our way. This is our national mindset and we have to lose it. Greenhouse gas emissions have no nationality and no corner of the globe is safe from climate change. We need a global response to this global crisis and although there is, as yet, no global political organisation, we are part of the EU, which is a start. The EU is looking for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 from 2005 levels and, so far, little Ireland is at zero. Now, at the beginning of the last decade in which we can halt runaway climate change, our Government must enshrine fast, deep, radical action on emissions in the Climate Change Bill, before the general election. Because we set the bush fire in Australia and it is coming our way. Despite stepping back as frontline royals, Harry and Meghan have decided to keep Frogmore Cottage. The public paid 2.4million to fund a renovation of the Grade II-listed property near Windsor Castle. And the couple announced last night they wanted to keep it so they would have 'a place to call home in the United Kingdom'. The phrasing raised the prospect that their main home will come to be regarded as being elsewhere, perhaps Canada. It was decided taxpayers would help Harry and Meghan pay for Frogmore after the newlyweds eschewed their home in the grounds of Kensington Palace, wanting a place of their own. Last night sources told The Times newspaper that the couple could be forced to pay rent to the Queen, who had previously gifted them the property. Last night, a statement on the official Royal Sussex website said: 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to use Frogmore Cottage with the permission of Her Majesty The Queen' Royal accounts show 2.4million of taxpayer money has been ploughed into renovating five-bedroomed Frogmore Cottage. The major work included replacing defective ceiling beams and floor joists, and updating outmoded heating systems. But the couple are also thought to have installed a luxury kitchen and bathroom in the building. Officials have been keen to downplay suggestions that this was an example of royal profligacy. Last night, a statement on the official Royal Sussex website said: 'Frogmore Cottage will continue to be the property of Her Majesty the Queen. 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to use Frogmore Cottage with the permission of Her Majesty The Queen as their official residence as they continue to support the monarchy, and so that their family will always have a place to call home in the United Kingdom.' The couple announced last night they wanted to keep Frogmore Cottage so they would have 'a place to call home in the United Kingdom' When the enormous public cost of fixing up Frogmore was first revealed, the couple faced criticism from some quarters. Even fans of the royals were scathing about the costs, especially as Harry and Meghan 'could have moved next door' to a grand apartment within Kensington Palace if they had needed more space. But amid reports of a rift with Prince William and Kate, the 'substantial overhaul' of Frogmore Cottage a gift to the couple from the Queen was approved by Her Majesty. The final bill is expected to top 3million. One critic, Graham Smith, from the campaign group Republic, compared the renovation bill to a charity's funding of a centre for military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), saying: 'A charity spent 2.4million on a support centre for marines suffering PTSD. 'The taxpayers then spent the same amount on a luxury private home for Harry and Meghan.' YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has offered condolences to the families of the victims of flight PS752, the Ukrainian International Airlines flight en route from Iran to Ukraine that crashed after takeoff from Tehrans Imam Khomeini airport on January 8. I learnt with great sorrow the news on a crash of a civilian aircraft near Tehran airport. On behalf of the Armenian people and my own behalf I express sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this tragic accident, Pashinyan tweeted. All 176 people on board died in the crash. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan We are proud to announce the inclusion of these talented, client-focused partners to important leadership roles. Holland & Hart LLP is pleased to announce the election and appointments of several firm leadership positions, effective Jan. 1. We are proud to announce the inclusion of these talented, client-focused lawyers to important leadership roles. We are delighted to welcome them to the firms leadership team, where they will each be integral to implementing our strategic plan that charts a course for the firms success in 2020 and beyond, said Chris Balch, firm chair. Washington, D.C. Partner Kelly Johnson has been elected to serve a two-year term on the five-person Management Committee that oversees the firms management and strategic direction. Johnson fills a vacancy resulting from Chris Balchs election to firm chair. Johnson has previously served the firm in several important roles, including Practice Group Leader (PGL) of the Environmental, Energy, and Natural Resources group; and her current role as Administrative Partner of the Washington, D.C. office. In her practice, Johnson leverages her experience and knowledge of the executive, legislative, and judicial systems to deliver strategic solutions to the complex challenges clients face. Denver Partner Matthew Smith was appointed to the Commercial Litigation PGL role. Smith provides his clients with reliable counsel through virtually all aspects of litigation, with an emphasis on financial services and securities matters. He is replacing Maureen Witt, who served the firm Commercial Litigation PGL since 2017. Boise Partner Nicole Snyder was appointed as the Corporate PGL, replacing Lucy Stark who was appointed to Managing Partner. Snyder previously served on the firms Management Committee and as the Administrative Partner for the Boise office. In her practice, Snyder guides clients at every stage of the corporate life cycle from initial formation and structure through complex mergers and acquisitions and financings. Boulder Partner Mark Wiletsky was appointed to the Labor & Employment PGL role. Wiletsky has served as Administrative Partner for the Boulder office since 2017. He partners with clients to provide timely, practical solutions to difficult business challenges, from employment-related issues, to unfair competition and other business disputes. Wiletsky is replacing Bryan Benard, who served in the PGL role since 2016. Boulder Partner Larry Tronco was appointed Administrative Partner of the firms Boulder office, replacing Mark Wiletsky. Tronco helps to protect and police the intellectual property of some of the worlds most famous brands, through representing his clients on the acquisition, maintenance, and enforcement of trademark rights on a domestic and global basis. The firm extends great appreciation to the attorneys who have previously served in these roles and is grateful for their advocacy on behalf of the firm, said Balch. About Holland & Hart Founded in 1947, Holland & Hart is a full-service Am Law 200 firm with offices in eight states and in Washington, D.C. We deliver integrated legal solutions to regional, national, and international clients of all sizes in a diverse range of industries. For more information, visit http://www.hollandhart.com or on Twitter: @HollandHart. TEHRAN: Amid heightened tension with the United States, Iran on Wednesday said that it wont give crashed Ukranian planes black box to the American authorities and its aviation company Boeing for further investigation. According to Iran's state media, its aviation authority said that it will not hand over to Americans the recovered black boxes of a Boeing 737 that crashed on Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew. We will not give the black boxes to the manufacturer (Boeing) and the Americans, Iran Civil Aviation Organisation head Ali Abedzadeh told Mehr news agency. Abedzadeh said that Iran has not made a decision on which country or international authority it would send the black box to for its data to be analyzed. Boeing is an American aerospace company headquartered out of Chicago. It is the worlds largest manufacturer of commercial jet transports. Boeing also designs, manufactures and sells military aircraft, helicopters, space vehicles, missiles and communication equipment worldwide. Ukraine's Tehran embassy initially blamed engine failure but later removed the statement. Live TV The crash of the Ukraine International Airlines flight came hours after Iran fired as many as 15 ballistic missiles on Iraqi bases housing US soldiers in a major retaliation by the rogue regime after the US airstrike that killed Iranian Quds Force General Qassem Soleimani last week. No Americans were aboard the flight. Three Britons, three Germans, 63 Canadians, 10 Swedes, 11 Ukrainians, 82 Iranians and four Afghans died in the crash, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry Vadym Prystaiko said. The timing of the crash fueled speculation on social media that the earlier missile strike played a role in the crash shortly after takeoff from the Imam Khomeini International Airport, but authorities have pointed to a mechanical issue. The crash took place just days before the American aviation company`s new CEO David Calhoun will formally take the job. Calhoun replaces Dennis Muilenburg, who was ousted in December after Boeing`s disastrous year. The American aviation giant is still reeling from the aftermath of two 737 Max crashes, which killed 346 people. The Max has been grounded worldwide since March, and the company has struggled with delays and other issues in its bid to get the planes back in the air. (With Agency inputs) The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Doctors who quit a Moscow cancer center for children in late September say they still have the support of parents. Twenty-one staff members resigned from the N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center over poor conditions and low pay. T he Lords has been told that transport officials have been asked to look at various options for a bridge linking Scotland to Northern Ireland. Transport minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton said there was even talk of a potential tunnel, now tunnelling costs had come down, though she cautioned peers at question time not to hold their breath about any quick outcome to the investigations. Boris Johnson raised the possibility of building a bridge last month, saying it was an "interesting idea". Engineering experts poured cold water on the proposal, warning it was potentially fraught with problems and costs could spiral. A tunnel is also being considered / AFP/Getty Images Initial estimates put the cost of such a project at around 15 billion. Though the Institution of Civil Engineers suggested on Monday a tunnel under the Irish Sea would be a more practical solution. The issue was raised at Lords question time by Labour former minister Lord Foulkes of Cumnock as peers pressed the minister over repairs to Londons Hammersmith Bridge. Lord Foulkes said: During the general election Boris Johnson pledged to consider building a bridge from Northern Ireland to Scotland even though there are hundreds of tons of explosives in Beauforts Dyke, which were put there supposedly because its a safe place to put them. If the Government cant keep Hammersmith Bridge open how on earth are they going to manage to do that? he demanded, to laughter. Is this going to go ahead? Lady Vere replied: Youre quite right. We have asked officials to look at various options for bridges which would strengthen our union. I understand there is some talk of a potential tunnel, now that tunnelling costs are much cheaper than they used to be. CES, the nation's largest consumer electronics show, faced a backlash on Tuesday as critics slammed the decision to have Ivanka Trump as a keynote speaker. The choice to have President Trump's daughter speak at the Nevada event, drew scorn from many women in technology because she has no background in technology. Video game developer Brianna Wu, who is running for Congress in Massachusetts as a Democrat, led the opposition as the hashtag #BoycottCES started trending.. 'Ivanka is not a woman in tech,' Wu tweeted about the White House adviser's presence at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). 'She's not a CEO. She has no background. Its a lazy attempt to emulate diversity, but like all emulation its not quite the real thing.' There was no mention of the pushback about her appearance at the show. The hall was full, and she was met with applause. Organizers declined to say how many people were in the audience. The nation's largest consumer electronics show faced a backlash on Tuesday after attendees hit out at a decision to have Ivanka Trump as a keynote speaker #BoycottCES was trending online as attendees said there were better choices for speakers But organizers of the annual technology bacchanal in Las Vegas drew online heckling for booking Ms. Trump to speak on its highest profile stage, despite making her appearance part of a concerted effort to focus on women in technology. Other women with more experience in the tech sector, critics said, would have been better choices. Some said they'd requested a refund and others deemed her unqualified for the invite. One Twitter user said it's 'shocking' so many women had been passed over for the opportunity in favor of Ivanka Trump. One man said it's 'insulting'. But with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff watching from the front row, the event went off without a hitch. In a closely watched keynote at the Trump said that workers of the future should be able to access life-long records of their on-the-job skills from a smartphone the way many Americans can see their medical histories at a moment's notice. 'And oh, by the way,' she mused, 'wouldn't it be great, if there was a job vacancy in your ZIP code that matched the skill you have, if it got pushed to you?' 'This is not hard to do. It just hasn't been done,' Ms. Trump said. The adviser to her father President Donald Trump said job openings should be sent via 'push' alerts to people whose verified skill sets match what employers are looking for Most Americans have ownership of their medical records and can access them on short notice; skills certifications are often overlooked, however, Ms. Trump said, because no one has harnessed the 'big government data' to empower Americans with their own histories Sitting onstage with Consumer Technology Association CEO Gary Shapiro, she said data about Americans' work histories is often left behind when they change jobs, making it harder for them to find positions that require their acquired skills. 'We need to harness technology and data to enable people to have their information in their iPhone,' she said, referring to 'big government data' as the idea's wellspring. She noted that while most jobs in America don't require four-year college degrees, it's often difficult to confirm that a job applicant finished high school before entering the workforce. 'Why can't you have your high school degree verified and in your phone, so an employer doesn't need to call your high school and find out, did you in fact graduate? So it takes the friction out of the process. It's all verified, it's right there,' she said. 'But also on-the-job skills that were learned. Maybe you learned CPR as a lifeguard. Maybe you learned or got upscaled working on a factory floor or learned a new skill. 'All of that should be cataloged and tracked and accessible and available, and empowering the individual, as opposed to locked-up and siloed in the HR department of a company where, if you leave, it stays with them as opposed to travels with you.' Ms. Trump was at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, promoting her job-training initiative at the White House; some liberals in the tech field complained that she would be a poor example of female empowerment in the industry Ms. Trump pushed for industry apprenticeships as a new model for bringing non-college-graduates into the ranks of the employed. 'It's just not part of the American DNA,' she said, 'outside of the skills trade.' And she promoted the Trump administration's success in forcing federal government agencies to provide aid family leave to all their employees. 'We're not stopping there,' she said. Ms. Trump said the administration has worked to bring STEM programs into historically black colleges. A polite audience received her message that buttressing and growing the nation's pool of employable workers should be a bipartisan goal. 'If we cant come together on this, we cant come together on anything,' Ms. Trump told Shapiro. And she renewed a periodic White House complaint about education visas that leave foreigners who attend U.S. universities with no choice after graduation but to leave America. She said President Donald Trump, her father, believes that's 'absolutely insane.' Shapiro told The Associated Press that Ivanka Trump is fighting for workers at a time when robots are filling warehouses and factories and self-driving vehicles are worrying truck drivers. 'We've had politicians speak before, cabinet secretaries and others who've come in,' Shapiro said ahead of the talk. Ivanka Trump said the event offered a chance to talk 'about the way jobs are evolving and changing'. 'People need to be thinking about investing in their workforce so that they can enable those people to do their same job using different equipment tomorrow,' she said. US tanks The US drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, head of Irans special forces, on Jan. 3 means the 2020s will continue an unbroken string of decades dating to the 1770s in which the US has deployed its military overseas. While the US has fought just five declared warsagainst Britain, Mexico and Spain in the 19th century, and the two World Wars in the 20thit has taken military action many dozens of times, from major undeclared conflicts (such as the wars in Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq) to minor skirmishes in countries as far flung as Haiti, Niger, and Fiji. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the US deployed forces to defend and protect US embassies, civilians, and business interests during local insurrections. During the Cold War, the military intervened on behalf of the USs allies. In recent decades, its operated with a broad mandate to root out terrorism. The above is an interactive map of all the countries in which the US military has operated, according to a report produced by the Congressional Research Service (pdf). Scroll over each country for a description of the operation (interventions for purely humanitarian purposes where there was no armed conflict, such as hurricane relief efforts, are left out). The map uses the current names and borders of nations, so, for example, attacks on British colonies in North America are coded as attacks on Canada. Also, for the sake of simplicity, some complex interventions, such as in the Balkans in the 1990s, are folded together. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: This photo taken on Saturday, May 26, 2018, shows the actual Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 UR-PSR plane that crashed on the outskirts of Tehran on Wednesday Jan. 8, 2020. (AP) Kiev: The Ukrainian International Airlines flight that crashed outside Tehran on Wednesday, killing over 170 people, was said to have developed a mechanical failure before crashing into a field, but the three-year-old Boeing 737 had been checked only two days before. The plane was manufactured in 2016. It was received by the airline directly from the (Boeing) factory. The plane underwent its last planned technical maintenance on January 6, 2020," Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) said in a statement. It took off from Tehran airport at 6:10 a.m. and disappeared from radar just a few minutes later. There were no survivors among the crew and passengers, according to Ukraine's foreign ministry. UIA president Yevgeniy Dykhne declined to comment on speculation linking the crash to Iran's missile strike on US forces in Iraq on Wednesday morning, advising reliance on official sources for information rather than social networks. Representatives of UIA insisted the aircraft was fully functional under experienced pilots trained for emergencies at what he said was the "difficult" Tehran airport. "The plane was in working order," said UIA president Yevgeniy Dykhne told a briefing in Kiev. "It was one of our best planes with a wonderful crew," Dykhne said choking back tears. The plane climbed to 2,400 m when it disappeared from radar, and "(chances) of a crew error are minimal, we simply are not considering them", said UIA vice-president Igor Sosnovsky. "Considering their experience, it's difficult to say that there was something wrong with the crew," he said. Preliminary statements by Iranian and Ukrainian authorities suggested a malfunction. Iran's English-language broadcaster Press TV cited the Imam Khomeini International Airport spokesman as saying the crash was caused by "technical difficulties". A statement posted on the website of the Ukrainian embassy saying the crash was caused by an engine malfunction and ruling out an act of terror was later redacted, saying all information will be provided later by an official commission. Pakistan on Wednesday issued a travel advisory, asking citizens to be cautious while visiting Iraq due to the prevailing security situation in the Gulf country. In retaliation to the killing of top Iranian commander General Qassem Soleimani, Iran has launched missile strikes against two US military bases in Iraq on Wednesday. "In view of recent developments and the prevailing security situation in the region, Pakistani nationals are advised to exercise maximum caution while planning visit to Iraq at this point," Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement. It said, those already in Iraq to remain in close contact with the Embassy of Pakistan in Baghdad. Thousands of Pakistani every year visit Shiite holy places in Iraq. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iran's supreme leader says missile attacks were slap in face for US originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said his country "slapped" the United States "on the face last night," referring to the missile strikes against U.S. military forces in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Iran's most powerful commander. "But military action is not enough," Khamenei said in a national televised address in Tehran on Wednesday, adding that the corrupt presence of the U.S. in the region should come to an end." His speech was followed by chants from the crowd, saying, "death to America." Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles into neighboring Iraq around 2 a.m. local time on Wednesday, targeting Iraqi military bases housing American troops and coalition forces, according to Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman. "These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region," Hoffman said in a statement, noting that "we are working on initial battle damage assessments." "As we evaluate the situation and our response," he added, "we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners and allies in the region." (MORE: Iran launches missiles at US military facilities in Iraq, Pentagon confirms) Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi said in a statement that his office received an official verbal message from Iran shortly before midnight on Wednesday that the missile strikes would begin soon and would be limited to the whereabouts of U.S. forces, without specifying locations. A U.S. defense official told ABC News that 10 of the missiles struck the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq's Anbar province and one hit a base in Erbil in Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region. Four other missiles "failed in flight," the official said. A source within the Kurdistan Regional Government told ABC News that three missiles were fired at Erbil International Airport and the nearby U.S.military base. Two of the rockets were shot down by anti-missile batteries while the third fell behind the airport but didn't explode, the source said. Story continues PHOTO: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a speech during a gathering in Tehran, Jan. 8, 2020. (Official Khamenei website/Handout via Reuters) The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, swiftly claimed responsibility for the strikes as throngs of people took to the streets of Tehran to celebrate. "We warn the Great Satan, the arrogant American regime, that any new invasions and aggression will result in more painful and pounding responses," the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement. (MORE: A timeline of growing tensions between the US and Iran) Later, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter that his country took "proportionate measures in self-defense Article 51 of" the Charter of the United Nations. "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," Zarif said. Meanwhile, Iranian Minister of Information and Communications Technology Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi tweeted, "Get the hell out of our region!" PHOTO: This still image from an Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting video shot on Jan. 8, 2020, allegedly shows rockets launched from Iran targeting U.S. military forces housed in the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq. (Ho/IRIB/AFP via Getty Images) A U.S. official and a senior Trump administration official told ABC News that early indications are there were no American casualties from the strikes. According to U.S. sources, the troops were in bunkers at the time of the attacks. (MORE: Iranian foreign minister says US 'will pay' for its 'act of war') U.S. President Donald Trump took to Twitter late Tuesday night to assure Americans that "all is well." "So far, so good!" he tweeted. "We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far!" Iraq's prime minister also said they haven't received any reports of Iraqi casualties so far. In a statement posted to social media Wednesday, Abdul Mahdi urged both sides to "not engage in open warfare" and "to exercise restraint." Amid the escalating tensions, a growing number of international air carriers have decided to suspend or reroute flights to avoid the airspace over Iran and Iraq. PHOTO: Coffins holding Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani and others, who were killed in Iraq by a U.S. airstrike, are carried on a truck surrounded by mourners during a funeral procession in Kerman, Iran, Jan. 7, 2020. (AP) The attacks occurred just hours after Iran's foreign minister told ABC News that the United States "will pay" for the death of Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, longtime leader of the elite Quds Force in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Officials with the U.S. Department of Defense have confirmed that Trump ordered the airstrike that killed Soleimani near Baghdad International Airport on Jan. 2. (MORE: Leader of Iran's elite Quds Force killed in US airstrike near Baghdad airport) Over the past 20 years, Soleimani had led the Quds Force in operations throughout the region, backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and supporting Shiite militia groups in Iraq, including against U.S. troops during the Iraq War. The U.S. Department of State said Soleimani's forces are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American troops because of the kind of explosive devices they helped bring to Iraq. The United States designated Soleimani a terrorist in 2011 under then-President Barack Obama. The Trump administration has argued that Soleimani's death was critical to foiling "imminent attacks" that the Iranian commander was helping to plot against U.S. personnel in the region. The administration has provided no evidence of those plans. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Tehran and other cities across Iran in recent days to mourn Soleimani and show support for the Iranian government. The massive crowds have voiced anger at the U.S. airstrike and have hailed the slain general as a national hero. ABC News' Conor Finnegan, Ben Gittleson, Luis Martinez, Matt McGarry, Elizabeth McLaughlin, Martha Raddatz, Kirit Radia and Cindy Smith contributed to this report. PUNE, India, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Market size is projected to reach USD 45.06 billionby 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period. The market was valued at USD 21.32 billion in 2018. This information is published in a recent report by Fortune Business Insights, titled, "Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Technique (In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Artificial Insemination (AI-IUI), Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), and Others), By Procedure (Fresh Donor, Fresh Non-donor, Frozen Donor, and Frozen Non-donor), By End User (Fertility Clinics, and Hospitals) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026." As per the report, increasing stress levels amongst the population is likely to result in the rising prevalence of infertility. It will aid in the fertility services market growth during the forecast period. For more information in the analysis of this report, visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/assisted-reproductive-technology-art-market-101811 Rising Awareness Campaigns Regarding Cost-effective Procedures Will Boost Growth In countries, such as India, the U.K, U.S., and China, there is a high prevalence of infertility. It will increase the demand for advanced ART technologies and procedures. The National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) stated that around 6.7% of women residing in the U.S. were affected by infertility in 2018. The age group was between 15 to 44 years. Moreover, it is not only the women who are suffering from infertility nowadays. The Oxford Journals published a study that mentioned that in the U.K., one out of ten men from the age group of 16 to 74 years is affected by infertility. The rate is rising worldwide owing to the increasing cases of obesity, rising stress level and a rapid inclination towards a sedentary lifestyle. Besides, numerous government and non-profit agencies in the developed, as well as developing nations, are implementing awareness campaigns to educate the general populaces regarding the cost-effective fertility treatments. These are some of the crucial assisted reproductive technologies market trends that are set to augment ART market growth. Fresh Non-donor Segment to Lead Backed by High Success Rate of Procedures By procedure, the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Market is divided into fresh donor, frozen donor, fresh non-donor, and frozen non-donor. Amongst these, the fresh non-donor segment is expected to acquire a high CAGR in the coming years owing to the high success rate of procedures by utilizing fresh embryos or eggs. Also, the rising incidence of infertility is expected to boost the growth of this segment. The Oxford Journals, for instance, had published a study that was conducted in 2017. It states that around 19.0% of all fertility cycles would cause live birth if the used egg is not frozen. The frozen non-donor segment, on the other hand, currently holds the second position owing to its cost-effective nature as compared to those cycles that use fresh embryos or eggs. The rest of the segments would also exhibit a healthy CAGR in the coming years. Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/assisted-reproductive-technology-art-market-101811 Europe to Dominate: Increasing Prevalence of Fertility to Favor Growth The assisted reproductive technologies market is geographically segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Out of these, Europe had acquired USD 8.78 billion ART market revenue in 2018. It is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forthcoming years. This growth is attributable to the rising incidence of infertility that is further leading to increasing demand for ART procedures. North America is anticipated to showcase a notable CAGR in the coming years owing to the rising adoption of fertility services amongst the masses residing in the U.S. Also, the increasing utilization of novel technology equipped services, as well as high disposable income, are responsible for healthy growth in this region. Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is expected to grow significantly by registering a higher CAGR and fertility services market share by 2026. It is attributable to the reduction in the socio-ethical stigma amongst the masses as well as the rising incidence of infertility. Silverfleet Capital Partners Acquires a Major Stake of CARE Fertility to Fortify its Position in the Global Market April 2019: Silverfleet Capital Partners, a private equity firm, based in U.K, announced that it has successfully acquired a major stake of CARE Fertility, UK's leading fertility services provider. The main aim of this acquisition was to strengthen the former's presence in UK by gaining access to a ton of experiences from CARE Fertility. It would also aid the company in providing its customers a complete patient care and technologically advanced treatments. List of the reputed companies present in the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Market are: CARE Fertility Monash IVF Group Bloom IVF Centre Carolinas Fertility Institute California Cryobank European Sperm Bank INVO Bioscience Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. Other key market players Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/assisted-reproductive-technology-art-market-101811 Detailed Table of Content: Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Prevalence of Infertility, By Key Regions/Countries, 2018 Number of Registered Fertility Clinics for Key Countries Technological Advancements in ART procedures Key Industry Developments - Partnerships, Mergers and Acquisitions Global Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2015-2026 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Technique In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Artificial Insemination (AI-IUI) Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Procedure Fresh Donor Fresh Non-donor Frozen Donor Frozen Non-donor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By End User Hospitals Fertility Clinics Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa TOC Continued.! Reasons to Purchase this Report Comprehensive analysis of the global ART market growth drivers, obstacles, opportunities, and other related challenges. Tracks the developments, such as new product launches, agreements, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansions, and joint ventures. Identifies market restraints and boosters. Identifies all the possible segments present in the market to aid organizations in strategic business planning. Order Single User License Copy >>>> https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/101811 Have a Look at Related Reports: Contract Research Organization (CRO) Services Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis By Service Type (Discovery, Pre-Clinical, Clinical, Laboratory Services), By Application (Oncology, Cardiology, Infectious Disease, Metabolic Disorders, Others), By End User (Pharmaceutical & Biotechnological Companies, Medical Device Companies, Academic & Research Institutes, Others), and Regional Forecast 2019-2026 Dialysis Equipment Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis By Dialysis Equipment Type (HemoDialysis Equipment, Peritoneal Dialysis Equipment), By End User (Dialysis Centers and Hospitals, Home Healthcare), and Regional Forecast 2018-2025 Contraceptive Pills Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Combination Pills and Progestin-only Pills), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Clinics, Online Channel, Public Channel & NGO, and Others) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Anticoagulants Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Disease Indication (Pulmonary Embolism (PE), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Attacks, Others), By Route of Administration (Oral, Injectable), By Distribution Channel (Hospitals Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies, Others) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Germany Pneumococcal Vaccines Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (PCV10, PCV13, and PPSV23), By End User (Hospitals, Clinics, and Others) and Region Forecast, 2019-2026 Preeclampsia Diagnostics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Test Type (Blood Tests and Urine Analysis), By Product (Instruments and Consumables) End-user (Hospitals, Specialty Clinics, Diagnostic Centers, and Others) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Telemedicine Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis By Type (Products, Services), By Application (Teleradiology, Telepathology, Teledermatology, Telepsychiatry, Telecardiology, Others), By Modality (Store-and-forward (Asynchronous), Real-time (Synchronous), Others), By End User (Healthcare Facilities, Homecare), and Regional Forecast 2019-2026 About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Our reports contain a unique mix of tangible insights and qualitative analysis to help companies achieve sustainable growth. Our team of experienced analysts and consultants use industry-leading research tools and techniques to compile comprehensive market studies, interspersed with relevant data. At Fortune Business Insights we aim at highlighting the most lucrative growth opportunities for our clients. We, therefore, offer recommendations, making it easier for them to navigate through technological and market-related changes. Our consulting services are designed to help organizations identify hidden opportunities and understand prevailing competitive challenges. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 308, Supreme Headquarters, Survey No. 36, Baner, Pune-Bangalore Highway, Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US :+1-424-253-0390 UK: +44-2071-939123 APAC: +91-744-740-1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Website https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1063281/Assisted_Reproductive_Technologies.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/881202/Fortune_Business_Insights_Logo.jpg Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj arrived in Brussels on Wednesday for talks with the EU leadership. His visit comes a day after the European Union called on Turkey to end "interference" with conflicts in Libya. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkish soldiers were "already going gradually" to Libya. He said Turkish soldiers were tasked with "coordination" at a command centre. : KfW, a German development bank, will assist the Andhra Pradesh government with a Rs 711 crore loan for expanding the climate-resilient Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in the state over the next five years. The state government will spend another Rs 304 crore on the project under which 2.39 lakh farmers in 591 village panchayats will be encouraged to take up ZBNF, Agriculture Minister K Kanna Babu said. KfW Director Christoph Kessler, Andhra Pradesh Special Chief Secretary (Agriculture) Poonam Malakondaiah and Rythu Sadhikara Samstha co-vice-chairman T Vijay Kumar signed the project agreement in the presence of Babu here on Wednesday. The ZBNF project is being undertaken by the state government, dovetailing the Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) of the Centre, with the Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives extending technical support. It has already launched ZBNF is over 3,011 villages covering an extent of 1.28 lakh hectares. With the German financial assistance, the project will be scaled up to touch two lakh hectares. KfW will also provide a Rs 7.9 crore grant for financing independent verification, and audit; baseline-midline-end line review and evaluation and related studies of the ZBNF project, according to the Agriculture Minister. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Submitted to the Tribune UPPER THUMB -- The American Red Cross will have a number of blood donation opportunities returning to the Thumb. They include: Huron County, Bad Axe Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 12:30 to 6:15 p.m., Bad Axe Knights of Columbus, 1038 S. Van Dyke Road Wednesday, January 29 from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Bad Axe High School, 200 N. Barrie Road Sanilac County, Brown City Tuesday, January 21 from 12:30 to 6:15 p.m., Brown City Missionary Church, 8935 Burnside Rd. Tuscola County, Caro Monday, January 20 from 12 to 5:45 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, 503 S. State Street All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/08/2020 -- The research study presented here is a brilliant compilation of different types of analysis of critical aspects of the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market. It sheds light on how the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market is expected to grow during the course of the forecast period. With SWOT analysis and Porter's Five Forces analysis, it gives a deep explanation of the strengths and weaknesses of the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market and different players operating therein. The authors of the report have also provided qualitative and quantitative analyses of several microeconomic and macroeconomic factors impacting the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market. In addition, the research study helps to understand the changes in the industry supply chain, manufacturing process and cost, sales scenarios, and dynamics of the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market. Get PDF template of this report: https://www.qyresearch.com/sample-form/form/1378613/global-resistance-spot-welding-machines-market Key Players Mentioned in the Global Resistance Spot Welding Machines Market Research Report: Lincoln Electric, Illinois Tool Works Inc, Fronius, Centerline (Windsor) Limited, Obara, ESAB, ARO Welding Technologies SAS, Ador, IDEAL, Amada Miyachi America, Inc., Chowel, DECA Each player studied in the report is profiled while taking into account its production, market value, sales, gross margin, market share, recent developments, and marketing and business strategies. Besides giving a broad study of the drivers, restraints, trends, and opportunities of the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market, the report offers an individual, detailed analysis of important regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Furthermore, important segments of the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market are studied in great detail with key focus on their market share, CAGR, and other vital factors. Global Resistance Spot Welding Machines Market by Type: Single-phase Power Frequency Spot Welder Three-phase Low-frequency Spot Welder Global Resistance Spot Welding Machines Market by Application: Automotive Industry Heavy Equipment Aerospace Defense Table of Contents Industry Overview: The first section of the research study touches on an overview of the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market, market status and outlook, and product scope. Additionally, it provides highlights of key segments of the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market, i.e. regional, type, and application segments. Competition Analysis: Here, the report brings to light important mergers and acquisitions, business expansions, product or service differences, market concentration rate, the competitive status of the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market, and market size by player. Company Profiles and Key Data: This section deals with the company profiling of leading players of the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market on the basis of revenue, products, business, and other factors mentioned earlier. Market Size by Type and Application: Besides offering a deep analysis of the size of the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market by type and application, this section provides a study on top end users or consumers and potential applications. North America Market: Here, the report explains the changes in the market size of North America by application and player. Europe Market: This section of the report shows how the size of the Europe market will change in the next few years. China Market: It gives analysis of the China market and its size for all the years of the forecast period. Rest of Asia Pacific Market: The Rest of Asia Pacific market is analyzed in quite some detail here on the basis of application and player. Central and South America Market: The report explains the changes in the size of the Central and South America market by player and application. MEA Market: This section shows how the size of the MEA market will change during the course of the forecast period. Market Dynamics: Here, the report deals with the drivers, restraints, challenges, trends, and opportunities of the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market. This section also includes the Porter's Five Forces analysis. Research Findings and Conclusion: It gives powerful recommendations for new as well as established players for securing a position of strength in the global Resistance Spot Welding Machines market. Methodology and Data Source: This section includes the authors list, a disclaimer, research approach, and data sources. Get Complete Report in your Inbox within 24 hours (USD 3,350): https://www.qyresearch.com/settlement/pre/470e0f118bf0a509349473b9e259739d,0,1,Global-Resistance-Spot-Welding-Machines-Market-Report-History-and-Forecast-Breakdown-Data-by-Manufacturers-Key-Regions-Types-and-Applicatio About QYResearch QYResearch always pursuits high product quality with the belief that quality is the soul of business. Through years of effort and supports from the huge number of customer support, the QYResearch consulting group has accumulated creative design methods on many high-quality markets investigation and research team with rich experience. Today, QYResearch has become the brand of quality assurance in the consulting industry. Dutch police arrested a man who acted "aggressively" and was heard shouting Allahu Akbar on a train from Amsterdam to Paris Wednesday, causing the train to be halted. No weapons were found and no one was injured in the incident on the high-speed Thalys train, said police in the port city of Rotterdam where the train stopped. "In the train from Amsterdam to Paris, a 28-year-old man behaved aggressively this morning. Travellers heard the man shouting 'Allahu Akbar', and panic broke out briefly," the police said on Twitter. "The man has been arrested and the police are investigating the case. No injuries and no weapons were found." Dutch broadcaster NOS quoted police as saying that the man "behaved confused and shouted strange things." Dutch railway operator NS was quoted by local media as saying the train, which left Amsterdam at 6:15 am (0515 GMT), continued on its way after a half-hour delay. In 2015 a Moroccan jihadist armed with guns and a box cutter attacked people on a Thalys from Amsterdam to Paris before being tackled by three Americans on holiday. The attacker, Ayoub El Khazzani, acted under the orders of Abdelhamid Abaaoud, who later went on to plan the Paris attacks in November 2015, investigators say. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Geneva, Switzerland, January 8, 2020 - Addex Therapeutics (SIX: ADXN), a leading allosteric modulation-based drug discovery and development company, today announced that members of its management team: CEO, Tim Dyer, CMO, Roger Mills and head of drug discovery biology, Robert Lutjens will be attending the 38 th J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference , January 13 -16, 2020 at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, USA. The annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference is the largest and most informative healthcare investment symposium in the industry, bringing together approximately 10,000 industry leaders, emerging fast-growth companies, innovative technology creators, and members of the investment community. Addex team will be conducting one-on-one meetings during the week of the conference. If you would like to schedule a meeting, send a request to investors@addextherapeutics.com . About Addex Therapeutics Addex Therapeutics B B Tim Dyer Chief Executive Officer Telephone: +41 22 884 15 61 Email: PR@addextherapeutics.com Mike Sinclair Partner, Halsin Partners +44 (0)20 7318 2955 msinclair@halsin.com is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of an emerging class of novel orally available small molecule drugs known as allosteric modulators for neurological disorders. Allosteric modulators offer several potential advantages over conventional non-allosteric molecules and may offer an improved therapeutic approach to conventional "orthosteric" small molecule or biological drugs. Addex's allosteric modulator drug discovery platform targets receptors and other proteins that are recognized as essential for therapeutic intervention. Addex's lead drug candidate, dipraglurant (mGlu5 negative allosteric modulator or NAM), has successfully completed a Phase 2a POC in Parkinson's disease levodopa-induced dyskinesia (PD-LID), and is being prepared to enter registration trials for PD-LID. In parallel, dipraglurant's therapeutic use in dystonia is being investigated in preclinical models. Addex's second clinical program, ADX71149 (mGlu2 positive allosteric modulator or PAM) is being developed in collaboration with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc for the treatment of epilepsy. In addition, Addex's GABAPAM program has been licensed to Indivior PLC for the treatment of addiction. Preclinical programs include GABAPAM for CMT1A, mGlu7 NAM for PTSD, mGlu2 NAM for mild neurocognitive disorders, mGlu4 PAM for Parkinson's disease and mGlu3 PAM for neurodegenerative disorders. Disclaimer / Forward-looking statements: This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Addex Therapeutics Ltd. and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction. This document does not constitute a prospectus according to art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of obligations or art. 27 et seq. of the Swiss Exchange Listing Rules. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements concerning the Company and its business, including with respect to the potential listing of the Company's securities in the United States. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements; the listing of the Company's securities in the United States remains subject to approval by regulatory authorities. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) If you are from Paranaque City, you might want to start looking for reusable bags to haul your groceries home. This is because the local government announced in a Facebook post Tuesday that it passed an ordinance regulating the use, provision and sale of styrofoam, plastic bags and plastic for prepared food and beverage containers and prescribing penalties thereof. This means that starting in June, the city will no longer allow stores and restaurants to use plastic bags, and disposable straws and cutlery. Paranaque joins Muntinlupa, Pasig, Makati, Las Pinas, Quezon City and Pasay in restricting plastic use in trade in place of a nationwide ban and regulation. Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte floated the idea to ban the use of plastics in one of their Cabinet meetings, according to his spokesman Salvador Panelo. A number of bills to stop the use of single-use plastics have been filed in Congress. According to ocean conservation group Oceana, an estimated 78 million tons of plastic packaging produced yearly end up in oceans, threatening marine life and food security. FILE PHOTO: The GM logo is seen at the General Motors Warren Transmission Operations Plant in Warren, Michigan SHANGHAI (Reuters) - General Motors Co's vehicle sales in China fell for a second year as overall auto sales declined amid a slowing economy and because of competition in the key mid-priced sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment. Sales in 2019 fell 15% from a year earlier to 3.09 million vehicles, GM, China's second-biggest foreign automaker, said in a statement. The company delivered 3.65 million vehicles in 2018 and 4.04 million units in 2017. GM has a Shanghai-based joint venture with SAIC Motor Corp <600104.SS>, in which the Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicle brands are made. It also has another Liuzhou-based venture, with SAIC and Guangxi Automobile Group, in which they make no-frills minivans and have started to make higher-end cars. Sales of GM's affordable Baojun brand dropped 27.6% for the latest quarter, while sales of mass-market Chevrolet tumbled 20.1% and Buick fell 16.7%, the statement said. But luxury brand Cadillac's sales increased 3.9%. GM is focused on bolstering its product lineup and improving cost efficiency, Matt Tsien, GM executive vice president and president of GM China, said in the statement. "We expect the market downturn to continue in 2020, and anticipate ongoing headwinds in our China business," Tsien added. China's auto market is set to contract by 2% in 2020, the third year of declines, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers has forecast, because of the weaker economy and the trade dispute with the United States. Over 28 million units were sold in 2018, down 3% from the prior year, while 2019 sales are expected to decline 8% from the prior year, according to the CAAM. The CAAM will announce 2019 full year sales next week. (Reporting by Yilei Sun and Brenda Goh in Shanghai; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Christian Schmollinger) (Newser) "My American dream was to go to Walt Disney World," Aena Drone, who came to the US from Pakistan as a child, tells the New York Times. As of this month, it's safe to say she has long surpassed that dream. The 36-year-old is one of 14 people selected from 10,000 applicants to join 28 returning members as the 2020 Disney Parks Moms Panel, a group of experts who assist travelers in planning Disney vacations. None of the panelists are paidthis is meant to encourage honesty, and their workload is about 15 questions a weekthough each gets a free five-night stay for four. That's a non-issue for these Disney superfans, who have a combined 714 Disney vacations under their belts, per a release, and are expected to dedicate free time to answering questions like where to find Disney World's private nursing rooms and all those hidden Mickeys. story continues below "When my parents told me that I was moving to America from Pakistan, it was scary, but they also told me Mickey Mouse lived in America because he was my hero," says Drone. The stay-at-home mom of two boys "twice during our interview [became] so overwhelmed she started to cry," notes the Times. Tamela Hansen of Alabama, who's visited Disney World at least 100 times, said she applied to be a panelist 12 times before she was finally selected. Almost all of the new panelists serving in the year-long contractor role said they felt they were "part of the Disney family." Three are men, two are childless, and each has their own area of expertise. Some are already hard at work. (Read more Disney stories.) A former Mexican government official who was allegedly bribed by Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman is reportedly cooperating with federal prosecutors in New York. According to a court document obtained by Mexican newspaper El Universal and the New York Times, Genaro Garcia Luna could admit to having received millions of dollars from the Sinaloa Cartel while El Chapo was at the helm of the transnational criminal organization. The document states that Garcia Luna and the United States Department of Justice agreed to defer the trial which was due to begin between January 3 and January 20 so that both sides could negotiate. 'The parties seek the exclusion of the foregoing period because they are engaged in plea negotiations, which they believe are likely to result in disposition of this case without a trial,' signed court papers indicated. Genaro Garcia Luna, who was Mexico's former secretary of public security from 2006 to 2012, is in negotiations with federal United States prosecutors after he was arrested December 10 in Dallas and charged with drug trafficking conspiracy and making false statements. Garcia Luna has been accused by the U.S. of taking millions of dollars in bribe payments from El Chapo's old Sinaloa Cartel and protecting the group The documents were signed January 3, the same day the 51-year-old entered a not guilty please through his translator at a hearing in federal court in Brooklyn. The U.S. Department of Justice said Garcia Luna took in millions of dollars to protect the Sinaloa Cartel and allowed it operate with impunity. While Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman (pictured) was in control of the Sinaloa Cartel, his organization allegedly paid millions of dollars to Genaro Garcia Luna, a former top Mexican government official U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo ordered Garcia Luna detained after Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Reid called him an 'unacceptable risk of flight', citing his alleged contacts with the Sinaloa cartel. The defendant's court-appointed lawyer said he would seek bail later. Garcia Luna, who had moved to Florida and was living there before his arrest, has been charged with drug trafficking conspiracy and making false statements, and faces up to life in prison if convicted. He was arrested December 9 in Dallas but agreed to face the charges in Brooklyn, where El Chapo was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole last year for smuggling tons of drugs to the United States in a colorful, decades-long career. Genaro Garcia Luna (right) reportedly received a suitcase containing $3 million in 2005 or 2006, and got another $3 million to $5 million in 2007 from an associate of El Chapo Garcia Luna wore handcuffs, tan pants and a gray sweatshirt in the courtroom, with a pair of glasses hanging from his neckline. Kuo agreed to delay the case so the parties could negotiate what Reid called a 'potential disposition' without the need for a trial, language that often signals a future guilty plea. A lawyer for Garcia Luna who could not attend Friday's hearing did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan, who oversaw El Chapo's trial, scheduled a Jan. 21 status conference for Garcia Luna. Once considered a leader in Mexico's efforts to reduce drug trafficking, Garcia Luna led that country's Federal Investigation Agency from 2001 to 2005 and was secretary of public security from 2006 to 2012. But prosecutors said the Sinaloa Cartel bribed Garcia Luna throughout his time in government to ensure safe passage for its drugs, and to obtain information about rival cartels and Mexican probes into its activities. Garcia Luna had been the subject of testimony at El Chapo's trial by Jesus Zambada, the brother of the jailed drug kingpin's partner Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada. Jesus Zambada said he had given Garcia Luna a suitcase containing $3 million in 2005 or 2006, and paid him another $3 million to $5 million in 2007. Garcia Luna at the time rejected the accusations, calling them 'defamation' and without proof. US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House (Evan Vucci/AP) The US and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war as President Donald Trump indicated he would not respond militarily after no-one was harmed in Irans missile strike on two Iraqi bases housing US troops. Speaking from the White House, Mr Trump seemed intent on de-escalating the crisis, which reached a new height after he authorised the targeted killing last week of General Qassem Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Quds Force. Iran retaliated overnight with its most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the US embassy in Tehran, firing more than a dozen missiles from its territory at the US installations. Mr Trump credited an early warning system that worked very well for the fact that no Americans or Iraqis were killed. He added that Americans should be extremely grateful and happy with the outcome. Mr Trump, facing one of the greatest tests of his presidency, said Iran appeared to be standing down and said the US response would be to put in place new economic sanctions until Iran changes its behaviour. The strikes had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and put the worlds attention on Mr Trump as he weighed whether to respond with more military force. The Republican president delivered his remarks surrounded by his national security advisers in the foyer of the White House. It came after a late-night tweet in which he insisted All is well! after the strikes. For days, Iran had promised to respond forcefully to Gen Soleimanis killing, but its limited strike on two bases one in the northern Iraqi city in Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq appeared to signal that it was also uninterested in a wider clash with the US. Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the country had concluded proportionate measures in self-defence. Mr Trump, who is facing re-election in November, campaigned for president on a promise to keep the United States from engaging in endless war. Speaking on Wednesday, he said the United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. Mr Trump opened his remarks by reiterating his promise that Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, even as the country announced in the wake of Gen Soleimanis killing that it would no longer comply with any of the 2015 nuclear deals limits on enrichment that had been put in place to prevent it from building a nuclear device. Expand Close US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House (Evan Vucci/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House (Evan Vucci/AP) But he seized on the at least temporary moment of calm to call for new nuclear negotiations to replace the 2015 deal from which he withdrew the US, objecting that it did not limit Irans ballistic missile programmes or constrain its regional proxy campaigns like those led by Gen Soleimani. The president spoke directly to Iran, saying: We want you to have a future and a great future. Mr Trump also announced he would ask Nato to become much more involved in the Middle East process. While he has frequently criticised Nato as obsolete and has encouraged participants to increase their military spending, Mr Trump has sought to have the military alliance refocus its efforts on modern threats. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a joint statement had warned that the further use of force would lead to a new cycle of instability and would eventually damage everyones interests. However, in the hours before the missile strikes, Mr Trump warned: If Iran does anything that they shouldnt be doing, theyre going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly. And Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking on Wednesday, said the strike was not necessarily the totality of Irans response. Expand Close The air base after Irans missile attack on January 8 (Planet Labs Inc/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The air base after Irans missile attack on January 8 (Planet Labs Inc/PA) Last night they received a slap, Ayatollah Khamenei said. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end. Gen Soleimanis death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets to mourn him. The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles in the latest strikes, two US officials said. Ten hit the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region while four failed, said the officials. The Block's Scott Cam has narrowly avoided losing his holiday home near Mollymook, on the NSW South Coast, as bushfires continue to ravage the country. Staying behind to defend the property over the New Year's period, the TV presenter frantically prepped the coastal property for the worst as his three children fled. Speaking to 9Now on Tuesday, Scott said: 'We were ready to go and had an exit plan to get to Mollymook beach, but just luckily that didn't happen.' Scroll down for video 'The flames were about to jump': The Block's Scott Cam has revealed the frightening battle he endured to defend his NSW holiday home, near Mollymook, from the Australian bushfires 'The flames were on the other side of the Narrawallee inlet and they were about to jump, and the southerly turned them around,' Scott said of his lucky near-miss. Ensuring he was ready to evacuate at any moment, Scott said he had a mattress packed into the tray of his ute in case he needed to sleep in it while defending the property or escaping the area. The Gold Logie-winning presenter prepped the property by setting up sprinklers on the roofs and weighing them down. 'I didn't really turn them on until Saturday afternoon when the southerly came, because we were waiting for embers to come at that point, so I only turned them on for a short time. 'They're still there now up on the roofs, ready to go and we have a generator set up for power and stuff like that,' he said. 'We were lucky': Scott narrowly avoided losing his holiday home near Mollymook after spending the New Year's period at the property with his family (Pictured on December 29) 'We were ready to go and had an exit plan': Scott ensured his three children fled the location early as he stayed behind to defend the property with a mattress in his ute for a quick escape Scott's property portfolio is estimated to be worth around $10million. His portfolio includes a $5million Vaucluse mansion, a $2million renovated home in Rosebery, a property at a farm near Mudgee, and a coastal residence at Narrawallee on the NSW South Coast. The father of three purchased the home near Mollymook, in Narrawallee, for $670,000 in 2012. Crisis: Australia is battling raging fires across New South Wales and Victoria. Pictured: Fire impacting a property in Bilpin, NSW on December 21 An 'unprecedented' state of disaster was declared in Victoria giving the government special powers - used for the first time ever - to impose forced evacuations and give emergency services the right to take over properties. Neighboring New South Wales also announced a week-long state of emergency on January 2. The national bushfire death toll has reached 25 people and more than one billion animals, while more than 1,800 homes have also been destroyed. Devastation: The national bushfire death toll has reached 25 people and more than one billion animals. Pictured: Aerial photo of smoke in Bairnsdale, Victoria on December 30 If you'd like to donate to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief, click here. To donate to the St Vincent de Paul Society appeal for bushfire victims, click here. For donations to Victoria's Country Fire Authority click here and here for the NSW Rural Fire Service. To donate to Foodbank click here and here for the World Wildlife Fund. Hours before Iran launched a missile attack on U.S. troops in Iraq, Vladimir Putin visited Syria to huddle with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad over the mounting U.S.-Iran crisis. Russia has repeatedly condemned the U.S. airstrikes that killed Iranian Major Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Its fair to assume that leaders in Moscow are seeking to turn the situation to their advantage. Relations between Washington and Tehran have deteriorated since the onset of the Syrian conflict and even more so since President Donald Trumps withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. At the same time, Russia and Iran have grown closer through military cooperation in Syria. Moscows expanding influence in Syria suggests that a conflict between the United States and Iran could advance Russias power and reputation in the region. At the very least, Russia will be able to paint the United States as an erratic aggressor, leading regional actors and international allies to question cooperation with Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has helped the Assad regime maintain control in Syria, even as the U.S. and its NATO allies demanded Assads ouster. As the U.S. pulls back from Syria, Assad and Russia remain in control. Russias backing of Assad began as a quest to undermine U.S. interests and gain influence in the Middle East. More than four years later, Russias triumphs from that conflict include drawing Turkey away from its NATO allies, building a reputation as a valuable foreign backer, and emerging as a kingmakerall at the expense of the United States. The Soleimani strike contributes to Russias goals of driving a wedge between Washington and its partners and advancing global perceptions of the United States as volatile and belligerent. Poorly reasoned U.S. foreign policy decisions, such as, most recently, abandoning Kurdish partners in Syria, helped create a power vacuum that Russia has stepped in to fill. Fridays strikesand every Trump administration action taken sincewill likely improve Russias position in Syria and the broader region. Iraqs government is outraged by what it views as a U.S. violation of its sovereignty, with the Iraqi prime minister calling the strike a flagrant violation of the conditions authorizing the presence of U.S. troops. Iraq could soon expel U.S. forces from the country in response. With no troops in Iraq, the United States will find it hard to sustain a presence in Syria. That void would create more maneuverability for Moscow in the regionessentially, cementing its position as a regional power broker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond strengthening Russias position, the Soleimani strike contributes to Russias goals of driving a wedge between Washington and its partners and advancing global perceptions of the United States as volatile and belligerent. Moscow has already succeeded in undermining U.S. relations with Middle Eastern allies. The prime example is Turkey: Although Russia and Turkey were on opposite sides of the conflict in Syria, they now jointly control operations in the north of the country after a remarkable Oct. 22 agreement between Washington and Ankara to establish a Syria Safe Zone and the withdrawal of U.S. troops. In reaction to Soleimanis death, Turkey released a statement that it opposes foreign interventions, assassinations and sectarian conflicts in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Moscow could also benefit if the U.S. strikes create more disunity between Washington and its European allies. Numerous U.S. decisions in the Middle East have frustrated allies, particularly its withdrawal from the nuclear deal. Reports suggest that the Trump administration even failed to warn Britain and other allies ahead of the strikes on Soleimani. If Washington does not heed its allies calls for immediate de-escalation, the United States could find itself further isolated on the world stage. Advertisement Washington could incur additional damage to its relationships with European allies if Iran now hastens its pursuit of a nuclear weapon as a result of the strikes. Iran announced Sunday it would stop obeying all restrictions imposed by the Iran deal on its nuclear activities. Russia has been a vocal critic of the U.S. decision to withdraw from the deal and instead mount a maximum pressure campaign against Iran. In fact, Moscows position has placed it on the same side as European powers like France and Germany opposing the U.S. decision to reimpose sanctions. Russia has worked with France and Germany to sidestep U.S. sanctions to keep Iran in the deal. Consequently, Russia is ideally situated to emphasize its efforts to maintain the agreement and blame Washington for pushing Iran toward a nuclear bomb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, there are major downsides for Russia from a U.S.-Iran conflict in the Middle East. A proxy conflict could stress Russian forces in Syria, especially if Israel escalates its strikes against Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah, which vowed to revenge Soleimanis death. Furthermore, any Iranian progress toward nuclear breakout surely would destabilize the region, complicating Russias ability to control the situation in Syria. Finally, if Russia cooperates too closely with Iran, it will attract criticism from other Middle Eastern partners. For a while it seemed that Trump was trying to fulfill his campaign promise of a reduced U.S. presence in the Middle East. Now, it seems as if hes trying to draw the country into another prolonged quagmirewhether as a distraction from impeachment proceedings or to force Iran to the negotiating table, it is too early to tell. Russia, on the other hand, is left with the enviable position of capitalizing on the turbulent behavior of the United States in the Middle East, regardless of whether the United States and Iran go to war. Ultimately, U.S. actions will strengthen Russian leadership: first, by removing American competition, and second, by turning regional and global sentiment against the United States. Provided Moscow continues cooperating with all regional states and maintains stability in Syrian territory where Russian forces are present, Russia stands a good chance of supplanting U.S. influence in the Middle Eastno matter what happens next. The press briefing in Hanoi (Source: cand.com.vn) The event will also offer high-quality food and products from France at reasonable prices. The information has revealed by French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery at a press briefing on the festival in Hanoi. The event will feature about 40 pavilions set up by prestigious hotels, restaurants, and food and wine importers from France such as Press Club, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Red Apron, Chocolat Marou, Saint Honore, Lu, and Fabrik. Many artists of Vietnam and France will perform at the event, creating a music party for visitors. French movies will be screened. In addition, diverse cultural activities such as street music and games will be held. The first "Balade en France" was held in Hanoi in 2018./. His legal situation became more precarious, however, after his wife pleaded guilty in June to one count of conspiring with him to spend campaign funds for personal use. As part of the deal, Margaret Hunter agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and testify against her husband. The city will get its second crisis centre for survivors of sexual abuse and other crimes against women. The proposed centre at Sir JJ Hospital in Byculla, which was recently approved by the state women and child welfare department, will start services by March. King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, Parel, already has a crisis centre. The Nirbhaya Centre will have experts to provide legal, medical, and psychological aid to survivors of gender-based abuse. The centre will also have a forensic expert to help police in gathering evidence against the perpetrators of such crimes. We are trying to establish a one-stop crisis centre in all state-level district hospitals. In the second stage, we will focus on starting the centres at secondary-level hospitals, said a senior official from the state women and child welfare department. In 2014, the Union woman and child welfare department instructed all states to establish one such centre in each district. The state government-run Sir JJ Hospital receives over 2,000 cases of violence against women, including cases under the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, every year. We will not only assist rape survivors but handle cases of domestic violence, acid attack, and other forms of abuse against women. We will have psychiatrists, medicine specialists, gynaecologists, along with forensic experts to examine the women, said Dr Pallavi Saple, dean of the hospital. Officials assured that the anonymity of patients will be maintained at the centre. To provide legal aid, the centre plans to tie up with a non-government organisation (NGO). Neena More from the Society for Nutrition, Education & Health Action (Sneha), that is handling the cases at KEM Hospital, said, When a woman comes to us, we inform the police and provide all medical examinations. Our priority is to counsel the women and help them to handle the trauma. In September 2019, KEM Hospital started citys first one-stop crisis centre which was inaugurated by Union women and child development minister Smriti Irani. Photo: Chef Jun/Yelp Curious where San Diego's in-the-know crowd is eating and drinking? It's easy to spot lines out the door, but some underlying trends are harder to see. We took a data-driven look at the question, using Yelp to discover which local businesses have been most discussed this month. To find out who made the list, we looked at San Diego businesses on Yelp by category and counted how many reviews each received. Rather than compare them based on number of reviews alone, we calculated a percentage increase in reviews over the past month, and tracked businesses that consistently increased their volume of reviews to identify statistically significant outliers compared to past performance. Read on to see which spots are extra cool this winter. San Diego Sliders photo: san diego sliders/yelp Open since late November, this traditional American spot, which offers burgers, sandwiches, milkshakes and more, is trending compared to other businesses in the same category on Yelp. Citywide, such spots saw a median 1.1% increase in new reviews over the past month. San Diego Sliders only recently appeared on Yelp, but while many new businesses struggle to gain reviews, it has seen strong initial popularity. If you're curious about specialties, the restaurant "offers more than 30 varieties of mini-sandwiches and burgers, including classic cheeseburger, sloppy Joe, chipotle salmon, spicy Philly steak, garlic bread meatball, Hawaiian pulled pork and more," according to its Yelp page. Located at 909 Grand Ave. (between Bayard and Cass streets) San Diego Sliders is open from 11 a.m.9 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.8 p.m. on Sunday. Chef Jun Photo: chef jun/Yelp Whether or not you've been hearing buzz about Bay Ho's Chef Jun, the sushi bar and Japanese spot is a hot topic according to Yelp review data. While businesses categorized as "Sushi Bars" on Yelp saw a median 1.1% increase in new reviews over the past month, Chef Jun appeared on Yelp relatively recently. Many new businesses struggle to gain reviews, but it has seen a surge of interest. Story continues According to its Yelp page, "Myungchul Jun brings a mix of traditional and modern Japanese dishes and adds delicious creativity to fresh fish prepared daily." The menu features yellowtail crudo, seared scallop and tuna tataki. There's more that's trending on San Diego's sushi bar scene: Blue Ocean Sushi has seen a 65.4% increase in reviews. Open at 4033 Avati Drive (between Eichenlaub Street and Morena Boulevard) Chef Jun is open from 11:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.9:30 p.m. on Tuesday-Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.) California Fish Grill Photo: jack m./Yelp Mira Mesa's California Fish Grill, an outpost of the well-known chain, is also making waves. Open since early October at 8285 Mira Mesa Blvd., Suite 2 (between Camino Ruiz and Target Driveway), the spot to score seafood has seen a 1% increase in new reviews over the last month matching that of all businesses tagged "Seafood" on Yelp but There's more than one hot spot trending in San Diego's seafood category: Pacific Fresh Grill has seen a 20% increase in reviews. California Fish Grill's dishes include Cajun rainbow trout, salmon, shrimp and fish and chips, as well as tacos, bowls and salads. Over the past month, it's maintained a strong four-star rating among Yelpers. California Fish Grill is open from 11 a.m.9 p.m. on Sunday-Wednesday and 11 a.m.9:30 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday. Tamales Brenda's photo: desean a./yelp Tamales Brenda's is the city's buzziest Mexican spot by the numbers. The Mexican food stand, which offers tamales, elotes (grilled corn) and more, opened at 2815 Imperial Ave. (between 29th and 28th streets) in Logan Heights in summer 2017. It increased its new review count by 47.5% over the past month, an outlier when compared to the median new review count of 1.3% for the Yelp category "Mexican." It outperformed the previous month by gaining 6.3 times more reviews than expected based on past performance. It's not the only trending outlier in the Mexican category: Los Panchos Tacos & Cantina has seen a 36.4% increase in reviews. Tamales Brenda's is open from 6:30 p.m.midnight on Friday-Sunday. (It's closed on Monday-Thursday.) The PurpleMint Kitchen Photo: nu nu l./Yelp Morena's The PurpleMint Kitchen is currently on the upswing in the vegan category on Yelp. While businesses of that type saw a median 0.9% increase in new reviews over the past month, this vegan spot, which offers salads and soups, increased its new reviews by 45.5% and kept its rating consistent at 4.5 stars. Open for business at 5299 Linda Vista Road (between Mollie and Metro streets) since early October, The PurpleMint Kitchen entrees include lemongrass "beef," "chicken" or tofu, as well as yam and sweet potato curry, fried rice and more. The PurpleMint Kitchen is open from 11 a.m.3 p.m. and 5 p.m.9 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.9 p.m. on weekends. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. photo of jack gross by Stephen Voss En espanol | Jack Gross name has become synonymous with the difficulty of fighting age discrimination in the workplace. In 2004, Gross, then a 55-year-old insurance executive, filed an age discrimination lawsuit against his employer, FBL Financial Group, after he was demoted from his position as claims administration director. Gross case was ultimately appealed to the Supreme Court. The landmark 2009 decision not only went against him but established a legal precedent, making it much tougher to bring a successful case under the 1967 Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Before Gross case, workers needed to prove only that age was a motivating factor in an action that harmed their employment. Since Gross case, employees have had to prove that age was the deciding factor. Lawyers say that's much more difficult to prove in court, and it has kept many older workers from pressing discrimination cases against their employers. A decade after the Supreme Court decision, Gross, now 71, has had a lot of time to think. Despite the lingering impact of his case, he still believes he did the right thing. A lot of people are being hurt based on my case, he says. That's my big regret. But if I had to do it over again, I am fairly confident I would come to the same decision today." The problems started for Gross when he and several other older workers at FBL Financial Group were demoted. Gross did not lose his job, but the title change meant his career would be in a holding pattern, and lesser pay increases would mean his retirement package would be worth less. Andy Pendlebury has been the CEO of RTC Group plc (LON:RTC) since 2007. This report will, first, examine the CEO compensation levels in comparison to CEO compensation at companies of similar size. After that, we will consider the growth in the business. And finally - as a second measure of performance - we will look at the returns shareholders have received over the last few years. This process should give us an idea about how appropriately the CEO is paid. View our latest analysis for RTC Group How Does Andy Pendlebury's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies? According to our data, RTC Group plc has a market capitalization of UK8.2m, and paid its CEO total annual compensation worth UK482k over the year to December 2018. While this analysis focuses on total compensation, it's worth noting the salary is lower, valued at UK260k. We looked at a group of companies with market capitalizations under UK152m, and the median CEO total compensation was UK252k. As you can see, Andy Pendlebury is paid more than the median CEO pay at companies of a similar size, in the same market. However, this does not necessarily mean RTC Group plc is paying too much. We can better assess whether the pay is overly generous by looking into the underlying business performance. The graphic below shows how CEO compensation at RTC Group has changed from year to year. AIM:RTC CEO Compensation, January 8th 2020 Is RTC Group plc Growing? RTC Group plc has increased its earnings per share (EPS) by an average of 15% a year, over the last three years (using a line of best fit). In the last year, its revenue is up 19%. Overall this is a positive result for shareholders, showing that the company has improved in recent years. It's a real positive to see this sort of growth in a single year. That suggests a healthy and growing business. We don't have analyst forecasts, but you might want to assess this data-rich visualization of earnings, revenue and cash flow. Has RTC Group plc Been A Good Investment? Story continues Most shareholders would probably be pleased with RTC Group plc for providing a total return of 41% over three years. So they may not be at all concerned if the CEO were to be paid more than is normal for companies around the same size. In Summary... We examined the amount RTC Group plc pays its CEO, and compared it to the amount paid by similar sized companies. Our data suggests that it pays above the median CEO pay within that group. However, the earnings per share growth over three years is certainly impressive. In addition, shareholders have done well over the same time period. So, considering this good performance, the CEO compensation may be quite appropriate. If you think CEO compensation levels are interesting you will probably really like this free visualization of insider trading at RTC Group. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. A group of Indigenous women is fighting fires in eastern Victoria with their own brigade. Charmaine Sellings, 52, set up the Lakes Tyers Aboriginal Trust Country Fire Authority 20 years ago. She and a few friends were spurred into action after a house in their town burned down because the nearest fire truck took 45 minutes to get there. Charmaine Sellings (right) and her friend Rhonda Thorpe (left) set up the Lakes Tyers Aboriginal Trust Country Fire Authority 20 years ago Now a grandmother-of-three, Ms Sellings (pictured) is still fighting fires with the team Locals called them the Banana Women because of their bright yellow outfits - and the name stuck. Now a grandmother-of-three, Ms Sellings is still fighting fires with the team. The permanent members are three women and one man but others help out when they can. The fully-trained team has fought the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009 as well as blazes in Wilsons Promontory National Park and the town of Omeo. They drive fire trucks and use power tools including chainsaws to clear bush tracks. In recent weeks they have been on high alert as east Gippsland bushfires ravaged land just 20km from their homes. In an interview with Women's Weekly, Ms Sellings said her group is widely appreciated by locals. 'There was a sense of helplessness before we came along but we feel empowered that we can look after ourselves and our people whatever the situation,' she said. The fully-trained team has fought the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009. Pictured: Charmaine Sellings (left) and her friend Rhonda Thorpe Pictured: Charmaine Sellings (right) and her friend Rhonda Thorpe with their painted truck 'The community is proud of us and they value us.' Seven years ago the women allowed a 'fella' called Julien 'Tiny' Edwards to permanently join the team. Ms Sellings said that men have always been welcome and a few have dipped in and out over the years. 'Every now and then a fella comes along but they don't seem to last too long. I don't think they like taking orders from me,' she joked. We feel empowered that we can look after ourselves Charmaine Sellings The group of firefighters has been praised by Victoria's Country Fire Authority. The assistant chief fire officer for the south-east region, Trevor Owen, said it was important that brigades represent their local communities. He told the ABC: 'The CFA is made up of some 1,220 brigades. 'It's great to have local community interest in their local brigade because they know their own local community and the members within that. 'Lake Tyers Trust is a really encouraging and successful brigade for us.' It comes as Victorians are being told to heed of 'life or death' warnings as extreme fire danger returns to bushfire-ravaged regions on Friday. Calm and mild weather conditions on Thursday will give way to extreme fire danger on Friday, and authorities are urging people to brace for danger. Crews monitor fires and begin back burns between the towns of Orbost and Lakes Entrance in east Gipplsland on January 2 Premier Daniel Andrews warned people to stay alert because Thursday was likely be the last day of respite for fire-ravaged eastern Victoria. 'Messages will be sent out Thursday and Friday this week. They are about life and death, and people need to remain vigilant,' Mr Andrews said on Tuesday. 'This is not over by a long shot.' The Bureau of Meteorology on Wednesday issued an extreme fire danger warning for the north of the state on Friday, with a severe warning for the Mallee and northeast districts. Temperatures nearing 40C are also forecast in some areas on Friday, along with northerly winds, ahead of a change in the afternoon. People in Carboor and surrounding areas in the state's northeast were advised to leave late on Wednesday as spot fires from an out-of-control bushfire headed towards homes. Earlier on Wednesday, Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville had stressed that people in fire-affected areas should leave before fire conditions worsen. 'The safest place to be is outside those fire-affected areas and in built-up areas,' she told reporters. Fire and Rescue personal run to move their truck as a bushfire burns next to a major road and homes on the outskirts of the town of Bilpin on December 19 Bushfires have burnt more than 1.2 million hectares across Victoria, isolating towns and destroying hundreds of properties. Three people have died in the fires, with the third victim confirmed on Wednesday. Forest Fires Management worker Mat Kavanagh, 43, died when his vehicle crashed on the Goulburn Valley Highway on January 3. Authorities have urged the organisers of a climate protest planned for Melbourne's city centre on Friday night to postpone or call it off, or restrict it to one area. Acting Assistant Commissioner Tim Hansen claimed it was bad timing for a protest because it would stretch police resources when fire conditions are likely to worsen. But the protest's organisers, Uni Students for Climate Justice, on Wednesday doubled down on their planned protest, claiming 'huge support for a demonstration to put pressure on the government and fight for climate justice'. Meanwhile, 200 evacuees and 66 volunteer firefighters who left Mallacoota on HMAS Choules on Tuesday arrived at Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula on Wednesday afternoon. More than 4000 people were originally stuck in Mallacoota, while the final 142 believed to remain stranded are expected to be airlifted out when conditions allow. Women's Weekly is on sale now This will be the first full-year budget of the Bharatiya Janata Party led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government after returning to power in 2019 The Union Budget 2020-21 will be presented on 1 February. This will be the first full-year budget of the Bharatiya Janata Party led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government after returning to power in 2019. The Bombay Stock Exchange will remain open on the day which is a Saturday."BSE will remain open on February 1 for trading despite it being a holiday and non-working day," BSE MD and CEO Ashish Chauhan told a business news channel. Departing from the colonial-era tradition of presenting the Union Budget on the last working day of February, the Narendra Modi government in 2017 announced that it would present it on 1 February. Following this, the Union Budget for 2017-18 was presented on 1 February, and since then the tradition has continued. According to the government, the idea behind starting the Budget early in February was to complete the budgetary process by 31 March, so that expenditure exercise for 12 months could begin on 1 April itself. Finance Ministry sources had earlier indicated that the Economic Survey is likely to be presented on January 31 and the Union Budget on 1 February. PM seeks suggestions on Budget A day after the modest 5 percent growth estimates by the government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (8 January) sought to engage with the people directly on their demands, aspirations and wishes from the Union Budget in reaching towards developmental growth, according to an IANS report. The Union Budget represents the aspirations of 130 crore Indians and lays out the path towards Indias development. I invite you all to share your ideas and suggestions for this years Budget on MyGov. https://t.co/zVCL06TdLn Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2020 He also tagged the Finance Ministry -- "FinMinIndia looks forward to your suggestions for the #UnionBudget2020 which will be presented in the Parliament in the upcoming session," he said. Share your valuable ideas in the field of #Farmers, #Education & others on https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/inviting-ideas-and-suggestions-union-budget-2020-2021/ a @nsitharaman @nsitharamanoffc @ianuragthakur. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had already asked for public views on the budget earlier. Follow full coverage of Union Budget 2020-21 here In September 2018, Bill Cosby was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in prison for assaulting Andrea Constand, one of more than 50 women who came forward to accuse the actor of misconduct. But if prosecutors had waited even one more day to bring the charges, he might never have served time. Thats because in Pennsylvania, where Constand lives, the criminal statute of limitations law rules that prosecution must be initiated within 12 years of an offense. On December 30, 2015, when prosecutors charged Cosby with aggravated indecent assault against Constand in 2004, it was a race against the clock to hold him accountable. Statutes of limitations are legal time limitscaps on how much time can pass after a crime has been committed before it can no longer be prosecuted in court. Essentially, theyre an expiration date. There are two kinds of statutes of limitations for the two strains of law: criminal and civil. In a criminal case, the government files criminal charges against an accused criminal, seeking legal punishment like jail time. In a civil case, an individual files a complaint against an alleged attacker, seeking compensation. The act of rape doesnt change over timejust because a certain amount of time has passed doesnt mean that someone is less culpable. The idea behind statutes of limitations is that after a certain amount of time, evidenceboth physical and material evidence and evidence based on a persons memoriesmay not be usable or reliable. The goal of these time limits is to safeguard against unjust convictions. But these laws have also denied survivors of certain crimes in particular the chance to seek justice in court. There should be no statute of limitations on sex crimes, says Camille Cooper, the vice president of public policy at the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). The act of rape doesnt change over timejust because a certain amount of time has passed doesnt mean that someone is less culpable. Story continues The issue isnt just a matter of principle, or of payback. Criminal statutes of limitation mean that in certain cases, no matter how many accusers there are or how much evidence there is, its not possible to try the accused in court. A lot of these offenders are serial offenders, so its a public-safety issue, Cooper says. We dont want to reward a rapist for being good at not getting caught. As more survivors than ever are coming forward, reacting in part to the cultural shift caused by the #MeToo movement, understanding how statute of limitations laws can affect assault cases is vital. Every state has different statutes of limitations, which depend on the crime. There are exceptions, though, for crimes that are considered so extreme that no legal limit on prosecution exists. No state has a statute of limitations for murder, so no matter how much time has passed since the crime, new suspects can be investigated and charged. Some states have no statute of limitations for other crimes, like embezzlement of public funds or drug trafficking. There also cant be statutes of limitations for genocide or for war crimes. But the same blanket exception does not exist for sexual violence. Most states do have a statute of limitations for felonies, which include rape and most sex crimes. Its just ridiculous, Virginia Giuffre, one of the women who has accused Jeffrey Epstein of sexually abusing her as a teenager, told Glamour. I mean, compare rape and murder, or being sexually abused and murder. Theres no statute of limitations on murder, right? But [with sexual abuse] youve just basically taken a persons life away. And not only that, but it takes so many years to want to [come forward] because we carry that shame, she adds. Were told were the bad ones; were told were the dirty ones, and its our secret to hide. But thats what needs to change. RAINN has a comprehensive breakdown of every states criminal statutes of limitations laws, and Child USA, a think tank based out of the University of Pennsylvania, has a state-by-state breakdown of both criminal and civil statutes of limitations. Both organizations offer help to survivors who are trying to understand how these laws apply to them. Those resources are especially valuable because statutes of limitations are hard to parse, even for experts. Sometimes even the criminal justice professionals cant understand their own code, Cooper says. Every states statutes of limitations are different. Some states, like South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wyoming, have no statute of limitations on felony sex crimes. Many states have limitations on some sex crimes but not on others. Several states have statutes of limitations that can be extended if DNA evidence emerges. And in every state with a statute, the laws are different depending on the type of crime and other details, like the age of the survivor when the crime was committed. In states with statutes, depending on the crime and other details, windows can be as short as three years or as long as 21. In the case of longer statutes, survivors may have more than a decade to report, recognizing that the issues which factor into a persons decision to come forward about a sexual assault are unique and different from other crimes. Lets say that you were raped by your uncle or your grandfather or your father, Cooper says. You may be reluctant to come forward because of how much disruption that will cause in your relationships with your family. Another reason that survivors do not come forward is sometimes the offender will threaten to come back and kill their children or kill their family. Other times, people are raped and its been a drug-facilitated rape, and they may not have a memory of being raped because they were unconscious. Rebecca Campbell, a professor of psychology at Michigan State University and a sexual assault researcher and trauma educator, agrees. The statute of limitations doesnt necessarily align with what we know about people who have experienced significant trauma, she says. Delayed disclosure, the phenomenon in which childhood and adolescent survivors of abuse wait years or even decades to tell anyone what happened to them, has been highly documented by researchers. The average age for disclosing child sex abuse, according to Child USA, is 52. By then, statutes of limitations often mean that those survivors have no legal recourse. For child and adolescent survivors, it really is about the passage of time to adulthood and about needing to be legally, emotionally, and financially free to find out about other options to be able to disclose. The reason for that is developmental, Campbell says. They may literally not know who they can turn to; and the people they need to disclose to, they may not trust. She adds, For child and adolescent survivors, it really is about the passage of time to adulthood and about needing to be legally, emotionally, and financially free to find out about other options to be able to disclose. But delayed disclosure is common among adult survivors too. For survivors of assault trying to deal with trauma, waiting to come forward can feel like a survival tactic. For many survivors, they often get their information about what their options are from two different places, Campbell says. They can look to the media and see just how harrowing it is for survivors to be in the public eye, to see them attacked on social media, attacked on regular media, attacked by defense attorneys. They may make a reasonable decision for their health and say, I am not in a place to disclose. For other survivors, another place they may get [information about disclosing] is talking to other survivors and learning that it can be an incredibly retraumatizing decision. Honestly, Im always more surprised when survivors do disclose, she says. For survivors who spend years building up the courage to come forward, statutes of limitations are a bitter impediment to justice. And researchers argue that the rationale for the statutesthat memory and physical evidence will have eroded in the intervening yearsdoesnt hold up. Jim Hopper, a professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School and a researcher of the neurobiology of trauma, has written extensively about the fact that our brains are actually wired to hold on to the details of stressful and traumatic experiences. Memories of highly stressful and traumatic experiences, at least their most central details, dont tend to fade over time, he wrote in Scientific American in September 2018, reflecting on the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford at the 2018 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Judge Brett Kavanaughs confirmation to the Supreme Court. With the rise of DNA testing as a form of forensic evidence, statutes of limitations could become an even greater obstacle to finding perpetrators. I worked with the City of Detroit after they found they had 11,000 rape kits in storage, Campbell says. One of the things we did in the process was we actually tested a batch of kits that were, by the date, behind the statute of limitations, and what we found is that they had statistically significant standards to be loaded into the FBI database for forensic DNA, and that when they went in the database, they matched a living criminal. So what does that tell us? It tells us that these old cases that everyone says are beyond the statute of limitations still have DNA that are providing prosecutors with viable leads to those and other criminal cases, Campbell says. Several states are in the process of changing their statutes of limitations laws for sex crimes, especially in reaction to the public realization, during the #MeToo movement, that many survivors of sexual violence had been holding on to their stories for decades. Many states do have an exemption to statutes of limitations when it comes to DNA evidence. DNA is relatively new, Cooper says. And its only been in the last decade that weve come to understand how valuable it is as a law enforcement tool, and the more thats been culturally accepted, the more likely law enforcement is to move those kits from their shelves and get them tested. Several states are in the process of changing their statutes of limitations laws for sex crimes, especially in reaction to the public realization, during the #MeToo movement, that many survivors of sexual violence had been holding on to their stories for decades. In the past two years, 15 states have either nixed or extended their criminal and civil statutes of limitations. The Associated Press reports that eight states and Washington, D.C., have opened lookback windows in civil cases, allowing survivors whose civil claims have expired under their states statute of limitations to sue within a certain window of time. Seven other states raised the maximum age that survivors can file civil suits. Some did both. The new standards havent gone unnoticed. Thousands of people are now, at last, seeking justice. In December 2019 the Associated Press reported that the changes in those states could result in 5,000 new sexual abuse cases against the Roman Catholic Church alone. Extending windows or dropping statutes of limitations entirely helps give survivors time to get the kind of support that they need to withstand what this process is likely going to be for them, Campbell says. Its not so much that more survivors are coming forward because the laws are changing. I think more survivors are coming forward because the culture is changing, Cooper says. Theres safety in numbers. For a long time I think rape survivors felt very alone and isolated, and with the discussions around #MeToo, I think they feel that theyre less alone in coming forward and have more support. Those numbers could continue to grow if more statutes of limitations are expanded or discarded. Like Giuffre, Sarah Ransome, another Epstein survivor, says her top priority is getting abusers into courtroomsand then prisons. There are some people who need to be stopped, she told Glamour. Because if theyre not stopped, they will move to Brazil, France, South Africa, and perpetrate there. Because if theyre not [stopped], theyre going to continue to hurt more and more girls. So thats what needs to change. These people need to be behind bars, where they cant hurt anybody else. Jenny Singer is a staff writer for Glamour. Originally Appeared on Glamour Brampton, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2020) - Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. (CSE: SNA) (CSE: SNA.CN) ("Star" or the "Corporation") announces that the Commercial Court of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (the "Court") has extended the time for filing a Proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) to January 24, 2020. Corporation management is confident that it will be able to meet this extended timeline. About Star Navigation: Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. owns the exclusive worldwide license to its proprietary, patented In-flight Safety Monitoring System, STAR-ISMS, the heart of the STAR-A.D.S. and of the STAR-ISAMM Systems. Its real-time capability of tracking performance trends and predicting incident-occurrence enhances aviation safety and improves fleet management while reducing costs for the operator. Stars' M.M.I. Division designs and manufactures high performance, mission critical, flight deck flat panel displays for defence and commercial aviation industries worldwide. These displays are found on aircraft and simulators, from C-130 aircraft, to Sikorsky and Agusta Westland helicopters, as examples. Stars' subsidiary, Star-Isoneo Inc. is a specialised software firm, developing complex solutions in engineering, simulation and development for Canadian customers. Star-Isoneo works closely with Star in the development of the Company's MEDEVAC (STAR-ISAMM and STAR- LSAMM) applications of the patented STAR-A.D.S. technology, and on its current R&D program with Bombardier. Certain statements contained in this News Release constitute forward-looking statements. When used in this document, the words "may", "would", "could", "will", "expected" and similar expressions, as they relate to Star or its management are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect Star's current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause Star's actual performance or achievements to vary from those described herein. Should one or more of these factors or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Star does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this release. Please visit www.star-navigation.com or contact Mr. Peter Clausi, Interim CEO at 1 416 252-2889 or 1 416 890 1232 or Mr. Lassche at 1 647 779-4274 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51258 Tiger Shroff on Wednesday shared a monochrome picture from the sets of his upcoming action-drama Baaghi 3 on social media. The Heropanti actor is in Jaipur along with co-actor Shraddha Kapoor for the shooting of the third schedule of Baaghi franchise. The actor in November last year had shared another picture from the films shoot in Serbia. He posted a picture of his tanned physique on Instagram and mentioned that the picture was clicked on the second-day shoot of his flick. He captioned it as, #baaghi3 #actionday2. Also read | Bigg Boss 13: Arhaan Khan posts loved up pics with Rashami Desai, fans ask him to stay away from her The film is going to hit the screens in just two months. The movie helmed by Ahmed Khan will also feature Riteish Deshmukh. It is expected to release in March 2020. Tiger was last seen in 2019s highest grosser War alongside Hrithik Roshan. War is the fifth Yash Raj Films to cross 100 crore plus net box-office collection over the third day after Dhoom 3, Sultan, Tiger Zinda Hai and Thugs of Hindostan. Tiger will next be seen in Rambo which is a remake of the Rambo film series. The movie is slated for release in 2020. Follow @htshowbiz for more The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] Flash Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that the U.S. interests in the region are "in danger" following the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, official IRNA news agency reported. "If it was not for the great hero's measures against Daesh (Arabic acronym for IS), Europeans would have been facing big threats," Rouhani said during a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday. By assassinating Soleimani, "the Americans committed a big strategic mistake," he said, adding that "Americans should know that their security and interests across the region are at risk and they will not remain immune to repercussions of the big crime." Rouhani urged all countries to take "decisive stance against the U.S. terrorist attack." For his part, Macron expressed his concerns about the escalating conflicts in the region. Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of the IRGC, was killed in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad International Airport on Friday. A federal judge on Tuesday threw out state Sen. Brian Boquists lawsuit against a Democratic leader and other legislative officials that followed a Republican walk-out over a climate change bill last year, ruling Boquists warnings to fellow lawmakers and state police amounted to threats. Boquist, R-Dallas, filed the suit in July after a legislative committee voted to require him to provide 12 hours notice before reporting to the Capitol to give officials time to arrange for additional state troopers to ensure the safety of employees and the public. The matter grew out of a political impasse in the Senate, when 11 Republican senators seeking to avoid a quorum vote brought the Legislature to a halt by leaving the Capitol. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown authorized state police to arrest the absent senators, including Boquist, In a June 19 floor speech, Boquist told Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, If you send the state police to get me, hell is coming to visit you personally. Soon after, Boquist also threatened state police, saying that if they were going to haul him back to the Capitol they should Send bachelors and come heavily armed. Im not going to be a political prisoner in the state of Oregon. Its just that simple. Boquist argued that the 12-hour notice and fines levied against him for not showing up violated his First Amendment and due process rights. U.S. District Judge Michael McShane called Boquists statements "unprotected fighting words,'' saying they were threats and that the Senate leadership had "a legitimate interest in assuring that debate on the Senate floor is not suppressed by the threatening behavior of one of its members.'' "Words, it turns out, sometimes have consequences,'' the judge wrote. "Defendants did not violate Plaintiffs First Amendment rights.'' McShane also wrote that he found odd Boquists argument that his remarks to Courtney, in which he promised hell would visit him, amounted to a statement of religious expression. "While both sides can point fingers and complain that the other is overreacting to a political situation, Plaintiffs chosen words on the Senate floor were those of a bully on the playground,'' the judge wrote in his 11-page ruling. "Remarkably Plaintiff argues that his statement to Defendant Courtney ... was a religious expression. But here, Plaintiff seems to overlook the fact that he sounds more like a character out of a Clint Eastwood movie than he does Mother Theresa (sic).'' While the judge said he considered Boquists words may have been "dramatic flourishes for media consumption,'' he noted its not the courts job to second-guess the finding of a legislative body that some of its members felt frightened by what Boquist said. The judge also rejected Boquists argument that his due process rights were violated by the fine he faced and the order for police to arrest him. The governor had imposed a $500 fine for each day a given senator was absent during the legislative session. State police did not arrest Boquist, but the governor did levy a $3,500 fine against him. He paid the fine, but it was ultimately erased less than two months later and his money was returned. The fines were withdrawn against every senator who participated in the walkout, the judge wrote. Boquist fails to establish that the fine deprived him of a liberty or property interest without due process of law and the senator conceded that state police never attempted to arrest him or take him into custody, the judge wrote. McShane dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning Boquists allegations are thrown out permanently and cant be renewed. Boquist said Tuesday morning that he wasnt surprised by the judges ruling. He said he may file a federal appeal and bring a separate action in state court. He said he believes he may get more traction before a rural jury. -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox. Subscribe to Facebook page BERKELEY (BCN) A horse was euthanized Sunday after an injury in a race at Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley, another California horseracing death following a number of deaths last year in Southern California. Elegant Sundown was put to sleep in a van after a "catastrophic" injury to his right foreleg. He was 3 years old. It's not the first death in Northern California. At least 20 horses died at Golden Gate Fields in 2019, Patrick Battuello, founder and president of Horseracing Wrongs, said. Battuello's group has been advocating for the end of horseracing. Thirty-eight horses died last year at Santa Anita Park in Southern California, which raised concerns in the horseracing community. Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita Park are two brands of The Stronach Group based in Ontario, Canada, and the only two California horseracing operations in the company's portfolio. The Stronach Group did not immediately respond to a request for a comment on Elegant Sundown's death. The California Horse Racing Board, which regulates horseracing in the state, on Monday, announced a decision to move its meetings for the next six months to Northern California from Southern California. Battuello believes the decision was due at least in part to the attention his group has given the board since last spring. Heather Wilson, Horseracing Wrongs West Coast coordinator, said of the board, "They don't like to be questioned," adding that board members interrupted and argued with members of Horseracing Wrongs at one or more meetings. But board spokesman Mike Marten said on Twitter that the meetings were moved because Santa Anita Park no longer wanted to host them "and is not obliged to." He said, "At the same time, it is appropriate to hold the meetings at state facilities." He added that board officials think it's appropriate to have meetings where government staff and lawmakers in Sacramento can more easily get to them. The horseracing board hopes to hold an equal number of meetings in the north and the south, Marten said. Battuello said horseracing is still getting a pass when greyhound racing is all but dead and Ringling Brothers Circus is no more. "We are seeing the beginning of the end of horseracing," he said. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Individuals can become special education teachers by earning a bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree. Learn more about which schools in Illinois offer these programs and explore undergraduate and graduate special education degree requirements in the article below. View Schools Becoming a special education teacher can be accomplished by earning a variety of degrees, and students can choose to specialize in K-12 special education or they can choose to work to become a learning and behavioral specialist. These special education programs often prepare potential teachers to pass licensure tests and obtain their teaching credentials through the state of Illinois. What Should I Know About Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education? In order for candidates to be accepted into the education coursework for these bachelor's degree programs, they must hold a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.25 or higher. Some schools also require previous work experience with students with disabilities. Students who are enrolled in a bachelor's degree program for special education will need to complete up to 125 total hours of coursework, which can include between around 60 and 90 hours of education coursework, including filed experiences. Some of the potential classes that students can take include psychology, human development, characteristics of disabilities, and strategies for special education. Once their education is completed, students will be prepared to work with students between kindergarten and 12th grade. Which Schools in Illinois Offer a Bachelor's Degree Program in Special Education? In Illinois there are quite a few schools that offer bachelor's degree programs in special education, some of which are: Roosevelt University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. Greenville University awards a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. University of Illinois offers a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. Northern Illinois University awards a Bachelor of Science in Special Education with an emphasis in visual impairments or learning behavior specialist I. What Are Some Important Facts About Earning a Master's Degree in Special Education? To gain admission into a master's degree program, students must already hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, submit letters of recommendation, and provide official transcripts from their undergraduate education, with some schools requiring a minimum GPA of 2.75 or 3.0. Some of the many classes that students can take as a part of this program include assessment in special education, technology for special education, and methods of teaching students with disabilities. Before graduation, students often take part in a required student teaching experience under the supervision of a mentor. These programs are available to both currently licensed teachers as well as students seeking their initial teaching credentials. Once students earn their master's degree, they can choose to pursue career options that include special education teacher, remedial skills instructor, pediatric hospital educator, and social and human services assistant. Which Schools in Illinois Offer a Master's Degree Program in Special Education? Some of the many schools in the state of Illinois that have a master's degree program in special education include: Lewis University offers a Master of Arts in Special Education. University of Illinois offers both a Master of Education and Master of Science in Special Education. Roosevelt University awards a Master of Arts in Special Education. Greenville University offers a Master of Arts in Education with a special education specialization. What Should I Know About Earning a PhD in Special Education? Admission to PhD programs in special education can be competitive. Schools require students to already hold a master's degree from an accredited college or university and typically require a 3.0 GPA or higher in a student's previous coursework. Prior to graduation, students will need to earn between around 60 and 75 credit hours of coursework beyond their master's degree. Students must prepare and present a thesis, which can be worth 15-20 credit hours. To earn the remainder of the required credits, students can take courses like research methods in education, program evaluation in special education, and grant writing in special education. Which Schools in Illinois Offer a PhD Program in Special Education? The highest degree that a potential special education teacher can pursue is a PhD. A sample of the schools in Illinois that offer a PhD program include: DALLAS, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- COMSovereign Holding Corp. (OTCQB: DRNE) (formerly Drone Aviation Holding Corp.) ("COMSovereign" or the "Company"), a US-based pure-play enabler of 5G connectivity and data transmission systems, announced today that its board of directors has appointed Brian T. Mihelich as Chief Financial Officer and Kevin M. Sherlock as General Counsel and Secretary effective January 2, 2020. Kendall W. Carpenter, the Company's prior Chief Financial Officer, will remain with the Company and retain responsibility for the financial matters relating to its Drone Aviation business operations. Chairman and CEO of the Company, Dan Hodges, stated, "On behalf of the Board and management, we welcome Brian and Kevin to COMSovereign, further bolstering our dedicated, talented and highly-experienced executive team. We look forward to valuable contributions from both Brian and Kevin as we further build-out our operations and expand our portfolio of advanced 5G-NR communications and data network-enabling technologies, allowing us to better serve our current and future global customer base." Mr. Mihelich brings significant senior management and financial telecom experience to the Company having most recently served as Vice President, Managed Services, and as Head of Operations of the Vodafone account at Ericsson. His experience in the telecom sector includes senior management responsibilities for numerous business relationships including AT&T, Sprint, Vodafone, Napster, Google and Facebook. Mr. Mihelich has managed operations for organizations with sales of $750 million and up to 600 direct and indirect employee reports. In addition, he has served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force and has also worked for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Mihelich earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Northern Michigan University and an MBA from the University of Texas. Prior to joining COMSovereign, Mr. Sherlock was a partner in the law firm of Heurlin & Sherlock, PC, in Tucson, Arizona, which he co-founded in 2008 and where he focused primarily on business litigation, securities arbitration, and security clearance matters. While in the private practice, Mr. Sherlock also gained considerable experience in corporate structures and mergers and acquisitions. He is licensed to practice law in Washington D.C., Florida and Arizona. Mr. Sherlock earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Multinational Business Operations from Florida State University and a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center. For more information about COMSovereign, please visit www.COMSovereign.com. About COMSovereign Holding Corp. COMSovereign Holding Corp. (OTCQB: DRNE) has assembled a portfolio of communications technology companies with combined capabilities that enable connectivity across the entire data transmission spectrum. Through strategic acquisitions and organic research and development efforts, COMSovereign has become a US-based pure-play communications provider, able to provide LTE Advanced and 5G-NR telecom solutions to network operators and enterprises world-wide. For more information about COMSovereign, please visit www.COMSovereign.com or view documents that it files with or furnishes to the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov, including the Risk Factors included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, as well as information in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions, and estimates of future performance and economic conditions, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the statements made herein. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe," "expects," "may," "looks to," "will," "should," "plan," "intend," "on condition," "target," "see," "potential," "estimates," "preliminary," or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, or by discussion of strategy or goals or other future events, circumstances, or effects. Moreover, forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, those relating to the Company's ability to develop and deliver advanced voice and data communications systems. The Company's financial results and the forward-looking statements could be affected by many factors, including, but not limited to, demand for the Company's products and services, economic conditions in the U.S. and worldwide, and the Company's ability to recruit and retain management, technical, and sales personnel. Further information relating to factors that may impact the Company's results and forward-looking statements are disclosed in the Company's filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation, other than imposed by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Contacts: Investor Relations for COMSovereign Holding Corp.: Steve Gersten 813-334-9745 [email protected] and Media Relations for COMSovereign Holding Corp.: Michael Glickman MWGCO, Inc. 917-397-2272 [email protected] SOURCE COMSovereign Holding Corp. Related Links http://www.COMSovereign.com Sowmya Mani By Express News Service PUDUKKOTTAI: At a time when there are allegations of cash-for-votes and auctioning of posts, a village in Pudukkottai elected its president based on the track record of his welfare activities. Residents of Seriyalur elected Jiyavudeen going by the work he did in the aftermath of cyclone Gaja. The forty-five year old had just returned to the village from Singapore where he was employed for 15 years. Seeing the damage caused by the cyclone, I wanted to do something for the village. I coordinated with NGOs and made sure affected people got all the help they could. We helped people at a time when there was a lot of damage and destruction, said Jiyavudeen.Once normalcy returned, he started a social service group consisting of youngsters. The group co-ordinated with officials and arranged for water supply from the Cauvery to the village, and are now digging a lake. There was a sluice that remained closed for 40 years. We dredged the path where water could flow for at least one kilometre. With the help of a corporate, we received Rs 40 lakh recently. We initially pooled `3 lakh and started the work seven months ago. We are mainly working on getting the water from the dam into the sluice gate which was closed, he added.Jiyavudeen has done good work in the past two years. We do not discriminate on the basis of religion. We elected him because we need a president who will work for the betterment of the village, said a villager. Seriyalur has 50 odd Muslims and more than 1,500 Hindus. Houston City Council on Wednesday approved a $1.2 million settlement with the family of Jordan Baker, an unarmed man who was fatally shot by a Houston police officer in 2014. The settlement is among the largest in recent city history, and comes five years after HPD officer Juventino Castro was cleared by a grand jury in the shooting. The shooting and decision not to bring charges against Castro sparked protests by local activists amid a wave of nationally publicized shootings of unarmed black individuals by police. Bakers mother filed a federal lawsuit in 2015, alleging her 26-year-old sons constitutional rights were violated. Castro was working a second job at a strip mall in the 5700 block of West Little York that had been the site of multiple robberies when he confronted Baker, who he said matched the description of the suspect in the break-ins. After an altercation, Castro fatally shot Baker. In the lawsuit, attorneys for the Baker family alleged that Baker posed no threat, and cited nearly 200 previous cases in which Houston police officers went unpunished for shooting civilians, including those who were unarmed at the time. Mayor Sylvester Turner said Wednesday that he was glad that the matter had resolved itself through court-ordered mediation. You never want to see any loss of life, period. You never want to see it. But it did occur, Turner told reporters. ... And now we want to move forward recognizing that it takes the community and police working hand-in-hand. You dont want to see a situation where the two are at odds with one another because the community becomes less safe. Ashton P. Woods, the head of Houstons Black Lives Matter chapter, on Monday called for more transparency from the Houston Police Department. He also said the settlement was a good first step toward healing for the Baker family. robert.downen@chron.com Ferrari is in no rush to complete its driver lineup for 2021. Just before Christmas, the Italian team announced that it has secured Charles Leclerc's services until the end of 2024. Sebastian Vettel still has a deal for 2020, but he has lost his number 1 status. "When we go to Australia, there will be no number 1," team boss Mattia Binotto confirmed. "When we started the (2019) season, the situation was different as we had a rookie and an experienced driver." But 22-year-old Leclerc is now clearly Ferrari's unofficially preferred driver. Still, Binotto said there is no rush to look at what to do with quadruple world champion Vettel. "I don't see any pressure there," he said. "Seb is part of Ferrari. We will work with him to find out what he wants to do in the future, what we want to do, what we may not have done yet. "But we believe that with Vettel and Leclerc we have the best driver pair in the field. We have enough time to negotiate with Seb about his future." (GMM) Nation's Largest and Most Trusted Pet Care Franchise Expands Presence in New Markets Across North America WESTMINSTER, Colo., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Camp Bow Wow, the largest and leading doggy day care and boarding franchise, announces a record franchise sales year with a 16% increase in units sold that continued to propel the company forward as a leader in the pet care industry in 2019. Through the achievements of the company's corporate team and franchise network, the $125+ million-dollar brand welcomed over 230,000 customers in the past year with 4.7 million dog visits. As the largest pet care franchise, Camp Bow Wow grew the brand's presence across North America in 2019 and penetrated new markets through strategic franchisee partners: Opened 13 new Camps nationwide, with 5 of the Camps located in Texas ; ; Brought Camp Bow Wow to multiple markets for the first time, including Mississippi and Oregon ; and ; Filed the brand's first Canadian Franchise Disclosure Document in September 2019 to poise the brand for rapid international expansion. In conjunction with the high-growth of Camp Bow Wow's franchise network, the company was also awarded numerous accolades as a further testament to its leadership position in the doggy day care and boarding sector: Recognized by Franchise Update Media's Franchise Innovation Awards as the Best Social Media Campaign for Camp Bow Wow's #GiveAFetch initiative; Awarded Silver in the 9th annual Best in Biz Awards for both Creative Department of the Year and Technology Department of the Year categories; Received the Bronze American Business Award in the Information Technology Team of the Year category by the American Stevie Awards; Named in April 2019 for a third year in a row on Entrepreneur's Best of the Best List; for a third year in a row on Best of the Best List; Named as a Franchise of the Future by Entrepreneur in December 2019 . "Our company's momentum speaks to the successful and collaborative partnership between our corporate support team and franchise owners" said Julie Turner, President of Camp Bow Wow. "As we enter 2020, we're excited to continue our strategic growth with new Camps across the United States and Canada, and provide our premium services to more happy Campers than ever before." With over 170 open Camps across 42 states and Canada, Camp Bow Wow continues to expand its commitment to ensuring all dogs lead happy and healthy lives across North America. A passion shared through the corporate team and franchise network, Camp Bow Wow touts 43% of their system as multi-unit owners who have invested in multiple franchised locations. Camp Bow Wow further celebrated the 2019 successes of the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, the company's nonprofit organization, which provides funds to individuals struggling to cover their veterinary bills for serious ailments, and to shelters and rescue organizations that needed assistance to cover necessary medical treatments for dogs awaiting adoption. Dedicated to giving back to local communities across North America, the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation awarded $120,000 in grants to 112 sick and injured dogs in the past year. Kicking off 2020, Camp Bow Wow will be exhibiting at the 2020 Franchise Expo (Booth #502) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto from January 11th 12th. At the show, the industry-leading pet services brand will offer pup lovers a fast-growing franchise opportunity in Canada that builds upon Camp Bow Wow's immense success in the United States. For more information about Camp Bow Wow, to find a location near you, or to become a franchise owner, please visit campbowwow.com . About Camp Bow Wow: In 20 years, Camp Bow Wow, the largest pet care franchise, has sold more than 230 franchises in 42 states and Canada. The company is a $125+ million-dollar brand, with over 170 open locations and more than 50 in the process of opening across North America. For 10 consecutive years, the company has been ranked in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list. The Camp concept provides the highest levels of fun, safety and service for its Campers, and peace of mind for their parents. Dogs romp together in an open-play environment and pricing is all-inclusive. The Westminster, Colorado-based company started franchising in 2003, and today over 70% of franchises have women in ownership positions. In addition to day care and overnight Camp, the company also offers grooming services and a rewards-based dog training program. The Camp Bow Wow brand family also includes The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation , a non-profit organization dedicated to providing urgent medical care funds to dogs who are either homeless or whose parents cannot afford to pay their veterinary bills. Since September 2017, Camp Bow Wow is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated. SOURCE Camp Bow Wow Related Links http://www.campbowwow.com The 15 countries whose envoys will take the government organised tour are expected to include some in Africa and Latin America. Some EU envoys also apparently told the MEA that they had not received instructions from their respective capitals at such short notice. New Delhi: A delegation of 15 foreign envoys will visit the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on Thursday and Friday as part of the ruling NDA governments outreach to showcase normalcy in the region where several political leaders are in detention and Internet and mobile services remain severly restricted. Envoys belonging to European Union (EU) countries will not be part of the group for several reasons and will be taken later as a single group, government sources said late on Wednesday evening. The PTI reported that EU nations have stressed on meeting three former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti who are in detention since August 5, when the Centre revoked Article 370 and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories. The 15 countries whose envoys will take the government organised tour are expected to include some in Africa and Latin America. There is also a possibility that some envoys from Middle East countries could also be part of the group. The 15-member delegation is being taken to J&K to see first-hand the efforts being made by the government to bring the situation to normal, sources said. Government sources said the EU envoys wanted to visit as one group, which was not possible since the government wanted to invite a delegation of foreign envoys from various regions in the world. Some EU envoys also apparently told the MEA that they had not received instructions from their respective capitals at such short notice. Government sources claimed media reports that the EU countries did not want to be part of a guided tour or a restricted programme were unfounded and mischievous. Several European nations and the United States have been pushing for lifting of the continuing restrictions in the Kashmir Valley, particularly with regard to the Internet. This visit of foreign envoys to J&K is part of Indias message to the world that things are under its control. On Wednesday evening, government sources said, We have been receiving requests from some envoys based in Delhi to undertake a visit to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Our consistent position has been that we may consider the request only after analysing the security situation and checking the situation on the ground with the J&K administration. Accordingly, a group of around 15 envoys based in Delhi are being taken to the UT of Jammu and Kashmir on January 9-10 to see first-hand the efforts being made by the government to bring the situation to normal. Sources further said, We wanted to take a global group of envoys to J&K with only some EU ambassadors, and not all EU envoys were asked to join. The EU envoys welcomed this initiative... However, EU envoys wanted to visit J &K as a group, which was not possible to accommodate due to restrictions in numbers and to keep the group broad-based. Some EU ambassadors conveyed that the visit was taking place at too a short notice to seek instructions from headquarters. Government sources added, The (EU) Group would (also) be free to interact with people subject to security considerations. In any case, no ambassador had specifically asked to meet anyone who was detained. It was therefore decided that a Group of EU ambassadors will undertake a trip to J&K at a later date. Reports that EU ambassadors are not part of the group of envoys visiting UT of Jammu & Kashmir due to certain restrictions in the programme are unfounded and mischievous. A delegation of MPs belonging to the European Union (EU) had visited Kashmir a few weeks ago in their individual capacity with the permission of the government. The visit had been organised by a private body. The Islamic world, barring Pakistan, Malaysia and Turkey, has issued statements that are supportive of Indias move, particularly in the context of the cross-border terrorism that India has been facing. HOUSTON, B.C. - A natural gas pipeline company has posted an injunction order giving opponents 72 hours to clear the way toward its work site in northern British Columbia, although the company says its focus remains finding a peaceful resolution that avoids enforcement. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A checkpoint is seen at a bridge leading to the Unist'ot'en camp on a remote logging road near Houston, B.C., on Thursday January 17, 2019. A natural gas pipeline company has posted an injunction order giving opponents 72 hours to clear the way toward its work site in northern British Columbia, although the company says its focus remains finding a peaceful resolution that avoids enforcement. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck HOUSTON, B.C. - A natural gas pipeline company has posted an injunction order giving opponents 72 hours to clear the way toward its work site in northern British Columbia, although the company says its focus remains finding a peaceful resolution that avoids enforcement. The order stamped Tuesday by the B.C. Supreme Court registry addresses members of the Wet'suwet'en Nation and supporters who say the Coastal GasLink project has no authority without consent from the five hereditary clan chiefs. It comes one year after the RCMP's enforcement of a similar injunction along the same road sparked rallies across Canada in support of Indigenous rights and raised questions about land claims. The order requires the defendants to remove any obstructions including cabins and gates on any roads, bridges or work sites the company has been authorized to use. If they don't remove the obstructions themselves, the court says the company is at liberty to remove them. It gives authorization to the RCMP to arrest and remove anyone police have "reasonable or probable grounds" to believe has knowledge of the order and is contravening it. "The police retain discretion as to timing and manner of enforcement of this order," it says. Coastal GasLink, however, says posting the order was procedural and the company has no plans to request police action. The B.C. Supreme Court granted an injunction to Coastal GasLink on Dec. 31. The order stamped Tuesday provides details of the court injunction. A supporter of the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs and who oppose the Coastal GasLink pipeline work to set up a support station at kilometre 39 just outside of Gidimt'en checkpoint near Houston B.C., on Wednesday January 8, 2020. The Wet'suwet'en peoples are occupying their land and trying to prevent a pipeline from going through it. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson Previous injunction and enforcement orders remained in effect until the new order was issued, Coastal GasLink spokeswoman Suzanne Wilton said. Obstructing access was already prohibited under the previous orders and they also included enforcement provisions. "We continue to believe that dialogue is preferable to confrontation while engagement and a negotiated resolution remain possible," Wilton said in an email. The company declined an interview request. The order does not apply to a metal gate on the west side of a bridge outside the Unist'ot'en camp, unless it is used to prevent or impede the workers' access. Hereditary chiefs negotiated last year with the RCMP for the gate to remain outside the camp, which is home to some members of one of the First Nation's 13 house groups, so long as it would not be used to prevent workers from accessing the work site. Fourteen people were arrested by police officers at a checkpoint constructed along the road leading to both the Unist'ot'en camp and the Coastal GasLink work site on Jan. 7, 2019. The company has signed agreements with all 20 elected First Nation councils along the 670-kilometre pipeline route, but the five Wet'suwet'en hereditary clan chiefs say no one can access the land without their consent. The pipeline is part of the $40-billion LNG Canada project that will export Canadian natural gas to Asian markets. Coastal GasLink shared photos Tuesday of what it says are more than 100 trees that have been felled across the logging road. The RCMP said its officers came across the fallen trees on Monday as they were conducting regular safety patrols along the Morice West Forest Service Road. In a statement, the RCMP said some trees along the road are a safety hazard because they were partly cut and the wind could cause them to fall without warning. Police say they also found three stacks of tires covered by tarps and trees, which contained several jugs of gasoline, diesel, oil, kindling and bags of fuel-soaked rags. The RCMP say the hereditary chiefs were advised of what was found and have been told police are conducting a criminal investigation over traps that are likely to cause bodily harm. "We want to emphasize that we are impartial in this dispute and our priority is to facilitate a dialogue between the various stakeholders involved," the Mounties said. "We remain hopeful that these efforts will result in a resolution." At a news conference Tuesday, hereditary chief Na'moks called for construction to cease and for the B.C. government to revoke the company's permits. He said the Wet'suwet'en felled the trees to protect their own safety. Members of the Gidimt'en, one of five Wet'suwet'en clans, and supporters reoccupied the area along the logging road in April near the site where the injunction was enforced last year. Jen Wickham says her fellow members are concerned that it could be enforced before the 72 hours is up, since a previous injunction was already in place. Lawyer Michael Lee Ross, who represents the Wet'suwet'en members named in the injunction, said once the new injunction order was stamped, the previous one became a historic document. However, he said the RCMP could step in at any time if they find reason to. Ross said his clients are discussing a possible appeal of the order. "A challenge of an order is normally a challenge of the legal basis on which the order is grounded. So that is one of the avenues that is still open to them," he said Wednesday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2020. The Duchess of Sussex is known for favouring delicate jewellery steeped in symbolic meaning, and yesterday was no exception as she made her radiant return to royal duties at Canada House. Meghan Markle, 38, accessorised her sumptuous rust-coloured ensemble with a selection of carefully chosen pieces that either carry an important meaning - including a ring to ward away evil - or highlight a worthy cause. The outing marked a return to official engagements for Meghan and husband Prince Harry, 35, following a sabbatical with eight-month-old son Archie over the festive period. The Duchess of Sussex, 38, wore a selection of carefully chosen pieces that either carry an important meaning - including a ring to ward away evil (just seen on right hand) - or highlight a worthy cause as she joined Prince Harry at Canada House, in London, yesterday, pictured Meghan looked typically elegant for the outing yesterday, pairing a 345 coat from Reiss with a 50 polo neck and 85 skirt from Massimo Dutti and a pair of velvet Jimmy Choo stilettos Much of their time was spent in Canada and the couple chose Canada House as their first public visit as a way to thank the country and its residence for their hospitality and warm welcome. Meghan looked typically elegant for the engagement, pairing a 345 coat from Reiss with a 50 polo neck and 85 skirt from Massimo Dutti and adding a touch of glamour to her outfit with a pair of velvet Jimmy Choo stilettos. While the Duchess has been known to stack several pieces of jewellery on her wrists and fingers, she chose to keep the accessories relatively paired back yesterday. Here, a closer look at the meaning behind each piece. THE CHARITY EARRINGS The Duchess wore a pair of 120 earrings by Catherine Zoraida - a brand often worn by her sister-in-law Kate Middleton - which support the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds The Duchess chose a pair of 120 earrings by Catherine Zoraida - a brand often worn by her sister-in-law Kate Middleton - which were released to support the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The stud earrings feature swallows in flight as they travel together on their migration journey and 10 per cent of all sales of the earrings go directly to the RSPB. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are passionate about conservation and environmental causes and this is a subtle way for Meghan to raise awareness about a British charity working hard to support wildlife. THE FAVOURITE BRACELET On her wrist, Meghan wore the 410 ($540) 'Dangles Circles Bracelet' by Turkish jewellery brand Kismet by Milka, pictured. Also seen are the Duchess's engagement and wedding rings This delicate rose gold bracelet, pictured, has been seen on Meghan a number of times The Duchess of Sussex wore the same gold bracelet on her first official joint appearance with then boyfriend Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017, pictured On her wrist, Meghan wore the 410 ($540) 'Dangles Circles Bracelet' by Turkish jewellery brand Kismet by Milka. The company, which has been worn by the Duchess on a number of occasions, prides itself on promoting female empowerment. 'Kismet by Milka inspires every woman to reflect her own light, create the future of her dreams and keep moving forward,' its website declares. This delicate rose gold bracelet has been seen on Meghan a number of times. Most notably, it was worn when she made her first official joint appearance with Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017. THE RING TO WARD OFF EVIL Another favourite of the Duchess, the 220 ($300) Hamsa bracelet is also from Kismet by Milka. Pictured, the ring just visible on the Duchess's hand as she left Canada House yesterday The 'hamsa' is a hand is used across cultures and religions as a symbol of protection. Pictured, the bracelet worn by the Duchess yesterday. She owns other jewellery with the 'hamsa' symbol Another favourite of the Duchess, the 220 ($300) Hamsa bracelet is also from Kismet by Milka. The 'hamsa' is a hand is used across several cultures and religions as a symbol of protection. It is also seen as the hand of God, promoting health, happiness, good luck and good fortune. It is a motif that appears to be particularly important to the Duchess and has been worn on a number of occasions. On the royal tour of South Africa, for example, the Duchess of Sussex wore a 450 necklace adorned with the 'hamsa' and the 'evil eye'. Its creator, the Turkish-inspired jewellery designer Alemdara, explains on its website: 'As per Ottoman legend, an evil eye on your person wards off jealousy from others.' It adds that the symbol helps 'dispel negative thoughts and energy'. The Duchess wore the 18-carat gold chain as she gave a speech at the Nyanga township in Cape Town on the first day of the tour, and two of her engagements the following day. Later in the tour Meghan wore a 775 bracelet from the brand featuring the same symbols. Oksana Senatorova is the publisher of the Jewelry Trade Navigator magazine and the founder of the Jewellery Business Academy. She graduated from I. M. Sechenov Medical Academy and the Faculty of Psychology of Lomonosov Moscow State University. In 2001, she started the Jewelry Trade Navigator magazine, the leading Russian professional publication on technologies and culture of jewellery sales. She heads the industry projects: the Diamond Street almanac - about jewelers who are the future of the Russian jewellery art, and the Top 100. The best jewellery stores. She also does a popular jewellery guide series for the trade and a wide range of readers. She is an organizer and host of the prestigious international contest the Best Jewellery Store of the Year, an organizer and curator of the Russian jewellery industry seminars on sales and professional jewellery trade events. She is awarded the Faberge Memorial Fund Award: the Small Decoration of the Order of Perkhin (2010). In an exclusive interview with Rough&Polished, she shares her thoughts on trade shows, diamond trading and consumer trends. You visit almost all the jewellery exhibitions: Vicenza, Hong Kong, Astana, JUNWEX ... Tell us which of the last exhibitions was the most interesting one? The September Hong Kong show was very unusual, from the point of view of the situation in Hong Kong, and no less interesting. It took us long to decide - to go or not to go because of the political disturbances there. It should be noted that the politics affected the exhibition: many traditional participants have not come - this was especially seen in the Indian pavilions, and the rotation was also in the premium pavilion. Interestingly, the local jewellers were on the side of the protesters, although they agreed that politics should not affect global business events. It is also interesting that the Hong Kong fair consists of two parts and it starts at the AsiaWorld-Expo at the airport - there is a large international exposition focused primarily on semiprecious and ornamental stones, of course, polished diamonds and, a whole slew of all kinds of pearls. At the main jewellery show held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, I walked mainly around premium pavilions and stands. The Russian and Italian speech is heard much. But this year, some companies began to curtail their work at the stand somewhat earlier every day than the official closing time of the exhibition. There were many visitors - the audience - but there were no customers, so the exhibitors thought it more efficient not to waste time on looking sadly at each other's stands. Of course, on the whole, the participants in the exhibition stated that the number of visitors and customers had fallen drastically - which could not but affect the business. What stands attracted more visitors? The stands with mass market products. As I said, many Indian companies decided to take no risks and did not come. But, as always, there is a 5th floor where the Chinese manufacturing factories are displayed. There, the work is in full swing, everything is very lively - mass market products, silver items, jewellery with stones ... Everything that the Chinese make - both the time-tested classic jewellery and the trendy minimalism - the products are quite high-quality and fashionable. After all, the customers have become more demanding - for 1,000 rubles (about $20) they want to get an exclusive jewellery piece. Several Russian companies displayed their goods in the International Exhibition Pavilion. Unfortunately, not many stubborn visitors were able to find them there. But some of our manufacturers, being more experienced, displayed their things among the Chinese pavilions that are popular with the buyers from all over the world, and they came up trumps. The right place - from a marketing point of view - is perhaps the most important element of the success at a huge international exhibition. What about diamond jewellery? Are polished diamonds still popular? The diamond jewellery sales in the mass segment, of course, dropped. The emphasis is more on a steady classic jewellery, which, at least, sells better. The jewellery cost can be various - from affordable to stratospheric prices, but the design, as a rule, does not go beyond the classic one. Interestingly, the price in Hong Kong is not revealed, as they say, it is an agreed, negotiated one - I think it depends primarily on the bargaining skills. I met a jeweler-designer from Europe, who works in Hong Kong. What he makes is not quite a classic jewellery, although he tends towards the classic one, but not the avant-garde one. A very high-end luxury jewellery piece is a 40 carat diamond with an exorbitant price tag, but the design is classic. What trends could you point out? First, the todays customer needs an offer of something unique that others do not have. Now we should target at a narrow segment, at the quite small groups in a narrow circle of interests: the customers should recognize themselves in each advertisement. Second, the access to the e-commerce. These are the international market places of Alibaba, Amazon, eBay and others. Moreover, the long-awaited changes in the legislation have taken place, allowing the online commerce. So, it's time to embrace this niche. One more trend - the customer is no longer afraid of laboratory-grown diamonds. Of course, there will always be supporters of the natural stones, as they have their own emotional component. For example, several Ekaterinburg companies - MOISEIKIN, CHAMOVSKIKH, DEMIDOV, are still committed to natural stones, classic designs and high-end jewellery. By the way, pay attention to the mini-trend: using your own name in the name of the company and building the brand on its founder identity. This approach increases sales due to greater confidence in the brand. And at the same time, recently, a jeweller who effectively works with grown diamonds told me a story: there is a category of men who buy two jewellery pieces. It becomes important for them that for the price of one natural diamond you can buy two lab-grown diamonds of the same or even better quality. In addition, there are young buyers for whom the guarantee of the social and environmental purity diamonds is important. For the generation Zers, it is important that these are not blood diamonds, no child labor was used in their mining and manufacturing, and the nature was not damaged. Rational purchasing behavior, cautious attitude to own finances lead the manufacturer to a wider use of grown diamonds in the manufacture of budget diamond jewellery. If we take into account the problem of mixing synthetic stones to the natural melee categories, it may be worthwhile to openly declare and use the grown diamonds, emphasizing that in such a jewellery piece, the pave is of perfect selection and quality. You also conduct training sessions? What are the topics of your seminars? First of all, these are information technologies and their use in the jewellery trade, as well as the promotion of the jewellery business in social networks, algorithms to be used in the work with customers. Also, we consider real SMM (social media marketing) cases from the jewellery industry and the luxury market. As for the e-commerce - the analysis of trading platforms, sales channels, promotion of goods, communication with customers, stages of placement on the platforms, and the opportunities for the manufacturing and retail jewellery companies. And also the topic I mentioned above - a unique selling proposition (USP). What do you mean by the USP - is it an event related to some dates, holidays, some kind of an exclusive, attractive offer? A unique selling proposition (USP) is a kind of a special feature, it. Unique means something that competitors certainly dont have. The seller must offer the buyer something that other stores dont offer, and not the same goods but in other - for example, yellow - wrapping. Selling means what the customer pays money for. And this is not about service and comfort, because with comfort and promotions you can increase customer loyalty, but you receive money for a unique product. The proposal - this is perhaps the most difficult thing: we have the goods, but we are not able to - or simply do not - offer them (let them guess); or we do offer this item, but it is not available right now... The question of what people are buying is ambiguous, and often, it is not at all dependent on the price tag, is it? The choice always exists, and really, it does not necessarily depend on the price tag. Everyone buys goods he/she can afford: lovers of premium purchases buy in brand boutiques, the middle class goes to shopping centers, the economy purchases are chosen in the Chinese market or at discounters. But the problem of choice is in any segment. It was in the Soviet times that people bought a deficit thing that was sold at a given moment, now the choice is becoming less random and more justified. And if the buyer cannot navigate the choice and correlate it with the actual value for himself/herself, the buyer puts off the purchase. So, actually, we do not satisfy the need - we sell a certain value. And it is very important for jewellers and sellers to think about what value their product translates. Recently, a consumer behavior study was conducted, specifically for the Jewelry Trade Navigator. Tell us about it, please. According to the parameters we set, Segmento (its shareholders are Sberbank of the Russian Federation and AFK Sistema) analyzed a data sample that included over 300,000 residents of Moscow and over 600,000 people from the Russian regions. Only the data on the buyers who made a jewellery purchase in 2019 were analyzed. And what are the results? Lets see how the customer data is distributed in the gender segment: in Moscow, 71% of women make jewellery purchases (in the regions, their share was 75%); 29% of men make jewellery purchases in Moscow (in the regions, 25%). In the age segment, the shares of age groups in Moscow and the regions practically do not differ, and an audience aged 3544 years is represented in both segments and it is 10% above the average. The same group holds the largest share among all customers. Also, in both segments, there are few respondents aged 18-24 and 55+ years. By the gender + age, it is clear that women aged 35-44 make the majority of the audience in both segments. In the regions, the same group is 1.3 times above the average, and in Moscow 1.25 times above the average. Moreover, in the regions, there are more women-buyers aged 45-54 years than in Moscow. The sample data by income level was divided into four conditional categories by their income level: the main share of jewellery buyers, of course, has an income above the average and a high one. In Moscow, customers are more affluent, the proportion of high-income respondents is greater than in the regions, and almost 2 times more than this share on the average. I am fond of a dry language of numbers: it allows you to analyze the market in order to competently build your business, spend money rationally on your advertising campaigns and, working for everyone, appeal to each customer almost directly. There is always a wide range of interests in customer behaviour that can be divided into two large categories. Firstly, these are online interests: we are talking about the customers who have made a jewellery purchase online and are actively interested in other products and services on the Internet. This is about what they were interested in, what they read about, what they saw. It is the peoples interests that you need to know in order to include them in the advertising data sample. Secondly, the customer behaviour really tells you what characteristic spending is made by our customers. Their online and offline purchases were taken into account. We also plan to investigate what the residents of million-plus cities bought, and well analyze the amount and quality of their purchases. What should be done if the demand is changing it has shifted from jewellery to the segment of travelling, cars, gadgets? At the seminar, we asked ourselves: are there fewer buyers with the entry of the generations Z and Y, or is this old luxury becoming a thing of the past? No, it doesnt go away - just the demand is changing. And the manufacturers will have to work more with young designers who would understand their generation better. And also, to form a culture of jewellery consumption among the young generation. Let the jewellery pieces for them be small, thin and light - the minimalism is welcome. And then, with age, their preferences and demand will change, but jewellery will stay! Yes, its not easy now. Did anyone promise that it would be easy and simple? Galina Semyonova for Rough&Polished A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde stayed the Bombay High Court order that quashed letter rogatories (LR) which sought information from foreign countries on the import of coal by Adani. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for DRI contended before the apex court that the investigation into the matter should continue. The DRI is probing nearly 40 companies for overvaluation of imports. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice to Adani Enterprises on an appeal by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in a matter connected with the alleged over-invoicing of Indonesian coal imports. A letter rogatory is usually sent by a country to another country to seek assistance with help of foreign judicial authorities to investigate an offshore entity, which is believed to have a connection with an ongoing probe. The Bombay High Court in October last year quashed all the LRs sent by DRI to Singapore and other countries in its probe on Adani group firms for allegedly over-invoicing the coal imported from Indonesia between 2011 and 2015. The High Court observed that it did not go into the merits of the LR issued by the magistrate, but found the due process was not undertaken while issuing these letters. The DRI vehemently opposed the High Court order and sought its stay as the investigation is underway. In September last year, Adani Enterprises Limited moved the High Court seeking quashing of the LRs which were issued in 2016. The DRI in March 2016 initiated investigation against a few Adani group firms for allegedly over-invoicing coal imports from Indonesia. The LRs were issued to Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong, seeking assistance in accessing documents in possession of three state-owned banks in connection with the transactions under investigation. Sometimes it helps to check the facts. You may be surprised what you find. Over the last decade, several high-profile scientific studies have reported that tropical fish living in coral reefs are adversely affected by ocean acidification caused by climate change - that is, they behave oddly and are attracted to predators as levels of carbon dioxide dissolved from air pollution increase. But now new research suggests that isn't the case. In fact, in the most exhaustive study yet of the impacts of ocean acidification on the behaviour of coral reef fish, headed up in Australia and co-authored by two Universite de Montreal researchers, it turns out fish behaviour is not affected at all. "The past decade has seen many high-profile studies that have found alarming effects of ocean acidification on coral reef fish behaviour," with some reporting that "fish become attracted to the smell of predators in acidified waters," said lead author Timothy Clark, an associate professor at Deakin University's School of Life and Environmental Sciences in Geelong, a seaside city near Melbourne, Australia. But when they tried to re-do those earlier studies with many of the same species, and by crunching the data in a new analysis, Clark and his team of Canadian and Scandinavian scientists - including UdeM biologists Sandra Binning and Dominique Roche - arrived at very different results. It turns out the original results couldn't be replicated. "We expected previous results would be easy to repeat because of how clear and strong they appeared in the initial papers. Instead, we found consistently normal behaviours in fish that we acclimated to (predicted) end-of-(21st)-century levels of CO2," said Clark. But "by using rigorous methods, measuring multiple behaviours in multiple species, and making our data and analysis code openly available, we have comprehensively and transparently shown that ... ocean acidification has negligible direct impacts on the behaviour of fish on coral reefs," said Clark. "Specifically, elevated CO2 does not meaningfully alter activity levels or behavioural lateralisation (left-right turning preference), nor does it alter the response of fish to the chemical cues released by predators." The new study is bound to make a big impact in the marine biology world, the scientists believe. Not only does it contradict earlier studies, it shows that science doesn't always produce results to buttress things everyone agrees on, like climate change. Quite the opposite, in fact. "Some people may be surprised by these findings, but that's how science operates: it's a normal and healthy process to question published results. Sometimes they hold up, and sometimes they don't. Ultimately, it's the accumulation of evidence that matters and brings us closer to the truth," said Binning, an assistant professor at UdeM. "It's not because some researchers have found one thing that we should take it at face value. As scientists, we should always be critical of what we read and what we see. That's how science advances." "We're not saying that climate change is not a problem - far from it," added Roche, her husband, a research associate at UdeM. "Our point is that replication studies are very important, just as are ocean acidification and global warming generally." Clark agreed. "The negative effects of CO2 emissions are well established, with global warming already having devastating effects on coral reef ecosystems around the world. Among other things, more frequent storms and coral bleaching during heatwaves is causing severe habitat loss for fish," he said. "So, despite our new results, coral reefs and their fish communities remain in grave danger because of increasing atmospheric CO2." Now, instead of concentrating on how fish behaviour is affected by ocean acidification, scientists would do better to focus their attention "on others aspects of climate change that are more in need of research," such as infectious disease risk, habitat destruction, and decreased oxygen levels in water, said Binning, holder of a Canada Research Chair on Eco-Evolution and Host-Parasite Interactions. "With so little time left to combat climate change, it's vitally important that research dollars are used in the best way possible to better help us understand and target systems and organisms at the greatest risk," added Roche. ### About this study "Ocean acidification does not impair the behaviour of coral reef fishes," by Timothy D. Clark et al, was published Jan. 8, 2020, in Nature. It's truly no rest for the weary as Laura Dern makes her way back to her hotel room in New York City on Monday, not 24 hours after her big night on the other side of the country at the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills. The decorated actress showcased a stunning outfit from fashion designer Gabriela Hearst, who is quickly becoming a staple in the star's closet. The Hollywood icon cut a fine figure in a double-breasted black leather coat, which she tied in the front. Underneath was a dress with a gorgeous paintbrush pattern that fell just below her knees. City girl: It's truly no rest for the weary as Laura Dern makes her way back to her hotel room in New York City on Monday, following her big night on the other side of the country at the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills Channeling the Elton John style gods, she added a dash of flare with a pair of orange shades. She matched with black leather boots and a black and beige striped handbag. It's been another banner year for the two-time Oscar nominee, who took home a Golden Globe for best supporting actress on Sunday night for her role as a fierce divorce attorney in Noah Baumbach's Marriage Story. It marks her fifth win and eighth nomination at the Globes. The Hollywood icon cut a fine figure in a double-breasted black leather coat, which she tied in the front. Underneath was a dress with a gorgeous paintbrush pattern that fell just below her knees Iconic: Channeling the Elton John style gods, she added a dash of flare with a pair of orange shades. She matched the ensemble with black leather boots and a black and beige striped handbag But Marriage Story isn't the only critical darling that the mother of two was involved in this year. Baumbach's business and life partner Greta Gerwig released her adaptation of Little Women this year to much acclaim, with Dern playing the part of Marmee March, the matriarch of the famous literary clan. Both Marriage Story and Little Women sit at a coveted 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and are expected to make waves at the Oscars in February. Marriage Story is out on Netflix and Little Women is now in theaters nationwide. Queen: It's been another banner year for the two-time Oscar nominee, who took home a Golden Globe for best supporting actress on Sunday night for her role in Marriage Story Legends: Dern raises her Golden Globe as she smiles for the cameras with Marriage Story director Noah Baumbach on Sunday night The Houston Museum Antiques Show & Sale returns to Stratton Hall in Chattanooga, Feb. 28March 1. The show is a perennial favorite, drawing antique collectors from throughout the region. Exhibitors will include dozens of booths offering a wide and varied selection of jewelry, furniture, rugs, African art, art pottery, glass from some of the countrys top antiques dealers and glass specialists, said officials. This year, the Show & Sale will also include an Antique Appraisal Fair on Saturday, Feb. 29, featuring appraisers who work around the region. There will also be two restoration experts providing consultations on metal items, such as plate, coin and brass; and on porcelain, pottery and glass crystal. In addition to serving as a fundraiser for the Houston Museum, the annual Antique Show & Sale is almost like a family reunion for us, because it draws art glass lovers, glass professionals, and antique collectors from all over the Southeast, said Amy Autenreith, executive director of the Houston Museum. Presenting an annual event uninterrupted for 46 years feels pretty special. We see old friends weve known for years and fresh faces that are just beginning to explore this field that we love. Its a very special time." The Antique Appraisal Fair will be Feb. 29, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Appraisers who have committed to participate include: Joe Rosson, Knoxville, general line Rick Crane, Knoxville, glass specialty Sarah Drury, Case Antiques Inc., Nashville/Knoxville, general line David Case, Case Antiques Inc., Kingsport, general line James Allen, Chattanooga, rugs Were very excited to offer expert appraisals again, which is something people have requested, said Ms. Autenreith. Pre-registration is required. Guests can bring up to three objects for appraisal, at a cost of $25 per object. Appraisal appointments are 10 minutes and are available from 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. Beginning on Thursday, guests must pre-register for a morning or afternoon slot, via email to houstonmuseumchattanooga@gmail.com. Objects that can be appraised: furniture (photos are okay if the object is too large), glass, porcelain, silver, art, Asian items, oriental rugs, documents. These objects cannot be appraised: Native American items, firearms, pre-Columbian artifacts, fossils. To protect valuable antiques, and to avoid potential liability for the Museum, Antique Show volunteers will not be permitted to carry objects any objects for appraisal. The three-day Antiques Show and Sale will be held at Stratton Hall, 3146 Broad St. and hosted by the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, a boutique museum in Chattanoogas Bluff View Arts District. Admission is $10 and covers all three days of the show: Friday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m.6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 29, 10 a.m.6 p.m., and Sunday March 1, noon4 p.m. The Antique Appraisal Fair will be Feb. 29, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Show & Sale kicks off with a preview party Thursday, Feb. 27, that is not included in the general admission price. Preview party tickets are $75, which includes unlimited access to all three days of the event. For more information call 267-7176, email houstonmuseumchattanooga@gmail.com, or visit www.thehoustonmuseum.org. D onald Trump has insisted "all is well!" after Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops. The strikes overnight were in revenge over the killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike last week. Mr Trump said the initial outlook during an assessment of potential casualties and damages following the barrage was so far, so good! The US leader offered no immediate indication of whether he would retaliate and said he would give a full statement later on Wednesday. In a tweet he went on to boast that he US has the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world. The Iranian rocket attacks targeted US troops stationed at the the Ayn al Asad airbase and Erbil base in the at about 1.30am local time on Wednesday (10.30pm UK time). The missile strikes came in retaliation over an US drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Mr Trump and his advisers are under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led to the strike. An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq (via REUTERS) / via Reuters Mr Trump said on Tuesday that his decision saved American lives and that members of Congress will get a briefing on the reasons for the US attack. "They were planning something," he said of the Iranians. The Pentagon confirmed that Iran launched "more than a dozen ballistic missiles" at the bases at about 1.30am local time on Wednesday (10.30pm UK time). US Defence Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said the attacks "targeted at least two Iraqi military bases, at Ain Assad and Erbil. An image reportedly showing rockets launched against the US military base in Ein-al Asad, Iraq / IRIB/AFP via Getty Images There were no immediate reports of any injuries in the two strikes. Soleimani's killing and the strikes by Iran came as tensions have been rising steadily across the Middle East after Mr Trump's decision to unilaterally withdraw the US from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. They also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two enemies, which have been at odds since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. US troops outside the Al Assad Air Base in Iraq (file image) / AP Soleimanis funeral on Tuesday in his hometown of Kerman prompted angry calls to avenge his death, which drastically raised tensions in the Middle East. "We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted," The Guard said following the strike. Qasem Soleimani funeral in Iran 1 /24 Qasem Soleimani funeral in Iran An Iranian man reacts during a gathering to mourn General Qasem Soleimani VIA REUTERS Mourners wave flags as they gather during the funeral procession of slain Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani AFP via Getty Images Mourners gather during the funeral procession of slain Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis (image), Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and eight others in the Iraqi central city of Karbala AFP via Getty Images Thousands of Iraqis chanting "Death to America" today as they mourned an Iranian commander and others killed in a US drone attack AFP via Getty Images Mourners gather in the Iraqi central city of Karbala AFP via Getty Images Mourners take part in the funeral procession of slain Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani AFP via Getty Images Iranians gather to mourn General Qasem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, who was killed in an air strike at Baghdad airport, in Tehran, Iran VIA REUTERS A mourner holds up a picture AFP via Getty Images Thousands of Iraqis chanting "Death to America" today as they mourned an Iranian commander and others killed in a US drone attack AFP via Getty Images Mourners chant slogans against the U.S. during the funeral of Iran's top general Qasem Soleimani, AP Iran has vowed "harsh retaliation" for the US airstrike near Baghdad's airport AP Mourners carry the coffins of Iran's top general Qasem Soleimani AP Mourners carry the coffin of slain Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis AFP via Getty Images People attend a funeral procession for Iranian Major-General Qasem Soleiman VIA REUTERS An aerial view shows mourners attending a funeral ceremony for Gen. Qasem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani and his comrades who were killed in Iraq by a U.S. drone strike, are carried on a truck surrounded by mourners AP Mourners carry the coffins of Iran's top general Qasem Soleiman AP Iran has vowed "harsh retaliation" for the U.S. airstrike near Baghdad's airport AP Ain Assad air base is in Iraq's western Anbar province. It was first used by American forces after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Dictator Saddam Hussein. It later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. Mr Trump and top national security officials have justified the airstrike that killed Solemani with general statements about the threat he posed. The top general commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq. "He's no longer a monster. He's dead," Mr Trump said earlier on Tuesday. "And that's a good thing for a lot of countries. He was planning a very big attack and a very bad attack for us and other people and we stopped him and I don't think anybody can complain about it." Soleimani was targeted while he was at an airport in Baghdad with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a veteran Iraqi militant who also was killed. Listen to today's episode of The Leader: Chandigarh Normal life was disrupted in Congress-ruled Punjab due to the nationwide shutdown call of trade unions on Wednesday against the BJP-led NDA governments policies. There was, however, no report of any untoward incident. Several farmer associations, who had called a separate Grameen Bharat Bandh (Rural India shutdown), mainly for implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations and other demands, were also seen asking traders at several places to keep their shops and business establishments closed. FARMERS BLOCK RAIL TRAFFIC IN AMRITSAR Farmers blocked rail traffic near the station. Activists of trade unions, Left organisations, student bodies and bank unions demonstrated by raising slogans against the Centre over the CAA and the National Register of Citizens NRC at the Bhandari Bridge. Public response to the strike was partial. Shops remained open, transport was normal, but public sector banks were closed. A similar scenario was seen at Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Batala and Pathankot TRAFFIC OUT OF GAR IN SANGRUR, MANSA, BARNALA CPI members joined about 250 protesters and marched towards the Mansa railway station and blocked trains on the Bathinda-Delhi section. Activists of the All-India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee and Left wing outfits blocked roads in Sangrur, BhawanigarEh, Dhuri and Longowal towns. Anganwadi workers, members of the CPI, the AISF and the CITU blocked Barnala, Ludhiana and Delhi roads at Mahavir Chowk in Sangrur. Farmers blocked the Sangrur-Chandigarh highway. Shops and banks remained open. BUSES PLY NORMALLY IN MALWA State-owned bus services in Bathinda, Moga, Faridkot and Muktsar plied normally. State government employees under the aegis of Left-backed trade unions held protests. Commercial establishments functioned normally. In Bathinda, farmers blocked the Bathinda-Chandigarh national highway at Lehra Mohabbat for two hours. The supply of milk in urban areas was considerably hit, while supply of vegetables was hit partially. In Faridkot and Moga, shops remained open and transport services remained operational. Farmer, students and social unions protested at bus stands. MARKETS OPEN IN LUDHIANA Bank employees and anganwadi workers held a protest at the Bharat Nagar Chowk. Markets remained open. Except Punjab Roadways, others bus services, including PRTC, were operational. Members of the Bhagat Singh Auto Union also held a protest opposite the DC office. Another protest was held at the Industrial Focal Point area. STUDENTS PROTEST AT PUNJABI UNIVERSITY Patiala Students and teachers of Punjabi University in Patiala joined the protest and did not allow the rest to enter the campus. The students were accompanied by members of employee unions. They condemned the violence at JNU in Delhi. AMID PROTESTS, BUSINESS AS USUAL IN DOABA Jalandhar: More than 60 trade unions, Left organisations, roadways and bank employees protested across Doaba, but shops and markets remained open. Central Indian Trade Union (CITU) workers, and others, gathered at Desh Bhagat Yaadgari Hall in Jalandhar and organised a march. Auto drivers and Punjab Roadways employees protested near the city bus stand. Supply of vegetables and milk remained normal. Raghunath Singh, general secretary, Punjab CITU, said, We are against the central government move to privatise public sector and also seek the revocation of the CAA. In Jalandhar, around 250 buses PUNBUS off the road while private and PRTC buses remained operational. In Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Indian Federation of Trade unions blocked Nawanshahr-Chandigarh highway for an hour. In Hoshiarpur, trade unions held a demonstration. FINNISH WOMAN JOINS PROTEST IN NABHA Nabha Arriving in India to participate in the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak, Kirsi, a Finnish woman, who has since changed her name to Shripreet Kaur, also joined the protest at the Bouran Gate Chowk. She has converted to Sikhism was accompanying her friend, Karamjit Kaur, an anganwadi worker. In Finland, long discussions are organised before framing policies and the government deals with protests with high sensitivity, she said. Members of trade and labour unions had blocked the Bouran Gate Chowk. The road near Rohti bridge was also blocked. A 19-year-old college student was allegedly abducted on gun-point and gang-raped by four persons in Patna late on Monday night, police officials said. Two of the accused have been arrested, officials said. Police said that the four men abducted the woman in their car at the Boring Road intersection in the state capital on Monday evening. The woman filed a case, naming the four accused, on Tuesday. The woman was forced to get inside a vehicle on gun point by the accused when she came out of a restaurant at around 6.30 pm (on Monday) under SK Puri police station limits. She alleged that they took her to a vacant flat at an unknown place and repeatedly raped her there, the FIR states. Two of the accused, the woman alleged, threatened her of dire consequences if she reported the crime to the police. Then, she said, the accused took her to the car again, thrashed her and pushed her out of the vehicle near a mall under Patliputra police station area. The woman filed the case with the Patnas Women police station on Tuesday. Two of the accused have been arrested by police, said Patna superintendent of police Upendra Sharma. The spot of the incident has been sealed and a team of forensics experts has collected evidences, he said. Police officials said one of the accused was trying to force the woman into a relationship and was stalking her. The station house officer of the womens police station Arti Jaiswal said that preliminary investigation suggested the woman knew the accused. A case was registered under Sections 376 D (gang-rape), 323 (Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act, Jaiswal said. A medical examination of the woman has been conducted and the report is awaited. The womans statement will be recorded under Section 164 of CrPC before a judicial magistrate on Wednesday and another medical test will be performed at the PMCH, said the SHO. SSP Patna said they were scanning the CCTV footage around the Boring Road intersections and the Patliputra area, which, he said, was the likely route the accused took after abducting her. This is the second gang-rape incident in the state capital within a month. On December 13 last, a Patna University student was allegedly gang-raped by four men. Two of the accused, including a friend of the woman, surrendered in the court while two others were arrested from separate places. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Avinash Kumar Avinash, a senior correspondent, reports on crime, railways, defence and social sector, with specialisation in police, home department and other investigation agencies. ...view detail What are Oregonians eyeing as home improvement ideas for this year? Designers at the Portland-based Neil Kelly Design-Build remodeling firm and the House Plan Company in Eugene agree that highly livable floor plans, environmentally friendly materials and smart devices plus color a break from all-white interiors will be popular in 2020. Here are looks that will spread this year, but tread carefully. 2020 is a new beginning and many people feel inspired to update their homes, says Barbara Miller, design director for Neil Kelly. Trends and predictions provide a starting point but we recommend a realistic and thoughtful approach when considering design for your individual home. The House Plan Companys farmhouse-inspired Ashlyn model. Image credit Dowds Design Collection. Embracing Architectural Style Modern-inspired dwellings with the fewest interior solid walls, lots of glass and easy access to the outdoors are well liked in urban and rural areas, say Rick McAlexander of the House Plan Company as well as designers, architects and others who sell pre-designed blueprints to homeowners and builders. Exteriors may showcase a farmhouse, bungalow or contemporary style, but inside are open floor plans. The House Plan Companys farmhouse-inspired Ashlyn model has a large great room, with a vaulted ceiling that extends to a covered porch, that includes a dining area and kitchen with a large island and pantry. The main floor also has a master suite with a curb-less shower and soaking tub plus a walk-in closet that links to a laundry-mudroom. McAlexander says the prominent exterior styles hes seeing for 2020 are modern with low-pitched roofs and large overhangs and barn style, a more rustic version of a farmhouse with painted white exterior walls and steep pitched roofs. The farmhouse was made very popular by TV and Oregon clients will often look to add more natural woods, even going as far as using salvaged barn wood in their finish, he says. Midcentury modern homes can be updated with style-appropriate finishes. Photo by Steve Spohn When remodeling, from a century-old Craftsman to a Pacific Northwest midcentury modern or a younger home, Neil Kellys clients are looking to preserve the original aesthetic while updating with architecturally appropriate finishes that dont overshadow attractive, existing characteristics. Floor Plans With Flexibility Large, open spaces allow for flexibility and thats appealing to people who want their home to fit their lifestyle as time goes by. The second floor could be childrens bedrooms that become a guest suite, office or media room. These extra, upstairs spaces can be heated and cooled, or closed off, as needed, with all the essential rooms on the ground floor. Ignored areas are also being put to better use as storage or wine rooms, crafts, exercise or potting spaces or even a pet spa. Neil Kelly designers are creating standalone backyard cottages. Photo by Darius Kuzmickas Underused yards will continue to tempt people who could benefit from an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a self-contained apartment with a private exterior door that can shelter family members or be rented out. McAlexander predicts dual-owner suites, or large guest suites, will be used by aging parents, caregivers, grown children and others wanting to live close by but independently. People with the resources to build 3,000 square feet or more frequently ask for extra accommodations, he says. Maximizing the property helps owners who live in high-rent markets tap into rental income potential. Miller and more than 20 other designers at Neil Kelly are creating accessory dwellings in an attic, basement or a wing within the house, as well as converting parts of the garage or above it to living quarters. Standalone, cottages sharing the lot are also an option. The demand for smaller-sized homes in new construction will remain strong, says McAlexander, but he adds that the idea of living full time in less than 600 square feet is not sustainable long term based on most peoples needs and desires. He adds that the average footprint of a new house is more than 2,000 square feet. Neil Kelly designers create outdoor spaces. Photo by Darius Kuzmickas Slide-away glass doors that extend entertaining and living spaces to decks and patio are now standards in house plans, says McAlexander. Neil Kelly designers work to leverage space under the stars so people can enjoy the Pacific Northwest scenery year round. Show Off Colors and Textures Neil Kelly clients attracted to classic blue, Pantones color of the year, are also being directed to Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244 paint. Photo by Darius Kuzmickas Neil Kellys clients are asking for big colors covering walls, bold accent shades in neutral spaces and textural warmth throughout a traditional and contemporary home, says Miller. Even minimalism no longer means strict austerity. Designers are adding Pacific Northwest or Asian-influenced, reclaimed or repurposed wood, artisan tile and artful handmade elements. While I dont really see paint color as a design trend, I do see color coming back to exteriors based on client requests, says McAlexander. Neil Kelly clients attracted to classic blue, Pantones color of the year, for interiors are also being directed to Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244 paint. Kitchens That Draw a Crowd Appliances will be awash in different hues, too. Neil Kelly designers like alternatives to white and stainless appliances and also see matte black or graphite as stylish. Traditional subway tile wont go away but the standard 3-inch-by-6-inch size will be replaced by larger or smaller pieces. Designers expect kitchen islands to remain long and as much as five feet wide to accommodate food preparation and allow friends and family to gather around to watch the chef cook, while also having space for children to spread out their homework and everyone to charge their phones and other devices. A walk-in pantry has evolved into a concealable prep space with a stove, dishwasher and counters. Photo by Aaron Ziltener Walk-in pantries have evolved into concealable prep spaces with a stove, dishwasher and counters, and seating around breakfast bars will come in different shapes and sizes, predict Neil Kelly designers. Eco-friendly Homes Can Aid Health Kitchens can have antimicrobial surfaces and more room to store fresh produce. Photo by Darius Kuzmickas Manufacturers are making it easier and more affordable to reduce energy use and improve indoor air quality with high-performance heating and cooling systems. Durable, nontoxic finishes and quartz-like counters are also highly rated for sustainability. Neil Kelly designers say that a homes flow and layout can be designed to support physical and mental health by providing easy movement in and among different rooms, quiet spaces for healing and relaxation, and a strong connection to nature. Kitchens can have antimicrobial surfaces and places to store fresh produce. Universal design features such as flat floors, wide hallways and doors, and quality lighting allow people to age in place. They also benefit from bathrooms that have a roll-in shower and cabinets to keep medications organized. Smart, Connected Homes Save Energy Smart technology is being built into homes to save energy and make it convenient to monitor electronics, lights and security from a phone app. Neil Kelly designers install new technology to assist with cooking and storage in the kitchen and control temperature, ventilation and cleaning throughout a house. Home design and product experts will offer ideas and advice during a kitchen design workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at Neil Kelly showrooms in Portland, Bend, Eugene and Seattle as well as the Stafford Hills Club in Tualatin. Admission ($10 in advance, $20 at the door) includes a catered lunch and wine, and benefits Habitat for Humanity. Register at neilkelly.com/events. --Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072 jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox. After 12 days searching and 95 miles walked, Meadow is home. The dog, who went missing on Dec. 26, was found safe on Tuesday afternoon by her owner Lauren Johnson. God is good, all the time, and He still would have been even if Meadow hadnt made it home. But I praise God that the answer to this prayer was yes, Johnson said Tuesday night. Johnson, of Atlanta, spent each day since Meadow went missing been searching for her 8-year-old Labrador mix. Johnson and Meadow were in Birmingham to visit Johnsons older sister, who lives in Homewood, for Christmas when Meadow somehow escaped. In the 12 days of searching there have been numerous sightings, other dogs found, and a city that flocked to help Johnson bring her dog home. She set up scent lures, designed to entice Meadow back to Homewood. She hired a dog tracking team from out of state. She used a robocall service. But, after countless hours searching, Johnson made the hard choice to go back to Atlanta on Monday to return to work. She was heartbroken and discouraged, she said. Johnson didnt know her hard work was about to pay off. Meadow was spotted late Monday by a resident on Birminghams Valley Avenue. She called Johnson, and volunteers checked out the scene without any luck. Johnson still wasnt sure it was her dog, she said. Tuesday, the resident sent pictures from her surveillance camera to Johnson. It was Meadow. Lauren and Meadow reunited on January 7, 2020 after a 12-day search through Mountain Brook, Homewood, and Birmingham (Contributed) Johnson made the decision to come back to Birmingham and arrived around noon. Then, she waited. She sat outside the Valley Avenue apartment, talking and working on her computer, surrounded by freshly cooked bacon, cheeseburgers, and rotisserie chicken. Sometime around 2 p.m, Johnson heard twigs snap and she knew. It was Meadow. Meadow came up to the apartments and saw Johnson, running to her, and the chase was over. Johnson immediately took Meadow to a close-by veterinarian, who said the dog had only suffered several tick bites and some cuts that were already starting to heal. Johnson thanked all volunteers involved in the nearly two-week long search and cried tears of joy as she loaded Meadow in her car and headed back to Atlanta. She was going home, this time with her other half. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 13:03:13|Editor: ZD Video Player Close TEHRAN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A Ukrainian passenger plane crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport on Wednesday morning, the official IRNA news agency reported. The ill-fated Flight PS-752, which belongs to the Ukrainian UIA Airlines, is supposed to be a Boeing 737 with 180 on board bound for Kiev. Ali Khashani, a spokesman for Imam Khomeini International Airport, told Fars news agency, an Iranian semi-official news agency, that the accident was likely caused by technical problems. There were no immediate reports of casualties. An evaluation study of the hospital-acquired infection (HAI) at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) has shown positive results with a drop in some types of infections compared to internationally-accepted rates. President of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) Lieutenant General Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa has affirmed that procedures are being taken to deal with the nosocomial infection at SMC in light of the recommendations of the evaluation study which His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier directed to carry out while chairing the coordination committee meeting today. The SCH President pointed out that the council, in co-operation with the Health Ministry, will immediately start implementing the directives of HRH the Crown Prince by stepping up measures to fight the infection. He noted that in line with the directives of HRH the Crown Prince to conduct an evaluation study on the hospital-associated infection at Salmaniya Medical Complex, the SCH has mandated the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) to conduct a comprehensive field audit of a programme to combat infection at SMC in accordance with internationally-approved standards. Lieutenant General Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa added that the directives of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, reflects his continuous follow-up on the health sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain and utmost keenness on the health of the people. He expressed sincerest thanks and gratitude to HRH the Crown Prince for his keenness on optimising health services to achieve citizens aspirations. A Delhi courts order issuing black warrants to hang the four men convicted for the rape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student in the national capital seven years ago has revived the debate on whether death penalty should be retained as a punishment for murder under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). While there has been an outrage and a call to punish the men who brutally sexually assaulted the woman, causing her death days after the attack, there have been some who believe death penalty is unwarranted and that a state should not take a life. Political parties have so far steered clear from the debate and have by-and-large gone with the popular sentiment, though individual leaders have expressed personal views on it. Like CPI(M) and DMK, which have publicly sought abolition of death penalty. Decribing executions as inhuman, CPI(M) has on several occasions said it stands for abolition of death penalty in the country as it is arbitrarily implemented and advocated imprisonment till death in rarest of the rare cases. For DMK, party MP Kanimozhi has called death penalty as illogical and inhumane. DMK has opposed death penalty in all cases and favours the immediate abolition of this practice. The partys 2014 conference in Tiruchi resolved to abolish death penalty as did the manifesto for Lok Sabha elections that year. We will work towards removing death penalty from statute books, she had said soon after Yakub Memons execution in 2015. As for the government, it is still to take a stand on the issue. Responding to a private members bill moved in Rajya Sabha to abolish death sentence, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy had in July last said the government was examining the issue and was yet to take a final call. Around 140 countries have abolished capital punishment around the globe. There are only 53 countries which currently award death penalties. Most of these countries do not have democratic governments, Congress leader Pradeep Tamta had said in his bill. Reddy had then also informed the House that 90 per cent of the states supported death penalty. Citing the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the minister said that capital punishment was given to only one person each in 2012 and 2013 respectively, while it was zero in 2014 and one in 2015. The President of India has received 135 mercy petitions, in which 34 was dismissed, 91 were allowed and one file is still pending, he had told the House. Harshvardhan Singh Dungarpur (BJP) of BJP opposed the bill. Chhaya Verma of Congress and Vishambhar Prasad Nishad (SP) supported the bill. But AAP leader Sanjay Singh cited Kathua rape case and demanded death penalty for perpetrators of such heinous crimes. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip The Hamas leadership has been increasing its visits to Palestinian refugee camps abroad, specifically in Lebanon, in the past month. On Dec. 23, Hamas leader Maher Salah visited the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Sidon, in southern Lebanon. The visit came as part of Mahers tour of Palestinian camps across Lebanon to inspect their living conditions. In a meeting with representatives of Palestinian factions as well as committees representing neighborhoods and civil organizations in the camp, Salah stressed the need to hold Palestinian elections wherever there are Palestinians, including in the diaspora. On Dec. 8 a delegation from Hamas bloc in the Palestinian Legislative Council, led by head of the bloc Mahmoud al-Zahar, toured a number of Palestinian camps in Lebanon, including in Rashidieh camp in the city of Tyre, the Beddawi camp in Tripoli, Ain al-Hilweh and the Wavel Camp in the Bekaa. On Nov. 29, Khalil al-Haya and Rawhi Mushtaha, both members of Hamas political bureau, visited several camps in Lebanon, namely Sabra and Shatila, Bourj el-Barajneh, Rashidieh and Ain al-Hilweh, where they met with representatives of factions and popular committees. Haya had said in a statement published Aug. 6 by local media in Gaza that Hamas offered $100,000 to Palestinians in Lebanons camps. The movement had collected this money through donations in the Gaza Strip. Hamas growing interest in Palestinian refugee camps abroad raises questions about the objective behind such visits, especially as they coincide with preparations for the general Palestinian elections. These elections are expected to include the legislative and presidential polls, as well as elections for the Palestinian National Council (PNC), which is the supreme authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and drafts the PLOs policies. Hamas political bureau member Suhail al-Hindi told Al-Monitor, Hamas has decided to participate in the PNC elections. It is hoping Palestinians abroad in general, and refugees in particular, will influence these elections. He said there are about twice as many Palestinians living outside the territories than in them. Palestinians in the diaspora, including refugees in camps, are not allowed to take part in the legislative and presidential elections. However, Palestinians at home and abroad both have the right to vote in the PNC elections through direct suffrage, in accordance with the PLOs Basic Law. According to Hindi, Hamas had asked during talks in Gaza with the head of the Central Elections Commission, Hanna Nasser, that PNC elections be held first, considering that the council is the only institution that unifies Palestinians from all parts of the world. Hindi added, However, [President] Mahmoud Abbas refused [Hamas] request and demanded that legislative elections be held first. So we ended up accepting this. Hamas handed over its written response on the elections to Nasser on Nov. 27, where it agreed to participate in general elections (legislative and presidential ones, followed by PNC elections), stressing the need to convene the preparatory committee affiliated with the PNC, and which includes members of the council and representatives of all Palestinian factions, including Hamas and the Islamic Jihad. Hamas wants the preparatory committee to hold a dialogue on mechanisms to reform the PNC, which has been dominated by Fatah since its inception, in order to guarantee the representation of all Palestinians at home and abroad. Sami Khater, another member of Hamas politburo, told the Palestinian Information Center on Dec. 22 that the national role of Palestinians abroad (in refugee camps and in other countries) is reflected through their participation in the PNC elections, and we hope the PLO leadership is serious about holding these elections. Since the PNC was established in 1964, no elections have been held as it was difficult for Palestinians abroad to directly vote for their representatives in this council. Consequently, the members of the council which number 433 were appointed by the Palestinian parties under the PLOs framework, and popular syndicates and unions at home and abroad that also fall under the PLOs framework. Since then, the PNC has held irregular sessions to appoint new members to replace those who died. Overall, 23 sessions have been held since its inception, with the latest one taking place in May 2018 in Ramallah. Although Hamas is not represented in the PLO, all Hamas members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (74 members of parliament) are also members of the PNC, according to the Palestinian Elections Law No. 13 of 1995. Immediately upon their election, the members of the Palestinian [Legislative] Council shall be considered members of the Palestinian National Council, Chapter 1 of the law states. However, Hamas members have been boycotting the PNC sessions, claiming they are held without Palestinian consensus. Fatah has 81 members in the PNC. This number includes 36 who were appointed during the councils 13th session held in Cairo in 1977; and 45 members who form part of the PLC and consequently are considered PNC members. Fatah thus holds the largest number of seats in the PNC. Hindi believes the PNC faces a major problem, which is the dominance of Fatah and its leader Mahmoud Abbas, who heads the PLOs Executive Committee in charge of implementing the PNCs decisions. This has obstructed the implementation of all the decisions that most members of the PNC voted in favor of to counter Israel during its last session held in May 2018. One of the most important of these decisions is ending the security coordination [between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Israel] and suspending the Palestinian recognition of Israel. He added, This is why the PNC should be reformed through new elections that include the participation of all Palestinians at home and abroad. Fayez Abu Shamala, a member of the PNC and writer at the Felesteen paper, told Al-Monitor that Hamas is betting on Palestinians abroad to play a role in reforming the PNC. The movement, he added, will seek to guarantee those Palestinians their right for a direct vote to choose their own representatives at the PNC once elections are held. Abu Shamala further said Hamas interest in the PNC elections stems from its [Hamas] belief that they are more important than the legislative and presidential elections. This is because the PNC elections result in the formation of supreme leadership authorities for the Palestinian people capable of reforming the PLO and deciding the fate of the PA. Talal Okal, a writer at the Al-Ayyam paper, told Al-Monitor, Hamas is seeking to compete against Fatah in the PNC and to take part in the Palestinian decision-making process. He added that Hamas wants to rebuild the PLO and make it more opposed to Israel, "and seeks to be part of the PLO, which is considered the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people at home and abroad. Okal said the influence Palestinians abroad can have on any PNC elections in the future should not be underestimated. But he ruled out holding such elections as Palestinians are very much scattered around the world. Meanwhile, Hindi said, If PNC elections through direct vote are not held, we will call for a national meeting to discuss another mechanism to hold new PNC elections that guarantees the participation of all Palestinians wherever they are in the world. US lawmakers called Wednesday for President Donald Trumps administration to impose sanctions over rights abuses in China as they released a report describing crimes against humanity against the Uighur minority. In a wide-ranging annual report, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which tracks human rights in the Asian power, voiced alarm at Beijings incarceration of more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang. The Commission believes Chinese authorities may be committing crimes against humanity against the Uighur people and other Turkic Muslims, it said. Representative Chris Smith, a member of the commission, pointed to Uighur witnesses who said they were targeted for their Muslim faith. We are talking about crimes against humanity on a massive scale, Smith told a news conference. We are talking, with regards to what is being done to the Uighurs, something we have not seen since World War II. And the Chinese government, particularly (President) Xi Jinping, needs to be held accountable for this egregious behavior, he said. Senator Marco Rubio, a close ally of President Donald Trump and co-chair of the commission, vowed that Congress would soon pass an act that seeks sanctions on officials over abuses and restricts exports of surveillance and other equipment seen as assisting in repression in Xinjiang. The Democratic-led House of Representatives and Republican-led Senate need to reconcile similar acts they approved last year. The House and Senate agree on what were trying to do. Just the language has to be identical, Rubio said, without promising a date. Lawmakers said it was crucial that the Trump administration implement the Uighur rights law as well as a separate act on Hong Kong and an upcoming initiative on Tibet. Congress last year nearly unanimously approved an act that ties US favorable trading status for Hong Kong to certification that Beijing has preserved the semi-autonomous status of the city, which has seen massive pro-democracy protests. Trump signed the law after musing on how it could jeopardize his efforts to press China in an intense trade war. Rubio said lawmakers across the partisan divide wanted to prioritize human rights but acknowledged that the administration was also concerned about trade. I do think that, by and large, they are supportive of what we are saying but, again, the proof will be in the implementation of the act, Rubio said. Representative Jim McGovern, a Democrat who co-chairs the commission, said he appreciated the Trump administrations strong statements on Xinjiang but said there needed to be action. I think we need to get beyond talking the talk. We need to actually walk the walk, he said. Uighur activists and witnesses say China is forcibly seeking to integrate the ethnic group. Beijing argues that it is offering vocational training in a bid to discourage extremism. The younger generation is teaching everyone how to protest peacefully, which makes their voice stronger, the Bombay High Court said on Wednesday. It was referring to the protests held by the students against the recent violence at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). A division bench of Justices S C Dharmadhikari and R I Chagla made this remark while hearing a petition filed by NGO Wecom Trust on whether Shivaji Park at Dadar in central Mumbai was a playground or a recreation ground. The petitioner has said the ground should not be permitted for any activity other than sports. The court said if the government, which is the trustee of the ground, feels that it can be used for other activities then why should the court interfere. People cannot expect the courts to function as a "watchman", it said. "Nowadays, members of the civil society have started assembling and protesting peacefully and they have realised that this makes their voice stronger," Justice Dharmadhikari said. "The younger generation is teaching us that. All the seniors should understand that," the judge said. Several students and other activists had gathered at the Gateway of India in south Mumbai from Sunday (January 5) night to protest against the violence that erupted inside the JNU campus in Delhi. The court said that people also have to be reasonable in what they challenge. "If the ground is given for an activity involving children or senior citizens, then it is good. But if the ground is given for any state function or police parade then it is bad?" the court asked. The high court had, in November 2019, while hearing the plea raised security concerns over the swearing-in ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister of Maharashtra at the Shivaji Park. The Brihabmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday told the court that neither it nor the police had received any complaint of breach of noise pollution rules after the ceremony. In 2010, the HC had declared the area as a 'silence zone' after the PIL was filed. The court had then said that programmes can be held at the park only on December 6 (death anniversary of Dr Ambedkar), May 1 (Maharashtra state foundation day) and on January 26 (Republic Day). However, the state government and the BMC later carved out 45 days in a year to permit non-sporting activities on the ground. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Putin, Erdogan attend ceremony to formally launch TurkStream gas pipe bypassing Ukraine 15:55, 08.01.20 6659 Putin said cooperation between the Russian Federation and Turkey was developing in almost all areas. The police have collected dump data of mobile phones of people from campus to identify the culprits behind the Sunday's assault on the JNU students, officials said on Wednesday. Police said that several students have come forward to share information regarding the incident on Sunday after police made a public appeal requesting people to share information, footage and video clips relating to the incident. "Many students contacted on the given number and came forward to share details of the attack but when asked if they would be able to identify those involved in the attack, they said they would not be able to identify them," a senior officer said on condition of anonymity. Even some of the teachers with whom crime branch officials spoke to said it would be difficult for them to identify those involved in the violence, the officer said. Among those who have come forward to share information regarding the incident, no one has shared any mobile footage that they shot themselves during the attack, he said. Police said they have spoken to the wardens and students of the Periyar and Sabarmati hostels in connection with the incident. Among the 34 people injured in the probe, police have only been able to record statements of few since most of them have still not returned to their hostels. So far, statements of over 100 people, including students, teacher and staff, have been recorded in connection with the probe, he said. The officer said they also sent text message to JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, but have not been able to record her statement yet. Ghosh has submitted a complaint to Vasant Kunj (North) police station stating that one of her attackers was not wearing a mask and she can identify him. She also alleged that some students and a professor had threatened her a day before the incident saying they will "see her". Police have also collected dump data of the mobile phones active in the locations in connection with the probe, the official said, adding they have also sought details of SOS calls made to the PCR to probe the incident. The police have received 11 complaints, including one lodged by a professor in connection with the violence in JNU on January 5, police said. Out of these, one complaint has been lodged by a professor while the other complaints have been lodged by the students, they said. Teams of both the crime branch and forensic science laboratory (FSL) have visited the campus. According to an FSL official, the cyber forensic and photo teams will be visiting JNU on Thursday to collect more evidence. According to sources, around 2 pm on Sunday, there was a gathering of students inside the campus. While the ABVP students gathered near Vivekananda statue at the varsity, those from the Left gathered near the Jawaharlal Nehru statue. While getting dispersed, there was a scuffle between the two groups. Later at around 3.45 pm, the police control room (PCR) received the first call from Periyar hostel. The call was responded immediately and the policemen deployed at the admin block following the high court direction was sent to the spot, the sources said. At Periyar Hostel, some people, with batons in hand, were seen. They attacked some students. However, the group did not enter the hostel. Around 17 PCR calls were received from Periyar hostel till around 4.15 pm, the sources said. After dispersing the crowd, the police personnel returned to the admin block of the varsity, according to the sources. However, around 5-5.15 pm, a senior officer of DCP rank entered the campus. He went to the Periyar hostel and inspected the situation. He returned to the main gate of the university after ensuring that the situation was normal, the sources said. After the incident at the Periyar hostel, the main gate of JNU varsity is closed and no one is allowed entry and while the police was deployed at the north gate of the varsity, they said. The sources said the Vasant Kunj North police station incharge and 20 officials from each station of the district were called in to maintain law and order. The police again received a PCR call around 5.30-5.45 pm about 700 people entering the university. The police personnel deployed at the admin block were sent again, but they did not find any gathering. When the PCR was called back the caller, the mobile phone of the caller was found to be switched off, the sources said. According to the sources, the students, most of them belonging to the ABVP, disrupted a peace march of the JNUTA at the T-point of Sabarmati hostel. After disrupting the march, the group entered the Sabarmati hostel and vandalised the gates and windows. In the meantime, the students from the Left group mobilised leading to a scuffle, the sources said. At around 6.45, the JNU vice-chancellor sent a message urging police to increase the police deployment at the main gate of the varsity as the situation in the campus could become tense, the sources said. Later, at around 7.30-7.45pm, police received a written letter from the JNU administration to intervene but by the time police intervened, the mob had already dispersed. All the scuffle and violence took place in campus between 7 and 7.30 pm, the sources said. The JNUSU president was taken to the ambulance by the DCP from the east gate of the varsity. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Military members and veterans can get up to four free months of Apple Music through the Apple Music military discount -- but... Slamming Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone over her visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University,BJP MLA in Telangana Raja Singh on Wednesday joined the chorus for boycotting her upcoming film 'Chhapaak'. She stood with the same JNU people who allegedly attack jawans and police and she should have at least discussed the matter (before visiting JNU), he said. She met those people in JNU who raise slogans against the country it is the same JNU where slogans were raised against Veer Savarkar. It is the same JNU people who indulged in evil campaign against Indian Army, with whom you stood, Singh said in a video message on Wednesday night. Referring to her upcoming movie Chhapaak, he claimed at least the name of the acid attacker in the film, based on acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, could have been used factually. Singh, known for his hardline Hindutva views, claimed it was a conspiracy to defame Hindus. I would like to tell all my brothers of India, boycott this movie, boycott Deepika...," he added. Earlier in the day, South Delhi BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri and others asked people to boycott "Chhapaak" for Deepika's support to the "tukde-tukde gang". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) B rexit Secretary Stephen Barclay has warned European Union leaders that Britain is prepared to leave the bloc without a trade deal this year. Speaking hours before the first face-to-face talks between Boris Johnson and new European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen , he said the Withdrawal Agreement already included protection on key issues like citizens rights and Northern Ireland. When people say there will be a no deal at the end of 2020, its missing the point. The Withdrawal Agreement safeguards many issues that people rightly were concerned about a no-deal exit," he said. Things like citizens rights are protected, whether we have a trade deal or not at the end of 2020." Stephen Barclay speaking as he opens the debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement Bill / AFP via Getty Images Asked how a trade deal, which normally takes years to complete, could be negotiated and ratified by December, Mr Barclay said the timetable had been agreed by the EU and would not be extended. However, former German ambassador to the UK Thomas Matussek said the timetable was extremely ambitious and amounted to barely six months once the ratification process was included. Mr Barclay and his opposite number Michel Barnier will join the talks at No 10 between Mrs von der Leyen and the Prime Minister. The talks will also cover EU-UK co-operation over the crisis in Iran. Speaking ahead of the visit, Mrs von der Leyen said: Its in our mutual interest to build a new partnership that will enable us to defend and strengthen our interests, both from an economic and a security point of view. She was also due to deliver a lecture at London School of Economics, which EU sources believed would contain some pointed warnings to the UK that it would find life more difficult outside the EU unless it aligns closely with the 500 million consumer single market. MPs were today debating the Brexit Bill, which will be passed in time for leaving the EU on January 31. An expert group has made a submission to the government saying it must bolster the Naval Service to protect the country's maritime security. The submission, seen by the Irish Examiner, was made by the Irish Maritime Forum, an independent and non-political collegiate of professionals who have a wide range of experience across the maritime domain. It was sent to the government as part of the public consultation on a new National Security Strategy which will lead how the State protects its national security and vital interests from current and emerging threats over the period 2020-2025. The maritime forum members said the balance between the elements of the Defence Forces should reflect the fact that we are an island nation, with a sea area of control eight times our landmass. To this end, the forum says the Naval Service should be upgraded to reflect international norms and its strengths and capabilities be enhanced. Ironically, the call comes as the Naval Service struggles even more than the Army and Air Corps with the ongoing manpower crisis. It was forced to tie up two ships - flagship, LE Eithne, and coastal patrol vessel LE Orla - last June and sources have indicated that they will not be put back into operational service any time soon. The maritime forum said the seas off Ireland have the potential value of several trillion euro, including mineral deposits, fisheries, wind and wave energy and they need to be adequately protected. In its submission its members wrote: "As an island nation and an open trading economy our national security cannot be seen in a domestic context only. Our security both benefits from and can be adversely affected by the acts and postures of other actors on the regional and international stage." They added any interruption to seaborne trade would cause an immediate crisis and while currently there may be a limited threat to the close sea routes, we need to be aware of the severe nature of effects from events further afield. "Attacks may be from criminal, non-state or state actors and not even be specifically directed at Ireland but we may be collateral damage." The maritime forum said the navy needs to be better equipped to destroy mines and IED's (Improvised Explosive Devices). The forum said this was mentioned in the 2015 White Paper on Defence when it stated the aspiration to "replace the two existing coastal patrol vessels, the LE Ciara and LE Orla with similar vessels with counter-mine and counter-improvised Explosive Device (IED) capabilities". Forum members said they note that this project is now paused and said it is their view these capabilities can't be delivered without ship replacement. NORWALK It was a series of articles Eva Beau-Span read about apparent food shaming that spurred her into action. The stories about a former Board of Education procedure that stipulated students with a school lunch balance exceeding $20 would be given a cheese sandwich struck a nerve with Beau-Span, who is a Norwalk High School graduate and has a daughter and a granddaughter in the district. Critics of the practice of giving an indebted student a cheese sandwich say it could lead to bullying or embarrassment. Its just something thats been on my heart, Beau-Span said. It happened to my granddaughter. It happened to my daughter. Its happened to families I know who were struggling for a little bit and they got behind on school lunches and their kid was given a cheese sandwich. It didnt make them feel good at all. The procedure was changed last year, and students whose families have run up a debt are no longer given a cheese sandwich. According to recent Board of Education draft policy, elementary and middle school students are never denied lunch, and high school students who have racked up a balance exceeding $20 are still able to purchase lunch in cash. Nevertheless, the experiences of her daughter and granddaughter stuck with Beau-Span, and she vowed to do her part to help Norwalk students and families in need. I think children should not be worried about how much money they owe the school for lunch, Beau-Span said. I think a kid should be able to go to school, have a clear mind and not worry about whether or not they have lunch. Beau-Span began the fundraiser in 2019, posting it on her Facebook page and message boards of other Norwalk groups. By the end of the year, Beau-Span raised more than $900, which she plans to distribute to several schools. However, given the size of the districts school lunch balance, Beau-Span endeavors to do more and hopes to create an ongoing fundraiser to eliminate the lunch debt in the citys public schools. What Im thinking about is trying to again go a different avenue, possibly reaching out to local businesses to see if they would join in the effort of trying to wipe this debt away, Beau-Span said. Near the end of November, the districts balance was more than $53,000, up from about $48,000 in January 2019. Norwalk Public Schools Chief Communications Officer Brenda Wilcox Williams said the increase didnt necessarily represent a trend, as the food services department is contacting parents throughout the year to reconcile outstanding balances. According to data provided by Williams, Brien McMahon had the highest unpaid balance, at $7,450. Ponus Ridge Middle School ($6,765), Norwalk High ($4,356), West Rocks Middle School ($4,348) and Fox Run Elementary School ($4,295) were also among the highest. Two schools Kendall and Tracey elementary schools qualified for the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows schools that primarily serve low-income children to offer free lunches to all students through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Our expectation is we are going to expand the CEP network beyond those two schools, Chief of School Operations Frank Costanzo said last week at the Board of Education Policy Committee meeting. Costanzo briefed the committee on the food charging policy that had been drafted over the course of several years. In the near future, the board is expected to formally adopt the policy, which is required by state mandate. In addition to eliminating the cheese sandwich for high school students with a balance, the policy seeks to work more closely on payment plans for delinquent families, support families in submitting free and reduced-priced lunch applications, standardize the monitoring of delinquent families and continue to apply for the CEP. More Information Those interested in donating to eliminate Norwalk's school lunch debt can contact Eva Beau-Span at ebeau19@gmail.com. See More Collapse The policy would also change the way delinquent debt at a school level would be made up. Rather than being paid back from the Board of Educations budget, as it has in the past, the debt would come out of each schools student-based budget. The finalizing of the policy comes amid significant demographic change within the district. Roughly 60 percent of Norwalk students qualify for free and reduced-priced lunch, Costanzo said. There has also been a push by the district in recent years to rethink how food services are provided. Each year, a handful of school cafeterias have been renovated. Rectangular tables have been replaced with circular ones, and at schools like Kendall Elementary School, family-style dining have been implemented. A move toward scratch-cooking and healthy meals has been incentivized and, as of this school year, the district is working with a new food service provider Chartwells Dining Services. Still, Policy Committee members expressed concern that the new draft policy could lead to more shaming if high school students are declined. Committee member Godfrey Azima called the idea of a student being denied lunch horrific, and Erica DePalma questioned whether a system could be implemented for students to check their balance before entering the lunch line to buy food. She also questioned whether alternative options like potato chips or an apple might be offered for those students not able to purchase a meal. Committee Chairwoman Heidi Keyes questioned whether such alternative options might be cost prohibitive, but asked Costanzo to conduct research to be presented at the next Policy Committee meeting. I hear everybody, and I understand weve come a long way and weve done a lot of great work on this, Keyes said. But I understand the concern, especially about the high school level. This is a difficult conversation to have because the bottom line is we have scores of high school students going through the day not eating, Costanzo said. That has an implication on the way they behave, how they interact around content, how they get through the day. justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586 Four Turkish soldiers were killed Wednesday in a car bombing in northeastern Syria, Turkey's defence ministry said. The soldiers were conducting road patrols when the attack happened in the region captured by Turkish forces after the latest operation against a Kurdish militia last year. The ministry did not provide further information on exactly where the bomb exploded or who was to blame for the attack. Turkish soldiers supporting Syrian proxies launched an offensive against the US-backed Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia in October 2019. Ankara says the YPG is a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984. The PKK is blacklisted as a terror group by Turkey and its Western allies. Turkey previously launched two military operations in northern Syria against the Islamic State extremist group in 2016 and the YPG in 2018. Search Keywords: Short link: During 1Q/2020, Advancements with Ted Danson will explore breakthroughs in healthcare technology and solutions. Check your local listings for more information. For several years, the hospital industry has been seeing signs of a pending shortage of nurses, physicians, and leadership. Throughout the country, hospitals, surgical centers, and assisted living facilities continue having trouble finding qualified candidates to fill healthcare staffing gaps. In addition, unprecedented turnover has only exacerbated shortages. This episode of Advancements will explore FleetNurse, a company that provides hospitals, medical groups, and health systems with access to quality credentialed healthcare providers on emergency short-term notice helping to reduce understaffing and affiliated costs, while improving patient care. Viewers will learn about FleetNurses software and will see how it screens and qualifies providers who want to work per diem shifts. The show will also educate about how FleetNurse uses technology and its network of nurses and providers to connect them with facilities to ensure that patient care is not diminished due to lack of staff, while providing jobs within local communities, therefore, helping the local economy. About FleetNurse: FleetNurse started because of a need. A need for qualified, credentialed healthcare providers at healthcare facilities. With FleetNurse, nurses can work the hours and shifts they want without having to compromise their work-life harmony. FleetNurse credentials the nurses and provides facilities with access to these quality nurses. Nurses can work when they want to work. Whether they want to work 8 hours a week or 120 hours a month, it is their choice. For more information, visit: http://www.fleetnurse.com. About Advancements and DMG Productions: The Advancements series is an information-based educational show targeting recent advances across a number of industries and economies. Featuring state-of-the-art solutions and important issues facing todays consumers and business professionals, Advancements focuses on cutting-edge developments, and brings this information to the public with the vision to enlighten about how technology and innovation continue to transform our world. Backed by experts in various fields, DMG Productions is dedicated to education and advancement, and to consistently producing commercial-free, educational programming on which both viewers and networks depend. For more info, please visit: AdvancementsTV.com or call Brett Ferrigan at 866-496-4065. Six more prosecution witnesses, including revenue officials, testified against Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and his close aides for their involvement in terror financing before an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan, a court official said on Wednesday. The anti-terrorism court Lahore indicted Saeed and his close aides - Hafiz Abdul Salam, Muhammad Ashraf and Zafar Iqbal - on terror financing charges on December 11. "Some six more prosecution witnesses including the officials of the Punjab Government Revenue Department testified against Saeed and three other suspects in terror financing case before the Anti-Terrorism Court on Tuesday and Wednesday," the official told PTI. He said the revenue officials also submitted the record of the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) centres, seminaries and mosques in Lahore. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police also produced witnesses against Saeed and other who told the court about their collections of funds for terror financing. "There had been hours-long argument on the law of testimony and the counsel for the JuD leaders also cross examined the witnesses," he said. The Anti-Terrorism Lahore (ATC-I) Judge Arshad Hussain Bhutta adjourned hearing till Thursday. Strict security measures were taken in and outside the court premises during the appearance of the JuD leaders. The CTD had registered 23 FIRs against Saeed and his accomplices on the charges of terror financing in different cities of Punjab province and arrested him on July 17. He is held at the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. Saeed-led JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. The US Department of the Treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice. The US has also welcomed Saeed's indictment, urging Islamabad to ensure a full prosecution and expeditious trial of the charges against him. The indictment followed growing international pressure on Pakistan to stop militant groups from collecting funds in the country and to take immediate action against those still involved in militant activities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, supports President Donald Trumps decision to kill the head of an Islamic group the United States designates as a foreign terrorist organization. And the president of Iran said his country will take revenge. The U.S. Department of Defense issued a release Thursday saying the U.S. military killed Qasem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force in Iran. The strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans, the department said. General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region, the release said. General Soleimani and his Quds Force were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more. The department said Mr. Soleimani had orchestrated attacks on coalition bases in Iraq over the last several months, including an attack on Dec. 27, which resulted in the death and wounding of additional American and Iraqi personnel. The president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, issued a statement Friday morning. The flag of General Soleimani in defense of the countrys territorial integrity and the fight against terrorism and extremism in the region will be raised, and the path of resistance to US excesses will continue, the Iranian president said in the statement. The great nation of Iran will take revenge for this heinous crime. In a statement of support on Friday, Stefanik said Soleimani was responsible for exporting terrorism around the world and targeting American troops. President Trump is reaffirming the proven doctrine of Peace Through Strength, she said in the statement. Iran was given multiple warnings and instead chose to continue to escalate tensions and threaten US troops and diplomats. The era of leading from behind with pallets of cash is over. Every American should thank our brave men and women in uniform and our Intelligence Community who executed this successful mission. 21st Congressional District Democratic candidate Tedra Cobb of Canton released the following statement Friday afternoon: Qasem Soleimani is responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent people, including hundreds of Americans. However, our actions have long-term ramifications that have escalated tensions in the region. The consequences of this mission remain largely unknown, but we are already anticipating retaliation. Congress, and Elise Stefanik in particular, as a member of the Armed Services and Intelligence Committee must ensure this Administration puts together a coalition of allies and exhausts all diplomatic efforts before moving forward. The lives of American troops, diplomats and innocent civilians are on the line. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand offered similar advice to the Trump administration: Gen. Soleimani was directly responsible for the deaths of many Americans and our allies. But rather than making America and the world safer, President Trumps impulsive actions have instead moved us closer to war. Without seeking congressional authorization or presenting any coherent or clear strategy, President Trump ordered military action that may precipitate another armed conflict in the Middle East. Escalating military actions against Iran has put our service members and Americans abroad in grave risk of retaliation by Iran and its proxies. It is troubling that Americans serving our country have been put in harms way again because President Trump did not carefully consider the devastating consequences of war with Iran before ordering this strike. Time and again, this president has acted recklessly and without strategy, escalating military risk, breaking his own promises, ignoring the precedent of the last two decades of war, disregarding allies, and throwing away our diplomatic wins. He has allowed North Korea to grow bolder with its nuclear ambitions, abandoned our Kurdish allies in Northern Syria, bullied Ukraine for political gain and has brought us to the brink of war with Iran. This reckless approach to national security and foreign affairs cannot be allowed to continue. President Trump must notify Congress immediately and seek authorization based on a clear explanation of the goals of military action, our adversaries and the countries where our service members would be sent into conflict. The Trump administration must brief Congress immediately on any military plans and what steps are being taken to safeguard Americans. And Congress must exercise its constitutional authority before it is too late. Love 7 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 6 Nation to free tourist areas from plastic wastes Updated: 14:00 - 08/01/2020 Vung Chao beach of Phu Yen province is seriously polluted by plastic wastes__Photo: Pham Cuong/VNA , , , Vietnams plastic waste discharged into the sea will be reduced by 75 percent by 2030. At the same time, the use of disposable plastic products in coastal tourist attractions and resorts as well as the disposal of used fishing nets into the sea will be totally stopped by that year.Such targets are set forth in Prime Minister Decision 1746/QD-TTg which enacts the national action plan on at-sea plastic waste management through 2030.The plan aims to effectively implement Vietnams commitments to addressing the problem of plastic waste, particularly plastic waste at sea, and preventing plastic waste discharge into the sea.The plan is also expected to contribute to the successful implementation of the national strategy for solid waste management by 2025, with a vision to 2050, which was approved by the Prime Minister last year under Decision 491, and raise public awareness about harmful effects of disposable plastic products on the environment.To that end, the action plan points out five major tasks, including (i) raising public awareness about changing consumer behavior in using plastic products and reducing at-sea plastic wastes (ii); collecting, sorting out, transporting and treating at-sea plastic wastes; (iii) controlling plastic wastes at source; (iv) undertaking international cooperation in transferring technologies for treating at-sea plastic wastes; and (v) conducting research and building a mechanism to effectively manage at-sea plastic wastes.Under the action plan, ministries and relevant agencies will monitor and supervise the implementation of regulations on collecting and treating plastic wastes generated from marine economic activities, including sea tourism and services, marine economy, petroleum and marine mineral resource exploitation, marine fishing and aquaculture, and oceanic energy generation, especially in 12 island districts nationwide.The Prime Minister asks the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to work with authorities of coastal provinces and municipalities to develop and pilot models for managing, reducing and eventually stopping the use of disposable plastic products and hard-to-degrade plastic bags in coastal areas.- TORONTO, January 7, 2020 The Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company today announced that it has appointed Pawel Dangel to its Board of Directors. The Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company acts as a guardian of the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Established in 1941, the Trust Principles are designed to preserve Thomson Reuters independence, integrity and freedom from bias in the gathering and dissemination of information and news. The new appointment takes immediate effect. Pawel Dangel is currently the Artistic Director at Theatre Ateneum, one of Warsaws leading dramatic theatres, and a Member of the Advisory Council for the Department of Liberal Arts at the University of Warsaw. With extensive experience in financial services and the insurance industry, Mr. Dangel most recently served as CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of Allianz Insurance Group of Companies in Poland. Prior to joining Allianz, he was Vice President of the Management Board, Sales and Marketing Director of Nationale-Nederlanden Polska (ING Group). In addition to his business expertise, Mr. Dangel has a strong interest and background in theatre, having worked as a theatre producer, director, broadcaster and lecturer across Poland and in London for the Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Riverside Studios, The Polish Speaking Theatre, BBC Radio and Radio Free Europe. Kim Williams, Chairman of the Founders Share Companys Board, said, On behalf of my fellow directors, I am delighted to welcome Pawel Dangel to the Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company board and to have him as a Trustee of the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. As an experienced member of the creative community in Poland and also with extensive commercial knowledge from a variety of roles, Pawel will enrich our board skill sets and discussions from a unique perspective. Thomson Reuters Thomson Reuters (TSX/NYSE: TRI) is a leading provider of business information services. Our products include highly specialized information-enabled software and tools for legal, tax, accounting and compliance professionals combined with the worlds most global news service Reuters. For more information on Thomson Reuters, visit tr.com and for the latest world news, reuters.com. CONTACT Andrew Green Senior Director, Corporate Affairs +1 646 223 4228 andrew.green@tr.com MBABANE Minister of Education and Training Lady Mabuza yesterday read the Riot Act to head teachers who do not allow failures to repeat. She minced no words as she clearly stated that each school which had failures be it in Grade VII or Form III should again allow those pupils to repeat the class. She said there was a tendency by some head teachers of not allowing the failed pupils into the same class and would in some instances tell them to move to other schools. Example In some instances the teachers send the pupils a class back; for example back to Form II or Grade VI, which is unacceptable, said Mabuza. She said it was that schools responsibility to educate the child again in order for them to pass and then move on to the next grade. If you send the child to another school, who are you expecting to do the work for you? wondered the minister. She said she, therefore, expected that all head teachers to allow the pupils to repeat the classes they had failed in the same school. The school with the highest number of failures was Ngwane Central High, which had 78 failures, followed by Ngcoseni Central High School with 62. On the issue of teachers who did not accept pupils with Third Class passes, she advised that parents should report these schools at the respective regional educational offices (REOs). She said it was actually what made a teacher feel good to be able to educate a child who had attained a Third Class pass and make them get better grades in future. The role of a teacher is to educate a child so that they can become the best they can be, said Mabuza. She said the reason all pupils had to be accepted was to close gaps in the schools and to avoid leading children to drop out of school. She said as a result, the REOs needed to be vigilant in these instances. Meanwhile, the minister said they had not received any reports of head teachers who sold spaces in schools. This was after she was asked by the media what was being done to head teachers who wanted to be bribed in order to offer spaces. We havent heard of any such corrupt practices and we strongly warn teachers against it because if they are found to be corrupt, we will definitely report them to the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), said Mabuza. Different On a different note, Mabuza said there was no need to have a Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) representative during the announcement of the results. We have many stakeholders, but we have always presented them (the results) like this, she said. Mabuza was responding to a question posed by one of the members of the media on the absence of a SNAT representative. WASHINGTON Under increasing pressure to defend the killing of a top Iranian general in Iraq, senior Trump administration officials offered new justifications but little detail on Tuesday, citing threats to the American Embassy in Baghdad and intelligence suggesting other imminent attacks that helped prompt the strike. Democrats stepped up their criticism of intelligence that the administration provided immediately after the drone strike last week that killed Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, the leader of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. The administrations formal notification to Congress, which remains classified, provided no information on future threats or the imminent attack, officials who have read it said. Several said it was improperly classified, and Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut, called it vague and unacceptably unspecific. Lawmakers pressed for more answers on Tuesday at an intelligence briefing by administration officials. Iranian forces or their proxies were days from attacking American personnel when President Trump decided to strike General Suleimani, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper told reporters at the Pentagon. Mr. Esper added that General Suleimani had traveled to Baghdad to coordinate attacks following up on a two-day siege of the United States Embassy there last week by pro-Iranian demonstrators. He declined to elaborate but called the intelligence exquisite. The Hunters Point crane is what would happen if Warriors forward Draymond Green was reincarnated as a piece of construction equipment. Exuding toughness from the start, it was finished in 1947 to fix battleships and aircraft carriers, then added its archway in 1958 to test Polaris missiles. The crane stood sentry next to the construction of Candlestick Park, the stadiums demolition and five Super Bowl titles in between. Its powerful dual lifts once demanded more electricity than the entire city of Sausalito. The structure can be seen from five counties. And yet with that incredible resume (well forget for a moment that it sits near an actual Superfund site), you will never see the crane inside a snow globe, in a tourist guidebook or on a tattoo. The Hunters Point crane is the most underrated landmark in the Bay Area. If the Golden Gate Bridge is the soul of San Francisco, and Sutro Tower is the beating heart for new generations, then the Hunters Point crane is a less romanticized but equally vital organ. The liver? The kidneys? Its not the most visually dynamic landmark, but just think how empty your drive north on Highway 101 would feel without it. Construction of the crane started during World War II. The San Francisco Chronicle heralded its Dec. 17, 1947, debut, sending reporter J. Campbell Bruce for a breathless review. Duke Downey / The Chronicle They lifted 630 tons out of Hunters Point yesterday the heaviest load ever hoisted by man, the Page 3 story began. But it took two men to do it. They just sat comfortably back and pushed buttons. The worlds mightiest crane, after three years abuilding, was finally trying out its biceps at the San Francisco Naval Shipyard. The crane cost $2.5 million to build, with a platform 208 feet above sea level, just a few feet lower in elevation than the Golden Gate Bridge roadway. Built to make fast repairs during wartime, the structure could service two aircraft carriers at once, or the twin cranes could both slide to one side and double their pulling strength on a single job. Its so powerful it can lift a 400-ton battleship gun turret with its little finger, Bruce wrote. Yet its as gentle as a child with a kitten. It can set that gun turret down on a robins egg and not break it. U.S. Navy The Navy memorably proved this point during a 1947 demonstration for the press, reportedly easing a 630-ton concrete block on a hens egg, allowing the shell to crack while keeping the yolk intact. The red and white arch was a late addition, built in 1958 for Operation Peashooter and Operation Skycatch, where Navy officials fired Polaris submarine missiles with restraining cables attached some lofted into the ocean a few hundred feet away to gather stress-test data. The crane continued its work until the mid-1970s when the Navy shut the shipyard down. U.S. Navy I knew absolutely none of the above, until I looked it up in The Chronicle archive a few years ago. From where I grew up on the Peninsula in the 1970s and 1980s, it was a prominent but mysterious local landmark, and a way to gather my bearings as I traveled around the Bay Area. There was a balance. Mudflat sculptures on one side of the Bay, and the giant crane thing on the other. Clearly visible from the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, San Mateo Bridge and any airplane touching down in San Francisco or Oakland international airports, its one of the four or five most visible man-made structures in the Bay Area. It loomed large in the distance as we rolled into San Francisco 49ers games at Candlestick Park on a SamTrans bus. And yet to this day Ive never seen it up close. Even in the free-wheeling Reagan years, no one in our school district was going on field trips to a toxic shipyard. Chronicle archive Decades after it was decommissioned, no one is threatening to tear down the crane. (As if that was even possible. With 8,400 tons of structural steel, a contractor would need to build a second Hunters Point crane to tear apart the first one.) As the area is cleared for housing to be built, the crane is often a visual centerpiece in architectural renderings featuring the shipyards future. More from the Archive The Vault Home of the San Francisco Chronicle's archive and more than 150 years of journalism covering the Bay Area and beyond. But it seems to gain a little mystery with each passing year. San Francisco has become a city of scooters, start-ups and customer relations management services. The working-class industrial past is becoming an even more distant memory, feeling more like a myth with each new cold-pressed juice bar. We are a region, for better or worse (almost certainly better), that is perfecting the meatless burger patty, not perfecting the installation of battleship turrets. Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle 2015 And yet there it is in the distance, looking no less like a Goliath than in did in 1947, 1967 and 1987. The red and white stripes on the archway, once as striking as the Golden Gate Bridge, have dulled significantly over time. But the purpose is still clear. The Hunters Point crane clearly built things. Very big things. And for active imaginations, young and old, it has never ceased production. Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles pop culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub A man who led police on a high speed chase through Sydney, smashing into parked cars and running a red light, has pleaded guilty to a string of offences. Steven Halligan, 37, from Berowra, was pulled over by NSW Police on Monday in Sydney's Inner West after officers saw a black Kia Rio speeding nearby. The officers pulled Halligan over and asked him to present his driver's licence. Berowra man Steven Halligan, 37, (pictured) pleaded guilty to 14 offences after leading police on a high speed chase that left three parked cars wrecked in Sydney Court documents stated Halligan told officers 'I dont seem to have it on me' before speeding away, The Daily Telegraph reported. The officers raced back to their car and immediately started to pursue Halligan through the inner west suburbs of Annandale, Stanmore, Newtown and Petersham. Police said Halligan smashed into three parked cars during the pursuit before running a red light and failing to stop at a stop sign. As a result police called off the pursuit because it was presenting a risk to the community. Halligan then dumped the car in a driveway in Marrickville before continuing to flee. 'The man was located a short time later in Marrickville where he was arrested and submitted to alcohol and drug testing where he returned an initial positive test for drugs,' a police statement read. Police then searched the car and seized MDMA, ice, eight prescription valium and $2,279.65 cash. He was taken to Newtown Police Station and charged with a string of offences including speeding, police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously and drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous. Halligan was also charged with negligent driving, failing to obey police command, and driving with a cancelled licence. He faced the Newtown Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to 14 offences. Magistrate Glenn Bartley refused bail and remanded Halligan in custody until he faces the Central Local Court for sentencing on February 18. Ram Dass, author of several books including Be Here Now, which has sold an estimated two million copies, passed away at age 88 on December 22. The news was announced via Dasss Love Serve Remember Foundation, which is dedicated to continuing his teachings. Born Richard Alpert in 1931, Dass was a psychology professor at Stanford and Harvard before embarking on a trip to India in 1967, where he met a Hindu guru and changed his name to Ram Dass. He began writing about his experiences with psychedelic drugs, spirituality, and working with charitable causes for the incarcerated and the dying, which led to his best-known book, Be Here Now. As revealed by PWs archives from an issue on May 17, 1971, heres a look at inserts from the original interior of the book, published by Harmony in 1971. Also from the archives, news that Be Here Now entered its fourth printing in November 1971. (Note: Some browsers automatically download PDFs, rather than opening in new tabs.) Harmony, which is now a division of the Random House Publishing Group, is planning a special 50th anniversary edition of the book for 2021. Other books by Dass include The Only Dance There Is (Doubleday, 1974), How Can I Help? with Paul Gorman (Knopf, 1985), and Still Here: Embracing Aging, Changing, and Dying (Riverhead, 2001). Sounds True, which has been publishing original audiobooks by Dass for many years, published Dasss Polishing the Mirror in 2013 and Walking Each Other Home in 2018. Early next year, the press is releasing Being Ram Dass, a memoir that examines his entire career. It was in-process for at least a decade, says Sounds True's executive editor Jennifer Brown. Ram Dass weighed in on the manuscript in November during a review period, and were so grateful for thatfor his input and blessing. Brown credits Dass with paving the way for spirituality publishing as its known today. He had more of an impact than any of us realize, and I would not be sitting here doing the things I'm doing without him, she says. Ultimately, Dass appeals to spiritual seekers as well as broader audiences, according to Brown. Hes a cultural icon, or in todays terms, an incredible influencer, she says. His personal journey of transformation and the things he brought to the WestEastern spirituality, psychedelics as a valid line of inquiry, and psychologyexploded onto public consciousness. Its more important than ever to love each other, be present, and to be here now. YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory message to Pedro Sanchez on being re-elected President of the Government of Spain. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the message runs as follows, I congratulate you on the occasion of being re-elected President of the Government of the Kingdom of Spain, wishing you new achievements in your responsible mission. Armenia highlights the normal development and expansion of friendly relations with Spain for the benefit of our peoples. I highly appreciate the role of Spain in the strengthening of relations between Armenia and the EU and I hope it will continue with new achievements in the future. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan You may think your new baby girl is a little princess, but that doesn't mean you can officially call her that. Following the release of the country's most popular names, the list of names declined for babies in 2019 has been revealed, and royal titles make up most of them. According to Newshub, Department of Internal Affairs Registrar-General Jeff Montgomery says no names are banned in New Zealand, but names will be declined if there is a chance they will cause offence, are not a reasonable length or "unjustifiably resemble an official title or rank". Among those topping the list of those not allowed in 2019 was King, Princess, Lady and Empress. Others declined include Ford-Royal, Gunner, Royall, Queenmerry and Syre. New Delhi: At least 80 "American terrorists" were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on US targets in Iraq, claimed Iranian state television on Wednesday. The report also added that none of the missiles were intercepted. According to a Reuters report, Iranian State TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said that Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. The report said that US helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged" in the missile attacks launched by Iran against the US-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday. Live TV The attack was in retaliation to the US drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran`s army renewed a demand for US troops to be withdrawn from the Middle East. Iran's state TV reported on Wednesday. "Now that they have understood our power, it is time for the United States to withdraw its troops from the Middle East," Iran`s armed forces chief of staff General Mohammad Baqeri said in a statement, according to state television. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian airliner carrying at least 170 passengers crashed on Wednesday due to technical problems soon after taking off from Tehran`s Imam Khomeini airport, and all aboard were killed, Iran`s state television and a Ukrainian official said. The Boeing 737 belonging to Ukraine International Airlines crashed near the airport and burst into flames. A Ukrainian foreign ministry official in Kiev said all crew and passengers aboard were killed, citing information from the airline. There was no official word from Ukraine International Airlines. "The fire is so heavy that we cannot (do) any rescue... we have 22 ambulances, four bus ambulances and a helicopter at the site," Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran`s emergency services, told Iranian state television. (With Reuters Inputs) New Delhi : After countries from the European Union reportedly said that they will not be part of a foreign delegation visiting Jammu and Kashmir on the Centre's initiative on Thursday, the government quickly got into the act by claiming that such claims were 'unfounded' and 'mischievous' and that the EU Ambassadors will undertake a trip to J&K at a later date. According to sources in the government, reports that some EU Ambassadors didn't want to be part of the group of envoys visiting J&K due to certain restrictions in the programme were unfounded and mischievous. Earlier it was reported that certain European envoys were not keen on a 'guided tour' of J&K and rather wanted to meet the people they wanted to interact with. As things stand now, envoys from around 17 countries will be travelling to J&K on Thursday where they will meet civil society members and will be briefed on the security situation in the newly-formed Union Territory. The countries include the US, Vietnam, South Korea, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Niger, Nigeria, Morroco, Guyana, Argentina, the Philippines, Norway, Maldives, Fiji, Togo, Bangladesh and Peru. In October 2019, a delegation of European Parliamentarians had visited the Valley. The sources in the government said that it wanted to take a global group of envoys to J&K with only some EU Ambassadors, and not all EU envoys were asked to join. "EU envoys welcomed this initiative by the government. However, EU envoys wanted to visit J&K as a group, which was not possible to accommodate due to restrictions in numbers and to keep the group broad-based. "Some EU Ambassadors conveyed that the visit was taking place at a short notice. The group was free to interact with people subject to security considerations. In any case, no Ambassador had specifically asked to meet anyone who was detained. "It was therefore decided that a group of EU Ambassadors will undertake a trip to J&K at a later date," the government sources said. A Ukrainian airplane carrying 176 passengers crashed minutes after taking off early Wednesday from Iran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, killing all passengers and crew members on board. The cause of the crash is currently unknown, although Iran cited "technical problems." As the investigation continues, Ukraine's Embassy in Tehran issued a statement ruling out terrorism and then removed it. The fatal crash unfolded during a particularly tense time in the region: In a growing conflict with the United States, triggered by the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, Iran fired more than a dozen missiles targeting Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops just four hours before the Ukraine International Airlines jet went down. The victims include 82 Iranians; 63 Canadians; 11 Ukrainians, nine Ukrainian crew members; 10 Swedes; four Afghans; three Germans; and three Britons, according to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry. More than 140 passengers were Iranian nationals, according to Iranian officials, suggesting that many possessed dual citizenship. A list of names and birth dates shared by the airline capture the human scale of the loss. Some of the victims had barely even begun their lives: 13 of the passengers were under the age of 10. Two were born in 2014, another in 2016 and one in 2018. Many victims shared the same last name, a sign they were probably related and possibly traveling with other family members. Almost half of the passengers on aboard were born in the year 1990 or after, meaning their lives came to an end at the age of 30 or younger. As the extent of the tragedy continued to unfold, so too did details about the lives of the victims. Some had been traveling, others had been living abroad and visiting loved ones. At least two couples on board were newlyweds. Thirty-five-year-old Saeed Khademasadi Tahmasebi, an engineer and postgraduate researcher at Imperial College London, had recently married Niloofar Ebrahim, a psychology student in London: Both Tahmasebi and Ebrahim perished on the plane, his brother-in-law, Amir Vaheat, told the British newspaper The Times. The couple had married in Britain, and then had traveled to Iran for a wedding ceremony. "They were a wonderful, beautiful couple and they were so happy together," Tahmasebi's sister, Sally, 41, told the British newspaper, The Telegraph. "This is too terrible for words. We cannot believe what has happened. Imperial College London, one of Britain's top universities for science and engineering, paid tribute to Tahmasebi. "Saeed was a brilliant engineer with a bright future," the university tweeted. "His contributions to systems engineering earned respect from everyone who dealt with him and will benefit society for years to come. He was a warm, humble and generous colleague and close friend to many in our community." BP engineer and British national Sam Zokaei was also on the plane. He was 42 and had been working for the company for over a decade. "With the deepest regret, we can confirm that one of our colleagues at BP, Sam Zokaei, was a passenger on the Ukrainian International Airlines plane that crashed in Iran this morning, reportedly with no survivors," the company said in a statement to The Washington Post on Wednesday. "We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss of our friend and colleague and all of our thoughts are with his family and friends." Another British victim was identified by British media as 40-year-old Mohammed Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh. The divorced father of a 9-year-old girl had traveled to visit family Iran during the Christmas holiday break and was on his way back to the U.K. via Ukraine. Kadkhoda-Zadeh ran a dry-cleaning business in the seaside town of Brighton and was fondly recalled by Stephen Edgington, who ran a business next door. "It is so shocking and it is very upsetting for everyone who knew him," Edgington told The Times. "He was a lovely man, very quiet and polite but a really nice guy - we got on very well indeed and it is a tragedy." Canada has not yet confirmed the number of Canadian victims. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement Wednesday expressing his shock and condolences. "Our government will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated, and that Canadians' questions are answered," he said in the statement. "Today, I assure all Canadians that their safety and security is our top priority. We also join with the other countries who are mourning the loss of citizens." The Ukrainian flight was popular among Iranians traveling to Canada, as there haven't been direct flights between the two countries since 2012, when Canada broke off diplomatic relations. The University of Alberta in Canada has confirmed that two of their professors who were married, as well as the couple's two daughters, were on board the Ukrainian jet. Pedram Mousavi and Mojgan Daneshmand were both professors of engineering and had been traveling with daughters Daria and Dorina, Masoud Ardakani, the associate chair of the university's electrical and computer engineering department, told Canada's Canadian Broadcasting Corp. broadcaster Wednesday. Payman Parseyan, a member of the Iranian-Canadian community in nearby Edmonton, told Canadian Broadcasting Corp. that he knew many people on the plane. "There was 27 of them total from our community," Parseyan told Canadian Broadcasting Corp. Radio's Edmonton AM. Parseyan told Canada's Global News that other victims from Edmonton's Iranian community included a doctor, medical student and student of clinical psychology. "They leave behind families and people they love and they come to Canada, and often they're second-guessing, 'should I leave my family behind to do this'?" Parseyan told Global News. "Then they move here and they do all this, just to board a plane and have it all washed away." Michael Grant, the director of media relations at the University of Waterloo in Canada, said the university will provide support to anyone there affected by the crash. "We are aware of reports that Marzieh (Mari) Foroutan and Mansour Esnaashary Esfahani, two University of Waterloo PhD students, were listed on the passenger manifest of flight PS752," Grant said in a statement. "We continue to work with the relevant authorities to obtain more information." Foroutan, who is listed as a PhD student in geography on a University of Waterloo website, was researching how algorithms and technologies in remote sensing could be applied to study climate change. Esfahani is listed as a PhD student in civil engineering. The Iranian Student News Agency also reported that a number of Iranian students were among the dead. On social media, Iranians mourned the death of passengers Pouneh Gorji, born in 1994, and Arash Pourzarabi, born in 1993. The two had married just six days before, according to local media. The couple were computer engineering students at Sharif University, an Iranian university on Sharif Island in the Persian Gulf. The university listed them among at least 15 Sharif students and alumni who died in the crash. As Iranians sought news of loved ones, one surreal tweet was making the rounds. "I had predicted that night before my flight, the war would begin," tweeted Mojtaba Abbas Nejhad, who was on his winter break from the University of Toronto, on Tuesday. "Guys, forgive any good and bad you experienced with me." Abbas Nejhad was on the plane. - - - The Washington Post's Amanda Coletta contributed reporting from Toronto. No arrests made in JNU campus violence case in over 1.5 years: Govt informs Parliament JNU to impose night curfew in campus between 10 pm-5 am JU, Presidency students take out rallies against JNU violence India oi-PTI Kolkata, Jan 08: The Students of Jadavpur University and Presidency University took out rallies for the second successive day in the metropolis against the violence at Delhi's Jawarharlal Nehru University. Activists of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) rallied from 8B Bus Stand to the JU campus, raising slogans against "fascist forces" and held placards that condemned the incident at JNU on Sunday. The SFI activists of Presidency University marched from Hazra Crossing to Nizam Palace, where a number of offices of the Union Home Ministry are located. Blood or colour: WB BJP chief Dilip Ghosh claims JNU attack to be 'staged The students, however, were stopped outside the Nizam Palace compound by police and asked to submit a memorandum to the home ministry officials present there. Iran retaliates against US strike, Plane crashes near Tehran airport | OneIndia News At another protest rally, students from different higher educational institutions marched from the Presidency main campus to Jorasanko. "The College Street-Jorasanko march has also been initiated by SFI, but we welcomed all students and there was no party flag," SFI state unit leader Subhajit Sarkar said. JNU violence: 2 FIRs filed against Umar Khalid for 'unlawful activities at Gateway of India More than 35 students and faculty members were assaulted on Sunday evening, after masked men armed with sticks and iron rods went on a rampage inside the campus of the JNU. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 12:28 [IST] Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the 8th edition of Odisha Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) International Trade Fair 2020 in Bhubaneswar. The event is being organised by the MSME department through Directorate Industries, Directorate of Export Promotion and Marketing and Odisha Small Industries Corporation in partnership with the Small Industries Corporation and Federation of Indian Report Organisations. "This trade fair provides unique opportunities to MSME Entrepreneurs of Odisha to showcase their products and services before and International visitors. Odisha has been the cradle of entrepreneurship since times immemorial. The brands today known as Kalinga and Utkal have a glorious ancient past. The people from Odisha are known for their enterprising nature and have made name for themselves in Handicrafts, Textiles, Food Processing and Information Technology," Patnaik said in his inaugural address on Wednesday. Patnaik also extended a warm welcome to the entrepreneurs from Bangladesh and Iran who had set up their stalls at the fair. "I am happy to note that more than 350 MSMEs are participating in this event. I am also happy to note the participation of 20 entrepreneurs from Iran and 12 entrepreneurs from Bangladesh who have come to Odisha," he said. The event comprises of display of MSME products, buyer-seller meet, technology demonstration, start-up, and innovation displays, marketing avenues for women entrepreneurs, and business networking with close to two dozen foreign delegates from Iran and 10 from Bangladesh also participating in the event. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) The rapidly escalating conflict between the United States and Iran is happening regions away from the Philippines, but the lives of millions of Filipinos are also put at risk. Middle East is home to 2.1 million Filipino migrants and overseas workers. In Iraq where the airstrikes and retaliatory missile attacks are happening there are 4,200 Filipinos. 4,000 of these Filipinos are undocumented or irregular migrants. Meanwhile, there are 1,181 Filipinos in Iran, according to DFA's Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers data as of June 2019. Below is the timeline of how the conflict unfolded and how the Philippine government is responding: January 3 - US President Donald Trump orders a drone strike in a Baghdad International Airport to "terminate" a top Iranian commander who was plotting "imminent and sinister attacks" on Americans. Killed in the airstrike were the head of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force Qasem Soleimani, who leads the elite unit that handles Iran's overseas operations, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias. Related: The evolving US justification for killing Iran's top general Following the death of these two Iranian security officials, Iran vows harsh retaliation for the "act of war" and "state terrorism." Related: 5 things you need to know to understand the Iran-US crisis January 4 - Philippines' Foreign Affairs Department calls on Filipinos to avoid going to Iraq "until further notice" amid the growing conflict. January 5 - President Rodrigo Duterte gathers his top security officials in an emergency meeting. He orders the military to prepare its air and naval assets for the possible repatriation of Filipino workers in the Middle East. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. adds they are ready to bring home Filipinos who wish to leave Iraq. January 6 - Duterte orders special envoy to the Middle East Roy Cimatu to fly to the region immediately to lay the groundwork for the evacuation of the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos in the conflict areas. Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers Abdullah Mamao is told to head to Iran and Iraq to talk to the governments. He was asked to deliver an urgent message from Duterte to keep all Filipinos safe. Duterte tells government agencies to prepare for contingencies that will absorb displaced workers. He also asks Congress for a special session for standby fund. Related: Congress ready to hold special session to tackle PH response to US-Iran conflict January 7 - Cimatu recommends to Duterte a mandatory evacuation of Filipinos in Iraq. January 8 - The Philippine government orders all Filipinos living in Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon to return to their home country after the highest threat alert was raised in the country. Malacanang says evacuation is also an option, but repatriation remains the government's "end goal." Iran launches more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi bases that hold US troops. In a statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps says the attacks were "hard revenge" for the death of Soleimani. Iran will welcome any peace initiative by India to de-escalate tensions with the US following the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian envoy said on Wednesday while asserting that his country wants peace not war. New Delhi: Iran will welcome any peace initiative by India to de-escalate tensions with the US following the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian envoy said on Wednesday while asserting that his country wants peace not war. Iran's Ambassador to India, Ali Chegeni also expressed the hope there would be no further escalation in hostilities between his country and the US. The ambassador's comments came hours after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq. Tehran said it was a "slap in the face" of America. "India usually plays a very good role in (maintaining) peace in the world. India belongs to this region. We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalation (of tensions)," Chegeni told reporters after a condolence meeting for Soleimani at the Iranian Embassy. "We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region. We welcome any Indian initiative or any project that can help peace and prosperity in this world," he said. General Soleimani, 62, the head of Iran''s elite al-Quds force and architect of its regional security apparatus, was killed when a US drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the Baghdad International Airport early on Friday. The strike also killed the deputy chief of Iraqs powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. On the Iranian attack on US targets in Iraq, Chegeni said his country retaliated under its right to defend. Amid spiralling US-Iran tensions over the killing of Soleimani, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday had a conversation with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, voicing India's concerns over the escalation of tensions. Meanwhile, sources said Zarif is expected to visit India to attend the Raisina Dialogue next week. During his visit, Zarif will also hold talks with Jaishankar, the sources said. India has reached out to several stakeholders in the region over the security situation prevailing in West Asia. Jaishankar has also separately spoken with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf Alawi, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well his Jordanian and Qatari counterparts Ayman Safadi and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani respectively, on the tense situation in the region. Noting that India is a "good friend", Chegeni said, "My minister (Javad Zarif) talked to Dr Jaishankar, they had a very good discussion. Recently we had the joint economic commission in Tehran...We see a very good future for the relationship. We have no problem with India." He said Iran and India can jointly work for peace in the world. Asked if Indian officials have reached out to the Embassy with a condolence message, the Iranian envoy said the embassy had opened a condolence book for two days and he expects Indian officials to come but it is "up to the Indian side". "Usually we have good relations and sympathy between the two countries," he said. The Iran Embassy here has been seeing a steady stream of envoys coming and expressing condolences on the death of Soliemani. Concerns have mounted across the globe over fast-deteriorating diplomatic ties between the US and Iran, and the spiralling tensions in the Gulf after Soleiman was killed. Soleimani's killing was the most dramatic escalation yet in spiralling tensions between Iran and the US. Talking about the US drone strike that killed Soleimani, Chegeni said, "He was in a third country. So this is very important for the world to not allow such an inhuman, illegal act which is against international rights." "He (Soleimani) was the one who removed the threat of ISIS from the world. Why you should kill him. That means you are supporting terrorists. If Gen Soleimani didn't act against ISIS, what would have happened to India, to Europe, and to all of the world because ISIS was really anti-human," he said. The world owes a debt to "anti-terrorist hero" Soleimani, he said. "That is why my country today officially retaliated based on the legitimate rights we have....We are not for war. We are not for escalation, but defending is our right," Chegeni said. "Everyone has the right to defence, even animals and trees," he asserted. "This is not revenge, this was the right of our people. All the Iranian people asked for retaliation, early morning at the same time our national hero was attacked... we attacked the military bases," he said. LIMBAUGH RENEWS FOR FOUR MORE YEARS WHKP AM 1450 & 107.7 FM WILL CONTINUE TO BROADCAST RUSH FROM 12:00 NOON TIL 3:00 PM WEEKDAYS Its official: Rush Limbaugh has renewed his syndication deal with iHeartMedias Premiere Networks. Specific terms were not announced, but the long-term, multi-platform agreement will keep the talk radio kingpin airing across the U.S. well into the new decade. The Rush Limbaugh Show broadcasts weekdays from noon-3pm Eastern on more than 650 affiliates reaching millions of listeners. Premiere says ad revenue for show continues to grow, with 2020 marking a record-breaking upfront for the program. Widely credited with reviving AM radio, Limbaugh and his partners launched the show Aug. 1, 1988 with 56 radio stations, and in just a few months, an additional 100 affiliates were added, paving the way for the expansion of the talk radio format. The Rush Limbaugh Show marked its 31st year in national syndication in August 2019. Since then it has expanded to include its own mobile app, the subscription-based online platform Rush 24/7 and The Limbaugh Letter, a monthly print and digital magazine now in its 27th year. Premiere says these product extensions continue to reach record levels. Growing up, dreaming of and pondering success, I never actually envisioned it to the degree I have experienced it, Limbaugh said in the announcement. And it would not have happened without a huge audience of Americans, people who make the country work; hundreds of great radio stations who took a great risk 31 years ago; and the wonderful people at iHeartMedia, who know radio almost as well as I do. Now, four more years! There is nothing I would rather do. The news was first reported by CNN Business on Sunday, after President Trump broke the news during a rally in Miami on Friday. Theres no one quite like Rush, added Rich Bressler, President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of iHeartMedia. His ability to entertain, engage and inform millions of listeners, along with his unwavering commitment to radio, has set a standard for broadcast excellence for more than 30 years. We couldnt be happier to extend our partnership and look forward to many years of continued growth and success. I feel like trump has no idea what hes doing and he did very little research on this Reply Thread Link Yeah, that's basically confirmed. The story going around is that his advisers provided him with a bunch of options for how to respond to the American contractor who was killed. Assassinating General Solemani was tossed in there as an extreme option to make the other options seem more reasonable. BUT THEN TRUMP DECIDED TO DO THAT ONE. LIKE NO REAL THOUGHT JUST IMPULSIVELY ASSASSINATING FOREIGN LEADERS Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Why they would have included that option in the first place is beyond me. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I feel thats how he made all his decisions Also how is the press getting info on this fast? Is someone from his staff leaking this liek in minutes Reply Parent Thread Link Fuck them too for allowing him any kind of authority Reply Parent Thread Link i have no words. none. Reply Parent Thread Link unsure if you're talking about the current situation with iran or his presidency. but yes. Edited at 2020-01-08 03:00 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link He's probably treating this like how people play Civilization. Actually, I think people put more thought in Civ. Reply Parent Thread Link 100% what happened. Word is Pentagon officials presented him with five or so different options- with attacking Soleimani being intentionally put in there because it so outlandish that it'd make the other, more rational ones seem evident. Apparently they were flabbergasted when that's the one he immediately chose and couldn't be persuaded from. Reply Parent Thread Link that basically sums up his entire presidency/existence. ugh. Reply Parent Thread Link trump's silence about this is truly concerning Reply Thread Link you think anyone yells at him and tells him he fucked up? Reply Parent Thread Link Nah, because there are so many people in his administration who wanted this. Reply Parent Thread Link no they all support war too Reply Parent Thread Link They're all scared shitless of appearing wrong. Reply Parent Thread Link Honestly, I don't want to hear him say anything. Reply Parent Thread Link Lbr they took his phone away Reply Parent Thread Expand Link He's watching Fox waiting for Hannity to instruct him on what to do next. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link He hasn't read his lines from Russia yet. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link It is not a good sign at all. I hope the generals and everyone around Trump can get him through his damn skull that Iran has so many missiles could target all the oil fields in the region and that would destabilize the entire world. Reply Parent Thread Link He's speaking in the morning. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link because the Pentagon knew there are so many Americans dead. that's why they're silent. the US wouldn't release stats unless they know what action to take. Reply Parent Thread Link The most under qualified president weve ever had will surely do fine with this international incident he created, right? Reply Thread Link This is all Trump's fault. We wouldn't be here if he didn't pull out of the Iran deal. We also wouldn't be here if we didn't decide to overthrow Iran's government in 1953 all because they wouldn't let the British control their oil. It would be nice if the US could get to a point to understand how our imperialism has fucked over so many countries, but I don't see that happening any time soon. Reply Thread Link mte but we never take responsibility for any of the damage we have done Reply Parent Thread Link Yep. And then we get mad when countries respond to our acts of destabilization/terrorism. Reply Parent Thread Link This. I recently watched Peter Davis documentary "Hearts and Minds" and it's awful to realize how much of what's portrayed there still reflects today's world. The way the US government has managed to sell so many of its citizens the idea that you're the good guys it's just fucked up. You see it even within the "artistic" community, awarding manipulative movies like Argo, and it's scary. The mindset which validates American imperalism is engrained into the US society like a cancer and I fail to see the end of it. Reply Parent Thread Link I feel terrible for everyone who is going to have their life taken or cities destroyed in trumplethinskin's temper tantrum. Reply Thread Link I dont remember feeling this hopeless when W was in office and I felt HOPELESS. Like there are no words to describe what Ive been feeling since tr*mp has been elected except worse than hopeless. Considering not having children because of it hopeless. Reply Thread Link The difference to me was this, and Ive talked to several people who say that they feel the same way. I felt frustrated and angry and at times yes hopeless under bush. But I always believed America would survive him. I dont know that we will survive this idiot. Reply Parent Thread Link Wow I feel the. exact. same. way. Hopeless. Youre one of the first people Ive openly heard/read say youre delaying child decision bc of it - as am I. My husband is 10 years older (47) so I feel like we should have started a family before Trump was elected but ever since Ive just been holding my breath. And stressed. Not ideal on so many levels I never expected. Reply Parent Thread Link Idk if you have family in Iran atm but either way Im thinking about you Reply Parent Thread Link Same :( My and my husband's plan is to move back to America in like 4 years, but that'll be moot if he gets re-elected :/ Reply Parent Thread Link I have a three year old and I'm honestly worried about what kind of world he's growing up in. Reply Parent Thread Link This is horrible and did not need to be started. My heart goes out to the troops and their families. Reply Thread Link Im really worried/sad for the innocent people of Iran who will be greatly affected Reply Parent Thread Link Mte Reply Parent Thread Link also how did that imbecile rubio even graduate college, let alone become senator, with that shit grammar Reply Thread Link Iranian FM Zarif says Iran "took and concluded" proportionate measures in self-defense tonight: "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." Breaking News (@BreakingNews) January 8, 2020 also Reply Parent Thread Link There are so many despicable GOP Senators. And he is maybe top 5 shittiest. Reply Parent Thread Link I fucking hate that piece of shit. Especially after his fucking bullshit story about his family fleeing Cuba when in reality they came way before the revolution. He knows that people in Florida wouldn't like it if they knew his family actually came over during Batista and the other narrative fits better in that political climate. Reply Parent Thread Link Fuck this. Trump is going to do whatever it takes to stay in power. America keeps fucking other countries just because it can. The media is already just reporting the stakes in American lives without thinking about taking in consideration Iraqi or Iranian civilians. Disgusting. Reply Thread Link Me and a girl on twitter were talking about this. That hell probably make some declaration that allows him to stay in office since well be at war or something. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm tired. I can't believe in 20 years of my adult life, nothing has changed. If anything, it's just gotten worse. Reply Parent Thread Link Agreed. It never ends. Reply Parent Thread Link Me. Fucking. Too. The first protest I ever went to was for the Iraq was when I was like 8-9 and yet here we fucking are. Reply Parent Thread Link This is horrible all around. I truly hope both nations can find a resolution without more conflict. Reply Thread Link american conservatives are a cancer on the world and shouldnt have any rights. Reply Thread Link The 538 politics podcast was just discussing this last night and they said trying to convince people not to go to war based on compassion for Iranians is a losing argument. They're sadly right. The people who are in support of this war won't be swayed by that argument. They don't care. Reply Parent Thread Link I also feel sorry for all the Iranian-Americans that have already been affected and will be affected by the US considering all of them potential criminals. Reply Thread Link I'm sure they'd love to hear from you. There's no perfect thing to say. Reply Parent Thread Link mte Reply Parent Thread Link There are already reports they're being harassed at airports and having their loyalty questioned. What a nightmare. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Tell them youre thinking about them and their families, and are hoping for the best. Itll mean a lot. Reply Parent Thread Link Me too Reply Parent Thread Link Mte Reply Parent Thread Link Were here on ONTD and we could use e-hugs lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Nouakchott, Mauritania (PANA) - Mauritanians on Tuesday commemorated the 50th anniversary of the death of Mohamed Ould Soumeida, the inspirer of the ideas of the National Democratic Movement (MND) and the country's historical left-wing The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday alleged that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi had not opened any new primary health centre (PHC) in the national capital during its tenure. The party along with its think-tank Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC) on Wednesday released a report on the status of healthcare in Delhi. In its report titled Delhi: A city on ventilator- A fact finding report on Delhis Health, PPRC reported that the number of state-run dispensaries had decreased from 1,389 in 2014 to 1,298 in 2017. There was a decline in the number of maternity homes run by the government from 265 in 2014 to 230 in 2017 as well, according to the report. The report was released by Rajya Sabha member and BJP vice-president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, who is director of PPRC, BJP MPs Meenakshi Lekhi and Ramesh Bidhuri. While the AAP claims that it has opened mohalla clinics, Rajya Sabha MP and BJP vice-president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said, Mohalla clinic are not a substitute to primary health centres. It cant match the standards of a PHC. These are more like health sub-centres in an urban set up. Sahasrabuddhe, who is the director of PPRC, hit out at the AAP government for opening mohalla clinic in a hurry. This just shows that the Delhi government is only focused on the quantity and not the quality of services being offered at these clinics, he said. The BJP also cited report to point at the acute shortage of medical staff at Delhi government hospitals. As per the report, there is 34% shortage of doctors and specialists, 22% nursing staff and 29% para medical staff. Lekhi said that the , Delhi Government in its five-year tenure has been constantly pulled up by the Delhi High Court regarding its inability to meet the growing healthcare demands and its complete failure to improve medical infrastructure in government hospitals. With elections round the corner, the BJP said that the AAP has failed to fulfil its promise to increase the number of beds in city. Citing the report, Bidhuri said, They have promised to increase the number of beds in government hospital. But in the past five years, the Delhi Government could add only 394 beds. Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain did not respond to requests for comment. ends Rap artist Cardi B has revealed she is applying for Nigerian citizenship amid escalating tension between the USA and Iran . Following the rush of World War III memes which were shared following the death of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike, Cardi wrote "Naaaaa these memes are f***in but s**t ain't no joke! ... Specially being from New York. Dumbest move Trump did to till date [sic]... I'm filing for my Nigerian citizenship." In response to her tweet, a Nigerian government official responded to say "our doors are open." Jen Lowery / SplashNews.com Abike Dabiri-Erewa, whose Twitter bio says she is Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, an organisation which supports Nigerians living outside their home country, wrote: "As one in charge of the Diaspora for Ngr, we cant wait to receive you again. Our doors are open, sister. And you need to talk a walk through the Door of Return in Badagry. Its an indescribable experience." Cardi B (real name Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar) grew up in the South Bronx, the daughter of a Dominican father and Trinidadian mother. In December she toured Nigeria and Ghana. AP This morning it was revealed that Iran had launched a series of missiles at two air bases in Iraq where US troops are stationed. The move follows national outcry over the killing of general Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike following attacks on the US embassy in Iraq. Cardi B is not the only celebrity to respond to the escalating Iran-US crisis. Actress Rose McGowan received backlash online when she apologised to Iran for the killing of Soleimani. "Dear Iran, The USA has disrespected your country, your flag, your people. 52% of us humbly apologize. We want peace with your nation" she wrote on Twitter. She later walked back on her apology to Iran, saying she had "stupidly looked at Twitter" after waking up. In many ways, 2020 will be an important year for hospitals as interoperability continues to mature. ESO, the leading data and software company serving emergency medical services (EMS), fire departments and hospitals, today shared the trends it predicts will have the biggest impact on hospitals in 2020: Dealing with reimbursement challenges; standardizing around data elements to ensure better patient care; tighter collaboration between EMS agencies and hospital emergency departments; and discrete data interoperability will be the new normal. In many ways, 2020 will be an important year for hospitals as interoperability continues to mature, said Allen Johnson, Chief Product Officer for ESO. Recently, weve been focused on sharing of documents across platforms. Now well be able to look at discrete data. Additionally, well continue to standardize around data elements and see better collaboration between EMS and hospital emergency departments. Key Hospital Predictions for 2020: Evolution of interoperability to improve delivery of care: In the last few years, the industry has focused on interoperability as a sharing of forms and documents between organizations. We will see much more sophistication around interoperability in 2020, with an emphasis on sharing of discrete data elements including specific treatment fields and specific types of clinical data between systems, platforms and registries (such as trauma registries). Standardization around data elements: As smart and discrete data continue to play crucial roles across the entire healthcare spectrum, it will be essential for organizations to standardize around data elements to better share information both internally and with outside partners to ensure consistency of care. Additionally, standardizing around data elements will help with reimbursement challenges. Stronger cooperation between EMS agencies and hospital emergency departments: There will be a greater emphasis on integrated and efficient communication between hospital emergency departments and EMS agencies. Not only will hospitals be looking for improved communication to better prepare for incoming patients, EMS agencies will be looking for outcome data to improve training. Additionally, as hospitals deal with reimbursement challenges, EMS can partner with hospitals to help them be financially viable and accelerate reimbursements. Hospitals are getting more and more squeezed dealing with reimbursement challenges: Hospital reimbursement from federal, state and third-party payers continues to decline. This increases pressure on hospitals to reduce expenses and control costs while continuing to improve the care delivered to patients. The costs can be significant. Download the 2020 Hospital Predictions whitepaper here. About ESO ESO is dedicated to improving community health and safety through the power of data. Since its founding in 2004, the company continues to pioneer innovative, user-friendly software to meet the changing needs of todays EMS agencies, fire departments, and hospitals. ESO currently serves more than 10,000 customers throughout North America with a broad software portfolio, including the industry-leading ESO Electronic Health Record (EHR), the next generation ePCR; ESO Health Data Exchange (HDE), the first-of-its-kind healthcare interoperability platform; ESO Fire and ESO FIREHOUSE Software for fire departments; and ambulance revenue recovery/billing software. ESO is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit http://www.eso.com. Officer said there was no law and order situation nor any attempt to block services. Trade union members shout slogans during a protest rally organised in support of a nationwide strike called by the ten trade unions over various issues. (Photo: PTI) Mumbai: Transport services in Mumbai remained unaffected on Wednesday by the nationwide strike called by ten central trade unions to protest against the governments anti-people policies. Trade unions took out relay processions from different parts of Mumbai and other districts in the state. Demonstrations were held all day to protest against the governments policies on privatisation. Suburban trains, which are called as the lifeline of Mumbai with a ridership of more than 75 lakh commuters per day, public buses, taxis and autorickshaws were running normally in the island city and suburbs. The security in the entire city was heightened to keep a tab on any untoward incident. There was no law and order situation anywhere nor there was any attempt to block any services in Mumbai. Things operated as any routine day, said a police officer. The transport services and businesses also operated normally in neighbouring Thane and Navi Mumbai, officials said. Authorities stated that buses were running as per schedule. Trade unions INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along with various sectoral independent federations and associations had adopted a declaration in September last year to go on the nationwide strike on January 8. The trade Unions had claimed around 25 crore people would be participating in the strike to protest against the governments anti-people policies. Areas with a Muslim majority such as Nagpada, Madanpura, Mohammed Ali Road and Mumbra in Thane district witnessed a shutdown since Wednesday morning. Residents of these areas willingly participated in the strike to express their dissatisfaction with government policies such as the CAA and NRC. There was one incident where a government bus was stopped by a mob for a few minutes before letting it continue its journey. The call for all India shut down was given on Tuesday. The CCTV cameras were being monitored and police were kept on an alert, officials said. Similarly, film and TV shoots remained unaffected despite the strike. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) said all its members were at work as usual and nothing was hampered. It however failed to evoke much response in Maharashtra. Since 2010, the world has witnessed a marked shift in efforts to combat labour exploitation. As consumers have become more aware of labour abuses, international companies have been forced to scrutinise labour practices not only at their offices and sales outlets but also at the various factories involved in manufacturing their products. In accordance with laws like the 2015 UK Modern Slavery Act and 2010 California Supply Chain Transparency Act, multinational retailers like Walmart, and global brands like Zara, Gap, H & M and C & A have recently publicised modern slavery statements expressing a commitment to addressing forced labour. Such laws focus on increasing the transparency of the production process, which involves numerous levels of sub-contracting, often across continents a pervasive practice that ensures low manufacturing costs. To comply with new regulations, many companies have established new corporate divisions for responsible sourcing and global sustainability, promising to investigate, audit, monitor, educate, and reduce the incidence of forced labour and human trafficking in the different factories they engage with. But there is a problem. While new laws require businesses to disclose their efforts to address forced labour in their supply chains, they have limited provisions for compliance and enforcement. Furthermore, this model neglects large parts of the global workforce, such as labourers producing goods for the Global South, or service and care sector workers who are not considered members of global commodity chains. Consumer boycotts, which focus on global supply chains, are also problematic. They have caused some companies to suddenly withdraw their manufacturing contracts with certain factories, or in certain countries altogether, leaving workers to face a barren employment landscape. Take Myanmar as an example; a pivotal country of origin for migrant workers in the manufacturing sector both domestically and abroad. Global North brands have trained factories employing Myanmar workers about responsible business practices and conducted audits to detect labour abuse, yet workers still have limited ways of seeking remediation when their rights are violated. Only workers whose conditions are highlighted by their proximity to privileged consumer markets are understood by such approaches as exploited labourers who deserve attention, and the power remains within the hands of these few actors to stop the abuse. In Myanmar, the EU is considering removing trade preferences in light of human rights abuses in Rakhine, Kachin, and Shan states and the treatment of Rohingya refugees, which could have the collateral effect of loss of employment for hundreds of thousands of migrant women working in the garment industry. These supply chain approaches, while ineffective in resolving the roots of labour exploitation, have become so ubiquitous that they have shifted global attention to focus almost exclusively on the abuse that happens in export-oriented sectors. This may cause concerned Global North citizens, organisations and policymakers to overlook the systemic exploitation that occurs among service sector workers domestic workers and sex workers, in particular, are often left behind. These are industries in need of consideration in all approaches to end forced labour because they employ mostly women who face global inequality, poverty, lack of labour protection and criminalisation during migration and work. Domestic workers, in particular, face some of the greatest risks of coercion and exploitation due to the isolation of their workplaces, and historic devaluing of care work. For migrant domestic workers from Myanmar, the experience of worker abuse has been so grave that the government banned overseas migration for domestic work in 2014, a restriction that only further entrenched vulnerabilities for migrant workers, including a lack of legal protection and access to social services. A critical deficiency of supply chain approaches is that they highlight corporate intentions while obscuring the importance of building worker power to counteract these forces. Worker-led efforts, rather than corporate or consumer-led ones, shift the focus to the ideas, needs and collective action of the workers themselves. Establishing more equitable channels of negotiation between workers and employers including the global brands who buy from them would grant a voice to workers to define the most pressing problems and the most appropriate solutions. Worker organising, both through and alongside trade unions, is pivotal to achieving freedom of association and collective bargaining. Worker organising strategies reframe relationships of power and authority and lessen the risk of exploitation. Their successes show that the problems that exist within a supply chain, especially with regards to exploitation and accountability, would be best addressed if we turn more of the power over to workers instead of governments, corporations and consumers. A recent policy report by the Asia Floor Wage Alliance and Global Labor Justice also highlighted the importance of a global gender-based violence approach to monitoring labour abuse in global supply chains. Citing pervasive sexual harassment, gender-based violence and coercion against factory workers in Walmart, H & M, and Gaps global supply chains, their analysis illustrates how patriarchal management regimes subject women to systematic exploitation. The report points to an important gap between the goals of corporate transparency and their realities for workers in the Global South. The tendency to exclude worker organising as an approach to combat exploitation is not for a lack of effective models. This past autumn, thousands of Myanmar garment workers throughout the country went on strike at nearly a dozen factories demanding provisions for leave, holidays and overtime pay as stipulated by Myanmars labour laws. Many of these labour struggles are ongoing as factories have been reluctant to meet worker demands. In September, a thousand workers participated in a sit-in organised at a Chinese-owned factory that produced clothing for Zara and Holly & Whyte. The strike ended when employers agreed to strikers demands. However, seven labour activists still face charges from the government for unlawful assembly. In another case, the International Labour Organization and Three Good Spoons, a social enterprise, have delivered a series of workshops that train Myanmar domestic workers in skills ranging from cooking, cleaning, and operating household equipment, to self-defence and legal awareness. By emphasising that domestic work is skilled work, the training has cultivated an informal network for domestic worker-led advocacy and empowerment. Global supply chain initiatives that fail to include worker-led empowerment and organising are inevitably limited in their scope and ability to achieve permanent and comprehensive solutions to the widespread scourge of labour coercion and abuse. Prioritising investment in worker capacity to organise collectively to combat exploitation is critical to securing social and economic justice that leaves no one behind. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Indonesia has deployed fighter jets and warships to patrol islands near the disputed South China Sea, the military said Wednesday, escalating tensions with Beijing after a diplomatic spat over "trespassing" Chinese vessels. President Joko Widodo also headed Wednesday to the fishing-rich waters around the Natuna islands, which border the South China Sea, most of which is claimed by China despite competing claims from other Southeast Asian nations including Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia. The Indonesian military said it had deployed eight warships and four jet fighters ahead of Widodo's visit in an apparent bid to assert its sovereignty over the region. "I have said many times Natuna is our sovereign territory," Widodo told reporters. "There is nothing to be debated...I hope this is clear." A Chinese coast guard vessel was spotted in Indonesia's exclusive economic zone Wednesday, the government said. "We have deployed eight warships," said Navy spokesman Fajar Tri Rohadi. The air force said fighter jets had also been deployed. "(But) our personnel have been told that we are not going to make provocations but rather protect our territory," said Air Commodore Ronny Irianto Moningka. China's foreign ministry downplayed the incident and said there was "no dispute over territorial sovereignty" between Beijing and Jakarta -- though the two have "overlapping claims for maritime rights" in the South China Sea. Indonesia does not lay claim in the South China Sea, but said it would not tolerate incursions by China -- a key trading partner -- into its nearby waters. "We are willing to continue to properly handle differences with Indonesia," said spokesman Geng Shuang at a press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday. "China and Indonesia have always maintained communication through diplomatic channels on this matter," Geng said. Indonesia's move to send in warships follows the deployment on Friday of around 600 personnel from the navy, army and air force to Natuna as the military launched what it called a regular patrol to secure the area due to the presence of foreign vessels in Indonesian waters. Jakarta said it would also send hundreds of fishermen to the area to keep an eye out for foreign vessels. That followed Indonesia summoning the Chinese ambassador last week and lodging a "strong protest" over a Chinese coast guard vessel escorting Chinese fishing boats around the islands in mid-December. Beijing responded that it has "historic rights" in the region and that fishing boats had been carrying out "legal and reasonable" activities. Beijing lays claim to huge swathes of the South China Sea, where it is accused of building military installations and artificial islands -- and ramming fishing vessels. China claims the majority of the resource-rich waterway through the so-called nine-dash line, a vague delineation based on maps from the 1940s as the then Republic of China snapped up islands from Japanese control. Kim Kardashian has been mocked by fans after showing off the surprisingly sparse interior of her fridge. The reality star, 39, took to Instagram on Tuesday to show off her new Skims collection, posing up in a scanty bralet as she gave her mammoth social media following a sneak peek inside her fridge. However fans were left stunned when the beauty revealed her fridge contained only water and milk, with no food in sight. Say what? Kim Kardashian has been mocked by fans after showing off the surprisingly sparse interior of her fridge Followers flocked to Twitter to question what the mother of four exists on with one humorously asking: 'Yall eat air too??coz I see no food in that fridge maam.' As well as numerous cartons of milk, there are also milk bottles with straws for her kids and a pitcher of another beverage which appears to be lemonade. Her fridge is also situated next to yet another fridge with a glass door that shows bottles of Essential Water, Perrier and cans of Canada Dry. One fan exclaimed: 'Holy c**p your fridge is completely empty' while another added: 'I see nothing in that fridge that reflects a family with 4 kids haha! I just cant relate. Sorry.' She has cereal: The reality star, 39, took to Instagram on Tuesday to show off her new Skims collection, posing up in a scanty bralet as she gave her mammoth social media following a sneak peek inside her fridge What do you eat? However fans were left stunned when the beauty revealed her fridge contained only water and milk, with no food in sight Another wrote: 'Kim Kardashian has milk in her fridge and not much else' while a third typed: 'So the fridge is empty just like the rest of the house. Do y'all even live there girl?' Another fan wrote: 'Where are the snacks Kim? So disappointed'. One follower flagged that Kim's children probably have their own fridge, writing: 'You know damn well thats Kim's fridge, the kids got they own fridge. A second speculated: 'Seeing a lot of replies about an empty fridge but y'all forget she's rich and probably has a personal chef.' Hmm: One follower flagged that Kim's children probably their own fridge, writing: 'You know damn well thats Kim's fridge, the kids got they own fridge The star also shared another photo to Instagram from her kitchen while eating a bowl of cereal, proving she does have some food in the house. The KKW Beauty mogul also took to her Instagram story this week to thank supermodel Winnie Harlow for her Christmas present. Harlow gifted Kardashian matching necklaces with pendants that read KKWxWinnie, which they both showed off in the photos. Family life: As well as numerous cartons of milk, there were also milk bottles with straws for her kids North, six, Saint, four, Chicago, two, and Psalm, seven months Kim also shared a photo of her and husband Kanye West wearing some slightly matching brown square sunglasses on Instagram. The reality star is currently studying to be a lawyer, and she recently clapped back at claims that she didn't donate to the Australian wildfires. 'Nothing gets me more heated than to see people think they know what we donated to and to think we have to publicize everything,' she tweeted. US-led coalition temporarily relocates headquarters from Iraq to Kuwait: Report Iran Press TV Tuesday, 07 January 2020 12:15 PM The the US-led military coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh terrorist group has reportedly relocated its headquarters in Iraq to Kuwait in the wake of recent assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and the second-in-command of Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and public rage over the targeted killings. Iraq's Arabic-language al-Forat news agency reported that the alliance took the decision on Tuesday to move its command center from the Iraqi capital Baghdad to Kuwait City. The Qatar-based and Arabic-language al-Jazeera news network, citing a report published by German DPA news agency, later confirmed the account. The report came only a day after Iraq's caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi said his country and the United States should work together on implementing the withdrawal of all foreign troops from the country. Abdul-Mahdi made the remarks while talking to US ambassador Matthew Tueller, after Iraqi lawmakers unanimously approved a bill demanding the withdrawal of all foreign military forces led by the United States from the country. "The prime minister stressed the importance of mutual cooperation on implementing the withdrawal of foreign troops, in line with the Iraqi parliament's resolution, and to set relations with the United States on a proper foundation," Abdul-Mahdi's office said in a statement on Monday. "He stressed how dangerous the situation is right now and its potential consequences, adding that Iraq is doing everything it can to prevent the descent into open war." Also on Monday, the deputy secretary general of Iraq's al-Nujaba Movement slammed the US assassination of General Soleimani and Muhandis, saying a united front is going to be formed against US's military presence in the region. "The leaders of Iraqi resistance groups will convene a meeting either today or tomorrow to declare the formation of a united front against the US [military] presence. It is better for us (resistance factions) to join forces and deal with Washington, which classifies us in the same category," Nasr al-Shammari said in an exclusive interview with Lebanon-based Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network. "The battle has now moved to the heart of Washington's allies in the region, which are pushing for attacks targeting us. The term international terrorism applies to the United States once it came to our region and occupied it," Shammari added. He noted that the blood of General Soleimani and Muhandis frustrated all US plots against Iraq, emphasizing that his group had always been skeptical about US actions in the Arab country. "The American presence in Iraq is harmful to military operations against Daesh and the country itself We will go to war against the American military presence wherever possible in the region," Shammari said. 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Photo: Ronen Zvullun/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Could Israel, which did not help carry out Qasem Soleimanis assassination, nonetheless pay a price for his death? I spoke with foreign-policy columnist Heather Hurlburt about that possibility and other recent developments in the aftermath of the generals death. Ben: Nobody knows how Iran will respond to the killing of Qasem Soleimani, but Ive seen many people opine that the country cannot and will not actually drag itself into a war with the United States. One big problem is that President Trump seems to have a newly itchy trigger finger, so its more difficult than ever to determine what will actually provoke his ire in a catastrophic way. What is your current thinking on how Iran will balance the need to lash back in some way and provoking (perhaps only semi-intentionally) a massive conflict? Heather: It appears to me that Iran thinks it can leverage this moment to push the U.S. military out of the region. So its actions will be aimed at inflicting enough pain to do that without the U.S. hitting back at Iran itself. Lots of room for miscalculation there. Also, some around Trump do seek to defeat Iran head-on and believe they can change its government that way. They think that a different Iranian regime wouldnt pursue an agenda opposed to U.S. and Israeli interests. Thats not entirely clear. The prospect of Iran or its proxies targeting Israel is the second big escalation risk. Ben: I havent heard too much about that. Trump has said that targeting Americans would cause him to hit back hard, but what would attacking Israel do? And would such an indirect response from Iran really qualify as revenge for an operation that was carried out entirely by the United States? Heather: An attack that killed Israelis would set off huge alarm bells in Israel and demand not just an Israeli response but demonstrations of intense U.S. support and partnership. That would come as Netanyahu is in the fight of his life, indicted and leading a caretaker government until yet another set of elections produce a government, after two failed efforts. He and his U.S. allies would try to have the U.S. involved in any response. It would be very interesting to see what Trump would do. And Im using interesting in the sense that the plague is an interesting phenomenon and Cats is an interesting film. (Im resolved to make 2020 better by inserting Cats jokes everywhere.) Ben: We do need a little levity at the moment, and feline-based humor is always preferable. Reports on how Trump came to order the strike on Soleimani say that hard-liners at the Pentagon offered him that extreme option, not thinking hed take it. Is there any hope that, seeing that hes willing to initiate such a risky maneuver, those same voices would dial down the option list if Iran did, say, kill an American service member? In other words, if Iran did kill someone, would hitting Iran back directly, and thus ushering in a whole new disaster, definitely be on the menu? Heather: I have noticed two stories about how this happened, one the one you reference and the other saying that Pompeo and perhaps others had been pushing this idea for months. So that makes me pessimistic about the ability of more cautious insiders to dial down options. Ben: Do you think that means this would have happened even if the Pentagon hadnt broached it? Heather: Not right then, necessarily. And Pompeo (unlike John Bolton and H.R. McMaster before him) doesnt seem to have been using direct channels to go around the org chart into the Pentagon. But I think you also have a subset of Pentagon officers whove spent more than a decade watching Soleimani-led operations kill their colleagues. So the option would have kept coming up because they saw it as the appropriate response. And when you dont have senior leadership that is able or willing to push back on that with strategic calculations, you get this. Meanwhile I see that the militarys Iraq comms people are tweeting out pictures of themselves with Iraqis, to let everyone know were still there. Ben: Really confidence-inspiring stuff all around. Heather: An active-duty officer commented to me this week that we have the B-minus team. Ben: The Trump administration is doing a typically slipshod job of selling the idea that Soleimani was about to attack vital American interests, more so than he had been for the last decade-plus. That assertion has already been undercut by good reporting, and of course the White House has precisely zero credibility on such matters in the first place. To what extent do you think their unconvincing case matters in terms of what happens next? Heather: It mattered immediately to our European allies. They havent forgotten Powell at the U.N. and the misinformation in the run-up to Iraq. Their reception of the attack was tepid, at best. I am still flabbergasted that even allies with troops on the ground in Iraq with us dont seem to have had advance notice. It obviously hasnt mattered to the GOP, however. The question there is what level of catastrophe would matter to the GOP what level Trump polls would have to fall to. I was just reading a political-science analysis suggesting the public responds to uses of force less than we think, so Trump might be able to survive quite a lot of violence. Thats my cheerful end note. Ben: Insert Cats joke here. The nationwide strike call given by 10 central trade unions evoked a mixed response in most parts of the country with Bengal, Odisha and Kerala remaining the epicentres where normal life, traffic and movement of trains was badly hit as protesters thronged the roads in hundreds. Most parts of Maharashtra, Delhi and Goa remained unaffected. As many as 500 protesters were detained in Bhubaneshwar while two MPs of Left parties were among 800 workers of eight trade unions who were arrested while attempting to stage a demonstration as part of the nationwide strike. The demonstration was led by CPI Lok Sabha MP, K Subbaryan, who is also Tamil Nadu AITUC president and CPI(M) MP, P R Natarajan. In what was billed as a nationwide shutdown against the anti-people policies of the ruling dispensation with PM Narendra Modi at the helm, central trade unions had claimed the support of about 25 crore people in joining the bandh. Employees of Ordnance Cable Factory extended their support to All India strike called by trade unions against the policies of the Central government. These factory workers were protesting against demanded that the ordnance factories should not be handed over to the corporate sector and, rather, it should remain under the control of the Defence Ministry. "These factories were built by the British to fulfil the demands of ammunition. We don't want these factories to be handed over the corporate sector. We will continue our protests until our demands are met,' one of the protesters was quoted as saying by ANI. The strike threw normal life out of gear in Kerala. In the wake of the strike, all the shops were closed and private vehicles were kept off the roads. Besides, banking services in the state also came to a standstill as around 25,000 employees and officers joined the strike. The state transport utility Kerala State Road Transportation (KSRTC) is also not operating any services as the employees associated with various trade unions have joined the nationwide bandh. No major untoward incidents were reported baring a few minor incidents of protestors forcing shops to close in various places in the state. About 15 lakh power sector employees and engineers across the country went on strike in support of the 'Bharat Bandh' call given by the trade unions. Power sector employees were protesting against the Centre's proposed amendments to the Electricity Act as well as other privatisation policies of the government, which they say are against the interest of the consumers and employees. Protesters were seen raising slogans outside Jadavpur University in Kolkata and Hooghly following the trade unions' call for Bharat Bandh. Protesters also blocked the railway track at Kanchrapara in North 24 Parganas. Shops were shut in Siliguri where a North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) bus driver was seen wearing a helmet while driving in the wake of protests during the strike. The Bharat Bandh has been called by all 10 Central trade unions along with different federations. The unions including AIUTUC, CITU, INTUC, among others have given the call for the strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is not taking part in the strike. The protesters' demand includes the dropping of the proposed labour reforms by the Centre. An official statement by the trade unions on the response to the strike is awaited. With Inputs From Agencies Iran on Wednesday while defending the missile attack on US military bases said, all the measures were taken in self-defence. (Photo Credit: File Photo) New Delhi: Iran on Wednesday while defending the missile attack on US military bases said, all the measures were taken in self-defence. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said, Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. The attack on US military bases came after the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike, which was ordered by President Donald Trump, on Friday. Zarif, however, said, We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. Earlier, US President Donald Trump had said, 'all is well while reacting to the attack. Taking to Twitter hours after the attack, Trump said, All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning (sic). US Department of Defence tweeted: At approximately 1730 EST on Jan. 7, Iran launched at least a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military & coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran & targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military & coalition personnel at Al-Assad & Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments, it added. Who Was General Qasem Soleimani? Soleimani was one of the most popular figures in Iran and seen as a deadly adversary by America and its allies. General Soleimani, who headed the external operations Quds Force for the Guards, had wielded his regional clout publicly since 2018 when it was revealed that he had direct involvement in top-level talks over the formation of Iraq's government. It was no surprise at the time for a man who has been at the centre of power-broking in the region for two decades. Soleimani has been in and out of Baghdad ever since, most recently last month as parties sought to form a new government. Where once he kept to the shadows, Soleimani has in recent years become an unlikely celebrity in Iran -- replete with a huge following on Instagram. His profile rose suddenly when he was pushed forward as the public face of Iran's intervention in the Syrian conflict from 2013, appearing in battlefield photos, documentaries -- and even being featured in a music video and animated film. In a rare interview aired on Iranian state television in October, he said he was in Lebanon during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war to oversee the conflict. To his fans and enemies alike, Soleimani was the key architect of Iran's regional influence, leading the fight against jihadist forces and extending Iran's diplomatic heft in Iraq, Syria and beyond. "To Middle Eastern Shiites, he is James Bond, Erwin Rommel and Lady Gaga rolled into one," wrote former CIA analyst Kenneth Pollack in a profile for Time's 100 most influential people in 2017. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Unlike supporters of the regime led by Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, millions of Syrian citizens sympathising with the countrys opposition rejoiced at the news of the assassination of Qassem Suleimani, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Al-Quds Force, who was killed in Iraq after returning from Damascus along with Deputy Commander of the Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Forces and several Iranian officers. Many Syrians cannot not be glad that he is dead because he was Irans point man in Syria, giving orders to fighters in the regime-supporting Zainabiyoun and Fatemiyoun brigades, as well as to Lebanese Shia group Hizbullah militias in Syria. He even gave orders to the regimes regular army, as if he were a Syrian officer. He played a key role in Irans military expansion in Syria over the past eight years, taking control of several Syrian cities, attempting to suppress the Syrian uprising and preventing the Syrian regime from collapsing. Suleimani harmed the Syrian people and their desire for freedom and for the removal of a despotic regime. He worked to implement Iranian interests in Syria, fought the forces of the revolution and was the second-most influential figure on the battlefield after Al-Assad himself. The Syrian opposition raised questions after the assassination of Suleimani, mostly asking why Washington had not targeted him before, especially since he had played a key role in promoting Iranian interests in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. He enabled Iran to take control of several Arab capitals, including Damascus, even though the US president could have eliminated senior Iranian figures in Syria years ago if he had wanted. During the years of silence by the US and Irans penetration of Syria after the start of the 2011 Revolution, Iran invaded and occupied almost the whole of Syria. With the help of Russia, it was able to dismantle the oppositions military forces and take control of vital political and military matters. It deepened sectarianism and created sectarian militias, committing massacres of Sunni Muslims on the pretext of fighting terrorism before the Russian intervention in 2015. Aqqab Yehia, a Syrian opposition politician, told Al-Ahram Weekly that the complicated relationship between the US and Iran, and the suspicious relationship between Iran and Israel, created hostile conditions in theory. But their relations in fact showed something else: almost a collusion with Iran to continue its containment policies in Syria and to instigate strife and civil war. This served the dangerous strategy of penetrating Syrian and Arab society from within and instigating sectarian fractures, all the while serving Zionism and US strategy. That may be why the US remained silent about Suleimanis actions in Syria and only made a move when he began to attack US interests in Iraq, Yehia said. US President Donald Trump cited several reasons for Suleimanis assassination, most notably the intelligence that Suleimani was going to order terrorist attacks targeting Americans in Iraq and elsewhere and that he had held meetings in Baghdad to plan attacks against the US. Trump insisted that protecting Americans was his primary goal and that he would do whatever it takes to protect American lives and interests. It is believed that Iran will respond to the assassination, and Iranian officials and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Lebanon and elsewhere have threatened as much, at least in order to save face. However, Iran is known for its pragmatism, and this may be the deciding factor in avoiding an open war that Iran would not be able to survive. Saeed Moqbel, a member of the Syrian opposition, said that it is likely that if Iran wants to take revenge, it will resort to its affiliates, namely Lebanons Hizbullah and Iraqs Popular Mobilisation Forces, so that it does not appear to be directly responsible for attacks against the US. At the same time, Iran is good at mixing issues and knows it cannot confront the US outright. It may proclaim the conflict with the US as an excuse to suppress popular uprisings in Iraq and Lebanon, as well as expanding its forces in Syria after Russia attempted to clip its wings. Suleimanis assassination has created a new climate that could have implications on several fronts. Iran is in dire need of an international escalation as a way out of its own domestic crisis and the Iraqi and Lebanese crises in particular. Syrian commentator Mishaal Al-Adawi told the Weekly that it is clear that the US does not want to escalate the situation and that it has taken every precaution in the region in case Iran decides to respond. By attacking the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iran wanted to send a small message, but was surprised by the US reaction. It is now in a predicament between a real response that would be catastrophic or a timid response that would not convince the domestic front. The Iranian regime appears to be weak and shaky. If Iran decides to respond, it will most likely be on the Iraqi or Afghan front. In Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, Iran will respond with more interference and meddling. Many Syrians rejoiced at Suleimanis death because they have suffered from his actions for the last eight years and believe that his death will be a serious blow for Iran that will impact its presence in Syria. However, only hours after Suleimanis assassination, Irans supreme guide Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced the appointment of Ismail Qaani as commander of the Al-Quds Force. Suleimanis successor is more impulsive, according to those who know him, and he was a key commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard during the Iraq-Iran War in the 1980s. He was also the main financial officer of the Al-Quds Force responsible for funding Irans overseas sectarian activities and the main source of arms for Iranian militias in the region, including Hizbullah in Lebanon, Hamas in Palestine, the Houthis in Yemen, the Popular Mobilisation Forces in Iraq and the Fatimiyoun in Syria. Qaani is closely connected to Khamenei and is known as Suleimanis radical shadow, according to the Iranian media. He has had a strong presence in dirty Iranian operations in the Arab countries and is a staunch supporter of imposing Iranian control over the region and interfering in the domestic affairs of neighbouring countries through force. Qaani has said that the war in Syria is an existential and fateful one for Iran. He has extensive experience on several battlefronts and is known as a key proponent of grassroots formations and the sectarian militias that have destroyed Syria with their crimes. He is categorised as a terrorist by Washington and was added to the US terrorism list some years ago. The Syrians are thus on a collision course with a new Iranian military leader who is even harsher than his predecessor. They have bid one problem farewell, and they are now preparing for something worse. Iran has many sectarian bigots, but the solution is not the death of one military commander but the halting of Iranian terrorism. Iran must be forced to change its expansionist occupation of Syria. This will require international efforts and not just on the part of the US. *A version of this article appears in print in the 9 January, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: Frank Pupie Raia may have to serve more time for his federal election fraud conviction. The government has appealed the Hoboken politicos three-month sentence for a pay-for-votes scheme that also ensnared four others, according to a court filing dated Jan. 2. Raia was also fined $50,000 and ordered to one year of supervised release, and had planned to pay the fine when his $100,000 bail was returned court filings said. The former mayoral and city council candidate was scheduled to begin serving his sentence at a West Virginia prison in March, his attorney, Alan Zegas said. Zegas said he was surprised by the U.S. Attorneys Offices decision to appeal the sentence handed down by Judge William Martini. He called the sentencing fair. (Raia) received 140 letters describing the good deeds he had done, said Zegas, referring to the letters presented when Raia was sentenced on Dec. 2. The judge said he had never received so many letters on someones behalf. At the time of Raias sentencing, prosecutors had asked for 27 months, U.S. Attorneys Office spokesman Matt Reilly said. The charge against him called for a maximum sentence to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although Zegas said the sentencing guidelines are much lower. Zegas said his client is optimistic that the court will find the three-month sentence fair. He is prepared to serve his sentence, Zegas said. Zegas pointed out that the burden of proof on the sentencing is on the government. The U.S. Attorneys Office will file a brief and then Zegas will file a brief in opposition, he said. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia could hold a hearing, but could also decide the issue based on the briefs. Raia was found guilty in June of paying residents most of them living in public housing $50 for their votes. At the time, Raia was running for an at-large seat on the Hoboken City Council. He finished seventh in a 10-person field for the three seats. Dio Braxton, Matt Calicchio, Lizaida Camis and William Rojas all pleaded guilty to their roles in a cash-for-votes scheme in 2013 or 2015. Braxton has not been sentenced yet. Raia appealed the verdict and asked for new trial, but that motion was denied. On Sunday 5th January 2020, Officers of the Royal Anguilla Police Force responded to a report of a firearm being discharged in the Welches Area. One arrival, Leroy Vanterpool 52yr male of Welches was found shot dead and Salih Abdur Raheem 44yr old from East End sustained gunshot wounds. The RAPF is presently investigating the matter, and is appealing to any member of the public who was in the vicinity of the Welches Area or has any information relating to these shooting, to please contact the Major Crime Unit of the Royal Anguilla Police Force on telephone number 497 5333 ext. 5047/5044 or speak to any officer who you feel most comfortable with quoting Op Flamingo. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can use the crime tip line at www.gov.ai/911 A family liaison officer has been appointed to the families involved at this time. The Royal Anguilla Police Force take this opportunity to express its condolences to the family of the deceased, and at the same time wish Mr. Raheem a speedy and successful recovery. The death of a man whose body was found behind the Park City post office is being investigated as suspicious, according to Stillwater County Sheriff Charles "Chip" Kem. The sheriff's office learned of the body's discovery at 7:06 a.m. when they received a call "of a partially concealed body in the area behind the Park City Post Office," Kem wrote in a press release issued at noon Wednesday. The body was described by Kem as "Caucasian" and "approximately 45-55 years old." The man's identity was undetermined at the time of the press release. The sheriff said, "There is no threat to public safety, however we ask that residents avoid that area if possible while law enforcement processes the scene." Clark Street in Park City was closed between First Avenue and Second Avenue as the investigation continues. Both the post office and Park City School remained accessible. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting with the initial investigation, until the cause and manner of death is confirmed, the release says. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 6 Angry 2 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. NEW YORK A New York judge threatened to throw Harvey Weinstein in jail Tuesday after he was caught using two cellphones in the courtroom despite previous warnings to put the devices away. On day two of the closely watched rape trial in Manhattan, Justice James M. Burke issued a strong rebuke to Weinstein, the disgraced movie producer, who spent several minutes before the proceedings tapping on the screen of his phone and at one point held two cellphones. Court officers had apparently reported the behavior to the judge, who took the bench and immediately addressed the matter. What did I say would happen if he so much has a cellphone or electronic device since there have been repeated violations of this, including some on the record? Burke said firmly. One of Weinsteins lawyers, Arthur Aidala, had minutes earlier entered the courtroom, Part 99 of the state Supreme Court, and appeared taken aback: You said you never want to see a cellphone in my clients hand. Because it was my intention to do what? the judge snapped back. To change his bail conditions, Aidala responded. To what? Burke said. I believe you said remand, Aidala said, meaning to place Weinstein in jail. Weinstein, who had entered the courtroom aided by a walker minutes before, shook his head and seemed worried about what might happen next. The judge cautioned Weinstein not to say anything else and asked, Is this really how you want to end up in jail for the rest of your life, by texting and violating a court order? After the tirade, prosecutors asked for Weinstein to be remanded given new rape and sexual assault charges that were filed in Los Angeles on Monday. The judge kept the bail conditions, but issued a stern warning about Weinsteins cellphone use. The trial against Weinstein, 67, is one of the most anticipated proceedings in recent years. Allegations against the producer prompted the global #MeToo movement, a reckoning over sexual assault by powerful and influential men in the workplace. Jury selection in the New York case will begin Tuesday. The lawyers will pick 12 jurors and six alternates from a pool of 500 New Yorkers. Prosecutors in New York charge that Weinstein raped one woman, who has not been identified in court documents, at a midtown hotel in March 2013 and forced a second woman, Mimi Haleyi, a production assistant, to allow him to perform oral sex on her at his apartment in Manhattan in 2006. The producer also faces a charge of predatory sexual assault for having committed a serious sex crime against more than one person. To further buttress that charge, prosecutors plan on calling actress Annabella Sciorra to testify against Weinstein, who she said sexually assaulted her in 1993 in her Manhattan apartment. If convicted of predatory sexual assault, Weinstein faces a maximum of life in prison. Weinstein maintains that his sexual encounters with the women were consensual. The Manhattan Dstrict Attorneys Office is also expected to call on three other women to testify about allegations of sexual assault by the producer. Prosecutors hope those witnesses will convince a jury that Weinstein has long been a sexual predator, even if the events they describe happened too long ago to be prosecuted as sex crimes. Prosecutors in Pennsylvania used a similar strategy in the sexual assault trial of the comedian Bill Cosby, who is now in prison. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. 64% of people worldwide said they do not have confidence in President Trump to do the right thing on the global stage, while only 29% said they trust him, according to a Pew survey of 36,923 respondents conducted in 33 countries. Why it matters: The world is watching as tensions between the U.S. and Iran flare in the wake of the killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani threatening an all-out war that could further destabilize the Middle East. Amid other global threats, North Korea has also abandoned a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear weapons testing after negotiations with the U.S. broke down. By the numbers: Roughly 75% of people throughout Germany, Sweden, France, Spain and the Netherlands said they do not trust Trump's decision-making in world affairs. Anti-Trump sentiment was strongest in Mexico, where 89% said they lack confidence in the U.S. president. Yes, but: Overall, 54% of people polled in those 33 countries held a favorable opinion of the United States, while 38% had an unfavorable one. Trump also has pockets of support in places like Israel, where 74% supported his decision to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Between the lines: Pew reported that the lack of trust largely stems from opposition to the president's polices. 68% across the nations polled said they disagreed with the U.S. increasing tariffs on imports. 66% opposed the Trump administrations withdrawal from international climate agreements. 60% disapprove of Trumps proposal to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Of note: Trump had the lowest confidence marks among Germany's Angela Merkel, France's Emmanuel Macron, Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping. Trump received higher favorability among people who expressed positive views of right-wing populist parties in Europe, like France's National Front and Germany's AfD. Supporters of those parties were more likely to have a positive view of Trump's specific policies, such as increasing restrictions on immigration. Methodology: Pew conducted this survey across 33 countries from May 18 to Oct. 2, 2019, totaling 36,923 respondents. The surveys were conducted face-to-face across Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and South Asia and on the phone in the North America and East Asia. Across Europe, the survey was conducted over the phone in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK, but face-to-face in Central and Eastern Europe, Italy, Ukraine and Russia. Go deeper: Where the U.S. ranks as a top ally or top threat around the world Veteran investor Terry Smith has bagged a bumper payday of up to 87m Veteran investor Terry Smith has bagged a bumper payday of up to 87million. The Mauritius-based fund manager saw profits at his firm, Fundsmith, climb to 26.4million in the year to March 2019 from 21million the year before. His two main funds generated stellar returns, pumping up the performance fee which Fundsmith received from savers, and attracting more investors. The windfall for Smith, 66, means he is better-paid than any boss on the FTSE 100 index of Britain's largest listed companies, and better rewarded than most of his rivals. But his massive pay cheque emerged as Woodford Investment Management, the business founded by disgraced fund manager Neil Woodford, revealed it had paid its bosses 13.8million over the same 12 months after a run of dire performances. Woodford himself, who has now lost control of all his funds after being sacked from some and resigning from the others, took home 9million, and his business partner Craig Newman bagged the other 4.8million. While Smith's flagship Fundsmith Equity fund turned a 1,000 investment into 1,226 in the 12 months to March 2019, Woodford's Equity Income fund would have lost 57, to leave just 943. The difference in performance between the two is even starker over a longer period. Anyone who invested 1,000 when Woodford Equity Income launched in 2014 would now have 827. If they put the same amount into Fundsmith Equity that day, they would be sitting on 2,663. Smith has achieved star status among many savers due to his reliable returns, and now manages 25.7billion of investors' money. Office location: Fundsmith paid another 115.8m to a Mauritius-registered company called Fundsmith Investment Services Limited His customers ploughed 1.9billion more into the Fundsmith Equity fund than they drew out in the 12 months to March 2019, according to Morningstar data, and it became the UK's largest fund last year after topping 18.6billion. But his pay has drawn criticism. Luke Hildyard, director of the High Pay Centre, said: 'The proportionality of the reward could be called into question. 'The fees accruing to investment managers come from savers, so proper oversight of the profits that funds generate and the payouts they award to their executives is vital.' Smith is entitled to around 61 per cent of the profits his business makes, while the rest is shared among his business partners. This meant he scooped 16.2million from Fundsmith's 26.4million profits. But Fundsmith paid another 115.8million to a Mauritius-registered company called Fundsmith Investment Services Limited (FISL), owned under the same structure as the UK firm. Smith could have taken as much as 61 per cent of that too, giving him a total of up to 86.9million. A spokesman said some of the FISL cash is spent on services such as research and administration, so it is not all shared by Smith and his partners. She declined to reveal how much was used to pay these expenses. James Daley, managing director of Fairer Finance, said: 'Up to 87million in a year feels like too much money for one individual, when their job is to make money for others.' A furious mother confronted a mob smoking cannabis at a children's playground after arriving with her one-year-old son. The incident happened at Langdon playground, Teddington, south west London this afternoon. The footage was uploaded to Twitter by a user who said that he posted it on behalf of his friend, who was the mother involved. Footage shows the mother arriving at the playground where there is a group of people stood around in hoodies. A furious mother confronted a mob smoking cannabis at a children's playground after arriving with her one-year-old son The woman says: 'Go home or find something else to do. Go and smoke your weed in the woods. One of the men replies: 'Why don't you go home?' To which she says: 'I would like to after I've let my little kid play in the park for a bit. It stinks in here. I don't care who it is, it stinks of weed. Several members of the group are seen filming the woman as she films them in the park in south London She continues: 'This is supposed to be for kids in here you idiot. Look at him, he's one-year-old and he's got no where to play because you're like this.' Several members of the group are seen filming the woman as she films them. Richmond Council said: 'This has been reported to the Parkguard who will monitor the site going forward.' Hampton Wick Police have been approached for comment. Crude oil futures jumped more than 4 per cent during the session, reflecting increased concern about the potential for supply disruptions in the Middle East. "Retaliatory action taken by Iran set the markets risk aversion interest on fire," said Jingyi Pan, market strategist at IG Markets in Singapore. "With expectations of further friction from here, investors appear to be pricing for an all-out war." Crude oil and gold prices have soared to fresh peaks as tensions in the Middle East escalated further following an Iranian missile attack on military bases housing US troops in Iraq. Brent crude contracts for March delivery jumped 5.1 per cent to $US71.75 per barrel upon the resumption of trade, according to Refinitiv data, coming within a whisker of the high of $US71.95 set in mid-September when a drone attack on key Saudi oil facilities led to temporary concerns over supply from the worlds largest crude oil exporter. WTI futures also jumped to $US65.65 per barrel, hitting highs not seen since April 25 last year. However, gains were pared in afternoon trade as US president Donald Trump soothed his 69.8 million Twitter followers saying in part: "All is well!" "Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!" Trump tweeted. "We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." The measured response saw front-month Brent and WTI futures ease to $US69.20 and $US63.51 per barrel respectively in late Asian trade, trimming gains for the session to around 1.3 per cent. Despite the late pullback, the S&P/ASX 200 energy sector still managed to post a gain 0.9 per cent. Woodside Petroleum rose 1.4 per cent to $36.14, Santos 1.1 per cent to $8.89 while Oil Search added 0.9 per cent to $7.92. Tehran: Tensions between Iran and the United States have been steadily escalating for months. After a US strike killed a top Iranian commander last week and Iran launched retaliation strikes on Wednesday. Here is a review: Terror Blacklist On April 8, 2019 Washington declares Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps a "terrorist" group. Its Quds Force, which operates abroad, is also put on the blacklist. On May 5, White House national security adviser John Bolton announces the deployment of an aircraft carrier and a bomber task force to the Middle East. Nuclear Accord Unravels On May 8, a year after Washington unilaterally withdrew from an international 2015 deal curbing Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed sanctions, Tehran warns it is prepared to resume nuclear activity. Trump announces new measures against Iran's steel and mining sectors. Attacks on Ships On May 12, four ships, including three oil tankers, are damaged in mysterious attacks in the Gulf that the United States blames on Iran. On May 25, the United States says it is deploying 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East to counter "credible threats" from Iran. Two tankers, Norwegian and Japanese, come under attack in the Gulf of Oman on June 13. Washington, London and Riyadh blame Iran, which denies involvement. US Drone Shot Down Iran's Revolutionary Guard says on June 20 it shot down a US drone that violated Iranian airspace near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump approves a retaliatory strike, but cancels it at the last minute. On June 24, Trump announces "hard-hitting" financial sanctions on Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior Iranian military leaders. On July 18, Trump says the US military took down an Iranian drone that came dangerously close to one of its naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. On July 1, Iran announces it has breached a cap on its uranium enrichment set out in the 2015 deal. Saudi Oil Attack On September 14, aerial attacks claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels spark fires at two major Saudi oil facilities. Tehran is accused by the United States and other powers of being responsible but denies involvement. On September 20, Trump announces "the highest sanctions ever imposed on a country", hitting Iran's central bank. On November 7, Tehran resumes uranium enrichment at its underground Fordo plant -- its fourth walk-back from the 2015 nuclear accord. US Backs Protesters Iran is furious when the US expresses support for protesters who take to the streets on November 15 after a fuel price hike. The White House condemns Iran for using "lethal force" in the days of violence, which reportedly leaves scores dead. Iran's foreign ministry criticises "American economic terrorism". US Strike Kills Commander On December 29, the United States carries out air strikes against bases of a pro-Iran group in Iraq, killing at least 25 fighters. The strikes are in retaliation for rocket attacks against US interests in Iraq, including one in which a US civilian contractor is killed on December 27. On December 31, pro-Iran protesters storm the US embassy compound in Baghdad expressing fury over the strikes. Trump warns Tehran it could "pay a very big price". On January 3, 2020 a US strike kills top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, the Quds Force commander, in Iraq. The Pentagon says Trump ordered the killing after the siege of the US embassy in Baghdad. Iran Responds With Missiles At Soleimani's funeral on January 7, top Revolutionary Guards commander Major General Hossein Salami said Iran would "take revenge". On January 8, Iran fires missiles at two Iraqi bases used by the US military. There are no immediate reports of casualties. Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif says the nation "took and concluded proportionate measures" in self-defence. For 2020, President Trump is taking America on a path to war. With Irans retaliatory strike on the al-Asad air base, will Trump push us over the edge? On Jan. 2, the White House confirmed the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force and Irans top military general. President Trump ordered a drone strike just outside the Baghdad airport, killing him and Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, commander of the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia in Iraq. The White House blamed the militia for killing a U.S. serviceman in December 2019 and retaliated with airstrikes killing 24, rousing anti-American uproar. Days after the Trump administrations latest military adventure, the fallout has been momentous. President Trump ordered 3,500 U.S. troops to deploy to Iraq where the fate of the now-embattled U.S. embassy is in question. Meanwhile the Iraqi parliamentthe government we helped createheld a special session and voted to expel the U.S. military from the country altogether. Much to the vexation of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Europe, India and China have responded with caution and skepticism. Pompeo retorted killing Soleimani saved lives in Europe as well. The irony is that the people of Iran and several Arab nations had taken to the streets to protest government corruption on the eve of the Soleimani assassination. Much of that popular unrest shifted overnight toward large-scale demonstrations against continued American military intervention in the region. Since calling for an exit from endless wars in the Middle East in his 2015 presidential campaign, Trump has called the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization, reneged on the Iran Nuclear Deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) despite Irans full compliance and reinstated crippling sanctions against the Iranian people starting November 2018. Iran remains defiant. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, a key architect of the Iran Nuclear Deal that the U.S. abandoned after Trumps election, pledged revenge and mourned the loss of a national icon. Working alongside the U.S., Soleimani was largely responsible for the campaign to eradicate ISIS in the region after the disastrous 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. In contrast, he also played an instrumental role in Syrian President Bashar Assads grip on power during the bloody Syrian Civil War. Soleimanis funeral procession in Ahvaz, Iran on Sunday attracted mourners from across the nation. The magnitude of national solidarity for Soleimani shows how his death is perceived as the murder of a hero, not a hated terrorist as the Trump administration portrays. Sunday also saw President Trump stoke war over Twitter. He first threatened Iraq with sanctions. We should recall the toll U.S. sanctions had on civilians during the 1990s. Along with the invasion and occupation of Iraq since 2003, the perpetual bludgeoning of the Iraqi people by American forces, ensuing Sunni-Shia sectarianism and ISIS have killed well over a million people. To Iran he boasted of $2 trillion in military spending and sending some of that brand-new beautiful equipment their way. He even threatened to attack Iran proper, including sites of Iranian culture. Those actions would be illegal and constitute war crimes. By the end of the day, Tehran had announced it was finally suspending the already tattered Iran Nuclear Deal. The longstanding policy of Iranian encirclement endangers Americans as well. U.S. troops and assets number approximately 70,000 in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Arab Gulf States, Syria, Jordan and Turkey. They are now all targets. But why are they all there in the first place? The Persian Gulf is the major artery of the global energy market. Its southeastern tip, the Strait of Hormuz, is a volatile choke point. One fifth of the worlds oil and gas supply flows through a two-mile waterway. Massive oil tankers from Asia and Europe float about American naval warships. We should not be igniting war at the earths flammable center. The spectacle of an American president sparking global war over Twitter is an indication of the menace we have become to our planets stability. America has subverted genuine foreign policy for a criminal barrage of airstrikes, assassinations and economic starvation against countries rich in oil reserves. But ordinary citizens will suffer. Even Israel is in the line of fire. If we pretend to be the worlds greatest democracy, it should give us pause that many of our allies consider America or Trump rather as the greatest threat to world peace. After sacrificing almost 8,000 American lives and $6 trillion on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan alone, a new report suggests most veterans consider Americas wars a waste. They are right. El-Badawi (@EmranE) is the program director of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Houston. No sooner do I post an item yesterday about Germanys pathetic energiewende than the thesis is confirmed today in, of all places, the New York Times! German journalist and Times op-ed contributor Jochen Bittner today writes of The Tragedy of Germanys Energy Experiment, where these familiar-sounding highlights appear: My country has embarked on a unique experiment indeed. The Merkel government has decided to phase out both nuclear power and coal plants. The last German reactor is scheduled to shut down by the end of 2022, the last coal-fired plant by 2038. At the same time, the government has encouraged the purchase of climate-friendly electric cars increasing the demand for electrical power. And despite efforts to save energy in the past decades, Germanys power consumption has grown by 10 percent since 1990. . . The plan risks more than a shortfall in supply. It could also prevent the country from dealing with climate change. By shutting down nuclear plants faster than those for coal, Germany may consign itself to dependence on fossil fuels, and all the damage to the climate they cause, for longer than necessary. Nevertheless, Germans opposition to nuclear power endures: 60 percent of them want to get rid of it as soon as possible. . . The tragedy about Germanys energy experiment is that the countrys almost religious antinuclear attitude doesnt leave room for advances in technology. Scientists in America, Russia and China believe that it is possible to run nuclear power plants on radioactive waste which might solve the problem of how to store used fuel elements, one of the core arguments against nuclear. Certainly, these so-called fast breeder reactors have their dangers too. But as we transition to a completely renewable energy supply, wouldnt they be a better alternative to coal and gas plants? By shutting down its entire nuclear sector in a rush, Germany loses more opportunities than dangers. It forfeits the capacity to connect to a technology that might prove the safest and most climate-friendly mankind has yet seen. At the very least, using Germanys existing nuclear plants would make an expeditious move away from fossil fuels possible. Is it irrational not to do so? Maybe, maybe not. But letting this chance slip away could turn out to be one of the gravest mistakes of the Merkel era. Separately, Gristthe deep greenie Grist!writes also today on The Cost of Germany Turning Off Nuclear Power: Thousands of Lives. Back in 2011, Germany decided that it was done with nuclear power. The Fukushima Daiichi plant had just melted down in Japan, and the threat of disaster seemed overwhelming. Chancellor Angela Merkels government, which had intended to keep Germanys plants open, did an about face and voted to shut down all of the countrys 17 plants by 2022 The only politicians opposing the measure were those who wanted to shut down the plants even faster. At the time, nuclear provided a quarter of German electricity. In the years since, Germany has closed 11 plants, and is scheduled to shutter the remaining six in the next two years. Multiple studies since then suggest that Germany did more harm than good. In the latest of these studies, a working paper recently published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, three economists modeled Germanys electrical system to see what would have happened if it had kept those nuclear plants running. Their conclusion: It would have saved the lives of 1,100 people a year who succumb to air pollution released by coal burning power plants. The epidemiology behind the claims of large health effects from conventional air pollution is likely shakier than we are usually told, but it is still notable that even the slowest of learners among the environmental left are actually starting to recognize that real life involves tradeoffs. I never thought Id live long enough to see any environmentalists express second thoughts publicly about their previous reflexive anti-nuclear position, but here we are. By Brendan O'Brien (Reuters) - A former convict pleaded guilty on Wednesday to stealing the identity of an Illinois boy who has been missing for years, in a case that drew national attention last year, a U.S. prosecutor said. Brian Rini, 24, of Medina, Ohio, faces up to two years in prison. He was charged in federal court in Cincinnati in April with lying to federal agents after he told authorities in Newport, Kentucky, that he was Timmothy Pitzen, last seen in May 2011 when he was six years old. He said he had escaped from an eight-year ordeal at the hands of sex traffickers. Rini pleaded guilty to an aggravated identity theft charge, David DeVillers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, said in a statement after a hearing. DeVillers said a sentencing hearing date has yet to be set. Rinis claim that he was Pitzen was debunked after DNA test results conducted at the Cincinnati Childrens Hospital confirmed he was not the long-lost boy from Aurora, Illinois. After confessing that he was not Pitzen, Rini told federal agents he had heard about the missing boys case on the ABC television program "20/20" and wanted to get away from his own family, according to court documents. Rini had twice before claimed to be a child sex-trafficking victim, federal prosecutors said. He was released from Ohios Belmont Correctional Institution on March 7 where he had been serving 14 months for burglary and vandalism, according to public records. Pitzens case has stumped authorities since he disappeared in May 2011. The boy was last seen with his mother, who pulled him out of school in Aurora, a far-west suburb of Chicago, took him on a trip to a zoo and a water park, and then took her own life in a motel room, leaving behind a cryptic note on her sons whereabouts. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago; Editing by David Gregorio) Four officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been abducted by suspected bandits at the Dan-Bedi Checkpoint located along Mallamawa Danbedi axis in Jibia, Katsina, a border town with the Republic of Niger. Some residents in the area told Channels Television that the Customs officers were abducted on Wednesday morning along with an unspecified number of unsuspecting travellers on the Jibia Batsari highway. According to one of the residents, the bandits riding on motorcycles arrived at the customs checkpoint, overpowered the officers and disappeared with them into a nearby forest. The bandits in their numbers riding on motorcycles, arrived at the Customs checkpoint, overpowered the officers, seized their weapons and finally fired gunshots sporadically into the air thereby disappearing with them into nearby forest popularly known as Rugu. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates HONG KONG, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam on Tuesday expressed her utmost will and resolve to restore the vitality of Hong Kong society in the new year after about seven months of social unrest. At a press conference, Lam promised to strive to bring Hong Kong out of the predicament as soon as possible along with the officials team of the HKSAR government. Besides stopping violence and rebuilding order, Lam said there will also be various challenges in 2020, in particular a shattered economy. "We also have to deal with what seems to be a more severe economic recession in 2020," Lam said. "The unemployment rate will rise and people from multiple industries expect a large number of bankruptcies after the Lunar New Year." Hong Kong braced for its first annual GDP decline since 2009 as continued violent incidents disrupted business activity, scared off visitors and caused severe damage to public and private properties. US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House (Evan Vucci/AP) The US and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war as President Donald Trump indicated he would not respond militarily after no-one was harmed in Irans missile strike on two Iraqi bases housing US troops. Speaking from the White House, Mr Trump seemed intent on de-escalating the crisis, which reached a new height after he authorised the targeted killing last week of General Qassem Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Quds Force. Iran retaliated overnight with its most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the US embassy in Tehran, firing more than a dozen missiles from its territory at the US installations. Mr Trump credited an early warning system that worked very well for the fact that no Americans or Iraqis were killed. He added that Americans should be extremely grateful and happy with the outcome. Mr Trump, facing one of the greatest tests of his presidency, said Iran appeared to be standing down and said the US response would be to put in place new economic sanctions until Iran changes its behaviour. The strikes had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and put the worlds attention on Mr Trump as he weighed whether to respond with more military force. The Republican president delivered his remarks surrounded by his national security advisers in the foyer of the White House. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) It came after a late-night tweet in which he insisted All is well! after the strikes. For days, Iran had promised to respond forcefully to Gen Soleimanis killing, but its limited strike on two bases one in the northern Iraqi city in Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq appeared to signal that it was also uninterested in a wider clash with the US. Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the country had concluded proportionate measures in self-defence. Mr Trump, who is facing re-election in November, campaigned for president on a promise to keep the United States from engaging in endless war. Speaking on Wednesday, he said the United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. Mr Trump opened his remarks by reiterating his promise that Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, even as the country announced in the wake of Gen Soleimanis killing that it would no longer comply with any of the 2015 nuclear deals limits on enrichment that had been put in place to prevent it from building a nuclear device. Expand Close US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House (Evan Vucci/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House (Evan Vucci/AP) But he seized on the at least temporary moment of calm to call for new nuclear negotiations to replace the 2015 deal from which he withdrew the US, objecting that it did not limit Irans ballistic missile programmes or constrain its regional proxy campaigns like those led by Gen Soleimani. The president spoke directly to Iran, saying: We want you to have a future and a great future. Mr Trump also announced he would ask Nato to become much more involved in the Middle East process. While he has frequently criticised Nato as obsolete and has encouraged participants to increase their military spending, Mr Trump has sought to have the military alliance refocus its efforts on modern threats. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a joint statement had warned that the further use of force would lead to a new cycle of instability and would eventually damage everyones interests. However, in the hours before the missile strikes, Mr Trump warned: If Iran does anything that they shouldnt be doing, theyre going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly. And Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking on Wednesday, said the strike was not necessarily the totality of Irans response. Expand Close The air base after Irans missile attack (Planet Labs Inc/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The air base after Irans missile attack (Planet Labs Inc/PA) Last night they received a slap, Ayatollah Khamenei said. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end. Gen Soleimanis death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets to mourn him. The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles in the latest strikes, two US officials said. Ten hit the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraqs western Anbar province and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region while four failed, said the officials. An entrant in Colombias recent spectrum auction has asked to retract its bid after accidentally offering to pay ten times more than the going rate for the licence. The bid was lodged by Partners, which is a bidding vehicle for Novator Partners, the owner of Chiles new market entrant WOM. The operator put in an offer for Blocks 2, 5 and 6 in the 2500MHz band. However, its bid for Block 2 was COP1.748 trillion (USD534.2 million) a vast amount more than the COP293.2 billion it bid for Block 5 and the COP173.5 billion for Block 6. Partners has appealed to Colombias Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications (Ministerio de Tecnologias de la Informacion y las Comunicaciones, MinTIC) to revoke the higher bid. It has specified that its offers for the other two blocks remain valid. A statement from the Ministry read: The operator indicates that there is an inconsistency in the value offered in one of the blocks and incurred in error. The MinTIC, in the light of the rules established in the auction, and the regulations in force, will study the application and will decide on it in the coming weeks. Foreign Ministry denies US tip-off - no warning of strike on Iranian general BANGKOK: The Foreign Ministry is backtracking on earlier statements by the foreign minister that the United States had informed Thailand one day before its drone attack which killed Iranian forces leader Qassem Soleimani, saying the report was misinformed. politics By Bangkok Post Wednesday 8 January 2020, 10:18AM Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said the United States had informed Thailand one day before its drone attack but the Foreign Ministry is backtracking on his statements. Photo: Bangkok Post file photo Ministry spokeswoman Busadee Santipitaks was commenting on remarks by Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai before reporters at Government House. He suggested the US had told Thailand about the attack on Thursday (Jan 2), a day before it happened, explaining that normally such an advisory would go through Asean, which Thailand chaired until recently. However, subsequent checks found this was not the case. The US's closest allies with troops in Iraq, including Britain and Australia, say they themselves were not told in advance, and nor was the US Congress. Mr Don said Thailand only hoped the situation would not escalate, without any further provocation. His remarks sparked public criticism, questioning why the minister disclosed such information publicly. But Ms Busadee later denied its authenticity. The FM was misinformed, she said, saying she had rechecked with the minister and found it was not true. Following Mr Don's remark, Chulalongkorn University political scientist Chookiat Panaspornprasit, specialising in Middle East issues, said the remark could be construed both positively and negatively. Even if it was true, many questions remain including to what extent Thailand knew and what were the purposes of conveying such information. Panitan Wattanayagorn, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University and chairman of the security advisory committee for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, declined to comment unless the foreign minister's information was clarified. However, he emphasised the importance of Asean countries coming together to discuss the issue. Asean has a mechanism to work together. In such situations, Asean is designed to absorb the tension, he said. If Asean [members] agree to stay neutral, it will be easy, he said. We should plan to handle the consequences [of the conflict] in the middle and long term, he said. Veteran diplomats echoed his remarks, saying Asean should urge all parties to exercise restraint in the US-Iran crisis. Retired lawmaker and ambassador Kobsak Chutikul said the bloc should issue a joint statement urging all sides to de-escalate tensions. In doing so, it will reiterate our neutral stance on the issue and protect our people in the Middle East from possible fallout. Our collective action will also pave the way for the evacuation of our people if need be, he told the Bangkok Post. Mr Kobsak said any US-Iran conflict will harm the global outlook rather than particular regions. It will exacerbate the economic slowdown and trigger volatility, putting all of us, including Asean, at a disadvantage, he said. Meanwhile, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, a former permanent secretary of the Foreign Ministry, said the US-Iran fallout undermines international peace and stability. It affects regional security in the Middle East and has wider repercussions because Iran's renewed commitment to nuclear power threatens world peace, he said. However, Assoc Prof Chookiat said Asean might have less potential to convince the US to avoid further conflict than the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Gulf Cooperation Council. In Bangkok, a book of condolences has been opened for signing at the Iranian embassy following the death of Soleimani. The book was opened yesterday (Jan 7) for mourners to sign and it will be available until tomorrow (Jan 9) between 9am and 4pm. Opposition Congress on Wednesday criticised the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government in Kerala over 'Ascend 2020, the Global Investors Meet' calling it a "farce" and "gimmick to fool people." Ramesh Chennithala, leader of the opposition alleged that the summit is showcasing projects that were actually planned during the United Democratic Front (UDF) government's tenure. "This government has just a few months. How will these projects be implemented? At the same time, there is no investment-friendly climate in Kerala. The LDF government that is in power has not thought about the investment in the state till now. So this is a gimmick to fool the people of Kerala. This is the reason we are opposing it, " he said while speaking to ANI. He further stated that infrastructure development projects planned during the UDF tenure could not be started due to protests and strikes by the Left parties. "The government is talking about the ease of doing business and single window clearance to projects but in reality, nothing is happening. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had gone for ten foreign trips to bring in investment. But so far the government has not been able to tell people about the investment that has come to the state." The two-day investors meet will begin on Thursday in Kochi in which the state government will showcase 100 projects to attract investment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th January, 2020) Authorities in Niger have detained at least 335 Sudanese asylum seekers who are accused of burning down a refugee camp on the outskirts of the northern city of Agadez, media reported. Officials said that the camp was burned down following a protest by around 1,000 refugees in front of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees office (UNHCR), Al Jazeera broadcaster reported late Tuesday. The broadcaster added, citing UNHCR, that these refugees were protesting poor conditions and were demanding relocation to Europe. Offaly-based weather forecaster Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel has issued a number of warnings for the coming days. He said: "Multiple weather advisories and warnings are required between this evening and Saturday due to a very mobile weather pattern which will result in a period of heavy rain this evening and overnight, followed by clear and frosty conditions tomorrow night into Friday morning, and finally strong winds are also likely on Saturday. "Heavy thundery rain will begin to reach the far southwest of Kerry and Cork this afternoon before spreading across much of Munster, Connacht and Leinster during the evening and overnight. "Some heavy falls of rain are likely in places with a risk of some spot flooding and surface water. Ulster should escape the worst of the rain," he added. "After a dry quiet day tomorrow for most clear skies on Thursday night will allow temperatures to drop to -1 or -2 degrees Celsius with a widespread sharp to severe ground frost. "Damp untreated surfaces will quickly freeze over after dark, leading to a risk of dangerous driving conditions. The risk persists through Friday morning also. "Finally, through the early hours of Saturday morning and up until the early afternoon an approaching low pressure system and associated cold front will result in a tightening of the isobars across Ireland, leading to a spell of west and windy weather, Winds will gust to between 100-115 km/h in Atlantic coastal counties, and up to 100 km/h elsewhere." Amid the rising tension in the Middle East, Saudi Arabias tanker and logistics group Bahri has suspended transits through the Strait of Hormuz, the worlds most important oil chokepoint which is in close proximity to Iranian waters, the Wall Street Journal reports, as the market is digesting the retaliatory Iranian attack on U.S. troops in Iraq. Over the past week, the tension in the Middle East and around the Strait of Hormuz has noticeably increased after the U.S. killed the top Iranian general of the Al Quds forces, Qassem Soleimani. Global markets and oil investors were waiting for the Iranian retaliation, which came late on Tuesday with a ballistic missiles attack on U.S. bases in Iraq. Apart from the Saudi tanker group, Brazils Petrobras has also suspended transits of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the WSJ. The Strait of Hormuz is the most important oil chokepoint in the world with daily oil flows averaging 21 million bpd, or the equivalent of 21 percent of global petroleum liquids consumption. According to EIA estimates, 76 percent of the crude oil and condensate that moved through the Strait of Hormuz last year went to Asian markets, with China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore the top destinations. After the killing of Soleimani last week, the British Royal Navy is now escorting UK-flagged vessels going through the worlds most vital oil choke point. While tanker owners and operators and countries move to protect their shipments in the Middle East, the energy minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Suhail al-Mazrouei, said in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday that he doesnt see immediate risk to oil transits through the Strait of Hormuz. This is definitely an escalation between the United States, which is an ally, and Iran, which is a neighbor, and the last thing we want is more tension in the Middle East, al-Mazrouei said on the sidelines of a conference, as carried by Reuters. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: State Senate President Stephen Sweeney said Wednesday he planned to skip the upcoming New Jersey Chamber of Commerces Walk to Washington train ride and the parties for lobbyists and politicians following an NJ Advance Media report that said some women found the annual event unprofessional and even unsafe. Sweeney, D-Gloucester, said he also would boycott the scores of cocktail parties during the New Jersey League of Municipalities annual convention each November in Atlantic City gatherings that have for years bred harassment and misconduct. For too long, the Chambers Walk to Washington and the Leagues annual convention have been marred by the harassment and abuse of women and recent reports show that this behavior continues. I cant in good conscience continue to participate in the business as usual that allows this hostile environment to persist at these events until more decisive actions are taken to change the culture," Sweeney said in a statement. I will no longer participate in the train ride to Washington or the nighttime parties at either event until more progress has been achieved to bring an end to the toxic environment at these gatherings," Sweeney added. On Tuesday, the Chamber announced it would prohibit the sale of hard alcohol on the Amtrak train cars, beef-up security and create a hotline for harassment reports. Sweeney said these steps are not enough to bring systemic change to the pervasive culture of misogyny in New Jersey politics. In order to create forums where members of the Chamber and the League can have positive discussions with legislators in an environment that is safe and respectful for women, I will have existing Senate committees conduct open meetings where their issues can be heard. This will take the interactions and discussions out of the dark rooms and crowded trains and put them in public places that are open and safe," Sweeney said. The chamber train as it is informally known, costs about $700 a ticket an entry fee that good government groups have long criticized as exclusionary to nearly all but the most well-connected partisans. The NJ Advance Media report, published on NJ.com and in The Star-Ledger and its affiliated newspapers, included accounts from women who said they were the victims of sexual misconduct while working on political campaigns and doing lobbying work both in the past and as recently as last year. Three women said they had been sexually assaulted, including two who said they were attacked in the last five years while attending after-hours parties during the annual League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City. Others said they were groped and propositioned as they networked during the crowded chamber train ride from Newark to Washington. None of the women interviewed for the story reported the sexual assaults or misconduct to law enforcement. Despite the rise of the #MeToo movement, most said they feared they would be retaliated against in their careers if they spoke out. A day after the story appeared on Dec. 29, state Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, announced she was creating a committee to address the problems outlined in the report. Since then, she has been inundated with suggested appointees to serve on the committee, including 17 names offered by Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver. Weinberg said on Wednesday she intended to work with a steering committee next week to select members. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find her at KellyHeyboerReporter on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips 4 reactions to United Methodist Church plan to split over homosexuality debate Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A group of United Methodist Church bishops and activists announced last week that they were supporting a proposal allowing congregations that hold to the biblical standard of marriage and sexuality to create their own denomination as a way to end the Church's long debate over LGBT issues. Over the past several years, the UMC has experienced intense debate over its official stance recognizing homosexuality as a sin, and prohibiting same-sex marriage and the ordination of non-celibate gay clergy. Known as the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation, the proposal would, among other things, allocate $25 million for theologically conservative Methodists to vote to leave the UMC and create their own denomination, tentatively labeled "traditionalist Methodist." The United Methodist Church and its members aspire to multiply the Methodist mission in the world by restructuring the Church through respectful and dignified separation, stated Article I of the Protocol in part. While the Protocol is still in the proposal phase, the measure has garnered much attention, partly because of the many church leaders across the theological spectrum who have signed it. Here are four reactions to the most recent proposal to split the United Methodist Church. They include support, opposition, and a belief that everyone should take a deep breath. 1 2 3 4 5 Next G Subhash Chandra By Express News Service CHITRADURGA: If India tortured the Muslims their numbers wouldn't have swelled. Their numbers which stood at 1.5 per cent during independence is now standing at 19 percent, were the words of the tourism minister C T Ravi. Replying to a question on the pro and against protests on the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens (CAA-NRC) in the city, he said that, India is very tolerant and we have given lot of rights to them. He also said that having 74 internal groups, the Muslims are treated well in India. Terming CAA-NRC as a humanitarian act, he said that the Hindus living in the Muslim dominated countries are suffering a lot, resulting in the decrease of the minority population, mainly in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, which is evident from the numbers given by the home minister Amit Shah in the parliament. Allaying fears of the minorities in the country, he said that the government is not withdrawing the citizenship of the minorities mainly muslims, however, some miscommunication is being spread by the Congress party that is causing a stir. This should be stopped. Under the new CAA-NRC we are giving citizenship to the six minority communities of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, where minorities are living and where Muslims are majority. The CAA aims at providing citizenship only for minorities in those Three countries and not to the majority there. He also said that the country was divided in 1947 on the basis of religion and Muslims took a separate nation of Pakistan, he added. India becomes hell if CAA diluted Ravi said that the country becomes hell if the newly amended CAA-NRC is diluted and citizenship is being given to the majority population of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The trouble with Les Carlyon is that its impossible to turn a line about him or anything else that he couldnt do twice as well in half the time, Andrew Rule wrote in tribute to his fellow journalist, also war historian and chronicler of the turf, who died in March last year. Writing about writers who have died is indeed a melancholy and frustrating task, because they could do it so much better themselves, if modesty had not prevented them. But the turn of the year is nevertheless a good time to look back at the writers we have lost and the work they leave behind. Clive James' breadth of knowledge was extraordinary. Credit:Ben Rushton There have already been many tributes to Clive James, and deservedly so. I cant think of many other writers who have shone in so many fields: poetry, memoir, fiction, essays, journalism, criticism. His caustic television reviews in Britain's Observer newspaper inspired me to fumble through my own early attempts at reviewing. And then he went on to star in the medium he reviewed so well. He was a stupendously sharp, witty, charming clown who sent everybody and everything up, including himself; but he could also be serious and moving, especially about his approaching death. Although Les Murray didnt have James breadth of knowledge or his performance skills, I believe he surpassed him as a poet. The New York Times described him as Australias unofficial poet laureate, which is an apt line: everything about Murray was unofficial. We will also miss Andrew McGahan, who has left us his last novel, The Rich Mans House, a thriller about an evil tycoon. STAMFORD - Americares is responding to the devastating 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Puerto Ricos southwest coast on Tuesday, according to a release. The earthquake killed at least one person, toppled buildings and caused power outages across the island. Gov. Wanda Vazquez declared a state of emergency and activated Puerto Ricos National Guard, cautioning residents to prepare for additional aftershocks, according to the release. RELATED: Hearst CT reporter on the scene in Puerto Rico Tuesday's earthquake follows the 5.8-magnitude quake that hit Puerto Rico early Monday, collapsing homes in Guanica and heavily damaging dozens of buildings. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, hundreds of small earthquakes have hit the island since Dec. 28, including at least 29 over magnitude 4.0, according to the release. More for you Reporter reflects after the shaking stops in Puerto Rico Americares deployed an emergency response team from its office in San Juan to Guanica Wednesday to assist families displaced by the earthquakes, the organization said in its release. The team, which includes psychologists, a social worker and a counselor, will provide psychological first aid to children and adults temporarily staying in an emergency shelter. The health-focused relief and development organization is also prepared to deliver medicine and relief supplies and support health services for survivors, according to the release. The earthquakes have severely impacted communities still recovering from Hurricane Maria, said Dr. Brenda Rivera-Garcia, Puerto Rico director for Americares, in the release. Our mental health experts are out in one of the hardest-hit communities helping survivors fearful of more aftershocks and long-term power outages. Many families are staying in shelters, or in tent camps, because they are afraid to return home. In 2017, Americares established a base of operations in Puerto Rico to oversee its Hurricane Maria Recovery Program. Since the storm, Americares has delivered more than 100 shipments of medicine and relief supplies, repaired damaged health facilities, and provided medical care and mental health programs to help survivors cope with stress and trauma, according to the release. Americares, which has its world headquarters in Stamford, has professional relief workers ready to respond to disasters at a moments notice and stocks emergency medicine and supplies in warehouses in the U.S., Europe and India that can be delivered quickly in times of crisis. The organization responds to approximately 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year, establishes long-term recovery projects and brings disaster preparedness programs to vulnerable communities. Since its founding 40 years ago, Americares has provided more than $18 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States, according to the release. Donations can be made online to Americares to support its earthquake response in Puerto Rico. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 8 : After opposing each and every investors meet held during the time of the Congress-led UDF government in the past, the present CPI-M-led Pinarayi Vijayan government's attempt to conduct one starting Thursday at Kochi is nothing but an eyewash and a fraud, said the Congress-led opposition in Kerala. The two-day investors meet, organised by the Department of Industries, will be held at Kochi from Thursday and will be inaugurated by chief minister Vijayan. Around 100 projects will be showcased during the meet. Speaking to the media here on Wednesday, Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala tore into the 'double standards' adopted by the CPI-M led Left, especially when it came to inviting investors. "The Global Investor meets were organised here when A.K. Antony headed the government (2001-2004) and Emerging Kerala Meet (during Oommen Chandy's tenure from 2011-16) was opposed tooth and nail by the Left and they even led a protest march to the venue. Today with hardly only 11 'effective' months left for this Vijayan government, this investors meet is nothing but an eyewash. Not even the opposition was taken into confidence as it was only yesterday that the State Industries Minister E.P. Jayarajan came and extended an invite to me to take part in the meet that starts tomorrow at Kochi," said Chennithala. "Strange are the ways of the CPI-M led Left government in Kerala, as they oppose everything when in the opposition, but when they come to power, it's nothing but mere rhetoric and attempt to do everything what they opposed. This investors meet is nothing but a fraud and taking Kerala for a ride. They brought Nissan's IT hub into Kerala with big fanfare and the situation is such that, nothing has moved and the MoU between Nissan and Kerala government has now expired. So is the case with the second campus of Infosys for which land was given during Chandy's tenure, nothing happened and they have returned the land," added Chennithala. [January 08, 2020] Falco is the First Runtime Security Project to Join the CNCF Incubator Sysdig, Inc., the secure DevOps leader, today announced that Falco, the open source cloud-native runtime security project originally created by Sysdig, has been accepted as a Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) incubation-level hosted project. Falco entered the CNCF as a Sandbox Project in October 2018, the first and still the only runtime security technology to join. In the event of unexpected behavior at runtime, Falco detects and alerts, reducing the risk of a security incident. Gartner (News - Alert) analysts predict that "by 2021, more than 75% of midsize and large organizations will have adopted a multicloud and/or hybrid IT strategy."1 A business benefit of cloud environments operated by Kubernetes includes shorter software production cycles and consistency across multicloud and hybrid deployments. As a result, organizations are standardizing on Kubernetes as a container orchestrator. The Sysdig Container Usage Report found that in 2019, 77 percent of Sysdig customers operated Kubernetes environments, a 26 percent increase over 2018. Kubernetes provides easy access to infrastructure for development teams. However, securing Kubernetes requires putting controls in place to detect unexpected behavior. Common risks include exploits of unpatched and new vulnerabilities, insecure configurations, leaked or weak credentials, and insider threats that can be used as entry points into the application and to access data. When operating a cloud-native environment, being able to detect anomalous activity is the last line of defense. This requires understanding unexpected service interactions between containers, without impacting performance. Falco efficiently leverages extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF), a secure mechanism, to capture system calls to gain deep visibility. By adding Kubernetes application context and Kubernetes API audit events, teams can understand who did what. "Runtime security is a critical piece in a cloud-native security story and essential for anyone taking cloud-native security seriously. Access control and policy enforcement are important prevention techniques, but runtime security is needed to detect threats that evade preventions," said Kris Nova, Chief Open Source (News - Alert) Advocate at Sysdig. Security for cloud-native systems is one of the few areas of the CNCF landscape that is still being standardized. Acceptance as an incubation-level hosted project signals that Falco is the de facto open source standard for cloud-native runtime security. Falco is trusted by government agencies, financial institutions, Fortune 2000 enterprises, and web-scale companies. "It is great to see Falco advance within the CNCF to the incubating stge. As cloud-native technologies and our ecosystem matures, focus rightly shifts towards security. Falco fills a key gap in the cloud-native security landscape around intrusion detection. Combined with other projects and technologies on the prevention side, we have a comprehensive open source toolkit to enable an enhanced security posture for those investing in cloud native," said Joe Beda, Principal Engineer at VMware and CNCF TOC Member. Falco's accomplishments since joining the CNCF 100 percent increase in commits year-over-year 64 committers More than 2,000 GitHub stars 55 contributors, including engineers from Frame.io, Shopify, Snap, and Booz Allen Hamilton (News - Alert) Since joining the CNCF, the Falco community focused on making Falco easier to adopt and make contributions. A governance model, an outline that sets guidelines and standards for both contributors and maintainers to ensure the project's compliance and health, was implemented during the last year. Falco was also made available in the Google (News - Alert) marketplace and included in the launch of several major cloud projects, including AWS Firelens and Google Anthos. The Falco community created an operator that is available in the OperatorHub.io. One of the major challenges of operating containers is defining the complex rules and configurations. At KubeCon + CloudNativeCon, Sysdig announced the Cloud-Native Security Hub, a repository for discovering and sharing Kubernetes security best practices and configurations. The hub currently hosts Falco rules. During the next phase, the Falco community will scale the scope to include rules and configurations for other Kubernetes security tools. The future of Falco "We created Falco because the cloud demands runtime security. Sysdig contributed Falco to the CNCF because innovation is stifled when core technology is controlled by a single provider," said Loris Degioanni, Sysdig Founder and Chief Technology Officer. "Enterprises that want support, automation, and defined workflows can use Sysdig's commercial product that incorporates Falco. Other organizations will choose to build their own tools using Falco. Now that Falco is an incubation-level hosted project, we expect that it will become a standardized component of the stack." While in the CNCF Incubator, the Falco community will continue to drive end user adoption. The main focus will be on making Falco easier to consume and integrate in cloud-native environments. This includes moving components of Falco to an API-first architecture, which enables the community to begin developing integrations with other tools, including Prometheus, Envoy, and Kubernetes. To get started with Falco, visit its Falco GitHub page. To get involved, join the Falco Slack channel and attend the weekly office hours calls to discuss feature work, open issues, and repository planning. Learn more about Falco on the blog and follow on Twitter. Learn more about Sysdig on the Sysdig blog and Twitter. [1]Gartner, Technology Insight for Network Security Policy Management, Rajpreet Kaur, Adam Hils, John Watts February 21, 2019 About Sysdig Sysdig enables companies to confidently run cloud-native workloads in production. With the Sysdig Secure DevOps Platform, cloud teams embed security, maximize availability, and validate compliance. The Sysdig platform is open by design, with the scale, performance, and usability enterprises demand. The largest companies rely on Sysdig for cloud-native security and visibility. Learn more at www.sysdig.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005574/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Incheon Port International Cruise Terminal opened in April last year, but has shown lackluster performance due to the lasting aftermath of the THAAD deployment. / Courtesy of Incheon Port Authority By Jun Ji-hye The nation's largest cruise terminal located in the city of Incheon has continued to suffer losses as it has hosted fewer ships and passengers than initially expected in the lasting aftermath of China's economic retaliation over Korea's deployment of the U.S. missile defense system, the operator of the terminal said Wednesday. The disappointing performance is taken seriously in the industry, given that the government poured more than 100 billion won ($85 million) over five years to construct the two-story terminal exclusively for cruise ships with a space of 7,364 square meters in the city's international business district of Songdo. The Incheon Port International Cruise Terminal officially opened in April 2019. With the opening of the terminal, the government aimed to attract foreign cruise passengers, particularly Chinese travelers, and boost the underdeveloped domestic industry. But the terminal is expected to host only 15 cruises with 50,000 passengers this year, according to the Incheon Port Authority. In 2016, before the deployment of the U.S.-Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system in Korea, 62 cruise ships with 165,088 passengers came into the Incheon port. But the number of cruise ships and passengers that used the port sharply decreased in 2017 to 17 and 29,906 respectively, mainly due to economic retaliation of China, which claimed the THAAD deployment damaged its security interests. As part of its retaliation, the Chinese government banned group tours to Korea, hitting the tourism industry hard. Since then, the terminal has failed to restore its performance. An official from the Incheon Port Authority said the organization is working to increase the number of cruises that use the terminal as their home port. "We have also made efforts to host cruises from the United States and the United Kingdom in a bid to reduce reliance on Chinese cruises," the official said. The official cautiously offered a positive outlook that Beijing may end its retaliation against Korea and allow group tours again when Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Korea and holds a successful summit with President Moon Jae-in this year. State TV said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday. (Photo: AFP) Dubai: Iranian state television said on Wednesday that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on U.S. targets in Iraq, adding that none of the missiles were intercepted. State TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said US helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged". Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday in retaliation for the US drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. After 172 recipe revisions, Paulie W. Brown, IV has finally nailed down the perfect bagel recipe and it seems his customers not only agree they cant get enough of them. Brown owns Paulies Bagels in Napa Real East-Coast- style bagels made with organic flour, specializing in direct delivery to homes and businesses. The 37-year-old Pennsylvania native has lived in California since 2013, he said. I also work for the Culinary Institute of America doing public education for adults, and learned I really love sharing knowledge and wisdom and the underlying science of the process, he said. A big part of that is that people sometimes believe in myths, and with food, myths are endless and are mostly wrong. So I found myself dipping my toes in that stuff. Like how to make a good bagel, like one myth is you need New York water, which has been proven wrong. There are great bagels in New York, but its about tradition and custom, not the water. Just one example of a truth about bagels. Like most ethnic cuisine, bagels were a working-class, street food with no specific origin, Brown said. But, bagels started somewhere in Poland, likely in Jewish areas, and theres sometimes a sentiment that because Im not Jewish, I cant really make bagels, he said. I feel that bagels have a deeply connected history, but theyre more significant and a working-class food that gives people joy and motivation in a way thats hard to define. You have to respect the culture from which the food comes. I think thats why my product is so successful because I respected the idea of the bagel and invested my heart and passion into creating one that people love. Brown started making bagels two years ago, and now finds himself drowning in orders. He said he developed the recipe through trial and error, and remains a one-man show. Its a good problem, but a problem, nevertheless. Orders are only increasing and I cant see the light at the end of the tunnel, he said. Its a challenge. I know I have strengths, but also weaknesses. Im a bagel maker, and not an accountant, or a marketing expert and Im in search of a manufacturing partner. One indication that Browns first inclination is not that of a cutthroat businessman is that hed like to be able to give the product away. The worst thing for me is having to charge people asking them for money, he said. I wish I could give my product away for free, which is preposterous, I know. But the idea of charity is something that comes from childhood. Growing up in Chester County Pennsylvania, the old beautiful area that includes Valley Forge, Brown said he started working at 13, out of necessity, as a restaurant dishwasher, and worked my way up to chef. I worked through school, and college, where I earned an environmental science degree, and got a desk job. Hated it, and went back to cheffing. My culinary education was through a mentor who was a French chef. Brown said he met his future wife whose parents lived and worked in California, which turned out to be a game changer. We went to visit them, in winter, and thought I had my whole life planned out I was going to buy the restaurant within 48 hours of being in California in February, I changed my mind. But things didnt go as smoothly as the couple had hoped, Brown said. We naively assumed Id find a nice successful chef to work for, but we struggled. And after a few frustrating experiences, I ended up at Model Bakery doing recipe development and other things, he said. They didnt have bagels. I love bagels, and had them growing up. Theyre important for young people, so in my spare time I tried to figure out how to make a great bagel. After two years and 172 recipe revisions, Brown finally hit on the right combination of ingredients and people started saying, This is really good, he said. This meant its worth pursuing, so I kept going. Brown said he uses only the best ingredients, including organic flour made from non-subsidized wheat, which is important for farmers. And he also makes small rolls called bialys, pretzels and olive oil rolls when he has the time, which is not often, he said. Browns wife, Bianca Viscusi, was the general manager of a Japanese restaurant in downtown Napa, and the chef there had tried my bagels and he asked me for 30 a week for a new venture doing brunch. They put my name on the menu, which was cool. They were very popular. One day, one of the chefs said you should just start a company called Paulies Bagels and just make bagels. Brown said he did just that. I went into the city for a Cottage Law B license, and suddenly I was in the bagel business, he said. I went from 30 bagels a week to 50 to 100, by myself, with people helping me out of the kindness of their hearts Napa Makes, for instance, who provide a platform for small artisans, and they asked me to make bagels for them. Bagels is what I do; its a seven-day-a-week-job, doing about 1,500 per week. Brown said he thinks hes reached his maximum output as a sole operator, and seeks partners to help the business grow. I want to be the next Lenders the brand I grew up on and to sell and great bagel to the whole country, he said. Viscusi said she loves the product as well as the man. Im super proud of him for building something from the ground up, she said. Its a labor of love and a fantastic product the best bagel Ive ever had in Napa, for sure. Im extremely proud of him as a partner and a person. Paulies Bagels are available at Cal Mart, Garys Wines, Browns Valley Market, several hotels and Monday Bakery. For more details, visit pauliesbagels.com. You can reach Jennifer Huffman at 256-2218 or jhuffman@napanews.com FAYETTEVILLE, N.Y. -- Dr. Tim Page was heading upstairs to get cleaned up before going to work Christmas Eve when he suddenly smelled smoke. I went down to look and there was a huge fire in the garage, he said. As the smoke began to fill his Brookside Lane home in Fayetteville, Page said he fumbled to unlock his cell phone to call 911 while trying to get back upstairs to his three standard poodles -- Mysty, Chrysty and Harley -- who were in his bedroom. He was able to get Mysty out, then her sister Chrysty. The fire intensified and Page said he had to make a tough decision: Go back in and risk his life, or leave Harley behind. He decided to go back into the burning home. He couldnt find Harley, so he got out only to find that Chrysty was now missing too. He thinks the dog followed him back into the home when he went looking for Harley. Both dogs died in the fire. I was emotionally a wreck when the police (arrived)," he said. Im going through a divorce and losing two of my dogs has been very stressful. These dogs saved me a million times. They were such a psychological support... Page, a local ER doctor who also has worked for years at the Carrier Dome, not only lost two of his dogs in the fire, but also two Ford Expedition trucks (one was in the garage and the other was parked outside), and six motorcycles, including four Harley-Davidsons. Despite earlier reports that said Page had been burned while trying to save his dogs, he said he wasnt burned. Instead, he said he suffered smoke inhalation and spent a couple days coughing up black soot. A Christmas Eve fire destroyed this house on Brookside Lane in Fayetteville, N.Y. Michelle Breidenbach | mbreidenbach@syracuse.comMichelle Breidenbach | mbreidenbach@syracuse.com Fayetteville firefighters say the house fire remains under investigation. Page said he has no idea how the fire started. Shortly before he smelled the smoke, Page said he was cleaning up around the house and broke down some boxes in the garage. But there wasnt anything specific that he did that evening that would give answers to how the fire started, Page said. The house, at 138 Brookside Lane, was built in the 1960s. Page said he had lived there since 1991, the year he got married. Everything inside, except for a couple photos, was destroyed. Page, 58, said he lost items from his childhood to present, many can never be replaced. You cant imagine unless you go through it, said Page, who is working as an emergency room doctor at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. But at the same time, Page said, hes also experienced a sense of community support like hes never felt before. The night of the fire, Page said first responders were compassionate and professional. They let him grieve and one ambulance worker helped him watch Mysty. Friends, neighbors, colleagues and the American Red Cross also stepped up to help. Within six hours of the fire, he had clothes to wear again. He stayed in a hotel for a few days, then a friend called and offered Page his house for rent a mile down the road for the next couple months. He will need a place to stay again after April 1, but others also are helping. The Brookside Lane Neighborhood Association, made up of neighbors, has been collecting donations for Page. The medical director at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, Dr. David Wirtz, created a GoFundMe to help Page. So far, the hospital staff and other donors have raised more than $6,700. Its heart-warming, people reaching out to me and helping me emotionally, physically and financially," Page said. Its especially overwhelming because he said hes not a social butterfly, but instead someone who tends to pour his energy into his work. Page was getting ready to work his 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift on Christmas Eve at Guthries emergency room when the fire broke out. In addition to working at Guthrie, Page said he is on staff at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, and hes worked as a doctor at the Carrier Dome since 1991. He also is a volunteer medical director for 31 fire and ambulance companies in Central, Southern and Northern New York. Page said he previously worked as director of emergency departments in Utica and Rome. After seeing how others are giving back to him, Page said he wants to do more in the community. Hes also hoping to get two new standard poodles when hes able to, to continue to provide the support Chrysty and Harley did for him for so many years. Mysty, he said, has been struggling without the other dogs. Page said he has house insurance, and he hopes to rebuild his home in what he considers one of the best places in the world to live. If possible, he hopes to build on Brookside Lane, mainly because of his neighbors. I will stay in Central New York because of the people and the culture here, he said. The support, care, the simplicity of the people and the genuine realness of people. Firefights battle a fire on Chrismas Eve on Brookside Lane in Fayetteville.Chris Libonati | clibonati@syrac Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. WINONA Stakeholders from across Winona County came together Tuesday night to start looking for solutions to the county's shortage of child care. "Parents are struggling to find quality care, to find the right spot at the right age for their child and find affordable child care," said Ann Riebel, director of Community Education for the Winona Area Public Schools. According to a report by First Children's Finance, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that works to help small businesses in the child care field, Winona County has a shortage of 515 to 568 child care slots. Furthermore, 31 percent of that shortage is among infants and toddlers, the ages of children who come with the highest amount of regulation. Kelly Dicke, director of Central Lutheran Child Care in Winona, said infant care is the largest need in the community. "Part of the problem is there is not an infant program that is profitable," said Dicke, who has worked in the child care industry for 30 years. "So it's hard to have people buy into opening infant care when you know you're not going to make a profit." ADVERTISEMENT The problem is that, at child care centers, the ratio of children to adults gets smaller the younger the child. For infants, there can only be four children for each adult in the room. For children ages 2-5 years, that ratio goes to 10 children for every one adult. Dicke said the school-based pre-K programs are taking those profitable child care kids ages 2 through 5 away from child care providers. "My hope is there are options for parents to choose from," Dicke said. "In this community, if you get a spot for infant care, you're one of the lucky ones." Dena Degnan, who operates an in-home child care business, said she knows of a woman who is a month pregnant and already looking for child care. "For in-home providers, how do we hold a spot for a year if she takes a three-month maternity leave?" Degnan asked. Dicke said her business is booked for infant slots through spring 2021, which means they've taken requests from several children not even born and, in some cases, get requests from parents who have not even conceived a child yet. Degnan said she'd like to start taking more infants, but is only licensed to take up to three younger than 2. In total, she can take up to 10 children, including five between the ages of 2 and 5, and two who are 5 or older. "I'd give up the school-age kids to take more infants," she said. ADVERTISEMENT In addition to the shortage of infant care, other issues discussed included the low pay for employees in the industry and long hours, especially for home-based child care business owners. Several people also noted that the paperwork required to comply with state regulations can be burdensome. "It's a long, hard day," Dicke said, referring to the work done by at-home child care operators. "A lot of them start at 6 in the morning and they go to 5 at night. They're really sacrificing a lot to love the community's children." Baptist pastor accused of sexually 'grooming' teen babysitter sentenced to 90 days in jail Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Baptist pastor and former college president accused of grooming and sexually abusing a teenager over a decade ago as a pastor in Maryland has been sentenced to 90 days in jail after pleading guilty to lesser charges in December. Cameron Shane Giovanelli, a married father of three, was sentenced Monday by Baltimore County Circuit Judge Robert Cahill Jr., according to The Baltimore Sun. In addition to 90 days in jail, Giovanelli will have to serve five years of supervised probation Now residing in Florida, Giovanelli gave himself over to Baltimore County authorities in August 2019 to face allegations lodged against him by a former student he knew during his time as pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Dundalk. It was alleged that Giovanelli manipulated the student and engaged in inappropriate contact with her multiple times between January 2007 and August 2007. At the time, the student was 17, and Giovanelli was 29. Although Giovanelli initially denied the allegations, he pleaded guilty in December to fourth-degree sex offense and second-degree assault charges as part of a plea bargain that resulted in the dropping of sexual abuse of a minor charge. The accuser, Sarah Jackson, said she attended the churchs school and also baby-sat for Giovanellis family. According to prosecutors, Giovanelli is accused of using his position as a church pastor to pressure Jackson into a relationship that involved months of kissing, touching and oral sex. Jackson told the courtroom that it was not a one-time abuse. This was months of daily, calculated decisions by my pastor, teacher and boss, she said. This was a man whom I was being raised to trust. A man who was supposed to be our godly leader and council. A man that was supposed to protect me as a child when left in his care. Not teach sexual acts. She even alleged that Giovanelli opened a phone line for her on the churchs phone plan to avoid her parents seeing how much the two were communicating. She said Giovanelli abused his role to get what he wanted from me. He took things from me I could never get back, she said in court. He instilled things in me that took me years to realize. He showed me that even the man we are supposed to trust most, could not be trusted. Jackson opened up publicly up about the experience she had with Giovanelli in 2018 and launched a blog called Letters of Freedom. Giovanellis lawyer told the court on Monday that his client accepts responsibility, according to The Baltimore Sun. However, the lawyer tried to bargain for a more lenient sentence by arguing that the relationship between Giovanelli and Jackson was consensual. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Giovanelli will not have to register as a sex offender and will be allowed to serve his probation in Florida. Giovanelli led Calvary Baptist Church from 2004 to 2014. In a statement shared with WBAL-TV, Calvary Baptist Church said it stands by the victim and joins her in gratitude that Cameron Giovanelli will face justice. After departing from the church, Giovanelli became president of Golden State Baptist College in California, a position he resigned from after Jackson came forward with her allegations. Giovanelli also served as the associate pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and was reportedly supposed to be the president of North Florida Baptist College when it opens up in fall 2020. It's not clear if Giovanelli is still affiliated with either institution. The Christian Post reached out to both Immanuel Baptist Church and North Florida Baptist College for comment on Giovanellis sentencing. A response is pending. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.8 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: Irans campaign of terror will not be tolerated any longer, said the US President Donal Trump in his speech at the White House after Iran attacked the US military base in Iraq. The civilized war has sent a clear message to the Iranian regime: Your campaign of terror will not be tolerated any longer, it will not be allowed to go forward. Today, I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process, said Trump. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. Our great American forces are prepared for anything. The US will impose new economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior, he added. He noted that the US is now the number one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere in the world. We are independent and we do not need Middle East oil. The US military has been completely rebuilt under my administration at the cost of 2.5 trillion dollars. US armed forces are stronger than ever before. Our missiles are big, powerful, accurate and fast. Under construction are many hypersonic missiles. The fact that we have this great military equipment however does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it. American strength - both military and economic - is the best deterrent, he added. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) used Fateh-313 ballistic missiles in attack on Iraqs Ayn al-Asad Air Base. The President of the European Central Bank suggested it was not certain that 11 months was sufficient time to conclude a trade deal between Britain and the European Union, saying in an interview with Challenges magazine that time was short. "The UK is due to leave the European Union on 31 January 2020. This means one less uncertainty, which is good news for investors. That said, the biggest challenge is yet to come namely the issue of reaching a trade deal between London and the EU during the 11 month transition period," she said. "The economic and financial impact of Brexit will depend on the details of that agreement if indeed one can be reached during that short period of time," she added, echoing earlier warnings by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said it would be difficult to conclude a comprehensive agreement by the end of this year. In the interview, posted to the ECB's website on Wednesday, Lagarde also said the central bank's ongoing strategy review would be a good moment to examine the impact of climate risks on the bank's macroeconomic models and the policy consequences. This is the Impeachment Briefing, The Timess newsletter about the impeachment investigation. Sign up here to get it in your inbox every weeknight. What happened today Senate Republican leaders said that they had the votes including those of moderates like Susan Collins to shape an impeachment trial on their own terms, allowing them to move ahead without reaching a deal with Democrats, who want to call new witnesses and introduce new evidence. The plan put forward by Senator Mitch McConnell would feature representatives of the House and the president making opening arguments before senators question both sides. A decision on witnesses would come afterward. The plan is like the one used during the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton in 1999, which was approved by unanimous vote. But unlike then, when testimony from every major witness had already been made public by the time the case came to trial, President Trump has withheld key witnesses and nearly every piece of documentary evidence related to the case. Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader, called the plan a kick-the-can down the road theory and promised to force votes on four witnesses and document requests regardless. Senate Democrats are expected to oppose the Republican plan almost unanimously. What Republicans and Democrats want from the trial It appeared that all 53 Republican senators would vote for Mr. McConnells plan at the outset of the trial. Heres where both sides stand on what a trial should look like. REPUBLICANS Many Senate Republicans have for weeks advocated a brief, narrow trial without witnesses, accusing House Democrats of failing to build a thorough enough case against Mr. Trump to warrant consideration of new material. Mr. McConnell is betting that once a trial starts, the desire to get it over with may persuade members of his party not to vote to hear from more witnesses. That abbreviated trial could include only what Mr. McConnell announced Tuesday: opening statements and cross-examination, giving a voice to both sides without incorporating new revelations. An acquittal of Mr. Trump would cap it off. Some moderate Republicans have signaled that they would support a more deliberate trial featuring witnesses like John Bolton, Mr. Trumps former national security adviser. Going with the Clinton impeachment process is satisfactory to me because that process did provide, down the road, for an opportunity to hear from witnesses, and I would like to hear from John Bolton, Senator Mitt Romney said. DEMOCRATS Senate Democrats have focused on two elements of a potential trial new witnesses and new documents. They want to hear from four people: Mr. Bolton, Mick Mulvaney, one of Mr. Mulvaneys deputies and a White House budget official, none of whom testified in the House. Mr. Schumer has also said he wants to see more documents in the vein of the White House emails released in December. Democrats want Mr. Trump removed from office. But at the very least, they want to put vulnerable Republican senators in uncomfortable positions. The rules require only a simple majority 51 senators to call witnesses, meaning that Republicans unwilling to publicly protest more fact-finding can break ranks on motions that Democrats introduce. Our best leverage right now over Republicans is votes inside the Senate trial, Senator Chris Murphy said Tuesday. We should probably get to the point where we can put Republicans on record as soon as possible. Whats going on with the impeachment articles? Before the Senate trial can begin, Speaker Nancy Pelosi must send over the two impeachment articles that House Democrats passed in December. Why is she still holding on to them? I asked my colleague Nick Fandos, whos been covering the discussion in the Democratic caucus. Nick, did anything happen with the articles over the two-week break? Democrats will tell you they succeeded in some ways, by using the time to try to focus on the need for witnesses and documents in the Senate trial and put pressure on Republicans to have to take a position on whether theyd support calling witnesses. They did that both in private and by giving speeches and interviews that attempted to shift the media narrative around these questions to ensure that moderate senators like Ms. Collins and Lisa Murkowski, when they went home, got questioned about a trial and its fairness. But Mr. McConnell didnt give over anything today. What is Ms. Pelosi hoping for by continuing to hold the articles even after Congresss return this week? By Express News Service KOCHI: The recent attack by masked goons at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a clear indication to every student and parent that university campuses are no longer havens for exchange of ideas and expressions. That era is over as a fascist government is at the helm, said MV Rajeev Gowda, Rajya Sabha MP and chairman, AICC research wing. He was speaking to reporters here on Tuesday. The Congress is deeply anguished by the incidents at JNU. It is a disgrace to the country and a threat to every student who wants to express their viewpoints, said Rajeev. JNU authorities and Delhi police were inactive when the masked goons entered the heavily guarded campus and unleashed their brutality. And the worst part is that the Delhi police filed an FIR against Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) president Aishe Ghosh. The Congress demands the resignation of JNU Vice-Chancellor and strict action should be taken against the Delhi police commissioner, he said. Rajeev Gowda congratulated the people of Kerala for their unified protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). The people of Kerala demonstrated in multiple ways that they are the true citizens of India. The state is always loved for the religious harmony it holds and people here are true believers of Constitution and ideas like equality and secularism. Soon other states will draw inspiration from the people of Kerala. He also congratulated the legislators for passing a resolution against CAA and for halting National Population Register (NPR) updation. He blamed the Central Government for its lack of vision about the countrys development. That is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi implemented demonetisation in the last tenure and is now trying to implement decitizenisation through CAA. The Central Government believes that building detention camps gives a boost to the economy. A former professor of economics and social sciences at Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru, he claimed that around `30,900 crore is being spent for the initial phase of NPR updation. A sum of `2.3 lakh crore is needed for the construction of detention camps. And it requires `36,000 crore annually for running these camps. The fiscal deficit of the country is much more than what they claim. And they have cut `3,000 crore from the education budget. The government doesnt have its own agenda and is implementing the agenda of RSS, he added. Lack of vision Gowda, the AICC research wing chairman, blamed the Centre for its lack of vision about the Indias development. That is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi implemented demonetisation in the last tenure and is now trying to implement decitizenisation through CAA, he said. He said people of Kerala demonstrated in multiple ways that they are the true citizens of India 08 Jan 2020, 12:21 PM Ukrainian Boeing 737 plane with 180 passengers on board crashes in Iran A Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 crashed due to technical problems after take-off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport with 180 passengers and crew aboard. All 180 on board the Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed in Iran have been killed, Iran's State Television has said. Rescue teams have been sent to an area near the airport where the Boeing 737 belonging to Ukraine International Airlines crashed, Reza Jafarzadeh, a spokesman for Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, told state television. Crude oil touches $71.75 after Iran attacks US forces in Iraq Oil prices jumped to their highest in months on Wednesday after Iran attacked American forces in Iraq in response to a U.S. strike that killed an Iranian general last week, raising the spectre of a spiralling conflict and disrupted oil supplies. But prices cooled a fraction after the early heat as analysts said market tension could ease as long as oil production facilities remain unaffected by attacks. Iran-US tussle: Indian exports to Iran may face delays in payments Amid the ongoing tussle between Iran and the US, the Indian exporters to Iran are worried. They are concerned about the rupee-denominated bilateral trade mechanism put in place by both the countries a year ago, as the rupee kitty with Iran, through which the payments to Indian exporters happen, is fast depleting. Unless an alternate mechanism is put in place, Indian exporters may find their payments getting blocked over the next three to four months. Govt's advance estimate pegs GDP growth at 5% for FY20 India's nominal gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by 5 per cent in financial year 2019-20 compared to the growth rate of 6.8 per cent last year, according to the first advance estimates released by the Central Statistics Office on Tuesday. The government's estimate, which is in line with the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) estimate of 5 per cent, is based on the GDP growth in the first two quarters of the current fiscal and other macro data. Air India sale: Amit Shah-led GoM approves draft for inviting bids The central government's Group of Ministers (GoM) led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved the draft inviting bids for the sale of India's state-owned carrier. Apart from giving nod to receiving Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the sale of Air India, the GoM also approved the share purchase agreement, under which the airline's total debt of around Rs 60,000 crore would be transferred to a special purpose vehicle (SPV). Centre sanctions 2,636 EV charging stations in 62 cities The government has approved setting up 2,636 electric vehicle charging stations across 62 cities in 24 states and union territories of India under the second phase of FAME India scheme. The move is meant to encourage manufacturers to launch new electric vehicles models. Also read: US prohibits flights in airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the Gulf Also read: Days after top commander's death, Iran launches missile strike against US in Iraq A Bombay HC judge made this remark while hearing a petition filed by NGO Wecom Trust on whether Shivaji Park at Dadar in central Mumbai was a playground or a recreation ground. Mumbai: The younger generation is teaching everyone how to protest peacefully, which makes their voice stronger, the Bombay High Court said on Wednesday. It was referring to the protests held by the students against the recent violence at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). A division bench of Justices SC Dharmadhikari and RI Chagla made this remark while hearing a petition filed by NGO Wecom Trust on whether Shivaji Park at Dadar in central Mumbai was a playground or a recreation ground. The petitioner has said the ground should not be permitted for any activity other than sports. The court said if the government, which is the trustee of the ground, feels that it can be used for other activities then why should the court interfere. People cannot expect the courts to function as a "watchman", it said. "Nowadays, members of the civil society have started assembling and protesting peacefully and they have realised that this makes their voice stronger," Justice Dharmadhikari said. "The younger generation is teaching us that. All the seniors should understand that," the judge said. Several students and other activists had gathered at the Gateway of India in south Mumbai from Sunday (5 January) night to protest against the violence that erupted inside the JNU campus in Delhi. The court said that people also have to be reasonable in what they challenge. "If the ground is given for an activity involving children or senior citizens, then it is good. But if the ground is given for any state function or police parade then it is bad?" the court asked. The high court had, in November 2019, while hearing the plea raised security concerns over the swearing-in ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister of Maharashtra at the Shivaji Park. The Brihabmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday told the court that neither it nor the police had received any complaint of breach of noise pollution rules after the ceremony. In 2010, the HC had declared the area as a 'silence zone' after the PIL was filed. The court had then said that programmes can be held at the park only on December 6 (death anniversary of Dr Ambedkar), May 1 (Maharashtra state foundation day) and on January 26 (Republic Day). However, the state government and the BMC later carved out 45 days in a year to permit non-sporting activities on the ground. Russia Launches Into New Export Territory With TurkStream Natural-Gas Pipeline By Todd Prince January 07, 2020 When Vladimir Putin visits Istanbul on January 8, the Russian president will be doing more than officially opening a new export pipeline -- he will be getting some more closure on his longstanding dream to end Moscow's dependence on archrival Ukraine in getting natural gas to Europe. Russia has been seeking to cut gas transit through Ukraine since the mid 2000s, and the $7.8 billion TurkStream pipeline project is a big part of that strategic goal. The pipeline, which transits the Black Sea and surfaces outside Istanbul, took five years to complete and is one of two major new natural-gas export routes totaling nearly $20 billion that Russia expects to go on line this year. TurkStream also marks a major achievement for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has long sought to turn his country into an energy hub and will stand alongside Putin at the January 8 inauguration ceremony. The pipeline will carry 31.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of Russian natural gas annually to Turkey's western province, with half of that volume to be further exported to the Balkans and Central Europe, including Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary. Russia, which exported nearly 200 bcm to Europe in 2019, had been supplying gas to the Balkans and Turkey through an overland route transiting Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania. That gas will now be rerouted through TurkStream, which consists of two lines stretching 930 kilometers each under the Black Sea from just outside the Russian town of Anapa. South Stream Rejected Russia twice shut off gas to Ukraine -- in the dead of winter in 2006 and 2009 -- amid price disputes that erupted after pro-Western leaders came to power in Kyiv. Ukraine had been earning about $3 billion annually in transit fees from Moscow, providing a key source of revenue for the country's struggling economy even as its relations with the Kremlin deteriorated sharply following the 2014 Euromaidan protests and Russia's subsequent seizure of the Crimean Peninsula and support for a separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine. Russia first sought to build a more ambitious export project to Europe via the Black Sea prior to TurkStream. The South Stream project, proposed in 2007, would have carried 63 bcm a year to Bulgaria via four lines under the sea. The European Parliament adopted a resolution in 2014 opposing the project on the grounds it violated European Union energy rules. Bulgaria is a member of the EU. Russia completed Nord Stream 1 under the Baltic Sea to Germany in 2011 to reroute gas around Ukraine and is expected to launch the $11 billion Nord Stream 2 project before the end of the year. The two pipelines have a combined capacity of 110 bcm. Washington last month imposed sanctions on Nord Stream 2, putting its launch date in doubt. With the start of TurkStream and Nord Stream 2 on the horizon, the Kremlin last month renegotiated a new gas-transit contract with Kyiv guaranteeing 65 bcm this year and then 40 bcm over the following four years, a drop from nearly 90 bcm in 2019. TurkStream "directly undermines Ukraine as a gas-transit country and directly undermines Ukrainian security," Margarita Assenova, a senior fellow at the Jamestown Foundation and an energy analyst at the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington, told RFE/RL. Alluding to the nearly six-year conflict in the Donbas that has killed nearly 14,000 people since 2014, and which Kyiv and Moscow have recently taken steps to resolve, Assenova said that "Russia would have a freer hand to try to submit Ukraine, to extract a better deal in peace negotiations." Bulgaria Delay Russia is likely to ship just a little more than half of the 31.5 bcm through TurkStream in 2020 as Bulgaria has not completed the pipeline that will enable exports to Serbia and beyond, Thierry Bros, an associate at Harvard University's Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies focusing on energy, told RFE/RL. Putin last month criticized Bulgaria's government for falling behind on the project. The future split of TurkStream's volumes between Turkey and the Balkans will likely vary depending on developments within the regions, said Nikos Tsafos, an energy analyst at Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. If Turkey's economy slumps, more of TurkStream's gas volumes may go to the Balkans and beyond, Tsafos told RFE/RL. During Putin's January 8 visit, Erdogan plans to present his counterpart with a specially prepared book on Turkish-Russian relations, which have been hot and cold in recent years. The two sides have differed over Syria and Libya, both of which will be a major topic of discussion amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and North Africa. But Russia and NATO-member Turkey have also found room for cooperation, and bilateral projects and the delivery of Russian S-400 missile-defense systems will also be on the agenda. Tsafos said, however, that Turkey will not be able to use its role as a transit state for Russian gas to Europe as leverage over Moscow. "If Turkey wanted to play politics with this and try to get clever, Russia will switch more gas to Ukraine. Russia having options means no particular route can push too hard," he said Turkey already imports 16 bcm of Russian gas annually through Blue Stream, another pipeline running under the Black Sea. Blue Stream began operations in 2003. Azerbaijani Gas, U.S. LNG Russia is facing increasing competition for the Turkish and Balkan gas markets from competing pipeline projects and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The U.S.- and EU-backed Trans Adriatic Pipeline will launch later this year carrying Azerbaijani gas across Turkey to Greece, Albania, and Italy. That pipeline has an initial capacity of 10 bcm that can be expanded to more than 20 bcm. Greece is completing an interconnector pipeline to Bulgaria that would enable Sofia to receive Azerbaijani gas and cut its dependence on Russia. "Putin was in so much of a hurry to build TurkStream to preempt the Azeris and book capacities," Assenova said. Bulgaria has been importing nearly all of its gas from Russia. Last year, it received its first shipments of U.S. LNG via a terminal in Greece. Washington has made LNG exports to Eastern Europe a priority in its foreign policy toward the region. In September, Energy Secretary Rick Perry inked an agreement to improve infrastructure and secure U.S. natural-gas supplies to Poland and Ukraine, allowing them to lessen their dependence on Russian energy. The first U.S. LNG cargo destined for Ukraine arrived at a Polish port in November. That same month, U.S. President Donald Trump discussed more LNG exports with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov at the White House. Washington is also backing plans to export Mediterranean gas to Europe to reduce dependence on Moscow. Cyprus and Israel have discovered huge natural-gas deposits off their shores in recent years. Those two countries on January 3 signed an agreement with Greece to construct a 1,900-kilometer undersea pipeline to carry natural gas from Israeli and Cypriot waters to Crete. The three countries hope to have the pipeline -- which could carry 10 bcm to Europe annually -- completed by 2025. Analysts have said such a pipeline would be expensive and difficult to complete with many states involved. Turkey doesn't recognize Cypriot international waters and is opposed to the project. European markets could be saturated by then with natural gas as well. LNG would offer Israel and Cyprus greater export flexibility in a rapidly changing energy market environment. "Why would you put a huge amount of money into a pipeline that will need to operate for 40 years to be profitable if you have no real view of what your gas market is going to be" over that time frame, Bros said of the Mediterranean pipeline. "You can do easier, cheaper stuff that doesn't entail having to work with companies and member states," he said. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-launches- itself-into-new-export-territory-with-turkstream- natural-gas-pipeline/30364755.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CHICAGO, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV) has announced that O.N. Investment Management Co. (ONIMCO) launched the Envestnet Insurance Exchange, an insurance network providing access to reputable insurance carriers and their annuity products alongside traditional managed account investments on the Envestnet platform. As part of ONIMCO's commitment to bringing financial stability and strength to customers, implementing the Envestnet Insurance Exchange empowers its advisors to present clients with unified advice to help them grow and protect their wealth. The Envestnet Insurance Exchange provides end-to-end management of annuity solutions, from pre- to post-issuance. ONIMCO's advisors can seamlessly plan, research, generate proposals, open policies, manage in-force transactions, and create client reports within the Envestnet platform. ONIMCO's home office team will also benefit from the Insurance Exchange, with licensing and appointment checks as well as integrated compliance tools that monitor in-force transactions and adherence to client investment policies. "We are ready to empower our client partners with access to high-quality annuity solutions found on our Insurance Exchange, and we are grateful that ONIMCO has decided to join us on our journey to help create better outcomes for clients," said John Yackel, Head of Strategic Initiatives at Envestnet. "Incorporating protection strategies into the wealth management process is a major step forward in our work to develop a holistic platform that enables advisors to help customers meet their short- and long-term needs as they work toward achieving the ultimate goalfinancial wellness." The Envestnet Insurance Exchange is backed by the Fiduciary Exchange, LLC (FIDx), a technology-powered network that joins the brokerage, insurance, and advisory ecosystems. Together, Envestnet and FIDx have secured a strong line-up of annuity solutions from AIG Life & Retirement, Allianz Life, Brighthouse Financial, Global Atlantic Financial Group, Jackson National Life Insurance Co., Nationwide, Prudential Financial, and Transamerica. The Envestnet Insurance Exchange supports a wide range of both commission- and fee-based annuities. "By integrating annuities within the Envestnet platform our advisors can help provide clients with retirement security, while streamlining our advisory lifecycle workflow via a full digital experience," said Adam Mackintosh, Second Vice President, Investment Advisory at ONIMCO. "We're excited about the opportunity to enhance our wealth management business by providing our advisors with efficient access to protection strategies and to a technology platform that helps balance growth and security." "FIDx is thrilled to see ONIMCO utilize the Envestnet Insurance Exchange as a way to offer long-term protection solutions to clients through Envestnet's single, unified platform," said Dan MacKinnon, Chief Executive Officer of FIDx. "With a wide selection of products and automated processes bolstered by the Envestnet Insurance Exchange, we are confident ONIMCO can focus more on advising and servicing customers during important life stages and less on time-consuming administrative tasks." About Envestnet Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV) is a leading provider of intelligent systems for wealth management and financial wellness. Envestnet's unified technology empowers enterprises and advisors to more fully understand their clients and deliver actionable intelligence that drives better outcomes and improves lives. Envestnet Wealth Solutions enables enterprises and advisors to better manage client outcomes and strengthen their practices through its leading Wealth Management Operating System and advanced portfolio solutions. Envestnet | Tamarac provides portfolio management, reporting, trading, rebalancing and client portal solutions for registered investment advisers ("RIAs"). Envestnet | MoneyGuide provides goals-based financial planning applications. Envestnet Data & Analytics enables innovation and insights through its Envestnet | Yodlee data aggregation platform. More than 100,000 advisors and more than 4,700 companies including: 16 of the 20 largest U.S. banks, 43 of the 50 largest wealth management and brokerage firms, over 500 of the largest RIAs and hundreds of internet services companies, leverage Envestnet technology and services. Envestnet solutions enhance knowledge of the client, accelerate client on-boarding, improve client digital experiences and help drive better outcomes for enterprises, advisors and their clients. For more information on Envestnet, please visit www.envestnet.com and follow us on twitter at @ENVintel. About ONIMCO Established in 1969, O.N. Investment Management Company (ONIMCO) is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser and a subsidiary of The O.N. Equity Sales Company (ONESCO), a full-service broker/dealer registered with the SEC and FINRA. ONESCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Ohio National Life Insurance Company. About Fiduciary Exchange, LLC Fiduciary Exchange, LLC (FIDx) is a technology-empowered network that seamlessly integrates the brokerage, insurance and advisory ecosystems to offer best-in-class annuities and insurance solutions from the industry's leading carriers. Motivated by its mission to expand the frontiers of the wealth management space and provide holistic solutions to address investors' changing needs, FIDx enables advisors to offer guaranteed income and downside protection as core components of their clients' portfoliosintegrated within the same wealth management platforms they already use every day. An independent technology firm led by seasoned industry veterans and built from the ground-up as an integrated platform, FIDx is providing a modern solution to bridge advisory firms to insurance carriers so advisors can truly deliver comprehensive advice, enabling their clients to achieve retirement security. Envestnet, Inc. has a financial interest and occupies board of director positions in Fiduciary Exchange, LLC (FIDx). Media Contacts Dana Taormina JConnelly for Envestnet 973.850.7305 [email protected] Lisa Doxsee, Director, Corporate Communications Ohio National Financial Services 513.794.6418, 513.218.5519 (m) [email protected] SOURCE Envestnet, Inc. Related Links https://www.envestnet.com On the occasion of the Greek Prime Ministers visit to the U.S., Alternate Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis stressed in an interview on Athina 9.84 radio, with journalist Noni Karagianni, that Greece is going to the U.S. with the agenda of a trusted, firm and longstanding partner. He called the Mitsotakis-Trump meeting a first-class opportunity to explain to the White House Turkeys role as a destabilising factor creating insecurity and directly threatening the territorial integrity of a NATO member state such as Greece. Moreover, he underscored, a broad coalition backing Greeces positions has already been created through our bilateral and trilateral agreements with countries in the region. Asked about the prospect of recourse to The Hague, the Alternate Minister said this is still a distant option. In any event, such recourse will not be Greeces first step. Finally, Mr. Varvitsiotis reiterated that we are not prepared to play Turkeys game of militarising the two countries disputes, but we are determined to defend our sovereign rights if the need arises. Carlsbad police investigating a babysitter and her boyfriend, who are accused of conspiring to molest two girls in her care, said Thursday that they have uncovered evidence that more children were victimized and now they are trying to figure out who those children are. On Thursday, police officials said that 23-year-old Brittney Lyon, of Escondido, had advertised her childcare services online, and they appealed to the public for information to help find families across Southern California who may have hired Lyon who they suspect used both her real name and the assumed identity of another person. Lyon and boyfriend Samuel Cabrera, also 23, were arrested in July on multiple charges of conspiracy and child molestation, in a case that authorities said left them disturbed and outraged. Brittney Lyon (photo courtesy Carlsbad Police Department) Advertisement Police say Lyon repeatedly brought two of her charges including a developmentally delayed 7-year-old girl to Cabrera in his Carlsbad home, where he allegedly molested them. Lyon and Cabrera have pleaded not guilty to multiple felonies, and remain jailed in lieu of $2.6 million bail. Each faces life in prison if convicted. On Thursday, Carlsbad police Capt. Mickey Williams said that detectives have since uncovered evidence that the pair allegedly molested several more children whom they now are trying to identify. To think that there are suspects .. that would conduct the type of crimes upon children that have occurred in this case is horrific, and that is what is driving our department to continue this investigation, to try to identify every potential victim we can, to make sure that the suspects are held responsible for their actions, Williams said in a video posted on the departments Facebook page. Carlsbad police found that Lyon had publicized her services on a few websites, including sittercity.com, where police suspect she was listed under her true name and also under the assumed identity of another person. Lyon had also advertised her babysitting services on care.com and sitter.com. The victims, police said, could be in Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective Steve Stallman on the police departments hotline at (760) 931-2293. Samuel Cabrera, Jr. (photo courtesy Carlsbad Police Department) The preliminary hearing for the two defendants, both San Marcos High School graduates, has repeatedly been postponed. The hearing a key pretrial proceeding at which a judge decides if there is enough evidence to order a trial is now set for September. At the couples arraignment in July, Deputy District Attorney Jodi Breton said that not only did Lyon provide the 7-year-old victims to Cabrera, in some instances she helped undress them. She tricked the parents and the children into thinking they were going to be doing something fun and then betrayed them, Breton said at the time. Neither of the children knew each other. One is from Escondido and the other is from Oceanside. One of the girls is developmentally delayed and was unable to communicate what happened to her, Breton said last year. She also said that Lyon was a family friend of one of the girls. Breton said Lyon and Cabrera had been friends since high school, and he initially convinced her to take cameras into gyms and store dressing rooms and secretly videotape women while they were changing. That progressed into Cabrera asking Lyon to bring children to his home so he could molest them, Breton said. The allegations came to light last year when the child from Oceanside disclosed the alleged abuse to her mother, who then contacted police in that city. Oceanside police contacted the Carlsbad Police Department. A search of a home on Greenhaven Drive in Carlsbad, where Cabrera lives with family, turned up a ton of recorded material, stored on computers, hard drives, video sticks, GoPro cameras and other electronics. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT UPDATES: 6:35 p.m.: This article was updated add information and to reflect clarification issued by Carlsbad police regarding a suspected alias. This article was originally posted at 12:45 p.m. Team Ninja launched an open beta last month for the upcoming action role-playing game Nioh 2. Creative Director Tom Lee published a PlayStation Blog post thanking fans for providing feedback during this time. He then also covered the changes that would be implemented due to the responses. It was a tremendous learning experience for us as we carefully examined you guys playing the demo. We really appreciate the massive amount of responses submitted to our questionnaire after the playthrough, stated Lee. Our team has thoroughly read and reviewed everyones constructive feedback, and with that input, we are working diligently towards fine-tuning the build for the final game. Some of the open beta feedback includes player controls, enemy action, level design, character advancement elements, sound, and more. Team Ninja attached the key aspects that would be addressed in response to the feedback. An infographic showing data from the beta survey results is also provided. It features positive, average, and negative percentages for responses from categories like graphics, sound effects, game progression, and UI. The largest area for negative feedback was from the Tutorial, User Interface, Game Progression, and New Feature areas. The Overall and Graphics categories tied with around half the negative responses as the top four. Finally, the Music & Sound Effects had the least. Some of the key features being improved consist of: Adjusting the balance of all Yokai Abilities Strengthening several Yokai Abilities and making them easier to use Modifications to control the level of punishments in the Dark Realm Adding merits so that the maximum Ki damage is increased against enemy Yokai Refining the overall management of the players Ki Nioh 2 launches for the PlayStation 4 on March 13, 2020. (ANSA) - Pordenone, January 8 - Three Indian men aged between 25 and 29 beat and tried to rape a 31-year-old Pakistani male friend and fellow farmhand at Vivaro near Podeonone in northern Italy on New Year's Eve, sources said Wednesday. The Egyptian government shed light on Wednesday on the major achievements made by the antiquities sector during 2019, including the key projects implemented, new discoveries made, and the restoration of archaeological sites. In an info-graph issued on Wednesday, the cabinet said that more than 90 percent of the Grand Egyptian Museum has been finalised with 49,603 artefacts moved to the museum. The Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to attract 5 million visitors annually and will be the largest museum in the world dedicated to one civilisation as reported by Traveler Conde Nast and Architectural Digest magazines. The cabinet pointed out that 98 percent of the third phase of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation was completed, noting that it will be inaugurated early in 2020. As many as 25 projects have been opened and 18 archaeological discoveries were announced in 2019, including the 3,000-year-old cache unearthed recently in Al-Asasif necropolis on the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor, which housed 30 intact and sealed coffins. This discovery ranks as one of the world's top scientific finds in 2019, according to Business Insider. Among the discoveries was the noble Khoi' cemetery in Saqqara area which dates back to the late era of the Fifth Dynasty, the cabinet said, adding that it was ranked among the 10 best archaeological discoveries in 2019 by Archaeology magazine. Search Keywords: Short link: Twenty fishermen from Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts who languished in Pakistan jail for 14 months, have finally reached Andhra Pradesh and met Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday. The Chief Minister offered Rs 5 lakhs to each fisherman as financial assistance. A statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said, "Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, further interacted with the fishermen and enquired about their hardships. He assured the fishermen that a jetty and harbor will be provided in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts so that they needn't go to other States like Gujarat for labor work." "It is sad to know that nearly 15,000 people are going to Gujarat to work as labor, despite having a vast coastline. Soon, a jetty for the fishermen will be provided in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts. Also, those fishermen languishing in jail of Bangladesh will also be brought to the State at the earliest possible," the statement said. "We never had a hope of getting released from Pakistan jail and see our families in this lifetime, we can't even thank even for the Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy for his effort to bring back us to our motherland. We shall remember him in our prayers for this entire life," said the fishermen who were released from Pakistan jail and thanked Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy with tears of joy. The statement said, "As many as 22 fishermen from Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and East Godavari districts who went fishing in November 2018 accidentally went into the Pakistan waters and were detained by the Pakistan government and later sent to Karachi Jail." "Over this, the State government constantly persuaded with the External Affairs Ministry for the release of fishermen. Finally, after 14 months, 20 out of 22 stranded fishermen were released from Pakistan on January 6 and reached Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday," the statement said. According to the statement, 18-year-old Surada Kishore, from Etcherla Mandal of Srikakulam district, said, "We lost in the sea while fishing and landed in Karachi jail of Pakistan. We lost all our hopes after knowing that we are arrested by the Pakistan Navy. The days are passing by and all other fishermen are getting released. Our only communication with the family is through letters." "In jail, we were made to work very hard, especially those from India are made to work even harder. Today I am very happy and can't thank enough for the Chief Minister for his effort to bring us back to our State. I wanted to study with the amount provided by the Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy," Kishore said. Minister for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Mopidevi Venkata Ramana and Special Chief Secretary Poonam Malakondaiah received the fishermen at Wagah border on Tuesday and brought them to the State by air. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Upcoming political events in the Bay Area: FRIDAY Mad Mob: Organizing meeting for Mad Mob SF, a group of mental health consumers advocating for their rights. 2 p.m., Senior and Disability Action, 1360 Mission St., San Francisco. More information is here. Democracy under siege: A forum on increasing citizen participation in politics and reducing the influence of money, sponsored by California Common Cause. Featured speaker is Lateefah Simon, BART board member and president of the Akonadi Foundation. Free. 7 p.m., Mannys, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here. U.S. and Iran: A socialist analysis of the U.S.-Iran crisis. Sponsored by San Francisco Party for Socialism and Liberation. $3-$10. 7 p.m., 2969 Mission St., San Francisco. More information is here. SATURDAY California Progressive Alliance: All-day annual meeting and organizing session. Lunch and dinner included with ticket. $50, $30 for seniors and low-income people. 8:30 a.m., Pauley Ballroom, UC Berkeley, Bancroft Way and Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley. More information is here. Antiwar rally: Protest against U.S. action toward Iran. Organized by Refuse Fascism Bay Area. Noon, 24th and Mission streets, San Francisco. More information is here. SUNDAY Berkeley South Asian radical walking tour: Community historians Barnali Ghosh and Anirvan Chatterjee lead a two-mile walking tour of significant Berkeley sites in the South Asian community. $17.50, $10 for students and seniors. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Starts from 2712 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley. More information is here. Immigration in California: An exploration of California's history of immigration and exclusion, the current reality for immigrants in our community, and ideas for action possibilities for vulnerable immigrants in Marin County. People are invited to share their famiies immigration stories and bring a small artifact that represents their families point of origin. Free, RSVP by Jan. 6. 1 p.m., Osher Marin Jewish Community Center, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael. More information is here. MONDAY Spanish for activists: A learning session for the Spanish vocabulary needed to canvass in Latinx neighborhoods. Designed for people with knowledge of at least simple Spanish. Sponsored by Swing Left. 6 p.m., Noe Valley branch library, 451 Jersey St., San Francisco. More information is here. Jerry Brown: Live recording of The Political Mind of Jerry Brown podcast of the former governor with KQED-FMs Scott Shafer. $30, $15 for students. 7 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. More information is here. TUESDAY Watch party: For the Democratic presidential candidates debate. $10. 5 p.m., Mannys, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here. WEDNESDAY David Shulkin: Former secretary of veterans affairs under President Trump discusses his book, It Shouldn't Be This Hard to Serve Your Country: Our Broken Government and the Plight of Veterans, at the Commonwealth Club. $25, $15 for students. Noon, 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here. Candidates forum on climate: Candidates for state Senate District 13 on the Peninsula take part in a forum on climate change and environmental issues. Participants include Josh Becker, Michael Brownrigg, Alex Glew, Sally Lieber, Shelly Masur, and Annie Oliva. Sponsored by Citizens Climate Lobby, Acterra, 350 Silicon Valley and Sustainable San Mateo County. 7 p.m., Menlo-Atherton High School, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton. More information is here. Blair Imani: Author of Making Our Way Home: The Great Migration and the Black Dream, in discussion with Davey D. Benefit for KPFA-FM. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 7:30 p.m., St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. More information is here. THURSDAY Chinese Exclusion Act: A screening of a 49-minute version of the documentary The Chinese Exclusion Act and discussion of the acts relevance to todays immigation debate by Bay Area entrepreneur and cultural advocate David Lei. $20 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $8 for students. 6 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here. Golden Gate Bridge politics: A conversation with Denis Mulligan, general manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. $10. 6:30 p.m., Mannys, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here. JAN. 17 Climate strike: Oakland youths organize a Resilient Village to raise awareness on climate resilience and how youth can stand up for climate justice. Event includes workshops on herbal making, civic engagement, art, water catchment, live art making, youth performances and an open mic. 10 a.m. outside Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza. More information is here. JAN. 18 Womens March Oakland: Annual event focuses on raising awareness, volunteer hours and funding to get a complete census count in Alameda County and make voices heard at the polls. 10 a.m., Frank Ogawa Plaza, 14th Street and Broadway, Oakland. More information is here. Womens March San Francisco: 11 a.m., Civic Center Plaza. More information is here. Womens March Contra Costa: 10 a.m., Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. More information is here. Womens March Santa Rosa: 10 a.m., Old Courthouse Square, Third Street and Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa. More information is here. Womxns March San Jose: 11 a.m. starting from San Jose City Hall, 200 East Santa Clara St. More information is here. Womens March Tri-Valley: Commemorating the centennial of women winning the right to vote. Noon, Amador Valley High School, 1155 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton. More information is here. Womens March Napa: 9 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 800 Main St. More information is here. Jena Friedman: Political comedian brings her Miscarriage of Justice show to Cafe du Nord. $22. 7:30 p.m., 2174 Market St., San Francisco. More information is here. JAN. 21 Kings vision: Dr. Cornel West and Bakari Kitwana give a keynote address on The Beloved Community: King, Jrs Vision, Democracy and Contemporary Challenges, followed by an audience Q&A. Free. 7 p.m., Carlin Commons at St. Ignatius College Prep, 2001 37th Ave., San Francisco. More information is here. JAN. 22 Rick Wilson: Republican strategist and Daily Beast columnist on Saving America from Trump (and Democrats from Themselves). $30 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $10 for students. Noon, Marines Memorial Club, 10th Floor: Commandants Room, 609 Sutter St., San Francisco. More information is here. Ian Haney Lopez: Author of Dog Whistle Politics and the new Merge Left: Fusing Race and Class, Winning Elections, and Saving America, in discussion with Saru Jayaraman. Benefit for KPFA-FM. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 7:30 p.m., Kehilla Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. More information is here. JAN. 25 Food justice: An event devoted to food sovereignty, an organizing concept to create a sustainable, culturally appropriate food supply for historically marginalized communities. Panel discussion with food justice advocates Laila El-Haddad, Reem Assil, and Shakira Simley, followed by a reception with Palestinian cuisine prepared by Reems. $35, $15 for students. 2 p.m., Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St., San Francisco. More information is here. Changing voting: A brief history of voting rights in America and a session with activists working on voter mobilization in 2020. $5. 3:30 p.m., Mannys, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here. JAN. 26 Abortion Rights: Veteran abortion rights defender Nancy Reiko Kato analyzes the fight that led to abortion rights and discusses how to expand reproductive justice. Sponsored by Freedom Socialist Party. Brunch at 12:15 p.m. with $8 donation; meeting starts at 1 p.m. New Valencia Hall, 747 Polk St., San Francisco. FEB. 4 Health and human capital in Russia: A discussion on the extent to which 15 years of Russian investment in improving its education and health care systems has paid off. Free. Noon, William J. Perry Conference Room, 616 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford University. More information is here. Guantanamo prison: Peter Jan Honigsberg, a law professor at the University of San Francisco and director of the Witness to Guantanamo Project, details the continued U.S. detention of suspected enemy combatants at its Guantanamo naval base in Cuba. Benefit for KPFA-FM. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 7:30 p.m., Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St., Berkeley. More information is here. FEB. 10 Climate politics: A meetup on climate politics to plan for the March 3 California primary and other elections. Speakers include Susan Bolle of Democracy Action Marin and Susan Morgan of Indivisible Marin. 6 p.m., Good Earth Natural Foods, 201 Flamingo Road, Mill Valley. More information is here. To list an event, please email Politics Editor Trapper Byrne at tbyrne@sfchronicle.com. Normal life was affected in left-ruled Kerala, with the public transport services keeping off the roads and banking services hit as the 24 hour nation-wide labour union strike was total in the state on Wednesday. Roads across the state wore a deserted look as Kerala State Transport Corporation (KSRTC), private buses, auto- rickshaws and taxis stayed away but a few private vehicles were seen plying. Schools and colleges had declared a holiday for today and three major universities in the state had postponed all the examinations. Shops, hotels and other business establishments were also shut across the state despite the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, an organisation of traders, stating that they would remain open. However, medical shops were seen open at all major towns. As Sabarimala pilgrims have been exempted from the strike, KSRTC buses are taking Ayyappa devotees to Pamba. The pilgrimage was not affected and the hilltop shrine of Lord Ayyappa has been witnessing heavy rush. With trade unions of the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and opposition Congress-headed UDF participating in the strike, most of the government staff did not turn up at the Secretariat here. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other ministers also did not attend office. The weekly state cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday was held on Tuesday. Banking operations also took a hit as most of the PSU bank branches remained shut. A majority of the 1200 banks of the State Bank of India (SBI) in Kerala are shut, banking sources said. Some bank branches which were open, at Kollam and Thiruvalla were forcefully shut by the striking unions. A Kochi report said the functioning of the public sector Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) refinery has not been affected although non-management staff are on strike, a BPCL spokesman said. Plant is running normal using available staff, he said. However, the strike has partially affected the functioning of the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). More than 80 per cent of the officers and supervisors have joined duty at the Shipyard but the attendance of workmen is only 20 per cent, a CSL official said. Operations of Kochi port were not affected as around 57 per cent staff reported for work, sources said. The Kochi Metro Rail services also functioned normally despite the strike. Railway sources said train services were unaffected by the strike called by various trade unions and there were no protests at railway stations. However, passengers who reached the railway station here this morning had a tough time getting vehicles. Police vehicles were arranged to take patients coming for treatment at the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Medical College Hospital and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences. "This strike is against the anti-labour policies of the centre. Most of the state government staff in Kerala are participating in this protest," Binu Baburaj, a government servant, participating in the strike at Thiruvananthapuram said. Ashraf, a 40-year-old man who reached the capital city for some personal work he was facing difficulty in finding eateries as the hotels and restaurants remaining shut. The striking organisations have, however, arranged food for the protesters here. The trade unions have taken out massive protest rallies at all major towns in the state. Ten trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, and CITU have called for the nationwide strike to protest against labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies and to press for a 12-point common demands of the working class relating to minimum wage among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ukrainian Boeing 737 plane crashes in Iran, killing all 176 aboard The Boeing 737 belonging to Ukraine International Airlines, which was bound for Kiev, crashed near the airport and burst into flames. Ukraine's embassy in Iran, citing preliminary information, said the plane had suffered engine failure and the crash was not caused by "terrorism". Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said there were no survivors. "My sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of all passengers and crew," Zelenskiy said in a statement, adding that Ukraine was seeking to establish the circumstances of the crash and the death toll. Iranian TV said the crash was due to technical problems but did not elaborate. State broadcaster IRIB said on its website that one of the plane's two black boxes - the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder - had been found. Iranian media quoted an Iranian aviation official as saying the pilot of the airliner did not declare an emergency. There was no official word from Ukraine International Airlines. It was the Kiev-based airline's first fatal crash. "The fire is so heavy that we cannot (do) any rescue... we have 22 ambulances, four bus ambulances and a helicopter at the site," Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran's emergency services, told state television. Ukraine's prime minister and Iranian state TV said 167 passengers and nine crew members were on board. Ukraine's foreign minister Vadym Prystaiko said on Twitter there were 82 Iranians and 63 Canadians on board. Emergency services spokesman Mojtaba Khaledi had earlier said the vast majority of the dead were Iranian citizens. Just two passengers and nine crew members were Ukrainian, according to Ukraine's national security council, which is overseeing a crisis team. 32 of those on board were foreigners. Television footage showed debris and smouldering engine parts strewn across a field, and rescue workers with face masks retrieving bodies of the victims. According to air tracking service FlightRadar24, the plane that crashed was Flight PS 752 and was flying to Kiev. The plane was three years old and was a Boeing 737-800NG, it said. The model's twin engines are made by CFM International, a US-French venture co-owned by General Electric and Frances Safran. Modern aircraft are designed and certified to cope with an engine failure shortly after take-off and to fly for extended periods on one engine. However, an uncontained engine failure releasing shrapnel can cause damage to other aircraft systems. Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 Tehran crash infographic A spokesman for Boeing said the company was aware of media reports of a plane crash in Iran and was gathering more information. The plane manufacturer grounded its 737 MAX fleet in March after two crashes that killed 346 people. The 737-800 is one of the worlds most-flown models with a good safety record and which does not have the software feature implicated in crashes of the 737 MAX. Under international rules overseen by the United Nations, Iran is responsible for leading the crash investigation. Ukraine would be involved and the United States would usually be accredited as the country where the Boeing jet was designed and built. France, where the engine maker CFM has half its activities, may also be involved. There was no immediate word on whether the US National Transportation Safety Board would be involved in the probe amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The NTSB usually invites Boeing to give technical advice in such investigations. BODIES SCATTERED "Everyone is helping so that we can gather all the bodies that have been scattered in a wide area," said Fathi. Press TV, state television's English-language news broadcaster, said the plane went down in the vicinity of Parand, a city in Tehran province. The crash was likely to have been caused by "technical difficulties", it reported, citing Ali Khashani, spokesman for Imam Khomeini International Airport. "The plane caught fire after crashing," said Press TV. A video aired by the state media broadcaster appeared to show the plane already on fire, falling from the sky. Iran Ukrainian plane crash GFX Boeing spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the company was aware of media reports of a plane crash in Iran and was gathering more information. BBC correspondent, Ali Hashem, posted a tweet purportedly of the crash; the video in the tweet shows a plane in flames mid-flight before crashing into the ground in a fireball. Stocks in the news: Here is a list of top stocks that are likely to be in focus on Wednesday's trading session based on recent and latest news developments. Bharat Band Today: Shares of public sector banks will be in focus today as central traders unions and bank unions have announced a nationwide strike in order to protest against the 'anti-national' and 'anti-people' policies of the government. Reliance Communications: The company informed the exchanges that the total financial indebtedness as of December 31 including short-term and long-term debt stood at Rs 32,575 crore. The company also informed in a separate filing that the 16th meeting of Committee of Creditors of Reliance Communications is scheduled to be convened today on January 8, 2020. Suzlon Energy Limited: The company has informed the exchange on defaulting payment of interest (Rs 538.92 crore) as well as repayment of principal amount (Rs 6,717 crore) worth Rs 7,256 crore on term loans from State Bank of India led consortium of 18 banks and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency. Company's total outstanding debt from banks stood at Rs 12,785.17 crore and Rs 1,263.11 crore from Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds(FCCB), taking the overall financial indebtedness to Rs 14,048 crores. Canara Bank: lender has paid annual interest amount of Rs 75.60 crore on its unsecured, redeemable, non-convertible, Basel ll compliant tier II series II bond in time on January 7, 2020. Thomas Cook India: The company said it has signed long term strategic agreement with Experience Hub, the promotion arm of Yas Island Abu Dhabi, to drive 2020 visitation and beyond. Eon Electric Ltd: Company disclosed its total amount of outstanding borrowings including cash credits from Banks and financial institution which continues beyond 30 days from the date of default stood at Rs 31.57 crore. Goa Carbon Ltd: The company informed the exchanges about the operational performance in the month of December 2019. Total quantity produced in the month of December by plants situated at Bilaspur, Goa and Paradeep stood at 11,111.800 MT, amounting Rs 18.6 crore in value. Abhishek Corporation Limited: The company informed the exchanges it has defaulted in payment of repayment of principal amount and interest on loans from banks/financial institutions and unlisted debt securities as on December 31, 2020, totaling to Rs 974.9 crore. Vindhya Telelinks: The company announced that CARE Ratings Limited has reviewed and revised its credit ratings. CARE has reaffirmed its short term bank facilities to CARE Al+. It also revised long term bank facilities and NCDs to CARE A+, on account of increase in working capital cycle resulting in moderation of financial risk profile and debt coverage indicators during FY18-19 and H1 FY19-20. Sakthi Sugars Limited: The company informed the exchanges it has defaulted in payment of repayment of principal amount and interest on loans from banks/financial institutions, totaling to Rs 1,480.67 crore. WATERLOO A new Lowell Elementary School will be built on the existing site at 1628 Washington St. after part of the buildings roof collapsed under heavy snow last February. The new school is expected to open in August 2021. The existing Lowell school, built in 1931 and renovated in 2005, has been deemed unsafe by structural engineers, who have determined repairs to meet building codes would require a near total reconstruction. The district looked at other options, including finding space for students in existing schools or building at a new location, but decided building new at the existing site is best, allowing students and teachers to stay together. We are grateful for the patience on the part of the students, staff and families and plan to move forward as quickly as possible, said Waterloo Schools Superintendent Jane Lindaman in a press release. Students will continue this year and the next to attend classes at the alternate location in the Central Rivers Area Education Agencys former conference center and special education buildings at 3706 and 3712 Cedar Heights Drive in Cedar Falls. District officials have been working with the districts insurance company, EMC of Des Moines, for almost a year to reach a mutually agreed upon valuation for the existing building, but remain stalemated. The district is moving ahead with plans to construct a new school despite not having reached a settlement. We are enacting our rights under our policy and pursuing legal options, but we can wait no longer. Lowell students need a home, Lindaman said. Lindaman said the insurance company has repeatedly promised to meet deadlines to reach a settlement but failed to do so. When the latest deadline, Dec. 31, passed without an agreement, the district decided to proceed with plans for a new building as it pursues its legal rights under its policy with the insurance carrier. We are going to build a brand new school and at the same time work to resolve the insurance impasse, she said. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 2 Angry 0 BRUSSELS The European Union spent 20 million euros last year in Eritrea, hoping to help stem an exodus from the repressive African country, which is consistently one of its biggest sources of asylum seekers. The money, about $22 million, bought equipment and materials to build a road, a seemingly uncontroversial task. The catch? Many workers on the construction site are forced conscripts, and the European Union has no real means of monitoring the project. The decision caused outrage in human-rights circles. But that did not stop the bloc in December from deciding to give Eritrea tens of millions more, funding a system of forced conscription that the United Nations has described as tantamount to enslavement. The additional aid, of 95 million, has not been previously reported, and is a jarring example of the quandary facing the European Union as it scrambles to drastically curb migration. The global automotive ventilated seats market is expected to post a CAGR of more than 8% during the period 2020-2024, according to the latest market research report by Technavio. Request a free sample report This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200107005062/en/ Technavio announced its latest market research report titled global automotive ventilated seats market 2020-2024. (Photo: Business Wire) Growth in infrastructure, road network, logistics, and construction activities has significantly increased the number of long-haul journeys in the commercial sector. This has increased the need for advanced seating functionalities, such as ventilated seats in commercial vehicles such as heavy-duty trucks and other heavy motor vehicles. Also, consumer preference for long-haul rides is increasing the demand for ventilated seats in the passenger vehicle segment as well. This is prompting automobile manufacturers to introduce ventilated seats in both commercial and passenger vehicle segments, leading to market growth. To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR40116 As per Technavio, the increasing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other significant trends and market drivers that will affect market growth over 2020-2024. Global Automotive Ventilated Seats Market: Increasing Demand for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Ventilated seats reduce the burden on air-conditioning and hence minimizes the use of fuel for air-conditioning, thereby improving the fuel-efficiency of the vehicle. Therefore, the rising demand for fuel-efficient vehicles will boost the ventilated seats market during the forecast period. "Technological advances in the global automotive ventilated seats market and the consolidation of the automotive industry will further boost market growth during the forecast period," says a senior analyst at Technavio. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Global Automotive Ventilated Seats Market: Segmentation Analysis This market report segments the global automotive ventilated seats market by vehicle type (passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles) and geography (APAC, Europe, MEA, North America, and South America). The APAC region led the market in 2019, followed by Europe, North America, South America, and MEA, respectively. During the forecast period, the APAC region is expected to maintain its dominance over the global market. This is due to the rapid growth of the automobile industry in the region. Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report Some of the key topics covered in the report include: Market Landscape Market ecosystem Market characteristics Market segmentation analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market size and forecast Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation Customer Landscape Geographical Segmentation Geographic comparison Key leading countries Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Landscape disruption Competitive scenario Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200107005062/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website:https://www.technavio.com/ EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine along with statehouse and local elected officials on Tuesday toured the site on Euclid Avenue where a woman was struck and killed while crossing the street last week. Terra Nolden, a 37-year-old mother of seven, died Dec. 30 after being hit in the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Strathmore Avenue-Stanwood Road, per WKYC. The corner is currently an Ohio Department of Transportation construction area. ODOT removed the traffic light at the corner in November, which community members including Noldens brother blamed for Noldens death. DeWine, along with ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks, East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King, state Sen. Kenny Yuko and state Rep. Kent Smith were all on hand Tuesday to meet organizers in the community, as well as discuss future plans for East Cleveland. After Noldens death, the state expedited getting the traffic light back up, DeWine said. A crosswalk with signals that indicate pedestrian traffic will also be installed at the intersection. Another traffic light will be installed down the street at Euclid and Marloes avenues. The corner of Euclid Avenue and Stanwood Road where Terra Nolden, a 37-year-old mother of seven, was struck and killed by a car on Dec. 30. The crowd of around two dozen, including Noldens brother, Brutell Dandridge, 44, of Euclid, were appreciative of DeWines visit. Dandridge is taking in Noldens seven children and said he appreciated the governors personal condolences. DeWine and the state and local officials used the tour of the site to bring attention to the need for economic revival in the downtrodden suburb. East Cleveland is the poorest city in the state by median household and family income. The citys stagnant economy is the reason ODOT was in charge of the construction site. East Cleveland could not afford to rehab the street, so ODOT agreed to in 2018. ODOT said well come in, well manage the program and well get moving on that, DeWine said. DeWine said he directed JobsOhio, the states economic development wing, to explore opportunities in the city when he took office last year. He said there are promising signs, though declined to elaborate. We cant come here and have any great miracles, DeWine said. I cant come in and say all the economic challenges of East Cleveland are going to go away overnight. Yuko and Smith, both Democrats, praised DeWine, a Republican, both for his administrations response to Noldens death and for taking the struggles of East Cleveland seriously. I wish it would not have come to this, Smith said. But Im glad there are brighter days ahead for the city of East Cleveland. And a lot of those thanks are due to the governor. She is known for her love of fashion and has been running her lifestyle brand House of Harlow 1960 for more than a decade. And Nicole Richie looked nothing short of sensational as she grabbed a healthy green juice in the Studio City area of Los Angeles on Tuesday. The TV personality, 38, cut a stylish figure for the outing, donning a black long-sleeved top with a scoop neck and high-waisted rust-coloured trousers with a wide leg. Style: Nicole Richie, 38, looked nothing short of sensational as she stepped out to run errands in Studio City, California on Tuesday Nicole styled her blonde locks into an updo and also sported a pair of black and white trainers. Stopping to purchase a smoothie, the actress completed her look for the day with a black handbag and a pair of sunglasses. Meanwhile, Nicole's father Lionel also stepped out on Tuesday when he visited a medical centre with his girlfriend Lisa Parigi. The couple donned matching black outfits for the outing as Lionel, 70, donned a top with a jacket and trousers while Lisa, who is in her thirties, wore a black blazer with leather-style trousers and black boots. Outfit: The TV personality cut a stylish figure for the outing, donning a black long-sleeved top with a scoop neck and high-waisted bright red trousers Nicole recently announced her return to television with the upcoming Quibi series Nikki Fre$h. The show will follow her titular rapper alter ego as she drops 'socially conscious and educational rhymes on the world.' She previously starred in the NBC comedy Great News, which was cancelled last year after two seasons. Couple: Nicole's father Lionel, 70, also stepped out on Tuesday when he visited a medical centre with his girlfriend Lisa Parigi Music for Nikki Fre$h will be overseen by Nicole's husband Joel Madden and his brother Benji, who are known for their rock band Good Charlotte. The former reality star tied the knot with Joel back in December 11, 2010 after four years of dating. The couple, who first began dating in December 2006, share daughter Harlow, 11, and son Sparrow, 10. DALLAS, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GHR Healthcare, the Houston-based parent organization to a family of healthcare and community-based staffing companies, has announced the acquisition of the HIM Division of HCTec. Focusing on Coding, Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) and Case Management, the new entity will now be known as GHR RevCycle Workforce. GHR RevCycle Workforce Started in 2012 and based in Tampa, FL, the newly renamed GHR RevCycle Workforce works with clients across the United States, focusing on providing key personnel, streamlined processes and program management services to improve a healthcare organization's revenue cycle health. The addition of GHR RevCycle Workforce complements the existing family of GHR brands, which already includes organizations providing per diem, short and long-term contingent, travel, direct placement, MSP and RPO solutions in the healthcare, healthcare IT, allied health, education, and behavioral health sectors. "We are very excited to add GHR RevCycle Workforce to the GHR team," said Joe Kaplan, Chairman of the Board for GHR Healthcare. "We believe that it is a strategic fit for all involved. We are able to add an experienced, successful company to our group and, at the same time, expand our scope of support as a family. This acquisition complements our existing lines of business, allowing us to offer a broader range of workforce solutions to all clients." According to Janet Elkin, president and CEO of GHR Healthcare, "This acquisition is a win for our healthcare clients across all of our operating brands. At the end of the day, our mission is to help our clients deliver superior patient care. Helping them address the revenue cycle challenges so many face is another way of delivering on that promise." Frequently ranked first, and consistently ranked among the industry leaders by KLAS Research (an independent research organization for the healthcare industry), GHR RevCycle Workforce is known for delivering strong revenue cycle workforce solutions and superior customer service. "We have built an energetic, prosperous organization over the past eight years and have an experienced, tenured team," said Barry Matthews, current manager of the group who will continue to lead GHR RevCycle Workforce as Vice President. "To me, this is a win-win scenario. We are able to maintain our focus on the revenue cycle needs of our clients, while increasing the level of support, services and workforce solutions we can deliver." About GHR Healthcare GHR Healthcare is the parent company to a family of operating brands focused on healthcare and community-based staffing: General Healthcare Resources, GHR Travel Nursing, GHR Education, GHR Human Services, GHR Technology and GHR Search. Through these brands they provide a variety of workforce strategies and solutions, including contingent, per diem, long-term contract, travel, MSP, RPO and direct hire services to clients nationwide. For more information, visit www.GHRHealthcare.com. About GHR RevCycle Workforce Formerly the HIM Division of HCTec, a healthcare IT optimization company, GHR RevCycle Workforce focuses exclusively on revenue cycle improvement solutions for hospitals and healthcare organizations across the country. This acquisition does not impact the HCTec HIT consulting or Application Managed Services teams. For more information, visit www.GHRRevCycle.com. CONTACT: Mike Dunagan, Chief Marketing Officer GHR Healthcare 404-834-8180 [email protected] Website: www.GHRHealthcare.com SOURCE GHR Healthcare Woman rescued after being stuck inside clothing donation bin for 3 days Good Morning America The Year and the Decade in Weather and Climate: A Meta-Lookback Weather Underground Ross Garnauts climate change prediction is coming true and its going to cost Australia billions, experts warn ABC Australia Australias leaders unmoved on climate action after devastating bushfires Reuters Australia fires: How do we know how many animals have died? BBC Central banks running low on ways to fight recession, warns Mark Carney FT The Fed might be in denial about the next recession The Week Bible Lobbyist: We Cant Print Bibles in America Anymore Matt Stoller, BIG Rediscovering the Neighborhood of Saturdays Belt Magazine Syraqistan Again, Iraq and Iran dominate the news flow. The political class: Graham: To my Democratic colleagues: 40 years of Iranian aggression needs to be dealt with forcefully. Iran is: The largest state sponsor of terrorism. Threatening the existence of Israel by arming Hezbollah to the teeth. Providing arms to kill Americans in Iraq. Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 6, 2020 Forcefully. Pelosi: Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war. Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 8, 2020 Demanding. Trump: All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 Powerful. No speech tonight. * * * More detail: Pompeo orders diplomats not to meet with Iranian opposition groups amid tensions CNN. Sensible. Tanker Operators Dont Expect Ships to Be Targeted in U.S.-Iran Showdown WSJ Israel had advance notice of U.S. plan to kill Iranian general Suleimani, report says Los Angeles Times Contractor whose death Trump cited was a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Iraq WaPo. A translator. * * * Retaliation: Irans Retaliation Offers Room for Trump to Calm Tensions Bloomberg. KW: My own guess for these attacks is that Iran is giving the leadership of Iraq (and the Kurds) a message that if they do not go ahead and get rid of foreign forces, then Iraq will become the battlefield for a proxy war between the US and Iran. Revenge is a dish best served cold. Thread: 1. I want to express this carefully cause I don't want to minimize anything that results in loss of life. But missiles flying back/forth in Mid East is all too common (something US can handle) & not what makes me nervous about the Soleimani situation Here's what makes me nervous https://t.co/F2LYk09m5w Yashar Ali (@yashar) January 8, 2020 Trump moves to unite the Middle East! (irony) Sic Semper Tyrannnis (Carey). Colonel Lang focuses on logistics, as a professional should do. Should banks expect cyberattacks from Iran? American Banker * * * Other analysis and prediction: What Explains Trump Pulling the Trigger on Suleimani? Its the Economics, Stupid. Foreign Policy The real target of the US assassination of Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani China South China Morning Post US troops out of Iraq? What that would mean for both countries. Christian Science Monitor The World Paid Attention to the Wrong Iraqi Protests The Atlantic The War Nerd: Irans Qassam Soleimani Was a Great General, One of the Very Few Our Era Will See Gary Brecher, Anti-Empire Marg bar ___ Language Log. Generally translated as Death to _____. * * * A series of unfortunate events: Plane crash near Tehran killed Iranians, Canadians, others AP. The crash of Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752 (a Boeing 737-800). Read all the way to the end. Magnitude 4.9 earthquake strikes 30 miles from Irans sole nuclear power plant just two weeks after a similar quake in the region Daily Mail (data). Note the non-inflammatory headline. This is actually a roundup of the earthquake and the #PS752 crash. * * * Our famously free press: Pundits Praising Suleimani Killing Fail to Disclose Arms Ties The Intercept. Busy, busy, busy: My Amtrak train towards DC is fucking filled with fucking defense contractors taking up the entire dining car going over their fucking presentations. #IranWar Matt Gabriele (@prof_gabriele) January 5, 2020 People Are Spreading False And Unverified Information About Irans Missile Attack On US Bases In Iraq. Dont Be Fooled. Buzzfeed. Continuously updated. [January 08, 2020] iCoreConnect Inc. Acquires TrinIT Solutions WINDERMERE, FL, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- iCoreConnect Inc. (OTC:ICCT) announces the acquisition of Computer Plumber LLC, DBA TrinIT Solutions. TrinIT Solutions is a North Carolina-based IT company providing, managing and monitoring technology solutions for corporate and healthcare companies. The iCoreConnect culture is to engage and listen to our customers to understand the full spectrum of their challenges, then proactively develop solutions to their problems, explains iCoreConnect President and CEO Robert McDermott. Our software clients have been expressing dissatisfaction with the limited and inflexible IT offerings available to them from third parties. With the completion of the TrinIT Solutions acquisition, iCoreConnect will be able to further improve the productivity and profitability of our customers through technology, whether they are in the Corporate or Healthcare sectors. Aaron Lindsey founded the business in 2003 and has grown it into a turnkey Managed IT services company. Lindsey speaks to the acquisition, We are so excited to combine forces with iCoreConnect to empower businesses to grow to the next level! All clients will benefit from an expansion of cloud-based business tools, agile software development and excellent IT solutions, service and support. We love to improve productivity, reliability and security. This acquisition marks iCoreConnects fifth strategic acquisition under McDermott and his executive team. Theres a synergy with all the companies weve acquired. Each one has strengthened a particular part ofour business and accelerated the capacity of iCoreConnect to respond to our customer base. We welcome Mr. Lindsey and his team to our iCoreConnect family. iCoreConnect recognitions include: - Top 25 IoT Solution Providers 2019 by CIO Applications Magazine - Top 10 Encryption Solution Providers 2018 by Enterprise Security Magazine - Top 10 Dental Solutions 2018 by Healthcare Tech Outlook - Top 50 Products of 2017 by Dental Products Report Magazine iCoreConnects unequivocal commitment to responding to the market has resulted in the following agreements and endorsements to date: - Colorado Dental Association (iCoreExchange) - Florida Dental Association Crown Services (iCoreExchange, iCoreDental) - Georgia Dental Association (iCoreExchange) - Louisiana Dental Association (iCoreExchange) - Maine Medical Association (iCoreExchange, iCoreMD) - Michigan Dental Association (iCoreExchange) - New Orleans Dental Association (iCoreDental) - New York State Dental Association (iCoreExchange) - North Carolina Dental Society (iCoreRx) - South Carolina Dental Association (iCoreExchange) - StartUp Health (iCoreExchange, iCoreMD, iCoreDental, iCoreCodeGenius, iCoreHuddle, iCoreFlex, iCoreRx) - Texas Dental Association Perks Program (TDA Perks) (iCoreExchange, iCoreDental, iCoreHuddle, iCoreRx) - Virginia Dental Association (iCoreExchange) - Wyoming Medical Society (iCoreExchange, iCoreMD, iCoreCodeGenius) About iCoreConnect iCoreConnect (OTC:ICCT) is a publicly-traded, cloud-based software and technology company providing healthcare practice management software systems as well as secure communication and IT services for both the Healthcare and Corporate Sectors. Approximately 2,000 physicians and dentists helped design and develop iCoreExchange HIPAA-compliant email, as well as iCoreMD and iCoreDental cloud-based practice management Electronic Health Records (EHR) software. All iCoreConnect healthcare industry software meets the federal governments strict laws for HIPAA-compliant communication. Its EHR software achieved certification by the federal governments Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). Forward Looking Statements In this news release, the use of the words "believe," "could," "expect," "may," "positioned," "project," "projected," "should," "will," "would" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements that represent the Company's current judgment about possible future events. The Company believes these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any events or financial results, and actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. SOURCE iCoreConnect, Inc. PUB NO. 2000.031.010820 Cile Spelce [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] But the rollout of the enhanced security has not been smooth in every case, leaving some people facing a chaotic return to work at the beginning of the new year. The Navy command that runs Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda modified some of its new precautions and issued a lighthearted mea culpa on its Facebook page Monday evening after the security changes caused monstrous traffic in the area that morning. 'The advertising business, methinks, needs to tone down a bit. Take control of itself, and its emotions,' advises adguru Sandeep Goyal. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com There was a lot of hullabaloo about an Uber ad that had mistakes in the headline and spelling errors in body copy. Lots of nasty remarks were posted on social media. First Ogilvy, the Uber agency, was targeted. And roasted. When they issued a denial saying the ad was not theirs, the mud-slinging kind of eased somewhat. So now, with Ogilvy out of the frame, it looked as if the client had done the creatives in-house (or done them through a small agency/freelancer) and managed a self-goal. After 35 years in the business, I sat back, and thought to myself: 'Why so much criticism? Why such self-flagellation? Why such nasty remarks about peers? Aren't we all human? Anyone can make a mistake. Sure the mistake has costs, and maybe has repercussions. But is an inadvertent mistake, an honest error, enough to trigger an avalanche of such nastiness and negativity? Does the advertising industry over-react?' Back to Uber. The taxi-hailing company ran ads in Delhi and Mumbai (perhaps other cities) too. The headline in Delhi ran something like this ... 'Planning to head out of the Delhi?' The mistake of adding a 'the' before Delhi got Twitter heated up, and in knots, in no time. Also, in the body copy 'anywhere' and 'anytime' were written as single words. While the singular/combined usage in 'anywhere' was debatable, the 'anytime' should have been two separate words for sure. In the Mumbai ad, the name of a destination was wrongly spelt. An extra 'i' was added to Bhimashankar, one of the destinations. Hell broke loose on social media. My personal opinion is that the original Delhi headline perhaps was meant to say, 'Planning to head out of the Delhi smog?' or may be Delhi pollution. Somebody senior at the client end must have felt that the use of words like 'smog' or 'pollution' may not be politically incorrect. A last minute chopping of the undesirable word must have been ordered. In the haste to catch the newspaper deadline, the offending 'the' which too should have been removed, was not deleted. Sh*t happens! I have seen worse. Almost 25 years ago, I ran a new helpline number ad for Lufthansa in Mumbai. Front page solus. Big bold telephone number upfront. And, we managed to get the number wrong! Don't ask me how. The client had seen the artwork; the copywriter had checked and signed the material. Yet somehow the mistake happened. The wrong number was incessantly ringing at the home of an old Parsi lady, driving her nuts. It was an MTNL number, and it took us half a day to get it disconnected. Another half day to double check the originally allotted number. Getting space... that too front page solus... in the newspaper the next day was another nightmare. In all this, the client did not once fly off the handle. Nor was there any social media those days to deride us or mock us. I just went the next day to the Parsi lady's home with a box of chocolates, and apologised. She was most gracious, and understanding. Period. Way back in the early 1990s when Star TV used to uplink from Hong Kong, we had a new packaging change commercial running during Christmas-New Year for Fujifilm. That was also the time of the year when Star would shut all commercial operations and the uplinking would be on auto. Well, our 'new' commercial went on air, but somehow it was the wrong tape that was getting broadcast! And as I said, Star was all but shut for holidays. It took us three days of fire-fighting across the globe to get the right material to run. In all the chaos, the client in Japan maintained a stoic silence, and in fact sent me a 'thank-you' message once the error had been rectified. The advertising business, methinks, needs to tone down a bit. Take control of itself, and its emotions. Controversy on every small little issue signals an industry either unsure of itself, or a fraternity that is needlessly uptight and too self-righteous. A good laugh, some good-natured banter on the Uber ad was all that was merited. Not the ugly, derisive comments that flooded the social media after the headline debacle. If advertising practitioners and pundits do need to get themselves into a rage in 2020, there are a lot more pertinent issues than inadvertent mistakes that ought to get them worked up... puffery, plagiarism, puerility... perennial problems that advertising has faced, but never really confronted. Or addressed. Or solved. The lessons to be learnt from the Uber debacle are simply that 1. To err is human; 2. No one is infallible. Tomorrow it could be you; 3. Grin and bear it. Forgive and forget; 4. Tomorrow is another day. Irans missile attack on two American bases in Iraq in response the the U.S. strike that killed its top general is the culmination of nearly two years of steadily rising tensions since President Donald Trump withdrew from Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The two countries are now engaged in their most serious confrontation since the 1979 Islamic revolution and takeover of the U.S. Embassy. Both sides have signaled restraint following the missile attack, but the threat of an all-out war remains. A timeline of the main events leading up to this week's hostilities: May 8, 2018 Trump announces that the U.S. is withdrawing from the nuclear deal signed by his predecessor, President Barack Obama, which had provided sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on Irans nuclear program and stepped-up U.N. monitoring. Over the next several months, the U.S. ratchets up sanctions, exacerbating an economic crisis in Iran. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivers a statement on Iraq and Syria, at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago property, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)AP Nov. 5, 2018 U.S. imposes tough sanctions on Irans oil industry, the lifeline of its economy, as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announces a list of 12 demands it must meet for sanctions relief. Iran rejects the wide-ranging demands, which include ending its support for armed groups in the region, withdrawing from the Syrian civil war and halting its ballistic missile program. May 5, 2019 The U.S. announces the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and a bomber task force in response to a number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings, without providing details. It threatens unrelenting force in response to any attack. May 8, 2019 Iran vows to enrich its uranium stockpile closer to weapons-grade levels if world powers fail to negotiate new terms for its nuclear deal. The European Union urges Iran to respect the nuclear deal and says it plans to continue trading with the country. Trump says he would like Irans leaders to call me. May 12, 2019 The United Arab Emirates says four commercial ships off its eastern coast were subjected to sabotage operations.. Trump warns that if Tehran does anything in the form of an attack, they will suffer greatly. In this photo released by state-run IRIB News Agency, an oil tanker is on fire in the sea of Oman, Thursday, June 13, 2019. Two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz were attacked. (IRIB News Agency via AP, file)AP June 13, 2019 Two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz are hit in an alleged assault that leaves one ablaze and adrift as 44 sailors are evacuated from both vessels and the U.S. Navy rushes to assist. America later blames Iran for the attack, something Tehran denies. June 20, 2019 Irans Revolutionary Guard shoots down a U.S. military surveillance drone. Trump says he called off a planned retaliatory strike on Iran over concerns about casualties. July 1, 2019 Iran follows through on a threat to exceed the limit set by the nuclear deal on its stockpile of low-enriched uranium, which is used for civilian applications and not for nuclear weapons. Sept. 14, 2019 A drone attack on Saudi oil facilities temporarily cuts off half the oil supplies of the worlds largest producer, causing a spike in prices. The U.S. says Iran carried out the attack directly, calling it an act of war against Saudi Arabia. Iran denies involvement, while the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claim responsibility. October 2019 Massive anti-government protests erupt in Lebanon and Iraq. While the protests are primarily driven by economic grievances, they target governments that are closely allied to Iran. In Iraq, protesters openly decry Tehrans influence and attack Iranian diplomatic facilities. November 2019 Protests break out in some 100 cities and towns in Iran after authorities raise the price of gasoline. The scale of the protests and the resulting crackdown are hard to determine as authorities shut down the internet for several days. Amnesty International later estimates that more than 300 people were killed. Dec. 27, 2019 A U.S. contractor is killed and several American and Iraqi troops are wounded in a rocket attack on a base in northern Iraq. The U.S. blames the attack on Kataeb Hezbollah, one of several Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq. Dec. 29, 2019 U.S. airstrikes hit Kataeb Hezbollah positions in Iraq and Syria, killing at least 25 fighters and bringing vows of revenge. Iraq calls the strikes a flagrant violation of its sovereignty. U.S. embassy is seen from across the Tigris River in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, Jan. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)AP Dec. 31, 2019 Hundreds of Iran-backed militiamen and their supporters barge through an outer barrier of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and hold two days of violent protests in which they smash windows, set fires and hurl rocks over the inner walls. U.S. Marines guarding the facility respond with tear gas. There are no casualties on either side. In this image made from a video, mourners gather to pay their respects to the slain Gen. Qassem Soleimani who was killed in a U.S. airstrike, in Kerman, Iran Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. (Iran Press via AP)AP Jan. 3 A U.S. airstrike near Baghdads international airport kills Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the leader of Irans elite Quds Force and the mastermind of its regional military interventions. A senior commander of Iran-backed militias in Iraq is also killed in the strike. Iran vows harsh retaliation. Trump says he ordered the targeted killing to prevent a major attack. Congressional leaders and close U.S. allies say they were not consulted on the strike, which many fear could ignite a war. Jan. 5 Iran announces it will no longer abide by the nuclear deal and Iraqs parliament holds a non-binding vote calling for the expulsion of all U.S. forces. Some 5,200 American troops are based in Iraq to help prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group. Trump vows to impose sanctions on Iraq if it expels U.S. troops. Jan. 8 Iran launches several ballistic missiles on two bases in Iraq housing American troops in what it says is retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. There are no immediate reports of U.S. or Iraqi casualties. Trump tweets that All is well! and says he will deliver a statement Wednesday. Irans supreme leader says we slapped them on the face but that military action is not enough. The Food Corporation of India has asked to pay Rs 205 crore for the rice allotted as flood relief during 2018-19. The Centre had on January 6 approved the release of Rs 5,908.56 crore to seven states, including Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Assam, as assistance for the damage caused due to various calamities last year. In a letter dated January 6, the has asked the state to settle the bill towards the cost of 89,450 tonnes of rice provided during flood relief during the 2018-19 floods. The letter also said a communication in this regard was earlier sent on December 5, 2019 and December 30, 2019. "..it was requested to take necessary steps to settle the bill raised by towards the cost of 89,540 tonnes of rice lifted from against the additional allocation made under flood relief during 2018-19 and remit the amount of Rs 205.81 crore to FCI at the earliest," the letter undersigned by Corporation's General Manager for said. The letter was addressed to the state Disaster Management Authority. had demanded over Rs 2,100 crore to deal with the damage caused by heavy rains and landslips that claimed 120 lives and led to widespread destruction of property in northern Kerala. The CPI, a major ally in the ruling Left government in the state, alleged that the denial of aid to Kerala shows the "narrow-minded political stand" of the centre. "When the centre yesterday allotted Rs 5,908 crore to the seven states for dealing with damage from various natural calamities, the committee headed by Union Minister Amit Shah refused to allot even a single rupee to Kerala. The state was also denied any assistance when an interim aid was given to four states earlier," CPI state chief Kanam Rajendran said in a release. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 21:32:20|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MADRID, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Spain's Socialist Party leader Pedro Sanchez was sworn in on Wednesday morning as prime minister after being returned to power in Tuesday's investiture vote in the Spanish Congress (lower chamber). He did so by swearing loyalty to the Spanish Constitution in the presence of King Felipe VI after the reading of the Royal Decree confirming him as Prime Minister. Sanchez's return to office has ended 10 months of political instability which saw Spain hold two general elections (in April and November) in 2019. Sanchez won Tuesday's vote with 167 votes in favour and 165 against, with the right-wing People's Party (PP), Ciudadanos and the extreme right wing Vox, voting against him. He will now form a coalition government with the left-wing Unidas Podemos with the promise of introducing progressive social and economic policies while trying to relax the tension with the Catalan region in the northeast of Spain. The fact that Catalan and Basque parties Esquerra Republicana and Bildu abstained in Tuesday's vote, while the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) voting in his favour, allowed Sanchez the simple majority he needed to return to power. He will continue to need their "support" in order to pass legislations and his budget for 2020. Sanchez is expected to name his new cabinet, which will include Unidas Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias and Izquierda Unida's Alberto Garzon in the coming hours, before holding the first session of his new cabinet. Ant Financial Services and a consortium that includes Hong Kong-listed smartphone maker Xiaomi are among those who have bid for digital bank licences in Singapore, intensifying a rivalry between Hong Kong and the city state to promote fintech-related financial services. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said on Tuesday that it had received 21 applications seven for retail banks and 14 for wholesale banks. The MAS will announce the winners in June, exactly a year after announcing its biggest banking liberalisation in decades. Singapores central bank plans to issue up to five licences two retail and three wholesale licences with the banks expected to start operations in mid-2021. The bids from Ant Financial and Xiaomi, which won virtual bank licences in Hong Kong last year, show their ambitions in expanding in the region. Ant Bank (Hong Kong) will start operating later this year. Ant Financial has bid for a digital bank licence in Singapore. Photo: Bloomberg The MAS move comes after the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the citys de facto central bank, issued eight virtual bank licences last year. This shows that the two cities are competing with each other to promote fintech by bringing in new players to inject new technology and business models in the banking sector. While the HKMA has permitted the banks to join the ATM network, allowing customers to withdraw cash, the MAS says that digital bank customers will be barred from using ATMs, as it wants them to come up with other innovative banking methods. A spokesman for Hangzhou-based Ant Financial confirmed that the company was one of the digital bank applicants in Singapore. Ant Financial is an affiliate of Alibaba Group Holding, which owns the South China Morning Post. In line with our commitment to promoting financial inclusion globally, we have submitted an application to the Monetary Authority of Singapore for a digital wholesale banking licence. We look forward to contributing to the development of the digital banking landscape in Singapore, the Ant Financial spokesman said. Story continues Xiaomi meanwhile has teamed up with Hong Kong-based financial company AMTD Group, energy firm SP Group and SME financing operator Funding Societies for a wholesale licence in Singapore, the consortium said in a statement on Tuesday without providing a shareholding breakdown. The statement added that AMTD is taking the lead. Our ultimate goal is to establish Singapores most innovative platform bank through an ecosystem of strategic partners to cater for the entire spectrum of funding and business development needs of SMEs and entrepreneurs, said Calvin Choi, chairman and chief executive of AMTD Group. Smartphone maker Xiaomi has bid for a online bank licence in Singapore as part of a consortium. Photo: Reuters Xiaomi and AMTD had earlier successfully teamed up to form a 90:10 joint venture for a virtual bank licence in Hong Kong. Airstar Bank will start operations this year. Singapore is the pivotal base of fintech development in Southeast Asia, said Hong Feng, co-founder and senior vice-president of Xiaomi. James Lloyd, partner and Asia-Pacific fintech leader at EY, said that the imminent launch of virtual banks was not a game-changer for the Singapore market as many traditional banks already offer digital banking services, but the latest move could still benefit customers by adding more competitive pressure in the industry. He also said that the terms of the new digital banks in Singapore were more restrictive than Hong Kong, pointing to the lack of access to ATMs. One key difference is the size of the addressable market. Not only is Hong Kong a bigger banking market, but there exists a medium-term opportunity of accessing the Greater Bay Area. Such a wider market opportunity does not exist in the Singaporean context, he said. He added that other Southeast Asia markets such as Malaysia were launching their own digital banks thereby limiting the opportunities for Singapore-based digital banks to compete in the region. Other applicants who have publicly said that they were bidding for a digital bank licence in Singapore include a joint venture between ride-hailing platform Grab and Singapore Telecommunications, a consortium led by gaming firm Razer, and consumer internet company Sea. More from South China Morning Post: This article Ant Financial and Xiaomi among 21 applicants for Singapore digital bank licence first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. Chairwoman Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., is seen during a Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce hearing in Rayburn Building titled "Driving in Reverse: The Administration's Rollback of Fuel Economy and Clean Car Standards," on Thursday, June 20, 2019. Schakowsky noted the new policy would not cover the doctored video of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that circulated on Facebook and other platforms. The video was simply slowed down to make Pelosi's speech appear slurred, and Facebook said it would not remove the video after it was viewed millions of times. "The result is Big Tech failed to respond to the great threats posed by deepfakes ... as evidenced by Facebook scrambling to announce a new policy that strikes me as wholly inadequate," Schakowsky said, referring to the policy Facebook released a day earlier banning highly manipulated videos created by artificial intelligence or machine learning. The experts and lawmakers disagreed on the level of involvement needed from Congress to ensure tech companies responsibly patrol deceptive content on their platforms. Experts warned the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce of the societal and national security implications of manipulated digital media, such as the potential to fake a remark by a politician or to drive opposing groups to real-world events that would put them in close conflict. With the presidential election coming up later this year, researchers have raised alarms about the urgency of addressing deepfakes and other forms of digital deception. On Wednesday, a House panel heard digital experts and a Facebook representative testify about what strategies tech companies are employing to combat deepfakes and what more should be done on the federal level. Lawmakers have become increasingly concerned about the potential havoc that manipulative media such as "deepfakes" could wreak on American society. But the steps they're willing to take to address the issue remain unclear. At the hearing, Monika Bickert, Facebook's vice president of global policy management, confirmed the altered Pelosi video would not be subject to the new deepfake policy but said it would still be subject to existing misinformation policies. Facebook previously said it limited the distribution of the Pelosi video in the News Feed and added additional context after a fact-checking partner rated the video as false. Several Republicans, including ranking member Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, urged caution toward legislation, warning of potential repercussions on consumers and the threat of China's rising sophistication in developing AI. "As we discuss ways to combat manipulation online, we must ensure America will remain the global leader in AI development," McMorris Rodgers said. "There's no better place in the world to raise people's standard of living and make sure this technology is used responsibly." Justin (Gus) Hurwitz, an associate law professor at the University of Nebraska, took a conservative approach to regulation in his testimony Wednesday. With regard to dark patterns which are certain design choices that can influence a users' behavior, such as making one button large and colorful and another small and dull Hurwitz said in his written testimony, "we need to be careful in how and why we regulate these practices, including understanding when and whether we should at all. In some cases, regulatory efforts may be better focused on other areas; in some cases, it may make more sense to allow the underlying technology and markets to continue to improve before stepping in with regulatory intervention; and in other cases still beneficial regulatory intervention may simply not be possible." If regulation is found to be necessary, Hurwitz wrote, it should target "specific design practices" or empower an agency like the Federal Trade Commission to identify practices that it believes violate the FTC Act. Rather than jumping to legislation right away, Hurwitz suggested allowing the FTC to use its rulemaking authority to regulate dark patterns, and have the agency tell Congress if further intervention is needed. The two other experts on the panel, however, urged Congress to more actively rein in digital manipulation. Joan Donovan, research director of the technology and social change project at the Shorenstein Center at the Harvard Kennedy School, said it's important to ensure the FTC has access to all the information it needs to effectively investigate and audit tech companies and that the FTC should be able to "assess substantial injuries" in investigations. But the FTC alone may not have the capacity to deal with the "exponential" scale and issues of the tech industry, said Tristan Harris, executive director of the Center for Humane Technology and former Google design ethicist. "This is why I'm thinking about how can we have a digital update for each of our different agencies who already have jurisdiction over ... public health or children or scams or deception, and just have them ask the questions that then are forced upon the technology companies to use their resources to calculate, report back, set the objectives for what they're going to do in the next quarter," Harris said. He also warned that centralizing this power in a new federal agency would take too long as these issues accelerate. Harris also suggested creating an awareness campaign to "inoculate the public" against deception and misinformation, noting that the government released a propaganda film in the 1940s warning against fascism, though research has since questioned the effectiveness of that particular film. Harris even suggested that tech companies help distribute such a campaign. Hurwitz said the campaign "runs the risk of being called a dark pattern if the platforms are starting to label certain content in certain ways." As Schackowsky noted in her opening remarks, the question of Section 230, a bill that shields tech from legal liability for its users' content, was an undercurrent of the hearing. Bickert, the Facebook representative, emphasized that the law also allows the company to remove harmful content as it sees fit. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., who also advised Congress to revisit Section 230, said, "This hearing should serve as a reminder to all online platforms that we are watching them closely." Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. WATCH: The rise of deepfakes and what Facebook, Twitter and Google are doing to detect them By Express News Service BENGALURU: Stating that even spiritual organisations are bound by law, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed the Isha Foundation, led by Jaggi Vasudev (Sadghuru), to disclose details of money collected for the Cauvery Calling project and also the manner in which it was collected. Expressing displeasure over not specifying the name of the authorised signatory and whether the collection of funds was voluntary or not in the statement of objections filed by the foundation, the court asked the latter what it was doing in the name of spirituality. While hearing a PIL filed by city-based advocate A V Amarnathan against the project, the division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Hemant Chandangoudar directed the foundation to file additional objections containing the above issues. Going through the objections filed by the foundation, the bench pointed out that it had nowhere mentioned that the contributions were voluntary. During the hearing, the foundations counsel contended that it was creating awareness among public, especially farmers, about the environment through the project. The bench said that though the cause was good, it cannot be embarked upon by forcing people to pay money. Meanwhile, the bench also asked as to why there was no enquiry about the money being collected by the foundation. In reply, the state government submitted that state was not sponsoring the project in question, but the foundation was joining them in the Krishi Aranya Project. Questioning the rationale behind collecting Rs 42 per sapling from the public as part of the campaign by the foundation, the petitioner asked the court to issue directions to stop the collection. According to the petitioner, the foundation plans to plant 253 crore saplings to save the Cauvery basin. If Rs 42 is collected per sapling, the total amount will be Rs 10,626 crore. The state cannot be quiet about allowing the foundation to collect such a huge amount to do work on government land, the petitioner claimed. Isha Foundation replies In the statement of objections, the foundation stated that the amount required to meet the expenses of maintaining saplings planted on private land, as part of the project, was being collected from the public. The cost of a sapling varies from Rs 3 to 30. In addition to that, the manpower costs, training farmers and other costs will bring the cost to Rs 100 per sapling. At present, 69,760 farmers have come forward to provide their land for planting saplings. Netiquette Die Kommentare auf weltwoche.ch dienen als Diskussionsplattform und sollen den offenen Meinungsaustausch unter den Lesern ermoglichen. Es ist uns ein wichtiges Anliegen, dass in allen Kommentarspalten fair und sachlich debattiert wird. 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Before taking the stage to deliver his 2020 State of the State Address on Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo had already unveiled more than 30 policy proposals - touching on civil rights, health care, the environment, public safety or economic development in one way or another. Cuomo's 2020 State of the State slogan of Making Progress Happen shows that while he has moved to the political left in recent years, he continues to emphasize pragmatism and many of his proposals reflect his penchant for centrist, achievable wins. These ideas fall into four thematic categories: Confronting threats There are plenty of new twists to old problems in the digital age. Cuomo is looking at dealing with three of them through measures aimed at banning different types of opioids, cracking down on vaping products, banning sex offenders from New York City subways, and keeping sexual predators away from social media and online gaming. They dont all pose the save levels of danger to the public, but Cuomo is looking to take them all down following high-profile media reports (here, here and here) about each of them this year. Building things Cuomo likes to measure progress by the number of capital projects that get done on time and under budget. His latest infrastructure initiatives include a $300 million effort to redevelop the Erie Canal, plans to expand Penn Station in New York City, and an idea to empanel experts to figure out how New York can succeed at high-speed rail where other states have failed. The building spree continues with proposed projects in Central New York, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Lake George, Manhattan, and the North Country. Wilderness offerings in the Mid-Hudson Valley are also getting a boost, as are workforce development efforts Add to this list a proposal to make sure that American-made iron and steel are used for state roads and bridges. Considering the small size of New Yorks steel industry, its almost as if Cuomo is looking to build something nationwide in the years ahead. A Justice Agenda sequel Some of Cuomos proposals follow a similar line of political thinking as his Justice Agenda last year, which included a variety of proposals to protect womens rights, expand voting access and reform the criminal justice system. This year, hes looking to pass a state Equal Rights Amendment that would make sex and gender identity protected classes in the state constitution. Stengenthing criminal laws on rape and eliminating the Pink Tax on womens products come after a host of other womens rights bills passed in the spring. His proposals to ban disposable styrofoam food containers, ghost guns and firearm purchases by people with criminal records in other states follow similar efforts from last year. Cuomo also wants the attorney general to help improve relations between police and local communities. Since he couldnt legalize gestational surrogacy last year, hes giving that idea another go while also taking on the elimination of Prohibition-era laws that limit alcohol purchases. Hes even aiming to require automatic manual recounts in close elections months after the results of the Democratic primary in the Queens district attorney race highlighted a lack of confidence in the electoral system. Cuomo may not contrast himself with Trump on Jan. 8 as much as he did in his third inauguration address last year but the governor is hardly done making hay out of political issues that make him look great by comparison among most New York voters. Protecting consumers Cuomo says the people of New York need some protection from unscrupulous businesses big and small. So hes looking to make moves to expand access to financial services, require more disclosure of healthcare costs while keeping away robocalls and abusive debt collectors. Efforts to control prescription drug prices and allow Canadian imports could help New Yorkers bottom line. Big Tech might have a looser control on our digital lives if new net neutrality proposals get passed. It might seem that untaxed cigarettes present more of a revenue issue than a consumer protection issue but, since higher taxes lead to lower consumption, Cuomo puts it in those terms. "Cigarettes claim thousands of lives each year, he said in a Dec. 20 press release. We will not turn a blind eye to retailers who deliberately flout the law just to make an extra buck at the expense of the health of New Yorkers. "We condemn the Iranian missile attack on Iraqi military bases, which also include coalition forces. We call on Iran to refrain from any steps that could lead to a further escalation," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said, Xinhua reported. Berlin, Jan 8 (IANS) Germany on Wednesday condemned Iran's ballistic missile attacks on bases hosting US forces in Iraq, calling for every effort to de-escalate the tensions. "We have been in contact with all sides for days to try to calm the situation. Everyone is asked to exercise prudence and restraint in this situation," Maas added. In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched missile attacks against US bases in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, further escalating the tensions in the region. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, German Defence Minister, told public broadcaster ARD that no German soldiers were injured in the attacks. Also on Wednesday, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian condemned the Iranian missile strikes, and called for de-escalation of the tensions between Iran and the US. "France condemns the attacks... The priority goes more than ever to de-escalation. The cycle of violence must end," said Le Drian in a press release. pgh/ She's saving lives in Austin in the new series 9-1-1: Lone Star. And Liv Tyler, 42, looked incredible as she promoted her show with her cast, including co-star Rob Lowe, 55. The cast were discussing their series at the 2020 Winter TCA Press Tour at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on Tuesday. Doing the rounds in style: Liv Tyler looked incredible as she promoted her show 9-1-1: Lone Star in Pasadena on Tuesday with her cast, including co-star Rob Lowe Liv wore a black dress with yellow floral accents as she sat on stage alongside Rob co-star Ronen Rubinstein Her glossy brunette tresses tumbled down in loose waves, while a thick chop of bangs skimmed just over her eyes. Liv touched up her complexion using a shimmering grey shade of eye shadow, baby pink blush, and a slick of lip gloss. Rob was looking cool in a black jacket and button down shirt as he chatted about his new role in 9-1-1: Lone Star, which is a spin-off of the popular Angela Bassett show 9-1-1. Simply stylish: Liv wore a black dress with yellow floral accents as she sat on stage alongside Rob, co-star Ronen Rubinstein Lights, cameras, action: Liv plays a paramedic working alongside Rob in the show The new drama will see Rob playing a New York City firefighter who relocates to Texas to rebuild a firehouse, where he begins working with paramedic Michelle Blake (played by Liv). Rob opened up about his special connection to Liv's father while speaking at the panel. The actor revealed he was heavily influenced by Steven Tyler as he began getting sober. Something funny? Tyler appeared to be giggling at one point during the panel 'He's a big part of who I am today': The actor revealed he was heavily influenced by Steven Tyler as he began getting sober Man of style: The Parks and Recreation actor was looking cool in a black jacket and button down shirt as he chatted about his new role in 9-1-1: Lone Star Initially the actor viewed sobriety as the end of his fun lifestyle, until he got a call from Steven. 'When I first got sober, [I thought], "My life is over. The fun is done. Im not going to be cool,"' he admitted at the panel, according to People. 'I was probably sober two or three weeks maybe and I got a phone call from Steven Tyler, who I did not know. He called me and said, "I heard youre in recovery and I just wanted to say hey, youre going to do great." I thought, "If it's good enough for Steven Tyler, it's good enough for me."' 'He's a big part of who I am today,' Rob said. 9-1-1 Lone Star is set to premiere January 19 2020 on Fox. Positive role made: Tyler helped Lowe as the actor started to turn his life around The Chao Phraya River is so low that it cannot keep tidal seawater out. In a nation where about 11 million people work in agriculture, the drought threatens harvests and the economy. Thailands prime minister urges people to save water. Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) Bangkok is suffering from its worst drought in 40 years with tap water turning saltier in some parts of the city. The level of Chao Phraya River is in fact so low that it cannot keep tidal seawater out, this according to Thailands Meteorological Department. Drought has come earlier this year, said Surapong Sarapa, head of forecasting at the agency. This is affecting both water for agriculture as well as for drinking, and More parts of the country than in the past could be impacted. The dry spell represents a threat to crop production and rural needs in a nation where about 11 million people work in agriculture. The problem could also cause a downward economic spiral, the Bank of Ayudhya Pcl noted. Half of all major reservoirs are operating at less than 50 per cent of capacity, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) reported. The latter began releasing more water today from two reservoirs, the Chao Phraya in Chai Nat and the Pasak Jolasid in Lop Buri province, to stop the intrusion of seawater in Bangkok and its vicinity. Last night, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha urged the population to save water. The government also set up a command centre to deal with the emergency and allocated six billion baht (US$ 198 million) to prevent interruptions to water supplies. Reports that a man committed suicide at Adlife Plaza on Monday, January 6 after he lost Ksh15 million in a casino are wide off the mark. This is according to the mother of the deceased- 40-year-old Richard Wangai. The woman, a native of Kirinyaga County, filed a report at the Kilimani Police Station, where she said her son had never even seen or handled Ksh1 million. She said Wangai looked after her farm in Kwale, and that he was in Nairobi to visit family and friends for the End of Year festivities. Kilimani OCPD Lucas Ogara said Wangais mother filed her statement early Tuesday. We are yet to know with precision what resulted in Wangais suicidal thoughts, said Ogara. At the same time, Topstar Casino at Adlife Plaza has denied that Wangai was their client. We are wondering why a section of the media have erroneously reported that the deceased committed suicide after he lost Sh15 million in a bet with us, Stephen Makari, Topstar Casinos head of security said. He reportedly wondered where the deceased could have gotten the said Sh15 million for gambling while he looked too casual. This man according to the CCTV footage walked into the building on foot, Makari told the Star on Tuesday. He added, We dont know the deceased. He wasnt our client, this is meant to tarnish our name. Kilimani Police boss Ogara also confirmed that Wangai never visited the casino located on the buildings fifth floor. Going by what we saw on CCTV, the man is seen walking around the fourth floor. There is no Casino on the fourth, but the fifth floor, Ogara said. He added: We confirmed from the CCTV that he jumped. There is no foul play in his death. He didnt talk to anybody, the Casinos narrative is peoples making. Ogara also noted that Wangai recited a prayer before plunging to his death. Washington, Jan 8 (UNI) Iran had launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. "At approximately 1730 hrs (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq," the Pentagon said in a statement. "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad & Irbil." These bases have been on high alert due to indications that Iran planned to attack the US forces and interests in the region, the statement noted. The Pentagon also pointed out that it would take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region. The White House said earlier that it had noticed the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq, saying that President Donald Trump is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. The missile attack came hours after Trump's latest warning to Iran earlier in the same day. "If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly," Trump told reporters in the White House. Qassem Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in a US airstrike near Baghdad airport on Friday, raising fears of an uncontrolled escalation in the region. Commander of the IRGC Hossein Salami warned the United States on Tuesday that Iran would take "severe revenge" over its assassination of Soleimani. UNI XC ASN 0735 Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 01:44:49|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close COPENHAGEN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Denmark will temporarily withdraw a group of soldiers from Iraq because of the current situation in the Middle East, announced Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Wednesday during a special press conference in the PM's office. "The safety of our soldiers is our top priority. It is important to emphasize that it is only temporary," said Frederiksen. In a show of unity, Frederiksen was flanked at separate podiums by Defense Minister Trine Bramsen and Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod as she spoke. Danish soldiers are in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government to train the Iraqi military in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) in cooperation with other NATO members. So far nearly 20,000 Iraqis have been trained, but since last Saturday, training activities have been halted due to the escalating conflict in the region. "We will continue our efforts in Iraq. But we have decided to transfer a group of Danish soldiers to Kuwait. They are part of the contribution that cannot be performed at present because of the situation in Iraq. We hope they can return to Iraq soon," said the prime minister. According to Frederiksen, 30 to 40 Danish soldiers will remain in Iraq after the relocation, who will carry out protective tasks at their military base. There are around 130 Danish soldiers serving within the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq, with a further 10 officers working with NATO in Baghdad. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media, as Mark Milley, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, right, listens during a briefing with senior military leaders in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the nation Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET, following attacks by Iran against U.S. military and coalition forces housed at two bases in Iraq. Officials on Trump's national security team, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, were seen arriving at the White House in advance of the announcement. Javers TWEET Vice President Mike Pence will be present for Trump's remarks. Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles Tuesday evening at two military bases in Iraq that housed U.S. military and coalition forces. At least a dozen missiles were fired from Iran, though it was not immediately clear if the attacks resulted in any casualties. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly described the attacks as the beginning of their "fierce revenge" against the U.S. Days earlier, a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad killed Iranian military leader Gen. Qasem Soleimani, whom the Trump administration claims had planned attacks that were "days" away from execution. In a speech following the attacks, Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the barrage against the Iraqi bases a "slap on the face" to the U.S. Trump did not make a formal address on Tuesday night but said in a tweet that "all is well!" "Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq," Trump tweeted. "Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." This is breaking news. Please check back for updates. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development plans to reduce Obama-era fair housing regulations intended to decrease segregation, Secretary Ben Carson announced Tuesday in Charlotte. The proposal will relax municipalities requirements to document its obstacles to fair housing, which Carson called costly and burdensome, and increase affordable housing options. Carson said the current rule on affirmatively furthering fair housing was well intentioned when enacted in 2015, but prescribes cookie- cutter solutions for cities facing different problems like Fargo and Miami. The amended rule empowers local leaders to employ federal funds as they see necessary to increase affordable housing options across the board for their local citizenry, he said. But fair housing advocates were quick to criticize the proposal. Carson said relaxing the rule wouldnt increase housing segregation. There are no George Wallace-type people standing in doorways saying, You cant come in here, he said, referring to the former Alabama governor and stringent segregationist. Poverty, he said, is a greater force in housing segregation. People dont have the finances to go anywhere, he said. So really, the financial segregation looks like racial segregation. The current rule calls for significant actions to overcome historic patterns of segregation, achieve truly balanced and integrated living patterns, promote fair housing choice, and foster inclusive communities that are free from discrimination. We appreciate HUDs efforts to acknowledge and address fair housing challenges that cities all over the country are facing. However, given the concerns regarding gentrification, access to areas of high opportunity, and a history of discrimination that has placed Charlotte 50th out of 50 in economic mobility among the countrys largest cities we feel that it is imperative to be prudent as we review the proposed changes to the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, said Inlivian President and CEO A. Fulton Meachem Jr. We are supportive of any efforts that encourage the creation and preservation of quality affordable housing while not jeopardizing essential anti-discriminatory protections for the families we servehouseholds that are most vulnerable to these challenges. When the rule is published, it will have a 60-day public comment period. If implemented, this would be the latest of several moves to ease fair housing regulations at HUD during the Trump administration. In another instance, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein signed on with nearly two dozen state attorneys general to oppose a rule that weakens fair housing laws around claims of disparate impact, or discrimination regardless of intent. Carson made the announcement in Charlotte after touring the Residences at Renaissance Community, a mixed-income development with senior housing and a child development center near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. From The Charlotte Observer and distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Ahead of CITs Beyond IoT event later this month, Sally Eaves looks to the changes incoming for our everyday lives. In 1950, 746m people lived in cities, but just 100 years later in 2050, this is anticipated to surpass 6bn some 66% of the worlds population. In this increasingly urban, data-driven, and hybrid world that integrates the physical and the virtual, the concept of smartness comes to the fore. The vision of a smart city has been in existence for many years but it is only recently that advances in technology have enabled tangible progress towards its real-world actualisation. I believe this is also critical to the successful implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. What does a smart city mean to you? The concept may conjure up visions of sensor-rich, fully automated buildings, intuitive parking, and traffic-management systems, and utilities that provide precision like efficiency in their deployment all things that make our everyday that every bit easier to navigate and to optimise, while reducing frictions such as ageing or legacy IT. Our needs are met by systems that anticipate what we may wish to buy, monitor our health and wellbeing, and preventively prescribe maintenance treatments, as well as cater to our insatiable demand to be informed and entertained. And as we commence 2020, we are already seeing transformations that are bringing real-world actualisation to smart city anticipation. Mobility is a key example, with todays passenger increasingly expecting on-demand and intermodal transit options that are both reliable and affordable. As the decade progresses, we can realistically envisage autonomous taxis and minibuses covering the last mile between our homes and public transport hubs; bringing together convenience with a reduction in congestion. Similarly, todays driver expects ever more sensory communication from their vehicle and its surrounding infrastructure as exemplified by connected vehicle projects that enable this authentic human-tech partnership, rather than replacement. This is an era of interconnected and digitalised mobility, which is evolving our everyday travel behaviours. The future of urban mobility will become increasingly autonomous, connected, electric, and shared. These developments can perhaps be considered as a delivery of the promise of integrating the Internet of Things, 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud storage, big data analytics, block chain, robotics, autonomous vehicles,drones, voice activation, and biometric recognition. Is this a utopian city vision that offers people a dreamlike future existence? Or, do we need to focus more on aligning the technological promise with the very human nature that lies behind the beating heart of our cities. Surely, it is really all about people and our collective quality of life. This refocuses attention to the purpose behind the technology and the spaces, communities, and overarching society that makes up our cities and with this, issues of access, inclusion, and diversity. Unintentionally, along with the new opportunities, technological advancements and increased urban living have also brought with them a range of new challenges. These include overcrowding, environmental degradation and pollution, resource depletion, and often underpinning this, a lack of infrastructure readiness. As just one example, urbanisation has seen the demand for power continue to exceed supply in developing countries, with a growth rate of some 5%-7% per year. And across the world, our appetite for data is leading to ever-increasing demands on data centre capacity and power consumption. Another impact has been unequal access to the benefits of smart city development and higher social divides. How accessible are smart solutions to those living in poorer areas or without digital literacy? One example is the Virtual University of Senegal in Dakar, the countrys first public virtual university, which uses ICT to address inequalities in access to higher education. As cities increase their capability to use and target data, we also see issues around trust and transparency, alongside privacy and ownership. In an age where everybodys activity is sensed, there remains questions and concerns about what exactly is happening with that data? Building trust is a global imperative across sectors and for smart cities,civic tech is often leading the way with real-world innovation that seeks to address social issues through collaborative creation in the community, with city residents themselves having a key voice. Further, with so much focus on big data, AI, and machine learning in relation to smart cities, we must also keep in mind that data is not a new thing. Rather this new data augments decision-making with old data it is a complementary, not a replacement either/or, relationship. And similarly, the usefulness of this data comes down to being able to filter the noise to focus on the nuanced insights that matter and measure progress on specific outcomes. This is particularly important to transparently showing impact in areas such as sustainability and sharing best practice so we can scale changes weso urgently need to achieve the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. As I envisage the next iteration of smartness, I believe this means focusing on enhancing equality of digital, economic, and educational opportunities, alongside mobility and sustainability. Smart is also about enabling informed choice, such as the cheapest, fastest, or most eco-friendly solution. Innovation, collaboration, and collective knowledge sharing to combine both human and artificial intelligence is a prerequisite to reimagine the future. This calls for a change in orientation and attitude, a shift from smart city to smart society supported by smart technologies this is where we can move from sensors to skills and to sense making. How can smart benefit everyone? This is the question I will be addressing at my keynote and fireside at Beyond IoT 2020, January 20/21, at Cork Institute of Technology. The time is now to reduce the gaps between ambition, local realities, and the potential for the future join us. Dr Sally Eaves is Emergent Tech CTO and global strategy adviser. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 15:56 733 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321607df 1 Business high-speed-railway,Jakarta-Bandung-High-Speed-Train,construction,extreme-weather,damaged-road,flood,landslide,KCIC,CREC,WIKA Free From trash-clearing and fixing damaged roads to preventive technical measures, the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project is intensifying efforts to deal with extreme weather that has caused landslides and floods, especially across Java. PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), the business consortium in charge of building the national strategic project, said in on Tuesday that the company had identified risks surrounding the project area to take action against potential disruption and environment damage. The KCJB [Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway] project is currently preparing several anticipatory measures to face extreme weather, KCIC president director Chandra Dwiputra said in the companys official statement. The measures include cleaning up trash that has clogged the Jambe River near the Kilometer 19 area and recovering damaged roads on the sidelines of the Cikampek toll road near the Jatiwaringin exit gate. Apart from recovery measures, the contractors under the KCIC consortium, which include Chinas Sinohydro, China Railway Group Limited (CREC) and state-owned builder Wika, swept through a number of landslide- and flood-prone areas, monitoring river and water gates across project locations to ensure they function normally", the statement read. "The KCJB project also recovers public [road] access that was damaged by flooding. Recovery of damaged public road access around the project site of the under-construction Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway near Cikampek. (Handout/KCIC) Extreme weather and heavy rain that hit Greater Jakarta, West Java and almost all other parts of Indonesia have affected infrastructure development projects across the country. The US$6 billion Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway is to be integrated with four transit-oriented developments (TODs) along the railway line at Halim, Karawang, Walini and Tegaluar. However, areas along the railway are prone to disasters such as flooding and landslides. The railway is expected to cut travel time between the two major cities of Indonesia to 45 minutes, compared with the normal three-hour train ride. (roi) Authorities are trying to identify a man accused of robbing Wendys on Valley Avenue earlier this week. The robbery happened at 10:06 a.m. Monday. Birmingham police Sgt. Johnny Williams said the suspect entered the store and walked to the counter where he placed an order. He then began to remove his wallet from his pocket as if he was going to pay, but instead brandished a handgun and demanded money from the register. The suspect managed to get an undisclosed amount of cash from the register and fled the area on foot. He was wearing a red and gray Alabama toboggan and a red Alabama jacket which was later recovered behind a neighboring business. No injuries were reported. Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham robbery detectives at 205-254-1753. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous and become eligible for a cash reward can call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. HS 2022, which is the seventh edition of the Harmonized System (HS) nomenclature used for the uniform classification of goods traded internationally all over the world, has been accepted by the all Contracting Parties to the Harmonized System Convention. It shall come into force on 1 January 2022. The HS serves as the basis for Customs tariffs and for the compilation of international trade statistics in 211 economies (of which 158 are Contracting Parties to the HS Convention). The new HS2022 edition makes some major changes to the Harmonized System with a total of 351 sets of amendments covering a wide range of goods moving across borders. Here are some of the highlights: Adaption to current trade through the recognition of new product streams and addressing environmental and social issues of global concern are the major features of the HS 2022 amendments. Visibility will be introduced to a number of high profile product streams in the 2022 Edition to recognise the changing trade patterns. Electrical and electronic waste, commonly referred to as e-waste, is one example of a product class which presents significant policy concerns as well as a high value of trade, hence HS 2022 includes specific provisions for its classification to assist countries in their work under the Basel Convention. New provisions for novel tobacco and nicotine based products resulted from the difficulties of the classification of these products, lack of visibility in trade statistics and the very high monetary value of this trade. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as drones, also gain their own specific provisions to simplify the classification of these aircraft. Smartphones will gain their own subheading and Note, which will also clarify and confirm the current heading classification of these multifunctional devices. Major reconfigurations have been undertaken for the subheadings of heading 70.19 for glass fibres and articles thereof and for heading 84.62 for metal forming machinery. These changes recognize that the current subheadings do not adequately represent the technological advances in these sectors, leaving a lack of trade statistics important to the industries and potential classification difficulties. One area which is a focus for the future is the classification of multi-purpose intermediate assemblies. However, one very important example of such a product has already been addressed in HS 2022. Flat panel display modules will be classified as a product in their own right which will simplify classification of these modules by removing the need to identify final use. Health and safety has also featured in the changes. The recognition of the dangers of delays in the deployment of tools for the rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases in outbreaks has led to changes to the provisions for such diagnostic kits to simplify classification. New provisions for placebos and clinical trial kits for medical research to enable classification without information on the ingredients in a placebos will assist in facilitating cross-border medical research. Cell cultures and cell therapy are among the product classes that have gained new and specific provisions. On a human security level, a number of new provisions specifically provide for various dual use items. These range from toxins to laboratory equipment. Protection of society and the fight against terrorism are increasingly important roles for Customs. Many new subheadings have been created for dual use goods that could be diverted for unauthorized use, such as radioactive materials and biological safety cabinets, as well as for items required for the construction of improvised explosive devices, such as detonators. Goods specifically controlled under various Conventions have also been updated. The HS 2022 Edition introduces new subheadings for specific chemicals controlled under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), for certain hazardous chemicals controlled under the Rotterdam Convention and for certain persistent organic pollutants (POPs) controlled under the Stockholm Convention. Furthermore, at the request of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), new subheadings have been introduced for the monitoring and control of fentanyls and their derivatives as well as two fentanyl precursors. Major changes, including new heading Note 4 to Section VI and new heading 38.27, have been introduced for gases controlled under the Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol. The changes are not confined to creating new specific provisions for various goods. The amendments also include clarification of texts to ensure uniform application of the nomenclature. For example, there are changes for the clarification and alignment between French and English of the appropriate way to measure wood in the rough for the purposes of subheadings under heading 44.03. Given the wide scope of the changes, there are many important changes not mentioned in this short introduction. All interested parties are encourage to read the Recommendation carefully (to be published soon). Implementation While January 2022 may seem far off, a lot of work needs to be done at WCO, national and regional levels for the timely implementation of the new HS edition. The WCO is currently working on the development of requisite correlation tables between the current 2017 and the new edition of the HS, and on updating the HS publications, such as the Explanatory Notes, the Classification Opinions, the Alphabetical Index and the HS online database. Customs administrations and regional economic communities have a huge task to ensure timely implementation of the 2022 HS Edition, as required by the HS Convention. They are therefore encouraged to begin the process of preparing for the implementation of HS 2022 in their national Customs tariff or statistical nomenclatures. The WCO will step up its capacity building efforts to assist Members with their implementation. For more information hs@wcoomd.org Ramco Systems jumped 5.49% to Rs 174.80 after the company secured a multi-million-dollar global payroll and workforce management deal from a leading Australian University. With this win, Ramco will be expanding its foothold in the higher education vertical which is witnessing good demand for HR & payroll transformation. Ramco will be partnering with a leading global consulting firm to implement its multi-country payroll solution while will also offer workforce management solution in partnership with an Australian headquartered cloud based WFM provider, thereby providing an integrated payroll and workforce management solution. The announcement was made during trading hours today, 8 January 2020. On consolidated basis, Ramco Systems' net profit surged 153.89% to Rs 7.49 crore on 6.88% rise in net sales to Rs 149.28 crore in Q2 September 2019 over Q1 June 2019. Ramco Systems is engaged in computer programming, consultancy and related activities, and hosting and related activities. The company offers software solutions and services. Ramco Logistics Software caters to logistics-third party logistics (3PL), freight forwarders and network service providers Currently, the stock is trading 37.12% below its 52-week high of Rs 278 hit on 09 January 2019. It is 30% above its 52-week low of Rs 134.4 hit on 12 December 2019. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pulling out US troops from Iraq will be the worst thing for the country, President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, after the Iraqi parliament demanded expulsion of American forces. Some 5,000 US soldiers are deployed in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the IS terror group. On Sunday, the Iraqi parliament had passed a resolution to terminate the agreement that allows for US troops in the country. Trump said if Iraq expels US troops now, I think its the worst thing that can happen to Iraq. If we leave that would mean that Iran would have a much bigger foothold, and the people in Iraq do not want to see Iran running the country, he said. In a brief interaction with reporters at the Oval Office of the White House, Trump said at some point the US will want to get out of Iraq. But this isnt the right point. The other thing is, if we do get out, weve spent a tremendous amount of money on building airports and building one of the largest embassies we have in the world. We want to be reimbursed to the various costs that we have had, he said. Theyre very significant...We dont want to be there forever... I didnt want to be there in the first place to be honest and everybody knows that. That was when I was a civilian I said it, but we were there and they made a decision and I disagreed with that decision very strongly, Trump said. The president said that but were there now weve done a great job. Weve gotten rid of the caliphate. 100 per cent of the caliphate is gone, which is ISIS. The Iraqi parliaments move comes in response to the killing of Maj Gen Qasem Soleimani, the 62-year-old head of Irans elite al-Quds force and the architect of its regional security apparatus, in a US drone attack in Baghdad on Friday. The strike also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy chief of Iraqs powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. SPRINGFIELD A task force formed to study ways to reduce property tax burden on Illinois residents is calling for consolidation of school districts and other local units of government and a boost in the states share of funding for K-12 education. Those and other recommendations are part of a draft report circulated among the 88-member Property Tax Relief Task Force that state lawmakers formed during the 2019 session. State Sen. Rachelle Crowe, D-Glen Carbon, is one of eight co-chairs of the task force which initially was supposed to deliver its report by Dec. 31. A final report is expected to be released before the 2020 legislative session begins Jan. 28. The bill that created the task force was part of a legislative package last year that included a proposed constitutional amendment to allow for a graduated income tax. While the draft report does not mention the amendment that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said he wants some of the anticipated new income tax revenue to be used for property tax relief if voters approve the amendment. The current tax system in Illinois dates back to a 1901 Illinois Supreme Court decision that overturned the tax levying method that was used until that time. The draft report notes, however, that property ownership today is no longer the indicator of wealth and ability to pay that it was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The report also states the current system is full of special exemptions for select groups of property owners, including Tax Increment Financing districts, or TIFs, that shift tax burden on to other property owners. The document also notes local governments in Illinois, particularly school districts, rely more heavily on property tax revenue than in other states. Local property taxes account for two-thirds of all funding for public schools in Illinois; state funding accounts for only about 26 percent. Todays reliance on property taxes underscores how broken the system of funding local government services has become, the report states. Too many units of government rely too heavily on property taxes, which are predicated on the value of something that is most often unrelated to the owners ability to pay. More Information Task Force Members Sen. Rachelle Crowe, D-Glen Carbon, co-chair Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Centreville Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville See More Collapse The report argues the property tax system should be reformed on several levels, including how property values are determined, consolidating townships and other local units of government, and reducing or eliminating some property tax exemptions. Changing education funding would likely have the biggest impact; school taxes make up the bulk of most peoples property tax bills. Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, said one way to increase the states share of school funding could be to add sales tax to services not currently taxed. State Rep. Mary Flowers, D-Chicago, recommended removing school districts from the property tax system and giving the state the sole funding responsibility for K-12 schools. Illinois has 850 school districts more than 300 serve only grades K-8 and nearly 100 serve only high school students. The rest are unit districts that serve all grades, K-12. Each of these has administrative staff and combining them into unified school districts will result in efficiencies of scale, the draft report states. The degree and scope of savings will vary from district to district and from school to school, but in parts of the state, merger will make great financial sense, and without raising concerns about geographic dislocation for students. Not everyone on the task force was pleased with the draft report. As a current draft, the final report is nothing more than a collection of thoughts with no real recommendations, put together by only a handful of people, said Rep. Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford. There was no actual discussion or debate at the committee level on this report, he said. Instead of bringing us closer to achieving meaningful and lasting property tax relief for Illinois families, this draft report is a complete disaster that fails to live up to its intended purpose. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 03:22:25|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close AMMAN, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Jordan on Tuesday urged Israel to respect the rights of worship by Muslim worshippers at the Al Aqsa Mosque in the disputed holy city of Jerusalem. Deifallah Fayez, spokesperson of Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the arrests of several worshippers by Israeli police at the mosque. In a press statement, he called the Israeli action as "a stark violation of the international laws." Denouncing Israel for seeking to alter the status quo of the holy city, Fayez urged the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of the worshippers. He called for respecting the historic and legal status of the holy sites, while warning of the consequences of Israeli violations and escalation. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that stems from the body's immune response against an infection. If there is an acute infection in the body, the immune system releases chemicals to fight the pathogen. However, when it goes out of balance, sepsis occurs and can lead to multiple organ failure. Now, scientists have found a novel approach using nanotechnology that can fight late-stage sepsis. Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock.com A team of researchers at Ohio State University has discovered a new way to boost the cells' antibacterial properties. The novel method can prop up the immune system's ability to fight against sepsis, a condition usually caused by serious infections by bacteria. Across the globe, an estimated 30 million people develop sepsis each year and remain as the leading cause of death in hospitals and health care facilities. In the United States, about 1.7 million people develop sepsis annually. Sepsis is not an infection but the immune system's fatal response to an invading pathogen. The condition often causes tissue damage and, eventually, organ failure and death. Over the years, antibacterial resistance has led to an increase in sepsis prevalence worldwide. It has posed an additional challenge for doctors that treat sepsis. Now, many scientists study alternative ways to treat sepsis. Using nanotechnology In the study published in Nature Nanotechnology, the researchers used nanotechnology to transform donated healthy immune cells into a drug formulation with greater and more potent power to kill bacteria. The study involved two technologies in finding a treatment for sepsis using vitamins in formulating lipid nanoparticles and taking advantage of natural cell processes in making a new antibacterial medicine. In a normal immune response, macrophages are the first line of defense. They are the first ones in the site of infection that work by engulfing or eating the pathogens or disease-causing microorganisms. Patients who suffer from sepsis may have a lower number of macrophages; hence, they don't function properly. The scientists hypothesized that if patients received healthy immune cells, they could help boost the immune system's power. The team developed vitamin-based nanoparticles in the laboratory from collected monocytes, white blood cells that can later turn to other immune cells, from the bone marrow of healthy laboratory mice. They then cultured them and turned them into healthy and well-functioning macrophages. The nanoparticles are designed to deliver messenger RNA, which are molecules that can translate genetic information into useful proteins. In the study, the team made a messenger RNA by encoding a single protein and an antimicrobial peptide. The molecules worked together to access and accumulate in lysosomes, which is a vital location for bacteria-killing processes. After, the scientists transported the nanoparticles containing the developed messenger RNA into the macrophages they created. The idea was that the cells would then take over and create a new therapy to kill the pathogens. Eventually, this should restore the immune system's normal activities. "Macrophages have antibacterial activity naturally. So, if we add the additional antibacterial peptide into the cell, those antibacterial peptides can further enhance the antibacterial activity and help the whole macrophage clear bacteria," Yizhou Dong, associate professor of pharmaceutics and pharmacology at The Ohio State University and study co-author, said. Promising results After testing in cells, the scientists observed promising results. Hence, they continued on an administered the new cell therapy to immunosuppressed laboratory mice with sepsis that was infected with a multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The mice were divided into experimental and control groups. The control group was given a placebo and ordinary macrophages, while the treatment group received approximately 4 million engineered macrophages. The treatment group had a marked decrease in bacteria in the blood after 24 hours of receiving the treatment. In mice with bacteria remaining in the blood, the second treatment killed them immediately. "Our results demonstrate that adoptive MAC transfer leads to the elimination of multidrug-resistant bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, leading to the complete recovery of immunocompromised septic mice. Our work provides an alternative strategy for overcoming multidrug-resistant bacteria-induced sepsis and opens up possibilities for the development of nanoparticle-enabled cell therapy for infectious diseases," the researchers concluded in the study. More than 3,300 people in the mental health population of the Los Angeles County jail are appropriate candidates for diversion into programs where they would receive community-based clinical services rather than incarceration, according to a new RAND Corporation study. Based on a variety of clinical and legal factors, researchers estimated that about 61% of the individuals in the jail mental health population were appropriate candidates for diversion, 7% were potentially appropriate for diversion and 32% were not appropriate for diversion. The study, which was based on a review of the jail population as of June 2019, has findings that are similar to preliminary estimates compiled earlier by L.A. County officials. "Knowing how many people are appropriate for diversion is a first step toward understanding the types of programs, staff and funding that would be needed to treat those individuals in the community," said Stephanie Brooks Holliday, the study's lead author and a behavioral scientist at RAND, a nonprofit research organization. The largest mental health facilities in the U.S. are now county jails, with an estimated 15% of men and 31% of women who are incarcerated in jails nationally having a serious and persistent mental disorder. In Los Angeles County, 30% of the people incarcerated in the county jail on any given day during 2018 were in mental health housing units and/or prescribed psychotropic medications (5,111 of 17,024 individuals in the average daily inmate population). The Office of Diversion and Reentry was created by the county in 2015 to develop alternative approaches to dealing with mental health challenges in the criminal justice system. While L.A. County officials have been pursuing alternatives for individuals with serious mental illness who are incarcerated, there is more demand for the existing services than there is capacity. RAND was asked by L.A. County to estimate the size of the current population of individuals incarcerated in county jails who likely would be legally suitable and clinically eligible for community-based treatment programs. The study was not limited by the availability of existing services, and considered who could be diverted assuming no limits on the types of programs or number of treatment slots available. RAND researchers developed a set of legal and clinical criteria that reflect the general factors that the Office of Diversion and Reentry currently uses to determine whether an individual may be put forward to the courts as a candidate for diversion. The principles were applied to a sample of 500 people who are representative of the L.A. County jail mental health population. Researchers found that about 59% of men and 74% of women were determined to be appropriate candidates for diversion. Men make up 85% of the Los Angeles County jail mental health population. "Diversion is stopping the cycle between jail and homelessness," said county Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. "Just in the last three years, the Office of Diversion and Reentry has safely diverted over 4,400 people from the county jails to more appropriate settings where they can get treatment, instead of the costly alternative of serving additional time in jail and being released with no supports, too often ending up homeless. This is smart policy making. RAND's research underscores the need to double down on diversion to reach all those who could benefit." In addition to increasing diversion programs, RAND researchers suggest that L.A. County improve its ability to collect information about individuals released into community-based programs, the ways different courts handle such cases and the outcomes of people placed into diversion programs. The county also could look for ways to improve its early diversion efforts, which may be able to help people before they enter the county's criminal justice system. For example, some jurisdictions intervene at the point of arrest in an effort to decrease the criminalization of persons with mental illness. "But even with increases in diversion, there will continue to be a large number of individuals with mental health needs who remain in the jails," Holliday said. "It is important that there are services in place to care for people who are incarcerated and provide continuing services once they are released back into the community." The report, "Estimating the Size of the Divertible Jail Mental Health Population in Los Angeles County," is available at http://www.rand.org. Other authors of the study are Nicholas M. Pace, Neil Gowensmith, Ira Packer, Daniel Murrie, Alicia Virani, Bing Han and Sarah B. Hunter. ### The RAND Social and Economic Well-Being division seeks to actively improve the health, and social and economic well-being of populations and communities throughout the world. In 1981, at the outset of the Iran-Iraq War, Qassem Soleimani witnessed his countrys first use of human wave-style tactics. That costly practice would become one of the hallmarks of a conflict that would claim nearly a million lives on both sides and would see a return to First World War style trench warfare and the widespread use of chemical weapons. When the UN eventually negotiated a ceasefire, both sides claimed victory. A key result of the conflict was Irans adoption of a national security strategy that relied on the more economical practice of asymmetric warfare (terrorism, wars by proxy). The Revolutionary Guards Quds Force, led by Soleimani for more than twenty years, played a crucial role in the implementation of this strategy, which ensured that Iranian society would never again experience such a bloodletting. For leaders in Tehran, the Iran-Iraq War would become the war to end all warssort of. Now Soleimani is dead. A lot has been written in recent days about war with Iran while far less has been written about what that war might look like. Or acknowledging that, on the battlefields of Americas forever wars, a war with Iran has been going on for decades. During my time in the Marines, I brushed up against Iranian militias in Iraq in 2004 and 2005, helped Americans evacuate the embassy in Beirut in 2006 when Hezbollah threatened our presence, and then fought Quds Force-supported elements of the Taliban in western Afghanistan in 2008. Nearly a decade at war left me with many dead friends and, when tallying up how they died, I can trace more of their deaths to the barrel of an Iranian-supported Shia militiaman, or an Iranian-developed armor piercing IED, than to card-carrying members of al-Qaeda. In many respects, both America and Iran have pursued similar national security strategies over the past two decades, enabling the populations of both countries to remain at peace while our cadres of military professionals have engaged in wars by proxy and other special operations around the globe. Soleimanis replacement, Esmail Ghaani, as well as the entire high command, are not only the architects of our low-intensity forever war with Iran but they are also veterans of the Iran-Iraq War. Their experience will factor prominently into crafting a post-Soleimani strategy for the region and whether that strategy will lead them into an escalatory spiral that could, ultimately, precipitate a more costly conventional war, upending peace at home. Story continues Qasem Soleimani during the Iran-Iraq war in the early 1980s. | Ay-Collection/Sipa/AP Despite nationalist anger at the death of Soleimani, Irans internal politics are as fractious as our own, and those divisions will soon re-emerge, just as our own will if (or when) Iran launches attacks that are more spectacular than their immediate response against Al-Asad air base and Irbil. Both of our nations have little appetite for a protracted conventional war, with anxious Google search terms such as World War Three and the draft surging in the United States last weekend and widespread protests across Iran throughout this past fall. If theres a shared appetite for anything, it is de-escalation. Navigating that de-escalation will be challenging. It will require pragmatism and moderation on the part of Iranian leaders who are enraged, and in mourning. And it will require moderation and precision on the part of an American president who is not known for either of those qualities. However, our decades-long limited war with Iran has yet to spiral out of control. That the formative experience of Irans generals was a futile conventional war with few parallels in history, except perhaps the First World War, cannot be emphasized enough. That experience, more than any other, may allow us to avoid further escalation. Despite the best of intentions and the clearest of strategies, luck always plays a role on the path to war. The days ahead might very well prove as precarious as that calamitous summer of 1914, which led to the First World War. Like with Soleimani, that conflict began with an execution, that of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. The assassin happened to be sitting in a cafe armed with a pistol when the Archdukes car took a wrong turn. The Archdukes fatal mistake seemed so simple, and common, in retrospect: he found himself on a road he never shouldve traveled in the first place. HONOLULU Mysterious ultra-fast pinpricks of radio energy keep lighting up the night sky and nobody knows why. A newly discovered example of this transient phenomenon has been traced to its place of origin a nearby spiral galaxy but it's only made things murkier for astronomers. The problem concerns a class of blink-and-you'll-miss-them heavenly events known as fast radio bursts (FRBs). In a few thousandths of a second, these explosions produce as much energy as the sun does in nearly a century. Researchers have only known about FRBs since 2007, and they still don't have a compelling explanation regarding their sources. "The big question is what can produce an FRB," Kenzie Nimmo, a doctoral student at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, said during a news briefing on Monday (Jan. 6) here at the 235th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Honolulu, Hawaii. Related: The12 Strangest Objects in the Universe Scientists were given some help in 2016, when they discovered an FRB that repeated its quick-pulsing radio tune in random bursts. All previous examples had been one-off events. The repeating FBR was eventually traced back to a dwarf galaxy with a high rate of star formation 3 billion light-years away, Nimmo said. The galaxy contains a persistent radio source, possibly a nebula, that could explain the FRB's origin, she added. Astronomers have also managed to determine that three non-repeating FRBs came from distant massive galaxies with little star formation going on. This seemed to provide evidence that repeating and non-repeating FRBs arose from different types of environments, Nimmo said. But the new discovery challenges this simple story. FRB 180916.J0158+65, as the object is known, is a repeating FRB discovered by the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) observatory, a radio telescope near Okanagan Falls in British Columbia that Nimmo called "the world's best FRB-finding machine." Follow-up observations by a network of telescopes in Europe allowed the research team to produce a high-resolution image of the FRB's location. This location turned out to be a medium-sized spiral galaxy like our Milky Way that is surprisingly nearby, only 500 million light-years away, making it the closest-known FRB to date. The results were published yesterday (Jan. 6) in the journal Nature . Image of SDSS J015800.28+654253.0, the host galaxy of Fast Radio Burst (FRB) 180916.J0158+65. The green circle shows the location of the FRB. The image was captured by the 8-meter Gemini-North telescope. (Image credit: Gemini Observatory/NSFs Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory/AURA) Despite precisely locating the FRB, the team was unable to detect any radio sources in the spiral galaxy that could explain the mysterious outbursts. Even worse, this new entity seems not to fit the patterns established by previous repeating and non-repeating FRBs. Related: The 15 Weirdest Galaxies in Our Universe "This is completely different than the host and local environments of other localized FRBs," Benito Marcote, a radio astronomer at the Joint Institute for VLBI European Research Infrastructure Consortium and lead author of the Nature paper, said during the news briefing. The researchers hope that subsequent data might help them get a handle on what this FRB is telling them. But until then, they might have to continue scratching their heads over these puzzling phenomena. Originally published on Live Science . Stargazers across the globe may want to step outside on Friday night to catch a glimpse of the Wolf Moon, the first full moon of the year and one that will look different from those in recent months. Friday night will feature a penumbral lunar eclipse, the first of its kind since 2017 and the first of four in 2020. A penumbral lunar eclipse happens when the moon passes through the Earth's outer shadow, known as the penumbra, and misses the darker inner shadow, known as the umbra. As a result, only part of the moon turns dark as opposed to a total lunar eclipse when the entire moon goes dark before turning a dark red or rusty orange color. This type of lunar eclipse can be subtle and can go unnoticed if people aren't looking closely at the moon. A telescope isn't required to see this event, but people may want to look through the eyepiece of a telescope in order to get a more detailed view of the eclipse. The first penumbral eclipse of moon of 2017 is seen in Lahore, Pakistan, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudhry) Weather permitting, many observers across the world should be able to see the eclipse including those in Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe. Unfortunately for people in the Americas, the eclipse will take place during the daytime and will be over by the time the moon climbs above the horizon. The only exception is for folks in Alaska and in far eastern Atlantic Canada. People that are unable to see the eclipse can watch it on AccuWeather.com where Slooh's live broadcast of the eclipse will air. The penumbral lunar eclipse will last a little over four hours with the moon first penetrating the Earth's shadow at 17:07 UTC (12:07 p.m. EST) and passing out the other side around 21:12 UTC (4:12 p.m. EST) Friday. Over the duration of the four-hour event, the best time to see the eclipse will be 19:10 UTC (2:10 p.m. EST) when nearly all of the moon is in the Earth's outer shadow. Eclipsed moon or not, January's full moon has taken on many nicknames over the years, the most common being the Full Wolf Moon. "The full Moon for January was called the Full Wolf Moon because wolves were more often heard at this time," the Old Farmer's Almanac explained on its website. "[W]olves do tend to howl more often during winter months, and generally howl to define territory, locate pack members, and gather for hunting." Other nicknames for January's full moon include the Cold Moon, the Old Moon, and the Great Spirit Moon. Tehran, Iran Iran struck back at the United States for the killing of a top Iranian general early Wednesday, firing a series of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops in a major escalation that brought the two longtime foes closer to war. Iranian state TV said it was in revenge for the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying. A U.S. official said there were no immediate reports of American casualties, though buildings were still being searched. 'All is well!' President Donald Trump tweeted shortly after the missile attacks, adding, 'So far, so good' regarding casualties. Soleimani's killing and the strikes by Iran came as tensions have been rising steadily across the Mideast after Trump's decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. They also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two enemies, which have been at odds since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. But in a tweet shortly after the missile launches, Iran's foreign minister called a ballistic missile attack "proportionate measures in self-defense" and said it was not seeking to escalate the situation but would defend itself against any aggression. Iran initially announced only one strike, but U.S. officials confirmed both. U.S. defense officials were at the White House, likely to discuss options with Trump, who launched the strike on Soleimani while facing an upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate, Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack against the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq's western Anbar province. The Guard issued the warning via a statement carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency. "We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted," The Guard said. It also threatened Israel. After the strikes, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator posted a picture of the Islamic Republic's flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump, who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others Friday in a drone strike in Baghdad. Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. Two Iraqi security officials said at least one of the missiles appeared to have struck a plane at the base, igniting a fire. It was not immediately clear whether it was an Iraqi or U.S. jet. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they had no permission to brief journalists. About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported, Brynjar Stordal, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces, told The Associated Press. Trump visited the sprawling Ain al-Asad air base, about 100 miles west of Baghdad, in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. He did not meet with any Iraqi officials at the time, and his visit inflamed sensitivities about the continued presence of U.S. forces in Iraq. Vice President Mike Pence also has visited the base. Iranian state TV said the Guard's aerospace division that controls Iran's missile program launched the attack, which it said was part of an operation dubbed "Martyr Soleimani." Iran said it would release more information later. The U.S. also acknowledged another missile attack on a base in Irbil in Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners and allies in the region," said Jonathan Hoffman, an assistant to the U.S. defense secretary. Wednesday's revenge attack happened a mere few hours after crowds in Iran mourned Soleimani at his funeral. It also came as the U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the region's waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. The FAA also warned of a "potential for miscalculation or mis-identification" for civilian aircraft in the Persian Gulf amid an emergency flight restriction. A stampede broke out Tuesday at Soleimani's funeral, and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession, Iranian news reports said. Shortly after Iran's revenge missile launches early Wednesday, Soleimani's shroud-wrapped remains were lowered into the ground as mourners wailed at the grave site. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Tuesday's deadly stampede took place in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman as his coffin was being borne through the city in southeastern Iran, said Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran's emergency medical services. Hossein Salami, Soleimani's successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard, addressed a crowd of supporters gathered at the coffin in a central square in Kernan. He vowed to avenge Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike Friday near Baghdad's airport. "We tell our enemies that we will retaliate, but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about," Salami said. Salami praised Soleimani's work, describing him as essential to backing Palestinian groups, Yemen's Houthi rebels and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. As a martyr, Soleimani represented an even greater threat to Iran's enemies, Salami said. The U.S. blames Soleimani for killing U.S. troops in Iraq and accused him of plotting new attacks just before he was killed. Soleimani also led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that country's civil war, and he also served as the point man for Iranian proxies in countries like Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Assad in Syria on Tuesday amid the tensions between Washington and Tehran. Soleimani's slaying already has led Tehran to abandon the remaining limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers as his successor and others vow to take revenge. In Iraq, pro-Iranian factions in parliament have pushed to oust American troops from Iraqi soil following Soleimani's killing. Germany and Canada announced plans to move some of their soldiers in Iraq to neighboring countries. The FAA warning barred U.S. pilots and carriers from flying over areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace. The region is a major East-West travel hub and home to Emirates airline and Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel. The U.S. Maritime Administration warned ships across the Mideast, citing the rising threats. "The Iranian response to this action, if any, is unknown, but there remains the possibility of Iranian action against U.S. maritime interests in the region," it said. The U.S. Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet said it would work with shippers in the region to minimize any possible threat. The 5th Fleet "has and will continue to provide advice to merchant shipping as appropriate regarding recommended security precautions in light of the heightened tensions and threats in the region." A British teenager will appeal against her conviction in Cyprus over a withdrawn allegation of gang rape, her lawyers have said, as the British government said it had raised numerous concerns about her treatment with Cypriot authorities. The 19-year-old was given a suspended sentence yesterday after being found guilty by a court of public mischief for having alleged that she had been raped by a group of Israeli youths in the holiday resort of Ayia Napa last July. She says she was coerced by police into dropping the complaint. The case has caused outrage in Britain and sparked protests from activists who say the woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, did not get a fair trial. Lawyers said she would appeal to clear her name. "The fight for her innocence will go on regardless," said Lewis Power, who was assisting the woman's local defence team. "We will maintain this young girl was stripped of her dignity and basic human rights." She had earlier been sentenced before a packed courtroom to four months in jail, suspended for three years. Stress Raising his voice over chants from supporters of the woman outside, Judge Michalis Papathanasiou told her the sentence took into account her age, clean criminal record and remorse, and that he was giving her a "second chance". The woman, whose lawyers say she is suffering from post-traumatic stress, stood in silence before him. Police ordered window blinds in the courtroom to be pulled down to block the sight of about 150 protesters. More than 48 hours after groups of masked men and women, armed with sticks, hammers and iron rods, assaulted students and teachers at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus said they have not been able to identify and arrest the perpetrators of the violence as the main server of CCTV cameras was damaged. Police said they are looking at videos circulating on social media to identify attackers and were recording statements of eyewitnesses. JNU students groups have criticised the polices handling of the case and said their action raises more questions than answers. HT on Tuesday spoke to several Delhi Police officers on some of the key questions . Why no arrests yet? Explaining the delay in the arrest, investigators said they were finding it difficult in gathering evidence because none of the four CCTV cameras on campus were functioning at the time of the attack, as the main server had been damaged by agitating students on Saturday, a day before the mob attack. The police said they are yet to get the original videos and pictures taken on cell phones, as students who captured them had either left the campus or could not be contacted. We are contacting students through wardens and other officials of Sabarmati and Periyar hostels and asking them to provide us the videos and pictures. Some of the students have agreed. There are around 10-12 videos related to the attack, said deputy commissioner of police (crime branch) Joy Tirkey, who is heading the special investigation team (SIT) that is probing the case. On Tuesday, the SIT issued a public appeal seeking videos, pictures or any information related to Sundays violence inside the campus. Cops waited at gate during violence According to the FIR, the JNU administration sent the police a request letter for restoring law and order, when the first incident of violence was reported from Periyar hostel at around 3.45pm on Sunday. This is when 116 police personnel stood outside the main gate while the second round, and the most brutal, attack was taking place around 7pm. On this, deputy commissioner of police (south-west) Devender Arya said that there were some clerical mistake while framing the FIR and they received the written permission from JNU administration only at 7.45pm. At 8.42pm, the SHO of Vasant Kunj (North) police station got the actual time of receiving permission (7.45 pm) logged in the daily diary register through a call made to the duty officer from the campus, he added. While the JNU students and teachers have been alleging that masked miscreants walked out of the campus in front of the police and there are videos and pictures of the same, DCP Arya said that by the time 116 police personnel entered the campus, the mob had dispersed. I cant comment on the authenticity of the video or pictures, he said. How did the intrusion happen? Were outsiders involved? The students and teachers of the varsity, including those injured in the attack, alleged that many outsiders were also part of the violent mob and they were allowed entry by students affiliated to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). They also alleged that many of the attackers were masked. SIT officials said that they are scanning visitors entry registers of all entry and exit gates to ascertain if outsiders had entered the campus with intent to carry out violence. Our initial probe has revealed that private security staff present at the gates only write registration numbers of vehicles entering the campus. They only check IDs of student, teacher or staffer present in the vehicle and do not ask for IDs of other occupants, said an officer, requesting anonymity. DCP Tirkey said that they will examine dump data of cellphones on the campus on Sunday to ascertain whether outsiders were present. Street lights off, assaults at gate in police presence Many people, including political leaders like Yogendra Yadav, have alleged that goons assaulted them and media persons outside the main gate of JNU, even as police personnel present at the spot did nothing to stop or nab the attackers. They also alleged that streetlights in the area had been deliberately switched off . DCP Arya said that police had no role in switching off the light and that the police personnel present outside the gate intervened whenever any assault was brought to their notice. Most of us were inside the campus. Outside the gate, there were supporters from both groups and they were shouting slogans against each other. We have not received any complaint regarding the assaults, added Arya. Measles death toll in Congo hits 6,000, WHO says: The death toll from a measles epidemic in Congo has surpassed 6,000, the World Health Organization said as it warned that more funds are needed to save lives during the world's worst outbreak of the infectious disease. Measles has killed nearly three times as many people in Congo as an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the country. While $27.6 million has been mobilized to curb the measles epidemic, the WHO said $40 million is needed for a six-month plan to vaccinate children ages 6 to 14. A vaccine against measles has existed for decades, but about 310,000 cases have been reported in Congo since the start of 2019. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex last night revealed they plan to relaunch their careers potentially earning millions of pounds a year. In an astonishing statement on their new website, they complained they had been unable to earn their own money as senior royals. They will give up their income from the Sovereign Grant the money taxpayers give to the Queen every year and launch themselves onto the international celebrity circuit. They will need to strike lucrative commercial deals to maintain the lavish lifestyle to which they are comfortably accustomed. Until now Harry and Meghan have been prohibited from earning any income in any form as they pointed out last night in a lengthy statement on their official website. Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex visit to Canada House on Tuesday before their announcement that they would be 'stepping back' The couple will keep Frogmore Cottage (above) that was gifted to them by the Queen The couple renovated the property and put their own touches in each and every room (bath above) The couple issued a declaration that they were looking forward to becoming financially independent. They said they had made the choice to no longer receive funding from the Sovereign Grant, adding: Their Royal Highnesses prefer to release this financial tie. No one knows how much the grant is worth to Harry and Meghan but in forfeiting it they have effectively liberated themselves from most accountability to taxpayers over their spending. Defending their new status, they stressed: There is precedent for this structure and it applies to other current members of the Royal Family who support the monarch and also have full-time jobs external to their commitment to the monarchy. While the statement on the couples website makes great play of the fact they are giving up the money from the Sovereign Grant, it does not say whether they will be making do without the cash they get from Prince Charles via his private 1.2billion Duchy of Cornwall estate which some argue should be regarded as a public asset. They posted a brand new web page which detailed all of the changes which would now take place The graphic above which they posted to their website details how The Crown Estate works Charles paid 4.9million to his sons from his duchy income last year, of which slightly less than half is believed to have gone to Harry. Yesterday the Sussexes said the money from Charles amounted to 95 per cent of their office expenditure. They added: The remaining 5 per cent of funding for the Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, covering costs associated with employing members of their official office, is received through the Sovereign Grant. The couple stressed that wherever possible and unless advised otherwise on security grounds, they travel using commercial carriers, local trains and fuel-efficient vehicles. Harrys other wealth comes from his estimated 20million inheritance from his mother Princess Diana. He also banked around 7million from his great-grandmother the Queen Mother, who paid it into a trust fund in 1994. The remaining 5 per cent of funding for the Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (pictured), covering costs associated with employing members of their official office, is received through the Sovereign Grant Meghans net worth of around 4million came from having earned around 37,000 per episode as an actress in the US drama Suits. Playing paralegal Rachel Zane, she starred in over 100 episodes, which put her annual pay at an estimated 333,000. She also appeared in several films, including romantic comedies and Horrible Bosses, where she had a 30-second cameo as a delivery girl. Her role in the 2010 film Remember Me reportedly earned her 140,000, while she was paid 130,0000 for The Candidate in the same year. By keeping their royal titles and given their high profiles on both sides of the Atlantic Harry and Meghan are likely to be offered many lucrative engagements. Playing paralegal Rachel Zane, she starred in over 100 episodes, which put her annual pay at an estimated 333,000 The worlds top speakers can command up to half a million dollars (380,000) for a single after-dinner speech. They may also be able to make money from merchandise. In the past few weeks, the couple have trademarked their Sussex royal brand on more than 100 items, from T-shirts, books and magazines to teaching materials and emotional support groups. They submitted trademark applications for textbooks, footwear, headgear, coats, jackets and even pyjamas. The couple have already managed to amass fortunes, estimated at 30million for Harry, and 4million for Meghan. Before marrying Harry, Meghan earned 61,000 a year running her lifestyle blog The Tig, which focused on food, travel, fashion and health and made the most of her celebrity endorsement deals. The Duke and Duchess this evening took to Instagram where they announced they would be planning to split their time across the UK and North America She had to shut it down when she announced she was Harrys girlfriend. If it is now reactivated, it could make her far more money. But the road ahead is fraught with danger if past royal commercial ventures are anything to go by. Images of the Duchess of York infamously counting bundles of cash in a News of the World sting were hard to shake off. Prince Edward once tried to combine royal duties with running a television production company, before it flopped. And his wife Sophie Wessex was also caught by the News of the World uttering indiscretions when touting herself as a PR consultant. The costs of Harry and Meghans lifestyle are high and likely to rise. They employ a private secretary, who can earn up to 146,000, and a nanny for their son Archie who would also command a six-figure salary. London supernannies who work for the capitals richest and most powerful families earn an average of 104,000, according to industry sources. At Frogmore Cottage in Windsor they have a housekeeper but no chef because Meghan loves cooking two personal assistants and two palace orderlies probably earning between 20,000 and 30,000 each. The couple came under scrutiny in 2019 for their use of private jets when they travelled together. The trips were privately funded by the couple. They also visited family friend Sir Elton Johns holiday home, but the musician revealed he had paid for the cost of the flight himself and donated to a carbon- offsetting charity. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle want to STAY at Frogmore Cottage after taxpayer-funded 2.4m renovation (but could have to pay RENT) and they want to KEEP 650k-a-year security Despite stepping back as frontline royals, Harry and Meghan have decided to keep Frogmore Cottage. The public paid 2.4million to fund a renovation of the Grade II-listed property near Windsor Castle. And the couple announced last night they wanted to keep it so they would have 'a place to call home in the United Kingdom'. The phrasing raised the prospect that their main home will come to be regarded as being elsewhere, perhaps Canada. It was decided taxpayers would help Harry and Meghan pay for Frogmore after the newlyweds eschewed their home in the grounds of Kensington Palace, wanting a place of their own. Last night sources told The Times newspaper that the couple could be forced to pay rent to the Queen, who had previously gifted them the property. Last night, a statement on the official Royal Sussex website said: 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to use Frogmore Cottage with the permission of Her Majesty The Queen' Royal accounts show 2.4million of taxpayer money has been ploughed into renovating five-bedroomed Frogmore Cottage. The major work included replacing defective ceiling beams and floor joists, and updating outmoded heating systems. But the couple are also thought to have installed a luxury kitchen and bathroom in the building. Officials have been keen to downplay suggestions that this was an example of royal profligacy. Last night, a statement on the official Royal Sussex website said: 'Frogmore Cottage will continue to be the property of Her Majesty the Queen. 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to use Frogmore Cottage with the permission of Her Majesty The Queen as their official residence as they continue to support the monarchy, and so that their family will always have a place to call home in the United Kingdom.' The couple announced last night they wanted to keep Frogmore Cottage so they would have 'a place to call home in the United Kingdom' When the enormous public cost of fixing up Frogmore was first revealed, the couple faced criticism from some quarters. Even fans of the royals were scathing about the costs, especially as Harry and Meghan 'could have moved next door' to a grand apartment within Kensington Palace if they had needed more space. But amid reports of a rift with Prince William and Kate, the 'substantial overhaul' of Frogmore Cottage a gift to the couple from the Queen was approved by Her Majesty. The final bill is expected to top 3million. One critic, Graham Smith, from the campaign group Republic, compared the renovation bill to a charity's funding of a centre for military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), saying: 'A charity spent 2.4million on a support centre for marines suffering PTSD. 'The taxpayers then spent the same amount on a luxury private home for Harry and Meghan.' Advertisement Harry and Meghan's MEGA millions: Experts reveal the couple could earn a fortune with TV shows, books, brand deals, and more after quitting the royal family - and even stand to outdo the Obamas' huge $65M book advance Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have vowed to become 'financially independent' when they step down as senior members of the royal family, but the two shouldn't have much trouble making money. The couple has an estimated 34million [$45 million] private fortune to fund their new life, but they have the opportunity to make even more through various projects. If famous political couples like the Obamas and Clintons are any indication, the two can easily procure a fortune through profitable book deals, speaking engagements, and, in Meghan's case, fashion partnerships. In fact, experts say that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have the potential to rake in tens of millions of dollars annually, particularly if they choose to follow in Barack and Michelle's very lucrative footsteps with public speaking opportunities, books, and TV deals. Surprise: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced on Wednesday that they are stepping down as senior members of the royal family and will become 'financially independent' In the money: Experts say Harry and Meghan have the potential to rake in tens of millions of dollars annually, particularly if they follow in the footsteps of the Obamas 'Their earning power both individually and as a couple is limitless in all aspects of endorsements,' Ronn Torossian, CEO of New York-based PR firm 5W Public Relations, told DailyMail.com. 'Whether appearances, brand partnerships or more, they could make eight or nine figures annually with endorsement deals.' Ronn said it 'wouldn't be surprising' if the couple started looking at options to make money in North America, where they will be staying when they're not in the United Kingdom. 'With the level of name recognition both of them have, brands will no doubt be tripping over themselves to offer Meghan and Harry partnerships, endorsement deals, positions as brand ambassadors, and more,' he explained. 'The sky is the limit for the two of them in terms of earning potential in North America.' A branding and social media expert, who asked to remain anonymous, believes that Harry and Meghan will follow in Barack and Michelle's footsteps by setting up a charitable foundation, producing documentaries for a streaming service, and teaming up with Spotify to create podcasts. 'I think you're looking at a Michelle and Barack situation,' the expert said. 'They will definitely follow the Michelle and Barack model, and it will definitely work for them because people are incredibly thirsty for those royals.' Harry and Meghan certainly have plenty of A-list friends who are as business savvy as they are famous to help them transition into their new lives and make plenty of money along the way. The couple has relationships with both the Obamas and the Clintons, with Harry being particularly close with Barack and Michelle. Last year, Meghan secretly invited Hillary Clinton to Frogmore Cottage, her Windsor home, to meet her son, Archie. Oprah Winfrey recently teamed up with Harry to create a mental health docu-series after attending his wedding to Meghan in 2018. The media mogul can easily set them up with interviews, as can her best friend Gayle King. The CBS News anchor was one of the many famous faces who attended Meghan's New York baby shower last year. Meanwhile, Meghan's close friend Jessica Mulroney works for Good Morning America as a style consultant. The opportunities are seemingly endless for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have connections with people from all walks of life. They also have the resources to hire professionals to help them navigate their careers as they move away from their royal duties. In September, it was revealed Meghan hired a top crisis PR firm that once represented Harvey Weinstein in a bid to improve her public image. In a significant break from royal protocol, the former actress brought in the New York-based firm Sunshine Sachs behind the back of Buckingham Palace's own advisers. Sunshine Sachs is among the U.S.'s most prominent crisis management firms, but it has been accused of employing 'dark arts' tactics to improve the image of its clients. Goals: Barack and Michelle Obama scored a reported $65 million advance as part of their joint book deal, and it's possible the royals can bring in even more Deals: Bill Clinton was given a hefty $15 million advance for his 2004 autobiography, My Life, while his wife, Hillary, got an estimated $14 million for her 2014 memoir Hard Choices BOOK DEALS If Prince Harry and Meghan choose to write memoirs about their lives, they will likely start a bidding war between publishing houses and procure eight-figure advances. Fans would love to read about their vastly different childhoods and how their lives became entwined when they were brought together through a mutual friend. Their love story is one for the ages, and while they have shared bits and pieces about their courtship, people are still clamoring for more information about the highs and lows of their romance. Success: Michelle's memoir, Becoming, has sold more than 10 million copies In 2017, the Obamas scored a joint book deal at Penguin Random House worth a reported $65 million an unprecedented amount for a presidential memoir. While Barack's upcoming book has yet to be released, Michelle's autobiography, Becoming, sold 1.4 million copies in the first week and went on to become the best-selling book in the U.S. in 2018. As of March 2019, it sold more than 10 million copies and was on track to become the best-selling memoir of all time. Prior to Barack and Michelle's record-breaking deal, Bill Clinton was given a hefty $15 million advance for his 2004 autobiography, My Life. He has written four books since leaving the White House in 2001. Most recently, he published his first best-selling novel, The President is Missing, which he co-wrote with superstar author James Patterson. His wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, has written numerous books as well. She earned a reported $8 million dollar advance for her 2003 memoir, Living History, and a believed $14 million for her 2014 follow-up, Hard Choices. If Harry and Meghan aren't willing to get personal, there are other options. Hillary and her daughter Chelsea recently co-wrote and published The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience, which features portraits of female role models who inspire them. Now that they're parents, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may want to follow in Chelsea's footsteps and write children's books focusing on topics they're passionate about. Potential: It's possible Harry and Meghan will start their own production company like the Obamas and start producing their own documentaries and podcasts In the game: Harry has already teamed up with Oprah to create a multi-part documentary series about mental health that will air on the Apple TV platform this year TV AND STREAMING DEALS The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are both activists in their own right, so it's not hard to imagine them getting into film and television production to raise awareness for the causes that are important to them. Harry has already teamed up with Oprah to create a multi-part documentary series about mental health that will air on the Apple TV platform this year. Millions of viewers tuned in to watch them open up about the struggles they've faced as a couple in their emotional 2019 documentary, Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, a testament to their built-in fan base. It's possible they'll take a cue from the Obamas and start their own production company to pitch their passion projects. It was announced in 2018 that Barack and Michelle had signed a multi-year deal to produce movies, series, and documentaries for Netflix through their production company, Higher Ground. It's unclear how much the former president and first lady made off the deal, but those who have signed onto similar agreements are set to make millions. Shonda Rhimes, who created Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, signed a five-year deal with Netflix in 2017 that is estimated to be worth $150 million. The following year, American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy reportedly scored up to $300 million when he inked his own five-year deal with the streaming giant. Taking the mic: The Obamas and Clintons command six-figure fees for speaking engagements, and experts believe Meghan and Harry can easily do the same At the podium: Meghan has a passion for using her voice to promote awareness for the causes near and dear to heart. She's pictured at the launch of her charity clothing line in September PUBLIC SPEAKING The U.S.'s former presidents and first ladies are taking home millions of dollars from their public appearances, so why can't royals? Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush have all made a pretty penny from their six-figure speaking fees over the years. After leaving the White House, Barack started commanding a reported $400,000 per speaking engagement, while his wife, Michelle, has been said to make $200,000. George W. takes in $100,000 to $175,000 per appearance, Politico reported in 2015, noting that he has done at least 200 paid speeches since he left office. And according to CNN analysis, Bill and Hillary have earned more than $153 million in paid speeches from 2001 until the former secretary of state launched her 2016 presidential campaign. Jeff Jacobson, co-founder of the Talent Bureau speaking agency, says the couple would get at least $100,000 per appearance, and Harry could get up $500,000. He told Bloomberg: 'I would imagine they are going to start having these conversations ASAP, if they havent already. I suspect they will both get on the circuit, and it will be one of Harrys primary revenue streams.' And it won't just be one-off appearances that Meghan and Harry can earn money from; if, as experts predict, the two choose to follow the Obamas' lead and sign a book deal, they could go on to rake in a fortune from a subsequent book tour - as former FLOTUS Michelle recently did. When Michelle launched her book tour back in 2018, the costs of tickets shocked some fans, with prices ranging from $29.95 for general admission to $3,000 for a VIP package which included a front row seat, a photo with Mrs. Obama and a signed book. Fashionable philanthropy: Last year, Meghan helped create a capsule collection to benefit Smart Works, a charity that provides clothes and coaching to unemployed women Walking advertisement: Catbird, the jewelry brand behind Meghan's favorite thin, stackable gold ring revealed 20,000 people have snapped up the band since she was seen wearing it FASHION AND BRAND PARTNERSHIPS When it comes to fashion, Meghan has the magic touch. Whatever the actress-turned-royal wears sells out almost immediately, making her any brand's dream partner. The Duchess of Sussex has many friends in the fashion industry, including tennis star Serena Williams and designer Misha Nonoo, who both have their own clothing lines. Meghan's close pal Jessica Mulroney also happens to be a famous stylist who has been credited with helping indie Canadian fashion brands get their start. Jessica can easily help her connect with brands, though the royal likely doesn't need the help. Editorial: The Duchess of Sussex guest-edited the September issue of British Vogue in 2019 Last year, Meghan guest-edited British Vogue, and she is said to be close with the magazine's editor-in-chief Edward Enninful as well as American Vogue's Anna Wintour. The Duchess of Sussex combined her love of fashion and philanthropy in 2019 to launch a capsule clothing line to benefit Smart Works, a charity that provides clothes and coaching to unemployed women. The collection was created in partnership with Misha, the clothing brand Jigsaw, and the department stores Marks & Spencer and John Lewis. For each item that was purchased, one was donated to the charity. And if she so chooses, Meghan could also revive her lifestyle blog, The Tig, which she launched in 2014 and used to share her favorite things with her fans. She abruptly shut down the site in April 2017, taking down all the posts she had shared over the previous three years. Meghan and Harry's engagement was announced in November 2017. However, Meghan recently filed documents in the U.S. aiming to keep the rights to the blog's name until 2021. A palace spokesperson made it clear that the lasting trademark is to 'prevent false branding, but she could always have a change of heart. Mystery project: Philanthropy is a large part of Harry and Meghan's lives, and they revealed they will be launching a new 'new charitable entity' Going their own way: Though they likely won't make money from their charitable endeavors, the new venture will certainly help them carve out their new identities CHARITIES Philanthropy is a large part of Harry and Meghan's lives, and in their statement announcing their decision to step down from senior royal duties, they said they will be launching a 'new charitable entity.' The couple didn't share any additional details about the upcoming venture, but they may take inspiration from the Obamas, Bushes, and Clintons, who all have their own charitable foundations in the U.S. Though they likely won't make money from their charitable endeavors, the new venture will certainly help them carve out their new identities as they move away from the British monarchy. Last year, Harry and Meghan walked away from the Royal Foundation, their formerly joint charity with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to start their own charitable organization called Sussex Royal. It's unclear what will happen with the foundation now that they are no longer going to be working as senior royals and they have yet to clarify their plans for the organization. Canadians say they'll welcome Harry and Meghan with open arms (as long as they don't have to pay for their security) - but PM Justin Trudeau stays unusually silent Canadians say they will welcome Prince Harry and wife Meghan with open arms should they choose to relocate to Canada after quitting the Royal Family - as long as they don't have to pay their security costs. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed on Wednesday they planned to split their time between the United Kingdom and North America after stepping back from senior roles in Britain's Royal Family. It sparked immediate speculation the couple had their sights set on Canada after just returning from a six-week vacation in Vancouver with their son Archie. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has remained unusually silent following Harry and Meghan's announcement. He recently wished them a 'quiet and blessed' stay in the country during their vacation and said they were 'among friends and always welcome here'. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed on Wednesday they planned to now split their time between the United Kingdom and North America after stepping back from senior roles in Britain's Royal Family Every day Canadians were overwhelmingly supportive about the country potentially becoming Harry and Meghan's new home - as long as they didn't have to fork out the costs for their tight security. 'As long as we Canadians do not have to pay for Meghan and Harry's security costs, I don't really care about the rest,' one person tweeted. Another tweeted: 'My hope is that Meghan and Harry decided to go the 'no drama' route of raising their child in a more peaceful, less-public environment. Canada welcomes them and we will very much respect their privacy.' 'Dear Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Canada loves you. We don't have the Orange Cheeto. You were happy at Christmas. Canada is waiting with open arms to welcome you back,' another tweet said, referring to President Trump. 'Certainly we here in Canada will welcome them as we always have.' One person urged the couple to move to Montreal where privacy laws were stricter: 'Welcome to Canada. Come to Montreal where paparazzi cannot take pics of you and publish them.' Jessica Mulroney (left), 40, the Canadian stylist, posted a message on her social media in support of best friend Meghan Markle (right) A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink, the quote read. The phrase was said to have been uttered by Gina Carey, an American filmmaker and gospel singer The couple have not revealed where in North America they plan to make a second home but they cited their baby as a reason why they decided to live part of their time outside Britain. The couple have close ties to Canada with California-native Meghan describing it as her 'second home' after the UK. Meghan lived in Toronto for six years while filming Suits and it is the city where they enjoyed a secret five-month courtship before their relationship was revealed to the world in October 2016. They just spent Christmas in Vancouver with their eight-month-old son Archie. The couple spent six-weeks in a $14 million waterfront mansion on Vancouver Island. The message about the couple's plans also appeared on their official Instagram feed, along with a link to a website, sussexroyal.com, where followers could find more information. Meghan and Harry enlisted a Toronto-based media company to help create that brand new website. The couple have close ties to Canada with California-native Meghan describing it as her 'second home' after the UK. They are pictured above together in Toronto in 2016 Meghan lived in Toronto for six years while filming Suits and it is the city where they enjoyed a secret five month courtship before their relationship was revealed to the world in October 2016 They just spent Christmas in Vancouver with their eight-month-old son Archie. The couple spent six-weeks in a $14 million waterfront mansion on Vancouver Island The website elaborated on why they are seeking financial independence from the monarchy's funding mechanism, known as the Sovereign Grant. A page on the site states the grant they are forsaking covers just 5 percent of the costs for the duke and duchess and is used for their official office expenses. Meghan and Harry 'value the ability to earn a professional income, which in the current structure they are prohibited from doing,' the website states. 'Their Royal Highnesses feel this new approach will enable them to continue to carry out their duties for Her Majesty the Queen, while having the future financial autonomy to work externally. Harry and Meghan also detailed that they would still have armed security even after stepping down from senior roles. 'The provision of armed security by The Metropolitan Police is mandated by the Home Office, a ministerial department of Her Majesty's Government, responsible for security and law & order. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are classified as internationally protected people which mandates this level of security,' the couple wrote. A Bethlehem man is charged in an assault on a co-worker, who fled to nearby woods and had to be treated for his injuries and exposure to winter weather, court records say. It started after the two co-workers spent a day doing roofing work in the Philadelphia area, and the suspect accused the victim of contacting the suspects mother, according to police. Lower Saucon Township police got a warrant Monday for the suspect, 26-year-old Richard York, stemming from the Jan. 2 incident. York, of the 1700 block of Center Street in Bethlehem, was arrested Tuesday and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment. He was sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail to await a preliminary hearing on the charges. Lower Saucon police said they responded late Jan. 2 to several reports of residents hearing yells for help near Old Mill Road and Reading Drive. Officers went out, but said they did not hear or see anyone. More calls came in to 911 about cries for help, and this time officers used fire department thermal imaging cameras. They saw a heat source and discovered the victim in the woods between an Old Mill Road home and Saucon Creek. The man had extensive injuries to his face, and was only wearing shorts and a thin shirt in the damp weather with temperatures below 40 degrees, police said. The mans legs were beginning to turn blue and he was taken to St. Lukes University Hospital for immediate medical treatment, township police said. The man reportedly told officers it was York who assaulted him, and that he believed York was still in his home on Old Mill Road. York was not in the home, but officers found every room vandalized, including cabinet doors ripped off, broken dishes and glass, a large-screen TV split in half, holes in the drywall and blood, court records say. The victim reported he was working with York earlier that day on roofing projects in Philadelphia. The pair drove back to the victims home, and went to the victims bedroom in the basement. Thats where York accused the victim of contacting Yorks mother, police said. York began beating the victim in the face, and the man ran from the basement into the woods, police said. The victim stayed in the woods as York went in and out of the home, yelling and screaming, police said. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. He dismissed the idea that privatisation would spell doom for the Railways. The fares in these trains will be regulated. It is not as if the private players would be able to charge as per their wishes, he said. Hyderabad: The Niti Aayogs working paper on private participation in the Indian Railways has run into opposition from railway employees. Across the South Central Railway (SCR), employees staged protests and demonstrations against the move. Experts and members of the Zonal Rail Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), the body responsible for consumer advocacy, were divided on the issue of privatisation. Niti Aayog recently released a working paper titled Private Participation: Passenger Trains. It proposed to run 150 trains on 100 routes, including eight in the Secunderabad cluster. U. Yadagiri, a member of ZRUCC through his association with the Secunderabad division users committee, said, The idea of privatising the rail network is dangerous. It will ultimately be problematic for the common public. Yadagiri argued that no private operator would be able to offer the services the railways offers, and at such a low price. He said privately-operated trains would never be cheaper than those run by the railways. Soon, trains could be out of the reach of the common public, he added. There are a lot of systemic issues -- corruption, bad planning and mismanagement -- within the railways that need to be addressed as soon as possible. But it seems the Centre has only one solution for all of them -- privatisation. Decisions taken in A/C board rooms wont translate well on the ground, he said. However, Manohar Reddy, a ZRUCC member through his association with the committee from Hyderabad division, felt the opposite. Privatisation will be a godsend for Telangana state. Our rail network is very old and needs updation. Private players will bring in much-needed expertise. Since these private players will have to work under strict guidelines, it would be good for overall punctuality, he said. On possible hike in fares, he said, Yes, there might be a hike. But it would be worth it. Mr Arun Luharuka, a ZRUCC member representing the trade body Federation of Telangana Chamber of Commerce (FTCC), had similar views. It is important that we look at privately-operated trains as complementary to the Indian Railways services. The former does not replace the latter, he said. He dismissed the idea that privatisation would spell doom for the Railways. The fares in these trains will be regulated. It is not as if the private players would be able to charge as per their wishes, he said. Mr Luharuka said that only the operation of trains is being proposed for privatisation. In due course of time, trains can be bought and run by private players. This way, we might get faster and better machinery into the country, he said. into the country, he said. PALO ALTO (BCN) Five auto burglary suspects were arrested in Palo Alto early Monday thanks to a 911 call by a witness who saw them banging on car windows, police said. The arrests came after the witness called the Palo Alto police 24-hour dispatch center at 3:39 a.m. to report possible auto burglaries in progress in the area of Amarillo Avenue and West Bayshore Road. A responding officer saw a vehicle traveling south on Tanland Drive at Amarillo Avenue matching the suspect description and pulled it over, police said. Inside the vehicle, officers found gloves, burglary tools, and several possibly stolen items. Investigators searched the area and found eight vehicles with smashed windows, then contacted the victims and returned stolen property found inside the suspects' vehicle. David Matthew Foster, 18, of Newark, Salvador Rodriguez, 19, of East Palo Alto, and David Taufur, 18, of East Palo Alto, were booked into jail on suspicion of auto burglary, conspiracy, vandalism and possession of burglary tools. The two other suspects in the car, two 17-year-old boys from Redwood City, were cited and released to their parents, according to police. Detectives are investigating whether the suspects committed other auto burglaries in Palo Alto. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413, email paloalto@tipnow.org, or to send a tip via text message or voicemail to (650) 383-8984. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. They love him in Israel and India. In the Philippines and Kenya. Oh, and in Nigeria. The rest of the world? Not so much. Confidence in President Donald Trump to do the right thing when it comes to world affairs remains broadly negative, according to a Pew Research Center survey. The Washington-based Pew study, released Wednesday, found that among people it polled in 32 countries, 29% express confidence in Trump. Sixty-four percent say they lack confidence in the White House occupant. The figures stand in marked contrast to the final years of Barack Obama's presidency, when a median of 64% expressed confidence in Trumps predecessor to direct America's role in the world in a positive manner. Pew last conducted a survey of this kind in 2017. The survey published Wednesday was conducted in the spring and summer of 2019, well before the Trump administration's slaying of Gen. Qasem Soleimani, an action that has brought fresh scrutiny to one of Trump's signature foreign policy moves: exiting the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. It has led to increased tensions between Tehran and Washington. Iran's assault was the most aggressive in decades: What happens next? Pew notes that "observed shifts in foreign attitudes toward the U.S. and its leader" are sometimes "connected to U.S. policy or actions, as in the case of the Iraq War in 2003; sometimes they reflect domestic realities, such as the case of right-wing voters in Europe recently growing more favorable toward the U.S." At home, Trump has an approval rating of roughly 45% and a disapproval rating of nearly 53%, while the remaining 2% aren't sure, according to an average of job approval polls published by RealClearPolitics, a website focused on political analysis. Distaste for Trump is led by Europe, where approximately three in four people 75% in Germany, Sweden, France, Spain and the Netherlands lack confidence in Trump. Mexico, too, does not like him: 89% do not have confidence in Trump. Story continues Anti-Trump sentiment around the world is driven by his foreign policy actions, including increasing tariffs or fees on imported goods from other countries; withdrawing from the international climate change accord; and proposing to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border. A majority of those polled disapprove of Trumps policies to allow fewer immigrants into the USA and his withdrawal from the Iran nuclear accord. Middle East: Stampede at Iran commander Qasem Soleimani's funeral kills at least 56 Trump's attempt to directly negotiate with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over that country's nuclear weapons program garners the most support of his various foreign policy actions across the 33 countries surveyed a median of 41% of people approve of this action, compared with 36% who disapprove. Pew, which describes itself as a nonpartisan "fact tank" that does not take positions on policy decisions, tested the international popularity of four other world leaders in its survey: German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Hermit kingdom: Trump downplays renewed nuclear threats from North Korea Trump is more negatively viewed than all the leaders asked about in the survey. In 12 countries, men are more likely than women to rate Trump positively. For example, 28% of men in Sweden have confidence in the president; just 8% of women do. Overall global attitudes toward the United States remain largely favorable, although there are large differences across the 33 nations surveyed for that part of the study. Three Central and Eastern European nations Poland (79 %), Lithuania (70%) and Hungary (66%) had the most favorable opinion of the United States. Outside the European Union, Ukraine (73%) rates the United States highly, although views about Trump are less favorable (46%). Pew notes the survey in Ukraine was conducted before revelations last year about Trump's phone call with the country's new president in July. In Russia, 29% of those polled view America positively. Israelis give the United States its highest rating on the survey (83% favorable). Elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa, attitudes are more negative, especially in Turkey, where just one in five (20%) have a favorable opinion of the United States, the lowest percentage registered in the survey. The survey says Trump is generally more popular among those on the political right in many of the nations that were polled. Trump's popularity in Israel (70%) partly reflects his decisions to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and to withdraw from the Iran nuclear accord. Israel settlements: Donald Trump proves he's the 'King of Israel' This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pew survey: World has little confidence in Trump on global affairs T he three Britons killed in the Ukraine passenger plane crash were Sam Zokaei, Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi and Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda Zadeh. Reservoir engineer Mr Zokaei, 42, from Twickenham, London, was on holiday from working at BPs site at Sunbury-on-Thames in Middlesex, the oil firm said. Mr Zokaei worked at the company for more than 14 years, moving through a number of roles, according to his LinkedIn profile. He graduated from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh in 2004 with a masters in petroleum engineering, it added. BP said in a statement: With the deepest regret, we can confirm that one of our colleagues at BP, Sam Zokaei, was a passenger on the Ukrainian International Airlines plane that crashed in Iran this morning, reportedly with no survivors. Sam Zokaei, 42, was one of three Britons killed in the crash / Facebook We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss of our friend and colleague, and all of our thoughts are with his family and friends. Engineer Mr Tahmasebi was a post-graduate researcher with Imperial College Londons (ICL) Centre for System Engineering and Innovation. Prior to joining ICL the 35-year-old PhD candidate got a degree in civil engineering from the University of Greenwich in 2007 and a masters in structural engineering from the University of Surrey in 2012. ICL said that Mr Tahmasebi played a leading role on projects including high rise buildings, railways, airports and Ministry of Defence installations, both in the UK and internationally. Mr Tahmasebi married his Iranian partner, 34-year-old Niloufar Ebrahim, last year. She was also named among the casualties by the airline. Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi, an engineer, was a post-graduate researcher with Imperial College London A spokesman for the university added: We are deeply saddened at this tragic news. Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi was a brilliant engineer with a bright future. His contributions to systems engineering earned respect from everyone who dealt with him and will benefit society for years to come. He was a warm, humble and generous colleague, and close friend to many in our community. Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda Zadeh was described as a "lovely man" Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Saeeds family, friends and colleagues, as well as all those affected by this tragedy. Staff at a pet store near the dry cleaners which 40-year-old Mr Kadkhoda Zadeh ran paid tribute to him as a lovely man [with] a lovely smile. Hassocks Pet Centres owner Stephen Edgington, 68, said: Reza was a lovely guy. He was good looking, sociable. Before he left we were chatting and he said do you realise I have been here so many years?. Some of the estimated 500 Canadian troops in Iraq will be moved temporarily to neighbouring Kuwait in the coming days to ensure their safety amid rising tensions in the region, a top Canadian military official said Tuesday. General Jonathan Vance, chief of defense staff, announced the "operational pause" in a letter posted on Twitter to families of deployed military personnel. "Over the coming days, and as a result of Coalition and NATO planning, some of our people will be moved temporarily from Iraq to Kuwait," he said. "Simply put, we are doing this to ensure their safety and security." The move comes amid heightened concerns over possible Iranian retaliation for the killing of the country's top commander, Qasem Soleimani, on Friday on the orders of US President Donald Trump. NATO, which suspended its training mission in Iraq after the killing, said earlier Tuesday it also was temporarily "repositioning" some personnel to locations inside and outside Iraq. Several other countries, including Germany and Romania, announced plans to move their forces. France, for its part, said it had no intention to withdraw its troops from Iraq. Vance did not specify how many Canadian troops would be moved out. "The situation in Iraq is complex and it is best to pause our work there in order to fully concentrate our attention and efforts toward the safety and security of our personnel while the situation develops," Vance said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed the situation in talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and with Jordan's King Abdullah, his office said, and they agreed to press for a "de-escalation" of the tensions. Trudeau and the Jordanian king also agreed "on the need to remain focused on fighting Daesh," the statement said, referring the Islamic State group. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It is summer Down Under, when Australian families traditionally go on holiday. For many, this means a vacation at the beach. Others retreat to the mountains or some remote place in the bush. They hole up in cabins that have been in their families for generations. But all that seems quaint and far away in this summer of fire, when beaches have become staging grounds for people fleeing by boat and when homes in the bush are burned to their foundations. WASHINGTON: Hours after Iran launched a missile attack on the US airbases of Ain al-Asad and Irbil in Iraq to avenge the killing of its top commander Major General Qasem Soleimani, it has now emerged that at least 22 surface-to-surface ballistic missiles were used in the attack. According to The Telegraph, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, "22 missiles were fired on US airbases in Iraq. We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation." The rockets from Iran struck US targets on Tuesday night, hitting two Iraqi airbases - Ain al-Asad and Irbil - where American and coalition forces are based. It was the latest strike against the airbases that had figured prominently in high-ranking officials` visits. Iran's Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched surface-to-surface missiles on airbases as revenge for the killing of Gen Qassim Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad last week. Iranian state television earlier on Wednesday said that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on US targets in Iraq, adding that none of the missiles was intercepted. State TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said U.S. helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged". There are so far no reports of casualties, but it was Iran's most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the US Embassy in Tehran. The operation was codenamed "Martyr Soleimani". TRAINING The US troops have trained Iraqi troops at the targeted Al-Assad airbase, located in Anbar province northwest of Baghdad, as part of Washington`s bid to build a force that could mount an offensive against Islamic State militants. Aside from the US and Iraqi forces, the airbase has also hosted US-led coalition partners Denmark and the United Kingdom. BASE HAS HOSTED TRUMP Over the Christmas holidays in 2018, US President Donald Trump stopped there and made remarks to troops during a surprise visit to Iraq, his first journey to a conflict zone since taking office in January 2017. During Trump`s trip, he defended his decision to withdraw 2,000 troops from Syria. That policy shift sparked concern from allies and spurred James Mattis, his defense secretary at the time, to resign. THE BASE HAS BEEN ATTACKED BEFORE In 2015, the base came under regular harassing mortar fire from Islamic State militants. The same year, the air base was attacked by 25 Islamic State fighters, but the Pentagon said at the time that Iraqi security forces guarding the perimeter killed most of the combatants. Five rockets landed on the airbase last month but did not cause any casualties. TRUMP TWEETS 'ALL IS WELL' In response, US President Donald Trump said an assessment of casualties and damage from the strikes was underway and that he would make a statement on Wednesday morning. "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! "We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning," Trump said in a tweet. Trump's tweet came after the White House and the Pentagon confirmed that tens of surface-to-surface missiles were fired at the strategic airbases in Iraq. The attack came hours after US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said the United States should expect retaliation over the US killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike in Iraq on Friday. Iran's IRGC had also called for a complete withdrawal of US troops from the Iran, asserting that it would not differentiate between the Washington and Israel while retaliating against Soleimani`s killing. "We warn US allies providing bases for the (American) terrorist army that any country serving as the origin of bellicose and aggressive attacks in any form against the Islamic Republic of Iran will be targeted," the IRGC said in a statement on Wednesday. It urged the US to recall all their soldiers back home to prevent more damage. In a sign that Tehran was seeking to draw a line under the recent escalation of tensions, Irans Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said, We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Meanwhile, Germany, Denmark, Norway and Poland said none of their troops in Iraq was hurt. Britain, which also has personnel in Iraq, condemned the Iranian action. Iraq said its forces did not suffer casualties. Soleimani, a pivotal figure in orchestrating Iran`s campaign to drive US forces out of Iraq, was responsible for building up Iran`s network of proxy armies across the Middle East. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2020) - Braveheart Resources Inc. (TSXV: BHT) ("Braveheart" or the "Company") announces that it plans to begin drilling from underground workings at the Bull River Mine project. The purpose of the drilling program will be to test the down dip extension of the vein systems under the current workings. Approximately 3,000 metres of drilling is planned for the first quarter of 2020. The Company is currently completing ground support activities at the proposed drill locations. Braveheart has a current NI 43-101 technical report that was completed in November 2018 and published in SEDAR in January 2019. The Bull River Mine project has an indicated resource of 1.51 million tonnes of copper, gold and silver mineralized material with an average copper equivalent grade of 2.263% CuEq based on a cut off grade of 1% CuEq. Additionally, the project has an inferred resource of 340,000 tonnes at 1.86% CuEq based on a cut off grade of 1% CuEq. The resource is currently open to depth. The Company plans to follow-up on several diamond drill holes that are below the current workings and not included in the database. One historical drill hole, BRU00-035 that is located below and to the east of the current resource model of the Main South Vein, yielded a composite average of 2.86% Cu over 9.9 metres including 4.27% Cu over 6.0 metres. These values do not represent true widths. The Company is also providing an update on our recent press release of December 30, 2019 relating to the planned extension on the expiry of 25,994,880 unexercised warrants. The warrants were previously issued on January 20, 2019 as part of a plan of arrangement. The warrants have a current expiry date of January 20, 2020 and each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of Cdn$0.15 per share. Subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), the Company intended to extend the expiry date by six months to July 20, 2020. The Company has since been informed by the TSXV that because the warrants were originally issued as part of a reviewable acquisition, and not a private placement, they are not eligible for an extension. About Braveheart Resources Inc. Braveheart is a Canadian based junior mining company focused on building shareholder value through exploration and development in the favourable and proven mining jurisdictions of the East and West Kootenays of British Columbia. Braveheart's main asset is the Bull River Mine project which has a current mineral resource containing copper, gold and silver. The property is fully developed with 21,000 metres of underground developments in terms of ramps, raises and drifting on mineralized structures on seven levels. The surface infrastructure includes a 750 tonne per day conventional mill with adjoining crushing facilities as well as offices and mine maintenance facilities. The property is connected to grid power and there is year-round access to the site by paved and all-weather roads. Contact Information Braveheart Resources Inc. Ian Berzins President & Chief Executive Officer 403-512-8202 braveheartresources@shaw.ca Website: www.braveheartresourcesinc.com Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about strategic plans, future work programs and objectives and expected results from such work programs. Forward-looking information necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; and other risks. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information and the risks identified in the Company's continuous disclosure record. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this news release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this new release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51252 The Central Election Committee meeting for the will be held on January 11 at party interim president Sonia Gandhi's residence here. Assembly polls will be held in Delhi on February 8 while counting of votes will take place on February 11. Model Code of Conduct has come into force in Delhi with the announcement of the poll schedule. The stated that election notification will be issued on January 14, the last date of nomination of candidates is January 21, scrutiny of nominations will take place on January 22 and the last date of withdrawal of candidature is January 24. In 2015 assembly polls, AAP won 67 of 70 seats while the BJP could win only three. Congress, which was in power for 15 years in Delhi between 1998 to 2013, failed to get any seat. As we enter a new year, the endless fight over San Antonios paid sick leave ordinance will proceed along two legal tracks. Last Thursday, the city filed a notice of appeal with the 4th Court of Appeals, the first step in an effort to overturn a Nov. 22 temporary injunction from District Judge Peter Sakai, which blocked the planned Dec.1 implementation of paid sick leave. As the appeals process begins, the District Court case continues, with a pending hearing on whether the coalition of business groups including Associated Builders and Contractors of South Texas and the Texas Retailers Association will be able to get the permanent injunction they seek against the paid sick leave ordinance. One of the most vocal courthouse advocates for paid sick leave, however, will not be a part of the legal process going forward. MOVE Texas withdrew from the case the same day the city filed its notice of appeal. The nonprofit civic engagement organization had, along with the Texas Organizing Project (TOP), stood with the city as defendants in the lawsuit. The two-page Jan. 2 filing in the 408th District Court stated the following: Because MOVE brings no affirmative claims for relief and is not a mandatory party to this case, MOVE should be automatically dismissed as a party. H. Drew Galloway, the executive director of MOVE Texas, said the group dropped out because it wants to focus its energies on 2020 voter engagement. We are 100 percent supportive of the appeal for paid sick time to the 4th Court, Galloway said. We will stand beside the city and Texas Organizing Project in that move. We made a strategic decision to focus on a grassroots response to paid sick time and prioritize our 2020 field work. Galloway said the city and TOP are great messengers in the case and added that MOVE Texas plans to file an amicus brief in the 4th Court of Appeals, expressing support for the ordinance requiring San Antonio employers to provide paid sick time to their workers. On ExpressNews.com: Judge stops paid sick leave ordinance from taking effect While Galloway attributed MOVE Texass withdrawal from the legal case purely to the election-year demands on an organization hoping to register more than 50,000 Texas voters, theres no doubt the court battle carries some financial risk for any entity attached to the defense side. Ricardo Cedillo, the attorney for the coalition trying to block the ordinance, said he will recommend to his clients that if they win the District Court case, they should seek attorneys fees from the city. He also is open to the idea of requesting attorneys fees from other defendants in the case. That means TOP. Until last Thursday, it also meant MOVE Texas. Cedillo sees paid sick leave as an issue that should be decided by the Legislature and he regards the citys determination to engage in a protracted court battle as a justification for his clients to recoup their attorneys fees. The City Council passed its paid sick leave ordinance in August 2018, with some reluctance. TOPs petition drive earlier that year had succeeded in getting a paid sick leave initiative on the November 2018 ballot. With paid sick leave already looking like a done deal in San Antonio, and with city officials worried that a paid sick leave initiative inadvertently could aid the passage of three fire union propositions designed to weaken the power of the municipal government, the council preempted the initiative vote and passed its own ordinance. It seemed like a moot point at the time, because Republican lawmakers planned to use the 2019 legislative session to pass a bill that would block paid sick leave throughout the state. That didnt happen. So the battle continues, with one side framing it as an issue of equity for workers, and the other side defining it as a fight to protect business owners from excessive government regulation. Regardless of how the issue plays out in the courts, however, Galloway is convinced it will have a serious impact on the 2020 election cycle. Galloway said issue surveys conducted last year by MOVE Texas in San Antonio, Austin and Dallas (the three Texas cities that have passed paid sick time ordinances) found the issue to be among the top-five policy concerns for voters in all three cities. Hes convinced voter interest in this cause will contribute to remarkable turnout numbers, both for the March primaries and the November general election. I think were going to see incredible turnout, Galloway said. Young people are listening, theyre watching, theyre engaged, theyre paying attention to the debates on both sides. Theyre paying attention to issues that affect them. Gilbert Garcia is a columnist covering the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470 A Ukrainian plane has crashed in Iran. All the 180 passengers and crew on the civilian airline are feared dead, according to the Iranian Red Crescent. Aljazeera quotes the Iranian media as saying the Boeing 737-800 jet crashed near Parand, a suburb southwest of capital Tehran shortly after take-off. The crash occurred few hours after Iran attacked military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops in retaliation for the killing of an Iranian general by the U.S. The flight was reportedly travelling to Boryspil International Airport in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. An investigation team from the national aviation department was dispatched to the location after the news was announced. We will give more reports in upcoming bulletins, Reza Jafarzadeh, spokesman of the Iranian Aviation Organisation was quoted as telling reporters in Tehran. Boeing, which manufactured the aircraft, said it was aware of the media reports of the incident, and it is gathering more information. Indias Department of Telecommunications (DoT) must repay INR1.04 billion (USD14.4 million) to the bankrupt operator Reliance Communications (RCom) after the countrys Supreme Court upheld a ruling by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT). The TDSATs ruling was issued in December 2018 after the DoT cashed bank guarantees worth INR9.08 billion against spectrum dues of INR7.74 billion, then held on to the excess to cover the operators remaining liabilities. The DoT appealed the decision. In its ruling, the TDSAT stated that this excess must not be used to cover other dues, arguing that while the DoT had adjusted INR303 million, the remaining amount of INR1.04 billion...should be returned to the petitioner without prejudice to rights of either party for any other charges which the petitioner may be found liable to pay. RCom began insolvency proceedings in early 2019, and its creditors are currently evaluating bids on the operators assets. Iran has claimed responsibility for a rocket attack at the Al-Asad air base in western Iraq which is used by US forces a major escalation of an already tense and chaotic situation. The Pentagon confirmed that more than a dozen ballistic missiles were fired at US targets just hours after crowds filled the streets for the funeral of Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian general killed in an American drone strike last week. Donald Trump had previously threatened retaliation if Iran used force against America, but in its claim of responsibility Irans Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) warned Washington against that course of action. Iranian state television said Tehran had launched tens of surface-to-air missiles at the base. An IRGC statement carried on state programming further warned Americas regional allies that if any retaliatory strikes were launched from their territory, they could expect to be attacked as well. In the days following the killing of Soleimani in Baghdad, Tehran and its proxy militias in Iraq had threatened revenge on American forces. Reports also said Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, had declared that any response should be carried out by Irans own military forces. Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Show all 24 1 /24 Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions Iranian mourners gather around a vehicle carrying the coffin of top general Qasem Soleimani during the final stage of funeral processions, in his hometown Kerman. Soleimani was killed outside Baghdad airport in a drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump, ratcheting up tensions with Iran which has vowed "severe revenge" AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian people carry a coffin of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani during a funeral procession in Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions The assassination of the 62-year-old heightened international concern about a new war in the volatile, oil-rich Middle East and rattled financial markets AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners packed the streets of Tehran for ceremonies to pay homage to Soleimani, who spearheaded Iran's Middle East operations as commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force and was killed in a US drone strike on January 3 Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranians set a US and an Israeli flag on fire during the funeral procession AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, centre, with Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, second left, and President Hassan Rouhani, third left, standing next to him as he leads a prayer over the caskets of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Tehran University Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, left, openly weeps as he leads a prayer over the coffin of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Mourners holding posters of Qassem Soleimani AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Coffins of Soleimani and others who were killed in Iraq by a US drone strike, are carried on a truck surrounded by mourners during a funeral procession, at the Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions An Iranian mourner holds a placard AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Downtown Tehran was brought to a standstill as mourners flooded the Iranian capital Khamenei.IR/AFP via Getty Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Former Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps chief Mohamad Ali Jafari prays on the coffins of Qasem Soleimani and of other victims during their funeral ceremony EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Official Khamenei website via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions AFP via Getty Images Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Kerman - Final stage of funeral processions West Asia News Agency via Reuters Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran Satellite image Maxar Technologies/AP Qassem Soleimani: Mourners fill Iran streets for funeral Tehran EPA Soleimani, who co-ordinated Irans connections in the region, was killed outside Baghdad airport in the early hours of Friday morning. On Tuesday, a funeral was held for him in Iran. A crush killed dozens of mourners. Iraqs parliament voted to expel US troops from the country, where about 5,000 of them are based. But the US has reinforced its positions, while its ally the UK has also placed its military on standby. On Tuesday, Mr Trump warned Iran against any retaliation, telling reporters in the Oval Office: If Iran does anything they shouldnt be doing, they are going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly. After reports of the attacks emerged, the White House said the president had been briefed on the situation. We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq, said White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham. The president has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team. Reports from Iranian state media quoted the IRGC, whose covert arm Soleimani had commanded, as claiming responsibility for the attack. This morning, courageous fighters of the IRGCs Air Force launched a successful operation called Operation Martyr Soleimani, it said in a statement. Reports said the IRGC also warned other actors in the region not to respond in turn. It added: We warn all allied countries of the US that if attacks are launched from bases in their countries on Iran, they will be a target of military retaliation. Additional reporting by agencies As promised, Iran fired back at the United States Wednesday, striking two Iraqi military bases that house American soldiers. According to the Associated Press, Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at the military bases. No casualties have been reported. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the strike was in response to a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad that killed Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The General was popular with some Iranians but widely regarded as a terrorist on the international stage. Last night they received a slap, Khamenei said in a speech after the missile strikes. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end. Irans foreign minster also tweeted that Tehran had taken and concluded proportionate measures in self-defense, and said Tehran did not seek escalation. Irans Revolutionary Guard also released a statement about the missile attack: We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted. Trump, however, said there were no casualties in the attack on the U.S. troop housing. All is well! President Donald Trump tweeted after the missile attacks, adding, So far, so good. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi said he received notification from Iran just after midnight that a retaliation was starting or would start soon and would target only on U.S. positions. Finland and Lithuania militaries also received information about an imminent attack and evacuated their bases. According to the Associated Press, there were at least five impact sites on the Ain al-Asad base in Iraqs Anbar province. U.S. officials said 15 missiles were fired. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners and allies in the region, said Jonathan Hoffman, an assistant to the U.S. defense secretary. Related: Trump Responds Swiftly after Pro-Iranian Protestors Attack U.S. Embassy in Iraq U.S.-Iranian Tension Rises after U.S. Drone Strike Kills Top Iranian Commander 56 Killed, More than 200 Injured in Stampede during Qassem Soleimani's Funeral Procession Photo courtesy: Pixabay Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner. Automated and artificial intelligent processes are being put to work in Maryland to smooth the flow of workers compensation claims.This new system is a transformation, said Art Hebbeler, a contractor with Koniag Services, Inc., serving as the project manager for the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission Five-Year Enterprise Modernization Program.More than 100,000 injuries are processed by the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission annually, generating 25,000 to 35,000 claims. Not all injuries result in claims. Some 70 percent of the first reports of injury are submitted via paper, but 80 percent of the claims are received electronically, officials say. The new system automates much of what were formerly manual processes and offers a streamlined system for everyone ranging from commission officials to employees filing claims to insurance companies.The new system is a single Web browser enabled application. The basic look and feel is the same way whether you are the chairman of the commission, a claimant representing him or herself as an injured worker, an insurance company, an employer, the look and feel of that interface is the same across the system, Hebbeler said.Development for the new system, known as Comp Hub, began in 2018. Roughly 20 of the 250 processes have been completed and are being deployed incrementally, with Hebbeler noting that as they bring new processes on, they are turning old processes off.Comp Hub revolves around a concept called Intelligent Process Automation, which is the merging of digital process automation, robotic process automation and artificial intelligence.Its kind of a holistic workflow with machine-assisted decision-making. And then you get rid of some of the manual tasks by turning them into robotic functionality, said Drew Jaehnig, an automation expert with Bizagi, a maker of intelligent process automation technology that is involved in the workers comp modernization project in Maryland.Letting robotic processes take over frees up workers to perform tasks that are more mindful and more involved, as opposed to just churning through the paperwork, Jaehnig said.Some of the other processes and workflows ripe for streamlining via intelligent systems could be the processes guiding requests for public documents, or managing ethics investigation filings. There are other benefits too. Rebuilding the Maryland workers' compensation system allowed officials to review a number of processes and streamline the workflows, often resulting in less red tape for filers.We had one form in all of workers' comp that required a notary on it, said Hebbeler, pointing to the form related to the reimbursement of funeral expenses when a worker dies as the result of a workplace accident. It was determined that the need to notarize the document served no significant purpose, and the notary requirement was dropped.Sometimes you need to change regulations in order to make the more streamlined process more elegant, operate better, with more efficiency, said Jaehnig. And in the end, serve the taxpayer better with a less bureaucratic process.Change is sometimes hard, he added. Change is sometimes frightening. But in the end, you cant argue with the results: much higher productivity, faster processes. The Ghana National Ambulance Service has only 50 of its 155 ambulances operational. The government of Ghana, under the 1 Constituency 1 Ambulance project, seeks to address the issue of lack of ambulances. After missed deadlines and some controversies, the Minister for Health says the ambulances will be ready to be distributed on January 28, 2020. This infographic by citinewsroom.com summarizes the issues. ---citinewsroom Your chance to live out your drive-in cinema dream is finally here, and its the biggest in NZ. We literally CANNOT wait. And what's even better? It'll be screening the best flick of 2019 - the award-winning Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. For the first time ever, Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium will be transformed into a huge drive-in cinema on Sunday 29th January, just nine days before Queen and Adam Lambert arrive for their stadium tour. It's also Auckland Anniversary on Monday so you don't have to worry about a late Sunday night - you get the day off the next day. "If that wasnt big enough, you will be watching the movie on New Zealands largest outdoor screen! The gigantic 212m2 crystal clear HD LED screen is the only true way to watch the multi-award winning biographic," reads the advert. The screening is a one-night only event, and every ticket comes with popcorn and soft drinks for two people - we love us some free snacks. Cars will be lined up towards the back of the stadium - extra points if you have a pickup truck to cuddle up in the back of. Then you just tune your car radio to the FM station given and you're good to go! And if you haven't got a car then you can go old-school and just bring bean bags and blankets along and set up camp up front. We're pretty sure this will be a sell-out event because, well, it sounds like a dream come true. So grab your tix below and get ready to sing your little hearts out. Cinema At The Stadia presents Bohemian Rhapsody Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland Sunday 29th January 2020 Falling into a YouTube "click-hole" has paid off for one Sydney filmmaker after an afternoon spent watching hours of videos inspired her debut Flickerfest entry and it is taking her all the way to Sundance. Dani Pearce chanced on a performance poem that spoke to her like none other and formed the basis of her four-minute film Backpedal. Dani Pearce's Backpedal, which stars Brenna Harding, is part of this year's Flickerfest and has been selected for Sundance. "It was about that very strange limbo period after your coming of age," Ms Pearce said. "And [the poem] explores the female psyche under patriarchy." The poem's American author, Olivia Gatwood, was so enthusiastic about the project that she voiced a reading of her text that forms part of the film. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday. Photo: AP Foto/Virginia Mayo The EU wants to negotiate a post-Brexit partnership with the UK that goes well beyond trade and is unprecedented in scope, according to the president of the European Commission. Speaking at the London School of Economics, Ursula von der Leyen warned, however, that the relationship cannot and will not be as close as before. She also cautioned that, unless the post-Brexit transition period is extended beyond the end of 2020, both sides cannot expect to agree on every aspect of our new partnership. It is basically impossible to negotiate all, she said. Prime minister Boris Johnson has said that the 11-month transition period will not be extended under any circumstances, but some EU figures have suggested he will be forced to U-turn on that pledge due to the complexity of the negotiations. READ MORE: Facebook and eBay to tackle fake online shopping reviews after regulator probe We will have to prioritise, she said. We will work for solutions that uphold the integrity of the European Union, its single market, and its customs union. There can be no compromise on that. But we are ready to design a new partnership zero tariffs, zero quotas, zero dumping, a partnership that goes well beyond trade and is unprecedented in scope, she said. Von der Leyen said that the European Union was ready to work day and night to get as much done within the timeframe. But every choice that the UK makes in the negotiations will have a consequence, Von der Leyen noted. Without the free movement of people, you cannot have the free movement of capital, goods, and service. Without a level playing field on environment, labour, taxation, and state aid, you cannot have the highest quality access to the worlds largest single market, she said. The more divergence, the more distance the partnership will be. The commission president said that 31 January, the UKs last day in the bloc, will be a tough and emotional day. READ MORE: German industrial sector in dire state Story continues But she said that when the sun rises again on 1 February, the UK and the European Union will still be the best of friends and partners. Von der Leyen said she had fallen in love with the UK when she studied for a year at the London School of Economics. My admiration for the United Kingdom remains as strong as it did back then, she said. The UK, she said, is strong willed, open minded, big hearted, proud and patriotic, kind and generous in spirit, full of traditions, but noted that it was also full of contradictions. Von der Leyen, who took over as president of the commission in December, and Johnson will meet at Downing St later on Wednesday. The lurid court testimony riveted Canada: A Chinese immigrant shot dead his brash, womanizing, millionaire relative at his $8 million hillside mansion in Vancouver, B.C., and then chopped up the body into 108 pieces before taking a long nap. In an unexpected ruling Tuesday, Justice Terence Schultes at the Supreme Court of British Columbia ruled that Zhao Li, now 59, who was a business partner of the victim, Yuan Gang, was not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter and of interfering with human remains. Schultes said that while he did not find Zhaos testimony to be truthful, he had been left with reasonable doubt over whether Zhao intended to kill Yuan. Intention to kill beyond a reasonable doubt is the prerequisite for a murder verdict in Canada. Given the brutality of the crime and all the other circumstances, this verdict is surprising, said Chris Johnson, a lawyer who represented the estate of Yuan, who died a few weeks before his 42nd birthday. The defence and prosecution agreed on a judge rather than a jury trial. The trial, which took more than two years and attracted news media attention in China as well as Canada, underlined how Vancouver has become a global sanctuary for foreign money moving from Asia to North America. Yuan was a millionaire who had gamed the Canadian immigration system, building a business and acquiring Canadian real estate worth millions of dollars. Zhao, whose wife is Yuans cousin, was portrayed by the defence as a well-adjusted and law-abiding man who had been provoked by an indecent proposal from Yuan asking to marry his daughter. Zhao did not have murderous intent, his lawyer said, despite the crimes violent aftermath, and so was guilty of manslaughter, not murder. But the prosecutor countered that Zhao had confessed the killing to police, including that he had used a power saw to cut up the body. As the judge read aloud the decision, Zhao, who was wearing a navy blue suit, stared forward calmly, listening intently to his interpreter. The judge said the case had hinged on Zhaos mental state at the time of the shooting and whether he had the intent necessary for the crime to qualify as murder. There will be a hearing next week to set a date for sentencing. He could face up to life in prison. The verdict brings to an end what is surely one of Canadas most gruesome killings, made all the more interesting by the fact that it happened in the wealthy and virtually crime-free enclave of west Vancouver, Johnson said. The background of the victim and his lavish lifestyle as well as testimony in a related civil case over his estate offered a vivid glimpse of the lives of superrich Chinese living in Vancouver, many of whom have invested in real estate and see Canada as a refuge for cash and kin. In addition to Yuan, a playboy with a penchant for sprawling houses, luxury cars and taxidermied animals, other figures in the story were a colourful group of family members. Among them was Zhaos glamorous daughter, Florence Zhao, known as Flo-Z, an aspiring fashion designer who starred in a popular reality show on YouTube, Ultra Rich Asian Girls. The series showcased Vancouvers growing class of wealthy second-generation Chinese. Yuan was born in Heilongjiang, a province in northeastern China. After becoming wealthy, he moved to Canada, where he had previously married and then divorced a Chinese Canadian woman to help gain permanent residency. While living in Canada, he became ensnared in a corruption and bribery scandal related to his previous business dealings in China. He also went on a very expensive buying spree in Canada, purchasing two mansions, a Bentley, a Rolls-Royce and a $2 million private island. But Yuans glittering new life took a lethal turn after he invited his poorer cousins from Montreal Li Xiaomei; her husband, Zhao Li; and their teenage daughter, Florence to live with him. During the trial, Zhao testified that he had been ruthlessly bullied as a child after his father had opposed the Chinese government and was sent to a forced labour camp. The Zhaos were increasingly revolted by Yuans endless stream of girlfriends as many as 100, according to testimony in a separate civil case over Yuans estate. On May 2, 2015, Yuan told Zhao that he wanted Florences hand in marriage. Zhao was irate, calling Yuan worse than a pig or a dog, according to his testimony at his murder trial. Even a rabbit will not eat the grass around his nest, he added, referring to incest. (The Zhaos were not Yuans blood relatives, since Li was adopted). It was at that point, Zhao said, that Yuan grabbed him. After a tussle over a hammer, he said, he shot Yuan twice. Then, Zhao said, he began to chop up the body, overcome by hallucinations: I heard someone talking to me about a bear and how to cut up a bear, he told the court. A more than eight-hour standoff ensued, during which police surrounded the mansion in west Vancouver. After the killing, lawyers for the Yuan family said Zhao was a fabulist and motivated by revenge. But during the trial, Zhaos lawyer, Ian Donaldson, told the court that his client was a normal, healthy person who had been subject to provocation. The prosecutor countered that it was irrefutable that Zhao had killed Yuan. She also argued that his testimony that the killing was an accident was neither credible nor reliable. After the case gained exposure in the news media, seven women from China claimed that their children deserved part of Yuans roughly $21 million Canadian estate. A judge ruled that five were entitled to split Yuans possessions. However, a taxidermied black panther, displayed at the entrance of one of his mansions, was donated to a museum. Read more about: Altman Vilandrie & Company has hired Don Sutherland as Principal Don has a strong consulting, analytics, and management background that will allow him to deliver immediate value to our clients. Altman Vilandrie & Company, a leading strategy consulting firm focused on the communications, media, and related technology sectors, has hired Don Sutherland as Principal. Sutherland advises the firms Telecommunications, Media, and Technology (TMT) sector and private equity clients on a range of business strategy and investment issues. Don has a strong consulting, analytics, and management background that will allow him to deliver immediate value to our clients and team members, said Altman Vilandrie & Company COO Steve Conway. His experience with telecom and technology strategy, along with his deep understanding of analytics, make him a great fit for our firm and client focus in our San Francisco office. At Altman Vilandrie & Company, Sutherland focuses primarily on telecom and B2B technology. Within those verticals, Sutherland primarily helps clients with pricing strategy, go-to-market strategy, and sales / marketing optimization. Prior to Altman Vilandrie & Company, Sutherland was a Senior Vice President at Harte Hanks Consulting in Denver, where he led three separate business units: Consulting, Analytics, and Data Solutions. Sutherland also worked as business consultant for ZS Associates, where he led strategy and analytics engagements for Fortune 500 clients. Sutherland earned a Bachelors degree in Economics from the University of Texas and an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management with a focus on Decision Science and Business Strategy. About Altman Vilandrie & Company Altman Vilandrie & Company is a strategy consulting group that focuses on the telecom, media, technology and investor sectors. The companys consultants are experienced in strategy, marketing, finance, M&A, technology, regulatory and operations disciplines. Based in Boston, with offices in New York City and San Francisco, Altman Vilandrie & Company enables clients to seize new opportunities, navigate mounting challenges, improve business performance and increase investor value within complex and converging industries. Ninety percent of the boutique firms operator clients are large- to mid-cap companies including service providers, technology and software developers and media companies. Altman Vilandrie & Companys financial clients include many of the largest and most prominent investors in the telecom, media and technology markets. # # # BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: The engine of the Ukrainian plane that crashed near Parand city of Irans Tehran province, caught fire, Director of the Center for Communication and Information of Irans Ministry of Roads and Urban Development Qasem Biniaz said, Trend reports via IRNA. Biniaz added that the Boeing 737 owned by the Ukraine International Airlines wasnt shot down by a missile. If the plane had been shot down, it would have exploded in the air, the director noted. According to Iranian sources, a Ukrainian Boeing 737 with 167 passengers (including Iranian and foreign citizens) and 9 crew members on board crashed after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran due to technical issues. The plane crashed at 6:22 (GMT +3:30). The plane was heading for Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 19:27:02|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BANGKOK, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Thai police were scrambling to find and arrest a gunman who fired shots at parked car of a famed police general in downtown Bangkok, National Police spokesman Pol. Lt. Gen. Piya Uthayo said on Tuesday. The police were collecting pieces of evidence at and around the restaurant in Surawong Road area of Bang Rak district of the capital where the car, owned by former Immigration Bureau chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachet Hakparn, was hit with eight gunshots by the gunman riding on a motorcycle driven by his accomplice on Monday. The police have collected bullets and cartridges from the scene and watched footages of surveillance cameras installed at the restaurant and nearby spots. Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachet, who holds an inactive post of adviser to the Prime Minister's Office and is largely viewed as personally close to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, was unharmed during the nighttime attack. In what was seen as a surprise transfer among the police last year, Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachet was immediately moved from the post of police commissioner of the Immigration Bureau to the Prime Minister's Office, sharing such an advisory post with several civilians. Donald Trumps decision to order the killing of Irans arch-terrorist general Qasem Soleimani split the Democratic party. Democratic centrists agreed that Soleimani should not be mourned even if they couldnt quite approve of the way in which he was killed. But to the partys liberal base, Trumps willingness to break the foreign-policy establishments rules about not provoking Iran brought back memories of past anti-war movements. Though it was not clear where Iran would take its decades-long conflict with the U.S. in the wake of Soleimanis death, the Left responded in the same way it had protested past American wars. The likely beneficiary of all this? Some anticipate that it will be Joe Biden or Pete Buttigieg, given the formers foreign-policy experience and the latters military credentials. But the candidate who stands to gain the most from the conflict with Iran is the most authentic antiwar voice in the race: Bernie Sanders. Biden and Buttigieg are wrong if they think Democratic-primary voters want a lecture on the geopolitical complexities of the Middle East or a candidate running on his military record. What they actually want, as much as a candidate who will beat Trump, is someone who can speak to their rage at the thought of an American military expedition abroad, whether or not it is successful. And only Sanders who in the aftermath of the strike on Soleimani eschewed his rivals equivocation in favor of comparing the killing to Vladimir Putins assassinations of Russian dissidents is likely to give it to them. In this sense, the Soleimani strike is fortuitously timed for Sanders, because it gives him a chance to revive the anti-war messaging he used to such great effect against Hillary Clinton four years ago. In 2016, Sanders made great hay out of Clintons support for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Four years later and competing for a primary electorate that seems to have shifted to the left, Sanders now has a chance to repeat the same pattern against Biden, who, like Clinton, supported both wars and was intimately involved in their execution as Barack Obamas vice president. Story continues Sanders, already riding a surge in the polls as his main progressive competitor, Senator Elizabeth Warren, has lost momentum, now has a new rhetorical weapon with which to hit his rivals, who should be worried. As a recent Politico analysis quoting Democratic-party professionals pointed out, the assumption on the part of many pundits that Sanders is too old and too extreme to win the partys nomination may be mistaken. While Biden has maintained his status as the front-runner, Sanders has also shown remarkable consistency and resiliency. It might have been expected that the heart attack Sanders suffered in early October would put an end to his campaign. At 78, Sanders is a year older than Biden, running in the notoriously grueling presidential primaries for the second time in four years; voters could be forgiven for worrying about his health. But he seems to have not missed a beat after a short hiatus, and has seen his polling and fundraising numbers rise in the subsequent months. Sanders raised the most money of any of the Democrats in the last quarter of 2019, bringing in an impressive $34.5 million, around $10 million more than Buttigieg and $12 million more than Biden. More important, he has gained ground in both national and state polls. He currently sits in second place in the RealClearPolitics national average, at 20.2 percent, 9.5 points behind Biden, with both Warren and Buttigieg trailing far behind. Sanders has also now edged into the lead in Iowa, narrowly ahead of Buttigieg and Biden, and he maintains a four-point lead in New Hampshire over the former vice president. The Democrats proportional delegate-allocation rules make it impossible for any candidate to score a knockout in the early primaries. But its easy to envision a scenario in which Sanders benefits from Warrens decline and ultimately becomes the main liberal alternative to Biden, whose strength among African-American voters makes him the favorite in the southern primaries where they predominate. Sanderss chances against Trump aside, hes already won the affection and loyalty of the activist portion of the Democratic base the voters who think choosing the candidate that conventional wisdom deems more electable will be just as much a disaster for their party in 2020 as it was in 2016. The more that Iran overshadows impeachment, the better his odds of claiming the nomination get. More from National Review I am not quite sure at which stage we, as a people, started thinking it was a bad idea to admit that something was good if it was. Take the straightforward business of greeting someone you meet. Once upon a time, it went something like good morning, how are you? and you would get back, good morning, I am well. Or similar computations of this in our various languages. If the question was how are things? you would be expected to say things are fine, or simply, fine; since you are not really expected to start a litany of your woes once someone greets you on the street. Plus, it was felt there was an appropriate time and place for the narration of troubles. Now the nearest to fine is to have someone say, not too bad. I have always been puzzled by what not too bad was meant to portray. It is bad, but not too bad? Or would it be I don't want to admit that things are just fine in case I tempt fate and things get unravelled? In the period leading up to Christmas, I watched and listened in amazement every day as I heard it being reported that traders were complaining that things were slow and their goods were not being bought. I watched and listened with amusement as people who said they had no money rushed madly into town and braved intolerable traffic jams to go to shops and markets. Every day I saw the markets and the shops and the roads clogged with people and I still heard that things were dry and people were not buying. Now, when I don't have money, I stay at home and dream of the things I would like to buy. I do not go into crowds and get pushed around. You can hardly claim to be window-shopping in the type of crowds that took over our town and city centres in the period leading to Christmas. I do not ask that people pretend to have money when they don't. But it is difficult to see the point in the wholesale determination not to call things by their proper names. If I see people selling and people buying and they are unwilling to say that these activities are taking place, I have to wonder what to make of the statistics that we are given about economic activity in the country. Whose word do the officials take when they are compiling the statistics, will it be those who answer to how things are with not too bad, or with by His Grace, or with this is what is left? There really is nothing wrong with saying things are fine when they are fine. It ensures we don't hesitate to call what is bad, bad. Here comes the ill wind I really, really don't like the harmattan. The different seasons all come with some disadvantages but they have a purpose that I can see. The rains might bring flooding but they nourish the land and fill the rivers and make plants grow. The harmattan makes everything dirty, everything is covered with a layer of dust, everybody's skin is dry and cracked, our lips are blistered, my plants are dying before my very eyes, everybody has a cold and a dry cough. The water is not flowing in the taps in many small towns and villages that have borehole water systems. Herdsmen have to walk long distances to find water for their animals. I fear that the bush fires will soon start and devour the lands. The price of vegetables rise and suddenly 'kontomire' becomes food for the rich. Visibility is poor and even the mighty sun is covered by the blanket of sand from the Sahara. I don't like the harmattan. It frightens me and makes me think the Sahara Desert has arrived here. Unfortunately, there is not very much you can do about it but put shea butter on your skin and balm on your lips and pray your neighbour doesn't start a fire. I am still looking for one redeeming feature of the harmattan season. Ancient sites deserve protection Once upon a time, I was voluble with comments on international affairs. These days I keep out because things are really too bizarre for me to cope with. It is difficult enough for me to get my head around the idea of the President Donald Trump of the United States letting it be known that he ordered the killing of Major General Qassem Suleimani, the Iranian Military Commander. It sounded as though he had invented a cure for cancer and someone was trying to take the credit. As if that was not difficult enough to deal with, President Trump now states he would destroy Iran's cultural sites if Iran should avenge the killing of their popular, handsome and powerful general. The idea that an American president would think of assassinating a foreign leader is not exactly new, there are lots of examples in history, and President Trump might yet provide the evidence that would convince the world that he has saved lots of lives by killing Qassem Suleimani. But for an American president to threaten to destroy cultural sites must surely be one of the most grotesque things ever that we are being asked to deal with. For years, we had all been led to believe that groups such as the Taliban and ISIS that the Americans had been fighting were the ones that destroyed cultural heritage sites. I had always thought the one point on which these groups crossed red lines was the destruction of cultural heritage sites in pursuit of some ideology or the other. When the Taliban destroyed one of the wonders of the world, the monumental Buddhas of the valleys of Bamiyan, many people took it personally and mourned the loss. Their restoration with 3-D light projection where the giant Buddhas used to stand has been celebrated. When the Islamic State vandalised Palmyra and Mosul, it was seen as the destruction of world heritage sites and something to be mourned by us all. We all nodded knowingly but sadly because we thought we knew those who would do something like that were savages and did not know any better. So what are we to make of the head of the civilised world, the most powerful man in the world, threatening to destroy cultural sites? What can possibly justify the destruction of Persepolis or the mosques of Isfahan and the sites of ancient Persia? Surely that would not be simply an attack on Iran, it would be an attack on world civilisation and it would demean us all. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. Evolv Technology, a Waltham, Mass.-based developer of weapons screening systems for large crowds, raised $30 million in Series C funding from such backers as Jeb Bush and Bill Gates. Why it matters: We live in the age of mass shootings, in which attending school or a concert is potentially fatal. Evolv is an alternative to traditional, "one-person-at-a-time" metal detectors, able to simultaneously screen large flows of people, including at Lincoln Center and select schools in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Jeb Bush? Yup, he has a new merchant banking firm called Finback Investment Partners, and Evolv is its first deal. Bush's partner, George Huber, says Finback was formed late last year, as a successor to Dock Square Capital (i.e., similar model, slightly different team). Yup, he has a new merchant banking firm called Finback Investment Partners, and Evolv is its first deal. Bush's partner, George Huber, says Finback was formed late last year, as a successor to Dock Square Capital (i.e., similar model, slightly different team). Return backers include Gates, DCVC, General Catalyst Partners, Lux Capital, and SineWave Ventures. The bottom line: "We're in the Biltmore, a high-end hotel in North Carolina, which doesn't allow guns even though North Carolina is an open-carry state. So [the hotel] is able to monitor incoming weapons without putting guests through obtrusive metal detectors, and ask those who do have guns to please go back out and put them in their car. In the first year our system was installed, that happened around 1,500 times." Peter George, Evolv CEO Go deeper: New research encourages CEOs to take a tougher stance on gun control Patients could face weeks of overcrowding at Cork hospitals unless there is a significant increase in staffing levels, nurses have warned. A crunch meeting between INMO representatives in Cork and senior management from CUH and the South South-West Hospital Group has aimed to resolve the issues that have resulted in record overcrowding at the hospitals in recent days. It followed a similar meeting, which took place on Sunday. Liam Conway, INMO representative, said that an agreement is in place to source extra beds from private hospitals and nursing homes to ease the pressure but that issues are being exacerbated by a significant number of delayed discharges, a situation which has emerged due to an absence of appropriate community care facilities and other beds. "We will see the overcrowding continuing in the coming weeks," Mr Conway said. The numbers on trolleys declined from a record high of 760 on Monday and Tuesday to 621 on Wednesday. This included 43 patients on trolleys at CUH and 16 at the Mercy University Hospital. Despite the decline, though, nursing staff remain very critical of the conditions. Mr Conway said there are major "health and safety issues" in the Cork hospitals. "The discharge rate simply is not as high as it needs to be," he said. From our point of view, we cannot support additional beds without sanctioning extra staff. It would be unsafe to allocate the beds without more staff. "It is continuous pressure because of staffing shortages and the lack of agency staff; the emergency departments are under-staffed and overcrowded. These are very challenging conditions for staff." Meanwhile, the HSE's National Service Plan for 2020 is in the firing line once again as it does not allocate extra funding for University Hospital Kerry. Fianna Fail TD John Brassil said the conditions at the hospital will worsen without additional beds and funding. UHK had 23 people on trolleys today. The figure has increased as the week progressed, unlike many of the other badly affected hospitals. Mr Brassil said: "Time and again we see that the worst-hit hospitals, when it comes to the trolley crisis, are all outside of Dublin. Limerick, Cork and South Tipperary hospitals are continuously placed among the worst hit, they are bursting at the seams and this is having a knock-on effect on UHK. "Yet while all the major hospitals in the South South-West Hospital Group have received project funding under the service plan, UHK has been skipped over." In its 2016 election manifesto, Fine Gael promised 93pc of patients would be dealt with in A&Es within six hours. Four years later, just 30pc of patients are being admitted to a ward from A&Es within this target time. This is not so much a failure to meet a general election commitment as a complete abandonment of any attempt to achieve it. Could the Government's performance get any worse? In January 2017, when record numbers of patients were languishing on trolleys and there were calls for a national emergency to be declared, Health Minister Simon Harris said he refused to use "buzz words" like emergency and said the Government would have to "find the resources if we don't have enough beds". Apparently, the fact that more than 600 people were being treated on trolleys all over the country wasn't sufficient evidence of a deficit in bed capacity in 2016. The minister had to commission a study to confirm that. In January 2018, when even more patients were lying on trolleys - a jump of 18pc compared to the previous year, Mr Harris vowed "no effort or resource is being spared" to tackle the problem. At the time, INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha branded conditions at hospitals "a humanitarian crisis" and a "risk rich environment for those trying to work in such chaotic conditions". In January 2019, when new records were again set, Mr Harris conceded the vast number of patients confined to trolleys was "unacceptable" and said he had told hospitals to ensure all available beds were opened. In March of that year, when numbers on trolleys spiked even further, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dail an elderly woman who visited her GP in Bandon had refused to be admitted to the emergency department at Cork University Hospital saying: "I'd rather die at home than be in here." In response, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: "I never like to reduce this to statistics, because it is not about statistics, it is about people," before adding: "It is always possible to pull out record highs and record lows by identifying a particular day of the week or a particular hospital or a particular month." One hopes that someone pulled him aside afterwards to tell him that, actually, behind the statistics, which he finds so objectionable, are real people who are enduring appalling conditions. The statistics are simply a means for us to gauge the extent of the human misery that is being caused by this crisis. Mr Varadkar's suggestion that Opposition TDs were somehow manipulating numbers on trolleys, and it was "always possible to pull out record highs", was an especially odious response. According to the INMO, the numbers of patients on trolleys in March 2019 "broke all records for that month". That's a fact. Not some concoction of the Opposition. This week, as records were again smashed with 760 people on trolleys, we have heard the same trite responses, the same regurgitated stock statements and the same empty promises from Government. Addressing journalists with Mr Harris on Monday, Mr Varadkar blamed the flu and bed shortages for overcrowding at hospitals. "Predicting a bad flu season is like predicting a bad storm - and it still happens. You have to try to manage and prepare for it the best you can," he mused. Quite right, Taoiseach. But, the evidence from the past four years is that you, and your Government, have been utterly useless at both managing and preparing for the crisis - which rolls around at the same time every year. Last week, when it was revealed that overcrowding in hospitals in 2019 was the worst ever on record, Mr Harris attempted to defend his performance. "We've seen about 30,000 extra people at our emergency departments in 2019. We've seen about 5,500 additional people over the age of 65, we've seen about 9,000 additional children in our emergency departments this year. "So, people talk about the figures as though they are static. "What's actually happening is our health service is getting busier and busier every year," he said. If Mr Harris thought this justification would assuage concerns, he was wrong. Demographic changes are supposed to be built into health service plans. We all know we have a growing and ageing population - this should not come as a surprise. If the Government's plans have failed to take demographic changes into account, then the plans are not worth the paper they are written on. The fact that emergency departments are increasingly busy, or more elderly people are presenting at hospitals, is not a valid excuse for a persistent failure to meet targets or for deteriorating conditions. It simply means that hospitals need more resources and more staff members to cope with a predictable and measurable increase in demand. Asked if he was ashamed of having the worst record of any health minister when it comes to hospital overcrowding, a bullish Mr Harris said: "No, I think trolleys are only one metric of the success of a health service." How can any health minister, cognisant of the fact that many hundreds of patients are lying on trolleys in busy A&Es - many of them elderly and frail, with no privacy, no dignity, and facing worse health outcomes as a result - not feel any shame? Did the minister feel any shame when a 93-year-old woman was left on a chair in an A&E for 25 hours in 2017? Did he feel any shame when a Cork woman died on a corridor in the A&E unit at CUH before being given a bed last year? Did the minister feel any shame when a woman in her 80s died on a trolley in University Hospital Galway in September last year? Did he feel any shame when a 90-year-old woman was left on a trolley for 48 hours at University Hospital Limerick in November? As a country, we should all feel a collective sense of shame that this appalling treatment is being meted out to sick and vulnerable patients. It beggars belief that the minister doesn't feel an ounce of shame that this is happening on his watch. Making promises during an election is easy. Living up to those pledges can be quite hard. This Government has not only failed to address the trolley crisis, it has gotten worse in each successive year they have been in office. The pesky thing about being in government is the electorate tends to judge you on your record. As the country faces into the forthcoming general election, voters will expect more than trite responses and defensive statements to explain the Government's abject failure to address this crisis. Fugitive ex-Nissan boss Ghosn Hits Out at Carmaker and Japan +VIDEO BEIRUT - January 7, 2020: Samia Nakhoul and Eric Knecht in Beruit, David Dolan, Linda Sieg, William Mallard and Maki Shiraki in Tokyo; reporting for Reuters said that that Carlos Ghosn, speaking publicly for the first since his dramatic escape from Japanese justice, told reporters in Beirut he had been treated brutally by Tokyo prosecutors and was the victim of a conspiracy to oust him from the helm of automaker Nissan. Wearing a blue suit and red tie and speaking defiantly, the one-time titan of the car industry told a packed news conference on Wednesday he would not have faced a fair trial in Japan and would have been tied up in appeals there for five years. The 65-year-old fled Japan last month where he was awaiting trial on charges of under-reporting earnings, breach of trust and misappropriation of company funds, all of which he denies. Ghosn said he had escaped to his childhood home of Lebanon to clear his name. He declined to say how he fled, noting there were conflicting stories about his departure. You are going to die in Japan or you are going to have to get out, he said, describing his feelings. I felt like the hostage of a country I served for 17 years, he told reporters crowded into Lebanons seaside Beirut press syndicate. Others waited outside in heavy rain, including some Japanese media who had been excluded from the briefing. The charges against me are baseless, Ghosn added, repeating his allegation that Nissan and Japanese authorities colluded to oust him following a downturn in Nissans fortunes and in revenge for French government interference in the carmakers alliance with Renault. Ghosns news conference marks the latest twist in a 14-month saga that has shaken the global auto industry, jeopardised the Renault-Nissan alliance of which Ghosn was the mastermind and increased scrutiny of Japans judicial system. Defendant Ghosns allegations completely ignore his own conduct and his one sided criticism of the Japanese criminal justice system is totally unacceptable, the Tokyo prosecutors office said in a statement on its website after Ghosn spoke. Ghosn said he had no intention of merging Renault with Nissan as some in Japan feared, but wanted to put the firms under a holding company that would have maintained a balance between the French carmakers push for a union and the Japanese companys desire to remain autonomous. Ghosn named Masakazu Toyoda, an independent director at Nissan and a special adviser to the Japanese Cabinet; Nissans ex-auditor Hidetoshi Imazu; and the car companys former executive vice president Hitoshi Kawaguchi as the main architects of his downfall. Imazu, Kawaguchi and officials at Nissan could not immediately be reached for comment. Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn attends a news conference at the Lebanese Press Syndicate in Beirut, Lebanon January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir First, if he (Ghosn) has anything to say, he should do that openly in court before he leaves Japan illegally. A conspiracy story without any evidence sounds like a joke, one person referred to by Ghosn told Reuters. Ghosn declined to name Japanese government officials he said took part in the alleged plot because he said he didnt want to embarrass the Lebanese government, but added he did not think the top level of the Japanese government was involved. LOST WAY In a wide ranging presentation, Ghosn talked about his Marie Antoinette-themed wedding party at the Palace of Versailles in France and described his confinement in Tokyos main jail and the investigation launched against him. After heated criticism of Japanese prosecutors and a point-by-point rebuttal of their allegations, Ghosn became most animated when describing how he believed the Nissan-Renault alliance had lost its way since his departure, failing to seize opportunities such as a potential tie-up with Fiat-Chrysler and falling behind in crucial success benchmarks like investment in technology, profitability and market value. The opportunity to tie up with Fiat-Chrysler should have been unmissable for Nissan-Renault, Ghosn said, since it would have made the companies more dominant players. How do you miss that? Its unbelievable, he said. They said they wanted to turn the Ghosn page. Well, they have been very successful, he said, sarcastically. What we see today is a masquerade of an alliance ... that is not going to go anywhere. Nissan has said an internal investigation found that Ghosn had engaged in personal use of company money and had under-reported his income in violation of Japanese law. Japans Ministry of Justice has said it will try to find a way to bring Ghosn back from Lebanon, even though it has no extradition treaty with Japan. Lebanons state news agency said a public prosecutor had summoned Ghosn for questioning on Thursday. NEW WARRANT Why have they extended the investigation timeline, why have they rearrested me? Why were they so intent on preventing me from talking and setting out my facts? Ghosn said of the Japanese authorities. Why have they spent 14 months trying to break my spirit, barring any contact with my wife? Tokyo prosecutors on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for Ghosns wife, Carole, for alleged perjury related to the misappropriation charge against her husband. Turkish and Japanese authorities are investigating how Ghosn was smuggled out to Beirut. Interpol has issued a red notice seeking his arrest. After his lengthy statement in English, Ghosn took questions in French, Arabic, Portuguese and English in a raucous 90 minute news conference that was broadcast in part by several Japanese TV networks. Writing Tim Kelly in Tokyo; Editing by Mark Potter Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Northern Army Northern Army Commander Lt General Ranbir Singh who is leading an Indian military delegation to China, met the Chinese ground forces commander General Han Weiguo on Wednesday and discussed strategic issues and measures to enhance tranquillity along the sensitive borders, a defence spokesman said. The two generals discussed issues having strategic ramifications to include regional security environment, joint training and measures to enhance peace and tranquility along the borders, Defence spokesman Colonel Navneet said. The General is leading a high level military delegation which will hold talks with top generals of the Peoples Liberation Army, as well as visit vital military and civil establishments in Beijing, Chengdu, Urumqi and Shanghai to exchange views on measures for furthering peace and tranquility, he said. The Indian military delegation had reached Beijing on January 6. The visit comes close on the heels of joint military exercise Hand-in Hand 2019 recently held between the two nations in Meghalaya. There has been a marked increase in mutual co-ordination between armies of both the countries and a will to foster friendly relations between them, said Col Navneet. General Singhs visit is the second such visit by a Northern Army commander to China since 2015. The visit will serve as a milestone by cementing the mutual ties between the two countries. This will achieve the twin aims of high level military co-operation and stabilizing the sensitive borders of both the countries, the spokesman added. Although Sino-Indian ties have been largely peaceful, that incidents of Chinese intrusions keep happening along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. DENVER, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via CannabisNewsWire -- CannabisNewsWire (CNW), a multifaceted financial news and publishing company, announces its role as the official newswire and platinum sponsor of the sixth annual New England Cannabis Network (NECANN) Boston event. NECANN Boston 2020 is widely regarded as the most important cannabis industry event on the East Coast. Being involved with NECANN as the official newswire for its events in the past has been an honor and privilege, said Christopher Johnson, director of syndicated communications for CannabisNewsWire. We are particularly excited this year to be a platinum sponsor of this premier event. Our teams look forward to leveraging the strong distribution network in place to support and raise the visibility of this gathering, which consistently attracts the largest number of hemp, MMJ and cannabis industry professionals throughout the Northeast. For its part, NECANN is thrilled to continue its partnership with CannabisNewsWire. CNWs group of professionals and outstanding distribution network stands out in this space, said Marc Shepard, president and co-founder of NECANN. Weve been pleased with our partnership in the past and are looking forward to joining with CannabisNewsWire in another successful collaboration as we focus on the NECANN Boston 2020 event. This years NECANN Boston event will host the first-ever NECANN Competition. This third-party review of cannabis, cannabis products and ancillary cannabis products is designed to recognize the best products in the industry. Companies, brands, dispensaries, home growers, caregivers and patients are all invited to enter the competition, and NECANN will recognize the winners at an award ceremony during NECANN Boston 2020. To find out more or register to compete, visit www.necanncomp.com . In addition, NECANN is excited to announce the return of the New England Cannabis Community Awards. As with last years inaugural awards, this recognition focuses exclusively on New England participants. Our mission is not a whos best contest but rather a chance to spotlight, elevate and appreciate some of the people and organizations who have worked hard and done great things for the New England cannabis communities and industries, said Shepard. The NE Cannabis Community Awards show is slated for March 20 and will also serve as a fundraiser for the 2020 NECANN social equity scholarship. The must-attend NECANN Boston 2020 gathering is designed to bring cannabis and hemp businesses, specialized exhibitors, expert industry speakers and investors together in one convenient location. More than 9,000 people attended last years event, and with the recent legalization of recreational marijuana in Massachusetts, organizers anticipate more than 10,000 will participate in this years gathering. For more information about NECANNs flagship conference taking place March 20-22, 2020, visit https://necann.com . About CannabisNewsWire (CNW) CannabisNewsWire (CNW) , one of 40+ brands within our InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN), is a specialized information service that (1) aggregates cannabis news; (2) provides CannabisNewsBreaks to quickly update investors in the space; (3) enhances corporate press releases; (4) provides social media distribution via IBN to 1+ million followers; and (5) delivers comprehensive corporate communication solutions. CNW is uniquely positioned in the cannabis market with a strong team of journalists and writers who can help private and public companies reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public through our ever-growing dissemination network of 5,000+ key syndication outlets. CNW is bringing unparalleled visibility, recognition and content to the cannabis industry. For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the AAP government's stand on a plea claiming that meetings of Sentence Review Board (SRB) are not being held every quarter despite judicial orders to do so. Justice A K Chawla asked the Delhi government's Home Department, SRB and the prison authority to file a status report in response to the petition which has sought contempt action against them for alleged non-compliance of high court's direction to hold the board's meetings as per Delhi Prison Rules. The plea by Amit Sahni, a lawyer and social activist, has claimed that according to the Delhi Prison Rules of 2018 SRB meetings have to be held every quarter. He contended in the petition that the high court on October 21 last year had directed that SRB meetings be held in accordance with the prison rules. He told the court that since the October order, not a single meeting has been held till date and it amounts to "wilful disobedience" of judicial orders and has sought contempt of court action against the officials concerned, including AAP MLA Satyendar Kumar Jain who is the chairman of the SRB. Sahni has claimed that the SRB chairperson has the power to hold meetings more frequently than just every quarter, but Jain was not doing so. The court listed the matter for further hearing on May 5. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The governor of Puerto Rico, Wanda Vazquez, has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard after several earthquakes hit the Caribbean Island. The strongest, measuring a magnitude 6.4, struck Tuesday along the islands southern coast. The earthquakes knocked out power and killed at least one person, officials and media reported. The U.S. territory is still recovering from two destructive hurricanes in 2017 that killed 3,000 people and destroyed a lot of infrastructure across the island. The Puerto Rican government is also dealing with bankruptcy. It hopes to reorganize about $120 billion of debt. Vazquez became governor seven months ago. Large demonstrations pushed former Governor Ricardo Rossello from office. After the quakes, Vazquez asked Puerto Ricans to remain calm. She wrote on Twitter, We want everyone to be safebe with your family, implementing your emergency plans. The 6.4-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday struck at a depth of about 10 kilometers along the islands southern coast, The U.S. Geological Survey said. The epicenter was near the city of Ponce. A 73-year-old man died there after a wall fell on him, the newspaper El Nuevo Dia reported. People on social media described the quake as super strong and lasting up to 30 seconds. It was followed by a number of strong aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 5.8. The effects along the countrys southern coast appeared to be major. In Ponce, Mayor Mayita Melendez told WAPA television that hundreds of people were sitting in the streets of the city. Many did not want to return home for fear of aftershocks or collapsing buildings. A video from WAPA television showed the badly damaged Immaculate Conception church in Guayanilla, about 20 kilometers from Ponce. Only half the church was standing. At least eight homes collapsed in nearby Yauco, El Nuevo Dia reported. Several other earthquakes have struck the island in recent days, including a 5.8-magnitude earthquake Monday. That quake knocked down several houses in Guayanilla and Guanica. It also destroyed the Window of the Caribbean, a rock formation on a beach that was popular among visitors. Jose Ortiz, the chief of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority reported damage to the Central Costa Sur power plant. The power company checked on other stations across the island, and cut off power across the whole island for safety reasons. I'm Jonathan Evans. The Associated Press and the Reuters News Agency reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story magnitude n. : the size, extent, or importance of something hurricane n. an extremely large, powerful, and destructive storm infrastructure n. the basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) that are needed for a country, region, or organization to function properly aftershock n. a smaller earthquake that occurs after a larger one implement v. to put in place Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 The heightened tension between the United States and Iran after a US air strike killed influential Iranian general Qasem Soleimani last week will add to the global economic uncertainties, which could further affect Indonesias exports, analysts have said. BNI Sekuritas head of research Damhuri Nasution said the escalation of the tension between the US and Iran could potentially affect Indonesias economy as a result of rising oil prices and foreign outflows. About 30 percent of the worlds oil supply goes through the Hormuz Strait in Iran, he explained during a discussion on the market outlook in Jakarta on Monday. If the tension further escalates between the two countries and Iran decides to close off the strait, it will hinder the global oil supply and catapult oil prices this year. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login (Newser) At least 24 people have been killed in the bushfires that have raged in Australia. The same number of people in the hard-hit state of New South Wales have been arrested and charged with deliberately setting fires there since the fall. USA Today reports one of the 24 is a 19-year-old volunteer firefighter. Blake Banner is accused of being involved in seven fires that emerged south of Sydney. Suspicions were raised after Banner was regularly among the first to arrive on the scene. ABC News reports a prison term of up to 21 years is possible for anyone found guilty of intentionally igniting a fire and recklessly promoting its growth. story continues below Another 100 people have allegedly violated the state's fire ban or tossed a lit cigarette or match on the ground. Meanwhile, the AP reports the scope of the financial toll of the disaster became a little more clear Tuesday, with the Insurance Council of Australia doubling the estimated damage bill since just Sunday to $485 million. Australia's fire season typically runs from December to March, but drought and heat brought on a September start this year. (Read more Australia fires stories.) India remains focused on ensuring peace and stability in West Asia in view of its economic and security interests in the region, people familiar with developments in India said on Wednesday after Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing US personnel. Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at al-Asad airbase in Al Anbar and another base in Erbil in retaliation for the killing of top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in an American drone strike on Friday. US and Iraqi officials said there were no immediate reports of casualties. Indias efforts remain focused on peace and stability in the region and this has been reflected in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishankars outreach to all the key players in recent days, said a person who declined to be identified. Also Watch | Iran fires ballistic missiles on Iraqi air bases hosting US military forces The people cited above referred to a statement issued by the external affairs ministry on Friday after the death of Soleimani, which spoke of the need for stability and restraint, and said this continued to reflect Indias position on the escalation of tensions in West Asia. Fridays statement had noted a senior Iranian leader has been killed by the US and said: The increase in tension has alarmed the world. Peace, stability and security in this region is of utmost importance to India. It is vital that the situation does not escalate further. India has consistently advocated restraint and continues to do so. Since Sunday, Jaishankar has spoken to both US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif and the foreign ministers of the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Jordan to discuss ways to reduce the tensions and to work for de-escalation. PM Modi has also discussed the issue with US President Donald Trump during a phone call on Tuesday. Indias efforts are aimed at ensuring energy security and protecting the interests of some 8 million expatriates in West Asia, including more than 2.5 million in Saudi Arabia alone. Any confrontation between Iran and the US is bound to affect sea routes in the Persian Gulf and hit oil prices and supplies. New Delhi has also been caught in a delicate situation in view of its good relations with both Tehran and Washington. Following the Iranian missile strikes, the external affairs ministry issued a travel advisory that called on Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. It said: Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq. Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq. Experts also warily welcomed what appeared to be signs by the US and Iranian leadership about a possible de-escalation. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning, Trump tweeted. The Iranian foreign minister tweeted his country had taken and concluded self-defence measures and did not seek escalation. Zarif said: Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Trump too has walked back an earlier threat to strike Iranian cultural sites following widespread condemnation of his remarks around the world. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Police in a West Bengal town faced stone pelting and two of its vehicles were torched by a mob, allegedly comprising of the supporters of trade unions who have called for Bharat Bandh. The incident happened in Sujapur area of Malda district on Wednesday afternoon. The cops were trying to remove a blockade on NH-34 when they were attacked around 1:15 pm. They fired in the air and lobbed tear gas shells after baton charge failed to bring the situation under control. The mob comprised a few hundred people, said the police. Malda witnessed widespread arson last month during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA. Railway stations, trains and buses were torched in the demonstrations. Also Watch | Bharat Bandh: TMC & SFI clash; vandalisation in parts of West Bengal Congress legislator of Sujapur, Isha Khan Chowdhury, called the media and showed a video footage in which a person appearing to be in police uniform and carrying a firearm was seen breaking the wind shield of some vehicles. No Congress activist damaged the vehicles, police personnel committed the crime and blamed us, said Khan Chowdhury. But the Left countered. Police must have instigated the people. Why would they attack police? The strike is being observed peacefully all over Malda district, said Communist Party of India (Marxist) Malda district secretary Ambar Mitra. Meanwhile, Malda superintendent of police Alok Rajoria said that additional police contingent has been sent to the area to restore order. The violence happened even as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned that her party and government is against violence. She has supported the cause of the strike, but reiterated that she is against shutdown. The government will not tolerate any violence. Police will take action and charges will be pressed for destruction of public property, she said. She also targeted the Left saying, The Left did nothing for Bengal in 34 years and are now spreading violence for free publicity. In other parts of the state, railway tracks and roads were blocked, affecting normal life. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Istanbul late Tuesday, January 7. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko has said his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu during Vladimir Putin's visit to Turkey will raise a question of the release of all Ukrainian citizens illegally held in Russia and the occupied territories on Wednesday. "Had a phone conversation with Mevlut Cavusoglu, thanked for the condolences PS752. My colleague also stressed: Turkey will raise questions of deoccupation of Crimea and release of all UA citizens illegally detained in Russia & occupied territories during Putin's visit today," Prystaiko wrote on Twitter on January 8, 2020. According to the Kremlin's website, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Istanbul late Tuesday, January 7. Z ara Tindall has been given a six-month driving ban after she was caught speeding at 91mph near her Cotswolds home, it is reported. The Queens granddaughter was issued four points on her licence after exceeding the 70mph limit on the A417 near Cirencester in November, according to Gloucestershire Live. The 38-year-old had already accumulated nine penalty points on her licence over the past three years. By exceeding 12 points with this latest offence, magistrates in Cheltenham were forced to impose the six-month ban. Zara Phillips weds Mike Tindall 1 /4 Zara Phillips weds Mike Tindall Princess Anne In laws: Princess Anne with Tindalls parents and Captain Mark Phillips The Queen Guest of honour: the Queen Royals Fan favourites: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge chats to Prince Harry as they leave Canongate Kirk The Olympic silver medallist and wife of rugby player Mike Tindall did not attend court because she is currently in Australia. However, her lawyer pleaded guilty on her behalf to driving in excess of the speed limit in her Land Rover at Dartley Bottom, Daglingworth on November 6, 2019. Prosecutor Farley Turner said: "Because Mrs Tindall already has nine points on her licence she was unable to accept a fixed penalty for this offence." In addition to the six-month ban, the court fined Ms Tindall 666 plus costs and a victim surcharge of 151. Huge swathes of farmland and crops worth millions of dollars have been devastated in north India by a plague of locusts. Footage from January 7 shows how millions of locusts were attacking the region around Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, affecting the residents of around 400 villages in that district. Aid in the form of tractors and vehicles carrying tanks of pesticides can be seen arriving and dousing the fields to deter the locusts. The escalating calamity started from May 2019, when the locusts began to swarm from over the neighbouring border with Pakistan. Currently there are 20 teams working to deploy pesticides to contain the locusts, however this is felt to be too few to halt the crisis. Reports claim that up to 125,000 hectares have been affected, and some estimates valuing the lost crops up to 1000 crore INR ($139,874,800 USD) from the ongoing locust crisis. Officials have asked the local inhabitants to help them control the situation by informing them of the presence of locusts in their area, and using countermeasures where possible to prevent them from moving to another territory. PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-07 15:12:02 HAMBURG, Germany and LONDON and STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Finacity Corporation (Finacity) announces today that it has facilitated the successful increase to $550 million of an existing freight receivables securitization for Hapag-Lloyd Group (Hapag-Lloyd). Finacity serves as Arranger, providing analytic and structuring support and as on-going Administrator and Back-up Servicer for this multi-bank facility. About Finacity Finacity specializes in the structuring and provision of efficient capital markets receivables funding programs, servicing, and bond administration. Finacity currently facilitates the financing and administration of an annual volume of receivables of approximately US $100 billion. With resources in the USA, Europe and Latin America, Finacity conducts business throughout the world with obligors in 175 countries. For further information, please visit www.finacity.com . Finacity is part of the Greensill family of companies.Greensill is a leading provider of working capital finance for companies globally. Founded in 2011, Greensill provides businesses with alternative sources of funding, allowing them to provide suppliers with the opportunity for faster payment, while at the same time preserving their own capital position. The company is headquartered in London with offices in New York, Frankfurt, Chicago, Miami, Singapore, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Johannesburg, Sydney, Warrington and Bundaberg. Greensill provides working capital finance facilities to customers across Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The company owns Greensill Bank, which was founded in Bremen, Germany in 1927, has a suite of proprietary Supply Chain Finance Funds run by world leading fund management organisations, acquired Finacity in June 2019 and FreeUp in October 2019. Greensill works with dozens of institutional investors that together provide stable funding. Greensill will provide more than $150 billion of financing by end of 2019 to more than 8 million customers and suppliers across more than 165 countries. For further information, please visit greensill.com For more information, please contact Finacity Corporation: Charles Nahum (UK) Tel: +44 (0)20 7935 3390 cnahum@finacity.com Ravindra Rao Crude oil prices fluctuated in the last few sessions as market players tried to assess the impact of the renewed US-Iran tensions. WTI Crude was trading near $61 per barrel on January 2. A day later, a US drone strike killed a top Iranian commander, sending oil prices to a nine-month high of $64.72 on January 6. However, prices corrected to trade near $62.5 on January 7. The Middle East is a major oil-producing region and any escalation there triggers supply concerns and pushes up crude prices. As per US Energy Information Administration data, Middle Easts production stood at about 31.24 million barrels per day in 2018, accounting for 31 percent of the global output. The US and Iran strife has been growing for the last few years, owing to Tehrans nuclear ambitions. The US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran, leading to a sharp drop in Tehran's crude production and exports. A string of incidents in the restive region in 2019, including the attack on Saudi oil facilities in September, kept tensions high. The drone strike of January 3 escalated the stand-off, with both countries threatening attacks. The US has sent more troops to the region, while Iran has backed out from the nuclear deal that restricted its enrichment programme. Will the situation worsen and what will be the impact on crude supply? The US may step up pressure on Iran, which could affect production, already at a multi-year low. As per Bloomberg data, Iran's crude production was around 2.07 million barrels per day in November, the lowest since 1987. Market players are also worried about a wider conflict in the region, which could severely hamper supply. But, the biggest oil producer of the region is Saudi Arabia a major US ally. Also, Iran has on multiple occasions threatened to attack the Strait of Hormuz, a major transit route in the Persian Gulf. If Iran closes the shipping lanes, it will not only hit crude supply but the movement of cargo as well that will have a severe impact on the global economy. On the whole, recent incidents have increased the risks for crude oil and these factors may keep a floor to price. A sharp up move, however, may come only if we see an escalation in tensions. Iran is under severe economic pressure and may want to avoid a major conflict. The fragile state of the global economy and the possibility of higher crude prices may also keep other nations from getting involved in the US-Iran conflict. The US may also want to avoid a sharp spike in crude ahead of the presidential elections due later this year. (The author is VP-Head Commodity Research at Kotak Securities.) Disclaimer : The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. For BTselem activists, the Israeli government pulled down a "record" number of homes last year. Behind the demolitions "punitive measures" and issues related to "building permits". Thousands of Palestinians, including minors, have been left homeless. The tightening of policies also confirmed by a UN report. Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - In 2019 Israel demolished a "record" number of (Palestinian) homes in East Jerusalem and the number of homes destroyed by the owners themselves has also reached unprecedented levels. According to a report by activists from BTselem, an Israeli NGO that fights against the occupation in the Palestinian territories the number of houses demolished throughout the West Bank, both for "building permit issues" and for "punitive measures", are increasing. Palestinians maintain that Israel continues to use the pretext of security to demolish houses, expropriate land and pursue the policy of expanding settlements along the roads that connect them, effectively preventing the birth of a future united state. They also point out that most of the buildings are located in areas intended for control by the Palestinian Civil Authority, based on agreements between the two governments. Israel destroyed 265 structures in East Jerusalem last year. According to BTselem, which has clashed fiercly with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on this issue, 169 housing units have been destroyed and it is the highest figure since 2004, when the NGO started to keep track. The demolitions left 328 Palestinians homeless, 182 of whom were minors. In 42 cases it was the same owners who proceeded, to avoid having to pay the taxes related to the city municipality. 96 non-residential structures were also demolished, 13 of which by the owners themselves. In a statement sent to AsiaNews the activists note: "Palestinians in East Jerusalem are effectively left with no choice but to build without permits as a direct result of Israeli policy which makes it practically impossible for them to obtain building permits. Israel uses this policy to further its goal of perpetuating a Jewish majority in Jerusalem. One of the way in which it pursues this goal is by making life in the city unbearable for Palestinian residents, in a bid to push them to leave their homes, ostensibly of their own free will. ". From 2004 to 2019 the municipality of Jerusalem demolished 978 housing units in the eastern sector, leaving 3177 people homeless (1704 minors). As for the West Bank, Israel has torn down 256 structures. Of these, at least 106 were homes. A much higher figure than those recorded in 2017 and 2018. The demolitions left 349 Palestinians homeless, including 160 minors. Another 150 structures, not used as houses, were demolished again last year. Since 2006, when the NGO began its study, Israel has razed to the ground about 1525 Palestinian housing units in the West Bank, leaving 6660 people in the middle of a street, including 3342 minors. The Israeli government has repeatedly promoted demolition and expropriation in communities it refuses to recognize and which are at risk of expulsion. In the same period, 779 non-residential structures in the West Bank were razed, including fences, water tanks, roads, depots, agricultural structures, businesses and public buildings. The tightening of repressive policies, confirmed by a UN report that talks about a 45% increase compared to 2018, also concerns the cuts made by the military. At least 14 structures were razed by soldiers, the result of "punitive measures" that deprived 36 people (15 minors) of their home. Last year there were nine houses demolished by the military; seven the previous. While Boston Mayor Marty Walsh celebrated Boston as a city of immigrants throughout his State of the City address, advocates have raised concerns that the school system is exposing foreign-born students to federal immigration authorities. But Walsh pushed back against those criticisms Tuesday night. Boston Public Schools is not passing information to ICE on status and immigration. We dont do that. Thats not what we do," Walsh told reporters after his address. "Were not immigration police. Immigration advocates and city officials are clashing over what it means to collaborate with ICE, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Walsh and school officials have repeatedly said they dont share information with the federal agency, while advocates argue that sending incident reports involving students to a regional database that ICE agents can mine puts schoolchildren at risk of deportation for even minor scuffles. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh addresses reporters Tuesday night after delivering the 2020 State of the City address. Walsh announced major investments in education and housing. Advocates across the country have raised concerns about school data being shared with immigration authorities. In Houston, a high school student named Dennis Rivera-Sarmiento said he was arrested by ICE after defending himself against another students attack. The student had called him a wetback before throwing a Gatorade bottle at him, and he pushed her, according to The New York Times. In March 2018, an East Boston High School student named Orlando was arrested by ICE agents after a school resource officer shared a report about a lunchroom scuffle with the Boston Regional Information Center, an information-sharing network created in 2005 with the goal of reducing crime and preventing terrorism. Orlando, who was accused of being involved in a gang, deported to El Salvador. His attorney, Sarah Sherman-Stokes, referred to him by his middle name only because young men are often recruited, attacked or extorted by armed gangs in the Central American nation. The idea that these gang allegations was the result of a school incident report of a verbal altercation in the cafeteria and a thirdhand rumor of a high school student, its sort of unbelievable," said Sarah Sherman-Stokes, who represented Orlando at the time. "High school students are not really reliable historians, and the fact that those allegations became the basis of essentially Orlandos deportation was really astounding. Under its own federal policy, ICE does not conduct business in schools, hospital or places of worship, which the agency considers sensitive locations. That does not stop federal agents from looking into records that name foreign-born students. ICE has received information on more than 100 incident reports that have been shared with BRIC, ranging from students having sharp objects to altercations that were resolved within the school. Many of the reports came from East Boston High School. Im a BPS parent. Im disappointed on a personal and professional level, Sherman-Stokes said. After Orlandos arrest, Boston Public Schools updated its policy on how school police officers share school safety reports with other law enforcement agencies, including BRIC. The policy directs school officers not to share School Safety Reports with any outside agencies, including BRIC, except when the Boston Police Department School Unit investigates possible criminal activity. Officials would need approval from the Boston School Police chief to share any other school safety report with another agency. The school district continued to review its policies this year, including developing new protocols for approving report sharing. School officials did not say what those protocols look like. The school district is also reviewing its memorandum of understanding with the Boston Police Department, which was last updated in the 1990s. Still, Lawyers for Civil Rights raised concerns about the student incident reports it received through its lawsuit against the city. Students need to feel safe in school, and when there is any possibility that ICE will be involved, that violates that principle, said Janelle Dempsey, an attorney at Lawyers for Civil Rights. Walsh said school and city officers have undergone and continue to undergo training on how to handle school reports. He said the recent update to the Trust Act helps limits what city police can share with federal immigration authorities. Walshs State of the City program gave a nod to immigrants who call Boston home. One of the residents who introduced Walsh, Angel Castillo Pineda, shared how he immigrated from Guatemala and enrolled at East Boston High School. He touted the mayors High School to Teacher program, saying he plans to become an English as a Second Language teacher. When Walsh got on stage, he said the address is about all the people of Boston. I believe in Boston because this city made my immigrant familys dream come true, he said. My vision, my passion, what I work for every day, is for Boston to be that city of dreams for every child, every worker, every senior and every single person who calls our city home. After his address, Walsh told reporters school and city officers continue to undergo training on how to handle student incident reports. He said the recent update to the Trust Act helps limits what city police can share with federal immigration authorities and challenged the criticisms against Boston Public Schools. I think its very clear where I stand on immigrants and immigration since Ive been mayor in 2014, he said. In 2016, when [Donald] Trump became the president, I drew a line in the sand. Im going to continue to defend our immigrants, whether theyre documented or undocumented. In general, New Orleans politicians arent shy about speaking up when theyre not happy with how their peers behave. But youve got to admit that Orleans Parish Clerk of Criminal District Court Arthur Morrell has a special flair for expressing his pique. Morrell had what can best be described as a Friday afternoon meltdown when he abruptly announced on the second business day of 2020 that a supposed budget shortfall for the entire year was forcing him to suspend his offices operations immediately. That meant that 80 employees, nearly all his staff, would be sent out on furlough. It meant that activity at Criminal District Court would be crippled, because state law mandates his office handle official court records. Most alarming of all, it meant people locked up in Orleans Justice Center wouldnt be able to post bail because the state requires that this, too, be handled by the clerks office. To say that this was not a proportional response to being budgeted $4 million by the City Council for the year that started January 1, less than the $4.6 million Morrell had requested but more than he got in 2019, is an understatement. And it didnt stand, not even until Monday morning. Whatever chief judge Karen Herman said in a Saturday phone call whether reason, threat or some combination of the two registered, and Morrell said afterward that his office would remain open. He and Herman met in person Monday, and Morrell then said he would put off action at least a week. Lets hope this is a trend that continues. But then, histrionics are kind of a go-to move for the long-serving clerk. Most officials who get their money through the citys general fund make their best case to the mayor, who proposes the budget, and the council, which has the final say. That happened this past fall, right on schedule. But rather than live with the consequences and make adjustments, Morrell decided to throw a Hail Mary in the hope that well, just what he thought would transpire next isnt at all clear. All Morrell said was that he had no choice but to take action and try to get the money thats needed. Morrell has taken action before, including running to court to try to extract more money. Hes sometimes been successful, on the grounds that state law requires the city to fully fund his office. Just what constitutes full funding is the rub; Morrell generally claims that the city has forced him to operate short of staff, and the city usually counters that he hasnt demonstrated why he needs the number of people he employs. He certainly needs some workers on the job, though, in order to make sure the system doesnt grind to a complete halt. So for him to claim that its the city thats abrogating its duties reeks of projection, at best. He can run that office for most of the year on what the city's given him. He's got plenty of time to pursue the difference in the court system," said Rafael Goyeneche, president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission. "You don't go to DEFCON 5; you don't push the launch button if you don't have to. And I think this is overkill. This is more about trying to create some publicity and less about what the real issue is." Goyeneche labeled the move a stunt, and it was certainly that. But stunts dont always have consequences, and, barring Hermans quick intervention, this one would have. It could have created real hardship, for the clerks office employees who now have to worry about their paychecks, and for people who might get stuck in jail too long. How sadly ironic that the only alleged victim Morrell seems to recognize in all this is himself. Domenic Biagini of Gone Whale Watching San Diego was thrilled when he captured drone footage of a newborn gray whale and its mother swimming off the California coast, but his day got even better when the whales were joined by a group of dolphins. This a unique video for a couple of reasons, he told Storyful. First, theres a newborn baby gray whale! Better yet, a pod of dolphins are playing with it. Better yet, its two different species of dolphins, he added. In the video posted to Gone Whale Watching San Diegos Facebook page on January 7, the pair of whales can be seen swimming alongside a pod of dolphins but not just any pod. Captain Dom observed the pod as being made up of two different species, with some of them appearing to be common dolphins and the others Pacific white-sided dolphins. The whales were most likely heading south to Baja California, Mexico, where they spend their winter months mating and giving birth, according to reports. Both species of dolphin are known to dwell near the coast of San Diego, with the common dolphin preferring coastal, warm-temperate waters, and the Pacific white-sided dolphin avoiding both tropical and Arctic waters. Credit: Gone Whale Watching San Diego via Storyful LYNN, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 8, 2020 / Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party victory in the December election marks the latest turn of events in one of the United Kingdom's most tumultuous political periods in recent history. One of Johnson's primary political platforms is the push for Brexit, and his election indicates Britain will more than likely leave the European Union in early 2020. While Brexit will undoubtedly impact the majority of Brits in one way or another, it may affect some more than others. David Lesperance, an attorney, says the future is uncertain for many, including high net worth Brits. Accounting firm Moore Stephens in November 2018 conducted a survey that revealed a quarter of non-doms living in the UK were considering leaving the country in the coming year. In part, this was due to the changing tax regime and stricter rules regarding non-dom income. But also, respondents expressed concern over the uncertain future of Britain in the midst of the Brexit debate. Non-doms, David Lesperance, attorney, explained, are those who are usually resident in the UK but domiciled overseas. Under the previous tax rules, non-doms did not pay tax on overseas income until they brought it into the UK. With the new tax rules, there is a 60,000 annual charge for non-doms who pay tax on a remittance basis and have been UK residents for more than 12 of the past 14 years. Those non-doms who have been residents of the UK for 15 or fewer of the past 20 years now also have to pay UK income tax on all income, regardless of where it was earned. How does Brexit factor into this? If Brexit occurs, among other effects, it may be more challenging for Brits to move freely throughout Europe. As a part of the European Union, citizens can move to and from various countries with relative ease. However, people who wish to immigrate to an EU nation from outside have to meet various criteria. "There's a lot of uncertainty for Brits," David Lesperance attorney said. An immigration lawyer with decades of experience helping high net worth individuals secure a back-up plan and stable future for themselves and their families, David Lesperance said it is difficult to "game out" what will become of Brits who have already established businesses and/or residences in other countries. Likewise, the future of the British economy post-Brexit is not certain either. David Lesperance encourages high net-worth Brits who are concerned about their future to consult with an immigration attorney or financial advisor to establish a backup plan sooner than later. More on David Lesperance Immigration Lawyer Now based in Sopot, Poland, David Lesperance attorney hails from Canada, where he attended and graduated from the University of Western Ontario, University of Windsor, and the University of Saskewatchen before working as a Canadian border official. In this position, he gained a unique perspective on U.S. and Canadian emigration and immigration policies and practices, as well as the motivation for wealthy individuals seeking entry or exit from these countries. This inspired him to pursue a law career specializing in tax and immigration. Over the past three decades, he has helped numerous individuals and families obtain second and dual citizenship, with a particular focus on assisting high net worth clients In addition to his law and tax practice, David Lesperance immigration lawyer co-authored the book "Flight of the Golden Geese: How the 1% Matter to the 99%" with London School of Economics Professor Emeritus, Ian Angell. He is also a Top Writer on Quora, where he offers his advice and input to those seeking reliable answers to tax and immigration queries. Find more information about David Lesperance and his practice here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidslesperance/ or follow him on Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/David-S-Lesperance CONTACT: Caroline Hunter Web Presence, LLC +1 7865519491 SOURCE: Web Presence, LLC View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572474/David-Lesperance-Lawyer-Advises-Brits-to-Seek-Financial-and-Immigration-Advice-Amidst-Looming-Brexit-Changing-Tax-Rules New Delhi: In view of the nationwide strike call given by trade unions on Wednesday (January 8), the Centre, as well as state governments, have taken requisite measures to maintain law and order and prevent untoward incidents during the day-long all-India shutdown. Alert has also been issued in Uttar Pradesh by DGP headquarters in the wake of the strike call. As the Bharat Bandh call has been announced by 10 trade unions along with six bank unions, the strike will have an impact on banking operations, including ATM services. Trade unions have claimed that about 25 crore people would participate in the nationwide strike, which has been called to protest against the Centre's recent banking reforms and policies. Among demands put forward by the trade unions include a raise in the minimum wage to Rs 21,000-Rs 24,000 per month, stopping the privatisation of public sector undertakings, and the repeal of the Citizens Amendment Act, National Register for Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR). The bank unions have also raised objections to the proposed merger of 10 PSU banks to create four entities as announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in August 2018. Earlier on January 2, Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) reportedly said, that Union Labour Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar had invited the leaders of the central trade unions to inform them that the government has been taking all the steps for the welfare of workers. In September 2019, the trade unions including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along other sectoral independent federations and associations resolved after adopting a resolution to go on a nationwide strike on January 8, 2020. The all-India strike call is expected to draw a huge impact as about 60 student organisations and elected representatives from a few universities have also extended their support to the bandh to raise voice against increased fee structure and commercialization of education. The trade unions have also flayed the JNU violence and similar incidents in other university campuses expressing their solidarity with students and teachers across the country. In Karnataka, the Bengaluru police stepped up security and heightened vigil to maintain law and order and prevent untoward incidents. "The trade unions and others will not be allowed to take processions or disrupt normal life, including taxis, bus and metro rail services, suburban trains, opening up of shops, markets, malls, theatres, hotels, and eateries," Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao told reporters in Bengaluru. Thousands of workers from across the sectors, including women in the garment industry will join the shutdown and stage demo against the state and central government in support of their demands and against anti-labour laws. "We want the state and central governments to raise the minimum wage to Rs 24,000 per month as cost of living and expenses on basic needs such education, health and housing have become prohibitive," AITCU leader Ananth Subbarao told IANS. Several state-run bank employees, excluding those of State Bank of India (SBI) are set to participate in the shutdown to protest against the merger of banks and closure of their branches across the country. Agricultural markets, wholesale market yards, Peenya industrial area and hundreds of small and medium enterprises will remain shut, affecting daily wage workers and employees. Essential supplies, including milk, vegetables, commodities, hospitals, medical shops, and provision stores are exempted from the shutdown to avoid affecting normal life. The state government has, however, invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent disruption of public transport and emergency services. In Odisha, the state government on Tuesday asked the district collectors and Director General of Police (DGP) to take preventive measures to maintain law and order. "It is apprehended that they may stop vehicular traffic, rail traffic and close down business establishments and picket before government offices, banks, and educational institutions, etc.," Home department special secretary Santosh Bala reportedly stated in a letter. Meanwhile, the West Bengal government on Monday issued a directive to all the state government offices that they remain open on the day. A memorandum issued by Finance (Audit) Department of West Bengal government said, "In view of call given by different trade unions and others for a 24 hours All India Industrial strike on January 8, it has been decided that all state government offices including those provided grants-in-aid by state government shall remain open and all the employees shall report for duty on that date." The memorandum said no casual leave for absence either in the first half of the day or in the second half or for the whole day nor any other leave shall be granted to any employee on the said date. (With Agency Inputs) Hyderabad, Jan 8 : As the demand from the Muslim community is growing for a stay on the National Population Register (NPR), Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao appears to be in a dilemma over taking a stand on the NPR and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). With the elections to the urban local bodies scheduled for later this month, the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is playing its cards carefully with Rao waiting for an appropriate time to declare his stand. The participation of thousands of people in the 'Million March' held in Hyderabad on January 4 to demand revocation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, a halt to the NPR and withdrawal of the proposed NRC and a series of protest programmes planned by the United Muslim Action Committee (UMAC) this month have apparently put pressure on TRS to take a clear stand. The UMAC, headed by the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), an ally of TRS, has planned three major protest programmes in Hyderabad this month. The umbrella organization of various Muslim socio-religious groups has already organized public meetings in Hyderabad and other towns in Telangana. The UMAC leaders have been demanding that KCR, as the Chief Minister is popularly known, halt the NPR as done by the Kerala government. The Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Joint Action Committee, which organized the 'Million March', had even invited KCR to lead the march. They had urged him to take a cue from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and lead the protest. However, there was no response from the TRS chief. A delegation of UMAC leaders led by AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi had called on KCR with the demand to stay the NPR, scheduled to be undertaken from April. Their contention was that the NPR is the first step of the NRC as already stated by the government in Parliament and made clear in the annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs. They thanked the TRS for voting against the CAA in Parliament and explained to KCR how the NRC could create problems for the people, especially Muslims. The delegation said since the CAA, NPR and NRC were all inter-linked, the state government should not implement the NPR. After the meeting Owaisi had told the media that KCR assured the delegation that his party would soon announce its stand. According to the MP, the TRS chief voiced concern over the Hindu-Muslim divide sought to be created and even suggested that the UMAC involve the TRS, Congress and other parties in its campaign against the CAA. Owaisi claimed that KCR even indicated that he will soon call a meeting of like-minded parties to bring them together on a common platform on the CAA and NRC. However, KCR is said to be taking a cautious approach in view of the January 22 elections to 120 municipalities and 10 corporations. Political observers say KCR did not immediately take a stand as he believes that if the BJP uses the same to seek votes in the municipal elections, this may boomerang on him. In its best-ever poll performance in Telangana, the BJP had won four Lok Sabha seats, wresting three of them from the TRS. The BJP is expected to give a tough fight in the urban local bodies under these Lok Sabha constituencies. As the BJP is believed to have some support among the urban voters, KCR does not want to take a chance by announcing his stand before the municipal polls, analysts say. However, the TRS is coming under attack from a section of Muslims for the delay in announcing its stand. Some of the organizers of the 'Million March' found fault with KCR for delaying a decision and cautioned him that the ambiguity could cost the TRS dearly in the urban local body elections. Political analyst Telakapalli Ravi believes the TRS opposed the CAA in Parliament because there is a sizeable Muslim population in Telangana. He, however, feels that KCR will not go for a 'head-on collision' with Modi on any issue. "KCR never encouraged any active protest movement on any issue. Even for Telangana he was more for lobbying," Ravi told IANS explaining KCR's silence. Ravi believes that KCR will act as per the Centre's directions. "No political rebellion is expected from him. If it happens it will be a great wonder." Before the Lok Sabha elections, KCR had tried to form a Federal Front, a grouping of non-BJP and non-Congress parties. He was then seen as a potential national leader, who was expected to play a crucial role in the next government. Some sections see the ongoing row over the CAA and the NRC as an opportunity for KCR to revive his efforts to cobble up a national alliance. He gave a hint to some Muslim leaders that he may call a meeting of all chief ministers opposed to the NRC. However, Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan has taken the lead by writing to 11 non-BJP chief ministers, urging them to emulate the Kerala Assembly which passed a resolution demanding that the Centre scrap the CAA. West Bengal Chief MInister Mamata Banerjee has also spoken about bringing together all non-BJP chief ministers for a united fight against the CAA and the NRC. Latest updates on Howdy Modi Houston Nicolas Sarkozy is set to become France's first ex-president to stand trial on corruption charges Nicolas Sarkozy is set to become France's first ex-president to stand trial on corruption charges in a case in which he is accused of trying to obtain classified information from a judge. The trial will begin on October 5 and will last until October 22, a Paris court said. This will be the first trial in several graft investigations against Sarkozy, who was president from 2007 to 2012. Jacques Chirac, who died last September, was the first ex-president put on trial but not on corruption charges - he was found guilty in 2011 of embezzlement and misuse of public funds during his time as mayor of Paris. Sarkozy stands accused of seeking to obtain, through his lawyer Thierry Herzog, classified information from then-judge Gilbert Azibert in 2014, about another investigation. Last June, appeals judges rejected a challenge against the case filed by Sarkozy, Herzog and Azibert. Since losing to the Socialist Party's Francois Hollande and leaving office, Sarkozy has fought a barrage of corruption and campaign financing allegations, all of which he rejects. Last October, a court ruled he must stand trial for illicit campaign financing - a charge for which he risks a one-year jail term and a fine. Jacques Chirac, who died last September, was the first ex-president put on trial - for embezzlement and misuse of public funds Sarkozy has also been charged over accusations he accepted millions of euros from the late Libyan dictator Muammar al-Gaddafi towards his first presidential campaign in 2007 In that case, prosecutors say Sarkozy spent nearly 43 million euros (36million) on his failed 2012 re-election bid - almost double the legal limit of 22.5 million euros (19million) - using fake invoices. He has said he was unaware of the fraud by executives at the public relations firm Bygmalion, who are among 13 others being pursued in the case. Sarkozy has also been charged over accusations he accepted millions of euros from the late Libyan dictator Muammar al-Gaddafi towards his first presidential campaign in 2007. Lt Gen Singh, who is on a five-day visit to China, will visit vital military and civil establishments in Beijing, Chengdu, Urumqi and Shanghai to exchange views on measures for furthering peace and tranquillity. New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) To foster friendly relations between India and China, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh led a military delegation to China and held talks with generals of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Indian Army said on Wednesday. The visit comes close on the heels of Joint Military Exercise 'Hand-in Hand 2019' recently held between the two nations in the eastern theatre in Meghalaya. There has been a marked increase in mutual coordination between armies of both the countries and a will to foster friendly relations. In a meeting Lt Gen Singh called on Gen Han Weiguo, Commander of the PLA Ground Forces. The two generals discussed issues having strategic ramifications to include regional security environment, joint training and measures to enhance peace and tranquillity along the borders. Lt Gen Singh's visit is the second ever such visit by a Northern Army Commander to China, the last one being in 2015. The visit will serve as a milestone by cementing the mutual ties between the two countries. "This will achieve the twin aims of high level military cooperation and stabilising the sensitive borders of both the countries," the Indian Army said. sk/kr A century ago, as the Western world crawled exhausted out of the trenches of WWI, the Roaring Twenties came to be characterised by a lust and a thirst for life. The decade gave us the cabaret culture of the Weimar Republic, the Model T that revolutionised the world economy, and the Wall Street Crash of 1928, an event that cleared the way for the emergence of fascism in Europe. In Ireland it was a seminal decade when the War of Independence, the Treaty and the Civil War were fought, negotiated, won and lost in five bitter years up to 1924. After the trauma of its birth, the nation sought refuge under the stable but imposing porticos of institutional religion - a relationship that soured badly after decades of subservience. So will these looming 2020s roar? Will they have much to roar about in terms of hope, exhilaration, frustration, anger and despair? Where there are human beings you will have all these elements. From the blazing aridity of sub-Saharan Africa to the air-conditioned penthouses of New York's Fifth Avenue, human experience has a number of common threads, from the basic physical needs required for simple survival to the search for love and happiness. One of the key differences between the beginning of this decade and 1920 is the ethical doubt that surrounds the relentless pursuit of growth. The 1920s looked forward to unrestricted growth as new industries, from motors to aeronautics and film, expanded exponentially. Up until recently the gospel of growth informed the broad range of policy making and decision making in political, economic and military matters. Bigger was seen as better, no matter what the long-term social and environmental cost. Not only has ethical and moral doubt put a question mark around our notion of growth, the pursuit of growth as we have known it is contributing to existential doubt around the very survival of the planet. If internationally agreed commitments to combating climate change are implemented as promised, by the end of this decade the type of cars we drive will be very different: many European countries have committed to the phasing out of petrol and diesel engines by 2030. Travel by air might revert to its previously exclusive status as a luxury few can afford. Meanwhile, goods from the other side of the globe could become priced as luxuries, to be sampled only at special times of the year. We may need to confine ourselves to the consumption of in-season local fruit and vegetables as transport taxes for long-distance out-of-season foods may make their prices prohibitive. The road to a more sustainable lifestyle will not be easy and it may lead to another - but quite different - incarnation of the 'roaring' twenties. We are facing a decade of hard choices that will manifest themselves in a clash between courageous political leadership and populists who will attempt to buy short-term political gain, leaving the planet to pay a heavy price for their deceit. Farming already finds itself on the front line of this battle and things will only get more fraught. Ordinary people will be asked to choose with their stomachs when it comes to playing their part in the battle against climate chaos. We can expect to hear a lot more about belching cattle, diesel emissions and the use of pesticides. We may see yellow-vested farmers and yellow-vested environmental campaigners facing one another across our streets. It will take leadership and courage on all sides to navigate a way through these flashpoints to ensure that the outcome is to the benefit of all. Farm leaders would be well advised to look to the art of winning friends and influencing people when it comes to fighting their corner in the decade ahead. Consumers are the foot soldiers in this battle; their choices will determine the winners and losers. Farm organisations may have influence in the corridors of power in Brussels and Dublin but the real corridors of power are the aisles of the supermarkets where carbon taxes, carbon footprint and sustainability will have as much influence as price in the decisions made by shoppers. Advertisement Donald Trump blamed Barack Obama on Wednesday for supplying Iran with the money to purchase a torrent of missiles fired at American military positions Tuesday night. 'The missiles fired last night at us and our allies were paid for with the funds made available by the last administration,' he said, citing $150 billion in frozen assets that the previous president released and $1.5 billion flown by the U.S. to Tehran. He began his speech to the world on Wednesday with a familiar ultimatum, even before saying 'Good morning.' 'As long as I am president of the United States, Iran will never be be allowed have a nuclear weapon,' he said. And Trump backed up that vow with a threat: 'Our missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast,' he said, sending a warning in nearly the same breath as an olive branch. 'Under construction are many hypersonic missiles,' he warned, standing amid a tableau of stern-faced military leaders. Minutes later he offered an olive branch, urging European nations to make 'a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place' and allows Iran to explore its 'untapped potential' as a mainstream trading partner. 'We want you to have a future, and a great future,' he told Iran's people, claiming its military 'appears to be standing down.' President Donald Trump delivered a high-stakes address to the world on Wednesday, offering Iran peace if it abandons its nuclear ambitions but also threatening the use of hypersonic weapons if war follows Talking peace and war: Donald Trump offered to 'embrace peace' with Iran if it gives up its nuclear ambitions and its terrorism - but listed U.S. military capabilities The president spoke in the Grand Foyer of the White House, speaking with the aid of a teleprompter in measured tones Trump's made-for-TV tableau included Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and Vice President Mike Pence Tightly-scripted: Donald Trump stuck to the teleprompter version of his address to the nation about Iran No questions: Donald Trump left without taking any questions from reporters who had been brought into the room before his speech Television entrance: Donald Trump enters to address the nation in the aftermath of missile strikes by Iran on a U.S. base in Iraq The president's audience-of-one was Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the iron-fisted theocrat who is the mortal enemy of Israel and the United States His remarks, watched live around the world, came after Tehran's armies rained missiles down on Iraqi military installations where American troops have been stationed for more than 16 years. 'No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime,' the president said. 'We suffered no casualties.' Iranian state-run television claimed at least 20 U.S. servicemen and women were killed. U.S. officials believe the missiles were deliberately fired into unpopulated areas, in what a senior official called a 'heads-up bombing.' The president spoke with the aid of tele-prompters in the Grand Foyer, the main entrance hall in the front of the White House. He blasted Tehran's 'destructive and destabilizing behavior' and said the days of Western patience 'are over.' Trump has long seen himself as a maverick loner on the world stage, unpredictable and unbothered by ruffling feathers overseas. He boasts that his low approval ratings in foreign countries are an indication that he is focused on Americans' welfarenot the priorities of real and nominal allies. That approach could be tested as Iran and the U.S. creep toward what some, but not all, in the national security establishment see as an inevitable war. The White House isn't expecting one, the senior official said Wednesday: 'This doesn't have to end badly, and frankly right now we might be in the best position ever for diplomacy with Tehran.' As he has in the past, the president trashed the Iran nuclear deal negotiated during the Obama administration along with Tehran and six other powers. He called the deal, which the administration already backed away from, 'very defective' noting that it 'expires anyway.' He called on other negotiating parties, including Great Britain, France, Germany, and Russia to 'break away from the remnants of the Iran deal. At the same time, Trump did not completely foreclose negotiation. He called for a 'deal with Iran that makes the world a more peaceful and safer place.' Trump, who spoke to reporters but had yet to speak directly to the nation since ordering the killing of Soleimani, called the Iranian general 'the worlds top terrorist,' and said he was 'personally responsible for some of the absolutely worst atrocities.' 'Soleimanis hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood,' Trump said. 'He should have been terminated long ago. By removing Soleimani, we have sent a powerful message to terrorists: If you value your own life, you will not threaten the lives of our people,' he added. Trump announced that the U.S. would impose 'powerful' sanctions on the already heavily-sanctioned Iranian regime. But the White House did not immediately provide specifics. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was seen exiting the meeting Trump had with top military and security advisors moments before the speech. 'The United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior,' Trump said. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired on the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and Erbil International airport in the north in the early hours of Wednesday, but failed to kill a single US or Iraqi solider. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking on Iranian TV shortly after the missiles were launched, described the strikes as 'a slap' and said they 'are not sufficient (for revenge)' while vowing further action to kick US troops out of the region. But foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the attack was now 'concluded,' praising Iran's 'proportionate' response and adding: 'We do not seek escalation or war.' Trump tweeted late Tuesday to say 'so far so good' as American forces assessed the damage and casualties. Iranian television had tried to claim that 80 'American terrorists' were killed, but that figure was quickly rubbished by Iraqi and US officials. Images showed several missiles had either failed to explode on impact or else missed their targets. The remains of one was found near the town of Duhok, some 70 miles from Erbil air base, which was the intended target. Tehran fired an ineffective missile strike at U.S. forces at Iraqi air bases after promising brutal revenge for Trump's drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani (pictured), the architect of terror attacks that have killed hundreds of American servicemen and women Iran has fired 22 ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq that was visited by Donald Trump in December 2018 and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.20pm EST (1.20am local time) It is thought Iran used Fatteh-110 and Qaim-1 ballistic missiles during the attack, which failed to kill any US or Iraqi troops (pictured, one of the missiles is launched in Iran) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (left) said the attack it is 'not enough' for revenge against the US, before Iraqi militia commander Qais al-Khazali (right) vowed to exact his own revenge for the killing of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis Iraqi security forces clear away pieces of shrapnel from the Ain al-Asad airbase after it was struck by ballistic missiles fired by Iran as part of operation 'Martyr Soleimani' Initial reports indicate at least 15 missiles were fired at two American bases in Iraq, though officials said early warning systems sounded alarms at the Ain al-Asad base (pictured) allowing troops to scramble for cover A man holds shrapnel from a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, in northern Iraq 70 miles from Erbil, following Iranian missile strikes Wreckage of a missile that was fired at Ain al-Asad military base in western Iraq but failed to explode on impact US officials said early warning systems sounded alarms at the Ain al-Asad base, allowing troops to scramble for cover Iraq said 17 missiles were fired at the Ain al-Asad base, two of which failed to explode (pictured, unexploded wreckage) In an attempt to talk-up the impact of the strikes, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said they show 'we don't retreat in the face of America.' 'If America has committed a crime... it should know that it will receive a decisive response,' Rouhani said in a televised address. 'If they are wise, they won't take any other action at this juncture.' It is thought Iran gave advanced warning of the strikes, after Iraq, Finland and Lithuania - which all had troops stationed at the bases which were targeted - all said they were informed in advance. America said that 'early warning systems' detected the missile launches and sirens were sounded at the Asad base, allowing soldiers to seek shelter. It is not clear whether they were also informed by Iran. Prominent analysts suggested Iran may have deliberately pulled its punches because they are fearful of the 'disproportionate' response threatened by Trump if US personnel were killed. 'With the attacks, Tehran signalled its capacity and readiness to respond to US attacks, thus saving face, and yet they have been well targeted to avoid fatalities and thus avoid provoking Trump's reaction,' said Annalisa Perteghella of the Institute for International Political Studies in Milan. President Donald Trump says 'all is well' and 'so far so good' as the damage and casualties continue to be assessed after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif called the attacks 'self-defense' but said they did 'not seek escalation' but would defend itself against further aggression Hours after the launch, a Ukrainian Airlines Boeing 737 caught fire crashed near Tehran killing all 177 passengers and crew - including 63 Canadian and three Britons - amid fears it could have been caught up in the attack. The Ukrainian embassy in Tehran initially stated that the crash had been caused by an engine failure rather than terrorism or a missile attack, but later deleted that claim. Iran has blamed technical failure and an engine fire for the crash, after early saying the pilot had lost control during an engine fire. If it emerges that Iran did shoot down the plane - either accidentally or on purpose - then it is likely to prompt a global response that will escalate tensions in the region even further. Ukraine's foreign ministry said of those killed, 82 were Iranian, 63 Canadian, 11 Ukrainian, three British, with the remainder hailing from Sweden, Afghanistan, and Germany. The timing of the Iranian strikes - around 1.20am local time - occurred at the same time as the US drone strike which killed Soleimani. Following the strikes, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned any further strikes by America would be met with fresh attacks, and that any allied countries used as a base for such strikes would themselves become targets. The Iraqi military said 22 missiles were fired in total - 17 at the Asad base, two of which failed to explode, and five more that struck Erbil International Airport. US officials put the total slightly lower at 15 - ten of which hit Asad, one which hit Erbil, four which failed in flight. Iran said it had used Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles for the attack, though analysts said images of wreckage near the Aasd base also appears to show Qaim-1 ballistic missiles were used. The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq - visited by Trump in December 2018 - and Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were struck by the missiles around 5.20pm EST Tuesday in an operation dubbed 'Martyr Soleimani' by Iran. The Pentagon says the missiles were 'clearly launched from Iran' to target U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. A US official said there were no immediate reports of American casualties, though buildings were still being searched. Iraqi officials say there were no casualties among their forces either. There are still fears for US forces in the region after Qais al-Khazali, a commander of Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq, vowed to exact revenge for the killing of deputy-leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. 'The first Iranian response to the assassination of the martyr leader Soleimani took place,' he tweeted. 'Now is the time for the initial Iraqi response to the assassination of the martyr leader Muhandis. 'And because the Iraqis are brave and zealous, their response will not be less than the size of the Iranian response, and this is a promise.' Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran had delivered a 'slap in the face' to American forces but added that missile strikes are 'not enough' and called for the US to be 'uprooted' from the region The Ayatollah spoke in a televised address early Wednesday during which he praised a 'measured' strike against the US, which he said embodied the spirit of slain general Soleimani The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan were both struck by the missiles on Tuesday at about 5.30pm (EST) President Trump and First Lady Melania visited the al-Asad airbase in western Iraq in December 2018. The airbase was targeted by Iran on Tuesday in a missile attack Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were spotted arriving at the White House soon after news of the strikes broke Iraqi security forces and citizens gather to inspect the site where missiles fired by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps landed outside the Ain al-Asad airbase Pieces of shrapnel are seen near the Ain al-Asad airbase after a missile strike by Iran Members of Peshmerga fighters stand guard in center of Erbil in the aftermath of Iran's launch of a number of missiles at bases in Iraq Members of Kurdistan's regional government attend a meeting to discuss security after Iranian missiles targeted Erbil International Airport early Wednesday Britain, Australia, France, Poland, Denmark and Finland have confirmed that none of their troops stationed in Iraq were hurt in the attack, while calling for an end to hostilities and a return to talks. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed the EU will 'spare no effort' in trying to save the nuclear deal that Iran signed with President Obama and was ripped up by Trump, sparking the current tensions. China and Russia, both key Iranian allies, also warned against escalating strikes with Vladimir Dzhabarov, lawmaker with Russia's upper house of parliament, warning the conflict could easily lead to a nuclear war. The Syrian government, another key ally of Iran, has expressed full solidarity with Iran, saying Tehran has the right to defend itself 'in the face of American threats and attacks.' The foreign ministry said in a statement Wednesday that Syria holds the 'American regime responsible for all the repercussions due to its reckless policy and arrogant mentality.' Meanwhile Turkey, which is a NATO member but also has ties to Iran in Syria, said its foreign minister will visit Iraq on Thursday as part of diplomatic efforts to 'alleviate the escalated tension' in the region. Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which controls the country's missile program, confirmed that they fired the rockets in retaliation for last week's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. They reported the operation's name was 'Martyr Soleimani' and it took place just hours after the slain general's funeral. The rockets used in the attack, according to Iranian TV, were Fatteh-110 ballistic missiles, which have a range of 186 miles or 300km. The Iranian air force has since deployed multiple fighter jets to patrol it airspace, according to reports - as Iran warned the U.S. and its allies in the region not to retaliate. The Pentagon said it was still working to assess the damage. Iranian missiles that blitzed Iraqi airbases can deliver a precision-guided 500lb warhead over a range of more than 180 miles Two types of ballistic missiles were reportedly used to hit U.S. Military bases in Ain al-Asad in western Iraq and also around Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. The majority of those used are believed to be the Fateh-110, which can travel 180 miles or 300km and have a payload of around 500lb. Reports also suggest the Qiam-1 was also used, a short range ballistic missile produced by Iran which can travel 500 miles and carry 750lb warheads. The Fateh-110 is an Iranian-designed, short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile that can be launched from any location. While the Qiam-1 was specifically built to target U.S. bases in the Middle East, which have 'encircled Iran', according to Iranian sources. When it was launched the Fateh-110 was described by Iranian defence minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami as '100-percent domestically made - agile, stealth, tactical (and) precision-guided'. Both missiles are reported to have been fired from Tabriz and Kermanshah provinces in Iran. Advertisement 'In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces,' a statement from the Pentagon read. 'It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. 'As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.' The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, reportedly said Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was personally in the control center coordinating the attacks. They also warned U.S. allies in the Middle East that they would face retaliation if America strikes back against any Iranian targets from their bases. 'We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted,' they said. It also threatened Israel. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were spotted arriving at the White House soon after news of the strikes broke. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said on Tuesday night that the missile strikes were an 'act of war' and said Trump had all the power he needed to act. 'This is an act of war by any reasonable definition,' Graham told Fox News' Sean Hannity. 'The President has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond.' People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane carrying 177 passengers crashed near Imam Khomeini airport Rescue workers in protective suits gather up the bodies of passengers who were killed in the Boeing 737 crash in Iran today An aerial view of the crash site where rescuers searched the debris this morning with the cause of the crash still unclear Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda-Zadeh (pictured), 40, has been named as the first British victim of the Ukrainian Airlines disaster House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted that the U.S., as well as the rest of the world, 'cannot afford war'. 'Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war,' she tweeted. After the strikes, Saeed Jalili - a former Iranian nuclear negotiator and foreign minister - posted a picture of the Islamic Republic's flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others in the drone strike in Baghdad. Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported, Brynjar Stordal, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces said. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Tuesday it would ban U.S. carriers from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia after the missile attack on U.S.-led forces. Earlier on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the United States should anticipate retaliation from Iran over the killing in Iraq of Soleimani. 'I think we should expect that they will retaliate in some way, shape or form,' Esper told a news briefing at the Pentagon, adding that such retaliation could be through Iran-backed proxy groups outside of Iran or 'by their own hand.' 'We're prepared for any contingency. And then we will respond appropriately to whatever they do.' Trump had also earlier told reporters about the prospect of an Iranian attack: 'We're totally prepared.' 'They're going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly,' he said from the Oval Office during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Meanwhile, early reports of an attack at the al-Taji military base, just outside Baghdad, was later reported as a drill. Local reports initially suggested that five rockets had struck the base after 'shelter in place' sirens were heard ringing out around the compound. Sirens were also heard blaring out inside the U.S. consulate in Erbil, which was one of the bases struck in the missile attack. Iran said the attack, dubbed Operation Martyr Soleimani, was launched hours after the funeral service for General Qassem Soleimani (pictured) - who was killed in a US drone strike - had finished Mourners attend funeral and burial of General Soleimani in his hometown in Kerman early Wednesday morning People lower the coffin of Qassem Soleimani into his grave in the city of Kerman, central Iran Mourners rush to lay their hands on the coffin of General Soleimani before it is lowered into a grave in the cit of Kerman Was the Ukrainian jet brought down by an Iranian missile - or were the 176 people on board killed by a mechanical failure? Here are the five key theories Theory one: Mechanical failure or pilot error Iranian authorities have said that initial investigations point to either an engine failure - or a catastrophic pilot error. The three-year-old Boeing 737 jet came down just three minutes after take-off from Imam Khomeini International Airport. Iranian officials said the pilot had lost control of the Boeing jet after a fire struck one of the plane's engines, but said the crew had not reported an emergency and did not say what caused the fire. Footage of the crash appears to show the plane streaking downwards with a small blaze on the wing, near its jet engines (pictured above on the ground). But critics have questioned the Iranian account, calling it the 'fastest investigation in aviation history' - and said the Boeing 737 has a largely outstanding safety record with no recent history of an engine failure of this kind. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has instructed prosecutors to open criminal proceedings - a clear signal that he is unsure about Iran's version of events. His Government also revealed the plane was inspected just two days ago. Theory two: Accidentally hit by an Iranian missile The plane came down shortly after Iran launched its missile attacks Iraq with tens of ballistic weapons fired from the rogue state. Photographs of the downed Ukrainian airlines jet show that the fuselage appears to be peppered with shrapnel damage. Experts have said that an engine fire or pilot error does not explain those holes (pictured). Ilya Kusa, a Ukrainian international affairs expert, said amid the US-Iranian tensions and said: 'It is difficult not to connect the plane crash with the US-Iran confrontation. The situation is very difficult. One must understand that this happened shortly after Iran's missile attacks on US military facilities'. Just hours before the crash, the US Federal Aviation Administration had banned US airlines from flying over Iran, Iraq and the waters of the Persian Gulf due to the Middle East crisis. This was due to the possibility of missiles flying towards Iraq - and airlines are still skirting the region as they head to and from Asia. Theory three: Jet was deliberately brought down by a missile Video footage tweeted by the BBC's Iran correspondent, Ali Hashem, appeared to show the plane already burning in the sky before it crashed in a massive explosion. It sparked speculation that the jet could have been shot down accidentally by nervous Iranian air defence soldiers, hours after Iran fired 22 ballistic missiles at US bases in retaliation for the killing of general Qassem Soleimani. But there is a major question mark over whether Iran would shoot down a plane with so many of its own citizens on board. Many of the world's major airlines have stopped flying through or even near Iranian airspace as they cross the globe amid safety fears after US/Iran tensions boiled over in the past week. Iran is a key ally of Vladimir Putin's Russia, which grabbed Crimea from Ukraine and has been involved in an on-off conflict with its neighbour since 2014. Russia has denied shooting down the ill-fated MH17 jet five years ago - but experts say otherwise with three Russians arrested over the disaster. Theory four: An accidental drone strike Experts have speculated that the Ukrainian aircraft could have collided with a military drone before crashing. The drone may have smashed into the engine - or been sucked in - with the pilot unsighted because it was after dark. This could cause an explosion and the fire seen as the plane hit the ground (pictured). Experts said Iranian were in the air at the time - in case the US decided to fight back - and not always picked up by radar. Russian military pilot Vladimir Popov said: 'It could have been an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, which are small in size and poorly visible on radars. A plane in a collision could get significant damage and even catch fire in the air.' Theory five: Sabotage or a terror attack Aviation experts have urged investigators to rule out whether the plane was brought down by terrorists or as an act of sabotage. They say that while a flaming engine is highly unusual, the sudden loss of data communications from the plane is even more so. This could be caused by a bomb, that blew up after the 737 took to the air, wrecking its systems. An electronic jammer weapon that knocked out the plane's controls could also explain it. British expert Julian Bray said it 'could be an altitude triggered device set to detonate during take off. Unusual that engine seen to be on fire before crash, points to catastrophic incident' or being 'deliberately brought down'. He added that based on the footage pilot error looks 'unlikely'. Experts have said that if the black box is not recovered by Iranian security officials (pictured) from the wreckage it could point to it being a deliberate act. After the crash the Ukrainian embassy in Tehran reported that the crash had been caused by an engine failure rather than terrorism - but this was later deleted on social media. Advertisement The strikes by Iran were a major escalation of tensions that have been rising steadily across the Mideast following months of threats and attacks after Trump's decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. Soleimani's killing and Iran's missile strikes also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. After the strikes, Saeed Jalili - a former Iranian nuclear negotiator - posted a picture of the Islamic Republic's flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others in the drone strike in Baghdad It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two nations, which have been foes since the days immediately following Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The revenge attack came a mere few hours after crowds in Iran mourned Soleimani and as the U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the region's waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. The U.S. Air Force launched a drill with 52 fighter jets in Utah on Monday, just days after Trump threatened to hit 52 sites in Iran. Meanwhile a stampede broke out Tuesday at Soleimani's funeral in his hometown of Kerman and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession, Iranian news reports said. There was no information about what set off the crush in the packed streets. Online videos showed only its aftermath: people lying apparently lifeless, their faces covered by clothing, emergency crews performing CPR on the fallen and onlookers wailing and crying out to God. A procession in Tehran on Monday drew over one million people in the Iranian capital, crowding both main avenues and side streets. Hossein Salami, Soleimani's successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard, addressed a crowd of supporters gathered at the coffin in a central square in Kernan. He vowed to avenge Soleimani, saying: 'We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about'. The al-Asad base for American and coalition troops (pictured above in December) was struck by missiles 'clearly launched from Iran', U.S. officials say The Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan, which provides facilities and services to at least hundreds of coalition personnel and CIA operatives, was also hit in the missile attack (Newser) The question a few weeks ago was "where the bloody hell" was Scott Morrison. The question now is whether Australia's prime minister can survive the crisis at home and serve out a full three-year term. As the AP reports, there's been an eruption of anger over Morrison's "lethargic" response to wildfires, which have killed at least 26 people. Indeed, the uproar is "likened to the furious reaction of Americans toward President George W. Bush over his clumsy response to Hurricane Katrina." A retailer in Morrison's hometown of Sydney began selling Hawaiian shirts bearing his face, with proceeds going to firefighting efforts, as the PM escaped to Hawaii last month. Since returning, Morrison has been cursed out of a town and called a "moron," "an idiot," and more over his inaction on climate change. Then there was an awkward meeting with a woman who was reluctant to shake his hand. story continues below A Guardian video shows Morrison moving the woman's hand forward to shake his own. Some got the feeling that he only wanted a photo op. "You won't be getting any votes down here! You are out!" a local later shouted. Morrison was next seen inspecting fire-ravaged communities in a Liberal Party ad featured on a website asking for political donations, but it was pulled amid complaints that the party was exploiting the disaster. This is all made worse by comparisons of Morrison and former prime minister Tony Abbott, whom Morrison helped oust as Liberal leader in 2015. Abbott, a volunteer firefighter, was filmed running into a burning home this week, per the Independent. "I think it's done lasting damage to his credibility as a leader," Sydney University political scientist Stewart Jackson tells the AP of the ongoing crisis. "The question's going to be: Can Morrison recover from this?" (Read more Australia stories.) New Delhi: Iranian state television on Wednesday said, 80 "American terrorists" were killed in ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, adding that none of the missiles were intercepted. Revolutionary Guards sources also said, Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. On Tuesday, Iran's parliament passed a bill designating all US forces "terrorists" over the killing of a top Iranian military commander in a US strike last week. The state media also claimed US helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged" in the attack. Earlier, Iran defended the attack saying all the measures were taken in self-defence. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said, Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. The attack on US military bases came after the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike, which was ordered by President Donald Trump, on Friday. Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. Irans attack came hours after leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened on Tuesday to "set ablaze" places supported by the United States. Hossein Salami made the pledge before a crowd of thousands gathered in a central square in Kerman, the hometown of the slain Gen Qassem Soleimani. Reacting to the attack, US President Donald Trump had tweeted: All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning (sic). Who Was General Qasem Soleimani? Soleimani was one of the most popular figures in Iran and seen as a deadly adversary by America and its allies. General Soleimani, who headed the external operations Quds Force for the Guards, had wielded his regional clout publicly since 2018 when it was revealed that he had direct involvement in top-level talks over the formation of Iraq's government. It was no surprise at the time for a man who has been at the centre of power-broking in the region for two decades. Soleimani has been in and out of Baghdad ever since, most recently last month as parties sought to form a new government. Where once he kept to the shadows, Soleimani has in recent years become an unlikely celebrity in Iran -- replete with a huge following on Instagram. His profile rose suddenly when he was pushed forward as the public face of Iran's intervention in the Syrian conflict from 2013, appearing in battlefield photos, documentaries -- and even being featured in a music video and animated film. In a rare interview aired on Iranian state television in October, he said he was in Lebanon during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war to oversee the conflict. To his fans and enemies alike, Soleimani was the key architect of Iran's regional influence, leading the fight against jihadist forces and extending Iran's diplomatic heft in Iraq, Syria and beyond. "To Middle Eastern Shiites, he is James Bond, Erwin Rommel and Lady Gaga rolled into one," wrote former CIA analyst Kenneth Pollack in a profile for Time's 100 most influential people in 2017. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Please register or log in to keep reading Stay logged in to skip the surveys. An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the chance of a united Ireland is a little bit further away following the fall out over the controversial commemoration of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC). Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the chance of a united Ireland is a little bit further away following the fall out over the controversial commemoration of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC). The Government had faced pressure to cancel the event, which has been widely criticised by the public and politicians. The event, which has been deferred, was to acknowledge the place of the RIC and the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) in Irish history. Mr Vardakar said Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan made the right decision to defer the commemorations planned for next week at Dublin Castle. He said it had become an unnecessary controversy and very divisive. Thats something weve always tried to avoid when it comes to commemorations so I think it was the right decision to defer it, he said. He said he hopes to have it at a later date in a more appropriate way. Theres one thing that I would like to say though I am somebody who firmly believes in a united Ireland and I believe a united Ireland in my lifetime is possible, but for a united Ireland to work its going to have to be a very different State, Mr Varadkar said on Wednesday. A State that recognises that there are over a million people on our island who identify as British and come from a Unionist tradition. Expand Close Sackville Street, now OConnell Street, pictured in 1916 (PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sackville Street, now OConnell Street, pictured in 1916 (PA) We have to understand that as a country and island, we have a shared history. That people, north and south, Catholic, Protestant, unionist, nationalist fought on different sides but they all fought for what they believed in. People north and south were victims of atrocities and were also involved in atrocities. We need to embrace and understand that shared history if we are going to build a united Ireland and it is my deep regret that this week embracing that shared history and moving towards united Ireland feels to me to be a little bit further away than it was before, and I regret that this is a setback for unity and a setback for reconciliation. I think that can be changed and I think there are lessons to learn and work to do. Asked whether he believes the controversy has been damaging to the party ahead of a general election, Mr Varadkar said that did not matter. He said the government has attempted to have commemorations that are respectful, inclusive and non-judgmental. He continued: I think weve achieved that, at least up until this most recent incident. Absolutely lessons can be learned, perhaps it could have been handled better, but I also regret that some elements of the opposition chose to misrepresent the event that was planned. False claims that it was to be some sort of celebration of the Black and Tans. I really regret that the opposition chose to do that, they didnt have to do that but that was wrong and it is a setback for reconciliation and thats sad but well learn from it and have the commemorations on later date in a way thats more appropriate, after due consultation with the opposition and others. The US is prepared for any attack by Iran, President Donald Trump said, amid tensions over the killing of top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in an American drone attack last week in Iraq. "We are totally prepared" for any Iranian attack, he told reporters on Tuesday during a joint Oval Office media interaction with visiting Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Trump had authorised the drone strike on the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards on Friday, killing him on the spot. The president justified his decision to kill Soleimani, saying, "Well, number one, I knew the past. His past was horrible." "He (Soleimani) was a terrorist. He was so designated by president Obama, as you know, and he wasn't even supposed to be outside of his own country," he said in response to a question. Trump said in a recent attack that Soleimani was in charge of, people were horribly wounded. "One dead. In fact, the number now as of this morning I believe is two dead. That was his. He was travelling with the head of the Hezbollah, he said. "They weren't there to discuss a vacation. They weren't there to go to a nice resort in Baghdad. They were there to discuss their business. We saved a lot of lives by terminating his life, a lot of lives were saved," Trump said. They were planning something and people will hear about it, at least some people in Congress are going to be hearing about it tomorrow, the president said. Trump repeatedly termed the killing of the general as retaliatory. "Look at what he was planning... Right now it's classified," he said. Terming the Soleimani killing as both retaliation and preventative, Trump said, "Ours was an attack based on what they did. We weren't the first one out. He killed an American. Now, two people are dead from the same attack and some people very badly wounded.. That was one of Soleimani's smaller endeavours, he alleged. "You look over his past --he's been called a monster. He was a monster. He is no longer a monster. He's dead. That's a good thing for a lot of countries. He was planning a very big attack and a very bad attack for us and other people and we stopped it, and I don't think anybody can complain about it," Trump said. He said he did not hear too many people, other than politicians who are trying to win the presidency, complaining about the strike. Trump continued with his threat to destroy Iranian cultural sites. They're allowed to kill our people, they're allowed to maim our people. They're allowed to blow up everything that we have and there's nothing that stops them. We are, according to various laws, supposed to be very careful with their cultural heritage, he said. You know what, if that's what the law is, I like to obey the law. But think of it: They kill our people; they blow up our people and then we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions," Trump said. He said if Iran does anything that they should not be doing, they are going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iran's controversial nuclear plant, which was built by Russia, can survive an earthquake of a magnitude of up to 9, according to a report by the Centre for Energy and Security Studies in Moscow. Technicians work in the reactor of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant in a file picture, released by Iran's Atomic Energy Organization. Credit:AP Rescue teams were present on the site, the head of the provincial emergency department, Jahangir Dehqani, told IRNA. Dubai: A 4.7-magnitude earthquake struck two towns in southern Iran near the Bushehr nuclear power plant on Wednesday, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported. A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck north-western Iran in November, killing at least five and injuring more than 300. The quake came on the same day that Iran struck back at the United States for killing Revolutionary Guard commander Qassem Soleimani. Tehran fired a series of ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house US troops in a major escalation between the two long-time foes. It was Iran's most brazen assault on the US since the 1979 seizing of the US embassy in Tehran. On Tuesday, a deadly stampede delayed Soleimani's burial as thousands of mourners thronged the streets of his hometown for the funeral procession. Also on a dramatic day for the country, a Ukrainian passenger jet carrying 176 crashed minutes after taking off from the Iranian capital's main airport, turning farmland on the outskirts of Tehran into fields of flaming debris and killing all on board. Update 8: The Pentagon has released a full statement on the attacks, claiming that more than a dozen missiles were fired from within Iran, and that at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US troops were targeted. Statement from Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments. In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region. As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region. Due to the dynamic nature of the situation, we will continue to provide updates as they become available. More footage of the attacks is appearing on social media: US F-35s have been scrambled from bases in Turkey and the UAE. Meanwhile, Iran claims that a "second wave" of attacks targeting an unidentified US base in Iraq is beginning, according to semi-official news agency Tasnim. The IRGC is also threatening to attack any other countries that host US troops. * * * Update 7: This is about to go to '11'. US jets are reportedly "in the air" and leaving Turkey as stocks extend their decline, and oil futures continue to climb. Reports are claiming that shelling has stopped at Al Asad Air Base, and that roughly 35 rounds hit the base. White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham: "We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team, White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said in a statement." The Pentagon has confirmed that more than a dozen missiles were launched from Iran. "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran." But others claim there appears to be some doubt. Some media reports noted that the base has been visited by President Trump in the past, giving the attack a special significance. US military sources are saying that troops at the base are still in lockdown, though the attack is said to be over. Initial reports on NBC Nightly News claimed US officials are looking into whether the attacks originated from within Iranian territory, a question that was also explored immediately following the Aramco attack late last year. Iranian TV is already threatening "more violent responses" if the US retaliates for these latest attacks. And so, Iran's promised "historic nightmare" has begun. * * * Update 6: The drop in S&P futures is accelerating as more senior US military officials confirm that a US army base in Iraq is under ballistic missile attack. The drop in S&P futures is accelerating as US and Iranian sources report attacks "all over the country." Brent futures have extended their gains to 3% on the news, which seems to suggest that the crisis between the US and Iran over the killing of Suleimani is far from over. While details on casualties are still unclear, experts are saying that the weapons used were either cruise missiles, or short-range ballistic weaponry, or possibly a mix. From senior US military source in Iraq: Under missile attack from Iran. These are either cruise missiles or short range ballistic missiles. All over the country. Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) January 7, 2020 And we now have a statement from the IRGC claiming responsibility for the attacks: "The brave soldiers of IRGC's aerospace unit have launched a successful attack with tens of ballistic missiles on Al Assad military base in the name of martyr Gen. Qasem Soleimani." Looking ahead, many are wondering if the fighting will reach Baghdad. Meanwhile, it is quite calm here in #Baghdad, but not expected to stay for long.. It is the WAR Feras Kilani (@FerasKilaniBBC) January 7, 2020 And the White House has confirmed that President Trump has been briefed on the attacks, and is monitoring the situation closely with his national security team at the White House. Given the severity of the situation, it's still strange that the US was slow to confirm the initial reports. A reporter for CNN is reporting that the Pentagon was slow to respond because officials were "sent home early for what was supposed to be a major snowstorm" in DC. Nancy Pelosi was reportedly briefed about the attacks during a steering meeting. Her response to her fellow members? Pray.... Multiple members tell reporters that Pelosi received a note during the steering meeting informing her of the attack in Iraq. Her message to her members in the room? Pray. Lauren Fox (@FoxReports) January 7, 2020 Iranian sources are claiming that the operation has a name: 'Operation Martyr Suileimani'. #IRGC has launched 'Operation Martyr Soleimani' by firing missiles at the base in #Iraq, according to Tasnimnews_Fa. Steve Herman (@W7VOA) January 7, 2020 * * * Update 5: Bloomberg has now confirmed WaPo's reporting, adding that at least nine rockets have now hit Al-Asad Airbase. There have also been reports of IRGC commanders claiming to have launched "tens of missiles" at the base. Al Mayadeen TV has also confirmed. And just like that, ES is sliding, and Brent is spiking... * * * Update 4: Confirmation at last. After hours of vague and unconvincing reports about a string of attacks on US buildings in Iraq, the Washington Post has apparently confirmed that at least one of the attacks - the most recent to be reported - is real. Reporter Dan Lamothe described his source as "very credible." U.S. defense official confirms that Al Asad air base in Iraq's Anbar province has been hit by at least six rockets tonight. Additional details unclear. But very credible source. Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) January 7, 2020 Video of alleged Iranian rockets raining down on the American base has just hit Twitter. BREAKING VIDEO: Suspected Iranian originating rockets seen being launched toward military base housing US forces in Iraq moments ago. pic.twitter.com/qxnBlV0Kgx Israel Breaking (@IsraelBreaking) January 7, 2020 So it looks like this really is the Iranian retaliation that we've been waiting for. * * * Update 3: And the stream of strange reports of attacks and sirens at US bases and consulates around the Middle East continues, as a reporter for Al-Monitor, a credible English-language source of news and analysis on the Middle East region, claims another missile attack has been reported, this time at Al-Asad airbase in Anbar Province. Reports claim that more than 30 missiles have been launched at the base, and still more are coming in. NEW: Defense official tells me that Al-Asad airbase that houses US & coalition troops in Iraq has been hit with 6 rockets. Not clear if there are any casualties. Jack Detsch (@JackDetsch_ALM) January 7, 2020 Following reports of a siren heard at the US consulate in Erbil, Iraqi TV is reporting that flights into the local airport have been suspended. Once again, Iranian media is reporting the attacks, though we must admit, the photo below doesn't exactly look genuine. #| / . pic.twitter.com/qbfPYmFXri (@FarsNews_Agency) January 7, 2020 The mainstream American press and Pentagon are still eerily quiet. * * * Update 2: The UK tabloid Daily Mail is now reporting at "siren test" at Taji military base in Iraq, which it says is host to British and American troops. The report appears to have verified claims that at least five rockets have hit the base, and that sirens have been heard ringing out at consulates around the area, including Erbil, which we noted below. Critically, the paper notes that some reports suggest that the missile strike might simply be a drill. It also noted that the alleged strike is unfolding just hours after a flurry of US airstrikes on militia bases in Western Iraq and Syria, targeting the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Units. One local journalist reports that his sources say the "attack" was merely just a drill, and that the base is "calm tonight." According to my sources, #Taji camp is calm tonight and no attacks occurred. I will keep you updated. Barzan Sadiq (@BarzanSadiq) January 7, 2020 * * * More unconfirmed reports are trickling in, this time from Australia-based cleric Imam Tawhidi. #BREAKING: US air defence put on high alert, anticipating a bigger attack by Iran or their militias in Iraq. 5 rockets fired on Camp #Taji, Iraq, minutes ago. pic.twitter.com/hwdBSlIwLd Imam of Peace / Pray for Peace... (@Imamofpeace) January 7, 2020 #NEW: Pictures of US forces leaving Camp Taji to exit Iraqs territories. (These pictures were taken a few hours ago and the surroundings cannot identify their location/direction anyway. Safe to post). pic.twitter.com/wXlQzubF6B Imam of Peace / Pray for Peace... (@Imamofpeace) January 7, 2020 The Military COALITION base in #Taji is not empty. Anywhere the rockets land will cause significant harm. We hope that all US forces have left already. (If the US forces are no longer there, the militias will stop firing rockets at soldiers from other countries). pic.twitter.com/tfm2v9ip4f Imam of Peace / Pray for Peace... (@Imamofpeace) January 7, 2020 And a video purporting to depict a warning at the base advising personnel to "shelter in place" - though there's no way of telling whether it is authentic. A video from the Taji base, north of Baghdad, where American forces are present, warning of missile strikes. #Iraq_Rocking pic.twitter.com/NyE3zsbuUj@ELINTNews | Sada Al-Iraq (@SADA_IRAQ) January 7, 2020 * * * Update: The Jerusalem Post has apparently picked up reports from Iran's Fars news agency claiming that at least five rockets have hit Taji, potentially placing the lives of American troops in peril. That means the reports of the attack, which were first circulated by unconfirmed accounts, have now been vetted by the mainstream press. Though some on social media claim that people on the ground in the area don't see any signs of the attack, and are skeptical that this might be another Iranian attempt at disruptive media hacking. #BREAKING At least 4 rockets hit #Iraq's Taji base that hosts #American troops, according to reports. https://t.co/zbymG4rNxe The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) January 7, 2020 CONFIRMED: Taji base housing US troops hit with 5 rockets. No word on damage done and the type of missiles used. pic.twitter.com/4zACbEgf5G WW3 Updates (@ww3updates) January 7, 2020 And, as we noted below, markets are taking the news seriously. Get ready for more hysteria about the dawn of WWIII. Meanwhile, in reference to a separate incident, local media reports that alarms that sounded at the US consulate in Erbil were a test. Iraq: Al-Mayadeen Corespondent: Sirens that sounded at the U.S Consulate in Erbil were a test. FXHedge (@Fxhedgers) January 7, 2020 Erbil is nowhere near Camp Taji FXHedge (@Fxhedgers) January 7, 2020 If these reports are true, it's also notable that President Trump appeared to back away from threats to attack Iranian cultural sites during an "exchange" with reporters int he Oval Office ahead of his meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis Tuesday afternoon, per the Washington Post. Though, in typical Trump style, Trump also defended the strike against Suleimani and suggested he wasn't happy about restraining his rhetoric toward Iran. Theyre allowed to blow up everything that we have and theres nothing that stops them, he said. And we are, according to various laws, supposed to be very careful with their cultural heritage. And you know what, if thats what the law is, I like to obey the law. Asked about the future of US troops in Iraq, Trump said the US would like to get out "at some point." At some point, we want to get out, but this isnt the right point, he said, adding that the United States would want to be reimbursed for costs related to fighting the Islamic State militant group. * * * Following four days of increasingly belligerent threats from Iran and its leadership, unconfirmed reports claim 5 missiles have just struck a US base in Iraq. The base is called Taji camp, and it's situated about 17 miles north of Baghdad. Notably, US troops are housed at the camp. If this is an Iranian attack, it's notable that it's coming at the end of the four days of mourning for General Qasem Suleimani, who was killed last week in an audacious drone strike ordered by President Trump while Suleimani was attending a meeting in Baghdad. Ominously, the heavily-followed (though not official) twitter account @Iran, tweeted a threatening message a few hours ago... Waiting for tonight, We've dreamed of this for so long Waiting for tonight...#SvereRevenge #Iran Iran (@Iran) January 7, 2020 Though the reports are unconfirmed, news of what could be the beginning of Iran's threatened retaliation for the killing of General Qasem Suilemani inspired a slight pop in crude futures. Gold jumped... ...while stocks are unhappy. Vitalant, the nonprofit blood bank serving Arizona, has issued a critical appeal for types O-negative and O-positive blood to address a nationwide shortage: banks throughout the country have less than a two- day supply of necessary blood types. Arizona needs 600 donors daily to address emergencies, surgeries, chronic diseases like cancer and more in everyone from accident victims to newborns and seniors. Due to the critical shortage, donors are strongly encouraged to give blood as soon as possible by calling 877-258-4825 (877-25-VITAL) or going online to vitalant.org. All Flagstaff donors through Jan. 15 will be thanked with a voucher from Fratelli Pizza for a free slice and a soft drink. The following public blood drives will be held in Flagstaff this month: Jan 8, 11am-4pm at Flagstaff Police Department, 911 E Sawmill Rd Jan 12, 11am-3pm, Fratelli Pizza, 2120 N 4th St, To Go Ste 2118 Jan 16, 12pm-5pm, Flagstaff Junior Academy & Church for the Nations, 755 N Bonito, FJA Jan 20, 1pm-5pm, The Aquaplex, 1702 N 4th St Jan 21, 10am-3:30pm, Bashas', 1000 N Humphreys, Ste 241-242 Jan 22, 2pm- 6pm, Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E Butler Ave, Commons Area Jan 23, 9am-2pm, Northland Prep Academy, 3300 E Sparrow, Gym Jan 31, 1pm-5pm, Mountain Elementary School, 311 W Cattle Dr Trl, Gym/Library Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The mother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has e-mailed Chandigarh director general of police (DGP) raising concerns about his security and claiming that he will be killed in an encounter by the UT police. In the letter, accessed by HT, Sunita states that, In most cases, Lawrence has been made an accused just on the basis of disclosure statements made by other accused under the undue pressure by the police. In these circumstances, I feel that the life and liberty of my son is under constant threat to the extent that the policemen, who can implicate him in false cases, can also cause any harm to his life and liberty. Therefore, his life and limb is not at all secure in the hands of Chandigarh police personnel who take him in their custody to present him before respective trial courts in Chandigarh. According to the police, in 2019, Lawrence and his gang members were involved in at least five cases of gang violence involving lethal shootings in broad day lights in the heart of the city and extortion racket. Apart from this, Lawrence, who is lodged in Bharatpur jail in Rajasthan, is involved in multiple cases of murder besides cases of Arms Act in Rajasthan, Punjab, Chandigarh and Haryana. Sunita further states that Lawrence be handcuffed and then taken out from the jail so that no false allegation of bid to escape police custody can be made against him. The Rajasthan police officials should also accompany him at all times. A superintendent of police (SP) rank official should personally oversee the security arrangements to secure the life of my son, states the email. Confirming the development, Sunita, said, I met Lawrence in Jodhpur during a court case recently, where he mentioned about the threat from Punjab and Chandigarh police besides rival gangs. However, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Nilambari Jagadale said, In most hearings, hardcore criminals are produced in court through video conferencing. It is only when charges are framed that they need to be present in person. Also, we give security cover by commandos whenever gangsters are produced due to risk and threat involved. New York, Jan 8 : When college students post about feelings of depression on social media sites, Facebook in particular, their friends are unlikely to encourage them to seek help, a new study suggests. According to the findings, published in the journal JMIR Research Protocols, none of the 33 participating students said their friends told them they should reach out to a mental health professional to discuss their problems. Instead, most friends simply sent supportive or motivating messages. "But that may not be good enough for people who are truly depressed - as some of the people in this study probably were, it makes me concerned that none of the Facebook friends of students in this study were proactive in helping their friend get help," said study lead author Scottye Cash, Professor at Ohio State University in the US. "It makes me concerned that none of the Facebook friends of students in this study were proactive in helping their friend get help," Cash said. The research is part of a larger online study of health outcomes of 287 students at four universities in the Midwest and West US. This study included the 33 students in the larger study who reported that they had "reached out on Facebook for help when depressed." The students reported what they posted and how their friends responded. They also completed a measure of depression. Results showed that nearly half of the participants reported symptoms consistent with moderate or severe depression and 33 per cent indicated they had had suicidal thoughts several days in the previous few weeks. "There's no doubt that many of the students in our study needed mental health help," Cash said. The two most common themes in the participants' Facebook posts were negative emotions or having a bad day. Together, those themes appeared in about 45 per cent of the posts the students reported on. But only one of the students directly asked for help and only three mentioned 'depression' or related words, the study said. Many participants found ways to hint at how they were feeling without being explicit: 15 per cent used sad song lyrics, five per cent used an emoji or emotion to indicate their depressed feelings and another five per cent used a quote to express sadness. Students reported that the most common responses from their friends to their posts about depression (about 35 per cent of responses) were simply supportive gestures. The next most common response (19 per cent of posts) was to ask what was wrong, which participants didn't always take positively. The other three most common responses (all occurring 11 per cent of the time) were contacting the depressed friend outside of Facebook, sending a private message within the app, or simply 'liking' the post. According to the study, participants reported that none of their friends suggested to get help. "We need to increase mental health literacy and decrease mental health stigma," Cash said. Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, left and Prosecutor-General Yoon Seok-youl arrive at the Ministry of Justice building in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province for a meeting, Tuesday. The two are at odds over Choo's plan to reassign prosecutors./ Yonhap By Kim Se-jeong Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae replaced senior prosecutors, Wednesday, who were leading investigations into major corruption scandals involving President Moon Jae-in's aides. Han Dong-hoon, the head of the anti-corruption department, who was looking into alleged illegal actions by former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, was assigned to the No. 2 post in the High Prosecutors Office in Busan, 500 kilometers southeast of Seoul. Cho was also suspected of playing a role in ending an inspection into bribery allegations involving a former Busan vice mayor. Park Chan-ho, who was investigating the allegation that the presidential office helped Moon's friend win the 2018 mayoral election in the industrial city of Ulsan, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul, was sent to the prosecutors' office on Jeju Island. The reaction from prosecutors to the moves, which came five days after Choo took office, was one of serious concern. Speaking to Yonhap News Agency, one prosecutor who requested anonymity said Choo's actions were excessively politically motivated. "For prosecutor Han, the reshuffle is virtually forcing him to leave the prosecution." As well as the two high-profile prosecutors, 30 others were affected by reassignments. Strictly following President Moon's wishes has become the first "achievement" of Choo who was inaugurated just days ago with instructions to carry out prosecutorial reform. The opposition cried foul over the reassignments and vowed to fight them the conservative Liberty Korea Party (LKP) said it would file a legal complaint against the justice minister. When Yoon Seok-youl was sworn in as the nation's top prosecutor in July, Cheong Wa Dae had high hopes for the prosecution to be reformed and for corruption to be rooted out. But, Yoon quickly became a headache for the presidential office as he kicked off corruption investigations into President Moon Jae-in's aides. One was Cho Kuk, the former justice minister who showed the greatest support for Yoon's appointment as the top prosecutor. Choo and Yoon met briefly, Tuesday, but no details were made public. On Wednesday morning, members of the justice ministry and the prosecution office held a human resources meeting, but Yoon was not there. By noon, there were rumors that Choo had sidelined him and that an official announcement would be made soon. However, in the early afternoon, Choo announced, "I would like to consult with Yoon," and the two are expected to meet again face to face, though the time and location have not been disclosed. Some news reports said Yoon had refused to meet the justice minister. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 20:07:06|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close CANBERRA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told the Chief of the Defence Force to protect Australian troops and diplomats in Iraq. Morrison said on Wednesday that he has directed Angus Campbell, the Chief of the Defence Force, to take "whatever actions are necessary" to "protect and defend" Australians in the region. Australia currently has 450 personnel deployed in the Middle East as part of an international effort to combat the Islamic State terror threat, according to The Australian report. "I've been advised and have been in regular contact today with the CDF General Campbell about the rocket attacks that have occurred in Iraq," Morrison told reporters. "The CDF has been able to confirm to me at this point that all Australian diplomatic personnel and all ADF personnel are safe, but it is obviously a very fluid situation," he said. The National Security Committee of the Cabinet will meet on Thursday morning to take further decisions, potentially including an Australian pullout from the country, according to local media report. A 13-year-old schoolboy has been charged after a pupil was stabbed at at a Northern Ireland grammar school. A Year 10 pupil was treated in hospital for non-life threatening injuries following an incident at Larne Grammar, just before 11.30am on Tuesday, January 7. The teenager has been charged with grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence. He is expected to appear at Ballymena Youth Court on January 22. The school has moved to assure parents their children are in no danger.. Parents and guardians were contacted by text message to be told the rest of the school day would proceed as normal. Read More Principal Jonathan Wylie said: "The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is always our primary concern, and the authorities, including the PSNI, were contacted immediately. "Parents have also been contacted. We are working with the Education Authority to ensure that pastoral support is available for those who require it. "This is the first time that an incident of this nature has occurred in school. The thoughts of the school community are with the injured pupil and his family. "We are unable to comment further due to an ongoing PSNI investigation." Arrest after pupil injured in 'knife incident' at Larne school The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 11.21am about an incident on Lower Cairncastle Road. "Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one male patient was transferred to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children," a spokesperson said. Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson told this newspaper it was "a very concerning time" for students, staff and parents. "You know from both national and international incidents like this how difficult it can be for those connected with the school," Mr Dickson explained. "I have every confidence that Larne Grammar, like every school in Northern Ireland, has a plan in place to deal with incidents like this." Addressing those willing to risk carrying a weapon, Mr Dickson added: "There is no place for weapons in schools or anywhere else in society in this way. "Whatever has happened obviously needs to be investigated." DUP MLA Gordon Lyons wished the injured boy well. "Awful news coming from Larne Grammar School... my thoughts are with those affected," he said. Sinn Fein MLA Karen Mullan added: "(It is a) concerning incident. (I) hope the young person who was attacked is okay - and the whole school community." Figures from the PSNI show that more than 700 serious crimes involving a knife or a sharp instrument were recorded in Northern Ireland by September 30 of last year. A detective has told the Claremont serial killings trial he will never forget the smell of Ciara Glennon's dumped body, which he initially thought was that of a kangaroo. Former Telstra technician and confessed rapist Bradley Robert Edwards, 51, is fighting allegations he murdered secretary Sarah Spiers, 18, childcare worker Jane Rimmer, 23, and solicitor Ms Glennon, 27, in 1996 and 1997. Detectives Charles Carver and Edward Besson were called to bushland in Eglington in April 1997 after Jason Atkinson, who had been searching for cannabis plants, discovered Ms Glennon's body. Former Telstra technician and confessed rapist Bradley Robert Edwards, 51, is fighting allegations he killed three women Edawrds is accused of murdering secretary Sarah Spiers (left), 18, childcare worker Jane Rimmer (centre), 23, and solicitor Ciara Glennon (right), 27, in 1996 and 1997. Mr Benson said he initially thought it was a dead kangaroo in the bush. 'But the smell didn't smell like a dead kangaroo,' he told the West Australian Supreme Court on Wednesday. 'We had to keep the scene pristine. 'We didn't get too close but I could see that the person had what appeared to be long, blondish hair. 'I noticed ... the smell. I'll never forget it, I can still visualise it now. 'It affected me in a way that I saw it and was shocked by it and haven't forgotten it in 20 odd years.' Mr Besson added that he and Mr Carver were given a commissioner's commendation for preserving the site but Justice Stephen Hall interrupted him, saying he only needed to answer questions from the lawyers. Mr Carver testified on Tuesday that a television journalist was arrested for breaching the cordon that police later set up at the scene. 'We had many issues with the media at the time ... in relation to trying to get into the scene and people sneaking over sand dunes,' he said. 'There was a whole lot of things happening. It was just mayhem.' Iran launches 'revenge' missile strikes on Iraq bases housing US troops Iran has launched a series of missiles at two Iraq bases where US troops are stationed in retaliation over the killing of Qassem Soleimani. The attacks were in revenge for the killing of the Revolutionary Guard General, who was killed in a US drone strike last week. Donald Trump has insisted "all is well!" after Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops. The US leader offered no immediate indication of whether he would retaliate and said he would give a full statement later. It comes as thousands of people lined the streets of Soleimanis hometown before was laid to rest. 'No survivors' after Ukrainian passenger jet crashes in Tehran A Ukrainian commercial airliner with 180 people on board has crashed in Iran. All those on board a Ukrainian Boeing-737 plane that crashed after take-off from Tehran have been killed, an Iranian official said. Initial reports suggested the plane was en route to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. It was not immediately clear whether the incident is linked to the Iran-US confrontation. Cyprus rape case teen says 'fight will go on' to clear name as she returns to UK A British teenager at the centre of a Cyprus gang rape case has said the fight will go on to clear her name as she returned home. The 19-year-old landed at Heathrow Airport alongside her mother last night, just hours after she was given a suspended sentence for public mischief. She was told she was getting a second chance by the judge following the sentencing, which came after she was found guilty of lying about being gang-raped in Ayia Napa. The Derbyshire woman, who has not been named, insists she is innocent. PM set for trade showdown with European Commission president Boris Johnson is set for a showdown with the European Commissions new president as they hold talks for the first time in Downing Street. The Prime Minister is expected to tell Ursula von der Leyen the UK wants a free trade agreement with the EU by the end of December this year, when the transition period is set to end. Labour hopefuls make opening pitches as they launch bids to replace Corbyn Labour MPs hoping to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as party leader made their opening pitches to the parliamentary party at a hustings tonight. Rebecca Long-Bailey, Sir Keir Starmer, Emily Thornberry, Lisa Nandy, Jess Phillips and Clive Lewis, who have all confirmed their bids, set out their stalls in Parliament last night. Statues celebrating century of film to be placed in Leicester Square Bronze statues depicting famous moments and characters in cinema from the last century will be placed in Leicester Square in a celebration of London's film history. Laurel and Hardy, Mary Poppins and Mr Bean will be among the eight figures represented in the "statue trail", which will open next month. Leicester Square was first home to a cinema in 1930, with the first premiere taking place there in 1937. Since then, the square has cemented its place in British cinema history and it regularly plays host to some of the most high-profile events in the UK's film calendar. On this day... 1800: The first soup kitchens for the poor of London opened. 1815: The British, led by General Sir Edward Pakenham, were defeated at New Orleans in the last battle Britain fought against the US. 1889: Dr Herman Hollerith of New York patented an electrically operated computer to process data. The company he formed to market his invention evolved into the giant IBM. 1921: David Lloyd George became the first British prime minister to occupy Chequers, a country mansion in Buckinghamshire, presented to the nation as a gift by Lord Lee of Fareham. 1935: Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, the survivor of twin boys. 1940: Sugar, bacon and butter were rationed in Britain. 1982: Spain ended its siege of Gibraltar and reopened the frontier. In return, Britain ended its opposition to Spain joining the EEC. 1989: A British Midland 737 crashed into an embankment alongside the M1 near Kegworth, Leicestershire, killing 47 people. Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution for caste-based Census in the country. The resolution that aims to find out the population of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the country was moved by Speaker Nana Patole and was passed by the Assembly unanimously. Patole said that the data would help to give benefits for the development of the OBCs. Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Assembly unanimously ratified the 126th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which was passed by Parliament in December 2019 last year. Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis said reservation is important for the SC/ST people in the country. "The benefits of the reservation should reach all downtrodden castes. Several decades have passed since the reservation is being given but still there are many castes whose representatives have not been elected to any houses in state legislatures or Parliament," he said. "So we should ensure that all castes benefit from it. If that is not ensured, not only 10 years but even after 40 years this extension of the reservation will not solve the purpose," the BJP leader said. The Bill seeks to extend by 10 years the reservation given to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha and the State assemblies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) All passengers and crew on board the Ukrainian Boeing 737 plane that crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran on Wednesday were killed, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. According to preliminary data, all passengers and crew members are dead, he wrote on Facebook of the Ukraine International Airlines plane, which was bound for Kiev. Our embassy is verifying information on the circumstances of the tragedy and the lists of the dead, he said. My condolences to the families of passengers and crew members. A senior official in the Ukrainian foreign ministry, Vassyl Kyrylych, told AFP that 168 people were on board according to a preliminary estimate. Flight PS752 from Tehran to Kiev was scheduled to arrive at 8:00 am on Wednesday, according to the flight status still displayed on the UIA website. According to Iranian media the plane was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members when it went down in the vicinity of Parand, a city in Tehran province. The crash was likely to have been caused by technical difficulties, it reported, citing Ali Khashani, spokesman for Imam Khomeini International Airport. 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The Democratic presidential candidate said here on Tuesday that Trump's authorization of killing Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3, an abrupt move made without consultation with the US Congress and allies, has exacerbated tensions in the Middle East, reports Xinhua news agency. "If there was an imminent threat that required this extraordinary action, then we are owed an explanation, and the facts to back it up," he said. Instead of solving a crisis, Soleimani's killing has contributed to an "outcome of strategic setbacks, heightened threats, chants of 'Death to America' once more echoing across the Middle East, Iran and its allies vowing revenge", he added. Stressing that he has "no illusions" about Iran, the 77-year-old veteran politician said that Trump's way of countering Tehran as "self-defeating". "A president who says he wants to end endless war in the Middle East is bringing us dangerously close to starting a brand-new one." Biden also blasted Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, which has made the US an "international outlier" and sowed the seeds of the ongoing crisis. Biden, who spent three decades on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, argued the only way out of the Iran crisis was through diplomacy. He urged Trump to protect American people and regional interests in face of retaliation threats, and "explain your decision and your strategy to the American people". "No one wants war. But it's going to take hard work to make sure we don't end up there accidentally," he added. Four women want people to acknowledge the quality of Slovak wool. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Contrary to the past, when farmers used to process from sheep not only milk and meat but also wool, today the tradition of wool processing is almost extinct in Slovakia. Now four women from the central-Slovak town of Banska Stiavnica are clustering to bring this tradition back to life. Under the trademark Gubana, they offer clothing with a modern design produced from Slovak wool. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement We are trying to buy wool from Slovak farmers, and we give them a fair price that pays for them to raise sheep, said Sarka Minarik, a co-founder of the project, as cited by the TASR newswire. Today there is no interest in their wool in Slovakia. They either incinerate it, bury or sell it for a few cents to Poland or China. Angel Broking's report on Gold On Tuesday, spot gold prices rose by 0.51 percent to close at $1573.9 per tonne. Rising tension between U.S. & Iran boosted the appeal for the safe haven asset and pushed the prices higher. Appreciating U.S. Dollar limited gains for the yellow metal. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of a major retaliation if Iran tries to hit back and also threatened sanctions against Iraq. However, no news on further escalation in tension between U.S. & Iran might weigh on the yellow metal prices. The interim trade deal will be signed U.S. & China on 15th January 2020 in the white house. It will be the first step to end the prolonged trade war; however, the deal was supposed to take place in the end of 2019. No concrete details on the trade deal and only the initial part of the trade deal placed on the table kept the markets cautious and supported the bullion metals. Outlook Tension between U.S. & Iran might weigh on the risk appetite amongst investors in turn boosting the demand for the safe haven asset, Gold. On the MCX, gold prices are expected to trade higher today, international markets are trading higher by 1.10 percent at 1592.55 per ounce. For all commodities report, click here Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Read More A 49-year-old Sonoma man was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping at knifepoint a 14-year-old girl walking to school, forcing her into his car and sexually assaulting her before trying to abduct a second girl, authorities said Wednesday. Sonoma County Sheriffs Office deputies arrested Jesse Leon Granado-Lopez around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday after the two victims gave authorities similar descriptions of the suspect and his car, prompting a wide search that drew the response of every available deputy in the area and the offices domestic violence and sexual assault unit, officials said. Granado-Lopez was booked into county jail in Santa Rosa late Tuesday on six felony charges, according to jail records. The charges include lewd and lascivious acts with a minor using force, kidnapping with the intent to commit rape, oral copulation with a minor using force, rape and attempted kidnapping. A spokeswoman for the sheriffs office said Granado-Lopez is scheduled to appear in court Thursday afternoon. The Sonoma County district attorneys office had not filed charges as of Wednesday afternoon. It was unclear whether Granado-Lopez has an attorney. The hunt for Granado-Lopez started around 7:56 a.m. Tuesday when staff at Altimira Middle School called police to report a student had been kidnapped and assaulted while she walked to school, according to the Sheriffs Office. Granado-Lopez allegedly grabbed the teen at knifepoint in the area of El Dorado Drive and Railroad Avenue in Sonoma, police said. The girl fought back, but Granado-Lopez allegedly forced her into his car and drove to another location, where he sexually assaulted her. He then drove her to another location and let her go. While deputies were investigating the first incident, the Sheriffs Office dispatch received a call from another girl who said a man approached her on foot in the area of El Dorado Drive and Railroad Avenue and tried to grab her. The girl fought off the man and got away, police said. Deputies, using surveillance video of the suspected vehicle and the victims cooperation, spotted Granado-Lopez and arrested him without incident. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. This is extremely traumatic for the victims, the Sheriffs Office said in a statement. They both did the right thing by telling authorities right away and we are grateful for their cooperation. We ask everyone to respect their privacy. If you know them, please support them however you can. Superintendent Socorro Shiels of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District, which includes Altimira Middle School, wrote in a letter to the community that the crime affects us all. This brave student and other student witnesses came forward to assist the police in their investigation, Shiels said. Support services for students and staff at Altimira will be made available as needed following this event. San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Anna Bauman contributed to this report. Alejandro Serrano is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alejandro.serrano@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @serrano_alej Here is a timeline of some of the key events in the three-year Stormont impasse: 2017: January Expand Close A public inquiry was ordered into the RHI scandal (Niall Carson/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A public inquiry was ordered into the RHI scandal (Niall Carson/PA) Stormonts Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness quits the powersharing administration in protest against DUP First Minister Arlene Fosters handling of a botched green energy scheme the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The ministerial executive falls a week later and a snap election is called. A public inquiry is ordered into the RHI scandal. March Sinn Fein makes major gains in the snap Assembly election, cutting what was a 10-seat gap from the DUP to a solitary seat. The long-standing unionist majority within the Assembly goes. Mr McGuinness dies from a rare heart condition. A statutory deadline to form a new executive within three weeks of the election falls as the parties fail to agree a basis for re-entering government together. April Another deadline for agreement set by Secretary of State James Brokenshire passes without a deal. May Mr Brokenshire sets a third deadline for mid-May. A week later the deadline goes up in smoke when Theresa May calls a surprise snap general election. Talks are paused. June Expand Close Theresa Mays minority government was propped up by Arlene Fosters DUP following the 2017 election (PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Theresa Mays minority government was propped up by Arlene Fosters DUP following the 2017 election (PA) The DUP emerge from the election as Westminster kingmakers and agree a confidence and supply arrangement to prop up Ms Mays minority government. July Another talks initiative fails and the process is put in cold storage over the summer parading season. October Talks resume but are largely confined to engagement between the two main parties. Stormonts smaller parties claim they are being kept in the dark. Despite reports of some movement on the key stumbling blocks, a deal does not materialise. November Expand Close Gerry Adams announced he was to step down as Sinn Fein president (Niall Carson/PA). PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gerry Adams announced he was to step down as Sinn Fein president (Niall Carson/PA). Mr Brokenshire sets Stormonts 2017/18 budget at Westminster. Gerry Adams announces he is to step down as Sinn Fein president. The RHI inquiry commences oral hearings at Stormont. 2018: January Mr Brokenshire leaves the government due to ill health. Former culture secretary Karen Bradley takes over at the Northern Ireland Office, announcing a new round of all-party talks. February Mary Lou McDonald is formally elected the new Sinn Fein president. Mrs May and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar travel to Stormont amid growing expectation a deal could be close. Their visit fails to deliver a breakthrough. A few days later, talks break down in acrimony amid claims from Sinn Fein that the DUP had agreed a deal to return to Stormont, only to get cold feet. The DUP denies the claims. September Ms Bradley decides to cut Stormont Assembly members pay from 49,500 to 35,888. She also rules out calling an Assembly election and says she will bring forward legislation to allow civil servants to make decisions in the absence of devolution. Stormont parties meet for the first time since the breakdown of talks in February. 2019: April Expand Close Journalist Lyra McKee was murdered in Londonderry by a stray bullet aimed at police (Brian Lawless/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Journalist Lyra McKee was murdered in Londonderry by a stray bullet aimed at police (Brian Lawless/PA) A month of fresh talks are triggered following the dissident republican killing of journalist Lyra McKee in Londonderry when a bullet aimed at police goes astray. June Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney and Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley lead intensified talks at Stormont. The place of the Irish language in society, same-sex marriage and abortion dominates the debate. The DUPs confidence and supply arrangement with the British Government comes under increasing strain over Brexit and the Irish border question. July Amid the slow collapse of Prime Minister Theresa Mays Government, Parliament legislates to legalise abortion and same-sex marriage as part of an Executive Formation Act. Mrs Mays replacement as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, holds a private dinner with senior DUP figures and visits Stormont to meet other party leaders. A range of interest groups including Irish language activists protest outside. December Expand Close DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds lost his Commons seat (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds lost his Commons seat (Liam McBurney/PA) Another general election sees the DUP lose two MPs, including former Westminster leader Nigel Dodds. The DUP and Sinn Feins share of the vote drops significantly compared to the 2017 general election by 5.4% and 6.7% respectively while the cross-community and anti-Brexit Alliance party enjoys a bounce in the polls. Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith and Mr Coveney lead renewed negotiations at Stormont. Decathlon Capital Partners Makes Multi-Million Dollar Investment in Big Data Marketing Firm MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- AudienceX, the largest independent trading desk for digital marketing, announces a multi-million dollar investment from Decathlon Capital Partners to take the company to its next stage. The new funding will fuel sales and marketing efforts, geographical expansion, and customer support. AudienceX uses artificial intelligence (AI) to reach target audiences with precision and eciency. The companys trading desk, tdX, is powered by a proprietary AI which assesses 18 programmatic platforms, including search and social on a 250-point evaluation, to identify the best performing platforms for each marketing campaign. We combine this powerful technology with exceptional customer service and strategic expertise across programmatic, native, search, social, and creative, said CEO Reeve Benaron. This enables advertisers and agencies to unify their digital marketing eorts to nd and convert customers and increase revenue. Benaron said that Decathlons investment will enable AudienceX to build out the business and take advantage of the tremendous potential for big data in marketing. Decathlon Capitals Wayne Cantwell said rapid revenue growth at AudienceX combined with the unaddressed market opportunity made the investment a logical choice. The future of online marketing will be driven by big data and the ability to glean intelligent insights from that data, Cantwell said. AudienceX is on the leading edge of this effort and we are pleased to invest in their growth. About AudienceX AudienceX structures and executes strategic cross-channel marketing campaigns designed to drive performance and engage a target audience with precision and efficiency. The companys trading desk, tdX, assesses search and social platforms based on millions of data points to identify the best-performing mix of platforms and channels to match the goals of each campaign. They combine this powerful technology with proprietary reporting and attribution, along with exceptional creative solutions and customer service. Learn more at https://www.audiencex.com. About Decathlon Capital Partners Decathlon Capital Partners provides growth capital for companies seeking alternatives to traditional equity investment. Through the use of highly customized revenue-based financing solutions, Decathlon provides long-term growth capital without the dilution, loss of control and operational overhead that often comes with equity-based funding. With offices in Palo Alto and Park City, Decathlon is the largest revenue-based funding investor in the U.S. and is active across a wide range of sectors. Learn more at www.decathloncapital.com. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday urged people to keep faith on him regarding amended Citizenship Act that nothing adverse will happen to the people of the state. Addressing a pro-CAA 'Peace Rally' at Biswanath Chariali town in Sonitpur district, he also highlighted various developmental work undertaken by his government in the state. "I urge the public and all those protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act to have faith in me. I will not do any such work, which will affect the people of Assam," Sonowal said. Speaking at the same function, Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and other agitating groups "not to mislead" the people. Sarma reiterated his challenge for an open debate with AASU Chief Adviser Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya and claimed that the student leader is not showing any willingness for the same. The cm highlighted the ongoing development work by the BJP-led government in Assam and mentioned various projects. Sonowal said Biswanath Chariali will get a medical college very soon. The people of north bank of Brahmaputra will get another bridge over the mighty river connecting Gohpur with Numaligarh in southern bank and the work will be started within the next two months, he added. Sonowal informed that the ongoing construction of the second bridge at Kaliabhomora over Brahmaputra will be completed next year for the people. The 'Peace Rally' was held from Kamalakanta Khetra to Biswanath town. It was attended by Assam BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Tezpur MP Pallab Lochan Das, Assam Handloom minister Ranjit Dutta, Lakhimpur MP Pradan Baruah and all BJP MLAs from Sonitpur and Lakhimpur districts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Health research faces a crisis that could impact on patient care, says a new report led by 10 prominent figures in the NHS and academia. The Academy of Medical Sciences' report raises the alarm about the number of research active NHS staff who are finding it increasingly difficult to find time for research. Support for research is not helped by the widening gap between universities and the NHS. Released today (Wednesday 8 January) the report is calling for leaders in universities, the NHS and government to make urgent changes to protect and enhance research in the NHS. It sets out a powerful vision to enhance the NHS research culture and support provided by universities to make sure scientific discoveries boost the NHS and improve patient care. The report calls for immediate action by giving NHS staff protected time to do research. This should begin by running an estimated 25 million pilot scheme to allow 1 in 5 consultants to have one day a week of their time protected for research in ten hospitals across the UK. It is expected that the scheme would become cost neutral or even save money in the longer term by improving recruitment and retention of NHS staff, reducing spending on agency staff, and increasing research funding from life sciences companies. Professor Sir Robert Lechler PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: "Protecting and strengthening research is a win-win situation for patients, the NHS, Universities and our economy. Research is the tonic the NHS needs right now. "There is increasing evidence that shows that patients treated in research active hospitals get better quality of care, even if they are not taking part in a research project. "Evidence also suggests that including research in medical roles makes it easier to attract and keep the best doctors. Research can also provide a coping mechanism to avoid burnout in NHS staff, so could make a dent in the 480 million yearly NHS spend on agency staff." The report also calls for: All healthcare organisations, including hospitals and doctors' surgeries, to actively promote research, by valuing and measuring the health research they carry out. All healthcare staff, including doctors and nurses, to be trained to understand research and know how to carry it out or put it into practice. Universities to embrace NHS staff into their research teams by increasing the number of honorary positions they award to NHS staff. The NHS is uniquely placed to be the engine of health research. The historic research discoveries made in the NHS over the last 70 years show how much is at stake for patients. Discoveries include the development of penicillin as a drug, the invention of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners, the development of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), DNA sequencing and making advances in immunology to allow organ transplantation. Rob Lester, a retired GP from Fife in Scotland, was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer aged 55. He has been treated with abiraterone - a drug discovered by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and first shown to be effective for advanced prostate cancer by research developed through a partnership between The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. Rob said of his treatment: "I would call myself a lucky man - abiraterone has treated my cancer. Not only have I survived, but I am living my life and feeling better than I have in years. When I was first diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, I hoped to survive 5 years - now I have already survived 7 years. I am alive simply because of research carried out in the NHS. We must do all we can to make sure that this type of research continues to happen in future." Professor Sir Robert Lechler PMedSci, continued: We are enjoying an exciting era of unprecedented medical discovery. Patients need us to convert this progress into new cures and better care. You could ask whether, at a time of too few doctors and nurses and overstretched budgets, we can afford to give time and money to research. The Prime Minister has been absolutely clear that his Government will boost funding on the NHS. Whatever improvements are made to our health service, research is a critical priority. It is important to note that every pound spent on biomedical research returns about 25p every year, forever. So we can't afford not to do this both financially and more importantly for the health of us all. There is a lot at stake for the NHS and everyone treated by it. If we unite and act decisively we can boost the NHS and make sure that the breath taking scientific discoveries being made in the UK are converted into better patient care." Despite the known benefits of research, the report highlights that many NHS Trusts see research as 'nice to have'. The number of medical clinical academics - NHS consultants employed by Universities to lead research - has decreased from 7.5% to 4.2% of NHS medical consultants from 2004 to 2017. Only 0.4% of GPs and 0.1% of nursing, midwifery and other health professionals had research as part of their role in 2017. Catherine Manley-Cullen is a dynamic, progressive leader with a wide range of professional experience and a commitment to delivering compassionate care to culturally diverse populations, says Derek Anderson, executive director of NWH. Catherine Manley-Cullen, MS, RN, NEA-BC, an accomplished health care leader with more than three decades of experience, has been named chief nursing officer at Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH). Catherine Manley-Cullen is a dynamic, progressive leader with a wide range of professional experience and a commitment to delivering compassionate care to culturally diverse populations, says Derek Anderson, executive director of NWH. She has devoted her career to enhancing patient safety, quality of care and supporting excellence in all facets of the professional practice. We are delighted to have her on board. Manley-Cullen brings NWH a broad range of experience in both academic and multi-specialty health care facilities. She specializes in clinical operations, patient care services, compliance and regulatory affairs, clinical management, performance improvement, and operational redesign. At NWH, she will support the continued development of high quality clinical services and oversee the nursing and professional care teams as well as the hospitals Magnet designation program. She will collaborate with the Senior Leadership team to enhance and implement new programs. Manley-Cullen will continue to build on the already outstanding quality metrics at NWH with a focus on efficiencies that improve the overall patient & family experience. Before joining NWH, Manley-Cullen was vice president patient care services/chief nursing officer NYU Langone Health-Brooklyn, leading daily clinical operations within the nursing departments. During her tenure at NYU Langone, Ms. Manley-Cullen helped plan and open the state-of-the-art Ronald O. Perelman Emergency Department, as well as the Cobble Hill Emergency Department in Brooklyn. She also implemented a behavioral health program in the emergency department that led to improved care and outcomes, and assisted in the development of an observation unit, a new care model that has reduced unnecessary admissions. Ms. Manley-Cullen has widely presented on Care Transitions, specifically the development and implementation of a robust Emergency Department Follow-Up Program, Emergency Management Preparedness and quality and patient- experience initiatives. Her work in Nursing Sensitive Indicators led to an 85% reduction rate in catheter associated urinary tract infections, and a 65% decrease in central line associated blood stream infections. She also introduced SAFE programs across all system campuses to treat and support survivors of sexual assault. Her leadership contributed to the achievement of ACS Trauma certification and Joint Commission certifications in comprehensive stroke, stroke rehab, palliative care, and perinatal care. Prior experience also includes the role of associate director at Mount Sinais Recanati/Miller Transplant Institute and a clinical manager at LiveOn New York. The gift of life through organ donation is one of her many passions. She also served as senior vice president and chief operating officer at Westchester Medical Center, where she held the additional roles of corporate compliance officer and assistant vice president of administration. Manley-Cullen received a certificate for senior executives from Harvard Universitys John F. Kennedy School of Government; a Master of Science degree from Pace University where she had a Michaelian Scholarship for Graduate Studies and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the College of New Rochelle. Manley-Cullen resides in Pleasantville, NY with her husband John, and has two daughters, Caitlin and Emily. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives; Healthcare Leaders of New York; the American Nurses Association; the American Organization for Nursing Leadership; the Emergency Nurses Association; Sigma Theta Tau; and serves on the Advisory Board of Pace University. About Northern Westchester Hospital Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH), a member of Northwell Health, provides quality, patient-centered care that is close to home through a unique combination of medical expertise, leading-edge technology, and a commitment to humanity. Over 650 highly-skilled physicians, state-of-the-art technology and professional staff of caregivers are all in place to ensure that you and your family receive treatment in a caring, respectful and nurturing environment. NWH has established extensive internal quality measurements that surpass the standards defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Hospital Quality Alliance (HQA) National Hospital Quality Measures. Our high-quality standards help to ensure that the treatment you receive at NWH is among the best in the nation. For more information, please visit http://www.nwhc.net and connect with us on Facebook. About Northwell Health Northwell Health is New York States largest health care provider and private employer, with 23 hospitals, about 750 outpatient facilities and more than 13,600 affiliated physicians. We care for over two million people annually in the New York metro area and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Our 70,000 employees 16,000-plus nurses and 4,000 employed doctors, including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners are working to change health care for the better. Were making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. British fashion designer Stella McCartney has been mocked after she praised the Joker star Joaquin Phoenix following his pledge to wear the same tuxedo to all awards events this year. The 48-year-old from Lambeth, London, shared a picture of Phoenix, 45, holding his Golden Globe award, after he scooped the prize for his performance as Arthur Fleck. McCartney, who has also recently launched a collaboration with American songstress Taylor Swift, had custom made Phoenixs suit for the ceremony. Praising the actor she tweeted: This man is a winner wearing custom Stella because he chooses to make choices for the future of the planet. He has also chosen to wear this same Tux for the entire award season to reduce waste. I am proud to join forces with you... x Stella. Stella McCartney (left) was mocked after she posted a tweet about Joaquin Phoenix (right) who has pledged to wear the same suit to ceremonies all year She tweeted the above message and said she was 'proud to join forces' with the American actor Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais had previously warned stars in attendance to not use the platform to make political speeches and claimed most of them didnt have a clue about real people. When receiving his award Phoenix touched on the climate emergency and noted the use of private jets by many celebrities. Twitter users couldnt contain their disbelief at McCartneys tweet and many said they had to take a second look to check if it was actually real. Many took to Twitter to slam McCartney's tweet and some said it was 'out of touch' One use said: B***** to the fireman, the police, ambulance services, soldiers, charity workers, doctors, nurses, carers..no the real hero is a man who wears one tux for a whole season. Another replied: I wore the same boots throughout ALL of Desert Storm working on the flight deck of the USS Saratoga! I realize now just how gauche that was. Some joked that he was making a sacrifice by wearing the same suit more than once, while others couldnt believe how out of touch the tweet was. Another added: He's wearing a suit more than once. Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela take a seat a new hero is in town. Former Q Radio breakfast show presenter Cate Conway has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her former co-host and "soul mate", Stephen Clements. The sudden death of the BBC Radio Ulster star, at the age of 47, was announced by the corporation on Tuesday. Speaking to Q Radio News on Wednesday, Stephen's former Q breakfast show co-host and close friend Cate Conway paid an emotional tribute to the late broadcaster. She said the pair "could read each others minds" and that every minute working alongside Stephen was "an absolute joy". Cate told Q Radio News: "He was closer than a best friend, he was like a brother. I always hoped I would get to work with him again and my heart is just broken into a million pieces now." She added: "I loved every second working with Stephen Clements. I mean we could practically read each other's mind and there was days when a word, or a look, or a story, could send us into just a spiral of ridiculousness. She also posted a tribute on social media of the pair's last Q radio broadcast together - which she had intended to never show to anyone. "At the end of our very last show together, I set my camera running so wed have a wee memory of the end. I hadnt ever planned to post this although Stephen did use a later part in a tweet. "The deal was that we would definitely work together again at some stage in the future. "We stayed as close as we were in those four-and-a-half years and now Im totally and completely heartbroken and lost. "He wasnt a co-worker. He was the arm that dragged me through some of my darkest days. He was the shoulder I cried on. He was the eejit who tormented me and called me hairy handed moonface. He was a soul mate." She added: "Thank you for all your messages of love and support. Im exactly as you imagine I am but it has been a huge help to hear from you. #stephenandcateatbreakfast" Yesterday, Stephen's brother, Gavin, in a statement, said the family were devastated by the death and struggling to come to terms with it. He asked the family's privacy be respected. "My inspiration, my hero, my brother. I am broken," he tweeted. BBC Northern Ireland director Peter Johnston said: "We are sorry to bring you the sad news of the passing of our colleague Stephen Clements. He began his broadcasting career full time at City Beat, which later became Q Radio, in 2010 and had joined Radio Ulster replacing Sean Coyle in the mid-morning slot in September last year. Mourners gathered in the holy city to pay their respects before the armed group leader was buried at Salam Cemetery. Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a leader of Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi), has been buried at the Salam Cemetery in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf. Al-Muhandis was killed alongside Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and several others in a US air raid outside Baghdad airport on Friday. His body was taken to Iran for the DNA test and was returned on Tuesday. The DNA testing was completed successfully and he was flown to Basra, his hometown, for mourners to pay their respects, said PMF media representative Mohannad Hussein. We were meant to bury him tonight [Tuesday], but because of the huge crowd that gathered at the funeral procession in Basra, things took longer than expected, said Hussein. Al-Muhandis, whose real name was Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, was the top Iraqi adviser to Soleimani and founder of the Kataib Hezbollah armed group. He was also the de facto leader of the PMF, an umbrella group of mostly Iranian-backed Shia armed groups. Hundreds of people gathered on the streets of Najaf on Tuesday night to pay their final respects. Earlier, thousands of mourners had gathered in his hometown of Basra. Many raised flags of the paramilitary group and chanted Death to America. Funeral processions were also held in several Iraqi cities earlier this week, including Baghdad and Karbala, where funeral prayers were held. Mourners gather during a funeral procession for Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias in Basra [The Associated Press] Strong retaliation Mourners in Najaf told Al Jazeera that al-Muhandiss death was a great loss to Iraq. Others called for a strong response and an end to the US presence in Iraq. We gathered in Najaf to pay our final respects to Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a symbol of bravery and sacrifice, Falah Abdel Hassan, 45, told Al Jazeera. Muhandis was a real hero in our eyes. He did a great deal to protect Iraq and fight ISIL. The PMF, which was founded as a loose network of Shia-majority factions fighting the ISIL (ISIS) group in Iraq, was formally absorbed into Iraqs security forces. Critics say that some of the factions, including Kataib Hezbollah, still operate independent of government forces. 200103071943304 Abu Bakir al-Janabi, a 35-year-old mourner, told Al Jazeera he attended the funeral procession to condemn the US for killing al-Muhandis and Soleimani. We are here to pay our respects to this great leader and to condemn his killing. He was a symbol of resistance against the US, said al-Janabi. We want revenge. We call on the PMF and the government to retaliate strongly. The US troops presence in Iraq must end immediately, he added. Al-Muhandis fought alongside Soleimani and other prominent Iraqi armed group leaders, including Badr Organisation chief Hadi al-Amiri, who is now set to succeed al-Muhandis. He was Soleimanis man in Iraq. He was instrumental in the rise of the PMF and in its normalisation, centralisation and institutionalisation, Fanar al-Haddad, a research fellow at the Middle East Institute, National University of Singapore, told Al Jazeera. Admirers see him through the prism of the fight against ISIL. Critics see him as the face of Iran in Iraq, he added. In a recorded video of his will that was shared after his death, al-Muhandis called on his supporters to continue resistance. I pray, I spend the afterlife with those I fought with, from Kuwait, to Iran, to Iraq. The Badr youth, and later the resistance against the occupation, and now the PMF youth. I command you to take care of the Shia in the region and in the world, he told his followers. Additional reporting by Ahmed al-Okaishi in Najaf This week, Kaylen Ward came up with an ingenious way to motivate people to donate to Australian wildfire relief: She promised to send nude photos of herself to anyone who could document a $10 contribution to related charities like the Australian Red Cross. Her plan worked: Within days, she claimed to have raised more than $1 million, though she told the New York Times that she couldnt verify all the donations because of the high quantity. Ward, a model and sex worker, calls herself the Naked Philanthropist on Twitter, where she now has more than 385,000 followers. But in addition to the money she raised, Ward also inspired women with much more modest followings to forgo their modesty, for a good cause. Many of them already work full time or moonlight in the online sex community, where they earn money for sharing NSFW content, as well as providing other services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A California woman who uses the name Leila Lahey on Twitter saw Wards posts and, even though she has a fraction of Wards followers, decided to post her own offer of nudes in exchange for proof of donations. I was going a little crazy because I couldnt donate myself, she said. I figured it doesnt hurt to make the post. Honestly, the way that I look at it, all these guys are already begging for the photos in my messages anyway. Man, it would have been really cute to take some koala-themed photos or something. Amira, Midwest A woman living in Italy who goes by the name Juicy on Twitter soon coined a hashtag for the movement: #nakedforaustralia. Im incredibly proud and incredibly grateful for the fact that so many people joined in, she said. Advertisement Among them was a woman who uses the stage name Valerie in Brooklyn. Ive done fundraising before, but not like this, she said. People are definitely taking advantage of the fact that its like, Im donating money. And I get nudes, said a Michigan woman who asked to be identified as Monique. She added that she is going to school for zookeeping and is particularly passionate about saving Australias wildlife. Most were following Wards lead and offering a single naked shot in exchange for a screenshot proving a $10 donation, with an escalating menu of additional pictures and videos for larger donations. Advertisement Before long, some women in the online sex work community with slightly different client bases caught wind of the fundraising. I had a ton of friends on Facebook sharing a post about the Naked Philanthropist, said a woman who asked to be identified as Ari. I was like, Oh wait, I do a watered-down foot version of that. Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people who are into feet and acrylic nails, regular nudes dont do it for them, she explained. So I was like, Well, I might as well try and catch the niche market. Advertisement Advertisement A Midwest woman who goes by the name Amira online lamented that the urgency of the fundraising didnt allow her to incorporate face and body paint into the photos she was offering. Man, it would have been really cute to take some koala-themed photos or something, she said. As with any online venture, the initial attention eventually gave way to scammers: people trying to photoshop old donations or use one-time donations to score multiple pictures. Many of the women said they attempt to check that the donations are legitimate before honoring their end of the bargain: Most people will send their screenshot, no problem, as long as theyve actually done the donation, Leila Lahey said. To vet the process and make sure no ones photoshopping an older donation from someone else or anything like that, I make sure it has some part of their name in it, so first name at least, and it has to have the date and time of the donation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really disappointing, Amira said. Were trying to help humanity, and theyre trying to take advantage of it, and thats really sad. For Juicy, the scam attempts pointed to larger issues with how the public sees sex workers: People seem to think that we are dumb because were doing this, because we sell nudes, she said. We are organized. We see everything. We know everyone who has sent a donation; we know how many times you have used the same screenshot to get nudes from different people. They think that they can just pull one over on us, Amira agreed. Were doing this and by doing this, we arent gaining anything. Were all taking a hit because of this, and a lot of people are trying to say were getting something out of this or trying to scam guys. Advertisement Advertisement Valerie said that taking the photos, uploading the videos, fielding messages, and vetting donations could be grueling. Its still work. People make it seem a bit easy. It does take time. If not quite the $1 million Kaylen Ward claimed she hauled, Juicy said that she had raised about $3,000 on her own and that the women shed been in touch with through her #nakedforaustralia hashtag had raised $30,000 together. Advertisement Though the Times pointed out that charities have occasionally turned down contributions that they deemed as coming from untoward sources, the women who participated say theyre proud they raised the money from the sex worker community in particular. Sex workers and unofficial sex workers, even people who sell feet picsits really extraordinary the way we can get together and do things the millionaires dont do, Juicy said. Monique added, Ive seen many, many tweets that say like, Sex workers are doing more for the environment than anybody else and Some heroes wear nothing. I really hope that us doing this on such a great scale will maybe help even two people to reconsider their opinions of sex workers, Juicy said. And besides, NSFW means nothing to a koala bear. Dividend paying stocks like SpareBank 1 stlandet (OB:SPOL) tend to be popular with investors, and for good reason - some research suggests a significant amount of all stock market returns come from reinvested dividends. On the other hand, investors have been known to buy a stock because of its yield, and then lose money if the company's dividend doesn't live up to expectations. SpareBank 1 stlandet yields a solid 4.3%, although it has only been paying for two years. A high yield probably looks enticing, but investors are likely wondering about the short payment history. Some simple analysis can reduce the risk of holding SpareBank 1 stlandet for its dividend, and we'll focus on the most important aspects below. Click the interactive chart for our full dividend analysis OB:SPOL Historical Dividend Yield, January 8th 2020 Payout ratios Dividends are usually paid out of company earnings. If a company is paying more than it earns, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. So we need to form a view on if a company's dividend is sustainable, relative to its net profit after tax. In the last year, SpareBank 1 stlandet paid out 36% of its profit as dividends. This is a medium payout level that leaves enough capital in the business to fund opportunities that might arise, while also rewarding shareholders. Besides, if reinvestment opportunities dry up, the company has room to increase the dividend. Remember, you can always get a snapshot of SpareBank 1 stlandet's latest financial position, by checking our visualisation of its financial health. Dividend Volatility From the perspective of an income investor who wants to earn dividends for many years, there is not much point buying a stock if its dividend is regularly cut or is not reliable. The dividend has not fluctuated much, but with a relatively short payment history, we can't be sure this is sustainable across a full market cycle. During the past two-year period, the first annual payment was kr3.96 in 2018, compared to kr4.12 last year. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 2.0% a year over that time. Story continues Modest dividend growth is good to see, especially with the payments being relatively stable. However, the payment history is relatively short and we wouldn't want to rely on this dividend too much. Dividend Growth Potential Dividend payments have been consistent over the past few years, but we should always check if earnings per share (EPS) are growing, as this will help maintain the purchasing power of the dividend. Strong earnings per share (EPS) growth might encourage our interest in the company despite fluctuating dividends, which is why it's great to see SpareBank 1 stlandet has grown its earnings per share at 17% per annum over the past three years. Earnings per share have been growing at a good rate, and the company is paying less than half its earnings as dividends. We generally think this is an attractive combination, as it permits further reinvestment in the business. We'd also point out that SpareBank 1 stlandet issued a meaningful number of new shares in the past year. Trying to grow the dividend when issuing new shares reminds us of the ancient Greek tale of Sisyphus - perpetually pushing a boulder uphill. Companies that consistently issue new shares are often suboptimal from a dividend perspective. Conclusion Dividend investors should always want to know if a) a company's dividends are affordable, b) if there is a track record of consistent payments, and c) if the dividend is capable of growing. We're glad to see SpareBank 1 stlandet has a low payout ratio, as this suggests earnings are being reinvested in the business. We were also glad to see it growing earnings, although its dividend history is not as long as we'd like. Overall we think SpareBank 1 stlandet is an interesting dividend stock, although it could be better. Earnings growth generally bodes well for the future value of company dividend payments. See if the 3 SpareBank 1 stlandet analysts we track are forecasting continued growth with our free report on analyst estimates for the company. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our curated list of dividend stocks with a yield above 3%. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Two women were duped out of thousands of pounds by a fake profile on a dating website, a court heard yesterday. Jackie Ballie, 62, and Melanie Kay, 49, believed they were each in contact with a man who was apparently a nutritionist with the World Health Organisation. The pair had been using a dating website when they were allegedly conned into sending a total of 19,000 to the fictional health worker. Miss Ballie, a widow, said she was in touch with someone called Jack McDud and Miss Kay thought she was chatting to a Timothy Barton. The women said they each ended up paying thousands of pounds after being told McDud and Barton were apparently stranded in Syria. At Glasgow Sheriff Court Christine Murray, 58, Sidney Ochouba, 40, and 38-year-old Busy Oladapo all denied carrying out the fraud. Jackie Ballie, 62, (left) and Melanie Kay, 49, (pictured outside Glasgow Sheriff Court right) believed they were each in contact with a man who was apparently a nutritionist with the World Health Organisation Miss Ballie said she realised she had been 'part of a scam', while Miss Kay said she had lost money set aside to pay for her son to go to university. They are among a number of women allegedly conned out of 39,000. Miss Ballie believed she had built a 'trust' with McDud, who claimed to be 53. She was told she would meet him when he came back to the UK. Miss Ballie later got an email she believed was from the WHO claiming McDud had a number of issues, including with the EU. She was asked to send money to help and was told McDud was due a 36,000 payment which would cover her costs. She then forwarded more money to an account allegedly owned by Murray. Miss Ballie said she had never met Murray, adding: 'I was told she was a WHO diplomat living in the UK.' She recalled being suspicious when McDud did not arrive in the UK and more money was requested. She eventually contacted the police, having sent 7,044 to the account. Miss Ballie told prosecutor Mark Allan: 'I was part of a scam but it did feel real to me. It felt quite official and above board, if I'm honest. It felt very credible. 'I'm a very honest professional person and I see the good and honesty in everyone. I never thought for one minute that I'd be conned.' Miss Kay said she paid 12,000 to Barton, who also claimed to be working in Syria. She said: 'This money was for my son's university. It was a spiral. My savings went. I felt stupid that someone got one over me this way and I get angry that someone could do this to me.' At Glasgow Sheriff Court (pictured) Christine Murray, 58, Sidney Ochouba, 40, and 38-year-old Busy Oladapo all denied fraud Two other women claimed to have paid money into an account linked to Ochuoba. Hilary Robinson, 48, and Stefka Mirkova, 52, told the court they had been in touch with a supposed engineer, George Wilson, whom they met online. He too was allegedly working for the WHO in Syria and money was sent for his return to the UK. The court heard Ochouba told police Miss Robinson had paid him for decorating her house. She denied ever meeting him, saying: 'It is 100 per cent a total lie.' Miss Mirkova said she topped up a phone allegedly belonging to Wilson for 'three or four months' and sent him a tablet. She said: 'I phoned the WHO and they had never heard of them.' Rudolph Benadi, 53, from Zimbabwe, claimed his mother-in-law Coleen Wallman gave him the phone number of a man she had sent 1,400 to. Miss Wallman told Mr Benadi they had met on a Christian dating site. Mr Benadi spoke to a 'Nigerian man' twice on the phone who was angry his number had been given out by Miss Wallman. Mr Benadi said she 'was embarrassed and very frustrated and angry to the point where she broke down'. Prosecutors claim the trio carried out the scam between June 2014 and February 2015. They are charged with acquiring and possessing criminal property in a bank account credited by a series of transfers obtained as a result of criminal activity. Murray, from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Ochouba, of Gorbals, and Oladapo from Govan, both Glasgow, deny the charges. The trial continues. Vietnam Airlines has announced that service units have finalised the preparations of resources with relevant units in order to provide the best service possible to customers throughout the hectic period around the Lunar New Year. It is anticipated that peak times will be between January 9 and February 8, with the average number of flights increasing by 12 per cent in comparison with last year. The total number of seats which will be on offer during this period is estimated to be 1.4 million, an annual rise of 11.2 per cent and up 10.8 per cent compared to the regular flight schedule. The main air routes which will undergo an increase in travel demand include between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, in addition to a number of local routes such as Ho Chi Minh City and Vinh along with Hanoi and Phu Quoc. Before the start of Tet, it is anticipated that the peak day will fall on January 22 when Vietnam Airlines will serve 545 flights per day. Whilst after Tet it is expected that up to 571 flights will run on January 29. In order to ease congestion during peak hours, the airline has instructed passengers to use web and mobile devices, as well as the kiosk check-in. Moreover, the airline has also given close attention to the necessary maintenance work given to the equipment and facilities on the ground ahead of them coming into operation. VOV Vietnam Airlines, Delta Air Lines to begin two-way codeshare flights in January Vietnam Airlines and US-based Delta Air Lines will begin their reciprocal codeshare agreement in January to operate Vietnam US flights via Japans Tokyo. Author 07.01.2020 LISTEN Ghana has the best constitution in this world, and let us make it work for us. Introduction The words of Her Ladyship the former Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Sophia Akuffo during a brief ceremony after her valedictory judgment following her retirement are still profound, that Ghana has the best Constitution in the world Accordingly, a call was made to ensure that the Constitution is made to work and more so be defended at all cost. 7th January is Constitution Day in Ghana. A new holiday set aside to commemorate the signing and adoption of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. As a legal practitioner, day in and day out, one cannot but realize the importance of the document called the Constitution and how impactful it has been throughout history till present. The general consensus and response, I believe, would be that the 1992 Constitution of Ghana after over two decades of its adoption is still very relevant and worth celebrating. A timeless product! I know that there are several portions of the Constitution that many may not approve of or find relevance for in these times. Nevertheless, it was a product of the joint wisdom of the framers who were assembled albeit with their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, local interests All these together make it unique a product, one cognizant of the good as well as the bad, aware of the need to protect a free people though insufficient in itself, detailed but also adaptive to changing times and above all a product of time yet timeless. It lends itself to new perspectives, insights and ever-growing aspirations. An eternal reward for current and future generation worthy of all-time celebration. A living document capable of growth! In the infamous words of Sowah JJ. S.C. in the celebrated case of Tuffuor v Attorney-General, the Constitution has its letter of the law. Equally, the Constitution has its spirit its language, therefore, must be considered as if it were a living organism capable of growth and development. The Constitution evolves, as it were, when the society we live in changes. By so doing, it keeps the country running, its people in check and always progressing. As a living Constitution, it does this by offering itself to be interpreted as and when necessary, so as to keep it in line with current needs and purposes. A document of foresight, it indeed serves as a moral backdrop to a political system no matter how messy it may be. It shows that it is not a Constitution promulgated by dead people and for dead people. Rather it represents the collective aspirations of all Ghanaian people, even those yet unborn. For that matter, it reinforces the belief in humankinds ability to transcend current times and place in order to strive for a perfect tomorrow. Generates discussion and much need intellectual discourse The Constitution, I dare say, reminds us that many great things come from very civil and sometimes passionate disagreements. The Constitution is the source of livelihood for many, be them judges, lawyers, academics, journalists, laymen - whatever they may be called. The Ghanaian Constitution is still relevant as it generates new discussions and intellectual discourse. Some defend it as being the cornerstone of democratic governance whilst others argue against it as being a flawed document lending itself to several erroneous interpretations. Whatever position holds true, these promote national conversation and intellectual awareness which is very much needed in our democratic dispensation. A safeguard and blueprint for justice! A historical excursion into the corridors of this nations political development would show that the country has been through a lot of trying times as regards the guaranteeing of the protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens. Also, the country has seen several dark days characterized by authoritarian and tyrannical rule. The Constitution being a safeguard and a blueprint for justice protects against the tyranny of the majority. This is a Constitution worth celebrating! The Constitution is a creature devised to offer a means by which democracy can be contained in our setting and dispensation. Without it, we surely would be faced with a state of disorder. A people without protection and freedoms! A people cowed by the fear arising from tyranny. Thanks to the Constitution, this fear has been reduced to the barest minimum if not eradicated at all. Men are innately ambitious, vindictive and rapacious and so the virtue of a Constitution is the insistence that all are governed by the rule of law and not the rule of men, to minimize all forms of ill and self-seeking interests. Worth celebrating and defending Her Ladyship the former Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Sophia Akuffo has recently, after the delivery of her valedictory judgment, charged her colleagues on the Supreme Court to please protect Ghana by protecting the Constitution, its function, and the judicial function as provided under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. The Constitution surely needs to be protected from all sorts of undermining. Truly, the Constitution depends on the tireless dedication and efficiency of judges, lawyers and legal practitioners who must defend it at all costs, without fear or favor. The Constitution is not self-executing. It needs to be protected as it also protects. Through its continual interpretation, judges and lawyers responsible for telling all others what the Constitution really means must approach the task with much dedication, service and utmost humility. Also, we the people of Ghana have an equal duty as allowed by the Constitution to protect and defend it. In this lies our strength and growth as a nation. Happy Constitution Day. God bless Ghana! Reginald Nii Odoi Reginald Nii Odoi Harvard LLM, 19 1585 Massachusetts Avenue #84 Cambridge, MA 02138 T: +1 617 955 9052 +233 (0) 207 335 956 +233 (0) 574 303 052 ALBANY Did a misidentified jar of olive oil lead to the death of Charlie McCarthy? The 87-year-old state Education Department (SED) employee was found unresponsive in his car at his home in September, just over a week after he had been placed on administrative leave by human resource officials at the agency. Less than two weeks later he was dead. While the dismissal and subsequent death of the well-liked, five-decade state employee sparked outrage from many of his co-workers, family members and others say the back story is even more disturbing and bizarre than the initial complaint that he was the victim of possible ageism. A number of his co-workers, who didnt want to be named for fear of reprisal, said McCarthy was locked out of the SED building on Sept. 16 after someone told the agencys human resources unit that they thought McCarthy may have been keeping a jar of urine on his desk. That was later determined to be untrue, according to McCarthy's co-workers who spoke to the Times Union. However, they said the complaint sparked the immediate response in which McCarthy's swipe card was decommissioned and a guard at the entrance to the SED building sent him home. Nothing like that had ever happened to McCarthy and some believe the shock took its toll. McCarthy was declared dead from a stroke 12 days after he was discovered unconscious in the driveway of his Scotia home. That rumor is completely untrue, McCarthys niece, Katrina Richard, said, referring to the idea that he would have a jar of urine on his desk. Why would he do that? she asked. He had a very clear head, she added, explaining that McCarthy had all his faculties with no apparent health issues. State Education Department officials declined to comment other than saying that McCarthy had not been subject to any official discipline. Out of respect for the privacy of SED employees and concerns regarding confidentiality, we cannot comment on personnel matters regarding employees or former employees of SED. However, SED followed well established and widely accepted procedures regarding the circumstances referenced in your inquiry. Mr. McCarthy was not, at any point, subject to discipline at SED, the agency said in an email. Rather than being officially disciplined, McCarthy was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, in which one is instructed to stay home and call in every morning to see if he or she should come to work. To some observers, the entire affair appears to be an example of what SED employees say is an over-zealous human resources department, which has for some time been a source of complaints in the sprawling agency. A bachelor who lived alone with a pair of rescue cats, McCarthy fit the image of a state worker who lived largely for his job, which focused on helping newly trained teachers navigate the considerable bureaucracy involved in getting certified. He gave his whole career to that department. He worked holidays; he worked weekends, said Richard, who lives in Connecticut. Even at 87 he remained mentally sharp, said one co-worker who recalled how he was an enthusiastic walker and would often go outside without his coat, despite the cold weather. He dedicated his whole life to that office, added his nephew Mike Kuzleky, a New York City resident. Mr. McCarthy was a wonderful man and an exemplary state employee! I am one of many he saved with help getting certification, Suzanne Pelcher wrote in an email to the Times Union. "May he Rest In Peace!" Moreover, co-workers liked him for his willingness to help new people and his habit of regularly bringing in freshly baked bread for employees from Pereccas bakery in Schenectady near his home. He bought tomato pies and small rolls just about every day, said bakery operator Maria Papa, who knew McCarthy for years. That all changed Sept. 16 when his entry badged was turned off and he couldnt get in the SED building. After learning that he was on administrative leave, he tried to contact his union rep, but couldnt immediately reach her since the union, the Public Employees Federation, was in the middle of its annual convention that day a few blocks away at the Capital Center. He had no one to turn to, said Richard. No one should be put under that duress. Eventually, the union rep did reach out to him. But on Sept. 20, when he hadnt been calling in, a union member called him and got no answer. Worried, she asked police to check on him, and they found McCarthy, stricken and unconscious in his car. He had suffered a stroke and he never regained consciousness, passing away at Ellis Hospital on Sept. 28. By then, SED officials had figured out the jar on McCarthys desk contained olive oil, rather than urine, his co-workers said. What worries so many of his co-workers was the rapidity with which he was placed on leave and with which HR staffers assumed the worst, before thoroughly investigating the contents of the jar. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. When PEF asked about McCarthy's administrative leave, a representative of SEDs Bureau of Labor Relations wrote, I can advise that this action was taken by the agency to address a situation where sanitation standards/protocol were potentially compromised. Notably, there were no indications that McCarthy had been the center of any sanitation or cleanliness concerns, said a co-worker. He came in showered and shaved, she said. His desk, in a cubicle tucked in a corner, wasnt known to be messy or untidy. Observers have also raised other issues about the matter, including the timing of when McCarthy was notified that he was placed on leave. McCarthys division Council Leader at PEF Annette Chambers, said the day McCarthy was placed on leave coincided with the annual PEF convention, according to union newsletter The Communicator. I understand that these things do happen; but why was it necessary for HR to put Charlie out on administrative leave? Chambers wrote to Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa. Chambers also asked Rosa, a former New York City school administrator, to look into SEDs Human Resources unit, which, she said calls for termination of almost all of our members that are brought up on suspected charges, or they are put out on suspension without pay. Richard wonders if her uncle fell victim to a jealous co-worker or someone who wanted him out. I think someone wanted his job and he didnt want to retire said Richard. Ultimately she said she hopes his death could lead to changes in how HR investigates employees at the department. If one good thing could come out of it, it would be that this thing doesnt happen to anyone else, she said. PEF spokeswoman Jane Briggs in an email said that union officials recently met with SED management and were told that changes would be forthcoming. While we view this as hopeful, we are still waiting to see any concrete changes implemented. The incident involving Charlie was a tragedy, Briggs said. Plenty of co-workers remembered McCarthy after his death, said Papa who was at his funeral in Albanys St. Marys Church, where he attended mass every day. At the service, it was packed with state employees, Papa said. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518-454-5758 @RickKarlinTU Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Sanofi fought back against an $8 billion lawsuit filed by Hawaii over marketing of their blockbuster blood-thinning drug Plavix, arguing in a counter-suit that the state is trampling on their free-speech rights by demanding unnecessary warning labels. Hawaii claims the companies misleadingly marketed Plavix and failed to properly warn consumers in the state about its risks. The case is set for trial before a state-court jury in Honolulu in April, according to lawyers involved in the case. Bristol-Myers and Sanofi argue that should be put on hold while their constitutional claims are reviewed. Hawaiis lawsuit to extract civil penalties from the companies is an effort to compel speech, lawyers for Bristol-Myers and Sanofi said in the suit, filed Tuesday in federal court in Honolulu. Krishna Jayaram, a spokesman for Hawaii Attorney General Clare Conners, didnt immediately return a call for comment. Hawaii and New Mexico, which has also sued over the drugs marketing, contend the drugmakers didnt disclose that the blood thinner, which generated $6.6 billion in sales in 2011, isnt effective on as much as 30% of users. Many of the people who found it ineffective are of Asian or Pacific-Island decent. These users dont properly metabolize the drug due to a genetic trait, the states allege. The drugmakers dispute that claim in their countersuit, saying Plaix works as well if not better for patients of Asian decent than other blood thinners. According to Hawaiis suit, rather than preventing heart attacks or strokes, Plavix puts those users at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding. The state claims the companies should have informed consumers that a simple genetic test could tell if the drug would be effective, a move the drugmakers also reject as violating their free-speech rights. Defending Plavix The companies have been battling Plavix suits for more than a decade, convincing a federal judge in New Jersey in 2018 to dismiss the scientific basis for the suits as unreliable. Bristol-Myers and Sanofi agreed last year to pay West Virginia a combined $3.2 million to settle its Plavix marketing suit. Sanofi agreed to resolve a similar case by Mississippi for more than $2.6 million. Bristol-Myers also persuaded the U.S. Supreme Court in 2017 to throw out a Plavix case that sought to combine the claims of more than 80 California residents with those of nearly 600 plaintiffs from about three dozen states on procedural grounds. In the Hawaii case, the drugmakers want a federal judge to find the state is unfairly punishing them for not agreeing to put what they call an unnecessary warning on Plavix voluntarily. In 2010, federal regulators forced them to strengthen the drugs warnings. But some medical experts said the move was premature based on studies of the drugs effectiveness and safety at the time. The prospect of this massive liability for making truthful statements about their products and for failing to make untruthful statements has a chilling effect on speech not only of these companies, but of other pharmaceutical manufacturers as well, Bristol-Myers and Sanofi said in the complaint. The case is Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. v. Conners, 20-cv-00010, U.S. District Court, District of Hawaii (Honolulu). The on Wednesday asked the Centre to look into the possibility of deployment of a separate cadre of in certain courts to check unruly incidents of violence. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, perhaps referring to the recent Tis Hazari court complex violence, said "had there been deployment of CISF, the Delhi incident would not have taken place". Lawyers and police personnel had clashed at Tis Hazari Court complex here in November last year. The bench also comprising justice B R Gavai and Surya Kant told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that there should be a separate cadre of which will provide security in certain courts after a decision by the Chief Justice. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing as amicus in the matter, said there may be problem for lawyers and it would be appropriate if the Bar Council of India's view is also taken in the matter. The bench then issued notice to the BCI seeking its reply in two weeks. OAKLAND (BCN) A San Leandro man was sentenced to 60 months and a day in prison after he was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing firearms in connection with drug trafficking, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Donta Lashaun Perry, 31, was handed the sentence in U.S. District Court on Tuesday, prosecutors said. He had pleaded guilty on Oct. 1. He was originally arrested on March 7, 2018, by the California Highway Patrol and admitted in his plea agreement that he had marijuana and had a handgun and AR-15 rifle to defend the drugs from a potential theft. Perry posted bail, but jumped bail for around 10 months before being arrested in Oklahoma in March 2019. After his sentence, Perry will need to serve three years of supervised release and pay a $200 fine, prosecutors said. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. The world has anxiously awaited how Iran would retaliate after the U.S. killed its top general in a drone strike last week, and Iran appeared to deliver its answer this week by launching more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. and coalition troops. In a televised address from the White House on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said no U.S. or coalition troops were killed in the attack and that damage to the base was minimal. It is unknown whether Iran plans to take further action in response to the killing of Gen. Qasem Soleimani but Trump said it appeared the regime was "standing down." The president did not indicate that the U.S. would retaliate militarily for the missile attack, indicating the escalating conflict between the two nations that experts feared could lead to war may be ratcheting down. Here is what we know: The Iranian attack Iran fired the ballistic missiles at about 5:30 p.m. EST Tuesday, which was early Wednesday in Iraq, Department of Defense spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. The barrage targeted the al-Asad air base in western Iraq and the Erbil base, which is in Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region. The Ain al-Assad base was used by U.S. forces after the 2003 invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein and currently houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. It was a massive attack with ballistic missiles, a U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY. The official said a hangar was damaged in the attack, but that fortunately troops had advance warning of the attack and were able to take cover. Trump made a surprise visit to the base just after Christmas 2018, when he celebrated successes against the Islamic State. Vice President Mike Pence visited the base in 2019, serving Thanksgiving dinner to service members and addressing troops at the Erbil base. More: Trump once visited Iraq base attacked by Iran missiles Why did Iran attack? Story continues The Pentagon said it was "clear that these missiles were launched from Iran" and that Iranian officials had acknowledged that they were behind the attack, which the Iranians called an act of defense in response to the death of Soleimani. Soleimani was the head of Iran's Quds Force, an elite unit within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the Trump administration. The U.S. said Soleimani was killed because he posed an imminent threat and was plotting an attack on Americans, though officials have yet to present evidence about the plot. The U.S. says Soleimani was behind the training of Iraqi militants after the 2003 invasion and that he was responsible for the deaths of more than 600 U.S. service members in Iraq. Soleimani was killed early Friday outside the Baghdad airport, days after demonstrators who belonged to Iran-backed militias stormed the U.S. Embassy in the Iraqi capital. U.S. airstrikes had killed at least two dozen fighters from one of those militias, which the U.S. said was behind a rocket attack that killed an American contractor. 'This was an act of war': Lawmakers react to Iran's missile strike on US military bases Trump addresses nation Trump said Americans should be grateful that no U.S. service members were hurt in the missile attack and that Iran appeared to be "standing down, which is a very good thing for all parties concerned and very good thing for the world." He did not indicate that the U.S. would take any military action in response to the attack but he opened his address by declaring Iran would never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons during his administration. He said he would push for "powerful" new sanctions on Iran. He also called on NATO to take a larger role in the Middle East to check Iran, which he called the "leading sponsor of terrorism." The president had previously warned Iran that any attack on "Americans, or American assets" would lead to a counterattack on 52 Iranian sites. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 Did Iran intentionally avoid US casualties? Iran may have intentionally missed targets on bases in Iraq to avoid significant U.S. casualties and damage to infrastructure, according to U.S. government sources. The Iranians know how to hit a target and inflict "grave damage" when they want to destroy it, said a U.S. official with knowledge of Iranian capabilities who was not authorized to speak publicly. It is possible that more moderate elements in the Iranian government are pushing for restraint, the official said. Another senior staff member on Capitol Hill said the Iranians deliberately chose their targets as a warning, not to inflict major damage Will Iran continue to attack? Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the attack a "slap" that was "not sufficient" to avenge Soleimani, according to the Associated Press. But Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif said in a tweet that Iran had "concluded proportionate measures in self-defense" with the missile strike. "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," Zarif said. The missile strike could be the end of Iran's retaliation barring a retaliatory attack from the U.S. It is possible that Iran could take further direct military action, attack Americans with its proxy forces in the region or turn to unconventional attacks such as cyberwarfare. Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 8, 2020 Ukrainian airliner goes down in Tehran Hours after Iran launched its missiles, a Ukrainian passenger plane crashed after takeoff from Tehran's airport, killing all 176 people on board. A spokesman for Irans Road and Transportation Ministry said the pilot lost control after a fire broke out in one of the plane's engines. There does not appear to be any connection between the crash and the tensions between the U.S. and Iran, though the investigation is ongoing. Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook, John Fritze and Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY; the Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Iran fires missiles at Iraq bases housing US troops: What we know Yuma News Yuma, Arizona - City officials, staff members and various community leaders expressed their appreciation for Director of Community Development Laurie Lineberry, who is retiring after 20 years with the City of Yuma. Lineberry will retire on January 10, following 20 years working for the City of Yuma, including 13 as the departments director. A retirement open house will be held 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, in Room 142 of City Hall, One City Plaza. "In the time I have worked with Laurie, it is evident she is true professional and an ethical, dedicated leader. She was not only instrumental in building our community, but she added strength and value to the City organization as a whole, said City Administrator Philip Rodriguez. "All are encouraged to attend the open house retirement this Thursday as we come together to wish her well. The community is grateful for Laurie Lineberrys 20 years of hard work in planning the growth of the City, said Mayor Douglas Nicholls. It is a role that requires not only strong planning principles, but also an in-depth understanding that Yuma is a unique, growing community. We are thankful for Lauries dedication and wish her well. Lineberry came to Yuma from Spokane, Washington, where she had been the Assistant Planning Director. She began working in Yuma as Planning Service Manager in 1999, and went on to serve as Assistant Director, Long Range Planning; Assistant Director, Community Development/Private Development; and as Assistant Director/Zoning Administrator. Over the years, fellow staff has really appreciated Lauries way of getting to the heart of every matter she dealt with and her department can deal with a lot of complicated matters, said Deputy City Administrator Jay Simonton. We will miss her, and wish her the best. Lauries job is difficult and demanding, and she and her friendly staff performed with skill and professionalism throughout, said former two-time Councilmember Jerry Stuart. I have the utmost respect for her. Shell be missed. Under Lineberrys guidance and close work with Long Range Principal Planner Jennifer Albers, the City has successfully adopted two voter-approved General Plans, in 2002 and 2012. Staff is already preparing for the next one, due in 2022. Laurie said shes proud of having developed strong relationships with both Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and the Yuma County Airport Authority. She worked hard to create those partnerships, she said, so as to protect the mission of the base while still allowing for the communitys continued, well-planned growth. The Citys Department of Community Development (DCD) has 40 employees and four divisions: DCD Administration, Community Planning, Building Safety and Neighborhood Services. DCD must work in tandem with other local governments and community partners such as Yuma County, City of Somerton, City of Gadsden, Yuma County Fair Inc., Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp., Yuma Regional Medical Center, Southwest Contractors Association, Board of Realtors, and the development community at large. Understanding that aesthetics are important for the presentation, growth and success of a community, DCD maintains an eye for growth, sustainability, and creating beautiful public spaces through landscaping and public art. Developers and community members outside of the City of Yuma who have worked with Lineberry over the years also had a few words to add about her retirement. I have had the pleasure of working with Laurie since 2003. In that time Laurie demonstrated her desire to see Yuma grow smartly and efficiently, said Julie Engel, Chief Economic Architect with Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp. She worked under several administrators and had to change directions multiple times and always maintained her professionalism and positive attitude. We will be sorry to see Laurie take this next step, we will miss her terribly; however, we are very happy for her and her family and know that whatever she does next she will do with grace and kindness. Very proud to call Laurie a friend and a consummate professional all young women can look up to. Over the years Laurie and I have worked on commercial, residential and agriculture matters. Laurie was always responsive to me, thoughtful and fair ideal qualities for a public employee! said Paul Muthart, General Manager of Pasquinelli Produce Co. She has earned a great retirement. Deputy City Administrator Jay Simonton will oversee DCD and support its three assistant directors for the time being, Rodriguez said. A national recruitment for Lineberrys successor will follow. SISKIYOU COUNTY, Calif. - On Jan. 7, Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey gave a report on the 2019 drug enforcement in the county showing numbers of how much illegal marijuana was seized, then announced the approval of a Local State of Emergency. During a Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors meeting, they approved a Local State of Emergency because "the numerous and potentially devastating impacts that illicit marijuana cultivation sites and illicit, organized drug trafficking organizations are exacting on the county and its citizenry, including critical public health, social welfare, justice, and environmental clean-up challenges." The Siskiyou Unified Major Investigation Team, or SUMIT, is a team made up of officers from the sheriff's office, CHP, Yreka Police Department and the Siskiyou County Probation Department. In previous years, the California DOJ led the team. "The 2019 enforcement totals are double from the previous year and provide convincing evidence of a multi-million dollar illegal drug trafficking industry operating in Siskiyou County, the region, and state," said the Sheriff. "The seizures clearly substantiate the intent of local illegal drug producers to deliberately violate state, federal, and county laws and/or ordinance provisions." Sheriff Jon Lopey says what differentiates 2019 marijuana enforcement with previous years is the link the marijuana drug trade has to felony assaults and murders in the county. He also shared his office has been working with local schools in educating students on drug awareness, through the DARE program. Here is a total of 2019 numbers for the Siskiyou Interagency Marijuana Investigation Team & North State Major Investigation Team: 154 search warrants 61,599 illegal marijuana plants seized 17,763.5 pounds of processed marijuana confiscated nine arrests, 10 citations 15 firearms seized $29,596 in drug currency seized 63 illicit plants and 2,074.4 pounds of processed marijuana seized during traffic stops Estimated values for all the marijuana seized, processed and illegal plants, is anywhere between $405 million to $607.7 million. Officials added there are numerous marijuana-related prosecutions pending, some with the U.S. Attorneys Office and some with the county's DA. Anyone with information about illegal marijuana cultivation operations is urged to contact the SCSOs 24-hour Dispatch Center at (530) 841-2900. As a reminder, Siskiyou County ordinance says all outdoor marijuana cultivation is prohibited and growers are limited to 12 plants inside and approved structure for medical marijuana only or six plants recreationally. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) University of California at San Francisco police on Tuesday released the name of a Los Angeles man arrested Sunday in connection with the kidnapping of a Mendocino County teenage girl. King John Baylon, 21, has been arrested on suspicion of 18 felonies and one misdemeanor, including kidnapping, human trafficking involving a minor, having sex with a minor, possession of child pornography, using a minor for sex acts, lewd acts on a child, and meeting with a minor for lewd purposes. Baylon has been booked into San Francisco County Jail, where he's being held in lieu of $1 million. The 13-year-old Fort Bragg girl was first reported missing on Friday near UCSF's campus on Third Street in the city's Mission Bay neighborhood. The girl had apparently been at the UCSF Madison Clinic for Pediatric Diabetes as a family member was receiving treatment. After photos of the girl were spread on social media, she was eventually located Sunday at the Ferry Building on The Embarcadero, along with a man later identified as Baylon. Police haven't said exactly how Baylon and the girl met, or where they'd been hiding out in the days she was missing. Baylon is expected to arraigned this week in San Francisco Superior Court. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Senator Maura Hopkins has announced she will not be going forward as a Fine Gael candidate for Roscommon-Galway in the next General Election. In a statement to www.leitrimobserver.ie she said "Over the Christmas period, I have taken time to consider my position as a Fine Gael Candidate for Roscommon-Galway. I am very aware of the huge demands and sacrifices involved in running an effective and successful campaign to win a Dail seat. "All indications suggest that a general election will take place over the next number of months. It had been my full intention to contest the election. I have been working extremely hard with many people on many issues across the constituency. I have always tried to do my best and I have invested a huge amount of time and effort in working hard to deliver for the people of this constituency. "However, my personal circumstances have changed in recent weeks. As a new mother and as a female public representative based in a rural constituency, I have come to the conclusion that it would not be possible to balance the responsibilities and demands of my personal and professional life. Therefore, I am withdrawing my name as a Fine Gael Candidate for Roscommon-Galway constituency. "This has been an extremely difficult decision for me to make. I am very grateful for the incredible support I received from Fine Gael members who have campaigned with me over the past five and a half years. I really appreciate the time, effort and energy given by so many members who have supported me in every way possible. I am also very grateful for the support received from so many people right across this constituency over this period. "It has been a huge honour and privilege to serve as a councillor on Roscommon County Council from 2014 2016 and as a Senator from 2016 to date. I hope to remain involved in Fine Gael politics. "I wish Cllr Aisling Dolan the very best as she seeks to secure a Dail seat for Fine Gael," she concluded. Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, which Tehran said was a "slap in the face" of America. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. While the Iranian state television claimed that "at least 80 terrorist US soldiers" were killed in the strikes, the Pentagon said it is working on initial battle damage assessments. Some 5,000 US soldiers are in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the IS terror group. The Iraqi military in a statement said a total of 22 missiles hit two bases housing US troops, but there were no victims among the Iraqi forces. Shortly after the missile attacks, Trump tweeted, "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning." Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the attacks were a "slap in the face" of the US. In a speech broadcast live on state television, Khamenei said, "Last night, a slap in the face was delivered." US officials said President Trump has been briefed and he is monitoring the situation. "We are working on initial battle damage assessments," Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said. Hoffman said around 5:30 pm on January 7, "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq". "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, he said. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said the President has been briefed about the situation. We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team, Grisham said. Hoffman said in recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defence has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard its personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region, he said. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region, Hoffman said. President Trump spoke with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and thanked him for his country's strong partnership with the US. The two leaders discussed the situation in Iraq and Iran, as well as other critical bilateral and regional issues, the White House said. Trump also telephoned Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel and the two leaders discussed the security situation in the Middle East and Libya and agreed to continue close coordination moving forward, it said. State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said Secretary of State Michael Pompeo telephoned Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and updated him on the Iranian missile attacks on Iraqi air bases, including in Erbil. The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops. General Soleimani, who was considered a terrorist by the US, was killed when a drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the Baghdad International Airport on Friday last week. In an interview with Fox and Friends news show, Pompeo said, "He's a military commander who was actively engaged in plotting to kill Americans in the region. We had an important set of underlying reasons to take this strike. It was wholly lawful. We're confident that we not only got it right legally but we got it right strategically." The strike also killed the deputy chief of Iraq's powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and some local Iran-backed militias. Khamenei has vowed a revenge against the killing of his general, saying "severe revenge awaits the criminals" behind the attack. Soleimani was widely seen as the second most powerful figure in Iran after the Supreme Leader Khamenei. His Quds Force, an elite unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, reported directly to the Khamenei and he was hailed as a heroic national figure. Also read: Expects India to play peacemaker role to de-escalate tension with US: Iranian envoy Also read: Iran-US tension: Govt issues advisory to Indians; asks people to avoid non-essential travel to Gulf WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said Wednesday he would impose additional economic sanctions on Iran, but did not call for any additional military action in response to Tehran's missile attacks at U.S. forces in Iraq. "Our great American forces are prepared for anything," Trump said in a speech from the White House. "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a good thing for the world." Trump noted that no Americans or Iraqis were killed in the attack "because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces, and an early-warning system that worked very well." Military experts said that Iran's missile attack appeared to have been calibrated to avoid inflicting casualties, aiming at airplane hangars and other equipment at the two bases in Iraq that were targeted. Only days ago, Trump had threatened that he would order an attack if Iran hit U.S. bases or interests. But in the aftermath of the actual strike, the president wrapped a more conciliatory message in his trademark bellicose rhetoric, calling for the U.S. and other world powers to negotiate a new deal with Iran to control that country's nuclear program and urging joint U.S.-Iranian efforts against the Islamic State militants. ADVERTISEMENT U.S. officials have not confirmed any casualties from the at least 15 ballistic missiles fired from Iran, and both Tehran and Washington signaled Tuesday night that they were prepared to back away from the brink without further escalation. Trump's speech solidified that impression, at least for now. Over the last five days, Trump repeatedly had threatened to unleash a devastating attack on Iran if it conducted any military response to the U.S. drone strike that targeted and killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian commander. His death infuriated Iran's leaders. But after suggesting a major military conflict in an election year, Trump appeared reluctant to follow through on his own rhetoric. While portraying Iran's retaliatory strikes as something less than a major provocation, Trump, who was flanked by the vice president and his national security team as he spoke from a teleprompter, defended the strike against Soleimani, whom he labeled a "terrorist." And he repeated his vow never to allow Iran to become a nuclear power. Urging European powers to abandon once and for all the framework of the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, Trump called on the major European powers, Russia and China, which helped negotiate that agreement, to forge a "deal with Iran that makes the world a safer place." Iran could "have a great future" of prosperity and harmony with the world, he said, adding that the U.S. is ready to "embrace peace with all who seek it." With the president's nine minutes of remarks from the White House foyer Wednesday morning, the immediate crisis may now ease, but the long-term effects on foreign policy are less clear given the president's repeated vows to punish Iran. Trump has urged Iran's leaders to negotiate with him in the past, and while he offered that olive branch again on Wednesday, he did not make any specific offers to loosen the economic strictures that have choked Iran's economy - a key Iranian demand. Trump met Tuesday night at the White House with his national security team, including Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. ADVERTISEMENT Although a presidential address Tuesday evening was discussed privately, Trump's only message to the nation came in a late-night tweet, which was notably less bellicose - upbeat, even - than his previous threats and warnings to Iran. It did not include any words in capital letters, a sign of relative restraint for him. "All is well," Trump tweeted. "Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far!" Iran's foreign minister, Javad Zarif, also signaled that his country's leadership was ready to stand down after the missile strikes, which were launched shortly before 2 a.m. Wednesday morning in Iran. "Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched," Zarif tweeted. "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." Iraq's prime minister, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, said Wednesday that Iran warned Baghdad about the attack roughly 80 minutes before it began and that "the strike would be limited to places where the U.S. Army is present in Iraq without specifying (the strikes') targets." The U.S. also notified the Iraqis when the missile strike was taking place, the prime minister said. Barham Salih, Iraq's president, issued a statement that "calls on all parties to exercise self-restraint and wisdom." Trump has made a tougher approach with Iran a cornerstone of his foreign policy. But he has few fixed policies, and may not be bound by his own threat several days ago to hit Iran "VERY FAST AND VERY HARD" if it retaliated for Soleimani's death, nor by his fierce criticism of President Barack Obama for failing to enforce his own "red line" with Syria in 2012. Trump has boasted about ordering the drone strike against Soleimani, whom the U.S. considered a terrorist for his role supporting Shiite militias fighting U.S. forces during the occupation of Iraq. ADVERTISEMENT Even if the crisis does not lead to all-out war, the tit-for-tat attacks have destabilized the already volatile region. After the drone strike on Soleimani, Iran announced it would no longer abide by restrictions on uranium enrichment imposed by the 2015 nuclear deal that Iran agreed to with the U.S. and five other world powers. The future of the U.S. military presence in Iraq is now an open question, and a draw-down of forces, something Trump has long sought, could create a vacuum filled by Islamic State or Iran-backed Shiite militias at a time when anti-American sentiment is inflamed. And there remains the possibility of tit-for-tat cyber-attacks in lieu of military escalation. Further, the prospect of face-to-face talks between the U.S. and Iran about curtailing Tehran's nuclear capabilities appears dim. Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and imposed severe sanctions on Iran in an effort, so far unsuccessful, to force Iran back to the negotiating table. --- (c)2020 Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) SENATOR MITCH MCCONNELL, SAYING: "There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure. We will not cede our authority to try this impeachment." U.S. Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell made it clear Wednesday: the Senate would not budge over procedures for President Donald Trump's impeachment trial. McConnell adding that the Senate would make a decision on calling witnesses for that trial at the appropriate time. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) SENATOR CHUCK SCHUMER, SAYING: "The American people do not want a cover-up." Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said McConnell was trying to acquit the president without a proper trial. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) SENATOR CHUCK SCHUMER, SAYING: "If the Senate rushes through the president's impeachment, if we actually fail to try the case, as the Constitution demands, then the true acquittal that the president craves will be unattainable." Democrats want to hear testimony from at least three White House officials and Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton, about the president's efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate a political rival. Bolton this week said hed testify if subpoenaed by the Senate. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) SENATOR CHUCK SCHUMER, SAYING: "No one has advanced an argument why the four eye-witnesses we've produced should not testify." Democrats have focused their efforts on persuading some moderate Republicans to call for witnesses, but according to one Senate Democratic aide had seen "no traction. McConnell said on Tuesday he had enough support from his fellow Republicans to set the rules for Trump's impeachment trial, dealing a blow to Democrats' hopes for new witnesses against the president. In a letter to her fellow Democrats Tuesday night, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded by indicating she would continue holding back the House-passed articles of impeachment from the Senate until she learns more on the Senate's plans for a trial. Senator Lindsey Graham said the upper chamber is losing patience. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: "If by the end of the week she has not transmitted the articles I hope we will change the rules to start the trial without her." Morocco and Japan have signed three agreements during the 5th session of their joint commission, held this Wednesday, Jan.8,in Rabat. The agreements include a convention on non-double taxation; an agreement on the protection and promotion of investments; and an agreement in the form of an Exchange of Notes under which Japan will donate a batch of equipment to the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR). The session was chaired on the Moroccan side by Mohcine Jazouli, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and on the Japanese side by Keisuke Suzuki, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The different ministerial departments attending the meeting discussed the implementation of a new action plan and a new roadmap on common objectives and projects. WASHINGTON (AP) The breach of the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad has prompted Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to postpone his trip to Ukraine and four other countries. Pompeo was to arrive in Ukraine late Thursday in his first visit to the country at the center of President Donald Trump's impeachment, then on to Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Cyprus. He delayed the trip to continue monitoring the ongoing situation in Iraq and ensure the safety and security of Americans in the Middle East, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Wednesday. She said he intends to reschedule soon. In Baghdad, Iran-backed militiamen withdrew from the U.S. Embassy compound after two days of clashes with American security forces. The U.S. has sent hundreds of additional troops to the Middle East to increase security in the volatile aftermath of the embassy attack and as tensions with Iran rise. In Kyiv, Pompeo was to meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, whose July 25 phone call with Trump triggered the whistleblower complaint that led to Trump's impeachment. In that call, and through aides at other times, Trump pressed Zelenskiy to investigate potential 2020 election rival Joe Biden, his son, Hunter, and a discredited theory that Ukrainians and Democrats colluded to influence the 2016 election. Pompeo also planned to meet Ukrainian religious, civic and business leaders to discuss human rights, investment and economic and political reform, the department said before the postponement. Prophet T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, has revealed what God told him about Nigerias health and Agricultu... Prophet T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, has revealed what God told him about Nigerias health and Agricultural sector The renowned prophet also made revelations about the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. TB Joshua who spoke on the 2020 prophecies in a live service at his church, urged Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo to be more prayerful as he will be facing more pressure in the new year. The Cleric also prophesied that many leaders will be bedridden in 2020. In his words; Agriculture will help the economy because the economy will have a backlash. People should invest in agriculture. Let us farm to help the economy This year will be a year of HUMILITY. This year, the Lord will humble us with our challenges. Challenges can be affliction, arrogance, pride, wickedness or bad habits. To humble us with these is for those things to destroy us or expose us. Let us move closer to God. The cleric further warned that There will be a common medicine that will cause people to be high to die, to commit suicide, to think of what can lead to death. The governments of each nation should watch out and put a check on pharmaceutical drugs that come to their country. Other revelations by the prophet reads; America should invest more in agriculture because their economy will be affected. The economy they see today will be affected, so they should invest in agriculture and encourage their farmers. Also, approach to the security issue will affect the candidates and swing voters in the next election. It will be tough in the election. They should pray against a recount. It may be too tight. Let us pray for the Nigerian government to be able to finish this year without an interlude that will cause a situation of for and against. Join me in praying for my nation. Vice President, it is not yet over. Expect much more pressure. The pressure will be so much. I pray you will be able to stand the pressure. We join you in prayer. Many sicknesses and diseases that leaders have been treating privately will surface this year. They will become bedridden and many will not make it Russia should pray for their leader to avert his being on the sickbed. Something will surface. There is a ladder to go up if this is averted. An incident will happen to the nation Iran that will cause panic throughout the world. We are praying to know the mind of God concerning this Work of God people will be getting tired this year because the work of God is not by power and might; because of so many challenges, tribulations and burdens they will not be able to bear. United Kingdom there will be agitation from a section that wants to leave; that will become an issue. Also, pray for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh against going in and out of the hospital; pray for God to give them revival. Pray for unity and understanding among the Royal Family because of what I am seeing. Brexit needs more time to stand on its feet with more co-operation of the EU leaders. If not, there will be economic repercussions and the cost of things will become unbearable. With time and preparation, all will be well. WILKES-BARRE When Brittney Reynolds was found face down on her bed with her head covered by a bullet-pierced pillow, her fledgling boyfriend initially told police he had last seen her alive and well. But in court Tuesday, prosecutors revealed Zien N. Council, 18, of Philadelphia, later provided a more sordid account of events a version that ended with Reynolds killed while play fighting during foreplay to sex. It started with him saying, Believe it or not, it was an accident, Wilkes-Barre police Detective David Sobocinski testified about Councils second statement to police. According to prosecutors, Reynolds and Council met at Red Rock Job Corps Center in Sullivan County, where she worked and he was a student prior to being kicked out for fighting in December. Prosecutors said Reynolds, 26, picked up Council in Philadelphia on Dec. 17 and brought him back to Wilkes-Barre. On the way, they stopped by a Turkey Hill Minit Market to pick up some condoms before making their way to the bedroom of Reynolds Matson Avenue apartment, prosecutors said. At some point, Reynolds pulled out a teal-colored .380 caliber Ruger pistol she had purchased for self protection, Sobocinski said. He states she picked up the gun, and things became sexual." Reynolds put down the gun and began getting undressed, at which point Council picked it up, according to the testimony. In court, Sobocinski testified Council told him that he knew the pistol had a round in the chamber. However, the complaint says Council said he did not know it was loaded. He pulled the trigger, Sobocinski said. He shot her, but it was an accident. The detective described Council as cold-hearted and unremorseful while making his statement. Reynolds body was found several days later after her mother reported her missing. Wilkes-Barre police Officer David Balchun testified he found her on the bed, naked from the waist down, with her head covered by a pillow that had a bullet hole. A shell casing had fallen onto a womans boot near the bed, he said. Reynolds Toyota sedan and the pistol were missing. The discovery set off a massive manhunt for Council, who was seen in Snapchat texts with Reynolds earlier the day she died. He later was found with her pistol, Luzerne County Detective James Noone said. Defense attorney Joseph Yeager argued that Council should not be charged with criminal homicide. But Assistant District Attorney Jarrett J. Ferentino argued Council did not act like a person whod had an accident. Its been Councils claim that it was an accident. He said, Believe it or not. We choose not, Ferentino said. Council was ordered to stand trial. He is being held without bail at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. By James Halpin, The Citizens Voice, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (TNS) At the very same time a global crisis was unfolding in real time, she published another dear colleague letter saying she intends to keep our commander in chief in this limbo indefinitely, Mr. McConnell said. The pointed remarks were the latest in an escalating confrontation between two of the most powerful leaders Congress has seen in a generation. Mr. McConnell, 78, and Ms. Pelosi, 79, each of whom has served for more than three decades, are considered master tacticians in their parties, and neither is known for backing down from a contentious fight. Both have a keen understanding of the political dynamics in their rank and file, and excel at consolidating their colleagues around a single position and refusing to budge. Mr. McConnells objective in the current battle is to bring about a speedy acquittal of the president, belittling the Houses case in the process. He went to the White House Wednesday afternoon on other business, but spoke with the president about the impending trial, according to a person with knowledge of the meeting. Democrats have already accused the majority leader of too closely coordinating with the defense. Ms. Pelosi, having carefully orchestrated the impeachment vote in the House, does not want to allow the Senate to quickly bury the matter without delving into additional witness accounts or documents. And if she cannot force Mr. McConnell to agree to those terms, she is determined at least to convince the public that the Senate trial is illegitimate and, by extension, that Mr. Trumps acquittal was rigged from the start. The two leaders, whose relationship has grown chillier in recent years, have not spoken directly about impeachment stalemate, instead carrying out their terse exchanges in speeches and through the news media. The latest comments from Mr. McConnell came in response to a letter from Ms. Pelosi to House colleagues late Tuesday in which she accused him of putting his loyalty to the president above the Constitution. In recent weeks, she has also referred to Mr. McConnell as rogue and complicit in a cover-up of what she described as the presidents misbehavior. We are thrilled to provide a Teams solution that saves customers up to 50% on Microsoft Teams while enabling feature sets and customized integrations, exclusively available through our Direct Routing solutions CallTower, a global leader in delivering cloud-based enterprise-class unified communications and collaboration solutions, launches a flexible and aggressive pricing model for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing. When customers migrate to Teams with CallTower Direct Routing, they take advantage of Teams' powerful collaboration technology plus the feature-rich solutions CallTower adds to Teams-all while saving money. 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As a Microsoft Gold Partner, CallTower's monitoring and management services deliver the highest quality user experience. The Microsoft Teams Phone System powered by CallTower enables customers to bring their current voice serves into the Microsoft Cloud through Direct Routing. About CallTower CallTower exists to enable people to easily connect to transact business communications. Since its inception in 2002, CallTower has become a leading provider of cloud-based, enterprise-class Unified Communications solutions for growing organizations worldwide. CallTower provides, integrates and supports industry-leading, cloud-based, Unified Communications and Collaboration solutions, including Cisco HCS, Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, Native Skype for Business, CT Cloud, CT Cloud Boost, Office 365 and CT Cloud Meeting, powered by Zoom Video Communications for business customers. CallTower enhances our clients' strategic and operational capabilities by integrating VoIP service, mobile applications, email hosting, unified messaging, instant messaging, audio, web and video conferencing, collaboration tools, contact center, cloud services and global network solutions into one reliable platform. For more information, contact marketing@calltower.com. Wakefield, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2020) - Security Devices International Inc. (OTCQB: SDEV) (CSE: SDZ) ("SDI") (the "Company"), an established non-lethal technology company serving the consumer, private security and law enforcement has made some changes in its Finance Department, elevating Controller Jim Dunfey to the position of Chief Accounting Officer, with responsibility to serve as the Company's principal accounting officer effective December 31, 2019. Mr. Dunfey is 56 years old and has served as the Company's Controller since September 2019, a position he will also continue to hold. Mr. Dunfey's accounting and controls experience include experience in costing, analysis, planning and controls for manufacturing enterprises running on SAP. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Dunfey served as Chief Accountant and Cost Controller at Anika Therapeutics, Inc., an integrated joint preservation and regenerative therapies company, where he worked for 15 years. Mr. Dunfey has a BA in Finance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Stan Baumgartner, who just recently was named Chief Financial Officer effective December 1, 2019 has resigned for personal reasons, effective as of January 16, 2020. Mr. Baumgartner will continue to assist the Company with transition matters until the effective date of his resignation. The Company thanks him for his service and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors. The Company has entered into an amendment (the "Amendment") to the previously announced Purchase and Sale Agreement dated April 13, 2018 (the "Agreement") pursuant to which it purchased certain intellectual property from Andre Buys and engaged him as Chief Technology Officer. Under the Agreement Buys received a first payment of $100,000 cash at the closing as well as certain expense reimbursement and was to receive a second payment of $500,000 cash or $750,000 in Company stock (the "Second Payment") prior to April 13, 2020. Under the Amendment, in lieu of the Second Payment, the Company agreed to issue to Buys (and/or his designees) restricted common stock of the Company valued at $630,000 as soon after the effective date of the Amendment as it is approved by the Company's board of directors and can be effected. The Company also agreed to make a cash payment of $80,000 to Mr. Buys no later than April 13, 2020. Pursuant to the Amendment Buys and his designees were issued a total of 3,866,810 restricted shares (calculated in accordance with the terms of the Amendment based on the average closing price of the Company's stock for the 20 days before the Amendment was signed and approved by the Board, both of which occurred on December 19, 2019). Two million, nine hundred and forty six thousand, one hundred and forty (2,946,140) of the shares were issued to Buys, the Company's CTO, and the balance to an unrelated entity. In addition to the foregoing, the Amendment terminates Mr. Buys' security interest in and reversionary rights to the intellectual property covered by the Agreement, modifies certain terms of the Agreement relating to royalties, raises Mr. Buys' compensation as CTO to $12,500 per month and provides that, upon Mr. Buy's relocation to Boston, he will become a full-time employee of the Company and earn a salary of $14,000 per month plus certain benefits. Under the Amendment, the Company is prohibited from terminating Mr. Buys without cause prior to April 13, 2021. On December 31, 2019, in conjunction with the year end the Company granted a total of 1,237,500 incentive stock options to non-employee members of the Board of Directors. The options have a 5 year expiry term and are exercisable at $0.19 (U.S.) About Security Devices International Security Devices International, Inc. (CSE: SDZ) (OTCQB: SDEV) is a technology company specializing in the areas of Personal Security Devices, Military, Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Private Security. The Company develops and manufactures innovative, less lethal equipment and munitions. For more information on SDI, please visit the corporate website here or the company's investor relations site here. About the Byrna HD Personal Security Device The Byrna HD is a disruptive new non-lethal device aimed at the home defense and personal security markets. Its small size (similar to popular lethal handguns on the market today), ease of obtaining, ease of carry, effectiveness in deterring or stopping an intruder, and accessible price point should be appealing to individuals who want protection, but either don't want the hassle of obtaining a gun license or don't want the risk of having a hand gun in their home, as well as to gun enthusiasts who appreciate a precision piece of equipment and want something in their collection that is both effective and non-lethal. The original Byrna HD kit comes with multiple easily reloadable magazines that can hold five .68 caliber highly effective payload rounds designed to burn an assailant's eyes and respiratory system upon contact, kinetic rounds that can be used for personal security and training, and inert rounds for training. The new Byrna HD K Version only comes with kinetic rounds. Accurate up to 60 feet, all Byrna HD personal security devices are fitted with a picatinny rail that allows owners to mount either a laser sight or flashlight making it easy for novices to fire it accurately. The Byrna HD provides homeowners, women, retirees, and others whose work or daily activities may put them at risk of being a victim with easy access to an effective, non-lethal way to protect themselves and their loved ones from threats to their person or property. It also is ideal for boaters, truckers, RV owners, campers and gun enthusiasts around the world. For more information on the Byrna, please click here. The Byrna HD is not a "firearm" under federal law and does not require a federal gun license. State laws and local ordinances may regulate its possession, use, and carry in certain localities. Forward Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward looking statements" reflecting management's current expectations of future events including, without limitation, those about the anticipated Company name change, ticker change, share and option issuances, the effectiveness, regulation, legality, performance, sales, and marketing of the Byrna HD and Byrna projectiles, and the anticipated market response. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ from current expectations. Risks and uncertainties include without limitation: design flaws; implementation of design changes, production problems or changes that cause manufacturing or shipping delays, quality problems, cost overruns; development of additional assembly and distribution facilities, the effectiveness of quality control protocols and testing, issues related to the formulation or effectiveness of the Company's rounds, the Company's dependence in part or in whole on the performance of third parties including those located outside the United States in connection with sourcing of components, distribution and resale, and logistic and assembly services; the dependency of the Company on proprietary and other intellectual property, which may not be available to the Company on commercially reasonable terms or at all; the impact of unfavorable legal proceedings, including intellectual property disputes; the impact of state and local laws and regulation or changes to laws and regulations including licensing, registration, and certification laws related to sale, possession or use of Byrna products or pepper-based projectiles or launchers; the ability of the Company to manage risks associated with its activities at a manageable cost, including complying with applicable laws and regulations, and renewing and maintaining adequate insurance; and competition from less expensive or superior products that may be developed. Except as required by law, SDI disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. Investor Relations Bryan S. Ganz President and CEO 781-420-1428 bryan@byrna.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51236 Brianna Ferry and her young daughter are dealing with a new normal after her husband was deployed to the Middle East. Since New Years Day, nearly 4,000 soldiers have been deployed from Fort Bragg military base. That means nearly 4,000 families had to start the year by saying goodbye to a loved one. "We got to say goodbye at 2 a.m. on New Years Day. So for us, New Year's wasnt all exciting and bubbly like everyone else's," Ferry said. As Ferry and her husband, David, prepared to celebrate the new year, Davids phone rang. "They called and said, 'Youre leaving.' It was more so a shock," she said. It was a phone call all military members know about, but not all have to experience firsthand. David was being deployed to the Middle East amid tensions with Iran. "It was kind of like a crashing of our world because he left without a moment's notice," Brianna said. It was quick and direct. David Ferry had a certain amount of time to pack up and get on a plane to leave from Fort Bragg. Brianna Ferry is now left to care for the most important thing they share: their daughter, Neveah. "Its heaven spelled backwards," she said. "Daddy used to put her to bed. Daddy used to get up with her in the middle of the night. So its harder on me now learning how to deal with it. Essentially, Im becoming a single parent until he comes home," Briana Ferry said. Fort Bragg is offering support, but the family said you cant replace certain times in a childs life. "Hell be missing her first steps and her first birthday. All her firsts that we would normally get to experience as a family," she said. Brianna Ferry also has to care for the family's two service dogs. "She (the dog) acts out a little because daddy is the one that takes care of her," she said. She said the dogs know something is off since they spend a majority of the time with her husband. Just one more thing the family will have to get used to. "Thats their job. At the end of the day they are there to fight for our freedom and protect us. So at the end of the day, I can go to the park with my daughter," she said. David Ferry was able to get hold of Brianna once he arrived at his destination. Few details were shared except the fact that he is safe. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Wednesday said prima facie it doesn't look like the woman who displayed the "Free Kashmir" poster during a protest against the JNU attack here has "anti-national" intention. Police on Wednesday recorded the statement of the woman, Mehak Mirza Prabhu (34), who held aloft the 'Free Kashmir' placard during the anti-JNU violence protest at the Gateway of India on Monday. Though she had later apologised for her act, the Colaba police on Tuesday booked her under IPC section 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration). Talking to reporters, Deshmukh saidhe will review the FIR filed against her. The minister said he has asked the police for a probe report on the issue and will review it after submission. Deshmukh said he has also asked the police to submit a report on separate FIRs filed against other students, including Umar Khalid (a former scholar of JNU), who took part in the Gateway of India protest. "Prima facie it doesn't look like she has any anti- national intention and so I will be reviewing the FIR. I have also asked the police for a report on investigations," the minister said. He said the police will check Prabhu's antecedents before deciding on the future course of action in the case. "We want to know from where she got the banner and what she meant by 'Free Kashmir'. We know the curbs that have been imposed in Kashmir (since early August) and she may be talking about those," Deshmukh said. Asked about the FIRs filed against other Gateway of India protesters, Deshmukh said he has sought their details. "I have sought details of the cases. If needed , the cases will be reviewed," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) TORONTO and HOUSTON, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. ("Medicenna" or the "Company") (TSX: MDNA;OTCQB: MDNAF), a clinical stage immuno-oncology company, announced today that it has received $1,345,871 from the early exercise of previously issued warrants. A total of 855,621 warrants were exercised, with exercise prices ranging from $1.20-$2.00. The proceeds of the warrant exercises will be used towards the development of Medicenna's long-acting IL-2 superkine (MDNA19) and for general and working capital purposes. "This early exercise of warrants is a clear indicator of the confidence that investors have in Medicenna and our short and long-term opportunities," says Fahar Merchant, President and Chief Executive Officer of Medicenna. "Combined with our recent oversubscribed financing, these funds provide us with a robust balance sheet that will see us through important upcoming milestones, including the completion of a full MDNA55 data set and subsequent meeting with the FDA, the ongoing advancement of our best-in-class IL-2 asset MDNA19 and our ongoing operations into 2021." The exercises consist of 274,000 warrants priced at $1.20 and expiring December 21, 2023, 526,621 warrants priced at $1.75 and expiring October 17, 2022, 5,000 warrants priced at $1.20 and expiring December 21, 2020, 15,000 warrants priced at $1.30 and expiring October 17, 2021 and 35,000 warrants priced at $2.00 and expiring April 5, 2021. The number of issued and outstanding common shares following the exercises is 34,991,097. About Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. Medicenna is a clinical stage immunotherapy company focused on oncology and the development and commercialization of novel, highly selective versions of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-13 Superkines and first in class Empowered Cytokines (ECs) for the treatment of a broad range of cancers. Supported by a US$14.1M non-dilutive grant from CPRIT (Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas), Medicenna's lead IL4-EC, MDNA55, has completed enrolling patients in a Phase 2b clinical trial for rGBM, the most common and uniformly fatal form of brain cancer, at top-ranked brain cancer centres in the US. MDNA55 has been studied in five clinical trials involving 132 patients, including 112 adults with rGBM. MDNA55 has demonstrated compelling efficacy and has obtained Fast-Track and Orphan Drug status from the FDA and FDA/EMA respectively. For more information, please visit www.medicenna.com. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, that the early exercise of warrants is a clear indicator of the confidence that investors have in Medicenna and our short and long-term opportunities, that our funds on hand provide us with a robust balance sheet that will see us through important upcoming milestones, that our IL-2 asset MDNA19 is best-in-class and the future plans and objectives of the Company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the risks detailed in the annual information form of the Company dated June 24, 2019 and in other filings made by the Company with the applicable securities regulators from time to time. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information (including, without limitation, the ability of the Company to fully replicate these interim data results) may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by Canadian securities law. SOURCE Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. Related Links https://www.medicenna.com Three soldiers have been killed in intense fighting between Nigeria's army and jihadists over a key northeastern garrison town, a security source said Wednesday. The soldiers died when an army vehicle burst into flames after a car filled with explosives rammed into a convoy on Tuesday afternoon, the source told AFP. The attack occurred during fighting with Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) militants in the town of Monguno some 135 kilometres (85 miles) north of Borno State capital Maiduguri. Just three days earlier, Chad withdrew 1,200 troops from the region -- including hundreds from Monguno -- after completing a nine-month mission fighting a rival jihadist group, Nigeria's Boko Haram. The pullout from the largest base in the volatile Lake Chad region, which straddles the borders of Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad, had sparked widespread fears of increased jihadist attacks. On Tuesday, dozens of ISWAP fighters aboard several trucks fitted with machine guns attacked Monguno. Residents in Monguno said a rocket-propelled grenade struck a refugee camp housing thousands of people, causing a fire that gutted hundreds of tents. "We still don't know if anyone was killed in the camp but some people sustained burns," said Monguno resident Kulo Gana. Residents also said jihadists ambushed buses carrying civilians under military escort outside the town, sparking a gun battle. Soldiers who repelled the attack killed many of the jihadists, witnesses said. Militants also stormed a compound housing the offices of aid agencies working in the region. Residents said they launched grenades into the offices, which had been evacuated before the attack. Soldiers quelled the attacks and put the town on lockdown on Wednesday, with troops stepping up patrols, residents said. ISWAP and Boko Haram have repeatedly attacked Monguno in failed attempts to overrun it. In recent months, ISWAP has ramped up attacks in the northeast, targeting security officials and abducting civilians at fake highway checkpoints. The decade-long conflict in remote northeastern Nigeria has claimed 36,000 lives and displaced around two million from their homes, according to the United Nations. The conflict has spilled into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the jihadist groups. Chadian soldiers pictured last month in Monguno. The latest attack came just three days after Chad withdrew 1,200 troops from the region Proponents, however, argue new maps for the 2022 elections will more accurately reflect the partisan breakdown of Missouri, where statewide elections are often decided by a margin of fewer than 10 percentage points. Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, has introduced a resolution that would allow voters to reexamine redistricting this fall. In Clean Missouri, the redistricting provision was one of five proposed ethics changes; voters approved the package with 62% of the vote. "The redistricting was hidden among a number of other proposals in Clean Missouri," Eigel said. Eigel's plan and others would place redistricting powers in the hands of a bipartisan commission, the process that was in place for the current state legislative maps. "The system we had prior to Clean Missouri, you had a process that had the input from folks from across the political spectrum," Eigel said. "We went from a good system to a very unfair system." (Under the new plan, the bipartisan commission will still exist, and can make changes to the demographer's map if 70% of its members go along with an alteration.) A heart-rending cartoon showing Steve Irwin welcoming animals killed in Australia's bushfires to heaven has gone viral. The poignant piece was posted by Australian artist Sharnia-Mae Sturm, 22, on her social media pages on New Year's Eve. It shows the late Crocodile Hunter and wildlife expert Mr Irwin greeting kangaroos, koalas and other wildlife with open arms. Irwin is pictured on one knee saying: "Don't worry little guys! I'll take care of you!" The sketch struck a chord with people around the world saddened by the devastation to wildlife caused by the country's wildfires. "Amazingly sad" art work of Steve Irwin welcoming animals into heaven / SketchyKoala The post went viral, being shared across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The cartoon has received millions of views, with many saying the emotive drawing brought them to tears. Instagram even deactivated Ms Sturm's account because it thought the high volume of responses was fake. Ms Sturm, who is from Western Australia but now lives in the US, redirected people to her Facebook page instead. Bindi Irwin, Irwin's daughter, has thanked the artist for her sketch / SketchyKoala "'I guess it's from the sudden outburst of people liking commenting and sharing my drawing. I'm working on getting it back online though! Thank you all for your love and support.," she wrote. It comes as it was revealed that more than a billion animals had perished in the bushfires, including at least 8,000 koalas. Mr Irwin's daughter Bindi thanked Ms Sturm in the comments. The 21-year-old has spoken in recent days about how she wishes her father was still alive to help her tackle the crisis going on in the country. Irwin's family continue to help animals across Australia / Getty Mr Irwin died in September 2006 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb as he was filming a documentary in shallow waters at the Great Barrier Reef. Ms Irwin has been continuing the work of her father in the zoo he set up on the Queensland Sunshine Coast. Australia is witnessing bushfires with a ferocity never seen before and they're raging across eastern Australia, pictures of them going viral on social media is devastating, to say the least. Since the beginning of the 2019 fire season, a staggering 10 million hectares have been burned and in New South Wales alone, almost 5 million hectares have been burned, which covers an area larger than the Netherlands. Source/Women's Weekly/Photography by Alana Landsberry On the frontlines of this raging blaze is a bunch of women who are tackling the fires and saving lives. A report by Women's Weekly, gives us a peek into the lives of these brave women. In an interview to the online magazine, Liane Henderson, who has worked as a volunteer firefighter of 20 years, says that the only option she has while tackling the fires is to look at them like 'beast' she has no choice but to take down. "It is us against that, but every fire is different. These things have minds of their own," Liane said. Since September, at least 25 people have died and more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed. The scale of the threat is immense, and fires continue to burn, with authorities calling for people to evacuate their homes. Source/Women's Weekly/Photography by Alana Landsberry Vivien Thompson, who has been fighting fires for three decades told the Magazine, "Fire knows no boundaries, it doesn't discriminate." "We were experiencing high fire intensity in the middle of the night, which is usually the time we back burn. Fires were skimming along the treetops where there was no surface fire. It was almost like the atmosphere was on fire." The most heartbreaking part of being a firefighter in this time of crisis, is that they don't have a single minute's rest. Liane Henderson has no choice but to sleep right next to her phone, in the constant fear of being called to attend to a raging blaze and rescue those caught in it. She says, "You turn up in whatever you're wearing it might be your bikini or you are not wearing shoes. I knew a firefighter who used to have designer clothes from her work under her uniform." Reuters/Picture For Representation Peta, who works as a nurse when not volunteering at a fire ground, paints a more realistic picture of just how bad the situation is in some places. "There is no humidity, so there's no moisture anywhere," says Peta. "Fires are just starting from a spark, from anything." Fighting such unpredictable fires has made them what they call 'situationally aware' one of the biggest things they look for while tackling a fire, is the direction of wind. Peta has been caught when the wind has changed and a fire has turned and come straight at her, reports the Magazine. Despite all of these risks and the constant fear of being caught in a blaze, these women have put in everything to save lives and we salute their courage! HARTFORD Both houses of the Connecticut General Assembly might have enough Democratic votes to pass Gov. Ned Lamonts proposal for limited, trucks-only highway tolls before the regular legislative session begins in February. But support in the House and Senate remains dicey as details that could make or break the deal have yet to be worked out. We have a contingent consensus of 18 members who have not rejected the concept of a bill to toll trucks on bridges only, said Senate President Pro-Tem Martin Looney, D-New Haven. Members said their vote is in many cases contingent on things that are yet unclear. Revenue estimates for the truck-tolling plan range from $170 million to $190 million at a dozen bridges around the state. Under the latest discussions, only the largest trucks would pay the tolls, which would exclude, for example, many in-state vehicles such as poil delivery trucks. Looney and the rest of the Senate Democratic caucus spent nearly six hours Tuesday behind closed doors, discussing their legislative priorities for the upcoming session, emerging long after the television crews and the anti-toll and pro-toll activists about a dozen from each side had left the Capitol. Their counterparts in the House of Representatives held a similar closed-door meeting earlier in the day, but only discussed the truck tolling proposal which is now limited to trucks with four or more axles. House Democrats also believe they have more than enough votes to pass Lamonts proposal, but Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz noted many of his members are dissatisfied with the proposal because it does not toll cars. I feel very comfortable that were in a good position, said Aresimowicz, who declined to give a vote count for the House. There are a few things left to be negotiated. Republicans remain solidly against tolls in an form, as GOP leaders said they believe truck-only tolling would be a precurser to broader highway levies despite assurances from Democrats that the statute would explicitly exclude cars. Both Democratic leaders said they believe the issue can be settled prior to the start of the legislative session in February, but have yet to schedule a public forum or set a date for a special session. Legislators also expressed concerns about minority hiring and addressing bus transportation in urban areas where more than 30 percent of residents do not have cars. Those are issues that members have said that if they are solved to their satisfaction, they could vote yes for this proposal, Looney said. When pressed further on the specific number of legislators who could vote yes, he said, We dont have more than four Nos that would defeat the bill all together. As majority Democrats headed to the Capitol Tuesday, Lamont himself was cautious on the issue. In recent weeks, Democratic leaders have said there is enough support for trucks-only tolling at a dozen locations on the states interstate highways, but rank-and-file lawmakers, who balked last year, may not want to make controversial votes at the beginning of an election year. I think theyd like to get it done this month, Lamont said in a morning appearance on WNPR-FMs Where We Live radio show. Id like to get it done this month. You know, we put this off for about 15 years. A traditional package of long-term capital projects has been delayed for months by Lamont as he attempted to round up support for his 10-year, $19-billion infrastructure program, which is predicated on highway tolling as part of the revenue stream. But Republicans have been uniformly opposed to tolls, and offered a $700-million annual bonding program for a smaller-scale infrastructure package. That was going to crowd out other initiatives, Lamont said of the GOP plan. Were pretty sure thats not going to happen, so as part of our transportation plan now were going to be able to do the bonding bill, which is necessary with money for municipalities, snow removal, new schools, affordable housing, get that process back in play. I cant speak for the Republicans, Lamont said. I wish they would, so I know where they stand. Republican leaders stopped by the Capitol following the House caucus to make their stance known: they do not support the trucks-only plan, and they remain skeptical of the support by Democrats. Both chambers are absolutely against any sort of toll, said Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven. He added, If they had the votes, theyd vote. Its really simple. House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, is already taking the issue to the streets as she helps campaign for Republican candidates in special elections. I think its an issue in every town in the state of Connecticut, Klarides said. What were running on in these three special elections, and quite frankly, what well be running on in November for any of our races is the state has been run badly, the state continues to get worst, and most importantly there has been trust lost for elected officials in the state of Connecticut. One of the chief opponents to tolls, Joe Scully, president of the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut, representing state trucks, said after the governors radio appearance that he believes the arithmetic is wrong in Lamonts revenue projections. Governor Lamont firmly stated on WNPRs Where We Live this morning that truck tolls will raise $186 million per year, Scully said in a written statement. However, the financial pro forma documents released by his administration on December 6, 2019, say they will raise $230.1 million, Sculley said, stressing that federal loans could be tougher to get if the projections have declined. After the House and Senate Democrats met, Lamont issued a statement saying he will move quickly toward a final plan. Connecticut can no longer afford to kick the can down the potholed road, he said. In addition to agreeing to stop the first section of the Beltway expansion at I-270, the Hogan administration also won Franchots support by beefing up a commitment to expand public transportation in Montgomery and Prince Georges counties. The state said it will work with both county governments to decide how transit funding should be included in the contracts for the toll lanes. Previously, the state had agreed to allot 10 percent of its share of net toll revenue to transit, but only after contractors had recouped construction costs, which could have taken years. In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued a travel advisory for Indian citizens on Wednesday. The MEA has appealed to Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Also, Indian nationals who are residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and avoid travelling within Iraq, the MEA added. Moreover, the central government has told all Indian airlines to avoid airspace of Iran, Iraq and the Gulf. "Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq," it said. A Ukrainian airplane carrying at least 170 people crashed today near an airport in Tehran, Iranian state TV reported. The crash came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack targeting two bases in Iraq housing US forces in retaliation for the killing of Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani. Also read: Days after top commander's death, Iran launches missile strike against US in Iraq Also read: Ukrainian Boeing 737 plane with 180 passengers on board crashes in Iran Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) considers the killing of Iranian Gen. Maj. Qassem Soleimani "an act of war," and said he is "very worried" about heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. Paul appeared on MSNBC's Hardball just minutes after Iranian state media announced the country's Revolutionary Guards launched missiles against Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. He called the attacks "predictable," adding, "I think this maximum pressure campaign, where we give no off-ramp and there's no ability or attempt to engage, I think it's been a failure. [Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo has been saying we will force them into accepting our will, but we got out of the Iran agreement, which broke the trust that we had developed with them. Then we put an embargo on them and now we've killed one of their leading generals." Last week, President Trump authorized an airstrike in Baghdad that targeted Soleimani, and Paul said he believes "killing a major general from another country is an act of war." He does not think Iran will "have a full-on war with us," but will continue missile and rocket attacks. "This is the opening salvo," Paul said. "I think it will go on for some time now. I think they will try to avoid a direct war because we can defeat any other nation and we would defeat them in a matter of weeks, but it would be another catastrophe and another mess 10 times of what happened during the Iraq War." Paul said he is holding out for "saner minds" to "pull back and say enough's enough, let's try to have some means of conversation or some means of engagement." "I think killing a major general from another country is an act of war."@RandPaul on #Hardball pic.twitter.com/t8MFQXPOA9 Hardball (@hardball) January 8, 2020 More stories from theweek.com Iran has offered Trump an 'off-ramp' from war, and there's growing speculation he might take it Rep. Duncan Hunter's seat will sit vacant until 2021 Joe Biden's free ride is over Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Tim Orbos touched on various projects undertak en by the Duterte administration to reduce the countrys carbon footprint in accordance with global standards. During the Low Carbon Transport Forum, Orbos discussed about Policy Framework and Regulations on Low Carbon Urban Transport. Among the topics discussed was the implementation of the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS), which is currently being developed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to replace the Smoke Emission Testing. Wilbert Tan for Carmudi PH Antagal na po natin dapat ginawa ito, and thank God were doing it right now, Orbos said. Nasanay na tayo sa usok. The Motor Vehicle Inspection System or the MVIS is a state-of-the-art network of motor vehicle inspection centers all over the Philippines that will conduct roadworthiness and emission tests, described Orbos. Basically if your vehicle is unroadworthy, then you cannot hit the road. Were talking here of 72 points that will address roadworthiness, and there will be no room for corruption, Orbos promised. What we have right now is the Smoke Emission Testingthats just one point. Were talking here of 72 points. A wornout tire, a suspension that is also worn out adds to carbon emission increase. Pag pinapahirapan po ang sasakyan, lalong nagkakaroon ng madaming usok ang sasakyan. So its not just smoke emission that were afterits the whole roadworthiness of our vehicles. Wilbert Tan for Carmudi PH Orbos also shared details about other government initiatives designed to further reduce the countrys carbon output, including Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), Pasig River Ferry, Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok campaign, and Smart Green Freight Promotion. The DOTr in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized the Low Carbon Transport Forum today, January 7, at Novotel Araneta, Cubao to discuss the Promotion of Low Carbon Urban Transport System in the Philippines Project. Story continues With the objective to promote and create an enabling environment for the commercialization of low carbon urban transport systems in the Philippines, the project has identified four approaches to achieve its goal, including: Effective enforcement of policies and support provided for the promotion of low carbon modes of transport. Adopting and implementing low carbon transport pans and/or programs in major cities. Increasing private sector participation in the widespread deployment and commercialization of low carbon transport systems. Increasing private sector investment in low carbon transport systems. Wilbert Tan for Carmudi PH Also read: The post Orbos Stresses Need for MVIS Implementation appeared first on Carmudi Philippines. Welcome to the News Release Wire Selection Control Panel. Instant News Wire The last DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition government at Stormont collapsed in January 2017 over a row about a botched green energy scheme (PA) Political talks to restore powersharing at Stormont are continuing amid a strike by nurses in Northern Irelands crisis-hit health service. The UK and Irish governments held a short round-table meeting with the five main parties on Wednesday morning. A further plenary meeting is scheduled for the afternoon amid expectation that the governments are poised to put a draft outline of a deal on the table. Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith and Irish Foreign Affairs minister Simon Coveney, who were in talks to 1am overnight, are expected to urge the parties to sign up to suggested proposals to address the vexed issues at the heart of the three-year impasse. Expand Close Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith, right, Irelands Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney held talks to 1am on Wednesday morning (Presseye/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith, right, Irelands Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney held talks to 1am on Wednesday morning (Presseye/PA) The latest developments at Stormont came as Prime Minister Boris Johnson, addressing the Commons, urged the regions politicians to take responsibility and get the institutions up and running again. Ongoing industrial action by health workers has heaped pressure on the political leaders to get back into a devolved Assembly. Thousands of nurses are on picket lines at hospitals across Northern Ireland amid a dispute over pay and staffing shortages. Anne Waterman, 60, a staff nurse striking outside the Ulster Hospital, less than a mile from the gates of Stormont, delivered a stark message to the rowing politicians. If I was to stop working for three years I would not be getting paid, I think politicians here really have to step up to the mark, speak up for us and support us because we do not know what else to do, she said. Expand Close Nurses and supporters on the picket line at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nurses and supporters on the picket line at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald (Liam McBurney/PA) The last DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition government collapsed in January 2017 over a row about a botched green energy scheme. That dispute subsequently widened to take in more traditional wrangles on matters such as the Irish language and the thorny legacy of the Troubles. Proposed legislative protections for Irish language speakers and reform of a contentious Stormont voting mechanism called the petition of concern have been the crucial sticking points in the most recent talks process, which got under way following the UK general election. Sinn Fein has previously demanded a stand-alone Irish Language Act as a prerequisite of any deal to restore devolution. The DUP has expressed a willingness to legislate to protect the language, but only as part of broader culture laws which also include the Ulster Scots tradition. The long-running dispute has boiled down to whether new laws are contained in a stand-alone Bill or as part of a wider piece of legislation. Scotland could be at the forefront of climate-friendly farming as a new report has found Scottish farmers could slash emissions by 38% by 2045. The report by WWF Scotland said Scotland's agriculture sector could 'comfortably' reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) within the next few decades. It highlights the most important mitigation measures which can be made on a farm level require 'little or no land use change'. These include measures to improve nitrogen fertiliser use, improvements to animal health and breeding, rotational grazing, feed additives and using legumes to fix nitrogen. It also identifies system level changes which could deliver significant carbon savings, including a shift to organic production, agro-forestry and conservation agriculture. According to the report, the measures are 'feasible and well-evidenced' and can be implemented singly or in combination. Scottish farmers are at the front line of climate change. The extreme weather of 2017-18 alone is estimated to have cost Scottish farmers 161m due to livestock losses and lower crop yields. To help farmers adapt to the changing climate, green groups like WWF Scotland are calling on the Scottish government to review policies required to secure a reduction in emissions from agriculture. There are opportunities in the forthcoming spring budget, the agriculture bill currently before parliament, and the revision to the climate plan in 2020 to put in place new support mechanisms for climate-friendly farming. Dr Sheila George, Food and Environment Policy Manager at WWF Scotland said: Agriculture is at risk from a changing climate but can be part of the climate solution. We need to produce food in a way that reduces emissions and locks up more carbon. To get there, we need to see a reframing of rural policy, financial support along with advice and training available for land managers. NFU Scotland responded to the release of the report, saying climate change is 'critically important' for Scottish farmers. Ruth Taylor, Climate Change Policy Manager at the union, said: Any policy introduced to tackle climate change must consider the long-term sustainability of farming and food production in Scotland. Measures to reduce emissions should provide practical measures that contribute to climate change challenges while maintaining production and driving forward the performance of agricultural businesses. Reducing emissions from agriculture in Scotland should not come at the expense of exporting our emissions or displacing production. The introduction of a suite of measures to mitigate climate change will be important - it is clear that there will be no one size fits all solution to reducing emissions from agriculture, she said. In England and Wales, the farming industry is aiming to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 as a contribution to a new target of 2050 for the whole of the UK. WSU President Announces Scholarship Initiative and Outlines Vision During Inauguration January 7, 2020 OGDEN, Utah During his inauguration, Jan. 7, Weber State University President Brad Mortensen announced CATapult, a scholarship fundraising initiative to raise $10 million by July 1, 2021. Mortensen told the crowd of 900 in the Val. A. Browning Center that the CATapult initiative will help boost student recruitment, retention and completion rates by propelling students past financial obstacles that impede graduation. Weber State students start down the path of their degree and sometimes reach a point where they can no longer handle all of the financial obligations, so they reduce the number of courses they take or stop out for a semester to work and save money, Mortensen explained. We have established the CATapult scholarship to provide an energetic, upward burst of momentum toward graduation for our fellow Wildcats. The president illustrated the need for such funding by introducing the audience to Yandriel Sobrino-Rodriguez, who graduated with a bachelors degree in computer science in 2016. Rodriguez and his family fled their native Cuba to escape political persecution. He arrived in Utah at age 11, unable to speak English. After high school, Rodriguez enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and spent the next four years serving his adopted country. Following an honorable discharge, he enrolled at Weber State because of its reputation as a military-friendly campus. In his senior year, the computer science major was close to graduating when he discovered that his GI Bill benefits were exhausted, and he had too many credits to apply for alternative financial aid. He sought advice from his Veterans Upward Bound mentor, who suggested Rodriguez apply for a privately funded scholarship available to current students who have completed 50% or more of their graduation requirements. Today, thanks to that scholarship, Rodriguez is in a masters degree program and working as a software engineer at My 529, a nonprofit educational savings program run by the state of Utah. He calls his Weber State experience life-changing. Without coming to the U.S. and attending college, I would either be working on a Cuban sugarcane plantation or in jail, Rodriguez said. Everywhere I go, I let people know that Im a veteran and that I went to Weber State. The CATapult scholarship will provide support to many additional Wildcats who are progressing toward graduation. The scholarship will be flexible enough for the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office to address a students unique circumstances. During the inauguration, held on Weber States Founders Day, Mortensen also articulated the vision for his presidency. He expressed his desire to align the universitys strategic plan and emerging opportunities with the strength and accomplishments of its historic values. Under his leadership, Mortensen said the university will continue its hallmark of personalized attention; redouble its efforts to promote student enrollment, retention, completion and success; and prepare a next-generation workforce that balances technical skills with aptitude in problem-solving, critical thinking, communication and teamwork. Mortensen will maintain a focus on the core themes of access, learning and community. He wants to expand the universitys leadership role as a dual-mission university, where students can earn certificates and easily advance from associates to bachelors to graduate degrees. I hope it can be said I have been a listening, learning president, and that Weber State has been a learning university not just a university that imparts knowledge, but a university that itself is learning, Mortensen said. He believes the university is primed to address workforce needs, erase opportunity gaps for diverse students and form strategic educational pathways. Weber States flexibility and affordability provide access to learning for all students students such as Sobrino-Rodriguez who are pursuing their educational goals. For more information about the CATapult scholarship initiative, visit weber.edu/catapult. For more information about the inauguration, visit weber.edu/WSUToday/112219_PresidentialInauguration.html. For photos, visit the following link. https://wsuucomm.smugmug.com/Development/Yandriel-Sobrino https://photos.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2020-photos/January-2020/i-2PJMMXn/0/7822c24b/X2/WSU_0407-X2.jpg Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. US President Donald Trump has been informed of the Iranian missile strikes on US bases in Iraq, and he is following the situation, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham informed. She added that Trump is consulting with his security team. Security measures around the White House have been tightened, reports CNN, citing a representative of the US law enforcement. Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan Rath Hoffman said Iran had fired missiles on at least two US military bases. According to him, the missiles hit the Erbil airport and the Ayn al-Assad base. Reportedly, more than 10 missiles were used. The message seems urgent: The "United States Official Army Draft" has repeatedly tried to reach the recipient via email. The unwitting recipient has been been marked "eligible" and now must report to the nearest branch for "immediate departure to Iran." Failure to respond could spell a six-year jail sentence. The bizarre message is also entirely false, military officials reassure. "U.S. Army Recruiting Command has received multiple calls and emails about these fake text messages and wants to ensure Americans understand these texts are false and were not initiated by this command or the U.S. Army," the agency said in a statement Tuesday. It's unknown how many messages have been disseminated and to whom, but individuals from around the U.S. have been sending Army recruiters screenshots text messages saying they've been drafted or are eligible for the draft, U.S. Army Recruiting Command Spokeswoman Kelli Bland told The Washington Post. "Some [messages] have included fake names claiming to be Army recruiters, and others have used real names of leaders within our command," Bland wrote in an email Wednesday. "Army security personnel are looking into the origin of the messages." At least two versions of the hoax messages with slightly varied wording appear to target individuals in Florida and New Jersey. The Selective Services, the federal agency tasked with maintaining a database of young men aged 18-26 who could be called up to serve should a crisis necessitate a military draft, hasn't had a draft since 1973, notes the Tuesday statement from USAREC. "The military has been an all-volunteer force since that time. Registering for the Selective Service does not enlist a person into the military." But among young Americans -- particularly young men born decades after the last draft and who fall into the age range for mandatory Selective Service registration -- anxieties around conscription for service have grown in the days a U.S. airstrike killed one of Iran's top military commanders, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, in Baghdad. Google searches for terms such as "conscription," "Selective Service" and "Iran" spiked since the Jan. 2 attack, according to Trends data. A day after the airstrike, people flooded the Selective Service website until it crashed. Even as tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran, Congress and the president would have to pass legislation in order to reactivate the draft; such a move would be unlikely given the historic opposition that ended the last draft. Anti-war sentiment around Vietnam propelled the end of the draft in 1973 and the requirement to register for the draft was dropped two years later. Today, eligible individuals need only register with Selective Services within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Nearly all men in the eligible age range are required to register, including U.S. citizens, documented and undocumented immigrants, refugees and legal permanent residents. Women are not currently required to register, though a 2019 court decision about the matter has renewed debate over whether that should change. Even if those hurdles were cleared, Patricia Sullivan, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor who studies military policy, said the current situation with Iran hardly compels a draft. "With Iran, there's almost no chance that we're getting into the kind of ground-war scenario that large numbers of ground troops would be needed and we would implement the draft," Sullivan previously told The Post. She added that the military is now so professionalized, and the cost of training each soldier so high, that it would not necessarily make sense to add a surge of new recruits that may not be qualified. Escalating hostilities with Iran are more likely to affect military forces already in the Middle East region, Sullivan said, not civilians who might be conscripted in a hypothetical draft. Ho Chi Minh City's former party chief Le Thanh Hai attends a conference in the city in 2018. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa. A former Party Secretary of HCMC is deemed to have committed violations meriting disciplinary action in planning the Thu Thiem urban area. Le Thanh Hai, 69, and several other former officials, including Le Hoang Quan, former deputy chief of the citys party unit for the 2010-2015 term, committed several violations in planning the Thu Thiem Urban Area in HCMCs District 2. Hai, who served as Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee from 2005 to 2015, and former member of the Politburo, has to take main responsibility for the violations, the Party Central Inspection Committee, Vietnams top watchdog, announced at a Wednesday meeting. Violations around compensation and resettlement in Thu Thiem have made headlines in the country since 2018. It reached its climax in May 2018 when residents lodged their complaints with tears and frustration at a meeting with the city's legislators, which went on late into the night. The Thu Thiem New Urban Area is envisaged as one of the biggest international financial and commercial centers in Southeast Asia. To develop the megaproject, HCMC spent 10 years relocating 15,000 households, paying out nearly VND30 trillion ($1.32 billion) in compensation. However, the project has been caught up in a relocation scandal as more than 100 affected families said their houses were not included in the demolition list according to the original planning map drawn up in 1996 and approved by the prime minister. According to the party inspectors, the Standing Committee of HCMC Party under the leadership of Hai had violated the principle of democratic centralism and working regulations, broken working regulations, and been irresponsible and negligent in leading, managing, inspecting and supervising, resulting in serious mistakes in the planning of Thu Thiem area. The violations committed by Hai and the others had spoiled the Communist Partys reputation, caused public distress and significant losses to the state, and negatively impacted on socio-economic development, including the lives of citizens in the planned area. The violations, therefore, deserve disciplinary action, the inspectors said. The meeting also heard the committee suggest that the Politburo disciplines Hanoi's Party Secretary and former Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai (2007-2016) for several violations in overseeing the expansion of state-owned steel company TISCO. The standing Party Committee of the Vietnam Steel Corporation was irresponsible and lacked supervision in its leadership, which led to the firm committing serious violations in a project to expand production by the Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel Joint Stock Company or TISCO (the TISCO II project), inspectors concluded last December. The violations caused "very serious consequences" and "seriously damaged the financial position and properties of the state," they said. 2019 AEC CRM Market Share There are still too many firms struggling with a lack of visibility into their business and an inability to make data driven decisions. Wed like to help fix that. For the third consecutive year, Cosential finds themselves as the most adopted CRM software according to the respondents of the 2019 Construction Technology Report produced by construction industry tech experts JBKnowledge. According to the survey results, Cosential is used by 35% of the group included in the survey, an increase of nearly 10% in market share gain from 2018. The latest JBKnowledge report reflects the fact that Cosential has been 100% focused on the needs of construction industry customers for over 20 years explained Dan Cornish, Cosential founder and CEO. We understand the needs of this industry and have continued to put that industry knowledge into our product development efforts. Cosential has become a critical tool powering the nations largest construction firm Business Development and Marketing operations. The ability to support industry-specific customer relationship management (CRM) use cases and proposal automation with integration to back-end financial systems allows customers to drive growth while improving team productivity. This unique combination of capabilities makes up Cosentials Growth and Relationship Management suite tailored specifically to project-based construction industry firms. It comes as no surprise to see Cosential continuing to expand their leadership position as they are one of the only firms offering a construction-specific solution which prioritizes the sale of a project rather than a product said James Benham, CEO of JBKnowledge. Mr. Benham will be a featured keynote speaker talking about trends in technology adoption in the construction industry at Cosentials user conference, Built2Win 2020, to be held May 4-7 in Austin, TX. This is a great way to start this new decade. It validates a lot of the hard work the Cosential team has done on behalf of our customers, including key enhancements to Outlook integration and updates to our mobile apps. We really look forward to continuing our strategy of growth in 2020. There are still too many firms struggling with a lack of visibility into their business and an inability to make data driven decisions. Wed like to help fix that explained Cosential CEO, Dan Cornish. About Cosential Cosential is the leading provider of Growth and Relationship Management (GRM) software for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries. With Cosential GRM, AEC firms are able to increase revenue while dramatically decreasing the cost of winning new business. Unlike general-purpose CRM systems, Cosential brings unmatched visibility, control, and speed for firm owners, executives, business development, and marketing teams within the AEC industry. For more information visit us at http://www.cosential.com and follow us on LinkedIn. About JBKnowledge JBKnowledge is a family of professionals building great technology for construction and insurance since 2001. Our team of consultants, analysts, developers and designers help companies build the technology they need to stay competitive and help them find their inner geek along the way. To download the 2019 Construction Technology Report, click here or visit http://www.jbknowledge.com. An IndiGo Kuala Lumpur-Delhi flight was cancelled on Wednesday after a fault was observed in the hydraulic system of its A320neo plane, according to an official. The airline clarified that there was no problem in the plane's Pratt and Whitney (PW) engines. "An IndiGo flight, 6E-1822, arrived Kuala Lumpur from Delhi today. After arrival at Kuala Lumpur, a fault was observed in the hydraulic system.The aircraft is back in operations after the necessary maintenance," the airline stated. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Critics of a proposed concrete batch plant near a historically black neighborhood in northwest Houston tried to make their point with pictures Tuesday. As Mayor Sylvester Turner spoke out against the private project at a news conference, he was flanked by two large poster-sized cartoon images one showing pieces of paper raining down on a concrete plant as the phrase 34 citations floats against a polluted sky; the other depicting a large man with a shirt emblazoned with the name Soto sliding into third base as an umpire yells, Not safe! This is my neighborhood, Turner told attendees in front of the Highland Park Community Center. I live down the street myself. For two years, residents in Acres Homes have fought an environmental permit for a small business, Soto Ready Mix, to build a concrete mixing plant in a residential area. On Tuesday, local, state and federal elected officials condemned the proposed operation, which would be across the street from a city park and next to a family home. While Turner acknowledged the city cannot directly keep the plant from being built in Houston, a lack of zoning prevents that he said the city will do everything it can in a very aggressive way to keep these facilities from being set up in neighborhoods next door to where people live, across the street from where people play and down the street from where they worship. Armando Soto, the owner of the business, did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. He has previously said that the plant would meet all requirements set by the states environmental agency. He has owned the property since 2015. Tuesdays conference was held ahead of a Jan. 23 hearing when residents will argue against the permit before a state administrative judge. In October, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which approves air permit requests for concrete batch plants, referred the issue to the State Office of Administrative Hearings after neighborhood activists mobilized and politicians pressured the state environmental agency to deny the permit request. Opposing a permit request through the TCEQ is notoriously difficult. Over the last five years, the agency has received more than 100 requests for air emissions permits for concrete batch plants in Houston; only two were denied. The agency has said its purview is limited to environmental impacts, such as allowable emissions. It does not consider factors such as location in a residential area instead of an industrial one. Health concerns Making concrete is a dusty process that spews small particles into the air that can lead to asthma attacks, cardiac arrest and premature death, depending on how much is inhaled, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Residents worry that the placement of the plant will further contribute to health problems in the community. The area already has twice the rate of cardiac arrest and six times the rate of ambulance-treated asthma attacks than average in Houston, according to a May 2015 analysis of city 911 call data spanning 2004 to 2011. A new model shows that particulate matter pollution, which is so tiny that it can be inhaled deep into the lungs and absorbed into the blood stream, will exceed the EPAs national standards in the neighborhood if the permit is approved, said Loren Hopkins, the citys chief environmental officer. This would put the area out of compliance with the federal Clean Air Act, creating an even greater health risk on top of current burdens. Hopkins and other experts called for the state to consider background level pollution when approving permits, which becomes especially important in already polluted areas with vulnerable populations, they say. Corey Williams, research and policy director at Air Alliance Houston, said he has identified 158 concrete batch plants, with a cluster on the south side of Harris County. Many are located in communities of color. While there are other facilities located in close proximity to residential areas, the Soto Ready Mix plant is notably close to many homes as well as other sensitive places such as daycare facilities, parks and churches, he said. (Its) very similar to the (Houston) Ship Channel, Williams said. As industry continues to grow in residential areas, houses continue to be encroached upon by the industry. Concrete city Concrete, aggregate and cement industries in Texas generate more than $10 billion in annual revenue, according to the Texas Aggregate and Concrete Association. These facilities employ folks who are local and live in the communities where they work, said David Perkins, president of the association. Houston is experiencing tremendous growth, he said, and concrete supports that growth. As for permitting, Perkins said that the process already ensures operations will not adversely affect the most sensitive surrounding populations. In 2007, the city tried to enforce an ordinance related to regulating batch plants and other facilities that generated air pollution, but after companies sued, the Texas Supreme Court struck down many of the provisions. Turner added that he has asked the citys legal department to look into what local governments can do regarding the location of such facilities, including imposing geographical limits similar to those used to regulate boarding homes and sexual-oriented businesses. City officials also announced a new partnership between the city and Harris County to address pollution, including investigating concrete batch plants. Its about time. We are one community and breathe the same air, said Rock Owens, special assistant Harris County attorney for environmental matters. Going after plants when they violate the law is one approach, and the only one we have in our toolbox right now, but a legislative approach is needed. There have been 17 bills introduced in the state legislature that dealt with batch plants, said state Rep. Jarvis Johnson, a Democrat who represents much of northern Houston. Zero of those have passed. Zero. Beyond the environmental impacts, having concrete batch plants right in the middle of neighborhoods affects property values, he said. That means fewer tax dollars collected by the city, he said, and in turn fewer services. State Sen. John Whitmire, also a Democrat, said he supports businesses efforts to grow, but that an attempt to build a concrete batch plant across the street from a popular city park in a residential area is shameful. Lillian Simpson, an Acres Home native who now lives two houses down from the proposed plant, said she was glad local officials visited her neighborhood to talk about the issue. Already, she said, she hardly spends time outside because of all the dust that worsens her allergies and respiratory problems. I think the city is going to do something, she said. They have to do something, because right now Im just stuck in my house most of the time. erin.douglas@chron.com perla.trevizo@chron.com KALAMAZOO, MI Drive and Shine, an Indiana company that recently opened a multimillion-dollar car wash in Kalamazoo Township, is working on plans for a second car wash on Stadium Drive. But first, the company wants the city to remove protections for natural features on the plot of land that sits on a busy corner at the gateway of the city, adjacent to the Asylum Lake Preserve. The Natural Features Protection (NFP) Area overlay is a new designation the city created meant to protect certain natural features at development sites. The land, at the corner of Stadium Drive and South Drake Road, is one of the sites included because of the natural features in the area. The city of Kalamazoo Planning Commission will consider the request to remove the NFP overlay, as well as a rezoning request for the property, at its 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, meeting. NFP overlays were established in certain parts of the city with natural features such as wetlands and slopes. The NFP overlay requires developers to follow a criteria for development to lessen the impact to natural features. Citizens and members of the Asylum Lake Preservation Association have spoken out against the change to remove the protection. City of Kalamazoo staff have recommended Drive and Shines request to remove the NFP overlay be denied. Drive and Shine is based in Granger, Indiana, and operates seven different car wash locations, including one that opened recently at 4201 W. Main St. in Kalamazoo Township. The companys Facebook page calls its new Kalamazoo Township location that began washing and detailing cars in November a $10-million car wash. Come check out a 10 Million Dollar car wash open NOW! Car Wash, Oil Change and Inside Self Service vacuums, mat... Posted by Drive & Shine on Friday, November 22, 2019 Drive and Shine CEO HAJI M Tehrani declined to comment on the Natural Features Protection area issue when reached by phone on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Tehrani said previously the land was purchased for a commercial development of some kind, which could include a car wash. Citizens have spoken up about the issue. The Oakland Drive/Winchell Neighborhood Association submitted a letter in opposition to the rezoning request and the NFP removal. Kalamazoo resident and Western Michigan University faculty member Nancy Eimers wrote a letter expressing concern about the potential commercial development. Ive lived here 30 years and during that time Ive watched with sadness as our green spaces have diminished one by one, Eimers letter states. To see this one fragmented, encroached by noise and other kinds of pollution, thinned of trees, and threatened with exposure to busy streets and commercial properties would be heartbreaking indeed. Any removal of the NFP overlay would be a complete contradiction to the recently approved Climate Emergency Resolution and a gross violation of our citys commitment to protecting our natural resources, states a Jan. 3 letter from the Asylum Lake Preservation Association. Asylum Lake Preserve features a multilayer ecosystem. (MLive.com file photo)Joel Bissell | MLive.com The association also opposes the companys request to rezone the land to CC, or Community Commercial, which will also be considered at the Jan. 14 meeting. The planning commission staff report states, "The request to rezone the parcels to CC Community Commercial is in alignment with the 2025 Master Plan and supports the commercial development envisioned. The request to remove the NFP Overlay District is not consistent. The planning commission and the city commission denied the applicants previous requests to remove the NFP Overlay District from the property, the staff report states. There is no demonstrated need that warrants the removal of the NFP Overlay District, which was mapped last spring after an extensive public process that clearly demonstrated the community need for the NFP Overlay District, the staff report says. The NFP Overlay District guides the site planning to ensure a balance between natural features protection and logical development. Removal of the NFP Overlay District would limit the Citys ability to achieve this balance, the staff report states. Tehrani spoke to the Kalamazoo City Commission in May, opposing the NFP district overlay on his property. He told the commission during a meeting in May that the ordinance change would render his property useless for commercial development. Judy Huxmann, a member of the Asylum Lake Preservation Association, said she opposes the zoning change and the removal of the NFP overlay. Thats too aggressive of a zone, she said about the proposed zoning change, and asked the city to deny the developers requests and instead protect the natural area. If we dont, what kind of a city is this? Huxmann said. It might turn out the really important thing is the almighty dollar, and that would be so disappointing. The Kalamazoo Planning Commission will meet to consider the issue Tuesday, Jan. 14, in the commission chambers at city hall. There are too many summer nights that Ryan Power wakes up in a blind rage. He lives in a condo building at Jarvis and Adelaide and for the last several years, he's been forced to endure a late-night serenade of revving car and motorcycle engines. "The section of Richmond Street heading east of Jarvis seems like a raceway for people who have loud cars," he told CBC Toronto. "It's the number one reason I'm woken up from my sleep at night." Courtney Dionne lives not far away at Brant Street and Adelaide Street West, and she's regularly jolted from her bed for similar reasons. "All we're hearing all night is loud Lamborghinis, Audis, just racing," she said. That's on top of blaring horns stemming from ride hailing services and food couriers blocking nearby streets. "So it's just constant honking," she said. "I'm exhausted. I'm miserable most mornings." These two are hardly alone. The latest studies both in Ontario and across Canada suggest many people aren't getting enough sleep. Nationwide, insomnia levels are surging. "A lot of people struggle with sleep disorders some of which are not diagnosed properly," said Dr. Reut Gruber, media and advocacy officer with the Canadian Sleep Society. That can have serious effects on a person's mental state and long-term health. "There is a real connection between sleep, mood and mental health," she said. Reports of insomnia surge According to the latest study from Health Canada, there was a 42 per cent increase in Canadians aged 18 or older who reported nighttime insomnia symptoms from 2007 to 2015, rising to 23.8 per cent from 16.8 per cent. That number might be even higher in Ontario. About a third of respondents who have participated in the ongoing Ontario Sleep Study being conducted by Sunnybrook Research Institute reported having difficulty getting to sleep more than a couple of times a week. Story continues Shutterstock/OKcamera Almost 70 per cent of that study's 3,200 respondents also reported feeling sleepy more than a couple of times a week something Sunnybrook neurologist and University of Toronto associate professor Dr. Andrew Lim calls "a surprising number. "It's a number that suggests maybe people's sleep isn't as good as they would like," he told CBC News. Lim is quick to caution that those figures are preliminary, and representative only of volunteers who responded to ads about the study. But the responses still paint an intriguing picture of the province's sleep issues. "What's interesting is we actually didn't find a huge difference between the GTA and non-GTA in this group," he said. Across the province, people reported getting just under seven hours of sleep a night on average. But about a fifth of people reported getting less than six hours of sleep, and six per cent reported getting less than five hours of sleep a night. About 30 to 40 per cent of respondents across the province were also found to have some form of sleep apnea a dangerous disorder in which a person's breathing stops and starts during sleep. "That's a surprisingly high number," Lim said. Can't sleep? Or have a great tip on how to get more sleep? Metro Morning wants to hear from you. Call in at: 416-205-5807 Or drop us an email: metromorning@cbc.ca Noise complaints rise in 2019 Power says it should be obvious to anyone buying or renting in an urban centre like downtown Toronto that they will have to deal with some unwanted noise, and that could end up affecting their sleep. "When you purchase or rent property downtown, you need to understand that it's a huge, dense city," he said. But, he added, he still feels Toronto has an excessive noise problem. According to the city, there were 20,254 noise complaints in Toronto from January to September of last year, compared to 19,914 in 2018. Patrick Morrell/CBC Mayor John Tory and Toronto police announced a crackdown on excessive vehicle noise last July but by September, the downtown blitz aimed at muffling the worst offenders resulted in only 95 tickets, and almost all for speeding. The city says there were also 241 complaints made about excessive light last year, up from 159 in 2018. Gruber told CBC News that managing noise and light levels are "essential" both for city-dwellers and people in rural areas alike to ensure a decent night's sleep. Sleep deficiencies, she said, will have a pretty immediate effect on memory and cognitive capacity. But a lack of sleep can also lead to obesity and issues with cardiovascular health, she said. "There are consequences that we might not be able to be fully aware of in the moment, but it will accumulate, and it will certainly take a toll." adam.carter@cbc.ca Rosenstein is the latest high-ranking Justice Department official to join the firms Special Matters & Government Investigations team; he will work closely with a deep bench of former federal prosecutors and senior government officials to help clients with their most challenging litigation, enforcement and reputational issues WASHINGTON, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- King & Spalding today announced that former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein joins the firms Washington, D.C., office as a partner on its Special Matters & Government Investigations team. Rosenstein spent almost two decades in senior legal management and leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Justice during the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump, including as Deputy Attorney General (2017 to 2019) and United States Attorney (2005 to 2017). Prior to his appointment as the Departments second-highest ranking official, he was the longest-serving Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney in recent history. Rod Rosenstein is an exceptional trial lawyer, strategist and leader with unquestioned integrity and toughness, said Robert D. Hays, Jr., chairman of King & Spalding. His arrival underscores the firms longstanding commitment to effective advocacy on the most complex and highest stakes government-related matters. Our clients will benefit from the unique experience of Rod and other senior government officials working together as a team. His arrival reflects the firms intent to continue building leading practices led by extraordinary lawyers to serve clients on their most pressing and sensitive needs. With his vast prosecutorial and enforcement background, Rosenstein becomes another critical member of King & Spaldings Special Matters & Government Investigations team, which assists clientscorporate, institutional and individualin sensitive and reputational legal challenges, including many involving government agencies, legislative bodies or state Attorneys General. In the past two years, the firm has significantly ramped up the group with an all-star roster of former senior Justice Department officials, including former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, former U.S. Attorneys Zachary Fardon and John Horn, former Associate Deputy Attorney General Alicia OBrien and former FBI Chief of Staff Zack Harmon. Other former senior officials recently joining the firm include former Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and former General Counsel for the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and acting USTR Stephen Vaughn. Rosenstein said, I worked with many current and former firm lawyers in both Republican and Democratic administrations, and I learned that some of the best lawyers in the world work at King & Spalding. When considering where to go after leaving the Department of Justice, it became clear to me why so many former government officials choose this firm. With an unparalleled depth of experience across its practice groups and a long and distinguished record of success in courtrooms, King & Spalding is a bipartisan firm that focuses on helping clients resolve complex and sensitive matters in the United States and abroad. The inclusive and collaborative culture allows every client to benefit from the broad expertise and deep insight of more than 1,100 exceptional lawyers throughout the firms 21 offices. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to expand the firms government investigations, national security and cybersecurity practices. As Deputy U.S. Attorney General, Rosenstein formulated and implemented Department policies and programs; coordinated interactions with the White House and other federal agencies, the Judiciary, and the Congress; interacted with state, local, and foreign government leaders; and provided supervision and direction to all Department components, including its litigating divisions and law enforcement agencies. Rosenstein conducted complex investigations and handled litigation in trial and appellate courtrooms as Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Departments Tax Division (2001 to 2005), as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland (1997 to 2001), and as an Associate Independent Counsel (1995 to 1997). Rosenstein started his legal career in 1989, as a law clerk to Judge Douglas H. Ginsburg of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He first joined the Department of Justice as a trial attorney in the prestigious Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division (1990 to 1993), before serving as counsel to the Deputy Attorney General and the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division (1993 to 1995). In these and other roles, he received dozens of awards and honors for his performance. In addition, Rosenstein gained impressive trial experience while representing the United States at 23 jury trials and arguing 21 appeals in various appellate courts around the country, including the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court criminal case of Chavez-Meza v. United States, in which the Court ruled in favor of his argument. Rod deserves his well-earned reputation for being decisive and unflappable in extraordinary professional situations, said Special Matters practice chair Wick Sollers. His experiences conducting and supervising large criminal and civil litigation uniquely qualify him to counsel and defend clients facing complex investigations, lawsuits and enforcement matters. Clients will benefit from his big-picture perspective, as well as his insights from having updated, improved and formulated federal law enforcement policies on corporate and white-collar enforcement, national security, CFIUS and cyber-digital issues. King & Spaldings Special Matters & Government Investigations team is stronger with his addition. Rosenstein graduated from the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School, with a B.S. in Economics, summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. About King & Spalding Celebrating more than 130 years of service, King & Spalding is an international law firm that represents a broad array of clients, including half of the Fortune Global 100, with more than 1,100 lawyers in 21 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm has handled matters in over 160 countries on six continents and is consistently recognized for the results it obtains, uncompromising commitment to quality, and dedication to understanding the business and culture of its clients. More information is available at www.kslaw.com. Media Contact: Micheline Tang 212-556-2301 mtang@kslaw.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99b66c27-603f-4642-9707-ae8fb293b6c2 Jennifleur.com scored 43 Social Media Impact. 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Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND The rally came on the heels of a military exchange between the United States and Iran. On Tuesday, Iran fired a salvo of missiles at two military bases in Iraq housing American troops. The attack came a week after an American drone strike killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Irans Quds Force, responsible for military and covert operations abroad and designated by the U.S. State and Treasury departments as a terrorist organization. No Americans were killed or injured in Tuesdays attack, Trump said Wednesday morning. You are here: World Flash Canada is withdrawing some soldiers from Iraq to Kuwait, Canada's Chief of Defense Staff Jonathan Vance said Tuesday. Vance announced the move in a letter on Twitter to the families of Canadian soldiers in Iraq and the surrounding region on Tuesday, after Germany and several other states have withdrawn some of their troops. The letter said the decision to withdraw an unspecified number of troops was made alongside NATO and Canada's allies to ensure their safety and security. Canada reportedly has about 500 soldiers in Iraq. They are for NATO's "non-combat, advisory and training mission" in the country. Tensions have escalated across the region after a U.S. airstrike killed Iran's Major General Qassem Soleimani near Baghdad International Airport last Friday. Soleimani was commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Quds Force. The United States has urged its citizens in Iraq to leave "immediately," following the air attack. Iran has vowed "harsh retaliation" against the United States for what Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called a "heinous crime" after Soleimani was "assassinated". Iraq's parliament and government have called for the forced withdrawal of Western troops from the country. Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan announced Saturday that Canada temporarily suspended a Canada-commanding NATO training mission in Iraq. Canada also updated a travel advisory for its citizens to Middle East countries due to an increased threat of military attacks, asking Canadian citizens in Iraq to consider leaving the country. The Bombay High Court on Wednesday slammed the Maharashtra government over its inaction against bureaucrats and others in an alleged Rs 6,000 crore scam of tribal welfare funds and said irrespective of ideologies officials shield members of their fraternity in such cases. While making the scathing remarks, a division bench of Justices S C Dharmadhikari and R I Chagla said since 2014, the government had been "dilly-dallying" over the issue and not taking any concrete steps against the errant officials. The HC was hearing a public interest litigation filed in 2012 by an adivasi from Nashik district, Bahiram Motiram, seeking a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in purchase of materials related to tribal development schemes in the state. After the PIL was filed, a committee was set up by the government under the chairmanship of a retired HC judge to inquire into the allegations. The committee, in its report, noted that funds received by the tribal welfare department of the state government was misappropriated and siphoned off. Following the report, over 70 FIRs were lodged and departmental inquiry was initiated against 13 government officials. Tribal welfare department principal secretary Manisha Verma, through an affidavit on Wednesday, submitted that of the 13 officials, four have been suspended and approval for similar action against the remaining nine is pending before the minister concerned. The affidavit said information regarding the criminal cases in the scam could not be obtained as police officials concerned were not cooperating. Irked with this, the court said, "All this is just an eyewash. Does the principal secretary seriously want us to accept such an affidavit where she is saying that she is unable to get information from the police." The court said if the police were not forthcoming with the information, then what stopped the principal secretary from raising the issue with the state home department. "The state government is shielding and protecting the prima facie guilty officials. Political parties at the helm of affairs are changing but they will still protect their fraternity," Justice Dharmadhikari said. "They help each other because today's principal secretary will be tomorrow's ex-principal secretary and may need help from the current one," the judge maintained. The court directed principal secretary Verma to appear before it on January 17 and explain her affidavit. According to the PIL, the tribal welfare department allegedly made purchases towards curbing malnutrition, distribution of cows and buffaloes, supply of diesel engine and pipes, without calling for tenders and the amounts shown as disbursed for welfare were actually siphoned off. As per the PIL, the scam size has been pegged at Rs 6,000 crore. The petitioner alleged that in March 2006, the tribal development department procured liquid protein bottles without following the due procedure or by floating tenders. Also, the liquid protein bottles were not distributed though the amount for the same was disbursed, he alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Trump called on Iran to "work together" to eliminate the Islamic State, saying the killing of ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was "good" for Iran. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump delivers a statement about Iran in the Grand Foyer at the White House in Washington, DC. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that no Americans were harmed in the attack by Iran on US bases in Iraq as he offered to embrace peace with the Iranian leadership, in a significant move to de-escalate spiralling tensions in the Middle East. His remarks came hours after Iran launched 22 ballistic missiles in a pre-dawn attack on Wednesday targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces are stationed in Iraq, which Tehran said was a "slap in the face" of America. "We suffered no casualties. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases," Trump said in his 10-minute address to the nation from the White House Grand Foyer. According to the Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards General Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by Trump. The Iranian state television claimed that "at least 80 terrorist US soldiers" were killed in the strikes. Some 5,000 US soldiers are in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the IS terror group. "No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime," Trump said as he described Gen Soleimani as a "ruthless terrorist." "In recent days he was planning new attacks on American targets, but we stopped him," Trump said. "By removing Soleimani we have sent a powerful message to terrorists. If you value your own life you will not threaten the lives of our people. Soleimani's hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood. He should have been eliminated long ago." he said. Trump called on Iran to "work together" to eliminate the Islamic State, saying the killing of ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was "good" for Iran. In a direct message to the Iranian leaders and the people, Trump said the United States was "ready to embrace peace with all who seek it". "To the people and leaders of Iran, we want you to have a future and a great future, one that you deserve," the president said. Trump said Iran appeared to be standing down, which was a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. "For far too long, all the way back to 1979 to be exact, nations have tolerated Iran's destructive and destabilising behaviour in the Middle East and beyond. Those days are over," he said, adding that peace and stability cannot prevail in the Middle East as long as Iran continues to foment terrorism. Trump also asked NATO "to become much more involved in the Middle East process." He vowed that he will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. "As long as I'm President of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon," Trump said. President Trump criticised the Barack Obama-era Iran nuclear deal as "very defective" and "foolish." "The missiles fired last night at us and our allies were paid for with the funds made available by the last administration," Trump said. "The very defective nuclear deal expires shortly, anyway, and gives Iran a clear and quick path to nuclear breakout. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism," Trump said. Iran on Wednesday announced that it was partially withdrawing from the deal. Trump, who has already withdrawn from the deal arguing that it does not meet the desired objective, called on other allies to "break away" from the deal. "The time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China to recognise this reality. They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal who are Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). And we must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a more safer and peaceful place," he said. "We must also make a deal that allows Iran to thrive and prosper and take advantage of its enormous untapped potential. Iran can be a great country," Trump said. The civilized world must send a clear and unified message to the Iranian regime thet "your campaign of terror, murder, mayhem will not be tolerated any longer. It will not be allowed to go forward," he said. Asserting that America has achieved energy independence, Trump said US did not "need Middle East oil. "We are now the number one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere in the world. We are independent, and we do not need Middle East oil," he said. Trump also said that his administration will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on Iran. "These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behaviour," Trump said. Oil price losses deepened after Trump hinted at easing tensions over Iran, with New York prices sliding 4.6 per cent. Columbia Borough officials confirmed that there were seven working smoke detectors installed in a rowhome nine months prior to it catching on fire. Firefighters found only one detector after the fire was extinguished in the 200 block of South Second Street on Jan. 4, and it wasnt working, Columbia Borough Fire Chief Douglas Kemmerly told PennLive on Saturday. The fatal fire took the lives of two tenants. In an interview with Lancaster Online on Tuesday, property owner Ray Kreider said he doesnt understand what happened. He said his property manager installed newer smoke detectors in April 2019 that are sealed and use 10-year lithium batteries. Kreider said his property manager showed him the receipt for the detectors. Borough inspection records show that seven working smoke detectors were in the rowhome when Michelle Hoffman, her daughters Cami Jo Combs and Tori Lefever, and her three grandchildren moved in, Lancaster Online reported. Columbia Borough requires rental units to be inspected every three years or when tenants move in. Kreider, who is working with borough officials, noted that there should have been at least one carbon monoxide detector in the house," Lancaster Online reported, but none were found. Pennsylvania State Police at Lancaster said the fire was ruled accidental. Authorities said the fire started when a trash can was left on the stovetop. Both 20-year-old Cami Jo Combs and Combs 2-year-old daughter Callie Jo Flowers died in the fire. Troopers said they were sleeping when it broke out. Their funeral is planned for Friday at Columbia United Methodist Church, 510 Walnut St. Kreider told Lancaster Online hes saddened by the loss of lives, and he has some big questions. Initial damages were estimated at $50,000, but now he said damages are estimated at more than $100,000, "more than the propertys $92,000 in insurance coverage. "Im sad for the whole situation, he told Lancaster Online. Kreider said hes confused because lithium detectors cant be disconnected to "quiet them if theyre set off, usually cooking or smoking. In the report, he said that hes aware people sometimes just get rid of the detector. Mayor Leo Lutz said the smoke detectors were present at the April inspection, according to Lancaster Online. There is a chance that citations could be issued. The fine is $200 for not having a smoke detector, plus the costs of the detector, Lancaster Online reported. Tenants Hoffman and Lefever said they didnt have a clue what happened to the detectors. They said they could recall seeing only one detector the one that was outside Combs bedroom - a nine-volt battery smoke detector. Its battery had power and was connected, Kemmerly told Lancaster Online, but the detector wasnt working when firefighters entered the house within about five minutes of being dispatched. A GoFundMe account, set up to help with funeral costs, remains active. As of Wednesday afternoon, $7,300 of its $10,000 goal had been raised. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Dear U.S. Sens. Jon Tester, Steve Daines and U.S. Congressman Greg Gianforte: I just read the president's latest insane tweet notifying Congress of future actions against Iran in a "disproportionate manner" after threatening to violate the Geneva Convention by declaring he had 52 sites in Iran in mind, including cultural sites. Donald Trump poured gasoline on Iran and the Middle East when he pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, which was a brilliant stabilizer, and Iran, by all accounts, was abiding by their end of the deal. Now, Trump has assassinated one of Iran's national heroes, effectively throwing a match onto his already smoldering fire. I understand that Trump was given multiple choices and he chose the most extreme measure. Other presidents also had this choice and were wise enough not to use it. I can't take this anymore; governing our country by tweet. This is insane and highly dangerous. Almost four years of chaos, daily pathological lies, insulting our allies, attacking people personally, betraying the Kurds, ad nauseam. I demand that you do everything in your power to stop this madness. It is your responsibility and duty to our republic, to our democracy, to America. Rose Davis Missoula Love 7 Funny 11 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Ever since Deepika Padukone visited Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on January 7 and stood in solidarity with the students, including the JNU students' union president Aishe Ghosh and former student leader Kanhaiya Kumar, netizens have flooded Twitter with their reactions. While some are lauding the actress for taking a stand, some are boycotting her upcoming film, Chhapaak. Amid all the mixed reactions, actor Kartik Aaryan has praised Deepika Padukone. The Pati Patni Aur Woh actor told Bollywood Hungama that according to him, violence is an awful thing and he can't believe how our nation is engrossed in such things. Kartik further added that he respects what Deepika Padukone did (hinting at Deepika's JNU visit) and he hopes that a lot of people would stand up and come ahead to talk about it. ALSO SEE:Deepika Padukone Visits JNU Campus, Stands In Solidarity With Students; Pictures. The actor further added, "No one should be afraid of anything. I think more than anything as a citizen, we should stand (up) for it and we should speak about it and that's what happening now." Earlier, Bollywood stars like Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt slammed the attack inside the JNU campus. While talking to the media, Varun Dhawan said, "I think we cannot stay neutral in such issues. You have to condemn such attacks. It is dangerous and sad if masked people enter an educational institution and all this (assault, vandalism) happens." Alia Bhatt also condemned the JNU attack through her Instagram stories post and wrote, "Everyday is disturbing. What's going on? When students, teachers and peaceful civilians become victims of physical assault on an ongoing basis, it's time to stop pretending that all is fine." She further wrote, "We must look truth in the eye and acknowledge that we are a house at war with itself. We, the people, of this country no matter how diff our ideologies, must find a human solution to all of our complex problems, and reinforce the peaceful and inclusive ideals upon which this country was built." ALSO READ: What Does Deepika Padukone's Visit To JNU Mean? Was It For Chhapaak Promotions Or Not? Harare, Zimbabwe (PANA) - Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has taken his 2019 annual leave for the next three weeks until the end of January, after he skipped taking it last month The United States began deploying B-52 bombers in Diego Garcia, on an island base in the Indian Ocean. The bombers began to deploy because of the growing threat from Iran after the assassination of General QassIem Suleimani. Fox News reports. Six bombers are located 2,300 miles south of the southernmost point of Iran. "Each aircraft has eight engines and is designed to carry a large storage of weapons, including cruise missiles, conventional and laser guided bombs, and nuclear bombs," - the report said. As we reported, the US presidential administration began the development of restrictive measures against Iraq in response to the decision of the country's parliament on the withdrawal of US troops New Delhi, Jan 8 : The Bharat Bandh countrywide general strike on Wednesday called by trade unions has impacted front-end banking services like cheque clearing and deposits in varying degrees. Services like deposits and withdrawals, cheque clearing and instrument issuance are expected to be impacted further owing to the day-long strike. Netbanking services, however, are least likely to be affected. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has already made online NEFT transfers a round-the-clock process and also waived off charges. ATM services may also be affected at some places. State-run State Bank of India (SBI), India's largest lender, had earlier said it expects only minimal impact on its services due to the strike as only a few of its employees are members of the striking unions. Other major state-run banks like the Bank of Baroda have warned of operations getting affected at both its branches and offices. Ten central trade unions on Monday said around 25 crore people will participate in a nationwide strike on January 8 to protest against the government's "anti-people" policies. Trade unions - INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC - along with various sectoral federations and associations had adopted a declaration in September last to go on a nationwide strike on January 8, 2020. In Chennai, the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) president C. Venkatachalam is leading the strike, an association official said. Bank unions are joining the CITU-called strike not just in solidarity with their counterparts in other sectors but also to protest against banking reforms and mega merger of public sector banks (PSBs). They are also demanding a pay hike besides a uniform 5-day week. The demands include a halt in the merger process of 12 PSBs, stopping disinvestment and strategic sales of the central public sector units and a bar on employing contract workers for "perennial nature of work". Various bank employee associations, including the AIBEA, All India Bank Officers' Association (AIBOA), Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI), Indian National Bank Employees' Federation (INBEF), Indian National Bank Officers Congress (INBOC) and Bank Karmachari Sena Mahasangh (BKSM) have joined the strike, thereby affecting ATM and branch services. Several banks have already informed stock exchanges about the strike and its likely impact on banking services. The Central government has asked all public sector undertakings to dissuade their employees from taking part in the Bharat Bandh. Employees who go on strike, or even protest, have been threatened with consequences like deduction of wages and disciplinary action. -IANS ana/bc Khartoum: Sudan banned two newspapers and two television stations on Tuesday, saying they had received funding from the government of former president Omar al-Bashir who was ousted last year following protests. The decision was made by a committee tasked by Sudan's transitional authorities with dismantling institutions linked to Bashir and his defunct National Congress Party. The ban covers the dailies Al-Sudani and Al-Ray Al-Am and satellite channels Ashrooq and Teeba along with their parent companies, according to committee member Taha Othman. "These institutions were funded by the state and we want to return the money to the Sudanese people," said Mohamed al-Fekki, a member of Sudan's transitional ruling council. By Tuesday evening, Ashrooq and Teeba channels stopped broadcasting. Diaa al-Din Belal, Al-Sudani's editor-in-chief, denied receiving funds from Bashir's government. "We operate under a private company and we did not receive any funds from a party or a government authority," he told AFP. Bashir was ousted last April after mass protests against his three-decade rule rocked Sudan for months. Sudan is currently ruled by a civilian-majority body formed after a power-sharing deal signed in August by protest leaders and the generals who ousted Bashir. Also Read: Iran Launches First Attack Against US, 12 Ballistic Missiles Hit Iraqi Airbase Housing Foreign Troops In December, Bashir was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for corruption in the first of several cases against the ousted autocrat. He was charged with illicitly receiving millions of dollars from Saudi Arabia. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A second Manitoba judge has called for an independent review of northern bail courts, after finding police automatically jailed a woman with no criminal record rather than fairly considering whether she should be released. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 8/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A second Manitoba judge has called for an independent review of northern bail courts, after finding police automatically jailed a woman with no criminal record rather than fairly considering whether she should be released. About a month after Court of Queens Bench Justice Chris Martin called for an independent review of what he described as a "dysfunctional" bail system in northern Manitoba, provincial court Judge Malcolm McDonald echoed his remarks. Judge Malcolm McDonald - Manitoba Provincial Judge "Deficiencies in the initial bail processes in remote communities in northern Manitoba inevitably lead to downstream consequences that further hinder the overburdened system of the Provincial Court in Thompson centre as identified by Justice Martin... and in turn affect individual rights to reasonable bail," McDonald wrote in a Dec. 18 decision. McDonald, who is based in The Pas, stated he found "worrisome shortcomings" with how police interpret their powers to release or detain people, but he said he didnt find evidence of systemic violations. He ruled a Norway House womans charter rights were violated in February 2018, when she spent two days in custody before she got a bail hearing. Amy Crate is headed to trial this spring on impaired driving and drug charges even though McDonald decided she was arbitrarily detained and denied her right to reasonable bail. The judge refused to stay the charges against her, writing in his decision the fact two of her charter rights had been violated didnt affect her right to a fair trial. "Any period of time an accused spends in custody that is unwarranted or unnecessary is a serious matter. That being said the authorities this court is bound by are clear that a judicial stay of proceedings is a remedy of last resort," McDonald wrote in his decision. In slightly different circumstances, McDonald decided, Crate would have been released right after her arrest, before she was shipped nearly 300 kilometres north to Thompson. "The practice of the federal Crown to not be actively involved in custody remand decisions from outlying communities into Thompson is a practice that should be reviewed." Manitoba Provincial Judge Malcolm McDonald After she appeared in court there, the Crown attorney agreed to release her on bail. Instead, she was detained for two days because police in Norway House didnt speak to a federal prosecutor about her case. Based on a previous letter regarding drug charges from the federal prosecutions office in Winnipeg, police believed they had the authority to "auto-remand" Crate into custody, the judge found. This happened despite a court policy in place since at least 2013 that requires Crown attorneys to participate in all bail hearings. "The practice of the federal Crown to not be actively involved in custody remand decisions from outlying communities into Thompson is a practice that should be reviewed," McDonald wrote. McDonalds decision, which noted some delay caused by Crates defence lawyer later in her case, also pointed out problems with the brief, perfunctory telephone hearings that happen after someone is arrested in a remote community. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Criminal defence lawyer Rohit Gupta launched the constitutional challenges that prompted calls for an independent review. "It is expected change will occur to make these hearings more meaningful opportunities to have bail considered in an informed way with the routine involvement of counsel for the Crown and for the accused," McDonald wrote. "It is hoped that references to remand hearings will no longer be an apt description of these hearings." Crates defence lawyer, Rohit Gupta, also launched the constitutional challenges that prompted Martin to call for an independent review Nov. 15. Martin ruled the rights of a Norway House woman and a Split Lake man were violated when they were jailed for 51 and 23 days, respectively, without bail hearings. Gupta said its unfortunate the province hasnt committed to undertaking an independent review. "These two incidents are not isolated," he said. "This is not a rare occurrence... Everyone (in the North) knows this is occurring." In November, Manitoba NDP justice critic Nahanni Fontaine repeatedly questioned Justice Minister Cliff Cullen about whether the government would heed Martins call for an independent review. The government hasnt said whether it will undertake a review, but it has blamed the Opposition for past inaction while the NDP was in government. "Why is there so much resistance to calling an independent review when experts, judges, are saying that theres a problem?" Fontaine said in an interview Tuesday, suggesting costs are at issue. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "The only time they want to do a review and give millions of dollars to consultants is when they know that that review is going to enable them to make cuts." Late last year, the NDP filed freedom of information requests seeking data on average wait times for bail hearings in Manitoba, as well as the number of hearings held in northern Manitoba since 2016. That data isnt being tracked by the province, so those records dont exist. Fontaine said its "problematic" the data doesnt exist. "How can you in any way, shape or form, address the judicial processes of the north, which are repeatedly being shown to be problematic?" she said, describing those processes as "discriminatory" toward Indigenous people in northern communities. katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay Puerto Rico is still reeling from a pair of destructive earthquakes that occurred over the last two days. Much of Puerto Rico is still without power as engineers work to restore it in phases. Terrified of sleeping indoors as aftershocks continue, some people put mattresses in their front yards while others spent the night under white tents and tarps. The biggest of the two quakes was a 6.4 magnitude, and is one of the largest felt there in a century. It left homes destroyed, displaced hundreds of people and recovery could be more than $3 billion. The earthquakes come after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in September 2017. Some people in southern Puerto Rico said the earthquakes' damage was worse. Overnight, President Donald Trump approved FEMA assistance for the island. The effects of the earthquakes are also being felt in Central Florida. WESH 2 News spoke with people who have family and friends on the island. "It's very hard for the family down here to see what's going on in Puerto Rico. Everybody's scared. Nobody's sleeping. It's very hard, Marangely Lopez said. At Melao Bakery in Orlando, a popular Puerto Rican restaurant, many people have their minds on their family and friends now suffering again without power and other basic resources. "Every time I call my mom and she cries, she's just hysterical. She's scared, Lopez said. Lopez lives in Puerto Rico and came to Florida to visit her children to ring in the new year. With her mother and two of her kids on the island, she's planning to go back as soon as she can. "It's very hard. It's just hard, because we want to be there, but we can't. And they're going through a lot, Lopez said. "It's really devastating, said Johnattan Lozado, who moved to Orlando from Puerto Rico six years ago and still has lots of family and friends there. Because we just had like, the disaster with Hurricane Maria, the island is still recovering. I still knew people that still didn't have electricity. With these earthquakes, that just adds a layer of difficulty to like, get everybody back to speed, Lozado said. Some people say the earthquakes and the threat of more make this even worse than Maria. "It's horrible because when a hurricane is coming, they'll let you know, and you know how to prepare and what to do, but an earthquake, it's not the same thing, Lopez said. Photo: Deanna J./Unsplash Looking to up your appreciation of the arts? We've rounded up four artsy events around Detroit this week that will scratch your cultural itch, from a tour of a vintage automobile plant to a digital photography workshop. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Up to 51% Off Professional Headshot Session From the Mogul Life deal description: An experienced lifestyle photographer is offering professional, high-resolution headshots for a 30-minute or 60-minute session. 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Where: Digital Photo Academy, 1 Hart Plaza, Downtown Price: $49 for Workshop for One (50% discount off regular price); $89 for Workshop for Two (55% discount off regular price) Click here for more details, and to score this deal This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Oil futures surged in New York after Iran said it started attacks on an Iraqi airbase that hosts U.S. troops. Spot gold also jumped. West Texas Intermediate crude jumped as much as 4.4% to $65.48 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange after Irans state television reported the country started operation Martyr Soleimani" at dawn with several rockets being fired at Ayn al-Asad base in Iraq. Reports of the attacks reignited fears that Irans promised retaliation against the U.S. killing of a top general last week will spark a wider conflict in the Middle East that could disrupt global oil supplies. U.S. President Donald Trump has been briefed on reports of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq and is monitoring the situation closely with his national security team, the White House said in a statement. WTI futures were up 3.6% at $64.93 a barrel at 7:46 a.m. in Singapore. Spot gold jumped 1.5% to $1,598.30 an ounce. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics The AFP also said its Counter-Espionage and Special Investigations Taskforce was targeting "foreign interference activities ranging from covert influence campaigns to traditional espionage". A video message Taiwan's authorities are investigating Mr Wang's claims in November that he helped run a cyber army distributing pro-Beijing propaganda during municipal elections in 2018. One of the Facebook pages Mr Wang nominated as a covert propaganda tool was recently shut down by Facebook. He also said he had been ordered to interfere in the January 11 presidential election and that it was at this point he decided to defect. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on the campaign trail. Credit:AP Sources familiar with the communications say that on Christmas Eve and over the following days, Mr Wang was told that he must record and release a video retracting those claims and instead implicate President Tsai Ing-wen's Democratic Progressive Party in bribery. The two men suspected of co-ordinating the directives are controversial Taiwanese political figure Alex Tsai and a China-based businessman called Mr Sun. Mr Tsai is a former legislator and a current deputy secretary of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), which is opposing President Tsai in the election. Mr Tsai is regarded as close to Beijing and was arrested and briefly detained in 2017 for alleged embezzlement. Among the messages Mr Tsai allegedly sent Mr Wang are photos of Mr Tsai meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping. Mr Wang was told that if he followed the directives prior to the presidential election this Saturday he would be welcomed back to China or Taiwan, given financial benefits and have his family protected. If he did not comply, however, he was told he would be extradited to China to face death or even be targeted for reprisals in Australia. The activity targeting Mr Wang appears aimed at swaying the outcome of Taiwan's presidential election by falsely implicating the governing party in corruption. If the DPP and President Tsai lost the election it would be a major coup for the Chinese government. The script Mr Wang was instructed to read also includes a line in which he would recant allegations he made against businessman Xiang Xin, who Mr Wang claimed employed him in Hong Kong and led a Chinese Communist Party spy ring. "About Xiang Xin, he is only an acquaintance I've met one or two times," the script read. "I implicated him and his wife in espionage together because he is the richest person and most high-status person I know." China Innovation Investment officials Xiang Xin and his wife Gong Qing in Taiwan before they were detained in November. Credit:EBC After Mr Wang's spying claims were aired in Australia in November, Mr Xiang was prevented from leaving Taiwan by national security officials who began investigating him. Mr Xiang, who has deep ties to China's military technology sector, denies all wrongdoing. The script Mr Wang was told to read states that he had conducted his November interview revealing his Taiwan spy allegations because a person from the DPP had "promised me ... the Democratic Progressive Party would guarantee that it would give me a large sum of money and sort out my asylum application in Australia or help me settle in Taiwan". 'Freely settle in Taiwan' Sources have allowed The Age and Herald to view some of the messages sent to Mr Wang via intermediaries on various messaging applications. The initial approaches attempted to offer Mr Wang inducements in return for his co-operation. One message said, if you take up the offer by the end of this month, everyone will help ensure you safely return to mainland China, and at the same time will help you resolve all your debts". Another said: The KMT has agreed that they can let him freely settle in Taiwan. While Mr Tsai appears to have been prepared to offer only inducements to Mr Wang namely, safe passage to Taiwan arranged by his political party Mr Sun issued both threats and inducements. Messages obtained by The Age and the Herald also show Mr Sun and Mr Tsai communicating with each other and discussing how to deal with Mr Wang. A message showing Alex Tsai and Mr Sun discussing Mr Wang. Sources alleged Mr Sun warned that Mr Wang could be extradited to China and killed or his family on the Chinese mainland punished if he did not co-operate. It is an offence under Australian foreign interference laws to infringe on the rights of a person in Australia such as an asylum seeker by using bribery or threats in order to advance the interests of a foreign power. Interviewed on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Tsai said: "I have been in direct contact with Wang. My friend [Mr Sun] has also been in direct contact with him." Mr Tsai denied acting inappropriately or having any involvement in urging Mr Wang to record a script implicating the DPP in corruption. "I haven't asked him to put out any statement," Mr Tsai said. However, Mr Tsai sent Mr Sun a message in which he appears to refer to the script Mr Wang was to be directed to record. Mr Sun said on Wednesday that he had written the script for Mr Wang to read. Mr Sun described himself as a close friend of Xiang Xin but, contrary to Mr Tsai's interview and messages seen by The Age and Herald, denied being in contact with Mr Tsai. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Hours after the Centre ignored Keralas claim for natural calamity relief announced for seven states from the National Disaster Relief Fund, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has sought Rs 205 crore from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) for the rice distributed in the state from the corporation during the flood in 2018. The FCI communicated to the KSDMA on Monday through a mail stating that it had distributed 89,000 tonnes of rice in the state when the state was reeling under the flood. However, KSDMA authorities replied to FCI that the authority has no stake in paying the bill which has to be sent directly to the state government. Shekhar Lukose Kuriakose, KSDMA member secretary, told TNIE that he received the mail from FCI and he had effectively communicated to FCI that KSDMA was not the authority to repay the fund. I received the mail on Monday and KSDMA was told to pay the bill. However, I have replied to FCI to communicate directly with the government. KSDMA had only played a facilitators role, Shekhar said. EARLIER, the Centre had sought Rs 290.74 crore from the state in compensation for operating the aircraft that helped in rescue and relief operations during the flood in August 2018. But Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to the Centre asking it to rethink on its demand for the repayment of the flood relief fund. On Monday, the high-level committee chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah chose seven states, including four BJP-ruled ones -- Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tripura and Assam -- for the payment of flood relief. But Kerala has not received any response from the Union government even after repeated requests. The Centre had earlier released an interim financial aid of Rs 3,200 crore to four states, which again did not include Kerala. This interim assistance was given to four states -- Rs 1,200 crore to Karnataka, Rs 1,000 crore to Madhya Pradesh, Rs 600 crore to Maharashtra and Rs 400 crore to Bihar. In 2018, the Union government approved Rs 2,500 crore for relief and rehabilitation work in Kerala, three months after the flood-ravaged 14 districts of the state and killed 483 people. The relief amount sanctioned by the Centre is in addition to the Rs 600 crore it had granted as interim relief earlier. It, however, had fallen well short of the Rs 4,800 crore sought by the state government. The decision to exclude Kerala from the list of states receiving calamity-relief funds has come under severe criticism from the state government. Flood relief and rehabilitation In 2018, the Union government approved C2,500 crore for relief and rehabilitation work in Kerala, three months after the flood ravaged 14 districts of the state and killed 483 people Uganda is set to host Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in 2024. Uganda was selected to host the conference at the ongoing CSPOC in Ottawa, Canada running from 06-10 January 2020. The Conference provides Speakers and presiding officers of National Parliaments in the Commonwealth with a unique opportunity to gather together in a forum of their own to exchange information and express views on matters of common concern. Stories Continues after ad Among issues being discussed at the conference are the format of the said forums; standing committee rules and venues for future meetings. The Speakers are also discussing issues of parliamentary engagement: openness, transparency and accountability; parliamentarians as effective legislators and constituency representatives. On selection of venues for future meetings, it was agreed that the 2021 CSPOC would be held in Guernsey which is an island in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy. In 2022, Australia will be the host while the Standing Committee meeting will be held in Trinidad and Tobago in 2022. Following the airstrike, Iran also announced it was further cutting its compliance with the 2015 agreement that restrained its nuclear program. That prompted U.S. President Donald Trump, who withdrew from the deal and applied new sanctions against Iran, to tweet Monday, "IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!" U.S. officials have blamed Soleimani for the killings of American troops in Iraq by Iranian-backed forces and accused him of plotting "imminent" new attacks against U.S. personnel in the region, while not publicly disclosing the nature of the threat. With tensions between the United States and Iran raised, the U.S. has denied Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif a visa to travel to New York for upcoming United Nations meetings. "This is an act of aggression against Iran, and it amounts to an armed attack against Iran, and we will respond," Zarif said. "But we will respond proportionately -- not disproportionately... we are not lawless like President Trump." Soleimani's killing has sparked fears of a wider conflict as the United States and Iran threatened strong responses to each other's actions. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif contended in a CNN interview that the U.S. killing of Soleimani, commander of the Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, constituted "state terrorism." Many of the mourners screamed for retaliation against the United States for the killing of Soleimani, taken out in a drone strike last week at the Baghdad airport on orders of U.S. President Donald Trump. "No compromise, no submission, revenge!" they shouted. A stampede at the funeral Tuesday for top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani killed at least 40 people and injured more than 200 others, Iranian state media reported. Tens of thousands of people had gathered to honor Soleimani in his hometown of Kerman before his burial, following similar ceremonies this week in Tehran, Qom and Ahvaz. The state media reports said the burial was postponed following the stampede. Trump also vowed late Sunday that the U.S. will strike "very hard and very fast" at as many as 52 Iranian targets if Iran attacks U.S. personnel or assets. The number 52 represents the number of Americans Tehran took hostage in 1979 for 444 days. "They're allowed to kill our people," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "They're allowed to torture and maim our people. They're allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people and we're not allowed to touch their cultural sites? It doesn't work that way." Iranian President Hassan Rouhani rebuffed Trump's threat on Monday, tweeting: "Those who refer to the number 52 should also remember the number 290. #IR655. Never threaten the Iranian nation." It was a reference to the U.S. mistakenly shooting down an Iranian passenger jet flying over the Persian Gulf in 1988, killing all 290 people aboard the aircraft. Then-U.S. President Ronald Reagan expressed deep regret over the incident and the U.S. paid nearly $62 million in reparations to the victims' families. As the threats and counter-threats ricocheted between Tehran and Washington, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg urged Iran to avoid "further violence and provocations." At an emergency session of NATO's ruling council in Brussels, U.S. officials briefed allies about the drone strike that killed Soleimani. Stoltenberg said it was a "U.S. decision" to launch the attack, but added that the other 28 NATO countries had longstanding concerns about aggressive Iranian military actions in the Middle East. In another development, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud in Washington. The State Department said Pompeo thanked Al Saud for Riyadh's "continued support" and for "working with the U.S. to counter the threat posed by the Iranian regime." Speaking to VOA Persian, London-based Iranian dissident and political analyst Alireza Nourizadeh said the demise of Soleimani is welcome news to several of Iran's neighbors. "Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Lebanon -- they were targets of Soleimani and endured his attacks," Nourizadeh said. In another VOA Persian interview, former U.S. ambassador to the UAE Barbara Leaf said majority-Sunni Gulf nations Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who long have accused predominantly-Shi'ite Iran of seeking regional hegemony, both have been "muted" in their public responses to the U.S. killing of Soleimani. "The theme of their comments essentially is, it is time for de-escalation and a political approach to resolving these issues," said Leaf, an analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. "It is safe to say that all Gulf countries as well as Iraqis are extremely anxious about the prospect of an escalation to actual clashes between the U.S. and Iran." The White House said it will brief the entire 100-member Senate about the drone attack on Wednesday. While Republicans have generally supported Trump's action to take out Soleimani, opposition Democrats have called for publication of U.S. intelligence used by his aides to justify the strike. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Sunday letter to her Democratic colleagues that the House will vote this week on a war powers resolution "to limit the President's military actions regarding Iran." "It reasserts Congress's long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further Congressional action is taken, the Administration's military hostilities with regard to Iran cease within 30 days," Pelosi wrote. She called last week's airstrike "provocative and disproportionate," and said it endangered U.S. troops while escalating tensions with Iran. Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of Trump's Republican allies, said the president "did the right thing" and that his national security team is "doing a great job helping President Trump navigate Iranian provocations." It is not unusual for navies to cannibalize ships decommissioned or rendered unserviceable by accidents for parts, but rarely an entire new ship was created by welding together the ends of two ships. In 1909, the Royal Navy launched two Tribal-class destroyers named HMS Zulu and HMS Nubian. The Tribal-class destroyers were powered by steam turbines and used oil-fuel rather than coal in their boilers. These ships had high fuel consumption, which shortened their ranges severely limiting their radius of action. Because they could not go out into the open ocean, Tribal-class destroyers were used primarily for home defense, hunting submarines, and protecting England from any seaborne threats. HMS Zulu + HMS Nubian = HMS Zubian. Both HMS Zulu and HMS Nubian saw action during the First World War. Zulu successfully carried out patrol duties near the straits of Dover, capturing the German sailing ship Perhns on August 1914. She then took part in a large scale operation off the Belgian coast to lay mines and nets. She was joined by Nubian, and together they laid lines of dan-buoys to mark the positions for the minefields and nets to be laid. Nubian spent most of her first few years engaging in Naval exercises. In 1912, she went to Manchester to take part in a Whitsuntide display at the city. Moored at Trafford Wharf, she was visited by hundreds of thousand of people who were allowed to board the ships. Many more had to turned away because of overcrowding. During the Battle of Dover Strait, in October 1916, Nubian's bow was severed by a German torpedo that exploded almost under her bridge. The disabled Nubian was attached to a line to be towed back to Dover, but bad weather caused her to break away and she ran aground on the South Foreland, near Dover, killing 15 of her crew and totally damaging her bow. HMS Zulu A month later, Zulu was sailing from Dover to Dunkirk when she struck a mine, that exploded under the ship's engine-room. Three men were killed, and the ship's stern broke off and sunk. Zulu was towed to safety by French destroyer that was nearby. With two Tribal-class destroyers disabled within a month of each other, the Royal Navy began one of the most remarkable salvaging operations in history. The remains of both ships were taken to Chatham Dockyard in Kent, where a group of skilled engineers severed off the damaged parts and surgically joined together the two functioning but opposite ends from both ships. Thus, HMS Zubian was born. The name is a portmanteau of the names of the original ships. The hybrid ship went back to action on the Dover Straits, patrolling the waters for German U-boats and participating in escort missions for convoys and raiding parties on the Belgian ports. After the war, the worn-out ship was sold and broken up for scrap. The severed stern of HMS Zulu. Nubian lying on its side after the storm. HMS Zubian Malaysian investigators played audio recordings of former premier Najib Razak seeking help from people including a member of Abu Dhabi royalty and former prosecutors to try to untangle himself from the 1MDB scandal in 2016. One of the clips show Najib reaching out to Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed to secure a meeting to discuss how to resolve the "impasse" relating to 1MDB and Abu Dhabi's International Petroleum Investment Co. in a July 26, 2016, conversation. That followed the U.S. Department of Justice filing lawsuits to seize assets linked to 1MDB and saying $3.5 billion had been misappropriated from the Malaysian state fund. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has verified the recordings and can vouch for their authenticity, Chief Commissioner Latheefa Koya told reporters in the administrative capital of Putrajaya. The agency will hand the clips to the police as they show elements of abuse of power, obstruction of justice and fabrication of evidence, which fall under the penal code, she said. Najib is undergoing trial to face dozens of charges linked to his role in the troubled state fund 1MDB, which is at the center of global investigations into corruption and money laundering. "I am shocked by the revelation and I am studying its content and I have referred the matter to my lawyer," Najib said to reporters outside the Kuala Lumpur courtroom. He said he needed to review the matter when asked to confirm the veracity of the clips. The nine clips also show conversations between Najib and people including his wife Rosmah Mansor and former anti-corruption chief Dzulkifli Ahmad. In a recording dated Jan. 5, 2016, then-public prosecutor Dzulkifli said to Najib he was worried that the 1MDB investigation papers were known to about 20 people, and asked, "how can we cover this up?" Dzulkifli also said to Najib that he and former Attorney-General Apandi Ali can handle the matter on the legal side. Dzulkifli was appointed as chief commissioner at the anti-graft agency the following August. On Jan. 26 of that year, Apandi held a press conference clearing Najib of all wrongdoing. In Najib's July 2016 discussion with Abu Dhabi's crown prince, he sought help signing a loan agreement for his stepson Riza Aziz's movie "The Wolf of Wall Street." Najib said such an agreement would "show it's a legitimate financing package, it's not money laundering." 'Wolf of Wall Street' Producer to Pay $60 Million Settlement The former premier said he was worried Riza would be made a scapegoat. "I don't want him to be a victim when he was totally unaware of the source of money," Najib said in the conversation with Abu Dhabi's crown prince. In another recording, Rosmah told Najib to withdraw an arbitration between 1MDB and IPIC. They discussed inviting representatives from the United Arab Emirates to settle the matter without arbitration. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) speaks as House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) listens during a news conference after a caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington in a Jan. 9, 2019, file photograph. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) House Democrats: No Set Timeline for Vote on War Powers Resolution on Iran House Democrats said theres no set schedule for a War Powers resolution vote, after a top Democrat initially said a vote would take place this week. Republican President Donald Trump authorized an airstrike that took out Iranian General Qassem Soleimani last week, a strike that was widely questioned by Democrats and prompted talk of introducing a resolution to order the military to stop taking action against Iran. Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) blamed the airstrike for setting off an avalanche of chaos and said the House plans this week to vote on a war powers resolution to reconfirm Congresss long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further congressional action is taken, the administrations military hostilities with Iran must cease within 30 days. Speaking at a House House Democratic leadership press conference on Wednesday morning, Clark added, Our purpose is clear: We stand ready to keep Americans safe and secure, and keep this from escalating into a war with Iran. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, though, questioned about the timing, said: We hope to move forward with something sooner rather than later. But there is no time frame, as I understand it, in terms of it absolutely taking place over the next day or two. Clark later said that Democrats are drafting the document, also adding, There is no set timeline. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced a war powers resolution in the Senate last week. Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), a military veteran, said the resolution wouldnt leave soldiers without support. But we have to have a serious discussion, and we have to reassert Congresss constitutional role, he said. President Donald Trump speaks about the situation with Iran in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington on Jan. 8, 2019. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) A picture taken on Jan. 8, 2020 in the Iraqi Kurdish town of Bardarash in the Dohuk governorate shows shrapnel from an Iranian missile initially fired at Iraqi bases housing US and other US-led coalition troops. (AFP via Getty Images) A man holds a picture of Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with Iranian Revolutionary Guards Major General Qassem Soleimani (L) during a demonstration in Tehran on Jan. 3, 2020. (Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images) The Congress is provided with the constitutional authority alone to declare war, Jeffries added. He said Democratic leaders are working on getting support from different parts of the caucus. Jeffries and other Democratic leaders heard from an Obama administration ambassador about the Iran nuclear deal, which was agreed upon by President Barack Obamas administration but wasnt ratified by Congress. Trump pulled the United States the deal in 2018. Military leaders were scheduled to brief all members of Congress on the Soleimani strike later Wednesday. Democrats spoke shortly before Trump gave an address to the nation announcing no Americans were harmed by missiles fired by Iran at Iraqi bases hosing U.S. troops late Tuesday. Trump said Iran appears to be standing down. To the people and leaders of Iran: We want you to have a future and a great futureone that you deserve, one of prosperity at home, and harmony with the nations of the world, he said. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. The president also issued a warning, saying Soleimanis removal sent a powerful message to terrorists: If you value your own life, you will not threaten the lives of our people. Iran's army renewed a demand for U.S. troops to be withdrawn from the Middle East, state TV reported on Wednesday, after the elite Revolutionary Guards launched missile attacks on American targets in Iraq. "Now that they have understood our power, it is time for the United States to withdraw its troops from the Middle East," Iran's armed forces chief of staff General Mohammad Baqeri said in a statement, according to state television. WARSAW, Poland, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Abris Capital Partners, the leading private equity investor in Central and Eastern Europe, is proud to announce the promotion of Paulina Pietkiewicz, Edgar Kolesnik and Adrian Stanculescu to Partners. Their new roles are effective beginning January 2020. They will also join the Investment Committee as non-voting members. Paulina Pietkiewicz Edgar Kolesnik Adrian Stanculescu Paulina Pietkiewicz, previously Operations Director and Chief Compliance Officer, joined Abris Capital in 2015, bringing 18 years of international experience in various sectors of the financial services industry with a focus in the areas of: Mergers & Acquisitions, restructuring and management, legal, and regulatory & compliance. She is responsible for all operational, legal and compliance matters within the Group, including administration of the Polish, Romanian, Luxembourg and Cypriot operations. Edgar Kolesnik, previously Investment Director, started his career at Abris Capital in 2014. Since then, he has worked on multiple transactions in the industrial, consumer retail, financial services and infrastructure sectors with a focus on the Polish and Baltic markets. In particular, he has co-led Abris Capital's investments in DOT2DOT (premium packaging group), Chemes (label and packaging solutions), CARGOUNIT (locomotive leasing), and Graal (fish processing). Additionally, he supervises Talent Management of the investment team. Adrian Stanculescu joined Abris Capital in 2014. Since 2018 he has been acting as the Head of Abris Romania, leading a team of five professionals in the Bucharest office. He has worked on several transactions in Romania, including URGENT CARGUS (courier services), GREEN GROUP (PET and waste recycler), PEHART TEC (tissue paper producer), and the two latest acquisitions DENTOTAL (dental consumables and equipment distributor) and GTS GROUP (building management services provider). Pawe Gierynski, Managing Partner at Abris Capital, commented: "These nominations recognize the vital role Paulina, Edgar and Adrian have played in the continued growth and development of Abris in recent years. Paulina has stewarded the operations and compliance side of our business with great expertise, while Edgar and Adrian have demonstrated their credentials through successful leadership in important transactions. I take great pleasure in announcing these appointments, as I have had the opportunity to work closely with all three professionals and know they are well prepared for this new challenge." Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1062773/Paulina_Pietkiewicz.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1062772/Edgar_Kolesnik.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1062771/Adrian_Stanculescu.jpg Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/555610/Abris_Capital_Partners_Logo.jpg SOURCE Abris Capital Partners Related Links http://www.abris-capital.com/ Ursula von der Leyen, incoming president of the European Commission, left, speaks during news conference at the European Parliament, in Strasbourg, France, on Tuesday, July 16, 2019. Political leaders are urging Iran and the United States to refrain from any steps that would further aggravate ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. and coalition forces stationed at bases in Iraq on Wednesday morning. It is yet unclear if the attack has led to any causalities. The attack is the latest step in an escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, after the former killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad last week. "The use of weapons must stop now to give space to dialogue. We are all called upon to do everything possible to rekindle talks. There cannot be enough of that," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters on Wednesday. "We have established and timetested relations with many actors in the region and beyond to de-escalate the situation," she added. The EU's executive arm has been a key supporter of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) a deal signed in 2015 between the U.S., Iran, the U.K., France, Germany, Russia and China which aimed to prevent Tehran developing nuclear weapons. (Newser) The day had been about celebrating Mashayla Harper and the unborn child she was expected to deliver within weeks. But that expectation was dashed by the day's end. Harper was driving home from her Mississippi baby shower around 6pm Saturday when she was struck head-on by a hit-and-run driver, the Jones County Sheriff's Department tells People. Found lying on a road in Soso, the 24-year-old elementary school teacher who was 36 weeks pregnant was rushed to a hospital, where she learned her unborn daughter hadn't survived, per the Sun Herald. Meanwhile, authorities searched for 33-year-old James Gilbert, accused of fleeing the scene on foot; he was ultimately located with help from his wife. Police say he admitted to drinking alcohol before the crash. story continues below Gilbert, who faces charges including DUI and leaving the scene of an accident causing death, has at least three prior DUI convictions and is also a suspect in a 2018 hit-and-run death, per the Laurel Leader-Call. "This one is more egregious because the suspect knew he struck someone and caused life-threatening injuries," Jones County Justice Court Judge Billie Graham said during a Monday court appearance, where bond was set at $100,000. Asked why he ran, Gilbert told the outlet, "I was scared ... I'm so sorry." In a Facebook post, Harper's father wrote that to see his daughter go from "the happiest day of her life to ICU in a matter of minutes was a complete tragedy." She has been upgraded from critical to stable condition following surgery. (Read more hit and run stories.) Chosen from thousands of applicants from around the world, the newest members of the Disney Parks Moms Panel will join 28 returning moms, dads, grandparents and other in-the-know family members as an online resource to assist with planning a visit to Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, a Disney Vacation Club property or sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line. Panelists provide heartfelt and relatable one-on-one advice based on their own real-life experiences. Also debuting today is a new, curated Disney Parks Moms Panel content hub. Called "Panel Extras," this new online tool provides guests ready-to-browse advice all conveniently organized by topic. Guests wondering about transportation, restaurant options, shopping, etc., will be able to view videos, lists, downloadables, blog posts and more. For those unsure where to begin planning their next Walt Disney World Resort vacation, the Panel Extras hub is here to help! Plus, be sure to check back as Panel Extras will expand to include content featuring Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club later this spring! "Every guest has their own unique expectations for a magical Disney vacation. Disney parks and resorts offer endless options from dining and activities to accommodations and transportation for vacationers looking to personalize their dream trip. Making the choices that best fit your ideal Disney vacation is where the Disney Parks Moms Panel comes in," said Leanne O'Regan, director of public relations for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. "Our Disney-savvy panelists are incredibly passionate and eager to help others experience the wonder of Disney for themselves, which is why they are the ideal group to provide guidance and advice to those preparing for their next Disney vacation." These 14 new panelists join 28 returning members to form the 2020 Disney Parks Moms Panel. The new panelists will expand the panel's collective knowledge base by bringing their unique experiences to the group; they are: Aena D.; Richmond, Texas (Walt Disney World Resort) This mom is the "go-to" for Disney snacking questions with more than 100 Dole Whips under her belt. Cream cheese pretzels at the Launching Pad, lemon cheesecake at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe and Pizza at Via Napoli are just a few of this mom's favorite treats. This mom is the "go-to" for Disney snacking questions with more than 100 Dole Whips under her belt. Cream cheese pretzels at the Launching Pad, lemon cheesecake at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe and Pizza at Via Napoli are just a few of this mom's favorite treats. Allyn B.; Casper, Wyo. (Walt Disney World Resort) This fitness instructor and jewelry designer is all about efficiency ask her for help planning transportation and FastPass+ experiences to ensure a Walt Disney World Resort trip is a breeze. This fitness instructor and jewelry designer is all about efficiency ask her for help planning transportation and FastPass+ experiences to ensure a Walt Disney World Resort trip is a breeze. Bryan M.; Mission, Kan. (Walt Disney World Resort) This new dad is a time management pro, ready to help first-time Walt Disney World Resort guests schedule their dream vacations with time for naps, transportation and plenty of snack breaks. This new dad is a time management pro, ready to help first-time Walt Disney World Resort guests schedule their dream vacations with time for naps, transportation and plenty of snack breaks. Betsy S.; Woodstock, Md. (Walt Disney World Resort) This mom is a travel and running aficionado who knows Walt Disney World Resort is a vacation destination suited for all ages. This mom is a travel and running aficionado who knows Walt Disney World Resort is a vacation destination suited for all ages. Clara C.; Cincinnati, Ohio (Walt Disney World Resort) This bilingual mom and pediatrician, originally from Spain , has tips on how to make sure everyone enjoys themselves on multi-generational vacations. This bilingual mom and pediatrician, originally from , has tips on how to make sure everyone enjoys themselves on multi-generational vacations. Jonathan G.; Pennsburg, Pa. (Walt Disney World Resort) This dad believes a well-planned vacation should involve the whole family! Jonathan is looking forward to helping vacationers prepare, with ideas on how to prioritize activities that will keep everyone happy. This dad believes a well-planned vacation should involve the whole family! Jonathan is looking forward to helping vacationers prepare, with ideas on how to prioritize activities that will keep everyone happy. Sarah B.; Cumming, Ga. (Walt Disney World Resort) This mom of two little ones, is an expert on navigating the parks with infants and toddlers. This mom of two little ones, is an expert on navigating the parks with infants and toddlers. Shantel H.; Surprise, Ariz. (Walt Disney World Resort) This mom of two is full of clever tricks like packing your park essentials in clear storage bags for easy bag check for family days at Disney parks. This mom of two is full of clever tricks like packing your park essentials in clear storage bags for easy bag check for family days at Disney parks. Tamela H.; Prattville, Ala. (Walt Disney World Resort) This Disney resort hotel fan has a recommendation for every family and budget. This Disney resort hotel fan has a recommendation for every family and budget. Andres V.; Oxnard, Calif. (Disneyland Resort) This father of two has been on more than 200 Disney trips, making him an expert in all things West Coast for Disney Vacation Club and Disneyland Resort. This father of two has been on more than 200 Disney trips, making him an expert in all things West Coast for Disney Vacation Club and Disneyland Resort. Tiffanie S.; La Mesa, Calif. (Disneyland Resort) This annual passholder specializes in vegan and plant-based dining at Disneyland Resort. This annual passholder specializes in vegan and plant-based dining at Disneyland Resort. Sherry B.; Moore, S.C. (Disney Cruise Line) This savvy-sailor has 7 Disney Cruise Line voyages under her belt, so she has tons of tips, tricks and insights she is eager to share with future cruise vacationers. This savvy-sailor has 7 Disney Cruise Line voyages under her belt, so she has tons of tips, tricks and insights she is eager to share with future cruise vacationers. Angie C.; Bossier City, La. (Disney Vacation Club) This military wife and mom of two, is a big fan of the Disney Dining Plan and is excited to help travelers make the most of their Disney Vacation Club memberships. This military wife and mom of two, is a big fan of the Disney Dining Plan and is excited to help travelers make the most of their Disney Vacation Club memberships. Lauren B.; Harrisburg, Pa. (Disney Vacation Club) This Disney Vacation Club Member is a big fan of trying new restaurants and is eager to share her insights with others. With all of their experiences combined, the 14 new Disney Parks Moms Panelists: Have taken 714 Disney vacations tallying more than 588 rides on "it's a small world" during their visits Know how to travel with kids, with 24 children among them Love snacks as evidenced by the more than 650 Dole Whips they've collectively consumed Are real moms, dads, grandparents and "in the know" family members Guests can visit www.DisneyParksMomsPanel.com to receive a personalized response from a knowledgeable member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel, or to explore the new Panel Extras content hub. Guests can save favorite answers for reference or access more than 220,000 available questions and answers including exclusive video content from seasoned Disney vacationers. About the Disney Parks Moms Panel The Disney Parks Moms Panel is an online forum where guests find personalized tips and insights on Disney vacations from real guests parents and non-parents alike who have mastered the art of planning Disney vacations. Guests can pose questions to the panelists in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, and gain access to other vacation-planning tools. Featuring just 12 members during its inaugural year in 2008, the panel now boasts approximately 40 park-savvy, active panelists as a result of the popularity of the site and the ever-growing number of questions submitted by curious guests. Serving as independent contractors, the panelists receive a rewards trip to one Disney Destination for themselves and up to three family members and/or theme park tickets for their participation on the Disney Parks Moms Panel. For more information and to meet all the panelists, visit www.DisneyParksMomsPanel.com. SOURCE Disney Parks Related Links http://www.DisneyParksMomsPanel.com A day after a July 31 explosion and fire at an ExxonMobil plant in Baytown injured 37 people the fourth such incident at a Houston-area chemical facility in as many months Harris County sued the company for violating the Texas Clean Air Act. On Aug. 5, the state of Texas also filed suit. Some might see the dual filings as a positive development. After all, holding industry accountable in the courts can safeguard public safety through deterrence. And maybe the state, belying its industry-friendly reputation, was now willing to more aggressively take polluters to task. Perhaps state officials, who rarely miss a chance to lambaste local governments, had suddenly become amenable to collaboration. If you believe that, all those toxic fumes may be getting to you. At a hearing scheduled for next week, the state will argue that Harris Countys lawsuit against Exxon violates the Texas Water Code, which covers environmental lawsuits. The attorney general claims that the county attorney cant sue using a standing preauthorization by Harris County Commissioners, alleging that he must seek a new authorization before suing. The claim seems petty and counterproductive seeing as how the countys lawsuit, on its face, follows statute. This latest salvo is part of an ongoing dispute between the county and the state that has both entities racing to the courthouse to sue polluters. Along with Exxon, the state and Harris County filed suit against Intercontinental Terminals Co. and KMCO, last year. Harris County has been aggressive about filing these prayers for injunctive relief very quickly. Seeing Attorney General Paxton regularly filing suit on that same quick timeline is somewhat of a new development, Adrian Shelley, director of the Texas office of Public Citizen, told the Chronicle. The attorney generals office has declined to comment about its legal strategy or any future litigation, but environmentalists and some local officials fear the state is trying to limit the impact of any court rulings on major corporations a valid concern given a push by state officials to take jurisdiction from local governments on a wide range of issues, including environmental lawsuits. Over the last few sessions, lawmakers have succeeded in capping how much local governments can recover via civil penalties. Lawmakers have forced locals to notify the state if they are going to sue for such penalties and allow the state to take over. And lawmakers have limited the hiring of outside council on a contingency basis, hurting smaller counties ability to sue. Legislators argue that these changes bring uniformity to environmental enforcement and protect the Texas economy, but some of their examples of what theyve called abusive lawsuits, including $29 million awarded over pollution in the San Jacinto Waste Pits, point to confused priorities. Before these cases, the state had taken the de facto, default position that it would not seek civil penalties from parties cooperating in environmental cleanups, Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, said during an April committee hearing. This practice is bad for the Texas economy and draws away funds that could be used for remediation. If a mere apology from multimillion-dollar companies and a promise to clean up the mess they made was enough for the state, Harris County was right then and is right now to proactively pursue legal action to get real justice. The county shouldnt have to depend on the state to react to something happening in its own back yard, especially since filing first means a case will be heard here and not in Austin, and that the county can share in any penalties imposed by the court. State lawmakers claim multiple suits are redundant and that there needs to be a statewide approach, but at what cost locally? The solution isnt to pass legislation curbing city and county rights or get in the way of legal court filings. The answer is to work together for the benefit of all Texans. Many soon-to-be brides and grooms in China are calling for civil affairs authorities to work one extra day on Feb 2, a Sunday, so they can tie the knot on the special day, a perfectly symmetric date. Feb 2, 2020, is written as 20200202 on the Chinese calendar, and Chinese people often like to get married on an even date as they believe that good things come in pairs. In a response to one citizen's appeal to allow people to get marriage certificates on Feb 2, the Wuhan City Bureau of Civil Affairs in Hubei province said recently that people can apply online to get married on that Sunday. Zhou Shanping, head of the bureau's social affairs department, said many people have applied to get married on Feb 2 and all 15 marriage registration offices in Wuhan will work that day. He added, however, that though marriage is one of the most important events in people's lives, if everyone gets married on the same day, that day becomes less special. Xiamen City Bureau of Civil Affairs in Fujian province said that all marriage registration offices at the city will also work on Feb 2, according to Xiamen Daily. The hashtag "There is a rare symmetric date in 2020" had been viewed 320 million times by Tuesday, with many netizens expressing that they want to get married on Feb 2. The Chinese pronunciation for 2020 is similar to "love you, love you", adding special meaning to the year and the date. Liu Yue, 26, said she will seriously consider getting married on Feb 2 if the civil affairs authorities in her hometown in Baoding, Hebei province, also work on that day. It will be very special to get married on Feb 2, since it is rare to encounter such a symmetric date, she said. "A wedding is a very important ceremony, and a special date adds to the significance of the occasion," she said. "That's why people want to get married on Valentine's Day, or on May 20"520", whose pronunciation in Chinese sounds similar to 'I love you'." However, Liu's soon-to-be husband, Kang Hao, disagrees. "Any date is more or less similar to me to get married," he said. "I prefer to get married on a public holiday, since both of us work in Beijing and we need to get married in our hometown in Hebei." Chen Lina, who plans to wed her boyfriend in March, said she will not consider getting married on Feb 2. "I think there's no magic day that is going to be better than all the days of the year," she said. "Instead of getting married on such a special date, I prefer to get married on dates that are special to me and my boyfriend, like a birthday, the first day that we met, our first date, or the first time we kissed." For every couple, the process of choosing the wedding date is completely unique, and that's part of what makes your wedding date so special to you, Chen said. Choosing a wedding date can be a little bit like putting together a puzzle. You have to find a date that fits with your schedules and the schedules of your loved ones, while also keeping season, availability and budget in mind, she said. While recession fears arent gripping financial markets like they were a few months ago, Canadian households remain worried the nations economy is headed for a downturn. In an end-of-year survey for Bloomberg News by Nanos Research Group, 55 per cent of Canadians said theres at least a somewhat likely chance of a recession this year. Only 33 per cent said a recession is unlikely, with 12 per cent unsure. While the publics concerns are at odds with economist projections for at least some modest growth in 2020, the downbeat perceptions reflect a pervasive sense of caution that has dogged the countrys households for more than a year and impacted their behaviour. Saddled with some of the highest household debt levels in the world, Canadians have already slowed their spending to the weakest in at least half a century, in part because they are saving more to brace for a potential hit. Thats bad news for an economy thats been relying heavily on the consumer to drive growth, given the countrys weak investment and export record over the past decade. Excluding housing, annual growth in total household consumption everything from the purchase of televisions to spending on health care has averaged 1.1 per cent in real terms over the past four quarters, the slowest pace outside recession since at least 1962. Another sign of cautiousness: Savings rates are inching higher and are now at the highest since 2015. Talk of a global recession in financial markets had been rife for much of last year, but those worries have faded significantly in recent weeks amid signs the global economy is stabilizing helped by receding trade war risks between China and the U.S. and looser monetary policy in much of the world. At the same time, whatever growth there is will be modest. Economists predict Canadas economy will expand by a tepid 1.6 per cent this year, about the same as 2019. The U.S. economy is seen slowing to 1.8 per cent growth from 2.3 per cent in 2019. There are also indications that consumer worries have levelled off. The results are little changed from a similar poll taken at the end of November. A separate gauge of consumer confidence the Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index saw a rebound in December from a two-month slide, as financial markets surged at the end of last year and sentiment around real estate recovered. Recession concerns are most pronounced in Prairie provinces like Alberta, where almost three-quarters of households see a chance of a 2020 contraction. A majority of respondents in British Columbia and Ontario are also concerned a downturn is imminent. Quebec was the only province where optimists outnumbered pessimists. The results of the current survey are based on a hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,010 Canadians, between Dec. 22 and Dec. 29, and have a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points. Respondents were asked whether they thought a recession was likely, somewhat likely, somewhat not likely or not at all likely. The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Central government on a petition filed by the Council of Dalit Christians seeking Scheduled Caste (SC) status for the Dalit Christians. A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde sought response from the government and agreed to hear the plea which stated that the Christian Dalits should be given SC/ST reservation. The petitioner stated the change of religion does not end social discrimination against lower castes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) If youve evaded the flu so far without a flu shot, consider yourself lucky. But dont think you dodged the bullet. Doctors continue to urge Pennsylvanians to get a flu shot especially since flu seasons which start as fast as this one tend to last longer. Its definitely not too late to get a flu shot. In bad seasons like this, the flu often circulates until April, said Dr. John Goldman, an infectious disease specialist with UPMC Pinnacle. Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvanias secretary of health, this week also urged people to get flu vaccine, and said people can get a free shot at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, which runs through Saturday. The shots will be available at a booth run by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Vaccine is also commonly available on short notice at drug stores and supermarkets, with health insurance often covering the cost. Levine noted flu vaccine not only protects against the flu, but can prevent you from passing the flu to someone else. The flu probably hasnt reached its peak, which often comes in late January or February in Pennsylvania. But its unwise to put off getting vaccine, since it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective. Flu vaccine is typically 40 to 60 percent effective, meaning people who get the vaccine are about half as likely to get the flu. But when they do get the flu, its often less severe and doesnt last as long, Goldman said. Goldman said this years vaccine seems a good match for the two strains accounting for most Pennsylvania cases. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently said it was too early to officially judge the closeness of the match, which relies on comparing illness among vaccinated versus unvaccinated people. If you do get the flu, there are medications your doctor can prescribe which can lessen the severity and duration of the flu. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. MUSKEGON, MI Recreational marijuana will be for sale in Muskegon within a week, Bella Sol Wellness Centers announced Wednesday. State inspectors on Jan. 8 gave final approval for Bella Sol to open as Muskegons first recreational provisioning center, said Heather Howell, Bella Sol patient care specialist. We get to be the first in Muskegon, Howell said. Its really cool to be part of this historic moment. Bella Sol will open to recreational users within the week, Howell told MLive. She did not have a specific date, saying it depends on when the center receives its actual license from the state. Bella Sol opened at 1839 Peck St. in September 2019 as Muskegons second medical marijuana provisioning center. It is located near Laketon Avenue across from Marsh Field. Park Place Provisionary was the first to open in Muskegon in June 2019. It is located at 1922 Park St. Bella Sol receives several calls a day from people wondering when it will be opening to recreational users, Howell said. She warned that West Michigan is experiencing a shortage in flower product. That shortage does not extend to edibles and oils, she said. Half of its medical inventory can be diverted to recreational use if necessary. Bella Sol features the Canna-Val program that has been provided to medical patients and will also be available to recreational users, according to Howell. Canna-Val, reached via canna-val.com, uses the latest scientific research to develop an individuals leaf print that identifies their cannabinoid profile and what products meet that profile, she said. The centers inventory includes leaf marijuana, compounds and topical patches; tinctures; edible gummies, chocolate bars and caked goods; cannabis-infused coffee beans and blueberries; and concentrates including some vapor cartridges. Rose Byrne is taking her new role very seriously and stepped out looking like a boss in a power suit on Wednesday. The 40-year-old star made a statement in a head-to-toe creamsicle colored ensemble in New York City as she is promoting both her new film Like a Boss and new play Medea. The orange hue seems to be her tone of the moment and the Australian actress opted for another monochromatic orange look later that same day. Glowing: Rose Byrne stepped out two in two bold orange ensembles on Wednesday in New York City while promoting two new projects Rose's boxy-cut suit, which she paired with white pumps, fit her like a glove and the ensemble shimmered slightly when she walked like an orange sunset. Under the blazer she rocked a sheer blouse in a slightly more pastel tone with a pussy bow tied at her neck. For her glam, the mother of two keep the colors rosy with a warm tone on the apples of her cheeks and bronze eyes; and styled her blonde bob in waves. Later she swapped that look for a midi length vibrant orange dress under a camel colored patent leather trench coat tied at her slim waist with a matching belt. Fashion statement! Rose was spotted rocking a creamsicle colored powersuit with a matching pale orange top Stunning: For her glam, the mother of two keep the colors rosy with a warm tone on the apples of her cheeks and bronze eyes For a funky twist, Rose opted for red patent leather high heeled booties and yellow hoop earrings. She also smoothed out her previously beachy waves and tucked them behind her ears with a sleek middle part. The busy actress is promoting two big projects this week. Her comedy with Tiffany Haddish and Salma Hayek had it's premiere on Tuesday in New York City and opens wide on Friday. Costume change! Later she swapped that look for a midi length vibrant orange dress under a camel colored patent leather trench coat tied at her slim waist with a matching belt Too cool: For a funky twist, Rose opted for red patent leather high heeled boots and yellow hoop earrings Busy boss! The actress is promoting two big projects this week - her comedy with Tiffany Haddish and Salma Hayek and her new play with Bobby Cannavale The trio stars in Like a Boss which sees Haddish and Byrne playing best friends who sell their beauty line to a conglomerate with Hayek playing an over-the-top beauty CEO. Byrne is also co-starring in a reimagining of the Euripides play, opening January 12, opposite her longtime partner Bobby Cannavale. The two actors appeared in their first-ever joint late-night interview this week on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote the stage play. Funny girls: Like a Boss stars Haddish and Byrne as best friends who sell their beauty line to a conglomerate with Hayek playing an over-the-top beauty CEO Medea will be featured at the famed BAM, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, in Brooklyn, New York for a short six week engagement. In the adaptations, the two of them play scientists, with Rose's Medea being responsible for the success of Bobby's Jason, who then leaves her. Rose and Bobby have been together since 2012 and share sons Rafael, two, and Rocco, four. Hunt for 40K machine stolen from Network Rail depot This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jan 8th, 2020 British Transport Police is appealing for information following a burglary at a Network Rail depot in Llandudno Junction. The incident happened at 6.49pm on Sunday 15th December. Entry was forced into the compound and a Timberwolf wood chipper machine, worth over 40,000, was stolen from the depot on Tre Marl Industrial Estate. A silver 44 vehicle and a white van were believed to have been used to steal the machine. CCTV images reveals a vehicle travelling along the A55, heading eastbound towards England, transporting a machine. BTP Sergeant Kelvin Rowlands, said: We are working closely with Network Rail on this investigation and we ask who knows the identity of those involved, or who has any further information about the incident, to contact us by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting the reference number 900114385. Alternatively, you can provide any information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Bill Kelly, Network Rail route director Wales and Borders, said: I would strongly urge anyone with any information in relation to this burglary to get in touch with British Transport Police. Burglary, such as these, have serious implications for the railway network and money lost from such crimes ultimately means there is less money available to spend on building and maintaining the railway network which directly impacts on the travelling public. Climate protesters will go ahead with planned marches in Melbourne on Friday despite authorities claiming it will drain resources from the bushfire crisis. Environmental activist group Uni Students for Climate Justice rallied more than 12,000 people to march through the streets of Melbourne CBD during peak hour on Friday - predicted to be Victoria's next high fire danger day. The event was organised to protest the Morrison government's handling of the bushfires that have left 25 people dead and around 1,900 homes destroyed. Police pleaded with the organisers to change the date during a press conference and claimed resources would be pulled from the bushfire crisis to deal with the large-scale protest, but they refused. Environmental activist group Uni Students for Climate Justice (pictured in a previous protest) have rallied more than 12,000 people for the demonstration on Friday 'The timing of this protest probably could not be worse if we are serious about supporting the communities impacted by fire,' Acting Assistant Commissioner Tim Hansen said. 'To conduct an event which drains that number of police resources away from its number one priority, is really stretching us. It is not considerate.' But Uni Students For Climate Justice representative Anneke Demanuele told 3AW the protest didn't need to pull funding from the fires because they 'don't need their assistance', The Herald Sun reported. 'We haven't asked the police to attend this demonstration they're welcome but we don't need their assistance,' Ms Demanuele said. Protesters march down city streets on their way to stage a 'Die In' in at the corner of Bourke and Swanston Streets on May 24, 2019 in Melbourne She also said the protest is happening because they believe the government 'needs to be doing more' and had been watching the bushfires with 'absolute horror'. They are also calling for Prime Minister Scott Morrison 'to be sacked'. 'This is not some ordinary natural disaster, this is a crisis that has been caused by climate change. We need to get all of these b***ards out.' Mr Hansen said once police know about a protest they have an obligation to be there to maintain public safety. Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said people can protest but Friday is not the day given there is a heat spike expected and emergency services personnel are needed to help fight fires. Protesters including the 'Extinction Rebellion' took to the CBD in order to show the Earth's sixth mass extinction in reaction to Climate Change in May 2019 'People are entitled to protest, absolutely, but the timing is wrong,' she told reporters while at the airport to greet North American firefighters coming to help. 'People are recovering, trying to recover, at the same time they're preparing for another spike event.' She added that the last thing emergency services need is people 'deviated or distracted' by the well-meaning but poorly timed protest. The large-scale protest has been organised in multiple cities around the nation. Protesters are seen during a climate rally in solidarity with the Global Climate Strike in Melbourne on May 24, 2019 Demonstrations are also taking place in Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and a range of smaller cities around the country. Meanwhile, bushfires continue to ravage Australia. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service said fires had claimed 1,588 homes and damaged 653 more in the state alone, while about 200 homes have been destroyed in Victoria. Massive bushfires burning along the NSW-Victoria border could merge to form a terrifying 'mega-blaze' this week if weather conditions deteriorate. The Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff has been unresponsive in drafting new hunting proposals embracing the Fish and Wildlife Commissions expressed desire to move away from six-month shoulder seasons in hunting districts where they havent met performance criteria. That was the essence of the criticism leveled at the agency during a work session of the commission on Monday. I want to see some elk management, said commissioner Pat Byorth, of Bozeman. There are other tools we can use. For the 2019 hunting season, the fourth year of the long hunting periods known as elk shoulder seasons, 50 hunting districts had the extended seasons. The hunts can start as early as Aug. 15 and run until as late as Feb. 15. Right now FWP is holding meetings across the state concerning hunting regulation changes. At its Feb. 13 meeting the commission will finalize those proposals. FWP response In the face of the scolding, which was subdued, FWP director Martha Williams said her staff would demonstrate that shoulder seasons are not our preferred method but that youre not taking that tool away. She said over the next month FWP would work with the public and commission to identify where the shoulder seasons are functioning and where other methods of increasing elk harvest would be more practical. Commission chairman Shane Colton suggested that he would like to see a specific license that would apply to several of the hunting districts where shoulder seasons havent worked. That license would allow hunting beginning with the rifle season opener in October and run until Jan. 1. Its my desire to figure out a way to jump-start some of these districts that are way under criteria, rather than continuing shoulder seasons, he said. Under a new law passed by the Legislature, hunters in some districts would also be able to purchase three elk tags next hunting season. At least one of those tags would have to be a surplus antlerless elk license, in other words one that didnt sell through the regular process and is left over. In theory, if enough surplus cow elk licenses were available and a hunter had not purchased an A or B elk tag, they could buy three surplus licenses. Middle ground The notion that abandoning shoulder seasons would result in a lessened elk harvest raised the hackles of a few commissioners. Byorth denounced the idea that the so-called elk shoulder seasons were increasing harvests and therefore are the best way to meet state statutes for decreasing elk numbers where they are above population objectives. Somewhere in the middle is where we need to be, he said. Although praising the department for being willing to listen to the groups concerns, commissioner Logan Brower of Scobey said he did not support continuing something that is not working and wants the department to show some initiative in developing alternatives. Commissioner Richard Stuker, of Chinook, expressed concern that in hunting districts where shoulder seasons are abandoned some landowners would protest by restricting hunter access. He also said that the early elk shoulder season, which starts in August, has been popular with some farmers as a way to chase elk out of crops. Yet he also noted, I dont like harvesting elk for six months. Stuker also said that the idea of going to a cow-only elk hunt as a way to depress populations would rile landowners who see it as a punitive measure. Yet Colton pointed out that in some districts that are dramatically underperforming the objective for the bull elk harvest is being met or exceeded. Bull elk are valuable to landowners who lease their land to hunters or outfitters. Some hunters decry such monetization of wildlife, which is a public resource, while others say landowners are justified in charging since wildlife dine on their crops. Only commissioner Tim Aldrich, of Missoula, seemed willing to be patient when it comes to the six-month shoulder seasons, noting it wasnt time to raise the white flag. Yet he also added that it might take some changes from whats on the table at this point. Planning Williams said that the commissions discussion and questions emphasized the need for a new elk management plan. Some hunters have pointed to the current Montana Statewide Elk Management Plan, finalized in 2004, to support their claims that the elk population objectives in some hunting districts are unrealistic. Page 55 of the plan clearly states that inaccessible elk may not be included in objective numbers. Trend count number objectives may include only elk normally accessible to general hunting. But the plan also states that consideration will be given to landowners regarding elk damage complaints when setting objectives. The 2004 plan noted the increasingly complex nature of managing Montanas elk population. That complexity seems to have increased as elk numbers have continued to grow mainly on large tracts of private land and hunter access to some private lands has decreased. Colton stressed that the shoulder seasons were never created with the idea of being permanent. If thats a standard were going to hold ourselves to we need to come clean and say this is the new elk season in Montana, he said. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 WHEN: Today, Wednesday, January 8, 2020 WHERE: Interview aired on CNBC's "Closing Bell" From Beruit, Lebanon The following is the unofficial transcript of a CNBC interview with Former Nissan Executive Carlos Ghosn and CNBC's Michelle Caruso-Cabrera that aired on CNBC's "Closing Bell" (M-F 3PM 5PM) today, Wednesday, January 8th. Video from the interview is available on CNBC.com: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2020/01/08/watch-cnbcs-full-interview-with-fugitive-and-former-nissan-exec-carlos-ghosn.html. All references must be sourced to CNBC. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: Thank you for doing this. CARLOS GHOSN: You're welcome. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: Obviously, you masterminded this incredible escape out of Japan, worthy of a movie. How did you do it? CARLOS GHOSN: Well, I did it by myself. Obviously, it was with the help of some people that I got to know. But as you know, I'm not going to develop this because I'm going to expose them. And you can imagine that I'm not going to take any risk. It's people who have really dared to give me help into how to leave Japan without creating any trouble, which was the case. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: But tell me. You are stuck in a box for several hours. Right? Breathing through air holes. What is that like? CARLOS GHOSN: I'm not going to confirm or say anything. What I can tell you that it is obviously, you know, you have a lot of anxiety when you are in a period where you are transiting out of the country but you're not still out of reach. But when you go through an experience like mine, you know, where I've been arrested on the 19th of November 2018 and been through very, very tough times with a lot of adventure, I would say, you're numb. Somehow, your ability to feel the situation in which you are is diminished. Because you protect yourself by numbing yourself. So, I would say that it would be fair to say that between November 19, 2018 up to the 30th of December 2019, when I arrived to Beirut, it was a little bit of a period where it's kind of parentheses in my life. I thought that I was in a completely different way. I was feeling completely differently. And somehow, I am reborn since I arrived here. So, when you tell me what were your emotion? Yes, I had some emotion, but somehow, they were diminished compared to what I'm feeling now. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: And when you finally got out and got to Lebanon? CARLOS GHOSN: It's a rebirth. It's a rebirth. I mean, first face I've seen - the face of my wife in the house of her parents. I can't tell you the joy I had to just be simply with her. After spending nine months not being able to talk to her, not being able to see her, with absolutely no end inside for this kind of ridiculous ban that they put on me, it was--it has a special taste. So, in a certain way, it helps you put back priority in your life about who are the people are the most important, what are the things you should be doing. I'm a different man today. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: How much did it cost? CARLOS GHOSN: I've seen a lot of numbers circulating in the press. I think they are very, very generous, in general. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: Too high? CARLOS GHOSN: Yeah. So, that's what I can tell you. I don't think you need this kind of money to be able to organize. Obviously the simpler the--it is, the better it is, the more chance you have to be successful, and the more discreet you will be. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: You probably don't realize this because you're not in the United States. But you may have just walked into what is a huge controversy in the United States about bail reform, about the poor not being able to pay bail, but the rich being able to do so, and that the justice system is inherently better for the rich. What would you say to people that think you exemplify that? CARLOS GHOSN: Well, unfortunately for me, I didn't have this problem in the United States. But at least in the United States, you have a rule of law, and you have some, you have an established justice. And well, I didn't benefit from that in Japan. So, I don't thinksomehow, I had the feeling in Japan, that, because you were supposed or because you have a reputation to be powerful and you'll be rich, things are going to be applied to you in a much more rigorous way to prove that justice is the same for everybody. So, I've been through a period of time where, somehow, everybody talking about me says, 'But, he's just decidable like anybody else.' So somehow, instead of being above the law, you start to feel like you are below the law. Which is the people want to implement for you things that usually they would not implement for regular people, just because they feel bad about looking like they're helping somebody who is rich, ectara. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: --Being soft on you. CARLOS GHOSN: So, I'm not talking about the United States, I don't know the tradition. But there are some countries where you have to be careful that, in a certain way, you don't create a situation where people because they have some advantageous situation for whatever reasons, they're being treated in a different way than normal people. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: Any regrets about Greg Kelly, your subordinate, your co-defendant, who's still there? CARLOS GHOSN: Greg is a great person. And, if he is where he is, it's because he is an honorable person. He refused--I'm sure he refused a plea bargain that would put him out, but that would mean that he would have to say something different from his own conviction. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: Did you try to help him get out? Did you think about trying to get him out at the same time? Or? CARLOS GHOSN: I couldn'tI couldn't contact him. I was forbidden from any contact with Greg. So, even he was in Tokyo while I was in Tokyo, were totally forbidden as one condition of my bail is no contact with Greg Kelly whatsoever. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: Let's talk about the charges against you. You're not going to face them in Japan. But people in United States could see if they Google it, but there's an SEC settlement from last year, where you paid $1M, Nissan paid $15M for -- to settle charges about you hiding compensation. And when you read that, the accusations against you, it sounds like you were trying to defer a lot of payment until retirement. Is that true? Is that what was happening? CARLOS GHOSN: No. No, I was not deferring anything because when you defer that means you acquired something. I did not acquire anything. What was the situation, and we tried to explain it, and frankly, the fact that we had an agreement with the SEC is no admit and no denial. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: Right. You did not admit--- CARLOS GHOSN: And they signed it. It just made it to be able to concentrate on Japan. Because you cannot open to France at the same time. It's too much. But, in fact I didn't acquire anything. Because the so-called deferred compensation was not signed by the board, but not signed by any representative director. It was kind of a memo that I've done to myself, with the help of somebody, to keep track of the difference between my compensation as the CEO of Nissan and the average compensation of a CEO of a similar company, followed by, you know by, Watson. You know, we have the, the report, the general report about compensation. That's it. That's the document which has been used by the prosecutor to say, 'Oh, you are hiding compensation that should be paid to you.' We are--what we were saying it was not fixed, it was not decided, and it was not paid. So, there is no reason for the whole thing. And I can tell you that, if, and again, I shouldn't talk about the case in the United States because I committed when I signed the agreement: no denial, and no acceptance. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: But, when I read it, though, it sounds like the reason you didn't get the money is because you hadn't retired yet. So, when you say you never got the money, that's because you weren't supposed to get it until down the road. CARLOS GHOSN: Well, after you retire, the person deciding on the compensation is in your board, and you're not part because by definition, if you're retired, you're not part of the board. So, how can you say that it is decided if the people who have to pronounce on these compensations are unknown? Because, after you retire, you don't know who's managing the company, you don't know who is a member of the board and what kind of decision has been made. So, how can you report a compensation which has not been defined, because we didn't know exactly what was the amount, has not been decided, because the people who are going to decide on the compensation will come in many years to come, and it has not been paid. It doesn't make sense. I want to tell you one thing. We went to Professor Tanaka, which is the reference in terms of corporate law and compensation in Japan, University of Tokyo, it's kind of the Harvard Law School of Law of Japan. He said - we give him all the facts, because now we have all the facts from the prosecutor. We gave him all the facts. You know what the Professor Tanaka said? He said, it's a shame for Japan that Carlos Ghosn was arrested for this. That's what he said. So, we are waiting for him to make the statement. But allthat's why I'm saying this is a plot, because you've been arrested for this? You went to prison for this? Without any--without any prior notice? With the understanding that I will sit down with somebody who is going to explain Mr. Ghosn this memo is questionable. Nothing like this. Went to prison, and then the investigation starts. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: You've used the word plot, you've used the word conspiracy CARLOS GHOSN: Yes. Yes. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: against you. Why would they want to do something to you? CARLOS GHOSN: Well, I explained two reasons. First reason is the decline of the performance of Nissan where I started to be extremely frustrated with the management, that in fact I put in place. Particularly with Saikawa. So, he was very nervous about his job. Because he knew that, you know, me representing Renault with 43% of the shareholders, I had the power to remove him from the job at any moment, which in a way is justified because the performance of the company was declining. That's the first reason. The second reason as I said, there is a lot of people who really did not like a kind of merger with Renault. And, as long as I was heading the alliance, they trusted that I would protect the autonomy of Nissan, I would protect Nissan from, you know, the fact that the French government wanted to interfere into a business that the Japanese did not like at all. And, but they said, 'You know, well, why do we have to wait for this guy? Why don't we get rid of him? And if we get rid of him, in a certain way we get rid of Renault. We get rid of their influence Renault has on us.' And they were right. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: You're saying that the desire to keep Nissan as a national champion was so strong, they were willing to destroy you and your reputation? CARLOS GHOSN: Without any doubt. Without any doubt. Look what they've done. Look at the statements that were made by Saikawa after I was arrested. Look at, look at the cooperation, the complicity between the prosecutor and Nissan, the support they got from the Japanese government. I mean the whole thing doesn't make sense. I mean, for me it was obvious. And they got what they wanted, except that Nissan today is running to the ground. This is the only thing they didn't think about, is about will their people be able to run the company? And the answer so far, after 14 months, the answer is no. Because the company's operating profit is going down. The growth has completely disappeared. The market capitalization of Nissan is going down by more than $10B dollars. Everything is going down. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: If people to order to read all the press reports, payments to Oman, the situation with Versailles, they could leave the impression that over time, whether on purpose, or due to poor bookkeeping that there was co-mingling of your personal finances, with corporate finance for that. Were there? CARLOS GHOSN: Well, everything was built in order to let you think that. You know, Nissan has built a very good case, with the help of Latham and Watkins and with the help of other people who are specialists of these kind of things. And they build an image, and they attacked through legal, and they attacked through the media. It was very well done, in a certain way. So, a lot of people think, 'Okay, well, this guy is shady. He's doing all of these things.' And while I was in prison, I couldn't defend myself. And everything was done for me not to be able to talk. When I wanted to make a press conference in Tokyo, I was I came back to prison 24 hours after. They came with new charges. Immediately. Soand when the new prosecutor was named about two months ago, and the press in Japan was complaining to the prosecutor why do you forbid Carlos Ghosn to talk to the press? He said, 'No, no, I'm not forbidding him to talk to the press. He can talk to the press.' But, at the same time, as he is free to talk to the press, we are free to bring new charges. Which was thinly veiled threat that 'If you open your mouth, you are going to go back.' So, we want to end all of this. I want to be able to speak. I want to be able to defend myself. I want to justice system where attack and defense have the same rights, and its balanced and let the truth happen. I was in the system where it's not about the truth, it's about winning, it's about confession, it's about, 'I think you are guilty, so I'm going to prove you are guilty. I don't care about the truth. I'm going to select all the things that are favorable to my theory and everything else, I'm going to reject it.' MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: Prosecutors do that in the United States too generally though, don't they? CARLOS GHOSN: I think prosecutor everywhere in the world do it, but there is a limit to that. And then, you have a limit of power. I think, in the United States, the judge is the real boss. Well, in Japan, in my opinion, he's not. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: You have a French passport. CARLOS GHOSN: Yes. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: French citizenship. CARLOS GHOSN: Yes. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: They don't extradite. CARLOS GHOSN: No. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: Are you going to travel to France at all? CARLOS GHOSN: Maybe. Yes. If I mean I just arrived here. But I'm going to see with my lawyers if there is -- what is the situation. I have the same thing with Brazil. Brazil does not extradite its citizens, and I have the Brazilian passport. Same thing in Lebanon. Blessed enough to have the three citizenships. And I am citizen of three countries who don't extradite their citizens. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: What if you have to spend the rest of your life in Lebanon though. Are you ready for that? CARLOS GHOSN: Well, it's better than spending the rest of my life in Japan. That's unfortunately the perspective that I was seeing. Because I didn't have even a date for my trial. You know, the speedy trial is one of the basic elements, basic rights of any human being. I've been arrested in November 19. We were in December. 14 months later, I didn't have a date for the trial. And then, you know, because the charges are different, there was, there were going to be two trials. So, we didn't even have a date for the first trial. So, I was looking at this and saying, 'Oh my god. I mean, this is going to take four or five years.' Because you have the trial, then you have the appeal. Then after the appeal you're going to go through Supreme Court and all of this is very slow. On top of this, as you know, the trials are in Japanese. We asked for example, Greg Kelly was, as me, had the same request, to change the translator because we didn't understand anything from the translator. They refused. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: They wouldn't give you a translator? CARLOS GHOSN: No. No. No, there was a translator, but we said what we don't understand anything from the translator. We asked to change the translator because we don't understand the translator. They refused. 'Well, it's refused.' We asked for a simultaneous translation, because a lot of the debate that took place took 20 minutes, then the judge will make a summary in 30 seconds. We would love to follow what happened in the 20 minutes. And then he would say to the translator to translate. Then, the translator would say something that was difficult to understand. So, the whole thing didn't make any didn't make any sense. I mean, we were not here with the real willingness to make us participate to our own trial. We are here with, you know, some rules. Okay. We need to we need a translator. Here is a translator. We don't understand. We don't care. This is it. You know, simultaneous translation, we have never done it. Simultaneous translation, never done it. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: Anything I should have asked you, or you expected me to ask you? CARLOS GHOSN: No. I think the only thing I want to tell you that I you know, a lot of people perceive this that I am running from justice, which is really the last thing I want at all. If, if I had some reassurance that I would get the fair trial in Japan and if there was a possibility for my wife to join me in Japan, I would have stayed in Japan. Because this is the place where I should have defended my name and my reputation. But when they cut me from my wife, they don't give me any perspective of seeing her again--again, before the trial startwhich we are talking about two to three years down the road. Plus, I am facing in 99.4% conviction rate, which is a haunting number. Well, I was very anxious about the future. Yes, I was. I was very anxious. MICHELLE CARUSO-CABRERA: Thank you for your time. For more information contact: Jennifer Dauble CNBC t: 201.735.4721 m: 201.615.2787 e: jennifer.dauble@nbcuni.com Emma Martin CNBC t: 201.735.4713 m: 551.275.6221 e: emma.martin@nbcuni.com Silvio Horta, best known as an executive producer of the hit ABC television series Ugly Betty, died early Tuesday in Miami. He was 45. Mr. Horta was found in a hotel room, suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Christopher Thomas, a Miami-Dade Police Department detective, said on Wednesday. Preliminary evidence suggests that this is possibly a suicide. He added that the cause of death would be determined by the Miami-Dade medical examiners office. Ugly Betty, a comedy-drama that starred America Ferrera, followed the adventures of Betty Suarez, a cheerful and fashion-challenged young Mexican-American woman from Queens who lands a job as an assistant at a fashion magazine in Manhattan. Mr. Horta, a writer and producer, adapted it from the wildly popular Colombian telenovela Yo Soy Betty La Fea, which led to remakes around the world. The series became a ratings hit and a critical darling early on. It won a Golden Globe for best comedy series in its first season, and Ms. Ferrera won for best actress in a comedy or musical television series. Ugly Betty, which also starred Eric Mabius, Tony Plana, Ana Ortiz, Becki Newton, Michael Urie and Vanessa Williams, ran for 85 episodes from 2006 to 2010, when it was canceled. Democrat senators sent a letter to the Department of Defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Tuesday night demanding more transparency from the Pentagon amid a surge in escalation of tensions between Iran and the U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with fellow Senators Dick Durbin of Illinois and Jack Reed of Rhode Island, said they want to receive regular briefings on the situation in Iran and the U.S. response. 'We write to express our deep concern over the lack of information from the Department of Defense as it concerns the potential threat from Iran and what the Department is doing in response,' the three Democrats wrote in their letter addressed to Pentagon Chief Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley. They asked the two Defense officials to 'provide Congress with regular briefings and documents,' which includes informing the legislative branch of those deployed, planning to be deployed or those whose deployment is being extended in Iran. Three Democrat Senators Chuck Schumer (top), Dick Durbin (bottom left) and Jack Reed (bottom right) sent a letter Tuesday demanding more transparency from the Pentagon regarding the situation in Iran, especially deployment of troops The lawmakers said in the letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley they were concerned 'over the lack of information from the Department of Defense' The letter details that the lawmakers expect the first response to the request to be sent by Friday. Schumer's letter comes as Democrats continue to lament that Donald Trump did not inform Congress before directing an attack that took out Iranian General Qassem Soleimani last Friday, further fueling tensions between D.C. and Tehran. Administration officials have detailed that there was adequate intelligence to show that Soleimani was orchestrating an attack against America that could have been carried out within 'days' before he was killed. Democrats demand that the intelligence that led to the drone strike be declassified and Trump's National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien says he is 'looking at' making it available. The attack also followed a New Years Eve raid on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, which has never been breached before, by demonstrators who back pro-Iranian Shia militia. Overnight Iran responded to Soleimani's death by firing 22 ballistic missiles at two separate bases in Iraq that house U.S. troops. 'All is well!' Trump tweeted Tuesday night in light of the bombing news. 'Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.' Trump will address the nation Wednesday morning following the attack directed at American troops. Defense Secretary Mark Esper (top left), Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (upper right), CIA Director Gina Haspel (bottom left) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley (bottom right) will head to Capitol Hill Wednesday to brief lawmakers on Iran Schumer, Durbin and Reed's letter also comes as top administration officials are preparing to head to Capitol Hill to brief lawmakers on the situation. Esper, Milley, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and CIA Director Gina Haspel will partake in a briefing with the House Wednesday afternoon and in the Senate about an hour after. Trump has threatened on Twitter to respond to Iran in a 'disproportionate' manner if they retaliated against the U.s. in any way for taking out Soleimani. 'These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner,' Trump tweeted Sunday. 'Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless!' He also warned over the weekend that he would target 52 Iranian sites, including some that are culturally significant to Iran, if there was a response from Tehran. He walked back on that claim Tuesday after he was criticized for threatening to commit a war crime. Democrats lament that Donald Trump did not notify Congress before directing a drone strike that took out top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani Thousands of mourners gathered as Soleimani was buried in his hometown of Kerman, Iran Wednesday In response to Soleimani's killing, Iran launched 22 ballistic missiles that targeted two bases in Iraq where American troops 'We also note with grave concern the President's repeated comments that he may pursue retribution against Iran by ordering the military to target Iranian cultural sites,' Schumer, Durbin and Reed wrote in the letter to Esper and Miley. '[D]irecting such an attack would constitute an unlawful order, and any personnel executing the order could be prosecuted for war crimes,' they noted, urging them to make it clear that they would not follow such orders. Trump insisted in an Oval Office meeting Tuesday afternoon that he would 'obey the law.' When asked Tuesday during a briefing at the Pentagon if he would rather resign as Defense secretary than carry out an unlawful attack if the order came from the president, Esper did not directly answer. Instead he claimed he was confident Trump would not direct any attack that would constitute as war crimes. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Asip Hasani (The Jakarta Post) Blitar, East Java Wed, January 8, 2020 10:11 734 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3214e4f9 1 Business Poultry,poultry-feed,corn,farmers,Blitar,East-Java Free The extreme rains that affected many parts of the country including Blitar, East Java in recent months have worried poultry farmers in the regency as the rains have caused a further scarcity of corn, which is used for chicken feed. Sukarman, the head of local cooperative Koperasi Putera in Blitar, said the price of corn had begun to surge in recent weeks, reaching Rp 4,800 (US$0.35) per kilogram, Rp 800 higher than the price the government has set for poultry farmers. The corn price continues to increase, yet the egg price keeps plummeting, he told The Jakarta Post on Jan. 2. According to the Trade Ministrys regulation, chicken eggs should be priced somewhere between Rp 19,000 and Rp 21,000 per kilogram. Chicken eggs are currently sold at Rp 19,400 per kilogram in the region, below the price ceiling, Sukarman said. Were still making a profit at the current egg price, but were worried the price will drop further sometime this month, he said, adding that the price had soared before Christmas, but quickly dropped three days after the holy day. To exacerbate the situation, Sukarman said poultry farmers in the region had also struggled to find corn in the market, making it that much harder for them to feed their chickens. Corn had become increasingly scarce as some farmers had shifted to other crops such as rice ahead of the rainy season, he said. The prolonged drought late last year also affected the productivity of poultry farmers in Blitar, with a decline recorded in the quality and quantity of chicken eggs over the last few months. Blitar accounts for 50 percent of East Java's chicken egg production, with 18 million chickens producing 155,802 tons of eggs in 2018. East Java contributes 30 percent to national egg production. Poultry farmers in the region need between 1,500 and 2,000 tons of corn per day to feed their chickens and maintain their productivity. In October 2018, poultry farmers staged a massive protest in the region when the prices of corn and eggs reached Rp 5,500 and Rp 15,000 per kilogram, respectively. Dozens of them also staged a similar protest in front of the State Palace in Jakarta. Blitar Animal Husbandry Agency head Adi Andaka said the corn price hike was a problem that poultry farmers regularly faced at least once a year, especially during the rainy season. Whats actually more worrisome than the corn price is the availability of corn itself, Adi said, while urging the central government to take swift action to prevent further scarcity. (rfa) Ukrainian plane crashes in Iran killing 176 hours after missile attack on Iraqi bases housing US soldiers Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Boeing 737 aircraft of Ukraine International Airlines crashed minutes after takeoff from Tehran International Airport killing all 176 passengers and crew members on board Wednesday, just hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. soldiers. In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. He added that the U.S. will impose further economic sanctions on Iran. Trump also said that his administration will work to ensure that Iran's regime is not allowed to continue their ambitions of developing nuclear weapons. As long as Im president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, Trump said while calling on Iran to end its support of terrorist groups in the region. Following the crash of the Ukrainian airline flight from Tehran to Kyiv, the airline announced it was suspending all flights to Tehran. Today, on January 08, 2020, a Ukraine International Airlines aircraft while operating flight PS752 from Tehran to Kyiv disappeared from the radars a few minutes after departure from Tehran International Airport. The aircraft departed from Tehran International Airport at 06:10 hrs. Iran local time. According to preliminary data, there were 167 passengers and nine crew members on board, Ukraine International Airlines said in a statement. The airline expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the air crash and will do everything possible to support the relatives of the victims. With immediate effect, UIA has decided to suspend its flights to Tehran until further notice, the airline said. Iranian Transport Ministry spokesman Gassem Biniaz told the Iranian state-run news agency IRNA that the aircraft crashed after one of the engines caught fire and the pilot lost control. Ukraine officials initially ruled out a possible terror attack but later edited that statement noting: "Information on the causes of the plane crash is being verified by the commission. Any statements regarding the causes of the accident prior to the decision of the commission are unofficial." #Breaking First footage of the Ukrainian airplane while on fire falling near #Tehranpic.twitter.com/kGxnBb7f1q Ali Hashem ??? ???? (@alihashem_tv) January 8, 2020 Ukraine Airlines also said the aircraft was built in 2016 and had scheduled maintenance just two days ago. The aircraft was built in 2016 and delivered directly to the airline from the manufacturer. The last scheduled maintenance of the aircraft took place on 06 January, 2020, the airline said. Ukraines foreign minister, Vadym Prystaiko, confirmed that among the dead from the crash are: 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians including two passengers and the nine crew members. There were also 10 Swedish, four Afghan, three German and three British nationals. Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called the crash horrific in a statement and said their government would do everything in their power to assist the relatives of the Ukrainian crash victims and assist with the investigation of the crash. In connection with the crash of the Boeing 737 aircraft of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS 752 Tehran to Kiev on January 8, 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expresses its sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the dead, the statement from the ministry said. Ukraine will provide all necessary support and assistance to the relatives and loved ones of the fallen citizens of Ukraine. Ukraine is also ready to engage as much as possible in investigating the causes of the disaster in accordance with international law, in particular, the Chicago Convention, the statement added. In a statement on Twitter Toronto Mayor John Tory said his city was mourning the crash victims. On behalf of all Toronto residents, we are saddened by the news of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. Our hearts are with Toronto's Iranian and Ukrainian communities today as we mourn the 176 people, including 63 Canadians, who have tragically died, he said. The crash came just hours after Iraqi military officials confirmed that Iran had fired 22 missiles at two military bases in Iraq where American troops are stationed as part of a fierce revenge for the U.S. military strike that killed Irans top security and intelligence commander, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, head if the Quds Force who orchestrated numerous terror plots worldwide and is responsible for the killing of hundreds of American soldiers in Iraq and maiming thousands of others. The fierce revenge by the Revolutionary Guards has begun, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said in a statement on a Telegram messaging app channel cited by The New York Times. United States officials initially told the publication that there were no immediate indications of American casualties, and senior Iraqi officials later said that there were no American or Iraqi casualties in the strikes. Global dairy prices jumped at the first auction of the year on Wednesday as low supply supported a surge across all products. The GDT Price Index climbed 2.8 percent, with an average selling price of $3,371 per tonne, paring the 5.1% drop at the previous sale last month. Prices gains were broad-based across products, jumping 1.7% for whole milk powder, the top traded item, and 5.4% for skim milk powder. This was underpinned by price increases for all dairy commodities, with smaller overall supply volumes available compared with the previous event, which is typical for this time of year but is likely to have contributed to the uptick in demand, said Robert Gibson, analyst at NZX. A total of 33,050 tonnes was sold at the latest auction, down 7.5 percent from the previous one, the auction platform said on its website. Analysts said that prices would likely be supported in the early months of 2020 by constrained supply in New Zealand, the worlds largest dairy exporter. NZ dairy production volume this season is likely to be slightly below the previous one, given the cooler-than-normal spring, and more recently, soil moisture deficits in some regions, said Imre Speizer, New Zealand market strategist at Westpac Bank. The auction results can affect the New Zealand dollar as the dairy sector generates more than 7 percent of the nations gross domestic product. However, the rosy auction result took a backseat to caution over growing global risks and the kiwi currency fell 0.5% to trade at an almost two-week low $0.6636 on Wednesday morning. GDT Events is owned by New Zealands Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd, but operates independently from the dairy giant. The New Zealand milk co-operative, which is owned by about 10,500 farmers, controls nearly a third of the world dairy trade. U.S.-listed CRA International Inc is the trading manager for the twice-monthly Global Dairy Trade auction. The auctions are held twice a month, with the next one scheduled for Jan. 21. The defense and prosecution agreed on a judge rather than a jury trial. The trial, which took more than two years and attracted news media attention in China as well as Canada, underlined how Vancouver has become a global sanctuary for foreign money moving from Asia to North America. Mr. Yuan was a millionaire who had gamed the Canadian immigration system, building a business and acquiring Canadian real estate worth millions of dollars. Mr. Zhao, whose wife is Mr. Yuans cousin, was portrayed by the defense as a well-adjusted and law-abiding man who had been provoked by an indecent proposal from Mr. Yuan asking to marry his daughter. Mr. Zhao did not have murderous intent, his lawyer said, despite the crimes violent aftermath, and so was guilty of manslaughter, not murder. But the prosecutor countered that Mr. Zhao had confessed the killing to the police, including that he had used a power saw to cut up the body. As the judge read aloud the decision, Mr. Zhao, who was wearing a navy blue suit, stared forward calmly, listening intently to his interpreter. The judge said the case had hinged on Mr. Zhaos mental state at the time of the shooting and whether he had the intent necessary for the crime to qualify as murder. There will be a hearing next week to set a date for sentencing. He could face up to life in prison. The verdict brings to an end what is surely one of Canadas most gruesome killings, made all the more interesting by the fact that it happened in the wealthy and virtually crime-free enclave of West Vancouver, Mr. Johnson said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 19:40:04|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Iranian-backed Shiite militia leader Qais al-Khazali said Wednesday that the Iranian initial response to the killing of Iranian military leader is done, and it is time for Iraq to respond to the U.S. airstrike. The Iraqi response "will not be less than that of the Iran's, and this is a promise," al-Khazali, the commander of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq militia said in his tweet. Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, or League of People of Righteousness, is part of Hashd Shaabi brigades. The group was allegedly funded, trained and armed by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) during the U.S. occupation of Iraq and later became allied to the Shiite-led government in Baghdad. Al-Khazali's tweet came after Iran fired ballistic missiles earlier in the day on military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq's western province of Anbar and near the city of Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan. A statement released by the media office affiliated with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, said that a total of 22 Iranian missiles were launched. Of them, 17 struck the Ayn al-Asad air base in Iraq's western province of Anbar, and five landed on the U.S. headquarters near the city of Erbil. "No casualties were recorded among the Iraqi forces, and more details to be released later," the statement said. The Iranian attack came three days after the Iraqi parliament passed a resolution requiring the government to end the presence of foreign forces in Iraq and prevent them from using Iraqi airspace and waters. On Friday, a U.S. drone attacked a convoy at Baghdad International Airport, killing Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of the IRGC, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy chief of Iraq's paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces. More than 5,000 U.S. troops have been deployed in Iraq to support the Iraqi forces in the battles against Islamic State militants, mainly providing training and advising for the Iraqi forces. Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) today (12/11/2019) filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) for approval of an agreement to partner with Dane County on a 9-megawatt (MW) solar array near the Dane County Regional Airport. The solar array will generate enough carbon-free electricity to provide Dane County with about 40% of the energy used by all County-owned facilities. MGE and Dane County Partner on Solar Large-scale solar array to be built at Dane County Regional Airport. Partnership advances shared energy goals of MGE and Dane County. MGE Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Keebler and Dane County Executive Joe Parisi discussed the project at the airport in October. MGE's Renewable Energy Rider is designed for large energy users. "MGE is excited to partner with Dane County on this project that will provide locally generated clean energy to the County as we work together to reach our shared energy goals," said MGE Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Keebler. "We support the County's efforts to achieve 100% renewable energy for its facilities as MGE transitions to net-zero carbon electricity for our customers by 2050." "We are proud to partner with MGE to bring one of the largest solar farms in Wisconsin to the Dane County Regional Airport next year," said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. "Through this project, we will be able to increase the County's use of renewable energy, reduce climate changing carbon emissions, save taxpayer dollars and create local clean energy jobs." Renewable Energy Rider Under a Renewable Energy Rider (RER), MGE partners with a large energy user to tailor a renewable energy solution to meet that customer's energy needs. RER customers are responsible for costs associated with the renewable generation facility and any distribution costs to deliver energy to the business. The innovative model grows clean energy in our community. Details of the 9-MW solar project The solar array will consist of about 31,000 solar panels and will cover 58 acres of County-owned land north of the airport. Dane County will lease the land to MGE. MGE will construct and own the 9-MW solar array and sell the energy to Dane County. The cost of the project is estimated to be approximately $16 million. If approved, this will be the largest solar project in Dane County. Construction is expected to begin in 2020 with the solar array generating electricity by the end of next year. Net-zero carbon goal MGE is targeting net-zero carbon electricity by the year 2050. In the near term, under MGE's Energy 2030 framework for a more sustainable future, MGE has been working toward carbon dioxide emissions reductions of at least 40% by 2030 from 2005 levels, which is consistent with U.S. emissions targets established as part of the Paris Agreement on climate change. To reach these goals, MGE is growing its use of renewable energy, engaging customers around energy efficiency and facilitating the electrification of transportation, all of which are key strategies identified by the United States for achieving deep decarbonization. About MGE MGE generates and distributes electricity to 153,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to 161,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE's parent company is MGE Energy, Inc. The company's roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years. New Delhi: The US is prepared for any attack by Iran, President Donald Trump said, amid tensions over the killing of top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in an American drone attack last week in Iraq. "We are totally prepared" for any Iranian attack, he told reporters. Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. He (Soleimani) was a terrorist. He was so designated by president Obama, as you know, and he wasnt even supposed to be outside of his own country, he said in response to a question. Trump said in a recent attack that Soleimani was in charge of, people were horribly wounded. One dead. In fact, the number now as of this morning I believe is two dead. That was his. He was travelling with the head of the Hezbollah, he said. They werent there to discuss a vacation. They werent there to go to a nice resort in Baghdad. They were there to discuss their business. We saved a lot of lives by terminating his life, a lot of lives were saved, Trump said. They were planning something and people will hear about it, at least some people in Congress are going to be hearing about it tomorrow, the president said. Who Was General Qasem Soleimani? Soleimani was one of the most popular figures in Iran and seen as a deadly adversary by America and its allies. General Soleimani, who headed the external operations Quds Force for the Guards, had wielded his regional clout publicly since 2018 when it was revealed that he had direct involvement in top-level talks over the formation of Iraq's government. It was no surprise at the time for a man who has been at the centre of power-broking in the region for two decades. Soleimani has been in and out of Baghdad ever since, most recently last month as parties sought to form a new government. Where once he kept to the shadows, Soleimani has in recent years become an unlikely celebrity in Iran -- replete with a huge following on Instagram. His profile rose suddenly when he was pushed forward as the public face of Iran's intervention in the Syrian conflict from 2013, appearing in battlefield photos, documentaries -- and even being featured in a music video and animated film. In a rare interview aired on Iranian state television in October, he said he was in Lebanon during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war to oversee the conflict. To his fans and enemies alike, Soleimani was the key architect of Iran's regional influence, leading the fight against jihadist forces and extending Iran's diplomatic heft in Iraq, Syria and beyond. "To Middle Eastern Shiites, he is James Bond, Erwin Rommel and Lady Gaga rolled into one," wrote former CIA analyst Kenneth Pollack in a profile for Time's 100 most influential people in 2017. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. MALTA Marty Vanags, the president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, has resigned and will leave immediately, the organization announced Wednesday. Shelby Schneider, currently its vice president, has been appointed interim president. Chair of the Prosperity Partnership board Kevin Hedley said he was not surprised by Vanags departure. "The timing was right," Hedley said. "He's a good man. He know what he's doing and has made the most of Partnership." The embattled organization, established by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors to replace the long-established Saratoga Economic Development Corp., faced deep cuts in funding last summer following a meeting in June of the county's economic development committee. Last month, supervisors decided to fund the partnership with $543,000 in 2020 and restore $150,000 in funding to SEDC. At the Dec. 11 meeting, Vanags said he anticipated "an exciting and prosperous 2020 and beyond." Over the previous three years, the partnership had been funded almost exclusively with taxpayer dollars at $775,000 annually while SEDC's county funding was zero. Under Vanags' leadership, some supervisors criticized the partnership's lack of accomplishments and wanted the two organizations to cooperate in economic development initiatives to avoid duplication of services. He was also criticized over travel expenses that as of October 2018 totaled $154,000. His salary on 2018 tax forms was $162,052 with nontaxable benefits that totaled $40,225. Vanags was hired in May 2015 at a salary of $155,000. Despite criticism that the partnership did not live up to its promise, it did attract the state's largest battery energy storage facility, as well as working on the transformation of Saratoga Springs' Proctors-Universal Preservation Hall and a $60 million project to turn an abandoned factory building in the village of Victory into workforce housing. Hedley said that it is unclear at this time if the board will form a search committee to replace Vanags or if Schneider will remain in the position. "Shelby's well-equipped and capable," Hedley said. "The board will meet in a couple of weeks to decide." He also said that the county's funding cuts will not affect the partnership's work. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. "There is no issue whatsoever," Hedley said. "We are working together with SEDC and because of that, we are both saving money. It's better than competing and duplicating efforts. Not everything is perfect, but we will be fine. They will be fine. We have a good working relationship." Vanags had previously led the Indy Partnership, the economic development arm of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. Before that, he was CEO of the Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal, Ill., area. Vanags was in that position when Bloomington-based State Farm Insurance was building a regional office in Malta, not far from the massive GlobalFoundries semiconductor plant. "Saratoga County and the surrounding countryside is gorgeous and I'm very excited about that," Vanags told the Times Union shortly after his hiring by the Partnership. The hangman will be called from Uttar Pradesh Prison Department. The dummy execution will be conducted in Jail 3, the place where they will be executed on January 22. (Photo: Representational) New Delhi: Tihar Jail authorities will conduct dummy execution of Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts in coming days ahead of their execution on January 22. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held today. The dummy execution will be conducted in Jail 3, the place where they will be executed on January 22. "Tihar to conduct dummy execution in coming days but not today. It will be done in jail 3, where the execution will take place," said Tihar Jail administration in a statement. At the time of the dummy execution, the executive engineer of PWD, superintendent and other jail officials will be present, it said. All four convicts in the Nirbhaya case will be executed on January 22 at 7 am in jail cell 3 in Tihar Jail, the same place where Afzal Guru, the terrorist convicted Parliament attack case, was hanged. The officials said they will be hanged together. A court in Delhi issued death warrants against all four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape case. The convicts -- Pawan Gupta, Akshay, Vinay Sharma, and Mukesh Singh -- will be hanged at 7 am on January 22. The hangman will be called from Uttar Pradesh Prison Department. The letter of Gen. William H. Sili, commander of US military operations in Iraq, was leaked and then rapidly disseminated among Israels most senior security figures Jan. 6. In fact, a translated version in Hebrew appeared only minutes after the letter was leaked to the media, sweeping up the WhatsApp groups of Israels most top-secret (coded) defense systems. The content of the letter that the Americans were preparing to withdraw from Iraq immediately turned on all the alarm systems throughout the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv. More so, the publication was about to set in motion an Israeli nightmare scenario in which ahead of the upcoming US elections President Donald Trump would rapidly evacuate all US forces from Iraq and Syria. Simultaneously, Iran announced that it is immediately halting its various commitments regarding its nuclear agreement with the superpowers, returning to high-level uranium enrichment of unlimited amounts and renewing its accelerated push for achieving military nuclear abilities. Under such circumstances, a senior Israeli defense source told Al-Monitor under condition of anonymity, We truly remain alone at this most critical period. There is no worse scenario than this, for Israels national security. After a few hours, it became clear that the letter had been leaked accidentally. Nevertheless, the American denial, which began from US Defense Secretary Mark Esper and trickled down from there, did not really calm down Israels defense-system sources. It is sad to see the [US] presidents conduct has also infected the military, a senior Israeli security figure told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, It is not clear how this letter was written, it is not clear why it was leaked, it is not clear why it was ever written to begin with. In general, nothing is clear with regard to American conduct in the Middle East. We get up every morning to new uncertainty. Twenty-four hours after the letter, the following assessment formed in Israel: Trump hasnt decided if hes staying or leaving. His inclination is to leave; he has no desire to see caskets of US soldiers being airlifted in Washington during an election year. Trump would be happy to leave Syria too, as he promised a long time ago. The US Army is trying to prepare a framework working plan toward an exit. And it was the preparations of this work plan that eventually generated the incident in which the letter was sent and then leaked. That, and perhaps also some unclarities in the American command chain. One way or the other, Israel must prepare for the worst-case scenario, because the odds are increasing that such a scenario may arise. According to this scenario (described in Al-Monitor in an earlier article), Trump would choose to abandon the Middle East and leave Israel alone on the battleground toward the 2020 elections. This would constitute the worst and most dramatic possible timing imaginable, when Iran would gradually abandon the nuclear agreement and inch its way toward the bomb. The assessment is that Israel will inflict heavy pressure on Trump in the coming weeks and try to convince him not to abandon the Middle East in general, and Iraq and Syria in particular, before the US presidential election. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use all the tools at his disposal in this context. Ambassador Ron Dermer will work overtime, and we can assume that Israels open communication lines to the evangelical Christian leaders in the United States will also be put to good use. The question is: What will happen if these efforts fail and Trump comes to the conclusion of abandoning the Middle East? Under such circumstances, an Israeli military figure told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, Well have to do everything we can to prepare ourselves for a worst-case scenario. Such a scenario means that Iran may go for the bomb in the final stretch: It can abandon the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and take advantage of the US election year. Meanwhile, Israel is trying to keep as low a profile as possible. Netanyahu instructed the Cabinet ministers not to give interviews and to avoid aggressive statements regarding the elimination of Iranian Qasem Soleimani. Netanyahu himself said, in a Cabinet meeting, that the killing of Soleimani is a US event, not an Israeli event, and he emphasized that Israel needs to do everything to distance itself from it. Simultaneously, the Israelis hope and pray that the pragmatic wing of the Iranian leadership will prevail over the extremists, and that the Iranian response will not be too violent. That could enable all sides to claim victory and calm down. Such a scenario might bring new life to the American military involvement in Iraq and encourage Trump to postpone his intentions of evacuating American forces from the region. Irans missile attacks on Iraqi military bases housing US forces late Jan. 7 fits the definition of measured response; Israelis hope and pray that there will be no continuation. Netanyahu assembled the security Cabinet for two continuous discussions this week in order to consider all the possibilities and scenarios that could possibly follow Soleimanis death. Despite the danger of the complications regarding the death of Soleimani and despite everything else written above most members of the Israeli defense system and almost all of Israels Cabinet ministers and decision-makers believe that Soleimanis elimination was absolutely vital. They feel that Soleimanis absence will contribute not only to Israels national security but also to the stability of the entire Middle East. The special status [of Soleimani] in Iran was proved beyond doubt in the funeral, a highly placed Israeli security figure told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. Soleimani attained the special, unprecedented status of a military general who symbolized both religious holiness and total accessibility to the Supreme Leader [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei]. He was the driving force behind both the Iranian rush for nuclearization and the Iranian strive to enlarge its influence up until the Mediterranean coasts. He was the one who crafted the Shiite blockade plan against Israel and pushed it forward with all his strength despite the losses that Israel inflicted on him. It is hard to believe that a replacement for him will be found [in Iran] in the near future. The Middle East, and the entire world, are much better off since he has left the arena." Aviation regulator DGCA on Wednesday asked Indian airlines to remain vigilant and take all precautions in airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf, hours after a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 people crashed near Tehran in Iran. A meeting was called and the airlines were "sensitised", a senior official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said. US Federal Aviation Adminstration has also asked all American airlines to stop operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman due to "events in Middle East". Qassem Biniaz, spokesperson for Iran's Road and Transportation Authority, said one of the engines of Boeing 737 aircraft, which had 167 passengers and nine crew members, of the Ukranian International airlines was struck by fire immediately after the take off, causing the plane to crash. The situation in the Middle East region is tense because of Iran's missile strikes against two US military bases in Iraq on Wednesday. The missile strikes were in retaliation to killing of top Iranian commander General Qassem Soleimani by the United States on January 3. The Indian government has issued a travel advisory, asking citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq in view of prevailing situation in the Gulf country. "In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification," the advisory by the Ministry of External Affairs said. It said Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After a few days of quiet, Iran carried out its promised severe revenge for the United States killing of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani last week. On Wednesday morning in the Middle East, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched 22 missiles at two American-run bases in Iraq. The attack was symbolically significant but resulted in limited damage and no loss of life. It demonstrated Irans ability to hit American assets in the region, but was calculated to give President Trump an off-ramp from escalating tensions into an all-out war. Thankfully, he seems ready to take it. But even if war was avoided this time, heightened tensions and sporadic attacks will be the new normal in the Middle East. The killing of General Suleimani surprised Iran experts. While as the head of the Revolutionary Guards special operations unit, the Quds Force, the general was certainly a threat to the United States, no previous administration had wanted to risk the potentially high cost of taking him out. When President Trump did, it set off fury among Irans leaders and much of the Iranian population. Tehran could not let the assassination of one of its most senior and popular officials go unpunished. Jewish people walk around in the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York on Jan. 7, 2020. (Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times) New York Jewish Community Defiant, Fearful Amid Ongoing Anti-Semitic Attacks CROWN HEIGHTS, N.Y.The mood in Crown Heights was a surreal mix of fear, angst, and indifference. Police officers and emergency vehicles lined the main street in the Brooklyn, New York, neighborhood as Jewish school buses carrying children drove in and out. Scores of Hasidic Jews walked past each other along the street, barely glancing up at the ramped-up security around them, which is now a recurring presence in their life. Scattered groups spoke among themselves, some in hushed, muted tones. But soon another picture emerged, one not only of fear but also of defiance, as dozens of violent anti-Semitic attacks have taken place in recent months across the wider New York metropolitan area, including Crown Heights. About 25 percent of the population in Crown Heights are Hasidic Jews. The neighborhood is also home to Caribbean immigrants from Jamaica and the West Indies, in addition to some African Americans. Members of the Jewish community, including local store owners and longtime residents, told The Epoch Times in interviews that for the first time in recent memory, they are becoming frustrated and inflamed over the uptick in anti-Semitism, which has become increasingly violent in nature. They said members are increasingly talking about starting grassroots movements to defend the community and for Jewish residents to be armed, through concealed carry and other means, in response to perceived inaction by the government. At the same time, many in the Jewish community remain fearful, some having become too afraid to be out often in public. This rising defiance is part of new rhetoric thats spreading within the community, one with more focus on personal action. Some described the new security added across Jewish communities in New York as akin to putting a band-aid over a gaping wounda short-term solution that plays no part in solving the root of the issue. Jewish people walk around in the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, on Jan. 7, 2020. (Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times) Jewish residents, some of whom only provided their first names for fear of retaliation, also blamed new bail-reform lawswhich let offenders out of prison without paying bailas being too lenient, saying it encourages attackers to re-offend. In December alone, there were at least 13 anti-Semitic incidents. Some said a handful of other factors have contributed to the rise in anti-Semitic attacks, including general ignorance, divisiveness between the different communities, and socio-economic issues within the neighborhood. Its unbelievable. This is Brooklyn, this is New York in 2020 and were literally defending ourselves, 24-year-old Esther Gopin, who was born and raised in Crown Heights, told The Epoch Times. I think this is the first period that I can remember where the Jewish people here are actually really getting fed up. They want to take a stand for themselves and are starting these grassroots movements to defend the community, protect the community. Her father, Abraham Gopin, was attacked and beaten with a rock in August while jogging. In one recent case, Tiffany Harris, a woman accused of slapping three people in an apparent anti-Semitic attack in Crown Heights, was charged with attempted assault as a hate crime. A day after being freed without bail, Harris was arrested again for a second alleged assault. Concealed Carry Anti-Semitic incidents in New York have continued into the new year. Jose Bard-Wigdor, the owner of Bardys, a local jewelry and accessories store in the neighborhood, told The Epoch Times that Jews have to learn from history. The first things that the Nazis did in Germany were to remove the weapons of the general population, especially the Jewish people, Bard-Wigdor said. I think the Jewish people should increasingly buy weapons and carry-ons. The 64-year-old said that he doesnt believe members in their community should be vigilantes, but that everyone has the right to defend themselves. Some of the more violent incidents in recent weeks involve a 37-year-old suspect accused of stabbing five people celebrating Hanukkah at a rabbis home, and a shooting at a kosher supermarket in New Jersey that left two Hasidic Jews dead. Jewish people should conceal carry even without a permit, Bard-Wigdor says, because if the government doesnt do the job, we have to do our job. Bardys Jewelry store owner Jose Bard-Wigdor at his store in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, on Jan. 07, 2020. (Chung I. Ho/The Epoch Times) Bardys in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, on Jan. 7, 2020. (Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times) Residents in New York state who want to conceal carry must pass basic requirements and approval from local law enforcement, which has discretion in determining whether or not to issue a concealed weapons permit to an applicant. In New York, the possession of a loaded handgun outside of the home or place of business without a permit is prohibited. Bard-Wigdor cast some of the blame for the growing anti-Semitic rhetoric on politicians. Unfortunately, some Democrats in Congress, two or three people, are very anti-Semitic, and the population will start to react to their political agendas. Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tliab (D-Mich.) have previously been condemned and criticized for anti-Semitic rhetoric. Bard-Wigdor said both the New York City mayor and the states governor dont do enough in combating anti-Semitism and said the youth in the community also need more education on respecting different cultures. In statements over the past few weeks, both Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have pledged to boost the police presence in Jewish communities across the city. Bard-Wigdor was born in South America, where he said he was victim to two anti-Semitic attacks, with the second incident leaving him badly injured, after being punched in the face. He said his father was in the camps in Europe, which he survived, and later relocated to Argentina to start a new life. Yuda Berg, a 47-year-old father who was born and raised in the neighborhood, told The Epoch Times that hes afraid to send his children out into the community. He says hes had verbal anti-Semitic slurs directed at him in the past, but indicated that hes had enough. I ignored them. Most of the time, I ignored them, he said. I dont know if Im going to ignore them anymore. On Jan. 5, thousands of people marched across the Brooklyn Bridge as part of a No Hate, No Fear rally in support of the Jewish community. During that march, Cuomo said he wants to pass a law labeling hate crimes as domestic terrorism; hes also released $45 million in funding allocations to protect at-risk institutions. The grant is made available on a statewide basis, through the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Meanwhile, four Orthodox Jewish lawmakers are urging Cuomo to declare a state of emergency over the recent spate of anti-Semitic crimes and to deploy the National Guard to patrol Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods. In another example of Jewish residents taking a more proactive approach, Gopin described an initiative she started where a large amount of pepper spray was distributed for free to the community. She said somebody else has taken over the initiative and that a few thousand dollars have been raised to distribute the products across the state. Bail Reform A new bail law thats been criticized by some Jewish leaders officially went into effect on Jan. 1. New York passed bail reform legislation in April 2019 that was estimated to cause at least a 40 percent reduction overall in the states pretrial jail population, according to the Vera Institute of Justice. Under the new laws, some suspects in the recent anti-Semitic attacks have been quickly released without bail. Judges can no longer set bail for many misdemeanors, including assaults without serious injury, and other non-violent felonies. Mendy, who works at a local Jewish store in the neighborhood and declined to give his last name, said the new legislation is one of the factors contributing to the increase in anti-Semitic attacks. Jewish people walk around in the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York on Jan. 7, 2020. (Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times) I think a lot of it could be bail reform. There are no consequences for what these people are doing, he said. Mendy has been working at the store for almost a year and a half. Jewish leaders have told The Epoch Times that the law needs to be revamped to ensure there are no loopholes. They said they dont believe the purpose of the legislation was to help criminals. It doesnt mean eliminating the new bail reform legislation entirely, said Mendy, who suggested that it just needs some adjustments. I think a re-examination [is needed]. At least for people who do things multiple times, he said, citing the case involving Harris. They shouldnt be able to just do something, get out of jail, and do something again. Prosecutors under the new bail reform laws are now also required to hand defense attorneys pretrial access to a list of personal information, according to the New York Post, including potentially the names and contact details of witnesses in their cases. In a situation like this, youd imagine that the community leaders and the politicians would be taking a stand against this and enacting legislation that would stop, prevent, or penalize such behavior, Gopin said. Instead, theyre literally doing the opposite. Gopin referred to the case with her father, who was in the hospital with permanent physical damage and trauma after being attacked with a rock. I cant imagine that my father would have wanted to file a report had this law been enacted so that his attacker could find out all his information, she said. Its literally a danger to the victims, after everything they go through. Its not only adding insult to injury, but adding injury to more injury. The suspect in her fathers case is facing charges of assault as a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon. The man allegedly had yelled anti-Semitic slurs at the father as well. Esther Gopin said she was enraged, frustrated, and furious over the new legislation. She said her father was able to fight off his attacker, although had it been someone weaker who was attacked, they might have died. I lose hope from things like this. Its literally not just counterproductive, it almost rewards this negative behavior, she said. Its almost like insurance that its going to continue. The suspect wasnt caught until a few weeks after the attack, and he was back on the streets within days, according to Gopin. Jewish people walk around in the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York on Jan. 7, 2020. (Chung I. Ho/The Epoch Times) How do you think that makes me feel? I dont feel safe here, and that was before the bail reform. So imagine now after the bail reform when its physically impossible to keep people in [prison]. Other Jewish residents, such as Gopin and Berg, all called for the state to enact stricter legislation, specifically for hate crimes. Ignorance, Respect The presidents daughter, Ivanka Trump, noted on Twitter in December that attacks on Jewish New Yorkers were reported almost every single day this past week. There are multiple factors that contribute to anti-Semitism, with ignorance and a lack of respect being mentioned often by members of the Jewish community. Gopin said that the socio-economic issues within the neighborhood and a general lack of education have also led to a lot of juvenile delinquents on the street. There is a small number of ignorant youth who are getting their information from people who are trying to incite them into doing bad things, Berg said. Bard-Wigdor, meanwhile, said that young people, who are often the perpetrators in anti-Semitic attacks, have to be educated not only in anti-Semitism, but also in general respect for society. They have to learn to respect Jewish people, he said. Without respecting one another, society goes downhill. Respect is very important in order to survive in any society, in any country, and in any town. One Jewish resident, who goes by Menachem and declined to give his last name for security reasons, said the community must deal with the increase in anti-Semitic attacks by standing strong and not being afraid. The best way to combat hate crimes, according to Gopin, is to address it as firmly as possible. If we dont stand up for ourselves and make a fuss and demand better, we wont get it. I think that responsibility falls on the Jewish community and Jewish community leaders, she said. It falls on everybody in New York because its not just affecting the people who are directly being attacked, it affects everybody. It affects the whole fabric of our society and it starts with us, she said, but it ends with everybody else. New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said, 'all is well' while reacting to Irans ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq. Taking to Twitter hours after the attack, Trump said, All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning (sic). The attack on US military bases came after the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike, which was ordered by President Donald Trump, on Friday. Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. Earlier, US Department of Defence tweeted: At approximately 1730 EST on Jan. 7, Iran launched at least a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military & coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran & targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military & coalition personnel at Al-Assad & Irbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments, it added. Who Was General Qasem Soleimani? Soleimani was one of the most popular figures in Iran and seen as a deadly adversary by America and its allies. General Soleimani, who headed the external operations Quds Force for the Guards, had wielded his regional clout publicly since 2018 when it was revealed that he had direct involvement in top-level talks over the formation of Iraq's government. It was no surprise at the time for a man who has been at the centre of power-broking in the region for two decades. Soleimani has been in and out of Baghdad ever since, most recently last month as parties sought to form a new government. Where once he kept to the shadows, Soleimani has in recent years become an unlikely celebrity in Iran -- replete with a huge following on Instagram. His profile rose suddenly when he was pushed forward as the public face of Iran's intervention in the Syrian conflict from 2013, appearing in battlefield photos, documentaries -- and even being featured in a music video and animated film. In a rare interview aired on Iranian state television in October, he said he was in Lebanon during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war to oversee the conflict. To his fans and enemies alike, Soleimani was the key architect of Iran's regional influence, leading the fight against jihadist forces and extending Iran's diplomatic heft in Iraq, Syria and beyond. "To Middle Eastern Shiites, he is James Bond, Erwin Rommel and Lady Gaga rolled into one," wrote former CIA analyst Kenneth Pollack in a profile for Time's 100 most influential people in 2017. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Sonos has filed two lawsuits against Google for stealing its smart speaker multiroom technology and infringing on its patents. The latter got access to the technology after a partnership between the two in 2013. Sonos alleges that Google then went on to use the same technology in its Chromecast Audio, Google Home smart speakers, and Pixel products. The internet giant also sold its products at subsidized rates to undercut the competition, gain more customers and collect data from them which was later used for targeted advertising. In its lawsuit, Sonos claims that Google has infringed five of its patents. The company is seeking financial damages along with a ban on all Google products sold in the United States using the technology. While Sonos has sued Google over only five patents, it believes that the company has infringed on 100 of its patents. Google is not the only one that has taken advantage of Sonos tech though. Amazon has also infringed on Sonos tech, though the company has only sued Google as it cannot battle two tech giants at once. Google has been blatantly and knowingly copying our patented technology, Mr. Spence said in a statement. Despite our repeated and extensive efforts over the last few years, Google has not shown any willingness to work with us on a mutually beneficial solution. Were left with no choice but to litigate. Sonos used a packet sniffing technique to discover that Googles smart speakers were using the same technology as it for solving a number of issues related to multi-room audio. The company let Google know about this in 2016 itself, though the latter had no response to it. Over the next three years, Sonos again told Google about this issue four more times. Google responded by saying that Sonos was also infringing on its patents but never got around to providing more details about it. When Sonos delivered a proposed model for Google to pay licensing fees, Google returned its own model that resulted in its paying almost nothing, Sonos executives said. The lawsuit from Sonos is definitely going to complicate the relationship between all the companies involved. Sonos speakers require Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integration as otherwise, their feature set would become quite limited compared to other smart speakers. In terms of sound quality though, Sonos speakers sit right there at the top. Coincidentally, as reported by 9to5Mac, Apple has started selling the Sonos SL Wireless Speaker through its Apple Stores on the same day as the lawsuit. The speaker does not feature Assistant or Alexa integration but has AiPlay 2 support. [Via The New York Times Cronkite News PHOENIX A Phoenix company wants to build two massive hydroelectric projects on the Little Colorado River, a main tributary of the Colorado River, which carves the Grand Canyon. Environmentalists and Native Americans say the projects threaten life within the Canyon and would defile sacred land. Pumped Hydro Storage LLC has applied for permits to assess the feasibility of two projects consisting of four dams, two reservoirs and generators. Approval of the permits only would allow the study of the area, not construction. The Hopi Tribe, which holds the land in question to be sacred, and the Grand Canyon Trust filed motions to intervene in the permit process. Although the projects would be about 5 miles outside Grand Canyon National Park, they would directly affect the water supply of the canyon, according to the trust, whose stated mission is to safeguard the Canyon and the Colorado Plateau while supporting the rights of Native people. One of the Grand Canyons most iconic features is the blue-green waters of Havasu Creek, which feeds a series of waterfalls before tumbling into the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon Trust argues that a hydroelectric project potentially could change water patterns, resulting in the creek losing its blue-green tint because of a shift in sediment. The proposed hydroelectric storage projects would be about 5 miles outside Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon Trust argues the projects, which would dam the Little Colorado River, a tributary of the Colorado River, would directly affect the water supply of the Canyon. Photo by Jake Eldridge / Cronkite News The Hopi Tribe considers the Grand Canyon and the Little Colorado to be sacred. Clark Tenakhongva, Hopi vice chairman, said the Canyon is the birthplace of his people and is fundamental to Hopi culture. The Creator came to us with the higher powers and says, OK, Im allowing you to be part of this land base. But you got to comply with my standards, Tenakhongva said. So Hopi at the time of emergence from the bottom of the Grand Canyon, were told we are the stewards of the land and thats something thats still very highly respected. Jonathan Nez, president of the Navajo Nation, said the Grand Canyon is sacred to many tribes. We know that the Little Colorado River is sacred and water is life, he said. That whole region there, the Little Colorado River, the Grand Canyon, is considered sacred and holy by all the tribes in the state of Arizona, and many more throughout the Southwest and the Hopi Tribe considers the same for that area. Its on the Navajo Nation. The Grand Canyon Trust is concerned about the impact the dams would have on the local biome and the endangered humpback chub, a small fish that lives only in the Grand Canyon. Roger Clark, the Grand Canyon program director with the Grand Canyon Trust, said the dams could disrupt their habitat. The Little Colorado River confluence with the big Colorado River has been the primary breeding ground for this fish for over a million years, Clark said. You have to keep in mind this fish is found nowhere else in the world. Its specifically adapted to the Colorado River and its hanging on for dear life. Roger Clark, program director for the Grand Canyon Trust, is concerned about the proposed hydroelectric storage projects would affect the endangered humpback chub, which live only in the Canyon. Photo by Jake Eldridge / Cronkite News The project would involve displacing and holding water, which would not only affect the waters temperature but also would limit the amount of sediment in the Little Colorado, according to the Grand Canyon Trust. Pumped Hydro Storage would buy renewable energy at its peak during the day and use it to pump water from the Little Colorado to the higher of the two reservoirs. When renewable energy costs more, such as at night, the system would release the water into the lower reservoir, using the flow to generate hydroelectricity for sale at a profit. One main reason for having the projects on the Little Colorado is that power lines left over from the now defunct Navajo Generating Station could be used for this project, reducing the cost for infrastructure. Steve Irwin, manager of Pumped Hydro Storage, said the location makes sense considering that some facilities already are in place and workers are available. Theres lots of areas in Arizona where you could do this, but I would say well over half of the good locations are on (Native American) reservations. And the reservations need work, especially up there, Irwin said. Hundreds of people lost their jobs when the Navajo Generating Station and the Kayenta Mine closed this year. The Grand Canyon has a contentious history with dams. The Glen Canyon Dam near Page, which was finished in 1963, flooded parts of the upper Grand Canyon and sacred lands. Look what (Glen Canyon) did, it flooded all of the upper basin of the Colorado all the way into Utah, Tenakhongva said, and some of these cultural significant sites are no longer accessible or cant be seen. Some of the land base has been taken over (by) water. Whereas before it was just nothing but a desert with a small stream flowing through it. But whos benefiting from it? It certainly aint the Hopi or the Navajo tribes. Construction crews wont be breaking ground anytime soon. The permits would be preliminary, meaning the company can only conduct surveys and tests to determine the feasibility of the project and its environmental impact. The window for public comment on these two proposals closed Nov. 22, and now it is up to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a ruling. Note: This story originally appeared on Cronkite News and is published via a Creative Commons license . Cronkite News is produced by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University Join the Conversation Burma At Myanmar Peace Talks, State Counselor Urges All Parties to Put Country First Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (second left) is seen with leaders of the Myanmar military and ethnic armed organizations at the 8th Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting between the government and 10 EAOs in Naypyitaw on Jan. 8, 2020. / Myanmar State Counselors Office State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi called on all signatories of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) to take responsibility and accountability in implementing the pact, saying its principles apply equally to all stakeholders. She made the comments on Wednesday at the resumption of the long-awaited Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting (JICM) in Naypyitaw, at which she was joined by military representatives led by deputy army chief Vice Senior General Soe Win, and ethnic representatives led by Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) chairman General Yawd Serk. The JICM is considered a gateway to resuming the formal peace process, which has been stalled for more than a year since two NCA signatories suspended their participation. The Karen National Union decided to temporarily suspend its participation in formal peace negotiations in October 2018 and the RCSS withdrew from the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) on the NCA the following month. The NCA has joint ownership, and everyone needs to take responsibility and accountability, she said, adding that parties to the agreement need to avoid having the mindset of implementing only what we prefer. One reason for the recent hiatus in formal peace talks is that the EAOs, the government and the Myanmar military (or Tatmadaw) lack a common understanding of the NCAs provisionsan issue still on the negotiation table. If any of the groups take on what they like and ignore the things they dont like, it will cause difficulties to other groups and would create continuous hurdles for the peace process, she added. Acknowledging the efforts of the peace negotiators of both the government and the ethnic armed organizations, she said that politically, the JICM had more substance than just the resumption of formal peace talks, as the leaders had agreed to seek a common understanding on the various mechanisms for the peace process. The JICM follows preliminary discussions between the government and representatives of the ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in late December and October. Gen. Yawd Serk, the chairman of the RCSS and the current interim leader of the Peace Process Steering Team comprising 10 EAOs, on Tuesday urged his colleagues to try to work on achieving good results to move the peace process forward, pointing out that the public is interested in the countrys politics, peace process and military affairs, and is waiting to see the results of the JICM. Both sides agreed on eight points to move the peace process forward, according to U Zaw Htay, the government spokesman, who held a joint press briefing with Colonel Sai Ngern, the secretary of the RCSS, after the JICM. They agreed to establish a stronger ceasefire and implement interim arrangements as outlined in chapters 3, 4 and 6 of the NCA text. They planned to further prepare and establish a model for what to include in part three of the Union Accord, which will be discussed and signed at the upcoming UPC. Among the agreements made at the JICM were to convene the 21st-Century Panglong Union Peace Conference in the first quarter of this year; to form a working committee to ensure common understanding of the NCA terms and definitions; to make sure other EAOs who havent signed the NCA are included in the peace process; and to start the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) and JMC meetings. At the past three sessions of the 21st-Century Panglong Union Peace Conference held in 2016, 2017 and 2018, 51 basic principles were inked as part of the Union Accords, but these basic principles are not yet enough to achieve the union that we all dream of, said the State Counselor. Thus, she urged, We all have to continue to work harder to achieve thorough and complete federal principles for a future union. The stalemate began in May 2017 after the second session of the UPC, when the package dealwhich includes such conditions as non-secession, forming a single army and self-determinationwas thrown out. These key issues relating to federal principles were not resolved at the last UPC in July 2018. No common understanding of the single army issue has yet been reached between the Tatmadaw and EAOs. Regarding a unified army, Sai Ngern told reporters in Naypyitaw on Wednesday that it depends on the level of trust that can be established during the course of the negotiations. U Zaw Htay added that taking time to hold thorough discussions via informal, bilateral and multilateral talks would help build trust. He said he was optimistic that the hurdles can be overcome through step by step negotiations, as occurred in order to make the JICM happen in the past year. During the impasse in the formal peace talks in 2019, the negotiators raised the issue of how to move the peace process forward after 2020, as Myanmar will be holding a general election this year and expecting a new government. During the JICM on Wednesday, concerns for the peace process were also discussed and it was agreed to establish agreements for implementation of peace beyond 2020. The JICM participants also decided to work further on the inclusion of those EAOs who are still negotiating with the government on their respective bilateral ceasefire agreements and on signing the NCA. The government negotiators are planning to meet with those EAOs, especially the members of the Northern Alliance, which comprises the Kachin Independence Army, the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), this month, U Zaw Htay said. Their last meeting, in December in Kunming, China, was unsuccessful. However, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi reiterated the National League for Democracy governments stand that the door to peace is always open to those groups who have yet to cease fighting and sign the NCA. She said the government always welcomes groups to come under the scope of the NCA. Our government opens the door to negotiate either in bilateral discussion with each group or multilateral discussions. For that, the NCA provides the outline. She also added that seeking political solutions through negotiations is the only pragmatic way to end Myanmars 70-year civil war. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also warned that, Regarding the unexpected rises of armed conflicts [in the country] problems cannot be solved by taking up arms and raising imaginary new solutions. You may also like these stories: Japanese PM Urges Myanmar Military, Govt to Address Rights Issues in Rakhine Myanmar Military Detains 2 Unarmed RCSS Members at Public Event in Shan Stat Myanmar Ethnic Armed Groups Peace Negotiators and Govt to Meet Soon TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese legal officials are poring over Lebanese laws in a bid to find a way to return ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn to Japan, a Ministry of Justice senior official said on Tuesday, adding that Tokyo will do its utmost to have him face trial on financial misconduct charges. TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese legal officials are poring over Lebanese laws in a bid to find a way to return ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn to Japan, a Ministry of Justice senior official said on Tuesday, adding that Tokyo will do its utmost to have him face trial on financial misconduct charges. "We are screening in detail Lebanon's domestic laws and ...we will do whatever we can to win his return," the official said. The former Nissan Motor <7201.T> and Renault chairman, who was free on bail awaiting trial on charges of financial misconduct, fled to his childhood home of Lebanon last month. The possibility of persuading Lebanon to hand over Ghosn is low, however, the Japanese official said, because Lebanon like many other countries does not extradite its own citizens. Ghosn, he added, may face additional charges for violating Japan's immigration laws by fleeing Japan, while police and prosecutors may pursue anyone who aided his escape. On Tuesday, Tokyo prosecutors issued a warrant for the arrest of Carol Ghosn, his wife, Japanese broadcaster TBS reported. The former auto executive is due to speak to the media in Lebanon on Wednesday. He is expected to detail some of the claims he has made against Nissan since his arrest in November 2018 in which he has alleged that there was a Japanese government-backed coup to oust him. (Reporting by Tim Kelly; editing by Himani Sarkar and Jason Neely) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The government aims to restrict the fiscal deficit to 3.3 percent of the GDP for the financial year ending March 2020. New Delhi: The government should infuse capital in the economy without worrying about the fiscal deficit target as the GDP growth is estimated to slip to 11-year low of 5 percent during 2019-20, industry body FICCI said on Wednesday. In a statement, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) President Sangita Reddy said the 5 percent GDP growth estimate for the current financial year is on expected lines as the economic expansion in the first half of the year has been moderate. "We hope to see some momentum in the latter part. In fact, there are nascent signs that point towards an improvement and we need to make sure that these find a more solid footing going ahead," she said. Observing that the nature of the economy is cyclical, she said it was more important to infuse more capital to re-energise it than worrying about the fiscal deficit. A time-bound plan must be put in place on the mechanics to repair fiscal deficit through different measures, including disinvestment in PSUs, added Reddy. "FICCI is of the view that the fiscal deficit target could be relaxed to support infusion of Rs 1.5-2 lakh crore in the economy in the coming year, as such fiscal expansion is much needed at the current juncture to give a boost to demand and trigger investments," the chamber president said. The government aims to restrict the fiscal deficit to 3.3 percent of the GDP for the financial year ending March 2020. Referring to the forthcoming Union Budget 2020-21, she said the chamber look forward to government continuing taking steps towards bridging the existing gaps and giving out positive signals to boost the sentiment, consumption and investments. Apart from providing cheaper loans, more efforts must be made to increase incomes, especially in the rural areas, she suggested. "This can be achieved through an increase in the quantum of income support under PM-KISAN and expansion of the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme. Steps are also required to boost construction, infrastructure and exports," Reddy said. The industry body is also of the view that a significant focus on the economies of the future technologies like artificial intelligence, along with added stress on science and innovation, are also critical to add a parallel wave of growth, the statement said. Read what is in the news today: Society -- Eight Vietnamese nationals are suspected to have been killed in a fire that broke out at a farm in the suburbs of Moscow, the capital city of Russia, on Tuesday, according to Russian media. A foreign ministry official told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on the same day that the Vietnamese Embassy in Moscow had sent officials to the site to coordinate with local authorities in identifying the victims. -- Former Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Bac Son has filed an appeal against the life sentence handed to him by a court in Hanoi last month in the first instance trial of a notorious deal where telecoms giant MobiFone tried to buy a 95 percent stake in pay-per-view TV company AVG, which could have caused losses worth over VND6.5 trillion ($281.3 million) to the state budget. -- The administration of Ho Chi Minh City has submitted to the Ministry of Construction a plan to upgrade an existing biological treatment plant in Binh Tan District into a massive wastewater treatment complex capable of treating wastewater for a 91.5-square-kilometer area encompassing 56 wards in nine of the citys 24 districts. Business -- The State Bank of Vietnam has issued a document requesting credit organizations and branches of foreign banks to increase lending to prioritized production and business sectors, and accelerate credit programs as part of efforts to limit underground lending rackets. -- Vietnam Airlines plans to offer nearly 600 flights during Tet, or Lunar New Year holiday, from January 9 to February 2 this year, marking a year-on-year increase of 12 percent in the number of Tet flights operated by the national flag carrier. Lifestyle -- Mu Cang Chai, a remote district in the northern Vietnamese province of Yen Bai, was placed at the top of a 2020 travel list compiled by U.S.-based media site CNBC, which praised the districts breathtaking terraced rice fields. -- The second Balade en France food festival featuring French cuisine, which was held for the first time in Hanoi in 2018 to roaring success, will return to the Vietnamese capital for three days this weekend, January 10-12, at a pedestrian street near downtown Hoan Kiem Lake. -- The first Ha Long international music festival is scheduled to take place in the northern province of Quang Ninh on January 10-11 with the participation of over 100 Vietnamese and foreign artists, including those from the Guangxi Arts Institute of China, the Magic of Nomads band of Kazakhstan, and the Yushoku-Hot band of Japan. Sports -- Around 3,100 runners from 42 countries and territories will race up to 70km on trails through orchards and tea fields in the second edition of the Vietnam Trail Marathon (VTM), which will take place in Moc Chau District in the northern mountainous province of Son La on January 11. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Since the Democrats gained control of the Virginia state legislature, they have been backpedaling from their commitment to pass the redistricting amendment, despite having voted for it last year. Excuses range from we cant trust the Republican Virginia Supreme Court to settle any potential disputes to this amendment has too many flaws, and were going to come up with something even better. Its this last excuse Id like to address. Japanese PM delays trip to Middle East The office of Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that Abe was set to visit Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Oman starting Saturday. Amid tensions triggered by the US killing last week of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Japans premier has reportedly cancelled a trip to the Middle East, local media reported on Wednesday. "WE ARE DEEPLY WORRIED BY GROWING TENSIONS" Shinzo Abe was scheduled to pay bilateral visits to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman starting on Saturday, Kyodo news reported. The decision by Tokyo to stop Abe from traveling to the region came in the wake of Iran launching missiles targeting US bases in Iraq early Wednesday, in retaliation for the Soleimani killing, the report added. Speaking to reporters in Japan today, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said: "We are deeply worried by growing tensions in the Middle East and a further escalation should be avoided. "We ask all parties involved to exhaust diplomatic efforts to ease the tensions," Kyodo quoted Japans top government spokesman as saying. Lucknow, Jan 8 : Uttar Pradesh has been put on high alert following the pan India shut down call given by the central trade unions. The strike is in protest against the 'anti-labour' policies of the government. In Uttar Pradesh, several trade unions have extended support to the bandh call and will be participating in the strike. Bank unions, postal staff, Life Insurance and BSNL employees have said they will join the strike. Power employees will also be boycotting work in support of their demands. Farmers' unions have said that they will stall transportation of vegetables on Wednesday. Students unions are also joining in the bandh call. Meanwhile, 16.5 lakh candidates will be taking the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) scheduled to be held on Wednesday at 3,049 centres across the state. Senior police officials said that all district police chiefs have been asked to remain on high alert. The police have been asked to remain vigilant in areas that witnessed violence during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests last month. As many as 10 trade unions are participating in the Bharat bandh, including the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) along with various sectoral independent federations and associations. Various students organisations began their protests near the main building of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) even as hundreds of students came to collect their degree certificates. These are part of the continuing protests on attacks on students at various universities, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari was present for the 116th convocation ceremony at 3 pm near the main building. The students held protest placards and raised slogans as a part of their agitation. There was heavy police bandobast inside SPPU and intensive checking was going on of every person entering the convocation ceremony pandal. A protesting student, Disha Shinde, said, We are fully co-operating with the police department as we have been given five minutes to meet the governor and convey our demands and issues after the convocation programme. Saad Ahmed a student from SPPU who received his Masters degree certificate today and participated in the protest said, All of us have gathered here to protest against CAA, NRC and attack on students in various universities as today is an important day in our lives as we are getting our degree certificates. We collected our certificates and are now protesting peacefully. We are not going to disrupt or disturb the convocation ceremony in any manner. On Tuesday, DCP (zone 4) Pankaj Deshmukh held a meeting with student organisation representatives to ensure that that the protest would be peaceful. In the morning on Wednesday, Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) students protested inside Modern College, Ganeshkhind branch on the attack on their students inside Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Sunday. T wo rockets have been fired into Baghdads Green Zone and one exploded near the US Embassy, officials have said. Air raid sirens sounded in and loud blasts were heard in the area shortly after midnight, local time on Thursday (9pm, Wednesday UK time). Iran launched missiles at US forces in Iraq on Tuesday night in retaliation for the killing of top Iranian General Qassim Soleimani in a drone strike. There was no immediate claim of responsibility following the latest explosions in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, but it came as tensions remained high between the US and Iran. Multiple rockets were launched at Al-Asad airbase in Iraq that is home to US and coalition forces Iraqi police said at least one rocket fell 100 metres from the US Embassy in the Green Zone, with the military saying there were no casualties. US President Donald Trump had earlier signalled he would not retaliate over the strikes on Iraqi bases house US troops and said it appeared Iran seemed to be "standing down". But Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tuesday's strike was not necessarily the totality of the Middle Eastern country's response. US President Donald Trump signalled that he would not retaliate over the missile strikes targeting US troops in Iraq / AFP via Getty Images "Last night they [the US] received a slap," he said. "These military actions are not sufficient. What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end." Trump: Iran appears to be 'standing down' Despite this, President Trump said the US did not necessarily have to respond militarily to Iran's attack on bases in Iraq as he confirmed no Americans were hurt in the blasts. "The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it. American strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent," he said. Did Trumps threat to possibly use disproportionate force if Iran strikes US citizens and sites violate intl law? US President Donald Trump has faced further outrage over the weekend after tweeting the US could attack 52 Iranian sites, some at very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, if Tehran attacks a US person or target. He later added: Should Iran strike any US person or target the US will quickly and fully strike back and perhaps in a disproportionate manner. The tweets, sent in the aftermath of the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Iraq, sparked widespread condemnation, with many rights experts and organisations pointing out that targeting cultural sites with military action is considered a war crime under international law. These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner. Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2020 The outrage only prompted Trump to initially double down, however. Theyre allowed to kill our people. Theyre allowed to torture and maim our people. Theyre allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people. And were not allowed to touch their cultural sites. It doesnt work that way, he told reporters on Sunday. But US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper suggested on Monday that the US military would not follow any orders to attack a cultural site. One day later, Trump retreated from his initial comments regarding Iranian cultural sites, saying he would reluctantly obey international law. Many experts are in agreement that action of the scope Trump was threatening, including the use of disproportionate force, would violate international law, which holds proportionality as one of its key principles. The principle of proportionality seeks to limit damage caused by military operations by requiring that the effects of the means and methods of warfare used must not be disproportionate to the military advantage sought, according to the Red Cross. Using disproportionate force, therefore, amounts to a war crime under this principle. .targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2020 Luciano Zaccara, professor of Gulf Politics at Qatar University argued that the US has already used disproportionate force by killing Soleimani, one of the highest authorities within the Iranian political-military establishment. Trumps tweets Other experts have gone a step further, suggesting that by issuing such threats, Trump may have violated international law. According to Ilias Bantekas, professor of law at Hamad bin Khalifa University in Doha, the tweet in which Trump threatens to act disproportionately is in itself a violation of Article 2 (4) of the UN Charter which states that all members of the UN shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The perhaps disproportionately tweet is a clear violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat of armed force, even if not followed by actual armed measures, Bantekas said. Even if an action were deemed to have been lawful as a matter of self-defence, its disproportionate character would make it unlawful. Kevin Jon Heller agreed, saying that while there would be nothing inherently wrong for Trump to say in his own unique way that the US would defend itself against an armed attack, the fact that he threatened disproportionate force is in violation of Article 2(4) of the UN charter. But Charles Blanchard, a partner at Arnold Porter law firm and a former general counsel in the US Army, disagreed. The tweet contains enough wiggle room which makes it hard to figure out what President Trump means. Trump delivers remarks following the US Military killing against Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad, Iraq [Tom Brenner/Reuters] Blanchard pointed to Secretary of State Mike Pompeos subsequent statement that any attacks should the US decide to use force would comply with international law. The tweet is muddled enough that it is difficult to consider it as an official threat by the US, Blanchard said. Michael Pregent, a former US intelligence officer and senior Middle East analyst at the Hudson Institute, also said the tweets were not in violation of international law. Its a warning to Iran that if they attack American interests, Iran will be held accountable and the US will target things that are of interest to Iran, Pregent told Al Jazeera. How a tweet became a state act Some experts point out that Trump himself said his tweets serve as notification to Congress of military actions he would take should Iran target US citizens or assets. Since Trump himself states that his tweet is good enough to be considered a formal declaration to Congress, his tweet can be considered a formal declaration of intent, said Sarah Kay, a UK-based human rights lawyer and expert on counterterrorism. Bantekas added that the novelty here is that unilateral action is undertaken through Twitter and that the threat of force emanates not through official channels such as the State Department but from a private tweet. He said state practice had traditionally been expressed through official acts and statements, not private acts of state actors. A tweet is a private action, but when used by a president to effectively threaten armed force, it transformed into a state act. Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi (L) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, April 24, 2019. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Myanmar late next week to discuss bilateral relations and to push for a speedier build-out of Chinese development projects under his massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Myanmar analysts said Wednesday. Neither the Myanmar nor Chinese government has released details of Xi's Jan. 17-18 trip his first visit to the Southeast Asian country since 2009 on the occasion of the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries. Myanmar analysts say Xis trip could bode well for the countrys faltering peace process and economic growth. Beijing has encouraged rebel ethnic armies fighting Myanmar troops in border areas to meet with peace negotiators and agree to bilateral cease-fires with the government military. Chinas primary motive for getting involved in the peace process is driven by its interest in securing border areas so that infrastructure investments in Myanmar under the BRI are not jeopardized, analysts believe. A signature policy of Xis, the multitrillion-dollar BRI infrastructure investment and lending program that will link China with Asia, Africa, and Europe entails the building of border economic cooperation zones in Myanmars war-torn Shan and Kachin states. it also includes the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), a road and rail transportation route running from southwest Chinas Yunnan province through the Myanmar border trading town of Muse and on to Mandalay and Kyaukphyu in Rakhine state where a Special Economic Zone is being planned to serve as a strategic gateway to the Indian Ocean. Beijing has also pressured Naypyidaw to allow it to continue building the highly controversial Myitsone Dam project in Kachin state, put on hold in 2011 amid protests over its social and environmental impacts. Chinas pressure and negotiations regarding the peace process in Myanmar will intensify because it needs peace in Myanmar for its businesses [to thrive], said ethnic affairs expert Maung Maung Soe. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a political exile who lives in China and follows the two countries' bilateral relations, said Xis visit will give Myanmar an economic shot in the arm. He is going to try to accelerate Myanmars economy in places where his Belt and Road Initiative project is active, he said, noting that Chinas infrastructure developments in Myanmar and neighboring Bangladesh and India have not yet been completed. Thats why he is coming, I think, Hla Kyaw Zaw said. China feels frustrated Political analyst Than Soe Naing said Xi may seek to strong-arm Myanmar into moving faster on the implementation of a key railway project under the BRI that will run from Muse in northern Shan state to the central city of Mandalay. China feels frustrated about the building of the Muse-Mandalay railway as part of the BRI, he told RFAs Myanmar Service. Myanmar officials said that just the land survey part has been completed, while the train station in Ruili on Chinas side has already been built, Than Soe Naing added, referring to the Chinese trading town situated across the river from Muse. Xi Jinping could have a plan to force this railway project and the building of an economic zone in Muse to be completed sooner than expected, he said. If this was to happen, rebel ethnic armies operating in border areas would be less likely to disrupt construction plans and to scale down their fighting, he added. Myanmar economist Hla Maung said Xis visit will give Myanmar a much needed boost in light of recent international condemnation. The international community has condemned the Myanmar governments handling of a brutal military-led crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state in 2017, with some nations bringing genocide charges against it in international courts. As Chinas No. 1 leader is visiting, Myanmar will benefit politically, economically, and socially, said Myanmar economist Hla Maung. This is the time when Myanmar needs help, as it is under international pressure. Reported by Wai Mar Tun for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. , Cookies . cookies. The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to look into the possibility of deploying a separate cadre of CISF in certain courts to check unruly incidents of violence. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, perhaps referring to the recent Tis Hazari court complex violence, said "had there been deployment of CISF, the Delhi incident would not have taken place". Lawyers and police personnel had clashed at the Tis Hazari Court complex here in November last year in which a few advocates sustained bullet injuries and several security personnel were injured. The bench, also comprising justice B R Gavai and Surya Kant, told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that there should be a separate cadre of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which will provide security in certain courts after a decision by the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice said he has written a letter to the government in this regard. "There can be a separate wing of CISF for security at courts. There can be a separate cadre," the CJI told Mehta and asked him to file his reply on the issue. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing as amicus in the matter, said there may be problems for lawyers if the CISF personnel are deployed and it would be appropriate if the Bar Council of India's view is also taken in the matter. The bench then issued notice to the BCI seeking its reply in two weeks. The apex court was hearing a plea filed by one Pradyuman Bisht seeking audio and video recording of court proceedings in order to bring transparency. Luthra had moved an application seeking a copy of the status report filed by the Centre in the matter. The bench said it would tag the matter along with a similar petition pending on the issue. Taking a reformatory approach and in a bid to bring in transparency, the top court had on March 28, 2017, for the first time, directed that CCTV cameras be installed in courts of two districts of each state and union territory. On December 11, 2017, the apex court had asked the Centre to look into the possibility of connecting live video recordings of court proceedings with the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON The U.S. and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war Wednesday as President Trump signaled he would not retaliate militarily for Irans missile strikes on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. No one was harmed in the strikes, but U.S. forces in the region remained on high alert. Speaking from the White House, Trump seemed intent on de-escalating the crisis, which spiraled after he authorized the targeted killing last week of Irans top general, Qassem Soleimani. Iran responded early Wednesday with its most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, firing more than a dozen missiles at two installations in Iraq. The Pentagon said Wednesday that it believed Iran fired with the intent to kill. Even so, Trumps takeaway was that Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. Despite such conciliatory talk, the region remained on edge, and American troops including a quick-reaction force dispatched over the weekend, were on high alert. Last week Iranian-backed militia besieged the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and Tehrans proxies in the region remain able to carry out attacks such as the one on Dec. 27 that killed a U.S. contractor and set off the most recent round of hostilities. Hours after Trump spoke, an incoming siren went off in Baghdads Green Zone after what seemed to be small rockets impacted the diplomatic area, a Western official said. There were no reports of casualties. There is no obvious path to diplomatic engagement, as Trump pledged to add to his maximum pressure campaign of economic sanctions. He said the new, unspecified sanctions would remain in place until Iran changes its behavior. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the overnight strike was not necessarily the totality of Irans response. Last night they received a slap, Khamenei said. These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end. Trump, facing perhaps the biggest test of his presidency, credited the minimized damage to an early warning system that worked very well and said Americans should be extremely grateful and happy with the outcome. The strikes had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and left the world waiting to see whether the American president would respond with more military force. Trump, in his nine-minute, televised address, spoke of a robust U.S. military with missiles that are big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast. But then he added: We do not want to use it. Iran for days had been promising to respond forcefully to Soleimanis killing, but its limited strike on two bases one in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq appeared to signal that it, too, was uninterested in a wider clash with the U.S. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the country had concluded proportionate measures in self-defense. Trump, who is facing re-election in November, campaigned for president on a promise to extract the United States from endless wars. On Wednesday, he said the United States was ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. That marked a sharp change in tone from his warning a day earlier that if Iran does anything that they shouldnt be doing, theyre going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly. Members of Congress were briefed on the Iran situation Wednesday afternoon in closed-door sessions on Capitol Hill, where Democrats and some Republicans expressed dissatisfaction with the administrations justifications for the drone strike on Soleimani. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah said it was probably the worst briefing Ive seen, at least on a military issue, in the nine years Ive served in the United States Senate. He said it was distressing that officials suggested it would embolden Iran if lawmakers debated the merits of further military action. Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced after the briefing that the House would vote Thursday on a war powers resolution to limit Trumps ability to take military action against Iran. The Democratic measure seems certain to pass over solid Republican opposition. Zeke Miller is an Associated Press writer. Close on the heels of what can be politely described as a rout in the Lok Sabha election, the AAP appears to be the frontrunner in the Assembly poll battle. Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the one question that perhaps defined the contest was, "If not Modi, then who?". Fast forward eight months, and the Aam Aadmi Party is trying to define the Delhi Assembly election by the question, "If not Kejriwal, then who?" In a curious role reversal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi is tying itself up in knots trying to present a state-level challenger to the Delhi chief minister. On Sunday, home minister and BJP chief Amit Shah had said that the BJP would contest the election under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Arvind Kejriwal, when asked about this at a press conference after the dates of the Assembly election were announced on Monday, said in a mellow style that has become his trademark of late, "How is this possible? Modiji will not leave the prime minister's post and become the Delhi chief minister." Close on the heels of what can be politely described as a rout in the Lok Sabha election, the AAP appears to be the frontrunner in the Assembly poll battle. An opinion poll by ABP-CVoter predicted that the AAP will win 59 seats in the 70-member Assembly, while the BJP will win only eight seats. Further, when it comes to the popular choice for the post of the chief minister, Kejriwal is head and shoulders above the rest, with 70 percent of the people considering him to be the best person for the top job. Of course, a month is a long time in politics, and Assembly elections in the recent past have thrown up many a surprise. Nevertheless, the AAP appears to be in the driver's seat at present largely due to a complete image makeover of Kejriwal, a realistic recalibration of its ambitions and a focus on positive campaigning. The early signs of this change were seen in August, after the Central government effectively abrogated Article 370 in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and divided the state into two Union Territories. We support the govt on its decisions on J & K. We hope this will bring peace and development in the state. Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 5, 2019 Kejriwal's stance came in for criticism from many, who pointed out that the AAP has been arguably been the most vocal proponent of the demand for full statehood to Delhi. However, the statement signalled a clear intent on the part of the AAP to not cede the nationalism plank to the BJP. As of now, the AAP appears to be positioning its version of inclusive nationalism as against the BJP's aggressive chest-thumping variety. On 29 December, Kejriwal felicitated family members of ex-servicemen and those who were killed protecting the nation and said that a number of ex-servicemen were given jobs by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in different departments. Similarly, on the last day of 2019, the Delhi government renamed the Mukarba Chowk and flyover as Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra Chowk in honour of the Kargil war martyr. (Incidentally, Captain Batra's mother Kamal Kanta Batra had unsuccessfully contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Hamirpur on an AAP ticket, and later left the party). The AAP has also avoided getting drawn into recent campus protests, whether in the Jawaharlal Nehru University or the Jamia Milia Islamia. When violence broke out at JNU on Sunday evening, many exhorted Kejriwal to stand in solidarity with the students. However, he merely posted two tweets condemning the violence and saying that he had spoken to the Lieutenant Governor, asking him to ensure peace. Eventually, it was party leader Sanjay Singh who went to AIIMS to inquire about the condition of students injured during the violence. Clearly, the party wanted to avoid the optics of its most recognisable face taking a clear position in favour of JNU students. Further, the AAP has taken care not to fall into the trap of positioning Kejriwal as an alternative to Modi. In complete contrast to its earlier confrontational approach, the party has restricted its barbs to the local leadership of the BJP. On multiple occasions, it has also aced the strategy of lampooning the BJP without sounding acerbic. Exhibit A: Exhibit B: Agreed! Thats your area of expertise. https://t.co/5CWm9qY6eM AAP (@AamAadmiParty) December 30, 2019 Smart one-liners aside, the AAP has sought to play to its strengths by focussing on the development work it has done whether on mohalla clinics, government schools or civic facilities in unauthorised colonies. Significantly, it has chosen to simply ignore charges made by the BJP on emotive issues, such as the claim that Kejriwal protected the "tukde tukde gang" by not granting sanction to prosecute JNU students who allegedly raised anti-India slogans. Of course, there are many challenges that the party needs to overcome. Since December 2018, the BJP has had to contend with a string of defeats in Assembly polls, and the last thing it would want is an incumbent non-BJP government returning to power in the capital. The saffron party is likely to throw everything it has at ensuring its victory. As the results of the Lok Sabha election when the BJP won all seven seats in Delhi show, Modi continues to hold enormous sway over voters. There remains a possibility that the BJP's fortunes in the Assembly election may see a dramatic upswing due to the prime minister's entry into the campaign trail. However, as the elections in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan show, voters are increasingly making a distinction between the Lok Sabha election and Assembly polls. Nevertheless, one thing can certainly be said while the AAP in 2015 was pitching Arvind Kejriwal the streetfighter as its calling card, it is now seeking to retain power in the name of Arvind Kejriwal the administrator. Members of a Harris County grand jury on Wednesday visited the south Houston home at the center of a 2019 narcotics raid that left two residents dead and the Houston Police Department mired in scandal after the officer behind the operation was accused of lying to obtain a warrant. The black shuttle bus arrived at 10:11 a.m. at 7815 Harding St., stopping at a long white covered walkway that had been set up to protect the identity of the grand jurors probing the incident. The visit marks the first public indication that local grand jurors have begun investigating the case. In August, Harris County prosecutors charged former narcotics officer Gerald Goines with murder, and charged his partner, Steven Bryant, with tampering with a government record. Goines, a veteran narcotics officer, launched the no-knock raid on the home on Jan. 28, 2019 with other members of Narcotics Squad 15 looking for heroin. Homeowners Rhogena Nicholas and Dennis Tuttle died in the operation. Five officers were injured. Police didnt find any heroin, only small amounts of cocaine and marijuana, and relatives and neighbors disputed that the two individuals had dealt drugs. In the weeks that followed, Police Chief Art Acevedo said Goines had lied about the drug buy used to justify the raid on 7815 Harding St. NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION: Botched Houston drug raid not the first The police department, the Harris County District Attorneys Office and the FBI all launched investigations into the raid. Authorities on Wednesday divulged little about the grand jurors tour of the Pecan Park home, which lasted less than half an hour. In a written statement, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said that a local grand jury had been looking into the Harding Street incident for several weeks, but declined to discuss any specifics because grand jury proceedings are secret. Prosecutors will present all the evidence to grand jurors to determine if indictments are warranted, she said. We will get to the truth about the deaths of Rhogena Nicholas and Dennis Tuttle and we will continue to review thousands of cases handled by members of Houston Police Narcotics Squad 15. In a short written statement, Acevedo said, We appreciate the work of the grand jury and the Houston Police Department Special Investigations Unit, and our partners, who helped us get to this point. Police union officials declined comment. As far back as July, a separate, federal grand jury began probing the case. More than a dozen Houston police officers appeared before the federal grand jury, according to union officials. In November the grand jury handed down nine indictments against Goines, his former partner, Bryant, and Harding Street resident who they said had lied to police in 911 calls. In a lengthy detention hearing, prosecutors later unveiled sweeping allegations of misconduct against Goines, accusing him of lying repeatedly about casework, having sex with his informant and told a federal judge investigators he had loose drugs and a stolen gun in his car. In state court, Harris County prosecutors charged Goines with two counts of felony murder in August, and charged Bryant with one count of tampering with a government document. Both men who have since retired from HPD maintain their innocence. But that investigation has moved more slowly than the federal case, as prosecutors have also begun an extensive review of thousands of cases that Goines, Bryant, and other members of their squad worked on over their careers. FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Key Houston police narcotics officers at center of fatal Harding Street drug raid tallied few arrests, low-level busts Courthouse veterans said the grand jurors crime scene visit was rare. The fact they went to see a house that is the subject of a case, its unusual, yes, said Ken Magidson, a former Harris County DA who was tapped as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas by Barack Obama and served until 2017. Generally grand jurors just base their decision on evidence presented inside the grand jury room, from witnesses, from documents, from testimony, from presentations. So its unusual. An attorney for Rhogena Nicholas family called the grand jurors tour of the home welcome news. The Nicholas family knows the investigation must continue to fully expose the actions of all the persons involved in the Harding Street fiasco, including its aftermath, said Mike Doyle, the attorney. That the grand jury is given an opportunity to see Rhogena and Dennis home is welcome news, but we also know that an independent forensic evaluation of the Harding Street incident is vitally necessary. Goines private defense attorney said she was pleased to hear of the grand jurys visit. Its definitely unusual, she said. But we are grateful this grand jury seems to be taking the time and effort to do a detailed investigations into these facts. About 20 minutes after the shuttle bus arrived, its occupants reboarded and it departed. Plywood covers windows and doors broken in the raid. They are dotted with spraypaint and ringed in American flags. A year after the raid, the house still draws visitors, neighbors said. With each new development in the case, they see a new surge of curious onlookers. Its like some kind of attraction, said Emilio Alaniz, who lives two doors down from Tuttles house. I would like to see the traffic stop. Its like a zoo out here. WASHINGTONAnd, breathe. For a moment, at least. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it, President Donald Trump said, standing at a podium in the White House shortly after 11 a.m. on Wednesday. The United States is ready to embrace peace, he said, with all who seek it. For the previous six days, and in particular in the hours leading up to his address, the threat of war became suffocating, and it seemed to many more likely than not that Trump could go a different way. The killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, considered the second-most powerful figure in the country a terrorist in the eyes of the U.S. and its allies, a folk hero among Iranians seemed destined to provoke direct conflict. The retaliation by Iran Tuesday night, launching 12 missiles at airbases in Iraq where U.S. troops are stationed, seemed for a while almost to ensure an escalation of violence. If you were watching American cable television Tuesday night, you would have heard confident projections that Trump would strike back hard, perhaps launch a full-scale war. Amid that speculation, the president postponed an address to the nation until Wednesday morning and many may have gone to bed dreading the prospect of the bloodshed of another Middle Eastern war. When the moment came, Trump announced that there had been no American or Iraqi casualties in the missile attack. Iran appears to be standing down, Trump said, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a good thing for the world. On such moments can history turn. Trump didnt say that the United States would stand down, in so many words, but that was the gist of much of the speech rather than a further military response, hed pursue more economic sanctions, a greater NATO role in the region, further calls for the other parties to the 2015 nuclear deal to join him in withdrawing and attempting to negotiate a new one. He was still Trump he spent time bragging about the strength of the American economy under his leadership and the size of the missiles he commands, he inaccurately portrayed the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal and badmouthed Barack Obama. The message was not friendly: he emphasized, as the very first words of his speech and thereafter, that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons was his absolute top priority, condemned the countrys international actions in recent years, and bragged of ridding the world of its top terrorist in Soleimani. But he stepped back from escalating hostilities. Opened a door, or took a door left open by Irans limited and ultimately bloodless response, leading towards peace. Or something closer to it. Not that this is over. While reports say that Iran has indicated it plans no further official military response, it is expected they may well engage in some form of cyber attack against the United States. Iran has supported many proxy military groups in the region Soleimanis involvement with them is a big part of why the U.S. targeted him who might still attempt to exact revenge of their own, with or without U.S. support. The leader of one of those proxy groups, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was also killed in the U.S. strike alongside Soleimani. Meanwhile, the U.S. must now navigate Iraqi sentiment as well, after that countrys parliament voted to ask all foreign troops to leave the country following the U.S. strike on Soleimani inside its borders. And the prospects for a new U.S.-Iran nuclear deal to replace the one Obama negotiated and Trump scrapped Trumps top stated goal in relations with the country appear further away than before. There will also be the matter of sorting out what happened in the crash of the Boeing 737-800 that killed 176 people, including 63 Canadians, in Tehran shortly after taking off bound for Ukraine early Wednesday. Iran has recovered flight data recorders from the crash, but the New York Times reports they will not turn them over to Boeing, an American company. Investigations will explore the reasons for the crash, on which no Americans were reported to be on board. For now, many will see this sequence in Iran as a political and possibly a policy victory for Trump, in which he appears tough, eliminating a lethal enemy of the U.S. government, and appears to have escaped the possibility of being drawn into the kind of drawn-out war hes long decried and one that would be unpopular with the American people. All of this while taking headlines away from the domestic impeachment saga. But in the process, Trump also appears to have further destabilized the region and left the fate of U.S. allies there including Canadians up in the air. He has set back efforts to prevent the nuclearization of Iran. And Trump faces a new set of domestic political controversies around his decision to strike a foreign government official in a foreign country, the intelligence it was based on, and the clumsy handling of its fallout. In response, on Thursday, the House of Representatives will vote to limit Trumps power to wage war against Iran without its consent. The near future may see this situation evolve for the better, or for the worse, and the implications (political and otherwise) will follow. But Wednesday morning, a full-on war in Iran seemed to be a strong possibility, and by afternoon those who feared it may be coming could breathe a bit easier, at least for a while. Read more about: One fisherman is missing after the boat in which he set out for fishing along with three others sunk off the coast off Ariyaman beach on Tuesday, police said. The fishermen from Mandapam put out to the sea and were fishing about three nautical miles off Ariyaman beach when the boat sunk due to rough sea resulting in a wooden plank breaking, police added. Three fishermen used their life jackets and managed to reach the coast, police said. One fisherman-Pandi was missing and the Coast Guard and coastal marine police launched a search for him, they added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Express News Service HYDERABAD: The Cyberabad Police found itself embroiled in a controversy on Wednesday after a communally insensitive tweet by a netizen named Suresh Kochattil and a response by the official handle of the Cyberabad Police went viral. The response by Cyberabad police to the Tweet invited criticism from various quarters, including Hyderabad MP and AIMIM Chief, Asaduddin Owaisi. Tagging the Twitter handles of three police commissionerates, Telangana DGP, Minister of IT and TRS Working President KT Rama Rao and of the US Consul General in Hyderabad, Kochattil Tweeted around Monday midnight - Many wannabe Jihadis work for American Software companies in Hyderabad? After #Iran threatened to hit US assets, has @hydcitypolice @cyberabadpolice @RachakondaCop done background check/risk assessment of these Peacefuls? Or cops are clueless? @KTRTRS @TelanganaDGP @USCGHyderabad. Many wannabe Jihadis work for American Software companies in Hyderabad? After #Iran threatened to hit US assets, has @hydcitypolice @cyberabadpolice @RachakondaCop done background check/risk assessment of these Peacefuls? Or cops are clueless? @KTRTRS @TelanganaDGP @USCGHyderabad Suresh Kochattil (@kochattil) January 6, 2020 To this, the Cyberabad Police responded within minutes saying, Yes sir, we have specialised wings for collection of advance intel and our teams are on the job 24X7. Thanks for alerting us. Please keep us updated if you find anything suspicious. Kochattil claims on his social media bio that he hates "Sickulars and Commies" Following this, the Tweet by Kochattil and the reply by Cyberabad Police went viral with many criticising the police for replying. Owaisi tagged the Cyberabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar and tweeted on Wednesday, @cpcybd sir you may say yes sir. Please enlighten how many such jihadi are working in software companies. Kindly give a number if not please clarify what you exactly meant. Will you reply to an MP or only to a Bhakt? He further took a dig at Sajjanar, who was in the news recently for the encounter of four accused in the Hyderabad veterinary doctor rape and murder case. Owaisi Tweeted, Sir whatever you do but no killings in the name of encounter at 5 am. Please if possible arrest and as accepted 3rddegree will be given but please not cartoos in stomach. CP sahib terrorism has no religion. Although Sajjanar or the official Twitter handle of Cyberabad Police has not come out with a clarification on the controversy, a senior Cyberabad cop said that it was a routine response given to a query made on Twitter. There are systems in place for responding to certain queries. We are not insinuating that everyone from a community is like that," the senior Cyberabad police official said. Meanwhile, the Cyberabad police have issued a clarification stating that the response to the tweet has been misconstrued. "Our tweet has been misconstrued. The intent is only to suggest that we are always alert and well equipped to ensure security and it does not mean to agree with the suggestion. We reiterate that we are committed to maintain peace and order in the society without any prejudice towards any person or community," said the statement issued by the police. Astronomers from Harvard University have found the presence of a wave-shaped gaseous structure named 'Radcliffe Wave' in the Milky Way Galaxy. According to the research which has been published in the journal - Nature - the wave structure is the largest ever seen in the galaxy and is made up of interconnected stellar nurseries. This discovery by the university transforms the 150-year-old vision of the nearby stellar nurseries as an expanding ring in one featuring a star-forming filament that reached trillions of miles below and above the galactic disk. The study was enabled through a relatively new analysis of data from the European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft which was launched in 2013 along with the mission of precisely measuring the distance, position, and motion of the stars. The researchers combined the data from Gaia which was super-accurate, with other measurements for constructing a detailed, 3D map of interstellar matter in the Milky Way, and noticed an unexpected pattern in the spiral arm which is closest to the Earth. The researchers further discovered a thin, long structure, about 9,000 light-years long and 400 light-years wide, having a shape that of a wave, cresting 500 light-years above and below the mid-plane of our galaxy's disk. The wave consists of stellar nurseries that have been previously thought to form a part of the 'Gould's Belt', which is a band of star-forming regions and is believed to have an orientation around the Sun in a circular or ring-like fashion. "No astronomer expected that we live next to a giant, wave-like collection of gas -- or that it forms the Local Arm of the Milky Way," said the researcher, Alyssa Goodman. "We were completely shocked when we first realized how long and straight the Radcliffe Wave is, looking down on it from above in 3D -- but how sinusoidal it is when viewed from Earth. The Wave's very existence is forcing us to rethink our understanding of the Milky Way's 3D structure," Goodman added. "Gould and Herschel both observed bright stars forming in an arc projected on the sky, so for a long time, people have been trying to figure out if these molecular clouds actually form a ring in 3D," said another researcher, Joao Alves. "Instead, what we've observed is the largest coherent gas structure we know of in the galaxy, organized not in a ring but in a massive, undulating filament. The Sun lies only 500 light-years from the Wave at its closest point. It's been right in front of our eyes all the time, but we couldn't see it until now," Alves added. The newly developed three-dimensional map shows Earth's galactic neighborhood in a new light, which gives researchers a revised view of the Milky Way and is also opening the door to some of the major discoveries. "We don't know what causes this shape but it could be like a ripple in a pond as if something extraordinarily massive landed in our galaxy," said Alves. "What we do know is that our Sun interacts with this structure. It passed by a festival of supernovae as it crossed Orion 13 million years ago, and in another 13 million years it will cross the structure again, sort of like we are 'surfing the wave," Alves added. A long-standing challenge for astronomy and astronomers is disentangling structures that are present in the 'dusty' galactic neighbourhood. In previous studies, a group of researchers mapped the three-dimensional distribution of dust using a vast survey of stars. Using the new data researchers recently augmented these techniques, which dramatically improves the ability of astronomers for measuring the distances to star-forming regions. The work which was led by the researcher Zucker has been published in the Astrophysical Journal. "We suspected there might be larger structures that we just couldn't put in context. So, to create an accurate map of our solar neighborhood, we combined observations from space telescopes like Gaia with astrostatistics, data visualization, and numerical simulations," said Zucker. "We pulled this team together so we could go beyond processing and tabulating the data to actively visualizing it -- not just for ourselves but for everyone. Now, we can literally see the Milky Way with new eyes," she added. "Studying stellar births is complicated by imperfect data. We risk getting the details wrong because if you're confused about distance, you're confused about size," another researcher Finkbeiner said. Agreeing to the claims by Zucker and Finkbeiner, Goodman said, "All of the stars in the universe, including our Sun, are formed in dynamic, collapsing, clouds of gas and dust. But determining how much mass the clouds have, how large they are -- has been difficult, because these properties depend on how far away the cloud is. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BALMORAL, Australia Bolstered by cooler weather and desperately needed rain, exhausted firefighters in Australia raced to shore up defenses against deadly wildfires before the blazes flare again within days when scorching temperatures are expected to return. The first hints of the financial toll from the disaster began to emerge on Tuesday. The Insurance Council of Australia said the estimated damage bill had doubled in two days, with insurance claims reaching $485 million. That estimate comes one day after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the government was committing an extra $1.4 billion toward the recovery effort in addition to the tens of millions of dollars that have already been promised. Morrisons funding announcement came amid fierce criticism from many Australians who say he has been too slow to respond to the crisis. He has also faced backlash for downplaying the need for his government to address climate change, which experts say helps supercharge the blazes. The fires, fueled by drought and the countrys hottest and driest year on record, have been raging since September, months earlier than is typical for Australias annual wildfire season. So far, the blazes have killed 25 people, destroyed 2,000 homes and scorched an area twice the size of the state of Maryland. Three people in New South Wales who were reported missing earlier Tuesday were later found, police said. Across New South Wales, 130 fires were still burning on Tuesday, around 50 of which were uncontrolled. The days cooler, rainier weather was providing thousands of weary firefighters a psychological and emotional reprieve as they scrambled to strengthen containment lines around the blazes before temperatures rise again, said Shane Fitzsimmons, commissioner of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. It really is about shoring up protection to limit the damage potential and the outbreak of these fires over the coming days, he told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. The rain was not heavy enough to extinguish the blazes. Victoria state Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said on Monday at least 8 inches of rain would need to fall in a short time to snuff out the fires around 20 times what has fallen across the region in the past day. And officials warned that Australias wildfire season which generally lasts through March was nowhere near its end. The rain was also complicating firefighters attempts to strategically backburn certain areas, and was making the ground slippery for fire trucks. Thousands of army, navy and air force reservists were being dispatched to battle the fires. On Tuesday, rescue crews were still trying to reach some affected communities. Nick Perry and Kristen Gelineau are Associated Press writers. "It operated like a military tactician," Justin said. "It would hit you from the front, and while you're occupied with that, it would turn around and hit you from the flanks." The fire killed a half-dozen lizards that took refuge in a pot of water and all of Helena's chickens. When the flames burst into the house, they melted a champagne bottle, fusing it with some buckled porcelain and a sushi knife. As the family members ran from their house, Helena's shoes melted and embers landed on her shoulders. She believes they made it out by no more than 30 seconds. The back of their car had melted, so they jumped into their truck and drove up their driveway to the end of their street. But there was nowhere to go from there. They were surrounded by flames. After what might have been five minutes or 10, the fire front moved on and they drove to the fire station, where others were taking shelter. When Justin and Helena returned to their burned-out home, they found a piece of pink chalk and used it to write on their wall, "We'll be back!" But it will be a long struggle. They are finding it difficult to navigate through all the red tape, and they didn't have insurance on their house. Justin, a woodworker who built all the family's furniture, said that was because they had other financial priorities, such as school fees and looking after aging relatives. Vietnamese authorities have started many plans and programmes in order to reduce ocean plastic waste. Illustrative image Ocean plastic pollution is one of the most serious and urgent problems as 80% of the plastics found at sea came from the land. Vietnam is the fourth most polluting country in the world in terms of ocean plastic waste. About 0.28 to 0.73 million tonnes of plastic waste was discharged to the sea from Vietnam every year. Marine protected areas are the hardest hit. The authorities have issued several documents to deal with the problems and many coastal provinces and cities have added ocean plastic waste problem into local socio-economic development plans. As of now, Vietnam still lacks any exact data or research about ocean plastic waste. This would be a huge challenge for Vietnam to change public habits about how to use plastic products and provide sufficient waste treatment. Several efforts have proved to achieve only minimal results. The government has also set the goal to actively prevent and reduce the amount of ocean plastic waste in Resolution 36 about sustainably developing Vietnams marine economy to 2030 with a view to 2045. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has issued a national action plan on marine plastic waste management by 2030. According to the plan, by 2025, Vietnam will reduce 50% of plastic waste, 50% of lost or thrown-away fishing tools in the ocean and 80% of the disposable plastic products at coastal restaurants and hotels. There must be at least two movements a year to collect rubbish and clean up the beaches nationwide so that 80% of the marine protected areas will not have drifting plastic waste. The authorities will monitor the situation in the northern region, north-central coast, central coast, south-central coast, southern region and islands that have tourism potential and review the development once every five years. By 2030, Vietnam will reduce 75% of ocean plastic waste and all lost and thrown-away fishing tools will be recovered. Fishermen will also be banned from throwing their tools into the ocean. Ocean restaurants and hotels will no longer be allowed to use disposable plastic products and marine protected areas will be cleared of plastic waste. The ocean plastic waste monitoring and review project will be expanded to the estuaries of 11 main rivers and 12 island districts. The authorities will focus on collecting and classifying rubbish, improve rubbish transporting and waste treatment process, raise public awareness and start more international co-operation on scientific researches and technology transfer to improve waste treatment system. Dtinews Tourist sites in Vietnam will be plastic waste free Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has issued a national action plan on ocean plastic waste management by 2030. Harvey Weinstein's defense lawyers asked a New York City judge Wednesday to step aside from presiding over his rape case because of "prejudicial and inflammatory" comments about the fallen movie mogul, which they say suggest he has already decided that Weinstein is guilty before hearing any evidence. The defense request for Judge James Burke's recusal in the case which came on the second day of jury selection also cited his scolding of Weinstein on Tuesday, when the judge threatened to jail Weinstein for use of a cellphone in the Manhattan Criminal Court courtroom in violation of Burke's directives. "Is this really the way you want to end up in jail for the rest of your life by texting and violating a court order?" Burke asked Weinstein on Tuesday. Tweet Weinstein's lawyer Arthur Aidala in his letter to Burke, which was obtained by the news site Deadline.com, cited the judge's comments to Weinstein, and other actions "reflect the Court's animum towards [Weinstein] and have created a situation in which the Court's 'impartiality might reasonably be questioned,' in violation of New York State's Rules of Judicial Conduct." Those actions include Burke's denial of a defense request to move the trial out of Manhattan to limit the effects of "overwhelmingly negative pre-trial publicity and interest" Weinstein's case has received. "It has become clear to Mr. Weinstein that the Court has already violated its own mandate to the potential jurors by deciding that Mr. Weinstein is guilty before it has heard any of the trial evidence," Aidala wrote. "Accordingly, we seek the Court's recusal from this matter and assignment of the trial to another judge." Weinstein is accused of sex crimes against two women in Manhattan. He has pleaded not guilty. Los Angeles prosecutors on Monday filed an indictment against Weinstein accusing him of raping one woman and sexually assaulting another one in separate incidents over a two-day period in 2013. Aidala cited Burke's refusal to adjourn the New York case until negative media attention from the new Los Angeles case has died down in his letter asking the judge to step aside. The defense lawyer also noted Burke's refusal to allow Weinstein's jury-selection consultant to sit with defense lawyers in court, and his denial of a request that defense lawyers be given more time than 15 minutes to question groups of 20 prospective jurors. Weinstein has said that any sexual contact he had with women was consensual. The exposure in 2017 of Weinstein's alleged serial sexual misconduct involving what now is upwards of 100 women who have made allegations,among them actresses Roseanna Arquette, Uma Thurman, Selma Hayek, Gwenyth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett, sparked the MeToo movement. Kids who grow up in areas with heavy air pollution have a higher risk of developing schizophrenia, according to a study which suggests that particulate matter in air may not only harm physical well-being, but also mental health. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), assessed genetic data from iPSYCH -- a project to find the basis and treatment of the most common and serious mental illnesses, including autism, bipolar disorder, and depression. The researchers, including those from Aarhus University in Denmark, combined the iPSYCH data with information on air pollution from the country's Department of Environmental Science. According to the study, children who are exposed to a high level of air pollution while growing up, have an increased risk of developing schizophrenia -- a chronic and severe mental disorder which affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. For each 10 microgramme per cubic metre (g/m3) increase in the daily average of air pollution, the risk of schizophrenia increased by a fifth, the researchers reported in the study. "Children who are exposed to an average daily level above 25 g/m3 have an approximately 60 per cent greater risk of developing schizophrenia compared to those who are exposed to less than 10 g/m3," explained study co-author Henriette Thisted Horsdal from Aarhus University. To put the findings in perspective, the researchers said the lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia is approximately two per cent for people, but for those exposed to the highest level of air pollution, this risk is three per cent. "The risk of developing schizophrenia is also higher if you have a higher genetic liability for the disease. Our data shows that these associations are independent of each other," Horsdal said. "The association between air pollution and schizophrenia cannot be explained by a higher genetic liability in people who grow up in areas with high levels of air pollution," she added. Further studies are needed to identify the cause of this association, the scientists said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi: Actress Deepika Padukone on Tuesday night visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) where several students, including president of the students' union Aishe Ghosh, were injured in an attack by a masked mob on Sunday. Deepika, dressed in a black outfit, was seen standing with a group of students during a public meeting. The 34-year-old actress also met JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh but did not address the meeting and left after an hour. (Image Courtesy: ANI) She was in Delhi for two days to promote her upcoming film 'Chhappak' and before flying to Mumbai, Deepika visited the JNU campus. News agency IANS reports that Deepika reached the JNU campus to extend solidarity towards the students following Sunday's violence. However, nothing in this regard has been said by Deepika herself or sources close to her. On Sunday (December 5) evening, the JNU campus was rocked by violence when the masked mob entered the varsity and attacked the students and professors with sticks and rods and also vandalised the property. More than a dozen students of the university were injured. People across India have been condemning the act and several protests showing posters in solidarity with the JNU are being held. The violence also drew strong reactions from students and opposition party leaders and social media was flooded with hashtags in support of JNU. Strict action against those who resorted to violence on the campus is being demanded by the students and other protestors. Along with students, Bollywood personalities like Sushant Singh, Swara Bhasker, Dia Mirza, Zoya Akhtar, Shabana Azmi and Taapsee Pannu also protested over the JNU incident. (With agency inputs) The son of one of the 50 people who died in the Whiddy Island disaster has had a meeting with high ranking gardai, claiming Ireland's maritime safety structures are "fundamentally broken". Michael Kingston, an award-winning international maritime lawyer, met with representatives of An Garda Siochanas Liaison and Protection Unit to the National Maritime Safety Committee at Garda HQ in the Phoenix Park. His father, Tim Kingston, was among those killed when the oil tanker Betelgeuse exploded at an offshore jetty in Bantry Bay 41 years ago, on January 8, 1979. Michael Kingston had sought the meeting with gardai a year after the 40th anniversary event in Bantry, attended by the relatives of those killed, including those related to the 42 French nationals who died in the disaster. At that commemoration, Mr Kingston - a Special Advisor to the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment Working Group - said the families wanted full disclosure from the government as to what happened on the day of the disaster. Following the meeting with Gardai, at which he was accompanied by fishermen and relatives of some of those who have lost their lives at sea, Mr Kingston said: "Unfortunately, Irelands maritime regulatory safety framework, overseen by the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport, is fundamentally broken. "It has come to light that Irelands Marine Casualty Investigation Board is fundamentally flawed as it lacks independence. Ireland is under investigation by the European Commission as the presence of the Departments Chief Surveyor and its Secretary General or nominee is on the Board. This is so contrary to clear international rules and European law that it defies belief." Mr Kingston said he had asked An Garda Siochana to investigate what he called fundamental failings of the State in investigating maritime accidents. "As MCIB investigations involve the analysis of the regulatory framework and its enforcement, those from the department on the board are effectively investigating themselves," he said. "It is incredible that [Transport] Minister [Shane] Ross, who is so adamant elsewhere in Government about delineation in appointments in public office, is so blind to this obvious fundamental failing." He said he had been contacted by a number of people who had raised concerns with him, and called for an urgent root and branch review of the Maritime Safety Directorate. Mr Kingston's comments were put to the department, which said it would respond in due course. PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia - Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday released a series of audio recordings allegedly showing former Prime Minister Najib Razak seeking help from Abu Dhabi's crown prince and colluding with a former prosecutor to conceal wrongdoings linked to a massive corruption scandal. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, walks out from the courtroom at the court house in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for his corruption trial Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. Razak has started his defense Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, in his first corruption trial linked to the multibillion-dollar looting of the 1MDB state investment fund, that helped led to his downfall last year. (AP Photo) PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia - Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday released a series of audio recordings allegedly showing former Prime Minister Najib Razak seeking help from Abu Dhabi's crown prince and colluding with a former prosecutor to conceal wrongdoings linked to a massive corruption scandal. The voice clips marked a new blow to Najib, who has denied any misdeeds in the multimillion-dollar looting of the 1MDB investment fund and is on trial for graft after his election defeat in May 2018. Commission chief Latheefa Koya said the nine phone conversations, recorded from January 2016 to July 2016, revealed a clear coverup and criminal conspiracy by Najib to stifle investigations, fabricate false evidence and obstruct justice in the 1MDB scandal. She said the agency has verified that the clips were genuine but declined to say how it obtained them. She said the clips will be given to police for further action. Latheefa Koya, chief of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, speaks during a press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. Anti-Corruption Commission released a series of audio recordings allegedly showing how former Prime Minister Najib Razak abused his power to conceal wrongdoings linked to a massive corruption scandal involving the 1MDB state investment fund. (AP Photo) We can confirm their absolute authenticity. The contents are shocking; its a coverup and subversion of justice, Latheefa said. In a July 26, 2016, conversation, Najib purportedly called Abu Dhabis Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed to seek an urgent meeting to resolve an impasse over payment between 1MDB and Abu Dhabis International Petroleum Investment Co. That came just days after the U.S. Department of Justice filed lawsuits to seize allegedly ill-gotten assets linked to 1MDB and said at least $3.5 billion was misappropriated from the fund by people close to Najib. Najib also allegedly asked Mohammed to forge a loan agreement to help his stepson and Hollywood producer Riza Aziz, who was named in the U.S. lawsuit. Najib said a loan agreement would show the 1MDB money to Riza's production firm Red Granite came from a legitimate source. I dont want him to be a victim when he was totally unaware of the source of money," Najib told the prince, according to the phone recordings. Red Granite later paid $60 million to drop the U.S. lawsuit but Riza was charged in Malaysia last year with money-laundering. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Najib told local media that he was shocked but didn't confirm nor deny the conversations. He was quoted as saying that he would study the recordings and refer the matter to his lawyers. Najib started the 1MDB fund ostensibly for economic development shortly after taking power in 2009, but it accumulated billions in debts and sparked investigations in the U.S. and other countries. In another recording in Jan. 5, 2016, then-public prosecutor Dzulkifli Ahmad allegedly told Najib that the 1MDB investigation outcome was detrimental but that he and then Attorney-General Apandi Ali can handle the matter on the legal side. On Jan. 26 that year, Apandi held a news conference to clear Najib of any wrongdoing. Dzulkifli was promoted to anti-graft agency chief in August 2016. Another conversation between Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor revolved around plans to invite representatives from the United Arab Emirates to settle a financial dispute between 1MDB and International Petroleum Investment Co. without arbitration. Darling, you are the prime minister, you should take charge, Rosmah told Najib, saying he has goons"around him, according to the recordings. Latheefa said the agency decided to make the clips public as it is of national interest and that it wouldn't be prejudicial to Najib's ongoing trials. Expansion of Supervisory Board Supports Global Growth Strategy AMSTERDAM and HOBOKEN, New Jersey, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Castor, a health-tech company that aims to leverage machine readable data to increase clinical trial efficiency, announced the appointment of Ben Cons, PhD as Chairman of its Supervisory Board. Dr. Cons joins an existing Board of seasoned executives and specialist investors. Dr. Cons has more than 30 years' experience in pharmaceutical R&D and commercialization in the biotech, pharmaceutical and financing sectors. A prominent leader in global healthcare and technology, Dr. Cons has 20 years of experience with the NYSE-listed pharmaceutical services company IQVIA and its associated investment fund NovaQuest. Currently, Dr. Cons is a Special Partner at the private equity fund Vitruvian, and a NED at Talking Medicines Ltd, Fluidic Analytics Ltd, and Immune Regulation Ltd. He is also an investment member of private capital group, 24Haymarket and an investment panel member at Future Care Capital, a charity focusing on future health and social care policy. He joins Supervisory Board members Corne Jansen, Partner at INKEF Capital, Mark Slaughter, founder of Cohealo and Commercial Head of Pharma Solutions at Philips, and Thijs Cohen Tervaert, Director at INKEF Capital - all working in partnership with Castor's management team to continue its global growth, with the aim of making the world's research data reusable, enabling AI-driven clinical trials, and ultimately creating a future in which they maximize the impact of data through reuse. Castor's Electronic Data Capture (EDC) platform enables every researcher worldwide to easily capture and integrate medical research data from any source in real-time, including clinicians, patients, devices and wearables. Researchers on the platform generate vast amounts of data from traditional and decentralized trials, and Castor recently reached milestones of 110,000,000 data points and 1,300,000 enrolled patients. Dr. Cons, newly appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Board, commented: "Castor's unique technology and ambition have the potential to transform how clinical research data is used to inform medical decision making. My colleagues on the Board and I look forward to working with Derk and his team towards realizing the full potential of Castor's cutting-edge platform." Castor's CEO Derk Arts, MD, PhD, added: "We are very pleased to have the guidance of individuals of such high-calibre and vision as part of our Supervisory Board. With the Board's support, we continue to work towards our mission of making the world's research data reusable. As one of the first companies to leverage machine-readable data for clinical research, we will be in the best position to enable AI-driven clinical trials and provide invaluable insights to commercial and academic research." About Castor Based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and New Jersey, US, Castor is an international health-tech company founded in 2012 by CEO Derk Arts, MD, PhD to leverage machine readable data to increase clinical trial efficiency. Castor's Electronic Data Capture (EDC) platform enables every researcher worldwide to easily capture and integrate medical research data from any source in real-time, including clinicians, patients, devices, wearables, and EHR systems. Castor is currently collaborating with 30,000 researchers, academic institutions and commercial companies across 90 countries. Their platform has supported more than 4,000 studies that cover a broad range of disease areas including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rare diseases, and cancer. Researchers on the platform generate vast amounts of data from traditional and decentralized trials, and Castor recently reached milestones of 110,000,000 data points and 1,300,000 enrolled patients. Castor's goal is to make the world's research data reusable, enabling AI-driven clinical trials, and ultimately creating a future in which they maximize the impact of data through reuse. In 2018 Castor raised $6.25m in funding from healthcare investor INKEF Capital in the Netherlands. Website: www.castoredc.com Twitter: @Castor LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ciwit-b-v- Castor Supervisory Board Ben Cons, PhD Ben Cons is a Pharmaceutical and Healthcare leader with a proven track record and more than 30 years experience in pharmaceutical R&D & commercialisation in the Biotech, Pharmaceutical and Financing sectors. He previously spent 20 years with the NYSE listed pharmaceutical services company IQVIA and the associated NovaQuest investment fund. Currently, Ben is a Special Partner at the private equity fund Vitruvian and a NED at Talking Medicines Ltd, Fluidic Analytics Ltd, and Immune Regulation Ltd. He is also an Investment Panel Member Future Care Capital a charity focusing on future health and social care policy and a Mentor at Southampton University Future Worlds. Mark Slaughter Mark Slaughter is currently the Commercial Head of Pharma Solutions for Philips. He has also held the roles of Head of Pharma and MedTech- Healthcare Transformation Services, and Head of Healthsuite Labs- The America's at Philips. Mark founded and lead the venture backed health tech company Cohealo, and before that spent several years advancing robotics procedure design with surgeon innovators in Gynecology, Head and Neck, and Neuro. Mark received his MBA from the University of Miami and holds a BSc in Management in Business from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Corne Jansen Corne Jansen has seven years of investment experience in technology. Prior to joining INKEF in May 2015, Corne was a VP at HPE Growth Capital, a late stage growth fund where he looked at both B2B as well as B2C business models in the areas of fintech, applied materials and enterprise software. Before joining HPE, Corne worked in the London based Technology Coverage teams of Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse First Boston, both in London where he executed several M&A transactions and IPOs. Corne also serves on the board of GeoPhy, EclecticIQ, and Cashforce. He holds a BSc in Finance from Reims Management School and a MSc. degree in Financial Management from the Nyenrode, Netherlands. Thijs Cohen Tervaert, MD Thijs Cohen Tervaert is a Director at INKEF. Thijs currently also serves on the board of ViCentra, Aidence, Vicentra, Audion Therapeutics, and Rainier Therapeutics. Prior to INKEF, Thijs was a strategy consultant at the Boston Consulting Group with a focus on health care and technology. He worked on projects for pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and insurers. During a one year secondment, Thijs helped to establish the Amsterdam Health and Technology Institute in 2014. Thijs is a medical doctor and graduated at Leiden University. He has also co-authored several scientific papers. For more information about Castor please contact: Castor John Ambrose, Esq Head of Marketing john.ambrose@castoredc.com Queensland's fire service head has reiterated hazard reduction burning is only one tool in the approach to addressing the growing bushfire risk amid criticism burn targets for the past four years had not been met. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Greg Leach said the window for hazard-reduction burns was shortening in Queensland and around the country, making it "more and more difficult" to achieve a targeted number of burns. A December bushfire at Millmerran, south-west of Toowoomba, was one of a number of blazes which threatened communities in Queensland this fire season. Credit:QFES - Facebook "Our fire season kicked off in July this year, which is unprecedented, and by August we were into significant fires across Queensland," he said. "The challenge we've got is that our seasons are changing." Commissioner Leach said it was "highly likely" the next fire season would see even drier conditions and a burning program "significantly impeded" due to weather. The path for North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) students to transfer to the University of North Georgia (UNG) is smoother now. UNG and NGTC signed an articulation agreement Jan. 7 to allow for 13 courses from the technical college to be accepted at the state school. The main goal is to have a smoother, clearer process for students who wish to continue their education with UNG after attending any NGTC campus, said Dr. Chaudron Gille, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at UNG. NGTC has campuses in Clarkesville, Blairsville and Toccoa, Georgia. "Transfer students always want to know which of their courses will count at the school they wish to transfer to," Gille said. "This will clarify that for the students without having to go through an individual evaluation of their transcripts." Mindy Glander, vice president for academic affairs at NGTC, said through their combined efforts UNG and NGTC have established articulation agreements that outline the transferability of credit courses between the institutions that will support the academic and career goals of students. "Essentially, students taking courses within the agreement are able to complete an Associate of Science degree with NGTC and move directly into a bachelor's degree program with UNG without losing credit," she said. "We are excited to offer opportunities to our students that break down barriers and build bridges through stackable credentials." This articulation agreement between UNG and NGTC is not the first time UNG has accepted credits from schools in the Technical College System of Georgia, said Dr. Michael Rogers, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs at UNG. The University System of Georgia currently accepts credits of 27 core classes from technical colleges with ease. Examples include American government, American literature, English composition, introductory biology and chemistry, algebra, pre-calculus, economics, introductory physics, introductory psychology and sociology, public speaking, introductory statistics, U.S. and world history, and art appreciation. "We are going one step further with these 13 additional courses in certain degree programs," Rogers said. The 13 additional courses include accounting, business, information technology, computer science, and criminal justice. Rogers explained this agreement will enable students to begin or complete their associate degree at North Georgia Technical and then continue on at UNG in a bachelor's degree program. "This agreement will help academic advisers," Rogers said. "They can see the course requirements and advise the students better, making the transition even smoother." Rocco Ranallo, a freshman pursuing a computer science degree, applauds the articulation agreement. The 34-year-old from Blairsville, Georgia, transferred from NGTC to UNG earlier this year. "One of my credits did not transfer," Ranallo said, explaining confusion arose about the courses his Pell grant would and would not cover. "I took an instructional management and principles course. It didn't transfer because there was no equivalent at UNG." With an articulation agreement, students and their advisers may see any potential missteps sooner. "A clear articulation agreement enables us to serve students more effectively and efficiently," Gille said. "This partnership allows us to work together to meet students' needs by providing a pathway to continue their education from the associate level to the baccalaureate level while minimizing the duplication of credits." Based on its success, the agreement could act as a model with other technical colleges. "Once we have this design in place, we could reach out to Lanier Technical College in Gainesville, Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville and Alpharetta, and Athens Technical College in Athens," Rogers said. You mean to tell me weve known this for the last four or five years and we havent done anything about it? Where is the oversight, right? Who is going to make sure they monitor whats going on and enforce this? asked Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Streamwood, vice chairman of the House education committee. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 17:41:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with Arab League (AL) Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 7, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Binian) CAIRO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for deepening China-Arab strategic partnership and seeking political solution to regional hotspot issues. Wang made the remarks in his meeting with Arab League (AL) Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit Tuesday in Cairo, Egypt. Wang stressed that China is a trustworthy friend of the AL. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for building a China-Arab community with a shared future, which offers the direction for the development of the China-Arab relations and will lead the two civilizations to make more contributions to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said. China and the AL should deepen the strategic partnership, strengthen mutual support, safeguard world peace and justice, and promote a political solution to regional hotspot issues, said the top Chinese diplomat. China attaches great importance to the role of the AL, and appreciates the just and objective stance the AL has taken on important international and regional issues, Wang said, adding that China supports the Arab states in using the AL as a platform to deal with the current difficulties and challenges. Wang noted that the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) has achieved fruitful results. He urged the two sides to take the ninth CASCF ministerial conference to be held this year as an opportunity to make a common voice on the latest developments in the international and regional situation, and be fully prepared to make the conference a success. China appreciates the support the AL has lent on Xinjiang-related issues, and welcomes Arab officials to visit Xinjiang to witness the results of China's anti-terrorism and deradicalization efforts, and experience the stability, prosperity and religious freedom in Xinjiang, he said. Gheit said the AL attaches great importance to its relations with China. He expressed the belief that all AL member states are willing to make joint efforts with China to explore the ways to build a China-Arab community with a shared future. As the eighth ministerial conference of the CASCF achieved important results, the AL is willing to work with China to make the ninth conference a success, said the AL chief. The AL fully understands China's stance on Xinjiang-related issues and opposes any interference into China's internal affairs, he said. Gheit said the AL speaks highly of China's fair stance and contributions to the resolution of the hotspot issues in the Middle East, and thanks China's steadfast support for the just cause of the Arab people, especially the Palestinians, to gain legitimate rights. Crude oil prices first spiked and then retreated after newswires reported Irans retaliation against the U.S., targeting military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq. After their initial spike, however, price retreated, and at the time of writing Brent crude was trading at $67.80 per barrel, with West Texas Intermediate at $62.07 a barrel. As the situation develops more sudden moves in benchmarks are almost a certainty. Brent and WTI first spiked on Friday, after the United States carried out a drone attack on a convoy including the leader of the Quds force of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, General Qassem Soleimani. Iran threatened retaliation and since then, it was only a matter of time before it followed through with its threat. However, soon after media reported the missile strikes on the Iraq military bases, President Donald Trump tweeted that all was well and the number of casualties and the extent of damage were being assessed. Iranian media, however, claimed the attacks had killed 80 U.S. troops, damaging helicopters and military equipment. Per a Reuters report, the Iranian media supplied no explanation of the source of this information. A tweet from President Trump, however, seemed sufficient to defuse tension on the oil market, at least temporarily, with prices retreating from their initial highs that followed the Friday assassination. Over the course of the trading session today all sorts of surprises are likely although its safe to say the overall movement will be in the upward direction as the markets awaits the U.S. response to the attacks. Meanwhile, U.S. oil companies rushed to hedge their production at the higher oil prices. According to industry sources that spoke to Bloomberg, many shale producers added more hedges for their production to lock in the higher prices for their output this year and the next. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: History throws up moments of crisis when there are no good choices. Whatever happens following the assassination of Iran's key commander Qassem Soleimani by the U.S., the risk of war and nuclear destruction is raised immeasurably. At the root of the crisis lies America's fear that Iran is bent on making atomic weapons. It is a terrible irony that President Trump's efforts to stop the country from doing so could now provoke the Ayatollahs in Iran to go for broke to get the Bomb to protect themselves from further U.S. attacks and to threaten their regional rivals, especially Israel. Clarity about American policy is essential at a time like this, to warn off the Iranians from rash revenge as well as to reassure Washington's allies about what President Trump is intending. Whatever happens following the assassination of Iran's key commander Qassem Soleimani (centre) by the U.S., the risk of war and nuclear destruction is raised immeasurably Yet the Pentagon only succeeded in spreading confusion when a letter implying it intended to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq was leaked on Monday. Killing It was drafted by a high-ranking military official, and even though the Pentagon immediately rowed back denying any intention to evacuate their troops and blaming a misunderstanding it raised the spectre that 17 years after invading Saddam's Iraq, the U.S. Army was going to retreat. This 'misunderstanding' will give succour to hardline Iranian leaders in Tehran who will see U.S. floundering as evidence of chaos at the White House. Which, in turn, can only encourage them to press on with plans to use the killing of Soleimani to 'complete his work' in the Middle East threatening Western interests and cementing the Iranian influence Trump abhors. The sea of Soleimani's mourners in Iran chanting 'death to America' as they trample each other in their frenzied grief looks like a country gripped by fever, but Iran's leaders are coldly calculating revenge. At the root of the crisis lies America's fear that Iran is bent on making atomic weapons. Pictured: Donald Trump Once, it seemed there was method in President Trump's madness when dealing with enemies. When he taunted Kim Jong-un, ridiculing him as 'Little Rocket Man', he showed he could use bluster to get the North Korean dictator to pause his nuclear tests. But the killing of Soleimani and the Iraqi Hezbollah leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad is different. This is no longer sabre-rattling. The U.S. used a missile that detonated into 13,000 pieces of shrapnel. What's more, the assassination managed to seal an alliance in blood between Iran and Iraq, who only in the Eighties were fighting each other. Iraqi Shia militias are up in arms after the U.S. airstrikes, and the Iraqi parliament on Sunday backed a resolution to order foreign forces out of the country. The fact is that the 2003 Iraq War enabled Iran and Iraq to forge a new partnership after the West imposed regime change. George W. Bush and Tony Blair liberated the Shia Muslim majority in Iraq from Saddam Hussein who was a member of the bitterly opposed Sunni Muslims and brought democracy to the country. But instead of opting for Western-style government, these Shia Iraqis instead voted for politicians who looked east, to Iran. Soleimani's body was returned to Iran on Sunday. People are seen carrying his casket upon arrival at Ahvaz International Airport in Tehran. The casket was greeted by chants of 'Death to America' as Iran issued new threats of retaliation Britain alone spent an estimated 9 billion on the Iraq War, at a cost of around 200 British lives. The total cost to the U.S. was perhaps 2 trillion, and thousands of deaths. In Iraq, the death toll was probably hundreds of thousands, and economic obliteration. Yet the result of it all has been that the West handed Iraq to America's great enemy Iran, which shares a long border with the country. Now, while Washington dithers between restarting a war Trump promised to end or pulling back from the chaos, Iran with Iraq at its side is preparing for the next round. It boasts Soleimani's death will lead to the withdrawal of Allied forces from Iraq. But any American exodus will embolden Iran's hawks to step up aggression. Most dangerously, they will probably decide to build the nuclear bomb their Western-allied neighbours fear will be used on them. Missiles In May last year Trump pulled out of the nuclear agreement Iran made in 2015 with President Barack Obama and the UN under which Tehran promised to halt production of enriched uranium in exchange for the lifting of Western sanctions. Uranium is the essential element in making an atomic bomb similar to the ones dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. What Trump complained about was that the deal left Iran free to carry on working on the detonators and missiles necessary to make a bomb deliverable. Facilities like the plant at Parchin in central Iran manufacture these non-nuclear components. These plants are often below ground. Probably only an American or Israeli atomic bomb could destroy them. But would the world accept using nuclear weapons to pre-empt Iran going nuclear? Already Iran has announced it is planning to resume production of enriched uranium. This is done with spinning centrifuges little different from the methods used in the Forties. Conventional bombing might disable these machines. But even before it manages to produce uranium, Iran could have access to another radioactive material used for atomic weapons plutonium. On the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf, at Bushehr across the water from Kuwait, there is a Russian-built nuclear power station. Russian scientists control the nuclear fuel rods, which are periodically transported to Russia for reprocessing. The spent fuel is the raw material needed for nuclear warheads. As I say, this plutonium is on Iranian soil. What if the Islamic Revolutionary Guard seized the spent fuel and spirited it away to a weapons lab? Given President Vladimir Putin's hostility to the West, they might not be too seriously upset to see the plutonium used to bully America The Kremlin would be displeased, no doubt, if their scientists were forced at gunpoint to hand over the nuclear rods. But, given President Vladimir Putin's hostility to the West, they might not be too seriously upset to see the plutonium used to bully America. Within months, a plutonium device of appalling power could be assembled in Iran. Setting it off could be as easy as driving it into an American barracks in Iraq . It's possible too that the Iranians have been developing drones capable of lifting nuclear devices. We saw in the Iran-backed drone attack on a Saudi oil installation last year that it is nearly impossible to defend against these low-level flying machines. The Israelis, constantly primed for a missile attack from Iran (whose Ayatollahs have repeatedly vowed to wipe their country off the map), have an effective anti-missile shield codenamed Iron Dome. But this might not work against drones. Weapons One nightmare scenario would be a blizzard of drones launched from western Iraq, now increasingly under Iranian control, over the Israeli border . . . with one carrying a plutonium bomb. Facing such a threat, Israel might feel it has no choice but to strike first, hitting all Iran's military facilities in airstrikes. But unless accompanied by a ground invasion of the scale that only the U.S. could launch, any airstrikes will only serve to redouble Iran's intention to build atomic weapons and take revenge a generation later. After all, say the hardliners, Trump would never have dared kill Soleimani if Tehran possessed the nuclear bomb. Kim Jong-un has carried on, protected by his nuclear arsenal. The Iranians will not be satisfied until they have it, too. Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) holds a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Dec. 9, 2019. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Graham Warns Iran: I Just Got Off the Phone With the President. Your Fate Is in Your Own Hands Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) warned Iran after missiles hit multiple Iraqi military bases that were hosting U.S. troops, saying hed just spoken with President Donald Trump. Let me say tonight if you are watching television in Iran. I just got off the phone with the president. Your fate is in your own hands in terms of the regimes economic viability, Graham said during a late Tuesday appearance on Fox Newss Hannity. You continue this [expletive], youre going to wake up one day out of the oil business, he said. Iran fired the missiles five days after a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, spurring vows of revenge from the Islamic regimes leaders. This was an act of war, Graham said. By any reasonable definition. The missiles were launched from Iran. The president has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond. It was an act of war by the regime that for the last 40 years has been a cancer in the Mideast. When they say they want to destroy Israel, they are not kidding. Theyre the largest state sponsor of terrorism. Residents look at a crater caused by a missile launched by Iran on U.S.-led coalition forces on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Ari Jalal/Reuters) Graham, who also sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Trump would take appropriate action when hes ready. The president has to do a couple things tonight. What can I do to restore deterrence to make sure this doesnt happen again? He doesnt want regime change, Graham said. He wants the behavior of the regime to change in three areas: Their ballistic missile program needs to change, they need to stop being the largest state sponsor of terrorism, and we need a nuclear deal that does not ensure them a pathway to a bomb like [President Barack] Obama. Trump is not going to be conned by the Iranians, he said. He later added: Heres what the president, I think, understands about the Iranians: theyre not going to change until you make them change. Heres what hes going to be thinking about tonight: What do I need to do tomorrow or the next day to get them back into a deterrent mode so theyll leave us alone, and how do I get them to change their missile program to get a better deal on their nuclear program so they wont have a pathway to a bomb, and what can I do to stop them from being the largest state sponsor of terrorism. The price to be paid by the Iranians has to go up. The Pentagon said that it was working on initial battle assessments after the more than a dozen ballistic missiles struck U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq, stating, It is clear these missiles were launched from Iran. Members of the military wait outside facilities where President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are visiting at Ain al-Asad air base, Iraq, on Dec. 26, 2018. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo) It wasnt immediately clear whether there were any casualties from the missile strikes. The White House rebutted reports that Trump was going to address the nation late Jan. 7, and Trump issued a statement via his favored platform, Twitter. All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! he wrote. We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. P rime Minister Boris Johnson has welcomed the new European Commission president to Downing Street for talks. Posing for photos in No 10 with Ursula von der Leyen, Mr Johnson said the pair had attended the same school in Belgium. The PM said: "Ursula and I were at school together - we were at the same school." Mr Johnson said of himself and friends at the school: "We introduced a very rough game called British Bulldog." Mr Johnson was expected to use their talks in Downing Street to underline his insistence that, while he wants an "ambitious" free trade deal, UK "alignment" with EU rules must finish at the end of the year. Mrs von der Leyen said talks on a free trade deal after Britain leaves the EU at the end of January would be "tough" / AFP via Getty Images Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mrs von der Leyen said talks on a free trade deal after Britain leaves the EU at the end of January would be "tough", with both sides seeking to protect their own interests. She said Mr Johnson's insistence that there could be no extension of the transition period beyond the end of 2020 meant there was a limit to what could be agreed before the UK's final break with the EU. The Government later insisted there would be no extension to the Brexit transition period. A Downing Street spokesman said: The Prime Minister has been clear that the implementation period will end at the end of this year and we will work with the European Union to negotiate an FTA (free trade agreement). Speaking at the London School of Economics, where she studied, Mrs von der Leyen said they would need to "prioritise" those areas where there were no international agreements to fall back on to avoid a damaging "hard Brexit". The pair attended the same school in Belgium, Mr Johnson said / PA She said that would have "consequences" for the sort of agreement which could be reached. While the EU was ready to sign up to an agreement based on "zero tariffs, zero quotas", there also had to be "zero dumping" of cheap exports on European markets, she added. "The European Union is ready to negotiate a truly ambitious and comprehensive new partnership with the United Kingdom. But the truth is that our partnership cannot and will not be the same as before," she said. European Commission president says EU is ready to negotiate 'truly ambitious' new partnership with UK "With every decision comes a trade-off. Without the free movement of people, you cannot have the free movement of capital, goods and services. "Without a level playing field on environment, labour, taxation and state aid, you cannot have the highest quality access to the world's largest single market." Mrs von der Leyen said that, throughout the negotiations, the EU would be committed to upholding the integrity of the single market and the customs union. A Piscataway Township ordinance banning the sale of vaping products within 500 meters of schools and other sensitive locations was unveiled Monday, the latest New Jersey town to enact an ordinance in hopes of curbing vaping among young people. (This is a) unique way of trying to minimize the impact of vaping in a community, Mayor Brian Wahler told NJ Advance Media. (Vaping) is the new potential epidemic thats going to end up happening with our young children in our country, Wahler said, comparing it to cigarettes. I dont want to see another generation get hooked on a gateway that is a nicotine-product. The other sensitive locations include nursery schools, childcare centers, funeral homes, and health service facilities, among other locations. The banned areas affect about 90% of the township, Wahler said. Wahler unveiled the ordinance with public health experts, including associate professor Kevin Schroth of Rutgers School of Public Health, who previously directed the tobacco control policy at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. This ordinance is well suited to the nature of the e-cigarette epidemic, Schroth said. It restricts the availability of e-cigarettes more thoroughly than a flavor ban. The ordinance passed unanimously on first reading on Nov. 7 and second reading on Nov. 25. It was signed by Wahler and went into effect on Dec. 16. A map of the affected areas for the vaping products ban in Piscataway.Provided by Piscataway Township Local businesses have until the end of January to comply, according to township spokesperson Gene Wilk. If they dont comply, they may receive a fine of $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense, and $1,000 for every subsequent offense. Piscataway Township is the latest municipality to enact a vaping products ban. Jersey City passed a similar ordinance in November, banning the sale and distribution of electronic smoking devices that deliver flavored tobacco products. Jersey Citys ordinance was adopted early December and will take effect March 3, 2020. Bernards Township, in Somerset County, prohibited vape shops and smoke shops in all township zones, and Bernardsville, also in Somerset, adopted an ordinance in mid-October that prohibits places that primarily sell vape products in any zone districts. Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @briannakudisch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Starr Insurance Cos. has appointed Paul ORyan as Canadian territory manager, general aviation, effective Jan. 6. ORyan joins Starr from Swiss Re where he was head of General Aviation Americas in Toronto for more than 11 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to that, ORyan spent 13 years as an aviation underwriter with USAIG/CAIG. Mr. ORyan brings more than 20 years of both aviation and insurance experience to Starr, stated Kyle Sparks, senior vice president, chief underwriting officer GA/CR, Starr Insurance Cos. This new role allows us to source business directly in Canada. Mr. ORyan will be boots on the ground, allowing us to work directly with Canadian brokers developing new channels and strengthening our relationships. ORyan will report to Kyle Sparks and be based in Toronto. Source: Starr Insurance Cos. Topics Canada Aviation Swiss Re The Mission Trails Regional Park entrance off Mast Boulevard in Santee is going to have a $6 million ranger station by early winter 2019. On July 19, San Diego City Councilman Scott Sherman and San Diego County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar helped break ground on the nearly 5,000-square-foot station. The $6 million investment will give rangers improved resources and facilities to protect the park and engage with park visitors. The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation contributed $1.5 million toward the project, its third construction project in partnership with the city of San Diego. Advertisement The new development will allow all of Mission Trails rangers to be under one roof and offer more amenities for visitors to enjoy when visiting the park. Along with the ranger station will be new public artwork by Encanto-based artist Roman de Salvo. DeSalvos artwork will be a large boulder with trail-like channels carved into its surface. A functioning drinking fountain fixture will rise out of the highest point of the boulder. Water will flow through an array of tiny trails of serpentine paths going down the slopes of the boulder. DeSalvo, a Nevada native, said he was inspired by the many trails found at the park that Sherman still lives near. Renderings of deSalvos public artwork can be found at sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/mtfs_groundbreaking_poster_for_web.pdf Mission Trails has more than 60 miles of hiking, mountain bike areas and equestrian trails, a rock climbing area, a 14,000-square-foot Visitor and Interpretive Center, and the Kumeyaay Lake Campground. karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-08 23:20:03 Randomized Control Trial Results to be Presented at NANS Jan. 23-26 in Las Vegas; New, Proprietary Differential Target Multiplexed (DTM) Therapy Available on Medtronic Intellis Spinal Cord Stimulation Platform DUBLIN, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) announced it has acquired Stimgenics, LLC, a privately-held company based in Bloomington, Illinois, that has pioneered a novel spinal cord stimulation (SCS) waveform known as Differential Target Multiplexed (DTM) Spinal Cord Stimulation. The therapy, which is delivered via the Medtronic Intellis platform, is a new and unique programming option to treat patients with chronic pain. Three month results from a randomized control trial (RCT) evaluating DTM versus conventional SCS will be presented at the upcoming North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) 23rd Annual Meeting on January 23-26 in Las Vegas. The RCT will continue to evaluate outcomes through 12 months follow-up. The DTM waveform may engage a novel mechanism that modulates both neurons and glial cells, expanding the understanding of SCS mechanisms of action. The DTM waveform has been studied in animal models, showing statistically significant reversal of pain behaviors compared to either low frequency or high frequency alone.1,2 In addition, preclinical studies investigating the genome of nerve-injured animals suggests that the DTM waveform has a greater impact in the neural-glial interaction than other frequencies alone. Decades of basic science research have expanded the understanding of the role of glial cells in the nervous system, which outnumber neurons 12:1 in the spinal cord.3-6 Glial cells are no longer thought to be only glue in the brain and spinal cord, but active contributors to neural processing and various disease states including chronic pain.7 Stimgenics research is deeply rooted in clinical science that began with animal work more than a decade ago. Our preclinical data demonstrated that the modulation of both neurons and glial cells may return glial cells to their normal state and modify how they interact with neurons, which could normalize biological processes and break the pain cascade, said Dr. Ricardo Vallejo, co-founder and director of research at Millennium Pain Center in Bloomington, Illinois, and founder and lead investigator of Stimgenics, LLC. Im thrilled that Medtronic has acquired a therapy that has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for chronic pain patients. Stimgenics preclinical research on the neuronal-glial mechanism of action has been recognized at various medical society meetings. Over the course of the past two years, the team has received six best of awards for their research, three of which were specific to research investigating the DTM mechanism of action. NANS awarded the Best Basic Science Research Award to Stimgenics at their annual meeting in both 2018 and 2019. Medtronic is committed to providing clinically-proven therapeutic options for millions of patients suffering from chronic pain around the world, said Marshall Stanton, M.D., president of the Pain Therapies business, which is part of the Restorative Therapies Group at Medtronic. We believe that DTM therapy will advance the treatment of chronic pain, supported by clinical evidence and preclinical research on a neuronal-glial mechanism of action. Its an exciting, new proprietary SCS waveform that will be available on the Intellis platform, and we are looking forward to seeing the results of the randomized control trial data later this month at NANS. This transaction is expected to be neutral to fiscal year 2020 earnings per share and meet Medtronics long-term financial metrics for acquisitions. Additional terms of the transaction were not disclosed. About Stimgenics, LLC Stimgenics, LLC is a private company based in Bloomington, Illinois, that pioneered a novel spinal cord stimulation waveform known as Differential Target Multiplexed (DTM) Spinal Cord Stimulation. About Medtronic Pain Therapies Medtronic has more than a 40-year history of developing innovative medical devices that have been shown to alleviate pain in different disease states and has a broad portfolio of device-delivered therapies that are alternatives or adjuncts to oral opioids.8 Medtronic strives to be at the forefront of medical device innovation and to develop high-quality pain therapies that reduce pain and improve quality of life. While Medtronic pain therapies do not treat opioid addiction, the company is committed to leveraging its capabilities and product portfolio in partnership with stakeholders patients, providers, payers, regulators, elected officials, patient advocacy groups and employers to address the unmet needs of pain patients and to support efforts to prevent opioid misuse due to chronic intractable pain. About the IntellisTM Platform The Intellis platform offers the worlds smallest implantable neurostimulator. It is powered by proprietary OverdriveTM battery technology and was designed to overcome limitations with other SCS systems, optimized for a wide range of energy demands and provides effective long-term pain relief for patients. The neurostimulator also features SureScanTM MRI, allowing access to MRI anywhere in the body under certain conditions, and AdaptiveStimTM technology, which automatically adjusts stimulation based on the patients needs and preferences in different body positions to ensure the patient receives the right dose of stimulation at the right location. About Medtronic Medtronic plc ( www.medtronic.com ), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services, and solutions companies alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals, and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together. Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. -end- References Cedeno D.L., Cass C.L., Kelley C.A., et al. Pre-clinical comparison of differential-target multiplexed scstm with low and high rate SCS. Neuromodulation 2019 22:3 (E185-) Cedeno D.L., Kelley C.A., Cass C.L., et al. Pre-clinical Comparison of Differential-Target Multiplexed SCS with Low and High Rate SCS. Presentation at ASRA 2018. San Antonio, Texas. Milligan ED, Watkins LR. Pathological and protective roles of glia in chronic pain. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2009 Jan;10(1):23-36. Vallejo R, Tilley DM, Vogel L, Benyamin R. The role of glia and the immune system in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Pain Pract. 2010 May-Jun;10(3):167-84. De Leo JA, Tawfik VL, LaCroix-Fralish ML. The tetrapartite synapse: Path to CNS centralization and chronic pain. Pain. 2006; 122:17-21. Ruiz-Sauri A., Orduna-Valls J.M., Blasco-Serra A. et al. Glia to neuron ratio in the posterior aspect of the human spinal cord at thoracic segments relevant to spinal cord stimulation. Journal of Anatomy, vol. 235, no. 5, 2019, pp. 997-1006. Allen NJ, Barres BA. Neuroscience: Glia - more than just brain glue. Nature. 2009 Feb 5;457(7230):675-7. Deer T. Atlas of implantable therapies for pain management. New York, NY: Springer Science and Business Media, LLC; 2011. Michelle Claypool Public Relations +1-763-526-9452 Ryan Weispfenning Investor Relations +1-763-505-4626 President Donald Trump speaks about the situation with Iran in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington on Jan. 8, 2020. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images Trump Opts for Sanctions, Offers Peace After No US Casualties in Iran Missile Strikes President Donald Trump ordered the imposition of additional sanctions on Iran on Jan. 8 in response to missile strikes a day earlier, which targeted but didnt harm any U.S. forces in Iraq. The United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior, Trump, flanked by military officials, told reporters gathered at the White House. Iran fired missiles at two Iraqi military bases that host American forces on Jan. 8 in response to the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Irans Quds Force. Trump said he authorized the attack on the general, whom he called a ruthless terrorist, because Soleimani was plotting an imminent attack on American citizens. As Iran vowed to avenge Soleimanis killing, Trump warned the Islamic regime that the United States would respond swiftly. With no Americans harmed, Trump opted for sanctions and said he was ready for peace. To the people and leaders of Iran: We want you to have a future and a great futureone that you deserve, one of prosperity at home, and harmony with the nations of the world. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it, Trump said. Trump didnt offer details on the sanctions. The Treasury Department didnt respond to a request by The Epoch Times for details. According to the president, Irans attacks didnt harm any Americans because of precautions taken, the dispersal of forces, and an early warning system that worked very well. Trumps choice of sanctions over an armed response isnt the first time that hes exercised restraint in handling Iranian provocations. Iran has downed two U.S. drones, attacked and seized oil tankers in international waters, and fired missiles at Saudi oil facilities. Iran appeared to have crossed an unspoken line when one of its proxy terrorist groups in Iraq killed an American contractor. After U.S. forces responded with airstrikes against the terrorists, the groups supporters stormed the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. Shortly after, a U.S. drone strike killed Soleimani, along with the leader of the umbrella group of Irans proxies in Iraq. The Trump administration has finally drawn some very proper and legal and strategically smart red lines that, if crossed by Iran, will result in serious damage to the Iranian terrorist machine, said Peter Huessy, the president of defense consulting firm GeoStrategic Analysis. It is also long since past the time when our NATO and all our Middle East allies took more seriously the threat from Iranand took the necessary action to deter and defeat Iranian action, and work toward the day when the Iranian people take action to ensure the mullah regime is no more. Trump said that Iran appears to be standing down from further attacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter that the country had concluded proportionate measures in self-defense. Emma Ashford, a research fellow at the Cato Institute, welcomed the de-escalation. Trump may have been in many ways responsible for the ongoing tensions with Iran, but, much as he did with North Korea, he has chosen at the last minute to seek a more conciliatory approach, Ashford said in a comment to The Epoch Times via email. By choosing not to respond to Iranian strikes with further military action, thankfully, the president has given the United States a window to reflect and try to figure out how to avoid further conflict. Trump said he will ask NATO to get more involved with the Middle East. The president also underlined the size and strength of the U.S. military, but emphasized that the power is best used as a deterrent. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it, Trump said. American strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent. During the speech at the White House, the president referred to Soleimani as the worlds top terrorist. The Quds Force, which Soleimani led, is part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which the United States designated as a terrorist group in 2019. Trump accused Soleimani of orchestrating the recent attacks on Americans in Iraq and the assault on the U.S. Embassy. He trained terrorist armies, including Hezbollah, launching terrorist strikes against civilian targets. He fueled bloody civil wars all across the region. He viciously wounded and murdered thousands of U.S. troops, including the planting of roadside bombs that maim and dismember their victims, Trump said. Tensions with Iran began to escalate after Trump exited the multinational nuclear deal secured by the Obama administration. Trump reimposed tough sanctions on the Islamic regime, crippling its economy and contributing to widespread protests. The president had long criticized the 2015 Iran nuclear deal as a failure. He said during his speech on Jan. 8 that the money Iran received as part of the agreement was used to build the missiles that were fired at U.S. forces on Jan. 7. Trump made the statement as Democrats in Congress pushed for details on the intelligence that led to the decision to kill Soleimani. Following Trumps speech, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) condemned the attacks but noted that the United States doesnt seek war. I condemn the attack by the Iranian government and remain concerned about the risk of a further escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Schumer said on the floor of the Senate. The American people do not want a war with Iran and the president does not have the authority to wage one. Republicans are backing the presidents decision to impose sanctions. The United States does not seek conflict but is prepared to protect American lives and interests. Iran should not question our collective will by launching further attacks, said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Peace through strengthThat was the Reagan doctrine, and that is the measured approach we are seeing from the Trump administration today, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) wrote on Twitter. Thank you to our President and to our courageous troops for returning America to a position of respect and admiration around the world. Accustomed to unfulfilled promises from the Chinese government, foreign businesses are keeping a wary eye on a nascent law aimed at addressing their long-standing grievances about unfair treatment in the world's second largest economy. The foreign investment law, which came into force on January 1, is supposed to give local and foreign companies equal treatment in the Chinese market and improve protections of intellectual property. But international companies, which have in the past complained about having "promise fatigue", have not been wowed by the legislation. "Our expectations are quite modest," said Lester Ross, who heads the policy committee at the American Chamber of Commerce in China. "The longest-standing issues in China do not concern an absence of legislation, but rather the lack of enforcement and the breadth of government discretion resulting in selective enforcement," Ross said. The legislation, which replaces three older laws, says foreign firms are no longer obligated to have a Chinese partner to start a business in the country. It also prohibits the use of administrative means to force foreign firms to transfer technology to Chinese partners -- one of the major sticking points in Beijing's trade war with the United States. But a survey of 249 companies, published in December by the British Chamber of Commerce in China, indicated that 38 percent of respondents believed the law would not change anything. A quarter of respondents did not know what changes to expect. - Regional competition - Beijing passed the law as it faces rising competition for foreign direct investment from other Asian manufacturing hubs, notably in Southeast Asia, said Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist at IHS Markit. "This reform is an important priority for the Chinese government in order to maintain an attractive business climate for foreign investment," Biswas said. Rising wages have reduced China's competitiveness, with countries such as Vietnam offering manufacturers a cheaper alternative. Biswas said China has recognised that in order to attract more foreign investment, notably in high-tech, it had to provide a more level playing field and improve intellectual property protection. But without strict on-the-ground implementation mechanisms, foreign investors are unlikely to be reassured, Ross said. Other issues remain as well. The law does not spell out what penalties would be imposed for violating intellectual property rights. It is also silent on subsidies to state-owned enterprises. Such enterprises have been accused of distorting competition, and the issue of subsidies has been among structural reforms that the US has been demanding from China in the trade war. - Right of expropriation - Joerg Wuttke, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, said a significant issue is the continued existence of a legal framework that treats foreign investment differently from that of Chinese players. "The foreign investment law's implementation measures are a step up from the previous draft, but many significant concerns remain," Wuttke said. The European chamber is also concerned about the vague wording of certain provisions which would allow local governments to expropriate investments that "harm the public interest". Foreign companies also criticise the difficulty of making an appeal in the event of litigation. Another concern surrounds the provision that China can "take appropriate measures" if a country adopts "discriminatory restrictions" or "discriminatory prohibitions" against it. This appears to be linked to the sanctions against Chinese telecoms giant Huawei in the US, suggesting that Beijing reserves the right to take retaliatory measures in such a case. In spite of the new law, foreign investors in China remain excluded from many business sectors such as healthcare and publishing, although China has reduced this "negative" list and promised to continue doing so. A man was arraigned in court Tuesday for allegedly hurling insults at a woman in Nairobi. David Kigoma Onguyi is said to have shouted insulting words and threatened to beat Nyaboke [other names withheld] on Sunday at the Maasai Market on Taifa Road where she runs a Maasai curio shop. Reports indicate the insults began after Nyaboke asked Onguyi to settle Sh500 debt that he owed her. A court heard that Onguyi took a customer to Nyabokes shop on December 19, 2019, where she bought goods worth Sh500. The said-customer gave Onguyi the money and asked him to hand it over to Nyaboke but the accused declined to give Nyaboke the money, promising to settle the debt later in the day. On January 5, 2020, an altercation ensued with the accused reportedly calling the complainant dirty. He also claimed Nyaboke was not wearing any underwear and her genitals were stinking. Mchafu wewe.hauna suruali na kama uko nayo imetoboka na utafute tissue ujipanguze ukienda kukojoa, court papers read. The woman filed a complaint at the Central Police Station leading to Onguyis arrest and subsequent arraignment on Tuesday morning. He appeared at the Milimani Law Courts where he was charged with creating a disturbance in a manner likely to cause breach of peace contrary to Section 95 (1)(b) of the Penal Code. Three witnesses, including the complainant, testified against the accused. The suspect denied the charges before Senior Resident Magistrate Mothoni Nzibe, and was released on Sh10, 000 cash bail. Nzibe set the case hearing date for January 21, 2020. Pakistani Lawmakers Pass Bill to Extend Service of Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa Sputnik News 14:17 07.01.2020 New Delhi (Sputnik): The Imran Khan government on 3 January proposed a bill to extend the current army chief's service by three years. Days after the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act-2020 was tabled by Defence Minister Pervez Khattak in the parliament's lower house, lawmakers passed the Bill with a majority vote on Tuesday. The Bill will now require the Senate's approval to enable it to become a law. Pakistani Prime Minister Khan initially granted a three-year extension to Army chief General Bajwa in August 2019, as the country was facing a crisis with India over Jammu and Kashmir. The opposition parties Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which is co-headed by former president Asif Ali Zardari, and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of ex-premier Nawaz Sharif supported the move. The legislation says that terms and conditions of the chief of the army staff shall be determined by the country's President on the advice of the prime minister. "Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law, or any order or judgement of any Court, the appointment, reappointment or extension of the Chief of the Army Staff, or the exercise of discretion by the appointing authority in this regard, shall not be called into question before any court on any ground whatsoever", the legislation reads. It has also mandated the maximum age limit of the three services chiefs to 64. Currently, any service chief can remain at the helm until 60. On 26 December, the Pakistan government filed a review petition in the Supreme Court, seeking the formation of a larger bench to consider the judgement related to the extension of Army Chief General Bajwa's tenure on 28 November. The Supreme Court had termed the extension of the tenure of General Bajwa as "meaningless" in the absence of a relevant law. After the court ruling, the government submitted an undertaking, saying the parliament would pass legislation on the extension of the term within six months. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two Chinese students were charged in federal court in Florida on Monday with entering a U.S. naval installation and taking pictures, the Miami Herald reported. Yuhao Wang and Jielun Zhang, both 24-year-old University of Michigan students, were arrested on Saturday at the Sigsbee Annex in the Naval Air Station in Key West, Fla. The two drove into the annex after ignoring a guards orders to turn back and were apprehended a half hour later. They had cell phones and a camera inside the base. U.S. Navy Security Forces obtained consent to look at the devices and observed photographs taken on the Sigsbee Annex property, including U.S. military structures on Fleming Key, the FBI wrote in its affidavit for the case. Both students voluntarily showed agents the pictures they had taken, and Wang admitted they had driven into the base against the orders of the guard. A similar incident took place on December 26, when Chinese national Lyuyou Liao was arrested in the Truman Annex of the Naval Air Station. Liao said he was trying to take photographs of the sunrise from the property, and he willingly provided the passcode for his phone to a federal agent. The agent found Liao had taken photos of the facilities in the Truman Annex. Yet another Chinese national, Zhao Qianli, was arrested in September for taking photographs at the Naval Air Station. Qianli, who claimed to be a music student, was sentenced to one year in prison for trespassing and photographing the base. The news comes amidst rising U.S.China tensions. In December, the New York Times reported that two Chinese diplomatic staffers had been expelled from the U.S. after driving into a Virginia base that houses the headquarters of SEAL Team 6. One of the individuals was allegedly an intelligence officer using diplomatic cover. More from National Review Bringing the universe of pride to life, the celebrated Blenders Pride Fashion Tour goes beyond conventional runway shows in its milestone 15th edition, to unveil a breathtakingly new face of fashion. While 'Pride' as a meaningful expression of success and individuality continues to take centre-stage, it is actually India with its indigenous 'craft', 'blend' of diverse influences, and a distinctive 'identity' that will become the canvas of expression this year. Charting a unique course, the iconic 15th year of Blenders Pride Fashion Tour comes with a path-breaking format with designer Ashish Soni as curator-in-chief, and an exclusive collaboration with Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the industry thought leader. By focussing laser-sharp on fashion, the tour will present festivals of fashion and create a universe of pride through its three themes - Craft, Blend and Identity - in the three city chapters of Delhi (with its patent modernity), Kolkata (with its extraordinary craft) and Hyderabad (with its consummate synthesis of the ancient and the modern), respectively. The fashion extravaganza will culminate in a larger than life finale, 'The Pride of India', in collaboration with FDCI, in Mumbai, with 15 eminent designers, namely, Anju Modi, JJ Vallaya, Raghavendra Rathore, Suneet Varma, Gaurav Gupta, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Abraham & Thakore, Wendell Rodricks, Monisha Jaising, Namrata Joshipura, Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna, Anamika Khanna, Manish Malhotra, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla and Ashish Soni. Stepping into the fashion spotlight as always, the tour also launched a new element - The Showcase - to provide a breakthrough opportunity for aspiring fashion designers and models to be mentored and display their talent at this year's Blenders Pride Fashion Tour. The Showcase, launched in October, continued the hunt for over two months to unearth undiscovered talent from across India, to provide them with the platform they deserve. The lucky few who emerged as winners include designers like IkshitPande (Quod), Sushant Abrol (Countrymade) and StanzinPalmo (Zilzom), and models like Ritu Chauhan, Poojan Solanki and Preethy Karan. The festivals of fashion at the city chapters will include segments like The Exhibit, The Fashion Incubator and The Panel Discussion, each of which will celebrate a whole new world of fashion. While The Exhibit will be an artistic display of iconic pieces of famed designers, The Fashion Incubator will showcase the work of aspiring designers who have emerged as winners from The Showcase. At The Panel Discussion, there will be an intellectual exchange of ideas amongst industry stalwarts, on game-changing influences in the fashion arena. The tour commenced with the Preview, hosted in a spectacular urban industrial set-up, melding the palpably raw with other elements. Bringing a blank canvas to life, the evening was an immersive reveal showcasing a compelling take on 'Pride' by acclaimed designers Anamika Khanna, Manish Malhotra, and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, along with their scintillating muses Rhea Kapoor, Kiara Advani and Kusha Kapila. Adding to the theatrical drama were models in white muslin garments, while Archana Vijaya played a unique host and moderator of all this bewitchment. "In its 15th year of spearheading the fashion industry, Blenders Pride Fashion Tour moves beyond conventional shows to become a celebration of all things fashion with a new vision. With its path-breaking format, the milestone edition of the tour aims to enhance the appeal for the youth and set the tone for innovation in years to come. The journey of 'Pride' that the brand undertook last year, continues to take centre-stage this year as well, to bring alive distinctive expressions of 'Pride'. We are also thrilled to collaborate with an industry leader, FDCI, in this landmark year, to take the property to new heights, together with illustrious designers and artists from across the country", said Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India. "We are proud to associate with Blenders Pride Fashion Tour in its iconic 15th year, and further add to the magnanimity of the property. With both FDCI and Blenders Pride Fashion Tour being definitive names in the fashion space, we feel that we are perfectly positioned to showcase our combined strengths with our shared synergies", said Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI. "The 15th edition of Blenders Pride Fashion Tour takes the next step in the fashion arena with a new format to include festivals of fashion, in addition to the runway shows. With this tour, we are thrilled to expand the horizons and understanding of fashion in the country by going a notch above", said designer Ashish Soni, Curator-in-Chief of Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2019-20. "I believe that craft exposes human experience beyond the visual and cerebral and helps them explore it through their hands. In a machine-made world, it slows everything down, keeps traditional techniques alive, and enables us to make something by ourselves. Through my association with Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2019-20, I take immense pride in showcasing the importance of craft by representing the diverse and impeccably rich culture of India", said designer Anamika Khanna, speaking about her curation 'My Craft, My Pride'. "Evolution represents the merger of traditional values with a modern expression. The fashion industry is a fast-paced, ever-evolving space, whose limits are constantly tested by everyone. It's an absolute honour to be associated with Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2019-20, which will paint a picture of tradition on a canvas of technology, that will be an expression of my identity in a unique fashion", said Manish Malhotra, designer, talking about his theme 'My Identity, My Pride'. "The concept of 'Blend' is an ode to the unifying power of fashion and its ability to transcend borders and geographies. We return to our roots, our extraordinary legacy of indigenous textiles, craft techniques and embroideries to fashion a brand-new expression that is unfettered by rules or borders. We take immense pleasure in my association with Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2019-20, where our showcase will be a tribute to the coming together of past, present and future, of multiple elements, silhouettes and moods to create a new fashion landscape", said designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, speaking on the concept of 'My Blend, My Pride'. Starting January 2020, Blenders Pride Fashion Tour will travel across four cities, starting with Kolkata and then moving to Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Constellation Brands rose the most in six months after posting profit and sales last quarter that topped analysts' estimates and raising its full year earnings forecast. Comparable earnings of $2.14 a share in the third quarter was well above the $1.84 average of estimates, amid growth from its beer brands Modelo Especial and Corona. Comparable profit for the full year will be $9.45 to $9.55 a share, up from a previous forecast for as much as $9.20. Members of different students organisations on Wednesday met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari here and submitted a memorandum about different issues related to students. Members of the National Youth Congress, Yuvak Kranti Dal, National Students Union of India (NSUI) and Students' Federation of India (SFI) said they held a brief meeting with Koshyari on the convocation ceremony of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). During the meeting, they raised the issue of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR). They also raised concernns about attacks on students in the universities and demanded that it should be stopped. "We gave a memorandum to the governor and apprised him of various issues pertaining to university students. We sought that there should be a focus on generating employment, making affordable and encouraging research, among other things," one of the members said. He added that during the brief discussion, the student-members expressed concerns over the attacks on students in universities and appealed that such incidents need to be stopped. "We also discussed the issue of CAA, NRC andR and expressed concerns about attacks on students in universities," he said. Another member, who was part of the team, said when they raised concerns about "increased police presence" in universities, the governor said there was a need to take precaution as some "anti-social" elements barge inside the colleges and universities and create nuisance. "But the governor assured that no policeman will touch us and if anybody does that, we should feel free to tell him," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The court verdict on the infamous Nirabhaya case was welcomed with cheers all over the nation. The decision that all four convicts wil be hanged at 7 am on Jan 22. The 23-year-old woman was brutally gang-raped and tortured on Dec 16, 2012, which led to her death. It came a little late but justice has been served. BCCL Six accused were arrested and charged with sexual assault and murder. One of the accused, a minor, appeared before a juvenile justice court, while another committed suicide in Tihar Jail. As soon as the court announced its decision, everyone including Bollywood celebrities lauded the decision. Relieved to read this news!! The culprits of Nirbhaya's case to be hanged on 22nd Jan!! Justice is finally being served #Nirbhaya Harshdeep Kaur (@HarshdeepKaur) January 7, 2020 So The 7 year of long wait came to an end. Finally! Justice has been served to our India's daughter...All the 4 culprits of Nirbhaya case will be hanged on 22nd January 2020.The soul of #Nirbhaya will rest in peace now.Kudos to her mother who kept fighting for justice till now. kaushal manda (@kaushalmanda) January 7, 2020 Talking about the same yesterday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the verdict would be a lesson for all those who mistreat women. "People will be scared that, even though little late, the law will give them punishment and justice will be served. Calling it a victory, he said it fulfilled a big wish of the people. "All were waiting eagerly for the verdict." Justice delivered to #Nirbhaya . A Delhi Court's verdict to execute 4 convicts will empower women and strengthen people's faith on judiciary.#nirbhayaverdict Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) January 7, 2020 BJP, on the other side, also said that justice has been served. "Justice delivered to Nirbhaya. A Delhi court's verdict to execute 4 convicts will empower women and strengthen people's faith on judiciary," BJP leader and Union minister Prakash Javadekar tweeted. The four convicts who will be hanged include Mukesh, Vinay Sharma, Akshay Singh and Pawan Gupta. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-09 02:35:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ROME, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Aligned with the global upward trend, international tourist arrivals in Italy are expected to increase by 3.1 percent annually in 2020, according to projections published by the Venice-based International Center for Studies on Tourism Economics (CISET) on Wednesday. "The scenario shows a positive dynamic for Italy in line with global trends," CISET said in its report. However, it also said that the increase in international tourist arrivals would be more limited compared to the previous two years from all of the areas considered, and particularly from northern Europe. "The positive trend from emerging markets -- and in particular from Southeast Asia and from China -- will remain above the average of some of the traditional markets, and this will allow arrivals to Italy to grow by 3.1 percent," CISET said. According to this forecast, Italy will receive an estimated 74 million foreign tourists this year. The tourism sector is expected to continue growing worldwide. "Despite caution caused by uncertainty at geopolitical level, a 3.5 percent (annual) increase -- equal to 1.5 billion arrivals overall -- is expected in 2020," the report said. TRENDS BY REGION Based on figures from the Bank of Italy on domestic tourism and from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on the global trends, the CISET report is published twice a year in cooperation with Ca' Foscari University of Venice. The report looks at four macro-areas: the Mediterranean, central Europe, northern Europe and extra-Europe (including the Americas, Asia and south-east Asia, and Africa). Outbound tourist departures from non-European countries are projected to increase by 3.5 percent in 2020, the report said. This would likely translate into a significant 4.8 percent increase in arrivals in Italy from the area, the report said. Tourist arrivals from the United States in Italy are expected to increase by 6.6 percent. "The trend from Japan would also be positive, with an expected 4.6 percent rise in arrivals, confirming the strong interest of Japanese travelers in our country," the CISET noted. In terms of absolute numbers, the number of tourists from central European countries visiting Italy is expected to reach 26 million this year. In percentage terms, arrivals from central Europe are expected to increase by a below-average 1.9 percent, the report said. The number of tourists traveling to Italy from northern Europe is expected to exceed 6 million in 2020, a year-on-year increase of 1.5 percent. "The United Kingdom -- which generates almost two-thirds of the total inflows from this macro-area -- will be characterized by an upward trend slightly above 1.1 percent," the report said. Tourist arrivals from the Mediterranean area - especially from Spain and France -- are expected to "moderately" increase by 1.5 percent. PRUDENT OPTIMISM WORLDWIDE Based on UNWTO figures, the Italian report also offers a glimpse into global tourism trends in 2020. "Persisting uncertainty at geopolitical level and in the global economy foster a prudent behavior also in choosing holiday destinations and the related budget," the CISET explained. The report estimates that worldwide international tourism arrivals would exceed 1.5 billion in 2020 -- an increase of some 130 million in absolute numbers year on year. Tourism is a major source of income for Italy, which is the eurozone's third largest economy. Over 40 million foreign tourists visited the country in 2018, according to the latest available figures published by the Bank of Italy in June 2019. They spent almost 42 billion euros (46.6 billion U.S. dollars), a year-on-year increase of 6.5 percent. In the same year, about 65.7 million Italians traveled abroad for holiday, spending a total of 25.5 billion euros (up 4.1 percent over the previous year). The sector's positive net balance (revenues from inbound flows minus expenditure of outbound flows) equaled 0.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) that year, the Bank of Italy said. Enditem Egypts newly-appointed information minister Osama Heikal's media policies were approved in a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. A cabinet statement revealed that Heikal was extensively asked about his new media policies at the meeting. "As a result, the roles, responsibilities and policies of the new minister of state for information Osama Heikal were approved, and that the cabinet's legal advisor was asked to formulate these roles to be issued in the form of a ministerial decree and executive regulations," said the statement. The approval came two days after President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met with Heikal and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on 5 December. According to Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady, El-Sisi said the role of the re-established Ministry of Information will be to formulate media policies capable of defending Egypt's interests. "We want a professional and disciplined media capable of standing up to foreign hostile media campaigns targeting Egypt in the form of malicious rumours, TV reports, and social media attacks," said El-Sisi. According to Rady, El-Sisi told Heikal at the meeting on Sunday that the media is advised in the coming stage to focus on reforming religious discourse and protecting people from radical ideologies. To achieve these objectives, El-Sisi requested that there should be closer coordination between the Ministry of Information and media regulatory bodies and state authorities. "This includes national press organisations and the government-owned TV and Radio Union," said El-Sisi. "This is important to keep abreast of the latest international impressive developments in the media sector, and in order for the Egyptian people to be able to confront the risks of the proliferation of rumours and to quickly react to the tempo of escalating events in the region," added El-Sisi, stating that "at the same time, the Ministry of Information should be keen on abiding by the professional media criteria, and focus on young generations to help the state build the Egyptian man and personality." Rady said Heikal told President El-Sisi that his main goal will be to "regain Egypt's soft power in the cultural arena, convey a realistic view of Egyptian politics, history and civilisation to the world, and raise local and foreign awareness of the national development projects being implemented in Egypt." Heikal indicated that his policies also aim to open channels of communication with all Egyptian political forces. "We want citizens to have access to diverse views and opinions," said Heikal, adding that "the ministry is looking forward to making optimal use of Egyptian expertise in the area of information, and reinforcing the instruments of training and institutional development of national cadres." On 22 December 2019, five years after the information ministry was abolished, a new minister of state for information was named in a long-awaited cabinet reshuffle. Following the reshuffle, many MPs asked what the aim was in resurrecting the post of information minister and in appointing Heikal, the outgoing chair of parliament's Media, Culture, and Antiquities Committee and the current head of the Egyptian Media Production Company (EMPC) as new minister of state for information. Under Egypt's 2014 constitution, TV, radio, print and online media are regulated by three regulatory bodies: the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR), the National Press Organisation (NPO), and the National Media Organisation (NMO). Head of SCMR Makram Mohamed Ahmed said that since the constitution made no mention of a post of a minister of information, the roles of this minister should be clear to avoid a clash of interests between regulatory bodies and the new ministry. Many expected a presidential decree would be issued to delineate the roles and responsibilities of the new Ministry of Information. However, it was preferred, following Heikal's meeting with El-Sisi on Sunday, that the roles of the new minister of state for information be discussed by the cabinet and issued in the form of a ministerial decree and executive regulations. Parliament's media committee is also expected to discuss Heikal's policies and roles in a meeting new week. Search Keywords: Short link: Production at Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India's (HMSI) Manesar plant in Haryana, Bajaj Auto's Chakan unit and factories of various auto component makers was hit on Wednesday by the day-long strike called by 10 major trade unions against the Centre's "anti-people" policies. The strike, however, had no impact on production of auto majors Maruti Suzuki India, Hero MotoCorp, Honda Cars India, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors and Hyundai Motors India as their plants in various parts of the country functioned normally. "Workers in all the three shifts at the Manesar plant are not working today in support of the trade union strike," HMSI Employee Union President Suresh Gaur told PTI. He said HMSI Manesar plant workers alongwith counterparts from factories of auto component makers Shivam Autotech, Emkay Automobile Industries, Munjal Showa, Napino Auto & Electronics and Talbros, among others, have joined in for a day-long protest. "Workers at factories in the Manesar-Bawal industrial area are supporting the strike and productions have been affected," Gaur claimed. When contacted, HMSI officials declined to comment. At Bajaj Auto's Chakan plant in Maharashtra, there was a complete shut down and no production took place, said a union leader of the company. In the auto belt of Pimpri-Chinchwad, Chakan, Hinjewadi, Talegaon and Nagar Road, there was partial strike. Production was also normal at Tata and Mahindra's plants in Chakan in Pune, worker sources said. Similarly, workers and officials at Maruti Suzuki, Hero MotoCorp, Honda Cars India confirmed that production was on normally at their respective plants and the strike had no impact. In Tamil Nadu, trade union sources in Sriperumbudur-Oragadam industrial belt, which is home to several auto-companies, said around 3,000 employees belonging to various multinational companies joined the dawn-to-dusk strike on Wednesday. "Some employees of few companies have joined the strike. But some workers employed in Hyundai Motor India and some other multinational companies have taken leave to participate in the strike. It is not a paid leave for them, they have come for participation despite a loss of pay", union sources told PTI. Of the total 3,000 employees, around 1,600 were detained by the police and were kept briefly at a marriage hall in the area and were later let off, they said. Meanwhile, IT firm HCL issued an advisory to its employees to exercise caution during travel, while also giving option to work from home. "We have also recommended the employees to avail Tele-Commuting option (Work From Home) if required. While proactively monitoring the situation, we are invoking all necessary measures to ensure business continuity and providing full support to our employees wherever required," a company spokesperson said. Ten central trade unions have claimed around 25 crore people will participate in the nationwide strike called to protest against the union government's labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies. They are pressing for a 12-point charter of demands of the working class relating to minimum wage and social security, among others. The demands also include a minimum pension of Rs 6,000 for everyone, minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, adequate supply of ration to people, AITUC General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur said, adding that the demands concern common man's issues besides worker-centric areas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) World Ukrainian Boeing 737 crashes in Iran, Kiling All 170 Aboard An electronic board displays information on flights, including one from Tehran marked as cancelled, at Boryspil International Airport outside Kiev, Ukraine on Jan. 8, 2020. The Ukraine International Airlines flight crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport. / REUTERS DUBAIA Ukrainian airliner carrying at least 170 passengers crashed on Wednesday due to technical problems soon after taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomaeini airport, and all aboard were killed, Irans state television said. The Boeing 737 belonging to Ukraine International Airlines crashed near the airport and burst into flames. The fire is so heavy that we cannot [attempt] any rescue We have 22 ambulances, four bus ambulances and a helicopter at the site, Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Irans emergency services, told state television. Reza Jafarzadeh, a spokesman for Irans Civil Aviation Organization, told state television that the number of passengers on board the flight was 170. According to air tracking service FlightRadar24, the plane that crashed was Flight PS 752, bound for Kiev. IRNA said that according to preliminary information the plane was bound for Kiev and had 180 passengers and crew. Boeing said the company was aware of media reports of a plane crash in Iran and was gathering more information. You may also like these stories: Air Force Jet Crashes in Bago, Kills Pilot Myanmar Pilot Safely Lands Plane on its Nose After Landing Gear Failure Pilot Radioed Alert on Doomed Indonesian Jets Previous Flight How close is the International Space Station (ISS) to an endgame? The orbiting complex has been continuously occupied by rotating astronaut crews since November 2000, and the international consortium that runs the ISS has committed to keeping the lights on at least through 2024. But the orbiting lab could keep going even longer than that. "The extension of the station is being discussed between NASA and the international partners," NASA spokesman Rob Navias told Space.com. "No formal decision on a date for extension has yet been agreed upon, but it's under discussion." Related: Building the International Space Station (Photos) This discussion is of interest to a group of U.S. senators who recently proposed extending ISS operations through 2030 and various commercial entities using the space station for revenue-generating activities. Both of these groups are looking to grow the space economy on the ISS in preparation for space economy efforts in Earth orbit and beyond. In space terms, four years is an extremely short time; after all, completing the first phase of ISS construction took about 13 years, wrapping up around the time of the space shuttle fleet's final flights, in 2011. The administration of President Donald Trump has already mapped out some bold space plans for the next four years namely, landing people on the moon by 2024 . Where does that leave ISS operations? Nanoracks, a Texas-based company that helps other commercial outfits develop products and experiments for the ISS, is already thinking about the end of the space station's lifetime. But history shows that it's tough to know when that will happen. "I've been in this job eight years; when I started, in 2011, the space station was supposed to be retired in 2015," Richard Pournelle, senior vice president of business development at Nanoracks, said at the SpaceCom conference in Houston last November. "Now, the nominal number is somewhere around 2024," Pournelle added. "Some people say 2028. Some people say 2030 or beyond. It's worthwhile to think about this question. It won't be a hard-and-fast date. We won't wake up one morning and the whole thing is gone. There will be some sort of transition period, and I think we are starting to enter the transition period." Pournelle pointed to three possible signs that such a transition period is coming upon commercial operators. The first is a recent low Earth orbit (LEO) commercialization study led by Nanoracks, which worked on the project with more than a dozen other companies. That report, released in July 2019, suggests gradually transitioning ISS to an "outpost" system that would reuse the upper stages of rockets to create different platforms for commercial customers. These platforms would be taken care of by robots and would either fly freely or be attached to each other. The study called for NASA support but added that the commercial market should take a lead in determining what hardware and experiments would be suitable upon these orbital platforms. Related: The International Space Station: Inside and Out (Infographic) "For Nanoracks, we're looking at the market for LEO commercialization as an ecosystem," Pournelle said. "We're adding all of the different resources and including the type of work on the space station that people want. Building an ecosystem will be a critical part of doing this." A second sign of change, Pournelle said, is NASA's recent announcement that it would allow a small allocation for commercial payloads on the space station. In June, a new NASA directive promised to "enable commercial manufacturing and production," a NASA statement said at the time. Pournelle said this is important because it extends the space station even further beyond pure science operations . The station, Pournelle said, is now more inclusive of commercial ventures, which could also bring benefits to Earthlings. The third sign, Pournelle said, has to do with the greater number of commercial modules flying to space. At the same time as NASA released its new directive, the agency opened a solicitation for commercial companies to eventually attach their own modules to the ISS. Over time, several companies would have a chance to use this new commercial space station port and possibly fly their own astronauts to use the facility. Other companies, including Sierra Nevada Corp. and Northrop Grumman, are already thinking about space modules. Representatives from both companies joined Pournelle on the panel at SpaceCom to talk about possibilities for these future space habitats once the market is ready for them. "The cost of launch remains the most significant cost driver hindering business models for commercial space ," warned Derek Hodgins, director of business development in advanced programs for Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems. His company recently completed ground testing for a deep-space habitat, in association with NASA. Hodgins called for more repurposing of existing space facilities, and for systems that are capable of running multiple missions at the same time, to both "optimize the return on investment" and reduce the number of launches needed to get commercial activities up and running. Sierra Nevada's principal system engineer, Jeff Valania, said his firm is working on the development of a multipurpose habitat that would be "ideally suited for commercial LEO activities," such as tourism, research and product development. "It can augment the existing ISS habitable volume or serve as the main habitable module for a stand-alone commercial platform," Valania added. Like Hodgins, he called for a "shared commercial space" that would allow providers to offer many different services and products. Follow Elizabeth Howell on Twitter @howellspace . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook . There was an awkward blunder on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday as the show used the wrong photo to introduce Britt Ekland. Presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid were left red-faced when Britt informed them that the young woman pictured alongside her name on the screen was not her. The photo they used was of another Swedish actress who attended a James Bond premiere, with Britt admitting she has often been confused for her. Mistake: There was an awkward blunder on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday as the show used the wrong photo to introduce Britt Ekland Piers started the interview saying: 'We have Britt Ekland, superstar. Whoever this woman is up there in the middle is not Britt Eckland. It's another Swedish actress.' Britt explained: 'She went to a Bond premiere and they said, this is Britt Ekland. Of course it wasn't me because I wasn't here.' Susanna asked the film star if she finds it annoying that the other actress is often confused for her but Britt insisted: 'It doesn't bother me. Everyone knows what I look like.' During the chat, Britt revealed she stopped having cosmetic surgery because she realised it wasn't going to help her get better acting roles or make her 'look better'. Awkward: Presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid were left red-faced when Britt informed them that the young woman pictured alongside her name on the screen was not her The actress admitted she first had cosmetic work done in her fifties when she went to a doctor to have her lips plumped and later had her ears pinned back. She said: 'It's not going to give me more roles to make me look better. This is who I am and people have to accept it. I've accepted it, you accept it!' Britt made an appointment with a Paris-based doctor with a consultancy on Harley Street to have her lips plumed. Lookalike: The photo they used was of another Swedish actress who attended a James Bond premiere, with Britt admitting she has often been confused for her Instead of the moderate treatment she expected, the doctor made multiple injections all around the rim of Britt's lips with Articol, which he said was a new dental material. Wendy Lewis, an international consultant in cosmetic surgery, told the Daily Mail that Articol is a bovine collagen that was briefly in vogue as a filler and lip plumper in the Nineties. A first-generation cosmetic treatment, its use is now regarded as risky. It is rarely, if ever, used in the UK and it was never approved for use in the U.S. The effects are permanent. Today, most doctors dont want to use it,' she said. Honest: Britt revealed she stopped having cosmetic surgery because she realised it wasn't going to help her get better acting roles or make her 'look better' Pressure: The actress told how she thinks it's sad that some young people are trying to alter their appearance (pictured in 1974) To her horror, Britt discovered that her newly enlarged pout was almost impossible to reverse. For 20 years, the model underwent excruciatingly painful corticosteroid injections in a bid to melt the Articol. Britt later went to another doctor to 'take it all out' and admitted during an episode of Loose Women that the procedures were a terrible mistake. She said: 'It destroyed my looks and ruined my face. It was the biggest mistake of my life. 'When I look at photographs of myself before I had it done, I looked very good. I can see that now, but I couldnt see it at the time.' Also during her Good Morning Britain interview, Britt dded that she thinks it's 'tragic' that young girls are going under the knife to alter their appearance due to pressure from social media. She said: 'I think it's tragic because the one time you really look good is before you're 25. Everyone is altering themselves so they all look older and older and older. 'And by the time they're 25 they look 35. It's very sad. I've of course played around with plastic surgery but I was after 50 when I did.' Interview: Piers asked the actress who was the most beautiful woman she has met in her career with Britt citing Elizabeth Taylor, Sofia Loren and Lauren Bacall Piers asked the actress who was the most beautiful woman she has met in her career. Britt said: 'Liz Taylor, Sofia Loren, Lauren Bacall was very beautiful. There's no one today who sticks out like this in my mind. It's not just [points to face], it's the whole thing. I'm one of a dying breed.' The Swedish star is known for being a Bond girl, starring as Mary Goodnight in the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun alongside Roger Moore. While there have been some recent calls for the role of Bond to be played by a woman in the future, Britt does not want it to happen. Beginnings: Britt's career began with bit parts in movies before she landed her first major role in George Marshall's film Advance to the Rear (pictured in 1964) She said: 'That's not going to happen, we might as well not talk about it. I don't have any information. 'I know [producer] Barbara [Brocolli] and if I had any influence, I would whisper and say, 'No, not a female Bond!' Speaking about getting rid of the 'Bond girl' title, Britt said the idea was 'foolish'. She added: 'Bond girls is a very nice title and it's what people want. It doesn't have the same ring, 'Bond woman'.' Britt dated rock star Rod Stewart for eight years and confirmed to Piers that he did in fact where her underwear while he was on stage. Looks: Britt had a botched lip procedure and eventually had it reversed after many years, later calling it a terrible mistake (pictured left in 1982 and right in 2016) She said: 'Yes. He didn't wear my knickers when he wasn't performing. He wore a very silky, very flowing outfit. 'The pants weren't tight, so you can imagine, performing on stage, it would all be swinging around. So he used to take my knickers and pull them so the package was in place.' Meanwhile, Britt opened up about her grandchild Lucas being diagnosed with a serious brain disorder. She said: 'This year I was told by my lovely son Nickolai and his most wonderful wife Alison that my youngest grandson Lucas, who will be three in April, has ALD(Adrenoleukodystrophy).' Opinion: While there have been some recent calls for the role of Bond to be played by a woman in the future, Britt does not want it to happen Career: The Swedish star is known for being a Bond girl, starring as Mary Goodnight in the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun alongside Roger Moore Admission: Britt dated rock star Rod Stewart for eight years and confirmed to Piers that he did in fact where her underwear while he was on stage 'All she said to me is, 'Don't Google it'. They didn't tell me until June. ALD affects male babies. 'He will probably have a very good life because he had a birth screening. In the UK, they deny the birth screening... that's what I'm campaigning for. 'There will be lesions on the brain by the time they are four. He has MRI twice a year and has had since birth and blood drawn every three months. 'The minute they get view of a sore, he will have a bone marrow transplant. And he will have a fabulous life. That's what I'm campaigning for I'm going to do everything I can.' A Worcester chef took her skills far, but couldnt quite make the cut when she appeared on Chopped Tuesday night. Niche Hospitality Group Executive Pastry Chef Robin Clark, made it to the final round, but ultimately came up short. She faced off against Chris Kollar, who is the owner and chocolatier of Kollar Chocolates in Yontville, California., Nick Cassidy, a corporate executive chef from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Koji Kakimoto of Honu Kitchen & Cocktails EC in Huntington, New York. Clark kicked off the first round with fried shishito peppers with bastilla salsa verde. Contestants had to make an appetizer with bastilla, shishito peppers, candied bacon, feta and watermelon salad. Clark moved on from the appetizer round and Cassidy was the first to go. In the second round, contestants had to make an entree with rabbit saddle, kettle corn and mache. Clarks dish, a pan-roasted rabbit loin with everything bagel doughnut sauce, was enough to make it to the final round. Kakimoto was sent home after the second round, leaving just Clark and Kollar. For the dessert course, the two remaining chefs were tasked to use strawberry pretzel gelatin, cape gooseberries, yogurt-covered almonds and white miso paste. Clarks dish, miso ice cream sundae with gooseberry and strawberry sauce, divided the judges. Celebrity judge Martha Stewart told Clark, The ice cream is so salty I can't eat it. Judge Maneet Chauhan liked the dish, however, and told Clark, "It reminds me of one of those really aggressively salty, caramel ice creams." Clark described her experience at the end of the show as a rollercoaster, and the judges took note of her presence on set. Youre such a badass, its been such a pleasure seeing you cook in this kitchen, Chauhan said. Clark was once the Chef de Cuisine for deadhorse hill. Related Stories Dr. Angie Cox, Teaching Excellence Award Winner, Trident University Trident University International (Trident) is proud to announce Dr. Angie Cox as the recipient of its Teaching Excellence Award for the Spring 2019 quarter. From the pool of faculty nominated, Dr. Cox was selected as the winner by University leadership based on the strength of the positive feedback submitted by students. I am grateful for the faith the staff and students have in me, remarks Dr. Cox. I am delighted to be able to work with my students every day, as their diverse experiences and viewpoints add to my own learning. Dr. Cox joined Tridents Glenn R. Jones College of Business as a part-time faculty member in 2017, instructing at the doctoral level. She served as Chair for the Doctoral Studies Project of Tridents first DBA graduate, Dr. Stephen Thomas. With over 20 years of military service, Dr. Cox has a background in the computer, information systems, cybersecurity, and technology fields in both tactical and leadership roles. Her research interests include business philosophy, information systems, information technology, research methods, cyber, and communication methods. Dr. Cox is a published author and accomplished presenter and is a four-time prime editor for The Journal of Virtual Worlds Research. Dr. Cox is a graduate of Tridents Ph.D. in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration programs. She also holds a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science from University of West Florida. About Trident University Founded in 1998, Trident University International (Trident) is an online postsecondary university serving adult learners. Trident uses the EdActive learning approach, which employs case-based learning in an online setting to teach real-world relevant critical thinking skills to enhance the lives and education of students. Trident offers quality associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree programs and certificates, led by a qualified faculty team, over 80% of whom have doctoral degrees. Trident is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and has more than 22,000 with a military affiliation. The University has received multiple acknowledgements from Military Times and Military Advanced Education & Transition for their dedication to military-affiliated students. Visit http://www.trident.edu, Tridents Facebook page, or call at (855) 290-0290 to learn more about Trident's wide range of educational options. Officers Samantha Devine (left) and Takeya Delapara were sworn in by Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. in December 2019 to the Camden County Police Department as a group of eight new women to join the agency. Read more On Dec. 19, 52 recruits graduated from the Camden County Police Academy to become law enforcement officers in Camden City, and eight were women. In the late 1960s, Elizabeth Coffal Robinson and Betty Blankenship became the first policewomen assigned to patrol in the United States. Just 20 years later, in 1987, women made up 7.6% of all officers in local police departments nationwide. By 2007, that share grew to 12%. Unfortunately, roughly 50 years after Robinson and Blankenship broke through the glass ceiling in policing, the growth of women in the field has virtually stagnated, according to recent data released by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Recent media reports have shown other discouraging trends manifesting in New Jersey, finding that women have faced greater barriers to securing positions in law enforcement and policing than their male counterparts. Last month, lawmakers in Trenton heard testimony related to whether physical requirements at the police academy were unnecessarily onerous to female recruits. These trends are disheartening because we need women in uniform. We might even need them more now than ever before. Effective policing, according to a U.S. Department of Justice report released in 2016, requires a department that in race, gender, and other characteristics, reflects and relates to the community it serves. In Camden, our Camden County metro officers are champions of a groundbreaking, community-oriented approach to policing that would be impossible without policewomen and the diverse skillsets and unique perspectives they bring to our department. A diverse department enables us to reach individuals throughout the community who may otherwise be wary of engaging with law enforcement, while also bringing an array of viewpoints to influence departmental operations and culture. Decades of research has made clear the empirical benefits of a police force which is diverse in gender. Research from the 1970s, when female officers were far less common than they are today, had already shown that there existed little difference between policemen and policewomen in terms of performance, arrests, or required disciplinary action. By the 90s, others had begun to document the inherent benefits that many women brought with them to policing. Experts in 1992 cited womens verbal skills as having a notable calming effect capable of defusing explosive situations. They also highlighted the critical role female officers played when working with victims of rape and domestic violence. A recent study from the University of Virginia updated those findings, adding that as the female representation of officers within an area increases, so do the reporting rates of violent crimes against women in the area. Female officers make women in the community feel safer to come forward. Women in law enforcement are primarily motivated to seek their careers because of a desire to help people and have been found to be less physically aggressive and more nurturing than men. Some have even gone as far as to suggest that more women in uniform could lead to fewer police-involved shootings. Of course, all women in law enforcement are not the same. Each individual officer brings their own personality, style, and background to the job. We need a department that includes all of them in order to best meet our communitys needs. Thats why we have to make a broader effort statewide to recruit and retain women interested in law enforcement careers. At the Camden County Police Department, approximately 15% of our officers are women, better than the national average, but we still have plenty of work to do. Whatever changes Trenton decides to make or not make, one thing needs to be made clear: Female officers are wanted and needed in New Jersey, and the pathways for them to attain these careers must remain open. Louis Cappelli Jr. is the freeholder director of Camden County and a longtime public servant from Collingswood. Careful monitoring of pressure within the skull (intracranial pressure, or ICP) is crucial for some neurocritical care patients. But current procedures for measuring ICP via an external ventricular drain (EVD) may not leave enough time for accurate ICP readings, reports a study in the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing (JNN), official journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer. In patients with an EVD to drain excess fluid from around the brain, current practice in terms of temporarily clamping the drain does not provide sufficient time to reach the true ICP level in most cases, according to the new research by Xiuyun Liu, PhD, and colleagues of University of California, San Francisco. Three-fourths of EVD closures don't leave enough time to reach stable ICP The researchers evaluated procedures for ICP measurement via EVD in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a severe type of stroke in which there is bleeding into the brain, most commonly caused by a ruptured aneurysm. Patients with SAH, traumatic brain injury, and certain other conditions are at risk of developing excessive pressure within the skull, which can cause secondary brain injury. For these patients, surgical placement of an EVD within the ventricle is a lifesaving procedure, allowing drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to control pressure within the skull. Regular and precise measurement of ICP is essential for clinicians to make decisions promptly to protect the brain. To perform these measurements, the EVD system must be temporarily clamped. This stops CSF drainage, allowing the true level of ICP within the brain to be reached. A 2017 study in JNN suggested that a minimum 5-minute period without drainage is required to reach equilibrium, or a stable level of ICP. "This clinical practice still faces great challenges," the researchers write. "[R]ecent studies have revealed wide practice variations associated with monitoring, treating, and documenting ICP values using EVD." Is the 5-minute waiting period long enough to reach a stable ICP level? To find out, Dr. Liu and colleagues analyzed high-resolution continuous ICP values recorded via EVD in 107 patients with SAH. The analysis included data from every clamping procedure performed throughout the patients' hospital stay: a total of nearly 33,000 episodes of EVD closure. The researchers developed an automated algorithm to determine whether EVD clamping times allowed enough time for ICP to reach a new equilibrium. About 66 percent of EVD closures were less than one minute, while 16 percent were more than five minutes. Some closures were performed to test whether the patient was ready to be weaned off their EVD whether their ICP remained under control without CSF drainage. In about 30 percent of tests, the patient was not yet ready for weaning. Overall, just 23 percent of closures met study criteria for equilibrium, including a stable ICP level with an EVD closure time of longer than one minute. This suggested that more than three-fourths of EVD closures may not have left adequate time for accurate ICP measurement. The result is crucial, and it raises great concerns about the current practice of clamping EVD to measure ICP and obtain accurate readings. A standard guideline and proper training to nurses are needed for ICP intermittent checking." Xiuyun Liu, PhD, and colleagues of University of California, San Francisco The researchers also call for continued innovations in monitoring technology that can quickly and accurately show ICP trends at a "proper time scale," alongside other critical vital signs. This is the moment heavily armed gardai swoop on suspected members of a prolific cash-in-transit theft gang linked to raids across the country. On Monday, detectives arrested three men in their 30s following a 30,000 cash robbery in Clonee, Co Meath. The gang is also being investigated over similar raids in south Dublin and Carlow in recent months. Our exclusive image was taken moments after the Clonee cash raid as members of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) arrested two of the gang along the N3. Two of the suspects can be seen handcuffed and lying on their stomachs as heavily armed gardai watch over them. A second vehicle was also stopped and another man was arrested, while all of the cash, an imitation firearm and an electronic signal-blocker were recovered. The men arrested are aged 30, 33 and 35 and all have links to the Finglas area. All three suspects were arrested on suspicion of organised crime offences and were being held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at Finglas and Ashbourne garda stations. Botched The garda operation was led by members of the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, who have been monitoring the gang's activities from some time. The gang are the chief suspects for a botched cash-in-transit robbery in Tullow, Co Carlow, in late November, in which they failed to get any money. In that botched theft, a brave security worker fought off an armed robber and refused to hand over a case of cash when he was held at gunpoint. After the worker refused to let go of the case, the robber ran back to the getaway car, which was found burned out a short distance away. The gang are also suspected of a successful 26,000 heist on Taney Road, Dundrum, at 10.35am last December 13. No injuries were reported, and no arrests were made at the time. Sources last night said the cash raid gang has links to the leader of a crime family based between Meath and Dublin. The leader of that mob, aged in his late 40s, is suspected of orchestrating dozens of armed raids across the country in recent years. He has been a target of the Criminal Assets Bureau and is also a fixer for many of Dublin's crime gangs. "The three in custody are known to gardai and would have worked with the leader of this crime family," the source said. "He would have sought out the jobs and they would have carried them out. "The arrests are a major capture for gardai, and those in custody are also being questioned about other similar cash raids." President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday renewed appeal for the unity of Nigerians to fight the Boko Haram terrorists in the northeast and not allow the terrorists to divide the country. The President also sought better understanding of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the sporadic violence perpetuated by the terrorists and bandits across the country. President Buhari in a statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, on Tuesday, acknowledged that the security forces of Nigeria are working continuously to return those taken hostage by Boko Haram to their families, friends and communities. He maintained that in doing this, the government has full confidence in their ability to accomplish the task. The statement added that on its own part, government has condemned some of the appalling acts of terror, especially, following the festive period. The president remarked: Yet, to continue to see these happenings solely in religious terms removed from social, economic and environmental factors simplifies complexities that must be heeded. Not seeing them as they should be is exactly what the terrorists and groups wish: they want Nigerians to see their beliefs as reason to turn against one another. On the contrary, Christians and Muslims alike are united in their opposition to Boko Haram and the hatred for decency that the infamous group stands for. He, therefore, appealed that Nigerians must continue to be united in ensuring that they do not subscribe to the terrorists message of division; decrying: Unfortunately, some leaders and politicians seek to make political capital from our religious differences. He, however, maintained: As we fight Boko Haram on the ground, so too must we tackle their beliefs: stability and unity in face of their hatred is itself a rejection of their worldview. President Buhari assured that the government shall never tolerate religious intolerance. We clearly and unambiguously restate our support for the freedom to practice whichever belief you wish. The politicisation of religion as forbidden by the constitution has no place in Nigeria, he declared. PV: 0 NEW DELHI - Commercial airlines are rerouting flights throughout the Middle East to avoid potential danger during heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/1/2020 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. FILE - In this Aug. 20, 2015 file photo, two Qantas planes taxi on the runway at Sydney Airport in Sydney, Australia. Some Asian airlines have rerouted flights to the Middle East to avoid Iranian airspace, amid escalated tensions over the United States assassination of a prominent Iranian commander in Iraq. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File) NEW DELHI - Commercial airlines are rerouting flights throughout the Middle East to avoid potential danger during heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. Jumbled schedules could affect as many as 15,000 passengers per day, lengthen flight times by an average of 30 to 90 minutes, and severely bruise the bottom line for airlines, industry analysts said. There is anxiety that the conflict between the longtime foes could intensify following Iranian ballistic missile strikes Wednesday on two Iraqi bases that house U.S. troops. The attacks were retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike near Baghdad last week. In a war situation, the first casualty is always air transport, said Dubai-based aviation consult Mark Martin, pointing to airline bankruptcies during the Persian Gulf and Yugoslav wars. At least 500 commercial flights travel through Iranian and Iraqi airspace daily, Martin said. A Ukrainian passenger jet crashed shortly after taking off from Iran's capital Wednesday killing 167 passengers and nine crew members just hours after Iran's ballistic missile attack, but Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue brought down the 3 1/2-year-old Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Ukrainian officials initially agreed, but later backed away and declined to offer a cause while the investigation is ongoing. Still, at least two Kazakh airlines Air Astana and SCAT were considering rerouting or cancelling their flights over Iran following the crash, which killed all 176 passengers. Poland's national carrier, PLL LOT, said Saturday that it was changing routes to bypass Iran's airspace. A suite of other European carriers followed on Wednesday, and the restrictions were expected to further depress air travel between Iran and Western Europe, which saw strong growth after the Iran nuclear deal but a sharp dive when President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement and reimposed sanctions, according to the Sydney-based Center for Aviation consultancy. Air France and Dutch carrier KLM both said Wednesday that they had suspended all flights over Iranian and Iraqi airspace indefinitely. German airline Lufthansa and two of its subsidiaries also cancelled flights to Iraq. The Russian aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, issued an official recommendation for all Russian airlines to avoid flying over Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman "due to existing risks for the safety of international civil flights." Russia's biggest private airline, S7, said it would reroute its twice-a-week flight from the Siberian city of Novosibirsk to Dubai. Asia-Pacific carriers, which operate many of the world's long-haul flights, were also expected to be hit hard by the ad hoc no-fly zone over Iran, Martin said. Australian carrier Qantas said it was altering its London to Perth, Australia, route to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice. The longer route meant that Qantas would have to carry fewer passengers and more fuel to remain in the air for an extra 40 to 50 minutes. Malaysia Airlines said that due to recent events, its planes would avoid Iranian airspace. Singapore Airlines also said that its flights to Europe would be re-routed to avoid Iran. Taiwanese carriers China Airlines and EVA Airways said they rerouted flights to Europe on Wednesday to skirt Iraqi and Iranian airspace. They said future route decisions would depend on regional developments. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation advised Indian commercial carriers to avoid Iranian, Iraqi and Persian Gulf airspace. In light of the tensions within the Iranian airspace a decision to temporarily reroute flights of Air India and Air India Express overflying Iran has been taken, said Air India spokesman Dhananjay Kumar. Travel times will increase by as much as 40 minutes for flights in the region, the airline said. Buta Airways, an Azerbaijani low-cost carrier, said Wednesday that it was not planning to suspend or reroute daily flights between Baku, the country's capital, and Tehran. In North America, Air Canada rerouted its flight from Toronto to Dubai through Egypt and Saudi Arabia to avoid travelling over Iraq. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said it was barring American pilots and carriers from flying in areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace. The agency warned of the potential for miscalculation or mis-identification" for civilian aircraft amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Such restrictions are often precautionary in nature to prevent civilian aircraft from being confused for ones engaged in armed conflict. The FAA said the restrictions were being issued due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations. In the Middle East, United Arab Emirates-owned budget airline flydubai said it had cancelled a scheduled flight Wednesday from Dubai to Baghdad but was continuing flights to Basra and Najaf. Etihad Airways, the second-largest airline in the UAE, continued to operate on a regular schedule. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Emirates airline flights between Dubai and Baghdad were cancelled. The safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority and will not be compromised," Emirates said in a statement. Qatar Airways said its flights to Iraq were operating normally. The safety of our passengers and employees is of the highest importance, and we continue to closely monitor developments in Iraq," the airline said in a statement. A handful of ship owners are curtailing operations in the Persian Gulf by restricting trips or only operating during daylight, said Richard Matthews, head of research at Gibson Shipbrokers. The handful of companies represents a small fraction of the 339 ship owners his company tracks that have loaded cargoes in the Persian Gulf, he said. People are obviously a bit more cautious, but no ones panicking yet, Matthews said Wednesday. Its very much a day-by-day assessment. ___ Associated Press writers Daria Litvinova in Moscow; Angela Charlton in Paris; Monika Scislowska in Warsaw, Poland; Rod McGuirk in Canberra, Australia; Cathy Bussewitz in New York; Frank Jordans in Berlin and Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, contributed to this report. SHAHEDSHAHR, Iran A Ukrainian passenger jet carrying 176 people crashed on Wednesday, just minutes after taking off from the Iranian capital's main airport, turning farmland on the outskirts of Tehran into fields of flaming debris and killing all on board. The crash of Ukraine International Airlines came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. soldiers, but both Ukrainian and Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue brought down the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The plane carried 167 passengers and nine crew members from different nations. Ukraine's foreign minister, Vadym Prystaiko, said that there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians on board the Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and the nine crew. There were also 10 Swedish, four Afghan, three German and three British nationals. Airline officials said most of the passengers were en route to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, transiting through there to other destinations. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy extended his condolences to the families of the victims. His office said he had cut his visit to Oman short and was returning to Kyiv because of the crash. The country's Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk confirmed the casualty toll. "Our task is to establish the cause of the crash of the Boeing and provide all necessary help to the families of the victims," said parliament speaker, Dmytro Razumkov, in a Facebook statement. Ukraine International Airlines said it had indefinitely suspended flights to Tehran after the crash. "It was one of the best planes we had, with an amazing, reliable crew," Yevhen Dykhne, president of the Ukraine International Airlines, said at a briefing following the crash. Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian president, ordered a sweeping inspection of all civil airplanes in the country, no matter the conclusions about the crash in Iran. The plane had been delayed from taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport by almost an hour. It took off to the west, but never made it above 8,000 feet in the air, according to data from the flight-tracking website FlightRadar24. It remains unclear what happened. Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Iran's Road and Transportation Ministry, said it appeared a fire struck one of its engines. The pilot of the aircraft then lost control of the plane, sending it crashing into the ground, Biniaz said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. Hassan Razaeifar, the head of air crash investigation committee, said it appeared the pilot couldn't communicate with air-traffic controllers in Tehran in the last moments of the flight. He did not elaborate. Ukrainian authorities have offered to help with the investigation of the plane crash. "We're preparing a group of specialists in order to help with the search operation and the investigation of the cause of the crash," Honcharuk said. The plane, fully loaded with fuel for its 2,300-kilometer (1,430-mile) flight, slammed into farmland near the town of Shahedshahr on the outskirts of Tehran. Videos taken immediately after the crash show blazes lighting up the darkened fields before dawn. Resident Din Mohammad Qassemi said he had been watching the news about the Iranian ballistic missile attack on U.S. forces in Iraq in revenge for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani when he heard the crash. I heard a massive explosion and all the houses started to shake. There was fire everywhere," he told The Associated Press. At first I thought (the Americans) have hit here with missiles and went in the basement as a shelter. After a while, I went out and saw a plane has crashed over there. Body parts were lying around everywhere. The majority of the passengers were Iranian nationals, Russia's RIA Novosti agency reported, citing Iranian authorities. Staff at the Boryspil airport in Kyiv, told the AP that passengers on this flight are usually Iranian students coming back to Ukraine after winter holidays AP journalists who reached the crash site saw a wide field of field of debris scattered across farmland, the dead laying among shattered pieces of the aircraft. Their possessions, a child's cartoon-covered electric toothbrush, a stuffed animal, luggage and electronics, stretched everywhere. Rescuers in masks shouted over the noise of hovering helicopters as they worked. They quickly realized there would be no survivors. The only thing that the pilot managed to do was steer the plane towards a soccer field near here instead of a residential area back there, witness Aref Geravand said. "It crashed near the field and in a water canal. The Boeing 737-800 is a very common single-aisle, twin-engine jetliner used for short to medium-range flights. Thousands of the planes are used by airlines around the world. Introduced in the late 1990s, it is an older model than the Boeing 737 MAX, which has been grounded for nearly 10 months following two deadly crashes. Boeing built the aircraft that crashed Wednesday in 2016 and it last underwent routine maintenance on Monday, Ukraine International Airlines said. A number of 737-800 aircraft have been involved in deadly accidents over the years. In March 2016, a FlyDubai 737-800 from Dubai crashed while trying to land at Rostov-on-Don airport in Russia, killing 62 onboard. Another 737-800 flight from Dubai, operated by Air India Express, crashed in May 2010 while trying to land in Mangalore, India, killing more than 150 onboard. Chicago-based Boeing Co. was "aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information, spokesman Michael Friedman told the AP. Boeing, like other airline manufacturers, typically assists in crash investigations. However, that effort in this case could be affected by the U.S. sanctions campaign in place on Iran since President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in May 2018. Both Airbus and Boeing had been in line to sell billions of dollars of aircraft to Iran over the deal, which saw Tehran limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. But Trump's decision halted the sales. Under decades of international sanctions, Iran's commercial passenger aircraft fleet has aged, with air accidents occurring regularly for domestic carriers in recent years, resulting in hundreds of casualties. Karimi reported from Tehran, Iran, and Gambrell from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Adam Schreck in Bangkok; Mehdi Fattahi in Tehran; Daria Litvinova in Moscow, and Inna Varenytsia and Dmytro Vlasov in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed to this report. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Baghdad: The second series of rockets have been launched toward US targets in Iraq soon after over a dozen ballistic missiles struck two military bases used by US forces in Iraq, Iranian media reported. Earlier, following the attacks at Al-Asad and Abril, Pentagon had said that Iran has launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq, targeting at least two bases at Al-Asad and Abril. However, Iran`s Tasmin News Agency said that over 35 rockets were launched by Iran`s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the early hours of Wednesday. Live TV Security has been beefed up around the White House amid heightened tensions with Iran, CNN reported citing a law enforcement official. A US Secret Service official declined to comment, passing along a statement released by the agency, saying it "continually assesses the threat environment surrounding all protectees. "US Secret Service officers with assault rifles were spotted at checkpoints near the White House. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said that US President Donald Trump is closely monitoring the attack on US facilities in Iraq and is consulting with the national security team regarding the situation. Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence was also briefed on Iran`s attacks on bases hosting US military and coalition forces in Iraq. "Vice President Pence was briefed on Iran`s attacks on bases hosting U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. The VP has been in continuous contact with the entire national security team and, at the President`s direction, VP Pence completed calls to Congressional leadership," said Press Secretary for Mike Pence. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted that she is closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. "Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our service members, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford a war," Pelosi tweeted. The attack comes days after Washington assassinated Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Iran`s semi-official news agency Fars News Agency tweeted a purported video of missiles firing and said "Start of Iran`s vengeful US retaliation / Moment of Iranian missile firing at US base in Ain al-Assad. The Romance Writers of America has canceled the 2020 RITAs, the organizations annual awards program. The cancellation is the latest public sign of crisis amid a tumultuous month for the Houston-based organization, which has been losing a public relations battle over the diversity of its membership and the content it produces. This week the RWA also received a petition to recall its board president. On Wednesday Renee Ryan, its director-at-large, resigned from the board of directors. Over the past month, a best-selling author was censured, several board members resigned and the future of an organization that represents some 9,000 writers has been thrown into doubt during what should have been a celebratory 40th anniversary year. The RWA describes its mission as advancing the professional and common business interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy. The cancellation was announced Wednesday, the same day HarperCollins Canada and its Harlequin imprint announced they would not attend the RWAs national conference this year. Craig Swinwood, CEO of the publisher, said it would reevaluate its involvement in 2021. We at Harlequin believe it is important that all authors feel included, respected and heard, he wrote. Last week the prominent Nancy Yost Literary Agency withdrew its membership from the RWA. The RWA also announced on Jan. 6 that it has received a recall petition for board president Damon Suede. If the petition is verified, a recall election would take place before Feb. 20. Signs of discontent in this $1 billion industry began to occur a few years ago. Courtney Milan - the pen name for writer Heidi Bond - had been critical of the organizations lack of diversity in the past. A Californian with Chinese ancestry, Milan formerly served as an RWA board member and advocated for a more inclusive and diverse RWA. On HoustonChronicle.com: Welcome to a new golden age of romantic comedies But her August 2019 tweet about a book published more than two decades ago proved a more dramatic catalyst for change than years of advice and advocacy. Milan called Somewhere Lies the Moon, a book by author Kathryn Lynn Davis a racist (expletive) mess for its portrayal of a half-Chinese heroine. Davis and her publisher filed a complaint with the RWA, which censured Milan last month. Davis in a recent interview with the Guardian suggested she was urged to file the complaint by the Romance Writers of America, further obscuring an already unclear sequence of events. Early reports also said Davis lost a three-book publishing deal as a result of the controversy; she since clarified interview that a formal contract had not been offered, but rather discussions about a deal had halted. Davis declined to comment further. In a statement, Milan - an attorney who had received a service award last year from the RWA for her work to improve systemic racism in the industry - took offense that a new ethics committee was assembled by the RWA to hear the complaint. She said of the lack of transparency, this entire matter has been a massive breach of fiduciary duty. Milans suspension was swiftly rescinded by the RWA, but the fallout was irreversible. If the RWA hoped the controversy wouldnt find oxygen on Christmas Eve, it was mistaken. Several board members resigned on Dec. 24 in solidarity with Milan. A holiday week did nothing to extinguish flames as a resilient and often marginalized industry found itself drawing attention outside its ranks. The roots of the Romance Writers of America are traced back to Houston, where Vivian Stephens - a New York-based editor at Dell - appeared at the Southwest Writers Conference in 1979. A Houston native, Stephens advised a group of romance writers to organize, and the RWA formally began the following year, quickly growing to nearly 40 members. The RWAs first conference was held in 1981 in Houston and became an annual event. Houston, then as now, served as the headquarters for the RWA. Stephens was also a rare person of color among editors in book publishing at the time. And at Dell, she quickly sought to diversify the publishers output, releasing Entwined Destinies by Rosalind Welles in 1980. The idea she seeded in Houston grew quickly. Despite its popularity among readers, genre fiction at the time was ill-treated within the industry, and romance particularly so. The organization offered a comfortable space for writers, editors and readers of romance fiction, which flourished. On HoustonChronicle.com: RWA founding member gets her inspiration driving Uber Membership today is estimated between 9,000 and 10,000. General membership includes annual dues of $99. And romance over the years has endured where some other genre fiction - like the western - has seen attrition. Romance represented about a third of the 2015 fiction market with sales in excess of $1 billion. As the organization grew, though, complaints about its insular membership also swelled as the romance industry published thousands of titles but very few representing by authors of color and very few with characters of color. Author Piper Huguley commented two years ago about the absence of black writers among the RITA-nominated works. She told the Chronicle last month, I knew there was a big push coming, a resistance against this. The RWA issued a statement in late December calling the crisis a turning point. We would like to take this time to provide clarity and a path forward, it read. So far writers are awaiting both, though the RWA has been regularly updating its website with statements about the ongoing crisis. The RWA did announce that it hired the Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman law firm to conduct an independent audit of its code of ethics and to make recommendations on appropriate adjustments moving forward on ethics policy and procedures. Milan opted not to be interviewed for this story. But she tweeted that the RITA cancellation was the first right decision Ive seen the RWA make in this whole debacle. Several writers critical of the RWA have expressed their hope that the organization can be improved rather than having it split into factions. Huguley expressed her concern that starting a new organization would be a financially fraught option. Milan, in a statement, said, I am heartbroken that an organization that I served for four years has decided to set itself on fire in a win for absolutely nobody. andrew.dansby@chron.com WASHINGTON, D.C. - Shortly after President Donald Trump delivered a White House address to announce punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio urged the United States to de-escalate tensions. After expressing thanks that no casualties resulted from Irans bombing of U.S. military bases in response to last weeks U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, Brown told reporters we cant allow this administrations chaotic foreign policy to lead to another war in the Middle East. Recalling how he was among 130 members of Congress, including all Ohios Democrats, who voted against going to war in Iraq, Brown said the Bush administrations dishonesty with the American people led us into the quagmire in the Middle East for which were still paying. American troops and Iraqis have been dying there for nearly two decades. Brown criticized the Trump administration for pulling out of a successful 2015 deal that the five permanent members of the United Nations security council and Germany negotiated to prevent Irans development of nuclear weapons, and said that set the clock ticking for the current standoff. I dont know what the President meant when he said they will get not get a nuclear weapon, when he had already given that away in negotiations," said Brown. I also fear that other countries wont negotiate in good faith on nuclear weapons, like North Korea. Weve already seen North Koreas leaders basically outfox the President on making him think they were moving in the right direction when they arent, and I dont know why another country with these problems would rely on a president whos backed out of an agreement that was in effect for almost half a decade. Ohios other U.S. Senator, Republican Rob Portman, on Tuesday said Soleimani directed attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East and was responsible for roadside bombs that killed hundreds of U.S. troops and wounded thousands more. This is a person who needs to be taken off the battlefield, and I dont think anybody would disagree that he certainly qualified as someone leading a terrorist organization, said Portman. Unchecked, without any consequences, we could have had many many more casualties based on the information we have. He called Irans attacks on U.S. military bases continuation of a reckless and provocative policy, in a statement on Twitter. In a speech on the U.S. Senate floor, Portman said he agrees with Trump that a maximum pressure campaign against Iraq must continue and that it should include additional sanctions. President Trump has said on many occasions hes willing to negotiate with Iran if they cease their belligerent actions in the region and come to the table, said Portman. We do not desire war with Iran, but we cannot and will not stand idly by as they continue to attack Americans, continue to kill our forces in the Middle East. Trump kicked off his White House speech by declaring that as long as hes president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Our great American forces are prepared for anything," said Trump. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces, and an early warning system that worked very well. I salute the incredible skill and courage of Americas men and women in uniform." For far too long -- all the way back to 1979, to be exact -- nations have tolerated Irans destructive and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East and beyond, Trump continued. Those days are over. Iran has been the leading sponsor of terrorism, and their pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens the civilized world. We will never let that happen. Trump called for NATO to become more involved in the Middle East process, and for negotiation of a new deal that will allow Iran to thrive and prosper, as well as making the world a safer and more peaceful place. Brown countered that Trump has lost many of his most experienced foreign policy advisers and accused him of picking an extreme measure in deciding to kill Soleimani. He said Trumps defense advisers gave him an array of options to address Iran, and said they were surprised he picked that course of action rather than something more reasonable. If Trump plans to go to war with Iran, Brown said he should obtain a congressional declaration. He said Trumps foreign policy has been pretty chaotic," and a more thoughtful process is needed when U.S. troops are in the mix. I had major disagreements with President Bush the second, said Brown. I strongly opposed the Iraq war, but he had serious advisers, some of whom didnt tell the truth, like the Vice President, but he had serious advisers and he paid a lot of attention to some sort of a deliberative process. You dont send American troops in harms way without really understanding where were going and what the end game is. He said Trump has a history of lying more than any president in American history by far, on little things and big things. Weve not really ever seen a president like this, who has acted in this way, said Brown. The most important thing is keeping Americans safe. And I take my job very seriously doing that. Read more coverage: Trump in Ohio: A timeline of his presidential visits Toledo Democrats warn President Trump against hate speech during upcoming visit Ex-Cleveland mayor and congressman Dennis Kucinich backs Tulsi Gabbards presidential campaign, denounces killing of Iranian general Congress divided on Iranian generals killing; Ohio Senators seek briefings Ohio Congress members ask U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion Rep. Bob Latta helps pass law to hang up on robocalls House approves trade agreement with Canada and Mexico over opposition from Ohio Reps. Fudge and Kaptur House votes to impeach President Donald Trump Christina Hagan files to challenge Tim Ryan: See whos running for Congress in Northeast Ohio U.S. Senate to pass defense bill full of Ohio measures Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown will back his first trade agreement Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced plans for a pilot program that offers locally funded affordable housing vouchers, the citys first step toward implementing one of the first permanent programs of its kind in the nation. Walsh announced the pilot during his 2020 State of the City address Tuesday night at Symphony Hall. The program is one of several proposals Walsh introduced to bring relief for the citys notoriously expensive housing market. For the first time in Bostons history, we will issue city-funded rental vouchers, so more low-income families can be stable and secure, Walsh, a Democrat, said Tuesday night during his State of the City address in Symphony Hall. The pilot program was one of several strategies Walsh vowed to implement as part of a $500 million housing plan. About $100 million is expected to come from the citys operating budget and capital fund. Walsh said the other $400 million will come from the sale of the Lafayette Garage and revenue from a 2% transfer tax on real estate sales of at least $2 million, though a bill to authorize such taxes hasnt been passed yet. Walsh said the pilot isnt contingent on the passage of the transfer tax bill because the city plans to allocate $100 million in the first year from the operating budget and capital fund. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh addresses reporters Tuesday night after delivering the 2020 State of the City address. Walsh announced major investments in education and housing. The voucher programs happening, Walsh told reporters after his address. Were making a $100 million investment already. More than 47,000 people are on the Boston Housing Authoritys waitlist for the agencys affordable housing programs. Walsh said the pilot program would offer hundreds of vouchers to low- and middle-income residents, though city officials said they do not have an estimate for how many would be available or when the pilot program would begin. Certainly, we would like to be up and running on this and in months, not years," said Sheila Dillon, the citys chief of housing and director of the Department of Neighborhood Development. Dillon told reporters on Monday that officials are discussing setting aside $5 million per year for the pilot program. But city officials need to work out details, including whether the assistance will be geared toward families or individuals, how recipients will be selected and what other parameters will exist. Washington, D.C., offers a city-funded program, and several cities have city-funded voucher programs that offer temporary relief. San Francisco passed a business tax measure for homeless housing and services, which included a similar rent subsidy. The funding source isnt available yet because the measure is stuck in litigation, said Fernando Marti, co-director of the Council of Community Housing Organizations. If Walshs plan Is implemented, Boston would become one of the only cities offering a permanent city-funded program, in addition to the state and federal subsidies. We are looking at this as being permanent, but well be looking at models. Well be talking to the advocates. Well be doing a lot of homework on this, Dillon said. The BHA administers about 13,500 federal housing vouchers, commonly known as Section 8. About 2,100 of those subsidize a unit, and the other 11,400 subsidize a tenants regardless of where the person lives, according to the agency. Altogether, those subsidies provide affordable housing for about 29,000 low-income residents in the Greater Boston Area, according to the authority. Those figures dont include tens of thousands more who live in public housing managed by the BHA. The city-funded subsidies would be administered by the BHA, Dillon said. Theyve done an admirable job of getting as many vouchers as they can from the federal government in the last year, Dillon said of the BHA. Plus, theyve gotten over 1,000 new vouchers, which is really hard to do given federal resources these days. But this is city funding. As federal housing funding has dropped in recent years, advocates have called for a city-funded voucher program. Weve been fighting for this a long time. Were very excited that its now coming to fruition, Mel King, a well-known community organizer and a member of the City Rent Subsidy Coalition. The coalition first proposed a city-funded voucher program in 2015. In April 2016, nine Boston city councilors signed onto a letter calling on Walsh to include such an initiative in his fiscal 2017 budget, according to the Bay State Banner. John LaBella, president of HouseWorks, said his company handles waitlists for hundreds of properties in the Boston area and sees more applicants who work full-time at risk of homelessness. The mayors plan will give households that work in Boston a chance to remain in the city, he wrote in a statement. Its the right thing to do. The regions for-sale housing market has shown signs of stabilizing, according to recent reports. Walsh attributed the trend to housing policies implemented under his administration, noting that one-quarter of new homes in the city were subsidized. Rents and homes are stabilizing. But theyre still too high for too many people, Walsh said. Theres much more work to be done. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Boston is $2,590, according to a January 2020 report from Zumper, a real estate company that tracks rent prices. The report suggests Boston is the third most expensive city to rent, based on that figure, behind only San Francisco and New York. Appointment 8 January 2020 With nearly 18 years of experience with Hilton, Charles Hill joins DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC - Crystal City from Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington, D.C. - Convention Center. In Charles' new role at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC - Crystal City, he oversees the day-to-day operations and guest experience of the 627-room property featuring 34,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and several food and beverage outlets. Charles began his hospitality career in 2002 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Tysons Corner as a front office supervisor before moving into sales. In 2005, he joined Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington, D.C. - Convention Center where he held various roles including assistant general manager and director of sales before eventually being promoted to general manager in 2013. Charles graduated from Virginia Tech University with a bachelor of science degree in Marketing Management. Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion curated for you. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. What Irans tit-for-tat missile attack on US interests means for India Jaishankar has spoken to both US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif and the foreign ministers of the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Jordan to discuss ways to reduce the tensions and to work for de-escalation. Read more here. Labourers got together to wake govt from Kumbhakaran-like slumber: Shiv Sena on Bharat Bandh As central trade unions are on a nationwide strike on Wednesday, the Shiv Sena trained its gun on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government over the state of the Indian economy. Read more here. Why Deepika Padukones presence in JNU needs special mention | Opinion Politics has always been an unwritten script in Indias Hindi film industry. But for the first time, we see a breed of young film stars making an unabashed entry in the world of political protests. Read more here. Who is Prasidh Krishna? why did Virat Kohli mention his name after India beat Sri Lanka in Indore T20I Virat Kohli dropped his name after the Indore T20I, people who are familiar with the domestic set up and people who have a keen eye for young and strapping fast bowlers were not entirely surprised. Read more here. Disha Patani, Beyonce, Jacqueline Fernandez, Kareena Kapoor show how to stun in bright sequinned gowns Fashion experts do believe that sequins will have a big moment in 2020, and if we get to see such gorgeous outfits, were not complaining. Read more here. Happy birthday Yash: KGF stars middle-class background and other lesser-known facts about the actor Yash enjoys a massive fan base among Kannada audiences and has already established himself as a star with a few hits to his credit. With the release of his last film KGF, which went on to become a pan-Indian hit, he expanded his market beyond Kannada industry. Read more here. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EnWave Corporation (TSX-V:ENW | FSE:E4U) (EnWave, or the "Company) today announced signing a royalty-bearing commercial license (the License) with KL Ballantyne Pty Ltd (Ballantyne), a leading Australian dairy company. The License grants Ballantyne the exclusive right to produce dairy products in Australia using the Companys patented Radiant Energy Vacuum (REV) technology, excluding direct-to-consumer cheese snack products. This License is the third royalty-bearing license signed with an Australian company, the fifteenth such license signed for dairy product processing worldwide and further proves the value proposition of REV technology as a tool to create innovative, premium food applications in the dairy industry. In addition to the License, Ballantyne signed an equipment purchase agreement to acquire a 10kW REV machine to initiate commercial production. Ballantyne has agreed to pay an undisclosed royalty tied to the commercial success of REV-dried products that they commercialize. Pursuant to the License, Ballantyne has additional, undisclosed REV machine purchase order requirements that must be met in order to maintain their exclusivity in the future. About KL Ballantyne Pty Ltd Ballantyne is a family-owned company with a tradition of unstinting customer service and rigorous quality control. This is backed by a willingness to invest in innovative manufacturing and packaging technology. Ballantyne brings a special quality to its relationship with its customers - a quality which inspires confidence and transcends the boundaries of language, nationality, and culture. For more information about Ballantyne, please visit www.ballantyne.com.au . About EnWave EnWave Corporation, a Vancouver-based advanced technology company, has developed Radiant Energy Vacuum (REV) an innovative, proprietary method for the precise dehydration of organic materials. EnWave has further developed patent-pending methods for uniformly drying and decontaminating cannabis through the use of REV technology, shortening the time from harvest to marketable cannabis products. REV technologys commercial viability has been demonstrated and is growing rapidly across several market verticals in the food, and pharmaceutical sectors, including legal cannabis. EnWaves strategy is to sign royalty-bearing commercial licenses with innovative, disruptive companies in multiple verticals for the use of REV technology. The company has signed over thirty royalty-bearing licenses to date. In addition to these licenses, EnWave established a Limited Liability Corporation, NutraDried Food Company, LLC, to manufacture, market and sell all-natural dairy snack products in the United States, including the Moon Cheese brand. EnWave has introduced REV as a disruptive dehydration platform in the food and cannabis sectors: faster and cheaper than freeze drying, with better end product quality than air drying or spray drying. EnWave currently offers two distinct commercial REV platforms: 1. nutraREV which is a drum-based system that dehydrates organic materials quickly and at low-cost, while maintaining high levels of nutrition, taste, texture and colour; and, 2. quantaREV which is a tray-based system used for continuous, high-volume low-temperature drying. More information about EnWave is available at www.enwave.net . EnWave Corporation Mr. Brent Charleton, CFA President and CEO For further information: Brent Charleton, CFA , President and CEO at +1 (778) 378-9616 E-mail: bcharleton@enwave.net Dan Henriques, CFO at +1 (604) 835-5212 E-mail: dhenriques@enwave.net Deborah Honig, Corporate Development at + 1 (647) 203-8793 E-mail: dhonig@enwave.net Safe Harbour for Forward-Looking Information Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking information based on management's expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the Company's strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures, and the expected synergies following the closing are forward-looking statements. All third party claims referred to in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate. All third party references to market information in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate as the Company did not conduct the original primary research. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c059d40-7fcf-4f94-8d16-44227d24043a Sumner Schick is a collaborative firm with a strong roster of attorneys and a history of quality representation. Im looking forward to continuing my practice here and contributing to the team. Sumner Schick has hired Kara D. Grimes as a business litigator. Formerly a partner at one of the largest business firms in Texas, she has 14 years of litigation experience in financial services, real estate, trusts, contracts, and other business matters. Sumner Schick is a collaborative firm with a strong roster of attorneys and a history of quality representation, attorney Kara Grimes said. Im looking forward to continuing my practice here and contributing to the team. Kara is an excellent attorney with valuable knowledge of the business industry, Partner Justin Sumner said. Because her extensive experience includes a broad range of major commercial disputes and business deals, Kara automatically elevates our firms standard of representation. Grimes studied at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and graduated cum laude. During her time at SMU, she served as the Editor-In-Chief of SMU Law Review Associations Journal of Air Law and Commerce and as a member of the Order of the Barristers. Prior to law school, Grimes earned her MBA from University of Texas at Dallas and her bachelors degree in finance and economics from Baylor University. Sumner Schick LLP is a Dallas-based law firm that represents businesses and individuals in high-stakes litigation, real estate & construction, and business law matters. The firms attorneys advise and advocate for the interests of businesses of every size, including several Fortune 500 companies, in complex commercial litigation nationwide. Focus areas include health care compliance and transactions, information technology disputes, False Claims Act and Qui Tam matters (defense and prosecution), antitrust, corporate fraud, real estate, construction, and unfair competition. Learn more about Sumner Schick LLP at http://www.sumnerschick.com. SOURCE: Sumner Schick LLP Follow Sumner Schick on Linkedin Find Sumner Schick on Facebook Determining how powerful an army is done by calculating the power index of a country. It is a multi-factor analysis that considers the size of the military, their finances, and the level of technological advancements done in the military industry. A final number is called the Global Fire Power Index, and here is which 10 countries and their armies are on the top ten list. 10. Germany Three german soldiers discuss a plan of action. Coordinate the team. Starting from the back, we find Germany who invests close to $45 million every year, financing the military. Arguably the most powerful economy in Europe does not spend that much as one would presume. Reasons for that are the general population is less prone to military activities after the events of World War II, where Germany has seen a steady decline in people that join the military. In 2011, people were no longer obliged to serve in the military by law. However, Germany still has more than 180,000 people active in military workforces, alongside with 145,000 reservists. They have an airforce of 710 units, and almost 5,000 units that are involved in ground operations. 9. Turkey Soldiers walking at Gundogdu square alsancak. Credit: arda savasciogullari / Shutterstock.com Currently, under Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a president with practically limitless powers, Turkey is a significant investor in their army. Surrounded by various struggles in the Middle East, the Kurds, the Islamic State, and the battles in Syria, it does not come as a surprise that Turkey has an $18.8 billion budget to finance the military industry. They count 660,000 of both active and reserve troops with an airforce that counts a 1000 units, while they have 16,000 units available on the ground. 8. United Kingdom British special forces soldiers with weapon take part in military maneuver. With a budget of $54 billion currently invested in the armed forces, the UK army does not hold so many active military personnel. The number of their regular forces is around 205,000, and the Royal Air Force counts 908 aircrafts available. The Royal Navy is also very small compared with other armies on this list, having only 66 ships in their fleet. However, the UK army is very technologically advanced, and their main power comes from the 160 nuclear heads they have. 7. South Korea South Korean soldiers march during the country's 70th anniversary of independence from Japanese colonization. Considering how close North Korea is, another powerful army in possession of nuclear warheads, it seems reasonable that the countrys investment in their defenses is around $34 billion. The number of available troops is counting more than 640,000 people, while a staggering number of 2,900,000 people stand in reserve. They have some serious firepower in the air, with 1,393 aircraft. Along with that, they own around 15,000 ground operating units, together with 2,346 tanks. 6. Japan Chinese soldiers attend a parade at Tiananmen square on November 8, 2012 in Beijing, China Ever since the peace treaty after World War II, Japan was prohibited from having an army that will take offensive actions. However, with Chinas influence over the whole Asian continent, Japan saw an increase in the budget that goes towards military forces. With investments of $49 billion in a year, Japan has more than 247,000 people as active military staff and an airforce of 1,595 planes. Their naval power is also considerable, having 131 warships at their disposal. 5. France Modern French soldiers. Being close neighbors with Germany, the French government also froze many investments for military purposes. Their budget still stands at $43 billion a year and is below the target suggested by the NATO. The number of people active in the military is just above 220,000, with 500,000 reservists. They count 1,000 aircraft and 9,000 ground operating units. Again, the real power lies in their nuclear power, which is 290 warheads. 4. India Indian army practice their parade during republic day. credit: SumanBhaumik / Shutterstock.com With India currently being the second most populated country in the world, with more than 1.3 billion people currently living there, it does not surprise they have an army of 1.325 million people, with more than 2 million reservists. With a budget of $55 billion, they are in possession of almost 1,800 aircraft, 16,000 vehicles on land that includes 3,500 tanks. The official numbers on their nuclear warheads are not in agreement. Still, it is estimated that they are in possession of close to 200 ballistic missiles. 3. China Chinese soldiers on celebration of May 1 Day, 2010 in Beijing, China Credit: Alexander Ryabintsev / Shutterstock.com The most populated country in the world counts 2.285 million people active in the military and another 2.3 million in reserve. Along with 25,000 vehicles on land, this makes China the worlds biggest land force. This is all covered with a budget of $125 billion, which includes a powerful air force of 2,800 planes and around 300 nuclear warheads. These numbers are most likely to go up significantly in the years that are ahead of us because China will probably see an increase in its military budget by another 12.2%. 2. Russia General rehearsal of the military parade of the 72nd anniversary of the Victory in the great Patriotic war. Credit: Degtyaryov Andrey / Shutterstock.com Another country that is expected to extend its military budget in the next few years by more than 40%, Russia is the current leader when it comes to the number of nuclear warheads in the possession, which is almost 8,500. With a current budget of $76.6 billion, Russia is financing more than 760,000 active and close to 2.5 million reserve army. They are also leading when it comes to the number of tanks they have, reaching as high as 15,500 heavily armed vehicles. 1. United States of America Soldiers are Using Drone for Scouting During Military Operation in the Desert. With a mind-blowing budget of $612.5 billion spent on military purposes, which is more than all of the previous 9 entries on this list combined, the United States has scored the best on the Global Fire Power Index. The US has a big army of 1.4 million soldiers, with another 800,000 in reserve. They are the worlds leader when it comes to the air force, with 13,398 aircraft that include 5,760 helicopters. They also own the biggest fleet that can carry those aircraft, counting 19 large ships. When it comes to the number of nuclear warheads that are active, they are very close behind Russia with 7,500 warheads. Iran has launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. These attacks came after the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike, which was ordered by President Donald Trump, on Friday. President Trump has been briefed and is monitoring the situation, officials said.We are working on initial battle damage assessments, Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said confirming the Iranian missile strikes. Hoffman said around 5:30 pm on January 7, "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US.military and coalition forces in Iraq". Also read: US President ordered 'killing' of Iranian commander Qassem Suleimani; Ayatollah Khamenei vows revenge "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, he said. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said that president has been briefed about the situation. We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team, Grisham said. Hoffman said in recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard its personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region, he said. Hoffman said "as we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region, Hoffman said. Also read: Iran-US tussle: Indian exports to Iran may face delays in payments The Ukrainian airliner that crashed outside Tehran on Wednesday killing over 170 people was a Boeing 737 built in 2016 and checked only two days before the accident, according to a company statement. "The plane was manufactured in 2016, it was received by the airline directly from the (Boeing) factory. The plane underwent its last planned technical maintenance on January 6, 2020," Ukraine International Airlines said in a statement. It took off from Tehran airport at 6:10 a.m. and disappeared from radars just a few minutes later, crashing in Tehran province. There were no survivors among the crew and passengers, who were mostly Iranian and Canadian nationals, according to Ukraine's foreign ministry. The Boeing 737 was also carrying 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans and three Britons, according to Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko. Engine problem? The Ukrainian Embassy in Tehran said the plane went down "due to an engine problem" and that "an act of terror is ruled out" for the moment. Iranian search and rescue teams have found the black boxes from a Ukrainian airliner that crashed Wednesday soon after takeoff from Tehran's main airport, the country's civil aviation authority said. "The two black boxes of the Ukranian 737 aeroplane that crashed this morning have been found," said the authority's spokesman, Reza Jafarzadeh, according to semi-official news agency ISNA. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday warned against any speculation. "I ask everyone to keep from speculating and putting forth unconfirmed theories about the crash," he wrote on Facebook, as he cut short a holiday in Oman and flew back to Ukraine. Zelensky ordered the creation of a crisis team to handle the accident including top ministers and managed by the country's national security agency. Closed until further notice Ukraine International Airlines, the country's biggest airline and privately owned, said it had "decided to suspend its flights to Tehran starting today" and until further notice. Story continues It was notifying passengers' families and working with aviation authorities "to do everything possible to find the reasons for the aviation accident". Preliminary statements by Iranian and Ukrainian authorities suggest the plane suffered an engine malfunction, though the airline did not detail any reasons for the accident. Ukraine's president ordered an investigation into the crash and a sweeping check of "all civilian aircraft" in the country. Iran, Iraq flighs suspended In a separate development, a growing number of airlines said Wednesday they were avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace or flights to the region after Tehran fired ballistic missiles against bases housing US troops in Iraq. There was no immediate suggestion of any link with the Iranian missile strikes but carriers including Air France and Lufthansa announced they were suspending flying though Iranian and Iraqi airspace as a precaution. Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines also said they would modify flight plans. The US Federal Aviation Administration said it was banning US-registered carriers from flying over Iraq, Iran and the Gulf. S Murlidharan Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamans Rs 102 lakh crore infrastructure shot for the economy is all good, but how about a bond for gold scheme under the income-tax law that can save tax, along with it? In fact, its an idea whose time has come -- offering complete tax immunity to capital gains from gold and gilded jewels provided they are parked in infrastructure bonds. The gains need to be locked in these bonds of say, eight years of maturity, with no allowance for premature withdrawal except through exchanges. Consider this. India has the worlds 10th largest official gold reserves at about 618 tonnes. But this is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg. There are reasons to believe that India is home to close to 20,000 tonnes of yellow metal with households and investors. Just imagine what India possibly can achieve if such a formidable quantity of gold that households own is added to the reserves of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The World Gold Council (WGC) estimates Indian households to be holding as much as 25,000 tonnes. At current prices, this gold would be worth $1,259 billion, or about 40 percent of Indias nominal gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018-19. A tailor-made scheme for gold is the need of the hour. It should not be a limited window as that would trigger a gold rush in reverse, which will dampen prices, spoiling the whole idea. Rather, it should be on the statute book permanently, courtesy the infrastructure bond scheme under Section 54EC of the I-T Act, catering exclusively to long-term capital gains from land or buildings or both from April 1, 2019. Here are a few more details the government needs to consider. The interest may run 6 percent per annum. And 50 percent of interest from these bonds must be exempt from tax as an additional incentive to let go of gold. Section 54EC allows as long as six months to invest the long-term capital gains in infrastructure bonds. Under the proposed scheme, however, investment should be almost back to back or maybe within 10 days of receipt of the sale proceeds. These liberal tax breaks can work wonders as a lot of gold stored in dingy lofts and bank lockers might find its way into the bullion market. As it is, buyers outnumber sellers by a good margin in the gold market. If the new regime triggers sales, boosting domestic supply, the import bill of gold too would come down significantly. Instead of encouraging immovable property owners to sell and invest in infrastructure bonds, the government must nudge them to channel their assets like gold into nation-building bonds. People must be weaned away from gold, not immovable properties. Its common knowledge that gold and real estate are the favourite parking spaces for black money. The gold for bond scheme can actually address this root problem. Advertisement Pope Francis warned an excitable nun 'don't bite!' at his first audience since he slapped a female worshipper on New Years Eve. Footage shows the pope greeting devotees as he enters the Vatican auditorium at the start of his weekly general audience, earlier today. An overly enthusiastic pilgrim, who had been shouting 'long live the pope!', then leans forward and tries to grab his hand. Pope Francis joked with a nun during his first audience since he slapped a female worshipper. He told the pilgrim who reached out for his hand: 'I'll give you a kiss, but you must stay calm. Don't bite!' The excitable nun appeared to shout 'bacio, Papa!' translating to 'a kiss, pope!' and he joked 'Oh, (but) you bite!', prompting laughter from the people near them. He then responded: 'I'll give you a kiss, but you must stay calm. Don't bite!' The diminutive nun promised, saying 'Si' and held her arms wide to encourage the pope to embrace. The 83-year old Argentinian then bent to plant a kiss her on the cheek, sparking cheers from fellow worshippers in the crowd. She appeared to shout appeared to shout 'bacio, Papa!' translating to 'a kiss, pope!' in the Vatican auditorium at the start of his weekly general audience, earlier today Seconds later, she squealed 'grazie, Papa' and jumped up and down. It was the pope's first walkabout among the faithful since a pilgrim grasped his arm and tugged him towards her on New Year's Eve, prompting him to angrily swat her away in images that went viral on social media. 'We lose patience many times,' Francis confessed. It comes a week after he confessed he 'lost patience' with an exuberant admirer who had grabbed his hand on Saint Peter's Square, and gave her a slap on the hand He then proceeded to bend down and plant a kiss on her cheek. The nun jumped up and down shouting 'grazie, Papa' 'It happens to me too. I apologise for the bad example given yesterday,' the head of the Catholic church said before celebrating Mass at the Vatican, the following day. He had reached to touch a child before turning away and a woman seized his hand and pulled her towards him. He then continued to greet the worshippers with a grin spread across his face. He appeared amused and in better spirits than January 1 where his face was like thunder while greeting a crowd of devotees The abrupt gesture appeared to cause him pain and Francis swiftly wrenched his hand free during the appearance in St Peter's Square. Pope Francis decried violence against women in a speech at the Vatican on New Years Day and compared it to profaning God. He claimed that women should be treated with dignity for a better world in the new year. A furious Pope Francis was then pictured slapping the woman's hand and fighting to release himself from her grip. He had reached to touch a child before turning away and being grabbed by the woman, on New Years Eve He added that involving women in decision-making is key to making humanity more peaceful and united. In his homily during Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, Francis decried 'how many times women's bodies are sacrificed on the profane altar of advertisements, of profit, of pornography.' He lamented that while women are in his words 'the sources of life,' they are continually offended, beaten, raped, forced into prostitution' or forced to have abortions. Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi's spokesman said on Wednesday Iran had sent him a verbal message about an imminent response to the U.S. killing of its top general before the attack was launched. Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) fired a dozen missiles at Al-Asad (Assad) airbase and a camp near Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan on Wednesday in retaliation for the U.S. targeted killing of Qods (Quds) Force Commander General Qassem Soleimani last week. The statement by the Revolutionary Guard issued after the attack was launched, called on Americans to "recall all their soldiers back home to prevent more damage". Shortly after midnight on Wednesday we received a verbal message from the Islamic Republic of Iran that the Iranian response to the assassination of the martyr Qassem Soleimani had started or was about to start, his spokesman said and added that Iraqi military commanders were immediately warned to take the necessary precautions. Tehran told the Iraqi Prime Minister that only locations where U.S. forces were present would be targeted without specifying the locations, Adil Abd Al-Mahdi's spokesman said in his statement. Al-Asad airbase 160 km (100 miles) west of the Iraqi capital Baghdad and Erbil Camp host U.S. and other coalition troops. According to the Iraqi Prime Minister's spokesman, there have been no reports of casualties from either the Iraqi military or the U.S.-led coalition. Abd al-Mahdi received a call from the United States while missiles were falling on the American wing of the airbase in Anbar province and an airbase in Erbil, the spokesman said. The statement also said Abd Al-Mahdi was in talks with domestic and foreign partners to prevent "open war." The Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is visiting Baghdad later today to discuss the heightened tension in the region with the Iraqi Prime Minister. Contact between the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo or other top U.S. officials have yet not been reported. Quoting an "informed source in IRGC Intelligence organization" Iran's Revolutionary Guards affiliated Fars News Agency has claimed that at least 80 Americans were killed and nearly 200 wounded in the Guards' missile attack last night. The report does not mention any Iraqi casualties. The Fars report also claimed that the wounded Americans were immediately evacuated from Al-Asad airbase. With reporting from Reuters China and Pakistan launch a joint naval exercise in Karachi, Pakistan, Jan 6, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua] By ZHAO LEI China and Pakistan launched a joint naval exercise on Monday in Karachi, a coastal city in Pakistan, according to the People's Liberation Army. The nine-day "Sea Guardians 2020" exercise was organized to strengthen security cooperation, enhance and develop the nations' strategic partnership, foster joint efforts to safeguard seas and improve the two militaries' capabilities to handle sea-based terrorism and crime. The exercise consists of two sessionsjoint training in Karachi and live-fire drills in northern parts of the Arabian Seaand will include workshops, tactical simulation, joint patrol, air and missile defense, law enforcement inspection and anti-submarine operations, the PLA said in a statement. The operation will enable the two navies to test and improve their technical and tactical capabilities, maintain regional marine security, learn from each other and enhance the level of cooperation and synergy, according to the Pakistan Navy. China sent four ships from the naval force of the PLA Southern Theater CommandCNS Yinchuan, a Type 052D destroyer; CNS Yuncheng, a Type 054A frigate; CNS Weishanhu, a Type 903 supply ship; and CNS Liugongdao, a submarine rescue vessel. The Pakistan Navy sent two frigates and two missile boats. A total of four helicopters and one fixed-wing anti-submarine patrol plane from both countries will be used during the exercise. More than 60 members from the PLA Navy's Marine Corps and over 60 of their Pakistani peers will also take part. This is the sixth joint naval exercise between the two nations, according to the PLA. Their militaries have also conducted seven joint drills for their ground forces and eight for their air forces. 5 1 of 5 Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 5 of 5 HAMDEN Police are investigating after bullets struck a Valley Road home where a 3-year-old was sleeping, according to the department. Capt. Ronald Smith said in a release that officers responded to the residence at approximately 10:30 p.m. Tuesday for a report of shots fired. The recent assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani shows the dangers of assuming that Washington is exempt from the calculations that make or break sound strategy. Might and self-righteousness do not immunize the United States from consequences. While U.S. President Donald Trump's speech today signaled no further retaliation, it does not guarantee that tensions will cease to escalate. U.S. aggression against Iran will push Tehran into the arms of U.S. rivals. When a powerful and aggressive foe strikes into a region with designs of expansion, it is logical that other powers will respond to counteract that force. This is essential to understanding how policymakers interpret an unstable geopolitical system and how they go about restoring a balance of power. The conceit of American exceptionalism is that it believes, for unverifiable ideological reasons, that the United States is somehow exempt from the practical realities of statecraft. When the Spanish were Europes dominant power in the 16th Century, Queen Elizabeth I reached out to the Dutch enemies of Spain with financial support and armaments. In this same time period on the other side of the world, Japan launched a massive war of conquest into Korea, an invasion that was repelled with Chinese support in men and material to the beleaguered Koreans. The United States once used a similar logic to deal with European powers. France had established a client state in Mexico while the United States was preoccupied with suppressing the Southern insurrection. Once the Civil War was over, U.S. support for the Mexican forces fighting France became abundant in the form of weapons, ammunition, and diplomatic pressure, and the French withdrew in 1867. Soleimani, we are told, was the killer of American troops in Iraq and thus a very bad man. This does not change that he was a general doing his job. His death at American hands comes across to most of the Iranian people as almost equivalent to Jim Mattis being killed by the Iranians at the height of his popularity. I say almost because Soleimani is in fact far more popular. His death brings unity to an otherwise fractured government in Tehran. It has also forced the Iraqi parliament to vote for the removal of US forces from their country and it has already led to retaliatory strikes on U.S. forces which originated in Iran. Iran surely shed no tears over the American removal of their arch-foe Saddam Hussein in 2003, but they suddenly found their most powerful rival occupying Iraq, directly to its west, and Afghanistan to its east. With a history of enmity with the United States and having been included in U.S. President George W. Bushs axis of evil along with Iraq, it should have come as no surprise that Tehran worked to make the U.S. occupation as difficult as possible in order to prevent its expansion into their country. Soleimani played a major role in accomplishing these objectives. He later wound up being one of the most effective anti-ISIS fighters in the region. To say that he was simply a murderer is to strip his violence of the political causes that explain it. Even in death, it appears that he thwarts attempts to diminish his influence in Iran and Iraq. With such an erratic and destabilizing act, the United States has already pushed Iran to roll back any checks on its uranium enrichment program. The 2015 nuclear deal is now entirely dead in the water, and this has dark repercussions for the future of the region. Reinstating any kind of negotiated settlement to this impasse will be much more difficult now that such a decisive break has occurred between Tehran and Washington. Furthermore, with the United States alienating Iraq and many of its allies, the odds of great powers such as Russia and China entering any dispute on Irans side have increased dramatically. It is true that American power outstrips that of any previous superpower in history, but this power rests on solid material and geographic foundations such as location, distance to peer competitors, and the wise calculation of relationships in prior eras. The collapse of strategic sustainability has been the story of American foreign policy in the 21st Century so far. The cost has been high. Only by directly confronting and reversing the strategic rot inflicted on us by the hubris of American exceptionalism can we avoid further embarrassing over-escalations in the future. In order to do this, it is imperative to remove American troops from Iraq, where the now-unfolding tit-for-tat reprisals risk engendering a greater conflict. The first step to this realignment is to re-examine the impunity with which American policymakers believe they can act against sound strategic principles. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 8, 2020 Jakarta has finally hopped onto the bandwagon of regions restricting single-use plastic bags by issuing a long-anticipated regulation on the matter. Gubernatorial Regulation No. 142/2019 on eco-friendly bag usage was signed by Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan on Dec. 27 and is to take effect in June, six months after it was enacted on Dec. 31. The regulation, a copy of which was obtained by The Jakarta Post, imposes a ban on single-use plastic bags in modern department stores and supermarkets, as well as traditional markets, and requires eco-friendly bags be available in stores and markets. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login A man walks past a roadside poster of Chinese leader Xi Jinping after the closing of the 19th Communist Party Congress in Beijing on Oct. 24, 2017. (GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images) Woman Who Splashed Ink on Xi Jinpings Image Released, but Is Now a Totally Different Person Chinese authorities punished a young woman for exercising her freedom of speech The young woman who splashed ink on a poster with a photo of Chinese leader Xi Jinping in mid-2018 was recently released after she was subjected to compulsory treatment in a psychiatric hospital for more than a year. Her father suspects that she was a victim of psychiatric abuse and is worried that her health has deteriorated because she now appears to be a totally different person. Ink Girl: Victim of Psychiatric Abuse Dong Yaoqiong, 29, a former real estate agent in Shanghai, live streamed herself on Twitter on July 4, 2018, splashing ink on a propaganda poster bearing Xi Jinpings image. Standing in front of the poster at Shanghais HNA Plaza in the early morning hours, Dong declared, I am here using my real name to oppose Xi Jinpings authoritarian dictatorship, and to protest against the mind control abuses the Chinese Communist Party perpetrated on me. She then turned toward the poster and splashed ink on Xis image, while continuing her statement: I detest him to the bone. See, I am now taking action, and I am doing it all on my own, opposing the Chinese Communist Party, its dictatorship, its tyranny. She challenged Xi to come and catch her, saying, I want to see how he is going to deal with me. Dong also called for international organizations to get involved in investigating mind control abuses she had suffered. I am willing to collaborate with them to provide evidence, she said. Dong was taken away by Shanghai police that same afternoon and went missing for several days. Shortly after Dongs disappearance, Voice of America revealed in an exclusive report on July 22, 2018, that she was taken to her hometown in Zhuzhou City in Hunan Province, where she received psychiatric treatment at Hunans Zhuzhou No. 3 Hospital, a psychiatric institution. Dong was released on Nov. 19, 2019, and is now living with her mother in Hunans Taoshui township. Her parents divorced shortly after her act of vandalism. After her father, Dong Jianbiao, went to visit her on Jan. 2 this year, he was very concerned about her mental health and revealed some details to a human rights attorney, named Ou Biaofeng, who has been a strong supporter of Dongs family, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported. Her demeanor is very different from before. She basically remains silent all the time, to the extent that I feel she shows signs of dementia, Dong Jianbiao told the attorney, adding that his daughter used to be a lively young woman. When I asked her what had happened to her in the hospital, she just kept her mouth shut. Her only response was Umm, umm to those questions, he said. He told the attorney that he believes the change in his daughters behavior is likely the result of her being force-fed medication while being held in the psychiatric hospital. He also shared a photo of his daughter and pointed out that her face had become swollen, and she has gained a lot of weight, RFA reported. According to the RFA report, attorney Ou Biaofeng said that the authorities subjected Dong Yaoqiong to forced psychiatric treatment in order to silence her after her Twitter video garnered widespread support. She was dubbed as the Ink Girl on Chinese social media. It seems that there are various medications that she is still taking, which would account for [the changes in Dong Yaoqiong], Ou told RFA. The authorities must be using this to intimidate her, so that she no longer speaks out in public. The illegal detention [of Dong Yaoqiong] in a psychiatric hospital comes from their fears of anyone who protests, and its meant to create a climate of fear, he said. Dissidents and Petitioners Treated as Mentally Ill According to statistics from Chinas medical community, more than 200 million Chinese citizens, or 17.5 percent of the adult population, suffer from mental disorders, a much higher ratio than in any other country. Using the United States as a reference, only 5 percent of U.S. adults, 18 or older, experience a mental illness in any one year. In addition, of the more than 200 million Chinese citizens suffering from mental disorders, over 16 million were diagnosed as being serious cases that require treatment, amounting to more than one percent of Chinas adult population. Wang Shuying, a Chinese petitioner, told New Tang Dynasty TV, a sister publication of The Epoch Times, that Chinese authorities actually detain many sane people in psychiatric hospitals as a means of suppression and persecution, and this is the reason why China has such an unusually high statistics of mental patients. Among the mentally healthy people who may get sent to psychiatric hospitals are dissidents, petitioners, members of religious groups and ethnic minoritiesbasically anyone who the Chinese regime deems as a threat to their authority. Chinese petitioners are simply citizens who seek redress from authorities according to Chinese law after becoming victims of some injustice. However, instead of investigating and remedying such cases, Chinese authorities often treat petitioners as factors causing social instability, and use various ways to quell and silence them. Wang said she was subjected to forced medication, both pill form and injectable, at a psychiatric hospital and described it as being unbearable. It was so painful that many times I wanted to ram my head into the wall to commit suicide, she said. Practitioners of Falun Gong, a meditation and exercise practice that has been persecuted in China for over 20 years, are also being detained in psychiatric hospitals in large numbers in order to force them to give up the practice. According to Minghui.org, many practitioners have become disabled or were driven to insanity as a result of the psychiatric torture and abuse they were subjected to. PRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Highlander Consulting Inc.'s founder and managing partner, Gordon G. Andrew, has been accepted into Forbes Agency Council, an invitation-only community for owners of and executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative, and advertising agencies. Mr. Andrew was vetted and selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors. Gordon G. Andrew is Founder and Managing Partner of Highlander Consulting Inc., an agency that help clients to attract, grow and retain customers. "We are honored to welcome Gordon into the community," said Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, the collective that includes Forbes Agency Council. "Our mission with Forbes Councils is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world." As an accepted member of the Council, Gordon has access to a variety of exclusive opportunities designed to help him reach peak professional influence. He will connect and collaborate with other respected local leaders in a private forum. Gordon will also be invited to work with a professional editorial team to share his expert insights in original business articles on Forbes.com, and to contribute to published Q&A panels alongside other experts. Finally, Gordon will benefit from exclusive access to vetted business service partners, membership-branded marketing collateral, and the high-touch support of the Forbes Councils member concierge team. Accepting the recognition, Mr. Andrew said, "I'm honored to be recognized as a member of Forbes Agency Council, and look forward to further enhancing my professional capabilities through interaction with its other members, for the benefit of Highlander Consulting's clients." ABOUT FORBES COUNCILS Forbes Councils is a collective of invitation-only communities created in partnership with Forbes and the expert community builders who founded Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). In Forbes Councils, exceptional business owners and leaders come together with the people and resources that can help them thrive. For more information about Forbes Agency Council, visit forbesagencycouncil.com . To learn more about Forbes Councils, visit forbescouncils.com . ABOUT HIGHLANDER CONSULTING INC. Establish in 2001, Highlander Consulting helps emerging and mid-sized B2B product and service firms across the U.S. to create, keep and grow customers. They design business development strategies, apply appropriate tactics and generate market intelligence that enables its clients to create and keep customers on a consistent basis. Highlander Consulting's Marketing Craftsmanship approach is designed to ensure a tangible connection between marketing activity and meaningful business metrics such as lead generation and revenue growth. For additional information, visit highlanderconsulting.com. Media Contact: Maxwell A. Hamilton Highlander Consulting Inc. (609) 987-0200 [email protected] SOURCE Forbes Agency Council Related Links https://forbesagencycouncil.com Despite its magnificent history and the enormous wealth that nature bestowed on it, myriads of political, social and economic problems have continued to plague the African continent for a long time. It is a worrying situation that continues to challenge the leaderships of most African countries. People have kept asking questions. How did Africa come to this seemingly irredeemable stage? And given the massive wealth that the continent boasts of, how can African leaders re-define their roles in order to facilitate the continents self-actualisation in the face of threats posed by terrorism and global uncertainty? In his recently published book titled Economies and Industries: Insight into Africas Economic Potentials Maximum Fredrick examines some of Africas core assets and discusses how African leaders can better utilize these and new business policies to make Africans a more fulfilled people. The book emphasises that at a time like this, existing government policies are particularly creating difficult business environments for up-coming African entrepreneurs. It is, therefore, with well-defined and favourable government policies that African leaders can help make the best use of the continents youthful population. What African leaders actually need to succeed are men and women who would adapt more flexibly to the philosophy of new business initiatives that can create jobs for the majority of their citizens. But where would such men and women be found? This, in essence, was the question that motivated Mr. Fredrick to write his eye-opening book. In an interview with our columnist, Emeka Asinugo, Mr. Fredrick said that when he wrote the book, he had sought to communicate with young Africans who were unaware of the opportunities available to them and the roles they could play to build a better future for the continent. We have heard it said on several occasions and indeed many Africans believe that young-adult Africans of today would eventually become the leaders of tomorrow, he said. The sad reality, however, is that many young- adults are still ill-prepared to take on any meaningful future roles that would be needed to shape or reshape the destiny of their continent. That also was the challenge of African leaderships. As a young technology entrepreneur, Mr. Fredrick said he was inspired by his peers to become concerned with Africas growing technology demand. His passion was consummated when he launched SperaDeal Global Nigeria Limited in April 2019. His vision was to work with other youthful Africans to build what could possibly become one of the largest technology companies on the continent. Dr. Donald Igwegbu, a chartered engineer with the UK engineering council and Professor Kingsley Moghalu who was the Presidential candidate for the Young Progressives party in Nigeria in 2019 shared in that vision with him and became shareholders in the company. Professor Akii Ibhadode, a distinguished professor of manufacturing engineering and Vice Chancellor of Nigerias University of Petroleum Resources joined the team months later as a shareholder before Professor Kingsley Moghalu withdrew from the company for personal reasons. Currently, SperaDeal is into contract procurement, manufacturing, production, sales, installation and maintenance of security products like CCTV cameras, surveillance systems, tracking devices and is still expanding. Mr Fredrick said he believed in new business philosophies. He believed in doing things differently. He believed that on their own Africans should manufacture technological products to meet their local needs. And to that end, his organisation would be hosting entrepreneurship round-table conferences in many locations across Africa, drawing executives of established companies to the round table for conversation and working out possible partnerships. Mr. Fredrick explained that African leaders needed to encourage more young-adults across the African continent who have shown special entrepreneurial abilities to stand up and be counted. African leaders needed to do more to encourage Made-in-Africa products so that talented young-adults could manufacture Africas technological needs locally rather than rely on the importation of foreign goods. African leaders needed to help get African products into the local market. Africans as a people needed to embark on a campaign tagged Africa Also Manufactures! Buy Made-in- Africa!! The young writer said he believed entrepreneurship was a journey of faith. Those who lacked faith never travelled the path. And when they did, they fell out of business all too sudden. The book is a clarion call on African young-adults to stand up and be counted. Economies and Industries: Insight into Africas Economic Potentials is on sale at Amazon. By Emeka Asinugo, KSC By Trend The number of Iranian citizens killed as a result of the Ukrainian plane crash has reached 140, said the director general of crisis management in Tehran Mansour Darajati, Trends special correspondent reported. He noted that the province's crisis management staff meeting will be held in the governor's office for another hour to review the crash of the Ukrainian plane. "Early estimates indicate the aircraft was technically defective but the exact cause requires an expert examination, said Darajati. The aircraft belonged to Ukraine and had flown from Imam Khomeini International Airport to that country, he said. Degatati continued that equipment and facilities, including ambulances were sent to the site. 10:49 (GMT +4) - About 130 out of 167 passengers of crashed Ukrainian airplane are Iranian citizens, said Secretary of Iran's Aviation Companies Association Maghsoud Asadi Samani, Trends special correspondent reported. "We do not have exact information about the identity of the dead," Samani added. Tehran Emergency Center has said that it is very difficult to identify those who died as a result of the airplane crash. Rescue teams are collecting the bodies from about two hectares of land to hand them over to forensics, said the Center. Earlier, head of Irans Rescue and Relief Organization Morteza Salimi said that all passengers of the plane which crashed near the Imam Khomeini International Airport were killed. Boeing 737 crashed near the airport of Imam Khomeini. There were 167 passengers and nine crew members on board. Reportedly, the plane crashed due to a technical malfunction a few minutes after the takeoff. "It's an honor to serve Austin in this capacity. Manufacturers and economic development organizations highly regard Austin Consulting for our history of supporting site selection projects. I look forward to working with our team to build on this legacy and expand our services into new markets," said Talbert. Before joining Austin Consulting in 2012, Talbert led business attraction programs for economic development organizations in Indiana and his home state of Tennessee. This experience launched his interest in site selection and has enabled Talbert to maximize governmental support and incentives for projects while building partnerships with the communities in which they locate. In 2015, Talbert was recognized as one of North America's Top 50 Site Consultants by Consultant Connect. He received Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems from Milligan College in Tennessee. In addition to being passionate about his work, Talbert is an avid distance runner, global traveler, and food and wine enthusiast. "Brandon has shown the leadership and innovation to take on this position for Austin." says Michael G. Pierce, President of The Austin Company. "He develops a relationship of trust and confidence with every client he works with which is critical given the important strategic decisions being made based on our work. He is a unique and special talent. Austin is fortunate to have him stepping into this role." About The Austin Company The Austin Company, a design-build firm headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, offers a comprehensive portfolio of services for commercial and industrial companies throughout North America. Services include site location, planning, architectural design, engineering, construction, facility maintenance, and operations improvement consulting. SOURCE The Austin Company Related Links http://www.theaustin.com This article is reprinted with permission from Stratfor Worldview. The dust is beginning to settle in the aftermath of the Jan. 8 Iranian ballistic missile attacks on two U.S. military bases in Iraq. With no reported casualties among U.S. personnel and Iran's indication that it has now concluded its military response to the death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. strike, the door is open for the short-term de-escalation of the brewing confrontation between the two countries. The United States could yet decide to respond militarily to the Iranian attack on its bases, but with Washington seeking to avoid stumbling into a war with Iran, the lack of U.S. casualties makes it more politically feasible for the White House to opt for a nonmilitary response, such as additional sanctions. Nevertheless, even if the United States elects to stand down, a prospect that is still not certain, the potential for further military clashes will remain significantly elevated over the long term. Two issues drive this risk. First, Iran and its proxies are unlikely to cease their attacks across the region, whether directly against U.S. assets and personnel or against U.S. allies. The U.S. economic sanctions that are driving this aggressive Iranian strategy will remain in place and may even intensify. Iraq, in particular, could present a theater for action, as Iranian-allied Iraqi militias have also been galvanized by the recent U.S. strikes and likely will be keen to seek retribution. If an attack by those militias kills a U.S. soldier or contractor in Iraq or Syria, the risks of escalation to a direct military exchange between the United States and Iran would again climb. After all, the United States will hold Iran responsible for the actions of some of its allied militias, especially the mostly Shiite Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq. Second, beyond escalatory military exchanges, Iran's continued development of its nuclear program and its removal of limitations on enrichment and stockpiling significantly elevates the potential for longer-term military confrontation. Although Iran insists that the periodic acceleration it has undertaken with its nuclear program is reversible, the United States and Israel will be more likely to seriously consider military strikes against Iran's nuclear program to ensure Iran does not approach a nuclear weapons breakout stage too closely. The existence of these triggers for potential escalation and the atmosphere of tension that will linger between the two adversaries keeps the long-term risk of a military confrontation alive, even if their current face-off goes no further. Amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, one question loomed over the crash of a Boeing passenger jet in Iran on Wednesday: Who will investigate? Everyone aboard the Kyiv-bound Ukraine International Airlines flight was killed in the crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport, including many Iranians and Canadians. Iranian officials blamed the crash on technical difficulties. The Ukrainian Embassy in Iran initially published a statement that ruled out terrorism, but it was later taken down. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the public "to refrain from speculating and making uncorroborated theories." Past crashes involving U.S. plane maker Boeing's aircraft have compelled U.S. foes to set aside their resentments and allow American experts access to crash sites or to crucial evidence, because those countries lacked the capabilities or experience to conduct complex investigations alone. But amid the spike in hostilities in the Middle East, any such understanding between Iran and the United States appeared far from evident Wednesday. Hours before the crash, Iran had launched ballistic missiles at bases housing U.S. military personnel in Iraq, in retaliation for the U.S. killing of influential military commander Qasem Soleimani last week. Iran said Wednesday that it would not hand over the flight recorders, or "black boxes," to Boeing, according to the semiofficial Mehr News Agency. The quick rejection of assistance probably also signaled unwillingness to cooperate with other U.S. authorities, such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). It is also unclear whether the NTSB, other U.S. agencies or Boeing would be willing or able to take part in an Iranian investigation, even if requested by Tehran. (The United States is diplomatically represented in Tehran by the Swiss Embassy.) In a statement, the NTSB said it was "monitoring developments" and "following its standard procedures for international aviation accident investigations, including long-standing restrictions under the country embargoes." "As part of its usual procedures, the NTSB is working with the State Department and other agencies to determine the best course of action," the statement read. The head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, Ali Abedzadeh, said it was unclear which country would analyze the Boeing 737-800's black boxes, according to Mehr. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said he and his Iranian counterpart have agreed "to coordinate further actions of our investigation groups closely to determine the cause of the terrible plane crash," according to a tweet cited by Reuters. But it's unclear whether Ukraine possesses all the capabilities needed to aid the investigation. Germany, for instance, declined Ethiopia's request to analyze the black boxes of a crashed Ethiopian Airlines plane last year because German authorities felt officials in the African country lacked the necessary preparation and skills. European lawmakers were among the first to call for an international investigation Wednesday. "This has to be examined internationally," Omid Nouripour, a foreign affairs spokesman for Germany's Green Party, told broadcaster NTV. The engines of the crashed Ukraine International Airlines plane reportedly were produced by a company partially based in France. After the Ethiopian Airlines crash, Ethiopia requested that European nations analyze the plane's black boxes. French investigators agreed to do so in the end; they have particularly extensive experience with some of the most modern Airbus planes that are manufactured in France. That nation's analysis of the Ethiopian Airlines black boxes appeared significant at the time because the plane was a Boeing 737 Max 8, not an Airbus jet. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The French investigative authority for civil aviation safety rejected claims that it was seeking to create a competitive advantage for Boeing competitor Airbus by assigning blame to the U.S. plane manufacturer. The results of such analyses - including when U.S. authorities provide assistance to foreign states - are usually secret and can be released only by the country officially in charge of the investigation. At times, political disputes have pushed countries where incidents occurred to hand over responsibility of investigations to third parties. However, the norm, according to Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, is that states where an accident occurs are in charge of the investigations, even though the NTSB may "designate a U.S. Accredited Representative and appoint advisors to carry out the Obligations, receive the Entitlements, provide Consultation, and receive Safety Recommendations from the state of occurrence." Iran ratified the convention in 1950. Other parties to that convention have in the past opted to set aside differences with the United States and allow private or official U.S. representatives to be involved. For example, the crash of a 39-year-old Boeing 737 after takeoff from Havana last year occurred amid deteriorating relations between the Trump administration and Cuba. Still, Cuban officials notified the NTSB, which appointed a representative. Only one passenger survived the crash, in which 112 people died. The Cuban-led commission - supported by U.S. and Mexican officials - later contradicted prior conclusions and argued that errors by the plane's crew "in the calculations of weight and balance" were to blame for the crash. But with Irans leadership demanding anew that the United States leave the region, it is expected that attacks by Tehrans proxy forces will continue. Irans leadership can also, at a time of its choosing, decide whether to launch additional, asymmetrical strikes, especially cyberattacks, against Western interests. And that could bring both countries back to the edge of the cliff. There was visible relief among some officials at the Pentagon that the highway to a larger war on which the administration appeared to be speeding may have provided an off-ramp. For all of the public chest-thumping in the last week, both sides took measures to de-escalate. Before the strikes on the bases in Iraq, Iran made clear that it would launch retaliatory attacks and that they would come from the official Iranian military, not proxy groups. The United States, for its part, was monitoring Iranian communications and had plenty of time to prepare to protect American troops in Iraq. By the end of a long night Tuesday, there was a collective exhaling in the Trump administrations national security apparatus, and officials indicated that they believed things had been contained, for now. Life could have emerged from lakes with high phosphorus Seattle WA (SPX) Jan 07, 2020 Life as we know it requires phosphorus. It's one of the six main chemical elements of life, it forms the backbone of DNA and RNA molecules, acts as the main currency for energy in all cells and anchors the lipids that separate cells from their surrounding environment. But how did a lifeless environment on the early Earth supply this key ingredient? "For 50 years, what's called 'the phosphate problem,' has plagued studies on the origin of life," said first author Jonathan Toner, a University ... read more When you are having a public beef with someone who refuses to play by the rules, it only makes sense to let the people know the sorts of things your opponent has been getting up to. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been waiting to deliver the articles of impeachment to the Senate, in part because she wants to maintain some leverage, but also because she wants to make it clear to the citizenry, beyond all reasonable doubt, that the Republican-led Senate has no intention of holding a fair trial of President Donald Trump. On Tuesday night, just hours after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he had the votes to move forward without agreeing to call witnesses, Pelosi told her caucus that she still wants to learn the specifics of McConnell's plans for the trial before transferring the articles. Good for her. Her move won't do anything to change the minds of Trump sycophants, but it could sway some of those who are not exactly pleased by Republican plans to acquit the president and move on -- the facts be damned. Trump has his supporters who will never change their minds. But there are plenty of others -- true independents and some Republicans and Republican-leaners -- who would like the Senate to call witnesses who might be able to shed some light on Trump's sketchy actions. If Trump really did nothing wrong, if his July 2019 phone call with Volodymyr Zelensky, the newly elected president of Ukraine, was "perfect," as he foolishly and repeatedly claims, then why is he so afraid of letting the Senate conduct a full and fair trial to exonerate him? The answer, of course, is clear: Because he knows that what he did was wrong and that if all the facts were to come out, he'd be up the creek without a paddle. A question for Senate Republicans: When you swore an oath to protect our nation's Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, were you all just moving your lips, mouthing a few words but caring not a whit about their meaning? It surely does seem that way. If McConnell conducts a sham trial and lets this lawless president off the hook, Trump will be emboldened, fearing no one, nothing. And if he were somehow to be reelected, perhaps with another boost from Kremlin propagandists? Hang onto your hats. WASHINGTON Things were on a clear course as far as President Trumps re-election campaign was concerned. The impeachment proceedings unfolding on Capitol Hill had proved to be a boost for volunteer recruitment and small-dollar donations. The year ended with a blockbuster jobs report and the unemployment rate falling to 3.5 percent, its lowest level since 1969. Mr. Trump was ready to aggressively attack a Democratic field he and his advisers viewed as weak across the board. Few if any of the presidents top campaign aides were looking to change the channel. But Mr. Trumps decision to authorize the killing of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, which he has described to friends and allies as a necessary action he was forced to take, has opened up a more uncertain political reality as the president enters an election year. That uncertainty was on display Tuesday night when Iran fired missiles at American forces in Iraq, in its first act of retaliation. Some advisers have highlighted to Mr. Trump the short-term lift the strike could give his re-election prospects, and his campaign has run nearly 800 distinct Facebook ads trumpeting the killing, according to Acronym, a progressive digital strategy group. The ads refer to Mr. Trumps leadership as commander in chief and direct voters to an Official Trump Military Survey, which acts as a portal to his campaign website. Erin Solovey, assistant professor of computer science at WPI This project takes a human-centered computing approach to build a foundation that advances understanding of how deaf individuals could work and learn in environments that are designed with their needs and preferences at the forefront. -Erin Solovey, assistant professor of computer science A Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) researcher has received a $1 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant that could lead to significant breakthroughs in technology platforms for the ASL-signing Deaf Community. Erin Solovey, assistant professor of computer science, will investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of computer interfaces that will allow deaf individuals to navigate, search, and interact with technology completely in American Sign Language. Members of the Deaf Community whose first or primary language is American Sign Language (ASL) currently engage with interactive computer tools presented exclusively in English, including those designed expressly for ASL content and educational materials. The lack of ASL-based navigation is in part due to the fact that the signed languages of the world have unique requirements that do not align with existing text-based user interface design practices. Therefore, the development of Sign-Language First (SL1) technology offers great promise for ASL-signing users and others interested in signed language content. SL1 design has the potential to level the playing field for deaf students seeking to access academic, linguistic, and other informational content online. This project takes a human-centered computing approach to build a foundation that advances understanding of how deaf individuals could work and learn in environments that are designed with their needs and preferences at the forefront, said Solovey. Jeanne Reis, M.Ed., co-principal investigator on the project, brings over three decades of experience and understanding of the need for this technology. Reis is director of the Center for Research and Training at The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC)a nationally recognized leader in educational, therapeutic, and community services with deaf and hard of hearing children and adults. Technology that is truly SL1 accessible has the power to enhance educational opportunities and facilitate lifelong learning, especially in science and technology, said Reis. It can also improve career opportunities in STEM fields, broadening participation in the workforce by an incredibly dynamic, creative, valuableand very underrepresentedpopulation. In this project, Solovey and Reis will explore previously developed and novel approaches that will allow users to engage with technological tools through a signed language with no reliance on conventional written language. To that end, they propose that all aspects of a user interface, including menus, search tools, and navigation buttons, be presented visually. The research team will look at the feasibility of incorporating photos, videos, illustrations, and characters representing the linguistic features of ASL vocabulary, such as handshapes, movement patterns, and location (i.e., placement on the signers body). The team will base their early investigations on existing resources for deaf students created by Reis and Robert Hoffmeister, PhD, in projects done with primary funding from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MADESE). Both projects involved partnerships with The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC), Boston University, numerous deaf professionals and subject matter experts, and schools for deaf students nationwide. Reis and Hoffmeisters work resulted in two groundbreaking tools: the ASL STEM Concept Learning Resource (ASL Clear), released in 2017, and the ASL Assessment Instrument (ASLAI), released in 2010. ASL Clear focuses on STEM concept learning in ASL; ASLAI is the first computer-based standardized and robustly normed ASL language arts assessment administered to deaf students across the country. Since both are real-world tools with a common need to engage deaf users in ASL without switching to written English, they provide solid context in which to explore the design of ASL interfaces and evaluation tools to determine what works, what doesnt, and what new features can be added. Throughout the three-year grant, the WPITLC team will work with researchers, software engineers, ASL experts, educators, and doctoral students, many of whom are deaf, to ensure that members of the ASL-signing community have key leadership roles and active participation in the project. The team will also collaborate with Gallaudet University, National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and The Learning Center for the Deaf in Framingham, Mass. About Worcester Polytechnic Institute WPI, the global leader in project-based learning, is a distinctive, top-tier technological university founded in 1865 on the principle that students learn most effectively by applying the theory learned in the classroom to the practice of solving real-world problems. Recognized by the National Academy of Engineering with the 2016 Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education, WPIs pioneering project-based curriculum engages undergraduates in solving important scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education and at more than 50 project centers around the world. WPI offers more than 50 bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree programs across 14 academic departments in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts. Its faculty and students pursue groundbreaking research to meet ongoing challenges in health and biotechnology; robotics and the internet of things; advanced materials and manufacturing; cyber, data, and security systems; learning science; and more. http://www.wpi.edu Contact: Colleen Bamford Wamback Associate Director of Public Relations Worcester Polytechnic Institute 508-831-6775 (office) 508-688-4858 (cell) cbwamback@wpi.edu At the star of 2020, Macy's announced that they will be closing down 15 of their stores. This is not the first time that Macy's made such decision. Back in 2016, the luxury department store announced that their constant decline in sales pushed them to close 100 of their stores. Since then, they have been shuting down stores one after another as their leases expire. A spokesperson from Macy's could not confirm if these recent store closures are still part of the announcement they made in 2016. However, the spokesperson said that the stores undergo "regular reviews." Moreover, they promise to give their investors an update during their meeting set on Feb. 5 of this year. The spokesperson also told Business Insider that all their regular, non-seasonal employees, who have been laid off and could not find a job at nearby Macy's stores would be given severance pay. Tight Competition? Macy's is not the first retail store to speak openly about how tight competition is greatly affecting the sales in their physical stores. Online shopping has provided people with more options for shopping. And while others prefer to see the item first before they make a purchase, the idea of shopping from the comforts of one's home is amazingly tempting. While Macy's continue to do its best to work on a turnaround and make their retail store appealing to consumers, the company could not help but close a few more early this year. As the lease of these stores comes to its end, the management has decided to close 15 Macy's outlets to pave way for more constructive, financially-earning investments. The decline in sales may continue as well, with local reports saying that there are more than 15 stores that will be closed even before the second quarter of this year opens. Did the tight competition among retail stores, including online shopping, caused this? There is no actual evidence or study showing it, but the strong association in the decline of sales in Macy's (and other retail stores) and the increasing sales of online shopping clearly shows what the consumers prefer. Which Stores Will Close? The stores of Macy's that are expected to close this year includes the following: Macon Mall, Macon, GA; The Centre at Salisbury, Salisbury, MD; Nittany Mall, State College, PA; Harrisburg Mall, Harrisburg, PA; Rivergate Mall, Goodlettsville, TN; Westfield Meriden, Meriden, CT; University Mall, Carbondale, IL; Towne Square Mall, Owensboro, KY; Northgate Mall, Cincinnati, OH; Stow-Kent Plaza, Stow, OH; 54 East Main Street, Walla Walla, WA; Ohio Valley Mall, St Clairsville, OH; 300 Pine Street, Seattle, WA; Lewiston Center Mall, Lewiston, ID; Burlington Mall, Burlington, WA. All these 15 stores will have their lease contract come to an end. The management has decided not to renew as these stores do not generate enough sales to suffice. However, in more recent news, the shares of stocks of Macy's were up by 2.72 percent on Tuesday. The investors remain hopeful that there would be no more stores that need to be closed. Macy's is one of those retail stores that have become a household name. The closing of the 15 stores may be seen as a good business move, but it does affect thousands of people who are set to lose their jobs. The families that depend on their income from Macy's will indeed have a tighter start this 2020. Bangladesh: Canal blocked for fish cultivation January 08,2020 | Source: The Daily Star To cultivate fish in Vuter Khal (canal), a group of local influential people have set up illegal bamboo enclosures halting natural flow of the canal in Barishals Mehendiganj upazila. Originated from the Maskata river, the three-km-long canal connects the Tetulia river in nearby Alimabad and Chargopalpur unions of the upazila, said locals. Thousands of fishermen and farmers depend on the canal for their livelihood. Blocking of the canal for fish farming will hamper irrigation for Boro cultivation, said growers. Gopalpur union parishad (UP) chairman and some local influential persons have been involved in the illegal act, alleged villagers. Refuting the allegation, Gopalpur UP chairman Shamsul Alam Bari said some villagers put bamboo fences and tree branches across the canal to save thousands of people from river erosion during the rainy season. He further added such arrangement will not halt the natural water flow of the canal. Shuvankar Chakrabarty, secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa), Barishal unit, said it is totally illegal to hamper natural water flow of the canal. He also urged the authorities concerned to free the canal immediately. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Pijush Chandra Dey said he has not heard about the incident but trying to get information on the matter. Northern Ireland is facing the possibility of crippling strikes by teachers, NHS staff and civil servants in a matter of weeks. Public service unions are discussing staging industrial action on a scale that has never been seen before in a bid to save the crisis-hit health service. They are also considering asking private sector workers to protest in solidarity as efforts to secure pay parity and safe staffing levels are ramped up. It comes as thousands of nurses strike today after politicians failed to act to avert the latest industrial action. The local Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is staging 12 hours of strike action from 8am to 8pm. It is only the second time the organisation has taken such a step in its 103-year history. Health bosses warned last night that the newest round of strikes would "have much more serious consequences" than those seen on December 18. Health trust chief executives said in a statement: "As of 10.15am, there were 217 patients in the emergency departments of Northern Ireland's acute hospitals waiting over 12 hours and 456 over the last 24-hour period. "With two strike days planned in the space of 72 hours this week, there are serious concerns that the system could be pushed beyond the tipping point. "This could mean that patient safety will be compromised as never before. "While we continue to support our staff and are respectful of their right to take action, we would urge a postponement. "Given the pressurised context, we believe this would be a responsible action as we know their members care deeply about patient and client safety." But RCN NI director Pat Cullen said: "Nurses aren't surprised to hear the health service is at tipping point. They're dealing with this reality every single day and they're at tipping point. They can't take any more. They're the ones dealing with patients lined up on hospital corridors, looking after patients in a single room, where there are two patients and only one oxygen point. "They wake up every morning with dread in their hearts. They've been warning of this crisis for years and feel they've been ignored. It's sad that it's taken managers so long to acknowledge the state of the health service. Our members are disappointed that there is an attempt to point the finger of blame at the nurses, who have held the service together for so long." Unions are campaigning for health officials to take action to address a chronic lack of staff across the NHS, which is playing a significant role in the spiralling hospital waiting list crisis. They also want pay parity with their colleagues in Great Britain. The Department of Health has said it cannot reverse the position on pay parity because there is no health minister in place. Secretary of State Julian Smith has refused to step in and the DUP and Sinn Fein have not yet reached an agreement to return to government. On Monday night the permanent secretary of the Department of Health issued a statement in which he appealed to the unions to return to the negotiating table. But in a further blow to health officials, the local Royal College of Midwives (RCM) announced it would ballot members on industrial action which will run until January 29. RCM NI director Karen Murray said: "The decision to take strike action is never taken lightly. "It is borne of frustration over the lack of progress of talks with the Department of Health, talks which have gone on many months." Public service union Nipsa, which represents 9,500 people who work primarily across health and social services, administration and nursing, has also revealed plans for strike action in coming weeks. A spokesman said the organisation was consulting with members with the intention of beginning strike action as soon as next Monday. While today's action is expected to lead to disruption of services, the planned strikes on Friday are likely to have a more significant impact. Nigeria is expected to contribute around 35 per cent of Africas total planned and announced oil and gas new-build trunk/transmission pipeline length additions between 2019 and 2023, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. The companys latest report, Global Planned Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry Outlook to 2023 Capacity and Capital Expenditure Outlook with Details of All Planned Pipelines, reveals that Nigeria is expected to provide 6,601.5km of new-build pipeline by 2023. Most of the additions will constitute natural gas, at 6,460km, while crude oil pipelines will account for 142km. Varun Ette, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, comments: In Nigeria, 11 new-build pipelines are expected to start by 2023. Of these, eight are planned projects and the remaining three are from early-stage announced projects. Trans Saharan Gas is the longest upcoming pipeline in the country with a length of 4,400km. This announced natural gas pipeline is expected to start operations in 2021. Niger has the second highest new-build pipeline additions in Africa with two new-build pipelines, NigerBenin and ZinderTorodi pipelines are expected to start operations with lengths of 1,980 km and 1,070 km, respectively by 2023. NigerBenin is a crude oil pipeline, while ZinderTorodi is a petroleum products pipeline. Ette concludes: Followed by Niger, Algeria is expected to add 2,007.3km of infrastructure from five planned and two early-stage announced pipelines by 2023. Haoud El HamraBejaia II is the major upcoming pipeline in the country with a length of 667.7 km. The crude oil pipeline is expected to start operations in 2022. -- Tradearabia News Service Beijing calls on Washington and Tehran to exercise restraint, move to dialogue and resolve conflicts peacefully. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's remarks came at a briefing over Irans missile attack on two US military bases in Iraq, Reuters reported. "The worsening of the situation in the Middle East region is not in any sides interests," he said. China has criticised the US for aggravating tension in the Middle East, the source noted adding that "an editorial on Tuesday in the government-run China Daily blamed the U.S. for creating a cauldron of tensions in the region. New Delhi: We all have heard so much about aliens. However, we are yet to find out that aliens are myth or reality. There are several questions in our minds that are doing the rounds. However, there is only one question that repeatedly comes in our mind - Is there life on planets outside our solar system? Many researchers and astronomers including Helen Sharman believe that aliens do exist. Yes, you read it right. Helen Sharman, who became the first British person to travel to the Mir space station in 1991, is confident that aliens may be living among us on Earth but have gone undetected so far. Helen Sharman told the Observer Magazine that the extraterrestrial life is bound to be somewhere in the universe. She said, "Aliens exist, there's no two ways about it." "There are billions of stars out there in the universe that there must be all sorts of different forms of life. Will they be like you and me, made up of carbon and nitrogen? Maybe not. It's possible they're here right now and we simply can't see them," she added. Helen Sharman further said, I am often described as the first British woman in space, but I was actually the first British person." "When Tim Peake went into space in 2015, some people simply forgot about me. A man going first would be the norm, so I'm thrilled that I got to upset that order," she added. It is to be noted that Tim Peake is the first British astronaut affiliated with the European Space Agency. Coming back to Helen Sharman, she was recognised in the 2018 New Year's honours list and joined the Order of St Michael and St George. Last year, a prominent UFO conspiracy theorist Scott C Waring spotted some anomalies from NASA's Mars images which made many people believe that aliens are living on the Red Planet. After spotting the monkey on Mars, the Taiwanese alien hunter alleged that the US space agency may have never visited Mars and claimed that these visuals might have been shot from Devon Island. Waring further argued that if the picture was captured originally from Mars, then it could be proof of alien life on the Red Planet. Also Read: SpaceX Launches Third Batch Of Starlink Satellites Taking to his website ET Data Base, Waring said, "I found the original and the monkey is in it...this is 100% proof that the photo has not been tampered with. But now we have other problems. Is the rover on Devon Island in Canada? Are there monkeys on Devon island? Maybe, but not sure. Maybe NASA brought the monkey to experiment on it in the Martian environment. Maybe it could be a form of animal life on Mars. Who knows? The only way to find out, is for the public to go there." For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. BEIJING, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- China Distance Education Holdings Limited (NYSE: DL) ("CDEL", or the "Company"), a leading provider of online education and value-added services for professionals and corporate clients in China, today announced its participation in the 22nd Annual Needham Growth Conference on January 14-15, 2020 at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel in New York City, with a management presentation at 8:40 a.m. Eastern time on January 15th. The presentation will be webcast live and a replay will be available for 90 days. To listen to the webcast, please click on the link: http://wsw.com/webcast/needham94/dl/ or visit the News & Events section of our website at http://ir.cdeledu.com. Management will meet with institutional investors throughout the event. For additional information, please contact your Needham institutional sales representative. About China Distance Education Holdings Limited China Distance Education Holdings Limited is a leading provider of online education and value-added services for professionals and corporate clients in China. The courses offered by the Company through its websites are designed to help professionals seeking to obtain and maintain professional licenses and to enhance their job skills through our professional development courses in China in the areas of accounting, healthcare, engineering & construction, legal and other industries. The Company also offers professional education courses for participants in the national judicial examination, online test preparation courses for self-taught learners pursuing higher education diplomas or degrees, test preparation courses for university students intending to take the nationwide graduate school entrance exam, practical accounting training courses for college students and working professionals, as well as online language courses and third-party developed online courses. In addition, the Company provides business services to corporate clients, including but not limited to tax advisory and accounting outsourcing services. For further information, please visit http://ir.cdeledu.com. Contacts: In China: China Distance Education Holdings Limited Jiao Jiao Tel: +86-10-8231-9999 ext. 1826 Email: [email protected] The Piacente Group, Inc. Xi Zhang Tel: +86-10-6508-0677 E-mail: [email protected] In the United States: The Piacente Group, Inc. Brandi Piacente Tel: +1 212-481-2050 Email: [email protected] SOURCE China Distance Education Holdings Ltd. Related Links http://ir.cdeledu.com Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces and an early warning system that worked very well. I salute the incredible skill and courage of Americas men and women in uniform. For far too long, all the way back to 1979, to be exact, nations have tolerated Irans destructive and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East and beyond. Those days are over. Iran has been the leading sponsor of terrorism, and their pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens the civilized world. We will never let that happen. Last week, we took decisive action to stop a ruthless terrorist from threatening American lives. At my direction, the United States military eliminated the worlds top terrorist, Qassim Suleimani. As the head of the Quds Force, Suleimani was personally responsible for some of the absolutely worst atrocities. He trained terrorist armies, including Hezbollah, launching terrorist strikes against civilian targets. He fueled bloody civil wars all across the region. He viciously wounded and murdered thousands of U.S. troops, including the planting of roadside bombs that maim and dismember their victims. Soleimani directed the recent attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq that badly wounded four service members and killed one American, and he orchestrated the violent assault on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. In recent days he was planning new attacks on American targets, but we stopped him. Suleimanis hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood. He should have been terminated long ago. By removing Suleimani, we have sent a powerful message to terrorists. If you value your own life, you will not threaten the lives of our people. As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior. In recent months alone, Iran has seized ships in international waters, fired an unprovoked strike on Saudi Arabia and shot down two U.S. drones. Irans hostilities substantially increased after the foolish Iran nuclear deal was signed in 2013, and they were given $150 billion, not to mention $1.8 billion in cash. Instead of saying thank you to the United States, they chanted, Death to America. In fact, they chanted, Death to America, the day the agreement was signed. Then Iran went on a terror spree, funded by the money from the deal, and created hell in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Iraq. The missiles fired last night at us and our allies were paid for with the funds made available by the last administration. The regime also greatly tightened the reins on their own country, even recently killing 1,500 people at the many protests that are taking place all throughout Iran. Liquid Bar in Luxembourg City's Grund neighbourhood has been closed since the end of September, whilst the owner seems to have disappeared without a trace. Liquid Bar, formerly known as French, was renowned for its blues and jazz concerts, but has been closed since 29 September. Rumours of the reasons behind the closure abound, with some being completely off the mark and others revealing some truths. One rumour steeped in the truth is that the Australian beneficial owner of Goofer Sarl, which ran the bar, has disappeared. The bar's last employee told RTL that her boss had always been honest, but then registered her as the new owner shortly before the bar closed - but without her signature and without formally giving her notice. Not long before the bar closed, he had also mentioned he would like to retire and live on an island. Other rumours suggested the owner had fled with the contents of the till. But those who knew the man claimed this was unlikely, pointing to his background as a former banker and saying he was not dependent on the bar's earnings. On the contrary, he kept on investing his own money into the bar. The latest report on the Trade and Companies Register revealed that Goofer Sarl's business was doing well, but some results were less positive, leaving the business with debts of 200,000. Francois Aulner The debt and a dispute with a former associate could likely be the causes of the bar owner's mysterious disappearance. A former associate stepped back as an owner of the bar in 2017, but remained linked to the business as a collateral security. He believed he had been unfairly let go, whilst the lawyer of the bar owner referred any inquiries to a court deadline of 24 February. The Brasserie de Luxembourg, which rents out the premises for M Immobilier and the Libens family, has also launched a case against Goofer Sarl, as the business failed to extend its rental contract, which had since expired. However, the business has not yet returned the keys to the premises. According to the last employee, the Brasserie does not want the key as it requires a signature from the formal tenant. According to industry insiders, Liquid Bar will reopen with new owners within the next few months, but the Brasserie is adamant it has no signed any contracts with potential owners. At any rate, the Brasserie remained pleased with how the bar was managed before the owner vanished. G7 Ambassadors' Support Group in Kyiv has offered condolences to the families of all killed onboard of Ukraine International Airlines' (UIA) plane fallen in Iran. "The G7 Ambassadors in Ukraine express their deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who perished on the Ukrainian International Airlines flight that crashed near Tehran this morning," G7 Ambassadors' Support Group wrote in Twitter on Wednesday. As reported, the UIA's Boeing-737, which was supposed to perform a PS752 flight on the Tehran-Kyiv route, crashed at about 6:00 Tehran time (around 4:30 Kyiv time) on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, after takeoff from Tehran airport named after Imam Khomeini. Some 167 passengers and nine crew members were onboard. All of them died. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko reported that there were 11 citizens of Ukraine (nine crew members), 82 citizens of Iran, 63 passengers from Canada, 10 passengers from Sweden, four from Afghanistan, and per three from Germany and Great Britain. (Newser) A two-year-plus trial that drew much media attention has ended in Canada, with a verdict that's shocked many. On Tuesday, a judge on British Columbia's Supreme Court found 59-year-old Zhao Li guilty not of murder, but of manslaughter for killing and dismembering his millionaire cousin, 41-year-old Gang Yuan, in 2015. "Given the brutality of the crime and all the other circumstances, this verdict is surprising," a lawyer representing the estate of Yuan says, calling the demise of Zhao "one of Canada's most gruesome killings," reports the New York Times. The prosecution outlined just how gruesome during the trial, testifying that after Zhaosaid to be an experienced hunter, per the South China Morning Postshot Yuan with a rifle during a struggle in Yuan's driveway, he confessed to cutting up his cousin's body into 108 pieces with a power saw. story continues below "I heard someone talking to me about a bear and how to cut up a bear," he testified during the trial, claiming he'd started to hallucinate, per the Times. Justice Terence Schultes wasn't convinced, however, that Zhao had meant to kill Yuanand in Canada, a murder verdict requires a belief beyond a reasonable doubt that a suspect had intent to kill. Zhao's defense team painted him as a "normal, healthy" man who was much smaller than Yuan, but who'd snapped after Yuan, a reported womanizer with a parade of dozens of girlfriends, had asked if he could marry Zhao's 26-year-old actress daughter. A sentencing hearing will take place next week, at which Zhao, who was also found guilty of "interfering with human remains," could get life behind bars, though the SCMP says that's unlikely; the mandatory minimum sentence is between four and seven years. Zhao has already been in prison for five years. (Read more manslaughter stories.) Airplane fuselages bound for Boeing's 737 Max production facility sit in storage at their top supplier, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc, in Wichita, Kansas, U.S. December 17, 2019. REUTERS/Nick Oxford Union workers who assemble parts of Boeings (BA) 737 Max fuselage are weighing whether to voluntarily leave their jobs, without compensation, and without information as to when the aircraft will go back into production. Spirit AeroSystems (SPR), one of Boeings largest suppliers, which manufacturers 70% of the Max fuselage, asked all of its hourly employees via email Monday to submit to a voluntary layoff. The companys President and CEO Tom Gentile, in a letter to workers, said the reduction in workforce was necessary given Boeings planned temporary halt of the Max production line, slated for this month. The plane has been grounded by the Federal Aviation Administration since March 2019, after two fatal crashes that killed 346 people. International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers district president, Cornell Beard, whose local chapter represents the majority of Spirit AeroSystems Max team workers, said the unions members lack sufficient information to make an informed choice in response to the companys request. And while the request was made in accordance with the unions collective bargaining agreement, he said any indication of how long the proposed layoff would last is critical to employees. I think that if, if an actual timeline was put out there, it would affect the stocks, so putting that type of information out too early, would be devastating on stocks, but helpful to the employees that work there, Beard, IAMAW District Lodge 70 president and director of business representative, told Yahoo Finance. It's more about the stocks and the shareholders, rather than the people that actually helped them get what they make. IAMAW workers who manufacture Max parts for Spirit AeroSystems average an hourly wage of $20, Beard said. Asked whether he believed Boeing had been too aggressive in setting expected timeframes for the Maxs return to service, he said, I think they lost their grip a long time ago. I think that all the other stuff that they have been putting out as far as the dates go, have all been B.S. to keep the stocks level. Theres no way you could know if the FAA is going to find another problem. Story continues Beard represents approximately 4,500 sheet metal workers, tooling fabricators, and machinists who build components for the Max from Spirit AeroSystems Wichita, Kansas facility. The company also requested voluntarily layoffs from its workers in Tulsa, Arizona and McAlester, Oklahoma. BOZEMAN, MT - MARCH 12: Boeing 737 Max 8 fuselages manufactured by Spirit Aerosystems in Wichita, Kansas are transported on a BSNF train heading west over the Bozeman Pass March 12, 2019 in Bozeman, Montana. The fuselages were en route to the Boeing assembly plant in Renton, Washington. (Photo by William Campbell-Corbis via Getty Images) So far, Beard said, Spirit has not communicated to its employees or to the Union how many employees it needs to lay off, or how long it will leave the option open for employees to choose their fate. The lack of transparency from Spirit and Boeing, he said, is adding to pressure for workers faced with the difficult decision. Let's just go ahead and get the bad news out there and let people prepare for it, rather than keeping them hanging out there in the cold stressed out, he said. We've got thousands of people that need to make plans. The difficulty for workers who are years away from retirement comes from a hierarchical system that would go into effect if too few employees accept the voluntary layoff, and are instead terminated. If you take the layoff, youre eligible to come back. If youre terminated, its way harder to get back on than if you took a voluntary layoff, or gave your two weeks notice, Beard said. If you dont have a lot of seniority, youre going to be the first to go anyway, so its best to go ahead and accept [the voluntary layoff], he said. His reasoning is that workers who begin looking for new jobs first will have more opportunity to secure available jobs. In an email to Yahoo Finance, Spirit said it did not know when Boeings Max production line halt would begin, and said it was evaluating potential actions to reduce costs as a result of ongoing uncertainty regarding the Max, including offering the voluntary layoff to eligible employees. We do not know how long the pause in production will last, or what the production rate will be when it does resume, the company added. In an email to Yahoo Finance, Boeing declined to say when the temporary halt would begin, explaining that it would inform its employees before external parties. So far, Boeing has said it has no plans to lay off its own employees who currently build the Max, and instead would assign them to work on its widebody programs in its Everett, Washington plant. We are discussing different scenarios with Boeing but nothing has been decided, Gentile wrote in his letter to Spirit employees. Despite describing the workforce reduction as distressing, Beard said that under the circumstances, he believes Boeing and Spirit have done an excellent job holding onto their workforces as long as they have. On Tuesday, Boeing announced that it would recommend simulator training, in addition to computer training, for Max pilots prior to the aircrafts return to service. Whether such training should have been required as part of the FAAs original certification process has been a disputed matter. This recommendation takes into account our unstinting commitment to the safe return of service as well as changes to the airplane and test results. Final determination will be established by the regulators, Boeing said in a press release. On Sunday, reports surfaced that an internal audit conducted at the FAAs request revealed concerns over wiring involved in control of the tail of the Max. Boeing has not provided details on the extent of the issue, or whether any proposed fixes would add to the timeframe for FAA certification. The grounding of the Max has so far focused on changes to a software system, MCAS, identified as one of the causes of the two crashes. The system erroneously took in data that pointed the planes in a downward trajectory, over attempts by the pilots to correct their path. Alexis Keenan is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @alexiskweed. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, SmartNews, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit. EU leaders met the head of Libya's UN-recognised government Wednesday as they scramble to contain the escalating crisis there, with Germany warning the country could deteriorate into a "second Syria". Fayez al-Sarraj, whose beleaguered Government of National Accord is facing an offensive by rival forces who control the country's east, met EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, who cautioned that Libya was facing a "watershed point". He also met EU Council President Charles Michel and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who told reporters that "we want to prevent Libya from becoming the scene of a proxy war or Libya becoming a second Syria." Borrell's and Maas' warnings came after military strongman Khalifa Haftar's forces -- who have support from the UAE, Egypt and Russia -- seized control of the coastal city of Sirte as part of his drive to take Tripoli and oust the GNA. The EU pledged to "step up efforts towards a peaceful and political solution" in a statement released afterwards, hoping the so-called Berlin process -- UN-sponsored talks planned for the German capital -- can offer a way out. Maas, who a day earlier took part in emergency talks on Libya with his French, British and Italian counterparts, said Sarraj had given his full support to the Berlin process and pledged to "push ahead with what is to be agreed there -- both a ceasefire and an arms embargo with the neighbouring states, but also above all the political process under the aegis of the United Nations." As part of Europe's accelerating diplomatic efforts, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held talks with Haftar in Rome. - Foreign interference - No date has been fixed for the Berlin conference, but Maas suggested it could happen in the coming weeks. Borrell, who on Tuesday condemned Turkey for "interference" in the Libya conflict, earlier in the day warned that the situation in Libya was becoming increasingly perilous. Michel is due in Turkey this weekend for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while Borrell plans to meet other Libyan leaders including Haftar in search of a breakthrough. Ankara says it has sent 35 Turkish troops who are carrying out training and coordination tasks to support the GNA, insisting they will not take part in any fighting. Libya has been plunged into chaos since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising that killed longstanding dictator Moamer Kadhafi, and is now divided between the GNA and Haftar's rival authorities based in the country's east. Tensions escalated last year when Haftar launched an offensive to capture Tripoli and the conflict is complicated by the involvement of outside forces including the UAE and by Russian mercenaries backing the strongman -- though Moscow denies playing a role. The EU is keen to stop the conflict spiralling out of control, fearing that terror groups such as the Islamic State could exploit the instability to launch attacks and concerned the turmoil could lead to more migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean. Elsewhere, Libya was on the agenda as Russian President Vladimir Putin joined his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in calling for a ceasefire in Libya from midnight on Sunday as they met in Istanbul. burs-pdw/dc/har New Delhi, Jan 8 : Will the year 2020 turn out to be as epoch-making as 1991 for India? Two major events currently playing out are eerily similar to what happened in 1990-91. One major event, remains to be seen whether it will play out or not. But we will find out shortly, in less than three weeks. The two events playing out in 2020 that give a deja vu feeling are the pan India students protests in university campuses and on the streets on the issue of fee hike and CAA and the Gulf tensions between Iran and the US. Observers have noted that the three important events of 1990-91 -- a seminal year for politics and economy of India. During 1990-91, there were nationwide students protest against the Mandal Commission report on reservations. In the same year, the US attacked Saddam Hussain-led Iraq with huge build up of tensions in the Middle East and a spike in crude oil prices. The third major event was the unleashing of economic reforms in the historic 1991 budget by Finance Minister Manmohan Singh. In a spooky chain of events, a similar pattern is getting played out in 2019-2020. There are nationwide protests by students, civil society, activists on the issue of Citizenship Act and fee hikes in central universities. US President Donald Trump announced the killing of top Iran General Qasim Suleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad. The top Iranian leadership including Ayatollah Ali Khaminei have vowed "harsh revenge" on America. In the last two days, Iran has launched missile strikes on American bases in Baghdad and Iraq and Trump has announced a response will come within days. There are fears of escalation hostilities in the Middle East and crude oil and gold prices have already spiked. The third variable, whether the next generation of economic reforms in announced in the Union Budget, will be known on February 1. India's GDP at 5 per cent has slumped to a 11 year low and the economic situation is facing myriad challenges. While the situation cannot be compared to 1991 when there was a balance of payments crisis, 2020 may need a similar policy response to crawl out of the economic slump. Here are some major stories you might not have seen because of the breaking news out of Iran and Iraq. With Irans strike at US forces in Iraq dominating coverage internationally, below is a roundup of some of the stories you may have missed. Putin visits Turkey to talk Libya, Syria and gas Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to host Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda. Putin arrived late on Tuesday after paying a visit to Syria his first to Damascus since the war began at a moment of acute uncertainty in the Middle East following the assassination of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani by the United States. The ceremony in Istanbul is due to start at 12:00 GMT. Russia and Turkey remain on opposing sides in the Syria conflict and could be on a collision course in Libya [Sergei Chikirov/ AFP] Snipers to cull up to 10,000 camels in Australia Snipers took to helicopters in Australia on Wednesday to begin a mass cull of up to 10,000 camels as drought drives big herds of the feral animals to search for water closer to remote towns, endangering Indigenous communities. Local officials in South Australia state said extremely large herds have been encroaching on rural communities threatening scarce food and drinking water, damaging infrastructure, and posing a hazard for drivers. The decision came after Australia experienced its hottest and driest year on record in 2019, with the severe drought causing some towns to run out of water and fuelling deadly bushfires that have devastated the countrys southeast. Snipers took to helicopters in Australia on Wednesday to begin a mass cull of up to 10,000 camels [File: Getty Images] DR Congo measles: Death toll from an outbreak hits 6,000 The death toll from a measles epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has surpassed 6,000, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday as it warned that more funds are needed to save lives during the worlds worst outbreak of the infectious disease. Since the start of 2019, approximately 310,000 suspected cases have been reported, the WHO said. Measles has killed nearly three times as many people in DRC than an Ebola outbreak in the country that garnered far more international attention, particularly after health teams came under attack from armed militias operating in the area. The world's largest measles outbreak in #DRC has now killed 6000. Health authorities, @WHO @gavi @eu_echo and partners have vaccinated 18 million children in 2019, but lack of funds, low routine vaccination coverage and malnutrition hamper the response. https://t.co/tY3I6i0Z07 pic.twitter.com/b7zn0kGGlZ WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) January 7, 2020 Seven killed, 36 injured, in Mexico bus-train crash A bus carrying day labourers was struck by a freight train in northwest Mexico, killing seven passengers and injuring 36 others. The prosecutors office in the northern border state of Sonora said on Tuesday the driver of the bus had apparently tried to outrun the train at a grade crossing. The driver survived and was taken into custody for drug and alcohol testing. The office said the dead included five men ranging in age from 16 to 30, a woman and a 16-year-old girl [File: Getty Images] FB executive: We got Trump elected A senior Facebook executive on Tuesday said the worlds biggest social network unintentionally helped put Donald Trump in the White House but warned against dramatic rule changes. The Trump campaign did effectively use Facebook to rally support for his presidential run, and the social network should be mindful of that, without making moves that stifle free political discourse, Andrew Bosworth said in a lengthy post on his personal Facebook page triggered by The New York Times publishing an internal memo he wrote. So was Facebook responsible for Donald Trump getting elected? Bosworth asked. I think the answer is yes, but not for the reasons anyone thinks. Bosworth contended Trump was not elected because of Russia or misinformation or Cambridge Analytica, but rather because he ran the single best digital advertisement campaign Ive ever seen from any advertiser. He went on to say that, since Facebook has the same ad policies in place now, the outcome of the 2020 election could be the same as it was four years ago. As tempting as it is to use the tools available to us to change the outcome, I am confident we must never do that or we will become that which we fear, Bosworth wrote. Andrew Bosworth: Trump was elected because he ran the single best digital advertisement campaign Ive ever seen from any advertiser [File: Reuters] Indonesia deploys fighter jets to disputed waters Indonesia has deployed fighter jets and warships to patrol islands near the disputed South China Sea, the military said on Wednesday, escalating tensions with Beijing after a diplomatic spat over trespassing Chinese vessels. President Joko Widodo also headed on Wednesday to the fishing-rich waters around the Natuna Islands, which border the South China Sea, most of which is claimed by China despite competing claims from other Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia. The Indonesian military said it had deployed eight warships and four jet fighters ahead of Widodos visit in an apparent bid to assert its sovereignty over the region. A Chinese coastguard vessel was spotted near the islands Wednesday, Indonesia said. We have deployed eight warships, said Navy spokesman Fajar Tri Rohadi. Since 1958, the family-run Dura Paint store has been doing business at the corner of Main Street and South Citrus Avenue in downtown Vista. But by February, that 58-year tradition will come to an end. Second-generation owner Mark Olinger and his wife, Kim, are closing the store, hopefully by the end of January, with plans to retire to Colorado before the snow thaws. Olinger said that since he sent out a going out of business sale email several weeks ago, hes been deluged with visits from longtime customers and well-wishers. Everyone is coming in here saying how sad they are. I just tell them these are the happiest days of our lives, he said. We just feel like its time to go. The closure of Dura Paint is the latest in a string of renovations and tear-downs that have brought new life and heavy traffic to Vistas historic downtown, which experienced its first wave of building in the 1920s and 30s. Over the past year, a long-shuttered bank branch near the Avo Playhouse has reopened as the Belching Beaver Tavern & Grill and the buildings formerly occupied by Altura Paint Center and Kings & Queens hair salon have been torn down to create a parking lot to accommodate the crowds drawn to the citys thriving breweries and restaurants. Advertisement Olinger, 62, said the downtown revitalization hasnt helped his business, which never fully recovered from the recession. Since 2009, he and Kim have been looking forward to retirement and the lucky alignment of numbers the 58-year-old store opened in 1958 seemed the right time to make it official. Kim Olinger shows some old Christmas advertisements, likely from the 1970s, showing three generations of Olingers at the store. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune / Zuma Press ) The family got into the paint business after Olingers grandfather, Pete, moved to Vista from his native Minnesota in the mid-1950s. He saw that the paint store at 347 Main St. was up for sale because its owner had died, so he called his son, Dick, then a salesman for what would became Dutch Boy Paints. Father and son purchased the building and eventually Dick bought out his fathers share and ran the shop with his two sons, Mark and Barry. Mark started mixing paints in the store in 1971 when he was just 17 years old. Hes now marking his 45th year in the shop. His brother Barry left the business 20 years ago to move away. Their father, Dick, continued to walk to the store every morning until the day he died in 2006. He was 86. Six months later, Marks wife, Kim, came to work at the shop to help him keep up with what was then a booming business. Then the recession hit. One of the store items that wont be sold when Dura Paint closes in January or February is a 100-year-old cash register that has been in the family for many years. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune / Zuma Press ) For many years, Dura Paint has been a dealer for Benjamin Moore Paints, but when the economy collapsed, so did the stores exclusivity. Benjamin Moore expanded its store list to include two other nearby merchants. At the same time, Lowes and Home Depot stores were drawing away more and more customers looking for lower-priced paint. Eventually, Olinger started a custom-framing business in the back room to bolster his dwindling sales. Longtime customer Mike Thayer, a retired truck driver and now handyman, was at the shop on Wednesday picking out several gallons of paint and deck stain. His family has been shopping at the store since they moved to Vista in 1960. He said in all the years hes shopped at Dura Paint, hes never had to return a drop for remixing because Olingers skill at color-matching is so precise. You cant beat these mom-and-pop businesses. Theyre being driven out by the big commercial businesses and thats a real loss for everyone, Thayer said. What you get here is one-on-one personal service. Another aspect of the stores personal touch is Daisy, a 12-year-old white-haired Chihuahua who has been greeting customers at the store for many years. We literally have customers call us up to ask if Daisys working today before theyll come in, Olinger said. Kim Olinger said they first considered closing the store in 2007, when a real estate investor offered to buy the building because he foresaw the future revitalization of downtown. The deal collapsed as the recession deepened, but the experience planted the seed in the couples minds about moving away. Unfolding a well-worn map of Colorado on the store counter, Kim said she has spent years studying maps, weather patterns, housing and demographics that convinced them to retire to the Woodland Park area of Colorado. She and Mark love to hunt and fish, Mark has a sister near there, and the housing and land prices are affordable. The couple plan to sell their inventory as well as all the shelving and fixtures, hopefully by the end of January. Then theyll put their Vista home on the market, with the goal of selling and moving to Colorado by mid-April. The building, which is owned by the Olinger family trust, will be put up for lease before they leave. When asked if he hopes the store could possibly carry on as another paint store, Mark shrugged. I dont think a business like this can survive anymore, he said. People come in here and Ill spend an hour-and-a-half giving them advice and sending them off with paint chips. Then I never see them again. When it comes time to buy their paint, they go down the road to get whatevers cheapest. pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com Its not too late for a Mens New Years Resolution: to show up in even greater numbers at this years Womens March than ever before. Wherever theyre being held -- in Washington, DC or Anchorage, Alaska, -- lets encourage men to march for gender equity, and to transform manhood. The struggle for womens equality is a struggle for dignity, justice, and freedom in all aspects of womens lives -- from home to work, from bedroom to boardroom. Too many men are slow as molasses to acknowledge the injustices women face. If we can get out of our own way, breathe through our fear of empowered women -- if were ready to confront a misplaced dread of feminism -- theres a new world awaiting where men will live richer, more emotionally expressive lives. Beginning in 2017, men joined the first Womens March in large numbers. For this years march on Jan. 18, lets recruit more men. Seek them out in the locker room and the faith community; the poker game and the coffee shop. Invite them to not only advocate for gender justice, but also to speak out for racial, economic, religious, and environmental justice. With the climate crisis threatening everything, lets honor Greta Thunberg and a growing youth force rebellion; they are demanding we do more than pay lip service to a planet on fire because of the reckless disregard of privileged white men. Consider: women (including transwomen) are the principal survivors of gender-based violence; women earn four-fifths of what men earn; women (and children) face the greatest risk from climate catastrophes; and its women whose reproductive rights are under attack. (Nine states now ban abortion before most women know theyre pregnant.) Unwavering in their determination to right these wrongs, women are leading a social revolution, from the streets to the ballot boxfrom the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements to women elected to office in 2018 and 2019 in unprecedented numbers. Central to their vision is achieving gender justice in a movement many men consider our cause, too. For two generations men of all races and ethnicities in the US and around the world have been working to prevent domestic and sexual violence, and to redefine and transform traditional ideas about manhood, fatherhood, and brotherhood. Voice Male, the magazine I edit, has been chronicling those efforts for three decades and this storys next chapter will be told in part by men who join women at the march and beyond. What can men do? First, take stock. Womens marches can spur men to examine our lives, each step a chance to do some soul-searching, asking ourselves how we have contributed to prejudice, discrimination and abuse of women. With the insights we gain, we can help transform masculinity -- and ourselves. Lets march as fathers, caregivers, grandfathers and mentors, raising boys to value compassion over competition, collaboration over isolation. Lets march as sons and brothers, uncles and nephews, who recognize that standard issue manhood constricts our emotional lives, blinds us from seeing how we can be whole human beings. Lets march as husbands and partners who recognize that when women are respected and empowered, they are happier and so is everyone around them. Lets march with signs reading, This Is What a Feminist Looks Like, and Another Man Against Violence Against Women. Well be following in the proud tradition of another historic movement: womens suffrage. This year marks the 100th anniversary of womens struggle to gain the right to vote. Many men dedicated themselves to that cause, marching behind a banner proclaiming, Mens League for Women Suffrage. These suffragents were steadfast in promoting womens enfranchisement. They took a stand. And on Jan. 18, surrounded by a sea of women in pussycat hats carrying signs signifying their resolve to never turn back, men will take a stand, too. If the collaborations and partnerships among women and men over the past few decades have taught me nothing else, it is that men and boys can be part of not just a womens march, but a women-directed social revolution. If were willing to repair the blind spot of masculinity within us, theres a place for men in this movement. We dont have to man up, but we do have to stand up. This years Pioneer Valley Womens March will be in Springfield. Participants will gather at Northgate Center, 1985 Main Street beginning at 11 a.m. March to Springfield City Hall begins at 12 p.m. Rally scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Rob Okun is editor of Voice Male magazine and a member of the board of North American MenEngage. A second edition of his anthology VOICE MALE: The Untold Story of the Profeminist Mens Movement was published in 2018. He can be reached at rob@voicemalemagazine.org. Ayushmann Khurrana Says Success Of Vicky Donor Made Him Overconfident, Flops Seemed Outlandish Till They Happened The trial of a Japanese man accused of stabbing 19 disabled people to death descended into chaos on Wednesday morning after the defendant appeared to put something in his mouth and fell to the floor while wrestling with court officials. Satoshi Uematsu is charged with the killings and wounding 26 others in an attack at a care home in 2016 where he had previously worked. Mr Uematsus lawyer had told the court that his client did not dispute the facts of the case, but would plead not guilty because he was not mentally competent at the time of the stabbings due to a psychiatric disability. The 29-year-old defendant, wearing a navy-blue suit, white shirt and a tie, looked calm and bowed slightly when he entered the court in Yokohama. Stabbing attack outside Tokyo Show all 11 1 /11 Stabbing attack outside Tokyo Stabbing attack outside Tokyo Police officers stand guard outside the Tsukui Yamayuri En care centre where a knife-wielding man went on a rampage in the city of Sagamihara, Kanagawa prefecture, some 50 kms (30 miles) west of Tokyo on July 26, 2016. TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images Stabbing attack outside Tokyo Broadcast television news relay vehicles are seen parked near the Tsukui Yamayuri En care centre where a knife-wielding man went on a rampage in the city of Sagamihara, Kanagawa prefecture, some 50 kms (30 miles) west of Tokyo on July 26, 2016. TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images Stabbing attack outside Tokyo A rescue worker stands by beside ambulances near the Tsukui Yamayuri En care centre where a knife-wielding man went on a rampage in the city of Sagamihara, Kanagawa prefecture, some 50 kms (30 miles) west of Tokyo on July 26, 2016. JIJI PRESS/AFP/Getty Images Stabbing attack outside Tokyo Police officers walk outside the Tsukui Yamayuri En care centre where a knife-wielding man went on a rampage in the city of Sagamihara, Kanagawa prefecture, some 50 kms (30 miles) west of Tokyo on July 26, 2016. TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Stabbing attack outside Tokyo Journalists gather in front of the Tsukui Yamayuri En care centre where a knife-wielding man went on a rampage in the city of Sagamihara, Kanagawa prefecture, some 50 kms (30 miles) west of Tokyo on July 26, 2016. At least 19 people were killed when the knife-wielding man went on a rampage at the care centre for the mentally disabled in Japan early on July 26, a fire official said. TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Stabbing attack outside Tokyo TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty I Stabbing attack outside Tokyo The "Keep Out" tape by police is displayed at the Tsukui Yamayuri En, a care centre at Sagamihara city, Kanagawa prefecture on July 26, 2016. JIJI PRESS/AFP/Getty Images Stabbing attack outside Tokyo Journalists await near the Tsukui Yamayuri En, a care centre at Sagamihara city, Kanagawa prefecture on July 26, 2016. JIJI PRESS/AFP/Getty Images Stabbing attack outside Tokyo A facility for the disabled, where at least 19 people were killed and as many as 20 wounded by a knife-wielding man, is seen in Sagamihara, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan, in this photo taken by Kyodo July 26, 2016. Kyodo via Reuters Stabbing attack outside Tokyo Police officers are seen near a facility for the disabled where at least 19 people were killed and as many as 20 wounded by a knife-wielding man, in Sagamihara, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan, in this photo taken by Kyodo July 26, 2016. Kyodo via Reuters Stabbing attack outside Tokyo A police officer is seen in a facility for the disabled, where a knife-wielding man attacked, in Sagamihara, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan, in this photo taken by Kyodo July 26, 2016. Kyodo via Reuters Shortly after the proceedings began, however, he appeared to slip something into his mouth, according to reporters present in the courtroom. He then struggled with three uniformed court officers, who held him down on the floor as he writhed about. The hearing was adjourned for an hour, before recommencing without Mr Uematsu present. It was not clear what he had put into his mouth or what his condition was following the incident. The stabbings at the care home shocked Japan, which has strict gun laws and rarely experiences mass killings or outbreaks of violent crime. Mr Uematsu is accused of breaking into the Tsukui Yamayuri-en centre in Sagamihara, a city in the Greater Tokyo conurbation, at 2:30am on 26 July 2016. Half an hour later, he handed himself over to the police, who found him carrying several bloodstained knives. Many of those stabbed to death in the facility had knife wounds in the neck. The residents who died during the attack ranged in age from 19 to 70. Police officers guard the care centre in Sagamihara after the stabbings (Picture: Toshifumi Kitamura/AFP/Getty Images) Japanese media reported at the time that Mr Uematsu had briefly been committed to a mental hospital earlier in 2016 after he discussed his plans to euthanise severely disabled people if the government gave its permission. My goal is a world in which, in cases where it is difficult for the severely disabled to live at home and be socially active, they can be euthanised with the consent of their guardians, he wrote in a letter to the speaker of Japans parliament, Japanese TV reported. After Mr Uematsu had been removed from the courtroom, one of his lawyers said it had been his use of cannabis that had prompted his mental illness and turned him into a different person. But prosecutors rejected this argument and told the court that Mr Uematsu was aware of what he was doing. Recommended The Japan stabbing is a hate crime against people like me He had the capacity to tell good from bad, and capacity to control his conduct as well. We will prove he was completely responsible for what he did. The trial has also provoked a debate within Japan over the social stigma and shame heaped upon those who suffer from disabilities. Most of the families of the victims have chosen not to make their names public, but one woman told the national broadcaster NHK that the trial had led her to change her mind about concealing the name of her daughter who was killed in the attack. The channel broadcast photos of the 19-year-old victim, who had autism and was unable to speak. She loved music, she lived as energetically as she could, her mother wrote in a statement. Her name was Miho. I want that public as proof that she existed. I want people to know who she was. LAS VEGAS - The nations largest consumer electronics show on Tuesday hosted Ivanka Trump as a keynote speaker a choice that drew scorn from many women in technology. The annual CES tech gathering in Las Vegas has long taken criticism over diversity issues. In recent years, the shows organizer, the Consumer Technology Association, has invited more women to speak and sought to curb some of the shows more sexist aspects, such as scantily clad booth babes hired to draw attention of the mostly male attendees. But for critics and activists who have long pushed for broader recognition of the less-heralded women who found startups and take on difficult technical challenges, the inclusion of President Donald Trumps daughter, who is also a White House adviser, sent exactly the wrong message. Ivanka is not a woman in tech, tweeted Brianna Wu, a video game developer who is running for Congress in Massachusetts as a Democrat. Shes not a CEO. She has no background. Its a lazy attempt to emulate diversity, but like all emulation its not quite the real thing. Ivanka Trump spoke with CTA President Gary Shapiro for nearly 40 minutes, highlighting work the administration has done with tech companies to retrain their workers for new skills. She has worked on skills-training initiatives at the White House. Companies including Google have joined that effort. There was no mention of the pushback about her appearance at the show. The hall was full, and she was met with applause. Organizers declined to say how many people were in the audience. Shapiro told The Associated Press that Ivanka Trump is fighting for workers at a time when robots are filling warehouses and factories and self-driving vehicles are worrying truck drivers. Weve had politicians speak before, cabinet secretaries and others whove come in, Shapiro said ahead of the talk. Ivanka Trump said the event offered a chance to talk about the way jobs are evolving and changing. People need to be thinking about investing in their workforce so that they can enable those people to do their same job using different equipment tomorrow, she said. Many people who tweeted the hashtag #BoycottCES on Tuesday in protest of Trumps appearance also took issue with the administrations border detention policies and various actions of the president himself. The technology industry has especially important issues pending with the U.S. government, including antitrust investigations into Facebook and Google, the trade war with China, immigration, election security and misinformation on social media. Government officials have long made regular appearances at CES. This year, for instance, the speaker roster includes both Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and Secretary of Energy Dan Bouillette. Other female speakers include Meg Whitman of video streaming startup Quibi and Linda Yaccarino, chairman of advertising and partnerships for NBCUniversal. Ivanka Trump is taking this slot at this conference where women have been saying for so long, Hey, we are being overlooked, said Rachel Sklar, a tech commentator and founder of a professional network for women. The whole category of women being overlooked are still being overlooked. Clearly they are not putting much effort into finding women in tech who can speak, said Carolina Milanesi, an analyst with Creative Strategies, who is at CES. Last year, CES caused an uproar when it revoked an innovation award presented to a female-led sex device company. CES reversed its decision and has allowed sex tech into the show for a one-year trial. Conference organizers also brought in an official equality partner, The Female Quotient, to help ensure gender diversity. Was there nobody else available? Seriously? asked Ti Chang, co-founder of the wearable vibrator company Crave. Chang said Trumps experience running a clothing brand is a bad fit for CES and its focus on innovation and technology. I dont understand, she said. I would love to know what their rationale was. ___ Arbel reported from New York. Ortutay reported from San Francisco. AP video journalist James Brooks in Las Vegas also contributed to this report. Turkey has deployed 35 military personnel to Libya but they will not take part in any fighting, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, according to local media on Wednesday. "The soldiers will not fight. Other soldiers who will be deployed later will also not enter any combat," Erdogan told his ruling party, according to the Hurriyet daily. He said the soldiers were carrying out training and coordination tasks for Libya's UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli. The comments were made during a high-level, closed-door meeting of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Monday, Hurriyet reported. Turkey's parliament last week approved a military deployment to support the Tripoli government against an assault by military strongman Khalifa Haftar. Turkey and Qatar back the GNA, while Haftar is supported by their regional rivals, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Libya has been mired in chaos since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nigerias rights activist, Femi Falana is backing agitation that President Muhmmadu Buhari, his vice, Yemi Osinbajo and the 36 state g... Nigerias rights activist, Femi Falana is backing agitation that President Muhmmadu Buhari, his vice, Yemi Osinbajo and the 36 state governors declare their assets publicly. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), capitalising on the Freedom of Information (FoI), requested Buhari, Osinbajo, 36 state governors and their deputies to publicly declare their assets within seven days or face redress. The Presidency has claimed that there is no law in Nigeria mandating President Buhari to declare his assets publicly. With due respect, this cannot be the correct position of our law. According to Falana, in a statement, SERAPs case for the public announcement of any updates on the assets already declared by Buhari and Osinbajo was correctly based on the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Freedom of Information Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, which had not only been ratified by Nigeria but also domesticated as part of the domestic laws. As far as the law is concerned, the word declaration means a formal statement, proclamation, or announcement, especially embodied in an instrument. See page 467 of Blacks Laws Dictionary (Ninth Edition). The combined effect of the Constitution, FoI Act and the African Charter is that all public officials ought to voluntarily announce publicly their asset declarations even without prompting from civil society groups like SERAP. In the alternative, the Code of Conduct Bureau is bound by law to make them available to members of the public, pursuant to section 1 of the FoI Act. In fact, the law contemplated by the Constitution to make asset declarations of public officials public is the FoI Act. With the FoI Act, there is no longer secrecy in government, including in the asset declarations made by all public officials. Section 3 (c) of Paragraph A of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution provides that the Code of Conduct Bureau shall have power to retain custody of such declarations and make them available for inspection by any citizen of Nigeria on such terms and conditions as the National Assembly may prescribe. The National Assembly has since 2011 prescribed such terms and conditions in the FoI Act. No more excuses by public officials, as the National Assembly has, by passing the FoI Act, prescribed the terms and conditions for pubic officials and the CCB to publicly make asset declarations available. In this instance, SERAP has correctly invoked the provisions of the Constitution, FoI and the African Charter. Similarly, Section 22 of the Constitution has imposed a duty on the mass media to promote public accountability and transparency, Falana said. He added that even private citizens could no longer insist on secrecy as they were now required by official policies to register their biometric data for the purpose of acquiring international passports, telephone lines and opening of bank accounts. Falana stated that the Bank Verification Number commonly called BVNa biometric identification system implemented by the Buhari administrationhas ended secrecy of bank accounts, thereby curbing illegal banking transactions in Nigeria. All that SERAP is asking is for the Presidency, governors and their deputies to announce their asset declarations as submitted to the CCB. Such announcement will help to update the records of what the President and Vice President already made public and refresh the memory of the public who are keen to see transparency and accountability in the implementation of the asset declarations frameworks in Nigeria. I therefore urge President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo to show strong leadership by immediately acceding to the FoI requests by SERAP and publicly announce any updates on their asset declarations already made public in 2015. This will end the secrecy that continues to surround asset declarations in Nigeria. The secrecy has over the years been used to hide corruptly stolen assets, which has continued to cause untold misery for millions of Nigerians, he said. A British teenager found guilty of lying about being gang-raped in Cyprus has arrived back in the UK and said she will fight to clear her name. The 19-year-old was given a four-month jail term, suspended for three years, on Tuesday by a judge who said he was giving her a second chance. She hugged her family and legal team and left Famagusta District Court, in Paralimni, weeping and with her head in her hands after she was sentenced for public mischief. Her mother shouted: She's coming home to supporters outside before flying with her daughter to Heathrow Airport on Tuesday night. Lewis Power QC, the teenager's lawyer, said her legal team would be challenging her conviction and were prepared to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The young woman, from Derbyshire, told the Sun: I am innocent and the fight will go on to clear my name. It's been a nightmare for me, Mum and everyone. Now I just want to be with my friends and family. What kept me going was my family and the amazing support of my friends and all other people who got in contact to say they believed me. The teenager was stuck on the Mediterranean island for almost five months after claiming she had been raped by up to 12 Israeli tourists in a hotel room in the town of Ayia Napa on 17 July. She was charged and spent about a month in prison before being granted bail in August. The dozen Israelis, aged between 15 and 20, were arrested over the incident and freed after she signed a retraction statement 10 days later. Demonstrators hold placards calling for a boycott on Cyprus as they protest in London (AFP) But she maintains she had consensual sex with one of the Israelis before he pinned her down and raped her with others a claim all of them deny. The woman said she had been forced to change her account under pressure from Cypriot police following hours of questioning alone and without legal representation. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Foreign secretary Dominic Raab said he had raised concerns over her treatment with the Cypriot authorities after the conviction provoked outrage in both Cyprus and the UK. After the sentencing, he said: We will be following up on some of the issues in relation to the case. I spoke to the Cypriot foreign minister about that. The teenager's family had raised fears that she would suffer permanent damage to her mental health if she was sent to prison, having been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Judge Michalis Papathanasiou told the court he would not be jailing her despite insisting that all the evidence suggested she was guilty. Sentencing her, he told the packed courtroom: Her psychological state, her youth, that she has been away from her family, her friends and academic studies this year ... this has led me to decide to give her a second chance and suspend the sentence for three years. Press Association Donald Trump had posted a tweet saying "All is Well!" after Iran's missile attack on US bases (Photo Credit: Twitter @TheWhiteHouse) New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that "Iran appeared to be standing down" after launching missile attacks aimed at the US military in Iraq overnight. In his first address after the attacks, Trump said that no Americans were harmed in these attacks. The Iranian state television had claimed that "at least 80 terrorist US soldiers" were killed after bases at Ain al-Asad and Arbil in Iraq - which house US and coalition forces - were targeted by more than a dozen ballistic missiles. Some 5,000 US soldiers are in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the IS terror group. "We suffered no casualties. All our soldiers are safe, only minimal damages were sustained at our military bases," Trump said. "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned," he added. The Iranian strike had come in response to last week's killing by the United States of the country's most important general, Qasem Soleimani. Initial assessments had also indicated there were no US casualties in the missile strikes on two bases in Iraq where US troops are based, the Pentagon said. Trump also vowed that he will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. "As long as I am President of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon," Trump said. In a direct message to the Iranian leaders and the people, Trump said the United States is "ready to embrace peace with all who seek it". "To the people and leaders of Iran, we want you to have a future and a great future, one that you deserve," Trump said. Tehran had said it had halted its missile strikes, with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeting that the country does "not seek escalation or war". 22:22 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Donald Trump said US are constructing many hypersonic missiles. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it, he added. 22:09 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Trump declared that the US will impose additional economic sanctions on Iran. 22:09 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Iran appears to be standing down which is good, says Donald Trump 22:07 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Donald Trump says Qasem Soleimani should have been eliminated long ago. By eliminating Soleimani, America has sent a strong message- if you attack American live, you will have to pay for it. 22:05 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In US military eliminated the world's top terrorist Qasem Soleimani at my direction. He was personally responsible for some of the worst atrocities, says Donald Trump 22:04 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In The great American forces are prepared for anything, says US President Donald Trump 22:04 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In No Americans were harmed in Iran's missile attacks on US bases in Iraq on Wednesday night, says US President Donald Trump 22:04 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In US President Donald Trump has started his address at The White House over tensions with Iran. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 07, 2020 | 08:25 PM | GRAVES COUNTY According to the Graves County Sheriff's Office, on Monday detectives received a report of a burglary at a building located just west of Fancy Farm on KY Highway 80 West. A large quantity of items were reportedly stolen, including tools, computers, and other electronics. Deputies arrived at a home near the scene of the burglary where they allegedly found all of the items that had been reported stolen, as well as illegal drugs. Detectives spoke with 36-year-old Donald S. Fannin and 27-year-old Melissa K. Russum at the home, and both reportedly admitted to burglary and theft, including using children in the thefts to carry stolen items from the scene. Fannin is being charged with third degree burglary, unlawful transaction with a minor, three counts of marijuana possession, three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and three counts of possession of a controlled substance. Russum is being charged with third degree burglary, and three counts of second degree unlawful transaction with a minor. Fannin was lodged in the Graves County Jail. The investigation is ongoing. A burglary and theft investigation in Graves County led to the arrest of a Fancy Farm couple. Washington: Iraq's outgoing prime minister said Tuesday that the United States has no alternative and must withdraw its troops from the country, or face an impending crisis, as President Donald Trump countered that a US withdrawal would be the worst thing that could happen to Iraq. Trump said it was not the right time for an exodus of US forces, saying it would allow Iran to gain a stronger foothold in Iraq. "The people of Iraq do not want to see Iran running the country, that I can tell you," Trump said from the White House. Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi submitted his resignation in November but has not yet been replaced. Credit:AP Adel Abdul-Mahdi, who resigned in November amid mass anti-government protests, said Iraq wants a US troop withdrawal to avoid further escalation as tensions soar between America and Iran. DMK MP Kanimozhi (PTI) Days after masked men went on a rampage in JNU, senior DMK leader Kanimozhi visited the varsity on Wednesday and said her party will fight for the students. Kanimozhi visited the Sabarmati Hostel where students told her that it was a targeted attack as the entry of masked mob was facilitated by university's security guards. The DMK leader inspected hostel rooms and expressed shock after seeing items strewn around and glasses as well as furniture broken. A masked mob armed with sticks and rods on Sunday attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus, injuring at least 35 people, including JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh. While talking to Kanimozhi, a group of students alleged that the attackers knew everything, and they demanded the removal of university vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar. "The entire country is with you. Don't lose heart. There are many people who have condemned it... We will raise the issue. We will fight for you," she told students. She also met JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh. Earlier in the day, HRD Ministry officials met the vice-chancellor and took stock of efforts being made to restore normalcy on the campus. Kumar, who has been under fire from students and faculty members for not doing enough when they were brutally attacked by a masked mob on campus, told senior officials of the ministry that efforts are being made to facilitate registration of "willing" students and for a conducive environment for their academic pursuits. Meanwhile, the the JNU Teachers' Association alleged that the mob violence could not have been possible without the connivance of the varsity administration and deliberate inaction by police. It also slammed Kumar for asking students to put the past behind and return to the varsity premises. More than 800million animals have been killed by bushfires in New South Wales alone - and that figure is expected to climb. University of Sydney Science Professor Chris Dickman initially estimated 480million wildlife died in the fires that have ravaged NSW. But he has now revised that figure to almost double after taking into account mammal, bird and reptile density in the 5.2million hectares of land which have burned across the state. Professor Dickman said it was 'a very sad time' for the native species of Australia, 244 of which can't be found anywhere else in the world. More than 800 million animals have been killed by bushfires in New South Wales with more deaths expected if the fires continue at their current rate. Pictured: A wildlife rescuer whisking a koala away from danger Professor Chris Dickman said it is 'a very sad time' for the native species of Australia, many of which can be found nowhere else in the world. Pictured: Firefighters combat a blaze in outer Sydney 'I think there's nothing quite to compare with the devastation that's going on over such a large area so quickly,' he told US radio station KOSU. 'It's a monstrous event in terms of geography and the number of individual animals affected.' The animal death toll for NSW includes animals directly killed by the fires, from loss of food and shelter or from opportunistic predators like feral cats and foxes. Affected mammals include iconic native species like kangaroos, koalas and wombats and lesser known fauna such as the spotted-tail quoll. Also included in the estimate were birds and reptiles while insects, bats and frogs were not taken into account. Affected mammals include iconic native species like kangaroos, koalas and wombats and lesser known fauna such as the spotted-tail quoll. Pictured: A kangaroo carcass on Kangaroo Island It is not known how many animals have died in bushfires in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. However, WWF-Australia now estimates that more than one billion animals have been killed by bushfires nationally. Professor Dickman said Australia has 'the world's highest rate of extinction for mammals'. 'It's events like this that may well hasten the extinction process for a range of other species. So, it's a very sad time,' he said. Professor Dickman said the bushfires were caused by climate change and warned that the effects could be seen in other parts of the world in coming years. Pictured: Dead cattle on Kangaroo Island Professor Dickman argued the bushfires were caused by climate change and warned that the effects could be seen in other parts of the world in coming years. 'What we're seeing are the effects of climate change. Sometimes, it's said that Australia is the canary in the coal mine with the effects of climate change being seen here most severely and earliest,' he said. 'We're probably looking at what climate change may look like for other parts of the world in the first stages in Australia at the moment.' 2019/2020 FIRE SEASON DEATH TOLL The national death toll of Australia's 2019/2020 bushfire season was 33 as of Monday, March 2, with 25 confirmed deaths in New South Wales, three in South Australia and five in Victoria. OCTOBER New South Wales: Robert Lindsey, 77, and Gwen Hyde, 68, were found in their burned out Coongbar home near Casino on October 9th. NOVEMBER New South Wales: The body of 85-year-old George Nole was found in a burnt out car near his home in Wytaliba, near Glen Innes. Vivian Chaplain, a 69-year-old woman from Wytaliba, succumbed to her injuries in hospital after attempting in vain to save her home and animals from the blaze. The body of 63-year-old Julie Fletcher was pulled from a scorched building in Johns River, north of Taree. Barry Parsons, 58, was found in a shed at Willawarrin, near Kempsey. Chris Savva, 64, died after his 4WD overturned near burnt-out South Arm bridge, near Nambucca Heads. A 59-year-old man was founded sheltered in a Yarrowitch water tank on November 7. He died of injuries on December 29. Victoria: David Moresi, 69, died after being involved in a traffic incident while working at the at the Gelantipy fire in East Gippsland on November 30. DECEMBER New South Wales: Firefighters Andrew O'Dwyer, 36, and Geoffrey Keaton, 32, died on December 19 after a tree fell on their truck while they were travelling through Buxton, south of Sydney. Samuel McPaul, 28, was battling a blaze in Jingellic, in Green Valley, about 70km east of Albury on the border of NSW and Victoria, on December 30 when a 'fire tornado' caused his 10-tonne firetruck to roll. South Australia: The body of 69-year-old Ron Selth was found in his Charleston home, which was destroyed by the Cudlee Creek blaze on December 21. NEW YEAR'S EVE FIRES New South Wales: Dairy farmer Patrick Salway, 29, and his father Robert, 63, died trying to save their property in Cobargo, near Bega, on December 31. A 70-year-old man, named by local media as Laurie Andrew, was found dead outside a home at Yatte Yattah, west of Lake Conjola. The body of a 70-year-old man was found in a burnt vehicle on a road off the Princes Highway at Yatte Yattah on the morning of New Year's Day. The body of a 62-year-old man was found in a vehicle on Wandra Road at Sussex Inlet about 11.30am on New Year's Day. A body, believed to be a 56-year-old man, found outside a home at Coolagolite, east of Cobargo on New Year's Day. An off-duty RFS firefighter, believed to be 72-year-old Colin Burns, was found near a car in Belowra after the New Year's Eve fires swept through. Victoria: Beloved great-grandfather Mick Roberts, 67, from Buchan, in East Gippsland, was found dead at his home on the morning of New Year's Day. Fred Becker, 75, was the second person to die in Victoria. He suffered a heart attack while trying to defend his Maramingo Creek home. JANUARY New South Wales: David Harrison, a 47-year-old man from Canberra, suffered a heart attack defending his friend's home near Batlow on Saturday, January 4. A 71-year-old man was found on January 6. Police have been told the man was last sighted on December 31, 2019 and was moving equipment on his property in Nerrigundah. An 84-year-old man who stayed to defend his home in Cobargo, NSW, dies in hospital three weeks after fire hit. His pet dog Bella, who stayed by his side as fires raged, was also killed in the disaster. Three American firefighters are killed when Coulson Aviation C-130 Hercules water bomber Zeus crashed while fighting fires near Cooma on Thursday January 23. They have been named as Capt. Ian H. McBeth, 44, First Officer Paul Clyde Hudson and Flight Engineer Rick A. DeMorgan Jr, 43. On January 24, Michael Clark, 59, was found in a Bodalla home destroyed by bushfires near the NSW South Coast town of Moruya. Victoria: Forest Fire Management firefighter Mat Kavanagh, 43, was killed Friday January 3 when he was involved in a two-car crash on the Goulburn Valley Highway. Bill Slade, a 60-year-old father of two from Wonthaggi was fighting fires with Parks Victoria at Omeo when he died on January 11. He has been remembered as one of the longest serving, most experienced and fittest firefighters. South Australia: Well-known outback pilot Dick Lang, 78, and his 43-year-old son, Adelaide surgeon Clayton Lang, died in the Kangaroo Island bushfire after their car was trapped by flames. Advertisement On Wednesday, the national death toll climbed to 26 people after a forest fire management worker was killed in a tragic car crash while helping to tackle a blaze. Pictured: residents evacuating the rural Victorian town of Malcoota Australia's current bushfire crisis has been raging since September last year. On Wednesday, the national death toll climbed to 26 people after a forest fire management worker was killed in a tragic car crash while helping to tackle a blaze. Meanwhile, the Australian economy is estimated to lose $20billion as a result of the crisis. Torn between Iran and the United States, former Iraqi Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani appeared to distance himself on Tuesday from Republican proposals to station US troops in Kurdish territory should Baghdad move forward with threats to expel the Americans in the aftermath of Washingtons assassination of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani. If the process of resolving the current issue in the Middle East region is in accordance to a path of reason and wisdom, we are certainly ready to cooperate, Barzani tweeted. However, we cannot be involved in any proxy wars. Why it matters: After the Iraqi Parliament voted Sunday to expel US forces and all other foreign troops in the country, Republican lawmakers in Washington began floating Iraqi Kurdistan as a future location to station American troops. There remains an option that our presence in what is currently Iraq would be at the behest of the Kurds, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., told reporters on Monday. In the end, I dont think its going to come to that because I think the Sunnis and especially the Kurds would want us to stay even if its in the northern part of the country at their invitation. While the Kurdistan Regional Government may be open to hosting US troops in exchange for Washingtons recognition of it as an independent Kurdish state, Barzanis tweet is indicative of the tightrope he must walk as Tehran and Washington compete for influence over the autonomous Iraqi territory. Whats next: President Donald Trump vowed on Wednesday to respond to the Iranian missile attacks on US forces with sanctions but stopped short of announcing military retaliation. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke briefly after Tuesdays missile attacks and agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops, according to a State Department readout of the call. It also remains unclear whether Baghdad will actually move forward with threats to expel US forces from the country amid questions over the extent of caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdis powers. Know more: Al-Monitors senior correspondent Amberin Zaman has the inside story on the Kurdistan Regional Governments deliberations over whether it would be open to hosting US forces. Connie Hooper was 4 years old when a Western Union messenger arrived at her grandparents Galveston home in December 1943 to inform them that her Uncle Buddy had been killed in action fighting Japanese forces on a tiny Pacific island during World War II. Hoopers minds eye still vividly recalls traumatic details from that day: The messengers bicycle and knickers; the relatives that descended on their home to grieve; the two stars on the telegram signifying a servicemans wartime death. My mother came home from work and they came in the back door and I went with my grandpa to the back door and when they opened the door, my grandpa said, Well, they killed my boy today, Hooper, now 80, said. It was just absolutely heart-wrenching. More than 76 years later, with the help of an enterprising nonprofit and sophisticated DNA analysis, Hooper and her family will finally have an opportunity to give Marine Corps Reserve 1st Lt. Justin Buddy Green Mills a proper burial at Arlington National Cemetery. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced Wednesday that Mills remains were officially accounted for on Aug. 19. History Flight, a nonprofit that specializes in deploying search-and-recovery teams to look for missing serviceman, uncovered the remains of Mills and dozens of other fallen soldiers in 2014 on Betio Island in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Mills was 25 when his Marine company landed on Betio in November 1943, in an attempt to secure the island, then held by Japanese forces. In the early years of the Pacific War, Mills quickly distinguished himself as a leader, rising through the ranks. He was honored with a Silver Star for his actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands in early 1942, which included pushing his platoon forward on the beach in the face of enemy fire as the Americans suffered heavy casualties. Mills was elevated to first lieutenant ahead of the Battle of Tarawa, part of a larger U.S. invasion to capture Japanese-held territory within the Gilbert Islands. The operation began on Nov. 20, 1943, with simultaneous attacks at Betio Island and Makin Island, more than 100 miles north of Tarawa Atoll. During 76 hours of intense fighting at Tarawa, over a thousand Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded. Among those killed on the first day of the battle were Mills, struck by a bullet in the head while climbing over the side of his landing craft at one of the Betio beaches. Like many servicemen killed in action, Mills was likely buried where he fell or placed in large trench burials constructed during and after battle. Some of these graves had improvised markers such as crosses made from sticks, or an up-turned rifle. Although the U.S. armed forces embarked on a large-scale grave recovery mission in the years right after the war, those efforts were complicated by incomplete recordkeeping and by alterations to cemeteries shortly after battle. Mills remains were reportedly buried in the Central Division Cemetery. In 1946, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company centralized all of the American remains found on Tarawa to Lone Palm Cemetery on Betio Island for later repatriation. However, almost half of the known casualties were never found. Janet Cook, Mills niece (and Hoopers younger sister), remembers her grandparents constantly writing to the Marines asking whether they had found her uncles body. Everybody wrote so many letters back in those days asking for his body to be returned so they could honor him and bury him and it just was impossible, they just couldnt find him, Cook said. In October 1949, Mills was officially declared non-recoverable. His absence was especially painful for Cooks and Hoopers mother, who idolized her older brother. I think (Mills) wouldve been a tremendous asset for her and for us kids growing up, Cook said. It was a huge loss. A minimum of 335 U.S. servicemen remained buried on Betio by the time the U.S. graves recovery operation ended in 1948. And as Betio was rebuilt after the war, local residents accidentally disturbed some of these makeshift gravesites during construction activities and the building of trash pits. In 2014, History Flight, Inc., a nonprofit organization, identified a site that correlated with the Central Division Cemetery, part of a years-long effort to locate, excavate, and identify missing servicemen on Betio Island. We flew a drone over the island, we geolocated where the graves were and we were able to locate some of these graves, said Katherine Rasdorf, a spokeswoman for History Flight. We ran a cadaver dog and ground-penetrating radar to try and come up with areas that might likely have burials in them. The site uncovered multiple sets of remains, from complete skeletons to bone fragments, which were turned over and sent to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency laboratory in 2015. Cook and her family had long given up hope that their uncles remains would be located. But in October 2016, she received a message from a History Flight geneologist asking if, as a relative of Mills, she wanted to join a Facebook group of family members of Tarawa servicemen who were missing in action. The group was created to provide news and information about the ongoing recovery efforts. Cook joined the group and found a picture of Mills. She was suddenly overcome by grief. It was like somebody had just punched me in the stomach, Cook said. I was like Oh my God, thats Uncle Buddy, what is this? A year after joining the Facebook group and learning about History Flights mission, Cook sent a DNA sample to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Her sister, Connie Hooper, and brother, Steve Anderson, sent samples in the spring of 2019. Using anthropological analysis as well as circumstantial and material evidence, DPAA scientists, with the help of mitochondrial DNA analysis used by scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, identified Mills remains in August. There were times I just thought theyre not ever going to identify him, theyre never going to find him, Cook said. It was pretty exciting, happy news when it finally happened. Mills name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii along with the others killed or lost in World War II. A rosette will now be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. On April 29, Cook, Hooper and Anderson, a retired Marine, will travel to Arlington National Cemetery where the siblings can finally bury Uncle Buddy in American soil. For Hooper, Mills burial will be something of a storybook ending after witnessing her familys unspeakable grief in Galveston as a child. She added, Were happy that were gonna be able to go and give him the kind of sendoff we feel he deserves. nick.powell@chron.com Around 1,000 students along with some human rights groups protested against the new citizenship law and a possible nationwide NRC at the Delhi University's Faculty of Arts here on Wednesday, reading the preamble to the Constitution and singing the national anthem. They took out a rally that passed through Ramjas College, KNC, Miranda House and returned to the Arts Faculty campus, where a public meeting and a demonstration were held beside the statue of Swami Vivekananda. Posters with "Boomer Janta Party", "Hitler" and "CAA Murdabad" were seen around the campus as slogans of "Islamophobia" and "Modi-Shah Murdabad" rent the air. Natasha Narwal, an alumna of the college, who represented women's collective Pinjra Tod, said teachers also lent support to the students in the protest. "Many students and even teachers boycotted lectures in several colleges from St. Stephen's to Ramjas and Miranda House, and joined the protest. Teachers lending support to the movement is a remarkable move," she said. The numbers swelled up fast as more students joined in. There was heavy police presence at the entry gate of the campus, with women police officers forming a human chain barricading the entrance followed by male officers in a second line. This was in addition to a company of CRPF deployed on the DU campus for the protests. The police set up checkpoints on all roads connecting the DU gates. "This government came with the fake slogan of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. It is least bothered about anyone's 'Vikas', all it wants is its own party's 'Vikas' at the cost of this country's youth, women, children, Constitution and law," Arts Faculty student Aditi Mehta said. Ravish Alam of Rihai Manch said, "We are supporting students everywhere from UP to Delhi who are protesting against this draconian law. We came here to lend our support to DU students who have done a commendable job by staging a peaceful yet powerful protest." The Rihai Manch and other human rights groups of Uttar Pradesh had protested against the amended Citizenship Act and the NRC in Lucknow, following which activists Deepak Kabir, Sadaf Jafar were arrested and later, released. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Operational Update Reids Dome Project Brisbane, Jan 8, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - State Gas Limited ( ASX:GAS ) refers to its announcements on 16 and 30 December 2019 in relation to recent activities at the Reid's Dome Gas Project (PL 231).The Company advises that it has commenced workover activities to complete the Serocold-1 well (drilling during December 2019) for production testing. The production test will be commenced following installation of surface facilities, expected to be at the end of next week.In addition, the Company has taken the Christmas break opportunity to quality control and cross-verify the Nyanda-4 flow rates employing a Critical Flow Prover as well as further investigation of back pressure. We expect to have the results of this process early next week.The Company will release flow testing results from both the Nyanda-4 and Serocold-1 wells as appropriate.To view figures, please visit:About State Gas Limited State Gas Limited (ASX:GAS) is a Queensland-based developer of the Reid's Dome gas field, originally discovered during drilling in 1955, located in the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland. State Gas is 100%-owner of the Reid's Dome Gas Project (PL-231) a CSG and conventional gas play, which is well-located 30 kilometres southwest of Rolleston, approximately 50 kilometres from the Queensland Gas Pipeline and interconnected east coast gas network. Permian coal measures within the Reid's Dome Beds are extensive across the entire permit but the area had not been explored for coal seam gas prior to State Gas' ownership. In late 2018 State Gas drilled the first coal seam gas well in the region (Nyanda-4) into the Reid's Dome Beds and established the potential for a significant coal seam gas project in PL 231. The extension of the coal measures into the northern and central areas of the permit was confirmed in late 2019 by the Company's drilling of Aldinga East-1A (12 km north) and Serocold-1 (6 km to the north of Nyanda-4). State Gas is also the 100% holder Authority to Prospect 2062 ("Rolleston-West"), a 1,414 km2 permit (eight times larger than PL 231) that is contiguous with the Reid's Dome Gas Project. Rolleston-West contains highly prospective targets for both coal seam gas (CSG) and known conventional gas within the permit area. It is not restricted by domestic gas reservation requirements. The contiguous areas (Reid's Dome and Rolleston-West), under sole ownership by State Gas, enable integration of activities and a unified super-gasfield development, providing economies of scale, efficient operations, and optionality in marketing. State Gas is implementing its strategic plan to bring gas to market from Reid's Dome and Rolleston-West to meet near term forecast shortfalls in the east coast domestic gas market. The strategy involves progressing a phased appraisal program in parallel with permitting for an export pipeline and development facilities to facilitate the fastest possible delivery of gas to market. State Gas' current focus has been to confirm the producibility of the gas through production testing of the wells. Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg believes the U.S. invasion of Iraq was "a mistake," but doesn't regret supporting former President George W. Bush's decision to go to war. The 2003 invasion came in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and Bloomberg told the Los Angeles Times on Monday that at the time, "America wanted to go to war, but it turns out it was based on faulty intelligence, and it was a mistake. But I think people that made the mistake did it honestly, and it's a shame, because it's left us entangled, and it's left the Middle East in chaos through today." At the time, Bloomberg was the Republican mayor of New York City. He was a Democrat before that, became an independent in 2007, and returned to the Democratic Party in 2018. While he now sees the invasion as a grave error, he doesn't have any qualms with his previous support of it. "I don't live in a regret world and I didn't make that decision," he told the Times. More stories from theweek.com Iran says it fired missiles at Iraqi air base housing U.S. troops America is guilty of everything we accuse Iran of doing Mitch McConnell may have just given Nancy Pelosi a strategic opening in the impeachment standoff I t was saddening to read David Cohens report [Bring the excluded in from the cold , January 6] about the apparent link between knife crime and Pupil Referral Units. Its important to point out that there are many high-performing PRUs that follow a full school day and appropriate curriculum including our own group of alternative and special provision schools across Bromley and Bexley. The historical perception that PRUs operate outside of normal expectations for schools is wrong and outdated; they are inspected in the same way as other schools. PRU staff are experts in multi-agency working and practised in dealing with young people who have been excluded from the mainstream. The point is that children enter Alternative Provision with existing issues they dont simply develop them once theyve arrived. PRUs are part of a solution to the problem, not the cause. Dr Sam Parrett OBE, Group principal and CEO, London and South East Education Group Editor's reply Dear Sam I agree there are higher performing PRUs, having visited some, and that they help small numbers of students in extremis, but I cannot support your central premise that PRUs should be the solution of choice for disruptive children. The testimonies of the young women published on Monday revealed that the first time they came into contact with knives and criminal behaviour was in a PRU. Data shows a high correlation between PRU pupils and youths that end up dealing drugs on county lines, or in prison. The exorbitant cost of 18,000 per PRU pupil and the abysmal results just one in 100 gets a strong pass in GCSE English and Maths add up to a failed system. Nurture units, pioneered in Glasgow and London schools such as Dunraven, take badly behaved pupils out of class and give them intensive support in an on-site unit, returning them to mainstream classes when ready. They cost less and the results, relative to PRUs, are spectacular. David Cohen, Investigations Editor Delicious news to start Veganuary As a vegan of 30 years standing, I was delighted to read that veganism is now recognised as a protected belief, thanks to the legal case brought by Londoner Jordi Casamitjana. This welcome verdict means that vegans will now have to be catered for and have their ethical beliefs respected in workplaces, schools and hospitals. What a great start to Veganuary. Vegan cookbooks are displayed inside the Hoxton branch of the vegan restaurant chain 'Mildreds' / Getty Images Being vegan has never been easier. London has more than 170 vegan eateries and many more vegan-friendly places to eat. Which is why London is the most vegan-friendly city in the world. Brian Jacobs, Founder, veganlondon.co.uk, resources for vegans in London Labour schism faces reckoning The friction between hardline socialists and moderate social democrats has dogged Labour for many years. Under Tony Blair this seemed to have been resolved. However, the Corbyn/Momentum episode showed otherwise. It will not assist the party to have any more of this swithering between markedly different viewpoints. In the event that the leadership contest is principally between Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey, we may perhaps see a final resolution of the issue. The Rev Andrew McLuskey RMT is a union, not management Commuters queue at Victoria station during an RMT strike / AFP/Getty Images The use of railway guards was introduced in the Victorian era when safety systems were few and far between. Today, rolling stock has TV monitors built into every carriage and more than 40 per cent of trains in the UK run with the driver in sole charge of door operation and train movement. Technology has given drivers ever-improving monitors showing every carriage door. So why are we fighting the same battles that began in the Eighties when it has been consistently shown that drivers do this work perfectly safely and quicker? By Express News Service CHENNAI: LYCA Productions will have to deposit Rs 4.9 crore or produce a bank guarantee, if it wants to release Rajini-starrer Darbar in Malaysia. The Madras High Court directed the production house to deposit the money to the credit of a civil suit pending before it. Till this is done, Lyca cannot exhibit or distribute the movie anywhere in Malaysia, which has a significant Tamil population. The court passed the order in connection with the civil suit filed by plaintiffs from Malaysia, who claimed that Lyca had to pay them around Rs 23.7 crore. The film should not be allowed to be released on January 9 before the settlement of the dues, they contended. At least a third of the 176 passengers killed in the Boeing 737 crash in Iran were Canadians, likely taking advantage of cheap flights home to Toronto, which has one of the world's largest Iranian diasporas. Sixty-three Canadians were killed on the Boeing 737-800 jet that crashed early Wednesday in Sabashahr, near the Iranian capital. They were among 167 passengers and nine crew who lost their lives, including 82 Iranians, and 11 Ukrainians, according to Ukraine's foreign ministry. 08.01.2020 LISTEN The Ghana Health Service (GHS) in Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions has vaccinated a total of 570,864 under five years against polio outbreak which have claimed two lives in Techiman, Hwidiem and paralysed the third patient at Sampa. The massive vaccination campaign which starts today, 8th to 11th January 2020 is to break transmission of the polio virus from an infected person to others and contain the poliovirus. Dr John Ekow Otoo, the Deputy Director in charge of Public Health for Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions made this known in a press briefing to kick start the campaign. The first case Dr.John said was reported in the Bono and Ahafo Regions in a 24months old female from Asiri community in Goka Sub-District in the Jaman North District of the Bono Region. He noted that the second case was a 33-month old female resident in Sissala line in the Techiman West Sub-Municipality in the Bono East Region and the third case was a 37 months old male from Kwasuso Community in the Asutifi South District of the Ahafo Region . Nature of the Disease On the nature of the polio virus, Dr John EKOW Otoo noted that poliomyelitis is a highly infectious viral disease which mainly affects young children. He said the virus transmitted by person to person and spread mainly through the faecal-oral route, contaminated water or food and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis. Symptoms and Signs of Disease Touching on the symptoms and signs of Polio Dr. John Ekow said it include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck and pain in the limbs. In a small proportion of (0.5%), the disease causes paralysis which is often permanent. There is no cure for polio:it can only be prevented by immunization, he advice. The Public Health director noted that the confirmation of Vaccine Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (Cvdpv2) in Ghana led to a declaration of Public Health Emergency of National concern by the Minister of Health. He said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) with the support of its partners have developed a plan to break transmission and contain the poliovirus. The plan, Dr. John Ekow Otoo said focuses on increasing the immunity of vulnerable populations in high risk areas through reactive response vaccination and enhancement of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance activities in the county. In the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions, three (3) rounds of vaccination campaigns have been planned alongside the Oti region. The Round Zero reactive vaccination campaign was organised from the 19th to 22nd December, 2019 in six selected districts in Bono Region. They include Banda, Berekum west, Jaman North, Jaman South and Tain. The Round One vaccination campaign is scheduled for today 8th to 11th January, 2020. It is scheduled to take place in all districts in the Bono, Bono East, Ahafo and Oti regions. The Round Two (2) will be organized on the 5th to the 8th of February, 2020, also in all districts in the Ahafo, Bono, Bono East and Oti regions. In the Round Zero vaccination campaign, which was in 6 districts, Dr. John Ekow said a total of 101,242 children were vaccinated, representing average coverage of 98.3% The Public Health Director noted that other activities Ghana Health Service was conducting to ensure Poliovirus is eradicated includes an enhanced Surveillance on Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP), intensification of the routine vaccination programme (bOPV & IPV), Monitoring and analysis of service data to identify poorly covered areas to conduct mop-ups and the conduction of an Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) Catch-up vaccination campaign. He added that the Ghana Health Service with its partner is entreating all parents and guardians as well as all well-meaning Ghanaians to cooperate with the vaccinating teams and ensure that all children less than 5 years are vaccinated. He gave assurance that measures have been put in place to deal with any reactions that might be associated with the vaccination exercise. WASHINGTON - The world is still skeptical that after nearly three years in office President Donald Trump will do the right thing on foreign affairs, according to Pew Research Center polling released Wednesday. The poll was conducted well before Trump signed off on a U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week. The strike has pushed tensions between America and its longtime Middle Eastern nemesis to high alert and led to Tehran launching ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house American troops. Majorities of people in many of the 33 nations surveyed by the nonpartisan research centre disapprove of a number of the policies that Trump talks about most often, including slapping tariffs on imported goods as a way to gain leverage in trade disputes, withdrawing from international climate change agreements, building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and putting tougher restrictions on immigration to the U.S. Similarly, across the 33 countries, more people disapprove than approve of Trumps decision to have the U.S. be the only world power to back out of a nuclear agreement with Iran. A brighter spot for Trump, however, is the direct negotiations he has had with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. That effort garnered the most support, though not a majority in most countries surveyed. Trump and Kim have held three rounds of talks about denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, most recently last year at the Demilitarized Zone separating North Korea and South Korea. Sentiment against Trump is common across Western Europe, where roughly 75% or more of people in Germany, Sweden, France, Spain and the Netherlands lack confidence in the U.S. leader. That feeling runs even deeper in Mexico, where 89% have no confidence in Trump, who has made Mexicans the target of his barbs and anti-immigration policies like the border wall. But the world isnt entirely against Trump. Majorities in Israel, the Philippines, Kenya, Nigeria and India have confidence that the businessman-turned-president will do the right thing on the world stage. Five leaders were rated in the poll, with Trump receiving the most negative views. Low shares expressed confidence in Russias Vladimir Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping as well. Confidence in Germanys Angela Merkel was the highest among the leaders. Views of Frances Emmanuel Macron were slightly more positive than negative. Trump, a Republican, treats his relatively low approval on the world stage like a badge of honour. He told supporters during a December campaign rally in Battle Creek, Michigan, that Germany and France like his predecessor, Barack Obama, a Democrat, more than they like him. Trump noted that he had taxed imports of French alcoholic beverages to retaliate over a tax that France has imposed on major tech companies, including some based in the U.S. If I ever become more popular that means Im not doing my job, he said. The survey of nearly 37,000 people in the 33 countries was conducted from May 18 to Oct. 2, 2019, based on telephone and face-to-face interviews. In an earlier version of the survey, which was released several months after Trump took office in January 2017, less than 30% of respondents expressed confidence in the presidents ability to do the right thing on international affairs. ___ Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap The Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh, has warned that the service will deal ruthlessly with personnel who engage in any corrupt act. The Ghana Police Service consistently ranks at the top of corruption perception indices in the country. But speaking at a National Anti-Corruption Action Plan Sensitization Program for Senior Police Officers, the IGP said internal regulatory mechanisms have been put in place to reduce corruption within the service. May I mention here that for the first time in the history of the Ghana Police Service, the central disciplinary board of the service has had no backlogs unlike the days where an officer could get involved in a situation and is either interdicted or is on suspension or his case is tendered and the file can be here for five to six years. There is an adage that a fish starts rotting from the head and therefore it is appropriate to get our senior officers involved in the fight against corruption since we are the head we have no choice but to work very hard to address the perception of corruption if we are to remain relevant as a law enforcement institution in the country and I can assure you that the police institution is resolved to see this through. A December Afrobarometer report released by the Center for Democratic Development shows that among key public officials in Ghana, the police, judges and magistrates, Members of Parliament, civil servants, and tax officials were most widely perceived as corrupt. The Ghana Police Service has often topped most corruption perception rankings in the country, with many Ghanaians often expressing their belief that police officers are corrupt. The Afrobarometer report showed that the Ghana Police Service was the most corrupt institution in the country, topping the chart with 57%. ---citinewsroom German supplier ZF Friedrichshafen will deliver a Level 4 autonomous driving system for a commercial vehicle customer by 2025, advancing the timetable for automated commercial trucking. The race to automate trucking is important because of an estimate by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) that a shortage of long-haul truck drivers will swell to 100,000 by 2020, ZF CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider said in a Jan. 6 press conference at CES 2020 in Las Vegas. The driver shortage was the top industry concern in 2019 in a survey of carriers and drivers by the American Transportation Research Institute. Yard Work Based on the ZF ProAI supercomputer, ZF is developing the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for a Level 4 system for an unnamed international commercial vehicle manufacturer. The market launch is scheduled for 2024-25, Scheider said. ZF prefers using autonomous trucks in terminals and depots versus on the highway. It demonstrated an autonomous yard tractor prototype in Germany in 2018 and a Level 4 autonomous day cab at a truck technology event in Ohio in 2019. It is focusing on consistent routes like the former UD Trucks subsidiary of AB Volvo did on a sugar processing plantation in Japan's Hokkaido prefecture in 2019. Volvo is selling UD Trucks to Japan's Isuzu Motors. Others are taking to the highway. Daimler Trucks purchased Torc Robotics, a late-stage startup in 2019 to advance its efforts toward Level 4 automated trucks on U.S. highways by the end of the decade. Level 4 is considered to be fully autonomous driving and the vehicle can make the majority of driving situations independently. Level 4 vehicles still have a cockpit and a human driver can still take over control. ZF competitor Robert Bosch has engineers integrated with startup Nikola Motors, which plans to be commercially producing hydrogen-powered fuel cell Class 8 trucks by the end of 2022. Nikola has said it expects to offer Level 4 trucks shortly after launch. Story continues Dividing Line Many questions are unanswered on the legal framework for automated driving on public roads, ZF's Scheider said. That is why ZF sees automated driving assistance systems (ADAS) as the best solution for personal passenger cars. "For passenger cars, we see the greatest potential in Level 2+ concepts for implementing automated driving functions and making them accessible to all drivers," he said. "There are no regulations for Level 3 or higher and there is no viable business case for individual ownership." Level 2+ reinforces the industry's disinterest in making Level 3 automated vehicles. Level 3 vehicles are capable of taking full control and operating during select parts of a journey. But the driver still must take over control of on/off-ramps and in city driving. ZF has signed a contract to deliver its first Level 2+ system to an unidentified Asian automaker by the end of 2020, Scheider said. Three versions are offered. ZF's coASSIST will cost a customer less than $1,000. More powerful Level 2+ systems go by the names of ZF coDRIVE and ZF coPILOT. Image Sourced from Pixabay 0 See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. While it may not be enough for some shareholders, we think it is good to see the Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (ETR:DBK) share price up 18% in a single quarter. But that can't change the reality that over the longer term (five years), the returns have been really quite dismal. In that time the share price has delivered a rude shock to holders, who find themselves down 70% after a long stretch. So we're hesitant to put much weight behind the short term increase. We'd err towards caution given the long term under-performance. Check out our latest analysis for Deutsche Bank Given that Deutsche Bank didn't make a profit in the last twelve months, we'll focus on revenue growth to form a quick view of its business development. Shareholders of unprofitable companies usually expect strong revenue growth. That's because fast revenue growth can be easily extrapolated to forecast profits, often of considerable size. Over half a decade Deutsche Bank reduced its trailing twelve month revenue by 7.1% for each year. That's not what investors generally want to see. With neither profit nor revenue growth, the loss of 21% per year doesn't really surprise us. We don't think anyone is rushing to buy this stock. Ultimately, it may be worth watching - should revenue pick up, the share price might follow. The company's revenue and earnings (over time) are depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). XTRA:DBK Income Statement, January 8th 2020 Deutsche Bank is a well known stock, with plenty of analyst coverage, suggesting some visibility into future growth. So it makes a lot of sense to check out what analysts think Deutsche Bank will earn in the future (free analyst consensus estimates) What About Dividends? When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. As it happens, Deutsche Bank's TSR for the last 5 years was -64%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! Story continues A Different Perspective Investors in Deutsche Bank had a tough year, with a total loss of 0.8% (including dividends) , against a market gain of about 20%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Unfortunately, longer term shareholders are suffering worse, given the loss of 18% doled out over the last five years. We'd need to see some sustained improvements in the key metrics before we could muster much enthusiasm. You could get a better understanding of Deutsche Bank's growth by checking out this more detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow. If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on DE exchanges. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Sinn Fein TD for Sligo-Leitrim Martin Kenny has welcomed the decision by the Minister for Justice to postpone a commemoration of the RIC and DMP in Dublin Castle next week. Deputy Kenny said: "I welcome the fact that this commemoration will not go ahead. However, I note the tone of the Minister for Justice's statement and the use of the word "postpone", which suggests that this event will take place at a time in the future. "He organised it without using the agreed channel of the All Party Consultation Group on Commemorations and he is clearly out of step with public opinion on this issue. "The RIC and the Black and Tans were a repressive force in this country and the people of this nation do not want to commemorate or honour them. It is an embarrassment to suggest that we should. "If anyone who had an ancestor in one of these repressive forces wants to remember them or pay their respects in any personal way, it is totally appropriate for them to do so. However, the RIC and the DMP served the British on this island and if they are to be commemorated as a force, then the British can do it. "Charlie Flanagan should be aware that if he wants to commemorate them, he is not doing in my name or in the name of the Irish people." The half-century mark is an important milestone for any motorcycle manufacturer, and BMW Motorrad celebrates by building the retro-tastic R nineT /5. This is actually a fairly faithful visual representation of the original R 50/5, R 60/5 and R 75/5 that populated the streets back in 1969 and on into the early 70s. A 110-horsepower, modern boxer engine drives this tribute piece with all the contemporary electronics and features under the hood that weve come to expect from our meticulous Bavarian friends. Buyers have the best of both worlds for a balance between homage and haul-ass LISTEN 10:11 2020 BMW R nineT /5 Design Plush saddle Heated grips 50th anniversary model True-to-heritage styling LED lighting Beemer pulled out all the stops for the visuals of the R nineT /5. First off, the laced wheels set the tone for the rest of the machine, and this dated style is reinforced by the rwu front forks, black rubber fork gaiters, and cyclops headlight. A chopped-down front fender contains the spray up front, and since its much smaller than the original, I would argue that this adds a custom element to the mix. Blackout treatment on the headlight can, instrument housing, frame, and single-side swingarm reinforces that custom vibe. Brilliant chrome shows up on the exhaust headers and 2-into-1 muffler while it shares the stage with the blackout paint on the mirrors for a nice bit of contrast. Even the instrument cluster reaches back in time with its single round clock that displays an analog speedometer with idiot lights for the rest of the pertinent info, much like the originals. The shape of the 4.5-gallon fuel tank is almost a direct carryover with its long, graceful upper arch, knee pockets, black knee pads, and even the pinstriping. Atop the tank and aft of the fuel cap is another bit of bling in the form of a chrome badge that marks the machine as one of the 1969-2019 special edition /5 models. The contoured bench-type seat is yet another throwback with its faux tuck-and-roll finish and gently segregated pillion loft, and for your passengers comfort, it carries subframe-mount, fold-up footpegs with a classic grabstrap to finish it off. A cut-back rear fender mounts the rest of the gear in the rear to include LED turn/taillight with a plateholder that uses the tag as an extension to help contain the spray. Even the upswept muffler plays right into the dated-yet-sporty look of the /5 to leave no stone unturned in Beemers quest to channel the look and attitude that first saw light of day five decades ago. 2020 BMW R nineT /5 Chassis Sporty handling Chrome laced wheels ABS A modular frame on th R nineT /5 provides the structure with a removable pillion section that lets you strip down for a custom-solo look. It leaves an aching void out back between the saddle and rear wheel that gives the R nineT /5 an all-up-front look. The frame departs from the original design by using the engine-transmission assembly as a stressed unit. It displaces the downtubes and cradle that supported the engine back in the day. At the steering head, a 26.6-degree rake angle gives the /5 sporty handling characteristics combined with a 4.1-inch trail figure that sacrifices straight-line tracking for cornering performance and a stock steering damper prevents kickback when the front wheel settles down from a moonshot. The laced wheels are classic looking, no doubt about it, but unlike the originals the rims are actually made from aluminum in a bid to keep unsprung weight down at both axles with steel spokes to connect the rims to the hubs. Z-rated hoops make the connection to the tarmac in a 120/70 up front opposite a 180/55, both with a symmetrical, 17-inch rim size. A single-side, cast-aluminum swingarm finishes up the standing structure and contributes to the clean look by doubling as the housing for the drive shaft. It relies on a central, coil-over spring strut to support the rear end and tame the bumps and comes with a continuously-variable preload and rebound-damper adjustments. Standard front forks ride on 43 mm inner tubes but provide nothing in the way of adjustability. When it comes time to drop anchor, you can count on the stopping power of the dual, four-piston calipers that bite 320 mm front discs and the twin-pot binder that grabs the 265 mm rear disc. Its all under Beemers proprietary Motorrad ABS feature that adds a level of safety to the equation that the engineers could only dream of 50 years ago. Frame: Three-section frame consisting of one front and two rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, removeable pillion frame for single rider use Front suspension/ Travel: Telescopic forks, 43 mm/ 4.9 (125 mm) Rear suspension/ Travel: Cast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable/ 4.7 (120 mm) Castor: 4.1 (105 mm) Steering head angle: 63.4 Wheels: Cast aluminum wheels Rim, front: 3.50 x 17" Rim, rear: 5.50 x 17 Tire, front: 120/70 ZR 17 Tire, rear: 180/55 ZR 17 Brake, front: Dual 320 mm floating disc brakes, 4-piston calipers Brake, rear: Single 265 mm disc brake, dual-piston floating caliper ABS: BMW Motorrad ABS 2020 BMW R nineT /5 Drivetrain 1,170 cc boxer-twin engine 110 hp @ 7,750 rpm 86 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm Automatic Stability Control BMW's air-cooled boxer-twin on the R nineT /5, realistically, was a shoe-in based on looks alone. Like the past models, the R ninT /5 engine rides in the frame with its heads protruding from each side where they can catch plenty of cooling air to carry away the waste heat while under way, plus theres a small oil cooler mounted up under the steering head to protect the engines lifeblood. The flat-twin mill rocks four valves per head to open up the combustion chamber for efficient induction/exhaust with dual over-head cams to time the poppets rather than the pushrods used on the old models. This brings a concurrent reduction in the reciprocating mass of the valvetrain to turn in safer revs at the top of the range with less likelihood of harmonic valve-float occurring. Massively over-square, the engine runs a 101 mm bore and short, 73 mm stroke that puts the total displacement at 1,170 cc with a 12-to-1 compression ratio thats near the top of the range. Maximum output is rated at 110 horsepower at 7,750 rpm, and those ponies are backed up by 86 pound-feet of torque that tops out at six grand even. Electronic fuel injection and a 3-way catalyst in the exhaust helps the mill meet Euro-4 emission standards and produce a 44 mpg fuel economy rating. Besides the ABS feature, the Automatic Stability Control (traction control) serves as the only other safety electronics on this dated ride. A single-plate dry clutch couples engine power to the six-speed, helical-gear transmission with a shaft-type final drive to carry the power to the rear wheel, and the overall drive ratio turns out a top speed of over 125 mph. How much over? I didnt test it. Engine: Air/oil cooled, 4-stroke flat twin engine with balance shaft, four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft, wet sump lubrication Bore x Stroke: 101 mm x 73 mm Displacement: 1,170 cc Rated output: 110 hp (81 kW) @ 7,750 rpm Max. torque: 86 lb-ft (116 Nm) @ 6,000 rpm Compression ratio: 12.0:1 Mixture control / engine management: Electronic fuel injection Emission control: Controlled 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4 Clutch: Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated Gearbox: Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical cut gears Secondary drive: Shaft drive 2.91:1 2020 BMW R nineT /5 Pricing The 2020 R nineT /5 rolls with silver highlights throughout the drivetrain and a Lupine Blue Metallic finish on the sheet metal in a final bid to marry itself to the look of the early models. This special-edition model can be had for $12,495, and of course, the factory offers a line of accessories and clothing to compliment the bike. Standard Features: ABS, ASC (Automatic Stability Control), Modular Frame Concept, Adjustable Rear Suspension, Telesopic Fork, Disc Brakes, Speedometer, Smoked Turn Signal Lenses, LED Tail Light, Cast Alloy Wheels, 2-Section Dual Seat, Painted Steel Tank, Steering Damper Color: Lupin Blue Metallic/Smoke Price: $12,495 2020 BMW R nineT /5 Competitor The deep historical roots Beemer brings to bear with its R nineT /5 demands a competitor with an equal pedigree, and I feel comfortable that the Bonneville Speed Twin from British giant Triumph fits the bill like nothing else can, so lets get to it. Triumph Bonneville Speed Twin Trumpet put together the modern-classics range for the same sort of rider who'd be attracted to the BMW with style elements from the same era, more or less. A double-downtube/double-cradle frame sets the stage for the oh-so-British parallel-twin engine and teardrop tank that defines the Bonnie look. Dual exhaust pipes and gaitered front forks reinforce the look and the knee pockets in the tank and bench seat seals the deal to tie in with the old-school build. Unfortunately, Trumpet opted for a water-cooled engine so theres a great big honkin radiator up front that no amount of black paint will ever make okay. Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer the look of air-cooled machines though Triumph threw me a bone by putting cooling fins on the heads in order to sell the classic look. Both bikes are typical of the standard-cruiser/UJM look that was popular in the early seventies, and bless them old boys, the rider triangle is a workable balance between upright comfort and tucked-in performance so you arent pigeonholed by the layout. At 1,200 cc even, the Bonneville engine has a slight displacement advantage over the BMW mill, but Triumph fails to convert that to a power advantage as it only produces 97.6 ponies and 82.6 pounds o grunt against 110/86 from the Beemer. Got to respect that German engineering. The Speed Twins suspension falls short, as well, with only the obligatory spring preload out back, but Triumph makes up for that with a trio of Riding Modes to go with its ABS and Traction Control features for a slight technological edge in the electronics. A slipper clutch lends the Bonnie another advantage to make the Speed Twin an arguably safer bike overall. Triumph sweetens the pot with a $12,200 pricetag thats just a skosh lighter at the checkout, but I dont expect that difference to even register with prospective buyers, particularly in light of the special nature of the R nineT /5 and its historical significance. Read our full review of the Triumph Bonneville Speed Twin. He Said Beemers Option 719 range never disappoints, and the R nineT /5 is no exception. Seriously, if youre into classic-looking machines, just put the new version next to the original and take a few steps back. If you ignore the drum brake on the old bike the two could almost pass as twins. I expect this model to perform well in the U.S. market, particularly with riders who are around my own age, cause to us, this is what bikes looked like growing up. She Said My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, From where did this come? The R nineT Pure, to start off. The /5 package includes chrome exhaust and heated grips with two heat levels. I love me some heated grips, dont you? The saddle is more plush and it has more electronics, and overall, its a very sweet bike. It feels nice in the corners with easy handling and the tank shape makes a narrow waist so reaching the ground is effortless. 2020 BMW R nineT /5 Specifications Engine & Drivetrain: Engine: Air/oil cooled, 4-stroke flat twin engine with balance shaft, four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft, wet sump lubrication Bore x Stroke: 101 mm x 73 mm Displacement: 1,170 cc Rated output: 110 hp (81 kW) @ 7,750 rpm Max. torque: 86 lb-ft (116 Nm) @ 6,000 rpm Compression ratio: 12.0:1 Mixture control / engine management: Electronic fuel injection Emission control: Controlled 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4 Clutch: Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated Gearbox: Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical cut gears Secondary drive: Shaft drive 2.91:1 Chassis: Frame: Three-section frame consisting of one front and two rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, removeable pillion frame for single rider use Front suspension/ Travel: Telescopic forks, 43 mm/ 4.9 (125 mm) Rear suspension/ Travel: Cast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable/ 4.7 (120 mm) Castor: 4.1 (105 mm) Steering head angle: 63.4 Wheels: Cast aluminum wheels Rim, front: 3.50 x 17" Rim, rear: 5.50 x 17 Tire, front: 120/70 ZR 17 Tire, rear: 180/55 ZR 17 Brake, front: Dual 320 mm floating disc brakes, 4-piston calipers Brake, rear: Single 265 mm disc brake, dual-piston floating caliper ABS: BMW Motorrad ABS Dimensions & Capacities: Length: 82.9 (2,105 mm) Width (incl. Mirrors): 35.4 (900 mm) Height (incl. Mirrors): 48.8 (1,240 mm) Wheelbase: 58.8 (1,493 mm) Seat height, unladen weight: Standard Seat: 31.7", Custom Front Seat: 31.3", Low Seat: 30.5" Inner leg curve, unladen weight: Standard Seat: 70.3", Custom Front Seat: 69.9", Low Seat: 68.1" Curb weight: 483 lbs (219 kg) Permitted total weight: 948 lbs (430 kg) Payload (with standard equipment): 465 lbs (211 kg) Usable tank volume: 4.5 gal with 1 gal reserve (17 l with 3.5 l reserve) Fuel consumption: 44 mpg (WMTC) Fuel type: Premium Unleaded Maximum speed: Over 125 mph Electrical: Alternator: Three-phase alternator 720 W Battery : 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free Details: Standard Features: ABS, ASC (Automatic Stability Control), Modular Frame Concept, Adjustable Rear Suspension, Telesopic Fork, Disc Brakes, Speedometer, Smoked Turn Signal Lenses, LED Tail Light, Cast Alloy Wheels, 2-Section Dual Seat, Painted Steel Tank, Steering Damper Color: Lupin Blue Metallic/Smoke Price: $12,495 Further Reading BMW Motorrad Read more BMW news. At least four people were killed, including a senior government official, when a car bomb exploded close to a checkpoint near Somalia's parliament in the capital Mogadishu on Wednesday, police said. A plume of thick black smoke was seen over the city and witnesses said a number of vehicles were on fire. Islamist group Al-Shabaab claimed the attack, after a rise in activity in recent days by the Al-Qaeda linked group which has seen it inflict mass casualties in Somalia and attack a US military base in Kenya. "Explosives were packed in a vehicle which the security forces think was trying to pass through the checkpoint, but because he could not do that, the suicide bomber detonated it," said police officer Adan Abdullahi. Map of Somalia's capital Mogadishu locating the parliament, near where a large explosion occurred Wednesday. / AFP "Initial reports we have received indicate four people were killed and more than 10 others were wounded in the blast." Bile Ismail, the manager of finances at the ministry for women and human rights, was among those killed, relatives and colleagues told AFP. "We have indeed lost a brother and good friend in the blast this morning," Abdiqani Omar, the ministry's former director general, told AFP. "He was sitting in the car waiting in line at the checkpoint when the blast occurred and his body (was) badly burned inside the car," he added. - 'There was chaos' - Abdirahman Mohamed, who was at a nearby grocery store when the blast occurred, said he saw several corpses. "I saw the dead bodies of several people, some of them killed by shrapnel inside their vehicles. There was chaos... and ambulances reached the scene soon after the blast," he said. Shamso Ali, another witness, described "smoke and chaos along the road, the blast was very heavy". "Thanks to God I was a distance away but I saw the smoke and several vehicles caught on fire," he said. Mogadishu is regularly hit by attacks by the Shabaab, which has fought for more than a decade to topple the Somali government. The powerful blast comes after the Shabaab claimed a car bombing in Mogadishu on December 28 that killed 81 people. Over 10 people were injured in the blast according to police / AFP That attack, which hit a busy checkpoint in the southwest of the city, was Somalia's deadliest assault in two years. Scores were wounded. The Shabaab has also managed to expand its network in the region, especially in Kenya which has suffered several devastating attacks in retaliation for sending troops into Somalia in 2011. On Sunday, three US citizens died and several aircraft and military vehicles were destroyed when the Shabaab stormed a military base in Kenya's coastal Lamu region. Also Sunday, just hours after the attack, police arrested three men who tried to force their way into a British military training camp in the central Kenyan town of Nanyuki. The Al-Qaeda-linked group has in the past carried out bloody sieges against civilians in Kenya, such as the upmarket Westgate Mall in 2013 and Garissa University in 2015. The uptick in attacks comes almost a year since the January 15 siege on an upscale Nairobi hotel which left 21 people dead. In recent statements, the Shabaab has referred to an increase in US military air strikes under President Donald Trump, accusing Washington of killing innocent civilians. AFRICOM said in April it had killed more than 800 people in 110 strikes in Somalia since April 2017. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that he would never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. In his address to the nation after Iran's strike on US military installations in Iraq, Trump said, "As long as I am the President, Iran will never be allowed to have the nuclear weapon." The tension between the US and Iran had heightened after the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq last Friday. His death marked a dramatic escalation in tension between the US and Iran, which has often been at a fever pitch since Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact the powers had struck with Tehran. Iran today fired a number of missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops in retaliation for the American strike. Soleimani's killing has once again put a question on the completion and operationalization of the strategic Chabahar port, located in the Sistan-Baluchistan province on Iran's southeastern coast. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ottawa, Jan 9 (IANS) Addressing the 25th conference of the Presiding Officers and the Chairman of Parliaments of Commonwealth Nations here, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that in 2022, when India will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Independence, the Parliament sessions will be held in the new Parliament House. He said the construction work of Central Vista, from Rashtrapati Bhawan to India Gate, has started. The new Parliament House and Central Vista will constructed in a manner that it will fulfill the needs of the next 250 years. The Parliament House was constructed in 1927. It has completed 92 glorious years. The need of the new Parliament House emerged so as to provide ample space and facilities to the MPs and officials for the making of New India because the responsibilities have also increased with the new mandate, he said. Birla said several countries across the globe had to reconstruct their Parliament Houses as per the 21st century. He also said that consultations have been taken from the concerned people for the construction of the new Parliament House. He said, the architecture of the Parliament House symbolises the aspirations of a country and countrymen adding that keeping in view the increasing number of Parliamentarians and their work the legislatures across the globe are expanding. Speaking on the subject of parliamentary activities, transparency and accountability, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh said Parliament's dialogue with the people is the right to a vibrant democratic system. It is necessary to convey the information of the works of Parliament to the public. rt/ A Ukrainian Boeing 737 with 180 passengers on board has crashed after taking off from Iran's Khomeini Airport in Tehran due to technical issues, Tasnim news agency said on Wednesday morning, Trend reports citing Sputnik. According to the outlet, the airport chief confirmed the information. The plane was heading for Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, Fars news agency reported. CLEVELAND -- Reducing mass incarceration in Ohio is now not only a priority of urban black and brown communities but is also increasingly a priority among a growing number of Ohio business owners and job creators who view it as being in Ohios best economic interest. A recently decided case in the Supreme Court of Ohio crystallizes how easily mass incarceration creeps into our system. In State v. Gwynne, a 55-year-old woman pleaded guilty to numerous nonviolent theft-related crimes involving several nursing homes. The sentencing judge ordered her to serve a 65-year sentence an effective life sentence, according to the 5th Ohio District Court of Appeals three-judge panel. The panels reduction of Gwynnes sentence to 15 years was overturned in November by a 6-1 majority of the Supreme Court of Ohio (Justice Donnelly dissenting). According to the research institute Policy Matters Ohio, our state incarcerated approximately 50,440 people as of 2017 roughly the population of Ohios most densely populated city, Lakewood at an average cost of $67.84 per inmate per day. Gwynnes sentence alone will cost Ohio taxpayers more than $1.5 million. Michael P. Donnelly is an associate justice of The Supreme Court of Ohio. As two members of our states judiciary, we write to include our names in support along with the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission for the creation of a centralized criminal database and repository to track all criminal sentences in Ohio. The commission has stated that criminal justice data in Ohio is disparate, mismatched, and complex, and lacks the capacity to fully and completely narrate the comprehensive criminal justice story in Ohio. With a sentencing database, the Ohio General Assembly would be arming judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and Ohios citizens with information that is currently unavailable to them, and that would make the administration of justice more fair, equitable, and most importantly, transparent. Without this information, many criminal defendants will continue to believe that whether they receive a five-year or a 20-year sentence is largely determined by which judge is assigned to their case at arraignment, rather than the actual record of their case. Unlike their counterparts in the federal system, state trial court judges in Ohio are not required to follow specific sentencing guidelines designed to promote uniformity. We concede that the federal guidelines, which restrict judicial discretion and impose severe and sometimes arbitrary sentences, have played their own role in contributing to mass incarceration on a national level. Ray Headen is a judge of the 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals. On the other end of the spectrum, Ohio trial courts are vested with wide and arguably extreme discretion. The trial court that sentenced Ms. Gwynne was empowered to grant her probation or issue the 65-year sentence that it did. As a result, Gwynne appeared at her sentencing hearing not knowing whether she would go home that day or whether she would die in prison. A sentencing database and repository developed and maintained by the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission -- among data-gathering reforms the 19-year-old commission recommended a year ago -- would provide all stakeholders and appellate courts charged with reviewing sentences with the ability to ensure that criminal sentences are consistent with what our General Assembly has indicated are the overall purposes and principles of felony sentencing, as embodied in Ohio Revised Code 2929.11 and 2929.12. Those purposes and principles are to punish the offender, protect the community, set the offender on a course towards rehabilitation, and use the least amount of state resources necessary to achieve these goals. Uniformity and proportionality of sentences are essential to maintaining the publics confidence in our courts. We agree with the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commissions view that policymakers and enforcers must be able to access comprehensive criminal justice information to maximize public safety and develop effective policies. A criminal sentencing database and repository will help reduce mass incarceration and will be an investment in a safer, fairer, and more cost-efficient justice system. Michael P. Donnelly is an associate justice on The Supreme Court of Ohio. Ray Headen is judge of the 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals, serving all of Cuyahoga County. **************************** Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the Follow option at the top of the comments, and look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com. The evidence mounted all year. Temperature records were broken in France, Germany and elsewhere; the Greenland ice sheet experienced exceptional melting; and, as 2019 came to a close, broiling temperatures contributed to devastating wildfires that continue in Australia. Now European scientists have confirmed what had been suspected: 2019 was a very hot year, with global average temperatures the second highest on record. Only 2016 was hotter, and not by much less than one-tenth of a degree Fahrenheit. The finding, by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, an intergovernmental agency supported by the European Union, continues an unrelenting upward trend in temperatures as emissions of greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere and change the climate. PHOENIX, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthBI, the technology division of Equality Health, announced today that its CareEmpower platform experienced another year of record growth, doubling revenue in 2019. Its broad market reachavailable to over 70,000 provider practicesexpanded even further this year with a 50 percent increase in members covered. The platform now enables the delivery of proactive, preventive care for nearly 20 million members in Medicaid managed plans, Medicare Advantage, and commercial health plans. HealthBI president Doug Duskin gave the following commentary on factors driving CareEmpower's year-over-year growth. Executives from Equality Health will also be available to discuss the tech division's growth at the upcoming 38th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. For inquiries about a meeting at the conference, contact [email protected]. The Mainstreaming of Medicaid Managed Care One of the most significant developments in public health policy in the past decade is the shift to risk-based, Medicaid managed care. Today, the vast majority of Medicaid beneficiaries receive care under this model, which in turn is the de facto model for Medicaid in a majority of states.1 It comes with a challenging caveat: Medicaid managed health plans and providers must be able to demonstrate they are meeting stringent benchmarks for quality, member outcomes, and cost. "Medicaid agencies are increasingly determined to move the needle on health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries, who are among the country's most complex member populations. This puts significant pressure on managed care plans--and the providers in their networks--to work more efficiently and collaboratively to improve member outcomes," noted Duskin. He added, "Most importantly, health plans and their provider partners need shared technology to coordinate care for the members they serve. CareEmpower was designed to close the information gap between plans and providers to improve outcomes for members across a broad spectrum of acuity." In a notable example, this year Banner-University Health Plans chose HealthBI as its technology partner to integrate behavioral and physical healthcare, basing its new Care Navigation Accelerator on the CareEmpower platform. Now provider practices across the BannerUniversity Health Plans network see an integrated view of members' physical and mental health history, medication history, and even social determinants of health, right at the point of care. Providers can then act on the member's needs within minutes, from prescribing the right medication to referring members to appropriate services. This includes referrals to substance abuse services, with appropriate member consent in place, in minutes or less. All told, CareEmpower is now deployed to manage care coordination for 8 million Medicaid managed care members throughout the country. That's an increase of 50 percent over the previous year. Medicare Advantage Plans Remain Popular America's Medicare beneficiaries continue to utilize commercial "Medicare Advantage" plans in increasing numbers, with enrollment in such plans nearly doubling over the past decade.2 Here again, Medicare Advantage plans and providers are required to provide evidence that members receive quality care that emphasizes wellness, prevention and proactive management of chronic conditions. In turn, these providers need an accurate understanding of member acuity to assure the necessary resources to care for these members. CareEmpower offers health plans and providers a shared platform from which to risk stratify members and identify their gaps in care with a newfound clarity. Over the past year, CareEmpower nearly doubled its Medicare Advantage coverage and now supports more than 8.5 million members. Built for Risk-Based Care As both of the above trends indicate, health plans and providers are increasingly expected to deliver better outcomes at a lower cost. Neither can bear the cost savings alone, but providers are taking on an ever greater share. Accordingly, CareEmpower is designed to help providers successfully care for complex populationsand receive proper and accurate reimbursement. The platform offers: Proactive workflows for prevention, quality management, and transitions of care Tailored care coordination protocols for high-risk members Integrated views of physical, behavioral, and sociocultural risk factors Member engagement at scale Nationally, HealthBI's care coordination platform is the provider enablement technology offered by the nation's four largest health plans. In Arizona alone, CareEmpower coordinates care for over 1 million lives, serving as the care coordination platform for five of the seven AHCCCS Medicaid plans. It provides crucial support to help providers prove and meet their risk-based contracts under the AHCCCS model of care that emphasizes integration of physical and mental healthcare with community resources. "Given its market reach, CareEmpower is playing a central role in the creation of a national blueprint for whole-person healthcare," Duskin concluded. About HealthBI HealthBI was founded to unify fragmented healthcare systems and help care teams succeed in an increasingly outcomes-driven world. Since 2012, HealthBI's care coordination technology has been deployed by the country's largest payers to support practices and the community in improving the continuity of care and optimizing value-based performance across more than 20 million Medicaid, Medicare and Commercial lives, including some of the most complex populations in the nation. HealthBI is a division of Equality Health, the Phoenix-based whole-health delivery system that deploys HealthBI's flagship CareEmpower solution to enable culturally competent, value-based care for underserved populations. Learn more at www.healthbi.com and follow HealthBI on Twitter and LinkedIn. Media Contacts For HealthBI, contact: Stephanie Janard at [email protected] 1 https://www.kff.org/data-collection/medicaid-managed-care-market-tracker/ 2 https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/a-dozen-facts-about-medicare-advantage/ SOURCE HealthBI Related Links http://www.healthbi.com Pompeo Defends Soleimani Killing, Accuses Iran Of Hurting Afghan Peace Effort By RFE/RL January 07, 2020 WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has rejected suggestions that Iran's top military commander was on a "diplomatic" mission when he was killed by a U.S. air strike near Baghdad last week. "Is there any history that would indicate that it was remotely possible that this kind gentleman, this diplomat of great order -- Qasem Soleimani -- had traveled to Baghdad for the idea of conducting a peace mission?" Pompeo told a press briefing on January 7. "We know that wasn't true," he added, responding to remarks by Iranian officials that the slain major general was attempting to conduct peace talks in Iraq. Pompeo reiterated U.S. President Donald Trump's view that Soleimani, who headed Iran's elite Quds Force, was in the process of orchestrating attacks on Americans and others in the region. The state secretary also said that Iran was "actively working" to undermine the peace process in Afghanistan and that Tehran had relationships with the Taliban and other militant groups there. "Iran has refused to join the regional and international consensus for peace, and is, in fact, actively working to undermine the peace process by continuing its long global effort to support militant groups there," Pompeo said. Meanwhile, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani tweeted that he had discussed the "latest security developments in the region" with U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper. "We both agreed that it's time for urgent #de-escalation between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran," he wrote. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pompeo-defends- soleimani-killing-accuses-iran-of-hurting- afghan-peace-effort/30364800.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Walking the hallways of the Springfield Science Museum, work is already underway to improve areas with the help of a grant issued by the commonwealth of Massachusetts. The $100,000 will be dedicated to funding a permanent exhibit recreating a section of the International Space Station and an upgrade to the historic Seymour Planetarium. Kay Simpson, president and CEO of the Springfield Museums said that with the opening of the Dr. Seuss museum in 2017, attendance has doubled in the years following from roughly 250,000 people to 500,000 after. Its time to focus on the Science Museum, said Simpson. To carry on the momentum. The recreation of the International Space Station, along with major digital upgrades to our historic Planetarium, will accelerate our campaign to transform the Science Museum into a dynamic 21st century learning center. Kay Simpson, president and CEO of the Springfield museums said. (Douglas Hook / MassLive) Working with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space the Museum will install an interactive replica of the U.S. Laboratory Module, Destiny. The exhibit will feature astronaut artifacts and will enable visitors to try experiments conducted in space. The idea came two years ago when the director of science David Stier reached out to the International Space Station National Lab. Its amazing. Weve been talking about doing this for two years, said Stier. I didnt even know it was possible to partner with [National Lab]. Working with The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (ISS National Lab) the Museums will install an interactive replica of the U.S. Laboratory Module, Destiny, housed in the International Space Station. (Douglas Hook / MassLive) Curator of astronomy Mike Kerr talks with enthusiasm about the activities and exhibits that will be present in the replica space station. Like the sleeping quarters on the ISS, all four walls will have beds, Kerr said. He went on to demonstrate with a book in his hand and added, replica objects will be weighted to show gravity on different planets [in our solar system]. So, visitors will pick up the same object, depending on what planet theyre on, how much it weighs will vary. On Earth, an object like a book may weigh 1 kilogram, on a planet like Jupiter the same book would weigh 2.53 kilograms because the gravitational pull is stronger. The museum wants the new exhibits to not only benefit the young as Simpson puts it but also aims to make the experience intergenerational, so young and old alike will take something away from the experience. A good example of interactive space and STEM learning the museum has been developing in partnership with the Smithsonian is Spark!Lab which will also launch Jan. 17. Ruby Ostroskey and Leisha Molina both 4 years old, make materials to go in the wind tunnel at the Spark!Lab. (Douglas Hook / MassLive) Spark!Lab educators Sarah-Rose Adan and Ross Moller brought out one of the five activities that visitors will be able to experiment with, a wind tunnel. The aim is to make an object that flies or floats in the tunnel depending on what the challenge is. The improvements in the Science Museum are integral to a sweeping museum-wide revitalization of our encyclopedic collections to emphasize immersive, hands-on experiences that make learning interactive and fun, Simpson said. Roughly $25,000 will be invested into the replica space station, the remaining $75,000 is to update the starball and planetarium. At the museum, the term starball is used to describe the star projector. Opened in 1937, the Seymour Planetarium features the starball the world's oldest operating American-made star projector, designed and built during the Depression by brothers Frank and John Korkosz of Chicopee. Mike Kerr, curator of astronomy at the science museum shows the 'starball.' Opened in 1937, the Seymour Planetarium features the starball, the world's oldest operating American-made star projector, designed and built during the Depression by brothers Frank and John Korkosz of Chicopee. (Douglas Hook / MassLive) In New York [Planetariums they] put the starball on for 20 seconds and then goes to digital, said Kerr. Here the shows are personal and engaging. Although the plans to upgrade the planetarium to digital are underway, Kerr points out that the experience will honor the history as well as giving a good show. Kerr, before taking his current role at the museum, worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as associate staff and tells MassLive that many of his colleagues, as well as himself, were inspired by visits to planetariums and science museums when they were young. (Left to Right) Director of the science museum David Stier, President of the Museums Kay Simpson and Curator of astronomy Mike Kerr. (Douglas Hook / MassLive) Its very important to encourage kids, said Kerr. Inspiring them to create and learn real things. The museums vision for the future is to become recognized as not just a citys museum but as something much more where people will come from across the country and in some cases across the world. The Dr. Seuss museum has already created that influx with a family who traveled from Israel. The recreation of the Space Station, along with major digital upgrades to our historic Planetarium, will accelerate our campaign to transform the Science Museum into a dynamic 21st-century learning center, said Simpson. [With a vision to] change this into something that isnt just regional, but national. China's auto glass manufacturer Fuyao Group said Monday that it will invest 46 million U.S. dollars in new equipment at its Dayton plant, which will bring 100 new jobs to local community. At a ceremony held at Fuyao Dayton plant, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed his recognition of Fuyao's contribution to the region. "Fuyao Glass America (a subsidiary of Fuyao Group) has made a positive impact on the economy of Ohio through its investment and commitment to manufacturing," DeWine said. In 2014, Fuyao bought a former General Motors facility closed in the 2008 financial crisis and turned the abandoned plant into a two-million-square-feet factory. "It is really good to start off the New Year with this very good news about your expansion here," the governor added. "We are proud that you've made the Dayton area home ... We value very much this partnership." Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping said "I strongly believe that when we work together we can build up a very good relationship based on collaboration, cooperation and stability to bring the tangible fruits to benefit the people of our two countries and the world." In an interview with Xinhua, Cao Dewang, board chairman of Fuyao Group, said he is confident of Fuyao's operation in the United States and confident of the U.S. market, and his company will continue to invest in the United States. Fuyao Group has opened five factories in the United States. The Dayton factory now has 2,300 employees. Iran missiles hit US forces in Iraq US Department of Defence announced that two airbases housing US troops in Iraq have been hit by more than a dozen ballistic missiles, according to the US Department of Defence. Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq early on Wednesday in retaliation for the US drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing last week raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. BASES HOUSE MORE THAN 1.500 US FORCES Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles from its territory against at least two Iraqi facilities hosting US-led coalition personnel at about 1:30 a.m. (2230 GMT on Tuesday), the US military said. The Al Asad airbase houses about 1,500 US forces. The base was already on high-alert and recently paused their operation against Daesh fearing a revenge attack by Iran. US Senator Lindsey Graham called the ballistic missile strike by Iran "an act of war" and said that Trump has "all the authority he needs under Article II to respond." Graham spoke with Fox News anchor Sean Hannity on Tuesday evening. Iran missiles hit US forces in Iraq WATCH "This was an act of war, Sean, by any reasonable definition," Graham told Hannity. "The missiles were launched from Iran. The president has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond. How he responds is yet to be determined." Iranian officials said their country did not want a war and its strikes concluded its response to Fridays killing of Qassem Soleimani, a powerful general whose burial in Iran after days of mourning was completed almost at the same time as Irans missile launches. The number of people claiming asylum in Germany has fallen for the third year in a row, the countrys interior ministry has announced. There were 111,094 first-time asylum applications made in 2019, German officials said on Wednesday, 18,534 fewer than 2018 a fall of 14.3 per cent. Fewer refugees have been arriving at Germanys borders since the height of the migrant crisis in 2015, when 890,000 asylum claims were lodged. The most common nationality among last years asylum-seekers was Syrian, with 26,453 people fleeing that country to find refuge in Germany, just under a quarter of the total number of claims. Other common countries of origin included Iraq (10,0894 people), Turkey (10,275), Iran (7,778) and Afghanistan (7,124). The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Show all 20 1 /20 The depth of the refugee crisis across the world The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Mexico A mother washes her baby as she waits for her fast-track humanitarian visa at the Mexico-Guatemala border in Ciudad Hidalgo. Unicef/Bindra The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Uganda Refugee children and youngsters from host communities play at a park in Palabek Refugee settlement, during the mid-morning break. This facility is supported by Unicef with EU financial assistance it also provides psychosocial support to refugee children as well as a place to play, learn, interact, sing and dance after all the traumatic experiences they may have gone through. Unicef/Nabatanzi The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Jordan Ali, two, rests on his fathers chest. His family are Syrian refugees and came to Jordan six years ago. Ali has just received his winter clothing kit from Unicef and its partner Mateen. Unicef/Herwig The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Bangladesh Children enjoy a ride on a homemade ferris wheel during Eid al-Ftr in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. They are celebrating the holiday in Balukhali, a Rohingya refugee camp sheltering over 800,000 people. The camp is one of the largest in the world, and is bracing for the onset of the monsoon rains. Unicef/Modola The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Colombia Yulis Rivas, three, draws a picture of her parents in a Friendly Space in Cucuta, where Unicef provides learning activities for migrant children and parents from Venezuela. Unicef/Arcos The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Greece A young girl holds her doll in front of her tent at the refugee camp in Moria, on the Greek island of Lesbos. This is an overspill area of the camp, known as the jungle or the olive grove. In 2018, approximately 12,000 refugee and migrant children arrived in Greece by sea. Unicef/Haviv VII Ph The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Uganda Pupils play at Bidibidi refugee settlement in the Yumbe district of Uganda. Their school is supported by Unicef. Unicef/Bongyereirwe The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Colombia Hundreds of pupils cross the Venezuela-Colombia border at 5am to meet a bus that will take them to school in the Colombian city of Cucuta. Unicef/Arcos The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Jordan Ayman, 11 days old, receives his vaccinations in one of the Unicef-supported health clinics in Azraq refugee camp in Jordan. Unicef/Herwig The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Ethiopia Sabirin Nur, 18, is a Somali student volleyball captain at Unicef-supported Melkadida primary school, helping to run sessions for other pupils. Sabirin says: As a female, many of us face challenges with our parents, like forced marriage or relatives trying to get us married. They want us to go home and be wives. Unicef/Ayene The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Uganda Pupils sing and play at Bidibidi refugee settlement in Uganda, where migrants have fled from South Sudan. The centre is funded by UK aid and Plan International provides positive parenting services, early learning and recovery for children from war-related stress disorders. Unicef/Bongyereirwe The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Syria Khalid, 10, receives a measles vaccination in Tabqa city in Raqqa governorate. Khalid was uprooted due to escalating violence near his home, and returned a year ago. Unicef/Souleiman The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Lebanon Syrian refugee children in an informal settlement near Terbol in the Bekaa Valley. Unicef/Modola The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Daily life at the refugee camp in Moria. Unicef/Haviv VII Ph The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Colombia A baby has checkup in a Colombian medical centre that receives support from Unicef. Every day, about 40 migrant children are vaccinated in this centre. Unicef/Arcos The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Rumichaca, border of Ecuador with Colombia Katty Baez helps her one-year-old Alfredo insert the straw into a juice box that was given to them by a stranger. Katty is traveling to Peru with her two children to meet her husband, who has been there for eight months, and does not know that the family is on the way. Katty wants to surprise him, because he has been working hard on a fishing boat and the children miss him. In this area, Unicef Ecuador is supporting the government to ensure access to safe drinking water, sanitation, education and health services. Unicef/Arcos The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Ethiopia Pal Biel Jany, 15, wants to be the future president of South Sudan. He goes to school in Makod primary and secondary school in Tierkidi refugee camp in the Gambella region. Unicef/Mersha The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Lebanon Syrian refugee children play in Housh al Refka informal settlement in Bekaa Valley. Unicef/Choufany The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Rumichaca, border of Ecuador with Colombia Thiago Patania, 18 months old, takes a nap in the Unicef tent next to the Ecuadorian customs office in Rumichaca, while his mother waits in line to complete the immigration procedures for her passport to be stamped. Unicef has set up temporary child-friendly spaces and rest tents, as well as supplying thermal blankets, baby kits, and hygiene kits. Unicef/Arcos The depth of the refugee crisis across the world Cameroon Twelve-year-old Waibai Buka (centre) skips rope as a friend records a video of her with a computer tablet provided by Unicef at a school in Baigai. Waibai had to flee her village after an attack by Boko Haram. She has not seen her father since the attack and fears he might be dead. Unicef initiated a pilot project in January 2017 called Connect My School. Six solar-powered units help provide internet to schools in different parts of Cameroon. Two of the units were installed in schools in Cameroons Far North region one in Minawao refugee camp, the other in Baigai, near the Nigerian border, where some 50 per cent of children have been displaced by Boko Haram-related violence. Unicef/Prinsloo The interior minister Horst Seehofer noted that 2019 was the third year in a row in which asylum applications had fallen and said it showed efforts to clamp down on immigration were working. The numerous measures of recent years against uncontrolled immigration are working, he said. However, he added that migration pressure at the [EUs] external borders and to Germany remains high. Germany was the first EU country to suspend the Dublin Protocol which forces refugees to seek asylum in the first country in the bloc they enter during the crisis in 2015. At the time, Angela Merkels government was seen as effectively inviting in millions of people fleeing poverty, persecution and war in the Middle East and Africa. Many, including much of the far-right in Ms Merkels own country, said the strategy would backfire but she insisted it was the right response to an exceptional situation. The enormous inflow of asylum-seekers in 2015 created a backlog of cases for officials to work through, but figures released in 2017 showed numbers fell back sharply immediately after the peak and the migration authorities were able to handle the situation. Despite the widespread perception among both prospective refugees and anti-immigration critics that Germany was a soft touch, figures released in 2017 showed that only 57 per cent of Syrian asylum claimants were approved and given full refugee status and the acceptance rate for all other nationalities was below half. More than a million refugees have arrived in Germany since the start of the crisis (Getty) The UNs High Commissioner for Refugees office released figures last year which showed Germany was hosting the fifth most refugees 1.06m of any nation on earth, and the most of any developed Western country. However, Germanys feat is less impressive when considered as a proportion of its total population. About 1.3 per cent of Germans are refugees, compared to 2.5 per cent in Sweden or a staggering 16 per cent in Lebanon. Statistics released last summer showed that 20.8m people in Germany had an immigrant background, roughly a quarter of the population. However, only 15 per cent of those arrived as refugees seeking asylum. (CNN) The US-led coalition to fight ISIS confirmed small rockets landed near the heavily fortified Green Zone in Baghdad on Wednesday afternoon without causing any damage to coalition troops or facilities. Col. Myles B. Caggins, a spokesperson for the US-led coalition fighting ISIS, said in a tweet that small "rockets impacted near Baghdad's International Zone, Jan. 8 at 11:45 p.m (local time)." Caggins added that there were "no coalition casualties or damage to facilities." The Iraqi joint military command had earlier told CNN in Baghdad that "two Katyusha rockets landed inside the Green Zone in Baghdad. No reports of casualties." The CNN team in Baghdad heard sirens from inside the Green Zone and two explosions. It was not immediately clear who had fired the rockets or where they were fired from. The rockets landed a day after Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops. The attack on Tuesday from Iran did not cause any US or Iraqi casualties. In response to the Iranian attack, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that it appeared the Islamic Republic "appeared to be standing down," but three US officials told CNN that the US currently assess that Iranian proxy forces in the region are still a threat. One defense official said that a reason for the concern is the fact that subordinate commanders of Iranian backed militias are not highly disciplined. The source said Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani -- who was killed in an American air strike last week -- personally worked to keep those forces in line. It is unknown to US officials if Soleimani's successor can keep things under control. The Green Zone is an area of Iraq's capital city where the embassies for the US and several other western countries are located. It was initially carved out of central Baghdad by US-led forces after their invasion of Iraq in 2003 and is largely viewed as a safe location, despite frequently being the target of rocket attacks. There have been numerous rocket attacks on the Green Zone and the area surrounding it in recent months. However, the whole of Iraq is on an heightened state of alert as tensions between the US and Iran have dramatically increased over the last couple of weeks Last week the US embassy in Baghdad was the site of mass protests in response to US airstrikes on an Iranian-backed militia group at the end of last month. Those strikes were launched in retaliation to attacks by an Iranian-backed Shia militia group known as Kataib Hezbollah, which had injured numerous American military personnel, according to US officials. In a Wednesday evening briefing, Army Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters he "fully expect(s)" militia groups with ties to Iran "to conduct terrorist operations against US forces and coalition forces in Iraq and perhaps even elsewhere." When asked by reporters if Iran is done retaliating for the US killing Soleimani, he replied, "I think it's too early to tell." At the same briefing, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said proxy groups may conduct attacks "either directed or non-directed by Iran," noting that among the challenges the US faces will be to "sort through that, understand, who's doing it, who's motivating it." "I think we just got to again assess the situation -- let's see what they're saying publicly, see what they're saying privately, look at our intelligence, all those things," Esper said. "We're not going to do anything imprudent. ... These are serious times and we take things one step at a time." This is a breaking story and will be updated. The US drone strike on Friday that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani has sharply escalated tensions between US and Iran. Esper defended the intelligence signalling an 'imminent threat' from Soleimani that he and other senior US officials have cited to justify the strike, saying it was persuasive. (Photo: AFP) Washington: US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Tuesday the United States wants to de-escalate tensions with Iran, but the country is ready to finish any war that could be started. "We are not looking to start a war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one," he said. "What we'd like to see is the situation de-escalated." The US drone strike on Friday that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani has sharply escalated tensions with Iran, raising fears of all-out conflict. Washington says it killed Soleimani in self-defence, aiming to disrupt his plans to attack US personnel and interests. Esper defended the intelligence signalling an "imminent threat" from Soleimani that he and other senior US officials have cited to justify the strike, saying it was persuasive. "The threat was being orchestrated by Soleimani," Esper said. "I think it was only a matter of days, certainly no more than weeks" before an attack. Esper suggested on Monday that the US military would not violate the laws of armed conflict by striking Iranian cultural sites, a move threatened by US President Donald Trump. Asked about the issue again on Tuesday, Esper said he was confident that Trump "will only give us legal orders." "We do not violate the laws of armed conflict," Esper said. Targeting cultural sites with military action is considered a war crime under international law, including a UN Security Council resolution supported by the Trump administration in 2017 and the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: The Iranian government thanks Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for the successful operation, spokesman for the Iranian government Ali Rabiei said at the press-conference in Iran on January 8. Iran does not support war, but this action was Iran's legal right, the spokesman added, Trend reports referring to Tasnim news agency. Rabiei said that if the opposite party reacts, a reciprocal step will be taken. As was reported earlier, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps used Fateh-313 ballistic missiles in attack on Iraqs Ayn al-Asad Air Base. These missiles were fired from Irans Kermanshah province (430 kilometers) because of its proximity to the military base. The missiles have a range of 500 kilometers. Previous reports said that at least 80 US servicemen were killed in an attack on Iraqs Ayn al-Asad Air Base by IRGC. About 200 people were injured. Ayn al-Asad Air Base was a strategic spot for the US and delivered support to drones from that base. Fifteen missiles were fired at 20 sensitive locations. Numerous drones and helicopters were destroyed. Robert Caro is famous for colossal biographies of colossal figures. The Power Broker, his Pulitzer Prize-winning life of Robert Moses, weighed in at nearly 1,300 pages. His as-yet-unfinished biography of Lyndon B. Johnson he likes to call the volume-in-progress the fifth of a projected three totals 3,444 pages and counting. The books are already monumental. And now Mr. Caro is getting monumental treatment himself. The New-York Historical Society has acquired Mr. Caros papers some 200 linear feet of material that will be open to researchers in its library. And just as important to the 84-year-old Mr. Caro, it will create a permanent installation in its museum galleries dedicated to showing how he got the job done. Its like a true weight has been lifted from my shoulders, he said last week in his office off Central Park West, where he was surrounded by hulking filing cabinets, piles of heavily scribbled-on legal pads and tantalizingly a wooden box holding typed pages of the eagerly awaited final Johnson volume. In discussing the plans for the permanent exhibition, he repeatedly stressed the permanent part. With most archives, theres a big splash, then two or three months later, its time for the next, Mr. Caro said. But I wanted something that wouldnt go away. Members of Congress have serious, urgent concerns about the administrations decision to engage in hostilities against Iran and about its lack of strategy moving forward, Ms. Pelosi said in a statement. Our concerns were not addressed by the presidents insufficient War Powers Act notification and by the administrations briefing today. The day after Iranian missile struck bases in Iraq where American troops are stationed, Republicans and Democrats in Congress split sharply over the presidents approach on Iran and the way forward. Amid back-to-back classified briefings by top administration officials for members of the House and Senate, most Republicans praised Mr. Trump effusively on Wednesday for targeting General Suleimani and for his restraint in responding to Irans action. Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, said the president had shown patience and prudence. As a superpower, we have the capacity to exercise restraint and to respond at a time and place of our choosing, if need be, he said. I believe the president wants to avoid conflict or needless loss of life. But hes rightly prepared to protect American lives and interests. But a couple of Republicans joined Democrats in raising grave questions about Mr. Trumps strategy, concerns that only sharpened after the briefings on Capitol Hill by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper, and the C.I.A. director, Gina Haspel. Imperial Valley News Center Kegel exercises for men: Understand the benefits Imperial, California - Think Kegel exercises are just for women? Think again. Kegel exercises for men can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and bowel and affect sexual function. With practice, Kegel exercises for men can be done just about anytime. Before you start doing Kegel exercises, find out how to locate the correct muscles and understand the proper technique. Benefits of Kegel exercises for men Many factors can weaken your pelvic floor muscles, including the surgical removal of the prostate (radical prostatectomy) and conditions such as diabetes and an overactive bladder. You might benefit from doing Kegel exercises if you: Have urinary or fecal incontinence Dribble after urination usually after you've left the toilet How to do Kegel exercises for men To get started: Find the right muscles. To identify your pelvic floor muscles, stop urination in midstream or tighten the muscles that keep you from passing gas. These maneuvers use your pelvic floor muscles. Once you've identified your pelvic floor muscles, you can do the exercises in any position, although you might find it easiest to do them lying down at first. Perfect your technique. Tighten your pelvic floor muscles, hold the contraction for three seconds, and then relax for three seconds. Try it a few times in a row. When your muscles get stronger, try doing Kegel exercises while sitting, standing or walking. Maintain your focus. For best results, focus on tightening only your pelvic floor muscles. Be careful not to flex the muscles in your abdomen, thighs or buttocks. Avoid holding your breath. Instead, breathe freely during the exercises. Repeat 3 times a day. Aim for at least three sets of 10 repetitions a day. When to do your Kegels Make Kegel exercises part of your daily routine. For example: Fit in a set of Kegel exercises every time you do a routine task, such as brushing your teeth. Do another set after you urinate, to get rid of the last few drops of urine. Contract your pelvic floor muscles just before and during any activity that puts pressure on your abdomen, such as sneezing, coughing, laughing or heavy lifting. When you're having trouble If you're having trouble doing Kegel exercises, don't be embarrassed to ask for help. Your doctor or other health care provider can give you important feedback so that you learn to isolate and strengthen the correct muscles. In some cases, biofeedback training might help. In a biofeedback session, your doctor or other health care provider inserts a small probe into your rectum. As you relax and contract your pelvic floor muscles, a monitor will measure and display your pelvic floor activity. Research suggests that biofeedback training is more effective in treating fecal incontinence. When to expect results If you do your Kegel exercises regularly, you can expect results such as less frequent urine leakage within a few weeks to a few months. For continued benefits, make Kegel exercises a permanent part of your daily routine. Barring banking services being hit, it was business as usual in Telangana on Wednesday despite the nationwide strike called by various trade unions protesting the Centre's 'anti-people' policies. Most of the shops and business establishments were open while transport services remained unaffected. The strike by as many as three lakh employees and workers passed off peacefully with the participation of members of various trade unions in the state, senior leader of Telangana CPI, Sudhakar said. Representatives of various unions held dharna at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park. Operations in all public sector banks except SBI were affected. "All public sector banks employees are participating in the strike. There are no counter operations such as cash deposits or withdrawals at banks. Even though officers are participating in the strike, they extended cooperation," All India Bank Employees Association National Secretary B S Rambabu told PTI. A senior official of SBI said the stir did not affect the bank's operations as its officers and award staff associations decided to stay away from the bandh. The state-owned Singareni Collieries Company said though some of its employees were on strike, there wont be much impact on coal production. Train services were not disrupted by the strike. A senior official of state-owned NMDC Ltd said union members held "gate meeting" in the morning. Reserve Bank Employees Association and RBI Workers Union struck work demanding autonomy for the apex bank and strengthening of its functions. They held a dharna in front of the bank here. Telangana CPI said "gate meetings" and dharnas were held across the state before central government offices, public and private companies as part of the Bharat Bandh. The central trade unions are protesting against labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies and pressing for a 12-point common demand charter of the working class relating to minimum wage and social security, among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The International Monetary Fund will close its offices in Athens in coming months, a decade after it joined in a huge bailout program that kept Greece afloat, Greece's prime minister said Tuesday. Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece would continue to cooperate with the IMF, but "as a country that has exited the IMF's strict surveillance framework." The planned move is seen as symbolic confirmation of the country's return to financial respectability. Mitsotakis spoke following a meeting in Washington with the fund's new managing director, Kristalina Georgieva. Greece required three bailouts from its partners in the eurozone and the IMF starting in 2010, to avoid going bust. This became necessary after the country found itself unable to borrow in international money markets, following revelations that it had under-reported key financial data for years. The bailout programs ended in August 2018, and the country has regained market access after a painful eight-year effort to right its finances - the rescue money came with strict conditions. During the bailout era, Greece saw unemployment spike sharply higher, while incomes were repeatedly slashed and taxes hiked. Athens is still subject to post-bailout surveillance by its creditors. Last year, Greece made an early repayment of some of its loans from the IMF, and the government says a further portion of the IMF loans will be repaid early later this year. Tehran, Jan 8 : A Kiev-bound Ukrainian Boeing 737 passenger plane with 179 people on board crashed on Wednesday shortly after taking off from the Iranian capital of Tehran, killing all those aboard. The number of people on board had differed and also the toll was initially said to be 176. But the head of Iran's Emergency Medical Services, Pir-Hossein Koulivand, confirmed the latest toll saying that there had been 170 passengers, including 147 Iranians, and nine crew members on the Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 that went down in the vicinity of Parand, a city in Robat Karim county, reports Press TV. Some 40 rescue teams have been dispatched to the crash site and an investigation into the cause of the accident was underway, deputy head of Iran Red Crescent Society Ebrahim Tajik said. Qassem Biniaz, an official at the Iranian Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, told IRNA news agency that the plane crashed after its engine caught fire. The pilot made an unsuccessful attempt to control the plane when the fire erupted, he said. In a statement, Ukraine's embassy in Tehran said engine failure caused the crash and there was no link to terrorism, reports the BBC. "According to preliminary information, the plane crashed as a result of an engine failure for technical reasons. Currently, the version of a terrorist attack is ruled out," the statement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered the creation of a crisis team to handle the accident, including top ministers and managed by the country's national security agency. "We have prepared emergency planes to send to Tehran... to fly out the bodies of the victims, we are waiting a confirmation by Iran for their departure," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said that the victims were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians including all the crew, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Britons and three Germans. Ukraine International Airlines has suspended flights to Tehran indefinitely. The airline said that the aircraft had had its last scheduled maintenance on Monday. Meanwhile, Ali Kashani, the public relations official at Imam Khomeini International Airport, said the crash had not affected traffic at the port and that all other flights were operating, according to schedule, said Press TV in a report. This is the first time a Ukraine International Airlines plane has been involved in a fatal crash. Infiniti Research is a leading provider of market intelligence services to businesses around the globe. For over 15 years, Infiniti has been helping companies across industries to identify key market challenges and strategize to meet the changing market demands. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005493/en/ Barriers to market entry in China's pharma sector (Graphic: Business Wire) Although expansion into emerging markets is vital for pharma companies to ensure continued growth, both cultural and economic market entry barriers can pose critical challenges. China is one of the most lucrative markets for pharma companies across the globe. China's growing middle class and an aging population mean new opportunities for companies to widen their portfolio in this area. However, entrants into the Chinese market encounter several roadblocks while expanding their operations into the country. For Western companies seeking a foothold in the pharma industry in China, our experts have identified some of the key market entry barriers in the Chinese pharma market and ways to overcome them. Want to break free from market entry barriers and establish yourself in a new market? Request a free proposal to know how our solutions can help your business. You may also like to read some of our recent articles for pharma companies: Winning in Emerging Markets: What Big Pharma Companies Must Do Steps in Competitor Analysis of Pharma Companies Top 3 Strategies Pharma Companies Must Employ to Mitigate Risks in Emerging Economies Barriers to market entry in China's pharma sector Identifying untapped market potential The scale of the country could prove to be one of the key market entry barriers for pharma companies planning to enter the Chinese market. So far, the main focus for pharma companies has been on Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, those with a population of over 2 million. Physicians in large hospitals in these cities have been targeted by foreign companies as a part of their market entry strategy to venture into these markets. Pharma companies must also identify ways to leverage the potential of China's rapidly growing Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities. Mergers or joint ventures with established Chinese firms who have built up knowledge and a profile in these areas is one of the best ways to pursue this. Overlapping demographics China's overlapping demographics with each of them requiring a tailored approach could prove to be a severe challenge for pharma companies. Furthermore, inadequate knowledge of geographical and cultural differences in Chinese markets could also prove to be significant market entry barriers for companies in the pharma sector. Even two cities such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou which are in close proximity, speak different languages and represent very different social clusters. Marketing in these two cities or even the case of Tier 1 and Tier 4 cities in the country would necessarily require two separate approaches. Planned price restrictions The Chinese government has recently indicated that they intend to review their current drug pricing scheme, which could increase the market entry barriers for foreign companies. They are planning to dramatically increase the number of drugs covered under the essential drugs list. China's pharma industry is heavily weighted towards producing generics which are better placed to compete under such criteria, posing major market entry barriers for foreign companies wishing to profit from more expensive branded drugs. In this case, foreign pharma companies can increase their profit margins by targeting consumers directly. Supply chain challenges Once the drugs have made their way through the registration process, it will need to be distributed, and the fragmentation of the supply chain makes this a much more complicated process in China. Often, there are several layers of distributors to get through before reaching the customer in Chinese markets, which raises the distribution costs and also diminishes supply chain visibility, making it difficult to monitor the product once it has left the factory, contributing to further market entry barriers. To stay relevant in the competitive market landscape, chief marketing officers, or CMOs, need to glean more insights from customer data with the help of market intelligence. Get in touch with an expert to know more about how our market intelligence solutions can be tailor-made to combat your business challenges. About Infiniti Research Established in 2003, Infiniti Research is a leading market intelligence company providing smart solutions to address your business challenges. Infiniti Research studies markets in more than 100 countries to help analyze competitive activity, see beyond market disruptions, and develop intelligent business strategies. To know more, visit: https://www.infinitiresearch.com/about-us View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005493/en/ Contacts: Infiniti Research Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 844 778 0600 UK: +44 203 893 3400 https://www.infinitiresearch.com/contact-us A group of Muslim women have started an indefinite sit-in demonstration at the Park Circus Maidan here to protest against the CAA, NPR and the proposed nationwide NRC. Initially started by around 20-30 women on January 7, the protest gained momentum on Wednesday as the numbers swelled with many more women joining to express solidarity, Nazma, one of the protesters said on Wednesday. "We will be sitting at the spot till the government repeals Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and call off the National Population Register (NPR) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). We also condemn the attack on students of Jamia Milia Islamia University and Jawaharlal Nehru University and arrest of the guilty," she said. Asked if the movement is on the lines of the protest by women of Shaheen Bagh in New Delhi against CAA, Nazma said "We think there will be more Saheen Baghs all around the country if the act is not repealed, if attacks at educational institutions are not stopped. Zeeshan Ali, a young man present at the site, said: "We are here to express support to our sisters. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UAB Ignitis grupe, (hereinafter the Company, Ignitis Group) identification code 301844044, registered office placed at Zveju str. 14, Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania. The total nominal value of issued bonds 600 000 000 EUR; ISIN codes XS1646530565; XS1853999313. Ignitis Group informs that its subsidiary AB Ignitis Gamyba announced that on 7 January 2020 it appealed to District Court of Vilnius Region regarding the 3 January 2020 decision to apply temporary protection measures and suspend the 4 December 2019 resolutions of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Ignitis gamyba. The court announced its decision after receiving the claim of the few minority shareholders of Ignitis gamyba asking to invalidate resolutions which were adopted at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company on 4 December 2019. In AB Ignitis Gamyba view the temporary protection measures and suspension of the 4 December 2019 resolutions of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of AB Ignitis Gamyba were unreasonable and the real reason of the initiated litigation is the aim to dispute the purchase price of AB Ignitis Gamyba shares which is not the subject of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. According to the Company, the temporary protection measures are detrimental to minority shareholders of AB Ignitis Gamyba, because several minority shareholders, by judicially stopping the delisting process, prevented the Bank of Lithuania from commenting about share purchase price and minority shareholders from selling their shares for this price because as the Bank of Lithuania stated in the media at the end of December last year, the price could have been approved in early January, confirming the tender offer circular. Arturas Ketlerius, Head of public relations, arturas.ketlerius@ignitis.lt BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8 By Fakhri Vakilov - Trend: Enterprises of Uzbekistans Regional Electric Networks JSC carried out work on the reconstruction and modernization of 6,400 kilometers of power lines and 2,600 transformer points throughout the country in 2019, Trend reports citing the press service of Uzbekistans Ministry of Energy. As a result of the work done, the power supply to 920,000 homes in 545 villages improved. The structure of Regional Electric Networks JSC includes 16 enterprises, including 14 enterprises of regional electric grids operating electric networks of 0.4-6-10-35-110 kV, as well as new construction, reconstruction, overhauls and maintenance of electric grid facilities farms. As part of the implementation of the state program Prosperous village, over 2,400 kilometers of power lines and 800 transformer points were reconstructed. In addition, 2,900 kilometers of power lines and 1,600 transformer points were overhauled. Moreover, as part of the implementation of the state program Prosperous district, work was carried out on the reconstruction of 234 km of power lines and 94 transformer points, 188 km long capital lines and 272 transformer points were repaired. Along with this, overhaul and current repairs of electric networks with a length of 20,300 km and 6,800 transformer points were carried out. For the construction of external power supply facilities for affordable multi-apartment buildings under construction in rural areas and cities of Uzbekistan, 368 km of power lines and 344 transformer points were built. Measures have been taken to connect 720 enterprises operating in 126 free economic and small industrial zones to the power grid, in particular 160 km of power lines and 98 transformer points have been built. In order to improve metering and control of electricity consumption over the past period, more than 2.5 million consumers were connected to an automated system for monitoring and accounting of electricity. In addition, in order to increase existing capacities, as well as uninterrupted supply of electricity to consumers in 9 regions of the country, reconstruction and modernization of 16 high-voltage substations was carried out, as well as construction and installation work was carried out on 115.3 km of transmission lines with a voltage of 0.4-10 -35-110 kV. Last year, 4 factories for the production of reinforced concrete supports were put into operation on the basis of power supply enterprises. In 2020, it is planned to commission 8 more plants for the production of liquid household waste, which will speed up the construction of new power lines. In order to strengthen the material and technical base and increase the level of mechanization of regional electric networks, 100 units of special equipment were delivered. In 2020, it is planned to purchase 34 auto labs and 14 truck cranes. --- Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxri UK building products group Breedon - which owns the Lagan Group in Ireland - is increasing its presence in Britain's troubled building industry with plans to buy facilities in the UK from Mexico's Cemex for 178m (209m). It has struck an agreement to buy over 100 Cemex locations, in Scotland, Wales, and England, saying the acquisition will boost its operations and allow it to make cost savings across the group. "The acquisition is consistent with Breedon's strategy of acquiring earnings-enhancing aggregates-related businesses with strong potential for performance improvements and synergy benefits," it said. The price tag includes 155m in cash and involves Breedon taking on 23m in lease liabilities for the Cemex's British locations, which generated earnings of 27m on revenues of 178m in 2018. Breedon said it will finance the cash payment from existing debt facilities. The London AIM-listed shares rose 5% to value the firm at 1.43bn (1.7bn). In Ireland, Breedon is the owner of the Lagan Group one of Irelands largest cement, building products, and contractors which it bought in 2018. Analysts at Davy said the Cemex British deal "looks inexpensive", with Breedon building its presence in aggregates and asphalt, and includes "28 aggregates quarries, 14 asphalt plants, 49 ready-mix concrete plants, four building product plants, two contracting operations and a cement terminal". "Breedons acquisition of certain Cemex UK assets looks like a strong strategic fit, executed at an opportune time, without overly stretching the balance sheet," the broker said. Breedon chief executive Pat Ward said the deal was also "a step-change in the development of our national asphalt strategy". There is potential to drive significant performance improvements across these new assets and they will also strengthen our platform for further organic growth and bolt-on acquisitions. "In addition to the cost synergies we anticipate, we also expect the deal to be accretive to both earnings and free cash flow in the first full year, with a positive ongoing impact on the cash generation of the enlarged group." Reflecting on the tempestuous and traumatic last few years of his life, during which he was arrested, enmeshed in litigation costing millions and saw much of his business disappear, Yves Bouvier, at last, believes there is a light at the end of the very dark tunnel. The charges brought against him by Dmitry Rybolovlev, a billionaire Russian oligarch, friend of royalty and politicians, who claimed that art dealer Bouvier had swindled him out of a billion dollars, has suffered a massive setback. In a damning verdict, a court in Monaco, where proceedings are taking place, has dismissed the case, declaring that officials had acted improperly. Links had been uncovered between investigators and a lawyer acting for Rybolovlev in their pursuit of Bouvier. This meant, read the judgment, that all investigations were conducted in a biased and unfair way and that serious anomalies had permanently compromised the balance and rights of the parties. [January 08, 2020] Custom Market Intelligence Solution for a Consumer Electronics Supplier to Devise a Successful Commercialization Strategy - Infiniti's Latest Success Story Infiniti Research, a leading market intelligence solutions provider, has recently announced the completion of its latest custom market intelligence engagement for a consumer electronics supplier. This success story pinpoints the key challenges faced by a Canadian consumer electronics company, the approach undertaken by experts at Infiniti to help achieve their key objectives and the business impact of the engagement. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005520/en/ A consumer electronics supplier in Canada faced predicaments in identifying the rapid market changes which consequently resulted in huge losses for the company. In an attempt to curtail losses in market share, they introduced a new product in the market. To achieve huge commercial success for its new product, they needed help in devising a sound commercialization strategy. As such, they approached experts at Infiniti to support them in their research and strategy planning requirements. Other key objectives that the client sought to accomplish through the engagement includes: Understand their target customers' pain points, interaction patterns, purchasing habits, and spending behavior Analyze the performance of different campaigns in real-time Strategize the allocation of their marketing budgets To succeed in today's competitive marketplace, companies will need to embrace new market opportunities and overcome challenges coming their way. Our cusom market intelligence services will help you to gather comprehensive insights into market trends, opportunities, and challenges. Request a free proposal to know how you can benefit by partnering with us. As a part of the customer market intelligence solution, our experts followed an approach that involved: Customer needs assessment Market scanning and monitoring analysis Marketing strategy engagement Wondering how your business can benefit from our custom market intelligence solution? Request more information from our experts! The business impact of the custom market intelligence solution Gauged the market potential of the new product Identified critical customer pain points Personalized market strategies for various customer segments Analyzed the performance of marketing campaigns in real-time Allocated the marketing budget effectively Sold approximately 37,000 units of the new products within the first year of launch Want to gain more insights into our services portfolio? Request a free brochure. About Infiniti Research Established in 2003, Infiniti Research is a leading market intelligence company providing smart solutions to address your business challenges. Infiniti Research studies markets in more than 100 countries to help analyze competitive activity, see beyond market disruptions, and develop intelligent business strategies. To know more, visit: https://www.infinitiresearch.com/about-us View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005520/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Bolivia's interim government said Wednesday it would launch a corruption probe into nearly 600 officials of the former administration, including ex-president Evo Morales "It has been decided to initiate investigations against 592 former officials," Mathias Kutsch, the justice ministry's chief anti-corruption investigator, told a news conference. The probe will include Morales, vice-president Alvaro Garcia, ministers, vice-ministers, heads of cabinet and public administration officials, Kutsch said. He added that the investigation would identify those who had "committed corruption crimes, who diverted public resources, and chiefly, who diverted them to other countries." Morales, Garcia and various other members of the government who resigned after the former president stepped down amid protests in the South American country in November have sought asylum abroad. A group of around 10 former officials are sheltering inside the Mexican ambassador's residence in La Paz. In a separate move Wednesday, Interior Minister Arturo Murillo said Bolivian authorities had called on Interpol to arrest Morales to prevent him traveling to Chile where he has been invited to participate in a human rights forum. "We have given the order for the activation by Interpol of the warrant we have drawn up against Evo Morales, given the news from Chile," he told reporters. The government in November issued a warrant for Morales' arrest should he return to Bolivia. On Twitter, Morales denied he had received an invitation from Chile. The ex-president initially fled to Mexico but is now living in Argentina. Bolivia's first indigenous president, he claimed he was overthrown in a coup supported by the United States. Since coming to power, the interim right-wing government has regularly denounced corruption committed under Morales' 14-year rule. Several state companies are being investigated for corruption, including the National Telecommunications Company, state oil company YPFB, the ministries of mining and health, and pension funds. Kutsch said the first results of his anti-corruption inquiry would be made public in April. The government of interim President Jeanine Anez last month annulled the result of flawed elections that would have given Morales a fourth term, and has scheduled new elections for May 3. Bolivia's ex-President Evo Morales during an interview with AFP in Buenos Aires, on December 24, 2019. Hotels in Northern Ireland from the Europa in Belfast to Newry's Canal Court may face rising overheads after their rateable values were revised. The Department of Finance (DoF) re-examined the rateable values (NAVs) of 74,000 local business premises to reflect changes in property values. The figures are to be used to calculate rates bills this year, although business owners can appeal the valuation figures. The Reval 2020 process has uncovered rising values for hotels around Northern Ireland since the last revaluation in 2015. Read More Industry body Hospitality Ulster urged its members to check the draft values, which have been published on the website of Land & Property Services, the body which oversees rates. The DoF said that the rising values will not mean that more rates money will be raised. Instead, the process is described as fiscally neutral. However, the values are just one element of the process which is used to calculate rates. Figures set by district councils and regional government are also used. Reval 2020 leaves hotels in Belfast facing a 52% jump in rateable values. For example, the rateable value of the Europa Hotel has rocketed from 515,000 to 800,000, while the Hilton Hotel's has grown from 425,000 to 455,000. At Newry's landmark Canal Court Hotel, the rateable value has grown from 380,000 to 445,000. Hospitality Ulster said the draft values had dealt the industry a body blow. A spokesman added: "Business rates are crippling the hospitality sector, which is paying some of the highest rates in the UK with little in the way of rates relief schemes experienced by counterparts in Great Britain." Hospitality Ulster added that the current rating system which is used to calculate the rates for pubs and hotels was "broken" and "not fit for purpose". However, some retailers, including those in CastleCourt Shopping Centre in Belfast, may see their rates cut as a result of the revaluation. CastleCourt's rateable value is falling from 1,100 per square metre to 800. In contrast, the rateable value for Victoria Square Shopping Centre is staying at 1,000 per square metre. However, other types of retail such as convenience stores at filling stations will see an increase in their rateable value to reflect their greater popularity as more people turn to convenience retailers for their groceries. Retailers such as Lidl, particularly in out of town units, may also see an increase. In contrast, big units such as Tesco superstores will see a fall in their values, mirroring the decline of the trolley shop. Across Northern Ireland as a whole, Reval 2020 found a 6.8% increase in rateable values of all business properties. But some experts branded the revaluation exercise a wasted opportunity. Patrick Murdock, the head consultant of advisers Capsure Tax and a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, said the process amounted to "a rearrangement of the deckchairs on the Titanic". "We now have local retailers with NAVs on their properties which are in many cases double the actual rents they are paying to landlords and potentially up to four times the rates being paid by comparable retailers in England following their recent announcement of rates reductions." He said that a vacant Dunnes Stores in Newry's Hill Street remained at 117,000 even though it was a completely "unlettable" unit. A nearby SuperValu "remains at 138,000 despite the bloodbath in retail", he added. Roger Pollen from the Federation of Small Businesses said that more regular valuations should become the norm to avoid the shock caused by higher rates bills. "While we welcome that the department has carried out this work and recognise that this revaluation will be fiscally neutral, that will be no comfort to those businesses who continue to struggle with the burden of rates," he added. DoF permanent secretary Sue Gray said she recognised that the revaluation was "not the seismic change" that ratepayers had wanted. The department is carrying out a separate review of business rates. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - European Union(EU) senior representative for foreign policy and common security and the French, German, Italian and UK foreign affairs ministers Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to immediately stop the fighting near Tripoli and elsewhere, an official source told PANA here Exports of mid-range French wines have dropped due to tariffs imposed by the United States in October over disputed aircraft subsidies, a French minister said yesterday. French wine was among European Union products, including Scotch whisky and Italian cheese, targeted with a 25pc duty, after the World Trade Organisation gave Washington the green light to impose tariffs in a long-running case over subsidies to European plane maker Airbus. "We can see an impact, notably for mid-range wines which are the most affected," Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, France's junior foreign affairs minister, said regarding the US tariffs. "The French wine and spirits sectors have been worried since the autumn," he told Reuters in an interview. He declined to put a figure on the drop but added that November trade data to be released by the French customs service today would give an initial indication of the impact. The United States is the largest export market for French wine. Duties would apply on shipments worth $1bn (897m) in 2018. France's federation of wine exporters warned in October that mid-range wines were most at risk of losing US market share due to any retail price increase linked to tariffs. The wine industry is also bracing for possible further US tariffs in a separate dispute over a French tax on digital services. Washington has threatened tariffs on French goods including champagne, worth over $700m a year in US exports. Mr Lemoyne said US-French discussions should be pursued to find a settlement and avoid tit-for-tat tariffs, echoing comments by France's finance minister yesterday. He also reiterated European calls for Washington to negotiate an overall agreement with the EU on aircraft subsidies. Reuters The United Nations mission in Iraq said Wednesday the country should not be made to "pay the price" in the escalating conflict between Tehran and Washington. Early Wednesday, Iran launched a volley of ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases where American and other foreign troops are based, in retaliation for a US drone strike last week that killed a top Iranian general. The UN mission said in a statement that the latest strikes "again violate Iraqi sovereignty" and added: "We call for urgent restraint and a resumption of dialogue. Iraq should not pay the price for external rivalries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) EDWARDSVILLE The Edwardsville Community Foundation is once again asking for high school students to apply for various scholarships by Jan. 31. The scholarships are awarded to students who reside only in District 7 boarders. ECF was able to assist area students in 2019 by distributing $83,500 in scholarships. The UAE passport continues its climb to the top of the table, clinching the 18th spot among the world's most powerful passports, according to the Henley Passport Index Q4 Update. The UAE passport also emerged as the most powerful in the GCC region, racing ahead of Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, with UAE passport holders able to access 171 countries without a prior visa. Kuwait was ranked in 57th position with visa-free access to 95 destinations, Qatar came in 58th place (93 destinations), Bahrain was in 63rd position (82 locations), Oman came in at 64th position (79) and Saudi Arabia in 66th position (77). Asian countries firmly established their lead on the Henley Passport Index, with Japan securing the top spot on the index for the third consecutive year, with Singapore holds onto its second-place position with a score of 190, while South Korea dropped down a rank to third place alongside Germany, giving their passport holders visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 189 destinations worldwide. Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and the inventor of the passport index concept, says the latest ranking provides a fascinating insight into a rapidly changing world. Asian countries dominance of the top spots is a clear argument for the benefits of open-door policies and the introduction of mutually beneficial trade agreements. Over the past few years, we have seen the world adapt to mobility as a permanent condition of global life. The latest rankings show that the countries that embrace this reality are thriving, with their citizens enjoying ever-increasing passport power and the array of benefits that come with it. While the latest results from the Henley Passport Index show that globally, people are more mobile than ever before, they also indicate a growing divide when it comes to travel freedom, with Japanese passport holders able to access 165 more destinations around the world than Afghan nationals (26 destinations), for example. Analysis of historical data from the index reveals that this extraordinary global mobility gap is the starkest it has been since the indexs inception in 2006. - TradeArabia News Service Southwest Airlines opened a $125 million, 240,000-square-foot maintenance facility at Hobby Airport on Wednesday, making it the largest maintenance facility for the Dallas-based airline. Its proof of our devotion and our dedication to Houston, Southwest CEO Gary Kelly said during a grand opening celebration. And the opportunity that we see here, and the excitement that we have to continue to grow. Cabinet OKs ratification of Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement btw India, France New Delhi, Jan 8 (UNI) The Union Cabinet on Wednesday accorded approval for the ratification of Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between India and France. The agreement was signed in March 2018 during the state visit of the French President to India. "The agreement represents a major milestone in enhancing people-to-people contacts, fostering mobility of students, academics, researchers and skilled professionals and strengthening cooperation on issues related to irregular migration and human trafficking between the two sides," said Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BEIRUT Nissans fugitive ex-boss Carlos Ghosn made his first public appearance since being smuggled out of Japan , saying Wednesday he fled a nightmare that would not end and vowed to defend his name wherever he can get a fair trial. Ghosn spoke to a room packed with journalists for more than two hours in the Lebanese capital, where he arrived last week after jumping $14 million bail despite supposedly rigorous surveillance a bold and improbable escape that embarrassed Japanese authorities and has allowed him to evade trial on charges of financial misconduct. Combative, spirited, and at times rambling, he described conditions of detention in Japan that made him feel dead like an animal in a country where he asserted he had zero chance of a fair trial. For the first time since this nightmare began, I can defend myself, speak freely and answer your questions, Ghosn said. I didnt run from justice, I left Japan because I wanted justice. Japanese officials, who were quiet in the aftermath of his escape during a long holiday break, spoke out quickly after Ghosns dramatic news conference. Chief government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said whether Ghosn would be extradited was Lebanons decision but that Japan would cooperate closely with international organizations so that Japans criminal justice system can be operated appropriately. Justice Minister Masako Mori said Ghosns comments about Japans criminal justice system were unfounded and she wanted to prevent his spreading an erroneous understanding abroad. She said most of his criticisms were abstract, unclear of its intention, or baseless and none of his claims can justify the fact he fled Japan illegally. And Hiroto Saikawa, Ghosns successor at Nissan, told Japanese media that Ghosns claim of a plotted coup against him does not make any sense. Saikawa resigned last year after allegations related to dubious income surfaced against him. He has not been charged. With big gestures and a five-part slide presentation, Ghosn brought his case to the global media in a performance that at times resembled a corporate presentation. His one thought before fleeing, he said: You are going to die in Japan or you are going to get out. But he made clear the question most on everyones minds would remain unanswered: An account of the daring escape that saw him spirited from Japan to Turkey and from there to Beirut. Media reports have said that he slipped out of his Tokyo residence alone, despite being under surveillance. He met two men at a hotel, and then took a bullet train to Osaka before boarding a private jet hidden inside a musical equipment case. He flew to Istanbul and was then transferred onto another plane bound for Beirut, where he arrived Dec. 30. Ghosn said he knew the escape attempt would be disastrous if it didnt work. But there was a little chance I succeed. I played it, and Im very happy for making that choice, he told French TF1 TV. He described the decision to escape as the most difficult in his life, even though he said he was used to mission impossible. He said he made up his mind when aside from denying him evidence, visits from his wife and holding him in solitary confinement for over 130 days the judges kept postponing his trial. His lawyers had hoped it would begin in April, but he was told it would be postponed again. Ghosn portrayed his arrest in late 2018 as a plot linked to a decline in the financial performance of Nissan Motor Co. as the Japanese automaker resisted losing autonomy to French partner Renault. Ghosn had been in favor of an alliance between Nissan and industry ally Renault, of which he was also chairman. He denied Wednesday he was seeking a full merger. Ghosn also attacked Japanese prosecutors, saying they were aided and abated by petty, vindictive and lawless individuals in the government, Nissan and its law firm. He said it was them, not him, who are destroying Japans reputation on the global stage. He went on to dismiss all allegations of financial wrongdoing against him as untrue and baseless. I should never have been arrested in the first place, he said. Im not above the law and I welcome the opportunity for the truth to come out and have my name cleared. In a swift reply, the Tokyo public prosecutors office said: Defendant Ghosns allegations that the prosecution was conspired by Nissan and Public Prosecutors Office is categorically false and completely contrary to fact. Ghosn, who holds Lebanese, French and Brazilian citizenship, said he would be ready to stand trial anywhere where I think I can have a fair trial. He declined to say where that might be. He thanked the Lebanese authorities for their hospitality and defended its judicial system, which has long faced accusations of corruption and favoritism. The French government initially appeared to stand by Ghosn as did Renault when it kept him on before finally choosing a replacement in January 2019. But in recent days French officials have hardened their stance, calling Ghosn a defendant like any other and saying he should face justice in a court of law. Ghosn said he didnt need anything from France, but when asked if he felt abandoned by it, he responded: How would you feel if you were in my place? There was no reaction from the French government or Renault to Ghosns remarks. However, union members at Renault, which has seen its market value tumble over the past year, said Ghosn did not produce any factual, verifiable evidence for his defense. Fielding reporters questions as he switched from English to French to Arabic to Portuguese, Ghosn appeared at times bitter and at others relaxed as he joked with the roomful of journalists and some friends. Lebanon last week received an Interpol-issued wanted notice a non-binding request to law enforcement agencies worldwide that they locate and provisionally arrest a fugitive. Lebanon and Japan do not have an extradition treaty, and the Interpol notice does not require Lebanon to arrest him. Lebanese authorities have said Ghosn entered the country on a legal passport, casting doubt on the possibility they would hand him over to Japan. At the request of the Japanese government, Interpol published the notice on its website Wednesday as Ghosn was giving his news conference. Signaling that Ghosns legal troubles may not be done, Lebanons chief prosecutor summoned the ex-auto executive to his office Thursday over the Interpol notice. Separately, he faces possible legal action over a visit to Israel in 2008 after two Lebanese lawyers submitted a report to the Public Prosecutors Office saying the trip violated Lebanese law. The two neighboring countries are technically in a state of war. At Wednesdays news conference, Ghosn apologized to the Lebanese, saying he never wished to offend anyone when he traveled to Israel as a French national after Nissan asked him to announce the launch of electric cars there. On Tuesday, Tokyo prosecutors obtained an arrest warrant for Ghosns Lebanese wife Carole on suspicion of perjury, a charge unrelated to his escape. However, Japanese justice officials acknowledge that its unclear whether the Ghosns can be brought back to Japan to face charges. Nissan has said it was still pursuing legal action against Ghosn despite his escape. And in France, Renault alerted French authorities after an investigation found that Ghosn personally benefited from an exchange worth 50,000 euros related to a philanthropic accord signed with the Palace of Versailles. Prosecutors are investigating but Ghosn is not charged with any wrongdoing in France. Earlier in the day, Tokyo prosecutors raided a Japanese lawyers office Ghosn had visited regularly before he fled. Japanese media reports said prosecutors investigating his escape and who might have helped him had likely seized a computer Ghosn was allowed to use there. Of the trajectory that brought him from house arrest in Tokyo to a reunion with his family in Beirut, the fallen auto industry executive told reporters Wednesday: The nightmare started with when I saw the face of the prosecutor and ended with the face of my wife. ___ This story has been updated with correct translation of abstract, not slanderous. ___ Associated Press journalists Yuri Kageyama and Haruka Nuga in Tokyo and Angela Charlton and Elaine Ganley in Paris contributed to this report. The nation seems to be in a celebratory mood following the decision by a Delhi court to hang the four convicts in the sensational Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case. Its being suggested that justice has finally been served to Indias Daughter and though the decision came after a staggering seven years, it will help secure the safety of women and prevent rape cases in the future. But the verdict in one case -- welcome though it is -- cannot alone help bring down crimes against women as there are hundreds of similar cases still pending in the courts, and thousands that have gone unreported. Many of these --such as that of a veterinary doctor who was raped and set ablaze by four truck drivers and cleaners near a toll gate in the southern city of Hyderabad in November last year -- bear uncanny similarities to the Nirbhaya case. More importantly, the judiciary is only one aspect of the narrative, and the ball falls in their court only after the heinous act is committed. Without keen participation of the legislative and the executive, therefore, the safety of women cannot be guaranteed in India. For example, darkness still lurks at 'the' bus stand in south Delhi's Munirka locality with women battling lewd remarks and stares, demonstrating that little has changed in the seven years since the young intern who came to be known as Nirbhaya boarded a bus for a ride that was to be her last. According to news agency PTI, women, who are regular commuters, say the bus stop turns into an unauthorised parking area after 9 pm and they have to face unwelcome comments and leering men almost every day. The Nirbhaya case surely triggered a change in India's rape laws. But on the ground, not much may have changed. Of the six men convicted, Ram Singh allegedly committed suicide in jail and the juvenile was released from a reformation home after serving a three-year term while the four others are now set to be hanged on January 22. The criminals in-house On the other hand, several of the present Lok Sabha members, who are supposed to pass strict legislation to prevent crimes, including those against women, themselves have criminal charges against them. Of the 539 winning candidates analysed by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), as many as 233 MPs or 43 per cent have criminal charges. The BJP has 116 MPs or 39 per cent of its winning candidates with criminal cases, followed by 29 MPs (57 per cent) from the Congress, 13 (81 per cent) from the JDU, 10 (43 per cent) from the DMK and nine (41 per cent) from the TMC. In the Lok Sabha currently, nearly 29 per cent of the cases are related to rape, murder, attempt to murder or crime against women. And the saga continues in the police stations too, where rape victims and complainants have to undergo a tiring process, and often face humiliation. What we forget in the current state of jubilation that has followed the announcement of the date on which the convicts in the Nirbhaya case will be hanged are the psychological dimensions that lead to rape and assaults against women. It is as much a societal problem as it is a question of law and order. A verdict, in this case, may help serve justice to Nirbhayas parents, who took it upon themselves to fight it out till the very top but in no way does it help serve justice to Nirbhaya. She was victimised because of the patriarchal mindset that is inherent in Indian society, which regards women as objects and whose dignity is repeatedly abused. The absence of law and order, the state machinery, the dark and desolate bus stop along with the lack of fear in the rapists were also among the factors responsible for the tragedy that struck on December 16, 2012. Seven years on, and unfortunately, not much has changed. The results are unfolding themselves every day but we continue to overlook them. Even on the day when the date for the execution of the four rapists was announced, a woman was allegedly raped at gunpoint after being kidnapped from the parking lot of a mall in Patna. Its been barely eight days into 2020, the year for and beyond which, former President and globally renowned scientist APJ Abdul Kalam had set high targets but rape cases, as well as crimes against women, do not seem to cease. If anything, the numbers are rising and more and more daughters of India are being victimised. Students under the banner of the All India Students' Federation (AISF) on Wednesday staged a peaceful demonstration here against the recent attack on the students and professors at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. The protesters, who were also joined by some senior citizens, were carrying placards that read 'Danda Mat Chalao- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Don't use batons, save and educate the daughter)', 'J&K in solidarity with JNU' and 'Remove JNU Vice Chancellor'. "We have assembled here to register our protest against the vandalism unleashed on the students and faculty members in the JNU by the government-supported goons," Jammu and Kashmir AISF president S Kotwal told reporters. The protesters assembled at the Exhibition Ground and later dispersed off peacefully. G M Sheikh, one of the senior citizens present at the protest, said people were concerned over the safety of their wards in the aftermath of the attack. "We are standing with the JNU students," the Kashmir resident said. On Sunday, a masked mob armed with sticks and rods attacked students and teachers of JNU and damaged property on the campus, injuring at least 35 people, including its students' union president Aishe Ghosh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By PTI LOS ANGELES: America's sweetheart veteran actor Tom Hanks says he is set to play a "bad guy" in the Elvis Presley biopic and he hopes to prove the naysayers wrong that he can only play the good guy. The actor, who was feted with the Cecille B DeMille award at the recently concluded Golden Globes ceremony, is playing Presley's shifty talent manager Colonel Tom Parker in Baz Luhrmann's untitled biopic on the legendary musician. ALSO READ: Austin Butler to star as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmanns biopic on musician Newcomer Austin Butler is playing Presley. "If all goes according to plan, I'll be playing Colonel Tom Parker to Austin Butler's Elvis Presley and hopefully I will then finally have an answer to all your stupid questions about why I will never play a bad guy. "I think I'm about to do that. That's who I am playing next," Hanks, 63, said backstage after accepting the honour. The actor, who will be flying to Australia to shoot the biopic, also sent out "good thoughts to Australia for what's going on down there" in the wake of the devastating bushfires. New York, Jan 8 : Facebook Vice President Andrew 'Boz' Bosworth has claimed that it was the social networking giant that got Donald Trump elected as the US President in 2016 because "he ran the single best digital ad campaign I've ever seen from any advertiser". In a memo obtained by The New York Times, the key Facebook executive in the same vein suggested that the platform with over 2.45 billion monthly active users should not use its enormous reach to block Trump's reelection in 2020. Was Facebook responsible for Donald Trump getting elected? "I think the answer is yes, but not for the reasons anyone thinks. He didn't get elected because of Russia or misinformation or Cambridge Analytica. He got elected because he ran the single best digital ad campaign I've ever seen from any advertiser. Period", said Bosworth who runs Facebook's hardware group. "Trump just did unbelievable work," Bosworth wrote. "They weren't running misinformation or hoaxes. They weren't micro-targeting or saying different things to different people. They just used the tools we had to show the right creative to each persona. He continued: "I find myself desperately wanting to pull any lever at my disposal to avoid the same result. So what stays my hand? I find myself thinking of the Lord of the Rings at this moment". "Specifically when Frodo offers the ring to Galadrial (Galadriel) and she imagines using the power righteously, at first, but knows it will eventually corrupt her," he wrote. "As tempting as it is to use the tools available to us to change the outcome, I am confident we must never do that or we will become that which we fear." "To be clear, I'm no fan of Trump. I donated the max to Hillary," he tried to clarify his stand. Bosworth said that it is worth reminding everyone that Russian interference was real but it was mostly not done through advertising. "$100,000 in ads on Facebook can be a powerful tool but it can't buy you an American election, especially when the candidates themselves are putting up several orders of magnitude more money on the same platform (not to mention other platforms)," he wrote. Instead, the Russians worked to exploit existing divisions in the American public for example by hosting Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter protest events in the same city on the same day. "Misinformation was also real and related but not the same as Russian interference," Bosworth mentioned, admitting that Cambridge Analytica was one of the more acute cases where the details were almost all wrong. Explore the MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs offered by various schools based on the 2018 GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) scores. Learn about the schools with the highest average scores, along with other admission requirements for entering business school. View Schools Columbia Business School The Columbia Business School located in New York has the highest average GMAT score of 736. This average score was calculated based on a total of 552 incoming students for the fall semester of 2018. Most of the candidates in this school come from the financial and consulting industries, and more than half of the 2018 class was employed directly in such industries, according to Forbes. Kellogg School of Management Students in the MBA program in Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University typically have about 5 years of work experience, and more than 500 employers in the country hire graduates from this school, according to Forbes in 2019. Located in Elgin, Illinois, Kellogg has an average GMAT score of 732 based on the 478 incoming students. Wharton School The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is ranked as the top business school by U.S. News & World Report (USN&WR) in 2018 and has an average GMAT score of 732 based on the 862 incoming students. Aside from MBA degrees, Wharton also offers dual-degree programs with other Penn Schools as well as joint programs with Harvard's Kennedy School and Johns Hopkins' School of Advanced International Studies. Stanford University Stanford University in California has an average GMAT score of 732 based on 419 incoming students. Ranked as the second-best business school in the country by USN&WR, Stanford University has the lowest acceptance rate in the world, at only 6%. As a requirement, students have to go abroad either during summer or on short trips together with other students. Booth School of Business The University of Chicago's Booth School of Business is one of the country's oldest schools. It has an average GMAT score of 731 based on 591 incoming students. The school's evaluation criteria for its MBA program include curriculum or the academic aspect of the candidate, community or candidate's personal or professional experience, and career or the candidate's track record of success. One required class in the curriculum is Leadership Effectiveness and Development, where students explore how to be effective leaders through teamwork, interpersonal communication and conflict management. Harvard Business School Harvard Business School in Massachusetts is known as one of the most prestigious schools in the world. The school's average GMAT score is at 731 based on a class size of 930. Harvard Business School also offers dual degrees with several other Harvard schools such as its medical school, law school and the Kennedy School of Government. MIT Sloan Massachusetts Institute of Technology's business school has an average GMAT of 728 based on a class size of only 409. Freshman students of MIT Sloan are required to participate in Career Core that would test their interests, values, and strengths, and help them choose their career path. The school's program focuses on finance, enterprise management, and entrepreneurship/innovation. The students also participate in annual entrepreneurship competitions where they can win large cash prizes. The University of California-Berkeley The Berkeley Haas program of the University of California has an average GMAT of 726 in a class of only 291. Students in the MBA program are required to take the Applied Innovation elective where they work together as a team on different projects ranging from global consulting work to major corporate initiatives. Students are also encouraged to take study trips abroad and work as consultants through their International Business Development Program. Yale School of Management Located in Connecticut, Yale School of Management has an average GMAT score of 724 based on 347 incoming students. The MBA program developed a teaching method that creates real-world information access. Yale School of Management encourages students to work in public and nonprofit sectors rather than private firms. Tuck School of Business The Tuck School of Business of Dartmouth College, in New Hampshire, has an average GMAT score of 722 based on a class size of 287. The school is known as one of the top schools in the country in terms of consulting. Students are required to take the First-Year Project where teams apply what they have learned in real-world issues for multinational companies, SMEs and nonprofit organizations. They can also enroll in the OnSite Global Consulting elective where they work abroad as consultants. *Average GMAT Score (2018) *Class Size **Acceptance Rate **Employed After Graduation **Median Base Salary Columbia Business School 736 552 17% 90% $130,000 Kellogg School of Management 732 478 22% 92% $130,000 Wharton School 732 862 21% 95% $135,000 Stanford University 732 419 6% 88% $142,000 Booth School of Business 731 591 23% 96% $130,000 Harvard Business School 731 930 11% 89% $140,000 MIT Sloan 728 409 13% 94% $135,000 Berkeley Haas 726 291 15% 93% $125,000 Yale School of Management 724 347 20% 90% $127,100 Tuck School of Business 722 287 23% 92% $130,000 Sources: *U.S. News & World Report; **Forbes Admittance Requirements for Business Schools Candidates are often given the option to take a Graduate Record Examination or GRE instead of GMAT to enter business school. No exact score is required for GMAT or GRE for these business schools. Other necessary requirements needed for an MBA application include academic transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Many business schools also require candidates with work experiences. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) are required in most business schools for non-English speakers. Having a high GMAT score does not guarantee entry to these business schools where the average ranges from 722 to 736; however, it can be an important factor in pursuing an MBA degree. Most of the schools with the highest GMAT scores in 2018 are located on the West and East coasts of the United States. Most of the passengers on board the Ukraine International Airlines flight have died, said Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran's Emergency Medical Services, on Wednesday. According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, the Ukrainian Airlines flight carrying 170 passengers and crew crashed shortly after take-off from Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran on Wednesday. Koulivand said on IRINN, a state-run media outlet, that emergency crews have been dispatched to the crash site between the cities of Parand and Shahriar. However, emergency personnel are unable to access the site because it is ablaze. "We are aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information," CNN quoted a Boeing spokesperson as saying. As per Iran's semi-official news agency ISNA, the crash was due to technical difficulties. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States is now the largest crude oil and natural gas producer in the world and no longer needs oil from the Middle East, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday. Mr Trump said this at the White House in an official reaction to the retaliatory attack by Iran on an Iraqi base housing American troops. PREMIUM TIMES reported the Iranian attack which Iran said was in retaliation to the killing of its top general, Qassem Soleimani, by the U.S. inside Iraq. In his speech, Mr Trump said the U.S. would impose more economic sanctions on Iran. He also criticized the Obama administration for signing, alongside other world powers, the Iran nuclear deal, JCPOA, which Mr Trump withdrew the U.S. from. Irans hostilities increased after the foolish Iran nuclear deal we signed in 2013, and we gave 150 billion dollars not to mention another 1.8 billion in cash. Instead of saying thank you to the United States, they chanted death to America the day the agreement was signed. Then Iran went on a terrorist spree funded by the money from the deal and caused greater hell in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Iraq, Mr Trump said. He called on the United Kingdom, China, France, Russia, and Germany to break away from the remnant of the Iran deal which he said enhances Iran to foment violence, unrest, hatred and war in the region. He said the Middle East became an option for oil dependence when the U.S. was struggling with its energy sector. He added that such trade relation will no longer be necessary as our economy is stronger than ever before. America has achieved energy independence. These historical accomplishments shape our strategic priorities. The accomplishment that nobody thought was possible and options in the middle east became available. We are now the number one producer of natural oil and gas anywhere in the world. We are independent and do not need the middle east oil, he said. Australias Coalition government has responded to Washingtons illegal assassination of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani in Baghdad last Friday by doubling down on its support for US provocations that threaten a catastrophic military conflict in the Middle East. Senior government ministers expressed their concern over Irans behavior, even as that US President Donald Trump has threatened to launch an aggressive war against the country, in violation of international law. In doing so, the government has tacitly endorsed the killing of Suleimani, an unprovoked act of gangsterism, along with Trumps threats to bombard Iran, a country of over 80 million people, including essential infrastructure and densely populated civilian areas. Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, center, attends a meeting in Tehran, Iran. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP, File) The response is in line with the support of the entire Australian political and media establishment for the US alliance. Australia, under Labor and Coalition governments, has participated in virtually every US-led war since the end of World War II. This has included the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq, and an expanding US military build-up throughout the Middle East directed against Iran. On Monday, just days after the drone strike killed Suleimani and nine others, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds told Nine Media that her government and its allies had long been concerned by Irans behaviour in the Middle East. Reynolds did not even directly mention the assassination of Suleimani. Instead, she implicitly blamed Iran for ratcheting up tensions, stating that her government would encourage unnamed parties to show restraint and avoid escalation. Australias focus remains on supporting Iraqs stability and unity and ensuring a de-escalation of tensions, Reynolds declared, echoing US claims that Iran has provoked instability in Iraq. Morrison indicated that his government, which marches in lockstep with the Trump administration, had not received forewarning of the US drone strike. Despite this admission, Morrison signalled his support for the attack, declaring that the US had expressed its concern with Iran for some time, adding that it had been in constant contact with allies throughout the region and had ensured that no Australians were injured. Demonstrating Labors bipartisan support for this militarist line, party leader Anthony Albanese and senior federal MPs have not even bothered to comment on the killing of Suleimani. Labor has, for decades, sought to position itself as the preeminent party of the US alliance. In recent years, it has overseen Australias integration into a vast US military build-up in the Asia-Pacific region directed against China. This has resulted in the Australian states emergence as one of the most aggressive attack dogs of the US and a key partner in its most egregious provocations. The Morrison government has sought to closely identify itself with the Trump administration. Senior US officials feted the Australian prime minister when he visited Washington last year, and Morrison even took part in a de facto Trump election campaign rally. This role was on display on Tuesday. Defence Minister Reynolds responded to a vote of Iraqs parliament demanding that US, Australian and other allied troops leave the country by calling on the government to ignore the ballot. Indicating the contempt of the major powers for the Iraqi people, whose mass demonstrations forced the parliament to pass the motion, Reynolds stated: We understand the resolution passed by Iraqs Parliament is non-binding, absent formal approval by the government in Baghdad. She called for a guarantee that the 300 Australian troops, alongside thousands of American soldiers and contractors, be allowed to continue occupying Iraq. We urge the Iraqi government to ensure the coalition is able to continue its vital work with Iraqs security forces in countering the shared threat of Daesh, Reynolds said. The claim that US and Australian troops are in Iraq to defeat the already-vanquished Islamic State, known in the Middle East as Daesh, is a fraud. In reality, the ongoing occupation is aimed at shoring up US hegemony of the geo-strategically critical and oil-rich region. It is also aimed at undercutting the influence of Iran, Russia and China. The US and its allies, including Australia and the Gulf States, have pursued this strategy in neighbouring Syria by backing the very Islamist militias out of which ISIS developed. The assassination of Suleimani, who played a central role in Irans collaboration with the Assad regime against ISIS and other Sunni extremists, will only encourage their re-emergence in Syria, Iraq and throughout the region. The Australian political establishment has actively backed the US regime-change operation in Syria, directed in part against Iran, as well as direct provocations against Tehran. In August, the entire political and media establishment rolled out the red carpet for US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was on a tour of the region to escalate the US military build-up against China and to advocate broader participation in aggression against Iran. Pompeos militarist agenda was not challenged by a single parliamentary representative, including the Greens and the right-wing populist independents, or by the corporate media. In backroom discussions, Pompeo pressed the Australian government to agree to send military ships to the Persian Gulf to menace Iran, which it did, just weeks later, with the full support of the Labor opposition. Labor defence spokesman Richard Marles declared: Australia has an interest in freedom of navigationv this [the Persian Gulf] is a piece of international architecture which is as essential to our national interests as any. At the time, the WSWS warned: Australias involvement in the 2003 invasion of Iraq likewise began with naval operations to uphold freedom of navigation and enforce sanctions. That illegal invasion resulted in up to a million deaths and has created unprecedented social and political catastrophes throughout the Middle East. A war against Iran, a country with a population more than twice as large as Iraq, would be even more disastrous. The Australian ruling elites support for the murder of Suleimani is another demonstration that successive governments, Labor and Coalition alike, have placed Australia on the frontline of military preparations, in the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific and internationally, that threaten the eruption of nothing less than a nuclear world war. Yes Bank rose 2.11% to Rs 46.05 after the bank said its board will meet on 10 January 2020 to consider raising funds. In an exchange filing made after market hours yesterday, the private lender said that its board will consider raising funds by issuing equity shares/depository receipts/convertible bonds/debentures/warrants/any other equity linked securities, through permissible modes, subject to necessary shareholders/regulatory approvals, as applicable. Last month, a foreign brokerage cut its target price on the Yes Bank stock to Rs 46 from Rs 50 earlier. The brokerage also slashed the FY20 and FY21 profit estimate for the lender by 4-5%. On 31 December 2019, CARE Ratings downgraded the rating on Yes Bank's infrastructure bonds to A/Negative {from A+ (Credit Watch with Developing implications) and Negative outlook assigned}. The outlook for the ratings is Negative considering the uncertainty related to equity raising, which is critical for the bank to maintain adequate capital buffers over the minimum regulatory requirement as well as fund future growth of the bank. Offering a rationale for the rating downgrade, the ratings agency said that the revision of ratings assigned to the debt instruments of Yes Bank factors in more than expected delay in raising core equity capital. The outlook also considers slippages that are likely to continue in H2 FY20 and muted recoveries from non-performing assets, it added. Yes Bank reported a net loss of Rs 600.08 crore in Q2 September 2019 as compared to net profit of Rs 964.70 crore in Q2 September 2018. Total income fell 4.3% to Rs 8,332.21 crore in Q2 September 2019 over Q2 September 2018. Yes Bank has pan-India presence covering 53 metro, 29 states and 7 Union Territories. The bank with 1120 branches, 1456 ATMs across the nation has an employee head count of 21,136 as of 31 March 2019. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Advertisement Iran's supreme leader has a million troops on stand-by, hundreds of missile launchers capable of striking the entire Middle East and a maritime guerrilla force for exacting revenge on the US for Qassem Soleimani's killing last week. Tehran's first retaliatory move was delivered in a 22-missile strike on two US bases in Iraq last night. But despite the array of devastating options at his disposal, it is believed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei deliberately pulled his punches. There were no US casualties in the bombardments and US and European government sources said today it appeared the missiles deliberately missed the personnel in the bases, despite Tehran's furious threats of vengeance. Perhaps more humiliating, is the possibility that Iran's equipment failed. This would further underline the gulf between Iran, which still uses Soviet-era weapons, and its US enemy, which has the most advanced military in the world. If he chooses to unleash it, there is no doubting the danger of the Ayatollah's arsenal. There are 150,000 elite troops of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, 350,000 regular soldiers and half a million in reserve. Meanwhile the navy could put a strangle-hold on the world's oil supply in the Strait of Hormuz with a maritime guerrilla force of small, rapid vessels rigged with machine guns and missiles, as well as 'midget' submarines and sea mines. A third of the world's liquefied gas and almost a quarter of its oil flows through the narrow, shallow waters on Iran's southern coast, which was the scene of oil tanker attacks and seizures last year. Iran's defense spending soared after sanctions were lifted by the 2015 Iran Deal but the budget has fallen substantially since Trump reimposed those penalties. Spending for last year was around $20.7 billion - roughly 3.8% of its GDP - while the year before it was $27.3 billion. 'Tehran has committed itself to becoming the dominant power in the turbulent and strategic Middle East,' according to the US Defense Intelligence Agency. Iran has half a million troops and another half a million in reserve. It has Soviet tanks and jets and a small number of those are from the US, but supplied before the Islamic Revolution in 1979. President Donald Trump reimposed brutal sanctions on Iran last year and this has crippled their defense spending Missiles Iran's ballistic missiles, such as those used in the assault on US airbases last night, are the sharpest teeth in Tehran's vicious weaponry. Iran has the largest number of missiles in the Middle East. Its lack of a modern air force means that it has built up long-range strike capabilities to deter its enemies in the region from attacking. These missiles can reach as far as 1,250 miles, enough range to strike eastern Europe and most of the Indian subcontinent. The longest range missiles are the Emad-1, which can deliver a 1,700lb payload to over a thousand miles away to an accuracy of 30ft, and the latest medium-range variant of the Shahab 3. It is feared the latter could be modified to accommodate a nuclear warhead. Iran has the largest missile arsenal in the Middle East. Its lack of a modern air force means that it has built up long-range strike capabilities to deter its enemies in the region from attacking. These missiles can reach as far as 1,250 miles (2,000km), enough range to strike eastern Europe and most of the Indian subcontinent The Iranian ground-to-ground missile Qiam-1 lifts off at an undisclosed location in Iran in 2010, a short range ballistic missile produced by Iran which can travel 500 miles and carry 750lb warheads. It was reportedly deployed last night during Iran's strikes on US bases in Iraq Iran's Fateh 110 (conqueror 110) surface-to-surface missile is unveiled at a parade to mark the beginning of the 1980-1988 Iran-iraq War in Tehran Iran in September 2010 Two types of ballistic missiles were reportedly used to hit the US military bases last night in Ain al-Asad, western Iraq and also around Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. The majority of those used are believed to be the Fateh-110, which can travel 180 miles and have a payload of around 500lb. Reports also suggest the Qiam-1 was used, a short range ballistic missile produced by Iran which can travel 500 miles and carry 750lb warheads. The Fateh-110 is an Iranian-designed, short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile that can be launched from any location. Saudi oil infrastructure is likely to feature in Iran's plans for strikes in the region, following on from major disruption caused after a drone and missile attack on the country's largest oil refinery last year (pictured) While the Qiam-1 was specifically built to target U.S. bases in the Middle East, which have 'encircled Iran', according to Iranian sources. Like its Shahab-1 and Shahab-2 short-range ballistic missiles, the Qiam-1 uses Scud technology. Iran has invested heavily in new missiles which use advanced guidance technology and have increased maneuverability to make them devastating against smaller targets like military bases and ships at sea. Iran lacks intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), but its will to nullify the US threat could lead it to develop an ICBM. Tehran has continued developing space launch vehicles (SLVs) with increasing power, including solid rocket boosters that could propel an ICBM and potentially strike the American heartlands. The launch of a Fateh 110 missile in the Kavir Desert in 2010. The missile has a range of 180 miles and carries a payload of 500lb The country's space program could dramatically rev up those advances due to the technological crossover. It has conducted multiple launches of a liquid-propelled Safir SLVs with some successes and failures. It has also launched another liquid-propelled SLV, the Simorgh, which is designed for taking satellites into space. However, it could later be configured as an ICBM, experts believe. Maritime Guerrilla Warfare Vital to Iran's power in the region is its ability to put a choke-hold on the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. 'Iran's layered maritime defenses consist of numerous platforms and weapons intended, when used in a combined fashion, to overwhelm an adversary's naval forces,' according to the Defense Intelligence Agency. 'Iran emphasizes asymmetric tactics, such as small boat attacks, to saturate a ships defenses.' Iran uses ship and shore-launched anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), fast attack craft (FAC) and fast inshore attack craft (FIAC), naval mines, submarines, UAVs, anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), and air defense systems. It has 14 domestically-made North Korean Yono class (Ghadir) midget submarines (pictured) and Russian-supplied Kilo class attack submarines to cause havoc to vessels in the Persian Gulf. It has a large fleet of small high-speed vessels armed with machine guns, rockets, torpedoes, ASBMs and mines. In addition it has 14 domestically-made North Korean Yono class midget submarines and 3 Russian-supplied Kilo class attack submarines to cause havoc to vessels in the Persian Gulf. As well as missile systems capable of targeting vessels up to 200 miles away, it maintains some 5,000 naval mines, including contact and influence mines. The former require a vessel to touch them to be detonated, while the later rely on sensors to explode. An oil tanker burns in June 2019 in the Gulf of Oman after what the US said was an attack on two vessels by Tehran, just four weeks after similar acts of sabotage against Saudi ships Navy The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy is made up of 18,000 personnel. This is Iran's conventional 'blue water navy.' Its primary objectives are protecting the country's economic assets in the Caspian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. It is made up of older, large surface vessels, as well as the smaller modern submarines mentioned above. Since 2009, the IRIN has been involved in patrols abroad in the Gulf of Aden to combat piracy and also conducts foreign port visits and joint exercises with other navies. Iran's first domestically made frigate, the Jamaran sails in the Gulf on February 21, 2009. Iran's navy launched the vessel in the Gulf at a ceremony attend by the supreme leader and the commander-in-chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Islamic Republic of Iran Navy CLASS Kilo Attack Fateh Yono (Ghadir) Midget Nahang Midget Jamaran (Mowj) Vosper Mk 5 PF 103 (Bayandor) Combattante II (Kaman) Hendijan PGM-71 (Parvin) Cape (Kayvan) U.S. Mk II C-14 FB 40 Hengham Karbala Wellington Mk 4 Wellington Mk 5 Kharg Bandar Abbas Delvar S Hendijan Tender Shahsavar TYPE submarine coastal submarine submarine submarine corvette corvette corvette fast attack craft, missiles patrol craft, missiles patrol craft, missiles patrol craft, missiles patrol craft, coastal, missiles patrol craft, coastal patrol craft, inshore landing ship, tank landing ship, logistic hovercraft hovercraft replenishment ship fleet supply ship support ship tender training ship INVENTORY 3 1 1 1 3 3 2 13 3 3 3 1 9 6 3 6 2 4 1 2 6 7 1 Advertisement The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy is made up of 20,000 with the job of protecting Iran's coast. Its tactics emphasize speed, surprise and mobility, in the confined and shallow waterways through the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. As outlined above, Tehran believes that deploying a range of smaller vessels and missiles, using hit-and-run as well as swarming tactics, will allow it to see off any naval challenges from its enemies. Two Iranian warships dock in the Sudanese Red Sea city of Port Sudan on December 8, 2012. The Iranian navy's 1,400 ton frigate Jamaran and the 4,700 ton support ship Bushehr Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy CLASS Houdong (Thondor) Peykaap I Peykaap II Peykaap III Mk 13 C-14 Tir Tarlan Kashdom II Ashoora Cougar FB RIB-33 Gashti Kuch Bladerunner (Siraj) Boghammar Hormuz 21 Hormuz 24 Harth 55 Safir Kish Naser TYPE fast attack craft, missile patrol craft, coastal, torpedo patrol craft, coastal, missile patrol craft, coastal, missile patrol craft, coastal, missile patrol craft, coastal, missile patrol craft patrol craft, inshore patrol craft, inshore patrol craft, inshore patrol craft, inshore patrol craft, inshore patrol craft, inshore patrol craft, inshore patrol craft, inshore patrol craft, inshore landing ship landing ship support ship transport transport INVENTORY 10 15 25 5 10 5 10 15 15 unknown* unknown* unknown* unknown* unknown* unknown* 20 2 3 1 3 3 Advertisement Air Force The Iranian air force is split across the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) and the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force (IRIADF). The IRIAF has approximately 37,000 personnel, with hundreds of aircraft and helicopters and operates the majority of the country's fighting aircraft across 11 major bases. It uses a range of aircraft sourced from the US, Russia and China. It includes the US F-14 Tomcat, F-4 Phantom II, and F-5 Tiger II; the Russian MiG-29 Fulcrum and Su-24 Fencer; and the Chinese F-7 Airguard. The F-4s are the most commonly used and were acquired from the US before the Islamic Revolution. There are an estimated 200 fighter jets in the air force. Russian AirForce Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum performing a high-g pull up manoeuvre with condensation forming at the wing roots at the 1999 MAKS Airshow. The IRIAF has approximately 37,000 personnel and operates the majority of the country's fighting aircraft across 11 major bases. It is estimated there are around 20 Mikoyan MiG-29s in service Major Iranian Combat Aircraft PLATFORM F-4D/E Phantom II F-5E/F Tiger II (and Iranian variants) F-14A/AM Tomcat Su-22 Fitter Su-24MK Fencer MiG-29 Fulcrum A Mirage F1 F-7N Airguard DELIVERED TO IRAN (ORIGIN) 1968-1978 (USA) 1973-1976 (USA) 1976-1978 (USA) 1991 (Iraq) 1990 (Russia); 1991 (Iraq) 1990 (Russia); 1991 (Iraq) 1991 (Iraq) 1987-1996 (China) ROLE Multirole Fighter Multirole Fighter Fighter Fighter-Bomber Fighter-Bomber Fighter-Bomber Fighter-Bomber Fighter-Bomber Advertisement Similar to the navy, the air force has its own Guard Corps wing of the air force called the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force (IRGCASF) of around 15,000 personnel. It has a fleets of fighters and commercial craft including Su-22 Fitters, EMB-312 Tucanos, Y-12s, Dassault Falcon 20s, MFI-17s, IL-76s, and An-74s. Also under the command of the IRGCASF are the rapidly growing fleet of UAVs which were used for the first time last year in long-range operations abroad. This included using them alongside ballistic missiles to carry out attacks on ISIS in eastern Syria and the technology has also been provided to Hezbollah and Houthi rebels against their enemies. Major Iranian UAVs Platform Family Ababil Shahed Mohajer Toufan Fotros Karrar Hemaseh IRN-170 System Ababil-2 Ababil-3 Qasef-1 Shahed-129 Shahed-123 Mohajer-2 Sadegh Mohajer-4 Mohajer-6 Toufan 1 Fotros Karrar Hemaseh IRN-170 variants Role Multirole ISR Multirole Multirole, ISR and air-to-ground strike ISR ISR Multirole Multirole, ISR and air-to-ground strike Multirole One-way attack Multirole, ISR and air-to-ground strike Multirole Multirole Multirole Advertisement Air Defenses The IRGCASF also wields an array of surface-to-air (SAM) missiles and radar technologies designed to defend it from aerial assault. In service since 2017, Iran's Russian-supplied SA-20c long-range SAM system is the most advanced weapon in this array. In June last year the IRGCASF used a Third of Khordad SAM system - a copy or derivative of Russia's Buk M3 system - to shoot down a US RQ-4 drone in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz. Ground Forces and Expeditionary Warfare The Islamic Republic of Iran Ground Force (IRIGF) maintain a ground force of around 350,000 soldiers and is dedicated to protecting against invasion. Many are made up of those men doing two years national service. As well light infantry units, this includes around 2,000 tanks - the most advanced is the Russian-supplied T-72S - and helicopters including AH-1 Cobras, Bell 214s, CH-47 Chinooks, and AB 206s. A US Army M109 howitzer. Tehran has around 400 of these mobile artillery units which were supplied before the Islamic Revolution (1979) by the United States. its primary weapon is a 155 mm Howitzer turret and its secondary weapon is a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on its top Members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) march during the annual military parade marking the anniversary of the outbreak of the devastating 1980-1988 war with Saddam Hussein's Iraq, in the capital Tehran in September 2018. There are around 150,000 men in the IRGC Other key units in its ground arsenal are armored vehicles including the Russian-supplied amphibious BMP-2 from the 1980s, a small number of US-supplied M-109 howitzers supplied before 1979, as well as hundreds of ground-to-ground rocket launching systems. Iran's capabilities to fight abroad with an expeditionary force are limited. However, it has shown it can use its allies in the region to mount attacks using ground troops and UAVs. In recent years this has involved deployments in the Syria Civil War, in Iraq and Yemen. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force - formerly commanded by Qassam Soleimani - takes the lead in these fights. A BMP-2 amphibious infantry fighting vehicle during assault crossing exercises held by a motorized rifle brigade and engineer units of the Russian Far Eastern Military District's 5th army. Iran has around 2,600 infantry fighting vehicles at its disposal, the most capable of which are the Russian-supplied BMP-2s Key Ground Forces Equipment System Tanks Armored Vehicles Self-Propelled Artillery Towed Artillery Multiple Rocket Launchers Approx. Total 1,900 2,600 400 2,900 2,000 Most Capable T-72S BMP-2 M-109 GHN-45 Fajr-5 Source Russia Russia USA Austria Iran Advertisement The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force Ground Force (IRGCGF) is made up of around 150,000 personnel. It is comprised of mainly light infantry and commando units which specialize in counterinsurgency missions against Kurdish fighters in the northwest and Baluchi militants in the southeast of Iran. Since 2012, they have deployed abroad to Syria and Iraq. The IRGCGF also has its own smaller number of Soviet tanks and pre-1979 US tanks. Members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) march during the annual military parade in September last year. Nuclear Weapons In the late 1980s, Iran established a secret nuclear weapons program under the Physics Research Center (PHRC). In the late 1990s, the PHRC became the infamous AMAD Project (Amad Plan), an explicit quest to build a nuclear weapon. Project 111 was an effort to produce a payload which could be integrated with a Shahab 3 missile. In 2003, this was halted and Iran later said it would stop its uranium enrichment. In 2015, this was further shored up by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran Deal or the Obama Deal. This placed restrictions on its uranium enrichment while reducing sanctions. However, in 2018 the US pulled out of the deal and reimposed sanctions over alleged breaches to the JCPOA. Last year Iran announced it would stop adhering to its JCPOA commitments and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) later found that they had exceeded the uranium limits. Iran is believed to have continued developing its nuclear capabilities through uranium enrichment at a covert underground lair at Fordow. Fordow nuclear enrichment facility, located around 80 miles south of Tehran, surrounded by a double-ring of steel, guard towers and Russian-made S-300 missile systems The facility is surrounded by a ring of steel and guard towers which cut through the rugged terrain - towards the top of the image a road can be seen leading inside which branches off, one route heading to a building with a white roof and another to the underground bunker The plant is buried in a mountain range, originally under the command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, it is heavily fortified by a ring of steel fencing with guard towers every 80ft. Russian-made S-300 missile systems were installed three years ago and it has become a hot-spot of activity as satellite imagery reveals intensifying construction, according to the Institute for Science and International Security. Tunnels are used to access the lair which is packed with more than 1,000 centrifuges used in nuclear production. The alleged nuclear facility at Fordow is also guarded from air attacks by Russian-made S-300 missile systems (pictured: a Russian S-300 air defence system launches a missile during military exercises at the Ashuluk shooting range in Russia) The Institute for Science and International Security, founded by former UN nuclear inspector David Albright, say: 'Everything required to enrich uranium to weapons grade could be quickly reconstituted in the underground portion of the facility. 'Fordow is potentially part of Iran's current threats to progressively go to higher enrichment levels and increase its stocks of enriched uranium, and if conducted there, Fordow's underground tunnel complex is fortified to withstand aerial bombardment.' After last week's killing of commander Soleimani, Trump vowed that Iran would never have a nuclear weapon amid increasing concern over how Tehran would respond to the assassination of its highest ranking commander. Iran is considering further options against America in retaliation for the killing of Quds commander Qassem Soleimeni in Baghdad. The conflict could quickly spiral out of control, dragging in other world powers including Russia, Turkey and China WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Leadership from the National Association of Realtors met with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and other senior Department officials on Wednesday in Washington to discuss fair housing issues just hours after unanimously passing a new plan to tackle the issue. The meeting, which included CEO Bob Goldberg and President Vince Malta, allowed NAR to reiterate its commitment to partnering with HUD to advance fair housing protections, while the two sides agreed to work jointly on public service announcements and other proactive initiatives to communicate the importance of housing access for all Americans. "NAR has been active in our pursuit of innovative new policies and partnerships that will help us preserve the fundamental right of housing in America," said NAR President Vince Malta, broker at Malta & Co., Inc., in San Francisco, CA. "While we have long been a champion of the Fair Housing Act, recent incidents have underscored the progress our nation must still make. That's why I am proud to announce that our association's Leadership Team has voted today to approve an action that will directly ramp up and reinvigorate NAR's fair housing commitment." The new NAR initiative, abbreviated 'ACT,' will emphasize Accountability, Culture Change and Training in order to ensure America's 1.4 million Realtors are doing everything possible to protect housing rights in America. Specifically, the nation's largest trade association will take new actions to ensure members uphold the fair housing standards incorporated in NAR's Code of Ethics; begin integrating fair housing into all conferences and engagements; and form partnerships with fair housing advocates to pursue shared goals around accountability and training, among countless other initiatives. "NAR's Code of Ethics and its adherence to fair housing are the cornerstone of our commitment as Realtors," said Goldberg, NAR's Chief Executive. "With this new plan, we will see more robust education focusing on core fair housing criteria, unconscious bias, and how the actions of Realtors impact communities. A partnership with government officials and fair housing advocates will allow us to further promote equality as we continue to work to diversify our industry." The National Association of Realtors is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1.4 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. SOURCE National Association of Realtors The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) today awarded the winners of the Infosys Prize 2019 for their outstanding contributions to science and research at an awards ceremony in Bengaluru. The winners were conferred the prize for their stellar contributions across six fields, namely Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences. The winners were felicitated by the Chief Guest, Prof. Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate, Professor of Economics and Philosophy, Harvard University, USA, with a pure gold medal, a citation and a prize purse of USD 100,000. The event was attended by distinguished scientists and academicians from India and abroad, business leaders, young researchers and students. Trustees of the Infosys Science Foundation, Mr. S. D. Shibulal, President of the Board of Trustees, Mr. N. R. Narayana Murthy, Mr. Nandan Nilekani, Mr. T. V. Mohandas Pai, Mr. S. Gopalakrishnan, Mr. K. Dinesh and Mr. Srinath Batni, were also present at the award ceremony. The winners of the Infosys Prize this year have continued the tradition of those awarded over the last decade. Their work shapes the path of research and progress in their respective fields, often significantly impacting other disciplines too, enabling innovation at the boundaries. We are extremely proud to be able to showcase their achievements to the world and wish them greater success so they can continue to inspire and influence many in future, said Mr. S. D. Shibulal, Co-founder, Infosys Limited and President of the Infosys Science Foundation. In his speech as chief guest of the Infosys Prize ceremony, Prof. Amartya Sen said, "There are deep links between friendship and knowledge. Our intellectual horizons expand when we learn from each other. We can give to the world much more than what we get from it. For example, the mathematical revolution in India from the fifth century onwards, led particularly by Aryabhata, was influenced by intellectual developments in Greece, Babylon and Rome, but Aryabhatian mathematics, in turn, took gigantic leaps in India, and then spread abroad, with transformational impact on China, on the Arab world and eventually on Europe. The constructive role of friendship applies not only across the national borders, but also within. Divisions between groups and sects not only damage our social lives, but they can also work as barriers to intellectual progress within and across the nations. Friendship is, in fact, central to the development of knowledge. The winners were chosen from close to 200 nominations by jury panels headed by eminent academics: Prof. Arvind (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) for Engineering and Computer Sciences; Prof. Akeel Bilgrami (Columbia University) for Humanities; Prof. Mriganka Sur (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) for Life Sciences; Prof. Srinivasa S. R. Varadhan (New York University) for Mathematical Sciences; Prof. Shrinivas Kulkarni (California Institute of Technology) for Physical Sciences; and Prof. Kaushik Basu (Cornell University and former SVP, World Bank) for Social Sciences. The laureates of the Infosys Prize 2019 are: Engineering and Computer Science Prof. Sunita Sarawagi, Institute Chair Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay for her research in databases, data mining, machine learning and natural language processing, and for important applications of these research techniques. Prof. Sarawagis work has practical applications in helping clean up unstructured data like addresses on the web and in repositories which then helps in more efficient handling of queries. Humanities Dr. Manu V. Devadevan, Assistant Professor, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi for his original and wide-ranging work on pre-modern South India. He critically reinterprets much of the conventional wisdom about the cultural, religious and social history of the Deccan and South India. Dr. Devadevan's primary research interests include political and economic processes in pre-modern South India, literary practices in South India and the study of ancient inscriptions from the region. Life Sciences Dr. Manjula Reddy, Chief Scientist, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad for her groundbreaking discoveries concerning the structure of cell walls in bacteria. Dr. Reddy and her colleagues have revealed critical steps of cell wall growth that are fundamental for understanding bacterial biology. This work could potentially help in creating a new class of antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistant microbes. Mathematical Sciences Prof. Siddhartha Mishra, Professor, Department of Mathematics, ETH Zurich, for his outstanding contributions to Applied Mathematics, particularly for designing numerical tools for solving problems in the real world. Prof. Mishra's work has been used in climate models, in astrophysics, aerodynamics, and plasma physics. He has produced codes for complicated realistic problems such as tsunamis generated by rock slides, and waves in the solar atmosphere. Physical Sciences Prof. G. Mugesh, Professor, Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru for his seminal work in the chemical synthesis of small molecules and nanomaterials for biomedical applications. His work has contributed to the understanding of the role of trace elements, selenium and iodine, in thyroid hormone activation and metabolism, and this research has led to major medical advances. Social Sciences Prof. Anand Pandian, Professor, Department of Anthropology, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Johns Hopkins University for his imaginative work on ethics, selfhood and the creative process. Prof. Pandian's research encompasses several themes such as cinema, public culture, ecology, nature and the theory and methods of anthropology. His writing pushes the boundaries of how anthropologists render into words the worlds they encounter. His work breaks new ground. About the Infosys Science Foundation: The Infosys Prize is awarded by the Infosys Science Foundation, a not-for-profit trust set up in 2009. The award is given annually to honor outstanding achievements of contemporary researchers and scientists across six categories: Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences. Each prize consists of a gold medal, a citation and a purse of USD 100,000. The award intends to celebrate success in research and stand as a marker of excellence in these fields. Jury Chairs Prof. Akeel Bilgrami | Prof. Arvind | Prof. Kaushik Basu | Prof. Mriganka Sur | Prof. Shrinivas Kulkarni | Prof. Srinivasa S.R. Varadhan Trustees Srinath Batni | K. Dinesh | S. Gopalakrishnan | N. R. Narayana Murthy | Nandan Nilekani | T. V. Mohandas Pai | S.D. Shibulal About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. We enable clients in 46 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over three decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer our clients through their digital journey. We do it by enabling the enterprise with an AI-powered core that helps prioritize the execution of change. We also empower the business with agile digital at scale to deliver unprecedented levels of performance and customer delight. Our always-on learning agenda drives their continuous improvement through building and transferring digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements mentioned in this presentation concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Media contacts: For further information, please contact: PR_Global@infosys.com A Lebanese prosecutor said Wednesday he was summoning former auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn regarding an Interpol "red notice" over financial misconduct charges in Japan, state media reported. Ghosn was summoned to appear for questioning Thursday and would also be asked to give a statement over a report submitted by Lebanese lawyers that he had travelled to neighbouring Israel as head of Renault-Nissan, the National News Agency said. Lebanon is technically still at war with the Jewish state. Lebanon's judiciary last week received a "red notice" from Interpol for the arrest of Ghosn after he escaped bail in Japan and reappeared in his home country at the end of December. The 65-year-old businessman faces several counts of financial misconduct in Japan, including under-reporting financial compensation to the tune of $85 million. Lebanon does not have an extradition agreement with Japan. The prosecutor was set to hear Thursday Ghosn's response to accusations of "entering the enemy country and meeting a number of Israeli leaders", NNA said. In early 2008, Ghosn travelled to Israel to announce the mass production of electric vehicles there with the cooperation of Renault-Nissan. At a press conference in Beirut on Wednesday, Ghosn apologised to the Lebanese people for having visited the neighbouring country. "I went as the head of Renault," he told journalists who had flown from around the world for his first public appearance in months. "I went as a Frenchman because of a contract between Renault and an Israeli company," said Ghosn, who holds French, Lebanese and Brazilian nationalities. Former Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn has been summoned by Lebanese prosecutors over an Interpol 'red notice' British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has responded to the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani and US war threats against Iran by calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to convene a meeting of the Queens Privy Council. Corbyns request to Johnson, US President Donald Trumps most bullish defender on the world stage, was issued in a letter just hours after the January 3 missile strike that killed Irans second most senior political leader. The US assassination of Qassem Suleimani is an extremely serious and dangerous escalation of conflict with global significance, Corbyn explained in a tweet prior to the letters publication, politely omitting the words war crime, imperialism and oil. He called on Johnsons government, led by Thatcherite warmongers such Dominic Raab, Priti Patel and Jacob Rees-Mogg, to urge restraint on the part of both Iran and the US, and stand up to the belligerent actions and rhetoric coming from the US. With millions of Iranians pouring onto the streets to condemn US imperialisms act of war, and with millions more across the Middle East and around the world expressing their opposition to the US airstrikes and their fears of a wider conflagration, Corbyn assumed the role of elder statesman, issuing his own appeal to a reactionary unelected institution over which Queen Elizabeth II presides. Corbyns letter to Johnson was framed as a defence of British national security interests and exhibited Corbyns trademark deference to the state: Dear Prime Minister, I am writing to request an urgent Privy Council briefing on the consequences for the United Kingdom of the assassination of Qassem Suleimani. His letter presented seven questions to Johnson, mainly echoing the concerns of sections of the British ruling class, including senior Tories, that Trumps targeted missile strike on Suleimani was carried out unilaterally and without prior consultation with Britain. 1) Was HM [Her Majestys] government informed in advance of the US presidents decision to launch this attack? 2) If the HM government was informed in advance of the action, what advice was given to the US administration in relation to the UK governments attitude or concerns about the proposed action? 3) subsequent to the US attack, what communications have taken place with the US administration, and in particular, has the Prime Minister spoken directly to the President about the attack and its expected consequences? Two days later, Corbyn complained that he had received no answer from Johnson to his vital questions. But the answer was Sundays joint declaration by the British, French and German governments supporting the US attack on Suleimani. A NATO meeting followed Monday, with Jens Stoltenberg condemning, Iran's support of a variety of different terrorist groups," and declaring that Iran must refrain from further violence and provocations." As for the expected consequences of the US attack, Jeremy Corbyn need only have read the US Presidents Twitter account. Trump followed up on Friday mornings assassination with threats to strike 52 Iranian sites, declaring on Saturday: THEY WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. Corbyns letter to Johnson tactfully omitted any reference to decades of illegal invasion, occupation and regime change by British governments across the Middle East and North Africa since 2001, portraying Britainwhose Empire once spanned the globe--as a force for peace and restraint. He asked, [H]as the UK government expressed its opposition to this action, called for restraint by the US and for a de-escalation of tension between the US and Iran? The protection of British strategic interests in the Middle East was Corbyns primary concern: Given the present risk of an Iranian military response to the US attack what measures has the UK Government taken to ensure the safety of UK nationals in the region and beyond, and what action has been taken to protect UK shipping and UK strategic locations? Johnsons government gave answer to Corbyns request Saturday, deploying the Royal Navys HMS Montrose and the destroyer HMS Defender to the Strait of Hormuz to protect British oil tankers in the strategic passage. British military commanders announced they were working to preserve the US-British military presence in Iraq. Corbyns letter feigned surprise at the US attack on Suleimani, but Trumps action comes just weeks after a record US military budget of $738 billion, pushed through with bipartisan support from the Democratic Party. The bill removed a series of provisions restricting US military action, including the requirement that Trump obtain congressional approval before initiating military operations against Iran. Throughout the general election campaign, Corbyn buried the war issue, ensuring it played no part in Labours election campaign. His stance was consistent with Labours election manifesto decrying Tory cuts to the armed forces, pledging a Strategic Defence and Security Review, attacking Russian interference and promising to meet NATO spending commitments equal to 2 percent of GDP. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, being tortured in Londons Belmarsh Prison for exposing war crimes, was collateral damage in Corbyns filthy efforts at protecting Labour Party unity with the Blairites. Corbyns request for a briefing by the Privy Councila feudal relic of the British ruling elite that advises the Queen and meets in strict secrecyepitomises his opposition to the development of a class-based movement against war. Privy Councillors are appointed by the queen. Its 650 members comprise current and former prime ministers, cabinet members, senior members of the Royal Family and large sections of the British aristocracyincluding Lords, Barons, Dames, Dukes and Archbishops. Corbyn is a member of the Privy Council, along with shadow cabinet members John McDonnell, Diane Abbott, Emily Thornberry and Sir Keir Starmer. Among the unindicted war criminals on the Privy Council are former Labour prime minister Tony Blair and his adviser, Lord Peter Mandelson. The website of the Privy Council declares there is nothing at all secret about Privy Council meetings. The myth that the Privy Council is a secretive body springs from the wording of the Privy Council Oath, which, in its current form, dates back to Tudor times. It requires those taking it to keep secret all matters treated of in Council. Yet the myth is true, with the Privy Council website proceeding to explain, The Oath (or Solemn Affirmation for those who cannot take an Oath) is still administered, and is still binding; but it is only in very special circumstances nowadays that matters will come to a Privy Counsellor on Privy Council terms. These will mostly concern matters of the national interest where it is important for senior members of Opposition parties to have access to Government information. Corbyn is begging for precisely such Privy Council terms in the national interest, with any informationincluding that relating to war preparations by the British statediscussed by senior government ministers and the queen behind the backs of the population. In 2003, in the run-up to the Iraq War, the Blair government briefed opposition leaders Iain Duncan Smith and Charles Kennedy on Privy Council terms, presenting them with manufactured claims about Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction. Corbyns pro-imperialist politics sets the tone for Britains official anti-war movement, the Stop the War Coalition (STWC). Corbyn was its chairman prior to becoming Labour leader, resigning in September 2015 to avoid a conflict of interest. But he can rely on the STWCs leadershipincluding Lindsey German of the pseudo-left Counterfire and Stalinist Andrew Murray, one of Corbyns chief political advisors throughout his period as opposition leaderto police mass anti-war sentiment. The hypocritical formulation used by Corbyn on January 3, urging restraint on the part of both Iran and the US, became the preamble to a petition created by the STWC on January 6 in response to the US assassination of Suleimani. On Saturday, Labours former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell was given pride of place at a protest called by STWC outside Downing Street. This was a flagrant cover-up for the Corbynite lefts stinking record in facilitating British and US warmongering. In December 2015, Corbyn granted the Blairites a free vote to bomb Syria while successive Labour Party manifestos backed the Trident nuclear program and NATO spending targets. McDonnells last major statement on war was an October 2019 interview with GQ magazine, in which he told Blairs former spin doctor Alastair Campbell, a key architect of the dodgy dossier used to stampede Britain into war against Iraq, that all was forgiven. Is Tony Blair a war criminal? Campbell asked, to which McDonnell replied, No! No! Did he support Campbells own expulsion from the Labour Party, McDonnell was asked, replying obsequiously, No Come back, Alastair, all is forgiven! Speaking outside Downing Street on Saturday, McDonnell said, I regret deeply that Jeremy Corbyn is not in Number 10, as we would have a prime minister who is seeking conflict resolution and conflict prevention. The only conflict that Corbyn and his pseudo-left apologists are seeking to prevent is that between the working class and the capitalist state, its institutions and the parties now preparing for war. Lockheed Martin's investment is in direct support of the ITB obligations associated with Canada's purchase and In-Service Support maintenance, and support of 17 CC-130J Super Hercules aircraft, which were delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2010. The investment will further expand PV Labs involvement in surveillance research as it relates to their patented Fifth-generation Advanced Stabilization Technology (FAST) along with the development of high resolution, long range optical sensors. As a result PV Labs will continue the development of a next generation Electro-Optical / Infrared Sensor System that was first demonstrated with Lockheed Martin for a US defense agency in May of 2019. The continuation will be tested and flown in late 2020. The new sensor system will provide greater resolution at further standoff range while providing superior image stabilization. "This is an important investment for Lockheed Martin in a Canadian business providing innovative technology for today's warfighter," said Lorraine Ben, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Canada. "We are always looking for the best opportunities to partner with local businesses and grow our global supply chain while making a substantial economic impact in Canada." Under this investment Lockheed Martin will be able to provide leap ahead sensor technology to the operator that will increase overall mission effectiveness while also keeping them out of harm's way "Lockheed Martin and PV Labs have enjoyed collaborating on ground-breaking projects for over a decade, and through this ITB this relationship will continue to grow while also providing impactful jobs in the Burlington and Hamilton, Ontario region," said Mark Chamberlain, PV Labs CEO. About PV Labs Headquartered in Burlington, Ontario, PV Labs is an established designer and developer of aerial imaging systems used for Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance (ISR) applications within various levels of governments and military. For additional information, visit our website. About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. For additional information, visit our website. SOURCE PV Labs Ltd. Related Links www.pv-labs.com The Maryland Board of Public Works on Wednesday is expected to approve changes to Hogans plan, which would allow the state to begin soliciting teams of companies to finance and build the lanes. The public-private partnerships, expected to total $9 billion to $11 billion, would include some of the largest contracts ever awarded in Maryland and would be among the largest public-private partnerships in the country. IT firm Options, which has a major operation in Belfast, has announced a funding injection from a private equity firm. The company, which sells cloud-enabled managed services to global capital markets, has received support from Abry Partners based in Boston. Options, led by local man Danny Moore, said the investment would help it speed up its growth. Its plans include pursuing merger and acquistion targets, investing in technology and expanding in key financial centres around the world. The amount of the funding has not been disclosed. Read More Options has nearly 300 employees globally and offices in the the US, Dublin, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Toronto, Geneva and Auckland. It also has a high-spec data centre in London. Options was founded in 1993 as a hedge fund technology services provider but has expanded in recent years. It's now a major provider of outsourced financial technology and managed IT services. Over 200 firms are now users of Options' infrastructure, including global investment banks, hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, private equity houses and exchanges. Mr Moore, who is chief executive and president at Options, said: "We are thrilled to announce Abry's investment in Options. "They are a firm with a proven track record in partnering with growth firms and propelling them to the next level. "Even more crucially, they are seasoned operators in the financial services and managed IT space and understand the exciting opportunities within reach of firms offering cloud services to the capital markets sector. "We look forward to working with Abry as we continue to lead the market in the delivery of complex IT infrastructure, colocation services and specialised financial applications." Abry partner Tomer Yosef-Or said: "We are excited to be able to help the Options team accelerate their efforts to become one of the leading managed service providers globally. "Abry believes the ever-changing IT landscape will provide multiple opportunities for Options to continue to expand its services and strengthen its strong partnerships with customers. "We intend to leverage our significant capital and experience in the IT infrastructure and managed services space to help the Options team build a highly sophisticated, customer-centric global platform." Options Technology's 2018 accounts report turnover of 70.9m for the year, up from 50.4m, while pre-tax profit doubled from 1.2m to 2.4m. A strategic report filed with the accounts considers risks and uncertainties including Brexit, and the importance of managing talent. Risks associated with Brexit included foreign exchange volatility, free labour movement and supply chain impacts. January 08, 2020 The advent of the latest technologies such as robotics, nanotechnology, 3D printing, VR/AR, artificial intelligence, and others certainly makes the future of healthcare exciting. Though there are apprehensions that technology may make healthcare professionals redundant in the healthcare delivery system, this is far from being true. In the field of healthcare and medicine, technology can make healthcare systems sustainable, equalize the relationship between patients and healthcare professionals, and deliver solutions that are faster, cheaper, and more effective. In the near future, technology may help us win battles against conditions such as cancer, Ebola, AIDS, etc. Mentioned below are some of the ways technology is transforming advanced healthcare. Artificial Intelligence: Many experts believe the artificial intelligence has the potential to completely redefine the idea of healthcare. Making use of AI algorithms, we can design treatment plans, mine medical records, and create drugs at a much faster pace compared to the present system. Making use of supercomputers, therapies have been found out from a database of molecular structures. Similarly, a start-up has recently discovered two drugs for Ebola that were predicted by its AI technology. Virtual Reality: With unlimited potential, this emerging technology can make a serious difference in the lives of the physicians as well as patients. In the near future, a patient could travel to Iceland while lying on a hospital bed. Using VR technology, a system has been created to help individuals experience the life of a 74-year-old man suffering from audio-visual impairments. The goal of developing such systems is to help healthcare professionals see things from the perspective of the patients. This will certainly help foster empathy between the providers and recipients of healthcare facilities. Augmented Reality: The application of AR in the field of medicine has already started and looks all set to be a gamechanger for all parties concerned. Using this technology, the surgeons can enhance their capabilities and the medical students can gain better insight into real-life operations. AR might also help patients describe their symptoms in a more accurate manner. Wearables, Trackers, and Sensors: Empowerment of patients is critical to the future of medicine and healthcare, and this is where health trackers, wearables and sensors come in. These are excellent tools for finding out more about ourselves and taking control of our health. Whether we want to manage our stress level, weight, cognitive capabilities, or energetic state, there are trackers and wearables these days for almost everything. Robotics: At present, robotics is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing fields of healthcare. The most noteworthy developments include surgical robots, robot companions, exoskeletons, disinfectant robots, and pharmabotics. These devices have already been used to rehabilitate patients with stroke or spinal cord injury and help paralyzed people walk. Robot companions can be used to treat mental health issues and alleviate loneliness. Improved bioavailability with advanced delivery systems: The therapeutic efficacy of medications and supplements depends a great deal on bioavailability. Conventional formulations are unable to provide targeted treatment because they often fail to optimize bioavailability. Utilizing advanced technology, the supplement industry has initiated serious steps towards prioritizing bioavailability. The cyclodextrin-based delivery system is the latest technological innovation that has already helped improve bioavailability, targeting, and tolerability of supplements. More about this can be found by going to Supplementrelief.com. Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology is one of the latest and most promising breakthroughs in the world of medicine. The days are not far when nanodevices and nanoparticles will operate as tiny surgeons, cancer treatment tools, precise drug delivery systems, and much more. 3-D Printing: 3-D printing has already made its presence felt in every corner of the world, and holds tremendous potential for the future of medicine. It can be used in healthcare for numerous applications including printing bones and synthetic skin to tissues with blood vessels. The field of prosthetics is also expected to benefit immensely from 3-D printing. HELSINKI, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Best Wine Critic of the World -competition is part of the BWW2020 - Best Wine of the World Competition, which was held by the world's largest wine information service - tastingbook.com. Tastingbook.com's thousands of international pro members - wine writers, sommeliers, wine merchants and wine producers around the world, have anonymously listed the wine critics who they consider should be on the BWW2020 - Top 50 Wine Critic list. The 50 shortlisted wine critics received in total 218,966 votes from wine professionals and wine lovers from 56 countries during the voting period. In BWW Competition 2020, the Best Wine Critic of the World title was awarded to Neal Martin. "Thank you to everyone who voted for me in the Best Wine Critic Competition, not least since many of the votes are cast by fellow wine professionals. Although by definition a competition, everyone that contributes towards communicating about wine has something to offer and is fighting the same cause - to encourage more people to drink well. That is more important today than ever in the shadow of proposed import tariffs and ever-stronger anti-alcohol lobbyists. Despite these immediate challenges, wine has been enjoyed for thousands of years and it will be enjoyed for thousands more." - Neal Martin (Senior Editor - Vinous) Other prestigious Awards: -the Best Bordeaux Wine Critic of the World title was awarded to Michel Bettane. -the Best Burgundy Wine Critic of the World title was awarded to Allen Meadows. -the Best Rhone Wine Critic of the World title was awarded to Jeb Dunnuck. -the Best Alsace Wine Critic of the World title was awarded to Stephan Reinhardt. -the Best Champagne Critic of the World title was awarded to Richard Juhlin. -the Best Italy Wine Critic of the World title was awarded to James Suckling. -the Best Spain Wine Critic of the World title was awarded to Jose Penin. -the Best Port Wine Critic of the World title was awarded to Axel Probst. -the Best Germany Wine Critic of the World title was awarded to David Schildknecht. -the Best Austria Wine Critic of the World title was awarded to Peter Moser. -the Best South Africa Wine Critic of the World title was awarded to John Platter. -the Best Napa Valley Wine Critic of the World title was awarded to James Laube. -the Best Australia Wine Critic of the World title was awarded to Andrew Caillard MW. The TOP 20 Wine Critics list with more information can be found at www.tastingbook.com BWW warmly welcomes all vineyards to enter their wine for the 2020 competition. Registration is the easiest, fastest, and most affordable in the business. Registration began on January 1st at www.bwwcompetition.com. The competition is organized by the world's largest wine information service Tastingbook.com (www.tastingbook.com) and the world's leading fine wine magazines FINE Magazines (www.fine-magazines.com). For more information about the competition and to FIND THE FINALISTS BY CATEGORIES, please visit www.bestwineoftheworld.com. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Tastingbook.com Related Links https://tastingbook.com Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian reiterated on Wednesday that Armenia will steer clear of any anti-Iranian and anti-American actions after the latest upsurge in tensions between neighboring Iran and the United States. Pashinian discussed with senior Armenian officials the fallout from the assassination of prominent Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. A photograph of the meeting posted by him on Facebook showed that Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanian, Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan and the Armenian army chief of staff, Lieutenant-General Artak Davtian, were among those officials. Pashinian gave no details of the meeting in the social media post. The situation in the region is worrying, he wrote instead. Our position remains the same: Armenia will not be drawn into anti-Iranian actions, Armenia will not be drawn into anti-American actions, and our hope and appeal to our friends Iran and the U.S. is to immediately embark on negotiations to prevent a further deterioration of the situation, he added. Pashinian made a similar statement on Sunday following a phone conversation between Mnatsakanian and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Mnatsakanian urged Tehran and Washington to de-escalate their tensions. He also offered condolences to his Iranian counterpart over Soleimanis death. Yerevan was quick to express serious concern after Fridays U.S. strike in Iraq which killed the commander of Iran's elite Quds Force as well as other Iranian military officials and their Iraqi allies. But unlike Russia, Armenias main ally, it stopped short of explicitly condemning the assassination. Soleimanis killing raised fresh fears in Yerevan of a direct military conflict between the U.S. and Iran which could further complicate Armenias transport and trade links to the outside world. Armenias top diplomats and military officials discussed potential consequences of the crisis at separate emergency meetings held on Friday. In the days after the events of 9/11 people would often say: The world has changed. Well, the assassination of Qassem Soleimani has changed the world in much the same way. The thin patina of international order has, once again, been scratched to expose a Hobbesian jungle where terrorists and rogue states claim the natural right of self-defence to operate as judge, jury and executioner in their own case. The second decade of the 21st century was ending badly for the theocrats of Iran. Reformist President Hassan Rouhanis greatest achievement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action the nuclear deal with the US and members of the UN Security Council plus Germany had generated hopes of normalisation and economic prosperity in Iran. In May 2018, it was torn to shreds by the Trump administration. Other signatories to the deal were neither able nor willing to honour their obligations under that international agreement solemnised by the Security Council. After 40 years of extremism, the reformers within the system had forced the regime to take a step towards moderation. Now they stood by stunned, with an enormous amount of egg on their collective face. By November 2019, public discontent was palpable in Iran. Then it all blew up in another spontaneous combustion of popular rage. Two years earlier the price riot was about eggs. Now, gasoline had doubled overnight. Such events signify not merely the economic desperation of people. They point to a radical loss of faith in the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic. These latest riots were more prominent in their vehemence and pervasiveness. The regime rapidly responded to the new uprising by shutting down the internet and unleashing phalanxes of black-clad riot police backed up by swarms of paramilitaries and hired goons. One of the few areas of efficiency of this regime is its skill in snuffing out local dissent. Hundreds died and up to 7,000 were arrested. But the regimes attitude towards this disturbance was uniquely bemusing. It started with the regular expressions of triumphalism and even glee familiar since the suppression of the 2009 Green Movement. Quashing the counterrevolution had become an arena for the security chiefs and the political cadre elite to brandish their loyalty, secure promotions and establish political careers. But in December 2019, the governments victory over desperate demonstrators sounded strangely hollow. The supreme leader, who had encouraged the violent clampdown, appeared to falter in his pugnacity and ended up calling the victims of the riots martyrs. The regime seemed to have survived yet another challenge. But its legitimacy had worn dangerously thin and public revulsion with corruption, inefficiency, economic depression and political isolation was at an all-time high. And then came a strong, bracing wind to fill the sails of the Iranian theocrats and lift them from their doldrums. A drone appeared from the clear blue sky above Baghdad International Airport and pulverised the convoy carrying the most popular military leader in the history of the Islamic Republic. It was even better than that. The victim happened to be on a diplomatic mission to effect a rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia. To have such a paragon of peace and heroism assassinated by some joystick assassin working for the Great Satan was the stuff of cheap right-wing movies. Qassem Soleimani was the commander of the Quds Force, the elite overseas arm of the Islamic Republican Guard Corps who had gained his accolades during the Iran-Iraq war and had then reinvented himself as the man who had kept ISIL (ISIS) out of Iran. He was called a living martyr by the Supreme Leader and the people knew him for his spartan lifestyle, incorruptibility and humility. Despite the common misgivings of Iranians about their governments regional adventurism and needless meddling in Arab politics, Soleimani was not reviled. Rather, he was seen as a soldier doing his job. The assassination of Soleimani galvanised the population into a state of collective effervescence. The crowds that attended his funeral processions over the last few days have been compared with those that gathered to bid farewell to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini three decades ago. And then, President Trump delivered the icing on the cake by threatening to bomb Iranian cities and destroy Persian cultural heritage. Thanks to Trumps bumbling cluelessness, the extremely unpopular supreme leader and his unsavoury lieutenants are now tearfully leading huge crowds of mourners. People once again are chanting Death to America like they mean it. But how politically important are exuberant crowds in politics? The answer depends on the context. In the case of Iran, they are very important. We should remember that the theocratic backbone of the Islamic Republic is made of jelly. It is based on the late Ayatollah Khomeinis oddball interpretation of Shia political theology. His treatise boldly ignored the millennial quietism of Shia Islam, based as it was on eschewing politics and awaiting the Coming of its Saviour. Khomeini agitated (with the aid of hypothetical syllogisms) for a political Islam in absence of the Saviour. Consequently, his strange thesis of the Mandate of the Jurist was largely ignored by the Shia grand jurists even after it was enshrined in the constitution of the Islamic Republic in 1979. The Islamic Republics theocracy was stillborn. Hence, the actual legitimation of the Iranian regime had to rest on something other than religious doctrine. And that substitute was 20th-century revolutionary populism. That is why crowds are the essence of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Popular elections and packed demonstrations are stand-ins for a functioning political theology. The crowds that had been the ambrosia of legitimacy for the Islamic Republic in its first decade, however, have been increasingly acting as its poison. Gradual disenchantment, not only with the theocratic infrastructure (headed by the supreme leader) but also with the democratic elements (parliament and presidency) of the Iranian polity, has become palpable in the last two years. Even the reformers have suffered a legitimation crisis. There was only one thing that could revive the system: A robust external enemy. And what enemy could be better than the good old ogre, America, the Great Satan? The problem was that after four decades of blaming everything on that fictitious entity the trope had lost credibility. With the assassination of Soleimani backed by Trumps renewed sanctions and his bullying tweets, Iran is channelling the halcyon days of Khomeinist Revolution. The caricature of ugly American politicians falsely promoted for 40 years is now proudly embodied by the current occupier of the White House. Which reminds me of a story: Once upon a time, there was a man with a deadly phobia of an alligator hiding under his bed. He took drugs and saw every psychiatrist in town. Nothing helped and he finally died. The coroner recorded the cause of death as having been eaten by an alligator hiding under his bed. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. England's first beavers to live in the wild in 400 years are having a positive effect on the local community and environment. Appearing along the River Otter in Devon more than a decade ago, they are being monitored to determine whether they benefit the local area and should continue living there. The beavers have significantly reduced water flow, helped plant and animal life flourish, and drawn in a crowd of regular visitors to the area, researchers said. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) tested the animals for deadly diseases and allowed them to live freely along the Devonshire riverside as part of a five-year trial. The beavers have also wowed scientists with their intricate 100-foot-long (30-meter) dams weaving across Devon. The animals have engineered a huge network of 14 pools and dams across almost 100 acres of the Coombeshead Valley. According to a researcher, their dams can potentially reduce the risk of flooding. In 2008, the colony appeared on the banks of the River Otter in the county of Devon after escaping from captivity. In 2015, a few of the animals were captured, tested for disease and released back into the river. According to Professor Richard Brazier from the University of Exeter, research shows plant and animal life is also flourishing in their ponds, which catch sediment and inorganic fertilizers washed from farmland. There are now approximately at least seven breeding pairs, with possibly as many as 13 beaver families living on the river. According to a spokesperson for DEFRA, "We are committed to reintroducing formerly native species, including beavers, where there are clear environmental and socio-economic benefits." A decision on any future work will be taken after the conclusion. Their corner of the West Country has remained more fertile thanks to the beavers, experts said. There has been no reported change in water level before the major drought struck nationwide at the end of May and the beginning of August. Since 2015, a trial run by the Devon Wildlife Trust was designed to demonstrate that beavers can have a positive impact on their natural environment and create benefits for the local community. The beavers' activities over the past five years have helped manage water flow and raised the possibility that their dams could help reduce the risk of flooding along river systems. The wild beavers have also drawn tourists to the area. The beavers became extinct from hunting in Britain about four centuries ago until a colony was spotted along Devon river. According to Mark Elliott from Devon Wildlife Trust, the mammals have created beautiful areas of new habitat while also benefiting water voles, otters and wading birds. Also, the beavers are helping to reduce soil erosion and slow down the flow of rivers, which is, in turn reducing flooding. During these summers in England, the beaver-ridden region has remained lush and full of life thanks to the beavers' large dams. The mammals created new habitats for wildlife living around the river, including water voles, otters, and wading birds. RELATED ARTICLE: Why Beaver Teeth Are So Tough People light candles beside a poster of a top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani during a mourning ceremony in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 3, 2020. An attack near Baghdad International Airport on Friday has killed Qasem Soleimani, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhamdis, the deputy top leader of Iraq's paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces. Xinhua / Ahmad Halabisaz / Getty Images The Trump administration made its case on Capitol Hill for killing a powerful Iranian general, but Democrats said Wednesday's classified briefings were short on details and left them wondering about the president's next steps in the volatile Mideast. Democrats said that by not disclosing many details of the threat that prompted the U.S. to kill Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani, President Donald Trump is asking the American public to trust the very intelligence reports he has often disparaged. Top Trump administration officials have repeatedly stressed that the undisclosed intelligence about imminent threats to Americans in the Mideast required action that the president would have been negligent not to strike Iran. But Democrats want more information about what led Trump to kill Soleimani a man whose hands were "drenched in both American and Iranian blood," according to Trump. "Trust us. That's really what it all boils down to," Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said after the classified briefing by top administration officials. "But I'm not sure that 'trust me' is a satisfactory answer for me," Engel said. He added that his committee would hold hearings next week "to try to get to the bottom of this." Democrats also are skeptical of the timing of the strike, which comes in the run-up to a Senate impeachment trial and at the start of a presidential election year. It's the same skepticism that some Republicans expressed in 1998 when they accused President Bill Clinton of using military strikes on Iraq to interrupt and delay a pending impeachment resolution against him. Trump administration officials this week gave the top four leaders in the House and Senate and the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the intelligence committees of both chambers a classified briefing about the intelligence that prompted Trump to order the fatal strike against Soleimani. Other lawmakers, including Engel, received less-detailed, classified briefings Wednesday. A top defender of the president, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., said afterward that "there's no question" the killing was justified. Democrats weren't convinced. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J., said she learned nothing from the briefing about Trump's strategy in the region. "I heard more historical perspective ... as opposed to being able to give us the evidence of what was the reason for reacting as they did, now." Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., called the briefing "profoundly unconvincing" and said "no case was made" that the Iranian attacks were imminent. "I leave this (briefing) more troubled than I went into it." The White House also has ignored calls to declassify the written notification that Trump sent to Congress after the military operation, as required by the 1973 War Powers Act. Some lawmakers have said it was "vague" and inconsistent with details other administrations have provided Congress about military operations. They wondered why it had to be classified in the first place. Approximately twenty-five (25) years ago, a group of successful Toms River, New Jersey investors decided to purchase a chain of Playdrome Bowling Centers. These bowling and recreation centers, located in various parts of New Jersey Bradley Beach, Lakewood, Windsor, Burlington Township and Glassboro - were profitable for many years. New interests and investors reaching retirement age, caused the ownership group to begin to sell the centers off beginning in 2012. After negotiating deals on three of the locations, Managing Partner, David Wintrode, Causeway Family of Auto Dealerships, Manahawkin, New Jersey turned to Bielat Santore & Company of Allenhurst, New Jersey to sell the final two locations. The real estate agent responsible for the sales, Robert Gillis, originally marketed the properties under the currently popular concept of family fun centers with bowling, expanded arcade gaming with redemption and upscale food and drink. However, both locations were destined for different providences. Burlington Township 4486 Rt. 130 North Ultra-successful builder and entrepreneur, Christopher Vernon of Mercer Management and Development, LLC spoke with Gillis about the possibility of re-purposing the 25,000 square foot building for use as one of his state-of-the-art Valet Auto Wash facilities. A deal was struck and this former bowling alley will soon be Mr. Vernons 7TH Valet Auto Wash location. The others are located in Trenton, Princeton, Lawrence Township, Hamilton Township, Bordentown, New Jersey and Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Renovations to transform the bowling center into a cash wash have already begun and the anticipated grand opening is Spring 2020. Glassboro 503 Delsea Drive Recalling one of the techniques learned in his real estate training seminars at Bielat Santore & Company, Mr. Gillis decided to contact the adjacent property owner, Roy Greenblatt of Matt Blatt Mitsubishi and see if he may have interest in purchasing the neighboring closed bowling alley property. Mr. Greenblatt, also the owner of two highly successful, family run, KIA dealerships in Toms River and Egg Harbor, New Jersey was interested. He and Mr. Gillis then crafted the terms of a deal that were acceptable to the seller, Recreation Centers LLC. As they say, the rest is history! Demolition of the bowling center began last week making way for the expansion of the Mitsubishi dealership on the newly acquired 2.5-acre site. Since the concept of the new owners does not require a liquor license, both liquor licenses are still available. Contact Robert Gillis for more information at 732.531.4200 or visit http://www.123bsc.com. About Bielat Santore & Company Bielat Santore & Company is an established commercial real estate firm. The companys expertise lies chiefly within the restaurant and hospitality industry, specializing in the sale of restaurants and other food and beverage real estate businesses. Since 1978, the principals of Bielat Santore & Company, Barry Bielat and Richard Santore, have sold more restaurants and similar type properties in New Jersey than any other real estate company. Furthermore, the firm has secured in excess of $500,000,000 in financing to facilitate these transactions. Visit the companys website, http://www.123bsc.com for the latest in new listings, property searches, available land, market data, financing trends, RSS feeds, press releases and more. OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday that the government will reach out to international partners to ensure that the crash of a Ukrainian airliner in Iran that killed 176 people, including 63 Canadians, is thoroughly investigated. Our government will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated, and that Canadians questions are answered, Trudeau said in a statement after offering his condolences to the friends and families of the victims. Trudeau also said the government is in touch with the government of Ukraine, and is speaking to relevant authorities and to international partners. Canada broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in 2012. Colbert, a Northwestern University graduate and Second City alum who lived in Chicago for 11 years, is fond of mentioning the city on his CBS network show. He revisited Illinois pot sales in Tuesdays Meanwhile segment with this line: Weed became legal in Illinois as of the new year, and marijuana shops sold more than $10.8 million worth of recreational weed in the first five days of sales, or to put that in terms that stoners will understand, you know Rick Wakemans organ solo in Roundabout? That much weed. This is an opinion column. I believe in marriage. I believe divorce is sad, but sometimes sadly necessary. Surely it must be a more righteous choice than a life of misery and bitterness and pain. I always believed in the Methodist Church, too. It was in my blood, in my DNA. Dad was a Methodist preacher and a district superintendent a bit of a Methodist muckety muck -- as was his dad and his dad before that. My mothers father was a Methodist preacher, too, along with an uncle, and an aunt. I knew the hymns of Charles Wesley and Fanny Crosby by heart, like most kids knew nursery rhymes. I could recite the sacrament of holy communion from memory as printed in the Methodist hymnal by the time I was 7 years old. I came to think of Welchs grape juice as the Type A blood of Christ, and I always found it strangely delicious. No matter how I try to wash it away, I cant scrub off my Methodist. Because Dad was always so sure it was based on grace and goodness and love, even when it didnt seem so. I knew the church had made a lot of mistakes along the way not that Dad talked much about those. But the more I learned, the more it caused me pain. Factions within the church fought hard in the 50s and 60s to avoid integration of churches. When the Methodists nationally voiced the view that segregation amounted to sin, groups across the South rebelled, and hundreds of upright white people gathered in Birmingham to defend segregation and form the Methodist Laymens Union to keep the status quo. Thousands of church members joined up to fight integration in the name of God. Columbiana Methodist Church officially declared that integration breeds discrimination, a fact which is inescapable, and said it would in large measure destroy the effectiveness of the work being done by our church. Southern bishops were weak, or silent. They urged caution, and patience. In the end progress won, I thought. In 1968 14 years after Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas ordered desegregation of schools the Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to form the more inclusive and integrated United Methodist Church, a group that would in later days market itself with the slogan Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. But the fights never really stopped. The open hearts were never fully open. Large factions of the denomination wanted to show love to all, and large factions never did. In 1972, in the first general conference after the church desegregated, some delegates tried to show support for gay members, to simply state that all people have sacred worth. But it backfired, and traditionalists added a clause to the denominations Social Principles that has haunted it ever since. It said contrary to the well-meaning initial effort that the church considers the practice of homosexuality incompatible with Christian teaching. The truth is the factions of the church family are incompatible with each other. There are irreconcilable differences, and always have been. Earlier this month the United Methodist Church announced it could all be coming to an end over the issue of gay acceptance. A group of church leaders from across the world hatched a plan that, if approved in a May vote at the denominations general conference, would allow traditionalist churches to split away. Im sure there will be arguments over money, and power, and who gets to keep the car and the kids. I doubt it will be as easy as billed. But this family has been broken for a long time. Divorce is sad. It always is. But in this case, it is the righteous thing. John Archibald, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is a columnist for Reckon by AL.com. His column appears in The Birmingham News, the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register and AL.com. Write him at jarchibald@al.com. Trump appears to de-escalate after Iran attacks US military facilities in Iraq: ANALYSIS originally appeared on abcnews.go.com President Donald Trump on Wednesday seemed ready to de-escalate the growing military conflict with Iran, saying "Iran appears to be standing down" hours after the country fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two U.S. military facilities in Iraq as retaliation for the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani. "I'm pleased to inform you: The American people should be extremely grateful and happy," Trump said from the White House. "No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties." The president credited the "dispersal of forces and an early warning system" with helping to prevent American and Iraqi casualties at the two bases that were attacked, Erbil and Ain Al-Asad. "The U.S. is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it," Trump said. While there are currently no plans for further military action, he announced that there could be more economic sanctions for Iran on the way. Immediately after the missile attack on Tuesday night, former government officials who are now ABC News analysts weighed in on the potential consequences of Iran's military actions. Retired Col. Stephen Ganyard, a former fighter pilot and deputy assistant secretary of state, predicted that the severity of the response would depend on the damage incurred by the missiles. MORE: Iran launches missiles at US military facilities in Iraq: US official "It depends on what they hit," Ganyard, a military analyst for ABC News, said Tuesday night. "If they hit nothing, then the situation may de-escalate. If they hit something substantial and if they hurt Americans, then they can expect this will lead to a significant U.S. retaliation." PHOTO: Ain al-Asad air base in the western Anbar desert, Iraq, Dec. 29, 2019. (Nasser Nasser/AP, FILE) Ganyard noted that Iran attacked "what would seem to be the least-likely targets, which they knew weren't well defended, if at all." He also said Ain Al-Asad Air Base is isolated and has had relatively fewer troops than other facilities since the U.S. began withdrawing troops from Iraq. Story continues MORE: Iranian foreign minister says US 'will pay' for its 'act of war' A source within the Kurdistan Regional Government confirmed to ABC News that three missiles had been fired at Erbil International Airport and the adjoining U.S. military base -- two were shot down by anti-missile batteries, and the third fell behind the airport and did not detonate. PHOTO: The commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, in photo taken on Sept. 14, 2013 by the Iranian Students' News Agency. (Mehdi Ghasemi/ISNA via AFP/Getty Images, FILE) Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement Tuesday night that "any new invasions and aggression will result in more painful and pounding responses" and urged "the American people to call on troops from the region to prevent further casualties and not allow the lives of its military to be further endangered." Soon after, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted that Iran had "concluded proportionate measures in self-defense. ... We do not seek escalation of war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." MORE: Pompeo defends strike on Iranian general amid scrutiny over security threat ABC News contributor Mick Mulroy, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, also suggested the attack and the statement from the Revolutionary Guard Corps seemed to be an attempt to end the conflict with the strike, although he acknowledged that they had also accepted the possibility of an escalation. PHOTO: President Donald Trump, accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, speaks Oct. 23, 2019, in the Diplomatic Room of the White House in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP, FILE) "I believe the White House will look at the level of damage and especially the U.S. casualties," Mulroy said Tuesday night. "If there are no casualties, this may be it. If there are casualties, or if intel indicates another wave is coming, they may act preemptively to reduce or eliminate the ballistic missile threat." Tuesday's attack from Iran, called Operation Martyr Soleimani, came hours after Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif told ABC News' Martha Raddatz that the U.S. would "pay" for its actions and that it should "be prepared for the consequences" after killing Soleimani in an American airstrike last week. The Trump administration has defended the strike citing plans by Soleimani for an "imminent attack" on U.S. military personnel and diplomats in the region -- a claim met with scrutiny by lawmakers who'd seen the classified justification for the strike. ABC News' Matthew McGarry, Kyra Phillips and Elizabeth McLaughlin contributed to this report. Iran has launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where United States military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. According to Iranian state TV, the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike on Friday, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. Shortly after the missile attacks, Trump tweeted, 'All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.' Officials said President Trump has been briefed and he is monitoring the situation. "We are working on initial battle damage assessments," Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said. Hoffman said around 5:30 pm on January 7, "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US.military and coalition forces in Iraq." "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, he said. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said the President has been briefed about the situation. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," Grisham said. Hoffman said in recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defence has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard its personnel and partners. "These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region," he said. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region," Hoffman said. Meanwhile, President Trump spoke with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and thanked him for his country's strong partnership with the US. The two leaders discussed the situation in Iraq and Iran, as well as other critical bilateral and regional issues, officials said. State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo telephoned Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and updated him on the Iranian missile attacks on Iraqi air bases, including in Erbil. The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops. RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., Jan. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Melissa , a leading provider of global address, name, email, phone, and identity verification solutions, is celebrating its 35th anniversary with renewed commitment to continued growth and enterprise data quality leadership. The companys longevity can be attributed to decades of address expertise and deep domain knowledge that builds the foundation for global intelligence everything from demographic, business, location and identity data. It is this foundation that empowers risk management, data-driven engagement, analytics, insight, and compliance. This significant milestone demonstrates how Melissa products and solutions meet the rising data intelligence mandates throughout the world, said Ray Melissa, president and founder, Melissa. Weve been around for decades because we understand the needs of the marketplace and we take action. We invest in developing smart data quality solutions that give enterprises a comprehensive competitive edge. Addressing the most pressing data issues facing global businesses, the company has made available the 2020 Melissa Solutions Catalog , free to download as an updated resource on the importance of good data, along with tips and guidance for professionals at every step of the data chain. This handy guide includes insight on how to address the full spectrum of data quality from point-of-entry ID verification to deduping, as well as real-world cautions against the pitfalls of bad data and its negative impact to any business. Melissas worldwide footprint supports a global clientele with sales and service from key locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Singapore, and India. To connect with members of Melissas global intelligence team for support and solutions, visit www.melissa.com or call 1-800-MELISSA. About Melissa Since 1985, Melissa has specialized in global intelligence solutions to help organizations unlock accurate data for a more compelling customer view. More than 10,000 clients worldwide in arenas such as retail, education, healthcare, insurance, finance, and government, rely on Melissa for full spectrum data quality and ID verification software, including data matching, validation, and enhancement services to gain critical insight and drive meaningful customer relationships. For more information or free product trials, visit www.Melissa.com or call 1-800-MELISSA (635-4772). Media contacts Greg Brown Vice President, Global Marketing, Melissa greg.brown@Melissa.com +1-800-635-4772 x1130 EPSOM, England, Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Leatherhead Food Research says in the past 12 months, technical expertise in nutrition, science and regulatory affairs was increasingly used to shape food and beverage innovation at an earlier stage in the product development process. In its annual trends report, Leatherhead draws on insights from food and beverage organisations including large corporations and start-ups as well as regulatory authorities and associations connected to the industry. This year there has been a notable shift towards consumer and technical expertise driving innovation and development, rather than simply supporting or validating it. The organisation believes this is a response to the complex and dynamic issues facing the sector. From consumer empowerment to sustainability concerns and regulatory matters surrounding public health and product labelling, the scope and scale of industry challenges calls for a different approach to innovation. Mark Butcher, Commercial Director at Leatherhead, says food and beverage organisations are finding that traditional linear approaches to innovation no longer deliver what they need. "The sector is in the throes of a perfect storm - even three years ago nobody could have predicted its ferocity," Butcher explains. "Innovation is still vital, but it needs to be purposeful, focused and agile enough to adapt to multiple evolving demands." "We predict that in the coming months and years, the most successful food and beverage brands will put scientific, technical and regulatory expertise right at the heart of business growth, on an equal weighting with consumer, innovation and marketing functions. Essentially, consumer and technical expertise will become the starting point of the development process, ensuring new ideas satisfy market requirements and timelines." Leatherhead's report suggests that this new model demands cohesive, cross-functional teams. Specialists need to work collaboratively to anticipate global trends and regulatory changes, seeking to overcome barriers to international growth. With experts in nutrition, science and regulatory affairs informing the innovation agenda, it will be strategically aligned with the shifting global landscape. "It is possible to unpick difficult challenges, such as boosting consumer trust while improving profitability - these don't have to be mutually exclusive goals," Butcher continues. "However, decisive action needs to be taken, and sooner rather than later. It's about creating the time and space for cross-functional teams to look at the bigger picture, investing in science and applying a global perspective to decision making early on in the innovation process." More information about Leatherhead's annual trends report for 2019 is available at https://www.leatherheadfood.com/annual-trends-report-2019/. Leatherhead Food Research is part of Science Group plc. About Leatherhead Food Research Leatherhead Food Research provides expertise and support to the global food and drink sector with practical solutions that cover all stages of a product's life cycle from consumer insight, ingredient innovation and sensory testing to food safety consultancy and global regulatory advice. Leatherhead operates a membership programme which represents a who's who of the global food and drinks industry. Supporting all members and clients, large or small, Leatherhead provides consultancy and advice as well as training, market news, published reports and bespoke projects. Alongside the Member support and project work, our world-renowned experts deliver cutting-edge research in areas that drive long term commercial benefit for the food and drink industry. Leatherhead Research is a Science Group company. Science Group provides independent advisory and leading-edge product development services focused on science and technology initiatives. It has 12 European and North American offices, two UK-based dedicated R&D innovation centres and more than 400 employees. Other Science Group companies include Sagentia, Oakland Innovation, OTM Consulting and TSG Consulting. www.leatherheadfood.com About Science Group plc Science Group plc (AIM: SAG) provides independent advisory and advanced product development services focused on science and technology initiatives. Our specialist companies, Sagentia, Oakland Innovation, OTM Consulting, Leatherhead Food Research and TSG Consulting, collaborate closely with their clients in key vertical markets to deliver clear returns on technology and R&D investments. With more than 400 staff worldwide, primarily scientists and engineers, the Group has R&D centres in Cambridge and Epsom with more than ten additional offices in Europe and North America. www.sciencegroup.com info@sciencegroup.com Bharat Bandh on 27th September 2021: What is Open, What is Closed BKU-Bhanu chief attacks Rakesh Tikait on Bharat Bandh: 'They want to follow Taliban' Bharat Bandh was peaceful; no untoward incident reported from anywhere: Samyukta Kisan Morcha 50 trains affected due to Bharat Bandh, all services restored now: Railways Bharat Bandh updates: Violence, arson across Bengal; Delhi, Mumbai remain largely unaffected India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa New Delhi, Jan 08: The 24-hour nationwide strike by central trade unions in West Bengal on Wednesday was marked by incidents of violence and arson, blocking of railway tracks and roads by protestors trying to enforce the shut down, officials said. The protesters also blocked a major road at Sujapur in Malda district, torched several vehicles including a police van, ransacked government buses and set fire to tyres. Railway track was partially blocked in Amritsar. Trade unions INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along with various sectoral independent federations and associations had adopted a declaration in September last to go on a nationwide strike on January 8, 2020. Here are the Highlights: Newest First Oldest First The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which represents nine trade unions has decided to observe 2 days strike on 31st January and 1st February 2020 and 3 days strike on 11th, 12th and 13th March 2020. UFBU is seeking at least a 15-per cent hike, but the IBA has capped the raise at 12.25 per cent, he said. "This is not acceptable," Siddartha Khan said. Production at Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India's (HMSI) Manesar plant in Haryana, Bajaj Auto's Chakan unit and factories of various auto component makers was hit on Wednesday by the day-long strike called by 10 major trade unions against the Centre's "anti-people" policies. The strike, however, had no impact on production of auto majors Maruti Suzuki India, Hero MotoCorp, Honda Cars India, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors and Hyundai Motors India as their plants in various parts of the country functioned normally. Trade unions held protests in Shimla and other parts of Himachal Pradesh in response to the nationwide strike call despite heavy snowfall and rain. In Shimla, trade unions led by CITU State President Vijendra Mehra held protest at Panchayat Bhawan. Protesters in Bengal's Malda have set the police vehicles afire during Bharat Bandh. As many as 42 trains have been cancelled from Howrah till now. The countrywide strike by trade unions evoked little response in Uttarakhand on Wednesday even as their affiliates staged a dharna at the inter-state bus terminal. Normal life was hit in Assam as vehicles remained off the roads and markets were shut due to the strike called by trade unions against "anti- people" policies of the Centre. The strike has not disrupted normal life in Tamil Nadu so far, although banking services have been partially hit. Bus services and road transport were not affected. Protesters block a railway track in Amritsar during Bharat Bandh call by ten trade unions. A clash erupted allegedly between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Students' Federation of India (SFI) workers in Burdwan during the Bharat Bandh called by ten trade Unions against 'anti-worker policies of Central Government'. Most markets, shops and business establishments were closed in the state and most private and passenger vehicles remained off the roads. The nationwide strike has affected normal life in Tripura. Employees of public sector banks joined the strike, impacting banking services in the region. Several outfits of public sector banks, roadways, post office and farmers in Punjab and Haryana joined the one-day nationwide strike call given by 10 central trade unions to protest against the government's "anti-people" policies. Usual traffic was seen on the main thoroughfares of the state capital and shops and business establishments opened at their usual time. The nationwide strike called by trade unions on Wednesday evoked a lukewarm response in Lucknow as life was normal during morning hours. In Chennai, where the ruling AIADMK is not supporting the protest, several protesters were detained when they tried to block roads. In Kerala a protest march underway in Thiruvananthapuram. State Government supports today's Bharat Bandh call of different trade unions, Govt at the Centre is an anti-labour Govt, says Maharashtra PWD Minister Ashok Chavan. In Kolkata, Metro services were normal in the city and auto-rickshaws and taxis were also seen on the roads. The Shiv Sena today extended its support to trade unions'' ''Bharat Bandh'' call and slammed the central government for its policies and decisions. The Modi-Shah Govts anti people, anti labour policies have created catastrophic unemployment & are weakening our PSUs to justify their sale to Modis crony capitalist friends. Today, over 25 crore workers have called for #BharatBandh2020 in protest. I salute them. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 8, 2020 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday blamed the "anti-people, anti-labour policies of the Modi-Shah government." A KSRTC bus has been damaged due to stone-pelting in Madikeri, Karnataka. A North Bengal State Transport Corporation(NBSTC) bus driver wears a helmet in wake of protests during Bharat Bandh called by ten trade unions against 'anti-worker policies of Central Govt'. The CPI has urged the people to join the strike. The government has told its employees that it would face consequences it it took part in the strike. In Kerala, the trade unions exempted the state's tourism sector from Wednesday's general strike. Protesters in West Bengal block railway track in Howrah. "We expect participation of not less than 25 crores of working people in the forthcoming National General Strike on January 8, 2020, to be followed by many more actions seeking reversal of the anti-worker, anti-people, anti-national policies of the Government. Joint platform of more than 175 farmers and agricultural workers unions will extend its support to workers' demands and observe January 8 as Gramin Bharat Bandh along with their charter of demands, they added. The unions are also against privatisation in railways, corporatisation of 49 defence production units and forced merger of banks. "As many as 12 airports are already sold out to private hands, 100 per cent sale of Air India is already decided, decision to sell BPCL taken, BSNL-MTNL merger announced and 93,600 telecom workers already thrown out of jobs under the garb of VRS (voluntary retirement scheme)," it added. The unions also expressed displeasure over no Indian Labour Conference being held since July 2015, the codification of labour laws and privatisation of PSUs. The trade unions condemned the JNU violence and similar incidents in other university campuses and expressed their solidarity with students and teachers all over India. About 60 organisations of students and elected office-bearers of some universities have also decided to join the strike with an agenda to raise voice against increased fee structure and commercialisation of education, it said. "The Ministry of Labour has failed to assure on any of the demands of workers which called a meeting on January 2, 2020. The attitude of the government is that of contempt towards labour as we construe from its policies and actions," the 10 central trade unions (CTUs) said in a joint statement. "We expect participation of not less than 25 crores of working people in the forthcoming National General Strike on January 8, 2020, to be followed by many more actions seeking reversal of the anti-worker, anti-people, anti-national policies of the Government. Protesters in West Bengal block railway track in Howrah. In Kerala, the trade unions exempted the state's tourism sector from Wednesday's general strike. The government has told its employees that it would face consequences it it took part in the strike. The CPI has urged the people to join the strike. A North Bengal State Transport Corporation(NBSTC) bus driver wears a helmet in wake of protests during Bharat Bandh called by ten trade unions against 'anti-worker policies of Central Govt'. A KSRTC bus has been damaged due to stone-pelting in Madikeri, Karnataka. The Modi-Shah Govts anti people, anti labour policies have created catastrophic unemployment & are weakening our PSUs to justify their sale to Modis crony capitalist friends. Today, over 25 crore workers have called for #BharatBandh2020 in protest. I salute them. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 8, 2020 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday blamed the "anti-people, anti-labour policies of the Modi-Shah government." The Shiv Sena today extended its support to trade unions'' ''Bharat Bandh'' call and slammed the central government for its policies and decisions. In Kolkata, Metro services were normal in the city and auto-rickshaws and taxis were also seen on the roads. State Government supports today's Bharat Bandh call of different trade unions, Govt at the Centre is an anti-labour Govt, says Maharashtra PWD Minister Ashok Chavan. In Kerala a protest march underway in Thiruvananthapuram. In Chennai, where the ruling AIADMK is not supporting the protest, several protesters were detained when they tried to block roads. The nationwide strike called by trade unions on Wednesday evoked a lukewarm response in Lucknow as life was normal during morning hours. Usual traffic was seen on the main thoroughfares of the state capital and shops and business establishments opened at their usual time. Several outfits of public sector banks, roadways, post office and farmers in Punjab and Haryana joined the one-day nationwide strike call given by 10 central trade unions to protest against the government's "anti-people" policies. Employees of public sector banks joined the strike, impacting banking services in the region. The nationwide strike has affected normal life in Tripura. Most markets, shops and business establishments were closed in the state and most private and passenger vehicles remained off the roads. A clash erupted allegedly between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Students' Federation of India (SFI) workers in Burdwan during the Bharat Bandh called by ten trade Unions against 'anti-worker policies of Central Government'. Protesters block a railway track in Amritsar during Bharat Bandh call by ten trade unions. The strike has not disrupted normal life in Tamil Nadu so far, although banking services have been partially hit. Bus services and road transport were not affected. Normal life was hit in Assam as vehicles remained off the roads and markets were shut due to the strike called by trade unions against "anti- people" policies of the Centre. (Newser) Jennifer Farber Dulos' estranged husband was charged with her murder on Tuesday, and ABC News cites his arrest warrant in providing new alleged details in the Connecticut mom's May 24 disappearance. Officials allege that Fotis Dulos, 52, killed the mother of five in her garage between 8:05am and 10:25am, cleaned up the scene, and removed her body from the home via her vehicle. Per his arrest warrant, the children's nanny got to the house at 11:30am and noticed something strange: Lauren Almeida told officials that the night prior she had stocked the pantry with a 12-pack of paper towel rolls, but upon arriving found just 2 rolls there. More: Almeida noted that a cup of tea and unopened granola bar sat on the counter. Farber Dulos, 50, had doctor's appointments scheduled, and Almeida tried to reach her via text throughout the day. A 4pm call went to voicemail, and she told police, "Immediately my stomach sank ... in the almost seven years that I have worked for Jennifer I NEVER EVER had a hard time reaching her and NEVER had an issue with her phone being off." story continues below Dulos' girlfriend, 45-year-old Michelle Troconis, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder on Tuesday, as was Dulos' friend, attorney Kent Mahwinney, 53. The Courant reports the warrant cites DNA evidence including Dulos' DNA discovered on the interior doorknob of Farber Dulos' mudroom. Almedia says that on the afternoon of May 24 she found the rear mudroom door unlocked; that wasn't typically the case. Police say that trash bags recovered in Hartford contained two glovesone with Dulos' DNA on the interior and one with Farber Dulos' DNA on the exterioras well as zip ties with Farber Dulos DNA. Troconis' DNA was found on one trash bag, per the warrant. Dulos was also charged with kidnapping, and the warrant explains that "there's little reason to zip tie a dead person, so it is reasonable that [Farber Dulos] was alive when she was bound by the ties and they were used to prevent her escape." The Stamford Advocate reports the warrant quoted Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner James R. Gill as saying Farber Dulos likely suffered a "non-survivable" injury. Her death is listed as a "homicide of violence" that likely involved bludgeoning and stabbing. Mahwinney's arrest warrant cites an incident at a gun club he belongs to: In the week prior to Farber Dulos vanishing, two men discovered a grave-like hole on the wooded property of the Windsor Rod and Gun Club. They say it held a blue tarp and two unused bags of lime. The next month, they saw "the hole had been filled and covered 'as neat as a pin.'" Two searches returned no indication of human remains. The Connecticut Post reports the warrant indicates the hole could have been a place to temporarily put Farber Dulos' body. It also added that Mawhinney allegedly asked a member how to gain access to the property, as it had been as many as six years since his last visit. The AP reports Dulos was arraigned Wednesday in Stamford Superior Court, where he was ordered held on a $6 million bond. Troconis' bond was set at $1.5 million, and Mawhinney's at $2 million. (Read more Jennifer Dulos stories.) People who have been in government or watched from outside have worried for a long time if, when a crisis develops, this administration will not be up to the challenge because they do not have the people or the processes in place, said Jon Wolfsthal, who served as an arms control and nonproliferation expert on the NSC during Obamas administration. The decision to target Soleimani and deal with the aftermath is a terrific demonstration of that. The inability to coordinate messaging and communicate to congressional leadership and to allies effectively is a case study. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntkey, a leading global provider of power solutions, today presented at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world's largest electronics sourcing fair in Las Vegas. From January 7 10, a large number of technology companies across the globe will gather together at Las Vegas Convention Center to demonstrate their latest technologies and innovations. As a consecutive exhibitor, Huntkey is also participating in CES 2020 with displaying a wide range of its latest products, such as flexible power strips, 3-in-1 power strips, cellphone holders. Flexible Power Strips & 3-in-1 Power Strips Huntkey is a well-known manufacturer of power strips. At the show, Huntkey released two models of flexible power strips and a 3-in-1 power strip. Both of the flexible power strips are designed with deformable power outlets that can be rotated 90 degrees to the left or right to accommodate small spaces. One is equipped with 3 US sockets and 2 USB ports, the other one is equipped with 4 US sockets and 2 USB ports. The 3-in-1 power strip is integrated with 3 methods to charge, AC socket charging, USB charging and wireless charging. It is equipped with 2 US sockets and 2 USB ports on the side panels, and features a 10W wireless charger on the top to charge Qi-certified devices such as iPhones and Samsung smart phones. Cellphone Holder Huntkey releases a new category of its charging products - the cellphone holder. It features a black body outside and is integrated with a 10W wireless charger. It can not only free the drivers' hands when they are driving, but also charge the cellphone at the same time. Apart from the above, Huntkey also displayed its LED lights, wireless chargers, USB charging stations, PC monitors, surge protectors and other product categories at the show. LED Lights Huntkey showcased two categories of LED lights at the show - LED desk lamp and hourglass night light. The LED desk lamps are integrated with touch-controllable sensors which is able to adjust the brightness seamlessly. They feature an LCD screen on the front side and two USB ports on the base. Huntkey also displayed its hourglass night lights. With 2 AAA batteries, they are RGB adjustable, which can deliver beautiful lighting options with different colors. Wireless Chargers Huntkey showcased its wireless chargers as well. They are black and round, with a maximum output of 10W. They are capable of charging Samsung smart phones like Galaxy S9+, S9, S8 with fast charging mode, and charging iPhones like XR, XS, 8 and 8 Plus with standard charging mode. USB Charging Stations The USB charging station is a major category for Huntkey. At the show, Huntkey showcased its cubic USB charging station - the SmartC, a portable and well-designed power hub equipped with 4 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port. To support a wide range of devices charging, it can automatically output different currents according to the device requirements. PC Monitors Hunkey displayed 4 pieces of its monitors, including M2471WH, X2471C, X2771C and X3271CK. The M2471WH is a 23.8-inch monitor equipped with a Full HD (1920*1080) screen. The X2471C supports 16.7M display colors, 72% color gamut (NTSC) and outstanding static contrast ratio of 3000:1. The X2772CK offers a superb high image quality capable of displaying 16.7 million colors. To ensure more vibrant images, it is designed with a response time of 8ms and a color gamut (NTSC) of 85%. Surge Protectors & Power Strips Huntkey exhibited 3 models of its cubic surge protectors, including SMC005, SMC007 and SMC407. In addition, other surge protectors featuring different AC sockets were also exhibited. To learn more about Huntkey products, visit Huntkey booth #35159 in South Hall 4, LVCC throughout CES, from Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas. About CES CES is a world renowned trade show annually held in January at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. It is organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) to host presentations of new products and technologies in the consumer electronics industry. About Huntkey Huntkey Group, founded in 1995 and headquartered in Shenzhen, is a member of The International Power Supply Manufacturer's Association (PSMA) and a member of The China Power Supply Society (CPSS). With branch companies in the USA, Japan and other areas, and cooperating factories in Brazil, Argentina, India and other countries, Huntkey has specialized in the development, design, and manufacturing of PC power supplies, industrial power supplies, surge protectors, adapters and chargers for many years. With its own technologies and manufacturing strength, Huntkey has served Lenovo, Haier, DELL, Bestbuy and many other large enterprises for years, and has received unanimous recognition and trust from most of the customers. For more information about Huntkey, please visit http://www.huntkey.com/ Contact: Business Affairs Tel: +86-755-8960-6681 E-mail: [email protected]t Brand Resources Tel: +86-755-8960-6545 E-mail: [email protected]t SOURCE Huntkey Related Links http://www.huntkey.com 08.01.2020 LISTEN The Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana (TUSAAG) has declared an indefinite strike effective January 8, 2020 to protest unfair and unpaid allowances. The Association said the amount received by its members in December is below allowances paid to colleagues in other public universities who hold similar positions as lecturers. Addressing the media in Accra, the National President of TUSAAG, Edem Kodjo Honu, said the strike will be in effect until the government complies with the National Labour Commission's ruling to pay its members the agreed allowances. We have observed that the posture of the NCTE in particular and other allied state agencies in this migration process is that of bad faith, suppression, disregard and disrespect to the staff of the technical universities. Consequently, the National Executive Committee of TUSAAG at an emergency held this morning Wednesday, 8th January 2020, resolved to resume its strike with immediate effect until government complies with the National Labour Commission (NLC) ruling including the full disclosure and payment of all allowances paid to senior members in public universities is paid to our members. TUSAAG had threatened to embark on a strike effective today [Wednesday 8th January, 2020] to demand better conditions of services befitting their status as public university administrators. TUSAAG in a press statement served on Wednesday, 1st January, 2020, to notify the National Labour Commission, NLC, of the intended industrial strike, said the action is to register their displeasure as government's failure to comply with the ruling of the NLC, has eroded the goodwill that the leadership of the Union showed during the deliberations. This resolve is to register our displeasure about the inability of the government to comply with the National Labour Commission (NLC) on 4th November, 2019 in the matter between the Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana (TUSAAG) and the Ministry of Education to pay all allowances due Senior Members of the Technical Universities by 31st December, 2019, the statement said. On October 18th, 2019, TUSAAG declared an indefinite strike due to government's failure to address their concerns. Key among these is their base pay in line with their new status as university staff and not polytechnic staff. But on November 4th, 2019, TUSAAG reviewed its decision to call off their strike after a meeting with the National Labour Commission (NLC) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC). TUSAAGs strike comes in the wake of the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghanas (TUTAG) declaration of an indefinite strike. TUTAGs strike is in protest of the non-payment of allowances due its members following the conversion of polytechnics to technical universities. According to the Association, the government has refused to fully comply with the ruling by the National Labour Commission (NLC) to ensure that members of the association started receiving allowances due them from December 2019, January 2020 and February 2020. Prior to this strike action, on Friday, December 27, 2019, the leadership of TUTAG declared an immediate resumption of its suspended strike after calling off their strike in October 2019. The strike has affected teaching and learning at the various technical universities with some students lamenting about the effect. ---citinewsroom Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo speaks during a meeting with the heads of defense companies to discuss ways to promote the country's defense industry, at the Ministry of National Defense Convention building, Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap A resolution, signed by the head of said organization Luis Carrasco, states that there is no sufficient reason to impose a sanction on the Head of State. The board recommended that the President "prioritize the validity and respect of the principle of neutrality during the ongoing electoral process." In a document sent to JEE Lima Center, the Peruvian leader submitted the disclaimers and, among his arguments, noted that his words sought to promote informed voting , without favoring or harming candidates or political organizations. Precisely on Saturday, December 21, he urged the population to vote for candidates (running for Congress) who are willing to fight corruption and end parliamentary immunity Mr. Vizcarra noted that his statements "should be analyzed in relation to the Government's General Policy Towards 2021" and are framed under "the constitutional mandate of fighting corruption." (END) PBQ/RMB/MVB The Special Election Board (JEE) Lima Center 1 found that Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra did not infringe the principle of neutrality in the 2020 extraordinary parliamentary elections, scheduled for January 26, 2020.Published: 1/7/2020 President Donald Trump says the US is ready to embrace peace with all those who seek peace. Trump said this in a broadcast after... President Donald Trump says the US is ready to embrace peace with all those who seek peace. Trump said this in a broadcast after the claim of Iran that 80 American soldiers had been killed in retaliation for the murder of Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian general. But in his speech, Trump dismissed the claim of Iran, saying no American was hurt in the missiles fired by Iran. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world, he said. To the people and leaders of Iran, we want you to have a future and a great future, one that you deserve. One of prosperity at home and harmony with the nations of the world. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. The US president also said his administration would impose fresh sanctions on Iran in response to the attack on American forces in Iraq. He said as long as he remains president, Iran would never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. The United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime, he said. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behaviour. In recent months alone, Iran has seized ships in international waters, fired an unprovoked strike on Saudi Arabia and shot down two American drones. The US president, who had earlier warned Iran against retaliation, was diplomatic in his speech. Iran had earlier said it had identified 35 US targets for attack to retaliate the killing of Soleimani. Responding, Trump had said his country recently invested $2 trillion on weapons and would use those ammunition if Iran carried out its threat. But on Wednesday, the US president said: Our missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it. American strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent. Culture and Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel on Wednesday said projects with a capacity of 2,600 MW, which were pending for years, have been started in Jammu and Kashmir in the past eight months. This development work will derail all attempts to damage the perception of the region, he said. Speaking at the inauguration of SATTE, South Asia's largest travel show, Patel also hailed India as the only country that has a different cultural identity across dimensions and geography. "A lot of developmental work has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir. In the last eight months, 2,600 MW projects, which were pending for years, have begun in the region. This developmental work will derail all attempts to damage the perception of the region," he said. Minister of State for Shipping, Mansukh L Mandaviya said from the perspective of his ministry, cruise tourism among Indians has become very popular. "India's coastal line boasts of 7,500 km which increases immense potential for cruise tourism. Keeping this in mind, we have built international cruise terminals such as the one in Mumbai. "A few in Goa, Mangalore, Kochi, Paradip and Kolkata are in the pipeline as the ministry and its stakeholders are continuously working to build the tourism sector," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 1. Momo Craves Sukuti Momo 38-07 69th St., Woodside; 718-255-1714 Kathmandu-born Mingma Sherpa specializes in what can be best described as fusion momo at the restaurant she opened in 2018. Taco momo festooned with guacamole, tomato, and black beans is a tribute to the Mexican food trucks that line nearby Roosevelt Avenue, and tandoori momo served on a skewer nod to Nepals neighbor India. Theyre both as tasty as they are inventive, but the most crave-able variety happens to be one of the most traditional, the sukuti momo. Golden fried beef-filled crescents are tossed with soy sauce, chiles, and ginger and topped with meaty nubs of buff jerky the air-dried buffalo called sukuti along with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and onions. The resulting buff-on-beef combo with its savory, slightly sweet flavor may may call to mind Indian-Chinese cuisine, but according to Mingma, its Nepali all the way. 2. Lhasa Fast Foods Sha Momo 37-50 74th St., Jackson Heights; 646-256-3805 Despite the name, theres nothing fast about the momo at chef-owner Sang Jien Bens legendary hidden Tibetan restaurant in Jackson Heights. Once you spot the sign located in the vestibule, trek to the back where youll be rewarded with the heady aroma of sha momo, juicy beef dumplings filled and steamed fresh to order. Seasoned with Sichuan peppercorn, celery, ginger, and garlic and served in a bamboo steamer, the round pleated dumplings call to mind xiao long bao, or Chinese soup dumplings, and are almost as juicy but sturdier of wrapper. Like XLB, they take well to the black vinegar on the table, but the aggressive chile sauce also has its fans. These cult momo have not only made the humble place a dumpling destination, but can also be found on the menu of a spiffier Elmhurst outpost called Llasa Fresh Food. 3. Phayuls Fried Beef Momo Phayul 1, 37-65 74th St., second fl., Jackson Heights; 718-424-1869; Phayul 2, 37-59 74th St. (entrance on 37th Rd.), Jackson Heights; 718-433-9696 Photo: Melissa Hom Chef-owner Chime Tendhas Phayul is surely the only Tibetan restaurant in New York with two locations directly across the street from each other. The original lies up a narrow staircase, and like several other of the neighborhoods momo parlors has the ramshackle aura of a hidden establishment complete with open kitchen. The newer location is decidedly fancier, featuring flocked wallpaper, a chandelier with blue-and-red lights, and round gilt plaques of Buddhist religious imagery. Both serve truly amazing fried beef momo. Frying transforms the pleated round packages into golden-brown delights whose crackly mantle encloses a juicy, piping-hot core filled with beef seasoned with Sichuan peppercorn, ginger, and red onion. They are excellent on their own and even better with a bit of black vinegar and either of the two hot sauces: one a chile paste of the sort commonly seen at Chinese restaurants, the other an orange-hued Tibetan sauce known as sepen that gets its zing from a mixture of chile, ginger, garlic, and onion. 4. Woodside Cafes Momo in Pink Cream Sauce 64-23 Broadway, Woodside; 347-642-3445 Photo: Melissa Hom Back when Woodside Cafe opened in 2010, the awning promised Italian food in addition to Indian, Nepali, and American fare. The menu even offered pitch-perfect pasta puttanesca. Today, its almost all Nepali, but thankfully New York Citys only momo with an Italian accent essentially momo alla vodka remain. Chef-owner Purushotam Khadgi hails from Kathmandu, Nepals capital, but he worked for a decade at Sotto Cinque on Manhattans Uppers East Side, hence his signature momo in pink cream sauce which draw their culinary DNA from the classic pasta dish. Since many South Asians dont partake of alcohol, Khadgi leaves out the vodka, but the dumplings are lovely nonetheless. For an added kick, ask for some fiery house hot sauce. 5. Momochais Beef Jhol Momo 57-16 Woodside Ave., Woodside; 347-730-6089 If its hot, then its soup momo, says Subash Lama when asked about the room-temperature, sesame-scented broth that bathes the jhol momo at this small restaurant situated well outside of the momo ground zero of Jackson Heights in Woodside. Every other restaurant that makes jhol momo, or dumplings in broth, serves them in a piping-hot spicy soup, but Lamas sister, Januka Maskey, decided to prepare the dish the way they do in the summertime in Nepal. The result is a wonderful contrast, piping-hot beef dumplings in cool sauce made of sesame, ground soybean, and cilantro that tastes more Middle Eastern than Himalayan. The meat in the thin-skinned crescent-shaped momo is ground fresh daily, resulting in an almost fluffy texture. 6. Nepali Bhancha Ghars Goat Jhol Momo 74-15 Roosevelt Ave., Jackson Heights; 718-806-1409 The jhol momo dumplings in a head-clearing chicken-and-tomato soup seasoned with garlic and green chile is a revelation at this restaurant whose name means Nepali eating house. Most people get beef, but the sleeper hit is the goat. The musky meat is wrapped in a sturdy green wrapper that gets its color from spinach and stands up well to the soup. 7. Lungta Asian Bistros Beef C Momo 75-16 Broadway, Elmhurst; 917-745-1777 C stands for chile at this Elmhurst spot named for the wind horse, a common figure on Tibetan prayer flags. Order the C momo and youll be presented with eight crescent-shaped dumplings glazed in sweet-and-spicy chile sauce atop a sizzling bed of onion and cabbage. The blazing-hot platter lets off almost as much steam as a horse climbing the chilly peaks of the Himalayas. Take in the show while the orange-red dumplings cool. If you happen to look up while eating them youll notice the ceiling, which bears a golden wheel of dharma, is the same color as the C momos, an auspicious and tasty coincidence indeed. 8. Prince Ama Himalayan Halal Kitchens Emchi Momo 37-56 74th St., Jackson Heights; 718-406-9036 When is a momo not quite a momo? When its an emchi momo, a fluffy steamed bun filled with ground beef, seasoned with soy sauce and black pepper. This novelty is served in a set of four along with fiery radish pickle, an equally incendiary hot sauce, a small bowl of beef broth, and a side salad from a hidden kitchen in the back of Prince Kabab & Chinese Restaurant. Walk past the steam tables to find a red-and-gold seating area decorated with large photos of life in Tibet. As at many Tibetan restaurants, theres an altar high above the cash register featuring a photo of the Dalai Lama; caught mid-bite, he still manages a smile. When asked the meaning of emchi, the woman behind the counter said it means American. Perhaps the American part of this set meal is the side salad. The Chinese have set their sights on the global auto market and one of their first stops seems to be India, though Europe and Africa also loom large on the horizon. While most of us might struggle to name a Chinese automaker or a Chinese car make, a clutch of companies, ranging from Geely Auto Group and Chery Automobile Co. to Great Wall Motors and SAIC Motor Corp., are already making their presence felt in India. Coming at a time when American and European carmakers such as Ford, General Motors and Volkswagen have been struggling in a market that has been shrinking, of late, the Chinese clearly sense an opportunity to fill a vacuum. Mint reported recently that Great Wall Motors, one of Chinas biggest automakers, was in talks with General Motors to acquire the Detroit carmakers last remaining factory in India, located at Talegaon in Maharashtra, which is capable of producing 165,000 vehicles a year. In 2017, SAIC had bought GMs Halol factory in Gujarat. Mostly Chinese companies are looking at brownfield projects of this kind, as it gives them a rapid entry into the market. With their aggressive pricing, Chinese makers have tasted early success. In 2019, Hector launched midway through the year by MG Motor India, a unit of SAIC, emerged as the countrys highest selling SUV, the only segment in which there was some growth in a terrible year for the Indian auto industry. In value terms, Chinas car exports still form a minuscule share of the world total, but the country, which is the worlds largest production base and consumer market for automobiles, isnt going to accept that status for too long. Chinese brands account for just under 40% of the countrys passenger car market, but now their ambitions are global. They have been pursuing these ambitions through a mix of joint ventures and acquisitions of stricken European carmakers. Thus, the $16 billion Geely Auto Group, ever since its 2010 acquisition of Volvo, is positioning itself as a global auto conglomerate. In 2017, it bought a controlling stake in the UK-based sports car company Lotus and acquired US-based flying car company Terrafugia. Subsequently, it picked up a small stake in Daimler, while last year it signed a joint venture agreement with the company to produce electric smart cars in China for the global market. Chinas surge marks a pattern of Asian powerhouses making a play for a share of global auto stakes. What drives emerging economic dynamos such as Japan and South Korea, as well as China, to risk the huge investments needed to venture into overseas markets is the sheer size of the opportunity and the relative openness of the global market. Cars represent the third largest exported product by value, just after crude oil and refined petroleum oils. The worlds lukewarm reaction to the Chinese push is a reminder of how the initial Japanese effort in the 1960s to crack the US auto market with its small fuel-efficient cars was met with scepticism at first. After all, Americans loved big cars with their pronounced tail fins and extravagant styling. A 400% overnight increase in the price of oil, following a production cut in 1973 by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, suddenly made these compact vehicles much more attractive than fuel-guzzling American cars. It was a case of a country having the right products at the right time, and Japanese carmakers from Toyota to Honda cashed in. Today, with nearly $100 billion of sales, Japan is the worlds second largest exporter of cars, behind Germany, and is almost twice as large as the US. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, South Korean carmakers led by Hyundai Motor Co. broke into the US market with a compact called Excel, which served as a loss leader for many years before the company met with any significant success. In these difficult times, it had the backing of the South Korean government as well as, vitally, the banks. Hyundai didnt have a very auspicious start. Its first six car exports were to Ecuador and were in exchange for bananas from the country. Reviled on their first appearance for their looks, as well as their poor quality, Hyundai and Kia are rated highly today on both these parameters, with Hyundais 1998 offer of a 10-year, 100,000-miles warranty marking the onset of that quality journey. Today, the country is the seventh largest car exporter in the world, with a 5% share of global car exports. Almost inevitably, it is now the turn of China to look at translating the enormous success of its companies at home into a share of the global market. Looking ahead, China has smartly focused on developing its EV base and, in that segment, it is already a world leader in terms of the number of vehicles produced and sold. In recognition of the governments efforts to push EVs in India, Great Wall Motors, Chinas largest SUV maker, recently announced plans to launch its Haval and ORA brand of electric vehicles in the country. With both brands likely to be showcased at the upcoming Auto Expo 2020, their pricing will be keenly watched. The progress of this Chinese cavalcade may not constitute an immediate threat to Indias runaway market leader, Maruti Suzuki. The purchase behaviour of the Indian automobile buyer is not as fickle as that of the smartphone consumer. But it does point to the absence of a national champion that could have leveraged success in the worlds fourth largest auto market to create a global Indian brand. Sundeep Khanna is former executive editor of Mint Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will travel to Bradford on Wednesday 15th January to visit a number of projects which support the community and promote cohesion within it, in one of the UKs most diverse cities. Marking their first engagement of the year, Prince William and Kate Middleton, both 37, will first visit City Hall in Bradfords Centenary Square to join a group of young people from across the community to hear about life in Bradford. The Duke and Duchess will then meet representatives from local employers and businesses who are helping young people into employment. Before departing Centenary Square, they will have the opportunity to meet members of the public gathered outside City Hall. Prince William and Kate Middleton, both 37, will return to royal duties on Wednesday 15th January when they travel to Bradford. Pictured, attending the Royal Variety Performance at Palladium Theatre on November 18, 2019 in London Their second engagement of the year will take place on Monday 30 January, where the royal couple will host a reception to mark the UK-Africa Investment summit at Buckingham Palace. Pictured, the Duke of Cambridge lends a hand to rangers lifting the head of Kenya bull elephant "Matt" on March 24, 2016 in Lewa, Kenya The royals will host the reception at Buckingham Palace (pictured) on behalf of Her Majesty, 93 The Duke and Duchess will then visit one of Bradfords Khidmat Centres, whose main focus is to help the most vulnerable members of the community from minority ethnic backgrounds. On arrival, the royal couple will hear about the activities and workshops offered at the centre, and the organisations that they support. They will then join a session involving groups supported by Better Start Bradford, which delivers over 20 projects to pregnant women and families with children under the age of 4. Their Royal Highnesses will meet families from the Older Yet Wiser project, a unique and innovative workshop series for grandparents who have child-caring responsibilities for their grandchildren. Participants in the workshop are given tools to enhance their relationship with their grandchildren whilst receiving up-to-date information on raising children in the 21st century. The Duchess' longstanding work on the early years has highlighted the importance of supporting children and families during this seminal period of their lives, and the importance of all members of society in raising children. Prince William speaks during The Tusk Conservation Awards ceremony in London on November 21, 2019. The annual Tusk Conservation Awards celebrate the achievements of people who work protecting Africa's wildlife and natural heritage William and Harry meet a cheetah during a visit to the Mokoloda Nature Reserve in Gabarone, Botswana in 2010. William revealed this week he 'fell in love' with Africa during the trip Finally, they will attend a workshop run by Near Neighbours, an organisation which brings people together in communities across the UK that are religiously and ethnically diverse, so that they can get to know each other better, build relationships of trust, and collaborate together on initiatives that improve the local community that they live in. PRINCE WILLIAM'S 2018 VISIT TO AFRICA Prince William, who is patron of the Royal African Society (RAS), returned to Africa for a conservation-led visit in September 2018, where he made a working visit to Namibia, Tanzania and Kenya. He took over the role from the Queen in December 2016 after 64 years, and recalled how he first 'fell in love' with Africa when he spent time in Kenya, Botswana and Tanzania as a teenager. Commenting at the time, he said: 'Africa is both the oldest and the youngest continent in the world, being both the birthplace of humankind and the continent with the youngest population. 'My patronage of the Royal African Society is an honour and I will certainly continue to be a passionate advocate for Africa here in the UK.' The RAS aims to promote Africa in business, politics, culture and academia and to foster better understanding and strong relationships between Britain, Africa and the world. It is seen as a way for people to connect, celebrate and engage critically with a wide range of topics and ideas about Africa today. Advertisement And for their second engagement of the year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will host a reception to mark the UK-Africa Investment summit at Buckingham Palace on Monday 20 January, on behalf of the Queen, 93, Kensington Palace has announced. It will bring together Heads of State and Government and senior representatives from African countries, key multilateral agencies and high profile UK and African businesses. The Summit will demonstrate the strength of the relationship between the UK and Africa, and showcase and promote the breadth and quality of investment opportunities across Africa. It will also highlight the UKs commitment to supporting economic development in Africa, including through the creation of jobs and new partnerships. In November, Prince William attended the annual Tusk Conservation Awards, which celebrate the achievements of extraordinary people, whose work protecting Africa's natural heritage might otherwise go unnoticed outside their fields. The Duke of Cambridge presented three awards at the event and delivered a short speech. He said: 'Earlier today, Catherine and I spent some time with the nominees and finalists. Their bravery, single-minded determination, and commitment to African conservation is deeply deeply humbling.' The father-of-three used his speech closing the event to praise the 'hugely important' work of the nominees before calling for action on climate change and other environmental threats. By Hamdi Alkhshali, Ryan Browne and Barbara Starr, CNN (CNN) -- Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi bases that hold US troops in what appears to be retaliation for the American airstrike that killed a top Iranian general last week, the Pentagon said Tuesday. The attack comes days after the US killed top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in an airstrike in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. The administration has sought to cast that strike as an attempt to de-escalate tensions with Iran, but Tehran has vowed revenge for the killing, which it says was an "act of war" and "state terrorism." There are casualties among the Iraqis at Ain al-Asad airbase following the attack, an Iraqi security source tells CNN. The number of casualties and whether the individuals were killed or wounded was not immediately clear. Jonathan Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesperson, said Tuesday evening that Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at the al-Asad airbase, which houses US troops, and American and coalition forces in the town of Erbil. Hoffman said the Pentagon is assessing the damage done by the attacks. "In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners," Hoffman said in a statement. "These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region." "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region." READ: Defense Department releases statement on Iranian ballistic missile attacks in Iraq Iran launches missiles at U.S. military facilities in Iraq, @DavidMuir reports. A U.S. official confirms to ABC News that missiles were fired at multiple U.S. military facilities, including Erbil in the north and Al Asad Air Base in the west. https://t.co/BQroBQD0MP pic.twitter.com/yP0QuzaaXd ABC News (@ABC) January 8, 2020 Qatri al-Obeidi, a commander in the nearby town of al-Baghdadi, said that the shelling has stopped for now. President Donald Trump visited the base in December 2018 to visit troops after Christmas. Vice President Mike Pence also visited the base in November 2019. The attack follows last week's deadly US drone strike that Trump ordered to kill Soleimani. Iranian state TV reported that the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, "has hit U.S. Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq with tens of missiles." The IRGC warned the US of of more "crushing responses in case of new aggression," according to state TV. The IRGC said it will target any regional state that becomes a platform for US aggression, a second banner on state TV read. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper's office called the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq at around 7 pm ET on Tuesday, according to a diplomatic source. There were difficulties getting through as it was the middle of the night in Baghdad. Eventually the two offices were able to connect and the source says there has been "communication between the US and Iraqi governments at the highest level." CNN reported earlier on Tuesday that US forces and air-defense missile batteries across the Middle East were placed on high alert overnight Monday to possibly shoot down Iranian drones as intelligence mounted about a threat of an imminent attack against US targets, according to two US officials. CNN reported on Friday that part of the intelligence that led to the decision to kill Soleimani included threats to al-Asad air base. A source familiar with the intelligence showed the vehicle mounted rockets, known as Grad trucks, and other military weaponry were moving closer to US interests, particularly the al-Asad air base, CNN reported. Other targets of concern included the US air base in Qatar and US interests in Kuwait. The source noted on Friday that these threats have existed for several months but that the intelligence indicated growing urgency because of how close the missile trucks were getting to US interests. The attack came hours after Esper told CNN that the US is not seeking a war with Iran but it is "prepared to finish one." "We are not looking to start a war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one," Esper said during an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour. Trump was briefed on the reports of rocket attacks, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said. "We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," Grisham said. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was discussing the situation in Iran when she was handed a note with news of the attack, lawmakers who attended the meeting said. Rep. Dan Kildee, a Michigan Democrat, said she paused the discussion to tell the members of the Steering Committee of the news. "Pray," Pelosi told members, according to Rep. Debbie Dingell. Swapan Dasgupta (Image: Twitter/@swapan55) BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta, who was scheduled to deliver a lecture Wednesday at the Visva Bharati University on the Citizenship Amendment Act, faced protests by members of the CPI(M)-backed SFI who also stalled the programme. The Rajya Sabha MP was to speak on "The CAA-2019: Understanding and Interpretation" as a part of the Visva Bharati Lecture Series at the varsity's Lipika Auditorium. The programme was scheduled at 3.30 pm and was to be presided over by the varsity's vice chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty. However, as soon as Dasgupta reached the campus students started protesting against him. Later, in a tweet, Dasgupta claimed that he was "locked into room with mob outside". The varsity's SFI unit leader Somnath Sau said the students will not allow anyone who "promotes hatred among communities" to spread propaganda on the soil of Visva Bharati, which stands for the ideals of Rabindranath Tagore. "We will continue our protests against the BJP and forces of the Hindutva," he added. A teacher of the varsity said Dasgupta was kept at a guest house as the agitation continued. However, Visva Bharati University authorities were not available for comments. Visva Bharati, founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1921, is a central university. "Attack on JNU faculty and students is an attack on the foundation of India. We condemn it in the strongest possible sense and stand in solidarity with JNU," said a statement signed by 268 students and a few IIM-B faculty members in their personal capacity. Bengaluru, Jan 8 (IANS) A sizeable number of students from the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore (IIM-B) on Wednesday condemned the violent attacks on faculty members and students at Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on January 5 by issuing a statement in solidarity. The students said India has always valued discussion and thrived on debate for the millennia, making its subjects open and tolerant. "Our republic was founded on recognising the fundamental dignity of a human and a grand unity that transcends all differences," said the management students. IIM-B students also highlighted that institutions of learning are sacred spaces meant to foster diverse perspectives to encourage independent thinking in a peaceful way. "The systematic way in which universities have been targeted to silence ideological dissent is not acceptable under any terms," said the students and faculty members. Proactive faculty members solicit interested students in the premier management school to sign up for statements, protests and other vocal demonstrations on any particular issue playing out in the country. A statement from the students and select faculty members is not always the official position of IIM-B, as many students remain neutral or some take the opposite stand. "We, members of IIM-Bangalore, in our independent capacity, strongly and unreservedly condemn the attack on JNU campus," said the statement. Several students and faculty members have already spoken out and demonstrated against the violence in Jamia Millia Islamia and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the recent past. The students also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pleading him not to trample the democratic rights of citizens to peacefully protest. According to an IIM-B source, the institution is also planning to encourage a debate culture on issues capturing the imagination of the country, in a bid to deviate students away from protests and other forms of dissent. Elsewhere, on the day of attack in JNU, National Law School of India University (NLSIU) students took out a candle light vigil on campus. "We have been going to protests that are happening in Bengaluru city. We went to the Townhall and on Tuesday we conducted an overnight student-led protest at hotel Maurya near Racecourse Road," Pranav Dhawan, a student from NLSIU, told IANS. NLSIU students are also organising door-to-door campaign against CAA, National Register of Citizens (NRC) and attacks on universities. "We are conducing door-to-door campaigns close to our campus. We meet shopkeepers, people on the street and others to explain about CAA and NRC, among others," said Dhawan. The varsity students are also conducting interactive discussions on the campus post dinner, roping in eminent speakers to deliberate on burning topics. On Monday, the students discussed topics such as the CAA and assault on Constitutional values, which was presided over by senior advocate Aditya Sondhi with 200 people in attendance, including outsiders. Sondhi spoke about Article 14, Article 21 and Constitutional morality, among others, Dhawan said. Gowtham Bhatia, NLSIU alumna and legal columnist, and activist Yogendra Yadav have also been roped in for such talks. sth/arm